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Worma-Sir
Glad to see you back. Well, about Shedinja. To be honest, I didn't expect him to be popular or a fan-favorite. That's why I feel pressured writing him lately. He is a comedic character but at the same time not. One of the toughest to write. About the freezing gun, it bypasses the ice immunity. Chapter 7 tells you that. Well, Aromatisse belongs in the easy to write category. She is simple with slight complexity so I can handle her just fine. To be honest, I'm prouder of writing characters like Skrelp, Jumpluff and Bisharp over Shedinja and Aromatisse. They require more work and thought. Speaking of Jumpluff, here is the thing. At no point in time did Elekid and Tyrunt got criticized for socializing with Houndour. If you think about it carefully enough, a part of it is just Jumpluff being paranoid. Skrelp and Lucario kind of install fear into her in a way due to her character. I will let you analyze her. I think you will understand it better that way. I understand that you don't like Machoke because of his looks. Sometimes, these things can get in the way of us liking a character. At least, I'm glad that you can empathize with him in a sense. I think this is enough for now.
Guest
Glad to see a guest reading my story. In my early days on this site, I'm also a Guest. Well, it reminds me of my younger self posting extremely short reviews. This makes me feel kind of nostalgic. Anyways, glad to see you like Bisharp and Darmanitan. I understand your dislike for Grovyle. He isn't supposed to be a character that you can relate too. Therefore, it can be a bit tough to like him.
Episode 12: A Fabulous Showcase!
The camera brightened at the sight of the host once again. Skarmory stood on the dock, ready to start a new episode.
"Welcome back, my loyal viewers. It is another great day for all of us. Last time, the challenge was about me. This time, the challenge will be about something else. Back to the important part, our contestants did either of four things: drink, fish, find or fight for clues. Unfortunately, neither of the two teams got the entire list about my favorite beverages right. Such a shame. After an insane elimination, Snorunt got eliminated as her plan backfired. What will happen this time? Will we meet a different intern? Maybe the last intern that will get the spotlight, unlike most of the backstage workers that will never get their one minute fame other than in the credits? Find out in this fabulous episode of Total Skarmory Island!" Skarmory ended the opening before he sipped his latte.
"Aromatisse, wake up!" A blaring voice could be heard from outside the Flygon girls' cabin.
Aromatisse rubbed her eyes drowsily before she got out of her bed. Walking slowly to the door, Aromatisse wondered who called her this early in the morning. Her brain was still numb from the sleep, failing to properly process the voice. Nonetheless, it wasn't long before she met the obvious answer… Lucario.
"The others are still sleeping. Why do I need to wake up so soon?" Aromatisse yawned as she talked. The sun barely even rose.
"You should be grateful that I'm teaching you good habits. Anyways, there will be a big event tomorrow. I need to see if you can hold your own weight. Therefore, you will go with me today for a preparation test." Lucario told. However, Aromatisse didn't seem to be paying attention, her eyelids were half-closed. Lucario looked at her scornfully.
"Do you hear me?! Respond!" Lucario yelled, getting more frustrated by each passing second.
"Yes, err…" Aromatisse tried to remember what he just said.
"Come with me!" Lucario ordered aggressively and Aromatisse reluctantly followed him.
Confessional
Lucario: "I expect every single member of my team to listen attentively! What Aromatisse just did is unacceptable!"
Aromatisse: "Does he expect everyone to have Early Bird as an ability? How inconsiderate of him. I need my beauty sleep."
Speaking of early birds, Houndour woke up early as well. He took a short morning walk outside before he returned to see the others starting to wake up from their slumber.
"Good morning everyone, let's have another great day." Houndour greeted their sleeping faces.
"The same to you, homie." Darmanitan replied while tidying his bed.
"Never late for work, aren't we?" Meowth also replied. He looked a bit more fully awake than the others, readied to head outside.
"Well, it's my ability. Can't do anything about it. Surprisingly, Lucario woke up sooner than me." Houndour pointed out.
"Shedinja is still sleeping as always." Scolipede got their attention.
"He slept late, homie. Don't know what he did in the night all alone." Darmanitan told the others.
"Probably something peculiar and suspicious." Scolipede stared deeply into Shedinja.
"Let's not jump into conclusions. Maybe, he had trouble sleeping last night. Oh well, I need to go now." Houndour said and quickly left.
"What's the hurry?" Scolipede seemed curious as he looked outside, trying to see the direction Houndour went.
"He got his business with his girlfriend." Meowth explained.
"Can't blame him." Scolipede ignored it afterwards. Meowth turned to face Scolipede after he heard this, raising his eyebrows.
"I thought you don't like him or have any goodwill for him." Meowth questioned.
"I'm in a relationship formerly so I can understand him in a sense. That doesn't mean that I like the guy." Scolipede clarified.
"Houndour isn't bad, what do you have against him, homie?" Darmanitan asked, seemingly confused.
"Eh, he just doesn't blend in well with me. That's all." Scolipede didn't continue after this.
Confessional
Meowth: "Darmanitan defends him, Scolipede doesn't like him. Hmm… My annually financial meeting is about to come up. Tough decision."
Darminatan: "These dudes need to chill out sometimes, you know? Damn, they are bigger hotheads than us fire types."
Chef Drapion stabbed a fork into his pile of sludge and served it to Tyrunt. He gave the gamer an unwelcoming smile and signaled for him to go away.
"Thanks chef, you put so much effort into your food." Tyrunt said sarcastically.
"Whatever, I don't really care about you losers. I'm tired of cooking food and work for that lazy host. Will probably quit after the season ends. He better be goddamn ready to find a new replacement." Chef Drapion complained about his job.
"Preferably a better replacement, you never put love and care into your food." Tyrunt insulted him.
"I second that." Dedenne agreed from her table.
"Get the *beep* out!" Chef Drapion burst into anger. Tyrunt quickly hightailed to his table upon noticing the chef's hostility.
"What a jerk, am I right?" Dedenne whispered to Tyrunt, who sat pretty close to her.
"Yeah, a real jerk." Tyrunt crossed his arms.
Minutes later, Jumpluff, Grovyle and Bisharp all entered. Bisharp and Jumpluff in particular, didn't seem happy with yesterday's elimination.
"Grovyle, can you please explain in detail why you went after Snorunt and risked getting eliminated?" Bisharp questioned.
"Well, because she makes me mad." Grovyle answered. This didn't seem to satisfy the two.
"What in the world makes you mad? You seem pretty chill." Jumpluff asked.
"She betrayed me! I don't stand up for that. Even in this circle of friends, I will destroy those that think they can make a fool of Good Guy Grovyle." In his eyes, anger blazed into flames. Some of the anger directed at... Bisharp? Was this the case? Nobody could read his volatile mind.
"Calm down, Grovyle. No one will betray you." Dedenne reassured him.
"Thanks, at least someone here is supportive of my decision." Grovyle seemed content. "Unlike the others!" Grovyle growled. Both Bisharp and Jumpluff seemed uncomfortable.
Confessional
Dedenne: "Nobody understands Grovyle but me. I know that he hates it when others doubt him. We should have more faith in him."
Grovyle: "Why do they doubt me? Haven't I done enough for them? I don't understand." Grovyle shook his head.
Jumpluff: "It hurts… what Grovyle said. I'm always on his side."
Nosepass breathed heavily on his bed, he trembled as he held his blanket close to him.
