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...)

8. Chapter 8: The Festival of the last fall

SteveZ12: Good day to all of y'all. I hope that you are doing well. On my part, i am doing well. Same goes for my little army behind me. Some wild stuff happened by the time the last and this chapter happened. For exemple, Ash finally went ahead and became waht he always had wanted to be, being a Pokemon Masters. By the time this chapter comes in ,it will hardly be a spoiler xD. Man finally is on top of the world and it only took 25 years for him to do it. Beautiful ending of a multi region journey and I am glad to have been alive to see it happen. Aside of that, I am on the grind like usual, making sure that we can bring you a story that all of you will enjoy.

SV is out soon, and hopefully, I will see some of y'all in Paldea.

Without Further Ado...

Victini: Heya! It's time for the Veee - Caaaap! What you don't like the name VeeCap? Well too bad, I like it, Mes likes it and the Producer likes it so sucks to be you. Anyway, Last Challenge we had kind of a ritual food battle with the two teams. And the visit of the other two beings of knowledge and Willpower. Also..Did y'all get a load of Mesprit's outfit? I...honestly can't compute how cute she is at times. Anyway, After Dunsparce litterally showed how broken Serene Grace is, Luxio more or less lost the challenge for the Zacians by bolting his own teammate. That said, this poor fella seems to have been reminded of something rather tragic...so I shouldn't laugh so hard at this... I am hoping he's doing better, wherever he is now. By that I suppose you understand that after the challenge, won by the Zamazentas, Luxio was eliminated by his teammates so he could go get handled properly. Now It seems that many of these players have some thinking to do. Honestly, even I have some thinking to do, with that offer I received. You really never know what spin can life take at any moment...JUST LIKE YOU CANNOT SEE WHAT SPIN THIS STORY WILL TAKE SO, IF YOU WANNA KNOW WHAT HAPPENS? STAY TUNED FOR WHAT FOLLOWS! SEE Y'ALL NEXT TIME!

CHAPTER 8: The festival of the last Fall

Sneasel looked up at Uxie, his defeated expression barely changing. Uxie watched him curiously. ''I don't remember teaching such a crybaby."

Sneasel gritted his teeth and dried his tears. Beside his parents, if there was one being the sharp claw Pokemon did not want to look weak before, it was Uxie.

''This vision is uncouth of your presence, excuse me Uxie.'' Apologized the sharp claw Pokemon solemnly, standing up to stare at the Being of Knowledge's eyes...even though they were closed.

''I understand that you can be overwhelmed by your emotions. Do not worry about that. However, to be constantly overwhelmed by your emotions to the point where you cannot make a decision or carry out your duty is something I didn't teach you. Why didn't you carry out your duty as a leader and see your friend leave?'' Asked the legendary seriously.

Sneasel felt a great deal of shame at this question. But he knew that Uxie had never held back his remontrances when they were necessary. He also knew that lying to him was borderline impossible. So he answered truthfully. ''I was ashamed of myself. I understand that in the grand scheme of things, those were circumstances out of my control, but I cannot help feel ashamed to have been bested by Him, twice in a row now.'' He said truthfully

Uxie sighed. That competitives nature was certainly not lacking, compared to the species traditional love of violence and conquest. However, the astute psychic type knew that there was something else to blame for that feeling of inadequacy. But he wanted his student to come out with it. And he needed to do it relatively quickly, as Uxie had little patience for long tergiverses. Well, those that didn't include him lecturing someone, that is.

Thanfully, Sneasel, who had been Uxie's student for a while, knew what the slight twitch of the embodiment of Knowledge's tail meant, and sighed. He needed to come out with the truth rather quickly.

''Yes indeed Uxie...there is something deeper at play in my behavior. When I turned 20, my father wanted to test my knowledge and my ability to lead. So we had a simulation of territory war. While my assessments were correct for the most part, somewhow, he won far more tactical fights than I did. There was always something at play somehow, like the weather, an unfortunate miss, a leak, even some internal conflict set deliberately by my father to test me. I decided to join the show, being sure that i could gain leadership and show him that I was fit to lead something toward victory. Yet, at this point in the game. i have more losses than wins, and of the Monkey is mocking me at every chance i have. i quite do not know what to do anymore in order to grasp victory Uxie. I rack my brain for solutions, I ask my teammates for easier access to new ideas and I have as a vice captain, a Metang. I should be winning. Yet I am losing. Losing like this also prevents me from proving to my old man that I can be a successful pack leader. And this also angers me.'' He explained as he tried to calm the burning shame he felt about those perfromances.

Uxie nodded, pleased. ''Being lucid enough to understand your shortcomings is a core value of what I taught you. You sure have grown well since I met you all these years ago. But You have to understand that you have to detach yourself from your conflict with your father. You have a duty with the Zacians, do you not?'' He asked seriously, staring at him through his closed eyes.

Sneasel remained silent, looking down.

Such submissiveness wasn't what Uxie wanted to see in the sharp claw Pokemon. ''Is. it. not?'' He asked again, marking his words this time.

Sneasel felt a sharp rousing of fire rise in his chest. This fire wasn't of shame , pain or anger. It was drive. The Ice/Dark type lifted his head. Uxie smiled.

''These are the eyes I want to see, Sneasel. Those same eyes you had long ago, when you first became my student...'' The being of Knowledge said, showing a small smile.

*Flashback*

A small Sneasel was on the ground, mocked by all of his siblings. The small Ice/Dark type Pokemon was struggling to get up, his fur scratched, his back full of wounds. It was as if he had been beaten up multiple times in succession without rest. And in away...

He had been.

His father, a tall and black Weavile with many scars and claw marks on his body, had his arms crossed and was staring at his runt son with anger and dissapointment.

''See what I mean, Sneasel? You cannot even fight properly, block properly and slash properly. Do you think you can afford to be interested in stuff like hystory? Knowledge? Do you think you have the time to be interested in such things? No you don't. Grow stronger! Only then you can be useful to yourself and useful to the clan.'' He said as he turned away.

The runt was crying, tears of shame and tears of imcomprehension. Why was he so weak? Why couldn't he be understood by his brother and his sisters. Why was he not accepted as he was by his father? Couldn't his father see that with Knowledge, he could gain everything? That if he were to perfect his knowledge, he would be a huge assest for all of them. The only one who seemed to understand him was his mother, which also was an anomaly in their species's traditions and ways. Even though she was strong and Powerful, she also had a very kind heart, and an understanding of Knowledge that was rare for Weaviles.

Said Weavile was seen later, tending to her son's wounds lovingly, soothing him along the way. ''I am sorry that this is happening. As a Weavile myself, I cannot say that your father is wrong. But i do not believe that your interest in knowledge is wrong either.'' She said tenderly as she gave her son an Oran Berry and a Sitrus berry.

''Then Mother...what can I do to show him that my way is just as valid as just gettiing physically stronger?'' He asked, bitter and hurt.

The female Weavile sighed. ''Well, dear, It is said that should you follow the trail of rising rock into the path of everlasting frozen pines, you should find the lake of Acuity. The being that is the source of all Knowledge and intelligence is said to live here. Surely he would be able to guide you. But nobody truly knows. What I would suggest, is that you gain enough strenght to please your father and the rest of the clan, then you can try to allocate some free time to your pursuit of knowledge. Your love for understanding the world is understandable, my son, but for now, the time is ill advised.''

To the small Ice/dark pup, it was the same ol same ol. But the fact that his mother understood him somewhat did soothe him far more than not being allowed to satisfy his undending curiousity. However, this wouldn't do. he didn't care that much about leading the clan, or fighting or anything of the sort. What he wanted was to discover the truth about this world, To understand his sorroundings and the nature that was all around them. That was what Sneasel really wanted to discover. As his mother continued to help tend to him, a plan slowly started to take form inside the sharp claw's pokemon's mind.

That night, as everyone was fast asleep, the small Sharp Claw Pokemon woke up. With great care, the runty ice/dark type quickly left the cavern where they were all sleeping, in order to journey to the north. Tonight would be the night where his own curiosity would finally be answered, and he would either discover genesis of all knowledge or die trying. He was already a constant source of dissapointment for his father and the clan. His dissapearance should normally almost go undetected.

Bowing deeply in front of the Cavern, the sharp claw Pokemon left the nest, almost certain that he would not be coming back there. And started his journey north toward the lake of Acuity. The things he saw on this journey. The beautiful moonlight shiny the everywhite path of route 217, the beautiful frozen lakes populated of Pokemon looking at the runty Sneasel in wonder. It wasn't everyday that such a small Pokemon ended up traveilling to the unknown alone. However, Sneasel had a one track mind at that time, only his curiousity mattered, the rest be damned. He needed to understand who or what was living upstairs in that lake and if all the knowledge of the world crystallized there.

After a few hours of walking and running through the Snow and reaching the ''stairway'' to acquity, Sneasel smiled. This was exactly what his mother had told him. He would finally be able to see his dream fulfilled. Using his newly acquired Rock Climb attack, the sharp claw Pokemon climbed the rocky formation and happened upon a path of everwhite trees. Slowly, cautiously, reverantly, the sharp claw Pokemon made its way inside the path of threes until he reach a beautiful lake. The scene was absolutely enrapturing.

''Whoa...'' Was all the small sharp claw Pokemon could say, as the sheer beauty of the lake under the full moon's moonlight. The pure, etheral white light of the moon was shining beautifully on the fresh white of the snow all around him. There was an eerie silence emanating from this place, as a small, never ending, breeze of cold air gently dance in between the leaves. The air around here was pure, invigorating, exciting, but there was also a heavy feeling of pure weight that also emanated from this place. Sneasel instinctively felt it in his bone. This was the lake. This was lake acuity.

Curiously, despite being in a northen location, the water of the lake was still liquid, creating a lovely contrast with the many frozen lakes in the routes below. The gentle sound of the waves was deeply soothing as well, making Sneasel almost forget that he was currently a small child essentially running away from home.

