Quarantine: A PokemonMD Reality Show

by Lasirus

18 Pokemon, three from each gen, find themselves in a post-apocalyptic gameshow where they will battle it out for the prizes of their dreams. Contains Pokemon Anthros. It's a story similar to the Total Drama series, but is not a true crossover.

7. Chapter 7: Mech-nical Difficulties

Chapter 7: Mech-nical Difficulties

-Last Time On Quarantine-

Ruce was STILL trying to find the culprit behind her sister's elimination.

"Ruce, we've been through this already, I didn't plant the stupid page."

And Chauncey's greed for Lilly grew more and more.

"I could get you some Pinap berries at the beach, but it'd be a long ways from here. But I'll go the extra mile just for you Lilly."

And the contestants found a big plot-hole in the story.

"You know how sometimes humans appear in the world in the form of Pokemon? Maybe one brought a coconut tree from his world or something? That's the only explanation I can come up with."

But with that out of the way, the contestants got to renovate their bunkers and partake in a wicked challenge.

"What I really called you four here for is to steal some plans from the other team."

Two members from each team got to visit the enemy bunkers and steal their blueprints.

"Okay, it should be smooth sailing now. You just have to walk across the rope bridges back to your bunker."

Chauncey and Wren managed to make it back to their bunkers first, stealing the blueprints to Artic-Uno's Jhotan Temple.

"Team Zap-dos wins again!"

Jet's abilities were ultimately put on the line this day.

"I won us the first challenge, didn't I? And I did pretty good in the second challenge,"

He would have been sent home except Yoshi forfeited the game.

"Jet didn't cost us the challenge. I did. I cost the team the challenge."

Thirteen left, twelve more to eliminate. This is looking to be a fierce competition.

-Jet's Determination-

Jet couldn't sleep that night. His athleticism was all he had to get him through the competition. Without it, he was nothing but an annoying narcissist. Jet was outside running around, doing flips in the air, and practicing his throwing arm. He was trying everything he could to flex his limbs, making sure he was in tip-top shape. He even did some boxing maneuvers, every exercise he could think of he did it.

"I can't let my shape diminish, it's all I have," Jet said as he boxed the air. "But how do I get balance? How do I achieve that without anything to practice on?"

Jet was determined to stay in the game, and would do whatever it took to win.

-Confessional Session(Jet)-

"Three meetings in a row I've been on the bottom," Jet said. "I do NOT want to end up on the chopping block again. I need to prove myself to my team and for the fabulous prize that will come after winning the whole shebang. I am willing to go to lengths to stay in the game."

-After Confessional-

Meanwhile, someone was awake and found their way to the top of the bunker. And to make matters worse, they were manning a cannon and were loading a ball. They then lowered the cannon and pointed it at Jet. Ready, aim, and FIRE! A dodge ball struck Jet right in the head. Jet yelped in pain before looking back at the cannons.

"Here comes the DOOM!" a figure yelled after emerging from the cannon room. ...Who else but Grant.

"Ugh, what's the big deal!?" Jet yelled.

"You got Abigale eliminated, so I'm bringing the doom to YOU!" Grant yelled.

"I didn't plant that stupid page!" Jet yelled. "Why are you accusing me all of a sudden. Wasn't it Yoshi you were after?"

"Hmmmm, that was true at a point," Grant said. "But he's not here anymore is he?" Grant then started to mock Jet by talking in a girly voice. "Thank you Yoshi. Without your sacrifice I'd be gone!"

"Oh get over it!" Jet cried. "You all like Yoshi, boo-hoo! Besides that, you never DID confirm it was him."

"True, but I can think maybe I was grasping at straws," Grant said. "I think Ruce might be right about you."

"Why? Because I want to win?" Jet asked.

"That's why we all know it was you," Grant said. "You only care about your own place in the competition! You don't even care about anyone else. You're even more evil than me!"

"Sorry for trying to play the game little one, but I still didn't do it!" Jet said.

"Okay, whatever the great and mighty Jet says," Grant mocked before going back inside.

-Confessional Session(Grant)-

"If I make more accusations out in the open, that will cement in people's heads that I wasn't responsable for the nefarious crime," Grant said. "And if what I said is true about Jet, it's hardly..." Grant stopped for a moment. It looked like he had a thought that stopped his speech. But eventually shrugged it off. "It's true for me too. All I want is the prize. Because I'm EVIL!" He stopped again after saying that. "No... that's not the real me. ...Maybe it's time to come clean. ...No... No ho ho ho ho! That Grant is history. I'm in it to win it now."

-After Confessional-

Zap-Dos went out on the usual hunting trip, this time Kiki, Riley and Dustin were doing it by themselves. Meanwhile, Drenig was near the shoreline of the peninsula, catching fish. The three were watching him while they were hunting.

"I actually kind of admire him for at least taking a step towards vegetarianism," Kiki said. "I probably never could."

"Technically he's a pescitarian," Riley said. "Unlike you though, he kind of needs SOME meat, since Krookodile are carnivorous by nature. But Combuseken generally don't require such a diet."

"Are you saying I'm weak?" Kiki asked?

"If I am, I'm calling myself weak too," Riley said. "I could never go pescitarian. Tauros meat is just too delicious."

Drenig heard that. He didn't exactly enjoy hearing that comment either.

"Ay man, Is that why we eat innocent creatures!?" Drenig asked. "Just cause they taste good!?"

Drenig rushed over to Riley's direction. Drenig didn't look that intimidating, but... Oh who are we kidding, he's a Krookodile for Pete's sake. Of course he's intimidating! He may have been a bit overweight for his species, but he was still relatively stronger than most of his kind. Not much stronger, but even then no one would want to be at the receiving end of his jaw or tail. He couldn't use them in this competition, but in a real fight he could.

"No, we eat them to survive," Riley said. "You have no idea what the world is like. It's called survival of the fittest."

Drenig was bigger than Riley, but he wasn't scared. Riley was also pretty strong for his species, and wasn't held back by being overweight either. In addition, his jaw and tail were no less intimidating with razor sharp teeth and a tail that could light ablaze. Riley was forced to keep his tail put out for the competition though. Riley's tribal tattoos added to his intimidation factor as well. Something about tribal tattoos makes one look scary.

"We could survive without if we needed to," Drenig stated.

"Not ALL creatures," Riley said. "Certainly not you or I."

Kiki couldn't help but shake her head. Something just didn't sit right with her.

"What is wrong with you?" Kiki yelled.

"Yeah, you think you can just run up to someone and tell them not to eat meat?" Riley asked.

"I was talking to you, Riley," Kiki stated.

"Huh? What do you mean?" Riley asked.

"You're being a huge hypocrite right now," Kiki pointed out. "You started out like "Oh, I respect people for doing something I could never do," then go about like it's a crime to do so."

"Uhhhh..." Riley stopped. "You're... kind of backing me into a corner with that statement."

"Good, I hope so," Kiki said.

"Also, I'm not telling you to give up meat," Drenig said. "I was just pointing out the evil in what you said."

"I... ...I need to be alone right now," Riley said before running off.

-Confessional Session(Kiki)-

"I know Riley isn't a bad guy," Kiki said. "But sometimes I wonder what his true motives are. No one is perfect though. None of us are perfect. In fact, all three of us showed how we react in a situation: We blow up. Those two would have tore each other apart in a real fight, and in the process they would have learned nothing."

-Confessional Session(Riley)-

"Pfft. This is the thanks I get for trying to work as a team," Riley said. "This is why I prefer to work alone."

-After Confessional-

"Ugh, now ay know why Lilly hates meat-eaters," Drenig stated. "They're all a bunch of pompous jerks!"

"Thy not be a dark knight," Dustin stated before he went over to Drenig and patted him on the back. "You're letting your emotions get you worked up buddy. Just calm down and everything should be fine."

"Riiiiight," Drenig said, still a bit miffed by Riley.

"Why don't I go fishing with you?" Dustin asked.

"I guess you can if you want," Drenig said before returning to the shore.

-Confessional Session(Dustin)-

"Drenig gets moody quite a lot," Dustin stated. "Sometimes he's sad, and other times he's angry over little things. I suppose we're all like that in a way, but still. Drenig hasn't showed his serious angry face till now."

-After Confessional-

Meanwhile, Chauncey was waiting for Lilly at the usual spot, but she had not came this time. Chauncey was getting worried.

"Is she really starting to avoid me?" Chauncey asked. "Does she really hate me that much? What am I doing wrong?"

Chauncey kept looking around, but Lilly didn't appear. Chauncey started to get worried.

