Lands searched far and wide were always a mystery when they were first discovered. Even in the darkest forests and caves, there were paths that man never realized on their first voyage through. One could take the same route over and over just to be safe and not take reckless chances. The feeling of security is what keeps people happy, if not compels them to continue the paths that bring them to new places.

However, there are some places, where no matter how secure you are of yourself…that even men would never survive.

In a dimension that reminisced much like space. Various shades of purple and violet space dust flowed throughout the unknown confines of this bizarre world. This realm of mystery had floating islands of dark rock. Some were smooth, but gradually were outmatched by formations that were spiky. Some islands had islands beneath them with emerald moss shimmering. In a way, if seen in a child's perspective, it could be familiar to an upside-down spiky castle. As one looks higher up, they become more common.

Inside one of these floating islands, the dark crevices housed the cold temperatures that could make a Beartic's fur stand on end. It's here that someone actually resided. Alone. Wedged between two mossy blue crystal stacks, a figure was shaped in a bizarre prism. He was shivering. No frost nor mist eroded from where a mouth could be, but if he could talk, his very breath could spread for miles on end, making every ear twitch with an uncomfortable sensation. This is the only place for now that this creature could find levity.

"…" For a brief moment, a small tone escaped this creature. All it could see was pitch-black; nothing reflecting off the edging of its own oddly-shaped body.

"…why?" He slowly balled his claws, making a tight fist. "Why do you insist on keeping the light from me?" He took a small, raspy breath, his body starting to give off a perplexing shine of the mossy green around him. "I know there is more light out there. And I know that you are keeping it somewhere…" Around him, it looked like the light was dimming. The moss all around lost its shine while his body began twitching like some possessed doll. Some parts contorted as he was trying to move them, but it was hardly lubricative. "Give it to me…give it to me…GIVE IT TO MEEE!"

His shrilled cry on the last word spread far and ide throughout the dimension. His shrieking, mind-numbing tone caught attention of many creatures who were in their own worlds, quire literally. Their heads perked up, turning towards the sound of a pained cry.

He heaved out another raspy breath, one so bloodcurdling that it would put any wild animal to shame. The light his body had was used up, forcing him to return to a statue-like state. It was like he was suspended in time.

"…the light…it cannot hide forever. Nothing can…" The dull look in his eyes sharpened in the pitch-black of his domain. "Not in the light…"


Sweat dripped onto the morning ground. A bare chest was pushing up, and then down. The breaths of this figment taking advantage of the morning cool air to challenge his tolerance.

"18…19…20…" As the numbers grew, so did the ache that Joey felt. His arms were getting shaky from how sore he was feeling. Not to mention there was a sac of heavy materials on his back.

"Your form is starting to break." Nic observed patiently in front. "Make sure you go all the way down."

Joey's arms were feeling like jelly, but with what he had, he arose. "R-right…" straining, he slowly lowered again. "Twenty…one…" He slowly bent down, his arms perfectly at right angles, just like Nic taught him. He pulled up, face red with oxygen scarce.

Seeing Joey trying to grasp his hold on the training, Nic looked over, seeing Dereece having equally as much weight on his back. The big-boned guy was looking just as strained as Joey, though less comical. Both looked to be more constipated than suffering.

"Twen…ty…ugh!" Joey flatlined on the ground. Not too long, Dereece followed. "I can't…breathe…" Joey wheezed.

Nic walked over, bending down to lift the two sacs with ease of their backs. "Alright, that's good. That's one better than yesterday." He acknowledged, throwing the sacs off to the side. He saw how Dereece was looking like he was going to throw up. "Okay, you guys deserve 5. Get some water in ya. We'll pick up on another set after."

Joey heaved as he arose to his knees. "Yes…Nic-senpai…" he wiped the sweat off his forehead.

Dereece rolled onto his back, gasping for air like a Magikarp. "Captain Joey, can we please skip the magic training for the day?" he groaned. "My body's about as dull as a paralyzed Muk right now."

Joey slowly arose again. "You can, Dereece…but I'm not." He took in a deep breath to relax his muscles, just like Nic taught him. "If I'm gonna be here and fight like Bro did, I gotta take every chance I can get to make sure I master his magic."

Nic was stretching his arms, limbering up his body. As he prepared, he noticed someone entering the backyard. "Vanessa, you made it."

Vanessa walked up. It was still a little early for the Pularis girl. But she was awake…this time. "Sorry if I'm a little late." She apologized. "I forgot the time again."

Nic shook his head. "Nah, it's fine. Thanks again for coming."

"Is Erza still on an overnight job I take it?"

Nic nodded. "Yeah, but I think she and the others should be back soon. Shouldn't be too long now." He looked towards Joey and Dereece. "In the meantime, you think you can help?"

Vanessa smiled. "How could I not?" She watched Joey and Dereece get back on the ground, the two ready to begin another round of push-ups. "That's odd. I would've thought Duncan would be joining his team's training exercises."

Nic watched them do push-ups again. "Joey actually asked him to join them in their training in the mornings. But apparently, Duncan said he wasn't interested. I think he said he's trying to find a way to control his magic."


In the middle of the forest, a sword swung with great force, grazing a small tree. Duncan scooted back from the tree as if it would pop out to attack him. He held his sword up and bolted at the tree, a dead serious glare fixed on the single spot that he's been targeting for a while. He darted, clutching it with both hands as rainbow aura started outlining the sword. He took a big leap, slashing his sword into the tree.

"Gngh!" The force of his own attack didn't work out. He slid back with the sword still in hand. 'Damnit! Not enough force!' He adjusted his stance, clutching tighter. 'Gotta adjust!' This time, as he clutched it tighter. The energy he was pouring into it now swallowed the entire sword. He darted ahead, zipping left and right. This time, when he closed the gap, he added more force into his swing.

SHING!

In one fell swoop, the attack he had had an effect, but the force didn't go his way. He had a steel-hard gaze as he saw the sword break in two rather than slice through the tree. The upper-half went spinning into the atmosphere, coming down to pierce the ground behind Duncan.

He looked back, seeing that once again, another sword was broken. He lost count of how many swords he's went through, but it was enough to drain his pockets this morning. He looked at the broken guard in his hand, grunting angrily. Without care, he dropped it and reached for another sword too the side.

This time, instead of going for the trees, he started from scratch and began practicing his kendo at the air.


"Yes, I've heard about that, too." Vanessa replied. "Apparently he feels more obligated solo than the rest of us here." She glanced at her brother. "Remind you of someone?"

Nic smirked. "Very funny." He looked ahead, seeing the two collapse once more. They looked like pudding sacs with hardly any show of energy. He walked towards them a few paces, waiting to see them catch their breaths. "Alright guys, that's enough." He said.

Joey shakily looked up. "Are we done?"

Nic smiled. "What's wrong? Thought that was the real thing?"

Joey, though a little flustered, started getting up again. "N-no! Of course not, Nic-senpai! I-I was just, uh…"

Nic crossed his arms. "Relax, alright? Just seeing if you were ready to move on. Alright then, who's ready for some actual combat practice?"

Nic still couldn't believe he was doing this. Neither could Vanessa. If Erza were here, she'd be a lot harder to handle with. She never holds back, but Nic didn't want her to kill The Freaks. Looking at Joey, he began to reminisce on how he ended up being Joey's personal trainer to begin with.


The day after everyone got back, the departed group managed to settle back into their own leisure. While some were at the guild like nothing's new, Laxus was well aware of the news spreading far and wide at a rapid pace of what they did. It wasn't long until rumors of a council and Cambire Foundation argument exploded.

Nic and Erza, however, chose to wait out the situation. Instead, they tended to…other matters, specifically the kinds that are left untold in their home. Any kind of evidence of what those details were was the sounds of moaning and bouncing. That all came to a pause when the sound of a knock came from their front door.

"Huh?" Nic turned his head inside the room. "You hear that?"

The tapping of their door didn't go unnoticed by his wife. "Who could that be?" Again, tapping was heard.

"I don't know…" Nic was beginning to grow irritated by the second. Whoever was there, they either must be persistent, or have a death wish. Groaning, he got up. "I'll go check. Just stay here and…well…you get it." Opening the door to their bedroom, he came out with him tying the gold sash around his baggy pants. Good thing they were baggy from the start. The knocking grew louder. "Alright, just hang on." He hissed, drawing closer towards the door. "Look, guys, if it's you or the guild, we're kinda busy right-" When he fully opened the door, his look of irritation subsided as he saw a person there with spiky blonde hair with a flamboyant design. But the face he had was what alarmed him. "…Joey?"

Joey looked flustered for a second at how harshly Nic opened the door on him. "O-oh! N-Nic-senpai!" he chirped nervously. "Uh…s-sorry, is this a bad time?"

Nic had to think fast. He wanted to say yes and maybe Joey would leave him and his wife be…but looking at his face told him that something was up. "…uh…" he looked back to his closed bedroom door before facing Joey. "…you're fine."

"Then why is your vest and shirt off?" he pointed to his upper body. Joey nearly cringed when he saw the deep scars that Nic had on his body. He imagined something cleaner, not something like this.

"I was doing laundry." He lied. "So what's up? You come to ask permission to use our battlefield again?"

Joey sheepishly rubbed the back of his head. "Er…w-well…no. Not really. It's just…"

Joey's constant trailing made Nic take notice of some of Joey's characteristics for a second. Being someone who pays attention when he tries, he knew what was up about Joey. Normally, Joey would be all bright and happy. But today, it felt a little different. He looked like he hadn't slept well, if not at all. During the trip back to Fiore, he and Erza did take some slight notice of Joey whimpering still, even after saying goodbye to Broly. He most certainly sympathized with Joey's loss. Rather than make assumptions, he gave Joey the space needed to try and speak his mind.

"…well…that trip to stop that war really opened my eyes." Joey continued. "I've got to meet so many people, and people that became our friends…I'm really gonna miss them."

Nic looked down. "Yeah. They're good people at heart." He was starting to catch on.

"But because of me…I couldn't save Bro. He passed on his legacy to me, and…and now I'm not sure who to turn to." He rubbed his sleeve nervously, fearing rejection. His eyes started to mist. "He really was a good person. I know I've got a lot to do…but…but…" He looked Nic deep in his eyes. "I need your help!" he snapped, surprising Nic. "I need someone to train me!"

"Train you?" Nic repeated.

"Yes! I need your help! I promised that I would make Bro proud of me…but I just don't know how! All I ever know is dancing and partying – with the occasional baking and dressing pretty at times." He deadpanned the last part before returning to somber. "I barely know how to battle with my own Pokémon properly! I don't even know if what I'm doing is right anymore! Please, Nic-senpai?"

He rubbed the back of his own head. "I don't know…I mean, I've never trained anyone before. I've always trained with my Pokémon away from people, so…"

"I don't know who else to turn to!" Joey's outburst sent a shock through Nic. The poor, sad teen slowly sunk to his knees, silently sobbing as he held his fists close to his chest. He was despairing right before Nic, begging at the hands of someone who was strong. He couldn't feel anymore pathetic than he did already. "I don't know…if I can do it." He opened his palms, his tears dripping into his skin. "Even after a bucket of ice cream, I still couldn't sleep last night without thinking about him…I can't look at the mirror and see anything but someone who just failed…I CAN'T GET THIS PAIN OUT OF MY HEAD ALONE!" He cried out as he bowed on his hands and knees for Nic. Tears ran down his face as he wept. "PLEASE! HELP ME, NIC-SENPAI! HELP ME BECOME SOMEONE THAT BRO CAN BE PROUD OF!"

Nic was stunned in stone-cold silence. He honestly didn't even know how to respond anymore. Just looking at his plea was all the proof he needed to know that Joey really was fragile. He was obsessing over something that wasn't his fault, but he still took blame anyways. In a way, Nic could relate. He lost a few people that became important to him during their time together, and even now, the bittersweet memories of Pavo, his parents, and Master Makarov were what compelled him. It wasn't just because Joey was an aspiring Pokémon Trainer, but more so. He now knew pain. Real pain. The pain that makes a man stronger.

If he was honest with himself, he would've said no to anybody. The fact is he likes to be alone half the time. It's just who he was. But Joey needed to be surrounded by those who he looked up to. If he didn't who knows what lengths Joey would go?

As Joey silently wept, Nic bent down and pulled him into a hug. "It hurts, doesn't it?" he said softly.

Joey sniffled. "It hurts so much."

"This pain you feel, it's not something that you can make go way so easily. I should know. You're not the only one who lost people important to you."

Joey sniffled again. "I know…but how did you stand again?"

"Because I wasn't alone at the time." Joey showed genuine confusion as Nic pulled away. "You know I usually like being by myself ay times, but in times of peril, it's important to not rely on yourself. I moved on because it's what I needed to do, for myself, and for those who have fallen. I may not have known Broly like you did…but if he saw someone who could stand when he couldn't, then there's no doubt that same person who loved you will lose faith." He smiled genuinely. "I'm not sure if what I'm saying is helping…to be honest, I have some trouble with what to say as well…but if it makes you feel any better, I think you did a good job."

Joey's eyes widened at Nic's praise. He began to feel a little better. "R-really?"

Nic got on his two feet. "Yeah. You stood against enemies that threatened to kill you, and you fought back despite knowing the consequences. You're a brave person, Joey. And you look out for others. You should be proud of that."

Joey swallowed a lump. He began to wipe tears away and the last of his sniffling seemed to have went away. "Okay." He started. "I think I feel better. But Nic-senpai…"

"Don't worry about it. You'll be just fine." He smiled. "Look, I can't help you with your magic…but I think I can help you in some other areas."

Joey's eyes brightened. "You mean…you will train me?!" he sounded happier.

Nic smiled. "I'll make an exception this one time. But look, I can only show you the basics. Everything else beyond that, you're gonna have to pick up from there and make your own, sound good?"

Joey nodded. "Yes! I promise, I won't disappoint you!" He pumped his fists. "I'll do my best!"

Nic nodded. "That's good. Just remember, do your very best. Alright, how's about you go get some rest and drink some water? Gotta hydrate if you wanna move around in battle."

"You got it!" Joey took off again, but not before waving back to Nic. "Thanks for everything!"

Nic looked calmly as Joey took off, all bubbly and happy again. But deep down, he could see that Joey is still fragile. It wasn't in his place to tell Joey to try and be independent. He's got to learn that himself. For now, what he knew he had to do was make sure Joey strays from the path that he still wants. 'He's got a lot of experience on this mission he went on.' He thought to himself. 'I'm glad I was at least able to cheer him up. Guess I haven't got a choice now.' His shoulders slumped as he sighed. "What have I gotten myself into?"

"Yes. I was beginning to question that myself."

Nic's eyes snapped open when he turned around. He saw Erza standing there, clad in his coat. It was an intriguing picture. "Erza." He said surprised. "Uh, I was just uh…"

"I know." She admitted. "It's fine. There's no need to rush things." She walked on over, standing eye level to Nic with a sot smile. She put a hand to his cheek, one that he leaned into to feel her warmth. "Joey needs all the support he can get. It wouldn't sit well with you knowing someone is suffering because you made the wrong call."

Nic closed his eyes. "Honestly, I don't even know where to begin anymore."

Erza leaned in, placing her forehead onto his own. "He'll figure out his own pace. What's important is that we help him find it; as Trainers and as guildmates."

Nic's smile softened. "Yeah. Thanks."

"Good. Now then…" Out of the blue, she began dragging Nic away by the feet, much to his dumbfounded surprise by how fast she acted. "Let's say we resume, shall we?"

Nic blinked as he was still processing. "Wait, wha-?!"

Erza threw Nic into their bedroom, with her slamming the door behind.


One week has passed since then, and Nic and Joey managed to work out a deal. Every morning, per Joey's request, Nic would get up and assist them in training. Their training would take place in the morning, for about two hours at a time. Nic would see to it that their bodies got into decent condition for their magic to work, so he made them do all-around bodily workouts. The results would help warm them up for the magic combat portion of the training. Nic was being as easy as possible with them, but even so, he knew himself would be complicated, considering Joey's magic. So on some mornings, he would enlist either Gray or Sophie since they're Maker Mages as well to give pointers. And results have been showing. And after those pointers would be made, it'd be to Pokémon Training.

It was all hell, and Arceus knows how Joey roped Dereece into getting him to play part as well, but believe it or not, the training with his Element Walk has been fruitful, as with Heracross and his newly caught Yanma.

Dereece stumbled a bit as he was currently in midair. He was doing "stairs" as they would call it, and he had almost slipped.

"Don't just try and focus on your actual balance." Vanessa pointed out. "Remember, your magic has to have a balance as well." To demonstrate this, she created pads of teal aura that she walked up on towards Dereece's elevation. She demonstrated such control like climbing up actual stairs. "Try to imagine magic particles hardening at your soles if that'll help."

"O-Okay…" Still shaken a little, Dereece tried his best to remain focused on doing what she said. Of course with him looking down, that proved to be tougher than he thought. He could feel his knees get weak again for the third time this morning before he slowly put one foot up, squinting as he stepped forward. Imagining it, he felt the air as solid as ground. He took that next step.

Vanessa smiled. "Just like that."

Dereece giggled. "H-hey, that wasn't so bad. I…I think I'm getting the hang of this. YEAH!" He jumped in midair, but that proved to be a mistake. His focused was lost, and he blinked before he looked down and began falling. He shrieked like a little girl as he wailed upon descent. Before hitting the ground, Heracross clamped on his back and helped him remain airborne. A few feet off the ground, and Dereece groaned. "Oooiiii…thanks man."

"No probs." Heracross chimed.

Across the battlefield, a blur zigged spontaneously. Dereece's Yanma was maneuvering so fast that it looked like she was invisible. With her Speed Boost Ability, she made for a very crafty target for Pidove to follow.

"Pidove, Quick Attack!" Joey commanded. He was cut off when Nic darted for him straight ahead. He hurried to make a barrier to buy time, but he was still too slow as Nic wormed around.

"I shall obey, Master!" The pigeon created outlines of himself as he followed after Yanma. He gradually gained hold of Yanma's treks, and he was about to hit him, but Yanma abruptly flashed bright white and exploded into multiple copies. Pidove bolted through one, which faded.

As he followed through, he turned around, in which the real Yanma already used Tackle, hitting Pidove. The pigeon regained himself as Yanma went for him again. This time, he evaded, but barely. As Yanma and Pidove quarreled, the one surveying them was Staraptor. The predatory avian was sky high as she observed Pidove and Yanma.

"Vine Whip!" Chespin lashed his vines out at Nic to try and slow him down, but as they traveled, Nic glanced forward and snared the vines bare-handed. Chespin gasped. "Huh?!"

Nic pivoted and swung Chespin away. The Grass-type was dragged with so much force that he was picked off the ground and hit the barrier that Joey used earlier. He slumped down in pain.

