As the group prepares for their dive into Area Zero once again, rumors of legendary Pokémon have been popping up all across Paldea, rumors cultivated by a man who has claimed to have palled around with each and every one of them. And our brave trainers have ventured off to see if these legends really are roaming Paldea.

Paldea, East Province, Area Home to the Lurking Steel Titan…

"I never thought I'd come back here." Roy said as he walked through the tunnels. "Last time was when we were gathering the Herba Mystica to heal Arven's Mabostiff."

Roy had ventured to this area because of rumors of a certain beast roaming these parts…the Volcano Pokemon, Entei.

"I've been seeking to catch Entei for myself for a while. But the chance has never been able to pop up until now." Roy said. "It's been rumored one's been sighted here in this area. But I don't…"

As soon as he was about to say that, an eruption could be heard nearby. He hurried over to the coast where he saw Entei looking out to sea.

"There he is." Roy said as he readied a Pokéball as he came close to behind Entei. He quickly tossed it as it hit Entei and was dragged inside. Roy watched patiently as the ball shook for a bit before it clicked. "I…I did it." he said as he picked up the ball. "That was easy. Hope the others are having just as good a time."

Paldea, East Province, further away from the home of the titan…

"Okay…according to that rumor. It was around here where Reshiram was supposedly spotted." Leia said.

"Are you sure you don't mind me owning one like you?" Copen asked.

"There's no rule that says you can't have the same Pokémon as someone else." Leia said. "The Dynamax Adventures in Galar prove that it happens all the time."

"Huh, so there's more than one of that legendary species." Lola remarked.

"So what's your story with Reshiram?" Copen asked.

"Where do I even begin? Okay, so apparently, Reshiram was the ruler of the Kingdom of Ignis but was imprisoned by Chimchar. But then I freed it and it was mine. But it flew off after. I didn't meet it again until dealing with Team Rainbow Rocket where Ghetsis, or an alternate version of him, had it under mind control. I freed Reshiram and obtained it again. And…guess that's about it." Leia said.

"Ghetsis, huh…?" Gunvolt whispered.

"He was the leader of a group called Team Plasma and built up his son, N, as a king to liberate Pokémon. But it was a ploy to obtain said Pokémon and use them as tools." Leia said. "The guy is a total monster in every sense of the word. A psycho. To the point where even his own Pokémon hated him."

"Oh. That kind." Copen frowned. "Were you able to stop him?"

"Of course I was. And he was arrested for it. But given how much time has passed, he's probably escaped by now. Big bads like that always do." Leia said.

"I see…" Copen noted. "If you ever see that bastard again, don't hesitate to stop him again. And make sure he stays in a maximum security prison."

"I will. But given how deranged he has probably gotten, he's probably got something new up his sleeve, and I might not be able to stop him by myself." Leia said. "Hopefully, I can meet with N and…" she said before stopping as they saw Reshiram standing right there on the cliff.

"So that's Reshiram…" Lola spoke in awe. "How are we gonna do this? A battle for a test or we can just catch it?"

"You can do either one. But be careful, Reshiram won't go down without a fight." Leia said as Reshiram took notice of the group and roared.

"Looks like we're going for the former." Copen deduced, preparing a Pokéball. "The Pokémon of Truth… Let's see if it rings true. Fortunately, I have something to prepare for Fire and Dragon Types." He tossed out his Pokémon to send out a Gastrodon.

"You have a Gastrodon too?" Gunvolt questioned.

"It's Water/Ground, it only has one weakness, Grass." Copen replied. "Alright, let's start with Rock Slide!"

Gastrodon roared as it plunged numerous rocks from above and onto Reshiram. It took a decent amount of damage before the dragon attacked with a Flamethrower, pushing Gastrodon back but only dealing half damage.

"Stay calm and use Recover!" Copen ordered as Gastrodon healed itself until the flames stopped. "He's strong, I'll give him that. But still… Earth Power!"

Gastrodon then unleashed a powerful quake below Reshiram, dealing even more damage as it staggered quite a bit… before retaliating with Blue Flare, dealing more damage to Gastrodon, but still hanging on.

"Okay, red flames are cool. But blue seems to be even stronger." Gunvolt observed.

"Hey, you're wearing blue, you know?" Joule pointed out.

"Azure Blue, actually." Gunvolt smirked.

"Ix, I think this should be enough! Better take this chance to catch it!" Lola advised.

