A/N: For this chapter, I decided to try out Greensonic21's soundtrack idea, which explains the track list at the end of the chapter. Let's see how that goes. And also, check Greensonic21's stories out. They're worth a read. Anyway, let's get on with it.


In Team Space-Time's last adventure, Blessing undertook a rescue mission. During the mission to rescue a young Chimchar, she had heard the term "Alpha Bloodline" being used by Chimchar's abductors. The term sounded important, and it was decided that Pelame and Pugno, as well as Grovyle's crew, was to be notified immediately.


Chapter 2 – Explorers' Holiday


"Pelame…"

The voice of Arceus was making another attempt to give Pelame his message.

"...Blessing…Demon…Dark…Comet…"


The message of her dream had once again remained on square one. Pelame pushed it out of her thoughts as she woke up.

"Good morning, Pugno!" she greeted as cheerfully as she could to Pugno, who just got up. "Ready to make this another great day?"

"Pelame," Pugno responded. "I was born ready. Let's do our best today!"

"You got it!" The two left Sharpedo Bluff on that excited note.


"Got it all ready, Blessing?" Loudred asked, having just finished filling a bucket full of Perfect Apple juice.

"Yep," Blessing answered, setting everything up for a special event to be taking place that night. "Chatot is going to be the town's laughingstock for months! I love Explorer Holidays!"

"Gotta admit, this is a GREAT way to spend an Explorers' Holiday!" Suddenly, Loudred dropped his excited look and exchanged it for a confused expression. "So…how does this all work again?"

Blessing shook her head in annoyance at this question she knew was coming. "For someone who talks as much as you do, you sure do a lot of not-listening. I'm going over it just once more: first, Chatot goes onto the stage to give his congratulatory speech to Treasure Town's Explorers. Then, he leaves the stage. After that, everyone else gets their turn to speak. And finally, we dump the Perfect Apple juice on him as everyone takes their bow. He'll be soaking in the stuff, and he'll remain humiliated like that all through Happy Hour."

"Uh, Blessing…" Loudred gave a deadpan look at Blessing. "The Guild doesn't HAVE a café."

"Uh, Loudred…" Blessing gave an equally deadpan look back to Loudred. "We're not in the Guild right now, and it's happening tonight, right here in the café. Got it memorized?"

"I do NOW."

"Yeah, sure."

With their work done, Blessing and Loudred left the Spinda Café, awaiting the right moment of the night. Blessing stepped on a letter on the way to the beach.

"Hey, Loudred. Look at this."

She read the letter aloud.

"Introducing the Grey Theatre! Grand opening is tomorrow night! For one night only, see the Ditto Troupe in 'Team Space-Time – The Explorers of the Sky Beyond Time and Darkness!' Playing at the Grey Theatre tomorrow! Don't miss it!"

On the back of the letter was a map to the theatre, which was apparently located north of Fogbound Lake.

"WAIT A SEC!" Loudred suddenly shouted angrily. "HOW MUCH IS THE ADMISSION PRICE?!" He pointed to the section of the letter that revealed the admission price to be 2,000 Poké per Pokémon.

"Heh. Who said we're going to this?"

"WHAT?! IT'S ABOUT TEAM SPACE-TIME! YOU DON'T WANT TO SEE THEIR ADVENTURES?!"

"I know their adventures already. And so do you. But enough about that; I'm going down to the beach. Wanna come with?"

"No thanks. I gotta meet Sunflora somewhere. She DIDN'T want me to say where."

At that, Blessing giggled. "Loudred and Sunflora, sitting in a tree!"

Loudred knew where this was going.

"K-I-S-S-I-N-G!"

Loudred turned a very deep beet red out of anger and blushing.

"First comes love! Then comes—"

"Oh, YOU SHUT UP, YOU LITTLE WANNABE MATCHMAKER PIECE OF—"

"Hey, don't talk like that! You don't wanna kiss your date with a filthy mouth, do you?"

"WHY YOU LITTLE—"

Blessing was too fast for Loudred, and she was soon at the beach. Loudred gave up the chase and decided to meet up with Sunflora.


"Pelame! Pugno!" Blessing said, surprised to see them there at the beach already. "When did you get here?"

"Oh! Good afternoon, Blessing," Pelame said, turning to Blessing's direction. "We got here just about a minute ago."

"We passed by you as you and Loudred were arguing again," Pugno added. "I guess you didn't see us."

"We came here because we got a letter from an old friend of ours."

Pelame read the note she was holding aloud.

"To Pelame and Pugno,
I really miss you two. Ever since I became the King of that Undersea Kingdom I found on that solo Exploration I went on three years ago, I just haven't had time to visit. But today, I've finally been able to find a free moment! Meet me at the Treasure Town beach this afternoon if you can! I'll show you my Kingdom!
-Sincerely, King Manaphy
P.S.: You can bring some friends with you if you want."

