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...)

4. Chapter 4: Negai Riddle

Good day, night, evening and everything, Primal Latios here. I hope that everything is going well in your lives. I have to say it is going well for me yes. Thankfully, Arceus has been kind of me. I am glad to see that people are still willing to read our story. With these times, there is no knowing what to expect, but at least I am willing to see this project through, me and my co-writer MPeach. Stay safe guys, we are all likely seeing the end of this big pandemic. While we are waiting for this to happen, I hope that this story will put a smile on your face. Happy reading friends.

CHAPTER 4: NEGAI RIDDLE

As the Zamazentas were celebrating their unlikely win over the Zacians in Primarina's Lounge bar, a very upset Sneasel was carving a library with his claws at the Zacian's shack. The challenge format was continuously roaming in his mind like a never resting demon. This should have been an easy to plan victory, yet their host's fickleness prevented him to devise a proper plan. He could have overlooked that fact if Magikarp's victory had been sufficiant, but the Karp had dissapointed by letting go of the baton at the last moment. Of course, they felt bad because the Karp clearly gave everything he could and more to win this for his team, but sadly, results were everything and he hadn't been able to win it. Having everyone vote for him hadn't been a hard thing to argue.

However, there was another thing that was bothering the weasel Pokemon. It should have been the first thing they should have asked the two fickle hosts, yet nobody did for some strange reason. Now, two Pokemon were sent to Hell without even having the chance to know what they had lost...their freedom aside.

''Why exactly are we here for... What are we fighting for?'' He asked as his mind wandered to a painful time in his childhood.

000

Sneasel's gaze hardened. ''NO! I am not going to let this happen again! I will lead them to victory once again, with Logic and order.'' he said passionately before the camera staticed.

000

While one Ice type was mulling dark thoughts over his first loss as a Captain, another was on top of the Zacian shack, looking at the Moon. Her fur was a little ruffled by her recent...activity with a certain blue shelled turtle, but her heart was slightly not into it. Her chest was hurting. She had sent her boytoy away so he couldn't see this. Nobody could see that. She activated Aurora veil just in time before a coughing fit took her over. She coughed a few times, some droplet of blood staining her immaculate pelt before being washed away by the effect of the veil.

''I should go to bed now...I do not need any pity from these people...'' She reasoned before walking to her bunk inside.

On her way there, Sneasel lifted his eyes and almost had his breath stolen from him. The Shiny Alolan Ninetales looked ...otherwordly. The veil creating a small breeze that gave her tails a life of their own, the small snow particle making her fur shine, her alluring vulpine physique being greatly enchanced. Sneasel stayed transfixed by Ninetales for long seconds and Ninetales, realizing this, did not move, liking the attention.

This lasted a while...but Sneasel couldn't help but realize that this goddess apparition's regalness did not reach her eyes, and that is what snapped him out of his stupor induced trance.

000

Sneasel looked away from the camera... ''I had forgotten how beautiful that Ninetales was. With that aurora veil active, she's straight up bewitching. My head might be telling me to be weary of her, but my body and mind cannot fully make abstraction of her allure and I am afraid she knows it.'' He commented while trying to calm himself down

000

'' Er Hem , Good evening Ninetales, How are you ?'' Sneasel enquired, trying desesperately to put his eyes elsewhere than on the lovely Ice type.

Said ninetales giggled. She was of course used to take males...and females breath away with her beauty, but there was something about Pokemon in position of power being weak to her charms that brought her almost physical pleasure...

If only that realization wasn't tainted by her earlier attack. Still, she didn't want her leader to be too worried...or nosy. So she replied.

''I am well enough Sneasel. It was sad that Magikarp had to go, but then again, he let us down when we needed him to win.'' She rationalized, sighing softly in a coquette way.

Sneasel nodded. ''I'm just hoping that Hell isn't too hard on him. But still, I do not like the fact that we lost today. As your leader, my job is to lead you all to victory.'' He said stubbornly, a frown on his face.

The fox pokemon smiled. She didn't dislike that mojo. ''I appreciate the sentiment, but I wouldn't sell you short just yet. This was just one challenge, and nobody could predict that the host would throw a twist that knocked all of us to a loop...'' She said , smiling before she quickly flinched in pain. It only lasted a moment and the Alolan Ninetales barely showed anymore signs...

''I'll go to bed now, see you tomorrow Sneasel..'' She said hastily, her aurora veil desactivating as she made her way to her room and quietly closed it behind her.

Sneasel stared in her direction for a long time... He hadn't missed that flinch.

''What is wrong with that vulpine...'' He muttered softly.

Back in her room, Ninetales let out a silent wail of pain as the burning in her chest grew in intensity. More blood seeped from her mouth before she wiped it using a water move.

''It hurts so much...I feel like tearing my throat out...but I have to endure it...I've just got to.'' She thought as thankfully, the burning receded enough to allow the nine taled Pokemon to slip in a dreamless sleep.

Croagunk too was in his own room, fiddling with some rhymes in his book. He had gotten a few written down tonight as he looked for a way to express his frustration at his first loss, but overall, he felt like he'd have a decent time here.

000

''Losing to da small snake broad was kind of a bump on that road. It aint meaning shit. We just gotta show some Grit.
Tomorrow's a new day in tha hood, so well make it out and make our folk proud good YO!'' The muai thai frog rapped on some unheard beat to the camera.

000

Riolu was on the beach area, breaking rocks with his aura, running through the sand and working out. Today's loss wasn't on him per say, but he did hate losing. But for the small jackal pup, training was more than a way to wash away frustration. It was litterally a way of life for him. So he kept going, knowing that eventually, his team would need him at his best in order to win.

From not too far away though, a tusk dragon was looking at him. Grinning maliciously, the Tusk middle stage activated her blue clad attack and launched herself at the Riolu.

The blue jackal pup, sensing a warlike aura coming straight at him ducked. A loud explosion ensued soon after. Riolu somersaulted a few times backwards, creating some distance before opening his eyes. Fraxure was staring right at him, a small amount of foam on the corner of her mouth showing. Riolu tensed up... Her eyes were displaying a mix of elation...lust and agressivity that quickly grew uncomfortable to stare down. Wordlessly, he lowered his gaze.

Big Mistake.

In an instant, the Axe Jaw Pokemon rushed him, her claws glowing in the green light of Dragon Claw. With speed and agilty she swiped at the Riolu, whose eyes glew green and focused, helping him dodge her every attacks. The flurry ended as quickly as it had started, prompting Riolu to somersault a bit more to create some distance between them.

At that point, he would have asked why she was attacking him like this...but quickly found that he didn't care much about the reason. The Fraxure was proving to be very challenging to fight...and a small part of him relished the challenge. Grinning to himself, he devoted his entire self to the fight, forgetting anything else.

The Fraxure saw the small jackal pup grin and stomped the ground. ''You're going to regret making fun of me!'' She shouted as energy started to coil around her, raising her attack power and her speed.

Riolu smiled and simply put himself in a position that meant clearly: Come and get it!

With yet another war cry, Fraxure launched herself at Riolu.

000

Riolu was seen cleaning his fur in front of the camera, a very satisfied look on his face.

000

Fraxure was on her back, her body covered in bruises...''This little jackal better watch his back...I'll fucking kill him next time...''

000

''And then, my boss said: ''Really Shellie? I thought you had handled that sleep talk problem!'' A soft, giggling voice explained as another joined her in laughter.

On another part of the Sosei Island beach, this part close to the bar lounge owned by Primarina, two Pokemon were getting to know each other.

Coerced by Monferno, Makuhita had decided to go talk to Lapras again. Honestly, he had meant to talk to her again. He was just a bit weary of messing up his assesment of someone again. However, the smile that had beemed from Lapras's face when he sat next to her melted his worries completely. She was too sincere to want to stab him in the back..right?

It's easy to assume that by then, the Mahukita was convinced that Lapras was the kindest soul in the Island.

''I can only imagine how pissed the Poor Amoonguss customer was...''He replied, his head gently resting on the base of Lapras's as he was laying on her shell.

The transport Pokemon paddled gently around the shore, simply smiling and enjoying the moment. ''The company ended up having to pay the poor Amoonguss out and Shellie was moved to administrative duties.'' She's doing much better there, but she had to sign a contract forbidding her to use the move during work hours.

''That poor soul.'' Chuckled the pudgy sumo Pokemon.

Lapras hummed happily. She kept swimming, the calmness of the sea soothing her and the feeling of transporting someone dear to her filling her with a sense of completeness that couldn't fully be described in words.

''What would you do if you won a million?'' Asked Makuhita as he was staring at the moonlit sky.

The water type stopped paddling as she thought about it. For a few minutes, it was only them, the waves gently rocking their bodies back and forth in unison and the nightly chirp of nature.

The transport Pokemon then let out an happy sigh. ''I would keep enough money to open a sanctuary... and donate the rest to an organisation that needs it...or create my own.'' She said gently as she resumed her paddling.

''A sanctuary? Woah that sounds chill...but why?'' He asked, intrigued by her altruistic proposition.

Lapras smiled. ''Tending to Pokemon without home is another mission that my company carries out. I see so many of them, you know...'' Her tone turned melancholic. ''Pokemon without family, Pokemon that have lost all hope, Pokemon that just wish to vanish from society ect... Sometimes, you just want to disconnect and spend time admiring the boons of nature, eat a few berries and relax.'' That's why i would love to open a sanctuary... So Pokemon can find a place to spend time away from their everyday lives, give those unfavored Pokemon a place to call home and many other things...'' She commented before thinking. '' Spending time with Pokemon close to them also is a big part of it, but there's no way I can say that when he's laying so casually on my shell...'' She thought as a blush formed on her face.

Makuhita was speechless. Lapras was really wearing her heart on her sleeve. ''Those are legit valuable goals... I don't even know what i'd do with all that money...'' He commented.

Lapras giggled. ''Are you sure that you wouldn't use it all on these ''chilling'' of yours?''

''Hey!''

The transport Pokemon giggled as she continued to swim around the dock as they enjoyed their time together.

000

Makuhita was smilling. ''Definitely digging this chick. Her whole persona is kind, she's very open minded and well... she's not bad looking either... On such a grim island...where honestly I don't even know what I am doing... she's just such a soothing presence...'' He said with a soft sigh.

000

Lapras was smiling as well in the confessionnal. ''I'm so glad he came to talk to me... After what happened... He's so sweet..'' She said tenderly, blushing a bit in front of the camera.

000

Eiscue, Croagunk, who had came out of his room a few minutes earlier, Bidoof and Luxio ended up playing some cards that bidoof had brought with him. The four mons invited their leader, Sneasel to join, but the sharp claw Pokemon, tired from the day and his making of his library declined the offer, opting to head to bed instead.

All four shrugged, they could see that their weasel leader was upset. Nonetheless, they would play some cards.

Bidoof made the opening move on the game, and also the opening chirp.

''That challenge was crazy. I almost died at least a few dozen of times...'' He complained, puting the first card onto the pile.

''Try fighting a giant Gyarados out for your skin..'' Mumbled Eiscue as he put another card on the pile

Luxio's eyes widened. ''What kinda crazy things you had to face over there?'' He asked as he put another card on the pile.

''Yeah bro, we gotta know what kind of steel you had to face, yo!'' Rapped Croagunk as he layed another card down.

Bidoof shuddered. ''Try exploding green rain, the earth litterally opening up to Gobble you like fresh prey, rough terrain and the such. This was actual madness" said Bidoof as his next card won the pile, reseting the card game's board.

Eiscue also shivered, reminding himself of his own experience.

"Try fighting a giant Gyarados that wants you dead while swimming... That thing shattered my Ice Face with his tail!" He reminiced

Croagunk looked at the penguin Pokemon... "How did you even get rid of that?" He asked

Eiscus sweetdropped. "I'll just say that I froze him solid..." He muttered, looking away and visibly not wanting to elaborate.

Croagunk sighed. "Damn yo, this was something crazy. I'm glad I didn't have to participate. That wouldn't be breezy.''

Bidoof rolled his eyes. ''Yeah man you can say that again...'' He replied as he played his hand again, winning the pile.

The game kept on going for a little while with very little talk being made. However, this was to change.

It all started after Luxio finally won a pile.

Bidoof smiled. ''It's about damn time that someone stopped my winning streak!''

The electric type gave him a 10000 watt smile before growing pensive.

Croagunk saw it and voiced everyone's thoughts. ''What's up? Something else than money on your mind, Pup?''

Luxio shook his head slightly. ''Not much... I was just wondering what is this game about actually...'' He voiced, putting his cards down.

Bidoof also looked up, as if looking for the answer in the aether. ''That's actually a good damn question, by golly.''

''Breezy. I reckon that the paper we got to come here only said that they'd be a prize of some sort, but nothin' jazzy. I just figured it'd be loads of cash or smt like that. '' Added Croagunk.

Eiscue nodded as well. ''It's probably just money. A load of it. I mean, we wouldn't put our very freedom on the line for petty change.'' He rationalized with a little laugh, quickly followed by the others as they got the cards put away. It was very late already and none of them knew when those shifty host would wake them up.

After each of them returned to their rooms, the shack quieted down significantly, each mon falling asleep or for our four

players, wondering what was the actual stakes here.

The following Morning, Tapu Koko and Mesprit woke up, did their administrative duties and replied to their first ever fan mail shower. Tapu Koko especially reveled in this activity, being constantly buzzing with excitement and randomly ruffling mesprit fur with his constant activation and desactivation of his ability, Electric Surge. This would have normally annoyed the emotion Pokemon but she let it go, finding her young co-host's excitement endearing.

''Come on rooster, we gotta get this challenge going.'' She gently scolded the electric guardian.

With visible reluctance, Tapu Koko tore himself away from his fanmail and followed Mesprit. ''Yes Mom...'' He muttered as he floated behind her.

''Good Boy...'' she purred as they went toward the camp.à

Back at the barracks, the usual early birds had already woken up. On the Zamazentas side, Yamask had a troubled night. Technically, being a ghost type meant she wasn't exactly reliant on sleep to rest, but she enjoyed it nonetheless. Also, despite her friend's best effort, she was still beating herself up for her poor performance the day prior. She had been saved by the poor red carp's blunder at the end of the race, but she could have very well been sent packing that day. It was nerve wracking and depressing for her and she had been trapped by that cocoon of dark thoughts for a good part of the night.

