The month had passed and the rest of the Hitmon family had graduated easily. All three were stationed together as they were a good team, but they had not been stationed in the same area as Tyrogue. Instead they had been assigned to protect Rio de Janeiro in Brazil. They did send Tyrogue emails every now and then and he of course did the same so it was all well and good in the end.

As if the good news could not end, every hero had finally graduated from Hero School. This meant the whole world was now in good hands. No area was short on heroes or in desperate need of help. Things could not be going better right now.

However, there was one figure who was not too happy about this, and of all people, he should have been happiest of all. That someone was Weedle as now that evil was truly at bay, there was something else bothering him, but what could it possibly be?

"Dammit!" the caterpillar cursed to himself, "I don't get it! Even with Earth so well-protected, we're not making much!" before taking a deep breath and grumbling, "It's like now that the students have all been trained, people don't feel the need to send us funding anymore."

Weedle then crawled onto a chair and tapped his tail against the table in front of it. What could he possibly do? After all, without financial backing, there was no way to keep the academy around for future generations. There could no longer exist a Tower of Justice. What could he possibly do?

The caterpillar then looked around in panic, but whatever he was looking for clearly was not there as he let out a disappointed sigh. This was something he knew even Ambipom's advice could not get him out of. She may have been a fighting expert, but she was no financial genius.

However, his thought process ended when the door to the area opened, his eyes going wide as the one who entered was a wasp who stood there nervously and said, "Um, hi, you're Weedle, correct?"

"Oh, god, I told security I don't want any guests right now, no matter how important they might be," Weedle groaned before turning, his eyes widening.

"Are you alright?" the wasp asked as Weedle snapped, "I've seen the records regarding you! I've seen your photo and everything!"

The wasp stared in confusion as the caterpillar added, "Yes, you're Beedrill! You killed Watchog so you could sneak into the academy and kill Machoke!"

Beedrill let out a sigh and replied, "It's true, I did some terrible, unforgivable things and I'm mad at myself for doing them," Weedle glaring at him to make sure this was not simply an act as Beedrill added, "But I can assure you, I am good. See, when I was sent to prison, I really got to thinking and realized how horrible my actions were, so I swore I would be reformed as a hero."

"Are you telling me the warden let you out because of that?" the caterpillar remarked as the wasp remarked, "Oh no, in fact, there are officers poised outside in case I try to make a getaway. They escorted me here," Weedle remarking, "And why the hell would they do that!? That makes even less sense!"

"Well, it's because they came across a shocking discovery that even I didn't know of until recently," Beedrill replied, "They didn't tell me about this until I promised that I'd be good."

He then took a deep breath and asked, "You know how blood samples and fingerprints are taken of convicts to keep on record, right?" Weedle nodding and replying, "Yes, and then they're sent to Scientists to be analyzed so that way, we can always tell exactly whose DNA it is no matter what kind of obstruction gets in the way."

"Yes, well, the Scientists came to a realization when analyzing mine," Beedrill stated before asking, "Do you remember the night you were made chairman of Hero Planet?"

Weedle blinked and replied, "Oh yes, but are you saying you know the details?" the wasp replying, "No, but someone you know does, and from what I've learned, let's just say that night is related to this."

"Well," the caterpillar sighed, trying to put this all into place before adding, "that was both the happiest and most embarrassing night of my life," Beedrill looking even more interested as the caterpillar decided he may as well continue.

"Back in the day, I would always keep a flask of whisky handy for when I got nervous, and that night was the most nervous I had ever been. So much responsibility was just so much to take in. Sure, I had wanted this my whole life. I'd worked tirelessly toward it, but even so, it was still a lot to take in, so I drank more than ever before. I don't really remember the rest of the night, probably because I was too drunk."

Beedrill nodded and sighed, "Well, that brings me to my next point. Do you remember your old assistant?" Weedle nodding and replying, "Oh, yes, Elebuzz. She was nice, always got me through tough times with her optimism, but was always flirting with me. I've never been interested in romance, so I'd always turn down her advances."

