Heroic New Era: New Beginnings
Chapter 16: Masters of Pokémon EX
The group soon arrived on a man-made island as they walked into a Pokémon Center, as a receptionist was at the desk as her face lit up upon seeing Magina.
"Ah! It's you! You told me you were bringing over some people who wanted to participate in the Pokémon Masters League!" The pink-haired receptionist said with a smile.
"10 bucks says her name is Joy." Siege whispered to Richard.
"Was there ever a doubt?" Richard responded back with a smug look on his face.
"Indeed I was, Trista! And here they are!" Magina said, gesturing to the group as Siege was shocked by the name of the receptionist.
"...Guess I owe you 10 bucks." Siege said to Richard quietly, who continued to grin, before clearing his throat. "Hello there! Yes, we are here to participate in the Pokémon Masters League."
"Excellent!" Trista said with a smile. "I assume you have your teams figured out?" Trista asked.
"Not quite but we have a good idea." Siege answered.
"Excellent. Also, I was informed that you all have yet to acquire Pokémon, but it's of no trouble, the Masters League has not yet begun. You all have time to go acquire sync pairs before the event begins." Trista said with a smile. "I'll be awaiting your return!"
"Well, that went by briskly." Magina said with a smile. "Come on then, I'll take you all to where you'll be getting your Pokémon." Magina said, as Siege was handing Richard 10 bucks for losing the bet.
"Not all trends stay as they were. But ain't your fault, could have been wrong." Richard answered back, taking the money, and giving Siege a gentle shoulder-pat.
"Well, let's see what Pokemon is in store for us. I bet if they managed to get a few Legendaries for us, it would be divine mandate, heh heh." Kaguya chuckled.
The group soon arrive in a large area that looked incredibly peaceful and serene. What was curious about the place was the signs of human civilization… but there were no humans around. Only Pokémon it seemed.
That was, until a Pikachu and a Gardevoir ran over, saw Magina, and both leaped back a bit before transforming before everyone's eyes into human states. The Gardevoir wore a white dress that covered most of her body, as her hair was slightly longer than the usual hair of a Gardevoir, but the same color. As for the Pikachu, she was dressed in a yellow shirt and blue shorts, and red shoes, and she had both ruffled yellow hair and yellow eyes, as well as her heart-ended tail trailing slightly behind her.
"Lady Magina! You came back!" The Gardevoir human spoke, shocking most everyone behind Magina.
"Alexandria, good to see you. How's the relationship with Elena there?" Magina asked.
"Well… you see…" Alexandria blushed, seemingly not wanting to spoil a surprise. "We're a lot closer than the last time you were here, let's just put it that way. Right Elena?"
"Of course!" Elena remarked, as she wrapped an arm around Alexandria, with a beaming smile. "We're actually getting to know each other quite well! There's the fact that I'm actually feeling like we're a same-sex couple, even!"
Alexandria blushed more as she said that.
"Wait… I'm confused here…" Siege stated. "...How are they…? Wha… what exactly is this place?"
"Ah, sorry, I should explain. You're looking at Pokémon gijinkas right now, in the flesh." Magina said. "This is the city of Pokétopia, a land where gijinkas roam free."
"Gijinkas… Hoh, somebody pinch me, I feel like I'm in paradise!" Kaguya remarked with a swooning tone. Allison would grant her wish by pinching Kaguya on the arm. "Ack, it's not a dream! Thank the heavens!"
"This… is absolutely incredible…" Rutega said in awe.
"Elena, Alexandria. Would you two be sweethearts and guide my friends around? They're looking for partner Pokémon for the upcoming Pokémon Masters League." Magina explained.
"You mean we are gonna be able to fight there!?" Alexandria said with hopeful eyes.
"Indeed." Magina answered.
"That's brilliant!" Elena remarked with a joyous expression. "I can't wait to see what's in store over there!"
"Indeed. Once again, you two wouldn't mind showing them around for them to pick out their own gijinkas, would you?" Magina asked.
"Certainly, Lady Magina!" Alexandria said with a smile. "Follow us, everyone! We'll give you a grand tour of Pokétopia!"