"Ugh, no way are you saps taking me," Blessing said. "I hate the sea. I mean, I can swim. It's just that I like swimming in warm water or the hot springs. But cold water is a no-go for me."

"But aren't you part Ice-type?" Celebi asked, arriving with Grovyle.

"Oh, of course. Just because I'm part Ice-type, that means I enjoy freezing my butt off. Hey, let's all have Blessing's frozen tail feathers as popsicles! It's summertime, after all! Dig in!" She gestured toward her tail feathers as she turned her back and wiggled her rear at the group.

"Sorry I asked," Celebi said sarcastically.

"And on an entirely different matter, look here." Blessing said. She turned back to face the others and cocked her head to the side and pointed to her neck. "See what I don't have here? I'm pretty sure you're all missing them, too. So, yeah; no gills, no underwater adventure. Too bad."

"Don't worry, little Sneasel! I've got that covered!"

As soon as the familiar voice made its statement, everyone on the beach felt something grow on their necks. The water's reflection revealed them to be gills. And out of the water came Pelame and Pugno's old ward.

"It's been too long, my friends," Manaphy chimed. "How have you been?"

"We've been doing just swell, Your Highness," Pugno answered.

"Oh, none of you need to call me that. I may rule an underwater kingdom, but my friends don't need to be so formal to me."

"Oh, goody," Blessing said. "So, pipsqueak, care to explain why you gave me gills just now? Are you trying to get me to take your tour? Because I'm not going into your subzero home."

"Subzero?" Manaphy asked. "If you don't like the cold, I can fix that for you." Manaphy floated over to Blessing and touched her with a special power. "Come in. The water's great!"

"It better be, darn it all," Blessing curtly responded. To her surprise, the water was a perfectly normal temperature for her. "Well, this is a start. Fine, I'll go. After all, someone needs to keep you all safe."

"Excellent," Pelame said. "Okay, Manaphy. By your lead."

Following Manaphy's lead, Pelame, Pugno, Blessing, Grovyle, and Celebi dove into the ocean.


Manaphy's power worked perfectly on the five visitors, allowing them to breathe the water as naturally as they breathe oxygen on land. They also found that they were able to swim with much more grace than normal. Even Blessing, who was a rather pathetic swimmer, was moving around easily.

"No fair, Blessing!" Celebi chided. "You're not even swimming! You're just gliding through the water with your Dark Blessing power!"

"Hey, I saved Grovyle and that Chimchar boy from yesterday doing that!" Blessing responded. "Why not reuse this ability?"

"Yeah, okay, you got me there."

"You two didn't have any prior plans, either?" Pelame asked of Grovyle and Celebi.

"No," Grovyle answered. "As soon as we finished setting everything up for tonight, we were free for the day."

"Dusknoir had other plans tonight," Celebi added. "He's back in Treasure Town welcoming the guests for tonight's ceremony, among other self-imposed tasks. I swear, that guy is such a workaholic."

"His work ethic is the only thing he hasn't changed about himself," Pugno said.

"Say, this is the first I've heard of any Dusknoir," Manaphy said. "I take it he's a friend of yours?"

"Actually, he is now," Pelame answered. "But he wasn't always. He used to be an enemy."

"Goodness!" Manaphy said, surprised. "What was he like before?"

Everyone except Blessing filled Manaphy in on the details.

"That's the most interesting story I've ever heard," Manaphy said, absolutely astonished to hear everything about his former benefactors. "A human becoming a Pokémon… I've never seen a human before. What do they look like?"

"They're a little bit tall," Grovyle answered, having been one of the few Pokémon to ever see (let alone know) a human. "And they have hair on their head, but nowhere else on their bodies. Of course, since Pugno wore garments of some kind all the time, I wouldn't know what a human looks like under them."

At that, Pugno's face blushed a very bright pink.

"They're mammalian creatures. They have no Moves of their own, but they've used objects as weapons in combat. I remember Pugno being skilled with a makeshift sword he and I made out of rock."

"Wow," Pelame said. "Pugno, a swordsman? That's really cool! Did you two ever spar to keep up your training?"

"Yes, we did. In-between researching the past, we would spar with each other to stay sharp just in case Dusknoir caught up to us. Pugno lost his rock sword while fighting off a Sableye that had me on the run. We soon made it to the Passage of Time after that happened. I believe you know the rest from that point, Pelame."

"Sparring sounds fun," Blessing said. "We should do that sometime. Of course, there'd be no shame in surrendering once I start mopping Treasure Town with all of you."

"Treasure Town?" asked a local ocean Pokémon who Pelame and Pugno could've sworn they'd met before. He was blue on most of his body, except for his neck which had two white stripes. His head was also white, along with what appeared to be a poofy mustache. There were two giant yellow tusk-like teeth coming from his mouth. He had the general appearance of a walrus. "So that's why two of you looked familiar to me. It's been a while!"

