Hello, hello, hello! If you're reading this, that means you actually got through the obscenely large last chapter! Thanks for stickin' on by!

Today's challenge is the equivalent to Dodgebrawl, though we're sticking more to Pokemon roots this time. What're you waiting for? Let's go!


(Uxie's cabin/Girls' side)

"Really?" Lilligant leaned forward, eyes widening with each word she heard.

Lampent nodded, her attention a bit distracted at her thoughts. "Furfrou convinced me to vote for Magmar because he said Magmar got him out. I guess it's true, but after finding out that Furfrou did the exact same thing, it makes me think how much we can really trust him."

Lilligant nodded. "Yeah. But if anything, he's more trustworthy than Krokorok. He was using Yawn to win!"

"I heard about that. But at least Krokorok was thinking about the good of the team, right? I mean, in comparison, Krokorok or a few from the other team out. Furfrou only got our teammate out."

"It was still a dirty tactic he used," she said, crossing her arms.

"Of course," Lampent nodded.

After a beat of silence, Liligant asked, "So, what do you think today's challenge will be?"

Lampent adopted a thoughtful pose. "Hmm... Honestly, after the last challenge, I don't think we'll even have one today."

As if to prove Lampent wrong, the intercom suddenly blared to life. Despite the PA systems being outside, Azelf's voice could be heard by the duo clear as day. "Morning, campers! Today, I'd like for all of you to meet outside the Mesprit cabins. We're going on a field trip! Azelf, out!"

Lampent and Lilligant looked at each other, and the former said, "Let's go, then."


With Rotom by his side, Azelf seemed even more eager than usual. Standing in front of the thirty-two teens, he said, "Good morning! How's the day going for you guys?"

Masquerain and Corsola gave tired moans, still not fully recuperated from the Awakeathon.

"Great!" Azelf said giddily. "Follow me to your next challenge destination!" He paused for a moment then leaned towards Rotom. "You know where it is, right?"

Rotom raised a brow.

"Come on, they didn't tell me everything about this island!" Azelf whispered hurriedly.

"Why would you think they'd tell me?"

"You're the smart one!"

"Yeah, well, you're the host." The Ghost pushed Azelf back in front of the players. "Now do your job!"

Azelf gave some fiery swears under his breathe that were raunchy enough to have the entire scene cut had he spoken any clearer. Putting on a smile for the campers, he said, "Alright, you're all gonna follow me, and we're gonna try to find a larger domed gym. No shame in pointing it out if you see it, none of us knows where it's supposed to be. Ready?"

Numel started to speak, though he was interrupted by Rotom helpfully blarin an air horn.

"Let's roll!" Azelf said, and he lead the campers deeper in the island.

%%%

Numel: A gym means an actually physical challenge. This is gonna suck.

%%%

Breloom: Okay, a physical challenge. N-Nothing wrong with that. Unless it's boxing... or wrestling... or b-b-battling. (Looks at the camera with a pleading expression) Help me.

%%%

Zoroark: I can't help but feel that whatever physical challenge we'll have will be more of a team effort than anything. The last two challenges relied on individual effort.

%%%

Thankfully, it took a measly ten minutes, largely due to the fact that a giant domed gymnasium in a forest was a bit hard to miss.

Azelf stood outside the doors, doing a quick headcount before saying, "Alright, you guys ready?"

"LET'S DO THIS." That came from Skorupi, oddly enough.

Azelf just looked at her strangely. "Let's forget I even asked that."

He opened the doors and herded the thirty of them inside. Once that was done, he and Rotom floated inside, and Azelf shut the door slowly, an unsettling clicking noise echoing out.

Breloom gave a nervous chuckle. "Uh, that kiiinda sounds like you locked it."

Azelf gave a polite smile, one that didn't really convey much politeness. "I did."

"...Oh."

Azelf floated in the middle of the gym, turned towards the bleachers and clasped his hands together. "Mesprits, I want you guys to sit on the bleachers to my left. Uxies, you take the right."

Everyone filed to their seats with little complications. Luckily, the Uxies had the foresight to force Rampardos on the lowest seat instead of the top like he wanted. No use in breaking more things than he had to.

Azelf continued his spiel. "You all may have noticed your in a gym. Can you guess what our challenge will be?"

"Please don't let it be dodgeball," Hippopotas moaned.

"It's not dodgeball."

Hippopotas let out a relieved sigh.

%%%

Hippopotas: Thank Arceus... I don't think I could throw any dodgeballs without seriously maiming someone.

%%%

"You'll be battling each other!" Azelf said giddily.

%%%

Hippopotas: Even worse...

%%%

Ampharos pumped a fist in the air. "Alright, old-style battling, one-on-one!"

"Funny you should mention that," Azelf said. "We're not doing one-on-one. We've figured you've had enough individual tasks for the moment."

"Called it," Zoroark shrugged.

"You've heard of double battles, even triple. But today, you'll be facing off in... quintuple battles!" He raised his arms like he was expecting some sort of applause. Frowning, he lowered his arms and said, "What, quintuple too clunky a word?"

The multiple nods were the consensus.

Azelf rolled his eyes and continued. "Okay, well, each team will have three groups of five. Each group must go at least once. No one's getting out of battling today."

Numel groaned, and Furfrou cast him a dark glare.

"Uhm..." Furret raised her hand. "Five times three is fifteen, and we both have sixteen."

Azelf nodded. "Yeah, thanks for asking the conveniently obvious question. If you must know, before you decide your groups, you'll be deciding your trainer. The trainer, to put it bluntly, must give commands to the five Pokemon that would be currently battling. And the best part? The battlers can't do anything unless the trainer tells them to!"

"I'm confused," Spheal said.

"Let me give an example, then! Let's say the Uxies have Helioptile as their trainer, and the battlers are Kricketune, Girafarig, Spheal, Absol, and Rampardos. If a Mesprit were to launch a Thunderbolt at Spheal, Helioptile would have to tell her to dodge, or even counter it with an attack of her own. If Helioptile doesn't give a command, Spheal would be forced to take the brunt of that attack. Get it?"

"Um, sure?" she said. "I don't know why I'm getting hit by lightning, but okay!"

"Terrific. Anyway, you keep battling until one side has all five battlers fainted. The team left standing gets a point. First to three points wins. Any questions?"

"I've got two!" Floette said, raising her hand.

"Go on."

"How will the trainer know our move set?"

"We've got transcripts printed up that also tell the trainer your abilities. Second question?"

"If we go into a fourth or fifth round and everyone has already gone, could we make different groups?" she asked.

"Yes. As soon as everyone has gone, you can make different combinations of battlers." He turned to the others. "Any more questions?"

"Yeah, what about Mega Evolutions?" Ampharos asked. "Any restrictions on those?"

Azelf smirked. "None at all, but good luck trying to do that! We're going by battle rules; specifically, you need your Mega Stone on hand as well as a Pokemon that you share a close bond with to hold any sort of Mega Indicator. Got that?"

She made a tch sound before mumbling, "Alright..."

Kricketune piped up. "Oh, but Azelf, my cousin works at another reality show, and he told me that they can use their Mega Evolutions once with no items whatsoever!"

"Not to mention that this is somewhat convoluted," Mr. Mime added, tilting his hat.

"I'd say blame the producers," Azelf said, "but I actually think this is a good idea! To unlock your deepest potential and to wield that inner power, you're gonna need to pull some weight to get it. We clear?"

"Never mind that this only applies to three of us," Numel smirked, rolling his eyes.

"It could be four if you actually gave a damn about evolution."

Numel seemed a bit shocked, but hid that with a scoff.

Azelf regarded everyone with a grin. "Any more questions?"

A few Pokemon started to raise their hands, but Azelf brought out the air horn and blew it, silencing all questions. Smirking, he said, "Alright, let's begin!"


(Mesprits)

Zoroark leaned against the bleachers. "Who wants to be the trainer?"

Floette seemed a bit confused. "I was thinking you would want to."

He shook his head. "I'm much better at battling. My skills'll be needed on the gym floor."

"By that logic, we'll need someone who can't really battle," Mr. Mime added.

Corphish rolled his eyes. "It can't be me. I'm awesome at battling. Aren't I, Taillow?"

"Awesome enough to blow up the cabin, too."

"Duuude..."

Taillow put a wing over Corphish's non-existent shoulders. "Relax, it's all cool now."

Furret put herself closer to the duo. "I can battle too, and I'm pretty sure Ampharos wouldn't like not being in the action."

Ampharos ruffled the top of Furret's head. "She knows me!"

Natu hopped forward. "I could battle as well. I've certainly trained a fair bit." She glanced over to Breloom. "I think Breloom would do well in a battle as well."

At that, Breloom's face immediately drained. "U-Uh, I-I'm not..."

As Breloom trailed off, Furret piped up. "We shouldn't force him to battle if he doesn't want to."

Natu didn't back down. "Would you rather burden him with the responsibility of leading fifteen others?"

Furret opened her mouth to speak, but couldn't form the words necessary for a rebuttle. Pursing her lips, she looked over to Breloom, silently wondering what he would do.

Breloom cast his gaze to the ground. "I guess... I-I'll battle..."

Hippopotas raised a hoof. "Uh, I'll be the trainer."

Munchlax gasped. "Dude, no! You still got that injury from the explosion!"

"No, I..." He paused, just now realizing he was no longer in his cast. "Hey, I'm not injured anymore. Neither are you."

Munchlax looked down at himself. "Hey, cool!"

"I love television," Shuckle said, putting his shades on.

Venipede stepped in front of the group, an odd grin on her face. "You know, I think we'll need Skorupi as our leader."

"Huh?" Skorupi asked.

Venipede put her nonexistent hand over her nonexistent shoulder. "It's gotta be you. I mean, we need some of your spunk to get us battling as best as we can, right?"

