PMD: A Christmas Tale Chapter 6: Night of December 23, a pokémon fanfic

For my favorite Pokémon, my all-time favorite Pokémon is Swampert. I just like Alastor for his character, personality and Armaldo is my favorite Fossil Pokémon. My favorite Gen is the 3rd Gen, RSE was my first Pokémon game I played when I was little and I always picked Mudkip as my Starter.

If you guys were wondering about Phil's Detect Specs, it is just made up. I want to make a unique character so I made Phil nearsighted. I also made Alastor very smart since, at the start of the game, he gains more IQs than he rest of my team. While Droplet, Flaire and Phil gain 5 points from each Blue, Red and Royal Gummi, respectively; Alastor gains 9 points from each Gray Gummi and 8 points from each Green Gummi.

I hate escort missions but I hate protecting Rapha in Final Fantasy Tactics more. Reason: Rapha has a VERY stupid AI, you need to be lucky so that she doesn't rush towards the enemies for a close-ranged attack that sucks as the same enemy will hit her twice and kill her before your party can even get a turn.

December 23, 20XX
Treasure Town, Wigglytuff's Guild
17:10

"Whose footprint?! Whose footprint?!" Exploud's voice shouted.

I guess he never passed the exams yet. Flaire thought, never forgetting that Droplet one-shot him with a Muddy Water during the exams. I guess Dugtrio and Exploud are the permanent sentries. Also, Dugtrio's father now has three sons.

"Blaziken's! Blazi-! Flaire!"

Dugtrio's face went out of the ground to meet Flaire, Alastor and the others. Then, the guild's gates opened to reveal the recent guild members. Bidoof, Sunflora and Corphish graduated from the guild seven years ago and are now an Exploration Team. So now; Lampent, Meinfo, and Nidoran are the newest additions to the guild. Croakgunk is now Toxicroak who keeps the cauldron, Chimeco is still the guild's medic, Exploud is standing there watching them, and, lastly, good old Wigglytuff came out of the guild.

Alastor and Flaire smiled as they greet the guild members.

"Friendly friends!" Wigglytuff called as he greets them. "I'm so happy to see you."

"Yeah, I love how you funded our guild and-" Chatot was cut off when he spots Hydreigon. His forehead bulged a cross. "YOU! Don't you dare eat the Perfect Apple supplies ever again!"

Axle cringed when that happened. He became deaf for the whole month that Primrose has to apply some Heal Seed extracts to heal their ears.

"Of course Senior Chatot." Hydreigon said. "I learned my lessons."

"I hope so and I don't want the food supplies to run out and have you guys pay the bill." Chatot warned.

Axle and the others cringed.

"Greetings to you, Team White-Silver." Chatot said. "I'm glad that you guys are here for a concert on Christmas Eve. That way, we could get more money for the guild's funding."

Flaire looks a bit crossed at this, what Chatot usually talks about is money. They saved the world twice (thrice based on what Phil said), became Spatial Guardians, the town's protectors, and are one of the strongest Pokémon in their world but they only get 10% of the actual reward money for the job. The team has a family to feed and it took almost years to have their base be beautiful. Flaire looks down and sees that Manaphy is playing with the young recruits then at the way where Sharpedo Bluff is. Large houses and buildings are in the way but it didn't block the way from the guild to see the ocean and the bluff's entrance.

Flaire wonders when Droplet will return. Is he alright? How is his condition?

"My Officer Magnezone, what brings you here?" Chatot asked, surprised to see the town's local sheriff with the continent's most powerful team.

"ZZZT! Just spending some time and making new friends sir! ZZZT!" Magnezone answered.

Once he said this, Alastor smiled warmly at him. He seems to be improving his overall attitude. The sadness in his metallic heart seems to be disappearing.

December 23, 20XX
Sharpedo's Bluff, Dimensional Gate Room
17:14

The room where Droplet was first seen is quiet and still as a portal slowly appears in a swirling vortex. As the portal grows, a scream can be heard as a Swampert was suddenly shot out of it. Droplet hits the wall as the portal closes and the impact of the force ricocheted Droplet out of it and made him hit the opposite wall. With that, Droplet bounced around the room before finally stopping with face planted on the wall.

Droplet comically fell backwards and landed roughly on his head. Droplet groaned when his head hit the floor before lying sprawled on the ground. He pushed himself to a sitting position with some small purple birds fly around his head (I don't know why Black Chocobos are purple).

"Now I know how the characters feel when they were hit by ricocheting attacks." Droplet muttered.

Shaking his head, the purple birds let out a squawk as they disappear, and stands up. Droplet looks around him before trying to make connection with Palkia…he can't, since Palkia can only contact them when they are in a different universe. Droplet wonders about where everyone is. Getting up, Droplet went for the door and typed in some codes to open it.

The metal door opened once the codes were imputed and Droplet went out of the room. Once he got outside, he meets the hallway with the lights off. Walking to the door that leads to the bluff's largest area and flicking a switch to turn on the lights, Droplet sees that the bluff is now empty with only the house appliances alone. Looking at the kitchen, he saw that the plates the team used for their breakfast aren't washed. He sighed as he goes to the kitchen and prepares to wash the dishes.

He looks like the maid of the team, doing the dishes, housekeeping and et cetera, even though he is the team leader and a father-figure to Manaphy. Flaire should have been the one to wash the dishes, but she seems more boyish than Droplet. Her hot-tempered, adventurous, rash, and thrill-seeking nature compared to Droplet's pacifistic, quiet, and calm nature.

Once he finished the dishes, Droplet went to the coffee table of the living room to check on the newspaper of the Daily Taillow. Taking the newspaper, he sees the front page having a picture of Phil dressed like an old man with Flaire as a ghost with candles around her, Breloom of Team Frontier as a ghost wearing fur-lined green robe, and Alastor as a grim reaper.

"Salamence Scrooge's Christmas Carol, featuring Team Elemental, Team Raider, Team Frontier, and Team Charm. Showing on December 25, 20XX on 15:00 at Treasure Theater.

"Team White-Silver Christmas Eve Concert. December 25, 20XX on 19:45 at Treasure Town's main plaza."

There are a lot of activities that will come there. There would be a rehearsal tomorrow for the play so Droplet has a script materialized on his hand. He has a good memory, so he memorized the script by heart. Finish scanning the script, Droplet dismisses the script and picks up the newspaper before heading to the stairs that will lead to Treasure Town.

The night was cold, so Droplet materializes his Speed Scarf to warm himself as he locked the door with a spare key and went to Treasure Town.

December 23, 20XX
17:22
Wigglytuff's Guild

"I think we're late." Flaire said as she checks the time.

It was already been a while when they arrived at Treasure Town. The good thing about Jewel City is that it isn't that far from Treasure Town and it is needed to ride the train for that to happen. It was fortunate that they arrived at Treasure Town just ten minutes after five. Unfortunately, they have to help out Team Charm, Team White-Silver, and Team Jubilant to unpack in the guild. The guild had expanded during the past years because of the efforts of Team Elemental's and Team White-Silver's works. Since there aren't that much hotels in Treasure Town and hotels back at Jewel City are expensive, exploration teams usually stay at guilds since it is free. The only problem is that staying at guilds meant that the exploration team know who and is trusted by the guildmaster. Fortunately, Wigglytuff is the nicest guildmaster in the world so far. Yet, he can be like Droplet when angry but Droplet was worse.

Since Team Elemental had taken residence on the bluff, they don't need to be sheltered in the guild's borders. Well, when Team Elemental was made, Alastor wasn't allowed to stay in the guild since he isn't a member of the guild so Flaire let him stay at Sharpedo's Bluff.

When Droplet and Flaire moved to the Bluff, the place was spotless clean. Even when Phil stayed there, Alastor managed to keep the whole place clean. The others can stay in the bluff, but the place can only contain up until 9 people only and they don't want anyone besides themselves go to other worlds.

Flaire helped with Lopunny's stuff: A makeup kit, a hair brush, a hairdryer, a lipstick set, and some costumes.

"Wait, why do you have so much costumes?" Flaire asked.

"Because, the director hired me to bring the clothes." Lopunny said.

"Oh, so-wait a minute, you mean, about the one back at Jewel City? Those were for us?"

"Of course Flaire dear. I know the sizes of you guys and now, I want to see you perform in stage with the clothes I bought back at Jewel City. The director provided me the money too and I also had a coupons to it. Aria isn't the only one getting coupons you know."

Coupons, where the heck can I get those? Flaire thought, wondering if there is a coupon for property damage.

While fixing the stuff, Flaire sees a bow that bears the pattern of Xerneas' horns. Her eyes are wide with shock upon seeing this.

