(Josh POV)

[Nothing happened.]

[Liaaaar!]

[Seriously!]

[Seriously a liar~!]

Static grinned knowingly as we all prepared for our flight. Sandy was gearing up her Charzard while I was putting the final preparations on Skarmorry. There was much to do; bags needed to be packed, and arrangements needed to be made. It was a long flight, especially with the extra weight of the trainer on the backs of our mounts. We needed to plan for meals, resting points, and many other factors before our trip.

[Un-]

[Shhh, Skarr!] I commanded, trying to focus.

[-necessary.] Skarr growled.

[We need to make sure you don't overexert yourself. We could just take a plane if it's too much stress-]

[JOSH. I have taken this pampering for far too long now.] Skarr tossed off the bag he held in the emphasis of his point.

[Skarr!] I berated.

[Josh!] Skarr berated back, staring directly back at me. I stumbled back, unnerved by Skarr's blatant disobedience. [This is absurdity! I am not Atlas; the sky is not my burden! Insisting I rest every minuscule moment I have flown is idiotic, and you know I am capable of more. I will not have you babying me like a hatchling!]

[Flying that long would make any Pokémon tired, Skarr. We need-]

[I'm not any Pokémon Josh! I am a Skarmory; champions of endurance and the air. Our wings were created to be both durable under stress, and lightweight enough to fly. My kin spends months airborne without roosting, and often both mates and gives birth WHILE FLYING. And!] Skarmory punctuated the 'and' with a prod of his steel wing. [Might I remind you that eggs cannot fly! So the female must CATCH her eggs, mid-flight, WHILE still giving birth to other eggs!]

[…I find that unlikely.] I smirked, and gave Skarr a dubious look.

[…It's a rare event mind you; normally females can land in time…but it HAS happened! My point is, I have no trouble with land, and I give up my superiority of the air freely and without reluctance to be here, with you and the others. BUT! When the times should arise that you need a mobile steed, I shouldn't have to be 'suited up and prepared'. If it's a long flight, in your terms, simply grab a snack, and we'll be off. All this planning is both insulting and unnecessary.]

[I didn't mean to offend you Skarr, I'm just trying to look out for you.]

[I realize; I'm not upset, this over preparation just makes me feel…]

A slight pause filled the air, as Skarr searched for the right word.

[…Silly?] Nova offered. Skarr and I both turned our heads to the small Charmander, not expecting him to speak up. Nova shrunk back at the sudden attention.

[Yes, 'silly'. I feel silly.] Skarr reluctantly admitted.

[Silly Skarr!] Wigglytuff cheered.

[Alterations are not clever, nor cute. You will refrain from addressing me as such from this moment forward.]

[Snarky Skarr!] Static joined in.

[Static, need I remind you that you do not need to be conscious during this trip?] Skarr walked towards him threating with poison dripping from his sharpened, steel feathers.

[Scary Skarr!] Sandy jumped in.

[As Josh's companion, I respectfully ask that you halt your jesting. It is unbecoming-]

[Snooty Skarr!] I grinned.

Skarr turned to glare at me, with two dull yellow eyes. His gaze pierced right though my core, in pure, unfiltered annoyance. His neck snapped towards Nova, glaring daggers at the poor Charmander.

[Go on then.] Skarr growled, venom dripping from his feathers.

[G-go on w-with what?] Nova shrunk back.

[You started this, and you're going to finish it. Go on.] Skarr dared Nova, approaching him with wings flared. Nova stumbled backwards, tripping on a mound of dirt, then shielding himself against Skarr's presence.

[…S…s-super Skarr?] He pleaded.

[Good.] Skarr flapped twice, then tucked his wings back against his sides. [Now, for the sake of my sanity, can we please be off?]

[Sarcastic Skarr!] Static cheered.

Skarr collapsed into a silver mess of feathers, crumbling before me. [This is going to stick, isn't it Josh? I tried…I really did…]

[Sullen Skarr…] I patted him gently on the top of his head.

(Skarr POV)

[…]

[Guardians of the flames INDEED.]

[…]

[Well, at least we can live secure, knowing the seas of molten rock beneath our feet have such ferocious and enduring protectors.] I mocked.

[…]

[Come now, you must have some retort! Or have all the flames you have blown boiled your mind as well?]

[…It will not be today, and it will not be tomorrow, Slicer of the Winds, but one day…I shall destroy you…] The Charzard panted, sweat coating her outer fur, and a mask of fatigue binding her features.

My beak contorted into a smirk as I flew slightly faster, slowly outpacing the draconic pokemon. The Charzard panted, and strained her wings to catch up.

[…The inner circles of hell shall beckon you in the afterlife...]

