"Okay…it has been decided." Kamado said. "You all are to depart to the Cobalt Coastlands."
"Understood Commander. Is the mission there to quell a Nobles frenzy?" Hope asked.
"No…because there is no Noble there." Kamado said.
"Allow me to explain." Irida said as she entered. "There was a noble there long ago, but he lost his life a few years ago."
"What? The Noble Pokémon…died?" Ayase asked.
"Yes. A tragedy took him from us." Irida said.
"However, there have been reports of shadowy figures roaming the island the Noble once called home. And members of the Security and Supply corps have reported being attacked by ghosts when trying to do work on Firespit Island." Kamado said.
"Normally this would be something I permit to the warden but her situation is…complicated." Irida said.
"You all are ordered to investigate at once." Kamado said.
"You got it, sir." Siege nodded.
"I must admit, your commander is certainly something." Ace said as they departed.
"Yes…yes he is." Hope said.
It didn't take long before the group had arrived in a vast land by the sea with a wide ocean right before them.
'The sea…so vast…" Hayase said, looking out at it.
"Smell that ocean air! Really makes you feel like you're in the sea!" Scorpia said.
"*sigh* Yeah, I enjoy places like this. It's so peaceful." Ace said, feeling the water.
"If we weren't in the middle of not only doing something but trying to get back home, I would take a vacation in this spot." Rutega said as she took a deep breath in to soak in the area while she could.
"We can always relax after the job is complete. Okay…according to Irida, the Warden's name is Palina and she can be found…up there." Cricket said, pointing to a large cliff.
"All the way on the edge of that cliff?" Scorpia asked.
"It's where the former lord was buried." Hayase said. "Or at the very least, that's where his grave is."
"Yeah…that makes sense." Hope said. "Okay…let's get going."
Soon the group began to travel up the cliffside as they reached the top and saw some red dogs with lots of white fur.
"Are those…Growlithe?" Gus asked.
"Hisuian Growlithe by the looks of it." Ayase said.
"Oh my gooooosh!" Allison squealed in absolute joy. "I want one so bad!"
"Heh, I thought so… we'll catch you one, Ali." Siege laughed.
"The way their hair covers their eyes kinda reminds me of Lanshi." Ace said.
"I'll catch one as well." Gus said. "Somehow, I feel that this Pokemon… It would suit me as a partner and a reliable team-member."
The two then went and caught two of the Hisuian Growlithe.
"I'm so in love right now!" Allison squealed, immediately releasing hers and nuzzling the heck out of it.
"I can't wait to see what a Hisuian Arcanine looks like." Hope said. "But, you two should take your time. You'll know when to evolve them."
"Yes, no need to rush it." Ace said.
"Of course not. When you raise a Pokémon, it's almost like raising a child. You cherish the moments you get as they're younger, and then come those proud moments when they mature and grow up." Allison said, all the while nuzzling and petting her Hisuian Growlithe.
"I know the feeling. In a way it's sort of the same with my Digimon Partners." Ace said.
They soon reached the end of the cliff to find a woman with two Hisuian Growlithe of her own that varied in size. Her uniform was of the pearl clan and she had a Scuba mask around her neck.
"Are you Palina?" Siege would ask.
"Yes, I am. Ah…you are the ones who quelled Kleavor and Lilligant. Sorry but we have no lord for you to quell. Our lord was swallowed by the waves years ago. He was rescuing his pup that was swept out by the waves and gave up his life to ensure his pups safe return." Palina said looking to the smallest of the two Growlithe.
"So that one…is his child?" Hayase asked.
"Yes. This one could become a fine lord. But witnessing his father's demise has left deep scars within his heart. There are those who would expect me to train him and force the lordship upon him. But I cannot bring myself to do such a thing. I will stay by this little one's side and let him live his life as he wishes." Palina said.
"I agree. Forcing such a big responsibility on a younger generation would be too pressuring on them." Ace said.
"But…that is not our reason. We want to get to Firespit Island." Moth said.
"I see…the Warden Iscan could assist you with that." Palina said. "He resides on the other side of the coast."
"Thanks for the tip. We were sent here in regards to some 'ghosts' that were responsible for some attacks on some members of the Security and Supply Corps. Do you have any knowledge on that?" Siege asked Palina.
"I have heard there were strange things happening but the cause I do not know." Palina said.
"I see. Thanks anyway. We'll head to see Iscan now." Hope said.
The group headed back down the cliff and crossed the beach again. Along the way, Scorpia spotted a large group of scorpion-like Pokémon, led by a massive Alpha.
"Whoa, guys, hold up!" Scorpia said. "I wanna stop for a second so I can catch one of those little scorpion guys over there."