"LILLY!" Chauncey called out. Chauncey started to get really frustrated at Lilly's absence. "No... They didn't... They couldn't have... They didn't... send her home did they?" Chauncey then started to shed tears, thinking for a second Lilly could be gone.

"Ugh, what do you want, crybaby?"

Just then, someone appeared behind the cage. It was Muffy. She had a container and was putting berries in it.

"What did you guys do to Lilly!?" Chauncey yelled. "Where is she!?"

"She's back at the bunker, ugh," Muffy said.

"She... she's still here? You guys didn't vote her off?" Chauncey asked.

"No we didn't vote her off, why would we?" Muffy asked.

"But... you're here," Chauncey said. "Why are you picking berries instead of her?"

"You ever stop to think maybe she's avoiding you?" Muffy questioned.

"Why? Why is she avoiding me?" Chauncey asked. "What did I do to her? What awful things have I done to deserve her rejection? WHY WON'T SHE GIVE ME A CHANCE!?"

"Because all you care about is getting Lilly!" Muffy yelled. "Since day one, you've been nothing but a wounded satellite! You're whiny, selfish, and carefree! Lilly has no reason to tolerate you!"

"You're wrong!" Chauncey yelled. "I care deeply about her!"

"And when did you decide that?" Muffy asked. "She's a Gardevoir and you're a Gallade, so you two MUST be lovers! That's pretty much it! That's your M.O. for wanting Lilly and not much else! And you don't care about her, you care about yourself!"

"You have no idea what it's like to be rejected," Chauncey said. "I NEED HER!"

"WHY DON'T YOU WALK A MILE IN MY COLLARS!" Muffy roared. "YOU HAVE NO IDEA WHAT I'VE GONE THROUGH IN LIFE! I DON'T CARE HOW BAD YOUR LIFE IS, IT DOESN'T JUSTIFY THE MEANS! ACCEPT SHE DOESN'T LIKE YOU!"

"No! Never!" Chauncey cried. "Lilly! If you're around, mark my words. I will prove to you that I am right for you! I will get her! I swear it!"

Chauncey then ran off in frustration. His mind was on Lilly and nothing else. Suddenly, behind Muffy, clapping could be heard. You could see Lilly right behind Muffy, probably pleased with something she did.

"Well said Muffy," she said. "Couldn't have done it better myself. Still... don't you think you were just a tad hard on him."

"No, he needed to hear it," Muffy said.

"No, I think you could have eased it up just a little bit," Lilly stated. "I don't hate him, I just think he's a bit too obsessed. Really, I think you're pushing him too far."

Muffy let out a sigh after the last comment. Maybe Lilly had a point.

"I was just trying to be a friend," Muffy said. "You know, I didn't have any friends in school, and trying to make friends... I'm still learning."

"I suppose we all make mistakes," Lilly said. Lilly then put her hand out and smiled. "Fist bump?"

Muffy smiled and pushed her knuckle towards Lilly's stub. Then they wrapped their arms around each other's shoulders.

-Confessional Session(Muffy)-

"Chauncey's gone from desperate to deranged," Muffy stated. "Maybe I was a little too hard on him. I should probably apologize next chance I get."

-After Confessional-

Ruce and Percy were over at the fence near the dividing wall of the bunkers. After everyone woke up, Jet decided to use the hunting grounds for training, and Ruce wanted to dig up dirt on Jet.

"You sure you don't know anything about that day?" Ruce asked Percy.

"Huh? You're still not giving it up?" Percy asked.

"No," Ruce said. "You were the first to wake up. Did you see anything?"

"No, everyone else was still asleep," Percy stated. "Everyone was. Even Grant was still asleep, and he's usually the first one up."

"Guess he was extra tired," Ruce thought out loud.

"Why? Do you think he was having nightmares or something?" Percy asked.

"Well he did seem to get angry at my sister when she told me he wasn't a real evil villain," Ruce said. "But so what? I don't think that would actually keep him up. ...Unless..." Ruce stopped for a moment to think. "You know, I do find that very suspicious that he wasn't working on his robot at the time."

"Ooh, what's going on here?" Suddenly, two figures appeared by the fences. Aria and Wren were out for a walk. "You playing detectives?" Aria asked. "Maybe we could play with you?"

"No, this is kind of between team Artic-Uno members," Ruce said.

"Wait, let me try," Wren blurted out."Okay guys, we got a fainted Cleffairy near Spinda Cafe. It seems she'd been injected with poison, but we have three subjects: a Drapion, a Beedrill and a Nidoking."

"Uhh... we were talking about..." Percy started before Aria interrupted.

"Ooh that's a hard one..." Aria started. "Maybe the Nidoking?"

"No, you can't just guess," Wren mentioned. "You have to interrogate them first."

"Okay, then I choose to interrogate..." Aria began.

"Come on Aria, let them have a stab," Wren stated.

"Are you done yet?!" Ruce asked, raising her voice to command attention. "We were trying to figure out who planted a picture in my sister's grasp that lead to her elimination two days ago."

"Oh, in that case may we help?" Aria asked.

"No, it's strictly between Team Artic-Uno members," Percy stated. "And right now..."

"Hey Ruce." Another Pokemon joins the party and what do you know it's Grant. "What are you minions talking about? Something evil?"

"Yeah, something or other," Ruce said. "Say, I still haven't ruled you out as a suspect for what happened to Abigale. We find it odd that you weren't up as early as you normally used to get up to work on your robot."

"Ha! I have no use for that pile of unexplained fruit any longer," Grant mentioned. "Not until I can get some supports, so I stopped working on it till I do. Which gave me more time to sleep. Besides that, getting up to work on that robot means I get less sleep, which makes me more groggy the next day. Any other questions?"

"Hmmm, it does make sense," Aria mentioned.

"Hey, what did I say?" Ruce reiterated. "Artic-Uno members only. ...It does make sense."

"And I didn't get the chance to find ANY supports in the last two challenges," Grant stated. "So I'm hoping I'll obtain a few spare parts in this challenge. With my robot finally completed, all will kneel before GRANT THE DASTARDLY! MWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAA!"

"Mwahahahahaha," Aria laughed along. Everyone gave her a glare. "What? It's infections."

"That's Grant for you," Percy said. "Pretending he's some evil smarty pants."

-Confessional Session(Percy)-

"I can't believe we haven't considered getting rid of him yet," Percy mentioned. "I'm sure he's a nice kid and all, but the evil scientist act is not helping us win challenges."

-After Confessional-

"Back to page one," Ruce said.

"You sure we cannot help?" Wren asked.

"If you were on our side we would gladly accept help," Percy stated. "But as it is... holy Drillburs, what are those."

The group of five looked to the sky and saw many flying vessels in the sky. They looked like Golurks, except they seemed to be metalic. Eventually, everyone who was out hunting rushed back to the bunkers. There, Bertram appeared on the screens on the wall.

"Everyone inside the bunkers!" Bertram called out. "The Golurks need a place to land, and they need everyone to clear out. ...And don't worry, they come in peace. NOW GET GOING!"

Everyone rushed into their bunkers as fast as they could. It was obvious the challenge would involve mechs.

-Rock-em' Sock-em' Golurks-

The contestants went inside their bunkers and were a bit cranky with Bertram's abrupt announcement. They hadn't even had breakfast yet.

"Come on, a challenge right before breakfast?" Riley asked Bertram.

"Why so soon?" Dustin asked.

"Settle down, you can still have your breakfast," Bertram said. "In fact, you can make breakfast while I talk about today's challenge."

"Great, I'm hungry," Wren stated.

"Today's challenge involves an age-old classic brought to life in giant form," Bertram said. "That's right, giant form, and those Golurks are ours to control. Today, we will be playing... Rock-em' Sock-em' Golurks!"

"Great," Aria started. "What does this have to do with zombies and Quarantine now?"

"A good defense is the best offense as shown in your new bunker's defense systems," Bertram stated. "But of course a good offense makes the best defense as well. We've already got our defense created, now our offense is going to be created."

"Right, and we can't just feed the zombies the potion because?" Aria asked.

"Who said we were fighting zombies?" Bertram asked. "We are, BUT we are also fighting Dagger Eyes. ...You remember him, right?"

"How could we forget?" Drenig asked.

"Dagger Eyes is still using the zombies for his own power," Bertram stated. "We have already recovered ONE zombie general, but others remain including Hespute the Dusknoir and Gola the Dragonite."

"Why are we just hearing about these guys now?" Kiki asked.

"Because it hasn't been relevant yet," Bertram stated. "And Bower is nothing compared to those two, so if we're gonna take the fight to them, we have to think big!"

"Chauncey, anything you want to add to the discussion?" Aria asked, assuming he wasn't paying attention. ...Her asumption was correct. Chauncey was still thinking of Lilly.

