Chapter 22: Meet Their Maker

-Levi's POV-

Once I got back home, I grabbed one of my favorite books so that I could read it while I still had the light of the sunset.

I found it slightly troubling that Rio and company were still out exploring at night, but nobody else seems worried as they say that the four of them are more than capable of defending themselves.

I set the book down on my reading podium and landed on the branch next to it, so that I could easily reach over and turn the pages. I took out one of my old feathers that I was using as a bookmark and began reading.

Time seemed to lose all meaning as I got lost in the brave voyage of Tyrogue to return to his beloved, Roselia. He had been everywhere, fighting evil Pokémon, horrid trickery, and fierce waters to return to his land. However, back home Roselia was faced with a quandary in that she was being pressured to marry one of the many Pokémon there. But, being clever as she was beautiful, she said she would wed one of the Pokémon after she made herself a dress of flower petals. She would connect the petals when others were watching, but unravel them when they left for the night, effectively buying her loved one more time, for she believed- no, she knew that he would return to her.

The scene in my mind was cut short when the words were no longer visible. I looked out and saw that the sun was almost completely gone over the horizon. I sighed; I may enjoy reading, but I don't have night-vision. The sun is what controls my reading time.

I closed my book and lifted off to put it away, when I caught some movement in the corner of my eye. Turning back to look out the window, I saw Vlad flying around in the fading light. Lowering to the ground to put the book down, I briefly wondered what Vlad could be doing out so late.

Perhaps off to scare up some fun? I guess I should make sure he doesn't frighten any civilians.

Leaping out the window and flapping my wings to follow Vlad, the sun soon completed its setting and plunged the land into nighttime.

Night, huh? Heh, down in that hole, time could have stopped and I would never know it because of the darkness of the World Abyss.

As I got closer to Vlad, I saw him stop his flight and turn to me. For once, he didn't have a smile on his face. In fact, he looked annoyed that I was here. Probably didn't want anyone spoiling his definition of fun.

I hovered in front of him and said, "Awfully late to be out and about. You wouldn't be up to anything nefarious, now would you?"

He grinned, "Alright, you caught me. I go for nightly flights to hunt down unwary Pokémon and steal their souls!"

There was a pause before we both burst into laughter. We both landed on the ground and continued our hysterics.

I shook my head at Vlad's theatrics and said, "But, seriously, what are you up to? Something on your mind?"

He shook his head, "Just thought I'd go for a quick flight; pass the time, you know. Some of us don't require as much sleep as others, and nobody ever realizes how long night really is."

I raised an eyebrow, "You don't need sleep?"

"'Need' is relative to a ghost. Most actions that keep a body running, like eating and sleeping, are usually just continued out of habit by ghost Pokémon. It's not like I can die of hunger, right?"

My eyebrows shot up. I had completely forgotten. Having such an animated personality, it's easy to forget that Vlad isn't technically living. In fact…

"You know, Vlad, that actually brings up a question. I have a few books about ghosts, and they say that most that remain here do so because they have a purpose that they haven't fulfilled. Do you kn-"

He shook his head, "No. Nothing."

I narrowed my eyes. He was suddenly very defensive, "Well, do you remember anything from when you were alive? Your parents? Any friends? Loved ones, per-"

"Stop." I closed my mouth and looked at Vlad. He was staring at the semi-cloudy sky, "Levi, there are some things that one tries to forget. Leave it at that."

Knowing that he might just leave if I continued prying, I decided to let the subject drop. "Very well, then. Enjoy your night."

I took to the air and left Vlad standing there. But before I left, I hovered a few meters away, "It's not healthy for one to keep things bottled up. If one had such a problem, I'd recommend for them to find a confidant."

He turned away, "Sound advice, but not applicable to me."

"But, of course. I'm just thinking out loud." I left back to my nest, hoping he'd take my advice, even if he wouldn't talk to me about it.

-Meowth's POV-

I guess ya can take da Meowth outta da Rocket, but ya can't take da Rocket outta da Meowth.

My pitfall digging really saved our bacon back with Registeel. And deeper in the dungeon, not that I enjoyed it or anything, it really helped with keeping enemies from chasing us.

