Having completed their respective journeys, Shun'ei's group headed to Mesagoza to meet up with Himiko's and Mark's, and also to meet Rinkah and Nemona, just like he promised.
"It's pretty fitting that we started in Mezagoza, and now we're coming back to it full circle." Perfuma noted.
"It has certainly been quite the journey we've undertook." E. Constance said.
"Yep. It's quite fitting that a journey would end right where it begins." Genis said. "That's how it was for myself and Lloyd's group back in Sylvarant."
"The Journey of Regeneration?" Mari asked.
"That's right. In the beginning, it was all to help Colette reach the Tower of Salvation to restore its decaying mana. However, it wasn't until we met Sheena that we realized that it wasn't really as simple as claimed." Genis said.
"I wonder what the journey would be like if Emil and Marta were involved as well." Mari said.
"There would definitely be some changes. Mainly because in the archives, their journey wasn't supposed to happen until a few years afterward." Genis said. "The Emil and Marta from the time of the Journey of Regeneration would probably be wondering why people claiming to be them would be running around Sylvarant."
"But as long as they don't get involved in anything major, that wouldn't be a problem, right?" Rinwell asked.
"Honestly it would be hard to say." Mari said. "If a redux was formed, anything could change based on our actions. Butterfly Effect."
"Well it wouldn't be a redux since none of us have actually been there, except for Lloyd's group." Frosta said. "Least that's what I'm thinking. For us, it would just be experiencing their journey for the first time."
"Don't worry if you guys are still wrapping your heads around this. We're trying to figure out a few things ourselves." Genis said.
Having been absent for most of the recent events, Rutega and Rinkah at last showed up, both looking considerably stronger, as Rutega waved to the group.
"Hey, sorry for the delay! Rinkah and I thought it would be a good idea for more training before we start wrapping things up." Rutega explained.
"More importantly, I have one final score to settle. Where's Shun'ei!?" Rinkah asked with a fiery spirit to her tone.
"Right here. Fresh out the Pokémon League, too." Shun'ei said with a smile and a hand up.
Rinkah clenched her fist with anticipation. "I knew you had it in you. But remember our promise we made!?" Rinkah asked, pounding her fists together. "Your first challenger is me, Shun'ei!"
"HOLD IIIIIT!" A familiar voice rang out as Nemona returned with a bright smile on her face. "Don't be silly! The only rightful first challenger for the new Champion is someone who's on the same level!" Nemona exclaimed as Rinkah chuckled.
"Shun'ei and I promised that this would occur at this very moment. I believe it's only fitting that the vow is upheld!" Rinkah exclaimed.
"No way, I'm battling my heart out with him first!" Nemona argued.
"Hrmph." Rinkah growled. "I believe that honor goes to me!"
"Ugh… Here we go again." Genis said as the two of them argued.
"Hey, Genis. Are there any formats where more than two Trainers can battle?" Rinwell asked.
"Well, there are two I can think of. A Multi Battle, or a Battle Royale." Genis said. "But those usually require four Trainers, but… I think we can make an exception in this case."
"Yeah, hang on a second." Frosta said before she whistles loudly to get the two fire-spirited girls' attention.
"Hm!?" Rinkah and Nemona both reacted, looking right at Genis and Frosta.
"If you two could stop arguing for just a second, I think we have a solution." Frosta said before smirking. "How about the both of you, and Shun'ei… take on each other at the same time?"
"Hmm…" Rinkah thought before she smiled. "Intriguing."
"Whoa, I've never thought of that before! Mainly because a Triple Threat has never been done!" Nemona said before she and Rinkah looked at each other, then to Shun'ei. "However…"
"You are the Champion. I believe it's your right to decide, Shun'ei." Rinkah said with a smile.
Battle Rinkah
Battle Nemona
Battle Both
"Well, it wouldn't be fair to leave either of you out when you are both so eager." Shun'ei said. "So… I'll take Option C. I'll take you both on at once."
