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...)

16. Chapter 16: Treasures of Hoenn Region

SteveZ12: Good afternoon, all, I hope that you are doing well. For my part I am doing good, albeit a bit sick lately. I am hoping that the story is fun and engaging to y'all.

This universe is just beginning, and we have a lot more to go to finish this series of stories. (Seriously, it's quite insane what we are preparing) Hoping that what we create keeps you engaged and interested.

Without further ado:

Chapter 16: Hidden Treasures of the Hoenn Region

It had been several days since the last challenge, where Wartortle had finally fallen, evolving into a Blastoise at the last moment before plunging into the distortion world.

The Boat had left the lukewarm waters of Jotho and was headed toward the Hoenn Region.

Tapu Koko was on the rooftop of the luxurious yacht, playing a game of Cardfight Vanguard with Latias as the boat entered the Hoenn international waters.

''I attack with Thunder Break Ace Dragon, Skyrock! Bolt End Strike! That's 73 K at your Vanguard with 3 Critical.''

Latias rolled her eyes. ''Really Koko? It's bad enough that you play Narukami but you name your attacks too? Anyway, This won't do shit to my Laurier! I will nullify your attack with a perfect guard!'' She replied with a cocky smile as she slammed a card on the board.

The Electric type didn't even flinch. ''That's what you think, Jetface. Limit Break! Since you have no Rear Guard and 7 card bound, I can pay the cost and then your PG will be bound with the skill of the PG nullified.''

''You've got to be kidding me!'' She complained.

The attack hit the lady and Latias's damage went to 6.

"Ah! You are still a ways away from defeating my Narukami, little one...'' Boasted the Legendary Pokemon as they shuffled the decks back to their initial states.

Latias Giggled, rolling her eyes playfully. "I see that you've been enjoying yourself lately heh?" She conversationally as she laid her head on Koko's shell.

Koko smiled, looking up at the clear skies of the region. "Yeah. I did. I have learned some new skills, still haven't lost a game with Narukami yet and the game's ratings have been going up and up. I am just really happy that I was given that opportunity you know.

"I know what you mean. I too, wasn't imagining that It would reach such heights when I left my village to accompany Mesprit on this Journey. I am very glad I did though, I've met cool peeps and learned a lot...'' replied the Red Eon Pokemon, gratifying the Tiki Pokemon with a friendly Nuzzle that had Koko's cheek Burning.

''You're such a tease sometimes. Just wait until I tell your boyfriend!'' Groaned Koko playfully.

The Eon Pokemon chuckled. ''Yeah right, all I have to do is give him the baby doll eyes and he won't do anything...and so wouldn't you!" She said as she bonked Koko's feathery crest playfully.

Koko laughed at her antic and play chased her around the skies of the boat. " You little scoundrel, just wait until I catch you!"

000

Latias was giving a radiant smile in the confessional. ''I am so glad that he has gotten over me this healthily. I was really afraid to lose him as a friend after what had happened, but he has been nothing but an angel since, even supporting my Relationship. I am still guilty of leading him on and hope to repay his forgiveness a thousandfold, but I am still relieved that he's okay...

000

Tapu Koko sighed softly in the confessional. ''How did I get over Latias? I don't think I'm completely over her yet. She's so cute sometimes I truly rue that other Latios. But As Mesprit said when I talked to her, another one may come my way. I should wish for her happiness as my friend and since I genuinely liked her, I shouldn't suddenly become her enemy because she didn't return my feelings the way I wanted her. Part of growing up involves that. The more we interact, the better it feels. All in all, I am lucky to have such a cute Pokemon as my friend...''

000

In the cabins, Alolan Ninetales and Sneasel had been going on their 5th round of hateful intercourse. Sneasel couldn't even begin to understand the way he was feeling about this. Every time Alolan Ninetales pounced on him, his body couldn't help but be eager at what he knew was coming next, but there was something fundamentally wrong. Ninetales ministrations, eagerness, kisses, nips...none of that held even an ounce of love. It felt so good that his mind would easily melt after a few repetitions, but once the euphoria passed, Sneasel was left with a growing amount of emptiness that tore his soul apart.

Alolan Ninetales could feel that not even lust was overriding Sneasel's true feelings bout their coupling. It was a bit unnerving. After all, up to that point, she had been able to make any male into her faithful serving puppy with a bit of domination and a lot of seduction. However, with Sneasel, while it was evident that the sharp claw Pokemon was enjoying the seduction directed at him, their subsequent sexual activity was only partially filling, especially since there was more of an emphasis on one making the other yield than a real connection.

Contrarily to Wartortle, Sneasel harbored no love, no admiration toward Alolan Ninetales whatsoever. He was at best interested or almost...'' Addicted'' to the pleasures the salacious Ninetales was subjecting him to, and at worse bored with nothing else to do. As such, a lot of the metaphysical energy that Ninetales had managed to suck out of Wartortle, and which had kept her healed and relatively healthy was lacking.

In addition, something else had popped up. Ninetales had felt that void ever since she had abandoned Wartortle in that cave. Wartortle had genuinely wished her to be the best somehow. Her sex with him was genuine...and he knew. She was sure of it. He knew about her situation but still never said a word.

And that situation... was worsening.

In the last few days, her distraught state had brought a lot more attacks with it. And they were happening far more frequently as well.

Alolan Ninetales knew it. She was on borrowed time now. She needed to win the game and it needed to happen quickly.

Sneasel saw Alolan Ninetales's face twist up in abject pain and quickly she couldn't breathe properly, which made her disengage him and cough painfully.

''Kaa...Kaa...This stupid sickness...'' She said with a grating voice.

Sneasel looked at her and despite himself, a small amount of pity surfaced enough for him to freeze his paw and apply it to Ninetales chest.

The act seemingly calmed down the Fox spirit's pain burst as the Fox Pokemon went to sleep, her body desperately needing to recover from that attack,

000

Sneasel looked at his paw in the confessional. ''I sincerely dislike her slutty disposition. But I wasn't raised to ignore a Pokemon in need of assistance. I would rather not start to do that now.

000

Metang was in his room, surrounded by computers and data rolling around, updating with a speed that only a pseudo supercomputer like himself could do. He was currently looking for something to excite a very particular need of his.

Indeed, aside of Bidoof's interventions and proposals, Metang was bored now. He had made it so far due to essentially being about essentially always at the right time. He also had picked up some good allies. But the game, while it had provided the iron claw pokemon with great entertainment so far, was finally entering its most boring form. They had a few days since there had been anything exciting happening on board or around the boat.

Well...until now that is.

Gengar walked toward the Metang. ''What are you up to right now?'' She asked as she settled next to him on a chair, sipping a nice charti berry martini.

Metang chucked. ''I am afraid that my idea of fun involves long hours of data analysis and comparison of similar situations in previous shows of this type in order to predict what could happen next in the game.'' Turning toward Gengar. And you? How has your things been going?

The ghost type smiled. ''Pretty good. Monferno's an angel. He has been training a lot lately, trying to make sure that he can keep up safe. I am a Gengar, I can handle myself, but having a boyfriend willing to push himself to that degree is pretty interesting...and sexy.'' She replied while extending a glass of Charti martini to Metang, much to his surprise.

''I wasn't aware that you could teleport things...'' Remarked Metang, making sure to save that information for an opportune time.

''Gengar smiled broadly. Ever since evolving, my powers have been steadily rising. I didn't have much time before the last few days to truly indulge in them and practice what I can do...'' Boasted the Pokemon as she took on her Lopunny morph form.

Metang whistled appreciatively. ''I might be genderless, but I have to compliment on this pleasing form you take. Lopunnies with these kinds of proportions have a 99% chance of seducing any Pokemon they wish, as long as they are receptive to their charms.'' He said.

Lopunny? chuckled. ''I did not expect a metal hulk like you to be receptive to my beauty..." said the ghost type with surprise.

Metang rolled his eyes. "My database is complete enough to know well about the standards of beauty that reigns in the Pokemon world. The Lopunny species always had a very high score in the beauty charts. This is not a surprise. I am however surprised that you did not use your charms to get ahead nearly as much as the fox did." He noted pensively.

Lopunny? Laughed lightly at that remark. "Now that you say it, that is very true..." She said before approaching Metang with a sultry look on her face. "Wanna be the first to experience what I can do?" She asked with as much seduction as she could.

Metang simply smiled...well, as much as he could due to not exactly having a visible mouth.

"While in normal circumstances I would have fallen at 99% for this invitation, As a genderless Pokemon, I am not capable of feeling any sort of physical attraction, let alone lust. In addition, must I remind you that you have a boyfriend?" He asked with the equivalent of a lifted eyebrow expression on his face.

Lopunny? Smiled broadly, hitting the top of Metang's head in a friendly manner.

"I was Joking, of course. I have to admit that indeed I had very much planned to use seduction to get ahead...but I didn't expect to be swept off my feet by the dashing Monkey..." She admitted with a smitten look on her face.

Metang nodded. "I know you weren't serious. However, indeed this game tends to make the most likely occurrences happen. Objectively, there shouldn't be any reason for a Ghost-type and a Monkey to pair romantically. I would say that there is a less than 10% chance to happen. Yet it did here. Which makes this very interesting." He noted.

"I agree. Finding a life mate in such circumstances is definitely not what I expected. And now, I want to do anything for him to win. I already have what I desired after all." She said with determination in her eyes.

Metang looked up at Gengar. This was definitely something. A Gengar so smitten that she was ready to do anything for the one she loved. Love was a complex emotion that Metang did not exactly understand, however, if he knew one thing about that, it was that it was one of the biggest X-factor inducer of all.

"I see that you want my help for this. The chances that it was the goal of your visit now exceed 80%" he theorized.

Gengar smiled. "Not exactly, but very close. I was offering a sort of mutual help deal. I can tell that you are all about data gathering and that you love unexpected things happening and the reaction of others to those unexpected occurrences. So if you help me engineer to those unexpected occurrences some of those unexpected things and help my boyfriend, not only you get to see more unexpected occurrences but I shall pay you once the game is over. I will pay you with data access to some secret location of your choosing. Since your database is expansive, I suppose that you've heard of the dark bunny spy from Jotho?"

Metang's eyes widened. "Impossible."

Gengar smiled wickedly. "In fog and spirit! So, Deal?" She asked.

Metang rumbled amusingly, relishing this X factor. "Deal"

000

Metang was rumbling with excitement in the confessional.

"What an interesting occurrence... She is the ghost of that legendary underworld spy. That entity lived more than 100 years ago and was legendary in her feats. Just like most spies, she appeared one day, then disappeared another day without a trace. This all became very interesting to see what such a talented individual will do in the name of love.

000

Gengar was looking in the confessional with a determined look on her face.

"It has been a long time coming, but now's the time to pull some strings to make him win. My love, you will win the game with my help, or I will die trying.

000

"Alright, preparations are ready for tomorrow? Yes? Cool. We are right on schedule. That is perfect. Thank you two and take care. Arceus bless you two."

*click*

Mesprit leaned on her chair, looking at the lovely portrait of a calm sea. Her mind wandered to Victini, whose behavior had been a bit suspect the last time she had seen him. Somehow, he hadn't allowed her to scan him, which was unusual. She wondered if he was doing well and what was going on in that little head of his.

''I shouldn't fret too much on it...I have a whole game to handle. But I worry...'' She said to herself with a sigh, before heading to bed. The following day would be an interesting one...

000

The next day arrived, and with it the promise of yet another set of adventures. Mesprit, who wore a simple blue kimono with wave patterns and sky-blue bands on her feelers, came toward the remaining contestants. Koko, who had gathered the contestants a little bit prior to Mesprit's arrival, took the stage.

''Morning players, I hope that the traveling has been to your liking so far?'' He asked the contestants whose reactions varied.

''I'd say that it was pretty good. Those fried lobster in the kitchen were divine...'' Said Monferno, who was leaning in Gengar's embrace, having taken her gorgeous Loppuny morph.

''There isn't much to train on, but at least you can't get too bored in there...'' Half complained Fraxure, leaning on the boat's rail with a defiant expression.

