And now, the moment you've all been waiting for. Drumroll please.

*crickets chirping*

*ahem*. I said drumroll please.

*more crickets*

You know what? Forget it. What I mean is, we have now reached the third Chieftain battle. And this one is against Peri(Anabel). How will Sora fair against such a powerful opponent? Actually, is Sora even going to be able to battle this foe? Why don't we find out and see for ourselves.

Disclaimer: I do not own Pokemon or its characters. Those belong to Game Freak, Nintendo, and related owners.

Chapter 16:

The Hearts that Bind

It was early dawn on Salure Island, the sun barely rising from the east. And the island was filled with the sound of grunting and clashing. On the Aura, Sora was doing sword training with Froakie, Sceptile, and the new Beedrill that joined his team. He had Froakie use Cut, Sceptile used Leaf Blade, and Beedrill fought with Twin Needle to practice with his Aura Sword. Coming up from hearing all the commotion, Drake and Kenneth appeared on deck to check on their friend. To them, there was no improvement in Sora's disposition.

Ever since he came back from the Safari Zone, Sora had become more distant and depressed. Because of this, he did a number of things that totally went out of his character: For one, he passed up every chance to train with Tidus or Lucario, outright refusing each time; he would shrug Pikachu and Larvitar off his shoulders whenever they jumped on; and he hurt himself doing reckless training exercises like he was doing now. Today found Sora with plenty of scars and bruises on his face, arms, legs, and torso. At this rate, he was gonna break himself before his match with Peri.

As he deflected another Leaf Blade strike from Sceptile, Sora barked out, "Harder! Don't hold back!" But both Froakie and Sceptile were unwilling to do what their master commanded, nor did they feel this was wise to do. Beedrill, on the other hand, complied dutifully, and struck Sora's side with its Twin Needle, causing him to collapse.

"That's enough!" Drake ordered sternly. He and Kenneth went over to the weakened guardian, and helped him up to his feet.

"Can't stop." Sora muttered to them, "Have to get stronger. Not strong enough."

"Sora, you've been at this for hours." Kenneth told his friend, "You haven't slept, you barely ate, and you look like a Honedge used you as a practice dummy."

"Can't stop. Not strong enough." But as he went for his sword, Drake snatched it away as it reverted back to his staff.

"What happened Sora?" he spoke with authority, "Why are you like this?"

"I am not strong enough. I couldn't keep her safe. I couldn't stop her from leaving." Immediately, the two boys knew he meant Rina. Which translated to the fact that her departure has shattered his very being. They understood some of Sora's pain, because they were still trying to get over when Kari and Sarah left them.

Keeping the staff well out of reach, Drake commanded, "Kenneth, Sceptile, take Sora to his quarters. We will postpone his challenge to tomorrow."

"No! I can't stop!" Sora cried, struggling against his friends.

Seeing little alternative, Kenneth summoned, "Breloom, use Sleep Powder!" When Breloom came out, it released a blue powder over Sora that caused him to fall asleep. With that accomplished, they finally began to get Sora to his room for some rest. It was still a temporary fix though, and Drake knew he would need to find Rina right away.

Looking out to the sun on the horizon, he ordered, "Go find Kari, and tell her Sora needs Rina. Have her bring Rina back." Froakie obliged, and disappeared into the ocean. Then, Drake went ashore to let the Chieftain know of the change in plans.

The day after that morning found everyone at the battlefield on the coast. The waves were just touching one of the field borders, and the forest stood prominently behind the stands. Sora stood on one end of the battlefield, fully rested, with Pikachu and Larvitar dutifully beside him. Peri was on the other side, anticipating this to be a good battle. However, the crew sat anxious about the outcome of this match. With how Sora was acting after Rina and her sisters left, could he still battle this Chieftain and win?

"This is a three-on-three Pokémon battle between Peri, the Cheiftain of Salure Island, and guardian Sora from Aurora. When all three of a trainer's Pokémon are unable to battle, the match is over. In addition, Sora has the privilege to substitute Pokémon. Are these conditions acceptable?" When he finished, both Trainers complied with the conditions set before them. "Then let the match… BEGIN!"

Pulling out what looked like a wand with two stones on either end, Peri called out, "Go, my friend! Metagross!" From the Pokéstone came a light that materialized into a blue, steel creature with four legs jutting out, and a grey X across its face.

Raising his staff over his head, Sora summoned, "I choose you! Scraggy!" And appearing on the field was a tiny Pokémon, holding what looked to be pants that were actually a part of its skin. Scraggy looked around curiously, until it spotted Metagross. Then it made a leery face at it.

"What's he doing sending Scraggy out?!" Kenneth exclaimed, "It hasn't had enough battle experience!"

"Aw man!" Tidus groaned with a face palm.

Worried, Yolanda called out, "Sora, call it back! Send out another Pokémon!"

But instead, Sora ordered, "Use Leer!" Rushing over, Scraggy gave Metagross a menacing Leer attack. However, it appeared unfazed by the effort.