"A Triple Threat then!" Rinkah said with a bright smile, looking between Nemona and Shun'ei. "May the best trainer prevail!"
"Okay! Let's have this soon-to be awesome battle right in the center of town!" Nemona
declared.
The group soon came to a circular mural in the center of town that depicted all 18 different Pokémon types, the center arena set up for a Battle Royale, a massive crowd gathered to watch three Champion-caliber opponents duke it out for the rightful title of Paldea's Pokémon Champion! Each competitor made their way to the center area, while the main group, back together from three separate teams, watched on with anticipation of the epic fight. Even Koraidon seemed excited, as was Rutega.
Rinkah had her arms folded, smiling as she allowed herself to be coated in golden flames, changing her entire appearance into black and gold, as she gained a fiercer fire in her eyes.
"Whoa…" Rutega mused.
"Is that a new transformation she gained after Onigashima, Rutega?" Hope asked.
"No. I don't think it is. I think it's just a coloration. But the power flowing from her… maybe it is, something she recently discovered but hasn't tapped into yet." Rutega said. "I gotta say, it makes her look like a true champion!"
"Shun'ei! Nemona!" Rinkah yelled with force as she clenched her fist. "Through countless battles with each of you, I've seen your spirit and conviction! Now, I'm coming at this with much more vigor and spirit! You both better be ready for a fight you've never experienced before!"
"That's what I like to hear! Let's give your friends, this crowd, and ourselves one battle we'll never forget!" Nemona said.
Frosta stepped forward. "Okay, here's the deal! Per the rules of a Triple Threat Battle, this is a three person battle where it's everyone for themselves! You can attack anybody you want, and the battle ends when only one trainer and their Pokémon stand tall, and the other two run out of the six Pokémon they chose!"
"Any last words before the clash begins, Shun'ei?" Rinkah asked.
"Don't either of you go easy, because I won't." Shun'ei said with a smile as he got his first Pokémon ready.
"Then without further ado, let the first ever Triple Threat Pokémon Battle, BEGIN!" Frosta said.
Cue: Find Your Flame - Sonic Frontiers OST
TRIPLE THREAT
Flame Champion - RINKAH
6 Pokémon
VS
Champion - NEMONA
6 Pokémon
VS
Champion - SHUN'EI
6 Pokémon
"Blaze forth to the field of combat, Blaze Breed Tauros!" Rinkah exclaimed.
"Lets go at em with all we got, Lycanroc!" Nemona said, sending out her Midday Lycanroc.
"You're up first, Lurantis!" Shun'ei said as he sent out Lurantis first.
"No friends here, Tauros, shake the field with a mighty EARTHQUAKE!" Rinkah declared as Blaze Breed Tauros headbutted the ground so hard to make the earth shake and crack, sending rubble from the ground flying at Nemona and Shun'ei's Pokémon.
"We can take that. Now, Lurantis, Leaf Blade Lycanroc!" Shun'ei said. Lurantis then rushed right at Lycanroc with a Sickle ready.
"Use Stone Edge on both of them!" Nemona declared, as Lycanroc blasted both Tauros and Lurantis with the powerful Rock type move.
"Hang in there and use Body Press on Lycanroc!" Rinkah exclaimed as Blaze Breed Tauros unleashed the Fighting Type move on Lycanroc. It connected and dealt super effective damage.
Nemona was now down one as she recalled her Lycanroc.
"Not bad. But seeing as how you've only got Fire types on your team, I know the perfect way to pay you back!" Nemona said, as she sent out a Goodra, indicating that the Goomy she had all the way back in Medali is now fully evolved.
"Wow, she accounted for this. Lurantis' Leaf Blade can't deal much damage to this one." Shun'ei said. "Guess I'll have to improvise. Night Slash on Goodra!"
"As will I." Rinkah said, before looking to Lurantis. "Tauros, Flame Charge that Lurantis!"
Blaze Breed Tauros rushed forward in bright flames just as Lurantis unleashed Night Slash, crashing into Lurantis as the Night Slash hit Goodra!
