Total Pokemon : Island of Power

by Primal Latios

Mesprit and Tapu Koko have received the blessing from Arceus to organize their own Total Pokemon Island show! 25 Contestant will duke it out in order to claim a most fabulous prize. Who will stand on top of them all? Stay tuned to find out! (Reupload because of a messed up chapter 1 - Sorry about that...)

17. Chapter 17: Hisuian TTT

Primal Latios: Good day to y'all, thanks again for reading Total Pokemon Island of Power. I hope that you have had a blast reading so far.

Life wise, Life has been good. I've graduated from University in Security Management and have gotten a car Woohoo! It's crazy when you see that this story started right at the start of the pandemic and its trudging along slowly and surely, four years later. This entire project will probably take a long time to finish, but I want it to make something to look back too fondly. I shout out my co-author, that has been with me for quite a bit now. Without that person, I would not be able to continue this as well as I did.

Anyhow, place to the chapter. I hope you enjoy your read!

Total Pokemon: Island of Power!

Chapter 17: Hisuian TTT!

''What!? Are you serious? How is this even possible?'' Said Mesprit in shock, her mouth agape and her skin riddled with goosebumps.

''Not so loud Mesprit, you'll wake up some contestants...'' Said Uxie with a grave expression.

''Like I care about the contestant right now... You are saying that the legendary task force led by Darkrai has stopped responding? This is terrible! Darkrai and his team had been handpicked to tackle this issue...!'' Continued the embodiment of emotion with an almost panicked expression.

''I know. We never thought that it could happen. But this enemy, that organization, is far more sinister than we ever gave them account for. I do not know how they managed to evade the watchful eyes of the authorities, but they seem to have now decided to start acting.'' Uxie said with a somber expression.

''Should I stop this game? It feels very wrong to keep doing this while an organization targets legendary Pokemon and Mythical alike...'' Said Mesprit with a pensive look on their face'' Said Mesprit with a pensive look on their face.

''You cannot do something like that, Mesprit.'' Said Uxie without flinching, ''staring'' at Mesprit with his closed gaze. Mesprit could however feel how serious Uxie was being.

''Why not?'' She asked, giving her brother an inquisitive stare.

''Listen. Not only doing this would make people speculate wildly to the reason why the number # 1 show on the whole planet stopped suddenly mid season, but it would be a huge disservice to all of those who have suffered, sacrificed or bled for this show. Something like this is nothing new. As Legendary Pokemon, we always have been revered or envied. Us being in danger cannot be a reason for us to disappear. Besides, I have no reason to believe that we won't have the last word in the end. After all, isn't it what always have happened up to this point? Even if they grow so powerful they can threaten the world, we can find a way to circumvent the plot.

''Or find a hero that will do it...'' Said Mesprit with a twirl in the air.

Uxie stared at Mesprit for a long time. Unnerved, Mesprit's pretty head was soon decorated with a sweat drop.

''What?'' She asked.

Uxie sighed. "We were fortunate to have altruistic people who would stumble their way into saving the world. But this is not something we can keep on hoping for. So instead, we should focus on a way to stop this threat by ourselves." He explained

"You are right, brother, but I am sure we will be fine. We always managed to pull through. Why not now?'' Mesprit said with a bright smile, flashing a thumbs up to Uxie who could only shake his head."

''I only wish that your enthusiasm is warranted...'' Said Uxie, looking toward the starry sky.

''So, what did we learn from that organization anyway?'' Asked the pink faerie as she floated down on her bed, sipping her cold Pecha Martini.

''If I take the last relay we had from Darkrai's team, They have been active in the Galar region. I heard that The Slumbering ward, the domain in which the protectors of the Galar Region, Zacian and Zamazenta, inhabit, have been attacked. Zacian has been defeated, saving her brother from a barrage of attacks. Currently, The Sword Saint is residing in Paradox Southern Island, where she is being healed by Ho-oH. A task force from the Darkrai team in extremis managed to calm that realm down and save the sword legend from death. There hasn't been too much noise, although Galar has started to feel reckless since one of their Guardians has vanished. Zamazenta himself seemed keen on keeping the incident a secret to the masses as long as possible to avoid widespread panic. We can only hope that it stays that way until we have eliminated that threat.'' Explained Uxie.

"Is Calyrex been notified yet?" Asked Mesprit, thinking of the Rabbit King, who was a powerful force himself, when mounted on one of his steeds, and the current ruler of the biggest Kingdom in the Galar Region.

"King Calyrex might very well have been informed. He is currently the official liaison between the rare and average pokemon, so I would assume that he didn't made a public announcement so as not to worry the people of the region." Replied Uxie gravely" Replied Uxie with a grave expression on his face.

" That would make sense. Poor Zacian though, it must have been really rough on her... But Ho-oH is a good healer. She'll do a good job.'' Said Mesprit calmly

Uxie nodded. ''I also wanted to ask you something...'' Uxie said as he turned toward Mesprit.

The Legendary Pokemon actually arched a brow. What she was feeling from Uxie was quite rare, at least by her experience with him. The yellow-colored Faerie was feeling concerned and conflicted. Mesprit could feel it, but she knew that letting Uxie, who was more often than not timid and reserved, should not be pushed. She was his sister after all and surely he wouldn't hide his inner thoughts from her.

Her patience was rewarded soon. ''What do you think of Sneasel?'' he asked Mesprit.

Mesprit knew that there were several ways she could answer Uxie and none of them but the absolute and honest truth would be satisfying to him.

''Sneasel is a talented and knowledgeable Pokemon. You certainly have taught him well...but, he still is extremely, even unhealthily competitive. His heart always feels wrestling with two very distinct personality traits. The one he has inherited from his relatively harsh environment as a Sneasel, between his obligation to his promises as future leader and his undeniable intelligence and curiosity. His rivalry with Monferno, his streak of defeats, his wins and now the way he leads his participation in the game. They are all leading him down a dark path where the end justify the means. I feel like his soul is going to tear apart if he keeps denying himself like that...'' She said with concern. Something that Uxie nodded in agreement with.

Uxie nodded gravely, a rare instance of Anger passing on it. ''I agree. I definitely does not make me happy to see that this is the way he uses my blessing however. He should know better.'' He said.

Mesprit put a gentle paw to his shoulder. ''I know Yu... I know. But you know, as I have been mingling around mortals more and more, I understood that sometimes, life has to hit people really hard for them to change. Sneasel is a smart Pokemon, I have no doubt that his path will straighten. He just has to go through that path he has gone to and learn from its inevitable failure. Besides, I don't think that he is that steadfast on his so-called path of darkness.'' Mesprit said with a soft, knowing smile

Uxie raised an eyebrow, implicitly asking for more details, but Mesprit gave him an encouraging smile and Uxie sighed, shaking his head. Sometimes, his sister just never wanted to be direct just for the sake of messing with him and it kind of annoyed him that it worked damn near every time.

''Anyway. I needed to talk about your Rotom Phone. There were some updates that I devised that could work great. I also wanted to be sure that this little troublemaker do not cause you too much trouble.'' Engaged Uxie with a pensive look on his face

Mesprit's head was decorated once again with a sweat drop. '' I mean I am not one to complain too much, but that little scoundrel almost killed a player because he decided to be lazy and not act until being specifically asked too. I almost lost it to be honest. That little thing is so deadpan that i am not even sure if she's fit for the job of powering a rotom phone...'' She complained.

Uxie chuckled. ''Yeah I kind of knew she would be a handful...but you like her still right?'' He asked her.

Mesprit smiled. ''Yes I do Yu! She really is convenient and is helpful a lot...as long as she's willing...''

Uxie sighed in relief.

000

Sneasel stared down Ninetales. They were both in her room, their faces illuminated by the ethereal moonlight. The face of the dark type ferret was dark and serious.

''You cannot fool me, Ninetales. I have seen you wipe blood of your maw a few moments ago. That is not all, at several moments in the past few days, you were wincing and even struggling to breathe. I can even hear you wheeze a little right now. You're sick, aren't you?" He said, closing his eyes with finality.

''I don't know what you are talking about. I am not sick at all. I just didn't...'' She started as her breath caught up in her throat as she saw the look of complete and utter disbelief in the ferret's face. There was also something else. Something terrifying. As if his eyes were daring her to continue.

"As I said, you cannot fool me. You can barely breathe right now, your maw is open and you are this close of panting. What use is there for you to play the strong Alpha Kitsune right now? I saw you with Wartortle. You used him like a good fuck toy most of the time, but that kiss he gave you before evolving and leaving the game, It was genuine. Despite him clearly not being a lovey-dovey type, he still cared about you, despite in reality you not really giving a damn about him. I saw some of the looks you gave him, especially toward the end when he saw your suffering. Do you have a problem with people that cares about you?" He asked, crossing his arms and looking at him straight in her eyes.

Alolan Ninetales was floored. She had not expected this from Sneasel at all.

"I always was under the impression that he only couldn't handle his desire when I riled him up, and controlled him that way. But even he...he knows... And even if his words are sharp, I can feel that he is genuine...Why? Why would he be at all concerned with my well being? As long as I give him good sex that's all he should care about...I don't...I shouldn't need...nor want his comfort...like I shouldn't have needed Watortle's comfort...but...sometimes...It's too much... Too much stress..too much pain...'' She thought as her eyes watered.

"You...HMPH!?" Sneasel attempted to continue before he was pinned down to the ground , the fox's atop of him and her lips on his. It was a desperate kiss, an apologetic kiss...an attempt at a tender kiss. Sneasel, the initial shock passed, recognized this as he felt the icy lips of the fox fluttering and a soft, saline taste making itself known on the Sharp Claw Pokemon. Ninetales was crying. Despite everything, Sneasel's heart was touched. He was no stranger to the misery that life could bring. Even if there was a lot in Ninetales that he didn't like, ignoring someone that was suffering to that extent was simply not possible. As he wrapped his arms around the Fairy type fox as much as she could and returning the kiss with a passion he never knew he had, he made a decision. Ninetales was definitely ill, and that illness was pretty severe to the point that there was no way that the fox was not essentially dying. With that in mind, there was only one true reason she could have entered the game to begin with, logically.

She wanted to be rid of this pain, of this curse. Sneasel had nothing to gain from this. Ninetales would not change as a result of his behavior and it would be naïve to believe so with a Pokemon like that. He knew that acutely. But, as Uxie had told him long ago:

"You do not do good for your own benefit. You do good because it is the right thing to do. You do not seek retribution. You do not seek Recompense. True Kindness is given freely."

Those were the words and the principles bestowed on him by Uxie. Principles that he might...no...that he definitely had not followed for a while.

Sneasel felt bad. He had been suppressing his conscience in order to ensure his victory, but...

"No." Thought the sharp claw Pokemon as he suppressed his guilt one more. But this time, not because he didn't want to face his actions. Right now, Ninetales was the one who needed comfort, even if she didn't deserve such things. It was not about him. It was not about what he was feeling, he decided. As he hugged the fox tighter, breaking the kiss and feeling the Kitsune's head lay heavily on his shoulder, sniffling and shuddering in abject pain, he took a decision.

Ninetales felt abject in that moment of vulnerability. She was a bad fox true and through. There was no going back on that path she had taken. But that path and its stress, that pain... why?

Why was she in so much pain? Since the start of the game, she had managed, with a lot of coupling, to minimize the episodes of pain that her condition caused. Heck, she had controlled those episodes that way for even longer than that. But now it was becoming borderline unbearable. She couldn't believe that Sneasel was even comforting her. Such behavior made no sense. Not once she even considered reciprocating those kind gestures. Even with Wartortle, who she had played like a violin up to his elimination. But even if the coupling had been good, his touches had touched cords in her that she thought had long shattered. They should have shattered. Sneasel hated her. She knew that. But at the same time, Sneasel also had a heart, she knew that. And this pissed her off. How could Pokemon with such a heart not leave her suffering on the ground until her body couldn't handle the pain anymore and she fainted? But at the same time, she greatly enjoyed his surprisingly strong embrace and his scratching of her head tuff considerately.
She knew she had to stay sharp and Icy..but the pain, the sorrow, just for one instant, she wanted those to be soothed by the altruistic claw of someone.

Only one question lingered on her mind.

Why..?

000

Sneasel was looking at a book about diseases before looking up at the camera. ''Nobody, even the worst of scum, deserves this suffering. Ignoring it is something my conscience would simply not allow. I will find a way to ease or cure that disease. If it comes to that when I win the game...I will...'' He said as the camera became static.

000

Ninetales was shaking in pain in the confessional. She tried to open her maw to croak out some words, but her voice caught up in her throat and she had a violent coughing fit. Once she was done, blood seeped from her maw, red splash of fresh blood staining her pinking, snowy coat.

000

Monferno was staring at the starry Sky. It was beautiful outside. It seemed that it would be a quiet evening. Looking over at the beach, he reminded himself of the crazy day they just had. Finding a legendary beehive, witnessing the birth of a new Queen, flying though the air on a tropius...kind of just like he was right now...

Wait...

What?

*THUD*

Monferno spit sand out of his mouth before pinching a baby Krabby out of his neck fur.

"Owowowow. How am I even on the beach?" Groaned the fire/fighting type as he dusted himself off...only to belatedly raise his arms in defense as a hard kick sent him flying toward a coconut tree.

The next strike came almost as fast, with Monferno dodging at the last second, before flipping to avoid a downward strike by his assailant.

Almost immediately, said assailant unleashed a devastating flurry of kicks, which Monferno parried with difficulty.

Those were coming in fast, with very difficult to predict angles. But most of all, it was fluid. with almost no wasted movement.

That style was one that he should know, now that he was finally parrying better.

Those whip like strikes, that leg strength...

"Mienshao?" He asked as he made a back flip in order to gain some distance and finally have a good look at his assailant without being pressed.

Indeed, here she was, looking at him from the perch of her one legged stance, unmoving like a deeply rooted tree.

She was looking at him with a mocking smile on her face. "This unguarded in such an environment? That is not how I taught you, little one..." She said with a slight frown.

Monferno cringed a little. He never really liked being admonished by his Teacher. But those were part of the game and he indeed was unguarded at that moment.

"That's true. I was unguarded then. But I won't be taken off guard now!" Said the middle staged evolution as he assumed the same one legged stance, impressing Mienshao.

"Woah. I am impressed. You are keeping such a firm one legged stance. That means that you must have been practicing. Now, let's see how well you can use it..." Said the fighting type as she jumped up before barreling toward the fire type.

"Bring it on!" Shouted the fire type competitively.

As they clashed, Gengar, in her Lopunny morph, was alerted by the noise of fist and of falls on the sandy beach and went to watch the spar with a soft look on her face. She always had enjoyed watching the Monkey give it his all like this. It really showed him off. Sometimes, she really could not believe that she was his girlfriend. While she never completely liked other female Pokemon around him, as she was rather possessive, she had the decency of knowing that forcibly keeping them away from Monferno was simply not feasible nor fair. Besides, he was an absolute keeper! There was no way in the world where the Monkey would betray her trust even if the distortion world froze over. She gazed at the fight that was picking up in intensity.

"You really have come far! Your strikes are much harder. Your balance has also greatly improved. You definitely have grown stronger, Monferno!" Said Mienshao as she effortlessly dodged a remarkably fast punch from the monkey.

Monferno smiled at the praise. feeling proud. "Of course. I've been practicing and training hard. Besides! I have an objective , so that is extra motivation!" he said as he blocked a whipping strikes with a roll.

"Oh? And what is such objective?" Said Mienshao as she jumped back in order to avoid a sweeping kick from the monkey.

Monferno gave Mienshao his best grin. "I want to win the game so I can help Gengar with her problems. I'll use the wish to help her be in peace. She is suffering greatly and deserves happiness." He said.

Gengar, in her Loppuny Morph, almost jumped out of the boat to cover Monferno with kisses. Could he be any more romantic and altruistic? Seriously, she knew that her previous life was full of misfortune but even Karma could not justify her being loved by such a pure soul...

"Monferno...I love you so much..." She muttered softly with tears in her eyes.

Mienshao on the other hand, was not smiling anymore. She had been trying to warn the monkey many times about the wraith. Moreover, she had seen a few of the latest episodes, including the one where that ghost had mercilessly attacked a colony of Clefairy back in the cerulean cave. She was dangerous, far too dangerous for a sweet, almost innocent pokemon like Monferno.

"Are you sure about that? I told you many times before that the ghost is dangerous, didn't I? Do you think that you'll be able to save her? Some Pokemon just cannot be saved sometimes, no matter how much you want to. " Monferno said as she launched herself at Monferno with much more speed than before, making the monkey make a double take but he quickly centered himself.

"I am sure, Mienshao-sensei. I know that some Pokemon are unforgivable. I know that some Pokemon are unsalvageable. But Gengar is neither of these things. She can be rough and she can be hard but she is not a killer, she is not a psychopath! Even without me being there, I know she would find a way to beat her condition. But I am more than willing to give my unconditional support to the Pokemon I love!" He said passionately as he jumped and landed a clean kick to her stomach, making her leave the ground and land on her back, stunned.

Monferno jumped back with a celebratory grin on his face and Gengar stared, a little bit of blood comically seeping from her left nostril in her Lopunny morph.

"God...I am this close...' She muttered under her breath.

"I definitely agree..." Echoed the wraith inside her head, feeling the same addicting warmth all over her soul.

On the ground, Mienshao was thinking. She was his sensei after all. A sensei wasn't just a martial arts teacher. She was also a life coach. Azelf, her sensei, had never shied from placing her into insane situations for the common of mortals in order to challenge her and make her really exert her willpower. His lessons were really really hard, both physically and Mentally. But it shaped her into who she was today, both her and Urshifu. Now, this little monkey with too much energy and an even bigger heart was her student and if she could import more than just physical and martial training, she would do it gladly. Now though, how could she make him understand that being borderline blinded by enthusiasm and love was going to lead him being broken?

Turning her head toward the balcony, she spotted the voluptuous silhouette of the purple-skinned Lopunny and interiorly smiled. It was a very convoluted plan but if there was one thing she had been drilled on, it was judging character. With this, she took her decision.

Wordlessly, the ferret rose from the ground. Monferno gulped. There was an odd, sultry smile on Mienshao's face. A look that he had never seen on her face ever since they started training. Her eyes were lidded. Somehow, her normally impeccable, rigid one-legged stance seemed almost like waves.

Monferno blushed. Had his sensei always looked this way?

Lopunny? 's eyes narrowed. Something was off with the way Mienshao was moving. As they resumed their sparring, her frown deepened, even turning into a scowl. The audacity...

Monferno was extremely confused. It was hard enough that Mienshao's strikes were coming on much, much faster than before, but what was even more bizarre was the grace that she was putting into each attack, into each moves. It was so elegant, so mystical even. And Mienshao's expression, that smile... What was going on? He could hardly concentrate on fighting and dodging with the sheer...sensuality that Mienshao was putting into her moves.

There was no way in heaven or hell that she was doing what he thought she was doing. Mienshao was a beautiful, confident female Pokemon, by his standards, anyway. No questions there. But she had never ever once acted in this way towards him. Her moral standards had to be at the utmost level to even set foot in Azelf's dojo, let alone being one of the two-star pupils of the latter. So her trying to fool around with her student was simply impossible for her. But the way she was making it seem so real was not allowing his rational mind to completely make abstraction of what she was doing and it was bad because he was taking more and more strikes and losing more and more focus.

"What are you doing?' asked Monferno, trying to get a hold of himself.

Mienshao gave him a playful smile. "I do not know what you are talking about. But what I know is that you are going to give back all that honey you ate today if you don't guard that cute belly of yours!" She said as she slammed a foot in it, making the monkey fly to the other side of the beach.

As Monferno painfully tried to get up, Mienshao smirked as she saw the deepening shade of red their guest was becoming as she watched them in their dance of battle.
"Perfect...Now, for the coup de grâce..." She muttered as she jumped right in Monferno's face, grabbing his chin with her paw and staring deep into his eyes with the sultriest look on her face. Monferno's breath caught in his throat. His skin got goosebumps. His flame tail grew a bit larger and brighter and beads of sweat adorned his forehead.

"What is she doing? Why does she look...so...pretty?" Thought Monferno, unfortunately not being able to make complete abstraction of Mienshao's allure.

However, Mienshao's objective was far from wanting to woo the fire-type Monkey. As she could see plain as day the effect she had on the Monkey, she knew that it now felt convincing enough for the ghost to fall for it.

...

And fall for it she did.

As she saw what Mienshao was doing, Lopunny?'s knuckles started gripping the protection rail of the Yacht to the point where her paws hurt, a dark, fang-bared scowl on her face. The ghost type could feel the metaphysical blood boil in her body as a terrible possessiveness-influenced anger burned hotter and hotter in her. How did that overgrown ferret dare flirt so openly with HER boyfriend?

Those light touches that seemed to completely rob the monkey of any thinking... That sultry smile the ferret was giving him... The way she was moving her body in front of him. The ferret was acting like a slut and she hated it. She hated it so much that for the time of a moment, her Lopunny morph fell completely, leaving a dark cloaked Gengar looking absolutely livid gaze at Mienshao. if looks could kill, the master's entire lineage would have been eradicated faster than Durant colonies under the attack of a few Heatmor.

"I'm going to rip her entrails out if she doesn't get away from our lover immediately..." Said wraith inside Gengar's head.

"I agree, but I don't think we should act now while Monferno can see us..." Reasoned the Lopunny side of her soul.

"Tcht...you are right. Preserving our love's innocence is still something to take into consideration...but I can feel it. The call of destruction...the call of violence... It's on the verge of overpowering us..." Gengar thought as she related their shared desires.

"We will hunt tonight. She will not mess with us again..." decided Lopunny with a steel gaze.

Mienshao saw the absolute darkness filled scowl that the Ghost/Poison type was giving him, as well as the chilled energy she exuded.

"That's good, you no good wraith. Look at me. Hate me. Indulge in your darkness, so I show my pupil the error of his beliefs that you are lovable.." She thought as she provoked them further by directly looking at them with a smugness so over the top that Gengar bit her lip until it bled to keep her from traumatizing the monkey with what she wanted to do to the dragon.

000

A calm, cold look veiled the pretty visage of the Lopunny Morph. "I am going to murder her tonight. I didn't miss her little "performance" here. I never liked that little swine, but now I was reminded why. I am sorry, my love. But I will have to stain my claws red tonight to keep the one I love. I am never going to allow what happened in my past life to happen again. Not with someone as perfect and sweet as you... I hope you forgive me." She said with such a calm, resolute voice that the entire confessional turned into Ice with how cold and overpowering her energy felt at that moment.

000

Monferno looked very confused in the confessional. "What was that about?" One moment she is just being her hard self. The next...she almost acts like she's into me. It's impossible. I am not psychic but I know my master well. What...what was that about?"

000

Later that night, As the moon was bathing the sea vessel as it sailed toward the Sinooh region, one small normal type Pokemon was in his room, on his bed, pensive.

"I don't know what I'm still doing here. Frankly. I was brought in by Mesprit to be the one to rile Tapu Koko up and to stir the game up a little. But look how quickly that little Tiki Rooster got over me. It's remarkable. But since then...it's been downhill. I even got kicked down in a fucking trash bag." He muttered before a look of fury appeared on his face.

"That's fucking unfair. I did my job well. But now that my purpose has been served, I'm hated, I'm hated I'm even threatened with death? No wonder I got my licks back. These legendaries think that they can just use regular Pokemon like me and get away with it? He was right, when he said that I would join them one day. I have money, I have power. I don't need this game anymore. I'll survive one more challenge to milk my photo ratio and get even richer. Then, that stupid, hot as hell host is going to be bitten by the dog she sees so lowly. I'll make her my bitch, I'll make her pay for every single minute I was humiliated in my stupid life. I'll see how she laughs now. I'll turn that pretty smile of her into a rictus of pain and terror and I'll make her beg for mercy. Mercy that I will not give her." He said darkly with a mean smile on his face

Bidoof spent the moment thinking about his life up to this point. This show had changed his life, for the better or the worst. But, soon, it wasn't just his life that would have changed.

...

But the world.

000

Metang was in his room, reviewing the information that he had on his database. The Iron Claw Pokemon was pleased. "As of now, my chances of winning this game hovers around 65%. That's is a pretty good percentile of odds that I possess. However, I am certain that there exist something I can do that would makes things more interesting..." He thought about before he started rumbling.

Indeed, the psychic type had found a file that he had copied from Bidoof's camera when he was not paying attention. The content of the camera could make the most devout follower of Arceus blush until his skin would turn completely scarlet. One picture in particular interested the Iron claw and with a few clicks, the content was posted in an online forum.

Metang quite loved this online forum. Just for the fun of it, he would create an account and act as something else, dispassionately, just to see how others would read to what he said.

"Yo! This is insane."

"Impossible, that's not photoshopped?"

"You a Madlad Dices. You crazy?"

"How did you even get your hands on this?'

"This forum is the good shit."

As the first comments and threads under his posts started accumulating, the steel time let out his usual pleased rumbling.

"It seems that I have started one very interesting chain of events..." He said with a smile on his face as he started calculating the odds that this could affect the game in any way.

000

"Owowow...She sure got me good... That weasel can be insane..." Groaned a weary and bruised fire/fighting type Monkey. He had went ahead and showered his fur clean of the salt that weighted him down, leaving him refreshed, but the multiple hits he had taken certainly left him feeling sore and tender. Regardless, the fire type Monkey was happy. Despite Mienshao's odd behavior, he had fun. He could see himself grow stronger, much stronger than he was when he first entered the game. The fact that this famous fighter from the strongest and best dojo in the world had taken an interest in him to be trained was insane when one thought about it. He really had been blessed a lot lately. A loving girlfriend, a very challenging and exciting game to participate in, a good rival in Sneasel, the best trainer in the world, a sweet, supportive family...

"What more can a man ask? Claws, I'm home!" He said happily as he entered the suite they were sharing together.

Curiously, nobody answered his greeting.

"Claws? Are you th.." He started to say

*BANG*

"What the.." Said the Monkey, surprised. As he turned his head behind him, fearfully, He realized with stupor that the door was closed shut.

