After the defeat of the Fairy Crew, the Star Busters headed towards the mountains and traversed through them for what seemed like days before stopping in a vast bamboo grove on the other side. Bisharp was out for some reason, and everyone knew why.
"Well, I guess someone's ready to finally be crowned." Mermista said.
"Well this grove is home to a large number of Pokémon, including other Bisharp and Pawniard." Double D said. "He's likely to find a Leader's Crest and rejoin us soon."
"So, this is the last Team Star base, huh?" Eddy asked.
"Yeah, and we saved the best for last." Glimmer said. "From how Ortega talked about her, I'd say Eri's the strongest Boss of Team Star out of the 5 of them. And she's an expert with Fighting types, so that says something."
"If that's the case, best to go with Fairy, Psychic, and Flying for this one." Simon said.
"None of which I have at the moment…" Mark sighed. "Well, guess I'm working extra hard for this one and…does anyone else hear wings?" he asked as a group of small, blue bird-like Pokémon landed around the group, forming a circle.
"These birds…I think they're Rookidee." Mermista said.
"Maybe I'm a bit behind on Pokémon behavioral science, but I don't think this is normal for these guys." Eddy said before a larger, crow-like Pokémon with a navy coloration landed inside the circle in front of the group.
"(You…are the ones who have been defeating the leaders of Team Star.)" the crow-like Pokémon said.
"(That's right.)" Alolan Sandslash said.d.
"And you're a Corvisquire." Cramorant spoke up, courtesy of breathing in the air of the Realm of Exploration.
Corvisquire then looked to Breloom. "(Breloom… it's been a long time.)"
"(Why are you here, Guardian?)" Breloom asked. "(I'd thought you'd find a human to settle with after the loss of the grotto.)"
"(There are still Pokémon who need protection.)" Corvisquire said. "(And as for you…you've found yourself a Trainer. And you've grown stronger.)"
"(Not strong enough. Not yet.)" Breloom said. "(Again, why are you here?)"
"(The Pokémon of the Paldea region have heard of your exploits.)" Corvisquire said. "(And not all of them are content to just watch. I've come to offer aid, and a warning: the red dragon your trainer's friend is with is being hunted by that Salamence.)"
"(The one who always spoke of entering the Great Crater?)" Breloom asked.
"(The very same. He seeks to force Koraidon to lead him down so he may challenge the Pokémon that come from there.)" Corvisquire said. "(You and I both know how dangerous just one of the Pokémon down there is. If that Salamence enters their territory and attacks, they will likely return the favor…and all of Paldea will suffer.)"
"(Whoa… That sounds pretty bad.)" Salazzle said.
"Hmmm… I'm not that bright, but he's gonna be coming after us eventually, so why don't we work together on this?" Cramorant asked. "We'll trap him and then Mark can catch him for …ah…tasty!" he said as he tried to gulp down a Rookidee.
"Bad Cramorant!" Cheshire said, clonking him on the head and causing him to spit out the Rookidee.
"(Dude, really?)" Alolan Sandslash asked with a facepalm.
"(That idiotic bird has a point though. I never thought I'd see the day I'd find myself becoming a Trainer's Pokémon, but I'll go where I must to protect Paldea.)" Corvisquire said. "(If you don't mind me joining your partner's party, Breloom.)"
"(...Tch. Do whatever you want.)" Breloom said.
"(Was Breloom always like this?)" Honchkrow asked.
"(Hard to say, boss.)" one of Mayumi's Murkrow said. "(All this talk about fighting and gaining strength is all we ever hear from him.)"
"(I believe I know why.)" Corvisquire said. "(Breloom…you want to defeat the Roaring Moon? The one who destroyed the grotto?)"
Breloom didn't answer that, simply looking away.
"What the heck's a Roaring Moon?" Cramorant asked.
"(It's a Salamence, one that seemed to have Mega Evolved without the use of a stone.)" Corvisquire explained. "(Breloom and I used to live in a grotto on the edge of the crater, where many different Pokémon resided. Until one day…that Roaring Moon emerged from the crater and attacked. We lost many friends that day. The dragon then went back down into the crater, as if it was being called by something. It is possible it is still down there, waiting for the moment it can return to the surface and resume its frenzy.)"
