Breaking the Gilded Cage

by CreatureMan88

For a group of young Pokémon living in a constricted land, their lives had always been full of peace and blessings. But when they acquire a book depicting the lore of the Legendary Pokémon, they are soon opened up to the truths of The World. Join them as they experience both the joy and the turmoil of an unbound life.

12. Chapter 12: Independence

Three pokémon sat on a hill overlooking the North-East Gate of the Pokémon Settlement, the moonlight and stars illuminating the night sky. The tall grass and leaves in the trees rustled soothingly around them, creating a calm ambience as they admired the walls of largest stronghold in the world. Angel and Sylvia sat on either side of Gallant, the Blade Pokémon having brought them all the way out here a few hours after nightfall. The two female pokémon stared, for the first time, in wonder at the awe-inspiring city of opportunities, completely taken by just how marvelously enormous it was.

"It's so... HUGE." Sylvia remarked, turning to face the Gallade. "You're gonna be working there starting tomorrow, huh?"

"Yeah." Gallant smiled in resolution, having told them both about his and his friends' future plans to become a part of the Pokémon Settlement. "The guys and I are really excited about it. We're going to be getting jobs at the Guild Collaboration that'll allow us to see what the rest of the lands are like and help other pokémon like we did with Redolence while we're at it. It's a win-win."

"You're not wasting any time growing up, are you, Gallant?" She wrapped a ribbon around his left arm.

"No, I'm not. The opportunity was in front of us and we took it. We made our own decision. Starting tomorrow, the world will reshape us."

"For better or for worse." The Eeveelution added.

"That's how it goes but let's hope it's more the former."

"All I ask is that you make sure you keep yourselves safe and don't give us any heart attacks."

"I'll keep that in mind." He smiled down at her and rubbed her head, between her hears with the hand she had her ribbon wrapped around.

"You say that but I bet you'll just get into another fight in the settlement again and come back with even more injuries. What then?"

"Then I'll add them to my growing collection of cool looking battle scars." He grinned cheekily.

"Is that where the cut on your cheek came from? Picking fights as soon as you enter the Pokémon Settlement... Honestly, Gallant." Angel finally joined in on the conversation, still looking at the incredibly high and thick walls.

"I wouldn't say I went in looking for a fight specifically. These two pokémon in a bar we visited were oppressing my friend and I stepped in to help, that's all."

Angel gazed up at him, doubtful. She knew better. Knew how much he loved fighting. Perhaps too much for his own good. She could bet he didn't even try to solve the conflict by talking it out.

"Don't give me that look." Gallant dismissed her suspicion and pointed at his scar. "Doesn't it make me look badass, though?"

The Kirlia stared blankly at the Blade Pokémon before raising her hand, placing it against his face and using Heal Pulse to close up his scar.

"Wha- Hey!"

"Don't 'hey' me, Gallant." She lectured him. "I'm happy you're enjoying your evolution so far but actually looking forward to receiving more injuries as trophies is insanity."

"But-"

"Insanity, Gallant. You didn't train to get beaten up did you?"

"...No."

"Then pick your battles carefully and remember to properly treat yourself afterwards to avoid getting all kinds of infections. Don't be careless is what I'm saying."

"Right."

Sylvia looked at the two of them and giggled into a paw. "Angel scolded you."

Gallant blushed in embarrassment.

"Don't sweat it, Gallant." Sylvia unwrapped her ribbons from him and leaped in front of her two closest friends. "Just make sure you become the best as you can be and tell us stories about all the things you experience. Okay?"

"You got it."

"Hmph. Look at you, becoming a big deal all of a sudden." She sat down and smiled solemnly. "When you're out there risking your life, don't forget about us, okay? Remember all the common folk back home and the important things that matter the most. We're rooting for you."

"I'm not going to be living there." He deadpanned. "I'll be coming back every-" Sylvia placed a ribbon over his mouth.

"Ssshhh... Don't make this any harder than it has to be, Gallant. Just tell us that you'll love us forevermore." She closed her eyes.

Gallant just stared at her in confusion and before he could make a comment about her strange behavior, she opened one eye and smirked at him.

"You like? I learned that from the novel I read and thought to try it out."

"So you did learn something from it."

"Nothing of any relevance. That book was all drama, betrayal and make-out sessions. A romance novel with all the clichés imaginable."

"And you're not interested in any of that?"

"None of it, unfortunately."

"To think it has an entire series." He shook his head and looked down, only then noticing the condition of the Sylveon's front legs. "Why are your paws so dirty?"

"Huh? Oh, this? I dug out of my home to meet you and Angel."

"What?"

"Yeah. The front door creaks, so I decided to move a stone tile and dig a hole from my room to outside the house. That way, I won't make too much noise. Now I have a safe way of leaving and re-entering when I'm out breaking rules."

"You're crazy."

"Crazy awesome." She faced the Emotion Pokémon. "What about you, Angel? How'd you sneak out?"

"Um... I, uh, I left a Substitute on my bed and teleported out." She hesitantly revealed.

"Whoa, really?" Sylvia blinked in surprise. "How creative."

"My only regret is that I had to deceive Mom who, ironically, just today taught me how to use Substitute."

"Don't feel too bad about it. You're in no danger for Miss Sana to worry. You know, should she find out."

"That's what we thought last time. Then I got carried off by that huge bird."

"Which you beat by yourself." The Intertwining Pokémon reminded her. "I don't think any of us are in any real danger out here. We'll trash anything that tries to mess with us. Rawr!"

"I suppose."

"That's the spirit." She grinned but then thought of something. "Wait, so if you only learned Substitute today, how did you sneak out the first time?"

"Double Team."

"Ah, yes. Of course."

"It's not very reliable beyond a simple distraction. They're just illusions. My Substitute is solid enough to pass for my double in case Mom decides check on me."

"You're getting pretty good at breaking out."

"That's not a good thing but thanks." Angel smiled at her fellow fairy type then turned her head toward the fighting type. "What about you, Gallant?"

"Teleported out."

"That's it?"

"That's it. My parents are too lax. They're fine with me doing whatever as long as I don't get into trouble."

"So they know you're out here?" She tilted her head.

"Heavens, no. That would get me into trouble." Gallant answered quickly. "However, they do know that I'll be looking for work in the Pokémon Settlement tomorrow."

"And?"

"They're happy for me. But I bet they're also happy that they'll have their place to themselves even more than usual."

"Because you pretty much live in the Training Hold." Sylvia pointed out.

"I won't argue against that."

Sylvia moved from in front of them and sat next to Angel, admiring both the sky and the Pokémon Settlement. "So, Gallant..."

"Yeah?"

"Did you meet anyone interesting while selling Redolence's stuff? Or were you too busy getting in fights and chugging booze?"

"I wasn't drink-"

"I'm kidding. Did you make any new friends like you wanted?"

He sighed. "We did, yeah. A female Lopunny named Amber."

"Do tell." She leaned forward and watched him expectantly along with Angel.

"She seemed nice enough. We actually saw her the first time we were here but she was working as a waitress at the time."

"Uh-huh?"

"Intrepid decided to hit on her."

"No kidding?"

"No kidding. He's fun like that but in doing so, he got her to buy Redolence's last remaining product." He chuckled. "Put on a little show as well. After that, she invited us to the bar for some drinks."

"So this girl was the cause of your troubles?" Sylvia stifled a giggle.

"It's not like that. She was really nice... If not a bit intrusive..." He whispered that last part under his breath. "She even made sure to apologize to us after the fact."

"Again, I'm kidding."

"It's hard to tell."

"No it isn't. You're just not spending enough time around me."

"She's right." Angel backed up her friend's claim.

Gallant sighed again and continued. "Most of what we talked about was pretty mundane. She told us about the Normal Realm and its Legendary Pokémon, Regigigas. According to her, the Brilliant Meadow was originally an island before he towed and fixed it against the mainland."

The attentive fairy types blinked in surprise at that tidbit of news.

"Yeah, that was our reaction as well."

"The Brilliant Meadow is, like, ginormous... Just how strong is this guy?"

"On a scale of one to ten, I'd say 'pretty damn strong.' A solid eleven."

"I'll look him up in my book later." Angel noted.

"Speaking of which, anything interesting from it you'd like to share with me?"

"Oh! Yveltal! Tell him about Yveltal, Angel!" The Sylveon urged.

"Right." Angel held Gallant's gaze with her own as she started to summarize the dark type's bio. "Yveltal, creator of the Dark Realm. His power is the opposite of Lord Xerneas'. The destruction to Lord Xerneas' creation. His energy steals from all life around him to keep himself immortal. Though, I don't know if immortal is the right word... Mmmmm... Undying. Yes, that fits better."

"Aren't they the same thing?"

"No, they aren't." She lifted a finger. "Immortal suggests he's unable to be killed at all but the book implies it's possible. Problem is, when it happens, he unconsciously steals the life-force of everything in his immediate vicinity to keep himself alive. Hence, undying. A refusal to perish, not that he can't."

Gallant nodded. It was a sound argument. "That's a wicked ability he has backing him up."

"It seems some Legendary Pokémon are too powerful for their own good. Guess that's why he isolates himself like Darkrai. For the benefit of others."

"That kind of nobility leaves something to be desired when it comes to pokémon like Tornadus and Thundurus."

"Oh, ja. Those two." Sylvia looked up in remembrance. "Do you think they're still jerking around out there?"

"I can't speak for Thundurus but Tornadus got defeated by a small group of grass types that call themselves Chartreuse."

"What? Is that true?"

"I have no reason to believe they'd lie about such a thing. I met one of the pokémon responsible. A Sceptile named Saber. He was covered in bandages." Gallant's expression softened. "We... Didn't get along well but I do respect him. I'd be lying if I said he didn't at least partly influence our decision to join the Guild Collaboration. That kind of strength is something I admire. Seems like they've been fighting for so long, they got strong enough to take down a Legendary Pokémon... Hmm..."

"Don't get any ideas, Gallant." Angel cautioned.

"I won't. You can be rest assured that I'll stay in my league. Even I know when to back down. I don't want to disappoint Edge. His expectations and approval means a lot to us, you know? He's the one that's been training us ever since we were Ralts, after all."

"And now here you are as a Gallade after so many years of training." Sylvia smiled at him. "You've come a long way, Gallant."

"Thanks, Sylvia." He smiled back.

The three friends looked up at the sky in serene silence, the stars twinkling beautifully against the backdrop of space. They sat like that for who knows how many more minutes, just enjoying the cool night temperature and each other's company, dreaming of things to come. Right up until Gallant yawned, which caused the other two to do the same like it was contagious.

"Now's probably a good time to head back." Gallant spoke as he got up.

"Yeah. You need your rest for tomorrow." Angel followed his lead, stretching where she stood.

Sylvia shook herself free of dirt and stood next to the Kirlia. "Especially since you've been running for a long time."

"That's not a problem. Having strong legs is something I appreciate about being a Gallade. The exhaustion wore off fast." Gallant placed a hand on his hip and smirked. "Being only one lap helped, though. Anything more than that would have been seriously taxing."

"I can imagine." Sylvia walked closer to him, wrapped a ribbon around his wrist and one around Angel's. "Take us home, Gallant."

"Sure thing."

A light enveloped the three youths and they returned to the Fairy Realm to turn in for the night with no trace that they were ever in the Brilliant Meadow.

---

XXX Mirage Island - Sunrise XXX

Darkrai watched the sun lift over the expansive ocean's horizon, his hair, lower body and shoulder streaks moving gently at the wind's command. The waves splashed against the edge of the shore, the body of water that produced them being dyed an alluring orange by the call of dawn. He had only been on Mew's secretive island a few days but it felt longer than that. He was grateful that the psychic type Legendary Pokémon offered him such a wonderful place to live in, away from all his troubles. But something was... Off. Something he couldn't shake no matter how hard he tried. Deep down, he wondered how long Mew intended for him to live here because the New Species Pokémon never said anything on the matter. There were times when he felt undeserving of the great kindness he was offered. It was alien to him. 'Hey, Darkrai, wanna live with me?' Wasn't an offer he would have ever expected any pokémon that knew of him to propose. He looked down at his wrist and observed the Lunar Wing Mew created for him. Strong enough to protect the other inhabitants of the island. A few times he contemplated taking it off and leaving, though not in that order. It's not that he didn't enjoy his time here, far from it. It was just that he couldn't shake the feeling that he would only end up being a burden to Mew, since that's how his life had been from the beginning of time and his attitude simply couldn't be changed just because one or two pokémon showed him benevolence. He was still the Pitch Black Pokémon and harbinger of unwarranted terror. It wasn't the title he desired but that's how he was created. He had to cope with it and make sure only the correct pokémon would be punished by it. This new lifestyle he was given... He wasn't sure about it. Was he happy? Yes, very. How long it would last, however, was an answer he didn't know and was scared to find out because it always came at the cost of pokémon other than himself. Always. All the time.

"Mornin'!"

Darkrai looked up and saw Mew floating upside-down in front of him, paws behind its back. As usual, the small, pink pokémon wore a smile that could light up the blackest night.

"Good morning, Mew."

Mew closed its eyes in joy, rotating itself to float correctly but remaining in the same position. "You're up early."

"I actually don't sleep."

"Huh?" The psychic type's eyes snapped open. "Do you suffer from insomnia?"

"No, I don't. I can sleep but most of the time, I choose not to."

"My, my. That's not healthy."

"For most pokémon, no but it doesn't bother me."

"I'm skeptical." Mew placed its paws on its cheeks and floated horizontally like it was lounging.

"Would it help if I said sleeping is all I do on New Moon Island?" Mew just stared at him and the dark type broke eye contact. "Sleeping is all I do on New Moon Island and I don't like to do it if I don't have to. I hate it. But there's nothing else to do when I'm there."