"Everyone," Manaphy addressed. "Meet Walrein. He's my undersea benefactor."

"Pleasure to meet you again, sir," Pelame said, shaking Walrein's fin.

"Has Manaphy been behaving himself?" Pugno asked.

"That, he has," Walrein happily answered. "The Undersea Kingdom has never been happier. Manaphy's crowning came when they needed it most. After losing their previous king to an unknown cause, it was a mess."

"I hope we didn't make it worse when we found Manaphy's egg," Pelame said sadly. "We could very well have prolonged a civil war."

"Oh, no, there's no need for self-pity," Walrein reassured. "Why, you two did a fantastic job raising him. If it weren't for the environmental barrier, you two could've been the perfect benefactors."

"I see," Pugno responded. "How did the Undersea Kingdom come to accept you as their King, Manaphy?"

"As Walrein said," Manaphy answered. "It had a lot to do with opportune timing. But Walrein taught me many things, including the history of my species. I actually come from a royal bloodline of undersea monarchs. It just so happened that every citizen of the Undersea Kingdom knew that, so they immediately bowed to me. And I basically learned my job while on the job."

"Speaking of the Undersea Kingdom, I'd like to ask something about it," Blessing said. "Are we there yet?"

"Actually, yes we are," Manaphy answered. "We arrived just as you got ready to ask. Welcome to the Undersea Kingdom!"

The group arrived in the central square of the kingdom. They could hardly believe how beautiful it was. The architecture was all made out of coral, making use of the giant reef the Kingdom used as a foundation.

"Hey, Pugno! Look at this!" Pelame shouted in the giddiest way she possibly could. Pugno swam over to Pelame to see what she was so excited about. "Don't you wish you could move gracefully like that?"

"If you evolve into a Vaporeon, you could realize that dream, Pelame," Pugno responded.

Pelame was completely mesmerized by the Undersea Kingdom's wonders. The locals were friendly, the sights were works of art to her eyes, and her best friends were with her to see it all. It was evening by the time the tour was finally over.

"The sun's setting now," Manaphy said. "Which means it's time for the best sight of all."

Manaphy led the group to the balcony of the Coral Castle's throne room.

"Whoop-de-doo. It's the reef's drop-off," Blessing said. "Yay for beauty."

"Actually, you're supposed to be looking up," Manaphy said. "You're going to love it."

The group did as told, and they were glad they did. The light of the sunset filtered down onto the Undersea Castle. The reflective shells adorning the castle glittered in the light, lighting up the entire reef. The sight was simply breathtaking.

"Your eyes," Pugno said to Pelame. "They look beautiful in this light."

"So do yours," Pelame responded. She rested her head on his shoulder. "This has been the best Explorers' Holiday ever."

Everyone was fully immersed in the beautiful sight before them for as long as the sunlight shone on the castle. It had been an excellent visit.


"We'll be seeing you soon, sire," Pugno said.

"I'll look forward to it," Manaphy said. "Today was so much fun! I hope the rest of the Holiday goes well for you!"

Manaphy dove back into the sea. Having no more need for gills since they were back on Treasure Town's shore, the gills lent to Pelame and friends disappeared.

"Gotta admit," Blessing said. "For a trip through the freeze-your-rear-off ocean, that was actually really fun. That sunlight show was the clincher."

"That was the happiest I've seen you in a while, Pelame," Celebi said.

"I just love the ocean, that's all," Pelame said, blushing bright enough for it to be seen through her fur.

"Love the ocean?" Blessing said. "You were fangirling over it!"

"She's right, Pelame," Pugno added. "But at least you weren't complaining about freezing. Right, Blessing?" Pugno shot a smug glance at Blessing.

"Oh, put a sock in it, Pugno!" Blessing retorted. "I happen to like my tail better when it's not frozen, thank you very much!"

At that, everyone had a good laugh. Even Blessing decided to laugh at herself, so as not to put a damper in the giddy moment.


"PERFECT APPLE JUICE?!" Chatot screamed. "YOU USED THE LARDER'S ENTIRE STOCK OF PERFECT APPLES TO CREATE AN ELABORATE PRANK?!"

"It's NOT all my fault!" Loudred defended. "Blessing gave ME the idea!"

All of the Spinda Café's clientele, consisting of the regulars as well as Treasure Town's populace and local Explorers, gave their undivided attention to the scene unfolding before them.

"Don't even think about blaming a fellow Guild member!" Chatot squawked. "You're going two nights without dinner for this! Two!"

"Why not three? Or four?" Blessing asked, entering the café. "A week might be a suitable punishment for Loudred. How dare he steal all those Perfect Apples and make juice out of them with the intent of serving them as a special drink for tonight's event?!"