Hopeful, the small child Pokemon sat down at the edge of the lake, admiring the lake's beauty for a long time. However, he had come for one reason, and his curiousity could not be held back anymore.

''Spirit of the lake, bearer of the world's knowledge and beyond. If you are here, please manifest. I so desesperately wish to meet you...'' He said, and half prayed. He didn't know how to talk to such a spirit. What position to adopt, what disposition of heart to have. All he knew that was his intention were Genuine. However, the lake remained the same silent self.

''Please, spirit of the lake. I wish not to disturb you or anything, nor I come with wrong intentions...I merely wish to gain more Knowledge. To understand everything there is to understand in the world. That is my dream...'' He fervently stated once more.

...

...

...

The lake wouldn't bring any answer. There was no manifestation that anything had ever heard it. The words of his mother started to echo on his head, about the spirit of the lake having the knowledge of the world and beyond being just a rumor. He didn't want to give up. He had braved so many interdictions in order to come. He couldn't possibly leave empty handed.

''Please...if you are here...I beg of you, manifest your presence. I wish to know. I wish to learn. I want to understand this legend...''He said one last time, only to be met with unfulfilling silence, and soon, came the time where the small little pokemon could no longer wait. He had to come back in order to avoid being in trouble. Sadly, his mother had sent him on the wrong path. There was no being of Knowledge, no genesis of all of the world to be found here. Just an empty lake with a cave iin the middle that was really pretty and soothing, but without much more to it. Heartbroken and feeling unworthy, the small child sighed, bit down tears of frustration and prepared to go back to where he came. How sad he was, how broken his hopes were. Could it go even worse?

...

...

...

It couldn't.

The moment the small sharp claw Pokemon made a step, something changed. The wind blowing through the trees started creating a strange melody that resonated in the are. If one could describe this in musical notes, the melody went like: ''Do, Sol, La sharp, then back to Do at the superior octave.'' It was a little subdued, and it seemed to echoe. But even as a small child, Sneasel understood that something had changed in the air. The sorroundings seemed a bit bright, like it wasn't completely sticked in reality. The small child turned around, compelled by some strange premonition. Upon turning around, he stopped, his mouth agape.

Standing in front of the entrance of the cave in the middle of the lake, floating right in front of this eyes, was a yellow outlined translucent being. The being had no features, just a yellow aura outlining a small body and what seemed to be two tails. The being had no features, but its presence alone had almost compelled Sneasel to fall to his knees. This was the spirit of the lake, or Pokemon like him simply didn't exist. He couldn't believe his eyes. After having almost abandonned all hope of ever seeing that being, he now stood before him. Sneasel didn't see any feature on him, but he was quite certain that the silouette was staring at him. Rather intently as well.

''Y...you...you exist...'' He said shakily as his legs failed him out of shock. He fell flat to his face, the merciful snow cushioning his fall.

When his head reared up, the being was still floating in the same position. It had barely moved.

Sneasel felt tears of joy wet his eyes. His mother finally hadn't lied about the spirit of the lake, and he was definitely not dreaming what he was seeing.

Eager to see that apparition closer, the dark/ice type stood up, forcing his shaking legs to remain steady as he slowly walked toward the Being.

''You...At long...last..Will you listen to...'' He started before the being vanished.

''Hey! Where you'd go?'' He asked the spirit. ''Come back...please...'' He asked as he fell face first into the Snow. Only then, the sharp claw realized how actually tired he had been. He didn't have much strenght left.

For a little while, only the whispering of the wind, still creating this odd, solemn tune, remained his only companion. Sneasel sighed, happy that the spirit had shown itself...but a bit dissapointed that the spirit didn't seem to be very inclined to listen to him. Pushing himself up again, he simply bowed toward the lake.

''I will be back...I..Now that I know that you exist...I want ...to know more. How many legends, how many rumors passed down are true or not true...in the world. If there are trials to be passed, I'll pass them. If its age I need to gain in order to be worthy of you, I'll do it...
I wish to know more...Thank you for showing yourself to me...'' He said solemnly before he turned back, going back by the way he came.

If the being was touched by his drive to seek Knowledge, and his sincere desire to be worthy of Knowing him at such a young age, Sneasel didn't know. But such drive didn't remain unremarked. As such...

''Young one...''

Sneasel froze again, his heart swelling with hope that he didn't know he could possess... Slowly turning his head. His brain almost overloaded when it realized that the translucent being he saw...wasn't translucent at all.

Yellow outlined, a small grey pixie with eyes constantly closed was now floating at the same place the translucent being had been, The top of the fairy's head was yellow, and so as his pupils. His body was slender and greyish. Two tails at his rear end was decorated with two crystals at the end of the said tails. A red crystal also decorated the being's forehead.

''Young one...come closer...Your sincere desire to know more and your drive, i reconize them. Come forth, and you shall know more...'' Said the being as Sneasel, like he was hypnotized, walked toward the being, until he reached the edge of the shore. He then sat down, ready and receptive to the being's words.

The being then introduced himself. ''I am the being of Knowledge. I am known as Yuxie. However, in the modern language of this land. I am simply refered to as Uxie. By me, man and Pokemonkind gained the ability to have intelligent thought. By my presence, you can deduce that my sister and brother and their legends are indeed true and not just folklore. We are creation of Arceus, which created the three dragons that represent reality.''

Sneasel was already subjugated. At that precise moment, it didn't matter to him if dawn came and his parents realized that he wasn't home. He didn't care if he stayed in this position without food and water for the rest of his days. He was where he needed to be. He was where he wanted to be. Nothing else mattered right now, not even his own life.

''I..'' He started before the being of knowledge lifted a paw up, shutting him up immediately.

''I know who you are, Sneasel of the Clawheart clan. Runt of your litter despite being the heir of your clan. I understand your struggle well, for I have seen it happen time and time again in history. You are currently locked in a war with the Braveheart Clan that has been going on for a few moons, are you not? Yet, you have come here to seek more knowledge and not a way to win that war. I am rather impressed by your drive to learn, so powerful that you would run through enemy territory and beyond under the cover of the night to come here. Your resolve, if nothing else, is admirable. Now, in front of such a pure drive, I can only offer you to be my student. To become so, you need not to pass tests nor to age, like you previously stated. You only need to answer one question.

''Do you want to know more?...''

Sneasel needed not to speak. His eyes shined like burning saucers. His entire being was lit with a sacred fire that almost manifested in physical form. Learning more was litterally everything he had ever wanted... Of course he wanted to learn more;

* End of Flashback *

000

Sneasel was in the confessional. ''After this encounter, My life was never the same again. I learned so much in that one night with Uxie. I was able to go back to my clan the next day, and while I was harshly scolded by my father for leaving the cavern and worrying the entire clan, he saw in my eyes that something massive had happened. When my mother asked me why did I feel and spoke differently. I simply looked at her with the brightest smile I could muster. If i could have kissed her at that moment I would have done so. I was so grateful for her. Then I confidently told my dad that I had a way to handle the war. they were dubious, but my newfound confidence was a sight to behold, and my father, dubious since it had happened more or less overnight, decided to hear me out. Of course, Uxie was the one who had instructed me, but on his request, I didn't reveal his actual involvement. I do believe that my mother understood immediately when I smiled at her, and that she also understood, as she was very perceptive, that I couldn't talk freely about what i had seen. They thankfully followed my advice and they won the war, finally ending moons upon moons of strife. After this, and until that assessment war, I was given free reign on what i could do, and I used this opportunity to return to Uxie's lake and learn with him. Those years were supreme bliss for me. After my 18th Birthday and one last lesson, Uxie never appeared to me again. He didn't tell me goodbye or anything. He just stopped appearing to me, as if all of those years were a mere mirage. However I knew better. Uxie, while he had all of the Knowledge in the world and beyond, wouldn't simply just give it to me. It was now my turn to seek knowledge beyond the mere confines of my clan's territory and his lake. Beside, learing by myself would be a much more fruitful endeavor... But quite honestly, I wish that he didn't come back to see me in such a sorry state...''

000

Sneasel was back at his cabin, in his room. Watching out of the window and feeling totally revigorated. He looked at his paw, a faint yellow glow responded to his will before fading.

''Uxie's blessing...I cannot let it go to waste. Every situation is data, every situation is experience. i can always use those experience to further the bigger picture. That is what I was taught. And that is what I will apply.'' He said softly as he went back to his bed and fell asleep, his soul's unrest calmed and quenched.

000

In the beach of the Island, a familiar trio of stooges were now organizing their next few moves. Circumstances had worked in their favor so far, so they were realtively feeling safe. But some organizing still needed to be made.

'' So the next to go on our team, who should it be?'' Asked Croagunk as he munched on a celeri he had found in Sosei farm. Those made for pretty good thinking snacks.

Wartortle lifted an eyebrow. ''No rapping?'' he asked dubiously.

''Well it can be nice to change it up sometimes. I still love rapping when I talk though. '' replied the muay thai frog with a shrug before both Pokemon turned to ALolan Ninetales.

After a slight moment of thinking, the Alpha fox Pokemon replied rather confidently. ''The coal kart!''

Wartortle was a bit shocked. ''I expected bidoof or Riolu. Why the coal?'' asked the shellfish Pokemon, not really understanding.

''I'm with da turtle on this one, Shawty. What makes the coal cart a target, Milady?'' He rapped

The artic fox Pokemon replied nonchalantly. ''He's annoying, he's imprevisible and he's strong agaisnt me. That's strong enough grounds in my book...'' She said.

Wartortle was a bit doubting. ''Are you sure that's the reason? I mean, he can be annoying but he hasn't really done much. If anything, he has been quite a useful Pokemon lately, and we almost won because he was there...'' He analysed smoothly.

Croagunk looked at Wartortle with a new face. He hadn't pegged the Water type to be that perceptive.

Alolan Ninetales was a bit embarassed. She didn't fully know if she liked that side of Wartortle, which she had pegged to be a simple muscle macho delinquent she could easily manipulate with good sex. But it was evident that being always by her side was developping his more sensitive side, and this could be either a strenght or a big detriment in the long run.

