Groudon lifted his head. It was morning, around nine o'clock. He could tell from the warm rays of dawn, giving way to the more direct mid day sunshine. The humidity of early morning had passed, leaving a temperate and warm day to look forward to. It was a normal time for Groudon to be up. Usually he'd be on patrol to keep potential crooks off of Mt. Chimney, and to protect the territory from any cataclysmic disasters. But that was not the case today.

The dreaded half week council meeting, dedicated strictly for him alone. It was just he and Arceus... and the situation survey exam. How those words only served to put a sour taste in his mouth. However today he was feeling a little better. Certainly he wasn't in a super cheery mood, considering the consequences of a possible failure, but his attitude was wholesome.

The last two days were mentally testing. Groudon had taken a look inside in a way he never had before... but he was happy about it. He learned so much through his escape that the test perhaps ended up benefiting him in more ways than he could imagine. For sure ways it didn't intend to in the first place.

He thought back over the last few days. Groudon had returned to the garden for some rest. He remembered the easiness he felt. No pressing thoughts or concerns. Only confidence and hope.

The remaining day on Alto-mare had been spent focusing on clearing his mind. The dragons peppered him with questions, hoping to have him see a logical solution. He had done a lot better to say the least, and found it much easier to answer based on how he would react, rather than how he thought he should react. Sorting through irrational options also came much quicker and the weight lifted by the previous day made him feel like he could jump two stories high.

From how hopelessly lost he was on day one, the turnaround was something great, and the dragons shared his confidence going into the test; that he would pass for the first time.

But why ruin such a good streak? It really is impressive what you've got going on you know.

Groudon poked fun at himself happily because he truly felt ready. His mind returned to present time as he neared the portal to the sky council building. He approached the cleverly inconspicuous cave, one that could easily be misinterpreted as just a normal ingress into a rock-side. However the difference was by just a few meters in, his feet left the ground, in favor of a more cottony cloud like material. As he exited, he was thousands of feet above the earth without as much as a different taste in air. In front of him was the marble council building. The heavenly structure home to the legendary council.

Groudon's mind cramped seeing it once again. His breath stopped, wishing he could just forget about the whole ordeal and turn around. The next meeting was much more important anyways and he should get some rest until then.

That's not happening.

He grunted under his breath and looked past the mutinous thoughts. It may have brought miserable feelings in the past, but today was a different story. This time he was ready. 20 questions suddenly didn't seem like such an overbearing feat. And getting over 11 of them correct felt like a doable task.

Still, he stalled. Looking at the grand structure one last time. His breath returned, but with a long sigh. Whether he felt confident or not, he couldn't get too conceited. After all, his status on the council was at stake. The fact he had never passed expectations once before in his life, proved succeeding would be easier said than done; even after all of his training. However if he were to pass, that would be… well, the first time in far beyond a hundred tries... give or take.

That all didn't matter today. No matter how he performed in the past, none of it dictated how well he'd do today. And he intended on making that vision come true.

He grasped the door handles, pulling them open. His heart skipped a beat once again, but he regained his composure. Letting the door shut behind him, he paced through the entrance hall; the last place to turn back. The ornate pillars lined on each side of him gave him the perfect opportunity to run and hide. But he kept moving forward.

It was just ahead. Through the walkway laced with draperies, pulled to the sides giving Groudon a clear shot of the walkway, he could see Arceus' pedestal. The centerpiece was where the qilin would administer the test. Its height advantage over the rest of the seating area was an inclination of his power over the council.

Also over his future presence on it.

As he entered, he noticed firstly Arceus wasn't actually present. His normally daunting attendance was absent, which seemed strange. It was highly unlikely he just forgot about it, so maybe he was late? Maybe that meant he could go home. Maybe it was a cruel joke…

"So, you are here."

Groudon caught himself mid fall and spun around to face the voice behind him, but he knew immediately who it was.

Arceus approached from the hall where he had just been. The continent legendary had no idea how he was able to pull the trick off, but that wasn't his main focus at this point. Instead he faced Arceus, standing up straight despite how unanticipated his entrance had been.

"I am." Groudon spoke up. "And I am also ready to pass the exam."

The qilin halted in the doorway. His features looking no different than before, but rather waiting for the continent legend to speak up more. To say what he truly thought. But when it didn't come after a few moments, he leaned his body on the wall, becoming more relaxed.

"Well I must say Groudon, you seem confident." Arceus admitted. It wasn't shock, nor reluctance. He lacked emotion, rather just stating it matter-of-factly. "I trust you don't need everything I spoke about last time repeated, yes?"