"(If it so much as pokes a single claw out of that hole…it will lose it!)" Breloom said angrily, stomping the ground.
"(Sandslash, Honchkrow and I can understand his frustration. My Trainer once went through the same thing.)" Salazzle said. "(But… If there is one thing our travels have taught us, it's that revenge never leads to anything good.)"
"(Yeah… Lest he ends up consumed by it and be no better than his supposed oppressor.)" Honchkrow said.
"And if there's one thing we've learned about these weird Pokémon coming out of the crater, it's that they can be caught the same as anybody else." Cramorant said.
"(A small comfort…but a comfort, nevertheless.)" Corvisquire said. "(But enough talk for now. I dedicate myself to your cause. The Caph Squad base awaits. It is the most likely place for the Salamence to strike for Koraidon.)"
"(Yes. If Eri really is the strongest… Perhaps Mayumi will have to send out Necrozma after all.)" Honchkrow said.
"(Yeah, a whole load of Fighting-types? I'm out!)" Alolan Sandslash said.
The group, in the meantime, were watching the whole conversation, Hapi providing the necessary context throughout.
"So that's why Breloom's been so focused on fighting." Glimmer said. "A Paradox Pokémon destroyed his home."
"Paradox?" Simon asked.
"They're Pokémon from the past and future. Himiko and her group briefed us not too long ago." Mermista said.
"They ran into versions of Donphan on the way. They sound really strong." Mayumi said.
"Whatever they are, they're not normal." Glimmer said. "But we should focus on taking care of the Fighting Crew right now."
"I completely agree." Cassiopeia cut in as she was on call via Rotomphone.
"Ah! Cassiopeia!" Glimmer said.
"Sorry to cut in, but seeing as how you guys are close to the Caph Squad's base, just thought I'd let you in on a bit of intel for them." Cassiopia said.
"What else is there to know about this Eri girl? We know she's the leader of the Caph Squad and she's good with Fighting types." Mermista recounted.
"She's also a skilled wrestler and Team Star's battle coach. Out of all the bosses, she'll likely be the most alert after everything you've done the other 4 bases. She'll probably try to stop your raid in its tracks by challenging you to battle before anyone else." Cassiopeia explained as they crossed into the Caph Squad's territory, marked by yellow flags with fists on them.
"Uh… is she tall, wears silver and has a buttload of face paint on her?" Mermista curiously asked.
"Yes…and you know that because she's standing in front of the entrance, right?" Cassiopeia asked.
"...We're gonna have to call you back." Mark said, hanging up the call as the group approached the front gate.
A young woman was standing out in front of the gates, having the exact appearance like Mermista described. Tall, athletic, in a silver outfit that looked to be princess-like and wearing face paint that made her look like an oni.
"Oh snap." Weisz said.
"No, wait, this is actually good." Glimmer said. "We know a lot about Team Star by now, maybe we can try a diplomatic approach with her instead of just going straight to a battle."
"I don't know, something tells me she's more of the fists first, talk later type." Simon said.
"We won't know until we talk things out with her." Glimmer replied. "Mark, as leader, it's up to you. Wanna try talking it out with her first?"
"I can give it a try." Mark nodded.
The group got closer to the front gates and discovered Eri was not alone, as she actually was in a battle with… Clive?
"What's he doing here?" Simon asked.
"Seems like he wanted to talk things out with Eri too." Mayumi said.
"Let's see what they're talking about." Double D said as they listened in on the conversation.
"You're pretty skilled." Eri complimented her opponent. "Not many Trainers can shrug off my Pokémon's attacks like that."
"The same to you… Eri, was it? Your Pokémon have clearly spent a lot of time honing their moves." Clive replied. "But I'm surprised to find the boss herself out here defending the gates. Don't you trust your grunts enough to put them on guard duty?"
"Watch your mouth." The Team Star leader warned. "I'm here because I don't want to risk anyone else getting hurt, that's all."
"What a benevolent boss." Clive praised. "Now, if you want to get on with our battle, I'm ready on my side!"
"I feel like we should be stopping this." Mermista said.