"Whoa, that looked brutal!" Rinwell said.
"Who got the worst of that?" Glimmer asked.
"I'm guessing Lurantis. She was hit by a Fire-type attack, after all. Goodra is pretty durable." Genis said.
"This is an intense fight already…!" Rutega exclaimed.
Shun'ei returned Lurantis. "Alright, you're up!" Shun'ei said as he sent out Garchomp. "Now, Earthquake!"
"Double teaming on me with Dragons, eh?" Rinkah asked as the Earthquake was a critical hit, placing everyone on even grounding once again as Tauros fell. "Fine. Salazzle, to the field!"
Salazzle came out, her claws already flaring draconically.
"Dash about the field and unleash a Dragon Claw frenzy!" Rinkah ordered as Salazzle did just that, evading most moves thrown by Garchomp and Goodra thanks to its smaller size, and slashing Garchomp and Goodra both with super effective damage where she could.
"You can't hit what you can't reach! Goodra, use Muddy Water!" Nemona called as Goodra hit Garchomp and Salazzle, although Garchomp only takes normal damage, and lowering their accuracy.
"Tch!" Rinkah growled as Salazzle braved the waves and slashed Goodra with Dragon Claw, full impact! "Yes! That's the fighting spirit, Salazzle!" Rinkah cheered.
"Let's run them both down. Bulldoze!" Shun'ei said.
"Move, Salazzle!" Rinkah exclaimed as Salazzle used her speed and nimble body to just evade the attack as Garchomp bulldozed into Goodra.
"Now, follow it up with Dragon Claw!" Shun'ei said.
Garchomp slashed its fellow Dragon-type down with the attack, taking it out.
"Not bad, but you guys better not count me out. I'm Champion Rank too!" Nemona said, sending out Dudunsparce next. "You're in trouble now, Rinkah! Dudunsparse, Drill Run on Salazzle!"
The large normal type spun up and shot right at the Poison/Fire type, and scored a direct hit! With its 4x Ground weakness, it was enough to put Salazzle down and out!
"Heh, well then." Rinkah remarked as she recalled Salazzle. "Let's do this then!" She exclaimed, sending out Talonflame! "To the skies, Talonflame! Ignite the field of battle with a mighty Fire Blast!" Rinkah exclaimed as Talonflame flew sky high, turning Fire Blast from single target to area of effect, as Talonflame shot it down, the flames growing in size as it scorched to the ground!
"Time to get serious now. Rock Slide!" Shun'ei said.
"Evasive actions!" Rinkah declared as once again, Talonflame went for the tried and true as Fire Blast hit both Garchomp and Dudunsparce, while Talonflame used Acrobatics to avoid the rocks while flying down to the field of battle, striking Garchomp before taking back to the skies!
"Talonflame is one of Rinkah's best Pokémon, it's gonna be hard to ground." Frosta said.
"That's for sure. Its speed is immaculate, and Rinkah always seems to rely on Acrobatics to increase it's evasive maneuvers, while also going in for talon strikes. It won't go down easy with that kind of air superiority." Rutega said.
"It's the only move I can rely on right now. Use another Rock Slide!" Shun'ei said.
"If you think you can hit me by repeating the same move, you're mistaken! Acrobatics!" Rinkah exclaimed.
"Not this time! Dudunsparse, cut Talonflame off using Dragon Rush!" Nemona cut in.
Before Talonflame could start evading, Dudunsparce suddenly rammed into it with the Dragon type move, and subsequently, Rock Slide crashed down on Talonflame for an early exit. Suddenly the tide was turned. Rinkah went from having an advantage to being a 5-4-3 battle in favor of Shun'ei, as Rinkah cracked her knuckles as she recalled Talonflame.
"Looks like you both intend to eliminate the competition early. Well, I won't go down just like that!" Rinkah exclaimed.
"I had to, considering you showed me how strong you are by using Battle Bond." Nemona said. "And with how fast your Talonflame is, I wasn't just gonna let it wreak havoc."
