The new morning rays of Earthland had arrived, and with it, a new precedent to take place. However, this one had to go through the actions that everyone finds to be the most tedious of ways to get the appropriate results: Legal action.

And, much to Nic's chagrin, that's where this was going.

Escorted by two guards that were front and back to make sure nothing would go down, Nic took liberties in maintaining his eyes and ears open to anything and everything. He even took notice of the few stares he received from some staff members. Odds were they were mainly about how he was here, or why the hero that saved Earthland and PokeEarth twice now had come to their estate just days after the whole incident with some magical creatures falling from the sky and causing a panic.

As he made way down the hall of cloisters with four guards, two things occurred this time as opposed to his last visit. For one thing, he wasn't wearing restraints. It wasn't like everyone already knew of his powers, so he could break out anytime, so it was pointless. And the second…

"So this is the Council's new headquarters? I must say, it's not as shabby as I thought it would be." A familiar voice on his left said. Her long, red hair flowed like water as she followed beside Nic on this adventure.

Nic, however, seemed more sheepish than his open-minded wife tagging along. "I told you I could handle this, didn't I?" he sighed.

Erza beamed. "Funny, because the last time I let you go alone to the Council, there was a very long dispute that left Fiore in a mess for months." She reasoned with a very valid note, although in her case she knew it was more or less unavoidable to begin with. "I'd rather not see another kind like that provoked."

"Which is why I came here, while you and Vanessa were supposed to help the others train their Pokémon."

"Vanessa is a well-seasoned Trainer. She can handle it all on her own. Have a little faith."

Nic gave his wife a despondent look. He knew very well that she had her reasons for coming along, but in the end knew that it was pointless arguing about it. What happened, happened. Once again he faced the front with an unamused brow. "If this is about the whole pizza thing last night, and you're just doing everything out of spite, it's just pizza."

"I assure you, it has nothing to do with that." She denied. "…even though I still say we should've had salmon."

"Uh-huh, figured as much."

As they talked on, the guards in the front and back looked at each other with unsubtle gazes. Their little back and forth about the dispute over dinner was making things all the more uncomfortable. Fortunately for them, they came to a large set of white doors that made the front two guards break off to the sides. They stood before the entrance, ready to open it.

The atmosphere around the husband and wife grew to be a more serious note. They stood before the entrance, taking note of the density of the doors; they looked to be of heavy white metal like the lavish kind over the standard ones. They could even feel the atmosphere on the other side of the doors, and like it or not, they'll have to talk and reason through it.

"You ready?" Erza asked.

"We'll find out."

With a nod to the guards in understanding, the two nodded back in confirmation and opened the large doors. The locks unhinged, and the golden handles were pushed forward, allowing entrance for Nic and Erza. They stepped on in and walked down the long carpeted road down rows of empty white benches where a few reporters were already typing things up and jotting down notes. Thankfully Jason wasn't here to make a scene. They marched down the incline that led them to the front row in no time, where there, the two guards from behind following them broke off and took their seats on the opposite benches. The Pularis duo head on up to where there was a small white podium where they could fit each other on it and still have enough space. When they looked up, they saw the new Magic Council.

The Council's stands were all white and well fabricated. The whole thing stood behind massive arched windows that were shut, leaving sunlight to radiate the nine horizontal seats. The whole thing looked like one massive desk, with the center chair looking more like a throne. Due to the sunlight, the silhouettes were hard to make out at first, but the few of them were somewhat familiar.

From the Chairman's seat, a tender hand reached out, picking up the wine glass that was in front of him. With his open hand, the figure cleared his throat and began to speak. "Nic Pularis. Erza Pularis…I believe a formal welcome is in order."

Nic lowered his chin. "I suppose so. I take it you're the newly established Council, am I right?"

"Hmph, what kind of an impudent question is that?" Another silhouette scoffed. He sounded like a man. "I think you ought to get some glasses if you can't see what's in front of you."

Another silhouette turned towards him. "Please, let us not make such a testimony this early." He insisted. "They're our guests. We should be more open to what they have to say."

The gruff silhouette grunted.

"Tch, them again?" A shorter Councilman huffed. "Why do we always seem to get at wit's end with you Fairy Tail whippersnappers? Even after everything you still mingle and mess with-!"

A hand went up in the air, silencing the old man that was on edge. He relented and allowed silence to partake in the atmosphere once more. Arising from the Chairman seat, the silhouette stood with his wine glass.

"Please pardon our members, Nic Pularis. Some of us are still…skeptical." With the light that shined down onto the person in question, the beaming rays illuminated his face. With what shined, it was none other than the Wizard Saint of whom fought against Nic's Garchomp before. "Please allow ourselves to be introduced. I believe you are well aware of myself as Draculos Hyberion. A pleasure."

Beside him, the second seat stood up, revealing the stout and old man. "You already know, Wolfheim. You better not make me repeat that again." He angrily sniped.

The seat opposite of Hyberion stood a man in his early 60s. He had a gray goatee and beard combo and dark eyes. His gray hair was slicked back and stopped above the shoulders. He adorned a gold collar on a white ceremonial robe with gold laced on the edging. He seemed very placid if not formal for someone befitting his seat. "Sir Nic, welcome to the Council. You can call me Montgomery."

The next person to stand was beside Wolfheim. This time it was a woman in her late 40s. She had shoulder length blonde hair that was cut evenly. She wore black-framed glasses and had dark pink lipstick on. She adorned her own robes, only hers were of inverse black and white. She even adorned a translucent cape to refract sunlight off her back so she could be seen the best. "Call me Maryam. You have piqued me enough with you coming here, Nic and Erza Pularis."

"Heh, easy for you to say." The gruff voice returned as the man stood beside Montgomery was next. He had tanned skin and a Caucasian tone to his face. His brows as well as short hair were dark, as much as were his eyes. He had a built upper body that was beneath a red dress shirt and blue jeans. On his head was a white hat, giving him more of a laidback look rather than regal, but his demeanor said other things. "My name is Alfredo. You'd be wise to remember that if you want my attention." He threatened with narrowed eyes.

Standing next beside Maryam was another man in his early 50s. He had black, round glasses with thin gold frames over his eyes. He had a bald head, but he did sport a bright brown beard and moustache combo. He had an overweight fix on his figure, but only in the gut. He adorned a short-sleeved baby blue dress shirt with a red tie, as well as striped white and red shorts that stopped below the knees. He even had sandals with his cane. Clearly fashion was a policy that seemed deaf to. "Howdy, and welcome." He greeted. "Sorry for my lack of refinement. I would've prepared better if I had the time. Time seemed to have gotten the best of me again." He sheepishly snickered.

"Time is one thing we also cannot lose." Maryam warned.

"Right, sorry Maryam. They call me Jefferson, but if it's all the same, call me Jeffrey, or Jeff."

Maryam facepalmed in grief. "Gnnngh, such indecency for someone of a Council status…"

Moving along, the next one to stand beside Alfredo was the same man who quelled him, as well as the same man who drew up a challenge to Nic's past. "Greetings, Nic. Long time no see, hasn't it?" He grinned. "I believe you know very well who I am. I am Ruge."

Nic nodded. "Yes, I remember."

"I take it you're surprised with how I got a position like this, are you not? Well I would be more than likely to tell you, but this isn't my story we're hearing now, isn't it?" he smirked.

Nic half-grinned. "Your humble tracked mind is appreciative."

Standing up next was someone besides Jeff. He had a very familiar face as well as history with Nic as well. He was perhaps the senior of them, even if he didn't have age. As he looked at Nic, he showed gratitude. "Nic Pularis, I am Leiji. I believe we are well familiar with each other as well."

Nic looked at him calmly. "I believe we are…" his brow loosened. "How is your house by the way?"

Leiji pinched the bridge of his own nose, groaning. "Don't even go there…"

The last person to stand beside Ruge was another female, this one looking to be in her late 40s, like Ruge. Her wavy orange hair fell from a high ponytail that was held in place by a green pin. Her green eyes were sincere but also spoke of seeking truth, like someone who has been wanting to know rom the beginning. She adorned a nice orange robe with white edging that tucked into the red belt on her waist. Beneath were brown pants that stopped before a pair of boots. "And I am Justice. I trust you will be sure about what you are getting yourself into." She said.

"If I didn't know, I wouldn't be here to begin with." Nic reasoned.

Hyberion nodded. "Well said." He raised his hand to his side again, ushering all Councilmen to be seated back down. He was the last of them to be seated, and then he sat his glass down and slipped his fingers into each other, grasping himself.

With another short breath, the room was once again filled with silence. The notetakers and the reporters here to get any scoops or leads were scribbling away, but even their breaths went as silent as graves. One could've heard a pin drop; that's how dead it was for just a few moments. At last then, Hyberion picked up on the case Nic demanded.

"Now then, Nic. I shall admit that I'm very much surprised. Given your recent transactions and the past dilemmas we've come across regarding these cases of you and Pokémon, we never thought you would come to us on such short notice."

"Believe me, you're not the only one thinking that." Nic testified. "As complicated as it was before, that doesn't matter now."

Hyberion closed his eyes, thinking of Nic's statement. "No, I suppose not." He took a moment to take a small sip from the wine that was still in hand before resuming. "That debate has long since settled. I am willing to transcend the past conducts and look forward to seeing what you and your Pokémon can do as you see fit."

"Hmph! Easy for you to say." Wolfheim shot a leer at Nic, who wasn't at all fazed. "A disrespectful runt like him shouldn't even be here without a leash! And why aren't the restraints on him?!"

"My thoughts exactly." Alfredo boasted. "How do we know he's not here just to tantalize and demean us? Just because you just so happened to defeat Acnologia, doesn't make you special in my books."

"Hey now, let's just hear him out, okay?" Ruge insisted. "Regardless of his deeds and doings, I believe now is as good as time as any to lend ourselves to his case." He moved his wrist in a clockwise motion. "Go ahead."

Nic nodded again. "Thank you. Now then, I believe you all are familiar with the meteor shower that happened a few nights ago?"

"Of course." Maryam replied. "It was during that period in which sightings of unknown specimens started to descend. The reports are still coming in as we speak."

Jeff began to chuckle. "Hoo boy was that some show. One of them meteors came so close to hitting me when I was out by my backyard pond. Heh heh, I thought I almost drowned, but I was washed up. When I came to, this little round blue creature with a swirly belly and small pink lips hopped out and greeted me. I was just the sweetest thing I've ever…" He stopped with his mouth wide open as he realized something off. His eyes slowly glanced at the Councilmen, who were giving him annoyed and impudent stares. He looked back at Nic and Erza, who raised their brows at his prolonged tale. He clamped shut. "Long story short, this creature amongst the reports has not caused much of a problem."

"The many creatures in these reports are of sightings, but whenever approached, some of the larger, more menacing of them began to attack." Montgomery snapped his fingers, summoning up a projection screen over his head. On its screen revealed an Onix that was looking to be facing against Rune Knights. Another slideshow revealed a Gloom unleashing Stun Spore, with many of poachers all around it twitching and shuddering at its feet. And then another slid, revealing a Weepinbell perched on a branch by the small vine on his head startling bystanders beneath. "These creatures large and small have been all over the place, and frankly, we can't seem to make their numbers dwindle, no matter how many of our men we've sent out there. As far as priorities go, bounty hunters and criminals alike are even turning their attention towards this problem. If something like this occurred, then there has to be something done, otherwise more men and lives will be waged in the balance…again."

"That being said, are you here because you might know of any details revolving around this particular case?" Ruge inquired.

"You can say that." Nic said bluntly. "But there's more to this than you think."

"Then spill it!" Alfredo demanded. "We're not here to dance around the questions we are asking you. So tell us, what is it that this meteor shower that astrologists and biologists can't understand that you can 'haphazardly' explain."

"Alfredo. Restrain yourself." Hyberion ordered, watching Alfredo shoot defiant glares at Nic. "Sorry, do continue, if you may."

Nic turned towards Erza, their eyes showing they were ready to explain the situation. When they faced the Council, Erza took the lead.

"Those cases involving those creatures in particular falling from the sky came from the meteors. Those showers, however, they came from a specific source, one that Nic figured out."

"Those creatures that you've apprehended, and that one you said was in your pond, Jeff, they're not 'magical creatures'." He took a pause, readying to say it. "…they're all Pokémon, falling from my world into here."

The entire Council showed shock at Nic's statement. They all had varied reactions, but it was shock no less.

"What's this?!" Hyberion exclaimed. "Did you say what I think you've said?"

"I did."

"So then all these creatures…" Montgomery looked up to his monitor. Looking up into the pictures, he saw them in a different light. "They are what you call Pokémon?"

Ruge folded his arms with an intrigued brow. "Well then that explains quite a few things."

"Explain." Erza said.

"To be blunt, when we apprehended some of these less domestic creatures, we found that our Magic Sealing Stone had no effect. Those who were able to fight back or use any ailments continued to attack like they had no effect on them." Justice explained. "And when we tried to interrogate a few, they spoke in tongue that made them seem surprised, like they never spoke before. Is this a side effect of these worlds crossing you speak of?"

Nic nodded. "Yes. Pokémon from my world don't have the necessary capabilities to speak in human tongue like others can. When my Pokémon and I crossed over, it was only then that they could speak."

"Well isn't this something." Ruge said. "Even after the wars' over, you and your creatures popping out of balls just continue to surprise us. I don't know if I should be flattered by all this or scared."

"I hope not the latter, that's why I came to resolve this and clear up mishaps." Nic testified. "The Pokémon you said you apprehended were more than likely fighting back out of defense for themselves. I'm sure there might be some that are special cases to that as well."

"So then these…Pokémon…that were attacking villages and thieving food, those don't go unpunished?" By the tone Maryam was playing out, she was trying to trip Nic in his fault. There had to be justice somewhere within this mess, and she wasn't having it.

"Like I said, there are those who have special cases." Nic repeated.

"Explain then."

"Let me put it this way, if you ended up in some new land that you weren't familiar with, what would be the first thing that comes to mind when you meet someone or something?" He watched as the Councilmen looked towards the other, seemingly getting the point. "Pokémon have needs like we humans do. They might have attacked for food and shelter, or maybe they really don't like humans. Whatever the case may be, they must be feeling some sort of confliction going on."

Leiji leaned forward, seemingly interrogating Nic. "Okay then, but how does that explain how they came from your world to ours. It means crossing time and space."

"Which is exactly what happened."

Hyberion and the Council looked again with surprise.

"Just a few nights ago, I learned that deities that some are familiar with being called Dialga and Palkia must have clashed unexpectantly. For some reason or another, their force must have altered time and space between our worlds, sending a fraction of my world's Pokémon over into Earthland. But the effects this time…I'm afraid they're at a greater extent that crossed lines."

Wolfheim raised a questionable brow at Nic's testimony. "Eh? Wait…you mean that big pink and blue creature that have been recorded from Tenrou Island? You mean those creatures can control time and space?!"

"That's not part of the context." Erza testified. "What you need to know is that because of this clash, time and space went so far out of control for a short period of time that this world we live in is now populated with creatures that are as intelligent as us."

"Well can you fix it?" Justice asked, although her tone sounded more like a demand than anything else.

"What do you mean by that?" Nic questioned.

"These Pokémon, time and space, can it all go back to the way it was?"

Nic looked down at the white podium he and Erza shared. The Council could feel something wrong here, but they chose to wait it out to see with what Nic had in mind. His eyes closed as he tried to think.

"…well?" Alfredo demanded.

"I've been looking into that possibility." Nic's eyes opened. "And when I thought about it, there's only one answer I found clear…it can't."

For the umpteenth time now, the Council was in shock.

"It…can't?" Justice parroted. "What do you mean it can't?! Did you, or did you not come here with solutions to this problem?! We're asking you for solutions as to fix this and you're saying there was none?"

Nic didn't respond right away. He instead allowed her to let her fumes out before he chose to resume his side of the argument. "I said time and space can't be fixed, I never said I didn't have solutions to come afterwards."

"We're being as reasonable as we can, Nic, but we need more to come from this side of the story." Hyberion insisted. "So then tell me, why is it that time and space can't be fixed, and why is it that Pokémon can't be sent back?"

"There's too many of them that crossed over to begin with. There's hundreds of thousands from what I've heard. There isn't any possible away to round them all up into one spot, it would take too long. Plus there are other Pokémon out there who live in the sea. It won't be possible."

The look in Alfredo's eye darkened. He slammed his hand on the white table and stood up in anger. "This is ridiculous!" he snapped. "So you're telling us now that we're basically stuck in this situation where these creatures, who we know nothing about, just happen to pop up out of nowhere, and you can't tell me there's a way to keep us away from them?!"

"Alfredo, please. Control yourself." Hyberion asked forcibly.

"Where's the justice in this? If your kind is as powerful as we've learned, and even the likes of someone like you can't make these decisions, then how can we even be so sure this is all a conspiracy behind our backs?" His eyes narrowed in deep disgust over Nic. "How can we even tell if you're telling the truth or planning to take over?"

