Meanwhile, with the Universal Villains…
"Let me see if I understand this." Techno said, talking to Boba's team across a screen. "We've lost every emblem except the ring."
"Yes." Boba confirmed.
"You brought the Loyal Three back from the dead, using a formula that actually worked."
"Yep!" Spinel nodded.
"The heroes have aligned with this…Ogrepon, who can more than likely point them in our direction."
"That's right." Twice said.
"So, in summary, there's a good chance that we're going to get absolutely nothing from our efforts." Techno summarized.
"...That about sums it up." Boba said.
"Now I wouldn't say absolutely nothing. The fact that these Loyal Three were brought back is more than enough proof that our formula actually works." Flux said.
"Well, yes. I do have a few uses in mind for that." Techno said. "But the point stands. We'll more than likely lose the last Emblem before long."
"Oh…that's not going to be an issue." Flux said as he removed the ring. "You three can take this back to them. I have no further use for it."
"Wait…" Techno realized.
"Thanks to this and Dark Garden's prototype, I've cracked the secret to creating emblems of our own. I've already got Toga working on gathering samples for the process." Flux said.
"That's brilliant!" Techno said. "That will certainly be a boost to our power. Speaking of which…" he said, looking at a map where three blips were visible. "What to do with them?"
"Hmm…it would be a shame to waste such potential. You three can return the ring but…in exchange…I want the Loyal Three." Flux said.
"That won't be easy. I assume the alliance will attempt to catch them. And if they do, it will be almost impossible to get them; I doubt the matcha trick will work twice." Techno pondered, until he got an idea. "...Although…Boba, did you, by chance, manage to get a DNA sample from the Loyal Three?"
"As a matter of fact…I did." Boba said.
"Good. Send them over." Techno asked. "We'll need to work fast."
"What do you have in mind?" Flux asked.
"Let's just say that the Loyal Three…will need a new name if this works out." Techno said.
"Actually…why don't you hold off on that for now." Flux said.
"Really?" Techno asked.
"I'd like to see how things play out first." Flux said.
Everyone had split up to try and find the Three that had scattered across Kitakami.
In the Paradise Barrens, Shun'ei arrived with Titanica as they saw the hulking behemoth that was Okidogi.
"What the? Was it always that big?" Titanica said. "Looks like those titans we fought in Paldea."
"Guess the mochi really does pack a punch." Shun'ei said.
"You're definitely not going to be able to take it on alone. So we'll do it together." Titanica said.
(Cue: Balrog's Theme - Street Fighter 4)
Okidogi cracked it's knuckles before assuming a grappler stance, roaring as he did so.
"All right, big dog. Let's do this." Titanica said as she sent out Cinderace.
"Right." Shun'ei said as he sent out Ceruledge.
Okidogi howled as its fist glowed purple.
"Watch out! That's Poison Jab!" Titanica said as Cinderace and Ceruledge dodged it. "Cinderace, Pyro Ball!" she said as Cinderace kicked the fireball right in the dog's face.
"Shadow Ball!" Shun'ei said as Ceruledge fired a ball of dark energy at Okidogi.
Okidogi smiled as it swung its arm and hit both of them with Brutal Swing. Both Pokémon tingled as poison circulated in their bodies.
"Not good. He must have an ability that injects poison whenever he lands a physical attack." Shun'ei said.
"It must be that poison chain it's got. All three of them probably have the same ability." Titanica said. "But…doesn't mean we're giving up. Cinderace…Hi Jump Kick!" she said.
"Bitter Blade!" Shun'ei said.
Both Pokémon then lunged at the giant dog as their combined moves struck against the dog's stomach as he howled in pain before being sent right into the rock wall, sending a gray mask flying before them.
"That did it! He dropped one of Ogerpon's masks!" Titanica said.
"(Damn…that….really hurt.)" Okidogi groaned as he shrank back to his original size.
(end song)
"Look. He's shrunk down!" Shun'ei said.
"Guess his little powerboost wore off after we beat him." Titanica said.
"So, what now? Should we head back and leave him be? He'll probably just come back after us." Shun'ei said.
"Don't bother trying to catch him. Those three wouldn't listen to us anyway." Titanica said as they headed back. "Besides, anyone who threatens a baby isn't worth allying with."
