On the way to the Beast Universe, four of David's Pokemon in the Pokemon Habitat: Rokuten Maou, Greninja, Charizard and Incineroar, were all having a sparring match. For this match, Charizard is seen in what is essentially Samurai Armor, Rokuten Maou has a black cloak and a cape, and Greninja was wearing what looked like a white top with frills on the shoulders.
"You know, I kind of feel left out not having any of those…Holowear things." Incineroar said.
"Well it's not our fault your species hasn't been approved for it yet." Charizard said.
"Yeah, You and Mewtwo get all the perks. Two Mega Evolutions, Charizard gets a Gigantamax form, Greninja has the Battle Bond thing…" Incineroar said.
"Yeah, but you have a unique Z-Move. None of us have that." Greninja said. "Speaking of which… Charizard, Rokuten Maou, why exactly did you pick us as your sparring partners?"
"The Unite League has been rumored to be forming. I heard rumors about it from the humans." Rokuten Maou said.
"Ah, yeah. That. I think it's gonna be quite exciting!" Charizard said. "We've been trying to spar with Dan's Charizard and Mewtwo, but…"
"Ever since what happened in the Trinity War, they have been… a little out of it." Rokuten Maou said.
"Charizard especially. With that tiny ball dragon riding with that one called Dan, it's been getting jealous." Greninja said.
"Awesome, can't wait to tear it up and…" Incineroar said.
"Actually, from what we know, your species has not been approved for the Unite League yet." Charizard said.
"Dang it! Urg… After all that work Indigo did to get her Incineroar into Smash too…" Incineroar said.
"I mean, the league is still new. Your species could end up joining…maybe." Greninja said.
"Yeah… Fingers crossed." Incineroar said. "So…what's the deal with this league anyway?"
"Well…" Greninja said.
At that same time, the same explanation was given to the group.
"Unite Battles are a new form of battles where five trainers work together to score points. Whoever has the most points by the end of the battle is declared the winner." Twilight said. "You score these points by defeating wild Pokémon or stealing them from opposing Pokémon."
"Okay…we're with you so far." Dan said.
"Each team member has to use a different Pokémon and not the same one someone else is using. While the number of Pokémon currently licensed is pretty few, considering how many species there are, it's still considered to be a new rising success and a very diverse roster." Twilight said.
"So, basically like those MOBA games." David said.
"Kinda sorta, yes. Now…the Pokémon are divided into five different categories. Attackers focus mostly on dealing damage. Defenders have high defense and a lot of health. All-Rounders are balanced but can be game changers. Speedsters are quick and race across the field and score points quickly. And Supporters either heal the team or cause disruptions for the opponents." Twilight explained. "Any questions?"
"I think we're good." Jexi said. "Still can't believe they asked some of us to demo this for the auction. Then again, our performance in the last PLT was pretty intense and drew a lot of eyes."
"Yeah, plenty of us really gave it our all back then." Mark recalled.
"Anyway, we've been promised some rewards just for doing this live demo. If it goes well, the 10 competing will be allowed to enter any future Unite battle tournaments and official matches." Twilight said.
"Speaking of, who gets to lead who?" Jexi asked.
"They have requested these two to be team leaders. Mark since he was one of the top 4 and the most ferocious and Titanica since she conquered Galar in battle." Twilight said.
"Of course, the one I'll be going with is Cinderace." Titanica said.
"Anyway, the remaining four members can be picked out by you two." Twilight said.
"Before that though, Mark, who are you going to choose from your team to be in the Unite Battle?"
"Hm…can I use Asura?" Mark asked Twilight.
"No, Breloom isn't in the roster. Hmm…you caught a Pikachu back in Blueberry Academy didn't you?" Twilight asked.
"Oh, you mean Hanbei?" Mark asked.
"It's on the approved list. So are Lapras and Metagross." Twilight said.
"Hm…So, I can go with Hanbei, Tadakatsu or Mitsuhide." Mark pondered. "Well, I let Tadakatsu have his fun back in BB, and Hanbei's more of a strategist, so…I'll go with Mitsuhide."
"A defender role. That's good. Now you two just need to pick your remaining four teammates." Twilight said.
"I'll start. Simon, I need you and Sigil's speed." Titanica said.
"You can count on us." Simon said.
