At the Cambire Foundation's headquarters, everything was moving smoothly, for both the industry and its personnel alike. The workers were busy doing their jobs, be it either learning or tutoring fellow Fiorians on how to handle certain Pokémon, or teaching them the fundamentals of medicine to keep them healthy. It was business as usual, ensuring that as many people would get by with these progressions.

Speaking of progressions, Jefferey walked up to the door that belonged to none other than Arthur. He tapped his knuckles against the thick frame, just to be polite. "Arthur? May I please come in?"

"Yes...you may."

At the sound of the voice, Jefferey hummed to himself. He proceeded to turn the knob and walked into Arthur's expansive office, seeing Arthur and Marie on the other end of the room. Once he was inside, the door shut behind him to ensure no ears would drop in on their conversation otherwise. He walked over, giving them both a grateful smile.

"Arthur." He greeted.

"Jefferey, thank you for seeing me in person. Is Charlotte not here yet?"

Jefferey put a balled fist to his mouth as he cleared his throat. "Yes, well, she said that she was busy detaining some of the trainers that were becoming rather...rowdy with her. And of course, you know full well of her demeanor towards such attitude."

Arthur chuckled. "I see, yes I'm fully aware of her ill-tolerance for anything out of place." He moved to pick up a nearby wine glass, which was half-empty with a clear beverage inside. "But her abilities as both a leader and a trainer are second to none in the Cambire Foundation. She always has a knack for keeping her students in line."

Next to him, Marie coughed abruptly. "Do pardon me, Mr. President, but I believe that Mr. Bistro and yourself are digressing from the topic."

"Marie. Yes, of course. My apologies." Arthur straightened his back and clasped his hands together. "Now then, I do believe that everything is set on your end?"

Jefferey nodded. "Yes, of course sir. Everyone in my department has been informed and are preparing as we speak. Many of them are showing to be rather enthusiastic about this announcement."

Arthur chuckled. "I can only imagine. And you've sent Eliza as per that personal request, did you not?"

"Rest assured, she's on her way as we speak. I sent her just after running a department monitoring. Everything is just above the quota line, so for now, we should be alright supply-wise."

"I understand. Knowing you, you'll make sure that line doesn't go any less than the quota, am I right? I just ask that you try and not run your cohorts ragged like Charlotte does. She can be stress-inducing, but don't take after her. This is a magic and Pokemon friendly organization, not a sweatshop."

Jefferey chuckled back. "Trust me, I'm well aware of my limitations. I'd sooner lose an arm over the faithfulness of my people." He straightened himself and turned away. "But I believe that's enough exaggeration for one day. If you'll excuse me."

Arthur gave a nod, allowing Jefferey to dismiss himself from the conversation. He turned and walked out the door, gently closing it behind him.

Marie turned back towards Arthur. "Shall I inform Miss Jet to report to you this minute, Mr. President?"

"There's no need. She'll be present regardless. She's a busy woman, but she knows how important this is. She wants to see this succeed as much as we do, if not more." He held up a glass bottle, pouring more liquid into the wine glass. "As for us, it seems that we'll have to get ready ourselves. The time is almost drawing near."

"Yes, Mr. President."

"But before that..." He shot her a modest smile with the wine glass held up t her. "You think that I could have just one glass of actual wine over seltzer water?"

"I believe not, sir. Let's not forget who it was that had too much wine the other night and ended up almost falling off his chair in a slurring fashion." Marie rebuffed with a matter-off-fact tone that got to Arthur. Seeing him cringe was al the proof she needed to know she was right. "So please, sir, refrain from wine. You'll only be receiving half a bottle a day until I see you're able to control yourself."

Arthur sighed. "Well, that's truly disappointing." He lifted his head, confidently smirking. "Still, for what it's worth, I have no doubt about one thing...this year's Grand Magic Games, they will certainly be one to remember."


In the wide-open fields behind the Pularis household, Nic was sitting on a thin pillar of rock, stretching a hundred feet into the air from the ground. His eyes were shut as his arms were out on either side, clenching vines that laced around heavy rocks that had to weigh at least a hundred pounds each. Even though he was shirtless, his Splash Form was active as he had a condensed Rain Dance pouring down straight above his head.

He wasn't alone either, as around him, Greninja, Charizard, Kecleon, Arbok, and Garchomp were in similar stances under the harsh downpour. They were balancing rock weights like Nic was, keeping absolute focus so as not to plunder. It was amazing enough how even someone as small as Kecleon seemed to have no issue sustaining this long. Arbok himself was his own wonder since he had no arms to him up the vines, but Nic alleviated the problem with having a singular vine with laced rocks on either ends that he held up with the back of his cobra's hood.

What felt like an eternity was really only an hour, but everyone was so focused on their meditation, the concept of time and the outside world felt irrelevant. Nic was in his own world, lost in his self-retrospection. While his muscles showed no signs of straining, it was clear that he was lost in deep thought about something.

'If we're going to have an effective victory from here on, we're going to have to cover our bases first.'

He remembered what he thought to himself the other day when he declared that. And to him, the best way to cover such bases would be an introspection on his experience. Not just as a trainer, but since coming to this world all those years ago. And as soon as those gates inside his mindscape flooded open, he could see the many adulations that he endured.

He remembered how in the Tower of Heaven incident, had it not been for Dialga and Palkia saving him at the last second, he would have been reduced to atoms. All because he allowed his feelings to get the upper hand on his judgment. He remembered how he suffered a brutal beating from the Oracion Seis, and how it took Wendy to save his life. That time he lost his temper against Lysandre and ended up getting impaled and brutally tortured, until his Pokémon and Arceus bailed him from death's door. All of it, from then to now, he could see the many mistakes that would have ended up killing him otherwise.

'Back then...much of what happened now that I think about it, was because of circumstances that weren't in our control.' He thought about

'We've managed to overcome these obstacles by circumstantial coincidences. Back then, I didn't grasp the concept of what I was doing.' He thought about his many battles from when he started in the guild. Memories of fighting The Nightmare in Freesia came back to him, along with the other fights that set precedented, such as Gajeel and Jose. Back then, he really wasn't the most considerate of his surroundings, and didn't have the best mouth on him. It was amazing alone he realized that about himself.

'I can't rely on luck and faith alone to bail me or my friends out of those situations like it always has. We need to not only improvise, but prepare in advance.' He really wished that he could tell himself that when he started his journey all those years ago. It's true that he didn't have a lot of money on him, and Potions and other medicine for his Pokémon weren't always easy to come by. Hell, berries alone were substantially finite because he didn't rationalize. Aside from Mega Stones, he didn't think of equipping his Pokémon with items that could give them an edge early on in battles.

He thought about his battles against Lysandre and Acnologia, how they turned to being gruesome fights being the result of pure power alone. 'If I had focused more on thinking with status moves, and honing the powers that each of my individual forms have...those struggles could have easily been avoided. I need to focus more on my opponent's weaknesses and strength, exploit them...then break them before they catch on! To do that...' He thought about his guildmates' past battles he's observed, from the first seminar months ago, to Dereece's battle against Kevin on the beach. 'I need to see for myself and learn from an external source, rather than just pluck from my own experience.'

"Nic!"

A familiar cry grabbed his attention. He opened his eyes, turning towards the set of footsteps heading his way. They belonged to none other than Erza, accompanied by Aegislash, Staraptor, and Junior. The baby was safely tucked beneath his mother figure's wing to keep him from getting wet.

"Erza, hey. What's going on?" Nic called out through the rain.

"You were out here for some time. I was wondering what you were up to." She answered, folding her arms beneath her ample buxom. "So, you were just meditating?"

"Yeah." He stood up, amazingly maintaining his balance with the heavy rocks and vines. He shifted into his Stone Form and tapped his heel into the pillar, causing it and the surrounding pillars to retreat into the earth below. Once he and his Pokémon touched the grassy ground, they all relaxed and sat down the stony weights.

With that out of the way, he shifted to his Flame Form and reached up towards the rainclouds. Beaming yellow rings faded into the sky, quickly dispersing the rainclouds for a Sunny Day. Sunlight beamed down over the wet earth, making the drops hanging on the grassy blades glisten.

"Coooo..." Junior peeked out of Staraptor's wing, witnessing the change of weather. He paneled his head from the bright warm skies above to the shimmering grass below. "Cooo!" He tapped the wet grass, visibly enticed by it.

Nic turned to face his wife as she walked up to him. "Sorry if we took too long, did we miss something important?"

"No, not necessarily. Though if you were going to be training this long, you could have at least invited me." She teasingly smirked.

"...no offense, but I don't think sitting in one spot for very long is really your thing."

Erza closed her eyes, chuckling. "That's true, I suppose that you have a point there. What do you say? A little spar should do wonders?"

Nic didn't see any reason to say no to his wife. Besides, knowing her, she would be pushy about it until he'd cave in. He smirked. "I don't see why not." Though inside, his thoughts were elsewhere. 'I still need to remember to cover my basis, but I still need to remain versatile on a moment's notice. Best to stay in shape while learning on the job.'

Nic turned towards his Pokémon. "So what do say, who's up first?" He shifted his glance towards Staraptor. "Staraptor, what about you?"

Staraptor was enthralled with the idea. She would always be up to battle...but after the experience she went through with a certain something the other day, she knew better than to risk the safety of Junior's inexperience over her own desires. Though the temptation was promising, she knew Junior would only create a disaster if he wasn't supervised otherwise.

Looking down at the cooing Junior, Staraptor humbly huffed. "Sorry, Nic. I'll have to take my reservations for this one. I hope you understand."

Nic did understand, but that didn't mean he liked it any less than Staraptor. He sighed. "Guess it can't be helped. It's fine, how's about you and Junior head in the shade and watch from there."

"Right. Come on, Junior." Staraptor turned away, walking while ushering Junior as he hopped in tow.

Nic frowned. He knew deep down, Staraptor was disheartened about the circumstances, but this wasn't his place to say in her choices. If he were in her shoes – or talons in this case – he would probably do the same for Junior's sake. He instead turned towards Greninja. "Hey..."

"Yeah, I got it." He answered, his red eyes beaming with seriousness. "Let's go."

"Yeah." Nic took a battle stance opposite of Erza. He spread his feet apart, changing to a half Normal/Water form. The redhead requipped a sword, with Aegislash at the ready.

"Very well. Come at us, if you dare to so!" she challenged vigorously.

Nic's blue eyes showed a deep intensity right back at her. "Don't say you didn't ask for it." In an instant, he suddenly vanished.

Erza's eyes widened in surprise. 'He vanished...?' Before she realized it, Nic reappeared in front of her, his hands coming together for a thunderclap that sent shockwaves into Erza's face. The Fake Out caught her by surprise, making her slide backwards.

"Erza?!" Aegislash gasped. She was caught off guard by Nic's assault that she almost forgot about Greninja. She heard a familiar volume rushing at her in the form of Scald, jettisoning at a monstrous speed at her from in front.

Aegislash acted fast. "King's Shield!" She created a hexagonal barrier in front of her, which took the full brunt of Greninja's broiling blast of water, which was actually reduced by the Sunny Day overhead. Even so, the sheer force of Greninja's pressure sent streams of boiling water around Aegislash's barrier that evaporated into the atmosphere. The shield grunted heavily as the steam from the attack was touching her steel.

In the blink of an eye, the hot rinse and mist was cut through by something sharp. Aegislash was still unable to see through the mist to react in time to Greninja passing her with Night Slash. A streaking, dark purple needle gashed across her shield all around to her blade's backside. She grunted heavily at the super effective damage.

Greninja looked back, his red eyes glaring at Aegislash. "Had your guard down."

Erza quickly recovered from her staggering. 'He used a swift attack that even I couldn't react to so I couldn't command Aegislash. He's really pushing it this time. In that case...' She requipped, transforming into her Flame Empress Armor with her blade pointed at him. "How's about this?"

Nic's expression remained the same. "You sure?"

"Hmph, you testing me? I've been S-Class longer than you have. I should be the one testing you."

A very small grin could be seen on the corners of Nic's lips. "You'll try." Greninja jumped to his side, readying himself.

Erza reached her right arm out, in which Aegislash sped to her and allowed her to grip her head hilt. Two blades in hand, Erza crossed them, with one coated in flames, and the other in Sacred Sword. With a furious lunge for them, Nic and Greninja braced themselves for her oncoming attack.

Meanwhile, far away from the vicinity, a pair of magic binoculars caught the whole spar in resolution. Shiin was undercover with his camouflage concealing him from view and magic sense alike. He was fixated on analyzing Nic Pularis the entire time, even through that whole meditation. And even though that was rather admittedly boring, he was partially in such disbelief that amount of muscle durability was existential.

'Looks like they're having a sparring session. I'll have to be sure to analyze Erza Pularis' requips as well.'

He saw an explosion overtake the vicinity of their backyard. As the explosion dispersed itself, a pair of red eyes suddenly appeared over the lenses, startling Shiin. "What the-?!" He pulled away in caution, but immediately directed it into annoyance at the culprit fluttering directly in front of him. He groaned angrily. "It's you..."

Butterfree gave a happy girl to greet the shrouded man.

"Do you seriously not have anywhere else to be? Why is it that when every time I'm hiding, you're always there?"

Butterfree gave him another chirp with a higher pitch, seemingly answering his question like it was a fact.

"Of course, somehow I expected such an answer. Why am I not surprised?" He sighed angrily. He didn't have time to mingle with the likes of this...thing. Not that is hasn't been a bane in his precious time already. He chose to not oblige himself to entertaining this creature's curiosity any further and instead focused on his observations.

As he witnessed the brush of a sword coming down on Nic, a loud chirp rung in his right ear, making his eyebrow twitch. He tried his best to ignore it, but his patience ran thin rather quickly for someone of his status.

Having no choice, he chose to stand up. "If you won't allow me my peace of mind, then I'll have to resort to moving my observing location for now. Perhaps it's best that I take my business to the Fairy Tail guild hall for my hourly research there." He turned and started back into the forest to find the path towards Magnolia.

Butterfree tilted his head in wonder before looking back over the hillside where Shiin had been observing for some time. He saw yet another explosion blossom into the air from behind the cottage, which was preceded shortly by the harsh sunlight in the distance fading. He took his leave and fluttered in tow to follow Shiin into the woods.

Shiin kept to his own business, even if he heard the fluttering of Butterfree behind him. He'd rather not say anymore to the likes of the butterfly than what he already has, let alone associate with its kind. He hated it. He truly distasted this. If it were in his jurisdiction, he would have dealt with the pest following him by now. It would have been considered doing a favor for the greater good of Ishgar and the magic world as far as he was concerned.

But that wasn't his job, nor was it endangering him. So for now, he would have to continue to tolerate their existence without disobeying orders. 'To think even the most superb mages like Erza Pularis would be impurified with Pokémon. Did this nation become so dependent on another world's inhabitance to do their fighting for them? At this rate, it will only be a matter of time before much of the magic legacy we have preserved will be in jeopardy.'

"Free!"

Shiin groaned angrily. "...but not before my own sanity."


The door to the blacksmith's shop creaked open, the sounds of Duncan's footsteps echoing across the floorboards.

He took a quick glance around, noting if any changes were made regarding the displays on the wall off to the left. Aside from what looked to be a replacement of the metal staff he bought a month ago, much of the product appeared to be unchanged, if sold at all.

He didn't waste any time in heading up to the empty counter, ringing the bell to signal his arrival. It didn't take long until the blacksmith's footsteps were heard coming from the backroom. The moment he turned the corner to see who was at the reception desk, he cocked a brow.

"Well now...talk about shitty timing." He chimed, pulling out his cigarette between two fingers. He blew a smoke off to the side that faded into the ventilation system above. "I was just about to send a letter too...got the paper and everything, too."

Duncan's death glare didn't budge from the proprietor's sense of humor. "So I take it that it's complete?"

He scoffed. "Straight to the point as usual. You sure as hell don't fool around, do ya?" He reinserted the cigarette into his mouth, before turning back towards the backroom. "Yeah, gimme a sec."

Duncan remained silent as he watched his back vanish into the backroom. He looked around once more at the ornate weapons hanging around. So many of them were made of such refined metal that it would put his former kendo stick to shame. Already, he went through so many weapons, from kendo sticks to iron swords, to staffs. Now that he had a little time to reflect, he couldn't lie if he was asked if he felt humbled at the merit he put into the ordeal. At this point, he lost count at how many weapons he went through up to this point.

His weaponry variety aside, he stopped to think about his past experience in this world. Since coming here, it was like a whole new book was open for him to read. It wasn't like PokeEarth where he could battle against other Pokémon and push his to be the most capable in a given situation. This world had actual people capable of magic that could not only give his Pokémon a tougher fight to learn from, but himself as well.

Thoughts of his first big battle in Alvarez came to mind. The rush he felt when he learnt his Holding Magic, the idea he was backed against the wall and borderline helpless; such a feeling left him vividly revolted at himself. He needed to make sure that he never felt anything like that again.

If he was going to survive in this world, he would have to adapt. And this little evolution of his weapon would be just another step further.

"Duncan…find your strength. Find it…for me…"

He balled his fists at the familiar, pleading voice that rung in his head. That was something he never wanted to experience again. The incident with Sophie only fueled him further.

"Thank you…for letting me see who you are!"

That was the only time. The only time after where Duncan felt responsible for what happened to someone that actually tried to be reasonable with him, that he could cooperate with. What happened to Sophie was something that couldn't be undone, but if this would help ensure him of his chances at refraining from feeling that way ever again, he would gladly plunge down that rabbit hole.

"Alright kid, here you are."

Duncan was brought out of his thoughts when the blacksmith came out of the backroom with a long black case, which was tightly secured by straps to keep the contents inside safe. He sat it on the counter for his client to marvel at.

"Followed the blueprints down to the last inch. Gave you exactly what you asked for." He smirked with the cigarette smoking from the side of his lip. "Heh, you ask me, this is my finest work. You really gave me something to work on, kid."

Duncan looked down at the black casing, knowing what was held inside. He furrowed his brow as he gave the blacksmith another glare. "And it's all in here?"

"What, you doubting me?" He scoffed, taking his cigarette out to blow more smoke to the side. "You can look inside if you'd like."

It wasn't like he was going to accept leaving knowing he got a fake or fraud. Taking a gander at e tease, he undid the straps, pulling them loose enough to allow him to undo the lock without restraints. Once he heard a click, he slowly pulled the top up to get a good look inside...

What he saw didn't change his expression, but from the corners of his mouth, a confident smirk was blossoming.

"So, like what you see?" the blacksmith teased.

Duncan scoffed as he closed the case shut. "Not bad." He reached back, getting something from his coat. He pulled out a rather large sac containing Jewels. The size was assurance to know that Duncan even prepared a tip in advance. The blacksmith smirked at the accommodation. "Will this cover the last of it?"