"The Skorupi being led by that Alpha Drapion? You can't be serious." Hope said.
"Hey, I need a partner to watch my back in this place, just like you guys. And it's not like I wanna tangle with an alpha." Scorpia said.
"Alright, we get it. In that case…" Rutega said, looking around before finding a suitable place to spread some Dazzling Honey. "Give me a sec…" She said, before spreading some Dazzling Honey. "There. That stuff ought to attract at least one of the little guys."
The Skorupi and Drapion were attracted by the honey as they scurried over to it.
"Okay…here goes." Scorpia said, tossing a couple balls. A couple snagged the Skorupi, but one of them strayed and hit Drapion in the back. All the balls shook before releasing their fireworks.
Everyone was shocked.
"...Well. I knew the honey worked but… I never thought it worked that well!" Rutega exclaimed.
"Daaaang." Ace said.
"We…should go." Hope said as they hurried over to a shack.
"Ah…you all…you must be the Galaxy Team members. Wish I could have gotten more warning." said a large man with a shaved head.
"Listen…we were told that you could help us reach the island." Ayase said.
"I see…you wish to call on Basculegion's assistance." Iscan said.
"Basculegion? What is that, an evolution of Basculin?" Allison questioned innocently.
"Yes. It evolves from the White striped Basculin that roam the seas. I can make a stew that can attract it. However…Basculegion has Ghost type traits so ghostly energy is required. And the only Pokemon that can supply enough of it is…oh…how it scares me to say it…Dusclops." Iscan said.
"Dusclops? Why, I went out of my way to catch one because I felt it would make a good addition to my party." Allison stated before she sent hers out. "Like this?"
"Well…someone comes prepared." Iscan said.
He soon began to cook the stew before Dusclops filled it with energy.
"Quick question while we wait, Allison. What drew you to getting a Dusclops?" Siege asked.
"Siege. I know you and Rutega both. Neither one of you will have a Ghost type around unless it's a Ghost type you two are super attracted to." Allison stated bluntly. "Dusclops is simply a good solid Ghost Pokémon to have, and it covers my own weakness with just having Alexandria."
"Huh. Clever." Siege commented.
"I am of the Spiritmaster class, so… Maybe it's a good idea to have some Ghost-types around, too." Tsubaki said.
"Ugh…please stop." Iscan shivered as he finished the stew.
"Oh, right… Sorry." Tsubaki said.
"Now…" Iscan said going to the sea and playing his flute before a large ghostly fish emerged from the waters.
"Whoa… it looks really fierce." Scorpia said.
"There are those that say Basculegion became like this by taking in the souls of its comrades who failed to make the trip upstream." Keith said.
Basculegion then looked at them before handing them a blue plate.
"That plate…the accursed plate that dragged me here." Hayase said.
"It's the Splash Plate. The Plate that embodies the Water Type. And it's not accursed at all." Hope said.
"Says the one that didn't see it drag me into this world." Hayase said.
"The great Basculegion…" Palina said as she arrived. "Seems all has gone well for you all."
"Yes…honestly I was worried about Basculegion accepting this favor or not." Iscan said.
"Now, let's use Basculegion and get over to the island!" Siege exclaimed.
"Yes…in time to see us make a lord." a voice said.
The group looked as three figures snatched the larger Growlithe before appearing before them as the Misfortune Sisters.
"So we meet again." Charm said.
"Ugh, not you guys again." Tsubaki said.
"You three are such a pain in our asses! I'm sick of your faces already." Rutega growled.
"So these are the thieves you mentioned." Ace said.
"What are you doing with Growlithe?" Palina asked.
"If we want to live free in Hisui, we need powerful Pokémon. We'll raise this one nice and strong. We'll even make him a lord for you." Clover said.
"Let's take the mutt back to camp. They won't follow us somewhere so miserably hot." Coin said as they tossed down some smoke bombs and vanished.
"Oh that's it. Come on!" Rutega yelled as she hopped on Basculegion, ready to dash for the island on her own.
"Rutega, stop!" Hope said. "Blindly rushing to the island on your own won't do any good!"
"But forcing this position on one who might not be ready? Really!? I'm not standing by idly!" Rutega yelled back.
"Yeah…if they took the right one." Hayase said, looking at the small Growlithe left on the beach.
"Those three are so stupid. They didn't even notice they took the wrong Growlithe." Tsubaki said.
"...Wait huh?" Rutega asked.
"In their defense, when you think lord, you think of the larger Pokémon, not the smaller one." Hayase said.
"We still have to go to the island to rescue the other one… but we do it as a team." Hope said.