Skorupi scrunched her face in consideration.

"And," Venipede continued, "it'd be insane not to have our strongest guy on the field, right?"

"But I don't want to battle!" Hippopotas said in frustration.

Venipede ignored Hippopotas's protests and turned to the rest of the team. "How about it? Skorupi leads, everyone's happy."

Half of the team turned to Zoroark.

He frowned.

%%%

Zoroark: This isn't good. They see me as the leader of the team. I can't have that big a target on my back. (He smirks) So let's put it on someone else.

%%%

Zoroark elbowed Mr. Mime. "What say you?"

Mr. Mime gave a look of perplexion, but changed that within a moment and looked towards Venipede. "That sounds like a plan," he said, tilting his hat.

Venipede patted Skorupi on the back. "Looks like it's your time to shine."

Skorupi took that as a cue to wrap her tail around Venipede's body, getting her in a bear hug. "You heard her, team! I'm gonna get our team to win!"

Venipede gave a strained grin. "Yeah, sure."

%%%

Venipede: I have absolutely no faith in her. See, if we lose, we can vote off Skorupi as a scapegoat. After all, no one wants to blame themselves for losing.

%%%

The Uxies had their trainer immediately. Once Lilligant suggested Lucario, pretty much the entire team went along with it. The only one who didn't was Krokorok, though Absol and Rampardos kept him from speaking out.

"Are we all in agreement?" Lucario asked as a formality.

Corsola yawned, still not quite recovered from the previous challenge. "Yeah, pretty much."

Lucario swept his gaze across the team. Seeing that no one else had anything to say, he called out to Azelf. "We'll need the transcript now, Azelf."

The host floated over and handed him a sheet of paper. "Have fun!" Azelf said, floating away towards the Mesprits, probably to give them their transcripts.

Lucario scanned the contents of the paper, humming in what could be considered content as he saw each and every move set. "Some of these are really practical."

"Prac-what?" Rampardos asked.

"Smart. Hmm..." He looked over to the other team. "No Fire-types, not too many Grass-types... I believe a Sunny Day team would be a good choice."

"So, how will we actually decide who goes on what team?" Corsola asked.

"It may be easier to decide who doesn't go together. For starters, Lampent and Girafarig. They have two of the same moves."

"Hold up one moment," Masquerain said, leaving for who-knew-where for two seconds before coming back with a notepad and pencil. "I'll keep track of who we decide to be on what team."

Lilligant piped up. "Maybe Absol should be on Lampent's team. Dark-types can combat her Ghost- and Dark-type weaknesses."

Krokorok frowned in annoyance. "Hey, I'm a Dark-type, too. Shouldn't I be on that team?"

"No, because... uh..."

As Lilligant fumbled for a response, Lampent supplied her own answer. "You're part Ground, and we'd be at the mercy of their Water-types."

"All one of them."

Corsola yawned. "He blew up a cabin. That guy's vicious."

Krokorok rolled his eyes, but he still stayed silent.

"We might as well add Numel, Lilligant, and Hoppip to those two, finalizing our first team," Lucario said.

Numel frowned. "Do you really need another Fire-type?"

Lucario glanced over to Lampent. Getting a shake of the head from her, he addressed Numel. "We need our two Fire-types if we're going to use the Sunny Day strategy."

"And me?" Lilligant asked a bit hesitantly.

He gave her an even gaze. "I think you know why."

She nodded, smiling slightly.

Masquerain scribbled it down in her notepad. "Absol, Numel, Lampent, Lilligant, and Hoppip. That's team one. So we have me, Corsola, Rampardos, Krokorok, Girafarig, Kricketune, Spheal, Furfrou, Helioptile, and Igglybuff."

"Krokorok and Rampardos both have strength," Corsola reasoned. "So they should be on separate teams."

"And Helioptile could cover for his Water weakness," Lampent added, then frowned. "But they both have a Fighting weakness... and Rampardos... and Furfrou... and Spheal and Corsola. Why does our team have a common weakness?"

Lilligant glanced over to the other team. "The only Fighting-type on their team is Breloom, and he's part Grass."

"So Princess here's with me," Krokorok shrugged, pointing to Masquerain.

Masquerain stiffened, though it was hard to tell, seeing as how she was flying and all. "Excuse me?"

"You heard me."

Corsola intercepted the two before Masquerain could go on a tangent. "Masquerain, you're Bug and Flying. He's Dark and Ground. You can take on his Grass and Fighting weaknesses, and he can take on your Fire, Electric, and Rock weaknesses... well, they don't have any Fire-types on their team, but you get what I mean."

Krokorok gave a sort of coy smirk. "Yeah, that's exactly it."

Masquerain huffed, though ultimated agreed. "Fine... But don't call me 'Princess'."

He put his hands up in mock-defense. "Whatever you say, your highness."

%%%

Krokorok: (He smirks) Looks like I found a new toy to mess with.

%%%

She looks away from him, scribbling in the notepad. "Masquerain and... Krokorok," she said, forcing herself to say his name. She glanced to Corsola. "My team?"

Corsola shrugged. "Sure. If we're gonna be crushed by any Fighting-type moves, might as well do it in style."

Masquerain glanced over to Lucario for confirmation. He nodded, and she wrote in Corsola's name.

Lucario glanced over to Helioptile and Furfrou. "You two would best fit this team."

Helioptile nodded while Furfrou shrugged.

"That leaves Rampardos, Girafarig, Spheal, Kricketune, and Igglybuff," Lucario finished. "Any objections?"

"Miiight be putting too much faith in Rampardos," Numel noted. "You have the toughest guy on the team with four of the most... let's say 'non-battle oriented' girls."

Lucario gave him an even look. "Sometimes things are more than they appear, you know."

"Well, duh," he said, rolling his eyes. "I don't need an inspirational quote, you know. It just seems like an odd match up; you've got your powerhouse with four of least important Pokemon on his team."

Girafarig looked at her tail. "We're important, aren't we? ...Oh, ha ha, real funny."

Numel raised his brow at Lucario, the expression saying, 'Case in point'.

Lilligant frowned. "Lucario has a plan." She glanced to the jackal for confirmation.

"This is the best choice," Lucario said cryptically. "As far as I can tell, at any rate."

Numel scoffed, but didn't press the issue any further.

Masquerain finished writing in her notepad. "We have Absol, Lampent, Lilligant, Numel, and Hoppip on one team. Krokorok, Corsola, Furfrou, Helioptile and I on the second team. The last team has Rampardos, Kricketune, Girafarig, Spheal, and Igglybuff. Anything else?"

"We're boned," Numel sighed.

Krokorok gave a somewhat dramatic moan. "Yeah, this set up sucks. The other team probably picked something better."


"You five, then you five, then you five," Skorupi said, pointing to random spots at the rest of the Mesprits.

Hippopotas cleared his throat. "Uh, can you give names?"

"Fiiine," she moaned. "Ampharos, Furret, Breloom, Taillow and Corphish, you guys are one team. Hippopotas, Venipede, Munchlax, Dunsparce, Shuckle, team two. And Zoroark, Mr. Mime, Floette, Natu and Inkay are the last team. Got it?"

"Wait... Did you group us up with our friends?" Floette asked.

"Your point?"

"That's not very... I dunno, strategic?"

"Did you even look at our move sets?" Zoroark asked.

"Of course I did!" Skorupi gasped. "The set up makes perfect sense, even from a battle standpoint!"

"We're horribly crippled against Bug types," Mr. Mime noted. "The three of us, you know." He was referring to himself, Zoroark, and Inkay.

"Flying-types are gonna cream us!" Hippopotas pouted.

"I'm pretty fine with our team," Corphish said. The other four nodded in agreement.

"Well, too bad!" Skorupi said. "I'm the trainer, what I say goes!"

"Can you just smell the mutiny?" Venipede chuckled.

Skorupi's face softened after hearing Venipede's mocking words. "I know what I'm doing, guys. This set up will work, I promise!"

Everyone gave halfhearted moans, though ultimately let the teams stay how they are.

Azelf blared his airhorn. "Trainers, please come to the middle!"

Skorupi hopped down and skittered over to the edge of the left side of the field. Lucario calmly made his way to the right edge. Azelf stood within the middle, a circle painted on the floor to signify that this was indeed the middle.

Azelf held a coin in his hands. Looking at Lucario, he said, "Call it."

"Tails."

Azelf flipped the coin in the air, and it hit the ground with a continuous clinking sound. It came up heads.

"Skorupi, choose your team," the host said.

"The party gang!" she exclaimed.

Venipede glared. "I want no part in the name 'Party Gang'."

"Dunsparce's Disco Dudes!" Skorupi said, as if that were any better. "...Trademarked," she added as an afterthought.

As the five Mesprits got onto the gym floor, Azelf turned to Lucario. "And you?"

Lucario surveyed the enemy team, determining which team would be the most preferable to use. Finally, he turned to the rest of his team, beckoning for Krokorok, Corsola, Masquerain, Helioptile, and Furfrou.

"Those guys, huh?" Azelf said as the five of them walked over. He floated towards his lifeguard chair situated between the bleachers, with Rotom seated next to him in a baby lifeguard chair. Situated at the farthest ends of the gym were podiums, large enough so each trainer could overlook their entire team, as well as the enemy team.

Azelf made a 'come hither' motion towards Skorupi. "Skorupi, my left. Lucario, my right. You both should be able to see the entire field from these vantage points."

As each of them took their positions, Azelf took out a megaphone. "Alright guys!" his voice blared. "Any part within the boundaries is fair game. Go anywhere you want within it; you're not limited to your side. Are you ready?"

On the Mesprits's side, Dunsparce and Shuckle seemed ready to go. Munchlax had the same level of enthusiasm, but his wasn't as much determination. Venipede scowled, while Hippopotas seemed extremely uncomfortable.