"Chespin!" Joey exclaimed.

Nic darted ahead again, getting in Joey's face. "Make sure…that you use your enemy's force against them!" He palm-struck Joey's chest, pushing him back several feet. It was as gentle as could be, so it was like a harsh shove that put Joey on his back.

Quickly, Joey got back up by flipping. He watched Nic come at him again, but he knew to stay focused. "Barrier-Make: Dome!" He created a barrier in the form of a dome, one that blocked Nic from getting any further. 'Now!' He expanded the barrier, if but briefly. It caused Nic to jump away, getting in front of Chespin, who recovered. "Alright, use Rollout!"

"Right!" Chespin screamed as he curled into a ball, rolling at Nic from behind.

'That'll distract him.' He looked up. "Now, Pidove! Gust!"

"Yes, Master!" Taking a brief moment to turn, Pidove flapped his wings, sending a gust at Chespin to give him a tailwind from behind. It made him bolt faster at Nic.

Nic turned and saw Chespin becoming a green bowling ball that sailed in the winds. With him looking back, Joey found a chance and molded the barrier into his fist. He charged for Nic with his fist pulled. "NIC-SENPAI! I'M SORRY!" he shouted. He didn't want to hurt Nic, at least not badly. But this was training, and Nic insisted he tried on Day 3, when he finally got the nerve to finally attack. 'I know I look up to you…but you ordered me to hit you! So I'll do it!'

Of course that was short-lived. Nic casually stepped off to the side at the last second. And with Chespin behind and Joey upfront, the momentum led to each other going wide-eyed before they collided comically. It was like hitting a wall that blew the other off, and it hurt.

"Ow…" Joey mumbled.

"Master!" Pidove shrieked, but before he could fly down to help, he found illusionary copies of Yanma, via Double Team, surrounding him. He looked confusedly around, but he didn't know which direction.

Above, Staraptor was observing the battle curtly. 'Let's see if his focus will be able to bring it up.'

"Gnnngh…" On the ground, Joey whined. "Ow…Pidove! Let's try that new move!" He clutched his aching head while pointing at the sky. "Use Steel Wing!"

Pidove crossed his wings and spread them apart. He chirped loudly as they began to glow faintly.

This was another trick taught. As an added bonus, Joey insisted on not only rigorous training, but at the same time, he was trying to cover weaknesses, if possible. For Pidove, he was trying hard to make him learn Steel Wing. Of course Nic's Staraptor helped in that course.

'This should work!' Joey's perpetual thoughts ran wild as he saw Pidove fly at a Yanma, flapping his metallic wings. However, before he got close, the shine faded. '…or not.'

Pidove dove anyway, despite his attack not perfected. He only ended up flying into another clone, leaving his backside open for Yanma to use Quick Attack. The insect dove and struck Pidove's back, sending him downwards.

"Pidove!" Joey reached up, but the gray bullet that was his bird hit him square in the face. The bird ricocheted off Joey and hit Chespin, knocking both down at the same time. Oddly enough, Pidove fumbled back into the air, flapping and shaking his head. When he looked down to process what happened, he saw a twitching Joey and an unconscious Chespin. He fluttered down to Joey's chest, tilting his head before he pecked it out of curiosity.

"Ooooh. That's gotta hurt." Dereece muttered.

"Yeah, ouch." Heracross shuddered. He remained calm as Yanma perched herself onto his horn again, looking happy as she had gained victory.

"Yippee!"

Nic looked down as Staraptor elevated to his level. "Guess that's that." He said. He looked at Staraptor, then back again. He walked over and loomed over Joey. "Hey, Joey? You okay?"

"Uuuggh…mercy~." He chimed weakly. He slowly slouched up, causing Pidove to flutter off him and onto his shoulder instead. "Oh my head. Is my face still good?" He looked at Dereece. "Dereece? Is my face red? Go get my makeup bag!"

Dereece eyerolled. "Yeah, he's fine."

Vanessa smirked. "Shouldn't be surprised. He is your Captain after all."

Dereece shrugged. "Yeah, you're right…and it takes more than just a few energy drinks to put him to sleep." He looked over as Yanma and Heracross came over. He pet them both.

Nic overlooked Joey as Chespin was coming too as well. "You okay? That blow looked pretty hard."

Joey rubbed his head. "I…think I'm good." His face fell in slight dejection. "At least, I wish I felt that way." His tone had also fallen to a questionable loss. He really didn't feel good after Nic simply swung Chespin into his barrier. And when he used that pincer attack, he didn't think it'd backfire. He only felt worse by the minute.

"Hey, it's fine. That was better than what I thought."

Joey gasped in surprise at Nic's claims.

"I'm serious. Maybe your reaction time is still a bit slow, but that last move wasn't that bad. A fast pincer attack like that could throw off someone if they're too focused on you." He bent down, spraying Chespin with a bottle that was almost magenta colored. It was a Super Potion, and it was healing up his wounds quickly. "You're crafty, and that's what'll give you an advantage in a fight." He reached down, offering a hand to Joey. Joey accepted it, though not without him bushing at an actual handshake with someone he admired. Though it felt like his heart was gonna beat out of his chest, he shot up before the hand reached him. He was too nervous to shake it.

"I-I'm good! Hehehe…" he nervously chuckled.

Vanessa giggled. "Well it's good to know you're doing well." She faced Dereece. "Now, don't forget about the focus, okay?"

Dereece nodded. "On it." He turned towards Heracross and Yanma with their Poke Balls. "Take 5 guys, we'll pick up again later." He chimed as he returned them.

Joey put his Poke Balls up and looked down at Pidove and Chespin. "Yo guys, rest up!" he returned Chespin first. "And Pidove, we'll nail that Steel Wing. So keep it up!"

"Yes Master!" Pidove was returned next on a good note. Once they were recalled, they were just in time as the sunlight glistened clearly in the sky at an angle.

Joey raised his hand high. "Dibs on the shower first! Captain's call!"

Joey darted off, leaving Dereece to follow behind. "He's gonna use up all the hot water again." He groaned.

Watching Joey and Dereece go, Vanessa remained relaxed. "They seem a lot more jovial. I guess it was a good thing Sophie woke me up early then." She chimed.

Nic nodded. "Yeah." He started for the road to Fairy Tail's guild hall. "C'mon, I'm sure they're back by now."


The guild doors rushed open, revealing Natsu and his team walking through. "Yo guy! Who missed us?!"

"We're back!" Wendy chirped. On her head, Swablu sung sweetly.

The guild greeted them back, all with their same boisterous cheer as ever. Everyone was either doing their own thing, or perhaps they were with their Pokémon out.

That was another thing that was vaguely different. Within the few weeks that have passed since and during their little detour to Alvarez, Fairy Tail was getting a little bigger in terms of Pokémon. Even now, Evergreen had what looked like a pink dog-like creature with a frilly collar in her hold. Bickslow had his tongue out to greet them, along with a purple puppet-like ghost with a horn atop of its head. And Freed also had an avian-like creature with one eye, and very bizarre patterns. Apparently Kinana wasn't the only one to gain Pokémon during their time.

"I was wondering when you guys would be back." Cana winked. She was over at the bar with her Purrloin taking a stool as a seat.

"Welcome back." Mirajane cheerfully said. "I hope your job went well."

"Aye!" Happy cheered.

Carla crossed her arms in her human form. "It wasn't too hard. Turns out those late night raids on those fields were just a bunch of Rattata scrounging around for a couple of snacks."

"Yeah, but Snover's Grass Whistle stopped them cold." Gray smirked. His sense of humor in that pun made the whole room several degrees cooler.

Natsu balled a fist with a smile. "Yeah, but Charmander sent the others packing. I gotta tell ya, that Dragon Rage move is just wonders."

Lucy had hands to her hips as she sighed. "Yeah, well, wonders or not, we only got paid half of what we were told. All because someone told their Charmander to attack in a flammable field." Her look shot directly at Natsu.

"Hey, it's not my fault! That one Rattata caught him by surprise!"

Sophie had her elbow on the bar top, snickering besides Cana. "Seems some things don't change so easily now, do they?"

Cana sweatdropped. "Guess old habits die hard, huh."

Elsewhere in the guild, Romeo swiped his arm. "Go, Litwick! Use Smog!" Romeo's Litwick took in a deep breath before she expelled a black gas cloud that engulfed Vijeeter's Lotad. The Water/Grass-type looked shocked as it was swallowed in the attack, giving him no room as the cloud soon eroded, leaving him on his side, fainted. Romeo raised his fist high as Litwick jumped for joy. "Aw yeah! That's three wins in a row, baby!" He opened his arms, allowing Litwick to jump in and embrace his happy trainer.

Macao balled his fist. "Alright! Now it's my turn to score a victory! Litwick, use Ember!" His Litwick took in a breath before he expelled orange, burning sparks that went at Wakaba's Koffing.

"Hey! Look out!" Wakaba warned his Koffing, but the problem was that Koffing was confused. It was hit by an earlier Confuse Ray. Add in the burn had from Litwick's Flame Body, and that attack swallowed his Koffing in fire. The gas bomb was seen tumbling out, hitting the ground with swirling eyes. Wakaba looked down in annoyance. "Man." He sighed.

"HA! I win!" Macao declared. "Looks like you owe me a free beer there, pal!"

Although Wakaba smirked. "Not so fast there, buddy. Remember? I beat you the last two times. That just means you only owe drink on the house."

Macao went completely white. He gaped in despair. He had completely forgotten about that bet. Litwick just looked up at him confused.

Erza looked around, seeing the many battles and the friendly spirit everyone seemed to be having. "Seems that everyone is in high spirits today." Beside her, she noticed Nic there, her husband appearing out of the blue. "You miss me?" he grinned.

Erza flashed him her own smirk. "I've seen you've been busy." She took her spot next to Nic. "So, I take it things went well with Joey?"

Nic shrugged. "It's taking a slow rate, but he's getting better." He looked over to where The Freaks were. He could see Joey trying to get Dereece to talk about his training, but it didn't look too convincing. "His focus was just a bit out of practice."

Erza chuckled. "Sounding more like a teacher every day."

He shot her an unamused look. "Very funny." He called down before he inspected the rest of the guild. "Besides, it's not like I'm the only one who's been teaching. Just look around."

Erza looked around, noticing the many guild members that were either going on jobs with Pokémon, or they were battling. She looked out to see Team Shadow Gear gathered around a table, with Gajeel snoozing on the corner, much to Levy's chagrin. She saw Reedus and Smeargle painting on a single canvas instead of just individual ones. "Yes, I'm starting to see your point." She said. "Seems they're beginning to understand more."

Walking by them, Kinana was with her Seviper, minding their own business.

"Oh, Kinana!" Wendy called her.

Kinana turned, greeting the young Sky Dragon. "Oh, Wendy. How've you been?" she asked. "Heard you went on a job."

"Yeah, it's kinda a long story…" she looked over at Seviper. "So is Seviper acclimated yet?"

Kinana nodded. "Mhm! It's alright now. Seviper's been very helpful." She petted the massive serpent's lower jaw, getting a purr-like hiss from her. "She's really sweet once you get pass those fangs. Why, she's been a great help on my last job."

"That's great." Wendy looked up at Swablu resting on her face. "Hey, it's okay. She won't bite. Just say hello."

Her small urge didn't make Swablu any less uncomfortable. The blue bird took one look at Seviper and could tell she might be chow. She didn't want to take chances, especially since she was once an enemy, but she had to at least try. "Hello…?" she chirped hoarsely.

Seviper bared her fangs. "Hellooo…" she cooed, albeit a little darkly. It was enough make Swablu shrivel on Wendy's head, making the Sky Dragon unsound. "Oops, pardon me. Didn't mean to scare you." She apologized, but her tone was so facetious that it was hard to tell if she meant it. Maybe she was caught by Kinana, but she never was told to not play with her food.

With Gray back, Juvia scooted beside him. "Gray, dearest! You're back home!" she cooed lovingly. "You have no idea how lonely it's been without you!"

Gray looked at her, trying hard to not make it anymore awkward. "Hey, Juvia. Don't worry, it wasn't a big deal."

Lucy sighed as she and her Klefki took a seat beside Cana and Sophie. Cana took this chance to find alleviation again. "Aw, someone a little tired?" she showed Lucy her mug. "Well here, this'll perk you right up."

"No thanks, I'm good." Lucy denied. "It's just been a lot of work. Honestly…first this war a week ago, and now it's like the place is booming like rabbits!"

Sophie seemed rather calm. "If I recall, just because we stopped a war, doesn't mean that Pokémon are still not causing problems." She glanced at her and Klefki. "Jingle any keys?"

Klefki had a question mark overhead. For some reason, she thought it revolved around her. "Trust me, you have no idea." Lucy said.

Natsu flashed a toothy smirk. "Well I don't know about you guys, but seeing all these fights have gotten me all amped up." He stepped forward. "So, who wants to fight?!"

Joey's ears perked up at a potential chance to show off his training. He was tempted to, but Dereece said otherwise. "Joey, no." he warned.

Joey sat down again, pouting. "But how am I supposed to show the results of what I did? C'mon man, I wanna prove something."

"I getcha man, I really do." He patted Joey's shoulder. "But trust me, people like that guy, you're only encourage." He shot a thumb at Natsu. "We'll find another opponent later on."

Joey looked down in shame. He really wanted to show Nic and Vanessa the results of his training, at lest in some way. He looked down at his reflection in the shimmering wood, almost too distracted when the guild doors opened wide, catching everyone by surprise.

Natsu turned around. "Huh?"

Nic, Erza, Vanessa, and a lot of people turned their attention towards the guild's doors. Duncan glanced over his shoulder as he and the guild saw someone at the entrance.

"Attention, please! May I have your attention!"

From inside his office, the door opened to find Laxus crossing his arms. On his shoulder, a small green dog-like creature was perched. It had yellow lightning bolt patterns all over, making him look streamlined for lightning. Looking out, he saw the woman who became the center of attention. "What's up? He asked.

"Master Laxus, sir." Freed answered. "I'm glad you've come. There's someone here."

"I hear ya." He made his way in front get to this woman. "Yo, Nic. Erza." He called. "Up front! I got a feeling this gots something to do with you."

Nic and Erza looked at each other, nodding before they chose to abide their master's insistence. Looking at the woman, they chose to take to the front as well.

Soon enough, they've all calmed down, leaving the woman to look around. She adjusted her glasses once more, making them all see her serious inspection of them. "So, this is a guild in person." She deduced.

"The heck she saying?" Natsu whispered.

"Beats me. Maybe she's from the Cambire Foundation." Happy figured. "Huh…hey, wait a minute, do we know her from somewhere?"

Natsu raised a brow. "We do…?" He looked up, trying to find a reason to think of her. Unfortunately, his brain wasn't keeping up with tabs. "Sorry, you lost me."

Beside him, Lucy sighed comically. "Of course." She looked at the woman. "But wait, have we met before?"

The woman took another step forward, hands behind her back like a soldier would. "My apologies. I wasn't aware that my presence was only noted so bleakly." She sounded insulted, but she resumed. "Allow me to reintroduce myself. My name is Eliza, under the association of Jefferey of the Cambire Foundation's top research facility."

"Eliza." Erza repeated. Her recollection was much better than Natsu's. Unlike him, he recounted seeing her when they arrested that man the night they first encountered the Peace Jaegers. "Ah, yes, I've seen to have forgotten. So you were sent by the foundation as well, right?"

"I understand that you and your guild are rather busy at the moment, but I have a very important announcement." She took another step forward. "And it has to do with you, Fairy Tail…specifically." Her eyes narrowed when she mentioned their guild's name. It sounded rather off.

"Uh…I feel like I'm being judged." Wendy whispered to Carla.

"Hush." She shushed her.

Laxus crossed his arms, causing his Electrike to jump off him and onto the ground. "Alright, so what's up? What's the Cambire Foundation want this time?"

Eliza remained calm as she reached into her pocket. Similar to what Jeffrey had when he came with the parcels, she had her own lacrima-like monitor in a small phone-sized pack. She opened an app, causing a list of options. She hit one, and she heard the lacrima hum. The tablet emitted a screen, this time showing a hologram of Arthur like last time.

"Hey, it's that guy! The one in the wheelchair!" Natsu pointed out.

"I believe his name was Arthur, Natsu." Sophie corrected.

Nic looked up at the screen, a serious tone setting into the area. "Arthur…" He fell silent, allowing the projection to speak.

"Is this thing on? Can you all here me?" Arthur looked around, seeing the connection was a success.

"We hear ya, it's good." Laxus answered.

Arthur seemed more relaxed. "That's a relief." He paused, composing before he spoke once more. "Well now, it's good to see you all once again. Especially to those who held part accountability of stopping a near-collision with another country."

Warren chuckled. "Was nothing at all." He beamed.

"You didn't even do anything." Max muttered.

Arthur continued. "I have exciting news to share with everyone here. Thanks to you and the guilds' combined efforts, we were finally able to bring about an agreement with the Alakitasian nation. Our Cambire Foundation embargo is finally revoked, and we'll be expecting leniency with the nation in days' time."

Fairy Tail clapped for this occasion. Mugs were raised, and many more were pleased to hear that their efforts finally paid off. Nic and Erza smiled at one another.

"Well that's the best news we've heard in a while." Gray said. "Thought they'd pull a fast one for a sec."

"This is certainly prosperous." Pantherlily said.

"Aye, sir!" Happy agreed.

Vanessa and Sophie nodded at each other, to which Cana got between them and gave a toothy wink to the two. They remained calm regardless. "That's my girls! Way to make your mama proud!" she laughed.

Laxus kept on the note. "So that's the good news I take it, right?"

The guild's momentary joy was cut short as Arthur chuckled. They regrouped to allow him the honor of continuing. "Well, you're not exactly wrong." Arthur noted ominously. He folded his fingers on his visible desk. "Aside from that, there's been some complications that's been unclear as of late."

"I've heard about them. This has to do with the Council, am I right?"

Arthur nodded. "Evidently. Following your return, there's been two priorities that are being sorted out as we speak." He held up two fingers to signify his point. "The first one has to do with our own defenses. Unfortunately, it appears that the Alvarez' posthumous mobilization has brought up some uneven alarms within our means of security. Our regulations and background checks will still be certified…but, the Council and I have made…an agreement."

Nic's suspicions arose. He kept silent so as not to throw off any tracks.

"This aggressive act brought some very serious concerns of security to the public. Frankly, because of the Alvarez' usage. I wasn't so lenient, but I didn't have much to oppose the decision the council has made." He took a moment to reach over, taking a suspenseful sip of wine that quenched his throat. Once having a fill, he gently set it back down. "The Council has decided, that in order to show and enforce that we are united with Pokémon, they are integrating the Rune Knights with the Cambire Foundation, with Charlotte appointed the head of the association."