"Huh?" Chauncey asked. "Oh right, those two. Grim nefarious fiends, we must destroy them."

Everyone palmed their face. Chauncey just said something pathetic.

"We cannot DESTROY them," Bertram stated. "We have to fight them the same way, we must get them to consume large quantities of potion. Since their stomach's aren't quite as strong, we won't need as much, but... They're not going to be as easy to feed either. So for now, until we think of a plan, we have to defend ourselves, and that means utilizing the giant mechs as another part of our defense system."

"Great, can we eat now?" Wren asked.

"Oh fine," Bertram growled. "But make it quick, cause we have training to do."

-Confessional Session(Kiki)-

"Bertram thinks of the craziest ways to test our metal," Kiki said. "Rock-em' Sock-em' Golurks, except giant. I guess we'll have to wait for full details, but this might be fun for all we know."

-Confessional Session(Wren)-

"Alright, I love Rock-em' Sock-em' Golurks," Wren said. "I have to play that with Aria some day. ...Too bad they don't make four-person Rock-em' Sock-em' Golurks, cause I'd probably let Stawolt play too. ...Wait, who's the fourth person then. ...I still kind of miss Stawolt."

-Confessional Session(Dustin)-

"What in the name of brave Sir Spearvalot is Rock-em' Sock-em' Golurks?" Dustin asked.

-After Confessional-

Back at the bunker, Jet decided to read a book. This did NOT seem like the Jet people were used to. Lilly couldn't help but comment.

"I thought you said books were boring," Lilly mentioned.

"I'm not reading this for fun," Jet said. "We're going into another challenge and I want to prepare myself, so I'm reading up on mechanics and machinery."

"Hey! That's my book!" Grant shouted.

"It's the bunker's book, not yours," Lilly stated.

"Huh, seems awfully diligent coming from you," Muffy stated.

"Hey, I've been on the bottom three times," Jet said. "I'm going to do whatever it takes to stay in the game."

"You can start by losing the ego," Ruce said.

"Done, check, onto the next item," Jet said.

"Be more helpful and less selfish," Ruce added.

"I'll do that, anything else?" Jet asked.

"Actually prove yourself in a challenge," Ruce added.

"I'll show you, I'll be the best team mate ever!" Jet exclaimed.

"Stop sucking up to me and pretending we're friends," Percy added.

"All of that! Done, check, I'll do it!" Jet exclaimed.

-Confessional Session(Ruce)-

"I do admire his determination," Ruce stated. "But determination isn't enough. He needs to show us all what he is capable of if he REALLY wishes to stay in the game. But really, it would be more fun to watch him endure a meltdown."

-After Confessional-

"It should have been you going home instead of Yoshi yesterday," Muffy stated.

"You know, I didn't ask him to forfeit," Jet said.

"I know," Muffy admitted. "But I still kind of wish he was here. ...Why did he have to leave?"

"Like he said, it's because he felt he was responsible for the team's failure yesterday," Lilly mentioned.

"I feel like he also wanted to teach us a lesson," Muffy said.

"That too," Lilly agreed. "Anyway, we better eat up. We have to head out soon."

-Confessional Session(Lilly)-

"Oh, why are Gardevoir's and Bisharp's not compatible?" Lilly asked. "According to the book, the only one in the entire game I'm compatible with is... Chauncey. But then again I didn't come here to find true love. I have my whole life to."

-After Confessional-

The contestants all started heading out towards the giant mechs. Jet was brimming with fighting spirit.

"I'm going to give all hundred percent and then some," Jet said.

"You're really sticking to it, aren't ya?" Percy asked.

"What part of "bottom three times in a row" didn't register?" Jet asked.

"This isn't probably going to involve athleticism though," Ruce mentioned. "I hope that book you read helps."

Finally the contestants reached the mechs. A big patch of fence was taken off to allow competitors to meet in the middle. And right there, the giant Golurks stood. Bertram was there waiting for the contestants. Beside him were two Salamences. There were fourteen mechs visible: six icy white and blue mechs, six electrifying yellow and black mechs, and two fiery red ones.

"Welcome teams," Bertram stated. "These are primitive-Golurks, giant mechanical versions based off of said Pokemon said to have been created by the first civilized group of Golurks so... I don't know how they qualify as primitive, but who cares about details."

"How do you pilot them?" Drenig asked.

"To help me with explaining that are Arbiter and Skree," Bertram said. "Arbiter on team Zap-dos side, Skree on team Artic-Uno's side.

"What's up guys," Arbiter asked. "You've all come today yearning to learn about mechs, right?"

"There's nothing to it," Skree said. "But you'll need to hop in for us to show you how."

"But first, an announcement," Arbiter said. "We only have six mechs per team, so Team Zap-Dos will have to choose one..."

"I volunteer to sit out," Dustin stated. "I meant if that's alright."

"We haven't even discussed things yet," Kiki stated.

"Thy does not believe in such fantastical creations," Dustin responded.

"Drop the L.A.R. P. act for this challenge!" Kiki shouted.

"I just think... I'm not going to be good at this," Dustin said. "And I'm sure you guys want to partake in this challenge more.

"Did you even ask us if we wanted to play this stupid game?" Riley asked.

"I... just assumed," Dustin admitted.

"I'm taking this challenge on indefinitely!" Chauncey exclaimed.

"I think I might be good at this one, so I'll play," Drenig stated.

"Ho ho ho, I would love to play," Aria said.

"Yeah, mechs are cool," Wren said out loud.

"I can oblige," Kiki agreed. "I think this challenge will be fun."

"...Whatever," Riley said. "I'll play along, but only because I kind of like mechs."

"Right, we choose Dustin to sit out then," Kiki said.

"Great, pick a mech and whenever you're ready..." Arbiter started.

"We can lift off!" Skree finished.

Wren immediately went to the mech, but had a hard time figuring out where to go inside it. Even Aria had a problem.

"Okay, how are we supposed to..." Aria started. Before she could finish, Arbiter pressed a button, and the belly of Aria's mech popped up, revealing a cockpit. But it hit Aria in the head in the process. "Why did I not see that coming?" Aria asked as she got up.

Chauncey was going up to his mech, when Muffy confronted him about earlier.

"Listen, Chauncey?" Muffy started. "I just wanted to say that I'm..."

"Oh get lost you ugly brute!" Chauncey yelled.

"UGLY!?" Muffy exclaimed. "I'm not ugly..."

"I am telling you this right now, I WILL get Lilly," Chauncey said flat out.

"Chauncey, Muffy is trying to..." Lilly started. But Chauncey stopped her.

"Listen Lilly, I will do whatever it takes," Chauncey said. "I will take on a horde of zombies or Dagger Eyes or anyone else who gets in my way just to be with you."

"Listen bone head!" Muffy said. "I just wanted to..." Once again, Chauncey cut her off.

"I don't care what you want! Lilly is mine!" Chauncey yelled.

"Chauncey, just listen for a..." Lilly started. But Chauncey cut her off yet again.

"Ever since I layed eyes on you," Chauncey said. "Like an angel from heaven, float softly to to the surface to rescue me from tedium and monotony, you are the savior of my heart, my life, my destiny! I will guide you to the promise land so that we..."

"I will DESTROY YOU!" Lilly roared. "You are the most ignorant and greedy piece of Trubbish I've ever had the misfortune of knowing! You just randomly decided we were meant for each other and no matter what advice I gave you, you kept getting worse and worse as the days went by. You are a dillusional scumbag of a monster if you EVER think we have a chance for each other!"

Chauncey froze in fear. He had transcended beyond believability right now.

"I thought we were trying to apologize," Muffy stated.

"You're wrong, Lilly!" Chauncey cried. "If you will not be with me, then I will destroy you first!" Chauncey then marched off to his mech and waited for it to open before angrily hopping inside. Everyone just stared at him as he went in.

"All in favor of losing on purpose just to get rid of him?" Riley asked.

"Maybe I should talk to him instead," Wren decided.

-Confessional Session(Wren)-

"Chauncey can be a good person, I know he can," Wren stated. "I want to see if I can help him find who he really is. Maybe Aria can help too. ...Hey! If it works, he could join us and Stawolt for four-player Rock-em' Sock-em' Golurks!"

-Confessional Session(Riley)-

"If all you want is a love interest, then why are you here?" Riley asked the camera, referring to Chauncey. "Go home, crybaby!"

-After Confessional-

Over at Team Artic-Uno's side, they were having a big problem with one of the mechs. ...Mainly Percy's mech.

"Uhhhh... It seems awfully cramped in there," Percy said. "Are you sure I'll fit inside?"

Jet was watching the whole thing. Jet decided to give him advice on the matter.

