Cana raised a wine bottle high. "Hey, let's get me some more of that good stuff over here, would ya?!" she yelled out, shaking the bottle in her hand. Funny enough, her Purrloin wasn't budged much at all as she was curled up on the table beside her. Though it did surprise Wendy's Swablu some.

"Uh, maybe not so loud…" Wendy nervously chided.

"Not so loud? How about not so much." Carla chided. "The woman's going to get a hangover if we don't do something."

"I wouldn't worry too much." Sophie said. She was currently walking around with her Abra, heading over to another table to help people with how to interact with Pokémon. "We were promised a banquet in our honor. I wouldn't think Isaac would think of trying to go back on his word a second time."

"Yes. But we'll see." Pantherlily said. He was currently sitting next to Gajeel, who was scarfing his face full of food.

"Well that ain't gonna be because of me, I'll tell you that." The Iron Dragon said. "If anything you just gotta keep an eye on ole Salamander over there."

"Hey! I heard that!" Natsu shouted from across the table. Dragon Slayer hearing did benefit at times.

He wasn't wrong one bit. Nobody would've believed it if they hadn't been there. It was just this morning that Isaac lost the battle fair and square, and back then the capital felt rather chilly. But remarkably under this moonlight, everything radiated with warmth despite how cold it was supposed to be. Lucy guessed that it had to do with light lacrima that take in solar energy during the day. If that wasn't surprising, the fact they were having a feast out in the open like it was a reception was an eye-opener. People were dressed up for the occasion, and what's even more shocking was how casual they were about it. Women wearing sleeveless dresses were up and about, conversing with cohorts or significant others without chattering teeth. Same with the men. To honor their aid, Isaac officially vouched for this gathering, and many – if not all – were invited. And not just them, Pokémon were also let in, provided that they were accompanied by humans. A lot of Water and Ice-types were surrounding people, and they were surprisingly generous with meeting these people. Despite some hiccups here and there, it wasn't anything extreme. It was amazing how quickly everything turned in their favor.

Lucy sighed. "I'm just glad things didn't spiral out of control just yet." She looked around, realizing something was off. "Hey, where's Erza?"

"Yeah and I don't see Nic." Wendy pointed out.

Vanessa was currently surrounded by many people around the area, many being younger kids with smaller Pokémon. Some of the older kids were having more suitable thought, and judging by their aura, Vanessa could tell. But she outright chose to ignore it and focused on the task. "Okay everyone, calm down." She instructed to the crowd of people and Pokémon. Delphox was right beside her for this instruction. "Now listen, there's a lot more to Pokémon than just their natural qualities. There's also the fact that they need attention, and that they can voice it if needed." She demonstrated this by reaching for Delphox's head, petting the furry top. Delphox hummed lightly at the affection her head was receiving. "You see, even the biggest Pokémon can also have feelings…"

As she went on in instructing the many people that have Swinub, Snorunt, Delibird, and other magical creatures by their sides, Erza watched from afar, with Isaac and Beartic also joining in with them.

"This is looking to be rather well for a start." Isaac examined. "I must say, Mrs. Pularis, your teachings and methods have proven effective…so far."

Erza nodded in thanks. "You don't need to thank me. Honestly, I don't think I did much."

"Don't be so modest now, have a sense of humility. But now that you mention it, where exactly is the one responsible for all this?" Isaac turned left and right, finding no signs of his target in sight.

Erza pinched the bridge of her nose. "Honestly…you'll have to forgive my husband. Nic isn't…particular about outings. He can be very…difficult at times like these."

Isaac raised a brow. "Is that so? You know, people tend to look down on others who don't show up to their own parties…especially in their honor."

"Would you believe me if I told you that actually happened?" Erza chuckled, though she knew Isaac didn't seem too pleased. "Just leave him be. He hates the spotlight to begin with."

"If you say so, I'll pardon his reasons. Now then, I do believe you are owed recgnition."

With the pleasantries out of the way, everyone soon came together at their tables with their befriended Pokémon. They all rise as Isaac did as well. He raised his glass high. "May I have your attention please." Everyone stopped talking and they turned towards him. "Tonight, we feast under the full moon that's blessed us, to honor and respect our new friends and acquaintances who have traveled from afar to offer us guidance to these creatures we have come to once as our enemies, now friends and partners. Let us hold great thanks to those whom we now know…Fairy Tail."

He gestured to the mages all accounted for, giving everyone a round of applause. Lucy and Wendy grew embarrassed by the attention, but Natsu and Charmander beamed for the attention proudly. Those humble like Juvia and Gray waved to the crowds, and many others accepted the gratitude in kind. Erza bowed her head in gratitude.

"Let us celebrate in their name! May we find peace with the new trade partners we've acquired! Now, to honor their assistance, we shall hold our heads high as they now demonstrate the bonds of man and Pokémon alike! Rejoice!"

Many clapped in applause as Gray and Juvia approached the center, with their Azurill and Bergmite by their sides. Once the atmosphere quieted own, they got ready.

"You ready?" Gray asked.

Juvia nodded. "I am."

Just as they have rehearsed earlier, Juvia summoned water everywhere. Currents flowed from the ground up in a spiral around her. Once they got high enough, Gray gave the word, and Bergmite took a deep breath before he released an Icy Wind attack. Though the attack doesn't freeze Pokémon, it was still cold enough to freeze the water. With the water spiral now frozen, Gray used his Ice-Make Magic and swiped his arm, flattening it into a slide. He held a charismatic smile as he and Bergmite backed off.

"Are you ready?" Juvia asked Azurill.

The Polka Dot Pokémon nodded. "Yeah!" Juvia nodded and she threw Azurill skywards. The mouse sprung into the air with a peppy smile as she made it to the top of the slide. Going down it, she used her tail as a sled and laughed as she slid down the massive spiral. She smoothed down it so well, so well in fact that it looked kinda fun. Nobody could argue otherwise, but when Azurill made it to the end, she arched on the tail and shot up, spinning in the air.

"Now, Bubble Beam!"

Azurill kept her rotation going as she began projecting blue bubbles in a spiral around her in midair. With her in place, Gray used his magic one more time, frosting over the bubbles to make them sparkle with satisfaction around Azurill.

The performance ended with Azurill falling into Juvia's arms, where they smiled and bowed. They were all given a great round of applause by the spectators and friends alike. Everyone seemed to have enjoyed that display.


As everyone was enjoying the reception, the cold air out at sea was anything but welcoming. It didn't help that a small ship was drifting over their heads. It was making way through the waters and ice, making a one-shot course through the territory towards Glacidia. It was drifting along so sternly that it seemed like not even steel could bend its course.

The Seel and many more up ahead were dozing off when they saw the massive ship head their way. Bursting with energy, they dove into the water in time before the ship plowed clean through their ice slabs.

The ship soon enough came to its destination, stopping as anchors from both sides dropped on the ice. Up ahead, the guards that were stationed were holding affirmative stands as they could see the ship, as well as people boarding off it, but couldn't see the actual people.

"Hey, who are they?"

"Beats me." He looked ahead, his eyes widening. "Wait. Isn't that ship…?"

They watched as what looked like a few soldiers were following in orderly fashion ahead of someone. The guards stationed prodded their spears in defense, but the soldiers stopped twenty feet away, seemingly waiting for something.

A pair of boots walked in tandem with one another, the soldiers immediately clearing way for the front. As the figure made tracks in the ice, he made way to the front, leaving the guards to go wide-eyed and realize their mistake. They straightened their postures, just as the figure smirked.

Unknowingly, their shift under the moonlight was being watched by something isolated enjoying the moonlight on the ice. High on a glacier point, away from everyone and once enjoying peace and quiet, Nic looked down, watching them in silence.


Lucy and Wendy danced around, showing off with smiles as their Swablu and Klefki drifted in fashion over their heads. As the two mistresses of Fairy Tail were spinning, they pivoted and aimed at each other. As though on cue, Swablu fired a Disarming Voice, while Klefki expelled a Fairy Wind right back at her. The two Fairy-type attacks created a dainty flash of pink sparkles and hearts that drifted over their trainers as they winked at the audience while tilting their heads cutely, instantly infatuating many of the spectators with beauty and grace at the same time.

"The girls look like they've been practicing." Natsu muffled from eating a chicken drumstick.

"Yeah, no kidding. It took Juvia and I all morning to prepare our small stunt." Gray explained.

"Hey yeah, that's right. I was wondering where you two have gone." Happy said.

At the nearby buffet table, someone was also biting off more than what he could chew, and he was having an earful from his teammates.

"Uh, Captain Joey?" Dereece asked with a raised brow. "You sure you don't want to save dessert after you have your meal?"

Joey looked to him in confusion. He was referred to by the massive plate in his hands. There were a few vegetables sure, and some meats, but almost half the plate was filled with nothing but desserts. "What's wrong with this, Dereece?" he inquired, jiggling his plate full of food. "You wanted some, just say so."

"That's not the point." Dereece sighed. "Captain Joey, we talked about this. Duncan, please me u…!" Dereece went wide-eyed when he saw Duncan on the other side of the banquet table, finishing his plate's making before walking off somewhere. "Wh-Duncan?!" he yelled, but it was too late. "Oiii…"

Joey shrugged it off. "Don't be such a killjoy, Dereece. Liven up a little. It's a banquet, so go crazy." Joey offered kindly. "Besides, I think I see some key lime pie with your name on it~." Joey shifted to reach it but he ended up staring at Isaac's daughter again, Camilla. She was watching the festivities along with her father at the top of the steps on her high seat. Immediately new thought pilfered the others inside his noggin. "D-Dereece look! It's her, it's her." He pointed in a hushed whisper to her general direction.

"Yeah, I see." Dereece answered casually.

Joey began looking nervous. "Uh, quick! What do I do?"

Dereece shrugged. "Beats me man." He took a look at her to see her stature. "Though, maybe if I'm being honest…I'd say let it slide. She seems a little…high class, don't you think?"

"W-what?!" Joey gasped. "Oh don't be a Bug Buzz kill Dereece, c'mon! Just look at her! I gotta at least try, right?"

"Yeah, and she mistook up for homeless street performers. Joey…" Dereece trailed off when Joey started giving him something not many out there could possibly resist: the puppy dog pout. His bottom lip quivering and his eyes big and glossy, he looked like he was about to cry. Dereece sighed. "Oi…I'll get the boombox ready."

Immediately a 180 turned on Joey. "Yes! Look out Glacidia, because you're gonna get a bootyful of Joey tonight!"

Once Lucy and Wendy's performance was over, almost immediately Joey slid to the front. He held his pose as Chespin had come to his side, also sharing the same pose. Now on stage, the banquet hall's light miraculously turned off, and everyone saw the moonlight pinned on Joey like a stagelight. He took a deep breath, calming himself before he focused. Once he was ready, he felt the pressure build up.

Dereece moved to his side. "Ladies and gentlemen, I give to you…JOEY!" he pressed a button on the boombox.

[Everybody Dance Now]

The beat started, and Joey was rolling his shoulder back, with Chespin mimicking the fashion. Once it got passed the first three words, the lights went on, and Joey began to rock and roll. As many were watching, some were chuckling, but many more were surprisingly in awe. Other ladies were admiring Joey and Chespin as it looked like looking through a mirror. When it came to jumping to the rhythm, he literally did. When he landed, he swiveled back to place, and he proceeded to continuing the dancing.

"Well there he goes again." Lucy sighed.

"Y-yeah." Wendy replied. She and the others watched him go on with his booty shaking antics. "You know, at this point, I think none of us should be surprised anymore."

"Well I'm just surprised he hasn't set anything on fire for this stunt." Carla chimed.

Cana laughed in her seat so much she nearly fell over. "Yeah, that's what I'm talking about!" She raised her bottle up. "Work it, Joey! Woooo!"

Joey danced in the funky rhythm, repeating processes as needed. As he moved his body, he saw Camilla with her father t the pedestals behind him. He turned around, sliding back and forth to get forward and back. As he drew closer, he chimed as he gave Camilla a charismatic wink and cheeky, toothy grin.

The woman chuckled low, but Isaac was far from impressed. He leered at Joey like he was issuing a warning. Joey clearly ignored, but he spiraled and went to facing his public again.


At the same time outside that banquet hall, those who weren't attending and out on the streets were turning towards something going down the streams. Them, along with their Pokémon, were all staring with curiosity as they were seeing a black boat with red accents on it sail across the currents. The few men on board were all remaining passive and quiet behind the man on the front.

The very man put his boot on the end, looking up with his spiky white head of hair at the massive hall they were heading to. Hearing the music and whistles, one could see another smirk cross his face.

"I wonder what they're celebrating?" he questioned, as if he already knew the answer. He was going to find out soon as the current carried the boat further in.


"Go Joey!" Sophie and Cana shouted together.

Joey and Chespin were working up sweat once they got near the end. When the music soon reached its end, they both fist-pumped into the air.

A long paused filled the air, before everyone began clapping for the finale. They all whistled or seemed delighted as Joey's dance moves. Any stood up, and Joey blew kisses at them all with Chespin.

"Thank you! Thank you!" Joey bowed. "You're a wonderful crowd! I'll be here all week!" he laughed.

As Joey was being given all the attention, Isaac watched his back carefully. He still didn't like him, but he held his tongue for the time being. It wasn't until one of his Elite came close, whispering into his ear about something. As the cadet was talking, it was like all the disdain he felt for Joey was replaced by utter shock at something. In a sudden whim, he shot up from his seat and gazed out.

"Father? What's wrong?" Camilla asked.

Isaac stared passed the happy community, fixated on the entrance of the banquet hall. His brow furrowed as he steeled himself. "…he's here."

Natsu's hearing brought him out of his food crazies. He looked up, eyes wide from unpleasant steps being heard. 'What's that sound?'

The doors shot wide open, proceeded by a loud clang that echoed throughout the reception hall. Everyone who was enjoying the displays and eating alike turned towards the loud noise. Joey froze in place – in the middle of blowing air kisses to his public – and the Fairy Tail group immediately sensed something coming.

All eyes adverted to the looks of what looked like armored soldiers walking in. They all had black armor with red accents on them. It was traditional streamline wear with similar helmets on the fronts. Six soldiers entered without warning, all of them filing off to the sides.

"Okay…what gives?" Gajeel asked suspiciously.

"I don't know." Levy answered. "Must be part of the show I guess."

"Something tells me this isn't part of the act." Pantherlily said, his tone heavily on guard as well.

Sounds of footsteps walked in, slowly making way towards view. When the man finally came into view, the light in Isaac and Camilla's eyes faded.

A scoff came from the man that entered. The man revealed himself to have spiky white hair that covered the top of his head. He had bangs that framed his face, with what looked like a silver mantle framing his face. His cheeks had two purple stripes on either side, and on his face showed a displeased scowl. He had a black short jacket with red fur lining, and on the shoulders were silver pauldrons with similar fingerless gauntlets for bare-handed combat. He wore nothing beneath, exposing his midriff and toned abs. He adorned black cloths that hung on the sides with red outlining. He had on black pants with silver shinguards down to his black boots.

"I'm not getting a good feeling about this." Lucy whispered to Levy.

Joey looked confusedly back at Camilla and Isaac, noticing the straight look both were giving. Yet, underneath those eyes, one could've sworn there was a hidden dread. Unnerved by this, Joey looked back at the man waltzing in.

Ever so casually, the man sauntered into the hall, taking a moment to look at everything around him. Looking at a random table, he snatched a few blueberries from the plate, eating them with his mouth open. He bounced on his heels with each slow step that he took towards the center, noticing the variety of Water and Ice-types the guests had. He cocked his brow to show intrigued signs, but what really got his attention was the Beartic that Isaac had. Once he stopped several feet behind Joey, he was at the center of the hall, looking around one more time before he spat the blueberries out of his mouth. It stained the ground, leaving Isaac visibly annoyed.

The man gave a crude look before he slowly grinned. "Well, well, well. Look at all of this." He crossed his arms smugly. "Just what exactly are we celebrating?"

Isaac's eyes narrowed. "Victor."

The man, now known as Victor, scoffed smugly. "Been a while old man." He looked over, catching a glimpse of Camilla. "And as for you, it's been way too long. Right?" he slyly smirked at the woman, unknowingly catching the glare of Joey behind his back.

"We weren't told of your arrival." Isaac pointed out, trying to get attention back on the subject.

Victor shrugged. "What's the big deal? You never told us you were throwing a party. Did you forget to send invitations?" He casually reached over to a nearby table, taking an uncorked bottle of wine and began downing it. After a few gulps, he sighed. "Man, that is some good stuff."

Everyone gave suspicious looks of the individual. For some reason they were getting a bad vibe off this character. The way he was talking and acting so smug shot up red flags. But for now, they held their tongues as they listened to the conversation.

"What do you want, Victor?" Isaac questioned crudely.

Victor sat the bottle down and looked back at him. "Nothing, just came by to see how things were in person…and you know, catch up. That is what colleagues do, right?"

His lead on didn't sit well with Isaac. He gave a crude stare as no words escaped him.

