Disclaimer: I do not own any of the material appearing in this story. The OC's belong to their respective owners.


"Gah!" Ruby yelled as she was thrown on the ground. She slowly rose up on her hands and knees and saw the sword inches from her face. She glared at the wielder as the sword belonged to Sephiroth himself.

BGM: One Winged Angel (Kingdom Hearts HD 2.5 ReMix)

Sephiroth aimed Masamune at her as she gritted her teeth at him, glaring at him as well. Ilia was nearby, knocked down on the ground as Yang held on to her arm while on one knee as Winter had stabbed the ground with her rapier to balance herself.

Yang stood up as she rushed at Sephiroth as she got ready to punch him, but Sephiroth shifted his eyes to her and then slashed at her, but Yang jumped back as she squared up with a smirk, but then noticed a strand of hair falling toward the ground. Her eyes widened and clenched her fists, her eyes turning red as her hair caught ablaze. Sephiroth smirked as Yang rushed at him as she delivered a strong blow to his gut, but Sephiroth blocked this with his hand. Yang let out a gasp as Sephiroth would threw her to the ground and then snapped his fingers. "Kneel." He simply said, using Shadow Flare on her, where the dark energy immediately struck her.

"GAAAAH!"

Winter rose up, glaring at Sephiroth and rushed at him, quickly slashing at him but he calmly blocked each attack as Winter took a step back and stabbed the ground, summoning a few ice Boarbatusks as they lunged directly at Sephiroth as he swiftly cut through them, then he disappeared. He reappeared behind Winter and karate chopped the back of her neck to knock her out. Ruby found her second wind as she rushed at Sephiroth and slashed at him, but he blocked the attack and slashed her down as she landed on her back.

Sephiroth aimed Masamune at Ruby's chest, letting out a simple smirk as Ruby let out an annoyed growl. He raised his sword, ready to finish her as Ruby closed her eyes. "ALRIGHT, I YIELD!" She yelled as Sephiroth let out a chuckle and sheathed his sword.

End BGM

"GAME! Sephiroth… wins!"

"Hmph." Sephiroth folded his arms. "Pathetic. It is not worth going full strength on you four." He turned to Ruby. "Your battle skills need work, not to mention you hesitate. There is also the fact that you do not do well against human opponents."

"But… that's… not true! I went against people like Roman Torchwick and Avery… and won!" Ruby argued.

"They probably lost to you because they pitied you."

"What?! That's not true!" Ruby argued more, but Sephiroth turned to Yang, ignoring the young huntress.

"You rush into things head on without thinking. Your anger blinds you and will cost you. You may have lost a strand of hair, but that does not excuse you rushing into things head on. Keep that up, and you may lose something else instead of a strand of hair." Then to Ilia. "While you are skilled with your weapon while also dancing around on the battlefield, you lack focus." Then finally, to Winter. "While you were able to hold your own, you can only do so much in battle. Your summons aren't strong."

"Rrrgh, just what was all this about!" Yang demanded to know. "You call us up for what, so you can belittle us after you beat the crap out of us?!"

"To test all of you."

"For what? Surely there has got to be a reason for why you called up every Smasher for a test." Winter said.

"To see if you are worth my time." Sephiroth said. "If I were to bring this world to despair, I need to see what you are all capable of should the time come. I also needed to see if you were worth going full strength. Judging by your performance, I am not worried about you four." He started to walk away. "We're done here."

"Mmph… nice guy…" Ilia muttered under her breath.

"Analyzing us while we fought… who does he think he is." Yang grumbled as they walked out.

"Now you know how I feel when I fight him." Cloud said as he was leaning on a wall. "He's calculative… and he will do anything to get a rise of you. Why do you think he cut your hair?"

"Because he was going for the head." Yang said.

"No. He did that on purpose. He wasn't going to kill you, he was aiming for your hair… and you fell right into his trap just as he predicted." Cloud pointed out as Yang's eyes widened. "Sephiroth is a hell of a tricky opponent. It's amazing how some Smashers can keep up with him. Don't let him get to you though, he says those things to get a rise out of you just so you can make a mistake."

"If that's the case, then why do you always get angry when you fight Sephiroth?" Winter asked.

"Tch… because he always pushes the right buttons." Cloud grumbled as he walked off. "Would've been nice to have someone like Tifa to be in the actual roster, but no, they had to pick him."

"Mmmph…" Ruby grumbled. "I stink against human opponents… rrrgh, I'll prove him wrong!" She said as she felt a hand touch her shoulder.