"You dare question our honesty?" Erza glared.

"Silence! I'm speaking to the one who's responsible here!"

Nic folded his arms in front of his chest. He seemed a little annoyed, and it was clear why. "Hey, you." He barked backed. "If you want to snap at someone, snap at me. Not my wife. Otherwise you can shut your mouth and hear me out." The tone he gave had a deep chill that made everyone in the room feel a chill run down their spines. He really meant it. Alfredo heard him loud and clear, and out of fear and shock, his left eye twitched slightly. He wanted to lash out back, but he relented and sat back down. "Good, now if I wanted to, or even if I could at the time, I would've had Pokémon come here, but the fact that I didn't means that in no way can you even proof or point such pointless accusations at me. You're treating yourselves like you're the victims, not everyone else around you."

Those who were in the room looked at each other with slight confusion. In a way, Nic wasn't wrong. Some of them traveled a ways after hearing this testimony. They all were uneased by this little Pokémon plague, and the Council seemed to be taking it pretty hard on Nic.

Wolfheim squinted and leered down at Nic. "You still got that snarkish tongue of yours lashing at your elders and authorities. Give me a reason why we shouldn't give you a spanking?"

"Maybe because I know more of this than you do." Nic retorted in a matter-of-fact tone. He was met with Wolfheim growling ferally at him.

"Okay, everyone. Let's just take five." Jeff casually insisted. "I'm sure we can all come to a compromise eventually. So, let me debrief this for you in ways I can interpret. You're saying that Dialga and Palkia, space and time Pokémon, somehow lashed out, and their effects made the Pokémon of your world cross over to here, and that there is no way to get them out. Sounds about right?"

"More or less, that's the sum of it all." Nic replied.

Ruge used a finger to scratch his itching cheek. "Hmmm…okay then, so then you motion that we somehow adapt to these creatures? We only know so little of them and what they can do. As far as what others believe, we're still looking at one side of the coin. How do you convince a large mass of populace to believe such creatures can't bring harm?"

"If I may." Erza stepped forward. "While I'm not native to where Nic is from, I've been in his world for a long time. I've seen what wild Pokémon can do, as such with humans. And from what we've experienced, it all comes down to trust and respect."

Hyberion put his hand to his chin. "I see…so leave the bee alone and it'll leave you alone." He interpreted. "But then if we show Pokémon respect, and if they don't comply, then wouldn't that come to force?"

"Ultimately, if push comes to shove." Nic answered. "Back in my world, we humans caught Pokémon using capsules that we call Poke Balls."

"And then what? You pit these Pokémon together to win?" Leiji inquired.

"If you want to get to basic or barbaric terms, pretty much. Like I said, there's more to catching and battling with Pokémon that I alone can't even explain."

"And we don't have these so-called Poke Balls that you said you use either." Montgomery spoke morbidly. "It's not like we have the technical needs to handle this situation. Even with these mechanics of Trainers, we need much more for Earthland to handle."

"And that's where I can be of service."

The voice alarmed not just Nic and Erza, but the entire Council. All their heads turned towards the sound of the voice coming from the entrance, seeing the doors having been opened by the guards.

In a wheelchair, a classy figure with a black and gold vest and tux combo made way down the aisle. Behind him, what looked like a feminine figure with nice, thick legs and black heels held onto the handles and pushed him. The wheels slowly turned into the carpet, and the reporters and the writers were there watching him come down.

"There's no need for an uproar to come over this." The man said. "Just as Nic said, this situation must be resolved, carefully."

Nic and Erza fully turned around to face the man in question. They shot him an inquired look as his and his assistant stopped several feet before him and the Council. She stepped off from the side, moving her hands behind like a soldier would.

The man in question looked humbled at Nic. "My apologies if I came at an inconvenient time, your honor." He bowed his head. "But I couldn't help but receive word of this union, and I thought I could lend my own voice of reason."

Hyberion raised his hands. "At ease. There's no reason for you to be so humble. Your timing, while questionable, is also needed."

"You're too kind."

Nic and Erza looked at each other confusedly. They didn't know what was going on, but they knew that something was bound to involve this guy speaking up.

"Excuse me?" Nic caught his attention, making the man and his assistant look at him. "Is there something wrong?"

The man bowed his head. "No, not at all. I'm sorry for intervening in your meeting. Please accept my apologies."

Nic blinked in surprise over his politeness. He was even bowing before him…if leaning forward meant anything. "It's fine. No trouble."

"May we ask what this is about?" Erza inquired.

Marie put a hand on a handle. "Pardon my boss for this inconvenience. He thought it would be best if we could lend our voices to this cause you're bringing up."

"I say the more voices, the better." He reasoned nonchalantly.

Hyberion cleared out his throat, the cough getting Nic and Erza to face him again. "Right, sorry for all of this now. Please, let us straighten this case out. Nic Pularis, Erza Pularis, I would like for you to meet someone who is claimed to be of importance." He gestured towards the white-haired man with blue eyes, who was smiling graciously. "This is a recent associate who has found himself misplaced. According to him…he's from your world as well."

Nic and Erza once again showed their shock. Their eyes shrunk in surprise as they turned back towards the man, seeing him and Marie face them.

"I can understand that you are in shock, as we were when we found out we weren't in our world anymore." The man said. "But I ask you to hear me out on this testimony. First, I believe we need to introduce ourselves to you." Once more, he bowed his head to the supposed superior in this affiliation. "Nic Pularis, my name is Arthur Solaris. My lovely, and charming, assistant here is Marie."

"It's a pleasure." She stoically said.

"It's true. Marie and I came from the same world you and I live in…or rather once lived in. The facts are down to us having the knowledge of what transpired, and you hold the decoding of this solution, but I, too, have my own solution."

Nic's eyes narrowed. "Just what kind are you speaking about?"

A gavel slammed on the white stand, getting Nic and the others to look back at the Magic Council. Withdrawing the weapon, Hyberion had his eyelids half-open. "Nic Pularis, and Erza Pularis, I believe that it's in all of our interests that you and our associate Arthur to get better situated at this time. We'll allow the two of you to detail to each other exactly what you propose. Then, when you've come to a decision, you may meet us immediately after."

"So you'd prefer we speak this amongst ourselves?" Erza interpreted.

"Tch, just so we don't have to hear any squabbling in front of us. Only one testimony is bad enough." Wolfheim scoffed.

"Please keep in mind, all of Earthland is waiting for an answer to this." Maryam said.

"Mhm. The people gotta know what to do, and you both seem like two voices that have it." Jeff said.

"Are you sure about this?" Nic looked back at Arthur, who looked back towards him. They stared at each other questionably for a few seconds, before another gavel came down.

"We have heard of Arthur's statements when he was brought in. With the information gathered, he has provided more than enough reason and fallible ideas that could otherwise be of prospect. But, you also have the situation grasped. So, we need it amongst you both to decide how to approach this…this can't take forever. The people of this world need to know as soon as possible. So that's why you both will have no more than three days to carry out your decision. That's all I'm giving you."

"Three days?" Erza gasped.

"That's a big gap to fill." Nic said.

"Then I suggest you quite talking to us and instead talk to each other." Alfredo growled.

"Communicate however you like, but as long as we get your answer as well as tomorrow morning, we should be on schedule." Hyberion said. "Do remember what's at stake. Dismissed."

The gavel came down, ending the conference.


The doors opened, allowing the four to depart from the aisle and into the lobby, where there, reporters and writers were still scribbling down what they heard and listened to. Some were still following them far from behind.

"Well that certainly wasn't as bad as I hoped it would be." Nic admitted.

"Indeed. I was sure the Council would've ransacked us for anything else necessary." Erza said.

Pushed in his wheelchair by Marie, Arthur half-grinned with a chuckle. "Is that so? Well if you ask me, Alfredo is negative propaganda for such authorities that are meant to be so prestige."

"Sir, please don't behind these kinds of folks." Marie worriedly scolded. "They might send you back to the interrogation room again."

Arthur chuckled despondently at this implication. It's true, and he'd rather be there again. "Heh heh, you're right. Then they'd realize that it would be until morning and then none of us will be happy. I guess there's never really a win-win in these situations."

Marie sighed at her boss. He had to be so nonchalant about authorities, even when he was one as well. If he was such an idol in terms of propaganda, he could at least act the part.

"Arthur, was it?" The question asked came from Nic. The two looked towards their left, seeing the duo giving their own inquired stares.

For a moment, the group exiting stopped in their tracks. They looked at each other with some sort of unexplained atmosphere amongst them. They could feel a lot of energy resonate from the other, or in Erza's case, a lot of Magic Power. Regardless, the two parties powered on and looked wearily.

"…Nic Pularis." Arthur replied. "I can guess you have a few questions to ask."

His gaze spelled seriousness. "You can say that. But not here."

"Agreed. Come, I know a spot."


Nic and the group eventually got themselves some time in a small section that was the large dining area where Arthur was last night. The doors shut by Marie, finally having lost the few lingering reporters. With a sigh, she hung her head against the heavy shut door.

"Finally, some privacy." She exasperated. "Are these heathens ever considerate of manners? Why are they even here anyway?"

"Don't mind them." Erza insisted. "They did their part. They were just being bystanders who want to know. Eventually the truth was bound to get out at some point."

"Yeah, I suppose so." Marie sighed. "But still…we thought this would be a private intervention."

"It's fine." Arthur got the floor, getting the two girls to look towards him as he sat in his wheelchair undeterred. "Now then, I suppose we can get more formal with each other this way…" He faced the wall, where Nic was shooting him a casual but defensive look as he leaned against the wall. "Isn't that right?"

Nic's eyelids were halfway open as he frowned. "…yeah. You're right." He approached the man in the wheelchair, giving him a formal handshake. "Nic Pularis."

"Arthur Solaris. I've heard and seen plenty of you, Nic. The stories many have seen and witnessed aren't any exaggerations no doubt. Truth be told, I'm actually quite the fan of your work."

Nic was taken back by Arthur's claim. "You mean my artwork?"

Arthur chuckled. "No, not exactly. I mean of what you went through to get to where you are now, with you being a seasoned Pokémon Trainer who traveled to another world and made yourself the biggest icon on everyone's agenda. Why I'm surprised you still have proper clothes when fangirls aren't tearing at you."

"They can try…but I don't think that would work out." Nic shot a glance at the reason why. Erza had her arms folded and huffed with a studious look on her face. Nic was so off the menu.

Once again, Arthur chuckled. "Oh I see now, held captive by chains to her and her will alone I bet. You have yourself a pretty interesting life going for you."

Nic snickered. "Well guilty is charged." He then faced him with his frown returning. "But you seem to know a lot about me, more than what I might find uncomfortable. And yet I don't know who you are. Hope my candor isn't to dissatisfaction."

Arthur shook his head. "No, it's quite alright. In fact, I'm not even surprised you don't know who we are. But then again, our faction isn't as renown as those like the Devon Corporation in Hoenn."

"Hoenn?" Erza repeated. "Are you saying you reside in another region?"

"Yes. As a matter of fact, we harbor our headquarters in the Sinnoh region." Marie answered. "I trust you know about that region to an extent."

Erza's eyes squinted. "More or less."

Arthur humbly reached into his tux's inner pocket, reaching for something. Once he found it, he used his arms and moved the wheels closer to Nic so that he could hand him a small business card. "Here. I believe this will be of some use." He let Nic have the card, in which he looked at it with intrigue.

Holding the card in hand with a scrutinizing gaze, Nic began to read aloud from the context it carried. "Cambire Foundation. To help those who seek anew, strive for understanding first." He looked towards Arthur again, his expectant look having unchanged since it was given.

He cleared his throat impishly. "Well, I can't lie when I say the phrase I was given needs work, but I'm working on it no less. You see, I'm the president and head of the Cambire Foundation, and the main objective I strive with this company is to enact cooperation and change to the ever-flowing world…of course that's easier said than done."

"The Cambire Foundation…" Nic looked down towards the card, then back at the president. "So what is it that you do specifically that you said could help?"

"Hm, how should I put this…? Well, let's put it like this: You know of monopoly, right? The Kanto and Hoenn region have two major foundations that have an overall competitive nature for their own regions. The Silph Co. in Kanto and the Devon Corporation in Hoenn have a one-sided monetary gain because they rely on selling goods that they provide for Trainers. However, there's a flaw in this, and that's something that may very well be a negative factor, and that's they rely too much on their own goods rather than their own services."

"And you're saying yours does the opposite?" Erza inquired.

"I'm saying that I'm trying to do both." He defended. "The company has little to no propaganda, because no matter how you see it, there's always something or someone out there who already has those needs that they can use. In particular cases, that's the materials for Pokémon Trainers. What my company tries to do is to advertise positive influences towards Trainers who have little to no coordination with the art of Pokémon. If you can't get a Pokémon to behave, or if you can't reach the Trainer School in another city, the Cambire Foundation hosts classes and even hires interns that are learning to be full-time in the Pokémon field industry. You can say it's an…all-around study and survey industry."

Erza put her hand to her chin, thinking deeply of what he was saying. "So it's like a supplier and tutor at the same time. Interesting."

"In an interpretation as such, yes, that. The people who work with us generally have little experience at first, but the franchise is starting to grow out of Veilstone City. Nurse Joys looking for experience just graduating are given short-time tutor lessons to locals and other interns who join in weekly classes. We even allow the anatomy of Poke Balls and how they can be modified to custom built."

"For something so grand in detail, you make it sound like it's taken for granted." Nic deduced.

Arthur frowned. "That's precisely my point."

Marie adjusted her glasses. "What he means is that since so many Trainers an fields of industry are already spread out, the populace prefers to keep the subjects on a more divided route. If they want to know how to grow berries or know what certain berries do, they can always visit a farm or ranch that supplies them."

"But now let's put this into modern terms." Arthur explained. "Earthland doesn't have any of these berries or these Pokémon Centers now, do they?" He watched as Nic and Erza gave conspicuous gazes at each other, getting the message through. "When you think about that, there's going to be a lot of problems. We don't have a lot of help or assistance with ushering about supplies and demands that only so few can provide."

"Where are you going with this?" Nic suspiciously asked.

"All I'm asking is that you just consider what I told you and see if it can at least be a benefactor to the Pokémon and humans in this world."

Nic looked down at the ground, his brow furrowing as he tried his deepest and sincerest to think about what was told. As he gathered his thoughts, he glanced from the corner of his eyes back at Arthur. "…so, you're telling me you can provide materials and help people and Pokémon alike?"

"That's what I'm trying to do." He responded. "You sound like it's a crime business I'm doing. Are you really that suspicious about me?"

Nic's face twisted in growing guilt. "Well, I wouldn't say this use of propaganda can't be manipulated to another's advantage. I'm just worried there'll be monopolies that'll grow off gimmicks and forgeries. I'm not calling you a liar, but if you have a way to prove to the two worlds alike and us that you really have what it takes to help Earthland adapt, then you have to put all cards on the table. Can you?"

"Hmm…" Arthur looked down at his knees as he thought about Nic's reasoning. In a way, there's wasn't abgiven chance that what his company can provide will go out of proportion. In most cases, that's how monopolies are began anyways, as well as black markets. He feels guilty enough knowing those already exists, but he had to think to himself what he was representing here. It wasn't his own beliefs, but what PokeEarth has developed that Earthland can also have. When he looked up towards Nic again, he said something that threw everybody off.

"Then let me ask you this, Nic…would you be willing to help a man who can't walk see a place where others can at least learn to walk?"

Nic and Erza once again were surprised by the deep thought. Now it made sense why he was in a wheelchair, but he didn't have to go to that extent.

"As a man of his word, all I can say is that I want the same thing you do, and that's to live. Surviving is a part of living, and if I survived this long, it's because I had Pokémon and my dear assistant by my side this whole time. I'm sure you can relate with that whole Acnologia incident, right? You lived through such an adventurous tale, so why not let others live to see the changes you continue to make through your experience. I think we all deserve that much at least. If not for me, then for those who you care for."

"Arthur…"

Arthur deeply frowned at the melancholy tale he spoke. He didn't mean to sound so desperate, but he couldn't help it. If not for the company he represented and wanted to see make such a big success, then the least he could do is see it try and help out those who really need it. He looked up again, smiling. "Sorry, I didn't mean to be so sensitive. I know this isn't my world, but after knowing you have a life here, you want to care for those who you feel should have an experience that deserves a chance. We all possibly get one life to share with others, and that one life can make the biggest changes ever…and that could very well be you, Nic…and it has." He leaned back in his seat, folding his fingers together. "You've saved us all; not once, but twice. I'm sure the ordeal must have worn on you. Wouldn't it be easier for you and mages of these guilds you have had allies who knew how to handle situations? Taking this all on your own is no way a man of goodness to abide by."