Even weirder, was that the door's outline was now covered in an ominous purple hue.

"I am over here, my love.." Said a soft, sultry and confident voice.

Monferno turned around toward the direction that the voice talked and his breath stopped for a moment.

Staring at him with her glowing, deep red eyes was a stunning Lopunny. Her red eyes pierced Monferno in place. They had this warmth to them that felt vastly unnatural with her condition. The ethereal moonlight was bathing her form with an almost mystical light. Her purplish skin glistening from the effect of the light on it.

"C..claw..s..What's.." Tried to stammer Monferno, stunned by how beautiful the Lopunny Morph was at this moment.

Moment that Lopunny? immediately ceased.

Monferno blinked. Next thing he knew, the Lopunny morph was in front of him, staring him down with a glint of possessiveness in her eyes. Before the monkey could talk, the wraith put a soft paw on his lips before leaning toward one of his ears.

"Don't you dare talk..." She whispered into the Monkey's sensitive ears before kissing him deeply. Possessively.

She didn't even allow him to take a breather. It was a dominating, possessive kiss. Any objections the monkey could have had, at that moment, faded away completely.

When they finally separated. Monferno was panting, understandably riled up but still puzzled at this pure, unadulterated act of passion.

"W...what was that about claws?" he asked his girlfriend.

Gengar's eyes hardened as she reminisced the way the weasel teased and seductively acted toward Monferno during the evening and simply lifted Monferno's chin with a paw.

"I don't care if that stupid bitch is your master, sweetheart. I don't care that she is probably the strongest Mienshao in the universe. I am your girlfriend. I am the only one for you. Since it seems like she believes that she can take you away from me, I am going to show her...and you... who you belong to. Once I am done with you, every other woman will never look the same at you or to you." She said with such a confident, yet eerie voice that Monferno damn near pissed himself

Monferno's eyes widened. The gaze of the ghostly bunny had lidded significantly. Monferno breathing itched.

It was not like he was against the idea...but the circumstances were not exactly ideal here.

But the monkey never had any time to ponder, as the Lopunny morph grabbed him and threw him onto their bed.

000

Lopunny? stared through the window with a very satisfied look on her face. She licked her lips.

"Now, you belong to me, and me alone. For now and forever..." She muttered with a sagacious smile.

On said bed, Monferno was fast asleep, his fur all over the place, and his face was relaxed and satisfied.

The ghost type stared at Monferno for a long time with a softened look.

"There are so many things I love about you, Monferno. Your kindness, your innocence, your "prowess", your determination, your optimism, even your looks. You truly are the sun to my afterlife. I love you so much...and I'll never allow anyone to steal you from me..." She said softly so as to not wake the tired Monkey.

After a kiss on the top of his head, Gengar's eyes turned cold, as she instinctively knew what she had to do in order to punish the one who had so insolently teased her own in front of her.

Lopunny? turned to the window, where she saw the form of her enemy sitting on the sand, meditating. The time had come. She would put an end to her if she could.

Soundlessly, she slipped through the window.

Mienshao was meditating, mentally steeling herself for the attack she knew was coming. Of course it was a dangerous gamble that she had started. Ghost type Pokemon could be extremely dangerous and despite her not exactly fearing for her safety, battle wise, she couldn't know if the wraith would use foul play in order to get to her. Doing that, she was potentially endangering a lot more than just herself. But it was worth the risk. Monferno was a Pokemon with a rare potential and a sound mindset. Even if she understood the concept of love, it couldn't be the reason to see all that latent talent waste away because of it. As Monferno's teacher, she had to show him that, one way or another.

"I see that you have not fled the region. Are you that confident that you can take me?" Said a chilling voice behind the Ferret.

Mienshao's heart did not even flutter. She was as calm as a tranquil river, even though the air around her had chilled significantly.

"There is nothing that warrants such a hasty retreat, Gengar." She responded, not even bothering to open her eyes.

Gengar snarled. "Are you sure? I could have sworn that you had a lot of fun, messing around with my boyfriend earlier." She replied with venom in her voice.

Mienshao chuckled. "It was definitely fun. I had not done something like this in a very long while. Besides, I am sure that he enjoyed it quite a bit..." She said with a smug tone that made Gengar want to reap her life force slowly and as painfully as possible.

"You really have some nerve, acting like this. Is this how the renowned master of your dojo picks their best representative? So that they can fool around with other guys no matter who they are committed to?" Said the ghost/poison type, barely capable of holding herself back.

Mienshao smiled, opening her eyes for the first time. "Everything about you speaks evil. Your breathing, your posture, your empty threats, and your hollow insults. I do not know what Monferno sees in you. But he is young, in love, and naïve. As his master, it is my duty to show him the error of his choices. Something like you should never approach anything with some potential due to the risk of ruining their lives..." She said with her eyes glowing green.

Gengar lost it at this moment, with her vengeful personality taking over. "Indeed, I suppose Pokemon full of self-righteousness and hubris would say that. But this Monkey is the sun of our afterlife. We have once done the mistake of letting others into our lives and tell us what to do..."

She reminisced with a dark look on her face.

*Several decades ago*

A tall, powerful-looking Lopunny was looking at a giant hole in her stomach. She could barely breathe. The shock was written all over her face.

How could this happen? How could she be on the ground, so grievously wounded?

The Lopunny looked up and saw the face of the one who hit her obscured by a grim veil of numbness.

* back to reality *

Gengar said with a dark voice which made Mienshao slightly flutter. "You don't know what we went through, you bitch. It is not important. Nobody has cared so genuinely about us in this life but him. You will not take him away from us." She said darkly as she swung at the Mienshao, her feint breaking her detect and drawing blood in a display that made Mienshao's eyes wide in shock.

Gengar licked the blood off her fingers and made them into a fist, changing in her Lopunny morph.

"I am going to end your life, Mienshao. I am going to bathe in your blood and use your entrails as a rope to hang you from this here palm tree...as you can see, this...is no empty threat..." She said with a malevolent smile on her pretty face

Mienshao's eyes widened. Indeed, it seemed that this Gengar, equally blinded by love and possessiveness, now was indeed a treat...

"I see..."

The following morning, Monferno's eyes fluttered open. Next to him, the bed was empty. Only the window was wide open, letting in the warm, almost tropical like wind characteristic of the Hoenn region.

"Last night was intense...but now...where can claws even be?" He asked as he looked around in his state of half awareness.

000

Monferno was looking pensive in the confessional. "I'm worried. claws had a weird, intense look on her face all night yesterday... Despite the intense moment we shared, it always seemed that there was something that was on her mind. What was it?"

000

Gengar looked pleased in the confessional. "There is no way she ever approaches my mate like that in the future. Not after last night.

"Your mate?" Asked a voice in her head.

Gengar blushed. "Yes. I think that it's safe to put a bag on this one after last night. I wonder how open he would be to the actual idea...but I sure want to be his mate..." She revealed timidly...to herself, that is.

"He's a good party for sure. I don't have any objections to this however..." replied the voice with a chuckle

000

A few days had passed since that eventful night. The ship was slowly voyaging toward the Sinooh region and after the big adventure that the hoenn Challenge had caused, for both the land and the sea part of the challenge, the contestants were left to their own devices, giving them some well-deserved respite after all of this time.

Said contestants used that time well, like Fraxure and Hatterene. The Dragon type adrenaline junkie and the reserved yet helpful Hatterene met often during those few days, with Hatterene showing Fraxure how to properly manage her emotions and control her anger... which was much easier than done.

"Arrrggh! Fuck! i Want to rip him up to shreds so badly..." Growled dangerously Fraxure in the small dojo like area that the Yacht contained.

Indeed, the Yacht was immense, completely assuming its role of being a supremely luxurious liner. Tapu Koko and Mesprit had not actually told the contestant about all they could actually do on the Yacht, preferring to leave them to explore it as they pleased.

The Yacht had 5 floors, plus the upper deck and the observation deck that was above the captain's control cabin. The upper deck floor contained the luxury sleeping quarters, which was where the contestant were housed. In addition, all the main facilities were present, including the cafeteria, the restaurant, the music hall, the pool, the observatory and just the main area, completed with table and television. It was really a big Yacht, taking almost arch like proportions. A full on game could have happened on that Yacht alone.

The first floor, below deck, was the facility floor. There was a gym, a dojo, a dance floor, an inside garden, a battle space, a computer room, a library and many other little shops and crafts that were made to make the area lively. Of course, all of these people also enjoyed the cruise, mainly occupying the upper floors and deck when the contestants were away for a challenge.

The second floor was for the sleeping quarters of the more run-of-the-mill floor. Make no mistake, however. Even their cabin was quite luxurious compared to regular cruise ships, which were already pretty comfortable and nicely furnished.

The third floor was the crew quarters. The cruise ship made an honor point to treat its employees well, from salaries to advantages, so their sleeping quarters were spacious, well furnished and quite lovely to live in, with built in facilities for them, like a bathroom and a small dining area. The view they had of the ocean floor, as their room would be below water, was quite exquisite. However, with futuristic LED technology, they could almost perfectly recreate the environment of their choice, which added a touch of personality and comfort to their stay. Happy employees meant great service, and considering who were the patrons, the employees were more than incentivized to give the absolute best service possible to all individual on the cruise.

The fourth and fifth floor were machineries, defense and storage floors, operating on a savant water circulation based engine and system which made everything run smoothly. Even the water used on the ship was never lost and constantly filtered to serve many uses. It was almost like a suicune was constantly purifying the water since every water source in the yacht was crystal pure, even up to the bathrooms.

It was said that most of the operating system of the luxury cruise had been engineered specifically for the game in mind, and it was certainly working wonders so far.

To come back to our two friends, Hatterene had trapped Fraxure in an illusion where the Dragon was simply constantly teased by her rival, the small, but cool Lucario,

This training had two benefits. First, as Hatterene had only recently evolved, she never truly had the time to delve into the arts that her species was known for, which was making illusions. With Fraxure, her friend needing of training, she could practice her ability to hold such illusions while she could help Fraxure control her temper and by extension, her hysterical strength.

This particular session was a bit hard though. Fraxure was breathing heavily, tick marks all over her temple. Her deep red eyes radiated a need for violence that was honestly very unsettling. Her breathing was ragged as if she was barely holding back the inner monster in her.

"You..little shit...Wait until I bring my hands down your skull..." She muttered darkly.

In front of her, she saw Lucario with a smug look on his face. A look eerily similar to the cocky one he would give her after he would have dodged one of her strikes and pushed her down with a single vital throw. It was infuriating. how could that little uncouth blue jackal have so much sway over her. She didn't want to disappoint him, she wanted to prove that she was better than him. It was such an intense and violent need that she didn't know what to do with herself. Sure, factually, she had already proven that she was better, as she had made it much much further than the little pup could have even dreamed of, being in the merge now, but somehow, she felt like she should do more, go even further. Which was why it was so hard for her not to want to dragon rush that illusion to the end of the dojo-like room.

"I know it's an illusion damnit, but Arceus be damned, Hatty knows what she's doing. He looks so real that I feel like I'd hit him with my tail and feel his bones breaking." Spat the dragon type with anger.

"Remember Fraxure, one of the keys to controlling your emotions is to never let them overwhelm you. Let them run through you, understand them, accept them and cool down. I know it is hard for your draconic blood to calm down when it is agitated, but for the sake of not losing yourself every time, you must try to do what i just told you." She remembered Hatterene telling her.

Fraxure felt for the Psychic type. After all, it was said that Hatterenes were very sensible to emotions, to the point that too much of them or too intense of them could make them fly off to a rage. Of course, this hatterene here had gone through so much that her natural resistance must have been high if she hadn't tried to slap her silly with that scary arm, hair...claw thing atop her head. She was grateful for that opportunity...

"You feel graceful? Are you sure that you aren't just a big softy...? Do you want a big hug, Fraxure sweetie? Asked the Lucario illusion with such a smug and pitied face that Fraxure felt that she was going to burst a gut.

"OH! YOU!" She said...

Hatterene, who had observed Fraxure's glazed expression grow more and more furious quickly acted fast, using a psychic pulse to break the illusion upon seeing dangerous dragon energy forming around Fraxure's form.

The sudden shock made Fraxure snap out of her trance, dropping on one knee as she desperately tried to evacuate the adrenaline that had surged in her body, ready to explode outward in a mad dragon rush dash toward one of the walls.

"Huff...huff...guuh..." She barely croaked out, gulping air with big inspirations.

"Are you okay there? You looked like you were about to create new dents in the wall..." Said the witch with a sigh.

Fraxure sighed sadly. "I was. I know that I shouldn't, but it's so hard sometimes... Whenever I see his face and hear his taunts, it is stronger than me..." She admitted as she sat on the ground, her forehead wet with her sweat

"So that's where you two were!" Said a cheery voice.

Both Fraxure and Hatterene turned their head and saw Roserade and Lapras walking toward them.

Fraxure lowered her head shamefully. "Y...you-saw that?" She asked with an uncharacteristic shy voice.

Roserade shook her head. "I didn't. But it seems that you did exert yourself quite a bit. Are you alright?" She asked the bouquet pokemon.

"Yeah..i am." Replied the dragon with a sigh.

"So, what were you two doing there anyway?" Asked Lapras as they all sat in a circle in the middle of the room, with Fraxure lying on the side of Lapras, enjoying her cold body helping her cool down.

"Fraxure was training with me in order to learn how to control her emotions better. I used my Illusion-inducing ability to make her live a situation that would flare her temper." She was doing pretty well actually, but it seem that I pushed the button a bit too far and she was about to lose it..." Explained Hatterene with a slightly apologetic smile on her face

"Fraxure patted her back with her tail. "Don't mind. If you didn't push me I would never know that I've got a long way to go still when it comes to handling my temper." She explained with a smile on her face.

The contrast was evident, as Roserade could attest. Fraxure didn't look angry all the time, wasn't swearing every two sentences, and was looking to make a genuine effort to feel nicer. They all knew that she was nice deep down...but still, how did she even...

"Hey Fraxure?" said the rose.

"What's up?" Replied the dragon type, raising a fictional eyebrow.

"I've always wondered, why did you even have such a bad temper anyway?" She asked the Dragon type.

Fraxure let out a tired sigh. "I'm not keen to talk about it right now to be honest, Roserade. But y'all cool. One day I might hit you with the full story. But I'll at least say this. As a dragon type, strength is very important to us. There is nothing worse in our world than being seen as weak, whatever that term may mean. So even f it is just a projection, we have to look like we could shatter your bones for just looking at us funny. I struggled with that...so I had to find a way. Being the way I was was that way..." She admitted as she laid her head back.

Roserade nodded. "I understand that Fraxure. But I can at least say that you have made tremendous progress since the game started. So I...we are all proud of you" Said the grass/poison type in a warm voice.

"What she said." Replied Lapras with a big smile.

"For sure, I can barely feel a headache being next to you, which considering my sensitivity to strong emotions, is quite the feat for such a passionate Dragon like you." Replied Hatterene as she patted the Dragon with her long hair claw.

Fraxure smiled. It had been a long time since Riolu had left since she had been genuinely complimented by someone. It felt good. Really good.

As they all chatted away, Fraxure found herself wondering how Riolu was doing. Had he evolved? Was he stronger? Did he still think about her? What did she even feel for him? All these questions swirled in her head for a bit but she tried not to dwell on it. She had made friends in this game. She felt like she should participate with them more.

"Well, about those illusions..." started the dragon.

000

Hatterene was looking surprised in the confessional. "I have hardly heard of Pokemon interested in our species' ability to induce illusions and generally try to understand how we work...It's nice.
I've been told that as a species, we normally seek seclusion because of our high sensitivity to other strong emotions...My mother, the queen, always told me that one of the reason why we can even withstand all these emotions is because our ancestors might have been battle ready Pokemon, used to handling emotions and capable to convert it into power. It feels nice though, to be tried to be understood by complete outsiders. I mean, I have my fans from Poketube, of course, but even then this hands-on experience is nice too." She said with a coquettish smile.

000

Fraxure was smiling in the confessional. "They are really cool people. Coming here was the best idea I ever had. Not only I can push myself much better here, but in addition I finally have found a place where I could Be myself, flaws and all, and actually work on them for real.

I am blessed to still be here...truly..."

000

Back in the computer room, at the furthest reaches of the room, a blue hulk of metal was rumbling in amusement. In his hand laid a perfect replica of the Invisibility statue that the dastardly frog had collected during the Jotho outing.

"I wonder what kind of effect slipping this somewhere would make. After all, it is a powerful tool. I know that my design is perfect. I was able to high spec all its aspects..." This will be perfect..." He said as he took to the chambers. Thankfully, there was nobody in the corridors or in the adjacent rooms.

The targeted room was found and Metang smiled. "Let's see what happens..." He said as he deposited the Statue under a certain player's bed.

His deed done, the psychic type quickly exited the room. He hadn't touched anything in the room to make sure that his presence would not be immediately found out. Then, he went to Bidoof's room.

"What's up Metang?" He asked, his face still grave about what he was thinking earlier.

If Metang could have smirked, he would have.

000

Metang was rumbling in amusement in the confessional "This is going to be fun..."

000

"Take this! Mach punch." said an overeager Monkey as he launched himself at very high speeds at his opponent.

"Impressive, but this won't be enough to phase a strong Lopunny like me. Eat this pound attack!" Retaliated said opponent with a powerful blow despite the low impact of the move normally.

However, the Monkey dodged with a beautifully executed front flip, even using the outstretched arm of his opponent as a lever to land further away from the ghost type.

"You are going to have to do better than that if you want to hit me!" Said the fire type competitively as his fire burned even brighter.

Croagunk, who was watching the spar alongside Tapu Koko, whistled. "Yo, this is kind of good. I had no idea that Gengar in her morph could even move like that." He commented as he hungrily munched on potato chips

Tapu Koko nodded. "Truly. I had heard that Monferno was being trained by that famous Mienshao from Azelf's dojo. These two are no slouch. I am not even sure that I could take them in a battle of straight hands..." He admitted with a sweat drop dripping from the back of his head.

"Right. Me neither, and I am confident in my hands capacity, being a Muai That fighting frog and all." replied Croagunk as they both winced when Monferno landed a powerful blow to Gengar's stomach, making the ghost lose her morph due to her being severely hit.

"Ooff..that must have hurt..." Said Koko with a deep cringe

Indeed, Gengar spent some moments catching her breath after the intense blow she had suffered from Monferno.

Ever the sensible and supporting fire type, Monferno immediately came toward Gengar and tried to help her up.

"Thanks love.." She said with an amorous kiss on his cheek.

Monferno blushed, but interiorly, he was a little bit confused. Gengar had been acting more amorously toward him ever since that night. Sure, that night had been completely passion-filled to the point where he was still doubting that it happened sometimes, but since then, Gengar had been very possessive of him.

While he liked the attention somewhat, it was a little stifling. He couldn't be around his knowledge much, he couldn't go train alone because he would always feel the distinctive chill of Gengar acting as his shadow and she would be very clingy.

It was cute at first, but Monferno knew that it had to stop eventually, for both of their sakes.

"Sweetie, come sit with me on the bench near the boat's edge." The monkey invited.

Gengar smiled sweetly at Monferno. Both of them sat on the bench and Gengar laid her head on Monferno's shoulder, prompting him to wrap his arm around her.

They both stayed like this for a little while, enjoying each other's presence. Gengar in particular closed her eyes, loving how peaceful and reassuring his presence was. She could even forget some of her impulses when he was around. It was fascinating and amazing how it felt. She had longed so much for this...

She was happy.

Monferno on the other hand, while he was happy to spend time with Gengar and that peaceful breeze was idyllic, he had things to say.

"Claws..." He started

"Yes?" Replied Gengar.

"You know I love you right?" He said with a soft nuzzle on Gengar's cheek.

"Aww...Yes, I know..." Sighed the wraith, answering his nuzzle with a nuzzle of her own.

Monferno kissed her cheek and then gently turned her face so their eyes meet.

Monferno's dark brown eyes stared into Gengar's deep red ones for a bit and their forehead touched.

"Listen Gengar. I don't want you to feel threatened by Mienshao okay. I am loyal to you, I don't think that it can ever change. My mother always told me that when my Heart would truly be given to someone, I wouldn't ever be taking it back. I stand by those words, even if they sound like fairy tales for other folks. I can't explain Mienshao's reasons for acting like she did the last time we trained. Maybe she wanted to try to throw me off guard, as any good trainer should. I couldn't help but blush, because she was embarrassing me and I cannot deny that she is pretty. It's not romantically motivated either, its a fact and I am sure you can see it too. But she's my mentor and my sensei, maybe even a friend. It can't and will never be anything else than that. I only love you and have eyes for you in that way." Said the monkey with a smile.

Gengar didn't respond for a while. While she had heard every single word and felt her heart want to melt into a cute little puddle by how absolutely adorable and thoughtful the seemingly aloof monkey actually was, she couldn't help but see a very different scene play out in her head.

*Flashback*

"I don't want you to be threatened by that Mismagius...She is only my supervisor. I only have eyes for you, my pretty bunny..." Said a deep, mellow, and how so convincing voice.

Lopunny had dried her tears with her paw and kissed the owner of that voice passionately.

Flash forward to when she was with a gaping hole in her stomach, looking up at her husband in shock.

"W..wh..y..." She managed to croak out, her broken heart hurting far more than the pretty much fatal wound in her stomach.

"Because you had become expendable, my dear little spy pet." Replied a voice that made her entire body run cold as Ice.

An ostensibly dressed Mismagius had appeared, wrapping an arm around the Bunny's boyfriend with absolutely no shame.

Lopunny was in shock, even more than she already was, unable to process what she was staring at.

"Urk...n..o...t..hi..s...can't...b...e" She managed painfully to say, spitting a glob of blood.

The scene was horrible to watch. Her body simply wanted to give in to the final embrace of death but the shock, sadness, and fury did not even allow her to pass out and at least perish in peace. Every single second she stared into the soulless eyes of her boyfriend, which she had loved dearly for 10 years despite the danger of their respective jobs was like stabbing her heart with a long, serrated butcher knife.

Mismagius gave the Bunny such an evil smile. "You knew too much but you were good at your job. But, with each passing year, you became more enamored with Agent X than you wanted to keep your job. You also were very resistant to any mind-altering method, from hypnosis to drugs. Which was a boon because it made you very useful , but in the grand scheme of things, very problematic if you ever wanted to leave...which you finally worked up the nerve to ask after 45 years of service. No can do, bitch. You also took the man I wanted, but that's not exactly the problem here. You lived a lie. This man's mission was to kill you from the start. We knew how much you craved true love since your mission as a spy made you play so many roles. You really thought you found true love in a man working in our organization? Why do the best elements in this field always have such crazy weaknesses? I suppose that as a Lopunny, if he gave you insane dick and sweet-talked you afterward, it would do the trick. Well too bad. He's actually my husband, but he can switch in that mode where not even Arceus herself could know who he is in front of her. Anyway, thanks for your service, those 10 years of "peace" were our gift to you. As a mercy, we won't finish you off, you can at least live your last moment of your life in the lands of the happy moments you spent with him." She said as they both turned away and left her.

Lopunny couldn't even muster the force to cry. Her mind was so strong that it didn't break from the shock...but it did force her to live through the horrible trauma. She was so trained to resist to negative emotions that she couldn't even stop resisting the need to just let go and let herself waste away.

However, as tears flowed silently, not even seeing a trace of emotions on the one who had shared her life for so long breaking her more every single second, a powerful anger and regret took over her. All those "Nice" guys she had turned away, deeming them amazing life companions but unable and not deserving of living with someone that could break their heart because of a mission or because she died... all of these opportunities to walk away but didn't because she didn't know anything else but being a spy... and more importantly, her despising on the organization that had put her there, only to dispose of her in the most cruel way possible.

It couldn't end like this. She wouldn't pass on. She had to avenge herself for what they had done to her. She had to be the retribution for those countless casualties that could have had a great life but who were wasted away by the organization.

It was with those angry words that she "left" the mortal realm.

"I'll...be back, and i'll slaughter all of you."

*End flashback*

"Claws?..CLAWS?!" Called the monkey, a little panicked.

"Oh, I'm sorry my love. I was just in shock at how eloquent and amazingly cute you were." She said as she embraced Monferno and kissed him deeply. Very deeply.

Not indecently because they were still in public, but her hurting heart felt so purified by his earnestness and sweetness. The Monkey really had his heart on his sleeve and Gengar found this incredibly attractive. More than his looks, more than his athleticism, more than his gentleness. His soul was what she was in love with. Both her and the Gastly nor Gengar soul that was born out of his powerful hatred.
She didn't know if that burning love would be the one to save her from that trauma, but he was sure as hell helping. Gengar wasn't stupid. She wasn't a lopunny, as a Gengar, most Pokemon would avoid her, if not fear her. Even if Monferno might had been liking her voluptuous lopunny morph form, it was when she was a Haunter that Monferno had grabbed her and kissed her during Meloetta's concert. When she had shocked everyone that he would choose to be with her. Not when she was masquerading as the hottest bunny species on the planet. All of these should have been reassurances that this Monferno was an absolute keeper... and as they kissed, she certainly thought as much.

But that trauma , that pain. She couldn't even allow a chance of it happening again. She wouldn't take the chance to lose the warmth of that soul, the warmth of that hand. The balm of his love.

As Gengar broke the kiss, she gently hugged Monferno, letting tears fall from her eyes. "I... I'll do my best to...my love..." She said.

Monferno didn't know what had happened to Gengar. He didn't know why she had looked so in pain when they stared at each other, but it didn't matter. He would act with his heart, on what's best for Gengar, and now, she really needed him. Here, close, present, available. So he would be.

"That's all I ask claws...that's all I ask." He said as he wrapped his arms around Gengar, who for comfort's sake, took back her lopunny morph, enjoying the warmth of the hug even more now.

However, in her headspace, the wraith felt the dark, powerful resolve that was filling Lopunny at the moment. She loved Monferno as well, who wouldn't crave such warmth when her soul was so cold. She also knew that she had far less inhibitions than Lopunny. They would grow stronger, meaner, more dangerous. In order to keep that warm boy, she would do anything, commit the worst atrocities, be the worst person. She didn't care.