"Fair. Let's all get on an-" Siege was about to say when he noticed the smaller Growlithe approaching the waters between the current land and the island. "Huh? What is that one-?"
Suddenly, it hopped into the sea and began swimming towards the island.
"AIYEE! Why is it swimming towards that island!? We gotta get that little guy out of the water!" Allison exclaimed.
"The fact that he is even attempting this in the first place despite his trauma really is a show of his bravery." Tsubaki said.
"He wants to rescue his comrade. We cannot let him go alone." Hayase said before they felt the ground shaking as they saw X Drake approach the coast.
"Damn it…they took to sea. The one place I can't follow." Drake said.
"Uhm… you can if you go to that island!" Rutega exclaimed, pointing to the island. "That's where they went!"
"Rutega… X Drake is a Devil Fruit user. He can't swim." Tsubaki said.
"...Oh." Rutega said.
"Unless…you ride with us." Perfuma said.
"Hmm…" X Drake said as he reverted to human form. "You know I'm a subordinate to your enemy, right?"
"Maybe. But as long as we're stuck here, why not take advantage of each other?" Tsubaki asked.
"(These people are so trusting…but…they make a point.)" he thought. "Fine. It's a deal."
"First Hawkins and now Drake. Small world." Ace said.
"(Basil Hawkins… David told me that he was a temporary ally back in Orsterra. And now X Drake is allying himself to my words. Either the Beast Pirates aren't really as bad as perceived… Or there's just something about us that makes allies out of talented enemies… Hmm…)" Tsubaki thought..
The voyage to the island was short as they reached the shore and ventured in as they saw the sisters forcing the larger Growlithe to battle Gengar.
"Come on! Evolve already!" Clover said.
"It won't work. They don't seem to know that Growlithe needs a Fire Stone to evolve." Keith said.
"Well, I'm not sitting around anymore." Rutega said as she called in Monferno, who launched Flamethrower, critically hitting the Gengar and knocking it out.
"Them again?! I'll take care of this!" Clover said. "Smash them to Pieces, Abombasnow!" she said, sending out the grass and ice type.
"You guys really are dumb, aren't you?" Rutega asked as she shook her head. "Monferno, Fire Punch!"
With a flaming uppercut for quad effectiveness, Abomasnow was OHKO'd.
"A… Abomasnow doesn't work well in hot areas. How dare you force him into battle in this place!" Clover said.
"You were the one that sent him out knowing that. This was totally on you." Tsubaki said.
"Well. That's down. Who's next?" Rutega asked impatiently as she folded her arms in annoyance.
"Guess we'll have to use this strange thing. Go and fight!" Coin ordered a familiar looking Meltan.
"Is that… A Meltan? What have you done?" Perfuma asked.
"We stole it when we robbed this stupid girl in a white coat." Clover said.
"You…give Mercury back!" Ace said.
"Why should we? We stole it…so that makes it ours." Clover said before she was being barked at by the little Growlithe. "What's this runt want?"
"He wants you…to let his friend go!" a voice called out as Mari was not far behind.
"Mari, you're here!" Hope said.
Meanwhile, while Rutega was distracted, Charm had taken the opportunity to not only take out Monferno, but also steal her Staravia. "Wha- Ack! Give me that back!"
"Finders keepers." Charm said.
"That was Rutega's second and last Pokémon! It's hopeless!" Allison exclaimed.
Siege smirked. "I wouldn't say so."
The little growlithe growled as smoke started to surround it.
"Take your courage…and rise!" Mari said, tossing a Fire Stone to it before the little Growlithe rose up. Its body now clad in stone as it stood there as a fierce Arcanine.
"What? Why did that one evolve?!" Clover said in surprise.
"Because… of a very important lesson that I'm now going to teach you losers." Rutega smirked.
"Huh!? But you're out of Pokémon! Your friends just said!" Coin yelled.
"Hah. That you know of." Rutega smirked, pulling out a new Pokéball. One with a Shield engraved on it.
"Another Pokémon!?" Charm yelled.
"Yep. One that came through a rift like me. And it and it's companion chose me to be their rightful partner. Why? Because of trust! Trust is why Pokémon get stronger! If there is no trust between a Pokémon and its trainer, the venture is pointless! Allow me to show you why! ARISE, ZAMO!" Rutega yelled, tossing the ball high into the air, as it glowed red with intense power.
(Cue: Heavy Day - Guilty Gear Xrd OST)
The ball opened as red lightning shot to the ground, revealing the Pokémon inside the ball, as the Shield Dog Legendary, Zamazenta, came through it, eyes glowing a pure golden before it roared in mighty power.
"Whoa! You have a Zamazenta!" Hope said.