''Y..yes...it,s the reason.'' she almost stuttered, catching herself at the last second not to look suspicious.

Croagunk shrugged. ''Well, I suppose as long as it aint one of us, I am not going to complain for a bone or an us. Alright then, I'll be beating back to the crib. See y'all around and don't break no rib!'' He said as he left the beach, walking and vibing as usual.

Which left Wartortle and Ninetales together...alone.

The Artic fox felt the need install itself slowly. But what Wartortle did next took her completely by surprise. The water type turtle Pokemon gently grabbed the headtuffs of Ninetales and slowly brought the fox closer to him, then kissed the inside of her neck. By some miracle, he found that one spot that made her melt like ice cream in the sun...and he mercilessly attacked it like a kamikaze on a mission.

The Alolan Fox was thrown into a world of pleasure she hadn't known really in her life. After a while, Wartortle stopped and looked at her seriously. ''He's gone now. So what's the reason you want Carkol gone Babe?'' He asked.

The Fox was stunned. ''Where does this viril attitude comes from?'' She asked him. ''I told you the...ohhh...'' She said before she was cut of by Wartortle kissing her deeply. Her mind turned blank for a second. What exactly was happening here...?

Wartortle stopped and the fox had to catch her breath...before replying dazedly. ''W...what ar..are you doing?''

The shellfish smiled carnivorously. ''I am just doing what you do to me. Wanted to see if I could do that and you definitely are receptive to people taking charge do you?''

The fox snarled and was about to reply something harsh but a simple stroke of the base of her tails by Wartortle and the thought left her mind completely.

Inside, Wartortle was throughroughly enjoying what he was doing to her. He had dreamed about flipping their dynamic for so long...but was a bit too afraid of the Fox to do so. But now, somehow, he felt bold. And seeing how She was positively responding to what he was doing, regardless of what she thought or now, gave him even more confidence.

''He..hurt Luxio.. I don't really like seeing Pokemon in such pure fear state..so I want him gone...'' She admitted as Wartortle kept stronking her tail as a reward for being honest.

The fox put her head on the Water type's chest as he kept stroking her tail and kissing her neck. She wanted nothing more than to jump on him and rut him until his hips broke in two...but somehow, She enjoyed just that attention.

000

Alolan Ninetales was blushing a beautiful crimson in the confessional.

''This proves nothing. I am still the Alpha Female and he's still my boytoy... Though... I like it when he takes charge.''

000

Wartortle was smiling in the confessional. ''Not to generalize, but my gang always told me that the more ''dominant'' a female is, the more they enjoy it when someone take charge. I always feel a certain degree of fear when I do that with her...but when it works, having her like putty in my hands is the best feeling in the world...

000

Bidoof and Carkol were in Sosei farm, watching Mesprit, Azelf and Uxie enjoying a warm tea with the interns and Latias. Carkol of course, was there for covering duty, with a very strong smokescreen and soot screen ability to cover their escape. their Emuritto miroir project imput was a little low, for the Zacians, but today they could remedy to that problem.

The visit of her sibling seemed to have a liberating and soothing effect on the emotion Pokemon.

''I just wanted to say that I am happy that you all have made last challenge possible...''Said the embodiment of emotions, happy and content under the beautiful moon. Even bidoof had to admit. seeing Mesprit liberated and happy was worth it. She was simply stunning. He would still annoy her and Tapu Koko , despite him not being too hot about handling Azelf. He might had been pretty ballsy the first time he had stared into those empty, emotionless eyes, but every time he remembered them, he felt like he had escaped death or something.

''Man i still cannot believe that the co-host is having us do this. Couldn't they keep us out of their stupid little wager?'' Moaned quietly the beaver Pokemon as he shifted around to have a better position.

Carkol rolled a bit behind, his ancient power attack subtly moving the leaves and vegetation in order to conceal them better. ''Well i have to say that this is pretty exciting nonetheless.'' He commented softly, earning him a nonplussed look from Bidoof.

''What's so fun about stalking the host? I'd much rather be in my bed right now...'' He whispered in an annoyed manner as he resumed his watch.

Carkol chuckled lowly, his coal cart lighting lightly. ''You say that, but I didn't miss those eyes when you watched Mesprit talk.'' He pointed out mockingly.

Bidoof grunted in dissaproval. ''Whatever. I just hope we can get this over with quickly so i can go to bed. I need my beauty sleep after all.''

The fire/rock type simply rumbled lightly amusedly.

They both stayed like this, patiently waiting for something worth taking a picture of to happen.

''So Azelf, what are you up to?'' Mesprit asked the blue embodiment of willpower.

The psychic type sighed, a very slight smirk appearing on his face. ''Well I have sent Urshifu and Mienshao on their yearly training trip around the region. It's actually their's last one. If they manage to come back and show satisfying progress, I can very likely finally let them take more place in the Dojo. They have been helping me for quite a bit. I am proud of them. Mienshao in perticular has demonstrated great progress. She is just perfect for the Strong style.'' He said simply, closing his eyes and crossing his arms in a pleased manner.

Mesprit smiled happily at this. ''I remember when you found that adorable baby bear... Little Kubfu isn't so little anymore heh. He even saved that Mienshao lady when she was a mienfoo. Apparently it was an amazing save that he had done. Shouldn't they be back soon then? It's been almost a year actually...''

Azelf nodded. ''Indeed. I actually have contacted them via Origin Deliveries. They should be over there shortly.'' He said cryptically with Mesprit understanding.

Uxie interjected at that moment, as he was enjoying his cup of tea quitetly. ''It seems that we more or less have all someone we look over. Azelf with his two trainees, Mesprit with that white furred bunny and me with Sneasel'' He commented amusedly.

Azelf actually turned to his brother. ''You mean that same Sneasel you spent years teaching?'' He asked dubiously.

''Indeed. I had to lift his spirit up somewhat. Apparently, it has been very rough for him. He always was good at making strategies, but sadly he is cruelly lacking in adaptation. I am hoping he can get that very vital skill here in the game Mesprit leads. He said softly.

Bidoof and Carkol eyes widened. This was rather interesting news. Their leader had been involved with Uxie? This was almost unfair.

''You got a load of that Carkol?'' Bidoof said, completely stunned by the revelation.

''Yes i did Bidoof. I was wondering why Sneasel was always looking at the judges when he was directing our cooking last challenge.

The beaver Pokemon looked at the Carkol with a raised eyebrows. ''How did you even saw this?''

Carkol narrowed his eyes. ''You really should remember that I wasn't really moving when we were cooking. I could see all of it pretty well.''

''WHO DID THIS?''

Both pokemon were startled as a mad Chef Throh came out of his kitchen, his face now a vibrant pink. Both the other legends and the interns who were enjoying the tea turned to the direction of his voice. They sweetdropped as they saw the chief's face...and immediately started laughing, with Mesprit very slightly laughing at his expenses

Bidoof saw this and had to comment...''Well, if anything, Mesprit has a pretty laugh and smile...but should she really be laughing at this guy?'' he asked a bit wearily.

The coal cart chuckled, snapping a photo of chef throh with his ancient power. ''I agree about the host. She's just plain pretty. But to laugh at Throh's face... It also takes some guts, even if she is the Emotion Pokemon.

''WHAT'S SO FUNNY?!'' Asked an even angrier Chef Throh, provoking the laughter of even Uxie, abeit contained, and a rapid chuckle from Azelf, which was already a lot considering his attitude around strangers.

Mesprit floated next to Chef Throh and patted his back. ''You should be happy, Pink goes well with your outfit. You barely laugh so a small prank have to get rid of that constant frown you have.''

''This is a Judogi, Mesprit. It has to remain pristine. Now it has some spot of... jam on it. Do you know who did this?'' He asked.

''It was me silly...'' She admitted without an ounce of remorse, and even laughing a little.

''Then you must pay...Boss or not! Ush!'' Throh said before taking a step toward the embodiement of emotion, who weaseled out of his way with such ease that the burly chef was stunned.

''You are going to need to do better than that Chef.'' She said as she avoided every single one of his attempt to catch her.

The interns were watching the developpement with conflicted expressions. They really wanted to continue laughing, but they were kind of afraid of the Chef.

Uxie sweatdropped. ''There we go. Everytime we are around, it's like she goes back to be a prankster. I wonder if i should make the intern forget what they just saw.''

Azelf shook his head. ''I would say no. It's better for them as well as for us to remember that we can have fun too. We are not made in stone after all.''

Bidoof, snapped a few Pictures of a Merry Mesprit making a total fool of the experienced Judoka Pokemon, even avoiding one of his catch attempts and landing on his head on hand, doing some sort of handstand, to the hilarity of the room. Then he shook his head. ''It's a pretty unexpected side of her. You know, for a legendary Goddess Pokemon, she can be quite a child. I am pretty sure i will have trouble taking her seriously after seeing that...'' He noted

Carkol shook his head and launched a small bunring rock on Bidoof's rear with his ancient power. The beaver Pokemon hissed in pain before turning toward the fire type.

''The fuck that was for?'' He whispered harshly.

The fire type gave Bidoof a stern stare. ''You know. I've been meaning to tell you this. Mesprit have been described to be like that. Playful and energetic. Which she does show from time to time. But even if she wasn't, she has a whole show to manage. You don't think it'd be fair to her to release some pressure by being herself a little? You shouldn't make such judgements on a being that predate us by eons. She litterally is the reason you can feel your emotions...Would be kind of odd if she didn't express them. its odd, but looking at her being this happy and mischievious really make me happy. There is some value to this and you should probably give it some thought.'' he said as he quietly started rolling away back at his cabin

Bidoof stayed a little, snapping one last Picture before heading toward the Zacian shack with his mind bursting with thoughts.

000

Bidoof was sitting in the confessional with a thoughtful look on his face. '' Am I really too harsh on them?'' he asked as he looked at his paws...