Bidoof yawned. ''I wish there was more chicks to gawk on, you'd think that there would be more eye candy on this ship!''

Mesprit shuddered at the shameless lecherous nature of the Beaver but didn't do anymore commentary.

Alolan Ninetales, whose tails were wrapped around Sneasel in a sickeningly possessive manner, growled.

''Why would you need more girls to gawk on when I am there?'' She asked as she fanned her tails, which caught the sunlight and made the others stare at her.

''Damn...this girl is hot...'' Said Bidoof with pink cheeks.

Sneasel also blushed. Even while he hated her attitude, he couldn't help but being violently attracted by the sight.

''Curse your beauty...'' He muttered under his breath.

Monferno turned his head away. ''Gotta stay faithful...'' He said as the remark made Lopunny? purr and kiss him on the cheek in appreciation.

Tapu Koko's nose bled a little before he hid it with a cough. ''This should be illegal...'' He thought.

Hatterene rolled her eyes. ''Do you feel the need to act like a slut every time you want attention?'' She asked with an insufferable sigh.

The fox didn't spare her a glance. ''With a body like mine, you would do the same, especially when you missed your chance with your own interest...'' She replied meanly.

''Why you...!'' Said Hatterene before Mesprit stepped in. ''Enough ladies, keep the animosity for later. We have a day to start after all...'' She said calmly enough, but the two females felt that the Goddess of emotions was not playing around...at all.

As such, both relented.

As they turned away from her, Mesprit rolled her eyes. That fox would really stir some drama with her looks all day. It was starting to become a bit tiring... However, the day had to go on, and wasting energy on a slut like that fox wasn't going to make things go forward.

As such, Mesprit nodded to Koko. The latter understood the assignment.

''Alright folks, now that we have your attention. Today's challenge is going to be a bit special. We are going to be separating you into two groups. One-half will go with Tapu Koko for the challenge. the other half will go with me, also for the challenge. Speaking of which, Roto, say hello!'' She said enthusiastically.

''Do I have to do this? Uggh. Couldn't I stay on my charging port today? It's too warm for work...'' Drawled the rotom phone, groaning in annoyance.

Mesprit's smile didn't falter one bit. ''Of course, you do.'' She replied.

Roserade stepped in front ''Well? About the challenge?'' She asked.

Mesprit and Koko smiled and nodded.

They all gulped. They knew what this meant.

They all lingered on the yacht's deck for some time before suddenly realizing that the hosts were no longer around.

''Where are...'' Asked Fraxure. However, she never had the time to finish her sentence.

One brilliant flash later, there was nobody on the deck of the luxuriant yacht.

000

Tapu Koko smiled. ''This challenge will be fun. We really have prepared some interesting things this time around...''

000

Mesprit gently played with her feelers as she turned to smile broadly at the camera. 'I sure hope the challengers are ready for the challenge of their lives!''

She said with excitement!

000

Tapu Koko appeared with his crew composed of Lapras, Hatterene, Fraxure, Bidoof, Metang and Roserade in a submarine.

The lighting rooster immediately took charge. ''Alright you 6, listen up well. Your challenge is going to deal with the great depths in the Hoenn Sea. Kyogre has decided to grace us with his presence and will act as the proctor of this challenge, so let's move toward the main control center.

Without much fuss, all of them walked toward the front of the submarine, which also acted as the main control center. When they did arrive, they were greeted with a beautiful sight. It was not something that people saw every day, so they definitely were privileged.

The players stared in awe at the beauty of the ocean floor, watching as thousands of fish and marine pokemon were swimming and minding their own business.

Roserade turned to both Lapras and Hatterene, her eyes full of stars. "I heard the ocean is like a different world. This very much confirms it" She whispered reverently.

"I know right? I admit that when I cross between land and sea, sometimes I feel that I jump between worlds." Lapras agreed as she kept watching the world that she proudly called home since birth.

"I wish my phone would be with me now... It is such a shame that I cannot record this beautiful scene" sighed Hatterene...looking dejected at the missed opportunity.

"What? don't you have your phone with you?" Asked Lapras, her eyes wide in surprise. She couldn't imagine the forest witch without her phone. She brought it absolutely everywhere. To eat, to sleep, to shower... everywhere.

"Nope. Mesprit borrowed mine before the challenge in order to record the other group's stuff while she sent her phone to us. Which is..." She sent an annoyed glance above the corner where the black rotom phone had been taking a nap since they entered the submarine. "Kind of something else, so to speak."

"I wonder why she switched the phones." Asked Fraxure curiously.

''There is a 45% chance that it was to prevent you from streaming, I'd reckon...'' Said Metang, who rumbled with amusement.

"I have an idea." Hatterene sighed, annoyed that her phone wasn't there to capture the beauty of the ocean floor.

''Hello! You must be the contestants for Mesprit's show!''

Suddenly, a large shadow covered the entire submarine. It looked like a giant black orca whale with teeth as sharp as knives. The creature's voice had sent shivers down everyone's spine.

Fraxure immediately activated dragon dance and took a battle stance. Hatterene and Roserade hugged each other in fear. Bidoof simply yawned in boredom, not bothering looking up at the pokemon appearing in the porthole.

Metang simply rumbled amusingly. ''How interesting. I did not expect Kyogre to be this massive. Definitely, deep sea Gigantism is a real phenomenon. My database is pleased to be updated with this information.

Koko sweat dropped seeing the orca's smile. He knew he tried his best to welcome them nicely, but his body shape and sharp teeth sent the opposite message...

"Do not worry guys. It is Kyogre." Koko said and indeed, as the thing came into view, clearly revealing the big orca-like pokemon staring right back at them alongside 3 Phiones, who were watching them curiously.

Koko turned on the speaker on the control panel allowing Kyogre to communicate with them.

"Welcome, players, to the beauty of the ocean floor. I, Kyogre, the God of the ocean will be your proctor in this challenge. You better pay attention to my words! "

After his introduction, he motioned to the phiones. "These three cuties are going to be your guide in this ocean. They will also be my eyes and ears and report how you do to me. So do your best and be nice to them...or I won't hesitate to sink you into the sea myself.'' He threatened, showing by his large fangs that he was serious.

All the players gulped, then turned toward the three sea angels, who smiled at them while nodding.

His point passed, Kyogre's face turned serious. "The task I will give you sounds easy, but it really isn't. Your task is to retrieve a one-of-a-kind pearl. It is called the Aqua Drop, an extremely beautiful pearl.

As Kyogre said that Koko quickly showed them a drawing of that specific pearl so they could see what it looked like. The drawing, however,... looked as if a toddler had drawn it. It was quite hilariously bad. However, despite its low quality, the blueish-purple color and round drop shape was clear enough to create a great picture in the players' minds.

Despite that, the occasion was too easy for some Pokemon not to make fun of the Tiki Totem.

"Hey roster, is this your art? It looks like if it came out from a daycare." Bidoof commented which made everyone laugh.

"I would love to see your artistic skills, you rotten rodent. I mean, outside of looking great prostrated in a trash can. Unless you are clinically blind, you should see that I don't have fingers. I have claws! Try doing fine motions with a single claw..." Koko said calmly as he put away the drawing.

"You still did a good job Tapu Koko. " Roserade said with a conciliatory tone.

"Yes, we could understand the point, even if the art wasn't that clear.. we appreciate the effort" Lapras replied kindly as well.

Koko smiled at the two females. Really, out of all the contestants, these two were literally angels.

"Enough of the chit-chat! let's do it already!" Fraxure yelled in impatience.

Kyogre showed a smile full of teeth. ''Well, we have an eager dragon lady here. I can't say I hate that. The pearl is said to bring the holder great strength and boosts their aquatic power as well. Your task is to find it and bring it back to me." Kyogre said, bring back the attention to him.

Everyone nodded before Roserade raised her left hand. "How are we supposed to find it? I mean, the ocean is well known to be really big, and deep. Finding that one pearl would take forever.." She said worriedly.

Before Kyogre could speak , one of Phione swam to the lovely rose Pokemon next to the window. For what do you think that we are here for? With us there, we will help you find that pearl in no time" She said annoyingly but also full of confidence.

Another phione swam next to the window as well.. "Besides, we have a hunch about where it could be. With you guys there we will confirm it." He said with an excited smile.

Roserade nodded, reassured. Those little ones reminded her of her little ones back in her forest. She smiled sweetly at them.

"Alright players. Now it's time to get out there and start this thing. You will be issued special diving gear as well as oxygen bottles. We're going pretty deep after all." Koko said as he pushed a button to open a supply closet, revealing dark blue and white diving equipment.

"These suits will protect you from the cold temperature, and its water pressure durability reaches the equivalent of the twilight zone. You can't go beyond that or else you would be crushed like a tin can by the water pressure, which is up to 5,800 pounds per square inch of water. Besides, even if the suits could handle that pressure, that place is utter darkness. I don't think we can do anything in such a place don't we? The twilight zone, however, may appear pitch black to the naked eye but it still receives some light. So you should be able to navigate in it with the built-in flashlights that are in your helmets. The helmets also contain such technology that filters oxygen from the water and throws the carbon dioxide into the ocean So, you shouldn't have any problem breathing."

"Awesome!" Hatterene perked up in excitement before turning to Lapras. "Wait, Lapras, how long can you hold your breath for? I mean, you have lungs instead of gills right?" Hatterene asked her in concern.

"I able to hold it back for..one or two hours max. So I think it is safe to say that I also need that helmet." Lapras said, sweat dropping.

Metang perked up. I am not entirely sure that I can handle such depth pressures without a full body suit either. It is an almost 100% surefire way to deletion...'' He noted as Koko sighed and granted him a full-body suit and helmet.

"Alright. Let's go already!" Fraxure roared with enthusiasm as she started to put on the suit, quickly followed by the others.

When they were done, all of them left the submarine, followed by both Koko and Kyogre.

''Alright, I shall be waiting in my seafloor Cavern for your return, alongside Koko. Good success.'' After this last cheer, both left the area, leaving the players, the three phiones, and a nearly awake rotomphone alone, who after a big yawn, started recording.

"Alright, let's go!" One of Phione said, and all of them started diving toward the depths, following the three phiones.

Meanwhile, in another place, Sneasel, Croagunk, Alolan Ninetales, Falinks, Lopunny? and Monferno landed on an empty field. They were effectively in the middle of a pretty nowhere. Mesprit waved to the pilot of the helicopter as it flew off.

The emotion Goddess had dressed up for the occasion, having pretty golden bands on her feeler and a kimono reminiscent of hexagonal patterns. She had also golden bracelets on her wrist. It was a simple, but pretty ensemble given by Fuyuko the night before. She was pretty.

"So... whe" The fire monkey started, but before he could finish his sentence, the ground started shaking and the ground in front of them cracked, creating a big hole behind it.

*GURRRRAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH*

Groudon, the kami of the earth himself, rose from the ground with a terrifying cry.

The sunlight grew several degrees hotter at his arrival, making most of the Pokemon in the vicinity flee. He was impressive, the great dinosaur of the earth.

''A long time no see, Groudon!'' Said Mesprit cheerily.

The large dinosaur gave a smile full of tooth to Mesprit, eyeing her tastefully. ''I wasn't aware short stuff like you could look that cute...'' he complimented with a hearty laugh.

Mesprit was kind of taken aback by the compliment, not expecting that from Groudon. An adorable light blush formed on her cheeks as she turned away.

''Thank you...'' She muttered softly, embarrassed

This interaction made the contestants sweat drop. ''Is every male legendary Pokemon going to compliment her now? I mean she looks good, for sure, but I didn't think that those big legends would also be sensible to her charm and cuteness...'' Said Monferno with a sweat drop

Lopunny? chuckled. ''Well even I have to admit that she never was bad looking, especially with the numerous dress-ups. She could have made a great model for shorter Pokemon. Takes one to know one.'' She appraised.

Alolan Ninetales growled. ''Surely that big Dinosaur is blind if he can look at that little thing when I am here...'' She said as she strutted in front of Groudon, making Sneasel rolls his eyes.

