"So this is Cascarrafa." Shun'ei said as he and his group arrived in the bustling city of water next to the desert.

"I must say it is quite beautiful." E. Constance said.

"We're kind of surprised you're keeping up in the desert heat, Constance." Meitenkun said.

"Such heat is no match for the magical might of House Nuvelle!" E. Constance said.

"Well, we are pretty lucky to have made it here by nightfall." Shun'ei said.

"Let's see… According to this map, Medali is closely by." Meitenkun said. "Seems like we won't have to go very far once we finish up here."

"Sounds like a plan." Mari said.

"Vaultin' Veluza! I'm late! I'm late!" A voice called as a large man ran past the group and out of town.

"Sir, wait!" called out an attendant coming from the Gym.

"Was that the Gym Leader just now?" E. Constance sweatdropped.

"Yes…that was the Surging Chef himself. He's headed for the auction site in Porto Marinada. However…" they said holding a Venonat themed wallet. "He's left his wallet behind."

"Uh oh. He won't be able to make any bids without this. We better go get this to him." Shun'ei said.

"What? Forgoing training to run as an errand boy?" Rinkah asked as she approached the group with a slight smile.

"I'll make it your Gym Challenge if you manage to get it to him." the attendant said.

"Consider it done then." Shun'ei said.

"We can make it to the port easy by cutting through the desert." Frosta said.

"Good thing I got this on the way there, then." Shun'ei said as he sent out a Pokémon that had a motorcycle-like body.

"Ah, one of the new Pokémon native to this region." Mari said as she scanned it. "Cyclizar, the Mount Pokémon. A Dragon and Normal Type. It can sprint at over 70 mph while carrying a human. The rider's body heat warms Cyclizar's back and lifts the Pokémon's spirit."

"Heh, well in that case you best get going." Rinkah said. "No worries, I need a little prep time before I test you again anyways, rival."

"Don't worry, Rinkah. This will be quick." Shun'ei said with a smile as he got on Cyclizar.

"Now where was the guy who had the armors again…?" Rinkah mused as she walked off.

"He's over at Zapapico!" Meitenkun called out.

"Thanks!" Rinkah said as she hurried off.

The group hurried across the desert. As they did, they saw large elephant-like creatures walking in the distance as they made it through.

"Are those Donphan? They're huge!" Shun'ei said.

"They look different though. Hmm." Mari said as she scanned them. "No data?"

"That's really weird. I'm getting this strange energy from them." Meitenkun said.

"Given their size…they're probably one of those titans Himiko and the others went after." Perfuma said.

"But it's weird how they look different, one looks like a mammoth of sorts and the other looks…robotic." Mari said. "Are they regional variants?"

"Not likely. Regional variants usually adapt to certain environments of the region. And there's normally just one species of them in any given region. Not two different ones." Perfuma said.

"Which means… Those two could be something different entirely." Shun'ei said.

"They may just be species that look like Donphan but are entirely different Pokémon. I know there's a species called Wiglett that looks like Diglett but is totally different." Meitenkun said.

"What if this is like something with Hisui?" Mari asked. "No…not likely. That was because of Eternity and Astra. If there was a temporal or dimensional rift, my devices would be going off." she said.

"Guess it's a mystery for another day." Shun'ei said.

"Yeah. For now, let's look for that Gym Leader." Meitenkun said.

"Yes, let us sally forth!" E. Constance said.

They made it to the port and to the auction site where the Gym Leader stood.

"Vaultin' Veluza! Where is my wallet? How am I supposed to get the special of the day without it?!" he said.

"I got it right here. You must have forgotten it on the way out." Shun'ei said.

"Oh…thanks boy." he said. "Hmm…you're a challenger right? How about…you buy the special item of the day for me!"

"Whoa, what?!" Mari said in shock.

"A little on-the-spot, but I'm game." Shun'ei said.

"Great. Here's 50,000. Don't worry if you spend it all." he said. "Now earn me that seaweed!"