"Well, not that night you didn't," Beedrill replied, Weedle's eyes going wide as he uttered, "What are you talking about?" Beedrill replying, "Well, from what she told me, you started advancing on her that night."

Weedle stared silently before asking, "Wait, you know Elebuzz?" the wasp replying, "I'll get to that in a bit, but yeah, according to her, you invited her to your house for a, ahem, 'good time'," Weedle's eyes going wide as he shook his head.

"It's true," Beedrill replied, "You had a one night stand with her," Weedle staring some more before asking, "Do you have proof of this?"

Beedrill nodded before pulling out a documentation of the results, Weedle groaning, "Oh god, so that's why she quit the following day. She must have felt guilty. She didn't tell me why she quit. I bet it was so I wouldn't feel responsible."

Beedrill nodded as the caterpillar groaned, "Don't tell me, you know her because you're her son, aren't you?" the wasp nodding as all went silent.

"Look, I don't want this to be any more awkward than it already is," Beedrill stated as Weedle remarked, "Well, it certainly can't get any more awkward! Why are you here!?" Beedrill letting down light tears and sniffing, "Well, I wanna get to know you more, Dad, make a connection, be an actual son to you."

Weedle glared at him and said, "Well, you don't seem to be lying, but look, don't expect me to take care of you. I'm suffering some serious financial problems right now."

"Oh, is that so?" Beedrill asked as Weedle nodded, the wasp's eyes sparkling as he exclaimed, "I know a way you can make money again!"

"Are you suggesting I steal money from people!?" Weedle retorted as the wasp remarked, "No, I'm past that point, remember!? No, I know of a method so simple, I'm certain you would have come up with it eventually!" the caterpillar blinking and asking, "Oh, so this is actually legal?" Beedrill nodding.

Weedle then shrugged and said, "Well, I'm open to anything at this point," Beedrill nodding again and replying, "Well, there's a certain event that has not been held in a long time, twenty years to be exact. Machamp won it twice and then for whatever reason, it was never seen again. You know what I'm talking about, right?"

Weedle's eyes went wide as he nodded in understanding, saying, "That's right. You're talking about the Hero Olympics, aren't you?" Beedrill nodding and replying, "Yes, an event where heroes compete for the honour of not only representing their countries but also the honour of their families. But you know what else happens as a result of it?" Weedle nodding and replying, "That's right, proceeds go to Hero Planet, and many would pay a fortune to see this event in person."

"Exactly!" Beedrill replied, "And with crime going down by the day, this is a perfect time to hold it!" Weedle's eyes sparkling as he let down light tears and sniffed, "Give me a hug, son!" the wasp embracing him as both shared a nice laugh with each other.

The following day, no one else was really thinking about such things, but what was on Machoke's mind especially was that today was Gardevoir's birthday. Gallade had told him about it while Machoke suggested throwing a surprise party before he could. Today was the day they would throw it, and it was located at their usual club. They even got the owner and all the guests to play along.

Gardevoir did not even think of this and was simply happy to be with her friends as they all walked toward the building. Reika was also with them and wearing a cute sleeveless shirt. Aipom was also with them this time wearing a baseball cap and a T-shirt, feeling happy to finally join the group.

Machoke had dressed in a more casual outfit than usual for the occasion while Gallade wore a pair of shorts as always. Blaziken wore a cowboy vest and a pair of slacks while Gardevoir was dressed in her jersey, Gallade trying his best not to question this. Heck, her whole reason for wearing it was because he had told her, without revealing too much, to wear something special today, and this jersey was a symbol of the first time she ever felt confident during a fight, so she considered it very special.

The group soon came to the club and entered, all of the guests giving Gardevoir a quick glance before going back to what they were doing, keeping up their charade. Gardevoir was none-the-wiser as she squealed, "What are we gonna do first!?" Machoke grinning and exclaiming, "Gallade, you wanted to give the karaoke machine a shot first, right!?"