"So then…basically you're giving soldiers Pokémon to use for their army?" Levy summarized.

"Essentially, yes. We are going to make Rune Knights Pokemon Trainers."

Gajeel smirked. "Heh, well if the army wasn't annoying enough, they're adding these Pokémon to add to the dirty work, huh?"

"This would make their training very effective in the field. I can't be sure if this was tactical or overkill." Pantherlily surmised.

Erza stepped forward. "So you're going to make Pokémon Trainers and Pokémon also partake in a service that they may not have allegedly signed up for?"

Arthur shook his head. "No. Nothing like that. The Pokémon Trainers that are currently signed up to the Cambire Foundation are completely independent. Only the Rune Knights and Charlotte's branch of the Cambire Foundation are affected."

Nic's eyes narrowed. "I think that I get the picture…but what I don't get is why you make it sound like it's a bad thing. Don't get me wrong, this sounds like Alvarez all over again…" he stepped up with his wife. "But what's the catch that you're trying to make them so different?"

Arthur paused. He grinned meekly as he lowly snickered. He considered Nic's questions and cleared his throat. "Well…I'm afraid this the part where I seek of your participation yet again."

"In what way?"

"As you can imagine, Alvarez' example has given off…a very poor first impression. We the Cambire Foundation believe that a proper example should be used on Pokémon. So, that second agreement that the Council and I have discussed, it has to do with you."

"Why us?" Lucy inquired. "What did we do?"

"You've all saved Fiore and the Cambire Foundation. You proved to the world that there is in fact another way to use Pokémon than just instruments of battle. Therefore, we are going to be hosting a live seminar of a Pokémon Battle. A real Pokémon Battle."

Upon mention to this, Joey's ears twitched. He looked moderately surprised. His sense of wonder was picked up by Vanessa's aura, getting her to turn at him.

"A Pokémon Battle? That sounds awesome!" Natsu smiled, but his suspicions picked up. "But wait, I thought we already sent ya those videos like weeks ago?"

"Yeah, why not just use those?" Happy asked.

Gray stepped forward. "Yeah, and why go pick on us for this? Don't you guys have a bunch of Trainers that can show off instead?"

Arthur gravelly sighed. "Exactly what I told the Council. But they absolutely insisted that we try and stay 'up to co.'." He snickered vaguely at the irony. "They sure don't make it easy sometimes. As for your inquiry, Gray Fullbuster, I'm afraid that also lies within your involvement. You all partook in a war with Pokémon, therefore, they found it reasonable to allow a mage guild into a battle with actual Pokémon Battling experience. What better way to set an example, than to use one of the very guilds that was successful in demonstrating what we are trying to create?"

"So basically you're using us for your guinea pigs, is that right?" Laxus reworded sternly.

Arthur frowned. "If that'll sedate your assumption, Master Laxus, I won't blame you for thinking otherwise."

Nic glared up. He wasn't looking so convinced at being used as a pawn. "Okay, so what do you want?"

"The Council and I will be hosting a 3-on-3 exhibition battle in Crocus, where the headquarters is, and they would require a member of your guild to participate in said battle. Preferably, someone whose gone with you."

"Sounds like you're drawing down to specifics." Vanessa deduced. "That's quite a bargain you're imposing. And are we to assume that we will be compensated as last time as well?"

Arthur nodded. "Why most certainly. Since our berry production and supply and demand of items has gone back up, we've been thinking your guild gets 10% of the supplies. That should more than suffice."

"I'm no math whiz…" Cana smirked. "But I'd take that bet."

"Yeah. When you consider it being 10% of supplies that a company can create and produce, it's a lot."

Arthur smiled at the convincing argument he seemed to have winning. "If you think it's too much, then consider it part of my thanks for your efforts. It's the least we can do. But all pleasantries aside, who will you have battle for your guild?"

Everyone looked to each other to see who would step up to the plate. When they all saw the others' faces, some could see that some didn't look comfortable if they had to battle in front of an audience. Some seemed rather excited to know about this big event, and some like Macao and Wakaba showed not much appeal to being sent. The little post-Infinity Clock event made them feel used once. But, if they were asked to, they will. Natsu and Gajeel looked a little excited, and the former smirked mischievously as he stepped forward. However, someone already beat him to it.

"I'll do it!"

All eyes went to a certain someone who stepped up. He didn't look eager, but rather serious with his declaration. This brought an alarm to Dereece. "Joey?!" he gasped.

The leader od The Freaks stepped up regardless. "Yeah, I'll do it."

Arthur gave Joey a quizzical look. "I see. So you're volunteering then." As he took a closer look, he smirked upon recalling him. "Now it's coming back, you're that boy who drew attention at the conference reception a month ago." He chuckled. "Thank you for that. The guests were rather lively by your enthusiasm."

As Joey beamed with pride, Dereece looked to him. "Joey, are you sure about this? You don't even know who you'll be facing."

"Maybe not yet." Joey looked ahead, serious in the face. "But I gotta see just how far I've gotten in my battle training. I won't disappoint, promise."

Laxus had his arms folded, showing a lack of interest. "Go right ahead, kid. Just remember why you're doing this."

Joey balled a fist. "You got it!"

Arthur nodded. "Then it shall be so. I'll let the administration know of your decision so we can get matters settled. We appreciate your cooperation on the subject, all of you."

Dereece stepped. "So, when and where exactly is this supposed to take place, exactly?"

"Approximately 3pm. It'll be in the Domus Flau colosseum outside of Crocus. We'll be there in person to give explanations of how the battle will work before it officially starts." He heard a buzzer go off in the distance, getting him to look out before turning towards the group. "Looks like my time is up. This was all the time that Maria was willing to give me before our next meeting."

"We understand. Thank you for everything." Erza said.

Arthur gave one last smile. "I shall see you all tomorrow." The hologram turned off, turning the attention towards Eliza. She put the item away and walked towards Joey with a clipboard with a stack of paper.

"Now then, if you would sign this. This shall confirm your agreement with our conditions of the Cambire Foundation." Joey was given the pen and he adequately signed it. Eliza took the items back and saw his crude signature. "Well, seems that everything is in order. If there are no more comments, I'll take my leave."

"I got a question." Natsu raised his hand. "What about your boss again?"

Eliza shot him a stern look, looking a little bugged by his choice of terminology. "If you are referring to Mr. Bistro, he's back at the department keeping up with the supply intervention. As a head of his branch, he has to keep up with the pace as well. Now then, till next time. We thank you for your time." Eliza walked away, heading back out the doors with hands behind her back. She looked so calm and so cold at the same time. It was disturbing almost.

"Well, she's a peach." Cana sarcastically chimed.

"You can say that again." Sophie noted.

Joey looked really excited. He looked down at his fists and had a serious look. 'So tomorrow's it. I'll get to show everyone how I've trained and also…' A picture of Bro dead with his smile flashed in his mind. 'It'll also show Bro that I'm taking the right path. I just gotta stay focused.' He was so engrossed in his thoughts that he didn't notice the tap on his shoulder until a few seconds later. "Hm? Yo, what up Dereece?"

"Uh, are you sure about this man?" he asked.

Joey gave him a look like he never knew the earth was round. "Why wouldn't I be?"

"No. I mean…you do know that she said 3-on-3, right?"

Joey blinked. "And…?" It didn't take long by the look of disposition on Dereece to sink into Joey's mind. When he realized it, he straightened back up and blinked again. "…oh."

"Mhm. Yeah, you only got two Pokémon!" he snapped. "So how exactly are you going to battle when you've only got Chespin and Pidove?"

Natsu blinked. "Wait, you mean that 3 Pokémon are a requirement? I thought it was just a suggestion! Nobody told me that!" he fumed in annoyance. "Aw man, and here I was going to let Charmander get in on the action!"

"I don't think it works that way, buddy." Happy chimed.

"Hmph, quite your bellyaching, alright?" The retort came from Duncan, getting everyone's attention. "If you're really making that big of a deal about that, just go find another Pokémon. I'm sure any would work for someone like you."

Dereece shot him a chastising look. "And exactly what is that supposed to mean?"

Duncan shrugged. "Don't look at me, just calling it as I see it." He raised his head, shifting the position to make him more demanding. "But if you haven't got the guts, then just step down and let someone else handle it."

Joey wasn't sure exactly by what Duncan meant by that comment. Something in his gut made him feel challenged, but that was so far down he couldn't bother. He chose to take it as a suggestion. "Hmph! Well thank you for your motivation there, Duncan. Yeesh, okay. If you're going to just tell me to go find a Pokémon, all you had to do was say so." He did and eyeroll before snapping his fingers. "C'mon, Freaks! Let's go Pokémon hunting!"

Dereece gave Duncan a look. He wasn't going to go against his word, but it seems Duncan didn't seem interested. "Just come on." With a strong urge, Dereece got Duncan to follow, though he tailed behind with lack of care all the way outside the guild hall.

Seeing Joey going to fix his problems by catching another Pokémon, it set off a small chain reaction in the guild. Some seemed indifferent, but Natsu was fired up with a big smirk on his face. "Heh, well I don't know about you guys, but I ain't having Joey have all the fun." He faced the others. "I'm gonna go find something to keep Charmander company. Coming Happy?"

"Aye!" Happy jumped.

"What do you think, Klefki? Wanna tag along?" Lucy asked her Klefki.

The Key Ring Pokémon jingled her keys with joys. "Sure! Okay!"

Elfman stood over everyone with a smirk. "Guess that leaves this man to himself. C'mon Machop! Let's go be men!" He took off, leaving the guild in a hurry towards the mountains outside of Magnolia's flat hills.

"Hey, not so fast!" Natsu darted out, getting into a competitive footrace with Elfman as they sped out of the guild as fast as lightning.

"There they go again." Mirajane chimed. "Hope they didn't forget Poke Balls if they're going to do that."

"I'm more worried about what they'll be running into." Lisanna admitted. Rufflet was flapping his wings with Vullaby behind, but the two only ended up falling on their bums and bouncing off the table onto the floor. "I sure hope they don't try and do anything to not make whatever they want on their side mistrust them."


In Magnolia's streets, The Freaks took to their heels in their leader's arduous quest. Joey confidently – if not casually – strolled down the sidewalk with his head high.

Dereece, still withholding concerns, caught up. "Uh, Captain Joey? You sure you know what you're doing?"

Joey flipped around, now showing off his backwards walking skills. "Oh Dereece, of course you know the answer to that." He laughed hardily. "Of course not." He deadpanned, turning back forward. "But what's a road without a few bumps that you can't run over, right?"

"You know that doesn't make sense! Where the heck are you gonna find another Pokémon anyway?" Just as Dereece finished saying that, he took notice of a wild Rattata that crossed their path. It scuttled to the alleys, leaping into the darkness.

An unsteady silence fell on the area before Joey shrugged. "Oh well, better than nothing." He stormed after the Rattata, bustling into the dark alleys as well. "I hope it has the Guts Ability!" he yelled as he vanished into the darkness.

"Oh man, here we go again." Dereece groaned before storming off as well. Duncan, still having no care, did an eyeroll before he strolled behind. He really didn't seem to care. He honestly was having more trouble trying to find a good enough weapon for his use than worry about his Captain. Still, they followed him into the alley, soon to catch up with him.

As they walked slowly through the alley, they began to take notice of the atmosphere. It wasn't all that pretty as they walked deeper through. Littered all over were some newspaper aged into the ground, and Styrofoam cups rolled into corners of some trash bins they occasionally walked by.

A shiver went down Dereece's side. "Bleh, I don't know what it is, but…it's getting creepy. I don't like this."

"Yeah, I know." Joey still persevered, but as he looked ahead, his nose picked up a disturbing scent. "Oof! Man, Dereece, was that you?" he glared back with disgust. "Ugh! What did you eat man?!"

"I-it wasn't me!" he flustered. He and the others' ears heard the sound of paws against the pavement. "What's that?"

Duncan glared ahead, but he made no reckless moves. Joey instantly got in front with a Poke Ball, but his guard was let down when he saw something stagger out of the shadows. It was the same Rattata as before, but it looked like it's seen a ghost. It was pale, and it was hazy in the eyes.

"*cough cough* Oh god…" he wheezed. "So…so…disgusting…" Unable to find the strength to stand, the rat passed out in front of The Freaks, much to their curiosity.

"Okay…what's up with that?" Joey asked. "C'mon, people. No use standing around like bowling pins."

They chose to hurry up and follow their noses. The deeper they got, the more horrid the smell got. As they looked around, they saw the number of Rattata, Meowth, even a couple of passerby Pidove and Pidgey were twitching uncomfortably. They took notice of the trash that's been littered around was making a trail into the shadows of the alleyway, leading up to a mountain of garbage bags.

"Blek! Is this where the smell comes from?" Dereece held his nose shut. "Man, that reeks! Just how long's this been here for?"

Duncan scoffed, seemingly not caring for the smell. "Well this is pollution. No wonder these guys didn't make it very far. They must've eaten some bacteria from the decayed garbage."

Joey shook his head, trying to get himself from passing out. "Well, as Captain, this is bogus! Dereece! Call a dumpster! Call anybody willing to get this pile of trash heap out of my…o-out of my…" He began trailing off when the rustling of trash bags got their attention.

Backing up, Joey got on guard as he and the others knew something was moving inside. They saw some trash bags roll down the mountain; some spilling more trash on the ground. It wasn't long before the top bag moved suddenly, getting Joey and Dereece to flinch. They crept a little closer, revealing a Pokémon that got Joey's and everyone's attention.

And to Joey especially, his eyes slowly widened in shock.

Turning around atop the pile, a small garbage bag-like figment waddled around and stared blankly ahead. It had white eyes with beady black pupils. It was mainly green, with gunky, pad-like arms with no fingers.

The trash bag-like creature remained stationary, a very long pause brewing between everyone, before at last it blinked one eye, and then the other following. She gave a small, neutral belch before it resumed eating trash like a buffet.

"That's what's been all this trouble?" Dereece couldn't believe his luck. He pulled out his PokeDex, analyzing the creature eating before them.

"Trubbish, the Trash Bag Pokémon. It gorges on trash until its stomach is full. Then it belches toxic gas. An unlucky whiff of gas will put a person in the hospital."

"Well that explains the smell then." Duncan said.

"Yeah, I can see that." Dereece turned away. "Best leave it alone, Joey. Let's find that Pokémon you want." He didn't get a response. "Joey? Uh…Joey?"

As much as Dereece called his name, Joey was in his own little world. He was staring at Trubbish like she was some kind of shrine. When Trubbish perked up upon seeing Joey, she once again did a slow, inconsistent blink before burping. To Joey, he saw an angelic light and heard a hallelujah chime in the atmosphere. There was no going back no for him.

"…I found it." He muttered.

"Found what?"

"I have found it, Dereece! Look!" he gestured to the Trubbish. "I have found it! My third newest Pokémon!"

Trubbish gave off another belch, this one louder than before. A pause came as time seemed to have frozen, but another poor Pidgey fluttering high above sunk into unconsciousness by the horrendous smell. She resumed eating. While she ate and Joey looked overjoyed, Dereece looked far from amused.

"I think the Captain's hit his head too hard this morning." Dereece groaned.

"Don't you see, Dereece? Just look at her! She's perfect!" He hopped, skipped, and literally jumped up to her elevation. He gestured up close to her as she ate without care. "Just look! You see that face? That's the face of greatness right there! And that trash coating…" he ran a finger along her side, slicking up with a dry sense. "She's healthy as can be! And look at what she can do!" Gesturing again, Trubbish belched once more, which of course made another passing Pidove overhead drop to the ground. "She's so indestructible that nothing can come close to her! This has to be my calling, Dereece!"

Duncan raised a brow, trying to show no pleasure in Joey's stupidity. But Dereece looked at him and then back at Joey. "Uh, Captain Joey, I know we're on a time crunch and all…but I think we can make an exception this one time, okay?" he tried to sound as polite as possible inside his plea. "I-I know you're excited, but maybe, I don't know…she's might be, uh…"

Joey looked at Dereece with curiosity. "What's wrong? You think she's not a good choice?" he heard Trubbish belch again, making him more annoyed as he pointed at her. "You see that? You just hurt her feelings! Shame on you, Dereece!"

Dereece shrunk back. "S-sorry…"

Duncan turned away. "If you wanna catch that thing, don't let us stop you. An idiot magnet such as yourself can't be held down by someone who doesn't have a spine himself."

"What?" Dereece gave him a look of serious offense. Duncan shrugged it off, earning a groan from him.

Joey scoffed and dismissed them. "Oh ignore those party-poopers Trubbish, they don't know what they're talking about. Now then, how would you like to a part of something great, huh?" Trubbish blinked again. Joey slid to her side, gesturing to an open panel across them that Trubbish watched. "I can see it now. You and me, Trainer and Pokémon, repelling all who dare bring shame to the names we adore! We'd be standing at the top, surrounded by people who love and appreciate the stench of victory!" He lifted Trubbish with his arms and gave her a big, toothy smile. "So, what do you say?"

Trubbish blinked again, processing what it was Joey proposed to her. He paused, and her belly began to gurgle loudly. She looked to be coming up with yet another belch. She was lurching constantly, getting Joey on pins and needles to find out her answer. Even Dereece looked curious. The suspense finally built to a climax, but what came out was not a belch, but a spray of acid that flooded in Joey's face like a pump.

Duncan looked a little disgusted, but Dereece cringed from the Acid Spray. He actually had to cover his mouth to keep himself from spewing chunks.

Once the Poison-type move ended, Joey was still holding Trubbish, but his hair was slicked back like grass from the pressure. Trubbish belched again. Joey, however, looked completely unfazed as he took a huge whiff of the air. "…aaahhh." He sighed dreamily. "That is the smell of success. I take that as a yes!"

He sat Trubbish down and pulled out a Poke Ball. He tossed it skywards, making it come down on Trubbish…only for her to look up and eat the Poke Ball, much to the disbelief of Dereece. Though with her soft mouth, it didn't corrode. The smelly Poke Ball opened inside, sucking Trubbish in. It shook a couple times before it finally clicked, signaling her capture.

Joey picked up the Poke Ball, waving it high with success. "Check it out guys! Victory!"

The others stared blindly, though Joey seemed uproariously happy, they could still smell Trubbish even from inside the Poke Ball. Dereece could only despair. "Somebody shoot me." He pleaded.

"That makes two of us." Duncan murmured.