With that said, the tour began as everyone looked around at the massive and bustling city of Pokétopia. As they walked along, Siege couldn't help but have his eyes drawn to a long and wavy white haired woman with blue eyes, dressed in a white battle suit that showed her midsection, showing her slightly toned abdomen, as she was sparring with a man with light-blue short feathery hair, and blue eyes, with a fairly slim figure, dressed in grey robes with blue streaks around the shoulders and waist, and black shoes, as the fight between them kicked up both lingering shards of ice and lingering flickers of fire. Currently, the woman had out her sword, the man his Lance, as the flickering fire and ice encapsulated their weapons as Elena and Alexandria noticed Siege and Richard watching the fight.
"Oh? You two seem interested in Reshina and her brother." Alexandria said, as she face-palmed. "Arceus I keep forgetting his name… help me out Elena."
"Oh, you mean Kai?" Elena remarked. "He seems to be fighting extra dedicated today, from the looks of it."
"Huh, that's an interesting pair there. I always did have some interest in the Tao Trio of the Pokémon realm." Richard stated with a hand under his chin in thought.
"So does Reshina. Reshina! Kai!" Alexandria called as the two warriors turned to them, stopping their duel in an instant, as the ice and fire fizzled away.
"Ah. Alexandria. Elena. Good to see you both." Reshina said with a gentle smile as she noticed the group as well as Magina. "And I see you brought guests. As well as Lady Magina. It is an honor as always to be in your presence, O Great Elder Magician."
"Ah, never thought that the Great Elder Magician would come around again, sorry if we didn't prepare to receive you." Kai remarked with a good-natured grin and a whimsical tone, rubbing the side of his head with one hand. "So then, what can we do for you, boss-lady?"
"You two seem to be itching for a battle. How about pairing up with a couple of these friends of mine here and enter the Pokémon Masters League as their rightful sync pairs?" Magina asked.
"Only those who we deem worthy in our eyes will receive such a request. You know that." Reshina stated.
"Then by all means, you two. Search away." Magina smirked, stepping out of the way.
Kai merely shrugged, before he then whistled while walking around the group, looking at them closely, as if looking for something, before he then met eye to eye with Richard.
Kai immediately stopped where he was, as he leaned forward to look deeply into Richard's own eyes, before he then backed away, and smiled.
"Right, I think that I found my pal." Kai answered back. "The guy with the short black hair and robes, that's my pick. Your turn, Reshina, try to reel in a real whopper, won't you?"
Reshina rolled her eyes with a smirk as she walked around the group, eyeing each and every one in a detailed look, as her eyes met with Siege's as she looked at him for a long time. She started to walk away… and as if to test reflexes she slashed, only for Dyrnwyn to parry.
"Hm. Noble. Quick. Pure of heart. Hero of many already." Reshina said, as if going through a checklist. "Mhm. You're the one." Reshina said, nodding as she accepted Siege as her sync pair.
"Heh, that's sis to you, got a daring way to test someone." Kai remarked, shaking his head.
"Alright, that's two of you down. Why don't you two take some time with your new sync pairs? Get to know them some more, have some battles with the ruffian troublemakers around Pokétopia?" Magina asked. "I'll keep the rest in line, and find them suitable sync pairs."
"I do believe that's a swell idea." Siege said with a smile. "Not every day a Legendary gijinka actually picks you unless they want to get to know you."
"Indeed. Firstly I'd like to spar with you. We can use a more peaceful forest area nearby to do so." Reshina said.
"Fine by me. Let's go." Siege smirked as they walked off.
"And what about you and Kai, Richard?" Magina asked.
"Me, not really in the mood for another spar." Kai answered back, with his arms crossed behind his head. "I'll take my new buddy for a walk around the nearby regions. Perhaps we might end up in a fight, perhaps not. Either way, I need some cool-down after sparring with sis. You know how it is, Great Elder Magician."
"Of course. Always the more cool headed one. While your sister is more of the hothead." Magina chuckled. "Anyways, shall we continue our tour, Alexandria, Elena?"
"Of course! Follow us everyone!" Alexandria stated as they continued along, except for Richard and Kai, who split off from the group to take their own walk.
As they walked along, they found themselves in a small park, and they heard the sound of soothing flute music in the distance, which attracted everyone's attention.
"...Such empowering music…" Kaguya remarked. "Who could it be?"
She then followed towards the sound of the music, as she found that there was a young lady with long wavy pink hair, dressed in a white floral dress with pink crystal-shaped skirt-tips, with a diamond-shaped pink crystal pendant around her neck, and pink slippers, sitting on a large rock, playing the flute softly with closed eyes, as there was a small crowd of younger gijinkas, likely first-stage Pokémon gijinkas.