Nic lowered his head, allowing the whole scenario to sink in. By all means, he didn't want to do any of this alone. In fact, being alone at the top is far from what he wanted. He didn't like being seen as a king or someone who can be sought for all the answers, and really he didn't. He wasn't omniscient, and he most certainly wasn't omnipotent. But after his achievements in the fields he's been through, it was suffice to say his sense of logic was no match for a helpless populace. They needed someone to look up to, and like it or not, they can't depend on each other if they don't know what Pokémon and what items are to be used in a articular case. Certainly Nic couldn't provide that, he had his hands full already trying to find a resolution to getting Earthland on his side for Pokémon. He never would've made it this far without knowing Erza or magic, nor even Fairy Tail; so in retrospect, if not knowing the experience of both worlds, then none of this would've been possible. He'd be sent to oblivion, and he could feel that everyone must be feeling the same way. Somebody needed to teach them the ways, or at least get a grasp of them. And that's where Arthur came in. They both did in fact want the same thing, and that's to see their worlds – whichever worked – intertwine with coexistence and nondiscrimination of man and Pokémon. Unlike Nic, who didn't have these necessities and lived off of what he had from his world, Arthur had spent years, as if he was preparing for an occasion such as this. One could say this was an act of challenge. Others could presume it as a peace offering. Others could call it a miracle sent by Arceus himself. When Nic thought about what he said about one life, and reflection off of everything he had thought, he have him a deep leer of his own, one that made Arthur look a little surprise.

"I'm not a monster. I'm not someone who doesn't leave the crippled who can't walk to learn to walk for themselves…you're right, everyone's scared right now and need a hand to help them get up. I want to see where this is going too, but it's all feeling too rushed for me…but you have my sympathies for this predicament."

Arthur looked up towards Nic with a nod and a serious reflection of his own. "I understand completely. This is a lot to take in, and really, I feel we're rushing things too much. I guess I'm just a little excited is all."

A meek smirk came across Nic's face. "That's putting it mildly."

"…but I know we're also playing with fire, and that's what you see right now. I get that. I want to be as much help to as many people as possible, just like you. I want to make my own impact, and that too takes considerable time, of which we both don't have." He took another pause, allowing the information to sink in. "…you and I have a lot to think about, but keep in mind we only have until tomorrow morning and 3 days after to see a result happen. Please just consider what I'm asking here. I'm speaking as a fellow Pokémon lover."

Nic nodded and smiled. "Don't worry…" He reached down, shaking his hand. "We'll work through this."

Arthur nodded back. "Thank you so much for hearing me out. It means a lot to me to know there's goodness in greatness."

With that, the two groups exchanged one final words of thanks and Nic and Erza left the room. The large white doors popped open and they left Marie and her disabled boss to watch and stare with blank gazes.

"Do you really think he'll do the right thing?" Marie asked.

"Marie…you know as well as I do that there's no such thing as right or wrong. Either you're misguided or you're seeking the truth. The truth is never easy to accept, but acceptance is what makes change happen."


Orange and red once again ignited the sky, the radiance of the fading sunset was cascading itself over Magnolia. As birds and what looked like flocks of Pidgey flapping in the sunset, the serenity of the cool air kicked in.

Flying into Magnolia, Charizard soared right into city confines. He took Nic and Erza deep into the heart of the town they called home, gliding high to get an overall view of the town beneath them. There, Nic could see it.

They could see a child holding his mother's hand pointing at a Fletchling that perched briefly on some crates. And not far was a Murkrow that was glaring down at a fountain, where in it was a lot of gold coins. Nearby was also a Meowth, which was hiding in an alleyway waiting for some sort of meal where it can feeb from the market. Through it all, Pokémon were already starting to work their way through the area, and it was far from turning back.

The look on Nic's face stayed observant as Charizard drew them closer towards the guild hall. Once there, they hopped off him and Nic gave his Charizard thanks before sending him back into his Poke Ball. They both made it to the guild entrance, where they stopped for a moment and looked at each other with expectant gazes. Nic's brow furrowed, and with a nod, he ushered the doors open to allow them to see the others again.

"Huh?" Natsu turned his head and looked back with a smile. "Hey, look who's here!"

"Aye! Welcome back, guys!" Happy greeted.

Fairy Tail greeted the two as open as ever. Nic and Erza accepted their gratitude and saw the many faces who were looking to be with some I interesting changes. For example, they were seeing Lucy hold her hand out, stopping the Klefki from yesterday from scuttling pass her into her other arm stretched out, which was holding her keys.

"No~. What did I say about your obsession with keys? You have to behave yourself first. Got it?" The blonde turned to look at Nic and Erza, smiling. "Guys, you case at just the right time."

"Yeah I'll say. You missed one heck of a day." Gray said. "You won't believe just how many of us got warped in Vanessa's tutoring." He looked towards the Snover beside him, grinning as he lifted his arms overhead in agreement.

"She's even showed us how to approach certain Pokémon that were around the area. Look, see?" Juvia smiled as something hopped onto her shoulder. As soft as could be, a smiling brown Pokémon with a creamy mane and a bushy tail perched itself on her shoulder. Its big eyes were so adorable that one would've melt at the sight. The creature nuzzled Juvia's cheek affectionately, making the rain woman laugh.

Over in another corner of the guild, Elfman was flexing. "Gotts be more like this! See?!" As he flexed, another Pokémon that he brought home from a job was mimicking his flex. He was a smaller, light blue Pokémon with red eyes and humanoid in shape. It looked like some child but had big hands and had super strength.

Watching from the sidelines, Lisanna put her hand to her cheek. "Well I guess that's a start…" she nervously said.

"Really?" Beside her on a stool, a baby bird-like Pokémon with a fluffy white head and a red feather sticking out of the top tilted his head in confusion. His big eyes blinked as he watched Elfman and Machop flex their muscles, while everyone else was doing their own thing.

Nearby, Mirajane was petting another bird Pokémon that had a pink head and had her whole lower body in what looked like a massive egg. She sat on her rump as she whimpered weakly. "Aw there, there. It's alright. We all fall down at some point." She comforted the Pokémon with such a motherly tone and smile. "Hm?" She took notice of Nic and Erza nearby, turning to face them with the same smile as ever. "Welcome back you two."

"Hello, Mirajane." Erza said, turning her head to look at the whole guild. "It seems you've been quite busy today."

She nervously smiled. "Yeah well, with jobs and everything with Vanessa teaching us about looking after Pokémon, we certainly can't say today was uneventful."

"I see…and I see quite a few new faces, too." Looking back at the others more closely, Erza could see that there have been some new additions to the guild, but compared to the humans, the Pokémon were far from expectant populace. In fact, the only ones who had Pokémon really were Team Natsu. Elfman, Lisanna, Mirajane herself, and Juvia. But when she looked more closely, they could see Laki holding a Bonsly in hand, while Reedus was painting on a canvas with a Smeargle watching at his flawless technique. Looking even closer than that, Romeo and Macao both had two white, candle-like Pokémon with light blue flames on their hand. Macao was looking at his more quizzically while Romeo was more open and showing a blue flame from his fingers. Cana also appeared to be drinking casually, but on her lap sleeping was a small, purple cat-like Pokémon with a knife-like curved tail. Wakaba even was smoking nearby with a floating purple Pokémon who was puffing out smoke like he was. The rest of the guild, however was without anymore of these creatures that piqued interest, or were perhaps still out on jobs.

"Did Vanessa really do all this?" Erza asked in surprise.

"Well, mostly. Joey and Dereece helped a little, too, but not that much." Mirajane explained.

"Really?" Nic questioned.

"Oh sure. Joey was kind enough to show us how the PokeDex worked, and we learned a little bit about some of the Pokémon that people got back from jobs. Some they even met while out in Magnolia.

"Speaking of those two, where are they?"

"Well, my guess is that they went back to your guys' place. They had such a long day, so I'm sure they're off trying out some stuff or moves that they're Pokémon can do." She giggled innocently as she remembered how excited Joey looked when she told him they can handle the rest for the most part. "Joey especially looked excited. He said something about 'Battling enough to where he learned Rollout', or something like that."

Erza chuckled at Joey's enthusiasm. "Well it's nice to know he's working to earn his part for the guild. What about Vanessa?"

"I'm afraid you just missed her." Their attention drew towards Sophie, who walked up nearby and took her place on the stool beside Erza. "The poor girl had all day teaching us. She chose to go home and have something to eat. If I had to guess right, she's going to sleep in hard."

Erza sighed at her sister-in-law's outrageous habit. "Honestly, must she sleep in to about 9 almost every day? I keep insisting an alarm…but I suppose she'll have to learn her own way." She looked towards Nic, seeing what he had to say. "Nic?" But to her wonder, Nic was far out of reach.

He was spacing out hard as he folded his arms and watched as Natsu was eagerly shadowboxing the air in front of him. Charmander tried to mimic the motion too, and when he succeeded, Natsu showed an uppercut, which he again hesitantly did. Turning to another part of the guild hall, he was seeing Smeargle try to paint on a canvas beside Reedus now, following his brush strokes carefully with his own tail. He looked to be studying very hard.

"Wouldn't it be easier for you and mages of these guilds you have had allies who knew how to handle situations? Taking this all on your own is no way a man of goodness to abide by." What Arthur said to him earlier again echoed through his mind, drowning him out of his wonders. He looked over to see Romeo holding his blue flame to Litwick's mouth. Surprisingly it ate it, looking shocked at how it tasted rather cold. "I want to be as much help to as many people as possible, just like you. I want to make my own impact, and that too takes considerable time, of which we both don't have."

'Vanessa did this all by herself.' He thought, tapping his index finger against his bicep. His mind went back to yesterday, when he and his sister spent all day helping decipher Pokémon and information by letters and copies out towards other guilds. Slowly, he began to think deeper about his talk with Arthur. 'All this really is too much for one person, and it really shouldn't be…there's gotta be more involved, but…'

"Nic." Erza's worried concern as what brought him back to reality. He turned in shock towards Erza.

"Uh, s-sorry. What was that?"

She shook her head. "Nothing. You just look a little…distracted."

Nic glanced away, half-grinning at how right she was. "Yeah, I guess so…"

Mirajane and Erza looked towards the other, sharing a questionable look from the other's perspective.


Joey reached his hand out, smirking wide. "Alright Chespin, try using Vine Whip!"

At his command, the Grass-type Pokémon on one side of the battlefield outside Nic and Erza's house let out a growl as he faced his opponent. His shoulder glinted bright green before two green vines went shooting across the battlefield like long arrows. They reached Heracross, who covered up using one arm and swiped to the side, bouncing away the attack like it wasn't even there.

The vines retreated back to Chespin, who grunted in annoyance. "Man, this is more annoying than what I had in mind…" he groaned.

"I know." Joey rubbed the side of his head with a raised brow. "I knew Heracross were strong, but this one's level and Defense is crazy."

At his expense, Heracross boasted with pride. His Trainer put his hand to his hip and investigated the training. "Well that's what happens when you get stuck against Bug-types. Not that I can complain or anything, but you really need that Rollout move."

"I know, I get it! We're trying!" Joey barked, balling his fists and resuming his training. "C'mon Chespin, let's see what else we can try…?" Oddly enough, he began to show signs of wayward. His voice slowly teetered into shock as he looked out ahead, both him and Chespin looking forward with growing surprise.

"Huh? What is it now?" Confused, Dereece followed Joey's gaze once more, tracing to behind. He turned around and looked pleasantly shocked as he saw two figures approach. As they closed in, it was Nic and Erza, both looking seemingly worn out.

The two walked hand in hand as the man of the house had a look that showed he was more than worn out than his wife.

"Hey, they're back." Dereece said.

Upon seeing his idol, Joey stiffened on the battlefield. "Uh, N-Nic-senpai!" He saluted. "Erza-senpai, h-hi! Uh…p-please forgive us for using your battlefield. I know you said we could use it, b-but we didn't think…"

"It's fine." Erza answered. "I see that you're both working as hard as ever. So tell us, was it true that you helped out Vanessa?"

"Aaaalittle." Joey sheepishly answered. "I mean we did help describe some berries and Abilities of the few Pokémon that were there."

Nic smiled. "The you have our gratitude. Thanks again for helping out guys, we really appreciate it."

Hearing his praise made Joey suffer another heart attack. He clutched his chest and gaped his mouth as lightning bolts struck behind him. 'Nic-senpai…just praised me…?' He quietly squealed as his knees began to quiver like some newborn goat. 'OH MY GOD! NIC-SENPAI EVEN THANKED ME! He…he really appreciates my awesomeness~!'

Dereece raised a brow as he saw Joey as stiff as a statue, even as Nic and Erza continued onwards. "Hm? Uh…Joey? Joey~?" He moved his big-boned arm in front of Joey's face, but he got no reaction. With a huff in defeat, he chose to let Joey have his moment. He turned towards Heracross casually.

"Wanna grab a bite?"

Heracross nodded. "Sure, I can go for Honey or tree sap." Together, he and his Trainer walked off.


Dusk was well in the sky. What was supposedly the last of the sun's rays was a faint yellow in the west that was otherwise engulfed by blue and dark blue, if not borderline black. It was well past late, and at this point it was also where Joey and Dereece eventually found themselves lying in the guest bedroom, already having fallen asleep. No doubt they had enough for one day, as did everyone else. The ones who were up most likely at this time were Erza and Nic – not surprisingly.

Having dinner and then showers, the two found themselves in their bedroom. Nic was in dark thin, baggy pants that served as his pajama bottoms while shirtless. Erza currently adorned a black tank top and equally dark pants that were much of a loose fit. Her hair was flowing down as usual as she laid on her side, watching Nic as he flopped onto the bed, bouncing lightly and settled into the stare he set for the ceiling.

He sighed loudly out his nose, his deterioration of motive easy for Erza to read.

"Somebody had quite the interesting day." She teased dryly.

"Interesting sounds like a Water Gun to the face." Nic groaned. "You're more than happy to try other similes, I'm sure one will count as Brine."

Erza sighed. "You're still bothered some, aren't you?"

Nic continued to glare up at the ceiling, but his eyelids didn't seem to waver. He would be a boldfaced liar if he didn't admit to a splitting headache to his wife. Then again, he wasn't much of a liar, she knew that too.

"Erza…what do you think I should do? Do you think we can trust him?"

Erza looked at Nic with a softened look. Slowly, her ripe, and very voluptuous figure, began to slide over Nic. He remained passive as Erza straddled him, putting her hands into the pillow on either side of his head. She smiled warmly down at him, giving what could've been a gaze of resolute. "Well, ask yourself this: Can you trust your own judgement?"

Nic remained silent as Erza's words sunk into his brain.

"You've always been ahead of the game, Nic, and even when you didn't know the rules, you played a hard game to keep up with. No matter what, even when others didn't trust you, you never turned your back on them, did you?" She moved her hands to cup the sides of his face. "The Nic I know would never question the choices he has or will makes. I know you'll do the right thing. For all of us."

Her husband looked like a statue that had been toppled over with the look of a wise man. When he stopped to think about what he was being told, it was seen in the perspective who admired him. Who he admired. He knew Erza as well – if not better – than anyone. He knew what made her tick, and she knew him before he even spoke. She was right. Maybe he was being stirred up some by this mayhem, but Erza kept her word when she would be there to keep him from faltering.

Acting fast, he smirked and seized her by the waist. Without warning, Erza was pulled down onto Nic, the two making themselves another passionate kiss erupt. Nic's lips were soft, and there was a nice scent that mixed with Erza's own strawberry. Even though she made the moves and he took lead, she humbly drew closer and applied her kiss back.

The two made out, their heads turning some and Nic's upper body turning some like some worm, but with Erza's weight and massive hips, she was anchored but had plenty of bite to go around.

Finally letting up in the kiss, the two parted with raspy breaths. As much as the heat of the moment was tempting Nic to go deeper into what he had in mind, he knew he had to do something first. He smirked at his wife and nod. "Thanks for that." He moved beneath her, being careful with her massive melons that sat there overhead. She moved and sat up beside him as he reached for the Communication Lacrima that was in his nightstand drawer. Giving it it a small dust and blow, Nic tapped it to make sure that it was still operable.

After a short time, the screen began to flicker, revealing Arthur on the opposite screen. "…yes, hello?" he questioned. "…does…does this thing have a mic or something?"

"I think it works just like that." Marie advised.

"Okay." He faced the screen, clearing his throat. "A little late for a call Nic, don't you think?" He took notice of Nic without a shirt. "My word, what's happening here?"

Nic shrugged. "Sorry for the delay, I had to rethink some things over."

"And…?"

Taking a deep breath, Nic let out a deep, deep sigh. When he found his breath, he looked at him, giving a deep, serious expression. "…alright, I'm keeping an open mind. Just what is it that you have in mind?"

Hearing this made Arthur grin. "Hmph. Hope you had just as much sleep as I had, because this is going to be a long few days for a lot of us."


Deep within that night, the moonless night was twinkling with stars as vibrant as ever. Within its serenity, the forest of confines unknown were rustling with creatures that came out and were active in darkness. However, a women taking off within the forest was not having a leisurely road ahead of her.

