Hello! It's been so long since I've posted a story but I'm honestly more fired up, since I never knew how much of a stress reliever writing was for me, so I figured writing something AND finishing a story for once would do myself some good. So please enjoy! This will update more regularly since I'm trying to have a more casual approach to writing. 3
-000-
A jellyfish-like Pokemon was floating over the docks, next to a small purple humanoid Pokemon. She waved at the camera, filming her, with a confident smile. This was Nihilego, a self-confident Ultra Beast, who while mature while on-camera, tend to be childish in any other situation.
"HELLO Pokemon World! It's been long… it feels like uhh…" Nihilego started, before starting to count in her head. She shrugged, grinning coyly, "Five years?! I have no freaking idea! I know you all know me from Total Pokemon Ultra Space! Well, now… it's time for a NEW GAME!"
Her companion gave her a judgemental look, "Uhh… not to be rude or anything… and well, I know you might think this rude so might as well, give you a fair warning… do you think it's umm... " He twiddles his appendages meekly, "-unecessary to say that when I don't think any of our viewers would remember that show. I mean, last I've checked… it didn't exactly have too many glowing reviews online. And didn't you try to revive your series like… five times?"
Nihilego shuddered at his words, "Don't remind me… Total Pokemon Ultra University… Disco… hell, even Total Pokemon Ultra Minigolf! I was grasping at straws there, when I overlooked the obvious solution… having this season be on an ISLAND! Anyways… in case people forgot about me, because it's been so long… I'm Nihilego!" She then gestured to her co-host with a huff, "And my cute yet a little bit overbearing companion is Poipole!" Poipole waved to the camera with a smile.
Putting two tentacles to her hips, she continued, "So yeah! This season's going to be ON AN ISLAND! And… it's going to work and this time, we won't have fourty-eight people trying and FAILING to share screentime so that's an added bonus, mmmhm!" She cleared her throat, "Anywho, we have sixteen lucky Pokemon, who are all eager to compete against each other and potentially backstab each other for one million Pokedollars, a lifetime supply of Poffins and before I can forget…" She fakes a drumroll, "FAME! Yep, that's what kids want these days, right? Poipole, back me up here?"
Poipole shrugged in indifference, "I have no idea… kids are really confusing…" He then lets out a hearty chuckle, "Makes me forget sometimes, that I'm a kid too, y'know… in Ultra Beasts standards obviously."
Nihilego gave him a questioning look before gesturing to the camera, "Uh-uh… suuuure. Let's uhh… just get down to business… 'cuz I don't think our harmless banter is going to get us any viewers…"
With a pout, Poipole responded, "Weeeell, we can always scrap this idea and have a TALK SHOW instead! That sounds really fun and interesting. We can just gab over the recent trends and have guests once in a while. We can call it...Ultra… Talk Show! I know it doesn't sound original but I want to respect the consistency."
Nihilego face-palmed, "You weren't supposed to comment on that…" Sighing, Nihilego gestured out across the water where a boat was seen, closing into the docks. The boat was large… for an old boat that Nihilego rented out for the show. 'It's not supposed to be comfortable for the contestants!', Nihilego had told Poipole while doing so, after the younger Ultra Beast kept pestering Nihilego about transportation for the sixteen contestants.
-000-
The boat finally reached shore, hitting the docks with a sharp thud. Thankfully, Nihilego was floating so she wasn't affected too much but Poipole found himself tripping over from the shaky docks with a huff.
Nihilego giggled at her friend's fall, before continuing to host, "Hehe… it looks like the boat is already here! I bet EVERYONE is just excited to meet the lucky sixteen, who will compete. I have gathered the WACKIEST, the CRAZIEST and of course… the MOST INTERESTING people I can find so this will be a long month for us all!"
Poipole huffed, standing back up, brushing off the dust that stuck onto his body from the docks, "You can say that again! I mean, didn't you cast two psychopaths in the original show you hosted?"
Nihilego shook her head before raising five tentacles, "Nope. There were FIVE psychos back then. Haven't you forgotten Poppy's uhh… obsessions, Clay and his… thing and Alex's unhealthy overcompetitiveness?! Sure, they weren't really psychotic but sheesh… they were… really something. But of course, this time, the cast is a breath of fresh air for the series so this will be fun~"
Poipole sighed, "Hopefully! I wasn't your co-host back then but uhh… we had a lot of past failures, right? So this should hopefully push through and not flop."
Nihilego giggles, before gesturing to the rickety old ship that was not docked into the island, "Yeah yeah~ No more mistakes here, Poipole. Let's just get to know our contestants. First up… is a sweetheart with a heart of gold! Let's give a warm welcome to Genevieve!"
An Audino exits the boat with a warm smile. She waves at the two hosts before bowing out of politeness, "Hello! I would like to say… that it's a pleasure for you to have me here."
"Nu-uh! The pleasure's all ours!" Nihilego replied with a warm smile. "I'm glad that you signed up for the show, despite your busy schedule."