Okay, maybe I get a slight kick outta it, but it's fa strategy. Shake it off; s'not like ya gonna go bad again cuz you're using an old trick.

Even though we entered the dungeon at the same time, since we were in different teams, we were put in separate parts of the dungeon. We should get to the end at about the same time, though.

Hogan had fun fighting it out with the Machamp in this part of the cave, while Rose and Rio made quick work of the Crobat and I handled the Unown. We got a few stones, but we shouldn't need them anymore, so we just kept a few for ammo and then left the rest.

One good thing about these trips through the different parts of the cave is that we found four Reviver Seeds to add to the two we brought at first. Good thing, too. I've been keeping it under my hat, but I remember the last one, the grand-daddy of the Regis. Really, I was hoping it wasn't here, but if it is, we're prepared.

When we got to a huge chamber, Team Charm walked alongside us and we moved forward together. Lopunny leaned forward as she looked around, "This appears to be the last chamber…"

We stepped forward and came up to a bunch of stone statues. Two pairs of Bronzong on the outside, four Hitmonlee in a half-circle surrounding a giant statue in the center. I leaned closer and took a step back when I recognized it.

"Dang!" I whisper-shouted. "Was hopin' we wouldn't hafta fight dis one."

Rio tilted his head, "Fight? But we beat all three."

The area went dark and we grouped together. I whispered, "Yeah, but there's a fourth one. I only saw it once fa a second, but I'd know it anywhere."

A deep voice shook the room, "THOSE WHO SEEK THE TREASURES SLEEPING IN THE GROUND… SHOW ALL OF YOUR POWER!"

Light flashed and the Pokémon statues started filling in with color and moving.

"The stone statues!" Medicham shouted. "They're alive!"

Lopunny turned to us, "We'll team up for this battle!"

Rio nodded and I said to everyone, "We'll take da ones on da right. Rose, you take care o' da Hitmonlee. I'll take da Bronzong. Hogan, Rio, ya take on Regigigas, da huge one, 'til Rose an' I can get ta ya."

Hogan chuckled, "Don't take too long, we might finish before you get there."

"S'almost three times your height, Hogan. Don't get too cocky."

We all scattered and the Pokémon surrounding Regigigas fanned out, Regigigas lagging behind a bit. I left for my part of the plan and ran on all fours to the Bronzong. As I got closer, I shifted to two legs and got Shadow Claw ready.

Man, I hated Dusknoir, but he had great taste in TMs.

-Rio's POV-

Hogan, Rose and I rushed forward, Rose using her psychic powers to keep up with us. I heard Hogan say, "Rose, can you handle those two by yourself?"

"No problem," Rose replied. "I'll be ready to help you two posthaste."

Her eyes glowed and two of the Hitmonlee were thrown to the side. She split off from us and went to fight them. I slowed down and let Hogan pull ahead. One of the Hitmonlee from the other side was trying to stop us, but he grabbed hold of the Pokémon's kicking foot and threw him to the ground. I continued to make my way to Regigigas, who still hadn't moved that far.

I jumped up one of its legs and it started raising one of its arms to bat me away, but I easily dodged it and got up to its face. Holding out my hand, I used Force Palm and rode the shockwave to jump back a short distance. When I landed, I looked up and Regigigas hadn't even flinched. It continued forward at its slow pace.

Hogan ran up next to me, "Let me give it a try." He ran forward and Regigigas started moving to stop him but Hogan slid underneath his hand and used Low Kick on its foot. Regigigas fell on its face and Hogan ran around to the other side and grabbed one of its feet. His muscle patterns glowing with Bulk-up, he heaved and swung Regigigas up in an arc, falling backwards and slamming its back into the ground with Submission.

Hogan got up and walked away dusting off his hands and he said, "Heh, that wasn't so tough. You'd think the final guardian would be-"

He stopped as there was a groaning sound behind him. I looked past Hogan and saw Regigigas tucking its legs in and bringing its lower half up towards the ceiling. Suddenly, Regigigas leapt to its feet, landing in a squatting position. We were both stunned, and then, with surprising agility, it dashed forward and threw a punch at Hogan, its fist glowing white.

Yelping, Hogan jumped back out of the way. The blow raised a cloud of dust and Hogan came out of it a bit later, coming back to my side. He panted, "That was… way… too close."