It was without much purpose that the ghost Pokemon had wandered the corridors of her shack before she picked up a sweet odor coming from the main area. Curious about it, Yamask floated toward it.

When she arrived in the common area, she was greeted with the pleasant aroma of fresh tea. It smelled heavenly, even for a ghost type Pokemon like herself. The one making the tea was humming an ancient song, giving the whole scene a very soothing setting.

Roserade had seen how her team had been partying last night, and knew that waking up could be difficult for some of them. She had decided to take it on herself to make them some tea to help energize them and pass the cruel headaches she was sure they would experience.

''Roserade ?'' A shy, barely audible voice echoed in the common area.

Surprised, the female plant turned around to see who had called her. Her features relaxed as she saw the small ghost type almost hiding in the corner of the entrance, looking down and looking positively terrified.

The Rose Pokemon gave her the warmest possible smile. ''Yes Dear? Don't be afraid.'' She replied, trying to soothe the ghost type as much as she could.

Yamask knew that Roserade was being inviting, but her shyness was getting the better of her. She barely could form words and really wished that Hattrem was around right about now. However, another waft of Roserade's aromatic tea reached her proverbial nostrils and just like that she slowly built up the courage to get closer to Roserade.

''I don't know what is in this...but it smells so good... I couldn't help but wonder..what you were..doing..'' She barely got out when she realized that Roserade was staring at her, a kind smile on her face.

''You don't have to feel bad. It's okay to be shy, little one.'' She said tenderly before turning to her tea making.

''I asked Chef throh for some tea making furniture back. I felt like our partiers would eventually wake up and have a hangover worthy of praise. I know my way around aromatherapy and teas so I just decided to make some for them.'' She explained as some steam suddenly rose from the kettle that was on the fire.

''Eeek!'' softly shrieked the ghost before hiding behind Roserade, who couldn't help but laugh at the other girl's jumpy nature.

''There is no monster coming out of the steam you know?'' She joked heartily while cutting up some berries with precise vine whip attacks.

''I'm..I'm sorry, it just.. you know...surprised me...'' She explained as she slowly left Roserade's shadow and floated next to her.

The plant Pokemon then had an idea after catching Yamask staring intently at her craft. ''Would you like to learn how to make tea?''

Yamask was taken aback. ''Who? M..Me?'' She asked uncertainly.

Roserade smiled softly. ''Well there isn't any other Yamask around here is there?'' She replied

Yamask wasn't completely sold, but her curiosity got the better of her. ''Yes, I would lo..love to.'' She finally expressed.

Roserade smiled. ''I will be happy to pass on my craft to you Yamask. So here is what you have to do...'' She started as Yamask looked at her every move.

000

''I am so glad she's kind... Normally fully evolved Pokemon are scary...but she's so kind...'' Yamask said, looking much more at ease than before.

000

''This Yamask reminds me of my Baby sister when she was a Budew. So shy, so jumpy. But should you put something that they are interested in, they forget about their fear and apprehension. I love seeing that in Pokemons...'' Said Roserade with a motherly smile resting on her face.

000

Slightly later, the other Pokemon started waking up and roaming the shack, but every soul ended up gathering in the common area, from where the smell of heaven seemed to permeate the entire building. Such a soothing, rich and mellow smell that immediately drew in the half asleep members of the Zamazentas. Upon arriving in the common area, they were greeted by a gentle Good Morning that made almost all of them feel a pleasent warmth spread within their bodies. It was simply nice to wake up to that.

The ghost girl ended up serving them tea, before immediately going to Hattrem's side to never leave it. Hattrem was impressed however that the shy ghost girl had interacted with someone else during her absence.

''You made this?'' She inquired her friend with a skeptical look on her face.

Yamask looked away, blushing a bit. ''No..not alone at least. Roserade did most of the work..but I did learn how to make tea...somewhat...'' She admitted.

''That's Amazing! I'm happy for you.'' She said before taking a sip of the tea. The tasty, warm liquid warmed her insides and she couldn't help but feel like she was floating for a moment. ''This is amazing tea...that Roserade is gifted.'' She appreciated as she took another sip, the burning liquid being the only reason why she didn't gulp down her cup completely.

Yamask observed her friend appreciating the drink and smiled, happy that the witch en miniature was pleased.

Makuhita and Lapras were also there, Makuhita taking his sip sitting on top of Lapras's shell and sometimes passing a cup to Lapras, who's lack of fingers made holding a cup akward. It was a cute scene.

Roserade shot a knowning smile toward them, watching the two Pokemon helping each other out like this as she made more tea.

Lapras caught that look and blushed deeply, wordlessly lowering her gaze.

Scyther and Falinks were engaging in a talk about military tactics before He took a sip from the tea. Falinks didn't want any but one of the phalanx members asked for special permission. The Falinks leader allowed it and upon seeing the phalanx member litterally melt, requested to have a sip of this nectar...which had the same result.

After being entranced by the taste, he got up and went to Roserade. ''Fair Maiden, I must commend you for this amazing tea. I have hardly tasted better in my life.'' He said solemnly as he bowed in front of the Rose Pokemon.

Said Rose Pokemon was a bit shocked but quickly recovered. The world was vast after all and she was all for learning about it, even if some traditions and custom were weird, she would accept them with open arms.

''It was nothing Scyther, I am glad you enjoyed. I didn't make it alone however...'' She said as she motioned toward the small Yamask that was currently talking with Hattrem.

Scyther nodded, feeling torn. He had never quite enjoyed ghost type Pokemon but his chivalry education had made him very adamant about giving credit where credit was due. Bowing slightly before Roserade in salutation, she went over to the two girls. ''Ghost Maid!'' He started, his voice much clearer now that he was more awake.

Hattem had to hold herself back from slapping him from being too loud,Yamask shrieked loudly and vanished and the rest of the people present shared a laugh!8

Roserade watched the entire scene while smiling. It was a lively morning, and she had nothing against it.

''Uuugh...My head.. Sup..'' Said a grouchy voice. Everybody looked at the direction of the voice and it was Monferno, looking like he was going to pass on.

Seeing their normally over energetic Leader look like a middle aged Pokemon after a night with too much alcohol...which ironically was the case, made everyone chuckle.

''Well Man, that ain't the chillest face i've seen. You sure that you aren't in the wrong shack by the way?'' Makuhita said, voicing everyone's thoughts at that moment.

Monferno's eyes widened at this. ''Whaaa... I am in the wrong shack...? Man that Alcohol sure hit different..'' he slurred, making everyone start laughing again.

000

Monferno was looking away. ''How dare they make this kinda joke when I'm like this...Where's my respect?''

000

Makuhita was smiling at the camera. ''Sorry mate, that was way too easy not to do...''

000

In the Zacian's shack, the morning had been much quieter. Sneasel had woken up early to jog around the island, clearing his mind from yesterday's failure and out of wanting to get rid of excess energy. He had taken the time to actually admire the island and its natural beauty. He also then had passed Riolu who was still dozing on the beach...which looked like a War zone. Sneasel made a mental note to ask Riolu later. The sharp claw Pokemon then came back to the shack only to see Bidoof, Luxio, Croagunk and Eiscue talking with Metang.

''What's up guys? Slept well?'' He asked as he sat next to them.

''We were actually discussing about something important...'' replied Bidoof.

''Indeed. These gentlemons wanted to know the probability that the prize for winning this competition was a lot of money. In my opinion, the Probability is well above 90%.'' Replied Metang in his usual robotic voice.

Croagunk also was sharing this view. ''Ya my guy. It would be weird for them games not to have some true monetary incentives. If not we'd go awry.'' He rapped

Sneasel nodded. ''Now that you say it, it's true. Not even on the invitation pamphlet we were told what the prize was. It has been a few days now that we've been here. I Will ask the hosts when they'll call.''

''CONTESTANTS!''

Sneasel cracked his neck and sighed. ''Well, here comes the timber.''

Both teams were eating breakfast at Throh's hall. Plentiful of berries and Meat taken from another universe. The host were observing them, having eaten themselves. Sneasel couldn't help but remark that they were perticularly joyful this morning. Never one not to speak his mind, he bit first.

''So, hosts, I see that you are pretty happy today. Is something the matter?'' He politely asked.

Tapu Koko grinned. ''Why yes! I am glad that you brought it up. We got our first fan-mail this morning! I am so damn happy that people are talking about the show and sending us their thoughts...'' He boasted pompously.

''What does it says about us then ?'' Wartortle demanded.

Most Pokemon's head turned toward them when he asked that question. It was understandable, after all, they were the players in this game.

Tapu Koko looked pensive, but before he could answer...

''You have much bigger things to take care about I am afraid...'' Said Mesprit with a stern voice. Everyone looked at her and gulped. Her face looked grave and an eerie atmosphere suddenly installed itself in the hall.

''What's with da broad?'' Croagunk whispered to Eiscue, who shrugged. ''No Idea, but she sucked the lightness of the room right out... I wonder what is this about...''

Sneasel was also intimidated, but he still took the step forward. ''Why is that? What do we have to handle?'' He bravely asked. Unbeknownst to him, a pair of purple eyes were burning his back.

000

Alolan Ninetales was staring at the camera. ''Don't give me that cheek. I can't say that I do not find his propention to step up unattractive. I wonder if...'' She started before coughing a whole lot in the confessional, causing the camera to go static.

000

Mesprit smiled eeriliy at him. ''As usual, you want to have all the information you can get... I do not dislike this, but you will learn to be patient like everyone else.'' She said calmly, but the subtle edge in her voice made Sneasel understand that Mesprit was not to be challenged.

''Very well.'' Conceded the Sharp Claw Pokemon.

Haunter looked at Monferno.

''You aren't going to ask her about what she means?'' She asked her leader.

Monferno shook his head. ''I could. But I'd rather face whatever they have to throw at us head on. Our team is strong, we even have the laurier on my head to prove it. We can face it together!'' He boasted, showing Haunter's his best grin.

Haunter shook his head and turned away. She felt her nonexistant chest heat up and almost had a nausea wave take her away.

''What's wrong with me...''

After enjoying some of the tension she had created, Mesprit motionned to Tapu Koko to take over.

Never one to decline an invitation to bask in the spotlight, Tapu Koko twirled in the air.

''As my lovely co-host pointed out. Starting today, things are serious. You will finally know what you are here for... but before that. You'll have to survive's today challenge. Only after one of you go straight down to hell will you know the prize. Trust me. It is beyond your imagination.'' Tapu Koko explained as he let out fireworks like bolts in the air.

Both teams looked at each other before gaining a look of Determination on their face. Sneasel looked especially eager to get to it.

000

Mark my words, I won't allow my team to lose again! Said the sharp claw Pokemon to the camera

000

Monferno was smiling, his flame tail burning brightly with competitiveness. ''If that aristocrat thinks that he will win, he is gravely mistaken.'' He boasted as he smacked a closed fist in his open palm.

000

Tapu Koko and Mesprit smiled upon seeing the competitive looks on both side. ''Now that your priorities are set straight, follow us to the cavern part of the island. Your challenge will take place there. Mesprit said as the two host turned to leave.

Sneasel glared at Monferno. ''You're going down today. Incompetance shall not save you this time.''

Monferno chuckled. ''Did you get up on the wrong claw bookworm? Or are you just jealous of how handsome I look with this on?'' Replied the playful Pokemon pointing to his Laurier crown.

Sneasel's grit his teeth as the Zamazentas laughed at their leader's antic. ''This humiliation shall not remain unpunished. I look forward to seeing you bow to the Zacian's might.'' He said as he made a step toward Monferno, his claws unsheated.

Monferno's smile grew wider. ''Oh? The kitty wants to play now?'' He pointed as he brought his fist level to his face and stepped toward Sneasel.

Before it went any further, a ghost loppuny held the hotheaded monkey by the tail. On the other side, Riolu had jumped wordlessly in front of his leader and glanced sternly at him. No word were said by the aura jackal pup, but his gaze conveyed everything he needed to say.

Haunter on the other hand, vocalized her thoughts. ''That's enough now ''Leader'' we have a challenge to go to.'' She said sternly.

Both leader looked at each other and huffed.

''Let us just go.'' Decided Sneasel as his team left toward the direction of the two hosts. They were soon followed by their teammates.

Luxio came up to Sneasel as they were walking. ''The heck was that about?'' He asked the sharp claw Pokemon.

Sneasel looked down and sighed. ''I just want to lead you guys to victory and I already lost once.''

Luxio nodded. ''Just be careful about it man.'' He asked as he trotted back to his friends.

Sneasel looked forward. ''If I lose friends because we lose...wouldn't that make me a failure as a leader? That's my burden.'' he rationalized as he walked in front.

Wartortle brow was raised. ''Well so much for being a goody two shoes. The weasel actually has edge.'' He commented to Alolan Ninetales.

Said Ninetales was half surprised that her boytoy actually had something insightful to say. ''Well yes. I'd actually be surprised otherwise.'' she replied before stretching a bit. She smirked upon seeing Wartortle and the group of boys walking behind her stare with obvious infactuation.

The Zamazentas led by Monferno were being way more lively, with some of them talking about what would be a ''Prize'' beyond their wildest expectations could be.

Makuhita looked at Lapras. ''I am pretty sure that it'll be the biggest sum of money that we had ever seen.''

Lapras looked at him. ''I wouldn't count on it. I mean, what would I even do with all of that money?'' She asked as they shared a small laugh.

Hattrem was also being pensive, imagining being offered her own queendom to rule. ''Maybe it'll be to be the leader of a territory or something? That would be my biggest dream...'' She fantasized.

Yamask looked down. ''Just being able to live free would be a prize enough for me...''She barely whispered.

Soon enough, the teams arrived to the destination. They were located in a meadow whose terrain slowly transformed from lush grass to a more rocky terrain. In front of them, behind the hosts, two caves were visible.

''This is where your next challenge will take place. The name we chose for this trial is Negai Riddle. In teams, you are to navigate the cave, retrieve a jewel and come back to us. Your team must be complete with the jewel in your possession in order to win. Inside the caves, you'll have to solve trials and solve a riddle. That's how your getting your jewel. Of course, if your team loses, you're sending someone to hell tonight. Trust me, the one going will regret it.'' Said Tapu Koko, pirouetting in the air for emphasis.