"Another nightmare? Does it trouble you?" Rhyhorn checked up on him.
"I hate sleeping. Sometimes, I wish that I can be an insomniac and never sleep. I just don't want to have bad dreams. I always have them for some reason. They are like monsters that chase me down every single night. I'm… scared." Nosepass confessed his inner feelings.
"…" Rhyhorn stared at him but didn't say a word.
"I will go and get some breakfast now." Nosepass solemnly left the cabin.
"You are not… alone." Rhyhorn muttered as he watched the fellow rock type dragged his slow body across the camp. Nosepass didn't seem to hear it.
Confessional
Nosepass: "I just wish that it will all go away. My insecurities and fears. However, I don't know how to get rid of them." Nosepass looked hopeless.
Jumpluff sat on the dock next to Bisharp. He didn't hold a fishing pole this time.
"What kind of friends do you have and why are they your friends?" Bisharp asked, holding his chin.
"Well, they are friends that I can fit in with. Friends that I can talk to." Jumpluff answered, looking down on the water a bit.
"Fit in? I don't want to sound presumptuous. However, it seems like you struggle to fit in with the cast of this game show. May I ask why? Are we all too difficult to get along? I find it odd that you would bond with me of all Pokemon here." Bisharp asked with deep curiosity in his eyes.
Jumpluff sighed before she began her story. "Well, to be honest… I'm no expert at getting friends. Most friends that I have aren't very close to me. They are just other Pokemon that share similar interests on the internet. When I was very young, I don't have any friends at all and I'm very lonely. It is the most painful period of my life. Every time I mess up… I'm scared that my friends will leave me. I'm always scared that I will no longer be in the trend or look cool in front of them. Sometimes, I feel left out. Sometimes, I feel like they insult me behind my back. That's why I stalk their social media pages and try to be social all the time. I'm in no position to help you. Perhaps, you should find a new friend. A better friend… Your parents probably despise a loser like me. Haha." Jumpluff suddenly became depressed.
Bisharp was shocked. He didn't expect to hear any of this. He didn't know what to say or even if it was appropriate to say anything at all.
"Why are you acting like this? You seem cheerful most of the time." Bisharp asked with concern. Jumpluff turned to look at him slowly.
"I just pretend to be alright. In reality, I'm always scared of what others think of me. I can't handle insults and especially when someone swears at me. It is so painful like getting stabbed by a knife. Dedenne left me and now Grovyle too… Today, I lost another friend. I want to socialize with the Flygon girls but I know that Skrelp will probably leak the news to Lucario. Then, I'm in serious trouble. It sucks…" Jumpluff started to sob. Bisharp stared at her with sorrow and sympathy. He averted his eyes and tried to think of something.
"Do you want my input on the situation or do you want me to leave you alone?" Bisharp asked hesitantly.
"Please stay with me." Jumpluff sobbed. Upon hearing this, Bisharp decided to tell her.
"Honestly, I believe you are being a bit too paranoid. Perhaps, it isn't right for me to judge as you might be traumatized from a similar situation before but you are… friendly, likable and kind. Don't worry about your friends leaving you. Dedenne and Grovyle will always be your friends despite what you think of them recently. Personally, Grovyle is one of the most accepting and open-minded Pokemon in this island. Talking with the members of the other team is also not forbidden by any means, I saw many instances of that. Finally," Bisharp paused and Jumpluff anticipated what he was about to say.
"Please smile for me. The Jumpluff that I like is the Jumpluff that is upbeat, cheerful and optimistic. The Jumpluff that tells me that I can stand up against my parents and create my own path for the future. No matter how you feel, I really appreciate our friendship and I consider you as a close friend." Bisharp smiled as he cheered her up. Jumpluff cried even more.
"Did I hurt your feelings?" Bisharp looked worried.
"No, I feel so emotionally overwhelmed. Thank you so much. Thank you for waking me up from this depression." Jumpluff wiped her tears away. "I will also be your friend. A useful friend that won't put your family to shame." Jumpluff replied.
Bisharp stared into the sky. Clouds slowly drifted alongside the Sun. "Don't worry. You don't need to be a cloud in the sky to be my friend. You can just be an ordinary blade of grass. What matters the most is that you can relate and empathize with my plight. That's all I ask." Bisharp lay down on the dock and relaxed alongside Jumpluff.
Confessional
Bisharp: "I'm glad to be able to help her the same way she helped me."
Jumpluff: "Bisharp, I never expect him to be like this. At first glance, he seemed cold and distant. However, inside… he is very warm. Bisharp is here solely for his parents. He never meant any harm. I will admit that he is the last Pokemon that I thought of being friends with when I arrived here for the first day. I'm such an idiot for trying to be friends with Skrelp first. I…" Jumpluff blushed. "-might have developed feelings for him."
Scolipede crawled out of the mess hall after finishing his breakfast. He accidentally bumped into Ledyba.
"Sorry." Both of them apologized at the same time. Ledyba blushed a bit to the confusion of Scolipede, who widened his eyes.
"So, how are you doing?" Ledyba attempted to start a conversation.
"Alright, better than the first few days in this island. How about you?" Scolipede asked back.
"Doing well as well. Thanks for yesterday still." Ledyba said awkwardly with a small smile. She then quickly left.
"Weird." Scolipede seemed dumbfounded, but not completely. Cryogonal observed them from the distance and shook her head in disapproval.
Confessional
Ledyba: "Why am I acting like this? What's wrong with me?"
Cryogonal: "When will they make any progress?"
Aromatisse sweated and panted as she followed Lucario to the deep parts of the forest area. Lucario didn't stop for any breaks, making the fairy running out of stamina.
"Please stop for a moment." Aromatisse begged but Lucario ignored her pleas.
"No, we need to scout the location for tomorrow. Try to remember our surroundings and find any suspicious hiding spots." Lucario instructed.
"I need a leg surgery after this." Aromatisse exaggerated as she looked at her poor legs.
"This exercise is good for your health." Lucario reminded as he pushed a tree branch away. The professional athlete ducked. Unfortunately, it came back and hit Aromatisse.
"Ow, what is that for?" Aromatisse looked furious at Lucario as she held her face.
"Dodge." Lucario said simply. Aromatisse groaned.
They soon reached a torrential stream. Water rushed rapidly against a rocky pathway. There was a small gap between each rock that they needed to use in order to cross.
"Be careful and hold your balance." Lucario advised as he made his way across first. Aromatisse didn't dare to cross it. Lucario looked backed and scowled.
"Hurry up!" Lucario ran out of patience dealing with her.
"I can't. It is too dangerous." Aromatisse stared at the stream with fear. Lucario sighed and offered his hand. Aromatisse grabbed it and slowly made her way across. Lucario didn't seem pleased in the slightest. Aromatisse felt pressured by his demeanor and rushed. As a result, she slipped and fell.
"Help!" Aromatisse shouted as water rushed against her. Lucario was alerted as he jumped down and carried her back to the ground safely. He fought through the stream effortlessly. Each of his movements struck the water with superiority.
"Thanks." Aromatisse was grateful as she coughed out some water. Lucario didn't seem to care.
"What a liability. You got both of us wet." Lucario complained instead. Aromatisse huffed at this.
Confessional
Aromatisse: "Jerk."