"Too late." Prince Pewter said grimly, "Now that Sora called an attack, Scraggy is now one of the Pokémon he has chosen to use."

"Not only that, but that Leer attack wasn't like Sora at all." Cancer evaluated, "Metagross has the ability Clear Body. So unless it uses a move itself, it can't be affected by stat reducing attacks."

"Get it together Sora!" Sparky yelled.

"Denne denne!"

Despite having his attack fail, Sora continued his attack by shouting, "Headbutt!" Arching back, Scraggy vaulted forward to connect its head to Metagross. Sadly, its head wasn't hard enough, and a monstrous bump popped up from its head. Although Scraggy liked to act like a tough Pokémon, this was one injury it would cry about.

Feeling pity, Peri offered, "Sora, I'll offer you one substitution. Instead of Scraggy, we'll allow you to call another Pokémon to take its place among the three you can use."

With little alternative, Sora nodded and called, "Scraggy, return!" Once Scraggy returned to his staff, Pikachu and Larvitar urged him to listen to them for once. But again, he wouldn't adhere to their plea.

So next, he summoned, "Quilava, I choose you!" And from his staff came Quilava, fired up and ready for battle. Most of the crew started to rest easy with the new type matchup, but those who knew Sora better didn't like this change.

"Sora's still not acting right." Drake figured.

"I don't think so." Teller refuted, "This is a bit more like Sora, I think."

"But if he's gonna use a Fire-type, why not use Charizard?" Tidus brought up, "Not only does it have an advantage over Metagross, but it can also transform and get really powerful like before."

The Mega Evolution would be of little use at this point. Lucario pointed out, While powerful, it requires a great bond to be beyond its limit.

"And with Sora acting the way he is, it'd just be pointless to merely use power." Yolanda realized. And along with that realization, she came to a difficult conclusion on how to help Sora become himself again. Resolving to fix this, Yolanda got up and left the battle, leaving most everyone confused by her departure.

"Yolanda, where are you going?" Prince Pewter asked her. But she didn't stop to reply.

"What's up with Princess Yolanda?" Sparky wondered. But no one had an answer for her, and the battle quickly returned to their attention.

"Quilava, Flame Wheel!" Enveloped in fire, Quilava charged for Metagross.

Deciding to take this challenge, Peri requested, "Metagross, Meteor Mash." Metagross's arm turned orange as it thrusted its arm to counter, meeting Quilava in a heated clash. As Quilava skittered back, Sora grimaced at how much harder this had become.

Back at the Aura, Rina looked onto the resort, wondering how Sora's battle with the Chieftain was going. She still felt very conflicted about being near Sora if it meant bringing more harm to him, but her need to stay near and keep him safe was still as overpowering. She couldn't quite find a reason why she ditched Sora like she did the other day. She shouldn't have been so conflicted to have wanted to leave him like she did. Her mind felt as focused as a sea anemone, and just as useful.

"Are you still trying to convince yourself that Sora wants you to stay?" Sarah came from behind, "Just face facts: it's not gonna happen!"

Annoyed by the constant nagging, Rina replied bitterly, "And how do you know that? As far as you're concerned, you don't care whether a human is good or bad. You just say they're all bad, and accept it."

"I don't say they're 'all bad'. I'm just admitting the fact that we just don't get along with them."

"That's it?"

"That's it. It's simple and easy, and saves me a headache in the end. So why don't you?"

Turning her back to her sister, "I told you before I had a feeling Sora is in danger, and that only I can prevent it. No matter how much distance is between the two of us, that feeling never goes away. I'm convinced, now more than ever, that it is true."

Growing steadily more frustrated, Sarah growled, "And what if that feeling lands you in more trouble than him?! You're becoming obsessed over a human! Just accept that there's no place for you and go home with Kari and me."

"Even if we could, I don't think that we can." Kari interjected, surfacing to Rina's right.

"Don't tell me you're finning me too?" Sarah groaned.

"I'm not putting my fin on anything or anyone. But, I know Rina's reasons. I'm the same way."

"Oh hooray. After meeting that flashy captain, you feel just as dopey and love-struck as Rina."

"Not so, Sarah! I'm concerned. You should realize how odd some things have been since we started traveling with the humans. Someone is trying to do them harm."

"And how do you know that? It could have been random coincidences."

"A coincidence that one storm sent me and Sora to Mega Island?" Rina countered, "A coincidence Sparky found the fabled Mermaid Locket? A coincidence these ordeals even started ever since we first saw Sora?"

"If you're going somewhere, just spill it."

"Our point, oh cynical one," Kari huffed at long last, "is that there is something greater at work. We're needed here, and the crew want us to stay."

Frustrated, Sarah bellowed, "You two can no longer see straight! Don't you realize what going gaga for humans does to a mermaid?!"

"And don't you see what assumptions on humans has led us to?!" Rina argued back, "Sora needs us! They all do!"

"I refuse to believe that!"

