After a quick travel from all parties, the group reconvened at the entrance to BB Academy, many of them having new Pokémon and Perfect Links.
"Hi guys!" Nuna said, holding an unusual apple that looked to be made of syrup in her hands.
"Hey Nuna! Decided to get yourself a Dipplin?" Scarlet asked.
"They're several friends I made." Nuna said as seven serpentine-like creatures popped out of the apple.
"Whoa, new evolution!" ZS realized.
"Allow me. Hydrapple, the Apple Hydra Pokémon. A Grass and Dragon type, and the evolved form of Dipplin! Seven syrpents live inside an apple made of syrup. The syrpent in the center is the commander. On the rare occasion that their moods align, their true power is unleashed." Double D read off.
"Huh. Seven friends in one is a pretty good deal." Eddy remarked.
"Say, did any of you guys in Team Chronicle get any new links or friends?" Ethox asked.
"Oh, well…" Eddy spoke. "Us Eds met a couple Pokémon…but we couldn't link with them. Apparently, they had some business to take care of in another region. If we see 'em again, we'll definitely link up."
"Bernadetta did find a Pokémon, though." Moltar said, showing a Rowlet perched on her shoulder, Bern herself looking nervous with attention on her.
"I-I was just sitting down and reading when they landed on my shoulder." Bernadetta stammered.
"Aw, he likes you!" Steven cooed.
"Lots of people got perfect links inside the Terarium." Ty said. "Maple, you scored yourself one, right?"
"Uh-huh! It was a little hard at first because I'm pretty slow… but thanks to everyone helping me, I've got another partner!" Maple said, referring to the Turtwig on her shoulder.
"Teams RWBY and Ren got some new partners too, and expanded their teams as well. Heck, even you got a Pokemon partner now, Tanya." Hope said.
"Wait, seriously? Tanya did?" Kazuma asked, with his Sobble now a Drizzle.
"What kind of Pokémon did you end up choosing, Major?" Vicktoriya asked.
Tanya cocked her head to the side, revealing an Inkay. "This one."
"Ah, nice choice." Mayumi said with a nod.
"Considering what Inkay evolves into, I can kinda see why you're paired up." Alice piped in.
"I was embarrassed at first, I won't lie. Especially knowing this thing will be on the battlefield with me if possible." Tanya said. "But then I was told what it would eventually evolve into. They say Malamar is the Pokemon world's resident Mad Genius."
"She's not wrong. Take mine for example." Mayumi said as she sent out her own Malamar. "He's not as nefarious as most Malamar, but he still has a habit of hypnotizing people. Mostly in our cases back home where we need to compel and interrogate information out of uncooperative witnesses."
"Wait, isn't that illegal…?" Ultra started to ask.
"Well she said it was a habit." DJ shrugged.
"Plus, it has been mentioned several times that we have a Paranormal Investigation Agency back home. Some people are unwilling to believe what they are seeing is real, and some cases may actually cause the witnesses to panic so much they couldn't utter a single word." Mayumi said.
"I see. But anyway Mark…it's showtime. Now you have the chance to face Kieran again." Hope said. "Are you ready?"
"As ready as I'm ever gonna be!" Mark said as he signed in at the front desk.
"Hey guys…we've been knocking on Drayton's conduct for awhile, but…maybe he did all this for a reason. Us setting up the Champion Club, the road to get here…I think he legitimately wanted Mark to face Kieran at this time so that he could be brought back." Ethox said.
"So you think Drayton set this all up on purpose so he'd legitimately help Mark try to get Kieran back?" Kazuma asked.
"Honestly, I dunno what he did all this for. But thanks to him, Mark has the chance to battle Kieran." Hope said.