Loudred was completely livid. "Why you DOUBLE-CROSSING LITTLE—"

"What a delicious idea, Blessing!" Guildmaster Wigglytuff said. "Perfect Apples are yummy. I've always wanted to taste Perfect Apple Juice."

"To tell you the truth, Guildmaster," Chatot said with the remotest bit of guilt in his voice. "I'd like some, too." He turned to Loudred. "Your punishment is voided."

"Oh, THANKS, Chatot!" Loudred responded gleefully.

"By the way, you five," Chatot addressed Pelame, Pugno, Grovyle, Celebi, and Blessing. "You missed all but the last speaker tonight! Where were you all?"

"Manaphy requested our presence at the beach," Pugno answered. "He wanted to show us the underwater kingdom he recently was crowned the King of."

"Oh, Chatot, you should have seen it," Pelame gushed. "It was breathtaking." Blessing giggled audibly at that statement, momentarily distracting Pelame. "Anyway, it was an amazing sight. All the buildings were made of coral, the castle had reflective shells in it, all the Water Pokémon living there were friendly. But the best part was when the sun set, and the light of the sunset hit the castle, making it sparkle. *sigh* I'd love to go back there again. Fogbound Lake had nothing on that sight."

"I'm telling Uxie on you for that," Blessing taunted.

"Well, I'm glad you all had fun," Chatot said. "Manaphy's a King now, huh? That boy sure came a long way since you two found him as an egg. Now, if you'll excuse me, I must make my speech." Chatot hopped up to center stage.

"Hey Loudred," Blessing said. "How was our prank found out?"

"Dusknoir found it when he and the Sableye double-checked everything," Loudred answered, somehow managing to whisper. "Thanks for saving my hide, by the way. That sure was quick thinking on your part."

"You're welcome," Blessing responded. "Wouldn't be the first time I've had to bail you out. On another note, how did your date go?"

"It fell through. Sunflora had to help decorate this place. She ran by me while I was on my way to the meeting point she told me to go to. I've never heard her say 'sorry' so many times."

"Sorry to hear that. Better luck next time, Casanova."

"OOOOHHHHHH—"

"Quiet, you two!" Pelame said quietly, but sternly.

Chatot took the position to speak to the crowd. "As you all know, our world can be a very dangerous place. Pokémon become violent for inexplicable reasons, natural disasters ravage the land, among other aspects of life. Those Pokémon who can maintain the goodness in their hearts are the Explorers of today, the role models for future generations to do their part in keeping the world as safe as possible. Today is a day to celebrate everyone's hard work, and to show our thanks to their efforts. It's never an easy job, but if it means longer lasting peace, then it's a worthwhile effort. Look, for instance, at all the work done by Team Space-Time. Step forward, please." Pelame and Pugno took center stage. "What was the result of their labors? Why, our world wouldn't even be how it is now without them! With them in the world, and with all Explorers in the world, it is my belief that Pokémon far and wide will continue to prosper. From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you."

The standing ovation Chatot received for his heartfelt speech lasted for minutes on end. It was then time for the town's Explorers to exit the stage.

"Everyone, I have an announcement for you," Spinda said. "Tonight's Happy Hour Special is Perfect Apple Juice! On the house for all Explorers!"

The Pokémon of the café drank the night away. As the Guildmaster hoped, Perfect Apple Juice was pleasure to the taste buds.


"Boy, am I going to have a hard time waking up tomorrow!" Pugno said in an excited tone as he settled into his bed.

"I know what you mean!" Pelame responded, just as excited, and still tasting Perfect Apple Juice. "I don't even remember when I last had so much fun! Let's at least try to get some sleep, though."

"Good night, Pelame."

"Good night, Pugno."

The two residents of Sharpedo Bluff were somehow able to fall asleep after all.


Despite all expectations, the residents of Treasure Town were all able to get to sleep. It was then that Team AWD took their chance.

"Got her," Arbok said, carrying an unconscious Blessing in his coils. "They'll have no choice now."

"Excellent," Weavile said. "The leader will certainly be proud of this. Let's get going."

Weavile opened a Dimensional Hole and led her team into it.


Blessing awakened to find herself tied to what appeared to be a theatre seat. Her mouth was sealed shut with a Rawst Scarf that was remade into a makeshift gag. Her three captors entered the room. Weavile removed the Rawst Scarf from Blessing's mouth.

"I've heard a lot about you, little girl. Now, you're going to tell me everything."


Suggested Music for this chapter:

Setting Up A Prank – Critter Tripper Fritter! (Final Fantasy V)

Manaphy's Undersea Kingdom – Underwater Exploration (Super Mario Sunshine)

Loudred Gets Yelled At – What's Wrong with Everyone (PMD – Gates to Infinity)

Chatot's Speech – Coin Song (Final Fantasy VI – sschafi's Remastered cover)

Blessing Abducted – Zetsubou (Digimon Adventure OST)