In the early hours of the morning, the Star-Busters (a name coined by the Eds) laid sound asleep in their camp within the third part of the Eastern Providence, near the forest known as Tagtree Thicket. This was where the Navi Squad, the Poison Crew of Team Star, were stationed. It was decided amongst the group that they would go take the base out at the crack of dawn. However…
"Mmpha…" Mark mumbled as his eyes fluttered open as he was inside his sleeping bag. "...Almost dawn…gotta get the others up. Better start with my-"
Mark reached for his knapsack, where he kept his Pokéballs…only to feel nothing but grass.
"H-Huh?" Mark wondered aloud as he sat up and looked around, not seeing his knapsack anywhere. "Where's my knapsack? It was right here when I went to bed last night…"
The half-angel sat confused for a moment before an idea came to him that caused his eyes to widen. Getting out of his sleeping bag, he went over to where Simon was still asleep. "Simon, wake up, I need to ask you something."
"Hmm?" Simon asked as he opened his eyes and sat up, a small crystal red crack on his head appeared before reforming. "What's up?"
"Where do you keep your Pokéballs when you have your Pokémon in them?" Mark asked.
"I usually keep them in a pocket dimension separate from the one where I keep my gear." Simon said. "Besides Cheshire and Sigil." he said, petting the two Pokémon that slept next to him.
"...Oh." Mark said. "Well…my knapsack's gone."
"Can you recall when you had it last?" Simon asked.
"It was right next to me when I went to sleep last night. I know I put it there." Mark said. "I…hold on, the others!" he said as he leapt to his feet. "Everyone, wake up!" he yelled.
The others were awakened by Mark's yell, rubbing their eyes as they awoke.
"Alright, what's up MarkMark?" Hapi asked with Mabos, the Maschiff she had saved during the battle with the Segin Squad next to her.
"My Pokéballs are missing! Has anyone seen my knapsack?" Mark asked.
"Hold on, lemme check somewhere…" Mermista said before stuffing her arm inside Cramorant's beak and fishing around.
Double D cringed. "Mermista! Why would his knapsack be in there?"
"Hey, he eats random stuff all the time, so it'd be the first place I look." Mermista said. "...But I don't feel it in there." she pulled her arm out.
"Hey all! I heard we weren't starting till dawn so I went out to do… train… ing…" Rutega said as she ran up on Koraidon. "What's… Going on…?"
"Hey, Rutega." Mermista said. "Mark's pack is missing, and that's where he stores all his Pokémon. But I think I know what happened, as a great detective. To make sure he wasn't ready to raid our next target, while we were sleeping… someone stole it!" she said dramatically.
"I've been robbed." Mark said. "Son of a gun, I've been robbed!"
"Mark, get a grip." Simon said before slapping him back and forth across the face.
"We need clues on who stole it though, Mermista." Rutega said. "While I agree, we need to look around for signs of anything they left. Crooks, especially not good ones, leave a trail."
"I think it's pretty obvious who stole it." Mermista said. "Think about it. We're right by the Navi Squad's base, and they've probably heard about us taking down the Segin and Schedar Squads. Don't you think they might've tried something to prevent us from attacking them?"
"I guess that puddle of toxic they left was pretty obvious." Rutega said, noting a poison puddle left on the ground.
"That sure sounds like something they would do." Mayumi said.
"But…why just my Pokémon, and no one else's?" Mark wondered. "If the point was to stop us from attacking, wouldn't they have stolen all of our options?"
"It's obvious." Rutega began. "They see you as the leader. If they take your Pokémon, they expect the rest of us won't barge in. But that's incredibly stupid."
"Exactly. If anything it just gives us even more agency to go after them." Mayumi said.
"Right! The rest of us can get inside that base and get your Pokémon back!" Eddy said. "C'mon, we gotta go!"
On the way to the Navi Squad's base as morning dawned, the group received a call from Cassiopeia.
"You sure know when to time your calls. Are you monitoring when we attack a base?" Glimmer asked.