Flashing a warmer smile, Genevieve puts a finger to her chin, "Well… I wanted to try something new… and when I saw an advertisement on the telly, about a reality TV show, I had an inkling that I might learn something here. So this experience will hopefully be worth it!"
Nihilego reached to hold Genevieve's hand with a nod, "You'll not regret it, of course! The Total Pokemon Ultra series is known for its life lessons after all!" Ignoring Poipole, who laughed at Nihilego's statement, she continued, "So uhh… make yourself at home! We're glad to have you here!"
"Thank you very much!" Genevieve responded cheerily. She then put her hands down, clasping them together, "So… I suppose I should just stand here while you introduce the other contestants, right?
Nihilego nodded in affirmation, "Pretty much. Glad to know that I don't have to explain all of that. 'Cuz… it's time for our second contestant to take the stage… it's Aiden!"
A Chimchar was the next to exit the boat with an annoyed expression. He stopped to stretch a bit before continuing down onto the docks, "What the hell was that?! That might be one of the most annoying boat rides I've ever been on… PERIOD!"
"Glad to know!" Nihilego said off-handedly with an amused expression. "At least you're in one piece, right?"
Genevieve nodded in agreement, "Absolutely. There were a few moments where I suspected that the boat might not even reach its destination with how decrepit and worn down it was… but alas," She put her hands together with a smile, "That's not what fate has intended for us and we survived. And that's always a moment worth celebrating!"
The fire monkey gave her a look, "What are you on, lady?! I know we're alive but sheesh… I wanted a more comfortable ride to get here… ugh… we were on that boat for like what?! THREE HOURS so I am surprised you aren't feeling a bit squeamish from all of that."
"Well… it was… a painful experience at some junctures but we all learn to adapt, right?" Genevieve pointed out with a small hearty chuckle.
Aiden's face flushed as he huffed, "Obviously... I should know. But still, I can complain, right?! This is a free country after all so I might as well get my voice out there. So yeah, if this ever gets a sequel, there should be BETTER transportation and not that… thing, that I have no idea how it even made it here intact."
"Hehehe, you sound like you're the life of the party, huh?" Nihilego said dryly. "We're running on a tight budget so we just made sure to rent out the best boat we can afford and unfortunately for y'all, the best is uhh… not that good. So you have to bear with that~"
"Ugh…" Aiden groaned in annoyance, rolling his eyes. "Whatever… I guess that's that then. I'm going to win this competition anyway so like… yep, I have to suffer to get to the end and of course, this is just the beginning of all of that."
Genevieve raised a brow at this, "Hmm? You sound so sure of that, huh?"
"Well… it's basically the most reasonable outcome, right? I mean, I doubt anyone is as intelligent or as capable as myself!" Aiden raised his chest in pride as he spoke.
"Mmhm, that's cute," Nihilego commented with a deadpan expression before reverting back to her usual smile, "Aaaaanyways, it's time for our next contestant, Venice!"
A Vivillion flew out of the boat with a blank expression. She dropped her luggage onto the docks with a sharp thud, "I… have arrived."
"Welcome to Total Pokemon Ultra Island! Make yourself at home, Venice!" Poipole greeted with a wide grin.
Venice gave him a confused expression, "Ultra… Island? That… is not sitting right with me."
"Hmmm? It's just the title of the show," Nihilego pointed out with a shrug. "No need to have too many gripes about that, when everything else would be waaaaay worse…" Nihilego gestured over to Aiden, who was waiting impatiently for the introductions to get finished, "Like Aiden over there! Face of an angel, everything else is uhh… not an angel."
"Stop SAYING cruel words to me!" Aiden huffed in annoyance.
Venice goes back to her blank expression, "Oh… thank you for the memo, I suppose." She then sighed as she held a longing expression, "While the title of this occasion sounds… completely uninspired… I guess I'll make do with what I have and… use whatever we have here as inspiration…"
"Inspiration for what exactly?" Nihilego asked out of curiosity.
Venice replied, flatly, "It is private. I'm a butterfly with many secrets… and if I shared them on the first day, then I won't have anything else to give to this show and I doubt that you'd want that… it'd feel… soul-sucking."
"Mmhm… that's true," Nihilego nodded in agreement.
"..." Venice blinked as she stared at the hostess cooly.
"..." Nihilego blinked back, twiddling her tentacles nervously.
"..." Poipole was basically just playing with small dolls that somehow appeared on the docks.
"..." Genevieve and Aiden shared a confused expression. For once, they were in mutual agreement.
"Are we seriously having awkward silence on the first day?!" Nihilego complained, shaking her head. "Let's uhh… brighten up the mood with another introduction. Let's give it up for Harry!"
A Bisharp walked out of the boat with an annoyed expression as he stared at the hostess, "Who said that you were allowed to call me by my nickname?" He grunted, crossing his arms, "It's Harrison to you…"
"Ouch… that stings… don't I get special hostess rights to give everyone a nickname though!" Nihilego teased with a childish pout. "Pleeeeease, Harry."
