Total Pokkemon Island

by Shuckle Master

36(secretly 37) Pokemon compete in a competition hosted by Victini for one million poke (Which Victini secretly doesn't have to give). Who will win? Who will lose? Who will hook up, and who will manipulate their way to the top? Disclaimer: I own nothing. Except my OCs?...maybe? Starts getting good around chapter 8 or so. Before that, eh...

21. Chapter 21: And Then There Were Some

Hey guys, sorry for the delay, but here's the next chapter!

Before we start, there are just a few quick notes.

Everybody give a big hand to my editor: Premasaur. This is his first chapter for TPI, so say goodbye to errors! Hopefully! (If you find any blame him, not me)

And for a special treat, we have Dark Arcanine as a guest writer. He writes some TPI too, so check him out!

Um...so this was going to be a Halloween update, but...um yeah. It's the 18th of November. So I guess this is a Sun and Moon special then? Speaking of which I STILL NEED TO GET THEM! AAAAAAGGGGGGH!

Let's start up the chapter!

000

"Are you sure these guys are up to it?" Victini asked, looking a bit put off. Hariyama stood next to him, easily carrying two large suitcases in his hands. Facing them was Phione, who looked as enthusiastic as always.

"Oh these guys are awesome! They have their own show back at their dimension. And believe it or not, they're even bigger jerks then you guys!"

Hariyama and Victini exchanged a glance, before Victini cleared his throat. "Uh, wow. Um...I'm not sure if I'm comfortable leaving the cast behind to Pokemon as bad as you say…"

"Could that possibly be concern in young Victini's voice?" Hariyama laughed. Victini wheeled on him.

"N-no, I JUST-ARGH DAMMIT, FINE! Bring them in, Phione!" Victini growled.

Phione grinned. "Alright! Hoopa? Bring the rings in!"

He snapped his finger, and in a moment rings found themselves floating in the air, the inside a wavy dimension of purple. In a moment, three beasts dove out, hitting the dock on their feet and leaving a few cracks.

"What the hell?" the brown and red lion-like beast growled. "HOOPA! WHAT'D YOU DO?!"

"Phione payed for your travel expenses. You should thank him; those were first class tickets, hehe!" Hoopa stated with her signature giggle.

"Ugh...not this multidimensional bullcrap again…" the yellow and black smilodon growled.

"Welcome to this dimension...Raikou, Entei, and Suicune!" Phione introduced cheerily.

Victini held a distant expression. "Seriously? This is who you said were jerks?" Victini asked..

"Oh trust me, they are-"

"I resent that…" Suicune stated with a harsh frown. "And you are definitely more mature than our dimension's Phione...she's still a baby on our side…"

"And also more irritating with that girlier version of Justin Bibarel voice…" Entei muttered.

"Well I'm also a boy, soooo-"!" Phione mumbled.

"Well you three don't seem THAT bad, even funny…." Victini stated. "Hmm...maybe this isn't such a bad choice after all…"

Phione giggled. "I knew you'd see it my way! I'll see you dudes later!"

With that, he dove into the ocean, leaving ripples in the waves.

"So...uh...based on your nervousness, I see you're absolutely nothing like the Victini that we know…" said Raikou.

"Yeah, you're much more of a pussy…" Entei stated, earning him a whip from Suicune's tails.

Victini rubbed his hands together. "Okay guys, I've heard you weren't half bad at hosting. Could you do a fellow legendary a solid and cover for me? Arceus finally tracked me down and apparently I have to make sure a kid named Ash Ketchum loses another Pokemon league."

"Wow, this really is different…" Suicune said. "Didn't our Arceus eradicate all of the humans just so us Pokemon can live normally?"

"Ignoring that…" Raikou said, sweat dropping. "Sure…"

"WHAT?!" Entei roared. "We already had Arceus and Giratina breathing down our necks about working our own show! Why the hell are you so chill about this?!"

"Because I don't care and we can go back to tortur-, I mean...providing our own contestants with the hosting that they need…" Raikou said, passing a cheesy mile toward Victini and Hariyama. "Plus, there's probably no Drilbur here…"

Entei immediately froze. "Fine by me", he said with a smile.

"Suicune?" Raikou asked.

Suicune rolled her eyes. "Fine...we already have everything planned anyway…"

Victini nudged Hariyama. "Dude, was I like this when we started out?"

"No," Hariyama said gravely. "These three are far more intimidating."

"Good…" Entei said with a smile. "Glad to make an impression…"

"So do you guys have a fee or something?" Victini asked. "Because we have a pretty shitty budget."

"Your campers' pain and s-" Entei started before being elbowed by both Raikou and Suicune.

"Um...actually, about…..4,000 Poke each should do it…" Raikou said. "Either that or pay us in food…"

Victini's eyes gleamed. "Well funny you should mention that. It just so happens Munchlax received a package for a lifetime's supply of doughnuts…"

"But I hate doughn-" Suicune started.

"GREAT!" Raikou interrupted. "We'll take them…"

"Glad to see that having fatasses on these shows extends across dimensions…" Entei said under his breath.

"Well", Victini started, clapping his hands together and rubbing them. "I guess we should go ahead and introduce you three to the remaining campers. And, luckily enough, these are the campers that have made it to the merge…"

"Interesting…" Raikou stated with a rather sinister smile. "And uh, how many of them are left?"

"Eighteen…" Victini replied proudly. "See, we had thirty-six, so we decided to have our merge be evenly split…"

"Fine, I guess…" Entei said, rolling his eyes.

"Great!" Victini said enthusiastically, though he was a bit iffy about Entei's attitude. "We'll be back in time for the elimination ceremony!"

As the two boarded the boat and set sail, Victini looked thoughtful. "So I guess they don't have humans anymore either. It means I can stop using the Ash Ketchum excuse for whenever I leave."

He sighed. "I mean, who would believe that there was a kid who stayed ten for thousands of years."

Hariyama rolled his eyes. "Young Victini would be surprised."

0000

Charizard was a morning person, and he had a particular fondness for coffee. It was about eight AM when Infernape went over to him, looking a bit off color.

"Infernape? You look like you're going to hurl chunks," he said in surprise at the monkey's expression. Infernape gave a slightly sheepish grin. "Sorry man, just nervous. Could-could you give me some advice?"

Charizard's eyebrow raised. Infernape was one of the Pokemon he got along well with. He certainly wasn't very smart, but he was easygoing and followed orders well, as long as they weren't too complicated. "Sure. What's up?"

"Well…..the truth is, I wanted to know how to lead!" Infernape blurted out. "I mean, you've led the Striking Sevipers for the entire first half of the season! You seem to be the best person to ask."

Charizard was astonished, but bit his tongue to stop himself from demanding who exactly Infernape planned to lead. Patience, he told himself. He could USE this.

"Well try to be firm, but not stifling. I think that was a problem that both Parasect and Ninjask had," Charizard said. "Try to keep up a good relationship with whomever you are leading, which shouldn't be too hard for someone like you. But at the same time, keep some form of semblance of power over them. You need to be in control."

Infernape, rocking back and forth on the balls of his feet. "Um got it dude. Thanks!"

He turned to leave, but Charizard stopped him. "What is this about, exactly?"

Infernape blinked. "Oh! I have a squad now! We rock!"

He ran off, leaving a stunned Charizard.

000

Charizard punched an open palm. "Look. I'm not a leader anymore, so that means I'm not tethered to a team. But that doesn't mean I don't want to control the game. And I'm not happy that an alliance is forming. That looks like something I'll need to take care of. Not to mention, I haven't forgotten that thief."

0000

Ampharos usually liked to sleep late, so when he felt paws digging into his stomach he was a bit disoriented when he quickly snapped up.

"Oh….hey honey," He said tiredly as he looked at Zorua standing over him. She was blushing, but managed a small smile.

"Want to go for a walk?" She asked, already knowing his answer. Ampharos gave a wide grin and thumbs up.

"Cool! Let's go by the docks!"

0000

Zorua looked incredibly awkward. "This wasn't what I was expecting at all from this competition, but we're at the merge now! I don't want Ampharos gone, but I also don't want to lose my chance at the prize…

0000

"So did you just want to go for a walk for fun, or was there something you wanted to talk to me about?" Ampharos asked, happily humming a tune.

Zorua sighed. "Yeah actually. Look Ampharos, just relaxing is fun and all, but we need to watch our backs. This is when the numbers really start thinning in the competition."

"Yeah I noticed," Ampharos said with a frown. "I feel a little melancholy about it to be honest."

"Good, because we need a plan," Zorua said, a little irritated that he wasn't understanding her. "There are some threats still in we need to target. Like Swampert or Charizard. The two of them could destroy both of us with one hit, and Charizard is a leader!"

Ampharos gulped. "Yeah I guess. I never really wanted to target anybody though."

"I KNOW you don't," Zorua said, and her face was heating up again. "That's what I love about you. But the others aren't like that. I'M not like that. If you want to win, you have to play hardball. Get your little alliance to vote with us, and we're guaranteed to make it far."

Ampharos sighed. "I guess you're right. Who do you want to vote for?"

Zorua thought for a moment. "I'd say Charizard at this point. He dosen't like me, because he thinks I'm corrupt. But trust me, he is way worse."

Ampharos raised an eyebrow. "Really?"

"Trust me," Zorua said grimly. "When you learn acting and how to mimic someone, you learn to read people pretty well. Your buddy Donphan will say the same thing. Charizard has issues, Amphy, and perhaps more frightening, a mega evolution. We can't afford to keep him in."

Ampharos looked a little uncomfortable, but nodded. "S-sure. Anybody else you want to leave?"

"As I said, Swampert's a big threat. I KNOW he's a nice guy," she said as Ampharos gave a shout of outrage. "But have you seen him? The dude could bench press a house! And he's pretty smart. We need to think with our brains, not just with our hearts."

0000

Zorua grit her teeth. "Look I know I sound bad here, but I'm not sorry for this. I'm really trying to play fairer, but this is still a game, and not a vacation. I had a reason for coming, and I still intend to win. Or at the very least get Ampharos there."

0000

Munchlax face was against the table. "I'm sooooooooooooo hungry! That letter that told me that I would get free donuts was a lie!"

Shuckle sighed. "Will you stop complaining? I told you the idea of it was ridiculous. Besides, we need to strategize."