For the Uxies, Krokorok smirked, cracked his knuckles. Masquerain seemed ready, though it was clear that determination for battle was a pretty alien concept to her, as she seemed unsure how to convey it. Corsola gave a slight smirk, not as noticeable as Krokorok's. Furfrou gave a grumpy glare at... well, pretty much everyone. Helioptile was fidgetting in place.

Skorupi was confident, while Lucario took an almost prideful stance, his gaze hardening.

Azelf took out his air horn and blew it. "GO!"

Immediately, Lucario said, "Krokorok, Fire Fang, Shuckle!"

It was so sudden that Skorupi couldn't counterattack immediately. Fortunately for her, Krokorok took a moment to realize he was being called first. As he lunged for Shuckle, Skorupi shot out, "Dodge!" just in time.

Shuckle lunged to the side while Krokorok skidded to a stop.

"Keeping using Fire Fang until I say otherwise," Lucario ordered.

Krokorok gave an almost evil smirk at Shuckle, as if he couldn't wait to feast on some turtle.

"Keep dodging!" Skorupi yelled.

"Sure!" Shuckle said as he dodged another attempt from Krokorok.

They kept doing that for a while until Krokorok managed to sink his teeth in Shuckle's neck, the latter groaning in pain.

Lucario barked down to Furfrou, "Cotton Guard, twice!"

Furfrou nodded, using his mouth to fluff up any fur he could reach. How fluffy fur could help his defense, no one knew, but it seemed to be working.

Skorupi yelled, "Dunsparce, Defense Curl! Venipede, Poison Jab Krokorok!"

Venipede moved with surprising speed. She'd managed to jab Krokorok with the two barbs on her head before Lucario yelled out, "Fire Fang Venipede!"

Krokorok hissed in pain as Venipede started off. Unfortunately, Krokorok was resilient, so he recuperated fast enough to intercept her and chomp down right on her tail.

She hissed in pain, trying to wriggle from his grasp. But Krokorok had jaws of some sort of water reptile, and he refused to release her.

"NOW WOULD BE A GOOD TIME FOR AN ATTACK," Venipede cried out.

"Right! Poison Jab!"

Venipede gave a pained smirk as the two barbs on her head leaked poison once again. She jabbed Krokorok right in the eyes.

He hissed, his jaw loosening as he grasped his eyes in pain, to which Venipede jumped out.

Krokorok stumbled back, his back hunched as his eyes stayed shut. He was panting heavily and his body started trembling.

Venipede gave a triumphant smirk. "How's that poison doing for you?"

"Ice Beam!"

Venipede's smirk disappeared in confusion, though that was short lived as soon as two rays of ice shot themselves towards Venipede. The force was enough to propel her directly into the podium.

From the Uxies's side, Corsola and Masquerain gave triumphant smiles.

Skorupi gasped, leaning over to see Venipede. "Oh my god! Are you alright?"

Venipede slowly peeled off from the podium, dropping to the ground. Her incoherent mumbles made evident that she was fainted. There was a large, Veipede-shaped crack on the podium.

Skorupi looked up to Azelf. "That wasn't fair!"

Azelf shrugged. "They both knew Ice Beam, so thy both had to use it. Never said he had to specify."

Skorupi glared at Azelf before turning back to the field, her game face now on. "Dunsparce, Headbutt Krokorok!"

Dunsparce finished his third Defense Curl and started to slither over to Krokorok, who was still writhing in pain.

Seeing that he was easy pickings, Lucario yelled, "Fire Fang!"

But Krokorok was in too much pain to do anything, and he was left at the mercy of Dunsparce's Headbutt. The croc collasped to the ground, fainted. His body still spasmed from the poison.

"Uh, Azelf?" asked Rampardos. "Can you heal Krokorok's poisoning?"

Azelf gave a dismissive wave. "It's mild poisoning; since he fainted, it'll seep from his system in two minutes." He telekinetically levitated both Venipede and Krokorok to the bleachers. "Four all, guys!"

Dunsparce glanced up to Skorupi. "Hey, you thinking what I'm thinking?"

"Rollout on Masquerain?"

He nodded.

"Do that."

Masquerain, hearing this, frowned. "Excuse me?"

Dunsparce twisted himself into the air, biting down on his tail. Falling down, he was already starting to shoot himself forward like a wheel.

"Ominous Wind! Slow him down!" Lucario ordered.

Masquerain whipped her antennae, unleashing forth a dark purple wind, containing all feelings of uneasiness and foreboding.

The wind intercepted Dunsparce, causing him to slow down as he tried fighting against the air. It kept going like this for twenty seconds; Masquerain trying to keep him away, Dunsparce trying to break through.

Lucario grit his teeth before turning to Helioptile. "Helioptile! Shoot the weakest Energy Ball at Masquerain you can use!"

"WHAT," Masquerain managed to say.

Helioptile, not wanting to bring any extra attention by denying the request, nodded and flicked a small green energy sphere, no larger than marble. It hit Masquerain right in the forehead.

Lucario yelled out, "Roost!"

Masquerain gasped in realization. She stopped the Ominous Wind and shook off feather from her antennae (how they were there on a bug was anyone's guess), right before Dunsparce shot in the air and nailed her right in the body. She crashed to the ground.

Corsola gasped. "Oh, Arceus. Masquerain!"

Dunsparce slithered back to his side, looking back to see the results.

From the bleachers, Igglybuff gasped. "Uh oh... is she okay?"

Absol bowed his head. "A Rollout like that on a Bug/Flying-type is too brutal for most Pokemon."

Igglybuff looked over to Absol. "But the first Rollout shouldn't be so strong, should it?"

"Those Defense Curls weren't for nothing. Most Pokemon don't know this, but that move can strengthen a Rollout. Even though it was the weakest one he could use, the fact that he got her in one hit means he could do much worse."

Azelf shrugged. "Well, looks like—"

A moaning sound drew everyone's attention to the Uxie's side of the field. Masquerain's body start to shudder slightly until her wings started to twitch.

Numel, overlooking this turn of events, made a hum of slight admiration. "Huh. Smart."

Masquerain started to hover from the ground, her head still bowwed. She rose up three inches. Six inches. Two feet. Four. At that point, she raised her head, her face twisted in pain, though covered by a will to stay standing.

"I don't get it," Hoppip said.

Numel scoffed. "Of course you don't. Roost replaces one's Flying-type with Normal. So when she got hit, she was Bug and Normal, and only got hit with double damage."

"So, why did Helioptile attack her?"

"She couldn't have full energy, or it wouldn't have worked."

"Oh. Smaaaart."

"Mmhmm. Now shut up and watch the battle."

On the field, the Uxies stood ready for anything. The Mesprits seemed a bit wavered by this determination.

Lucario shot out his hand, pointing to Dunsparce. "Ice Beam, Energy Ball, Zen Headbutt!"

Corsola and Masquerain fired off two rays of ice. Helioptile opened his mouth and shot out a green energy sphere. As each one hit Dunsparce, and as each one made him step back each time, he had no time to recuperated once Furfrou lunged his head straight towards the serpent.

Dunsparce mumbled a few words before collapsing to the ground.

As Azelf lifted Dunsparce away, Skorupi groaned. "UGGH. Okay, Hippopotas, Earthquake!"

"Do I have to?!" Hippopotas whined.

"Yes! Use—"

"Ice Beam!"

Corsola and Masquerain shot the ice at Hippopotas at Lucario's command. He didn't stand a chance.

Azelf levitated Hippopotas's fainted form away. "Four to two. Get smart, Mesprits."

Skorupi growled under her breathe. "Shuckle, Gyro Ball!"

Shuckle retreated into his shell and started to spin, accelerating faster and faster and... then started to slow?

He came to a halt, and silence reigned in for an awkward moment.

Azelf made a time out gesture as he went onto the field. He picked up Shuckle's shell and peered inside. "Well, looks like Shuckle's fainted."

"What?! How?!" Skorupi yelled.

Azelf pulled out Shuckle's head, revealing his eyes to be swirls as he bobbed limpedly. Pointing to a burned bite mark on his neck, Azelf said, "There's your problem. The poor dude was burned the entire time."

Skorupi's jaw dropped. "So I'm stuck with one player left?"

"Yup." He brought Shuckle to the bleachers, then went back to his chair. "Continue the game!"

Munchlax gulped, seeing the four opponents antsy to beat him, but he mustered up enough courage to emulate a determined stance.

%%%

Munchlax: If there's one thing I learned from all those years of being picked last in sports, it's that you gotta give it your all 'til it ends! LET'S DO THIS!

%%%

"Alright, Munchlax, use Metronome!"

"GOT IT." Munchlax raised his hands in the air and waggled his fingers. As soon as he stopped, his hands started to glow white, until...

He suddenly hopped to the side, his expressing of confidence frozen on his face.

The Uxies just stared until Corsola cleared her throat. "Splash, huh... Uh, yeah, how about we just freeze you, and we'll call it a day."

Munchlax frantically shook his head. "No! Let me try again!"

"Metronome?" Skorupi said, a bit unsurely.

Munchlax waggled his fingers faster until they glowed. Once they did, Corsola winced slightly.

She looked down to her leg, seeing a small scratch mark. "Scratch?"

Munchlax groaned in frustration. "NO! AGAIN!"

Skorupi sighed. "Metronome."

Waggling his fingers even faster, as soon as it turned white... nothing happened?

Munchlax, panting, grinned. "H-Ha! If it's taking this long, it must be really strong! Ha ha! Ha! ...Ha..."

He collapsed to the ground.

Masquerain frowned. "Was that even a mo... oh dear." Her flying started to become unstable, becoming hard to stay afloat. "I'm awfully tired... Was that Memento?"

Azelf smirked, levitating Munchlax to the bleachers. "Yes it was. Take a break, you guys, the Uxies have the first point."