"Yggdrasil?" Flaire said, looking at the prop before her. "When did you buy this?"

"At the cosplay section back at the clothes store." Lopunny answered. "Ironstone wants to get that weapon made of plastic and it was a limited edition costume."

"But, how can he cosplay using this? The wielder of this weapon is a woman and if it is for him, he should have the Rhongomyniad and the Yang Shield."

"Well, he does want the bow and not the spear and shield. Still, I wonder how someone can fight using a large sword with a chain at the hilt. That sword of that Swampert whose name nearly sounds like earwax looks heavy."

"Yeah, tell me about it."

"Sentry Dugtrio, what did you spot?!" Exploud yelled.

"The Blood-soaked Crescent!" Dugtrio explain. "The Blood-soaked Crescent flying at twelve o' clock!"

Upon hearing the announcement, everyone went out of the guild to see the Blood-soaked Crescent.

The Blood-soaked Crescent, the title given to the Mega Salamence and one of the most powerful Megas in the world. Flaire's thought flashbacked into the day Phil made an unbalanced fusion back at Marowak's Dojo.

The sight of one of her trusted friends, succumbed to bloodlust, crying in anguish, destroying everything in his path, and…the blood of a Mega Swampert splattered on the floor and staining the Mega Salamence's claws and wing, enough to make her puke. There was nothing she can do. That was the day when she almost lost Droplet and, to some extent, Phil.

The only comfort she had were Manaphy and Alastor. That's why when that issue was finished, she attempted to master the power of Mega Evolution with the help of Ironstone and Team Charm as the spectators of her trial and keeping it a secret from her own team, so that she can cure the phobia of Mega Evolution. Until they found out about it because of Droplet's Dimensional Scream. It was a fortune, since if they never found out about it, she wouldn't be standing here today.

"AH!" Flaire cried when she was sent rolling on the ground.

"Flaire!" Ironstone cried.

Flaire lies there as she pants for breaths and looks at the Mega Blaziken staring at her with cold eyes. That Mega Blaziken is herself, she looks beaten up at a good measure but her speed managed to overtake Flaire and hit her with one hit. That one hit is enough to drain all of Flaire's stamina and at the brink of unconsciousness.

The perpetuators stand in fear as Flaire gets beaten up by the Mega Blaziken. As much as they want to help Flaire, they cannot do anything as they are the spectators of this trial and interfering can cause damage to Flaire's mentality. Of course they can stop this trial, however, Flaire did a foolish thing of doing something that disallows the spectators to stop the match.

The Mega Blaziken approaches her, hand set aflame for the final blow. Flaire stares at it with fearful eyes as she lies there to meet her end.

However, something from the field outside went inside and blocked the attack.

The attack made Flaire's hair flutter in the air as she covers her eyes to prevent the sand from the force to hit her eyes. Once the winds died down, Flaire uncovers her eyes and sees a large Armaldo towering over her.

"Al?" Flaire muttered weakly.

"Droplet, I'm in!" Alastor cried as he holds the Mega Blaziken's punch. "I've intercepted the blow meant for Flaire."

"Got it! Phil, help Flaire out!" Droplet cried as he soon enters the field.

On that command, Phil enters the field from the air and scoops Flaire up.

"You stubborn hot-head." Phil scolded. "You made Droplet worried about you that he nearly destroyed our base."

As Phil helps Flaire, Droplet hears Alastor screaming as he was thrown over his head. The injuries Alastor sustained were serious, but Alastor can still take some more. Turning his head, Droplet sees just in time to see a Mega Blaziken ready to attack. Flaire's clone headbutt Droplet on the head and sends him flying to Alastor. Alastor caught his leader on his claws as Droplet's body caused Alastor's feet to skid on the ground. Droplet gagged as blood flew out of his mouth as the surrounding area became hazy. The taste of his own blood is horrible and he must've taken massive trauma to his head.

"Droplet, are you alright?" Alastor asked.

"Don't worry about me, protect the others." Droplet said, some leftover blood seeping out of his mouth.

"Droplet, you're hurt."

"Don't worry about me Al, follow my orders and-"

Droplet was cut off when Flaire's clone uses a Jump Kick that forced Droplet to Mega Evolve. Once he did, Droplet caught the Mega Blaziken mid-air by the leg before throwing her several feet away.

"Get out of here Al!"

Before Alastor can reply, Droplet lunged at Flaire's clone. The Mega Blaziken soon recovered herself just in time to see Droplet's left eye flicker a blue light.

"Surf!"

Flaire's clone was hit by a tsunami that then traps her inside the waters before it transforms into a giant tornado that everyone inside held their ground so that they would not get absorbed by the vortex. With the Mega Blaziken trapped, Droplet ran, dove inside the tough current of his attack, and swam to the Mega Blaziken's location.

This clone will not die from sheer attack alone, she can only die from Flaire's attack, but Flaire cannot take action due to her injuries, or the destruction of the Megastone. The second option was the only choice.

"You won't be hurting my friends!" Droplet cried as he pinpoints where the Megastone is from the clone's body is. It was on the clone's chest, Droplet can tell because he can barely see the insignia of Mega Evolution on it. Grabbing the clone by the chest, Droplet let out a mighty roar and slammed the Mega Blaziken to the ground, creating an earthquake.

The earthquake shattered the multicolored background and flung the spectators of Flaire's trial back. The force of the shattering Megastone also flung Flaire and Phil that caused them to fly backwards as Phil coiled himself to protect Flaire. Alastor held his ground when he heard a high-pitched scream. Turning his head to the source, Alastor sees Gardevoir flying.

"Gardevoir!" Alastor screamed as he runs towards her.

Abusing the power of Ancient Power, Alastor uses it to reach the maximum speed as he lunged and caught Gardevoir,

"I got you." Alastor cried.

After a few seconds, there was an explosion of the energy use of Mega Evolution that destroyed the entire area. Droplet takes the full force of the explosion.

Once the energy dissipated, Droplet pants hard before falling on his knees as he is enveloped by a light and returns to normal. His Swampertite appearing on his Sky Blue Bow. Droplet stares at the ground where the Mega Blaziken lay, however, instead of her, what lay there are the shattered bits of a Blazikenite. Droplet coughed as bits of blood falls to the ground.

Everyone groaned as they got up from the injuries they sustained when the Blazikenite was destroyed and exploded. They are able to survive the blast but not without injuries.

"Are you okay?" Alastor asked.

"I'm fine, I would have sustained more damage if it wasn't for your help Alastor." Gardevoir said. "Thank you."

"Wait, where's Flaire?" Lopunny called.

Droplet stayed motionless as he held his position with cold eyes as Alastor, Ironstone, and Team Charm search for the Blaziken.

"I have her." Phil called.

Everyone stopped and turned to Phil. Once they did, Phil unfolded his wings and tail to reveal Flaire cowering in fear. She appears wounded and battered.

"She's alright and-"

"That was stupid."

Everyone were silenced as they turn around and see Droplet standing up with his back turned to them.

"Why would you do that Flaire?" Droplet asked coldly.

"Because…because I want-"

"Want what? Trying to kill yourself? Using the power of Mega Evolution? Let me die by Phil's hands some months ago?" Droplet interrupted, facing her.

The entire group looks frighten at him. He looks angry and cold. There aren't no signs of sympathy and worry in his eyes as he glares at the weakened Flaire.

Flaire is afraid, this fear is far worse than being trapped in the paralyzed world, being inside a nightmare caused by Darkrai, going to a different world with horrors, and facing Dialga. The hard, unsympathetic, cold, and angry stare of her best friend. The nicest person in the whole world.

Tears run down her cheeks as Phil tries his best to protect Flaire, but the blast earlier rendered him unable to move his limbs as the rest of his energy was sapped when he uncovered Flaire's cover. Droplet heavily trudged to Flaire direction as the rest of the group futilely tried to stop him from hurting Flaire.

Once he reached Flaire, Droplet reached out one hand and pulled Flaire out of Phil and let her kneel in front of him. Flaire is scared, she is a tomboy, but she is just as fragile as a girl. Slowly, Flaire stares into Droplet's glare and she whimpers.

"Tell me why Homura." Droplet snarled.

Flaire gulped.

"I…I want to use the power of Mega Evolution." Flaire said. "I want to be strong…I want to protect you so that I can know that I am truly your best friend. I don't want to be weak, I'm a tomboy, and I should be like that. I'm never a girl who is always having the guy protect her and get hurt because of that. I don't want to let you die and lose you again."