After a while, she finished her song, as her eyes fluttered open, while the child audience clapped in applause for the performer.
"Wow! That was so amazing!" A child Vulpix said as she clapped.
"Kaguya? Oh! I see you were attracted by Elena and my best friend over here." Alexandria said as she came into the area.
"Best friend?" Kaguya turned to Alexandria, as the pink-haired gijinka got off her rock.
"Now then, run along, children. I'm sure that your parents are waiting for you." She spoke with a quite melodic voice.
The children did so, as they ran off, giving many 'thank yous' and 'see you laters'. When they were all gone, only then did the other gijinka noticed her new visitors.
"Oh, I didn't notice you." She remarked with a hand to her mouth. "I hope my performance was entertaining for you."
"Oh, yes, yes it was." Kaguya nodded energetically. "I'm actually quite impressed by the quality of your playing, it's almost divine, I dare say."
"Ah, thank you for the compliment." The gijinka responded back with a warm smile. "Oh, Alexandria, and the Great Elder Magician Magina too. What brings you two here with your companions?"
"Ah, yes. We were wondering if you could offer us some aid. You see, my allies here are looking for sync pairs to enter the Pokémon Masters League. Would you happen to be willing to pick one of my friends here to help us achieve that?" Magina would ask.
"I think that I already have my pick." The other gijinka stated, as she walked over towards Kaguya, and held her hands. "I can sense an elegant nobility from this one. She is a princess, no? And one that has aspirations to become a divine being, both in influence and prowess. That is a desire I hold in high regard. What is your name, princess of another land?"
"It's Kaguya. Kaguya Houraisen." Kaguya introduced herself, with a slight look of awe on her face. "Oh my, your touch seems to be quite soft and entrancing. What's your name?"
"I usually have that effect on people. My name is Diana." The gijinka introduced herself. "It is a pleasure to know you."
"Likewise." Kaguya answered back, before they separated from each other after a moment.
Meanwhile, Rutega noticed something training over in the distance as she heard sounds of sword clanging against shield, as she headed over to the area to see a blue haired woman with wolf ears and tail, dressed in what appeared to be regal looking knight armor exposed at the midsection, showing her toned abs, as she was sparring with a man who held a shield up to block her blade, being dressed in just as regal armor as his chest and toned midsection was exposed. He had red hair and wolf features as he was in equal strength to the blue clad female.
"Oh this looks fun!" Rutega chuckled, causing the two to stop sparring as they looked at her.
"Oh? A human in Pokétopia? How curious." The woman stated.
"Ah, I see you've met the newer residents." Magina stated as she came into view.
"Elder Magician Magina!" The man said as both he and the woman bowed in reverence. "We did not expect your arrival."
"Zana, Zamo, you know you do not have to yield such reverence to me." Magina stated. "But enough on that. How are you two enjoying Pokétopia?"
"It is a very peaceful place. We enjoy it very much." Zana said with a gentle smile.
"Surely there is a reason you have come, especially to us." Zamo stated.
"Indeed. There are friends of mine interested in joining the Pokémon Masters League, PML for short. Would one of you be willing to offer your services?" Magina asked.
"Not I. I do not feel as if I am prepared to test my mettle to see if I am worthy of being considered a Legendary among those here." Zamo stated.
"But I shall." Zana stated, as Zamo looked to her.
"Sister?" Zamo stated. "You would-"
"Zamo, we are of equal strength. And I am ready to see how we measure up to the others here. If I am to find out how strong I am… this is the most opportune moment. And I believe the one I will sync with is in my presence." Zana said, looking to Rutega.
"Eh!? I-I mean sure I'm the only one here now but…" Rutega was about to argue.
"I have seen your party walking by where we were sparring. You have a courageous spirit and a strong will, not to mention physical powers unlike I have ever seen. I would even want to learn from you, if you could allow me as your pupil." Zana stated.
"Wow… uhm… I'm honored. Rutega, by the way!" Rutega introduced.
"A pleasure, Rutega." Zana said with a smile.
The group then looked around again, as they found that they were heading towards a residential district in the area, filled with houses and apartments, within street blocks.
After walking through a few streets, they found themselves encountering a male gijinka with short orange wild hair, a toothy grin on his face, and sunglasses over his eyes. He also wore a brown leather jacket with a black shirt underneath, a red scarf around his neck, and brown boots.