Harrison sighed in exasperation, "Today's just not my day… I think this world is out to get me, with all the faces I've gotten to meet…" He shuddered, just thinking about it. "So yep… don't get on my nerves right now."
"Okie dokie then! Welcome to the show, Harrison. I hope you enjoy your stay here!" Nihilego chirped cheerfully, before going back to a serious expression. "That was just a preface of the month to come!"
"Gee, I can't wait," Harrison drawled.
Genevieve gave Harrison a concerned expression, "You'll get used to it!" She extended a hand towards the Bisharp. The Bisharp awkwardly stared at it before shaking it, "I'm Genevieve, by the way. But you can call me Genny!"
"Harrison…" Harrison replied, matter-of-factly. "Nice to meet you… or not?!"
"Ookay! Next up on the list is someone who might be less talkative than Venice and Harrison combined, it's Jacob!" Nihilego then announced as a Carracosta walked out of the boat with a blank expression. The hostess held out a tentacle, which Jacob shook lightly with a grunt.
"Hello…" Jacob said dryly. "I can't wait to play."
"SAME! We're been waiting here for like… FOREVER!" Aiden agreed with a nod.
"I don't think it's been that long," Genevieve pointed out with a weak smile.
"..." Jacob doesn't say anything as he stood with the other contestants on the docks.
Unbeknownst to the large turtle Pokemon, Venice was staring at him from behind with a curious expression. With a firm nod, the Vivillion began muttering under her breath. Harrison gave Venice an expression that basically said, 'Seriously?!'
"Oookay… it looks like we're going to move onto the next contestant quicker than expected but eh… let's give a warm welcome to Riley!" Nihilego announced.
A Gloom exited the boat with a dour expression. He stomped over to the hostess, with a really long sigh, before speaking, "Hey…"
"Uhh… did something happen? You weren't uhh… this… melancholic in your audition," Nihilego asked, concerned for the Gloom, who shrugged in reply. "Okay? I'd like to let you know that uhh… Poipole and I are hosts who CARE so if you have concerns, bring it to us first."
"Well… it's just that…" Riley began to sniffle, surprising Nihilego. "... I was having a great time on the way here… sure the ride was bumpy but the thought of being in the great outdoors helped offset the pain and prevented me from barfing… and well… the boat… it's dying."
"That's the first time I've heard of the boat dying today," Nihilego commented, confused.
"Well… not like that… I spoke with the captain of the boat… and they told me that… the boat wasn't going to be of any use after today, which means… me, along with everyone else there, were the last passengers of the boat… and I can't help but feel sentimental. It's unfair… I feel so bad for the captain… because now, they'd either have to buy a new boat, build a new one… and I feel bad for the boat too because it won't be useful to anyone… it might as well be driftwood!" Riley said, holding back any further tears.
Wiping away the tears, Riley makes a weak smile, "I apologize for crying on the first day… I just feel really whelmed with emotions right now. I can't help it. But I'd just like to say… I watched the failed shows as well… and I figured… that I should give this show a shot so that it can flourish. It's the least I can do."
"Uhh… thanks?" Nihilego said, still a bit shaken by Riley's sudden tears. "I'm sure you won't regret this then!"
Riley nodded in reply, smiling faintly, "Mmhm… that's the plan!"
"Dude, you literally cried over a boat. Are you going to be okay here?!" Aiden pointed out dryly. Venice and Jacob both nodded in agreement. "I mean… not to sound like a total jerk but uggggh, it's still pretty concerning!"
"If you can't take the heat… go home…" Jacob grumbled, crossing his arms.
Riley stammered nervously, intimidated by the large turtle's size, "Errr… I can take it! You don't have to be that concerned about me!"
"..." Riley laughed nervously as he got no reply. "Ookay… uh… I'll just stand with you guys, I guess?"
Nihilego nodded, flashing a thumbs-up, "Mmhm! It's time to meet our next contestant… Comf!" Her voice then quieted down to a whisper, "Who hasn't competed in any Ultra series show in THIS world so like… uhhh… loopholes and she's technically not the same Comf. Woo, go girl!"
A Comfey floated out of the boat, confused at the Ultra Beast's words, "What do you mean with 'technically not the same Comf'? Was there ever another Comf?"
Nihilego made a bashful grin, shifting her eyes to the side, "Uhh… you heard nothing obviously. W-welcome to the game, Comf. Poipole and I just had a side conversation on comfortable… couches?! Yep. Mmhm."
Comf looked confused at this, "Ummm…"
Nihilego cleared her throat before continuing, "So uhhhh… how was your day?"
Comf shrugged before smiling warmly, "I suppose it was decent. I had a few great conversations on the boat ride here… but…" She winced, "It wasn't a comfortable boat ride so… it balances out."
"You'll get used to it," Nihilego said with a shrug. "Besides… it's not like it's as bad as getting your heart ripped to shreds or something like that. This is a HYPOTHETICAL situation, by the way."
Comf blinked, "Uhmm…"
"Uhh… mmhm!" Poipole commented awkwardly.