[Can't you just play with me?] I mocked. [Can't we just have fun?]

[…This torture cannot be described as fun…I would say I have lost feeling in my wings, but in truth, I feel every pained flap. I have never felt this level of exhaustion in my life, and I'm sure I would have failed…] Her thoughts cut off for a moment, and she lost some altitude before recovering. […If the punishment was not stranding my ledge in the endless seas…]

[If you failed, I would have taken the task, and carried both humans. Your master's life was not truly at risk.] I shrugged.

[Even you could not support two trainers this distance.] She panted, grinding her teeth. I prepared a retort, but instead bit my tongue.

[Perhaps, but in a life or death situation, I could carry them a small way.] I reasoned. [Assuming you failed close to the island, I could reasonably ferry them a mile or two.]

[…I'm just glad it doesn't have to come for that. Any longer and I'm certain I would have faltered…] The Charzard sighed, the island now coming into view.

I gracefully gained speed, and swopped towards the ground with my kin's natural elegance and grace. Seconds before landing I stalled and spilled the air beneath my wings, then landed expertly on my talons. Charzard was not as graceful, clumsily attempting to skid to a halt, failing, then collapsing on her stomach.

"Great job Charzard. Let's get you some rest, shall we? Thank you so much." Sandy slid off the Charzard's back, patting her graciously on the head.

[Ah, at last you are rescued from your toil. Not a moment too soon, hmmm?] I mocked one final time.

[I don't go back on my word, you waltzing mirror. There will come a time for us to duel once more, and on the battle field I will destroy you for your insolence.] She smirked an exhausted, under bite grin. [But until that day…I bid you adieu.]

[Adieu as well. Thank you for the company.]

Sandy pressed the Pokeball to her fur, and she disappeared in the far too familiar bath of red light.

[You too, Skarr! You did awesome, thanks so much! I have to admit, I thought flying over an ocean would take quite a toll, and I was worried!] Josh complemented, turning on his Pokespeak once more.

[Ill placed faith, as usual I see.] I grinned. [Not a hint of fatigue, and not a drop of sweat.] I said proudly, displaying my wings with dignity.

[CAN Skarrmory sweat?] Josh asked, the odd question crossing his mind.

[As if my kin were capable of something so uncouth.] I smirked, rolling my eyes. [We are always preened to perfection; not a feather out of place, and not a talon unfiled. Never smeared or scratched; always perfectly reflective and refined.]

[The perfect picture of vanity.] A female voice interrupted my thoughts. I turned to see Sandy grinning beside me.

[Vain? Oh, how I weep with your judgment!] I feel to the floor, covering myself with my wings. [Am I doomed to forever be labeled as a heathen; my pride dooming me to my downfall?]

[I didn't mean it like that-] Sandy began.

[Oh what pride had I!] I continued, pretending to sob. [Forever claiming my essence to the depths of demons simply for liking to be clean! Selling my soul for my reflective down, and my heart to the insatiable devils of the underworld just to look half-decent!]

[S-Skarr!] Sandy couldn't help but snicker.

[Like Icarus, I have flown too close to the sun, wishing to be cleanly in a world full of grime. Can my soul ever be redeemed!?]

[Well, you're definitely not tired!] Josh chuckled. Sandy's face was pure red, both from blushing and laughter.

Once we calmed down, I took a moment to view my surroundings. Many tall buildings greeted the horizon, with many people and Pokemon bustling about. Josh looked expectantly at Sandy; his hands placed lightly in his pockets.

"So…where to, my lady?"

(Josh POV)

[Anywhere!?] Static looked up at Sandy with wide, unbelievably hopeful turquoise eyes.

[Anywhere.] Sandy confirmed, smiling to herself. [The rules are different here; all Pokémon are assumed to be owned, so roaming by yourselves isn't frowned upon. There's plenty to do, and several Pokémon-only activities, so we might actually be slowing you down!] Sandy snickered, then caught sight of my troubled expression. […That is, if it's alright with your trainer.]

[…J-just make sure you travel in pairs, alright? And we'll meet back at the Pokécenter at nine. If you don't know the time, just ask someone wearing a watch. And make sure to travel in pairs-]

[Oh COME ON!] Static whined, paws waving angrily in the air. [It's our vacation! Let us run around and stuff, don't make me babysit NOVA all day!]

[Static, I wasn't-]

[Don't 'Static I wasn't-' me! You were TOTALLY going to stick me with him! Can't I have one day-]

[I'll take Nova.] Myst interrupted. Static turned to her in bewilderment, and I smiled to myself.

[Wait, who would I be stuck with, then?] Static grumbled, still confused by the turn of events.