"Indeed, Mermista." Double D nodded. "If we wish to engage in diplomacy with Eri, we can't risk Clive unintentionally angering her."
The group then ran over and got to the two just in time before they resumed their battle.
"Cease this clash of creatures at once!" Ed declared.
"Who are you guys?" Eri asked.
"Ah, there you all are!" Clive said. "I was talking to this girl since she looked like she was with Team Star…then she and her Pokémon came at me without warning! We were just battling it out."
"That's Eri, Clive. She's the leader of the Caph Squad." Glimmer said.
"But the question is if she's up for a bit of diplomacy." Simon said.
"What're you talking about?" Eri asked.
"Listen, we know most of the story behind Team Star." Glimmer said, getting Eri's attention. "We know about the whole bullying problem with all of you, and how the staff tried to sweep it under the rug. We don't believe you guys are evil. You guys were just standing up for yourselves and got rid of the bullies, especially around yourselves. But now since your leader's gone, it's gotten a bit to the point where… well, it looks like you guys are the ones causing trouble."
"Us? Causing trouble?!" Eri asked. "All we're doing is staying put. I make sure that my squad doesn't do anything rash."
"But what about the others? When we got here, a duo of grunts was pressuring an academy student into joining the Team." Glimmer said.
"Really?" Eri asked. "This is the first I'm hearing of this."
"It's pretty clear that bullying is still an issue." Mayumi said. "And it's understandable to feel like you don't have a place to belong."
"Sorry guys!" Rutega called as she came in on Koraidon, as she looked pretty down in the dumps.
"Hey Rutega. What's up?" Mermista asked.
"I tried time and time again to unlock Koraidon's battle mode, I thought I could unlock it… but I've done some training in the meantime, as has Rinkah who tried to help." Rutega sighed, as Koraidon purred in apology as Rutega pet the dragon. "Oh, I know boy… We'll figure something out."
"I'm sure it'll be soon, Rutega. Koraidon will get his fighting skills back." Glimmer said. "For now, we're just in the middle of talking things out with Eri here. She's the Caph Squad leader, and was sorta out here standing guard."
"I'm here to protect everyone in the Fighting Crew, and in Team Star." Eri clarified. "If anyone here is involved in bullying, then I'll handle it. But I won't let them get hurt."
"We're not here to hurt them." Rutega assured. "We just want the blockade removed, that's all."
"Rutega's right. We don't wanna drag these raids out anymore now that we know Team Star's story." Glimmer said. "So how about we just talk things over and settle this down properly? We don't have to fight."
"I… Well…" Eri said, looking a bit indecisive.
"Riri! I knew you'd be out here!" a voice said as a grunt came running up.
"Carmen!" Eri recognized the girl.
"Are you OK? You're not hurt, are you?!" Carmen asked. "I think these are the guys who have been targeting the other leaders."
"I know, Carmen. That's why I'm out here to protect you and the Caph Squad. Until the big boss comes back, I have to keep everyone safe." Eri said.
"We're not here to put anyone in danger!" Rutega exclaimed.
"Riri…go inside and get ready for the Starfall. I can handle these guys." Carmen said.
Eri was hesitant for a second, before reluctantly heeding Caremen's words. "Fine.. I'll go." she said before heading back inside.
"Well, this is quite the turn. Just when we were close to a non-violent conclusion." Clive said. "My Pokémon are running on empty after that last battle. Could one of you please handle this grunt?"
"Yep. I got it." Rutega said.
"Hold on, Rutega." Mermista cut in before the Saiyan could pull out a pokeball. "Let me take this one."
"Some walking sardine is gonna face me?" Carmen said.
"What did you just call me?" Mermista said with a glare.
"Uh oh. Now she's mad." Mayumi said.
"It doesn't matter who is my opponent, I'll protect Riri with all I've got! Go, Croagunk!" Carmen said, sending out the Toxic Mouth Pokémon.
Mermista cracked her hands and pulled out a Dive Ball. "I'm so gonna make you regret saying that. Teach her some manners, Veluza!" she called, sending out the Water and Psychic type.
"Uh…" Carmen said as she battled against Mermista with Croagunk and Primeape only to lose singlehandedly to Mermista and her Veluza.