Comf smiled weakly, "Okay? I'll errr… stand with the others then…" The Fairy-type then floated over to the other contestants on the docks. She waved politely to them. "Hello everyone! I hope we can all get along!"
Genevieve waved politely, mouthing 'Hi!'. Aiden was busy ignoring people. The rest just wave without a word. Comf smiled to herself as she stood next to Genevieve.
"Ookay… awkwardness aside, it's time for the next contestant, Jarvis!" Nihilego announced as a Pyroar walked out of the boat with a confident expression. "Welcome to the show!"
Jarvis grinned, shaking Nihilego's tentacle, "Glad to be here! I can't wait to WIN!"
"I like the attitude, dude! I'm sure you can make it far with that alone!" Nihilego complimented with a smirk.
Jarvis laughed loudy, "Obviously. I would be surprised if I don't honestly. I mean, I'm athletic, decently smart AND sociable so I'm basically a well-rounded contestant! So… yeah, pretty much."
"I'm rooting for you then!" Poipole beamed at the Pyroar. "I… BELIEVE in you!"
"Well, he has a one out of sixteen chance overall… so eh, it can happen," Nihilego said with a shrug. "So yeah, I hope you enjoy your stay here… it'll be a big MESS, that's for sure."
Jarvis rolled his eyes, scoffing, "That's assuming everyone here is as capable as myself… so yep, I still have a really high chance." He then made his way to the other contestants afterwards.
"Next up, we've go-" Nihilego was then announcing the next contestant but was interrupted by a Pachirisu, who sped out of the boat with a grin.
"Hi!" The Pachirisu was tapping his foot on the dock really roughly and repeatedly. "Nice to meet you. I'm Parry. I'm so happy we're out of the boat now. It might be the worst moment of my life. It made me squeamish and there wasn't much space to move in. I think I might be claustrophobic, now that you know about it but 'kay, hi!"
"Parry, we haven't even introduced you yet! But oh well… welcome to the show, dude!" Nihilego said.
"Thank you for the warm welcome. I hope to meet a lot of new friends here!" Parry said with a toothy grin.
Poipole raised a hand with a smirk, "WE can be friends!"
Parry's eyes widened with a grin. He clapped his hands in joy, "REALLY?! Then, you can be my new friend, friend! Nice to meet you!" The Pachirisu silently giggled to himself. "I wonder what fun things we can do together!"
"We can…" Poipole then begins to whisper into Parry's ear. The rodent giggled at what he's hearing. Poipole then leans back with a cheeky grin. "This will be FUN!"
"Yeppers! Just us friends!" Parry said with a chuckle.
Nihilego arched a brow at this exchange, "Uhh… what exactly are you planning, Poipole? I already told you we can't interfere with the game directly."
Poipole pouted, "It wasn't about the game~ We were just talking about pranking on Aiden!"
"Mmhm! Aiden is a big jerk so I was totally DOWN with playing an innocent prank on her. No biggie!" Parry nodded in agreement.
"YOU DO KNOW I'M HERE, RIGHT?!" Aiden growled, glaring at the duo.
Parry smiled sheepishly before winking, "Hehe~" The Pachirisu waves at his new friend before heading over to the other contestants.
Nihilego sighed, shaking her head, "Kids…"
"Heeeeeey, don't act like you're not one either… at most occasions," Poipole pointed out with a pout. "I mean… Guzzlord, Xurkitree, Celesteela, Kartana, Arceus, Poppy, Loblolly and Poipole can vouch for me!"
"Uggggh… don't remind me… though, I have no idea why you mentioned a certain Brionne who has ABSOLUTELY no connection to the show whatsoever…" Nihilego commented with a sigh.
"Well, do you not re-"
"I think you're just going to say something I won't like so uhh… time for our next contestant, Roccia!"
A Rockruff walked out of the boat with a frown. She looked completely unhappy before forcing a smile as she saw the two hosts, "Hi!"
"Hey Roccia! Welcome to the-"
"Are you uhm… single?" Roccia asked with a nervous expression. Nihilego looked completely taken aback by this. "Errr… asking for myself obviously. I mean, uhh… I was just hoping that you'd consider myself as a potential love inter-"
Nihilego deadpanned, "Are you seriously asking me out when this is the first time we've met? That's messed up, girl!"
"..." She then turned to Poipole, "Are you single? I'm pretty, smart, strong-ish and I'm confident woman as well… so uhh… I-"
"Are you seriously asking my co-host out after me rejecting you five seconds ago?!" Nihilego asked, cocking a brow in a confusion.
Roccia shrugged, "Eh… it was worth a shot."
"Please explain…"
Roccia giggled nervously, eyes shifting to the side, "Well… I heard that people usually find love in shows like these so I figured that I should sign up, to find my special someone. And I already tried my luck with most of this cast, so ugh… what am I doing wrong?" She then sighed, "Am… am I too out of people's league? Or am I just too forward. I thought that people usually appreciated that type of behavior."