"Right." Shun'ei walked over to the booth as he was with others wanting to place a bid. They engaged in a vicious bidding war until he walked away after spending all he was given.

"Wow…so that was auctioning. Interesting." Perfuma said.

"Had to go all-in to get this one." Shun'ei said.

"Excellent. The dishes I make with this will be perfect." he said, taking the seaweed. "You are a challenger right? Well…I'll be waiting for you back at the gym. Just remember, Kofu the Surging Chef is no pushover." he said.

"I'll keep that in mind." Shun'ei said. "(But first, Rinkah is probably waiting for me back in Cascarrafa. I should probably catch up to her.)"

"Why don't we call a Flying Taxi to get us back to Cascaraffa?" Frosta suggested.

"That was…kinda the idea." Shun'ei said.

It didn't take long before they made it back to Cascarrafa.

"So do we meet with Rinkah first or go straight for the Gym battle?" Frosta asked.

"I think we can wait. She won't be gone long, I hope." Shun'ei said.

"So, while we're waiting, there are a few things that caught our attention." Meitenkun said. "Namely, how the Gyms seem to be positioned."

"You mean, like how they are stationed all over Paldea and it's up to whoever takes the gym challenge to choose the order in which they're fought?" Frosta asked.

"Yeah. If that is the case, I can only imagine how it really works here. I'm sure that other challengers before us tackled them quite differently." Shun'ei said. "Like these two. Montevera and Glasceado. They're right next to each other, so taking them on back-to-back would seem like a common approach."

"Common approaches are predictable though. A true warrior develops new tacts and unique strategies to catch their opponents off guard!" Rinkah smiled as she walked into view.

"Hey there. We've been waiting for you. I take it your trip went well?" Shun'ei said.

"Indeed. Because of it, I now have a full team to combat you, without the use of Reazah! I hope you're prepared, this is our last fight before I'll bring out my partner to the field." Rinkah smirked.

"Please don't go too hard on each other. Shun'ei still has to battle Kofu after this." Perfuma said in concern.

"Hey, if nothing else I know a quick Pokémon Center around the bend to patch things up beforehand." Rinkah said with a smile. "You ready, Shun'ei?"

"Oh yeah. Let's do it!" Shun'ei said.

Cue: Rinkah's Rival Theme

Shun'ei is challenged by Flame Warrior Rinkah!

"Scorch the field! Salazzle!" Rinkah exclaimed, sending out her evolved Salandit.

"Whoa. She's quite a sight, isn't she?" Flamberge asked.

"Careful, that's how she gets you." Shun'ei said as he sent out Isla, his Grafaiai.

"Start it off strong! FIRE LASH!" Rinkah called as Salazzle lashed her tail at Grafaiai with wicked flames.

"Go for it, Mud Slap!" Shun'ei said.

Both attacks hit their marks. Even with quad effectiveness, the low power of Mud Slap compared to Fire Lash gave Salazzle a slight edge in the trade off!

"Incinerate!" Rinkah declared as incredibly hot flames shot at Grafaiai.

"Focus, Isla. Fury Swipes!" Shun'ei said.

As Isla leapt through the flames for some damage and attacked Salazzle, Rinkah smiled.

"Right where we want you. DRAGON CLAW NOW!" Rinkah exclaimed.

Salazzle paid back all the Fury Swipe damage two fold with a blue draconic flame slash that hit Grafaiai hard.

"Can't risk any further attacks. Isla, pull back for now. Let's get to it, Gabite!" Shun'ei said as he sent out Gabite.

"Really?" Rinkah tilted her head. "Salazzle, Dragon Claw!"

"Got you right where I want you. Bulldoze! Run her down!" Shun'ei said.

Gabite stomped on the ground repeatedly, the more powerful Ground type move buffeting Salazzle from below. This time, the damage was more worth the Quad effectiveness on Salazzle's major Ground type weakness as she lost her balance and fell over, knocked out.