Joey wasn't the only one out of a Pokémon hunt. Apparently his little enthusiasm streak got to the best of others, presumably those who have some levels of ambition. While Joey was off doing his own thing and Natsu went off to who-knows-where, Gray was also on his little hunt. In the snowing reaches of Mt. Hakobe, a light snow came down that softly sprinkled his tracks as he walked shirtless up the mountain slope. He didn't have any particular reason to be here, or anywhere for that matter. But with the mention of more Pokémon, he didn't see why he shouldn't have more. Snover has been a very great help, and Gray appreciates him to the fullest. But if he can't fight and if Snover is in danger, then it was better to have more backup. With intuition, he figured the best place to look for an Ice-type would lie in Mt. Hakobe, the same place where he met Snover.

'This sure takes me back.' He remembered the first time he met Snover here of all places. He was very lucky to have been saved by Gray and Juvia that day, otherwise things could've been ugly. He thought about bringing him out for reminiscing reasons, but he thought it was better not to because maybe another wyvern might be around. Still, he smirked at that thought. 'Bet I'll find something inside those caves.' Minutes later, he did in fact venture into the caverns, unscathed by any cold. It was decently lit to where he could see in front of himself. Looking around, the floor was covered in ice, making it hard for those that aren't like Gray easy to stand. "Geez, wonder what'll give to have any Pokémon inside here." He thought aloud.

As he walked around, he noticed a few things that surprised him. He noticed that even in caves, there were Zubat hanging from icicles in the ceiling. They seemed inactive at this time, so he got off lucky. Elsewhere, some Geodude were huddled together, minding their own business. He didn't seem too bothered, let alone curious by it all. But out of the corner of his eye, he noticed a bunch of stalagmites huddled together.

"Wait, were those there before?" He took jobs here before, so he would know a little of the geography of the caves of Mt. Hakobe. It wasn't the number what bugged him, but their shapes. "And why are they all so even…?" He tried to get closer, but upon another footstep, he saw a pair of yellow eyes with purple rings open. Immediately he stopped in his tracks. "What the-?!"

All the stalagmite evenly sized were opening eyes. They all looked at Gray, recognizing they have someone on their tail. The stalagmite began moving, shuffling so as to either get away, or to shift to another spot. They were all scattering, doing so by sliding on the ice.

Blinking, Gray began processing what was going on. "Are they…Pokémon?" His inquiries aside, he noticed one four-legged stalagmite in front, looking at him. Immediately he pulled out a Poke Ball. "Well, guess this'll have to do."

The Bergmite realized that it was targeted. As others shifted around, Bergmite looked readily at Gray. He took a battle stance to signify his claim. "Me Bergmite. You, enemy." He said in a robotic monotone. It sounded like Kecleon, only not as robotic…and far less creepy.

Ignoring that, Gray threw his Poke Ball. "Okay Snover, get out here!"

The Poke Ball popped open, revealing Gray's Snover. "Hello!" he chimed.

"'Kay Snover, here's the plan." Gray said calmly. "We gotta weaken that guy, so we can catch him. You in?"

Snover nodded.

"Awesome, then let's give this guy a challenge." He reached forward, giving a command. "Then let's start off with Razor Leaf!"

Snover followed his command and spread his arms out. A green funnel of leaves spun ahead and closed in on Bergmite. The Ice-type, however, had his maw part glow bright blue as he expelled a cold wind with blue sparkles in them. The wind completely dissipated the attack, leaving sparkles to flutter between.

"So it's got Icy Wind too, huh?" Gray deduced.

"Me strike." Bergmite took in a quick breath. "Powder Snow!" He expelled a cold breath that was made up of snowflakes that expanded towards Snover.

Gray swiped his arm. "That case, use Powder Snow back!"

Snover expelled the same force back. The attack's comprising of cold air and snow created a maelstrom of flakes that enveloped everything around them. The brushing frost alarmed many of the Zubat that were nearby. Provoked, they went to attack. Only to be blown away and frozen over. Geodude were more sensible to roll away. Even as the frost dissipated, the mist cloud created made it the perfect chance for Bergmite to shift along the ice towards Snover.

"Heads up." Gray warned.

Snover heed Gray's warning and saw Bergmite taking a leap off the slide into the air. Energy fangs were created, via Bite. He came down, Snover dodging while Bergmite chomped on the spot where he once was, crunching up ice in the process.

"Man, that's some power." He smirked. "And he shifts well on the ice. This'll be perfect." He saw Bergmite shift at them again, closing the gap. "Use Icy Wind!"

Snover took in a quick breath and his mouth area glowed bright blue. He expelled a cold, sparkling blue air that closed in and struck Bergmite. The attack was enough to slow him down, a blue aura enveloping him. Still, he went to try and close said gap again with Bite.

"Dodge it!" Gray's command was followed promptly as Snover jumped out of the way of the fangs. "Alright…use Grass Whistle!"

Snover's leafy green arms began to glow bright green as he brought them to his face. He took in a sharp breath and a high-pitched, ominous tune played loudly. The vocal notes were visible as Bergmite adjusted. But with him slowed some, he wasn't fast enough to dodge the notes. The melody sunk into his head, his vision getting drowsy as his eyes rolled back and he slumped down to slumber. Gray smirked at this opportunity.

"Glad we learned that move." He swiped his arm. "Alright, hit it hard! Razor Leaf!"

Snover let out a cry as he swiped his arms again. "Take…this!" He created another green funnel of leaves that shot into the sleeping Bergmite. A green eruption shook the icy floor in a critical hit. This one was so strong that it actually made the Bergmite airborne, crashing into the ground, facing away with a still slumbering gaze.

Gray held up his Poke Ball. "Alright then…let's see if this works!" He threw the Poke Ball across Snover's head, hitting Bergmite's top spike. The capsule opened and sucked him in, where it closed and plopped to the ground.

Gray and Snover glared forward as they were aware that it may still be trying to get out. Retaining caution, Snover gulped, while Gray maintained a stance. The ball shook several times, but ended up clicking instead.

Bergmite was officially caught. Gray showed a smirk. "There."

"We did it!" Snover cheered.

Gray walked over, overlooking the Poke Ball for a second before he picked it up. He didn't know why, but he had a good feeling about this one. He grinned. "Yeah, we did." He said.


"Oh, Gray darling!" Juvia groaned in sadness as she walked in the forest. "How could this have happened?! Why did you have to leave me yet again?!" She comically sobbed as she slumped over, a drooling dark aura overlooking her like rain.

Sophie, accompanying Juvia, remained calm. "It's not so bad." She insisted. "I'm sure that we'll find other Pokémon around here."

Juvia's gloom only darkened. "I know…but, I wanted to search with Gray." She whined.

Sophie gravelly sighed.

It was the blonde's idea. Frankly, knowing Gray is looking for Pokémon best suited for his typing, Sophie thought it would be better to look for water, where Juvia wouldn't have to freeze. She volunteered to go with her, but the one dragged on this quest wasn't all that lenient with her beloved near her.

"I'm sure Gray is fine. He can take care of himself without us." She argued. "Besides, I'm sure you wouldn't want your Eevee getting cold, would you?"

Juvia held her Poke Ball in her hands, looking down at it softly. "Well no…" she sighed again. "I guess I'll try. If my beloved can withstand a few hours apart, then I'll do the same! And we can be reunited with bliss in each other's warm embrace!" She yelled with such a passion with the gloom turning to blossoms around her.

Sophie comically huffed. At least she got Juvia's spirits up again, so that wasn't a bother. They were a few miles outside of Magnolia, in the woods where they, too, were looking for Pokémon. She recalled seeing a spring around the area at some point, but that was a few months ago.

Juvia gasped. "Look, up ahead!"

Sophie looked ahead. Pass the shrubs in front, the two voluptuous women made their way to an open grass field, where they could see a small, crystal clear spring. And in that tool, life was teaming.

"Such a lovely spring. Is this the spot you were talking about, Sophie?" Juvia asked.

Sophie nodded in clarification. "Yes. This should be the spot, I'm sure of it." She walked closer to the water's edge, where she got to a knee and dipped her dainty fingernails onto the water. It was cool. She pulled it out and grinned. "It's healthy. This should be a perfect spot."

Juvia looked around. "Um, okay. So…where are the Pokémon?"

Sophie looked around, noticing that the location seemed rather isolated. It was a vaguely small pond, so maybe she overestimated some. "I suppose we'll have to look around. That's what Nic and Vanessa did back in their world I suppose."

"But how long are we supposed to-!" Juvia was cut off when the water splashed. Both of them immediately went on guard.

Crawling out of the water and looking at Sophie, it appeared to be some kind of spider-like Pokémon, but it had a bubble of water surrounding its head. It had big green eyes with dull black pupils that blinked. It had a small body, but three big legs to keep him balanced.

In front of Juvia, something bounced out of the water. It was very small and blue. It had a big blue ball at the end of its black scrunched tail that it bounced on. It seemed jovial as it looked at Juvia, who upon looking at the latter creature, she gasped in shock.

"Well, seems we have our answer." Sophie looked at the two Pokémon as she pulled out her PokeDex, analyzing the spider first.

"Dewpider, the Water Bubble Pokémon. It can only breathe oxygen that has dissolved in water, so it wears a water bubble on its head when it walks around on land."

"Azurill, the Polka Dot Pokémon. Azurill's tail is large and bouncy. It is packed full of the nutrients this Pokémon needs to grow. Azurill can be seen bouncing and playing on its big, rubbery tail."

Sophie put the PokeDex away, taking another look. "Seems we've wandered into their territory."

"You bet you did!" Dewpider prodded. "Get lost! I've claimed this spot way before you did!" he shot a look at Azurill. "And how many times have I told you to leave me alone!"

Azurill bounced on her tail jovially. "Oh c'mon! It's never fun being alone! Everyone should get to play every once in a while!"

"And I said I'm fine!"

"C'mon, don't be a poopyhead!"

"My head is not filled with that disgusting human waste!" Dewpider outraged. "It's filled with water! That I need to breathe, thank you very much!"

As the Azurill was chiming away innocently against the cranky Dewpider, Sophie somehow reminisced on a parallel, one revolving around a certain Dragon Slayer and Ice Mage. The memory made her giggle. 'The old days.' Though as much as she would love to rethink, she needed a new Pokémon, and she found a good candidate right in front of her. "I'll take Dewpider. Juvia."

"Right, then I'll take Azurill." Getting focused, she pulled out a Poke Ball. "Ready when you are!"

Azurill and Dewpider stopped their dispute when they took notice of the two Trainers before them.

"Go!" Together, Juvia and Sophie threw their Poke Balls. Out came Abra, floating in place, with Eevee beside him, perked and happy.

"Oh! New friends to play with! This'll be fun!" Azurill chimed innocently. She took a deep breath and exhaled. She unleashed several clear bubbles from her mouth that blew towards Abra and Eevee. Dewpider hissed as he took in a breath and shot the same attack as well.

Sophie reached forward. "Abra, intercept! Psyshock!"

Abra – who was still snoozing some – snorted awake. "Hm? Huh?" he saw the attack head his way and responded. "Oh, right." Casually, he generated a bright purple orb of energy and fired several beams at the oncoming spray of bubbles. The results were obvious in a large burst of foam and kinetic energy between the two.

"Juvia!" she yelled.

"Right! We'll stop Azurill!" Juvia reached ahead. "Eevee, use Tackle!"

"Okay, here I go!" Eevee sprung through the interference, running on all fours at Azurill. The result was a direct hit that shot Azurill in a light bounce off her ball. "No hard feelings!" Eevee shouted.

Dewpider focused on Abra, his annoyance boiling. "Tch, the squirt's got her own problems. As for you!" He began expelling little black, ant-like figments from his body that eroded towards Abra. "Get out of here! Infestation!"

Weary enough to not get caught in the attack, Sophie gave a command. "Use Teleport!" Abra did as told. He suddenly vanished from sight, evading the buzzing, obnoxious attack that thinned out.

Dewpider huffed, realizing Abra teleported behind. He turned and glared. "Lucky break! You won't get away this time! Spider Web!" He turned to make his underside face Abra. He expelled a sticky thread that exploded into a stickier web that snared the battlefield. Abra looked around, realizing he couldn't escape or teleport.

Sophie eyes narrowed. 'Blocking me from using Teleport. Not bad. This Dewpider may be a little cranky, but he's not unwise. This'll make for great practice.'

Meanwhile, Eevee went charging in for another Tackle as Juvia ordered, but Azurill, bounced a little on her tail before she shot up. Eevee ran beneath, completely missing as Azurill landed on her tail, bouncing again. Eevee quickly went to close a gap again, but Azurill jumped again, dodging Eevee's attack a second time.

"Weeee!" she yelled happily. "This is fun! Let's try and make rain!" She took in a breath and expelled water, via Water Gun. The attack sprayed Eevee, sending her flying back.

"Eevee!" Juvia watched as a soaked Eevee slid back, shaking her head to get the water off. "Are you okay, Eevee?"

Shaking the droplets off, Eevee glared forward. "I'm good!"

Azurill lightly bounced on the ground again. "Wow you guys sure are fun! Can we have a bubble party? Like this!" Taking another deep breath, she expelled another Bubble, shooting them at Eevee.

"Dodge!" Juvia's command reached Eevee in time. She jumped out of the range of the Water-type move. "Good, now use Baby-Doll Eyes!" A sweet pink bliss surrounded Eevee as she tilted her head. She cooed deeply at Azurill, who had a blue aura signal her Attack decrease.

Azurill tilted her own head, looking so innocent. "Awww." She cooed back. "We playing cutie-pie now? Okay!" She looked blissfully at Eevee and Juvia, much more so than the Normal-type herself.

Slowly, both their eyes widened at the sight. "Wha…?"

A sincere pink charm-like atmosphere was around Azurill. She chirped sweetly as she giggled with hearts around her atmosphere. This was her Charm attack, and it was super effective, as one would put it. It was enough to leave Juvia's cheeks flustered pink while Eevee found herself beaten by cuteness.

'So adorable!' both squealed.

Laughing happily, Azurill got them off guard long enough for her to expel more Bubble. Coincidentally, so did Dewpider. Their unisonattack scored a direct hit in both adversaries, pushing them back in front of Sophie and Juvia.

"Abra!"

"Eevee!"

Their shouts alarmed both creatures as they got back up. Dewpider and Azurill looked at each other, though rather than earn a snark from Dewpider, the spider simply smirked. Their teamwork was surprising, even for him. Following up, they smirked at their prey and Dewpider's beak glowed, via Bug Bite, and Azurill expelled another Water Gun at Eevee.

Sophie glared ahead at Dewpider. "Okay then…" her eyes narrowed. "No more Mrs. Nice Girl. Abra, use Psyshock!"

Juvia felt the same way. She reached forward to give a confident command. "Eevee, use Quick Attack!"

Both Pokémon were also at their wits end. Eevee grunted as she abruptly accelerated across the grass, making afterimages follow her prancing around the jet of water and zooming at Azurill at lightning fast pacing. Before she had a chance to process, Azurill was sent sailing into the air by the blow. Abra's attack sent several beams at near point-blank range. The timing couldn't have been better as Dewpider got too carried away and his abdomen was struck by purple beams. A small burst of energy sent him rocketing, shooting him into Azurill in midair, sending both crashing to the grass over the pond's edge.

"Ready…" Juvia pulled out a Poke Ball.

"Now!" Sophie shouted.

Together, they threw their Poke Balls at Azurill and Dewpider respectively. They were sucked inside and the capsules plopped to the ground, shaking. They both shook once, then twice, and then a third time…and finally each clicked, signaling their captures. Sophie and Juvia had smiles on them before they turned and high-fived the other.

"Score!" they chimed together. They hurried over, with Azurill's Poke Ball brought to Juvia and Dewpider's going to Sophie. They looked at their catches proudly.

"Well that was sure fun." Sophie admitted.

"Yes, it turned out to be so." Juvia was surprised. She actually had a good time, even without Gray. Maybe she could start trying this more often. "So, you ready to head back?"

Sophie nodded. "Be ne-lekh (Let's go)."


A powerful slam to the earth by Machop hurled a wild Geodude to sunder. It gagged as the impact completely downed him.

"Yeah! That's the way!" Elfman exclaimed. "That's an awesome Seismic Toss!"

Machop landed on the ground, folding his arms. "No biggie." He huffed. "Still, is there anyone who's a challenge out here?"

"That's a good question." Elfman looked back over his shoulder, seeing the many Pokémon that were defeated by Machop. There were a few Geodude, and a couple Onix that fell easy victim to Low Kick. "All we're really getting are Rock-types up in these mountains. I was hoping to find something to match your manliness…" he looked back at Machop. "But I guess you learning Seismic Toss is enough I suppose."

Machop shot him a look. "Says you. I still got energy to burn."

"Maybe so, but who's out here to battle against now-?!" Suddenly the rock beside Elfman burst. The debris flew pass him, crumbling to shreds while he and Machop covered up. "What the-?!"

The dust and the debris settled, revealing something with four stubby armored legs. He craned his head around, snorting. This caught them off guard.

There was more this Pokémon. In fact, its entire body was heavily armored. It had red eyes, and a single horn at the base of its face. It had pointed fangs and had massive ridges lining up the spine. It blinked before it registered what happened.

"Hmm…wait…" he looked up, looking around confusedly. "The berry field wasn't this way. Huh?" he registered Elfman and Machop in his presence. "Who're you?" he questioned suspiciously.

"We could ask you the same thing." Machop scoffed confidently.

Elfman reached back, getting out a PokeDex, which he surprisingly hasn't broken yet.

"Rhyhorn, the Spikes Pokémon. Rhyhorn's brain is very small. It is so dense, while on a run it forgets why it started running in the first place. It apparently remembers sometimes if it demolishes something."

Elfman registered the contents and took it to consideration. "A Pokémon with that much force, huh?" he looked back up. "Sounds like a good opponent. Machop, be ready!"

"You know me…" he spread his feet apart. "I'm always ready."

However, that was put to the test. Rhyhorn scowled as it clawed at the ground before his horn glowed and lengthened, via Horn Attack. He charged full-on into Machop, who had his arms out to catch him, but Rhyhorn barged into him with such incredible momentum, that Machop couldn't hold his ground as he kept charging, crashing right through another rock and reducing it to rubble.

Elfman looked shocked. "Machop!"

The dust cleared, and Machop was on the ground. He winced as he registered that blow. "Man…that one hurt." He looked up, seeing Rhyhorn's horn stuck out to attack again.

"Show him you're a man! Use Low Kick!"

Machop narrowed his eyes and swept his leg below Rhyhorn's front left one. The sweep was grand enough to hurl him to the ground with a grand thud. Machop took the chance to get back up and away, staying weary as Rhyhorn staggered back up to face Machop. His maw opened as a glowing orb was being materialized.

"Smack Down!" The orb was launched, shooting across the terrain at Machop. Due to No Guard, Machop was unable to dodge. He took the attack head on, an orange explosion erupting. He slid out of it on a knee. With his opponent weary, Rhyhorn clawed at the ground and lowered his horn for another attack.