Droplet stayed still as he momentarily stares at Flaire's fragile state. Kneeling down and crying with wounds sustained from her battle with her Mega Evolution clone and the radiation of the explosion of the Megastone. The whole area is silent with the only sound that can be heard is Flaire's cry.

…

Phil's instincts were tingling, looking at Droplet, he saw something is amiss. The positioning of his limbs, the small signs of movement that can be missed for a millisecond. Phil got this strategy when he was training with the team. The strategy is how you can sense an enemy's next action by tracking signs of movement or action. He knew what this movement meant, Droplet is about to attack.

"DROPLET DON'T!" Phil cried as Droplet lunges at Flaire.

Flaire puts her head up and gasps when Droplet jumps at her like a feral beast.

There was a moment of silence as everyone have a shocked expression on their faces. Their eyes trembled as Lopunny covers her mouth at the scene.

Droplet…

…

…was hugging Flaire. Hugging as if he doesn't want her to disappear or drift away into a place unknown. The animosity in his eyes and face is gone, instead, sorrow and relief washed over his face. Flaire is in shock as Droplet weeps, hugging his best friend and partner lovingly.

"Flaire, you almost killed me with worry." Droplet cried. "During the past days, I cannot sleep when you seem to act differently for these days that you lost some weight. Flaire, why didn't you tell about me this? Aren't we partners?"

"D-Droplet…" Flaire said as tears flooded her eyes as she hugs Droplet back.

"Flaire, you can take this trial whatever you like. You need to remember, whatever happens to you, I have your back. I'll endure every hardships, every blow, just to keep you safe. You are my family Flaire."

"Droplet…I don't want to take this trial anymore. I'm scared."

The two hug each other as Alastor puts Gardevoir down. Making his way to the duo, he helps Phil get back to his feet and guides him to the two.

"Flaire…" Alastor and Phil muttered as they joined in.

Right now, Team Elemental are back together, the sorrow of almost losing two members are gone and they are back together.

"We need to go to the hospital." Alastor said. "We need to have the doctors check our bodies."

She knows that she cannot keep secrets from Droplet, since he has the power of the Dimensional Scream, he'll know all of her actions. Even though she is not with him, that power will still work if Alastor or Phil is around since they all trust each other as a family.

"Flaire watch out!"

Flaire snapped back to reality as she watches the Mega Salamence darting towards her position.

December 23, 20XX
17:20
Treasure Town

"We're almost at Treasure Town." Phil said. "Thank you for riding the Phil Airlines and we wish to see each other again."

"I think you need to work on that." Snow said.

Phil growls as the duo made their way to Treasure Town. The cold weather at this time really delayed the flight from Crystal Crossing to Treasure Town that Phil needs his Sala-Cape to keep himself warm.

"So Phil, how do you feel about this?" Snow asked. "Being in the form of a powerful Mega Evolution."

"Well, I don't know why I can fly since I cannot flap my wings as easily as I did in my regular form. Yet I can fly as easily as a Mega Salamence. Still don't know how I can fly faster than in regular form when I'm in this form."

"Phil watch out!"

Phil's eyes widened when he sees a Mega Aerodactyl flying towards them. He knew who this is. It was the psychotic killer of Mega Evolution who kills and plunders their belongings. It is also the killer of Alastor's mother and framed Alastor's father for the crime. The killer is using a Giga Impact at him.

"Snow, hold on tight since there will be a turbulence in here." Phil said while Snow follows his instruction. "Dragon Rush!"

Phil was covered by a multicolored aura as he charges toward Aerodactyl at a very fast speed. There are somethings Phil hates, while hating every time Flaire teases him, he in fact loves doing that, the thing that Phil hates most is this: People who hurt his family. This Aerodactyl was captured by Team Elemental sometime before Armaldo's death. Alastor had his revenge but that didn't bring Armaldo and Cradily back as revenge was just a satisfaction of the person affected and there is no reward for doing it.

"I thought you're supposed to be in prison." Phil said. "Go home and stay away from Alastor!"

Phil hits Aerodactyl with his attack. In that instant, Aerodactyl glowed a multicolored aura and returned back to his normal form. The killer lost balance and fell to the forest below.

"He manages to escape again." Snow said. "That guy is really persistent but you guys are able to subdue him every time he escapes. I got to say, you guys are cool even with a weird leader. Phil, did you see something shiny with one of Aerodactyl's talons?"

He was silent as he slowly flies and Snow can hear heavy breathing coming from him.

"Phil, are you-OH MY ARCEUS!"

There was a nasty wound on his stomach with blood dripping like a leaking vent. Phil tries to make himself wide awake as Snow stare in fear at this. Snow then uses Blizzard on him but it doesn't help with the wound.

"Snow, your Blizzard is too weak." Phil said. "The Sala-cape isn't enough…we need to go to Wigglytuff."

"Right, stay strong Phil!"

Phil then uses the last of his strength fly to Wigglytuff's Guild with Snow helping him to stay awake. Blood drip on his wound

"Phil, we're almost here." Snow said. "Just a few more…come on four-eyes you can do it…Phil? Come on, you went through harder than this."

Phil lost his strength due to blood loss so he then begins to plummet down toward the guild's entrance. There is a female Blaziken standing in the way.

"Flaire…get out of the way." Phil muttered weakly. "Returning to dreamland again."

The last thing he sees is a shadow running and pushing the Blaziken out of the way before everything went black.

At the last moment, a shadow appears out of nowhere and pushes Flaire aside while Phil crash-landed into the guild's interior. There were some noises coming inside the guild as everyone wonders why there was a noise of a cat who got shock.

Flaire slowly opens her eyes as she looks at her savior. That person was a Swampert wearing a Speed Scarf on his neck and a Sky Blue Bow.

"Are you alright Flaire?" he asked.

"Droplet…thank you." Flaire said.

As Droplet helps Flaire up, he sees the trail of blood going into the guild's interior. The others rushed down and saw two bodies lying there. One is a Froslass and the other a Mega Salamence who is covered by a multicolored aura and returned to normal. Droplet's eyes widened when he sees the Detect Specs, lying some feet away from Phil's body, covered with blood.

"Snow, are you alright?" Ironstone said.

"I'm fine, but you need to help Phil." Snow said before everyone rushed to Phil.

Everyone were horrified at the wound on his side that Chatot immediately call for Chimeco. Once she arrives, her eyes widened.

"These are some serious wounds." She said. "But you don't need to worry, I can patch it up easily but you need to help me get him in a room."

Everyone nodded as Officer Magnezone went to Snow.

"Zzzt! Who did this? Zzzt!" he asked.

"An Aerodactyl." Snow answered, sending chills to Alastor's spine and Officer Magnezone's circuit. "It was in Mega Evolution and I think I saw something dangling from the talons."

"Zzzt! Something? Zzzt!"

"It is shiny, like a Shiny Magnemite."

Alastor's eyes widened. This psycho must've killed a Magnemite during his next escape. Before Officer Magnezone can ask more questions, he spots Alastor using Rock Polish to increase his speed before heading out of the guild.

"Alastor!" Officer Magnezone screamed before following suit.

Aerodactyl will pay for this! Alastor thought.

December 24, 20XX
17:23
Treasure Town's Forest

Aerodactyl groans as he slowly get up from his position after Phil hit him hard. Looking around, he sees that he is just a few meters away from Treasure Town.

"That Salamence." Aerodactyl said. "He really took me down for the count. Where is my shiny thing?"

Searching some more, he sees the Magnemite unconscious on the floor. He is still alive, even with the injuries he sustained, they aren't that bad that they won't threaten his life. Aerodactyl groans as he approaches the body.

"Damn it, I think I have to dispose of him." Aerodactyl said as he approaches the Magnemite.

Raising his talons, Aerodactyl sees that he wasn't in his Mega Form, but in his normal form. Seeing this, Aerodactyl frantically looks around to find where his prized Megastone is. After a couple of searching, he finds the Megastone…in pieces.

He underestimated Phil of Team Elemental, he may be the weakest of the team but his skills in combat are incredible that he can go toe-to-toe with Droplet. Phil is not as smart as Alastor but he is analytical and has a keen eye, for someone being nearsighted, that he can see small things anyone can miss out. He also knows where Megastones go when a Pokémon Mega Evolves.

While in a trance, Aerodactyl didn't see Alastor passing by, picking up Magnemite, and putting him at a safe distance. Once all of this are done, Alastor then uses Stone Edge and hit Aerodactyl with it.

Aerodactyl screams in pain when the rocks collided with his back. Falling to the ground, Aerodactyl sneers and sees Alastor standing a few feet in a battle position. This Armaldo is also at fault for doing this as he was the one who taught the team the weaknesses of Mega Evolution.