"Not just him." Rutega smirked, bringing out the Pokéball with a Sword, as she tossed it high into the air, doing the same display before Zacian was revealed. "Zana! Zamo! It's time to unleash our true might!"
Rutega smirked as she looked to Zamazenta. "Let's start out with you, bud. You ready?" She smirked to which Zamazenta nodded. "Good. Let's wipe out Charm's Purugly then."
Rutega and Zamazenta both powered up, as Zamazenta transformed into his Crowned Shield form, emanating a red aura that perfectly masked the fact Rutega went Super Saiyan God, looking more like they were in sync than anything. "Bring em down! Go!"
FULL POWER
SEISMIC BEHEMOTH BASH
Zamazenta charged forward, crashing into Purugly before sending it skyward, as Zamazenta jumped high into the air, the moon glowing in the background before he came crashing down into Purugly, the impact with the ground causing a massive explosion, knocking out Purugly easily.
"N-No way…!" Charm exclaimed.
"Now, Zana. Your turn!" Rutega smirked.
"Ha! You wouldn't hurt your own Pokémon!" Charm yelled, sending out Rutega's Staravia. "Fight for me!"
Staravia looked back at Charm, before looking back at Rutega. It knew what was coming and looked her in the eyes, declaring her to do it, no matter the odds.
"...Little buddy, you served me well. But I got new partners now." Rutega smiled. "Alright! GO, ZANA!" Rutega yelled, now going Super Saiyan Blue as Zana transformed into her Crowned Sword form. "Show them our bond! OUR STRENGTH!"
FULL POWER
BEHEMOTH FOCUS BLAST
The Zacian tossed her blade sky high, as it radiated with immense power, before it shot down, landing right in front of the Staravia, pinning it with a circlet of power, before Zana raised into the air, charging up a massive amount of energy, before it blasted down a Focus Blast, more like a Focus Beam, 10 times bigger and stronger than any Hyper Beam, as it creamed into Staravia, the energy from the sword reacting with it into one massive explosion!
DESTROYED
Rutega folded her arms as her power returned to normal, as she glared at the Misfortune trio with Zana and Zamo.
"That stolen Meltan. Return it to us. And watch as we are the ones who crown the lord. The rightful lord." Rutega sternly said.
BATTLE CONCLUDED
The Miss Fortune Sisters were utterly rocked by Rutega, Zana and Zamo's combined might, all of their Pokémon knocked out, including Rutega's Staravia.
"Mari, quick! Recover Mercury while they're stunned!" Hope said.
"Okay." Mari said, making a run for it.
"Wait…don't get any closer!" Hayase called out as lightning came down and struck Arcanine.
"This energy… N-no way… Could he be…" Tsubaki started.
Arcanine stood there, glowing a bright yellow as it gave a fierce howl.
"Like the other lords…he has become frenzied." Hayase said.
"Change of plans, fall back!" Hope said.
They started to run only to see Hayase not moving.
"Hayase, come on!" Tsubaki said.
"I cannot. The girl…she's in a perilous situation." Hayase said, seeing Mari cornered with Mercury.
"Oh, I can't believe I'm doing this." Tsubaki said.
"No…you can't believe I'm doing this." Hayase said, pushing Tsubaki out of the arena.
"Hey! That's kind of a rude gesture, you know." Tsubaki said.
"You need to focus on crafting balms so we can quell Arcanine." Hayase said. "I will stay and fight him off and protect the child."
"O-okay… Don't die on us, you hear me?" Tsubaki asked.
"Die…what a foolish opinion." Hayase said, gripping his sword. "I will not die until I see my duty fulfilled."
A few months ago, before Hayase was brought to Hisui…
He sat in a traditional Japanese house as he looked at his father lying in bed.
"You know why we crafted so many of those slayer blades? Cause your grandfather and I…truly hated the world." he said. "Those blades are nothing but symbols of our hatred and disgust towards the world. Even your mother and your siblings can't stand to be around me. So…why do you?"
"Well…I don't know if I can say I hate you but…I guess if I could pick a reason…it would be that I admire your craft work." Hayase said.
"Hmm…you really are a naive boy." his father spoke before he coughed. "Hayase…I won't last much longer. So…before I kick the bucket…I have a rather…selfish request of you." he said pointing to the wall where a sword hung. "That was the first blade our family crafted. The Mizu no Goroshi…the water slaying blade. I want you to take it…seek out the other blades we've let loose into the wild…and bring them back. Then once that is done…bury every single one in our family plot."
"Father…you can't possibly…" Hayase said.
"I do mean it. Those blades are nothing but symbols of hatred. It's time they were put to rest so the world can have some peace and less hatred. Do this…my son." he said.