"The old man sent me ahead for a surprise visit to see how well you're doing. He wanted to make sure that he wasn't being played for a fool by such a 'reasonable friend'. You guys had a deal, am I right?" He looked back to inspect everyone. "I can see why the old man had his hunches about you after all. Just what exactly will he say about all this I wonder?" he smugly taunted.

The way he spoke sounded very much like a threat, but with Fairy Tail they could easily hint the uneasy tension of blackmail in the air.

"So, is it safe to say by all this that you're finally ready to pay up yet?" Victor asked.

"I've said this to Emmanuel before." Isaac responded. "We still need more time to-!" he was cut off by the harsh banging of hands against the long table, making silverware leap.

"Don't give me any of that shit old man! Just how dumb do you think we are?!" Victor yelled. "You know by now that you can't hide out forever. We had a deal…" his eyes narrowed. "And you both shook on it. You know what that means, right?"

Isaac was stone-cold in silence. Either he knew but refused to acknowledge it, or he wasn't getting it.

Victor scoffed as he leaned back up. "Whatever. You know what they say: Cowards who don't take action don't make history. Just keep that in mind. In the meantime…" he turned his attention towards the lustrous Camilla, a smirk crossing his lips. "Camilla…I've seen that you're doing well for yourself."

"Hello to you as well, Victor." Camilla said, keeping her disposition intact, unlike her deterred father.

Victor leaned against the table, smirking in her face. "C'mon, don't be like that? You can drop that formal act in front of me. I won't mind."

Despite the offer, she remained studious. "I'm quite alright…but your concerns are appreciated."

Victor chuckled. "Yeah, well, you'll be appreciated of me when we get this over with." He raised a brow. "Unless of course you're trying to hold reservations as well."

The look in Camilla's eyes didn't change one bit, though if one paid attention, they'd see ignorance. "I don't. It's not in my place to say I'm afraid."

"You sure?" The suspicious look in Victor's eye darkened. The tone sounded more like a threat than an actual question.

Being composed, Camilla held her tongue as the look in her eyes showed it all. It was a silent message that he took as definite and backed off.

"Good. So then, when do you wanna get this over with? There's a nice, beautiful ship your name all over it just waiting for you."

"Um, hello~?"

Of course, someone else had a say in the matter. The call from behind got Victor and everyone's attention. All eyes turned towards Joey as he stepped up. Immediately Victor turned. "Uh, excuse me, hi. I hate to interrupt this…thing here, but uh, what's going on exactly?"

"Joey, what are you doing?" Dereece quietly asked.

Facing Joey, Victor raised a brow. "Heh? Who the heck are you supposed to be?" he asked rudely.

The vibe Joey was getting was less than comfortable for his liking, evident by the tension in his ligaments. From here, he could feel his Magic Power, and it was pretty high, even by his standards. The way even his face looked how easily provoked he was. A part of Joey wanted to shrink back, but something that Broly once told him made him think twice.

"You know, it takes a leader to make great decisions…but it takes a real leader to make the good ones. It's better to be a man of goodness before greatness, in my eyes that is."

This being one of those times to try and do good and help the girl get space, he diverted the attention for himself. "Look, I'm not sure exactly what's going on between you guys, but we're kinda partying here right now. And this…thing, is wrecking the mojo."

"That so?" Victor took one more look back, seeing the décor and creatures of different sizes. He looked back to Isaac, giving him a suspicious look. "So tell me, exactly what's this for anyway?"

"That would be us." The womanly voice proclaimed from afar, getting Victor's attention. When he looked over, he saw the voluptuous beauty beside Joey, backing up his bravery along with Chespin.

Seeing this mess come to life, Isaac coughed rather loudly. The signal, however, wasn't reached through all the way.

Victor leaned into Erza, giving her a scoffing glare. "Heh? Great, who the heck are you supposed to be?" he then noticed the emblem on her arm. "Huh? Hey, wait a minute…" He looked at both, seeing their emblems. When he realized it, he actually looked angrier than before.

"What the hell? Fairy Tail? I heard of you." He started. "You're that bunch of Fiorian mages who stopped that upcoming fight with Alvarez?" he smirked smugly. "Well if that's the case, then where's that big all-powerful Nic Pularis then?"

His taunt was something Erza wanted to answer, but Joey beat her to it, much to her surprise. "He's got better things to do than deal with someone like you."

Victor scrunched his face, glaring closer to Joey's face. "Heh? That so? Do you have any idea who the hell you're messing with right now buddy-boy?"

The sound of flames boomed. "That depends, do you?"

Before Victor realized it, his eyes widened when he felt a booming magical pressure. His blood stopped momentarily when he saw the rest backing up Erza and Joey in filed fashion. His soldiers copied and Natsu was shooting glares just as intense as molten lava itself, and Gajeel's was as tough as iron. He didn't know why but they looked like they wanted to murder him.

'The hell…?'

Once again, Isaac was giving threatening looks to everyone, telling them to back off. And yet again, it didn't work.

"Look pal, I don't know what your deal is with this place…" Natsu stepped up. "But you need to back off."

Victor didn't listen. "Oh yeah? Who says?"

"No one but us, punk." Gajeel said. "Don't forget, this is still a party…and some of us would like to get back to it."

Looking again he wanted to say something against them, but looking up at Isaac he could see the hints of fear behind that stern glare. Cold as ice he was, yet fragile as it would be as well. Victor wasn't swayed, but he chose to refrain for the time being.

He scoffed angrily. "You've gone soft old man. To think you'd be relying on a mage guild of all things just to keep away. You really are a coward." He turned away, his men backing off. "Whatever. You're not worth my time anyway. Have your little fun for now old man, but your time is up. You have till noon tomorrow for that answer, or you'll know what's gonna happen…" he stopped in place, his disposition souring. "And not even a bunch of second-rate pansies are gonna get in my way."

"What…?!" Natsu dared to continue but Erza shot her arm in front to refrain him.

"Oh, and you." Victor glared over his shoulder at Joey, getting his attention. "Just remember who and your friends talk to." As blunt as the statement was, it was more of a promise of harm from the tiger-like stare he was giving poor Joey.

Swallowing a lump, Joey watched with a stiff look as the man and his soldiers filed out, the doors shutting so loud they echoed loud enough to shake up snow. An awkward silence fell upon the banquet hall. Many appetites were ruined from that disturbing sight, and no one could blame them.

"What was that about just now?" Happy questioned, finally breaking the tension.

"I'm not sure." Carla answered. "But it sounds like something related to Isaac and his daughter."

"I can tell that much." Pantherlily nodded. "He said something about a deal that's been made."

Swablu was nuzzling Wendy's head, fears still seen. Wendy patted her head to ease her worry. "Hey, don't worry, everything's okay. He's gone now."

With the questions hanging in the air, everyone turned towards Isaac to see his stern face. Many knew from the bitter look he had beneath that cold exterior something was wrong but refused to acknowledge it.

"Father…" Camilla gave her father a neutral frown.

The father continued his stern stature, at least until Erza approached him. "Isaac, is there something the matter you need to explain?" her tone sounded more like a demand, one that easily ticked off Isaac.

"It's nothing. Just a minor dispute in deals we're having with our other business partners." He lied hoping anyone would buy it, but the bait wasn't taken. Even Beartic didn't think so.

There was another silence befalling them, one this time that Erza took liberties breaking this time. "Isaac…we understand what it means to keep things important to yourself away from others. Believe me, we know the consequences as well as anyone." She thought to the First Master and the Fairy Heart incident for a moment. "So I'm saying this on behalf yours and our sakes alike. We're allies. We're business partners and cohorts, and trust is am important part to that." She looked back at the public still in shock. "And if it affects your people as well, then it's gone too far."

Isaac looked out again. He was seeing how many kids were huddling close to their mothers after being frightened by that display.

"So I'm going to ask you one more time…tell us, what's troubling you?"

It was getting harder every second for Isaac to keep it all in. The more he resisted, the more it felt disturbing to his stomach. He wanted to throw them out and forget any of this ever happened but knew that wasn't going to happen. He and his daughter gave one more passive glance; the daughter nodding in compliance, and slight plea to his case.

Ultimately with nothing else to lose, Isaac sighed in defeat. "I suppose…that's it's time that you do know. The real reason as to why the borders are kept closed."

Everyone stared in silence. They began following Isaac as he left the table, heading to the source of it all.


While the Fiore group was heading off to the answer behind Glacidia under peril, the soldiers filed out with Victor. As they were heading out, his feet stopped cold in the frosted snow. He couldn't explain it, but he felt like something was watching him. Taking a look left and then right, he found nothing surveilling him. He looked to the high glaciers afar, seeing how they could touch the moon. He stared at them for a while, partially admiring the moonlit atmosphere before he chose to resume his route instead.

With the high-ranked officer making headway, his suspicions were left unchecked as upon the glaciers far up, something faded into view. It was Nic, kneeling from using Camouflage as he was observing them. Nic was in his Normal/Psychic Form, seeing what was in his mind.

He saw a lot of things, including what the history seemed to be. The reasons behind his actions didn't change how Nic felt about all this. 'So that's what's this is all about.' Keeping his thoughts shut, he stood up to overlook all of Glacidia. The city was vibrant and beautiful at night, just as it was the night before. 'Better get to that ship and see what I can-!' Before he planned his next move, there was an eerie howl in the cold winds. The wind prickled the hairs on his head, alerting him of an odd sensation. "What the…?"

He looked up at the familiar white radiance brightening up the darkened night. Turning towards the full moon, its basking light illuminated Nic with its beguiling serenity.

Nic couldn't explain it, but he definitely felt it. As he stared at the bright moon, the winds brushed against his face, an odd but growing twinkle coming from it. It was like now it was…calling to him.

Taking a few steps forward, he gazed at the lunar opposite of the sun, its bright light reflecting in Nic's eye. 'This voice…is it…coming from the moon?'

"…"

His eyes widened when another cry came from the distance. It was faint, but he felt it coming from within the city. It vaguely sounded like the cry of the moon, albeit distanced.

He took one more look towards the city, seeing the bright moonlight seemingly concentrating. It was pointing a beacon at something far within the city, close towards the back of it all. Nic looked at the moon one more time, gazing at it in fixation and slight gratitude. He glowed and transformed into his Spooky Form, following the moon's light as it guided him across the city. Fading from view like a specter, nobody below or around could visibly see him.

While following Isaac with her group, a shock went down Erza's spine. She stopped for a moment to lookup, seeing a vague image fly over her group's direction. 'Nic?'

Still casted in the ghostly light, Nic followed the lunar rays to what looked like a vaulted dome with an open top carved to the base of a cold river waterfall falling from glaciers. 'Right here.' Looking around one more time, he realized no one could still see him as he gazed at the dome. 'There's no mistaking it. It's leading me here…but why?' Cautiously, he slipped over the dome, and upon entering the surface, he looked down with shock. 'What the…?'

Even he was caught surprised at what he was seeing. Down below, there was grass. Warm flowers spread in a very small bed farther out to a few meters before it came to frost and snow again. There were a few small islands connected by Chinese bridge designs, linking all of them to the massive island far back at the bade of the waterfall, which pooled water beneath the islands.

'An oasis…in the middle of a tundra. Amazing…' he descended, noticing how much warmer it's gotten. It was like a heat perimeter that made it feel like spring. He pressed his feet down and morphed to his regular form, taking in all his surroundings. "So this is where it lead me too…"

"…"

Hearing an odd cry again, Nic turned to the front. His attention drew towards the strange pool of black liquid in the center. His hairs stood on end when he sensed an odd magic resonating from the water. Curious but also cautious, he drew closer until he was near the edge. 'This pool…is this what it's trying to tell me about?'

"…"

The cry was louder this time. Nic gazed up at the moon. It was straight up overhead, radiating bright moonlight down on the pool alone. As the waters glistened, Nic could feel this sensation – this power – flow all around him. It was nature. Pure nature, beneath full moonlight.

"Nic?" Nic was brought out of his serenity epiphanies when he saw Erza approaching him. She was accompanied by Isaac, and the rest of the team as they trekked along the bridges towards him.

"It's you guys." Nic said casually, keeping his surprise in check.

Once everyone caught up, Lucy spoke. "What are you doing here?"

"Yeah, where the heck have you been?" Natsu asked. "You missed out on all the crazy stuff at the party."

Nic didn't respond. Instead he looked up at the moon. It shimmered down on the pond before him, glistening brightly.

"You." Isaac stepped forward angrily. "How did my guards let you in without permission? This is sacred ground territory off limits!"

"Sacred grounds you say?" Nic repeated. He looked down at the pool, its strange energy drawing him in spiritually. "…"

"Where the hell are we anyway?" Gajeel questioned, looking around to scan his surroundings.

"It looks like a miniature spring." Pantherlily deduced.

"What's this magic I'm feeling?" Wendy questioned. "It feels so…pure."

"Not sure. But…something about this place feels warmer." Lucy stated.

"Yeah, it's so warm out that I can take my shirt off." Gray joked.

Cana slid beside him. "Why not just take your pants off too since you've already checked that off the list." She joked, pointing out Gray's shirtlessness. Though at this point, Gray didn't care.

Erza paced around the grass, noticing how the conditions were so ripe. "The ground is so fertile. There's even flora budding." She gasped when she heard humming above. When looked skywards, seeing Polar patterned Vivillon flutter across the sky, leaving scales and powder behind to twinkle a trail.

Everyone watched the powder and scales sprinkle down, and many were truly captivated. Some didn't even have the words, while others still have questions.

Sophie looked over to see Isaac staring down at the pond, looking less than fortunate. She walked up to his side. "Is there something wrong?"

Isaac sighed, looking gloomier than before. "…you've asked me what their reason is, didn't you?" he said. "Well…it's right here."

"What's that?" Natsu and the others joined in, looking over the edge of the pond. "You mean this pond's the reason why those guys are on your back?"

"Bet it has a bunch of super are fish, right?" Happy asked, though the image of rich fish was making his mouth water. "I know I wouldn't wanna share that treasure load…"

"I highly doubt this has anything to do with your fantasies, Happy." Carla chided. For her sake, she hoped that was the case.

Vanessa leaned over the water's edge, peering into it. Her aura reading was picking up lively waves of energy. The way her vision saw it, the volume saw through to the bottom, and what she saw made her gasp.

"What is it?" Sophie asked.

"This water…" Juvia said. "I sense it, too. This level of magic, it's unlike anything I ever felt in liquid before."

Gajeel's nose wrinkled, catching Levy's attention. "What's wrong Gajeel? You sense something?"

Gajeel recovered, frowning down at the water's surface. "Something's really wrong with this pool. For some reason it smells sharp…I can't explain it."

Wendy's curiosity soared. "Yeah, this smell is like sharp mint. You smell that Natsu?"

Natsu stared at the water, his gaze ever so serious. "Yeah I can smell it alright. Gajeel's right…something about how this magic smell is off."

"Isaac…" Erza turned to Isaac one more time. "What is all this?"

Isaac turned to everyone one more time to see them fully invested. He looked at Nic to see that he might already have an idea. He looked towards Beartic last, and seeing that it's come to this, he gave in.

"This right here, is the crowned jewel of Glacidia, of all Antarcia…Moon Drip."

"Moon Drip?!" Natsu, Lucy, and Happy all gasped.

"Wait a sec…" Gray thought back to Galuna Island. "Lyon's group tried using Moon Drip on Galuna Island all those years back."

Lucy's eyes widened upon realization. "Hey yeah, that's right. Those creeps that were treasure hunting in Sun Village also had that stuff." She remembered facing the Treasure Hunters back then with Wendy and Vanessa and Flare backing her up. She couldn't believe how far back it was.

"I was wondering how they got that stuff in liquid form to begin with." Erza contemplated. "From what I've been told, it originally started out as that concoction that Lyon started, wasn't it Gray?"

Gray nodded. "Yeah, that's what I thought too."

"…the recipe for Moon Drip of those you spoke of, they're both wrong." Isaac said. "In its purest form, Moon Drip is perhaps one of the world's most rare forms of magic. And quite possibly, one of the oldest."

"Intriguing." Erza stated. "And how is this possible?"

Isaac looked up. "The moon."

"The moon?" Vanessa repeated. She looked up, staring at the bright full moon along with everyone else.

"There's a reason why Glacidia started here of all places. People say it's because of the natural resources we've managed to dig up and use, but the real prize is this one spot. You see, due to the geography and natural climate, Glacidia is the only location in the entire world, where the moon is full and in view every single night."

Lucy gasped. "It…never sets?"

"That's right. The moon is angled and aligned on our atmosphere of Earthland. And that moonlight is drawn specifically to this very spot. This pool was found by our ancestors because it contained Moon Drip. The moon shines directly above, and since the moon empowers water, that lunar energy supercharged the ethernano over thousands of years. The aging has transformed the cold water's magic power into purifying particles that are stabilized through constant lunar force. In short, you can say that the moon…purified the water."

'Purification Magic…' Erza couldn't believe what she heard as she looked to the night sky.

"Magic that's born from moonlight. That's amazing…" Levy was at a loss for words. She never heard of something so pure before in her life.

"So let me get this straight." Gray started. "So you're saying, that all the Moon Drip in the entire world comes from this small pool?"

Juvia turned to Isaac.