"Maybe. Anyway, I see you decided to attack the base of the Navi Squad next." Casseopia said.
"We sure did. What can you tell us about their boss?" Glimmer replied.
"The Navi Squad's lead by a bit of an eccentric name Atticus. He's the one who designs all of Team Star's clothing." Casseopia said. "Don't let his looks fool you though. He may dress up and act like a ninja, but there's no telling how he'll react to you defeating the other squads."
"I can think of one…" Mark said. "My Pokémon have been stolen."
"Stolen? That doesn't sound like something Atticus would do…" Casseopia said, almost to herself.
"Maybe one of his supporters committed the deed, to make sure Mark doesn't get to him. Cassiopeia, can you think of anyone outside of Team Star he might associate with?" Mayumi asked.
"Well…a few names come to mind. Mostly younger students at the academies he stopped from being bullied." Cassiopeia said. "Well, whatever the case, you may be right about finding Mark's Pokémon at the base."
"Well, I guess we better pay a visit then." Simon said, putting a lollipop in his mouth.
After a half-hour of walking, the group came into the sights of purple flags that marked the Navi Squad's base. Outside the gates, they saw a young boy arguing with a Team Star grunt.
"For the last time, I'm not battling you. Will you just go home?" the grunt asked.
"But I need to speak to Don Atticus, it's important!" the boy said. "I have more than three Pokémon, so I can do the Star Barrage! Let me in!"
"It was at that moment that the group saw Mark's knapsack on the boy's arm.
"Excuse us. Does there seem to be a problem here?" Mayumi asked the two of them.
"This kid's lookin' to get inside the base and have a word with our don. But everyone's asleep right now, since we stayed up all night playing video games." the grunt said.
"Um… Do we even need to ask what those games were?" Mayumi asked. "Anyway, that seems to be quite the collection of Pokémon you got there. Mind telling us where you got them from?"
"Hm… and a very familiar looking bag too…" Rutega added, seeing the bag on the kid's arm.
"Uh…" the boy said, looking nervous before he shook his head and steeled his gaze as best he could. "No! I'm not going to let you guys defeat Don Atticus! I can convince him to come back to the academy, I just need to get to him!"
"And you're using my Pokémon to do it?" Mark asked.
"Kid, can you even battle?" Rutega asked.
"Of course I can! I can take any of you on with the two Pokémon I have, not any of the ones I stole last night-!" he bragged before covering his mouth.
"Gotcha. Nice trick, Rutega." Mayumi said.
"Thanks. Now kid, I'm gonna have to ask you to give that bag back. Unless, you wanna do this the hard way and see if you can back your own claim." Rutega said, bringing out a Pokéball with a wicked smirk. "Are ya feelin' froggy, kiddo? Or do I get to actually see someone be smart about things?"
"I'm not scared! Don Atticus taught me everything I know!" the kid said. "Mr. Grunt, I'll hold them off! You go wake the others up!"
"Yeah, I have no idea what your train of thought is, kid. But thanks for the big assist!" the grunt said as he walked back into his base.
Rutega looked at the kid with a wild grin. "Alright, send out your one Pokémon kid! I'll make things fair and 1v1 you."
"All right, you villain! Prepare to feel my wrath!" the kid said, pulling out one of his own Pokéballs. "My name is Youssef, and Don Atticus is my compadre! And when a compadre is in trouble…you have no choice but to help! Go, Gulpin!" they said, sending out the Stomach Pokémon.
"Okay kid…" Rutega chuckled. "Let's SMASH HIM! TINKATON!" Rutega said as she sent out a slightly bigger variant of Tinkatuff… WITH A COMICALLY BIG HAMMER. No, seriously. The hammer is twice the size of it at this point.
"So Rutegas Tinkatuff evolved, did it?" Double D asked, getting his guidebook. "Here it is! Tinkaton, the Hammer Pokémon! A Fairy and Steel Type! The hammer wielded by it tops 220 pounds, yet it gets swung around easily by Tinkaton as it steals whatever it pleases and carries its plunder back home."