"Alastor Chromium." Aerodactyl sneered. "You'll pay for teaching your Salamence friend the weaknesses of Mega Evolution!"

Aerodactyl flies at his with Aerial Ace while Alastor anticipates the attack and uses Dig to dodge it. When Aerodactyl misses his target, Alastor immediately jumps out of the ground and landed on Aerodactyl's back.

"What the? Get off of me!" Aerodactyl exclaimed.

"Not until I get you back to prison!" Alastor exclaimed.

Gritting his teeth, Aerodactyl flew downward and lean his back to the tree. Flying at great speed, Aerodactyl has Alastor hit several branches so that he can get the Armaldo off his back. However, he forgoes the tough defense he has while Alastor retaliates using Metal Claw on his back. Aerodactyl screams in pain that he flips made while Alastor let go of his hold on his back, stood up, jumped out, and landed on the branch of a nearby tree.

Alastor anticipates where Aerodactyl landed and sees him coming toward him with insane speed. He used Agility and his speed was unmatchable that Alastor had no choice but to block the attack. Aerodactyl then uses Sky Drop as Alastor braces himself, his talons grab hold of him, and throws him into the sky.

Alastor was spiraling in the air while Aerodactyl smiles and follows Alastor.

"Prepare to die!" Aerodactyl said. "Iron Head!"

Aerodactyl's head shines that it becomes as hard as iron and sails his way to Alastor. Alastor was able to collect himself from mid-air and sees the incoming assault. Aerodactyl knew that he would win as it was already several meters away from the ground and he knew Armaldos cannot survive this height if they were to fall. Even with Alastor's high defense, the Iron Head will deal some damage and the drop at this height will kill him. This is what Aerodactyl assumed however.

Alastor anticipates Aerodactyl before screaming,

"Metal Claw!"

His claws shine and hardens as hard as steel and blocks Aerodactyl's attack. The force did deal a single damage to him but it sent him flying back. The next thing he did surprised Aerodactyl. Doing a backflip, Alastor steadies his feet and uses the air around him to dash back at Aerodactyl with his claws forming rocks around them.

"Stone Edge!" Alastor cried before hitting Aerodactyl at the gut.

"Impossible!" Aerodactyl coughed out. "How can you fly?"

Alastor just stayed his calm and collected nature but inside his brain, he has an arrogant smirk on his face.

I had to thank Palkia for having to kidnap a higher Elemental. Alastor thought. Though it almost made a serious spatial distortion.

Alastor spreads his claws screaming, "Metal Claw!"

Alastor's claws shone brightly while Aerodactyl parries with his sharp talons. Using the force that pushes him back when they broke, Alastor pushes himself to remain airborne. Snarling, Aerodactyl's eyes glowed blue.

"Stone Edge!"

Chunks of rocks from the ground went out and made their way to Alastor. Alastor looks at them with shock as he remembers what Magnezone told him about his story.

"Zzzt! It was a terrible sight, Aerodactyl horribly beats down Vincent by throwing him at the rocks and destroying them with his body. Zzzt!

"Zzzt! The results were cracked ribs and severe blood loss…And severe electric burns. That then took away Vincent's fire, never to cool me down in the coldest nights. Zzzt!"

"I won't end up like Vincent and leave my friends alone!" Alastor said. "You'll never make anyone cry ever again!"

Watching the rocks with anticipation, Alastor uses one claw to pierce one rock so that the force will not hit him as this move was super effective against him. Once he landed on the rock, Aerodactyl's eyes widened with shock.

"Impossible!" Aerodactyl cried. "You're friends are so annoying!"

"Shut up!" Alastor cried before charging at Aerodactyl, his left eye flashing a brown flicker.

That flicker, only Elementals can do that. Only Alastor know

"Land Bug Cross!"

Aerodactyl eyes widened when Alastor's claws retract to his shell and when he draws his claws out, they are now glowing brightly with the left claw having a yellow green glow and the right claw having a goldish brown glow. That doesn't seem expressive but what shocks Aerodactyl most is the length of his claws, they are now twice Alastor's own height and are sharp that it can slice the winds itself.

Aerodactyl grits his teeth as he charges at Alastor with rocks forming around him.

"Rock Throw!" Aerodactyl screamed.

Aerodactyl throws the rocks at his opponent as Alastor opens his arms and slices the rocks at an alarming speed, turning them to dust with each slice. Aerodactyl's eyes widened with shock when Alastor appears before him and hit him with a powerful cross-shaped slash.

The attack was both Bug and Rock and it dealt heavy damage to Aerodactyl because of his typing. The Bug part didn't hurt but the rock was painful due to his typing. He screams in pain, but Alastor wasn't done yet.

Seeing an incoming rock from the Stone Edge attack earlier, Alastor spun himself around and kicked the rock to gain momentum and hit Aerodactyl again with the same attack. Right now, Alastor disappeared in a blur, hitting Aerodactyl from every direction. He did this for a couple of seconds before slowing down, spinning around, and kicking Aerodactyl on the stomach.

The kick sent Alastor flying into the air at an altitude that you can see him from the guild. Staying airborne, Alastor raises his claws overhead, forms it like a drill, and points it at Aerodactyl. Once gravity took effect on him, he spins around at an intense speed, rams the claws at Aerodactyl, knocking the air out of him, and sends both of them to the ground.

Somewhere, Officer Magnezone was floating inside the forest when he sees smoke flying out of the trees.

"Zzzt! Alastor…Zzzt!" Officer Magnezone said with worry before picking up his speed.

Alastor walks out of the crater he made when he defeated Aerodactyl with his most powerful attack. The attack did a number on him, draining most of the energy out of him. He pants out of exhaustion, losing his breath since he didn't master that kind of power yet. That power was stronger than a Z-move but unlike the Z-moves, it can be used multiple times in battle but they drain your energy every time you use them. The other warning Palkia gave them is that overusing this move as a minor, can destroy your soul. This is one of the reason why Alastor kept this a secret to his friends.

Walking a few meters, he hears someone moaning and turns to the source. It was the Shiny Magnemite unconscious from the attack. Alastor was glad he is alright. Going to him, he senses someone about to attack him.

Turning around, Alastor sees Aerodactyl charging at him with Aerial Ace. Alastor grits his teeth, knowing what the attack he used earlier cost him. Since he is just a minor Elemental, his capabilities on using that move isn't that good and that move decreased his defense and attack at an absurd level, lower than the decrease when using moves that drain your strength when using them.

Knowing there is no other way, Alastor uses his body to block the attack for the Magnemite and feels the agony of Aerodactyl's attack hitting his shell. He fell to one knee with his shell looking battered and worn. Looking up, Alastor sees Aerodactyl about to use Stone Edge, it would be fatal if it hits.

"Say goodbye Ala-"

PANG!

Suddenly, a mysterious assailant came out of nowhere and hit Aerodactyl at the head with a frying pan. After the assailant removes the pan from the head, Aerodactyl begins to dance around with Taillows dancing around his head.

"I am no spoony bard." Aerodactyl said before falling unconscious, revealing the assailant as Officer Magnezone.

"Zzzt! Geeeeeet dunked on! Zzzt!"

Alastor smiled at him before checking the Magnemite lying on the ground. Picking him up, Alastor immediately checks what the damage done on him are all the while ignoring the wounds he sustained during the fight with Aerodactyl. Officer Magnezone went to Alastor's side to apply some herbs and medicines to treat his wounds while the Armaldo looks at the unconscious Magnemite.

"He's still alive and thank Arceus that there weren't any severe wounds inflicted on him." Alastor said. "We have to take him back to Wigglytuff's guild for him to recover and I will let them have him stay there. He'll make a full recovery tomorrow."

"Zzzt! Alastor. Zzzt!"

"Yes?"

"Zzzt! Thank you once again, you saved my deputy. He is like a son to me. Zzzt!"

"Anytime buddy. You did save me back there."

December 23, 20XX
Wigglytuff's Guild
17:39

Phil mumbles as he wakes up from being unconscious. Once he got up and found his Detect Specs on his side, he saw that he is inside one of the guild's spare rooms. He wonders where everyone is when he saw Droplet and Axle entering the room, carrying some things inside. When the two human-turned-Pokémon took notice of him, they gently placed down the things they were carrying and rushed to Phil's side.

Droplet embraced Phil while Axle pats his head.

"Oh Phil, you're awake." Droplet said. "Thank Arceus, Flaire and the others were worried."

"Droplet, you know a wound like that can't take me out." Phil said.

"Yes, I know Phil." Droplet said. "Also, if you want to take a rest, go to the room at the end of the hallway. That's Team White-Silver's room. Snow is playing Ironstone's 3DS and she is playing the game that connects with Megahearts."