"Well played, well played." Rinkah nodded in acceptance as she retracted Salazzle. "Talonflame, go!" Rinkah exclaimed as her Flying/Fire Bird came out to even the odds, now Gabite couldn't use Ground Type moves to deal effective damage.

"Talonflame, bad matchup for Gabite. Ground type moves don't damage Flying types at all." Frosta said.

"But there's something that can. Now, Rock Slide!" Shun'ei said.

Gabite launched out the Rock type move, causing boulders to fall.

"Of course! Gabite can learn Rock type moves!" Perfuma remembered.

"And since Talonflame is Fire and Flying, that means major pain!" Flamberge said.

Rinkah only smirked. "...Acrobatics, now!"

More swift and nimble than before, Talonflame ducked and dived the rocks as it flew, as it rose high into the air, the sun giving it almost a Phoenix-esque glow as it peeked through the clouds.

"Now… BRAVE ACE BIRD!" Rinkah exclaimed as the powers of Aerial Ace and Brave Bird combined into a Falcon like dive, Talonflame reaching incredible speeds as it slammed into Gabite for massive damage, both to Gabite, and in recoil.

"Now, one last present. Stealth Rock." Shun'ei said.

Rinkah looked to see jagged rocks scattered all over her field as she growled. "So, you intend to hurt every Pokémon I switch in to give yourself an edge, eh? What kind of warrior decides to shift things to an unfair fight?" Rinkah said with folded arms.

"Um… None of us ever recall him saying he was one." Flamberge said.

"Hmph. I see how it is." Rinkah said as she recalled Talonflame. For the rest of the match. "It seems my mind's been changed. Now. You're getting me at my best to counteract the unfair advantage you've given yourself. ARMAROUGE, LET'S GO!" Rinkah declared as Armarouge came out, just as angry about the unfair conditions as he was barely affected by the Stealth Rock from adrenaline.

"Oh my, Rinkah looks mad." Perfuma asked.

"You know how she is, she's always the honorable one. And Armarouge is the same, his species loves a fair fight." Frosta said.

"How exactly is it unfair? Her Fire-types are super powerful anyway." Flamberge said.

"I think it's the principle of the thing." Alkal said. "Either way, it looks like the only way to subdue her anger is to win. Keep going, Shun'ei!"

"He's right. It's too late to go back on it now." Shun'ei said.

"Armarouge, Incinerate!" Rinkah angrily ordered as Armarouge shot incredibly hot flames out.

"She's not even slowing down. That's what I was hoping to see. Another Bulldoze!" Shun'ei said.

"Jump!" Rinkah ordered as Armarouge jumped up into the air, avoiding Bulldoze. "Now, FOCUS BLAST!"

A powerful Focused energy ball shot down and landed full force into Gabite! A critical hit!

"Ouch. That looked like it hurt. Should still have enough energy for a Dragon Breath." Shun'ei said.

Gabite blasted the breath attack over the Fire Warrior pokemon as it did some damage.

"Aura Sphere." Rinkah said with a scowl as Armarouge fired the powered energy ball at Gabite to finish it off.

"Well, guess I deserved that." Shun'ei said as he recalled Gabite.

"Fomantis can't stand up to a team of all Fire-types… Shun, it's up to Quaxwell and Cyclizar now!" Meitenkun said.

"Isla still has some fight in her, but not much. I'll just have to work with what I have got. Next, Cyclizar!" Shun'ei said, sending out Cyclizar. "If taking all of these attacks is what it will take to calm her down, then I'll have to keep going. I can't turn back now."

"Armarouge, Focus Blast." Rinkah said with a scowl as Armarouge blasted Cyclizar with a large blast of energy, which capitalized on its Normal typing.

However, Cyclizar was able to evade because it had higher Speed.

"Now, Breaking Swipe!" Shun'ei said.

The mount Pokémon then proved it could also fight as well, getting in close and slamming Armarouge with its tail, knocking it back while also cutting down its Attack power.