"As long as we have you, we don't care if the entire creation becomes our enemy..." They both said in their head as their grip on the monkey grew tighter.

000

Mesprit was in shock. In her trembling hands, her rotom Phone laid there, motionless. What was on the screen was a direct message sent by an account on PokéTorchic.

"Aren't you ashamed to be such a slut?"

Mesprit felt every cell in her body shake. Of course, the account was a non-verified one so literally anyone could have sent her that message.

She was no stranger to trolls, but even that was going too far.

She had not opened her social media accounts for some days, as it was customary. She was so busy anyway that she barely had time to worry about that...but now, not that she had decided to open her social media to do some responding, some pr and see how the show was doing...she couldn't help but be completely frozen by what she saw.

"Words on the street that you are selling pictures of yourself on apps like OPF. Can I have some too?" Said another message

"Damn, I never knew that this is what you legendaries were doing in your spare time..." Said another message

"Marry me..." Said another one.

Mesprit was utterly confused. She might have been a famous show host now, but she was still the embodiment of emotions. Why were these trolls talking so casually with her? Why were they saying these things...? What was happening?

"MESPRIT!" Said a loud voice as a Pokemon barged in her room with a panicked expression.

Mesprit lifted her eyes to the newcomer. It was Latias.

"What's going on Latias? You look so panicked.." Noted the embodiment of emotions.

Latias looked at Mesprit like she was crazy. "OF COURSE I'M PANICKED. HAVE YOU SEEN WHAT'S CIRCULATING ON THE INTERNET RIGHT NOW?" she screamed while essentially shoving her phone in Mesprit's face.

Mesprit was worried because she didn't even need her extrasensorial perception to see that Latias was upset and frantic.

"Surely...it can't be that..." She started before her voice trailed and her eyes widened in complete horror.

On the screen of the phone, Mesprit was seeing...herself?

It was definitely a picture of herself that Latias was showing her. But...

That picture...was...suggestive... to say the least.

it was a picture of Mesprit, in a Jacuzzi of some sort. Her mouth was open, her eyes half lidded and an adorable blush was present on her cheeks. Her tail was curled and dripping with water, the steam around her gave the picture that suggestive level of intensity that would make the biggest prude turn redder than a tamato berry.

Objectively, the picture was amazing. Tip top perfect. It was almost scary how good that picture was. But the face she was making in such picture could so easily be interpreted as her "having fun" to say the least...and it was fire.

Mesprit looked at Latias, her face pleading her to tell her that it was just a bad joke...

Latias adverted her eyes.

Mesprit understood immediately, upon seeing the face that her friend was making that it was no joke.

Someone had taken a picture of her in her bath, while she was just relaxing...and somehow had made it look like she was doing some very personal things to herself...and had shared it on the web.

There was so many things wrong with this picture...and the way it portrayed her...

It was scandalous, It was improper...

It was...Infuriating. How could someone...how could the paparazzis or whoever feel so embolden by her kind disposition to photography her in such a way...

"It's a lie..." She said quietly, her gaze hardening.

"Mesp..." Started to say Latias.

But she never could finish her sentence. Mesprit's gaze crossed hers...

And at that time...Latias saw death.

Mesprit was struggling. More than anything, the comments, the emails, the demands of explanations from unknown people that she hadn't ever met...her image.

All of this was threatened to be coming undone because of someone's not advised enough not to derange a deity just enjoying a bath...

This was so unfair...this was so disrespectful. She gave the world emotions, she gave the world entertainment...and this was how she was being paid back? This was how little respect she commanded!?

She turned to Latias.

"Who sent you this Picture, Latias?" She asked with a voice so filled with venom that it made her Eon friend almost piss herself.

"I don't know Mesprit. I just saw a message with the mention. "This is one of the Gods from our world? She's just another slu..." She said before she found herself unable to talk.

Mesprit's eyes and crystals were shining. Every cell in Latias body almost instinctively knew that if she finished that word, she would cease to exist. So she shut up.

"What time?" She continued

"At 8:00 AM this morning." She replied in fear.

"It's 08:15 now. Why didn't you come to report this before?" She asked darkly.

Latias felt as if she wanted to drop dead. Anything but to stare at Mesprit's glowing golden eyes. They were normally so full of warmth, so friendly.

But now, just gazing into them alone was enough for Latias to feel like she was going to die if she kept staring...and to die if she ever dropped eye contact.

An oppressive atmosphere quickly started to form. Latias found herself quickly wishing she was anywhere else. The general atmosphere extended to all around the boat, with almost all of the living creatures nearby feeling hair standing atop their skin

"What's going on? I feel...weird somehow Said Monferno as he ran inside with Gengar in her Lopunny morph

"I don't know...I feel it too but hey, let's go in the inside garden. At least we'll be peaceful there." She said which surprised Monferno. Her wanting to do something calm was a rarity, but he wasn't against it at all.

"I agree, let's go!" He said as they headed toward the inside garden.

Croagunk was looking at the sky, his anticipation ability going haywire. "Damn, I don't know what's going on, but that change in weather's gotta be a sham. I can't believe that outside lost all of it's glam..."

Metang looked pleased in front of his computer, rumbling happily. He had seen the many messages that he had garnered on his Forum account. The operation had been a complete success. His picture leakage had garnered over 10 thousand responses and they kept on coming. His deep fake depicting a Mesprit in complete rapture had been brilliant. Deep faking were easy for him and he had learned that skill in less than an hour. But now, that little hour investment was now giving back like crazy.

he had even been approached, anonymously of course, by companies offering him the sun and the moon for his services.

"Interesting...this is the path history is taking? I am enjoying this..." He noted in amusement

Tapu Koko was frightened. Something was going horribly wrong, he couldn't shake the feeling.

Deciding that it could be something grave, the Mele Mele guardian, headed toward Mesprit's room.

Latias was almost crying. She was so afraid...she was terrified... She couldn't even breathe properly.

Her phone was crushed in Mesprit's hand, destroyed beyond repair. Mesprit was staring at her, one hand covering her eyes. Her Golden eyes had somehow turned red now, ruby red, with a black dot inside. That Black dot felt like it was going to rip her soul out of her body. The entire room was shaking and the energy in the room rippled so much it felt like the scythe of the death reaper was slowly sliding on Latias's neck.

The embodiment of emotions had tears in her eyes, but her look was not one of pure sadness. Rather it was a look of pure anger and hatred.

She was so angry. Why did Latias show her this? Why did she dare to ruin her perfectly planned leisure day with this.

She oughta blast her off the planet. it was just one Latias. She would not be missed by many and they bred enough to replace her in the food chain easily.

She could just extend her hand and she would be blasted off by her Mystical Power...and she would feel so good.

Yes,

She had so much pressure mounting on her, so much stress already. Blowing off Steam by attacking the messenger of her misfortune would feel so good...but even now, the fear that the dragon. It was intoxicating.

This was the level of fear and caution she deserved...She was a kami. She was part of the original 7. She was supposed to be feared, to be revered, to be left alone when she wanted to be alone. She was NOT supposed to be a subject of mockery. She was NOT supposed to be photographed without her explicit or tacit consent.

She was a God, they were not!

She...

As she was lost in the delectation of her fear, Mesprit's crystal's pulsed. Her power, boosted by her emotions, started slipping out of her control.

Tapu Koko was more and more unnerved by his surroundings as he approached Mesprit's location, but when he finally reached the final corridor, he was very unnerved to see many interns fainted on the floor, a mask of pure fear on their faces.

"What the..." He said before he felt it.

His entire body started to shake uncontrollably, his sweat glands drenched him in a matter of seconds. He could even swear he felt his teeth chatter.

"What...why...why am I so afraid?" Asked the Tapu in confusion as he got on the ground, suddenly incapable of fully controlling his body.

Indeed, all around the Yacht, it was pandemonium.

Interns were fainting left and right, unable to endure the fear that was forcibly forced in their bodies. Especially the younger interns, who were completely defensless.

Some of them huddled together, shaking like leaves in the storm. Even the Masterful Chef Throh, who had seen more than his fair share of scary situation, could not dare to come out of his meditation because every time he broke his focus. the intense fear would almost make him wet his judogi.

Gengar was out of her Lopunny morph, incapable of understanding why she couldn't stop shaking. Monferno tried to comfort her as much as she could, but he was shaking himself.

"What's this primordial fear...This is crazy...What's going on?" He muttered.

The four girls were all huddled around each other, with Lapras shielding most of them with her large body. Fraxure had Activated 6 Dragon Dances and was eyeing the door like a Guard Dog ready to pounce at the first whiff of danger.

Poor Hatterene had fainted almost immediately after the first Pulse. The overwhelming feeling far too much for her nerves to endure, thus her body shut her down to protect her sanity.

Roserade was crying. "What's...going...on...?" She asked as she kept crying, the fear so terrible she was starting to have trouble breathing.

"I..urk..." Tried to reply Fraxure but she knelt and vomited, incapable of fighting the intense nausea.

Even outside of the Yacht, things weren't much better. It was to the point where wild Pokemon were attacking each other on sight, incapable to not see everyone in the floor as potential threat, since they couldn't rationalize the intense flaring up of their survival instincts.

Latias was on the floor, having wet herself in fear and still unable to close her eyes. It was so bad that she hadn't been breathing for 40 seconds. She was completely incapable of forming any rational thought. Looking at Mesprit was something that she was doing automatically. it was as if she was faking death while she was perfectly alive and conscious. Foam was starting to form on the corner of her mouth, as her body tried to cope with the infinite amount of stress it was producing.

Anything to shock the eon Pokemon to move the fuck away from that room. But that same body was not responding.

Tears of terror were staining her cheeks as she was ultra-focused on the threat. That threat being Mesprit.

Mesprit was reveling in this. This was the kind of way Pokemon should look when she just gazed a little hard at them. This was the respect she used to feel from other Pokemon. Civilization had gifted many boons to society, but it had also rid them of some of the primordial fears that kept the world in order for so long.

Now, to punish that uncouth Dragon who was prostrating before her.

She lifted a paw toward Latias, slowly, tortuously, loving how the Dragon's body seized up at that. But then she actually looked at her eyes...and she froze.

For a Moment, she didn't see Latias anymore. She saw someone else. Eyes of a blue so clear it felt like she was looking at the firmament. Cream colored fur with two sets of oh so pinchable cheeks. A toothy smile that could endear you or makes you want to knock them all of.

And that look was full of fear...just like how Latias looked like right now.

That Pokemon, which was at the bottom of the barrel when she picked him up. Which she had helped save... One of the first Pokemon in eons to actually show her the vulnerability of Pokemon and that had fully ignited her desire to more actively help others...

How could he look at her with so much fear? It made no sense. He should be feeling relaxed and happy in her presence...not terrified.

Mesprit snapped back to reality. Latias's fear was slapping her like a constant hit on the face. What the fuck was she doing?

What was she thinking?

A quick scan of the area showed that almost everything around her was feeling unimaginable fear.

"Fuck!" She swore before taking deep breaths, trying to reel in her influence back to herself.

Gradually, the world finally returned to normal. Pokemon in the yacht finally felt like the extremely sharp knife that had held them at gunpoint for all of that time was being lifted.

Air started to fill in lungs, breathings were finally released from their Hostage state, Anticipation abilities were finally back to normal.

Mesprit looked at Latias. She felt so ashamed of herself. The things she had thought about her... They were terrible. Latias was a close friend. She could even be called one of her lady of the court. She had been there, being her sweet, peppy self all around with her. She had just done her due diligence and showed her what had happened. She was not at blame for this...yet look at what she had done.

The poor Eon was such a mess... She didn't even look like she could think for herself. She had even wet herself...foamed and her face seemed Frozen by an immovable mask of fear and terror.

Acting quickly, Mesprit didn't even bother inducing it. She touched Latias's forehead, gently severing her consciousness with her Psychic Powers in order to finally allow her body to recover from a shock state that would have killed her if she had stayed in it for even a minute longer. Latiases were strong and resilient. She shouldn't have any lig term sequels from being oxygen-deprived for so long... but what was happening to her. How could she lose control like this...

Mesprit gently laid Latias outside of her room, and to her utmost shame, saw her corridor littered with barely conscious or straight up unconscious Pokemon, Including Tapu Koko who had returned to his Totem state.

Dizzy and ashamed, Mesprit slammed the door of her room and threw herself on the bed, Screaming into her pillow in absolute horror, pain, sorrow and shame.

000

Mesprit shook in the confessional. "Latias...Koko...Everyone...I am so sorry...I...don't know what came over me..."

000

Tapu Koko burst out of his Shell, feeling the state of immense fear immediately stop paralyzing his senses and soul and jumped in battle readiness, his Electric surge activating and forcibly waking up everyone that wasn't already fully awake.

Such was the property of his battle ability, which forbade anyone to fall asleep as his domain was activated. That said, remembering in his bones the fear he had experienced, the Tiki Pokemon rushed toward Mesprit's room, not even registering the dragon type that was barely trying to get her breathing under control

"Koko! Wait!" Tried to warn the Dragon Type but it was too late... The Electric/Fairy type was already way past her and barreling toward Mesprit's room.

Koko tried to open the door...and the moment he tried to touch he handle...

...

...

He was violently repelled, the force sending him barreling in the opposite direction, unceremoniously crashing into the side of the wall.

"Owww..." He groaned, stunned

"Koko! Oh my God!" Gasped Latias as she rushed toward her friend and helped him sit upright.

"Are you okay?" She inquired in concern. That had been a hard hit.

Koko was a bit stunned too, still a bit out of it to respond effectively.

The Eon Pokemon shook her head, endeared before using refresh, letting the soothing feelings flow into Koko through her touch.

The Land Spirit Pokemon breath a sigh of relief as the confusion slowly dissipated.

"Thanks for that Latias...I don't know what was that..." he said as he eyed Mesprit room's door

Latias shook a little. "Mesprit..."

Koko looked at her in confusion. "Mesprit?"

The red and white dragon nodded. "Something horrible happened, I showed her...and she lost control..." She explained as a look of pure fear passed over her eyes.

Koko gulped. The hollowness of Latias's spoke of such volume that he understood that it would be insensitive to ask Latias what had happened.

"Hey..it's okay...It'll okay alright..." Tried to comfort the Electric type as he wrapped the trembling Latias in his kind embrace, rubbing her back empathetically.

Latias nuzzled into him, reveling into his friendly warmth, which helped her calm down and stop shaking.

They stayed like that for a little while, before Latias finally mustered enough courage to speak.

"It was Mesprit..." She said softly, her novice barely audible.

Tapu Koko nodded. He kind of expected this from the way he was violently flung away from Mesprit's room upon touching it.

"Tell me what happened, please." He said softly as he tightened his hug in comfort, with Latias pressing against his chest.

They stayed like this for a little while, the time for the Eon Pokemon to catch her breath before she related how she showed Mesprit's picture and the violent response that Mesprit had to that. She still shook as she remembered how badly she had been afraid of Mesprit, wishing to never ever see her beautiful golden eyes turn red again.

Tapu Koko's face was grim. He was furious. He could only imagine the kind of repercussions this could have on Mesprit's reputation and mood.

"I see. It makes the way I felt so afraid I almost fainted much more understandable. I am a great warrior, but Even I don't think I can resist Mesprit's power...If she wants to make me feel something...I will." He said with a sigh.

Latias had a small smile. "Even the great Warrior couldn't hold his nerves?" She teased.

Tapu Koko looked at Latias deadpan. "Really funny jets. But at least if you can tease me you must be feeling better. That is good. Now you should go, i've got things to do. I suggest you to rest a little though."

Latias nodded softly before Tapu Koko released her from his embrace.

"Thanks Koko, you're a real gem." She said with a tender nuzzle before she floated away, leaving Koko with a smile on his face.

When Latias was out of earshot, Tapu Koko returned in to his workspace and grabbed a phone. There was a lot to do.

000

Tapu Koko looked at the camera. "With that I should have limited the damage. Anyone or anybody that would keep on spreading those pictures would be "sued" They better not think I'm playing around. I'll destroy them if they do.. I just hope that Mesprit will be okay..." He said as he turned his head in Mesprit's general location.

000

As Metang was rumbling in amusement, seeing how insane the responses to his deep fakes of mesprit were stirring up conversations at the wazoo, Bidoof entered the room.

"Yo Metang, did you do this?" He asked.

Metnag smiled smugly...well what could be considered a smile in these circumstances, considering that Metang did not have a visible mouth.

"You should look at the screen and see for yourself, my friend. "It has been quite an interesting field experience. The skills I picked up form that one deep faking tutorial I saw on Poketube were crucial." he related to a dumbstruck Bidoof.

That level of audacity was unheard of from the Iron claw Pokemon.

"What came over you Metang? I mean, don't get me wrong. This is brilliant stuff. However, I never expected you to be the one putting out there." He commented as he sat down next to metang and saw the mind boggling amount of replies and effects that his little escapade.

"Metang rumbled. I am a Pokemon of statistics and prevision, Bidoof. That is the best way I could describe myself. However, I do have one little guilty pleasure..." He admitted, his red eyes shining with excitement.

"What is it?" He asked to the steel type.

Metang pondered long and hard if it was the right thing to do to divulgate that kind of knowledge to bidoof. However, they were friends...and in case of Metang, essentially the only friend he had in the whole show. He also had to admit that he was interested to see what could happen now that the had said his secret to Bidoof.

"Well, besides being a calculating proficiency machine, I am very much addicted to the concept of butterfly effects..." He explained.

Bidoof tilted his head a little out of the left.

"Butterfly effect" He asked. It was clear that the poor beaver didn't have a clear understand the meaning of that expression.

"What do you mean?" Asked the normal type beaver as he sat down on his back paws, indicating that they had time to discuss.

"It means that the thought of one's action having an effect over multiple things, creating the a situation where If I a certain event hadn't happened, thie status quo of today would not exist. I like causing these kind of effects..." he admitted with a rumble

Bidoof was transfixed. He didn't even know how to begin to process this information. Metang could easily see it and thus gave Bidoof enough time so he could recompose himself.

Bidoof did not know how to properly respond to that, so he changed the subject rather quickly.

"Anyway, I came to you because I had to ask you for way more deep fakes..." He asked seriously.

Metang non existing brow rose upward. "What would you need them for?" He asked the beaver who gave the Steel type a malevolent smile.

"Let's just say that I have a lot of increased demands of very influential clients who cannot get enough of hot Mesprit Products...and I have someone right here who can provide an infinite amount of supplies..." He said.

Metang rumbled in amusement. "Bidoof. You know that this odd obsession you have for the host is going to ruin you someday...You should be careful." He said seriously.

Bidoof shrugged. "It's that stupid pin-up host's fault for being so damn stupid hot when she dresses up. Tabloids are going crazy for every single picture and it got my bank account fat as all hell. But also, It's personal. I want to ruin her." he said darkly

Metang look at Bidoof in surprise. "Are you sure you just don't want to "do" her? She is still a Goddess you know. This feels like a very unhealthy obsession that you are developing, Bidoof. You should reconsider. This has a 99% chance for it to end horribly for you..." He warned the normal type.

Bidoof stared back at the steel type. "I am perfectly aware, Metang. I have taken hundreds of Pictures of Mesprit already and at least half of them are taken in very "compromising" setting. Heck, I might be the greatest Mesprit paparazzi of all time by this point. If I want to "do" her? Hell yeah, who wouldn't? If you remove her "God" attribute, she's just a very old, hot womon. There is no way I can't appreciate her beauty. But that is not the point, I am not some horny lapdog. I don't think you could properly understand where I am coming from, so I won't try to explain it to you why. What I can say though, is that the act of "doing" her, would be a revenge on life itself...and that prospect...is far more appealing than winning some flimsy wish, trust me."

Metang was fascinated. This was one heck of a change from the guy who just wanted to make it further and annoy the Co-Host a little.

"How amusing. I didn't expect that from you. I will help with your demands. This has a 99.013345% chance to entertain me. Are you prepared though? No going back on your decision with your stubby tail between your leg." He said with a pleased rumble.

Bidoof smiled widely for the first time in ages. "Heck yeah. I swear that I will be the cause to turn this world upside down..." He said as claws and paws joined.

000

Bidoof was smiling in the confessional. "It sound super cliché, but I don't care. I will make the heavens fall and writhe on the ground for all to see. I will make Mesprit call me Daddy and subservient to me. She will pay for every single humiliation I've suffered in my life." He promised darkly in the confessional.

000

Metang rumbled in the confessional. "Me helping him must have put in motions such terrible things...Yet, at the same time, This feeling of anticipation...I wouldn't trade it for the world. This is what it means to be alive, to be able to predict everything to at T...but have this chance that an X factor turns everything on its head. It's bliss..." He said with a rumbling laugh that resonated around the ship like an haunting incantation.

000

Later that night, Roserade was helping Chef Throh cutting vegetables for the following day of operations. Despite the burly chef's attempt to shoo the Rose bouquet pokemon away, pointing out that she was the client and the guest in this ship and it wasn't her job to be cutting vegetables or doing any kitchen work to begin with, Roserade had be so insistent on finding something useful to do to get her mind off the traumatic fear she had experienced a few hours before that the fighting type did not have it in him to refuse her anymore.

It turned out that the rose pokemon was pleasant company and also very useful in the kitchen, essentially shortening his prep work routine time by half.

Roserade also appreciated the Company of Chief throh. As one of the older participant of the game, Roserade was sometimes hard pressed to find mature Pokemon to converse with, which isn't to say that she did not enjoy hanging out with the younger people in her friend group, but this was a nice change of pace.

She also had realized that despite Chef Throh looking stern and menacing to the average Pokemon, he was just a very driven, serious and passionate man when you could look past his stern exterior.

"So you are saying that you almost won a Judo World Championship? That is mighty Impressive, Chef Throh" Said Roserade as she peeled off the skin of a sitrus berry.

Chef throh let out a mighty laugh. "Indeed little one. I was very confident to take the title home. I was called the Yama Arashi back in hometown. It was said that my Storm Throw was probably the strongest in history. Sadly, Another Throh's storm throw injured my back badly. They managed to patch me up in surgery, but they told me that my lower back was much more fragile now. I could have kept on competing, but every single time I landed back on my back could have meant paralysis from the waist down. I was quickly confronted with the reality of this ultimatum...and It was just not worth it to continue in these conditions." He admitted with a smile

"You don't seem too bothered by it though from what I can see.." She pointed out with a smile of her own.

Throh nodded. "Indeed, I am not. After all, Arceus giveth and taketh away. I was fortunate enough to love through all of these things...then my secondary passion, cooking, has given me this amazing job. My life is fulfilled with every meal I conduct. It would be ill of me to complain. " He noted with a smile as he smashed a coconut open with as single chop.

Roserade gulped a little at the casual display of strength he exhibited.

"You mentioned that cooking is your second passion. How did that take about?" Asked Roserade, intrigued by the fighting type's words.

Throh's eyes turned distant. "Ahh, this. Well in my family, I was the oldest one. My father especially was very strict about values and the skills we needed to make it happen. When we are not training our mind and sharpening it by fasting, we Throh eat Quite a bit. Learning to cook was a vital skill for us of course, but it also had some great teachings. Patience, focus, anticipation, creativity. These are just the surface of what a good cooking can help one work on. But I also enjoyed giving it back to my family, helping take care of them and everything. It's just an important aspect of my life. All my fellow brothers and sisters are now big and capable of taking care of themselves , but whenever I can see them I cook for them, its almost a ritual at this point!" He commented with another laugh

Roserade smiled. She could certainly relate to that. "Me as well, I have a lot of siblings and am the oldest. I know what it is like." She said as she completed the batch of sitrus berry she was peeling off using her vine as the handling.

"I understand. Is that why you are competing?" Asked chef Throh

Roserade looked pensive for a moment. "Partly. I would say that I have also been taking care of my siblings for so long...I suppose it was time for me to move for myself too.." She admitted

The burly fighting type nodded. "Indeed. I had come to the same conclusion when I was offered to be the cook for the TPIP. Tapu Koko found me at a juncture in my life where I wasn't quite sure where i wanted to go. I was a fairly decent cook, with my travelling cook stand taking me all around Unova. However, I was barred from being on the more prestigious restaurant because as a Throh that came from the mountains, I wasn't perceived to be capable of fitting the kind of atmosphere and establishment that were luxurious or prestigious..."

"That's terrible...couldn't they at least assess your skills before writing you off?" Said Roserade in rightful anger.

The chef shrugged. "It's alright Roserade. I didn't ponder too long on it because as long as I was cooking, I was happy. In a sense, being refused by these restaurants was the best thing that happened to me, because I was able to be found out by Koko and land this lengthy, lucrative cooking contract." Throh said, grateful to the TPIP for offering a new chapter in his life

"On insight, you are right. I just hate to hear about injustice in general. You'd think in this day and age that the world would be more just..." She said

Throh smiled warmly at the young rose. "One day comes and you understand that you can't magically change the world, just make it a better place by your own effort one day at a time. That's what I am doing and so far it works pretty well." He commented as he grabbed a few mint berry leaves and a crusher.

"I believe you wanted to learn about bettering your teas?" He proposed

Roserade's eyes shined. "Yes of course..."

The pair spent the rest of the evening talking about teas and deepening their mutual knowledge. It was pleasant.

000

Roserade sighed in the confessional. "I didn't expect to make a friend out of the chef. But I am glad I did. He is so knowledgeable and mature. It shows that he has went through a lot in his life, yet he remains steadfast in his way of life. I should follow his example."

000

In a secluded area in the Unova region, in a location so remote that not even the most brave wild Pokemon would dare venture, an unassuming cave like there was probably hundreds, if not thousands in the area, was seemingly guarded by a lone Dugtrio. However, the unassuming look of the mole Pokemon was not to be underestimated. That triplet of like-minded ground type was quite important to many Pokemon.

Indeed, deep inside the cave, a trench like passage quickly gave way to quite the underground fortress. In many parts, beautiful blue and red crystals were protruding, which, with the complex and mesmerizing light show showered the cave in blue and red hues.

Deep inside that location, Many Pokemon were shrouded in dusk, all currently seated around a table made of pure granite.