"Ain't that your schtick?" Bidoof asked, puzzled.

"Well yeah, but I'm one guy," Shuckle muttered. "What we need to do right now is stay on everyone's good side, and maybe try and get Scrafty out along the way."

"Well then why don' we talk to Infernape an'' his pals?" Bidoof asked. "They all seem like a good buncha' people."

Shuckle and Munchlax both gaped at him.

"What?" He asked, still smile.

"Nothing, that was just really well thought out," Munchlax said, looking surprised.

Bidoof frowned. "Well I'm not a complete dunderhead. Why don' I talk to Infernape, I'm the most social outta all o' us. Be right back!"

Munchlax whistled lowly. "Seems Bidoof is taking the merge seriously."

Shuckle chuckled. "At this rate he's going to put me out of my job."

Bidoof ran over to where Infernape was eating, giving him a high five. Infernape grinned at the smaller Pokemon. "How are ya, little dude?"

Bidoof nodded up and down quickly. "Pretty swell! Listen, I was just wonderin' if you and your friends wanted to vote with us after today's challenge."

Infernape blinked. "Shit that's today?"

Bidoof nodded again. "Accordin' to Shuckle anyway. He said that we ought to work together."

Infernape shrugged. "Well Donphan told me that we shouldn't invite anyone else into the alliance, but maybe we can pick someone to vote for?"

They both stared at each other for a moment.

"Please forget what I just said," Infernape pleaded.

Bidoof's head cocked to the side. "Forget what?"

0000

"Oh yeah, I forgot. Bidoof is as stupid as I am," Infernape said with a sigh of relief.

0000

Lucario sat at a table with Swampert and Grovyle, with Gallade off in the corner. She and Grovyle had hit it off well, and Swampert was always easy to talk to.

"You guys are lucky," Grovyle said with a note of bitterness. "You two and Gallade still have mega evolutions."

"True, but I want to use it fairly soon, you know?" Lucario said. "I'd rather not be a target."

"I'd like to save it," Swampert rumbled. "I'm looking for a good fight more then anything else."

Lucario raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Maybe we can go a few rounds."

Swampert bowed. "I look forward to that day."

"Looks like that day is today, guys," Scrafty said, walking over. "Apparently there's a challenge today. New hosts too, because Victini ain't here."

The three of them exchanged curious glances, but started off towards the center circle of camp.

0000

"Personally, I wouldn't mind if those two fought it out in mega evolution form. Gives me something less to worry about," Scrafty said with a shrug.

0000

Everyone made it to the center circle of camp, where they were met by the three legendary beasts.

"Hello", Suicune greeted. "I'm Suicune and this is Raikou and Entei…"

"Did you really have to introduce all three of us?" Entei growled with a grimace. "I can introduce myself…"

"Okay, don't start!" Raikou snapped, silencing them as the remaining contestants exchanged bewildered and nervous expressions. That escalated too quickly.

"Well it's nice to meet you, but where is Victini?" Slowking asked, making sure to sound polite in the presence.

"We're getting to that!" Entei roared, causing a few of the campers to jump at his sudden volume.

Tepig snickered. "You know, usually when one thinks of legends, they're powerful and majestic. You lot are about as wise and majestic as Pidgey was."

"Foreign bacon, shut the fuck up…" Entei growled.

"Entei is giving me a Braixen flashback," Grovyle grumbled. "Is he going to try and burn down a forest too?"

"I'm more worried about what they'll do to us," Swampert said, his expression grim.

"Now, Victini told us that you've all successfully made it to the merge…" Suicune said with a smile.

The campers looked around at each other, some nervous, some triumphant. Umbreon sighed. "I don't like where the three of you are going with this."

"Well, that means that you're gonna be in for a more intense and awful time…" Suicune said with her same smile.

"Called it," Umbreon mumbled.

"The challenge that your Victini gave us, in the spirit of how close Halloween is, is to see who among you will be able to stay inside of a haunted house the longest", Raikou explained. "In the house, there will be traps that will automatically eject you, scary scenarios that you won't be comfortable with, things that make you piss yourselves…"

"Are you reading off of a script?" Lucario said, raising an eyebrow.

Raikou threw a script away.

"Do you three even have qualifications to host?" Lucario continued, sounding suspicious.

"To be fair, I'm pretty sure Victini wasn't qualified either," Ivysaur mumbled.

"Did you have qualifications to make it to the merge?" Entei retorted. "And FYI, we're on our second season already, so yes. We DO have qualifications…"

"Yeah, qualifications to be complete tools," Tepig grumbled.

"Anyways…" Raikou said, ignoring Tepig's comment. "That's your challenge…"

"I'm not seeing much of a problem with this," Slowking said slowly. "We're all fairly smart and powerful Pokemon, most of us have the mettle to survive scares. What catch is there in this?"

"Well, we're known for having unorthodox challenges even pre-merge in our show…" Raikou explained. "So... not only will the traps eject you, some will well...kill you…"

There was a collective gasp among the campers.

"By the looks on your faces, you guys are surprised…" Suicune said. "Don't worry, you won't really die, you'll just receive painful stimuli...and black out."

"Which will also take you out…" Entei added.

"Okay they've gotta be lying. There's no way that they have the guts or immorality to do this….right?" Ivysaur asked, apparently not convinced.

"You guys really don't know us at all…" Raikou chuckled rather darkly. "If you met our contestants, they can tell you that our show is no joke; we make you earn the prize…"

"Scare tactics…" muttered Zorua. "Just lovely."

"Now, how about we go and get you guys in the challenge…"

"Wait, hold on. If Victini already had the challenge pre-approved, how the hell did you guys add your 'death' bullcrap?" asked Charizard.

"You really want the answer to that?" asked Entei.

Charizard stood firm. "Uh...yeah."

Raikou groaned. "After your Victini left, we called in ours and he added a bit of his insanity to it. There you go. Now, I'd appreciate if you all would stop asking questions and-"

"So there are different dimensions with the same, but different legendaries. Intriguing…" Slowking said, off in his own world.

"NO MORE TALKING!" Entei roared, causing everyone to flinch again. "Let's just take these sacks to the haunted house."

"Hey, at least they're not as whiny as our own…" Suicune commented. "Follow us…"

000

The three of them lead the contestants into an area of the forest none of the campers had ever seen before. This area was very desolate and dry, with gray dirt and wilted plants and trees surrounding it. The haunted house stood dead center amongst it all.

Grovyle didn't like looks this immediately and almost lost it, but kept her composure.

000

"Who...would do this...TO THE FOREST?!" Grovyle exclaimed angrily, slashing at the confessional wall.

000

Munchlax inspected the marks inside of the confessional. "Well...I can take it that someone was upset…"

000

The hosts stopped in front of the massive haunted house. Some of the campers had looks of nervousness, while others had neutral or brave expressions, though their body language said otherwise.

"Welcome to the...uh…" Raikou started before seeing a slightly crumpled piece of paper crudely taped onto the stone base of the structure. "Victini's Humorous House of Horrors…"

"Ugh...even his names are weak!" Entei groaned.

"Wonderful, Ninjask 2.0," Umbreon said with a sigh.

Shuckle shrugged. "Hey it's not THAT bad…"

"Figures...weakness defends weakness…" Entei muttered, rolling his eyes. "How the hell do pathetic losers like you even make it to the merge?"

"The other half were way worse than us?" Bidoof said with a toothy grin.

"So we just um...go right in, then?" Ampharos asked, looking nervous.

"Yep…" said Raikou. "Head on in and we'll start the timer", he said, tapping a clock that appeared from seemingly nowhere."

"Where the hell did-" Shuckle started.

"We have our ways…" Suicune said with a smirk. "Now get going."

The campers slowly edged their way in through the mahogany doors, hearing a creaking noise from the hinges. As they entered the dark room, the door slammed shut behind them.

"Hmm...should we have told them about...the thing that's also in there?" asked Raikou.

"Hell no. Where's the fun in that?" Entei questioned. "They make it to the merge, they deal with the consequences…"

Suicune sighed.

0000

"It's locked!" Munchlax exclaimed as he tried and failed to pry the doors open. "Aww man we are so dead…"

"Let me try," Swampert said, trying to sound reassuring. "Forgive my lack of modesty, but I AM far physically stronger."

He jerked back the door with all of his might, causing the entire mansion to shake. The door did not budge, and a second later Swampert was flying backwards in between the campers.

"Whoa dude, are you okay?" Ampharos asked, his voice a hush.

"Fine," Swampert grunted, rising to his feet. "But it seems we won't be getting out so easily."

"Well isn't that the point?" Zorua asked, rolling her eyes. "To stay in as long as possible?"

"Still, It's unsettling," Charizard growled. "We'd better stick together if we want to survive. Those three seemed completely psychotic, and as an officer I know my psychopaths."

"Aww, but that's no fun," came a quiet giggle. Everyone turned around as one to see a little girl staring at them, floating in the air.

"Um...h-hey there…" Infernape murmured, trying to keep a steady tone.

"The game is way more fun with screaming and running," the girl said in a cheery voice, before her eyes turned red. "And you don't want to see me when I'm not having fun."

"SCATTER!" Someone screamed, and everyone ran off in different directions as the little girl laughed hysterically.

0000

"Is this some sort of library?" Charizard asked to himself as he looked around at row after row of tall bookcases. "I don't mind a good book. Maybe it'll help me keep my mind off the mansion."

He used his tail as a light to guide him through the novels, not noticing a pink sludge slowly forming on the ground behind him, growing tall….

0000

"C'mon man, we gotta go faster!" Ampharos exclaimed, sprinting next to Donphan.

"I'm going as fast as I can," Donphan snapped back. "Though we better figure out where exactly we're going!"

They were sprinting up a staircase that seemed to never end, and soon the two of them were too exhausted to keep running.

"Alright, I think we lost them," Donphan said with a wheezing gasp. Ampharos flopped down next to him.

"Yeah but where do we go? We've lost everyone else too, and we're in a creepy mansion," Ampharos muttered.

"Well there's the top of the staircase? Do you want to have a look around?" Donphan asked with a shrug of the shoulders.

Ampharos blinked. "Hey dude, what happened to your whole Shakespearean thing?"

"Er I mean WHAT HO, COMERADE! For...soothe?"