"Well then, looks like it's time for my big trio. Starting with ARMAROUGE!" Rinkah exclaimed, bringing out the Armor Pokémon. "Wipe them out! Expanding Force!"
Armarouge created an expanding aura of psychic power that caught both Garchomp and Dudunsparce in a critical hit, knocking them both out!
"Yikes, Rinkah's intending for a big comeback!" Rutega exclaimed.
"Her last two Pokémon have gotta be Ceruledge, and of course Reazah. Including Amrarouge, those three are her heaviest hitters!" Frosta said.
"This is probably a bad idea, but… Let's go, Toxtricity!" Shun'ei said as he sent out Toxtricity.
"I'm taking a big risk too, with this next one!" Nemona said, sending an Orthworm out.
"Hah! Both perfect targets for Armarouge! Alright, Expanding Force once more!" Rinkah ordered as Armarouge unleashed psychic energy yet again, catching Toxtricity with a super effective move, and Orthworm was damaged significantly as well.
"Probably not gonna last long, so let's make it count. Discharge!" Shun'ei said.
"Endure it and unleash Flamethrower!" Rinkah exclaimed as Armarouge took the attack, before unleashing wide flames on Orthworm and Toxtricity, damaging Toxtricity further, and taking Orthworm down a good notch with a super effective move on it!
"Oooh, that'll burn in the morning." Eddy remarked.
"Yeah, Toxtricity is taking a lot of hits here." David said.
"They both are. That's just how much fight Rinkah has in her. She won't go down, not without making sure she fights to the bitter end." Rutega said. "She'll make sure it's at least down to 1 Pokémon each before she goes down."
Miraidon watches the fight very intently, only seeing Shun'ei's strength in Montenevera, and was amazed at how intense this battle is. Koraidon was looking on as well with great intrigue.
"(This fight…is incredible…)" Miraidon said.
"(I have to agree. If these people had been around then maybe…)" Koraidon said, looking away.
"(Yeah…hopefully, we don't encounter them ever again.)" Miraidon said.
"(But what if we have to?)" Koraidon asked, looking at his companion.
"(Hard to say. You're still scared of them, aren't you? I know. I'm the same.)" Miraidon said.
"(We must overcome our fears… I had to do so to serve my trainer… I am more than willing to do so again if I need to. Wouldn't you do the same for yours?)" Koraidon asked.
"(If they were in trouble, then yes.)" Miraidon said. "(Of course, saying you'll overcome your fears…is much different from doing the actual facing.)" Miraidon said as they looked on.
With one more major blow, Orthworm and Toxtricity were taken out by Armarouge, bringing things further to even!
"Down to three… My aces. Heh. This is getting pretty exciting." Shun'ei said.
"Yeah. But we can't slow down now!" Nemona said as she sent out Pawmot.
"Guess I'll send out my first of them." Shun'ei said as he sent out Ceruledge, who took notice of Armarouge.
"(This one… He's the one from right outside, right at the start of all of this.)" Ceruledge said. "(How time has flown since then.)"
"(I sense a great spirit of battle and vengeance within you.)" Armarouge said. "(Tell me, warrior of blades, are you prepared for this triage battle's conclusion?)"
"(I am. Let's go!)" Ceruledge said.
"Looks like we're ready to get things really going!" Rinkah smiled. "Armarouge, Expanding Force again!"
Using the move again on both opponents, this time using Psychic Terrain Rinkah set up a few turns earlier, boosted the power of the attack, which was bad news for Pawmot's Fighting typing, as the attack hit both Pokémon.
"Now, Shadow Ball!" Shun'ei said.
"Brace yourself!" Rinkah exclaimed as Armarouge blocked to the best of his ability, skidding back a small distance as he shook it off. "Good to see you're still upright."
"Well you're about to be knocked off your feet. Use Double Shock!" Nemona said as Pawmot gathered a large amount of electricity before unleashing it on the two of them.
"Let's finish things up with Armarouge first. Shadow Claw!" Shun'ei said.