"You better believe it!" came Yolanda's voice, "Or you'll suffer worse repercussions!" Turning to their accuser, the three mermaids found the princess proudly standing on the harbor's edge above them. Her fierce gaze fell on Rina, and they glared at each other for what seemed like forever. Rina could feel the immense anger Yolanda had for her, most of it centered on how Sora had been affected by her secretly meeting with the guardian. While at the same time, there was a look of desperation hidden behind her anger, one which they both shared. Then, to the mermaids' surprise, Yolanda jumped into the water, and faced Rina at eye-level.

"Rina, right?" Yolanda began, "You need to come back with me."

"And what good reason should she—" Sarah started to snipe, but was halted by a gesture from Rina.

"And why should I follow you? To be punished for actions to simply have Sora take the fall for me?" she replied sternly, "To be burned? Dried out? Beheaded?"

"To restore Sora's abilities." Yolanda calmly answered.

"What have I done to take something of his?

"This isn't something you stole! Sora isn't acting like himself, and it's gonna cost him the battle if you don't return."

"What do you mean?" Rina gasped, all her resentment draining out of her.

So Yolanda further explained, "When Sora returned the other day, his optimistic and energetic personality was gone. There was a void we saw in his demeanor, one which used to be overflowing. Even before then, Sora seemed unlike himself."

"Yeah. So?" Sarah proudly spoke.

"Shut it!" Kari murmured angrily.

"You should know how attached Sora gets to his friends." The princess continued, "Saying good bye is hard enough for him to do. But accepting one's abrupt departure is something which can shatter his very willpower. With you gone Rina, Sora may never be himself ever again." All was silent following this claim. The mermaids floated breathless at what they just heard. Even Sarah felt no need to be careless in addressing the dilemma.

When the absence concluded, Rina muttered, "Sora… He would…"

"I guess he would be nothing more than an empty shell of his former self." Yolanda finished, "Now do you see why you need to come back? I might be Sora's betrothed, but even I couldn't mend his shattered heart. He needs you." And with difficulty, she added, "And so do I." Rina thought over all that she was told, fearful of what conclusion it might lead to. Ever since hearing about him, Rina sensed that Sora was unlike any human she had known. And when she met him, traveled with him, struggled with him, she could sense how sincere, outgoing, and compassionate he was to everyone around him. Even to her, a mermaid, he behaved no differently than he did with the other crew members. If what Yolanda said was true, then Rina knew in her very being what needed to be done.

Holding out her hand, she offered, "Take it. Prove your words are more than just words." Yolanda was hesitant at first, but her desire to help Sora overcame her wariness. So she took the mermaid's hand, and was instructed, "Hold on tight, and hold your breath." Braced for the trip, she took the princess underwater and torpedoed for the Chieftain battle.

Watching them take off, Kari giggled, "Well, that couldn't have gone any better."

Shocked, Sarah demanded, "And what is that supposed to mean?!" Then, a familiar Froakie surfaced beside Kari, appearing indignant about the whole ordeal. "I should have known." She sighed, already deducing what had happened.

"Well, let's follow and keep an eye on them." So they dove, and chased after their eldest sister.

Quilava quickly skidded back, panting from all the blows it had received from Metagross. Sora was struggling big time, and on the first Pokémon. He wasn't sure how long Quilava could last, but he needed it to keep going. He couldn't afford to lose… he didn't want to lose. To lose would mean to him that he was weak, pathetic, inadequate, a waste. So he must win this battle, and the one after that, and the one after. He had to win, or he would be reduced to nothing.

Seeing the way to victory, Peri commanded, "Use Hyper Beam!" And Metagross fired an orange beam at its opponent.

Not giving in, Sora retaliated, "Quilava, Eruption!" Head down so its flames pointed at Metagross, Quilava volleyed a torrent of fire and lava into the Hyper Beam, meeting it in a fiery clash. Yet, the Eruption faltered due to Quilava's flagging strength, and the Hyper Beam tore through and blasted it skyward.

Upon landing, the referee evaluated that Quilava had fainted, and proclaimed, "Quilava is unable to battle! Metagross wins!" Sora was quite stunned. He had lost without even having made a scratch on his opponent. He couldn't really believe this was a loss, and he wouldn't.

Returning Quilava to his staff, he instructed, "Get some rest."

Observing from the stands, Kenneth spoke up, "Is it just me, or is Sora beginning to act a little like Ragnar?"

"It's not just you." Drake affirmed, "Sora really isn't himself now."

"His behavior reminds me of a feast without condiments; a flavorful dessert without the sweetness." Opal compared.

"In other words, Sora is missing something, and it's making him someone else." Sketch translated.

"You can understand that?" Sparky asked, to which Sketch nodded.

This observation was quite apparent to Peri. With her unique gift, she could see that Sora wasn't like how he was when she met him. His heart was closed off, and freezing over. This was not the Trainer she and the other Chieftains wanted to battle, this was not the guardian they had heard tale of.