000

000

Riolu was on the otherside of the beach, relaxing alone as it was his habit after an hard day of labor. He relished those moment alone. He knew that this was how he recharged. However, a certain dragon type was on his mind. Apparently, she had been very well behaved during the Cooking challenge. He had been actually surprised to see the drake cut the fruits with such delicacy after all of the destruction he had been able to see from the first time he had met her. He was actually surprised that he wasn't being attacked right now. In fact, he couldn't even sense her around, which was a first. Did he had that much impact on her already? He could have. After all, he also had that kind of impact on people back home. As a Riolu, he relished strenght. But there was time where strenght of body and technique wasn't enough. He needed strenght of mind as well. Maybe he would find it here, in this game? Getting up from his spot, the Jackal pup went into a cave adjacent to the beach where he had found an amazing place to be. An hidden hot spring, with a warm, heavy waterfall. He didn't know this place existed before just a few days ago, but now, he borderline didn't want to sleep in his cabin anymore. This was everything he had ever needed. Taking place under the waterfall and putting himself in a meditating position, the Jackal pup started Meditating, his aura gently dancing like a flame in the relative darkness of the cave.

000

Lapras and Makuhita were on the other side of the Island, on their spot in the lake. Just like usual, the water type was swimming on the lake and the pudgy sumo was on top of her shell, his head laying on the back of his's girlfriend neck. Their leisurly swimming might have been rather aimless, but it didn't need to have a certain location in mind. After all, They were content enough as they were, swimming aimlessly on their small lake. Under the moonlight, it felt even more peaceful and serene than before. Being Pokemon of relative few words, they didn't speak for a while, letting the gentle sounds of the asleep forest and sorrounding shores be their conversation for a while.

Eventually though, Makuhita looked up. ''You know sweetie?''

Lapras lowered her head to Makuhita's level. ''What is it?''

the pudgy sumo sighed happily, laying his face on her head. ''I feel like quitting already.'' He said seriously.

''Quitting? Why?'' She asked, a bit surprised by his words.

Makuhita chuckled. ''Don't be like that haha. I don't mean that i want to be eliminated on purpose or something. It's just that, when I came here to have some fun, go with the flow and you know, see new things. I got all of that already. I almost never left my little town of Dewford, back in hoenn. All about surfing and mastering my martial art. The Ganseiken. Then I felt like I needed to see new horizons or I'd never improve. So I came to the show. I never expected to see legendary Pokemon, the number 1 signer in the world, a crazy ghost wraith...and find love...'' he explained with win gently pecking Lapras's cheek at that phrase, earning him a small, pleased and coquettish laugh from the water/ice type. Quite honestly, I am satisfied already. ''There is something I'd like to do before I go though...'' The pudgy sumo said with a very unusal fire in his eyes.

Lapras was surprised by this. ''I hardly see you with those eyes? What's got your blood unfreezing?'' She asked tactfully.

Makuhita smiled. ''You'll understand soon enough...'' He said cryptically before laying back on her shell, under the tender gaze of Lapras, who was not to far from his position.

000

Lapras was smiling in the confessional. ''Honestly, I understand what he means. Even if I will be sad if he does leave, i feel like he has already made his peace. I feel that he is kind of giving up too easily at the chance of having any dream granted, but if he was saying that, perhaps it means that he consider his dreams already granted...I...I didn't think I could be someone's dream...'' She said as she blushed and some smoke puffed out of her ears.

000

Makuhita was standing up in the confessional, a rare competitive smile on his face. ''I love Lapras. But there is one more thing I want to do before I leave the Island. I never actually had the opportunity to use my martial art at all yet. And there is someone on the other team that I could most likely battle pretty hard against...''He said as he slapped his fist on his other hand

000

Sandile was grinning like an apex predator. In front of him was a terrified Yamask. Around said Yamask's body was chains of dark energy. They prevented the terrified ghost type from moving.

''Please...let me go...I haven't done anything wrong...'' She wailed quietly before being forcefully shut up with a shadow claw to the face.

''I don't remember allowing you to fucking talk, you useless ghost. If you want to remain here and in one piece, you will do as I say right? Or maybe your ''Lady'' will have to suffer some very traumatic experiences...because of you...'' He said menacingly, snapping his jaw next to her face.

Yamask was terrified, and that terror simply stopped her from emitting a single cry. She could only nod in response. Growling menacingly, he released the chains of dark energy and the terrified, sniveling ghost type fell onto the ground, shaking like a leaf.

Sandile turned to leave. ''You better dry those weak ass tears before getting back to the shack. And remember. I am always watching you...'' he said menacingly as he dissapeared into the shadows.

Yamask was left on the ground, powerless and helpless, crying over her fate.

000

Yamask was crying in the confessional. ''Just as things were finally looking up in this afterlife...Why Arceus...why...''

000

Sandile arrived in his meeting place, waiting for her to appear. ''She was right...Letting you evil nature out feels so damn good. Finally feeling the power of someone cowering under your gaze is cathartic. Those moves she taught me...'' He said

''They were quite useful, correct?'' A sweet, dark voice completed. Sandile turned toward the voice and almost gaped. Haunter was standing not too far from him, watching him in her Lopunny morph form. She was almost completely tangible, with her fur being deep purple instead of brown like those of her kind. As Sandile now knew, that form meant that she had just fed. And judging by how shiny and healty her coat looked, it had been a feast.

''You must have gorged yourself to look this good. Just how many...?'' he asked wearily.

Haunter smiled. The fear she sensed on him was delicious. ''Enough. Now I saw how you performed on that worthless little ghost. you get a 6 from me. You made her fear you enough to obey you, but you could have went much deeper than this. At least you used both Embargo and Shadow Claw...'' She said as she bit into a Khasib berry, the leftover juices trailing from the corner of her mouth and trailing her body, making the croc stare at the scene.

''Can you stop doing that'' The croc said as he blushed a deep crimson.

''Let me think about it?...No!'' Said the ghost type.

''Figures... So what do we have her do?'' he asked expectantly.

The Lopunny ghost laughed slightly. ''That's for you to decide, little croc. But you better provide result...'' She warned as she left the meeting place, leaving a seething Croc Pokemon behind.

000

Sandile was looking in the confessional, a scowl on his face. ''She's asking to be backstabbed harder than she was when she fought the crazy duck guy.''

000

There was a night, and there was a day. Monferno fluttered open. Next to him was his beloved Haunter, sleeping soundly, which was a rarity since ghost types normally rarely needed to sleep. He gave her a small kiss on her forehead. It was kind of amazing how she could keep her morph even while she was sleeping. He could have stayed to ponder about this, but he had stuff to do. Taking his equiment, he left by his window, landing next to a waiting Makuhita. The Pudgy sumo was already suited up, camouflaged and ready to go on his mission. Monferno smiled at this. ''Morning Sumo. Ready for the mission?'' He said as he put himself in attention. Makuhita chuckled, replying to his salute before taking out his Camouflage kit. ''Morning Flame. Ready to go on duty. I will apply the make up now. Your color would make us too easy to spot.'' He said as he started to apply the camo make up on Monferno's face, tail and hands. When he was done, the pudgy sumo was rather proud of his handywork. Monferno wouldn't be reconized by experienced snipers with how well he was camoed. The two comparse then pulled out a map. ''So we are going to go on a surveillance mission around the compound of the target. Then we will take picture of the target on auspicious moments and then we will evacuate the area. This shouldn't be too hard but it is still a top SS level secret mission. Any questions?'' Asked Monferno after he putted the map back into his equipement. Makuhita chuckled and shook his head. Then, both left the compound quietly and made their way to Sosei Lake, home of Mesprit's compound.

When they arrived at Sosei lake, They saw their target, Mesprit beaming with joy. Next to her was floating a small radio and a small towel. Humming quietly to herself, the Embodiment of emotion started leaving the area, not a single care troubling her pretty head. With hands signs, Monferno and Makuhita communicated the course of action to take, which was to follow her of course.

Stealthily, they made it to Sosei's beautiful waterfall, understandingly called Sosei Falls. It had been quite hard to follow the Emotion Pokemon, who was much faster than the two of them were expecting. They had to bob and weave through the thick vegetation and it's panting that they reached the pond of Sosei waterfall, just alert enough to find their point of observation. They were ready for their contribution. The target was stretching already, her small hands toward the skies and her tiny feet stretching down. Her little radio was in the edge of the pond, playing some upbeat tune who really gave one the desire to dance. Monferno's ears perked up, as it was a popular compilation of Meloetta's best singles. Her voice really could do whatever it wanted, even inducing energy into pokemon. He could hardly keep in place, but he had to keep it in, as he had a mission to do.

In succession, the embodiement of emotion did the following exercices. She stretched her body by leaving one arm up, and the other one among her body, going left, and right. Then, when she was done, she did some arm circles of varying speed, going slow sometimes, going fast some other time, and that, in somehow perfect rythm with the music. It was fascinating to see. In addition, once she was done with those stretches, She did feet raises, where she brought her feet level with her head while bending her body like one would do knee jacks. She did that while controlling her lifts and decents, showing great core body strenght, which wasn't always obvious due to her petite body. Then, in a very cute display, she started doing some punches, at first just practicing the motions, then gradually raising the speed until her tiny fist were a blur. Both onlookers gulped. Making her mad really wasn't in any of their best interests.

''By the dew of my town, she sure can punch rapidly..''Makuhita said as he lowered his body to remain hidden and took a few pictures of Mesprit as she continued with her punching sequence.

...

...

''She also really stretches everything out pretty well. That Morning routine is excellent, preparing the body for the all the possible activites she'll have to perform today.'' He commented approvingly

...

...

Upon receiving no answer, Makuhita turned toward Monferno and realised with alarm that the Monkey Pokemon wasn't next to him. Rather he was a bit in the back, practicing his mach punches and stetching just like Mesprit was doing.

''Are you trying to get us found out ?'' Makuhita hissed.

Monferno looked at his teammate sheepishly. I am sorry, I can't really help it with that music...and what she's doing looks so much fun...''

Makuhita fought down the urge to faceplant. ''You lucky that you the Leader.'' he said before pinning the Monkey Pokemon with an arm. ''Stay down and hide that tail.'' He said sternly as he looked back at Mesprit who was finishing her routine.