"Actually? Your buddy was 100% correct." Drayton's voice came as he appeared. "Here's the Drayster take: I liked Kieran better when his hair was down. He used to be this quiet little guy. Trembled like a leaf. Had all the spine of a Wimpod. But I tell you what… when it came to pokemon battling, I never saw so much joy in anyone's eyes as his! But then… outta nowhere, he changed. Now he's relentless- pushes himself, pushes everyone around him…you guys get it. Nothing good is gonna come of this. Someone's gotta snap him out of it. I tried but couldn't do it. Guess I've gone soft from the lazy life. So now it's up to you, Mark. Sorry, man."
"It's no problem, Drayton." Mark said. "It's kinda my fault Kieran is acting like this. I gotta make it right. This battle…it was inevitable."
"No doubt Kieran's got a whole new team to battle you with. You know what 6 you're gonna use?" Hope said.
"Ogerpon better not be one of them. He'll definitely lose it even more if she's in play." Nemo said.
"Sorry, but she…kind of insisted she comes." Mark said.
"She knows the risks. And the whole reason that Kieran changed also revolves around her." Tanya said. "If she thinks she can help Mark get to Kieran, it could be worth it."
Suddenly, the PA system turned on.
"This is an official BB League announcement. The battle between Champion Club representative Mark Anarchy and BB League Champion Kieran is about to begin at the battle court near the entrance to the academy. If you would like to watch the match, please make your way there." the system said as Kieran made his way out, taking his position as he stared at the group.
"Well, it's all up to you now, Mark." Drayton said. "Me and the other Elite Three will be cheering for you, and so will your friends."
"Make this battle count, Mark." Zeo said.
Mark nodded as he walked onto the court, seeing Kieran already there, tossing a Pokéball up and down as he stared daggers at him.
"Kept me waiting." Kieran stated coldly.
"Had training to do and issues to work out." Mark responded, rolling his shoulders. "You ready for this, Kieran?"
"What kind of question is that?" Kieran asked as the crowd gathered. "I worked so hard for a chance to show you and your entire group what I can really do, Mark. I put everything into studying and making my Pokémon stronger… I crushed the Elite Four and became champion. All of that hard work… all of it…"
Mark and Kieran stared at each other before they drew two Pokéballs each.
"...All of it was just so I could beat you– right here, right now!" Kieran declared.
"Then let's see if your hard work's paid off." Mark responded.
(Cue: Battle! Champion Kieran- Pokemon Scarlet & Violet)
Kieran's hands shook as he tightened the grip on his Pokéball, before letting out a shout of determined rage.
Star-Buster Mark is challenged by BB League Champion Kieran!
"Let's go! Dragonite, Politoed!" Kieran shouted, sending out a Dragonite and Politoed.
"Alright! First up…Chakravartin, and Keiji!" Mark said as he sent out the Galvantula and Bastiodon.
"(So, I'm first to help teach this boy his place…hmph, such a task would normally be beneath me. However, for this one, I'll make an exception.)" Chakravartin said.
"(Haha! My first battle as this kid's Pokémon is against a Champion! Anarchy certainly doesn't start small, that's for sure!)" Keiji laughed.
"I know I'm making the right choice…. You'lll understand that soon enough!" Kieran said. Due to the effects of Politoed's Drizzle ability, it started to rain.
"(Let's have this done.)" Chakra declared as he fired a Thunderbolt at Politoed, only for Dragonite to intervene and block the hit.
"(Don't think that's going to work!)" Dragonite declared as he charged up a Fire Punch, then used Extreme Speed to close the distance.
"(Damnation!)" Chakra swore as he used Agility to narrowly avoid the hit. "(Keiji, if you're finished standing there taking in the moment, I would appreciate your assistance!)"
"(But of course!)" Keiji said as he used Ancient Power and struck at Dragonite. "(Come now, dragon! Pick on someone your own size!)"
"(Oh, you've done it now!)" Dragonite said as he charged the Shield Pokémon with a Body Press, only to be met by an Iron Defense, followed by a Heavy Slam.
"(Your friend cannot save you now, toad!)" Chakra declared, firing an Electroweb at the Water-type. This time, the attack made contact. "(Ha! Your weakness is apparent!)"