He reached in, pulling out one of the Jewel and held it up to the room lighting. He turned it over, seeing that the currency was legit. He looked inside, recognizing there was also a Big Pearl in accommodation to the 200,000 Jewel payment.

"Well now, looks like even you didn't disappoint. Not a bad job there, kid. Guess this means that our business here is finished, huh?"

"Looks like it." Duncan grabbed the case off the counter, walking back towards the door. "Thank you for the business. If I need anything else, I'll let you know."

"Pleasure doing business with ya, too." The blacksmith answered in an earnest tone. "And hey, kid."

Duncan stopped to look over his shoulder.

"One more thing...be careful out there. You and that fancy piece of yours."

Duncan looked back and gave a nod of respect. With no reason to stay, he took his leave with his parcel.


Deep within the groves of the East Forest, there were many trees thickening the area. So much so that hardly any light could get through. And yet, beyond the grove, there was one particular spot where in the midst of this large array of foliage was a shimmering tree that had a very sweet aroma emanating from its bark and leaves.

It was a Honey Tree. And at the bark's base, there was a slab of Honey coating it.

Nearby shrubs rustled with a small whine. "C-can I just have a little?"

"No, you just ate."

"I know, but...maybe just a lick?"

"I'll give some more later, just hush for now, will ya?"

"Okay...but what about the tiniest bit on the tip of my claw? Like, just a drop."

"No!"

"Shhh! Both of you, start shutting up!" Another voice sniped. "I think I hear something..."

Off to another corner of the clearing, shrubs could be seen rustling profusely. The figments hiding laid low in their cover until the shrubs spat out a wild Cherubi. The oversized fruit stopped and looked around for any signs of potential birds lingering in the branches above. When she saw that it was all clear, she sped towards the base of the Honey Tree with swift sprints. It was amazing how something so small was so nimble, and with such tiny feet to boot.

Cherubi cautiously looked around one more time, making sure she was safe to enjoy a quick snack. When she found the coast clear, her expression changed.

"Oh boy, chow time!" She leaned in, licking up the Honey staining the bark.

As she enjoyed het tasty treat, the shrubs close by shriveled with a large whine. "This is so unfair..."

"Heracross, just shut it! You're gonna scare it away!"

Thankfully, Cherubi was too engrossed in her gourmet treat to realize the threat that shuffled behind her. By the time that a few licks passed, yellow, sticky Honey stained the area around her mouth. She licked her lips at the savoring of such a sweet taste. "Mmmmm...so sweet!"

"NOW!" Bursting out of the underbrush, Joey made his appearance before the Cherubi. He held up a Nest Ball and stuck it out towards her. "Alright you little fruity, you had your little snack...now it's time to get to the main course!"

"Huh?" Cherubi turned around, completely alarmed by Joey's appearance.

Joey threw his Nest Ball into the air. "Alright Larvesta, let's kick it off!"

The capsule popped open, expelling energy that formed into Larvesta. The larva stood several feet in front of Joey, letting out a cheerful hiss to the world.

Cherubi grunted, but she knew she had to defend herself. "Hmph! Once I beat you, I can get back to my tasty treat!"

Larvesta hissed back, acknowledging the threat. Joey took it as a good sign and reached out. "Alright Larvesta, String Shot!" Larvesta hissed again, expelling a quick, long thread of silk that aimed for Cherubi.

The Grass-type remained nimble, rolling over to avoid the silk and darted for Larvesta head-on with a Tackle. Larvesta was too slow to act, ending up taking the hit and stammered back.

"You good, Larvesta?" Joey asked.

Larvesta shook her head, that attack making her whine. But otherwise, she seemed just fine.

"That's good..." He looked ahead, smirking. "And on top of that..."

Cherubi landed a few feet away, looking unfazed by anything. "Take that, meanies!" She shouted...before her body suddenly burst into flames for a brief moment. "YEOW~! That burns!"

"Looks like your Flame Body did wonders. Now we got a lead." Joey pointed forward. "Give her an Ember!" Larvesta nodded in understanding, before exhaling a blanket of orange sparks that rushed towards Cherubi. The sparks made impact, bursting in front of her with enough force to send her on her back.

"Nice shot."

Larvesta giggled at the praise, but it was short-lived when Cherubi got up. She tucked her head down and charged to Tackle. This time, however, Joey was able to give an order. "Dodge!" Larvesta used her bouncy footwork to do a quick jump, followed by a pivot in midair as Cherubi slid to a stop behind her.

"String Shot!"

Larvesta hummed before expelling another blast of silky thread from her furry mouth. It struck Cherubi just as she was turning around, draping her in thin wraps if the fabric. A dense, blue aura arose around her body to indicate a Speed decrease.

"Gngh...it's so sticky-gah!" Her plight was humbled by another burst of flames around her body from her burn affliction.

Joey reached his arm out once more. "One more time, Larvesta! Ember!"

Larvesta inhaled quickly, before expelling another blast of sparks at Cherubi. Though as much as she was trying to flee, she was unable to outmaneuver the oncoming sparks in time. They blanketed her, engulfing her frame in a large burst of fiery sparks, signaling yet another critical hit.

"Bull's eye! That's how we roll!" Joey cheered.

Cherubi laid on the ground, spirals fixed in her eyes as a sign of her defeat. Larvesta cooed in wonder before it dawned upon her that she had won. "Yay! Yay!" She cheered, hopping up and down in joy.

"A clean victory, Captain Joey. Nice job." From the bushes, Dereece walked out, with Heracross in tow. The former's tone hinted he was neutral about the victory, but he managed to sound as jovial as possible for his friend's small victory.

"Thank, Dereece. That time, I didn't have to switch her out with anyone." Joey beamed. "Though they were critical hits, better those than have to handle Morning Sun spams like last time."

Dereece eyerolled at the memory. "Don't remind me. It took you almost ten minutes between using Ember over and over while the Cherubi kept using Morning Sun. You were just lucky enough to make the call to swap out to avoid the hassle from progressing."

Joey put his hands up. "Hey, when it used Growth, I knew better. I wasn't going to put my Larvesta in that critical danger against a higher leveled Cherubi."

He sighed. "Well, that aside, that Larvesta of yours is a fast learner." Dereece looked at the jumpy Larvesta. "She's already been handling some of these wild Pokémon by herself alone."

"Yeah, but only the inexperienced ones. And we've been playing it safe with aiming for Grass and other Bug-types." Joey put his hands to his hips. "But yeah, she's doing a bootiful job, am I right Larvesta?"

Larvesta turned towards Joey, having her hands up. "Yeah! Yeah!" She giggled in glee.

"She's even learning to talk." Joey sniffled as he wiped a teary eye with his index finger. "I'm so proud of her. She'll be the first bug to graduate from some school one day."

Dereece gave Joey a deadpan look. "I don't think this world's ready just yet to allow a fire-breathing bug to get a PhD." He adjusted his hips while crossing his arms. "Speaking of her talking, I've heard something about that. They say that when Pokémon hatch, they act a lot like newborns until they start gaining some experience. Once a little gets under their belt, it's not long until they pick up on personalities and mature."

"Really?" Joey raised a brow as he looked towards the sky. He could see it now, the more battles Larvesta endures – and maybe recalled – the smarter she would get. At this rate, he could soon be raising someone who could be essentially his double if anything went wrong.

"You're thinking about Larvesta's future, aren't you?" Dereece mulled.

"What?!" Joey whipped towards him, showing exaggerated shock. "No~! No, of course not." He sheepishly laughed. "Please, Dereece. Why worry about the future when we can focus on what we can do now? Anyways, where is Duncan?"

"He said he had to go pick up something important today. He promised he would swing by as soon as he..."

Off to the side, they heard more rustling from the underbrush. Everyone turned towards the sound and prepared themselves, but they immediately slacked when they recognized the figment as Duncan with the long black case in his right hand.

"Duncan, there you are. We were just wondering where you were." Joey said, his attention falling towards the black case. "Is that the something Dereece mentioned you went to get?"

"Yeah, it is." He answered, starting past them. He didn't bother to shoot them a passing glance as he focused on ahead.

Joey raised a brow. "You, uh...not gonna show us what it is?"

"You'll know soon enough. And don't worry, it isn't something that will be a health hazard to the guild or you if that's what you were concerned about. Let's get going, there's something that I need to do before we head out for more work."

Dereece and Joey gave each other raised brows. They were curious about the subject that Duncan had kept brief, but the Captain remembered well what he said before about Duncan's space and his own insight. He wouldn't press the matter unless it was absolutely important. So for now, they would have to wait for their teammate's surprise for themselves.

"Well, if that's what he said. Guess not much we can do." Dereece turned away. "Alright Heracross, let's...Heracross?"

The sounds of sloppy slurping grabbed their attention. They turned towards the Honey Tree's base, where the leftover Honey slathered was being eaten by Heracross and Larvesta. The two Bug-types were so engrossed in the tasty treat that they didn't realize the stares by their less than amused trainers.

"To be fair, Larvesta earned that little snack more than Heracross. So can you, eh..." Joey whispered to Dereece.

He groaned. "I know..." He started towards the tree. "Heracross, what did I just say?! No!"


Business was as per usual in the guild hall. Everyone who wasn't on a job right now was hanging around, either mingling with one another or talking about something. Much of their own Pokémon hung around, either doing their own thing or partaking in such conversations with their trainers. In any event, the guild was as loud and bustling as could be.

Natsu's Darumaka and Tyrunt were across from Jet and Droy's Swellow and Weepinbell respectively. The four Pokémon glared at each other with overwhelming eagerness, especially Darumaka.

"C'mon man! We gotta prove to Levy that we're capable!" Jet declared.

"Yeah, you're right!" Droy shouted, though his muffled tone was hard to tell if he was serious or hungry.

Jet took the lead. "Swellow, Wing Attack on Tyrunt!"

"Weepinbell, Wrap on Darumaka!"

Their Pokémon responded with diligence. Swellow flapped to gain a steep elevation above Tyrunt before her wings glowed brightly. She made a steep divebomb onto Tyrunt, passing him with her wings striking his face and buffering him.

Weepinbell reached forward with her small vine, which extended and wrapped itself around Darumaka to restrain his movements. He grunted heavily at the constriction laced around his frame.

"Yeah, direct hits!" Jet balled his fist eagerly.

"We're gonna win this for sure now!" Droy declared.

Tyrunt adjusted his footing, shaking his head to rid of the blurriness in his vision. He looked back at Swellow, snorting of steam of anger, much to the bird's chagrin. Darumaka sneered at Weepinbell, even though her binds kept her contained.

"Huh?! That did nothing?!" Jet quipped.

"Uh oh..."

Natsu gave them a toothy smirk before pointing forward. "Looks like you guys just missed your shot...now it's our turn to have some fun! Darumaka, Fire Fang! Tyrunt, Bite!"

Tyrunt let out a loud roar, before stomping on the floor to get a surprisingly strong jump to reach Swellow's height. She was taken back so much that she couldn't react in time before his glowing sharp teeth snapped down on her.

Darumaka sneered energetically before his mouth widened, flames stirring inside to make large fangs of fire. He snapped down viciously onto the wines binding him, causing an e=intense rupture that caused Weepinbell to wail in unimaginable pain.

"Round and round they go~!" Darumaka pivoted, dragging Weepinbell with his excessive force. He swung her around inti a full loop back into Droy, whereas Swellow's momentum was carried into Jet's face.

Both trainers fell to the ground with their Pokémon, all four of them having spirals in their eyes. The poor trainers could barely get a single word out from the haze they received from that blow.

"Looks like that's it." Max declared, reaching an arm towards Natsu. "Swellow and Weepinbell are unable to battle, so the winners are Darumaka and Tyrunt!"

Natsu laughed uproariously. "Now that's what I'm talking about guys, great work out there!"

"Aye, sir!" Happy cheered.

"We did it!" Darumaka exclaimed, holding up a tiny hand to his ally.

"Yeah! Tyrunt feels great!" Tyrunt replied, tapping his tiny claws against Darumaka's.

Levy sighed, facepalming herself. "Good grief."

"Remind me whose bright idea it was that they face Salamander of all chumps?" Gajeel grunted. "Somebody should give them a warning before they go picking fights they know they're gonna screw up."

"They were absolutely insistent on this challenge. I'm pretty sure this would have been the only way they can learn their lesson otherwise." Pantherlily sagely noted, folding his arms with a nod.

Natsu bumped his fists with excitement. "We're on a roll now, guys! We've got a streak going now!" He faced his fellow guildmates. "So, which one of you guys is next, huh?!"

"Don't wear yourself out. Remember, we've got work to do. Don't want to go out with them all exhausted, right?" Gray scolded him.

Natsu turned towards him. "Yeah, yeah. I didn't forget. But we gotta do something to pass the time, right? Sitting around all day just won't cut it."

"It's nice to know that at least he has the energy to keep up." Wendy chimed in from the nearby table.

"He's still hot-blooded, but there's no denying some of what he says." Carla sniped. "We need to keep up, otherwise we won't get anywhere otherwise."

"Right!"

Lucy sighed. "I wonder where Nic and Erza are...?"

"They should be here pretty soon, I'm sure." Gray answered, before hearing the guild's front entrance swinging open. Their attention fell towards said direction. "Speaking of which..."

Nic and Erza proceeded into the guild hall, with Staraptor and Junior in tow. Not far behind them, The Freaks filed into the guild hall as well. Larvesta was still out, so her emerald eyes were kept aware of what was the guild hall.

"Welcome back, you guys." Mirajane greeted, offering her trademark smile. "I see that you're both as busy as ever." She flashed a wink at the hint she threw at Erza.

"Yes, likewise to you as well." Erza greeted, dismissing Mirajane's teasing. "Looks like everyone is pretty busy today."

"You can say that. You just missed it, Natsu has been rather busy getting on a winning streak until you guys got here. See?" She gestured over the Jet and Droy, who were helped up by Gajeel and Kinana. "My goodness..."

Erza didn't seem fazed by the results. "That's understandable..."

Nic turned towards his younger sister, who was sitting with Sophie at the same table as Wendy and Carla. "Hey, Vanessa. Sophie. How are things?"

"Oh, Nic." Sophie answered first, offering him a smile. "We're doing just fine thanks. We just got here a little while ago. You can probably guess the reason why." She shot a wary glance over to her roommate, who humbly smirked as she folded her arms.

Nic didn't have to guess to know what she was talking about. He was well aware of his sister's inability to wake up no earlier than 9 o'clock. They say beauty sleep is a good thing, but now he was starting to wonder if there was such a thing as too much beauty sleep.

"I've already told you Sophie, it's not a habit that can be considered an exception. A mage and a trainer alike need adequate hours of sleep if they're to function at their most optimal." Vanessa defended with a modest tone.

"That so?" Sophie shot her a sly smirk. "Then perhaps I'll have to start waking you up sooner to test that theory. You always seem to get about ten hours of sleep on average, maybe eleven. Yet you can use at least a couple of those hours to possibly train, couldn't you?"

"What's this? Is Vanessa sleeping in again?" Erza walked over, putting two fingers on the bridge of her nose. "And here I thought Natsu and Wendy's motion sickness was a problem of its own. I thought we fixed this problem back during our time in Kalos."

'If only you knew the reason why I always ended up sleeping over...' Vanessa closed her eyes. She could remember full-well of the few occasions where much of her nights were spent in a neighboring room while Nic and Erza shared their own bed...and the noises that she heard wouldn't stop until late at night.

"So you guys just going to do another job?" Nic questioned, trying to change the subject from his sister's habit that he chose to ignore.

"We were. Were you thinking about heading out for work yourself?" Vanessa inquired.

"Yeah, I was hoping to try and get out of the house a little while. It's been a while since my last job...and you can tell why."

The four adverted their attention towards the next table over, where Staraptor was perched and keeping a watchful eye on Junior as he was interacting with Joey's shiny Larvesta. The two seemed curious of the other judging from the looks they gave the other. Junior cooed loudly as he bounced up and down, an act that Larvesta imitated by hopping. Junior energetically hopped around the larva as the latter's hopping turned into a counterclockwise spin of glee.

"It looks like they're having a little dance routine." Vanessa smiled warmly at the adoring sight. Seeing two newborn Pokémon get along like that was always something to help lift the mood.

"It does." Erza clapped her hands together. "I've got a splendid idea. Perhaps we should get the two together for playdates often. What do you say to that, Joey?"

"Who, me?" Joey was taken back by the other, barely keeping himself from stammering. "I-I mean yeah! Whatever Erza-senpai wants, I know she gets!" He cheekily smiled. "When I'm not too busy raising her, we can make it work, if that's what you want."

Duncan didn't pay any mind to his Captain's admiration for his superiors. In fact, he was just as invested in them as he was, but for a very different reason. His eyes darted towards Nic, who was busy catching up with his sister. His own hold on his black case tightened with anticipation.

Shiin finally arrived at the guild's entrance, shooting a quick glance at his surroundings. Immediately, he saw that most if not all the guild's attendees were present, making mobility hard to come by. He noticed Natsu in the distance, trying to coax Lucy into a fight that she was trying to avoid. His attention fell onto The Freaks a short distance away, more accurately, the colorful larva that had fiery horns like the sun.

'Is that a new Pokémon in one of their possession?' His inquiries led him to shoot a glance over at Nic and Vanessa. Seeing the two Pularis siblings together was something he could never let slide. 'The two Pularis siblings are together today. I wonder what their topic is about?'

"Excuse me, sir. You are blocking the entryway."

Shiin turned around, meeting a young woman in a unique but fancy attire. "My apologies." He stepped aside, allowing her to enter the guild hall. He couldn't help but notice the two large briefcases that she carried beside her that looked particularly expensive.

"Gray, darling. Look." Juvia turned towards the newcomer.

Gray shot her a look. "Huh? Say, haven't we seen her before?"

The woman stepped forward, gradually gaining the attention of the other guild members and trainers alike. She looked around, giving everyone a stern, calculated look that made her stand out. One could say that it felt as demeaning as Erza – a similarity that none wished was a reality.

"Wait, haven't we seen her here before?" Laki mumbled.

"Beats me, but she's got quite the looks." Wakaba smirked, earning a glare from the surrounding guildmates.

Macao blinked. "Huh? Hey, wait a minute, I think I've seen that uniform from somewhere." He looked more carefully at the emblem located on her coat. His eyes widened. "Hey wait, that's the Cambire Foundation's emblem."

"The Cambire Foundation? What beef do they have with us now?" Cana crossed her arms, raising a brow.

Shiin narrowed his eyes. Did he hear that right? A representative from the very organization that has been compromising much of the populace really just came all the way here? He could have passed this off as a coincidence, but he knew better than to get ahead of himself.

'So this is a representative of the otherworldly organization Nic Pularis and this guild coincide with...'