Groudon nodded in response. Still holding his firm posture. Perhaps a little too firm, as when Arceus walked by, he nudged the legend on the side.

"You don't have to be so tense Groudon. It is only a test." He walked to his pedestal and adjusted himself behind it. On it he picked up the lone piece of paper, still blank and free from any marks.

"I can tell very well you've put a lot of thought into this test over the past few days. I can read it on your face, which I'm excited to see."

"That is correct..." Groudon replied, unsure of what else to say. He only knew the half of it. Arceus motioned for him to take a seat, letting Groudon find his normal spot in the council room. It was odd being the only one in the room, and the emptiness surrounding him only further reminded him of the severity of what was about to come. He sat down, idly tapping his foot in anticipation.

The qilin approached and placed the paper in front of where he sat. A replica of the situation three days ago. However this time it was just him. Alone with no one to compare his performance to. The spotlight was on him.

"I would like you to know something."

Groudon perked up, interested at what Arceus had to say.

"Think about how you prepared for this test. Maybe you studied, got a good night's rest, de-stressed. You're getting yourself composed for something unexpected. You don't know exactly what's on the test, but you have a clue. And that is why preparing becomes valuable. One that prepares, can expect the unknown."

The continent legend sat silent, unsure of how to process Arceus' knowledge. It seemed a little late now to be given advice on how to prepare. After all, he had the test in front of him already. Why was he telling him this now?

"Consider a random being... Now this person, he takes the test. You can decide for yourself if he passes or fails. No matter the outcome, he has utilized his preparation. It hasn't gone to waste. You, Groudon, you studied tremendously hard for this exam, and now you're taking it. Through your preparation I can tell you are much more ready and confident to take it. That is because you've gained insight into how to deal with the unknown of the exam. That is what preparation is all about is it not?"

"I believe so…"

"It is so Groudon. This concept is why I give the situation survey exam out semi-annually… to remind us all that preparation can help us through the unknown. An important event should not be shrugged off, but embraced. Because if you never find the courage, you'll never find that unknown. That unknown could be how to react to a lost pidgey or a world threatening disaster. What is that unknown to you Groudon?"

"I-I'm not sure how to respond Arceus." Groudon replied confused.

"You don't need to. I have a good feeling this will be the day. I wish you best of luck."

The legendary sat still with Arceus' words still stuck in his ears. He knew the wise qilin wouldn't just say all that without reason, and no way it could be advice to help with future test preparation. After all he wouldn't need it anymore if he failed this one. There was something there, but he couldn't put his finger on it.

Unknown? What does he mean?

Arceus retreated, rising up to his pedestal where he would await his completion. If it wasn't quiet enough before, it was now. All he had to accompany him was what he had learned, and the test in front of him. Arceus' compliments were nice, but now it was all up to him. The continent legendary breathed in and out one final time, refocusing on the task in front, before scanning his eyes across the top line of text.

Question one. He read aloud in his mind. It was now or never.

A stray pokemon is lost in a human marketplace. What is the best way to ensure he safely makes it back to the tall grass?

His thoughts brimmed as he interpreted the question. As per usual, the possibilities presented began to surface, all poking his mind for his undivided attention. It started to control him; he felt overwhelmed… incapable of choosing the best solution to the problem.

Stop!

Now wasn't the time to start losing it and he knew it. He thought back to his training... Latias helping him to focus his thoughts; Latios helping him to envision what he would do in the heat of the moment. He could do it, he had everything he needed to succeed. Now what was the correct solution?

He re-read the question in front of him. There was no reason to be hostile, maybe not a reason to attack at all. There was nothing to defend against, so the best option would be to offer assistance in a logical way. Help the pokemon without interfering with anyone else, especially in a crowded human area such as a marketplace. Without drawing attention, provide directions or offer to guide the pokemon out of the market in disguise… was that right?

Groudon had no other ideas that seemed to match up in mind, so he wrote the solution down. By the last etch mark of his pen, Groudon smiled. That wasn't awfully hard, and he felt confident it was correct too. Nothing else he could piece together in his mind seemed any better. He had already made it further than his last attempt so why stop now?

His eyes narrowed on the next question.

Question two… A herd of herbivorous pokemon collide with another group of herbivorous pokemon. They quarrel for the same eating grounds. With not enough food for both groups, what is the most effective way to handle the conflict?

Well that's easy. Be the mediator and keep tensions from rising of course. A fight between two groups of pokemon can escalate quickly so it would be important to first calm them down. Afterwards, offer a peaceful resolution and have the encroaching group relocate to an area of similar qualities, whilst making sure not to disrupt either group in the process.