''I...I can't see mate...'' Grumbled the fire type Monkey.

''Shush...'' said the pudgy sumo as he looked back at mesprit. The embodiment of emotion looked stunning and happy after her stretches. Makuhita snapped yet another picture.

Mesprit then stretched her entire body again before suddenly diving into the water and swam around the lake. Makuhita remained focused, not wanting to miss when she would come back up.

Eventually, she did. When that happened, her wet body caught a beam of sunlight, with the same beam making her body glow like she was covered in beautiful diamonds and her rubies shining beautifully in the morning sun, she looked like a straight apparition out of some altar. Makuhita was transfixed momentarily by her and in doing so released the grip he had on Monferno.

'What's going on...whoa..'' Monferno said as he popped back up and saw Mesprit shining, litterally. ''Is..that her true regal form? She looks...so...Good?'' He muttered.

Makuhita could only nod and took a picture immediately. Mesprit then dried herself with her small towel, nodded happily and dissapeared, radio and all.

Both Pokemon looked at each other, befuddled.

''This might be the best photo we have taken so far for the mission...'' Makuhita said, blushing slightly.

''I just hope our girlfriends won't be too mad...How are we supposed to remain insensible to THAT?'' whined the Monkey Pokemon.

Makuhita chuckled. ''No idea my dude. Anyway, the mission's a success... Let's go back.'' he proposed.

''I agree, let's indeed. Who know what kind of crazy thing they will have us do today?'' Said a relaxed Monferno as they both left for the Zamazenta's shack.

000

In the Zacian's shack, The team slowly was getting up. Sneasel was already outside, thinking about Uxie's words. He wouldn't give up just yet, but he had to admit that it was pretty hard to be motivated when some divine force was preventing him to win, no matter what he did or what happened.

''Another day, another possible challenge day. Can I really lead this team to victory by remaining honorable and strategy focused?'' He asked himself as he walked toward Sosei hall.

Inside the shack, Croagunk and Wartortle were discussing of the recent events.

''We lose a lot. And that Goody two shoes will not start actually doing what has to be done. Wouldn't it be around the time to ask for a forceful change of leadership?'' Asked the blue shelled Pokemon as he ate a wacan berry that he had stashed in his shell.

Croagunk shrugged. ''If we lose this challenge, we'll actually speak of it for real. After all, I do not want to get sent home and despite his good intention, the fella just don't win...'' He said as they both exited the shack as well.

Alolan Ninetales yawned. She had passed an excellent night..especially after some very vigourous...err.. activities, with Wartortle. It was amazing how his stamina was admirable, providing a lot of help for her condition while bringning in more than her fill of physical carnal pleasure. However, her mood was quickly soured by the unpleasent memory of a certain host. She snarled. She would make her pay. And she knew just the way to do it...

000

Alolan Ninetales snarled at the confessional's camera, her look the most malovelent one had ever seen.

''I don't care that she is a goddess or something. I will make her pay.''

000

In the Zamazenta shack, Roserade was making the tea as usual. Interestingly enough, Yamask hadn't joined her today. Maybe she was being a late waker. There were days like this after all. It was possible, even though by virtue of being a ghost type, Yamask hardly needed sleep.

The Zamazentas slowly came around the table however, attracted by the smell of the mellow aroma of the tea. It was always a welcomed way to start a day, and Roserade, being the maternal Pokemon she was, was happy to provide it to them.

Haunter, in her lopunny morph, was among the first to drink her tea. It felt amazing. She thought about her situation as she listened to the others talk. Her boyfriend was oddly nowhere to be seen. Same for Makuhita. She could have sworn that her banana loving Monkey was not an early person. And Makuhita, who always was present and next or near Lapras, was also not there. The water type also looked slightly worried, even though she was entertained by the lively conversation between Falinks and Scyther, who were arguing this time about the best morning tea. Oran or sitrus berry tea.

''Where is he even?''

''CHALLENGERS! COME TO THE HALL FOR YOUR NEXT CHALLENGE!'' Boomed the cheery voice of Tapu Koko using the megaphones installed aorund the Island.

Haunter frowned. This would be something she would have to understand later, it seemed.

000

Haunter was staring with a claw under her chin in the confessional. ''How suspicious...that coincidence...''

000

Mesprit and Tapu Koko were in Sosei Hall, guested with Azelf and Uxie, who were both looking at the contestants with interest. Both Team had finished their meal, prepared curtesy of Chef Throh. If there was one thing they couldn't complain about, it was their food. Never mind the stereotype of the slab they were meant to eat as part of the whole show experience. It was actually a refreshing avenue. Anyhow, the Emotion Pokemon took front and center, a happy, fresh look on her face.

''I hope that you have slept well, because you are going to need it today..'' She prefaced, with Bidoof scoffing.

''Heh. We are kind of used to it by now Old Lady...'' He chided.

A tick mark appeared on Mesprit's face. But no other signs of annoyance even fluttered on her face. One really had to admire the host. Many other host, including her ''Patient'' would have already done away with the insolent little beaver already.

''Ignoring that, I am sure you want to know about your challenge right about now?'' She said softly as she imagined in her mind at least 20 ways to wring the small beaver's neck.

Sneasel nodded seriously. ''Indeed we would.''

Tapu Koko smiled at this. ''At least he has the right idea. I can't dislike that...'' He commented before pirouetting in the air.

''Today your challenge actually won't take place here, on Sosei Island...''

Monferno raised an eyebrow. ''What do you mean?''

Mesprit smiled happily. ''Rather than saying it...''

Tapu Koko chimed in. ''We will show you.'' He finished

With a nod, All three embodiments started glowing, and a bright flash was emitted, blinding everyone.

000

The City of Ecruteak city was relatively big and unchanged from the time human last walked this plane of reality. It was a beautiful place, renowned throughout the world for its beauty. It was also called the town of the twin towers. As a reminder of the fragility of the building and time. The burned tower was never actually rebuilt, but rather kept eternally sturdy via a gift of Dialga, who'se invisible barrier around the building prevented time to further ravage it. The Kimono theatres were still keeping the tradition alive, even after all of these times. Aside of that, It was fairly unchanged and beautiful. Really living up to the epitheth ''A city that even now bears the marks of its history.''

However, as this may, the town was a little different. Many lanterns were lit. The beautiful sakura trees were in full bloom, which was very odd and contrasting with the leaves falling of the sorrounding flora. A nice aroma of takoyaki and sugar apples were wafting in the air. It was clear that a lovely festival was happening.
And it was there that they decided to drop the players. who were disseminated in random parts of the city.

''Where are we even?'' Asked Croagunk, as he groaned and peeled off Wartortle from atop him.

''Ay watch it, I didn't ask to be dropped there you know...'' He grumbled.

''Will you boys will stop whining, at least you didn't land in a thorny bush...'' A feminine voice groaned. Both Pokemon turned toward the voice and saw Alolan Ninetales looking pretty miffed about her situation. Some twig was sticking out of her fur at times and some leaves was clinging to her head tuff, giving her a pretty comical appeareance.

Riolu was looking atop the now defuct gym, handing landed on his hand without the least bit fazed. Must be nice to be strong. The Fighting type looked toward the Burned tower, feeling compelled to go there by the sheer amount of Aura the building emitted.

Falinks and Scyther were looking at the local market, having landed behind a mart shop.

''Will these host stop pulling those stupid stuff on us? Surely they had a better way to transport us so far from the island?'' He complained, grumbling.

The lead falinks laughed. ''Really now, knight ? Is this all it takes to fluster you?'' He asked condescedently.

Before they had more time to argue. Mesprit's voice popped in their head.

''I take it you can hear me? I shall reveal the challenge. This is a kind of treasure hunt I will have you all do. In Ecruteak city right now, there is a festival called, ''The Last Fall'' It happens here every year. Its basically a celebration of the end of fall. But I am not here to give you a culture lesson. Your goal is to ammass coins and chests. You can get these in one of two ways. By entering the home of some Pokemon, you may be asked to do tasks in order to gain some chests and coins. It's glorfied trick or treating. The second way you can earn some chests and coins...is by taking those from an other player. Either via battling or via winning against an oppenent in a fair game. However, there is a twist that will be very important for you guys to keep in mind. After this challenge, the winning team will have the opportunity to eliminate a member of the opposite team, with no ability for the losing team to save that player. So you better not lose. Have fun, be nice to the locals, and may the blessing of Arceus accompany you guys.'' She said as trick or treat bags appeared in the contestant's hands.

The Ice furret pokemon growled.

000

Sneasel was groaning annoyed in the confessional. ''Again, those hosts do not allow me to establish a proper strategy. But I won't let myself be phased by that anymore. I will thrive through this adversity.''

000

Dunsparce smiled in the confessional. ''I cannot believe that I am back at home. I was born not to far from here. Life hadn't been always Pink, but it was still alright. I hope that I can be useful again today. But with that Victory band, what could happen to me?'' She said as she tighted the band around her head with Secret Power.

000

Metang was quickly joined by Sneasel. Both Pokemon made it to the Kimono girl dance theater hall. Oddly enough, a large tyranitar was standing in front of the door.

''What could have happened that they need to put that behemoth in front of the door?'' Sneasel pondered curiously.

Metang did his best impression of a shrug. ''I believe that there is a 95% chance that it has something to do with the recent time attack on the dancers. As you know, those who manages to inherit the sacred Kimono ceremonial dance are able to call down Ho-oH and Lugia respectively. it would make sense that the main place where they practice and perform would have intense security.'' Explained the Iron Claw Pokemon.

''That would make sense indeed. Still we must enter.'' he decided as he walked to the Tyranitar doorman.

''Hello Fellow dark type. I need to enter the Kimono hall with my partner, may I?'' He asked politely.

The Tyranitar looked at him like he was some filth on the road. ''And what makes you think that I will allow someone like you inside this most esteemed hall?'' He replied rudely.

Sneasel gave the large rock type a look.

... A few moments later...