Groudon looked at the fox and with a snort of disdain, looked away. ''Sorry, but my taste in women does not include slutty vixens i am afraid. You have looks, but you lack any sort of class. Anyway, I didn't come here to sightsee women. I have a task for all of you! It is the merge of one of these games, so I am going to give you a task that reflects that state of affair.'' He said, turning away from the fox in a move that infuriated the kitsune.

Before she could open her mouth, Sneasel put a firm claw on her shoulder, making her understand that it was not the time.

Growling, the fox relented.

''I'm going to break your hips tonight in punishment...'' She whispered darkly into Sneasel's ear.

''Bring it on!'' Replied Sneasel, not intimidated in the slightest.

Mesprit rolled her eyes in aggravation. One would think that with the few humiliations she had given that fox she would stop trying to flaunt her body. How could one be so self-centered and annoying? Oh, if only the game did not stop her from truly hurting a player...

Groudon resumed his talk soon enough. "So, contestants, It is time for you all to prove your worth. The task that I am gonna give you is simple. " He said as he gave the map to the monkey who, along with the rest of the players checked it. "I want you all to find me this enchanted thing called royal jelly. That jelly is made only once every century and is located in a legendary beehive that exists in this forest."

Falinks and his phalanx almost did a double take. ''Really! A Jelly retrieval? Surely the tasks that you give us must be bigger than this at this stage of the game...This is ridiculous!'' he complained loudly

Groudon chuckled. ''And you think that it is so easy that you will just do the delivery and come back safely?'' Groudon alluded.

''It sure looks like it, I wouldn't be surprised if I did it without even struggling...'' Said the brass leader with no hesitation.

Monferno was examining the map with Lopunny? However, he didn't seem that convinced.

"And.. how does this map help us find the location?" the monkey asked, which made Groudon's sweatdrop, looking away awkwardly.

"Well, kind of? I mean, I did my best to collect every rumor and information that I could. But I cannot be sure of which one is accurate and which isn't...the truth is, no one has discovered this hive in centuries. Those who tried, and they were many, to find it, never came back."

Hearing this, everyone looked at each other. Some even gulped in worry. In what kind of hell was Groudon's casting them to.

Mesprit frowned, not liking the overall scent of fear that the contestants were giving, so she decided to help them covertly. The Goddess of emotions sent something telepathcly to Graudon, who just nodded in agreement. "Right, I almost forgot. I will give you something that help you escape if something bad happen." And with that, he gave them an orb-like thing. "This here orb will be able to let me know if you are in danger so I could come and rescue all of you. But I am sure you will be fine." He said with a wave as he went back underground closing the hole behind him.

"Well, you heard him. Good success and good luck," Mesprit said as she teleported away leaving the players alone.

"I have a bad feeling about this...somehow. This is the first time that they explicitly say that it could be dangerous in the entire game" Croagunk said in concern as he looked at the monkey who sighed and looked down at the map again. "Well, I guess there is nothing much we can do but follow whatever this map says."

And with that, everyone started to walk towards the direction that the map showed them. Meanwhile, Hatterene's phone started recording the event, prompted by Mesprit before she left.

000

Croagunk was looking in the confessional. ''The search for a legendary treasure heh? Somehow, this gets me a little excited. Who knows, I could become very rich with that stuff...'' He said with his usual chatter like chuckles.

000

Lopunny? looked at the camera funnily. ''I wonder how is it that my little Monkey still thinks that he is on a team, aren't we all competing against each other? This guy is such a natural leader that people follows him even though they should fend for themselves...Oh...I love him so much...''

000

Sneasel looked with a knowing smirk at the Camera. ''It is better to let him do the leading. I don't have any intention of being difficult. At the last moment, I'll snatch away the Royal Jelly and win the points, so I can play nice for now...

000

Back underwater, the players had made good progress. Indeed, they already had reached the coral barrier. During the way, everyone except Lapras and the phiones, were absorbing the wonderful world created by the coral reef. The phonies, as good guides, made sure to avoid such areas where predators might appear in order to maximize the safety and the discovery of the contestants.

As the intrepid team of Pokemon descended into the depths, a breathtaking scene unfolded before their eyes. A chorus of colors greeted them, as if the rainbow itself had been captured and woven into the very fabric of the sea. Brilliant corals of every hue carpeted the ocean floor, their delicate tendrils swaying gently in the current like dancers in a grand underwater ball.

Amidst this kaleidoscope of colors, a bustling city of marine life thrived. Schools of shimmering fish darted to and fro, their scales flashing in the sunlight like precious gems. Graceful sea turtles glided effortlessly through the water, their ancient eyes observing the world with serene wisdom. Above, a magnificent manta ray soared through the water like a giant bird, its wings outstretched in a graceful arc.

The coral itself was a masterpiece of nature's artistry. Towering spires of branching coral reached towards the surface, their intricate shapes providing shelter for a myriad of creatures. Massive brain corals sat like ancient sentinels on the ocean floor, their labyrinthine patterns a testament to the passage of time.

"So, this is the coral barrier, It is so beautiful," Roserade said in awe but frightened as she saw the dark bluish-black void in front.

''I have to say that this was an experience 100% worth the risk. My database was updated greatly. We might only see rocks now, but the coral reef above was quite bountiful.'' Said Metang with his characteristic happy rumbling.

'' Honestly, I never knew...Which is why I wish that my camera was there... This might be on par with the beautiful forest of my kingdom aboveground...'' Said Hatterene, in awe at what she had seen.

Lapras nodded. ''In my transport days, I have seen a lot. But I have hardly seen coral reefs that beautiful...'' She said with a big smile on her face.

One of the phiones turned, proud. Indeed, our ocean world is the best isn't it! Sadly, we are about to leave the pretty part to go a little more downstairs.

''Downstairs?'' Said Bidoof, not fully understanding.

"Yes. We reached the end of the sunlight surface.'' Said one of the phiones, as she pointed down.

Indeed, As they had been swimming through the various coral structures, they had been steadily approaching the end of an underwater cliff, with large rocky structures slowly but surely replacing the once luxuriant sea life. Now however, they were litterally floating above a dark, blackened void. They were standing on the edge of a large underwater cliff.

''After that, everything leads down. unless you want to stick on the empty surface where you can't do anything much other than swimming." Said one of Phiones.

"Now, follow us! Time to enter the twilight zone" Said another and all three started moving down.

Fraxure made a crazed face. ''This is my kind of jam. The unknown and the extreme is like a calling for me!'' She said as she quicky followed behind them. She was a surprisingly good swimmer for such a bulky Pokemon.

"I..I am not sure I want to go.. it is so dark , empty and..who knows what is lurking down there" Said Hatterene worriedly as backed away from the edge.

"coward. Seems that your encounter with Zapdos didn't fix you at all..." Bidoof mocked her as he swam pass by her with a smug face followed by Metang who still kept calculating the possibilities of them even being able to come back from such a deep location.

Hatterne almost decided to snap his neck before someone tapped her from behind she saw Lapras showing her back to her while looking at her. "Ignore the beaver. We can deal with him later. I will help you. Grab my shell and hold it tight. This way, you won't get lost. You too Roserade!" Lapras said turning to Roserade who happily accepted the offer.

"Pathetic. Do these women even realize that this is the merge? They should be trying to tear each other appart, not help each other like goody two shoes..." Bidoof said he looked at the trio of girls helping each other out with disdain

"Focus! We have to get that pearl quick before they can. They would be faster as they are working together..." Said metang as he grabbed his fur with his right hand and started to take him down as well.

''Why do I even have to do this? The reef was so much better...oh, the woes of a Rotom Phone...'' Said the deadpan rotom phone as she swimmed down following the group. Quickly, they were swallowed by the darkness of the marine pit, descending in the dreaded Midnight Zone.

000

Hatterene was shivering in the confessional. ''Lapras is really a lifesaver. She is so kind...it's actually kind of unfair. I wish I could be as kind as she is, she's an absolute angel...

000

Lapras smiled in the confessional. ''I am a Lapras, the transport Pokemon.'' Naturally, I would offer them a ride. My shell is wide and strong. I am always happy to transport other Pokemon in their time of need.

000

Meanwhile, in a luxuriant forest far away from that ocean outing,

"Aaacckk I can't take it anymore!" groaned the fox in frustration. "We have been walking for who knows how long and we still have no clue where the heck we are supposed to go!"

After hours of walking, the troopers had found a luxurious enchanted forest where magic and beauty intertwined in a mesmerizing dance of wonder and delight.

As the golden sunbeams filtered through the ancient canopy of towering trees, a soft, ethereal light bathed the forest floor in a gentle glow. The air was rich with the scent of wildflowers and moss, carrying with it a sense of tranquility and peace that seemed to seep into the very soul of those who dared to wander within its hallowed groves.

The trees themselves were towering giants, their branches reaching towards the sky like outstretched arms, their leaves shimmering with a thousand shades of green and gold. Vines and creepers wound their way around the trunks, creating intricate patterns that seemed to pulse with life and energy.

As they ventured deeper into the forest, they discovered a world of wonders beyond their wildest dreams. Glittering streams meandered through the undergrowth, their waters crystal clear and cool to the touch. Butterflies flitted through the air like living jewels, their delicate wings painted in hues of sapphire and emerald.

Amidst the verdant foliage, hidden glades and secret clearings beckoned, inviting the traveler to pause and rest awhile. Soft moss carpeted the ground, offering a plush seat for weary feet, while the song of birds filled the air with sweet melodies that seemed to echo through the very trees themselves.

But it was not just the natural beauty of the forest that enchanted them. Many Pokemon flitted through the shadows - playful fairies and quirky plant life danced in shafts of sunlight, their laughter like tinkling bells in the breeze.

Despite how beautiful that enchanted forest was, the constant nagging of the rapidly weakening Alolan Ninetales certainly robbed them of the immersion they could have felt.

."I need a break right now. I can't feel my paws anymore.." Cried the fox again as she sat down, quickly followed by Sneasel. The truth was that she was just out of breath and felt a bit dizzy so she had to sit down. Of course she can't tell them that. The quickly building taste of blood in her mouth told her that she was nearing her limit.

"Do whatever you want. We, however, keep going." Said Monferno as he kept walking with Gengar and Falinks trailing close behind him.

"Good decision. Those who cannot follow should not cause the entire group to stall. We will find that enchanted royal jelly with no time! Right boss?!" Cried one of the falink army their leader who nodded with bravery "Yes! no one can stop us!"

But before anyone could go their separate ways, a tiny female voice called them out from the bushes.

"Excuse me, I happened to have overheard your conversations. You must be foreigners..if you can help me out with something, I tell you the location of what you are looking for.'' She said with assurance.

Croagunk looked around. ''Kind of hard to trust a voice that remains hidden, yo! Get out of there and show your face to the crew, tho?'' Rapped the muay thai frog.

After a small while, everyone was surprised as a tiny female combee came out of the bushes and looked at them innocently. With a disarming smile, she presented herself.

Despite still being tiny in comparison, Combee was slightly larger in comparison to the other combines.

''I am Catherine. It is nice to meet all of you.'' She said nicely enough.

''Nice to meet you too, Catherine.'' Said Croagunk, politely.

What the player failed to realize, however, is that their surroundings had grown noticeably pinker, with a nice, soothing aroma wafting in the area.

000

Falinks was looking confused in the confessional. ''Where does this sweet smelling heavenly ambrosia comes form?''

000

Deep, deep down, they went. Gradually, the water around them got darker and colder. Soon, even with the salutary light of their flashlights, they could not see much more than a few feet in front of them. It was dark and gloomy, like the deepest of night. Naturally, they were starting to have a bit of anxiety going on.

Swimming in the Twilight Zone was like entering a whole new world. As they dived into the deep abyss, the light gradually faded away, leaving behind a world of dusk and murk. The water around them was cool and refreshing, and the silence was only broken by the sound of their breathing and equipment.