"Hmm… I guess you are right about that." Shun'ei said as they left with the Cornerstone mask.
Okidogi just growled as he went running off somewhere.
In the Wistful Fields, Himiko and Twilight arrived near a lake as Munkidori towered over them.
"He's gotten big. Must be that mochi they were fed." Twilight said.
"Doesn't really matter how big he is. Let's turn him black and blue." Himiko said.
"He…already is both though." Twilight said.
"What was it that David called it? Semantics?" Himiko asked. "Nyeeh… Finding out what that means is a pain…"
"Let's just say…we'll give him a major headache. Go, Decidueye!" Twilight said sending out Decidueye.
"Meowscarada, go!" Himiko said as she sent out her starter.
Munkidori howled as he sent out a poisonous wave at them as both grass types jumped.
"Sludge Wave. He's playing it safe by acting on our weaknesses and keeping at a distance." Twilight said.
"He's a crafty one, alright." Himiko said as Munkidori tried to use Psychic, only doing minor damage on Decidueye but nothing to Meowscarada. "But not that bright." she smirked.
"Decidueye, Shadow Sneak!" Twilight said as Decidueye attacked Munkidori using its shadow.
"And Meowscarada, Dark Pulse!" Himiko said as Meowscarada blasted the monkey with a blast of darkness.
Munkidori was taken aback as it was literally between a rock and a hard place with these two as its body slowly shrank down to its normal size, much to its shock.
"Well, not so big now, are ya?" Twilight said.
Munkidori looked around in panic before throwing a blue mask at the girls before it turned tail and ran away.
"Okay, so he's not that stupid." Twilight said.
"Just as crafty as Kokichi. And just as much of a pest." Himiko said as she took the mask. "We should head back before it comes back again."
"Yeah." Twilight said as they headed back.
Up on Oni Mountain, David and Simon soon confronted the last of the trio as Fezandipiti flew above them in its gigantic form.
"Whoa. That is big." David said. "You ready for this?"
"Of course I am. I'll enjoy beating this vain bird into submission." Simon said.
"Let's kick things off right, then. Metang!" David said as he sent out Metang.
"Vulcanus, you're up." Simon said, bringing out Vulcanus the Heatran.
Fezandipiti let out its cry as it started hitting them with its wings though not causing much damage.
"Dual Wingbeat. It knows it can't use its Poison or Fairy moves against Steel types." David said. "Seems this thing is smarter than I gave it credit for. Shame I can't catch it, but… Them's the brakes, I guess. I'll settle with beating it to a bloody pulp. Metal Claw!"
Metang's claw glowed as it slashed into the bird.
"Vulcanus, fire your Steel Beam at it." Simon said as Vulcanus fired a beam of steel.
Fezandipiti was dealt a strong blow as it crashed into the ground, shrinking down to normal size and dropping a red mask.
"And that is that." David said. "That was easier than I thought it would be."
"You aren't going anywhere." Simon said, holding a Pokéball.
"Simon, that's enough. There's no point in kicking him while he's down." David said as he grabbed the mask before looking to Fezandipiti. "Anytime you want a rematch, just let me know. I'll be waiting."
Fezandipiti just scowled at the two before it caught its bearings and took off.
Back with the villains, they stood around for a bit before the Loyal Three went and broke in through the ceiling.
"See? Told ya to wait and see." Flux said.
"Well, I stand corrected." Techno said. "I take it you three are planning on staying?"
All three of them simply bowed their heads out of respect for the two of them.
"Heh. Welcome aboard." Techno smiled. "And, with that taken care of…computer, state the status of the bracelet emblems at the time of their theft."
"Note: portal opening was halted by their capture. Opening has now resumed. Portal to Eylos will open at bracelet's location in T-minus three hours." the computer declared.
"Hmm…we may have lost the emblems, but perhaps we may just be able to salvage this yet." Techno remarked. "Depending on the radius of the portal opening, and how long the bracelets can keep it open, we might be able to slip through as well."
"That's a pretty risky gambit." Flux pointed out. "Surprised you still want to go. I mean, we have the method for replication figured out."
"True. But…this is first contact with an undiscovered world, barring Theodore's…rude visit." Techno said. "Call me foolish, but I would like to be present to witness such a momentous occasion, if not in person, then at least in the same world."