0000

"To be completely honest, fear puts off my acting," Donphan admitted. "And in my defense, that ghost girl WAS pretty creepy."

0000

Gallade signed as he walked through the haunted house. Every illusion had failed to scare the psychic type Pokémon. As such, all he had left to do was explore the house. Unfortunately, he had already explored the house twice, leaving him with nothing to do. Leaning against a wall, Gallade began to close his eye, failing to notice a confuse ray heading straight towards him.

0000

"Hey Shuckle? Is it just me or is this hallway REALLY long? And I think the paintings are staring at me."

Bidoof was dragging Shuckle's wagon, with Munchlax quivering as he followed behind them. Shuckle himself was reading a novel inside his wagon, apparently completely at ease despite the creepy demeanor of the house. He had packed up his wagon with supplies in case there was a particularly difficult challenge.

"Calm down, Raikou TOLD us that it's all illusions and jumpscares. And I highly doubt that they're trying to kill us, no matter what they told us."

"Maybe, but still...hey Bidoof, you've been silent for a while," Munchlax suddenly said with astonishment. "You doing okay?"

"Oh me? I'm fine," Bidoof said, sounding as reassuring as always. "I sure am hungry though."

No sooner had he said this, a butler was standing in front of them, bowing low. "Hello Masters. Luncheon will be held in the dining hall."

He stepped out into a corridor that had not been there a moment ago. Shuckle looked up from his book.

"C'mon guys, we'd have to be complete idiots to-"

"YEEHAW!" Bidoof exclaimed, sprinting forward and nearly throwing Shuckle off his wagon. Munchlax rubbed his stomach, apparently not going to complain either.

"Guys we aren't really-Guys. GUYS!"

0000

Grovyle cringed as she felt glass shatter, having accidentally knocked over a vase. She was in a pitch black living room, not sure how she got there.

"Dammit, that's not going to get me cursed, is it? Dammit, why aren't there any lights in this Arceus damned-"

She stopped at the sound of footsteps, quickly diving behind a curtain. Gallade kicked open the door, his blades at the ready. Grovyle's eyes squinted at the sudden flash of light.

Apparently not seeing anything, Gallade turned to leave.

"WAIT!"

Grovyle ran forward, but Gallade spun, a gleam in his eye as he slashed down with his blade. Grovyle managed to deflect it, albeit very narrowly.

"Whoa dude, hold on!" She cried, just as Gallade raised his blades again.

"Oh," he said, lowering them. "It's just you."

He turned around again.

"So you want to take on the challenge together?" Grovyle asked, an awkward smile on her face.

Gallade rolled his eye. "No, I'd rather not."

"Why not?" Grovyle asked, surprised by his sudden frigid behavior. "What's your deal now?"

"Sorry," Gallade said reluctantly, almost as if he was spitting it out. "I'm just agitated, and this is something I want to go about alone."

He was gone in another minute, leaving flabbergasted Grovyle behind.

"I can never read that guy," Grovyle remarked, shaking her head.

"And great, now I have to survive this stupid mansion by myself."

0000

"Dude, this place makes no sense," Ivysaur grumbled, holding a map in his vines. Infernape was shivering next to hm, though the fire on his head provided a decent light source.

"What's the problem?" Infernape asked, trying to ignore his jumpiness.

"We've been walking around in circles, and things just keep appearing and disappearing. I mean we just got out of that creepy room with the clown, but now it's gone like it was never there in the first place. And this map changes every time I use it."

Infernape gave a nervous laugh. "That'll be the illusions, right? Aww man this is terrifying."

"Eh my dad tore down buildings that were creepier," Ivysaur shrugged. "I mean, so far the illusions have been pretty passive. The challenge is to stay in as long as possible, so as long as we don't let the illusions faze us they won't-wait do I smell something burning?"

"Holy crap, you're right!" Infernape screeched, sprinting over to a room with smoke unfurling out. Though the room was apparently a library, everything was on fire.

"HEY, WHO'S THERE!" Came a voice that caused Infernape to jump. "SOMEBODY HELP ME!"

"That sounded like Charizard!" Ivysaur gasped, running over. Infernape put on a brave face.

"Stay here, and I'll take care of it," Infernape said, trying to sound confident. "Fire can't hurt me, so I'll be fine."

"But-" Ivysaur started, but Infernape had already sprinted inside the room.

0000

"Was that a little reckless?" Infernape asked, rubbing his head with a sheepish grin. "Probably, but isn't that my thing? Anyway, I really wanted to prove myself this challenge, y'know. I wanted to show that I had the stuff to be a leader too."

0000

Infernape ran through the burning room, not bothered at all by the smoke and fumes. He wheeled around, searching for whoever called.

"Hey? Are you alright? I need you to speak up!"

"GRAAAHHHHHH!" Came a voice, and Infernape leaped back so far that he hit his head against a bookshelf. A giant pink mass was roaring at him, Charizard halfway into the innards in his stomach, his tail swinging around and spurting out flames.

Infernape gulped. "P-punching solves every problem?"

0000

Scrafty whistled to himself as he leaned back onto a comfortable chair, lighting a cigarette. He kept his eyes completely closed, certain that illusions couldn't harm him as long as he couldn't see them.

Until a beak splintered the wood right next to him.

Scrafty opened his eyes to see a Doduo glaring at him. Scrafty chuckled.

"Wrong guy. Tepig's the one with the bird fear. Shoo!"

The Doduo squawked loudly, causing Scrafty to scowl.

"Look pal, I'm trying to nap, so-"

"RUN AWAY!" Came a cry. Scrafty whirled around to see Tepig sprinting around the corridor, chased by a flock of Doduo, some flying through the air.

Scrafty's eyes widened. "What the he-"

Tepig shot past him, and Scrafty was mobbed by the Doduo in a crash of feathers, his cigarette flying through the air…

0000

Scrafty spat out a feather. "Well that has to be the most embarrassing elimination ever."

0000

Tepig shook his head. "Dangerous beasts, they are."

0000

Sylveon edged along a hallway, trying not to hyperventilate. She had heard Ampharos and Donphan sprinting up a staircase, as well as what seemed to be Charizard screaming, but she herself had not yet been met with a scare, unless you counted the statue whose eyes seemed to follow her. She saw a light in one of the rooms ahead, which would definitely be an improvement to the pitch black hallway.

Before she could pounce in however, a paw stepped on her tail. Sylveon fell onto her stomach with a gasp. Umbreon was leaning over her, looking annoyed.

"Are you an idiot? That's the kitchen! Anybody who ever watched a horror movie should know that the kitchen never means anything good!"

"I had no idea what the kitchen-" Sylveon started angrily, but Umbreon shushed her.

"We need to be quiet," Umbreon hissed. "Just follow me and you'll be fine."

"You've been really pushy lately," Sylveon muttered.

Umbreon scowled. "I know, but you look like you're going to pass out from fright. You CAN trust me, you know."

Sylveon sighed. "Yeah, I know-"

Umbreon suddenly changed form, revealing it to be Zorua. "BOO!"

Sylveon screamed, sprinting off as fast as possible. Zorua fell on the floor, giggling madly.

"Finally, a challenge I appreciate," Zorua said. "Now who to prank next…..?"

0000

Sylveon sighed. "Zorua sure seems to be channeling Misdreavus' spirit. Jerk."

0000

"RUN, RUN, RUN FOR YOUR LIVES!" Infernape screamed, sprinting up a random staircase with Ivysaur under his arm, the grass type completely bemused.

"Infernape, what the heck did you see in there? And why are we going up this staircase, it literally materialized out of nowhere."

"No time to explain!" was Infernape's response, and soon they were darting down a hallway.

Slowking came out to meet them, looking puzzled. "It's glad to see the two of you well but-"

"No man LEFT BEHIND!" Infernape shouted, grabbing Slowking by the arm and darting into a random room. Slowking stumbled, landing on a bed as Infernape slammed the door shut.

"We gotta board it up!" Infernape said, shoving a dresser against the door as Slowking and Ivysaur shared a look of confusion.

0000

"I swear I'm getting too old for this," Slowking said with a sigh.

0000

Lucario backflipped to avoid a swing from an empty suit of armor, growling under her breath. Another raised their club behind her head, ready to strike her from behind.

The two suits of armor had come to life, attacking Lucario when she had come into contact with them. Lucario wasn't really scared per se, but she wasn't in the mood and wanted to end them quickly. Besides, the way they walked was really creepy.

Focusing her mind, she created a bone rush staff that she twirled around, fighting off the two knights at the same time. One aimed a clumsy strike that Lucario dodged easily, quickly swinging her staff and knocking the knight's helmet clean off.

Lucario grinned, but her eyes widened when she saw that the Knight did not need a head to fight. In fact it struck with increased vigor, pushing her defense back.

"GET OUT OF THE WAY!" Came a voice, and without recognizing it Lucario leaped off the balcony, spinning and digging her claws into the wall to catch her. A second later, an earthquake blasted through the floor she had just been on, throwing the Knights away from sight. Lucario flinched a little, but remained firm in her grip.

She rolled back on, but her eyes widened when she saw Swampert shaking his arms madly as a Gligar latched to his face. All form of serenity was gone, and Swampert was shouting like a trapped animal.

Lucario let out a sigh, shooting an aura sphere that knocked the Gligar off and causing Swampert to drop down on all fours, looking terrified.

"You okay?"

Swampert coughed loudly. "I'm fine. Please don't tell anybody about what happened though, I would like to keep up some sort of reputation."

Lucario cocked her head. "Why are you so scared of Gligar anyway?"

Swampert shuddered. "Bad childhood memories. Too many dares to go into the Gliscor nest. Not fun."

Lucario sighed, helping the strong Pokemon to his feet. "Honestly, I was expecting more from this challenge. Nothing really special here."

Swampert sighed. "I'd be inclined to disagree with you. And please don't count chickens before they hatch."

0000

The butler led Shuckle, Bidoof, and Munchlax into an extravagant and fancy room with a giant table of food. If Munchlax was suspicious before, it was gone now, licking his lips happily. Bidoof had on his usual happy smile, leaving Shuckle as the only one with even a hint of trepidation.

"Seriously this joke has run on far enough. Can't we just-?"

"Be. Our. Guest," the butler sang, and little teapots, plates and forks came to life, dancing and singing. "Be our guest, put our service to the test! Tie your napkin 'round your neck cherie, and let us do the rest.