"Gulpin, use Stockpile!" Youssef ordered. "I know you can handle whatever comes our way!"
Rutega was trying to hold back laughter. "Kid… I deeply apologize for what I'm about to do to that statement you made…" Rutega chuckled. "Tinkaton… GIGATON HAMMER!"
Tinkaton leapt up into the air as it spun about, before crashing down right into Gulpin for a massive amount of damage, a Critical Hit on top of that!
"Mmph…no time for a full charge. Use Spit Up!" Youssef said as Gulpin released the energy she stockpiled, hitting Tinkaton with the relatively powerful attack.
However, Tinkaton shrugged it off with a small chuckle before it looked serious.
"Now you may think Hammer time is over. Nah. Hammer Time never stops." Rutega smiled. "ICE HAMMER!"
Its big hammer becoming coated in ice, Tinkaton leapt into the air once again, as once again, it slammed down the comically large hammer into Gulpin, looking for the KO.
"Yawn!" Youssef called out. Gulpin managed to get the attack off before getting hit by the hammer, knocking them out. "You did your best…now it's up to you, Shroodle!" the boy said, sending out the Poison/Normal type.
"Eh!? I thought you only had one Pokémon!" Rutega exclaimed.
"Yeah, he lied." Mayumi said.
"...Oh now that makes me mad." Rutega said as she recalled Tinkaton.
"When your compadre's hopes and dreams are on the line…you can't afford to play fair!" Youssef said. "I won't let you shame Don Atticus!"
"Well, since you decided not to play fair." Rutega smiled as she brought out her Master Ball. "It's my turn to not play fair. ZANA, LET'S DO THIS!" Rutega smiled as she brought out the Legendary Sword dog, who roared, its held item allowing it to enter in Crowned Blade Form. "Since you decided not to play fair, I'm not playing fair either. Think you can take a Legendary Pokémon, Youssef!?"
"...I can try!" Youssef declared. "Shroodle, Poison Fang!" he ordered as Shroodle bit down on Zana with toxic fangs.
Zana didn't take any damage due to the Steel Typing of Crowned Sword form, as it glared at Shroodle.
"I can tell ya wanna do it. Go for it, Behemoth Blade." Rutega smirked.
With fire burning in her eyes, Zana leapt up and slashed the Poison/Normal with its signature Steel Type move.
The move sent Shroodle back to their trainer's feet, barely hanging on. Even still, the young boy's resolve didn't waver.
"If that sword is the reason they're so strong, then we'll keep them from using it! Switcheroo!" Youssef said.
In the blink of an eye, Zana's sword vanished from their grasp and appeared in front of Shroodle. The Toxic Mouse Pokémon then looked back at its trainer, as if to ask 'What do I do with this thing?'.
"...You're really asking for a beating now, aren't you?" Rutega asked with a tick mark as Zana burned with vigorous anger. "Psychic Fangs, Zana. And knock that sword off that Mouse's person when you do."
Zana nodded, as she chomped the poor mouse with Super effective Fangs, her sword dropping to the ground as Zana picked it up and tossed it to Rutega, intending to whip this kid's ass without it now. Welp, so much for the sword being the answer.
"That's enough, Rutega. He's got the message." Mayumi said.
"Does he, though?" Rutega asked. "No, I don't think he does, he's got the resolve, he still wants to fight. And a fight I'll give him until he does understand."
"Actually, Rutega…I think he does understand." Mark said, walking past Zana and up to Youssef. "I can tell, even though he's still standing tall…his legs are shaking. He's got fear in his eyes. If I didn't know better, I'd say he thinks you're going to tear his Shroodle apart…literally."
"...Alright. Maybe I took it too far. But damn, I hate liars and thieves!" Rutega said as she recalled Zana. "I'm sorry, but when someone isn't honest, that sets me off beyond belief. It's that kind of stuff that almost got my dad killed. Haven't taken it too well since…" Rutega grumbled as she folded her arms with a huff.