Lucario: "In Pokeathlon Plus, there is a special event called Torrent Torment. Guess what, I won in that event as well. Therefore, I can breeze through the stream easily. I'm not used to losing like these losers."
Shedinja finally woke up. He floated out of his bed and left the cabin emotionlessly.
"Another great, boring day." Shedinja drawled. Cryogonal passed by and decided to approach him.
"Shedinja, finally waking up? Aromatisse doesn't seem happy about you." Cryogonal told.
"So, what?" Shedinja didn't seem to care.
"Don't you care about the game? Why don't you go and make amends with her?" Cryogonal suggested.
"Meh, vote me out then. If I stay fine, I get to waste some more screen time. If I'm out, I will go and grab a pizza and watch the rest of you boringly fight it out for a million." Shedinja said, sounding indifferent and monotonous.
"I don't understand you at all. Why must you be so complicated?" Cryogonal sounded annoyed.
"Whatever, your problem. Excuse me, I'm going to find something to entertain myself. Perhaps then, my life will be one percent less boring." Shedinja ended the conversation and floated away.
Confessional
Cryogonal: "What's up with him? He said it himself that he is here to annoy a relative. Why?"
Heracross threw a pebble into the sea. Then, another and another.
"Screw you, Shedinja." Heracross fumed.
"Angry at the bug? The guy is already in the afterlife. Calm down." Miltank said as she passed by.
"He annoys me greatly! I want to teach him a lesson." Heracross clenched her fist.
"Don't worry, you will get your chance in the merge. That guy got no allies." Miltank reassured.
"Someone like him doesn't have friends, obviously. I wonder how he managed to beat me previously before." Heracross seethed with anger.
"He is pretty smart and crafty. Be careful, girl." Miltank warned before she left.
"Wait until the merge…" Heracross' expression darkened.
Confessional
Miltank: "I like her and all but she needs to chill down with Shedinja. That bug isn't a threat."
Skrelp read her book quietly in her cabin as usual. She didn't bother socializing or talk with anyone else.
"What are you reading about? Seems like an interesting book." Drifblim appeared out of nowhere and asked.
"Perhaps, I will spare some time to spill the contents of this deep, philosophical book. However, today isn't that day." Skrelp refused to tell.
"The Night Falls and the Darkness Rises? Seems like a pretty depressing story to me. What genre does it belong to, tragedy?" Drifblim pressed for more answers. However, Skrelp just glared at her in annoyance. Upon seeing this, Drifblim decided to vanish.
Confessional
Drifblim: "Touché."
Tyrunt saw something that caught his eyes in Skarmory Shop. It was a board game of Monopoly. However, his smile soon turned into a frown once he saw the price.
"Fifty Skarmory tokens?!" Tyrunt shouted in disbelief.
"Well, inflation strikes. There isn't enough productivity compare to the amount of Skarmory tokens lying around. Therefore, the average price of goods rises. This is what all of you get for not spending more in the auction." Skarmory explained.
"Curse that damn inflation!" Meowth looked depressed as he slammed the ground with his fists. "All of us will be running out of jobs!" Tyrunt cringed at Meowth's reaction.
"Oh well, I guess I will leave." Tyrunt left Meowth, who was suffering because of the inflation.
Confessional
Meowth: "Inflation is a vicious cycle. First, customers will have less spending power. This means that businesses will receive less income. Then, they will hesitate to expand and cut costs. This result in more Pokemon being unemployed. The cycle continues and continues." Meowth held his head in pain.
Aromatisse collapsed in exhaustion on her bed after her long and draining journey with Lucario.
"Why can't he just understand me? He is such a jerk. A beautiful Pokemon like me isn't suited for that kind of harsh environment." Aromatisse grumbled.
"Well, he is an athlete. What do you expect?" Cryogonal said.
"He told me that I'm going to be eliminated! Does he expect me to take that nonchalantly?" Aromatisse threw her arms on her bed.
"Well, what are you going to do? Start a rebellion? Good luck with that." Cryogonal saw that she couldn't do anything else to help so she left.
"A rebellion…" Aromatisse looked deep in thought.
Confessional
Aromatisse: "I don't know what to do. Should I go against Lucario?"
Skarmory announced through his megaphone that the challenge was about to start. Everyone made their way over to the middle of the clearing except Grovyle who leaned on a tree near the beach, resting for a moment.
"I can make my way there quickly, don't worry about me." Grovyle seemed to notice Dedenne's presence. The little mouse came to check up on him.
"Well, I'm just worried. You are on edge lately. When will you go back to the way you were?" Dedenne wished.
"After a few Pokemon leave." Grovyle answered as he propelled himself out of the ground and landed on his feet.
"Someone like Skrelp, huh?" Dedenne assumed.
"There is more than that." Grovyle said vaguely before he strode directly to Skarmory. Dedenne followed him, glancing sideways.
Confessional
Grovyle: "I feel like there has been a change in me recently. I feel like I desire something and I want to pursue it so much that I don't know to what extent I will go for it. I feel more… competitively driven." Grovyle was in deep concentration.
Skarmory started to announce the challenge with his trusty megaphone to amplify his voice.
"Contestants, like the last intern?" Skarmory asked, looking around at each contestant. None of them seemed fond of Raticate, especially Houndour.
"Excuse me, half of us never really get to see him in person. Please do your research next time." Drifblim mocked.
"Thanks, supportive as always." Skarmory said sarcastically. "Anyways, this challenge is a really fabulous one…" Skarmory paused to observe their reactions. Most seemed neutral and a few bored like Shedinja.
"Fabulous?" Aromatisse seemed excited.
"Great, at least someone here is excited. Let me explain. Each team needs to create a fabulous showcase that fits the theme of the area you choose. You can choose any area, whether it be snow, haunted, forest, mountain, gym or even the beach. But! You can't enter the desert area just yet. I plan a big surprise for all of you. Unfortunately, the construction is still underway." Skarmory instructed.
Lucario raised his right hand to ask a question.
"I'm not done yet." Skarmory stated. "Save your questions for later. Furthermore, here is the twist. I'm not the judge, neither is Chef Drapion or Raticate. You get the point. Instead, it is someone that takes care of the equipment, props and decorations. This Pokemon is also an intern that works for free or rather for work experience so that she can enter the Pokestar Studios." Skarmory explained.
"Wonderful! I get to see all of you in person!" Someone shouted gleefully as she ran eagerly to the contestants. It was a beagle with white and brown fur. The most iconic feature, however, was the paintbrush tail.
"Especially you, Lucario, I'm a big fan of you!" Smeargle headed to the athlete first and hugged him. Lucario widened his eyes and gaped his mouth, completely taken by surprise.
"Wow. Lucario, you got a fangirl. Why don't you give her an autograph?" Drifblim giggled. Heracross laughed at this as well.
"Can you please let go of me?" Lucario tried to ask politely. Smeargle didn't seem to budge.
"The girl stick to him tighter than glue, maybe we will get bonus points." Miltank commented. Meowth nodded at this.
"Athletes have a lot of fans, naturally. Perhaps, we can use this to our advantage." Meowth told his team.
"She can't and she won't." Skarmory heard this and joined in. "This Smeargle is honest enough, don't worry. Your team won't get any advantage, especially when I'm watching." Skarmory dashed their hopes and dreams.
"That's right, fair play." Dedenne nodded in agreement.
"Pipsqueak, watch your mouth. You will get beaten fair and square, just like you want." Miltank trash talked with confidence. Dedenne looked annoyed.