"…that, too, is wrong." Isaac said. "You see, this Moon Drip is the most purest magic in the entire world. Therefore, it's so valuable that it's impossible to get. It's estimated that 16 ounces can range to about 2 million jewel."

Cana's shock showed. "You're kidding! That much for just a little bit?! That's insane!"

Sophie put a hand to her chin. "But if you stop to think about, it kinda makes sense. Authentic ancient magic like this is hardly known in the world. If people were to find its origin in this reservoir…"

"Then everybody would be getting their hands on it." Pantherlily said. "And from the looks of things it's as finite as anything else."

"Which is precisely why my ancestors build this shrine and vault, to keep it safe from harm's way." Isaac said. "This purity magic is far too powerful. If any mage were to touch it directly, raw Moon Drip would almost immediately cleanse them of their magic. The result…would be death."

Everyone fell silence upon the ark note. For Gray, he felt a bad notion coming along. If what he said was true, and that Lyon did in fact had the raw Moon Drip, it could've freed Deliora almost instantly. He was glad that wasn't the case.

Nic crossed his arms. "Okay, so what's this got to do with your daughter? Or is it something more?"

Natsu's eyes widened. "Hey yeah, what's the deal anyway with that guy and your daughter anyway?"

Isaac closed his eyes, lowering his head solemnly. "That was a tale that started, a long time ago. For you see, I wasn't the only one who had knowledge of this sacred magic. A cohort of mine also made himself aware of this purity magic. His name is Emmanuel Durandel, and his ancestors were once close associates to my own. But one day, my ancestors realized that when they were willing to bargain with his family for the Moon Drip, Durandel used that Moon Drip, and he sold it off for a bigger profit. The results…weren't very fortunate. There was telling that a Black Wizard cult he sold it off to tried to use this in Black Magic, and as a result, thousands including the cult was wiped out in the chemical reaction. My ancestors thus banished his from ever trading or stepping foot in Antarcia again. So, using the money they had, Emmanuel's grandfather spent and built up on a private military nation in the far south of the world. We were able to hold up our end and seal up the Moon Drip from trades ever again…but that all changed, roughly 5 years ago…"

5 years back, in the southernmost region, natural hills and cliffs made ideal spots for safety and coverage from enemy attacks. The very nation was still small, but outside people were practicing like any other day. Yet inside the estate things were much different.

Emmanuel chuckled. "Well now, Farlock, this certainly is a surprise. I never would've guessed you'd come tome of all people."

Isaac had his head down as he was on his knees, giving a ceremonial bow of plea to the man as he sat on his throne-like chair. It ached him to have come this far, but he had to.

"Honestly, Farlock, what could you possibly want from me? Don't you already have everything you've wanted?"

"I wish I could say so, Durandel." He said.

"Please, drop the formalities." Emmanuel insisted. "I'd rather you call me Emmanuel if you don't mind."

"Very well…Emmanuel."

Isaac began explaining everything to Emmanuel, the two finding themselves in the dining area where waiters were serving them up food and wine. By the time Isaac finished explaining, Emmanuel wasn't too impressed.

"I see. So, you're asking of me to give you some food and some money, all because your business partners cut off ties from you having the gates closed to trade." Emmanuel reiterated, swishing wine in his glass side to side. "A very callous mistake on your part, Farlock. I'm not impressed."

Isaac slammed his hands on the table, sitting up in outrage. "You know why we kept the gates shut, Emmanuel!"

Emmanuel frowned in displeasure. "As I am aware. But, that was my grandfather's doing. Is it really so wise to just hand over a grudge because of something that happened long ago?" he sipped his wine from the flask, emptying it. He sighed as he gently placed it back on the table. "You know, instead of coming to me you could've easily opened the gates to trade. Are you still afraid of what might happen if the world finds out about that?"

"Even if that is the case, they won't get it." Isaac crossed his arms. "It's sealed away, so getting to it is anything but possible."

Emmanuel scoffed. "Come now, don't you think at this point that maybe a few people out there haven't figured it out already?" he chastised. "True, maybe they couldn't handle the real thing but I've heard rumors of a few raids every now and again, right?"

"Please, Emmanuel. All I ask is that you give us the supplies and funds. We'll pay you back in full in due time."

Emmanuel tuned away. "And how could I possibly take your word for it? Your currency doesn't go anywhere."

"Emmanuel." Isaac's tone was sturdy and crude. "My people are starving. Our livestock is becoming scarce. Lots of people are wanting to leave. Do you honestly think that I will just sit by and let that happen?"

Emmanuel glanced back. "Ha! You make it sound like I owe you for nothing. I hate to be the one to tell you this but I'm not the one who made those decisions. That was your doing I'm afraid. So, if you intend on blaming me for your arrogance, so be it." He got up from his seat and started walking away. "But unless you are willing to own up to them and show me some worth, I suggest you find another wealthy man who's willing to waste time with an icicle like you."

Isaac gritted his teeth. His patience was wearing thin. As Emmanuel was leaving, he turned desperate. "No, wait-!"

"Forget it Isaac…just leave things be." Emmanuel scowled.

Once more, Isaac slammed his hands on the table. "PLEASE EMMANUEL I'M BEGGING YOU! I'LL YOU ANYTHING!" he yelled across the room with echoes.

Emmanuel stopped in his tracks, a smirk rising. That was the ticket. This is what he wanted. "Is that so?" he questioned. "Anything?"

Isaac cursed himself. He couldn't believe he blabbed that out, but it's what brought Emmanuel back.

"Good, now you're learning business talk, Farlock." Emmanuel sat back in his seat, legs crossing as he held his staff lazily. "So then, what is it exactly do I want you ask? Well, I can ask for my loan to be paid within 3 years if that would suffice, or perhaps, maybe we can work out a better deal."

Emmanuel was growling harshly. "Emmanuel…if you're even thinking about-!"

"Calm yourself, Farlock. I'm not going to ask for that in compensation." Emmanuel replied calmly.

Isaac calmed down, his curiosity rising with his shock. Something about this felt wrong, it was written on Emmanuel's face. Still, he continued. "Then…what is it that you want?"

Emmanuel rested his cheek on his knuckles, snickering low.

"His deal was one that was hard for me to turn down." Isaac continued, trying to maintain composure. "So instead of asking for the Moon Drip, he proposed to arrange his son to marry my daughter as payment for his service."

Everyone's eyes were wide from his tale, but more so from what the deal was and how it related to the Moon Drip. Part of it made sense but other parts didn't. Some were just too baffled to ask questions.

"Wait…for real?!" Lucy finally gasped.

"An arranged marriage? Is that even allowed?" Wendy questioned.

"Apparently so. This is one way political standards are built on." Carla said.

"She's not wrong. Arranged marriages occurred every so often in Edolas kingdoms. That's why the capital was the way it was before we left it." Pantherlily spoke from experience. Thinking back to Edolas now, he wondered how Mystogan was.

Isaac fell silent, pondering deeply of his own folly.

"But I don't get it." Happy interrupted. "If he could've asked for the Moon Drip directly, why not do that?"

"Because a political marriage would be far more effective in the long run." Sophie answered. "Stop and think Happy, if you were able to marry into a family, you'd get equal custody of everything that's their own. In Isaac's case, since his family owns the Moon Drip…"

"Then this Emmanuel would get legal custody of it." Cana realized.

Isaac nodded. "That's right. And that means he's able to do as he wishes with it without repercussion. I've known Emmanuel many years. He's a businessman, and he'll do anything to make money for his growing nation. If he got his hands on all the Moon Drip, and use it for his army…there'd be no telling what can happen." He lowered his head in shame. "I only realized this after I had returned."

"So let me get this straight." Natsu stepped forward, showing anger in his eyes. "You went and sold off your only daughter to marry someone whom she doesn't care about, and now you're backing out because you're too scared?!"

"Natsu!" Lucy chirped.

"Peoples' lives are at stake man! Including your daughter! Don't you think that your own flesh and blood is more important than some dumb pond?! Look at yourself! You're tearing yourself apart from not doing anything but hide like a scaredy cat!"

"Natsu!" Erza snapped. "That enough!"

"But Erza-!"

The knight gave him a sympathizing glare. "We know what Isaac did was selfish, but we need to consider his position for a minute. This is a sacred shrine, one that could very well damage the magic world if anything went wrong with it. He had his reasons for doing what he did, so don't be so hard on him. And besides…" She looked at the sullen Isaac as he seemed like he was about to cry. "I think he regrets his decision enough as he is."

Natsu turned away in annoyance. To a degree he had to say what Erza said was right. But his morals were still too stubborn to be moved. He couldn't condone what Isaac had done but neither could Fairy Tail.

"This is all my fault…it's all because I refuse to let my daughter go…" Isaac showed pain as he gritted his teeth. "I can't let them take her. I can't let them have this Moon Drip. I can't let them take anything!" he banged his fist into the ground in frustration. He was shuddering, and for the first time, his eyes began to mist in his bottled grief. "I have to do something, but I…I don't know how…I'm sorry, I just can't…"

As Isaac was breaking down, a hand pressed on is shoulder, with Gray providing comfort. "Don't sweat about it. You just let us help you."

Isaac lifted his head.

"Yeah, we can try!" Happy said.

Pantherlily nodded. "That is what business partners do with each other, don't they?"

Lucy and Cana pumped their fists, and Sophie pulled Vanessa in for a cheeky hug. Everyone looked ready to pitch in however they could, even if the problem wasn't their own. Isaac was so grateful that he could almost cry again.

Erza turned towards Nic. "There's a lot of work that needs to be done. You in?"

Nic nodded. "Yeah. Guess so…" He faced the moon again, staring up at it one more time. He'll have to figure out that strange energy he was getting later. For now, he'll have to pitch in, his way of course.

Isaac looked towards the moon, his solemn look radiated by the bright moonlight. 'Camilla…'


In another district outside the oasis compounds, a lavish inn far better than the others in Glacidia was being occupied by another resident. And inside one of the suites, that's where a certain discussion was being held for certain people.

"Fairy Tail you say?" Emmanuel was talking to his son, Victor. He was in the face of a communication lacrima standing on a stand while Victor paced back and forth.

"Hey, you didn't hear it from me old man. The guys in the report filled you in already." His son argued.

Emmanuel looked down, having a hand to his chin. "So Isaac's gone as far as a guild for protecting his daughter and sacred treasure huh?"

"Heh, well if you ask me it's just a minor setback." Victor ceased pacing and looked over his shoulder. "So when are you gonna get here?"

"The helmsman had set the coordinates. We should be there in about a day and a half at most." He raised a brow, smirking. "By the way, Victor…is Nic Pularis amongst the members you encountered?"

He shrugged. "Not that I've seen. And even if he was, he'd think twice before messing with us." He laughed uproariously to amuse himself, though his father seemed less than appealed to this.

"Don't be stupid." He scolded.

Victor's arrogance was short-lived as he turned towards his father. "Heh? What's with that attitude? C'mon! You really think a half-ass wannabe like that would think about taking us on? We've got an entire fleet heading this way! They wouldn't last a second!"

"I told you to cool down!" Emmanuel hollered, causing Victor to acquiesce. "Now listen, even if you may think he isn't there, don't take them lightly. We may have an army but they also have Pokémon experience…experience we need."

Victor scoffed. "So then what do you've got in mind?"

He smirked again. "Perhaps we can make an added arrangement to our plans, but for now, do as you will. I'll be there shortly." With that, the communication was cut off, leaving Victor to his own needs.

"Tch, whatever. I'm gonna go get a few drinks." He turned and walked out the door, slamming it shut.


Taking a late night stroll, Camilla was staring up at the moonlit night. After the reception was back on track and ended peacefully, she told her guards to help in cleaning up the mess so that she can tend to a few tethered guests. But in reality, she just wanted to get away. Isolated beyond a bridge, she finally found her peace, for once. But for how long? That question she didn't know.

"Hey, Camilla!" Hearing her name finally called, she turned and looked to find Joey with his team. They caught up to her, with Joey a little farther ahead. "Camilla…hey." He said.

"Oh, it's you." She said, straining from any signs of shock. "You're that…street performer from last night. Right?"

Joey nervously chuckled, not noticing the displeased aura above Dereece and Duncan. "Well, I guess so…hehehe…"

"I'm sorry. I didn't know you were a mage." Camilla apologized. "I wasn't aware that you and your friends were apart of Fairy Tail."

Joey stepped forward. "No, it's our fault. We should've told you sooner." He looked a little crestfallen upon seeing her frown. "Look, I'm sorry for crashing the party. I didn't mean to stir things up between you and…him." He glanced away annoyingly. Just the thought of Victor was enough to deter Joey's ego.

Camilla looked away, grinning. "Your apology isn't necessary. Still…" she looked back to Joey, smirking. "Seeing someone stand up to Victor was really something, I can say that."

That compliment caused Joey to explode in steams of blushes, with beady white eyes. As he stood paralyzed, Dereece budged his shoulder, urging him to compose.

"And if I must say…" she went on. "Your dancing was humorous. Tell me, what's your name again…Joey, was it?"

"Yeah."

Camilla smiled back. When she looked at Joey, she could see the innocent but cheeky smile he had. Perhaps he was an outsider, but the signs were as clear as day he had no ill intentions. Who knows? Still, it's precisely because of that reason that she couldn't stick around. The frown on her face returned. "I'm sorry…I shouldn't be talking to you right now." She turned away. "I have to go." She started to leave.

"Camilla, wait!" Joey called out. Thankfully she stopped before she got too far. "Listen, I don't know what mages did to make your dad not like us, but I want you to know, we're not bad people. We're not here to cause trouble. We just wanna help you make peace with Pokémon, that's all."

"I know, and I can't thank you enough for your services." Camilla looked down, seeing a Spheal spin and float down the stream beneath them. It looked like it was having a good time. "You and your guild, you're not bad people, I can see that…but there's another reason behind all this."

"What?"

Camilla turned towards him, surprising Joey with her frown. "You seem like a good guy, Joey. But that man you spoke against, well…" She hesitated to say, especially in front of him. But she ultimately came out and said it. "…he's my fiancé."

Joey and Dereece had dull comical shock as Duncan showed no care. "…say wha-?" they murmured together.

Camilla turned away in regret. "It's true. My father went to his father for allowance, in exchanged, offered myself for the sake of Glacidia, and Antarcia alike." She could still remember the news that her father brought her that day. She was outraging against him without her consent, but all he did was scold her. "My father is a very selfish man, but he's doing his best for his people, so I must follow."

"Camilla…"

"I have to go!" she barked. "I have to accept this or everyone I know will get hurt! I'm sorry I had to bring this onto you, but I can't be around mages. Please…try and understand." The last part was hushed, sounding more like a broken plea than an insistence.

She went to leave, slowly leaving The Freaks behind. She felt terrible but she had to, for her own safety, as her father put it. She suddenly stopped when a turquoise barrier went up in front of her, startling her.

"I understand alright…I understand that you need to calm down." Joey said. Camilla looked back to him, shocked at his usage of magic again. He walked closer to her. "Look, Camilla, just hear me out, would ya? I know that you have duties and all, but don't you think you're giving yourself a little too much credit? Nobody said it was your fault. I sure don't think so."

"Joey…"

"Your dad just made a decision without thinking things through. I mean, I do the same thing, and look at me." He was given looks by Dereece; he ignored it as he walked beside her. "Look, all I'm saying is that you gotta loosen up. No need to throw a panic before a party. You gotta panic in the party. That's the way I roll."

"I'm not sure what you're saying…" she looked down, seeing Joey's hand reaching for her.

"I know you're engaged and all…but if you're a little sad, then just talk to someone. You can always learn a thing or two just by doing that." Another image of Bro smirking appeared in his head. He grinned. "So what do you say, just for a little while?"

Camilla looked down at his hand, tracing up towards his face. That same innocent smile from before was gone, instead replaced by one of seriousness. It made him even more attract than before. Despite what her father told her she wanted to see what it was like. Gradually, she reached and took Joey's hand, accepting what he's offered.


The moonlight shined down on the city still, getting well into the late night. Even as time went on, it felt like an eternity for Camilla. She and Joey spent the minutes to hours talking, with Dereece and Duncan acting as wingmen to this ordeal. They watched and followed as Joey was telling stories and exaggerating his ego, and Camilla would sometimes giggle or laugh, much to Joey's joy.

Camilla caught her breath after a laughing fit with Joey. "So-so let me get this straight." She wheezed. "You're saying that you replaced all the chemicals in that science volcano…with chocolate pudding?" she laughed again.

Joey beamed. "Yeah I did. It was the best April Fool's science class experiment ever! Everyone got a laugh when the teacher was covered in chocolate. Some of it even fell in front of me! It was a fun snack!" he chuckled.

"But the joke wasn't funny when you got a D, Joey." Dereece added.

"That was in 4th grade, lighten up!"

Camilla calmed down as she smiled. "Still, you sure did all that when you were still in school. I'm actually impressed."

"That's nothing." Joey beamed. "Now I may not have had a date at prom both years, but I was dubbed the best dancer in my entire school's history. They've even had me a bit in the news a couple times."

"My goodness, you certainly are a character." Camilla chimed. "It's not often we get such…interesting characters around here." She looked ahead. "Father's always been keeping an eye out for me, so that way I'd be safe."