Stepping up from the crowd was none other than Laxus, accompanied by his trusted Thunder God Tribe. He looked down at the studious woman with his arms folded. "Huh, so it's you again. Been a while, hasn't it?" He didn't bother with such pleasantries, he jumped right to the point.

The familiar woman turned to Laxus, not at all intimidated by his thunderous stature. "Greetings to you, Laxus Dreyar. I believe that you are aware of who I am after last time, is that right?"

The Guild Master raised his arms. "Not much has changed, unless your name isn't Eliza. Am I right about that?"

The woman seemed unfazed by his nonchalant attitude. She took it was a solemn yes to her inquiries. "Indeed. My name is Eliza. I come to you as a representative as well as a median in place of Jefferey Bistro of the Cambire Foundation. I was told to speak directly to you and your guild regarding an important matter at hand."

"Wait, Jefferey sent her?" Lucy blinked.

Natsu's eyes widened. "Hold up..." He remembered the first seminar the guild partook in, along with the Dragon Slayers' venture to the Cambire Foundation to exploit fossil restoration. Both of those instances had this man at the forefront. "Hold on! I remember now! You work for that guy!" Natsu shouted, pointing an accusing finger at Eliza.

"Did it really take him this long just to remember who she was talking about?" Gajeel grunted in irritation.

"What are you gonna do?" Happy shrugged, shaking his head.

Vanessa stepped forward, eyes narrowing at the name. "Eliza..." She stopped to think about it, but it didn't take much longer for an answer to surface. 'That's right. She was there after we dug up the underground Pokémon operation back in Columbine.'

'The Cambire Foundation...' Nic stared at Eliza in thought. 'If they're here, this better be something important.'

"You visit from last time was nothing more than a request from your superiors, yes?" Laxus followed up. "If you're here, that means that they needed your boss for something else."

Eliza closed her eyes, reaching for something in her pockets. "Our formalities aside, we'll move right along then." She pulled out a compact smartphone device with a lacrima-based monitor on it. She proceeded to open the app, causing a holographic projection to light up over everyone's heads.

"Woah, what's the message this time?" Natsu wondered.

"I bet it's a special request, with the reward being a bunch of yummy fish~!" Happy's tail curled back and forth at his hopes. His mouth was already drooling at the fresh banquette of nothing but raw fish laid out specifically for him and Liepard to share.

"In your dreams, cat!" Lucy yelled, completely crushing Happy's fantasies.

"Everyone quiet, it's starting." Erza demanded, glaring at the monitor above.

The entire guild hall fell silent as the projection suddenly flickered, before a large rectangular monitor brightened into a fancy logo screen with the words "CAMBIRE FOUNDATION" written in golden italics that shimmered from left to right. The logo zoomed into the large O to reveal Arthur's office, occupied by Arthur, his Stoutland, Jefferey, and Charlotte.

"Hello, and welcome. To all Earthlanders and trainers alike. Thank you for taking the time out of your busy days to hear this message brought to you by your nearest Cambire Foundation associate." Arthur started, having a prideful and warm smile on his face. "For those of you who are new, allow me to introduce myself. My name is Arthur Solaris, the CEO and President of the Cambire Foundation. Beside me are my trusted associates, Jefferey Bistro, as well as Charlotte Jet."

Both associates gave firm nods of confirmation.

"As many of you who thrive in Fiore are aware, these past few months have been some of the most challenging that we had to face. In the early spring, many have since been afflicted by the vent that transpired known as The Crossing. And ever since then, this world, as well as PokeEarth, have forever been changed. But as we all know, change is something that everyone goes through in their lives, be it for worse...or for the better."

Shiin's eyes narrowed. 'The manner in which he's speaking, it's not directed at the guild solemnly.' He almost jolted at the realization. 'He must have this being broadcasted to everywhere!'

"Now, hear me not. I come to you all with a humble word. I know many of you trainers that have managed to survive this long in this world had to make do, be it for your own survival or for the newfound experience..." Arthur gingerly petted Stoutland's land. "But for those of you who have found yourselves within the comfort of mages, we have structured an event that is sure to entice the two classes that share the foundation of Pokémon. We are please to announce a very important event that I am certain that many of you have missed out on this year."

Lucy gasped. "Hold on...is he talking about...!"

"It is with great pride that we introduce to you all..." He raised his arms up, his palms facing the sky. "This year's annual Grand Magic Games!"

Above his head, a projection of another logo shined brightly, this time in a thicker, bolder font that shimmered with magic powder that dazzled around the words "X793 Grand Magic Games". The font briefly popped forward to show everyone who could have been nearsighted the logo's intent.

Instantaneously, everyone in the guild hall had an uproarious reaction to this announcement.

"Did you hear that?! They just announced the Grand Magic Games!" Vijeeter shouted.

"Yeah, now we're talking! Yeehaw!" Alzack exclaimed.

"Mommy, Mommy! Look! The games are gonna happen!" Asuka pointed towards the screen, while tugging on Bisca's skirt.

"Yeah, I can definitely see that, honey." She smiled.

"Alright! The Grand Magic Games! About time!" Jet and Droy shouted, both fully conscious after their humiliating defeat.

"I honestly thought because of all the crazy stuff going on that they had to cancel it this year." Romeo admitted, before smirking and balling his fists with excitement. "But talk about a turnaround! I've been waiting for this to happen! Can't believe it's finally happening!"

Natsu rammed his fist into his palm, sparking a few embers. "About damn time. I was getting tired of waiting around for something to happen."

"They're really going through with them this year?" Wendy blinked, reasonably surprised by this news.

Carla folded her arms, her feline tail twisting in the air. "Looks like it, though I can't help but feel that something is strange about this. Isn't it odd how it's the Cambire Foundation that's making this proclamation?"

Wendy blinked, catching wind of Carla's inquiry. "Huh...now that you mean it..." She turned towards the screen, in which the icon gradually faded from view.

"Unlike the past years that followed the Grand Magic Games, we have come to a compromise with the committee that hosted the events prior to now. We came together through a mutual agreement, and have agreed that in order to promote the cooperativeness between mages and Pokémon, we have made the decision to create a brand new committee. One that is joined by the trusted employees of the Cambire Foundation and the magic committee alike. In doing so, we can ensure that in these times of change, we can stand to come together not as individuals – but as a whole.

"I'm sure many of you have the same question in mind: 'Just what makes this year's Grand Magic Games so different compared to past years?'. Well, to answer all of your inquiries, we will start by explaining the basis in which these games shall follow." He paused to clear his throat. "The X793 Grand Magic Games will be held at the Domus Flau colosseum, in Crocus, on October 1st. Similar to past years, the games' participants will be the guilds that are able to qualify." His smile became notably more...mischievous. "But...to the trainers that may be listening, this may sound familiar to you. We have decided that to ensure that only the best guilds are acknowledged, they must show their dedication to their work, as well as the merit put into it. Mr. Bistro, if you would be so kind?"

Jefferey stepped up. "Thank you, Arthur. I'll take it from here." He looked into the broadcast, giving everyone and ironclad glare. "To the guilds that are willing to participate, the following participants must be those who are part of your guild...that includes both mages and Pokémon Trainers alike."

Dereece's eyes widened at the declaration. "Hold on, did he just say...mages and trainers?"

Vanessa put a hand to her chin. "I see...so in other words, as long as a Pokémon Trainer is part of a legal guild, even they are allowed to join these events."

Shiin's leered at the screen with a growing vindication. Thankfully no one paid attention to see the disapproval in his eyes.

"I will reiterate. This year, both mages and Pokémon Trainers will be allowed to participate in this event, so long as they belong to said guild. If a trainer by some chance has also ascertained the use of magic, that may also be permitted, as well as vice versa. Mages who have accustomed to using Pokémon, we have ensured that these events will help accommodate your newfound experience of cooperation with these creatures." Jefferey continued, getting the guild's attendees to tense up. "However, we have created a bar so that not just any trainer or mage can compete. For any mage or trainer to partake, they must have a minimum of three Pokémon at their disposal. Even if you may have gifted magic, this year, we would like to try and have it as balanced on both ends of the spectrum."

Elfman raised a brow. "Huh? So wait a minute...is he saying that if I don't have three Pokémon, then that means I can't qualify?"

"That's what it sounds like to me." Lisanna chirped.

Jefferey continued. "Now, for those who remember what my good friend Arthur just spoke of, we have deduced a validated system to ensure that your guild will have a chance to earn your spot in these games. In conjunction with the following two months between now and the first week of Autumn, the Cambire Foundation will be enlisting job requests to any and all legal guilds in Fiore. These jobs will be noted to have a Cambire Foundation approved stamp on them. For a guild to qualify, between then and now, a minimum of thirty completed job requests must be obtained. In addition, once the job is complete, the mages and trainers who contributed to said job will have to sign their signature as a verification. If the participating mage or trainer has completed at least one job request, they will be guaranteed an entrance upon the registration."

"So not only do we need three Pokémon at the very least, but we also need to complete at least one of these jobs out of thirty?" Gray raised a brow. "I don't know if this is considered raising the bar too high or not, but I do know that they're not going to be making this easy for us."

"Right, especially since not all of us have three Pokémon on hand." Juvia was thankful that she had three on her. She would hate to be on the sidelines yet again if Gray was going to compete again.

"I will surmise everything that will be required once more. By September 24th, one week before the Grand Magic Games, all guilds intending to enter must complete a minimum of thirty job requests approved and stamped by the Cambire Foundation. And only the mages and trainers who contribute and give their signature with the client will be allowed to enter, provided they also have a minimum of three Pokémon. If nothing else, I have nothing more to say. Thank you, Arthur." He stepped back, allowing Charlotte to take the spotlight.

"Thank you very much, Mr. Bistro." Arthur turned to give everyone his undivided attention. "Now then, I will allow Ms. Jet to abbreviate this year's prizes. Ms. Jet, if you would be so kind?"

Charlotte looked at everyone, looking to be the exact opposite of inviting. "To those who are still very unsure about this matter, allow us to convince you otherwise with this year's prize. "

"Prizes? I want prizes! Better be something flashy and shiny for someone like me!" Joey insisted.

"The winning guild of this year's Grand Magic Games shall receive the honor of being haled as Fiore's number one guild, as well as the cash surplus of thirty million Jewel. But in addition, that guild will also earn these..."

The monitor's screen changed to show everyone a background of space, with a rainbow streak heading their way. Several glowing stars arched from the side of the path and moved in an orbit in 3D fashion, much to the guild's visual confusion. They've never seen some like this.

"This is some pretty good Illusion Magic they're putting on for us." Gray noted, cocking a brow. "Looks almost real if you ask me."

"I don't believe that's Illusion Magic, Gray." Vanessa corrected. "I believe those are digital graphics."

Juvia leaned behind Gray, giving Vanessa a curious look. "Digital...graphics?"

The youngest Pularis smirked to herself. She had almost forgotten that they have almost no concept of computers or any devices other than the PokeDex. "Perhaps I'll explain another time, if necessary."

"Your endeavors, if you choose to partake, will be rewarded with the bonus of a lifetime supply of these Pokémon supplements. HP Up, Protein, Iron, Calcium, Zinc, and lastly, Carbos!" As she announced them, each container rolled along the monitor one by one. Once they were apparent, they remained stationary on the rainbow road. "Items that are vital to help increase a Pokémon overall strength and potential once they're given one of these. As the mages and guilds shall be rewarded, so shall the Pokémon who show the hustle as do the mages and trainers."

The monitor faded back to revealing Arthur and his associates as he wheeled to the forefront. "And, as a final complimentary prize, the winning guild's strongest trainer...will have the prestigious honor in partaking in an exhibition battle against a very particular someone...Nic Pularis himself!"

An overwhelming shock ran through everyone like lightning. Everyone watching had various looks ranging from overwhelming shock, to some having envy. There were some who even had showed genuine glee from this offer. In Joey's case, it was all three that was giving him a mild heart attack.

"Did I just hear that right? Did he say that the winner gets to battle Nic?" Natsu was more ecstatic than he was shocked. He knew Nic was strong by himself, that much was obvious. But he's never had a proper Pokémon battle against him. The thought of actually coming out on top in a field his guildmate was a master of was like sweet icing on the cake.

"Aye, that's what he said alright. And I should know, I have the hearing of a cat." Happy chimed, raising a paw.

"Heh, well now, if things weren't interesting enough around here." Gajeel smirked.

The news most certainly didn't go unnoticed by Duncan, who shot a look across the guild hall at Nic himself. If one paid attention and looked beneath his cap, the gleam in his eyes was bright enough to know that the incentive lit a fuse inside.

"Nic?" Vanessa looked her brother, mixed with curiosity and suspicion.

Almost everyone turned their undivided attention Nic, who stood there with wide eyes brimming with shock. It would be safe to say that even he was left speechless. Erza was no different. She didn't recall Nic ever saying anything about this. If this was his way of surprising her, it definitely worked...but the look on his face assured her that this wasn't his idea.

"Well I'll be damned! Congratulations there, bud!" Cana slid in from the side, nudging Nic's shoulder with her elbow. "Looks like you've eyes set on ya now, whether ya like it or not!"

"..."

"That's a pretty big incentive, since he's so famous." Dereece nervously noted.

"Yeah, it sure is." Sophie's tone was more neutral, but she didn't want to disagree with Dereece's statement. She heard about Nic's strength from what Vanessa went on about. Some of the fables were enough to give her a few shivers every time she brought him up at first. But she trusted their judgment enough to know this was a huge ordeal.

"It's still going on. Everyone settle down!" Laxus' voice boomed, getting everyone to settle and face the monitor once more.

"I trust that everyone watching this will hopefully be able to understand. This is not an overhaul, but think of this more as an innovation. There will undoubtedly be those who may believe that having trainers and Pokémon in a magic-based society, let alone games, is contradictory to how many of you over the past few years have adapted to. But as a wise man once said: 'From Autumn to Spring, so do the leaves that ever so come'. We of the Cambire Foundation are here to ensure that a mutual understanding is brought between the citizens of Earthland, and the Pokémon that have adapted here." Arthur bowed. "Thank you for your time everyone, and I hope to see you all there. That is all from us. Now, we turn this announcement over to you, Queen Hisui E. Fiore."

The screen changed once more, revealing a throne room in the background. Sitting on a throne, Hisui adorned an enchanted tiara, with a Togepi sitting on her lap. Beside her were none other than Arcadios and Darton.

"Mommy, look! It's the queen!" Asuka shouted, pointing an index finger at the woman.

Erza's eyes widened. "That's right, how could I forget? I read about it when we got back. It looks like Hisui's inauguration as the new queen of Fiore went along smoothly." She smiled. "It looks like she even has a little friend now."

Shiin glared daggers at the monitor. 'Even the royal family has been plagued?!'

"Thank you very much, Arthur." She answered, clearing her throat. "To everyone within the range if my voice, please, allow me, Queen Hisui E. Fiore, to deliver to all my own personal message. In X791, that night, we've all learned about powers that lied beyond our world. Powers that go beyond the concept of magic itself. This impression was what led to the entire country into a civil war between those who opposed Pokémon, and those who sought them more than monsters. And as we have seen from one year ago, it was thanks to the powers of Pokémon that rid the atrocity that was Acnologia. They may seem like beings of power, but..." She recalled seeing Nic and his Pokémon against Acnologia within the Space-Time Rift. "In truth, they are sentients, who, with the proper guiding hand, can help us move forward from the doubts in our minds. To prevent such mishappens from ever transpiring again, we must learn to trust and open to PokeEarth's customs that we can learn from the Cambire Foundation.

"As your queen, it is in my power to ensure that you all our guided down the right path. To ensure that throughout these hard times, if we put aside our differences, and lean a little more on one another and support one another's ideals, surely we can all reach a future where coexistence will be possible. We've already taken these first steps thanks to Arthur and the efforts of our mages. Now, this is our gift to them for the endeavors they have confronted head-on for us. I hope to see you all there. Until then...do your best, everyone!"

Togepi let out a happy chime and wave to all the viewers before the holographic monitor turned blank. The visual retreated back into the device that Eliza put back into her pocket. It took a whole minute for the information to process throughout the guild hall's occupants as they stared with awe.

Slowly, they all started coming around, exchanging looks of sheer glee with each other.

"Did you hear that?" Macao mumbled towards Wakaba.

"I may be getting old, but I sure as hell ain't deaf." He teased with a snicker. "Looks like our old bones have some work to do before they brittle completely." Beside him, his Koffing gave a hardy chuckle as gas puffed from his pores.

Lucy looked ahead, her thought processing at an all-time high. "So we have until the end of September to do a set amount of jobs the Cambire Foundation will distribute, huh? Something tells me that they're not going to make these jobs easy."

"No sweat." Natsu beamed with his trademark toothy smile. "The way I see it, thirty jobs is nothing. I can probably do half of them in my sleep if I wanted to."

"Way to count your chickens before they hatch." Gray despondently sidenoted.

Juvia turned to him with an encouraging smile. "Don't worry, if all of us pool together our time and efforts, we should be able to qualify without any problems."

"Yeah, guess you're right." He smiled back. "I'm counting on ya."

Hearts pulsed in Juvia's gaze as she lovingly gazed at him. "Anything for my beloved, without a shadow of a doubt!" She chimed, much to Gray's chagrin. But rather than feel disgusted by her obvious showings of affection, he dismissed it with a sigh.

"So in order to qualify for this year, a normal guild's entry is limited." Freed surmised, putting a hand to his chin. "So in other words, the jobs themselves is our qualification." He turned towards Laxus. "Master Laxus, what do you think about this?"

Laxus furrowed his brow at Eliza, choosing to redirect Freed's inquiries onto her. "Tell me, is this new rule something your side of this new committee decided on?"

"Evidently, I can understand your guild's plight to the matter. You see, back on PokeEarth, much of our tradition carries from when a trainer has to earn eight badges in order to compete in any regional Pokémon League. This case, it was the most reasonable adaptation to the concept. Do you find these accommodations to be unreasonable?"

He lowered his chin. "No. I don't have anything personal against this new rule. Is that all you wanted to hear?"

"No. As a matter of fact..." Eliza reached for the briefcases sitting beside her. "This brings me to the second primary reason to why I'm here."

"What's in the cases?" Happy wondered, tilting his head.

"This is the main reason for my visit. While it is true that while many of the employees were sent out to deliver this message across Fiore, I alone was given the task to deliver a special gift to you for field study."

Everyone watched closely as she sat the twin cases on their flat sides, unlocking them by their metal clips. A small amount of steam blew from their sides as they slowly lifted to reveal something that would have made even the greediest of treasure hunters jealous.

Lucy's eyes glazed over with awe. "What...what are those?"

"They look like..." Natsu trailed off.

Everyone drew to the same conclusion, but words couldn't escape their mouths. The briefcases were comprised of nothing but shimmering crystals in one, and various colored cuffs reminiscent of Nic's former Z-Ring in the other. There were so many of the latter, yet the former had so many that it was looking at a rainbow treasure chest.