"Well, my choice for an attacker is a no-brainer." Mark smiled as he looked towards Bernadetta. "Guess who's Rowlett evolved during the time before the Demon Election?"
"Me? Gee…I dunno. It was only recently it went all the way to Decidueye and…" Bernadetta stammered.
"You don't have to if you don't want to." Mark assured her. "I just think it would be a good way to get some first-hand experience for them."
"W-Well…alright." Bernadetta nodded.
Going schoolyard style, Titanica went next. "Adora, would it be okay if Falinks joins my team?"
"You can count on us, Alice." Adora said.
"For my All-Rounder…Kieran, how about having Dragonite join us?" Mark asked.
"I'm all over it." Kieran said.
"I need some defense. Mina, mind lending us a hand?" Adora asked.
"Me and Goodra are all over it." Mina said.
"Hmm, we need a Speedster." Mark said. "Hmm…says here Leafeon is on the roster as one…Penny?"
"When you ask, you know I never say no, Big Bro." Penny replied.
"That just means you both just need a Supporter and you're good to go." Kaibara said.
"Supporter…hmm….Oh! Rarity! Could you and Comfey lend a hand?" Titanica asked.
"Would be an honor." Rarity said.
"I…honestly don't know who I'm supposed to go with here." Mark said.
"Other than Comfey, the only other supporters for unite are Clefable, Blissey, Sableye, Wigglytuff, Mr. Mime, Hoopa, Eldegoss and…that's all." Twilight said.
"That's gonna be a problem. No one here has any of those." David said.
"Mark…" Ash K said. "I'm joining your side. Me and Mr. Mime. So that makes a full team."
"Oh. Oh! Okay, cool!" Mark nodded. "Full teams on both sides!"
"Then it's decided. Titanica's team will consist of Cinderace, Absol, Falinks, Goodra and Comfey. And opposing her will be Mark's team of Lapras, Decidueye, Leafeon, Dragonite and Mr. Mime." Ichiro said.
"Just because we're friends doesn't mean I won't go easy on you, Mark." Titanica said. "We're both strong trainers, so that means we'll both give this our best."
"You read my mind, Alice." Mark smiled. "Let's get ready to rumble."
The ship soon arrived in the Beast Universe's capitol, and as expected, things were bustling left and right as many people were buying things up.
"Whoa…so many people." Kieran said.
"No surprise. The Beast Universe is one of the strongest universes do to how well it attracts avid collectors." Sheer said. "And of course the assortment of beasts and cards."
"No joke. I'm actually glad this was our next stop. Entrapta and I both." Flamberge said.
"If you're thinking about stockpiling Chaotic cards on board because you two are chummy with Kathlaa, forget it." Lan said.
"Who said anything about Chaotic? We're going for the big leagues." Entrapta said. "We wanna play Yu-Gi-Oh!"
"Hahahahaha!" Lan laughed as the two stared. "Oh you two were serious." he said as he stopped.
"Speaking of which, I think I should build Crusadermon a deck too." Sachiko said.
"Well, there is no shortage of card packs you can get here. Who knows, maybe this auction will have some rare cards she can make good use of." David said.
"But Flamberge, can I ask why you and Entrapta wanna take a swing at Yu-Gi-Oh? It's not like Buddyfight, Yu-Gi-Oh is leagues above that kind of level." Mayumi said.
"Granted, that's true. But I've seen how that one plays. All about attack and no strategy at all." Lan said pointing to Flamberge.
"And is that a bad thing when playing?" Flamberge asked.
"Uh, kind of, yeah." Sachiko said.
"There's more of a strategic layer to Yu-Gi-Oh. It's slower, and methodical. Buddyfight was faster, which is why you were so used to it." Hope said.
"Sounds like the kind of game for you, Leopardmon. Shall we get some card packs for you too?" David asked.
"Assuming they won't be too star-struck for us being here." Leopardmon said.
"Oh, relax. You'll be fine. If anything, the Royal Knights' presence could draw a bigger presence with how famous you all are in this universe." Sachiko said.
"Well then, we'll do both. We can participate in the Unite Battle and get Yu-Gi-Oh cards for those who want them." Hope said.
"And maybe I can scan some more Digimon for the Digital Storage. I can always use a few extra hands while I'm hacking." Sachiko said.
"Sachiko, I wish you the best. Hope, let your team enter card battles, I will hunt you down and end you." Lan said as he turned.