"I guess that means he means well." Joey frowned down as he rubbed the back of his head. "Still, at least you had a dad. Mine was…" he trailed off, allowing the notion to hang over their heads.

Behind, Dereece felt crestfallen. Duncan showed a straight face but had one eye open for his Captain.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to make you feel upset." Camilla apologized. "You told me that your master was like a father and teacher to you, right? I'm sure that means something."

Joey mournfully smiled. "Trust me, you have no idea." An image of Broly's dust fading into the sky filled his head. He held a balled fist. "I learned a lot of things from Bro. The only way I can honor him now…is to work hard every single day and make use of what life I have left."

Camilla softly smiled at Joey. He looked so relaxed and funny a minute ago, now he was fired up. He was all over the place, keeping you guessing on what he'll be in the mood for. It was admirable to see him so devoted to something actually meaningful.

The sounds of bass thumped the ground, causing Joey to stop. "Hello!" He looked up, seeing that they were in front of a dance club. Inside, one could hear music and many people dancing in the flashing lights.

Duncan scoffed. "This place again?"

"Weren't we here just last night, Joey?" Dereece inquired. He looked over, seeing the big cheeky smile on Joey. "Oh boy! Joey, whatever you do, don't-!"

But it was too late. Joey grabbed Camilla and zipped on in, leaving a dust trail that bolted right into the domain and the two in the dust.

"And there he goes again." Dereece groaned, sulking forward. "I knew it was a bad idea to come here." He looked over, seeing Duncan getting bored and leaving. "Wha-Duncan?! C'mon man!"

Inside the club, Joey and Camilla looked around, eyes wide to take in everything. Joey was more accustomed to the flashing lights and lacrima beats, but to Camilla this was a whole new experience. She didn't know whether to feel intrigued or uncomfortable. She looked around, seeing the many people who were drinking, and dancing, and many more things that started to make herself wane towards the latter.

As she began to turn away, Joey tapped her shoulder. "Hey, c'mon, what with the attitude?" he asked. "We just got in."

"Really, Joey. I'm flattered you trying to make me feel better, I do. But maybe…"

Joey raised a brow. From the way she was looking she either didn't want to or maybe wasn't understanding. "Hold up, can you dance?" Camilla had slight pink in the cheeks. That's all that he needed to see. "Oh that'll be easy, trust me. Look, it's all about finding that groove. You're not gonna find it just by sitting around ya know."

"But…are you sure a place with more…class isn't acceptable?"

"If you wanna kick back…" he smiled as he pointed a thumb to himself. "Then ya gotta trust me, got it? Now then…" He suddenly zipped along the sides of the dance floor, making way up towards the DJ.

Camilla stared up in confusion as she watched Joey work his magic. She could see Joey passing a couple jewel to the DJ, the DJ smirking as he took the dough and began to rig up the song next, much to Joey's joy.

"Oiii…" Dereece groaned as he caught up. "Joey, where did he…?"

Camilla looked over, confused even more. "Excuse me?"

"Hold on, one sec." Dereece released the tension in his spine by bending backwards. He let out a groan as he felt the tension wash away from that stretch. "That's better." He sighed. "Sorry. What I was saying was, are you feeling okay around Joey?"

Camilla looked back towards Joey, seeing him give final thumbs up to the DJ before he jumped off the railing, heading right into the dance floor. Thinking of an answer, she observed him boogying through the area.

"Mmm…well, to be honest…he's interesting." She smiled. "And admittedly…a little fun."

Dereece sighed in relief. "Guess Joey will be satisfied then. Just leave it to him to mix things up." He saw Joey step forward. "That's my cue, good luck!" he stepped backwards.

"Wait! Wha-?!" Camilla didn't have time before Joey pulled her to the dance floor.

"C'mon, it's our song! Time to get your party on!"

The song ended, and the DJ began to talk into the lacrima mic. "Alright, ladies and gentlemen, may I have your attention please!" he announced. "Please, give a round of applause to that blonde boy heading up, along with his lady, who she's just ready to show a good time!"

The audience did as told. They clapped and made way as Joey smiled and became the center of attention. Camilla looked around, visibly awkward with the stares. They both looked towards the DJ.

"Now…this one's a request by the young man, so, everyone, follow his lead if you wanna have a good time! Let's go!" he raised his hand high, before bringing it down on the play button.

Camilla looked worried. "Don't worry…" she looked over, seeing Joey's wink and bright smile. "Just follow my lead."

Camilla fell silent as the music started.

[Konshens – Jamaican Dance]

The beat got going and Joey began with hands pushing to the air, then swinging them at arm level. The rhythm repeated, and then again Joey did the same thing.

Camilla saw how nimble Joey was, but she was too slow. Trying to keep up, she tried to be loose, but the accessories around her neck weren't helping.

"Gotta be more nimble! C'mon!" Joey shouted as he was shuffling front to back with kicks.

Camilla tried copying him. She found herself still unsure as she was looking down at her feet shuffling and compared them to Joey. Already she could feel sweat build up from the heat. Still, she was holding up until Joey changed his style to hip swirling and shoulder rolls in the pre-chorus. There, she had to adapt and move back and forth to match him. Unsure of what she was doing, she was looking back to see her furry neck accessory becoming undone.

She wanted to worry, but Joey snapped her out of it. "Don't focus on that stuff! Just the way you feel!" he started the same rhythm as the first chorus began, putting himself up there again.

'How I feel?' Camilla went wide-eyed as she was getting where Joey was coming from. She started to realize it, but when she stopped thinking about her fashion, she noticed her rhythm had picked up, matching Joey's.

Joey smiled. "That's right! Just like that!"

Camilla found her groove soon to be mimicking Joey as he started repeating shoulder rolls and hip swaying. He hopped every second, swaying his arms with each hop and rocking for every third time. He was rocking back and forth, enjoying the groove he had going, and Camilla began smiling as she started to feel…free.

As the rapping started before the second chorus, Joey began shifting and jerking to mimic the feeling. He got a little closer to Camilla, his posture signifying a challenge to her. When to came to she finally smirked before she finally reached and undid her cloak. With her neat folds undoing, she was loose enough to twirl and move back and forth, feeling the music take her away, along with Joey.

"That's it! You got it!" Joey shouted.

Soon enough, everybody else was dancing around. They were mimicking Joey, quickly picking up to his pace. Surprisingly, many were entranced by the movements and how they fit with the beats. Even Dereece, who was somewhere in the background, was doing his robotic swaying with a smile.

Outside, the beats were loud enough to cause a scene. When a pair of footsteps stopped and turned, the figure had a frown. "Heh? What's with that racket…?" he grumbled.

As the music was nearing its end, Camilla and Joey were borderline freestyling their own versions. Camilla had more hip sways as she shook her rump, and Joey was more bouncy and wavy, with some arm circles. And then the final chorus popped up.

Twirling into Joey, and vice versa, they reached their hands out, interlocking with big smiles as everyone in the background did the same. Hand in hand, they all cheered as they followed Joey and Camilla as they kicked their feet up and swayed their joined hands in unison.

They all hopped and followed through to the end, and into it, time slowed time for Joey and Camilla as both were holding hands. Sweat was pouring down, but none of that mattered. What mattered to Camilla…was that she was feeling something she never felt before: Free.

The last word struck, and Joey and everyone raised joined hands high. The DJ and everyone gave a round of applause for themselves and Joey, who was smirking wide.

"There, see?" he asked. "How was that, not so bad, right?" he smiled again, instantly making Camilla's own heart lift a little.

Camilla, surprisingly, nodded with a grand smile of her own. "…yes. That really was."

They both chuckled to each other. They were still holding hands, and both realized this. Joey and Camilla looked to one another, the former starting to blush a little. Camilla, on the other hand, didn't seem to mind anymore. In fact, she looked a little satisfied. With their heartbeats still on accelerate, they started to shuffle closer to another…

Glass shattered against the ground, immediately breaking the mood. "What the hell is this?!"

The crowd of partygoers and Joey stopped to turn towards the bar, where they saw a mound of glass shrapnel at the base of a chair. Footsteps drew closer towards the dance floor, making everyone move away as he looked at the two individuals present. Joey and Camilla's eyes widened upon recognizing Victor, and he looked pissed.

Hiccupping a little and slightly red in the face, he trudged towards them. "Guess I was wrong after all. You've got to be deaf man…because I thought I gave ya a warning ya blonde freak." He leaned into him, scowling angrily. "Well?!"

Joey looked down at his hand still holding Camilla's. When they realized what they were doing they immediately jerked away from one another.

"Well isn't this just pathetic, just what's the old man gonna say about this?!" he tirade in their faces. "That is only daughter whom he can't seem to let go is hanging out past curfew with some low-level, sweat inducing geek?! What the hell are you two doing anyway? Huh?!"

She struggled to find an answer, her heart sinking again from the reminder if her father. Before she could say anything, Joey suddenly stepped forward.

"It's my fault alright." He vouched.

"Joey…?" she mumbled.

"I was just trying to show her a good time is all. She was stressed so I thought I'd help her out, okay? No harm no foul."

Victor processed Joey's testament and smirked. "Oh, is that so?" he scoffed. "Heh, seems like you Fiorians' definition of 'fun' must be screwed over. When I say fun…" he evilly sneered at Camilla. "I'm talking about the kind we both get out of. So tell me, Camilla, did he give ya a 'good time'?"

Joey wanted to butt in again, but a hand stopped him. He looked back, finding Dereece holding him back.

"C'mon, sweetheart, lighten up? What's with that face? Admit it, you couldn't possibly belong here, not with these tapless washouts! Just look at them!" He pointed to the patrons. They were all looking pissed, but he didn't care. "See what they're wearing?! That ain't something a bombshell like you shouldn't be wearing! No, not my fiancée! She can do way better in simple rags out of the shower compared to these sweaty pigs!"

Many of the people were just about ready to gang up on him. Many men were growling, as to where their significant others were trying to hold them back.

"And don't me started with this fashionless loser!" he pointless a finger at Joey. "Seriously, if that ain't ugly, I don't know what is!"

Mental cracks filled Joey as his figment went white. He mentally squealed as his only other good quality was offended. He was shuddering, his shoulder slouched over as he grumbled low.

Dereece's eyes widened upon seeing the mistake made. 'Oh no…he didn't just-!'

"Damn right. I mean, look at me. After all, I am your fiancé, right? Or did you forget that?" he darkly smirked in her face, leaving her shocked and unable to respond properly. He leaned into her ear. "I already said it before. You can drop everything once we get the wedding over with, alright? My old man says to always pay your debts, and your old man is passed due." He slid back, giving her the space she needed. He gestured his arms out. "Alright! Now that we got that covered, let's say we get to where you really belo-!"

Everyone gasped and jerked away. They all were at a loss for words, even for Camilla. She was shocked when a barrier separated them, leaving Victor to groan as he slid down it comically.

He got back up, feeling his face. "What the hell…?"

"Hey, you."

Turning angrily, Victor angrily saw Joey with the look of annoyance for the first time. His eyes squinted. "You…!"

"I'm only gonna say this once pal…" his eyes squinted. "Keep the hands off the lady."

"Oh yeah?" Victor challenged, stepping in front of Joey. "And what's a weakling like you gonna do about it?"

"I never said I was weak." Joey held his ground, even when he got in his face. "You think you're all that because you're a second in command, well all I see who is a jerk who doesn't even know the meaning of sympathy!"

"Joey…" Camilla gasped.

Joey glared. "And if you have a problem with my fashion pal…then you've got poor taste as well as a mouth."

There was an intense stare down with Joey and Victor, both giving challenging glares to one another. The club and everyone in it were so shocked they didn't know what to do. With what Joey said, their own feathers were ruffled. Though the same couldn't be said for Victor

With a scoff, Victor suddenly appeared in front and shoved Joey down onto his back, causing a shock to run through him.

"Joey!" Dereece screamed. Camilla also gasped, Joey's barrier dissipating right in front of her.

Victor stomped a foot, squishing Joey's chest beneath the spikes. "You think I have a shitmouth? Huh?! Do ya?! Well look who's talking, ya shitheaded punk!" He applied more pressure, causing Joey to grunt as the spikes were digging into his skin.

Dereece hurried to step in. "Hey man, get your hands off him right no-!" He was kicked back by Victor, landing in his back with a thud.

"Mind yourself too, tubby." He scoffed.

"Dereece!" Joey yelled.

Victor growled back at Joey, but Camilla stepped behind.. "Enough Victor! This has gone too far!"

"Camilla…" Joey breathed.

Victor scrunched his face as he stared at his fiancée. "What do you want now? Can't you see that I'm busy?" He was busy alright, but he was so busy when Camilla reached for his shoulder. For a brief moment, a feint weird glow illuminated the palm, before fading. He lightly brushed her aside, releasing her grip. "Just chill, okay? I'm almost done." He walked closer to Joey again.

A patron was holding her glass of ice water when she suddenly dropped it. She watched the glass splatter on the ground, along with the slippery water. The water and ice cubes slipped to the front of Victor's path.

"Now, where do I start with…!" He took the next step, but he suddenly found himself slipping. "W-whooaa!" He comically fell on the back of his neck, plopping onto his back. "Ow!"

Many of the patrons began laughing back at him. Some were pointing and ridiculing out of payback for what he did.

As he got up, he rubbed his head, groaning. He looked around, finding that people were laughing at him left and right. That including Joey. The anger in his eyes began rising, so high that red was seen in the eyes.

"You little…!" he pounced for him. "I'M GONNA KILL YOU!"

"Joey! Look out!" Dereece warned.

Joey was completely paralyzed out of shock. He could only watch as Victor reached to attack him. He flinched when he prepared for the worst…only for a clang to be heard throughout the club. When he opened his eyes to see what happened, he gasped.

Duncan was on a knee, using a metal rod he was holding onto to defend from the kick that would've killed Joey.

"Duncan!" Joey gasped.

Dereece sat up. "Wait…Duncan?"

Duncan used his magic to empower the rod, giving enough force to repel Victor across the dance floor. Once he came a to a stop he looked at the new member. "Who the hell are you supposed to be?" he asked.

Duncan chose to not answer immediately before he scoffed. He adjusted his stance, glaring down Victor with a deadening gleam in his eyes. "Listen pal, if you're looking for a fight, even I'm not dumb enough to start one here. Take it elsewhere."

Victor scrunched his face at Duncan before looking around. Much like the party, he found himself being awkwardly stared at. He could see animosity in some eyes, and fear in some gazes. They all gained up on him, and when he looked towards Camilla, he could see the hidden plea in her eyes. He took one last look at Joey, towering over him and his scared face before he turned away.

"Fine! Whatever! I was bored anyway!" He stomped his foot loud before he started for the exit, hands in his pockets as he cursed quietly.

As he walked away, Joey and Dereece got back up. "Joey, are you hurt?"

"I'm fine, thanks." Joey assured.

"Hey you!" They both looked up, seeing Victor point a finger at Joey. "Look pal, no way is this gonna fly, ya hear? So if you really think you gots what it takes to steal away my girl…" he pulled up a Poke Ball. "Then meet me in the capital plaza at 10 tomorrow. And don't be late." He turned ahead one more time to leave, taking four steps before stopping. "Oh, and another thing…if you're thinking of chickening out…then I'm gonna make you wish you'd stayed on that ground."

With that threat, the man walked out, leaving club and its patrons on a bitter note. All had the mojo sucked out of them, much to their dismay.

With the smartass gone, Joey turned towards Camilla. "Hey, Camilla, you okay?" he asked.

Camilla meekly nodded. "Yes, I'm alright. Thanks for your concerns…" she looked at the bruise and blood marks on Joey's chest, seeing how thin they were. Guilt rising, she looked down in shame. "I'm sorry." She apologized. "This is all my fault. I shouldn't have listened."

Joey stepped towards her. "Camilla-!"

"I have to go! Please, try and do the same!" she grabbed her accessories that fell during the dancing and darted for the exit.

"Camilla, wait-!" Joey reached out to her. She stopped at the exit, looking back at Joey. His eyes widened when he saw a meaningful, but equally sad smile on her face. That smile turned to pained tears as she bolted out the club, heading for home. "Camilla…"

As Joey's heart sank that night, Dereece patted his back. For the rest of the night, the club was quiet.


Inside an expansive library southwest of the district, the lights were still on, despite how it was close to closing time. Even so, people were hard at work inside.

Levy scrolled through page after page in another book, her reading glasses getting her through the last of the context before reaching the end, giving a grieving sigh. "Nothing." She sat the book to the side, amongst 5 other archives she looked through apparently.

"I take it that's a no go either?" Cana asked. She was searching the library section nearby, helping Levy with her work.

"No, nothing useful I'm afraid." She answered. In the background, her Klink was grinding its gears around her. "All I learned so far were a few cases involving Moon Drip, but they're not very specific. I was hoping we'd find a little more about this stuff while we could."

"Well it's not like they want this stuff to come out anyway, right?" Cana finally reached for a textbook that was high up. She pulled it off, most likely about more of Glacidia's history. "Remember what he said, if word spread more about this pure spring, they'd be in a lot of trouble. Imagine what they would have to do if brokers came for this stuff."