"...Eh, whatever. It's not like they'll beat us up just for showing up." Flux shrugged. "Though it would help if Boba's group gave that ring back to them."
"They should've done so by now." Techno said, contacting the group. "Boba, have you returned the ring to the alliance?"
"Techno, I was just about to contact you." Boba said. "We have a problem."
Back with the alliance…
"Okay…we got all three of your masks back." Jexi said as Ogerpon was given all three masks. "We also explained to the villagers the real story. Seems people are a lot more accepting than back in the olden days."
"Isn't that great?" Mark asked as they stood outside Ogerpon's cave. Ogerpon however turned away from the cave and approached Mark.
"Seems like she wants to go with you, Mark." David said. "I mean, she has taken care of Esther all this time. She should become an official part of the family, don't you think?"
Mark smiled as he looked back at Esther in Panty's arms, who smiled back. "Yeah…she should." he agreed as he took out a Pokéball. "Welcome aboard!"
"Hold it!" a voice said as Kieran ran up.
"Oh! Kieran!" Mark said.
"Mark Anarchy! This is going to be selfish of me…but I refuse to let this slide! Battle me…to determine Ogerpon's trainer!" Kieran declared.
"What?" Mark asked. "I mean, I said I'd be happy to battle, but…it's Ogrepon's decision on who she wants to go with. Why would we decide that with a battle?"
"Because…because how else…would you get this back?" Kieran asked, pulling something out of his pocket, revealing it to be Marth's ring.
"Marth's ring? How did you get that?" Cheetah asked.
"Some pink girl was carrying it, and she dropped it without noticing." Kieran said. "I remember…you guys need this, right? Well…if Mark wins, then I'll give it back! I won't hand it over otherwise!"
"Kiki…" Carmine said.
"So…will you fight…or not?" Kieran asked.
"Mark, I think you should accept his challenge. Even though, he admitted it's stupid… He's right. You two need to settle this properly." David said.
"As if I was going to say no." Mark said, looking serious. "Alright, Kieran…you better bring your A-game, cause I'm sure as hell bringing mine!"
The rest of the group sat on the sidelines and watched.
"Get ready to see your brother in action." Panty said as Esther giggled as Ogerpon sat next to her.
(Cue- Kieran *Final*- Pokemon Scarlet & Violet: The Teal Mask)
"All right…let's go, Shiftry!" Kieran said, sending out Shiftry. "I know this isn't right, but…I just can't hand the ring over to you!"
"Just remember, you asked for this fight! Let's do this, Skeledirge!" Mark said, summoning his starter.
"(Lowly croc, no way…shall the great Kieran…lose to your trainer!)" Shiftry said, acting like a kabuki dancer.
"Shiftry, attack with Dark Pulse!" Kieran called out as Shiftry fired a blast of darkness.
"Torch Song!" Mark called out.
"(Mark won't lose! Not with THIS kind of power!)" Skeledirge declared as he sang, blowing out raging flames in the form of a fiery bird that hatched from his fire egg mic that scorched Shiftry.
"You're not holding back... Thank you. But I won't hold back either!" Kieran declared.
"The boy's eyes are different from before." Thorani said, noticing the dullness in Kieran's eyes.
"Yeah. He's not gonna let up. Not with anger and determination like that fueling him." Connor said. "Trust me, me and Chris both know."
"Hey, at least I have some self control." Chris said.
Kiana then noticed Kieran's eyes, along with sensing a bit of an uneasy aura. "(...Something's not right with him. Kieran, I know you're determined to win fair and square, and you still care for your Pokémon, but…)"
"Shiftry, if you still can fight…. Use Leaf Blade!" Kieran said as Shiftry rose one of its leaf hands and cut into Skeledirge, although not causing much damage.
"Ember!" Mark called out.
"Tailwind!" Kieran called out before Skeledirge's next attack hit and took it out as a wind blew.
"Kieran set Tailwnd up before Shiftry got knocked out. His Pokémon will have the advantage in terms of speed now." Hope said.
"In that case…Salamance!" Mark said, sending the Dragon Pokémon onto the field.
"Return!" Kieran said. "Let's go, Yanmega!" he said, sending out Yanmega.
"(Ah, a strong bug! This should be fun!)" Salamence laughed.