So, she told him coldly, "Sora, if you won't heed the hearts of your Pokémon, then this battle is completely pointless."

"What do you mean?!" he demanded.

"You have been challenged by the Chieftains due to your exceptional abilities in battle, and your phenomenal capacity in bonding with other Pokémon. But you show no signs that those tales bear truth. Hence the uselessness of our continuation."

Growling, Sora barked, "I never give up on a battle, and I won't start now! Go Heracross!" And from his staff came out the armored-beetle, Heracross.

Seeing that she wasn't gonna convince Sora to stop, Peri grudgingly instructed, "Use Psychic." Its eyes glowing, Metagross surrounded Heracross in a blue outline as it lifted it into the air. Then, it started flinging the beetle around the field, slamming it into obstacles and the ground itself. Heracross did its best to bear through the gauntlet, but it wasn't easy. Then, as it drew Heracross in, Peri spoke, "Meteor Mash."

Still, Sora countered, "Use Focus Punch!" So both of them charged energy into their fists, and met with such ferocity that their attacks crackled. The two were pushed back, and Heracross could move by itself again. "Now use Megahorn!" Channeling all the power it could, Heracross shot forth and speared Metagross. But the steel body deflected a lot of the attack, leaving Heracross vulnerable.

"Hyper Beam!" In no time at all, Heracross got blasted at point-blank, and blasted back fast and hard. It tried to get up, but the attack severely wounded it. In that moment, Sora was filled with fear.

So he urged, "Heracross, come back!" But Heracross refused his plea, wrestling to rise. "Heracross please! You need to rest!"

"Pikachu!" "Larvitar!" But the proud warrior again refused, standing on wobbly legs.

"Why Heracross?"

"I'll end this now, since you can't seem to see the reason Heracross is showing you." Peri let him know, "Metagross, Flash Cannon." As Metagross began charging its Flash Cannon, Sora stood bewildered. Heracross had a reason that it wouldn't return to recuperate? What was that reason, and why didn't he know about it? Whatever it was, it seemed like he still lost.

"Sora, stop crying and get your head back in the battle!" The sudden shout drew everyone's attention over to the ocean. And on the beach, bringing with her Yolanda, was none other than the mermaid Rina.

"C'mon Sora, is this really the extent of what you and Heracross can do?!" she scolded, "I've seen Magikarp fight better than this!"

"There's no way this is the extent of what we can do!" Sora retorted back.

"Then stop wallowing and start battling! Heracross knows you both can win, so listen to it! Use that aura of yours to see Heracross's heart!" Seeing what she was talking about, Sora closed his eyes, and saw his Pokémon's aura. It was glowing fiercely, radiating out like a flashing light. Even though Heracross was weak physically, its spirit wasn't. And then, Sora saw the way.

Smiling, he told Rina, "Thank for that. Both of you."

"You're welcome." Yolanda sighed as she was wringing out her hair, "Just don't have us do it again."

"You got it." Returning to the battle, Sora inquired, "Ready for a boost Heracross?" Heracross grunted in reply.

Sensing the change, Peri ordered, "Fire!" And as Metagross let loose, Sora tapped his Keystone and raised the Mega Ring high over his head.

"Keystone, hear my heart and answer my call!"

"Mega Evolution!"

With that, tendrils of light shot out of the Keystone and Heracross's stone, linking together in a glorious flash. When the Flash Cannon hit, it dissipated as a mystical light surrounded Heracross. Its body rounded out and expanded, its arms inflated into bulbous fists, its horn narrowing and elongating till it was like a warrior beetle's horn. When it finished, Heracross's body was a darker shade of blue with some red highlights. It was now a Mega Heracross.

The whole crew gasped in astonishment that Heracross could Mega Evolve too, but were amazed at how revitalized it seemed. Not only that, but Sora had his determined smile back.

Smiling, Peri remarked, "That's the Sora I wanted to battle." Metagross braced itself for a tough battle, and Heracross did likewise.

Fired up, Sora called, "Use Megahorn!" Charged with energy that seemed to make the air shimmer, Heracross zoomed into Metagross with an impact so mighty it flipped over. "Now, use Pin Missile!"

"Pin Missile?" the crew questioned.

"Pika?" "Lar?"

Even so, Heracross aimed its arms, and blasted Metagross with a barrage of projectiles from its new attack. When the smoke cleared, Metagross had fainted.

"Metagross is unable to battle! Heracross wins!" Everyone cheered with the coming of Sora's turnaround. Not only that, but Sora seemed to have become his old self again.

Kneeling down, Sora called Heracross over and reconciled to his Pokémon, "I'm sorry you guys. I really wasn't myself there. I shouldn't have treated you so badly. I know I don't deserve it, but would you all be willing to forgive me?"

It didn't even take two seconds before Pikachu answered with a grin, "Pi Pi Pika. Pika Pika, Chu. Pi Pikapi. Pikachu." Larvitar just went up to him, gesturing for a hug that the guardian happily obliged to. Two quick grunts from Heracross affirmed it forgave Sora, and that it knew he wasn't right before. Peering into his Pokéstone, Sora could feel the monumental forgiveness his Pokémon in there gave him. He felt so relieved to have been forgiven, and now more determined to win the right way: with honor.