As they swam further, they started to notice the tiny bioluminescent creatures that inhabited this world. They glowed in the dark and created a surreal atmosphere. The deeper they descended, the more mesmerizing the scenery became, despite the gradual lack light. They felt like they were in a dream.

"Are we sure we are on the right track?" Roserade asked as she looked around, not distinguishing much of anything in the deepening night.

"I cannot sense anyone's else's emotions outside ours and the marine wildlife. Even then, it's very dulled. I don't like this...it feels like,

we are in a horror movie, waiting to get eaten by something big, bad and dark.." Hatterne said worriedly as she held Lapras's shell tightly. She was definitely afraid.

"Don't worry girl, I will protect you if someone or something tries to prey on you." Lapras looked at her with a smile before turning worriedly to Roserade. "What about you? are you okay?" She asked with concern

"Why do you ask?" Roserade asked quickly, tilting her head in confusion.

"Well, you are a plant pokemon. So.. I am not sure your cells are fine without the sunlight for so long." Lapras noted.

Her worry was indeed justified, as she had been looking at her bouquet hands for a while now as they were swimming. They looked much more darker than they orginally were aboveground.

"Ah that..well, before we came here, I spent plenty of hours under the sun to store as much sunlight as I could in case we had to get underwater. However..indeed I am not sure how long I can be without sunlight."

"In that case, we have to be quick. The faster we find it, the faster we can go back to the surface." Lapras said seriously before she tucked in her ears and lowered her neck, gaining a more hydrodynamic form "Hold on tight girls, this will be a little rough." She said as she swam like a rocket flying toward space while the other two did their best to hold on to her back, preventing them from falling.

Fraxure on the other hand has been in the shadow of one of the phiones for a long time now in order to make sure she wouldn't get lost. She had no idea where the other two little sea angels went, but she figured that the other two might have gone back to find the others. Regardless, she didn't care. Her eyes were locked in onto the tiny creature in front of her when suddenly something happened that caught the proud dragon type off guard.

As the water became darker and darker, the brighter the little phione's body became. She now looked like a glowing stick by now illuminating the area with blue and red light. Even more surprising, was her skin, which looked like her entire body was a window. She was seeing through the sea Angel like one would be a cloud or a glass. It was an odd spectacle, but it was nonetheless fascinating. The Pokemon of the deep sea were full of wonders.

000

Fraxure was sitting in the confessional with a look of wonder on her face. '' I wonder how weird it must be to have your entire body, including your organs, to be visible for all the public to see. I had never known something like this. Wouldn't it also show their ennemy their vulnerable points and where to attack? I don't think that his would be even remotely useful above ground. But as the little guys said, this is a whole different world with different set of rules. The twilight zone dwellers would probably share something like this , like a norm of some sort...but man, I never knew that the world was so vast...

000

Metang was still holding the rodent in one of his hands as they followed a Phione as well. As the Phione's bioluminescence slowly activated, the Iron Claw Pokemon rumbled in appreciation. His database now updating with visible experience of it happening in live. However, his plus one had trouble looking at the little sea angel now that all of his organs and inner body were visible, finding it gross.

"Learning new things about the world is good isn't it? There is a good 50% chance that you had never seen bioluminescence happen in real-time in front of your eyes." Metang commented to Bidoof, who showed his tongue in a disgusted manner.

"I don't care about that gross phenomenon nearly as much as I care about that pretty pearl thing! You can be 100% sure about that" Bidoof said excitedly.

As everyone kept going, they reached a seafloor like area with many underwater rocky cliffs around it.

"It has to be here somewhere... this is the zone where we have found it" Said one of Phiones as he started looking around.

"Let's look guys!" Said another phione as he led the group to one of the rocky cliffs present in the area

"While you guys are doing that, I am going to watch out in the area and alarm everyone if a predator is nearby." Said the last one as he swam away from the others lifting up his one single antenna and moving it slowly all around him.

"Does he use his antenna for detecting?" Hatterene asked curiously to Lapras.

"Correct. Some marine Pokemon use sensory organs to detect everything around them. As most marine life, pokemon aside, that would live down there are blind. it is pretty common for those who live in dark places such as this is." Replied Lapras.

"Girls...I ..I think I don't feel so well..." Said Roserade weakly as she held her head trying to stay awake. She even tried to keep on swimming form but it was clear that her strength was leaving her...fast.

The other two looked at each other and nodded. "We have to hurry up, she's in danger" Said Hatterene in definite worry.

Hatterene grabbed Roserade with her hair hand and held her tightly to prevent her from getting lost while Lapras started swimming even faster to search for the pearl, animated by freshly renewed urgency.

000

Hatterene Held an hardened Look in the confessional. ''There is no way in heaven or hell that I would leave you behind. You will pull through this!'' She said with defiance

000

"Hey, I found something!" Suddenly shouted a voice. It was muddled due to the ambiant water and pressure, but clear enough for them to start gathering around.

Everyone turned to that direction where Fraxure had brushed off some sand and leftovers sediments in order to extirpate something that was big, dark blue and sturdy. It seemed like it had been buried under the sand for quite a long while too.

"Good job! that's a clamperl. And a really old one at that, judging by the size of the thing." Said one of Phione as everyone gathered around the dragon Pokemon.

"How are we supposed to open it?" Asked Lapras, frowning as every minute counted for the poor Bouquet Pokemon.

"I can smash it open with a single breaking swipe. That huge shell ain't resisting one of my swings, that is for sure!'' Said Fraxure as she prepared to hit it with a powered claw. However, she was in extremis stopped by Hatterene.

"Don't. It would hurt the pearl ... How about I use my psychic powers and force it to open? This would be far more appropriate.'' Hatterene proposed as she put down Roserade on the seabed gently before turning to the Pearl and frowning, focusing her psychic power.

"Worth a shot! At least you guys are taking the clamperl's feelings into consideration" Said the two Phiones in sync.

"Well, let me give a hand as well. Brains and brawns should be good enough to open it. We can fight for the pearl after it opens.. " Fraxue said while she hit her hands together, channeling a dragon claw attack.

Pinkish energy started to form around Clampearl as Hatterene got to work. However, no matter how hard she tried to open the shellfish, it hold itself shut tightly. It was as if there was nothing happening.

"It is too strong. This is ridiculous! I got a migrane just trying to get it to budge. Might as well try to lift the whole Ocean!" She complained, annoyed by the Clamperl's resistance.

"Let me help. There is a solid 65% chance that together our compounded psychic powers makes it easier to open." Said metang as he too used his psychic on the big Oyster.

The two psychic types effort slowly managed to open up the shell a little after a little while. But the feisty clamperl was definitely giving them a challenge. As a gap could be seen, both Metang using his Metal Claw and Fraxure using her dragon claw kept the Clamperl nice and opened, preventing her from snapping shut.

Oddly enough, the Pokemon wasn't talking, nor moving. It seemed even asleep. But her strenght was genuinely insane. A small red hue actually started to be emitted by the aquatic Pokemon, but with the relative darkness all around them, they could't properly see it. What they could see, was that the small clamperl was slowly pushing them away, an insane feat, trying hard to close up again.

"Hurry and get the damn thing...I am not sure how long we can keep this up..." Said Fraxue struggling mightily to keep the water type open.

"You utter buffons! I will handle it." Said Bidoof as he swam closer to the gap to try to squeeze himself through.

But, as soon as he touched the inner part of the shell, the oyster opened up with such force that it kicked off both Metang and Fraxure out of the way while it moved forward, grapping bidoof and closed once more... with the Beaver firmly stuck inside

''Itagakimasu...!'' Thought the pearl with a very satisfied look on her face.

Every just stared for a second, trying to process what had just happened while the Phiones looked away akwardly.

This wasn't the plan

"Let me out you dumb piece of ocean scrapped goods!" Cried bidoof from inside the shell but the Clampeal didn't move an inch

"We have to rescue him. I don't think its a good idea to let a contestant be devoured." Said Metang as he prepared a Meteor Mash!

"We have no time... to deal with that as well, Roserade is not even conscious anymore. We have to bolt! "Said Hatterene worriedly as she held a barely coherent Roserade. Her entire form had significantly dulled, her eyes completely unfocused and unresponsive. There was litterally no strenght left in her.

Upon seeing this, Lapras eyes hardened. "That's it! Fuck it! Pearl or no Pearl, I am not seeing a friend die under my watch!" Said Lapras as she turned around and picked up Roserade in her mouth, Careful not to rip any leafy part off her.

''I'll take her to the surface. It is up to you guys now, Good luck." She said. That done, the Transport Pokemon immediately jetted upwards toward the surface like a devil out of hell.

000

Lapras was focusing hard in the confessional... ''You've gotta pull through, Roserade, you've just gotta...

000

Back in the seabed rocky outcropping, a Dragon got impatient. The pearl was right there and a player was being eaten by a Pokemon. As such...

"Okay, I've seen enough..." Said Fraxure before hitting the water type with such a strong dragon claw that the floor of the rocky cliff cracked, which was impressive considering that the water around them should have acted like a strong resistance to the blow. But in her anger, the Dragon type had shattered the upper part of the Pokemon's shell, causing it to open immediately.

''What ridiculous strength... That is what she's like when she's serious?'' Thought Hatterene in slight fear.

Even the Phiones looked at the dragon with wide eyes after that feat

Understandingly, the Clamperl got scared by the sudden rough hit. It spat bidoof and something else before swimming away quickly, not wanting to mess with a Pokemon capable of cracking its shell like it was spring Ice.

"Yeah, that's it! Run for your worthless life! You are lucky we have other things to do! I'd happily end your pathetic lie myself! Don't you dare mess with us!" Fraxure yelled before turned back to the now freed bidoof who landed on his butt unharmed.

"Still, how did that happened at all? That thing looked dead asf. Suddenly it comes to life and almost eats a whole Bidoof whole? That ain't normal" Asked Fraxure in and suspicion.

"Well drake lady, if it would be dead, its shell would be open not closed. besides, it's shell is used to clamp down on prey, as well as for protection. It has been sleeping until you all waked it up. if you hadn't forced it to open its shell, it would have eventually digested the beaver whole for nutrient for its body and probably saved the world from imminant danger or whatever..." Spoke the black Rotom phone for the first time in the whole challenge.

"Fraxure turned to her in shock "You were there the whole damn time? Why didn't you say anything sooner?"

"Eh, you haven't asked," Rotom said with closed eyes without even deigning to look at her.

"You are a son of a b…" She said with a dangerous growl as claws formed a fist that was glowing with power. She then with a grunt tried to punch the Rotom with it but hit the rocky cliff instead as the Rotom phone was far faster than she was and dodged her quite easily.

Sadly, The Dragon's hysterical strenght had created a massive shockwave that made dust and sediments fly in all directions, making a huge dull noise, which was insane considering where they were currently.

"Calm down you stupid child! You are going to attract Predators or whatnot!" Hatterene chided before as she hit the Dragon type atop of her head.

"Sorry." Fraxue said, looking away embarrasedly.

"At the pearl is secured at least, so we can go back. There is a 0% chance that we are needed here any longer" Metang said as picked out the pearl from Bidoof's arms and tucked it in his mouth for safekeeping.

Suddenly everyone heard a dull sound. The rumbling became louder and louder as they couldn't properly see what was happening...but they could hear it.

The phiones immediately tensed up, their sensing antennaes going completely crazy. How did one hit could create that?

''What's going on?'' Asked Hatterene, not liking the way the three sea angels looked suddenly very tense.

Around them, the water quickly turned more and more opaque, with more and more dust, as well as rocky pieces starting to flow downwards, as if dragged to hades itself...and they were getting more numerous...fast.

"Oh no..everyone run! It's a sea avalanche. If we get caught in the main wave we are history!" cried the Phiones as everyone witnessed Huge ass rock pieces starting falling down from above them toward the debts.

"Damnit Fraxure, what have you done?! Do you want to kill us?!" Bidoof cried as he quickly jumped on Metang's head. The latter did not even hesitate and rushed toward the surface, having more or less mapped their route since exiting the submarine.