"Easy there sis." Yang said. "You want to head back home and hang out with the parents?"

"Honestly, I'd love that. Get my mind off things…" Ruby said as they walked off.

"I should go see how Weiss is doing." Winter said and walked to the Schnee home.

"And I'll uh… go see how Mercie's doing." Ilia said and walked away.


At Weiss's home…

BGM: Have a Nice Talk (Mario and Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story)

"So, how's the leg?" Blake asked.

"Oh, it's alright." Weiss responded, sitting in a wheelchair as her foot was in a cast. "You get used to it after rolling around in a wheelchair for a couple weeks. Kind of annoying that I can't walk around, but it's for the best for right now." She sighed. "It does get a bit sore, but Ling uses her semblance to heal it up."

"You're welcome~!" Ling smiled.

"Hmm… what's your semblance again?" Blake asked.

"Flower Protection." Ling responded, blushing a bit. "Like I told Whitley, I'm kinda bad at naming things." She said, placing a flower on Weiss's cast and clapped her hands to ease the pain.

"Hmm, how about… Aromatherapy?"

The Deer Faunus blinked a bit. "Oh… oh! Yeah, that's way better!" She grinned, her eyes sparkling a bit.

Weiss chuckled a bit. "Yeah, that's way better." She said as the front door opened up as Winter walked in. "Oh, hey sis. How was training?"

"Mmph." Winter let out a grunt. "I swear, that man is compensating for something for that long sword of his." She muttered.

Weiss grimaced. "Oooh… that bad…"

Blake's ears lowered. "Sephiroth… he gives me the creeps…" She said, closing her eyes and remembering how her fight went with him.

"Something tells me I'm glad I haven't fought him yet."

"You're gonna get your ass kicked." A voice said as they looked to see Sun leaning on a wall along with Neptune. "Trust me, that sword is something else."

"Yeah, he takes gunshots like its nothing! He's not human!" Neptune complained. "Glad it's in the Smash Mansion otherwise we'd all be dead!"

"AND he has the audacity to tell you that you're weak and not worth his time. "We don't deserve to have him go full strength on us" he says." Sun grumbled.

"That sword of his is as long as his ego." Neptune shook his head.

"Pardon the interruption." A voice said as Klein peeked out of a doorway.

"Mime mime!" A Mime Jr was underneath Klein and copying him.

"But there's someone out back who wants to see you." He said as everyone looked at each other and walked out, as Blake pushed Weiss out the back where they would see Arceus in the backyard, speaking with Willow, Whitley and the Belladonnas that had come over, as they were all having tea. They would also notice Regigigas in the yard, though it looked like he was meditating. Azure was also there, looking mighty bigger in just a few weeks.

"Arceus?" Weiss spoke, catching his attention.

End BGM

"Ah, good, everyone's here." Arceus said. "I did invite Ruby and Yang over, but they politely declined. I could tell something was on their minds."

"Considering they were easily beaten by Sephiroth, they probably needed some space." Winter said. "They were heading home to spend time with family."

"I had a feeling." Arceus nodded. "Anyway, there is something that had come to my attention. Regigigas can fill you in." He turned to Regigigas. "The floor is yours."

"Regi." Regigigas stood up. "Regigig Gig Ga-"

"Hold on a minute." Arceus closed his eyes as an aura surrounded Regigigas. "Go ahead."

"Thank you." Regigigas said and turned to the others.

"You can do that?" Blake asked in surprise.

"I could have translated, but I figured this would have been much faster." Arceus explained.

BGM: Slumbering Weald (Pokemon Sword and Shield)

"Long ago, I have created golems in my image. Regirock, Registeel and Regice. However, I have created two more, but they were lost due to an incident. Regidrago and Regieleki. I had assumed I had lost them for good… however, I had received word from one of the Legendary Beasts that they had located a temple deep into the Galar Region known as the Crown Tundra. I have also received word that my golems have been locked inside temples of their own. When I learned of this, I went straight for Arceus and he led me to you."

"I figured that you would be perfect for the job." Arceus explained. "Find the missing Golems and the lost ones from long ago. However, there is another thing that needs to be addressed… otherwise it would have just been Regigigas with a request."

"Oh?" Weiss wondered.

"There is a Legendary Pokemon that has been lost to time. He calls himself the King of Bountiful Harvests." Arceus explained. "We had lost contact with him ages ago and we have sent search teams to find him, but no luck. So, as a request, I am asking you to help us find this lost Pokemon."