A small murmur to animated conversation were giving life to the meeting.

"I cannot believe that our operation against that wretched swordwoman worked. You were right, Sirius. It worked wonders!" Said a large, burly voice that happily munched on a sitrus berry with abandon.

Another voice, sounding more robotic but still quite joyous. "Target well crippled. All objectives were attained. The Galar kingdom has elected for secrecy and operatives on the field talk of Lady Ho-oH being occupied."

Another Pokemon's eyes widened. "You mean that the infiltration mission finally got a breakthrough?"

"Indeed it has..." Said a deep voice, making everyone snap back to the direction of the voice.
Most of the body was hidden in a veil of darkness, only two bulbous eyes that seemed to glow in the dark. The creature also looked tall, with his eyes looking down on them with grim severity.

Everyone immediately quieted, intently listening to what the figure had to say.

"As our executive here noted, we have indeed made a breakthrough and infiltrated the hallowed ranks of our enemies. As you know, legendary Pokemon and their Mythical friend has plagued this world. It has taken a lot of time, but we finally are seeing the perfect storm of circumstances allowing to make our move.

Zacian, the heroine of the Sword, was just a warning. We will strike much deeper and much more forcefully in the subsequent times. Already, we have in our grasp the "generator" as well as very interesting PoW..." He said as he turned to another Pokemon next to him, that Pokemon also shrouded in darkness.

"Understanding the cue, the pokemon immediately started talking, immediately and without missing a beat.

Indeed, boss. We have captured a whole platoon of highly trained pokemon, probably a commando unit led by the legendary, Mythical pokemon, darkrai.

His team fought against our operative in the Alola Region, but we managed to defeat him, brat him within an inch of his life, killed two of his operatives and brought him back here. In time, he might be used as a bargaining chip or disposed of. We will asses the threat and will act accordingly" replied the Aide de camp, retreating back into the darkness.

"Next mission, even more ambitious. New operatives prospect. Subjects left to be treated." Reminded one of the executives.

"Very true. Please, bring them out..." Said the large shadow

One of the attendees got a usb and a tablet out, which projected the content on the wall, revealing two faces that ought to be very familiar.

"One of the prospect is a stupidly statistician loving person who seem to have an uncanny love for the unexpected. We have been funding his perceived friend in order to recruit him. One of our recruiting expert has started making contact with him a few weeks ago. From his report, he should be quite close to have him join our organization.

As for the small one, he is now very rich thanks to the business relationship we have established with him, as he is at the heart of the most popular show, fittingly hosted by one of our three vital targets. He seems to arbor a deep hatred for that host..." said the executive

The large shadow chuckled. "More like he wants to fuck her until she screams and beg for mercy. I am no stranger to his perversion. The type of material he sent us is quite indicative. However, I Do somehow feel quite a lot of usefulness that can come from both his lust and his hatred. Make sure to contact him soon. His funds...and his hatred. Both will be useful to us in time." He said as he let out a sinister laugh, pleased with the way the operations were progressing.

000

Under a steadily rising moon, Mesprit was on the upper most balcony of the Yacht, letting the saline air of the Sinooh-Hoenn sea batter her face and soothes her thought. She didn't have it in her to face any of her friends or any other Pokemon really after what she had done. It was shameful. She had been angry before, but never she had been overwhelmed by a desire to make everyone kneel before her and cower in fear. She took a deep breath, letting the pure sea air fill her lungs and released it, trying to relax and shake her body off any tension. It was an hard exercice, considering the thoughts that were constantly swirling in her head. But it did allow her some respite. Just starting at the moon, letting her vision be absorbed by the beauty of it in this dark blue sky night, she didn't sense that a blue muay thai frog had also climbed silently to sit up and stare at the moon.

They both stared at the moon for a while, not realizing that they were in close vicinity of each other, which from an outside perspective, would be an hilarious picture to take.

Mesprit was thinking about everything. The game, Victini, Mew, Meloetta, her siblings...her designer friend, the long eons of wanting companionship...her damaged reputation. She almost started frowing in frustration due to not even having some respite of her own mind before her train of thought was fortunately broken by a comment.

"Do you know how many Pokemon would kill to see you bathed in moonlight looking like that, doll? I swear they would out know each other out cold. That said, you look a bit shaken up, chief. What's holding your mind hostage like a thief?"

Mesprit almost jumped out of her skin, so surprised whose was from the frog's sudden appearance.

"Croagunk, heavens. You scared me half to death" She complained with the curtest of frowns and puffing her cheeks, which made croagunk laugh at her face.

Mesprit quickly found herself laughing along, unable to take how Croagunk was genuinely making fun of her.

"I'm sorry hostess, but this face was too funny and adorable for me not to point it out..." he said with a smirk before scooting closer.

Mesprit smiled warmly at him before they turned their gaze toward the moon once more, basking in a much more comfortable silence.

"You know Mesprit, call me crazy but my senses are telling me that you are a bit on edge, is it true, milady?" Croagunk asked without even turning toward Mesprit.

The latter was rather surprised that Croagunk could pick up on that.

"I'm surprised that you could sense it out. I never knew that you had this kind of sensitivity, croagunk..." commented the lady as the night kept going on her merry way. nothing the both of them on sensible moonlight.

"Well I won't pretend that I am some sort of mind reader. But My anticipation ability as well as my experience in the street has made me very aware of these types of things...

"In a game such as this, it would make sense to have this kind of advantage, because you never know when it'll be needed. That said though, Its also handy to know what others are feeling. See it was some derivative from you. Who knows, maybe it was a gift from you that passed down all from you to the first Croagunk, or something silly like this. After all, how would we have this anticipation ability?" He asked with a smile on his face

It was refreshing. Croagunk was not exhibiting an ounce of fear. It was almost insolent yet, Mesprit found it to be so amazing, especially given how she terrorized the whole world as she got angry.

Mesprit smiled. She wanted to understand how Croagunk was so not afraid of her. Why did he did not display even a little apprehension when talking to her.

She was also touched by his genuine concern, where she could tell that it was important for him enough to bring it up to her directly.

"It is touching Croagunk. Yes I am a bit on edge, but I think that talking with you will help me calm down. I'd like to know how you can be this sensitive. I mean, no offense Croagunk, but you are far from looking like someone with that much empathy. I am fascinated with this genuine sensibility that you display. Is this learned behavior? Are you trying to sweeten your case with me? " She asked, deliberately trying to get a reaction out of him.

Surprisingly enough. Croagunk did not even respond to her provocation, nor he exhibited any fear.

"Well Mesprit, I suppose that you could say that. However, It's something that I learned, as I said earlier. I always have found stereotypes about what a man should be...especially a street dweller like me should be. I never really bought into that stupidly hard persona most of them display. I have nothing to prove to anybody, just trying to be the best I can be." He explained as he flashed the nice guy pause.

Mesprit continued nonetheless. "I understand Croagunk. It is fascinating too. If you were not born into that persona, what was the event that triggered it?" She asked

Croagunk's eyes darkened every so slightly. "An old friend, street dweller just like me. He was a Scizor. Very strong and very athletic. He sadly perished after a deal gone wrong. He was my mentor as well. When I entered the streets in earnest, he was the one that protected me, showed me how to use my power and also taught me how to value my anticipation ability. With it, we escaped many sticky situations. Every Croagunk and Toxicroak I knew about only valued their Dry skin ability as well as their poison touch, for those lucky to have it. But Anticipation was always disregarded. My time with him changed that." He explained with a less vibrant smile

Mesprit felt for this thai frog. She could feel his sadness as clear as day. But he kept a brave face on so he wouldn't upset her further. That thoughtfulness was sincerely touching. He always had been an odd little frog, not at all corresponding to the typical Croagunk and Toxicroak behavior. It was so refreshing to have regular Pokemon just treating her like normal, not fearing her, not putting her on a so much higher pedestal. It was just...nice, calm. quiet.

"Thank you Croagunk, for sharing with me." She said softly as she patted Croagunk on the shoulder.

"Heh. I'm happy that I was of some help." He said with his mocking smile returning.

Mesprit continued, feeling much better now. "How is it with your little Combee friend?" She asked with a smile.

Croagunk actually blushed pensively. "You know Mesprit. I don't entirely know. I haven't heard much from her since we left the Hoenn region. I hope that she is doing well...but I have been thinking about what happened between us and it feels...foreign."

Now that was development. Mesprit was immediately hooked. Fascinated.

"Why is that?" She asked as she stared at the frog, two hands resting on her chin and her tails going to and fro in excitement.

"Well, I mean, she kissed my cheek...Nobody has ever done that to me before. Well, my momma aside, but I mean that the adoration in her eyes. It felt very right...but so foreign. I am a Croagunk after all, Mesprit. I come from the streets. I am more used to have girls flee from me on sight than treating me decently, let alone kiss me..." He said with a chuckle.

Mesprit nodded. "I understand. In this world, people look a lot more than I would like on appearances. It is even more prevalent among Pokemon that live like the humans used to in times past. But that little combee certainly saw you for who you really are Croagunk. From what all of you told me, you were the one to take on that Alpha Vespiquen and protected her from literally being torn to pieces. This takes courage and an incredible sense of selflessness you know. More than how you would look, these actions would make anyone like you. Besides, considering that with that Vespiquen evolving all the worker Combees would switch allegiance to her, you were her very first friend. The place you hold in her heart is special." She said warmly

Croagunk smiled. "That's true. I just kind of did not expect that i would have such an impact on her. I won't lie, she's a Combee that will eventually evolve into a Vespiquen.

She's cute but looks is ultimately not what brings me to her. Its her kindness. Somehow, my anticipation ability do not activate at all when she was around and whenever it does, sometimes thinking about her makes it still. Its extremely unusual so I was wondering what it all meant."

Mesprit smiled at Croagunk, reading his emotions. It always made her feel quite tender when she saw it happening.

"Croagunk, as the being of emotions I know exactly what you are feeling, even if you are not aware of it fully yourself. But it wouldn't be fair to your growth to influence you by giving you the answer. What I can say though is that you will find the answer by talking to her and by examining your own feeling. But I am not afraid, Croagunk. You have often demonstrated that you are not that clueless when it comes to emotions and you are definitely mature. You will figure it out. I can also say that I am happy for you Croagunk. Let me you in on a little secret. When I made the decision to make this show, one of my biggest desires was to see life trajectories change while being in the game. I have seen it happen many times, for the better or for the worse...but you are definitely one of the better. Thank you, Croagunk, for giving me the privilege to witness your changes." Said Mesprit with a warm smile

Croagunk had to turn away... the sight of a warmly smiling Mesprit never failed to make butterfly appears in his stomach it seemed.

"You're welcome. I'll go now, I still got a letter to write..." He decided as he hopped of with an acknowledging nod.

Mesprit chuckled lightly, fully understanding that Croagunk was flustered. It was adorable, the effect her smile had on males. She shined quickly, sending a blessing toward Croagunk. The frog's form shimmered in an almost imperceptible pink hue before it disappeared.

"A small gift from me to you, for being who you are, Croagunk..." She thought as she resumed her stargazing, feeling at ease and content for a rare occasion that day

000

The sounds of healthy Wingulls in the distance created an enchanting atmosphere. In such an idyllic atmosphere, the embodiment of emotions woke up from her slumber.

With a big yawn, she got of her soft sheets and stretched, doing a few twirls in the air to get her blood flowing and her good mood in full force.

"You sure look cute when you sleep, my friend..." Said a mocking, friendly soft voice from behind her.

"Kyaah!" Yelped Mesprit as she almost hit her head on the ceiling in fright.

A crystalline laugh filled the room as the visitor patted Mesprit on the back, helping her calm down.

"My my...it is only me you know..." She said with a smile

Mesprit turned her face toward the voice. Two pink antennae, shining, glistening green eyes where the emerald green of the forest seemed to be reflected, a pinkish, delicate skin, two small wings granting her the ability to fly, a cure reverse sunflower dress, with a green top finished off by a yellow flower like pattern, from which a set of dark pink feet emerged.

Indeed, it was a Shiny Celebi who was next to our favorite host...and that host knew that Celebi.

"FUYUKOOO!" She damn near screamed in delight before she tackled the mythical to her bed in a warm hug.

"I take it that you are happy to see me!" said the smiling grass type as she patted Mesprit on the back.

"I am indeed" Replied Mesprit

Fuyuko then pulled out a large emerald bag filled with gift paper.

"I have a little present for you." She said as she gave it to Mesprit

Mesprit took the bag excitedly and pulled out the content. Quickly, her eyes widened as she saw the gift and her eyes watered.

"T...thi..this i...is..." She stammered, powerful emotions transpiring from her trembling voice.

"I felt like you needed something to smile about the last time we talked...and one of the way I can do that with all of my love is by making you specialized and customized gift. I also have prepared the thing that you have asked me to..." She said with a knowing smile

Mesprit hugged her harder. "You...oh Arceus..." She said, unable to put into words how happy it made her. She loved Fuyuko's clothing items and was touched by her thoughtfulness.

"No need to thank me Mes, Friends does that with each other..." She said with a smile before she wiggled her way out of Mesprit's hug.

"Come along now, get changed and come on. We have a whole day ahead of us." She said as she headed toward the door.

Mesprit smiled and called Tapu Koko telepathically, calling him to go on the deck and call for the contestants

000

Mesprit was in the confessional. "Fuyuko is a gem. What did I do to have such great friends?"

000

Monferno stared at the sleeping form of Lopunny? . She must had been exhausted lately because she was sleeping quite deeply despite the loud megaphone calling the contestants to actions. It had been quite the leisurely days, where he and Gengar had grown even closer. He was still concerned about the ghost type since she often left their room at night, but as a Ghost type, it must have been normal for her. He would find a way to get her out of her troubled situation. How could he not be doing everything he could for someone he loved so dearly...

Full of tenderness for the one who had taken his heart, he gently kissed the top of her forehead.

"Come on claws...we have to move out now..." he said softly with a chuckle at how cute Monferno was.

Lopunny? finally opened her eyes, staring deeply into Monferno's dark brown eyes. They both kissed.

"Slept well?" He asked the ghost type.

Gengar smiled softly, nuzzling Monferno. "I did, thanks to you."

Monferno smiled. "I am glad to hear it. The rooster called us out I think, we got to go..." He informed the wraith

Gengar smiled at that, essentially jumping out of her bed. "Well then, what are we waiting for, let's go!" She shouted excitedly as she dragged Monferno out of the room, with the latter laughing merrily, always surprised with Gengar's surprising physical strength.

000

Sneasel and Alolan Ninetales had barely finished with their vigorous "Activities" when they heard the call from Tapu Koko calling them to the deck. Alolan Ninetales was sitting atop Sneasel's midsection, basking in afterglow. Sneasel was patiently waiting for her to lift himself out of their bed so they could get ready for the challenge, not wanting to brusque her.

Alolan Ninetales did lift her head up and started to head toward their in room bathroom before she collapsed, coughing blood.

"KAA KAA KAA" coughed the fox as she struggled to get up.

"Are you okay?" Asked Sneasel as he finally got the occasion to get up and dust himself off a little. Mating with a fox would leave a lot of loose fur on oneself.

The Fox let out a growl and rolled her eyes before exiting the room, washing her muzzle down with a Water Pulse

Sneasel just shrugged, expecting that treatment and exiting the house as well, heading toward the deck.

As she walked toward the deck as well, Alolan Ninetales had a small smile on her face, before that smile gradually faded to leave her usual mask of porcelain indifference and elegance.

000

Alolan Ninetales sighed in the confessional. "Just be a good fucktoy, Sneasel. I don't need you pity... I don't deserve your care..." She said the last part softly as her face hardened

000

The rest of the contestants had gathered on the deck, with a certain brouhaha of expectation, excitement and apprehension as the challenge from that point on would certainly go in crescendo of the stakes that would only get higher as the competition became thinner and thinner.

As Roserade and Croagunk finally joined the group of contestants and before Sneasel could ask the obvious question about what was the challenge, a Kabuki like music started playing out of nowhere. Soft, pure notes coming from a very peculiar instrument started to resonate in the vicinity. It was soft, soothing. music very reminiscent of the jotho summoning song. Softly coming into view, from what seemed to be ripples in the air, The embodiment of emotions, wearing a pink and black Kimono was playing a shamisen with elegance and grace. The sight was transfixing.

The entire deck went silent, letting the lovely sound of the shamisen fill the air. A flutter of rose petals started falling, giving the whole scene a mystical appearance straight out of a theater. everyone was transfixed by the spectacle. This kept going until Mesprit completed her piece, which had everyone applaud.

"Woah, I didn't know you could play that..." Said Sneasel , in awe at the sight.

"Yeah no kidding. But did you see how she be dressing? That's top tier modeling..." Commented Croagunk with an appreciative smile

Roserade nodded in turn. "I quite agree...but I don't quite recognize who is standing next to her though.." She said as she pointed to the pink faerie next to Mesprit, who hadn a green dress with flowery like petals at the bottom.

Mesprit smiled as she opened her eyes to address the contestants. " Greetings, my contestants. This lady here is Celebi, the time travel Pokemon. Her name is Fuyuko." She said with a gesture pointing at the Grass/Psychic type

Alolan Ninetales almost tripped over herself...and she was sitting... "Fuyuko? You mean THAT Fuyuko? What kind of nightmare am I having. How does this...Thing... Get to be friends with such a legendary designed and not me??" She thought angrily

"My my, Mesprit. You are embarrassing me. I am indeed Fuyuko, the celebi. I am here today because my powers will be needed for today's escapade, will they not?" She presented herself with Tapu Koko nodding and taking the relay.

"Indeed maggots... Today's challenge will be a bit special, so I'll give you 2 minutes to go fetch your stuff if you need it, because once we start, there's no going back...literally..." He said cryptically with a knowing smile on his face.

As nobody moved, the Guardian shrugged, turning toward the two females. "Seems that's their ready boss." He said as he went next to them

Mesprit nodded and Fuyuko took a step forward.

"Alright contestants. I suggest you all to close your eyes and relax. We are going to jump. I demand that you keep your eyes closed and to stay as calm as possible. Trust me, you'll want to be. Everyone come around in a circle and grab each other tightly, I'd rather not have any of you lost to the rivers of time." She said seriously, making eye contact with a stern expression in order to make sure her message was well received by everyone.

Once she did, she floated in the middle of them as everyone executed her request, forming a circle around them. Once that was done, everyone closed their eyes, but calming down was not easy.

Sneasel felt his heart would pound out of his chest. Time Travel? how insanely lucky and nervous he was. He could almost not contain his excitement.

The same went for Fraxure, who was more than just nervous about doing this. Part of her wanted to break the circle and go hide in her room.

But before she could ponder any longer, she felt all of her muscles relax, as if someone was massaging her so thoroughly that she couldn't help but relax. She felt her thoughts slow into a clam, placid puddle. She felt so incredibly light...

And so were the other contestants...

Mesprit's crystal pulsed. With every pulses of her power, she could feel the contestants relax more and more. She smiled. now, everyone would be far too relaxed to even think about disobeying Fuyuko's instructions.

With a nod, both Pokemon looked at each other and with a dazzling kaleidoscope of light, the whole group disappeared in the rivers of time.

Latias. who had stayed on the deck, joined her hands in a short prayer.

"Please be safe..."

000

in the frigid and awe-inspiring Hisui region, there existed a place of ancient reverence and mystery known as the Snowpoint Temple. Nestled amidst the snowy peaks and icy landscapes, the temple stood as a testament to the enduring power of nature and the legends that echoed through the ages.

Adorned with intricate carvings and symbols that told tales of legendary Pokémon, the temple exuded an air of enigma and reverence. It was said that the temple held a deep connection to the land and its ancient guardians, serving as a bridge between the mortal realm and the realm of powerful Pokémon.

It was at the bottom of this temple that the group reappeared, mere instants after having initially disappeared from the yacht's deck.

After letting them come back from their forcefully induced calm states, Tapu Koko took center stage once again.

"Where are we?" Asked Sneasel, feeling as if the place was familiar but not entirely being sure at the same time.

"yeah...This place feels...oppressive somehow..." Commented Monferno as he held on to the hand of a Lopunny morph who also looked a bit shaken off.

Hatterene's eyes fluttered open as she was brought out of the state...but before she could truly reorient herself, a torrential storm of emotions hit her all at once, making her shout in pain.

"Hatterene! Shit...What's going on?" Asked Fraxure hurriedly as the dragon launched herself toward the flinching psychic type.

"My...My head...MY HEAD...!" She screamed. Her hair claw suddenly bulging out and swiping around her violently.

"Oh no!" Said Roserade .

"What's going on with her?" Asked Monferno with worry.

Fuyuko was the one who responded. "She's a hatterene. Newly evolved if I take the fact that she evolved during her battle agaisnt Zapdos. Hatterene by nature are sensible to strong emotions and too strong emotions can hurt them and make them very agressive on reflex. Considering where we are now, it's possible that she is sensing all of these strong emotions all around us and its hurting her.

"What can we do then?" Asked Lapras with concern dripping from her voice. She felt for her friend who was now writhing on the ground, visibly fighting to keep control over herself.

"G...guys..guuhh...Get away from me...I...I can't take it...I will not be able to control myself..." She warned with pained gasp as her eyes were turning wilder and wilder.

Mesprit, whom gear had been turned since Hatterene started exhibiting her symptoms had a breakthrough and decided to take matter on her own hands.

"I know how to help her, but I will need somewhere quiet." She said as she turned to Fuyuko and nodded.

The Fairy understood the non verbal command and used Leech seed to tie Hatterene off. She tried to be gentle because the hysterical strenght of a Hatterene in crisis could be very impressive.

When the Struggling psychic type was restrained, Mesprit used her psychic powers to pick the Witch Pokemon up and brought her to a more secluded part of the temple, not too far from their initial location.

As they disappeared behind a corner, Fuyuko opened her mouth.

"She will be fine now, but Mesprit needs a little quiet to help Hatterene. Please stay put as we have to send you all away with context and very specific instructions.

Fraxure growled. "Fuck that!" If outside influence is the reason why Hatty is suffering, then I oughta get out there and slaughter anyone or anything that would straight up raise a peep." She said as she walked toward what seemed to be light while activating dragon dances.

...

...

She was immediately restrained with leech seeds that this time were NOT gentle.

"Ahhhh! Shit what the fuck are these seeds..." She shouted as the leech seed rapidly drained her energy enough to feel very lightheaded and losing her sense of balance and making her fall very unceremoniously on her rear.

Fuyuko let her arm down. "I am quite strong after all these eons, little dragon. I told you not to move and not to raise your voice. You'd do well to listen to me." She said simply but even without any intimidation present on her voice, Fraxure knew that playing hard with the grass/psychic type was not in her best interest. As such, she simply sat down and groaned.

Fuyuko left the seeds on her to make sure she wouldn't try to get out while she had her attention elsewhere though.

000

Fraxure growled in the confessional. "I knew mythical Pokemon could pack a punch but that Leech Seed is unfair..." She complained to the camera.

000

Mesprit set Hatterene out gently on the cold rocky wall of the temple. They were relatively far enough so she would be able to be unimpeded by the noise and their emotions that must have been in disarray as well and were certainly not helping to help Hatterene calm down.

The claw atop Hatterene's hair was still wobbling and acting aggressive while Hatterene tried to lift her head toward Mesprit's

The Embodiment of emotions gaze crossed Hatterene's pleading gaze. She could feel the distress radiating from the psychic/Fairy type's eyes.

"Don't worry Hatterene, I will help you. The only thing that I ask is that you do not say how I helped you for now. It would be best. Do you understand?" She said with a soft but firm voice, to make sure Hatterene understood that she was here to help but that she needed her to respect certain rules.

Hatterene nodded with difficulty, the pain and the fight against the urge to fly into a rage making it too hard to form coherent sentences.

Mesprit smiled at her nod. Her crystals started glowing and immediately, Hatterene felt the pressure start to leave her. But slowly.

Mesprit didn't let the resistance to her power annoy her. Hatterene's passive ability was magic bounce. They could reflect anything that wasn't an actual attack independently of the user's will. With what she was trying to do, it was highly possible that it was acting as a perceived threat and the distressed witch would certainly not be able to control it to lower her guard. She could of course have blasted through her ability as she was the embodiment of emotions, but making Hatterene suffer more was far from her intention.

Mesprit already had the solution right here though.

Channeling her dominion through her tail, Mesprit started dangling it in front of Hatterene's face, imprinting a steady rhythm on it.

Hatterene's struggling mind was instantly drawn to it, happy to have something to follow that wasn't pain or a rapidly growing desire to destroy anything with a pulse that emitted emotions that were too strong.

Hatterene happily followed Mesprit's dangling tail. She had never seen Mesprit from that close, let alone her tail. The way the gem at the center of the tip of her tail was shining was beautiful, mesmerizing...but very calming. Like it was so easy to follow. Just rhythmically swaying back and forth. gradually, the pressure in her head was wafting away...replaced by a gentle warmth...and emptiness. But she started to feel so good, so safe, so she didn't question anything. She even started to sway a little along the gentle sway of Mesprit's tail.

The embodiment of emotions smiled as Hatterene so willingly embraced what she was doing. Hatterene's eyes were glued to her tail follow, following its every move.

As she swayed her tail shining with her power, she could observe Hatterene's body relaxing more and more, as she used her dominion over emotions to gently, slowly drain her of her emotions. She marveled at how complementary her skills with hypnosis and her powers over emotions worked in tandem. She hadn't even needed to actually talk up to that point and Hatterene had already fallen into a light trance. Induction without talking, just hooking a struggling person in pain to the calmness of their safe space in their subconscious was probably just the perfect way to calm someone having a nervous breakdown or a fit of rage... well that and singing.

She kept going with her work until Hatterene's eyes lost all focus and completely glazed over, lost along the sway of her power constantly submerging her in a sea of calmness and warmth until she had forgotten almost everything external to herself and just floated in the confines of her own mind. Her Magic bounce ability, along as her entire sense of self, gratefully lulled to sleep by Mesprit's guidance. Mesprit's tail never stopped swaying in front of her eyes, intent of keeping her nice and deep as she rested.