"Looks like they're trying to take us down. Let's see how much they'll pay for it! Let your flames burst forward to victory!" Rinkah declared.
Vigorous Power Armor Cannon
As Ceruledge and Pawmot launched their attacks, Armarouge gathered massive energy into his armor before unleashing it on his foes, as the triage of attacks collided in a brilliant explosion!
When the smoke cleared, all three of them stood tall before they fell right down to the ground.
"Whoa, triple knock out!" Leia said.
"Down to my last one." Nemona said.
"I've still got two. Let's go!" Shun'ei said as he sent out Isla, his Grafaiai.
"As do I! To the field!" Rinkah called as she sent out her own Ceruledge, and to everyone's surprise, immediately went into a Battle Bond with it!
Rinkah-Ceruledge
"Rinkah's already Battle Bonding!? But what about-! ….Unless…" Rutega remarked.
"This…is really getting exciting now!" Nemona said as she sent out Skeledirge.
"(Wow. Starting to feel like the odd Pokémon out here.)" Isla said.
"(If you fight with all your strength, then you're just as strong as the rest! Come!)" Ceruledge declared as he rushed in with Bitter Blade.
"If she has sent out her starter last, then I believe we may all know what comes next." D. Constance said.
"Don't leave me out of this! This battle's gotta end sometime… but let's make it so fun that it feels like it never ends!" Nemona said as she Terastallized Skeledirge. "Now, hit them both! Use Shadow Ball on Ceruledge, followed by Earth Power on Isla!"
"Go for it, Sludge Wave!" Shun'ei said.
Ceruledge dodged all incoming blows before leaping up and sending Bitter Blade at Isla in the form of slash waves, and pelting Skeledirge with Phantom Force.
"I know you trained your endurance, Rinkah… but are you seriously attempting to use two Battle Bonds in the same battle separate times…?" Rutega questioned.
"Y'know, she actually did that during a double battle. She Battle Bonded with Reazah AND Ceruledge, both at the same time." Frosta said.
"I'm well aware. I've heard." Rutega said. "I'm worried that this is more dangerous. When you think about it, Ceruledge goes down, Rinkah's gonna be physically weakened going into her next Battle Bond." Rutega remarked.
"Well, if there was ever a time to go all-out, it may as well be now." Francisca said.
"This is quite a tricky situation… Sludge Bomb!" Shun'ei said.
Ceruledge would avoid the attack again, flashing his blades as Isla was hit by a rapid Bitter Blade, Judgement Cut style. Isla soon fell upon feeling those blades.
"Whoa…now that is so cool." Nemona said.
"That's the power of Battle Bonds!" Rinkah laughed.
"I've only got one Pokémon left… Quaquaval… It's up to you!" Shun'ei said as he sent out his starter.
"There he is… Shun's last line of defense. Do you think he can win this battle on his own?" Meitenkun asked.
"After all we have been through, I believe Sir Shun'ei will be victorious." D. Constance said with a small smile.
"I hope so, because it's sink or swim, literally." David said.
"Phew…" Shun'ei said, breathing out as he stretched a bit before grabbing his Tera Orb. "Let's do this…in style!" he said, gathering energy and tossing the tera orb at Quaquaval.
"Whoa, he's Terastallizing Quaquaval? Didn't think he'd do that." David asked.
"It is his last Pokémon. No other chance he'll get to use it except now." Jexi said.
Quaquaval's Tera Type turned out to be Water, signified by the Fountain Spout shaped crown on his head.
"It's so pretty!" Nuna smiled.
"I had a feeling you'd Terastallize your starter, Shun'ei! Well, let's see what he's got!" Nemona said.
"Let's thin the herd a little bit. Take out that Ceruledge with Water Pulse!" Shun'ei said.
Quaquaval blasted Ceruledge with the Terastal boosted move, hitting right on target. The power was enough to send Rinkah reeling, getting her first taste of a Terastalized move, as Ceruledge was kneeling from it, as he fell, the Battle Bond immediately disconnected as Rinkah chuckled.