Metang and Sneasel were entering the Kimono girl dance hall. Outside, a Tyranitar was looked on by some local as he was brutally defeated.

''Are you positive that you should have done that? there is a 90% chance that we are thrown out.'' Metang said wearily as they took seats.

Sneasel smirked coldly. ''He had to remain out of the way. It's his own fault.''

Metang wordlessly nodded, turning his attention to the Kimono girls who were in the middle of their routine. As they were kimono girls, they were very elegant and beautiful.

Each arboring a kimono of different colors, they were composed of Pokemon famed far and wide for their natural beauty. There was the Pink wearing Gardevoir, the light blue wearing Froslass, the Pale green wearing Roserade, The light grey wearing Mawile and the Fiery red wearing Delphox. Gracefully, silently, regally, they were dancing at the sound of the Shamisen. On the far corner of the room, a chest was visible.

Sneasel smirked. This would be an interesting challenge indeed.

000

Yamask and Hattrem were together, collecting various coins from the fair with relative ease. Hattrem was relatively in a better mood than she had been in the past few days, seemingly getting over the fact that her interest, Monferno , was taken by a ghost. The small ghost was grateful for this, as she was actually terrified, but for a whole other reason.

Hattem picked up on this. ''Hey yamask?'' She asked softly.

The sudden call made the ghost type almost drop her coins. ''Milady?'' She replied meekly.

''You are so jumpy today? What's wrong? You know I wouldn't hurt you...'' questionned the psychic type.

Yamask's eyes immediately found the nearest rock on the ground and latched at it like an anchor. ''N...nothing milady...'' she quickly said in the most reasurring voice she could muster.

Hattrem didn't really believe it, but left it alone as she knocked on yet another door for some good ol faschionned trick or treating.

A gentle furret and a Skarmory opened the door. ''What may I do for you sweeties?'' Asked the kind hearted Normal type.

Hattrem stepped forward to answer for them both ''Well you see...'' She started explaining.

Yamask was relieved that the much more talkative pigtail psychic type was handling the conversation for them.

000

Yamask was looking dejectedly at the camera in the confessional. ''I cannot let my lady worry about me...'' She said as a small tear rolled on her cheeks.

000

Some time had passed, Sandile had ammassed quite a bit of coins already via stealing and treatening innocent Pokemon into giving him their coins. He had rapidly understood that he wouldn't be able to compete if he didn't start racketing the smaller and the defensless. He was now in possesion of an hefty amount of coins and a few chest. Somehow his bag didn't feel heavy at all and seemed always being able to carry more of these golds and chests. Spotting Carkol on the far end of the next route, He quickly made his way to him. With his times 4 weakness to ground, he had to be easy pickings.

''Drop your valuables and dissapear if you know what's good for you...'' Shouted the intimididate Pokemon croco cub with a loud voice.

Carkol simply loved how he was being understimated once again by a Pokmon once more. It wouldn't be the first time and it would happen and it certainly wouldn't be the last time it happens. The coal kart simply heated his flamming backside in preparation with the clash. he wouldn't be bested by a stupid crock.

000

Riolu had been ammassing coins and chest in the burned tower, who was suprisingly quite full of them. In the basement, he had found 6 chests. Obviously, as nobody had come here to check the tower out, it must not have been a very popular destination for the others. The emanation Pokemon had been pretty tranquil in his quest to amass treasure, even defeating a very weird sight for the place he was in. A large steelix had treatened to destroy everything he had managed to gather when he opened the sixth chest in the bottom part of the burnt tower. He had no idea how he hadn't felt the large metal Snake's aura, but it was rather peculiar that this was the case. It had been a hard fight, but he had managed to prevail, to the big surprise of Uxie, who had been staying in the burnt tower at Mesprit's request in order to test challengers with his illusion Steelix.

As he climbed toward the street level of the tower, he felt an aura coming at him at high speed. With an elegant side step, he dodged a downward blow that almost cracked the tiles of the tower. Narrowing his eyes, the emanation Pokemon prepared to battle.

As he realized who his opponent was however, his eyes widened. This was certainly unexpected. In front of him was standing a very familiar pudgy sumo. Next to the fighting type layed his bag, who seemed full of coins and and chests. Said pudgy sumo assumed a fighting stance and said in a loud voice. ''Riolu! I have seen your strenght and I would like to pit it against yours! If I win, i will take the content on your bags. If you win, you shall do the same.

Riolu smiled. ''It isn't everyday that I am challenged by someone else than that dragon these days. No Moves! I will gladly face you if you comply to this request.'' He replied eloquently.

Makuhita nodded competitively and assumed an even more rigid stance. His weight was shifted on his back foot, with his left foot facing forward. As the arm trust Pokemon, he had a palm out stretched in front of him, not unlike a barrier. He looked ready to parry any attack and even the battle experienced riolu had to appreciate. He then took on his own stance. Looking pretty similar to Mahakuhita, but his posture was far looser.

* Music suggestion - One Punch Man Season 2 Ost - Martial Arts ( Bang Ost) - One Punch Man *

Riolu lunged at Makuhita in a solid palm strike devised to win him instantly, aiming at his stomach. The Pudgy sumo saw the maneuver coming and sidestepped with surprising agility for his size. He then took the blue jackal pup's arm and flipped him over before throwing him hard on the ground. Riolu gasped as the impact knocked the wind out of him. However he smiled, as it seemed that the sumo would be a challenge after all. Using the momentum of his fall, he jumped back up and immeditately headed to Makuhita, landing a powerful Kick that lauched the hoenn fighting type despite his guard a few meters back.

Makuhita grunted before shouting ''Ganseiken'' And went at the Blue finting type unleashing a torrent of palm strike. They seemed so fast yet elegant that it seemed as if there was streak of water following each of his strkes. Riolu was hard pressed to avoid each of them and deflect those that he could. One deflect on the left, one movement to the right. The fighting type was basically dancing with Makuhita, dodging his strikes and attacks with precision. In between makuhita's flurries, RIolu would score powerful blow on makuhita's chest and face area. Eventually, Makihuta was bruised enough that he started having difficulty to properly counter Riolu's fast and focused attacks. Feeling that the end was near, the arm trust pokemon switched tactics. Riolu came in with a strong uppercut aimed at the pudgy sumo's stomach. The Pudgy sumo surprisingly took the hit, then smiled as he used that opportunity to unleash a flurry of punches to Riolu's stomach, face and legs. Each hit seemed to be designed to sever's Riolu's counsciousness quickly before his own energy reserves depleted. And he needed to hurry up, as the blue fighting type packed quite the punch in reality. Riolu grunted, but smiled as he relaxed his body, deciding to treat the flurry of punches like the aura training he had underwent at home. It was hard as first, as the Pudgy sumo was surprisingly fast for his size. However, as he calmed himself and ignored the pain of the blows, he started being able to see those hits coming. One after the other, he started parying them one by one, to the surptise of the Pudgy sumo who though he had an adventage.

With one final parry, Riolu entered Makuhita's guard and hit him with a devastating Palm strike to the stomach, stunning him completely.

Riolu smiled. ''It's over. Yield now!'' He offered without a single hint of condescention and mockery in his voice. Just respect to an opponent that had fought well.

Makuhita painfully stood up, dusting himself before putting himself back into stance. ''I am not done yet pal!'' He said as Riolu chuckled and put himself as well into position. However, as he and Makuhita were about to strike again, a large shadow swooped down and caught both of their strikes.

''Who are you?'' Asked Makuhita, who tried to remove his palm from the newcomers's grip but somehow found himself to be incapable of doing so.

Riolu stoically examined the new comer. He looked like a large bear, with a grave face that screamed how stern he was. His grip was monstruous. He could tell that he was holding back on his strenght because he felt like his paw was in a vice. His fur was mostly grey, with some white and dark patches at places. He was actually holding their strike while mainting a rigid one legged stance. Riolu was very suspicious. Normally, a one legged stance was wobbly and difficult to maintain. But this guy was maintaining it as naturally as they would on two legs. This wasn't mormal.

''How interesting. Two fighting types going at it? Don't be shy, try to defeat me. If you win, you will both gain this...'' The bear like Pokemon said with utmost confidence while showing a large bag filled with coins and chests.

Both Pokemon quite honestly didn't care about the rewards...but the challenge was too good to pass up. Even Makuhita, would have normally not be too interested in wanton fighting, couldn't find it in himself to decline the bear's invitation. With a common nod, they launched themselves at him, who simply took on a defensive stance, rigid as a mountain, ready to take in their strikes.

000

Riolu was covered in bruises in the confessional. ''I have never seen such a fighting style. Not even hitting his one pivot foot would even phase him. What kind of training did he undergo to be this proefficient?'' He pondered with a smile. He was certainly happy. There was more ways for him to get stronger. He hadn't gotten the to the ceiling of his ability just yet.

000

Makuhita was groaning in the confessional. ''And I thought that the Ganseiken was the one style that flowed like a river of blows. But that guy's punches...they were like unpredictable and unguardable. Such strenght...such mastery of balance. How many decades had he perfected his craft...?''

000

At the location of the gym, old and abandonned, Sandile, Roserade, Monferno and Haunter hand entered under the premice that if they could make it to the other side of the gym, which was oddly veiled in fog and darkness, they would be winning a lot of chests and coins.
Always eager, Monferno was inside the Gym before the Gengar at the entrance had even finished, to the amusement of the rest of his party.
Shaking her head, Haunter took on her Lopunny morph and walked inside, followed by the rest of the team. Inside, the deeper they went in the gym, which wasn't easy to navigate due to the darkness, the thick fog and the very disorienting occurances that were happening.

Outside the gym, the Gengar smiled. He looked at a contraption on his wrist that could very well pass as a watch, and smirked.

''Should be any time now...''

Back inside, some of the team seemed to experience troubling...syptoms...

''Is it me or the floor is unsteady?'' Asked a wobbly sandile, who despite being on four legs, felt it harder and harder to keep his balance and vision, which made him bump into the maze like gyms a lot.