"And bring him back to you?" Neptune asked.

"Just to let us know that he is alright."

"Fair enough. We'll do it." Weiss said.

Arceus chuckled. "I knew you wouldn't mind if we had asked." He said and then turned his head. "Did you get all of that, child?" He asked as they turned their heads to see Gloria leaning on a tree.

"Yup, I sure did." Gloria said with a smile. "Looks like I'm takin' ya lads and lasses back to Galar again, or for the first time."

"Hmm, it sounds like it could be an experience." Ghira said.

"Oh, it'll be fun!" Kali smiled.

"Mind if I make another request?" Arceus asked as Gloria turned to him.

"What is it?"

"I had already sent them the coordinates. They should be here any moment." Arceus said as they heard the doorbell. "We're out in the backyard." He called out as a team opened the gate from the side and walked through.

"Oh, it's you." Gloria said, watching Team MAJC, plus Chloe and Zoey come over.

"Hiya~!" Mona waved cheerfully.

"Hello there." Anthony greeted.

Gloria turned to Arceus. "What's this request of yours?"

"I figured you could spend some time rekindling a friendship after that incident in the Isle of Armor." He said, causing Gloria to flashback over what happened to her.

"Well, I already forgave them for that. Zoey made sure of it." Gloria explained.

"Indeed. I cleared the air with Miss Gloria after a few misunderstandings." Zoey confirmed.

"Ah, I must have missed that. Very well then." Arceus chuckled. "Still, I figured MAJC wouldn't mind going back to the Galar region."

"No we wouldn't!" Mona grinned.

"Could be a lot of fun." Camrin chuckled as Jen nodded.

"So, I have a burning question for ya, Arceus." Sun said as Arceus turned to him. "You say that Regigigas came to you. Do you tend to have meetings with the Legendary Pokemon?"

"Indeed I do." Arceus nodded. "I tend to have meetings with the Legendary and Mythical Pokemon, and sometimes the Ultra Beasts. We all gather in my domain where we discuss certain events or incidents… like, for example, someone opening up a void that will destroy all worlds and conjuring up this dark heart."

"…That is very specific." Weiss deadpanned.

"Indeed, I am not sure where that example came from." Arceus agreed.

"Alright, let's go!" Ling said cheerfully as they nodded.

"I oughta bring Sandshrew along… just in case." Whitley said. "I'm still kicking myself for not bringing him with me when I had first met you."

"Don't worry about it, Whitley." Ling smiled. "None of us knew that would happen."

"Fair enough." Whitley nodded.

Willow smiled. "Let's go." She said as they walked away, as they went to get things packed for Galar as they left behind Arceus and Regigigas.

"I'm surprised you didn't tell them that the Swords of Justice are camping out there,or the matter with that big tree." Regigigas mentioned.

"Can't spoil all the surprises now, can we?" Arceus chuckled.

"Heh, I suppose you're right."

As they were getting ready to go, Weiss pulled out her scroll and started texting Ruby and Yang.

Hey, just to let you know, Blake and I are heading back to Galar. - Weiss

There's this place called the Crown Tundra. We're heading over there to find some Pokemon for Regigigas and Arceus. - Blake

Oh fun! See you guys later! - Yang

Let us know if you need help and we'll be heading over there! - Ruby

We will - Weiss

Weiss put her scroll away. "Alright, I'm all set." She said, having her Pokeballs with her as they took off.


Later

BGM: Wedgehurst (Pokemon Sword and Shield)

"Ah, this takes me back." Weiss said, closing her eyes and thinking back on when they found Ruby.

"Yeah, though I imagine this time, things are gonna be a lot quieter." Blake said.

"Agreed." Weiss nodded as they walked into the station.

"Ah, mornin', Gloria!" The station master greeted. "What can I do for ya?"

"Got some passes for the Crown Tundra?" Gloria requested.

"Ah yes, we just got 'em shipped here just a few days ago!" He said and handed over a box. "Take as much as you like! Better than counting, no?"

"Damn straight." Gloria chuckled as she took the box and set it down as everyone took a pass, though Mime Jr mimed Klein picking up a pass. "That should be it!" She said and gave it back. "Here ya go, lad!"

"Thank you kindly. Enjoy the Crown Tundra!" He smiled.

"We will!" Gloria smiled as she went into the train.

"Come along, Alfred." Klein said as they walked ahead, pushing Weiss into the train.

"Mime Mime!" The Mime Jr smiled, miming pushing the wheelchair as they got into their seats as the train took off.

