Disclaimer: I do not own any of the material appearing in this story.


BGM: Shooting Star Summit (Paper Mario)

Rosalina walked up the summit with Geno behind her. "You sure this will work?" Rosalina asked.

"Positive." Geno nodded.

"Alright." Rosalina nodded, taking a deep breath and closed her eyes, clasping her hands together. "O Star Spirits, hear my prayer, guide me to Star Haven!"

Geno sweatdropped. "That's not exactly how the prayer works."

"Bear with me, they only told me the prayer once… like a thousand years ago. You'd think I'd remember that when I had a bunch of things going on in my life?"

"Fair point." Geno nodded, and then suddenly the stairs leading to Star Haven opened up. "Huh! What do you know."

"I guess that worked." Rosalina said as the two of them walked up the stairs to Star Haven, where they headed into the Star Shrine shortly after.

End BGM

"Why… if it isn't Rosalina!" A voice cried as Eldstar appeared before her, as did the other Star Spirits.

BGM: Star Spirits' Request (Paper Mario)

"Hello everyone." Rosalina greeted warmly with a smile.

"What brings you to Star Haven? It's rare of you to come visit." Eldstar mentioned. "Oh, hello Geno!"

"Greetings."

"I am sure you are aware of what is going on in the Mushroom Kingdom." Rosalina said. "I'm certain you're feeling it?"

"Yes… we have sensed dark power for a good while now." Misstar responded. "We looked into it, and it looks like it has something to do with an old fart and the return of the Shadow Queen."

"That is correct." Rosalina nodded.

"And it seems like something is going on in Gensokyo." Klevar said. "Youkai Mountain has been taken over by the Heartless and the Organization."

"Yes." Rosalina nodded again.

"Mmm, these are indeed dark times." Eldstar mused. "Darker than when Bowser came to steal the Star Rod."

"I have learned that you and the Pure Hearts are able to revive the dead, is this true?"

"That is indeed correct." Muskular nodded. "However, it takes a considerable amount of strength for us to use such power. We will be weakened by the time we do it and will take a considerable amount of time to regain our strength. It won't kill us, but it will sure feel like it!"

"We must only use it when the time is right." Mamar said.

"Indeed. We should not waste it while the Shadow Queen is alive and well. She will only kill them again if she finds out they are alive." Skolar said.

"Their spirits have been taken to Yggdrasil in Erdrea. To just simply take their souls away from Yggdrasil… it'll be quite the negotiation." Kalmar said. "Especially when several souls have been lost in a land known as Magnolia. We are calling it the Fairy Tail Massacre."

"Oh my goodness… Shadow Queen did this?" Rosalina asked.

"Technicallyno. However, she did hire a team to do her dirty work while she's attempting to guard the Crystal Stars. They call themselves Talon." Mamar said.

"And if you think Shadow Queen is being lazy and having a team to do her work, you'd be wrong. She's still getting her hands dirty." Klevar said.

"Hmm… while it is true that the Crystal Stars are key to defeating the Shadow Queen… I fear that it is not enough." Eldstar said. "While the Luminary is restoring the power of the Crystal Stars… I am imagining Shadow Queen is doing something to counteract her weakness… whatever it is, I am not sure."

"So, what are you suggesting we do?" Geno asked.

"Rosalina, I think it is time for an upgrade." Eldstar said. "You hold immense power and that wand of yours is pretty handy… however, I think it is time for you to hold something more powerful than that wand."

"Oh?"

The Star Spirits separated, revealing the Star Rod. "Our very own Star Rod."

Rosalina's eyes widened. "You… want me to have this? But, no… you know what'll happen if the Star Rod is removed from the Star Shrine! No one will have their wishes granted!"

"You are correct on that, however… the more Shadow Queen is around, the less likely anyone's wishes will come true, especially if she's at her full power, which she is rapidly approaching! If she's at her full power, everyone will be at her mercy. No dreams will be granted because everyone will be mind controlled by her. It'll be the end of the world at this point!"

"But everyone is trying their best to put a stop to her." Rosalina said.

"While that is true, they're merely exhausting themselves… which is what Shadow Queen wants." Eldstar said. "Please, accept our request and take the Star Rod."