"What? You're gonna scoop up all the rares before us?" Flamberge asked in frustration.
"Maybe but cards aren't all I'm here for today. Ciao." Lan said as he headed off.
"In the meanwhile, I'm going to see about doing something with those two eggs sitting on the ship." Franky said.
"What two…" David said before seeing the Kirin Eggs. "Oh…those eggs."
"They haven't hatched once and don't even move." Franky said.
"That's too weird. It's been so long since that Dungeon Odyssey trip. You'd think they'd hatch by now." Sectonia said.
"Luckily for you guys, the Galaxy King can have up to 99 floors in it and we used the 50th just for a hatchery for the eggs. But…not much use if it's just two." Franky said.
"Well, then. Maybe we should get some more. Please. I don't wanna abandon those eggs." David said.
"Hmm…all right. If you can get more eggs to fill the hatchery, I won't scrap it and force you to get rid of those eggs." Franky said.
"Looks like we're gonna have a lot of stuff from this sight. Cards, Digimon, monster eggs, woo boy, our wallets are gonna scream in pain by the time we're done." David said as he looked to the Unite Battle participants. "Good luck, guys! Hope you guys have a great time."
"Don't worry, we will." Kieran said.
However, as the heroes began to disperse, they weren't the only ones blending with the crowd.
"So far…no sign of it anywhere." Jack said as he walked around in his civilian clothes.
"What're we supposed to be looking for exactly?" Ann asked.
"Rare creatures. Apparently, there is a place where a number of them are gathered and it's somewhere in this city." Jack said.
"So we're stealing creatures now?" Goro asked. "I can understand trinkets and valuable items. But living things? That seems a little too unorthodox. Even for you, Jack."
"Eh…value is value." Jack said. "Just wish we knew where it could…hmm." he said, seeing some shady-looking characters walking towards the alleyways. "Hmm… when in Rome…follow the crooked Romans."
The thieves followed the characters to a building away from the rest of the auction site, a path leading downward into a dark dingy area where they saw a number of crooks standing around.
"Okay…this…has to be it." Jack said.
"Do you have the money?" the lead shady character asked the leader of the crooks.
"Got it all right here." the crook said, pulling out a briefcase and opening it to reveal stacks of currency. "1,000,000,000 in cash. This'll nearly bankrupt us, but it'll be worth it. Now…let me see what we paid for."
The lead figure snapped his fingers as two of his subordinates wheeled out a metal cylinder-shaped container. One of them pulled the handle up, causing coolant to gas out, before they lifted it up to reveal a jet-black egg.
"Five years of genetic research and development lead to this: the first and only Fatalis egg." the lead figure said. "We've made sure that it'll go through the standard biological imprinting process, so you don't have to worry about it turning on you…as long as you treat it well."
"Yeah, got it." the lead crook said. "With an Elder Dragon like this at our side, we'll be runnin' New Detroit for years to come."
"Of course. After all, Elder Dragons are hard to come by." the lead figure said. "And they're practically indestructible and cause lots of destruction."
"That's what I'm counting on." the lead crook said. "Pleasure doin' business with you all." he said, handing over the briefcase.
"Likewise." the shady leader nodded as the two shook hands. "Let's get you and your new pet on your way before-"
"Hereward!" a voice called out as Hereward appeared and struck down a couple of the goons before they saw Crow standing there. "Sorry…but I'll be taking that egg."
"Dammit! You said no one followed you!" the lead crook said as both parties drew their weapons on Crow.
"He's one of those Phantom Thieves." the lead character replied. "I knew they'd get involved in this somehow."
"Well what did you expect…you have rare things…and we want them." Crow said.
"Not this time. Unfortunately for you…I came prepared." the lead character said as he pulled out a device that he slammed on the wall, the machine activating and whirring up.
ANTI-MAGIC FIELD GENERATOR, ENGAGED
A field of energy shot out from the device and covered the alley, Hereward's form flickering while it was in the field. "No Personas for you or your friends, Bird Boy. Fire!" the lead figure ordered as the crooks and shady characters opened fire.
"Seems they want to keep us down. Fortunately, we have more than just Persona's." Crow said as he drew his sniper rifle and hid nearby before sniping at the crooks.
Crow was accurate, gunning down some of the crooks and the figure's men.