End BGM

BGM: Excess Express at Day (Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door)

"Up we go." Klein picked up Weiss and gently put her down on a seat with her cast on the seat as well. "There we go, perfectly leveled." He said, folding Weiss's wheelchair as he walked off as Blake and Winter sat across from Weiss.

"Sorry… I don't mean to hog the seat."

"No no, it's fine." Blake chuckled as the train took off for the Crown Tundra. "So, you think it's gonna be less chaotic than last time?"

"What do you mea-… oh, right." Weiss closed her eyes, flashing back to the shenanigans that happened at Isle of Armor, especially with Ruby and Yang butting heads, Avery losing his temper over Ruby, the Blood Gulch gang trying to find the Diglett, and the Dynamaxing Pokemon. "Yeah, I think it'll be a lot quieter."

"Here's hoping." Blake agreed.

"I'm sure everything will be fine." Winter said.


With Gloria

"So, I just want to make it clear…" Jen said. "I know we stole those scrolls, but we were going to give 'em back anyway. Mona wanted to learn a new move, as you know. If we weren't giving them back, I would have stopped it right away."

"By shooting." Anthony snarked, causing Jen to roll her eyes.

"Due process takes too long. Why do you think I resorted to being a vigilante?" Jen smirked. "We're shoot first, ask questions later types."

"It's a wonder you haven't been shot yet." Camrin snarked, causing Anthony to roll his eye.

"So you resorted to taserin' me?" Gloria spoke up after their little banter. "I know the lass told me it was to prevent me unwittingly doing property damage when I walked in, but have you thought about, ya know, talkin' to me about it? I would have waited."

Chloe sweatdropped. "Unfortunately, it never crossed our minds considering Mona was gonna maim you, so we had to think of a Plan B… and fast."

"I was just gonna knock her out!" Mona defended.

"By throwing her across the ocean." Anthony said.

"She'd be fine! She could have hitched a ride on a Gyarados!"

Gloria sweatdropped. "Hitched a ride on those pissy things? …Honestly, it'd be better than those Sharpedo." She shook her head. "Good grief…"

"See? Told you she'd be fine!" Mona grinned.


With the Belladonnas and Willow

"Definitely a lively one." Willow said, glancing over at Mona and then turned to the Belladonnas who were chuckling.

"Yeah, definitely reminds me of Nora." Kali chuckled.

"Indeed." Ghira nodded and turned to Willow. "How are you feeling, Ms. Schnee? You seem to be a lot better than the last time we've met."

Willow smiled. "Oh, things have been looking up. Taking rehab over my alcoholism, living my best life in Toad Town… it's definitely improved over the last month."

"That's good to hear." Ghira smiled. "Jacques always has been a pain, but to think you endured the worst of it."

"I'm glad he's no longer an issue…" Willow said and turned to Whitley who was chatting with Klein and Ling. "It's him I'm concerned about, however…"

"What's wrong? He's not like his father."

"Yes, but unfortunately, Jacques influenced him to the point where he's been haunted by him. Images of him that belittles Faunus and tells him he's worthless, amongst other things."

"Oh, that poor dear…" Kali whispered.

"Ling is always there for him though, but I fear Jacques did irreparable damage."

"Here's hoping that's not the case." Ghira quietly said.

"Yeah…" Willow agreed.

End BGM


Later

The train stopped at the station as everyone walked out with Blake pushing Weiss out. "Oh, hello! You mind if I update your Pokedex?" A Pokemon Researcher asked.

"Oh, sure." Gloria said, handing her the Dex as she tinkered with it before handing it over.

"Here you go, enjoy the Crown Tundra!" She said as they walked/rolled out of the station where they saw the Tundra before them.

"Whoa… it's beautiful!" Sun said.

"A bit chilly… but nothing we can't handle." Neptune chuckled as they looked around the area. Up on a rocky wall, a creature stared down at them as Blake's cat ears twitched as she looked up and saw an Absol staring down at them.

"Sol…" The Absol quietly said, staring directly at Blake.

"What… are you?" Blake wondered.

"Hmm? Hey Blake, you okay?" Sun asked as Blake snapped out of it and turned to Sun.

"Y-yeah, I was just staring at-" She looked up and saw the Absol was gone. "…At… that…"

"At what?" Sun looked up. "You're probably just seeing things."

"Was I?" Blake wondered. I know I wasn't seeing things… She thought.

"Get away from me, old man!" A voice cried, catching their attention as they turned to see a man going after his daughter.

