Posted March 14th, 2024

Chapter Summary

Linus is struggling to understand Team Sharp Claw's new position and new addition. With new information and a chance to show off their skills how will Team Sharp Claw press onward?


Still Linus Treecko's POV


We headed through the halls, down to the living room. Snow filled the view of the land beyond our sliding glass doors. Ivory piles and mounds littered the ground and flakes and flurries clouded the sky in a temperate icy seascape, pockets of the morning blue far in between.

It was chilly as usual in this early Winter outside. The tempered air only slightly warmed past the patio and all the way to the practice field.

There sat a large brown, red, and yellow object, kinda like an elongated Substitute Doll, and the fabled black sword. I walked closer toward the Substitute and saw a small twine or thick string of some kind connected to it and it led to an odd grey and black box.

The box had a few buttons and knobs on both the face and the head of it, while the face had something like the screen of a Connection Orb or something.

More importantly the black testing sword sat in the crate Morág had previously brought to us, and a long string was embedded in the handle of the blade, all the way to the machine.

"What's all this?" I asked and stepped back as Glade and Nevada peered at the new equipment.

"It's a mana monitoring device. In theory, I made it for Tiger, but it's really for our allies. That Incineroar will get false data," Coordinator Cooper explained and attached the black and silver band to the doll.

"False data?" I asked.

The Granbull laughed as he stepped away."That damn Committee can order me to make them something, but who said I had given them all the information they wanted?"

"Yeah!" Nevada waved a claw.

Glade pumped her fist before she sliced through the air. "Let's freaking get 'em back!"

I grit my teeth."They wanna push us around?"

"Kill and take away our Leaguemates?" The Totodile growled.

The Charmander shot out an ember. "And get off scot free!?"

"Well think again!" the Totodile and Charmander yelled in unison.

Coordinator Cooper sighed as he brushed his fur. "Please pick up the sword, swing it, and then swing it at this modified Substitute."

I took a deep breath and reached for the blade handle with both hands. The black sword was still heavy but as I adjusted my weight I got it steady into the air, and primed for battle. With a grunt I tensed my arms and swung the blade in a diagonal arc toward the stalks and field of grass below. Some of the blades of grass flew off into the sky and I swung again.

A small white light slowly pulsed and then remained lit from where my hands gripped on the handle. The curved arrow shape deep into the handle was bright, unlike last time.

My eyes narrowed as I locked onto the Substitute. The black sword was still a bit difficult to maneuver but I spread my legs as I pulled the blade's edge behind me. How could I swing it the hardest? My hands, arms, and shoulders trembled with every moment.

What if I channeled a move into my body for extra strength?

I closed my eyes and took in grass-type mana from the crispy air around me and an Energy Ball coursed its way into my palms. The hilt of the blade flashed dark-green. I yelled as I pulled the black sword up toward the sky and crashed right into the Substitute Doll.

"Woah, that's insane!" the Charmander and Totodile cheered.

The stitching of the cloth held stalwart as the blade bounced backward, and took me along with it.

"Watch out!" Coordinator Cooper pulled Nevada and Toko out of the way as I plummeted to the ground, and the black sword flew into the air.

"Nice stuff Linus." Glade grinned and helped me up. "Just wait and see what I can do!" The Totodile walked over to the blade, which had sunk into the grass. She pulled its handle upright.

Glade and Nevada both followed Coordinator Cooper's instructions with similar results to mine. The Totodile and the Charmander sliced at the Substitute Doll just like I did.

"Aw what?" Glade yelled, as a hollow thunk echoed off the doll and she remained on the ground.

Nevada's tail flame dimmed down as the black sword simply pressed into the Substitute. "Not good."

The blue water-type mana of Aqua Tail and orange fire-type mana of Flamethrower were fierce on their bodies and flashed on the curved arrow but still it was different.

"Nice work y'all!" I pumped my fist. "As Team Leader I think I showed an example of what ta strive for.

Glade hurrumped as she dusted herself off. "It was better than last time, but you must have cheated."

"Wha, I'd nevar cheat!"

"Yeah Linus, being Team Leader doesn't mean you're automatically the strongest!" Nevada puffed out a little ember.

"Y'all do somethin' better then!"