"Yanmega, use Ancient Power!" Kieran said as Yanmega quickly flew to Salamence at fast pace before tossing the rocks right into it.
"With that Tailwind in play, Kieran's going to know how to hit Mark's Pokémon where they hurt."
"(I may be a strong bug, but speed is where I'm best at.)" Yanmega said.
"(I'm no slouch myself! Mark, let me show them!)" Salamence said.
"You got it! Use Dragon Dance to set up!" Mark ordered. Salamence did so, sharply raising his attack and speed.
"I'm not gonna let you! Bug Buzz!" Kieran ordered.
"Huh? Bug moves won't be effective here…"
"Wait a moment…that Yanmega has the Tinted Lens ability." Double D said.
"Tinted what?" Stocking asked.
"It's an ability. Any move a pokemon makes that would normally not cause much damage will hurt about the regular amount on any Pokémon." Twilight said.
Kieran's Yanmega managed to cause some good damage on Salamence as Bug Buzz hit its mark.
"Not done yet! Up!" Mark ordered, as Salamance took to the sky. "Now, hit it!"
"(Hahaha! Here we go!)" Salamance said as he launched an Air Slash at Yanmega.
"Yanmega, you use Air Slash too!" Kieran said as both Pokémon attacked and hit, with Yanmega being the one falling to the ground.
"(I…can still fight, dang it…!)" Yanmega said.
"(Ah, ah…the attack's not over yet.)" Salamance said as the ground under the Bug type rumbled.
"(Uh…oh.)" Yanmega realized, before the ground under him rose up rapidly, launching them into the air.
"(How do you like that?! I have named that move 'Earth Raising Raze!)" Salamence declared.
Yanmega landed on the ground, thoroughly knocked out.
"Ugh…return!" Kieran said, recalling it. "All right, let's go, Probopass!" he said, sending out Probopass.
"Probopass…. It's a Rock and Steel type." Hope said.
"Power Gem, until it goes down!" Kieran ordered, as the Compass Pokémon launched multiple rays of light in rapid succession, succeeding in knocking Salamence out.
"Return." Mark said, bringing them back. "Alright…Deus, you're up!" he said, sending the king out.
"(You should bring your trainer to his senses.)" Deus declared. "(Ogrepon has chosen to follow our kingdom, not his! You all would do well to remember that!)"
"(I'm the Compass Pokemon. I point in the direction Kieran goes, and right now, I point to Ogerpon, and the way to your defeat.)" Probopass said.
"Probopass, smash that king with Body Press!" Kieran said as Probopass leapt into the air.
"Uh oh! Deus is a Dark and Steel type! Fighting moves deal quad damage!" Frosta said.
"Sonova…Protect!" Mark called. Deus shielded himself from Probopass' attack just in time. "Okay, so Kieran accounted for that. Nice, good to know."
"(Is that all you have? Dark Pulse!)" Deus declared, unleashing the horrible aura onto Kieran's Pokémon.
"Zap Cannon!" Kieran said as Probopass fired an electrical ball at Kingambit as it hit and shocked the ruler. "Now…!"
"(Flash Cannon!)/Flash Cannon!" The two attacks were called as the resulting beams collided, drowning the area in bright light. When it faded, Kingambit was nowhere to be seen.
"(Huh? He's gone?)" Probopass said, using its status as the Compass Pokémon to search. "(Wait, that doesn't make sense. According to my nose, he's…)"
"(Right above you!)" Kingambit declared as he fell from above, managing to spin in the air as he imbued his forehead blade with Dark type energy. "(Kowtow Cleave!)" he declared, slashing the Rock/Steel type down the middle, taking them down.
Kieran returned Probopass. "I'm not finished yet, Mark… let's see how you deal with this! Go, Poliwrath!" he said, sending out Poliwrath.
"(Oh, thought it was gonna be the white lady, but guess the metal guy works.)" Poliwrath said.
"(Are you referring to Froslass?)" Deus asked with a noticeable shiver. "(...I don't think you want her. She's mad.)"
"You're one to talk, Mr. 'I'll free the Ruinous Powers'." Mark spoke up.
"...I don't wanna know what happened to you guys in Paldea." Zi-O sweatdropped.
"Poliwrath, Close Combat!" Kieran said as Poliwrath got in close to beat up Deus.