Sneasel nodded in understanding. ''This challenge sounds simple enough...Although I am weary of any twist they might decide to pull off here.

Metang nodded: ''Indeed. In fact, I calculate that there is at least 67 % chance that there is such gimmicks inside the cave. However, there is less than 30% chance that it really affect us due to our team abilility to plan and Riolu's abilities with aura puts the probability of any X factors affecting us at around 10%. We have good odds of completing the challenge with winning parameters.

Monferno on the other hand seemed pretty confident, evident with the way he was dancing around, barely held back by Haunter. ''Cmon let's get started already. We won the last challenge so today will be the same, i am sure !'' He cheered, earning himself a sweatdrop from his teammates

Haunter, in her loppuny morph, let it continue for a bit before scooping the overexcited monkey in her ghostly ears. ''Okay okay calm down hotshot...'' She chided as the rest of the team laughed.

Mesprit nodded. It seemed that the teams were ready to go inside the caves. ''Well then, Zamazentas, Zacians, your challenge starts NOW!'' She said as she used her psychic powers to make fireworks explode in the air, signaling the start of the challenge.

Sneasel rushed at a modest pace, sorrounded by Luxio, Metang and Riolu. ''Let's do this team, we shall win this challenge! I swear it.'' He said confidently.

On that note, everyone in the Zacians, eager to take back the laurier crown, cheered before they dissapeared into the first cave.

Monferno, not to be outdone, bursted with his usual excitement. ''Nothing for it! We won't lose to some aristocratic ferret! Who loves me follow me!'' Monferno shouted before immediately catching Hattrem, who couldn't resist wanting to slap him for being too loud.

''Not today sweet cheeks!'' He said before taking off, the psychic witch still in his grasp. The display of strenght made said witch...and a certain specter, feel rather...err.. warm.

---

000

Hattrem was seen blushing hard in the confessional.

''He...he's soo strong...but sooo...loud... Arghh...I can't decide if I want him for myself or want to slap him to death...'' She said as she started fangirling hard.

000

The Haunter Loppuny morph was pensive...

''How would it feel if he would grasp me like this..?'' She daydreamed before catching herself...

''What is wrong with me?'' she wondered as she grasped at her chest.

000

---

Mesprit and Tapu Koko looked at each other, smiling. The third challenge was finally starting...and at the end of it...the stakes would simply rise significantly.

---

Within the Zacian Cave, the Ice/Dark Pokemon and his teammates were advancing with relative ease, Riolu and Metang providing with lighting as Karcool was rolling in the middle of the pack, his coal cart providing warmth and lighting to the rest of the team. Wartortle was travelling on top of Alolan Ninetales. Ever perceptive...the turtle pokemon had aqua ring active, which really helped without his knowledge the beautiful vulpine Pokemon, who'se throat and lungs would have badly ached at this point.

Closing the march, Eiscue and bidoof were discussing about the hosts and the challenge so far, as well as continue speculating on to what the prize for winning the game would be.

This continued for a bit before a faint sound started to be heard, prompting Riolu and Metang to stop. Seeing this, Sneasel lifted a paw, motioning to his team to stop.

''What's up, Leader. You better not be chocked up!'' rapped Croagunk, intrigued by the reason of the stoppage

''Shhh. I am positive I can hear a melody... It cannot be the air passing throught the cave however. It's too well arranged.'' He analyzed before turning to Riolu.

''Can you...?'' He asked before the jackal pup nodded in understanding and turned toward the sound, closing his eyes and opening his palm. The protrusion on his head rose up and his form started glowing blue.

''What's he doing?'' Asked the blue shelled ruffian.

Sneasel answered for the Jackal pup. '' He is using aura to sense the cave ahead of him. I'd rather be weary of traps or things of any nature that could make us lose this. Thankfully, we have a good sensor and tracker on our team.''

The comment made Riolu smile, interiorly at least.

The metang did not budge, but one keen observer could see the pride flashing in his eyes.

After a minute or two, the emanation Pokemon opened his eyes.

''So, what's the prospect?'' Asked a weary bidoof.

The emanation Pokemon nodded. ''I sense three Pokemon on a large room up ahead. No traps though. It seems that they are signing in unison. From what i now, they are Kricketots and Kricketune.'' He said as he got up, panting a bit.

''Everything good?'' Luxio asked, concerned by that sudden pant.

The Emanation Pokemon nodded. ''Y..yeah. I am still training with Aura, so using my senses to feel around can be tiring at times...'' He explained.

Sneasel nodded..''Makes sense.'' He replied, giving himself a mental note not to ask him to do that often, after all, he was also a skilled tracker himself.

The group walked a little further down, arriving at a large room which was decorated with carved musical notes. The walls shined with a mild emerald hue, adding to the mystique feeling of the place. The music was much clearer as well, giving a very reverand and beautiful atmosphere. Other stylised carvings were decorating the cave. In addition, a slight mist was covering the floor of the cave.

''Welcome to our first room, Zacians...Our music holds the key for the first part of the riddle. Listen well and enjoy, as the path to the next room will be hidden within this room.'' Eloquently indicated the Kricketune intern as he resumed playing with his kricketot sidekicks.

The team huddled as they listened to the music.

''What mystique... It's as if we were trust in the middle of the Hall of Origin...'' Commented Sneasel, his eyes closing.

''I say we just bludgeon the bugs and get our hint...why should we even waste our time listening to stupid music?'' Proposed the shellfish Pokemon, slapping a fist in his open palm.

Bidoof looked less than impressed. ''Hey Ice Fox, control your boytoy...'' He said with his usual deadpan voice.

The said ice fox blushed coquettishly and sighed, but otherwise stayed silent as her tails wrapped around Wartortle, preventing him from going against the musicians.

''Hey what's the big Id..?'' Protested the water type before he caught his girl's gaze. Oddly enough, all belliquous toughts left his mind and his mean mug melted in calm placidity.

Sneasel sighed. ''Thank you Ninetales. As i stated earlier, i'd much rather not resolve anything with sabotage or coercicion. We are to find a riddle, so find we shall.''

---

000

Wartortle was staring into space with a stupid grin on his face. ''Her gaze is so pretty...I can't fucking control myself when she looks at me like that.''

000

Alolan Ninetales was smiling in the confessional. ''My charm palette is near endless...but more importantly, I gotta control my boytoy. He needs to stay for a long time...servicing me and helping me go further in the game. Therefore, I cannot have him go against the leader's wishes...for now...''

000

---

The more err, fight hungry member of his team calmed, the Sharp Claw Pokemon put a claw under his chin, pensive.

Metang took note of this. ''There is a 99% chance that you are wondering what could be the hint in everything around us. Am I correct?'' He asked with his usual monotone voice.

Sneasel nodded. ''Indeed. The host didn't even tell us what would be the riddle. We essentially have to guess what the riddle is as well as the answer.''

Metang acquiesed. ''In that case, a 100% correct move would be to send people around the room to investigate for clues...'' He proposed.

Sneasel seemd to be on board with this. ''A fair assesment, Metang.'' He said before turning to the team. ''Alright team. This room is big enough to look around. Go in pairs or trios and look for clues. Let's give ourselves 30 minutes. Once that time comes, report here and we'll put our ideas in common.'' He strategized.

''How are we going to know that 30 minutes has passed? None of us has any damned watches...'' Retorted Fraxure, her tail slapping the ground in frustration.

Riolu shook his head and gestured to Metang wordlessly. Sadly, the tusk Pokemon did not get it immediately. ''And how's metal claws here matters?'' She asked gruffly.

This time, Luxio chimed in. ''I think he means that Metang here can simply give us the time in real time...because...idk...he's smart?'' He theorized.

Riolu looked at him appreciatively. As the emanation Pokemon, he appreciated people that picked up on other's emotions and feelings.

Sneasel however was the one who answered the Dragon girl. ''By nature, metangs are very akin to computers. So he has an internal clock that gives him the time at any given moment.''

Metang nodded. ''Indeed Leader. That information is 100% Factual.''

''Let's go then!'' Karcol said, impatient to start the clue searching.

With that said, the group splitted and went their own way, looking for clues in the room.

---

On the Monferno side however, things were going a bit faster. The overeager Fire Monkey had dashed in the moment the host had said go, barely followed by Haunter and Yamask, who didn't want to be too far from Hattrem, who was still in the playful pokemon's grasp. The rest of the group quickly followed, trying not to lose pace with their leader.

''N...Not soo fast...!'' complained Grotle, which couldn't keep up with the speeding group.

''Gr..grrr...Not going to have any mercy for small feets like me?'' Also said sandile, who struggled as well on his small paws.

Scyther and Falinks seemed to have a different Idea.

''THINK WE CANNOT FOLLOW? WE HAVE RAN OUR ENTIRE LIFE. LEGIO EXPEDIALIS!'' shouted the Falinks leader before rushing toward his leader

Scyther had a carnivorous smile on his face. ''I SHALL NOT BE OUTDONE! FOR GALAR!'' He exclaimed as his body shimmered with the light of Quick Attack. In a flash he was zooming past Falinks, which didnt take it too kindly.

''LEGIO! WE CATCH UP OR WE WILL DO 6 TIMES THE AMOUNT OF PHYSICAL TRAINING TONIGHT!'' Said the leader before Stomping his foot, activating No Retreat and rushing toward the Knight.

Roserade, Lapras and Makuhita watched the proceeding with a sweatdrop.

''These young sure are lively...'' Said the rose bouquet Pokemon

''I wish they could just take it chill...The cave isn't going anywhere ya know...'' The pudgy sumo drawled, keeping a modest pace alongside his friends

''Well...you have to admit that their energy is contagious...even I wouldn't mind going a little bit faster now...Think you can keep up?'' Moqued coquettishly the Lapras, caressing a flipper on top of the fighting's type head before taking off, a small film of water making her essentially surf on land.

Blushing horribly, the pudgy sumo smiled. ''Careful of what you ask for Lapras, being cute won't save you from me outrunning you!'' He replied before taking off running after the transport Pokemon.

000

''Ahh...Young Love...'' whispered Roserade with a wistful look on her face.

000

Makuhita was smiling in the confessional. ''This...girl I swear...I am almost ashamed about doubting her...''

000

Lapras was also smiling in the confessional. ''I.. think he brings out a side of me that I didn't know I have...He...makes me feel soo...'' She daydreamed.

Her proeminent blush however gave all the information the viewer needed on her actual feelings.

000

Once the full group reached their first room, there were greeted by a field of grass that felt so invigorating that even Grotle and the Dunsparce he was carrying woke up.

Scyther smiled as his chest rose and fell in exertion. ''I...I won!'' He said in between two breaths

The panting phalanx next to the large mantis didn't look any less exerted. ''YOU MUST GET YOUR BRAIN CHECKED! MY PHALANX AND I DID NOT LOSE TO A KINGDOM LAPDOG!'' shouted the Phalanx leader.

''Wahahahaha. Now that was a rush!'' Shouted the fire type Monkey, finally now releasing the pigtailed witch. Said girl coughed hard but blushed...'' You could have killed me, you doofus!'' She complained as she was soon assisted by her Yamask aide.

Monferno shot her a devastating smile. ''So you say, but you were clinging to me hard earlier didn't you?'' He retorted. The memory made the Pigtailed psychic type blush and hide her face, making the group laugh at her expense.

''Anyhow Where are we now?'' Asked the now arrived Makuhita, resting his back on a bashful Lapras's shell.

''That's my question to Answer, Pudgy scion!'' Said a loud, booming voice.

Everyone turned to the direction of the voice, and what they saw seemed out of a medieval arena...minus the lush grassfield around said Arena.

A large Round Arena was build with wood as the main material. Some stylish metalwork decorated the whole thing. In the middle of said Arena , a large duck like warrior was standing. He was huge, seemed muscular and viril. He was strong and it showed in his confidence.

Falinks and Scyther looked at the newcomer with battle hungry, competitive Eyes. They knew immediately what was up.

''How interesting... A large specimen of Sirfetched...I heard that it's extremely difficult for a Farfetche'd to evolve... What kind of battle has this one seen?'' Pondered the gas Pokemon, back in her Lopunny morph.

Monferno, fearless as usual, walked right up to the Warrior. ''So you are the proctor? You won't stand a chance against us!'' He said confidently.

The large wild duck Pokemon smiled. ''Well would you look at that, you are completely like they told me you would be. You will be an interesting one to fight!''

''F...Fight?'' What do you mean, fight?'' Asked fearfully the small normal type, dunsparce.

The fighting type erupted in laughter. ''Well little one, it's quite simple. To have any chance of winning this challenge, you will have to defeat me in battle. 1 v 1 of course.

Sandile snorted. ''Just that? There ain't no way you can take all of us on bub!'' He said arrogantly.

Haunter wasn't too keen on fighting what seemed to be an hulkish specimen of an already massive Pokemon. Strutting toward him in a very revealing Lopunny morph that had a lot of effect...on all of the people present.

000

Monferno had his eyes wide. ''I swear to Arceus...How hot was that ghost when she was alive? Heck...she still is!''

000

Roserade was seen shaking her head. ''She definitely isn't one for modesty isn't she?''

000

Yamask was looking down. ''I wish I had that amount of confidence...I have to ask her how she does it...''

000

Hattrem was a bit jealous. ''Who does she think she is, flaunting her body like that...?''

000

Sandile was salivating... Lust prevented him from saying anything

000

Falinks was grimacing in disgust... Women in our state have so much more modesty. I cannot believe that she would act so brashly

000

Haunter was smiling. ''With a body like that, no male can resist me when I am really trying...'' She said as she took a very subjective pose, caressing her body in a way that left very little to the imagination.

000

With a seductive grin on her face, the Haunter/Lopunny morph strutted toward the Sirfetched. ''Do we really have to fight? Surely I could pay for my team's challenge in ...other ways?'' She offered as she gently caressed the fighter's arm with her ears.

The Fighter simply smiled at her, not answering.

Haunter smiled back, confident that her charms would do the trick.

The Sirfetched smiled again, but something had changed. The haunter wasn't smiling anymore.

In fact...

A purple glowing lance had ran through her stomach. The Pain was so intense that the Haunter didn't scream.

Monferno Screamed. ''Haunter!''

With sadism, the sirfetched removed his leek lance from the body of the specter...which returned to her gaseous form.