"Look at these muscles." Smeargle lifted his right arm up and squealed. Lucario looked really uncomfortable. He looked at his teammates and signaled for them to help through eye contact.
"Err…" Houndour hesitated. Aromatisse tried to look busy filing her nails. Cryogonal whistled innocently. Darmanitan shrugged. Miltank was in an argument with Dedenne. Meowth coughed. Duosion averted her eyes. Scolipede looked doubtful. Ledyba gave an encouraging smile. The only left was Shedinja.
"Are you a beagle or a bagel? I can't tell. Nonetheless, you don't look delicious." Shedinja drawled, distracting her successfully. Smeargle let go of Lucario and glared at Shedinja.
"You, I don't like you and your dry humor. When will you stop trying to be funny?" Smeargle criticized.
"Noooo… An intern doesn't like me. How can I live with my life now?" Shedinja said sarcastically. Smeargle groaned and finally paid attention to the challenge. Lucario sighed in relief.
Confessional
Lucario: "Being famous sometimes is tough. There are occasions where I would get swarmed by a crowd of hungry fans. They would ask for my autograph and… touch my body. I don't know how to deal with them. I don't want to accidentally hurt them either. Ugh, my life." Lucario sighed in annoyance.
Drifblim: She was laughing uncontrollably. "That is funny, really funny. I think one of his fears is getting trampled by a bunch of fangirls."
Aromatisse: She laughed in the confessional as well.
Grovyle: "Someday, I'm going to have more fans than him. Just watch! Good Guy Grovyle will have his fans rush over to him every day for an autograph." Grovyle gave flying kisses to his fans.
"I want the showcases to be fabulous. Fly balloons into the air! Sell popsicles! Decorate everything! Try to stand out from the other team!" Smeargle told both teams her preferences. Meowth wrote it all down on a piece of paper. Skrelp memorized it for her team.
"Start the challenge now. You got a few hours. Better hurry!" Skarmory declared. Each team went to their own separate ways to discuss about the challenge. The Feckless Flygon headed to the intersection while the Crazy Crawdaunt decided to go to the beach.
Confessional
Grovyle: "We go to the beach because it isn't cold, not scary, not dangerous and not exhausting. Fits my style. My team can just lean back and let me charm her over with my skills."
Meowth: "I have experience in working with many types of customers." Meowth rubbed his hands together in anticipation.
Lucario voiced his opinion about the location to his team.
"I prefer to create a showcase in the gym. It is my optimal working environment. Any objections?" Lucario asked his team for feedback.
"I have one. This is supposed to be fabulous. Enough with the brawny challenges. Step back and let me take charge this once to prove my worth." Aromatisse objected. Most of the Feckless Flygon members looked at her as if she was crazy.
"Fine, however, if we lose, you are eliminated." Lucario threatened. Aromatisse looked nervous but resolved.
"Good, Aromatisse will take charge." Lucario ended the discussion.
Confessional
Aromatisse: "Rather than creating a rebellion that doesn't fit my style, I need to show Lucario the power of beauty. If we win, I stay. If we lose, farewell dirty island."
Grovyle started to give orders with the help of his counselors.
"Tyrunt, Nosepass and Rhyhorn. Go and get some chairs from the mess hall." Grovyle commanded. "So, what's next? I'm not the brightest bulb in a box when it comes to showcases." Grovyle asked his counselors (Skrelp and Bisharp) for advice.
"I believe the correct saying is 'the brightest crayon in a box'. A light bulb in a box got no electric current. Therefore, it is illogical and doesn't make sense, moron." Skrelp scoffed.
"Hey, maybe it got a triple A battery to power it up." Grovyle made himself look dumber by saying that. Bisharp facepalmed as Skrelp shook her head and gave him a mocking grin.
"That basically proves that you are an uneducated imbecile." Skrelp insulted.
"Hey! Respect your seniors. I bet that I'm older than you." Grovyle looked offended as he tried to fight back.
"I'm eighteen years, three months and seven days old. What about you?" Skrelp revealed her age in a complicated way. Grovyle used his fingers to count.
"I'm eighteen as well and I'm born in March. What month is this?" Grovyle scratched his head.
"April. As a result, you are approximately eighteen years and one month old. I'm older than you so please respect your seniors that clearly have a higher degree of education." Skrelp made Grovyle eat his own words.
"Hey! Respect your juniors." Grovyle changed his approach. Skrelp looked very infuriated by his actions.
"Bisharp, deal with this imbecile on your own. I no longer wish to assist this fool." Skrelp scowled.
"Hey, come back here! I'm not done yet!" Grovyle snapped, shaking his right fist in a fit of rage.
"Calm down." Bisharp shook Grovyle's shoulder.
Grovyle turned to face him and asked. "How old are you?"
"Older than both of you." Bisharp didn't specifically reveal his age.
"Then go and teach her a lesson." Grovyle was getting more irrational.
"Please let that go already." Bisharp looked tired as he convinced Grovyle. After a while, Grovyle cooled off and resumed his duties as the leader of the team.
Confessional
Grovyle: "Back where I live, we put batteries in and things work. I don't understand all that science mumbo jumbo. I got no book smarts but I got them street smarts and reflexes. Anyways, being young isn't that bad. I should feel happy being younger than her right? Or is it better to be older?"
Skrelp: "I can't believe an imbecile like him is qualified to be a leader."
Aromatisse chose the snow area as the location for her showcase. This raised many doubts and concerns among the Feckless Flygon members. They discussed about this in the Delibird Workshop.
"Are you sure about this? I'm fine with the snow but does Smeargle like snow?" Houndour questioned.
"Brr…cold." Ledyba shivered.
"This place is good for chilling out but is that what you homies really want?" Darmanitan addressed his team.
"I agree, what kind of theme fits the snow? Christmas?" Lucario asked, demanding an answer.
Aromatisse looked pressured as more concerns were raised but no answers from her yet.
"How are we going to find the balloons and popsicles?" Meowth asked.
"Errr…" Aromatisse stuttered.
"What will be our main show? Please explain things in detail." Duosion requested.
"Please give me a moment." Aromatisse fled to the café in order to hide from her teammates for a while.
Confessional
Aromatisse: "This is harder than I thought."
Lucario: "She better starts doing something." Lucario tapped his feet impatiently.
Aromatisse drank her smoothie and sighed, chilly air escaped her lungs.
"Tough, isn't it? Need help? I'm on your side. I like this area." Cryogonal approached her, trying to be helpful.
"I just don't know how to lead and manage so many things. I start to see how difficult things must be for Lucario now." Aromatisse admitted.
"Well, you need to take the first step forward. How about telling them straightforwardly that you need help? Staying in the café won't get the job done. Come out and face your team." Cryogonal persuaded.
"I guess." Aromatisse slowly stepped forward to her teammates, out of the café.
"Everyone…" All eyes were on her. "To be honest, I need help to run this event. I will appreciate it if all of you beautiful and fabulous Pokemon…" Aromatisse complimented in hopes that it will win them over. "...come up with ideas and decide things on your own. I have complete faith and trust in all of you to be able to manage yourself. This doesn't mean that I will do nothing. I will still take charge in running the main event. However, everything else that requires strength… I can't do it." Aromatisse ended and averted her eyes from her teammates. She was nervous.