"Well… maybe you have to get to know someone first, form an emotional connection and stuff before you can y'know… ask them out. From what I can see… you just kinda ask them out, on the spot," Nihilego advised.
"Hmm… that's a great idea… so if I BOND with someone, they'll fall in love with me?!" Roccia asked.
"Uhh… no comment," Nihilego said with a nervous chuckle.
"Thank you so much for the advice, Nihilego!" Roccia chirped with a smile before arching a brow. "Does this count as a bonding moment that will eventually bloom into a roman-"
"NO!" Nihilego shouted with a frown.
Roccia looked disappointed, "Awww…"
Nihilego cleared her throat, forcing a small grin, "Just uhh… stand over with the others, okay? Don't even think o-" Nihilego stopped as she noticed that Roccia has already made her way to the other contestants. "Okay?!"
Roccia waved at her fellow competitors, "Hi! Are all of you-"
"Ew," Venice interrupted Roccia, rolling her eyes. Roccia gasped before glaring at the Vivillion.
"Okay… next up, we have Felipe!" Nihilego announced as a Woobat flew out of the boat with a toothy grin.
"Hey Nihilego! I'm so HAPPY to be here. I mean, the best series with the best hostess? Mmhm! I was SOLD!" Felipe said.
Nihilego gave him a look, "Uhh.. this is not even part of a series?... or well, not yet at the moment."
Felipe shook his head, "Naaaaah, knowing you, this will have TEN sequels, TWO spin-offs and… a special feature-film!"
Nihilego sighed, rolling her eyes, "Give it as a rest. Sucking up to me won't get you any brownie points nor convince me to rig the game in your favor."
Felipe laughed nervously, "I don't know what you're even talking about…"
Nihilego deadpanned, "Sure…"
Poipole pouted, "Is it bad that I have no idea what's happening since you introduced Parry? Or is that usual co-host behavior?"
"It is!" Felipe lied.
"Oh?" Poipole looked confused by Felipe's words.
"Don't listen to him. He's basically a suck-up… I mean, his application kept complimenting me… and a hypothetical co-host so yeah, I expected it," Nihilego explained with a long sigh.
Felipe smiled weakly, "Uhh… did I come off too strongly?"
"Yes," Nihilego answered matter-of-factly.
"Darn…" Felipe mumbled to himself. He sighed as he flew over to the others as Nihilego prepared to introduce the next contestant.
"He was nice…" Poipole commented with a smile.
Nihilego shrugged, "Eh? Well, I guess he is, if you compare him to the other people in the cast… but whatever. The next contestant's definitely NOT nice though. It's Wendy!"
A Whimsicott bounced out of the boat with a wide grin. The first thing she does after disembarking… is TIGHTLY hugging Nihilego. The Ultra Beast winced as she struggled to catch her breath, "Wendy… uhh… please let go?! You're stronger than you look!"
Wendy giggled as she continued hugging, "I'm just so EXCITED to be here. I'm just a BIG fan of reality TV, y'know?! And now that I'm here…" She hugged tighter, "I CAN'T wait to cause chaos around here, meet new friends and hopefully, make some moves!"
Nihilego gasped as Wendy then let go of her, "AUUUUUGH… Wendy, stop… doing that. For my own safety. But uhh… nice to have you here." She then muttered under her breath, "Geez… are all Whimsicott surprisingly strong despite having a hair of cotton?!"
Wendy smiled sheepishly, "Sorry for that, hosty~ I just can't help it." She then began looking around before setting her sights on the other contestants, "Oooh! Those must be my competition! OOOOOH! It makes every cell in my body tingle, just thinking of every potential outcome and scenario that will happen in this game!"
"That's weird!" Poipole blurted out with an innocent smile.
Wendy giggled, "Don't you mean… Wendy?! Hehe… I made a pun… a horrible pun but still a pun, right?!"
Nihilego arched a brow, "I'm sure you can get along with Kartana… just go stand with the others while we wait for the other contestants! Not much left since there's only sixteen of you here."
Wendy nodded as she went over to the other contestants to 'mingle', "Heeeey, friends!"
"We aren't friends…" Jacob muttered.
"Ditto," Harrison agreed.
"Fuck off!" Aiden growled.
"Meh," Venice shrugged.
Wendy silently giggled, "This looks like it will be a fun, wholesome game for us all."
Meanwhile, Nihilego then announced the next contestant, "Next up, i-"
A Tranquil flew out of the boat, landing on the docks, making an elaborate post, "I HAVE ARRIVED!"
"I haven't even said your name yet," Nihilego drawled dryly.
The Tranquil scoffed, rolling her eyes, "I prefer to do my introductions, thank you very much." She put a wing to her chest, "I am the SHINING! The IRIDESCENT! The BEAUTIFUL! -"
"Hello Kiara!" Poipole greeted with a happy smile. "I hope you make yourself at home with your bright and fun attitude you've got there!"
Kiara pouted, staring at the younger Ultra Beast, "Awww… you messed up my intro! But 'cuz I'm nice, I'm going to forgive you for that. I mean, I can always do another intro for the others if they don't mind!"