The psychic type gave him an aside glance before turning to face the ocean. "Even now, you still think about it."

"As much as I loathe it, it's my home. Where I belong and where I'm least deadly."

"There you go again, Darkrai." Mew's mood dropped and the psychic type frowned but Darkrai couldn't see it. "That self loathing you do isn't good at all."

The ocean's waters splashed heavily against the shore, doing nothing to ease the growing tension between the two powerful pokémon.

"I need to know something." Darkrai spoke.

"What is it?" Mew still faced forward.

"How long do you plan for me to remain here? I'm a walking wasteland that could ruin everything you've built on this island. Are you sure you know what you're getting into?"

Mew remained silent, its tail swishing in the air.

"Answer me."

The pink-furred pokémon shrugged. "I don't know what kind of answer you're looking for."

"...Mew. I think what you're doing is dangerous."

"No, it's not." The psychic type insisted. "We're protected here and you know it. What's the big deal? Are you afraid of your own happiness or something?"

"That's not it, Mew. This isn't about me entirely. Why won't you see the point I'm trying to make? Why are you being so stubborn?"

Mew blinked a few times, turning around to face the Pitch Black Pokémon directly.

"I can't shake the feeling that something horrible will happen if I remain here. Mew... You've made me care a great deal about you and I don't want to end up hurting you or the inhabitants of this island. I've lived in the dark all my life so I can take the pain... But what about you? How will you cope if you or the others fall prey to my power? You think you can just tie this Lunar Wing to my wrist and pretend everything will be fine?"

Mew looked into his eye, clear blue staring into dark blue. "Are you saying you want to leave us?"

"That's not... I..." Darkrai looked down, surprised that he didn't have an answer despite the argument he was trying to make.

"That hesitation is all I need. If you really desired it, you could have left anytime you wanted." The New Species Pokémon floated closer to him. "You're happy here, I can tell. And what's wrong with that? Nothing. Recognizing your freedom is important, Darkrai. It's what you want and what you can find here. You're not hurting, you're just worried. I'm not hurting, either and neither are the other pokémon."

As if to prove Mew's point, a Taillow landed on the dark type's shoulder and preened itself, uncaring of the kind of pokémon he was.

"Just let go of your worries." Mew's smile returned. "There's nothing to be afraid of here. Eat some berries, go for a swim if you can. Build a sand castle and complain when the waves destroy it. Laugh with us. It's fine. Please. Stop stressing yourself."

Darkrai looked at Mew, then at the Taillow on his shoulder and then at the Pidgey that landed on his other shoulder. The sun was above the horizon at this point, officially marking the time as morning. He closed his eyes. Maybe Mew was right. Maybe he was worried for no reason. Scared of the present and future because of what his past had been like. He opened his eyes and locked it with Mew's gaze. In spite of his misgivings, nothing bad had happened in the days he was here and supposed he could take Mew's word for it.

"If you say so... Then I'll place my trust in you... I'm sorry. And thank you, Mew, for doing everything you've done for me thus far."

"Oh, I'm nowhere near finished, Darkrai." Mew smirked and transformed into a Victreebel. "Looks like you still need a little more convincing so we're picking up our tour from where we left off."

The small flying types launched off his shoulders as he was doused with Gastro Acid. It happened so fast that he almost didn't shield his vision in time. He sighed and reopened his eyes, noticing Mew had already transformed into an Abra and clung onto his left arm.

"Wh-"

"Ready? Of course you are! Away we go!"

And with that, the two Legendary Pokémon were teleported from the island to parts unknown.

---

XXX Fairy Realm - Training Hold, Morning XXX

Edge stood patiently in the reception of the Training Hold, watching one of the Klefki fumble with its many keys before finding the right one and unlocking the door to the rest of the structure. With a creak, the door slowly swung open and the Klefki hovered aside to let him through. He nodded at the steel type in appreciation on his way into the main training room and closed the door behind him. Walking across the wide, circular floor, he made his way to a closed door at the opposite end of the room. The Blade Pokémon reached toward the handle and pushed it open to reveal training equipment that had been stored away for the night. It would be a pain to remove it by himself but, as luck would have it, he was a Gallade.

One by one, he teleported the equipment from the storage room to the edges of the training room. Dumb bells, bar bells, weights, punching bags, side steppers, manual treadmills and other exercise aids until they were all neatly positioned at the edges of the large room.

He craned his head, lifting an arm straight up while his other held it by the tricep, sighing when he heard satisfying cracking sounds from his neck and shoulders. Since he was early, he figured he might get in a bit of training himself while he waited for the room to fill with more pokémon. The psychic type floated a dumb bell over to himself, gripping it firmly with one hand and raising and lowering it in short intervals. He did it almost absentmindedly, lifting and dropping it before switching it to his other hand. As he did so, he looked at the main door, the floor, some of the equipment and then back to the door when he noticed something about it. A small piece of paper taped to it that would have never been noticed unless you really paid attention to it. Being the only pokémon in the room at the time, he figured he may as well read it. If it wasn't for him, he would pass on the message. Considering where it was left, he guessed it wasn't something that was too private. Still working out, Edge used Psychic to float the note over to him and read it.

'Yo, Edge.' Yup, he could already guess who wrote this.

' If it isn't Edge reading this, please pass it on to him. Sorry for leaving this on such short notice and giving you important news in such a hasty way but we took your medallion for another trip to the Pokémon Settlement. Reason being is because we're looking to get a job there, you see. You can only get so far living on allowance.' Edge smirked. 'We're going to join the Guild Collaboration. We noticed the world isn't as perfect as it could be and we're gonna join the effort to make it better. We won't deny that there are more personal reasons but do they really matter in the pursuit of justice?' He chuckled at the cheesy line and shook his head. There was a small instruction to flip the note and he did, finding more wording on the back. 'Anyway, that's the gist of it. If anything big happens, we'll tell you about it. Just wish us luck for now, okay? Seriously, wish us luck. If something happens to us, it's on you. This is going to be a first for us so show us your support. We mean it, Edge. Okay, tootles.'

~ Gallant, Valor & Intrepid.

The last line was crossed out and next to it were the names: Intrepid, Gallant & Valor... Which was crossed out as well in favor of Valor, Intrepid & Gallant... Which was also crossed out and the remainder of the note was just a mess of their names.

He chuckled again and dropped the weight, which hit the ground so hard that it shook the floor boards, though it didn't damage them. He crumpled the paper in his palm and looked up with a happy smile.

"I just can't control them."

---

XXX Pokémon Settlement XXX

The teeth of the gears met each other fluidly in the mechanism as the North-Eastern Gate slowly closed behind the three fighting types, all of them wearing excited grins on their faces. The gate met the ground in a low rumble and the adolescent Gallade started down the brick-tiled path toward one of the main streets. Today was a big day for them. They would be joining the Guild Collaboration and participating in mission for the sake of their fellow mon and also marked the start of their independence and growth into adulthood. They turned down the main street, the routes of the settlement getting more familiar to them with each visit. The three youths kept walking until they met a large flight of stairs that led to an Onix fast-travel transit. Climbing up the stairs, they stood next to a few other pokémon in wait for an Onix to collect them and ferry them to different parts of the Pokémon Settlement too far to travel on foot.

"You think Edge got our note?" Intrepid struck up small talk.

"Hope so. If not him then another pokémon. Either way, it would still end up in his hands." Gallant placed his arms comfortably behind his head.

"Hope he isn't too mad that we didn't give him back his medallion." Valor commented, holding the strap of his backpack.

"Nah, I doubt it." Intrepid dismissed Valor's worry. "He only gets mad when we fight among ourselves or when we break rules. Theft shouldn't be too bad."

"We didn't steal it. We just never gave it back." Gallant asserted.

"We did kind of steal it, Gallant."

"Do you have regrets?"

"Not even a little."

"Neither do I. So, let's not think about the details too much. He lent it to us and we're putting it to good use. Who knows, maybe we'll get our own if we successfully join the Guild Collaboration. We can give it back then."

Valor and Intrepid nodded at Gallant's reasoning, the three psychic types feeling a low rumbling that alerted them to an approaching Onix.

"Our ride's here." Gallant hopped on along with his friends.

"I honestly don't think I'll ever get tired of riding this." Intrepid smiled happily.

"You and me both."

After all pokémon had climbed on, the Rock Snake Pokémon started off to drop its passengers at their designated stops.

---

XXX Pokémon Settlement - South of Inner Ring XXX

The passengers of the Onix disembarked after it stopped at a platform, the pokémon that got off being replaced by others that were waiting for the rock type's arrival. Among the pokémon that stepped down towards the flight of stairs leading to the main street were three Gallade, the footfalls of the surrounding populace filling the air as well as the conversations that were being held when they passed by.

"Let's find a nice place to eat."

"You think the Stone Emporium is open at this hour?"

"I think this is where she said we should meet."

"I recently bought some sweet smelling incense. You should swing by my place later."

"Ah, crap. I think I'm lost..."

"What a wonderful day to be alive."

The trio of psychic types paid no mind to what was being said around them, confidently strutting toward their important destination. A few more minutes of walking in relative silence and they arrived at the structure of interest. The Guild Collaboration Building.

Smiling in anticipation, the fighting type companions approached the double doors, Gallant reaching for the left handle and pushing it open. At the same time, the right door swung open and out stepped three dark types: A Zoroark followed by an Absol and, finally, an Umbreon. The Zoroark glanced at the youths briefly on his way out but the other two ignored them. The Gallade inspected the dark types that made their way into the loose crowd, admiring the features of the three pokémon. The gold rings on the Umbreon's hide, the scythe growing out of the Absol's head and the Zoroark's wicked crimson hair and claws. No lie, they looked awesome.

Done gawking, the psychic types walked into the building, not wanting to block other pokémon. From the entrance, they noticed not many pokémon were in the building, lower level or upper, probably because of the early hour. Not wasting any time, they made for the first floor counter which three Kecleon stood behind. The normal types greeted them with welcoming simles as they got closer and the two groups found themselves standing face to face.

"Yes, good morning. Welcome to the Guild Collaboration." The one in the centre addressed them. "Always glad to see new faces. How may we help you? Here to request a job?"

Valor stepped in front of his friends and engaged the Kecleon in conversation.

"No, we're... Um... Would you by any chance be accepting more pokémon to your ranks?" He started. "Because we would like to became a part of your building. We're here to see if we can take some jobs. If possible."

"...Oh? Oh!" The one on the right stood on his seat and placed his hands on the counter, his colors fluctuating rapidly. "You do? That's wonderful news! Wonderful news, indeed!"

Valor tilted his had at the overreaction, wondering how what was asking could elicit such a response. Noticing this, the Kecleon calmed down and spoke in a normal tone.

"My apologies, it's just that it's been such a long time since we last had some pokémon join us." The Color Change Pokémon explained. "There's been lots of jobs coming in lately, you see. True, we have quite a bit of units out there doing work but some of them come back injured or fatigued and there's only so much they can do in the allocated times."

"We haven't had the efficiency to send teams of pokémon out as frequently as we want lately, leaving clients to wonder when their requests would be taken care of. Some of them eventually get fed up and leave which makes us lose out on costs." The one in the middle continued with a more level tone than his partner. "Jobs arrive faster than our pokémon can be dispatched. Putting your life on the line isn't exactly the dream career of most pokémon. We need all the help we can get to keep up with our requests is what we're saying." He leaned forward. "As a business, we're obligated to tell you the possible risks of our service and we appreciate you taking an interest in the Guild Collaboration. Do you truly mean to join us?"

The Gallade nodded confidently with no pause or hesitation.

"Then by all means!" The Kecleon on the right lifted a section of the counter and motioned for them to walk into the back room after him. "Follow me and we'll get you processed and integrated into our network. Come on, come on! Don't be shy." He grinned.

The dual types did so, following the normal type into the room he introduced to them, door closing gently behind them. The room was a five-by-five meter square holding, left and right walls lined with file cabinets, a single table in the centre, a long bench in front of it and a lone chair behind it. The Kecleon offered the bench to the aspiring psychic types while he opened one of the drawers of a cabinet and pulled out some documents. Paperwork in hand, the Kecleon took a seat in front of them.

"Here. Just read through this carefully, fill out the form and sign your names at the bottom. This is a contract that makes your being a part of the Guild Collaboration official." The normal type opened the file and placed it in front of the three Blade Pokémon.

Gallant and Intrepid watched as Valor pulled the file toward him, grabbing the pen offered and started filling out the contract. It was all standard procedure. Names, gender, their home realm, their individual types, whether they were citizens or visitors of the Pokémon Settlement, terms of agreement, reasons for joining, Egg Group (why?), how many pokémon the team their forming would consist of and, finally, the name of the group they want to create...

The fighting types blinked at that last bit. A team name wasn't something they had yet considered when they decided to become a hired assault team. They looked at each other and back at the Kecleon with unsure expressions.

"Hm?" The normal type looked down at the part they hadn't yet filled out. "Come now, you don't have a team name yet? I can't complete your onboarding with us unless you finish the whole thing. Please, think of something. Anything."

"Mmm..." Intrepid placed a finger under his chin before smiling in finality. "I got it! You can call us the Cutie Mark Cru-"

Valor immediately and urgently slapped his hand over Intrepid's mouth. "Don't listen to him!"

The Kecleon blinked in shock, watching as one of the Gallade held down his friend who was laughing through his hand. Apparently, some kind of joke was made but it flew over his head.

Gallant chuckled at his friends' antics, grabbed the pen, jotted down over the final entry and pushed the folder back towards the Kecleon.

"Here"

"Thank you." The Color Change Pokémon beamed. "Psychic Blades, huh?"

Valor and Intrepid stopped fooling around and looked at Gallant at the mention of their potential team name. He shrugged.

"It's short notice and kind of straight forward. Pretty much describes what we are."