"Yeah, I'm sorry that I can't help with you packing up." Phil said guiltily.

"No worries my friend, you're health comes first." Axle said.

Nodding, Phil then goes out of the room before asking,

"What's the part she's playing?"

"Soul Fragments."

December 23, 20XX
17:42
Wigglytuff's Guild

The game she was playing, Soul Fragments, is a multi-genre type of game. The game is a Visual Novel, RPG, and a Rhythm game. A very interesting case, but the game takes the old times where games are really hard. While the choices of forging bonds with the different characters is fun, the game's battles and rhythm parts are the real challenge. Well, this game is actually the story that is happening with the higher Elementals.

Upon arriving to the room of Team White-Silver, Phil opens the door and sees Snow looking closely to the 3DS. Speaking of the music playing, Phil can tell that she is in the aerial portion of that game.

At a distance, Ironstone and Mac were practicing some beats while letting the Froslass play the game and relax for a bit. She seems sad when Phil got hurt and Ironstone's way of comforting people is by letting them play video games.

"Hey Snow." Phil said, getting behind her.

"Phil!" Snow exclaimed when she sees Phil standing behind her.

Alas, she fixed her eyes away from the screen and her health points became zero because of the endless barrage of bullets hitting her. Her character's fighter jet exploded, killing her character as the screen went black. The text says "Game Over" with a two choices whether to return to the last checkpoint with a penalty-ten of the experience points and gil obtained after reaching the save point or return to the title screen.

Snow however didn't mind that, she was glad that Phil is alright. Putting the 3DS down, she jumps and hugs Phil, tears running down her eyes.

"I'm glad you are alright." Snow said.

"Hey, I'm a strong guy and you need to have faith in me." Phil said. "You shouldn't cry and worry too much. This isn't like you at all Snow, did this happen because of being with Ironstone too much?"

"Hehehe, I guess so." Snow didn't retort back this time, this is a fair deal on what she did to Phil at Crystal Crossing.

Phil let Snow get herself together before looking at the 3DS.

"Snow, how did you find the game?" Phil asked.

"Hard." Snow replied. "Seriously, the dodge system, insane AIs of bosses and Bullet Hell elements are what makes this game hard. The good thing in this game is that the story is good (AN: In my point of view) and the soundtrack is beautiful with interesting characters and rhythm portions of the game. I guess Megahearts is as hard as this."

"No way, this game is way harder than Megahearts. This is a RPG while Megahearts is a fighting game. You can only use the protagonist, Alfred Enola, as your sole playable character who uses a spear in combat. You also fight in a fighter jet for aerial combat."

"How can I defeat Orochi? He keeps on firing lasers at me and keeps on killing Alfred."

"He's the first aerial boss of that game so he should be easy...Did you just put the game in hard mode"

Snow's eyes went white before falling like a piece of plywood. Phil grimaces and stares at Ironstone, he and Mac are glad he is alright but decide to give some time alone with him and Snow, who is done practicing and is now doing a crossword puzzle. That crossword puzzle is about myths-

"Hey, Phil!" Ironstone called. "Who are the creators of the Red Chain?"

-and Phil hates getting to go through pop quizzes when they meet up with Palkia or Alastor's long lectures. This myths are just "basic" knowledge to Elementals but not to the minors as they don't really fight more powerful monsters unlike the higher ones.

"They are the Cetra." Phil answered before his eyes widened since he gave the wrong answer. "No, they're the Keepers."

"Wow, thanks. Also, what is the Element of Penance?"

"Cosmic...No, Dark."

"The thing you need to have to awaken the power of a 'Persona'?"

"Potential."

"Organisms that make up an Aragami?"

"Terrible Job Cells?"

"Um the word box only has six boxes with a black box and five more boxes. They don't have three black boxes."

"I mean Oracle Cells."

"The Immortal Aragami?"

"Cannibal Lecter Dragon. No! Just Hannibal"

"Artifacts that seal off evil?"

"Warriors of Light…No! Elemental Crystals."

"Wow, such Elemental you are."

That made Phil snap. His head grew at a ginormous growth that covered the whole room and screams at Ironstone.

"Dear Arceus Ironstone do you need me to answer all of your questions? I am not Alastor! Stop giving me a freaking headache!"

Ironstone was shock by this before crying like a big baby. Phil sighs.

Damn it, Ironstone is still a crybaby even at that age…Hmm, I wonder what the higher Elementals are doing. Phil thought.

Somewhere in the distant universe.

It is snowing in a large city with the populace roaming around town buying gifts and meeting with relatives. The evening sky shows the beautiful snowflakes falling down with the city lights bringing the beauty of the city. At a mall, three young women went out.

One of the women has a long blue hair that reaches the small of her back, the face of an Asian, blue eyes, and a white complexion. She wears a white overcoat with a red sweater underneath, a red and white scarf around her neck, a white pendant, a skirt with red and white stripes on it that reaches the knees, a white belt, white leggings, and red shoes.

The other woman has an auburn hair that is tied into a high ponytail with silver barrettes styled in the Roman Numerals of 22, reddish brown eyes, and a pale complexion. She wears a red scarf around her neck, a light orange sweater with brown stripes on the chest and upper portion of her sleeve, red earphones are left dangled around her neck with the cords placed on her red neck strap MP3 player, a red plaid skirt, black leggings and red boots.

The last woman has a blonde hair that is longer than the second woman's hair tied into a ponytail, a pale complexion, a young face even though she is at the same age as the other women, and purple eyes. She wears a violet jacket over a white t-shirt, a white beanie with a hole at the back so that the ponytail can show itself out, a pair of thick layered white pants, and white shoes.

The women look like they were enjoying themselves and are holding plastic bags in their hands. As the three walk down the street, they stop and watch the snowflakes going down the sky.

"Wow, the snow is really good during the time of this year." The blonde woman said. "It is the same as when I was going to Narshe when we are supposed to get an Esper from that country." The woman then wore a sad smile and rose a hand to have a snowflake land on it. "That is already from the past and we can enjoy this peace, even though it temporary."

"Come on cheer up Terra." The auburn-haired woman said, putting a hand on Terra's shoulder. "You should know that we can kick the asses of those Sheds and we have Athena on our side. Together, we are undefeatable!"

"Minako, you know that both of you nearly got killed during this war." Athena said. "That is the reason why you became my friends, it is because I can place my trust on you guys that you will not die in this war."

Minako smiles at Athena and friendly nudges her.

"Wow, Athena, you know that the Velvet Masterpiece and the Esperkin will never fall." She said. "Also, I wonder where Yu and your boyfriend are."

"I told you, he is not my-"

Athena was cut off when they hear a lot of people screaming and running away. The friends turn to the direction of where the screaming was coming from and see a car moving towards them with people running out of the way. Inside, there two young men, one on the driver and the other at the passenger's seat.

The one in the passenger's seat has a grey bowl-cut hair with matching grey eyes and pale complexion. He wears a blue jacket with a green collar sweater inside, brown pants, and green and blue shoes.

On the driver's seat is a young man with a black crew-cut hair, red eyes, and a tan complexion. He wears a blue jacket with a tribal design on it, a white shirt underneath, matching blue jeans and blue shoes.

The man on the passenger seat has a calm expression while watching the bystanders run for their lives.

"Hey Alfred." The man said. "I think I know the reason why Levi doesn't want you to drive."

The three just stand there as the car made its way towards them. They just stood in place when the driver pulls the brakes that made the car flip and flew over their heads. Minako looks up and sees the two inside the car as the world slows down.

The car then flips back on its wheels and makes its way to the…mall's rooftop's ledge. The car flew off the rooftop and landed on the nearby building's rooftop. Then it made its way to a ramp that sent it flying to a billboard on a hotel, the car hit the billboard and landed safely on the hotel's building but…made the smiling woman on the billboard toothless.

"I think Yu made your boyfriend drive your car." Terra said.

"He's not my boyfriend." Athena said. "Also, that is not my car. It's Levi's."

"Hello Yu and Alfred!" Minako greeted, a bit too late.

"…I don't know, some of them are weirder than Droplet." Phil said, referring to the higher Elementals.

Once the two finished unpacking, Phil said goodbye to Snow and made his way to the guild's upper floors to meet up with the others. Once he did, he saw Officer Magnezone looking over the Outlaw Notice Board. To his surprise, he saw Alastor standing beside him. It was so surprising since Officer Magnezone was the last person Alastor wants to talk to.