"Yeah, guess you're right." Levy took the book from Cana. "Still, there's gotta be something here we can use."

"For our sakes, let's hope you're right."

The librarian walked up to them, pushing a cart full of books. "Excuse me. I'm sorry to tell you this, but I'm afraid that we'll be closing in a few minutes."

Cana sighed. "Well, that's my cue." From her purse she pulled out a small liquor bottle. "I'm gonna go see what Sophie and Vanessa are up to. Don't stay up too long or you'll get a headache. Later."

"Okay, thanks" Levy thanked Cana as she left the library. With her now gone she sighed. "Guess I have to go to." She turned towards the librarian. "Am I able to check out these books at the front desk?"

"Sure, certainly. Just follow me." The librarian left for the front.

"Great." Levy followed behind, a big smile on her face. 'I can't give up. There's something here. I just know it. I just need to keep trying.'


On the frosted glaciers of Glacidia's borders, there was a long stretch of frost over ice that allowed people to walk on it. On that slab of ice, Erza was looking far out, getting a full view of Glacidia. With her arms crossed she oversaw the many buildings, some of which were busier than she thought were at this time of night. Though, while she was enjoying the view, what Isaac said to her before rattled her mind.

'Raw Moon Drip…so that's the real reason.' She thought back to the two cases she recalled long ago involving Moon Drip. 'If this magic did in fact fall in the wrong hands, it could very well affect the magic world as we know it.' She turned towards the full moon, seeing its enigmatic shine cast down on her face. She stared at the white face for a long while now, before she chose to gaze to her husband.

When she looked over, Nic was more out of it than she was.

Staring up to the full moon, Nic sat cross-legged on the frost as he was looking far out. He wasn't gazing at the night sky as he was solemnly at the full white sun basking everything, including him. Even now, that strange cry echoed in his head, and he couldn't get it out of his head. It was stuck in his mind like a Bug-type to a Sticky Web.

"…"

His eyes narrowed, the hollering shriek he heard refracting in his ears. He knew that voice was calling out to him, and it had to guess where it was.

"Finding something better to look at than me perhaps?"

Hearing his wife, Nic looked over to find Erza towering behind him, genuine concern written all over her face. "Oh, Erza…" he muttered. "…sorry, I wasn't listening. Were you asking something?"

Erza sighed. She knew something was wrong with Nic. She didn't wanna say it until now because of what's going on, but with it being themselves, she felt she could handle it.

"No, it's nothing. I was just thinking is all." She sympathized with Nic gazing up towards the moon. "You are too, I bet. Thinking about the Moon Drip plan?"

"…no, something else." Nic answered. "I…can't help it, but…ever since we've got here, have you felt anything…strange?"

Erza sat beside him. "That's a tough question. Are you referring to Isaac?"

"No, not him. I had him figured out the moment I came here. It's just that…are you hearing voices that you know are there?"

Erza blinked. "Voices?" she followed Nic's head and looked towards the moon. Immediately she got the idea. "You mean the moon?"

"How'd you guess?" Nic looked down at his knees. "I thought I was just hearing things before, but I know I'm not crazy when I say this…I think that the moon is trying to tell me something." He balled his fists. "I think it has to be a warning about something…that's the feeling I have in my gut." He looked towards her. "What do you think?"

Erza could never doubt Nic again. He was usually right about something when his gut or heart told him something was wrong. Even if she didn't have much of a clue what he might be saying regarding the moon, if it bugged Nic this much, it had to be important.

"Honestly, I'm not even sure myself." She finally answered. "It's hard to tell what kind of warning it could be, especially if the future depended on it. You can never really tell how truthful a future could be, unless you've seen it with your own eyes." She looked to the moon. "But listen, Nic. If you feel something's wrong, I'll help you. You know that. If someone is trying to tell you something, then you'll probably know what to do when the time comes. I know you will."

Nic thought about what Erza said before he smiled. For the first time since this evening, a soft smile crept on his face. "Yeah. Guess you're right."

"That glad. Now then…" she stood up first, offering a hand down to her husband. "Would you like to help me practice?"

Nic accepted his wife's hand with a smirk. "That's funny. I was about to ask you the same thing."

They both got up, and immediately they slid back along the frosted ground for space.

"Ready?!" Erza yelled.

Nic nodded as he held up a Poke Ball.

"Good…now go!" she threw a Poke Ball, in which Nic followed. Out came Slurpuff and Greninja, both landing on the ground and looking readily at one another.

"Alright then…" Nic swiped his arm. "Let's go!" Greninja followed Nic's lead, jumping overhead and flipping in the moonlight for a midnight battle.


Gray swiped his arms, pivoting behind as he used his Devil Slayer Magic to freeze over the frosted ground in an omnidirectional pattern. The ice chilled the air, enough to make flakes fall around Gray. When he relaxed, then turned around and saw how far the ice had spread. It had to at least be a few miles out.

'Looks like I'm getting a better hang of it than last time.' He looked down to his open palm, seeing no black markings. And yet, at the same time, his Devil Slayer Magic was coursing through. He balled his fist. 'I can feel it. This magic's a lot stronger than it ever was before…thanks to what Orion told me. Now I just figure out how I can-!'

The sound of footsteps was heard, catching Gray by surprise. When he looked over, he saw something scuttling along the ice towards him. It looked jovial, if not happy.

The creature was hard to make out. It looked like a yellow hat with orange edges. It had a black face, beady blue eyes with stubby hands and feet. The creature looked up to Gray with his head tilting to the side a little.

"Huh? Oh, hey. You're one of those…Pokémon, right?" he questioned. He turned in full. "So tell me, what's your name?"

The creature jumped and smiled. "Oh! Hello, friend! My friends call me Snorunt! But you can just call me…Snorunt!" he cheered.

"Uh…sure." Trying to get off the awkward note, Gray reached and activate the PokeDex, scanning Snorunt.

"Snorunt, the Snow Hat Pokémon. Snorunt survives by eating only snow and ice. Old folklore claims that a house visited by this Pokémon is sure to prosper for many generations to come."

"So a good luck charm of Pokémon huh? That's interesting." Gray looked up, only to gasp upon eating Snorunt munching where he stood. "What the heck?! What are you doing?! You can't eat that!"

Snorunt didn't seem to listen. Instead he continued munching and crunching on Gray's ice, only to end up short and sore in the mouth. "Owwie~." He whined. "Man, this stuff is like steel…"

Gray sighed. "Which is why I warned you not to eat it." Stamping on the ground, he dispelled the ice, leaving sparkles to rain down over them both.

Snorunt looked up in awe, his shock completely thrown out the window as he witnessed all the hard ice for miles miraculously disappearing. The plains from around sprinkled with the enchanted frost, and Snorunt jumped in joy as he began running around, laughing in glee.

"Alright! Yay!" he cheered. "That was totally cool dude! Oh, hang on a second…" he faced the ground, this time munching clean through the ice like it was a buffet. At the rate he was eating, it was like he hadn't seen any food in days.

Gray watched the Snorunt appease his appetite, though it was a sight of inquiry no less. 'Geez, this guy can eat his fill through ice. I wonder if it'll be good for battle…' he got an idea. 'Wait, I can use this to my advantage! I gotta get experience, right? Well now's as good as time as any.' He pulled out a Poke Ball, looking ready against Snover. 'Well, guess we better get this over with.' He twisted and threw the Poke Ball. "Alright then, let's go!"

The Poke Ball opened, getting Snorunt's attention. Summoned to battle was Bergmite as he faced Snorunt. "Battle ready." He said stiffly.

"Huh?" Snorunt jumped in shock. "Woah, cool! Another new friend! Man, this night can't get any better!" he cheekily smiled. "How's it going?"

"Good. We battle. Me anticipated." Bergmite replied.

Snorunt chuckled. "Sure, okay. I'll go with that. Okay then, here I come if you're ready~!" Snorunt flashed a bright glow. "Double Team!" He split apart, creating copies of himself that surrounded Bergmite in an enclosed ring of illusions.

"Oh, here we go." Gray gasped. "So this guy knows that move too, huh?" he swiped his arm. "In that case let's use Icy Wind!" Bergmite took in a deep breath, his mouth part glowing bright blue before expelling a cold, sparkling wind. With his experience on sliding and riding on ice, Bergmite easily pivoted, spinning the wind all around. One by one, the illusions erupted in puffs of smoke, which were blown away, along with the real Snorunt as he went airborne.

The Snorunt caught himself on his feet, sliding back several feet along the ice to a halt. "Phew! That was chilly!" he shivered, a blue aura slowing down his speed. "You're good!"

"Thanks." Gray smirked. "Alright then, use Take Down!" Enveloping himself in a golden aura, an energy field enveloped Bergmite before he shot across the ground in a slide directly into Snorunt.

Taking preparations, Snorunt took in a deep breath of his own. "Right back at ya!" Breathing out, he expelled his own Icy Wind attack. The move rushed into the other Ice-type heading his way. The cold wind hit Bergmite, decreasing his speed in a blue aura as he closed the distance. When Bergmite's sledding was slow enough, Snorunt jumped overhead, evading as Bergmite twisted and turned skywards.

"Now, try this!" He created fragmented icy shards around the air and shot them down at Bergmite.

"Quick! Use your Powder Snow back!" Gray commanded.

Bergmite did as told and expelled a snowy breath as well. The two ices bolted into one another, with their combined might creating a frosted eruption that expelled snowflakes as Snorunt fell. Time slowed down as Snorunt was smirking, but he looked happy.

Gray noticed this underneath his cool gaze, but he chose to say nothing. He could see the Snover had potential, so he had to do what he could to make use of it. A smirk crossed his face before he made his next move. "Okay then…" he started. "Use Bite, now!"

"Right. Me bite." Bergmite sled across the ground towards the falling Snorunt, albeit slower than before. When Snorunt closed in, Bergmite took a leap and flipped his icy body. Once he got momentum, energy fangs appeared on his face and snapped down on Snorunt, sending intense shock down Snorunt's body as he was repulsed harshly in the cold ground. Bergmite landed without trouble. Again Snorunt arose, though he was mildly deterred. Getting serious, he grunted as he shot a look, his intense Leer glaring daggers into Bergmite. Again, another blue aura enveloped his body, lowering his Defense this time.

'Got it. So it's moves are Leer, Double Team, Icy Wind, and Ice Shard. Interesting. Now it's time to seal the deal.' Gray reached out ahead of himself. "Alright Bergmite, one more time! Use Bite!"

Bergmite jumped sledding after Snorunt, who was doing his Leer again to lower his Defense. However, that didn't stop Bergmite from coming down. Snorunt was hit hard by a powerful crash by the fangs of Bergmite, making frost expel everywhere.

Bergmite slid back, his disposition still unchanged. When he looked forward, the frost dissipated, revealing Snorunt still grunting as he laid on the ground. He looked too tired to get up. This was Gray's chance.

"Alright. Hope this works…" He threw a Poke Ball, landing a clean mark right on Snorunt's head. The capsule opened, and the Pokémon turned to energy and was sucked inside.

The capsule plopped to the ground. Both Gray and Bergmite looked in anticipation as they awaited for the final results. Once they heard the 'Ding!' go off, all their worries washed away.

Gray smirked. He went over, picking up his new ally and inspected the Poke Ball. "Well what do you know?" he said. "Looks like we got ourselves another new friend." He turned away. "Thanks, Bergmite."

"Thank you." He answered stiffly.

Gray took one more look at his new Pokémon, seeing the moon reflect off the capsule. He looked skywards, staring at the bright moon beaming across all of Glacidia.


Beneath that same moon, an arm reached out. "Now! Use Water Gun!"

Azurill bounced on her tail in excitement before she took a big leap to get airborne. Taking a deep breath, she expelled a blast of water out, hitting and pushing back a wild Swinub she was engaged in battle with.

Juvia's expression showed full resolution as she went on with her training. 'My darling Gray is hard at work practicing his Devil Slayer powers. I have to trust him in working hard. In doing so, I will do the same!' If she were honest, she would prefer to train with Gray, but with her experience with Sophie still fresh in her mind, she wanted to try training by herself, if she could that is.

Swinub shook its head side to side, getting the pain to fade. Once it recovered, it faced Azurill and snorted out of its nostrils. Mud streams shot at Azurill via Mud-Slap.

"Use Water Gun!" Juvia commanded. Azurill expelled even more water, meeting the attack in the middle. As a result, both attacks dissipated. "I'm sorry for this…Now, Bubble Beam!"

Azurill jumped high, getting above Swinub. "No hard feelings!" With a cry, she opened her mouth, expelling blue bubbles that shot down in a high-speed barrage that struck Swinub. The blow sent Swinub airborne as Azurill landed. Swinub was on its back, groaning in defeat.

"Yes! We did it!" Juvia eagerly cheered. "That makes it three in a row! Gray's sure to be happy by now!"

"Did you see me out there, Juvia?! I was having a blast!" Azurill cheered as she bounced up and down.

Juvia smiled. "Yes I saw indeed…" that smile softened. "Thank you, Azurill."

Azurill giggled in glee. Suddenly an energy shift caught on. Azurill started glowing, a bright light illuminating her body.

Juvia's eyes widened and gasped. "Azurill?!"

The light began to alter. And energy field wrapped itself around as Azurill's shape was beginning to change, much to Juvia's worry.

"Azurill, what's wrong?! Azurill?!"

The features on Azurill began changing. She began growing, and her tail began to shrink as the size transferred to the body. Juvia was in watchful awe as she witnessed the transformation all the way to end, until finally the light flashed, causing her to go blind briefly.

When she uncovered, she saw Azurill was completely different. No words came to mind as she saw a blue mouse-like Pokémon with stubby limbs and arms. The ears were large and round, and her tail bobbed about. The creature gave a meek smile towards Juvia as she got on her tip-toes.

"Juvia!" she cheered. Even with a deep voice, she sounded all too familiar.

"A-Azurill?" she gasped. "What just…" she trailed off, thinking back to something she saw. It hit her light a lightning bolt when she realized it. 'Wait, is this one of those evolutions that we saw in those pamphlets the Cambire Foundation sent out to everyone? Does this mean…' she looked towards her newly evolved creature. 'That Azurill…had evolved?'

"Isn't this exciting?! I'm Marill now!" she ran up to Juvia, jumping right into her arms despite the shock. Marill laughed in joy. "It's nice to meet you, Juvia!"

Despite her initial shock, Juvia felt the way Marill hugged her. Even though she didn't look the same, there was no doubt that was Azurill. A soft smile crept her face as she hugged back. "It's nice to meet you too…Marill."


Under the full moon elsewhere, Cana was sitting on a frosted rock, holding alcohol in one hand as she looked towards the sky. She was thinking about something. Nothing personal surprisingly, no. Instead, it was all a big blur. The Moon Drip, the worth, the overall plan changing. She needed a break, even though she didn't do much.

'I wonder how the guild is doing…?' Her thoughts returned to the abyss when explosions were heard from nearby. Turning around, she saw dust and mist clear, revealing two people practicing their skills.

Sophie and Vanessa's hair shifted in the cool breeze, everything around them howling as teal strands of aura spun around, interjecting with the flow of memory chains that Sophie had made. The two glared at each other before the next move was made.

Sophie swished her arm up, summoning electrified rock slates shooting up beneath Vanessa. The Pularis girl summoned a burst of aura, igniting an intense flash that discharged energy that erupted around her. The smokestack where she was inflated skywards. Sophie looked up, seeing a figment rise from inside. Popping out from above, Vanessa came down with a palm filled with teal aura that she slammed in the ground, summoning an intense shockwave that broke the ice beneath like a fissure at Sophie. The blonde used her acrobatic skills to flip to the side, avoiding the pulsating blast wave that erupted aura skywards. Once she slid on her heels to a halt, she gave Vanessa a confident glare, and vice versa.

Sophie twirled around, as did Vanessa. Plans facing each other, waves of teal aura and memory chains swirled in a massive maelstrom of magic that shifted the ice all around.

Watching them train and warm themselves up, Cana was almost too distracted when something tapped her hand. "Hey, you!"

Hearing a voice, Cana looked around. Strangely enough she didn't see anything.

"I'm down here!"

Cana looked down, meeting eyes with someone small, but remarkably cute. Looking up to her, there was a small penguin Pokémon with a round head and black eyes. He had blue flippers and a tiny yellow beak. He looked up to Cana with a stout stare.

"That's my rock you're sitting on!" he complained. "You better get off or else."

Cana raised a brow to him. "And who might you be?"

"Who, me?" he pointed a flipper to himself and beamed with pride. "The name is Piplup. And I'm what you call a king!"

Cana looked far from impressed. "A king you say?" she looked down at the rock she used as a perch. "You mean king of a rock?"

Piplup puffed his chest out. "That's right! I-!" He was cut off when an eruption made him floor hard. The landscape shuddered until the vibrations settled enough for him to pick himself up. "What the-?! What happened?!"

Cana bluntly pointed out towards the tundra. Piplup followed and saw Sophie and Vanessa training, each one throwing agile moves to one another that cancelled out in strong pulses that rushed passed them. Suffice to say that Piplup was flabbergasted.