"Everyone, you hear it?! Follow her orders!" Lucario shouted to his team with his loud, clear voice, befitting of a leader. "Meowth, since you wonder about the popsicles and balloons, survey the island for them. The gift shop might be a good place to start. Duosion, help Aromatisse come up with a solid plan about the main event. Houndour and Darmanitan, try to find a way to keep Smeargle warm. The others, work on decoration. Understood?" Lucario showed what it really means to be a leader. Aromatisse stared, looking impressed.
Confessional
Aromatisse: "I have more respect for him now. Despite our conflicts, I hope we can put things aside and work together one day."
Grovyle slashed a few palm trees skillfully with Leaf Blade. He then dragged one back to the center of the beach, near the dock.
"Heracross, help me drag some more over here." Grovyle pointed to where he cut them down.
"Roger that." Heracross worked on it right away.
Afterwards, Grovyle chopped the tree into smaller pieces, removing the coconuts and leaves. During this time, someone tapped his shoulder.
"Here are the hammers and nails that you requested." Drifblim placed them down.
"Good, I will make a table out of palm trees." Grovyle replied.
He slammed the hammer down, being careful not to hit his own fingers. The nail pierced through the wood and connected the leg to the base. The table didn't look stable yet.
"I need to use some more nails." Grovyle told himself as he kept doing his manual labor.
"Grovyle, I got the straws! Wowie, you are skilled!" Jumpluff exclaimed, impressed by his crafting skills.
"Yeah, I'm skilled." Grovyle seemed complacent. Jumpluff's expression suddenly worsened. Something was bothering her.
"Grovyle, I'm sorry about you know, this morning and all. I hope that you realize that I'm still your friend." Jumpluff tried to reconnect with the gecko. Grovyle stopped working and turned to her. He said nothing for a while, then spoke up.
"Alright." Grovyle's tone was ambiguous. Was he still mad? Did he forgive and forget?
"Yay!" Jumpluff seemed content.
Confessional
Jumpluff: "I guess Bisharp was right. Grovyle is one of the best guys on this island." Jumpluff seemed sincere.
Meowth searched through every nook and cranny, there was still no sight of the balloon.
"Oh my, a scarcity in the balloon market." Meowth looked worried.
"Any luck?" Ledyba asked, she just entered the gift shop.
"No, may I help you with anything?" Meowth offered to help.
"I want to find a plush of a Delibird and maybe even Smeargle. Think she will like it?" Ledyba asked.
"Maybe. Unfortunately, stock is limited here. Maybe, you should search in the storage room." Meowth suggested.
"Okay, I got it." Ledyba said and left.
Confessional
Meowth: "This is a challenging task."
"We will bring them back, chef." Tyrunt assured as he carried a chair out of the mess hall.
"You better…" Chef Drapion said threateningly. Tyrunt gulped as he and the two others left the mess hall. They bought the chairs to Grovyle.
"Put them on the dock for now." Grovyle directed. The three obeyed.
Currently, Grovyle was painting the table. He painted it blue and then white. He was trying to create a wave of water design. He then placed a coconut down and sliced it open. He put the straw inside and placed a tiny umbrella on top of the drink.
"Bisharp, so what is our plan again?" Grovyle asked for a reminder.
"Well, decorations are going pretty smoothly. We got a selling stand for coconut juice and popsicles. Chairs are also prepared. We still need to come up with a performance and decorate the dock." Bisharp updated their status.
"Alright, how is Ms. I'm smarter than you doing?" Grovyle asked about Skrelp.
"Well, not much." Bisharp informed, pointing to Skrelp. She just relaxed on the beach, reading her book.
"Hah, how lazy. Respect your hardworking juniors." Grovyle smirked, feeling victorious.
"I will contribute after you kindly shut that insolent mouth of yours." Skrelp responded without lifting her gaze from the book.
"Maybe, you should." Bisharp suggested.
"What?! You are on her side?" Grovyle looked shocked.
"No, what I meant-" Bisharp was interrupted.
"You can join her 'lazy senior club' then!" Grovyle stomped off. Bisharp frowned, watching Grovyle as he left.
Confessional
Bisharp: "I don't understand. He used to be my partner… What changed about him?"
Grovyle: "I will get rid of them all… Those that dare to offend me. Just because they are older than me doesn't mean they have any right to look down on me. They are just trying to use me, both of them. They thought that they can use me, Good Guy Grovyle? They are dearly mistaken." Grovyle clenched his fist.
Skrelp: "At this point, that imbecile will self-destruct and get himself eliminated."
Duosion and Aromatisse discussed about the main event inside the café, drinks were in front of them.
"Here is my idea and it will be totally fabulous. Why don't we create another play like we used to in the babysitting challenge? It will be a play about Christmas." Aromatisse suggested.
"In my opinion, the theme works for this area. However, we need to plan it out intricately. Can you tell me the plot, necessary equipment, the length of the performance, the setting and everything else necessary for a successful show?" Duoison inquired.
"Well, we should keep it simple. How about Santa Delibird delivering presents to all the good children out there?" Aromatisse proposed an idea.
"Well, simplicity works, I guess. What about equipment?" Duosion didn't look exactly confident.
"I plan on creating a Santa Delibird costume myself. Other than that, I need a sleigh, a few Stantler horns, red noses and presents." Aromatisse listed.
"Alright, I will convey this message to everyone else." Duosion left the café to tell the others. Of course, she took her drink with her by using Psychic.
Confessional
Aromatisse: "Hopefully, Smeargle likes my idea. I mean who doesn't like Christmas and all the free presents, duh?"
Somewhere along the beach…
Dedenne brought Grovyle a coconut drink, trying to cheer him up. Apparently, he lay down on the sand with empty eyes.
"Cheer up, did you overwork yourself to exhaustion?" Dedenne asked in concern.
"Thanks, you are the only one that I can rely on, Dedenne." Grovyle accepted the drink, making her smiled. "Sometimes, I feel like I'm picked on by the others. They make me feel like a puppet leader. I feel manipulated. I didn't take this role because I want to, it was forced on me. Sure, I took it in the end but if I didn't do it then, who will? Our team will be leaderless without my sacrifice." Grovyle said, getting it off his chest.
"Aw, Grovyle, you poor thing." Dedenne consoled. "Who picked on you?"
Grovyle whispered names into her ears and Dedenne frowned.
"I will head back to work now." Grovyle lifted himself up and headed to the dock.
Bisharp was there, readied to deliver news to his leader. "Good news or bad news first?" Bisharp asked, sounding urgent.
"Good news." Grovyle chose instantly.
"Well, we nearly finish the decorations. Just need the balloons and popsicles." Bisharp updated their progress.
Seemingly, they got beach umbrellas installed, providing shade. Underneath the umbrellas were chairs from the mess hall. Furthermore, fishing rods lined up neatly on the dock with a statue of a Magikarp near the end. In addition, a wide variety of water Pokemon plushes scattered across the sand. Whether it be their own mascot, Crawdaunt or Feebas, Staryu, etc. Last but not least, the coconut drink stall received a nifty upgrade. Palm tree leaves were tied to the legs of the table to make it more stable. An umbrella was also installed to provide shade. Hidden below the table was a music box, playing a tropical beach theme.
"A catchy theme right there, I like it. Everything looks great. What's the problem?" Grovyle looked around with hands on his hips, puzzled at what could possibly go wrong.