''You stupid wench... I wouldn't be fooled by a mere illusion. As usual, ghost types are a scourge to all Pokemon.'' He said coldly.

The playful Pokemon quickly rushed to the downed specter and caught her in his arms, delicately laying her down. The blow had hurt the specter to the point where her gazeous form was actually able to be touched.

''I...I...'' She weakly said

The Playful Pokemon delicately put a finger on her lips...''I know Claws...Don't worry. We'll make him pay okay?'' He assured before the Specter nodded and closed her eyes.

When Monferno looked back at the Sirfetched, his eyes were red, his pupil were now just a black dot and his flames blasted upwards. Tears were now falling from his eyes.

This pleased Sirfetched. ''Now you want to kill me? That's good! That's the look I want to see.''

Haunter slightly opened her eyes at that moment and saw how angered Monferno was. It genuinely touched her.

Monferno roared and launched a devastating Flame Charge toward the Wild Duck Pokemon who blocked it with his shield. ''You layed a hand on one of my teammates. I'll show you what happens when you hurt what's mine!'' He Snarled before launching a Point Blank Fire Blast that scorched the fighting type up like a Pokemon torch.

The Wild duck pokemon laughed and went in with a fury attack, which was dodged by the angry chimp. The entire team was transfixed by the battle, wincing by moment with how savagely Monferno was attacking.

000

Sandile was shaking in the confessional. ''Note to self, no angering the Monkey.''

000

Makuhita was holding his head in shock in the confessional. ''Oy! His Firepower is insane!''

000

Lapras was seen wincing in the confessional. ''I don't like Haunter, but that was pretty uncalled for!''

000

Dunsparce was shaking in the confessional, almost peeing herself. '' Arceus please save me!''

000

Haunter was staring with a faint dust on her face. ''I...I never thought I could feel this way...Having someone who cares...When was the last time someone genuinely cared about me? Could I really be...? She pondered before her expression grew troubled...''But should I even...feel like that?'' SHe asked herself before clawing at her chest

000a

Back with the Zacians, 30 minutes passed and all of the bynomes and triomes had something to say. Almost like a policeman would ask for a debriefing, Sneasel, flanked with Riolu on his right and Metang on his left, asked the following. ''Alright team, Status report!''

Alolan Ninetales stepped up first, flanked by her trusty Wartortle. ''It seems that the room has some patterns ressembling waves and mist...'' She advanced before Wartortle followed by observation of his own. ''Yeah! That fucking mist is also everywhere too. It's like its pouring from the very walls. Its really weird...''

''By Golly, this ain't simple at all. I realized that there are some lines on some parts of the cave and that some round stuff are carved at the same place all the time...'' Added Bidoof

Luxio's tail was waging. ''I didn't find much on the walls...but I realized something... The krickets...They have been signing the same tune since we came here. It's an incessent loop.''

''Now that you mention it...It is very true. It is such a mysterious ode though...almost as if it dosen't belong in this world...'' Commented Karcool.

Croagunk was also looking for something to say, having mostly bobbed his head, vibing to the music in the air.. until he...

''HOLY SHIT! I AM DUMB! I SHOULDA REALIZED IT SOONER, I'M SUCH A BUM.'' He screeched, making everyone almost jump to the ceiling.

Sneasel held a paw comically to his chest. Looking a bit angrily at the muay thai frog, he said the following: ''Care to explain the sudden outburst, Croagunk?''

The poison frog put an embarassed hand behind his head, chuckling...''Sorry about that dudes. I know I can shout pretty loud and its rude. Anyway, I think I get it.. Bring me toward the walls where you see the lines. I'll explain everything I think I have there, no lies'' He rapped before walking toward the walls.

000

Sneasel had an eyebrow lifted in surprise. ''Out of all the people expected to be useful, I didn't expect him to actually be the key to it all...Although I still have to see if what he brings has any value.

000

Back with the Zamazentas, Monferno had been going ballistic on the Now burned Sirfetched. However, a well placed meteor Assault had left him winded and weak. But before he could injure himself for real, he was pulled back toward his team by a strong vine whip.

''LEMME AT HIM! I'LL DESTROY HIM AND BURN HIS INSIDES!'' Shouted the angry monkey Pokemon. The Pokemon whose vines were wrapped around the playful Pokemon's waist shook her pretty head.

''Enough Monferno! You have to rest...'' She said sternly before activating sweet scent. A still madly snarling Monferno had a whiff of the sweet scent and felt his entire body relax against his will. Haunter, who had regained some strenght thanks to being tended to by Roserade , Wrapped a ghostly ear around his waist and dragged him toward her. ''She's right hotshot! You've gotta rest now.'' She said weakly but firmly. Monferno's eyes, upon hearing the weakened ghost type talk, lost all anger and his eyes returned to normal.

''Haunter! You feeling better?'' He asked worriedly. The lopunny ghost morph smiled tenderly at him, her regain of strenght allowing her to put on her lopunny morph. ''Yeah, Thanks to Roserade, I have gotten some strenght back.'' This information visibly relieved the fire/fighting.

Scyther nodded to his leader. ''Fair Leader, Allow me to combat this treat from my homeland! I promise I will be victorious!'' He promised as he put down his wooden visor and readied his lance.

Falinks snorted. ''Just don't get yourself embarrassed, you sorry excuse for a knight!'' mocked the Phalanx leader

Scyther Snorted! ''Surely i'll last much longer than you ever will, After all I need not to rely on 5 bodies to achieve great strenght!'' He retorted before jumping in the arena, to the great pleasure of Sirfetched!

''Ahhh, here will surely be a much better challenge to my might! That monkey possessed great speed, but not much else. Let's see who is stronger, fellow countryman!'' Encouraged the large wild duck Pokemon

Scyther nodded and murmured. ''May Arceus, benevolent Goddess, be with me and bring me victory!'' Before his lance glew in the red light of Fury Cutter

Sirfetched laughed with glee as his lance glew yellow and seemingly doubled in size, signaling Meteor Assault!

The Clash was terrible, with the collision of the two weapons creating a strong backdraft that cracked the walls all around them.

The Scyther, panting, disengaged and circled around the now tired Sirfetched and landed a powerful wing attack with his scythes.

Sirfetched wasn't going to keep taking it however. Eventually, his stamina picked back up, well helped by the grassy terrain under his feets. ''Enough, pesky bug. Eat this! Night Slash!'' He announced as his lance turned deep purple.

Thinking fast, the Scyther flashed before multiple copy of him littered the arena. Sirfetched subsequently slashed a copy, which vanished on contact. Leaving the mantis pokemon blow free.

Sirfetched Snorted! ''Heh! Using non offensive moves? Do you even have any pride as a Knight!?''

Scyther did not even flinch. ''My apologies, sir Sirfteched! But to ensure victory, one must know how to protect himself!'' He retorded before scoring yet another blow to his wielding arm using a well placed wing attack.

Sirfetch laughed out loud! ''Interesting answer! But as you'll find...'' he said before he seemingly vanished from sight, before reapparing behind the brave mantis Pokemon.

...

...

''...is that I can blast through your defenses as I wish!'' he said before giving a devastating blow with his white glowing lance on top of Scyther's head, Koing him on the spot and sending the poor bug/flying type crashing down to the floor, the impact creating a huge crater on the ground.

000

Scyther was covered in bandages... ''O...Ouch..''

000

Falinks also winced for a millisecond before getting back into position. ''That's the kind of beating we have to take all the time to be strong phalanxes.''

000

Back to the Zacians, Croagunk was looking at the wall and turned to his teammates. ''I am positive that this is a ''RE'' musical note.''

Sneasel put a claw under his chin. ''I am no musician however. What's a RE?'' He inquired.

Alolan Ninetales was happy to reply. ''It is a pitch of sound, Leader. What Croagunk means is that the dominant tonality of the ambient song is RE.'' SHe explained.

Croagunk nodded before being pensive. ''Oi, hot stuff, you know about music, no bluff?'' He asked, looking a bit surprised.

Alolan Ninetales giggled coquettishly, with the effect of making a lot of the team blush at how cute it looked. ''Why yes. As a model, one need to master a lot of skills to make it, including singing, acting and modelling.''

Wartortle nodded before turning toward the cricket Pokemon. ''Well If we have our answer let us go already! Time is of the essence if we want to beat those wimps on the other team!'' He urged the group before he walked toward the group of bug types.

Sneasel chuckled. ''Don't rough em up! You know how I want things to run!'' He shouted to the shellfish Pokemon who rolled his eyes.

000

''Stopping these hothead is one of my many jobs as team leader! I am however hoping that Ninetales can help me control him...'' Sneasel hoped as he looked at the camera

000

Wartortle spat on the ground. ''Arceus be damned, why do we have to be held back by a stupid goody to shoes leader?''

000

Metang was staring unblikedly at the camera. ''How interesting. It seems that a clear dichotomy exists between our trio of leadership and the two other influençal members of our team. There is a 99% chance that this will either bring this team forward or backwards''

000

Alolan Ninetales looked pensive. ''That rapping frog isn't that bad. Maybe we could include in our little group and create an alliance... I'll talk about it later. Beside, if he refuses, I can easily 'persuade' him.'' She theorized with a chilly laugh that made frostbite appear on the camera and making it go static.

000

The team gathered around the kricketune, who slowly opened her eyes. ''Have you figured out an answer?'' She asked with a sing song voice that was pretty pleasent to the ears.

Sneasel stepped forward. ''We do have an answer for the hint. It would be the tonality RE.'' He said, scratching his chin pensively, sure of himself.

The Kricketot started chanting RE, RE, RE, Filling the cave with that same mystic feeling again. The Kricketune looked beyond pleased with the answer. She was also quite impressed on the grip that Sneasel displayed on his team. Thus, she decided to help them out a little more.

''Very well done, Sneasel, Zacians. ''RE'' is indeed the hint for this room. As a reward for impressing us, I shall also reveal what do you have to find. You have to find the true names of the guardians. Such true names will open the path to the gem. Each room will give you part of the name. Good luck finding the rest of the hints...'' said Kricketune as the bug musician pressed on a crystal hidden behind her back, making a large hole appear.

Nodding his head in respect, the sharp clawed Pokemon turned to his teammates. ''Onwards Zacians, let's roll!''

With a rallying cry, the rest of the team followed his lead and off to the next room they went.

---

Tapu Koko was observing the proceedings on his pad. He looked very displeased to see that the team that contained an annoying little beaver was further than the other team. Feeling that the Sirfetched was making the team he was facing regret their weakness dearly, he couldn't help but let a chuckle of amusement escape his non existant lips.

* Flashback *

In plains of the Galar region, in the middle of three neighbouring countries, a single hutt was the shelter of one of the greatest warrior the region had ever seen. A lone knight with foreign origins that simply crushed every jousting competition that happened near his home. However, he always gave back his winning to the poor, merely enjoying the competition to further himself. A sort of deluxe warrior, who prided himself in his ability to endure and fight continuously...

...

...

Well that's what he wished...

However, time wasn't so kind. The knight knew he was weakening. The knight knew that while his mind was still as sharp as ever, his physical prowess wouldn't allow him to stay at the top forever. This is where one day, during a stormy night, as the lone knight was looking through his window, the guardian diety of mele mele island appeared in front of him.

''Who goes ?'' He asked, his Pokemon instincts telling him that this new arrival wasn't to be messed with, but his knightly instincts already prepared him to lay down his life to protect it.

''Chill out knight...! I am Tapu Koko, a legendary Pokemon.'' The fairy type introduced himself while making hold up gestures to diffuse the situation.

Still suspicious, the wild duck Pokemon, his onion lance still pointed toward the guardian, asked rightfully. ''And what do a legendary Pokemon wants with me?''

Tapu Koko smiled. ''Your strenght will be interesting for the competition that me and a fellow legendary wants to hold. You help us, and I garentee you that you will never go hungry. In bonus, you'll even get to fight strong willed opponents. I know you love this...''

The Sirfetched looked at the electric/fairy type suspiciously. ''Why should I trust you? You claim to be a legendary Pokemon, yet you seem far more juvenile than some of those young blades I fight during tournaments. We speak of legendary Pokemon as very old and knowledgeable entities...or heroes of times past that saved the region. You feel like neither... To gain my help...'' He started as he readied his onion weapon and leapt out of his window to assault the Legendary Pokemon.

''You shall have to defeat me in fair combat!'..

Once that event passed, around the old shack of the courageous warrior, many scorch marks were left. It was as if a battle to the finish had taken place around the house of the warrior, yet, no damage was sustained for the shack.

Locals ended up calling the old house of the wild duck Pokemon ''The Thunderstruck Shack.'' But after that stormy night,

The Wild Duck legend was never to be seen again...

* End of Flashback *

Remembering this encounter made the electric type smile. He might have been a very juvenile Legendary Pokemon when all things were considered, battling that ''Regular'' but strong Pokemon had been like a rite of passage for him. He had proved that he possesed strenght beyong his natural gifts as a Guardian Diety. The act had also impressed Mesprit and the other girls in the hall of Origin, as the knight's prowess had reach even the realms of the Gods.

''I hope that you are having fun in there...Warrior of Galar!'' He chuckled darkly, wincing when reminding himself of the wounds the fighting type had inflicted upon him.

---

''IS THIS WHAT JOY FEELS LIKE!?'' Shouted a battle crazed Sirfetched shouted as his Brutal Swing knocked the wind out of Grotle. The Poor tortoise barely let out a gasp as the heavy weapon launched him in the air and outside the ring. When he landed, the Poor grass type was completely Koed...

Monferno, who was still next to Haunter, winced. ''That must have hurt...'' commented the playful Monkey Pokemon.

''WHO'S NEXT? DO NOT TELL ME THAT YOU GUYS ARE THROUGH!'' Shouted the knight even louder.

Haunter stood up... ''I'll deal with him... This has gone on for long enough.'' She said as she took on a full Lopunny Morph and stoop on feet.

Monferno looked at the gas Pokemon. ''Are you sure? We could send Dunsparce...Or Sandile...or even Hattrem.'' Tried to reason the Zamazenta leader.

Haunter stared at the playful Pokemon. Seeing him being so concerned about her made many conflicting emotions flare within her. Undecisive about how to properly feel about it, the Lopunny morph simply turned away from Monferno and walked toward the arena.