"Don't let that birdbrain get the Fatalis egg!" the lead crook said. "We didn't spend 1 billion just to get robbed at the last second!"
"It's not him you should just be worried about. If there's one Phantom Thief, there's bound to be more." the lead figure said.
"You don't know how right you are!" a voice said as Joker and the other thieves arrived.
"It's time for a revolution!" Fox said as he and Panther opened fire on the crooks.
"Damn it…this is not good. If this got back to Masters…." the lead character said.
*Shotgun pumps*
"Well…isn't this a nice day for an auction. Bet your bosses don't know…you're selling pieces of their collections behind their backs, right?" Skull asked.
"Look…we can be reasonable about…" he said before his face was revealed in a light.
"Oh…I know you. The Huntsman. Dark Card's 4th Sub Leader. You're also in charge of the worlds related to Monster Hunter." Jack said.
"Grr…" he grumbled.
"Now it makes sense how you could get ahold of rare creatures and goods so easily." Jack said.
"They're wasting their time, treating that place like their own private little playhouse! They could easily make a fortune selling those things to powerful people!" Huntsman said.
"So that's your story huh? I can tell a lot of you Dark Garden guys are pretty high on power. You wanna keep rising and rising until all the worlds are in your grasp. Sorry to say this, pal. But…." Jack said as he gave the Huntsman an uppercut as he collapsed. "We all gotta wake up from the haze eventually." he said as the thieves tied him up as Jack turned to the other guys. "What about you guys? Why were you buying a monster?"
"Uh, didn't you hear my whole monologue earlier?" the lead crook asked. "We were gonna rule over New Detroit, in Cross-World."
"So you guys are either small-time crooks or mafia goons." Jack said.
"Wait, you wanna take over Detroit?" Skull asked in confusion.
"New Detroit." one of the crooks corrected. "Old Detroit sorta…imploded when Cross-World was created."
"Is that so? That's a shame. It's also a shame you guys spent so much money and must leave empty-handed." Jack said.
"Oh, like you kids could raise a Fatalis!" the lead crook complained.
"Probably not. Could tame and ride the thing. Some monsters can be used as rides." Queen said.
"Lady, do you know how many hunting parties have failed to kill even one Fatalis?"
"I imagine quite a few. It is an Elder Dragon after all." Queen said.
"Well it's too bad the Fatalis is the only thing you're getting outta this. You'll never find Huntsman's personal stash of…" the guy said before guns were pointed at him.
"You're as stupid as this blue idiot I know." Jack said. "If you tell us, you get to leave alive."
"I don't know!" the leader cried. "He wouldn't tell us where it was! It's a cache of Elder Dragon eggs, he hid it somewhere, I don't know where, please don't shoot me!"
"Yet you had the gall to…ugh. You guys are just a bunch of idiots." Jack said, shooting the leader in the leg.
"Aug! Okay, okay, we're idiots!" the crook agreed.
"Let's tie these guys up." Skull said as he went and did so.
"Good. We'll leave them for the cops while we try and find this stash of eggs." Jack said. "He's gotta have a number of hiding places across this city. Odds are one of them has to be it."
"You sure you wanna do this? I mean, we could just leave them be." Panther said.
"We could, but then again, leaving empty handed would be just as bad as admitting defeat." Jack said as they prepared to leave. "Oh….and take that guy with us." he said looking to the Huntsman. "He could be useful."
"Grrr…." the Huntsman growled.
In another part of the auction…
"Sunset! Where are you?" Eddy called out as he, Double D, Ed, Luffy, Natsu and Dan were walking around.
"Geez, we lose sight of her for one second…" Dan said.
"With what she's going through, we can't just leave her alone." Double D said.
"Yeah. Cause we will not stop until…oh…hold that thought." Eddy said, spotting a gold coin on the ground up ahead. "It's my lucky day, boys. Cause we just got one gold coin rich…." he said before a small gray creature went and snatched up the coin. "Hey, ya snatcher! I saw it first"
"What is that thing?" Dan said as he looked at the Pokédex.
"Gimmighoul, Roaming Form. The Coin Hunter Pokémon. A Ghost Type. It wanders around, carrying an old coin on its back. It survives by draining the life-force from humans who try to pick up its coin." it said.