Rinkah only growled as Armarouge didn't even receive a command as it fired yet another Focus Blast at Cyclizar to nail it. But again, the Dragon and Normal type dodged out of the way.

"Next, Quick Attack!" Shun'ei said.

Before Armarouge could attack it again, Cyclizar moved first and rammed the armored Pokémon head first, damaging it again.

"Wow! Cyclizar's got some moves!" Frosta said.

"Rrgh!" Rinkah growled as this was only making her angrier it seemed, as it seemed to make Armarouge angry as well as he fired an Aura Sphere this time, that honed in on Cyclizar.

"Gotta stay calm here. Use Rapid Spin!" Shun'ei said.

Cyclizar then used its wheel and went into a tricked up Spinout, dashing forward toward armarouge and actually deflecting the Aura Sphere! Though it did hurt him, he was able to mitigate the super effective damage and slam Armarouge once again.

Armarouge stumbled before he looked at Rinkah, who nodded.

"I couldn't agree more. LET YOUR FLAMES BURN TO VICTORY!" Rinkah said as she unleashed a Sync Move!

Vigorous Power Armor Cannon

Armarouge began to glow in bright flames as it charged up Armor Cannon, intending for there to be no escape for Cyclizar this time as it did so, seeming to lock on to the bike like Pokémon.

"Careful, Cyclizar. It won't be easy to get out of this one." Shun'ei said.

Armarouge fired Armor Cannon, as it shot at the same speed as Cyclizar, not allowing it to get away this time as it connected full force in a fiery blaze.

"There we go, Rinkah. That's what I've been wanting to see. You haven't slowed down at all." Shun'ei said.

"Your words don't mean anything. Not when you've gone out of your way to infuriate me with your underhanded tactics. I know you have one Pokémon left, so send it out. If you have any ounce of honor, you'll battle with your all as I've evened the odds despite your trap you laid." Rinkah said with a scowl.

"And that's exactly what I was hoping you would do. Getting out of tight spots like that are how true warriors are made." Shun'ei said. "But seeing as how ending this is the only way you'll calm down, I guess I have no choice but to grant your wish." he said as he sent out Quaxwell.

"It's all on Quaxwell now. Do you guys think he can pull this off?" Meitenkun asked.

"I'd think so, but if Shun'ei goes down, he goes down swinging." Frosta said.

"Now, Water Pulse!" Shun'ei said.

Quaxwell fired off his Water type attack that hit Armarouge dead on. Super effective as it was, Rinkah expected it to not have as much power, but she was suddenly taken by surprise when the Fire Warrior was hit harder than usual. Even more so when he went down from the attack.

"What…!?" Rinkah exclaimed.

"Armor Cannon. Armarouge's signature move." Frosta piped up. "It's a strong attack for sure, but in order for him to use it, he's gotta sacrifice his Defense and Special Defense afterwards."

"Rinkah's anger blinded her from the effects that she was putting on Armarouge. By using Armor Cannon, Armarouge has made itself wide open for upcoming attacks." Mari said.

"...Tch…" Rinkah growled. She recalled Armarouge as she looked down between her last two Pokémon, Reazah and the other one, before she grabbed the other Pokéball and tossed out her next Pokémon. "Let's do it, Ceruledge."

The Pokéball opened, revealing another knight-like pokemon that had a similar, yet different appearance to Armarouge. Its body was primarily black, with dark blue colorations on its arms and legs. Its head has sharp pale blue "ears" protruding from either side, and is blue on top, with a fire burning above it that resembles the plume on a knight's helmet. Its eyes have pink sclerae and wisps emanating from its white pupils. Almost all of Ceruledge's body is covered in an old dark purplish blue suit of armor, filled with grudges. A plate with three pink indentations on its center covered its face. Instead of hands, it had purple-cyan blades coming out of its arms. It looked ready as ever for Vengeance for its Armarouge companion as even through Stealth Rock, it sharpened its fiery blades.

"Whoa… What is that?" Meitenkun asked as he looked thought his guide book.