''Haunter!'' Shouted the playful Pokemon in worry

This shout created an odd atmosphere. The temperature around the arena suddenly felt several degrees colder. The gaseous loppuny form suddenly looked much more solid. It was as if the specter was given life again.

Suddenly, all the downed Pokemon seemed to only feel numbness instead of pain. Even Monferno could feel a strange energy leaving him to permeate the Lopunny's morph. That seemed to achieve the process. In terms of beauty, the ghost loppuny seemed to have nothing to envy to to a certain frosty vulpine Pokemon.

The 'Loppuny' barely turned her head, her piercing red eyes transfixing the fire type...and everyone else for that matter, on place.

''Just watch me, Monferno.''

* Music Suggestion... Caelestinum finale termini - Genshin Impact *

As she walked toward the arena, the specter progressively forgot everything. Monferno, the game, her own Lopunny shenanigans. As she walked toward the arena, only one emotion remained. Shame. And only one way to redeem herself presented itself as well. Which was to beat that Sirfetched to a bloody Pulp.

She quickly realized that she didn't want to merely defeat the fighting type...

...

...

...

...

She wanted to kill him...

The Knight snickered. ''Once again, you stand before me, foul specter... Do you believe that you can take me o...'' He started before suddenly realizing that a gash had appeared on his cheek. Haunter was standing behind him in her loppuny morph, her furry pawed hand covered in a ghostly energy taking on the form of a claw.

Everyone was shocked. That was insane speed. The Knight, despite being battle forged, had not even seen Haunter move.

''H..ow?'' Muttered Yamask, in complete shock

''Oh..My...'' Added an equally shaking Roserade

''Woah...'' Muttered an admirative Sandile

The Sirfetched had lost every will to laugh and have fun. He understood. Something had snapped in Haunter, and despite how stupidly alluring she was right now, the knight had no illusion of what were the Ghost type's intentions.

With a war cry, the Wild Duck launched himself at her, his lance shining with the purple tingue of Night Slash . In a burst of speed, the Specter dissapeared again.

On guard, The Wild duck Pokemon put his shield in front of him and started circling in place, wondering where the fast footed specter would appear.

''Where..are you, foul specter...do you not believe I can find you?'' He asked confidently for everyone to ear.

A creepy, cold voice answered his inquiry. ''Oh.. I assure you, you'll see me soon enough. In fact... you should probably look...down.''

The Sirfetched almost laughed at this...however, a cold, menacing chill had appeared on his back and it would not leave him. The Old knight would have had the habit of not listening to such easy provocation...but the more he went, and the less his survival instincts allowed him to ignore the creepy voice's advice.

And thus, he looked down...

He wished he didn't.

Down from his shadow, a Lopunny morph suddenly jumped out and landed a sickening kick to the fighting type's Jaw.

''QWAKKK!..'' shouted the fighting type, taken completely by surprise by the assault. The force of the kick created a shockwave that launched the Wild Duck Pokemon high in the sky toward the ceiling.

With another burst of speed, the Lopunny morph appeared in front of the fighting type, her hands covered in that ghastly ghost claw energy.

''For everyone of our team that you brutalized, prepare to receive a punishment worse than death. Once I am done...and only when I 'feel' that I am done... you shall be given the respite that is eternal sleep...'' She darkly said before quite frankly attacked with a savagery far more in tune with her ghost type disposition.

It was brutal.

Every Shadow Claw attack drew blood. Every attack scored a critical hit. Every motion to block the attack was countered. An almost litteral rain of shadow claw sheared at the fighting type's skin and his cries of agony resounded in the entire room. All the while, Haunter gradually lost her Lopunny Morph, reverting back to what she truly was now. Not a sassy, alluring ghost of a Lopunny. But a vengeful, ruthless and violent wraith that would decimate anyone deemed as the enemy. Getting drunk off the massive feelings of pain, suffering and fear that she was inflicting and feeding on, she started laughing. A chilly, liberating laugh that seemed to only amplify the horror of the scene.

Needless to say that her teammates were not taking it well.

For exemple, Lapras was currently hiding her face in the Pudgy Sumo's chest, crying, repeatedly saying.. ''Make it stop... Please...''

Makuhita was simply holding Lapras's face close to his chest, hugging it the best he could while wondering how actually powerful that Haunter was in reality. However, gentle soul that he was, he still managed to whisper some soothing words toward his tender friend.

Hattrem wanted to slap out the egregious noise so badly her hands started bleeding... but she couldn't because she equally was absolutely terrified by Haunter. As a Poison/Ghost type, the gas Pokemon stood as an antithesis of everything she was.

Yamask was almost equally afraid. She was a fellow ghost type, but her mild disposition simply did not allow her to even entertain the idea to be this ruthless...this violent. She simply clinged to the side of her 'lady' hoping that the massacre would end.

Sandile however was enjoying the show. As a dark type on a mission, he lived for shows like this. His only regret was that he couldn't repay him with a proper beating as the 2 times he had tried to fight the fighting type, he had been shown a prompt exit by the guise of close combat.

Scyther and Falinks, who had taken multiple turns fighting the Knight and had been subsequently defeated, could also not believe their eyes...

''I tought that specters resorted to trickery and magic to defeat their opponent...'' Muttered the incredulous bug type.

''She has more physical might than our best warriors...that is...impossible...'' replied Leonidas, the Falinks.

Grotle, Roserade , Dunparce were speechless, almost traumatized by this absolute display of violence. For Roserade, that was now the second challenge in a row that she was witnessing such..brutality.

000

Roserade was in the confessional, sipping bitter Tea. ''Did I make a mistake coming onto this show?''

000

Before long, a well placed Shadow Punch sent the now defeated Sirfetched crashing down to the ground in a sickening thud. The ground around him cracked like an egg.

''OOff...Urrgh...'' Groaned painfully the Wild Duck Pokemon, the impact making some blood escape the Pokemon's beak.

With a sickening smile on her face, Haunter dove toward the downed fighting type. ''Now for the finishing blow. Prepare yourself to meet Arceus!'' She said in her creepy, cheery chilly voice, reading blood stained claws to plunge into the fighting type's stomach.

''ENOUGH!''

To the stupefaction of everyone, a certain fire Monkey, despite his injuries, had reactivated blaze and intercepted the blow. He was struggling indeed...but he couldn't let a Pokemon be killed over a simple challenge. He was the leader... he was the light. It was his job to keep his teammates in line.

''HAUNTER, LISTEN TO ME... HE'S DOWN, YOU WON, STOP THIS!'' he shouted desesperately as his body was struggling to contain the force of Haunter's downward shadow claw attack.

The specter let out a chilling laugh. ''I'm doing it for you silly, don't you want to win? Don't you want to defeat him, as a team. Don't you want to... see his entrail spill all over the place and paint a picture so macabre nobody will ever want to stay in our way again...'' She said so venomously that her own macabre idea augmented her strenght even further...

Monferno didn't allow himself to flinch, he didn't allow himself to be afraid. He wasn't afraid, he wanted to stop his friend from doing something she would regret...

Haunter wanted to shred the monkey apart. He was in the way. She was a foul ghost. She was just an amalgalm of vengeful spirit where the spirit of a deceased Lopunny gained dominance. She couldn't be stopped by the likes of a Monkey...

or...

couldn't she?

What if...she could be more than a murderous ghost?

In a flash, she reminded how warm she had felt when that very same monkey Pokemon had called out to her when she had been sucker stabbed by the Wild Duck Pokemon.

She reminded herself of the fun she wanted to have in this game...and how..she was when she was a Lopunny...

It would surely all end if she allowed her impulses to make her commit such an act.

''I...i dont want it to end...not yet...''

Her attack slowly started to recede in strenght

''I...want to have more fun...''

Her gaseous haunter form slowly started reforming her Lopunny Morph.

''I..want to feel that warmth...again...''

The attack desactivated, leaving a tangible ghostly lopunny falling in Monferno's arms, who upon feeling that Haunter wasn't resisting, finally desactivated blaze.

The two layed there, on top of each other, utterly drained.

Haunter did have one last thing she wanted to say to Monferno before exhaustion caught up with her.

''Thank...you.''

000

Monferno was staring in the confessional. ''I will have to talk to her about this. I know that ghost types can sometimes be tricky but this amount of bloodlust is greatly unusual...I..I am worried about her...''

000

It took a few moments for the team to recover from this ordeal. Those who hadn't participated to the fight helped those who did to recover. Roserade especially proved to be very useful, her knowledge of plants and berries helping everyone...including the Sirfetched, to recover in record amounts of time. Once all of that was done,

The Wild Duck Pokemon solemnly approached Monferno. The rest of the team grew quiet to listen to what the old warrior had to say.

''I give you my thanks, Monferno. You essentially, all of you, defeated me and saved my life. As such, here is the hint for the challenge. You have no second part to this challenge. My name is two hints. You shall have to find the last one on the next room. To solve the riddle, seek the ancient Language. My name is Lu Bu. Take this information to heart, and advance forward.

Monferno nodded his head before asking. ''Will you be okay?''

The Sirfetched chuckled...''I have endured more brutal beatings...I'll live. Now GO!''

Monferno sighed and walked past the now resting fighting type. Motioning to his team. They all left toward the opening that was now open to them.

The Wild Duck spat some blood. ''I hadn't been this roughed up since that blasted guardian came at me. Yet..I feel only excitement at fighting like this again...Maybe I am not done honing myself yet...

---

The Zacians had now reached the second room, and one thing was pretty evident...

It. Was. Hot!

As in, there was litterally the edge of the cliff, a pool of lava, and another cliff with some scriptures on it as well as a glowing red crystal.

There was no instructions, but it was pretty obvious what they had to do.

Sneasel lifted a paw, prompting the group to stop. ''This is asinine! A Pool of lava now?'' He asked, a bit aggravated by the heat

Riolu smiled. ''This looks likes a good place to train for a bit...''

Metang looked at the whrithing mass of molten rock below. ''This is actually magma. There is a 99.66% chance that the task this time is to cross this burning chasm.

Wartortle spat out. ''What do we care if it's magma or lava? How do we cross it?'' He asked roughly

Fraxure, who had been rather quiet in today's challenge, smirked with glee. ''Out of the way, weaklings... This is the way to do it.'' She said before activating dragon rush.

Bidoof's eyes widened. ''Are you insane!? You'll make the whole cliff exp-''

BOOOM!

Like a missile, the tusk Pokemon blasted off the cliff and departed toward the other side of the room, thankfully avoiding the chasm full of magma.

The Adrenaline junkie had no regard for anything in her way, happily breaking stone pillars after stone pillars, cackling with pure glee until she hit the wall on the other side.

The impact was terrible and fissures appeared for a long streak near the point of impact.

Laughing loudly, the tusks Pokemon shook her head. ''Shit like this is what I live for! I want MORE!''

Sneasel on the other side shook his head. This dragon girl would be the death of them one day. He was almost certain of it. However, as rash and irrational she was, her actions did give them the opportunity to check what was written.

''Hey Fraxure! Instead of trying to doom us all by causing a cave in, how about you try to read what's written on the wall?'' Shouted the aggravated leader.

The dragon type looked at Sneasel for long seconds, not looking all there, before her adrenaline drugged mind finally understood what the sharp claw Pokemon wanted.

Nodding clumsily, she turned to the wall and tried to decipher the readings which read the following: ''To manifest the next path, bring your entire team on this platform, then carve out the ancient characther for fire over this very crystal. Only then, your path will open.''

''So...what does it say? If I stay anymore in this heat, I might very well faint...'' Complained the nine tailed beauty, desesperately trying to cool off by fanning herself with her tails.

Wartortle stepped in front of her protectively. ''If she faints, I'm throwing you into the Lava, you dumb dragon!'' He treathened her.

The battle hungry Fraxure roared in defiance. ''Try me fucktoy, i'll feed you your own dick!''

Riolu shot a look at Sneasel. The Sharp claw Pokemon understood immediately what he meant.

Looking over at the shellfish pokemon, Sneasel said. ''Enough Wartortle. We are in a challenge. Keep acting up and I will throw you in the lava myself!''

Wartortle took a step forward. ''What was that Punk?''

Riolu had enough. With speed, he appeared behind wartortle, picked him up and threw him square across the chasm in a powerful circle throw. A few seconds later, a sickening thud was heard. With a groan of pain, the poor Wartortle peeled of the wall and onto the floor he went. After a whimper, nothing was heard of him.

000

Wartortle had bandages and bruises all over his face. ''That fucking Idiot better watch his back...!''

000

Fraxure was cackling in the confessional. ''Fucktoy got shown why he's a blue shell...''

000

Alolan Ninetales winced. ''I am not going to save him from harm every time. He will have to learn to shut up all by himself.''

000

The Dragon type repeated the phrase she read on the wall, making the sharp claw pokemon wince at how loud it was. The incomfort passed, the sharp claw leader quickly sought to resolve that new challenge.

''So team, how do we all cross quickly and safely...'' He asked them, a claw under his chin pensively.

Riolu pointed to Metang. Everyone's gaze followed the emanation Pokemon's and they realized how stupid they were.

The supercomputer felt that the eyes were on him. ''There is a 99.87 percent chance that you expect me to transport all of you to the corniche. I can, using psychic, but passing over this chasm of lava would melt my circuits..''

Hearing this, Alolan Ninetales walked over to him and pressed a paw on top of the supercomputer's head.

''I am not a foot stool. Although, there is a 10% chance that you do something helpful. As such I am intrigued.'' He said with his deadpan voice, provoking a chuckle from the rest of the Zacians.

The sexy vulpine looked at him with comtempt. ''Hmph! You are lucky that I want to get away from here as fast as possible.'' Sge said as she let out a beautiful, melodious howl that summoned a fine snow INSIDE the volcano.

''How is that even possible, by golly?'' Questionned Bidoof, transfixed by the scene.

''Oi, at least the bitch didn't make it hail, that shit could itch!'' Replied Croagunk.

Eiscue, balancing his head that was slowly melting, kept them focused, as he was more and more concerned about his well being. ''Not to be rude but hurry up, my Ice face is melting.''

Sneasel nodded in agreement. ''I agree, but it seems that Ninetales here has something figured out. Be patient!''

Indeed, once the Snow had started in the vicinity, another beautiful howl from Ninetales made boreal lights appear around all of them, cooling the area several degrees. Panting a bit, she turned to her teammates. ''Here. With Aurora veil active, it should be cool enough for you to cross us all using psychic.''