"I…I'm sorry too." Youssef said, letting his relief show. "I just…wanted to protect Don Atticus. I'm sorry…I failed him…"
Rutega heard this as her expression softened and she turned, gritting her teeth at how out of line she acted in her moment of anger.
"And there's nothing wrong with wanting to do that. But your methods need some work." Mark said as he crouched down to the boy's level and gently took his bag back. "You said you wanted Atticus to come back to the academy? Don't worry; we'll take up your mission for you."
"I…thank you." Youssef said as he wiped a few tears from his eyes. "I don't want Don Atticus to get expelled for doing the right thing. Please…promise you'll convince him to come back!"
"We will." Mark said as he stood back up. "Everyone…let's go." he said, sending out his Pokémon.
However, as he looked at the group, he noticed something wrong: Neither Rutega or Koraidon were there. As if after Rutega's stunt, they left without as much as saying where they were going.
"Seems like Rutega has some lingering thoughts of her own." Mayumi said. "I would be too, if I acted like that." she said as she sent out her Pokémon. "Malamar, Corviknight, shall we get going?"
The others sent out their Pokémon as well, as Mark walked up to the bell and rung it, letting the gates open. "Youssef, a friend of ours should come here soon. Once he shows up, stick with him."
"Okay." Youssef nodded as the speaker buzzed to life.
"Oh…it seems those bumblers of operation: Star-Fail are here to mess up our base now." a voice on the intercom said. "Well we're not gonna sit around and take it. Let them have it!" they called out as the members in the base sent out a number of Poison Pokémon, mostly Gulpin, Grimer, Shroodle, Stunky, Paldean Wooper and Seviper.
"Lots of Poison types! Finish things quickly and easily before they hinder anybody!" Glimmer said.
"Malamar, Seviper Brigade is yours. Corviknight, you got the Grimer Brigade." Mayumi said.
"(Yes, ma'am!")" Both Pokémon said in Pokémon speak as they were dispatched.
"You're up too, Spike, offer some of the other brigades a Bonemerang or two." Simon said as Spike tossed his bone like a boomerang, causing it to bounce around a few Pokemon's heads before returning to him.
"Let's turn this area to our advantage! Gulpin and Stunky Brigades, use Poison Gas!" a grunt called out as the two groups of Pokémon covered the area in a poison fog. "Ha! Hope all your Pokémon like the smell of…huh?" they said, seeing Breloom walking through the mismaic haze and defeating their Pokémon, even as he was pelted with attacks. "What's up with that Breloom?! He's just ignoring the fog!"
"(He's not the only one.)" Corviknight said in Pokémon speak as the poison didn't affect him at all. "(You okay, Malamar?)"
"(Y-yeah. A little woozy. But I'll live.)" Malamar said.
"(Get to the vending machines. You'll be able to heal up there.)" Corviknight said.
"(I've got something just on hand.)" Cheshire said. "(Fairy Swirl!)" he called, unleashing a whirlwind with an overpowering scent that healed his friends and damaged the opposing Pokémon while also healing them of any poison.
In the meantime, Breloom managed to defeat the last of the Poison Gas users, ensuring Cheshire's work couldn't be undone. Observing the effect of the Fairy Swirl, he grunted in resigned annoyance before he went back to attacking the Poison Crew's Pokémon.
"We're not going to be able to change the terrain now…might as well go in full force!" another grunt said. "Wooper, Sludge Wave!"
The group of Wooper banded together and created a massive sludge wave, intending to defeat all the intruders in one go.
"Hydro Pump that wave away, Cramorant!" Mermista said, the Gulp Pokémon doing as instructed, though it had little effect. "Uh, we could use a little help here guys!"
"Splasher, use Hydro Pump too!" Simon called, bringing out Splasher the Blastoise as he fired pressurized water from the cannons on his back full force.
"(Now, Bubblebeam!)" Araquanid said as he fired rapid bubbles.
The combined Water type attacks managed to wash out the poison wave enough that it only hit the Paldean Wooper themselves, the force of the wave knocking them all out.