"We won't mind!" Comf shouted with a smile.
Jarvis shrugged, "As long as you tone it down a notch, because we won't hear the rest of your introduction if you scream so loud to break our ear-drums…"
"I promise I won't!" Kiara said as she went to her fellow contestants.
Nihilego sighed with a shrug, "I guess we should've asked everyone to think of a long elaborate introduction but we're running on a thirty-minute timeslot here so yep, we have to cut corners to make it work. Our fourteenth contestant is Neveah!"
A small Espurr scurried out of the boat with a determined expression. She walked over to the hostess, bowing politely, "Glad to be here. I can't wait to meet everyone so much!"
"Glad to hear! Hopefully, you aren't secretly psycho like-" Nihilego cut herself off, realizing what she said. "Uhh… I'll backtrack a bit so uhh… good luck?!"
Neveah looked confused before smiling, flashing a thumbs-up, "I don't need luck! I'm all grown-up so I'm totally prepared to win this for my family!" She then rushed over to the other contestants to say hello and introduce herself.
Nihilego smiled as she turned to Poipole, "Woo! We're getting through these introductions really fast! I'm so proud of us! Maybe, this show can actually take off… the vibe I'm getting from everyone is not too bleak either so I'm honestly excited!"
Poipole nodded in agreement, "BIG AGREE! Everyone has a really bright personality! I'm SUPAH excited!"
"Mmhm! Let's keep the momentum going! Contestant number fifteen, we have Ulysses!" Nihilego announced as an Umbreon walked out of the boat with a calm smile.
"Hey," Ulysses greeted lazily. "I can't wait to play this game… It was hyped a lot online… so y'know… I decided to sign up…"
"You won't regret it, Ulysses! Welcome to the show!" Nihilego replied with a chipper expression. She felt reinvigorated, hosting again.
Ulysses flashes a thumbs-up as he goes over to the other contestants.
"Okay, I know everyone can't wait for this game… so last but definitely NOT the least, it's Avis!"
An Altaria flew out of the boat with a warm smile. She landed next to the two hosts, "Hello everyone!"
"Hi Avis! How was the boat ride here?" Nihilego asked, trying to strike up a conversation.
"I can't say the same for everyone but… it was oddly relaxing, I didn't mind the many bumps on the journey honestly," Avis answered with a chuckle. "I presume everyone else has already been introduced, right?"
Nihilego nodded in confirmation, "Yep! You're our final contestant. And that's also our whole cast! It's time to get the show on the road!" She gestured for the other contestants to follow her, "Let's get going so that we can explore camp and even form teams!"
The contestants all exchanged a competitive expression, save for a few, as they followed Nihilego and Poipole deeper into the island.
-000-
Nihilego and Poipole lead the sixteen lucky contestants into an open campground, in the middle of the woods of the island. There were two wooden cabins that while small-looking, were more spacious than they look, a larger wooden building in the middle of the two cabins. And to the far end of the campground was a wooden outhouse, that looked dilapidated from disuse.
"And we're here!" Nihilego said as they reached the area.
Wendy cheered as she grinned widely, "We're finally here! The game is on, friends, acquaintances and future enemies!"
Jarvis smirked, "Heh… right you are. But of course, I'm making it to the end so I will apologize in advance if I stepped on you to get to the end. I'm still human after all."
Ulysses shrugged, "As long, as everyone has fun, I'm down for whatever."
"Love the enthusiasm, Ulysses!" Nihilego commented. "Anyways, here we have your cabins, where you will be staying for the entire month… or well, until you get voted off. As it shows, there will be two teams! You'll be rooming with your teammates this season. So… both boys and girls will share a cabin so don't even try any funny business on my watch."
Roccia bounced her eyebrows at this, "Both boys and girls?! The perfect time for bonding moments for us all!"
Neveah scoffed, rolling her eyes, "Were you even listening?! Nihilego said 'no funny business' on her watch. Sheesh…"
Roccia smiled weakly, "T-that's not what I meant! I was talking about perfectly wholesome situations… like truth or dare… uhh… sleepovers and uhmm… play cards?!"
Nihilego deadpanned, "Perfectly believable, coming from you Roccia… that aside, now's the time for me to split you into teams so that you can start mingling and properly hate each other or something. Poipole, stand over there please…"
Poipole nodded as he stood at the opposite end to Nihilego.
"Okay! Good… I'll now start calling people to join teams. People on Team Kartana will stand by Poipole. And the other team will stand by me. Is that clear?" Everyone nodded in affirmation. "Okay… we'll do this alphabetically, Aiden, you're officially part of the Krafty Kartana!"
Aiden arched a brow, "Krafty with a K or a C..?"
"K," Nihilego answered. Neveah nearly fainted at the sight of a grammar error. "Okay… next up, Avis and Comf! Sadly, you're not on the same team. Avis, you're on Kartana with Aiden. Comf, you're the first member of the Courageous Celesteela."