"That it does." The Kecleon stamped on the completed document. "It's done. You're now a part of the Guild Collaboration."

Gallant, Intrepid and Valor watched their handler reach under the desk and mess around a bit. After some few seconds, he retrieved three medals of identification, similar in design to the one belonging to Edge and placed them on the wooden surface.

"For you. As per your signed contract, you each receive your very own medals of identification as means to enter or exit the Pokémon Settlement as you please. You're working with us now. Carry them with honor."

The young pokémon smirked, unable to resist the positive emotion resonating among the three of them. They collected their medals and placed them in their bags.

"The jobs on the bulletin board of the second floor in this building can now be accepted by you. You can start now or any time this week but be warned, going a full week without accepting jobs could lead to monetary compensation or termination of a contract. To prevent that, you would have to turn in a highly persuasive written report of why you couldn't make the deadline and it must be a good reason. I wouldn't worry too much about it, though. Just keep doing your job in regular intervals and you'll be fine. It's all about commitment."

The trio of Gallade nodded in understanding.

"Very good."

He held out his hand and one by one, the newly accepted Gallade exchanged handshakes with him.

"Thank you for joining us. Be sure to do us proud... Psychic Blades."

---

XXX Blizzard Peaks - Snowy Trail, Miles from Pokémon Settlement XXX

A continuous, unforgiving cold wind blew through the air, making the leaves of the tall, snow-covered trees rustle heavily, adding to the bleak atmosphere that surrounded the territory of ice types. Six pokémon advanced with purpose, leaving behind them separate depressions in the three inch high snow from where they stepped. A Weavile with a perpetual smirk on his face, a Glaceon next to him with an unconcerned frown, two Avalugg, one in front of the other and a pair of Froslass holding hands and bringing up the rear. Every so often, one would say something to strike up a conversation in hopes of killing time but they never lasted long, the pokémon traveling together all having different tastes and relations from the other. Frostbite and Hailey only ever wanted to speak with each other, the Avalugg chose to remain silent, while Yuki and Onna were... Different.

"No matter how many times we do this, I can't get used to how long it takes." Frostbite mentioned. "We've been out here since yesterday morning, a whole day and night passed yet we still aren't even halfway there."

"Avalugg are slow." Hailey pointed out. She wasn't trying to be condescending. It was the truth.

"Our strength lies in our endurance. We could leave you with all the supplies to make the transaction on your own and head back if you so desire." Berg offered.

Frostbite's smirk progressed into a toothy grin, hidden from the pokémon behind him.

"Got nothing to say, huh, Frost? Then please keep your comments to yourself. Mind your friend while you're at it."

The Glaceon tried to turn and level a glare at the large ice type but refrained when she felt Frostbite's hand on her head. It calmed her as always. She looked up at him and he smiled down at her. She didn't smile back, though. It didn't matter to him, either way and he rubbed her scalp affectionately

"Chill out, Hailey. We're all just kidding around."

"Chill out? Is that a joke?"

"It's a joke, yes. Laugh it up."

Hailey chewed a bit of skin inside her mouth in an attempt to tolerate the pun. She wanted to say something but chose not to. Instead, she just walked a little closer to the Weavile who kept his hand on her head, careful to not let his razor-sharp claws hurt her.

"Fufufu... You two get along well as always." A Froslass hovered her hollow body joyfully next to Frostbite.

"Inseparable." Came the other's plain response next to Hailey.

"It's been like that for a long time." The Sharp Claw Pokémon casually replied. He closed his eyes with a smile and shrugged without a care in the world. "She's quite literally the only pokémon that matters to me other than myself."

"Hmmm..." Yuki wrapped her arms around Frostbite's shoulders from behind as he walked. "If only you'd show some of that affection to other pokémon, Frost. But all of it goes to Hailey. So hurtful." She turned to the Glaceon, still clinging to the dark type. "Most Weavile are cruel and tend to not care about anything at all. You're one special pokémon, you know that?"

"Let go of him."

Yuki smirked mockingly, refusing to let go and curious as to what Hailey would do. Onna remained silent and watched her twin.

"Let. Go of him." The ice type Eeveelution repeated, sounding more forceful but scarcely changing her tone or expression.

"Aaaahhhhn~ That killing intent is wonderful, Hailey." The ghost type giggled in amusement. Then she stared at her with dead, empty eyes. "It's completely unbecoming of a cute pokémon such as yourself."

"Tch."

"Cut it out, Yuki. You're upsetting her."

"Aw, you're no fun." Yuki's eyes went back to normal and she peeled herself off of Frostbite.

"We're not here to have fun, this is an important trip we're making." Berg spoke in his deep voice. "Please, stop messing about and stay focused. We could be attacked while your guard is low."

"Don't fret, Berg." Yuki placed a delicate hand under her chin. "The wild pokémon here are too afraid to attack us. They never do whenever Onna, Frost, Hailey and I are present. It's too overbearing."

"What's too overbearing?"

"Blood." Onna simply stated.

"Beg your pardon?"

"What Onna means is..." Yuki floated forward and clasped her hand with her sister's. "Wild pokémon won't attack us because the scent of spilled blood is too focused in one area. We absolutely reek of it. Fufufu. But..." She smiled at the Weavile and Glaceon. "None more than these two. Even instinct-driven pokémon like them know better than to provoke such obvious killers."

The Avalugg looked at the two pokémon leading the group. He knew of their exploits to appease their Legendary Pokémon but never suspected until now that it would be a major reason why hostiles would be unwilling to target them, considering how viscious some of them can get. Their scent never bothered him or, indeed, any other pokémon back in the Ice Realm seeing as the Ice Realm's entire history consisted of making... Offerings to Kyurem. It never came up and he just figured it was because they would almost always travel as a medium-sized party. Frostbite chuckled lightly and Hailey said nothing. The whole group chose to remain silent after that, walking dutifully toward their destination. It was still a ways and they each wondered who would be next to open up a dialogue.

---

XXX Pokémon Settlement - Guild Collaboration XXX

Three young psychic hopefuls sat at a table on the first floor of the Guild Collaboration Building, watching a few pokémon come and go as they waited for their client who was to be notified by a Swablu that had been dispatched to find and tell him of their involvement in his request. Gallant raised the sheet of paper with the details of the job they accepted in front of his face: A simple escort mission to the Seismic Highlands, ranked two and a half stars. Something they chose to ease them into their new career. Not too complicated but not too simple either.

Seconds turned into minutes, the former fairies opting to just sit in silence for the most part. The main door opened and in walked, not their client but a trio of water types; Greninja, Empoleon and Samurott, not that they knew their species names at the moment. The aquatic pokémon walked up the stairs and out of their vision, to accept a job, they guessed. Nothing to focus on, the psychic types turned back to each other.

"You guys nervous?" Gallant asked.

"A little, yeah. I mean, this is our first job, after all." Intrepid replied. "We don't know what to expect out there."

"We'll be fine." Their eyes fell on Valor. "We should just keep focused, that's all. We have each other's backs so I say there's nothing for us or our client to worry about."

They shared encouraging smiles with each other. It's true that they gave each other a hard time more often than not but there was no doubt whatsoever that they supported one another more than anything. They looked back down at the sheet of paper for a few seconds before switching to look at the decor of the building. Minutes continued to pass until the doors swung open, a Smeargle carrying a large bag on his back being led by a Swablu walking in. The flying type landed on their table and faced the normal type.

"This is them." The Swablu then faced the fighting types individually. "It's all you now. Good luck out there." Done, the blue bird flew up the stairs, out of sight.

The Gallade stood from their table, walked up to the Smeargle and greeted him like the relatively polite pokémon they were.

"Good morning." Valor bowed, his friends following suit.

"Yes, yes, good morning!" The Smeargle greeted enthusiastically. "So, you're the strapping pokémon that accepted my request, hm?"

"We are, yes."

"Then what are we waiting for? Let's be off. Follow me."

So they did. The Gallade walked out of the building in tow of the Painter Pokémon. They looked at his bag curiously and he spoke up to them on their way to an Onix Transit.

"Allow me to fill you in on the details of my request." He begun. "I'm an artist, you see. A traveling artist. I've created various paintings and illustrations, all sold to the Museum of Fine Art here in the settlement. Ever been?"

They shook their heads, no.

"Well, it doesn't matter for now. What matters is that I've hit artist block as of late." He sighed, followed by the Blade Pokémon up a flight of stairs. "I can draw just fine but it's been quite a while since I created something outstanding. You may not think of us artists as much but we do have our rivals. This is my way of living and I can't make my living if pokémon are buying works that aren't mine."

They climbed onto an Onix that had just arrived to drop off and ferry pokémon.

"'What does this have to do with going to the Seismic Highlands?' You might ask. Well, you heard that dragons had attacked it recently?"

They nodded. It was something they found out about the first time they were in the large city.

"Yes, of course you do. It really shook up the figurative storm. As the news states, Team Blaze really tore it up when they went all out against those trouble-making dragons. The devastation reported was something that inspired me."

They young pokémon looked at him quizzically. He blinked, then realized what he made himself sound like.

"Oh, no! Nonononono! Not like that! I'm not saying I advocate violence." He waved his arms hysterically. "I'm just saying that such a scene would be breathtaking when immortalized on canvas." He held has hands away from himself and fashioned them to look like an imaginary plaque. "The sight of a battlefield ripped asunder by opposing pokémon parties. The devastation acting as a symbol for the warriors that emerged victorious from fighting for the good of all pokémonkind. Don't you agree?"

The Psychic Blades looked at each other in contemplation. It did sound rather appealing when he put it that way. They all felt the Onix skid to a halt and they disembarked off it to make room for other pokémon. They walked in silence down the stairs and down the street on the way to the gate that would lead them to the route which led to the rocky terrain of the Seismic Highlands. Thanks to the transit, they wouldn't have to walk for long and in no time, they stood in front of the Southern Gate. They all flashed their medals and the stationed Klinklang raised the gates for them.

"This is it." He turned to them with a smile. "Before we proceed further, we should properly introduce ourselves to each other. My name is Oscar. How do you do?"

"Valor. Pleased to meet you."

"Intrepid. Nice to meet ya."

"Gallant. It's a pleasure."

"Excellent." The Smeargle nodded in acknowledgment of their names, the gate behind him now fully raised. "Let's be off then. I am in your care, Psychic Blades."

All four pokémon walked past the gate and out of the Pokémon Settlement, each determined to carry out each of their goals.

---

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Breathtaking. Utterly breathtaking. That was the only way to describe the view as Darkrai flew from a high altitude over the seemingly endless ocean. Mew-as-Abra rested with its belly over his shoulder, having teleported them above the glittering mass of water and instructed him to fly in a specified direction to the east. As aquatic pokémon like Dragonair and Gyarados broke the surface and leaped majestically back into the ocean, Mew felt it was a pity that not many pokémon could appreciate the beauty displayed before the two Legendary Pokémon. As Darkrai continued to soar through the air, he could make out an island slowly start to become visible in the distance. He knew what it was but never got to see it with his own eyes. An island consisting of heavy plant life. Two meter high tall grass on its surface with truly massive trees that reached the clouds and were as thick as buildings, anchored everlastingly into the ground, never to be brought down by any kind of hostile weather or attacks from other pokémon, topped off with leaves in such ridiculously high volume that they expanded almost as wide as the island itself. As they got closer, the dark type could also make out flying types moving back and forth between trees, holes carved into their gigantic trunks and even some close to the ground. No buildings or similar structures to be seen, just nature around for miles living in harmony with its flying type occupants. An island known to all as the Flying Realm.

"We can stop here." Darkrai halted at Mew's instruction. "If we get too close we might get attacked like last time."

"We weren't in any danger."

"We can't fight them either. I'm sure you remember that."

"I do. No need to worry."

The point Mew was trying to make was that Legendary Pokémon were to act as the protectors of the lands, not their aggressors. Although, seeing as the Flying Realm has eight Legendary Pokémon caring for them, such an act as attacking it would count as straight up suicide.

"Tee hee. Look at it, Darkrai. Isn't it amazing? And this is just one realm! There's tons of them and all- Um... Most of them are equally as beautiful." As an Abra, Mew's eyes were already closed so it was hard to see the expression of dismay it wore.

"You're referring to the Ghost Realm, right?"

"..."

"Mew?"

"Nothing. It's nothing." The Abra smiled.

Darkrai could hear the disappointment in the psychic type's voice and he changed the subject. "Do Lugia and Ho-Oh both live on that island?"

"Just Ho-Oh. He's in there somewhere. Lugia lives underneath the island, deep in the depths of the ocean. Something as simple as Lugia flapping his wings can cause storms and hurricanes, and because of that, he lives by himself in an unknown location underwater where his power is harmless."

"Sounds familiar."

"Don't do that, Darkrai."

"...I'm sorry." The dark type apologized, carrying on the conversation. "I assume Entei, Raikou and Suicune live there as well?"

"Oh, yes. Those three are extremely loyal to Ho-Oh. Were he to ever change locations, they'd follow without question. Though, sometimes they do visit the mainland to do their own thing."

"How?"

Mew giggled. "Easy. Suicune can walk on water, so-"

"He carries them!?" Darkrai asked incredulously.

"What? My word, no! But thanks for that hilarious mental image... Anyway, he freezes the water as he runs and makes an ice bridge of sorts for them to cross from the Flying Realm to the Tempest Peaks and back again whenever they need to return. Pretty handy, huh?"

"That's quite something, yes." Darkrai placed a hand over his mouth in thought. Eight Legendary Pokémon in a single location. Five were accounted for, that left Articuno, Zapdos and... "Moltres."

"Hm? What about her?"

"She's on fire." He stated simply. "Wouldn't that cause problems for the plant life?"