"Okay…" a grunt said. "When all else fails, start shooting! Gunk Shot!" they ordered as the remaining Pokémon all fired filthy garbage at the opposing Pokémon.
The Pokémon prepared to defend themselves, only for Breloom to get up in front and take the shots himself. He marched forward through the continued assault until he stretched out his arms and punched rapidly, his small body blazing with power as he took out the Navi Squad's remaining Pokémon.
"Ack…that was all our Pokémon…" a grunt said. "We got no choice. We gotta get the boss!"
The loud revving of an engine was heard as the group saw the Starmobile emerge as standing on it was a man dressed as a ninja with various poison themed attire, including a mask that covered all but one eye.
Boss of Team Stars Poison Crew
Atticus
"Atticus, we presume?" Simon asked.
"Indeed. 'Tis I, Atticus!" the man declared. "You're the scoundrels that defeated Mela and Giacomo, I take it? You have some nerve baring your fangs at Team Star."
"You should know it's nothing personal." Simon said. "After all, we can understand the bullying issue your friends Mela and Giacomo had. But what about you?" he asked, pointing his lollipop at him.
"I fight to protect those who cannot protect themselves. What those among the rabble who act as they are kings think of me is of no concern." Atticus said. "But you have gone beyond that. You have struck down the aspirations of two of my compadres. That is something I cannot allow to go unpunished!"
"A lot of us can understand your reason to fight, wanting to protect those is admirable." Simon said. "Your thoughts, Mark?"
"I think he seems like a pretty nice guy." Mark said, stepping up. "But, nice guy or not, there's a lot riding on this. So we have no choice…but to take you down, Atticus!"
"Come, then, villainous wretch! A plunge into grim poison shall be your well-deserved fate. En garde!" Atticus said, sending out a Skuntank.
"Let's rock, baby!" Simon said.
(Cue- Princess Amagi-ya- Persona 4 Arena)
"Let's see what you got, Pawniard!" Mark said, sending out his first Pokémon.
"Fool! Skuntank has many surprises in store. Use Flamethrower!" Atticus said as Skuntank unleashed a stream of flames at Pawniard.
"Iron Defense, Pawniard!" Mark said, the Sharp Blade Pokémon harding to defend itself, still taking some damage, but not as much as he could have. "Well, Pawniard's got some surprises too! Use Torment!"
"(A mere rodent, who relies only on their smell to fight…what a farce. You are beneath us.)" Pawniard said, his words laced with Dark Type energy, preventing Skuntank from using any attacks twice in a row.
"Hmm…a passable strategy. But it will not save you." Atticus said. "Focus your energy, Skuntank. When the opportunity comes, we will strike."
"Not on my watch! Night Slash!" Mark said, Pawniard slashing Skuntank with a critical hit, lowering their health down a quarter.
"Your gambit has failed. Now, once more…Flamethrower!" Atticus said as Skuntak unleashed the attack once more.
"(I may fall here…but I shall leave my mark.)" Pawnaird said as he fired off a bolt of lightning before the Flamethrower hit him, knocking him out. The Thunder Wave hit Skuntank, causing a little damage.
"You did good, Pawniard." Mark nodded as he returned his first Pokémon. "Let's make sure it means something…Crocalor!"
Mark sent out his starter, who danced around in excitement.
"Ah, a Crocalor. Very well. Skuntank, use…" Atticus said before he noticed Skuntank was locked up in place, electricity zapping around her fur. "Paralysis! That Thunder Wave!"
"Looks like Pawniard's pride wouldn't let him go down without making sure she'd go right after." Mark said. "Let's use this opportunity given to us! Mud-Slap!"
Crocalor smacked a bunch of mud right into Skuntank as it was knocked right out.
"Return!" Atticus said, recalling Skuntank. "Now…go Revavroom!" he said, sending out a Revavroom in its natural form.
"Let's shake things up, Spike!" Simon called.
"Simon…?" Mark asked, seeing the look in the Warlock's eyes. "(I see…he's just as determined to keep that promise.) Okay, Simon…let that engine have it!"