[That would be me, my yellow nuisance.] Skarr purred.

[That's not better!] Static wailed.

[Whatever, I called dibs on Nova.] Myst stuck her tongue out at the Pikachu.

[I don't care, I don't want you either.] Static returned Myst's rude expression.

[Well, you're going to have to get along with someone.] I responded.

[Why?] Static whined. [Can't…can't I just go with you?]

[No, someone needs to keep Skarr company. Remember, this is only a day, bud.] I smiled, and nudged Static with my shoe, which perked him up a little. [Also, Skarr! I'm trusting you to be theresponsible one.]

[As always.] Skarr rolled his eyes.

[I'm serious! If someone does get lost, I'm going to need you there, by my side at nine to scout out the island and try to find them. Also, someone needs to look after Static while I'm gone, and I think you're the best fit. Okay?]

[Can do.] Skarr nodded more seriously.

[Alright. See everyone at nine, by the Pokemon center. Have fun you guys! And everyone thank Sandy for this opportunity!]

[Thanks Sandy!]

[Um, thanks!]

[Thank you very much!]

[We appreciate the sentiment.]

[Thank you VERY much.] I smiled, now thinking in private chat, and kissed her on the tip of her nose. She winced, and grinned back.

[You're very welcome. Shall we be off?]

[Where to, my lady?] I suddenly was overwhelmed by a sense of déjà vu.

[Where else, my soon opponent~?] Sandy hummed. [The Battle Factory!]

(Skarr POV)

We walked for quite a ways, listening to the odd, yet familiar sounds of human communication bustle around us. Typically, Pokémon were not allowed to roam far from their trainers, else they would be mistaken for wild. It was a rare and happy privilege to walk among humans without having Josh nearby. Not that I minded of course…usually.

Once we had gotten a fair ways, I turned back to Static, and gave him a sarcastic glance. Not at all unexpectedly, he gave me a confused glance back.

"What?" He asked thoughtlessly.

"How long to do you plan on continuing this façade?"

"Fuh-what?"

"Façade. Illusion, falseness, the act of doing something while harboring intentions of doing it's opposite."

Static stared at me for a moment. "…what?"

"LYING, Static. How long do you intend to continue lying!" I deadpanned angrily.

"What are you talking about?!" Static yelped, obviously still confused.

"I know you don't wish to spend the afternoon under my eyes, and I certainly harbor no intention of babysitting you throughout the day. It's clear that Josh has long since gone, so I was wondering, why are we continuing this façade? Let us leave now, and we'll meet up at 8:30 at the Pokémon center. We'll be back before Josh gets there, and we'll have the days to ourselves, instead of being subjected to each other's company."

"…but that's lying." Static concluded.

"Yes, Static, that is lying." I confirmed, rolling my eyes.

"Wouldn't Josh be mad?"

"That is why Josh won't find out…" I slowly explained, not doing well in the task of masking my condescension.

"Oh. OH. I see." Static grinned. "Okay, okay, but you can't tell him, right?"

"…Sure."

"Great! Oh boy, oh boy! Okay, see you later Skarr!"

"Adios…" I muttered as I watched Skarr dash thought a crowd of civilians.

At last, a day to myself. I had sorely needed this. Although I had claimed such a flight from Kanto to the Battle Park would be a small feat, I admit that I hadn't flown with added weight in quite some time. My wings were quite sore, and I felt like a well-deserved nap was in order.

After resting for a few hours, perhaps I could preen some of these loose feathers…maybe bathe a bit in one of the lakes, to ensure my coat gets the proper reflective sheen…

I landed on a roof of a tall building, and laid my head to rest. I felt warm and content. A perfect vacation indeed.

(Nova POV)

"Hey…um…"

[Yes?]

"C-can I ask you a question?"

[Yes, but only one, so choose wisely.]

"…W…what?"

[I kid.] Myst laughed, smiling at my awkward display. [Ask away.]

"…Why did you choose me?" I asked, after a slight pause. Myst stopped walking, and turned to face me.

"Why wouldn't I choose you?" She demanded, reverting to her normal tongue.

"I-I don't know." I shrunk back.

"No, really. Out of them all, you're the one with the most experience with human architecture. You would serve as a good guide to a young fox, in the land of humans."

"Well…I don't know, I haven't gotten out that much…" I looked awkwardly aside.

"Well…" Zorua thought for a moment. "Well! Then we have something in common! Neither of us have seen many human buildings."

"Hey, you're right!"

"Exactly!" She smiled, and I smiled back. "I'm still going to need your help though. Do you know where we're headed?"

"Nope." I admitted, shrugging sheepishly.