The Politoed, however, didn't seem to be as hurt as he was supposed to be, snacking on a Berry.
"(Curses! He had a Wacan Berry on him!?)" Chakra realized, as he saw the toad charging an attack.
"(Don't panic! It can only stop one Electric type attack from doing full damage! And besides, you cut his speed down!)" Keiji said.
"(Right…I just have to hit him again!)" Chakra said as he began charging as well. "(Fall! Charge Beam!)" the reincarnated god declared as he fired the attack straight into Politoed, but not before he fired off the Weather Ball he'd been charging.
6 - 5
"(Haha! First point to us!)" Keiji celebrated, both he and Dragonite heavily damaged by the attacks they'd been tanking.
"(And…you're going next!)" Dragonite declared as the Water-type Weather Ball hit Keiji in the side, sending him toppling over.
5 - 5
"How do you like that? See how hard I've trained? Not like the kid you battled in Kitakami, huh?!" Kieran said. "You got one of my team, but I got one of yours! This won't be the same as before, your team isn't gonna be full over me!"
FS!Rimuru watched from a distance, arms folded as he held a neutral gaze, closely watching things.
"Yeah…you've definitely gotten stronger, Kieran." Mark smiled as he pulled out his third Pokéball. "Go get 'em, Ranmaru!" he declared, sending out a Riolu.
"He sent out a Riolu?!" Hibiki gasped.
"Mark, are you sure you know what you're doing?" Luca questioned.
"(You've chosen me for this battle?)" Ranmaru asked. "(Would it not be better to send out someone stronger?)"
"Don't put yourself down, Ranmaru! You know your master wouldn't hear of it, and neither will I!" Mark responded.
"(...Right you are.)" Ranmaru nodded. "(Very well…for the honor of Nobunaga!)" the Emanation Pokémon declared.
"Bad move! I'll make you regret letting a baby out to face me! Get em, Porygon-Z!" Kieran said, sending out the Virtual Pokémon.
"(Don't underestimate me because of my stature. That would be unwise.)" Ranmaru warned.
"(SCANNING…WEAKNESS DETERMINED. LOADING PSYCHIC, SPECIAL: PSYBEAM.)" Porygon-Z stated, firing the peculiar ray.
Ranmaru managed to get off a Substitute that took the hit, dashing around the court.
"(Hm, those Psychic types moves will be a problem.)" Ranmaru noted. "(Fortunately, the enemy boy chose the wrong Pokémon to send out. I just have to get close…)"
4 - 5
At that announcement, Ranmaru looked to where Chakravartain was knocked out, Kieran's Dragonite standing over him.
"(And therein lies a new problem!)" the Fighting-type realized as the larger Pokémon dashed in front of him with Extreme Speed, aiming a Wing Attack.
Ranmaru crossed his arms, bracing for impact…only to hear a metallic clang instead. Looking up, he saw a large metal arm blocking the Wing Attack, belonging to a Metagross.
"What the?!" Kieran asked in shock.
"(My thanks, Tadakatsu.)" Ranmaru said.
"(Two against one isn't the kind of odds one such as you should endure.)" Tadakatsu said. "(I will handle Dragonite, Pseudo to Pseudo. You focus on the man-made Pokémon.)"
Ranmaru nodded as he used Quick Attack to get away as the two Pseudo-Legends clashed.
"Porygon-Z, use Hyper Beam!" Kieran called out.
"(LOADING NORMAL, SPECIAL: HYPER BEAM.)" Porygon-Z stated as he began firing the attacks at Ranmaru, who used Quick Attack to dodge out of the way.
"(It's over!)" Ranmaru declared as he leapt up and, charging Fighting-type energy, hitting the virtual Pokémon with a Cross Chop, landing a critical hit.
Kieran gritted his teeth and clenched his fists. "Even luck's chosen you over me... It's not fair! It's JUST NOT FAIR! No choice…Porygon-Z, use that move!"