"So that was Terastallization huh?" Rinkah panted. "Looks like I'm in for one heck of a challenge! Reazah!" Rinkah said, as she immediately activated another Battle Bond.
Rinkah-H. Arcanine
"Now… let's take it a step beyond!" Rinkah said, pulling out her own Tera Orb.
"No way! She's gonna Terastallize while in Battle Bond!?" Rutega exclaimed.
Indeed she did, as Rinkah and Reazah both were coated in bright flames, signifying a Fire Tera Typing, as both of them became crystallized, boosting their power as flames shot all around Reazah, and Rinkah's flame aura erupted.
"Well, there goes the quad-weakness. That Terastallization got rid of their Rock-typing." David said.
"Okay, I've seen some crazy combos, but Battle Bond AND Terastalization?" Hope asked. "That's crazy powerful! I hope Rinkah doesn't burn herself out doin' this."
"I hope so too…!" Rutega said in concern.
"Let's test this out." Rinkah's voice echoed with power as she looked to Skeledirge. "Bring it down, ROCK SLIDE!"
Reazah roared as giant rocks crashed into both Skeledirge and Quaquaval, with Skeledirge taking the brunt impact.
"He's still got his Rock-type moves, though. Nemona is literally between a rock and a hard place in this battle." Shun'ei said. "Let's even things up a bit. Aqua Step!"
"Meet him with WILD CHARGE!" Rinkah ordered, as Reazah coated herself in electricity, as sparks met water in a super effective clash!
"I'm not gonna let you guys take me out so easily! I'm going out swinging!" Nemona said. "Skeledirge! Use Snarl!"
Skeledirge let out a roar that damaged both Quaquaval and Reazah, and Lowered their Special Attack stat.
"And now, time to go big or go home! Use Torch Song!" Nemona declared.
"Time for us to do the same! Let's show them what we got… SYNC MOVE TIME!" Rinkah exclaimed. "With our combined spirit, OUR FLAME WON'T FLICKER!"
Unquenchable Raging Fury
Reazah began gaining a large amount of fire energy, as the very field of battle cracked and shook with magma at the sheer amount of flames being gathered into one attack.
"Oh man, that's a lotta power!" Bow said.
"I can't believe Rinkah's endurance… It's amazing!" Rutega exclaimed.
"Yeah. If Shun'ei's not careful, he might end up losing this one." David said.
"Okay, let's try a little something different. Wave Crash!" Shun'ei said.
The three attacks all launched at the same time, a blazing trail following Reazah as she sped for Quaquaval and Skeledirge, as Torch Song was fired into the mix as well, while Quaquaval blasted forward surrounded in water.
The result was a triage explosion that shook the foundation of the ground the crowd stood on, a bright pillar of flames and water rising upwards. That should have been the end…
And for Skeledirge, it was, as it left Terastallization and fainted…
But barely hanging on was Reazah and Quaquaval, both panting heavily, as was Rinkah, who looked to be barely holding on as she smirked with a tooth filled grin.
"Hehe… I guess this is how it was from the start… you and me to the end, Shun'ei." Rinkah chuckled, looking over to Nemona. "Don't cut yourself short because you lost first, Nemona. Great fight until the end." Rinkah complimented.
"There's still gotta be a winner between us." Shun'ei said.
"I agree." Rinkah said. "And unfortunately, my last attack can't change. So, are you ready to give your all in one final blow, Shun'ei?"
"I think Quaquaval has enough juice left for one more attack. You ready, Quaquaval?" Shun'ei asked.
"Reazah. You know what to do." Rinkah said, as Reazah howled and rushed forward in a second Raging Fury attack.
"Let's use your signature move. Aqua Step!" Shun'ei said.
In one last attack, both sides charged at each other full force, but in the end, Rinkah smiled. She knew exactly how this was going to end. The type disadvantage dictated it was her loss. Reazah wouldn't hold up long, not like this. Rinkah closed her eyes in a peaceful manner. She wouldn't have it any other way.