"Ha…no one calls me a sardine." Mermista said triumphantly.
"Dang…" Rutega whistled.
"Lesson learned, don't make Mermista mad." Mayumi said.
"Th- that's okay. Even if it's just a little bit, I bought Riri time. My jobs done, hasta la vistar!" Carmen said, heading inside.
Glimmer sighed. "So much for Diplomacy."
"I guess so…" Rutega sighed.
"It was going to be a forgone conclusion anyway. All we can do now is dismantle it the way we did with the others." Mayumi said as she sent out Necrozma. "Are you ready Necrozma? If Eri's crew really is as strong as told, I might need you out there this time."
"(Yes. It is mentioned that she is definitely the strongest Crew Boss in Team Star. And I can sense a lot of power from the Trainers inside.)" Necrozma said.
"It's time to bring out the big guns then eh?" Rutega asked.
"Use Zana only if you need to, but hopefully we can finish this fast so we can get Eri one on one." Glimmer said. "Either way… looks like we have no choice." she said before ringing the bell three times appropriate of a wrestling match as the group headed inside to commence the Starfall Barrage.
"Even the smallest stars can light up the sky when they shine together as constellations! We're the last bastion of Team Star! Losing is not an option!" the PA announced as Team Star brought out lots of Fighting types. Mankey and Primape, Flamigo, Makuhita and Hariyama among other Fighting types.
Rutega sent out Zana, Alpha Lucario, and Iron Valiant as they began to storm the base.
"Let's go!" Mayumi said as Dusk Mane Necrozma stepped in, alongside Honchkrow and Malamar.
"You too, Pyro!" Simon said as Pyro flew above. "Since this is the last squad, I guess this calls for something special." he said, holding the handle of Caladbolg upwards as the keystone in it shined.
"Watch out! He's got Mega Evolution up his sleeve!" a grunt called out.
"Break through the fires of hell and take flight to the skies! Mega Evolve!" Simon said, pressing his keystone as Pyro was enclosed in a barrier before it shattered as he was in his Y mega form as he roared.
The group charged upwards through the cliffside base, defeating any Fighting type in their way. A Falinks tried to attack Mermista, but she evaded and faced it down with her Veluza.
"Just because Adora has one as a partner, doesn't mean I won't go easy. Use Psychic Fangs!" Mermista said as the Jettison Pokémon bit on the Formation Pokémon with its jaws as the Falinks scattered in shock.
"Unleash an Air Cutter, Pyro!" Simon said as Pyro flapped his wings and launched a powerful blade of air towards a group and cut it down.
"Psycho Cut, Iron Valiant! Zana, Behemoth Blade! Lucario, hit them with Aerial Ace!" Rutega ordered, a large group of Pokémon getting taken out by the three moves.
"Hmm… That Flamigo might ironically help in a place like this. Malamar, you know what to do. Necrozama, Honchkrow, make sure no one interrupts him while he does his work." Mayumi said. Malamar nods as he proceeds to use his hypnotic powers on a lone Flamigo.
Flamigo cawed as its fellow Flamigo went and ganged up on Malamar.
"(Oh no you don't!)" Necrozma said as he charged in to protect Malamar. "(I've got these guys, Malamar. Keep doing your thing!)" he called out as he attacked as the Flamigo flock jumped out in sync. "(What's with these things?)"
"Hey, what is with those things?" Mayumi asked.
"Let's see…Flamigo, the Synchronize Pokemon! A Flying and Fighting Type! Thanks to a behavior of theirs known as "synchronizing," an entire flock of these Pokémon can attack simultaneously in perfect harmony." Double D read.
"Ah, now it makes perfect sense." Mayumi said. "Looks like we'll have to knock them all out before Malamar can brainwash them."
"(Yes, it would make Malamar's job easier. I'm going in too. Murkrow, with me!)" Honchkrow said.
"(Roger, boss!)" the Murkrow cawed as they start flocking to their boss' defense.
The Flamigo flock looked at the Murkrow flock as the two sides engaged in a full on aerial battle.
"Looks like Honchkrow has got the Flamigo platoon handled." Mayumi said.
"Which lets us handle the rest of these fighters." Mark said. "C'mon, let's keep going!"