Not far behind her panicking pace, the underbrush was being moved by thugs, more accurately bandits with smug looks on their faces. She picked the wrong time and the wrong place to be out gathering some homemade ingredients.

Looking back, she saw that one of the slimmer thugs were closing in one her. She could feel adrenaline shoot through her body and push her ahead. Thankfully she wasn't wearing heels, so she was moving pretty fast. It wasn't until she turned back ahead to see that the forest's end was in sight. She made it out with a small leap, but found herself out of breath, eventually tripping over a rock and falling to her side.

As she was gasping for air, she heard rustling from behind. Weakly raising her head, the woman heard a huff from a large thug that kept up with her. He wiped his mouth from the spit he had going from his lack of exercise. "Well little lady, seems you've been a little naughty this night." He sneered. Behind him, his fellow gang members were beginning to catch up from the woods. They looked down at their frightened victim, who was sitting up in the grass with fright.

"What's the matter? Haven't you ever heard of fun?" Another bandit scoffed.

The woman was trying to get up, but her arms were weak. The grip from one of them earlier was so strong that it took almost all her strength to break free before. As they closed in, she could feel her body getting cold.

One bandit stood right atop of her, a smug look on his face. "Now this is more like it…" he closed in on her.

"Torterra, Leaf Storm!"

The call came from the woods back behind. The bandits all stopped and turned back towards the underbrush to see a glowing maelstrom of green leaves in a cyclone being unleashed out of nowhere. The cyclone rushed them all in one go, swallowing them and shredding up their clothes and skin. They were all sent skyward by the trail of the raging whirlwind, which spit them out at its top. They all screamed in terror as they dropped like flies into the grassy plain.

The woman who had her eyes shut the whole time was shaking, but when she heard the thuds from afar, a shock went through her. Looking back up, she saw that instead the guys around her weren't even there. She looked around in wonder of what happened, but the sound of more shrubs shaking whipped her back ahead.

"Who's there?!"

Stepping out of the underbrush's shadows was someone who had a dark brown coat. His white bulbous hay for the most part concealed his hair, but what she took note of was how dark and serious his eyes were. She could even see that over his shoulder was a bag, and in hand was a wooden stick, if it was that anyways.

"Who…who are you…?"

The man gave her a disinterested look. "Relax, I'm not here to hurt you." He sighed. "Tell me, where am I?"

The woman looked at him like he was deaf. "I…beg your pardon?"

"You live somewhere close by, don't you? Why come out here in the middle of the night?"

"Oh, uh…m-my village was just over there." She pointed over towards the village that had lamps set up and trails paved. "I was finding some herbs to make some medicine, a-and then those bandits attacked me."

The unknown savior huffed in understanding. He faced the forest, where in it there was a silhouette of some gargantuan turtle with spikes on the sides of his face. Without a word, he took out a Poke Ball and recalled the massive Pokémon back inside. Once the beam sucked it in fully, he turned back towards her.

"Who are you?" she asked, curiosity more so than fear now washing over.

"Just someone who's passing through. If you're smart, you'd know to follow me back to the village." Without another word, the unknown person walked around the confused woman, making way through the field and off into the night. It wasn't that he didn't care of what happened, nor did he have anything against it, but he also prefers to not see a mess that's too big for someone incapable of cleaning up.

The woman scuttled back to her feet and hurriedly followed behind the savior of the night. "Uh, t-thank you!" she whimpered.

"Don't mention it. You know a place where I can stay for a few nights?"

"We have an inn, and it's cheap."

"Then does it have a map as well? I'm not familiar with the area."

She nodded. "Yes."

"Thank you very much." He casually strolled through the fields to get his rest, ignoring the guys that sprawled all over the field.


Marie was pacing back and forth in a large room over fine plated ground. She looked down with haste, her heartbeat as quick as ever. In that same room, Nic and Arthur were positioned, although the former was against the wall with crossed arms and eyes closed. It was hard to tell if he was trying to sleep or was critically thinking. Arthur, however, was looking down at the paper he had in hand that he only had 3 hours to make.

After so long, Marie finally stopped pacing. She looked down at her reflection in the plated ground. She could see how tired she was. Once again, a long, grieving sigh escaped her throat. She faced Arthur once more, her hands still behind her back.

"Are you ready?"

Arthur slowly raised his head from his speech he wrote up. "I have to be. We've come this far to share the truth with our worlds." He said. "I just hope they can come to understand the changes that are about to happen…"

Opening his eyes weakly, Nic looked at them both. "Whether we've prepared for this or not, there's no turning back. We chose this, and we'll make sure it follows through."

Arthur looked at him, giving a reassuring nod. "Indeed." He faced his paper again. "The truth won't be easy to accept…but it's never that easy to begin with."

Marie adjusted her glasses, looking a little bleak one might say. "Sir, shall I alert our guests of your condition?" she questioned.

Arthur shook his head. "That won't be necessary, Marie."

"But…"

"I appreciate your concern, but this responsibility falls on me and my associate here. It'd be shameful for up to postpone on rest we willingly sacrificed for this day."

Even from inside the closed curtains and walls, the three could hear the sounds from outside. They could hear people talking, the vibrations of their feet, even the flashing of photography by the many reporters and Sorcerer's Weekly photographers. They could feel the population just flooding them, and like it or not, what they had to do was the unknowing must know. Even the emotions, Nic could feel them. Some were as anticipated as Marie was, and some were as curious as a child. But for now, what mattered was their voices making through to the world.

The door banged from the outside in the midst of silence, getting the three to glance over.

"It's time." Nic said.

"Yes, it would appear so." Arthur grieved, but faced Nic with an amused grin. "I must say, Nic. You're taking this better than I thought."

Nic shrugged. "I don't ever do crowds. I don't know what you're talking about."

Arthur snickered. "I see, so an antisocial. Well isn't that a shocker." He slowly faced the doorway, taking in one more deep sigh to cool down his rapid-beating heart. "…we're ready."

Marie hastily grabbed the handles to his wheelchair, pushing him forward. Falling at a slower place behind, Nic showed as much calm as possible behind his own beating heart. Once the massive doors opened, they were greeted with a grand sight to behold.

As scheduled, their three days of planning was up. It was the morning of the fourth day, and now it was time to share with the world what was going on.

The last few days for Nic and Arthur was by far the most stressful ever that each of them had to deal with. It involved so many world flipflops and materials and people being brought over in a span of a few days, but the end result was very much worth it. The night Nic contacted Arthur, the two started planning then and there, and the next morning they would go to Sinnoh, where Arthur delivered the message out to everyone and his employees. The second day was no less stressful because they had to get so much equipment and fellow folks to set up for the big reveal. To uphold this mass, a large range of folk had to be contained in one spot, so the obvious choice for such a domain was Crocus.

The king was more than willing to allow his castle to be the centerfield of it all. Of course the Rune Knights were to act as security, and he, Arcadios, Darton, and Hisui were to be in the castle, but up high on the balcony, they were watching as the massive heaps of crowds were gathered. It was even more crowded than it was during their yearly Grand Magic Games.

The third day to that extent was organizing in both worlds. With the people from the Cambire Foundation getting the message and willing to volunteer, Arthur and Nic hopped over at the designated time and took in the people to get them situated, along with their supplies and the materials they were able to bring with them. And now was the morning of the fourth day; the day that even the Councilmen and all of those in Fiore had to attend.

Those who were watching from PokeEarth were sitting in front of their television screens, watching as the cameras on the other world and the massive crowd in front of the double doors was evident. Those in both worlds who had radios and were in big crowds in cities were hearing or seeing the scene, like it was when Acnologia attacked seven months ago. The Champions of each region as well as the folks and professors alike were all watching on small devices or on broadcasted screens that were sent over by the Cambire Foundation.

The crowd had so many reporters and crew members talking in front of the press. They were detailing about the event and what was going on, more or less about the Pokémon that have been up and about. Those in PokeEarth and Earthland alike were listening well to the mass of folk and the populace that were getting screens up to record what was happening.

As per the arrangements, divided by Rune Knights, those who were personal or had keys to this plot was essentially Fairy Tail, along with a few more guilds that were invited as V.I.P guests to be closer upfront. A few well-known reporters were already interviewing and questioning a few of the mages that were affiliated with Nic, and one of them just so happened to be Fairy Tail.

"So, Laxus Dreyar, is it?" a female reporter asked. "How is it that you know about Nic personally?" She reached the mic up to Laxus, who shrugged nonchalantly.

"The guy's been part of the guild for as long as I can remember." He made it sound like it was no big deal. "Nic and I go back a long ways. It took me a while to understand, but I think what he's doing right now is for the best. I'd rather not say anything against that."

Another male reporter confronted Gray and Juvia. "Well now, can you please tell us where you found your Pokémon?" He presented them the mic.

"I met Snover on a job." Gray shrugged. He looked down towards the unnerved Pokémon, who was hiding behind Gray like some scared child. "Huh? What is it? You don't like crowds?"

"U-uh, n-not so much…" he muttered. "Sorry."

"And you?" The reporter asked Juvia.

The rain woman smiled as Eevee sat on her shoulder. "Well, it's a little hard to say…" She looked at her Normal-type. "I met Eevee when I was in a dry forest. I was on a job to give it some water for the people nearby, and that's when I met her beneath a large leaf, hiding from the rain."

The Eevee chimed happily as she muzzled Juvia's cheek again, making her laugh.

"And you, sir? Are you a Pokémon?" A reporter pointed his mic to Happy, who was flying with his wings.

"No, silly. I'm a cat." He answered.

"Technically, we're Exceeds." Pantherlily corrected.

"And you're native to this world?"

"Uh-huh."

Amongst the crowd, Natsu was pumping his fists in excitement. "Oh man, I'm so totally pumped for this!" He exclaimed. "It's been too long since we've been to Crocus together."

Underneath him, Charmander was looking around, seemingly as shocked as anybody else with so many people and drones in the air catching this all on devices. He wasn't nervous like Snover was, but more like awed. "Man, and here I thought we saw stuff beyond the lab." He told Chespin, who stood with equal shock beside him.

"Woooah." The Grass-type couldn't begin to explain how inspired he was. "Just look at all these people."

"So this is this country's capital?" Joey looked around with a raised brow, oddly intrigued by the buildings, as well as the massive castle that wasn't too far away from them. It went all the way up, where they could see the king and the others up at the balcony high overhead. An awed look crept on his face. "Not bad…"

"That's putting it mildly." Dereece noted.

Joey looked all around him in confusion and wonder as he saw so many strange new things that piqued his styles. For example, he was seeing Chelia and Wendy talk, and Wendy was holding Swablu for Chelia to see. Seeing Chelia's hair color and style was interesting, and then he looked over to another part, where he saw Mermaid Hell's Millianna with her other guildmates. Her own hair was bland, but the overall design of her attire was interesting, and seeing Kagura's kimono with such a passion was enough as it was. When he turned towards Blue Pegasus, he saw Jenny Realight. When he saw Jenny catching up with Mirajane and the Vullaby she had in her arms, he couldn't help but take notice of the bust each of them possessed. He could feel his mouth water.

"Don't even." Dereece prompted.

"I must say, these are very peculiar circumstances to meet up again." Jura said.

Beside him, Lyon nodded. "That's saying something." He turned towards Gray, seeing him pet and comfort his Snover, trying to get him fixed with the crowd. Whatever the commotion was about, he had a feeling it revolved around these creatures that had a major impact.

Around Sabertooth, Frosch and Lector looked all around. They seemed greatly surprised by everything and all the people. "Man, just look at all these guys around us, Frosch. It's like a madhouse." Lector voiced.

"Fro thinks so, too." The Exceed in the pink frog suite chimed.

Rogue looked left and right, getting an observation of tha mass all around. "This news must be big if there has to be this much equipment involved."

"Yeah, no nodding." Sting said. "I don't even recognize half the stuff here."

"I heard rumors that some of the goods around here are from Nic's world." Minerva mentioned.

"You really think so?" Yukino gasped.

"Yukino!"

The snow-haired mage turned her attention towards the crowd, seeing a familiar, long-haired blonde catch up and squeeze through quite a few patrons. When she caught up, Lucy and her Klefki met up with the surprised mage of Sabertooth. "Yukino, it really is you!"

"Lucy, hey." Yukino met up with Lucy in the middle. She smiled. "It's good to see you."

"It's great to see you, too." She returned. "How, you look amazing."

Yukino sheepishly rubbed the back of her head, embarrassed. "Oh, uh, really? I guess I didn't notice after all this time." Her attention drew towards the Pokémon that floated beside her, which was holding her Celestial Keys. "Hm? Oh, uh, Lucy?"

Lucy noticed her inquired glanced towards Klefki. She promptly gestured towards her with a smile. "Oh, right. How could I forget? Yukino, meet Klefki."

Klefki nodded politely. "Hello."

Yukino returned the polite bow. "Hi, it's great to meet you."

Klefki looked at her for a few moments, before she noticed something that was glinting on her waist. When she noticed Yukino holding some keys – very eloquent ones – her eyes widened and her body started to rattle. This began to alarm the Celestial Mage as she could see the hungry look on her eyes.

"Uh…"

"Keys~!" Klefki reeled back before launching at Yukino, but she was stopped when she was grabbed by the key horn on her head. She wailed as Lucy held her in place with a disciplined expression.

"What did I just tell you, Klefki?" She warned. "No more key thieving unless I say so. Now, be a good Pokémon and get back here." She drew Klefki back to her side, holding her in place in case anymore…cravings came up. With her habits out of hand, wavy tears went down the Steel/Fairy-type's face.

Yukino looked ahead with a bead of sweat dropping from her face. "Uh…okay…" She then caught onto something that piqued her interests. "Wait, what did you say she was?"

Lucy shot her a wink. "It's all part of the surprise."

Yukino didn't know what she meant by that, but if it's what forced Sting to pry away from guild master duties then she had to wait and find out.

In another part of the crowd, Erza and Vanessa were catching up with Kagura and her group. They seemed to be doing well for the most part, and that said something for Vanessa now that she slept. It took Sophie more than her usual to get her up this time just to reach the carriage without getting late.

"I see you've been doing well." Kagura sternly started.

Erza smiled. "It's good to see you too. Come here." She grabbed the Mermaid Heel mage by the face and pulled her into a hug at her chest. Her face began to brighten out of embarrassment, and her guildmates just laughed.

Vanessa chuckled. "Looks like someone's happy to see you, too."

"S-shut up!" Kagura pulled herself away from Erza, savoring whatever pride she had. "Just what are you doing here? Shouldn't you…you know…both be with Luminous?"

Erza folded her arms. "You bring up a point, but you'll see why."

Millianna didn't seem too convinced. "Why? What's wrong?"

"You'll see." Vanessa turned towards the stands, seeing the press at the very porch and stage set up in front of Mercurius beginning to take snaps and blinding photography lights.

Drone cameras in the sky were zooming in as the doors to the front were finally beginning to open. As the guilds and all who were in the crowds and watching at home started to settle, the Rune Knights stationed outside to door began to move apart to allow clearance for three figures to venture out onto the white stage.

Once in the open, Nic, Arthur, and Marie were bombarded with photography and varied expressions from the crowds throughout the two worlds. Those invited perked up, and those like Joanna and Michael watching from home instantly got in front of the TV. Professor Sycamore, his assistance, as well as so many others were taking long breaks with the rest of the fellow cities to get an understanding of what it was that was to go down.

Once standing on the podiums, the three remained silent while microphone feedback was drawn upwards. The crowds drew themselves up towards the balconies of Mercurius, more accurately towards Toma E. Fiore. When the crowds started to settle down, Toma cleared his throat and stepped forward. He looked down at the crowds, ready to begin.

"Greetings, and welcome to you all." He started, his voice so loud that it boomed for those far away to hear. "First and foremost, I would like to thank you all for taking the time out of your days to be able to attend this assembly under very short circumstances. There has been a breach that I would like to address to the people and residence of Fiore, as per this world we live in. For those of you who do not know me, I am Toma E. Fiore, of the Fiore Kingdom. Many of you are well aware of this, but for those who are watching this from afar, this is for that reason why I address this to you as well."

Those watching from the other world saw Toma talk, some having calm and collected gazes at the stout king.

"The breach that I have spoke of is more than just metaphorical, it is a literal one that has transcended what fallacies we have believed. That is why it is imperative that we tell you all of what happened just one week ago, under the guise of the stars. We have been receiving distressing messages and reports of the occurrences that these creatures we have been seeing pose to us what will make sense. And for that, we have found likely sources who were willing to dig deep, and with their combined efforts, were willing to bring the truth to light." He looked down at beneath, ushering the transition. "For further knowledge on this phenomenon, we have consulted the help of two men who have received themselves a reputation amongst his personal peers. So, without further ado, allow me to introduce to you Nic Pularis, and Arthur Solaris. To you both, good luck."