The Uxies cheered while the Mesprits groaned.

"Lucario, you pick the team next."

Lucaio pointed to Rampardos almost immediately.

Azelf shrugged. "Well, alright. Rampardos and whoever's with him, get on up there."

Rampardos gave a confident grin as he stood up tall. "Don't worry guys. I can do this!"

"We'll see," Furfrou growled as he and his group walked back to the bleachers.

Rampards shrugged, and he, Kricketune, Girafarig, Igglybuff, and Spheal went down to the field.

"And Skorupi?" asked Azelf.

Skorupi pointed to Mr. Mime. "Those guys."

"'Those guys', get over there."

Mr. Mime, Natu and Inkay went down to the floor. Floette started down, but Zoroark stopped her to whisper something in her ear before she joined the others.

Zoroark walked behind Skorupi's podium and poked her for her attention. She leaned down, and he started whispering in her ear, her feature brightening as he continued. Once he finished, she nodded in agreement, and he joined the other four on the floor.

Rampardos stood at the edge of his side, prepped for battle. Igglybuff stood next to Spheal, their positivities rubbing off on each other. Girafarig was in an intense discussion with her tail, while Kricketune gave a wave to the other side, saying, "Good luck, other team!"

Mr. Mime tilted his hat to the opposing team. Floette gave a ready grin (which seemed a bit more determined than usual for her). Natu betrayed no emotions. Inkay giggled. Zoroark, oddly enough, was no where to be seen.

Azelf raised his hands in the air. "Begin!"

Lucario immediately barked his order. "Rampardos, Head Smash on Mr. Mime!"

Rampardos sprinted forward, his feet pounding the entire gymnasium as he made his way towards Mr. Mime, the gap between them quickly shortening.

Mr. Mime glanced towards Skorupi, hoping that she'd give an order fast enough.

"Mr. Mime, Psy—"

She wasn't fast enough. Rampardos gave a fierce strike right at Mr. Mime's torso, the latter having the wind knocked out of his lungs. The force was enough to send Mr. Mime breaking through the glass dome and flown away from the gym altogether.

There was a long, grueling, deafening silence as everyone stared at Rampardos, agape jaws definitely not uncommon. The Rock-type looked at his team on the bleachers, smiled and shrugged.

Azelf finally broke the silence. "Five to four, I guess."

Skorupi fumbled for a command. "Oh man. Uh, Floette, do... a thing."

Floette clutched her flower and made her way towards Rampardos, giving him an innocent smile. It was quite a jarring image; she barely made it above his toes, while he had to bend his neck seriously down just to see her.

Lucario didn't give Rampardos a command. All he did was look at the match up, watching... waiting...

Rampardos frowned. "Aw man, I can't hit a girl..."

Skorupi gave a grin, the plan working so far. "Foul Play!"

Floette's face immediately twisted into that of a sort of vicious smirk, and she jumped up into the air with lightning speed. Once she made it to Rampardos's shoulders, she grabbed his arm and made him punch his stomach.

He gasped, winded. He stumbled back two steps, though Floette had already returned to the ground, going behind his legs. She stretched her flower out, and it was somehow durable enough to trip him.

The Rock-type fell to the ground, might crash ringing throughout the gym. His mumbled moans were enough a tell to know he was in no condition for any more battling.

Floette snickered, though it sounded a lot deeper than any feminine laughter. 'She' jumped in the air, twisted, and spontaneous grew five feet as 'Floette' turned back into Zoroark.

The real Floette revealed herself from behind Inkay, winking to Zoroark.

The Mesprits on the bleachers cheered and Zoroark gave a devilish smirk to the four remaining Uxies.

%%%

Zoroark: I'm guaranteed safety at this point. Even if we lose, no one's going to vote off the guy who took down the giant Rampardos.

%%%

Krokorok groaned, now awake but seriously tired and clutching his stomach. "How the hell did he do that?"

Masquerain yawned, though she looked at this turn of events with fascination. "His ability is Illusion, I believe. He made himself look like the weakest player to trip up Rampardos that much more, not to mention how Foul Play uses one's own strength against them."

Krokorok furrowed his brow, not entirely understanding. "What, Rampardos is actually strong?"

She hummed, nodding. "I've heard his species has amazing power, though they usually have mediocre defenses. Can you imagine a ten-ton anvil falling on a glass cannon at terminal velocity? It's pretty much on par with that."

"...What the hell is 'terminal velocity'?"

Masquerain just stared at him. "It's not that difficult a concept. It's the maximum speed one can go when falling."

He rolled his eyes. "Thanks for the science lesson, that's really relevant."

She huffed, turned her attention back to the field, muttering, "You asked..."

Azelf tapped Rotom's head, since the latter sat at a lower level. "I love these kids. They'll give any explanation that the audience might need."

Rotom shrugged. "It's drawing away from the battle, though."

"The battle..." Azelf started before he recalled that a battle was indeed happening. "Oh, right! Four all!"

Lucario called out, "Igglybuff, Spheal, Defense Curl as much as you can!"

The duo of plush Pokemon started curling up.

Skorupi gasped. "I know what they're doing! Zoroark, Night Slash them! Give them no opportunities!"

Zoroark bolted forward, sliding out his arms to reveal the elongated claws glowing a sinister purple aura.

"Kricketune, X-Scissor!"

Kricketune fluttered in front of Zoroark's path, causing him to slow to a stop. His hands were still poised for a Night Slash.

Kricketune gave a curtsy. "I hope this is as painless for you as possible."

Despite keeping a neutral face, Zoroark internally scowled. If he had it his way, he'd have attacked her already. His body was growing antsy from not taking any action.

Kricketune sliced her arms together, the sound of a violin string snapping ringing in his ears. Before he could do anything, Kricketune swiped both arms at Zoroark, sending him rocketing past his team and straight into the wall.

Skorupi gasped, leaning over to get a view of Zoroark. "Zoroark! Tell me you're not fainted!"

"Ngh..." he groaned, struggling to stand. He managed to support himself on one hand and one knee, but that was as far as he could manage. He winced, the strain of doing just hat being unbearable.

Azelf shook his head. "If you can't stand, you can't fight."

He raised his head, his shoulders shaking. "Ghh... I can..." Not even his hands could support him at this point, and he fell to the ground.

Azelf shrugged. "Well, Zoroark's out." He leaned back against his seat, waving his hand to signal for the battle to continue.

"Aren't you gonna take him to the bleachers?" Skorupi asked.

"See, he's a pure Dark-type, and for a legendary like me, it takes more effort to use any sort of telekinesis on him than other types successfully," Azelf explained.

"But you got Krokorok, didn't you?"

"Yeah, but he's only PART Dark, and he was poisoned. Psychic trumps Poison."

Skorupi frowned. "I don't think it works that way."

"Apparently, it does."

From the bleachers, Numel yelled out, "You know, there's a thing called CARRYING HIM."

Azelf gave the camel a blank look. "Dude. No."

Rotom sighed, floating down to pick up Zoroark, and he brought him to the bleachers.

As Rotom returned to his seat, Azelf groaned. "Thanks a lot, dude. Now I don't have anymore banter."

"Good, because we have a challenge."

"The challenge, what..." he murmured before his eyes widened in realization. "The challenge, right! Man, I gotta stop forgetting about it. Three to four, guys! Continue!"

%%%

Zoroark: (He's clutching his stomach.) I got beat by a singing slicer. Embarrassing. (He sighs.) At least I'm guaranteed to stay, since I still beat the biggest threat. (He stands to leave, but winces as he tries to move.) Ggh...

%%%

Lucario immediately gave out an order. "Girafarig, use Psychic on Natu!"

Skorupi fumbled for a counter command. "Natu, uh, Ominous..."

As it turned out, Girafarig didn't even bother to attack. She was too engrossed with her conversation with her tail. "Come on, that wouldn't work!"

The tail stayed silent.

For some reason, Girafarig thought there was an actual response. "I told you, you can't hook up Dunsparce with Masquerain! She's way out of his league!"

There was an awkward moment of silence.

Dunsparce winked mischievously to Masquerain. "What can I say? All the best ladies are in a league of their own."

Masquerain shuddered.

Back on the field, Skorupi commanded, "Yeah, Natu, just use Heat Wave on her."

Natu hopped in front of the unaware Girafarig and started to flap her wings, somehow generating an obscene amount of heat. It blasted Girafarig on all sides, and by the time she even noticed it, she fainted from heat stroke, except it wasn't heat stroke at all.

"Three all!" Azelf said, levitating Girafarig back to the bleachers.

Lucario leaned over to see Igglybuff and Spheal. "How much have you guys Defense Curled?"

They were completely curled up, so much so that they could've imploded somehow, except that was really ridiculous. By the looks of it, they couldn't hear what Lucario had asked.

"Kricketune, Perish Song!"

Pretty much everyone, on field or on bleachers, gasped.

"Are you INSANE?" Krokorok glared.

Lilligant smiled widely at Lucario's decision. "No, he's BRILLIANT!"

Venipede cried out to Skorupi, "Plug their ears, quick!"

"Those aren't moves!"

"Plug her up!" Venipede glared.

Skorupi turned back to the field, yelling, "Natu, Heat Wave! Inkay, Psybeam! Floette, Dazzling Gleam! Don't let her sing!"

All three of them rushed forward, but that time Skorupi had spent talking was more than enough for the music maker. Once the trio had made it halfway, Kricketune belted out a melody that sounded beautiful on the surface, but was a thin veil for the true feelings of hopelessness and despair that made the three Mesprits slow to a stop, and made then collapse to the floor afterward.

Skorupi moaned, bashing her head on the podium surface.