"Come on guys, this is dumb can't you see it's just a test?" Shuckle asked, his pitch in perfect tune with the song.

"Don' you worry this is fun, let's jus' take a break from our quest," Bidoof sang.

"Yeah c'mon don't be an ass, just look at the way that's salad dressed," Munchlax continued, licking his lips.

"If you're stressed, it's fine dining we suggest. Be our guest, be our guest, BE OUR GUEST!" Everybody but Shuckle sang as one, finishing on a high note.

Everyone laughed as Munchlax grabbed a piece of steak, smacking his chops, he brought it to his mouth.

But when he bit down, it was on an empty fork. "Bwuh?"

All of the food was gone, and the Butler was laughing evilly. With a snap of his fingers, his form changed into that of a Haunter.

Bidoof and Munchlax both yelped, stumbling back, but Shuckle simply rolled his eyes. "REALLY shoulda seen this coming guys."

Plates began rising high in the air, before throwing themselves at the trio as the Haunter giggled, the three of them sprinting away as fast as they could…

0000

Grovyle slowly made her way into the kitchen, trying to remain on constant alert. She cringed at the smell of blood, growling a little at her stupidity.

"Figures you go to the place with all the things to kill you. Just grab a weapon Grovyle, and you'll be fine."

She checked in all the drawers for a possible weapon, but apparently there was no silverware. Shrugging, she opened the refrigerator….

And was met with a disembodied head of a Wooper.

"Hiya!" The Wooper said, apparently oblivious to Grovyle's shock. "I'm looking for my friend Diglett, have you seen him?"

Grovyle blinked, before slamming the door shut, walking away with wide eyes. From the inside of the refrigerator, a muffled voice sighed.

"Why do they always run?"

0000

Sylveon and Umbreon were walking down a hallway, trying to ignore the creepy paintings. They both jumped up when they heard a scream from Tepig.

"Oh Christ no, it's horrible! How could anybody be so cruel?"

"Is he in trouble?" Sylveon gasped. "What's in there that could faze Tepig that much?"

Even Umbreon looked unnerved. "We can go Sylveon. We don't have to get involved in this."

"W-we have to, Umbreon," Sylveon said firmly. "He could be hurt."

"W-well alright then," Umbreon replied, steeling her nerves. The two stepped into the room and gasped. Tepig whirled around, wide eyed with fear.

"Don't look at it! You can still walk away!"

But Sylveon and Umbreon pushed past and gasped. There in front of them….

Was HM01Cut.

"Eewwww," Sylveon cringed. "That's disgusting!"

"It's so lame it's making me sick," Umbreon muttered.

Tepig snorted. "Honestly that's the worst thing that could have been in this room."

0000

"That clock is really freaking me out man," Ampharos said with a sigh, staring at a grandfather clock, the shape creepy in the darkness of the room. Donphan shrugged.

"Not as scary as that giant Ditto. It nearly made me break the fourth wall."

"Speaking of which, dude are you sure we lost it?" Ampharos asked, his voice breaking a bit. "I mean it's still loose in the mansion, right?"

"If it is I'll deal with it!" Donphan trumpeted. "My trusty sword will turn it into putty."

The clock struck twelve, and suddenly it opened, letting out a jet of fire towards the unsuspecting Pokemon.

"Ampharos!" Zorua cried out, turning visible as she tackled him out one way as Donphan rolled the other, the fire separating them.

Zorua landed right above his face, shuddering a little as a static shock ran through her body.

"Sorry!" Ampharos hissed.

"It's fine," Zorua reassured him. "In fact I think I'm beginning to like it."

Ampharos gaped at her, but Donphan let out a trumpet of warning. "We need to split up, the flames are too high! And to be honest I don't think now is the time for a romantic moment!"

The opening of the grandfather clock continued to breathe fire, forcing Zorua and Ampharos to dive through a door as Donphan left where he came.

0000

Munchlax and Bidoof collapsed on the ground. "Holy crap, what WAS that?"

Bidoof shuddered. "They just MOBBED Shuckle like a Kanto Barbeque."

Munchlax sighed. "Well we better move on. Ugh, usually we have Shuckle to guide us."

"Maybe we just split up and search for clues!" Bidoof said, his exhaustion gone.

"This isn't Growlithe-doo," Munchlax muttered. "I'm saggier then a melted potato and you're dumber than a brick. Maybe together we'll stand a chance but alone-"

He blinked. "Aaaaand he's already gone. What are the odds."

0000

Ivysaur and Infernape sat on the floor, playing cards as Slowking took a nap on the bed. Infernape had a fun time teaching Ivysaur poker, and the two talked a little about the competition.

"So do you have any idea who we should vote for?" Ivysaur asked as he folded a playing card. "There are a lot of dangerous guys here."

"Aww man I don't know, I don't like thinking about it," Infernape chattered. "I just wanted to relax with you guys until the end. I don't know anything about politics."

"Well, maybe we can go for one of the guys who still has a mega evolution?" Ivysaur asked. "Lucario is pretty scary for starters."

"Maybe," Infernape said. "But I like Lucario!"

"Umm…..how about Gallade?" Ivysaur asked.

"Aww but he's so cool!"

"Er Swampert?"

"But he's so wise and strong!"

Ivysaur sighed. "What about Zorua? Nobody likes Zorua."

"But she's-"

"Infernape, stop man!" Ivysaur snapped, letting out a bit of his frustration. "We have to vote out SOMEBODY."

Infernape looked down awkwardly. "Um I know...but…"

"GRAAAGH!"

Slowking's eyes shot open as he created a psychic barrier with his mind, just as the giant Ditto burst through the door. Infernape and Ivysaur leaped back in shock, but Slowking's barrier managed to hold.

"How did he break through?" Ivysaur asked as the Ditto swarmed over the barrier. "We boarded the door up as much as we possibly could!"

Infernape simply looked horror struck, continuing to stumble back as Slowking struggled to maintain the barrier.

"I can't….hold it up forever….some sort of signal is messing with my brain. You two, try to slip through while I hold him off!" Slowking growled, sweat dripping down his forehead.

"But what about you? Don't sacrifice yourself for our sake!" Ivysaur shouted at him as he tried to pull away a terrified Infernape with his vine.

"All….I ask is that you do not vote for me," Slowking muttered. "Just...make sure I'm remembered for this…"

"S-sure thing," Ivysaur said, and for a moment Slowking's barrier strengthened, giving Ivysaur and Infernape a chance to dart out the door.

Slowking let out a gasp as the barrier faded away, collapsing down to one knee as the Ditto lunged forward….

Ivysaur and Infernape were sprinting down a hallway, looking panicked.

"Dude, we gotta go back!" Infernape wailed.

"We can't!" Ivysaur said regretfully. "We can't do anything more to help him-Infernape?"

Infernape had tripped over something, falling flat on his face. Ivysaur looked confused, before widening his eyes as he realized he was staring at a spider web, Ariados and Galvantula tying the now unconscious monkey around.

"Oh jeez um…." Ivysaur started, when two Ariados hopped down in front of him with deep hisses. One fired a string shot that Ivysaur managed to dodge.

"Um I can see you're busy with your meal, and th-that's fine but...I gotta go!"

He turned and ran as fast as he could, muttering an apology to Infernape as the spiders wheeled on him, licking their lips…

0000

Bidoof crawled up into the vent, wiggling his butt as he squeezed in. "I wonder if this is the right way to go?"

0000

Gallade's gait was slow and uneven, something burning in his chest. His whole body twitched like he was going to snap at any moment.

Kirlia's voice sounded in his head, and the bladed warrior could feel the burning anger in his his chest threatening to explode out of him. But he had to be strong.

When the Zubat jumped out at him he ignored them. When the next room was filled with creepy, bloodstained clowns, he ignored them. When zombies of past eliminated campers leaped out at him, he ignored them.

But the stabbing pains from in his eye patch were impossible to ignore, and he could feel himself losing control.

"You know the cost if you fail us," the cold voice of the Bisharp said. "Get us the money, and everyone makes it out unscathed."

"Real scary," Gallade snarled. "I know it's just an illusion."

Bisharp looked amused. "Is it?"

He swung a blade, catching Gallade across the face and knocking him to the ground. Gallade felt a drop of blood slide down his face.

This was real.

With a feral snarl, Gallade launched himself forward, meeting the Bisharp in a flurry of strikes. They fought back and forth, feinting, parrying, and striking hard, but Bisharp kicked him in the chest, knocking him to the ground.

"I told you what would happen if you tried to fight back," the Bisharp said. "And after all these years you still can't beat me."

Gallade rolled back up to his hands and knees, practically hyperventilating. "A year ago, I would have contained myself in fear that I would hurt too many others."

The Bisharp cocked his head as Gallade ripped out the eyepatch. He stared at Bisharp, a mega stone lodged into his eyesocket. "But now I could care less."

He glowed with a harsh light, the Bisharp rippling and vanishing as the pink barrier enclosed around Gallade. It exploded, revealing a taller Pokemon with sharper blades and a white billowing cape.

Mega Gallade looked at his surroundings, his new eye glowing with intense power as he glared at Munchlax, who had stumbled into the room.

Munchlax gulped. "Um...hi Gallade, are you-?"

Mega Gallade lunged forward, kicking Munchlax hard in the stomach, sending him flying backwards and slamming him into the wall.

"OW WHAT THE HELL DUDE?" Munchlax screeched as Gallade threw a psycho cut, the little bear somehow managing to dive out of the way to dodge the massive explosion it left behind.

Munchlax landed in a roll, sprinting out as fast as he could, screaming at the top of his lungs. "GALLADE'S ON A RAMPAGE! EVERYONE SAVE YOURSELVES!"

0000

"Did you hear screaming?" Ampharos suddenly asked looking out of the door he and Zorua were holed up in.

"I didn't hear anything," Zorua said without interest. "Don't let this place get to your head, alright? This is all to mess with us."

"I guess so," Ampharos muttered, not looking convinced. "Sorry I'm being such a wimp."

"You're fine Ampharos," Zorua said, blushing a little. "In fact, you know we have some privacy now. Alone...in a dark room…."

Ampharos laughed. "Are you trying to seduce me or scare me?"