When Elena saw this gijinka, she scoffed with a smirk on her face. "Oh boy, this one is going to be interesting about you guys." She stated, as the gijinka noticed them.
"Heyyyy, if it ain't the Awesome Ancient Magician, Magina?" The gijinka spoke with a slightly passionate tone. "What brings you here today? Have you come to grace this land with your divine presence? And is it me, or has your radiance grown brighter than last time, because I'm seeing the rainbow behind you!"
"Oh you flatter me." Magina said with a giggle. "I came to ask a favor of you, actually. My friends here are wanting to enter the PML. Care to see if you'd find an interest in one of them for a sync pair?"
"The PML?" The gijinka asked back, before he then raised his sun-glasses, showing his orange eyes that were filled with spirit. "Hoh, now this I gotta take? I wonder how many girls I'll swoon over with my charisma and my fighting skills?"
"Oh, Morgan, stop being such a damn flirt, You know that one day it's going to get you over your head." Elena guffawed.
"Well, E-girl, can't exactly help it. Charisma doesn't have an off-switch. Besides, I aim to please." Morgan smirked back, before he then noticed Mokou. "And would you look at that, Arceus themselves blessed me with the perfect girl to match up with it?"
"Huh?" Mokou asked, tilting her head slightly, before Morgan walked over to her.
"Hey, girl, seems that we're birds of a feather!" Morgan stated with his arms spread out. "We should hang together. Not saying that we're going to be hitting the bases any time soon, but I think that a girl who's got that fiery spirit, but also a chill exterior, I like that kind of girl a lot, I really do."
"...Heh, you're a funny one. Alright, welcome to the team, I guess." Mokou smirked slightly.
The group continued onwards in search of Pokémon as most were having good luck except for Allison and Rachel, who didn't seem to be having the best of luck finding Pokémon to fit the bill. As they walked along, a figure watched them from a distance, being a male in black and red armor, with black hair and sharp red eyes as he had his eyes on Kiana the entire time.
"I see you noticed the one with Void powers, Garon." Magina stated as Garon looked to her.
"Elder Magician Magina." Garon acknowledged. "And yes, indeed I have noticed her… she seems to be a gifted individual…"
"Perhaps you'll get to know her better if you form a sync pair with her." Magina said with a smile.
"So they're looking for partners for the PML…" Garon mused, before he soon teleported, and re-appeared in front of the group as most jumped back, except Kiana.
"Well… aren't you the mysterious one?" Kiana asked with a smirk.
"I could say the same of you. I hear you are looking for a Pokémon to be your sync pair. I, Garon, shall accompany you as your partner." Garon said to Kiana.
"Kiana Kaslana, although this is my current personality speaking. I have… what you could say is an alter ego version of me named Sirin. You two will meet soon." Kiana said with a smile.
"Very well. Shall we take a journey to my dimension of homage for the time being?" Garon requested.
"Sure!" Kiana said with a smile before they left for the Distortion World.
"So… we have a few of you left. And not too much more of Pokétopia left to go." Magina said as she looked at those still looking for Pokémon. "We shall continue the remains of the tour."
"I'm sure you all will find proper Pokémon to be your sync pairs!" Alexandria said with a smile. "Elena and I will make sure of it! Oh! Hey, maybe we should try the fire temple area! I bet there are tons of Pokémon there that would become sync pairs! And we'll visit a nice flower garden along the way if anyone wants to stop for a break!"
"The flower garden will surely catch your eye, Sakura, it bears heavy resemblance to Japanese culture, so you should feel right at home with the shrine placed at the center of the garden." Magina stated.
"Is that so?" Sakura asked back, before she then walked off towards the flower garden that Magina referred to, as the rest of the group proceeded to the fire temple, which took them all past this very garden.
Upon arriving there, a large number of Pokémon were stationed at the temple, of various types, but there were predominantly many Fairy type Pokémon there, as well as Eeveelution gijinkas. The head of the shrine looked to be a female dressed in feminine armor, sword at her side, her blue hair flowing in the wind, being a Keldeo gijinka named Keldia.
"Many Overlords would enjoy it here… especially those of Dragon Fang…" Ruby remarked with awe.
"Ah, Elder Magician Magina." Keldia said with a smile. "Greetings. What brings you and such a fine group here?"
"We're simply looking for sync pairs, Keldia." Magina stated.
