While waiting for Rutega to return, the Starfall Team was busy training and catching Pokémon to add to their team.

While in this process, some of Mark's members evolved. Crocalor had become Skeledirge during a heated battle with a rather fierce Great Tusk, and his Pawniard had challenged and defeated three of its evolved species and their packs, allowing him to evolve himself into Bisharp.

"(I'm still not satisfied. I still wish to grow even stronger.)" Bisharp said as the team was taking a Picnic break.

"(Ah, give it a rest, will ya?)" Honchkrow said. "(Nobody becomes strong right away. You have to work and put effort into it.)"

"(Speak for yourself. It only takes a stone to reach your form.)" Alolan Sandslash said.

"(Same for you, lest you forget.)" Honchkrow retorted back.

"(Perhaps you don't know this, but here in this region, my species can evolve further.)" Bisharp said. "(Once I defeat one more Bisharp leading their own Pawniard…I'll reach the greatest of ranks…Kingambit. Then I shall become worthy of ruling over this team.)"

"(Wait, when did we decide that?)" Skeledirge asked. "(And besides, to even evolve like that, you need a Leader's Crest, which last I checked, you don't have.)"

"(He's got a point there, mate.)" Honchkrow said.

"(That can be remedied easily. One must simply take it from another.)" Bisharp said. "(Then, I will be well on my way to rule.)"

"(Just don't get in my way.)" Breloom said as he was standing away from the group, looking out across the fields. "(There's something I have to do in this place, and I won't let anyone or anything stop me.)"

"(Why does he like to fight so much, anyway?)" Malamar asked.

"(Don't know. He's been like this since we fought that Mela chick.)" Honchkrow said.

"(Though the real mystery is that he is able to use ki just like Mark.)" Sigil said.

"(Maybe it has something to do with that 'Perfect Link' stuff the trainers keep talking about?)" Skeledirge suggested.

"(I don't care how. All I care about is using it.)" Breloom said in a tone of finality.

Cramorant looked at Breloom. "(I'm probably gonna forget I ever thought this… but what the heck is Breloom after anyway?)" he thought.. "(Oh…that looks tasty.)" he thought as he tried to gulp down a plate.

"(We've only got two crews left. Fairy and Fighting. Do you think we're gonna be okay?)" Alolan Sandslash asked.

"(Fairy types are usually weak against Poison and Steel. We shouldn't have much problem.)" Bisharp said.

"(Though, just to be safe, I should probably sit this one out. Sandslash, you and Salazzle got this, no problem.)" Honchkrow said.

"(Not just them, Bulba and Nagana can be a big help too since they're also part Poison type.)" Cheshire said.

"(Still, I hope Rutega gets here soon.)" Honchkrow said.

They soon heard a buzzing coming in, only it wasn't Rutega and Koraidon coming in, but David and Miraidon.

"Wait, Dave? What happened to Rutega?" Mayumi asked.

"I'm guessing she got lost or something." Mermista said.

"No, there's no way. She always finds us without fail. Maybe she got held up on something." Jesse said.

"In any case, since Miraidon has the same features as Koraidon, I'll be helping you guys out this time, if you don't mind." David said.

"Good thinking, David. We do need Miraidon's climbing skills and his Glide Mode to get up and over Glaseado mountain to Area Three of the North Province. That's where the Fairy Crews base is." Glimmer said.

"I know. I caught a glimpse of it as I was heading to Montenevera." David said.

"Can Miraidon even take all of us on his back though?" Bernadetta asked. "What if during the climb, one of us slips off and we fall to our death?!"

"Ah, true. Miraidon can only carry so many people at once. I'd have to make several round trips to get everyone there." David said.

"Let me go with you in the first group, David. That way, I can use my Teleportation to warp Miraidon back so he doesn't have to drive everywhere." Glimmer offered.

"I'd gladly help too, but…something's been off with my summoning lately." Simon said.

"I can help too." Mark spoke up. "I know Instant Transmission, and I can bring along a few people with me too."

"So, I'll have to rely on Glimmer and Mark for now." David said. "Alright, you two. I'll bring you as far as the Pokémon Center."

And so, after Glimmer and Mark were taken by Miraidon and David to the Pokémon Center closest to the Fairy Crew's base, Glimmer used her Teleportation Magic, and Mark used Instant Transmission to bring everybody over.

"Whew… a little more long distanced than I thought. Good thing I'm a full fledged ruler of Brightmoon, otherwise I'd never be able to pull off so many long distance teleports." Glimmer breathed.

"Take a bit to catch your breath, Glimmer." Mark said. "Afterwards, we're heading out."