Calling back her Metagross, Peri complemented, "Well done Sora. I'm glad all is well now between you and your friends."

"Not quite." Sora replied, "I still have a lot to make up for because of my past actions. Especially to my crew mates."

"I have a hunch that won't be necessary." Unsure about what she meant, Sora looked to his friends in the stands, who were beginning to give a big cheer for him. Everyone was rooting for him, applauding his triumphant return. They still believed in him.

"We're all behind you Sora." Yolanda assured from the seaside.

"Show Peri what makes you the best guardian in the whole world!" Rina shouted proudly.

Gazing back towards Peri, Sora proclaimed, "Alright! Let's win this for everyone!"

"Pikachu!" "Larvitar!"

With that sorted, Peri summoned, "Go, my friend!" And from her wand came a light-pink Pokémon on four legs with blue eyes, a red orb in its forehead, large ears, and a tail that forked close to the end. An Espeon.

Geared up, Sora inquired, "Still want to keep going Heracross?" Heracross grunted in affirmation, poised for battle. "Then use Focus Punch!"

As it was rushing in to fight, Peri thought, Looks like Sora still underestimates us. Use Hypnosis! Locking gazes with its opponent, Espeon caused Heracross to halt its attack and plop down to sleep. Sora was a little rattled that her Pokémon would attack without her issuing a command, but he didn't let it throw him off his game. With Heracross vulnerable, Peri pressed on, Now, Zap Cannon! Charging an orb of electricity, Espeon shot at the snoozing Pokémon with its most powerful attack.

Thinking fast, Sora called, "Heracross, Sleep Talk!" And just as fast, Heracross rushed into the Zap Cannon using Megahorn, then nailed Espeon shortly following.

"Clever move." Prince Pewter observed, "Since Heracross is asleep, Sleep Talk allows it to use one of its moves at random. Seems he still had that move in reserve for something like this."

"Well that's how Sora works." Drake chuckled, "Using moves to catch us unawares."

"And that's why he's the best!" Tidus cheered. Even Peri admired his ingenuity, but it was still putting him at a disadvantage. Sleep Talk was useful here, but the moves chosen were random. Should it call on an attack that did not help it, Heracross would fall victim to a bitter defeat.

Let's try Psychic. She spoke telepathically. And once more, Heracross was lifted into the air.

Hoping for the best, Sora shouted, "Sleep Talk!" This time, Heracross aimed one of its arms, and fired a Pin Missile barrage, disrupting Espeon's concentration and setting it back down. Upon landing, Heracross woke up. "Great! Now use Focus Punch!"

But Peri retaliated, "Espeon, Iron Tail!" So Espeon tried slamming Heracross with its steel-hardened tail. But the attack was deflected by the horn, and it was slammed with a devastating left hook. "Espeon!" Peri cried as her partner skidded to her. Luckily, Espeon hadn't fainted yet, but the attack still left it languid.

Knowing full well her Pokémon was spent, Peri announced, "I'm recalling Espeon. I do not want any more harm to come to it."

Comprehending her words, the ref called, "Espeon forfeits the match! Heracross wins!"

Confused, Rina wondered, "Can a trainer even do that?"

"I don't see why not." Yolanda answered, although equally dumbfounded, "Some trainers don't want their Pokémon to battle to the point of defeat. I guess Peri must really care for her Espeon to want to forfeit one match with it." Even so, Rina always thought Trainers had had their Pokémon battle until they couldn't anymore. To see one willingly surrender was new to her.

Once Peri rested her Espeon beside her, she faced Sora and remarked, "Well Sora, you have really shown a strength far beyond what I had come to expect. Very impressive."

"You are a really strong Trainer to, Peri." Sora returned, "I've never met another Trainer who can battle without saying their command before."

"Thank you. But now we begin to reveal our full power." So next, she brought out, "Go, my friend!" And out came her Alakazam, the same one that helped save him and Rina when they met. And when it came out, he sensed an overpowering aura radiate out from it. This power told him to be careful, for Peri was about to raise the stakes.

"Since you have shown me your Pokémon's Mega Evolved form, it seems only fit of me to do likewise." Peri informed. Flipping her wand so that the Pokéstone was on the bottom, she tapped the other stone, revealing it to be her own Keystone.

"Sparkling stone, give our bond form!"

"Mega Evolve!"

The tendrils of light from the Keystone linked up with those from Alakazam's Mega Stone, and it gave it the power to Mega Evolve. The two whiskers on its face grew into an elder beard that went down to its waist, the two spoons it carried multiplied until they were five floating in an arch over it, it crossed its legs as it started to float over the floor, thus concluding its Mega Evolution into Mega Alakazam.

Undeterred, Sora compelled, "Heracross, Pin Missile!" So Heracross launched another volley of projectiles at Alakazam.