Rosalina clenched her fists and walked over to the Star Rod. She looked at it carefully and looked at her wand. Was the Crystal Stars enough to stop the Shadow Queen, or are they right? She took a deep breath, hesitantly reaching for it but stopped herself. "Are… are you sure about this?"

"You are very wise, Rosalina. You know how to use your powers wisely. Please, take it." Mamar requested. "When you are done with Shadow Queen, we want you to hold on to it for a little while longer. Who knows what that Xehanort will do."

Rosalina took a deep breath. "I trust you… you have guided me into the person I am today." She said, gently taking the Star Rod and pulling it off from its pedestal. "I am humbled by this opportunity that you are giving me."

"We trust its power to you." Eldstar said as one by one, they disappeared.

End BGM

"You feel alright?" Geno asked.

"I feel… conflicted." Rosalina responded. "I am not sure about this."

"It's only natural if you feel conflicted about holding the Star Rod. You are only human, after all."

"Right." She nodded and put the Star Rod away.

Geno put his hand out. "Shall we meet up with the others?"

"Yeah, let's go." Rosalina said, taking his arm as the two of them closed their eyes, a light aura surrounding the two before they disappeared.


Meanwhile

BGM: Flipside (Super Paper Mario)

A dark corridor opened up on the Flipside Tower, where Kairi and everyone else walked out. "Wow! It's so pretty!" Kairi exclaimed.

"Definitely." Lea nodded and turned around to look at Demyx. "Thanks, ya doofus."

"Ah, don't mention it!" Demyx grinned.

"So, this is Flipside… fascinating." Camilla mused.

"It is remarkable, I'll give it that." Xander nodded.

"Indeed." A voice said as Ryoma walked up. "To think a place such as this exists."

"I take it that we are all here?" Sakuya asked.

"Yup!" Sanae nodded.

"I'm here too!" Suwako said.

"Alright, let's go find those Pure Hearts." Lea said. "Kairi, can you sense them?"

"I can." Kairi nodded, as she pressed a button as an elevator popped up as they walked inside and went down the elevator, as Kairi would guide them over to the first Pure Heart. "Oh… it's so pretty."

"Wow! I've seen seen a heart that gorgeous!" Sanae's eyes sparkled as Kairi walked over to it, pressing her hand on the pedestal.

The Pure Heart reacted to Kairi's touch, as it glowed brightly and then disappeared from the pedestal, only to appear in Kairi's hands. "Whoa…" Kairi whispered.

"Just like that, huh?" Lea wondered. "That was easy… how does it feel?"

"It feels… warm." Kairi whispered, smiling.

"Ah! I was wondering when you would come." A voice said as they turned around to see Merlon approaching them.

"Excuse us, but who are you?" Xander asked.

"I am Merlon. I reside her in Flipside and I am also a wizard." He explained. "I have been foretold in a dream that you were to come in the world's most desperate hour." He said. "You are searching for the Pure Hearts in order to revive everyone who has fallen from the Shadow Queen, correct?"

"…How do you know all this?" Xander narrowed his eyes, reaching for his sword.

"I have told you already, I am a wizard."

Sanae sweatdropped. "That doesn't help much."

"You can relax, I am on your side." He said.

"Easy, Xander… no need to cause a mess." Ryoma told him.

"Mmm…" Xander put his hand away.

"In my vision, I have seen a lady with a pure heart able to extract the Pure Hearts from their pedestals along with a group of friends. They use this power to revive the dead along with the Star Spirits." He explained. "They use this power once after the Shadow Queen has been defeated… however… there is one detail in my vision that I have trouble remembering."

"What's that?" Camilla asked.

"Mmm… I can't seem to recall, but I do remember bits and pieces. You fight a creature who guards the last Pure Heart… but the Pure Heart in question wasn't in Flipside nor Flopside… I can't seem to recall what it was."

"No one can remember the full extent of their dreams." Suwako said. "How long was it since you had this dream?"

"Mmm, I imagine it was a few months ago. I could remember it perfectly, but now I can't recall where it was."

"A dark creature… I wonder what it could be?" Xander wondered.