"Maybe if your tail let go of your waste, your top half would be smaller," Jet said.

"Good idea, I'll try that," Percy said before looking at Bertram. "Unless that counts as using my abilities."

"Huh? No, that's fine," Bertram said. "Just as long as you're not actually using your tail in Quarantine activities."

"Okay, then here it goes," Percy began. The moment his tail let go of his waist, his chest got smaller. ...But then his gut hung out. Percy looked down and gave a sad look.

"Hey, I thought you weren't fat!" Jet stated.

"I... I wasn't when I came," Percy mentioned.

-Confessional Session(Percy)-

"Who knew it'd take a Jet to make me realize I keep forgetting to work out," Percy mentioned. "And when I think about it, I've been eating the most out of anyone there. We're also eating a lot of fatty foods, which doesn't help in busting calories. Yikes... maybe I should work out with Jet."

-After Confessional-

"Hey, Jet," Percy called out. "Do... you mind if I join you in your next exorcise routine? Assuming you're not gone by then?"

"Huh... No one's ever wanted to work with the Jet-frog," Jet said.

"Well, I kind of want to burn some calories, so I wouldn't mind," Percy added.

"Well hey, why not?" Jet said with a smile. "But... are you sure? I thought you didn't like me."

"You seem determined to stay in the game," Percy added. "Maybe that could motivate you to work hard. You seem pretty pleasant right now by the way."

"You... you saying you don't hate me?" Jet said. "Sure. ...Maybe if you want, I could help you with other things too."

"You could," Percy added.

"Sure, why not?" Jet then went over to his mech and boarded it. Percy struggled with his, but managed to squeeze in. "I am trying to be more pleasant after yesterday. Day two told me I was unpleasant, day six told me I needed to work on my abilities. So now I'm doing whatever it takes, even if it means trying to be a nice guy, which is... something I'm not used to doing."

"Hmmmm..." Percy thought about what Jet said. He just didn't trust him that much as a Pokemon. "I'm sure you'll do fine."

With everyone in their mechs, Arbiter and Skree were ready to train the groups. They could each communicate to their teams through the use of a microphone.

"You will notice there are four levers to control," Arbiter said to his group. "The two in front control the legs. To go forward, move one stick forward, and once the leg commences touchdown, move that stick back to neutral while moving the other stick forward. Afterwards, do the same, rinse and repeat till you get your desired location."

Arbiter and Skree watched as a lot of contestants struggled to get their mechs going. They even saw Grant's mech doing the splits as Grant tried to move the first foot all the way back instead of into neutral.

"Argh! A dance pose! Evil doesn't dance!" Grant yelled.

"Give it a little practice," Arbiter said. "You'll get it."

"You're just gonna ram that evil motif to the ground, aren't you?" Muffy said on the intercom.

"I think it's kind of cute to be honest," Ruce stated.

Some of the mechs were doing well though. Drenig's mech, for started, operated quite nicely. Drenig worked with mechanics a lot, so it didn't take him long. Lilly's mech was also doing well. Lilly read a lot, so she became a pretty fast learner. But two stood out most of all.

Jet's mech was preforming outstandingly. He was even able to turn and do all sorts of things. Reading that book helped, but his determination to prove himself is what pushed him to succeed. But Chauncey was equally determined. Fueled by rage, his mech walked forward and back in a faster time than the other contestants. He even pushed one of the remaining joysticks, and a punch was thrown in the air.

"Okay, that's very good," Skree said through Zap-Dos' intercom. "The other levers control the punch. Push back to retract, straight forward to jab, and pulling up on the lever when jabbing does an uppercut."

"You mean like this!" Chauncey yelled right before preforming an uppercut with his mech.

"Yes, precisely!" Skree mentioned. "But there's even more to it. There's a button on each of the arm levers, and a switch near both levers. Flip the switch."

When the contestants flipped the switches, the arms opened up, revealing cannons.

"Ha! Piece of cake!" Jet proclaimed. "And the buttons fire!"

"Correct, Jet!" Arbiter said to him. Jet's mech fired a shot at the air past Arbiter's mech and noticed the controls in this mode were different. "When controlling a cannon, the arm stiffens and the controls change for aiming. On your screen there should be a..."

"Cross-air!" Jet exclaimed.

"...Yes, you seem very enthusiastic," Arbiter mentioned.

"Watch out Zap-Dos! Here comes the new and improved JET!" he yelled with victory in his heart. He was hoping his determination would drive him to victory.

-MechWarrior Resurrection-

Eventually, training was over and the two teams took a sandwich break. Dustin, who was sitting out of the challenge, joined a circle in their group where the only two not participating were Wren and Chauncey.

"So... how's it been so far?" Dustin asked. "Not that I'm interested in doing it myself, sci-fi isn't much my thing really, but I am happy to know how it went."

"Ugh, you are not missing much," Kiki stated. "It's like wearing a sumo-suit made of sand."

"I still say you should have at least waited before rudely offering to sit out," Riley stated.

"I managed to make my mech throw a tantrum," Aria mentioned.

"Aww, come on guys, I thought that was awesome," Drenig stated as he was picking out all but the white primitive-Unfezant meat out of his sandwich. "I've always wanted to pilot big machines. By the way Dustin, you want these?"

"We're proud of you," Riley said, still kind of angry he had to play this challenge.

"By the way," Dustin started. "Where are the other two?"

"Wren said he went to look for Chauncey," Aria stated.

Sure enough, Chauncey was eating his sandwich all alone behind the mechs. Wren was there trying to talk to him.

"Chauncey? ...Hey there big guy. Do... do you want to talk?" Wren asked.

"Why! You want to tell me to just give up, don't you!" Chauncey scoffed.

"No, I just came to help," Wren stated.

"You're lying! You came to rub Lilly's rejection in my face!" Chauncey yelled. Wren let out a deep sigh.

"Look, I know you're going through a difficult moment," Wren stated. "Heck, I've had girlfriends at school, and I've had so many turn me down. I felt sad, depressed, even angry at times. But I eventually..."

"See! You're doing it!" Chauncey yelled! "You're telling me to get over it! Well it's not happening! If she won't love me, she will learn to through the power of transformation!"

"You can't just make someone love you," Wren stated. "You actually have to get to know her."

"I TRIED THAT!" Chauncey screamed.

"But you didn't follow through, you gave up way too early," Wren said. "You became desperate. You're letting her control your life. It's not healthy."

"SHUT UP!" Chauncey roared. "I am going to win this contest, and I will PROVE I am strong! I will PROVE to her that I am the one for her!"

"You can't," Wren stated. "You can't just force someone to love you, that's your problem. You don't realize how it's effecting you, your love interest, or your team mates. You really need to calm down."

"I'VE HAD IT UP TO HERE WITH YOU!" Chauncey erupted.

"Think of it this way," Wren stated. "You're becoming a monster."

"I AM A MONSTER! SO ARE YOU!" Chauncey roared.

"You know what I meant, you're letting your anger control you," Wren said. "And think of it another way, the way you have been acting, you will likely be the next to go home."

"NOT IF I WIN THIS CHALLENGE! NOW GET LOST!" Chauncey threw the remains of his sandwich at Wren and stormed away from him.

"So much for four-person board games," Wren said to himself with a shrug, Tamato berries, mayonnaise and primitive-Emboar meat running all over his face.

Over on Artic-Uno's side, Jet and Percy were passing the projectile Jet shot out of his mech, which as you guessed was just a dodge ball painted black and filled with some weights so that they actually effect the mech that gets hit with them. With each pass, they spaced themselves farther and farther apart, even switching directions to keep each other on their feet.

"Go left, Percy!" Jet called out as he threw the ball. Percy managed to catch the ball and was starting to charge up for a really long shot.

"You might wanna go long for this one!" Percy shouted before throwing the ball a good distance. But still, Jet managed to catch it. ...Except he bumped into Chauncey when he did.

"Watch where you're walking, idiot!" Chauncey yelled before shoving Jet backwards.

"What's your problem?" Jet asked.

"None of your business!" Chauncey yelled before walking back to his mech. Muffy ended up seeing the ordeal and shook her head.

"Lilly, I think you better go apologize," Muffy suggested.

"Even if I try, he won't listen," Lilly excused.

"Blegh, and I thought Jet would be the one to have a meltdown," Ruce stated.

"Mwehehehe, that's right. Release the anger," Grant muttered. "Let the hate consume you!"

"That's not helping, in fact that's in poor taste," Ruce mentioned. Lilly let out a sigh.

"Maybe I should at least attempt to apologize," Lilly said. "He can't be this thick-headed."

But when Lilly got up, Arbiter and Skree called out to the group.