Genuinely impressed, Sneasel patted Ninetales's back approvingly. ''Good job Ninetales. Nice thinking there.''

The fox pokemon purred, staring at Sneasel. For the others, it was brief, however, for the two of them, it looked like it had been an eternity. Ninetales realized at that moment that it felt kind of good to be thanked for something...and Sneasel was reminded once again how otherworldly beautiful Ninetales was when she was shrouded in Aurora veil.

Coughing a bit to snap out of it, Sneasel jumped on metang since, as a Dark type, he couldn't be affected by psychic. Then Metang used a few calm minds to boost his abilities and slowly started transporting everyone to the opposite platform.

000

Alolan Ninetales smiled at the camera. ''Don't get me wrong, Wartortle is still my boytoy...But, I would be lying to say that there isn't something about corrupting our uptight leader that just makes me feel so... Good...'' She say, uttering the last few words with an expression close to orgamic.

000

Sneasel was frowning at the camera. ''I know...I know I shouldn't. She has Wartortle. I need to stay impartial to lead this team... But..her fur, her eyes...her sheer sex appeal is pulling at my instincts more and more and I am afraid that one day they will drive me crazy. WHAT THE FUCK IS WRONG WITH ME!?''

000

Croagunk was smiling at the camera. ''The bitch know what she's doing. She might not know it, but I have seen plenty of those LaQueshas back in the hood. Make you feel like a King, can transform the prudishest of saint Gallades into trash that would make Muk look like saints for some pussy. Our leader need to be careful or he'll just become another one of these well meaning dudes turnt over for some viscous innards.''

000

The Zamazentas had been running toward the next room quickly, led by Monferno who was well aware that they must had lost a lot of time fighting Lu Bu. After a few turns, here they were.

The Room was plain, a grassy floor and some carvings in the room, but nothing obvious. The Zamazentas gathered around Monferno and Haunter/Lopunny. On the wall was written the following message: ''You have beaten Lu Bu. That is quite the feat. The guardian is pleased. Proceed to the next room. There, you shall be tested!''

Monferno and Haunter/Lopunny looked at each other. ''Welp, onwards to the next room then. Who loves me Follow me!'' Said the Fire/Fighting type

Haunter giggled and followed along, making the other members of the team sweatdrop as they followed along.

000

Makuhita was staring at the camera. ''I do not know if a cheerful Haunter posing as a Lopunny is cute or creepy.

000

Roserade was smiling at the camera. ''I do not know what happened between these two, but i can tell that an endearing parfum permeates the two. If he can save her, I am all for it.''

000

Falinks was eyeing the camera distrustfully. ''The Ghost is one thing, but our so called 'leader' being smitten with a ghost and being easily manipulated is dangerous...

000

Upon arriving at the next room, the Zamazentas were exhausted but ready to keep going.

Well at least...

Some of them were.

''This challenge is exhausting...I can barely feel my feets...'' Complained a tired Grotle. The Large grass type was already thinking about his next nap. The Intense beating he had endured in the hands of Lu Bu didn't help.

''Do you want me to give you a sitrus berry? I have a few stored in my cape.'' Kindly asked Roserade.

The bush Pokemon eyes lit up. ''You have sitruses? Please, I want some.''

Roserade giggled. ''How Polite. It is my pleasure to help Pokemon in need. Here you go!''

The Grotle quickly scarfed down. ''Thank you Rose, There needs to be more pokemon like you in the world.'' He complimented thankfully as the group arrived in the middle of the room

Roserade motheringly patted Grotle's head. ''That's such a nice thing to say. I am just trying to do my part.''

Scyther put his visor back on. '' Silence! I fear we are observed...'' He said as his entire body tensed.

Monferno nodded. ''I feel it as well. Be on guard everyone!''

The wait didn't last for long...

Suddenly the room was filled with weird caracthers. They seemed to float, outlined by a strange blue energy.

Startled by their sudden apparition, Falinks Activated No Retreat and immediately lunged toward one of the floating caracthers...and went right through it. However, the air pushed by the sudden move sent two caracthers on a collision course.

Once the two caracther collided, they started shining. Haunter's eyes widened, as she had a good idea of what that light meant. ''IT'S GOING TO BLOW, EVERYONE NOT ME OR A GHOST TYPE HIT THE DECK!'' She shouted like a banshee while pushing Monferno Down. Her iniciative was quickly followed by the rest of the Zamazentas. Pokemon like Grotle and Lapras were dears and used a Large protect to shield the smaller Pokemon.

Grand bien leur fisse...

The explosion roared loudly in the victiny, shouting the word ''IRU''

The gust of air passed, they saw an Alakazam intern levitating in a sitting position right next to them.

Sandile snapped his jaws at him. ''So you're the proctor this time? Take this!'' he said as he launched a dark pulse at the psi pokemon.

The Alakazam didn't even open his eyes and vanished. Two more glowing caracthers launched themselves at the croc Pokemon who had no chance to avoid it.

In a glorious explosion, the word ''HAIBOKU SURU'' , was heard, and the ground/dark was launched to the wall, embedding himself into the hard rock, quite koed.

000

Sandile was covered in bandages from head to toe. ''I...I shall have my revenge!'' he vowed tearfully to the camera

000

Appearing and teleporting quickly, the Alakazam seemed uncatchable. Still he had the gracious generosity of giving them the challenge of the room. ''Foolish Zamazentas. To gain the last hint for the challenge, you will need to catch me. However, you have to be attentive to the explosions, as they will hold the key to your hint asm much as catching me will. But can you do it ? MWAHAHAHA'' He taunted before dissapearing. A few seconds later, a loud explosion shouting the words ''WARAU'' Echoed in the room as the psychic type cackled.

Monferno smiled, his mojo returned. ''You think we can't catch you? You have another thing coming!'' He said as he saw Alakazam teleport in a corner of the room. Competitively, his right fist glowed white and with immense speed, he jumped toward the Psi pokemon.

He almost got him.

With a cackle, the PSI pokemon vanished, leaving two giant caracthers at his place. The caracther touched and Monferno was immediately blasted off his feet by a psychic explosion shouting ''UNARU''

''I've got you Leader!'' Shouted Haunter in her lopunny morph, catching the fire type with her strong ears.

Monferno winced but stared appreciatively at the ghost type. ''Thanks claws, you're a lifesaver''

Getting on the ground, the team gathered around him while explosions shouting words kept happening all around them.

''First, anyone can do something to shield us from these explosions? That's be great!'' asked Lopunny/Haunter.

Makuhita lifted a paw. ''I know Wide Guard. This should help us!''

Haunter nodded. ''This will be plenty. Please do!'' She said.

The pudgy Pokemon executed, and soon enough A large box of yellow shields turned all around the team.

Now that they werre protected, they could adress the matter at hand. ''So..how are we catching that teleporting smug galarian?'' Asked the Sandile, not particularily happy about being blasted earlier.

Scyther raised an eyebrow. ''How do you know that he's Galarian?''

Sandile shrugged. ''It's the accent and the arrogance...''

Hattrem nodded. ''He does sound a lot like the city boys from Motorstoke, That's why people from our kingdom tend not to like Man from the cities...''

Yamask nodded...''Men from these cities are pretty scary too...'' She said with her usual shy voice...

Monferno nodded but now wasn't the time to discuss such matter. ''Not to interrupt...but we have a challenge to win guys...how do we catch this mon...?''

Everyone on the team started pondering...until ultimately turning to Haunter.

The Haunter/Lopunny ghost stared back. ''What is it?''

Monferno smiled... ''Well, you're the smartest here, surely you have an idea?''

The Haunter let out a terrifying smile. ''Why yes, I do have an Idea, dear leader. Huddle up, here's what we'll do.''

000

Monferno was grinning in the confessional. ''She might be pure evil when she wants, she's MY pure evil...'' He declared before pausing and realizing what he had just said and quickly destroyed the camera with a well placed Fire Punch.

000

Dunsparce hopped in the confessional, looking in shock at the damage that had been done to the camera... ''What in the sweet name of Arceus happened here...?''

000

The Zacians had finally finished their transport problem, with Metang resting in the corner, not exactly panting...as he had no mouth to pant with...but clearly exhausted, despite the boost in coolness and his heightened defenses due to Aurora veil. During that time, Sneasel was studying the carvings... ''Hmm, the ancient caracther for fire? What could it mean?'' he asked himself.

Eiscue walked toward the carvings as well, trying to get a better look at it. Sadly, he didn't see that a big rock was in front of him, left as a vestige of Fraxure's passage with her dragon rush attack. Already clumsy because of his Ice face, the penguin tripped and violently hit his head on the hard wall in front of him, making his Ice face shatter.

Everyone gasped. Luxio ran toward the downed penguin. ''You okay buddy?'' he asked in concern

The Eiscue nodded slowly as he stood up, clearly shaken by the activation of his ability.

Sneasel knelt in front of him. ''Are you good Eiscue, that was quite the hit back there...''

''Watashi wa daijōbudesu. Kore ga okotta no wa hajimetede wanaideshou.'' Replied the now upright Penguin. Sneasel's eyes widened. ''New Kantoan? But how?''

Bidoof waddled to the two ice type. ''What do you mean, New Kantoan? You mean the language he's speaking?''

Sneasel nodded. ''Yeah. This language is common in kanto and Jotho, but via my readings I have learned that Old Kantoan is often cited as 'ancient' language. But Eiscue is from Galar. Why would you be able to speak New Kantoan?'' He asked, turning toward the Ice penguin.

''Watashinochichi wa kabigon'nanode, gararu ni hikkosu mae ni Kantō de umaremashita. Kikō ga watashiniha tekishite naku, umi no awa no shima wa watashinokazoku ga sumu ni wa kowa sugitakaradesu.'' Replied the penguin. sweatdropping embarrasedly.

The Wartortle nodded as well. ''That's interesting and all, but how come you only speak Kantoan now, can't you speak Unovian like everybody here?''

Eiscue turned to him, frowning. ''Noice feisu no toki wa Kantō-go shika hanasemasen. Riyū wa kikanaide kudasai''

Wartortle shrugged.

Eiscue then turned toward the carvings and put a flipper under his chin for a few seconds before turning to Sneasel quickly. ''Darekaga Daimonji o shitte iru ka dō ka chīmu ni tazunete kudasai!''

Sneasel looked surprised, but executed himself anyway. ''Anyone in here Knows Fire Blast?'' He asked.

Surprisingly, a familiar coal kart rolled in front of the group. ''I know fire Blast.'' He said, confidently making his coal burn.

Eiscue nodded approvingly before pointing to the wall. ''Ute'' he commanded

Despite not understanding what the small penguin had said, he understood the intent well enough. His coal red hot, the rock/fire type launched a powerful stickman shaped fire plume toward the wall. The attack, heightened in strenght by the heat of the volcano, started to carve into the wall.

Sneasel stared and slapped his claws hard on his forehead. ''OH WOW I AM SUCH AN ASININE BLUNDERING FOOL!''

Riolu raised an eyebrow at Sneasel, who saw it and shook his head. ''I Know, i know... It just now realized that Fire Blast attacks are identical to the caracther ''fire'' in Kantoninan... so if We read it Ka in new Kantoan...then the Old Kantoan form would be Hi, like Hisui, the old name of the sinooh region.''

The others were speechless. That was...stupîdly convoluted.

Bidoof resumed it the best. ''Are these host out of their mind, how the fuck are we supposed to know about ancient languages?!''

Croagunk chuckled. ''These fucker were not kidding when they said that this game would not be some ez shit and it would put us to shame.''

''So the first hint is RE. And the second hint has to be HI..it just has to be or none of this would make any sense...'' thought Sneasel as the coal kart finished his attack, making the gem glow and the door revealed himself.

Alolan Ninetales breathed a sigh of relief. ''Alright, now that we are done here...Let's go before I faint from the heat!''

Sentiment that was shared by the rest of her teammates, thus they departed from the room and into the next.

000

Karcool was looking happy in the confessional. ''It feels good to finally be useful''

000

Eiscue was fidgeting in the confessional...''I hope that my Noice face don't put my teammates off too much...''

000

As The Zacians arrived in the next room, the first thing they saw was that the room was almost akin to a starry sky. It was a large room, that really made them feel small. arond the room, many Lunatone and Solrock where floating aimlessly around. As the team walked slowly, looking in wonder at this strange phenomenon, A pair comprised of Lunatone and Solrock floated down to see them.

Sneasel, ever dutiful, stepped in front of his team to confront them. ''Greetings. I am Sneasel, the leader of the Zacians. I take it that you are the proctor for this part of the challenge?''

Both Astral Pokemon nodded slowly. ''We are indeed one with the cosmos, and the cosmos will be your judge today. You will be required to meditate in the middle of this very room. When all of you will have reached a state of meditation, the answer shall be known by all of you and then you may proceed. It is the will of the cosmos that we test you so. If you go agaisnt the will of the cosmos, we, as agents of the cosmos...shall elminate you!''

Sneasel wasn't perticularily thrilled by the thought of meditating, but it didn't seem that they had a choice. ''Well team, you heard the 'cosmos' lets set up and meditate.

The team cheered and then placed themselves in a circle formation. They closed their eyes and started concentrating on slowing their breathing.

One Lunatone floated in the middle of them, feeling ready to take over the meditation session. ''Very good. Slow your breathing, empty your thought. Enter the cosmos. Be one with the cosmos.'' She said with a soft, soothing voice. To many of their surprise, they found their muscles relaxing, as if a balm were covering their insecurities with a soft veil of comfort.

The astral Pokemon continued. "To be one with the cosmos means to be calm. To be one with the cosmos attracts the state of Reisei. To be in Reisei, is to be close to the universe. Elevate your consciousness to Reisei."

At that point, most Pokemon in the circle were deeply meditating. For a moment, everything was forgotten as the meditation turned into something deep.

Some time passed and the meditation session ended.

Sneasel opened his eyes. "That was surprisingly very refreshing. In the wild, we Sneasel hardly have the loisir to stop and meditate. It is quite a way to relax and put one's thought in order.

Alolan Ninetales nodded. "As a fairy type, i could definitely feel something around us as we were meditating. The forces around us are no joke. But I do not know what was the link between this meditation session and the challenge though..."