"Mm." Copen nodded, preparing an Ultra Ball. "Make it count!" He then threw the Ultra Ball onto Reshiram as it went inside upon contact. And after three shakes and a click, the legendary Dragon of Truth has been caught. He then approached the caught Pokémon and retrieved it. "Reshiram… let's work together from now on as we both search for the truth."

"Okay, that takes care of Reshiram." Gunvolt said. "Now for Zekrom."

"We'll need to head to the South Province. So it's gonna be a bit of a trip." Leia said.

"Or we can just do this." Copen sent out his caught Reshiram and hopped on its back. "Get on."

"Or we could do that." Leia said as she and the others jumped on as they rocketed off.

Paldea, South Province…

"So Leia, if you have Reshiram, who has Zekrom?" Gunvolt asked as Reshiram flew across the skies.

"Depends on who you ask. I know two people that do. N, at least when I was traveling through Unova…and Spectra." Leia said.

"Spectra?" Joule asked.

"Spectra Phantom. He's a leader of his own mercenary group, Spectra Force. He actually has a Perfect Link with Zekrom and even was the first to perform Burst with it. Least that's what the Dimensional Heroes have said." Leia said.

"Burst, huh?" Copen mused. "Is it the same as Battle Bond?"

"Sort of. Burst is literally fusing with your Pokémon and gaining their abilities for a short amount of time." Leia said. "From what we know, it only works with Perfect Links."

"Hmm… something to test later…" Copen mused.

"Huh?" Gunvolt then noticed his hand crackling with blue electro. "My Septima… it's reacting to something?"

"Is something with a similar electricity nearby?" Joule asked. "Try and sense it, GV!"

"Okay." Gunvolt nodded, raising his electro hand until he felt a strong reaction in the north east. "Maybe this could be it. Copen, tell Reshiram to head north east!"

"You heard him, let's go!" Copen ordered, earning a nod from the Dragon of Truth and flew north east.

"I see it!" Leia said, seeing the black dragon roaming a barren rocky area.

"Zekrom… the Dragon of Ideals…" Gunvolt said in awe as Reshiram landed, prompting them to jump off. "Stay here, I'll handle this."

As the Azure Striker approached Zekrom, the latter took notice and stared at him. The dragon noticed the adept's electro hand and leaned its head close.

"GV… I think it wants you to pet him." Joule assumed.

"You sure it's okay?" Gunvolt asked.

"Just try it, it'll be fine."

"...Alright." Gunvolt nodded and placed his electro hand on Zekrom's head as the two synergized their blue lightning with each other, almost like a link. "A Perfect Link… could you be it?" He asked with Zekrom answering with a nod and a gentle growl. "I'll take that as a yes." He smiled, taking out an Ultra Ball and tapping it on the dragon's head, sending it inside. With three shakes and a click, the Dragon of Truth is now with the Azure Striker. "Zekrom, let's fight for our ideals together from now on."

"Huh, looks like you didn't need to fight it after all." Lola commented as Gunvolt rejoined the others.

"It's probably for the best." Copen replied. "And judging from Zekrom's reaction, it's like he found what he was looking for. Similar powers, similar ideals."

"Looks like you got them both. Now…just wish I could find the one I'm looking for." Leia said.

"And what would that be?" Gunvolt asked.

"Keldeo." Leia said.

"Keldeo, huh?" Copen mused before checking his Zikan Phone's Pokédex App. "I see. He's one of the Swords of Justice, correct?"

"Wow those phones can do anything, huh? Yes. He's someone I promised the other swords that I would find." Leia said.

"Any idea on how you'll find him?" Gunvolt asked.

"No. Afraid not." Leia said.

"I see…" Copen noted before checking his phone again for any additional info. "Hmm… how about you try catching those other swords instead? Maybe that'll get Keldeo's attention."

"I… Kind of already did when I was traveling through Unova. It's a long story, Hope tried to push Soursweet into taking mushrooms that made her hallucinate before she could even try to catch them herself. Yeah, it was a weird and wacky time for us back then." Leia said.

"...Oh." Copen sweatdropped, putting away his phone. "Anyway, I hope you'll find the answers you're looking for, Leia. And maybe someday, Keldeo will come to you."

"I know. And I know the Swords of Justice will be happy to see him again." Leia said.

"Yeah." Gunvolt nodded. "So, where do you wanna go? We have some free time to spare."