"It's great you came to help us, David. Your team's got great coverage against Fairy types." Glimmer noted.

"Anyway…the Fairy Crew are in that meadow." Double D said pointing to a vast flowery meadow where a number of peaceful Pokémon roamed near the base.

"It looks so peaceful here. I don't understand why anyone in Team Star would put a base here." Mayumi said.

"Simple. It was the least likely place for anybody to get attacked due to the terrain that cuts it off from the rest of Paldea." Cassiopeia piped in.

"Oh, hi Cassiopia." Glimmer said as they headed into the meadow. "We were just about to wonder when you'd call. We found a way to get to the Fairy Crew's base."

"Nice job. Now it's time for you guys to wipe out the Ruchbach Squad." Cassiopeia said. "Their leader is known as Ortega. He's the one who created the Starmobiles. Meaning he's a vital part of Team Star."

"Take him down, no more Starmobiles, got it." Mermista said. "What do you know about him?"

"Well, he comes from a pretty high-end family. And believe it or not, Paldea isn't his home region. He transferred to the academies all the way from Alola." Cassiopeia said.

"Pray tell." Simon said.

"Hold on a second, did you just say Alola?" Mayumi asked.

"That's right." Cassiopeia said. "But where he comes from doesn't matter right now. He might be the youngest of the Team Star bosses, but his battle skills are no joke. Underestimate him, and things'll go south for you guys quickly. He's a 'lead from the back' kind of guy though, has the grunts do all the work for him."

"Kinda expected of rich kids." Mermista said.

"Don't worry, the Star Barrage will draw him out. He's got a real short fuse, so once you get past the grunts wave of Fairy types, he'll come out to take care of you personally." Cassiopeia said. "Good luck in there."

"All right. Now we just…" Double D said as they saw an older man leaving. "What the?"

"Ah…I get it. He must still take things outside of school. That must be his escort." Glimmer said.

"Or a private teacher for him. Still, we gotta get inside." Mermista said as they headed towards the front gate adorned with pink flags. As they approached, the man was talking with a grunt.

"I will return later when it's time for the young master's piano lesson. Please give him my regards." the man said before he saw the group approaching. "Hm? And who might you all be?"

"Just have a few issues to hash out with your student." Mayumi said.

"I see…so you intend to tear apart this squad he leads?" the man asked.

"That's right." Mayumi said.

"Well…in that case…Go, Morgrem!" the man said as he sent out a Morgrem.

"Let me handle this, Mayumi. You should save your strength for Ortega. Dustox!" David said as he sent out Dustox.

"Use Dark Pulse!" the man commanded as Morgrem blasted Dustox with dark energy.

"Now, Bug Buzz!" David said, as Dustox fired back with the Bug type attack, causing big damage to Morgrem.

"Return! Come, Hattrem!" he said switching out to Hattrem.

"Hattrem, hm? This is gonna be a bit difficult. Silver Wind!" David said. Dustox buffeted the Fairy type with the gust of wind.

"Use Calm Mind, followed by Dazzling Gleam." the man said as the Fairy type initiated the combo as Dustox withstood thanks to its Poison typing.

"Now to finish this up. Psybeam!" David said, finishing Hatterem off.

"Well done. You all seem very prepared to battle the Young Master. But be cautious. Compared to me, he's very skilled." the man said, leaving.

"Who was that guy?" Glimmer asked.

"Oh, him? Word is he was the former director of the academy before Clavell took over." the grunt standing guard said. "Now he comes here to take the boss to his lessons- wait, why am I explaining all this?! No doubt you guys are here to attack us, we've heard about the other three bases falling on the other side of Glaseado Mountain! Better get everybody ready, hasta la vistar!" he said, going inside.

"Okay, it's time." Glimmer said. "Mark, you're mainly gonna have to run Bisharp for this. But be careful. He's Steel and Dark, so he goes both ways against Fairy types."

"Right." Mark nodded, getting his Pokémon out. "You all know what comes next. Get ready."

"(They will kneel to us…like all the rest.)" Bisharp acknowledged. "(Ring the bell of war!)"

Mayumi walks up and rings the bell. "Get ready, everyone."

The group headed inside, ready for a Fairy type Star Barrage.

"Coming all the way out here is impressive. But unfortunately for you losers, all the way north out here is as far as you go! Let's get 'em, guys!" the PA said as the grunts sent out tons of fairy types.

"Salazzle, Sandslash, let's have some fun!" Mayumi said as she sent her Pokémon out.

"Dustox, Skarmory, let's join in too." David said as he sent Skarmory out.