"Fascinating!" Toko clasped her sheathed claws together and mimed the motions of the blade. "Such power!"

Coordinator Cooper watched the screen of the box and tallied down something, presumably numbers on a clipboard he had brought with him.

"Can we take the sword with us?" I asked, my tails slowly raised.

"No, it's still a bit of a risk, perhaps after this mission, depending on how things go." Before we could even say anything the Granbull turned to the Sneasel. "Now Toko."

"Yes Coordinator?" Toko stood up straight with her arms by her sides.

"You can try picking up the black testing sword if you'd like."

What? He's just moving on to her ? I got that she's new and unlike Jin could actually use the black sword but why? How can Coordinator Cooper just move on? I know I said help us with the Disruption and the rehabilitation of the world's mana by any means necessary, but it's too fast for Toko to advance like this. Maybe we're too slow. Or I'm the slow one.

The Sneasel knelt down toward the blade. "Understood."

Like she could do better than Yoshiko or Austin. I took a step back as Toko sheathed her claws and touched the black sword.

"Woah!" The Sneasel gasped as she dropped to the ground, and held her right claw.

Ha, I knew it.

With a deep breath she got low and placed both claws on the handle of the blade.

Wait.

Toko's ears folded down as she bared her teeth and pulled with all her might. The black sword slowly but surely lifted higher and higher off the grass. It wobbled side to side before the Sneasel held it steady, in a stance firm and swung it.

"Satisfactory results?" Toko asked. The blade fell out of her claws and she staggered onto the ground.

My jaw dropped. She swung it?

Claps erupted from Glade, Nevada, and Coordinator Cooper's claws. "Way to go Toko!" they cheered.

"Surprised ya did so well," I grumbled and faced away from the four of them. I can't believe it! She really is fast. Mon at this rate what will I be good for?

"Surprised?"

I nodded as I heard a rustling noise in the grass."But-"

"I'd like you all to come to the office," Chief McBone barked as she skidded to a halt in front of me.

I nearly stumbled over as I stared up at the Stoutland. I forgot how fast she was even as a Stoutland, holy Mew!

"Now?" Glade questioned.

Chief McBone nodded."Now. Before you get too carried away."

"Again?" I asked, as I ran a hand down my arm.

"Well the newly arrived special Connection Orb is there."

Nevada's eyes widened. "The what!?"

"Come quickly now," the Stoutland huffed in a low bark. "Leader Magearna's first seminar will begin shortly."

We made our way back inside the League and headed back up to the third floor. The Granbull ahead of us opened the door to the office and the six of us entered.

There sat Chad, Diamond, Mienfoo, Slowbro, Rio, and River.

Now that I've seen them up close, I noticed that the Herdiers had a navy blue scarf on, with an odd circular badge. That was the badge Paradise Ranchers had.

I guess Anabel and Bernard were still on watch as always, maybe next time.

Coordinator Cooper walked over to the desk, and reached into a tall cabinet beside it, with a small blue key in his paws. He then pulled out a blue sphere with a grey thin rod sticking out of it, one slightly bigger than an Escape Orb or a Rollcall Orb.

"Greetings everyone!~" a metallic voice, the voice of Leader Magearna called out from the device, the Connection Orb.

Leader Magearna talked about mana artifacts and the Disruption. But most importantly they said one word. One word that made the Herdier twins cry.

"With research from Team Vanguard-"

My own eyes watered.

Leader Magearna kept talking, they mentioned a way to end the Disruption was in our reach. Not just with the keys and locks of mana, but with the Gears of Mana inside all mana artifacts. Even ones we never heard of. All of this information."They paved the way."

Chad and Diamond sniffled too, tears streamed down their faces.

Memories, some of my words from about six years ago flooded my mind.

" I'll make a Rescue Team with my brother and sister, and some other Pokémon! Team Swift Claw!" I said in that Mystery Dungeon, the same dark forest where I was attacked by a Pidgeotto of Wicked Blow.

Now that I thought about it, she was an unlocked Keeper, and had probably forcibly unlocked that poor Wooloo Hatchet, Kobi and I found during their exam. Misusing the elemental keys and locks of mana for a gang, that Pidgeotto was one of the Pokémon who caused the Disruption.