Speaking of Alastor, his body is covered with bandages that were most likely from the wounds he took from the battle with Aerodactyl. Phil never thought someone was able to penetrate Alastor's high defense and not knowing about the move Alastor did that risked his life and he would have died if Officer Magnezone haven't made it in time.

Looking at them, he can see that Alastor and Officer Magnezone are in a conversation. Not being the guy who likes to spread gossips, Phil left instantly to meet up with Flaire.

"Zzzt! There are not that much outlaws for this time around. Zzzt!" Officer Magnezone said. "Zzzt! I have to confess that I sometimes envy them. Zzzt!"

"Why do you envy them?" Alastor asked.

"Zzzt! Because, they have a family to go to for Christmas and share presents. Zzzt! I don't know what to do for other outlaws since I want to tell them that they have a family to go to. Zzzt! Yet I am not able to deliver it because of my deep hatred for them. Zzzt!"

"Buzz, I know this is very offensive and I apologize in advance. Do you…have a family?" Alastor sounds hesitant to say that.

Officer Magnezone looks down as he then lightly nudges Alastor at the side. He knows what this gesture meant so he places a claw on his friend's back.

"Zzzt! I only have one…but I lost him. You see, the thing you should know about Magnemites is that they are born from metal fields when electricity formed steels on it that creates the Magnemite family. Zzzt!"

"The process of that is that it makes a life form made of metal and artificial stuff but it also gives them a soul. That is why those beings feel emotion and are considered alive. If one dies, their souls go to the afterlife as while their bodies are artificial but their souls were given by Arceus himself."

"Zzzt! You know about it. Zzzt!"

"Yeah, I studied a lot that made Chatot jealous of me."

True, Chatot is seen on his perch leering at Alastor. He was munching on a Sky Gummi.

"Zzzt! Alastor, your team is family too right?" Officer Magnezone asked.

"Was that even a question?" Alastor replied. "The answer is obvious: Yes. They are my family after I lost mine."

"Zzzt! Yeah, you're right. Zzzt!" Officer Magnezone said. "Zzzt! I don't have one, not anymore. Zzzt! Even though the Magnemites are usually friendly to me, none of them are actually friends since they only act like that because I am the superior. Zzzt! Except for that Magnemite we saved. Zzzt! Team Valiant is my only family but I never made contact with them since I don't want to disappoint them. Zzzt! Also, I heard that Patricia and Absol were married and had a daughter. Zzzt! I wasn't able to attend the wedding and I was supposed to be the best man in the wedding…Zzzt! I miss them, I also missed Vincent. Zzzt! He was like a father to me. Zzzt!"

"A father, don't you mean big brother?"

"Zzzt! No, Vincent is older than he looks. Zzzt! He's in fact twenty-three when I'm just only a couple of years old. Zzzt!"

Alastor knew this fact, it is stated that the Magneton of that team was the youngest explorer in history. Being an explorer at an illegal age was an extraordinary feat, yet dangerous since exploration teams and rescue teams take dangerous missions. There is a chance of death in that. It seems Officer Magnezone experienced it at a young age, him being only seven years old when Vincent died. Medicham and Gardevoir were supposed to be older than Magnezone, but the two were trapped in a time lock capsule when the two were exploring a dungeon and were freed when Lopunny saved them. So now the two are just the same age as Team Elemental.

"Zzzt! Yet sounds really silly of a Cyndaquil being a twenty-three year old. Zzzt! His personality is also not like a Cyndaquil, he is confident and arrogant. Zzzt! He boasted that he is the most powerful Pokémon to the younger locals and all of them look up to him…that's why everyone cried when he died. Zzzt! The locals then became scared when he died since he is truly powerful and seeing someone you look up to die, you can understand them. Zzzt...I miss Vincent too. Zzzt! Yet I know he will never come back and I haven't contacted Patricia and Absol…"

Alastor looks at him with pity as he pat his back since it is the only way he can do to comfort him. After a few pats, Alastor pulls back as Officer Magnezone floats away.

"Zzzt! I'm sorry, I think I need to go home. Zzzt! Today was a tiring day and I just want to go home to recharge after checking some files I just recently finished. Zzzt!"

"Do you need help? It's alright to ask me."

"Zzzt! Thank you Alastor. Zzzt!"

With that, Alastor took Officer Magnezone outside. Once the two are gone, Droplet appears out of nowhere and stares at the two. Two feelings are within Droplet: Happy and sad. Happy since Alastor and Officer Magnezone are in good terms yet sad because he can feel the sadness Alastor felt to Officer Magnezone's past. Patricia and Absol, could they be the same as Patricia Black and Absol Black?

December 23, 20XX
Wigglytuff's Guild, Entrance
17:50

Team Elemental stood outside the guild as they say their farewells to their friends. Walking down the stairs that lead to the mountain's base, the two are now back on the main road of Treasure Town and make their way home. Once they did, they meet up with Alastor who was walking the same path, back after fetching Officer Magnezone home.

"So, how was it Al?" Droplet asked. "You and Officer Magnezone friends?"

"Yeah, also his name is Buzz Ampere." Alastor said. "I helped him gather the documents in his apartment before leaving. Still, I don't know how to help him and find these friends of his."

"Friends, but Officer doesn't have any friends." Saying that, Phil received glares from the team. "Until now…"

"He does have friends before, thank you very much Crystal." Alastor remarked sarcastically. "I don't know who are these Patricia and Absol are. The thing I now know is that these two are married and had a daughter together. However, I searched the whole databank in Wigglytuff's Guild of every explorers in the Air Continent but never saw the names of the two people Buzz is close to."

"Maybe, they are these guys." Droplet said as a newspaper materializes on his hand.

"Patricia Black and Absol Black? Those guys are painters, not explorers."

"But, their leader died right? So it maybe that the team disbanded and they used an alternative for a living."

"Hold on, I never said anything about Vincent. So do you mean to tell me, you were eavesdropping on us?"

"Uhh, nope!" Droplet slapped Alastor that Alastor regretted asking him, Droplet is a weird guy but this was one of the reasons why Droplet is likable.

"Still, I am not a hundred percent sure if those two were Buzz's friends. There are lot of Absols and Meganiums in the world so they might not be them."

"We could at least try it out Alastor. It is the only way for them to have a reunion."

Alastor stares at his leader before sighing.

"You're right Droplet." Alastor said. "We have to at least try."

As the two left, Flaire and Phil were left behind. Manaphy is sound asleep on Flaire's arms.

"I never knew Officer Magnezone was the legendary Buzz Ampere the whole time." Phil said.

"Me too." Flaire said, with a tinge of sadness on the tip of her tongue. "I never knew that their leader died of Mega Evolution…That the same outlaw who broke out tonight was the same as the leader's killer. It was not an easy thing for Officer Magnezone, losing a friend/father-figure."

It was already six o'clock when the team arrived back at Sharpedo's Bluff. Unlocking the door, the team saw that the dishes are completely washed as Droplet crosses his arms and stomps a foot.

"Do you guys need me to wash the dishes again?" Droplet said.

"Well, Alastor and Phil can't do it since they have sharp claws and my talons are small that can't wash them." Flaire said as Droplet sighs. "You are, however, in a different story. You can wash them because of your hands and being an aquatic Pokémon helps you wash the dishes."

"…Yeah, dang it."

"Guys, I think we should sleep early today." Alastor said. "It is a tiring day today and we still need to wake up early tomorrow. Like what Director Smeargle said, the rehearsal is at seven in the morning. So we should be on our best when we are there."

"Yeah, I still wonder why I have to play as Swampert Marley." Droplet said. "Am I really that scary?"

Everyone grimaces, Manaphy is still asleep, as they stare at Droplet.

…

"Guys?" Droplet said. "What's with the faces you are wearing?"

…

Phil sneezes.

"Bless you." Alastor said.

…

"Well, you did scare Lopunny last rehearsal." Flaire said.

"Was I acting too much?" Droplet asked.

"No, I can't measure how good you are Droplet." Alastor said. "Better than Phil."

Phil sneezes again.

"Bless you." Droplet said.

…

"Right, let's just forget about this." Droplet said before Phil sneezes again.

That sneeze woke Manaphy and then he threw a tantrum.

"PHIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIL!" Everyone screamed.

December 23, 20XX
Sharpedo's Bluff, Droplet's room
19:45

Droplet wipes his sweat and finishes wrapping the presents he brought for everyone. Once he finishes it, Droplet hid them under his bed before walking out of his room. Upon going out, he sees Alastor walking along the corridor reading some papers.

"Where is it? Where's the cure for Mega Evolution Radiation?"

"Oh, Alastor." Droplet called, getting the Armaldo's attention. "What are you reading?"