"So, you wish to join in this fight? So be it! Show them your metal with Bulldoze!" Atticus said as Revavroom revved its engine as it dashed at Spike.
"Meet him head on with Bone Rush, Spike!" Simon said as Spike rushed towards Revavroom and clubbed at it four times.
"Magnet Rise!" Atticus said, Revavroom levitating into the air. "Roads once open to you have now been closed. Naught but punishment awaits thee now! Sludge from above!"
The Multi-Cyl Pokémon launched the attack to Spike down below, covering him in poison.
"Damn, Ground types won't make a dent now. You did good, Spike, pull back for now." Simon said as he called him back. "Let's turn up the heat, Pyro!" he called, bringing out Pyro the Charizard.
"A dragon approaches…Revavroom, it is time to unleash your true power. Use Spin Out!" Atticus said as Revavroom strained his legs, furiously spinning into Pyro.
"Take flight Pyro, and unleash the unbridled heat of your Inferno!" Simon called as Pyro took to the skies and engulfed Revavroom in an intense fire.
The Steel Type's weakness to Fire was its undoing as he was knocked out and recalled by Atticus.
"A mighty display of power, I will concur." Atticus said. "Yet, I shall stand my ground. Come forth, Muk!" he declared, sending out his third Pokémon. "Beware, scoundrel! My Muk can poison his foes with but a glance! Tremble, for thy Pokémon's sake!"
"Your guys' Pokémon seem to be looking just a little tired, mind if I cut in?" A voice called out as the group turned… watching as Rutega came back, with a smile on her face and Koraidon at her side as usual, as she held a Pokéball in hand, looking to join this fight.
"Rutega!" Mark exclaimed.
Cue: Elite Four Sinnoh Theme - Remix by GaragebandPoke
"The knave that defeated Giacomo… I'd wondered where you were." Atticus said before looking towards Simon. "Another friend has appeared to aid thee. If you agree to this, then I will switch opponents once more."
"Fine with me, I'm sure Mark agrees too." Simon said.
"Yep. Go ahead and do your best, Rutega!" Mark said as Simon stepped aside, allowing Rutega the floor.
"Tell me Atticus. How many Pokémon do you have left at your disposal?" Rutega asked as she stepped forward to the battle area.
"A mere two remaining." Atticus admitted. "To defeat you will be a battle of great difficulty…but it is one that I will not shy away from. Come! Send your first Pokémon into the fray!"
Rutega nodded, only holstering two Pokémon for the battle.
"Hm?" Atticus pondered, looking at what she was doing.
"An honorable fighter such as yourself deserves an honorable end. In one hand, I hold one of my most dearest partners. The other, a newly captured recruit of great power, but shaky trust. I'm coming at you on even terms. If you beat me, so be it. I will have fought just as honorably and valiantly as you have, knowing I fought a fair and just battle." Rutega said with a smile, nodding over to Youssef for the kid to take notes on what a true respectful battle is like.
"..." Atticus said nothing, as his eyes were briefly filled with a mixture of respect and growing remorse. "Very well. Prepare thyself, Muk! Our battle begins in earnest!"
"Go, Lucario!" Rutega called as Lucario entered the field.
RUTEGA
Lucario, ?
VS
ATTICUS
Muk, ?
"Alright Lucario, start it off with a Bone Rush!" Rutega ordered, as Lucario formed his aura bones yet again and rushed head first at Muk.
"Meet it with Sludge Wave!" Atticus said, his Pokémon barfing up a wave of toxic liquid, going straight for the Steel/Fighting type.
"Charge right through!" Rutega exclaimed as Lucario rushed through the acid and began whacking away at Muk with the bones. Muk didn't stand much of a chance as it was quickly beaten down.
"You think to give me a taste of mine own poison? Fie! I will fight on to the bitter end! To battle, Navi Starmobile!" Atticus called as his other Revavroom roared to life as the Starmobile was now ready for battle.
'The last leg… No turning back now.' Rutega thought as she looked at Lucario, who nodded back. "Alright, AURA SPHERE!"