"I am also here to deliver to you, Fairy Tail, a gift directly from Mr. Bistro himself." Eliza stated. "After the extensive research done by Mr. and Mrs. Pularis, we have deemed these safe enough for capable mages such as yourself to test out."

"So awesome! This is gonna be sweet!" Natsu chimed. "So we all get one?!"

Eliza nodded. "One Z-Ring, and one of every Z-Crystal we've been able to find. Many more are still being found and confiscated as we speak."

"I...I don't know what to say." Wendy gasped.

Carla crossed her arms, giving the foreign stones and crystals a studious scowl. "So this organization decided to just up and hand out these things like candy to children after running a few tests and going by Nic and Erza's notes, is that right?"

Eliza cleared her throat. "Well, truth be told, Mr. Bistro was against the idea at first, but Arthur was absolutely insistent on having your guild have this as a form of consolidation for your guildmates' endeavors."

Erza humbly smiled. "That's awfully flattering of you. Looks like we'll have more Z-Crystals to work with after all, Nic..." When she turned towards her husband, she was taken back with the empty space occupying her side. "Hm, Nic? Nic?"

"Wait, wasn't he just here a minute ago?" Sophie questioned, looking around for any sign of him. "Vanessa, did you see him go anywhere?"

"No, I didn't." She frowned. Her aura sensory didn't up on anything related to Nic's aura trailing off anywhere. 'He must have teleported while we were all distracted.'

"Coooo?" Junior tilted his head, looking down at Staraptor with wonder.

Unlike the others, she didn't seem bothered. "It's alright, Junior. There's nothing to be worried about." She smiled, holding him in her wing. She raised her head, looking up with a serious face. 'I have a feeling of where we went just now...'

From within the crowd, Duncan glared at the empty space, lowly grunting.

Eliza cleared her throat. "Very well. I'll set his respective share in your care, Mrs. Pularis. In the meantime, everyone, please select one Z-Power Ring, and one of each Z-Crystal, if you'd please."

"Sweet! I'm calling dibs! Haha!" Natsu declared.

"Do I get one?" Happy asked with a raised paw.

"You don't even have a Pokémon, dummy!" Carla hissed.

The guild's occupants took their time with getting the necessary amount they all needed. Soon enough, everyone who was present had a Z-Power Ring, as well as one crystal for each individual typing. Everyone took their sweet time marveling at the contraptions placed on their wrists, especially Joey, whose Z-Ring was a turquoise shade.

"Nice compliment color to my clothing. Stunning." Joey winked. "What do you think, Larvesta?"

"That looks so cool!" Larvesta gleefully announced, ogling the Z-Ring with such envy.

"Not bad. But why do they have it in so many colors anyway. Variety, maybe?" Gray pondered. Unlike Joey's Z-Ring, his coating was an icy blue. He looked over at Juvia's, which was an ocean blue shade. "How's it fittin' ya?"

"Just fine. See?" Juvia confidently smirked, holding up her left wrist for Gray to see.

"Heh, not a bad accessory, wouldn't ya say?" Natsu beamed with uproarious pride, showing everyone his crimson red Z-Ring. "I can't wait to put one of these babies to the test in a battle!"

Lucy chuckled. "Of course you of all people would say that..." She lowered her head to awe at the golden Z-Ring on her wrist. It complimented her Zodiac key collection on Klefki, who awed at the device with as much wonder as her trainer.

"I must say, they didn't do a bad job at modeling these though." Erza chimed, staring at her own new Z-Ring. While it wasn't personally updated to be like Nic's, she had to admire the violet shade of her Z-Ring. 'I can't believe the Cambire Foundation found all these Z-Ring stones. It must have token them ages to model and shape them from the schematics the Kahunas gave us.'

"So like this?" Laxus raised a brow, rolling his wrist over to see his bright yellow Z-Ring fit. He turned it over to look at where the Electrium-Z sat in the slot. "And it adjusts, too. Not bad, gotta admit to that."

"It looks absolutely riveting on you, sir! No doubt about that!" Freed persisted, his eyes twinkling with admiration over his leader's Z-Ring over his magenta-colored one.

"Yeah, thanks, I guess." His gut told him there was something fishy about this, and no way was would he sleep tonight knowing there wouldn't be a catch. "So out with it, what does the Cambire Foundation want us to do with these this time?" He asked Eliza.

"Huh? Wait, you mean we just get these for free?" Natsu realized.

Eliza closed her eyes and lowered her chin. "How astute." She turned towards the rest of the guild, straightening her back for a proper position. "You see, we've done plenty of field testing to know the potential of these so-called Z-Moves. However, if possible, we would like to see how a proper mage wields these tools in a Pokémon Battle."

"Wait, so they want to see us battle again?" Wendy asked.

Eliza nodded. "To put it bluntly, yes. The best way to get as many results would be to see a series of double battles, with four mages at a time. That should equal to about four Pokémon, with four possible chances at Z-Moves being used."

Natsu rammed his flaming fist into his palm, making audible cracking sounds from both his bones and flames. "I was looking for a nice warm-up for these games. Now I'm more fired up than ever."

Laxus turned towards his guild expectantly. "You heard her. Everyone outback!" As everyone filed out if the guild hall, Shiin was staying out of the wall, glaring daggers while doing his best to hide his camera to take pictures. With enough pictures taken during the presentation, he looked at the screen, showing Natsu's Z-Ring held up at a 90 Degrees angle.

'So, that's what that stone I found can be molded into. And the Cambire Foundation is currently in stock of these.' He furrowed his brow as he stood up to follow everyone outside. 'I need to investigate this matter further. But for now, I'll have to settle with seeing these mages using this power in the flesh.'


Everyone stood outside, standing a safe distance away from the battlefield after seeing what happened the last time they saw a Z-Move being used by Erza. They knew staying back was the best choice to avoid getting blown to smithereens.

Eliza sat up two drone cameras, which she controlled by a remote in her hand. After a few buttons, the two drones hovered above the ground and positioned themselves above the battlefield. "Alright, everything is all set. Shall we appoint a referee?"

Laxus gave Freed a knowing look. The Thunder God Tribe's leader humbly nodded and stepped up alongside his Sigilyph to take the position. "If I may, I shall oversee the proceeding battles."

Eliza nodded. "Very well. Does anyone want to volunteer first?"

Almost immediately, a foot stamped so hard the ground shook. Large, heavy muscles flexed to intimidate others around him. "Step back and watch how a real man takes a stand!" Elfman declared.

"Big brother?!" Lisanna looked shocked, but didn't dispute with him.

"My goodness, someone's pretty eager to get going." Mirajane cheered. "Do your best out there~!"

Elfman looked back, giving his sisters a thumbs up. "Heh! Don't worry, I'll show them how to use a real Z-Move. Just sit back and watch how it's done-ack!" He was halted when a sudden pain went in his head by a fan. Both Mirajane and Lisanna recoiled at the sudden assault.

Elfman gritted his teeth as he slowly cranked his head towards the outstretched arm belonging to a rather annoyed Evergreen. "...mind telling me why you did that this time?!"

"You dolt. I hope you realized that these are double battles. And I bet you didn't even bother looking at the notes for the proper forms to each individual Z-Move, didn't you?!"

Elfman visibly cringed. "Er, well, I mean..."

Evergreen angrily sighed. "Well, it's not like anyone can stop you. So just let me tag along..." She prodded her glasses with two fingers. "And don't get in the way. Granbull doesn't like it when others take what's hIs."

"You'd really do that?" He looked genuinely surprised by her boldness.

"Hmph, well of course, dummy. Besides..." She glanced away, looking specifically at Bickslow with his tongue out looking smug through his visors. "Bickslow wouldn't ever let me live it down otherwise. I'm only doing this just to shut him up, not like I wanna stand next to you in front of everyone for any other reason..."

It wasn't easy to see at first glance, but if one were close enough, they could see a small tint of pink in her cheeks. The same could have been said for Elfman as he looked away, sheepishly rubbing the back of his head wondering what to say next.

"So, what's the story behind those two lately?" Lisanna whispered into Mirajane's ear. The eldest Strauss sibling warmly smiled.

"You'd be surprised with what you hear around the guild hall. I'm just waiting for when the proposal happens." She chimed.

"We're not proposing!" Elfman and Evergreen shouted in unison denial.

"So then who's gonna face them then?" Gray questioned aloud.

Stepping up from the audience, Levy balled her fists with a confident smile on her face. "Right, then I guess I should get this experience as well!"

"Go Levy!" Jet and Droy eagerly cheered.

Levy turned back, waving at her teammates. "Thanks guys, I'll do my best!"

"You sure will. Levy. Wait a minute..." Jet stopped in his tracks, blinking several times before he shot an arm up. "I volunteer to be her partner!"

"Wait, what?!" Droy stammered, looking at him with shock. "You can't be Levy's partner!"

"Oh, and what makes you more qualified? The reason we lost that battle earlier was because your Weepinbell slowed us down! Maybe if you stop shoving chicken in your face and actually train, that wouldn't be possible!"

"Oh yeah, what about you?! You hardly lasted even two moves! I can support Levy a lot better than you can!"

Jet got up in his face and vice versa.

"I'm better suited to be her partner!"

"No, I will!"

"I will!"

"I will!"

A throat was heard clearing up beneath them. They stopped and looked down to see Pantherlily standing between them. "Are you both done?"

"What do you want?!" They both angrily asked.

Pantherlily didn't verbally respond. Instead, he pointed an index finger at the battlefield. Their gazes followed the Exceed's direction to find Levy accompanied by Gajeel. Their jaws slacked as the color drained from both their bodies. Pantherlily nodded sagely at Gajeel taking the initiative.

"Looks like we're taking the lead on this one." Gajeel said, putting a hand to his hip. "Ready? Better hope your battling stands tall, unlike yourself."

Levy lifted her chin, humming annoyingly. "Oh, don't worry about me. You just worry about keeping up, big guy."

Gajeel flashed her a smirk. "Yeah, I'll try."

"Awww, it's a couples battle." Mirajane swooned, a hand resting on her left cheek. "I just can't decide for who to root for now."

Lisanna nervously chuckled. She didn't offer any opinions on the pairings or Mirajane's matchmaking fantasizing habits.

Freed cleared his throat, getting everyone's attention. "Now then, if both parties are set. We will now conduct the rules. Remember, this shall be set as a Double Battle, so once both sides' Pokémon are unable to continue, the match is over."

Evergreen harrumphed. "That's easy enough. Now then..." She reached back for a Poke Ball, clicking the button to expand it. "Come on out, Granbull!" She stepped forward and swiped her arm in an arch, giving the Poke Ball an elegant spin.

Appearing in front of her was a large, bipedal, dog-like Pokémon with a pale purple fur coating. He had two large fangs that jutted upwards like tusks. He had a dark collar that complimented the wrist cuffs on both arms. His dark eyes peered directly at Gajeel and Levy, as if he was daring them to challenge him.

"A Granbull..." Levy reached for her PokeDex, pulling it out to analyze Evergreen's choice of a partner.

"Granbull, the Fairy Pokémon. Its well-developed lower jaw and heavy fangs are its weapons. As long as it's not provoked, it rarely bites."

She kept reading the information on her opponent. "I see, so it's a Fairy-type. In that case, we'll use these!" Levy reached back for her Poke Ball, as did Gajeel. Elfman wasn't as slow as them when he selected his choice.

"Klink, let's go!"

"Get out here, Aron!"

"Rhyhorn, show them what a man is all about!"

The three capsules went flying out, bringing out Levy's Klink that churned its gears in the air. On the ground, two heavy thuds trembled the ground when Aron and Rhyhorn stamped their feet into the dirt. Snarls were heard from them.

"I wonder how this will go?" Sophie questioned, turning to Vanessa. "What do you think?"

Vanessa put a hand to her chin. "Two Steel-types against a Fairy and Ground/Rock-type. At least type-wise, it's Gajeel and Levy who have an upper hand. But if Rhyhorn has a Ground-type move, that's another story altogether."

"Hey! You guys better not slack out there!" Natsu shouted from the sidelines.

"You'll do great, Levy!" Lucy cheered.

"GO, LEVY~!" Jet and Droy cheered from behind, though their tones were bittersweet from heartache.

The four combatants were apart from one another. Rhyhorn and Granbull looked ahead, glaring daggers at Klink and Aron. They returned them in kind. The same could be said about their partners judging from their serious looks. Once Freed recognized they were all set, he stepped back and raised his arm up to commence the signal.

"Then, if everyone is all set..." He brought his hand down in a chop. "Let the match...commence!"

Evergreen wasted no time with taking the initiative. "Watch and learn, for this is how you fight with grace!" She reached her arm out. "Granbull, we'll use Fire Fang on Klink first!"

"You got it!" Granbull careened his head back and closed his maw. He opened them to reveal flaming jawlines before rushing on all fours after the twin gears.

"Gajeel, cover us!" Levy pleaded.

"You got it. Aron, use Rock Tomb!"

"Klink, Charge!"

As Klink's body channeled electricity to a charging point, a red aura enveloped its body, increasing its Special Defense. Aron spread his tiny feet as a white outline enveloped his body. He raised his head as several gray stones with outlines appeared overhead before being shot at Granbull and Rhyhorn. Granbull's eyes widened at the incoming barrage and immediately backpedaled to avoid being struck. Meanwhile, Rhyhorn dug his front heel in as he prepared a charge.

"Let's see a bunch of rocks stop this! Rhyhorn, Horn Attack!" Elfman directed,

Rhyhorn's horn glowed and lengthened before he charged for the oncoming rocks. With his sheer force and momentum, his horn pierced clean through solid stone, leaving loose gravel in his wake as he charged absent-mindedly for Aron. No matter how many rocks fell on him, it wasn't enough to slow him down.

"Heh?" Aron's eyes widened.

"You wanna fight head-on, do ya?" Gajeel challenged. "Then use Iron Head!"

Aron's glare hardened before grunted. "Bring it on, tough guy!" His entire head turned metallic before he tucked it in and charged straight for Rhyhorn.

Both Rock0-types roared out as they barreled across the battlefield into one another. Their heads tucked in before the glowing horn and metallic head clashed with a loud klank. An airwave expelled across the battlefield, causing everyone in the front to cover up when a small gust of wind broke through their midsection.

"Gnnngh...what power!" Laki grunted.

Dirt churned between Aron and Rhyhorn as they were locked in a stalemate with one another. With their sturdy bodies, neither was giving an inch towards the other. Rhyhorn, however, seemed to have been taken back by the super-effective move's force overcoming his sheer power.

"Don't you give in, Rhyhorn!" Elfman encouraged.

"Yeah, like we're gonna let that happen." Gajeel retorted.

The two remained interlocked, glaring down the other. They were so engrossed with their own scuffle that they had completely forgotten Granbull, who ran up to Aron from the side with a sudden burst of speed.

"Keep him right there." Evergreen instructed. "Now Granbull, Bite!" Granbull crouched before leaping above Aron, his fangs glowing brightly and extending.

"Klink, do it now! Charge Beam!"

"Roger that!" Klink focused on spinning faster, its gears churning enough to where the Charge's force nearly doubled the force of the electrical orb appearing in front of it. It fired a large, bright yellow, electrical beam straight at Granbull, who was unable to react to it while in midair. Granbull let out a loud yelp when the electrical blast engulfed him in an explosion, sending him flying backwards.

Evergreen gasped. "Granbull?!"

Gajeel smirked with a small snicker. "Thanks for covering me."

"No problem."

Gajeel shot a look back at Aron, who was still holding up the stalemate amicably well. "This is getting boring." He balled his fist. "Metal Claw!"

Aron finally backed off, pulling his head back...only to reveal glowing metallic energy claws appearing from his stubby limb. Just as Rhyhorn was about to barrel on ahead, he failed to react before Aron slashed his claws into the side of his face, sending him grinding on his heels backwards next to Granbull.

It was Elfman's turn to gasp in shock. "No way!"

Aron and Klink stood in front of their partners, shooting the other a passive look of approval for the assist. A red aura engulfed their bodies, signaling a rise in Aron's Attack, as well as Klink's Special Attack.

"Wait, why are they gaining power? Was it because of their attacks?" Happy questioned.

Pantherlily crossed his arms, sagely nodding. "Evidently. Metal Claw has a small chance of increasing the user's Attack power. The same can be said about Charge Beam. Looks to me the advantage is quite clear."

Rhyhorn and Granbull staggered back up, shaking their heads to rid of the small daze they endured. They shot glares back at Aron and Klink to show they meant business.

"You're going down this time! Rhyhorn, Smack Down on Aron!"

"Granbull, Thunder Fang on Klink!"

Elfman and Evergreen's instructions were reciprocated with Rhyhorn opening his maw, manifesting a golden, brown energy condensing into an orb that launched directly at Aron. Granbull raced across the battlefield with his maw charging with static electricity this time, with electrical fangs protruding from his maw.

"Klink, Gear Grind on that Smack Down!" Levy shouted.

Klink's twin gears suddenly went into overdrive as it suddenly separated from itself. The gears raced through the air as saucers before vicing the orb aimed for Aron, causing an explosion to erupt. The smoke expanded across the terrain while Granbull charged for where Klink would be.

"Huh...? Hey, where is it?" He stopped in the middle of the smoke cloud, looking left and right.

Evergreen's eyes widened. "In front of you!"

Granbull looked ahead, but instead of it being Klink, Aron was directly below, his head already tucked in and waiting for the signal.

"Iron Head!"

He bolted straight into Granbull's gut, immediately sending a wave of pain that caused the bulldog to cringe. He momentarily lost feeling in his body as he double over across the ground, slamming on his back.

"That was strong!" Lucy quipped.

"I knew Fairy-types had a weakness to Steel-types..." Erza mumbled. "But still..." She turned towards Gajeel and Levy. "What strength."

"Hmph! Guess they're not so tough after all." Aron huffed. "That dog is on its last legs."

Granbull grunted, trying his best to stand back up. However, he found himself unable to move. His body was still in shock from Iron Head's additional flinching effect.

Levy smiled. "This is it!" she whispered. "Klefki, now! Charge Beam!" Klink complied by quickly channeling electrical energy into a condensed orb in front of it.

Evergreen's pupils shrank before she stepped closer. "Granbull, look out!"

Granbull's large ears twitched. He heard Evergreen, but his feet wouldn't respond. He looked back just as Klink fired another beam of electricity at him. The dog whipped his head forward and stood there before the attack drew closer...

BOOM!

A small-scale eruption of dirt and static engulfed the area. Everyone covered up momentarily before the dust settled. Natsu was amongst the first to show shock. "Huh?!" he exclaimed.

The explosion subsided, allowing Evergreen a brief glimpse through her glasses. What she saw left her speechless.