"(Metal Claw!)" Deus declared, coating his blades in Steel type energy, ducking it our with Poliwrath. However, he was unable to handle the Fighting type energy and was knocked down and out.
"This is your chance, Mark! Poliwrath's defenses are down thanks to Close Combat's nasty side effect!" Glimmer said.
"Right…Dragon Tail, Milotic!" Mark ordered, sending out his next Pokémon, which slammed their tail into the Tadpole Pokémon.
"(How inelegant.)" the Milotic said. "(A brutish one, aren't you? Not showing any care for your trainer's state of mind?)"
"(Him? I don't care. As long as I can fight, he can do what he wants.)" Poliwrath retorted.
"(A shame you'll be switched out.)" Milotic said as Poliwrath was forced to be returned as Gliscor was dragged out.
"(I see…you used a move to switch me out.)" Gliscor said.
"(Indeed. Hopefully, you're more civilized than that brutish frog.)" Milotic said.
"(You wish!)" Gliscor said as he slammed into the ground, causing Earthquake. "(Aside from the other one, I'm one of Kieran's best!)"
"(Nice try, but Water types aren't damaged super effectively by Ground type attacks. But the reverse can't be said for you.)" Milotic said.
"Milotic, drench that Gliscor! Hydro Pump!" Mark called as a huge volume of water was launched.
Gliscor tried to fly back only to be hit hard with the massive volume of water as it came plummeting back down.
"Grr. Return!" Kieran said recalling it. "Poliwrath, finish the job!" he said, sending Poliwrath back out.
"(Okay…I may be weak…but…I won't let you make a fool of me!)" Poliwrath said.
"Use Ice Punch!" Kieran called as Poliwrath charged.
"(And once again, you prove yourself a brute.)" Milotic said, as he used Disarming Voice. This stopped Poliwrath in his tracks, and took him out with super effective Fairy damage.
"Return!" Kieran said. "I'm so sick of it…I'm so tired of losing all the time. Well…that stops now!" Kieran declared. "My last Pokémon! Let's go, Dipplin!" he said, sending out Dipplin. "Like we practiced!"
"(R-Right…)" Dipplin said, a tad nervous, as he turned to face Milotic. "(You won't win. We'll make sure of it!)" Dipplin said before firing off a Syrup Bomb as it coated Milotic.
"(Gah! You fiend!)" Milotic said dramatically. "(It will take ages to wash this out!)"
"(...Whatever.)" Dipplin said as he finished the Tender Pokémon off using Energy Ball.
"Return." Mark said, doing so, before taking out both Asura's Pokéball, and his Tera Orb. "...You're going to go far, Kieran. But…not today. Never like this." he said, sending Asura out before using the Tera Orb. "Here we go…" he whispered as Asura emerged with his specialized Terra Crown.
"What kind of power is that?" Maria asked, seeing it for the first time.
"That, my dear idol, is Terastilization with the use of a Tera Orb." Geiz answered as he watched Asura. "But… I don't remember it turning into that."
"(What kind of Tera Crown is that?)" Dipplin asked.
"(...The Crown of Asura, of Gaea.)" Asura answered, before he spread his arms out. "(Come on!)"
Dippin reacted immediately, using Double Hit to strike the reincarnation twice. Asura responded with a Counter, hitting Dipplin with the force of his own attack.
"(Don't you get it?! Kieran needs this!)" Dipplin said as he launched an Energy Ball that was easily smacked aside, the two Pokémon trading attacks. "(All his life, he's been looked down on, made to feel like he would never amount to anything! His sister, his grandparents, this whole island…they've always pushed his feelings aside! Saying that they're just trying to protect him! And then…your trainer has to come in, and steal his dream right in front of him! That dream is all he has…it's…it's what kept him going all this time. So…please…just let him win!)" the Candy Apple Pokémon begged.
"(...I refuse.)" Asura declared. "(This won't help the boy. You know that.)"
"(I know! I know, but… What else am I supposed to do but help him?)" Dipplin asked.
"(...I don't know.)" Asura admitted, as he held up his hand, catching a Fighting type Z-Crystal. "(Once more…just for you. Learn from this…and continue to grow stronger.)"
Asura then got into position, getting into a stance that the Hero Alliance was familiar with. The Rebellion, on the other hand, recognized it as well, but were surprised.