''We have a 15% chance of survival if we don't move away from here. As such, we will be going...NOW!'' Said metang as he actived the jets and swam upwards.

"I... Didn't.." Fraxure said dumbly, staring as the rocky formation they were just standing on finally gave way under the incoming dust and rock pieces. She just stared at the destruction she caused.

"Come on Fraxure, Now's not the time to stare dumbly. Do you want to die?" Hatterene said as she used her psychic power to lift up the paralyzed dragon.

Together they swam away , following the sea angels and metang.

Good that they did, as a few moments after they were out of the radius of the Sea Avalanche, the wave of rocks and debris achieved to pulverize the rocky floor they had been on in a noise capable of raising the dead.

000

Bidoof was shivering in the confessional. ''I am this fucking close to quit! It's not even worth it anymore. I am already rich. I am already making deals with powerful individuals. Why am I fucking doing this still? I almost finished as goddamn clamperl food. CLAMPERL! At least if it was a proud predator like Sharpedo or something, but a fucking CLAMPERL? REALLY?''

000

Fraxure looked Mortified in the confessional. ''And I thought that I had finally mastered my hysterical strength and temper...I almost killed people because of it...again.. Why..? Why is it so hard? Tell me, Riolu...why?''

000

Meanwhile, back in the luxuriant Forest.

"So, let me set this straight..." recapped Monferno they followed the tiny female combee. "Your colony' has been taken over by this other legendary colony, your queen has been taken by theirs queen, and you want us to get it back? This is a very compelling story, but, what about your own colony? Couldn't you ask them to help you?"

The upper left head rolled its eyes while the right head just smiled at that question.

"As much as I would want it, I cannot fight this colony. Their hive is bigger, they have more members and they are well trained and well guarded." The down combee explained without opening her eyes.

"Sir, I'd like permission to ask a question to the combee!" Asked the last hoplite in the falinks unit.

Leonidas looked back at him, pondering it over. After some thought, he nodded. "I allow it!"

The tiny Pokemon smiled at that and quickly ran forward to Catherine.

"Excuse me madame, I always wanted to know how your species make honey. It is such an unique and fascinating ability." The tiny soldier said with sparkles in its eyes.

The three Combee faces looked at each other briefly before smiling at the hoplite smugly.

"And why do you think we will tell our secret?" Asked the red-spotted one.

Seeing this, the leader of the falinks sighed. "Excuse my soldier's indiscretion. This particular hoplite always was fascinated by the secret of making honey. Our City-State is very big on it, you see. We have used it for centuries now. However, the plans on how to make it well guarded. Besides, we would be likely physically incapable of doing making it ourselves. Besides, since our mission is to find that legendary royal jelly, every information matters. I believe that you telling us how Honey is made is a tiny price to pay for our help in rescuing your abducted queen.'' He eloquently said.

Croagunk, who was watching the exchange, frowned. For a very brief moment, he could have sworn that the combee frowned at the mention of the Royal Jelly.

However, before he could confrim it, the Combee turned to Falinks with an angelic, innocent smile.

"I guess that it is only fair indeed," Said the down one with the red spot on her forehead.

"So, before we dive in, I just wanted to remind you that reality doesn't always work the same way as our imagination does," said the left face seriously.

"But don't worry, we'll help you understand everything you need to know," finished the right face with a smile. The tiny soldier nodded and snuggled closer to listen to their words.

"First things first, let's talk about why we make honey. It's not just for fun, you know," said the female face.

"In most parts of the world, we wouldn't survive outside of the hive during the cold winter months. So, we spend that time hive-bound in a cluster. Since food sources are scarce during winter, we collect surplus nectar and pollen during the warmer months and store it for later use.

"Pollen is stored directly in cells of comb in the hive. However, nectar needs to be turned into honey before it's stored because nectar, as it's collected, wouldn't last for months. It would simply ferment," explained the left face.

"So, in a nutshell, we make honey for our food stores to sustain the hive during winter," finished the left face with a smile. "Wow! That's amazing! I've always wondered if it's true that 90% of flower plants can reproduce with your help," said Monferno.

"Absolutely! Flowers create nectar to attract nectar-eating bugs who, by eating it, help pollinate them. Most of the time, we combees give them what they want," continued the left face proudly.

"Could you explain how you make honey from nectar?" asked the tiny soldier.

"Well, making honey involves several steps. First, we collect the nectar. Then, we process it into honey, dry it, and finally store it," replied the female bee.

Foraging bees only leave the hive in warmer temperatures, so their activity increases during spring and peaks in the warmer months, depending on the food supply. When a field bee finds flowers secreting nectar, it uses its proboscis to suck up the nectar from inside the flowers and deposit it into its honey stomach or crop, also known as the proventriculus.

"What? So honey is actually vomit?" exclaimed the tiny soldier in shock.

"No, of course not, you dummy!" snapped the female bee. "The honey stomach is different from the stomach bees use to digest their own food. Now, let me continue explaining the process."

"Sorry," said the tiny soldier guiltily.

"Where was I? Oh, right. We bees travel far distances to collect nectar, sometimes up to 3-5 kilometers, and even up to 10 kilometers during times of dearth," continued the female bee.

"Nectar is essentially sugary water. When it enters our honey stomach, enzymes and proteins are secreted from special glands in our mouth and added to the nectar. Invertase then transforms the sucrose in the nectar into simple sugars like glucose and fructose," explained the right bee.

"Do you mix different types of flower nectars?" asked Monferno.

"No, we only collect one type of flower nectar and don't mix it with nectar from other flowers. We are also able to communicate with other foragers about the optimal source of food for the day, and the whole hive follows our direction," said the right bee.

"Hey, how do you guys make honey from nectar?" asked the tiny soldier.

"Well, making honey is a multi-step process. First, we collect the nectar and then process it into honey, dry it, and finally store it," replied the friendly female bee.

Foraging bees only leave the hive in warmer temperatures, so they are more active during spring and summer months, depending on the available food supply. When field bees find flowers secreting nectar, they use their proboscis to suck up the nectar and deposit it into their honey stomachs, also known as the proventriculus.

"Wait, did you say honey is vomit?!" exclaimed the tiny soldier in shock.

"Oh no you dummy, honey is not vomit," said the female bee, "Our honey stomach is different from the stomach we use to digest food. But let's get back to how we make honey."

"Sorry about that," said the tiny soldier apologetically.

"No worries, let me continue. We bees travel long distances to collect nectar, sometimes up to 3-5 kilometers, and even up to 10 kilometers during times when food is scarce," explained the friendly female bee.

"When nectar enters our honey stomach, enzymes and proteins are secreted from special glands in our mouth and added to the nectar. Invertase then transforms the sucrose in the nectar into simple sugars like glucose and fructose," added the right bee

"Wow, do you mix nectar from different types of flowers?" asked Monferno.

"No, we only collect one type of flower nectar and don't mix it with nectar from other flowers. We also communicate with other foragers about the best food sources for the day, and the whole hive follows our lead," said Catherine with a smile.

"Like with dance right? I heard you use dance for communication."

"That's right. Anyway, our honey stomach takes about 40mg of honey which is about half the weight of us. It takes us many flower visits – 100 or even many more – to fill our honey stomach and then loaded up, we return to the hive to drop off the load, before starting out all over again."

"Do you hear it boss? the combees are ashardworking as us!" the tiny soldier commented appreciatively to the brass leader.

"It is admirable indeed." Replied back the leader of falinks. The other soldiers nodded as well.

Croagunk walked silently behind the group, unsure of what to expect. While he found the story fascinating, he couldn't shake the feeling that something was not right. Specifically, he wondered why the Combee had chosen them to rescue their queen when thousands of members in their group could have done the job.

During his musings, The Combees continued their explanations...

"Once back at the hive, the field combees pass their loads of nectar to other worker of combees the hive, known as house combees. This is the point at which the honey-making process really gets going. The house combees chew the nectar for up to half an hour, even making bubbles between their mandibles (extended jaws) to evaporate moisture out of the nectar. More enzymes are added as the nectar is ingested and regurgitated as it is passed from combee to combee, and these enzymes break down the sugars and proteins in the nectar, making it more acidic and gradually turning it into a kind of watery 'honey'.

"So..it is really just Combee vomit then.." Said Gengar

"At this stage, the 'honey' is about 70% water, which is too 'wet' to be stored successfully for the hive's food supplies, as it would ferment. The next stage is therefore designed to 'dry' the honey out." Continued the female one ignoring the ghost's comment. "Dehydration involves the combees spreading the honey out across wax comb in the hive that the bees build for this purpose. At this point too, house combees increase the airflow in the hive by fanning their wings, that in turn increases the evaporation of water from the honey. The combees will flap their wings to create extra airflow around the cell, helping to dry the liquid even more until it finally reaches the sweet, sticky state of honey you are familiar with. This process continues until the viscous sticky substance we know as honey is formed, with about 17-20% water content." She finished with a proud face.

Falinksand Monferno greeted her with loud applause. "This was amazing. Thank you for the sharing."

"Your welcome!" Said the faces at once. The 'dry' honey is collected for storage and dropped into the cells of the honeycomb, where it stays until the combees are ready to use it. Each cell full of mature 'dry' honey is sealed or 'capped' with beeswax.

The capping process is an important aspect of the honey storage as it keeps the honey clean, protected from the thousands of bees tracking across the face of the honey comb in a hive each day. Capping also critically seals the cell, stopping the honey from absorbing back from the hive any moisture that would cause it to ferment."

"Nice!" said the tiny soldier as it went back into the formation of falinks.

Eventually, they arrived at the entrance of a large cave, where they watched thousands of Combees flying in and out. . They hid inside bushes as they watched the spectacle. It seemed that stealth time had arrived.

"Alright folks, here we are," Combee said as she turned around to face them. "From here, we have to find a way to enter the hive without being noticed."

"How are we able to do that? There are so many bees here!" Monferno asked.

"I know the way. Follow me," she said as she slowly flew towards an old oak tree located behind the cave entrance, just a few meters away. She jumped inside something which looked like a hole but was perfectly covered with the old oak tree.

Everyone followed her and jumped inside the hole, finding themselves in a tunnel area which was full of beeswax and combs as far as the eye could see.

"We know it!" Finished Monferno, nodding sagely as they understood the stakes they were on.

"Yes. Now, follow me. I have a strong feeling my queen isn't far by now." Said the little combee with hope evident in her eyes.

The pink mist that had been permeating them had grown thicker, but they hadn't realized...too enthralled by the explanation about honey.

They started walking while staying hidden, which was difficult due to the many combees flying around. Some tunnels were narrow and dark, making the mission much harder than expected.

The massive hive seemed to harbor intricate tunnels and layers that seemed to go on forever. The combs covered every inch of the tunnel walls, and they were closed off by a "door" made up of combees. It was as if they had entered a secret world that they never knew existed.

Monferno's eyes widened as he observed the hive's inner workings. He watched in awe as the house combees meticulously tended to the tiny, delicate larvae. The sight filled him with wonder and joy. It was a heartwarming feeling to see how everyone in this big family worked together to survive.

As he took in the hive's grandeur, Monferno couldn't help but feel a sense of belonging. The feeling of community and togetherness that he saw here reminded him of his own home. It was a place where everyone cared for each other and worked towards a common goal.

Sneasel, who led Ninetales by holding onto one of her tails, also marveled at the hive's sight. He thought about the bond he witnessed between the Combees, and how it was something he hoped to achieve with his own pack. Although his pack wasn't always friendly, the bond was there. He had joined the game to prove his worth and lead them one day. As he gazed at the hive, he couldn't help but wonder about his pack. How long had it been since he last saw them? How were they doing? Were they still at war with the other sharp claw tribes?

000

Alolan Ninetales purred in the confessional. ''What are you playing at, Sneasel? Why are you caring if you hate me, and why do I like it?

000

Sneasel looked in the confessional with a nonchalant expression. ''I hate her slutty disposition, but after we joined this multiple time, my instinct howls at me to help her around. I will follow them."