They continued to decimate the fighting types until the sound of a loud engine revved.
"THAT'S ENOUGH!" a voice called out as everyone looked to see Eri standing on the Starmobile. "I won't let you…beat on these guys any longer!"
Boss of Team Star's Fighting Crew
Eri
"Again, we're not hurting anyone!" Rutega exclaimed. "We're letting them all walk away! Why can't any of you understand that!?" Rutega yelled, being highly fed up at this fact by this point.
"Let it go, Rutega. It's just who she is. I can respect her for it to a degree. She cares about the well-being of her associates." Mayumi said.
"She's not gonna be willing to talk now, anyway. She's here to fight." Glimmer said.
"That's right… I'm ready. Doesn't matter who you guys are. I'll bury anyone who tries to take down Team Star! This time, I…"
Just as she said that, the group heard a loud roar.
"Oh, now what?" Mayumi asked.
Around the group, knocked out Flamigo and Murkrow began landing around them before a large blue dragon with red wings landed in front of them.
"Salamence!?" Rutega exclaimed.
"A… Salamance?! What's it doing all the way out here?!" A grunt ask.
"(Found you!)" the Salamence roared as it launched itself towards the group and, with much more dexterity than its form would imply, used Dragon Tail to hit the Pokéball with Koraidon in it, forcing them out.
"NO YOU DON'T!" Rutega yelled as she saw the attack, watching as Koraidon came out as it looked up at Salamence, as Rutega got between Salamence and Koraidon. "You want him!? You gotta beat me first!"
"(Hold it right there, buster. You just took out my crew. That's something I'm not gonna let slide.)" Honchkrow said.
"(Hahaha! That comes later, I promise! For now…I want to talk to the little one.)" Salamence said. "(He's going to take me to the Great Crater.)"
"(As if!)" Koraidon roared back in anger.
"(Yeah, what he said!)" Necrozama said.
"(That's enough, Salamence.)" Corvisquire spoke up, landing in front of the dragon. "(Your actions endanger all of Paldea. None of us know what lies within the crater.)"
"(I know…strong Pokémon! Great fights!)" Salamence said. "(I want to see how strong those that lie down there are! To engage them in fights that make the blood boil! That's what it means to live!)"
"Alright, pal. Koraidon here relayed to me your little speech." Rutega said. "If you want a challenge from a Pokémon who was down there. Then face IRON VALIANT!" Rutega ordered as Iron Valiant came forth.
"Rutega, I'll help." Mark said, stepping to stand alongside her. "Everyone else…handle Eri."
"Mark, I'm not letting this Salamence bully Koraidon." Rutega said. "I've got this."
"What, you think I'm doing this because I think you need help?" Mark asked. "Nah, I'm afraid it's a bit more selfish than that. I wanna challenge this Salamence so I can catch it! So I'm butting it, either way."
"I'll try not to take it out, Mark." Rutega said.
"Grrr…have both of you forgotten whose base you just barged into?" Eri called out.
"Don't worry, we haven't." Mermista said. "If you wanna fight, we'll give you one."
"Alright, then as I was saying. This time, I won't run away…." Eri said. "RAAAAAAAAAH!"
(Cue: Knock you Down!- Live A Live Remake)
"Honchkrow, I know you want to avenge your crew, but Mark is right. It won't take all of us to fight Salamence." Mayumi said.
"(Alright. you two might not understand me, but…whip that dragon good!)" Honchkrow said as he turned to face Eri.
"I'll take you all on! Go!" Eri called out as she sent out a Toxicroak.
"Probably should've got a Psychic type for this one, but oh well. Use Air Cutter!" Mayumi said.
Honchcrow attacked Toxicroak anyway, still dealing super effective damage with its flying type attack.
"Hmm…its strong." Eri said as she recalled Toxicroak. "No matter. I'll power through! Go, Passimian!" she said switching to Passimian.
"A Passimian? Well, if you insist. Use Air Cutter again!" Mayumi said.
"Match him with Rock Tomb!" Eri said, as both pokemon used the moves that would be effective on the other.
"Time for a desperado attack. Brave Bird!" Mayumi said.