"Teams, it is time for the main event," Arbiter mentioned.

"Too late," Muffy stated.

With his words, everyone got into their mechs, and the rules were about to be explained.

"Rule are simple," Skree started through the intercom. "One member of each team will square off against the opposing side. The object is to aim for the head with either cannon or fists, but fists are generally more effective and can block shots."

"Attack the head till it pops up," Arbiter added. "Just like in Rock-em' Sock-em' Golurks."

"Now, discuss among your team who will go first," Skee added.

Over at team Zap-Dos, Chauncey was still angry. He wanted to fight Lilly very badly.

"I'll go whenever Lilly does," Chauncey said. "I have some unfinished business with her. I will show her the error in her ways!"

"Ugh, you're STILL obsessed with her?" Kiki asked.

"I'd say it's more desirable to have our stronger players go last," Drenig stated.

"What difference does it make?" Aria asked.

"...Huh. I'm not sure," Drenig said. "I guess there's always something about letting stronger players go last or something, maybe if the opposite team tries the opposite strategy it puts more strain on them."

"I wanna go first," Riley said. "I just want to get this over with."

"Well... I guess it makes no difference," Kiki said. "Okay Riley, you can go first."

"Great, I'll try to take out as many as I can," Riley said before going forward.

And sure enough, on Artic Uno's side, Jet wanted to do the exact opposite.

"I think it would be best if we augmented our two strongest players first and last," Jet said.

"Oh, I get it, it's to get rid of the weaker players and have the rest go through a gauntlet, right?" Muffy asked.

"Precisely," Jet said.

"Fine, I shall go first, being the mechanical genius that I am," Grant stated.

"Well I wanted to prove myself to the team by taking out as many as possible," Jet said. "In fact, I bet I'll take out the entire team."

"Fine, embarrass yourself," Ruce stated.

"Don't worry, I won't," Jet said before he sent his mech forward to fight Riley.

Eventually the two mechs squared off in a round bald patch on the ground. Arbiter and Skree were there to supervise the match.

"Team Artic-Uno, are you ready?" Skree asked.

"Yeah! Let's get it on!" Jet yelled.

"Team Zap-Dos, are you ready?" Arbiter asked.

"Whatever," Riley responded.

"Then let the first match BEGIN!" Arbiter called out.

Jet flipped the switch on his mech's right arm to open up the cannon and started firing off at Riley's mech's head. Riley blocked all the shots he could before going forward. Jet stopped the cannon fire as he saw he was coming forward. Jet's mech took a step forward and charged for a punch. As Riley's mech got close, Jet shot the punch into Riley's mech, causing it to fall backwards. Riley flipped the switch on his mech's right arm again and charged for an uppercut. Riley moved his mech's arms backward, right himself into a sitting position, then moved both leg levers forward to get his mech's legs in the ground to help right itself better. ...But before Riley got up, Jet shot a punch at Riley's mech's head and much to his surprise, the head popped up. And that was when Riley's mech shut down and his cockpit opened up. This basically meant Jet won the first round.

"I did it?" Jet asked himself. "Ha! I did it! Water beats fire every time!"

"Stupid mech," Riley said to himself before he got out.

-Confessional Session(Riley)-

"I'm not a rocket scientist, okay?" Riley stated. "I don't care about mechs that much. They're stupid. ...Except the ones on TV, they're kind of cool. ...And the ones in the video games. ...And the ones in the comic books. ...Okay, mechs in real life are stupid."

-After Confessional-

Jet's next opponent was Wren. Wren felt a little more confident going into the event. In their fight, Wren started out firing his shots. Jet just ran through them, figuring he wouldn't be accurate enough to hit his head, and he wasn't. Jet managed to get near Wren's mech, charged for an uppercut, and sent it straight at Wren's mech's head, delivering another knockout for team Artic-Uno.

"Huh, he's actually doing good," Ruce admitted.

"Guess he really took his training seriously," Percy stated. "Good for him."

-Confessional Session(Ruce)-

"I still don't like Jet," Ruce mentioned. "But I do admire his drive. Maybe there's hope for him after all."

-After Confessional-

"Alright Jet, doing good. Who's going next from Zap-Dos?" Arbiter asked.

The remaining members were wondering who to send next. This was a hard one.

"What should we do?" Kiki asked. "Do you think we should send Drenig out next."

"I don't know," Drenig stated. "I think I can take him, but..."

"Oh please, if you don't want to go, I'll go next," Aria said.

"Chauncey, what about you?" Kiki asked.

"I'm waiting for Lilly!" Chauncey said. "I'm going to destroy her."

"Huh? That's different," Aria asked.

"I don't want to know the reason cause I'm assuming it's stupid," Kiki said. "But we will do you a favor and save you till she comes up."

"Right, she's going down," Chauncey said.

"Now... who's going next?" Kiki asked.

"I'll take care of him," Aria said. "He seems to be the over-confident type."

"Alright, you can go," Kiki said.

Eventually, Aria's mech went forward to fight each other. The bout started and both bots played the same game: One fist on cannon, and one on fist. The fist shields their face while the cannon fires of. Then, Aria decided to go forward with her mech, but Jet decided to strafe, catching her off guard and getting some shots in at Aria's Mech's head. After several shots, her head popped up and Aria's mech fell to the ground.

"Ha! Another one bites the dust!" Jet proclaimed.

"Guess it wasn't just overconfidence," Aria said before exiting her mech.

-Confessional Session(Kiki)-

"Oh the irony," Kiki stated, commenting on Aria's confidence in that fight.

-After Confessional-

"He keeps winning," Kiki said. "What's gonna stop him?"

"I honestly never considered Jet to be the type who's good with machines," Drenig said.

"Okay, I'll fight him," Kiki said. "I got a calm head, so I know I can take him. ...I hope."

Kiki's mech went forward, and once again another fight was started. Kiki stayed in defensive position, hoping to goad Jet into attacking.

"Come on, you think you're really that much of a hot-shot?" Kiki asked through the intercom of the mech.

"What part of fire beats water don't you get?" Jet asked.

"This isn't a battle, it's a game not involving those two things," Kiki added

"It won't matter, cause I'm gonna win!" Jet proclaimed. Jet's mech then ran toward Kiki's mech. But Kiki thrust her fists into Jet's mech, shoving him down. Jet was now in Riley's position, except he did something different. He curled one fist up, then slammed the other into the ground and pushed down on the dirt, which caused his mech to roll over. After getting into a crouching position, Kiki opened fire. Jet made is mech crawl through short movements with the joystick until he was far enough away that he could right himself again.

"Come on you stupid frog, stay down!" Kiki said, starting to get a bit angry. Kiki started to aim for the head, and Jet tried to make his mech turn around.

"I won't give up, chicken!" Jet cried. Jet pumped the mechs arms up to the sides then spun. He deflected many of the cannon shots before firing at Kiki's Mech's head.

"Oh no you don't!" Kiki yelled firing both cannons.

"Oh yes I do," Jet said confidently, aiming with both of his.

Eventually a winner emerged in the turmoil. ...And what do you know, winner and still champion: Jet emerged on top. Kiki's frustration got the better of her.

"Ha! I told you I'd win!" Jet said proudly.

"Oh come on," Kiki said in defeat.

-Confessional Session(Drenig)-

"It may look bad for us right now," Drenig stated. "But I'll bet Jet's pride will eventually be his downfall. I think if I can talk like I'm deadly afraid of him, it will make him drop his guard, and I can put his winning streak to rest."

-After Confessional-

Jet WAS feeling confident right now, and could you blame him? He had taken out four members of Zap-Dos all by himself. But could he take down a fifth?

"Well, Jet's been doing well for himself. Now, he faces the fifth member of team Zap-Dos," Skree said, charging up for Drenig's intro. "Your next opponent is... Drenig!"

"Ha! I'm going to enjoy kicking YOUR butt," Jet said.

"Ay bet you enjoyed kicking everyone else' too," Drenig stated.

"But yours especially," Jet said.

"...Why me man?" Drenig asked. "What did I do?"

"Oh please, remember the second challenge where you out-threw me?" Jet said.

"So basically you want revenge for one challenge?" Drenig asked.

"No, I just plain don't like you, you fat crock!" Jet taunted.

"Fat crock!" Drenig yelled. "I'll give you fat crock!"

Drenig's mech charged after Jet's mech. Drenig was not keeping a calm head, which might cost him. As Drenig's mech came closer, Jet immediately threw an uppercut at Drenig's mech's head. ...But it missed!

Drenig didn't throw out strategy all together, when he got close enough, Drenig thrust both legs back, causing his mech to slide on it's knees. Drenig's mech proceeded to smack one fist into Jet's mech's torso, then the other fist up into his head. With a direct hit on both accounts, Jet's mech's head popped up, and his mech was done.