With that, the king stepped down from his podium, allowing the cameras and drones to shift back towards Nic and Arthur. The crippled man in his wheelchair was the forefront, while Nic and Marie were the supporters on the sides. A lot of cameras were snapping on Nic, and who could blame them? He's the savior of the worlds, twice in fact. There was so much to address and so much expectations, but this was where it was to be tested.

Arthur raised his hand silently, allowing the crowds and a few claps and whistles to silence. He sat his arms on either side of his armrests and tapped the microphone. It got feedback as intended, and he leaned in to speak. "We appreciate the warm introductions, Toma. Thanks to you, we can now address to everyone what they believe may be the biggest mystery and cornerstone of history. This news will not be easy to accept, but I trust you all will keep an open mind when we tell you of the facts. For this first part, please, allow me to introduce my colleague. It was thanks to him that the links were finally pulled together." He nodded towards Nic. "Nic, if you would be so kind?"

Nic stepped forward towards his mic. He took a moment's time to turn and look at the gigantic crowd behind the flashes of photography. He could hardly see the front row and V.I.P guests. However, this didn't stop him from starting off his turn.

Taking one more breath, he began.

"People of Fiore, people of Earthland and my sources a like, I'd like to start by saying a little about myself. For those of you who don't know – or perhaps didn't bother to care at first – I'm Nic Pularis, of the Fairy Tail guild." His brows furrowed. "By this time last week, everything was placid, until a certain incident transpired between our two words. I'll make this brief as I can; the creatures that have recently been showing up all over and disappearing alike, they are what's known as Pokémon."

Within the crowd, Yukino took a moment to process the mysterious creature beside Lucy. Now it was making sense. 'Wait…does Lucy mean that…?'

"Let me start from the top. About one week ago, there was a great tear in the Space-Time Rift between two worlds. That's PokeEarth, and the one called Earthland. These two planets have been intertwined before, and that's why these two have become connected." Behind him, a white screen began to roll down slowly. "One week ago, the creatures of time and space, known as Dialga, the ruler of time; and Palkia, the ruler of space, have both underwent a drastic balance disorder that has been caused by some unparalleled force. This force colliding with their powers at the exact same time and level, is what resonated the hundreds of thousands o meteors that have been seen from all over."

On the screen behind him, it showed a picture of Spear Pillar, where it looked more like an erupting volcano that showered meteors of light all over the world. "The place where this phenomenon took place is known as Spear Pillar. It's the oldest and most sacred grounds that almost no one can reach in my world. Connected to it was where Dialga and Palkia's energy are most concentrated. It was here that these meteors of time and space shot at speeds and struck anything." The slideshow behind showed some Pokémon being hit, and some parts of the ocean, mountains, and land being struck. "All these meteors had a random target, but no matter what kind it was, it was struck, causing it to disappear from one spot. Some would think they were vaporized…but that's not what happened."

The slideshow behind thus showed images taken by photographers, revealing some of the images taken by the Council at Nic's debriefing. "On a related note, everyone from where I am now has been seeing such things come up, such as Pokémon in water, those whose size is extreme, and some incidents like berry trees, or even these 'Honey Trees' that my wife and fellow guys from my world investigated."

For a moment, some cameras went towards Erza and her group. She tried to stay as composed as possible, but all she could do was cross her arms and too studious in front of the audience. Vanessa didn't seem at all fazed, and instead remained relaxed as snapshots were taken of her.

Dereece was looking a little nervous as he saw so many cameras from the sky turned towards him and the Fairy Tail group. Joey however, was adoring the attention.

"Hi, mommy! I'm doing just fine!" He waved to the cameras.

On PokeEarth, watching the broadcast, Professor Sycamore shot up in his seat upon seeing the familiar faces from 6 days ago. "Is that…?" His eyes widened in realization. "It is! They're really okay!" The cameras rolled over to Charmander beside Chespin, who beamed with pride. "And Charmander's there, too. So that's where they went…"

"To put it bluntly, all those meteors that were in those two worlds, they crossed time and space, and carried Pokémon, and some fellow people with them, and crossed over to Earthland."

From the blinding lights that was photography, a bold reporter stuck out his microphone. "So what you're saying is, that these creatures come from another world?"

Nic nodded. "That's what I'm saying."

Many of them were beginning to throw suspicious questions through the air. They were all shocked at the noise that was being made, but more so because it was Pokémon involved. Fiore, as well as guilds, were aware of this incident because of what happened with the Grand Magic Games, as well as the raging battle in Tartaros and the Alvarez War.

Many mages looked at each other in shock, while others showed more concern. They knew just how powerful these creatures could get, but while others were crying out, others like Jura and those who were wise kept an open mind.

Arthur raised a hand, making them all silence once more. "What he speaks is the truth. As you see, aside from a few others that Nic has met. My assistant, Marie and I, were both strolling through the streets of our beloved city. And then there was white. The next thing we knew, we ended up in front of this world's Magic Council building, to which their attempts at questioning us in shock were…less than appreciative." He shot a look at the Councilmen who were watching from special bleachers along the sidelines. Suffice to say some seemed guilty, but Alfredo shot his own glares of challenge back. "But, in spite of these setbacks, we have to terms with these anomalies, and we have come together to exchange information."

Another reporter stuck his microphone out behind the security team. "And what kinds of information was it that you shared?"

"Why, about this world, as for my own." The screen behind them slid left again, showing shadowy figures that unleashing for and ice, and some rocks being moved from a staff enveloping it in Gravity Magic. "To those who are on PokeEarth, allow me to tell you about the world that Nic has been living in. The world that we have been opened to look into."

The screens behind showed even more videos, more accurately past recordings of Grand Magic Games events. It showed mages requipping, and some even using their magic to make fruit grow from the ground. The people of PokeEarth looked in awe over this.

"This magic…is alive." He started. "Why, it's even all around us as we speak in Earthlnd. It's this property that enables those of this world to use what can be similar to Pokémon and their mythical powers. Their properties of 'magic' however, are both very much different." The screen behind showed a random mage practicing Water Magic, while another half-slide showed a Trainer pointing ahead and his Panpour using Scald. "My acquaintance, Nic, has told me of his experience of these two properties, and how magic and Pokémon moves are two very different aspects. Now, I'm sure you're all very familiar with the whole Acnologia event, is that true?"

Many began to feel unsound as they started to recall the war. It wasn't easy to stomach, especially with how many had lost lives in the process. They all saw the screen show a recorded helicopter footage back when Acnologia battled far in the southeast mountains. The many clips were of him and in his Dragon Force against the forces of Pokémon.

"Nic explained from his experience that magic had no effect on Acnologia, making him invincible and impossible to beat…if you were a mage that is. However, as we have seen and heard firsthand, Acnologia was vulnerable to Pokémon and their moves. This was the flaw that would be his downfall when Nic and everyone pitched in to stop him for good. So, in short, even if you can't see it right away, Nic and I both know if mages and people of this world alike intertwine with Pokémon, it would make things a lot easier." He grinned. "But rather than speak by a secondary source, I think a volunteer from both perspectives would be more suiting for this experience." He looked towards the front row of the V.I.P section, making eye contact beyond the cameras rolling.

"Before we continue with this, I would like to welcome someone up to share her experience of both worlds. Some of you may know her, and some of you might not. But now, it is with a privilege that I introduce to you Nic's sister, Vanessa Pularis."

Many were clapping, and others, however, were just watching as the relaxed sibling began to make way through the populace. Cameras turned towards her as she grinned and casually made way towards the staircase to the stage. Ignoring the photography and catcalls, she reached Arthur and shook his hand politely.

"Vanessa has been instrumental in her time here in Earthland, as told by her brother." Arthur nodded towards her. "Go ahead, Vanessa."

The 18-year-old nodded and moved in front of the podium. Once up, she looked out with a half-grin.

Joey's head was once again getting very light. He was gawking with sparkles around his face and slight pink in the cheeks. 'Vanessa-senpai is actually going to be speaking…!'

She leaned in, giving her voice to the world. "Hello. It's certainly is a pleasure being up here. I thought for sure Nic being up here was nerve-racking." Nic folded his arms and half-grinned at his sister's comment. "Well…where do I begin? I guess who I am is good enough." She cleared her throat, trying to find the rest of her nerve to speak her mind.

"My name is Vanessa Pularis. Like my brother, Nic, I did not come from Earthland. In truth, I cam from the same place he did, from PokeEarth."

Some of the news reporters stepped up, or at least tried to as some reached out their mic pass the security line. "But then how did you get here?" One questioned.

"It's a story in its own right." Vanessa explained.

"It was back during an incident when a group of my guildmates and I accidentally came to Kalos. Back then, the Dark Legendaries – the creatures I'm sure you all remember too gravely – were leaking small traces of antimatter." The slide behind showed a brief picture of Giratina and the Dark Legendaries from years ago. "In a long story short, once we erased the antimatter, we were able to get back to Earthland."

"But why did you choose to go back to Earthland, when this PokeEarth was your home?" another reporter asked.

"I had a mission at the time, and to be honest, I've grown very fond of this world…but that's not the point made here." He turned towards Vanessa. "While I chose to go back and live my life here in Earthland, my sister also made her choice. She chose willingly to follow me and learn what it's like to work in a guild, and get an experience that PokeEarth couldn't give."

Vanessa nodded. "While my time here has been very much eventful, I can't say that it wasn't without repercussions. This world…is a lot more dangerous than PokeEarth." She admitted. "There were those who intended harm on my friends, and there have been times where lives were on the line. I'd rather not go into details out of privacy like Nic. Rather, I'd give you a demonstration of what I've learnt."

In her left hand that she had up, her teal aura showed. As she moved it in an arch, the aura trailed and followed. Many of those watching from PokeEarth, even Michael and Joanna, were shocked to see Vanessa perform magic.

Many were beginning to question themselves, and many more were getting questionable of how someone from PokeEarth could do such a thing. Some were even at a loss for what to even say. Joey especially looked like he was paling from seeing her do magic.

She reached her hand up, making the arch of her teal aura materialize into several small balls that shot into the air. When they got high enough, they burst into teal sparkles that slowly rained down onto her. "Even though my time here has been highly adventurous, it was thanks to my experience as a Pokémon Trainer and my time in my guild that I was able to eventually find my own magic. I may in fact came from PokeEarth, from another world like Nic, but even I was able to find my own magic and adapt to the changes that have been made. It's thanks to my Pokémon's efforts and my magic alike, that we were able to establish a connection, and together we were able to get jobs done much sooner than usual."

"So then these Pokémon you have, they can help mages and people alike with jobs that might be too difficult?"

She nodded. "Of course. I speak from experience that it may be intimidation getting to know things you aren't open too…but if Nic was willing to open to this, then so could I." She looked back towards Nic, seeing him nod at her. She returned it, and that was her signal. "Thank you for your time."

As she walked off the stage and back towards her guildmates, the cameras kept flashing and recorders and live cameras were watching her relaxed face show no worries.

Arthur was pushed up again by Marie back towards the microphone. "Thank you, Vanessa. You have been a wonderful guest speaker to our audience here. Now, on that note, I would like to address to any of you out there that have deep doubts, or believe that there must be a way to send these 'creatures' or perhaps 'farces' back, I'm afraid that is more complicated than what it's perceived."

The others and the media looked at each other, beginning to wonder the questions going on.

"As my cohort, Nic, realized, while the distorted realms and lapse around these meteors have subsided, we now have a guestimate fact of around 40% of the wild Pokémon have been taken to Earthland. And that is well into hundreds of thousands, close to a million at that. Even now, there re still more being found. May I remind you that while Nic here can in fact travel between the two worlds as he sees fit, even this event is irreversible."

The doubters and those who were feeling lacking confidence in the trust of these people began to rise. Some were starting to get outraged, and some were even going as far as show roars.

"How is that even fair?!" An annoyed reporter asked. "If he can transport, then why can't he take all of them with him?!"

Nic stepped up, giving the media a dead serious glare. "I'd rather not point fingers if I were you. If you're implying this is my fault, then let me say this is far from what I expected either. There's too many to take back that it could very well take years. And by then, it would be too much for myself to handle…it still is." He shot a glance towards Arthur. "That's why I thought it would be best to allow someone who has a basis in handling change can help us all in this time of need."

Arthur leaned into the mic. "This is far from Nic's fault. Whatever happened with Dialga and Palkia, that catalyst has transcended past points of no return. Some fellow humans were transported here, but if you are hearing this, and if you are scared, then please, hear my voice. We can help you, so long as you help us."

The media fell silent as mics were still out. All were still raptured in everything that was being spoken.

"Nic was willing to open up to my voice, and with his consent and our combined efforts with the Council of Fiore, we have begun establishing a project that shall help us all. And I call it, the Cambire Foundation." The screen changed, showing a golden CF around black edging in space, the logo of the company he ran. As he went on, the screens showed details of what Trainers, nurses, breeders, and engineers were all doing in their fields of industry. "This company was designed by myself many years ago, and even though it is small now, that small detail I have spent a great deal on has blossomed many fruitful Trainers that have come around the Sinnoh region to get experience in all the fields. If you are a Pokémon Trainer, and don't know how to heal a Pokémon, how to make one behave, or know how their powers work, we of the Cambire Foundation strive passerby Trainers and interns alike to get an understanding, rather than just sell items for money. We strive for something that comes up to a better result than what money can buy: A positive change, for mankind and Pokémon alike."

"So these guys are saying they're gonna help us by tutoring us with a whole bunch of experiences?" Sting surmised.

"Seems the case to me." Minerva said.

"So then does that mean we'll be able to handle these Pokémon popping up better?" Happy inquired.

"Well if it helps with containing these guys, then I don't see a problem with it." Gray shrugged.

Juvia showed worry. "Will this be okay?"

Mest folded his arms. "I doubt it, but what other option do we have?"

"I wasn't able to do this alone. It was thanks to the Council's consent, as well as the consent and voice of Nic Pularis himself, that we were able to finally bring some resolution to this crisis." His gaze fell into a sad frown. "I understand if you are all skeptical of this company, and of the many programs that I have been working on. I have a hunch you are asking yourself 'Why would I trust people from another world to make solutions for us when we can do it for ourselves?'. Well, just as Vanessa described, this world is more lethal than what it's perceived to be. There are bandits, raiders, and perhaps even greater threats who could very well mistake these Pokémon for tools of war. I'd rather not see Pokémon enslaved to cages and cause harm by the wrong hands. There are very territorial Pokémon out there right now, but in the wrong hands who have no idea how to approach these conflicts, lives could well be lost. But, through examples set, my staff and cohorts who pledged to help out my cause will risk everything to ensure you understand us, and we understand you."

He turned towards Nic, gesturing towards him. "Thanks to the plans Nic and I worked so hard on, we were able to bring some of my higher up engineers and interns to this world. We are currently setting up ground with consent from the Council to start materializing for Cambire's headquarters and sanctuary. We have brought over schematics and enough supplies needed at that to set up manufacturing. Within time, you, too, shall have your first lessons in the ways of making peace and sport with these fellow Pokémon. But to that, I would like to introduce a few of my friends who volunteered willingly. Please, welcome them."

To the side of the stage, four figures started. They, too, were given a number of photographs that they ignored. What looked like the superior of the two was a man and a woman, both o whom seemed to be in their late 40s.

The woman had a black dress shirt with yellow buttons to keep it tight around the sides, hugging her. The dark sleeves went all the way down to the wrist, where gray cuffs with yellow slits in them were in place close to a pair of white gloves. Her dress shirt overlapped her black work skirt that had her thigh in gray leggings. She wore black boots with buttons as well. The belt over the skirt to keep it in place had a yellow monocle with black 'CF' on it. On her shoulders was an overcoat, similar to what Laxus wore, only her fur-line was yellow while the coat was a bright gray. She had blonde hair tied in a bun in the back, with a large bang bending down the side of her right face. Her green eyes were dead serious with red lipstick.

The man beside her stood like an army general – with hands behind his back. He was well dressed and clean like his associate. He adorned a white overcoat with gray lines going down the front and back, with deep red lines going from the shoulders down to the sleeves. He had a gray undercoat, with white buttons keeping it in place, and a red tie tucked in. His pants were gray, and his shoes were black. Like the woman, he also had white gloves on. He had dark eyes, with suave black hair kempt, with thin areas on the sides. His eyebrows were also dark, and on his left ear looked like a small communicator.

The cohort behind the woman was a man in his 30s, I not late 30s. He had narrow eyes with black eyebrows and spiked up black hair, which ended at a point at the front top, which looked a lot like his small beard at the base of his chin. He wore all black pants tucked in a gray belt, with black boots with gray soles. He had a long sleeve black jacket with pockets and a symbol standing for 'CF' imprinted on his right shoulder. The whole top to the small collar of the zipped jacket was gray, with thick lines drawing down towards the black cuffs.