"What are those two doing to my lawn?!" he shrieked. "Don't they know how hard I worked on that?!"

Cana shrugged. "Whoopsie."

Piplup growled at her, pointing a flipper up to her. "Hey, you! You and your friends better leave or else!"

"Oh yeah?" Cana smirked down, looking more amused than threatened. Odds were because of the alcohol. "Well aren't you such a trooper. You're quite the cute little boss right there."

Piplup's face flustered red as Cana's statement surprised him. "W-what?! What are you talking about?! I'm not cute!" he exasperated, turning away with flippers crossed.

"Sure you're not." Cana applied heavy sarcasm as she raised her bottle. "But you know, ladies dig little guys who man up. That's the kicker right there." She resumed drinking.

Piplup cringed again. Fore the second time, Cana involuntarily surmounted his pride. Despite the blush on his cheeks he tried to bide it in and keep from losing composure.

"Aw~, look at you being all toughie. You don't need to hide it in."

Piplup turned away. "I don't know what you're talking about."

Cana laughed aloud at his denial. "Look at that, did you just get more adorable all of a sudden?"

"N-no!" Piplup beamed. "Shut up!" He turned around with a serious look. "Either you get off, or I'll make you!"

"Alright, whatever the tough guy wants." Hopping off the rock, Cana turned around to leave. "Well, no point in just sitting around I guess. Better find me something to do too." She looked back and smirked. "You ever feeling lonely out here, you know where to find us." She winked.

"I-I don't get lonely out here! Just go!" Piplup barked. Though when Cana out of sight, his face was still red from embarrassment. His feathers were so ruffled by Cana that he was steaming. "What did she mean by…!" An eruption of energy shot up from behind, getting him to turn to another problem. "Hey! Get out of there!" the little trooper scuttled over to stop the battle.

As Piplup was heading into untold peril, Cana remained casual as she thought of something. 'Maybe I can use my fortune telling. We might get a start from there in the morning.' She figured.

As Cana walked off drinking, Piplup was sent flying in the background skywards, screaming in fear as he vanished in a glint across the sky.


A short distance away, Lucy looked up to see the sky. "Hey, is that a star?"

"What star?" Wendy looked up, seeing nothing but clear night sky.

"Must be your imagination or something." Carla insinuated. "Now, where were we again?"

Shaking her head to get back on topic, Lucy faced forward. "Right, sorry. Klefki, Metal Sound!" Hovering in the air above, Klefki responded to Lucy's command by spinning around and coming to a breakneck halt, her body shrilling harsh soundwaves that went at Swablu.

Rather than risk a significant disadvantage, Wendy made her move. "Okay, didge it!"

Swablu ascended to avoid the soundwave's range. She got high enough but was surprised by how quickly Klefki closed the gap. "Surprise!" she chirped.

"Astonish!" Lucy commanded.

Klefki was surrounded in a grim aura as a dark illusion with red eyes expelled from a close range. Swablu looked shocked, but when the attack reached for her she wasn't repulsed. When she opened her eyes and blinked, she realized she was okay.

"Wait, what?" Lucy gasped.

Wendy was confused as well, but with the shock still effect she had to take the initiative while she could. She reached forward. "Quick, use Sing!"

Klefki wanted to move back, but even with her speed, she was still too close when Swablu started humming. Musical notes flowed out, passing Klefki as she was listening to it. Being so close, her eyes started getting heavy all of a sudden. "Not…again…" Her will finally giving up, she drifted to the ground, fast asleep.

"Klefki?!" Lucy panicked. Her Klefki asleep, she facepalmed. "Aw geez, really?"

"What was that about?" Wendy questioned. "Why didn't your Astonish work, Lucy?"

"Good question…" she looked to the ground in wonders of her own. When she stopped to think about it, when she was practicing with Sophie a few days back, her Astonish almost knocked out her Abra. "You think it has something to do with types?"

"Yeah, maybe." Wendy looked towards Klefki. "Guess we should wake her up." She sighed. "Again."

A little not too far, flames erupted along the ice. The flames dissipated, revealing another wild Snorunt to fall on its back as Charmander beamed with pride over it. An elated Natsu stood proudly with a smile. "That's what I'm talking about! This is way too easy."

"Aye." Happy agreed. "I didn't think Charmander would have it so easy here."

"Yeah I didn't think so either." Natsu raised a brow. "But now that I think about it, didn't someone say that Fire-types are pretty easy to handle against Ice-types?"

Happy nodded. "Yeah, and I remember when Gray practiced against Gajeel that he was getting hammered by Aron. Guess Ice-types aren't that tough to handle for you two."

"Guess not." Natsu chose to disregard the commentary and get back to battling. He knew Gajeel was off in the sleet lands fighting other Ice-types, so odds were that Aron was getting levels up, and he'd be damned if he fell behind. Immediately scouting the options around, he saw another wild Snorunt. "Let's battle that one!" he pointed out.

The wild Snorunt looked up, seeing its new foes.

"Okay, ready Charmander?"

Charmander stepped up, looking prepped and ready to fight. "Am I ever."

The wild Snorunt started by conjuring crystalized particles in the air, turning into a ball of ice. Once big enough it was launched at Natsu and Charmander.

"Another Ice Shard, huh?" Natsu balled a fist. "That case, use Ember!" Charmander opened his mouth and expelled red-hot sparks that shot at the ice. The ice was vaporized and that attack's blanket closed in on Snorunt. The result was an intense blowback that slid Snorunt on its back across the ice.

"Bull's eye!" Happy exclaimed.

"Nice shot." Natsu grinned. Charmander also smirked.

Snorunt slid far back, coming to a halt. When it finally got the nerve to stand again, it glowed briefly, summoning clones that surrounded Charmander. He looked around confusedly, seeing so many duplicates.

"Man, this again?" Natsu looked annoyed. He was all too familiar with this move by now, partially because Nic's Staraptor used Double Team a lot. His nose suddenly wrinkled, picking up a smell. "Hey, behind you!"

Catching the warning, Charmander turned around to see the real Snorunt. A chilled breeze shot at him, via Icy Wind. Mustering himself, he took a deep breath and fired Ember back. The results this time was a large burst of mist that clouded up everything around them.

The mist was vague, but it was enough to leave Snorunt in the dark. Turning left and right, it tried scoping out Charmander, but had little to no luck. It shuffled in place, starting to feel restless, unknowing of a small flame in the distance.

"Got it." Natsu whispered. "Alright, straight ahead! Use Flame Charge!"

Snorunt heard the sounds of flames close by, but couldn't tell where. When it turned around all that was seen was a bullet of flames before an intense impact erupted in boisterous flames. The mist was repulsed to oblivion, replaced by smoke burning. When the smoke had finally lifted, Charmander was seen towering once more, with Snorunt on its back and unable to continue.

"That's how ya do it!" Happy jumped. "That makes six!"

Natsu sighed out, relaxing a bit. "We're sure on a roll now. How ya feeling, bud?"

Charmander turned around, facing Natsu with a beaming smile. "I'm feeling pretty great! We're on a roll!"

Natsu grinned. "Awesome, then let's keep it up!"

"Right!" Charmander nodded, but before they could get back to it, Charmander was suddenly engulfed in a bright blue light.

Natsu's eyes widened. "Charmander?!"

Lucy and Wendy stopped their training when they noticed the broad light coming from close by. Looking over, they closed in, surrounding Charmander as the blue light was molding him.

"Natsu, what's happening?" Lucy worriedly asked.

"I-I don't know!" he panicked. "Charmander?! Charmander!"

Charmander wasn't responding. Instead, all that was happening was his body began to change. They witnessed Charmander beginning to grow slightly inside the light, his stubbed limbs beginning to grow with lengthier joints. The tail was getting much longer, and some horn was beginning to grow. Everyone was petrified by the sudden change they were witnessing. They didn't know whether it was a god thing or a bad thing.

It was only after the light erupted and faded that left everyone shocked.

As the light faded, a pair of deep blue eyes opened to the world. A red tail with a creamy underside swished around, flames swaying about. When in full view, the beast replacing Charmander was bigger, and had a creamy underbelly with sharp claws for toes and fingers. The creature opened his maw, expelling a hissed growl.

"Wh-what?!" Happy shrieked. Everyone was thinking the same thing.

"What in heaven's name just happened?" Carla gasped with shock in her stare. "Did Charmander just…"

The creature finished his long hiss and looked around, seeing the petrified looks that everyone had. "That was a rush." He wooed. "Hey…what are you all staring at? Do I got something on my face?" he tried licking his own lips, but it only made things weirder for everybody else.

"Uh, i-is anybody else seeing this?" Wendy nervously asked.

"I see it, but I don't believe it." Lucy said, trying to get over her shock. "Wait…hold on a sec!" She reached for her PokeDex, bringing it out to scan whet it was that Charmander had become.

"Charmeleon, the Flame Pokémon. It lashes out using its long tail to knock down its foes. It then tears up the fallen opponent with its sharp claws."

"Charmeleon…" Lucy was thinking back to something that Erza had spoken about back when the guild rejoined. Her eyes shot wide upon realizing. 'Wait, Erza's Honedge became Aegislash…then that must mean…'

"Charmander…" Natsu muttered, shock in the face still evident. "Is that really you?" He didn't think it was possible, he couldn't. But something about the way Charmeleon smelled made the possibility a reality. He could tell as bright as day.

Charmeleon looked down to his body, confused by Natsu's inquiry. "Uh, I think so. Why? Do I look okay?"

"Okay? Okay?!" The rising shouts Natsu exuberated alarmed everyone. In a sudden blur Natsu looked eagerly into Charmeleon's face, startling him. "You look so awesome!" he shouted. "I don't know what happened to ya Charmander, but I'm liking it! Just look at you! You look cooler than you did before!"

"I-I do…" Charmeleon was taken back by Natsu's cheery look. He didn't know what to say back, but getting over his initial shock, he came to accept it and tried to smile. "Uh…thanks. But my name is Charmeleon now, okay?"

"Charmeleon?" Natsu repeated. "Eh…sure. I think we'll work it out. Anyways, let's get back to work, ya ready?!"

Charmeleon nodded. When he saw more Snorunt and Swinub ahead, he smirked. 'You have no idea.'


Dereece was walking through the lower banks of Glacidia's riverways. The cold water ran so smoothly beneath the full moon that you couldn't tell that the water was moving. As he looked down at his reflection, he sighed sadly. It wasn't for him. He felt really sorry for Joey. After Camilla left them, Dereece wanted to comfort Joey, but he put up a barrier to block him out so that he could take off. He searched all over Glacidia to find him, but he just found out thanks to Yanma that Joey left the city to the glaciers to train. From the way she put it, he seemed to be training hard. He looked up towards the cold wake far out, knowing Joey was pushing out as much stress and energy for the match tomorrow, and he couldn't blame him. He was supposed to be Joey's right-hand man, but with Joey being the way he is and bordering him out, he didn't know what to do. 'This day couldn't get any better.' He sure hoped he was wrong, but common sense was his thing. He didn't even want to know what matter filled Joey's head. But thinking about Joey only made him realize how much slack he's putting on morale. He lifted his head, looking more determined. 'Get it together Dereece. Your Captain needs you. If he's working hard, then you gotta as well!' Facing the water ahead, he knew what he had to do.

He never tried it before, but with his Element Walk, he just might pull it off. He could already walk on air, so now he had to try breaching for the next level, and it was literally a foot in front of him.

'Okay, let's take it nice and easy.' He told himself. Taking an inhale, he exhaled. Inhaled. Exhale. Inhale. Exhale. Once he was relaxed, he glared down at the cold water's surface and started converging magic into his feet. 'That's it…nice and easy…' He continued applying magic thanks to the lessons that Vanessa was giving him with her magic influence. Once ready, he took a sharp breath and sighed out. "Okay, here goes nothing…"

He started with his right foot first. He gradually stuck it on the water. He felt a strong resistance to the water, like instead of sinking that it felt like an odd coating was bobbing beneath, similar to a covering over a pool. Shaking at first, Dereece shifted to try and move his other foot so that it was in the water. He found himself wobbling at first, losing balance at some points, but regained it as he was managing to level out the magic at the bottom of his feet.

"Did I do it? Am I floating?" Hoping that was the case, he looked down, seeing his feet on the liquid surface. He raised a brow, moving to touch his feet. When he felt the bottoms they sure felt wet, but only a small part. It soon dawned upon him what he had just done. "I…I'm doing it. I'm doing it!" he smiled. "Alright!" He started laughing as he found himself running on the water surface. He was still out of shape but in decent enough to take strides. When he looked back he was surprised to find ripples where his feet were. "Alright! Yeah! I can run in the air, and on water now!" he boasted. "Oh man, this is gonna be so-gah!"

His actions fell short when magic diffused from one foot, causing him to slip into the water. The plunge was loud and made waves. The man found himself underwater, and as he was down below – despite how cold it was – the moonlit river was…beautiful. His eyes were wide as he took in how clear the water was. He imagined a cold abyss, but instead the moonlight illuminated the underwater world. He was so lost in the beauty that the lack of air almost eluded him. His skin was getting cold as well that he felt like everything was getting numb.

As he was starting to black out, he was unaware of a sharp pointed object below. The object's horn sat still as Dereece's bottom was poked by it. In a sudden jolt of pain, he shot out of the water, screaming loudly and thudding on the land.

He coughed up water as the numbness in his body was still fresh, but he could still feel parts of him that hurt, specifically his butt. He rolled over, grunting in pain. "Ah, geez…" he whined. "What happened…?" He heard a splash sound from beside him, causing him to turn to see a Seel bob her head out as she stared at him. She saw Dereece on the ground and gasped. "Whoops. Oh dear. Are you okay?" she asked

Dereece grunted as he turned towards her. "You…" he wheezed, still coughing up some water. "You just…saved my life…?"

"Oh, I was wondering what touched my horn." She felt the top of her head. "Dear me, I thought I was gonna get crushed by an anchor or something."

"Oh…sorry." Finally at ease, he sat up.

Seel swam closer towards him, her curiosity getting the best of her. "Pardon me, young man, but what were doing in the waters anyway? Isn't it not safe for you humans?"

Dereece wasn't sure how to put. It wasn't her business to be in, but he was a little overwhelmed with everything. Still, it wouldn't hurt to be honest. "…was trying to solve my Captain's problems." He confessed.

Seel looked confusedly at him. "Sorry, I…don't understand."

"It's nothing…" He looked at the Seel staring at him. He could see the look of deep curiosity and not hostility on her face. He'd expect her to just swim off to mind her own business, but this was one of those times he just had to say something to someone. After gathering himself, he sighed. "My buddy's been in a whole lot of trouble, that's all." He started. "He's been working and all but…I feel that he's been being too hard on himself."

Seel didn't quite get what he was saying. She didn't know what he was on about, but in a way she had to sympathize. The way he sounded felt like a weight he wanted to get off for a while, so she felt like she could say or do something about it.

"Oh dear, I'm really sorry." She apologized. "I didn't realize you and your friend were that troubled."

"Yeah…"

"I may not know how, but he sounds like a good friend. You should be there, even if he is having bad times. Sometimes it's just best to think about what you want rather than what they want."

"You really think so?" Dereece asked, calming down.

"I don't see why not." Her snout curved into a smile. "Just do what you can do, sound good?"

Dereece exhaled and sat back up. The cold he felt was dimming down to where he could move again. "Thanks. I think I feel better now." he turned in the direction where Joey would be. "And I think I know what I wanna do now…" Using his magic, he began running into the air. "Thank you!" he yelled back.

Seel watched Dereece take off, leaving her basked in moonlight. "Golly, humans sure are a mystery." She dove back into the water, heading back to the ocean she came from.


The sun was beaming at an angle down in front of the estate. The time for Joey and Victor's battle had come. To the surprise of many, a lot of people were there to witness it. A lot of people from the club for one, including Camilla with her father, and from the way he looked, he was displeased.

"Hey guys!" Natsu hurried along, catching up with everyone else. "Sorry, I overslept."

"What took ya?" Gajeel asked. "You melt the bed or something?"

"Hey, it's not my fault we stayed up that late!" Natsu yelled in his face. "Besides, I don't see you working your butt off!"

"I can't believe what happened last night." Levy dismayed. "Did Joey really pick a fight with that guy?"

"Yeah, that's what the rumors are anyways." Cana said. "Anyways, looks like everyone's in on it." She suddenly felt a tingling sensation up her spine. "Hm?" She turned around, seeing nothing there. 'That's weird…could've sworn something was watching me.'

As she had her back turned, there was something behind a pile of snow. The Piplup she met was watching in hiding, both her and the battle alike.

"Yeah I can see." Levy looked around, seeing the vast amounts of people that were here compared to yesterday. "Guess they wanted to see what a battle's like for themselves."

Within the crowd, Nic and Erza were with the rest of Fairy Tail. Vanessa and Sophie were in the front with the other guild members, while they observed quietly.

"Is this really the best idea?" Lucy asked.

"Beats me, but it's too late now, look." Gray looked ahead, seeing Victor and his soldiers make way on the other side of the battlefield. "This won't be too pretty."

"Yeah, I have a bad feeling about this." Wendy said.