"It's Ceruledge, a Pokémon that battles with fierce vengeance in its heart. It's usually known for underhanded tactics, but through companionship with Armarouge and myself, it is just as honorable as any on my team, but just as, if not more fierce. Are you prepared, Shun'ei? First, make it a Sunny Day, Ceruledge!" Rinkah demanded as the sun shot through the clouds on Ceruledge's command, the sunlight being harsh at that, which, as an aftereffect, caused Constance to go into her depressed state.

"Hm? What's up, little guy?" Meitenkun asked as Charcadet's eyes lit up at the sight of Ceruledge.

"Now. We end this fight in a singular blow. SOLAR BLADE!" Rinkah yelled as the entirety of Shun'ei's companions grew worried. Solar Blade, the grass type blade variant of Solar Beam and Leaf Blade combined.

"Uh oh! If this hits with Sunny Day out, it's game over!" Frosta realized, knowing Solar Blade took less time to charge under Sunny Day, the same as Solar Beam.

"In that case, I'll just have to rush him down. Aqua Jet!" Shun'ei said.

Aqua Jet took priority, as Quaxwell charged right into Ceruledge, but its eyes flared as it wasn't enough.

Shing!

With a bright green slash, Ceruledge dashed through Quaxwell with Solar Blade, the move connecting full force.

"Aqua Cutter." Shun'ei said just as Ceruledge closed in.

Rinkah's eyes widened as the two super effective moves clashed, but the STAB typing won in the end, as Ceruledge was hit, critically. A OHKO from Quaxwell to end the fight, as Ceruledge fell, as it grunted, trying to stand and fight… only for Rinkah to place her hand on its shoulder in defeat, as Ceruledge looked up, unable to determine its trainer's emotions… but it solemnly nodded as Rinkah retracted it.

(End Song)

"...Enjoy your victory…" Rinkah said in a low tone as she turned to walk away from the battle.

"Rinkah, wait!" Perfuma called, stopping her. "Please, don't take this battle personally. We all know you're an honorable warrior, and you both fought well with both your skills coming out in full. As rivals, can't you both acknowledge that you each have your own ways of fighting?"

"I can. But how is one expected to give all she has if the Pokémon are hindered by things like Stealth Rock?" Rinkah said in a low tone in response to Perfuma. "It's impossible to truly have a fair fight at that point. Win or lose, a fair fight is what truly makes a warrior. And this, wasn't fair."

Rinkah roughly shoved Perfuma to the side and moved on, refusing to be stopped any longer as she did so.

"Perfuma, just let her go. She'll be fine." Shun'ei said.

"Yes. She will be." Perfuma nodded. "She just needs to vent and think. We should head to the battle court so you can face Kofu, Shun'ei."

So they did. After healing up his Pokémon, Shun'ei headed over to the battle court with the others. After a while, the crowd in attendance noticed their local gym Leader, Kofu himself. Lots of people came up to him to request things.

"Sorry, everybody! I've got some business to take care of as Gym Leader real quick-like! I'm keepin' someone waitin', ya see. Please forgive me. I need to do this first!" Kofu said as he approached the group. "Heya, step right up! I've been waitin' for ya." he said to Shun'ei as they met face to face officially as Gym Leader and challenger.

The Surging Chef

Kofu

"Thanks for the help over in Porto Marinada! You did a mighty fine job. And now that I've got that legendary seaweed, I kin make some real quality dishes with it! But don' expect me to go easy on ya in our battle here!" Kofu said to the young Chinese martial artist.

"Heh. Wouldn't dream of it." Shun'ei said as the two of them took their positions on opposite ends of the court.

"At the auction, we battle with buyin' and sellin'. At my Gym, we battle in a more traditional sense! Moves and tactics—ever-changin' as the raging sea! I'mma serve you a full course o' Water-type Pokémon! Don't try to eat 'em, though!" Kofu joked.