"L-LOADING *KZRT* N-NORMAL, SPE-SPECIAL: EX-PLO-SIIOONNN…"
"(What?!)" Ranmaru realized, too late, as Porygon-Z exploded, taking both Pokémon out.
3 - 5
3 - 4
"Wait, you taught your Porygon-Z Explosion?" Mark asked. "How? It can't learn that normally."
"I told you…I put my everything into training my Pokémon!" Kieran declared, as he sent out his next Pokémon. "Go, Grimmsnarl!"
'(He's pushing his Pokémon beyond their capabilities…)' FS!Rimuru remarked as his eyes widened. '(...I get it. Mark got agitated because we both acted on extremes. I was too protective…meanwhile… Kieran…he's… far too aggressive… if he pushes his Pokémon like this…)' FS!Rimuru thought as well as his eyes hardened, sending a thought to Mark. "Mark, you have to win this soon. He's putting too much strain on his Pokémon!'
"Yeah, you did." Mark nodded. "Wonder if your Pokémon can keep us. Let's test 'em, Asura!" the half-angel said, sending out his ace.
"(Tadakatsu, are you finished yet? We have to end this before Kieran destroys his own force.)" Asura said.
"(Almost!)" Tadakatsu declared as he was hammering Dragonite with multiple Bullet Punches.
"(Kieran…is…the strongest Trainer ever! You and your team can't beat us!)" Dragonite declared, trying to throw out a Thunder Punch, which was easily caught.
"(The strongest, you say? Hmm…I would say so.)" Tadakatsu agreed. "(But I plan on facing Dialga someday. Thus…I must surpass even you!)" he declared, as he began charging a close-range Flash Cannon.
"(Crud! I gotta…!)" Dragonite tried to dodge, only to find the Metagross's gripping his arm. "Hammer Arm?!)"
Tadakatsu then fired the Steel-type move, finally bringing Kieran's first Pokémon down.
3 - 3
"We're both at half, Kiki." Mark noted. "You were right. You're putting up a much better fight than last time, and that was impressive already."
"S-Shut up!" Kieran yelled, as he sent out an Incineroar. "I'm going to beat you down, Mark Anarchy!"
"If you do, it's gonna be earned! We refuse to make it easy for you!" Mark yelled.
Asura and Tadakatsu then faced over against Grimmsnarl and Incineroar, The Metagross facing off against the Fire/Dark type, while Asura stood against the Bulk Up Pokémon.
"(Aren't you a little one?)" Grimmsnarl laughed.
"(You won't be saying that once you're on your knees, begging for mercy!)" Asura declared.
"(And a funny one, at that.)" Grimmsnarl chortled. "(Would you like to know something? Kieran…is exactly the type of Trainer I like. The kind that wants to win so badly, he'll do anything. I just love watching Trainers like him fall down into madness, seeing them get on my level.)"
"(Your level?)" Asura repeated. "(You're nothing but a cowardly fool.)"
Grimmsnarl smiled as he charged up a Fairy-type attack. "(Guilty as charged!)" he declared…before he twisted his body around to aim at Tadakatsu, who was fighting Incineroar, before launching a Dazzling Gleam, that sailed across the court and hit the Metagross in the back, taking them out.
2 - 3
"(Yeah! This is what the crowd loves!)" Incineroar cheered as he posed. "(This is what our Trainer is! The bad guy who never loses in the ring!)"
"(Grr…you damn bastards!)" Asura raged as he charged Grimmsnarl with a Dynamic Punch, only for Incineroar to intercept with a Flare Blitz, knocking him across the court.
"(We know what your Trainer's plan is. To 'save' our Trainer from himself?)" Grimmsnarl cackeled. "(Get real! Kieran's much better off like this! If a Trainer can't beat him, then they're trash! If a Pokémon can't handle his methods, they're pathetic! That is gonna be the new rule of law here at this academy - the strongest win, the weakest lose!)"