Hatterene was floating in a sea of peace. If felt so warm in here...it could almost be addictive. As a Hatterene, this was bliss. She could vaguely perceive a swaying red light but it felt so distant...so insignificant. She didn't care why it was there...just that it was. She could barely perceive some murmur. They felt like a breeze of whispering winds, accompanying her in that sea of calmness and warmth. She couldn't make out what it said, but she didn't care. it felt so liberating, not to have such n acute sense for strong emotions...and not to feel any pain by it. She would do anything to come here...a place she didn't fully know existed.

After a few minutes, where mesprit observed how Hatterene's eyes had unfocused and started to roll a little upward, deeply relaxed. Her mouth had opened a little to compensate for the loss of tonus in her respiratory muscles and a trail of saliva had slowly started to fall on the side of her face and onto the ground.

"She's really deep now... I'm happy for her. I am glad that it worked...She seemed in so much pain before and now she's just experiencing warmth, calmness and maybe a little pleasure too. That's what it's for, child. Let yourself be calmed by me and your mind mended, as this here epoch would be hard for you to navigate..." she thought before floating next to her ear and whispering things into it.

She knew exactly what to do, what to say. It only lasted a minute or two. But she was adamant that it would stay for at least a day or two, which was all the time that she needed.

Once she was done, she removed the Leech seed restraint from her and watched her fall asleep when she touched her forehead, as the trigger took hold of the witch.

She let her rest around 5 more minutes, taking notes of everything that had happened so she would have this documented case as well in her studies, before gently tapping Hatterene's forehead again three times, seeing her come to slowly but surely.

Hatterene's eyes fluttered. She felt oddly light and refreshed. Her headache was all but gone. All she saw was a tenderly smiling Mesprit.

"Mesprit? Is that you?" She asked worriedly.

The embodiment of emotions nodded with a smile on her face. "Yes. it is me." She said with a twirl in the air.

Hatterene nodded... gulping tickly...before she realized that she had drool on the corner of her mouth.

"W...what the heck!?" She said as she wiped it off her face with a big embarrassed blush on her face.

Mesprit laughed merrily at that. Now that was funny.

"W...what happened... I...i feel so...light?" She said as she sat down and immediately fell over, feeling no real strength in her hair...or any part of her body really.

Mesprit helped her by laying her on the ground again, helping her lay on the wall.

"You were pretty deep, Hatterene. Your body lost a lot of muscular tonus quickly so you must allow your body to regain that tonus before trying to stand up again..." She said softly.

This made hatterene almost jump in fright. "I was...deep?" She asked confusedly.

Mesprit nodded. "Yes you were. I have to say that you looked adorable. I wish I had a camera..." She commented, chuckling.

"What did you do to me..? Don't get me wrong...I feel amazing and I thank you a thousand time for that...but I am very curious of how...you managed to calm me down. I didn't hurt you in the process didn't I?" She asked worriedly.

Mesprit's face turned grim. "Very. I had to use healing Wish on myself to survive." She said with absolute seriousness, which prompted Hatterne to wish she could Grovel on the floor and beg for forgiveness...

Mesprit quickly stopped Hatterene in her motions of pushing her body beyond the limitation that she actually could make at the moment, laughing merrily.

"You should have seen your face hahaha. Don't worry, you didn't hurt me at all Hatterene. I hypnotized you...lightly that is." She explained with a smile

Hatterene gave Mesprit an incredulous stare. "No offense Mesprit...but my species passive ability is Magic Bounce. Hypnosis would not affect us even if the distortion world froze over... " She said.

Mesprit gave her a smile and gently tapped her Hatterene's forehead twice.

Immediately, Hatterene slumped backward, powerful relaxation taking hold of her. She almost lost all ability to think at that instant...and certainly no desire to contradict Mesprit any longer.

Mesprit let her bask in that blissful state for a minute or two before tapping her forehead three times, bringing her back up.

"W...woah...this was..." She stammered, humbled and embarrassed.

Mesprit smirked a bit smugly, proud of herself. "Indeed. Still think you can't be hypnotized, missy?" She said

Hatterene chuckled, defeated. "I stand corrected, Mesprit. But...how did you do it?" She asked her.

Mesprit was happy to oblige. "The long answer is technical but i'll give you the short one. My tail acted as the pendulum. The crystal of my tail was the focal point. You were so desperate to quell your sensing abilities that you almost immediately started following my tail like a lost seafarer looking at a distant beacon. You could say that you essentially hypnotized yourself with my tail while your open and relaxed mind allowed me to drain you of your emotions slowly and without traumatizing your psyche. When you were deeply hypnotized, I planted triggers in you to lull your ability to sense emotions to a halt, as well as essentially forcing your body into "recovery" mode. Then, when i felt that you would be rested enough, I woke you up. The suggestions I planted in you will last for around 48 hours. I made it so you could induce it yourself too. You are in control here, Hatterene. I am not a mastermind who wants to control you. This was done for a therapeutic purpose. If you tap your forehead once, you'll fall asleep. If you tap your forehead twice, you will sink into yourself for around 10 to 15 minutes, allowing to feel nothing but peace and warmth, helping you recharge. If you tap three times, you'll recover your full sensitivity to your ability until you type three times on your forehead again, which will return you to how you are feeling now." She explained with a compassionate expression on her face.

"Woo..wow... You're incredible... I mean it. I never knew that...you could do that." she said in awe.

Mesprit smiled softly. "I learned those skills to help others...I am glad that it helped you Hatterene." She said warmly as she offered the witch a sitrus berry.

Hatterene ate it quickly, feeling refreshed and ready to take on the challenge.

"Ready to take on the challenge?" She asked with a wink.

Hatterene grinned competitively. "Never felt more ready! Thank you Mesprit! I'll always remember this. I know i'll take hypnosis seriously too from now on." She admitted as they walked back toward the others.

Mesprit smiled apologetically to the restored Hatterene when she heard that, not that the witch saw it.

000

Mesprit looked at the camera with an apologetic smile on her face. "I'm sorry Hatty, but you won't. Your last suggestion will muddle your memories of what happened to the point where only I would be able to make them resurface. It's nothing against you and I love what I do. But I don't want people to take advantage of your triggers or some other hypnotist to take advantage of these triggers either because you would blabber about them without wanting to or knowing it. You'll only remember that I helped you, but you won't remember with certainty how. Me allowing you to leave with memories of it at all is a gift from me. But you have been good to your fellow Pokemon and you have been an inspiration for many through your Poketube. view this experience as a reward for this. Maybe later, if our path cross again, i'll make those memories resurface and allow you to keep them. For your sake and now, just enjoy those 48 hours of peace." She murmured to the camera before it turned static.

000

"Hey! There they are!" Said Roserade happily when they saw Hatterene come back with Mesprit next to her.

The rest of the contestant huddled around the witch, relieved to see that she was doing well.

"You seem fully energetic. Are you sure you'll be okay?" Asked fraxure with a concerned stare toward her friend

Hatterene gave Fraxure a charming smile. "Yes Fraxure. I am feeling pretty well. Mesprit helped me well." She explained somewhat vaguely

Croagunk scooted toward Mesprit. "What did you do Mes? She looks way too pepper with the way she was clutching her head earlier, that was duress..." He asked , intrigued.

Mesprit simply winked at him, whipping his back playfully with her tail. "That's a secret."

Croagunk just rolled his eyes.

Bidoof, who hadn't said much up to this point rolled his eyes. "Of course the witch bitch gets bailed out but I get my ass almost eaten by a pearl... Where's the goddamn impartiality that the hosts supposed to have?" He complained before stopping as he saw Mesprit's absolutely terrifying gaze lay upon him.

With everyone settling down, Mesprit could finally start her explanations.

"Alright people. We are in Snowpoint temple in the region of Hisui...around 2000 years ago. Your challenge today will be to reach one of three locations where our past selves are currently located. As you probably could guess, this is an unique opportunity for all of you to see what the region of Sinooh looked like all these years ago. I shall also warn you. You will see creatures that you have never seen before. Some of them which are even talked in legends in our times. As you may guess, you may not interact with those special people in any way. It is important to protect the timelines after all. Steps have been prepared in case things turn south but I would rather not have to implement them, so behave." Said Mesprit as she gave Monferno, Croagunk and Fraxure maps to navigate the region.

Hisui was immense, but they would make it work.

Monferno turned to Lopunny? and smiled. Immediately understanding the assignment, the ghost type put herself next to her beloved monkey.

The fire/fighting type then turned to Croagunk, Lapras and Roserade with a bright smile.

"Wanna tag along?" He offered them.

"Why us?" Asked Lapras, pleasantly surprised at Monferno's desire that they work together.

"Yeah. Not that we don't like your invitation...but it does feel a bit odd" Replied Roserade as she tilted her eyes in confusion.

"Because you are kind and nice. To me it's only natural that I invite you. After all, you know the old saying. Alone we go faster but Together we go further." He said with a very contagious enthusiasm.

Gengar looked at him tenderly and kissed the top of his head as they all headed toward the lake close to jubilife.

000

Gengar was lookimg endeared in the confessional.

"I swear the more this game progress, the more that his altruism is intoxicating to me...You're so precious...!" She gushed.

000

Monferno smiled in the confessional. "I really don't care about the merge. Being nice brings niceness to you. I would never be selfish with these people around. We will alll win."

000

IIn the Alabaster Icelands, the winds were howling, the snow was thick and pearly white, and the crunchy steps on the snowy ground accompanied the gallant steps of Sneasel. As soon as they reached the frozen lands, Sneasel left the group and went on ahead. It was a fascinating experience to witness Sinnoh as he had never done before.

Hisui was a very raw land, with barely anything resembling the civilization that he knew, and it was fascinating. During the Dark type's travel, Sneasel bore witness to such amazing scenes.

"I had no idea that this was how the world here in Sinnoh was," he muttered as he stepped into the Whiteout Valley. The valley was large and covered in snow, huge and barren. As he trudged into the valley, he witnessed the incessant foraging of Aipoms and Bergmite.

He also witnessed the savagery of an Alpha Ambipom defending its territory. The large Ambipom blasted away a group of Snorunts angrily using continuous Swift attacks.

He found it odd. At times, the attacks from the Ambipom were powerful but took longer to charge, allowing the smaller Pokemon to land more hits. On the other hand, sometimes the attacks seemed less powerful but came far faster. The combination of fast and strong strikes quickly defeated the group of Snorunts. In a soul-crushing moment, Ambipom stepped on the head of a Snorunt, killing it instantly.

This realization left Sneasel speechless. The Pokemon here were not afraid to kill; they were wild, showing no sophistication outside of combat and no regard for fellow Pokemon. Sneasel was no stranger to this world, having witnessed his own father's savage killings. He knew his father wanted the same for him. As a Sneasel and a clan heir, he would do what he had to do, but he felt there must be more to life than killing or being killed. He always believed this life was not all he could do. Despite his father's beliefs, he was determined to prove that he could be great without becoming a cold-hearted killer. With these thoughts, he continued to venture north toward the Bonechill Waste.

Using his mastery of stealth, he swiftly moved through the place. To his surprise, he saw an odd creature seemingly training in that land. The creature was tall, with blue hair on its chest and white hair, exuding a masculine presence and white skin.

Sneasel gasped at this sight. The man expressed his belief, "Training is the best thing for the mind and body. It never stops. It never ends. To be the strongest Iceberg... that is my ideal." He continued training as his Glalie continuously used what seemed like a weakened ice shard attack. The Glalie appeared reluctant to attack, but the man was undeterred, assuring the Glalie that he was as strong as the toughest Iceberg and wouldn't faint from the icy pebbles.

Sneasel was left speechless. This must have been one of those "trainers" he had heard about from Uxie when the legendary Pokemon talked about humans.

"Uxie..." He muttered.

As Sneasel traversed the icy terrain, a sense of disappointment lingered within him. He couldn't help but reflect on his recent actions and the consequences of falling for the deceptive allure of a cunning fox. Realizing the futility of dwelling on this, he pushed these thoughts aside and focused on his victory. After all, he was raised to be a helper, and he intended to fulfill that purpose.

Observing a human and their Pokémon playing in the snow, Sneasel pondered the nature of the bond they shared. His curiosity about human behavior persisted, particularly as he contemplated the historical disappearance of humans following a great war, as narrated by Uxie. He sought to unravel the enigma of why humans had vanished from their world, yearning for answers that continued to elude him.

Amidst the relentless wintry landscape, Sneasel stumbled upon a surreal sight—a crystalline lake that remained unaffected by the surrounding harsh conditions. It was as though time had stood still in this ethereal oasis devoid of wind, hail, or snow. Intrigued by the inexplicable tranquility of the place, he cautiously approached a cave that exuded an undeniable aura of power and divinity.

Near the cave entrance, he encountered a solemn Sneasler engaged in a ritualistic offering, presenting a deceased Buneary.
A couple of Sneasel...or rather, what he thought were sneasels, as they had purplish white fur, purple claws and seemed a bit shorter in nature than himself.
Witnessing this ceremony filled Sneasel with a mixture of unease and reverence, prompting him to ponder the origins of such a custom. Contemplating whether this ritual had derived from human influence, he marshalled his courage to step into the cave, driven by a desire to comprehend the mysteries that lay within.

Upon entering the cave, Sneasel was greeted by a breathtaking sight—the cavern adorned with glistening crystals that emitted an otherworldly glow, casting an entrancing hue upon the sacred space. The cave was imbued with an aura of profound tranquility and wisdom, as if Uxie's very essence permeated every corner. Despite being alone, Sneasel felt an uncanny sensation of being observed as he delved deeper into the cave, triggering a surge of memories that inundated his mind.

"Uxie...what is the meaning of these carvings?" asked a small Sneasel, sitting eagerly with rock slabs on his knees and ready to write down everything Uxie would tell him as the being of knowledge.

Uxie smiled softly, a rare sight. The little Sneasel's thirst for knowledge was insatiable, and it was heartwarming to see.

"A body of rock. A body of ice. A body of steel. When all three bodies have been assembled, the mover of the continent shall awaken once more to sit on the throne presiding over all migration," Uxie explained.

The Sneasel's steps faltered. Was he really going to meet the Yuxie from the past? Was he even worthy, given the way his life had turned out?

Despite being battered and bruised from the last day of training, the Sneasel sat down with his rock slabs. He was hurt but resolute not to miss a single day of Uxie's training or teachings.

"Why have you come here, Sneasel? I can tell just by your breathing that you are in pain. I cannot allow you to remain here with such injuries," said Uxie, not even facing towards him.

The Sneasel had a competitive smirk on his face. "These little cuts will not stop me. My thirst for knowledge is greater than my pain," he said as he steadied his breath and his writing hand, ready to absorb every word Uxie would say.

Unbeknownst to the Sneasel, the embodiment of knowledge smirked. If anything, his dedication and spirit were not affected in the slightest. Uxie could definitely admire that.

"I will reward your tenacity and dedication to knowledge by healing you myself. Then, expect a lot of information today," Uxie said, as energy left his hands and enveloped Sneasel, healing his wounds and revitalizing his senses. The pain and fatigue were completely gone as if he had the best night of his life in mere moments.

"Wow... how did you do that?" asked the young Sneasel, completely in awe of Uxie's powers.

"You shall know in due time, child. Now, let us commence the lessons," Uxie replied, before they started their day.

Sneasel cautiously entered a chamber adorned with shimmering yellow crystals, casting an ethereal glow across the entire space. At the other end of the chamber, a petite, angelic figure appeared lost in contemplation, its eyes closed in deep concentration. With uncertainty clouding his mind, Sneasel approached the mysterious entity, only to be astounded when the creature suddenly materialized right before him.

"We finally meet, traveler Sneasel of the future..." the figure spoke, its words resonating directly in Sneasel's mind.

Surprised by the telepathic communication, Sneasel paused for a brief moment before acknowledging the being's extraordinary ability.

"Indeed. I am Sneasel. How did you come to know that I am from the future?" inquired Sneasel, immediately recognizing the potential folly of his question. After all, he was conversing with a being that embodied all knowledge.

Unperturbed by the slight error, the embodiment of knowledge made no indication of having noticed the slip.

"I know that you seek my trial. I shall explain it to you. I will first bring the other two Pokémon headed to your location," he said as his form flashed.

The next instant, Hatterene and Alolan Ninetales were present in the cave, disoriented completely.

"Huh? Where am I? What happened? The last thing I remember, I was looking at a group of strange creatures that wore pale pink clothing and they seemed to be harvesting something," commented the witch as she blinked twice.

"And I was trying to seduce that hunky Avalugg...I wasn't having much success somehow. I mean, how was that big mountain creature not instantly melted into a puddle in front of my impossible beauty?" asked Alolan Ninetales as she wagged her tail very suggestively, which made Sneasel blush a little before coughing, not wanting to embarrass himself in front of Uxie any more than he already had.

"You are all here now. Very well. I shall explain the challenge to you now," Uxie said as three podiums rose from the ground.

"What are these for?" asked Hatterene, skeptical and suspicious.

"Your suspicion is normal, Hatterene. But fear not. There are no intention to mislead you. Calm yourself. Those podiums will be the ones to deliver your punishment if you answer my questions incorrectly. The trial will be a test of your knowledge. I shall not allow you to fail even once. If you have trouble remembering the answers after 5 seconds, I shall take away parts of your memories until there is nothing else. Such is the price you must pay for your lack of knowledge," Uxie explained, making all of them gulp.

Alolan Ninetales's mind started racing. There was no way she could ever dream of beating Sneasel in a contest of knowledge. As they had sex multiple times, she had learned that Sneasel had been close to Uxie in the past. As such, he must have been far smarter than she could ever hope to, even without that information, there was no way she considered herself to be smarter or more knowledgeable than him anyway. Hatterene on the other hand, seemed like a much easier opponent ot face, but she would not underestimate the witch from Galar. They could be surprisingly intelligent and it would have been very foolish to underestimate her.

Thinking quickly, she started strutting toward the embodiment of Knowledge, activating her aurora veil and her captivate combo.

"Come on little man. I am sure that we can arrange a little something...can't we? You let me win this challenge free of charge, and i'll offer you all the pleasures in the world. Pleasure that I am certain you never experienced in your life. You would taste the finest fruit in the universe. What do you say?" She tempted the psychic type while shaking her rump and purring submissively toward him, making the rest of them stare at her, albeit for different reason.

Sneasel bit his lip until he drew blood from it in order to remain focused. The pleasure, the beauty the allure that the fox had forced upon his mind was almost conditioned to obey her when she was putting all this effort in her seduction. But now was not the time to let her win. He was ashamed enough as it was.

Uxie stared behind his closed eyes at the Fox. Quite frankly, he didn't like the fox. Thinking that acting so shamefully would get her anywhere was quite insulting to him. Did she think that every male would fall for such a shameless routine?

"How arrogant you are, Little fox. Did you think that acting like a women of loose morals would win you any praise? I dare hope that the males in the future sees you for the garbage that you are. Now get back to the podium before my patience runs out and I remove your memories until you forget how to even breathe. I am the Kami of Knowledge, you will show me respect and respect for the other two contestants here." Uxie admonished the fox, never even raising his voice once, but the heaviness of his words was apparent.

Sneasel saw that light tail twitch, and saw that Uxie was very angry at the Fox. With reason... Uxie did not hold those who acted like that dear to his heart.

Hatterene gulped. Mesprit's suggestion was helping. If she had her full perception, the smoldering anger that she was feeling coming from Uxie at that moment would have knocked her right out.

"So that's Uxie when he is angry...Scary.." She thought as she took place obediently on the podium, not daring to anger the deity.

Alolan Ninetales wanted to bark back, hating being called out so outrageously easily by the embodiment of Knowledge, but before she could retort, Sneasel Grabbed her by the tail and pulled her toward the Podium

"You have made a fool of yourself long enough, Ninetales. I would not test his patience any further if I was you." Hissed the sharp claw Pokemon with a tone that chilled the Ice fox to the core

Ninetales was speechless. It was well known that Nobody should touch a Ninetales's tail, weither it was the Kantonian fire version or the Icy Alolan version. Yet, for Sneasel to do something this drastic, it must have been even less than no joke. Grumbling, Alolan Ninetales went on her podium without any further disturbances.

Uxie stared at Sneasel. Now that he had a better look at him, he could somehow feel a little bit of..himself in him. That was peculiar. Maybe this Sneasel was acquainted with his future self.

"Interesting. You speak as if you know me well, Sneasel. Your words goes beyond just general reverence or even fear of my abilities. I hope that you can enlighten me a little on this later. We don't have much time together. The questioning shall begin now. You will be given 5 Seconds. When those are up, you are to think of your answer as "Loudly" as you can in your mind, as to not influence each other. If you fail, your memory shall be taken gradually. If you fail to answer my questions three times, your memory will vanish. Another thing. Keep your eyes closed at all times. I shall open mine to direct my psychic powers on you and read your mind. If our gaze crossed, you would instantly lose as my gaze would rob you of all of your knowledge. The eyes are the window of the soul. You have not all proven your worthiness to look into my soul. Now, let us commence." Said Uxie as the area was enclosed in warm yellow psychic energy.

This was it, now, it was only them and the Deity.

Hatterene felt serene, reminding herself of the bliss of her trance to calm down.

Alolan Ninetales felt trapped and her panic made blood seep through her maw, but there was no escaping it anymore. She would have to hope she could pull though.

Sneasel on the other hand had almost forgotten everything but the challenge. He was laser focused on it, not even thinking about the fact that Uxie was right in front of him.

Uxie nodded and started his rounds.

"The first. Tell me, how many types is there in the world?" He asked

Sneasel interiorly scoffed at this. It was easy after all.

Hatterene relaxed a little. She knew that much.

Alolan Ninetales stared at Uxie with almost mocking eyes. Was that all he had to offer?

5,4,3,2,1

"You may answer now. Remember, In your head!" Uxie said as his form started glowing pink.

"18 types" They all thought at the same time.

Uxie nodded.

"Very well. You have all passed the first round. On to the second. From the strongest, the sweetest had come out. What is this referring too?"

Sneasel smirked, memories flooding back to him. This riddle had been one of the very first thigs Uxie had taught him when he wanted to illustrate how things were not always as it seemed and that from an hard exterior, a sweet thing could come out. He knew the answer.

Alolan ninetales's eyes widened. What was the legendary even talking about? It could be anything. However, she knew that the sweetest thing must have been honey. But what the heck could the strongest thing be?

Hatterene had remembered an old tale from her childhood. It related a strong Pokemon who had battled a pyroar who had eaten a whole hive of combee out of desperation. That Pyroar had been killed and thus honey was found dripping from the fatal wound it got. The witch had always found this story interesting. Who knew that it would give her the best chance to pass this round.

5,4,3,2,1.

"You may answer now!" announced Uxie.

"What is as strong as a Pyroar? What is as sweet as perfect honey?" Said Sneasel in his mind, a longing smile on his face

"Arceus would be strong and Honey would be sweetest!" Replied Alolan Ninetales in the confine of her mind.

"Pyroar is the strongest, Honey is the sweetest..." For her part replied Hatterene.

Uxie nodded. He then turned to Ninetales and his form glowed pink. He waved his hand toward Ninetales as he opened her eyes. Quickly making a connection with the nine tailed fox, he unleashed his powers, the burst of light flashing brightly in the cave. Despite having their eyes closed, the flash of light was so intense that it left all of them dizzy. However, during that very second, yellow light engulfed the Ninetales. It felt like pain she had never felt before concentrated in her head. She blacked out momentarily. When she came to, a fraction of a second later, her Aurora veil had deactivated and she slumped, feeling almost no power in her front legs... She tried to stand back up, freaked out. but it was as if she had never walked in her life. She couldn't for the life of her remember how to actually use her front legs.

"WHAT THE HELL? I CAN'T STAND..." She shouted in pure fright

Uxie, nor the other contestant, paid her no mind. They couldn't afford to...nor they cared enough to

"The second round is over. Alolan Ninetales, you have 2 chances left. The third..."

From that point on, Uxie's questioning became much more complex, asking about the circumference of the planet, giving them tough riddles from ancient times, like the full process to unlock the chambers of the three golems, which they had to Identify by name and by type. They had to recite old poem pieces, which at that point only Sneasel knew by heart.

By the end of the 7 round, Alolan Ninetales was a mess. She was completely slumped, not remembering how to even use her limbs, not understanding why her chest felt like it was on fire, unable to talk or formulate basic thoughts outside of saying her own name. She couldn't even think of an answer for Uxie's 8th question, which as of punishment made her forget everything. From that point on, her body was on autopilot as she stared blankly at Uxie's eyes, she had forgotten everything. And thus, nothing mattered anymore.

"Alolan Ninetales have fallen. There are 8 more questions to go." Announced Uxie emotionlessly as he moved on to the next round.

"What is the cubic root of 110,592,000?"

Hatterene's eyes widened. How was she supposed to do that in 5 seconds? Her mind scrambled frantically in search of an answer.

Sneasel smirked. Now the questions were getting more interesting. Immediately, his mind applied several quick calculation methods that he had learned from Uxie and remembered the punishments he inflicted to himself when he failed. In less than 3 seconds, he already knew the answer.

5,4,3,2,1

"You may answer now.." Announced Uxie.

"480" thought Sneasel without any hesitation.

"490?" Said Hatterene, not sure but guessing that it must had been pretty close?

Uxie was impressed with Sneasel, who hadn't shown any hesitation or had made any mistakes up to that point. He then turned to the witch and waved his hand toward her.

Hatterene felt her body tingle and immediately knew that she had fucked up. Uxie nodded grimly and blasted away her magic bounce ability, looking apologetically at her as he connected his mind with hers.

"Shit..." she said before his power flashed brightly in a display of light, blinding her even though his . Her scream of agony echoed around the walls of the cave for a split second before she slumped as well, dazed.

Uxie stared at her. He had purposely avoided the power that was keeping her sane from what he could see in her mind. Whoever had planted that spell on her must have been extremely skilled because not only it was keeping her in a nice disposition, but it was also sort of repelling his power.

"Impressive..." he muttered before he announced the results.

"Sneasel remain undeterred and perfect so far. Hatterene, you are now on your last chance. Do not squander it. The next time, you will lose everything. He said seriously.