"Well, we don't have a performance. We need one to showcase the qualities of the beach area." Bisharp revealed the bad news.
"What?! I thought you planned it." Grovyle looked shock.
"I thought you planned it as well." Bisharp had a similar expression. "We focus too much on the decorations."
"What are we going to do?" Grovyle panicked. Heracross approached them both with something.
"Hey, what are we going to do with this? I found this piece of scrap in the secret room behind the mountain." Heracross showed them a surfboard. "Should I throw it away?"
"Wait, this is perfect. I'm going to ride the waves for the show." Grovyle got an idea. Bisharp and Heracross didn't look confident.
"Surfing? I doubt that your microscopic-sized brain will be able to handle such a complex sport, Mr. Triple A battery." Skrelp degraded. Grovyle's face reddened with rage.
"I will make you eat your words." Grovyle said in a serious, dark tone.
"Please demonstrate." Skrelp didn't seem threatened in the slightest. Instead, she challenged him.
"Oh, you will see." Grovyle smirked.
Confessional
Grovyle: "Do I know how to surf? No. However, I'm pretty sure that it is very easy like taking a candy from a…" Grovyle hesitated. "…Skrelp, yeah. Taking candy from Skrelp." Grovyle was sure that he said the right thing this time.
Bisharp: "Why is Grovyle so vindictive lately? He takes these things too seriously."
On the other hand, the Feckless Flygon didn't get much done with decorations…
In front of the entrance to the Delibird Workshop, there was a snowman holding a sign with the word, 'Welcome'. A few plushes of Delibird were placed around the area. Otherwise, not much else to see.
"Why are there barely any decorations?" Aromatisse asked no one in particular.
"Well, you told us to focus on the show. Building a sleigh takes a long time. Luckily, we got Lucario or else nothing will be done when Smeargle arrives." Cryogonal explained.
Lucario put finishing touches on the sleigh. It seemed like it could function adequately. The color scheme was red. Nothing else stood out. The sleigh looked somewhat unfinished. Lucario turned around, staring at Aromatisse with deadly eyes.
"I expect you to manage everything else when I work my butt off to build this sleigh! You manage nothing!" Lucario scolded her. Aromatisse eyes were a bit teary, saddened deeply.
"I did sew a Santa costume…" Aromatisse tried to come up with excuses.
"All you did was sewing a costume? All this time? What kind of leader does that?!" Lucario continued his onslaught. Aromatisse was getting heavily panned and she was about to sob.
"Homie, chill out. She didn't mean it." Darmanitan pulled Lucario back.
"Now what? What the *beep* are we going to do now?!" Lucario swore in anger. The rest of his team started to gather around as they heard Lucario's deafening voice from afar. They didn't say much with their heads down, none of them contributed that much.
Suddenly, an announcement interrupted the commotion.
"Attention, contestants! Yesterday, the Feckless Flygon won so I'm giving them a small advantage. Smeargle will evaluate the Crazy Crawdaunt first so use your extra time preciously." Skarmory gave the Feckless Flygon their last ray of hope.
"You better get things done!" Lucario yelled as he stomped on the ground angrily. Aromatisse cried a bit but she covered her face. Therefore, Lucario didn't see that.
Confessional
Aromatisse: "I tried my best but he still isn't satisfied." Aromatisse sobbed.
Lucario: "Great, elimination ceremony again!"
Darmanitan: "Things are heating up a bit too much. Everyone needs to take a chill pill."
The Crazy Crawdaunt members were scrambling around at the last minute to ensure that everything will be perfect.
"Umbrellas, check. Popsicles, check…" Grovyle noted.
"Yeah, better check those popsicles. I ended up paying ten Skarmory tokens to Chef Drapion for them." Tyrunt said, seemingly unhappy.
"Music, check. Balloons… Where are the balloons?" Grovyle asked, rapidly looking around.
"Perhaps, there is a shortage of helium recently." Skrelp commented. "Why am I blowing hot air into a buffoon's ears? Mr. Triple A battery probably doesn't understand."
"All talk, no help. That's Skrelp for ya." Grovyle retaliated.
"Fine, need help? We got a balloon Pokemon in our team. Helpful?" Skrelp pointed out.
All eyes turned to Drifblim. She glanced around and frowned.
"You all owe me for this." Drifblim agreed reluctantly.
Confessional
Drifblim: "Do I need to stoop that low? Fine, for the entertainment of the viewers." She didn't sound thrilled.
Smeargle arrived at the beach area, holding a notebook in hand. She wrote something down as she observed the atmosphere and decorations. Contestants mingled with each other as they drank coconut juice. Some stayed at the dock, fishing like Bisharp. Some threw pebbles into the sea like Heracross.
Music soothed Smeargle's ears as she walked over to the stall. Smeargle tapped her feet, following the rhythm of the theme.
"Enjoy? Having fun?" Jumpluff asked cheerfully behind the stall with a big smile on her face.
"Definitely! The music is excellent and everyone looks happy." Smeargle exclaimed in joy.
"Want popsicles and coconut juices? We got a special promotion, buy one get one free!" Jumpluff pitched.
"Are you charging me?" Smeargle seemed appalled. Jumpluff immediately shook her head.
"No, it is just that-" Jumpluff was interrupted.
"I'm joking." Smeargle confessed.
"Oh, golly. I look like an idiot." Jumpluff sheepishly grinned.
"Not really, I mean I'm sure someone around here is a little less intelligent than you." Smeargle referred to a certain individual.
"Anyways, I'm fine with paying. How much does it cost?" Smeargle asked for the price.
"How about this? You are the first, special customer so you get both a popsicle and a coconut drink for free!" Jumpluff said generously.
"Thanks." Smeargle wrote something down before she grabbed the freebies. Upon seeing the tiny umbrella included with the drink, she wrote something extra down.
Afterwards, Smeargle headed to the dock. She looked surprised as she got her eyes on the Magikarp statue.
"Where did you get that? I can't recall that I put something like this on the island." Smeargle said in disbelief.
"It was washed ashore. Someone probably throw it away." Bisharp explained.
"Oh, it looks nice." Smeargle complimented the statue. She rubbed it a bit before she moved on.
Smeargle made her way around to look at the plushes on the beach next. She seemed content as she scribbled something down. The beagle viewed the place a bit more, writing certain words down in the process. The last thing that caught her eye was Drifblim being tied to the dock.
"Why are you tied up?" Smeargle seemed confused.
"I'm supposed to be a balloon." Drifblim clarified. Smeargle chuckled at this. This made Drifblim frown.
The sun was about to set. Thus, the main event began.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, we are about to start the epic finale to the showcase of the beach area. I hope that all of you have a fabulous day so far. In a short moment, someone will attempt to tame the vicious waves of the sea. Please give support to our valiant surfer, Grovyle!" Bisharp announced. Smeargle seemed excited, she couldn't stay still.
Grovyle held the surfboard up as he slowly stepped into the shallow parts of the sea. The surfboard was painted with the design of a Sharpedo. The gecko then placed it down once the water was deep enough. He lay down on the surfboard and waited for a wave.
One minute passed and things were looking silly as no huge waves appeared.
"Err… we are having technical difficulties." Bisharp tried to make it less awkward.
Suddenly, a gigantic wave rushed toward Grovyle. It threatened to swallow him up whole.