I thought they'd try that tactic. Peri thought to her Pokémon, Deflect it with Psychic! Without even stirring a muscle, Alakazam managed to deflect every shot into the earth below it. Taking advantage of Sora and Heracross's shock, Peri instructed, Now strike them with Psybeam!" Without moving once more, Alakazam used its five spoons to shoot five multi-colored beams at its opponent.

"Heracross, dodge them all!" Heracross did the best it could, weaving through the Psybeam onslaught to avoid being hit. Seeing that it wouldn't be able to dodge one of the beams, Sora called, "Channel this one with Megahorn!" So Heracross tried absorbing it using its horn. This did channel the energy into Heracross's horn, but also confused it, causing it to wobble and dance around in a ditzy manner.

With the opening ready, Peri told Alakazam, Focus Punch. And Alakazam relieved its posture to run for the beetle Pokémon, fist geared for a powerful Focus Punch.

So Sora desperately called, "Use your Focus Punch!" Even though it was confused, Heracross managed to slug Alakazam with a sloppily-thrown punch, while Alakazam returned it ten-fold. As it sailed, Sora cried out, "Pin Missile!" But instead, Heracross started hitting itself, then slammed into the ground. Upon impact, Heracross snapped out of its confusion, and hastily got up for another bout. "Alright! Use Megahorn!"

As it took off, Peri directed, "Hyper Beam! Resuming its original posture, Alakazam linked the spoons in a circle, and sent an ultra-powerful beam roaring through the air. The attacks connected, and Heracross struggled against it with every ounce of strength it had. It tried to advance, but the Hyper Beam just exerted too much force to oppose, even with the Psybeam enhancing its attack. Eventually, it was overpowered, and was enveloped in the mighty blast. Sora, Pikachu, and Larvitar had to scatter to avoid being hit themselves. When it died down, Heracross collapsed in a heap, its body returning to normal and steaming from the immense power.

"Heracross is unable to battle! Alakazam wins!"

"No way!" Tidus exclaimed.

"Sora lost?!" Sparky gasped.

"That alone speaks about Alakazam's power." Sketch muttered, "And even more so now that it has Mega Evolved."

"That's right." Prince Pewter commented, "Looks like Peri may be one Chieftain Sora wasn't prepared for." That was undeniable, but that still left everyone wondering about if Sora could still pull this off.

"Can't he just use Charizard and Mega Evolve it?" Tidus pondered.

No. Lucario stated plainly, Mega Evolution uses a lot of Sora's power. The Keystone cannot Mega Evolve any more Pokémon during this battle.

"But then that would mean that Sora can't win anymore!" Kenneth claimed in shock.

It is still possible. But very difficult.

On the other side, Rina didn't quite understand something. "Isn't the battle over now?" she wondered.

"What do you mean?" Yolanda asked her.

"Well, Sora has reserved Mega Evolution for his last Pokémon. But, a winner wasn't declared yet. Hasn't Sora used all three of his Pokémon by now?"

"Well, not really. You see, Sora had called on another Pokémon that Peri let him substitute at the beginning of the match. So he still has one Pokémon left."

With her question resolved, Rina turned back to the battle and muttered, "Let's hope that Pokémon leads Sora to victory."

Her hand over her heart, Yolanda added, "We can only hope."

With a smirk, Sora summoned, "Scraggy, I choose you!" And as soon as Scraggy appeared on the field, everyone else either gasped or groaned at his final choice. Peri, however, was quite perplexed. "Well, I did choose Scraggy as my first Pokémon." Sora reasoned, "So I'm gonna use it now." Pikachu knew his partner had this battle figured out, and that Scraggy would deliver them the win. So he wasn't worried by his choice.

"Very well." Peri accepted, "Then let's resume."

"Then Scraggy, go for it! Use Leer!" So Scarggy rushed for Alakazam.

Alakazam, try to use Psychic. Thanks to its high brainpower, Alakazam knew Psychic attacks wouldn't affect Scraggy. And when the young Pokémon tried using its Leer attack, it was unfazed by the intimidating glare.

"Now, use High Jump Kick!" Face scrunched, Scraggy threw its knee right into Alakazam's chin, disrupting its meditative posture.

After it recovered, Peri sent out, Focus Punch! So Alakazam wound its arm, and went for Scraggy.

"Jump out of the way!" Sora urged. And Scraggy made a huge leap back, still keeping a grip on its flabby skin it held like pants. Alakazam's fist slammed into the earth, and got stuck. "Use Focus Blast!"

"Sora, Scraggy still isn't very accurate with Focus Blast!" Tidus shouted from the stands. Regardless, Scraggy launched a blue sphere at Alakazam.

Hyper Beam Alakazam! Hurry! So Alakazam used its spoons to charge and fire its Hyper Beam, nailing Scraggy's Focus Blast. The two attacks caused an explosion that whipped up an obscuring cloud between them. Peri began to worry as she was unable to see her opponent.