"(Pathetic…)" Asura seethed as he got up.
"(That's what you are!)" Incineroar countered as he jumped up, ready to deliver a final blow with a Darkness Lariat…
…only to be blocked by a club. "(Huh…?)"
"(You remind me of some Pokémon I don't like.)" Ogerpon declared, wearing her Cornerstone Mask, before she slammed the Heel Pokémon across the chest, launching him across the court.
"I-it can't be… Ogerpon?" Kieran asked in shock. "Wh-why are you here now?! You pick NOW of all times to bring out the Ogre?!"
"Yeah! Because she wants to help you! Same as me!" Mark replied.
"Grrr…Incineroar! Grimmsnarl! Focus all your attacks on Ogerpon!" Kieran said.
"(What? We should be focusing on the mushroom.)" Incineroar said.
"(We do as our Trainer commands.)" Grimmsnarl said.
"(Careful, Ogerpon. They'll be focusing on you.)" Asura warned.
"(Good! That means it's fair!)" Ogerpon replied, charging up her Ivy Cudgel as the two Dark types charged. The ogre then leaped over their strikes as she came down with the force of a hammer, slamming her cudgel straight onto Incineroar's head.
"(Oh look, cameras! No pictures please!)" the Heel Pokémon said dizzily before he collapsed.
2 - 2
"Both are down to their last two Pokémon." Kiana observed. "And if I remember Kieran's last Pokémon, that's gotta be Dipplin… unless…" She looked at Nuna. "He also evolved his Dipplin, didn't he?"
"This…is going to be my last Pokémon! You won't stand up to it! Go, Hydrapple!" Kieran said, sending out his newly evolved Hydrapple.
"...I hate it when I'm right." Kiana muttered.
"This is it, gang! You got this!" Mark encouraged his Pokémon. "Asura, Grimmsnarl's weak to Poison! Use that!"
"(Right!)" Asura nodded as he charged Grimmsnarl once again, nailing him with a Poison Jab.
"(No, my Focus Slash!)" Grimmsnarl realized.
"(Ogerpon!)" Asura called, as the Mask Pokémon charged, getting a boost from the reincarnated god, before she slammed down on Grimmsnarl, taking down the muscular Pokemon with a clean hit.
2 - 1
"(And then there was one. It's been awhile, wrathful fungus.)" Hydrapple said.
"(So it has.)" Asura replied. "(Did you remember what I told you?)"
"(Yeah…and it's helped. Here…you're about to see!)" Hydrapple said as Kieran brought out his Tera Orb.
"I don't need the old me anymore! I've changed…. And I'll show you I can change again!" Kieran said as the orb charged with power as he tossed it at Hydrapple, turning the Pokémon into a pure Fighting Type.
"He turned it into a Fighting type." Jexi said.
"(That's bad… I'm half Rock type right now thanks to my Cornerstone Mask.)" Ogerpon noted.
"(Then focus on dodging.)" Asura said as he planted his foot on the ground, then launched himself towards the Apple Hydra.
"(I've even learned a new move. It's called Fickle Beam. Have a taste of it!)" Hydrapple said charging the attack as did two of the syrpents in the apple as they fired and knocked Asura back.
"(Hm. Noteworthy.)" Asura said.
"(And that's not even full power.)" Hydrapple said. "(With my power, I'll become the one best fit for the name God of Wrath!)"
"(Heh…you can have that title. I'm no god.)" Asura replied. "(But, even so…you cannot win here.)"
"(Oh yeah? Well, how about this then? Tera…Blast!)" Hydrapple yelled as he fired a beam of Fighting type Tera Energy straight at the two.
Asura coated his arms in green metal and crossed them, doing his best to stand tall through the beam, taking one solid step after another.
"C'mon, Hydrapple! Give it everything you got!" Kieran ordered. "We're so close…!"
Hydrapple poured more power into the blast, causing Asura to begin to falter…
"No!"