"Come get some!" Machop charged ahead, roaring as Rhyhorn bulldozed towards him with a Fury Attack.

"Now! Grab him!" Elfman exclaimed.

Machop did as told and seized the plated head. He dug into his heels and tried to fend him off, but Rhyhorn continued pushing. Slowly and surely, Machop was sliding in the dirt, losing footing with every second that Rhyhorn mowed on. He gritted his teeth as he applied even more force, but that was hardly slowing him down.

Elfman observed the battle, his heart racing. 'This guy's tough. I never saw Machop have this much trouble holding a Rock-type back.' He smirked. 'This has to be it. Only one way to find out.' He puffed his chest and clutched both fists. "Now, Machop! Seismic Toss!"

Machop's eyes dilated in intensity. He gripped Rhyhorn tighter and let out a battlecry. Mustering what he had, he roared as he suddenly bolted skywards, taking Rhyhorn with him. Once he was at a peak, he clutched Rhyhorn tight and began to revolve in a spiral fashion. The whole world around them spun as Machop gained momentum and threw Rhyhorn into the ground, breaking the ground to an intense depression that made rocks nearby tremble from the force.

Machop landed, and he and Elfman glared as Rhyhorn was seen in the dust, quivering as he barely had the energy to stand. This was Elfman's chance.

"Okay, now! Go, Poke Ball!" Elfman threw the Poke Ball, hitting Rhyhorn on his head. The capsule popped open, turning Rhyhorn into energy that was being absorbed into the Poke Ball. Once shut, it plopped to the ground, where they saw it shake several times.

The shaking soon came to a halt, and a click sound was heard. Elfman had done it.

"Yeah! That's a manly catch!" he roared. He went over and picked up the Poke Ball. He inspected it and looked back at Machop, who stood despite the damage taken. "Looks like we got another one."

Machop did an eyeroll. "Another hardhead is more like it."


Elfman wasn't the only one having a winning streak. Beyond the mountainous domains that they've traveled to, Natsu had his Charmander out as they were walking on arid borders. They were getting to dry territory.

"Hey Natsu?" Happy questioned. "Just how far exactly are we going?"

"I don't know. However far it takes till something pops up." He answered bluntly. "Hey Charmander, see anything?"

Looking around, the lizard saw nothing but dry rock everywhere. Maybe an ideal mountainous environment for him, but he wasn't getting anything either. "Nuh-uh."

"You too, huh? Well whatever, we're bound to hit something eventually."

Lucy, who was tailing Natsu with her Klefki, was less than amused at the measures taken. "Yeah, Natsu, I think you're taking this little trek a little too far. This feels more like a vacation than an actual hunt. A very, very dry vacation."

Natsu's face scrunched up. "Alright I get it. Enough salt in the wound much? Geez, if you're gonna make such a hissy fit then we'll backtrack some before we-AH!" Before he could finish, he tripped right onto his face, painfully.

"Oh! That's an ouchie." Klefki winced.

Lucy sighed. "Karma always gets you." She walked over towards him. "Hey, you okay?"

Natsu stammered back up. "Gnngh, yeah, I think so. Guess I tripped on something." He looked back, his eyes blinking as he caught whim of something. And due to Happy and Lucy's equally awkward stares, he wasn't crazy when he thought some red bauble with yellow eyebrows wobbled some before straightening back up. "The heck's this thing here for?" he went over to inspect it. "What is it even anyway?"

"Beats me." Happy gestured. "Looks like a voodoo egg or something."

"Yeah, it's weird." Lucy said. "Are we even sure if it's…hey, Natsu?!"

Natsu wasn't listening. He and Charmander were too engrossed in bobbing it back and forth to one another. They noticed how buoyant the thing was and shoved back to one another. "Hey, check it out! It's not falling down on us!" he pushed it, only for it to straighten back up.

Charmander shoved next. "You should try it, guys! It's actually kinda fun!" He shoved it, only for Natsu to shove harder. It bopped into him, sending him to the ground. "Except for that." He muttered.

"My bad." Natsu apologized.

"Oh! I wanna try! I wanna try!" Klefki chimed as she slowly floated ahead.

"Don't encourage them! You'll only make it worse! Lucy squealed.

Natsu, Happy, Charmander, and eventually Klefki all ended up eventually playing a game. They'd randomly bob it to one another. They kept bobbing, for several minutes straight. For once, the figment stood up straight, alarming everyone enjoying their times. The figment's face began to have the eyes open. They were large eyes with black pupils. They blinked, and then the body jumped in the air briefly, before stubby limbs popped out.

"Hehe!" he chirped. "Man, what a dream that was! Everything was shaking!" he noticed the dumbfounded looks of everyone there. "Hey, what's wrong with you guys?"

Finally, it registered to Natsu and Happy, who shrieked back in unison. "IT'S ALIVE!" they yelled, with Charmander and Klefki also joining in the shock.

Lucy's eyes widened. "Hold up, you mean that was a Pokémon?!"

The little creature giggled as he saw his company. "Oops, sorry. Was I supposed to stay quiet. I couldn't help it. My body was moving, and now I've got this fire inside my belly back up to speed." He jumped to his other leg. "So you guys wanna battle?"

Charmander sweatdropped. "Uh…what?"

Lucy, finally having enough of this mystery, pulled out her PokeDex. She saw the image as it began speaking.

"Darumaka, the Zen Charm Pokémon. When its internal fire is burning, it cannot calm down and it runs around. When the fire diminishes, it falls asleep."

Déjà vu immediately hit Lucy's mind as she looked far from amused by this. "Sounds like some typical Dragon Slayer." She teased begrudgingly. Her eyes widened in realization. "Wait. It says it's a Fire-Type. That means…" She looked at Natsu, who was on pins and needles as he stood tall.

"So you got a fire in your belly too, little guy?" he smirked darkly. "Alright, now I'm fired up. So, if it's a battle you want, we got it. You ready, Charmander?"

Charmander nodded. "Gotcha!"

"So if Charmander is a Fire-type, doesn't that means his fire attacks won't do much at all?" Happy recalled how typing works, but he wasn't so positive on how the effectiveness works with others. And with Fire-types, he didn't understand.

"Well, only one way to find out." Lucy observed quietly. "But Natsu and Charmander have Dragon Rage. Hope they don't underestimate it."

Meanwhile, the battle had already begun. The giddy Darumaka took in a quick breath and expelled a hot breath, which turned to fireballs, via Incinerate. Upon instinct, Charmander dodged to avoid the attack.

"Nice work, now use Scratch!" Natsu yelled. Charmander rushed ahead, his claws brought back to rake Darumaka. The attack made impact, raking Darumaka and bobbing him back. "How'd you like that?" he questioned.

Darumaka, however, looked fine. In fact, with his body, he bobbed back up and his maw opened to ignite in fire, via Fire Fang. He bit into Charmander, creating a decent-sized burst of flames that jutted him back. "OH! Now that's what I call a warmup!" he cheered.

"Lucky shot." Charmander grunted.

Natsu punched forward. "Already, let's use Ember!"

Charmander expelled orange sparks as he launched from his maw. The attack spiraled at Darumaka, but he looked jovial as it came at him. He curled into a ball and began rolling towards Charmander, destroying the embers in the process.

"That looks like Rollout! Be careful, Natsu!" Happy warned.

Natsu's glare hardened. "I gotcha." He remembered the last time he made a mistake against that move. And unlike before, he knew better. As Darumaka closed in, he timed the attack. "Okay, jump!"

Charmander waited at the last second and jumped. Darumaka passed by underneath, continuing to roll until he turned and headed back for Charmander.

"Flame Charge to dodge!" Charmander ignited himself in bodily flames and began dashing about through the area. He shifted his body and Darumaka followed. Charmander sped around again and continued to try and blindside the energetic Darumaka, until he started running circles around him, making a ring of fire.

Finally unable to keep up, Darumaka looked around, his annoyance finally met. "Gnngh! Hey! Let me keep up, will ya?!" He jumped into the air, taking a deep breath before fireballs were made. Using Incinerate, he blasted fireballs into the flaming ring, breaking up the embers.

Charmander's eyes widened as his flames dissipated as he ran. "What the-?!" he looked up, and Darumaka used another Fire Fang with more explosive force. He screamed as he went tumbling into a rock.

"Charmander!" Natsu exclaimed. He looked back at Darumaka, who was hopping on the ground jovially and full of energy. Meanwhile, his Charmander was straining to stand again. "That guy's packing some power. And he's got some power to pack as well." A mischievous smirk crossed his face. "Okay, now I'm definitely catching this guy."

Charmander groaned as his body ached. "Gngh, man. That stung."

"Here I come!" Darumaka went speeding ahead again, jumping into a midair roll to bulldoze into Charmander once more. He was faster and closing the gap, but Natsu was ready for him.

"Okay, Charmander…Dragon Rage!"

Charmander spread his legs apart and a blue energy spiraled into his mouth. Once charged, his maw widened as a blue and black dragon beam-like flame shaped into an actual dragon and soared after Darumaka. The attack's head snapped onto the creature and exploded into a blue smoke cloud. The result was Darumaka being sent airborne, screaming aloud as he sundered to the ground, fumbling to his own rock.

"Oooii…" Darumaka was dizzy and disoriented from that attack, as well as the Rollout. "Someone catch the type of that move…?"

Natsu spread his feet as he pulled a Poke Ball back. "Okay pal…" he threw it with full force. "You're mine!"

The Poke Ball spun rapidly into Darumaka, until it finally hot him on top the head. He cringed before he was converted to energy and was sucked inside. The ball closed and dropped, where it began shaking. Charmander remained ready in case Darumaka chose to come out, but he was sure that last attack knocked his lights out.

The ball made a click, signaling the newest chapter by Natsu. He picked up the Poke Ball, looking at it with a bright smile.

"Alright! Yeah!" Happy cheered.

"Nice work!" Lucy praised.

Natsu looked back at them, smiling. "Thanks." He looked down at Charmander, showing him the Poke Ball. "Yo, Charmander, check it out! We got us a new friend!"

Charmander sniffed the Poke Ball quizzically, to which he smelled it burning. "Is he still having energy to burn? Even after that?"

Natsu threw up the Poke Ball. "Alright pal, get out here!"

The Poke Ball opened, revealing Darumaka. Though he was still dizzy some, he shook it off as he looked at Charmander, then at Natsu's smile.

"Starting today, you're part of the family!" he reached a hand out. "So how about it?"

Darumaka blinked at first, but he accepted it. He happily shook Natsu's hand. "Thais is gonna be fun!" he chirped.

Natsu laughed. "Yeah, I can feel it, too!"

Although Natsu and Charmander were cool with their new hyperactive mirror image of Natsu, Lucy, Klefki, and Happy all nervously sweatdropped. 'Somehow we doubt that.' They thought in unison.


Day soon turned to night for the world of Earthland, at least for Magnolia. With the sun set and the long day's worth of work finally accomplished. Nic found himself on the edge of his bed, shirtless as always. He was surprisingly quiet, almost to a disturbing degree. It wasn't that something bothered him or made him think too har. But rather, something was on his mind, and he couldn't shake it off. He even plopped on his back and sprawled on the bouncy mattress to feel the smooth fabric ease his thoughts, if only a little.

The door to their bathroom opened, revealed to be Erza. She was clad in a cozy, furry pink robe as her silky long red hair slid down her back. "Mmmm…that bath was certainly lovely." She cooed to herself. She stretched her limbs up, getting the rest of the tension out that the hot water couldn't. She strolled on over to the bed and plopped besides Nic. But Erza, being his wife, took notice of Nic's stature on the bed, and in no way did he sleep like that. "Nic?"

The call of his wife made him open his eyes. "Hm?"

"Is everything alright?"

Nic slowly rolled the back of his head. "Yeah, just trying to cool my head down is all."

Erza tossed a strand of hair over her shoulder. She knew her husband and what ticked him. "This has to do with the Cambire Foundation, isn't it?" she surmised. "You worried about the Pokémon and how they'll be used as such?"

Nic rested a hand over his head and gave a grieving sigh. In a way, Erza wasn't wrong. He had his own ethics that he justifies through his actions. But he knew better than to point fingers at anybody for this stubborn side. He'll just have to look pass it.

Erza adjusted so that she was overlooking Nic's head, smiling down at him. "I know how you feel. We've shared quite a history with this dilemma." She chuckled. "But Arthur's been nothing but a respectable ally. You have no reason to mistrust his word."

"I know." He replied. "It's just a lot for me to take in. You end up helping someone who is expanding faster than a Swalot after eating a truck tire. I know it's been good so far…but it's all feeling rushed. And the Council making Rune Knights into Trainers sounds even more disturbing."

Erza cast a frown. "Yes, that is troubling. There are some who may not want to protect a land they aren't familiar with."

"Well for now, guess we'll have to take it step by step. And I guess the first step tat is to make sure Joey does well tomorrow."

Erza smirked again. She slowly bent down, quite slower than usual. "He'll be fine…" her lips met his in an upside-down kiss. A soft second passed before they parted. "He has you for a coach after all."

Nic smirked. "Yeah, I know…" he closed his eyes again, taking in his wife's strawberry scent and the renewed serenity of their space. "Joey's been through a lot as well. And now he's trying to push himself…seems the Cambire Foundation isn't the only one being forced to pace itself."

"Well hopefully tomorrow, it'll help Joey realize what he has to do."

Meanwhile, in the comforts of their place, Dereece slept in his own room, sound asleep, whereas Joey was sleeping on his side, holding his Nic and Vanessa plushies tightly like teddy bears. As he slept longer, the tighter he squeezed.


The roar of the thousands of crowds crammed into the Domus Flau colosseum shook the ground exponentially. They all had anticipation shown on their faces as the sun beamed down on the colosseum ground. They all looked very excited, and no one could blame them. In special booths overlooking the whole thing were holograms of the Magic Council members able to get a clear view of the event to come. Dozens of cameras were angled to get every square inch of the battlefield that was painted in white outlining. The day had come for the Cambire Foundation to show off more of what this land needed to know.

In the wake of these stands, Lucy looked around. "Woah, just look at all these people!" she gasped in shock. She knew it would be a big crowd, but she never imagined it being this big. "It's feeling like the Grand Magic Games all over again."

"Damn straight!" Natsu beamed. "Man, haven't been here in ages! Sure brings back memories, huh?"

"Aye!" Happy cheered.

Besides Natsu, Lucy, and Happy, Charmander and Darumaka were both out of their Poke Balls, urged to watch the battle from afar like they were. At this point in time, they were invited along with everybody else to watch the battle. The Cambire Foundation requested a handful, and for Nic and Erza to come was surprisingly optional. Fortunately, Nic came. He was sitting with Erza nearby. With them, Gray, Juvia, Wendy, Vanessa, and Sophie were all sitting together, with all their Pokémon out respectively to watch the battle.

"I can't believe that made it this big of a deal." Gray noted. "Would've been better low-key if you ask me."

"I would imagine this would be important. It is a rule, right?" Juvia inquired.

Gray shrugged. "Don't ask me, I'm still new to this."

"Which is precisely why we need to pay close attention to how a proper standard battle takes place." Carla enforced.

"Yeah." Wendy nodded, surprisingly with Swablu on her head.

Lucy paid close attention as she saw something come to view in the middle of the battlefield. "I think it's starting guys. Get ready."

Nic and Erza steeled themselves in their spots, as did everybody else. Those afar were watching on lacrima-vision, especially those of Fairy Tail who chose to stay home, which was the rest of everybody. Still, watching, they all anxiously stared at the screens with their Pokémon out. And it wasn't just them either.

The other guilds also watched on lacrima-vision. Lamia Scale, Mermaid Heel, Sabertooth, even those in PokeEarth were all able to watch thanks to the dimensional cameras they used from the conference a while back. With eyes glued to the screens, they could get underway with the processions.

In the center of the battlefield, Arthur was in his wheelchair, followed by Charlotte and Jeffrey. Both had serious disposition as Arthur had a microphone in hand. He tapped it, getting a good enough feedback. The feedback loop was what simmered down the audience some.

"Is this thing on?" he questioned. "Can you hear me in the back up there?" He waves up to the crowds, to which they cheered back. "That's more like it." He chuckled.

Sophie grinned. "Well he seems to be in a friendly mood." She looked over, seeing Abra float in his sleep. Besides him, Dewpider remained quiet with a small scowl. "Perhaps you should watch him as well, Dewpider. It might help."

Dewpider gave his new Trainer a territorial look. He looked a little bummed about being caught and beaten pretty bad. He tried to hide it, but he wasn't doing so well.

Vanessa chuckled. "Seems someone's a little shy."

"First of all, I'd like to thank each and every one of you, who have come out here and taken time out of your days to partake in something as traditional as family dinners themselves." Arthur started. "In light of the few setbacks that we have endured within the past month, we have finally taken the next big step to helping integrating a steady embrace of you people, and Pokémon…"

As Arthur drone on in the ceremonial opening, others were taking proceedings elsewhere. Walking up to the Fairy Tail members, several other figures were shown standing.

"Pardon us, but are these seats taken?"

Nic looked over with everyone. Standing before them were Lyon, Kagura, Minerva, and surprisingly Kevin. They all looked mildly pleased to see them. "Minerva? And Lyon." Nic said. "And you guys."

"Forgive us for intruding." Lyon humbly bowed. "We understand the need for space."

"Hey, don't worry about it." Gray shrugged. "You make it sound like we did something wrong. So what's up?"

Kagura retained a calm look. "We were requested by the organization supervisors to be seated next to you." she explained.

"They said it was part of the proceedings and that they wished that all representatives of the guilds from last week were together." Minerva added.

Natsu folded his arms. "So it's just you guys, huh?"

Lyon nodded. "Evidently. They wanted a notice of only a handful, but the old hag insisted since I was the only one who participated, it's better for my face alone."

"Oh I get it." He turned towards the rest. "Is that the reason for you guys too?"

Kevin shrugged. "My new Master Ichiya is still adjusting. He said I was fine." On his shoulder, his Rattata's head popped out. "Besides, where's everyone else?"

"Yeah! Yeah!" Rattata laughed. "The metal guy with the black hair! A-and then there's the makeup guy and the birdwiththeninjacowboyand all the cwazies!" He looked too energetic at the others as he laughed. "L-look! HAHA! A floating keychain! HAHA!I-it's funny, because keys are fun to bit on, especially since they taste like cwakers! HAHAHA!"

All the other guys and Pokémon there sweatdroppped at Rattata's loquacious demeanor. 'Is he even okay?' a majority of them thought.

Trying to get past it, Gray looked forward. "Well, knock yourselves out."

Lyon nodded. "You're too kind."