The assistant to the white general-like person looked like a young female who was in her mid-20s, almost like Erza, with equally fair complexion. Her white hair was tied back into wavy white from a high point, much like Jenny, only slimmer. She had bangs going over her forehead above her right eye, where a small bang on her left ear was curly. The ear itself had a diamond as an earring. Her blue eyes showed seriousness, if not more so. Her attire consisted of an ensemble like her boss, where she had a white and red suite of her own, only more open to act more feminine. She had no sleeves, instead having red gloves that went up her arms and stopped above the elbows. Her boots were gray, and her white pants had yellow lines and accents engraved in their sides.

All four stood in attention beside Arthur as he introduced them. "It is a privilege that I introduce to you all my finest and top cohorts. They have been instrumental to me and my goal, and I would never have felt anymore blessed if not for them and their cooperation to make the world a more understanding place." He gestured towards the woman first. "We have here my head in the Trainer and behavioral industry of Cambire, Charlotte Jet, and her vice assistant, Travis Woodrow. They have willingly volunteered to help any and all train and show the ways to make for Pokémon Trainers to behave and coordinate with their Pokémon in terms of battle."

Chelia blinked. "Wait, did he just say battle?"

"I think he did." Jura put a hand to his chin. "So then these creatures can fight their own kind then."

"And next to them, we have Jeffery Bistro, and his own assistant, Eliza Mauve. They represent the resource department. They study the resources and materials of the mechanics to Poke Balls, the encyclopedia to Pokémon creatures; they even explain and handle the farming of berries to further populate. And also, more importantly, they head the engineers and the instrumentals to making Pokémon items that can help a Trainer."

One of the reporters stuck out his mic again. "And what are these Poke Balls that you speak of? Are they tools?"

Arthur nodded. "Yes. They are very important for Trainers to carry around their Pokémon." He showed a Poke Ball of his own, catching a zoom in. "Observe…"

The Poke Ball's tope opened, unleashing an energy beside him. Materializing beside him was a massive dog-like Pokémon that had a large blue fur coat on the back, with the moustache being so long that they went down to the sides. One of his ears twitched as he stood beside his master with glee.

Many who saw this were completely shocked, of course those of PokeEarth and of Fairy Tail were already knowing of this particular way to get Pokémon in and out. Yukino looked at the capsule and back at the brown and white dog with surprise. 'It's just like my magic…' she thought.

The Big-Hearted Pokémon looked at his master with a proud face. "Sir Arthur, I shall be at your service whenever you need me too."

Arthur nodded in compliance. "As always, thank you, Stoutland. Now, return!" With that command, the Poke Ball shot a red laser that withdrew Stoutland into the Poke Ball. He faced the cameras with a smile. "What you saw there was the mechanics of Poke Balls. It converts Pokémon into energy first and is able to contain them, quite for convenience when you need space; furthermore, a Pokémon Trainer can only carry up to 6. Anymore, and those Pokémon shall be sent somewhere, or swapped with your own to another trusted location."

A fellow reporter, who was wide-eyed, looked ahead with shock as she stuck out her mic. "But how did your Pokémon just talk?! They aren't capable of that on PokeEarth!"

Arthur put a hand to his chin. "Ah, true. Back on PokeEarth, Pokémon are not capable of human speech, to an extent that is. But due to the magic in the atmosphere in Earthland, it enables the Pokémon to vocalize, a study that Nic and Erza Pularis both have explained."

"So they can speak their minds here, while in your world they cannot be heard?"

"In terms of speech, correct. However, that doesn't mean Pokémon Trainers still don't understand. Just spending time with someone makes you know what goes on inside their heads, right? Well that concept is true for man and Pokémon alike. It's a two-way link that makes them a team. To help with this, we shall soon be having Poke Balls manufactured to help everyone so far in Fiore coordinate."

Once more, another reporter blurted out a question. "But what if we don't want this? What if we decide we don't want Pokémon? You make it sound like you're forcing all this onto us."

Rather than Arthur speak his mind, Nic stepped up. "Nobody said anything about forcing Pokémon onto you. If it's your choice to not interact with Pokémon, that's up to you." He looked out towards the crowd, more specifically two certain individuals; one who was silently gazing with sparkles around him. "When I met certain people who came to Fiore, I knew that like me, and everyone else, they too had a choice. They could go home, or they could make a home here."

In the crowd, Joey and Dereece were being given looks by their guildmates. The look on Joey's face was like he was going to explode from joy any second. 'O-Oh my god…h-he's talking about me! HE'S TALKING ABOUT ME!' He shrieked happily in his thoughts.

"It's true, Giratina and the other Pokémon have made a negative impact on Earthland, but even in spite of all that, it was still Pokémon and us humans alike working together to beat Lysandre and Acnologia. There are good Pokémon, and there can be bad ones…but only by the influences that they are given. Pokémon are just like people, there are those with good and bad intentions. As Arthur and my sister pointed out, there's a lot of misguided out there, and as long as you have morals, like others, that influence can pass down to your Pokémon."

They all thought deeply again of what Nic meant by that. Yes, there were deeply hampered people, and there are those good-hearted guys who are conceived and deceived by others, but the blame wasn't on them, rather the one who deceived them.

"What I'm trying to say here is, essentially, if you think they already got a chance from the past, then consider this a redemption." He turned his head, looking towards the Council. He was giving them quite the look. "I was once either forced to either surrender myself to Fiore or be banished back home, because some people out there believed that I could very well end everything." He shook his head. "I'm not omnipotent. I have powers like a Pokémon, but I have to take responsibility because of that. And yet people still accepted me and what I've done. If you see Pokémon bad because of their strength, then don't even bother trying. But if you're understanding what I'm saying, then keep an open mind to them. That's all I can say."

The folks in the crowd were paying close attention to what the message was. It was a lot explaining, but Nic made sure the chance and choice concept drilled into them. They looked ahead as Nic once again stepped down to allow Arthur to roll back up.

"And I am afraid this is where the primary explanations that have been circulated about is drawn to a close." Arthur explained. "Before I conclude this message, I wish for everyone, especially Earthland, what a good Pokémon Trainer does when battling against a wild or Trainer's Pokémon."

Upon hearing that, the silhouette from the crowd began to walk through the patrons. He didn't mind them as they remained in place, and he kept going on.

"Nic Pularis, I believe you can detail what Pokémon Trainers do, yes?"

Nic faced the mic. "The general basis of a Pokémon Trainer is simple, but it's also a complicated road. Aside from the standard equipment that's issued out, a starting Trainer has a couple of medicines like Potions, and in some cases status condition items. That's also a lot to explain, but the basis is that you must always have Poke Balls on you, that way you are always ready to take on anyone out there."

Walking casually out of the crowd, people were shoved out of the way. They looked rudely ahead as the person ignored the Rune Knights and made way into the V.I.P section, where even there, he was budging pass members.

"Ow! Hey, watch it jerk!" Jenny growled.

He continued on pass Lyon. "Rude much?" He, too, was ignored.

The many complaints were being heard throughout the crowd, so much that Nic and those onstage can hear the many people shouting for someone didn't go unnoticed. They watched as someone with a white hat budged pass Natsu, getting him to glare ahead.

"Hey man, what the heck?!" He shouted. The figure just kept going like he didn't exist. This made a tick mark grow on Natsu's head. "Hey, come back here!"

The guy came fully into view to where he could be seen by Nic. Nic's eyes narrowed as he glared out, getting a visual of the man that was now caught on camera out in the open.

As he stood there, Rune Knights and security guards were surrounding him, pointing their weapons at him.

"Halt!"

"Don't even think of moving!"

"Identify yourself at once!"

The guy didn't respond. Instead, he held his grip on his kendo stick. There was a serious vibe running off him as wasn't going unnoticed by the likes of Nic.

He stepped closer to the stage's front, standing on the edge. "Let him go." He ordered.

The security looked towards him in wonder, but to the surprise of everyone, they all looked at Arthur and the others. He nodded, making sure they respected what Nic wanted. Begrudgingly, the soldiers all looked at one another unnerved, and eventually complied and backed off. They allowed the unknown person to walk closer, getting passage towards Nic.

The press and the group made sure to spread out enough to where they could get ample photos and visuals. The man stood several meters away from the stage, standing in front of Nic.

There was a long, deep silence that feel between the two, of which left everyone around unsound. The crowds standing far away were watching in confusion and outrage of what it was that the guy was doing.

"The heck's his problem?" Natsu questioned Happy, who floated beside him.

"Not sure, but I think he has something to do with Nic."

"Gee, what was your first clue?" Gajeel rhetorically asked. "But you know…I kinda wanna see where this goes."

"Yeah, me too." Levy nodded.

Jet had a smug look on his face. "Well whoever that guy is, I bet he doesn't know who he's dealing with."

"Yeah, he's got nothing to prove other than his coconuts between his legs!" Droy boasted.

Erza stayed quiet as she watched from her guildmates' perspectives. She folded her arms and watched as the man confronted her husband.

Finally, the silence broke with the man talking. "You're Nic, right?" he bluntly asked.

"Can't say I'm anyone else." He answered. "And who might you be?"

"My name is Duncan Roserto, of Celestic Town in the Sinnoh region. I challenge you to a Pokémon battle, right here, and right now."

Everyone looked completely shocked at his declaration. Nic's eyes widened a little.

"He what?!" Natsu blurted out.

"I don't think we heard him correctly. Did he say we wanted to fight Nic?" Wendy questioned.

Lucy looked surprised. "Hold up, is he serious?! At this time?!"

Yukino looked worried. "What's going on?"

Sting blinked. "A battle?"

"Yeah that's I think he said." Lector answered.

"Well this is most unexpected." Hibiki spoke. "I didn't calculate any of this."

"Yeah no kidding, this came right out of the blue." Ren sighed coolly.

The many who were talking towards one another were confused by what was issued. Those who knew, which was Vanessa, Erza, Dereece, and an outraged Joey, had the idea of what was going on. It was taking Dereece and Chespin's Vine Whip to keep Joey from outraging like a Dragonite.

"HEY! WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE CHALLENGING HIM?!" he roared. "YOU CAN'T EVEN CALL HIM BY HIS NAME!"

Dereece pulled back harder. "Don't make a scene now!" It was taking a lot of his beef to lean back and keep Joey from staying on his feet.

Nic got over his silent shock as he looked down at the Trainer in question. He kept his calm as he investigated the person who was now revealed to be Duncan. "That's quite a bold challenge you've just made. Tell me, is there a reason why you wanted to challenge me like that?" he questioned.

Duncan shrugged, but underneath his hat, he was smirking. "Well, what more of a reason is there?" Nic raised a brow as he watched his dark eyes show. "You know the rules as well as I do, don't you? When two Trainer's eyes meet, that's when you battle. Isn't that right?"

The four associates beside Arthur had different expressions. Jefferey and Eliza were giving stern glares, while Charlotte was giving him a scoff. Travis was snickering at the moxie he had. Marie, however, was the only one who was speaking up. She walked right up to the edge of the stage and shot him a glare.

"Listen, you punk. I don't know what it is you're doing, but you're not supposed to be here." She chided. "This is very important message we're making to the world we were sent to, and you just came out of nowhere to disrupt everything and call out a challenge?"

Arthur frowned. "Marie."

She shot him a look. "But, sir-"

"Let it go." He folded his fingers together. "I think you know as well as I do that when a battle is issued, it must be carried out otherwise. Besides…I think this could be an idea. Don't you think Earthland should see what happens when two Pokémon Trainers do battle?"

Marie looked back ahead, her composition broken. "Well, I…I suppose…"

"Trust me, Marie, I think this is a likely place to begin the basis of Pokémon battling."

Nic finally smirked, having got Duncan's point. "Well I can't deny that logic." He crouched down and leaped off the podium to the ground. Once on solid ground, he stood up with a calm, loose, but battle-ready posture. "If that's the way you want it, then I'll be obliged to battle you in return."

Duncan's smirk widened as he snickered.

Glass broke in Joey's psyched. It shattered all over the place, leaving him with a deadpan, gaping expression with bulging eyes. 'N-Nic-senpai…j-just accepted…his challenge?'

"Gotta hand it to him, he sure has guts." Dereece admired, pointing an index finger like a gun at the scene.

Gray folded his arms. "Well can't say I'm not surprised."

"That makes two of us…" Snover popped out beside Gray, awed at the challenge shown.

"Holy crap! Is this seriously happening?!" Natsu exasperated.

"You mean that there's gonna be another fight to watch?!" Charmander gasped beside him. Even his own shock reflected Natsu's.

Sophie frowned in thinking. "So this is another concept you Trainers have in common?" She asked Vanessa.

The Pularis sibling looked towards her. "Yes, of course. The rule is that when two Trainers make eye contact, they begin a battle. It's more or less unspoken, but it's more like an instinct."

"If you ask me, his instincts should be to run." Cana laughed.

"Well it sure looks like there's no running now." Mest watched as Duncan and Nic moved themselves more suitably, so that they were perpendicular to the crowd rather than see Duncan's back. "It looks like the show's about to start."

Natsu rubbed his hands together in anticipation. "Oh man, this is gonna be so sweet!" he squealed. "We're finally see Nic hit the spot again!"

"I know, right?!" Joey inhale a squeal of his own, making his hitch like that of a girl's. Any louder in pitch and it would've been enough to shatter glass.

Erza looked on, but what she did was sigh, something that didn't get pass Kagura. "I should've known Nic would d something like this." She grinned. "Well I suppose it's his way of getting a message across."

The media stepped away to a safe perimeter, while the head associates watched from the stage. The Council was watching from their bleachers, all giving expectant frowns. Marie's heels clapped against the ground as she got between Nic, who was on the left, and Duncan, who was on the right. They both looked at each other while the drone cameras and everyone else was watching elsewhere, ready to see what a battle was all about.

Marie cleared her throat before she began. "May I have your attention. The battle between Nic and Duncan will now begin. Each Trainer is allowed the use of one Pokémon, and the battle will be over when one side's Pokémon is unable to battle."

Duncan pulled out a Poke Ball, expanding it. "Since I issued the challenge, I have to show my Pokémon first." He tossed it ahead. "Now, Honchkrow, start!"

The Poke Ball opened, revealing a midnight blue bird-like Pokémon. The avian had his wings expanded, revealing red plumage on the undersides of his wings. He had a white masquerade mask over his red eyes and over his slim beak. He had a white mane that was all over his front, and a broom-like red tail. The Big Boss Pokémon let out a caw as his dark legs made it to the ground, his wings folding with a huff.

"So his choice is a Honchkrow then." Erza insinuated.

Millianna shivered at the sight of it. "Meow~, hope it doesn't like hunting kitties."

"I'm more concerned of what skills it possesses." Kagura admitted. "I can feel quite a bit of strength even from here."

"A bird?" Natsu questioned.

"Not just any bird, but a Honchkrow." Joey answered, getting Natsu's attention. "Usually in the games, they're pretty deadly."

Dereece looked down at his PokeDex that he pulled out, getting it to show a visual of Honchkrow. Nearby other patrons like Hibiki and Nobarly were leaning in out of curiosity.

"Honchkrow, the Big Boss Pokémon. Its goons take care of most of the fighting for it. The only time it dirties its own hands is in delivering a final blow to finish off an opponent."

"Say, what's that you got there?" Hibiki questioned.

Dereece looked at him in question. "Oh, this? It's a device that helps one decipher a Pokémon."

Hibiki put a hand to his chin, understanding. "I see, so then an encyclopedia. Interesting."

"I wonder which Pokémon Nic's going to use." Chelia wondered hopefully.

Jura had arms folded beneath his sleeves. "Well what matters is that he knows of his opponent's strengths and weaknesses. That's what will be key here."

"Indeed." Lyon observed beside them. "Against birds, he'd have to pick something that could otherwise keep up. Of course that's what I would do."

Chelia sweat-dropped. "Of course you would."

Nic observed his opponent carefully. "A Honchkrow, huh?" He pulled out his own Poke Ball, making it expand. "In that case, let's go! Staraptor!" Tossing the Poke Ball in an arch, the capsule went spinning outwards, where it popped open and shot energy onto the ground.

Appearing talon-first, the claws embedded into the ground, making small imprints as a pair of red eyes opened wide. Releasing a cry upwards, Staraptor entered the battle, wings folded and ready for action.

Joey had sparkles in his eyes, awing at the pick. "AAAAH! IT'S NIC-SENPAI'S STARAPTOR!" he squealed. "I'M ACTUALLY SEEING IT IN PERSON!"

"So that's his aim." Vanessa deduced. "He's doing Staraptor against Honchkrow."

"Is that good?" Bisca asked.

"Overall, yes. Honchkrow in most cases have physical attacks as their arsenal, and Staraptor has Intimidate, which makes Honchkrow's Attack power weaker."

"So then Nic has the advantage." Alzack deduced.

Asuka laughed excitedly. "Alright! You go get'em!"

Arthur observed with his associates, having a placid smile on his face. "How interesting…"

Honchkrow and Staraptor stood an equal distance apart from each other, with the Dark/Flying-type spreading his wings out in ready. His red eyes glared into hers. "You're going down, chicken." He snorted.