With another couple seconds of marking, he had finished the second question. It had taken him little to no effort to solve it! The excitement was building in him as he focused on the third question. His mind felt metaphorically 'open', and his consciousness generated clear concise thoughts… all directed on the test! What was the big deal? This was easy.

Question three… Two pokemon are engaged in a physical altercation and one is losing badly. The hurt pokemon attempts to flee the attacker, but is repeatedly struck down by the opposing pokemon. With no end in sight, what is the best solution to react to this problem?

Attempt to dissuade the attacker from continuing to hurt the other pokemon. If the fight continues, do anything possible to keep the fight from continuing, without becoming confrontational in the process.

Again, another easy question. His confidence soared as he barely had to think about other possibilities. The one he wrote down just seemed like the natural solution he would react with. Nothing difficult there.

His mind pondered briskly over the fourth question, the fifth question, the sixth question. He was writing down answers quicker than when he scribbled nonsense. The seventh came and went just as quickly. The eighth even quicker. The ninth must have been a joke! Its solution was so obvious.

Arceus noticed the amount of noise coming from the continent pokemon's direction and smiled, pleased with how much progress he had made, in such little time.

The tenth, the eleventh, the twelfth, the thirteenth. They just kept coming but he kept providing answers.

As he reached the fourteenth, he realized as long as everything was correct up to this point, he would be considered passing… even more so! That was something he had never stood to accomplish before. The thought was perplexing.

Latias was right. How come I never lucked my way into passing one of these?

His cheery attitude continued. The the fifteenth, the sixteenth, the seventeenth.

His pen sketched and scribbled all across the page. Some answers were a few words, others were a few sentences. The detail he put into a few amazed even himself. It all seemed so simple now, just to take a step back and think. He couldn't even recall what held his concentration before.

The eighteenth, the nineteenth, the twentieth…

Before Groudon had even comprehended it, he was searching for the nonexistent twenty first question. He flipped his page over, then reread the last one. It took Arceus' approach to stop him from looking.

The qilin picked up the filled out exam. "I think that's enough Groudon." A hint of praise left his voice, letting the continent pokemon exhale in peace.

Arceus took his exam back to his pedestal, taking in all of Groudon's answers. Meanwhile, he sat in content. Out of all of the worry he had going in, it felt like nothing had happened.

I did it, it was that simple… no hard time understanding, no difficulty thinking of an answer, no trouble focusing the best solution…

"No close calls of burning someone alive."

Groudon blinked. Was he hearing things? Or was that…

"Congratulations Groudon! It looks like you nailed that one easy!"

Latias whipped around him and grabbed both of his hands. She pulled him up and started pulling him around in a circle like a carousel… which was impressive considering her size.

"Oh it's you!" Groudon remarked. Latias let him go and he stumbled to gain back his composure.

"And me!" Latios called grabbing their attention from across the room. "Just decided not to swing you around like a porcelain doll." He laughed. Latias shared his happiness and let Groudon recollect himself, who held his head from the spin. After the world stopped, he pointed a claw at the red dragon.

"Hey! I never said anything out loud. You said you wouldn't try to read my mind anymore."

Latias shrugged sheepishly. "I guess I accidentally picked up your confidence. It was tough to miss you know."

"I'll say." Latios added. "I couldn't believe how quick you were."

"Yeah how was it! You made it look super easy. It only took you fifteen minutes!"

Groudon needed a moment to wrap his head around everything. The eon duo's back to back sentencing was a tad overwhelming, but what they were saying was hard for him to believe.

Fifteen minutes? Had it only been that long?

Sure enough, as Groudon gazed towards the clock, it was only fifteen past the hour. Much quicker than the best time he ever posted trying. It was true, it did go by fast.

"Yeah I guess it was easy. It all just made sense."

"I don't think you put down that pen once you pulled it up." Latios admired. "Never thought I'd see such concentration out of you."

Groudon grinned, flattered by the support he was receiving.

"Thanks, no really… I-I don't know if I could have done this without you. I went from a wreck three days ago, to having no trouble whatsoever. I can hardly believe it myself."

"Well believe it Groudon."

Another voice behind him sent him spinning around quicker than he did with the eon dragons. Arceus approached the three with a welcoming smile on his face.

"Latias, Latios, I'm glad you could come to your friend's aid. I think we all agree it has helped him greatly on how to focus when it comes to decision making."

The two dragons nodded in compliance. Groudon sat shocked.

"Arceus, how did you know I went to them for assistance on my exam?"

"Well they came to me before the test started and told me about how hard you were trying to succeed. I must admit, it was unique of you to go out of your comfort zone and ask help from those you may have not been well acquainted with."