Azelf took out his earmuffs that he somehow put in. "And in a quick turn of events, the Uxies have secured their second point!" He levitated Natu, Inkay, and Floette back to the bleachers. As Kricketune skipped merrily back to her bleachers (giving a wave and saying, "It was a fun battle!"), Azelf levitated Igglybuff and Spheal, shook them so they'd snap out of their adorable curls, and put them on their bleachers.

"Now that the field is clear, the third team's gotta go up and fight!" Azelf said giddily.

"No, not yet." Zoroark coughed, steadying himself. "Time out."

The host frowned. "We need to get things go—"

"Do you really want us losing by a land side?" Zoroark challenged.

"...Fine. Five minutes, not a second more."

Zoroark nodded, and then he turned to the podium. "Skorupi..." He beckoned to her with a finger. "Come here."


"You can't be our trainer anymore," Zoroark said immediately as Skorupi made it to the bleachers.

"What?!"

Venipede gave an irritated look to the Dark type. "I agree. What? And also why?"

"She gives orders too slowly and too sloppily," Zoroark said, shaking his head.

"Well, yeah, but do you really expect me to be better than Lucario?" asked Skorupi.

"You also chose teams with no strategic thought whatsoever."

Skorupi huffed. "I'm better at battling, alright?"

"Then do it."

Skorupi frowned, confused. "What?"

"One of us can switch with you as the leader," he explained. "At least that way, we'll have a fighting chance."

A large hand clasped on Zoroark's shoulder. Azelf leaned his head in so that he was right next to his head. "You do realize it's not cool to decide things like this without my permission, don't you."

Zoroark gave him an even glance. "Then give us permission. And let go of my shoulder, because it's still really sore and you're putting me in excruciating pain."

Azelf released his hand and floated in front of the group. "You want permission? Fine. But you can only switch with someone who hasn't battled yet."

"But—" Skorupi started before immediately being cut off by Azelf.

"No, no buts. It wouldn't be fair if you switched with someone who already battled. That'd just give you a pass from the challenge altogether. If you're gonna be switched, then the third lineup better have you duking it out. Capiche?"

"Roger!" Skorupi said in determination.

Azelf nodded, and then he turned to the group of Ampharos, Breloom, Corphish, Furret, and Taillow. "Who's it gonna be?"

Corphish shrugged. "Like I said, I gotta battle."

"Me too," Ampharos said. "If I'm not on the field, we're pretty much losing for sure."

Taillow shrugged. "I guess I can be the tra—"

"Wait."

All eyes turned to Furret, and she had to force down the nervousness she felt from the sudden attention. "Maybe... Maybe Breloom can be the trainer."

"Yes!" Breloom said immediately. Clearing his throat, he continued. "Uh, I mean, yeah, I'm good with that."

Natu shook her head. "Would this really be a good idea?"

Before anyone could answer her, Azelf sounded out an air horn. "Time's up! Get on the field!"

Corphish groaned. "Screw it, Breloom can lead. Now LET'S DO THIS!" He charged down to the field, Ampharos, Taillow, and Skorupi right on his heels.

As Furret headed down to the gym floor, Breloom stopped her and stammered, "Hey, uh... Thanks."

She smiled. "No problem."

%%%

Breloom: Furret really helped me out. I don't think I could've been able to... b-battle. I really owe her.

%%%

Each team got themselves readied on their sides. The Mesprits had Ampharos, Corphish, and Skorupi determined as ever. Taillow was flapping in the air, though he must've remembered something, for he flew towards Breloom on the podium and whispered in his ear. Once Breloom whispered something back, Taillow flew back to the field, content. Furret gave an odd look at the exchange, but she focused on Breloom and gave him a reassuring smile.

For the Uxies, Lilligant and Lampent stood side by side, looking ready as ever. Absol stood neutrally, his body language revealing no signs of readiness. Numel gave a bored look, and Hoppip started cracking her tiny knuckles. Then she twisted her head and cracked it. Then she bent the leaves on her head and somehow cracked those, too.

Breloom fidgetted in the podium, a bit unsure of this position. Lucario stood, analyzing the battlegrounds.

Azelf pressed the air horn, calling out, "BEGIN!"

"Hoppip, Sunny Day!" Lucario commanded.

Hoppip floated up to the top of the clear dome. Looking up to the cloudy sky, she started rambling. "Hiya sun how you doing hey those clouds are blocking you why don't you just fight them off like rawr show 'em who's boss!"

Nothing happened for a long, grueling moment.

Numel scoffed. "Newsflash, nutsy; weather doesn't work like—"

As if to prove Numel wrong, a faint rumbling sound could be heard from up above. The clouds, which had been clumped together in a thick vapor, shuddered and immediately dispersed. A giant, brightly shining sun took their place.

Some could've sworn the sun actually winked.

Hoppip floated back down, grinning at Lucario. "Sun's bright and eager to help!"

"How," Numel said flatly, but no one really cared what he had to say about it.

Corphish paled a bit. "Aw man, this'll suck for me."

"Not for me!" Ampharos grinned, raising a fist. She glanced back to Breloom. "Just say the word and I can take out those two Grassies."

But Breloom paid no attention to her. He was feverishly looking over the move set transcript, visibly panicking.

Lucario, on the other hand, was more than ready. "Numel, Flamethrower on Ampharos!"

"Yeah, yeah..." Numel muttered. Planting his hooves firmly on the ground, he inhaled deeply, preparing to fire a blast of fire.

Ampharos's smirk froze, her eyes staring down the camel nervously. "Any time now, Breloom," she said through gritted teeth.

Breloom started stammering, his gaze repeatedly shifting from the field to the transcript.

As Numel was pretty much finished inhaling, Ampharos said urgently, "Just say Fire Punch, oh my god, it's just two words, just say it."

"Uh, F-Fire—"

Too little, too late. A path of fire escaped Numel's mouth and burst on and past Ampharos. When that subsided, her entire body was left completely ashened, her eyes wide with an undetermined expression.

Furret gasped. "Ampharos, are you—"

The Electric type coughed out a puff of smoke. "Just peachy," she said through a strained voice.

Azelf called out, "Can you still move?"

It took a bit of effort, but Ampharos pried her body from its tableau and spun around. "Yeah, I got this." She turned to Breloom. "How about we actually start battling now?"

"Gladly!" Hoppip called out. She turned to Lucario. "Let's whoop these guys, alright?"

Lucario's gaze was fixated on Breloom, the latter looking to be on the verge of a panic attack. "You know..." he said, loud enough to where his voice could reach Breloom. "A curbstomp win wouldn't be as satisfactory to me."

On the bleachers, Krokorok snorted. "It would to me." Then he puked the last of the toxin from the edge of the top step.

Breloom wrung his arms together, completely wrecked down.

Lucario sighed. "Energy Balls, Night Slash, Flamethrower, Bounce. Hit them with all you've got."

Lampent frowned up at him. "But we're not going to use the sun to our full advantage."

"No point. Attack."

Lilligant and Lampent brought their arms together for double Energy Balls. Absol's head bland glowed a dark aura. Numel inhaled once again. Hoppip started bouncing up and down, gaining momentum. To those on the bleachers, it was an uncoordinated display of a full on overkill. To the fighting Mesprits, it was a sign that they were gonna get owned, big time.

Taillow fluttered up and down, unsure where to go to be safe from their attacks. "Can we stay alive if we do nothing?" he asked, visibly disgusted by this option.

Corphish gulped. "Dude, hide me."

"Dude, you're gonna have to face this."

"But dying suuucks," he moaned.

Skorupi eyed down Zoroark, sending an unspoken message of 'Yeah, THAT was your best decision yet.'

Ampharos's eye twitched, an obvious sign that this would seriously suck.

Furret trembled, her tail swishing in front of her. She glanced up at Breloom. "Breloom, please help us!"

His hands wrung the transcript as he looked onto the field, all these preparing attacks overloading his brain.

Absol was the first to attack, charging forward straight at Taillow. Lilligant and Lampent each sent Energy Balls at Corphish, but Hoppip's hopping disrupted their aim slightly (Hoppip wasn't even focused on attacking; just bouncing).

Taillow gave a squawk as Absol's Night Slash connected with his torso, sending him spiralling to the ground. One of the Energy Balls connected with Corphish's claw, but the other one strayed enough to hit Skorupi, which didn't do that much damage.

Unlike Meowstic, Breloom never tried to hide how much his shoulders heaved, or how much he was hyperventilating, or how much his eyes darted from each attack that was sent at half of his team.

"Breloom..." Furret said nervously, eyes widening when she saw that Numel was preparing his attack straight at her.

It only took a moment for Breloom to lock his eyes on Furret and Numel, long enough for his mind to process it. His lips kept moving in a nervous stammer, unable to say anything coherent.

And as Numel finally shot out a large stream of flames straight at her, Furret cried desperately, "BRELOOM!"

"FURRET, DUCK!"

She gave an 'eep' as she dropped to the ground just as the Flamethrower propelled above her. Once the sound of crackling flames died out, Furret raised her head, breathing heavily. She turned incredulously at the podium.

There, Breloom was still gripping the edge, leaned over and breathing deeply but slowly. Everything was silent aside from that. His panic attack was gone, and his face stayed blank in its panting state, his mind still unsure if he actually yelled that out or not.

His expression broke, replaced with an incredulous burst of laughter seeing Furret safe.

Furret, in turn, gave a grin so wide that Inkay had a rival.

Ampharos cheered and pumped a fist in the air. "It's about time!"

Like a switch had finally clicked to 'Leadership—ON', Breloom leaned forward and made a grand gesture to the other team. "Ampharos, Fire Punch on Lilligant!"

She gave a holler and rushed forward, both fists clenched back and spurting flames.

With a grin, Lucario ordered, "Lampent, intercept that attack!"

Ampharos sprung into the air, roaring as she hurtled herself and her outstretched flaming fists straight down to Lilligant...