" I have a better idea," that confident Hillock Country accented voice, that same voice of the Midday Lycanroc who saved me from Wicked Blow echoed in my ears." Team Sharp Claw ."

My memories faded and I was in the real world again. Faced with the truth.

Tho-san, that kind, busy Midday Lycanroc was killed by Wicked Blow. All of the fourteen Pokémon of Team Vanguard were killed by the so-called Committees and maybe by some other group. All because of this. The knowledge to fix the world. To end and prevent the Disruption, forever.

After the first seminar, and that promise of more from Leader Magearna, and by extension, everyone else working with them, we needed to keep going. The black testing sword was something we could use, part of the Mana Regalia. The Mana Regalia let us get an even chance against unlocked Keepers, and it could help in the Rehabilitation of the world's mana.

Nevada, Glade, Toko, and I sat in the living room on the first floor. The darkening purples, blues, and dark grays of sky from the evening glimmering bright through the blinds behind us.

Everyone of us. Suffered because of those Pokémon in the Committee. I now knew what to do. "We can't just let everyone do all the hard work!" I slammed the fist onto my chest.

"Does this mayhaps mean what I think?" the Sneasel got off the floor.

The Charmander and Totodile beside us smirked. "Let's go see what you've got!"

A coating of dark-purple energy, no doubt some poison type move coated Toko's claws as she stood in front of a Substitute in the practice field.

"What move was that?" Nevada asked, their tail flame flickering hotter and brighter.

"It was a Poison Jab."

"Can we see the others?"

"Quick Guard, Quick Attack, and Reversal."

The Charmander cheered. "Those are great against the tactics of my Charizard and Drizzlie siblings- the current Econ Bounty Hunters."

"Praytell?" Toko tilted her head. "They are?"

Glade grabbed the Sneasel's shoulder. "Ugh, the field isn't right for this!"

"If I may, this is the field set aside for practice, within the limits you require of me."

"Your moves require live training, not just wailing on some Substitute."

I furrowed my brow as there was the faint sound of padding through the grass around us. "We all need something better than this."

"Real freaking training!" The Totodile fist pumped.

"Like what we had with Team Whitelight on Logos Mountain!"

Toko's eyes widened. "So you did go?"

"Yep," a different, yet familiar voice called. "And they got a bit carried away."

"What?"

We turned around and low and behold.

"Chad, and Diamond?" I, Glade, and Nevada asked.

The Pikachu and Wartortle stood before us.

"Hey Team Sharp Claw." Diamond smirked. "We thought we'd just stop by."

"Can you train with us?" I just had to ask.

Chad shook his head. "No."

"Or atleast spar or something?" Glade crossed her arms.

The Pikachu sighed. "We're going on a mission out of town."

"Out of Bristberg?" Toko questioned, her eyes wide.

"It's just a quick request in Mizu Mori, so we'll be back just around when you all will be heading home too," The Wartortle explained.

"What?" Nevada gasped and nearly jumped into me again.

"We've all got stuff planned for you." Chad stepped toward me and grinned. "But ours will blow your mind!"

Diamond smiled as well. "See ya on the flipside Team Sharp Claw! Keep Toko safe and be nice to our little siblings Slowbro and Mienfoo alright?"

"Will do!"

"Bye!" Chad and Diamond waved as they exited back through the stalks of grain toward the patio of the League.

The same stalks that towered over Glade, Nevada and I were just under chest height for those two. Just another difference between Team Sharp Claw and Team Aegisdrip.

Who would train us?

"I'm truly sorry Team Sharp Claw." Chief McBone sighed and got down from her desk. "I have paperwork to fill out, information from Austin and Yoshiko. From Team Blue Heroes around Saltwater Cliffs, the area near Leader Magearna's seminar. Documents from Wally and Spyla from Team Aegisdrip. Oh and reports from Silas and Aerith, the co-captains of Team Blue Heroes-"

We backed away with a nod.

"And I'm busy with Mienfoo and Slowbro," Coordinator Cooper explained. "We've got another part of the entrance exam to do."

"I understand," I said and fastened my scarf, my gaze low.

Glade and Nevada grumbled to one another while Toko just stretched out her arms with a yawn.