"Run it over with Flame Charge!" Atticus commanded as the Starmobile revved and rode towards Lucario as it and the Aura Sphere battered against each other to try and overpower the other.
Lucario tried to power up his Aura Sphere, but it still charged through as Lucario was ran over by Revavroom, a Critical Hit no doubt as Lucario was barely standing from the attack. "Lucario…!" Rutega exclaimed.
"A chance has come! Finish it off with Spin Out!" Atticus called as he held on, the Starmobile going into a spin out and ramming Lucario down, burning out its own tires and taking it down as it was recalled.
"Rutega! After Spin Out is used, the user's Speed gets cut down a lot!" Bernadetta called.
"Looks like it's time to test the bonds." Rutega said as she sent out her next Pokémon. "Go, Iron Valiant!" She exclaimed, as out of the Pokéball came what appeared to be a futuristic fusion between Gardevoir and Gallade.
"Oh, my!" Double D said. "What is that?!"
"It looks like a machine! But…where did she find that?!" Mermista said.
"I found it after realizing what a Pokémon battle should truly look like, me and a friend both actually." Rutega said. "We stumbled on a massive crater in the ground, and I found this Pokémon first thing when I got down there. I figured a new me deserves a new Pokémon."
"A crater…are you talking about the Great Crater in the center of the region?! You actually went down there?" Atticus said in shock.
"Yeah, you better believe I did. A change like this causes you to go to places you never thought you could." Rutega smiled as she looked up at Atticus. "Let's end this duel, one way or another!"
"Very well. This is to be your end anyway!" Atticus said as the Starmobile revved towards Iron Valiant, an aura of toxicity coming off it. "Prepare to be Vanquished by the might of my Starmobile's Noxious Torque!"
"Jump above it!" Rutega ordered as Iron Valiant did as commanded, leaping high over the Navi Starmobile. "Now, Close Combat!"
Iron Valiant sent many shockwaves created by only its fists down at the Navi Starmobile, landing rapid hits on it again and again. It then took the pink spikes on its arms and combined them onto a lance before landing a finishing slash as the Starmobile went up in smoke.
"A creature with the grace of the Gardevoir but the swordsmanship of a Gallade…it truly is…a powerful foe." Atticus said as he looked at the base that had been taken over. "Forgive me…my friends…"
A Year and a half ago….
"Forgive me. It took a goodly time to procure the required materials."
"Whoaaa, sick! These boots are insaaaaaane!"
"Ah, yes. The move Flame Charge was my muse for those particular pieces."
"This outfit is everything I imagined it would be. Thank you so much!"
"I merely wished to create a costume worthy of the great Infernal Eri. If it aligns with your vision, then I am content."
"Seems our outfit upgrades are all wrapped up, then! Thanks a ton, Atticus. With you two lookin' like absolute beasts, anyone who crosses us will be sweatin' bullets!"
"You're so good at these sorts of crafty things, Atticus! Those people bullying you 'cause you geek out over old-fashioned stuff are out of their minds."
"The way of the ninja is rough and fraught with thorns. I neither expect nor desire sympathy from the unrefined rabble."
"Oooh, someone's gettin' fired up! Watch out, world - our Atticus has FIGHTIN' words!"
"Yeah, don't listen to the haters, Atticus. I think you're really cool!"
"All right, gang. Let's move on to the next step. It's time to put our backs into our battle training so we're all prepped for Operation Star. We gotta be stronger than everyone else in the team - that's what bein' a boss means!"
"Indeed it does. Henceforth, I will devote myself heart and soul honing my battle skills!"
"Even though you lost, you fought well." Simon said as he, Mark, and Rutega approached.
"That was a great final duel, Atticus." Rutega said with a genuine smile.
"...Indeed, it was." Atticus said, as he pulled out his Star Badge. "I must follow the code of Team Star. Thus…this badge is mine to keep no more. I entrust it to thy care." he said, handing the badge to Mark and bowing to the three.
"You know, I gotta say, yours and the other bosses' outfits are pretty interesting." Simon said.