"Ha! That's THEE fat crock to you!" Drenig shouted. "And don't forget his cool hair either! Eww, speaking of which..." As Jet popped out of his mech, Drenig opened his up. He jumped out and started to groom his hair with his luxury item, which of course was a comb.

"Ugh, I can't believe I lost to you AGAIN!" Jet cried before crawling back to his group. There, everyone was looking at him funny. "Alright, I didn't win every fight, but I did good, right? Good enough to keep me on the team?"

Ruce's face got ugly as she stared at Jet. She seemed hesitant to say anything.

"You... did... very good out there, Jet." Ruce said.

"Really?" Jet asked happily.

"Hey, four out of six. That's pretty remarkable," Ruce said.

-Confessional Session(Ruce)-

Ruce was holding onto a strange bar that looked like some kind of soap. She was shaking it like she was scared of something.

"Ugh, I made this bar of soap on day two because I knew I'd need to use it eventually," Ruce said. "And now I have a reason to use it." Ruce then scrubbed her mouth out with her bar of soap. She was acting like she said something bad. "I hofe I neva hef to comfliment Jeth ahckain."

-After Confessional-

Drenig took out Jet, but he still had five more members of Artic-Uno to go. Could he really take on the rest? And what about Chauncey? Would he be needed?

"This is looking up to be a fierce come-back," Arbiter said. "Stick around, cause this fight is not over."

-The Comeback?-

"It looks like this guy's gonna be the main competition," Ruce said.

"No worries," Grant stated. "He still has the five of us to beat, and he'll never get past me."

"Oh I highly doubt that," Lilly said. "You don't seem to be all that smart."

"Why does everyone always doubt Grant the Dastardly?" Grant asked. "I'll show you! I'll show the lot of you!"

-Confessional Session(Muffy)-

"Ugh, give it up already, no one's convinced you're an actual super-villain," Muffy scoffed.

-After Confessional-

Grant's mech went forward to face Drenig.

"Right, next match is Grant VS Drenig," Arbiter mentioned. "Let's do this already!"

"Here comes the DOOM!" Grant yelled as he blazed both cannons at Drenig. Drenig kept his mech's guard up and strafed sideways till he could outrun Grant's guns, then fired off at Grant's head. Grant's mech managed to catch up, but could not penetrate the other arm Drenig used to protect his face. Drenig fired shot after shot at Grant's mech's head. Grant tried to turn around to easier combat Drenig, but it was no use: Drenig's shots eventually took out Grant's mech's head, and Grant joined Jet on the list of victims.

"Wooooooow... the doom really came," Muffy said to the group in a sarcastic tone.

"I was going to say the same thing," Lilly responded.

"...Next?" Ruce asked.

Percy decided to go next in line, ready to combat Drenig's mech. Percy did not know what to do.

"Listen, I may be strong, but I'm not good with mechanics," Percy said over the intercom. "Please go easy on me."

"Weeeeeell..." Drenig said to himself right before the match started. Percy immediately opened a cannon and shot at Drenig while marching forward.

"Hey, I thought you were bad at this," Drenig stated.

"I am, I'm taking a chance," Percy said.

Drenig kept his defenses up as Percy came closer to his mech. And when Percy got close enough, he thrust forward to hit Drenig's mech in the chest. ...But Drenig's mech backed away to the side before he could connect, and Drenig responded with a double smack to Percy's mech's head. Percy's mech fell down, and its head popped up. Drenig claimed a third victim, but still had half the team to go.

"He seems to know about mechanics quite a bit," Lilly stated.

"Well duh," Muffy stated.

"On the contrary, I think I can still beat him," Lilly mentioned.

"But I thought we were gonna save you for last," Ruce mentioned. "After all, you are our strongest player."

"What's the point in that strategy though?" Lilly asked. "It doesn't make a difference."

"What if you don't win?" Ruce asked. "Maybe I should go first."

"Why?" Lilly asked.

"I wanna kick some butt, too!" Muffy cried.

"That's kinda why, cause I'm worried if you go, I might not get a chance to," Ruce said. "I want to at least take a stab at the challenge."

"Well... okay," Lilly said. "Like I said, it doesn't make a difference. ...I don't think."

But Lilly was worried deep inside. Especially since after Drenig was defeated, she'd have to challenge Chauncey. And Lilly really wanted to talk to him and apologize. ...If he could even be helped.

Over at the sidelines, all the losers were watching Drenig.

"Go Drenig!" Dustin shouted. "Slay thy... uhhh... dragons? Mechanical beasts? Uhhh..."

Wren couldn't help but feel sad. Wren tried to help Chauncey, but he failed.

"Why so glum little guy?" Aria asked.

"I tried to help him but he refused my help," Wren stated. "I feel like I could have made a new friend and I failed. ...What if I established a bond with him in the last challenge? Maybe I could have saved him."

"Little honey..." Aria started. "Chauncey isn't your fault. I'm sure after Bertram's latest unrelated-to-zombies challenge is over we can talk to him together. ...Depending on what his mood is."

"Fine, but he better make it quick," Riley said. "He doesn't win this challenge, he's history.

"I'm going to have to agree with Riley on this one," Kiki said. "We've tried getting him to work as a team, and he really hasn't. He's still fixated on Lilly."

"Wait! Drenig's on! His next opponent's ready to fight," Dustin stated. Wren let out a sigh.

"If he can't be helped, then he can't be helped," Wren said.

Ruce was about as competent with the mech as Percy was, but who knows. Her mech entered the area and prepared to tee off against Drenig.

"Well... let's have a clean fight then," Ruce said.

"Ay, alright then," Drenig said. "You don't have to worry about me cheating. I couldn't if I wanted TO!"

As Drenig was talking, Ruce's mech ran up and slammed an uppercut right at the head. Drenig blocked just in the nick of time and swung his fist down to hit Ruce's mech's head. It hit... but the head didn't pop up, which meant she was still functional.

"Nice save," Ruce said before punching Drenig's arm out of the way then trying to strike his head. Drenig managed to dodge once again, and counter with another punch to the head. This time it popped up, and Drenig had claimed another victim.

"Awww, thanks for the compliment," Drenig said, making it clear he wasn't going to say anything till the fight was over.

Over with Lilly and Muffy, Lilly was starting to get extra worried. She was losing the will to hold back right now.

"Okay, now I'm getting worried," Lilly stated.

"I wanna go next!" Muffy cried.

"No, this is looking dangerous," Lilly stated. "I know I can take him, and I want to get rid of him as soon as possible. You can fight Chauncey just in case he beats me."

"You can't be too sure you can beat Drenig though," Muffy added.

"No, I can't be too sure," Lilly admitted. "But I do have a good shot at beating him compared to those who've fallen. I'm going in."

Muffy watched Lilly's mech march off to fight Drenig. Muffy couldn't help but feel sad.

"Awww, I wanted to beat Drenig," Muffy whined.

Lilly met Drenig at the field, and the announcement was beginning for their fight. This one might be a good one.

"Alright, both teams are tied," Arbiter stated.

"Now for the tie-breaking round between Lilly and Drenig," Skree said.

"Hope you don't mind losing to a girl," Lilly said.

"Ay, it's no problem," Drenig said. "Just as long as you're not trying to distract me so that you think you have a chance."

Lilly wasn't trying to distract him there, but instead she strategically shot at Drenig's mech's torso. Drenig had a good handle on the mech, but he didn't have Lilly's strategic thinking. Drenig's mech started to go forward with his arms shielding his head, but Lilly's shots slowed him down. Lilly then decided to shoot Drenig's leg, which helped in throwing the mech off balance.

"Dang, ay wasn't seeing none of that coming," Drenig said before lowering an arm and firing at Lilly's mech's head. Lilly's mech raised it's arm to deflect his shots.

"Not everyone likes surprises," Lilly added. Eventually, enough shots at Drenig's mech's leg caused Drenig's mech to stumble and fall. It looked like Lilly could finish it, but Drenig put his mech's arms out and pushed down, then punched the ground to help right his mech up.

"You're pretty good, I'll give you that," Drenig said, going for a punch to Lilly's mech's gut.

"You're more than half bad yourself," Lilly complimented, slamming an arm on Drenig's shoulder to stay up after the punch. The spikes on the mech's shoulder were pretty dull, so it didn't effect her mech's arm. Drenig fired another punch, but Lilly managed to deflect the punch before slamming the arm on Drenig's mech's shoulder into his head. The head did not pop up yet, but Lilly followed through with an uppercut to the head, which finished off Drenig's mech, and ended another winning streak.