"Come at me, wave." Grovyle challenged as he stood on his surfboard. On his face, he looked confident. However, his legs were shaking. Regardless, the wave crashed against him. Would it be a tragedy for the amateur surfer?
Everyone looked anxious as they dreaded the worse for the guy. Some looked less anxious than others. Like Dedenne, who had complete faith in him. On the contrary, Skrelp didn't care for Grovyle's wellbeing in the slightest.
Miraculously, Grovyle managed to keep his balance! The guy was spinning full circles on the waves before it tossed him skyward.
"Woah!" Grovyle screamed deafeningly, a mix between fear and adrenaline. The end result was… his head got buried in the sand.
"Let's go help him!" Dedenne alerted, heading to him first. Bisharp, Jumpluff and Tyrunt ran to him faster than the others. Grovyle tried to pull himself out of the sand to no avail.
"Luckily, it isn't me that need to do that." Nosepass sighed in relief.
Dedenne tried to pull Grovyle up but failed. After the other three arrived, they helped as well and Grovyle was freed. Dedenne glanced at Bisharp before she turned her attention to Grovyle.
"Are you alright?" Dedenne asked.
"I'm… okay." Grovyle said before toppling down.
"Bravo! Bravo!" Smeargle applaud. "That was very brave of you, Grovyle. I like this showcase. Let's see if the other team is better." Smeargle said with high expectations.
Before she left, they all enjoyed their time in the beach area with all the music and drinks a bit more. Grovyle was praised and complimented. He looked happy. Nevertheless, he flashed Skrelp a mean glare, every now and then.
Confessional
Grovyle: "Respect your juniors. That was pure skill, no luck." Grovyle boasted.
Skrelp: "To be honest, I hope the wave crushes and obliterates his body so that he will be medically evacuated."
Dedenne: "I'm very proud of him. That was reckless but he did it anyways for the team. Such a great hero."
Smeargle stood in front of the Delibird Workshop. She wrote something down upon seeing the snowman. There was nothing else to see so she headed inside, expecting a huge surprise.
However, Smeargle frowned immediately once she realized that nothing new or fresh was added. Instead, the Delibird Workshop was still the plain old Delibird Workshop. It looked great, but because she was the one who decorated this place before the contestants even arrived on the island.
"Maybe, it is still early to judge." Smeargle tried to remain optimistic.
Houndour and Darmanitan saw her first and rushed over immediately with a cup of hot coffee and a scarf.
"Cold? Want to drink this hot coffee or wear this Delibird Scarf?" Houndour offered.
"No thanks, I don't drink coffee and I'm not cold. I like it here. Wait… is this, Skarmory's?" Smeargle pointed to the cup.
"Err… we paid him fifteen tokens to get this." Darmanitan answered.
"Well, I guess you wasted it." Smeargle wrote something down before she moved on. The two seemed disappointed.
Confessional
Houndour: "You know, I'm not mad about losing the tokens but I fear that we will inevitably lose. I guess I should blame myself but I feel like Aromatisse couldn't get things organized properly enough. When I'm about to do this, she ordered me to rehearse for the play. When I'm about to rehearse, she wasn't there to direct. Instead, she was sewing a costume."
Darmanitan: "I gotta hold that L. My bad."
Smeargle was about to head inside the gift shop until someone barged into the workshop. It was Meowth, he was sweating and panting horribly. In his hands were balloons, they contracted due to the cold temperature.
"You don't want to know what I had-" Meowth coughed. "-to go through to get these..." Meowth collapsed, letting the balloons floated to the ceiling. Instantly, Darmanitan and Houndour rushed over to help.
"Are you alright? Please respond!" Houndour asked in concern, anxiety written on his face.
Darmanitan touched his head and his eyes widened.
"A fever, we need to put him in the infirmary!" Darmanitan spoke with urgency. Smeargle was shocked to hear this.
"Both of us are needed in the play, someone please bring him to the infirmary!" Darmanitan shouted. Houndour shouted for help as well. Duosion heard this and carried him up with Psychic.
"I will do this. You boys better hurry." Duosion gave them a reassuring look and they both left to prepare for the show. Houndour turned back to look one last time, Duosion was already outside. It was getting dark and cold. Houndour wished for the best. Smeargle wrote something down as she unsmilingly explored the place further.
There was nothing special to see. Sure, plushes. However, the plushes were already there in the workshop. The contestants just changed their locations. Unimpressive to the artist.
There was also an unfinished ice sculpture near the gift shop. The only distinguishable feature was a round face and a round body. It never had a chance to fully blossom because of time constraints.
A few red and green signs were made with words like 'Happy Holidays' or 'Merry Christmas'. However, they were plain and ordinary. The location was also questionable. It hung near the exhibit on the second floor, next to all the old machinery.
Smeargle continued writing criticisms down while shaking her head in disappointment.
The show needed to be perfect for the Feckless Flygon to even stand a chance.
Confessional
Shedinja: "I'm no expert at decorating. I just hung the signs randomly. Whatever."
Cryogonal: "I built the snowman. I hope she likes it."
Ledyba: "I saw her disappointed expressions for the plushies. This is disheartening…"
Miltank: "We need more muscles on the team. Hard to make that ice sculpture all alone without Lucario."
Scolipede: "We need more brains on the team. Miltank smashed many ice sculptures into pieces without thinking or planning ahead."
Aromatisse: "Everything is a mess with decorations. It is too late for me to save them now. I need to focus on the show."
Lucario: "Do I need to wear this costume?" Lucario lifted a Santa costume up and cringed.
Suddenly, the lights were all turned off. Smeargle jumped up, feeling scared. Lights flashed outside the workshop. It was an alluring yellow light. Smeargle exited the workshop to hear bells tingling. Most noticeably, there was a figure dressed in red and white. It was Lucario in a Santa costume. He sat on a sleigh. It was decorated more beautifully than before with flashing lights and bells. Tied to the sleigh were Darmanitan and Scolipede in front. Miltank and Houndour at the back. They all wore Stantler horns and red noses.
"Hohohoho…" Lucario tried to laugh like Santa. "It is this time again. The time when I deliver presents to all the good Pokemon out there. Merry Christmas." Lucario said his lines. Smeargle had an unreadable expression on her face.
"Go, my magical Stantler! Go to that mansion over there." Lucario pointed. The four dragged the sleigh at a decent speed to the mansion. Smeargle followed them along.
Suddenly, one of the Stantler collapsed. It was Houndour. He groaned and moaned in pain. Smeargle gasped.
"What happened?!" Lucario shouted in surprise.
"Master, he fainted due to exhaustion." Scolipede explained.
"I need food and water… Please…" Houndour cried desperately. Lucario looked back and forth between the mansion and Houndour, biting his own lip.
"We must move on. Keep on going! We need to make the dreams of all children come true." Lucario said determinedly. Houndour was left behind and the three dragged the sleigh at a slower pace. Smeargle could feel Lucario's struggle with the decision.
"Did you feed him enough, master?" Scolipede asked. Lucario grew silent.
Suddenly, someone yelled in pain.
"My foot! Ow!" Miltank held her left foot up, it was bleeding. In reality, it was just tomato sauce.
"How did this happen?" Lucario was taken by surprise again.
"Master, the path here is rough. Maybe, we should turn back." Scolipede suggested.
"No, we must march forward for the children." Lucario refused, his eyes were adamant. Miltank was left behind like Houndour. Smeargle looked absorbed into the story.