"Headbutt!" When she heard the attack, Peri scanned frantically for where Scraggy would appear. Even so, Scraggy eluded her notice, rushed forward like a rocket, and slammed its head into Alakazam's like a ton of bricks. Knocked back, Alakazam came loose, and fell back as it reverted to normal, and fainted before everyone's eyes. And with it, Scraggy tried pulling its skin up, only to have it drop back down.

Having seen enough, the referee announced, "Alakazam is unable to battle! Scraggy wins! Which means, the victor is Guardian Sora!"

"We did it!" Sora cheered.

"Pikachu!" Pikachu mimicked.

"Larvitar!" Larvitar danced.

The crew rejoiced at Sora's victory, breathing a great sigh of relief. Yolanda and Rinia celebrated as well, but the princess left Rina behind to congratulate her betrothed.

"You did it Sora!" She cried, "You did it!"

"Actually, this wasn't just my victory." He chuckled, "I owe much of it to you too." Yolanda was quite surprised at Sora's compliment, and a little flustered. Then Sora took her over to Rina, and continued, "And I owe a lot of this victory to you too. Thanks Rina."

"If you're gonna be this hopeless when I'm not around, you've got no chance against the remaining Chieftains!" Rina chastised, but then spoke softly, "Still, you did amazing. This victory was yours, and yours alone. Don't ever forget that you achieved this."

"She's right Sora." Yolanda perked up, "You won this battle yourself. Be proud in that."

Shortly after, Peri came up to the three of them with Espeon and Alakazam in tow. Despite that she lost, Peri seemed rather happy.

"Congratulations Sora." She commended, "You had a rough start for a moment there, and I got a little worried sometimes. But you pulled through, and even surprised me with your Scraggy."

"Thanks. My apologies for my initial behavior."

"All is forgiven. And with it, I present to you the Nexus Badge." And Peri held out a badge that looked like two hands in a handshake, with a triangle back-plate that was red, blue, and green equally. Taking it, Sora cheered,

"Alright! I just won the Nexus Badge!

"Pi Pikachu!"

"Larvitar Lar!"

The next day at the harbor, the crew of the Aura were preparing to set off for their next destination. But in spite of that, Sora was speaking with Rina and her sisters on a lower platform. Since they had missed all the action trying to find the battlefield, he was giving an account to Sarah and Kari on what happened. They did not try to hide their amazement at his achievement, but Sarah was still sour over things.

"So, ready to journey again?" Sora asked eagerly when he finished.

"Not to sound ungrateful Sora, but this is as far as we go." Sarah huffed.

"Sarah, we've gone over this already." Kari nagged, "We can't leave. Not now."

"Oh? And why not?"

"You know very well why not." Rina said with an edge in her tone.

"Because of your supposed affection for guardian-boy here?" Sarah stabbed.

Flustered and angry, Rina replied, "No! Because there could be more trouble in the future with this journey. We need to stay."

"You could try. I doubt anyone even remotely wants us onboard anymore."

"I wouldn't be too sure of that." Came Drake, accompanied by Kenneth, Prince Pewter, and Yolanda.

As Sora shot up, the prince assured, "Rest easy Sora. We do not come with ill-intent."

"Really?" the guardian hoped.

"After what you did to Sora because of us! How can we trust you?!" Sarah accused.

"Clam it!" Kari shushed harshly.

"I admit, I acted out of fear of the warnings we were given about you." The prince elaborated, "And under the ancient rites we are bound to uphold. I don't expect forgiveness, but do hope we might work to make amends for my wrongs." When he finished, he gestured to Yolanda to go on over to them.

Once she approached Sora, she requested, "Do you still have the tiara?"

"Pikachu." His partner answered, holding it up for them.

So the princess received it, then requested, "Rina, may you come onto the deck please?" Against Sarah's urging, Rina pulled herself up onto the dock. As the princess knelt, she asked, "Do you speak the truth in what you did for Sora, guardian of Aurora, back in that storm?"

"I do." Rina said with conviction.

"And do you not seek to cause harm to us on our continuing journey?"

"I seek nothing of the sort."

"And do you—"

"Yolanda!" the boys griped.

"Okay, sorry. I got a little carried away." She giggled. Then she set the tiara in Rina's hair as she finished, "Mermaid Rina, with this token and promise, we wish to invite you to be a part of our crew, along with your sisters. Won't you please accept?" Rina was a bit stunned. Yolanda, the girl who loves Sora so zealously that she could rival a raging Gyarados, was inviting her and her sisters to be a part of their group. She could hardly believe it.

Erring on caution, she inquired, "What if I were to refuse?"

"Rina, you can't—" Sora tried to assure.

But Prince Pewter and Kenneth stopped him as Yolanda answered, "Then you will miss out on many friends who desire to make amends. One especially that we both care for." Seeing her doubtful gaze, the princess continued, "Rina, I stand by Sora. I was wrong to believe you were malefic and destructive. I realize now you are a person, one we must respect and be compassionate for. I ask, no I beg, please continue to travel with us."