"Do you know how to get back?"

"N-no…"

Myst narrowed her eyes. "Can you identify any nearby structures?"

I looked around. Surrounding us were many tall, ominous building with large archways and big windows. Many people walked briskly around us, going in or out of the large edifices.

"They...they're buildings?"

Myst sighed lightly, and put a paw to her forehead. "See, this is why I chose you."

"Why, b-because I'm useless, and I need someone to help me?" I felt tears brimming in the base of my eyes.

"No, because if I have to get lost, I want to get lost with you."

I felt a weight lift off my chest. That almost felt…deep…coming from her.

"Thanks…!" I chirped.

"You can thank me by finding the Pokémon center, so we have a point of reference. Hoist me up, will you? I'll create an illusion so we look like a person, so we get more space, and thus a better view."

I didn't know what illusion she was creating, but from the inside, it looked like the air was shimmering around us.

"Don't touch the border." She ordered, pointing at the edge of the mirage. "Now, give me your paw, and don't move…" She tested my strength by pressing down on my paw, before darting onto it, and dashing onto my shoulders. From there, she placed her back paws on my collar, and hoisted herself up with her front paws hugging my head.

"Piggy back ride?" I inquired, laughing.

"Silence, steed!" Myst scoffed in a jokingly deep voice. "Go forth! Let us ride into the winds! Our quest beacons with the promise of glory and danger! Go, let us find our reference point, and avenge those lost in the brave battle of…" She faltered.

"Battle-Parkia!" I added, filling the void.

"Precisely! Charge, noble steed!" She gently prodded the back of my neck with a paw, mimicking a kicking motion, and 'steering' me with her hands on my head.

"Neiiigh!" I cried, going into a light jog though the bewildered crowd of people. The illusion caused people to politely move out of our way, which made navigating though the crowds much easier. Once we were free of the larger crowd I broke into a run, grabbing Myst's back legs to ensure her stability.

"Where are you going?" Myst laughed as we ran through a grassy hill we clearly had not been though before.

"I don't know!" I admitted, giggling. "You're steering me!"

I raced down the hill, quickly gaining uncontrollable speed.

"Woaaah!" Myst commanded, pulling back on my head. I couldn't stop, and when I tried, I ended up tripping and tumbling with her down the hill. With an 'Oof!' we landed next to each other, dinged up and scratched.

I groaned, but managed to giggle at the obscurity of our situation. "Aaaahahahaaa…."

Myst turned to me with a huge smile on her face. "Again, again!"

"You're crazy." I laughed, sitting up, and rubbing my head with one paw.

"Maybe!" She beamed, lying playfully on her back in the grass.

I pushed myself to a standing position. "Alright, fine, but not down the hill, alright?"

"Okay!" She smiled, a light blush crossing her face. "U-um…"

"What?" I asked.

"Could you help me up first?" Myst pleaded sheepishly.

(Josh POV)

"I have NO IDEA what I'm doing."

I grinned at the mildly annoyed secretary as she sighed softly, and went over her instructions again. I was in the Battle Factory! In only moments, I would have the honor of facing Alessandra, one of – if not the – strongest Frontier Brains in the Battle Park. Well, that is, if I could understand the directions.

"See this display?" The woman prodded the glowing blue monitor before me, which resembled a large desk with a touch screen.

"Yes?"

"You have an option of multiple Pokémon on it. Once chosen, you cannot change. You will pick three, and Alessandra will pick three, but they will most likely not be on the same list. As such, you will have no idea what Pokémon she will choose."

"Oh, I get it. And she won't know what I have to choose either, right?"

"Erm, no."

I gave the woman a confused look. She sighed lightly once more.

"Alessandra…" She continued her elongated sigh, "…is a brain. That is, she has memorized every listing pair, and every conceivable option. Upon releasing your first Pokémon, she will likely know the list you are using, and all options related to that list."

"Mmhmm." My eyes widened a bit at this knowledge. What was I getting myself into?

"I have no idea why Alessandra would like to challenge you…" The secretary looked me up and down, clearly unimpressed. "…and with no recording, or media visuals, nonetheless. If I didn't know better, I'd say she was scared."

"Scared?" I grinned, with newfound confidence growing in my core.

"Trust me trainer…I know better." And she shut the door, leaving me in darkness, save for the desk-monitor in front of me.

[Choose. A. Pokémon.] A robotic voice hummed in my mind. I scrolled down the unfortunately small list. My options included an Infernape, an Alakazam, a Smeargle, a Ditto, a Salamence, and a…

"What on earth is that?" I said out loud, looking at the strange Pokémon, swirling on my screen with red and blue. I got out my phone, and aimed the camera at the image on the computer.