Monferno also had a hand on his head. ''Y..yeah. It's like I... can't even walk straight...'' He said before turning on toward the general victini of haunter.

''Hey claws, are you alright?'' He asked his girlfriend...only to be met with

Silence...

''Claws?''

Haunter was struggling furiously. A ghostly hand had dragged her away from the others as soon as they had started feeling dizzy. This hand seemed filled with darkness energy as she found herself unable to revert back to her Haunter form and that hand was actually burning her, as if the contact with her skin was lava or something.

''What are you doing? Let me go. I have someone to protect.'' She shouted loudly as she readied a shadow claw attack.

A disemboed voice, seemingly out of depts oh hell themselves, replied. ''We are just dragging you back where you belong. With us...'' They said in the most creepy like voice possible.

Haunter somehow knew that it couldn't be real. She was a ghost herself. She knew all about those...yet...she couldn't fight of the fear that had started creeping in her heart. Fear for herself, and fear for Monferno.

Fear that intensified when she heard various moans and cries of different Pokemon and even voices that she couldn't reconize.

''Calm down...it's all in your head. You can't be confused, you can't be a ghost afraid of stuff happening in a ghost house. You are stronger...'' She chanted inside her head while shutting down her eyes. But as odd as it sounded, she couldn't muster the will to counteract her fear. It was growing stronger ever passing second, making her see stuff that she thought she would never see again. The numerous spider web covered in a thick, mettalic smelling red liquid. Blood.

The cries of pain and suffering. Her own brown skin.

Wait...

Brown skin?

Haunter's eyes widened. Why did she had brown skin? Why did she see actual fur on her legs and arms. Why did she feels so cold and so afraid when she could use it as nourishment. It was as if..

''I see you finally understood. You are not a poweful specter anymore. You're back being a pretty, but useless little bunny Lopunny.'' Said the disembodied voices. The clawed ghost hand finally stopped.

The room was dark, and she couldn't see a thing. She tried to channel her powers but she was unable.

She then heard the most chilling laugh in her life and afterlife. ''Why do you try to channel your powers? You have no powers...'' The voice said.

Now Haunter was actually not laughing. She was panicking for real. When the voice stopped laughing, a scary looking Aggron suddenly came into view...but that Aggron was wrong. His ribcage was showing, his face was covered by a strange mask, blood was seeping from his palm.

Haunter, who was almost hyper ventilating, was on the verge of tears. She had always thought that she was strong, that she was above feelings like fear and terror...but now... she was litterally trap, her mind far too confused and terrified to fight it of, her will to reason with herself too wittled down to put on the resistance she would otherwise show...and when the Aggron pulled a big rusty knife and showed her a smile..she did the only thing a terrified bunny would do in front of that...

...

...

She screamed.

Monferno ears perked up. He had busted a few clowns, destroyed some wall, was cut by a few sharp knives but it wasn't anything deep or serious, had maybe screamed a few times by jump scares, apparitions of dullahans and even a Giratina Illusion thart looked so convincing that Monferno instinctively released a flamethorwer so powerful the flames were almost blue in color. The illusion...and the wall behind the illusion had stood no chance. However, that hole he created seemed to lead to another dark room with a single purple flame in the far back.

Intrigued, the playful Pokemon walked in. As he entered the room, the hole he had made sealed itself. The monkey Pokemon was very worried though. He though he had heard a distant scream that sounded eerily like Haunter's. It definitely got his heart pump faster. That feeling got even more apparent when, as he walked in the dark, barely lit up by his tail, the sides of the room lit up, revealing a tatami filled battle field.

''Welcome to this room...'' A feminine voice said.

Monferno looked around, and didn't see anyone. ''Where and who are you? This isn't funny. Show yourself!'' The Monkey demanded , putting all of his sense into high alert. The room quickly filled itself with fog once again, and only the eerie lights of the purple battlefield were persecptible.

Monferno waited as the shadowy figure moved near him under the cover of the fog and quick as lighting, she stroke.

Monferno barely had the time to instinctively lift his fist to protect his face that a blow sent him skidding back. By the time he recovered, there was no movement to be perceived.

''Oh? you blocked that. Interesting reflexes, Monkey.'' She said giddily as she moved around, preventing the Monkey to pinpoint her exact location.

Monferno smiled wide at the compliment. ''Well I am not a pushover when it comes to fighting. I have things to protect too, so i am not going down.'' He said competitively as he blocked another strike before trying a mach punch, which missed.

The voice seemed pleased by the fire/fighting type's reactions and was definitely having fun. ''You can still block, even as full of opening as you are? You are an interesting little guy you know?'' She complimented the Pokemon

''You say that, but I still can't see you. How can you even tell that i am full of openings?'' He asked, dubious.

The figure laughed merrily, and the next instant, Monferno got hit so many times he dropped on one knee, stinging from multiple places almost immediately.

''Just by hearing you breathe, i know how open you are, little squirt. See how i can hit you at will even through this thick fog?'' She said.

Monferno snarled. He didn't have the time to play with an invisible adversary.

''Sorry girl, but i'll have to cut this short. My girlfriend need me.'' He said seriously as he released a stream of flame that were heightened by his rage and desire to break through. Those flames were almost entirely blue and they blew a hole in the gym. It had passed right next to the shadowy figure with such power that part of her concealing cloak burned. She couldn't help but yelp in pain.

''Gotcha! Now i am going to find you can kick your butt.'' He said confidently as he made a step toward the light was now coming off from the hole he had made.

The shadowy figure sighed. He definitely had potential. But she couldn't allow him to get too pleased with himself. The figure dissapeared and before Monferno had the time to leap toward the hole, he felt an impact on the back of his head...and everything went black.

The figure caught Monferno before he had the opportunity to touch the ground. ''Azelf was right when he said that we could find interesting Pokemon to teach within his sister's game. Well, let's bring that one out.'' She said before she exited by the hole she had made

000

Azelf was seen in the confessional nodding his head. ''Them seeking promising trainees is a good exercice. The Monkey and the Blue jackal have potential...

000

Sandile was growling in the confessional. ''Stupid haunted house, stupid specters, stupid blood stupid scary faces, stupid scary bulbous scary yellow eyes that strips your sanity away. I WANT TO END THEM ALL GRAAAAAHHHH!

000

Roserade was shivering...''The things i saw in here...i don't want to ever recall that again.''

000

Sneasel and Metang exited the kimono girl hall with two bags full of coins and chests. Both were rather pleased with the out come. When they exited, the Tyranitar wasn't at the door anymore. Most likely, he had been brought to an healing facility of some sort. Which was fitting for the beating the sharp claw Pokemon had given him.

''There was less than a 50% chance that you managed to win that gambit however...'' Pointed out Metang as they headed toward the local Pokemon center

Sneasel chuckled as the iron claw Pokemon made that observation. ''Indeed, but I didn't study all these years under the best teacher in the world to not know everything about traditions and rituals.'' he pointed out.

Tapu Koko and Mesprit looked at their pad. They had been observing the challenge from afar, wanting to see how the challengers would fare in an environment where they wouldn't be guided by much... and it was now time to return hom.

The embodiement of emotion looked at Koko and nodded. The electric type guardian understood immediately. And pulled out his megaphone.

''CHALLENGE IS OVER, ALL CONTESTANTS, COME BACK TO ROUTE 38!''

Dunsparce, who had managed to climb all the way up to the bell tower and meet with Ho-oH sighed. The rainbow Pokemon had been a pleasent talk and had even blessed the Pokemon with a buff to her Serene Grace ability, due to her genuine resolve and desire to become more useful and brave. She had an humongus amount of coins tucked in hammerspace as well.

Croagunk and Wartortle, who had been fighting a mob of Murkrow and Honchrow over their bags were happy to finally be able to escape with much of thier treasure.

Alolan Ninetales, who didn't really care about the challenge as she was fairly certain that she was safe from the other team, had made a stop in a famous herbalist shop from Kanto. Somehow, she had moved from Celadon to here. A Bellossom with much knowledge. When she had understood that she was in Ecruteak city, she had smiled. Must have been divine intervention for her sinister agenda.

The challengers quickly made it to route 38, where The three legendary embodiments resonated their powers and teleported them back to Sosei island.

000

The two teams reappeared in the hall, well separated into the Zacians and the Zamazentas, this time. Soon after, Mesprit and Tapu Koko reappeared as well.

''So, how did you like the challenge, you little rascals?'' Asked a cheery tapu Koko

''Sucked...I cannot believe I got got like that...'' Grumbled Sandile laconically.

''I found it enjoyable...Ecruteak is a beautiful city after all...'' Said sneasel smootly.

Tapu Koko raised an eyebrow. ''Is that so? Tell me why you spend the entire challenge discussing with the kimono girls then?'' He accused the Dark/Ice furret.

Sneasel almost blushed, but he couldn't give koko this satisfaction. So he simply said. ''Because I figured that they would give me a lot of coins if i listened to them.''

Monferno was holding a still shaking Haunter. The Poor Pokemon had trouble keeping her Lopunny morph, she was still terrified.

''Its over now...calm down dear, you will be fine.'' He said soothingly into the ghost loppuny's ear as the female ghost was still crying and sobbing out of uncontrollable terror.

Mesprit watched the pair with pity and a bit of envy, which suprised her. Sure she could feel the soothing and overwhelming love and support Monferno was showing the ghost. It was incomprehensible, how could a fighting monkey be attracted physically and emotionaly to a ghost? Yet it was genuine and beautiful. Mesprit actually stared a bit, watching the two of them with inexplicable longing. The ice fox saw that look of longing and interiorly smiled carnivorously. Oh that longing would cost her dearly if her plan was fully realized...the Goddess had no idea what she had planned for her.

Tapu Koko coughed and that snapped Mesprit out of her staring trance.

''S- sorry about that. You were saying?'' She said sheepishly. The guardian of Mele Mele looked at her suspiciously but didn't say anything about that situation.

''I believe you wanted to introduce two special Pokemon?'' He reminded the psychic type, who slapped her forehead.