"Well, I don't know about you, but I don't want to meet this dark creature in an alley." Demyx chuckled, opening up a portal. "Welp, I'll see you guys later!"

Ryoma swiftly took his arm. "Oh no, you don't. You came with us, so you're staying."

"Wh-what?! Oh come on, you can't be serious!"

"I do recall seeing you in my dream too." Merlon said. "You are not getting out of this."

Demyx sweatdropped. "Why would a chicken like me fight a monster like that?"

"Maybe you finally grew a pair." Lea snarked.

"Hey!"

"You all worked together… so you are staying." Merlon said, causing Demyx to sulk.

"Agh… I know you guys should've gotten Vexen instead…" Demyx groaned.

"Relax, I doubt it'll be as bad as Merlon described it." Sanae said.

"Now, I assume you know where the next Pure Heart is located?"

"Yes. I can feel it calling to me." Kairi nodded.

"Your heart is in the right place. Now go." Merlon requested as they nodded and walked off… however, a light shined brightly behind them, catching their attention as Rosalina and Geno appeared before them. "Ah! More guests!"

Rosalina turned to the others. "Hello, sorry we took so long."

"Ah, don't sweat it." Lea said. "It's all good."

"Hmm? Your wand looks different." Suwako pointed out.

"Yes, I don't seem to recall your wand looking different. What's the occasion?" Xander asked.

"Well, it's a long story."

"You can explain it on the way to the next Pure Heart. Come." Ryoma said as they walked off together, unaware of a portal opening up behind them on a pedestal, with Xigbar walking out.

"Yusuke Kitagawa, Chrom, Jesse McCree… and now Ryoma." Xigbar mused. "Huh… to think they share the same voice with Ira. Who else has the same voice as them? Still… someone had stolen a Pure Heart, eh?" He suddenly smirked. "That suddenly gives me an idea with the Crystal Stars." He chuckled and walked back into the portal.

End BGM


With the heroes

BGM: Where is the Hope? (Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age)

"Well… this is a kick in the face, isn't it?" Marisa asked, sighing.

"Yup…" Reimu nodded, watching Erza training against Link and Impa.

"They'll regret that…" Natsu grumbled. "That Shadow Queen is going to pay!"

"Alright, let's all just calm down before we do something we'll regret later." Winston said. "All of us are mourning over the loss of our friends, but we shouldn't lose ourselves to revenge."

"He's right… we're better than this!" Erza said, blocking an attack from Link. "I believe this is what the Shadow Queen wants… to lose ourselves and then do something we'd regret."

"We're not going to give her what she wants from us. That's not going to happen." Jade said and then turned to Cana. "How are you feeling?"

"Mmph… terrible…" Cana grumbled. "I'm glad you caught me when you did, but… I'm not sure why I'm still alive. I should be dead."

"Survivor's guilt… it happens to the best of us." Chrom said.

"I know that! But…" Cana sighed. "To think I held on for so long… hiding outside of the guild after getting creamed by that Doomfist guy…"

"That Doomfist is no man…" Elfman growled. "These Talon folk… they're nothing but cowards!"

"We'll make sure they get what's coming to them." Lucy said. "But for now… we shouldn't lose ourselves like this."

"Do you think we'll win?" Wendy wondered.

"I don't think we will… I know we will." Marisa grinned. "After all, the more she kills, it just motivates us more to kick her ass when the time is right!"

"Gihi! I like the way you think!" Gajeel smirked.

"I'll kick her ass so hard, that Shadow Queen will WISH she got beaten up by George Washington and Abraham Lincoln! Those two are WAR heroes!" Soldier declared. "They never lost, so why should we!"

"…I think you got your history mixed up, love." Tracer said, sweatdropped.

"Dah. That he has." Heavy nodded.

"It's Soldier. The lad's always a doofus." Demoman chuckled.

"Oh, never you mind!"

"Alright, darlings! We're here!" Sylvando exclaimed, pulling up to Rogueport.

End BGM

BGM: Rogueport (Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door)

"This place is a dump…" Gray said.

"Tell me about it." Marisa agreed. "I'm glad we don't stick around that long."