"No. Like Rapidash, she can regulate her flames so that they don't burn what they don't have to." Mew watched Darkrai nod in understanding and the psychic type continued. "Unlike Entei, Raikou and Suicune, the Legendary Birds are free spirits in that they aren't always around. They visit the mainland more often than the Legendary Beasts. Articuno visits the Blizzard Peaks so it can rest in its preferred climate, Zapdos favors the Tempest Peaks because of its occasional lightning storms and Moltres roosts near the Volcanic Summit because it enjoys the temperature there. Questions?"

"None."

"Fantastic. On to the next location!"

Mew used Teleport!

---

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

A dim light formed in between trees and expanded into a flash. As the energy dissipated, two pokémon appeared in its wake, a tall dark one and a small yellow one perched on his shoulder. The dark type looked around. They were in a forest. A really thick and humid one. Tall grass and trees grew so close to each other and were connected by multiple vines that it would be difficult for even an average sized pokémon to traverse properly.

"Welcome to- Swarm!"

Darkrai quickly crouched down and a swarm of loudly buzzing Combee flew over Mew and himself.

"Whew... Anyway, welcome to Swarm Forest."

"It's noisy."

"It sure is. Listen to all that life." Mew placed a paw next to his ear and listened to noises made by the many bug pokémon inhabiting the forest, the loudest of which were made by Nincada. "The Bug Realm isn't far from here. How much of it do you know of?"

"Just that it exists." The Pitch Black Pokémon shrugged.

"So you're not aware of its Legendary Pokémon?"

"Last I remember, it doesn't have one. Does it?"

"Mmmmmmm, yes and no." The disguised pokémon placed a finger over its mouth. "Arceus never created a Legendary Pokémon for the Bug Realm. It just kind of formed on its own over time. The longest lived pokémon there is Seraph, a Volcarona. It started as a simple Larvesta, the only one of its kind. Bug pokémon came and went, generation after generation but Seraph remained, undying. As time moved on, weeks became months which became years. Decades passed until one day, it became powerful enough to evolve into Volcarona. Its evolution was so great that its flames lit up the night sky, making it appear like a second sun. The bug types of this forest were so awe-inspired by such a display of power that they begun worshiping it as if it were a deity. For that, Arceus named it Seraph and it created its own massive hive that became the Bug Realm. Because of the nature of its creation, the Bug Realm is completely disconnected from the rest of the world. They don't even speak the same language as us, making them the most organized wild pokémon to date."

Darkrai stared at the pokémon on his shoulder, dumbstruck by the story he was just told.

"That's pretty amazing."

"Isn't it?" New Species Pokémon giggled. "This just proves that pokémon running on instinct alone can be capable of great things under the right circumstances."

"Hmn." The dark type nodded at Mew in agreement.

"Okay, I feel my form destabilizing so let's make one more trip and head home."

Once again, the psychic type teleported them out of the area.

---

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

A flash of light later and the two Legendary Pokémon warped in on the next area. Darkrai took in the look of the terrain. His first guess was that they were in another forest but that wasn't quite it. The ground was flooded with five inches of muddy water. In allocated points around him, the water ran deeper with algae forming on its surface. Slim, yet tall trees grew around them, leaves thick and branches drooping low from their weight. It wasn't a forest, it was a swamp.

"This is the Damp Everglade. It happens to be connected side by side with Swarm Forest and... The other forest."

"Spectral Forest."

"I don't like to be reminded of it." The Legendary Pokémon turned its head away.

"I noticed."

"Can we not talk about it?" Mew's ear twitched in agitation. "Lots of pokémon were killed and I can hear their wails from here."

"I understand. I prefer not to think about what Giratina did, myself." The dark type raised his hand and petted the head of the pokémon on his shoulder. "I'm curious. Did the Poison Realm form the same way the Bug Realm did? They have no Legendary Pokémon to nurture them, either."

"Oh! I can answer that." Mew perked up. "Arceus equipped his Toxic Plate in order to transform into a poison type and raised them himself to a point where they could take care of themselves. The original prestigious generation he raised are nothing more than ancestors now but their teachings had been passed down over the years and as a result, the Poison Realm is still going strong. Mmmmmmm, I imagine he would have done the same for the Bug Realm had Seraph not done it for him. With those last two types covered, all the realms had been formed. Arceus could have created more Legendary Pokémon for them but after all he had done in creating the world, he reached his limit. He may be above us all in terms of power but turns out he has his limits as well, just like all pokémon. That's something important to remember: No matter what the circumstances and situations are, we're all pokémon at the end of the day. And we all share the same world so don't be shy about being free to make your own decisions."

Darkrai closed his eyes and sighed. That last part was most certainly directed at him and he appreciated Mew's efforts to make him feel better about himself. The psychic type was trying really hard to make him feel like he belonged and for that, he was grateful.

"Thank you, Mew."

"It's why I'm here." The pokémon on his shoulder smiled. "Now let's head home. That okay?"

"That would be nice."

Mew kicked its legs in joy and warped them out of the Damp Everglade.

---

XXX Mirage Island XXX

Mew and Darkrai reappeared on the New Species Pokémon's island, their little trip leaving them in a pleasant, uplifted mood. The small Legendary Pokémon hopped off of Darkrai's shoulder and transformed into its original pink-furred form with a sparkling flourish, having transported them in front of the pond surrounded by moderately large rocks.

"We're back!" The little bundle of fun dove into the water and floated on its back when it rose to the surface.

The small wild pokémon surrounded the returned inhabitants instantly, some joining Mew in the pond and swimming around happily while the flying types perching on the moss-covered rocks.

"Did you miss us?"

They made several cute sounds of affirmation. A Taillow flapped above Mew, an Oran Berry in its beak. The psychic type accepted it graciously and ate it whole.

"Thanks!"

Darkrai chuckled at the interactions Mew was having with the harmless pokémon, treating them as if they were family. A Pidgey joined the fray and landed on his shoulder. He looked at the tiny bird and noticed how loose and comfortable it was, a far cry to how pokémon usually reacted to his presence. Which reminded him...

"Tell me, Mew... How do you think Cresselia is doing?"

"Hm?" Mew had floated out of the water and was playing with the Taillow that had its attention. "Are you worried about her?"

"Quite a bit, yes. When I spoke to Latias, she brought up the implication that Cresselia had become ill because of overuse of her power. I thought about it a few times and it seems unfair that she did all that because of me."

"Don't beat yourself up over it." Mew replied dismissively, the Taillow standing on its head. "Cress is always more than happy to help pokémon. Uh huh. She was created with the power to counter yours, after all. Do you regret it?"

"A little, yeah."

"Hmmm... Hmmmmm..."

Darkrai hovered stationary as he watched Mew contemplate something or other. The psychic type gently wrapped its tail around the flying type on its head and placed it on the ground in front of the body of water. Then, with a flash, Mew transformed into a Ralts and looked up at Darkrai.

"I'll be back." The 'Ralts' waved and used Teleport to leave the islet paradise.

Darkrai blinked down at where Mew once was in confusion, wondering what the psychic type could be up to. Shrugging, he lifted his arm and looked at his wrist. Specifically, the Lunar Wing gifted to him by Mew that constantly reminded him of his lunar counterpart. Observing it for a few seconds, he took note of some black spots that formed on the trinket's surface. From sleeping on the ground, he figured. With his other hand, he started scratching at the dark spots, finding them rather hard to remove. When he added a little more force to it, a Pachirisu jumped from a branch over him into his open palm. It smiled up at him, held its short paws forward and offered him a Sitrus Berry. The dark type smiled and took the succulent berry from the electric type before taking huge bites out of it until it was gone.

"Thank you."

It smiled at him and curled up in his hand. Resting but not sleeping. Figuring it had the right idea, the Legendary Pokémon lowered his body to the ground, facing up at the cloudy sky. He placed the Pachirisu on his chest and splayed his arms outward, a group Rattata and Sentret joining him and cozying up against his body. He really appreciated it. Appreciated that he was accepted. And appreciated that Mew gave him a home and friendly company to live with. He sighed and closed his eyes as he awaited Mew's return, resting but not sleeping.

---

XXX Psychic Realm XXX

Cresselia levitated a few inches off the ground as she floated through one of her realm's green houses, inspecting the many, many rows of plants and berries being attended to by some Kadabra and Grumpig. Accompanying her were Latios and Latias, the twin Eon Pokémon that served double duty as her retainers and close companions. The powerful dragons chatted with each other behind her while the Lunar Pokémon plucked a single Tomato Berry from a berry plant and tasted it, finding it to be scrumptiously ripe.

"We can harvest these." Cresselia told a passing Manipulate Pokémon. She turned to her and smiled respectfully at her leader.

"Ah, yes, of course. It shall be done, my Queen." She bowed and left to fetch a basket.

As the Grumpig departed to the edges of the green house, the psychic ruler of the floating realm turned her attention to a Kadabra using Psychic to move berries from a plant into a basket he had prepared in advance.

"My dear." The Psi Pokémon looked at her and then stood at attention, prompting her to continue. "Are the Ganlon and Colbur Berries growing as we predicted?"

"Yes, my Queen." He nodded. "The Solrock make things really convenient for growing produce."

They faced the centre of the ceiling and monitored a Solrock using Sunny Day to help the crops photo-synthesize. It would be done in a few hours, at which point the blinds of the green house would be lowered to give the impression of night time, allowing the Psychic Realm to grow plants at their preferred pace rather than relying on their usual seasonal growth patterns. Since they had friendly ties with the Grass Realm, they got berry seeds at discounts whenever they were bought from the Pokémon Settlement. They had Celebi and Shaymin to thank for that.

"What about our Lansat and Starf berries?" Cresslia inquired.

The Kadabra sighed in disappointed and revealed the negative news. "I'm afraid half of them died no matter how much we carefully monitored them. They are quite difficult to grow."

"Which is why they are so expensive and on high demand." The psychic deity smiled gently down at her subject. "Do not stress yourself over it. We will have a party return to the Pokémon Settlement and purchase some from there."

"Yes, my Queen."

She nodded, satisfied and made her way to the exit, the Eon Pokémon following her closely.

They levitated out of the structure and onto the streets, greeted by a long road that lead to the central plaza flanked with tall lamp posts, off at this time of hour. A Sigilyph sentry flew above them as they traveled down the lane, Latias floating next to Cresselia on her right.

"Will the Pokémon Settlement really have Starf and Lansat Berries, Lady Cresselia? You said it yourself that they're both rare and on high demand."

"I imagine such an item wouldn't be readily available for just anyone without a proper requisition." Latios added from her left.

"Correct." The Lunar Pokémon nodded. "We'll chance it. If the party we send finds nothing, we can have them make a requisition then."

"How long do you think that would take, though?" Latias and her brother followed their queen around the plaza, watching as some of the citizens went on about their daily lives.

"However long it takes. We have a few of the berries already and it is not like we are lacking. It would just be good to have them ordered in advance before we run out of our own stock."

"Mm-hm, I see." Latias nodded before changing the subject. "How have you been feeling as of late, Lady Cresselia? I can see your vibrant color has already started returning to you."

"Very well, thank you, Latias." Cresselia smiled warmly. She focused a bit and created a Lunar Wing in front of her. She then went on to psychically wrap it around the wrist of a passing Gothorita who jumped in joy at the free gift from her ruler. "Just a little rest was all it took."

"Please don't push yourself too hard, though. A few days ago, you couldn't even stay awake. None of us want to see you like that." Latios commented worriedly. At this point, they had left the plaza and were climbing a long flight of stairs that led to Cresselia's luxurious living quarters.

"Do not fret, Latios. I can feel myself recovering to full strength by the second." She giggled. "I have quite a lot of endurance, if you recall."

"Which is why it came as such a shock to us when you collapsed from fatigue."

"It's nothing to worry about anymore but your concern for me is greatly appreciated." Cresselia stopped in front of her large double doors, next to which were stationed a pair of Malamar. She turned to the two dragons and left them with parting words. "I will return to my chamber to rest for a little while. I wouldn't want to worry you any more than I have to." She nodded at the siblings. "I'll be seeing you, Latios and Latias."

They returned her sentiment and watched as she entered her chamber when the Malamar held open the doors for her.

With loud creaks, the doors were shut behind her and Cresselia traversed the narrow, marble-floored hallway until she came face to face with another set of double doors, which she opened with her mind and proceeded into her rotunda. The flames on her psychic suspended, lotus flower-shaped candle holders were snuffed out, unneeded, owing to the bright sunlight filtered in from the stained glass windows at the back of the room. She passed her ornate pillars and made her way to her high perch in the centre of the room. Just as she levitated to the cushioned seat, she found crystal blue eyes staring back at her.

"Hi-hiiiiii~" Mew greeted, making space and patting the cushion for her to feel free to join it on her own seat.

Cresselia paused for just a moment, her surprise short lived before moving to settle down on her comfortable perch next to the New Species Pokémon. Mew smiled brightly at her and, after shaking her head with a chuckle, she smiled back at her little unannounced visitor.

"Mew. To what do I owe this pleasure?"

"Oh, nothing. I just wanted to check on you." Mew leaned against her affectionately. "You look like you've seen better days."

"Yes, well, I had a duty to uphold." She closed her eyes, Mew's body warm against her own. "It took a lot out of me."

"Right, right. The rapid creation of Lunar Wings. I heard."

"You heard? From whom?" Cresselia asked curiously. The Lunar Pokémon knew that Mew didn't visit the mainland enough to always be privy to affairs. Especially ones that happened so recently.

"From Darkrai."

Cresselia's eyes snapped open at the mention of the Pitch Black Pokémon's name and she gazed into Mew's lovely blue eyes.

"The two of you spoke? How?"

"He found my island."

The female psychic type thought for a second. "So, this means he is no longer on the mainland then?"

"Not anymore, no. Were you worried?"