"You sure Joey can handle this? I'm worried." Sophie admitted.

"I'm not sure myself." Vanessa looked over, seeing Joey in his corner. He looked like he was doing calisthenics as he prepared for his match. "But Joey knows what he's doing, I can feel it."

"That case, let us remain of high hopes." Erza said.

"Yeah." Nic said. He looked ahead, remaining weary on Victor, despite how he looked like he wasn't paying attention to him.

Joey was rolling his shoulders back and forth as he was loosening up some. Dereece and Duncan were besides him, his gaze fixed on his foe ahead. "Thanks again for last night Dereece, I think I'm ready." Joey thanked.

Dereece grinned. "Don't mention it." He grew serious, frowning intensely. "So Captain Joey, you got a plan figured out?"

"No, not yet." He looked far ahead, seeing Victor standing casually, like he knew he was gonna win. The gesture annoyed him to no end but held his composure in. "But I'll think of something. I'll have to see how this first round goes."

"Joey."

The voice caught his attention, making him turn to find Camilla standing by. "O-oh, Camilla, hey." He nearly stammered. "Listen, about last night. I…"

"You don't need to apologize, Joey. It's my fault." She humbly insisted. Despite the guilt she was feeling, she was doing her best to smile. "If I hadn't been so distant to my duties, you wouldn't be in this situation. Please, I pray that you can forgive me."

"C'mon, don't be like that." Joey frowned. "You know that's not true. Look, don't worry about it. I'll think of something to make it up to you, but right now…" he turned towards Victor. "I got a score to settle, with him."

Victor cracked his knuckles, then his neck. He started walking towards his part of the battlefield.

Joey looked back to her. "But if it means anything, I hope you wish us luck."

Camilla softly smiled. Even though what happened last night felt her responsibility, seeing Joey's confident but soft-hearted smile made herself feel a little better. Her father wasn't too happy about any of it, but through thick and thin she felt assured.

She grabbed Joey's shoulder, leaning into his ear with a smirk. "Trust me…I already do." Her closure made Victor's brow twitch in anger afar. Unknowingly at the same time, a glow from her hand shined on Joey, fading quickly into his body.

She backed off, allowing him to proceed ahead to stand against Victor. Once both were at an equal distance away from one another, silence overtook the atmosphere.

Camilla walked back to her father's side, a stout expression cascading dead ahead. It was unknown whether or not he acknowledged what Camilla did after what happened last night, but if anything he expects a good outcome, just like Fairy Tail was.

"Tch, I didn't think you were actually gonna show." Victor scoffed. "Thought I had to send someone to find ya instead."

"No need for that. I'm right here." Joey stood prominently. "And besides, what kind of man backs down from his own responsibilities?"

Victor cocked his brow.

"Knock 'em dead, Joey!" Cana cheered along.

"I wonder what kind of Pokémon Victor uses." Levy inquired.

Vanessa's eyes grew serious. "We're about to find out." She turned her attention towards Joey, watching his back and seeing him standing ready. 'Joey…'

"So how's this gonna go? How many Pokémon you wanna use?" Joey asked.

"This'll be a 2-on-2 battle. Single battle." Victor proclaimed. "I watched the demonstration videos last night so let's skip the chatter already, got it?" he spread his legs, pulling out a Poke Ball. Joey did the same.

"Right at ya!" Joey threw his Poke Ball. "Go!"

Victor threw his as well. At the same time, both Pokémon entered battle, with Joey revealing Chespin. "Ready and willing!" he chirped.

Victor's Pokémon came out on all fours. It was a bipedal dark salamander-like creature with slit purple eyes with dark irises. The whole head and jagged snout was black, whereas the rest of the body was gray. The back running up to the tail had heated spots and lines that flickered as he gave an intimidating hiss.

"So what's that Pokémon?" Natsu asked, arms crossed over his chest.

"Beats me." Gray said. "But whatever it is, it looks nasty."

"Don't go judging a book by its cover Gray." Erza chided, reaching for her PokeDex. "Please, allow me." She held it up to scan the creature, showing the visual aid. 'Thank goodness that the Cambire Foundation upgraded my PokeDex.'

"Salandit, the Toxic Lizard Pokémon. It burns its bodily fluids to create a poisonous gas. When its enemies become disoriented from inhaling the gas, it attacks them."

Nic listened to the entry. 'Poisonous gas. That means it must be a part Poison-type then.' Truthfully, he wouldn't know what this Pokémon was either. If he was honest he never knew Pokémon like this were out there. Rather than inquire more, he opted to let answers come in battle.

Salandit and Chespin growled at each other, their trainers at the ready. "You ready, punk?" Victor asked.

"It's go time, man!" Joey answered.

Smirking, Victor reached out. "You asked for it! Salandit, use Ember!" Salandit reeled his body around and hissed. He spun and lashed his tail, sending a blanket of embers shooting at Chespin.

"Alright, use Vine Whip to jump!" Joey commanded.

Chespin watched the Ember close in, his vines quickly surfacing. "Alley-oop!" He slammed his vines on the ground, sending him skywards high and dodging the attack. With Chespin high in the air, he was in perfect position to attack.

Salandit hissed in retort.

Joey reached out. "Now use Bite!" Chespin curled in the air as he came down, unfolding with his glowing bucked teeth showing.

"Salandit, use your Smog now!" Victor ordered. Salandit smirked as Chespin was coming down. As he drew closer, Salandit opened his maw to expel a black cloud that erupted like a bomb.

"Here I come! HRAH!" Chespin shot into the Smog, creating a hole inside of it. He gagged and his body lurched from the toxic cloud enveloping him. He tumbled around, trying to regain balance and cough.

"Stay calm, Chespin." Joey ordered, looking deep into the Smog. "He's around here somewhere."

Unbeknownst to the two, Victor was smirking.

Chespin kept coughing, his composition barely hanging on. "Where did he…go?" he coughed. His spikes prickled when the sound of paws churn in snow behind. He glanced back, noticing a smirk.

"Use Ember!"

Salandit whipped around lashed his tail, sending a blanket of sparks that Chespin jumped up to dodge, which dissipated the Smog's cover as well. Chespin landed back in his original spot.

'I gotta watch out for this guy. That Pokémon he's got is fast, and it's got cover as well.' Joey watched Salandit hiss again at him. 'I gotta keep my distance for now. So let's try this…' He reached out ahead. "Alright, use Leech Seed!" Chespin jumped again, this time taking in a deep breath.

"Fight back with Ember!"

Chespin spat out seeds from a higher angle, whereas Salandit whirled around to shoot embers at the seeds. The attacks collided, creating bright sparks that ignited the atmosphere. As seed shells fell, so did Chespin.

"Alright, go for Rollout, now!" Joey followed.

Chespin howled as he crouched into a ball and began rolling in midair. His speed increased as he used the air to gain momentum. When he landed, he bounced once and shot overhead, falling onto a shocked Salandit, crashing hard onto his back and sending him soaring.

"Damnit." Victor cursed.

Salandit fell on his stomach off to the side, while Chespin landed while still rolling. He rolled into Salandit as he was still getting up. As a result, Salandit was about to lash his tail for an Ember, but it was too late when Chespin rolled into him, sending him spiraling through the air a second time at a greater force, bringing Chespin back to his original spot once more.

"Now that's what I call being on a roll!" Happy cheered.

"Chespin's Rollout is a Rock-type attack, so damage is a lot more effective against Salandit it seems." Carla explained. "The advantage must be Joey's."

"Maybe." Cana said. "But the battle's not over yet."

Salandit struggled to get up as preparing for one more Rollout. This time gathering strength before Rollout could commence, Salandit's eyes narrowed in detection.

"Use your Ember on the ground!" Victor announced.

Salandit grunted and lashed his tail, sending more blankets of fire ahead. Only this time, they hit the ground between, causing a level of steam to rise as the snow and ice beneath started to sink a little. The ditch created was what Chespin rolled into. He tripped over the ditch, sending him flying overhead screaming as he flew right into a snow pile head first. Thankfully that broke the fall for him.

"Owch." Gajeel grunted.

"Yeah, you can say that again." Pantherlily said. "Using techniques on the battlefield to your advantage is genius. The Victor may be more skilled than we thought."

With Chespin's lower body still stuck in the snow, Salandit stepped forward. He hissed as his tail wagged at the opportunity.

"Use Ember, now!" Salandit lashed for the umpteenth time, shooting a blanket of sparks that erupted upon contact with the snow and Chespin. Inside the mist, Chespin screamed in shock.

Joey gasped in horror. "Chespin!"

The mist cleared, revealing Chespin as he was laying in a pile of melted snow. He scrambled up, almost tripping beneath the slosh. "Gnnngh…man, that sure stunk." He grunted.

Joey persevered. 'I gotta get Chespin's energy up again, and quick!' He reached forward for a new command. "Alright buddy, let's use Leech Seed!"

This time Chespin spat seeds from his mouth, they implanted themselves into the earth beneath Salandit. When Salandit looked down, he was caught surprised by roots growing and surrounding him. He and Victor gasped when Salandit found roots sapping energy from him.

"Hey, what the hell is that?!" he scolded his Pokémon's actions. He couldn't believe he didn't react sooner. "That little shit…you got lucky there!" he snapped at Joey. Joey smirked.

'This is our shot, while he's down!' Joey swiped his arm forward, giving another command. "Use Rollout, one more time!" Chespin stretched high and rolled in place. Once started going, he picked up speed and darted right into Salandit.

"This might be it!" Lucy gasped.

Nic and Erza's eyes narrowed. They knew something was wrong, they could feel it.

Chespin screamed as he closed the gap, not knowing what he was getting himself into.

Victor smirked. 'Hehe, moron.' He mused, balling a fist and raised it. "Alright, finish it! Use Dragon Rage!"

Joey's eyes widened in realization. When he saw Chespin closing in as blue energy surged into Salandit's mouth, he realized what the flaw was, but was too late to act on it. His pupils shrunk in horror. 'Oh snap…'

Time slowed down as Chespin barreled through midair into Salandit, not noticing a blue flare lightning up in his face. When he felt a force head towards him, his tumbling ceased and he was stuck in midair before he was swallowed with horror by a dragon head at the end of a blue and black beam that exploded upon impact. Everyone showed signs of shock and surprise, but in Fairy Tail's case, slight dismay. They saw a tail of smoke whistle down towards the ground, crashing into the snow. As the smoke faded, Chespin was seen unconscious as he was sprawled in a crater of snow.

A lot of shock went around, but many more were accepting the results rather fast. Joey's shock soon dissipated, soon turning to disappointment. "Man…" he mentally cursed himself, pulling out Chespin's Poke Ball. "Take a rest Chespin, thanks." Chespin returned to his Poke Ball, leaving Joey alone.

"Man, talk about a bad break." Cana said. "The kid had him and walked right into a trap."

"Yeah, Dragon Rage." Levy said. "I read up on that. That's the same move Natsu's Charmeleon has now…it's very strong."

"He let Joey get close so he could use a close-range attack at high power. That's a gutsy move." Erza evaluated. She looked over towards Nic, seeing him watching the battle at grasped attention. "You're looking anxious, are you okay?"

Nic glanced at his wife. "Yeah, don't worry." He looked back at Joey. "I said he could think on his own feet before. I won't go back on what I said."

Erza questioned what he meant by that, but she chose to dismiss it for now. She'll have to ask him later if she remembers.

Victor laughed uproariously at Joey's defeat. "Man, I can't believe that you actually fell for it! HAHAHAHA!" He laughed so hard he almost fell backwards. The way he was behaving reflected poorly as many were glaring, but he didn't care. "Geez, you had me cornered but you forgot to cork the screw." His eyes narrowed. "You really are a second-rate weakling. How the heck can someone like you ever compete for someone like her, huh?!"

Camilla wanted to say something, but she backed down. Joey looked over, meeting eyes with the worried girl. The two looked at each other and back, before things began getting out of hand as Victor was continuing his taunt.

"You know, I almost forgot why I bothered issuing this challenge to begin with! It's clear as day who's more worth it!" he pointed accusingly at him. "A feeb like you who had hideous taste in wear doesn't even belong here. You and your guild here just makes too big of a mess! Plain and simple!"

Cana wanted to move, as did Levy, but Gajeel put his arm in front to stop them. Him and the guys comprised of Natsu, Gray, and himself were giving cold-blooded glares that could shake down a Mamoswine to the bare bone.

"You done?"

Victor stopped his laughing tirade and looked annoyingly at Joey.

"Good. Because this battle isn't even over yet." Joey held up his last Poke Ball. "Don't think for even a second that my booty is out of juice yet. It's got plenty of juice alright, and you're gonna get a butt load of it!"

Getting aggressive again, Victor leered at Joey in challenge. "Alright then…c'mon already!"

"With pleasure! Time for your time to shine again! Now…go!" Joey lashed his Poke Ball out, summoning forth his last choice.

In the middle of the battlefield, Trubbish stared blankly. The Poison-type blinked slowly in one eye, then the other. She then let out a long, gassy belch that clouded the air around her.

"It's Trubbish!" Dereece exclaimed.

"Wait…the trash bag?" Gray questioned.

"I remember that one." Sophie responded. "That's the one Joey used to defeat Millianna a while back. From what I recall she was strong."

"Yeah, but we'll just see how strong this time." Levy said, waiting for the battle to begin. Even she began to show impatience. She blamed Gajeel for that.

"Trubbish…" Erza looked towards Joey, seeing how calm he was trying to be in the serious fight. "Looks like the battle's just getting started then."

Victor scrunched up his face as he saw Trubbish. Even from here, her smell was enough to leave him annoyed. "Ugh! The hell is that?!" he plugged his nose. "Is that a Pokémon, or a gross trash heap?! Seriously!"

"That right there, is the smell of success." Joey beamed. "And Trubbish and I reek of it! Don't we?" Trubbish responded with a burp.

"Pfft, whatever." Victor arrogantly smirked. "We're still gonna win this. Use Ember, now!" His Salandit – still trapped in Leech Seed – lurched as he was low on health, but he persevered and lashed his tail around the roots, sending flares at Trubbish.

"Dodge it!" Joey commanded. Trubbish tumbled off to the side, belching as she grinded along her stomach and leaped away, evading the flares that melted part of the ground. "Great work! Now use Toxic Spikes!"

Trubbish landed and opened her mouth. She looked towards the sky and a purple orb with a dark core was seen rising. Once ready, she belched it skywards, sending it skywards with purple smoke trails until it reached a certain point. The attack erupted high in the air, expelling comets of dark stingers with purple smoke trails drifting into the ground. They rippled, fading into the battlefield.

Salandit lurched as his energy was being sapped, while Trubbish had gained energy despite being in good health.

"Dragon Rage!"

"Acid Spray!"

Salandit and Trubbish opened their maws at the same time, with both sides firing draconic blue and black energy that rocketed over the ground, and the other shooting broiling purple acid in a straight shot to the center. The two attacks collided, creating n intense erupting of energy that spilled moist smoke everywhere. The audience covered up as fragments of the shockwaves nearly got them if not for Wendy stepping in front, using her magic to direct the smoke around them.

"Damnit…!" Victor growled.

"Use Double Slap, now!" Joey yelled.

Still trapped in Leech Seed, Salandit shrieked as he was unable to move. The smoke dissipated, revealing a white tendril heading his way. Before he knew it, it was too late. The impact smacked across his face, breaking him off the vines and doubling over. The salamander rolled across the ground until he stopped in front of Victor, unconscious.

Victor grunted in annoyance, while Joey smirked at the prideful win for that round.

"Alright Joey, that's what I'm talking about!" Natsu cheered.

"Aye!" Happy cheered.

"Salandit was too drained from battling Chespin and was losing energy from Leech Seed." Vanessa reasoned. "Using that Leech Seed to his advantage helped in siphoning its energy. Nice play."

Isaac grunted. He could see them all tied up now. Camilla didn't budge.

"You just got lucky is all." Victor excused, recalling his Salandit and pulling out another Poke Ball. "But this time you're finished."

"We'll have to see about that." Joey reasoned.

Victor reeled his arm back. "Oh don't worry, half-pint. This one's self-assured. Now…let's GO!" He tossed the Poke Ball skywards, summoning forth his last Pokémon. The creature standing was a medium-sized, orange simian-like creature with a flame-lit tail much like Charmeleon, only slimmer. He had five tan fingers, and a spiky white collar around its neck. The creature had a blue crescent over the eyes, with a red crescent beneath hanging over the snout. The monkey-like Pokémon hollered as he balled his fists, hollering out for battle.

Joey's eyes widened. "A Monferno!"

Vanessa gasped.

Victor gasped. "Surprised?" His cocky attitude was tested when Monferno suddenly lurched and the Toxic Spikes jutted static up from ripples, causing him to scream in pain. "Heh?! What the hell-?!"

Monferno had poisonous bubbles jut up as he recoiled. "Gnngh…what the…?!" he looked down to his hands, turning them over to see toxic bubbles rising. "I'm poisoned." He looked up, seeing Trubbish burping from afar. "You…!"

"A Monferno, huh?" Gray pulled out his PokeDex again, this time being the one to scan Monferno.