"For the PML I presume. Well, feel free to look around, but I will tell you that we are not as strong as those of the nearby fire temple. That isn't to say we are weak, by any means." Keldia said, before seeing Sakura looking towards a Sylveon gijinka. "Oh? It seems someone is drawn to my current Eeveelution apprentice."
"So it seems." Kaguya remarked with an intrigued expression.
"Let's see how this plays out… I'm intrigued at why Sakura is so drawn to her…" Magina said with a smile as the group watched the scene play out between Sakura and the Sylveon gijinka.
The Sylveon gijinka seemed to have pink hair like her Pokémon counterpart, except it was left with short twin-tails that were bound by red hair-bands with red ribbons, and a large pink ribbon on top of her head, she also had blue eyes, and was dressed in a large white dress with her signature ribbon on her collar, with the long ribbons with vividly-coloured tips, that served as an extension of her body, connected to that ribbon, and white boots. Sakura approached her with a surprised expression, while the gijinka seemed to be quite surprised to see Sakura as well.
"You… You're…" Sakura answered back.
"Oh, do I know you?" The gijinka asked softly. "I'm afraid that you might have mistaken me for someone."
"It's not that." Sakura shook her head. "It's as if something that never existed in my life, and that something is you… When I look at you, it feels as if… there's something connecting us."
"Oh, you must believe in the thread of destiny then." The gijinka answered back with a blooming smile, before she then came closer, with her arms out. "Come to think of it, when I look at you, you look as if you're tired after a long journey, as if you spent a long time in the darkness of the world around you. You poor woman, come to me, and I'll help soothe you. It's one of my traits."
Sakura hesitated for a moment, before she then walked forward, as the gijinka embraced her, as the flesh-ribbons tapped onto the shoulders of Sakura, as the cyborg-soldier felt as if by some magic, she felt a lot more calmer, her heart a lot more clearer, as if she was almost at peace, as she relaxed in the embrace of the gijinka.
"...I never felt like this before." Sakura admitted, some warmth in her voice. "Is this how being free feels like?"
"How terrible it is, to believe this is a miracle… This won't do at all. I think that it would be better that I come with you. A woman like you, shouldn't have to cope with this alone." The gijinka answered back. "Just call me Kyoko. I'll be your friend."
"Kyoko… that sounds… nice." Sakura remarked, as a smile appeared on her lips without her realising it.
"It seems you have passed your final test, Kyoko." Keldia said with a smile. "You had always asked me what your final test was before you passed my apprenticeship. I saw the yearning in your eyes… the yearning for wanting to give aid to someone, as if the bonds of destiny called you to it. Well, now you have passed that test, Kyoko. Go. Be this poor soul's comforter. Someone she can come to for relief, be it any form you choose to comfort her. I will be very eager to hear reports from Magina on how well you are doing." Keldia finished, her smile growing.
"Mistress Keldia… Thank you." Kyoko answered back with gratitude in her voice.
"I suppose we should move on." Magina stated. "Rejoin us at your leisure, Yae Sakura." Magina added, before they continued on towards the Fire Temple.
Upon arrival, the group found a large number of fire gijinkas training with one another, in heated spars (no pun intended), as near the entrance of the gate, a woman with orange and yellow hair that flowed almost like flames, dressed in a white sarashi and flame patterned battle pants was fighting a dog woman with black hair, ears, and tail, who was wearing a black bra and black shorts with black boots, also having on black fingerless gloves as she and the fire haired woman were currently in a strength bout. Both immediately caught the eyes of Yang and Ruby, who's eyes sparkled.
"We gotta get those two!" Yang said enthusiastically.
"Yeah! Totally!" Ruby exclaimed as she ran over. "Hey!"
The two gijinkas were in a struggle with each other, with their hands grappled against each other, as neither was budging an inch.
"Heh, not bad, not bad! This is the kind of fight I want!" The flame-haired gijinka shouted with extreme spirit and devotion. "Come on, show me what you got!"
"As you gladly asked." The dog-eared gijinka grinned, showing a fang, before she then moved back, and went for a knee-kick that struck the abdomen of the other gijinka, causing her to flinch, as the dog-eared gijinka used the opportunity to force her opponent on her knees, before she then went for a round-house kick, that was blocked by an elbow, and then countered with a sweep-kick that knocked the dog-eared gijinka off her feet and onto the floor.