"I had taken inspiration from moves and personalities." Atticus said.
"So you created those outfits?" spoke Clive as he emerged. "But what I don't get is why you joined?"
"I myself have a favortism to the olden ways...a thing that made me a target of vile fiends. So we united to purge the school of the vile fiends." Atticus said.
"And the rumors of you starting random fights and forcing others to join?" Clive asked.
"That is news to me. We are simply a group in waiting for the true leader to return." Atticus said.
"Who is your leader?" Simon asked.
"I do not know their true identity. In fact, myself and the others have never met them in the flesh." Atticus said. "Only speaking through phone conversations and the like. We don't even know their real name."
"Interesting. And speaking through the phone." Simon said. "Sounds like what our mysterious client is doing with us doesn't it?" he asked, turning to Mark.
"Lots of people do that to keep their identities secret. It's not that uncommon." Double D said.
"Yeah. Some people don't like having their faces seen by other people." Mayumi said.
"Still…it's something to keep in mind." Mark said.
"Still, Atticus, don't think Team Star is all you have when it comes to friends." Glimmer said. "You've earned our respect. And you know… someone who admires you a lot risked everything to come all the way out here and see you."
"Yeah, he's still green behind the ears but he's got spunk." Simon added.
"This person… it would not happen to be Youssef, would it?" Atticus asked.
"Yeah. He…went to great lengths to try and get to you." Mark said.
"And he now has a chance to speak to you." Clive said as Youseff came out from behind him.
"Hey everyone… Don Atticus." Youseff said. "Mark, I should apologize to you. I shouldn't have stolen your Pokémon last night just so I could try and get to Don Atticus. And Rutega, I'm sorry for getting you so upset during our battle. I was out of line, and I didnt think straight. All I wanted was to convince Don Atticus that he should come back to school! Team Star's not all he's got, he's my lifelong compadre, my friend!"
"What do you say to that, Atticus?" Simon asked.
"Perhaps…I should return." Atticus said. "Youssef…challengers…I owe you all a great debt."
"Hmm…and young lady…you said out loud you went into the Great Crater of Paldea, yes?" Clive asked. "Even knowing entry there is forbidden without permission?"
"Yeah I…wait, it's what?!" Rutega said.
"Oh…so you didn't know." Clive said. "Entry to the Great Crater is forbidden without permission from the two scientists doing research there. Luckily there's no staff from the Academy or any officials here so we'll just keep it our little secret."
"Phew…" Rutega sighed in relief.
"Now…I think now is the time we parted ways until the next raid. Tata." Clive said as he walked away from them all before looking serious. "That Pokémon…didn't even look like something you'd see in Paldea or any other Region. Could those two have truly been…" he murmured to himself.
"And then there were two. With clearing this recent one, Shun'ei and his group shouldn't have any trouble reaching the two towns with gyms up north." Simon said.
"Yeah, but talk about a major hurdle coming up. One of the remaining bases is in the North Province…." Mermista said, looking up at the towering Glaseado mountain. "On the other freakin side of that mountain."
"Yeah, right past the towns Shun'ei has to battle in. I hope they don't end up giving him too much trouble." Mayumi said.
"Still, how are we supposed to get up over that?" Glimmer said. "It'd be a lot easier if Koraidon had enough strength back to climb up the face of it. I bet he could do it easy."
"Well, sadly, he doesn't have that ability yet. Let me rejoin the Titan squad and see if I can't bring you guys a special delivery of a climbing Koraidon." Rutega said as she hopped onto Koraidon to head back to the Titan squad.
"By the way, how did Koraidon enjoy being home?" Mark asked.
"Actually…when we got there, it refused to come out." Rutega said.
"Hm? That's weird. What could this mean?" Mayumi asked.
"I've dealt with this thing before. A mental block. Something happened to it and Miraidon that forced them away from Area Zero." Mark said. "Probably why they won't go into fighting form."
"The Great Crater… and Area Zero. What could possibly be in there?" Glimmer asked, leaving the Starfall team wondering the exact same question.