The dust cleared and Regigigas was pulling its fist out of the ground, a small crater formed at the spot where Hogan had been a moment ago.

"Regigigas has been asleep a long time." We turned and saw Lopunny running up beside us. "It must have still been waking up while you were fighting it. I'll help too; Medicham and Gardevoir can handle the other half of the henchmen."

I nodded as Regigigas turned to us, "Good. We'll need all the help we can get."

Regigigas dashed forward again, but we were ready this time. Lopunny and I split up to be ready to attack either of Regigigas's sides. Hogan ran forward to engage him, his fist glowing with Brick Break. With its longer stride, Regigigas closed most of the distance before Hogan got far. It raised its foot to stomp down, but Hogan readied a Focus Blast in one hand and punched it, sending it into Regigigas's face. Still on one foot, Regigigas was teetering. Hogan crouched and leaped, crossing his now glowing hands into a Cross Chop and collided with Regigigas's midsection. Losing its balance, Regigigas fell back with a massive thud, Hogan still on top of it.

I got ready to come in and help by charging a Focus Punch and started to dash forward.

Hogan started running away, but Regigigas grabbed him with one arm. Hogan tried pushing the fingers open, but Regigigas clamped down with the other hand. Planning to attack Regigigas's face while it was down, I threw the punch, but it held Hogan in my path. I gasped and quickly changed the course of my attack, punching into the ground instead. While my hand was stuck, Regigigas kicked me away. It got up and started squeezing Hogan, who started groaning in pain. Lopunny tried attacking Regigigas's head with Bounce, but it was unfazed and continued.

Suddenly, a Hitmonlee was thrown at Regigigas's face and it took a step back with the Pokémon in its face. Rose teleported on top of one of Regigigas's arms and put a hand on Hogan, teleporting him away with her. Regigigas growled and pulled the Hitmonlee off of its face and held it in its hands. It pressed its hands together and the Hitmonlee was crushed to pieces. As terrifying as it was at first, I realized that there was no blood. The pieces were of stone again. They laid there for a moment before crumbling to dust

I looked around and saw the others still fighting against the henchman Pokémon. Seeing Hogan and Rose fend off another Hitmonlee, I tossed an Oran Berry at Hogan to help him heal after being crushed. Our fighters were starting to get tired, but the enemy Pokémon kept pressing on. That's when I realized that the Pokémon were still statues, they were just colored and moving now.

If they're still statues, that means they can keep fighting without getting tired. That means we'll lose. Unless…

I held out my hand and trapped Regigigas's feet in two Rock Tombs, knowing they would only buy me a few moments. Luckily, Lopunny took the opportunity to start attacking with Dizzy Punch. I ran over to Meowth. He was still fighting against the Bronzong and he had some cuts and bruises from being knocked around by their psychic attacks. Their attention wasn't on me, though, so I charged a Focus Punch as I ran. Concentrating all of my strength into the force of the punch, I let go of all other thoughts and made my only priority to punch through its defenses.

It turned as I drew near and I jumped and punched a hole straight through its face. The Bronzong flew back and shattered against the wall.

"What da-?! Rio…" Meowth said, "Dat was a bit over da top!"

I pointed at the remains which had turned gray again, before they crumbled away, like the Hitmonlee statue. "Look; they're statues. They won't tire out, so we need to break them. Regigigas said for us to show all of our power, which means we can't hold back. I think that to beat these Pokémon statues, we need to put everything we have into every blow."

"Ya mean like you just did? Aim ta kill?"

"Technically they're statues, but yes."

I heard the sound of rocks breaking apart and Meowth said, "Trade ya opponents? I don't got enough muscle ta crush one o' dese statues like you do. Plus, I have better moves for slowing down Regigigas and I can spread da word ta da others."

I tossed him a Max Elixir and an Oran Berry, "Done."

Meowth gulped down the drink and popped the berry in his mouth before running off on all fours while I stayed to confront the Bronzong.

-Rose's POV-

When Meowth explained what we had to do, it explained why I hadn't made much headway on a fight that should've taken me a few moments.