Granbull grunted as he covered himself, waiting for the attack to hit him. However, it never came. When he removed his maw from his face, his eyes widened when he looked ahead and saw a large, rocky lump with static diffusing around his body. The lump looked back, giving him a snort.

"Hey, why're you just standing there?" His question vexed Granbull so much that he was stunned.

"It ain't nice to gain up on a lady, especially when she's down!" Elfman declared.

"Elfman. You..." Evergreen looked at him, a faint blush forming on her cheeks. She didn't expect him to come around and save his teammate when he looked so engrossed on such a straightforward fight.

"How can I ever call myself a good partner if I let my teammate take the fall." He balled his fist as memories from Tenrou Island resurfaced. "This is my way of making things up. There's no way they're gonna land another finger on you! Not while Rhyhorn and I are still standing!"

"Hmph! Right!" The four-legged beast stomped on the ground again, causing it to shudder.

Elfman shot Evergreen a serious look. "So...let's show them how we can battle."

Evergreen was left momentarily in shock. She knew Elfman well enough to know that he would say essentially everything he did was "manly", as he would put it. And often or not, he was that someone who would pull through with his word. In this case, he wasn't going to forget and put Evergreen in danger. It was such a considerate side of him, accompanied by his broad muscles; she didn't know whether to call him an all-out fool or a man. Maybe both.

A smirk spread across her face. "Alright...but you better stay true to your word, big guy."

He rammed his fist into his palm, making an audible cracking sound. "Don't worry. Just watch me and Rhyhorn work."

Gajeel shot them a leer. "Gngh, guess they're finally getting serious on us."

"Then I guess we better show them." Levy insisted.

"Yeah, you're right about that." Gajeel balled his fist. "Aron, Metal Claw!"

"Klink, Gear Grind!"

Both Aron and Klink raced after Rhyhorn and Granbull respectively. Metallic energy claws stuck out while the twin gears churned through the air.

"Ever, quick! Tell Granbull to get on Rhyhorn's back!" Elfman told his teammate.

She shot him a raised brow. "What?"

"Just do it!"

She narrowed her eyes, but chose to comply and nodded. "Granbull, quick! Jump on Rhyhorn's back!"

Granbull nodded. "Okay!" He jumped up and onto Rhyhorn's back, holding tightly onto his rocky protrusions for traction. Once he was latched on, Rhyhorn snorted as he saw his opponents drawing ever so closer.

Elfman punched the air. "Now Rhyhorn, Bulldoze!"

Rhyhorn let out a loud roar as he sprung onto his hind legs, causing Granbull to adjust his balance so he wouldn't get knocked off. He stomped his feet on the ground, sending a seismic shockwave through the ground that spread in all directions. Both Klink and Aron were caught off guard when the shockwave reached them, causing explosions of dirt and crust to send them careening through the air back where they came from.

"What?!" Gajeel gasped.

Levy's eyes widened. "Klink!"

Both Steel-types hit the ground hard, a blue aura indicating a Speed reduction upon contact. They laid there, groaning in pain. Though unlike Klink, Aron took the brunt of it with his dual disadvantage against Ground-type attacks.

Evergreen smirked. "Oh I see now. Well in that case..." She reached forward. "Now Granbull, use Fire Fang on Klink!" Granbull jumped off of Rhyhorn's back, springing right above Klink. The twin gears looked up to see a fiery maw coming down on them, but were still recoiling from that earlier blow to didge. The jaws snapped down hard, creating a burst of flames that engulfed Klink.

As the flames receded, Klink was seen gliding backwards, wincing in severe pain. "Eep! That one really hurt..." it mumbled.

Gajeel grunted before making a counterattack. "Aron, quick! Iron Head!" Aron staggered back up, shaking his head before it turned into solid iron. He tucked it in and charged for Granbull...but he was slower than he was before.

'Our Speed is down!'

Just as Aron closed in to attack, Elfman balled a fist and stuck it out. "Stop it in its tracks! Smack Down!" Rhyhorn opened his mouth, firing yet another holden energy orb that outdid Aron's pace. With the angle that he was in, the attack struck his side rather than his ironclad face. It made a bright explosion, causing Aron to slide a few feet to the side with a pained grunt.

"Like I said, they ain't gonna land a hit on ya while I still stand!" Elfman declared.

Granbull and Rhyhorn shot each other supportive looks before glaring back at a staggered Klink and Aron.

"This is bad, they're at their limits." Levy worried. "Well then..." She held up her silver Z-Ring. "Guess we'll have no choice now. Gajeel, you remember that pose?"

"Don't worry, I do." He held up his shadowcast-gray Z-Ring. Together, he and Levy placed a similar crystal into the slots that had a deep grayish-silver tint around the steel emblem in the center.

Natsu's eyes widened. "Check it out! Looks like they're gonna do that thing!"

"A Z-Move." Erza's eyes narrowed. She and everyone around her fell silent as the tension in the atmosphere changed.

"Oui! I better capture this while it still lasts!" Reedus cheerfully exclaimed as he commenced painting on a canvas from a safe distance. "Now, hold that pose..."

"GO LEVY! GO GAJEEL!" Jet and Droy voluminously shouted.

"Gajeel, follow my lead." Levy instructed. She took a quick inhale, before exhaling. Her brown eyes shined with the light of her Z-Ring as he crossed her arms over. "Now!"

"Right!" Gajeel crossed his arms, mimicking her motions down to a tee. Both Klink and Aron stood before their respective trainers as the hue in the atmosphere blackened. The light of their Z-Rings shined brightly as the pair uncrossed their arms and held out their two fists. A metallic aura enveloped their bodies that arched through the air into Klink and Aron.

Evergreen bit her lip, knowing full well what was going to happen. "They're using a Z-Move combination..." She turned towards Elfman. "Elfman, we need to do the same!" She held up a red Z-Crystal, signaling the Firium-Z. "We'll need Z-Moves that are strong against Steel-types. I hope you stuffed that head of yours with those poses!"

Elfman sneered. "Don't worry about us! Rhyhorn and I got this!" He held up his Z-Ring, which was a deep silver shade. In its center was a Groundium-Z, similar to what Hapu had. "We'll knock'em out before they reach us! Rhyhorn!"

"...right!" The quadruped beast blinked. He briefly forgot what was going on, but seeing Aron and Klink engross themselves in a metallic aura made him restless. Both he and Granbull braced themselves for what was about to happen.

'Elfman and Evergreen are using a Z-Move at the same time, too?' Freed thought to himself. For a moment, he worried if he would have to make an Enchantment to barricade everyone, but remembered that the drones and Eliza needed to see and experience as much Z-Moves as applicable within this seminar.

Gajeel let out a battle cry as he pulled his fists in, as did Levy. Together, they glared iron daggers at Elfman and Evergreen.

"CORKSCREW CRASH!"

Aron and Klink's auras fully enveloped their bodies, making them momentarily nimble enough to shoot up and twists their bodies into two metallic drills. The double drills had searing lines going through both of them as they targeted for both Rhyhorn and Granbull. They darted through the air like two bullets with tight air pressure streaming behind them.

Elfman crossed his arms, activating his Z-Ring. He let out a roaring cry that echoed throughout the area as a brown-orange glow erupted from his body. He spread his legs and placed his right hand on the ground, with the other in the air. The sturdy pose exposed energy waves that transmitted into Rhyhorn as he was engrossed in Z-Power. Rhyhorn craned his neck up and roared with might.

"Let's see just how those Steel-type Z-Moves match up against a Ground-type Z-Move!" Elfman raised his hand up from the ground, instead stomping where he once stood. "Now...TECTONIC RAGE!"

"Here we go~!" Natsu eagerly squealed.

Rhyhorn's eyes sharpened before he slammed his front foot into the ground, creating a dense fissure to crack and tear up the battlefield. A magnitude went beneath everyone as they all had trouble standing up by themselves. Poor Reedus was so off balance that his canvas fell off its stand, with him soon joining it. The seismic waves tore enough earth straight into the oncoming corkscrews, causing large masses of earth to come up and blockade them.

"Don't give up! Push, damnit!" Gajeel exclaimed.

Aron and Klink grunted as their drills paths gradually drew closer, until they spun in unison to become a singular, gargantuan drill that spun with twice as much speed and momentum. The land masses jutting them from below were bored clean through in a straight line beaming right for Rhyhorn and Granbull...

Or that was supposed to be the case had it been for Rhyhorn being absent.

"What?! Where'd it go?!" Gajeel gasped.

Levy's eyes widened as a rupture from below grabbed her attention. "Gajeel, it's right below us!"

Gajeel's iron heart skipped a beat. His eyes gradually widened before he snapped back upfront. Aron and Klink's unison spiral continued drilling through the air, unaware of an orange-brown glint from below barreling through the fissure for an uprooted attack from below. Rhyhorn's Z-Power flared as soon as he reached the surface, making an explosive impact into the drill's underside. The two drills immediately lost their momentum from the speedier ram from down under. The earth picked up dust and earth that spread across the battlefield. Whereas above, Aron and Klink's drills stopped spinning to reveal them limply in the atmosphere.

"Aron!" Gajeel shouted.

"Klink!" Levy gasped.

Elfman turned towards Evergreen. "Now it's your turn! Finish them off!"

A sneer escaped Evergreen's throat as she prodded her glasses with another finger. "Very well then. This should finish things." She crossed her arms as the Firium-Z flashed brightly. A heated insignia for the fire emblem appeared briefly in front of her before she struck another pose. She spread her legs and made hand motions like she was trying to be a roaring flame. Once her hands reached above her head, she extended her right arm out while keeping it form with her left. As if by a subconscious reflex, Granbull mimicked the motion with her until the fiery aura from her palms extended into his body, causing an orange outline to imprint around his body.

"Granbull!"

"Yes!" Granbull brought his heel back to keep himself steady. Heat from the surrounding atmosphere spiraled to a singular point directly in front of him. It gradually fluxed until a sparkling, large fireball hung over his head. It looks a miniature sun that that burning to the eyes.

"INFERNO OVERDRIVE!"

Granbull let out a loud howl as he jumped into the air, pulling back his fist before giving the fireball a punch. The momentum carried the huge flare through air, leaving scorched earth beneath its wake. The ground visibly caved in with dense burn marks as it closed in on Aron and Klink. Both Steel-types didn't have it in them to react before they vanished within the burning might of the flames. The fireball briefly contracted...and then vanished.

BOOOOOM!

A series of explosions set off around a dome-like flare that reduced the ground to ashes. The heat it gave off carried across the guild's residence, causing instant sweat to pour on their faces. Everyone was either covering themselves, using others as shields, or were so shocked and slackjawed that they were completely overwhelmed. The inferno roared with a magnitude for a minute until it finally settled down.

Gajeel, who was shielding Levy through the eruption, looked back and watched the smoke clear out. He parted with Levy as the two saw two figures lying on the ground ahead of them.

Jet coughed. "What...happened...?"

"Look!" Droy pointed out.

Everyone managed to get their second wind and see the smoke and dust simmer. There, lying in the middle of a charred pit of earth, Aron and Klink were sprawled with spirals replacing their eyes.

Freed raised his right arm for Elfman and Evergreen's corner. "Both Aron and Klink are unable to battle, which means that the victors are Elfman and Evergreen!"

"Alright, we actually pulled it off! Yeah!" Elfman cheered, pulling Evergreen into an embrace. "Heck yes we pulled it off!"

"We sure did!" Evergreen chuckled back. She was so lost in their victory that she had completely forgotten about the fact that she was being embraced by Elfman. Her face gradually grew pink as she bit her bottom lip to fight the reflex to punch him. "Er-hem! Whenever you're finished..."

"Huh?" Elfman's eyes blinked before he realized his mistake. "Oh, sorry!"

"It's no trouble...I suppose I'll allow it just this once." She hummed.

"Yeah! I won! I won!" Rhyhorn raised his horn high with pride. "I w...wait, what did I win again?"

Levy walked over to Klink and sank to her knees, visibly tired and crestfallen by their loss. "Oh man..." she sighed despondently. "And here I was thinking we had the type advantage. Guess I still have a lot more experience I need to gain, huh?"

Gajeel walked over, putting a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Don't worry about it." He was a little disappointed, but he did his best to put off a genuine smile for her. "You showed some guts out there. Thanks...for being by my side."

Levy gave him a soft smile in return, before pulling out a Revive for Klink. "You metal-brained jerk. Save that for Aron when he comes to, would ya?"

"Awww, no way...Levy...really lost...?" Droy mumbled in despair. Both he and Jet had their Levy cheering fans and equipment scattered around them as the last attack blew them out of their hands. "What has Team Shadow Gear turn to?"

"We...we've gotta bounce back...somehow." Jet muttered.

Rhyhorn walked up to Elfman, who parted with Evergreen to give a thumbs up. "You were a real man out there, Rhyhorn! Nice work!"

"So that was the Z-Moves for Fire-types we just saw?" Natsu questioned aloud, his voice having a clear sign of disappointment. "That looked just like my Fire Dragon's Brilliant Flame. Thought it was gonna be something flashier than just some huge exploding fireball."

"Guess you shouldn't expect much when you already have the moves yourself. Sorry, pal." Happy replied, patting Natsu's back. "But it had a lot more explosions around it at least."

"Yeah...but I can do that! Heck, I can probably make a bigger one if I tried."

"Now hold on just a minute." Natsu and Happy turned to their sides, seeing Gray with crossed arms. "Don't forget, a Z-Moves power is judged based off the attack it comes from, and I'm pretty sure the overall strength of the Pokémon itself has a factor there somewhere, too."

Natsu cocked a brow. "Since when did you become such an expert?"

Shiin remained silent as everyone was discussing about the battle. Unbeknownst to everyone, he had taken pictures of the Z-Moves, with a separate panel for Aron, Klink, Rhyhorn, and lastly Granbull. 'Those attacks were all incredibly powerful for certain. But...it's still not as strong as the Z-Move that Erza Pularis had used prior.'

He looked at something he kept in hand. It was a laminated sheet, but was perforated to allow it to be folded into a brochure. The details were everything related to Z-Moves and the overall aspects of each individual one's power and meaning.

'The Cambire Foundation did extensive research for certain. I need to hold onto this to examine later on.' He shot a wary look left and right, making sure no one was watching him. Once he saw he was clear, he folded the brochure and slid it into his robe.

Eliza stepped up, clearing her throat. "Thank you very much for that display. Now then, whoever is next, please step up and present your Pokémon."

"Alright, it's finally time! I've been waiting for this moment!" Romeo held out a clutched fist with a bright smile. "I'm ready!"

"You sure about this, Romeo?" Macao asked, genuinely surprised by his son's boldness.

Romeo looked back, grinning with confidence. "Sure am! No more sitting on the sidelines." He tightened his fist. "Just sit back and watch how I fight my battles, Dad."

Macao sighed. "Alright. Just be careful."

"I will!" He turned towards Wendy. "Hey Wendy, wanna join me on this one?"

Wendy turned to him with an inviting smile. "Yeah, no trouble." She pumped her fists. "Let's give it our best out there!"

Romeo shot her a thumbs up. "You bet!"

"So, Romeo and Wendy, is it?" Gray said aloud before giving his attention to Juvia. "Hey, Juvia. You wanna-"

"Say no more, darling! With our love helping us, we cannot lose this battle!" Juvia boldly declared. As if by magic alone, she was already out of her coat, having her girdle while Gray was subconsciously shirtless.

"Wait, what happened to your clothes?!" Lisanna pointed out.

Watching from the sidelines, The Freaks were watching all of it. Joey was too busy stuffing himself with popcorn that he occasionally shared with Larvesta, allowing Duncan to turn towards Dereece. "I'm going out for a while." He turned and started walking.

"Hold on." Dereece turned back. "Where? We're in the middle of a seminar. You can't just leave."

Duncan scoffed. "Tell that to Nic when you try to stop him." He turned towards Joey. "I'll be back before the seminar ends. That okay with you?"

"Hm?" Joey glanced over his shoulder, his cheeks stuffed with popcorn, with his lips stained with salted butter. "Oh, yeah, shure. Husht hon't go hoo har urn case an emerhenshy hahhens."

Duncan tipped his cap as acknowledgment. He would have given Joey a verbal answer, but it wouldn't have been the answer that would have sufficed with his Captain. What he needed to do was something that required personal space and privacy. He looked around, noticing how everyone was focusing on the next battle approaching. He noticed Vanessa and started towards her.

"That was a good battle. I thought my hair was going to get charred from that last attack." Sophie mused, brushing her silky locks.

Vanessa nodded. "It sure was." She felt her aura act up from an oncoming signature. As if an all-active radar, she picked up on a familiar aura and looked over her shoulder.

Just past Reedus and Smeargle as they scrambled to pick up their mess, Duncan was walking off somewhere. He suddenly stopped and glanced over his shoulder to shoot an intentional glare on her. There was no need to guess who it was that he was looking at. He motioned his eyes in the direction he was heading for before tipping his cap to walk away. Vanessa knew something was skeptical about him. And, as much as she'd prefer to not pry, she wasn't one to shy away from a challenge intended on her.

She turned to Sophie. "I'm stepping away for a moment. I need to use the restroom. Let me know what happens while I'm gone."

"Hm? Alright...?" Sophie watched as Vanessa turned and walked away. The blonde chose to focus on the battle as she asked, allowing Vanessa cover to step away and follow Duncan's lead into a path through the city's outer trails.

Freed stepped up to clear his throat. "Now then. If both sides are set...bring out your Pokémon!"

"Let's go, Litwick!" Romeo didn't waste a motion before throwing out a Poke Ball. The capsule popped open, revealing his Litwick as she stood in the middle of the battlefield.

"Oh boy, it's my turn now!" she eagerly chirped.

"Swablu, let's go!" Wendy threw her Poke Ball next, summoning out Swablu as she spread her cotton wings in midair. She let out a merry chirp as she fluttered to a stop just above the ground.

"Litwick and Swablu, huh? Guess that settles it." Gray said, glancing at Juvia. "Ready?"

She nodded. "Yes."

At the same time, both threw a Poke Ball into battle.

"Bergmite, let's go!"

"Vaporeon, come to my side!"

The two capsules popped open, revealing Bergmite and Vaporeon. The two stood readily against their opponents.

"I am. Ready." Bergmite said frigidly.

Vaporeon shook herself, causing her fins to flop. "Alright, time to stretch my tailfin and help where I can!" She got into a pouncing position. "Ready, Juvia!"

"Yes. As is I." Bergmite declared.

"I'm counting on ya to keep Litwick off of us in case it has a Fire-type move or two on hand." Gray instructed Juvia.

"Don't worry, Vaporeon and I have you covered."

Freed looked left and right, seeing the two sides ready to commence on command. He raised his arm up to prepare the signal. "Then if everybody is ready, let the next battle...commence!"

Romeo balled his fist as his core tightened. "First move's for the win! Now Litwick, use Flame Burst!"