"Let's…just take our time. No one is going anywhere." Leia said.

"Fine with us." Gunvolt replied, sending out Zekrom as it and Reshiram shared understanding glances at each other before they stared at the scenery.

Paldea, Glaseado Mountains…

"This is not what I had planned out!" Frosta said as she rode on Glastrier as they were being chased by Articuno.

"You're the one who charged Articuno head on instead of sneaking up on it!" Gemini said.

"I didn't think it would be ticked off. I thought birds would be more mellow." Frosta said.

"Well you better think of something before we end up as popsicles." Vector said.

Frosta frantically thought before getting an idea. "I have an idea! Gemini, I need you to use your Flame Breathing to cut Articuno off!"

"Y'sure that's a good idea? What if it freezes any fire I start?" Gemini said.

"You know…I got a better idea." Vector said as he grabbed Frosta. "Hey, birdie! I got the one you want right here!" he said as Articuno flew at them.

"What are you doing?!" Frosta said.

"Giving the birdie…what it wants!" Vector said, tossing Frosta at Articuno, hitting it right in the head before it collapsed.

"Whoa…you did it." Gemini said.

"Oh uh…yeah. Totally what I meant to do." Vector said.

Frosta caught Articuno in an Ultra Ball while it was still knocked out. "Note to self: Punch Vector in the face later with a large ice fist… really, REALLY hard." she noted as the Ultra Ball clicked. "But for right now… I just caught Articuno! Even if the method was unorthodox. I wonder how Toya and Himeno are doing tracking down Zapdos and Moltres?"

"See for yourself." Gemini said, showing images on her comm of Toya posing with Zapdos at a lighthouse as Himeno was posing with Moltres near the Asado desert.

"Looks like they did it. Though they did have a bet to see who would catch their bird first." Frosta said. "Well, not really a bet since nothing was wagered. But still… It feels good to see the members of SEED interacting with each other like this, even if they are in technically different factions."

"Yeah. Well anyway, let's get outta the cold. I'm freezing my tail off out…" Vector said before they heard a neigh as they saw Titanica riding in on her own Glastrier.

"Hey. Look what I just found." Titanica said.

"You got a Glastrier of your own?" Frosta asked.

"Well, it's kind of more for Calyrex than myself. Need a ride back? Hop on." she said as she took the three and rode off the mountain.

Paldea, South Province…

"Whoa…it's even more beautiful up close." Adora said, looking at the Rainbow Pokémon Ho-Oh in all its glory. "Yes…I am definitely going to catch you." she said as she went and charged at Ho-Oh as it responded in kind.

"Whoa…she is really giving it her all." Eddy said as he and the Eds watched.

"Legendary Pokémon are never to be taken lightly, Eddy." Double D said. "I believe the match between Mark and Rimuru Alter proved that."

"Yeah, you bet." Eddy said. "So…guess it's a no go that those three Pokémon we met before are here, huh?"

"So it would seem." Ed declared, popping his head out of the ground. "No trio here, Eddy."

"I suppose it was a long shot." Double D sighed. "I suppose we'll just have to wait until the time comes that we find ourselves in Sinnoh."

"Yeah, but now everyone's gonna think we're crazy or seeking attention." Eddy said, slightly annoyed. "I mean, who's gonna believe that the three of us, out of everyone out there, would have formed a Link with the-?"

"Look!" Ed pointed, leaning over the other two Eds heads, falling on top of them in the process. "She-Ra emerges victorious!"

Adora held the ball up high as she looked victorious.

"Well…that was fun." Adora said. "Thanks for joining me for this."

"No problem. But it is a shame." Double D said.

"Yeah. Those three were totally into us. Who would have guess the Lake Trio would have linked with us and split." Eddy said.

"Wait, the Lake Trio are the ones you were talking about?" Adora said.

"Yeah, yeah, feel free to call our bluff if you want. It sounds like a tall tale, I know." Eddy waved off with a face of resigned acceptance.

"Uh…call me crazy then cause…I think I believe you." Adora said.

"...You do?" the Eds chimed in unison.

"But, I mean…we're just us." Eddy said. "Sure, we've managed to help now and again, but…most of the time, we're here to act dumb for laughs, and cheer Mark on. Nothing to make us seem worthy of the Lake Trio's attention."