"You're up too, Nagana." Simon added as he brought out Nagana the Naganadel.

"Release the mutts!" one of them said as some yellowish dog like creatures marched on the group.

"(I've got these guys!)" Alolan Sandslash said as he starts using Metal Claw on the creatures.

"(I will take them all on!)" Bisharp said, cutting through a ton.

"Target the Bisharp! He can damage us, but we can get him right back!" a grunt said as the Pokémon went at him. Suddenly, they got some slashes dealt to them, but not from the Bisharp.

"(Mind if I cut in?)" Everyone heard a female voice as they saw a Lurantis in the base.

"(A-a Lurantis? What are you doing in this base?)" Salazzle asked.

"(I was just passing by when I saw you all let yourselves in.)" the Lurantis explained. "(You seem like a fun crowd, so I wanna join you.)"

"(I trust her.)" Dustox said.

"(Me as well. Good to see a fellow Alolan over here.)" Salazzle said.

"(Young girl…you wish to join our ranks?)" Bisharp asked. "(Very well. As of this moment, you are one of my generals.)"

"(Again, who decided you were in charge?)" Skeldirge asked as he used Flamethrower on some of the enemy Pokémon.

"(Ah, let him have this.)" Cramorant said as he Drill Pecked an Azurill. "(We should at least let him think he's in charge.)"

It was only a matter of time before they broke through the barrage and made the crew back down.

"Our defenses our breached… it's all up to the boss now!" a grunt said.

Rolling out on a Starmobile with a pink paint job was a young boy who wore a fancy pink suit and pink hair to match. He also was smacking a cane in his hands, giving off a smirk to the group before him.

Boss of Team Star's Fairy Crew

Ortega

"Huh, so you're the guys who took out Giacomo, Mela and Atticus…? Okaaay…." Ortega said, not exactly impressed. "Talk about underwhelming. I was expecting your group to be, I dunno, a little beefed up?"

"Don't be so smug. We're putting a stop to you all the same." Mayumi said.

"Heh. I'd like to see you try, girlie. Gaia, Mash, front and center!" Ortega said as two grunts came up to his sides.

"We're the Black Fairy Stars, the best in the Ruchbach Squad! Our triple-team tactics are second to none!" the grunt known as Gaia said.

"Triple teaming us, huh? That's pretty underhanded. Not man enough to fight yourself?" Mermista asked.

"Gh-Whatever! Alone or with help, it's not like I'm gonna lose to any of you anyway." Ortega said. "If you think Fairy types are all about cuteness, then youre all in for a nasty surprise!"

"Challenge accepted. I'll take you all on!" Mayumi said.

"Salazzle, Sandslash, Naganadel, you three are all up!" Mayumi said as she sent out her Pokémon. "Since you all decided to go three-on-one, I figured I'd try a hand at Triple Battles, too."

"Fine by me! Go, Azumarill!" Ortega said, sending out the Water and Fairy type.

"Let's show them, Wigglytuff." Gaia said sending out Wigglytuff.

"Rough them up, Dachsbun!" Mash said sending out a breadlike dog.

"Uh… is that dog made outta pastries?" Mermista asked.

"Let's see…Ah. Dachsbun, the Dog Pokémon and the evolved form of Fidough! A Fairy Type! The pleasant aroma that emanates from this Pokémon's body helps wheat grow, so Dachsbun has been treasured by farming villages." Double D read.

"Time to go all-out. Sandslash, Metal Claw on Wigglytuff, Salazzle, Poison Jab on Dachsbun, and Naganadel, Acid on Azumarill!" Mayumi said.

All three went after their targets and damaged them, and Ortega's team looked to do the same same.

"Azumarill, Aqua Tail on Salazzle!" Ortega called.

"Wigglytuff, Gyro Ball on Sandslash!" Gaia said.

"Play Rough with Naganadel, Dachsbun!" Mash said.

"Got you all now. Salazzle, Sludge Wave!" Mayumi said.

Just as Ortega's team attacked, Salazzle released the huge deluge of poison that wiped all three Pokémon out.

"The Black Fairy Stars, defeated by a single girl! I can't believe it…!" Gaia said.

"What the HECK!? Why is MY team on the ropes?! It's not fair!" Ortega cried. "You're gonna regret this, lady! Ruchbach Starmobile, rev it up!" he said as Revavroom sparked to life.

As soon as it entered the battle, Misty Terrain suddenly invoked.

"Misty Terrain from the start? It must be the Misty Surge ability." Glimmer said.

"Sandslash, let's start with a Gyro Ball!" Mayumi said. Sandslash hit the Starmobile hard.