"Eh, it's not that bad." Luigi said.

"Well yeah, because we haven't gotten mugged yet." Scout said.

"I'd like to see 'em try to mug me." Bowser smirked as they headed over to the warp pipe.

"Armor!" Brigitte reminded as Reinhardt sighed and took off his armor, handing it to her. "Thank you~!" She smiled and then hopped in.

"There has got to be a less humiliating way…" Reinhardt grumbled.

"Nah, you just gotta grin and bear it." Gray said.

"Right… but at least I wear undergarments." Reinhardt said as he hopped in.

"What's that supposed to mea-AAAAAH!" Gray yelled, covering himself up.

"Oh my goodness!" Juvia exclaimed, blushing hard.

"Dude. Get some help." Marisa said.

End BGM


Once at the Thousand Year Door

BGM: Hall of the Thousand Year Door (Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door)

"Holy crap!" Natsu exclaimed as he looked at the Thousand Year Door. "Look at the size of this thing!"

"Fascinating…" Erza mused.

"Hmm… anyone else getting deja vu here?" Lucy asked.

"You too?" Carla asked.

"Yeah… for some reason, I feel like we've been here before." She said.

"What makes you say that?" Luigi asked.

"Well… it feels like we've gone on some mission over some ancient treasure…" Lucy said.

"I think you're just losing it, Lucy." Natsu said. "I don't feel the same way!"

"I will admit it… there is some familiarity to this place." Erza said. "I wonder if I saw it in a dream…"

"All of us?" Gray raised an eyebrow.

"That's strange." Wendy rubbed her chin in thought.

"Do you have any idea what they're talking about?" Cana asked as Elfman shook his head. "Thought so."

Marisa stepped onto the pedestal, lifting the map into the air, the light show happened and the map lowered to Marisa as she caught it. "Alright, let's take a looksee." She said as they all gathered around to see where the next Crystal Star was located. A stadium popped up in the middle of the map, the Ruby Star appearing in front of the stadium as well.

End BGM

"Is that a stadium?" Mei wondered.

"Looks like it. Come on, let's go to the professor." Marisa said.

"Actually! Why don't we just come to you?" A voice asked as they turned to see Frankly and Goombella approaching them.

BGM: Professor Frankly (Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door)

"With your ever expanding group, I don't think my office can handle it anymore!"

"Sorry…" Reimu apologized.

"No need to apologize! I probably should have expanded my lab had I known something like this would happen." Frankly chuckled. "Now then, let's take a look at where you're headed next." He said as he and Goombella studied the map.

"Oh my goodness!" Goombella exclaimed. "Is that where I think it is?"

"Yup, it looks like it!" Frankly said and turned over to the others. "You, my friends, are heading to the Galar Region!"

"Galar?" Robin asked.

"Yes! It is basically a recently newly discovered region." Frankly said. "If the Crystal Star is here, then that could mean one thing."

"That we're headed someplace light hearted?" Junior asked.

"Yes, but given the fact that the Shadow Queen is moving around, who knows what she might do. You mustn't let your guards down just because you're about to go see a lot of Pokemon. Be on your guard!"

"You got it!" Marisa nodded.

"Let us be off!" Sylvando exclaimed as they took off.

End BGM


Meanwhile

"Welcome one and all to another glorious battle in the Hammerlocke Stadium!" An announcer exclaimed as the crowd cheered. "You know her all the way from Postwick, the girl that's always on fire, the lady who has most of all the badges, the girl with a mouth on her and is also Scottish, GIVE IT UP FOR GLORIA!"

The crowd went wild as Gloria walked into the stadium, waving to the crowd.

"And her opponent, the man with the Dragons, the man who loves taking selfies… Gloria's final opponent before she goes off to face the champion… GIVE IT UP FOR… RAIHAAAAAN!"

Raihan walked into the stadium, as a Rotom Phone was taking pictures of him as he let out a chuckle, then the two of them met at the center before going to their sides. "Alright, you faced all the other gym leaders, but this is where your journey ends!"

"Oh, you really think so, eh? We'll see about that!" Gloria smirked. "I'm gonna beat your arse into submission!"