"You got it, Romeo!" She lifted her tiny hands up as her flame suddenly plumed. It created a medium-sized fireball that circulated in place before being launched into Bergmite's direction.

"Vaporeon, get in front of Bergmite!" Juvia directed. Vaporeon hastily leaped in front of Bergmite, staring down the oncoming fireball. "Now, Water Pulse!"

Vaporeon's fins stiffened as she condensed the surrounding vapor into a bright blue sphere of water. She fired it straight into the Flame Burst, creating an explosion of steam and mist within a small radius. However, as one would expect, the Water Pulse kept going, tearing a hole through the mist heading straight for Litwick.

"Swablu, get ready!" Wendy urged.

"Not yet, Wendy! We got this!" Romeo insisted, keeping his partner back.

"Huh? Wait-!"

"Litwick, Minimize!"

The Water Pulse closed in on Litwick as she stood still. Her body glowed bright pink with energy waves. Much to the shock of everyone in the crowd, they witnessed her gradually shrinking as a bright read aura indicated a sharp evasion increase. The Water Pulse kept going, barely going right over Litwick's flame and struck the ground behind her, creating an explosion of mist and water.

"It missed...?" Vaporeon gasped.

"How'd it do that?" Happy questioned.

Wendy shot Romeo a confused look while he snickered. "Don't think that we'll be making this easy for you guys. We've been training just as hard as anybody here. And thanks to Minimize, that ups our evasion big time."

"So it's just like Staraptor's Double Team?" Sophie put a hand to her chin at the thought. "Interesting..."

"Alright Wendy, it's your turn!" Romeo encouraged.

The Sky Dragon Slayer rebounded from her shock to give a nod. "Yeah! Swablu, use Sing on Vaporeon!"

Swablu drifted closer to Vaporeon as she opened her beak to clear her throat. Almost immediately, a harmonic, soothing lullaby filled the air, with notes of different colors engulfing the air around her. Vaporeon backpedaled, but her rear felt cold to the touch of Bergmite. Her body jutted forward in shock, looking back at her partner.

"So sorry...!" She was too late to finish when the melody reached her sensitive hearing. Her ears stiffened...before gradually dropping. Her eyes grew heavier by the second, until finally she slumped forward onto the ground.

"Vaporeon, no!" Juvia gasped.

"Sorry about that, Juvia." Wendy apologetically clasped her hands together.

"Now that Vaporeon is asleep, that means Gray's exposed to Litwick's Fire-type moves." Lucy watched the battle with a studious eye. "Let's just hope Gray's got something to hold himself against them.

Gray reached out his arm. "Don't worry, Bergmite and I will hold them off until Vaporeon gets back up." He swiped in an arch. "Now, Icy Wind!"

"Got it!" In his frigid, robotic tone, Bergmite's nonexistent mouth glowed bright blue. He leaned forward, expelling a frigid wind with icy blue sparkles. The attack gradually engulfed the area, swallowing both Swablu and Litwick. They both grunted in the slight pain inflicted – Swablu more so than Litwick – with a blue aura engulfing them both to show a Speed reduction.

"Hang in there, Swablu!" Wendy encouraged.

"Looks like he's not going down without a fight. That's fine by us!" Romeo exclaimed.

Gray shot them both a look. "Bring it on."

Bergmite spread his legs, eyeing his two adversaries.

"Cooooo!" Junior raised his hands up, looking enthusiastic with everything going on around him. If it weren't for the safety of Staraptor's plumage, he would have been bouncing around in a fanatic glee.

"Yes, it's exciting, isn't it?" Staraptor mused the cooing child, before her thoughts ran elsewhere. 'I wonder if Nic is alright...'


Within the upper halls of the Cambire Foundation, much of the employees were tending to themselves. Those passing Arthur gave their ceremonial welcoming and congratulations after the wrap-up of the announcement. Suffice to say that the foundation was in high spirits this time around.

"Forgive me for saying this after the ceremonial appraisal, sir, but I think that went better than what any of us would have expected." Marie said as she strode through the hallway, pushing Arthur's wheelchair towards his office.

Arthur snickered. "You really think so? That's such a tall order coming from you of all people, Marie...still, I appreciate it." He exhaled a deep sigh. "After many months of these meetings and reasonings with Fiore's Magic Council, we were finally able to reach a suitable compromise."

"With all do respect, sir, many of them were rather reluctant throughout the entire process."

Arthur raised a brow. "If you're talking about Alfredo, that would be an understatement. That man will find any excuse to dismiss anything that I had to say. Fortunately for us, the majority of the councilmen was rather open-minded to the subject."

"Yes. You can most certainly put it that way, sir." Marie looked ahead, seeing the office door drawing closer within reach. "Now that the post-announcement briefing has concluded, we have to prepare for the 5 o'clock meeting with the newly established Grand Magic Games committee to discuss further briefings and events."

"I understand...I don't suppose that it wouldn't kill you if I happened to take a wine break first?"

Marie gave Arthur a studious look. She made it clear that he wasn't supposed to drink before the big announcement, so much so that she could have sworn she scolded him in her sleep for it. But since the event had finally passed, she knew better than to fully deprive him of something he rightfully earned. "...very well, sir. We should have enough time in your schedule to allow you at least one glass before the next meeting."

"That brings me joy to hear. Now, let's..." As soon as the door to his office was open for him, he and Marie went inside...only to freeze up at a very disturbing visage glaring from the other end of the room.

Leaning against Arthur's desk, Nic had both arms crossed with his blue eyes piercing into Arthur's soul. From his bodily posture alone, the middle-aged man knew he was unsound by something. No, that can't justify what he sensed. He was pissed.

"Mr. Pularis?! What are you doing here?!" Marie yelped, her eyes shrinking.

Rather than answer her inquiry, Nic focused his gaze on Arthur. The latter's expression gradually changed from surprise to a small mourn. Arthur humbly sighed off the uneasiness. "I was afraid of this." He mulled. "It would only be a matter of time..."

Nic didn't say anything. His scowl alone told them he didn't come on one of his particular mellow runs.

Marie shuffled away, but didn't get far when Arthur reached out and grabbed her wrist. "No, Marie...it's alright. He has a right to be here. And besides, he'd restrain you before you could call for security...and I'd rather avoid an unnecessary scuffles, if at all possible."

"Yes...sir." Marie stepped back behind Arthur's wheelchair, eyeing Nic with an unnerved expression.

Arthur turned back towards Nic, giving him his best neutral grin possible. "So then, judging from the looks of things, you saw the announcement as well, didn't you?"

Nic sighed out his nostrils. "So tell me, was that exhibition battle your idea?"

"Straight to the point I see..." He closed his eyes as his chin fell. "I apologize. I knew I should have consulted you in advance for your input on the matter."

Nic stood up and placed his right hand into his pocket. "I'm not looking for an apology or some excuse. I didn't come so you could kiss my shoes begging for mercy or anything like that. I came for an explanation, plain and simple."

"Right...then allow me some time to give you what you ask. All I ask in return is for you to reserve your judgment until I'm finished."

Nic stayed silent, but didn't dare to take his eyes off of Arthur...or Marie for that matter. Truthfully, explanations and lectures are not something he had that much patience for. Should he have lost his cool, he could always transform into his Mind Form and read Arthur's mind instead of consulting him. It would save a lot of time and effort...

At least, that's what he would have done in the past. As much as he hated it, he had to bear patience with his allies. Arthur was one of the most trusted allies he has, and knew he already asked so much from him and his guild. An explanation is the very least he could give him in return for all he's been through.

"Just make it brief."

Arthur sighed before he started. "I'll try to do so. I believe that you have been in this world long enough to know about these Grand Magic Games, right? It is supposedly one of Fiore's most highlighted events of the year. Due to The Crossing and...instances that followed, you can understand why it was postponed up until now. To be honest, before we were able to reach a compromise, the former committee was prepared to completely null the games this year. And from what I heard about last year's games, it was rather...lackluster in terms of themes."

Nic knew what he was talking about. He heard all about the event from Lucy sometime after he, Erza, and Vanessa had just returned from their little getaway to Kalos. He sure as hell was glad he wasn't there to see Natsu make such a huge mess and melt everything.

"That brings us to our side of the story. If you're familiar with the traditional Pokémon League that each individual region has, you know that each one structures in a different manner, but at the heart of it all, is still functional and easy to organize. I'll omit the process, but the point being made here is that all those leagues have something in common that the Grand Magic Games do not. Can you guess what that is?"

Nic raised a skeptic brow. He was starting to get the idea, but otherwise chose to dismiss the question.

"A Champion. A moniker of sorts. Something to help promote or idolize the region and the league for many to reach for. As far as we know – or rather as far as anyone is concerned about – you are a trainer that is above leaps and bounds above anybody else in this crossed universe."

Nic shifted his weigh to his hip. "But I hate the spotlight...and people. If you know that much about me, then you should know why I dismiss that title."

"I understand. You say otherwise, but the instances with Lysandre and the Dark Legendaries, as well as Acnologia, isn't something that not just anybody can forget. Those instances left a profound impact on your image as both a Pokémon Trainer and as a mage, Nic. We've done some more investigating and shared information with the Magic Council to know that it was you and your Greninja who defeated the strongest Wizard Saint, God Serena. In a certain degree, that itself is essentially stamping out a Champion. Like it or not, no matter which world you hide out in, people will be looking your way. It's one of the faults to having such a reputation I'm afraid."

Nic gave Arthur a serious look. "Just get to the point."

"Right." Arthur cleared his throat. "Well, when the committee seriously considered everything that I explained about a Pokémon League's standard structure, they realized that they had no official Champion. Some of the Magic Council members stipulated at the prospect of having their statuses as Wizard Saints as a means to bring forth a large sum of trainers, but there were...complications that we promptly pointed out." He held up an index finger. "The first problem is that the Wizard Saints themselves are scattered. They don't have anyone who holds the first ranking...not since God Serena had abandoned Ishgar, and later deceased." He held up a second finger. "The second, is the subject of trainers. In a trainer's standpoint, they know little to nothing about Wizard Saints, let alone get an appeal for them. We needed a figure that they could relate to. Someone both them and mages alike could compete for."

"So you're basically labeling me as a pseudo-Champion just to draw in trainers?"

"Well...I'd be lying if I said that wasn't the incentive we were hoping to achieve." Arthur folded his fingers. "I'm sure that you're aware of this...but outside of mage guilds, humans from our world have a hard time coping to a whole new environment. One that is profoundly more dangerous and life-threatening may I remind you. There have been enough drawn into the Cambire Foundation for shelter. And others...well...supposedly you know what happened to some of the less experienced trainers."

A short silence fell amongst the two. Nic didn't need an explanation to know where Arthur was going with this. Pokémon Trainers and undefended women and children alike, with finite resources with no way of defending themselves out in the open, doesn't leave a lot for the imagination to fall to a dark place.

"To avoid another misfortune, we need a method in which we can provide them a safe way home. You're the only one who can open that gateway back to PokeEarth to their families and loved ones. And as I said before, the Council is still skeptical of our ways and Pokémon alike. Not only would these Grand Magic Games encourage trainers to find work in guilds so they could compete for the chance to battle the strongest, but enable them a way home, should they choose to ask you as well. So in short, everyone would benefit from this event."

Now it clicked. That's why Arthur had Nic hung at the top of the charts. Not only to make for a healthier competition for Pokémon Trainers, but also to attract other humans – and potentially Pokémon – that yearn for a way back home. At least that's what Nic got out of everything that Arthur shot at him.

To a certain degree, Nic could get behind what Arthur was aiming for. He wasn't going to say that it wasn't a bad idea. In fact, in the long run, it could actually prosper some healthy fruit in the future. Having humans who actually wanted to be returned home and others who would like to stay would help devolve any long-term problems that could escalate out of desperation. Still, that didn't mean that it was okay for Arthur to come to this conclusion without telling him first.

It was no secret that Nic hated people. That's why he rather has Erza take the forefront of conversations with them. And given his history with authority and fighting, it wasn't like he was going to roll out the welcome mat every time a random person would show up at his front doorstep demanding to be sent home. He'd much rather have his space.

Even though being in public was going to be a pain in his ass, he'd rather hold to this compromise.

He rubbed the back of his head, letting out another deep sigh. "...you know, I'm pretty sure I said to keep it brief."

"I know. I'm sorry. I take full responsibility for not consulting you on this matter. You have every right to feel upset. But at the very least, can you consider the well-being of Pokémon and trainers alike, if not for my request?"

"You only need me for the exhibition battle, and to send back trainers who don't want to be here anymore. Is that right?"

He nodded. "That is all I ask. Nothing more, nothing less."

Nic paused to take another deep sigh through his nose and out his mouth. "...alright. I'll play along. If it'll keep the Council from getting up on your ass as well as mine." He paused. 'And besides...'

"If I come across struggling trainers or Pokémon who are homesick, I'll do what I can."

He thought about what he said to Shiin prior to their first meeting with each other. He meant what he said that he would help any trainers who didn't deserve to suffer like he did. '...I have to make a point across. I'm not omniscient...but I'm still human. I can tell if they really mean they want my help.'

"I am in your debt, Mr. Pularis. You have my thanks, along with the rest of the Cambire Foundation's gratitude for your help in the matter."

Nic turned away flicking his wrist. "Don't mention it. But seriously, you really need to cut back on the favors. You tend to ask for a lot out of me and my guild, you know that?"

"I know. Again, I cannot repay you enough for everything you do. You'll be compensated very handsomely however you'd like. Just name it."

A dry smirk could be seen forming on the corner of his lips. "Some space would be nice. Otherwise, I'll keep it as an I.O.U." He glowed and turned into his Mind Form. "See ya around."

"Hold on, just one minute."

Nic glanced back at him, confused. "What is it now?"

Arthur flashed Nic a grin. "I don't suppose...that you have a little time on your hands to drink?"

Nic blinked and snorted. "Sorry, I can't drink...doesn't sit well in my stomach." He suddenly vanished with Teleport, leaving Arthur and Marie to finally relax.

"Well, that most certainly left an impression. Marie, did someone turn on the air conditioning?"

Marie cleared her throat as she adjusted her glasses. "With all do respect, sir, no. I'm afraid that's just the tension at work."

"I see...it's been so long since I've felt anxious. I never would have guessed that would have been the power of Mr. Pularis' stare alone. He's certainly someone who you wouldn't want getting angry with you. I see that now."

"With all do respect, sir, perhaps it's best that we should refrain from anymore surprises."

"Yes, I'm afraid so, Marie. I was in the wrong after all..." Despite how he felt, a smile crept onto his face. "But you know...Nic seems to have matured."

"How so?" Marie raised a brow.

"In an authoritative situation, he'd normally dismiss anything what I would say and insist that I get right to the point. But that time...he was willing to hear the whole thing through. It seems we're making progress with our most reliable ally and his patience."

"I suppose that's one way of looking at it." Marie gripped the wheelchair handles and pushed Arthur towards his desk. "Shall I get the wine glass, sir?"

"No need. I need something that will take the edge still lingering in the office. Could I trouble you with a bottle instead of a glass?"

Marie sighed. "Very well, sir." She walked away to get Arthur his alcoholic beverage. After that little "talk", she knew better than to argue against that.


Swablu ascended into the air, her wings spreading to maintain a steady elevation over Bergmite and Vaporeon. "Now Swablu, Disarming Voice!" Wendy commanded.

Swablu opened her beak, expelling a loud hum with rippling pink hearts that expanded into Bergmite and the sleeping Vaporeon. Both Pokémon took the wake of the loud cry, but Bergmite seemed to have taken it a little worse.

"Alright, now it's our turn!" Romeo shouted, swiping his arm across. "Litwick, use Flame Burst on Bergmite!" Litwick obeyed, eagerly generating another large fireball from her candle wick. She shot it at Bergmite, though compared to the rate it traveled before, it was notably slower.

Gray's glare sharpened. "Not on our watch."

Even though the Disarming Voice was staggering him, Bergmite could tell what Gray said. His eyes opened to see the fireball blazing his way. Much to the shock of everybody, he jumped and flipped over the fireball that continued on until it erupted into flames. He landed on his feet and shuffled his way towards Litwick.

"What the-?!" Romeo looked genuinely surprised at his attack missing what was supposed to be an easy target.

"Bite!" Gray commanded.

"Yup. I'll bite you." Bergmite charged for Litwick, his nonexistent mouth glowed and extended protrusions like fangs. He pounced onto Litwick, but he ended up going over and slid to a stop behind her. He turned around, blinking in shock.

"That Minimize, I forgot." Gray grunted.

With her position, Swablu was in a good position to strike. She chirped loudly, getting Bergmite's attention.

"Use Take Down!"

A bright forcefield appeared around Swablu as she glided down towards Bergmite. She screeched out as she made a collision course with his forehead, creating a small burst of dust upon impact. Bergmite grinded his heels against the dirty battlefield until he stopped several feet away. Swablu drifted upwards from the dust, though red static engulfed her body with a notable wince.

"Keep the pressure on, Wendy!" Carla encouraged.

"When a Pokémon uses Take Down, they take a little damage as a result. And that Icy Wind made certain that she would sustain damage." Dereece analyzed. "Still, Gray's not looking so good as long as Vaporeon is fast asleep."

Bergmite looked back and forth between Litwick and Swablu. He was cornered between the two Pokémon that readied themselves against him.

Romeo took the initiative. "Let's try this then! Use Smog!" Litwick lowered her head once more, her wick expelling a dark purple, hazardous gas that gradually engulfed the area around Bergmite. As soon as the attack made impact with his body, the stalagmite cringed as the toxic fumes staining his icy frame.

The fumigation continued swirling around their opponent, allowing Romeo to shoot Wendy a look. "Alright, we got him pinned down! Go for it!"

"Right, here goes!" Wendy closed her eyes, relaxing herself as she held up her sky-blue Z-Ring. Inside was a white Z-Crystal that immediately caught Dereece and Joey's eye.

"Captain, isn't that...?!"

"That Z-Crystal from the island...!" Joey remembered their time on the island, remembering the many battles in which they all used that particular crystal for a powerful attack. It was thanks to that they were able to defeat that Seaking, Steelix, and the Parasia Queen.

"Alright Swablu...get ready!" Wendy crossed her arms, causing the Z-Ring to shine brightly. The hue in the atmosphere gradually darkened as the Dragon Slayer found herself enveloped in the light itself. A bright light wave transmitted from her to Swablu as the two struck the pose that – coincidentally enough – was very similar to what Joey related to. A searing energy erupted around Swablu as she hummed loudly, like she was charging.

Juvia gasped in horror. She needed to do something, and fast. "Vaporeon! Please, wake up!" However, much to her dismay, Vaporeon kept snoozing away. "No good...this is bad."

Gray took the initiative. "Quick, Bergmite! Curse!" Bergmite understood and braced himself within the fumigation cloud. A blue aura enveloped his body, but a red aura steadily shined around is frame. He remained stationary as he prepared for what was about to come crashing down upon him.