"(If I'm goin' down, I'm takin' you with me!)" Honckrow said as he caused a double knockout.
"Nice work, Honchkrow. Leave the rest to us." Mayumi said as she swapped out Honchkrow for Malamar.
"I'm not finished yet either! Your turn, Lucario!" Eri said, sending out a Lucario of her own, only this one wasn't an Alpha.
"Hmm… This looks like an interesting matchup. Psybeam!" Mayumi said. Malamar fired the first shot and damaged the Steel/Fighting type.
"Retaliate with Aura Sphere!" Eri said as Lucario fired off a sphere of aura as it hit Malamar.
"Now, Psycho Cut!" Mayumi said.
Malamar struck Lucario with a Psycho Cut as Lucario fell to its knees as it was recalled.
"You've left me no choice. I have so much anger against all of you…but it pales in comparison to the rage of this Pokémon!" Eri said as she sent out a gray pig monkey-like creature as it let out a loud howl.
"Wait…doesn't it look like a…" Glimmer said.
"Primeape?" Mayumi said.
"Let's see…Oh…uh…pretty close. Annihilape, the Rage Monkey Pokémon and the evolved form of Primeape! A Fighting and Ghost Type! When its anger rose beyond a critical point, this Pokémon gained power that is unfettered by the limits of its physical body." Double D read.
"Maybe I can use a Dark-type move… Nah, that's what she would want me to do. I'll just have to keep up the Psychic moves, then. Go for another Psycho Cut!" Mayumi said.
Annihilape just stood there as it took the attack head on.
"Man, he's got some thick skin." Mayumi said.
"And you're about to get the thick of it. Use Rage Fist!" Eri said as Annihilape leapt into the air and threw a punch at Malamar, landing a powerful hit that sent it flying. "Rage Fist…its a move only Primeape and Annihilape can learn. And its power increases each time the user is attacked!"
"I know this might be a bit of a risk, but… Malamar is on the ropes. I have to switch him out." Mayumi said as she returned Malamar. "It's all on you… My trusted partner!" she said as she sent out Dusk Mane Necrozma.
"We'll just have to punch our way through." Eri said. "Use Fire Punch!" she said as Annihilape ignited its fist and threw a punch at Necrozma.
"Use Confusion!" Mayumi said. Necrozma retaliated by blasting the Psychic ability and confusing Ahnilliape. "Now, Photon Geyser!"
Necrozma followed up with its signature attack, hiting the Rage Monkey Pokémon with a blast of light square in the face. It then fell to the ground in defeat.
"I refuse…I refuse to lose like this! So lend me your power!" Eri said as Revavroom revved to life.
"This shouldn't be much trouble. Use Confusion again!" Mayumi said. Necrozma once again confused its target. The battle kept going as Revavroom continued to take major damage from the onslaught of psychic attacks before being primed for one last attack.
"Now for the final strike! Prismatic Laser!" Mayumi said.
Necrozma fired the attack, which hit Revavroom in the starmobile dead on as it broke down, leaving Eri out of Pokémon.
(end song)
While the battle with Eri was going on, Rutega and Mark's Pokémon stood against Salamence.
"(Ah, this will do. Two…on one.)" Salamence said before smiling, baring its fangs. "(Time to raise some hell!)"
(Cue: From the New World, 4th movement)
Iron Valiant stood ready for combat as Rutega smiled.
"(Now that I get a good look at you closely…)" Salamence said, looking at Iron Valiant. "(You're one of those Pokémon from the crater. You look more like a machine than flesh and blood. But that doesnt matter to me. You'll surely put up a good fight all the same!)"
"(Calculating chances of victory. Typing advantage confirmed, chances of victory, 78.9%.)" Iron Valiant said. "(Prepare to lose.)"
Breloom, annoyed at all the talking, leaped forward and attacked with a Force Palm. The attack barely fazed Salamence, however.
"Wha-Breloom, Mark didn't say go yet!" Mermista said.
Salamence grinned savagely and shook off the Mushroom Pokémon, leaving it open to a Dragon Claw that sent him flying back and impacting the side of the base. "(Even though you have a trainer now, you're still as wild as you were as a pup! I like it!)" the dragon laughed.