"Monferno, the Playful Pokémon. It skillfully controls the intensity of the fire on its tail to keep its foes at an ideal distance."

Gray looked up after processing the information. "So this guy can use fire attacks like the one before, huh? This should be good."

"Will Joey be alright you think?" Juvia worried.

"I'm not sure." Lucy answered. "But if it is, we'll be here to cheer him on."

"Yeah, plus it's poisoned, so they totally have the advantage on this one!" Levy realized. "They should be able to wear it down before any damage can take a drastic toll."

Joey balled his fists again, looking down at his Trubbish to see his options. 'This is gonna be a little tougher I think. Monferno are more agile, but we still have it poisoned. We gotta work fast, and now's the best time!' he swiped forward, giving the next command. "Trubbish, start off with Acid Spray!"

Trubbish puffed her cheeks, holding in the acids until they expelled out in a melting wave heading right towards Monferno. He expectantly watched it come closer, completely calm.

"Hmph, dodge." Victor bluntly commanded. Monferno's eyes gleamed before he jumped at a fast rate, evading the acids that melted deeper into the snow and ice beneath. High up in the air, Monferno's height surprised a lot of people.

"It can jump that high?" Juvia gasped.

Victor punched down. "Now use Mach Punch!"

Monferno's fist ignited in a bright blue. He flipped constantly as he came down onto Trubbish, reeling back the fist. "TAKE THIS YOU FILTH!" He slammed down hard, creating a burst of ice that erupted everywhere. The shockwaves of the attack shot Trubbish back, sliding across the ice with a grunt to a halt. As she rebounded, her green aura from her Black Sludge restored energy, while inside the mist and frost was a purple static.

"Use Fury Swipes and rip that bag open!" Monferno erupted out of the frost cloud, his fingers now in the form of glowing sharp claws.

Joey counterattacked. "Fight back with Double Slap!"

Trubbish belched as she made her trash gloves glow. She sloshed forward, and the back-to back parry had begun. Monferno's ferocious slashes raked against Trubbish's gloves as she swatted them again. With Monferno's ferocious advances, she was losing ground while the monkey was smirking with excitement. They continued parrying, until finally Monferno raked a slap away. He chuckled as he reeled his claw back, slashing right into Trubbish's face and sending her flying backwards.

Trubbish groaned as she came to a stop. "Trubbish, you okay?" Joey asked. Trubbish responded by nodding, a green aura giving her some health back, whereas purple static made Monferno recoil backwards again. Joey looked towards Victor, seeing his boastful smirk and raised brow, like he was challenging Joey.

"That Monferno's quick on its feet." Gray watched.

"Yeah. It's got a lot of energy as well." Gajeel said. "Guess this won't be such a walk in the park after all."

"Maybe, but this battle is too important for Joey to lose." Sophie said, eying Joey carefully as he pointed forward for Acid Spray. Trubbish shots sprays of acid all across the battlefield, but Monferno was acrobatically racing and twisting around all the shots, zigzagging around and closing gaps faster than before. "I don't know about this, but I think it comes down to keep away. If Joey can at least keep Trubbish from taking too damage, he just might win."

"We can only see for ourselves, girl." Cana chimed.

Victor swiped his arm. "Mach Punch!" The gap closed again, Monferno pulled his fist back and readied his next strike.

"Not yet…" Joey waited for the right opportunity when the monkey was close enough. "Now! Sideways!"

Monferno punched forward, aiming for the center. However, Trubbish surprisingly pivoted away, getting to the side. Victor gasped in surprise.

"Use your Double Slap!" Joey followed up.

Trubbish reeled his glowing gloves back as she belched. With Monferno's momentum against him, she smacked across his face once, causing shock to run through, via a critical hit. With that one blow, she smacked again, pushing him off to the side. Again, he lurched in poison, while she regained energy.

"Gnngh…slimy filth." Monferno sneered.

Victor gritted his teeth. "He won't be so lucky this time." He gave an uppercut with a shaking fist. "Give that pile of shit an Iron Tail!"

Joey's eyes widened.

Monferno sneered as he regained footing. Pivoting towards Trubbish during her fall down, he whirled around and his tail began shimmering metal-like in coating. With a hollered scream, he smashed it into Trubbish's face, causing her to gag before the impact sent her soaring in a spiral.

"Trubbish!" Joey panicked. He watched in horror as Trubbish spiraled into the ice, creating a trail embedded in its snowy softness to an end. The trash heap gurgled as she groaned on her side, struggling to get up.

"Iron Tail…" Nic murmured. He narrowed his vision as he had to admit that was a good move.

"That was an intense move Trubbish took." Erza said, showing slight anxiousness. "I should've figured the second in command of this nation would hide some kind of secret weapon against Rock-types."

Trubbish grunted as she strained to get much. Meanwhile, Monferno adjusted behind her, smirking at his nearly defeated foe. "Heh, too easy."

"C'mon Trubbish, hang in there." Joey encouraged.

"What a waste of time." Victor scoffed, earning a look of ire from Joey. "Just face it, you're just a wannabe who can't stick up for himself. Camilla can do way better than hang around with someone who does nothing but get pushed around."

"Hey man, I get it already! Shut it!"

"Oh, you get it? Well if you get it, why don't you forfeit? Or are you just too chicken to chicken out?" he smirked. "Or better yet, just let it lie there like the trash it is. We'll take it out for ya, not that you can!" he laughed uproariously at Joey, much to his growing ire.

"Joey…" Dereece murmured.

Joey wanted to lash out as much as possible. He wanted to but a barrier around that guy and see him boxed in with his own screams going unanswered. But before he could act, the image of Bro made him quell some. 'Keep it together Joey, it's just what they want to see.' He reminded himself. 'I have to stay focused. Can't let my emotions run wild. It's what Bro would do.'

"Now then…I think it's time that we wrap this battle up!" Victor pointed forward. "Monferno! Burn that garbage to bits! Use Fire Pledge!"

Monferno hollered out like a mad ape going wild before he balled a fist. He slammed the fist hard into the ice, sending a linear expanse of fire columns that shot up from below at Trubbish.

"Joey!" Lucy shrieked.

"Look out!" Happy screamed.

Joey did nothing as he watched the pillars head right for Trubbish. Trubbish did the same thing. Both stood still as the flames began to swallow up everything.

Camilla watched the blaze erupt, her hair shifting from the hot winds melting the very ground she stood on. She clasped her hands together, which were beginning to glow brightly.

The flames were beginning to dissipate, and Victor was sneering at the blazes. He turned his back to them, seeing no need to look at the dissipating pillar columns. "This match is over." He boasted. "Told ya, you're a half-ass shit who should've stayed down…" He started to walk away, but the sound of belching caught his attention. His eyes widened when he slowly looked back, his shock rising. "Im…possible…"

At the end of the flame column path there was nothing. Yet along the sides, there were melted slopes and ditches. In one of them, Trubbish slowly rolled out, gurgling as she sat on her behind before her stomach rumbled. She gave a visibly grotesque belch once more as green aura replenished a little energy.

Joey sighed. "We made it. Phew."

"What?!" Monferno gasped before he was taking poison damage once again.

"No way…how's ya do that?!" Victor irate. "My Fire Pledge should've totally defeated your trash heap! What gives?!"

Joey smirked.

Trubbish was remaining completely still. She watched as the flames were coming her way but looked towards Joey instead. She saw him nod, and she blinked slowly. Out of instinct, she gurgled as she spewed up more Acid Spray around her. The trash bag began melting the ground and she slipped beneath the crevices, tumbling to a melted clearing feet away from the flames that arose like a wall over her.

"When we used Fire attacks and Acid Spray, the ground kept melting." Joey explained. "I figured if we dug a ditch and fell through, maybe that would get us somewhere down the slope." He cheekily smiled. "We just got lucky right there!"

Camilla smirked, her lustful lips forming a satisfied look.

Victor, on the other hand, was losing his patience, but he knew better than to lose it. His dad taught him to keep patience, so he managed to calm down. "Tch, okay, I admit, that was a lucky break. But it won't happen again, alright? Because next hit's taking ya down!"

"We'll see about that." Joey challenged.

Victor reached forward. "Iron Tail!" Monferno charged again, his tail igniting in a metallic shine to it.

"Trubbish, dodge it!" Joey shouted. Trubbish jumped at the last second, jumping before the tail slammed down, shattering every bit of ice where she would've stood. "Now Double Slap!"

"Fury Swipes!"

For the umpteenth time, glowing claws and gloves collided once again, only this time, Trubbish was managing to keep up. Monferno was stepping ahead, but with the melted ground, his toes were keeping his traction at a minimum, keeping his mobility the same as Trubbish's. Victor saw this and mentally cursed again.

"The flames and acid melted the snow, making it all slippery." Juvia realized.

"That's right. That means Monferno isn't as fast anymore." Levy nodded. "This is gonna be close."

The two parried to no end, and Monferno was keeping up. "Is that all ya got ya smelly-!" He stepped forward to slash, but he started slipping. "W-what the-?!" He fell right into Trubbish's smack, sending a shock across his face that made him slide on his side backwards in a scream of pain. He soon stopped, purple static igniting his body.

Joey and Trubbish stood tall, ready to finish. 'This is it! Here and now!'

Monferno angrily got up, his body ignited in a red-hot aura. His tail flame was larger than before, signaling his Blaze Ability active. He hollered out angrily ahead.

"Go get 'em Monferno! Use Fire Pledge!"

"Trubbish, Acid Spray!"

Trubbish took in a big breath and expelled a blast full of acid. The attack shot across the ground, closing fast on Monferno as he reeled his fist back. "TIME TO TAKE OUT THE…the…" he trailed off, his nose wrinkling when he started smelling something horrible. As if by gag reflex, he covered his nose from the stench. "Gnnngh! That smell!" Sadly, Trubbish's Stench Ability got the best of him.

"Monferno, dodge that!" Victor ordered, but as Monferno opened his eyes, it was too late.

A loud acidic rupture filled the air, creating a purple cloud that many couldn't see through. All eyes were wide as they witnessed something shocking. Even Isaac was dumbfounded with disbelief, as to where Camilla was keeping calm. They all looked shocked as the mist cloud soon subsided, and through it, they could see something inside.

Trubbish was still standing, albeit shakily. She huffed as nearby, Monferno was lying on his back, unconscious from too much damage accumulation. The battle was over. There was a victor, and it wasn't Victor himself, much to his horror.

Slowly, the shock was beginning to come across many of the people, and suffice to say some were elated.

"Hold on, what just happened?"

"I think…that the rich guy just lost."

"Does this mean…that he won?"

Slowly, Cana's shock transformed into a big smile. "Yeah Joey, that's the way Fairy Tail rolls! Woooo"

Everyone began cheering and clapping for the results, especially for the party people from the club that showed up. Everyone whistled and gave applause for the awesome battle. Isaac was still dumbfounded with what to say but turned to his daughter to see her stepping forward with delight.

Dereece patted Joey's back with a smile. "Alright man, that was intense!"

"Yeah bud, that was sure crazy. I'm impressed." Natsu beamed.

Joey sheepishly rubbed his head. "Thanks guys, really appreciate it." He looked down, seeing Trubbish waddle up to him. "And you! Come here you!" Joey bent down and hoisted Trubbish into the air, holding her high like a trophy. "Haha! You did it! Man, you rocked out there, Trubbish! You're awesome!"

Trubbish hiccupped, which alarmed some people. She hiccupped again, and again, until she began to pile up in those cheeks.

"Uh oh…" Dereece turned around. "Everyone stand clear! Ruuun!"

Trubbish finally exploded with acid spewing all over, and Joey had a proud smile as the acid beamed right in his face. Many others repulsed away, noses pugged as the acid dripped on the ground, stinking up the snow and ice. They all either gagged or cringed as Joey continued holding Trubbish until she was done, only finishing by smacking her own lips.

Joey looked like he saw a ghost, for his hair was shot back by the volume of the acid he took in. Despite not being able to smell for a while, he smiled. "…yeah, I love you too." He replied.

Amongst the half grossed out public, a single soul stepped up to confront Joey. When Joey turned, he saw Camilla meters away. There was a stiff silence between the two as the tension was high.

"Camilla…"

Camilla lowered her head, keeping herself invisible to the world briefly. Unbeknownst to Joey, she hummed as she smirked. She lifted her head, revealing that smirk to him, surprising him. For the first time, Camilla genuinely looked happy, not for herself, but for someone else fighting for her.

"Congratulations." She praised. "You've won."

Joey blinked once, but got over it and cheekily smiled back. "See? What did I tell ya? You just had to wish me good luck is all."

Camilla softly smiled in return.

"I cannot believe this!"

Joey and everyone turned towards Victor, seeing him gritting his teeth as he seared daggers at Joey. "Victor?"

Victor advanced with anger. "How the hell did I lose to a newb like you? That ain't right! This has gotta be a prank!" He drew closer, making Camilla withdraw away and behind Joey. Joey looked forward as Victor was closing the gap. "You little pansie. If you don't start squawking I'm gonna make you say something!" He reeled a fist back, ready to strike.

"Hey, knock it off!" a bystander shouted.

Taking immediate action, Sophie pulled out a Poke Ball. "Dewpider, use Spider Web!"

The Poke Ball popped open, revealing Dewpider. "Alright buddy, you need to hang around!" He pointed his bottom, shooting a sticky web that flung right into Victor, keeping him glued in place.

"H-hey! What the hell is this?!" He tried to move his limbs, but he found himself limited and slow down. "Where'd this webbing come from?! Who did this to me?!"

As he struggled, Joey furrowed his brow as he backed up with Camilla away from. Both looked worried as he was tussling in the web.

"Hey! Where are you two going?! He shouted. "Get back here, or I'm gonna-!" A cold hand touched his shoulder.

"You need to chill out." An eerily calm voice said behind.

Victor shot a wolf-like glare behind. "Hey watch it! Who are you to go and…and…" Upon realizing it, his body had ran cold from the hellish glare of the monstrous animal himself. His pupils shrank as he gazed at Nic, his grip as cold and tough as indestructible metal. "You…you're actually-!"

Before he could finish, Nic turned around and threw him to the ground, causing him to gag. Victor found himself unable to move as the webbing laced him in his own shock as Nic towered over him.

"Joey beat you fair and square. It's stupid to throw a tantrum because the way you lost." Nic chastised, though Victor gritted his teeth in anger. "I may not have much honor…but I have enough to know someone like you needs to know a few things like taking a hint." He turned away, heading back for everybody else.

"Hey! Get back here!" Victor strained, unwilling to notice the two guards Isaac called behind him. "The hell you say?! I'm not even close to done yet!" Unfortunately he couldn't move, leaving guards to pick him up and hold him as they were hauling him away. "Hey, let go!"

Nic had his back turned still, sighing out. "Honestly…" He looked back at everyone else and made sure they were accounted for. "Is everyone okay?" Many of them nodded, much to his relief. "Good. That's a relief." He grinned. "Listen, what you saw isn't how you take a loss in a battle. That battle was by no means faulted. That fight was fair and square. Just remember, there's more to Pokémon battling, than just the actual battling."

Victor was struggling and swearing to no end. As he was passing Isaac, the man scowled at him as he came forward. "So this is the great Emmanuel's son in defeat." He hummed, staring daggers into the other's eyes. "Disgraceful. Perhaps he would like to have a word with you once we return to where you came from. Guards, take him."

The guards continued dragging him away, much to his dismaying. "You little…! You'll regret this! You hear me?!" he yelled. "My old man and I are gonna come for you all…BECAUSE HE'LL BE HERE TO ANNIHILATE YOU! WITH ANTHEMUSA!"

Levy's eyes widened. Many people stopped their celebration and turned towards him. Victor was kicking and pushing, causing two more guards to hold him in place.

He continued his irate against Isaac. "Don't think we didn't have any plans up our sleeves just in case you pulled something like this, geezer. You think you can hide and use these animals as your shields, but we'll show you what it's really all about. Just you wait. The old man's been keeping a special surprise he and my grandpa had been working for years. It's a little surprise we like to call Anthemusa." he started getting hauled away with an arrogant snarl. "Trust me, when this day is over, you're all in for a world of regret!"

As he was hauled off, everyone gave straight stares at the direction he went. Nic had a cold look of seriousness as he began hearing worrying chatter behind him. He turned around to find people looking unnerved about this threat, and talking about what to do with the Pokémon they just befriended wasn't helping.

"Father…" Camilla looked to her father, seeing him with a dark look ahead.

"Camilla." He said coldly, sending a chill down her spine. He looked towards the sky, seeing the sun beaming down on them. "I fear we have made a grave mistake."

Erza approached her husband, putting a hand on his shoulder. "Nic." She started. "Do you know what's going on?"

Nic looked to his wife briefly before looking back at Victor in the distance. A silence loomed over him as he felt a chill run down his spine. "Something's wrong here." He pictured the moon in his head, the howling sending chills through more spinal chords. "And I do know this…whoever's telling me this…just might be the one we need to worry about right now."


Happy 2019! Here's a new chapter, and hopes to making this an awesome chapter! As always, reviews are appreciated, and thanks for sticking with me to officially 4 years of this series! More to come, so thanks for waiting! :)