Zorua grinned evilly. "Maybe a little of both. Now why don't we-"

"HEY HOWDY HEY! MIND IF I SPEND THE NIGHT GUYS?" Ivysaur suddenly barged into the room, knocking Ampharos over and shocking the both of them.

Zorua's eye twitched. "Hi Ivysaur. Do what do we owe the pleasure?"

Ivysaur's eyes were wide. "I'VE SEEN SOME THINGS, MAN. I JUST WATCHED INFERNAPE BE DIGESTED BY SPIDERS. CAN I USE YOUR BATHROOM?"

"Will you keep it down?" Zorua hissed. "We don't want to...is it suddenly cold in here or is it just me."

Ampharos gulped, looking at the ceiling. "Umm….Zorua?"

A cold purples mist was descending down, laughing sinisterly. Zorua gaped.

"Yeah, fuck that noise. Let's get out of here!" The three of them darted out of the room, the mist following….

0000

Bidoof hummed as he climbed through the ventilation shaft, before hearing a cry. He cocked his head at the noise, but didn't pay attention for long.

"Oh nice!" He said. "An' openin'! I must have Giratina's own luck!"

He dropped down into a small office unlike the rest of the dark, gloomy house. It was bright for one thing, and machines and buttons labeling 'illusions' were labeled everywhere. A Hypno was at a computer, sipping some coffee.

"Wow! What a place," Bidoof said in astonishment.

"Wait, you aren't supposed to be here!" The Hypno shouted, spinning around. Bidoof threw himself forward, headbutting the psychic type hard in the face. Hypno collapsed with a groan.

"Oops, sorry 'bout that," Bidoof said sheepishly. "Reflex."

The Hypno did not move.

"Er well….don' say anything if ya want me to touch all of these interestin' buttons."

The Hypno did nothing.

"Well I can' deny a direct request!" Bidoof said eagerly. "Le's have a looksie!"

He hopped up on a chair, looking at all of the buttons. Shrugging, he tapped one.

A cool, synthetic woman's voice filled the room. "Welcome to the Victini's Humorous House of Horrors Illusion center. Please state the password in a clear voice."

"Hmm….." Bidoof said to himself. "Now what would a good password be? How about…..Ninjask is as dumb as a sack of Miltank patties rolled up into one disgustin' cake?"

"Access granted," the voice said. "Please state your name."

"BIDOOF!" Bidoof exclaimed.

"Welcome Bidoof, my name is NIKE, mainframe of the Illusion Center. Would you like a brief tutorial on how my programming functions?"

Bidoof shook his head. "Nah. I'd rather tap up some buttons to see what they do!"

"Well that certainly seems reasonable. Do enjoy yourself."

000

"UMBREON, DON'T LET GO!" Sylveon screamed as the giant pink blob pulled her in, Umbreon gritting her teeth as she tried to prevent her from being dragged away.

"I'm trying!" Umbreon snarled as Tepig threw heavy objects at the Ditto, nothing even affecting the monster.

Umbreon flinched as a canoe banged into her head, causing her to stumble back. "OW! Hey where the hell did you even get a canoe anyway!?"

Tepig shrugged. "I dunno."

"Guys, I'm being pulled in. Ew this so gross," Sylveon said as her head was pushed under. Umbreon growled, pawing the ground.

"Oh no you don't! RAHHH!" She charged into the Ditto, throwing herself into the gooey mass. The Ditto roared and trembled as it tried to overcome the dark type…

Tepig stepped back. "Well I'll just be running in the opposite direction then."

He turned and sped away, leaving the still struggling Ditto behind him.

0000

"Will you calm down?" Lucario asked as she and Donphan faced a terrified Munchlax. "You look like you've seen a….oh well I suppose it makes sense."

"N-no, G-gallade is-" Munchlax started, chattering his teeth. Swampert raised a hand to calm him down, before suddenly leaping in front, creating a protective barrier.

The Psycho cut exploded on impact, and Swampert winced as he maintained the protect. An instant later, Mega Gallade sprinted down the hallway, a gleam in his single eye.

"What the hell?" Lucario asked to herself, but Mega Gallade jumped high in the air, over Swampert's shoulders and elbowed her in the face, throwing her off the balcony.

Munchlax leaped back, letting out a shriek as Swampert threw a punch that Mega Gallade caught easily, aiming several kicks to his stomach. Swampert faltered, and Mega Gallade carved into his chest with a leaf blade.

Munchlax stumbled back, trying to find an opening, with Mega Gallade aiming his next attack.

A sudden lurch threw the both of them off balance as the very room began to change shape, distorting itself.

0000

From the clear window ahead of him, Bidoof could see the entire Mansion change it's shape, becoming an odd sort of indoor construction site. Crates were everywhere, with an unfinished building high in the air. There was even a bulldozer as a finishing touch.

"Wow….that's fascinatin'!" Bidoof exclaimed, tapping more buttons.

"Would you like to introduce a fear to this area?" Nike asked, and Bidoof nodded vigorously. "Sure thing!"

0000

"What the hell? This stupid mansion doesn't make any sense!" Zorua snarled as she ran alongside Ampharos and Ivysaur.

"Yeah I can't remember all this cement," Ivysaur admitted as he eyed some of the construction cones.

"Wait? Is that-?" Ampharos asked, before a psycho cut hit the ground in front of them, the explosion blasting the three of them back. They groaned as they hit the ground, Ampharos craning his neck to see….

"He mega evolved!" he shouted, and Mega Gallade whirled around to see them. Swampert was facing him, somehow managing to recover from the leaf blade.

"Shit, scatter!" Zorua hissed, turning invisible as Ampharos and Ivysaur ran in other directions. Mega Gallade unleashed a flurry of psycho cuts, exploding all around them.

Swampert grunted, throwing his hand to the ground, his fist powerful enough to crack the cement in an explosion of power, Gallade leaping up high in the air to dodge, landing one of the supply crates.

"Why...are you doing this?" Swampert asked, falling down to a knee as Mega Gallade shot towards him, his scythes at the ready.

He spun around, changing direction as Ampharos shot off a thunderbolt. Gallade wheeled on him.

"Why do I do things?" Ampharos mumbled.

Mega Gallade's psycho cut blasted through the crates, but Zorua jumped in the way, taking the full on hit.

"Ha, dark type!" She sneered. "Ampharos we'd better-"

A low growl suddenly caused them to turn around, revealing the giant form of the ditto, diving down towards them.

"Run!" Zorua shrieked, turning invisible as Ampharos darted away, suddenly tripping over a box and falling flat on his face with a growl. The Ditto loomed over him, but in the next second a box struck it, causing it to flinch.

The Ditto whirled around to see Ivysaur throwing boxes at it with his vines. "Uh get away from him, you giant...uh...thing!"

The Ditto roared, absorbing some of the boxes and turning towards Ivysaur, who threw razor leaves to no affect on the giant creature.

"Why do I do things?" Ivysaur murmured as the Ditto grabbed him by the vines, slowly dragging him into itself as he tried to break free.

Ampharos scrambled to his feet, but in the next instant Donphan was thrown into him, bowling the two of them over.

"Er, long time no see?" Donphan asked with a chuckle as Mega Gallade shoved Swampert backwards, the powerful water type barely blocking his strikes.

"Gallade, you need to come down," Swampert huffed, trying not to falter under the vicious assault. "Do not let your mega evolution consume you."

But all Mega Gallade saw when he was facing Swampert was a laughing Bisharp, who swung a sharp claw.

Mega Gallade spun around, kicking Swampert in the face to knock him out, before turning to the remaining Pokemon. Ampharos had grabbed Ivysaur, trying to pull him away from the giant mass of the Ditto as Donphan stabbed at its back with his sword.

Mega Gallade grinned evilly, charging forward, but then suddenly a bulldozer slammed into him, Munchlax jerking on the joystick to try and control it.

Mega Gallade slid back, snarling, as Munchlax gulped, swinging the heavy claw that Mega Gallade caught easily with his own.

Munchlax sighed as Mega Gallade launched himself forward. "Why do I do things?"

"AWW DUDE IT'S PULLING ME IN! Save me man, save me!" Ivysaur cried as Ampharos slid backwards in his efforts.

"Ew…." Donphan said, wiping off his blade. "There's pink goo everywhere!"

"Dude, help out!" Ampharos cried as Ivysaur felt himself be pulled in, trying to strain away as much as he could.

A bulldozer suddenly slammed into the Ditto, blasting it backwards and freeing Ivysaur. The dozer smashed against the unfinished tower, threatening it to topple over. Munchlax bounced off, landing on his face with a groan.

"Whoa, where did THAT come from?" Zorua asked, suddenly becoming visible. "That thing just flew at us from-"

Mega Gallade flew forwards, aiming a strike, but Donphan suddenly slammed into him from the side, knocking him backwards. Donphan landed next to Ampharos, with Zorua and Ivysaur behind them. Munchlax stumbled to his feet with a groan.

"Alright, five of us, one of him," Zorua said. "We can take him."

"Um, anybody got a plan?" Ivysaur asked, as Mega Gallade got into a fighting stance.

Ampharos shrugged. "Hit him till he dies?"

"CHARGE!" Donphan trumpeted, rolling forwards.

Mega Gallade snorted, spinning and sending off a psycho cut. Ampharos and Ivysaur shot off a thunderbolt and razor leaf to meet it in a powerful explosion, Zorua turning invisible behind them. Munchlax sighed, muttering to himself that he was an idiot as he charged towards Mega Gallade.

Donphan pulled out of the roll in a jump, swinging down his sword to meet Mega Gallade's tonfas in a shower of sparks, but in the next instant Mega Gallade kicked him away.

Munchlax came up from behind him, aiming a punch that Gallade blocked easily, swinging up a kick that jerked his head up, spinning around in a roundhouse kicked that blasted Munchlax backwards.

Ivysaur gulped, rolling to the side, but Munchlax smashed into Ampharos' stomach, throwing the two of them backwards. Ivysaur gulped as he faced Mega Gallade alone, his vines at the ready.

Gallade rushed Ivysaur, who casted out his vines in defense. Mega Gallade slashed through them like butter, but then suddenly jerked back, Zorua turning visible and grabbing him by the neck.

As Mega Gallade stumbled backwards, Ivysaur felt a lightbulb go off in his head. He had an idea. Cocking his bulb forward, he burst out a sleep powder that washed over the two of them.