Avis smiled as she made her way next to Aiden, who just rolled his eyes. Comf went to Nihilego, waving.
"Felipe is also on the Kartana… with Genevieve and Harrison!"
The trio exchanged a look before making their way to Poipole.
"We can't leave Comf alone so Jacob and Jarvis, you can both join her!"
Comf gulped as she saw Jacob and Jarvis walk over to her team.
"Kiara, you're also on the Celesteela team. Neveah, you're on Kartana!"
Kiara giggled as she walked over to her new teammates. Neveah was still reeling in from 'Krafty' as she walked over to hers at the same time.
"Parry, Riley and Roccia are all part of the Celesteela!"
Parry and Riley exchanged a look, with Riley nervously stammering, "We're on t-the same team as a serial flirt?"
Parry shrugged, as he walked over to his team, "She seemed fine to me."
Roccia smiled at his words, "Thank you very much, Parry! This counts as our FIRST bonding moment!" Parry winced at her words.
"Ulysses, you're on Kartana. And to end this off… Wendy is on Kartana too, which means Venice will join the Celesteelas."
The trio walked over to their respective teams.
"Okay! That's a wrap! The Courageous Celesteela, represented by our ever-benevolent Celesteela, is composed of Comf, Jacob, Jarvis, Kiara, Parry, Riley, Roccia and Venice."
"You all better not hold me back!" Jarvis said with a huff.
"The Krafty Kartana, represented by the psychotic Kartana, is composed of Aiden, Avis, Felipe, Genevieve, Harrison, Neveah, Ulysses and Wendy."
"Uhh… you all better not hold me back!" Aiden said, copying Jarvis' words in an attempt to look intimidating.
"Okay! Now that you're settled in teams, I'll let you guys settle in! You all have a big day tomorrow," Nihilego said, smiling at the sixteen contestants before floating away with Poipole, following her.
-000-
Nihilego and Poipole are both seated, inside an outhouse. The walls looked dusty and there's a small Spinarak hanging from the ceiling. Nihilego waved, "Hello! This is the confessional, where everyone can vent, share their thoughts and you know… let loose. So yep, this is definitely going to be overused, from what I'm seeing."
Poipole nodded, "Yeeeppers! And this is also the first confessional of the season so this means we're winning!"
Nihilego deadpanned at Poipole's words.
000
Genevieve smiled and waved at the camera, "Hello, I'm Genevieve. I am competing in this show to make friends and to test my grit honestly but more on, making new friends. Games like these… it changes people so I would like to still remind people that in the end, it's just... " She giggled, "A game~ Sure, there's a million Pokedollars at the end but is that really worth burning a lot of bridges?
000
Harrison sighed as he kept scratching the sides of the confessional with his blades, "I'm not… good with people. They either talk too much… or ignore you. There's no middle ground. And it's annoying, because I have zero idea how to handle it… but whatever. I didn't come here to make friends anyway."
-000-
Comf, Kiara, Parry and Jarvis are all making themselves at home in their team cabin. There were four bunk beds, which were exact for the number of people on the team. At the end, opposite to the door, was a closet for everyone to store their belongings in. Comf smiled as she floated over to Jarvis, hoping to start a conversation.
"Uh… hel-" Comf started to say before Jarvis covered her mouth with a grunt.
Jarvis said briskly, "Yeah yeah, you're Comf. I know. No need for the sappy introductions, if that's what you're intending to do…" He removed his paw away from the lei's mouth, "But yeah, hope we get along or whatnot. It's for the sake of the social game after all."
Comf smiled weakly, "Well… what if I just wanted to make friends in a way that's c-completely unrelated to the game?"
"I'll be your friend!" Parry chimed in. The Pachirisu has made a mess of his bed, piling the pillows on top of each other and covering them with a large blue blanket.
Comf giggled as she turned to the Pachirisu, "Thank you, Parry! I really appreciate it!"
Parry nodded as he patted his pillow pile, "YAY! Thank you so much, Comf! That is music to my ears!" He turned to Kiara, who was already turning in to sleep, "Do you want to join our friendship squad, Kiara?!"
Kiara groaned, opening her eyes, "I need my sleep so that I can wake up, bright and dazzling tomorrow so I'll give you my answer then."
"It's literally early afternoon though," Jarvis pointed out bluntly.
"Well… Nihilego said we have nothing else to do and I'm not going to waste all of my material on the first day so I might as well go to bed early so that you'd be so curious of what I'd pull off. I'll promise that you won't regret it even," Kiara explained, closing her eyes.
"But you'll be wasting a great day. I mean, the weather's pretty nice outside," Comf pointed out with a pout. "I mean, isn't that the reason Jacob, Riley, Roccia and Venice are not here. They're enjoying the sunshine and butterflies!"
"I have no idea what's going on in Jacob's head but Roccia told me she was going to spy on the others for no reason. Venice and Riley are probably somewhere else," Jarvis replied, deadpanning. "You're making it sound like those four would be the type to appreciate general pleasantries. I mean, Roccia… is really weird. Jacob is normal and doesn't talk much but like I said, I have no idea about him. Riley's… someone and Venice is weird too, but in a more lowkey way."