''That's right!'' She said, grateful of this welcome distraction. ''You two can enter!'' She said.

''Thank you, esteemed Mesprit!'' Replied a grave voice which got the contestant confused as they were not among them.

''Where are them guys then?'' Asked a dubious Croagunk, looking around for the source of the voice.

''We would be up there, but dont worry, we will come down.'' Said the voice a bit louder. Hearing it made Makuhita and Riolu tense. It sounded oddly similar too...

First, a Pokemon that came in looked like an upright stoat. However her strong muscles and body shape was showing. She gracefully landed, not even making a single noise when her paw touched the ground, even adding a backflip that looked so effortless it was like she had no weight. She landed on her furred front paw and added an axel and a while that looked so graceful and controlled it was like she was in perfect control of every aspect her body interacted with. She was certainly not bad to look at...if the looks that Croagunk and Falinks were giving her anything to indicate about... A condescedning look on her face, long whiskers, greyish purple fur, that was indeed a Mienshao.

Then,

*BOOM*

A large bear like pokemon landed in front of them. He landed square on his legs, and didn't show the slightest discomfort. It was as if he had just jumped up and landed when in reality he had dropped from above the ceiling. The Pokemon merely grunted and crossed his arms with a stern look on his face.

Tapu Koko, who also had been staring at Mienshao, shook his head clear. Trying to pass it off. Bidoof however had seen the look.

''Damn bro, shouldn't you be looking at Mons in your league?'' He asked with a chuckle, followed by some of the other contestants.

The Electric legendary grumbled, his electricity cracking around him with the intent of frying the beaver right there and then.

Hearing this, Mienshao walked to bidoof and knelt down front of him looking at everyone with a smile. "You know, Bidoof is a interesting species especially in the Sinnoh region where I live. There is not a single day when I don't get a call from the locals about how much trouble these little beavers causes. However, There is a small number of them who are eager to listen and gadly try to handle the sitation so both them and the locals can be happy. However, unfortunatly the majority is too stupid to realize their mistakes and they think they have right to do whatever they want and doesn't give a shit about everyone else. No respect for the nature, no respect for the locals. I try to talk with them at first but they don't listen. So, I have no choice but to deal with them like this..." She said before she quickly did a flip using one of her legs to kick Bidoof, throwing him into the air. Then, the fighting ferret jumped quite high and with another strong kick, launched the stunned beaver straight toward the trash can, knocking it over with the force of impact . As she landed gracefully on the ground, everyone gaped at her technique. Especially Riolu and Monferno.

''Is she weightless or something? How can she even jump that high without making any effort?'' Asked a dumbfounded sneasel to an equally dumbfounded Croagunk

''I dont know. All i can see is that she's amazing...'' Croagunk replied as the mienshao gracefully kicked bidoof into the trash can, which made everyone laugh at his misfortune.

Pleased, Mienshao mockingly looked at the downed Beaver over her shoulder with a satisfied smile on her face before she calmly walked back toward the bear. Koko couldn't help himself and took a picture of the fainted bidoof who was laying on the ground with trash on and everywhere around him. In this moment Koko known today is a good day.

Mesprit carried on however. ''Contestants, Meet Urshifu and Mienshao. They are also the first Students at Azelf's dojo, the cradle of willpower. ''

Croagunk in perticular perked up. ''The Cradle of willpower? Wasn't that the famous rumored hardest Dojo to enter in the world? Even some esteemed masters, famous Thourout the Pokemon world were refused by Azelf. That dojo?''

''That very same. It was closed because Mienshao and Urshifu were on a pilgrimage to hone their skills. But now they are back for a visit.'' She explained happily

''Peh. You guys ain't much, but some of you do have some potential. She said before pointing to the Monkey. ''You there. Come and see me after the Elimination ceremony or whatever this is called. We have to talk.''

Urshifu sighed before he looked at Riolu. The perceptive emanation Pokemon nodded wordlessly. He had understood.

Tapu Koko then took over. ''Well people, let us go to the dock. We will have a joint elimination ceremony due to the twist.''

Their mind abuzz with questions and hopes, all of the contestants made it to the dock area.

000

At the dock area, Tapu Koko, Mesprit were there. Tapu Koko and Mesprit had compiled the coins gathered by all of the contestants as they turned in their bags. However, they were asked to keep their chests. Some had a lot of chests, like dunsparce and Bidoof. Some had none, like Alolan Ninetales and Scyther. The hunt had been pretty good. But there was a clear winner. Both teams were nervous to know who would come on top of that very unusal challenge, all things considered.

Tapu Koko came with a sheet announcing the results. ''Well, I have to give all of you Kudos for this challenge. I did not expect you guys to amass so much coins in less than a day. But...and this is going to be a bit difficult for some of you to hear. The Zamazenta wins again...'' he said while looking sympathetically at Sneasel. The sharp claw Pokemon didn't flinch or manifest any emotions whatsoever, which actually scared a few of his teammates...as well as Monferno.

Riolu looked at Sneasel and shivered. He might had not been manifesting any emotions outwardly...but his aura was so ugly right now that he barely reconized his leader.

Tapu Koko also gulped, but he had to continue. ''Up to counting dunsparce coins...you guys were in the lead. But that girl has to have done something special...because she had like at least the amount of 3-4 of your best guys...'' He revealed with them having their mouth forget that it was supposed to be linked ot an upper jaw.

''How?'' Asked Wartortle, genuinely confused about what a tiny snake like her could do.

Blushing, the dunsparce looked down. ''i..snsnpaap Ho-Oh...'' She whispered lowly.

''WHAT? Speak UP!'' Asked an agitated revived Bidoof.

''I met with Ho-Oh in the Bell tower!'' She shouted louder, closing her eyes for emphasis.

The Ghost Loppuny also couldn't believe her ears... ''You did what?.''

Tapu Koko took back the conversation before it went any further. ''Anyway. Guys Open your chest now.'' He said

They all did. And this is where Sneasel's bad feeling that had prevented him to react to his team losing again was realized.

On the chest Bidoof had, Riolu had and Makuhita had, the amulet coin inside was purple.

''So Zamazentas, you get to choose one of those two, since Makuhita is on your team, to go home Tonight.'' Announced Tapu Koko.

The Zamazentas huddled together.

''So, who should we kick out?'' Asked Sandile.

''Personnally, i'd say Riolu.'' He is stupid strong and he could be a treat during the merge. Commented Makuhita, who was still wincing form his fight with the blue Pokemon.

''How would you know this?'' Asked Haunter, a bit dubious about that answer.

Makuhita chuckled. ''I fought with him. He's strong...''

Lapras gasped. ''You fought with him? Why?'' She asked, her eyes full of apprehension and worry.

Makuhita just patted the back of Lapras's shell. ''Boyish pride...Don't worry about it.''

Haunter had a pensive claw under her chin. ''That said, he's not wrong. He's acting like those badasses from shows prior. And it never really fails. I'd get the jackal out. the Beaver isn't really a treat.'' She said.

With Everyone seemingly on agreement, Haunter looked at Monferno. ''Well them's the break. I'll go talk to the big boss.'' He said as he struggled to keep up. Immediately, Haunter was on his side, supporting him. Those blows from Mienshao had hurt.

''Thanks claws...'' He said gratefully. The Lopunny morph kissed his cheek sweetly in response.

000

Haunter, in her lopunny morph, was smiling tenderly. ''Man...I love him...''

000

Monferno chuckled in the confessional. ''I really lucked out with that girl, didn't I?''

000

Monferno returned with the Zamazentas to the dock. The Zacians could barely talk, waiting for their decision.

''So Zamazentas, who will go to hell tonight?'' Asked the guardian of Mele Mele.

Monferno sent a sympathetic look at Sneasel before announcing their choice. ''It'll be Riolu!''

Sneasel's eyes widened. Fraxure's eyes took a dangerous glint and she walked toward Monferno with murder in her eyes. ''I am not sure I heard what you said'' ...she said menacingly. Who is going to hell tonight?''

Monferno Gulped. He really didnt want to take a raging dragon female, especially when she was angry.

Riolu sighed, and as Fraxure was about to pounce on the fighting type, Riolu hit her in the solar plexus in a powerful quick attack and immediately held her against him. He whispered something in her ear as the Dragon, stunned by the heaviness of the blow, fell uncounscious on the ground.

Mesprit sighed as she teleported Riolu's sole shoulder bag to him. ''A pity that this is the way you go, Riolu. I was rooting for you.'' She said. The blue jackal nodded thankfully before he went to Sneasel. Giving him a solid punch to the shoulder. He also murmured something in his ear before leaving toward the dock and sitting down, waiting for Giratina to do his thing. until the very end, he would have stayed calm and stoic...until...

''HOLD ON!'' A deep, stern voice shouted from across the dock area.

Urshifu came in, looking at Riolu who understood again, and walked toward him. ''What can i do for you?'' He asked to the emanation Pokemon.

The bear gave him a small smile. ''You have potential, kiddo. Why don't you come to train with me? You'll get to see what having the greatest strenght looks like.''

Riolu pondered for very little time. He was all for it. Training with a master of the Dojo of the cradle of willpower was an offer that no Pokemon could refuse. He nodded wordlessly to his offer and both Pokemon dissapeared into the forest and in the direction of the cave Riolu had discovered the inside waterfall.

000

Later that night, the three stooges were reuniting under the cover of the night. Their course of action were pretty simple. Take everyone they could to ensure that have the smootest moment during the merge.

''If the plan goes smoothly, we will control this game from start to finish! Croagunk said with a malovelent smile on his face''

''What plan?'' A voice, cold as Ice and chilly as the razor of a blade resounded in the arra.

Alolan Ninetales looked up, as did the other members of the Swamp Syndicate. Staring right back at them, were the piercing eyes of their leader, his arms crossed and his face being dark with the desire to win.

(End of the chapter)

SteveZ12: Well, here's chapter 8 folk. I hope that you guys will enjoy it.

Feel free to rate and review. It's always appreciated and we sure could use some.

If not, thanks for reading and take care of y'all selves.