"HAHAHA! Okay!" Rattata jumped off of Kevin's shoulder and plopped onto the ground. He ricocheted into a wall with a full-body slam. As wanted, he fell onto his back, twitching at the pain he felt. This only served to make the others even more uncomfortable.

"…well that happened." Charmander sighed.

Darumaka chuckled. "I like that guy. He seems fun." He earned a questionable look from Charmander and Klefki. "What?"

They took their respective seats besides them. Lyon sat close to Juvia and Gray, with Kagura taking the spot on the other side of Erza. Minerva took a seat besides Nic, and lastly, Kevin wedged himself rather close to Sophie, taking certain quick glances at her in the process.

"Mind if this seat is taken?" He plopped besides Sophie, who looked over nonchalantly at him.

"Hm? Oh, you must be Kevin. Are you alone?"

Kevin mentally whistled at the split second's worth of innuendo. He persevered. "Yup, just me." He chimed. "Mind if I sit here?"

"No, not at all." She reached out to him. "Sophie Lednick."

Kevin returned the gesture. "Kevin, but my peeps call me Mister P." As he was getting acquainted with the blonde, took the opportunity to shake her hand, but it was just a tactic. With her arm reaching over, it made her turn to return the shake, so that way he got a sizeable view of the low-cup pairs of massive cantaloupes that she had showing. 'Oh yeah, I've got a good view alright.' He mentally thought. 'Yup, I can see it all…' He was enjoying the handshake, that is, until he heard a hiss from below. Curious, he looked down, and he was met with a cranky Dewpider getting into his face. Immediately he shirked back. "What the-?!"

Sophie sighed. "You'll have to forgive Dewpider. He's still new, and quite territorial at that." Dewpider hissed at her point.

Kevin had a sweatdrop as he cringed back from Dewpider. So much for a close-up view. "…yeah…"

With the little reunion, Erza pulled Kagura into a hug. "Kagura." He cooed. "You miss me?"

A little uncomfortable by Erza's boldness, the Mermaid Heel mage squirmed in embarrassment. "Erza…a little space please." She seethed quietly.

Dismissing her lack of confidence, she only held the hug tighter. "Aw, don't be like that. You've missed me."

"It's only been a week!"

Erza giggled. "A week of bliss I'm sure. Now c'mon, I want a hug, too."

As Kagura was unable to escape her "sister's" hold, this only served to make Minerva and Nic stare meekly, though they had more calm than amusement. "I can see that not much has changed since we've last met." Minerva chimed.

"Yeah…" Ignoring his wife's sisterly affections, he turned towards Minerva. "So, I take it that Sting sent ya, right?"

Minerva held a blank facial expression. She hummed some as she frowned. "Actually…"

"Hm?"

"I was the only one able." She clarified. "For you see, upon returning to the guild, we had our annual Tiger, Tiger, Tiger eating festival." She smirked. "But, as you can imagine, I was the one who tasted victory, while others fell to comas."

Nic blinked. He never pegged Minerva to have that kind of an appetite. If she was honest, he was more surprised if he had known about it sooner. It made him wonder how she would fair against Natsu in an eating competition. "Guess that makes sense." He said neutrally, facing forward. "Looks like it's beginning."

Wrapping up his intro and thanks to the public, Arthur held out grand gestures. "Now then, before we proceed to the battle that shall be demonstrated, I would like to give a very special mention to important comrades in arms. If not for them and their noble devotion, this all wouldn't have been made possible. So please…" he reached out to Nic. "Give a big round of applause for the representatives of the guilds who fought against Alvarez! Including our very own Nic Pularis!"

The crowd went absolutely ballistic over the small group. The stadium literally shuddered at a small magnitude as they all clapped and squealed for the many faces they were aware of. Many fanboys and giddy mature women all squealed at Nic specifically. Upon mention, they all stood up to present themselves more, and earned louder cheers.

Arthur smirked at this. "Now then, shall we get started?" The crowd simmered down as he handed the mic over to Jeffrey. "Jeffrey, if you would?"

Jeffrey took the mic. "Thank you, Arthur." He faced the public as a hologram popped open overhead. The screen showed a red box, and a blue box, with three Poke Ball slots shown. "As my trusted colleague was saying, the proceedings to a Pokémon Battle are all self-explanatory. Depending on what Trainers agree to, the conditions may always change. For example…" The screens overhead altered, showing two Poke Balls against one another. "A Pokémon Battle can be a singular battle, where two Trainers each use one Pokémon. In some cases, the rules can be two, or three. There is no definite number, but, at a maximum, six Pokémon can be used for each Trainer. However…" the three reverted to three Poke Balls for each side. "The standard take of a battle is a 3 VS 3 seminar. Furthermore, the victor goes to the Trainer who has been successful in defeating all the other Trainer's Pokémon."

Vanessa narrowed her eyes. "He sounds like he knows what he's doing."

"Yeah, even I can get it!" Natsu beamed.

"Now then, to help us with this, we have brought two representatives who have aided us in this preemptive war fought. First off, I'd like to welcome a member of the Mermaid Heel guild. Please, direct your attention…to Millianna!"

Exiting from the tunnel, a figure walked out to the field, surrounded by the cheers of many adoring fans. They all squealed, and Millianna waved and blew kisses at them. She cashed a wink in. "Meow~! Hey guys!" she chimed.

Gray's eyes widened. "Millianna?"

"Hey, I know her." Happy said. "She's that cat-girl!"

"So that's Joey's opponent." Carla deduced.

Looking for other answers, attention went towards Kagura. The Mermaid Heel Mage sighed in exasperation. "She was absolutely insistent on participating. When the Cambire Foundation was looking for a volunteer, she was the one who stepped up." She gazed down at Millianna, who pranced over to her box. "I've made certain that she would behave herself."

"Yes, she does tend to fawn quite often over cats." Erza chuckled.

Back at Mermaid Heel guild, the girls watching were all gathered around screens. Beth had a Bunnelby that was eating a carrot, while Ariana had a Spinarak on a table, quite a distance away at that. Then there was Risley, and she had a Barboach flopping.

"C'mon, Millianna! Show 'em yer stuff!"

"All the chicas are counting on you!"

"Make us proud, girl! We're rooting for ya!"

Millianna chimed sweetly as she adored the attention. She was amused in every angle of it all. Of course that isn't to say that she wasn't prepared. When it died down, she glared forward, smirking.

Jeffrey cleared his throat. "And to assist us as well, we have a representative from Fairy Tail, who has partaken in this war. He, too, is a human from PokeEarth, and he has volunteered to show us his experience. Please, may we welcome…Joey Haycliff!"

The crowd began to cheer, waiting for something to come out. Unfortunately, nothing came out. It surprised them. As it went on, some were showing some questions, but then suddenly, everything went black.

"What's the meaning of this?" Charlotte snapped.

A finger pointed in the dark. "Hit it!"

Another finger hit the play button.

[Mirror B. Battle Theme]

Flashy rainbow headlights dazzled across the battlefield and around the entrance. It all straightened out, leading a colorful pathway to a silhouette tapping his foot against the ground with the bass beat. His blonde head down to hold suspense. When there was a click, his head perked up, revealing star-shaped sunglasses.

As the piano-like organ started to play, Joey shuffled out of the tunnel, shifting weight from hip to hip as he bent his knees here and there. He slowly danced his way across the rainbow colorful path of lights, and as the guitar came along, he bit his lower lip as he began to air guitar his way forward.

Once shocked at first, the crowd was now going completely nuts. As Joey boogied his way in style, some heads bobbed to the funky theme overhead on the speakers. Some were clapping along with the rhythm being played as Joey slipped the shades to give the world a moment's wink when he rolled his head back upon finishing that air guitar.

Back at the guild, his little display didn't go unnoticed by anyone watching. "HAHAHA! Yeah! That's our boy!" Cana laughed uproariously at the bar. "Show 'em your stuff!"

"Is this part of the show?" Macao questioned.

"Beats me." Wakaba shrugged. "But it's pretty entertaining, I'll give him that."

And entertaining it was. As he danced slowly across the field, Dereece and Duncan followed him, though Duncan was stone faced while Dereece was headbanging with the boombox he carried. He smirked, actually thinking this was fitting.

Wendy and Carla were white in the eyes as they had no idea what to say. In fact, that's how a lot of what Fairy Tail felt as Joey shuffled and turned his body. Gray and Juvia were at a loss for what to say, while Lyon chuckled.

"I take it he gets this from your guild." He teased.

"I-it wasn't our idea!" Gray shrieked.

"Woooo! Go buddy!" Kevin cheered him on. "For the ladies!"

Sophie smirked at the display, she was honestly mused. Vanessa was lightly smirking as she was chuckling at Joey's show. It was amusing to see him in such spirits, especially after a rough week. Even Minerva was shown smirking.

"My goodness. Seems he's quite the character." She teased meekly at Nic. "Amusing much?"

Kagura sighed. "This situation hardly calls for something like this." Unlike the rest, she wasn't appealed to the display.

Nic and Erza didn't seem bothered. In fact, like Minerva and the other girls, seeing Joey dance to the battlefield was enlightening. As much fun as it was, they didn't forget that this was Joey's chance to shine. Last night's conversation was still fresh in their minds, so they had to remain weary once it begins.

Once Joey slid into the battlefield box, he struck a pose and Dereece cut the music off. The lights went back on, and the crowd was going nuts for the party animal. Some ladies around his age squealed at his sly moves, and all he did was smirk as he flipped off his glasses over his shoulder, which broke upon reaching the ground.

Millianna chuckled. "Meow! So you're the guy that Kagura told me about. I was hoping for someone of more kitty-cat." She mused. "But you'll have to do."

Joey whipped around in a twirl and blew kisses at everyone. He was adoring the attention, so much that he almost forgot about why he was here. He looked at Millianna. "Oh, sorry, you said something?"

Millianna sweatdropped. "Uh…nothing."

At the guild, Gajeel kicked back in his seat. "Hmph, I can do better."

His comment earned him awkward glances from his guildmates close by. 'You can't even sing without breaking glass.' They thought in unison.

"Looks like the big boy's gonna start his fight." Cana said.

Beside her, Purrloin stretched her lower back and looked up at the screen. "Huh, so it would seem." She crudely said.

"Looks like we'll have to take notes on this one." Levy said, Klink levitating beside her. "We might learn some things if we watch a standard battle than a single one."

"GO GET 'EM!" Jet and Droy cheered.

His disposition changed to a serious tone, Joey remained on guard. Especially by Dereece's warning. "Remember, stay calm."

"I know that." He told his best friend. He looked back at Millianna and frowned. 'So this is who I'm facing. This is my opponent.' An image of Broly smiling in his death flashed, making him ball his fists. 'No, calm down Joey. Keep a cool head. Remember the reason you've trained for this. If I'm gonna have to surpass Bro and make him proud, I can't dawdle. I have to take every battle like my life depends on it. That's the only way.'

"Meow! So, you ready?" Millianna shouted.

"Yeah, let's do it!" he replied.

Arthur and Jeffrey stepped off to the side, allowing Charlotte to step up as referee.

"Listen up! The battle between Millianna, and Joey Haycliff, will now commence! Each Trainer is allowed the use of three Pokémon, and the battle will be over when all three of either side's Pokémon are unable to battle! Furthermore, substitutions are permitted!" she announced. "So now, bring out your Pokémon!"

Millianna pulled out a Poke Ball and pecked a small kiss on it. "Alright, I choose you! Go!"

She threw the Poke Ball, and out came a small ink kitten-like creature with three yellow balls on the end of hairs of her tail. "Snack?" she questioned.

"A Skitty." Dereece pulled out his PokeDex, analyzing the adversary.

"Skitty, the Kitten Pokémon. Skitty is known to chase around playfully after its own tail. In the wild, this Pokémon lives in holes in the trees of forests. It is vey popular as a pet because of its adorable looks."

Millianna swooned back and forth with hearts around her face. "Meow! When I saw this cuddly kitty-witty out in the woods, I just couldn't help myself." She cooed. "She's just so adorable!"

Skitty looked ready, but then she felt something sway behind. She looked around, her tail waging enigmatically. "Snack?" Hungry, the cat began chasing her own tail in place. The sight melted Millianna's heart to much.

"I fail to see how this can be seen as professional." Minerva flatly said.

"Yes, I can understand that." Erza mused. "But remember, Millianna is a capable mage. I wouldn't underestimate her if I were you. I wouldn't think differently as a Trainer either."

Joey pulled out a Poke Ball, throwing it. "Okay, get out here! Pidove!"

The Poke Ball popped open, and Pidove fluttered in the air with a chirp. "I shall obey!" the pigeon chirped.

"So Pidove is his first choice." Sophie acknowledged. "Let's see exactly how they fair against one another. Abra. Dewpider. Be sure to pay attention." She told her Pokémon, to which they faced forward.

Vanessa was remaining silent. Her magic was picking up on Joey's jovial senses dying and replaced by a steeply cold and serious vibe. It was like a complete flip. She continued observing with the others as the crowd watched Charlotte's hand go up.

"Challengers ready…" she chopped down. "Let the battle…begin!"

Immediately, Joey didn't give an inch. "Okay, let's start off! Use Leer!" He saw Pidove's eyes glow, but they stammered when Skitty was already closing the distance in a flash. "What the-?!"

"Meow! Show 'em, Skitty! Use Fake Out!" Skitty chimed as she maintained the gap, clapping her paws together. In a slash, a rippling airwave breached in front of Pidove, causing him to fly backwards.

"Pidove!" Joey's shout made Pidove return to normal, but the dull pigeon blinked, as if disoriented. "A flinch." He cursed.

Nic saw the opening move, his eyes narrowing. "When a Pokémon uses Fake Out, they always go first. It's an attack that never misses, and always flinches."

"Seems like Millianna would have the advantage after all." Minerva cheated herself from calling Millianna unprofessional from before.

Pidove shook his head, brushing off the damage the best he could. Joey began a counter. "Yeah, you're fine alright!" He glared at Millianna and Skitty, retaining a cautious stare. 'Pidove hasn't fully mastered Steel Wing yet. It might be too risky if we try it right now. Guess we'll have to play with what we have.'

Millianna reached forward. "Meow! Alright, use Disarming Voice!" Her Skitty opened her mouth and expelled a loud chime, one that ripped through the air in the form of pink hearts at Pidove.

"Pidove, use Gust!"

"I shall obey!" Pidove's wings glowed bright blue and he flapped, creating a strong enough gust that blasted into Skitty's Disarming Voice. The two attacks mixed in a small whirlwind of pink hearts and tearing tempests, which soon dissipated between, giving brief visage of one another.

"Okay, now. Quick Attack!" Joey followed.

Pidove shimmered bright afterimages as he spread his wings. He flipped through the air as he soared at a sharp angle straight into Skitty, scoring a direct hit on the head. The impact was strong enough to be considered a critical hit as she fumbled away.

"MEOW! NO~!" Millianna shrieked.

Dereece's eyes widened. "Wow, that was a good shot." Duncan, however, seemed different.

"It's because of Pidove's Super Luck Ability it has." He explained. "Seems he was just lucky from that call is all."

Dereece chose to ignore his banter. Instead he watched Skitty stand backup.

"Glad you're alright, kitty-witty!" Millianna cried. "Now, let's get back at that mean ole birdie! Sing it to sleep! Sing!" Her Skitty opened her mouth again, exerting yet another charming tune, though this one was softer as notes traveled towards Pidove.

"Dodge it!" Joey commanded. Pidove did exactly as told. He soared around the musical notes, diving at Skitty with a loud chirpy cry. "Alright, use Quick Attack again!"

Pidove unleashed another chirp as several afterimages followed his low-altitude attack, He sailed close to the ground and rushed directly into Skitty, sending her soaring again, much to Millianna's horror.

"Alright, that's the way Pidove!" Joey cheered. "Alright, let's not lose ground. Use Leer!" He called for the attack, but it never came. It made him confused. "Uh, Pidove? Leer? Hello?" He looked up at the fluttering Pidove, his eyes widening. "Wait…"

Skitty shook her head and stood up again. When she faced Pidove again, the bird looked different. For some reason, his movements seemed faulted. He was chirping softly as hearts filled his eyes, as if he has found love. And this is what startled many.

"Meow?" Millianna chimed.

"Hey, something's up with Joey's bird." Natsu realized. "Why's he look like Juvia?"

Though unable to tell due to the volume, a small cringe went up the rain woman's spine. For some reason, she felt insulted.

"Yeah, last I checked, cats and birds don't get along well." Happy noted.

It wasn't long before Vanessa caught up on the battle. Her eyes widened at the display. "It's Cute Charm." She gasped.

"At ye-kho-la lakh-zor al ze? (Could you repeat that?)" Sophie said to her. Unnoticeably, Kevin was glancing from the corners of his eyes again, this time to Sophie's thick thighs. Again, Dewpider hissed to warn him.

"It's Skitty's Ability. When a Pokémon of the opposite gender hits it with a physical move, there might be a chance they can get infatuated." She explained. "In other words, lower their chances of attacking."

"Wait, what?" Lucy questioned. "So if Natsu's Charmander or my Klefki hit it head on, they might fall in love?" That sounded so wrong in all the wrong ways. It made shivers go down her spine, as well as Charmander and Klefki.

"You're mistaken. Just Charmander." Vanessa clarified. "It doesn't work on Pokémon the same gender."

Hearing this, Juvia's heart was starting to feel a slight race. 'Wait…if that's true, then even my beloved can…' She could picture Gray lightly bumping the cat, only to fall madly in love. He snuggled with the Skitty, who meowed softly in his tight hold on her. Just the thought sent her to another paranoid world. "AHHHHH!" she screamed in panic. "No! Not my beloved! Not him!" Of course her ramblings didn't go unnoticed by Gray or Lyon, who were surprised by her screams.

"Woah, hey! Where's the fire?!" Gray panicked.

Pidove was so distracted being in love that he couldn't hear Joey. Joey mentally cursed himself as he let this happen. 'Snap, I blew it! I gotta get Pidove out of there, and fast!'

"Alright Skitty, let's go!" Millianna interjected. "Disarming Voice!" A shriek expelled from Skitty again as pink hearts shot at Pidove in the air. The attack scored a direct hit, sending the bird tumbling through the air.

"Pidove! Hang in there!" Joey called out. His Pidove doubled over and flapped in the air, but he dumbly chirped with hearts still in the gaze. He knew he couldn't last much longer. He had to go for broke this time. "Guess we have no choice…" he punched forward. "Alright, Steel Wing!"

"I shall…love~!" Pidove twirled around in the air, fluttering madly at Skitty. His wings glowed a metallic shriek across them as he closed the gap. He went to eye level with Skitty, but as he closed in further, the wings began to fade in and out. Joey mentally cursed again.

This was Millianna's shot. "Sing!" Skitty once again began chiming her sweet voice. This time, with Pidove slowed down some, the musical notes hit home, passing Pidove.