Riolu, who was slowly glowing blue due to his aura heightening with the meditation, tapped Sneasel's shoulder.

"What's up?" Asked the sharp claw Pokemon, a claw under his chin in his usual pensive manner.

The Aura pup extended a paw toward the wall and fired of an Aura Sphere which on contact exploded into a glowing word.

"Rei...sei?" Asked the Ice/Dark Pokemon.

Riolu nodded affirmatively.

Sneasel looked pensive once again. ''Reisei... that sound awfully close to the world 'calm' in new Kantonian. But why would calmness be the answer they are looking for?''

Bidoof shrugged. ''It would make sense since we just came out of a meditation session.''

Metang also seemed to share this line of reasoning. ''Judging by the current parameters, Reisei has a 89% chance of being the right answer. I would suggest that we do not waste any more time pondering and just try answering so we can finish this challenge.''

Sneasel nodded to this and turned to the Lunatones and Solrocks. ''Is the answer, Reisei?''¸¸

The astral Pokemon looked pleased. ''Indeed, young leader. To be one with the cosmos is to be Calm. To attein the state of Reisei is to enter the counsciousness of the universe. The realm of legendaries. You now have all the elements to unlock the final treasure within these caverns. Now go. We shall look at your progress through the cosmos of origin.''

As they said these words, a hole opened up in the cave, a faint mist escaping from it. Sneasel bowed respectfully in front of them and turned to his Zacians. ''Alright Zacians! The Goal is close. Let's go! '' He said as the group rushed into the tunnel.

When they arrived in the final room, they were in awe of what they discovered. The entire room was filled in a faint pink mist. In the middle of the room, a large statue ressembling vaguely as a clamped clam was throning in the room. On the statue's shell, ancient motifs were stylishly carved. Oddly enough, a small ring of water was swirling around the statue.

''What's that supposed to be?'' Wartortle pondered as he came close to the statue.

What had to happen, happened. The ring of water turned into a whip that slapped Wartortle away, launching him toward the opposite wall at high speed.

000

Luxio winced in the confessional. ''Oof...that must not have felt good...

000

Wartortle was groaning in the confessional. ''Two walls in one day. Why Arceus, why!?''

000

Close to the statue, a message was carved on a stone slab which read as follows: ''To unlock the secret within this statue, speak forth the true name of the guardian. Only then you shall be allowed to claim what you seek.''

Sneasel got to pondering, once again. ''The 'true' name of the guardian?'' He asked out loud.

Fraxure cracked her knuckles. ''To Hell with that. We just crack this baby open with my Dragon Rush, then we blast our way through the cave...Aww by Reshiram, this would be awesome...'' She proposed, her eyes slowly glazing over at the thought.

Immediately, Riolu moved behind the tusk Pokemon and placed an assertive paw at the base of her tail, glaring at the dragon type dissaprovingly.

Said dragon type growled, looking behind her. ''And whose tail do you think you're holding, pipsqueak?'' She asked brashly

The emanation Pokemon didn't even flinch, holding a steady gaze toward he dragon type

Alolan Ninetales walked slowly in front of the statue, inspecting it..then gasped. She reckonized that statue after all. Reverently, she bowed to the statue and kept her head down.

Wartortle raised an eyebrow. ''A..any reason you are kneeling in front of a rock statue again?'' He asked rather rudely.

Alolan Ninetales Snarled and forcefully pressed a paw on top of his shell, bringing him face down with surprising ease considering that she was rather frail.

''Shut up! You are standing in front of a Guardian right now.'' She growled.

Croagunk looked skeptical however. ''Well you say so, but all I see is a statue of ol plain rock. That ain't no guardian to me, no offo.''

This is where Sneasel had an epiphany. ''Wait, a guardian? Would that be referring to the four guardian diety of the Alola Region?'' He asked Ninetales who nodded.

''Yes. And those markings and shape, there isn't any doubt possible. This is Tapu Fini's shell.'' She reconized without fear.

Sneasel nodded. ''I see, but Tapu Fini isn't the word we are looking for here. Apparently, she would have a true name, correct. What would that be?''

Metang interjected then. ''Well, according to data acquired in today's endeavor, the first part gave us RE, the second part was Hi. The third challenge gave us Reisei. From what I have in my data, The most likely combination would be RE - HI - RE.''

The sharp claw Pokemon turned to the statue. ''Well, here goes nothing...'' He said as he prepared to call the legendary Pokemon's name.

---

With the Zamazentas, everyone nodded. Not everyone was involved in the plan, but everyone knew that this would take perfect coordination to accomplish. Those who werent directly involved in the plan could always pray for those who were.

Monferno, a quickly knitted leaf scarf covering his mouth, pointed two fingers upwards. ''Operation Mass Effect... Starts!''

Immediately, within the wide guard fortress, a breach was made. Then, the haunter/lopunny morph went to work. Opening her cute mouth, a large wad of smog covered the area.

Immediately, the effects made themselves visible. The confident Alakazam started coughing and hacking as the coarse smog poisoned him.

''Foul team' I will show you not to mess with someone such as grand as me!'' He shouted as he teleported and sent more explosions their way.

Makuhita seemed okay, but the beads of sweat running down his head gave away his condition, having had to shield the team from a randomized barrage of explosions for a bit now.

''Stay strong Maku, we're almost done. '' Encouraged Lapras, giving the fighting type a gentle nuzzle.

''I am trying Lap, it ain't easy though.'' Replied the pudgy sumo, appreciative but strained.

Nodding at Makuhita's effort, Monferno turned to Roserade. The rose Pokemon nodded and through another breach in the Wide Guard box, released Stun Spore.

The cloud of paralysis inducing spore quickly spread through the room, the though greatly accelerated by the multiple explosions going off in the room.

Monferno grinned. They couldn't see well because of the Smoke and the yellowish cloud of Stun Spore, but they could certainly hear the Alakazam intern having more and more trouble navigating through a litteral field of chemical weapons.

''Now the cherry on top, Lapras please'' Asked the playful Pokemon as he quietly started to eat up in a flame charge.

Lapras smiled at him and through yet a third entrance made in the Wide Guard Box, released Icy Wind. The Temperature dropped significantly all around the room, with ice particules steadily growing on the Alakazam's skin, weighting him down.

''Your turn now, leader!'' Shouted Makuhita, who had arrived at his limit. Thankfully, a salutary Safeguard attack from yamask protected the team from falling prey to their own set up.

Like a bullet, Monferno shot out of the now broken wide guard and using his excellent sense of hearing, shot right at Alakazam who saw nothing coming. An instant later, he was pinned to the wall.

''We win...You well versed bastard!'' He growled competitively at an intern who felt like he wasn't being paid enough to be on the receiving end of such an elaborate strategy.

000

Monferno was dancing in the confessional. ''See what my team and i are able to accomplish if we put our mind to it? We are the best!''

000

Roserade was smiling. ''I knew that leaf knitting that I picked up from my good Leavanny friend would come in handy!''

000

Haunter in her Lopunny morph looked pensive. ''It feels so good to be part of a team...and his smile when he's happy. it should disgust me...but I just cannot get enough of it...it's like its warming me up...'' She confessed before clawing at her chest... Something like this wasn't supposed to be happening...she couldn't really...like him?

Couldn't she?

000

Sandile snickered. ''I wish I could have clamped my jaws down on his smug moustache, but whatever. We got him, that's all that matters.''

000

Once the hazardous conditions dissipated, the grumpy intern did not make the answer wait too long. ''The hint is the sound that you've heard the most when stuff were exploding. Now get outta here and get OFFA me!'' He shouted before teleporting away.

Monferno chuckled. ''Sheesh, someone isn't going to enjoy his stay here for sure eh...''

Haunter laughed softly. ''You can say that again. Now, we should be on our way. Who knows where the other team is right now!''

The Zamazentas agreed and quickly made their way into the newly appeared hole and into the last room.

...

...

And what a last room

---

it was. Full with nature. There was foliage all around the room, with a sort of wooden shrine in the center of it. Atop this shrine was a wood sculpted taurus like head, complete with horns. In front of the shrine was a wooden slab where the following words were written: " Valliant warriors, you have overcome hard trials to reach this point. To reap the fruits of your labor, speak the true name of the guardian who loves to battle and you shall be granted your treasure."

Monferno pondered for a bit...then recalled. The warrior they had defeated was named Lu Bu. And the sound they had heard a lot was 'Ru'. He was certan of it. The face looked like a bull...

Roserade and the rest of the team huddled to talk about it but didnt have the time to properly ponder as they heard a booming

"WAKE UP BULURU!"

Everyone did a double take and watched a very proud Monkey Pokemon making eager backflips in front of an aggravated...but amused Haunter/Loppuny. Soon enough, the head started gaining colors and shake, before it unfurled, revealing the imposing guardian , Tapu Bulu.

Looking gravely down, Tapu Bulu was rather amused at the playful Pokemon's lack of reverence.

"WAKE UP, was surely not how I was expecting to wake up. You've got spunk, squirt." Complimented the legendary Pokemon.

Monferno grinned. "Well without it, ain't no way you can make it in here!"

Bulu nodded. "Quite indeed. Here's your grass gem. Now go toward Koko and Mesprit." He said as the gem gently floated toward Grotle, who caught it solidly in his mouth.

Monferno nodded before turning to his team. "Come on boys and girls! Let us go toward victory!" Announced the playful monkey as an exit revealed itself.

Bulu watched them leave the cavern and sighed. "I hope that little brother isn't giving them too much of an hard time."

---

"Please reveal yourself to us, Kapu Rehire" incanted Sneasel.

Not too long after, A mist filled the area, completely hiding the statue from view.

A stern, crystalline voice then was heard. "Your reverance honors you, Sneasel. As for you Alolan Ninetales, come forth." She instructed.

Fearful and reverand, Alolan Ninetales walked into the mist.

There the wind picked up, and it was impossible to hear what the guardian was saying to the beautiful white fox.

All that was known was when the mist receded, Alolan Ninetales was holding a fairy gem in her maw.

Sneasel smiled. "Bloody finally. Lets go to the entrance post haste."

The entirety of the Zacian started running toward the beginning of the course...only to see that the Zamazentas were in front of them.

"OH HELL NAW! THEM ZENTAS IN FRONT OF US!" Shouted Croagunk panicked.

"We gotta hurry, by Golly" shouted Bidoof.

"Leave it to me, i'll hold them off! " shouted Karcol as his coal kart turned red!

The Zamazentas were running quickly when they heard sizzling behind them.

Monferno, who was in front with Haunter/Lopunny and running like their lives depended on it, turned to his companion. "Hey claws, did you turn on the BBQ or something?"

Completely clueless, the specter looked back dumbly at the Monkey Pokemon. "...and how would I do that when we are running?"

Monferno shrugged..."idk I though i heard rock popping..."

Scyther, who was holding the rear guard with Falinks and Grotle , almost didnt have the time to put his visor back on that the first few projectile of burning mountain rock started raining on them.

"WE ARE UNDER ATTACK! PROTECT GROTLE AT ALL COST!" Shouted both Scyther and Falinks at the same time.

Roserade, who was next to Grotle as emotional support got hit by the second salvo.

"ARRRGGH" She shouted as she fell painfully to her side.

On the Zacian side, Karcol and Wartortle cheered!

"Excellent aim, Private!" He shouted appreciatively toward the fire/Rock.

"I am not about to let them win! Preparing yet another Salvo!" Je announced as his Kart released steam , indicating his fired up state.

Sneasel wanted to protest. He had a honor point to win without sabotage and violence. But he couldn't fool himself. He wanted to win. He wanted that Laurier crown back. So instead of protesting, he activated Sword Dance and Released a volley of Ice shards into the air.

000

Sneasel looked at the camera..." I must be prepared to let go of my principles if I want to win..." he observed grimly.

000

Despite their adventage, The Zamazentas were relentlessly bombarded by long range attack from the Zacians, to the point where the violence of those bombardments Almost koed Falinks and Scyther, who were doing everything to protect a slow trotting Grotle.

Back in the entrance and on Kokos tablet however, the action was making the guardian of Mele Mele positively giddy with excitement! "DAMN THAT'S GOOD ENTERTAINMENT RIGHT THERE! I never thought that the Zacians would go there even if it killed them! He commented while pirouetting in the air.

Mesprit on the other hand was merely sipping on some highly graded starf berry tea, reading a book about Pokemon emotions. She looked lovely, regal even, as if she wasn't the main hostess of a rather popular already show. Koko caught a sight of Mesprit reading her book and almost dropped his tablet. Mesprit barely lifted her eyes from her book and let out a cute laugh.

"What is it Koko? You seem very agitated."

The young tapu had to blink not to be taken in by the hostesse's charm. "Well, Ignoring how cute you look doing that, the teams are on their way there and its playing rough! I cannot believe you can read in such a moment." He explained, losing a bit of his control over his electricity in the form of sparks as he gripped his tablet hard to hold it.

Mesprit smiled at the young guardian. "Why of course. As the hostess of this show AND the mistress of emotions themselves, keeping my composure is child's play. However, I would be lying if I said that I am not interested about the turnout of this race.

Tapu Koko smiled. "I Know right!" He commented as he resumed watching the race.

Speaking of said race, both team were more or less keeping pace with each other, but under Sneasel's guise, The Zacian were never close enough to be able to engage in close combat, instead hopting for a trail and harass strategy that infuriated Monferno.

"Is this how an Aristocrat fights? With ranged weapons like a coward?" Shouted the angry playful Pokemon.

To answer his question, a flaming coal arrived square on Grotle's shell, making the Bushy Pokemon wail in pure pain.

That shout and pain made him bare his teeth...and in a very involuntary crunch reflex, closed his powerful jaws on the jewel, oblitaring it.

Before he could register what had happened, a light envelopped him.

000

Monferno was seething in the confessional.

"YOU'VE GOT TO BE %%#%$* KIDDING ME!"

000

Haunter stared darkly at the Camera. "They will pay for this..."

000

Roserade was clutching her side..."A flaming eruption rock isn't fun at all, lemme tell you.

000

Falinks looked absolutely mortified. "I've failed my escort mission...this never happens...if only i knew Wide Guard..."

000

Scyther wad also very downcast. "I have never thought that in this game...i would truly get to know what failure feels like..."

000

On the Zacian side, Karcol and Wartortle, as well as Bidoof and Croagunk cheered. "DIRECT HIT! And the grass tortoise destroyed his gem in his pain. Our victory is assured now.