…before he was pushed out of the beam's path by Ogerpon, who took on the full brunt of the attack.
"Ogerpon!" multiple individuals around the court yelled in alarm.
"(You stupid ogre! What are you…?)" Asura demanded.
"(It's fine…") Ogerpon said. "Win…for Kieran's sake…" she said before falling unconscious.
1 - 1
BURST
With a roar of anger, Asura rushed towards Hydrapple.
"Hydrapple, Fickle Beam, again!" Kieran called.
This time, all seven heads emerged as they fired the attack.
Tilt the left stick up!
Asura jumped up to avoid the attack, all seven of Hydrapple's heads looking up as they saw the Mushroom Pokémon above them.
Mash A
Asura gathered Fighting-type energy into himself before he used Vajra to boost his attack.
"(This…is over!)" Asura declared as he divebombed towards his opponent.
"No…Not this time…NOT AGAIN!" Kieran yelled in desperation. "Tera Blast, NOW!"
"(All together!)" Hydrapple said as all seven heads focused their attack upward at Asura.
Mash X!
Asura |========= Hydrapple
Asura =|======= Hydrapple
Asura ====|===== Hydrapple
Asura =======|== Hydrapple
Asura =========| Hydrapple
Slowly, Asura was starting to overcome Hydrapple's Tera Blast as his attack drew closer.
"(He's…this strong?!)" the syrpents thought.
Asura yelled as he finally crossed the gap between him and Hydrapple. The Breloom balled his fists as he summoned four other arms, each of them with a Dynamic Punch at the ready.
Hit A at the right time!
"(Let your Trainer know…the reason he keeps losing…is the path he's on!)" Asura declared as he struck the Hydrapple with all of his fists, sending him flying into the air. After ten seconds, the Grass/Dragon type landed back on the court, knocked out.
1 - 0
Victor: Star-Buster Mark
(End song)
"Wha…what? I…I lost to him again?" Kieran said in utter shock as he fell to the ground as the crowd of people that followed him were quickly and quietly dispersing. "No… this wasn't supposed to happen!"
"I…I don't believe it. Look at the screen!" Emo said.
The group looked up to see the screen displaying the HPs of each side's Pokémon. Asura's HP was barely a sliver.
"Asura won…by one HP!" Mark realized.
"That was a really close battle…" Houki remarked in surprise.
"One…HP…?" Kieran said softly.
"Kieran… despite your current attitude, you fought really damn well. You were so close to beating him." Gaius remarked.
"Yeah…you did well…ex-champ." a voice said as Drayton and the rest of the BB Elite Four approached.
"You…this was your plan, wasn't it?" Kieran said.
"Hey, all they did was compete, Mr. Ex-Champion." Drayton said, before he turned to Mark. "Great job, dude. Great-"
SLAP
Mark cut Drayton off by slapping him across the face.
"Thank you…" FS!Rimuru said with a soft smile as he was about to go down there himself.
"Yeah. Not gonna lie. I had that coming." Drayton said.
"Don't…talk down about Kieran like that." Mark said sternly. "That was not a fixed fight at all, you know. He could have won that fight if things had been different. It was a 50/50 chance! Kieran…he's one of the strongest Trainers in the Multiverse!" he declared.
"Plus, did you even think of us? Now that Kieran lost, he's dropped to the Elite Four and it would push Crispin out." Lacey said.
"Wait, it does?!" Crispin said in shock.
"Wait, what?" Mark said. "I never agreed to be the Champion!"
"Technically, you did when your club agreed to do battle with ours." Amarys said.
"Now hang on just a second!" FS!Rimuru exclaimed, as he hopped down and walked up to the group. "I believe there's a misunderstanding in the fine print."
"...What are you talking about?" Drayton asked.
"If there's someone outside of a committee who defeats the Champion in combat… then that therefore disqualifies the champion from truly being a champion, riiiiight?" FS!Rimuru asked.
"Huh…guess you got a point there." Drayton said.