BGM: Peony's Theme (Pokemon Sword and Shield)

"Oh come on Nia, don't you want to spend time with your old man?" He asked. "It'll be great!"

"The last thing I want to do is be seen with you!"

"What's going on?" Gloria wondered.

"Oh!" The daughter turned to them. "Hey, help me out here! You think I should have some time alone from my pops?"

"What are you yammerin' about? We came here on a father-daughter trip!"

"Ew! I don't want that!"

"Personally, I think it'd be nice to spend some quality time with your father." Willow spoke up. "We don't know when it'll be our time, so I personally believe you ought to spend every moment together as much as possible."

"Thank you!"

"Oh brother, why should I listen to a grandma like you?"

"G-grandma?!" Willow said in shock. "I… I am not that old!"

"Hey! You listen to me." Winter spoke up. "You ought to be with your old man whether you like it or not."

"Mmmph…" Nia let out a grumble until she had an idea. "Oh! Pop, why don't you battle these people? Show them how strong you are! You'll make me so proud!"

"Oh?" The man chuckled. "Heh, I wouldn't mind showing off my strength…" He smirked and turned around, giving off a grin while Gloria let out a gasp. "Oh what the heck! I can play around with the lot of ya! It's time to make my daughter proud, ahahahaha!"

No wayno fockin' way… Gloria thought as she stared at the man in front of her. He looked exactly like Chairman Rose, in fact, she pictured him standing right in front of her. YouYOU…! She clenched her fists.

"Watch and learn, Nia! You'll learn a thing or two!" He boastfully said, completely unaware of his daughter sneaking off. "Heheheh, who wants to go first?"

"I'll take the first shot." Gloria said as she approached him. Her demeanor looking vastly different than earlier.

"Is it me, or did her demeanor suddenly change?" Camrin wondered.

"Must be that time of the month." Mona quietly said, unaware of Zoey spotting Nia running off as she chased after her.

"Heheheh, you got a name, kiddo?"

"What, you don't fockin' remember me?" Gloria gave him a cold glare, pulling out a Pokeball. "After that arse beatin' I gave ya?!"

"Hmm, I don't recall that…" He mused. "Name's Peony! Still looking for that name."

Oh, so NOW you're changing your name? Fine, I'll play along, you shitehead. "Name's Gloria, and I'm gonna make ya remember my name this time, ya hear?!"

Peony chuckled. "Nice name… sounds a bit familiar. Ah well, let's get this show on the road!" He smirked.

End BGM

BGM: Battle! Peony (Pokemon Sword and Shield)

Coolest Dad in all of Galar - Peony

"Alright, Copperajah, let's rock and roll!" Peony exclaimed, calling out his Copperajah.

"Rajaaaah!"

Startin' out with him? It's official… it IS him! Gloria thought and called out her Cinderace.

"Raaaaace!" Cinderace cried and then immediately spotted Peony. "Cinder?!" Cinderace said in surprise and turned to Gloria.

"That's him, alright!" Gloria nodded as Cinderace turned back to Peony, now scowling. "Fock up his Copperajah with a Pyro Ball!"

"Goodness, you are definitely in the zone!" Peony chuckled. "Superpower!"

Copperajah slammed its trunk on the ground and used Superpower, but by Gloria's command, Cinderace rolled out of the way and unleashed a Pyro Ball that struck the Copperajah head on. "Copper…!" Copperajah groaned.

"Hang in there, big guy! High Horsepower!"

"Bounce!"

Cinderace jumped high into the air right as Copperajah had ran up to him and attempted to kick him, but was a bit slow as it looked up and saw Cinderace coming down on top of him. "Now use Fire Blast!" She ordered as Cinderace clapped his hands together and unleashed a Fire Blast attack that struck the Copperajah head on, knocking him over as Cinderace gracefully landed on the ground.

"Well, someone taught him a new trick." Weiss said.

"Yeah, but still… what's up with Gloria?" Sun wondered as Peony recalled his Pokemon.

"You've got spunk!" Peony grinned. "Let's go, Aggron!" He yelled, calling him out.

"AGGROOOOON!"

Changing your team on me, I see. Gloria thought. If that's the case… She switched Cinderace out. "Let's go, lad!" She yelled, calling out her Urshifu.

"Stone Edge!"

"Dodge that and use Dynamic Punch!" Gloria yelled as Aggron stomped on the ground, but Urshifu dodged that as he ran over and unleashed a Dynamic Punch that pushed him back.