"Wait, it does what to who?!" Eddy gawked as he backpedaled. Gimmighoul just laughed as his chickening out as it ran down an alleyway. "Lousy little…"
"Wow…you never expect to see a Gimmighoul out of its treasure chest. What a rare sight." a figure said. "Wish I came sooner to catch it."
"Yes, but you just a tad too late this time." Double D said.
"Wait…I…I know you." Dan said. "You were…"
"Huh? Oh…yeah. We were in the PLT together, weren't we?" the figure said as the light shined to show a young boy standing tall.
Masters
Dark Card Branch Leader
"Been awhile, hasn't it?" he said happily.
"Uh…guess so. Though you didn't really…" Dan said as the boy got in close. "Uh…what are…"
"You're feeling distressed inside, aren't you?" Masters asked. "It's why you're carrying that Bakugan on your shoulder."
"What? How did…" Dan said.
"I've got a talent for this stuff. So, new friends, why don't we all talk over some lunch? My treat?" Masters offered.
"Uh…sure." the six said as they walked off to some place.
A few minutes later after reaching a place…
"YOU'RE THE DARK GARDEN BEAST UNIVERSE BRANCH LEADER?!" they all said in surprise.
"Hahaha. Yeah. Kinda expected that reaction." Masters laughed.
"No way! I mean, no offense, but aren't you a little young to be a Dark Garden branch leader?" Eddy asked.
"Yeah. I guess I am about 14 right now. But there's actually an interesting story about that. What if I told you guys…I don't come from any of these universes…but from a place far beyond that some people here called…the Real World." Masters said.
"So he's like Lan and Jade…" Natsu said.
"It happened one day, seems so long ago now…I ended up in this world…alone, nothing, not even a single game to play…but then…one day…"
Flashback, some time in the past…
The boy walked the wilds before seeing someone being attacked by some Houndour.
"Come now. Leave me be!" they said.
"Hey!" the boy said as he made himself look bigger. "Rar!" he said as the Houndour backed off. "Phew…that was a close one. Good thing I remember all that stuff from those self help guides online. You okay?"
"Uh….yeah." the person said as the boy helped him up.
"You must not be used to Pokémon, huh?" the boy said.
"I admit, I don't know much of anything in the Beast Universe. And here I am trying to set up a branch here." he said.
"A branch?" the boy asked.
"For a group known as Dark Garden." the person clarified. "We intend to do business here, but anyone qualified to do so is either already with a group or aren't interested. I was able to establish 5 branches so far but…"
"I see…then that means we got a reason to cooperate. I have no idea where I am and need something to do. You need someone to start something to do things here that need doing. So…put me in charge!" the boy said.
"Wh…What?!" they said in surprise.
"Yeah. I'll take it all on for you. Count on it." the boy replied. "I just have one request. I get to pick…who becomes members of this branch. It'll be one big collection club. Gathering all the best talents there are, a complete encyclopedia of collected creatures and cards no one else has ever seen. It'd be famous!" he said with a smile and a laugh.
The person sat there in surprise, never expected to run into someone so determined to take full control of a branch just by mere mention before they started laughing. "Sounds like…we have a deal, Mr…."
"Call me Masters."
"Well, Masters. I'm Negativity, your boss. A pleasure to be working with you." he said as they shook hands.
Back in the present…
"And so…that is how Dark Card, the Beast Universe's biggest collection group, was born." Masters said.
"Wow…that's so good." Luffy said as he stuffed his face.
"But…Masters? Is that really your name?" Natsu asked.
"Nah. It was the name I used when I started playing Pokemon games a long time ago." Masters said.
"So then… what is your name?" Eddy asked.
"Yeah….not telling. Cause then it wouldn't be fun." Masters said.
"Fair enough." Eddy said. "Why were you out here?"
"I wanted to make sure the auction for this city was going as planned. Dark Card is the one who's running a lot of the stands." Masters said.
"Just like the other auction sites…" Double D remarked.
"It may shock you, but the Dark Garden branches fund and supply the sites across the universes. One of the main contributors. In fact, my other sub leaders are doing the same thing I am. I'm just visiting before I check out the unite battles." Masters said.
One part of the auction showed a figure in some digital gear approaching Sachiko. Another part showed someone in a white robe going to Sunset while a third figure carrying a number of decks was spying on Hope, Flamberge and Entrapta.
The heroes didn't know it, but these figures and their leader would begin something new for them.