"So… 'Champion' Mark." FS!Rimuru smirked, turning to him. "Why don't we battle after you heal up your team?" FS!Rimuru smirked.
"Sounds like a…" Mark said as a buzzing sound came from the intercom.
"Attention all students. Could the following please come to Ms. Briar's classroom: Kieran, Drayton, Carmine and the otherworldly visitors." the announcer said.
"...Otherworldly… visitors?" FS!Ruby asked. "Like… ALL of us!?"
"Wah-!? OH COME ON!" FS!Rimuru groaned.
"What could they want with us?" Jexi said.
"Whatever it is, it must be something important." Zeo answered.
"Sorry Rimuru. Looks like you're gonna have to put your rematch with Mark on hold for a bit longer." Hope said.
"Damn it!" Mark snapped his fingers. "But I don't wanna be Champion!" he said.
"Or we can finish that important request faster so they can have their rematch." Akira said. "Sounds good?"
Mark and FS!Rimuru looked at each other and nodded. "Sounds good!" they said in unison.
It wasn't long before the group was brought to a classroom where Briar waited.
"So we meet again." Briar said with a smile. "You all are probably wondering why you have been brought here? Well…let me ask you all a question. Have you all heard…of the Pokémon Terapagos?"
"Terapagos? …Noooo." FS!Ruby remarked.
"It's…that Pokémon from the Scarlet and Violet Books right?" Twilight asked.
"Yes. It has been long said to slumber deep within Area Zero. And…you all have been summoned for the chance to join an expedition…to find it." Briar said.
"Area Zero…" Zeo repeated.
"Wait! You finally got permission? From who?" Dan asked.
"From me of course." a voice said as entering the room was the Paldean Champion Geeta and Elite Four member Rika.
"Oh boy…" Eddy said.
"La Primera!" Shun'ei said in shock.
"We've had Area Zero, or the Great Crater, sealed off for a long time now. But if what she says is true, it's a chance to not only explore it further but to maybe make life easier for the Pokémon living within it as well." Geeta said.
"In 2 weeks, we'll be taking a trip down into the crater for a vast exploration. Of course this is voluntary." Briar said.
"I'm game!" Carmine said.
"Hmm…it would be a shame to leave the school and go off to a distant region so…I'm out." Drayton said.
"That, and you would be surrounded by people who you're on thin ice with." ZS added.
"Heh, that too." Drayton said.
"Want me to kick you in the sacred stones for good measure?" Chris threatened.
"...I'll… pass…" Drayton shuddered and took several steps back.
"Hey, you managed to shake him! Nicely done!" Mark smiled.
"He deserved more than just your slap, Mark." Chris smirked.
"No surprise, coming from you." Connor smiled back at her.
"Ah, nothing deepens the bond of friendship like agreeing when to kick somebody in the weak spot." Sir Saiyan remarked.
"Can we get back to the exploration talk?" Ethox asked with a sweatdrop.
"...I'll go." Kieran said. "(This may be my last chance…to get a legend.)" he thought.
"As for us…you can count us in." Jexi said. "Our non-trainer members can act as bodyguards while the trainers can descend to the deepest depths of Area Zero."
"Mind if I join you as well?" And in comes Woz appearing beside Jexi, which surprised everyone.
"You just wanna be there for when we eventually find Terapagos." Theo said.
"You could say that, Theo." Woz smiled before noticing the newcomers. "Oh, well this is unexpected. Another version of Ruby Rose and Rimuru Tempest?"
"It's a long story. They're basically from another reality." Simon said.
"I see." Woz noted before bowing to them. "Then it's a pleasure to meet you both."
"Pleasure is ours." FS!Ruby smiled.
"Hehe, yeah. This…came on all so quickly, didn't it?" FS!Rimuru asked.
"The wheel of fate can be quite unpredictable." Woz replied before facing the XDR leaders. "The Zi-O Liner is back with the Galaxy King after I escorted Zetta and his Ohma Crusaders back to the Xross-Verse, so I'm free to join you and witness such an important event."