"And Team Artic-Uno takes the lead with only one mech left to fight," Skree mentioned.

Drenig ejected from his mech and noticed that Lilly did the same thing. Lilly stood there, hoping Drenig would be a good sport. And what do you know, he was.

"Ay, good fight," Drenig said slowly, holding his claw out for a shake. Lilly returned the favor with a shake and a smile.

"Hey, if we get to keep the mechs, maybe we could have a rematch some day," Lilly stated.

Drenig went back to his group who was nodding their head in disapproval. ...But not at Drenig. They were instead nodding at Chauncey's mech. While they were disappointed at Drenig for not winning, they admired his effort.

"Good try out there Drenig," Dustin said.

"Glad you understand I did my best," Drenig said. "What's wrong with you guys?"

"We're kind of hoping we do lose," Kiki mentioned.

"Hey, don't speak for everyone," Wren mentioned. "You may not like Chauncey that much, but I know he can be a good person if he puts his heart to it. ...I just hope he realizes it soon enough."

It was then that Chauncey's mech finally made it to the field where Lilly was. Chauncey seemed to be pretty hungry for Lilly right now.

"So, it comes to this," Chauncey said. "I'll make you feel sorry for all you've put me through!"

"I AM sorry," Lilly stated. "I know me and Muffy got carried away, but..."

"It's too late Lilly," Chauncey said. "After all you have done to me, I will make you want me!"

"Chauncey... I didn't mean to hurt you," Lilly added.

"Well, you did," Chauncey said. "Now are we gonna fight or not?"

"Chauncey, I'm sorry..." Lilly started. "But you're way out of your head right now."

"I decide when I'm out of my head," Chauncey shouted. "Get ready to regret."

"...I'll hold you to that," Lilly said.

Eventually, the two mechs squared off. Lilly tried her old strategy of shooting at the legs, but Chauncey was going too fast for it to make much of a difference. Lilly then had to prepare for an attack, so she protected her head. ...But Chauncey aimed for the gut several times then backed away and watched Lilly's mech fall down.

"Yikes... he's dead serious," Lilly said.

"Am I good enough now?" Chauncey asked. "Quarantine like all societies favor the strong. I am strong! Girls love someone who's strong!"

Lilly then tried to right her mech up by bending the arms back, but Chauncey knocked her down again. He could have just hit the head, but now he was bullying.

"Get up Lilly," Chauncey yelled.

"I'm trying, you brute!" Lilly yelled.

After getting hit down a third time, Lilly tried something else firing upward at Chauncey's head. Chauncey, like anyone else who made wise moves at Rock-em' Sock-em' Golurks, blocked his head. He then fired his other arm down at Lilly's head.

"Say goodnight Lilly!" Chauncey yelled before firing shot after shot against Lilly's unprotected head. Since Lilly couldn't see Chauncey's mech, she didn't see the dodge balls coming at her mech's head. They eventually did enough damage to pop Lilly's mech's head off, shutting her mech down.

"Chauncey makes the fight count!" Arbiter yelled.

...But Chauncey wasn't through yet. As Lilly got out of her mech, Chauncey then started to stalk her. He then aimed a cannon at her and fired. Lilly swiftly dodged the shot, but was now freaked out.

"What the heck are you doing!?" Lilly yelled.

"Do you love me yet!" Chauncey yelled. Chauncey had gone mad right now.

"Chauncey, no!" Skree yelled. "No attacking people out of their mech! Go back to your position, we need to move Lilly's mech!"

But Chauncey wasn't listening. Chauncey kept firing more dodge balls at Lilly, scaring her all the way back to her group.

"Chauncey! Enough!" Arbiter yelled. "Do that any more and you will disqualify your team."

"Whatever," Chauncey shouted. "We already won anyway."

Except he forgot about one hungry Granbull. This hungry Granbull, in particular, was also very thirsty for Gallade humility.

"Not so fast, bully!" Muffy yelled from inside her mech. Chauncey turned his mech around and saw one remaining contestant. "Stop shooting my friend!"

"Bully!? Strong words from someone like you!" Chauncey yelled.

"I spent a part of my life being bullied," Muffy replied as Chauncey's mech went back to his starting position. "So I tried being the bully myself. But now I realize that didn't work for poor Muffy very well. Well THIS Muffy is done with bullying, and now she's standing up for her friends. So now, my teeth will sink right into your ego. Watch Muffy growl and cower! Grrrrrrrrrrrr!"

"Cute! But I'm not afraid of you," Chauncey yelled right before Arbiter started the match.

"Oh yeah!" Muffy yelled, charging right off at Chauncey. Lilly watched in horror at what Muffy was doing.

"Muffy, no! Not a blind charge!" She yelled out.

But she wasn't going to calm down. And surprisingly, she didn't need to. Chauncey realized he wasn't a very fast thinker, and Muffy's mech barreled at him like a bulldozer. Chauncey tried to thrust his mech's arm out to stop Muffy's mech, but Muffy uppercut the mech's arm, causing Chauncey's mech to lose balance. Then Muffy threw her other fist into Chauncey's mech, knocking it down.

"How about now?" Muffy asked over the intercom. "Grrrrrrrrrrrr!"

Chauncey was going through a range of emotions right now. He had both anger and fear in his mind. He tried getting up, but he kept messing up by tugging at the joysticks, which caused him to uppercut blindly in the air.

"Dang it, what am I doing?" Chauncey asked himself.

"Get up and lose like a man," Muffy yelled.

"Come on, I can do this," Chauncey said, finally managing to right his mech.

...But when he did, the fist of Muffy's mech flew right into the neck of the mech, sliding the mech backwards. Chauncey made his mech turn over before righting himself, but after he did, Muffy sent another shot at his mech's back.

"AHHHH! Stop that!" Chauncey yelled.

"How does it feel!?" Muffy yelled.

Chauncey spun his mech around with his mech's arm out, but Muffy sent another uppercut to the arm, throwing the mech off balance and sending it to the ground again.

"GAAAAH!" Chauncey then fired blindly in the air, hoping to hit Muffy's mech. Some of his shots ended up reaching Team Artic-Uno even.

"You say you love Lilly, yet you tried to harm her!?" Muffy yelled.

"I'm sorry!" Chauncey yelled.

"You should be!" Muffy yelled. "Darmanitan Slam!"

Muffy then caused her mech to bend and slam her arms down, knocking Chauncey's mech's arms away. Now the shots were firing at Team Zap-Dos.

"No! Have mercy!" Chauncey yelled. Chauncey was starting to regret his actions earlier.

Muffy righter her mech up and waited for Chauncey to do the same.

"Get up, wimp!" Muffy yelled.

Muffy cranked her mech's arm all the way back. Chauncey moved his arms down to sit up and the next thing he knew, Muffy's mech's fist went flying towards the mech head, hit it dead on and caused the coward's mech to jettison into the air. The head popped up mid-air and as the mech landed, Chauncey ejected from the mech into the mech's arm. After falling to the ground near the mech, Chauncey started to crawl. ...Into the arm of the mech, which lowered right on top of him.

"Lilly..." Chauncey started. In a few seconds, Chauncey started to cry. "Lilly! Why won't you love meeeehehehe."

"Team Artic-Uno wins the mech challenge!" Arbiter and Skree called out in unison.

"She did it?" Lilly asked rhetorically. "She did it! She beat Chauncey!"

Muffy then exited her mech and went over to Chauncey. She pushed the arm off Chauncey and helped him up.

"Do you feel more humble now?" Muffy asked Chauncey. Chauncey was still teary eyed, but Muffy wasn't gonna just let him stay hurt. She had more heart then that.

Meanwhile, everyone heard a faint clapping noise. It was Bertram, who was standing by Arbiter and Skree the entire time, watching the whole thing.

"Team Artic-Uno... quite an impressive showing," Bertram said. The entire team stood by Muffy and Chauncey.

"I can't believe it, we did it," Jet said, relieved he'd survive another day. Lilly couldn't help but walk over to her friend and the devastated Gallade and give Muffy a hug.

"Thanks for sticking up for me," Lilly said to Muffy before turning to Chauncey. She couldn't help but shake her head in pity. And yet, she couldn't find the words to say. Still, she did show a sense of sympathy towards him.

"Lilly..." Chauncey whined.

"Chauncey..." Lilly started. "It's not gonna happen. ...Just yet. But maybe one day, when you've learned more about love, we can start over. I know you're a good person deep down. I just hope you can recover that side of you."

"Lilly... do you like me?" Chauncey asked.

"There's still hope," Lilly said. Lilly wanted to be as kind as possible to the poor sap. She did not want to damage him any further.