"Porygon Z." It said simply. "This Porygon has been enabled to travel to dimensions beyond the intellectual capabilities of man-kind. This type of travel has had odd and unexpected effects, however."

"The hell?" I looked inquisitively at my phone, and then back to the screen. I flicked carelessly at the monitor, bringing up its stats. It had a nice special attack, and good speed, but I would feel better using Pokémon I was more comfortable with. I flicked back to the Infernape.

"Infernape." My phone began.

"Shut up, I know what an Infernape is."

"The Fire Monkey Pokemon."

"Cancel. Turn off. Shut down." I commanded, pressing several buttons at once on my phone.

"Infernape uses all of its limbs to attack, utilizing several different-"

I tore the battery out of my phone, causing the voice to crackle and disappear.

"That's better." I sighed.

I looked over the Infernape's moves and stats, pleased to see a familiar 'Fake Out' listed in the sets. Overall, it looked like the Infernape played by about the same rules as Static did – dish out as much pain as possible, and don't get hit.

I could work with that.

I clicked select, and the machine made a pleasant ding, registering that one out of my three choices was made.

"Alakazam isn't too bad…" I glanced at its stats. "Nice speed, awesome Special Attack… yeah, this should cover Infernape pretty well."

Lastly, I picked Salamence as my final. Who wouldn't choose an awesome dragon?

[You have selected your final Pokémon. Would you like to re-select any?]

I thought the receptionist said I couldn't change?

[Re-select.] I choose out of curiosity.

[TOO BAAAAD!] The robotic voice was exchanged for a deep, cackling baritone as suddenly the room started to shift. The floor jolted upward, and in fright I turned to the door, which had now disappeared. I stood in the center of the room, bewildered, unsure of what was happening.

I'm in an elevator.

The thought crossed my mind like a wave, slowly calming me down. I wish someone had told me! The small room looked nothing like an elevator, and in fact looked rather lavish, with red cushion walls and the expensive looking desk monitor.

Light poured over me, and upon looking up I saw an automated gate open above me. The elevator stopped, pushing only the bottom of the elevator to the new floor. As I rose, I saw Sandy standing at a similar platform, looking expectantly in my direction. I cocked my head, and gave her my signature grin.

"Didn't expect that." I admitted.

"Josh!" Sandy exclaimed, unlike herself. She extended her arms; a show of power in the vastness of the arena. "Remind me, how are you still bewildered after seeing what secrets I hold? Bask in the glory of the Battle Factory, and relish this moment as the moment you get beaten…" She let her hair fall, and opened her eyes, revealing bright, hauntingly amber yellow contacts, now fully resembling the Alessandra I remembered. "…by Alessandra, master, and Frontier Brain!"

I shot her a queer glance, and smirked to myself. "Are you recording this?"

"By regulation, all battles in this hall are recorded." She spoke professionally. "However, for this battle, I have made a special exception. No cameras will be recording this. Just you and me, Josh…" She spoke menacingly.

"Oh? No cameras, huh? Don't want risk your loss getting on film, now do we?"

If any part of me thought that statement was correct, I was sorely mistaken. She laughed, then casted her cruel gaze on me once more. "No, no. Recently articles in the tabloids have been accusing me of 'lack of sportsmanship' when it comes to battles. They called me callous." Sandy put on a mock frown. "They claimed I didn't just beat my opponents, I intentionally made them suffer for their mistakes, drawing out the battles, and forcing them to watch, helpless, as their mistakes caused their ruin."

"Why would someone lie like that?" I asked inquisitively.

"Lie? Oh, it's no lie, Josh." Sandy purred. "I like my prey to suffer before conceding defeat. I enjoy the pain in their eyes as they're slowly forced to watch me win."

"You're evil." I concluded, smirking.

"Not yet I'm not. The reason those cameras are off-" Sandy pointed left in a vague direction. "- is because no one else will be here to call me cruel, for what I'm about to do to you."

"Oh? Such hubris…" I countered.

"Hubris is for those whom do not truly possess the prowess I do." Sandy scoffed. "Back in Kanto, you claimed you thought you were better than me. I cannot allow this train of thought to continue…"

"And what shall you do about this, my dear?" I implored.

"Destroy you, slowly. Crush you without mercy, though in such a way where you still believe you have a chance until the very end. Show you what a true battle is like, and truly persuade you-" She twisted around, snatching a Pokéball off her belt, and smiled wildly with her unnatural, fierce golden eyes. "-that you never had a chance against the great Alessandra!"

"Convince me." I breathed, a determined grin on my face and a Pokéball in my hand.