"Kinda figured you'd not want to miss this, Woz." Zeo smirked. "Also, thanks for bringing Zetta and his faction back, even though his team is neutral."
"My pleasure as always, leader." Woz replied. "Oh, and another thing I want to give the Rebellion for making it this far." He took out his Zikan Phone and transferred something onto Team XDR's phones. "Have a look."
Team XDR then looked at their Zikan Phones and gasped at what they saw stored inside. "...Tera Orbs?!" Hibiki exclaimed.
"Call it a gift from a certain headmaster of this academy for helping with the Terarium." Woz answered.
"You never cease to amaze us. Thanks." Akira smiled. "Now we're ready for Area Zero."
"Yeah…before we get to that. There's some other business." Rika said. "Which one of you is the idiot who jumped into Area Zero not once but twice without permission? Cause they got a hell of a lot of fines coming their way."
"Uh…" Mermista said, pointing to Rutega. "She did it."
"WAY TO THROW ME UNDER THE BUS! I OUGHT TO SLUG YOU!" Rutega roared.
"Have fun paying these." Rika said, dropping the fines off before the Saiyan.
"Whyyyyyyyyy…." Rutega groaned.
"Hey, no sweat Rutega, I'll pay 'em off for you." Hope said as he could feel Rika glaring at him. "Wait…you said twice. So you're also counting the one when…"
"Yes. But we're choosing to let that time machine stuff slip since you technically did save Paldea." Rika said.
"Another reason for this expedition. To try and make those Past and Future Pokémon feel more…welcomed to the world they were brought into." Geeta said.
"Wait, you let them off but you won't let ME off!?" Rutega asked with a growl as her anger rose greatly after hearing that.
"They only went in once. You did it twice." Rika said.
"FOR A SHORT AMOUNT OF TIME!" Rutega exclaimed.
"Uh… I think we should probably help Rutega sort this whole thing out before she sinks the whole academy." Hope suggested.
"Uh…" Mark said before he got an idea, quickly sending out Salamance. "Dragon Tail. You know the ball."
Salamance then used Dragon Tail to release Koraidon, who immediately read the room and nuzzled Rutega.
"Huh?" Rutega asked, as she smiled. "Hey boy…" she smiled, petting Koraidon and nuzzling him, her anger subsiding… Only slightly.
"I will also help you pay the fine if you wish, Miss Rutega." Woz offered. "I've got plenty of gems from Sequin Land and Mora from Teyvat to do so."
"Wait… do they have exchange rates for Mora here?" Paimon questioned.
"Thanks…" Rutega remarked as she sighed and shook her head. "...Sorry for this, guys."
"Hey, no sweat." Hope said. "So, the expedition to Area Zero kicks off in two weeks, you said?"
"Yes. Enough time for any extra business. Recovering, battling, even catching Pokémon from Paldea, Kitakami and the Terarium. We want to give you the best chance to be at your best." Geeta said.
"Huh, in that case, maybe there's time for that rematch before the expedition." Zeo realized before looking at Mark and FS!Rimuru.
"Woo! I'm not stuck as the Champion after all!" Mark cheered.
"Get your Pokémon healed, LET'S DO THIIIIS!" FS!Rimuru hyped up.
"Wow, his attitude took a 180." FS!Ruby giggled.
"Glad to see him happy." Adora said. "Hmm…you know…there were some sightings in Paldea I wanted to look into myself."
"Same." Frosta and Mermista said.
"What're you three on about?" Perfuma asked.
"Just…a little personal hunting." Adora said.
"Guess we all have our errands." Eddy said. "Let's get to 'em. Two weeks will pass us right by, y'know!"
"Not how I wanted to end my summer vacation, but we'll take it, dess!" Kirika cheered.
"So…let's make the best of this. 2 weeks from now…to Area Zero." Jexi said.