(Cue: Ride the Big Wave!- King of Fighters XV)

"Y'ready, young'n?! Serve up his first helpin', Veluza!" Kofu said as he sent out a grey fish with pink fins.

"Let's see." Mari said as she scanned it. "Veluza, the Jettison Pokémon! A Water and Psychic type! When Veluza discards unnecessary flesh, its mind becomes honed and its psychic power increases. The spare flesh has a mild but delicious flavor. It also has excellent regenerative capabilities."

"My word, it discards its flesh?!" E. Constance asked in shock.

"Um… Yeah, that's what some species call shedding." Shun'ei said as he got out his first Pokémon. "Only one to bring out against this guy. Show them what you got, Cyclizar!"

Shun'ei sent out the Mount Pokémon for the start of a fresh battle.

"Interesting choice to start. I was perhaps thinking he would lead with Fomantis." Perfuma said.

"Shun's probably saving her for later." Meitenkun said.

"Alrighty, let's get goin! Veluza, Aqua Cutter!" Kofu said as the fish PPokémon let out the water cutting attack right to Cyzlizar.

"Now, rev it up and Bite!" Shun'ei said. Cyclizar bit back at Veluza to trade back their blows.

"Show 'em your knifework, with Slash!" Kofu said as Veluza went for a cut on the Dragon type.

"Now, Breaking Swipe!" Shun'ei said. Cyclizar interrupted Veluza's attack with a smack of its tail, lowering its attack and stunning the fish's momentum.

"Give 'em another Aqua Cutter!" Kofu said as Veluza tried to rebound with another Water type attack.

"Good thing Cyclizar's Dragon-typing helps him resist all of that." Meitenkun said.

"Run it down with Quick Attack!" Shun'ei said.

Cyclizar moved before Veluza could attack him back, ramming the fish Pokémon and finally bringing it down as Kofu recalled it.

"Not bad, but lesse how you deal with this one!" Kofu said getting his next Pokémon. "Wugtrio, say hello!"

Kofu's next Pokémon popped out. Out from a hollowed out rock came three red shapes that looked similar to Diglett, but thinner and stretchier.

"Ah! There's that Wugtrio that I mentioned earlier!" Meitenkun said.

"Wugtrio, hmm?" Mari said as she scanned it. "Wugtrio, the Garden Eel Pokémon and the evolved form of Wiglett. A Water Type. It has a vicious temperament, contrary to what its appearance may suggest. It wraps its long bodies around prey, then drags the prey into its den. It was once considered to be a regional form of Dugtrio."

"Well, clearly not." Shun'ei said. "Hmm… Cyclizar, use U-Turn and tag out!"

Cylizar made the first move and charged into Wugtrio, damaging it a bit before returning to its Pokéball, causing Shun'ei to send out Fomantis.

"Now it's gettin' good! Headbutt!" Kofu called, knowing he won't be able to use Water or Ground type attacks against Fomantis, and so Wugtrio stretched its three heads in order to strike the Sickle Grass Pokémon.

"Now, Slash!" Shun'ei said.

Fomantis evaded the attacks before cutting into every single head that attacked her.

"Whoa, she's a quick one, isn't she?" Meitenkun asked.

"Yes, usually Speed is not Fomantis's forte in battle." Mari added.

"Follow it up with Leafage!" Shun'ei said.

Fomanits struck back at Wugtrio with the Grass type attack that dealt super effective damage.

"Better slow that quick fella down! Mud Slap!" Kofu said, not aiming to damage Fomantis, but lower her accuracy as it shot out the ground type attack.

"Let's mix it up with another Slash!" Shun'ei said.

Fomantis powered through the hit, being resistant to ground attacks, and cut Wugtrio again.

"Water Pulse!" Kofu called, aiming to this time confuse the Grass type as Wugtrio fired the attack off, it also hitting, but not doing much damage.

"One more Leafage should do it." Shun'ei said.

And it did, as the Grass type attack defeated Wugtrio.