...But that attack never made contact. Lampent floated above Lilligant just in time for Ampharos's Fire Punches to his her in her lamp torso. Instead of busting through her, the Fire Punches stayed sustained on the glass, keeping a confused Ampharos in the air. The flames immediately extinguished, and Ampharos crashed to the ground.

"The heck...?" Taillow said weakly, stumbling on the floor. Still not fainted, but just barely.

Lampent bowed her head down to Ampharos. "Flash Fire. It's good to always come prepared."

Ampharos groaned, head still smushed on the floor.

Azelf tsked, levitating Ampharos from the field. "Five to four. Things are looking sharp."

Breloom was on a roll. He immediately called out, "Corphish, Sludge Bomb on Lilligant or Hoppip!"

"Two targets!" He smirked, toxins circling up in his claws. "Now that's a thing I like!"

"Absol!" Lucario called out as Corphish shot forward. "Stop him with Toxic!"

Absol deftly sprung into the air, paws seeping with purple toxins.

Breloom yelled, "Intercept him with X-Scissor!"

Skorupi, being the only one with that move, was more than ready to spring into action. Just as Absol brought himself down to the rushing Corphish, Skorupi tackled him right out of the air, her pointed tail slicing an X in his torso, however that was possible. They fell to the floor, but Skorupi was the only one who stood up.

"Four all!" Azelf shouted.

"Not for long!" Corphish smirked, sending a goopy sphere that completely drenched Lilligant.

Lucario gritted his teeth. "Lilligant!"

She was hunched over on the ground, barfing in a similar vein as Krokorok. "I-I don't understand," she gasped as he tried catching her breathe. "I have Leaf Guard, why..."

Lucario stared gravely at the sky. He was able to stare without squinting, as the clouds had gathered together once more. The effects of Sunny Day had ended.

And that meant her ability was completely useless.

She moaned weakly, her face turning a sickly shade of purple.

Breloom frowned. "Sheesh. You're really that strong, Corphish?"

Corphish shrugged. "Sure. It's definitely not because she's badly poisoned or anything."

Breloom glanced to Taillow. "Taillow, use—"

"STOP!" Lilligant shrieked, an arm raised while the rest of her was hunched over. "Stop," she repeated more calmly, using both arms to clutch her stomach. "I'm done. I can't... I can't fight anymore."

Azelf shrugged. "Suit yourself. Telekinesis, ahoy!" Once he lifted Lilligant back to the bleachers, he addressed the remaining seven. "Mesprits actually have the lead! Corphish, Furret, Skorupi and Taillow versus Hoppip, Lampent and Numel. Four to three!"

Lucario called out, "Energy Ball on Corphish! Toxic on Furret! Sunny Day!"

"Dig to dodge!" Breloom countered. " Taillow, take that Toxic attack! Skorupi and Furret, use Cross Poison and Headbutt on Hoppip! Don't let her use Sunny Day!"

Lampent fired an Energy Ball, and Corphish dug into the ground just as it whizzed over where he was five seconds ago.

Numel tried shooting toxins towards Furret, but Taillow took her spot when she headed towards Hoppip. The avian staggered a bit, but smirked as his face tinted purple.

Hoppip floated up and smiled at the clouds. "Hiya sun ready for round tw—OOF!"

Furret had launched herself in the air and nailed Hoppip with a Headbutt, sending them both crashing downward. As Hoppip raised her head woozily, Skorupi sliced a poisonous X on her face, knocking her unconscious.

As Azelf levitated Hoppip away, Lucario wrung his hands on the edge of the podium. "Lampent, Calm Mind! Numel, Earth Power!"

"Taillow, Brave Bird at Lampent!" Breloom yelled, then bowed his head to the hole Corphish had made. "Corphish, wherever you are, brace yourself!"

There was no reply, but that could've been because the ground was too thick for any voice to penetrate it.

Lampent calmed herself, somehow raising her special stats. Taillow shot forward, going so fast and so recklessly that when he hit Lampent, he didn't stop until he crashed into the dome, two feet away from Lucario's podium. He staggered up, wincing as the effects of Toxic ran through his system. And yet, he still stood grinning.

Lampent, however, didn't stand a chance.

"Upupupu!" Azelf laughed. Seeing the odd stares those from the bleachers and Rotom were giving, he cleared his throat and said a bit awkwardly, "Uh, four to one," while levitating Lampent back to the bleachers.

Numel yawned, apparently unperterbed at being the last not fainted Uxie. Planting his hooves firmly on the ground once again, he called upon the powers of the Earth. Almost immediately, the ground spurred out in dirt geysers all around the arena. Most of them didn't even hit any of the other team, but he struck gold when one geyser shot up with Corphish in tow. At its peak height, all the geysers dissipated, sending Corphish crashing to the ground.

Azelf leaned forward. "Dude, are you dead?"

Corphish didn't move.

"Whatever." The host levitated Corphish back to the bleachers. "Three to one!"

Numel eyed the two girls in front of him, calculating his odds. And then he remembered Taillow. Glancing behind, he wasn't all that surprised to see the avian staggering towards him. Eyebrow quirked, he said, "What do you think you're doing?"

Taillow gave no answer. He kept moving forward until he was face to face with the camel, at which point, his tired, pained expression added a smirk.

Numel figured it out immediately. "Oh crap."

Breloom commanded, "Endeavor!"

With the last burst of strength, Taillow gave a fierce, desperate jab right at Numel's head. The camel immediately crumpled to the ground.

'Oh crap' indeed.

The Mesprits's cheers were so loud, the arena rumbled.

Azelf blew his whistle. "And in a stunning turn of events, the Mesprits get one point to the Uxies's two! They might actually win this!"

Breloom pumped his fist in the air. "WHOO HOO!"

Furret jumped up in the air, high enough to give Breloom a flying tackle hug, knocking them both on the podium's floor. "I'm so proud of you, Breloom!"

He was seriously hoping she wouldn't see him blushing. "Uh, yeah! But you were amazing in the battle!"

"Only 'cause you led us to victory!"

Azelf sighed, blowing his air horn so everyone would shut up. Once everyone was frozen in movement and looking at Azelf (and that included Furret and Breloom's current pose, the latter blushing hard enough to burst into flames if that were possible), he said, "You're not out of the woods yet. You've still got one, maybe two battles left."

"Oh..." Masquerain started. "Do we have enough of us fit to battle?"

"Probably not," Azelf said. "So, I want you guys to get together and have the leader pick two Pokemon. You have five minutes. Go!"


(Uxies)

Krokorok yawned. "It's pretty obvious we're switching to double battles."

"Or two single battles," Lucario added. He swept his gaze over the team. "Who doesn't feel fit to fight?"

"I got poisoned," supplied Krokorok. "I'm still reeling from that."

Lampent raised a ghostly hand, showing a gaping hole in the middle of it. Closer examination would reveal that it was stitching itself together gradually, though everyone was still freaked out. "This may take a while to heal," she shrugged.

Rampardos couldn't answer, since he was still fainted. That Foul Play really did a number on him.

Hoppip, despite being sliced in the face, was bright and cheery, doing her own thing around the gym. Igglybuff, wanting to be with her friend, followed her.

Masquerain didn't have enough strength to fly, so naturally, she wasn't an option.

Kricketune, though perfectly fine, raised a petite hand. "I don't wish to harm anyone, if that's okay."

"Like, me neither," Spheal said. "It stinks having to hurt other Pokemon, y'know?"

"I won't force you to battle if you don't want to," Lucario reassured them.

Absol, although awake, was busy mending his wound, thus being a poor choice to send out.

Masquerain held up her notebook, scribbling down those left available. Apparently she had enough energy to write. "We could send out Corsola, Lilligant, Furfrou, Numel, or Helioptile. Ah, and Girafarig."

Helioptile rubbed the back of his neck. "Yeah, uh, I don't want to go against Hippopotas, and they're probably gonna send him out since he's a powerhouse."

Corsola yawned. "Whether he is or not, I think I'd be at a disadvantage battling. Any Fighting- or Ground- or, Arceus, Grass-type moves and I'll be a goner."

Lilligant twiddled her leafy hands. "I want to, but—"

"No," said Lucario sharply.

She was taken aback. "I'm sorry?"

"You haven't fainted yet. That poison is still running through your system," he explained.

Although just the mention was enough to make Lilligant gag expectantly, she swallowed hard and lied, "It's fading away, though."

Lucario gave her a hardened gaze, enough to pierce through any soul. "I'm not letting you harm yourself."

%%%

Lilligant: Am I supposed to be offended that he doesn't think I can fight, or touched that he cares enough to put me out of harm's way? (She thinks about this for a moment.) I'll go with the second one.

%%%

"So, you three," said Masquerain, referring to Numel, Furfrou and Girafarig. "Who will be sitting out?"

Numel opened his mouth to speak, though a sharp, gruff voice interrupted him before he could begin.

"Let me guess, you're bailing again?" accused Furfrou.

Numel's mouth was agape in shock for a split second before reverting to a neutral smirk. Brow raised, Numel said, "I've done my part."

"Really? Is that why you're awake so fast?" Furfrou challenged.

"And just what are you implying?"

"I'm stating that you pretended to faint, else you'd still be unconscious."

Numel had to keep himself from gritting his teeth. In truth, this was rather smart of Furfrou; say it in front of the fourteen onlooking Uxies, making it a spectacle. Of course, it was only clever in one aspect, and Numel was determined to make sure that stayed true.

With an almost theatrical scoff, Numel said, "Don't make me laugh. Everyone knows a Normal-type with Guts and low health can cause serious damage with an Endeavor that's boosted for being the same type. There's absolutely no way to fake that."

Furfrou didn't back down. "Yes, we know that. We're not idiots."