"Aggro…" Aggron grunted, pulling out a Sitrus Berry and popped it in his mouth to heal himself up.

"That's my guy! Iron Head!"

"Hold him steady!" Gloria ordered as Urshifu got in his stance as Aggron charged at him and headbutted him with an Iron Head, but Urshifu held him in place despite sliding in the snow a bit as he used an uppercut to knock the Aggron back. "Surging Strikes!" She ordered as Urshifu quickly unleashed Surging Strikes to finish off the Aggron.

"Groooon!" Aggron cried as he faceplanted into the snow.

End BGM

"Augh!" Peony exclaimed before laughing. "Ahahaha! That was a glorious good show! Ahahaha!" He laughed, but suddenly Gloria marched up to him and grabbed him by the collar, then pushed him to a tree. "Ack!"

"Gloria!" Weiss exclaimed.

BGM: Danger! There's Trouble! (Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX)

"Is this some kind of fockin' game to you, lad?!" Gloria yelled. "What do you think you're doin' here?!"

"Mmph! I have… no idea what you're talkin' about? Was it something I said?"

"DON'T GIVE ME THAT FOCKIN' SHITE!"

"Gloria! What's gotten into you?" Blake asked.

"This man… this man right here nearly destroyed Galar with that damn Darkest Day! I had to snatch Eternatus from him before he did anything stupid! This man… he nearly ruined everything!"

"I don't know what the heck you're talking about! You got the wrong guy!"

"DON'T PLAY DUMB WITH ME! YOU KNOW EXACTLY WHAT YOU DID, ROSE!" Gloria yelled, reaching for her lead pipe.

"Rose? Oh no no no no! I'm not him, I swear! I'm his younger brother!" He said, pulling out a photo and showing her the photo of him and Rose side by side. "See?"

"B-BROTHER?!" Gloria said in surprise as she looked at the photo and then back at Peony, and then back at the photo. "…Oh Arceus…" She blushed in embarrassment and dropped Peony.

End BGM

"My apologies, I thought-"

"That I was Rose? Don't worry about it, I get that all the time! Ahahaha!" Peony laughed.

"Phew… that could've been a disaster." Sun sighed in relief as the others relaxed. "You almost got your skull caved in!"

"Ah, I got a hard noggin. It wouldn't have hurt!" Peony chuckled and then patted Gloria on the shoulder. "My older brother gave ya trouble? I wouldn't sweat it, I'm ten times better than that doofus!" He grinned. "Nothin' to worry about, I'm not gonna destroy Galar!"

"Oh thank Arceus." Gloria took a deep breath and put her hand over her heart, breathing a sigh of relief. She then turned to the others. "I… got some explainin' to do, don't I?"

"Yeah… obviously." Weiss said.

"Hold on, first we need to find Zoey and then we can hear your story." Anthony said.

"Zoey huh? She got lost?" Peony asked and then realized something. "WAIT A MINUTE, WHERE'D NIA GO?!"

"You just noticed?" Whitley asked.

"Awkward…" Ling quietly said.


Meanwhile, with Zoey

"Ah, the Max Lair… this is what I want to do." Nia smiled and then shifted her gaze behind her. "And you are?" She asked, turning her gaze to Zoey. "I assume you were with that large group."

"I am." Zoey nodded. "Why were you treating your father that harshly, Miss Nia?"

"It's because… he can be extremely overbearing." Nia said. "I love him, but… he can be quite annoying at times! He's all "Oh Peonia, let's go on this Adven-Tour that I made up! It'll be a lot of fun!" but does he hear what I want to do? No! It's never about what I want to do, he's in his own world! He straight up ignores me!"

"He just wants to have fun with you. True, there are some parents who may be a bit overbearing, but they just want to spend every minute with their children."

"I get that! But I just want some alone time, is that too much to ask? And don't think I haven't said that to him… I have. The problem is is that it goes in one ear and out the other with him!"

"Aren't you being a bit selfish?" Zoey asked.

"Trust me, spend five minutes with him and you'd want to be away from him too." She said quietly. "There's nothing selfish about it."

"I believe it is."

"And what do you know about that? You haven't raised a child at all!"

"I have, actually. My charges are none other than Master Camrin and Mistress Chloe, and while I'm technically their maid, I am their surrogate mother while their parents are away doing treasure hunting of their own. So don't you go thinking I know nothing about parenting, Miss Nia."

"Oh, well isn't that convenient…" Nia rolled her eyes.

"Maybe you should clear the air with your father. It might do you some good."