Immediately, the effects kicked in. Pidove's lovey-dovey vision began turning weak from the lullaby Skitty sang. His body grew tired and he wane some, drifting to slumber, as well as Skitty blindly. "Oh snap! Not good!" Joey panicked.

"Disarming Voice!"

Skitty took in a deep breath, letting out one more cry of pink hearts shot into the half-sleeping dove heading her way. The resulting soundwave blew the Pidove skywards, fumbling to a tailspin and crashing to the ground. When the dust cleared, Pidove was seen on his back, spirals in his eyes.

Charlotte raised an arm for Millianna's side. "Pidove is unable to battle, Skitty is the winner!" she shouted, the hologram above showing Pidove's icon turning from colorful to black and white.

The crowd cheered at the first battle's conclusion. They all were surprised, if not elevated to Millianna's strategy. This made her jump in joy as her Skitty raced around in circles. "Meow! We did it, Skitty! Yeah!"

Dereece sighed. "Well that didn't go the way Joey wanted."

"You'd think that after this supposed week of training that he should've known to just returned Pidove to wear off the Cute Charm." Duncan explained curtly. "What a waste."

Joey frowned as he returned Pidove to his Poke Ball. "Thanks Pidove. Chill for a bit." He told the Poke Ball. He put it away, staring at Millianna's Skitty as she chased her tail in circles. 'I've got two left. I can't let another mistake like that happen again. I just can't!' Another image of Broly entered his mind, making his fists ball tighter. 'I gotta stay calm. The battle's not over yet. We still have a chance.' He pulled out another Poke Ball, throwing it. "Alright, go, Chespin!"

The Poke Ball opened, summoning forth Chespin onto the battlefield. "I'm ready!" he beamed.

"So Chespin is his second Pokémon." Nic evaluated. He fell silent as he chose to observe with Erza.

Minerva had a leg folded over the other, leaning forward with a suspicious smirk. "To what do I wonder how a fairy entails a comeback?" she chimed.

"Go Chespin!" Charmander cheered for his old labmate.

"Yeah, kick her ass!" Natsu exclaimed.

With Chespin out, Millianna refocused. "Okay then." She reached out. "Go! Tail Whip!" She watched Skitty turn around and shake her tail in front of Chespin, making a blue aura envelop him to reduce Defense, as well as make her squeal 'So cute!'

Joey punched ahead. "Okay, use Vine Whip!"

Chespin took in a deep breath. "This one's for Pidove!" He shot two vines from his neck that zoomed like bullets that elongated at Skitty as she turned around. When she did, she didn't get a second wind as two vines jabbed her in the face, sending her sliding on her side across the ground in a dust wave.

"MEOOW! SKITTY-WITTY!" Millianna panicked. When she saw the dust clear, she saw that her Skitty was sprawled on the ground, spirals in the eyes.

"Skitty is unable to battle, Chespin is the winner!" Charlotte announced, the icon of Skitty now turning off as well.

This time, the crowd cheered as Chespin was beaming with pride over that abrupt victory. Some were surprised, but some were smart enough to process what happened.

"Man, that sure didn't take long." Gray noted. "

"Well what do you expect? It did take considerate damage from Joey's Pidove." Lyon noted. "But it seems like the score is now tied."

Nic and the experienced Trainers wouldn't put their eggs into that basket. They didn't know if things were going to go south or not, but they weren't counting out that last Tail Whip. In battle, even the faintest of status moves can mean the difference in a battle.

"Oh, return Skitty!" Millianna recalled Skitty, looking saddened at her Poke Ball. "Oh, those mean people hurt you. But don't worry, we'll get back at them for you." She looked back at Joey, pulling out another Poke Ball. "'Kay then! Go, Meowth!"

The Poke Ball opened, summoning for a bipedal white feline Pokémon. He had a golden coin on his head, with wide eyes and black ears. He stood on two feet, looking at Chespin. "Hey shabby, nice day we're heaving. Yeah, see, yeah?" he noted in a witty tone.

"A Meowth huh?" Dereece pulled out his PokeDex again, analyzing the purr-fect opponent.

"Meowth, the Scratch Cat Pokémon. It loves coins, so if you give it one, you can make friends with Meowth easily. But it's fickle, so you can't count on that friendship lasting."

Taking of the PokeDex entry, Dereece looked up at Millianna cooing over Meowth, who blindly scratched behind his whiskers. 'Probably how she got him.' He figured.

"A Meowth…" Joey nodded. "Okay, let's do this Chespin!"

"Right!" Chespin spread his legs again and readied for another round. "You ready?"

Meowth whisked his one whisker to the side. "Hmph, not feeling it."

A question mark appeared over question. "Heh?"

"I only fight for coins. Nothing personal, yeah, see?" he snarked. "So unless you have something to offer, I ain't doing no-"

"Oh Meowth~?" hearing his name chimed, Meowth turned around. His eyes immediately widened upon seeing a golden coin in Millianna's fingers. "Will you battle for me~?"

The temptation was too strong. As if a switch had turned on, the Normal-type turned around, giving a look that scared even Chespin. "…so as I was saying, shabby, you're on!" he roared.

Chespin sweatdropped. "Uh…okay…?"

Millianna reached forward. "Now, use Fake Out!" Meowth got on all fours and vanished, appearing in front of Chespin in a blitz. In midair, he clapped his paws just like Skitty from begore. The shockwave emitted pushed Chespin back, actually picking him off his feet and sliding on his stomach.

"Chespin!"

Chespin groaned as he suffered great damage. Dazed somewhat, he shook his head, only to find Meowth at the ready.

"Use Fury Swipes!" Meowth screeched as his claws extended outwards, shining brightly. He pushed forward and closed the gap.

Joey reached out. "Chespin, use Vine Whip!"

Chespin elongated vines from his body once more and shot them like lashes. They whipped into Meowth, but the bipedal feline slashed and scratched at the vines, swatting them away. Chespin kept the pressure on as Meowth was prevented from getting any closer,

"Now use Bite!" Chespin's mouth opened as he retracted the vines, jumping down for a bite at Meowth.

"Dodge it!" Millianna shrieked. Meowth managed a jump at the last second, avoiding the bucked teeth. "Yes! Now let's use Fury Swipes one more time!" Meowth came down again, ready to slash at Chespin.

Joey's face squinted as he knew better as to attack. "Catch it with Vine Whip!" Chespin used the same move again, shooting green vines. However, this time, they shot at the arms, snaring Meowth in midair. The feline's eyes widened in shock. "Alright, throw him down!"

"Alright…have this!" Chespin reeled his body back and rocked forward, driving the vines into a slam to Meowth into the earth with a painful thud. The shock was enough to make even a few people flinch.

"Meowth!" Millianna shrieked. Meowth strained to stand at her worried call, but Chespin was already prepared to attack again. Upon Joey's command, he set off.

"Use Rollout!"

Chespin curled into a ball and began rolling across the battlefield at Meowth. The attack was powerful enough to send the cat sailing off, slamming on his back a second time. The audience cheered at what was a real Pokémon Battle. An intense struggle for either side, in which they would compete in shows of strength and strategy. It was just like the Grand Magic Games, but with Pokémon. And they were enjoying it. They all saw Chespin roll around back at Meowth, but the cat was witty enough to not get hit again and stepped to the side. As Chespin finished due to the miss, he turned.

Millianna punched forward. "Use Bite!"

Meowth lunged forward in a hurry. "Here's a little shabby for you…shabby!" He opened his maw and snapped down, clamping prolonged fangs into Chespin's arm. The attack resulted in a burst of smoke that Chespin screamed in. He slid back to a halt, his body cringing.

"Another flinch?" Joey gasped.

"Use Fury Swipes!" Millianna's command made Meowth race up again as Chespin was still in shock. When Chespin looked up, he went wide-eyed before a pair of claws raked across his face, making him stagger back. When he recovered, he was scratched again, harder. Then again, and finally, Meowth finished with a fourth slash across the face, this one sending Chespin to the floor this time.

"Chespin!" Joey screamed.

Dereece flinched at the harsh blow. "Oh, that ain't pretty."

Cana slammed her beer in front of Mirajane, though she remained calm. "C'mon ya little party animal! Show some backbone why don't ya?!" she roared at the screen.

Vanessa continued evaluating the battle as well. "That Tail Whip lowered his Defense, so that means that Meowth's attacks are doing more damage." She saw Chespin struggled to get up after that last volley. "He may only be able to take one more attack."

Chespin was struggling to stand, much to Joey's grief. "C'mon buddy, don't fail me now." He pleaded, his fists balling. "We didn't come all this way to go down like this…we didn't train to be made fun of again in a fight. Right?" He saw Chespin straining some more. "Chespin!"

"I hear ya." The Grass-type heaved. He labored in breath as he glared at Meowth. His body started emitted a glistening green aura, signaling his own comeback.

Millianna raised an eyebrow. "What's that…?"

Joey and Chespin glared daggers. They were ready to finish this.

"That's Overgrow!" Dereece exclaimed. "Chespin's Ability. I think Joey might actually have a chance here people! Go, Captain Joey!"

Joey punched forward. "Alright, use Vine Whip!" Chespin let out a loud shout as he projected his vines for the umpteenth time, this time, glowing green for additional strength.

"D-dodge it!" Millianna panicked.

Meowth was with her on that one. He hurried to avoid the lashes heading his way. He beamed off to the side, avoiding a harsh lash. Then dodged again when another came his way. He continually dodged Chespin's empowered vines, but Chespin roared as he slanted one vine, forcing Meowth to make a jump. It made him trip, making Millianna gasp. Before both knew it, a green vine arose and readied for a downward lash.

"Bite it!" Millianna shrieked. Meowth saw the vine and opened his maw, clamping down just upon impact.

The shocking move left everyone speechless. Joey and Chespin gasped in deep shock, and Vanessa and Sophie were admittedly surprised.

"Now, reel it in!" Meowth did as told and yanked his head back, causing Chespin to sail towards him across the ground unevenly. "Now, Fury Swipes!"

"HYAAAH!" Meowth screeched as he elongated his claws yet again. As Chespin closed in, the Grass-type's eyes were wide in shock as Meowth's claws reflected in his black eyes. His heart raced as Meowth's attack made impact, just one scratch sending him airborne with his vines back at Joey.

"CHESPIN!" Joey cried out.

As Chespin went sailing back towards the ground, he began to feel his senses dull. That last attack did him in. 'Sorry…Joey…' His consciousness faded when upon hitting the ground, it all went to black in one thud.

"Chespin is unable to battle, Meowth is the winner!" Charlotte shouted.

The crowd cheered louder at that exciting match. It was very intense, even more so than the last one. Joey, however, looked saddened to where he hunched over, bangs covering his eyes in disappointment. Millianna cheered for Meowth as the two were holding each other's hands and skipping in place. The gesture only added insult to injury to him.

"That's gotta suck." Kevin said. "Now Joey's down to one."

"Yeah, but he doesn't look happy about it." Sophie frowned. "I doubt anyone would."

As Joey returned Chespin with a depressed look, he looked at Poke Ball longingly. He was staring at it, feeling a strong pain in his chest. When Chespin was defeated, he could feel his disappointment serve to climb. Another image of Broly flashed, causing him to grip Chespin's Poke Ball tighter.

This feeling. Anger. Self-disappointment. Frustration. Foolhardy. These were emotions that Vanessa's aura was picking up. She couldn't see the bubbly fanboy that fawned over her and Nic, and partially Erza. Frankly, this obsession to do better was what was making his expectations too high. And this is what Nic was afraid of. What he and the other Pularis girls were seeing, it was all they needed to know that Joey's mindset was completely shutting down. He was trying, that much was evident, but they can't help him in something like this…not right now.

'I can't believe this. I goofed up again.' Joey despaired. 'I thought I was getting better, I really was…' He remembered yesterday morning when he and Chespin rolled into each other with haste, knocking both out. His teeth gritted as his frustrations arose. He was slowly losing his grip, but a hand on his shoulder made him see he wasn't alone. "Dereece?" he gasped.

Dereece was giving his Captain a serious look. "Look man, just take it easy, alright? No need to rush things."

Joey looked away in shame. "And how am I supposed to do that, huh? Bro left big shoes for me to fill. How am I supposed to slow down when I have so much to do?"

Dereece grinned. "Because you set your expectations too high too soon man."

"But…Bro had expectations of me."

"Maybe…" Dereece looked away, a thought pressing on. "But didn't he trust you because of you?" Joey looked up in shock at him as he pat his back. "I know you had a rough time, but even after everything…I think it's about time you start looking yourself in the mirror."

Joey didn't get what he meant by that. Still, he didn't know what to do, or who to turn towards. Dereece was that only levity.

"You've been crying almost every night since we've gotten home. I'm sorry too, and I know you're working hard and all…" He softly smiled again. "But I think it's important to remember that person that Broly and Nic respected. Okay, maybe this is an improvement on a serious note, but you always make things fun. Don't forget that." He gripped Joey's shoulder tighter. "It'll work out…I'm here."

Joey sniffled as he tried to hold it in, but he couldn't. His misted eyes were wiped away as he stood once more. When he thought he was doing so good, he blundered. He thought he was alone, but it turns out he was being separated from not just others, but from himself. He wasn't the same goofball that shook his booty every ten seconds when a certain type of music is played. He was discomforted in mourn, and Dereece was there. He couldn't believe how long it took him to realize that. "Thank you, Dereece." He sniffled. "Sorry for doubting you…" he straightened back up again.

He smiled. "It's fine, man."

Joey sighed, his smile as bright as rain once more. "Yeah, it will be…once I finish this battle." As he faced Millianna again, he looked back over his shoulder. "Just stick by me, Dereece, you got that?"

He eagerly nodded. "Your orders, Captain!"

"Good, now then…drop me a beat!"

Dereece got the boombox out and began to play again. The Pokémon Trainer made a funky tune expel, similar to the one made earlier, and Joey began to thump his foot and roll his shoulders. He began taking mock stretches as he took deep breaths all around. "Okay…let's get funky!" he cheered.

Sensing his jovial confidence returned, Nic grinned. The shift in a more accepting aura, Vanessa also smirked, along with Sophie.

"Seems that the fallen fairy's ready to spread his wings." Minerva smirked.

Joey began shadowboxing as he shuffled up and down, following the beat of the music. Meowth and Millianna looked confused as Joey as pulling out his last Poke Ball in the music. "Okay! It's time to get down! Time for the trump card!" He threw the Poke Ball. "Now, go!"

The Poke Ball opened, summoning forth Joey's newest creature. In the wake of the summon, a moldy stench eroded outwards, coming from Trubbish as the trash bag blindly blinked each eye individually. She took in a big breath, before she exerted a disgusting roar-like belch.

"Uh…HUH?!" Millianna shrieked. "Is that thing even a Pokémon?" She sniffed the air, plugging her nose. "Bleh! So disgusting! I know cats hang around near trash, but seriously!"

Even from the distance, Natsu and Wendy could catch the whiff of Trubbish. Both their faces paled as a disgusting odor enflamed their inside. Both cringed and covered their mouths.

"So that's the Pokémon Joey caught?" Erza questioned.

"Seems rather…unique." Juvia nervously pointed out.

Gray smirked. "Guess we'll see what it can do." He looked up at the hologram of Joey VS Millianna above. "For our sakes, it better be something."

Back on the battlefield, Trubbish's stench was corroding towards Meowth. The cat took a whiff of the air, his nose cringing in fright. Immediately he shuffled away. "Bleh! Oh god! What did you easy, see?" He shouted. "Millianna, mind setting this one out?"

Millianna held up a coin. "What? No way! What about this?" Meowth looked away. She sighed. "Okay then…" She held up two coins. "If you win, I'll give you two~?"

The gesture made Meowth tempted. Bullets of sweat ran down his face and he finally chose to face forward. "Er…fine1 But only for a little while!" he shouted.

"That's my kitty! Now let's take out the trash! Use Fury Swipes!" Meowth inhaled and did his best to keep himself from breathing in the awful smell. He elongated his claws and went racing ahead.

"He's coming, Captain." Dereece warned.

"I hear ya." He grinned as he reached ahead. "Alright Trubbish, use Toxic Spikes!" Trubbish opened her maw and faced the sky. A poisonous purple orb with a bright inside and dark core was seen. She belched it up, expelling purple in a spiral. It shot up like a missile before it dispersed into purple comets with purple smoke trailing. It all shot int the ground in purple ripples, fading and throwing Meowth off guard.

Unable to tell what happened, Meowth looked around at the spikes rippling beneath. "What's happening?" he sniffed the air. "Oof! That smell!"

'He's close!' Joey took the shot. "Trubbish, Double Slap!"

Trubbish's floppy arms glowed bright as she gave a belch as charged. She closed the gap quickly, or rather, Meowth was too in shock as Trubbish slapped him across the face once, then a second time, flooring him. The feline gagged as he coughed.

"Uh…quick! Use Bite!" Millianna screeched.

"Ugh…" Meowth was gonna hate this, but of it meant the coins, he'll pay any price. He lunged at Trubbish and sunk his fangs into the floppy arm, earning a cringing belch. "Hmph!" Meowth backed off, but his mouth was corroding a terrible smell. He paled. "…oh god." He gagged, getting a knee. "So disgusting."

Joey persevered. "You got this! Use Double Slap again!"

Meowth looked forward, only for Trubbish to raise her floppy arms at close range and slapped him hard. The slap across the face had a harsh clap to it that made Millianna and Dereece cringe. Meowth went sailing towards Millianna, thudding on the ground hard. He laid there, unconscious from that blow.

"Meowth is unable to battle! Trubbish is the winner!" Charlotte exclaimed.

The crowd cheered again as Meowth's circle turned off. The feline-loving mage sighed as she returned Meowth. "Oh returned." She mourned as Meowth was recalled.

"Yeah man! Up top!" Dereece offered a high-five to Duncan, but he looked away, as if shuffling. "I don't even know why I try." he sighed.

"Yeah, that's the way Trubbish!" Joey exclaimed. He saw Trubbish return to her position as green wavy aura filled her up, and for some reason, she looked well. "Trubbish?" he gave her a questionable look, but she looked fine. He'd take note and shrug it off. "Okay, let's go on."

Millianna huffed as she pulled out one last Poke Ball. "Meow! Okay, that was good, but now it's for my ace! Go, Glameow!"

The Poke Ball popped open, and appearing on the battlefield was a slim gray and white feline creature with a spiral tail. Her yellow eyes had blue pupils, and she smirked. "Hello?" she chimed.

"So Glameow is Millianna's final Pokémon." Erza noted.

Kagura nodded. "Yes. And Millianna's craftiest, not to mention strongest. This won't be easy."

Vanessa pulled her PokeDex out.