000

As they kept walking, Croagunk noticed a few interesting tunnels which stood out from the others. The frog stopped and checked them out for a while, before finally deciding to ditch the others and go off on his own.

''If I have to die here on this mission, then at least I want to see everything I could have seen. This place is nuts.'' He thought as he walked down the path of one peculiarly different tunnel. He followed the tunnel's entire length, quickly not even hearing the others.

Oddly enough, there was no combee to be found, which was definitely suspicious and not usual. Eventually, the Muay Thai frog saw the outline of what looked like a large chamber.

''Well, here goes…'' He thought as he stepped in the said chamber. However, when he entered the place and his eyes adjusted to the lack of light, the poison type found himself staring in shock at the sight that presented itself to him.

Destroyed honeycomb cells all over the ground, many of them even containing larvae whose parts were scattered on the ground.

"What the hell has happened here? Isn't this colony supposed to function like a family?" Croagunk thought, completely taken aback

As he said this, he quickly heard soft crying in the nearby corner of the room. He went there and carefully picked up some comb cells and pieces of dead larvae. Underneath, a tiny female comb was lying against the wall, crying in pain. Her left head was missing and there was a huge hole in its place. Interestingly, the Combee was dark orange instead of the usual golden yellow.

As the warrior approached her, she jumped back, startled. "Please...do not kill me..." She cried in horror, while the remaining upper face looked at him in a serious manner.

"I will not. Now tell me what happened here? Don't you combees stick together like one unit? Why are you so mangled?" Asked the frog in worry.

"Yes, we do. But... it's complicated..." She began to explain, trying to ignore the pain caused by her traumatic head injury.

''...there can only be one queen in the hive. No more. So..." She trailed off, her speech cut of by a throb of pain.

"I see. I am right to suppose that all of you were Queen bees, so Vespiquen candidates, and this chamber was designed to house you?" Coragunk asked as he gently lifted her up.

The tiny combee trembled briefly under his touch before she relaxed, feeling that he was not an enemy and that he didn't want her life. However, the upper face still kind of glared at the poison type in case he were to attack her, keeping a vigilant eye for any threat of aggression.

During that time, the lower face of the Combee continued her explanation.

"Yes, but the firstborn combee has killed everyone but me. And as you can clearly see, I didn't come out unscathed. I only survived because I was able to keep silent and hide under a pile of fallen combs. It was so scary and painful, but to survive, I had to keep quiet. It is a miracle I didn't die from the trauma. That combee always has been dangerous. She isn't afraid to lie, deceive or incapacitate others for the sake of her goals.''

At these words, croagunk felt a sense of dread dawn on him more and more. Sweet scent? Lying and deceitful?

''Don't tell me...this can't be...'' He thought, his brows furrowing.

"She has been the heir to this colony since she hatched from her chrysalis. The old queen, our mother, is weak and dying. So the time to replace her is soon upon us. She would become the new queen, but I cannot even fathom to imagine what will happen to me if she does become the Vespiquen. Despite being small and young, she is smart and sly, but also cruel and homicidal. If you are caught here...she will make mincemeat out of you" Explained

"Oh no... We were led here by a combee, you see. And now that I think about it, the air had smelled sweet for our entire trip...Oh Arceus... this is bad...She could be that combee. How the heck have we not questioned her motives...?" croaked the frog in frustration, punching the ground as the color drained from his face

"Wait..Catherine came back?!..." the Combee screamed in shock and pain. Blood seeped from her injury, making Croagunk wince.

''She needs medical attention fast...and we need to get the fuck out of here...'' thought Croagunk before he tore off a bit of his bandages

''What are you doing?'' Asked the combee in apprehension.

''Keep quiet...'' Croagunk said as he pulled out a blood clothing ointment from his bandages that he always had with him, to treat injuries suffered while training. He carefully applied it onto the wound before expertly bandaging the wound. The Combee was touched at how gentle he was, considering that she had such a fragile body.

His handiwork finished, Croagunk stared into the eyes of the tiny bee.

"All right, listen, girl. Let us make a deal. You will be our guide and help us get out of here alive. And in return, I will protect you from any harm. Deal?"

The female bug type looked at him skeptically, eyeing him from top to bottom."Are you sure you can stand up to all them?" The right upper head asked, speaking for the first time since they had met.

"I am not sure, but I am convinced. I will get you out of there even if it's the last thing I do! Nobody deserves to die just because they weren't first," Croagunk said with a fire burning in his eyes.

That sight inspired the combee. By some twist of fate someone was willing to save her from her fate of death. She would take that.

"It's a deal then. I pray for both of our success.'' The female said as she hopped into Coragunk's bag, which he held in front of her to jump in.

''Let's go then. I have a feeling that they might have reached the queen already...'' Croagunk said as he sligned the bag and started running toward the man plaza.

''You guys better pull though, I don't want death on my conscience...'' He thought as he started going faster.

000

Croagunk was facing the confessional with a determined look on her face. I am no hero, but I won't let people die such an unfair death if I can help it...'' He said as the screen turned static

000

Back in the sea of Hoenn, things were not looking well as the afterwake of the undersea avalanche put all of them in danger.

"Everyone, we have to get out of here right now!" Cried one of Phione as swam behind the players while the other two were at front leading them out of the madness.

A rain of rocks fell from everywhere, sediments lifting and obsucring the view, the bigger pieces making a drumming sound as they hit the various structures under the sea.. All sea creatures quickly swimmed out of the way, leaving the area.

The players tried to swim up slowly, but the Phiones kept hitting the rocks, which ended up closer to them. The players attempted to do the same, but it was not easy to swim quickly and avoid getting pelted by the debris. This made their swimming much slower than they should.

Fraxue felt incredibly guilty and hoped they could escape safely.

''We gotta make it... we just gotta...'' She thought as she kept on swimming as fast as she could

Suddenly, she heard something that sounded like a dull glass-like cracking noise. Turning around, she watched in horror as Hatterene's helmet was broken at the front, leaving a big hole in the glass. She also saw red bruise on her forehead, which meant the rock hit her too. The Dragon type quickly went back to the fainted Hatterene and put her own helmet onto her without thinking. She then started to swim up to the surface with Hatterene in her arms.

''I am not letting you die on me. I would not be able to take it. Not on my fucking watch...!''' Thought Fraxure as adrenaline pumped in her body, devoting her entire self to the rescue.

However, there was something she hadn't considered. What about herself?

Not even five minutes had passed when she started to feel a slowly growing pain in her chest.

''Oh goddamn lungs! Don't give up on me. We need to survive...Come on!'' She though growling.

However, when she looked up, she realized how high the surface was and how deep Hatterene and her were. She knew that she would never make it in time, even if she used all the willpower she had. The ocean was much bigger and stronger than her, and the water pressure also forced her to swim slower, which increased her hopelessness...

''NO! Focus on your survival. This isn't your first pinch! MOVE!'' She kept thinking, kicking up as hard as she could...

However, as much as she wanted to push herself, The agonizing pain as her lungs cried for oxygen combined with the rapidly growing fear of death covered her mind, making her vision blur. It was such a horrible experience that she knew she wouldn't wish it on anyone, not even her enemies. The fear was compounded by the gaping emptiness she felt as she was alone in the darkness with the fainted Hatterene in her arms.

As she kept swimming, suddenly she realized that she was no longer aware of her surroundings. The agonizing pain was now gone, replaced by utter calmness, utter peace.

As her vision got darker and darker, the last thing she saw was a huge creature blocking the sunlight above as it came towards her.

''Shit...I'm sorry...everyone''

Unbeknown to her, a passing group of a certain Pokemon watched her heroics...and nodding to the group, one of them executed a little ritual. There was a flash of light, then the light disappeared.

000

Peace. Calm. Somehow, her chest wasn't hurting. But she still fell. Was this the great planes of light? Was it heaven? If it was...it felt good not to be in pain anymore, not to be plagued by guilt...wait that wasn't completely true...but..the place she was was getting more and more luminous...like ray of light piercing the canopy...

''What's going...on?..'' She asked as she suddenly felt her body again. Slowly, her eyes fluttered open, the sudden light forcing her to blink twice before she could gain enough sense to lift her paws to block the light.

''SHIT!'' She jolted up, almost knocking the bed over.

She looked around frantically, everything hitting her at once with the force of a cannonball. It took her a few seconds to realize where she was...

She lay in a hospital-like room, recovering in a hospital bed. Beside her, Hatterene, who had been awake for who knew how long, sat on her own bed with her arms resting in her lap.

Fraxure checked her forehead anxiously. The injury was now gone, which made her feel relieved. Hatterene noticed her worry and looked at her, causing Fraxue to look away and stare at her fingers.

"I see you're awake and doing well. However, I can also feel that you're worried about me and upset about what happened due to your temper, I dont any grudge against you, you know..." Hatterene said.

Fraxure kept staring at her fingers, without daring to look at Hatterene, ravaged by remorse. Hatterene kept staring at her for a while before she put her hand on the dragon's right shoulder.

"I heard you sacrificed your own helmet to rescue me... even if by doing so, you put your own life at risk. I always knew you weren't bad, just passionate. There is nothing wrong with that, but it is true that you have to keep your emotions in check."

"But... I don't know how to do that. We dragons tend to be passionate, and we also don't know much about self-control and how to learn it," Fraxure replied finally looking at Hatterene, tears in her eyes. "I'm so sorry, still. I... I didn't mean to cause harm."

"That's alright. The important thing is, we are fine. Besides, I can help you practice self-control... but only if you want," Hatterene offered, smiling gently at the dragon.

"Really? Well... thank you. I accept it," Fraxure smiled back.

Suddenly, their room door opened and a worried Mesprit came inside, looking panicked.

"Are you two okay? The nurse told me you two were already recovered, just resting still."

Both girls looked at her with a smile. "Yes, we are alright. Let's go to the others."

Mesprit smiled at that, and they all left the camp to meet up with the others who were already waiting at a secluded spot on Slateport City Beach. Kyogre was resting there, along with the three Phiones on her back. One of them was holding the legendary Pearl in its arms.

"Well, well, look who's here," said Bidoof sarcastically.

"Hatterene! Thank God you're okay!" cried two other voices.

Lapras and Roserade rushed over to Hatterene, asking if she was okay and if she needed any help. Hatterene shook her head, telling them she was fine and didn't need anything.

"I wonder how it feels to be among the living, you crazy dragon mutt? I wonder how many of these sea creatures can't say the same after your outburst," hissed Bidoof as he stalked towards Fraxue.

"It was an accident. I didn't mean to... I just..." Fraxue stuttered, her heart pounding in her chest.

"Just what you neanderthal? Your crazy uncontrolled temper caused an entire undersea rock chain to collapse. It almost caused not just our downfall, but it also destroyed at least a quarter of the coral reef. The entire structure from the cliff collapsed, causing plenty of sea Pokemon to end up homeless, dead, missing, or worse. Do you feel proud of yourself, you psycho?" Bidoof snarled, his beady eyes flashing with anger.

Fraxue felt tears prick at the corners of her eyes as the beaver's words cut deep into her heart. She had never meant to cause so much destruction, but her uncontrollable anger had gotten the best of her. She hung her head in shame, unable to meet Bidoof's accusing gaze

''I''..

"I have had enough!" Hatterene exclaimed as she stepped between Bidoof and Fraxure, her voice rising with every word. "What she did was wrong, yes, but let us not forget that Rotom Phone is the one who started all of this by not informing us of the risks and dangers and instead slept inside the submarine the entire time. Even after we left the submarine, all she did was record us without helping out." Hatterene gave a frustrated look towards the black Rotom Phone, who simply shrugged her invisible shoulders. "

As I said, you never asked," replied the Rotom Phone with little concern for the situation.

The tension in the air was palpable.

Mesprit sighed and shook her head. This Rotom would drive her crazy one day for sure.

Hatterene suddenly felt like tearing the phone apart.

"It was supposed to be your job to inform us, not just record, you moron!" said Hatterene, turning to Bidoof. "Even then, it was wrong for Fraxue to let her anger take over. Dragons tend to exaggerate everything, which is why they can't get along with others. But she and I have decided that I will teach her how to control her emotions. So I'm sure everything will be fine from now on."