The Granbull walked over to us as Rio and River entered the office. "Don't worry Team Sharp Claw. We've got some more assistance today, so I think it's time you got to go on another mission."

I turned to the Herdier twins and noticed the large saddlebags on their sides and glanced back and forth. "What?"

"Tomorrow morning, bright and early," River explained. "We are heading to New Withered Savannah, the city that will host a new Mana Research League."

"Oh?" Glade gasped, her massive jaw wide.

Rio stepped in when my brow furrowed. "We'll be stopping by some places to do our Paradise Ranch work and we need you to go establish League relations on our behalf."

"Understood." Toko bowed.

I adjusted my badge and stared at the Charmander and Totodile beside me. "Let's get ready."

The warm light of morning came slowly, just as they always did. I got out of bed, parted the curtains, and scanned the area beside me. Alright, let's get the show on the road. " Good morning!"

Rio and River had made breakfast: toast, eggs, bean sausages, berries, and grits. Toko, had an extra portion of Oran and Lum, and didn't mind the bean sausage at all, while I and everyone else devoured everything.

Then we were on the road.

"Estimated time of arrival?" Toko asked as we stepped onto the teal Bristberg mountains and headed south.

"New Withered Savannah is a few hours away." River locked his eyes westbound.

"Unfortunately and perhaps fortunately The only Mystery Dungeon to get there isn't worth the risk," Rio explained.

"Ah, no extra training," I grumbled, and adjusted my scarf.

"More importantly there's reports of mana artifacts along this mountain-desert, southwestern Bristberg, northern Legend Eclipse, and northeastern New Withered Savannah."

"Then we best hurry up and find em!" Glade yelled and dashed ahead, past the town limits.

Nevada chased after her. "Slow down! Rio and River said Libra and A would deal with it!"

The Herdiers gazed at Toko and I before they chuckled. "Ever zealous eh? Well, we best get a move on."

We got lower down off the towering mountain tops, and weaved our way slightly towards sea-level minute by minute. Still high above the valleys we got closer to Hunter's Plains, the rocky ground grew sandier, with small clusters of grass appearing more often.

Soon, after about two or so hours we reached the yellowing mountainous hills above Legend Eclipse. Directly to the west was the Electro Sun Mountain Range, a beautiful set of orange, clay, yellow, and brown small mountains where we'd cross into New Withered Savannah. That Mountain range was nearly always in view when I lived in Hunter's Plains, but now it was just a distant landmark.

About three hours passed and the sun's warmth really kicked in. The overall desert climate grew more pronounced with every dry gust of wind, passed stray Cacnea, and Bramblghast family. Not to mention the frequenting sand dunes even right beside the hillocks. New Withered Savannah would be in our reach soon, the Herdier twins promised us this after our break. The desolate and nearly barren land around us sent a shiver up my spine, but I saw the torch marked, and clearly traveled path ahead of us, which led through a section of mountains and over to the city. We weren't in straylands, which also meant we had to be careful.

As usual River stayed behind, but with his huge nose I heard his rate of sniffing increase.

Rio lowered her ears and the Herdiers pushed us into a tighter formation. We edged closer and closer to the mountain's narrow passage.

In my eyes the two looked unnaturally tense, just like when Knight and Spellbound came to the League. River and Rio were Keepers after all, other Keepers couldn't easily sneak up on them, especially if they were unlocked.

"Who goes there!" River growled, his eyes wide.

Out of the sand dune came two Pokémon, a Starmie and a Charabug.

"We went through all the trouble of stealing this from Prismacolor Plains and now we get stopped!?" The Starmie's warbled watery voice spat.

That's just where we were a few days ago! Before Nevada's siblings' Bounty Hunters supposedly took the Treasure of Tapu Koko. It was taken by some other thugs instead!?

River narrowed his eyes. "Excuse me?"

"Move aside punks!" The Charabug strained forward with the huge bag. "And what's with that Sneasel?"

"Eyes over here pal!" Rio growled.

The Starmie flashed a dark pink color, and the barrier of Light Screen on him and the Charabug. "Nevermind! Better yet, gimme all your stuff!"

"They're unlocked Keepers!" The Herdiers barked.