Sneasel felt a savage pleasure fill his entire self. "Onwards to victory then!" He said as he activated quick attack and triumphally doubled Monferno and Haunter.

Before long, he had reached Tapu Koko and Mesprit in the middle of sosei camp.

Tapu Koko eyed the lone sharp claw Pokemon. "Didn't I tell you all that your entire team had to be back with the treasure to win?"

"it hardly matters, the Zamazentas broke their jewel. We will win regardless." Triumphally noted the sharp claw Pokemon.

Tapu Koko's eyes widened. "They BROKE it? How, those were high class gems. They should be able to withstand a play rough from me let alone break!"

Sneasel chuckled. "I wouldn't be sure about that one chief." He said as the rest of his team made it to him and Cheered.

Pleased, Tapu Koko pulled out a Megaphone and shouted THE ZACIANS HAVE DELIVERED THEIR JEWEL AND THEIR ENTIRE TEAM IS PRESENT. THEY ARE THE WINNERS OF THIS CHALLENEGE. ZAMAZENTAS YOU SUCK!"

Mesprit took the relais and teleported the rest of the Zamazentas here, and their surprise was immense upon seeing that one contestant was not quite the same anymore.

"I'm so damn heavy, I have a tree and stones on my back, there's already a roost of Starlys on my shell. What in the world is going on!" Complained said contestant. Around him, none of his teammates dared break the news to him.

Mesprit summoned a mirror and kindly floated toward the big Pokemon, showing him his reflexion.

"Congratulations for your Evolution, Torterra" She said.

The newly evolved Pokemon eye's widened. "I AM A TORTERRA NOW?!"

Tapu Koko nodded, pirouetting playfully. "Torterra's new body aside, Zamazentas, time to go to the dock and send an opponent to hell. I'll also be taking this!" He said as he took the Laurier crown from Monferno and put it on top of Sneasel's head.

"Much thanks" he humbly accepted the prize but interiorly, he was jubilating.

Zacians, you are free to go. But return here at sunset near the bonfire. Trust me, you don't want to miss it.

Before turning towards the barracks, Sneasel sent a smug look toward Monferno that infuriated him. But before he could react, A ghost pawed hand firmly grip his shoulder. Looking up, Monferno saw the specters cute morph shaking her head, indicating that it wasn't worth it. Growling lowly, he turned to the dock. "Come on Team, let's get this over with..."

Tapu Koko and Mesprit sat on the dock as the Zamazentas completed their voting. Good Co-Host. Tapu Koko then went on to count the vote and upon seeing the result, sighed. It was predictable after all. But he still had to go through the motions.

Giving the result chart to Mesprit, he wanted to at least give one word of advice to the Zamazentas.

"Listen, this Is the Island of Power. You can't expect people not to use any means nessesary in order to win, especially if we don't forbid this or that. Worry not however, not all challenges will allow interferance from the other team. However, for you guys, one of you will go to hell. So without further ado, lovely Mesprit...

Taking the cue. The small, gracious faerie took the relais. "You don't know the drill yet but its quite simple. I name your name, you come get your berry. The one without a berry, goes down under. Simple indeed. So,

Monferno, Makuhita, Lapras, Come get your berries.

The trio executed themselves, taking their berries with a heavy heart but visible relief.

Mesprit then continued. "Roserade, Falinks, Scyther, Dunsparce. Come get your berries."

The four Pokemon got their survival meal ticket, and ate them in silence.

Mesprit, never deterred, kept going. "Yamask, Hattrem. You too girls. Come get your berries.

The two friends executed themselves, also relieved that their turn wasn't today.

This only left a jittery Sandile as well as a very uncomfortable Torterra, who looked absolutely mortified and clumsy on his huge form.

''Sandile, you are here because of your annoying quirk about ending interns integrity apparently, so you have a few votes to your name. Torterra, while not exactly your fault, you cost your team the challenge by smashing your team's jewel with your crunch attack.'' She explained sympathetically.

''It wasn't my fault, I couldn't predict that a flaming projectile would burn my back...come on guys... you can't be serious...'' Pleased the disempared Torterra.

His teammates didn't dare look at him in the eye.

Sandile simply stared defiantly, not seemingly caring about the outcome. He was fairly certain he was safe.

...

...

He was.

Mesprit looked at both of them for a bit, letting the tension mount, before announcing the results. ''Well, it wasn't exactly close, so, Sandile, come get your berry. Sorry Torterra, you've been eliminated.''

With visible relief, Sandile went on to get his berry while Torterra sighed, his head hanging down.

Monferno hopped to him. ''Sorry mate. But we also voted because you didn't look ready for your evolution. Would be better if you got the hang of your new form outside of the stress of the game.

Torterra smiled. This was indeed the caring monferno he had come to know. Sadly far to heavy to use his paw to tap his back, he transformed his spike into a giga drain to officiate a vine and tapped lightly the playful Pokemon on his shoulder. ''Just beat their asses next time buddy. I'll be fine...hopefully.'' He replied softly before Mesprit teleported his belongings next to him.

Torterra sighed once again before tapu koko floated to him. ''You can have one last confessional before you go. Courtesy of course..'' He explained

The lumbering Grass type went on as the Zamazentas huddled to watch the departure of their first friend.

000

Torterra was smiling sadly in the confessional. ''Second to go in the game after Magikarp...and right after I evolved. Talk about bad timing. But it is for the best. I would have been near useless having to learn how to properly walk on my new paws and adjust of my new weight. Team was nice actually, and I especially enjoyed Roserade's company. I will miss her a lot. She was one of the few that allowed to do things at my own pace. I hope she wins. As for me, another journey starts. Hopefully I will learn how to master this form and finally i'll be able to rest...

000

His confessional done, Torterra clumsily made his way toward the dock and looked to both Koko and Mesprit. ''I've made my peace. I'm ready to go.'' He announced bravely, but his gaze betrayed his fear.

Mesprit smiled sadly and patted the Large grass type on the head. ''I'll see you again. I'm sure of it. Giratina, you can proceed.''

Once again, the large portal opened underneath Torterra's feet. Giratina Roared loudly, making everyone take a step back in fear. The huge claws grabbed the screaming grass beast and dragged him down before the portal closed, swallowing all his belongings.

Shaken, the Zamazentas slowly left to their quarters awaiting Sunset as the host dissapeared.

At Sunset, the two teams were sitting near the bonfire. Everyone's mood was solemn, as the grand reveal of the prize would take place.

Speculation was rampant, as the conversations around the topic were legion.

''It has to be cash.. Come on now...'' Speculated Bidoof, his eyes transforming into dolla signs.

''That gotta be something quite special for them to gather us like this...'' Replied Luxio, his excitement causing sparks to erupt all around him.

''Owow...Hey cat, watch it with the sparks, shit done me flat!'' groaned croagunk.

''Sorry...'' Sheepishly apologized the electric type

On the Zamazenta side, Monferno was still a bit sullen in his losing of Torterra. Haunter, in her full Lopunny Morph, sat down next to him. ''You don't seem to0 good, leader...'' She commented, resisting the need to suck up his negative energy.

Monferno lifted his face toward the specter. ''No...I... I feel like I should have taken the jewel and not let Torterra hold it. We should have won this...It's all my fault...''

For some reason, seeing Monferno all down like this really didn't sit well with Haunter. ''Hey hey hey, stop this. It isn't your fault. We tried to protect him but those guys knew how to aim. It's not healthy to bash yourself down like this...'' She said as she wrapped her ear around his shoulder, holding him close in a comforting hug.

Monferno sighed and leaned into the Haunter, which soothed him somehow. Haunter couldn't resist and nuzzled the tip of his head with her lips. ''We'll win next time, I promess...'' She said softly.

The gesture brought Monferno incredible comfort and Haunter felt that change of emotions, feeling a very similar warmth seep into her body as well.

This was the moment both host suddenly appeared. ''Greeting maggots! I hope you haven't missed us.'' Exclaimed Tapu Koko, sparks erupting all around him.

Bidoof snorted. ''Only missed the cute hostess. You however, are expendable...so nah, we didn't really miss you.'' He replied disdainfully.

Mesprit smiled at being called cute...and giggled softly upon seeing Tapu Koko growl at the beaver. ''You know you're out of her league right? Like you are out of any decent's female league.'' He replied meanly.

Bidoof didn't even blink. ''True, but at the very least I Know what pussy feels like, compared to your obvious virgin self!'' He replied , making most contestant gasp at the beaver's boldness.

Tapu Koko took on a very distinct tinge of pink, before turning Red. ''I'm going to roast you alive.'' He growled darkly before activating electric surge and charging the beaver... only to be intercepted by a bright Red fireball.

''WHO DARES!?'' He shouted loudly before realizing who he was talking to. ''YOU!?''

Mesprit took the iniciative to introduce the newcomer. Said newcomer looked like a small faerie like spirit. White furred like a small rabbit. A very distinct Red V shape on the being's forehead. Small angel like wings behind his short legs and a pair of stylish sunglasses on his eyes. ''Contestants, meet my good friend...(and patient. She said that last part in a whisper.) Victini.

''Heya you victims, It's me, Victini. I hope that you are ready for what's coming. Your brainz isn't ready for this, lemme tell you!'' He said jollily. Most contestants were almost in awe.

For exemple, Hattrem went full fangirl mode! ''WHAT YOU MEAN, YOU'RE THE VICTINI? THE LEGENDARY INFAMOUS HOST OF ALL OF THOSE TPIS? I WATCHED SO MANY OF YOUR SEASONS...''

Yamask vanished behind Hattrem. She had heard that this perticular Victini liked to pick on shy contestants... She didn't want to be a target.

Scyther smiled. ''Finally, a worthy opponent. I wish to face you in battle one day, Victini'' Challenged the visored Pokemon.

Tapu Koko took offense to that. ''Hey what about me? I would make a far better opponent than he would.''

Scyther chuckled. ''You are far too immature for a proper bout, dear Tapu Koko!''

Scyther eyed Victini with suspicion. ''I too have watched many of your seasons...but you were a co-host. is Tapu Koko being replaced?'' He asked wearily.

Mesprit smiled. ''Oh no no no. Nothing of the sort. He is here to both Coach Tapu Koko into being a better co-host, and provide his power for the show.

''Speaking of which, you can come out now, dearest...'' She signaled as another flash of light blinded the contestant momentarily.

As the light receded, a small Pokemon with wishtags on her star shaped head, all white and with beautiful gold like appendages and lovely deep green eyes had appeared.

Mesprit wasted no time to introduce the newcomer as well. ''This is Jirachi. Her role is actually going to be spent now. Jirachi, Victini, please bring forth the ''Prize'' If you please.''

''Very well, Mesprit.'' Both said as they faced each other.

* Music selection - Omni-King's Theme - Dragon Ball Super OST *

A powerful discharge of energy was created, making a golden light appear in between their extended hands. Jirachi glew gold and so did Victini. Wind started to push everyone away, slowly but surely, but Mesprit used her psychic powers to create a barrier to protect the contestants from the release of power. When they were done, after one last brilliant flash of light a sphere softly started floating in between them.

*Music Selection - Unknown Territory - Dragon Ball super OST *

Mesprit smiled. The item had been created without a hitch. A beautiful amber colored ball of solid energy, encased in what seemed to be a translucent glass sphere. Inside that sphere, seven stars were visible. Turning to the contestant, she summoned a socle, and used her psychic powers to summon a pillow, golden as well, and gently pose the sphere on top of the cushion. Turning to the contestants, she smiled upon seeing their admirative and wonder filled faces. ''I am pleased to see that you seem so absorbed in what just happened. This is your prize. The wishing orb.'' She announced gleefully.

Sneasel's mouth was agape. This had been a live demonstration of legendary Power, and his entire fur was still shaking of the intense discharge of Legendary Pokemon power. However, as the leader of the Zacians, he couldn't allow that fact to get the better of him. So he asked. ''I..am right to assume that we aren't competing for just a beautiful piece of jewellery that would probably be priceless...'' He asked wearily.

Tapu Koko pirouetted in the air. ''You are right. But Mesprit can explain it better than I can.'' He explained.

Mesprit smiled. ''That is indeed the case. This wishing orb, as the name implies, has the ability to grant any wishes. As Victini is the victory Pokemon and Jirachi the wish making Pokemon, their combined power created this one time use item. The Winner of the competition will gain the ability to grant him or herself one wish. After which the power contained in the orb will be used and lose a bit of her shine. You can still keep it, as selling it would be indeed viewed as priceless.'' She explained.

''Any wishes? Even...less than honorable ones?'' Asked sandile, who was already imagining what he could do with such a power.

Mesprit nodded. ''Any wishes. Only Arceus herself could veto a wish deemed too...unacceptable. I doubt we will have to go there though.''

Tapu Koko continued. ''Your deepest desires, your most valued wish, your obsessions... Imagine being able to handle that with a single word. That is the power of the wishing orb. You cannot fool us. Every single one of you have at least 1 wish they want to fulfill...that's why we chose you. But only one of you will get to have that wish. So if you want it, better survive, every single day. Every single night. Every single challenge. Cuz only one is getting that.''

Mesprit gently made the whole piedestal vanish back into t a secret room in the colloseum. There would be no chance of them interfering with the prize before the time was right. ''Now go, my contestants. Victini, you stay. We will have to talk.''

The Contestants looked at each other, a look of determination present between all of them. This was far beyond what they had imagined, as their deepest desire flared in their heart, firing them up. With the reveal of the prize, the games were officially started.

End of Chapter

StevenZ12: Whew finally, done with this one. I want to take the time to say that in my headcannon, all TPIs are loosely connected. A few tropes in this stories might ressembles some of the more popular TPI type stories out there. I want to immediately disclaim the use of any references to old TPIs. They belong to their original creators. If my use of said references is in any way problematic, please DM me and I will be happy to change it. The last thing I want to do is to throw any shade at media much bigger than my own.

That said, don't hesitate to tell me how we do, and also Shoutout to Suwako20 for agreeing to be out beta reader. You've been an amazing help and I am sure that you'll continue to be. I enjoy our conversations greatly.

Until next time, bye all and stay tuned for the next chapter.

TORTERRA: Please review the story and no matter what life can bring to you, try to remain positive about it. It's much better that way...