"Iron Valiant, use Moonblast!" Rutega exclaimed.
The Paradox Pokémon launched the Fairy type attack at Salamence, who smiled once more as he leaped towards the blast, taking on the damage before it reached the future Pokémon and hit it with a Zen Headbutt, knocking it down.
"(Stand strong, both of you!)" Corvisquire said. "(I do not exaggerate when I say this: barring what lies in the crater and the Legends of Paldea…this Salamence is the strongest Pokémon in the region.)"
"And also the dumbest." Rutega smiled as Koraidon relayed. "Latch on!"
Iron Valiant grabbed Salamence.
"SPIRIT BREAK!" Rutega commanded as Fairy Type slashes hit Salamence all over and lowered his Special Attack stat immensely.
Breloom then burst out from the cliffside and charged right at the vulnerable Mach Pokémon.
"(SALAMENCE!)" Breloom yelled as he launched a stretchy Brick Break at the dragon, hitting it square in the face as it rolled backwards before getting back up.
"(This is fun! It's like hunting!)" Salamence said.
"(And you're the game!)" Breloom replied, knowing Mark's goal was to catch Salamence.
"Here Mark! This should help! ICE PUNCH!" Rutega yelled as Salamence was still alive for sure… but the attack froze him on impact!
"(It's over, old man!)" Breloom yelled.
"(Not quite!)" Salamence said, performing a Dragon Dance to boost its attack and speed.
"Why's he doing that? He's frozen, he can't move." Mermista said.
"He's planning to bust out next turn, Mark, NOW!" Rutega yelled.
"Wait…something isn't right…" Mark said before his eyes widened. "He's not busting out next turn!"
The ice around Salamence shattered as it shot out in a blaze of purple energy, hitting both Breloom and Iron Valiant before ascending into the sky.
"(Hahaha! This is what I LIVE for! This is why we Pokémon exist!)" Salamence declared as he and his two unwilling passengers climbed higher and higher into the sky.
Iron Valiant was critically wounded as Koraidon looked at the situation with desperation, as he looked at Rutega, before he shook off his own mental block. Rutega needed him, NOW!
"I'm running out of ideas, I shou-" Rutega was about to say before suddenly, Koraidon leapt in front of her. "K-Koraidon-!?"
Koraidon entered his battle state, roaring as he did so, and immediately proceeded to take aim and fire at Salamence in midair with a Dragon Pulse!
"(Only the strong survive! You should know that much!)" Salamence told the two Pokémon as Breloom saw the Dragon Pulse coming.
"(That is not for you to decide!)" Breloom shouted, his small body blazing with energy as he hit the dragon in the face with a Dynamic Punch, causing him to let go of them and fall back a bit…straight into the Dragon type attack!
Salamence fell from the sky, his consciousness slipping for just that moment.
"Mark, now! Throw a ball and catch him before he recovers!" Glimmer said.
Mark quickly got out a Ultra Ball and, taking a second to aim, threw it with all his might, the ball hitting the dragon in midair and trapping him. Breloom and Iron Valiant landed on the ground on their feet, each of them making a small crater, then watched the ball land on the ground, clicking as it did. Salamence…was caught.
(end song)
Iron Valiant soon collapsed from damage as Rutega recalled it, smiling at Koraidon brightly.
"(I don't believe it… Salamence has been caught!)" Corvisquire said.
"(That's what happens when you mess with my friends!)" Koraidon roared. "(What happens…when you…)" Koraidon roared before collapsing and reverting to its previous form.
"Looks like he can't maintain Apex Build for very long still." Glimmer said.
"Damn…" Rutega sighed.
"Hmm…he's definitely made progress but there's still some sort of altercation keeping him grounded." Mark said.
"Altercation?" Rutega asked, petting Koraidon and nursing him.
"Something happened to him down in that crater and he's not gonna fully break through until he faces his trauma." Mark said. "Trust me, I know all about that…"
"So we need to force Koraidon down into that crater…" Rutega sighed as Koraidon looked up at her.
"(I did my best. Are you proud?)" Koraidon whined as Rutega hugged him.
"Yeah. We'll get you back in shape soon bud…" Rutega smiled.
Eri looked around at all the chaos that happened within the base.