"Bold words." Her red eyes sharpened. "But let's see who's the one that'll be falling like one be." As her glare pierced daggers at Honchkrow, the Big Boss Pokémon couldn't help but feel an overwhelming radiance flow from her.

The Predator Pokémon had a large sum of power that was like an intimidating aura that was overwhelming his own body. He scoffed in an unnerved manner as a blue aura enveloped his body, Staraptor's Intimidate Ability taking effect.

"Stay focus!" Duncan snapped.

Honchkrow shook his head, redoubling his efforts to get fixed for battle. This time, when looking into her red eyes, he composed.

Raising an arm, Marie signaled the battle. "Now, without further delay…" She swiped her arm down in a chop. "Let the battle begin!"

The hat's shade blocked Duncan's eyes, but his smirk was evident. He hummed slightly, and then looked up to show his battle-ready face. "Alright then, Honchkrow, get going!"

Honchkrow huffed as he flapped his wings, taking off into the air. He glided into the altitude some feet up to where he shadowed over Staraptor. He was no less than thirty feet skywards, but oddly enough, Staraptor did not follow. She remained on the ground and looked up with her Trainer as they watched their opponent take a lead in the atmosphere.

Jenny looked confusedly ahead. "Wait, isn't Nic's bird supposed to take flight?"

"If memory serves, it should be capable of flight." Rufus said.

Unknowingly, Cana and Sophie smirked. They remembered how fast Staraptor was, regardless of element. Erza had her own smirk, too, but less noticeable.

Duncan saw that Nic wasn't moving and took satisfaction. "Well if you're gonna play hardball, then we'll just make you! Honchkrow, Dark Pulse!" Higher up, Honchkrow lurched his head back and generated a jumbles mess of black rings with purple outlines at the mouth. As he gathered the sum of energy, he expanded his wings to keep position and fired down a beam of black rings at Staraptor.

"Get running!" Nic ordered.

Staraptor leaned forward, unfolding her wings a little. She then did the surprising twist of what Duncan didn't expect, and she instead rushed across the ground at breakneck speeds. The Dark Pulse struck where she was previously, making a small burst of dust rise up, but contained. Staraptor, however, ran with speeds that made her talons look blurry.

"What?" Duncan gasped.

In not even seconds later, Staraptor appeared straight below Honchkrow. The Dark/Flying-type looked down beneath to make eye contact with Staraptor but was more shocked at how his opponent had moved despite being a great flyer.

Duncan rebound and swiped his arm. "Use Fly!"

Not taking chances, Honchkrow took a quick breath before flapping his wings one more time. This time, however, he went shooting skywards. He continued climbing higher and higher, until he reached a certain point to where he went into freefall for a moment. He slowly twisted and altered his direction straight down, diving at Staraptor like a bomb.

As Honchkrow dove at great speeds, Nic stayed composed, as did Staraptor. "Double Team!" he called.

Staraptor glowed for a brief moment, before moments later illusions of herself multiplied across the ground. Her grunts multiplied with the numbers being cloned, reaching well into double digits. This tactic was exactly what threw Honchkrow off, and Duncan realized this.

"Stop!"

But it was too late, Honchkrow didn't catch on until he was feet away from one of the many impossible illusions to disorient him. He made one big flap to stop his dive, managing an airbrake above the clones, but what he didn't realize was a shadow looming over him. By the time he registered it, it was but a breeze.

"Aerial Ace!" Nic followed.

Honchkrow attempted to move, but Staraptor speedily stamped one of her talons into his back. The shock went through his body, and that caused him the plunge into the ground, creating another – more intrusive – dust cloud that shrouded him in it. Once the dust cloud faded, Honchkrow was barely on his black talons, groaning and recovering from the blow. He looked up to find nothing there, and instead surrounded by Double Team clones.

"Clever, I'll give him that." Duncan sneered. He swiped his arm, continuing the battle. "Alright, smoke it out with Night Slash!"

Honchkrow gave out another gruff huff as he spread his wings out. With one flap, he ascended a few feet into the air, getting above the Staraptor copies, where his wings exerted a bright purple radiance. The Big Boss Pokémon aimed for one of the clones in front, slamming one of his wings downwards, but the attack was misfired when the illusion shockingly kicked the ground, scooting away to evade the attack. "Huh?" Honchkrow looked around in surprise, seeing how all of the clones of Staraptor moving about swiftly. They weren't at all going in order or a pattern; in fact, they looked like they were zipping across the ground to where it looked like the real Staraptor was making afterimages.

The tactic was disorienting Honchkrow, as well as leaving Duncan with little room. "Stay calm! Take them out one at a time!"

The order was swift and clear. Honchkrow looked towards the nearest Staraptor and slammed his wing, timing it well. The Staraptor turned out to be an illusion, and without relent, he went for another one close by, this time flying into it and swiping the wing upwards. He struck another illusion, but he refused to give up. He slashed at as many that he timed well, but the few Staraptor still end up being illusions.

"HRAH!" With one more swipe horizontally, his Night Slash was evaded by a Staraptor clone again. He grunted in annoyance, but then he felt a very tight grip on his tail, startling him. With a swift turn of his head, he found the real Staraptor having her talon gripping his tail when his guard was down. Duncan looked equally as surprised.

"Throw Honchkrow!" Nic commanded.

Staraptor anchored her one talon on the ground, ushering all her weight and pivoted towards the sky. With wings folded, her talon swiped up, hurling Honchkrow skywards in wayward fashion. The dark avian spun out of control and couldn't seem to catch himself.

"Woah man, it just…it just threw him!" Dereece panicked, pointing at the battle.

"I know~! It's so awesome!" Joey squealed in delight. He was witnessing the combative levels of Nic's Staraptor in single battle, and he was loving it to where he could die.

"Now, into the air!" Staraptor finally spread her brown wings, showing how well in coating they were. With one massive flap, a ripple of air expelled in her place as she bolted in a steep climb pass Honchkrow. Her blurry speed and velocity made a drat that caused Honchkrow to vertically flip backwards into the air.

The bird shook his head to get his shock under control and looked up. By the time he registered it, Staraptor was flying in an overhead arch upside down and curving slowly over her Trainer to get a steep shot down at Honchkrow.

"Here it comes!" Duncan warned. "Dark Pulse, now!" Once more, Honchkrow opened his beak to unleash a streaming beam of jumbled black rings with purple energy enveloping them. The aim was dead on as it closed in on Staraptor.

Nic's eyes narrowed as the opportunity came. "Staraptor, Steel Wing!" Staraptor's angle adjusted and she went diving at Honchkrow and the oncoming Dark Pulse. Her wings were fully spread out, glowing a white, metallic color and filament gleaming off them.

The two attacks closed in one each other, but what Duncan nor anybody realize, was that as they drew closer, Nic and Staraptor's eyes dilated.

"Now! Spin!"

"What?!" Duncan gasped.

As Staraptor closed in, her body began to spin slowly into the oncoming Dark Pulse. The rotation was slow, then it picked up as the Steel Wing spun into the rings. The filament protected Staraptor, and it also began to chip off and around her as she spun faster into it, barreling down the middle like a drill. As she spun deeper into the attack, it blended into her Steel Wing like a mixer, making a black white spiral glistening a stream behind bolt straight through. Duncan looked more shocked than before, and that was saying something.

"Unbelievable!" Jura exclaimed.

Lyon went wide-eyed at the scene. "Is he really having his Pokémon spin so as to go with the attack rather than against it?"

"That'll just make her attack even more powerful!" Toby outraged. "Why can't I do that?!"

Marie and the other assistants to Arthur were watching as Staraptor's speed didn't at all waver. It was actually increasing to where spinning jetstreams of black and white gave her the illusion of a rocketing beam. They all were silent at the sight.

Honchkrow kept up Dark Pulse, but it was all futile. He just kept giving strength to the cyclone heading right for him. The attack blitzed right into him, enveloping him in a wave of black and white that shot extreme pain through all of his joints. His screaming fell on deaf ears as the attack passed him, swallowing him in an explosion of black and white that ignited in the sky. It was a beacon that shimmered ying and yang at the same time, and everyone watching below were staring with shock and gaping expressions as the ground beneath was feeling shockwaves. The strong winds pulsated out once, making a lot of the press and those nearby nearly get swept off their feet.

The beams head continued its course dead ahead and suddenly did a 90 degree turn skywards. The energy dissipated as Staraptor spun in the opposite direction once and cawed out and battle cry. She flew right over the dissipating explosion, arching upside-down to a flip and landed in front of Nic.

Falling from the dissipating flash of black and white, Honchkrow slammed into the ground, kicking up dust. As the dust dissipated, everyone watching were seeing as Duncan's shocked look slowly turned into a displeased snort. Honchkrow laid on the ground with spirals in his eyes, signaling his defeat.

Marie raised her right arm for Nic's side. "Honchkrow is unable to battle, Staraptor is the winner! And that means the victory goes to Nic!"

The patrons all watching throughout the two worlds cheered for the battle, more or less of the way Nic finished it. The crowd paying attention was astounded with it overall.

"NIC!" a wailing fangirl shouted.

"That was awesome!" another guy in the crowd yelled.

"So that was a Pokémon battle! That was so awesome!" another guy shrieked. "Nic's bird just swooped in and POW!"

Michael and Joanna watching onscreen were shocked as well, but they had big smiles as they sat on the couch. Tan, however, was squeezing his Weedle out of sheer joy. "Yay! Nic won! He won!" he shouted, jumping up and down.

Fairy Tail cheered in delight, especially Lucy and Wendy. "Alright!" they highfived.

"Aye, sir!"

Dereece was still wide-eyed and hunched over, grasping that power. Joey, however, was a mess. His fingers were twitching as he was shedding tears so much that he was almost blind. He was babbling incoherent sentences like he lost the ability to talk out of sheer awesomeness he felt.

Cana nudged Vanessa's shoulder. "Well girl, looks like your brother hasn't lost his flashy edge there." She smirked.

Vanessa looked ahead as well, and she, too, smiled. "He never lost his sense of surprise."

"As expected from someone who is as seasoned as can be." Freed nodded.

"Damn straight. That guy found the opportunity in all the right spots." Bickslow smiled, sticking his tongue mouth.

"Well if you ask me, that seemed to have taken too long." Evergreen smirked.

Laxus said nothing. Instead, he just watched with a half-grin.

Minerva chuckled to herself. "Why am I not surprised."

"That's Nic for ya. As awesome as ever." Sting gleefully smiled. Beside him, Rogue had a more modest smile plastered.

"True."

Everyone was recovering from their shock, and the press was taking pictures all over the place, while being sure to keep their space. As everyone was rejoicing in the simulated Pokémon battle, Nic walked right up to Staraptor, laying a hand and pet her head. "Thank you for the battle, Staraptor. That was a great job." He praised.

Staraptor accepted the praise with a smile. "My pleasure."

Nic reached for his Poke Ball and returned Staraptor. As she went back into the capsule, the defeated Honchkrow was returned as well by the opposing Trainer. Nic looked back with a grin of please at Duncan, who frowned with a snort at his distasteful loss.

"Guess I still have a ways to go." He said.

Nic took steps closer towards him, where he kept his composed and relaxed disposition. It wasn't that he was trying to look smug, no, he was way above that. But more or less, it was him showing respects and keeping his impression for Duncan. "You weren't bad at all. We appreciated the battle." He grinned.

Duncan didn't seem to care all that much about Nic's commending. If anything, it didn't help at all, it just felt like a sore insult to injury. Duncan just huffed and turned away from Nic, accepting his loss with what dignity he had. "Yeah, same here." He muttered.

A pair of gloves clapped, revealing themselves to be from Arthur back onstage. Nic's glancing went up towards him, while Duncan turned fully. All eyes went up towards him as he approached the podium in his wheelchair.

"Very well done, to both of you." He praised. "Thank you both for an illustrious battle between two Pokémon Trainers. So, ladies and gentlemen, as you have witnessed, this is the result and what is known as a Pokémon battle. When one Pokémon is unable to battle, the victor and his partner takes the experience they had gained, and in the end two respects collide. There are many symbolic tunes to a battle, but what's important is that you try your hardest, just as I promise to ty my hardest for all of you. That is, if you shall let me."

There were many shouts of those in the crowd who were sounding excited about all this, while others were still gazing at Nic. Some seemed more or less indifferent to all this, but it seemed by a few grins by others appeared to change the tide to a more promising light. The audience seemed to have given their response to Arthur, and as they voiced tehri changes for the world, the assistance beside him were looking amused and pleased with how this may all turned.

Erza watched from within the cheering crowd, smiling at Nic as he looked back into the audience and press. As he smiled, the smile on Erza also appeared on her face. "Looks like we've got a lot of work to do." She said to herself.


"Cheers!" A pair of wine glasses tapped each other in a toast.

It was a lively night that night. With the conference and the plans fully detailed about the changes to the now populated Pokémon world, the courtyard of Mercurius was also the location of where the reception would be held. That night, those who attended didn't wear anything too fancy, but some people, like the guild mages, wore their usual attires. Surrounded by lamp and heat lacrima all around, the now-Spring cold nights were of little recognition while the party was going on.

With some of the Fairy Tail members, the reception was as boisterous as could be at the guild hall. It was loud, a lot of drinks, and a whole lot of eccentric demeanors being shown off. Gray's stripping to his boxers certainly left quite the impression, as well as a few shrieking women to escape. Some like Marie even wanted to slap him if not for Juvia scaring them off.

Bacchus raised his glass high with a sloppy smile. "Alright boys, let's show PokeEarth just what Earthland has to offer! What are we boys…?"

"WILD!" Quatro Cerberus roared.

Goldmine chuckled at his guild causing a deep ruckus. "The boys never cease to throw anyone for a loop, hey Bob?"

Beside him, guild master Bob put a hand to his rosy cheek. "Why, of course sweetheart. Boys can be such rowdy and interesting creatures." He mused. "But some got good taste…"

Within Fairy Tail's crowd, Joey was talking to Dereece at a table. "And then I was like…!" He got sidetracked when he felt a tingly sensation run up his spine. Curious, he turned around with a raised brow.

Dereece looked at him in curiosity. "And…?"

"Oh, huh?" He turned around to look at him. "Sorry man, I could've sworn someone was talking about me." He glanced off towards the side. "Must be my imagination."

"You sure that ain't your hearing aids again? I thought you got a new pair just three weeks ago." He pointed out.

Joey raised another brow as he inserted a finger into his own ear. He seemed to have twisted something in it, and then suddenly, everything on the left side was muted. It was all a bunch of ringing on the one side while the right ear had more muffled voices. Turning the knob again, everything was slowly heard again. He gave a thumbs up to Dereece, noting the test was good. "All good here."

At another table, a large piece of meat was in Natsu's hand. "Aw yeah, now this is a party!" He chomped down on it, ripping off all the meat in one go. The grease and pieces of skin was still on his lips, much to Lucy's dismay.

"You better not swallow that or I'm not giving you the Heimlich maneuver." She warned him. To her surprise, beside Natsu, Charmander was also eating chicken, but a smaller leg compared to Natsu. Like him, he was making his own mess.

"Man, this is really good!" Charmander chimed.

"I know, right?!" Natsu answered.

"Not you, too!" Lucy whined.

Vanessa was busy having a light conversation with Sophie and Bisca, supposedly of Pokémon, or possibly fruity drinks available for her liking. She was approached behind by someone who called out to her. "Excuse me, Vanessa is it?"

The young and attractive female turned around to meet the person. "Hm? Oh, Jura." She looked up towards him, albeit surprised. "Well this is a surprise."

The Wizard Saint chuckled. "That's putting it mildly now, isn't it?"

"Yes, I suppose so."

"I just wanted to say what a magnificent job both you and your brother did today. You both have my gratitude for giving us your voices. My guild is grateful for your guidance." He bowed his head towards Vanessa, making the younger woman nervously smile.

"O-oh please, no need to be so formal." She insisted. "Nic and I were just doing what we thought would help is all. But we appreciate your generosity, Jura."

Sophie looked around, taking notice of the populace around her. "Speaking of which, where is Nic? Did he leave again you think?"

Bisca looked around as well. "Now that you mention it, I haven't seen him either. Maybe he did bail."

"If he surely did, then Erza would've tailed him. You know how her own personal Nic-tracker always brings her to him." Sophie smirked.

Jura chuckled at the humor in the teasing of romance. "Well now, as crude in humor as that may seem, I'm sorry to put a damper on this ferry, but I do believe I've seen Nic and Erza not too far away." He turned his head towards one of the long tables in front of the stage, which has yet to be disassembled. "They've been talking to Arthur for a while now that it seemed inappropriate to pry at the time."

Vanessa grinned as her brother's chat. "It's not like Nic to keep a serious conversation for that long. This Arthur sounds interesting."

"True, but let's not make haste here. We still don't know what will happen here on." Sophie reminded.

"Maybe…but at least now we have an idea of how to help everyone struggling with Pokémon."