Swablu hummed louder as Wendy finally reached out for the signal.

"This is it! Now...BREAKNECK BLITZ!"

The golden-white energy streamed all over Swablu's body as she soared down like a meteor into Bergmite. Airwaves expelled from her descent onto him that distorted air. Bergmite braced himself before everything gradually faded to white. Several blinks happened in a split second before an explosion of earth and dust bloomed from the ground. Everyone in the front row shielded themselves as dust scattered towards their feet again from the sheer wake of the attack.

As dust bloomed across the battlefield, Swablu drifted out of the dust cloud, letting out a weakened chirp. Aside from her cotton wings being a little dirty, she didn't seem to mind as she was still getting over the initial shock of that attack she unleashed. "Phew...what a rush!"

Romeo grunted as he maintained his footing. When the dust started settling, he looked ahead to see what happened. "Did that do it?"

Wendy narrowed her eyes in suspicion.

Everyone watched the dust finally fade, revealing Bergmite's eyes closed...but not as spirals. To the shock and slight horrors of both Wendy and Romeo, Bergmite stayed put, but his icy body was covered in dirt. He grunted in pain that the attack undoubtedly inflicted.

"No way! You mean it survived?!" Romeo exasperated.

"Oh no..." Wendy mulled.

"Wait, how did Bergmite survive that attack?! It should have beaten him or something!" Natsu shouted in confusion.

"It was Curse." The majority of the guild that heard it turned towards Erza as she studiously overlooked the battle. "It's a move that increases a Pokémon's Attack and Defense, but at the cost of their Speed. And from the looks of it, it was just enough to keep Bergmite in the game."

"No way..." Lucy gasped, completely stunned by this turnaround.

With everyone engrossed on the revelation, not many were aware that Vaporeon's ears twitched. Her eyes gradually opened as a sift moan escaped from her mouth. "Mmmm...what happened...?"

"Vaporeon, you're awake! Thank goodness!" Juvia smiled.

Vaporeon blinked in confusion. She looked up and realized the battle was still going on, and it looked like Bergmite was in trouble! "Don't worry! We'll help you out!" She looked back at Juvia. "Juvia, let's go!"

"Right! We'll take out Litwick first!"

"Then we'll settle for Swablu." Gray added.

Bergmite and Vaporeon focused on their respective targets, while their partners inserted Z-Crystals that were an icy blue and ocean blue coloring to match. Their Z-Rings shined for a brief moment to get the attention of both Romeo and Wendy.

"Oh no! They're using-!"

Before Romeo could finish his sentence, Gray and Juvia's Z-Rings flashed emblems of ice and water. Gray took a pose with his arms crossing, similar to how he would have attempted Ice Shell. However, instead of doing the actual spell, he kept crossing his arms up to where they would reach a peak. Then then spread them out and pointed his fingers ahead. Juvia moves her arms in wave-like motions from one end to another, holding the pose with an arm above her head. Icy blue and deep blue aura streams shot out from their bodies into their Pokémon, causing water and snowflakes to materialize in their vision.

Gray and Juvia reached for each other, their hands clasping as their two auras mixed together. Ice and water spiraled around them in a frantic vortex as they cried out.

"SUBZERO SLAMMER!"

"HYDRO VORTEX!"

Bergmite and Vaporeon's auras exploded from their own bodies, causing the vapor around them to either solidify into frost, or turn into water. The ground beneath Bergmite was gradually consumed in ice that built up into a hill, which suddenly erupted into a large ice mountain. Everyone's eyes nearly bulged out of their sockets when they saw the height and sheer size of the ice. At the highest point, elevating way above a bewildered Swablu, Bergmite's icy horn glowed bright blue and channeled subzero energy into a singular orb. He lowered his horn, firing a very large, condensed, icy energy beam that froze the air upon touch. The attack blitzed into the ground, immediately freezing it over upon its wake towards Swablu.

Vaporeon exploded into a massive aquatic mass that spiraled in place. The large mass of water hovered about until Vaporeon started gliding through its currents in a counterclockwise motion. She swam just like a mermaid bulleting into a tornado of water that gradually expanded towards Litwick.

"Swablu, get out of there!" Wendy encouraged.

Swablu made a desperate attempt to dodge the subzero icy attack. However, the air became much too cold for her to fly too far away. The icy beam's speed in which it traveled was also exceeding her own limits. With horror in her eyes, she was helpless when the beam made a direct hit, freezing her in place. Moments later, giant ice spikes erupted from her body that shattered the next instant. Litwick, on the other hand, was completely baffled and unable toe scape the torrent that swept her up. She spiraled around as the crashing tides viscously whirled her to melted pieces.

The next moment, everything settled as rain and ice sparkles rained down on the battlefield. The ice on the battlefield shattered to bits to look like nothing happened. The towering ice mountain that Bergmite had on retreated back to the ground, quickly melting away. He and Vaporeon stood still and watched the mist from their attacks fade, revealing both Swablu and Litwick on their backs with spirals in their eyes.

"Owie..." Litwick groggily moaned.

Seeing their state, Freed raised his left arm for Gray and Juvia's side. "Both Litwick and Swablu are unable to battle, which means that the victors of this battle are Gray and Juvia!"

Juvia blinked, before a bright smile crossed her face. "We did it, Gray! We really did it!" She cheerfully shouted, leaning in to hug his bare arm.

Despite the obvious affection, Gray offered a smile. "Yeah, we did. Thanks for pulling through."

Juvia looked up at him. "Oh no, it wasn't me. That was all Vaporeon." She shot a look a few meters away, where Vaporeon wagged her tailfin out of glee. "I'm just glad she woke up when she did. I'd feel just awful knowing I wasn't there to help you when you needed me."

"We did it!" Vaporeon cheerfully said to Bergmite.

"Satisfaction. Mutual." He quipped.

Romeo dropped to his hands and knees, looking distraught at the loss. "No way..." His eyes shook. "But I thought we had them...how did they get around Litwick's Minimize like that...no way..."

Wendy put a comforting hand on Romeo's shoulder. "It's okay. You both did your best out there." She turned and walked over towards Swablu and Litwick. She reached her hands out to emit green energy in the form of her Healing Magic. "Here you go, guys. I'll heal ya back up to speed in no time."

Romeo continued looking distraught at his confidence shattered. "I trained so hard, too...there should have been something we've been lacking..."

"Now that's what I call a Z-Move! How come Gray gets the cooler move?!" Natsu argued from the sidelines. He mentally facepalmed himself upon realization he just made a really bad joke.

"Quit your complaining, would ya? There's still plenty of other Z-Moves, you know." Lucy pointed out.

Erza put a hand to her chin. "Indeed, those Z-Moves were pretty impressive. They most certainly didn't lag in any sort of power." She briefly cycled through the Z-Moves she was aware of. What she saw were some new ones for certain. 'First we saw Steel, Ground, and Fire. Now it was Normal, Ice, and Water. I wonder what else will be next?'

Suddenly appearing by her side, Nic teleported on the spot. Staraptor's head turned instantly towards her trainer. "Nic, you're back!"

"Coooo!" Junior babbled, his wide eyes fixed on the familiar human.

"Yeah, sorry for the sudden disappearance. I had to...settle a few things." He looked over, seeing the raised brow that Erza gave him. It was clear that she had the right hunch of what Nic was up to.

"And just where do you think you went at such an important time, mister?" she huffed.

Nic sighed. "Don't worry, it wasn't anything serious. I'll tell you later." He looked back to the battlefield, seeing Juvia and Gray recalling their Pokémon. "What's going on here?"

"The Cambire Foundation enlisted us a supply of Z-Rings and Z-Crystals." She showed him her own Z-Ring to prove her point. "They needed us to do some battling seminars to test out these Z-Moves. A fair trade if I say so myself."

Nic blinked in surprise. "They had that much that they gave everyone their own?"

"You weren't the only one surprised. A lot of us were shocked at this, too. Especially so soon after we got back from our honeymoon. I don't know whether to call them efficient with their research, or needy."

"Believe me, I made that point clear." Nic eyerolled. He turned to Erza with another question. "So does that mean you got your own Z-Crystal set?"

"Yup, one of each. Don't worry, I saved you a set..." She shot him a smirk. "But after you tell me everything later."

"Fine." He groaned. To be honest, he still hadn't fully appealed to Z-Moves just yet. In fact, with all the thinking he's been doing, Z-Moves were far from a priority on his list. But this situation was something that he shouldn't ignore.

'Well...suppose this is good timing. I've been meaning to watch others battle to learn more.' His gaze grew serious. 'Best to watch and learn for now.'

Once the four participants exited the battlefield, Eliza stepped up with a studious look. "That was very good. Thank you for using those Z-Moves for us. It looks like you've got a handle on them." She turned towards the awaiting audience. "Now, who will be next to participate?"

"Captain, I think it's our turn now." Dereece urged. He turned towards Joey...only for his face to grow despondent at the sight of his Captain applying emerald green fingernail polish on his nails. They way that they sparkled beneath the sun's rays gave them that extra sparkling surface.

"And...there! Look at that sparkle." He smiled and held his hand up, marveling at the emerald coating. "See that, Larvesta? It matches your eyes. Neat, right?"

Larvesta ogled at her trainer's polish, her own emerald eyes twinkling. "Oh~...it's so shiny!"

Dereece tapped Joey's shoulder with an index finger. "Captain Joey, you still with me?"

Joey shot a glance at Dereece. "Oh, Dereece, check this out." He held up his emerald polish to his face next. "How's this? Took me three coats, but I finally got that beautiful shade I wanted! Look at this, man! It's like I was born with jewelry for nails!"

Dereece despondently nodded. "Yes, that's very nice. But I believe they just called for more contestants."

"Yeah, I heard that. My hearing aids still work, you know." He brought his fingers together and stretched them outwards, making loud bone popping cracks. "Alright, time to shine our shoes, Dereece!"

"Mama Joey!" Larvesta hopped beside him, her emerald eyes twinkling with glee.

"Larvesta..." He turned around to kneel before her, putting a hand on her fuzzy forehead. "You stand back and watch your Mommy battle, okay? You already battled earlier. Let's give you a breather and have you watch your siblings duke it, okay?" He insisted, flashing a supporting wink.

"Okay!" Larvesta quipped. She watched Joey and Dereece walk out towards the battlefield. As soon as they out far enough, her attention fell towards Junior, who was drifting rather close. "Hi..."

"Coooo?" Junior gave her an innocent look. He blinked before smiling back. "Cooo!" He started splashing up and down, with Larvesta moving her head to follow him. "Cooo!" Junior giggled as he plopped around energetically.

Larvesta kept up with him as he was bouncing about through the crowd. Out of her own inquiry and amusement, Larvesta crawled away from the sight, completely forgetting about his trainer.

"Huh?" Staraptor saw Junior and Larvesta digress from the crowd. "Oh geez, where is he going now?!" She was already dreading where this could fall. She flew in a blur past Nic, while shouting, "I'll be back momentarily!"

"Yeah, sure." Nic watched his Staraptor follow the two, holding onto their respective responsibilities.

Back on the battlefield, Joey and Dereece took one side of the battlefield, whereas on the opposite side, Max and Kinana took it upon themselves to be their opponents. From the looks all four had, they were pretty confident how this would turn out; minus a serious-looking Dereece.

"So you guys, huh? Gotta say, this is gonna be a show for sure." Max teased. "Better watch out, because Sandslash and I aren't holding back!"

Kinana nodded in agreement. "That goes for me and Seviper, too. We'll be sure to do our best out there."

Freed cleared his throat before he stepped up to the battlefield's side. "Alright then. If you four are all set, please, present your Pokémon."

Almost immediately, Max and Kinana pulled out Poke Balls of their own. "Here we go!" Max swung his arm, giving his Poke Ball an extra curveball spin. It ascended skywards and popped open. Energy surged to the ground straight down, revealing his prized Sandslash.

"Alright, battle time!" Sandslash shouted, raising his long, sharp claws.

"Here we go...Seviper!" Kinana tossed her Poke Ball into the air. Though unlike Max, she didn't have as much style. But the capsule opened regardless, expelling Seviper onto the battlefield with her tail knife glimmering in the light.

"Let's go." She hissed, showing off her elongated fangs.

Joey eyed both opponents, frowning to show he was serious. "A Ground and Poison-type combo, huh?" He furrowed his brow. "In that case..." He pulled out a Luxury Ball. "Go, Palpitoad!"

"Stunfisk, you're up!" Dereece followed up, throwing a Great Ball into the battle.

The two capsules opened at the same time, expelling both Palpitoad and Stunfisk respectively. Palpitoad's throat vibrated as his tongue flicked. "Bupta!"

"Oi! Guess we in for a show now." Stunfisk teased, his beak forming a smirk. "Hope this one has some good punchlines like what I have in mind for you two."

Seviper retorted with a hiss. "Smirk while you can. I won't be bested so easily by a flattened fish."

"Yeah, yeah! And that goes for Mr. No Arms over there, too!" Sandslash added, jutting an arm at Palpitoad.

Palpitoad's bumps vibrated from the growl he was barely suppressing. "Prinútim ťa zjesť tie slová, ako keby si bol hladný!"

Sandslash blinked in confusion, but shot a glare back. "I don't know what you said...but I'll take that as an insult."

"Here we go, Dereece. Ready? Time to put our battle training to the test." Joey got into position, with Dereece spreading his heels with a serious glare.

"On it, Captain!"

Freed looked between the four contenders, realizing they were all set and ready to go. "Then..." He brought his arm down in a chop. "Let the battle...commence!"

Max didn't waste time taking the initiative. "We'll kick it off first!" He pointed an index finger at Palpitoad. "Sandslash, Crush Claw!" Sandslash's claws glowed red and sprung towards Palpitoad with a battle cry.

Joey reached out towards the field. "Palpitoad, dodge it!" His command was thorough as Palpitoad braced himself. As soon as Sandslash moved in close enough for the attack, he jumped above the claws that pierced the ground where he stood.

"Woah, what a dodge!" Laki gasped.

"Now Palpitoad, Bubble Beam on Sandslash!"

"Bup-ta!" Palpitoad took a large breath in midair, briefly expanding his lungs before opening wide to unleash a large jet of blue bubbles that beamed down for Sandslash. Sandslash looked up at the incoming attack, visibly startled by the offensive liquid heading his way.

Kinana reached out. "Seviper, quick! Night Slash!"

Seviper hissed before her serpentine body slung forward with surprising reflexes. Her tail glowed dark purple as she bypassed Sandslash to get in front of the oncoming bubbles. She slashed her tail, carving the bubbles around her. Even as the bubbles faded upon hitting the dirt, Seviper remained untouched, giving another intimidating hiss.

"What power..." Dereece awed. "In that case, Stunfisk! Use Mud Bomb!"

"Gotcha, mate!" Stunfisk lifted his tailfin and slammed it into the ground, propelling him into the air. "You wanna fight fair? Then we'll fight...dirty!" He lurched forward, firing a large ball of mud at Seviper.

"Sandslash, quick! Use Rollout!" Max ordered.

In an attempt to repay the favor for covering him, Sandslash took the initiative and curled up into a spiked ball. He rolled in place to pick up momentum before rolling into the oncoming projectile. The two attacks met, creating an explosion of mud and dirt in the center of the battlefield. However, Sandslash was shoved back several feet, grunting from the force of the attack overwhelming his own.

"Haha! Guess we know who's not on a roll." Stunfisk chimed, earning a scoff from Sandslash.

"That Rollout was a Rock-type move from the start. Ground-type moves are much stronger against those kinds of attacks." Erza noted. "Now I see why Joey and Dereece are using those two Pokémon. Palpitoad's Water-type moves will hold against Sandslash, while Stunfisk's Ground-type moves will thwart Seviper. Not to mention that Poison-types aren't that effective against Ground-types."

Nic remained silent with arms folded. He chose to remain diligent in the battle that lied ahead.

"Well this sucks. Guess we'll need to deal with that Stunfisk after all." Max had a confident grin, but his undertone was clearly contradicting his composure. "Then let's go for Stunfisk! Sandslash, use Sand Tomb!"

"Just what I was thinking!" Sandslash crossed both claws before plunging them straight into the ground. A moment passed before a whirlwind of sand swirled around Stunfisk, grabbing his attention.

"Huh? What be-?!" He didn't get to finish before a thick layer of sand swamped around him like a vortex, causing him to yell out in pain. "Grah!"

Max smirked. "Good one. That'll make him an easy target." He turned towards Kinana, giving a nod that she read as a signal.

"Alright then Seviper, use Poison Jab on Stunfisk!"

This time, Seviper slithered after Stunfisk, with her tail glowing a poisonous purple. She aimed her tail like a lance and aimed for the dead center of the swirling sand. But at the last second, Palpitoad jumped in front with a brave face.

"Use Mud Shot!" Joey commanded.

Palpitoad opened his mouth, expelling his long, sticky tongue. He pivoted as his tongue glowed bright orange and whipped it, hurling several balls of brown mud at Seviper and Sandslash. The balls struck their mark in Seviper's face, completely derailing her in her tracks. The globs also struck Sandslash, who tried covering himself from the barrage.

As the murky dust cleared, both Seviper and Sandslash looked dazed, their bodies encompassing in blue auras for a Speed decrease.

"Nice shot, mate-gngh!" Stunfisk grunted as the sand grinded against his skin. It stung. "Tch, they trap the Trap Pokémon. Well isn't that ironic."

Palpitoad shot a look back at him. "Hovoríš príliš veľa, vieš o tom?"

"What do you mean I talk too much?"

"Stay focus, people! Gotta make a comeback!" Dereece encouraged, balling his fists eagerly.

Seviper and Sandslash grunted as they shot glared at their opponents. One way or another, they weren't going to let them have the last laugh.

"Seviper, Poison Jab on Palpitoad!"

"Sandslash, Crush Claw on Stunfisk!"

Both Pokémon sprung forward again with their respective attacks. Seviper speared ahead with a poisonous tail, and Sandslash attacked with glowing red claws.

"Mud Shot!"

Both Palpitoad and Stunfisk glared forward, understanding the unison command. Palpitoad whirled around with his tongue, lobbing more balls of brown mud. Stunfisk opened his glowing beak and expelled even more mud balls of his own. The double Mud Shot was like an asteroid belt of brown bullets that Seviper nor Sandslash could outmaneuver. Seviper let out pained hissed as globs of mud continuously struck her.

Sandslash, on the other hand, took the barrage a little better. Though he was repeatedly struck multiple times, his claws slashed through several globs before he reached Palpitoad. He let out a cry before his claws arose overhead.

"Aqua Ring!" Joey quickly commanded.

Just before the claws struck Palpitoad, his body swelled around rings of water. Sandslash's attack landed its mark, sending him sliding across the ground on his back. He gradually stood back up, looking to have taken the attack well.