"Yes, I was." Cresselia spoke. "I was informed by the flock of Sigilyph sentries that Darkrai had breached the Psychic Realm to safely return my dear Latios and Latias. I couldn't feel his presence in the Spirit Peaks anymore after that and I was worried he might have fled to a different populated area."

"I guess that makes two of you."

"What do you mean by that?"

"Reason I'm here is because he was worried about your well being after he spent a little time in the Spirit Peaks." Mew giggled. "It's really nice to see there's no bad blood between the two of you."

"Yes, well... Conflict only brings more conflict." She lowered her head. "It wouldn't do if there was any shared animosity between us. Is he still on your island?"

"Yes, he is."

"I see... Is your island protected?"

"It is. I gave him a Lunar Wing. My friends and I have been having peaceful nights. Nothing to worry about."

"So you can make those as well? I always wondered about that."

Mew gave her a coy smile and turned its head away mischievously. "All pokémon are a derivative of me in some way or another. This isn't anything new."

"So we are. Which is why it came as a surprise to me that you chose to live a quiet life on an uncharted island, considering your power is ranked right below Arceus and no one else."

"Hmph." The small psychic shrugged. "Arceus sure hit the jackpot when he created me. I never asked for all this power. I just want to enjoy my life the way I intend to. If I lost all my strength, I wouldn't be sad as long as I still got to interact with the pokémon I've grown to care about. That's how important freedom of choice is to me."

Cresselia said nothing more on the matter. There was nothing to be said. Mew made its choice and so did she. That's not say Mew was negligent, either. In spite of its indifferent attitude, she knew the psychic type would sometimes travel to the mainland to check up on things every so often as it was its duty as a Legendary Pokémon. As long as they were playing their parts in service to the world, Legendary Pokémon could pretty much act however they wanted. Speaking of which...

"Might you know where Thundurus is? Latias told me that he tried to attack the Spirit Peaks but Darkrai put him down."

"Boy, did he ever. I mean, yikes." Mew shook its head. "If I hadn't found him when I did, he could have died in a crevice in the Spirit Peaks. Had to treat him before returning him to Lando."

"Yes... I don't recall any instance of Darkrai holding back once he's been sufficiently provoked."

"He wasn't sorry about it, either. In fact, he stressed how glad he was that Thundurus was badly injured."

"Oh, dear." Cresselia sighed at Darkrai's violent tendencies. "Thundurus and Tornadus are not exactly pokémon I hold in high regard but I wouldn't ever wish any kind of misfortune on them."

"Yeah, Darkrai's a jolly dude like that." Mew laughed and Cresselia gave him a reprimanding look. "That being said, it was probably a good lesson for him. Maybe now he'll think twice about picking fights with- Tornadus!"

"Come again?"

"Tornadus. I just remembered that he's out there too."

"Ah. There's no reason to worry about him." Cresselia replied. "Word from the Pokémon Settlement states that he was brought down by one of their assault teams."

"Wow, really? Like, is that true?"

"Indeed."

Mew placed its paws over its mouth to mute its laughter but couldn't hold it in for long. "Pffft-Hahahaha! Wow, that must have been a serious blow to his ego."

"I imagine it was."

"Well, I think it's good that they both learned a valuable lesson from their little escapades and won't continue to act so recklessly in the future. Anything else I should be aware of?"

"Nothing that I'm privy to."

"Okay then. I guess that takes care of that." Mew transformed into an Abra and Cresselia quickly took notice of what the psychic type was up to.

"You're already leaving?"

"I am. I was only here to check how my favorite psychic type was doing, after all. Now that I'm sure you're fine, it's time for me to head back. I have pokémon waiting for me."

Cresselia smiled. "I understand. Thank you for the visit, Mew. Be sure to drop in any time."

"I will, thanks." Mew waved. "And don't you worry about Darkrai. I've got him under watch, safe and sound on my island. Rest easy, Cress."

"I will, thank you."

"Bye-byeeeeeee~"

Mew smiled one last time and used Teleport to return to Mirage Island, leaving the Lunar Pokémon alone in her throne room. Cresselia smiled at the empty space Mew left behind before closing her eyes, getting comfortable and falling into a peaceful slumber.

---

XXX Seismic Highlands - Afternoon XXX

A Geodude cried out in defeat, getting knocked away from the pokémon it wrongly antagonized and losing consciousness the instant it hit the rocky wall of the canyon that was being explored by the Psychic Blades and their protectorate. Gallant retracted his sword and returned to his placed at Oscar's left, Intrepid on his right and Valor behind him, creating a defensive formation around the Smeargle. That had to be, like, the twentieth Geodude they laid down, there sure were a ton of them. The normal type himself paid no heed to what was happening around him, instead taking in the scenery around them and periodically sketching something in a drawing pad he brought with him. He looked to his left, right and up at the passing mid day clouds, trying to find something inspiring, the narrow canyon that went on and on having gotten old fast.

The three psychic types around him were equally lax. After hours of traveling and the occasional wild rock type, they had started hoping that their entourage would happen on something interesting soon. They wouldn't say that, though, as they were here as bodyguards, not sightseers. After following the normal type over an upwards slope of the ground between the canyon, a bridge made its presence apparent to the group, one hundred meters long, four meters wide. Made of wood but sturdy as rock with five foot-high railings designed to keep pokémon from falling into the thousand foot chasm it was suspended over. Ecstatic, all four pokémon stood behind the railing on the right and marveled at the view.

"Damn. Would you look at that." Gallant held onto the support and peered over the edge, watching the river that passed in between the two cliffs.

"Isn't it beautiful?" Oscar commented and drew something in his sketch pad, truly taken by the sight before them.

"If I jumped, do you think the water would save me?" Intrepid asked.

Valor gave him a withering look. "From this height, it would be the same as hitting a pile of bricks. Don't try it."

Intrepid backed away from the edge and so did the others. When it looked like the party was going to resume their trip, the excitable psychic type ran for the edge and leaped over it, shouting out like the fun loving pokémon he was.

"Woooooooohooooooooooooooooooooooo~!"

Gallant, Valor and Oscar each wore blank facial expressions when they realized what Intrepid just did. Panicking, Gallant and Valor ran back to the edge of the bridge and held the railing while leaning over it, their eyes darting every which way as they searched frantically for their insane friend. They couldn't see him anywhere and thought of the worst.

"That crazy- Is he out of his mind!?" Gallant exclaimed, still peering over the edge.

Valor didn't reply, he was livid.

"Wha- Will your friend be okay!? What in the world could have made him decide to do such a thing!?" Oscar demanded, worried.

"I'm sure he'll be fine." Intrepid replied next to the Smeargle. It took a few moments for him to take notice but when he did, the normal type flinched back in alarm.

"Intrepid! You're fine!"

"Of course, I'm fine." Intrepid shrugged at his companions. "I was just messing with you all. It's like you all forgot I can tele- Oomph!"

Intrepid hit the flat surface of the bridge with a burning lump on his head he received from an angry off Valor. The angry Gallade then picked his friend up shook some sense into him while holding onto his shoulders.

"Are you out of your mind, boy!?"

"I'm sorry..."

"You could have given us a heart attack!"

"I'm sorry..."

"What the hell do you have to say for yourself, huh!?"

"I-I'm sorry..."

"Damn right, you're sorry!" Valor let go of his thoroughly rattled ally and watched him try to balance on shaky legs. "You better not pull that crap again! I'm serious, Intrepid!"

"I won't. I'm sorry." The psychic type sheepishly rubbed the back of his head.

Oscar watched all this unfold with some amusement. He looked at Gallant who looked equally as pissed but not as confrontational. He laughed a little, deciding boys will be boys. When things died down, the group resumed their trek across the bridge and up a cresting path. For twenty minutes, they walked, their legs starting to kill thanks to the angle of the route. The psychic types were able to handle it better because of their training but since Oscar wasn't a fighter, he was nearing fatigue a lot faster than them and they took notice.

"Why don't you let me carry your bag, Mr. Oscar?" Valor offered.

"Would you? Isn't that too much trouble?" The Smeargle replied.

The Gallade smiled. "No trouble at all."

Oscar felt his bag get lifted off his shoulders and floated towards Intrepid who slung it over his own. The normal type sighed in relief of having lost the extra weight and smiled in gratitude at the generous psychic type.

"Thank you."

"No problem. It's why you hired us."

"Still, I'm grateful."

"You're welcome." The young psychic type smirked and looked ahead. "Ever been here before?"

"Once."

"Art related stuff?"

"Yes, that's right. Everything I do has been for my career." Oscar confirmed. "I had just been here briefly to draw a landscape. I haven't been this deep into the Seismic Highlands until today."

The sound of fist against rock was heard and a Geodude with a caved-in face careened passed Valor who kept the conversation going. "So you don't actually know what is you're looking for exactly?"

"No but written news reports in the settlement say it's not too far from here. 'Few kilometers, passed the bridge.'" Oscar grunted in exertion. "Wish it would have given warning about this hill, though."

"We're almost at the top." Valor held up his hand and gave the Geodude that blocked his path the mother of all headaches until it passed out. "According to your description, we won't have to do anymore climbing."

"What a relief." The Smeargle continued to climb, the others keeping his pace and they finally reached the top of the hill. "But all this impromptu workout is going to pay off when I finally lay my eyes on... The... Wonderful grassland?"

The four pokémon at the zenith of the hill stared ahead of themselves, taking in the more even land before them. Trees weren't many but the ones that were there had healthy, green leaves growing aplenty. Grass that used to be brown were invigorated, reflected in their vibrant green color. Further in the distance, they could see craters with black, burned out meteors sitting in them. They damaged the ground, yes, but the way some Spearow were roosting on them and the shrubbery that grew around them, it looked more scenic than devastating. It completely contradicted the figurative picture that the Smeargle painted for them.

"No... Nonononono!" Oscar raced into the open field and inspected it closely. "It's all gone! How could this happen? It's like... Some kind of miracle!"

"It still looks good, though." Gallant remarked as he Valor and Intrepid joined the existential Smeargle. "I'd like to see a painting of this."

"I cannot paint this... It isn't what I was expecting. My art is ruined before it even begun! Ruined, I tell you!" He dramatically placed his arm over his eyes.

"It's not so bad, Mr. Oscar... You could paint this as a symbol of, uh, peace maybe?" Intrepid tried to console the normal type.

"I suppose I could but there's always a symbol of peace everywhere you look in the Pokémon Settlement. It just isn't the same." The artist hung his head in disappointment. "To clarify, I wanted not just to make art but to create a statement that would forever remind every pokémon of the struggles we endure to keep that peace... But now that's ruined."

The Psychic Blades caught on to what he was getting at and they looked down at him apologetically.

"We're sorry."

"No, no, it's not your fault." He shook his head. "You did what you came here to do. My mission was a failure, not yours."

It was true but it didn't sit well with the psychic types to see their first client so crestfallen. Gallant stepped forward and placed a comforting arm on the Painter Pokémon.

"Still, we wish there was something we could do to-"

Suddenly the terrain started to tremble and before their very eyes the ground not far from them erupted, causing dirt and clods to rain down on them as an Onix made its presence known. It roared skyward and leveled its glare at the alerted band of pokémon. Just as the psychic types prepared to simultaneously protect their client and lay a beat-down on the rock type, two more crawled out of the surface of the earth and greeted them with equally intense glares as their cohort. Oscar retreated behind his hired bodyguards and the Blade Pokémon assumed battle stances.

"You can't be serious." Gallant sighed. "I get that wild pokémon pose a constant threat but we haven't gone an hour without getting attacked out here. What gives?"

"You haven't noticed?" Valor asked, extending his blades.

"Noticed what?"

"It's because of your smell."

"My smell? What do you..? Oh, come on! Still!?"

"Now that you mention it, you're carrying quite an extravagant scent on you. Did you buy some kind of super cologne?" Oscar inquired.

"No, I didn't!" Gallant's cheeks burned, sufficiently humiliated. "Intrepid covered me with the stuff the day before."

"Redolence sure is talented." Intrepid clarified, paying no mind to his friend's discomfort. "You should buy some stuff from her, Mr. Oscar. She sells incense jars and might start selling her wares in the Pokémon Settlement soon."

"I just might take you up on that." Oscar smiled and took a few more whiffs of Gallant. "And this is just an after scent? If I could buy one, I would. This trip wasn't all for naught, after all."

One of the ignored Onix gave a loud bellow to remind them of the danger they faced but the response wasn't one they predicted.

"Oh, shut up!"

An angry Gallant sent a Psycho Cut flying and decapitated the Onix on the left. Its cleanly severed head fell off its body and hit the ground, followed by the rest of it. A second crescent wave of purple energy cleaved the one on the right in two, courtesy of Valor. Deciding that its life was too important, the first Onix quickly burrowed its way into the soil in retreat.

"Huh. They aren't even that strong." Valor retracted his blade. "Turned tail at the first sign of danger."

"That's usually the case with Onix." Oscar commented from behind the group. "They only pose a threat to those weaker than them."

"And get bodied by everything else?" Gallant placed his hands behind his head.

"Bodied?"

"It's slang that means they get beaten up."

"Ah. Then yes, pretty much."

"The ones in the Pokémon Settlement must feel real useful then." Intrepid chuckled but stopped when he saw the frowns directed at him in course of his mean-spirited joke. "Sorry."

"So, what next, Mr. Oscar?" Gallant asked. "Still want to explore the Seismic Highlands a little more? Maybe find something else to use as a subject for your art?"

"No. I think we can just head back to the Guild Collaboration. I'll figure something out later. I may have hit a wall now but it isn't the end of the world..." He beamed, back in high spirits. "You did a good job today, Psychic Blades. Thank you for the escort."