Far away from the group, standing beside the other as Jefferey and Charlotte like soldiers, each having a drink in their hands. They both were watching as the party and reception had so many people from their world, including all the engineers and manufacturers who were ready to begin work once they sobered up.

"Well, Charlotte." Jefferey started. "I think I speak for everyone when I say this whole event turned out quite well."

Charlotte chuckled knowingly. "Well of course it did." The woman's voice had a German tone towards it. "If this didn't, do you think I would unwind like this?"

Jefferey snickered back. "Yes, well, let's save the doubt for later down the road, shall we?" He held his wine glass in between them. "Here's to the opportunity that Arthur and Nic had given us. Without them, we've never would've made any of this come to life."

Charlotte smirked with a small scoff of her own. She used one hand and tapped her glass against his with a bend in it. "Yes…and opportunity indeed, Jefferson." She looked out at the crowd before her, seeing them eat and drink with merry. "For tomorrow, we begin what shall be a revolution."

Nearby, two more glasses toasted each other, these being of Arthur and Jeff of the Magic Council. As expected, the man had a jovial mood beneath his black glasses, but beside him was a small, blue tadpole-like Pokémon with small pink lips and a swirly belly. As the two men shared a good laugh, the revealed Poliwag was wagging his tail.

"HAHA! My boy, well done, very well done." Jeff leaned down and pat him on the back in gratitude. "I couldn't have done it better myself."

Arthur sheepishly snickered at the praise he was given. "Oh come now, don't be so modest, Jeff. I was just being light on the speeches…" An uneased drop of sweat came off the side of his face. "Of course, I can't lie when I admit that I may have extended it in some aspects."

Jeff raised the glass to his lips and took big sips from it. One gulp after another, until it was entirely empty. He sighed heavily and raised his glass up. "Oh don't be so humble, my boy! The Council has given you great recommendation! You should be more honorable with what you've done for us today!" he laughed. "Thanks to you and these plans, I think this transition might work out quite well, right?" He looked down towards the Poliwag that tagged alongside him. The Water-type looked up with a bright smile of his own. He laughed again jovially.

Marie stood off to the side, adjusting her glasses with a guilt look. "With all do respects, sir, I don't think a person as dignified as yourself should be so-!" She was cut off when Jeff leaned in, showing another wine glass that he reached up with.

"Naw what's the harm? The rest of the Council can be so prissy, you think?" he mused.

"Marie." Arthur got his nervous assistance's attention, letting her see him with a refilled glass of wine in hand and grinning. "There's no need to be this worked up. Please, save the troubles for when morning comes." He looked out ahead of him, peering into the crowd. "Just look at everyone here. If they can unwind, I suppose even you can liven up some."

Marie hummed with an unsound tone to it. She had a pouty face with her bottom lip up and looked back at the wine glass Jeff was giving her. She looked down, and back. After a few more glances, and a lot of deep thinking, she looked away while accepting the glass. "Well fine, but just one." She stated.

As she took a small sip from her glass, Jeff raised his glass and yelled out. Joining him from the sides was Cana and Macao, as well as Bacchus. Poliwag bounced up to meet their heights with glee.

Arthur laughed at the uproar everyone was making. It was actually more relaxing than what he had in mind. With his team finally getting accustomed to getting berry ranches and Poke Ball manufacturing tomorrow, he could finally turn his attention towards someone else who deserves recognition.

Nic and Erza were both sitting at their own personal table. While many people have already come by to praise Nic for essentially everything he did, he was far from the mood to party. Then again, he isn't the party guy. If it wasn't for matters like Arthur or anything Erza hasn't convinced him otherwise, then he would've left the city by now and found a nice tree to take a long nap. However, this was important, so he had to buck up…this one time that is.

Seeing how bored and tired Nic her was besides, Erza smirked. "Someone sure looks like they could use a break." She joked.

Nic looked towards her with a teased grin of his own. "Is it really that noticeable? I still can't believe I was apart of all this." He shook his head with a deep sigh. "You know, I'm actually glass Arthur promised he would take the ropes on this. I don't think between our daily routine and all this going on, I'd probably break in two before next week."

Erza snickered meekly. "Well business can do that to you."

"True, but I still feel like I can do more."

Coming up from the side, Arthur rolled up to Nic. He looked over, immediately noticing the man. "Nonsense, Nic. What are you talking about?" He replied to the comment. "You've done more than enough for all of us. The Cambire Foundation and our world's alike can't be anymore grateful with all that you've done to help set this up."

Nic grinned. "That so?"

"Without a doubt. But, if it's not too much trouble, we might be relying on you and your guild with resources."

"Resources?" Erza questioned.

"You know, footage. Incrimination of man and Pokémon working in a guild together. Your guild has the most experience, do you not? If so, and if possible, could you help us in the early stages of this development?"

Nic and Erza looked towards each other, the two sharing a knowing look. They were still suspicious of how this was all going to turn out, but they were far from the point of no return. With their answers fixed, Nic looked back at Arthur with a serious face.

"We can't guarantee promises, but as long as you understand we're doing this by the rules we agreed to, then at the very least, we'll keep the intentions in mind."

Arthur nodded. "You're too kind." He presented his glass to Nic, who gave a twisted yet unnerved expression.

"Sorry, but…I can't drink." He nervously admittedly.

Arthur looked surprised. "Really, but I thought you were over-"

"I-It's a long story. I'd rather leave it at that." Regardless, he reached for an empty wine glass in the center of his table. He smiled and toasted to Arthur as well, accepting his gratitude to the fullest.

After the toast, Arthur reached into his tuxedo, seemingly digging for something. "I know this may not seem like much in terms of compensation, but it would mean a lot to me it you accepted it." He pulled out the so-called "compensation" from the jacket and presented it towards Nic. Dangling from thin brown strings was a small bauble made of deep glass in the shape of a raindrop. Inside its center was a deep, mystical blue water that sparkled with an enigmatic serenity from within.

Nic's eyes widened upon seeing the token of acceptance, which soon furrowed into a brow. He was handed the item, which he looked at for a moment before facing Arthur with curiosity.

"Arthur, is this a-"

"Mystic Water?" he interrupted. "Why yes, it is. I'm sure you may or may not be aware, but it helps boost Water-type's strength, by an extra 20% if I remember my math. I just wished I could've repaid you further." He morbidly shook his head.

Nic put his hand up in modesty. "No, it's fine, really. I appreciate it." He looked back at the Mystic Water, watching its liquid glisten like the deep ocean. He's seen a few items like these before, but they were far from common in his aspects. "It's just that I don't get these kinds of gifts that often…"

Arthur looked back up and chuckled. "Well how about that. I'm the one who should be bashful here, not you."

The two and the girls shared a good chuckle at the irony they stirred up. As they amused themselves with all that was going on, they were caught surprised when another person's footsteps closed in. The first to take notice was Nic, who looked ahead to see someone standing close by.

"Excuse me." The individual greeted.

The three remainders looked back as well, taking notice of the guy before them. To their surprise, it was Duncan, and he didn't seem as pleased as ever.

Arthur looked at him with a questionable expression. "Huh? Oh, I remember you! You were the one who battled Nic earlier! Why hello."

Duncan politely bowed back. "Thank you very much, sir." His tone, as it was before, was more modest and as monotone than it was gracious. He faced Nic again, meeting him dead in the eye. "So that was it?"

The question was more open-ended than it was intended to be, but in a Trainer's aspect, Nic was sure of what he meant by that. He was far from dumb. He knew he was talking about the battle. All Nic did in return was keep his calm and frown back. "That's debatable. For the time being of course." He answered.

Duncan closed his eyes. Allowing his thoughts to process. "I see."

"So you said you came from Celestic Town, right? That's in the Sinnoh region if memory serves me right."

Duncan looked at him again. "Yes."

"So then I take it you were sent here like Joey and Dereece, amongst all the other Pokémon."

"That's right."

Nic and Erza shot each other a look of wonder. They then looked back at Duncan same as before. "So then what is it you intend to do now?" Erza inquired.

Duncan shrugged. "Doesn't matter to me."

"Well, if you don't have anywhere to go, you're always more than welcome to help us in the Cambire Foundation." Arthur suggested. "We're looking for any Trainers or interns who are willing to learn, and given someone of your experience, you can be of great value."

Marie adjusted her glasses by the handles. "Sir, at least think this through rather than jump out in the open…"

Duncan stared at Arthur for a brief moment, but the looks in his eyes showed a symbolic sign of disinterest. Once more, he bowed his head. "Thank you for the offer, but I'm not interested in the cause."

Marie's brow furrowed in aggravation. "You're what?"

"Easy." Nic ushered. "If that's what he wants, then let it be." He, however, shot Duncan his own look. "So then Duncan, what is it that you want? Do you want to go back to PokeEarth?"

Once again, Duncan showed disinterest in a shrug. I've been getting on well just fine here, thank you. I managed this far with helping this woman and getting some lame jobs to help earn money to get by here."

Erza looked interested in what it was he went through. "So then you're a mercenary?"

"Well you won't make it too far with Pokémon popping up. And eventually you're Pokémon might run out of PP for their attacks. That can be a problem." Nic leaned back in his seat, crossing his arms as he pondered about the circumstances Duncan might be going through. When he thought deeper about the prospects, he looked up towards him again. "Have you thought about joining a guild?"

Erza and the others looked towards him with surprise. Nearby, passing with their refreshed plates of food, Joey and Dereece's ears twitched. They looked over, seeing the conversation unfold.

"A guild, you say?" Duncan answered.

"I'd rather not opinionate on what you think a guild should be, but if you need work to get by, you can always align yourself with a guild. There's mages who make teams and those who can manage well on their own depending on their skillset. Joey and Dereece have already went on jobs with Pokémon before, so I don't see the problem with you not fitting into one."

Duncan thought about Nic's recommendation as he leaned off to the side and reset the kendo stick on his shoulder. He hummed with a cold frown as the others looked at him expectantly, like it was a gamble. They weren't aware nor had any confirmation of what Duncan was all about other than being a seasoned Trainer as well, but being an enigma, they were again surprised with how he responded.

"Well if you say so. If it'll get me by, then fine with me." He answered. "Tell me, which guild did you say you were in?"

"…Fairy Tail."

Duncan nodded in understanding. "Then, if it's alright with you, I wouldn't mind getting some work there."

Nic and Erza shot each other another look. They both had a more conspicuous gaze than before, this one of self-preserved reconnaissance. They weren't that familiar with him, but then Nic looked back, this time showing a grin and nod combo.

"It's as I said before, everyone deserves a chance. Welcome aboard."

Joey dropped his plate of food with his expression as relatable to that of a gasping Goldeen. Slowly, he began to register and inhaled excitedly. Overwhelmed with shock, he left Dereece's side in a flash and appeared beside the group. "You mean you're joining the same guild as us?!" he shouted at Duncan.

The man looked at Joey with a blunt stare. "Yeah. What's it to you?"

"YES!" Joey jumped for joy. "We're not alone on this crisis! Hooray! You hear that, Dereece?! We got more people to make a dance partaaaaay~!" He pointed his fingers upwards as he whistled loudly. "Woooooo!"

Nic and Erza looked at each other again, but this time smirking. Nic in fact chuckled. Arthur had an intrigued look of his own, while Marie looked away from the embarrassment.

As Joey cheered all around, he suddenly turned and pointed a finger at Duncan's nose. The proximity surprised the new member some, even the look on Joey's face showed twisted anger, with a hint of epic darkness in the shadows. "But if you in any way disrespect the ways of Nic, I will know! And there will be consequences! Got it, mister?!" He threatened with epic virtue in his voice, making him seem dead serious.

Finally blinking, Duncan again looked docile. "I'll keep that in mind."

Joey nodded. "Good! Now then…" He swaggered his arms in a circular motion to point at Dereece. "Dereece, hit the beats!"

Shrugging at his best friend, Dereece pilled out his small boombox in hand. He grinned as he pressed a button, starting up another song with deep symphonic, electronic, and especially ultra-bass. The loud volume was met with attention drawing towards Joey.

"YES!" He zipped to the center of an open part of the reception, where there, he stood like a statue with his head down. As people stared at him, he slowly moved his head up, looking serious as he did a neckroll. In a suave motion, he flipped up his Poke Ball, and throwing it into the air, the device popped open, summoning Chespin down beside Joey. The Grass-type looked up towards Joey as he looked ready.

"Chespin…like we rehearsed."

Chespin eagerly smiles like a child. The bass and the electronic tune to the music amped up. Both man and Pokémon were pretty much in sync, though Chespin was a little slower. Their motions started off as more robotic as giving the electronic tone, but as the music added beats, they became more nimble, and in no time looked like two party animals that were dancing off the night away.

Those who were watching thought it was embarrassing at first, but eventually the people began to sway into their…funky dancing.

"Wow, they're really good!"

"Man, they're awesome!"

"I know! How can they even dance like that?!"

Joey began to slide, bending his leg into the slide with many stomps ahead, and Chespin followed. They repeated the motion when they moved right, and slid into several taps before stepping up with a multitude of arms loops and body rolls. Everyone was loving it, and even Fairy Tail was shocked at Joey's dancing.

"Man, the guy can really put on a show." Gray said, having no shirt again.

Natsu smiled. "Yeah, no kidding! He's even more wild than Vijeeter!"

Watching Joey make a mockery of the ways of "fine" dancing, Vijeeter couldn't help but feel defeated as he gaped with dull white eyes and a despondent aura over his head.

As Joey was gaining attention, many more were beginning to join in on the dance floor. He and Chespin remained in sync as patrons and hot women and guys alike were starting to get in tune with his slick moves. Soon enough several were tagging along in his rhythm, making a dancing fiesta for all to enjoy. And – not surprisingly – Dereece also was part of it, although was more of the electric noodle and robot motion.

Watching from a table, Sophie had an index finger to her cheek, smirking as she watched Joey dance away. "She, she (Well, well.). Looks like Joey's letting out some steam." She mused.

Vanessa watched Joey shake it till he made it, and he was looking really into it. She couldn't help but laugh lightly at his attitude. "My, what spirit he has." She smiled. "And quite the dancer, too."

Sophie snickered at her friend. "And he knows a few things around these 'video games' he always played."

Vanessa nodded. "I think things are going to be very interesting with him around it feels like."

Cana raised a champagne bottle with a big smile. "Alright, let's party~!"

All cheered as the party went on that night. They all seemed very excited for the palpitating beats and the upbeats that Joey and Dereece were making with their dancing. As they got attention, Arthur couldn't help but chuckle at the very interesting fellow, and Marie's face twisted in annoyance. "Honestly…"

Nic and Erza looked at each other, both smiling at the beats and the dancing skills being whipped into the air. They looked back, but as they did, Erza's hand found itself on top of Nic's.

"Looks like things are going to get interesting."

"Yeah, they most certainly are."

As the party went on, Joey was gaining a lot of attention with his high-level dances he learned from the video games he always played. Proving his skills and working up a sweat of success, he was unaware that he was getting attention from others. It wasn't just Nic and Erza, but more so. Far away, deeply hidden within the darkness beyond the lamps and heat lacrima, there was a silhouette of someone sitting nonchalantly, petting the foot-tall insect beside him. The centipede-like creature hissed loudly, while his master and himself observed Joey as he danced on, not knowing of the dangers to come.


A~nd once again, I have overloaded your brains with insane amounts of words in this chapter. So sorry for that again…but at this point, there's no point in being sorry when I'm just going to keep doing it. Seriously though, taking about 5 days roughly for 30K again, and not at all at a shabby pace. I would've got more on the weekend, but 8 hour shifts on Saturday and Sunday. Before you also ask, yes, I worked on Easter, so I didn't have much going on that day. Oh well, it happens.

So, as per what I had to cramp in a lot of words, I got you all some insight on the new Magic Council OCs I have created, and some I can say like Jeff will be seen on a lighter note, while keeping the distasteful side like Alfredo, who I based off of Akainu from One Piece. And, for the other OCs, picture them like this: Imagine Charlotte and Travis based off of Charlemagne and Commander Trey from Monsuno, and base Jefferey and Eliza from Ironwood and Winter from RWBY, only with a different attire if you will. As for Duncan, well you guys already know what he's based off in terms of appearance in chapter 1, so I'll spare the details there.

So we also got new insight on this VERY important OC that I created, and that's Arthur. Now I know you guys have questions and concerns, but I'd rather reduce that to a minimum. Arthur is going to play a very important role in the story from now on, him and his programs that will be told later on. Arthur will be contributing to a degree, but I won't say to an extent how much. Just know he'll be someone you'll want to keep an open mind about, as with the other OCs that will get screen time later on.

Now then, with SO MANY words done – again – I'll say that I'm still glad I had that Staraptor VS Honchkrow throwback like Ash Vs Paul did, and you'll be seeing soon just who it is that has Joey eye. Like Arthur, he, too, shall play into the script to a degree.

Hope you all enjoyed and await for Chapter 5! :)