-One Shy of a Baker's Dozen-

"Ugh, why did this have to be our reward?" Jet asked, looking down at their prize. "This isn't a reward, it's cruel and sick punishment!"

"...It's a cake," Lilly mentioned. Jet looked down at the decadent looking chocolate cake topped with strawberries and started to shy away.

"Yeah, well you don't have a figure to maintain," Jet said. "Me and Percy do."

"One slice isn't going to hurt us Jet," Percy mentioned.

"Sure, it starts with one slice!" Jet mentioned. "But then, then it turns into a second slice and then a third! Pretty soon you're consuming a weeks worth of calories in one sitting!"

"This is a six-piece cake," Muffy stated. "You're only going to have one slice."

"I still don't trust it," Jet said.

"Sit down and eat the stupid cake already!" Ruce yelled. "It's not gonna bite!"

"I... alright I guess," Jet said, sitting down for cake. Then, Lilly decided to converse.

"I wonder what's gonna happen to Chauncey after that," Lilly said.

"I know what's gonna happen to that whiny sap," Grant started. "They'll ANIHILATE HIM!"

"Probably, but..." Lilly started.

"They'll be nagging at him all night long about how he's a burden to the team," Grant stated. "Then they'll grind his broken heart into powder by telling him all the things he doesn't want to hear, inflicting more and more glorious pain into his soul! MWAHAHAHAHAHAHA!"

"GRANT, SHUT UP!" Everyone yelled in unison.

-Confessional Session(Grant)-

"Hey, what did I do?" Grant asked. "I just told like it is. I just used colorful details to add insult to injury. ...Because I'm that kind of Grumpig. ...I'm EEEEEeeeeevil. MWAHAHAHAHAHAAAA! ...At least now I am. Though I do feel sorry for the sweet little boy I left in the dark. ...And for Abigale. ...Wait, did I say that out loud!? Delete that last comment from the video!"

-After Confessional-

Over at Team Zap-Dos, Wren, Aria, Chauncey and Betty the Nurse were in the bunkers while the others were away. Betty was using Healing Pulse on Chauncey after the wounds he suffered in the last challenge. Wren and Aria were talking to him.

"You feel better Chauncey?" Wren asked.

"I feel... I feel like a total fool," Chauncey said. "Why did I let my emotions get in the way?"

"We all have moments where we lose ourselves," Aria mentioned. "Personal demons many people call them.

"But we're here to help," Wren stated. "It's not too late to turn things around."

"No, if you are willing to fly straight, we can still use you on our team," Aria mentioned.

"I... I don't know," Chauncey said. "Do you think my team will forgive me?"

"I think so," Wren said. "Well... Maybe Dustin and Drenig. I don't think Kiki or Riley are going to. Speaking of which, I really would like to see Riley go home."

"Why?" Chauncey asked.

"He's still struggling to work in a team, but I know you can work in a team," Wren said.

"I don't know, Riley seems to be trying hard on teamwork," Aria said.

"Well... I still kind of don't like him," Wren said.

"I don't either," Aria said.

"I can still work in a team," Chauncey said. "And I will do that from now on. I'm going to forget about Lilly and focus on helping the team."

"You mean it?" Wren asked.

"Yes, I am going to focus on the game," Chauncey stated.

"That's good to hear," Wren said happily. "I'm going to go tell Dustin and Drenig the plan."

Wren found the two at the hunting grounds, where they were looking out to see under a Pinap tree on the beach of the Quarantine peninsula. Wren decided to talk to them about Chauncey and asked them to vote Riley instead.

"Thy sir Chauncey promises to let love lie?" Dustin asked. "Thy seems very doubtful of him."

"He said he promised to," Wren stated. "Plus, I still don't trust Riley on our team."

"Ay don't like Riley either to be frank," Drenig said. "But I don't know if Chauncey is going to fly straight or not."

"Come on, give him one more chance, please?" Wren asked.

"I... may consider it," Dustin said with a smile. "If he's truly gonna change, then I'm sure we can give him another chance."

"Yeah man, I'll put your words to heart," Drenig said.

"So we're in an agreement?" Wren asked.

"Now, I'm not making any promises," Dustin said.

"Me neither," Drenig added.

"But we will consider your opinion on the matter," Dustin finished.

"Thank you," Wren sad with a smile. "I hope you do vote for Riley today." And then, Wren ran off, back to the bunkers. It was almost time for the next Exile Chamber Ceremony.

-Confessional Session(Dustin)-

Dustin was holding up a slip of paper to the camera. The slip of paper had a name... Chauncey.

"I am most sorry brave Wren," Dustin started. "But sir Chauncey had his chances in this event. Thy does not believe he deserves one more. Please forgive me brave sir Wren."

-After Confessional-

Team Zap-Dos found their way back to the Quarantine Chamber. The sixth official Quarantine ceremony was about to begin. Everyone was given a glass of milk to drink. Chauncey saddly drank his while the rest of the team drank theirs normally.

"Well... today has been... interesting," Bertram said. "But here we are again at the Quarantine Chamber. It may not be a pleasant thought, but someone's gotta go home whether we want to send someone home or not. And if not your team, maybe the other team would be here again. And then..."

"Just get on with it," Aria blurted.

"Remember, if I don't call your name, you're gone for good. Now... Drenig is safe."

"Yeah!" Drenig exclaimed, shooting up from his seat. ...Then his pompadour fell down onto his snout. "Aww man," Drenig said before combing his pompadour again.

"Moving on... Kiki is safe," Bertram started again. "Aria is also safe. Wren will join Aria in the Pokemon NOT going home today... as will Dustin."

Wren looked at Chauncey and frowned. He wanted to give him another chance, but he doubted the others would so he didn't get his hopes up.

"Alright... the last person staying for now is." Bertram continued.

"...

...

...

...

...Riley."

"Awww..." Wren said, feeling a bit disappointing.

"Don't feel too bad Wren," Chauncey said. "After what I put the team through today, I deserve to go home. I know I shouldn't have let the rejection get to me, but I did. And now it can't be helped. ...I'm sorry for letting the team down."

Even the ones who voted for him felt sad for Chauncey. Chauncey went over to the Quarantine Chamber and waited for it to open. But before he could step in, someone called out.

"Wait!" Just then, Team Zap-Dos looked back and saw Lilly running up to the group. She ran past the group and over to Chauncey where she gave a look of disappointment.

"Where did she come from?" Kiki asked.

"She was watching the ceremony almost the entire time," Bertram stated. "I just didn't call her out."

"Lilly... what are you doing here?" Chauncey asked. "You came to rub it in?"

"No," Lilly said. "I... just wanted to say goodbye. ...And I'm sorry for the things me and Muffy have said to you that may have hurt your feelings. ...You're a nice person Chauncey and I hope you realize it. Maybe some day we will meet again. And on that day, maybe we can be friends." Lilly then decided to kiss Chauncey on the cheek and smiled. "Goodbye Chauncey..." Lilly then ran off, back down to the team she belonged to.

"She... she kissed me," Chauncey said. "She likes me... She really likes me!"

"Yeah yeah, whatever," Bertram said before walking over to Chauncey.

Bertram eventually walked over to Chauncey and shoved him into the Quarantine Chamber, then closed the door on him. As the gas filled the chamber, you could barely make out a tear in Chauncey's eye.

"Goodbye Lilly! I'll never forget you!" These were Chauncey's last words before he vanished into nothing. This marked the end of another ceremony. And eventually, we turned to Bertram who started shedding tears into a hanky. ...Although it was questionable whether they were sincere tears or he was just playing along.

"What a touching ceremony," Bertram said as Team Zap-Dos in the background started to leave. "I don't think we'll ever have a ceremony as powerful as this one. ...And I really hope we don't. Next episode is looking to be less emotional. Tune in next episode for another challenge, and until then, we say...

"Yahahahaha! YAAAAA-Hahahahahahahaaaa!" The chilling laugh from three challenges ago returned to haunt Bertram.

"Oh, not again," Bertram said. "That's right, next episode will mark the next encounter with Dagger Eyes. Until then, we say goodbye for now."

-Next Time On Quarentine-

"Please welcome the newest addition to my ranks: PANDORA!"

The contestants have their second encounter with Dagger Eyes.

"My darkness is unblindable."

...Where they are challenged by Hespute, Dagger's second general, and his army of ghost Pokemon.

"I aint afraid of no ghosts."

Contestants must infiltrate the mansion Hesput calls home.

"This one's gonna be a hair-raiser."

Armed with nothing but spray-guns filled with potion, they will take on a challenge they haven't faced yet.

"I'm not like Vower. I'm MUCH more hungry!"

All this and more in the next chapter of Quarantine: Who ya gonna call?