Scolipede glanced maliciously at Lucario as they got closer to the mansion, the latter didn't notice it. The path was getting rockier and rougher, courtesy of fake sharp looking rocks.
Suddenly, a Shadow Ball was blasted at the sleigh. Smoke surrounded Lucario and everything came to a halt.
"Who did this?" Lucario coughed at the smoke. Once the smoke faded, Darmanitan was seen fainted. Scolipede was the only Stantler left. In front of the two, was Shedinja.
"Santa, remember me? I'm your neglected helper, Shedinja." Shedinja played the role of the antagonist. However, his voice was still monotone.
"Why the hell did you do this, my naughty helper?!" Lucario questioned aggressively.
"Every year, there is a single day that I dread the most, Christmas. Do you know why? Look behind you." Shedinja pointed out and Lucario averted his eyes guiltily.
"We work for three hundred and sixty-four days and get that kind of treatment. You only work for one day yet, you get all the love from children all around the world. What about us? Don't you think it is unfair that everyone else gets to smile on Christmas but us?" Shedinja's voice had a bit of anger surprisingly.
"Enough!" Lucario threw an Aura Sphere at Shedinja, it dealt no damage.
"What a hopeless gesture, there will be no Christmas this year." Shedinja drawled.
"Scolipede, attack!" Lucario barked orders at him.
"Hahaha…" Scolipede broke into laughter.
"Why don't you attack?!" Lucario raged.
"Master, no Santa. I'm sorry but I agree with him. It is time for Christmas to end for good." Scolipede slashed the ropes with his forehead horn and betrayed Lucario.
Lucario gritted his teeth as both of them outnumbered him.
"Come at me! I will protect Christmas!" Lucario made his last stand as he tried to slam Scolipede with Bone Rush. However, Shedinja interfered and used Sand Attack on Lucario. It blinded him and allowed Scolipede to escape.
"Aim for the presents. We made them so we will destroy them." Shedinja instructed Scolipede, who nodded in reply.
Shedinja distracted Lucario with another Shadow Ball. This allowed Scolipede to rush over to the back of the sleigh.
"No!" Lucario screamed as he ran over to protect the presents. However, it was too late. Scolipede already slashed them with his forehead horn. Clothes turned into pieces of scrap. Plushes were torn. Toys were crushed.
Lucario dropped down to his knees and cried (with the help of fake tears, not a move). It looked so real to Smeargle.
"How does it feel now, Santa? This is what you truly deserve. You can beat us up if you want. However, that won't save Christmas." Shedinja stated.
"No, I will go and save the other Stantler…" Lucario said quietly and depressingly as he dragged Darmanitan up the sleigh and pulled it back to Delibird Workshop all alone. Along the way, Scolipede, Shedinja and Smeargle watched his progress. Lucario lifted Miltank up and rummaged through destroyed presents for a piece of cloth to tie to her bleeding foot. Finally, he carried Houndour up on the sleigh and fed him crushed leftovers from the pile of broken presents. Before he reached the workshop, he turned to face Scolipede and Shedinja.
"I'm… sorry." With some slight difficulty, Lucario vocalized these words out. "I treated all of you badly. I don't deserve to be Santa." They were shocked to hear it.
"Santa, there might still be some time left to save Christmas…" Shedinja said, looking down.
"How? The presents are destroyed." Lucario said pessimistically.
"Who said that we don't have more presents?" Shedinja drawled and Lucario suddenly became interested.
"We save some in case of an emergency." Scolipede revealed. Lucario cried tears of joy.
Thus, it was a happy ending. Lucario, Shedinja and Scolipede hurriedly entered the workshop to get some stuff from the gift shop and stuffed it inside present boxes. They then headed to the mansion together to deliver the presents before the children wake up. Lucario promised to treat his Stantler and helpers better and they all cheered for Christmas.
Smeargle cried at the end.
Confessional
Smeargle: "I feel like that role fits Lucario in a sense…"
Aromatisse: "We put all of our eggs in one basket. Hopefully, it pays off."
Duosion: "I kind of change the script at the end. Aromatisse's version is too cheesy and simple. On another important matter, Meowth is recovering just fine."
Lucario: "I didn't put that ridiculous costume on just to lose, you know?"
"I have the results, Smeargle gives the best showcase award to… the Crazy Crawdaunt. She commented that while she likes the main performance of the Feckless Flygon better. The decorations are too horrid and popsicles are nowhere to be found despite all of you being in the snow area." Skarmory released the result. The Feckless Flygon didn't look happy. They turned all of their eyes to Aromatisse.
Cryogonal and Ledyba looked at her with sympathy. However, Lucario's piercing gaze pressured them to avert their eyes.
Confessional
Aromatisse: "I wish to be a more useful member. I really want a second chance to prove myself."
"Ten nice children will get a Leppa Berry. On the other hand, one naughty degenerate will get nothing but a one way trip out of Skarmory Island. I will start calling out names of the good kids out there." Skarmory started to give Leppa Berries out rapidly.
"Lucario, Miltank, Darmanitan, Houndour, Duosion, Meowth, Ledyba, Scolipede, Cryogonal..." Skarmory paused to build up suspense.
...
...
...
"Aromatisse, you naughty girl. You are eliminated. This one is so predictable." Skarmory yawned in boredom. Aromatisse rolled her eyes as she left.
"Yay, I'm not in the naughty list. Presents for me." Shedinja drawled.
Elimination Confessional
I voted for Shedinja, he betrayed me in yesterday's challenge. Other than that, I must say that I'm actually happy that I get to leave this dirty island. It ruins my nails and pretty looks. Who do I want to win? My girls, Ledyba and Cryogonal. I like them both. I just don't want Shedinja to win. As it stands right now, I rather let Lucario win than him.
Aromatisse boarded the Lapras with her pink handbag still intact. She waved to Ledyba and Cryogonal.
"We will miss talking to you. Have a safe journey. Bye." Cryogonal bid her farewell.
"I'm sorry for voting for you. We don't have a better choice. Hope you meet happiness wherever you go and try to remain optimistic. See you later." Ledyba said her parting words.
"See both of you but not so soon. I want you two girls to win. Try to remain fabulous in this dirty island." Aromatisse waved for the final time as the Lapras departed.
After everyone left, Skarmory appeared for the ending.
"To be honest, I don't like her. She likes to insult my beautiful, lovely island. Contestants nowadays…" Skarmory complained. "Anyways, the infirmary streak is one step closer to revival. Triple G becomes Triple A. What's next? Let's say, things are about to heat up in the desert area." Skarmory hinted. "Find out in the next fabulous episode of Total Skarmory Island!"
Votes
Lucario: Aromatisse
Scolipede: Aromatisse
Shedinja: Aromatisse
Miltank: Aromatisse
Darmanitan: Aromatisse
Houndour: Aromatisse
Duosion: Aromatisse
Meowth: Aromatisse
Ledyba: Aromatisse
Cryogonal: Aromatisse
Aromatisse: Shedinja
Shedinja: 1
Aromatisse: 10 (eliminated)
How is it? Another great episode? Well, that's all for the interns. Each of them will get their chance to appear again. As well as the areas. They will be revisited. There is one secret area left for the finale. Let's call it Skarmory Area for now, shall we? The final challenge is a bit special.
Tell me what you think and review so that I will have more motivation to release chapters faster.