Peonia turned around, her back toward Zoey. "Honestly… even if I tried, what good will it do? The man's a complete dunderhead… he won't even listen to me at all." She said and wandered into the Max Lair.

"And how do you know that?"

"…Try living with him. You'll understand." She said and disappeared into the Max Lair as Zoey heard snow crunching behind her as she turned to see the others approaching her.

"What is this place?" Neptune wondered.

"It's called the Max Lair… I don't know much about it other than the name." Peony said. "Though I do hear it kinda works like a Max Raid Battle."

"Sounds interesting. Let's go in." Blake said as they walked in, unaware of a Pokemon curiously looking at them.

BGM: Max Lair (Pokemon Sword and Shield)

"Excuse me!" Peony caught the attention of a Pokemon Researcher. "You wouldn't have happened to have see a young lady walk in here, would you?"

"As a matter of fact, yes." She nodded. "She went into the Max Lair and-"

"Oh Niiiia~!" Peony took off running. "Daddy's coming!"

"WAIT! HOLD ON A SECOND!" She yelled but Peony ran inside, causing her to sweatdrop.

"Oooh boy… he looks just like Rose, yet his demeanor is way different." She said and turned to the others. "You with him?"

"Apparently, yes." Weiss said.

"I see. Well, if you don't know what the Max Lair is about… it's kind of like going into a Max Raid Battle, but you go through a type of dungeon in this particular spot. You fight your way through a series of Dynamax Pokemon before meeting up with a Legendary Pokemon. Oh, and you don't take your Pokemon with you, otherwise they may go on a Dynamaxing Rampage across Galar, so we have rental Pokemon on standby."

"Interesting…" Blake mused.

"Indeed, so you may all go in if you wish." She said and then looked at Weiss. "However, I will advise that she stays here. It's a precaution."

"Nonsense, I can ride on Azure." Weiss said.

"Who's Azur-" The researcher saw Azure come flying in. "WHAT IN THE NAME OF ARCEUS?!" She yelled. "That… that thing's huge! What kind of Pokemon is that?!"

"He's not a Pokemon. He's a Rathalos." Weiss said and scratched Azure's chin. "And a very adorable one at that~!"

The researcher pulled out a note. "Note to self, examine this creature to make sure it is a Pokemon from some unknown region." She wrote down and then turned around. "The rest of you can go in if you wish. She needs to stay put… and besides, I think a broken ankle will get worse if you're flying."

"Oh… fine…" Weiss sighed.

"I'll stay with you if you'd like." Willow offered.

Weiss smiled. "Thanks." She said as Azure rested next to Weiss as she backed up to a wall.

"We'll be back." Blake said as they walked in as a few Dottler looked at the Rathalos curiously.

"Swine?" A voice chirped as the Schnees turned to see a Swinub work its way over to the trio. "Swinub Swine?"

"Oh! Oh my goodness, that is just the cutest!" Willow gushed as the Swinub wandered over to Weiss and examined her feet curiously, before hopping up on her lap and sniffing her.

"Swine! Swinub!" The Swinub smiled and nuzzled against her.

"Aww, I think it likes you." Willow smiled as Weiss pulled out her scroll and took a picture of the Swinub, then forwarded it over to Ruby.

Hey, can you tell me more about this Pokemon? Given its cry, I think it's a Swinub.

Hang on, let me look through Rotom real quick - Ruby

Okay.

Aha! Here it is! It's indeed a Swinub. According to the Dex entries: It rubs its snout on the ground to find and dig up food. It sometimes discovers hot springs. If it smells something enticing, it dashes off headlong to find the source of the aroma. - Ruby

Oh wow. Come to think of it, it was sniffing me all over.

I guess it finds ice queens enticing~!

Hey!

Oh, and I found two evolutions for this. Piloswine and Mamoswine, to be exact. Ruby sent two pictures of them.

This little guy grows tusks as it evolves?

Apparently so!

That's it, I'm naming this little guy Tusky.

Uhreally? Personally, I would go for like, I dunno… Manny.

Too dumb. Tusky fits.

Oh, alright, if you say so. Your foot holding up alright?

Yeah, it's doing great. Talk to you later, okay?

Okay! Oh, by the way, mom says hell- Weiss put away her scroll before reading the rest of her message. "You want to come with me, little guy?"

"Swine!" Swinub smiled and nuzzled against her.

"That's a yes. I'm gonna call you Tusky."

Tusky? Willow thought. Hmm, that's not a bad name for it.