"Heh, the folks don't lie." Raihan smirked, pulling out two Pokeballs. "Gigalith! Flygon! Let's rock!" He exclaimed, tossing them in the air.

BGM: Battle! Gym Leader (Pokemon Sword/Shield)

Gigalith and Flygon came out of their Pokeballs, both of them letting out their battle cries. Gloria smirked at this and took out two Pokeballs of her own, one of them being an Ultra Ball. "Roserade! Darmanitan! Let's kick some arse!" Gloria yelled, calling out her Pokemon.

"Rose!"

"DARMANA!" Darmanitan exclaimed.

"Roserade! Throw some Toxic Spikes on the ground and use Petal Blizzard! Darmanitan, use Superpower on Gigalith!"

"Oh, gonna play it like that, eh?" Raihan smirked. "Gigalith, use Stealth Rock and use Rock Blast on that Darmanitan! Flygon, Crunch up that Roserade!"

All their Pokemon obeyed their commands as Roserade laid out some Toxic Spikes and unleashed Petal Blizzard. Darmanitan charged at Gigalith and unleashed Superpower on it, sliding the Gigalith back after it used Stealth Rock, but it retaliated with a Rock Blast at point blank, sending the Darmanitan flying back but it recovered while Flygon flew over and tried to chomp down on Roserade, but it quickly jumped back… but Flygon was faster and bit down on its shoulder. "Rose!" Roserade winced.

"Great, now hold it there while using a Thunder Punch!"

"GON!" Flygon yelled, unleashing a point blank Thunder Punch on Roserade.

"Rade…!" Roserade cried.

"Oh, I don't think so! Fok it up with a Giga Drain!"

"…A what now?" Raihan asked in surprise as Roserade grabbed a hold of Flygon and unleashed Giga Drain on it.

"Gon…" Flygon groaned, releasing its grip on Roserade's shoulder.

"Petal Blizzard!" Gloria ordered as Roserade unleashed a Petal Blizzard to finish it off.

"Fly…" Flygon groaned as it fell to the ground… and then Raihan put it away.

"You did good." Raihan smiled and then pulled out another ball. "Sandaconda, let's rock!"

"DARMANA!" Darmanitan was knocked back by another attack by a Rock Blast.

"Darmanitan, hang in there!" Gloria ordered as Darmanitan let out a cry and suddenly changed into its Zen Mode, hopping about like an angry snowman. "Alright, now we're talkin'. FOK THAT GIGALITH UP WITH AN ICE PUNCH!" She yelled as Darmanitan bounced up in the air.

"DARMANA!" Darmanitan yelled, using Ice Punch.

"Sssssand!" Sandaconda got in the way and used Protect.

"Fire Fang that snowman!" Raihan ordered as Sandaconda stretched out and bit into Darmanitan, quickly defeating it.

"Rrrgh… return!" Gloria put Darmanitan back. "You did well… Togekiss, let's rock!" She called out as Togekiss came out, and got pelted by Stealth Rock.

"Kiss…!" Togekiss winced but shook it off.

"Heh, what do ya know! This got interestin'!" Raihan smirked.

"Finish off that Gigalith with a Grass Knot, Roserade! Togekiss, Metronome!"

"ROSERAAAAAAAADE!" Roserade slammed its petals into the ground, as vines came out and slammed into Gigalith, slapping it repeatedly until it fell in defeat.

"Sandaconda, prevent that Togekiss from using Metronome with a Glare!"

"Roserade, protect Togekiss!"

"Sssssand!" Sandaconda glared at Togekiss.

"Rose!" Roserade got in front of Togekiss and took the full brunt of the paralysis. "Rade…!"

"Toge Toge Toge… KIIIIIIISS!" Togekiss finished the Metronome, as a massive tidal wave came out of nowhere and slammed into Sandaconda and also slammed into Raihan.

"Ack! Plepth!" Raihan spat out the water while Sandaconda had fainted from the attack. "Well played…" He smirked, putting Sandaconda away. "Now it's time to get REAL!" He smirked and then called out his last Pokemon, Duraludon.

"Duraaaaa!"

"Get ready, you two!" Gloria urged.