%%%

Numel: Yeah, it's not like you've antagonize half the team. (He rolls his eyes.) Using 'we', he's roping the others with him without them even knowing it. Now that... (He forms a wry smirk) ...will make this a fun challenge.

%%%

Numel made a set of faux tsking noises. "Putting words in my mouth, that's not very professional, is it?"

"Neither is mocking," Furfrou shot back.

"I don't understand why you're making such a big deal out of this," Numel shrugged. "If you knew anything about my species, it's that we're resilient enough to bounce back after losing." A complete fabrication, but he doubted that anyone studied any species besides their own.

"If you're so resilient, why not go for round two?"

"Because I don't want to. Just that one battle was physically taxing to me."

Furfrou glared at him long and hard until, finally, he stepped back, conceding the verbal battle. "I'm battling," he said sharply.

Lucario, who had been sitting back watching the debate, stood up right and regarded Furfrou with a neutral expression. "If you're sure—"

"I am sure!" Furfrou interrupted sharply. Whipping his head to Girafarig, he said, "And she's fighting too."

Girafarig was, of course, too busy talking to her tail to notice anything.

Furfrou pulled Girafarig along to the field, and he stopped only briefly to give Numel an ominous glare.

"Ooh, I'm so scared," mocked Numel towards Furfrou's retreating form.

%%%

Numel: He's going to try and vote me out, that much I know for sure. The question is, does the team prefer his word over mine? This... might be tricky.

%%%

(Mesprits)

Breloom frowned, looking over the team. "Uh, I'm pretty sure everyone is tired, right? Like, eleven of you guys fainted." Most of everyone was awake now, though. The only one who weren't were Ampharos and Corphish, and Taillow was dozing off, still poisoned but trying to get it to seep from his system faster.

"Twelve," Zoroark pointed out. "Mr. Mime is off who knows where."

"We only need two of us," Floette said. "Who wants to go?"

"I do!" Skorupi said, raising her tail up high. "I didn't get to do much last time, so why not go for round two?"

"Great!" Breloom said. "Anyone else?"

There was a moment of stillness before someone raised a hand. Or, well, a yellow tentacle thing.

"I'd better go too," Shuckle said, lowering his appendage. "I'm over that burn, and I'm the most sturdy one here."

Dunsparce bumped his head on Shuckle's shell. "Dude, you sure about this?"

Shuckle shrugged. "Sure as I'll ever be. I don't think anyone else wants to battle anyway."

A bunch of halfhearted, confirmatory murmurs rung out within the team.

"Okay," Breloom said. "Skorupi and Shuckle, get on the gym floor."

The duo high-fived, and they waddled towards their destiny.


Azelf gleefully clasped his hands together. "That was fast, thanks for being fast."

Rotom cleared his throat, resulting in a sharp look from the host.

"What, Rotom?"

"Save the witty banter; we need this challenge wrapped up," Rotom sighed.

Azelf put a hand gently over his heart. "You think it's witty?" he asked, eyes tearing up with joy.

Rotom gave him a flat look.

"Fffiiiine." Returning to the challenge at hand, Azelf motion to the two teams. "Trainers, pick one of your selected two."

"Skorupi!" said Breloom automatically, pointing dramatically from his podium.

Lucario was more passive. "I'll choose Girafarig."

"Seriously?" Azelf asked. "The Psychic against the Bug?"

"I'd prefer to save Furfrou for last," he said simply.

Azelf shrugged. "Whatever. Shuckle and Furfrou, go back to the bleachers. You'll fight in the final round, assuming the Mesprits win this one and not the Uxies."

The two complied, and Skorupi readied herself on her side, growling not so menacingly. Girafarig didn't seem to be paying attention; STILL just talking to her tail, saying, "Yeah, who would've though those two would get together? Evil versus wicked, bleh!"

Azelf, situated on his life guard chair, seemed contemplative. "You know, a fair host would wait for her to stop talk—readysetGO!" and he blew the air horn, signalling match four's start.

Lucario gave the first order. "Girafarig, use Psychic!"

To which Girafarig said to her tail, "Then why isn't her fusion name Corundum?"

Silence reigned in for a moment.

Then, somewhat unsurely, Breloom said, "Uh, X-Scissor?"

Skorupi shot forward, jumped in the air for dramatic effect (her finest moment, she would say later in the day), and bolted down, her pointed tailed poised for slicing.

The moment she swiped at Girafarig's head was the moment the latter fainted. Skorupi wasn't even able to finish the X. Just a frustrating /.

It didn't take long for the Mesprits to realize that they were actually tied, and they proceeded to cheer.

Azelf hummed. "Hmm. That was quick. Alright, Skorupi, Girafarig, outta here." At that, he levitated Girafarig to the bleachers. "Shuckle and Furfrou, time to battle. This one'll decide the winners, and also the losers, but you probably could've figured that out."

Shuckle passed by Skorupi, giving her a congratulatory high-five, and he readied himself on the Mesprit's side of the field. Furfrou took his place and bared his teeth at Shuckle.

True to his nature, Breloom fidgetted with anxious nerves. But he was still on a roll, and he was able to push that aside.

True to his nature, Lucario studied the opponent, gauging just how tough this battle will be.

Azelf stood in the middle of the arena, air horn held in his fidgety hands. He glanced to Shuckle... Then shifted his gaze to Furfrou... And he blew the horn, floating up and away from the beginning of the end.

Lucario called out, "Retaliate, and do it fast!"

Furfrou barked, bolting forward.

"Shuckle, Defense Curl 'til you can't curl anymore!" Breloom yelled.

Shuckle prepared to retreat into his shell, but Furfrou had already hurled himself straight at Shuckle's squishy head and neck. The duo tumbled to the ground, and Furfrou was the first to stand up, panting and looking at Shuckle's shell in order to see the damage.

Unfortunately, all that was there was just Shuckle's shell. The squirmy devil was curling in the safety of his rock exterior.

"Fall back!" ordered Lucario. "There's nothing else to do. Keep your distance and use Cotton Guard as much as you can."

With an annoyed sigh, Furfrou walked back to his side, fluffing his fur all the way. By the time he made it back, his fur was at it's maximum fluff level. At some vantage points, you couldn't even see his snout.

By that time, Shuckle returned outside his shell, content his defenses were the best they could be.

"Double Team!" Breloom yelled.

Now, Shuckle are a notorious species for being slow as molasses (made up for by their stellar defenses), so a move that would usually require super speed is predictably not an option for Shuckle. Instead, through all defiance of logic, shimmering clones magically littered the playing field.

It's pretty obvious that Pokemon are weird like that.

Furfrou snapped his jaws at a clone that materialized beside him, and while that successfully got rid of the illusion, it also gave Furfrou a mouth full of his own fur. Gross.

"Stay back!" warned Lucario. "You'll only run out of energy if you try ridding of all these Double Team clones. Stay somewhere you can't be attacked."

Furfrou bounded for the wall, but was frustrated to discover that this dome was so sleek and cool that climbing for safety was a no go.

Breloom commanded, "Toxic, let's go!"

All the Shuckle spat out purple globs of Toxic. The entire arena was littered with them in a matter of seconds.

Lucario murmured a curse under his breathe. "Forget about cover. None of the clones moved, so the real Shuckle is still on his side. Just stay over here, and let him wear himself out."

"Better said than done," muttered Furfrou bitterly.

And it seemed they reached an impasse. Shuckle was watching Furfrou in harmless amusement, while Furfrou was watching Shuckle in scornful bitterness.

Breloom was debating on whether or not to use Gyro Ball, on the off chance that would ruin things. Lucario knew the only move left was Gyro Ball, and if that was used, it was all over.

The problem was, there was absolutely nowhere else to go. Nowhere else, and Lucario was still trying to find a way out in vain. It was hopeless.

All hopeless...

And then, hope! Lucario's eyes rested on a certain part of the dome, not quite on the ceiling but not quite on the wall. It was a single, Mr. Mime sized hole, way back from the second battle.

Eye harden in resolute determination, Lucario said to Furfrou, "Forget everything I said before."

"What," Furfrou said sharply, flatly, whipping his head to glare at the jackal.

"Do you know where the real Shuckle is?" Lucario continued.

"...Maybe," said Furfrou finally. "I could be wrong."

"Take the chance. I want you to run towards him, and once you get to the middle border line, I want you to jump on him, then leap from him to that hole. Keep a grip, and don't fall off on either side. Do you understand?"

Furfrou nodded, readying his paws. "I understand."

And he bolted forward, just as Lucario instructed.

And he jumped just as Lucario instructed.

And he landed on Shuckle—the real Shuckle—and leaped from him just as Lucario instructed.

Now, most reality shows would have you expect that, from that impossible distance, comedic reality would set in and he would fall to the ground. But this isn't you're cliche reality show; as Azelf had said shortly before beginning the season: "We're gonna be new, spunky, daring, awesome! The players are gonna outwit, outplay, and outlast!"

Curiously enough, he had gotten quite a few lawsuits just from that, and no one was even recording him saying that.

Back to the battle. Furfrou, against all odds, triumphantly hooked his front paws over the hole and squirmed up so as to have all paws rested on the admittedly jagged glass.

Breloom was a bit shocked by this. "Whoa. Okay, uh, Shuckle, use Toxic all over the floor. If he falls, he's poisoned."

Shuckle broke apart the Double Team copies and spat toxic globs all around that part of the floor.

And now, it was purely a battle of patience. So, pretty much another impasse.

Breloom noticed this pretty quickly. "Shuckle, use Gyro Ball on the wall! Try and shake him outta this!"

"Hold on with all your might!" Lucario hollered just as Shuckle proceeded repeatedly hitting the dome wall.

"You know," Azelf said, pausing after each crash in the wall. "If he—falls out of—the dome to the out—side, he's—...out!"