It was Groudon's turn to nod.

"Yes Arceus, they were a great help to me. They helped me on much more than just the test too. I have a new outlook on the council and everything around me after our meeting."

Now that it was over, reality was settling in. Hundreds of these tests… and he was sure this one was his first passing one. Arceus stepped back down to Groudon's level and approached him. He had graded his test awfully fast… which could mean one of two things. He failed miserably or he passed with flying colors.

The qilin's presence caused sweat to form on his scales, but he kept a confident face as Arceus began to speak.

"Groudon… the answers you provided me were remarkable. The fact you provided me answers would have been good enough…"

He didn't know whether to be happy or embarrassed by that comment, all the while he ignored a few chuckles received from behind.

"...however, your score exceeded expectations! Congratulations."

Arceus turned over the paper, revealing a score of 19 on the top. The eon dragons exploded with cheers while Groudon sat shocked. A 19 out of 20 was all but one question right. That was a 95%!

"But…"

Arceus' last word caught Groudon mid celebration. Oh no, was there a catch?

"We're going to need to discuss your answer to this one here. I can't support this answer's logic, but I think Latios may understand it better than me?"

Latios stopped to read what the qilin was referring to before blasting off on Groudon.

"Let the branch fall if it's Latios because he is a legendary, so a falling branch should be no problem for him! Groudon you sacrificed a perfect score to write that!"

Latias practically rolled on the floor laughing. Groudon couldn't help but join her, letting a heartfelt chuckle out. Latios' anger subsided and he too let out a laugh.

"Hey at least you did it right? Congratulations. Latias and I are proud of you."

Latias zipped to her counterpart's side in approval. Groudon nodded back.

"Thank you, really. You helped me out more than I can imagine. I'm sure we'll talk more at the next council meeting too right?"

The dragons nodded, making Groudon crack another grin.

"Now hang on just a minute."

Arceus' voice once again cut through the celebration.

"You're not officially done with the test Groudon."

I'm not done? Arceus is really killing me with these after-statements.

"What's that supposed to mean? Is there more?" The continent legendary questioned, wondering what else Arceus had up his sleeve.

"Not exactly. There is one final question, but you're the person who has to ask it."

Groudon's eyes widened as it hit him. Of course… He knew exactly what question he hadn't asked yet!

"I think you understand what I mean, so I'll make this quick. With your passing score you don't have to worry about you staying on the council. That was a guarantee all along. I think you would agree though that this experience has been helpful. Just make sure to remember you've prepared long and hard for this moment, and I have faith it will all be worth it."

"Absolutely." Replied Groudon, satisfied with his security on the council reaffirmed. "Thank you, I'll do my best."

Arceus smiled back. "I have no doubts that you will. Good luck."

Arceus hovered backwards before disappearing behind his pedestal. Groudon looked towards the golden doors once more. The exam was a piece of cake. He probably shouldn't expect the same out of asking the one closest to him about a relationship, but as he had learned over his trip, it was worth a try. Likely she'll say no, or at least give a 'I'll think about it'… but maybe she'll say yes. And it was that string of hope, that led Groudon outside the council building, ready to find his counterpart. After all, he wouldn't know until he tried.

"Hey ummm, before you go."

The continent legendary looked back.

"Here's the bill from two nights ago…" Latias uncomfortably handed over the piece of paper. "We sorta stormed out of there without paying, and the restaurant owner was kinda mad."

Groudon chuckled. "Are you serious? But I saved a person from dying? Doesn't that give me a discount at the least?" His grin shined through his sarcasm.

"Ugh you know what, tell it to Latios who is so stingy he puts the bill on the guest who he offered to serve!" Latias shoved the paper towards her counterpart who intuitively threw up his arms.

"Hey don't put that on me! I wasn't the last one out of the restaurant that night, it was your responsibility!"; "No way! You're the one that carries around a wallet not me!"; "Oh yeah? I saw you pay for those flowers on the way to the restaurant, how do you explain that!"; "That was a few dollars and nothing else. You know that…"

Groudon simpered at their light-hearted bickering, already turning back towards the sparking water along the coast line. His eyes gazed out towards the horizons that distanced themselves around him. However it was all coming into view now. All this time, all the preparation. It was time to find out what his unknown is.

Thanks for reading! This is the last chapter so I guess we'll never know what the outcome will be... or will we? Stay tuned, I'm not done yet!
Otherwise for now I hope you enjoyed my first long fic. It was a goofy concept, but I thought it turned out nice, and I'm hoping to build off of it in the future. Got some more stories in progress right now so hopefully I'll come back in the near future. Thanks again!