Mega Gallade's eye widened, leaping backwards to avoid the powder, finally shaking Zorua loose. With a grunt, he threw her through the powder, the fox landing next to Ivysaur in a roll, snoring loudly. Ivysaur sighed. That had backfired.

Mega Gallade pointed a blade at Ivysaur, but then had to roll out of the way as Donphan shot past.

Donphan continued to roll around in circles around Mega Gallade, who watched him out of the corner of his eye. Ivysaur nodded, narrowing his eyes and releasing a leech seed that Mega Gallade backflipped to avoid.

Seeing his chance, Donphan threw himself at Mega Gallade, who simply slid forwards to meet him, kicking him up in midair.

Donphan gulped, trying to stay curled up, but Mega Gallade jumped in the air, twirling and slashing though his body with leaf blades, before using his body as a kickstand, smashing Donphan into the pavement in an explosion of dust. Mega Gallade landed in front, a bloodthirsty grin on his face.

"And then there were four," Munchlax groaned as he and Ampharos darted over to where Ivysaur was quivering. The giant Ditto was reforming from where the Bulldozer had smashed into it, enveloping the vehicle.

"Three actually," Ivysaur said with a wince, gesturing to the sleeping Zorua. "Sorry about that."

Ampharos turned to Munchlax. "Can't you use that pancake thing from last challenge?"

Munchlax rolled his eyes. "That was a one challenge gimmick. I can't do that again!"

Mega Gallade slowly walked forward, beginning to speed up. Grimacing, Ampharos fired a thunderbolt. Gallade leaped to the side to dodge, but then Ivysaur's vines wrapped around his arm.

"Hey!" Ivysaur said in excitement. "I have him!"

Mega Gallade let out a roar, jerking back the vine and throwing Ivysaur forward with a scream. He swung Ivysaur around his head by the vines like a bizarre yo-yo, Ivysaur's screams in his wake.

Munchlax ran forward, but Gallae blocked his attacks easily, elbowing him in the face and sending him stumbling backwards. Ivysaur groaned. "Oh ew….gonna throw up…SOMEBODY GET ME OFF THIS RIDE!"

Ampharos sprinted forward. "Don't worry little dude, I got you!" His hand closed into a thunder punch, but fast as thought Mega Gallade swung Ivysaur to the side, using him as a living shield to block the strike.

"Ow!" Ivysaur cried as electricity coursed through his body, Mega Gallade swinging him forward, forcing Ampharos to leap backwards. The shaved sheep aimed several strikes, but Gallade spun around Ivysaur like a ball on a chain, taking all of the hits.

"Ow! OW! Ampharos stop that!" Ivysaur cried out as Ampharos accidentally hit him with his tail. Ampharos mumbled an apology as he ducked under Mega Gallade's attack, bringing up a fist.

But Gallade jerked his hand down, swinging Ivysaur's face into the fist. "AMPHAROS, YOU TEAM KILLING BASTARD!"

Gallade spun around, swinging Ivysaur and hitting Ampharos over his head, bringing him down as Munchlax charged forward. "Pulverizing Pancake!"

Mega Gallade smirked, sticking out a foot. Munchlax tripped over his leg,hitting the ground in a roll as Gallade cartwheeled over to him, still swinging Ivysaur.

Munchlax tried to rise, but Gallade's kick smashed into his stomach, knocking the wind out of him, before Gallade aimed another that struck between his legs, Munchlax's eyes bugging out.

"M'DICK!" Munchlax screamed, as Gallade spun around, using Ivysaur as a baseball bat to slam Munchlax high into the air, before finally swinging him down into the ground, Ivysaur's head smashing into the pavement, his eyes rolling back in his head as he fell unconscious.

0000

Bidoof sipped some coffee, enjoying the violence until Munchlax slammed into the window, whimpering in pain. The two stared at each other.

"Bidoof!" Munchlax cried out, his voice muffled on the other side. "Help out! Gallade's going crazy!"

"Intruder located on the window. Initiating defense system," NIKE said cooly, and Munchlax screamed as electricity zapped him, falling from the window and crashing on the ground.

"Hmm…." Bidoof mumbled, cocking his head. "Can we send anythin' to stop Gallade?"

"We could always remove the oxygen," NIKE said fairly. "I calculate a 98% chance that the fighting will cease."

Bidoof blinked. "Well that seems reasonable."

0000

Grovyle and Tepig were sprinting out of a room, the two of them looking terrified.

"Thank Arceus that was just an illusion," Grovyle shuddered. "Imagine if those two became the presidential candidates?"

"Nah sheila," Tepig said, waving a hand. "Gumshoos and Hillary Cubone? We're more likely to get Sinnoh remakes."

"Pssh, and that's never going to-What's going on there?" Grovyle asked. A second later Swampert flew backwards, cracking against a wall.

"Holy shit mate, you look you got hit by a bulldozer," Tepig said, looking alarmed.

"The irony of that statement isn't even funny," Swampert grunted, trying to get up.

Mega Gallade turned towards them, brandishing his scythes. The Giant Ditto was slithering towards Ampharos, opening its mouth.

"Um….hi Gallade? How are you-?"

Mega Gallade roared, throwing another psycho cut that Tepig and Grovyle dodged, Swampert managing to throw up a protect to block it.

"Er...well I suppose you can take on that pink monstrosity," Tepig said with a shrug.

"Oh yeah and what about you?" Grovyle asked pointedly. Tepig grinned, giving Gallade a long look.

"No!" Grovyle snarled.

"Grovyle-"

"NO! Are you insane? He's going to put you in a coma!"

"Maybe, but I'll look sexy while doing it," Tepig said with a wink. "Watch, this'll be a ratings pussy magnet."

Grovyle rolled her eyes. "Shoot yourself in the foot, fine. I don't care."

She sprinted off to face the giant Ditto, shooting bullet seeds. Gallade ignored her, instead stepping towards Tepig. "You."

"Oh so you recognize me?" Tepig said in mock surprise. "Good, that PTSD shit was gettin' old."

Mega Gallade threw back his head and laughed. "Bisharp can wait. For now I'm going to turn you into porkchops."

Tepig sprinted forward in a flame charge, snorting out smoke. Mega Gallade stabbed a scythe down with perfect timing, pinning Tepig down by his tail and throwing him down.

Mega Gallade stomped down with his foot, but Tepig managed to roll out of the way, snorting smoke out of his nose that covered Gallade entirely.

Slowly stepping back, Tepig's nose glowed with an intense red power as he prepared a flamethrower. But an instant later, Gallade shot out of the smokescreen, smashing into Tepig's nose and throwing him backwards.

Grovyle rolled around the Ditto, her bullet seed peppering it's gooey skin. The Ditto lunged for her, but she was too quick, sprinting around and aiming several leaf blades.

Tepig hit the ground hard, rolling to his feet and aiming a punch that Gallade blocked easily, landing several jabs into Tepig's stomach.

"Oy, timeout!" Tepig said, trying to stumble away. "Bathroom break!"

"You WILL be pissing yourself when I finish you," Mega Gallade snarled, throwing a psycho cut that exploded in front of Tepig, who flew backwards into Swampert's arms.

Mega Gallade stomped over, and Tepig leaped out of Swampert's arms. "Don't worry, I have him right where I want him. I'll beat him without a doubt."

Gallade snorted. "How?"

Tepig threw himself at his enemy, his entire body cloaked in blue flames. "Fuck you, that's how."

Mega Gallade rolled his eyes, catching Tepig, though the impact managed to slide him back a bit. Mega Gallade punched Tepig hard in the stomach, causing him to cough out smoke.

"Pathetic," He growled, slamming him into the ground. Tepig rose to his feet unsteadily.

"C'mon mate, is that all you've got? Minccino hits harder on Wednesdays!"

"Wednesdays?" Swampert asked warily.

"Oh for sure, see she wears this dominatrix outfit and-oof!" Mega Gallade hit him in the stomach again, blasting him into the wall.

"Too much information," Gallade growled, as Tepig managed to rise up to his feet again.

"Thank you sir, may I have another?" Tepig asked, wiping some blood from his mouth.

Gallade closed his eye, letting out a groan of disgust. "You are RUINING THIS FOR ME TEPIG!"

Tepig shot out a flamethrower that Gallade simply sidestepped to avoid. "Come on, hit me again, I could do this all day."

Gallade lost his composure, shooting forward and punching Tepig again and again, who couldn't even fight back. He followed up with a vicious uppercut, throwing Tepig in the air, waiting for him to fall down in a thud.

"Ha… that tickled," Tepig groaned, apparently too weak to move. Gallade rolled his eye, lifting him up in the air. Gallade glared at the bruised face of Tepig, a scythe to his throat.

"Any last words?" He asked in a husky voice. Tepig spat blood on his face.

Mega Gallade's eye twitched.

0000

"Er Nike?" Bidoof asked from his chair, watching the scene play out in front of him. "Why is Gallade slamming Tepig's face against the wall?"

"Well Bidoof, this is likely stemming from Gallade's increasing range. This is only helped by Tepig's barbs and quips," Nike replied.

"Oh...well then if it's makin' Gallade angrier...then why is Tepig doin' it?" Bidoof asked, completely mystified.

"It is likely because of Tepig's overwhelming desire for attention. He was ignored by his quarreling parents and as such acts melodramatic so he won't be ignored."

"Oh," Bidoof said, as Mega Gallade continued to beat Tepig's head against the wall. "Hey what does that button do?" He tapped it, and one of the crates began to open slowly.

0000

Mega Gallade slammed his foot into Tepig's stomach, causing him to squeal in pain.

Gallade snorted in laughter. "That's hilarious!" He stomped down on his stomach again, enticing another squeal from Tepig.

"Oy that's not fair!" Tepig groaned. "I'm a pig, it's a natural reaction-SQUEAL!"

Mega Gallade doubled over in his laugh as Swampert rolled his eyes. He eyed him.

"Why aren't YOU trying to stop me?" He asked coldly.

Swampert sighed. "I don't have the power. Also Tepig's kind of a jerk!"

Tepig glared. "I thought we were ma-SQUEAL! STOP THAT!"

Mega Gallade raised him up again. "You know, you sure can take a lot of pain."

"Oh yeah, I'm a total masochist," Tepig said, nodding vigorously.