"T-That's a Z-Crystal from Alola!" Cure Starlight gasped, recognizing the object on Asura's hand. "Where did Mark get that?!"
"Oh, a friend of all of ours got it for him." Eddy said, before he grinned. "Oh, but it gets better. Wait for it…"
"No…No! Not like this!" Kieran said, with a look of anger and frenzy in his eyes. "Dragon Pulse! NOW!"
"It's too late! Asura… do it!" Mark said as Asura reared his arms back and…
"Wait…is that a…?" Hibiki recognized the stance Asura is performing.
"Oh yeah. It is." Eddy nodded.
KAMEHAMEHA
The Breloom launched the orange-colored energy wave towards Dipplin, drowning him in its light. When it faded, Dipplin was lying on the ground.
"(Kieran…I'm…sorry.)" Dipplin said before he fell unconscious.
"A Kamehameha. A gacking Kamehameha as a Z-Move." Zi-O remarked in shock with the rest of his team sharing in it. "...Do I even need to know why?"
"Queen Butterfly did something similar as well when we fought Singularity." Simon said.
"And we still can't gacking believe it." Gunvolt remembered.
"Yeah…we forgot to mention: most of Mark's Pokémon are reincarnated deities." ZS said. "That's why they can pull off…well, stuff like that."
"Dess?! That's why?!" Kirika gasped.
"Okay. Note to self, be careful when fighting Mark in a Pokémon battle." Kanade sweatdropped.
(end song)
Kieran stared at his unconscious partner before he fell to his knees and kneeled on the ground, pounding it with a fist. "...Figures." he said.
"Hey you…" Theo said as Kieran got up.
"It's fine. Mark, he can go ahead and try to catch Ogerpon now." Kieran said. "Oh, and…. Alear, right? Here's your ring back."
He took the Ring of the Hero King out of his pocket and handed it back to Alear.
"Thank you. I'm sorry for all this." Alear said.
"I don't need your pity." Kieran said.
Mark took out his Pokéball again, before he turned to Ogrepon. "...Your choice." he said.
Ogrepon nodded in affirmation. With that, Mark tossed the ball to Ogrepon, catching her.
"...Aw…man…" Kieran said, holding back tears before he yelled out in frustration and started to run…at least, until Mark caught him by the back of his shirt.
"I'm not going to give you pity. I'm just going to tell the truth." Mark said solemnly. "That was a good battle. You played fair, and you kept your word. There's no shame in that."
"S-Shut up!" Kieran said, wrestling himself away from Mark's grip. "I'll…I'll get stronger! I'll…overcome even Asura. And you, Mark Anarchy."
"...Good." Mark said, surprising Kieran. "Keep aspiring to that. Even if it seems impossible, even if it seems the world is against you…keep on getting stronger. With your own power. And don't you dare take any shortcuts! I'll come back one day, and when I do…I expect to see a hell of a trainer by the name of Kieran waiting for me, with a smile on his face, and a fire in his heart! You got that, kid?!" the half-angel roared.
"...You'll see." Kieran promised with a glare as he took off down the mountain path.
"Kiki…" Carmine said in concern.
"I can't tell if he's feeling better or worse after this battle." Kiana remarked, looking at Keiran leaving.
"Going down a path like that may be something he'll end up regretting." Simon said.
"Maybe." Mark said. "But…it's his choice to regret."
"I'm sure he'll be fine once me and him go back to Blueberry Academy." Carmine said. "...I hope."
"Kieran…" Mark said.
"He…just needs time. Their school is in Unova. We can drop by and visit him after we're done in Elyos." Jexi said.
"Speaking of that, how much longer before we're ready to ship off?" Emo asked.
"Shouldn't be too much longer. I just got the ship to head over via auto-targeting." Jet said. "We'll be ready to head off as soon as it arrives."
"Anything you want to say before we leave, Carmine?" Kiana asked.
"Just a few words. I hate you outsiders because it felt like you were all turning Kitakami into a tourist trap but…seeing how you fight, you guys aren't so bad. But, you all will owe me a battle on school turf once you're done." Carmine said.
"I think we can make that happen." Dan said.
"Speaking of home, we should be getting back to ours." Panty said. "No way in hell I'm letting my girl get into whatever happens next. Not with your freaking luck."