He continued the challenge, with the questions growing even more complex, now entering the moral judgement and the threat assessments, as well as philosophical questioning. It was as if it was not just their Knowledge that he was testing or their intelligence that he was focusing on, but their characters as well.

At the 11th round. "To the question to name every single legendary Pokemon and their roles. Hatterene sadly fell. She had forgotten that Kyurem was the pokemon representing the boundary between truth and Ideals, as well as Hoopa at all.

She felt the tingles take over her body and understood that it was over. Her last thought was for Yamask. How was she doing? She wouldn't even remember her after this...

"I'm sorry...Ya...who?" She thought before her mind was engulfed by Uxie's power.

Sneasel was now steadfast, the only one standing and with his mind intact. He could hear quite acutely, now that his eyes had been closed for so long. It was him versus Uxie now. He would not yield. If he answered even once more, he would win.

"Hatterene has now run out of chances. You are perfect so far. One more question that you would answer correctly, and you would be declared the winner." Said Uxie with finality in his voice

"No!" replied Sneasel respectfully yet adamantly.

"Explain yourself, Sneasel." Instructed the embodiment of Knowledge.

Taking a deep breath, the sharp claw Pokemon lifted his head in Uxie's general direction. "You might of course not know this, Uxie, but Indeed, I am very well acquainted to you in the future. One could say that you practically raised me alongside my pack. When it come to knowledge, Uxie has never taken any shortcut. If this is a contest of Knowledge, I see as a loss if I fail to answer even once. Even more if you are the one examining me. If I fail to answer, I want you to take away all that I am. All my memories, all my knowledge, as It would mean that I am unworthy to hold any of them!" He said passionately before he cut his palm with a claw, letting the blood flow.

"This is a blood oath. A sacred tradition of my pack. I shall answer everything perfectly or I shall lose all that I am!" He said with a strong voice. There was no doubt in his mind nor any fear. This was just a way to cement his determination.

Uxie smiled softly. "With that kind of determination and seriousness toward Knowledge, I can definitely believe that you indeed was instructed by my future self. Very well, Sneasel. I shall respect your determination. There comes the 12th question..."

Sneasel answered rounds 12 to 14 with perfection, feeling even more in focus and confident. This is who he was. A pokemon that had strength, but valuing Knowledge and its pursuit to the maximum of his capacity. As Sneasel rediscovered that...a certain sense of shame came back as well, growing with each questions.

After all, hadn't he sold his purity after losing his willpower due to the Fox's Machiavelli advances? Hadn't he punished, threatened, violated other contestants to get ahead. Hadn't he shown the same dictatorial and cunning attitude that his father had to reach this point?

Was he even worthy of the backhanded praise Uxie was giving him?

NO! none of that mattered right now. He needed to complete his gauntlet.

"The Penultimate trial, Sneasel. "Tell me. What is this world's biggest secret?" He asked the sharp claw Pokemon.

Sneasel took a deep breath, another memory flooding his mind.

A younger Sneasel was fidgeting. He had finally, after all of these years of study, worked up the nerve to ask that question.

"Uxie-Sensei... What is the world's biggest secret?" He had asked.

Uxie had stared the young Sneasel down for a long time. He knew of course that this was something the little one had wanted to ask many times. He had finally asked the question that showed him that his time as his teacher had come to an end. The ever curious Sneasel and insatiable seeker had asked the question that meant that he really only wanted to know more. He was Knowledge itself, but he couldn't impart Sneasel with the weight of his knowledge, knowing that he wouldn't be able to handle it. However, now, he could at least stand on the starting line.

For one of the rare times, Uxie smiled warmly at Sneasel, almost startling him. Uxie had very seldom smiled in his interaction with him. The reserved Pokemon always had been hard to read, making Sneasel hone his body language reading skills to a fine tune in order to decrypt the Embodiment of Knowledge's emotional state.

The smaller Sneasel felt bizarre about the honest joy he could read on Uxie. He could even somehow feel a bit of...regret?

But before he could voice his concern. Uxie had turned away. "I shall only say it once, Sneasel. The world biggest secret, is that this secret does not exist. Everything can be known, as long as you have the desire, the skill, the will and the determination to learn. Ponder on that." He said as he vanished, leaving Sneasel completely shocked and confused.

He had expected some grand reveal about the world, their dimension, maybe even the nature of Arceus, the grand creator. But no. None of this was the case.

Sneasel had come everyday for a year straight after this, but never again, Uxie had revealed himself to him. He had understood, after passing through the various stages of grief, that Uxie must had had nothing to teach him anymore and that time had come for him to seek his own answers and discover the secrets and lessons of this world by himself. After all, Uxie was Knowledge himself. He would never had divulgated the secrets of this world to him, robbing him from a chance to learn through the process.

When he had come to Visit the cave and sitting in front of it to talk, before joining the game. He had thanked uxie for all these years and said that he would win the TPIP to show his father that he was wrong and use the prize to then start travelling the world to seek for answers.

He hadn't known at the time that Uxie had been there, like he had been every single time he had come, to see how he would turn out.

Satisfied with what he saw, he disappeared.

Back to the present, Sneasel felt fresh tears fall on his face as he answered the last question. "The world's biggest secret is that it does not exist." He said, shocking Uxie completely.

"H...how?" He stammered in a very uncharacteristic shocking response.

Sneasel wiped his eyes. "This was the final lesson Uxie imparted to me in my time as his student." he replied honestly.

Uxie nodded, quickly getting over his surprise. "You have done well Sneasel. I wasn't expecting anything else." Uxie said it with a faint smile.

Hatterene and Ninetales were still dazed, staring blankly in front of them, their mind not being able to process who they were, what they were doing or why they were there in the first place.

"Thank you. But the praise don't belong to me but you instead. You gave my life a meaning to able move foward since the moment we met back when I was a pup." Sneasel said seriously as he tried to keep the eye contact with him even if it was hard.

Indeed, the terrible sting of pain called shame ran rampant in his chest out of sudden as he looked at Uxie. He knew deep inside that he was on the wrong path..but he did not wanted the past Uxie to know about it. It was his mistake so he would be the one who solve it. No one else could do it for him

"I see. Indeed I can sense it very well. Your thirst for knowledge has no limits. I am not surprised my future self caught interest in you." He said as he approached Sneasel

"As the winner of my trial I have something special for you." Continued the deity of Knowledge. Before Sneasel could ask what was, Uxie's Crystal started to glow red and then, the embodiment of Knowledge touched the forehead of Sneasel with his right hand. A bright pinkish glow appeared around his right hand which eventually went into Sneasel's brain through his skull. The process disoriented Sneasel, who had to hold on to the podium's armrest not to fall clumsily on the floor.

"There you go. I gave you the ability to able understand every single languages of old. with this gift, you able to learn more of this World than anyone else at this point. I hope you use this gift for the shake of good."

Sneasel was in shock for a moment as he tried to process everything before he came to his senses and nodded.

Yuxie then waved a hand and both Hatterene and Alolan Ninetales were teleported.

"They have been returned form where they came, their memories will come back within the day. Now go, I can tell that you have things to think about." Said the embodiment of emotions as he turned away.

That was his cue.

"Thank you Yuxie. I Will not disappoint you." He bowed before turning around and walking out of the cave. But before he left the cave, Yuxie's last Words took his shame to another level.

"I might not know you yet but I just want to tell you..I am proud of you. It is rare when I able to find someone with whom I able to share my knowledge. I sincerely hope that you always uphold this high standard and use your knowledge for the sake of Good." He said with a warmth that acted at that moment like a hot knife twisting in his heart.

Sneasel wanted to turn his head to look at him, but he couldn't. The pain, the shame was to much to handle. Instead he just nodded and left the cave.

It was already night. The sky was clear, showing the billions of starts glowing like an omen of good fortune, blessing the earth with their presence and light.

As he reached a frozen forest, far away from the cave, his shame finally became too much to keep in and he sat down , slumping on to the tree crying bitterly.

"What I have done…"

000

Fraxure, Bidoof and Metang stared down the blue fairy in his cave, littered by blue crystals. His gaze was unblinking, serious, no-nonsense.

His eyes glowed, targeting a very specific Pokemon in the room.

Immediately, Bidoof rolled into a ball and launched itself at Fraxure.

"What the heck?!" Shouted the Dragon as she used dragon tail to launch him toward the wall, the violence of the impact making the ground shake.

"There is a 99% chance that Bidoof lost his mind. He would not attack you out of nowhere knowing that you are stronger than him... Something is amiss." Noted Metang as he took a few paces back.

Azelf looked at the dazed Bidoof with disgust. "Is this how little willpower you have? I took your mind over at a glance. How utterly pathetic..." He spat before turning toward the other two.

"Listen here, as I shall not repeat myself. On my tails rest two bells. Your tasks shall be to take them from me. Every attempt that you fail will rob you of your willpower. If you miss too many times, you shall be robbed of even your will to live. If you think that staying idle will save you, think again. If you don't make moves to attack me, then your willpower also will be drained. You have been transported here so you would not have the excuse of traversing my domain tiring you out to bail you out of those obligations. You better apply yourself, as your trial commence now!" He shouted as he made stars appear around him and launched them at the group.

It was on!

(Music suggestion: Pokemon Legends Arceus, Lake trio battle theme.)

Fraxure swiftly propelled herself toward Azelf in a burst of energy, her dragon rush casting a radiant blue glow throughout the cave as she channeled her draconic powers to their fullest extent.

"Take this!" Fraxure yelled as she unleashed a formidable attack on Azelf.

The embodiment of willpower effortlessly evaded the assault, refusing to engage in direct combat with the dragon.

Following her missed strike, Fraxure began to take on a faint aura, and she felt an unusual heaviness in her body.

Without relenting, Azelf struck her with a powerful Zen Headbutt, knocking the wind out of her.

"Oof..." she groaned as she was hurled to the other side of the cave.

Bidoof snarled and employed Defense Curl, significantly boosting his defense due to his simple ability, before propelling himself like a brown cannonball at Azelf.

"You'll regret underestimating me! Rollout!" he exclaimed as he lunged toward Azelf's rear.

"Pathetic..." Azelf scoffed as he swiftly pivoted, delivering a punishing Iron Tail that sent Bidoof hurtling toward the ground at immense speed.

Though Bidoof managed to mitigate much of the damage due to his enhanced defenses, he couldn't help but ponder Azelf's overwhelming prowess in battle. How could he hope to compete? He wondered as the radiant aura around him intensified.

Metang observed the skirmish from a distance. "I anticipate that my willpower will diminish more slowly if I remain inactive than if I miss my attacks or sustain hits. There is currently an 83 percent chance of victory if I can devise a plan within the next 180 seconds. Further data is required for confirmation," he remarked before retreating to a secluded corner of the cave, staying clear of Azelf and the other combatants.

Over the next two minutes, Bidoof and Fraxure attempted to approach Azelf multiple times, often using each other as decoys. However, Azelf consistently evaded their efforts, taunting them along the way in an attempt to undermine their morale.

"Is this all you got? I have battled rattatas with more grit and wits than you two!" jeered the embodiment of willpower.

Fraxure felt as though a horde of 120 riolus had converged and jeered at her simultaneously. The taunts of the Embodiment of Willpower were piercing. Her repeated misses provoking a clear blueish outline to emanate from her entire form. Her movements became sluggish, and her once-strong desires began to fade rapidly. She questioned the point of it all; Azelf surpassed her in strength, agility, and battle experience. She didn't stand a chance, not even as an Haxorus...

Perhaps she should just give in...

Bidoof was embedded in the wall beside her, knocked away by a critically struck Zen Headbutt. His paws were contorted, and his front teeth were missing.

"That one had only words. No substance, no real strength. I'm almost offended that he dared to stand before me with such little willpower... He is so weak and pathetic that it would tarnish me to even use him as a puppet. Imposing my will upon him has no value. But what about you, Fraxure?" Azelf asked as he launched himself at her, his head shining with powerful psychic energy.

A violent rage erupted inside Fraxure's heart. "How dare he..."

Yet, for a split second, time seemed to slow. In her mind's eye, she felt Riolu slap her face hard, conveying a message through intense gaze, "Get a hold of yourself. You are more than just a violent dragon. You are more than this."

Fraxure growled, unsure of herself. "I want to believe you, Riolu, but I am not you...I am not Hatty... I can't..." She muttered in her mind, finally letting her insecurities surface.

In her mind, she flashed back to the many times she had been ignored when she was hungry, expected to die, and not worth feeding. How many times she had been beaten within an inch of her life and constantly ridiculed for her small size and her struggles to learn dragon moves.

Hatterene next appeared in her mind. "You have made so much progress in the little time we had together. If there is someone that has the willpower to pull that off, it is you...!" She said before vanishing into smoke, leaving the Dragon type to herself.

Fraxure sighed. She took one or two deep breaths and widened her stance. Her tail slapped on the ground violently. Her pupil dilated. All around her body, energy and swirling clouds of blue and red started to swirl.

"I AM NOT GOING TO GIVE UP NOW! IF I HAVE TO GO OUT, I'LL GO OUT SWINGING!" she shouted as she raised her attack and her speed to the limit.

Azelf let a smile transpire. "Now that's what I am looking for..." he said as he launched himself at Fraxure.

The next 50 seconds were a sight to behold. A real clash of guts, lunges and close calls. Fraxure pulled all the stops.

Using Dragon Tail to make rocks fall to impede Azelf's movement, using her fabled Dragon Rush multiple times to bounce of the walls and essentially create a random pattern of streaks of blue in order to raise her chances to catch Azelf off guard.

It was a constant dance of movement, with Fraxure Ignoring the tug of Azelf's power, who desperately wanted to make her give up.

But Give up Fraxure would not do. Relaxing her willpower was a far and foreign concept for the dragon type now.

"I'm going to get you Azelf...Even if it is the last thing I do." She said as she launched herself at Azelf once more.

Azelf chuckled. If anything, that proud dragon was not giving up. "Interesting. More experienced fighters were already begging for forgiveness at this stage of the fight, yet you persist. Show me more, dragon!" He said as he raised his speed.

At the same time, Metang , who had remained quiet mostly rumbled.

"This has been entertaining, Bidoof, Fraxure. Now, my strategy is complete, with 100% chance of working." Said the steel type as his form shimmered.

Fraxure zeroed in on the embodiment of willpower. Her gaze focused on the tail that had the bells. She was so close...but suddenly... she stopped?

Before Fraxure could understand what was happening, an explosion of pain erupted on her lower back. Her entire world turned into pain.

"You let your guard down at such a critical moment? Big Mistake, Dragon!" Azelf said as he swung hard at Fraxure

"AAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRGGGGGG!" She shouted in abject pain. Azelf's Iron Tail was embedded in her back, drawing blood.

With a loud thud, Fraxure hit the ground, coughing blood and feeling as if every single bone in her body had broken.

Azelf did not even have the time to react to that he felt himself being zipped to the opposite wall.

"What the..." He muttered. Fraxure saw what happened and gasped in shock

The scene was gruesome. Azelf's tail was literally speared to the wall by a rather large Rock. Curiously, Azelf did not scream in pain, he stoically stared as his tail.

The next instant, Metang had appeared next to Azelf and snatched both Bells before zapping back to his initial position.

"Mission, completed." Metang said smugly.

Fraxure wanted to rebel herself. All of that work and in the end, she was beaten to the punch by that oversized thin can.

Azelf eyed Metang Critically. "What did you do?" He asked emotionlessly.

Metang rumbled arrogantly. "You were all focusing on speed and power. All so focused by your contest of willpower that you gave me the perfect opportunity to set up trick room. When both of your gazes were focused on the bell, I activated trick room. The Iron Tail knocked you over and the spike I threw with my psychic powers while deliberately moving slower than my actual speed in order to make myself go faster. It worked. The spike embedded itself into your tail, giving me the opportunity to snatch the bells in the split second I had. " He explained in a calm manner.

Azelf had to give it to the Iron Claw Pokemon. This was ingenious indeed.

"Impressive. Here is your prize." Said Azelf as he gave a tiny item wrapped up in some seaweeds into Metang's hands. "This is a choice dumpling. Courtesy of this region. One day, it Will serve you well when you truly need it."

Metang nodded before put away the gift into his backpack. "Thank you." He replied, tilting his head in gratitude.

Azelf saluted back before turning toward Bidoof, who was as rigid as a statue. Azelf flew above them and his crystals started to glow. Then he floated down and touched his forehead.

The beaver quickly stood up, finally having control over their bodies and looked up at him with a mix of fear and awe.

Not too soon after, he left the cave, afraid but also smoldering with anger. Metang quickly followed, a satisfied smile on his face.

Fraxure stood up. She wasn't sure about herself at this point. She put everything into the trial expecting to win since she was the determined one in the Group.

Yet, she lost. Metang outsmarted everyone and with that, he earned the price rightfully.

Fraxure couldn't help but wondering how Riolu would react to this performance..

Would he Will be disappointed? or even ignore her altogether because how terrible she is?

As the Dragon painfully lifted herself of the ground, tears pearling in the corner of her eyes, she dragged her limping body toward the entrance of the cave.

"Wait"

The loud command quickly brought her back to her senses and then the dragon turned around.

To her surprise, Azelf was facing her with a serious expression on his face.

"I had to wait for everyone to leave to able talk with you in private." He said looking around to make sure they were alone.

"What.." Fraxure tried to ask but Azelf quickly shut her mouth with his power. "Don't speak. You wouldn't able to go back if you drained all of your remaining energy. That includes talking"

Fraxure nodded in understanding.

"Your high level of determination and willpower caught my interest. It is rare that I meet with someone who answers my expectations not just with full potential, but also to such an extent. Even when you knew it was hopeless to get out of situation were you were in, you still never gave up and tried to use even the tiniest movement to archive your goal. And even if you haven't won this trial, you definitely won me over for sure. So, well done Fraxue." Azelf finished his speech with a big proud smile. Something which did not happen often, allegedly.

Fraxure did not know that to the one who was used to mess things up so often could get such high praise from the god of willpower himself.

Was she dreaming?

"This is no dream, proud Dragon. Give me one of your hands." Azelf asked as he extended his right hand towards her. His crystals glowed again and looking at her with a with an encouraging smile.

Fraxure did was he said and grabbed his right hand with her left one. Right that moment she felt something really strong sensation goes through her body from head to toe for a second before it faded away.

Azelf let go her hand and nodded.

"This is a special gift of mine to you. I hope you will use it well and remember, no matter what, never give up." And with that he disappeared into thin air.

Fraxure has been staring the place where Azelf was for a few minutes before she turned around and started running back to the hideout happily. She really felt anything is possible if she truly wants it and put everything into it. She couldn't wait when she tell the girls that the god of willpower blessed her.

000

Monferno and his crew made their way together through the warm and nice plains of Aspirant hill. It was a beautiful area, with vibrant grass and pure crystal waters.

"Let's stay together, don't wander off, we never know what we might encounter here!" Shouted Monferno as he jumped from tree to tree, staying on the lookout for potential dangers.

Lopunny? shook her head. "Darling, you do remember that we aren't in teams anymore, don't you?" She said with a smirk as she hopped right behind him with glee, displaying her own agility.

"Who cares love? They are all friends and its fun! So let's enjoy this!" he said happily as they continued their trek westward toward Lake Verity.

Croagunk however, was not following them.

Instead, he had jumped in the river, swimming though the river and then reaching the Obsidian falls, not at all deterred by it. He felt a bit bizarre somehow. It was as if his instinct were telling him that there was a much faster way to reach the cave.

On his way there, he could see a sad Goodra like Pokemon that seemed to be lamenting the loss of something. The Fighting muay type turned away, not having the time to help the pokemon.

"In this region, life seems to be so fragile. Nothing to do with our comfortable houses and our slums." He thought as he made his way to what looked alike a beautiful flat area.

"Come... I am waiting for you."

Croagunk turned around, not seeing anyone, however.

"What was that?" He asked himself as he went toward a rocky trail

The Muay thai Frog followed the trail, which seemed to be carved straight off a mountain. The feeling he had been following kept growing stronger and stronger. He had to avoid an angry Tangrowth and defeated an Alpha Graveler in a single Brick Break, not skipping a beat.

"Well, that was easy. Those Pokemon are big..." He groaned as he reached the top of the path.

As he gazed down, he could see a large lake with a small cavern in the center.

"That must be lack Verity. I really do wonder...what was she like all these years ago..." He thought as he jumped from the top of the hill all the way to the entrance of the cave. It had been one mighty leap. But he was used to jumping.

He entered the cave of Lake verity resolutely, only to be surrounded quickly by lovely pink crystals.

He made his way deeper, admiring the strange calmness he felt here.

When he finally made his way to the innermost chamber, he saw...nothing?

Croagunk could have sworn that Mesprit was going to be in that chamber. But there was nothing but beautiful crystals and a large chamber

"What's going on here...?" Croagunk said as he got on edge really fast. He felt a strange pressure in his chest.

There was nothing in the cave, not even a single pokemon. Just pink crystals and a strange, eerie feeling.

"Hey!" A voice shouted, piercing the silence like a cannon.

Croagunk turned to see Monferno, Gengar, Lapras and Roserade running toward him.

"You are already here?" Commented Monferno as he panted , trying to catch his breath.

"Take deep breath love...deep breaths.." Said Gengar as she rubbed Monferno's back.

Lapras floated toward the muay thai frog. " Is this?" She asked before Roserade answered before Croagunk could.

"Yes, this is likely the cave where Mesprit dwells. It is at the center of Lake Verity after all. However, where would Mesprit be?" She asked as she looked around

Croagunk nodded. "Yeah, it is weird you dig. There should be a fairy here to trial us of something, you wig?" commented croagunk.

"Strange..." Noted Gengar.

Unbeknownst to them, Mesprit giggled lightly. They had no Idea what they were in for. It was a pity, she really wanted to mess with them, but for now, the trial would have to do.

"Let see how you handle your emotions going haywire. Show me something interesting, dear travelers..." lightly chanted the embodiment of emotions before her eyes snapped open, a pinkish light showering the whole cave, enveloping everyone suddenly.

"W..what the? Again?" Complained Gengar as they all glowed a bright pink.

The game had started...

000

Roserade was teleported in a beautiful meadow of flowers.

Said meadow stretched out like a multi-colored quilt, each flower a unique square in nature's patchwork. From delicate daisies to bold sunflowers, the blooms danced in the sunlight, creating a mesmerizing display of color. The gentle hum of bees and the graceful flutter of butterflies added a sense of tranquility to the scene. The air was alive with the hypnotic perfume of the flowers, a sweet melody that accompanied the stunning visual feast. It was a place of awe-inspiring beauty, where time seemed to stand still in the presence of nature's artistry.

"Where am I even? What wizardry is this?" She asked confusedly as she walked in the meadow of flowers from quite some time.

Eventually, the rose pokemon arrived at what seemed like the heart of the meadow. In the middle of it wails could be heard.

"Someone's crying... What is even going on here?" Roserade asked as she got close.

She was expecting the worse, but she wasn't ready for what she saw.

In front of her, a gigantic Blissey faced her. The blissey seemed to be so imposing, bigger than any Blissey she had ever seen. For some reason...the blissey seemed to be in so much pain. It was then that she saw that her egg was missing.

Roserade Gasped. A blissey never EVER didn't have an egg. It caused all sort of hormonal imbalances and problems and with the way Blissey was wailing and cluching her egg pouch, that one was really REALLY distressed.

As their eyes crossed path, Roserade immediately fell to one knee, an impossible...powerful sadness and desire erupting from the pit of her stomach. Suddenly, she could understand the blissey perfectly. Her pain, that is. How could she even still be wandering those places with her mind still intact...?

"This... this is... urk..." what profound sadness and longing..." She muttered as her eyes watered.

The blissey saw her this time and...launched at her in earnest, screeching in sorrow...

000

Gengar was teleported near a beautiful meadow of flowers, near a riverside.

The riverside was a tranquil haven, where the water flowed gently, reflecting the sun's warm rays. Tall, majestic trees lined the banks, their leaves rustling in the soft breeze. The melodic chirping of birds filled the air, adding to the peaceful symphony of nature. Wildflowers adorned the edges of the river, like a colorful border to this beautiful, natural painting. The rhythmic lapping of the water against the shore created a soothing soundtrack, inviting all who approached to pause and appreciate the serene beauty of the riverside.

There, she saw a giant Lopunny destroying trees after trees after trees in a rage that seemed to have completely undertaken her reason.

The ghost type was speechless. If she was herself pretty prone to excess violence when angered, this was one heck of a level.

Oddly enough, the more she watched the Lopunny roar, the more her own memories flashed. Memories that she wanted to keep deep and buried. She took on her Lopunny morph and snarled, a feral sound escaping her mouth.

The other Lopunny saw her and their eyes locked. But Gengar's feral snarl grew more pronounced as ghost like energy swirled all around her. Her skin darkened and her power seemed to only grow.

"I have a lot of reasons to be angry...to be aggressive. I cannot...and will not let you walk away freely..." She said as her Lopunny form swirled with a dark energy, gaining in power as she allowed her Gengar side to access her entire soul

Wraith smiled in glee, as she felt any sort of mental barrier fall for the first time. She might still physically be a Gengar masquerading as a Lopunny, it was the most in sync she had felt with the soul that did not want to fully transition ever...and it felt wonderful.

When Lopunny's energy settled, she had changed.

She had sheds the fur on her neck, upper torso, fingers, and legs, forming black patterns on the legs that resemble ripped pants. The tufts of fur above her eyes had combined to form a single butterfly-shaped crest. The cream fur on her wrists and ankles had becomes more round instead of fluffy.. Her ear fur only was covering two segments of each ear in fluffy bands. Her skin was dark purple and her red eyes shined with power.

A single step forward send wind gushing in all direction as Lopunny felt the anger in her chest become burning. The horrible memories flashed in her mind once more and she snarled. The wraith inside of her soul dancing to a dark tune of madness. It was now a vital need. She needed to let loose. She looked at the Lopunny with a small sense of pity, knowing full well what would happen if they battled while she was this riled up. But there was no stopping her now. She would quell that savage need the only way she knew how.