She smiled at Fraxue, who returned the smile.

"Besides, she put her own life at risk when she gave me her helmet after mine was broken by a piece of rock. I don't think you would ever do such a thing... would you?" She looked down at Bidoof seriously before turning to Tapu Koko.

She looked around, scanning the area for any signs of their return. "Where are the others, by the way?" she asked Koko, the electric-type guardian.

Koko, sipping his Oran Berry cocktail nonchalantly, replied, "They haven't returned yet."

The psychic witch nodded, silently acknowledging that they might have encountered trouble. Suddenly, the ground shook, and Groudon emerged from it, looking panicked.

"They haven't returned yet?! How can that be?" he cried in shock and worry.

Kyogre couldn't resist the opportunity to taunt Groudon. "Nope. I don't know where the hell you sent them, but they must be at the edge of the planet for sure."

Groudon's frustration boiled over. "Oh, shut up, you stupid fish! I gave them a call orb to use if they needed me. The fact that they don't need me shows that my team is tougher than yours ever was," he proudly announced.

The tension between the two legendary Pokemon started rising rapidly. Koko knew that something had to be done before they started fighting. He shook both of them with Nature's madness and said sternly, "Don't you dare ruin our show with your endless stupid fights!"

The two Pokemon reluctantly turned back to face each other, and the other Pokemon looked at them with a drop of sweat behind their heads.

000

Bidoof looked a bit annoyed in the confessional. ''Really? These are the type of Pokemon that are said to rule our realm?

000

Fraxure had a small smile in the confessional. ''I didn't expect Hatterene to take my side so handily. It was nice of her... I am not really used to act of kindness toward me. Maybe he was right after all...'' She thought in wonder, wondering if even a dragon like her could fully change

000

Roserade smiled in the confessional. ''The sea is a beautiful place, but I don't think I'll be doing any deep swimming for a while, if ever. I love my sunlight too much...'' she said as notably far brighter colors were back on her.

000

" We're... doomed. How are we supposed to handle this?" said Monferno, fear evident in his voice as he looked at the multitude of Combees staring them down angrily, having them almost completely surrounded.

"How could this happen? This is ridiculous... seriously?" Ninetales said, unable to believe their situation.

"We have been fooled. That's what happened," said Sneasel, closing his eyes with a resigned sigh.

"Soldiers, ready for anything!" cried the leader of Falinks as he took a fighting pose.

"Yes, boss," the soldiers cried at once as they also took a fighting pose, following their brass leader.

However, in a display of overwhelming power, bigger worker Combee shut them down, bombarding them with gust attacks until they all fainted, leaving them without a critical battle-ready Pokemon. All the others gulped, understanding that they were at a severe disadvantage.

Coragunk and the tiny orange Combee arrived just in time to witness the now-dead old queen lying on the ground in front of the group and the thousands of Combees all around the place, surrounding the other contestants.

"Damn, we're too late," he said in frustration.

Suddenly, the Combees noticed him too and quickly dragged him to the others.

"Croagunk, good to see you came. We are likely going to need all the available firepower. Besides, where even were you?" asked Sneasel.

"Now is not the time, She is coming.." wishpered the tiny combee before Coragunk could speak up, as she perked from the bag the Thai frog was carrying.

Some Combee walls separated, revealing the exact same Combee who had guided them.

"It's you! What's going on? We thought we were helping you rescue your queen," accused Monferno angrily.

"Indeed, you helped me quite well," she said with a huge grin. The top faces of the Combee smiled wickedly.

"Giving our mother her wish before death was very appreciated indeed. She didn't want to die any other way but in battle while defending her colony." She explained triumphally.

"Let me guess...you used us to defeat the queen so that you could take over the colony. Everything you told us before was a lie, correct?" Sneasel said, looking at her without any surprise.

"As the first hatched, this colony was fated to be mine anyway. We just wanted to give our mother's final wish before her death. She was really old, you see," she said with pity on all three faces as they looked down at the dead queen. "I was made for this moment now it is time that I take hold of my purpose."

As she said that, a few Combees came forward, giving her a cup of thick, sticky white liquid. "Is that...?" asked Alolan Ninetales, her voice trailing off.

"Yup, this is the royal jelly that you are looking for. However, you won't get any of that. This is supposed to be for my diet. Worker larvae also get it too, but it doesn't take long until their diet switches to pollen bread and honey. Now, witness the birth of the new queen of this colony."

As she slowly and tortuously drank up all the royal jelly, she felt its effects almost instantly.

With a deranged smile on the Combee's face that had the red marking, a whirlwind of dark and ominous power started swirling around her. The other two faces forming the Combee's eyes glazed over and closed as if they were being possessed by a powerful force.

Suddenly, she burst with an immense amount of power, and the birth of the strongest queen in history was happening right before everyone's eyes!

She let out a sinister laugh and exclaimed, "Ha...haha...hahaha...hahahahahaha...I can feel the power coursing through me. Behold, the birth of a new era of darkness!" Her body emitted a blinding and terrifying light, leaving everyone present paralyzed with dread.

''Not good...I think that she is evolving...'' Said Monferno in worry.

''We should probably get ready to fight...'' Said Gengar as she took her Alpha Lopunny form, readying herself.

Sneasel created his katana of Ice. ''This will be either a glorious fight or our last stand...Better be ready to go out swinging...'' He said as he readied himself to sell his skin dearly.

Once the blinding light receded, the Combee had vanished, replaced by a ginormous Vespiquen. The contestant could feel her cold, homicidal gaze piercing through their soul. She was far larger than any Vespiquen they had ever seen, and her menacing eyes made them shiver in fear.

"Is that... an alpha?" Sneasel stuttered in terror, not expecting to encounter such a formidable foe.

"Afraid it is. Takes one to know one..." replied Lopunny.

"Did you really think we were so foolish as to let you waltz in and take what belongs to us? The moment you set foot in this forest; we knew something was amiss. And now, the only thing I can do is ensure that none of you leave here alive. This colony has remained hidden and peaceful for generations, and we will not let thieves like you disrupt our way of life," the queen said in a menacing tone, her eyes blazing with anger.

"Sisters and brothers, let us show these Pokémon what happens to those who dare to cross us." With a fierce glare, she signaled her army to attack.

The moment everyone had been dreading had finally arrived. The battle had begun, and the temperature inside the room began to rise rapidly as every Combee used their body heat to create a strong heat wave to slow down the intruders.

The room felt like a sauna, and the air was thick with humidity, making it difficult to breathe.

As the heat intensified, everyone, except for Monferno, started to feel kind of dizzy and disoriented.

Sneasel and Ninetales were already on the ground, struggling to get back up as the heat took its toll on them. Sneasel, who had carried the call orb, dropped it in his fall, breaking it.

The battle was just getting started, and already it was proving to be a formidable challenge for everyone involved.

Gengar on the other hand, felt rather excited than scared. The ambient fear and anger boosted her powers like an all-you-can-eat buffet. "So many negative emotions to eat..this is amazing!"

''Let's move! Said monferno as he launched a flamethrower attack at the Vespiquen.''

''Laughable! Defense Order!'' Replied the Vespiquen as her eyes pulsed with Power.

Immediately a huge chunk of perfectly imbricked Soldier combee came in front of the Queen Bee, protecting her from harm. Their red aura was absorbed by the Alpha, raising her defenses.

Gengar At that moment appeared behind the Queen, aiming a vicious shadow claw at her neck...

Without even looking at her, The Queen bee scoffed. ''Do you think I am this much of a fool? This tactic won't work on me! Attack Order!'' She shouted as another swarm of combee launched gusts, psybeams and other ranged moves at the Ghost type, launching her into a wall

''Ack!'' She said, blood seeping from her mouth.

''LOVE!'' Shouted monferno in worry, rushing toward his fallen girlfriend.

''Are you alright?'' Asked Monferno in worry as she helped the Alpha Ghost type up...

''I am good. Look out!'' She shouted as she slammed the Monkey on the ground, making him narrowly avoid an assault from a Combee.

''I owe you one'' Said Monferno, appreciative.

''I would never let that bitch hurt you. '' She said with a smile.

Sneasel on the other hand, was too busy protecting a rapidly weakening Alolan Ninetales from relentless Combee assaults

The Queen laughed maniacally. ''I am so strong, yet I don't even need to do anything. My colony will kill you all without me needing to even lift a finger. Are you all that weak? You wanted to gain our precious royal Jelly with this pathetic level of strenght? How verily insulting...'' She said with disdain dripping from her voice.

Croagunk looked at the combee who looked back at him nodding. They had no way to defeat that queen bee, they needed to escape, and they needed to escape fast, the royal jelly be damned.

"Guys, forget about the jelly. We have to leave this place, now! I have found an ally that will allow us to navigate the hive and leave." Croagunk said as he gave the Falinks brass leader and his hoplite a pair of well placed Wake up slaps, waking them up.

''Sorry for the rude awakening. But we gotta go. There is no way we can defeat them the way we are now... Everyone, grab those who are incapacitated and follow us!"

''This way!'' Said the combee as they started heading toward the left cavern. ''The others quickly took Sneasel and Alolan Ninetales, who had fainted, away and followed the unlikely duo.

However, As soon as they tried to leave the room, they were shocked to see the combees move in perfect sync in order to block their escape route, creating a wall with their whole body.

''Where do you think you are going, my little mice?'' Purred the queen with a smug smile on her face

"Babe, use your confuse ray and help us get out of here!" Howled a panicked Monferno

"On it!" Gengar said as she amassed power in her palm and launched it at the wall. Upon impact, a hole formed in the combees's formation as their senses were thrown into disarray by the move. Immediately, the contestants exploited that opening.

"Hurry! " Croagunk urged as they resumed their running.

"Don't let them leave the hive! Kill them all!" Cried the Queen bee with a loud roar.

For what seemed like hours, the group, guided by the tiny Combee, made their way inside of the colony and toward freedom, fighting damn near every single combee in the colony, with their Alpha Queen hot on their tails. In their wake, many combees layed defeated or incapacitated, showing how violent the fight had been.

"Where we go now?" Asked Croagunk to his tiny companion after a turn.

"Well... " She hesitated, not fully knowing where to go.

"By Arceus's mercy, do not tell me we are stuck! I feel that I am going to be cooked alive!" complained Sneasel as he tried to prevent his sweat from getting in his eyes.

"I can feel air coming from that direction!" Said Falinks as they pointed to the left tunnel.

"Alright, let's go!" Yelled Croagunk hurriedly as he could hear the mob of combees, led by their queen, fast approaching.

They went inside that tunnel and soon they found out an opening to the outside that looked like a crack between two rocks, but before they could reach it, combees appeared out of nowhere, creating a huge wall to block the exit. Said Combees immediately started to pepper them with a flurry of attacks making the group break in evasive maneuvers.

"Come on! Not again!" Cried Monferno angrily.

"Don't worry, I am on it!" Said Gengar with a snarl as she used shadow claw on them 3 times, Blasting the exit open with her power.

''Good shit, Gengar. Now let's get outta here!'' Shouted the sharp claw Pokemon as he exited the hive thought the opening. His exemple was quickly followed by the others, happy to see an end to this hellhole.

Croagunk was the last one to start to leave But before he could, a big fly attack ripped out his bag away from him, and the tiny combee landed on the ground, falling on her injury. She howled in terrible pain and that cry filled Croagunk with dread.

She tried to stand up by using her one remaining wing before she was pushed down by a strong grip. Looking up, it was the new queen, staring down at her in pity. "You were supposed to be dead. And now, you even helped intruders escape. You truly are a disappointment. But do not worry. You can atone for your sins with your death. This is my colony; nobody will ever take it from me...nobody." She said meanly and lifted her arm, long claws glowing and extending in a slash attack.

Time seemed to slow down. The arm of the queen bee started its downward swiping motion, intent on cutting that Combee traitor in two.