Mega Gallade cringed. "Really?"

Tepig snorted. "Nah, you just fucked up my nervous system. I can't feel pain anymore."

Mega Gallade sighed. "Fine, I'm bored of this charade anyway, so-"

Zubat and Golbat flew from the crate, swarming Gallade, who stumbled back, swinging his blades wildly. Tepig fell from his grip, falling limply on the ground.

Mega Gallade threw psycho cuts, blasting away the bats as Tepig stumbled to his feet.

"Holy shit, I can still stand. Now...uh-oh."

Gallade threw another psycho cut, blasting him away in the other direction, slamming against the unfinished tower, which threatened to tip over. Next to him, Grovyle continued to dodge the Ditto.

"See, I knew this would happen," Grovyle remarked, to which Tepig simply groaned.

Gallade sprinted over. Grovyle immediately went over to grab Tepig, but he waved a hand. "Don't worry love, I have a plan."

"You know what? Fine, but you brought what happens next onto yourself," Grovyle said, raising her hands up in the air and stomping away. "Let's go, Giant Ditto."

"GRAAAGH!" The Giant Ditto replied, and the two walked off together.

0000

Grovyle shrugged. "Honestly, he's not so bad once you get to know him." Her face darkened. "Unlike SOME guys I know."

0000

Tepig coughed, rising to his feet once again. "Okay, so why don't we take a bit of a break before the fight-"

"Massacre," Mega Gallade said gruffly.

"-FIGHT continues. I'm having a ripsnorter here, but I still have a few questions," Tepig continued. "Want a drink?"

"No, I WANT you to shut up," Gallade growled.

"How rude," Tepig said, before Gallade slammed him against the tower. "No more talking."

Tepig rolled his eyes. "Right. Tell me, why are you doing this?"

"Because you're annoying the shit out of me," Mega Gallade shot back.

"Oh come the hell on, if annoyance was a factor then Pidgey would've been murdered weeks ago," Tepig said. "In fact, why the hell are you even doing this at all? Just beating the shit out of people."

Mega Gallade blinked. "I need to find Bisharp. He's here. I have to-"

"You ARE mental," Tepig snorted. "I thought you were just tired of my shit."

Mega Gallade's shoulders sagged as he tried to keep his composure. Bisharp, think of Bisharp, where was he?

"Want to hear a joke?" Tepig asked. "How many Gallades does it take to screw in a lightbulb?"

Bisharp...ignore Tepig, he's just a moron. Think of revenge. Not-

"All of them! One to screw in the light bulb, and the rest to evolve into Gardevoir. Because let's face it, who would ever pick Gallade over-"

Mega Gallade smashed Tepig back into the tower, hard enough to crack it. The tower slowly hinged forward, tipping over.

"'Bout time," Tepig said to Gallade as his eye twitched. "Want to hear a touching' story?"

He suddenly jerked up his head, headbutting Mega Gallade hard in the face. As the mega evolution stumbled back, Tepig rolled away. He grinned.

"Once upon a time, you got killed."

The tower fell on Gallade with a crash. Tepig pulled himself up.

"And I lived happily ever after. The End. Eh?" The tower was being held up by Gallade, who was one on knee.

With a shout of pure rage, Mega Gallade lifted up the tower, rising to his feet.

Tepig sighed. "Piss."

Mega Gallade threw the tower at Tepig, catching him in the stomach and launching him into the wall. "FINALLY, THAT OBNOXIOUS VOICE ENDS!"

"Good, now will you please calm down?" Swampert pleaded. "You've already knocked everyone out, I'll surrender and you can win the challenge."

Gallade's eye narrowed. "Tell me where she is, and I'll revert. You can't fool me."

"Gallade I have no idea what you are even talking about," Swampert said warily. "I'm not sure what is going inside your head, but try taking a deep breath-"

Mega Gallade took a step forward. "Fine, we'll do it your way."

Swampert sighed. "Then you've left me no choice."

He glowed in a harsh light, his muscles becoming bigger and more powerful. He was hunched over, punching his fists against each other. "Stand down. I will not ask again."

Gallade leaned back and laughed. "A rematch, Bisharp? I'm going to kill you."

Mega Swampert growled. "I'm getting really sick of your PTSD bullshit." He shot forward, nailing Mega Gallade in the jaw. He slid back, wiping away a bit of the blood.

The charged towards each other, meeting in a flurry of punches, kicks, and slashes.

0000

The entire top of the mansion exploded, Mega Gallade and Swampert shooting off attacks at each other as they floated high in the air. Mega Gallade flipped forward, his tonfas in a leaf blade, but Mega Swampert used protect at the last moment, blocking the blow.

The pure power of the move, however, was enough to propel Swampert backward into the ground, throwing up a cloud of dust.

Swampert slammed his fist on the ground just as Gallade hit it, exploding the very earth around him. Mega Gallade dug his scythes into the ground as an anchor, slowly pushing his way through the earthquake.

000

The entire top of the mansion exploded, Mega Gallade and Swampert shooting off attacks at each other as they floated high in the air. Mega Gallade flipped forward, his tonfas in a leaf blade, but Mega Swampert used protect at the last moment, blocking the blow.

The pure power of the move, however, was enough to propel Swampert backward into the ground, throwing up a cloud of dust.

Swampert slammed his fist on the ground just as Gallade hit it, exploding the very earth around him. Mega Gallade dug his scythes into the ground as an anchor, slowly pushing his way through the earthquake.

As the carnage occurred, Raikou and Suicune had amused faces, while Entei yawned. "I've seen more intense battles on WWP...and they're all fakers!"

The other hosts chuckled as the contestants turned to them in utter shock.

000

"Yep...I think I'm horrified of these guys now…" Shuckle said.

000

Victini floated next to Hariyama, the two just getting back from their journey. "But really, I think we need some sort of snappy tune to go along with the show. Something about wanting to be famous and living close to the sun!"

Hariyama shrugged. "Hariyama does not quite understand. Wouldn't young campers already be famous simply by being on the show?"

"Yeah, well I haven't worked out all the details," Victini said, waving him off. "Now-WHOA WHAT HAPPENED TO MY HAUNTED HOUSE!"

The entire mansion was in shambles, with most of the campers sitting around in a circle to watch Mega Gallade and Swampert battle. The two were currently in a standstill, Gallade's sharp blades slowly tearing through the blocks of Swampert's ice punch.

Victini whirled around to face Entei, Raikou, and Suicune, who were simply watching the fight with satisfied grins. "What the hell happened!?"

"Oh swordplay and mudshitter started battling, it got intense, and they destroyed your house…" Entei explained nonchalantly.

"Why the hell do you sound so CALM?!" Victini blustered.

"Because this is pretty normal for us...and a few other hosts," said Raikou.

"I have a lot to learn," Victini said with a sigh. "Alright, so apparently this challenge ended early. Anybody survive to the end?"

Silence. The campers sitting around the circle all looked beat up. Tepig in particular had bruises all along his body and when he grinned a tooth was missing.

"Thank you for your patronage," a voice said, and soon Bidoof walked out of a cubicle that had apparently survived the explosion.

"Wow, does this mean I win?" Bidoof asked, smiling.

"I...um yes Bidoof," Victini said awkwardly. Soon Grovyle walked out as well, still talking to the giant Ditto.

"Oh are you still in a cranky mood?" Grovyle asked, looking at Mega Gallade struggling with Mega Swampert. "Because I don't need to be here if-"

Mega Gallade turned to look at her, and his eye widened in shock. For once he did not see a Pawniard and Bisharp with bloodstained blades, but the short figure of his little sister.

"Kirlia?" He asked to himself, before a heavy fist slammed down on top of his head. His eye rolled back and he fell unconscious, reverting back to his normal state as he hit the ground.

"Th-thank Arceus," Mega Swampert said, slumping down. He reverted back as well. "I'm not sure if I could have won that fight."

Victini sighed. "Alright. Now is THAT everyone?"

Another minute, and Lucario burst out of the mansion with a gasp, letting out several coughs. "Did a construction site, LAND on TOP OF ME?"

"Oooh, yeah that would be the way the mansion works," Victini said, before shooting a glare at Gallade and Swampert. "Or well...USED to work anyway. We had our old friend Hypno create illusions with our new piece of tech. Say hello, NIKE!"

"Hello," Nike said.

"So that was all illusions?" Ivysaur asked. "None of that was real?"

"Well….other than Gallade apparently beating the living tar out of half of you," Victini said, arms folded. "Speaking of which, Gallade what the hell?"

"I'm sorry," Gallade grunted, rubbing his head as Grovyle helped him out. "My Mega evolution got out of hand. It won't happen again."

"Alright," Victini said, apparently not convinced. "Arceus, we need a therapist or something."

He sighed. "SO, since Swampert and Gallade wrecked my property, which does NOT grow on trees by the way, you guys are NOT getting immunity. The ones who DO get immunity are Bidoof, Grovyle, and Lucario, for sort of outlasting the illusions, as well as Mega Gallade's wrath. Goddammit Gallade, you completely messed with the flow of the challenge."

He rubbed his hands together. "SO! Think of somebody else to go home. See you guys at the campfire ceremony."

He turned to Raikou. "You guys want to stay for elimination or head home now. The uh….payment's already been sent over."

"Oh we're saying. Watching a chance for victory be snatched away is very therapeutic…" Suicune said with a smile.

"Oh come on, you were the one I actually had faith in…" Victini said, facepalming himself.

"Ow...I don't get paid enough for this shit," Hypno said, stumbling out of the cubicle and rubbing his head.

Hariyama groaned. "Seriously, what the hell did we miss?"

0000

"Well, good job Bidoof," Shuckle said grudgingly as the three sat around the cafeteria. "Even if you guys DID leave me with a bunch of Disney song singing ghosts."

Munchlax moaned. "Hey, dude, at least you didn't have to fight Mega Gallade. I'm going to have to adopt if I ever want to have kids."

Shuckle sighed. "So I assume you want to vote for him?"

"Uh yeah? Dude, he kicked me in the dick!" Munchlax exclaimed.

"I guess you could say it was a dick move," Bidoof said.

"Bidoof I swear to God," Munchlax grumbled.

Shuckle bit his lip. "Well hold on. He and Swampert used up their Mega Evolutions. Shouldn't we vote for someone who still has theirs? And what about Scrafty?"