"Oooogh…" A voice groaned as they turned to see Ling and the Belladonnas dragging a KO'd Peony out of the cave.

"Poor guy didn't get too far. Lost his footing and knocked his head on a rock." Kali said.

"Oooow…" Peony groaned as Ling knelt down and pulled out some flowers, putting them on his head as she closed her eyes and used her semblance on him.

"So much for a hard head." Weiss said, when suddenly the place rumbled underneath. "What the?"

"Oh, it seems they got to the Legendary Pokemon already." The researcher said casually.

End BGM


Meanwhile, in the Max Lair

BGM: Battle! Dynamax Legendary (Pokemon Sword and Shield)

"This guy's crazy!" Sun exclaimed as he had a Boltund with him.

"You're telling me!" Neptune said, as he had an Eldegoss.

"Come on, Barbaracle, you got this!" Blake said as her Barbaracle was on one knee as they were staring at a Dynamaxed Suicune, who looked like it was on its last legs.

"We got this!" Gloria said as a Dynamaxed Dedenne was behind her. "Max Lightning!"

"DEDENNN!" Dedenne cried as it unleashed Max Lightning on the Suicune as it let out a pained roar before exploding, and shrinking back down to size. Before anyone could catch it, it ran off.

End BGM

"Ah bollocks… I was gonna capture it…" Gloria pouted a bit.

"Ah well, we had fun!" Sun said as they turned to the others. "How are you guys holding up?"

"We're fine… that packed a punch though." Whitley said as he was petting an injured Comfey.

"Indeed." Klein said with a Blaziken slowly getting up.

"I could've punched that thing if you'd let me." Mona sighed.

"Yeah no, that wasn't happening." Anthony said as they walked back, but Zoey stayed behind and looked around.

"Miss Nia, where are you?" Zoey wondered as she walked back to catch up with the others as they met up with the others outside, right as Peony sprang back up.

"Woo! I feel great!" Peony said and turned to the others. "Hey, you wouldn't have happened to find Nia in there, would ya?"

"Sadly, no." Zoey shook her head.

"Aww… and I was gonna go on this grand Adven-Tour with her too." Peony folded his arms. "Sheesh…" He then looked at all of them and had a grand idea. "Wait a minute! I got it! I can take all of you with me on this grand Adven-tour! I can see it now, all of us are havin' fun and if Nia sees what we're doing, she's bound to go on this adven-tour with her old man! It's foolproof!" He grinned and then took Gloria's arm. "Come on! Adventure awaits!" He said with a laugh and took off.

"Wha?! Hey! Let go! HEY! LET ME GO! WHY ARE YOU DRAGGIN' ME?!" She yelled as everyone sweatdropped.

"What did we get ourselves into this time?" Weiss asked.

"Honestly? Probably something way low-key than what we're used to." Blake said as they followed them as Blake pushed Weiss out.

"We still need an explanation on why Gloria nearly put a pipe into his skull." Neptune said.

"Ah, we'll get it at some point." Sun waved it off as they walked out of the Max Lair.

Eeeee! A new adventure! Zoey internally fangirled. Okay, deep breathsdeep breaths.


Meanwhile, in a train nearing the Crown Tundra

"Your scent is spot on, Seryu. I never imagined we'd find them here."

"My nose never lies, Adam." Seryu chuckled. "All Schnees smell the same, it makes no difference."

Adam let out a chuckle. "Very well."

"So, who do you think we should kill first?"

Adam smirked. "First, I say we pay Blake's friend a visit." He said, when suddenly the train jerked and stopped abruptly.

"Sorry about the delay, folks. There is a heard of Dubwool on the tracks. We will be departing shortly after the Dubwool have left."

"Come on, Seryu. We're going a different way." He said, his hand lighting up and unleashing a Kaboom spell on the doors, where a massive explosion destroyed part of the train as Adam and Seryu hopped off and walked toward the Crown Tundra on foot.


Meanwhile, near the Frigid Sea

A neopolitan Koopa Clown Car came flying in and landed on the beach. Once it landed, Neo hopped out of it with a grin as she turned around as a Slimecicle, Blizzbody, Snowgre, Silver Sabrecat, Luminous Lampling, Silver Sabrecub and a Chillanodon also popped out of her Clown Car. "Alright, let's go. I wanna see what this place has to offer." She signed as they nodded and took off.


What, you thought I wouldn't do a back to back story? ;)

...Maybe I should've given y'all a heads up on Super Paper RWBY... whoops.