"I'm so sorry, everyone…" she said in defeat as her mind flashed back….
"I'm so sorry….I think I went a little too far…"
"Nah, don't worry 'bout it. We're the ones who asked you to put us through some tough battle practice so we can train up."
"Yeah, but…"
"Truly, you need not apologize, my lady. Thanks to thy sage instruction, I am making swift strides toward mastering the art of battle!"
"And I could never have evolved my Pokémon without you, Eri!"
"Even the big boss said it's thanks to you that we have a fightin' chance against our bullies!"
"See? Nothin' but gratitude. To us, you're the brightest star in the whole team!"
"Hehe. Come on, quit being silly!"
"Um, just one thing… We've been training for four whole hours now. I'm totally pooped."
"Ah, I'm sorry! You all really should take a break. I'll go for a run while you rest up!"
"My lady…we four have each trained in our turn - but you, your steadfast mentor, have rested not once. I cannot help but worry for thy health."
"Thank you for your concern, Atticus. But lately…I feel like I can take anything. Even if I'm really tired or feel like crying. Remember that time we all got together and riffed on the Gym Badge designs to create our very own Star Badges? Well, I don't know what it is, but just looking at my Star Badge makes me feel so strong… Like I want to give it my all!"
"I guess… maybe it was better to just talk things out instead." Eri said. "I gave my all, but it wasn't enough– I wasn't enough."
"Are you kidding? You're crazy strong, enough to get one of our own to use Legendaries." Glimmer said. "I dunno why anyone would bully you with that kind of talent."
"It's true. I was even once considered popular. But that doesn't mean much. One day you're the popular girl in class, next you're the next target for the bullies." Eri said.
"Who in their right mind would ever wanna pick on you?" Mermista asked.
"Carmen. Before she was part of Team Star, she got jealous with me and my popularity." Eri said. "After Operation Star though, we did end up becoming good friends."
"It was because of her training that we were able to stand against our oppressors." Carmen said.
"However, on the day of the showdown, all they did was run. There wasn't even a fight to have on that day." Eri said. "They were just spineless cowards who didn't want to face the justice of their actions."
"And then came all the problems with the academies you guys had after." Eddy noted.
"After the operation, the boss who gathered us just up and left. On that day, we vowed to continue Team Star until the day they returned to us." Eri said.
"And here we came just barging into your bases and causing you guys to disband." Glimmer realized. "I feel like we've been used."
"You know, I think you might be right." Mark said. "In fact, I just realized…where this big boss of yours is." he said to Eri.
"You do?" everyone present asked.
"Hold on for a second…I need to make a call." Mark smiled as he pulled out his Rotomphone. "And…call last number. Thanks Tails." he said as the phone rang before it was taken.
"What is this? I haven't even attempted to contact you yet." Cassiopeia said.
"Oh, we just defeated Eri." Mark said. "And that means the only one keeping Team Star together is their big boss. Isn't that right…Big Boss?" he smiled.
"...Yes….that's correct." they said without much reaction. "I knew it was only a matter of time before you realized who I really was."
"So, the big boss of Team Star was our benefactor all along." Clive said as he appeared.
"How the heck did you figure it out?" Eddy asked.
"Well, at first I didn't question why they wanted Team Star gone, on account of the bullying. But as we got to know what they were really like, it started to make less and less sense." Mark explained. "Then it hit me: who else but Team Star's founder…the one who had good intentions…would want to destroy what they were becoming before it was too late? So, Cassie…you could disband the whole team now…but something tells me you won't do that yourself. Not without a fight, anyway."
"Of course. The rules are very clear about that. I think it's about time you and I met face to face, Angel of Wrath. Meet me at the academies' shared schoolyard. Nightfall." Cassiopiea said. "Take as long as you want in getting there."
"That sounds like a battle challenge to me." Mermista said.
"(She wants to fight the six of us with her own team.)" Corvisquire said. "(A last ditch effort to persevere her group.)"
"(We'd better be ready for her then.)" Skeledirdge said. "(Breloom, you cool with this?)"
"(I don't give a damn either way. The humans can do what they want as long as it gets me where I need to go.)" Breloom huffed. "(And yet…)"