They returned his smile. "You're wel-"

For a second time within that short period, the earth beneath them rumbled, only this time it was followed by a truly intimidating roar. They about faced and watched as a large, green pokémon slowly revealed itself from behind a rock formation. It stomped on with purpose, its intense glare piercing right through the gathered pokémon. It appeared to be agitated, probably from all the commotion stirred up by the Onix, breathing deeply and baring its fangs. On high alert, the psychic types extended their blades.

"What is that thing?" Gallant asked, unsure of just how strong the hostile pokémon is and whether they should pick a fight with it.

"Oh, dear... That's a Tyranitar!" Oscar cowered. "Change of plans, Psychic Blades. I'm incredibly sorry to ask this of you but do you think you can defeat it?"

"Why? If it's too strong, we can just Teleport you to safety."

"You don't understand. That thing absolutely cannot rampage here. It can really devastate the Seismic Highland to such an extent that it would irreversibly change its geographical outlook."

"That strong, huh? But isn't that kind of devastation what you wanted to draw inspiration from?"

"Not if it can be prevented, no. Please. I won't hold anything against you if you choose to end the mission here but please, stop it if you can."

After a short moment of thought, the Psychic Blades nodded and the Smeargle stepped back. The Armor Pokémon asserted its presence with another roar, sand bursting out of the holes in its body and surrounding the battlefield as it activated its Sandstream ability, the area soon engulfed in an unforgiving sandstorm. This put the pokémon involved on the edge but the Tyranitar wasn't done, using Rock Polish to reduce drag and increasing its speed to match that of the pokémon it would be contending with.

"Tch." Gallant grit his teeth and he along with his allies readied themselves to dance with the imposing rock type. "Make sure you stay back, Mr. Oscar. If it's as powerful as you say it is, things could get ugly."

The Smeargle was going to answer but, as if things couldn't get any worse, the ground underneath the Painter Pokémon rumbled and the Onix from before tore up beneath his feet, captured him in its mouth, twisted in the air and retreated a second time into the ground.

"..."

"..."

"..."

"SHIT!" The dual types shouted in unison, Gallant in particular feeling extra crappy since this was the second time a pokémon under his watch had been kidnapped.

"You guys take care of that thing!" Intrepid yelled out urgently. "I'll go rescue Mr. Oscar! ...If he's still alive..." He added that last part inaudibly before leaping down the hole the Onix left in its wake.

Gallant and Valor left that to their friend and faced the Tyranitar, shaken but fight capable. It held their gaze and waited for them to make their move. Gallant narrowed his eyes and stepped forward.

"Gallant, wait." Valor placed a hand on his shoulder to halt him.

Said pokémon stopped and faced his friend in askance. Valor's eyes glowed for a moment in concentration while he inspected the Tyranitar. Eyes dimming to normal, he spoke.

"I don't feel anything from it and I can't read its mind. It's a dark type. Psycho Cut and similar attacks won't work."

"So, up close and personal?"

"It's our only option."

A zephyr blew through the area as two thirds of the Psychic Blades stared down their mark. Blades extended, Gallant and Valor rushed down the destructive pokémon and it followed suit, so heavy was its body that it left deep prints in the grass it laid to waste just from running and reared its claws back at the same time the Gallade readied their weapons.

---

XXX Underground the Seismic Highlands XXX

Intrepid wore a determined expression as he fell down the shaft dug up by the Onix. He couldn't see or hear it, aware only of the encompassing darkness, wondering how deep the burrow actually went. The Gallade fell for fifteen more seconds before deciding to use Psychic to slow his descent, having no desire to hit solid surface at this speed when he finally met it. While he dropped at his own pace, he closed his eyes, crossed his arms over his chest and concentrated. A soothing ringing sound filled his ears as he meditated and a pair of glowing swords appeared and orbited around him.

"Just a little more."

Two more ethereal swords appeared and rotated around him with the others.

"One last time should do it."

A total of six swords formed and orbited him at incredible speeds before dissipating into pure energy and coating his body with it, empowering himself with Swords Dance. Intrepid then focused on his further descent into the dark pit, sighing in boredom but hoping that their client was fine. It would be bad if he died under their watch and would set a terrible precedence for their fresh team... At least he got his priorities straight. He wondered-

"Gah!"

Intrepid fought to stay balanced when his legs met a bending curve where and he slid erratically down the rest of the way, dirt shifting under his feet until it sloped into a horizontal shaft and he jogged forward a little more from the forced momentum. After stopping, the psychic type hummed and squinted his eyes, unable to make anything out in the darkness. Nodding to himself, he casted Flash and lit up the room, revealing a large, domed underground cavern with a high ceiling, stalactites hanging down dangerously yet stable.

A low growl made him take notice of the son-of-a-bitch Onix at the far end of the room that didn't take kindly to the bright flash. In anger, it charged at him with all its speed with the intent to mow the smaller pokémon down. Intrepid glowered at it as it approached. The Rock Snake Pokémon tried to ram it with its hard head and the Blade Pokémon responded with a fierce roundhouse that knocked its head to the side and sent its lower jaw flying off into the cave wall. That Swords Dance really did the trick.

From its open mouth, the kidnapped Smeargle fell onto the ground in a protective barrier while the Onix collapsed behind him.

"Mr. Oscar!" Intrepid ran to his side and helped him up by wrapping a soothing arm around him while holding on to his hand with the other. "Are you alright?"

"I'm fine, thank you." The normal type dusted himself off. "I used Protect while in its mouth. It couldn't have chewed me up and swallowed even if it wanted to."

"Oh, thank goodness. Now we can rejoin my friends and uuuhhh... What are those?"

Oscar looked at the direction he was pointing at and noticed both small and mid-sized, quadruped steel-armored pokémon shuffling toward the felled Onix... And start eating it.

"...Those are Aron and Lairon. They eat minerals, as you can see. Their teeth and jaws are strong enough for them to eat metal."

"No kidding?" Intrepid continued to observe the Aron and Lairon feast upon the fallen rock type. "That's nuts. Anyway, we're done here. Let's head back, Mr. Oscar."

"Sounds good. I think I've had my fill of the Seismic Highlands."

Intrepid started to use Teleport but alas, fate once again had other plans. Loud thumps accompanied by rhythmic trembles that shook little rocks and pebbles around them. The Aron and Lairon took notice, scrambled away from the Onix's carcass and sought refuge within the divids and deep cracks in the edges of the cave. The tremors got louder and more fearsome as the seconds passed by and very slowly, very surely, a tall, black and silver, heavy steel type with intimidating horns and confident blue eyes marched with heavy steps out from one of the crevices at the end of the cave. It stalked deliberately around the fallen Rock Snake Pokémon, stopped and bellowed out another roar of the day.

Intrepid locked eyes with the territorial pokémon and felt his heart skip a beat, his fighting spirit getting the best of his judgment at the sight of a powerful looking foe and he stepped forward with all the certainty in the world, extending his blades.

"Don't tell me you intend to fight it?"

"I do."

"But you don't have to."

"I want to."

"Aren't your friends waiting for you?"

"You don't have to worry about Gallant and Valor. They know how to handle themselves well, there's no doubt about that. That green pokémon is toast." The Gallade cracked his knuckles.

Oscar inspected the Blade Pokémon. The smile on his face spoke volumes. He was practically oozing excitement and confidence and he doubted he could be persuaded to stand down. The Smeargle was going to say something else but Intrepid beat him to it.

"Let me tell you something, Mr. Oscar." His grin turned predatory. "I had only evolved a few days ago and apart from training and small-fry wild pokémon, I haven't yet had a proper match." He walked towards the steel type and it took on a low primal stance. "Gallant and Valor fought each other and then picked a fight with these two pokémon in a bar in the Pokémon Settlement."

"They what?"

"I, on the other hand, haven't yet received a fine bout since my time of evolution." He got into his battle stance, influence by his own natural need to battle and the empowering effect of Swords Dance. "It's time for Intrepid to make his debut. You don't mind, do you? I promise I'll make it quick."

The Iron Armor Pokémon savagely howled at Intrepid, fog and spittle flying from its open maw and stomped on the ground, dragging its feet along the hard surface and leaving deep trails in the solid rock. It shook its head side to side like the wild pokémon it was and growled at the psychic type. Seeing as the confrontation was about to happen, Oscar fled back, grabbed his tail and motioned like he was painting something, a Barrier forming around him. Feeling he was safe, he monitored Intrepid from a distance.

Intrepid simply smiled and attacked with no warning. The Blade Pokémon charged forward and was eye to eye with the Aggron in mere moments. The Aggron's eyes widened after witnessing the speed of the psychic type and a fist was slammed into its gut that dented inwards from the force, punctuated by a metallic sound. The wild pokémon snapped its eyes shut in pain before opening them in anger. The blow hurt, no doubt but it did little to move the heavy pokémon from its spot. Its deadly claws glowed with the power of the steel type and swung it at the fighting type with all the strength it could muster, the resulting wind resistance making a noise as it went. Intrepid ducked underneath it easy and rose back up with a knee to its side, leaving another dent as flesh overpowered metal. It staggered on one leg and Intrepid followed up with a back kick that knocked it off its feet, landing on the ground with a heavy thud and throwing up dust. It tried to get up and the young psychic type used Low Sweep to kick its arms out from under it and it tasted dirt once more. Not done in the least, Intrepid grabbed it by a horn, lifted its head off the floor and slugged it in the chin as hard as he could which sent it rolling back a few meters.

The Aggron shifted back up onto its feet and nursed its wounds, all the while glaring at the aggressive fighting youth. He returned its frustration with a smirk. Narrowing its eyes, the Iron Armor Pokémon retreated with hefty steps toward the downed Onix. Intrepid thought it was done but he couldn't have anticipated what it did next. The wild pokémon opened its gaping jaws and feasted upon its carcass. Intrepid and Oscar's eyes widened in shock, though considering what they witnessed earlier with the Aron and Lairon, it shouldn't have come as a surprise. The Aggron may have been slow in battle movement but it really put away the Onix like a champion, devouring half its body in record time and providing itself with minor healing. The immensely heavy pokémon faced Intrepid once again, raised its claws and started chipping away at its own body. The ringlets on its arms, ringlets on its legs, cylinders along its tail, a few plates from its back and its heavy shoulder pads. One after the other, the discarded pieces fell and made deep depressions in the cave floor from their incredible weight, the Aggron's Autotomize making it lighter, nimble and more importantly, faster. Then to compensate its lost armor, the steel type used Iron Defense to harden the remainder of its body, effectively granting itself both speed and durability. Ready for more, the Iron Armor Pokémon resumed its battle and stormed toward its target.

It was Intrepid's turn to express shock and concern, the Aggron moving as fast as he did prior to its boosts and closing the distance between them in seconds. On reflex, he raised a blade and parried a Metal Claw aimed at his chest, the collision creating bright sparks from the resulting friction. With its defenses exposed, Intrepid used his other arm to aim a punch into its own belly but found his fist caught in the Aggron's palm halfway in. With a grunt, the steel type yanked the young Blade Pokémon into its space and clawed him across the gut. It made him grit his teeth in pain and he felt himself pulled once more and thrown into the air behind it. Body glowing, the Aggron anchored itself on all four of its limbs and fired a concentrated beam of energy at the psychic type.

"Tch." Intrepid clicked his tongue and used Protect while extending his arms at the oncoming Flash Cannon and creating an impenetrable barrier around himself. The steel type energy beam collided with the aforementioned barrier and caused a magnificent explosion, leaving photon particles glimmering in the air and masking the defensive fighting type.

Squinting its eyes at the display, the Aggron waited for its opponent and he made himself known via a well placed blow against its back, its discarded metal plates forcing it to absorb less of the damage than it could have. The territorial steel type growled and swatted its arm behind it but Intrepid was already gone and delivered a second punch in its side, its metal body bending to his offensive pressure and denting from the abuse. It tried again but the result was the same, a flash telling it the psychic type vanished and reappeared behind it was again, striking with an inwards kick using his shin that impacted loudly against its metal hide. Having enough, the Aggron roared and stomped on the ground, the earth shifting and great stalagmites jutting outwards around it. Intrepid blinked in alertness and leaped back, just barely avoiding getting clipped by a rising sharp rock from the Stone Edge. The Aggron quickly took notice of him and broke of a piece of one of the stalagmites before tossing it like a javelin at the recovering psychic type. Not having enough time to avoid it, Intrepid recast Protect and the hefty slab of earth was reduced to smaller rocks and dust against his barrier. The Iron Armor Pokémon didn't let up, tossing more and more rocks at the defending Blade Pokémon, Intrepid starting to feel like his Protect wouldn't last much longer and choosing shut it off when he saw his foe ready another rock toss. Back in control, Intrepid used Teleport to instantly get into the Aggron's space and threw an uppercut at its jaw. He clearly underestimated just how nimble the Aggron had become, however, as it leaned its head back and retaliated with a jab to his gut, Intrepid nearly suffering a severe wound and managing to block the attack by crossing his arms together, getting sent flying back from the force.

Far on the other side of the room, Oscar watched in awe as his hired protector fought against the wild pokémon nearly twice his height and thousands of times his weight. He certainly wasn't holding anything back. But the most peculiar thing about the psychic type that Oscar noticed was the constant smile on his face while he battled. He knew that fighting types couldn't control themselves when they met a foe they could contend with but this is the first time he bared witness it. Even with the bruises and dirt on him, Intrepid never stopped smiling. He was in the zone of battle and no one was going to stop him from enjoying it. Secretly, he wished he had his drawing pad with him.