"Hit em all at once with Spin Out!" Ortega said as the three pokemon were hit together by the Starmobile at the cost of some speed. "Now, take out Naganadel with Magical Torque!" he called out as Revavroom revved right into the dragon with fairy power powering it up.

"This guy isn't going to pull his punches now. Salazzle, back up Naganadel with Sludge Bomb!" Mayumi said. Salazzle naled Revavroom with the poison move dead center. "Now, time for a combo attack! Sandsalsh, Metal Claw! Salazzle, Poison Jab! Naganadel, Poison Jab!"

"Oh no…!" Ortega said in shock as all three of them attacked, causing the Starmobile to break down, and Ortega left in disbelief. "Ugh! How could I LOSE?! What the HECK!" he asked as his mind flashed back to a year and a half ago…

"Arrrghhh! What the HECK!"

"Your toy car didn't budge an inch, huh."

"I told you - it's not a toy! It's called the Starmobile, and I was up all night building it!"

"The problem's clearly that we're not givin' it enough designed this thing to be powered by Charcadet, but it's just too heavy."

"That's such a shame… I wanted to see the looks on our bullies' faces once we got it moving."

"I'm sorry… I really thought it would work…"

"Come, good fellow. 'Tis no occasion for melancholy. Why, to make such a remarkable contraption by thine own hand… Genius, thy name is Ortega!"

"Yeah, well…there's no point if it doesn't work, is there? If I knew all that effort would have zero payout, I'd have just asked Mother to buy a car for us…"

"See, this is why people don't take you seriously. You say some stupid things, you know that?"

"Wha-?"

"Mela! Cool it, would ya?"

"Yeah, how 'bout no. I mean, we even put this in the code, for cryin' out loud! When we started Team Star, we swore to quit relyin' on our parents or bags of cash to fix our problems for us. Or did you forget?"

"... … …"

"If that hunka junk doesn't move, get it moving. If we're short on juice, just gotta crank up the power somehow. Doesn't take a genius, man."

"That's easy enough to say, Mellie. Do you have an actual plan?"

"Yup. I'm gonna train up my Charcadet and have 'em evolve. Their boosted firepower will get the Starmobile moving, no sweat."

"But the hour of Operation Star is nigh at hand… Will you succeed in time?"

"Oh, I'll get it done!"

"Mellie, wait!"

"... … …"

"You know, Mela shoots her mouth off an awful lot, but she means well."

"I know… Guh. This sucks…"

"Well…that's that…after all that time creating the Starmobiles too for Operation Star…they weren't even used well against the bullies for that." Ortega said.

"But…you guys had a showdown right?" Eddy asked.

"Are you kidding? Once they got a look, not a single one put up a fight and just ran for it. Leaving the academy for good." Ortega said.

"Leaving the academy? I never would have imagined…" Mayumi said.

"But…they said the academy was a perfect academic paradise." Double D said.

"That's not entirely true. Least…not back then." a voice said as the man from earlier approached.

"Mr. Harrington…" Ortega said.

"Truth is bullying and other such things ran rampant at the academy not too long ago." he said.

"It was…really that bad?" David asked.

"Yes. However, the staff at the academy kept quiet about it to protect their image. However, after Team Star appeared and all those students dropped out, so did a number of the faculty. Pretty much all of them…" Harrington said.

"So that explains why records for the staff there only go back to 18 months." Double D said.

"Yes. They didn't want to leave a stain in the academy's face with this whole bullying debacle, so a staff shakeup was felt necessary." David said.

"It's still quite unnerving to know all of that was still happening behind the scenes." Mayumi said.

"So all that chaos happened because of Team Star…. No wonder we're being tasked to wipe them all out." Gimmer said before steeling herself. "Guys, I know there's only one Team Star base left, but now that we know most of the truth, before we challenge the last boss, let's just try to talk it out with them."

"Heh. Good luck. Eri is as tough as they come." Ortega said. "Let's just say you're only ever leaving if you get a few bruises..or on a stretcher."

"She's that strong, huh?" Mayumi asked.

"Yep. She's the head of the Fighting Crew. If you want to tangle with her, you'd best prepare for the fight of your lives…literally." Ortega said. "Oh, almost forgot. I don't like you guys, but I can't deny you're awesome battlers, so… take my Star Badge. You guys better treat it with respect."

Mark was handed Ortega's Star Badge as the two shook hands.

"Now where's Eri's base?" Glimmer asked.

"East Province, Area Three." Ortega said. "Head back over Glaseado Mountain and go south east."

"Okay. One more to go then." Glimmer said. "Let's go meet the last boss."