"And where did you get all of that information, bestie?" Parry asked, arching a brow.
Jarvis rolled his eyes, "Don't call me bestie… but to answer your question, while everyone was just… saying hi and hello on the docks, I think I got a firm grasp of everyone's personalities then. I'm just that good."
"While your confidence is admirable… I doubt that your perception is gospel…" Comf commented, smiling weakly as she returned to her bed.
Jarvis smirked, raising his chin at the Fairy-type, "Well, don't come crying to me, when we find out I'm right all along. Always has been."
-000-
"I might be the only one, who knows how to play the game on my own team… so I fully expect myself to be the only one doing all the work for the challenges, unless Jacob is as capable as he looks," Jarvis commented with a cocky grin. "But long story short, nobody has much of a chance against me. So all I need are allies and I'm golden."
000
"Jarvik is a softie at heart, I know it!" Parry said with a wide grin. "I just have to poke him a lot until he admits I'm his bestie!"
000
Comf smiled weakly, "I'm not what people call… a social butterfly, so I'd like to try, reaching out here so that I can make a good first impression. I'll even try to make friendship lei to convince everyone" She laughed nervously, "But errr… if they don't want one, I'm not going to force them!"
-000-
Meanwhile, Aiden, Avis, Felipe, Genevieve, Harrison, Neveah and Wendy were all in their team cabin but nobody was saying a word as they were trying to organize their belongings… or well, nobody said a word, until Wendy decided to break the silence with a loud cough.
"We are definitely going on a winning streak!" Wendy shouted with a wide grin.
Aiden nodded begrudgingly, "Obviously. I mean… I'm here after all."
Neveah rolled her eyes, "Don't even jinx us. Usually, I don't believe in jinxes or all of those strange supernatural business, that are usually just Ghost-types but I don't want to take any chances here."
Wendy giggled, "Nah! I'm not jinxing anyone. I can just sense it… we're all strong players, so the obvious conclusion I can make is us dominating!"
Genevieve smiled warmly as she nodded in agreement, "That positivity just might be what we need to win! Thank you, Wendy!"
"No problem, Genevieve! Hehe!" Wendy said.
"..." It then quickly returned back to awkward silence as everyone went back to what they were doing before Wendy yelled.
-000-
"I watched enough reality TV shows at this point, so I think I can dominate this honestly!" Wendy said with a smirk. "I'll use what I learned! So TPFanGurlz, don't turn off the TV! You just might miss me winning ;)"
000
Neveah looked at the camera with a deadpan expression, "I think I might be one of the younger people here… but well, I'm not going to let that stop me from attaining the win. I researched enough on similar shows so that I can try to devise some winning strategies that will help me succeed."
-000-
Nihilego was now floating over the docks with a smile, "And that's our first EPISODE and everyone looks ready to compete! But what relationships will form?! What rivalries will clash?! Who will be the first person voted off?! So many questions! And they'll all be answered in the next episode of Total Pokemon… Ultra Island!"
-000-
And that's the FIRST episode! I'm going for a familiar host and co-host unlike Total Pokemon at the Amusement Park since I'm used to writing Nihilego and Poipole more. And like that story, this cast has a small number of people so it's more manageable. And it's more casual than my last attempts, hehe. So I hope you enjoyed it! This is the OFFICIAL sequel to Total Pokemon Ultra Space, so fittingly, we have a pseudo-returnee in Comf and some old concepts I'm trying to explore again in the others. Wendy is from TP at an Amusement Park. Roccia is new but the name is from my friend, who submitted Roccia for Not an Island. The rest are more discrete.
Courageous Celesteela - Comf, Jacob, Jarvis, Kiara, Parry, Riley, Roccia, Venice
Krafty Kartana - Aiden, Avis, Felipe, Genevieve, Harrison, Neveah, Ulysses, Wendy
The Cast of Total Pokemon Ultra Island
Aiden the Chimchar, The Competitive Prodigy
Avis the Altaria, The Shortspoken Pacifist
Comf the Comfey, The Guarded Sweetheart
Felipe the Woobat, The Wishy Washy Suck-Up
Genevieve the Audino, The Purest Spirit
Harrison the Bisharp, The Prickly Introvert
Jacob the Carracosta, The Taciturn Turtle
Jarvis the Pyroar, The Proud Lion
Kiara the Tranquil, The Uplifted Flier
Neveah the Espurr, The Mature Know-It-All
Parry the Pachirisu, The Flighty and Energetic
Riley the Gloom, The Sensitive Idealist
Roccia the Rockruff, The Lovelorn Romantic
Ulysses the Umbreon, The Laidback Daydreamer
Venice the Vivillion, The Vivid Artist
Wendy the Whimsicott, The Hardcore Fan
Preview for Episode Two: The first challenge is here and everyone is eager to compete in a berry collecting challenge. Friendships form, lines are drawn and in the end, someone goes home!