The Aggron roared when a slash of its right claws was deflected by its persistent opponent and it responded with slamming its right arm against the ground, creating a shockwave that knocked Intrepid back. The pokémon equal parts fighting and psychic hit the ground after his short flight and the Aggron leaped up before descending down upon his prone body. Any other pokémon would have proper screwed at this point but he was a Gallade. With a growing smirk, he teleported from the floor to a safer distance, the Aggron's use of Heavy Slam leaving a crater in the ground where he once was. It couldn't see yet and Intrepid took full advantage of that, using Teleport to warp himself above the Aggron and drive an extended blade into its back. It resulted in his ears getting assaulted by a ferocious yet pained roar, the Iron Armor Pokémon standing up flailing side to side, trying to shake the psychic type off to no avail. While having his blade shafted in his opponent's back, Intrepid slammed fist after fist into the back of its neck, the sound of metal being pounded resounding in the cavernous area. Having enough of the abuse it was being forced to suffer, the Aggron fell backwards and Intrepid leaped off before he got turned into a pancake. The Aggron got up slowly, fatigue starting to catch up to it, the biggest advantage prestigious pokémon had over wild pokémon being their far more advantageous training and living conditions. As a wild pokémon, there was only so much it had access to in the way of strengthening itself. It was no match. But it couldn't give up. It wouldn't give up. This little nuisance was in its territory and it wasn't about to let it get away with that.

With an aggressive roar, the Iron Armor Pokémon got up and charged at Intrepid horns first, seeking to gore him into submission. With a grin, Intrepid caught it by the horns and angled his legs back to stop its forward momentum, leaving the Aggron utterly flabbergasted. When they slowed to a stop, Intrepid raised a knee while pulling the steel type's head down and nailed it in the chin once, twice and a third time, harder than the others that staggered the Aggron back. It shook its head in pain and frustration, glaring at Intrepid who made a Beedrill line for it with his blades drawn and a confident glimmer in his eyes. The Aggron wasn't having anymore of what he planned and used Roar to blow him away from it, sending the shocked pokémon hurtling at the the cave wall near the stalactites. Intrepid used psychic to control his speed, crouched against the wall, pushed back against it and himself cruising back at the Iron Armor Pokémon. It tried to meet him halfway with a Metal Claw but he was running on max Swords Dance and cleaved right through its arm, landing in a crouching stance beside it, legs spread on the floor, one arm in front of him to balance and the other extended at his side, blood staining the edge. The Aggron's eyes were wide, everything around it moving in slow motion as it saw its severed arm along with its blood flying in the air away from it. With an agonizing cry of desperation, it attacked with its remaining arm and Intrepid cut through that as well as he got up, arm raised in the aftermath of his brutal swing. He narrowed his eyes at the hopeless Aggron and used Close Combat, his powerful fists a blur as he absolutely pulverized its unprotected body, leaving multiple holes in its midsection from each devastating impact. With one last swing of his blade, he chopped off one of its horns which spun in the air and landed in his grip.

"Yoink. Souvenir." He smiled, a rather unfriendly one and finished things with a back kick that sent the defeated Aggron to the floor in a dusty heap, looking more like a wrecked trash can than a pokémon.

The victorious Gallade walked away from the fallen wild pokémon, twirling his proof of its defeat in his fingers and joined the spectating Smeargle at the other side of the room. Oscar looked up at him, speechless and Intrepid sighed in content.

"That felt good."

The Painter Pokémon just kept staring, not sure how to put the display of dominating strength he was exposed to into words. He wouldn't have to, since Intrepid spoke for the both of them.

"Sorry to keep you waiting. We should meet up with Gallant and Valor. They should be done by now aaaaand I should probably get these wounds looked at." He studied himself.

Oscar just nodded dumbly and Intrepid used Teleport to send them both back to the surface... Or would have if he wasn't alerted to more sounds, making him look back as the herd of Aron and Lairon came out of hiding and strutted toward the downed Aggron. For a moment, he thought they were going mourn its death but that wasn't the case. His head tilted in astonishment as they begun consuming it, its steel body breaking down and contorting audibly between their strong teeth and jaws. While that was happening, they also took the time to finish feasting on the Onix. Intrepid blinked a couple times and shook his head in wonder. The life of wild pokémon didn't look the least bit glamorous, not one bit and he inwardly thanked Lord Xerneas for the life he had. Silently, he used Teleport, for real this time.

---

XXX Seismic Highlands, at the same time XXX

Today was not the Tyaranitar's day. Deciding to instigate a skirmish with the strange looking white and green pokémon proved to be a grave mistake. Perhaps, if it battled with them one after the other, it might have had a better fighting chance but with the way things were, all it could do was count the minutes before its inevitable loss. It used Rock Polish to make itself faster, true but that didn't mean much when it had two pokémon to contend with. Their teamwork was impeccable, its body was riddled with cuts and bruises as evidence of its struggles against them. It recognized the attacks they were using as the fighting type, which promised nothing for its well-being. Rock was weak to fighting. Dark was weak to fighting. Tyranitar was both of the rock and dark types. There was no hope... But there was honor. These little rapscallions dared to trespass on its territory and it would not let them get away with it like the dragons from before. With a rekindled spirit, it gave a mighty roar and advanced with crushing footfalls.

Gallant and Valor stood side by side with a meter between them, delivering a withering look at the fast approaching Tyranitar. The only thing threatening about it was the Sandstorm it created, the dirt particles digging into their skin and making them feel slowly increasing fatigue. They weren't worried, though. They had proved for seven minutes straight that they could handle what was described to them as a powerful pokémon. Its attacks scorched the surrounding grass from when it used Fire Blast and its strikes cratered the earth when it got physical, sure but what did that mean when they had each other's backs and kept each other from getting hit?

The pair of Gallade leaped away from each other when the Armor Pokémon got in close proximity. Its first mistake was when it faced Valor, allowing Gallant to fire a crescent wave of purple energy at its feet from behind. It didn't hurt the dark type but the force when it impacted the ground under it made it wobble, an action that Valor took full advantage of, sprinting back when he touched down to deliver a jumping roundhouse kick against the side of its head. A piece of the rock type's natural armor went flying and blood splattered from its mouth. It tried to retaliate with a bludgeon of its arm but Gallant held it fast when it leaned back. The Tyranitar swung its arm anyway, Valor ducking down as Gallant was pitched high into the air. Acting on impulse, Valor teleported in front of his trajectory, grabbed his arm, made a full revolution around from his flight speed and tossed him back at the antagonistic rock type. The Tyranitar blinked in surprise and held up its arms in a block. With speed he was going and force behind his attack, Gallant's punch resulted in one of the rock type's arms getting broken, cracks forming along the damaged limb. It grunted in pain and lurched forward with a Crunch and the Gallade held up his left arm to protect the more vital parts of his body. The dark type's teeth clamped down hard and never let go, making Gallant wince as he felt its teeth penetrate the softer part of his arm. The Tyranitar raised its head and lifted Gallant with it, flailing him around with shakes of its head, intending to rip his arm off. Gallant threw punch after punch into its neck and shoulder but it wouldn't let go. Just when things looked dire, Valor rushed in from its left side and sheathed his entire blade into its body.

The wild pokémon roared in pain, the sound hurting the Blade Pokémon's ears but also releasing Gallant from its hold. Pissed beyond belief, Gallant delivered a drop kick to the blue section of its body that actually knocked it off its feet and it hit the once lovely looking grassland. Valor pulled his bloodied blade out of its would at the same time and used the opportunity the buff himself with Swords Dance while Gallant nursed his arm. The Tyranitar recovered with a grimace, its resilience commendable. Scowling at the annoying fighting types, the Armor Pokémon inhaled, the back of its throat glowing and expelled a stream of flames. Gallant teleported in front of his partner and used Protect, the flames diverting around the barrier and protecting Valor who continued to use Swords Dance. When the flames flittered to nothing, the Tyranitar raised a foot and with all its might, stomped it into the ground, an expanding shockwave tearing up the terrain.

"Valor! It's using Earthquake!"

"On it!"

Valor flipped over his fellow Blade Pokémon and slammed his hands onto the surface of the field. Not second late, a transparent purple barrier rose up and stretched to either side of him, the Wide Guard nullifying the Earthquake completely. Gallant used Teleport to vanish and appear in front of the Tyranitar. He reared a fist back and the rock type grabbed him by the face. Guess if he was going to Teleport, a blind spot would have been a preferable approach. The Tyraniter narrowed its eyes and started squeezing, hoping to crush the Gallade's skull. Gallant wasn't having it, kicking up with one of his legs and breaking the rock type's elbow at the joint. It winced and was forced to let go, Gallant taking full advantage of its stunned state and knocked it back with a practiced flying kick. It staggered but didn't fall, Valor zooming in with a shoulder tackle that made it lose balance and struggle on one leg, Gallant sprinting onward, using Low Sweep and breaking its knee, sending it collapsing onto its belly. Valor pressed on with the assisted assault, vaulting himself airborne and striking its face with a crushing drop kick backed by Swords Dance that sent it plummeting onto its back. Its vision was hazy and the last thing it saw before everything went black was Gallant springing into its vision, extended blade pointing down and crashing into its chest, skewering its heart. Finished, Gallant got up whilst retracting his blade and joined his friend, the Sandstorm around them subsiding. Panting, exhausted and very proud of themselves, the two Blade Pokémon shared a high five.

"Awesome." Gallant breathed out.

"Right?"

Gallant winced and held his aching arm. "Say..."

"Yeah?"

"Could you give me a hand with this?" Gallant raised his hurt arm. "I, uh, I don't want Angel to lecture me again."

"That silent girlfriend of yours?"

"Not my girlfriend."

"You're expressing worry about what she might think of what you look like and you just said she lectured you. Not to mention the amount of time you spend with each other."

"Trust me when I say Sylvia fills that role better than I ever could."

"Really? Sorry to hear that, brother. That must suck for you."

"Can you please heal my arm? It really hurts."

"Yeah, yeah." Valor held his arm and used Heal Pulse to fix it up, good as new. "Better?"

Gallant sighed in relief. "Much better, thanks."

"You're welcome." Valor smiled. "Now all we have to do is wait for-"

"I'm back!" Intrepid hugged Valor from behind out of nowhere. "Miss me?"

"Loads." Valor rolled his eyes with a smile and with Intrepid's presence, he remembered something important. "Hold up! Where's Mr. Oscar? Is he..?"

"Right there." Intrepid faced Valor's head down at the Smeargle. The normal type was cupping his chin with his hand in the classic thinking position, deep in his own mind that he never focused on anything else. "He's fine."

Valor nodded, glad their client was well and good. Gallant looked at Intrepid still cuddling up to Valor and noticed the short, sharp, pointed shaft of metal in his grip.

"What do you have there, Intrepid? Some kind of weapon?"

"This thing? It's the horn of something called an Aggron." He projected its appearance into their minds, before and after he was done with it. "I'm keeping this as a trophy. You know. Show it to Edge. Make him proud of me."

"Woah... Damn, dude, you really did a number on it." Gallant commented.

"I could say the same. That's one less Tayranitah, or however you pronounce its name, that we have to worry about."

"Not to mention one less 'Aggron,' free of charge."

"With interest of one asshole Onix."

They started laughing among themselves, Oscar watching it all as his frown of contemplation curled up into happy smile. For all their strength and gusto, they really were just idealistic youngsters that shared a meaningful bond. He chuckled to himself a little before clearing his throat and addressing them.

"A job well done, Psychic Blades. You have my thanks and the thanks of the Seismic Highlands."

"Don't mention it." Intrepid beamed. "Sorry about your wasted expedition. I mean, we did what we could but this field still looks pretty acceptable and none too devastated."

"Is that a joke?"

"It is."

"Well, heh, no need to worry about that anymore. I just got an idea for a different painting. My bag, please?"

"Sure."

Valor handed Oscar his bag and the Smeargle removed his drawing pad from it, only instead of drawing, he jotted something down in it and placed it back in his bag when he was done, after which he smiled up at the Gallade.

"Mission accomplished. We can leave any time you're ready."

The Blade Pokémon straightened themselves and nodded. Focusing for just a moment, they teleported themselves and their client out of the Seismic Highlands and returned to their starting point.

---

XXX Pokémon Settlement - Guild Collaboration Building XXX

The three Kecleon behind the counter were minding their own business when a distortion in the space in front of them appeared, heralding a bright flash and leaving behind four pokémon they recognized. One of them, the Smeargle, trotted up to the counter and dropped the remainder of the job's payment on the wooden surface, having made the down payment when he requested the job the day before. The Kecleon accepted the sack of money graciously, smiles and all.

"You've returned." The one on the left spoke. "I take it all went well?"

"Very well, thank you." Oscar replied. "Thank you for your services, Guild Collaboration." He turned around and bowed. "And thank you for yours, Psychic Blades. I wish you well in your future endeavors. Until next time."

The Gallade bowed politely and watched him leave the building. Then they rose up and faced the Kecleon who had a bag consisting of three Nuggets just for them.

"The job pays a little over one Big Nugget and we figured to change it down since there's three of you." He pushed the bag away from himself and Valor picked it up. "Congratulations on your first ever completed job, Psychic Blades. Enjoy your reward."

If there were any other pokémon in the area sensitive to emotions, they would have immediately taken notice of the three youths brimming with pride and happiness, barely able to keep themselves from smiling as they walked out of the building with their spoils. Once outside, they faced each other and engaged in a three way high five.

"YES!"

Their childish antics drew the attention of some passing pokémon but they didn't care, continuing to express their joy.

"So, what next?" Valor asked.

"I say we head home." Intrepid replied, stretching his arms and yawning. "It's been a long day. We've been out there since morning and the sun's starting to set. How about we call it a day?"

"Sounds good. Gallant?"

"I'm all for it. But, uh... Can we make one last stop before we leave?"

"Yeah. Sure, why not?"

Valor and Intrepid escorted their friend down the street to his desired stop.

---

XXX Fairy Realm, evening - Secluded Spot XXX

Sylvia and Angel faced each other from across the flat, circular stone, upon which lay crumbs of previously existing poképuffs. Angel had won the last round and now it was Sylvia's turn to try her luck at their game, using carefully picked questions to guide herself to the correct answer of what Angel was thinking.