"...I am glad the one I love cannot see this...but I am about to use you to grow stronger and let loose. If my strength is not capable to defeat you..."

She said as she lunged at the Lopunny with her ghostly claws activated.

...

"My violence most certainly will..."

000

Monferno was teleported in a grand arena like forested area.

The forested area was a serene expanse, where tall, ancient trees stood proudly, their crowns reaching high into the sky. Sunlight filtered through the dense foliage, casting enchanting dappled patterns on the forest floor. The earthy scent of moss and fallen leaves filled the air, creating a feeling of tranquility and ageless wisdom. A symphony of birdcalls and rustling leaves provided a harmonious soundtrack to the peaceful landscape. Wildflowers peeped out from amidst the underbrush, adding splashes of color to the rich tapestry of greenery.

In front of him was a tall Pokemon he had never seen before. It very vaguely resembled a Scyther...but with oversized Axes instead of the standard scythes. The Pokemon was dark brown in color with rocky protrusion giving him the aspect of a beard or a headdress.

A competitive look immediately sparked on his face and with a mighty roar, his form turned dazzling, brilliant even.

Monferno's flame burned as he felt a competitive burning take him over. This Pokemon, whoever he was, only had one thing in mind.

"You want to test your strength again, don't you? I can feel your passion all the way over here." Monferno said as his eyes turned fiery with anticipation.

"KLEEAAAAAVOOOOORRRR!" Roared the other Pokemon, raising his axes high.

Monferno smiled as he launched himself at the Kleavor with a mighty laugh, feeling the desire to battle pulse in his veins.

The kleavor opened the hostilities with a beautifully orchestrated Stone Edge attack that closed in the blink of an eye.

Monferno smiled with passion as he jumped out of the way. "not today bub, Eat this mach punch. Think of it of my way pf saying hello to you!" He said as his glowing fist broke through a few rocks and immediately hit the rugged pokemon with power, sending him back powerfully.

"This is not overm eat this! Flame End Thrower" He shouted as he sent a blast of concentrated fire that launched itself at the Kleavor.

"VOR!" Shouted the rock/bug type Pokemon as he slammed the axes on the ground, creating a shield made of Earth. The sheer heat of the attack made part of the earth erupt alight. But it did not yield.

Monferno smirked competitively, his flames burning even hotter. Remembering a quote from his teacher, Monferno took a deep breath before taking a stance.

Focusing his heat power, Monferno opened his mouth, laser focused on the general direction of the Kleavor. Who roared, brought doen the terra shield and immediately lunged at Monferno in a sort of charging attack with his axes swiping wildly.

The attack was certainly powerful and Monferno would certainly sustain grievous injuries if he was hit by that attack. however, He did not fear any of that, his entire soul focused on the battle.

His tail flame slowly started to go from Red/orange...to white...to blue. Blue flames, a special firepower that only Pokemon who trained their power and their heat to the maximum could get a hold to. The flames of the legendary Mega Charizard X, a mega evolving warrior of legends, with heat so strong that it oozed naturally of his mouth in constant streams...

The Kleavor was now almost upon him. Monferno's eyes snapped open.

"Blue Inferno!" He shouted as he released his torrent of blue flames at the Kleavor.

"Vooooorrr!" Wailed the pokemon in abject pain, the heat so strong it melted his axe a little. With absolute heat and explosive power, the jet stream of pure bluish flames pushed Kleavor back and dug a trench that went well beyond the arena like structure.

Monferno kept pushing, putting his entire soul in the attack, feeling a bottom well of power he never even knew he possessed. His tail turned green, releasing a stream of green flame that literally combusted everything on his path, actually threatening a forest fire because of the impossible heat he unleashed.

The Rock/Bug type Pokemon roared in pain, feeling burns so intense it felt like it would overtake his reason. That monkey, that little Pokemon was extremely powerful. Where was that strength coming from anyway?

There was no way he could rationalize the power that Pokemon possessed, so he turned to the sky and shouted. Almost immediately, the skies turned into a covered rug of clouds. Soon after, rain started falling onto the battle field, calming any wisps of flames that could have threatened the forest.

With the primary treat eliminated, Kleavor stood back up with a smirk, axes at the ready.

Monferno smiled, feeling an odd mix of joy, tiredness and even some sadness peak through his psyche.

"Shit..I am already starting to lose a handle on my emotions...but..this...is too much fun..." He rationalized as he lunged again at Kleavor, his desire to battle far to strong to be contained by mere rules or limitations.

000

Lapras was in a quiet pond, near the tidewater damn.

The pond was a peaceful oasis, its glassy surface reflecting the surrounding landscape like a mirror. Lush greenery hugged its banks, creating a picturesque frame for the tranquil water. The gentle ripples on the surface, stirred by the occasional movement of aquatic life, added a mesmerizing quality to the scene. The chorus of croaking frogs and the distant call of waterfowl filled the air, blending harmoniously with the rustling of reeds and the occasional splash. The pond exuded a sense of quiet grace, inviting visitors to linger and contemplate the simple beauty of this natural haven.

As she swam about, wondering why she was here and what she was to do, a thought passed in her mind about her fiancée and their little triton.

How were they doing? Were they well? Was little triton eating well?

Lost in her thoughts, the Ice/Water type never realized that a water weasel was jumping in fright, launching a barrage of stars at her that really hurt.

"Owww!" She shouted as she turned toward the direction of said stars.

In front of her stood a large Floatzel colored differently. Her red eyes and her smaller sack indicated that she was indeed a female. More importantly, she was growling and very hostile.

"Why are you so...angry?" Asked Lapras as she tried to look as non threatening as possible.

The Floatzel wailed in fright, launching a powerful Razor wind at Lapras, who could only brace herself for the impact.

At the same time, their eyes crossed and Lapras felt an unimaginable amount of grief and fear take her mind over.

But that fear was directed very specifically. Lapras knew that she had to figure out what it was and fast.

Then, Lapras saw it...

Behind the Floatzel, two small buizel were hiding behind their mother's shadow. A third Buizel was face down...his body mangled beyond recognition.

Lapras's breath quickened rapidly, seeing in that unfortunate image a vision of her own little triton, dead, his little sea angel entrails spilled across the water pond.

The vision felt so vivid...that Lapras wretched, vomiting on the river with absolutely no shame, tears streaming down her face. The sorrow and fear were so soul crushing that she felt like she couldn't handle it. She knew it was not her own feelings...

"It must be what she meant by she would "help". By making us feel the same thing as the alpha Pokemon, we could connect genuinely with it... That also means that i can't attack her. If I do, there would be no way for her to understand that I am not a treat...But how can I get through to her before she knock me out?" She thought as the Floatzel screeched an order to her cubs before lunging at her, her tail accumulating twisting water.

"Aqua Tail! That won't deal any damage with my water absorb..." She thought before leaving herself open to attack. The impact was heavy, but she sustained no damage, the water contained in the blow making her minor wounds close and her stamina be restored.

"I don't want to fight you, Floatzel. Please, calm down." She asked once more in the least threatening voice she could use.

The Floatzel however, didn't seem to understand that, as she immediately launched another flurry of razor wind attacks. Somehow, the big, menacing creature in front of her was not attacking, was not threatening, was not trying to defend herself in any way.

This was odd. In this savage world, only a few parts of the regions were not subject to the law of the strongest. This was such an area. A Pokemon like that one, so big and so sturdy, would never be passive in front of a threat. She was definitely a threat. She was an Alpha Floatzel, almost the queen of the dam, compared to the current king of the dam, an Alpha Bibarel.

Why was that Lapras then not attacking?

Lapras was definitely starting to panic. The visions of a dead triton was filling her mind. The rising fear of the Floatzel was also clouding her thought process...but she couldn't allow herself to falter.

The weather started to worsen... drastically.

Wind started swirling all around them, rain started to pour and thunder flashing through the skies.

It was a scary situation. During all of that time, Lapras just took blow after blows after blows after blows without ever retaliating.

She was getting pretty battered, absorbing all the blows and all the anger that the floatzel was throwing at her.

All of her sorrow for losing her Benjamin.

As a mother herself, she knew that she couldn't quell that sorrow and that the Floatzel was just lashing out.

Many other Pokemon living in the tidewater dam observed the scene, with the older ones protecting the younger one startled by the tempest going on.

It seemed like Lapras would just eventually go down to the incessant Assault that the floatzel dished out...but then it struck.

A massive lighting bolt hit the damn and made the piled wood fly up. Most of them were destroyed by Floatzel's razor wind...but on got past her defense...Heading straight toward one of the small one, who froze in fear.

"FLOATZEL!" Shouted the mother in fright as she turned to desperately try to block the wooden projectile

Time seemed to stop...The floatzel understood very well that she wouldn't have the time to reach her small one in time... She would see another of her small one perish.

"THUD"

Bracing from the impact that would send him back to Arceus, the small little buizel had closed his eyes and braced for impact... however, what prompted him to open her eyes.

Warm, slightly salty liquid had feel on the small one's face, his cute little face widening in shock and horror.

Floatzel was petrified, unable to understand what she was seeing.

Every single Pokemon present in the dam dared not talk, lest they broke the spell.

This couldn't be happening...

Lapras smiled. "Are you okay, little one?" She said with difficulty...

The front part of her horn had been chopped off, blood was pouring from her head injury and coloring the water red. But she was smiling with a sweet, motherly and reassuring smile.

Then... she turned to Floatzel. "I am a mother too. I could never allow you to lose another kit even if you were to kill me..." She said before she fell unconscious.

000

Mesprit had been watching all of the fighting with a catish smile on her face. Trusting all of these travelers into situations that she chose based on their strongest personality traits and strongest fears had been so incredibly fun to watch...and a bit scary.

"It is so lovely to see those reactions. I sent the rose to a zone of grief. That poor soul couldn't take much of it and got knocked out pretty fast. Now she's in terrible shape, berating herself for letting something...anything it could have been, steal what was most precious to her.

Roserade indeed was wailing uncontrollably, eyes rolled back and her entire form in a fetal position, crying all the tears of her body about losing her youngest brother to slave merchant. It kind of pained Mesprit to leave her in such a state, but such were the stakes of the game.

Croagunk, as he was the first one to reach the cave, had been spared to face any trial, but also would not win anything. When they were all teleported, Croagunk was transported in an illusion of his own house, where he couldn't leave. Mesprit had appeared before him in astral form and had asked him to wait for her there. Croagunk had been utterly confused at this but to have him not complain too much, she had stared deep into his eyes and batted her eyelashes, taking advantage to the attraction she could feel she provoqued in him. This was quite interesting. But she would wonder about it later. For now, she needed him nice and quiet.

It worked, Croagunk, as he was trying to make sense of his position, felt his mind become more and more mushy, until he couldn't really think anymore, but couldn't fall asleep later.

"Finally, peaceful and quiet. Don't worry little frog. I'll come fetch you later. Just enjoy your house for now."

Around that time, Lopunny? in her mega form had appeared in front of her. Mesprit was deeply surprised. She looked like a Lopunny, but she was a gengar. Besides, what form was that even? It couldn't have been an Origin form since she was no Dialga, Palkia or Giratina. Lopunny laid eyes on her and with her fighting instincts kicked into overdrive, immediately jumped at her in a desire to attack.

"You... Oh you... I already dreched in that wench's blood. You will be the next victim hahahahaha!" She cackled derangedly as she launched herself at Mesprit, Shadow Claws Extended.

Mesprit sighed, not phased the least by the Mega Lopunny's promises of violence. "I think not ghost bunny..." She said as she extended her hand, a burst of psychic power erupting from it. As Lopunny's mind was filled with nothing but murderous intent, she didn't even try to dodge the blast. As such, she was knocked out with a single mystical power, sighing as making her lose her mind in anger could damage them more.

A few moments later, Monferno appeared in the cave, covered in scrapes and bruises. However, he was crying with a large smile on his face, his left side trembling like he was in terror and his right side relaxed as if there was nothing going on and that he was truly content.

With so many contradictive emotions present on his face, Monferno could barely talk or form coherent sentences.

Mesprit smiled, whipping his face with her tail playfully.

"Look at you. In the mirror, you would be an art piece. All those lovely emotions in you at the same time and you are not breaking. Your willpower and mental fortitude is impressive, Monkey.." She said with a small laugh.

She then turned her attention to Lapras's space...and her jaw hung open.

Mesprit stared at Lapras in shock. She had not expected that from the water type. Such a pure soul. Not once she had attacked nor shown any hostility. she had accepted the fear and the pain of the mother and then saved the baby of the one who had been selfishly attaking her continuously for over 2 hours straight.

She saw the floatzel desesperately calling for anyone to help her revive that kind Pokemon. She couldn't live with the fact that she had attacked such a protective pokemon in this environment.

Mesprit's found herself crying. The sacrifice of Lapras had shown her everything she needed to know about her. She almost did not belong here but with poor Pokemon who needed a mother figure. She teleported Lapras, as she was the last one remaining. Everyone else had come back. Some of them were still conscious but with their emotions completely thrown out of wack. And others were straight up unconscious.

With Lapras there, unconscious but with a smile on her face, Mesprit felt such a surge of endearment that it made her stumble.

"I never had a mother...but, If I did... I would have wanted that it was her." She muttered tenderly.

She then smiled warmly. If Pokemon like her existed in the future, then it meant that it must had been a future where Pokemon were not as barbaric among each other like she saw here.

Nodding in her decision, she proceeded to heal Lapras, including restoring her injured horn.

000

"That was fun wasn't it?" Mesprit said with a laugh. Her voice echoed around the cave with a ringing sound.

"It was certainly interesting concept. However, will they be okay?" Asked Lapras in concern as she looked at her fellow players feelings the effect of losing the challenge or being straight up unconscious.

Mesprit just waved casually with a smile "Yeah yeah. I will return their lost emotions as soon as I am done with you..."

"What do you mean?" Lapras asked, frowning. She might have been Mesprit of the past, something was telling him that she couldn't trust her completely.

"You are the winner aren't you?" Mesprit asked with a soft smile

"um..yes?" Lapras answered in confusion, not understanding where the Legendary Pokemon wanted to go with this.

"Then you must be rewarded for your win, Lapras." Said Mesprit as if it was an evidence, her tone condescending that it made Lapras cringe.

Lapras didn't feel right. She didn't even feel like she had truly won. She had just done what was right. Even then, she felt like she wouldn't feel right if Mesprit didn't help them first. Gathering her courage, she stared at Mesprit once again.

"You may be right... but I would like to see the others get back to normal before I am rewarded." Lapras said seriously. She couldn't see others suffer after all. Even if she was afraid she might lash out at her for talking back. Despite her appearance, she was a goddess after all. Lapras certainly felt that it was out of place to talk back to such a powerful being who existed since the beginning of time."

Mesprit raised an eyebrow before smiling a little, mutinously. Lapras tensed up.

The transport pokemon blinked and suddenly, she wasn't in the cave. Instead, she was with her husband to be, Makuhita while he was holding an asleep triton.

"You should accept the gift, honey. You have worked hard for it, you know?" Said the warm voice of Makuhita as Lapras lowered her face to nuzzle Triton and kiss Makuhita. It felt so real.

Once she broke the kiss, Lapras's heart sank. She knew that Makuhita was right. She had literally lost her horn, and almost possibly her life, trying to save a Buizel that she never knew before today from being squashed to death by a log. She deserved this. But this couldn't be the reality. She was in the game, her betrothed being all the way in Hoenn waiting for her. Kissing the top of the head of both Makuhita and Triton, she closed her eyes, stilling her heart.

"I love you both, but you aren't real. My answer won't change because of who says it. I won't accept my prize before they are fixed." Lapras said before she relaxed, knowing that when she next open her eyes, she would be back in the cave.

Mesprit kept looking at her for what felt like forever, before she smiled proudly, looking at her. Putting others before herself was first was always a good point in her book. Indeed she passed the last level of the trial as well.

"I am impressed Lapras. You truly are a kind soul." She said as she allowed her power to flow through the entire cave, illuminating it with a pink glow.

With each pulse of her power, she gave the others back their lost emotions as her crystals glowed with a brilliant red.

Everyone looked at her and Lapras as mesprit flew back to the water and Ice type.

"Such heart of yours is rare. I pray that it stays that way for the rest of your life. Please continue to help others as you can." And with a smile she put something around her neck.

"About the prize, Here is a charm of my confection. You already have everything that you want in your life. I do not believe that I need to bless you so heavily." She explained with an happy twirl in the air.

Lapras smiled as she looked at the tiny charm. It looked simply but had some kind of unique texture and design to it. It was beautiful to look at and it sparkled just like a jewel.

"It is really pretty, Mesprit. I Will cherish for the rest of my life. Thank you." She said reverently, bowing her head deep in respect.

Mesprit nodded with a smile before she disappeared. She had other matters to attend to.

"Good job Lapras." Roserade said, patted her back in a friendly way.

"Thanks." replied the Ice type as she looked in the general direction of the cave

Gengar, who was covered in blood from her own trial smirked. "Well folks, let us go back to the temple. I think we are done here." She said cheerily

Monferno frowned at this. "Honey, why are you covered in blood?" He asked.

Lopunny, back in her normal form, shrugged, licking his cheek. "It is nothing to concern you with, My love. I simply protected myself." She explained casually as she hopped of with a smile.

The Monkey watched her form bounding away lightly outside the cave.

"But love...I don't smell any of your blood on your fur..."

000

Croagunk, back in the home space, had slightly snapped out of his state and was now exploring the settlement.

The interior of the cozy home was a harmonious blend of warmth and comfort. Soft, earthy tones adorned the walls, creating a soothing and welcoming atmosphere. Sunlight filtered through the windows, casting a gentle glow on the plush furniture and rustic wooden floors. A crackling fireplace added a touch of coziness, filling the air with the comforting scent of burning wood. The shelves were adorned with books and personal mementos, creating a sense of lived-in charm. Handwoven throw blankets and plump cushions invited relaxation, beckoning visitors to sink into their embrace. It was a space that exuded a sense of contentment and domestic bliss, where one could unwind and feel at peace.

Croagunk certainly thought so.

Finally settling in front of the couch, his mind wandered to his friends...and to the combee that he saved. Was she alright? Did she already started working on a colony?

"I am sure that she is fine, although I have no Idea what a "castelia" is..." Said a giggling voice.

Croagunk immediately turned , only seeing two beautiful golden eyes staring at him with fascination. Interestingly, she was currently sitting on Croagunk's lap, observing him with curiosity.

Croagunk froze.

"Shit... I knew that she was kinda cute...but up close like that...it's...kind of overpowering..." He thought as a darker blush appeared on his face.

The fairy like Pokemon giggled. She had never seen a pokemon thinking like this about her...ever. It was quite a novel experience and she was going to enjoy it.

She jumped back, allowing Croagunk to think again and observed him with a curious but interested look.

This allowed Croagunk to have a better look at the pokemon he was looking at. She was an enchanting Pokémon with a diminutive stature and a delicate, fairy-like appearance. Its ethereal gray body is adorned with two slender tails, each embellished with a brilliant red jewel, believed to be part of the legendary Red Chain. Her visage featured a soft, partially magenta hue, and is accentuated by four long, elegantly drooping appendages. Additionally, a striking red gem is embedded in its forehead, adding to its mystical and captivating aura.

Without a doubt, Croagunk knew who that was...

"Mesprit... What the heck?" he asked, trying to get back his composure.

The Fairy gave him a smile. "You are hilarious, little frog. Indeed, I am Mesprit. This is the name that the people of this land called me. I am Emuritto. I have been expecting you. Your emotions, your desire to encounter me. I could feel it the moment you entered the fieldlands. You did well to answer my expectations. I was a bit suspicious of your reason to meet me, traveler of the future. But I am happy to see that you were as pure as I thought you would be." She said with a playful smile that warmed the Frog's heart

"You really sound just like her...Even back then, your smile could still make pokemon feel a type of way..." He said while shaking his head

This seemed to amuse Mesprit. "Your infatuation toward me is quite novel..and interesting. I have very seldom ever had to deal with that. I am used to Pokemon revering me or fearing me. But you act differently. I can certainly feel your light infatuation. Is my counterpart in the future this charming?" She asked as she twirled in the air, playfully slapping Croagunk with her tail as she flew by him.

Croagunk sighed as he rubbed his cheek. The tail whip had not hurt, but Croagunk still oddly felt compelled to be truthful. Mesprit was the being of emotions after all, there was no way he could hide anything from her. "She is, and them some. While she still is very much the Goddess of emotions, I feel that she is just a Pokemon who wants to have genuine connections again. I don't know if its because I was meant to meet her then, but the current always have passed quite well between us. I don't have any romantic interest towards her that are worth entertaining, as we live in completely different worlds. Besides, I...might have someone else to pursue this distinct feeling of later on." He admitted with a blush on his face.

Mesprit laughed out loud, her crystalline laugh filling the space with an animation that she found very welcomed.

She then grew a catish smile and pondered for a moment, before she teleported herself on his lap and pushed him down with a hand, staring deeply in his eyes, making Croagunk's breath hitch.

Mesprit was enjoying reading his emotions. Croagunk was so often switching from his infatuation, to being flustered, to fear, to excitement, to incomprehension, to joy and even a bit of sadness. The small faerie couldn't not help but push her luck, pushing him down further into the couch with a look that Croagunk could not compute.

"Mes..." He tried before Mesprit put a paw on his mouth. "Shh. Don't talk. If you do, I'll remove all of your emotions..." She said seriously with her teasing look immediately turning freezing cold.

The frog's emotions immediately became fear, sadness and a bit of anger, but as Mesprit's feature returned friendly and even...flirty, croagunk's previous emotional states returned, Amusing the fairy quite a bit.

"You really are fascinating, Croagunk. Despite you genuinely fearing me just a second ago, I can already feel your attraction and your positive emotions returning. What a fascinating Pokemon you are indeed. What would happen if I were to secretly want to reciprocate your advances?" She asked with a deep voice and a playful look as she rubbed croagunk's nose with hers tenderly.

"W...what is she doing?...and why do I kinda want it to happen? No! It must be her using moves..or even her powers...or maybe I am even dreaming right now and this is some deeply rooted fantasy I didn't even know I had?! There is now way even past Mesprit could want that...not with a poisonous frog like me..." Thought Croagunk as he could feel his mind slip. The less rational part of him was rapidly taking over and he felt like he was seconds away of throwing all caution to the wind and grab the fairy and kiss her until the heat death of the Universe.

Mesprit giggled. In her eons of life, she had seen many , many of such dances. Sometimes it just went along and they moved on to live fulfilling lives. On other times it was a clear rejection. She had always wondered what it would feel to dominate the reticence of a male with promises of intimacy...when this little traveler from the future showed up and, to her perspective, at least, shamelessly showed her his deeply buried attraction to her. It was fun. She sighed though, as much as pushing it to the next step would be a novel experience for her, she couldn't push her playfulness or curiosity that far, even if she could just ask Uxie to erase his memory afterward or threaten the Croagunk into silence afterward, Arceus would surely be very angry with her for fooling around with a mortal. so instead, she simply slapped Croagunk with a tail to snap him out of it.

Croagunk blinked. His mind completely abuzz with questions and a great sense of frustration... He couldn't really put his fingers on it, but he distinctly could feel in his bones that he had been on the cusp of something incredible that would never come again. He groaned.

Mesprit giggled, seeing how his annoyance and budding anger was building. "Males..." She said before her eyes glew and her tails glowed, extinguishing any trace of his anger and annoyance. She temporarily removed his ability to feel those emotions. it was a bit selfish of her, she knew, but at least, she could talk to him without him only thinking on how the Goddess of emotions almost seduced him into intimacy just to find out what it was like.

"I don't know why, but this, was something else... I cannot even feel mad about it, that's something else." Croagunk chuckled heartily as Mesprit nodded.

Then, her form glew and suddenly Croagunk felt like he was falling from the skies.

"Waaaah!" Croagunk shouted as he flailed around, illusion of rushing air and passing clouds all around him.

Mesprit was laughing all the while, simply accompanying Croagunk in his fall without a care in the world.

"Come on, Mesprit... Don't just laugh. I'll die if I hit the ground at that speed, you see. I got to have a cushion or something, damnit!" bellowed Croagunk in fright.

Mesprit rolled her eyes, slapping Croagunk with her tail for being so silly.

"Of course not, silly. You are far too interesting for me to let you die like this. Just enjoy the fall. Don't all Pokemon enjoy just feeling weightless and falling at high speed?" She asked, which made Croagunk ponder.

They were falling, but it didn't feel perilous that much. Yes his anticipation ability was essentially blaring at him that he was about to die, but somehow, in reality, the speed was fast but controlled. As he spread his limbs, he felt a sense of freedom and weightlessness that felt liberating.

A smile slowly worked his way on his face. "I'll be damned. You are right, Mesprit. This is fun. Really fun actually. Weeeee!" He said as he started enjoying himself in earnest.

Mesprit smiled. "That's what i am talking about, little frog. Enjoy yourself. Through you, I will also enjoy myself." She said as she banished any emotions that wasn't joy and peace from his soul.

For around 15 minutes in their realm, all Croagunk and Mesprit shared was pure joy and peace. It was a novel experience for Croagunk. He had never felt such freedom before. As he dodged clouds on his way down, surprised illusory bird pokemon who couldn't understand how a croagunk was shouting in delight.

Eventually, a field of flowers showed itself and Croagunk decided to flex his landing.

"Watch this, Goddess!" He said as he crossed his paws, crystals appearing all around him. A crown of a Parthenon showed on his head and his skin turned a dark brown, reflective like crystals.

Mesprit observed him with fascination.

Croagunk smiled as he cocked his fist back and prepared to smash the ground.

"Tera Blast, Tera Rock. Parthenon Break!" He shouted happily before punish the ground, creating a rather stylish explosion around the impact ground with glitters everywhere. Once the dust settled, both Pokemon laughed heartily.

"I have to admit Croagunk, I have never seen such a power before, but, it was quite fun. What a landing." The Mistress of emotions commented.

She then turned to Croagunk with a kind smile, settling on his lap again with her tails wrapping around him. She then looked up at him.