"It's nothing, just some old record of our previous adventures." Alastor answered.

"Really? Then what are you talking about Mega Evolution Radiation?"

"I guess, you are just hearing things Droplet."

"Alastor, you know I trained myself of being able to have a keen sense of hearing so I wouldn't misheard it. Not to mention how I eavesdropped on your conversation with Officer Magnezone and get every detail out of it."

Alastor was about to retort, but there is no words going out of his mouth so he just closed his mouth. The grip on the papers tighten that Droplet snatched them before Alastor can destroy them, tears run down his eyes.

"Droplet…how many Pokémon wanted to master the power of Mega Evolution so that they won't go psycho when they use it?" Alastor asked. "More than fifty Pokémon. Yet there aren't that many who can master it. Now, you and Phil are one of the few who mastered it, the rest were killed trying to master it and some did the same thing we did in Flaire's trial years ago. We are only able to survive it because of our Elements…others who did that, they weren't so lucky since all of them died a few days later after the trial. It was a miracle that Team Charm and Ironstone were able to survive the impact of Mega Evolution Energy since they are the spectators and the spectators are safe from the impact. They just received minor injuries."

"Alastor…"

"Droplet, all of those who died in mastering it have families. They need this cure, I don't want more of them to die, I don't want them to end up like what happened to Buzz…and Buzz doesn't want that to happen too."

Buzz…or Officer Magnezone. He lost his leader, who is a father to him. This feeling of Alastor came from his trauma on losing his parents at a young age and learning the evils of this world. As Alastor looks down, Droplet placed a hand on his shoulder.

"Come on Al, you are the smartest guy I know and I know that you'll find it since you're smart." Droplet comforted but Alastor just stares at him and shoves the hand away.

"Droplet, do you still remember about what I always saying for the past days that I was studying the recent space distortions? I lied, there were no recent space distortions happening for last month. All the time I did while you guys prepared for Christmas, I was studying day and night finding the cure. I want everyone who were infected with this sickness get cured so that they can spend Christmas with their families."

"Alastor, you need some sleep. Christmas is near, you need to be happy. You can finish your work tomorrow. Also, your eyes tell me a different story, you are not alright. You look sleepy, Armaldos' eyes can deceive a lot as your eyes are like ears and those dots on your head look like red eyes. Your ear-eyes' eyebags are not that easily spotted but I can see it."

Since Alastor has no thick layers below his eyes, no one can really see the eyebags below them but Droplet can spot small bumps below his eyes and this why Droplet has a good accuracy being the team member who is a long-ranged combatant all the while is a jack-of-all-trades.

Alastor sadly looks away, much like he always studies and overwork himself, he hates his friends worrying too much about him as he doesn't want to put them in stress or get them hurt on what he is doing.

Inside Alastor's head, he can be seen crying bitterly while he looks calm and collected in the outside.

"…I cannot argue with you…Knowing how powerful you are, I can't disobey you."

Alastor then turns back and heads back to his room. Droplet shows concern over him, trying his best to act calm and collected in front of his teammate.

"Goodnight Al." Droplet said.

"Goodnight Droplet." Alastor said before closing the door. I promise you Droplet, I'll find that cure…to save your life.

Once the door is closed and Alastor made his way to his bed, Droplet went to the room of Manaphy to check him out. Upon entering the door, he sees Flaire cradling Manaphy as she reads him a story.

"So the big bad Lycanroc is never seen again and the three little Spoinks live happily ever after. The end." Flaire read before Manaphy yawns and falls asleep. "Goodnight Manaphy."

Once the little Pokémon closed his eyes, Flaire gently laid him on the bed before making her way to the door. On the way, she was surprised to see Droplet standing there with his arms crossed.

"So, how was he?" Droplet asked.

"Well, he is alright and he is extremely tired, he looks drowsy when we were walking home." Flaire answered. "He is such a good angel, so precious and innocent."

"Hehe, you sound like Earwyn is to Sky." Droplet said, signifying some characters from the game.

"Well, Manaphy loves vegetables so that comparison is invalid."

"We need to go out of the room since we don't want to wake Manaphy up."

"Yeah, we should."

The two then closed the door after Flaire turns off the light for Manaphy's room. As they stand in the corridor, Flaire knows that she needs to do this.

"So Flaire, how was your day?" Droplet started that Flaire was caught off guard.

"Great…mostly." Flaire answered.

"'Mostly'?"

"Team Charm, you know that Pokémon don't need clothes to cover themselves right? Since you know, we are covered with fur, scales, and you know what. They dressed me in different kinds of clothes and bought too much things that they used an Aggron and a Machamp to carry all of them. Seesh, they also made me do some girly stuff, but it is fun nevertheless. Also, we watched the remastered version of Titanic."

"Titanic? That's an awesome love story!"

"Yeah, it is Droplet…I still cried at the ending…Jack died and Rose was reunited with him in the afterlife with the ones who perished in the sinking of the Titanic. You're right about it, that love story isn't as terrible as the love stories these days."

"Well, I'm glad you like it. I'm the one who recommended them to have you watch."

"Hehe, so I heard…so, what about you?"

Droplet looks away as he held his heart and let out a soft breath.

"Not as eventful as yours." Droplet said.

"Okay…"

Flaire then thought with her conversation with the girls and the things she wants to say to Droplet.

"Droplet, there is something I want to tell you." Flaire said.

"Yeah? What is it?" Droplet asked.

"The thing is, I always felt this when we're together so I want to tell you that I…"

That is when Flaire felt nervous about confessing her love to him. Strange, she was determined after watching Titanic, why can't she now? It must've been that flashback where she felt a near-death experience that caused her to remember her phobia of Mega Evolution.

"Flaire, is something wrong?" Droplet asked.

"I mean, I want to say is that I-" Flaire let out. "I-I-I lo-"

"AAHHH!" Phil's cry of terror interrupted them.

"Phil?!" Droplet exclaimed. "Tell it later, for now, we have to help Phil."

As Droplet dashes pass her, she sighs. Following Droplet, she saw Phil having his head stuck inside a trash can in his Mega form. Phil must've lost control of his emotions and from a distance are his Detect Specs and game console lying on the floor, displaying the game over screen of Pokémon Megahearts: Souls of Liberation. It is a surprise that it didn't break when Phil dropped it and at the same time transforming into a Mega Salamence.

Also, he must be playing the game while watching TV since the TV was left turn on with the device showing the opening of an anime that shows a Swampert holding a large sword that is as large as himself with the hilt having a chain attached to its end and the chain around his arm.

"Why Giratina?" Phil questioned, the voice muffled by the trash can. "Why did you frighten me with your Type Burst when you are one of the worst characters of the game?"

Giratina is not that bad. Flaire thought as Droplet rushed to Phil's side. He is just boring to play as and his playstyle to distort the battlefield is very confusing. He is mostly luck-based and it is terrible in competitive play.

"Hold still, I'll get you out." Droplet said, as he grabs the trash can.

With that, Droplet pulled back as Phil heaved backwards to get unstuck. However, it seems hard since the trash can is stuck around Phil's head while Droplet continued to pull. Flaire cannot help herself but laugh, the phobia of Mega Evolution slowly getting cured.

"More Phil." Droplet grunted.

Alastor's room

Alastor was lying on his bed as his sleep was interrupted by Droplet's and Phil's grunts. He opens his eyes, revealing his eyes having red marks around them because today was a tiring day. He wonders how the two men's grunts were able to penetrate the walls of his room and the corridor's walls. Snorting, he pulls his blanket so that his entire body is covered by the sheet. However, the sound of the two's grunts were still bothering him so he turned to his side and covered his head with the pillow.

Manaphy's room

Manaphy sounds peacefully asleep and the noise of the grunts cannot even reach his room, unfortunate for Alastor. Well, this is because Manaphy's room is located at the western most part of the Bluff and Alastor's at the center.

After a few moments, Droplet finally removes the trash can out of Phil's head. Some papers flew out of the trash can as this papers are usually used by Alastor in making some projects and printed data for mission in other dimensions or worlds.

"Dang Giratina." Phil said. "His Type Burst is too creepy!"

"His Type Burst is a jump scare." Droplet said. "Haven't you used him before?"

"No, I just don't like his character that's why. He doesn't have that much character and all the other characters have better stories than him. At least Sky's story is decent, Giratina's is not."

"Well, don't you know that everything happened there is true?"

Phil's eyes soften and looks down.

"Y-yeah, this story happens in a different world but with different realities…we can't do anything for them. Sometimes, I hate being a minor. The higher Elementals had harder times and they experience losses more than we do. And we still have one monster who did everything of the crap everyone experienced."