The two of them immediately flipped themselves up, before the dog-eared gijinka went for a flurry of blows that were blocked, before it was her turn to dodge a few quick yet powerful blows from her opponent.
"You two are so awesome!" Yang exclaimed, finally catching the attention of the two gijinkas.
"Huh, looks like the fighting caught some interest." The flame-haired gijinka answered back, before she then stretched her arms. "Well, as much as I hate to end it here, let's call it off for now."
"Heh, whatever you say." The dog-eared gijinka responded back, before turning to Ruby. "So…"
"I see you two sisters have met the owners of the most heated rivalry in all Pokétopia. Odd thing is that they're girlfriends as well." Magina mused. "Meet our resident Infernape and Houndoom gijinkas. Ladies, care to introduce?"
"Heh, alright. Name's Indy." The flame-haired gijinka answered back. "If you want someone who can slug it out with the heavies, that's me. I've had to deal with facing the likes of this girl here, so I can fight well even out of my element."
"Ahaha, you don't have to sound like as if I'm some simple rival to you. We're waaayy past that point." The dog-eared girl laughed, before turning to Ruby "Anyways, my name is Helga. I see that you're a cute little imp, aren't you? Or are you something greater in a small package of adorable?"
"Heh, don't let my appearance fool you! I'm a proud and strong Overlord!" Ruby smirked as she puffed her chest out.
"Yeah sure, wrapped up in a nice ball of cute." Yang teased, making Ruby blush.
"Oh why you-! Don't mess up my introduction like that! Now you've got me all flustered!" Ruby exclaimed as she was beet red causing Yang to laugh.
"Heh, but yeah, she packs a real good punch. Most of the time if you give her the opening, you'll get hit and you won't even realize it until it's too late. She can speed around this entire Pokétopia… I'd say in about 30 seconds." Yang boasted, which seemed to catch both gijinkas off guard.
"Woah, that sounds like something that only the fastest gijinkas can do, and they're all legendaries!" Helga remarked. "Okay, you really piqued my interest. Props to you, I think that you'll find me a good fit."
"Heh, as for me, well…" Yang stated before she decided to test Indy's reflexes, jumping back and stomping the ground, sending up a bunch of large sized rocks before punching them at Indy with ease, as Indy caught the rocks with her fists, shattering them with well-aimed impacts. "And that's not even a full percent of what I can do." Yang stated when Indy had smashed them all.
"You had me when you managed to do that with your fists. Look like I might have to call you a second rival, if you got more in store." Indy laughed heartily.
"Then sounds like you and I better stick together if we're gonna push each other to limits beyond what we could ever do before." Yang smirked. "Heh, I can see it now. PML is gonna be a cakewalk with us as a duo!"
"Well, seems like this went over incredibly well." Magina stated. "And that leaves us 3…"
Suddenly, Gus caught something out of the corner of his eye, a woman doing some meditation as she levitated off the ground slightly. She had beautiful golden hair and emerald eyes, as she seemed to be wearing a rainbow themed kimono with primarily orange and red colors, with feathers decorated on it here and there, she seemed to notice Gus, and his pure of heart as he looked her way, as she looked his way.
"You seem intrigued by me, young hero." The woman stated with a voice of gentleness and almost enchantment. "Come closer. I wish to see you more for myself."
Gus walked over, as he seemed to be surprised that the gijinka held him in high regard. The gijinka looked him over, humming as she seemed to be very intrigued by him, as she soon stopped meditating to walk all around him. "Care for some tea?" She asked as she soon gestured to a nearby table and chairs, summoning some herbal tea.
"Ah, I see that you have been noticed by Koa-oh." Magina stated as she smiled at Gus. "I would be very honored Gus, there aren't many humans who are even deemed worthy to be looked at by her. She is incredibly picky about the types of people she wants to be around… she must see something in you that no one else has shown her."
"Is that so?" Gus remarked, as he turned to Koa-oh. "Indeed, some tea would be helpful. I can even help you brew some, if you have the ingredients at hand."
"Oh? Do you have special brews from your home world you would like me to try?" Koa-oh asked with intrigue.
"Hm, well, I do know some, but I'll make use of what is here." Gus responded back humbly, before taking a cup of herbal tea, enjoying it. "This tea is indeed good. How was it made, Lady Koa-oh?"
"This tea was made from some exotic plants native to only this surrounding area. I am glad you enjoy it." Koa-oh said with a smile as she enjoyed her tea with Gus.