'What's your point?" Munchlax asked.

"My point is that Gallade's basically dead meat. There's no way he's winning at this point," Shuckle explained. "Now's our chance to vote for someone who we won't be able to get out again!"

"Like...who?" Bidoof asked, struggling to follow.

Shuckle looked thoughtful. "Well, let's use our heads. And in the meantime, Bidoof better talk to Infernape and see if we can't get them to vote with us."

"Sure thing!" Bidoof said brightly.

Munchlax sighed. "I'll go too. They got their asses kicked by Gallade with me. We have a sort of brothers-in-arms relationship now."

Shuckle nodded, and the two darted off.

0000

Infernape leaned against a tree, clearly trying to think deeply. Ivysaur and Donphan were with them.

"So um….are we going to vote with Munchlax and Bidoof?" Ivysaur asked nervously. "We can trust them, right?"

"Hell yeah!" Infernape said suddenly. "Yo, those guys are awesome. But um...I don't like voting for people."

"Infernape, we have too," Ivysaur said with a sigh. "Look, I know this isn't your thing, but you want to win, right?'

"Yeah…" Infernape said with a sigh. "Guess we have no choice. What do you think Donphan?"

"No tan rapido!" Donphan announced. "I am no longer Donphan, for he met his destino and fell against the mighty Mega Gallade. I am El Elefante, the Spanish knight and conquistador! El placer es todo mío, mis amigos!"

"Right….hey where's Ampharos?" Ivysaur said suddenly.

"Ooh, he's with Zorua, that sly dog," Infernape said with a giggle. "Some fruits are getting popped if you can catch my meaning!"

0000

Ivysaur sighed. "Am I the only one who doesn't trust Zorua yet? Look I hope she and Ampharos are happy, but she's still a schemer. I'm beginning to think this whole dating thing might be a ploy to gain sympathy…"

0000

Gallade leaned back in Grovyle's hamlet, holding an ice pack to his head (somehow). Grovyle passed him a cup of herbal tea.

"Drink that. It's echinacea. It'll clear your head," She said quietly. Gallade took a sip and shuddered.

"Disgusting."

Grovyle grinned. "I know. But most things that are good for you don't taste that good. You never really get used to that taste though."

She turned solemn. "Look Gallade, we've gotten closer lately, but I think you owe me an explanation. I'm not judging you, but what the hell was that?"

Gallade looked down. "It was nothing. Just my Mega Evolution getting out of hand. It's happened before on the show, remember?"

Grovyle shuddered at the reminder of Mega Sableye's raucous cackles, but shook her head. "No, dammit! There's more to this story and we both know it! We're going to talk about this, and we're both getting character development out of it!"

Gallade sighed. "Fine. I'll tell you. Tommorrow. Just give me time to-"

"Ohohoho no!" Grovyle said. "Nice try, buster, but we both know chances are you're going home tonight. C'mon, what do you have to lose?"

Gallade looked down. "Whatever! Fine, ask what you will!"

Grovyle sat across from him. "Thank you. What, is it PTSD or something?"

Gallade shrugged. "In a way. My Mega form thinks he is still back with that gang."

"Gang?" Grovyle asked in a hushed voice.

"Yes. When I was younger I was involved with them. I believed their leader to be a friend of mine, and….I wasn't the greatest person. My jobs were barely legal, at best."

"So what happened?" Grovyle asked again. "I'm sorry, but you're acting very vague."

"I'm getting to it," Gallade growled. "After a while...I started getting cold feet. My sister opened my eyes to what they really were. But then...when I confronted Bisharp he-"

His voice broke.

Grovyle's eyebrows rose. "He what?"

"HE HAS KIRLIA!" Gallade snarled suddenly, causing Grovyle to jump. "He told me if I didn't get him an amount of money by the end of the summer he'll...I don't know. But that's why I need to win this competition."

Grovyle looked horrified. "And you never told anyone about this?"

"Of course not," Gallade spat. "You have no idea how much power Bisharp has. The Police are too feeble to apprehend them, no offense to Charizard. And...I'm scared, Grovyle. Even if I get the money, what if my mega evolution takes over?"

His expression darkened. "I could end up killing the very thing I'm trying to save."

Grovyle took his hand. "I'm...shocked and horrified to hear that Gallade. I know it isn't much but…"

She smiled shyly. "I support you. If I win I'll pay off any money that he asks for."

Gallade felt a lump in his throat. "I...thank you Grovyle. It's good to know I have at least one Pokemon on my side."

He gave a strained, lopsided sort of smile that somehow managed to brighten his whole face. Grovyle grinned back, but suddenly looked curious.

"Wait...but what happened to your eye?"

Gallade cocked his head to the side. "What do you mean?"

"You're eye," Grovyle said, pointing to his eyepatch. "I assumed that it-"

"Oh...no," Gallade said, suddenly looking embarrassed."The two events are unrelated. I lost my eye the day I evolved."

"How?" Grovyle asked curiously.

"A bug flew into it," Gallade said with a shrug.

Grovyle looked confused. "Wait but...you don't lose an eye if-"

"You do if it's your first day with swords for hands," Gallade admitted.

"I don't get-ooooooh," Grovyle said, flinching. "That must have...yikes."

0000

"Gallade basically toasted himself this challenge," Scrafty said, smoking a cigarette. "May as well vote for him. Coming up next is Shuckle's posse."

He held up a bag full of sweets. He winked. "And what better way than to attack it's weakest link."

0000

The campers all sat at the campfire for the first time as individuals. Intimidating glances and tension was in the air.

Victini sat at the podium, the legendary trio beside him. "Alright, welcome to your first elimination as individuals-"

"Things will just be getting worse from here…" Raikou commented.

"Save that for your own contestants!" Charizard exclaimed. "I NEVER want to deal with you three again!"

A few of the contestants agreed with that sentiment, nodding in agreement.

"Well, that's too bad, because we've provided Victini with a lot of advice for challenges that'll make you really work."

"And experience more pain than you thought imaginable…" Entei added. "It's about time for you all to step out of bitch mode…"

"Mate, you're the only one who's been a bitch this entire time, you overgrown pussycat!" Tepig exclaimed.

"Screw off, porkchop…" Entei growled. "I honestly hope that you get eliminated just so I can laugh…"

"Okay...let's just get this started…" Suicune said, nudging Victini.

"Huh? Oh, right…" Victini said, originally distracted from them. "Bidoof, Lucario, and Grovyle, you three have immunity…"

The three of them caught their poffins as Suicune flung them with her tails. Grovyle looked back nervously at Gallade.

"Now, the first poffin goes to...Sylveon…"

Sylveon smiled as she caught her poffin.

"Slowking, Ivysaur, Zorua, Ampharos…"

The four of them looked relieved. Slowking simply chuckled. "Naturally."

"Scrafty, Munchlax, Shuckle, Infernape…"

"Hooray! I'm still here!" Munchlax exclaimed with a smile.

"Not for long, I bet…" Entei commented, making Munchlax look down in nervousness.

"Donphan, Tepig, Umbreon, and...Charizard."

"Ha, choke on that, Lion Dung!" Tepig exclaimed, making Entei growl.

Swampert and Gallade were the last ones there. Gallade flinched, looking as though he had expected it, but Swampert looked vaguely surprised.

"Well...this is surprising...not", said Raikou.

"Gallade...you destroyed my haunted house and pretty much beat the crud out of everyone. Pretty scummy..." Victini explained. "And Swampert? Er...well you are one tough cookie. You beat UP the guy who destroyed my haunted house and pretty much beat the crud out everyone. Still….it would be a dick move to go after the guy who saved everyone."

The two of them glanced at each other. Trepidation was clear on their faces.

"The final poffin goes to…" Victini said dramatically, as usual. "Wow...you guys ARE assholes. Swampert is going home!"

"What?" Gallade asked, completely stunned.

"What?" Swampert said as well. "But….why?"

"Threat votes," Slowking said simply. "You understand."

Swampert sighed. "Sadly yes, I do. I had a good time, everyone."

Gallade looked immensely guilty. "Swampert, I-"

"Save it," Swampert said, waving him off. "I don't blame you. Just...promise me that you'll work through your problems."

Gallade nodded, throwing Grovyle a look. "I...already am."

Swampert smiled bravely. "Then I'm ready to leave. Good luck, everyone."

He walked off, leaving the saddened cast behind.

0000

"Oh I feel like such a tool," Shuckle said, banging his head against the confessional. "But he was way too powerful as a camper. Forgive me dude, you were awesome!"

0000

Zorua whistled lowly. "Thank Arceus SOME Pokemon apparently know what they were doing. Swampert was strong AND nice enough to make it to the top."

She looked curious. "Still...Shuckle and Ampharos' group together are pretty formidable. I won't touch Ampharos' friends, but there are still way too many votes for me to feel comfortable with. I've laid off Team Eviolite after that whole Plusle fiasco, but we need to knock them down a peg. Again."

0000

Swampert was meditating. "I've achieved enlightenment before, and I have no need for material gain. The prospect of losing money does not bother me, but I can't deny that being voted off by my friends hurts a little."

He let out a deep sigh. "I don't have a particular choice for someone to win, but I do hope they all hold themselves with dignity in the future."

0000

"Thank God they're gone," Victini said, wiping his brow. "Those three man, dangerous."

Hariyama shrugged. "Could be worse. At least they aren't...Palkia."

"We DON'T TALK ABOUT PALKIA, MAN!" Victini said, his voice becoming shrill. "That's not cool man."

Hariyama shook his head. "Suicune was very pretty, though."

"Oh man she was a babe," Victini said with a wolf whistle. "Too bad she was sadistic. Man….this makes me miss the legends we already have."

"Like ME!?" Phione asked, leaping forward and wrapping him in a hug.

"No, not YOU!" Victini snarled, trying to break free. "Get off!"

0000

And that's all, folks!

So once again, quick thank you to Dark Arcanine. You were an awesome help, thanks!

And so Swampert left instead of Gallade. I liked Swampert, he's a good straight man for everyone else's shenanigans. I imagine him to be into Buddhism, and now I wish I had brought that into play with him.

Numbers begin to thin, so who will win?

Swampert: Ah, so I see it is finally my time. Review my good friends, and have a nice night.