"I…I promise." Hayase said as he bowed his head.
Present…
"Those blades…as long as a single one still remains out there…I will not join the dead." Hayase declared.
"Wow… Such… Such dedication." Tsubaki said.
"He's got a lot of Samurai Spirit." Hope said.
"That's not a samurai's spirit." Siege said, looking on. "I don't know how to describe it…but…it's something else."
Arcanine walked around Hayase and Mari before letting out a roar.
Lord of the Isle
Arcanine
"We can't leave them alone in there for long. We need to work on those balms." Perfuma said.
"Right, I'm with you there. There's no way I'm leaving those two hanging in there." Tsubaki said.
Arcanine lowered its head as it charged at Hayase. As they battled, Tsubaki thought to herself as she made the Balms with the others.
"(I was always envious of the others, since David and Sachiko left. Those two have gone on so many adventures that I wondered what it was like to live a day in their lives.)" Tsubaki thought. "(When I got these Asterisks, I was ecstatic. We felt the rest of us would be able to fight alongside them like we should have. Underworld and New York… Through both of these, we were able to get a taste of what it was like for them. However, with senior year fast approaching, everyone seemed to have their own futures in mind. Throughout this journey in Hisui… I had some time to reflect on what future I should take.)"
Hayase continued to guard against the Arcanine with his blade as did Dewott as Mari was kept back.
"You have grown very powerful since evolution. You truly are blessed." Hayase said.
Arcanine just howled as it coated itself in flames before charging as he blocked with his sword as he was pushed to the edge.
"(But now… After seeing Hayase's conviction. I think I have made my decision. Isn't that right…Eri?)" Tsubaki thought.
Arcanine prepared to charge only for Tsubaki to jump in and intercept.
"What are you doing?" Hayase asked.
"Saving you from death." Tsubaki said.
"Seems we're both eager to defend this child." Hayase said. "This is what it means to wield a weapon…to protect life…and to bring peace."
"Yes. A good friend of mine would say the same thing." Tsubaki said.
"We won't fall to the likes of you!" they both called out.
Dewott just looked at them with awe before it let out a cry as a bright light enveloped it.
"Dewott?" Hayase asked.
Dewott grew larger as its skin turned a dark blue and its shell parts grew rigid with a mustache and beard growing just as so as it let out a roar.
"It's Samurott, but something's different." Mari said.
"So…this is the warriors spirit inside your heart, dear friend?" Hayase asked. "Then…let's not keep our friend waiting."
Samurott nodded as it drew its crooked blade and attacked Arcanine once it was tired. Arcanine jumped back but howled in pain from the pieces of the sword being lodged into its body.
"Whoa! That was a new move!" Scorpia said.
"A strike that leaves the enemy in ceaseless pain…I shall call it…Ceaseless Edge." Hayase said.
"Think its time we got to curing his lordship." Tsubaki said, showing the balms. "As if I would run in without these."
Hayase nodded as the two tossed the balms at Arcanine until the glow soon faded from its body as it calmed down.
"There we go. That should do it." Tsubaki said as she started petting his fur.
Arcanine gave a howl before handing them the Flame Plate.
"Thank you, Arcanine." Tsubaki said.
"Wow… those two are something." Iscan said.
"Yes…I'm just glad that Arcanine is okay. I never expected he would truly become a lord. Now that he has…I will spend my days making sure he is well protected." Palina said.
"You guys…did wonderfully." Gus said.
"Yes…we did well. And I believe this is yours." Hayase said as they had Mari and Mercury by their side.
"T-Thank you." Mari said to Hayase with a light blush as Mercury hopped into her hair.
"Through both our efforts, the Lord has been calmed and this child remains unharmed." Hayase said.
"Yeah. It took a while for me to bring up the courage to help out, though." Tsubaki said.
"Not what we came to do…but things definitely worked out." Keith said.
"Seems that the trio fled during the fighting." X Drake said.
"Eh…no worries. If those three show their faces again, I'll gladly show them a thing or two again." Rutega said.
"I'm really glad to see you guys." Mari said.
"We're glad you're okay. What were you doing here?" Hope asked.
"Not sure. I woke up on this island, then that trio robbed me of my gear and Mercury." Mari said. "Luckily I got them back."
"Well, I'm sure we won't have any trouble with those three for a while." Hope said. "If you're feeling up to it, wanna help us out with our work in the GDT?"
"Um sure? I mean, I would have gone wherever you would but…sure?" Mari said.
"Then it's settled. Let's report back to headquarters." Tsubaki said.
"Indeed." Hayase said as they departed back to Jubilife Village.