"Kinda unnecessary, isn't it captain?" Kenneth whispered, receiving a jab in the gut from Drake for it. Despite his opinion, it was proof enough for Rina.

With a slight bow, she told her, "It would be an honor to continue traveling with you. If you will have me and my sisters."

"Of course!" Yolanda and Sora cheered simultaneously. And while Kari shared their enthusiasm, Sarah tried to act all pouty and ungrateful, with little success.

And from out of nowhere, an Azurill jumped into the group and right into Rina's lap. Most of the group was surprised by this, but Sora and Rina recognized it as the same Azurill from the other day. Azurill seemed to cry and plead with Rina about something, but she couldn't understand what it was saying.

But Prince Pewter understood, and told everyone, "I think Azurill wants to travel with you Rina."

Puzzled, Rina asked, "Travel with… me? But why?"

"I guess it just feels like it wants to be with you. Sometimes Trainers aren't the only ones to choose their Pokémon. Often it is the Pokémon who chooses their Trainer."

"And Azurill is choosing me?"

"That would be awesome Rina." Sora supported, "I bet Azurill will grow real strong with you as its trainer. No doubt." She couldn't deny that. Besides, Azurill had a desperate look in its eyes that didn't want Rina to turn it away. She wouldn't do that, though. She had saved this Azurill. If it wanted to travel with her, who was she to refuse its decision?

"Very well then." She told it, "Welcome to our family Azurill." Azurill cheered at being accepted, and tapped Rina's pearl with its tail to signify that it would be her Pokémon. Upon contact, a teal light washed over the young Pokémon, meaning that it now belonged to Rina.

After seeing that, Yolanda remembered, "Oh yeah! I have a new friend too. I got it after Sora's battle yesterday from the Safari Zone." Taking out her Pokéstone, she called out, "Come on out Pancham!" And from her Pokéstone came a small panda Pokémon that had a leaf in its mouth. The new Pancham regarded the group, then did a few flips before landing in front of the princess with a bow.

"Wow, a Pancham!" Sora admired.

"Pika!"

"Seems like quite the performer Pokemon." Drake noted, "It's a good match for you Yolanda. But, how did you capture it?"

"That's a bit of a story." She replied, "I'll tell you when we set sail."

During the introductions and celebration, Peri had come up to the group, her eyes somewhat fixed on Sora. Her gaze was somewhat forlorn and thoughtful, something she pondered about how this came upon her. But she couldn't deny that it revolved around the guardian, and set it aside as she came up to him and his friends.

Kenneth was the first to take notice to her approaching presence, and greeted, "Oh, hello Peri. What brings you here?"

As everyone else took notice to her arrival, she informed, "Well, I came to tell you the location of the next Chieftain. Unless you wish to find them yourselves."

"That would be much appreciated." Prince said in gratitude.

"You're next destination will be the Isolated Kingdom to the west. Be warned, the next Chieftain there is very strict, and looks disfavorably on strangers."

"We'll manage somehow." Sora said with confidence, "We got this far, we'll just go all the way."

"Pika Pika!"

Next, Peri went over to Yolanda and Rina and requested in a hushed voice, "Watch out for Sora. He is strong, but a little too focused for his own good. He'll need both of your help to see this journey through to the end."

Both the girls nodded, and reassured, "You can count on us." When they realized they said it at the same time, they looked at each other weirdly, then turned away. With farewells said, and business concluded, everyone boarded their ship and waved good-bye to Peri and the people of Salure Island.

Once they were far enough away, Drake barked, "To the Isolated Kingdom!"

Later that afternoon, Peri went out to the coast by herself. She was waiting on a friend who would take her to her true home, now that her role had been accomplished. As she waited, she thought about Sora again and the kind of person he was. A boy who cherished his friendships with everyone he meets, and confident in his skills alongside them. It was no wonder that Rina would be interested in someone like him, especially if her life had been filled with hardships. As she thought, Peri noticed that her hand was trembling.

Bringing it close to her chest, she thought aloud, "I guess it was good for Sora to be focused. Otherwise, his aura might have sensed what was in my heart." At that moment, a lovely Gorebyss surfaced nearby. The slender, pink Pokémon called out to her for some reason only she knew about.

"I'm coming Gorebyss." She told it. She waded out until she was waist deep in the water, the current going around her like there was some kind of barrier protecting her. Once she was next to Gorebyss, she prayed, "Great queen, grant me this wish. That mine and Sora's paths cross once more. Let my heart ring out, of my newfound affection." Finished, both she and Gorebyss disappeared into the sea. And some time later, the shadow of a mermaid with a periwinkle tail and long, periwinkle hair flew into the air before diving back down once again.

Sora: Hey, is Rina okay? She seems restless?

Pewter: Rina seems fine to me. Though, a little troubled.

Sora: Was that her screaming just then?!

Pewter: Hurry Sora! Something's wrong!

Next time,

In the Mist of Peril