"As a reward for showing me your earnest emotions like this and indulging me in my crazy antics, I will allow you to ask me three questions. ." She said as Croagunk got to thinking. He was in the deities' good graces right now, so he should make it count.

"Thank you Emuritto. My first question is as follows: Have you bonded with Any Pokemon or any other living being in your life.?

Mesprit smiled longingly at that question. Well, outside of my siblings and Arceus, I don't have any other connections. My duties always took precedence and I never did find anyone who caught my interest yet. This desire for connexion was also what drawn me to you. Seeing as you seem on friendly terms with my future self, I can have hope that I will make connections like these in the future. That said, I just found a human recently, who really caught my interest. I am sure she will come back soon. I can feel it." She said happily.

Croagunk smiled upon seeing the glint of hope in Mesprit's eyes. After all, If Mesprit was the way she was in the future, there was no doubt in his mind that she did find people to connect to and then some.

Emboldened, Croagunk continued with his question, even boldly placing his hand around Mesprit as she playfully tapped the ground with her tails.

"How did you figure that bad emotions were needed in the world?"

Mesprit chuckled. "It is one that I can hear everyday, if not literally, I sure can feel it from the Pokemon and humans around me. Wondering why does "bad" things happen and why do they have to handle the bad emotions. I could go on a long philosophical tirade, little frog, but, allow me to show you instead..." She said as she trust a hand toward Croagunk, with her hand pulsing with power.

Croagunk immediately felt joy, joy so powerful that he could faint right there and there. Then, before he could even question his emotions, Mesprit immediately plunged him in a depth of sadness so poignant that the Thai frog's tears flowed like a river.

Then Mesprit trust another hand forward, and quickly, the sadness faded away and Croagunk felt like he was feeling the sun on his face after two night of stumbling around in the dark.

"See, croagunk, you can only appreciate the things you have by experiencing not having them. With emotions, it works the same. You can't appreciate joy if you can't feel sadness. You can't feel relieve if you weren't afraid before. Even if the bad emotions are negative without them you never able to appreciate the good ones. All of these are necessary in the world." She explained wisely.

Croagunk nodded. "That does make sense, I never thought of it like that before..." Admitted the frog fighter sheepishly.

Mesprit nodded. "Living things do not always think of the balance of things when they live. They can have such a hedonistic approach to life. Of course, who could blame them? What feels good feels good. What feels bad, feels bad. Living creatures are wired to research what makes them feel good and flee from what makes them feel bad. It is natural. However, it is not ideal or balanced. With the ability to feel and experience bad things, you can learn empathy and sympathy. You can relate. And by sharing good times and bad times, you create stronger bonds. Don't you have an instance of this recently happening?" she asked as she floated out of Croagunk's grasp and rested atop his head, her feet pedaling in the air. Croagunk was surprised at how light she was. it was like she wasn't even there.

Croagunk thoughts turned to a certain bee and chuckled. She was perfectly right. Combee, his friend, was brought to him after she was almost murdered and after he saved her from an homicidal queen bee.

"I definitely concede the point Mesprit." Croagunk said with a smile.

Mesprit returned the smile before she inquired. "Any other question, Croagunk?"

Croagunk smiled, putting a paw under his chin, making Mesprit wrap her tails around his waist for balance.

"Have you ever thought about your purpose in coming to this world?" He asked, his demeanor pensive.

"I already completed my mission way before you even born. The meaning of my existence is to maintain the balance of this universe. Without me you all would be just empty shells walking around like zombies.." She explained with a smile

Croagunk frowned. "I mean, yeah, I understand, but..surely you cannot just be defined by your mission. I mean, you are so much more than just the bringer of emotion..." He said with 100% certainty.

Croagunk word's warmed Mesprit's heart. "Indeed, little frog. I am indeed more than my mission. I take it most seriously and for a while, I was entirely satisfied with that role. But, as I watched over the world, in between my periods of slumber, I felt myself being more and more interested in it, getting involved, seeing where the world was going, seeing how the living things were using and handling their emotions... Your honesty touches me, as such I will share this with you. I have found myself fascinated with the mind of other living things. How did they live? How did their environment affect them? How can they manage strong emotions... Living things are fascinating, they are precious. And I will one day see it for myself, what living things are, at a deep level." She said wistfully

Croagunk grabbed Mesprit and stared into her eyes. "I am sure you will, Mesprit. After all, the one I know have done just that. I am happy that I have met you today. It gives me much insight onto the Mesprit I know in the future. You are amazing, Mesprit. I know that I am privileged to have been able to talk to you up close." He said with smile.

Mesprit blushed. "Forward, aren't you? I could almost fall for you, if I didn't know that It was not meant to be." She said with a light laugh.

Croagunk laughed with her. "It would have been interesting... for...su." He said before Mesprit touched his forehead, knocking him out gently.

As she watched him sleep, Mesprit sighed wistfully. "I had never felt such wild emotions before. You truly are something else, Croagunk. I could very much fall for you right there and then, but your destiny lie elsewhere...and soon, I will not even remember you. It frustrates me, to no end, but at the very least, It gives me hope for the future. I will not be alone always and I will develop meaningful bonds. Through that human i've taken an interest in, and maybe later to other Pokemon.

As they returned to her cave, Mesprit touched Croagunk with her hand, a red marking appearing around his wrists. It wasn't overly present, but still relatively noticeable.

"This is a gift from me to you, Croagunk. Your anticipation ability will allow you now to sense emotions much better than you already have. You are given the gift o a greater ability to empathize with others and to feel the real emotions of others. I trust you to use this blessing well." She said as she teleported him away.

000

Fuyuko saw the group arrive, teleported probably by one last mercy of the Lake trio. "Everyone's here?" She asked.

Replying for everyone, Sneasel and Monferno nodded. "We are."

In front of Fuyuko, Three scrolls appeared. Each donning the mark of their lake trio. With this, they would know how everyone performed.

With a flash and one last curtsey to thank the Deity of that time period for their willingness to test the players, she enveloped them all as they coalesced in a circle and with a brilliant flash, they vanished.

Uxie, who knew what would happen, closed his eyes and returned to his chamber, lowering himself onto the spot where he would normally sit.

His last thought was for that Sneasel who bore his energy.

"I hope that you will flourish in your true time, Sneasel..." He said with a smile, knowing that soon he would not remember him, as the timeline could not remain like it was.

Mesprit lowered herself to her spot where she would normally sit. Her last thought were for that kind Lapras and that interesting croagunk. "May you two find your purpose and cherish your loved ones...Life is too short.."

Azelf lowered himself to the spot where he would normally sit. His last thought was for Fraxure. He didn't emit any commentary but his smile told the entire story.

As they all sat together, a great white flash illuminated the entire region. it only lasted a few seconds at most, but when it receded, the world the contestants had walked into bore the trace of their passage no longer...

000

A dark clad Pokemon refracted the light around it, preparing to leave the mountains from Unova.

"It is time to bring in our newest recruit. His intelligence will be paramount to the success of our operation." It said as he tucked his wings and departed.

With his speed and the intelligence he had gathered, he knew where to find its target.

Within mere minutes, he was at the desired location, a luxurious Yatch where he secretly entered the lage boat, frowning deeply at the level of riches he saw in the plane.

"So that's how they use their wealth...do they?"

000

Back on the Yatch, everyone went back to their chambers... utterly exhausted by the events of the day.

Well, everyone but one...

Metang was in front of the hosts..and what he had said had left them in utter shock.

"Are you sure Metang? You just one a merge challenge." Said Tapu Koko.

Metang rumbled happily. "I am satisfied. Something came up and I no longer need to win the prize here. More importantly...I want to see what kind of chain reactions my decision will cause. I have a 100% chance of being entertained...so I will take my leave now. Thank you for allowing me to be here and to be so entertained. As I would have one, my calculation predicting it so...It is much more interesting to me if I decide to remove myself from the equation." He explained as he rumbled again, staring at Mesprit with intent. Intent that the embodiment of emotions could not entirely cease.

"Okay Metang, if that is what you want, You are hereby eliminated from the TPIP." Said Mesprit as Metang nodded. He looked atop the Yatch and smiled, the moon was beautiful, the waves calm. This was a good night to go to hell.

Pointing toward the cabins with a claw tip, this were the last words in the TPIP of Metang, the statistician who loved X factors.

"Now...it's your turn..."

Metang then walked toward the pit of distortion that had appeared in front of him, but as he jumped toward it, the air shimmered and he disappeared the very next second, leaving Mesprit and Tapu Koko completely dumbfounded.

"What just happened?" They both thought as the distortion pit closed itself.

000

Metang was looking pensive in the confessional. "I've had a good run in there. I created some very interesting storylines and I was able to set up some things in motions that only seems to grow more and more with time. There is nothing that I enjoy more. Now, I believe that something else is coming, and I want to be part of it. So Long TPIP. I have a 100% chance of never ever setting foot in such a game like that ever again." He mentioned as he got ready to leave, his decision steadfast.

000

Victini had secretly sneaked into the Yatch while the contestants were away. He had found, with great pleasure, that the deepest reaches of the boat were not used. He could easily hide here and steal from the kitchen if he got hungry. His investigations were coming closer and closer. He had the substance that was used, confirming that he had been right this whole time. Mesprit had been drugged, quite heavily too. Now all that remained was to find out who, and why.

"I will make sure to make that person pay..." Victini muttered, almost surprised with the amount of Venom in his own voice. He took several breaths to calm down. He had to remain as still as water as much as he could, since him flaring his emotions would cause Mesprit to detect him near instantly.

000

Victini had a mask of grim determination on his face, in the confessional. "Each day, we draw closer to the truth."

000

"I can't believe you did that!" Said a merry voice as she laughed at her friend's expenses.

"I didn't. I just tried to hit the damn fairy, but he was too fast for me. Even after multiple Dragon Dances, I couldn't hit hit. Azelf is every bit as strong as he is rumored to be. After all the time that has passed between those times and now, he must have become even stronger still..." Said fraxure as she relaxed in the warm spring.

Said open hot spring was a secluded oasis nestled within the embrace of nature. As steam rose lazily from the crystal-clear water, the warm glow of the full moon cast a silver sheen over the entire scene. The surrounding landscape was bathed in ethereal moonlight, creating an atmosphere of otherworldly beauty. The gentle rustling of leaves and the distant calls of nocturnal creatures added to the sense of serenity. It was a place where time seemed to pause, allowing for quiet contemplation and profound connection with the natural world.

That hot spring, otherwise known as the Snowfall hot spring, was a lovely place hidden away in route 214, that apparently had been operating for hundreds of years. Pokemon from all walks of life came and went to those beautiful hot springs. It was even respected by the wild Pokemon, for how utterly relaxing and therapeutic those springs were. Some words even ran about how this hot spring was powered by a Ho-oH feather and it would explain it seemingly the amazing healing properties it seemed to possess

Hatterene, who was splashing some warm water on her shoulders, shuddering in delight as her hair unraveled around her, commented on that.

"Indeed he must be. Azelf's famous for his dojo and his strength." She said

"Yeah. It kinds of make me want to train under the same teacher as that dickless jackal...it would make me strong." Said fraxure with a competitive smile on her face.

Roserade shot then dragon a knowing smile. "Sure you are. You sure you don't have another motive for wanting to train under sir Urshifu."

Fraxure narrowed her eyes. "What are you implying?" She asked with a low growl. However, her friends knew that she wasn't actually aggressive, but rather flustered.

"She implies that everyone knows of your adorable little crush..." Said a playful, knowing voice."

All the eyes turned to the edge of the bath, where a certain gray and pink furred fairy was dipping her tails, a small blush due to the heat that was wafting from the hot springs.

"May join you?" She asked kindly.

All of the girls, namely Lapras, Hatterene, Roserade and fraxure looked at each other. It was not that they did not want to let her join, far from it. It was more that they did not know of they were worthy to be joined by the literal Goddess of emotions.

Mesprit could literally taste their indecision. It couldn't be helped. She knew what she was like in the eyes of regular Pokemon. She couldn't blame them at all. However, it was a bit frustrating. She thought that they got over it already. They had been interacting with her for then better part of a year know. Surely, they would have gotten used to it by now. Was she this far in their eyes still?

Lapras saw Mesprit's expression. She somehow could feel her sadness. It seemed that the fairy might have been wanting companionship and maybe just to feel normal? Who wouldn't?

They might put legendary and mythical on a pedestal...with Good reason, but in reality, not many people truly tried to understand the Pokemon behind the legends and the myths.

Taking a decision, Lapras swam toward the Fairy, extending a flipper.

She decided that she would be a bridge.

"Of course Mesprit. You can join us. Here, hop on my back." She said warmly.

Mesprit's heart almost jumped in joy. The warmth in Lapras's eyes was so precious. Mesprit had to hold herself back from just hugging Lapras. That loch ness sea dweller felt almost alien to this world. All this kindness and that empathy couldn't truly exist in one soul, could it? And Lapras had offered to carry her to them. She knew well of Lapras culture. Offering to transport her was a blatant invitation for friendship and kinship. Mesprit was very touched and was happy that the stream could explain the adorable pearly gaze that she sported as Lapras brought her to the others.

As they were approaching, Lapras's gaze crossed all of the ladies, who got the message.

"We got it Lapras...we won't treat her overly like a deity..." Though Hatterene, who could somewhat relate to Mesprit, being royalty and all.

"It makes sense that she just wants to be with girls, not just be praised" thought Roserade with an inviting smile.

" Well shit. If the boss lady wants to join, she's more than welcome, although she will have to tell me what she meant by me having a little crush..." Though Fraxure with a pout.

Of course, Mesprit could feel every single of their emotions and deduce their thoughts from that, and she was touched that they were putting their biases aside as to not make her uncomfortable. The single action of one Pokemon had all led them to follow Lapras's disposition. But Lapras hadn't said a word to them. It was amazing how one Pokemon's behavior could influence a whole group of Pokemon with different ages, maturity level and background.

Mesprit gently slid off Lapras's shell and onto the water, sighing with relief as the warm water relaxed her muscles.

All the girls smiled at this, seeing that the hot springs were doing a ton of good to her.

Fraxure was the first to break the silence. "So, what did you mean by adorable little crush, Mesprit?" She growled... Well, she tried to growl, but she was so relaxed by the warm water that it was quickly obvious to everyone that she lacked any real bite right now.

Mesprit shot her a disarming, knowing smile. "I meant that you are so obviously trying to hide that you like Riolu that it is bordering on comical..." She said in a sing song voice.

The Dragon felt her skin sear with the warmth that emanated from her face.

"This shit is preposterous...I would never like a dickless, annoying, surprisingly supportive bastard like him..." She denied vehemently.

Mesprit rolled her eyes and touched her back.

"The real answer now?" She asked.

Fraxure didn't even have the time to protest, feeling her true feelings for Riolu surge with a strength that was too powerful to contain.

She blushed furiously now, and all of the girls giggled.

"I think we have our answer..." Mocked Roserade, gushing at Fraxure's extremely flustered and adorable expression

"No kidding. If she gets any redder she will look like a basculegion hahaha" added Hatterene as she joined them in laughter.

Lapras also laughed. "Truth to be told, ever since Hatty told us that she was training you using him as the illusion, we kind of figured it out... I think its cute." She said, supportive as ever.

Fraxure grumbled. She had always made a honor point to look strong and not vulnerable. Just with Hatterene during their session, or with Riolu, had she ever shown a more tame side of herself.

Being exposed like this was certainly not something she was used to. What was more revealing to her was how clear her feelings for the Jackal pup was when her walls were blasted apart.

"Dang...do I really like that dickless jackal?" She pondered with a tail under her chin.

Mesprit chuckled. "Yes you do, Fraxure. Your feelings are quite clear. But your pride is getting in the way of the way you feel. I won't tell you how to rid yourself of your pride, but I will tell you this. Time like this are few and far between. You never know until its too late if you let a chance pass you by. If you see a chance at happiness, it is better to take it. If you don't, then you'll be littered with regrets all days of your life."

Fraxure looked down. She knew, deep down, that Mesprit was right. It hadn't been long her to take a liking to the jackal. He wasn't bad looking of course, but his strenght, his steadfastness and his leadership had solidified the attraction she had felt with him. He was the first Pokemon Stronger than she was that didn't abuse her in any way. She respected him a great deal...and liked him for it.

"Yes Mesprit..." She said with an horrible blush on her face.

Hatterene gasped. "Fraxure accepted words before arguing? The world must be ending..."

"Well, what did you want her to reply to such beautiful words?" Roserade inquired with a gentle smile on her face.

Lapras nodded. "She is right. That was very wise, Mesprit. Do you speak by experience?" She inquired.

At that, all the girls turned their attention to the small fairy like Pokemon who blinked twice before answering, her nose rising to the air condescendingly.

"Of course. I am the embodiment of emotions after all, it is only to be expected. Besides, I am much older than all of you combined and several times over. I had the opportunity to observe a lot." She explained.

"What about you though? Anyone that could fit the description? What about Koko?" Countered the Flustered dragon.

Mesprit chuckled. "Please dear. Koko is simply too young. Besides, I see someone else for him." She replied simply.

Hatterene grumbled. "I remembered fancying him for myself..." She said with a pensive expression.

Lapras shook her head. " Don't bother. You have no chance with him..." She teased.

"Why not!?"

"Let's keep our eyes on the ball ladies. Truly though, Mesprit. Nobody caught your eye?" Asked the bouquet Pokemon.

In Mesprit's mind, a flash of cream orange fur with pretty blue eyes came in her mind, making her flush for less than a Fraction of a second.

Fraxure caught it and was about to open her mouth in triumph to tease her when she crossed her eyes with Mesprit.

In an instant, Fraxure felt intense dread. That one glance told her not to go there and Fraxure, wired to take threat seriously, wisely decided to listen to her instincts.

Lapras however, did not see that look and just carried on.

"Even if she didn't, I think it will happen one day. You are so wise and kind. Any man would want to have someone like you." She said earnestly

Mesprit smiled at her, grateful.

"I agree with Lapras. We have seen how you brought all of us in this game. You gave us the opportunity to realize our dreams. That is something that is priceless." Roserade said kindly.

The embodiment of emotion smiled, warm from the honest emotions she felt radiating from them in waves. She was interested in knowing more about them.

"Speaking of which..." Mesprit said as she lowered herself once more in the water.

"You joined the game. What would your dream be? Why did you agree to join a game such as this?" She asked to the girls.

Roserade opened the ball. "My dream... I have pondered long and large on that question. Ever since the game's prize was revealed to be a wish on the wishing orb. I have only been the eldest sister of my family, thus I have very seldom focused on myself. Rather, I've focused on my siblings. It was part of the reason why I entered this game as well, to find out what I wanted for myself. So far, I am not sure still. I found myself enjoying reading at libraries, I have made breakfast tea quite a tradition, you are all invited to the next one tomorrow, by the way... I have enjoyed deep conversation with older figures... I believe that my dreams would be along the line to combine all of my passions into a place where Pokemon can enjoy a warm tea and plenty of books to ease and sharpen their minds. I have no experience in business , but if I could ensure that my siblings and I are well fed, I could just open it for the greater good and not seek much in terms of personal gain..." She mused with a wistful smile as she stared at the night sky.

She then turned toward Hatterene. "What about you, Hatty?" She asked the psychic/Fairy type.

Hatterene thought about it and chuckled.

"You know, when I first entered the game, I wanted to find my prince charming and just overall make new friends. It was getting stuffy at home , even my mother saw it and she thought that it would be a good idea to send me here. of course, My fans over at Poketube just wanted me to have adventures of my own away from the castle... So I followed their advice and got into this. However, as I progressed in the game, I discovered how often I can actually touch other people. I helped Yamask come into her own, I am now helping Fraxure while strengthening my new powers of illusions and discovering quite a liking for it too. But, when dreams are concerned, I am kind of a loss now. The two guys I had crush on are out of my reach, and it honestly kinds of feel mundane to entertain feelings of jealousy and envy, so My dream is no longer to find my prince charming or anything of the sort. That said, I don't have a concrete dream now... Maybe it would be to kind of demystify the lives of royalty in the eyes of the others? Maybe growing my community to be one of the best in the world? Maybe live forever so I can continue to spread my community as ling as earth still exist? Who knows? I even if I do win the game, I'll probably just try to pocket the wish to a later time so I can not waste it on something trivial..." She said with a small smile

Mesprit smiled at this response. "It does seem that you have matured a great deal since coming in this show, Hatterene. It truly is heartwarming to see."

Hatterene returned the smile, shifting to the telepathic realm. "I want to understand more about what you did later still, Mesprit. You do know that right?" She asked her

Mesprit felt a small pang of guilt, knowing that her suggestion would wipe her memory almost clean of her involvement in a day, but still answered as to not upset her, "But of course, Hatterene."

Hatterned nodded with satisfaction before she pointed Fraxure with a hair clawtip. "And you, Fraxure?"

The Prideful dragon snorted once. "My dream is to be the strongest. I want to show my clan that I am a survivor and that I deserve respect. I am the runt of my litter after all. I was always denied the most basic things because My clan thought I would not survive. But I did survive, Goddamnit! And now, one day, I will make them beg for my forgiveness for fucking with me." She said in a roar that made her friend sweat drop. However, they couldn't really blame the dragon for being bitter.

However, what she said next ...surprised them.

"That said, even if I come from a powerful clan of dragon warrior...I realized that strength is not everything, Even if I were to be able to bludgeon with my tusk any opponent until there was no opponent left, any incredible strength would have no value if I don't use it for someone else than myself. What use would be to break stones or cleave wood? Just to exert energy? This sounds like such a waste. Us Haxorus line members are often seen just like brutes, but coming here, I realized that we could be so much more. My dream is also to be wise, to be able to use my incredible strength for something else than just wanton violence and domination. I don't want to raise cubs in a world of violence anymore. I am proud of my heritage, but I understand that there are better ways to express it..." She said with a smile.

All of the girls stared. Hatterene thought that she might have created a miracle, with how calm, eloquent and thoughtful Fraxure just was.

"Who are you and what have you done to Fraxure?" Asked Roserade , her mouth hanging open as she heard the words coming out of Fraxure's mouth.

The Dragon turned away, dark crimson dust settling on her face.

Lapras then took center stage. "As for me, it is really odd because I really feel like everything that I could have wished for , I already have achieved. When I came to the show, I had just been a lucky one from my company. I did not have any expectations aside of maybe making friends and being somewhat re advertizement for our company. But over time, I was incredibly blessed iwht everything I could have wanted. I found great friends, I found the love of my life.. and Arceus even allowed me to become a mother, allowing me to meet with Triton, my sweet little sea angel. I don't know what I have done to merit all of these things, but I cherish them dearly. I feel like it would be so incredibly selfish to me to make a wish for mysel don win, since I already have so much. However, In that vain,

Considering how many Pokmeon like little triton could just be abandoned to themselves, makes my heart churn. As such, I would love to open a reserve one day, where little Pokemon can grow up before they are returned to nature or that they settle in the civilized Pokemon realm. That would be a nice dream..." She said kindly.

The loch ness Pokemon then turned to Mesprit as she gushed over how cute but in character her dream was.

"What about you, Mesprit? What would your dream be?" She asked the legendary Pokemon.

At this question, all eyes turned to her, which made the faerie a little uncomfortable, not expecting them to inquire that question.

Mesprit quickly retreated to her mental space as she thought. What could her wish be?

Quickly, the psychic type reminisced her own life, remembering when she was born, remembering how she got to understand Pokemon and civilization multiple times over as they rose and fell...and remembered the first human she had partnered to, the second human she did...and a growing clarity was forming. Something that all of these eons had in common.

Mesprit closed her eyes, and when she opened them, they could see that they were about to be extremely privileged as to hear, for the first time, a Legendary Goddess give a window into her own dreams and aspiration... however...

*THUD*

000

In a prairie near the Giant Chasm, in unova, Several Pokemon were gathered. They had a black robe all around them with a single red paw placed on the right side of the garment.

Several Pokemon were coming on and off, but to these Pokemon, nothing truly mattered but the reason why they were gathered here in the first place.

A taller Pokemon, whom only the two yellow and black eyes, gleaming in the relative darkness of the cave, scintillated like two stars of bad omen.

In front of said Pokemon, A certain Pokemon was currently hovering. Somehow, to the shock of many of the other acolytes, That Pokemon was not bowing to their headmaster nor displayed any sort of fear. It was as if he was seeing right through him.

"I see that you have accepted our offer, Acolyte." He said with a chuckle.

The Pokemon in front of him didn't even flinch, sure, steady, unwavering. "Indeed I did. There was a 85% chance that I would cause even more butterfly effect by joining your organization. What happen to the world is of little concern to me. As long as you entertain me...There is a 100% chance that I cooperate with my full processing power." He said

"This will suffice. In the world that we sight to create, you will have but a constant feast of such butterfly effects that you crave." Assured the dark voice.

"That is perfect. I look forward to what you will be able to provoke." Said the Pokemon before he motioned to start hovering away.

He was stopped by an outline of psychic power.

"What is the meaning of this?" He asked in a monotone tone, not feeling threatened in the slightest.

The dark figure chuckled. "Nothing. There is just a gift of Goodwill that we would like you to receive from us." He said as he produced a golden candy like

confectionery from his long flowing garb.

The Pokemon floated back to take the candy.

"Don't worry, eat it. It will make you far stronger than you could ever imagine." assured the dark entity.

The Pokemon, not having anything to lose, decided to consume it.

Initially, nothing happened.

"I dare hope that this wasn't in vain. There is a 67% chance that...OH!...Oh..." said the Pokemon before he felt his strenght change...

His processing grew sharper...and then...came the...

..Updating..

With a brilliant flash of light, the new joined Pokemon felt his number of limbs double, he grew bulkier and lighter, his mouth grew and his claws grew sharper.

When the light receded, a brand new Pokemon was now standing before them.

"I welcome you in our ranks anew...

...

Metagross."

End of the chapter.

SteveZ12: Thank you for reading chapter 17 of the TPIP. This is the biggest one so far. I hope you enjoyed.
See you in the next chapter.

Metang: There is a 80% chance that your life gets better after reading the rest of the story. I would keep up with it if I were you.