To his credit, Furfrou was doing his damn best to hang on. But after a combination of dozens of hits to the dome structure, as well as a bunch of sharp glass piercing his padded paws, he knew he could hang on no longer. The question was, where would he fall? Outside, ending the battle, or inside, simply drawing out a losing fight?

With no shame whatsoever, he unceremoniously fell to the grass outside.

The benched Uxies had their mouths agape, and the Mesprits did too.

It was Azelf who finally ended things. "And in a stunning turn of events, with a score of three to two, the winners are THE MESPRITS!"

Immediately, all the Mesprits cheered, rushing up to the arena to congratulate each other. Furret and Skorupi and soon the entire team picked up Breloom and Shuckle and chanted their names as they marched out the door.

The Uxies... They did nothing. Just glance at each other with ominous fear with each look. So invested in that, no one went to help Furfrou. Not even Lucario. He, wordlessly

"All injuries and status conditions still in your system, Rotom's got Lum Berries and Max Potions for it," Azelf said. "Uxies... I'll be seeing you guys again tonight."

And so Azelf left, leaving the teams to their own devices. But what could the Uxies do, though, when one of them was destined to leave?


(Later that night, outside the Uxie's cabin)

Numel yawned, reclining his head on the banister of the porch. The moonlight was comforting; warm yet cool, giving off a vibe of sweet dreams and lunar light beams.

"Don't get too comfy."

He turned to see Furfrou, not at all surprised, but still irritated for him ruining the mood. "Oh, trust me," Numel smirked, "I'm much comfier than you on the grass outside."

Furfrou bared his teeth, preparing to snarl, but he forced the fury down and kept his expression distastefully neutral. "Correction: DO get comfy, because it's the last time you will be."

"Trust me, honey," he mocked sweetly, walking away to the campfire pit. "I don't plan on leaving any time soon."

Numel heard the dog's next remark, though he wished he hadn't. "You just jinxed it."


(Elimination Ceremony)

"Welcome back, Uxies, and good to see you've all voted," greeted Azelf as the sixteen players filed into their seats. "Seems to me that voting Magmar off just screwed you more. Which is ridiculous, but hey, at least you can get rid of someone annoying again!"

"Just get on with it," Krokorok snapped.

"Tou-chy!" Azelf said. He held out a platter of marshmallows. "These here are marshmallows—"

"Seriously, can we keep something constant?" Helioptile asked.

"Excuse you, I am the host, and what I say goes!"

Rotom leaned towards Azelf and whispered just loud enough for everyone else to hear, "Actually, it's what the producers say."

"Irrelevant!" the host snapped dramatically. Directing his attention back to the team, he said, "Now, for those with no votes; first, Lucario. Awesome job, brah."

Lucario caught the marshmallow.

"Spheal, Igglybuff, Hoppip, apparently people like you enough to keep you around."

Coincidentally, all three caught the marshmallows in their mouths.

"Lampent and Lilligant, and Corsola and Masquerain, nice job."

They each caught theirs pretty tiredly. Straining the body can do that to an individual.

"Kricketune, you did awesome. Take a marshmallow."

Unlike last time, she actually tried to catch it, though she ended up slicing it in half. Kricketune pouted.

"Rampardos, Absol, Helioptile, get your treats."

They caught theirs. It's not like they'll automatically do something unique with them.

"And then there were four," Azelf said, regarding Krokorok, Girafarig, Numel and Furfrou. "You all have a reason to be here."

"I don't!" Krokorok protested.

"You'd be right. You only have one vote, and so does Furfrou." He tossed the marshmallows to the two of them.

Krokorok slumped back, muttering something about finding out who voted for him. It was no coincidence that Lilligan fidgeted in her seat at that moment.

"Well, well, well!" Azelf said, shifting his eyes from the inattentive Girafarig to the uncaring Numel. "Girafarig and Numel. Girafarig... and Numel. Has a nice ring, don't you think? Ah, whatever. Numel, are you surprised you're in the bottom two tonight?"

"I'd be more surprised if I wasn't," Numel sighed.

"Well put. I'd ask Girafarig a question, but there'd be no point."

At that, Girafarig gasped at her tail. "No! He's doing a great job hosting! What? You so can't do a better job, come on!"

Amused, Azelf held the last marshmallow up in the air. "The final marshmallow of the night goes to...

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

"...Numel."

The camel caught the marshmallow in his mouth, munching on it mockingly to Furfrou, who gritted his teeth.

"Girafarig, your time is up," said Azelf.

Girafarif just kept talking to her tail. "No, that's silly. Clones, c'mon, it's not like the scientist dad would go that far to keep them."

Azelf sighed. "Rotom."

Rotom sighed. "Azelf."

"Get her to the boat."

"Sure." Rotom dragged Girafarig by the hind legs and dumped her into the Boat of Losers, which immediately started off and officially eliminated Girafarig.

Azelf turned to the remaining fifteen. "I don't expect you to show up here next time. So make sure you live up to my expectations. You're dismissed."

Everyone dispersed, but Furfrou stepped in front of Numel and said, "It was dumb voting for me, you know. You don't have the numbers to—"

"Okay, will it get you to shut up if I tell you that my vote was for Girafarig?" Numel said sharply.

Apparently, it did get him to shut up.

"Looks like someone's turning within your ranks, even more so than most of the team." With that, Numel walked off, satisfied. Furfrou just stayed there, glaring daggers at the back of the camel's retreating head.

And Lampent was off to the side, staring at Furfrou with a glint in her eyes that she didn't just suspect what was going on; she knew, before the ceremony even started.


(Campgrounds)

With such a full moon, it was light enough for anyone to see the landscape outside. For Breloom, it was nice to take a walk he could actually see.

"You did great today!"

He turned to see Furret, and all notions of keeping it cool were burned to ashes. "Oh, uh, h-hey, Furret."

She smiled, catching up to him and walking the same speed as him. "You completely turned the challenge around. Because of you, we won!"

He rubbed the back of his neck nervously. "Heh, yeah..."

"You were so brave..." she continued, revealing a bit more emotion than she should've.

Breloom was only focused on one key word. "B-Brave? Come on, I'm not, I'm not brave."

"You were in this challenge," she grinned. "If you could do this, you could do other freaky things."

"Maybe..." he shrugged, then admitted, "I'm still not sure how I did this today..."

"Well, you did, and that's what matters." And, to the shock of an intensely flustered Breloom, Furret gave him a hug. Releasing her grip after a few seconds, she said, "I'll see you tomorrow, Breloom. Good night!" and started off to the cabins.

Breloom couldn't be sure whether to be confused or honored or just jumping for joy. He settled on a slight blush with a content smile.


(Campfire pit, after hours)

Azelf sighed contentedly, reclinig against a lawn chair he had taken out. The fact that it was night didn't seem to bother him. Rotom just stood there, rolling his eyes at Azelf's needless chair.

"Four episodes in, and we're a hit!" he said giddily.

Rotom gave a grin as well. "Yeah, we're doing much better than the hundred other shows that didn't even get past two episodes."

"I'm telling ya, dude. Nothing is gonna ruin this moment."

Donuts! At the Big Donut, yeah!

Rotom stared blankly as Azelf wordlessly took out his cellphone, the device buzzing while the R&B song played. He answered it just as the ring tone got through the line, They make the world go round!

"This is Azelf, what's up?" A squabbly voice was heard. "Yeah? ...What? Seriously? ...What do you mean the sun's melting the Sinnoh deserts? ...Are we seriously as far from the sun as Venus used to be now?"

"Wait, then why aren't we dead?" Room asked, but Azelf was too invested in his phone to answer him.

"So the sun just magically moved closer o us and you think I had something to do with this? ...Come on, don't be silly, ha ha, don't call this number again." And with that, he immediately flipped his phone shut. You know, because flip phones are apparently still a thing.

"Who was that?" Rotom asked urgently.

Azelf chuckled nervously. "Uh, the dudes who work at that space station, on the island in Hoenn. ...Remind me to ban Hoppip from using Sunny Day."

"Ban?"

"Forever."


Votes:

Girafarig (9): Lucario, Absol, Helioptile, Numel, Krokorok, Masquerain, Corsola, Igglybuff, Hoppip

Numel (5): Furfrou, Spheal, Kricketune, Rampardos, Girafarig

Furfrou (1): Lampent

Krokorok (1): Lilligant

Voted out: Girafarig, Magmar, Meowstic


A/N: Yeah, I'm not gonna even apologize for long chapters or late ones. Turns out writing battle scenes is so fun and so taxing. I love it!

So, Girafarig's gone. I'll be honest, Girafarig is the sole character that has no plot whatsoever. I planned for her to be a normal chick, 'cause Girafarig are rad as hell, but there were too many sane contestants. So I made her just a gag character that isn't even funny. She's a bomb of a character, but she was always planned to be third out.

Speaking of which, don't think I didn't think to put a nine-obsession reference in. Girafarig placed 32nd, but if you make the two into an exponent, you get 3^2 (three squared), which equals nine.

... It's funny, blegh.

So, we have some rivalries. Furfrou doesn't like how Numel is lazy in challenges, and we'll be seeing just how he copes with his 'vote out Numel' plan backfiring in his face, as well as expand on just how some players view this rivalry (could you even call it a rivalry if they're not competing against each other?)

And we have references. If you can tell what's referenced right off the bat, then you must have an interest in those things that are referenced and therefore I love you forever.

What else, what else...

If you have any questions about non-spoiler stuff, confused about something, or are just really curious about the writing process, feel free to hit me up with a PM! Even though I don't update all too often, I'm on FanFiction pretty much every day! I love discussing things with you guys!

Next time: Episode 5, "Trivial Pursuits": The teams compete in a trivia contest, questions ranging from random factoids to tidbits and secrets about some players. One team loses, and one player pays the price.

Stay tuned!