Gallade nodded and replied, "You got it, buddy!" the boy walking over to the machine and picking up a microphone, the owner grinning as the machine started up.

At that moment, rock music started to come from it as Gallade and everyone else in the club belted, "Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday to you!" Gardevoir gasping and looking around while everyone continued to sing, "Happy birthday, Gardevoir, happy birthday to you!"

At that moment, the people in the area pulled streamers out of their pockets and threw them into the air. Gardevoir blushed uncontrollably now as a big vanilla mousse cake was brought over to the table and placed in front of her. Everyone applauded the girl as Machoke and the others gave her thumbs up.

"Gallade, you're the best brother in the world!" Gardevoir squeaked, "You went all the way this year!" Gallade shaking his head and replying, "Don't look at me. This was all Machoke's idea," Machoke smiling and nodding as Gardevoir gave him a big hug, squealing, "Thank you all so much!"

"Well, better blow out the candles," Reika said with a smile, Gardevoir replying, "They look so pretty, but we don't want to get wax in the cake I guess," the girl then blowing on them, one remaining lit as Reika smirked, stating, "Oh, look at that, Gardevoir has a boyfriend," Gardevoir's cheeks turning pink as she squeaked, "Do not!" giggling all the while.

Gallade was just relieved to see her so happy even though by this point, he knew that her standards were not particularly high when it came to birthday parties. Ever since her birth, she had always been taught that it was the thought that counted, so she never really had standards. Even if everyone forgot, she would have been fine with it.

After Gardevoir quickly blew out the last candle, everyone was ready for cake, all planning to bring out their presents for her afterwards. However, while the group was eating, a news article came up on the TV, everyone surprised to see Weedle in front of the screen.

"Oh no, it's that asshole again," Machoke groaned as Aipom smacked him, grunting, "Don't be rude!" Machoke sighing, "I should have seen that coming."

"People of Earth, Hero Planet has already been informed of this, but I have some unsettling news," Weedle stated, everyone gasping, thinking this might have been another villain attack or something along those lines while the caterpillar added, "I have been chairman of Hero Planet for many years, and it has been a great honour, and yet now as the still relatively young age of forty-seven, I am retiring from my position."

All went silent as Machoke shrugged, saying, "Good riddance. That guy was a jerk," Aipom remarking, "Look, I can understand why you'd say that, but Mister Weedle has been chairman of Hero Planet for many years! This is sad news! Right, guys?" the others looking at each-other, even Gardevoir having trouble agreeing with the monkey on this one.

"But don't be too sad," Weedle added, "It's been an honour serving Hero Planet for all these years, but I think it's finally time to hand the torch to someone else. Everyone, I would like to introduce my son, Beedrill!"

Blaziken, Gallade and Gardevoir all freaked out at the mention of this name, Machoke tilting his head to the side, asking, "Who's that?" the wasp standing in front of the mic as the boy spat, "THAT'S THE GUY WHO TRIED TO MURDER ME IN HERO SCHOOL!"

"Hello, citizens of Earth. Yes, I am indeed Weedle's son," Beedrill stated, "I only found this out some time ago and, well, it's such a high honour to be chairman, especially at such a young age," all going silent in the area, the wasp adding, "I hope you can all accept me as the new chairman. I used to be a villain, but I can assure you I have learned my lesson and only wish to serve the side of justice now. That is the truth."

People still had no idea how to react as the wasp added, "This is not the only subject of this announcement. Oh no, my dad and I have something exciting planned for everyone."

Weedle nodded and stepped in front of the camera, saying, "Thank you, son," before continuing, "We are going to hold an event that has not been held for a long time, too long in fact. It's a time-honoured tradition that has gone on for ages and is only sponsored by the government of Hero Planet," everyone rather curious about what this was. After all, it had been so long that the world had practically forgotten its existence.

"I of course speak of the Hero Olympics," Weedle added as Aipom's eyes widened, Blaziken exclaiming, "Wow, I did not see that coming!" Machoke simply picking his right nostril with his pinky finger, Aipom face-palming as once again, the boy seemed clueless.