"...Yeah, that's fair." Mark replied. "Have a safe trip home, everyone. I'll call you first chance I get."
"You effing better!" Panty said, as she and the rest of Mark's family departed.
"What did she mean by your luck?" Alear asked.
"Oh, she's probably worried we're gonna get caught up in another war or something." Eddy said casually.
"Still can't believe Panty is your freaking mom, Mark." Cure Starlight said.
"What? You think she could do what she did with that many men, and not have kids?" Mark asked. "I'm still looking for half-siblings!"
"Time will tell, Paimon is guessing." Paimon shrugged.
Rime looked down in thought before her eyes shone as she saw what appeared to be Alear, but her clothes were all black and her hair all red as she had a malicious grin.
"Another war? How many have you been in?" Alear asked.
"Oh, you know…One, two, three…" Eddy counted on his fingers. "Uh… a lot. We've been in a lot."
"...What was that just now? Was that the future? No…a past vision? I've never seen the past before." Rime said to herself. "What could it mean?"
Zi-O however, heard what Rime whispered, making him frown. "(So she saw that vision too, huh?)" He thought before glancing at Alear. "(I hope you're ready for what comes next in Elyos, Divine Dragon Alear. You're gonna need it.)"
Above the group, the Galaxy King flew into place.
"Guess it's time to boogie." Jexi said as they were brought onboard. Just in time for a portal to open above them. "Is that…"
"It must be the portal Theodore was talking about." Aelita said.
"Elyos…my home." Alear smiled. "I can't wait to go home."
"Hopefully your people won't be so angry considering who their last guest was." Lan said.
"I'm sure they will understand when they see me with you all." Alear said.
"Well, that or they get the wrong idea and lynch us." ZS said. "But, it's not like you're the one bastion of common sense in Elyos, right?"
"...We should probably get going." Alear said as Jet positioned the Galaxy King to head into the portal.
Meanwhile, the Universal Villains were in their ship, as they saw the portal being opened.
"Alright, we're not gonna cause trouble, we're just gonna position ourselves just behind them so we can slip on through." Techno said.
"Right. Just behind them." Arsen said as he carefully moved the ship to be behind both the Galaxy King and the Zi-O Liner. They kept close as the two ships ahead passed through as they came in just as it closed behind them. "Success."
"Phew…seems they've forgotten your putting Esther in harm's way." Techno sighed in relief as he stood next to Flux.
"Geeze, you kidnap one baby, and you never live it down…" Flux rolled his eyes. "No one raised a fuss when I kidnapped that barrel of cobras."
"Because it was a barrel of cobras." Ian said. "And we're still finding them hiding in strange places."
"Whatever. So, what's your big plan now, descendant of mine? You have to be planning something while I'm replicating our merchandise." Flux said.
"Nothing major. I intend to take scans of this world's universal wavelength." Techno said. "If I can replicate it, we should be able to open portals to this world whenever we want, regardless if we have the bracelets or not."
"Oh yeah, good idea." Flux nodded as he looked out the window. "Hey, look at that, it's snowing."
"Snow? Ah…I see. We didn't end up in the same place as the heroes. This must be another country in Elyos." Techno said.
"Not to worry. I'll just run a quick scan for the nearest lifeforms and…" Photon said, doing so as he talked before he did a double take. "Wait…that shouldn't be right."
"Hm? Is something the matter, Photon?" Techno asked.
"According to the lifeform scanner, the number of living persons in this world besides us is…six." Photon said.
"What? Wait…it should have picked up the heroes too. So…" Flux realized. "We didn't end up in their Elyos…we entered an entirely different Elyos all together! We traversed multiverses!"
"What? How?! The portal displayed no unusual signatures." Techno said, running a scan of his own. "Computer, display world identity."
"Fellyos…. Multiverse…unknown. Date…3024" it said.
"...Ah, there's the karma for the baby-napping." Flux groaned. "I'm getting a cookie." he said opening the cookie jar only for a cobra to pop out to bite him. "Seriously?! Why do animals…hate me…so…." he slurred before collapsing.
"I'll get the antidote." Ian said.
"Please bring some aspirin as well." Techno said, rubbing his temple. "This is going to be a long day…"
To be continued…