"I think you all would make fine additions to our gang, we'll climb the ranks with you in no time!"

"Operation: Strike!" My heart pounded fast as I stared at the sand around the two Pokémon. "Get ready y'all!"

Both wore a black and white striped scarf, but more importantly was the giant bag behind them, a large bladed point, peaked out from a tear. Whatever it was, it called to me.

"It's Wicked Blow, Team Sharp Claw! Engage!" Rio ordered.

"Let's just get this over with little Paradisers!" The Charabug shot out a Discharge of electricity.

Shoot! It'll hit all of us! Gotta get closer! The huge swath of power blasted through the dusty air and straight into each of our bodies to the sand at our feet. While the crackle blasted through me, almost harmlessly, I launched closer.

Before the yellow static tagged through Glade's scales Toko darted in front of her. The current fizzed out from existence as a red translucent wall blocked it.

"What!?" The Charabug screamed.

"Do not fret!" The Sneasel's body gleamed bright red.

The Totodile smirked as Toko patted her shoulder. "Thanks!"

My eyes lit up as the red segmented barrier move disbursed from Glade's scales. Woah! That was Quick Guard! Toko could just block an attack like that?

"Don't think we don't know who you four are!" The Starmie shot out a beam of ice towards me. "League scum!"

"What will that accomplish for you?" The Sneasel brandished her claws as she backed away.

"Get down!" Nevada blasted through the Ice Beam with a Flamethrower.

The powerful gale of frigid wind melted straight into a plume of vapor, and consumed the fire.

With a garbled scoff the Starmie fumed."We're not just any Wicked Blow members," he yelled. "We're second vice captains of Amelia Weavile's Xi 20 gang! We reign supreme!"

River stepped forward as he reeled from the shock. "Get the bag!"

I took in normal-type mana from the air and channeled Slam deep into my legs.

"Don't get cocky brat!" The Charabug slid in front of the bag at me and nearly stumbled forward. "We can't touch 'em but It's from those stupid Econ Bounty Hunters, not something for your pitiful mitts!" Her jaws glew light green with Bug Bite, and then the light flashed.

The intensity of the attack grew and my knees nearly buckled. What was that!?

"But you're Keepers!" I growled as I shoved back against her, and my arms gave out. "You can't even use these mana artifacts!"

"Doesn't matter!"

Rio pushed me away from the Charabug before her jaws flashed a bright orange flame. The Herdier's Fire Fang blazed through the skin. But still the Charabug stood firm, and something in the bag behind her glowed green.

A Reviver Seed! Crap, these two are smarter and stronger than they look!

A purple blur shot right beside Rio, as the Charabug flinched.

"I got one!" Toko yelled, she dropped to the ground as she lugged out an enormous three-pointed glaive.

It was almost larger than my entire body, and there was another one.

"Operation: Steam!" I yelled.

Glade and Nevada shot forward and grabbed the bag.

The Starmie flipped immediately away from me and screamed. "Nooo! Stop them!"

"Back off!" The Totodile pulled back her fist and punched him with Brick Break.

He didn't flinch and instead spun around toward Toko in rapid white blur.

The Charmander grabbed onto one of the Starmie's points with Dragon Claw and held on for dear life.

"Give it ta me!" I yelled.

The Sneasel grit her teeth and roared. Could she do it? She locked eyes with me and pulled fighting-type mana from our surroundings, and straight into her body. The silver three pointed glaive flew through the air.

As the triple-axel sliced in between Toko, Charabug, Rio, and Starmie I saw it. The shimmer of the empty slots of all three handles.

Giga Drain practically burst through my whole upper body as my hands grazed one of the handles. Something inside me pulled the glaive straight toward the Starmie. A powerful bright light radiated off his body. In one motion the blades sliced across from one arm, over his red gem, and down to one of his bottom arms.

My body all but collapsed as the Starmie flew backwards from the attack.

Power from a real Mana Regalia. Unbridled, by the hands of a Pokémon unworthy, ones unable to even hold it. Now in our grasp. No, my grasp.

Might incarnate. Retribution for all those slain and ruined in a conquest for the elemental keys and locks of this the taste of unlocked power?

And it still wasn't enough.