"Glameow, the Catty Pokémon. It claws is displeased and purrs when affectionate. Its fickleness is very popular among some."

Lucy nervously smiled. "Seems like there's a pattern here somewhere."

"Yes…" Vanessa looked out towards the field. "But…"

Glameow stared at Trubbish, already getting her corrosive odor. She chose to ignore and get this over with. As she stepped forward, a purple ripple expelled beneath, sending purple shock through her limbs throughout the body up. She winced as her face grew purple.

"Meow! Glameow, what happened?!" Millianna shrieked. She saw the feline ache and she instantly found a culprit. "Hey, what did you do?!" she pointed at Joey.

Joey innocently smirked. "My bad, guess you forgot about Toxic Spikes." He answered. "It poisons Pokémon entering the battle. Pretty slick, right?"

"Hey, that's gotta be cheating! Is there a rule for that?!" Millianna shouted.

Charlotte shot her a look. "It is fair. Status conditions do help in battle. Now battle!" she borderline demanded.

Millianna shrunk away from her intimidation. "Okay…" She looked ahead, giving a glare. "Okay then, guess we got no choice. So use Fake Out!"

Glameow did her best to ignore her condition and sprung forward. She closed the gap on Trubbish and clapped in front, creating a shockwave that pushed her back. Glameow landed and smirked, but then toxic bubbles expelled, damage accumulating, while Trubbish rolled back and flinched.

Joey watched Trubbish flinch, unable to attack again. But he saw another green wave expel up her body. 'There it is again. What's she got?' he wondered. He shook his head, choosing to focus.

"Now, use Growl!" Millianna shouted. Glameow let out a cry as distorted soundwaves echoed outwards towards Trubbish. The soundwaves passed her, making her floppy arms be used to cover up her ears as her Attack lowered.

Being a deaf man, Joey ignored the shockwaves. "Well we got more! Trubbish, belch 'em up an Acid Spray!"

Trubbish took in a deep breath and belched an acidic flood from her mouth. Glameow went wide-eyed and she jumped to dodge it. In midair, more poisonous sparks caused her damage, while Trubbish had a green wave flood her body.

With her feline in the air, Millianna used the chance to attack. "Scratch!"

Glameow came down, her claws elongating into sharp nails and slashed into Trubbish, quite harshly. Trubbish shrieked in pain, but held her ground.

"You git this, Trubbish! Use Double Slap!"

"Scratch!"

Trubbish's floppy arms glowed brightly as Glameow went to attack. The two went back and forth, making a parry of claws and trash blobs. But, being a feline, Glameow's limber body made her lighter, and easier to maneuver as she dodged Trubbish's attack, countering the rakes around the smelly trash heap. When Trubbish finally got a smack in, Glameow veered away, but she sneered, whereas Trubbish belched. Once again, poison inflicted Glameow, whereas Trubbish had a green aura.

'Why is Trubbish doing that? I know he doesn't have any healing moves.' Joey was aware of Trubbish. He's played the games before, and they can't know healing moves, unless Swallow applied, but he forgot it they could learn that. But then he remembered something. 'Wait, hold on…' And unknowingly to him, Nic was watching, catching the revelation.

Glameow shook her head, wearing away the smell. "Purrr, you stink." She scoffed, clawing the air.

"Let's use Hypnosis!" Millianna commanded.

Glameow sneered as her eyes began glowing with a bright wave emitting from them. As Trubbish looked at it, she could feel her own strength decline. Much like Pidove, the Poison-type began succumbing to the ominous light, her eyes shutting and slumping to a slumber.

"Yes! We put that stinky bag to sleep!" Millianna cheered, but was immediately thwarted when Glameow winced from the poison. "Whoops! Sorry! We better wrap this up before the poison does!" she reached out. "So use Scratch!"

Glameow attacked again, this time she pounced vigorously and slashed across Trubbish's face. Surprising enough, the trash bag wasn't moved that much. Glameow winced at the poison, and Trubbish had green waves overlapping her body.

"Again!" Millianna ordered. Glameow went and slashed yet again. Again, the same effects happened.

"This looks bad." Gray said. "If that thing doesn't wake up soon, it's lights out for Joey."

"Yeah, this is getting reckless." Lucy warned.

Wendy, however, paid attention to the lights. "Huh? Wait…" As she saw Glameow attack a third time, she saw the poison douse her further, whereas Trubbish gained some. "Something's really weird here. For some reason, it looks like Trubbish is…healing itself."

"How so?" Carla asked. "Is it because of the sleep?"

Wendy shook her head. "No, none of that. It's like after every attack for some reason."

Joey smirked.

Glameow winced as she backed away. "You done…yet…?" she labored in each adhesive breath taken, but Trubbish was still snoring. It looked like she was still hanging in there. "How is she still able to battle?"

Joey snickered. "Looks like the jig is up. Seems they don't know about your Black Sludge, right?" As he asked the question, Trubbish stirred awake. She blinked, before expelling a breath that could kill plantlife. "When I caught Trubbish yesterday, I forgot she was holding this awesome item that heals Poison-types a little after each turn. It's called Black Sludge, and wild Trubbish and a few other Pokémon carry this cool item, too. Right?" At this, Trubbish belched.

Millianna looked shocked. "Say what?! Okay, that has to be against the rules, right?!"

Charlotte looked unfazed by the feline lady's lack of maturity. "It is fair." She sneered. "In battle, such items help. Consider this experience."

Joey smirked again. "You're crafty, and that's what'll give you an advantage in a fight." What Nic said yesterday rung in his head, making him jittery. 'Heh, looks like my luck's gotten through again.' "Alright, use Acid Spray!"

Trubbish exerted another belch, expelling a close-range blast of acid that shot Glameow. She shrieked as she slid back, the acid making a blue aura envelop her. She glared ahead, but the poison again numbed her. Worse, when she sniffed the air, that attack had extra bile on it. It made her flinch.

"She's flinching too." Sophie observed.

"That's Stench." Dereece recalled Trubbish's Ability. "Joey! Now man! Now!"

Joey nodded with an anxious smile. "I got this." He swiped his arm and reached out. "Alright…finish this! Trubbish! Acid Spray!"

Trubbish took in a heaping load of air before she began to churn her acids inside. The bile and acid built up, and the attack soared at Glameow like a flood. Glameow was cringing from the smell and was too distracted. Her eyes went wide when she was struck by the attack, making a purple steam cloud erupt over her side of the battlefield.

"NYAAA! KITTY-WITTY!" Millianna shrieked.

As the dust settled, it had shown Glameow on her side with spirals in her eyes. Her icon vanished.

"Glameow is unable to battle, Trubbish is the winner! Therefore, the victory goes to Joey Haycliff!" Charlotte announced.

The audience and everyone cheered for the outcome of the battle. Joey's face was on every screen, and Cana at Fairy Tail was screaming in joy, spraying booze from bottles that annoyed Gajeel and Alzack. Meanwhile, Millianna sunk to her knees in defeat. All looked happy, and Joey's own shock sunk in.

"We won…? We…we actually won?" Finally grasping realization, he locked eyes with Trubbish briefly. Before long, Joey smiled wide and jumped for joy. "AW YEAH BABY! WOOOOOH!" he roared, darting for Trubbish. "Trubbish, we did it! We actually did it! Give me some love you living hazardous waste you!" He picked up and held Trubbish in a tight up, spinning and jumping in place out of joy. He laughed and smiled as he gave Trubbish a toothy smile. That smile was what Trubbish took a moment to register before she belched again, but this one was short, and she smiled for once.

"I must say, that turned out quite nicely." Lyon said as he clapped.

"Yeah I'll say." Gray said. He looked down at Bergmite. "See that, what do you think?"

Bergmite blinked. "Intrigued. Very lively. Enjoyed greatly." He noted stiffly.

"He really did it!" Wendy smiled.

"Yeah, he was shaky, but he looked like he was pulling through." Lucy noted.

Nic and Erza remained silent. Beside them, Kagura sighed at the results. "She got too carried away. Seems I'll have to have a word with her when this is all over." Seeing her pouting over the embarrassment Millianna was suffering made it a little amusing for Erza as she chuckled, earning a glare from Kagura. The little rivalry didn't seem too vague to tell.

Joey pointed at Dereece. "Hit it!"

Dereece happily hit the boombox again. The theme returned to the same one he used when entering. He shuffled and danced along the ground, showing off for everyone, as well as for Nic and Erza. They stared confidently, and it only made him blush more. He internally squealed and his dancing rhythm made him go into a backflip of joy. "AW YEAH , BABY! WOOOO!" he shouted to the world.

Dereece bobbed his head back and forth, yet beside him, Duncan looked bored. He turned away, tipping his cap to get the sun out of his eyes.


"Sorry, Kagura. I really let you down, didn't I?" Millianna apologized to Kagura. They were in the lobby area, along with the members of Fairy Tail and Minerva.

"It's fine." Kagura dismissed. "But I do hope you learned from this experience."

Millianna eagerly nodded. "Yeah! I'll train even harder for the guild!"

"Well it's good to know that someone's in high spirits." Gray smirked. He looked around, seeing that people were missing. "Hey, where's Lyon?"

Juvia approached his side. "I think he said he would sit and wait out the whole event, darling." She answered him.

From the distance, the remainder of the group were all looking jovial as Erza approached them, exiting from an opening. "I spoke with the administrators." She said. "The public is being detailed about the battle and what happened. But we are permitted to leave now."

"Finally!" Natsu stretched. "I can't wait to get back to Magnolia! Seeing that battle made me so pumped that I can't wait!" he shouted before facing Lucy. "Hey Lucy, wanna have a round?"

"Say what?!" she shrieked. "Why?!"

"Well it's a rule, isn't it? So c'mon, let's battle!"

Kagura sighed. "Honestly…"

Kevin shook hands with Joey. "You did a good job out there man."

Joey smiled. "Hey, thanks for being here. I can't thank you enough."

"Well actually…" Kevin leaned in, whispering with a wink. "If you think you can get me some nice 'shots', I'll take those."

Noting the innuendo, Joey looked around. When he saw Sophie talking to her Abra and Dewpider, he saw how her back was turned, and her cloth on the left side was exposing the thick met of her rump and thigh. Barely containing himself, he flashed a wink back. "'kay, deal. Same goes for me too."

"What are you two whispering about?" Dereece asked, who was beside Minerva with arms crossed.

"Nothing!" Both straightened up innocently.

Kevin turned away and began waving back. "Gotta bolt! Next time let's battle!"

Joey waved back. "Gotcha! See ya around, Mister P!"

With one last wave back, the perverted Trainer took to his heels and strolled out of the colosseum. He seemed rather mild for a pacer, making sure he was far enough from wandering eyes. Once he had gotten out of the lobby, he took one more look around before he activated his magic. A holographic file opened up and he expanded it, showing various shots of women snapshots in the arena. Specifically, those of young age as like him, if but a little older, with assets to make his mouth water. "Aw yeah, I'll be saving these for the next few days." He mumbled low as he vanished to the distance.

"Guess it's our time as well." Kagura huffed, walking off. "Millianna, come."

"Coming, Kagura!" The cat woman hurried off, but not before turning around and waving at Erza. "Bye, Erzy! See you later!" As Erza gave her a nod back, her attention drew towards Joey. "And you! Next time, you won't be so lucky against me, pal! I'll get stronger! Just you wait and see!" she declared, and finally took off to catch up with Kagura.

Joey watched Millianna take off, seeing to their own way. He was approached by Minerva, getting him to face her. "Oh, hey." He chimed. "You here for an autograph?"

Minerva chuckled. "Cute."

Joey blushed. "I try." It was a lie. It was dumb luck, but far be it from anyone to wreck his ego right now.

Minerva played along. "I was skeptical about you at first, Joey Haycliff, but it seems you've proven me wrong after all. Seems as though what Nic said was true. You most certainly are an interesting individual." With Joey stunned by what she said, she could see the shock on his face. She smirked back at Nic and Erza. "I believe that I must tend to my business as well back at the guild."

Erza nodded. "Be safe."

"We'll be seeing you around." Nic said.

Minerva nodded in compliance. With that, she ignited herself in her magic, becoming a green orb that she stepped into. Once inside, it vanished to thin air, leaving her presence to be questioned.

When Minerva was gone, a shiver went down Dereece's back. "That magic still gives me the heebie-jeebies. Right, Joey?...Joey? Uh, Joey?"

Joey, however, was still stuck on what Minerva had said earlier. He was wide-eyed with a growing bliss that was overwhelming his sense of time, so much he didn't realize that Nic and Erza and Vanessa were gathering in the background. "I'm…interesting?" he blushed. "They…they really think I'm interesting…" His epiphany made his face widened with an inhaling squeal, like that of a giddy schoolgirl. "Dereece! Didyou hear that?! She said that I was interesting!" He shouted as he clutched his best friend's shoulders, shaking rather violently. "Ohmygodohmygodohmygooooo~d! Do you know what this means?!" he gasped as he stared in the distance, unaware he was almost choking a struggling Dereece. "It means that they're taking time out of their days to talk about me. Me!"

"B-but, Nic and Vanessa already talk to yo-"

"I can totally see it!" He jumped off Dereece and proudly beamed in pride. "Nic would be like 'You're a very good person, Joey. Anda good Trainer.', and I'll be all like 'Aw stop, you're gonna make me blush. You trained me, it's all your credit!', and Vanessa will be all like 'Joey, you became so wise, and handsome', and I'll be like 'I do what I can to please you!', and she'll be all like. 'Joey, be my slave and fix me up a nice smoothie', and I'll be like 'With lemons?'" with that out of his system, he gave a long, soothing sigh. "Yeah…" He looked back over his shoulder, seeing the very siblings themselves. He looked back at Dereece and nodded. Moments later, his eyes widened and froze in place. Like a broken dolly head, his neck cracked as her nervously looked back, seeing Nic and Vanessa's neutral stares at him. "Uh…uh…I just…it…uh…." Realizing he made himself an embarrassment again, he blushed up a storm and took off. "Dereece, retreat!" At the speed of light, he darted out of the exit, leaving a trail of fading dust.

"What's wrong with him?" Natsu sked, completely clueless. "Gotta use the bathroom or something."

"Nah that sounds like something Lucy would do." Happy answered.

"Excuse me?!" Lucy shrieked.

Vanessa kept a smirk forward at Joey's nervousness. "Certainly a character, isn't he."

"That's outing it mildly." Nic noted. "But he's taking his steps ahead. He'll be just fine." He looked at Dereece, who looked at him back. Nic nodded in thanks, to which he nodded back. "Keep looking after Joey, alright?"

"It stopped being a job a long time ago." Dereece chuckled.

In the distance, Duncan was leaning against a pillar. He got up and started walking out, hands in his pockets as he filed out next. "…what a joke." he huffed.


"Cheers!" Joey and Dereece mushed their pizza slices together as they were back home. With their Pokémon eating beside them, they were happily feasting with feet back. "What better way to savor victory than Movie and Pizza Friday, am I right, Dereece?" Joey asked before shoving half a piece of pizza into his mouth.

"No doubt about it." Dereece took a smaller bite.

Joey swallowed before he continued. "Hey, sorry for the seriousness for the past week. I was too carried away."

"Nah, it's fine man." Dereece dismissed. "I understand. But I do hope that you'll be pacing yourself from now on."

Joey nodded. "I know…and I still gotta thank Nic-senpai for helping me. I guess I still have a ways to go, huh…" He looked crestfallen some, but upon looking at Dereece, he grinned. "But hey, I think I'm getting the hang of it. If Bro left his faith in me as me, then that's who I gotta be!"

Dereece nodded. "There's that Captain Joey."

Joey realized he already ate his share of pizza without realizing it. He looked at Dereece's piece, pointing at it. "Uh…you gonna eat that?"

Looking at his piece, Dereece realized he wasn't too hungry. He eyerolled and passed it over to Joey. "Knock yourself out." He saw Joey giddily seize the piece of pizza. "Guess I'll go get the garbage out." He got up, but Joey stopped him.

"Oh, no need for that, Dereece. Leave that to me." He took two greasy hands into his mouth and whistled mouth. "Oh Trubbish~!"

Trubbish waddled over, looking up at Joey as his empty plate had scraps and greasy stains on it. He dangled it over Trubbish's head, to which the contents fell into her mouth. He even dropped the paper plate as well, she ate it without hesitation.

"Our own personal garbage disposal." Joey teased, rubbing Trubbish's floppy ears. "See? Knew you'd fit right in."

Dereece chuckled. He wanted to say something, but after talking bad earlier about Trubbish before, he realized how handy she was, not to mention what she could do in battle. Joey really was lucky.

"Alright, who's up for movies?!"

"YEAH!" the Pokémon cheered. Trubbish let out a belch for her answer. The stink cloud that eroded from her slowly spread to the others. They sniffed it, and immediately Pidove fell over, and Chespin curled into a ball and tried to keep himself from spewing. Yanma flew off, and Heracross paled.

Dereece waved it off. "Yup Joey…" he held in a gag. "You sure pick 'em."

Joey smiled wide, chuckling.


In another domain, in another house, dusk was dwelling. While the atmosphere outside the house was subtle, the insides of the house were far from that. Someone was sitting in a large throne-like chair, taking a small teacup full of tea and sipping it. He sighed out loud as he kicked back in his seat.

"Ah. Isn't this just lovely, Venipede?" he cooed to his Pokémon beside him, lovingly petting his back. "Nothing like a little television to soothe your mind."

Of course what he watched wasn't just any type of show. In fact, it was a big monitor, to which he stopped on occasion to jot down notes. Over to his side, he already had a whole stack of notes on the video. On it was Joey against Millianna from before. Apparently this guy has been paying strict attention.

Slowly, he clasped his hands together, folding his fingers at the sight of Joey. "So, seems Joey has gotten some new tricks now." He smirked maliciously. "Well then, he's not the only one with a few new surprises, too. Right…Venipede?"

Venipede cackled a hissy laugh, with his Trainer chuckling as well, soon breaking to a loud, evil laughter that echoed throughout the household.


Happy belated Thanksgiving to my peeps! Hope you guys enjoyed it, and this chapter! So I was sue some of you were expecting like a reprieve chapter or something, but nope! We're going full throttle to new events!

So as you could imagine, I had a LOT happen this chapter, with a crap ton of battles and new Pokémon caught. They'll get their screen time for certain, but I had to really work for this chapter and making sure NOBODY was left out, and I thought I sold that rather reasonably. As you have also noticed, Joey is starting to take things more seriously, especially training. Also, I just couldn't help myself but think of that theme I inserted. I was thinking back to Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness, and this theme just fits Joey perfectly!

So then, guess I'll leave you to digest this chapter. Please favorite and review, your thoughts are very much appreciated. And again, thanks! You guys are awesome! XD