After that, I tracked him going towards Lopunny and Regigigas. He leaped into the air and sprayed a cloud of Toxic gas. Purple vein patterns appeared all over Regigigas's body and vanished, appearing to go in. It threw a Mega Punch to counter, but Meowth crossed his arms and the green Protect shield appeared, absorbing the blow and allowing Meowth to land safely. Hogan, having recovered, followed soon after to get back into the fight.

I hope he's more careful.

Seeing something in my peripheral vision, I dodged and barely avoided a kick to my head. I held out my hand to counterattack, but then what Meowth said crossed my mind. Putting more energy into my attack, I concentrated on the Hitmonlee's legs and released the psychic energy. Closing my hand into a fist, its legs twisted together and contorted until they snapped. The Hitmonlee fell to the ground and turned gray before crumbling to dust.

Even though they're not, technically, living, it still leaves a bad taste in my mouth. I hope we don't have to do anything like this again.

Since the last one after me was gone, I took a look around and saw that Team Charm apparently received the message since Gardevoir and Medicham were helping out now and the statue Pokémon from the other side were gone. Rio was having trouble with the Bronzong, so I used Imprison to freeze it, giving him time to charge a Focus Punch. I made sure to sever the connection right before the attack hit. I've gotten better about separating the pain, but better safe than sorry.

Rio nodded to me and looked through the bag, but he seemed disappointed and then ran off to join the battle. I was about to run off to join as well, but then I saw the state of the two teams. Regigigas had several scrapes on it now, but the others looked exhausted. The purple vein patterns appeared again, and Regigigas shook for a bit, but then continued forward and raised its foot to stomp down on Meowth. Meowth couldn't dodge, but when the attack connected, he disappeared, revealing that one to be a Substitute. But Meowth was panting on the ground a few meters away.

Team Charm was on the left side and our team on the right; I was a short distance away from the fight. Hogan ran forward, but he didn't have any energy left to use any of his moves. Regigigas swat him aside easily. I tried to think of a way out; I had the most energy left, but I couldn't do this alone.

If we had more time, then the poison would take it down… Wait, there is one thing I can do. But I'll be completely vulnerable until I can use a Wish to heal myself. No matter! I'll just get a little further away.

I teleported to the far end of the room and clasped my hands together.

Healing Wish!

My body glowed white and I felt every ounce of my psychic energy concentrate before leaving all at once and raining down on the two teams. My vision dimmed and I fell to my hands and knees, but I managed to hold onto consciousness. I heard exclamations of confusion before they changed to joy.

After I had enough strength to start the chant for a Wish, I looked up and saw the two teams (Hogan having returned to continue) about to attack Regigigas. But it turned towards me. Why is it looking at me? It can't have possibly known.

It dashed forward and everybody got ready to fight, but it jumped straight over them and started charging towards me!

It knows!

I tried to get up, but fell back to the ground. And my psychic energy was still far too low to manage a Teleport. It faltered as the poison took effect again, but its fist glowed white and it threw a Mega Punch at me.

Suddenly, Hogan ran in front of me and threw a Brick Break at the Mega Punch. There was a cracking sound and Regigigas was forced back a short distance. Hogan held his arm, which was now bent at an odd angle, before bringing his other hand up to continue the attack. It was then that I noticed that his belt was missing now. (AN: Pokédex entry Diamond "Machoke's boundless power is very dangerous, so it wears a belt that suppresses its power.")

Regigigas tried stomping on Hogan, but he raised his hand and caught his foot. Pushing up, Hogan threw Regigigas back a few meters. When did he get so strong?

He turned back to me, "Are you alright, Rose?"

I felt the healing energy fill me. Far from one hundred percent, but it'll do for now. I stood up and nodded.

"Good. I need to get my belt back; else I'll bring down the whole cave."

He ran off and Regigigas tried to stop him, but he ducked past him and picked up his belt from where the fight was before. The others surrounded Regigigas again. This time, I joined them and Hogan shortly after, with his belt on and his good arm forward.

We gathered in front of Regigigas and Meowth said, "Alright, everybody, let's give 'em all we got!"

Lopunny, Medicham, Meowth and Rio ran forward and hit Regigigas with Jump Kick, Hi Jump Kick, Night Slash and Focus Punch. Regigigas took several steps back, trying to right itself.