SMACK!
Theme End
With an echoing blow, Aqua Step doused out Reazah's Raging Fury, sending her, and in turn, Rinkah, flying back from impact, as both lost their Terastallization, and fell flat on their backs, Rinkah breathing slowly as she was still conscious. As for Reazah, she was down and out cold.
"The battle has concluded!" Frosta exclaimed. "Your winner, and the True Champion of Paldea, Shun'ei!"
"Hoo, that was amazing! I could barely hold my breath the whole time." David said.
"You're telling me…" Rutega said with a smile, glad to see Rinkah was okay as she watched the Flame Champion slowly rise to a sitting position, catching her breath and clutching her chest from the pain she felt.
"Damn… that last blow got us good." Rinkah laughed slightly.
"Yeah…he really is a true champion. However…that battle was so wickedly amazing! I couldn't tell who would come over who. Oh, we gotta do it again, right now, different lineup!" Nemona said.
"Heh. Someone seems eager." Shun'ei said, rubbing the back of his head.
"How about… letting us rest first?" Rinkah laughed a bit.
"So, Shun'ei, after that, you think you're ready for the Perfect Link Tournament?" David asked.
"Yeah. After a battle like this, I'm definitely ready!" Shun'ei said.
"Well then…" Rinkah would say as she slowly rose, as did Reazah, both bruised but still full of spirit. "You best be ready for us, Shun'ei. Because we have to take a win against you some time!" Rinkah laughed.
"Wow, Rinkah seems a lot more jovial now." David said.
"This trip helped her with that a lot." Rutega smiled.
"Hold it right there." Jexi said. "Sorry to interrupt but our journey isn't over yet. We've still got one more place to go. All the way…there." he said pointing to the Great Crater of Paldea.
"...Right." Rutega said, looking there.
"Well, we had to make our way there sometime. Better sooner than later. Hope Miraidon and Koraidon can take it." David said.
"Me too." Rutega nodded, looking at Koraidon who gave her a determined look. He was determined to do his absolute best not to let his trainer down.
"I know you're scared, Miraidon, but we'll be counting on you as well." David said as he rubbed Miraidon's head. "Trust me. It's going to be alright."
"(Maybe…we won't run into them.)" Miraidon said.
"(Come on…it's not like we have to do anything.)" Koraidon said.
Moments later…
"(We have to do this?!)" Koraidon said as both he and Miraidon stood over the edge of the crater.
"Are we sure about this?" Tails asked.
"There's no teleportation or elevator. Using Koraidon and Miraidon's gliding abilities are the only way down." Arven said.
"They can only hold so many of us at once. Sure, some of us can fly, but some of us won't last such a fall." Sectonia said.
"Hmm." Baril said as she looked at the inner ring of the crater. "Maybe I could form stairs from around this crater that can lead us downward." she said as she tried and focused. "Huh…odd…my magic won't work…"
"Hmm…okay. Guys. I just got a foolproof plan to get us all down there." Luffy said.
"Oh boy. Brace yourselves, everyone." David said.
"What? Why? What's he about to…" Penny said as an arm wrapped around them. "Oh now I get it." she said as they were all pulled off the edge and jumped down with Koraidon and Miraidon at each end.
"Well, we knew this was gonna happen!" Hope said.
"Yep. Luffy's gonna make himself a Human Parachute." David said.
"What's a parachute?" Luffy asked.
"We're doomed, aren't we?" Arven asked.
"Wouldn't be the first time for a lot of us, Arvy." Hapi said.
"No…the plan was for us to jump and land on something soft." Luffy said.
"Well inflate yourself into a balloon or something at the bottom and let us land on you." Mari said.
"Don't think he needs to." Shun'ei said as they landed on a large mushroom before sliding down. "Whoa…" he said looking out at the vast nature and an abundance of crystals.
"Welcome…to Area Zero." Arven said.
The group looked in awe as both Koraidon and Miraidon quietly returned to their pokeballs as the expedition was about to start.