The meteor falling from the sky from the Air Continent, the Planet's Paralysis, Bittercold's plot to destroy Pokémon kind, and, based on Phil, the creation of Dark Matter. All of this happened because of a single entity. This entity is the leader of the enemies the higher Elementals are fighting.

Droplet knows that Phil is a caring person, despite his hard-headed and rash attitude. Droplet sighs before placing a hand on Phil…taking just a sigh was getting harder for him.

"I know Phil…but, there is nothing we can do about it." Droplet said. "What we can only do now is to protect our own realities from colliding so that we can help the ones fighting in the war. They are our allies too."

"Yeah, you're right Droplet." Phil said. "Though I wish some of our friends from other universes can go here and get to know more about each other. I only got to meet them in mission briefings and with Palkia."

"Well, it is nearly seven thirty. We should head back to bed, Director Smeargle told us that there will be practice at nine o' clock and the dry run will be at four so we should have a good rest. Did you memorize your lines? You are the lead after all."

"By heart. I guess I have to go to bed now."

Phil then went back to the sofa with Droplet guiding him, picking up his Detect Specs and console back.

"Well, he does look good that you fell in love with him. Hahahaha."

Phil glares at the Blaziken on the TV with the screen zoomed on his face. He laughed for a few seconds before his face changes to one in pain. The screen then shows a Gardevoir with her hair covering her face that emits a grim aura.

The reason why the Blaziken was in pain? Well, the Gardevoir just kicked him between his legs and that hurts like hell. However, she wasn't done.

Using the leg that was below the Blaziken, the Gardevoir uses it to send him flying vertically into the air, all the while performing a somersault and following it up with another somersault to lift herself into the air and kicking the Blaziken at the same area.

She did this three more times before charging a Moonblast on her leg and kicking him again at the same area that made a shockwave to the surrounding area.

The unfortunate Blaziken was sent flying from the ground, destroying every trees that stood in his way before getting sent out of the headquarters and flew into the sky, disappearing into a twinkle.

"Ouch, better not tease Grace about her crush on Earwyn." Phil said before turning the TV off.

Once he did, he went to the door that leads to the rooms before facing Droplet and Flaire.

"Well, goodnight Droplet, goodnight Flaire."

"Goodnight Phil." Droplet said

"Yes, goodnight four-eyes." Flaire said.

Phil smiled before entering the corridor and into his room.

"So Flaire, what was it you want to tell me before?"

"Oh that…it's…nothing."

Flaire looks down sadly as Droplet sighs.

"Well, I think you need more time." Droplet said as he looks up, his entire body turning purple. "Oh!"

"Droplet, wha-"

Flaire was cut off when Droplet suddenly kisses her at the cheek. She was at a loss for words when he did this. It was just a peck, but it was enough to put them both in an awkward silence.

"S-sorry." Droplet stuttered. "There's a mistletoe on top."

Flaire looks up there is indeed a mistletoe on the ceiling. Someone must've put it there when they've arrived back.

"It is you're turn." Droplet said. "You need to kiss me. Just on the cheek…um…gill will do."

Flaire hesitated as she slowly kisses Droplet at the gill. Droplet's body is now steaming when she did this.

"G-great, now I think it is time to go to bed." Droplet said. "G-goodnight!"

With that, Flaire nodded and, together, they went to the corridor to go back into their respective rooms.

Once both of them are inside the room, Droplet silently stood in place as he holds his chest. Tightening his grip on it, Droplet sadly looked down.

"Flaire…I love you so much but will you be with a guy like me." Droplet said to himself. "I'm not a Pokémon, but I'm a human…"

After saying that, Droplet coughs and covers his mouth. Putting his hand away from his mouth, Droplet sees blood on his hand. His eyes darken as a single tear run down his face.

"I…don't want to die."

Meanwhile, in Flaire's room.

Flaire was already lying on her bed and the lights were off when she was running in circles in a counterclockwise position. Steam were going out of her body and it is a good thing that her bed was fireproof. Since when Fire-types are flustered, they usually lose control of their powers of flames.

"OhmyArceusohmyArceusohmyArceusohmyArceusohmyArceusohmyArceusohmyArceusohmyArceusohmyArceus! He did it!" Flaire squealed like a teenage girl. "Droplet kissed me!"

After a few seconds, Flaire stopped and sat up. She looks tired when her eyes became glossed and tightened her hands. She must be oblivious of this for the years Team Elemental was active. The times Droplet became bright purple when something related with him and Flaire was brought up, the awkwardness Droplet made when he is around her, and his signs of love-struck when Flaire compliments him.

She thinks about him and their journeys together. She has to thank him for everything they've been through and that Droplet is her best friend…no, but as something more. As she thinks about, Flaire buried her head to her arms as she hugs her legs together. She began to weep.

"Yet, everything that he gave me…I cannot save his life."

This meant was because of the incident with Flaire's Megastone trial some years before, Droplet was affected with a disease because of the radiation he took when he defeated Flaire's clone. Not only that, the blow he took from the clone was too strong that it broke some of his bones like what happened when blood went out of his mouth. They also took some radiation from the impact, but theirs were just minor, Droplet took the whole blow to himself.

Like what Alastor said, the disease was incurable and that Droplet only has…nine years to live…when the clock hits midnight for Christmas…Droplet will die…Palkia was also concern with this, which is why he tends to talk with Droplet from time-to-time. If he dies, then who will be the next Spacial Guardian? Based on the main base of the higher Elementals, one possessing Elements is rare. Little people possess them as Elements are from the soul, not from blood.

She doesn't know what to do and it is all her fault that this will happen to Droplet. It was all because of that stupid decision…from years ago. Flaire cried herself to sleep.

In the living room, all of those papers were reports. All of them talk about different Pokémon but they all share similarities. The similarities are that they talk about how that Pokémon died, they all died due to the radiation of Mega Evolution.

December 23, 20XX
23:30
Spacial Rift

"…SO, PLEASE. SAVE MY SPATIAL GUARDIAN. SAVE DROPLET MITO."

"…I don't want this to happen. I know how I can get there without harming the shield that protects your universes. It will take some time and it will be too late for him but I'll try my best to save his life. I don't want his family to experience what I have experienced."

"…THANK YOU…"

Megahearts should be more into this feels trip, Megahearts has a more serious and darker theme than this story. Also, the characters of Megahearts are not safe so there are chances that some of them will be killed. I don't know if I should call Officer Magnezone by his real name, "Buzz Ampere", or should I still call him "Officer Magnezone". Also, you guys can call me "P45".

Way to go Phil, you ruined the moment everyone was waiting for. I think the Droplet fans will kill me for this. No, not just kill, overkill.

This chapter should explain the nature of Elementals as the team didn't focus on what they are really are as they temporarily take a break from their identity and focus on their lives. This should also explain what they go through too.

The Alastor vs Aerodactyl fight was added in the last minute and it is a practice run since the battles of the series I am making have that kind of battles but it is longer than this fight. The fighting style of every characters are based on my experience. Droplet is a jack-of-all-trades, Flaire has high attack but low defenses, Alastor was a glass cannon like Flaire when I got him but I trained him to be a tank and has the highest HP and defense in the team, and Phil has a lot of supportive moves.

Speaking of Megahearts, I'll be publishing the first chapter of that story and the real series soon as Megahearts is actually a spin-off, focusing on Pokémon, of a story that was stuck in my head for several years.

For the second form fans, there will be second form mons in Pokémon Megahearts and in backstories. The only thing is that all of the main characters are in their final stage since it mainly shows Mega Evolutions but second stage mons can be seen in backstories. Scar is the only main character who is in his second stage. Send me puns and I would include them since I love puns and Earwyn's character has a love for puns.

Only two more chapters left…This story was supposed to be for Christmas, but I lack time so it was delayed and went on hiatus. Also, the next chapters will be published on December. Also, on what was happening to me, I was stressed in school work and stuff that made me into a state of depression for several months. While in that state, I was tempted to cut my wrist to ease my pain but I stopped when my parents found out about it before it can leave more scars and lose more blood. Right now, I'm feeling better, I am a Chemical Engineer with a hobby of writing.

I want to address to all of my reviewers, thank you for your support and keeping me happy to continue writing as rereading all of your reviews motivate me to continue even when I'm suffering from writer's block and stress.

Among the nine Elements, what Element is for you (One or two)?
Water: Element of Peace.
Fire: Element of Determination.
Wind: Element of Gentleness.
Earth: Element of Protection.
Ice: Element of Leadership.
Lightning: Element of Justice.
Holy: Element of Purity.
Dark: Element of Penance.
Cosmic: Element of Acceptance