"Is it an item?" The Sylveon asked.

"No."

"A pokémon?"

"No."

"An ability?"

"Yes."

"Affected by Sunlight?"

"No."

"Affected by Hail?"

"No."

"Affected by Sandstorm?"

"No."

"Affected by Rain?"

"No."

"Nuts, I wasted four questions when I could have just asked if it was affected by weather, overall."

"True."

"Anyway... Does it inflict status?"

"Yes."

"On contact?"

"Yes."

"As a counter?"

"Yes."

"Is it Static?"

"No."

"Cute Charm?"

"Yes!"

"Hah! Eight questions to spare!" Sylvia did a little dance and blinked in realization after a moment of silence. "Hey, that's my ability!"

"It is."

"Awwwww. I appreciate it, Angel."

"Yeah, well, the previous answer you gave me was 'Kirlia' and one of the clues you offered was that 'it's cute.'" Angel's cheeks turned pink.

"And it is." She grinned. "By the way, how do you do that?"

"Do what?"

"That." Sylvia pointed at her cheeks with one of her delicate, prehensile ribbons. "You told me that the Ralts line don't have blood flowing through their systems, right? So how are you doing that?"

"It's pigment."

"Pigment? You're kidding me. That's a lame answer."

"It's the best answer I can give you." Angel shrugged. "The inner workings of most Amorphous pokémon either complicated or non-existent."

"You don't look that complicated to me, Angel."

"Um... Thanks?"

"You're welcome!" Sylvia walked around the stone and sat near her closest friend. "Now that that's out of the way, give me my reward."

Sylvia happily lied back and Angel smiled, crawling forward and rubbing her friend's belly. Sylvia expressed her enjoyment by involuntarily kicking one of her feet.

"Aaaaahhhh~ That's the stuff." The Intertwining Pokémon closed her eyes.

The Kirlia giggled. "What are you? A canine pokémon?"

"And a vulpine. And a feline. With a pinch of vermin." She started purring.

"That combination is so unnatural."

"I don't know how I- Aaahh, a little lower, please... I don't know how I feel about being told that by an Amorphous pokémon."

"Point taken."

"Do you enjoy belly rubs?"

"I can't say I do."

"What if I rubbed your horns?"

"Don't ever do that. They're still developing and are really sensitive."

"You do realize your error in telling me that?"

"...I mean it, Sylvia, you better not."

Sylvia stood up and lowered her stance like she was about to attack her friend, smirking like a cruel predator.

"Seriously, Sylvia." Angel stood and fearfully backed away. "I won't forgive you! Stay away! Kya!"

Angel tried to run but Sylvia pounced on her and pinned her down. Then, she started licking the Emotion Pokémon's horns.

"Yeeeeeeek! S-Sylvia! Cut it out! I-It feels weird!" She tried to escape but the Sylveon was heavier than her.

"Does it hurt?"

"N-No but-"

"Good enough for me!" Sylvia continued her assault.

"Kyaaaaa! Ah! Y-You better get off, Syl-" She shivered and stifled a cry when she felt a long drag from her playful friend's slimy tongue. "I'm warning you!"

"Nope."

"Last chance, Sylvia!"

"Nope."

Eyes glowing, Angel glared at her close friend dangerously and used her psychokinesis to suspend her in the air.

"Wha? Hey! Check me out! Believe it or not, I'm walking on air!"

Angel panted as she got up on shaky legs and fixed the ribbon around her horn, all the while maintaining Sylvia in the air.

"H-Have you gone insane!?" She demanded, arms rigid at her sides.

"No. Why do you ask?" Sylvia kicked her legs, enjoying her time in mid air.

"You better not do that again."

"No promises, cutie."

"Sylvia-"

"I'm kidding. I won't do it again, alright? I promise. Could you put me down now? This has gotten old fast, there's nothing to do up here."

"...No."

"What?"

"Not 'till you learn your lesson."

"Oh, gee whiz, sorry, Mom." Sylvia rolled her eyes. "There, I apologized, now put me down."

"No."

"Angel, come ooooooonnnnn!" The suspended pokémon started flailing in protest.

"Doesn't feel great, does it?" Angel smirked triumphantly and played with her 'hair.'

"Wow. Never would I have guessed that you were this petty."

"You rubbed off on me."

"Oh, nonononono. You are not making this my fault, girl."

"This is all happening because of you, so..."

"Put me down or I'll scream in three, two, whaaaaa!" Sylvia was suddenly released and she expertly landed on her feet in spite of the initial shock of being dropped without warning.

The two glared at each other, inflating their cheeks rudely before snickering and erupting in joyous laughter. This is the scene Gallant walked in on, casually carrying his bag over his shoulder.

"Good to see you two getting along swimmingly as always." He quipped.

The female pokémon turned to him with surprise, being caught off guard but offering the Gallade smiles when they identified him.

"You're back."

"I'm back."

"You're filthy." Angel observed.

"Sandstorms do that to you." He joined them and sat down.

"What the heck were you doing in a Sandstorm?" Sylvia asked with a tilt of her head.

"Fighting a strong wild pokémon and keeping it from going on a rampage in the Seismic Highlands as per our client's wishes."

"Listen to you. Sounds to me like you were in your element. Did you have fun?"

"You know it."

"Won't the dust make you sick if you do nothing about it?" Angel pressed her concern.

"I'll have someone use Rain Dance for me later." He fell back and lied down on the soft grass. "Let me relax for now."

"Why don't you learn Rain Dance for yourself?"

"I don't have any moves or abilities that would benefit from rain."

"And other pokémon here do?"

"Please, please, pleeeaaase, let me rest, you guys... It's been a long day." He closed his eyes.

"Sure looks like it." Sylvia sat next to him. "Did you get paid for your work?"

"We did, yeah."

"...Did you buy us gifts?"

"No."

"Boooooo, Gallant." Sylvia droned.

He sat up and pulled out a transparent plastic sack of hard candy from his bag. "I did buy you guys sweets, though."

"We love you, Gallant!"

"Right through your stomach, huh?" The Blade Pokémon chuckled and placed the sack on the flat rock. "Help yourselves."

So they did, Angel eating one at a time and Sylvia gorging herself until she couldn't fit anymore in her mouth.

"Thank you, Gallant." Angel expressed her gratitude.

"Thanks, Gallant!" And so did Sylvia with a mouthful of treats.

"No problem. Eat up. You should get used to it."

"Huh? What do you mean by that?" The Kirlia stared at him quizzically.

"The other reason I'm here and not in the Training Hold with the others. Now that I'm a part of the settlement, I can finally realize our shared dream. I've had my taste of it and now it's your turn."

Slightly confused, the female pokémon watched him stand up and grin saucily at them.

"Angel, Sylvia, my lovely ladies..." He extended his arm at them like the gentlemon he was. "Kindly allow me to be your escort in touring the Pokémon Settlement tomorrow. What do you say?"

Slowly, the young female pokémon's eyes widened as the realization of what he was getting at hit them like a Snorlax using Body Slam. They gaped at him and he winked at them. He was seriously offering to take them to the Pokémon Settlement, no strings attached. Even after his new life begun, he never forgot about their own desires and was giving them the opportunity to indulge in them. What could they say to that?

"YES!"

Duh. It was obvious.

---

XXX Spectral Forest - Night XXX

Dead trees. Dead pokémon. Dying morale. The Spectral Forest was truly the most sullen place in the world, infested with the vengeful spirits of pokémon whose lives were taken from them and constantly attempting to get back at the realm where their tormentor once lived before he was banished. One of said pokémon, a Duskull, shrieked in pain as it was knocked away and slammed against a tree, where it died a second time, exploding into a black mist.

"Scum." The Gourgeist responsible for its demise scowled and flexed her fingers.

"You're on fire today." A Gengar commented.

"You mistake me for Infernus." Wiccan turned around and started walking back to the Ghost Realm.

The Chandelure, Infernus, laughed a little at Wiccan's joke. "Good one."

Wiccan didn't respond, walking on in silence. She, Infernus and Scourge had been battling for the past hour, keeping the active ghost pokémon from getting anywhere near their home. This was something they had to do on a daily basis to keep the Ghost Realm from being overrun and had long since become desensitized to it. Done with their shift, they would be rotating with another group and so on until morning, where the wild ghost types were least active. Scourge floated up next to Wiccan in support and tried to strike up a conversation with her.

"How are you holding up?"

"What kind of dumbass question is that?"

"I'm just trying to keep our spirits up, Wiccan... Get it?" The perpetual grin on the Gengar's visage didn't help him win points with the Gourgeist.

"You're wasting your time, Scourge." Infernus hovered close to his fellow ghost.

"The both of you just need to lighten up a little. It wouldn't do well for us to fall into despair. Not while we're in this situation."

"We're already in despair, Scourge." Wiccan frowned, the grass type staring ahead with her visible eye, the other hidden behind a flock of her 'hair.' "I don't know what kind of hope you keep clinging to. It's bad enough that we're forced to fight for our lives every night but we also ended up losing our Soul Stone."

"Our Soul Stone will be found. We put up a job at the Guild Collaboration."

"Months ago. No one is going to help us." She clenched her fingers. "Ever since Lord Giratina did what he did, every other pokémon have been wary of us. The ghost type has forever been condemned as a symbol anarchy. It would be nice to be back under his protection but that won't happen. We'll just keep fighting until the end of our lifelines. That's all there is to this situation and it would be better if you just got used to it."

"Calm down, Wiccan, we-"

"Don't tell me to calm down, Scourge!" She snarled.

Her outburst got the attention of a Misdreavous that jumped out of some bushes with a chilling shout. Its confidence went from one hundred to zero in an instant when Wiccan snatched it out of the air without even looking at it and started squeezing its head in one hand. She looked at it in fury before her mood haphazardly switched to mournful.

"You poor thing..." She squeezed down harder and it started making pained grunts. "Everything was taken from you. I bet you had a family. Friends. Maybe even a mate." She added more force around its head and it screamed in agony. "Life must have been good. Now you're nothing more than a sorry reminder of your past existence. All you can do is lash out at the pokémon under the thrall of your murderer. Kind of makes you want to laugh, doesn't it? Heheheh..."

The other two pokémon watched the Gourgeist break into mirthless laughter and squeeze down hard enough to rapture its body, leaving nothing behind except for a dark miasma. She grinned coldly and continued along the route to her home. Scourge and Infernus looked at each other briefly and quietly followed the disturbed Wiccan. Nothing they could do or say would ever save her from her dwindling sanity.

---

XXX Steel Realm - Night XXX

Sovereign stood steady in front of a large, liquid-filled glass cylinder fixed in the centre of a circular room. Computers at the far end of the room beeped with complicated readings and diagrams, information only brilliant minds like himself would understand. In the centre of the tank, a fetus lay unmoving, developing in vitro and infused with Mew's blood to help influence its growth pattern, glad that the specimen didn't reject it. Truth be told, Sovereign felt more like he was playing with toy building blocks with the way he was handling his test tube infant. However, the proof of his success was right in front of him, growing healthily over a probable long period of time, its gestation period something he could only guess at for the time being.

The electronic door behind him opened and closed, signifying another occupant in the room.

"Reporting back from my rounds, Sovereign."

The Metagross didn't respond, observing the glass cylinder intently.

Krane sighed is exasperation and moved closer to the steel type. "You've been eyeing that thing since it started growing, sir. It wouldn't hurt you to rest a little while, nothing will happen to it in your absence."

Choosing to remain stationary, Sovereign spoke. "I do not require sleep, Krane. Besides, what could I possibly dream of when we already have everything we could ask for?"

"The electric type, Mareep, perhaps?"

"I'm a pokemon, not a machine, Krane but that reference is spot on. Well done."

"Thank you, sir." Neither of them laughed and the Skarmory walked up next to his boss, joining him in viewing the specimen.

"Isn't it remarkable, Krane?"

"I'll say it is." The steel bird replied. "You must be feeling elated about being the only pokémon besides Arceus to create a Legendary Pokémon."

"Indeed." Sovereign smiled as best as he could. A short silence fell in the room until Krane spoke his mind again.

"If I may ask..."

"Yes?"

"The thing that happened the other day... How did your machines identify all those Legendary Pokémon when you were testing Mew's blood? There's no way you could have their biological readings on record."

"Ah, yes. The records of those pokémon were, in reality, manually entered by our research department based on what they understood about them and were, in fact, incomplete. The perfect sample of Mew's blood provided just enough data to complete their registration. I was just as shocked as you were, Krane. That Mew is the single building block of all pokémonkind. Admirable, is it not?"

"I'll admit. It's a pretty remarkable thing to bare witness to..."

Krane watched in silence as bubbles rose to the top of the liquid-filled glass casing, the fabricated pokémon floating at the centre, unmoving. He looked down at Sovereign whose attention was utterly captured by what was before him, his red eyes unblinking. Krane exhaled and turned to leave, his talons clanging on the metal floor. Just before he reached the door, he addressed the Iron Leg Pokémon one last time.

"By the way, Sovereign, sir... What happened to your last project? Have you dropped it altogether in favor of this one?"

"No need to worry about a thing, Krane. That project is still in its early stages and will only take off when we find a sufficient specimen. Until then, it's on a temporary hiatus."

"...I see. Thank you." Krane left him to it, stepping forward and the automated doors sliding open to allow him through.

"Krane."

The beckoned Skarmory stopped in the door frame, attentive yet not looking back.

"Sir?"

"Goodnight."

"...Goodnight, sir."

Krane walked out of the room and the doors slid closed behind him, leaving Sovereign isolated with the object of his interests. He continued to observe it, unmoving, unwavering and unblinking.

---

END CHAPTER