"It is a great event where heroes from around the world compete for the grand prize but also for the honour of their families and home countries," Weedle explained, "There is only one way to qualify, and that is to return to your home country and compete in an elimination wrestling tournament. There are a total of three tournaments consisting of three matches in each country, each tournament being held in a different city. Details will be sent to you if you sign up, and trust me, you'll be given instructions on how to do that by going to one of these various locations," pointing out a variety of sign-up spots on his world map.

Beedrill nodded and stated, "I can guarantee this will be exciting, but you only have two weeks to sign up and what's more, you must be in your home country to sign up. That means if you're assigned to protect a different area, in which most of you are, you must find a way to make it there in time. Just show them your hero IDs and whatever mode of transportation you choose is free of charge."

"Hero ID?" Machoke asked as the others looked at each-other, Aipom sighing, "You all should have gotten an ID card from the government when you graduated."

Gallade nodded and replied, "Oh yeah, our ID cards," the boy pulling his out of his wallet as the others did as well, Machoke saying, "I thought this was just to confirm us as citizens. I didn't know it was specifically linked to being a hero."

With that, the broadcast ended as Machoke sighed, "That sounds like a waste of time, right, guys?" Blaziken smirking and remarking, "Are you kidding!? Once this party is over, I'm on the first flight back to Texas!"

Machoke turned to Gallade and Gardevoir as Gallade shrugged, replying, "Sorry, Machoke, but I agree. This sounds like a great opportunity," Machoke then gazing at Gardevoir and saying, "Surely you don't feel up to it."

"Well, the old me wouldn't have, that's for sure," Gardevoir replied, smiling softly and adding, "But ever since you helped me gain the confidence I needed to fight, I really feel like I could stand a chance in this, so I'm going to try out too," Machoke's eyes going wide as Aipom said, "And you're going to compete too, right, Machoke?" the boy retorting, "ARE YOU CRAZY!?"

However, the owner of the club simply grinned at Gardevoir and exclaimed, "We're all proud of you, Gardevoir! Three cheers for the birthday girl!" everyone chanting her name three times as Machoke said nothing more, not wanting to spoil the mood.

After the party was done, everyone was getting ready to set off as Gallade asked Machoke, "So, are you sure you don't wanna sign up? I mean, you represent Japan. You don't actually have to leave the country," Machoke replying, "Yeah, you guys have fun. I'm just gonna relax here and maybe catch you guys on TV."

Gardevoir gave the boy a hug and said, "Try not to be too lonely," Reika sighing, "Don't worry, we're still around," directing a gaze at Aipom who gave her thumbs up with her tail hand as Blaziken grinned at Machoke and said, "Maybe I can get my family the first place spot they've been needing."

And with that, Gardevoir and Gallade took a plane to France while Blaziken took off toward another airport where a plane to Texas would come by within the hour. Machoke took a deep breath as Reika patted him on the shoulder, asking, "Are you really sure you don't want to try out?" Machoke remarking, "I'm certain," Aipom all the while trying her best to respect his decision but having a very hard time doing it.

Most of this stemmed from just how much Machoke had grown. He had become such a serious fighter, so devoted to his job as a hero that to see him scared of friendly competition made no sense to her. There was no use holding it back, she was going to have a talk with him later.

One week and six days later, Machoke was watching TV to pass the time, looking bored out of his skull. Aipom saw this as the perfect opportunity to try and convince him to join.

However, the monkey knew how Machoke would respond if she tried to just straight-up tell him to join or ask him why he was so hesitant. He would take it the wrong way and lash out at her for 'bothering him' about it. She had to take a more subtle and friendly approach.

As such, she sat down next to him and asked, "So, what's on?" Machoke sighing, "Nothing but news reports related to that stupid event," Aipom remarking, "But it's not stupid! It's a grand competition to see who the greatest hero in the world is, and what's more, the winner wears the championship belt, a symbol of power and courage!"