Raihan smirked. "Bring the storm! My partner will send everyone in the stadium flyin'!" He exclaimed, sending Duraludon back in its ball, but then pressed a button on his wrist as the Pokeball grew gigantic and pink as he did a quick selfie with his Rotom Phone before throwing it behind him… and then his Duraludon Gigantamaxed.

"LUDOOOOOOOOOOON!"

"Blow them away with Max Steelspike!" Raihan yelled, quickly diving out of the way as Duraludon slammed its foot into the ground as massive spikes of steel rose from the ground quickly as Gloria's eyes widened.

"BRACE YOURSELVES! GET OUT OF THE WAY!" Gloria yelled, quickly diving out of the way as Togekiss quickly flew up while Roserade tried to move, but paralysis happened to kick in at the wrong moment, as they slammed into Roserade, sending it flying into the air.

"RAAAAAAAAADE!"

"ROSERADE, NO!"

"Toge!" Togekiss flew over to Roserade, catching it as it was falling as Togekiss came flying back, gently landing near Gloria.

"WAHAHAHAHA! DO YA FEEL THE RUSH OF GIGANTAMAX?!" Raihan laughed as Gloria checked on Roserade, as it wasn't responding. It got KO'd hard from the Max Steelspike.

"…Now you've gone and pissed me off…" Gloria growled, putting Roserade back. "TWO CAN PLAY AT THAT GAME, YOU FOKING BASTARD!" Gloria screamed, tossing out a Pokeball into the air. "CINDERACE, LET'S FOK SHIT UP!" She screamed, as Cinderace came out and took a hit from the Stealth Rock… and then Gloria slammed her hand into her bracelet and then called Cinderace back… before throwing it behind her, Gigantamaxing her Cinderace.

"RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACE!"

"Hoo! Leon, you gave her a Scorbunny that can Gigantamax!" Raihan exclaimed. "Heh, you never cease to amaze me." He smirked as the crowd was going nuts at this point. "Knock that massive fireball with a Max Wyrmwind!"

"Counter that with an Arceus damned Max Flare!" Gloria screamed. "Togekiss, Metronome again!"

"DURAAAAALUUUUUU!"

"CINDEEEEEER!"

Both Pokemon unleashed their moves, colliding into each other and caused a massive explosion that covered the entire stadium. "Nnngh!" Raihan covered his eyes, but Gloria didn't. She didn't even flinch "Keep using max Wyrmwind!" Raihan yelled through the smoke.

"Max Flare again!"

Both Pokemon unleashed their moves… right as Togekiss completed Metronome… as a massive moon appeared above Duraludon, where Togekiss unleashed Moonblast on it.

"DURA!" Duraludon winced, taking a lot of damage from the Moonblast… lowering its concentration which gave Cinderace an edge and hit it with Max Flare.

"Duraludon, hang in there!"

"Finish it off, Togekiss! Dazzling Gleam!" Gloria yelled as Togekiss flew into the air right as Duraludon was about to recover from the Max Flare attack… and then Togekiss used Dazzling Gleam on the Gigantamaxed Pokemon, causing it to roar… and then exploded, shrinking back down to normal size and fell over.

End BGM

"I DON'T BELIEVE IT, FOLKS! GLORIA HAS MANAGED TO BEAT RAIHAN! NOW ALL SHE HAS TO DO IS BEAT THE UNDEFEATABLE CHAMPION THAT IS LEON!"

Raihan put his hands behind his head casually after dismissing Duraludon as Cinderace turned back to normal. "Race! Race!" Cinderace exclaimed, high fiving Gloria

"Alright, alright, I getcha." Raihan chuckled, handing over the badge for Gloria while also shaking her head. "Your reputation precedes ya. You're an animal out there."

"Heh, you ain't half bad either." Gloria smirked as she dismissed Cinderace and Togekiss. "Think I'll do a little more trainin' before heading off to Wyndon." She said and hurried off to the Pokemon Center to heal up her team.


Yup! We're headed to Galar next!

...Ya know, I never really understood why Raihan is called the Dragon type Gym Leader when he has a Gigalith and a Sandaconda on his team.