"The tides ebb and flow! It's time for a raging tidal surge!" Kofu declared. "Let's see how y'deal with my whopper of a final dish, Crabombinable!" he said, bringing out the Ice/Fighting Type.

Fomantis started to back away from it, actually looking a bit worried.

"Stay calm, Fomantis. We know what he is going to do." Shun'ei said.

"Prepare the rigging for a big transformation! My Pokémon's gon' rock the boat!" Kofu said, bringing out his Tera orb and tossing it, terastallizing the Wooly Crab Pokémon. It took on a blue crytalized appearance, with its ornament depicting a spouting fountain of water.

"Fomantis should have no problem taking it on now, Shun'ei!" Frosta called.

Fomantis took a deep breath once Crabominable Terastalized.

"That's right. Keep your nerves steady. We can do this." Shun'ei said. "Let's start things off with Leafage!"

Fomantis launched the Grass type attack and hit Crabombinable dead on, dealing super effective damage now that its type was pure water.

"Rock Smash!" Kofu said as Crabombinable went for a big punch to the little Grass type.

"Now, Trailblaze!" Shun'ei said.

Fomantis pulled a surprise and used the more powerful move with speed and precision, damaging Crabominable more than before.

"Heh, you're pretty spunky, young'n! I think you deserve my best shot, so here it comes! One special Terastal-boosted Crabhammer, comin at ya!" Kofu said.

Crabombinable obliged what his trainer said and went for its best move, boosted by the power of the Water type terastallization. Fomantis took the attack, and was barely still standing.

"Still got some energy left? Then let's go for a Razor Leaf!" Shun'ei said.

Fomanits launched the razor sharp leaves, giving big damage to Crabominable again.

"One more oughta do it! Give em their final meal with one last Rock Smash!" Kofu said as Crabominable went for the final blow.

"Now, Trailblaze!" Shun'ei called out..

Both Pokémon launched their attacks and got their licks on each other… but in the end, it was Fomantis who came away the better of the exchange as Crabombinable burst into sparkles as it was KO'd.

(end Song)

"Yes! Winner winner, big fish dinner!" Frosta cheered.

"Gahaha! A loss as refreshing as the air at the morning market! I'm just like a helpless little Magikarp to you, eh? Floppin' around all willy-nilly!" Kofu laughed, looking to Shun'ei. "You got me good, I tell ya! What a great catch you are! Just like a master fisher, ya held on tight till the last second and reeled in victory!"

"It wasn't easy. My Fomantis is a fighter." Shun'ei said as Fomantis gave a wink and giggled.

"I totally agree, she's a feisty one. Now it's time to hand over the Water Badge to ya! And let's get a REEL good photo together with yer friends usin' a pose I've been wantin' to try out for a while now!" Kofu said.

"I guess we wouldn't mind." Frosta said.

They took a photo together with Kofu that Involved making it look like Shun'ei was blowing him and the others off the palm of his hand.

"Lemme throw in this TM for the move Chilling Water as a special bonus, too. I'm sure some of ya can make great use of it!" Kofu said, handing it over. "All righty. It's about time I headed on back to my restaurant and got to preppin' for the next wave! You all come back to see me again now, ya hear?"

"If we ever get hungry, we'll be sure to stop by and try your fish." Frosta said.

After saying goodbye to Kofu, the group headed out the northern side of Cascaraffa.

"Okay! Now it's on to Medali, right?" Frosta asked.

"Yeah. Conveniently, it's very close by, so we can tackle it quickly." Shun'ei said.

"But there are still those Donphan look-alikes to deal with." Flamberge said.

"He doesn't seem to be impeding anything directly, so I don't think we'll have to worry about him." Shun'ei said.

"If anything, the group that went with Arven will handle it when the time comes." Mari said. "Let's just head to Medali for now."

"If we get a good pace going, we could get there by morning." Meitenkun said.

"Shall we get going, then?" Perfuma asked.

"Yes, let us sally forth!" E. Constance said.

And so, the group headed out towards Medali, and Shun'ei's next challenge.