Meowth called back, "Keep pushin' 'im back! Use long-range attacks!"

Hogan readied a Focus Blast and threw it, while Gardevoir and I both used Psychic to keep Regigigas off balance. The blast connected and blew up.

-Rio's POV-

After the smoke cleared, Regigigas was still standing.

H-how?! Those were all our best attacks, on top of the beating he's taken and he's still not down?!

Regigigas took a step forward and then another, but the purple vein patterns appeared and pulsed. It paused and the veins disappeared. Then, without preamble, Regigigas fell forward. Unlike the other Pokémon, he didn't turn back to stone and crumble away.

Medicham gave a short laugh, "We did it!"

A light shone in front of Regigigas and another stone marker appeared, this one much larger and crimson colored.

Lopunny said, "Wh-what is this?!"

Gardevoir leaned closer, "There's an inscription on the stone marker!"

I stepped forward and read the inscription.

"Close your eyes, then let your aura flow into the ground."

I closed my eyes and the same shimmering sound emanated from the stone tablet. I opened my eyes, and the green, silver and blue lights spread from the other members of our team and me into the ground.

But then, there was a scraping sound and, behind the still shimmering marker, Regigigas started getting up.

Medicham shouted, "What?!"

"Regigigas!" Gardevoir added.

Lopunny stepped back, "We're in for another round?"

I stepped forward prepared to charge another Focus Punch, but Regigigas, unlike before, let out a roar and jumped up, bringing his fist to the ground. The entire chamber started rumbling from the blow and pieces of rock started falling from the ceiling.

Meowth cried out, "It's tryin' ta bring da house down on top of us!"

"Hurry, we have to get out!" Gardevoir shouted. We, along with Team Charm, gathered into our groups and Gardevoir and Rose teleported us away. Reappearing at the entrance of Aegis Cave, it collapsed right in front of us. The tremors continued for a bit before stopping. Gardevoir called out, "Is everyone all right?" I quickly took account of everyone around. Meowth, Rose and Hogan were all here. Hogan sat down and nursed his broken arm.

Medicham looked around, "Seems that way. Everyone's here."

Gardevoir sighed in relief, "Thank goodness…"

Lopunny looked back at the cave, "But the treasures…"

"Yes… Quite disheartening…" Gardevoir replied.

I looked around to make sure that everyone was okay. Especially Hogan; he had taken a nasty hit that probably would've broken Rose to pieces. She was already tending to his arm with Wish, and she said, "I've healed most of it, but you still need to see Chimecho when we get back."

Hogan laughed, "Funny how Savage is the reckless one, and I'm the one that visits the infirmary more often."

Rose smiled, "You two are reckless in different ways. Thank you… for saving me."

"Hey, you saved me twice today, so I still owe you one."

I turned away when I heard Meowth whistle, "Dang… We were in there for so long, the sun's already up!"

Surprised, I turned to where Meowth was looking and saw the sun already fairly high in the sky above the horizon.

"Oh!" We turned at the sound of Medicham's shout. "Look at that!" We turned to where Medicham was pointing and saw, in the increasing light, a massive plateau risen out of the ground with a hole leading inside.

Lopunny said, "Oh! That's…!"

"The ground heaved up! And a gap opened up in the face of the cliff!" Medicham added.

Gardevoir murmured, "That tremor earlier… What Regigigas and the others were protecting… This must have been it!"

Medicham jumped up in joy, "I get it now! That's where they hid the treasures! And they're undisturbed!"

"Wonderful!" Lopunny cheered. "This exploration turned out to be a huge success after all!"

While Team Charm celebrated, Hogan stood back up still careful about moving his arm too much.

Gardevoir spoke up to Lopunny and Medicham, "But the credit doesn't belong to us this time." They turned to us and Gardevoir continued, "Team Righteous. The credit belongs entirely to you."

I started, "But you helped-"

Medicham interrupted, "I'd say it does! The treasures in there, all of it belongs to you." She laughed, "My word, weren't you something special! It was like seeing Wigglytuff in action in the old days!"

We all laughed along and when we stopped, Gardevoir turned to the others, "So, shall we go on our next adventure, old friends?"