Meanwhile, Alexandria and Elena showed Rachel and Allison the last bit of Pokétopia, as they still didn't have gijinka partners.
"Oh, drat… sorry we couldn't help you two find a proper sync pair. But… we have to, right? Maybe another look around you two will find what you need… or… or… Elena do you have any ideas?" Alexandria asked, looking to her girlfriend.
"...Actually, I think that we'll make a good partner for each of them." Elena suggested. "I mean, we did look for some way to partake in the PML, right?"
"...Yeah, yeah you're right!" Alexandria said, as she turned to Allison and Rachel.
"To be honest, you two have gone out of your way to do this for us… I think it's only proper that we thank you for your kindness." Allison said with a smile. "Rachel, Elena seems like a perfect fit for you. Maybe she'll help you brighten up that smile of yours even more."
"I agree." Rachel nodded back. "It is nice to have you on board, the both of you."
"No, no, we just simply offered the chance, and you accepted it, there's no need to be too grateful about it." Elena chuckled.
With all the sync pairs formed and everyone getting more familiarized, everyone began settling into teams.
Siege, Richard, and Rutega and their gijinkas agreed that whatever Reshina couldn't burn, or Kai couldn't chill, Zana could smash.
Being a trio of best friends, it was only natural that Diana, Elena, and Alexandria stuck together, forming that natural team.
Those of the Fire Temple agreed to stick together, as Indy and Helga saw it a chance to continue their rivalry… while Koa-oh only shook her head at their antics.
Leaving Garon, Kyoko, and Morgan to form a team with their partners… and they had the least in common with one another out of the bunch. Given Morgan's very charismatic personality, Kyoko's more gentle personality, and Garon's more loner personality… it wasn't exactly the best team sync. Kiana sweatdropped as she noticed this, looking towards Mokou and Sakura.
"I think the first thing we'll need to work on is getting these three familiarized with one another… maybe get them on a better sync level with one another." Kiana admitted with a chuckle.
"That is true." Sakura agreed.
"Hm. I don't think we've been acquainted." Garon said to Kyoko and Morgan.
"Of course not. Heh, that's a dark look you're bearing." Morgan stated. "Don't take it the wrong way, some people like their friends with a hint of the occult."
"So I hope that we can make friends with each other." Kyoko answered back. "I won't try to pry too much into your matters, but it's best that we reach some sort of cordial relationship."
"Hm. Indeed. I apologize, most of the time I've spent alone. Social skills aren't usually my thing. Unless it's with Shayna, she's the only one I can talk to comfortably." Garon stated.
"Shayna? Who's that girl?" Morgan asked curiously.
"Shaymin friend of mine." Garon stated. "If only she could come and watch me during our fights, but sadly she had to make her migration with all of her other Shaymin. At this point and time… I'll take this over being lonely again."
"Oh poor you." Kiana said as she placed her hand on Garon's shoulder.
"Do not fret for me…" Garon stated, trying to hide his pain. "After all… most of my time before Shayna, I spent alone…"
"Geez, that's painful to hear." Morgan winced. "Don't worry, my pal, we'll see her again. If you want a re-introduction to society as we know it, I got ya covered!"
"...You are very kind." Garon said, closing his eyes with a small smile. "Thank you both."
Kyoko merely nodded with a smile, pleased at the situation.
"Alright, are we all set? Now before we depart, you all will be required to change into your Pokémon forms. You'll only be allowed to change back to humans when you know for full certainty no one else is around." Magina stated.
"Yeah, we got that!" Elena responded back with some cheer.
"In that case I think we're ready to go. Let's proceed, everyone!" Magina stated as they left Pokétopia, and headed for the PML.
Meanwhile…
"Sire! Sire!" A large man stated as he approached a younger looking man with white hair, wearing a white suit as he has a red mask on his face.
"What is it Sawyer? Can't you see I'm busy figuring out a way to deal with that troublesome trainer from Sinnoh Daleia?" The man asked.
"Sire. The PML has granted you quite the opportunity." The man named Sawyer stated. "It is said that Master trainer Magina has entered a number of her protégés into the PML… including two Champion level trainers."
"Hm?" The man asked, before he laughed. "Then that bothersome trainer can wait! I may have lost to that red hat trainer, but I won't lose to Master Trainer Magina's protégés! Take me to them, and grab Rachel!" The man demanded as Sawyer nodded.