"Yeah, risk my health for a sweaty belt," Machoke remarked, "Sounds like time well spent to me," Aipom taking a deep breath and asking, "Do you even know anything about the Hero Olympics," Machoke nodding and replying, "Yeah, I know my dad won it twice."

Aipom's eyes were wide as she uttered, "Wow, I can't believe you actually know that," Machoke sighing, "Yeah, he liked to brag about it a lot to guests. He never specifically talked to me about it, though, mainly because he didn't want to pressure me into following in his footsteps."

"Or maybe he just thought you weren't worthy of performing such a task," Aipom replied with a smirk, clearly bluffing but hoping Machoke would not catch on as the boy asked, "Do you really think so?" the monkey nodding and adding, "I bet he thought you'd be too weak to win the belt, so he never felt the need to motivate you."

"Well, he was right," Machoke replied, getting up and adding, "I wouldn't say I'm too weak, but I definitely don't care enough," the boy exiting the house as Aipom let out a sigh, shaking her head in disappointment. Knowing Machoke's temper, she was certain those words would likely get under his skin.

However, as the day went by, Machoke continued to feel more lonely. He went to the club to try and calm down, but despite having gotten to know everyone there, there was something keeping him from having conversations with them without his friends there to join him. He later decided to catch a movie but, once again, nothing good was playing, the boy beyond disappointed.

His next stop was the arcade where he actually performed quite well with a fighting game he had played before that was based off of various heroes protecting Earth. It had even been updated with an even larger roster, so he was simply ploughing through characters while playing as himself.

"Aw yeah, did you see that!?" the boy exclaimed, turning to notice no one was there to congratulate him or even challenge him to a two-player game.

With that, the boy exited and noticed many people standing around and watching a big-screen TV attached to the side of a building talking more about the event. However, this time it was different as the station was showing footage of previous Hero Olympics.

One such clip was of Machamp using the Muscle Tombstone to defeat a silver cyborg named Registeel. In fact, that was the very day the man had actually developed the technique and surprised the entire world. Up to that point, he had always relied on any finisher he could think of to win his matches, even if they were not that impressive.

Machoke then saw footage of Blaziken's mother, Combusken, facing off against a steel bird named Scarmory in the first round of the twenty-first Hero Olympics. Scarmory had been dominating her during that match, but just as all seemed lost, the chicken seized victory with a Blaze Kick to the back, only unlike Blaziken's version, this one only had her using one foot making the victory even more impressive.

There was even footage of Kirlia going up against an opponent much bigger than her, a stone head with stubby arms and legs named Nosepass. Despite him being slow, Kirlia found herself having a lot of trouble standing up to him due to his incredible body strength. There was even a moment where it seemed like Kirlia would lose for sure when Nosepass proceeded to deliver a body slam to her, crushing her under his weight.

But Kirlia had just enough strength left for her family's power to kick in, using said power to lift Nosepass high above her head and finish him off with a perfectly executed brainbuster. Machoke winced a bit at the sight of Nosepass chipping in various places as a result, but it was a still a very impressive victory.

Then Machoke saw the footage of Machamp going up against Riolu in the finals of the twenty-first Hero Olympics. It was an intense match, but at the end of it all, Machamp defeated Riolu. This was an especially crushing blow to the dog's family as he had a perfect winning streak up to that point, one that Machamp had robbed him of.

If Machoke's father could pull that off, who was to say he could not? With that in mind, the boy gulped and ran over to the nearest sign-up station and flashed his ID card, exclaiming, "Hello, sir, I would like to try out for the honour of representing Japan in the Hero Olympics!"

The man simply blinked and replied, "Oh, sorry, Mister Machoke, but you're too late. All the positions for the Tokyo tournament have been filled," Machoke asking, "What about the ones taking place in Osaka and Sapporo?" the man replying, "Those were filled up last week."

Machoke's eyes widened as now it seemed far too late. What could he possibly do? If only he had signed up sooner. If only Aipom had not waited so long to try and convince him.