"Yes, let's do that!" Lopunny answered. She turned to us, "We enjoyed ourselves very much, Team Righteous. It was fun exploring with you!" She smiled, "If we keep up our explorations, we may run into each other someday. But next time, we'll beat you to the treasure! Take care! Send our love to Wigglytuff!" She waved as she turned away and Team Charm left.

Meowth sighed, "We'd betta get back ourselves. We got some 'splaining ta do ta da otha recruits. We were out all night."

-Damus's POV-

I walked out of the dojo, opting to take a short break before resuming my training. No use reducing myself to crawling through the Final Maze. I see now why Rio and Meowth always trained in there. It really puts strength, endurance and strategy to the test. Through it, I learned Me First, allowing me to foresee the opponent's move it is going to use and copy it, but with greater power.

Everybody else has already been deployed on their missions, and Cathy left to Mystifying Forest to evolve, but I stayed behind to wait for our four missing team members. Because, one, I still need to give yesterday's report and notify Rio and Meowth about the assignments that I gave in their stead. And, two, request an explanation for their extended absence. After waiting for about a half hour past sunrise, I decided to do something more productive and started training.

As I made my way to the crossroads, I turned to go down the stairs, when I saw something out of the corner of my eye. I looked and saw Rio and Meowth heading down the stairs to the guild.

Walking up to them, I called out, "Rio. Meowth. I see that you are back from Aegis Cave."

They looked at me and greeted me back. Rio smiled sheepishly, "Sorry that we were gone for so long… It just turned out to be a more difficult mission that we thought it would be."

I shook my head, "No matter. What of Hogan and Rose? Aren't they with you?"

Meowth pointed back up the stairs, "Hogan's getting patched up in da infirmary. Rose wanted ta be there wit' him."

I nodded, "Very well. Now, perhaps we may exchange information when all of the recruits get back from their missions. For now, as your strategic advisor, I recommend you get some rest."

Meowth yawned and said, "Yeah, good idea. A quick catnap would prob'ly do us good."

-Dash's POV-

"And you're sure that you didn't see any sort of discolor-"

I sighed, "Sheesh, for the third time, no. The Magmar didn't have a scar near its eye."

At first I was psyched to be paired with Vlad; he loves a good joke as much as I do. But ever since we went on this mission, he's been asking me about yesterday's fight. I like bragging as much as the next guy, but it's starting to get old.

We made our way back to Spinda Café, having turned in our outlaw already; a Natu that was hiding in Craggy Coast. Vlad didn't bother taking the stairs, just slipping into the ground. I walked towards our table and spotted Rio and Meowth already there. I ran the rest of the way and took my seat, prepared to ask a bunch of questions about what happened.

As if he read my mind, Damus held up his paw, "All questions will be answered when everyone is present."

I fidgeted in my seat and looked around. Who's running late? I wanna know!

Everybody was here; Hogan had his arm in a sling for some reason. Rose was sitting next to him. The other recruits were here. All except for-

Damus looked at the entrance, "Now we may begin."

I turned and saw Cathy walking in. I knew it was her from the Evolve Charm that she was still wearing. She was now a Glaceon. Seeming to make an effort to walk more fancy, she moved to her seat and sat down.

Rose said, "You finally decided? Why Glaceon?"

Cathy turned and shrugged, saying, "This form's prettier."

Rose laughed and said, "That is so like you."

Damus cleared his throat, "Now that we are all in attendance, it is time to give reports. I will relay your reports from yesterday."

The next few minutes were filled with Damus retelling what happened yesterday, with a few inputs from the others (I let Penny handle the bragging on this one). Then we all gave our reports for today. Once we were all done, we turned to Rio, Meowth, Rose and Hogan, waiting for them to tell us.

Turns out Vlad was right about the stones being linked to going forward and about there being more to the cave. Levi was fascinated with the identities of the true guardians being revealed. Savage seemed pissed, muttering, "Always miss the good fights." I personally was alright with hearing this second-hand. Probably wouldn't have done much good against the guardians.

After they were done, everybody, me included, buzzed with questions. One of the main ones being, "When are we exploring these ruins?"

Meowth grinned, "How 'bout tomorrow?"

We all cheered our agreement.

Wound up being a long chapter. Summer school is almost over, so I'll try to get chapters out faster, before "school year" school starts.