"I dunno, it makes sense to me." Adora shrugged. "I mean…the Lake Guardians represent Wisdom, Emotion, and Willpower, right? Double D's the Wisdom, Ed's the Willpower, you're the Emotion."

"True, but…" Double D started.

"But nothing. Everyone links with Pokémon different. Same goes for you guys too." Adora said. "Maybe you aren't the most conventional kind of partners…but the Lake Trio chose you. I went through the same thing with being She-Ra. As long as you treat them well, then you're a good choice."

"Uh…wow." Eddy said, sounding pleasantly surprised. "Okay…thanks, Adora."

"I suppose they'll come back when they feel the time is right." Double D said. "For now, I suggest we head off. The others should be done by now."

"And soon, it will be north to Area Zero!" Ed declared. "Treasure hunt, yay!"

"Yeah…Terapagos…I wonder what it's like." Adora said.

Paldea, Western Province…

Mark and some of his team watched as Keiji was bashing heads with Terrakion.

"(Nice to know your skills haven't dulled, shield head.)" Terrakion said.

"(Same goes for you, sword head.)" Keiji said.

"(So…he wasn't kidding about knowing Terrakion.)" Skeledirge said.

"(You didn't believe him?)" Mithra asked.

"(Well, it's not like he had evidence or anything.)" Mark's starter said. "(So, Asura, you mentioned you felt something familiar about that Pokémon a few days ago?)"

"(Yes. It was…chaotic. Destructive.)" Asura said. "(Not evil, though. And…jumbled.)"

"(Jumbled?)" Deus repeated.

"(It was as if…there were two different beings inside of that body.)" Asura hummed. "(Only one felt destructive. The other…it was weaker. More frightened…even sad. Like it wanted to cry out for help…yet it could not.)"

"(...Now, I'm not a genius, but…that sounds like a reincarnation.)" Skeledirge said.

"(But…that shouldn't be possible.)" Deus said. "(All we get from our former selves are their power and memories. The former self is gone completely.)"

"(Mark's former self is still inside of him. Faint, but he's there.)" Milotic pointed out. "(Perhaps the same holds for this Pecharunt thing.)"

"(But why? I mean, if Dad thinks he's familiar, then he's gotta be from our old world.)" Mithra said. "(But then…who could it be?)"

"(...I'm not sure.)" Asura said. "(Any ideas, spider?)" he asked back to Chakravartin, who was ignoring everyone else.

"(...I have one. But it should be impossible.)" the former creator said. "(There was a creation I crafted; a test, to find the one for my successor. But…it had no soul. It should have been unable to reincarnate.)"

"(As you were supposed to?)" Corviknight asked.

"(That's different. My soul was obliterated. It was sheer good fortune that enough of it reassembled to carry my memories over. But that thing had no soul at all.)" Chakra clarified.

"(Well…stranger things have happened.)" Skeledrige pointed out. "(I have a feeling the rest of us should regain our old memories fast. Something big's coming, and it involves that little guy somehow.)"

"(...Can a new self really be held captive by the old self?)" Corviknight asked. "(I mean, certainly there are a few things in our past that we wouldn't be proud of, but to be at war within your own soul…I can't even begin to imagine it.)"

"(Yeah, it would be pretty scary, wouldn't it?)" Mithra agreed. "(Good thing we only get the memories. I mean, having my old self in my head wouldn't be too bad, but for some of you guys…yeesh.)"

"(So it's not evil?)" Skeledirge asked.

"(We Pokémon have had an old saying among ourselves for a long time. There are Pokémon who step off the path of good, and even those who steal and attack humans. But…a truly evil Pokémon…such a thing doesn't exist.)" Terrakion said.

"(Well, that's nice.)" a nearby Meganium said warmly. "(It's nice to hear that no Pokémon is beyond redemption.)"

"(That's optimistic.)" Asura replied, notably warmer than usual.

"(The Multiverse is vast, far more than we've seen.)" Deus said. "(Perhaps there is a truly evil Pokémon out there, but…until the day they emerge, we will continue to share that saying.)"

"(Yeah. No arguments here.)" Terrakion said.

"(Same.)" Keiji said.

"(So…shall we get going?)" Terrakion asked.

"(Definitely.)" Keiji said.

In other parts of Paldea, scenes played out all over. One of Mermista doing battle with Kyogre, one with Glimmer approaching Lunala, as well as a few others approaching other legends. In the time it took…the 2 weeks flew by in a flash. And then came…the expedition.