"Retreat!" Charabug burrowed her head deep into the dirt before she spat out a plume and torrent of gritty sediment.

The Starmie shot across the sand with a Rapid Spin and picked her up as the gusts of wind intensified. I couldn't see my hands in front of me, but the heavy weight of the glaive grounded me through the blasts of sand.

Then it stopped.

"They're gone." River's comment snapped me out of my haze.

I dropped the giant glaive as the Starmie and Chargabug disappeared in the grains of the sandstorm. "Finally, it's over."

Toko darted away from the crumbling sandpit before us and sighed. With the Charmander and Totodile right next to them the Sneasel sheathed her claws.

"That was something." Glade stumbled over with a grunt.

Nevada followed her with a sigh. "Guess we're still not strong enough?"

Rio and River exchanged positions of their noses to the ground and their eyes and ears up to search the land. "I'm glad we're all safe."

"We've should'a put 'em in the damn dirt for Arceus' sake!" I growled as I stamped the ground.

"Are you not pleased we got them to retreat?" Toko cheered.

"I don't understand how you are!" I pushed the Sneasel against the mountainside.

Toko stumbled back and used her palms to hold me away. I watched as she tried not to scratch me with her claws as she accidently knocked me over.

"What the voidlands is going on with you!?" Glade yelled but my glare froze the Totodile in her tracks.

Toko's stronger than I realized! I stared and shot back at the Sneasel. And she's taller too ugh, I hate still being at Treecko height!

"Linus!?" Rio gasped and dashed over to us. In the blink of an eye I crashed onto the sandy soil again.

River blocked Toko with his body and peered into my eyes. "Explain yourself!"

"How do you keep that act up, Toko?!" I yelled and climbed off the ground.

"What act?"

"The act of how yur just energetic and ya just keep going and never give up!"

"An act?"

"Even though I've only known you for a little bit, I don't understand."

"Linus, she's herself you know." Rio asserted. "Everyone handles losses in different ways, we know a thing or three about it."

"I just need ta understand!"

"You need to listen to us!" River stamped straight through a small boulder. "We've dealt with this before! Our own former teammates, of Team Vanguard, who we've known for years, were gone in an instant because of those Pokémon leading the Committee!"

The air felt silent after the Herdier dropped that on me. Why was I like this? I'm always like this… "It doesn't matter! I… Please Toko, tell me how."

"Could you?" Nevada finally spoke up, their claws on my shoulders. "I'm sorry Toko, Linus takes being Team Captain way too far sometimes. I'm sorry we can't handle him."

"I understand. It was not easy." The Sneasel held her bandaged sides and winced. "I speak truly. It is very hard. You do not know what I have been through and what the Committee has done to us."

"Ya don't know what we've been through either-"

"Jin told me as much information as possible and because of that they did everything in their power to make our lives miserable."

"What is he going through?" the Charmander puffed out a tiny wisp of smoke.

"Tell us what he's actually going through!" Glade begged, her eyes wide."Not what Spellbound told you to say!"

Toko's eyes drifted down."The Committee staff will not kill him, they shall do everything but that."

"How?" I gasped. "How do you even know that?"

The Charmander's tail flared before they huffed."Those guys are crazy!"

"Well, they know that some organization can track if we, the ones from Hisui, die. It is not the League but one of your allies."

"Our hidden allies," the Totodile grumbled. "Everyone's been bringing them up more and more lately."

"They've done so much for the League, helping Leader Magearna find out about those Gears of Mana, much more than what I've done," I grumbled. "Even with these Greavard-gone glaives!"

The Sneasel shook her head. "False, you took in me and Jin."

"We were just followin' orders!"

"You know that is not true."

My cheeks flushed. "Fine… I'm sorry."

"That is why I shall not falter. I have to because this is what Jin would want me to do."

"But, I can't deal with this loss and every other loss properly," I yelled. "I lashed out at you, and everyone else! I always do!"

"It is okay," Toko explained.

"How?"

"Even after the Committee sent me here. This loyal servant of Sinnoh thought she was going to die- " the purple-Sneasel paused to shiver, "or worse. But now that I'm here I refuse to yield."