"Bupta!" Palpitoad exclaimed with pride as his body was engrossed in a green aura that healed him. On the other hand, Stunfisk grunted as the Sand Tomb continued giving him damage. All while a harsh blue aura engulfed Sandslash and Seviper to make them even slower than before.

Max's face fell with uncertainty. "This isn't good. We keep this up, we'll never get close to land a solid strike. Well then..." He held up a sandy yellow Z-Ring, holding a Groundium-Z inside. "Time to test this bad boy out."

"Then we'll take out Palpitoad!" Kinana encouraged, her Z-Ring being a shimmering purple. In it was a Z-Crystal with a poisonous hue in it.

Dereece's eyes widened. "Z-Moves? Oh no."

Joey grunted, looking more serious than he was a minute ago. He eyed Max specifically. 'If he's using a Ground-type Z-Move, then he's most likely be targeting...' He realized what they had to do. "Palpitoad, get in front of Stunfisk!"

"Doprava!" Palpitoad jumped in front of Stunfisk, bracing himself for what was going to happen.

Dereece turned towards Joey, confused and baffled. "Captain, what're you?!"

"Heads up, Dereece! I'll handle with Sandslash's Z-Move. You just cover Palpitoad when Seviper attacks, got it?"

Dereece blinked, but he was quick to receive the message. He gave an affirmative nod. "Okay!"

Both Max and Kinana's Z-Rings shined brightly as they crossed their arms. An insignia of what looked like earth appeared in front of Max as he struck the same pose as Elfman did before. "Oh yeah, I got the hang of this now! Thanks for showing me how to use this, Elfman! Now to put it to the test!" A brown-orange aura engulfed his body that beamed up in an arch onto Sandslash, who struck the same pose readily. The aura exploded around him, igniting him in a flare that caused the earth to tremble.

Kinana's Z-Ring had a skeletal figment on it, emphasizing toxic substances. The emblem faded as she paused. "Now, what was the pose again...? Was it this?" She raised her right arm up in a slow wave motion, along with her left hand at a lower angle. Then, instead of making a fluent wave like Juvia, Kinana suddenly lurched forward, bending a knee with her arms angle with loose wrists. The venomous purple aura around her erupted and beamed skywards, coming down onto Seviper and engulfing her.

"Sandslash...TECTONIC RAGE!"

"Seviper, go! ACID DOWNPOUR!"

"Now, Dereece!" Joey urged.

"Right!"

Sandslash raised a claw high into the air one more time before plunging it into the earth. The ground quaked repeatedly until earth pulled apart beneath them. The fissure gradually opened, swallowing both Palpitoad and Stunfisk since they were so close to one another.

Meanwhile, Seviper's body convulsed as she raised her head with a loud hiss. A toxic maelstrom of poisonous, purple liquid expelled all around her, swallowing up everything. Everyone backpedaled as the ground sizzled from the acidic pH levels of the cloud. A swamping mass of purple liquid engulfed the terrain as acid rain fell with it.

"Palpitoad, toss Stunfisk!" Joey yelled.

"Wait, what?! Has Joey lost it?!" Natsu exclaimed.

"What's he thinking, tossing his partner into the falling acid like that?!" Happy worried.

Shiin's eyes narrowed as he watched from afar.

As he was falling further into the fissure, Palpitoad's eyes sharpened. He gurgled before his tongue slung around Stunfisk. He did his best to ignore the grinding sand against his tongue and vertically spun until enough momentum was gained to launch Stunfisk back out of the fissure, flying into the slowly falling acidic maelstrom approaching. The fish's eyes narrowed as he smiled with malicious intention.

"Now Palpitoad, Bubble Beam!"

"Stunfisk, Mud Bomb!"

Palpitoad saw a brown-orange blitz speeding right for him from straight below. As it drew closer, Sandslash was shown eagerly racing after him with full force. "I'LL TAKE YOU DOWN!"

Palpitoad inhaled before he expelled a viscous barrage of bubbles into the Z-Power around Sandslash. The bubbles furiously pelted Sandslash as he tried to inch closer. Even with the power of his attack, Sandslash grunted as he wasn't able to outspeed the barrage slowing him own.

Stunfisk, on the other hand, faced the purple, acidic wake, inhaling before firing a condensed, brown ball of mud into the eye of the storm. The acid continued raining and swallowing up everything, and Sandslash furiously closed in out of desperation. The two attacks by the defenders held them off for mere moments before they were engulfed in spontaneous explosions of earth and acidic poison. The air and earth alike erupted, causing a full-scale blast of dirt and acid to expel outwards.

Joey reached his arms out. "Barrier-Make: Cage!"

He created one huge barrier into a large cage, keeping the corrosive acid and dirt from hitting the guild and audience. The earth beneath violently trembled for several minutes as everyone looked on speechless at the outlandish expulsion of poison and earth. The maelstrom of swirling acid overhead gradually dissipated as the surfaces that were cracking apart fixed themselves. They all waited until the acid fully settled before Joey lifted the barrier.

After what felt like several minutes, they all saw the dirt and air settle. The battlefield was completely leveled, with both Sandslash and Seviper panting from exhaustion. They sustained great damage, but otherwise were just fine.

"They're fine, but...what about Palpitoad and Stunfisk?" Sophie worried.

On the other side of the battlefield, all eyes were on Palpitoad and Stunfisk to see if they made it out. They were both pretty banged up – Stunfisk more so than Palpitoad – but they shuddered on the ground as they attempted to get back up.

"Huh...?" Max and Kinana gasped.

"You alright, Palpitoad?"

"Stunfisk, you okay?"

Grunting was all they could hear. They looked to be struggling. However, after what looked like a hefty deliberation, Palpitoad shot back up. "Som v poriadku!" He croaked loudly.

"Yeah, I'm fine, too!" Stunfisk followed. Even though the Sand Tomb was hurting him, he looked to have taken the Acid Downpour amicable well.

"You're kidding me! They actually survived, too?!" Max flabbergasted.

Nic narrowed his eyes, thinking back to what Joey just did. 'I get it. Joey must have realized that Sandslash's attack was meant to finish off Stunfisk, so he used Palpitoad's tongue and swapped places to fire super effective type attacks to significantly reduce the damage they would have sustained.' A half-grin appeared on his face. 'Joey wasn't lying when he's been training on his own.'

A green aura went up Palpitoad's body, signaling some of his steadily deterred health returning.

"Gotta say, you're a lot tougher than I give you credit for." Max admitted to his opponents. "I never would have thought of countering a Z-Move to reduce damage..."

"Me, too..." Kinana agreed, before getting serious. "But we can still keep going, right Seviper?"

"Right!" Seviper raised her knifed tail, poising to strike upon the word.

"Well we're not down yet either, Sandslash!" Max encouraged. "Let's hit'em with Crush Claw!" Sandslash compromised with his claws glowing red and leaping towards Palpitoad.

Palpitoad spread his feet as he eyed his opponent. The visage of Sandslash reflected in his retina to show his focus. "Neznášaš vodu, však?" He taunted. "Tak ich máte veľa!"

As Sandslash drew closer, the rings around Palpitoad stirred with dark brown water that fluxed around his body. Seeing the water was enough of a deterrent to bring the already slow Sandslash to a screeching halt. Max gasped at the sight. "What?!"

"Palpitoad?" Joey looked shocked at what was going on. He knew what this had to be. He watched the Aqua Ring's full circumference become a large wave that surrounded him.

"Captain, that move...!" Dereece quipped.

"I know, Dereece..." From the corners of Joey's face, a smirk was rising. "Let's see what damage this move can do." He reached his arm out. "Palpitoad...Muddy Water!"

"BUPTA~!" Palpitoad screeched towards, sending the brown wave outwards. The wave gradually increased into a larger wave with a fast-moving current it, pushing it towards a flabbergasted Sandslash and Seviper. Sandslash quivered in fear before the wave swamped him. The attack kept going, but Seviper, being a longer distance away, had more time to prepare for it.

"Use Night Slash!" Kinana encouraged.

Seviper hissed before she slashed her tail, carving into the Muddy Water's harsh waves. The sleek purple line was enough of a defense to split the wave, allowing a clear view of Dereece as a brilliant light expelled from his navy-blue Z-Ring.

Kinana and Robin gasped in horror.

"Now, it's our turn!" Dereece exclaimed. He had a bright yellow Z-Crystal in his charcoal-gray Z-Ring, engulfing him in an electrifying aura that crackled. The yellow aura surrounded him as he committed the pose to memory, as per the notes that the specific move had. He swung his arms around himself, until he had his right arm diagonally down, while his left arm was diagonally upwards, with wrists cent to make a Z-shape. The yellowish aura expelled into Stunfisk and engulfed him in the Z-Power, causing static to crackle around his entire body.

"What Z-Move are they doing now?!" Lucy exclaimed.

Stunfisk flicked onto his tailfin, his beak opening wide with a bright smile. He maliciously chuckled as electricity from his body built up in front of him into a crackling lance of lightning. It discharged small jolts constantly, frying the air as it sharpened to a singular point at Seviper.

"Now...!" Dereece punched forward. "GIGAVOLT HAVOC!"

Stunfisk's eyes widened. "Time to 'bring down the thunder'!" He flapped his fins, screaming loudly as he projected the lightning bolt across the ground at Seviper. Poor Seviper's eyes were as wide as could be when the bolt swallowed her in its wake.

"SEVIPER, NO~!" Kinana reached out, but was too late.

The bolt struck the target, causing an immense discharge that imploded upon itself into the sky. A streaking yellow pillar of raw lightning swallowed the skies above the battlefield, causing everyone watching to be dazzled and disoriented from the overwhelming expulsion of lightning drawn out. Even Laxus raised a brow at this. The voltage expanded outwards, electrocuting the air above everyone.

The adhesive explosion continued sparking the air for several moments, until finally it dissipated. The dust gradually faded, revealing Stunfisk and Palpitoad in one piece still. Seviper, on the other hand, wasn't as fortunate. She laid on the ground, her eyes being spirals to show she was unable to continue.

Freed overlooked Seviper, and turned towards Sandslash, who was drenched and unconscious from that Muddy Water. The battle was over. "Both Sandslash and Seviper are unable to battle, which means that the winners are Joey and Dereece!"

"Booyah! That's how the CJ and the D-Dawg duo handle business, folks!" Joey snapped, cocking his head with pride.

"Bupta!" Palpitoad croaked, raising his tailfin in pride.

"Palpitoad, you were as awesome as could be, little buddy!" Joey walked up and patted his head. "And great bonus too for that Muddy Water. That's gonna be helpful."

"Oh, to je všetko? To nič nebolo. Ale ak to povieš, vezmem si to." Palpitoad bashfully eyerolled at the compliment. Joey felt something else from him. He felt his bumpers vibrating lightly, like a bodily reaction from embarrassment.

"What do you mean it was nothing and that you'll take the compliment anyway?"

Dereece walked up to Stunfisk, kneeling with a proud smile. "You did great out there, Stunfisk. Thanks for the help."

"It was nothing, mate. I was a little shocked myself. That packed a wallop. Hahahahaha..."

"If you have enough energy to make dry jokes, you must be okay." Dereece groaned.

Max fell onto his butt, visibly exhausted. "Man, that sure stunk. I thought for sure we'd have them on the ropes longer than that."

Kinana sighed as she put a hand to her chest. "A shame...but a good try though." She held up her Poke Ball. "Take a nice rest, Seviper."

Both Seviper and Sandslash were recalled to their Poke Balls, leaving Max and Kinana to walk away from the battlefield. Joey and Dereece exited as Sophie met up with them.

"That was a great show, Joey." Sophie smirked. "I'm glad someone's putting effort into their battling." She huffed as she tossed a lock over her shoulder. "Don't think you'll get ahead of me that easily."

"Oh really? Heh, then let's see what you got out there. Go get'em, Soph!" Joey encouraged, before turning away. "How was that, Larvesta? You saw how awesome your mommy was...?" He looked around, but his Larvesta wasn't nearby. "Wait...Larvesta? Hello? Little buddy? Hello?!"

"Wait, hold on...did it run off while we were battling?!" Dereece realized.

Joey gasped. "Oh no! My baby!" He looked around frantically. "Has anybody seen my Larvesta? Anybody at all?!"

"You mean your Pokémon?" Joey whipped around, coming face to face with a placid Nic. "If you mean that shiny Larvesta, it left with Junior. Staraptor already left to keep an eye on them."

Joey gasped in shock. "My baby went off without my permission?!" His joy gradually turned to anger. "Oh no, that ain't gonna slide!" He reached into his coat, pulling out a Poke Ball. He shot it skywards, bringing out Tranquill.

"Hello, Master Joey!" Tranquill happily chirped.

"Tranquill, follow Larvesta, and make sure to bring us to her! Mommy's gonna have to teach her a little thing about the dangers of being unintended!" Without any further delay, Joey stormed through the Fairy Tail crowd, disregarding the praises of his peers as he followed his Tranquill's flight path. "Mommy's coming, baby!"

"Oh boy, here we go." Dereece shook his head as he followed him.

Natsu watched them take off, looking awfully confused. "The heck's wrong with them? Why're they taking off so suddenly right after they just won?"

"I don't know, maybe they went off to party." Happy figured. His face turned to bliss as he added. "Or maybe they went to get yummy fishies~!"

"You and your fancies for fish and Liepard are absolutely ridiculous!" Carla huffed as she turned away in annoyance.

With the battle out of the way, Eliza turned towards the guild. "Very well done, everyone. All these battles are proving that you've done so much already with your Pokémon." She looked down at her watch, reading that it was getting late. "Alright, we should have enough time for one more battle. Any volunteers?"

As if on cue, Natsu stomped on the ground and beamed with a toothy smirk. "About time! Save the best for last! Bring it on!"

"Alright, go get'em pal! Make sure you get a good hit in for me!" Happy encouraged.

Natsu looked back and gave his pal the Fairy Tail insignia. "Hey...that's what this is for, right? This time, I'm gonna win...count on it."

There was an edge in his voice that didn't go unnoticed by Happy. He could tell that Natsu was serious. Dead serious. It was true that in the beginning, he wasn't the most capable battler. But that was months ago. Now he's gotten plenty of experience under his belt. And he was going to use that experience to its fullest.

"Hey Lucy, you up for this?" He invited his blonde teammate.

Lucy balled a fist, brightly smiling. "Yeah, no sweat! We're ready, right Klefki?"

"Sure am!" Klefki chimed, her dozen keys jingling furiously on her key ring.

Out of the blue, Sophie was startled by the sudden arm that latched onto her shoulder. "So, what do ya say, Sophie? Wanna take a gander with this gal?" Cana urged, flashing her a wink.

Sophie blinked in surprise. "Cana?" Granted, she didn't think she was necessary that close to Cana...or at least she was at this point in time. She may have had a very good relationship with her before she lost her memories. But still, her blunt yet slur personality didn't make her the most approachable person. Still, she tried to be as nice as possible.

"Hey, it's alright. I won't bite." Cana encouraged. "I just wanna team up with ya, no need to feel awkward about that."

Sophie sighed in defeat. "Well it's not like saying no will fix any problems." She shot the brunette a smile. "Alright, if you insist."

"Alright! Then let's go kick some ass!" Cana punched the air as she laughed herself towards the battlefield. One could argue she was possibly drunk, but others could argue she was actually motivated. It was hard to say, let alone think.

Sophie started for the battlefield, but Nic stepped up. "Hey, Sophie, have you seen Vanessa?"

"Hm?" She turned around to face him. "Vanessa?" She looked towards the sky, raising a brow. "Hm...she said that she had to step away for a moment...now that I think about it, it's been a while since she said that."

"That so?"

"Yeah. I'd go check up on her if I could. But..." She nervously turned towards the battlefield, seeing Cana waving her over. "Anyways, I have this to do. Besides, I'm sure she's capable if she's in trouble, right?"

Nic furrowed his brow and looked off into the distance. He didn't doubt a word that she said. Something in his gut was telling him that whatever Vanessa was up to, it didn't have anything to do with these seminars.


Far away from Magnolia, the outback trail that Duncan took had taken him to a wide-open field amongst the grassy hills. Only a few trees were scattered amongst to hillside, but they were blossoming with roosting Hoothoot or Pidgey sharing the space.

A cool breeze brushed through Vanessa's hair as she followed him. Despite the awkward trek it's been, she had to admit that the air, combined with the warm sun, felt pleasant. Had it not been for the foreboding aura that Duncan gave off, she might have enjoyed it even more.

'I haven't been to these parts of Magnolia's outskirts before. The air is so open around here.'

Her musings fell to a steep end when Duncan stopped in the middle of the open field. He kept his back turned towards Vanessa as the woman stood a few meters away from her fellow trainer.

Vanessa frowned. "Is there something important that you needed from me?"

"..." Duncan was silent at her question. His cap casted a shadow that made it hard to read his expression. But with her magic, Vanessa could read something was off about Duncan. Something...anxious?

An awkward silence hung in the passing breeze as a few wild Pidgey flew overhead, absent-minded to the growing tension beneath them. Vanessa waited for a proper answer, but when Duncan refused to give it, she pressed the matter further.

"If you have something to say to me specifically, it must be something you can't share with Joey and Dereece, am I right?"

A small snort was all she got out of Duncan as he glanced back, his cap concealing his eyes from her. "Nothing gets past you, does it? Or is that because of your magic?"

Vanessa raised a brow. "Excuse me?"

"I asked you, are you able to sense what I am feeling because of your magic, or are you just like your brother with a sixth sense?"

She could feel something change in Duncan's aura. Not enough to completely change the anxiety he was feeling, but a growing sense of impatience was swirling in the mix. She was so lost in trying to sense what Duncan was trying to figure out that she almost forgot the question.

But before she had the chance to answer, Duncan slowly turned around, giving Vanessa a dead-serious glare. The light breeze passing them suddenly got a little chillier at that moment. The next words that came out of his mouth was something that almost caught Vanessa off guard.

"I wanna fight you. Right here, right now."


How was this for a chapter, guys? I wanted to make this one really long chapter, but I think 30K is more than plenty. I am aware that I haven't given enough credit to more of the side characters like Max and Kinana, and the Thunder God Tribe, so at least this way I give them screen time. I also decided to have subtle hints to all the canon pairings too this chapter, such as Elfman and Evergreen, Gajeel and Levy, and Gray and Juvia. Not so much of a Romeo and Wendy shipper, but I still took advantage of this opportunity to touch up and keep Romeo up to date.

I will have the final seminar battle and Duncan's challenge to Vanessa as its own thing next chapter. Been a little while since I had Vanessa in a fight. Don't worry, I've been keeping tabs on her spells, so we're all good. I need a solid fight for the end of the Cosmog Arc. Hope you all enjoyed this chapter's battles!