"Thank you." I stepped away from her. "I haven't mastered my emotions and took everything out on ya. It wasn't fair, it's not like ya wanted to be here. I'm sorry, I truly am sorry."

Toko grinned as she dusted off her fur. "Apology accepted. But do not think I will hold back!" She flexed her arms, a claw firm on her scarf and badge.

"Well, I'm glad you're determined to stay by our League's side." River gestured to the weapons on the sand. "However the new issue is the Mana Regalia, this pair of glaives."

"What's tha problem?" I rubbed my sore joints as an ache coursed through me.

Rio sighed as she fiddled with the small Connection Orb on her harness. "Dad didn't trust you to bring along the black testing sword and now we have the real deal."

"Ah." I glanced down at them. "Okay."

"Hello?" the Herdier's call echoed through the area, but more specifically into her Orb.

… A muffled, staticky voice, one I couldn't hear replied back.

"Yeah, uh we ran into some unlocked Wicked Blow vice captains."

"From Xi 20, Amelia Weavile's gang, and um," River laughed a little. "They escaped."

"More importantly we found some of the Mana Regalia. What should we do?"

"You sure Mom?"

"Okay Dad."

"Farewell!"

The Connection Orb shut off.

"Okay little Fangs of the Fallen," River said as he approached us. "You each need to try out the glaives. Keep the Mana Regalia safe with your lives."

Rio pawed at the sand. "First let's secure them."

"Got it." Nevada and Glade lugged each of the massive glaives and shoved them inside the bag.

"Don't take them out until we reach the New Withered Savannah League." The Herdiers' instruction was clear as they turned away.

"What shall I do?" Toko asked, her ears twitching.

"Don't worry. You can help those three master it, like with the black testing sword."

"I shall do my best!"

"Let's continue."

Underneath the hazy sky and above the warm dunes of sand sat Killamanjaro's Peak, the mountain that grazed the zenith. One that held a few Mystery Dungeons, the foundation for New Withered Savannah itself, and the way to a very special building. The dusty sandstone and cream path before us led all the way to a towering three-story building, one familiar to my eyes in design.

The new League. There were other small tan buildings below it trimmed with pastel blue, dusty yellow, and clayish brown. An entire city waited before us, the bustle and commotion of Pokémon echoed out from the depths.

We made it to New Withered Savannah.

A low whistling call pierced the air and brought my attention to our immediate surroundings.

On the sandy mountain ledge before us stood five small Pokémon, and I nearly had a double take as I actualized two of them. A Fighting-type Farfetch'd and an Eiscue basked in the cooling breeze, their black, green, and gold plaid scarves blowing in the wind.

"Wait a minute?" The Totodile pointed up at them.

The Charmander furrowed their brow. "Kenji and Algoa?"

"You know those Pokémon?" Rio questioned.

How could I forget? Those two fight-crazed goofballs ambushed us in Bristberg Highland Mystery Dungeon like four days ago! If anything they were at least nice, but only weary of Jin. And their Mercenary company owed the Econ Bounty Hunters enough money to threaten all of Bristberg. Somehow.

"We met on a mission recently. They worked at my old job," I said with a smirk, my tails waving.

"Really?"

I nodded."With the Black Clover Mercenaries."

And beside the two, were a Quaxly, a Sprigatito, and a Fuecoco, also similarly attired. They had every corner under their stern gazes, and surrounded the taller Pokémon.

"And who are those guys with them?"

River sighed and continued forward. "We won't know until we get a move on, let's go."

The sounds of life grew louder and louder, even as we neared the road less taken, there weren't any travelers on this route. They all took the south or western entrances from Pokémon I saw, braving the sandy air high above the land.

In the dusty path beyond us I shuddered. A mirage, one typical of a desert, hit me.

Far into the depths of the orange ocean of sand. There it was.

"Now what is it?" Rio perked her ears up.

I gasped as my eyes trained on the brief image. "There's something, someone… a Pokémon. A ghost of a Pokémon."

"Of w-what?" Nevada shivered.

That image flashed inside my mind and my heart pounded. Mirages faded, and visions faded, unlike life.

"Not a what, but… a who." I held my chest.

"Who?" Toko asked, her eyes narrowed.

Life never faded.

"One like Jin."