The tiny bee closed her eyes, fully accepting her fate while the top left face stared up with tears begging for mercy. She had tried, she had survived and at least she had led the friends of that kind Croagunk out of the place. She could at least die with some honor.

However, one particular poison type did not seem kindly to see his newfound friend bite the dust this easily. His skin appeared to glow and his eyes hardened with resolve.

A metallic-like sound was heard.

The Combee, not understanding why she could still see, feel, smell, touch or hear, looked up after a little while. The scene that awaited her made both of her remaining faces gasp in utter shock.

The Queen bee was paralyzed with pain, Croagunk's fist deeply lodged in her abdomen, a crown looking like the Parthenon atop his head. The Muay Thai frog retracted his fist, and the Queen Collapsed in agony.

''Tera Blast, Tera rock. Parthenon Break. I hope you enjoy the paldean special...'' Croagunk said with a very badass look on his face.

''You hurt those I place under my protection, you get punched...no matter who or what you are, you fucker.'' He added before turning toward the Combee, who was looking at him with pure adoration in her eyes.

''You...'' She muttered, looking at him in pure adoration, her face blushing madly as Croagunk looked like a knight in literally shining armor at the moment.

Croagunk chuckled. "I have told you I will protect you, haven't I? I am a man keen on keeping his promises and deals. Now let's hurry outside before she sends even more combees!" And with that, he picked her up, placed her in the backpack once more, and left the cave.

The others already waited for him a little further down the forest.

''Where were you?'' Asked Sneasel.

"Never mind that. Where we can go now? They surely wouldn't be against chasing after us even outside of their hive." Asked Monferno looking around worriedly.

"The ocean is not too far from this forest. Jumping in it is the only escape. We combees can't swim so we avoid huge bodies of water." Said the female combee.

At that, everyone ran towards the ocean as they heard the combees buzz with anger and chase them even outside of the hive. When they finally reached a cliff, they jumped one by one into the ocean as the combees reached the place. Only Croagunk, with his tera rock still active, stayed on the cliff, not capable of jumping in the water with a badly injured Combee in his bag. The angry mob of combees arrived at the cliff, finally, but upon seeing the fearless, dark look that the terastalized Croagunk gave them and remembering collectively what that Pokemon had done to their powerful alpha queen, they decided that it was a better choice to go tend to their queen rather than being slaughtered by the tera rock Pokemon. At long last, they relented and left the area.

It was finally over.

The contestants swam to the nearest beach and laid on the warm sand. It felt so peaceful... They could relax a little before trying to head back... surely.

With the adrenaline wearing off, they all drifted to sleep, With Croagunk holding The Bee Close to him, which made the latter feel very safe and protected.

000

Falinks looked haggard in the confessional ''How mortifying. To be defeated so easily...

000

Gengar burped in the confessional. ''Oh lord, what a rapture that was. All of these negative energies. I have never eaten as well as that today.

000

The Combee somehow found the confessional. ''My hero...'' She swooned with an adorable blush on her face.

000

Dusk had fallen onto the secluded beach area in Slateport when the rest of the contestants finally joined the others. Gengar had carried them all in their sleep with psychic, spending all the excess energy she had gotten by feasting on all these negative emotions on carefully transporting them while holding her beloved Monferno in her arms.

As they made it back, the Rotom Phone floated toward Mesprit, who started watching the recording on it.

Finally! What took you so long?" Asked Groudon in frustration. "And..what the heck happened with all of you? You all look like you were hit by a truck or something."

"A battle of life and death against a legendary hive and their mad Queen. This is what happened. But it was fun! I ate so much negative energy that I feel like I will burst" answered Gengar with a huge grin.

"So you found it?" Amazing! You are possibly the first Pokemon to do it. Good job!" Groudon complimented happily. So, where is the royal jelly?"

"Are you serious?! You essentially sent us on a damn near suicide mission. We almost lost our lives back there, and all you care about is that fucking Jelly?" Chastised Monferno.

The God of land was in surprised by the reaction. He never witnessed someone being this bold against him before. "Well..."

"If it's royal Jelly you want, I can provide. Gladly too. It's the least I can do for my savior " said the tiny Combee as she looked up at Croagunk with adoration.

"How?" Everyone asked at once, curious to hear her explanation.

"During the chase, I was able to influence a nurse combee with pheromones to give me some since the Hive was disorganized. It happened quickly due to the chase. It is still within my honey stomach, so I can give it to you." she explained happily.

Everyone stared at her in confusion.

Monferno took the initiative and explained the secret of honey and royal jelly making to the sea. It was essentially a protein bomb that turned female Combees into Vespiquen.

As he did, Croagunk put a glass in front of the combee, who returned the royal jelly to it. Once that was done, The Muay Thai frog sealed the bottle and gave it to the behemoth.

"You have to dry it through heat or air for a little while so it can lose its water. Once that is done, you will have your royal jelly...'' She explained with a kind, soft smile.

"Will do." replied the large Ground type, nodding in understanding.

"Heh, all of this pain for bee vomit? Only you can have stupid ideas such as this..." taunted Kyogre with a chuckle.

"Oh please... At least my target was useful and has great health benefits. Meanwhile, your item is made by an oyster own skin that trap the bacteria inside something. Not exactly useful or healthy, isn't it?" the land mass Pokemon shouted back.

"Enough you two!" Koko said loudly, angrily, while electricity sparked around him in agitation, "Not in our show!"

"I am glad you made out of alive guys... It must have been tough. She said sympathetically before turning to falinks. However, for you, Leonidas. I am afraid that it is the end of the road. From what everyone told me, you were the first to faint on that mission. That would make you the least-performing Pokemon. It is unfortunate. The fox could have been in your place, but you fainted before she did. " She said as she pointed to the end of the beach, which had a rock outcropping on it. "Please walk towards that rock. I will allow you one last confessional before Giratina takes you away."

The brass leader nodded in acceptance. It was time to go. '' We might have lost in the end. But as a new brass, we made it pretty far. We do not have regrets, if not to bring glory to our city. To all of you, I wish you that the Gods smiles favorably upon you. LEGIO EXPEDITA!" Shouted the Leader as the brass walked resolutely to the rock outcropping.

''And out goes the Army. Good. Brawny idiots like them should not have made it that far to begin with...'' Said bidoof meanly as he let out a hearty laugh.

Mesprit growled at that message. Must the beaver be needlessly mean every time he spoke? She had been holding it in but it was getting more and more difficult to keep her anger in check

"Alright folks, enjoy the rest of the night. The boat should be there soon. You deserve it after such a hard day. Refreshments and food are waiting for you inside the shelter.." Koko said with a smile as watched them go about on their way.

The electric guardian stood watchfully, his eyes scanning the surroundings. Suddenly, an inexplicable chill ran down his spine, causing him to shudder involuntarily. The air felt colder as if a gust of frigid wind had swept through the area. He turned his head to the left and noticed Mesprit, the legendary psychic Pokémon, fixated on Bidoof with an intense glare.

Her gaze never wavered as she followed his every move, her expression twisted in a strange and unfamiliar anger.

The more she watched him, the more her fury seemed to intensify, causing tick marks to appear on the side of her head and her eyes to glow in golden light with pinkish energy pulsating from them.

Koko's heart raced with terror as he witnessed something he never thought he would see. Mesprit's eyes were now glowing with an otherworldly golden light, and her crystals were pulsating with an ominous energy.

He felt a primal fear coursing through his veins, making him want to run away as fast as he could. But he was frozen in place, unable to move or even speak.

As the anger inside Mesprit intensified, the atmosphere around her changed drastically.

The once sunny sky turned dark and ominous, and the wind picked up with a bone-chilling force, almost as if it were under her command.

Mesprit's eyes glared with a frosty and hard look, her voice now cold and menacing,

"You uncouth, stupid..." she muttered, her words trailing off with an eerie echo.

"What's going on?" asked Sneasel as he ran toward the yacht for shelter.

"I don't know, but this sudden weather change is crazy!" said Roserade as she quickly made it inside the camp shelter with Lapras and Gengar in tow.

"Love, please come inside..." said Monferno as he ran toward the yacht.

"Yes, I'm coming! How did the weather even change so suddenly?" replied Gengar.

Kyogre and Groudon were also startled. Normally, their powers were the ones that changed the environment and the weather. What was that fear they were feeling?

Mesprit felt a rush of emotion, and her power surged uncontrollably, causing her to snap out of it. She realized that she was releasing too much power for the world to handle. With deep breaths, she managed to quell her emotions enough to turn to Koko.

"Koko? Hide me," she asked urgently without taking her gaze off Bidoof, who somehow felt that the gaze of death was upon him.

"Pardon?" Koko asked in confusion and slight fear. Mesprit flew closer to him, her eyes piercing into his soul.

"Close your shells around us. I have to talk with you in private," she demanded seriously. Koko did as he was told, feeling a sense of dread wash over him.

Mesprit's presence was overwhelming, and Koko couldn't help but feel intimidated. He had a vision where Mesprit was a giant and he was just an ant, that was Mesprit's full presence, and it was terrifying.

"So... what's up?" he whispered, trying to keep his composure.

"I admit it was my fault he is here, and I regret it already," she said as she stared into Koko's eyes.

Her voice was cold and serious, and Koko felt a shiver run down his spine.

The legendary guardian audibly gulped.

"The rodent? In case, yes, I understand," he nodded seriously.

Mesprit nodded angrily, the mere mention him making her shake with fury. "Indeed. If there is to be another season of this show, do not dare let anyone like him enter it, no matter who asks you for it, not even me," she said with a cold gaze that sent a chill down Koko's spine.

"I will make sure of it, you have my word on my honor as Guardian" Koko nodded, his voice barely above a whisper.

Mesprit nodded and flew out of the hole atop Koko's shells. ''I have to go now. If I stay any longer, I am unsure I can hold back. I have to calm down. I will see you later..." she teleported away with that.

Just like that, the weather returned to normal, as suddenly as it had change. Tapu Koko realized that he was covered in sweat and was breathing heavily, as if he had just fought for a few hours straight the strongest Pokemon on his Island.

000

Tapu Koko was shaking in the confessional. ''I am a strong warrior and guardian of Mele mele...but how...how was I not supposed to fear this? I feel like I have escaped with my life here...'' He said as the camera turned static...

000

As Koko flew towards the shelter, he spotted Croagunk talking to the nurses, living the small Combee in their care. The electric guardian joined them

"Thanks for everything." The combee said with a tender smile

"It was nothing. Just the right thing to do" Coragunk said, a bit embarrassed.

''He's so humble...How is he even real..'' Fawned in her thoughts the small bee...

Thoughtful, The electric guardian took the initiative. ''Hey, I have a few questions for you, if you don't mind that is," Koko asked from the tiny Combee, who turned to the guardian, who was well disposed.

"Sure. How can I help you?" she asked.

"May I present to you an inquiry regarding the origin of the renowned honey and royal jelly that your colony produces? I am curious to know which flower serves as the source of this exceptional creation.'' asked the electric type

"No I don't. Unfortunately, I never had the time to learn it, as I had to ensure that I would not be found by the heiress of that colony. She did try to murder me right after I was done with my pupation. I only focused on survival from that point on.." She said sadly, shivering at the memory.

"Oh... I see.." Koko replied with disappointment. However, he could definitely understand why that was the case.

"Besides, now it is not my colony but hers. However, I know after today that I am meant to start my own colony. So I will do just that...once I fully recover...that is." She said happily, looking up at the sky in hope and faith.

Koko was deep in thought, his mind racing with questions about the mysterious combee colony he had heard rumors about.

Just as he was lost in his thoughts, there was a sudden flash of light and Uxie appeared out of nowhere. Koko was surprised but relieved to see the legendary Pokémon and wasted no time in asking for his help.

''Hey Koko. Sorry to interrupt. But have you seen Mesprit? I need to update her Rotom Phone quickly!'' He inquired

Tapu Koko was pleasently surprised to see the being of Knowledge appear before him. ''She is in her quarters on the yatch. She needed to calm down.'' He replied sincerely.

Uxie frowned at that quickly, but just as quickly, his features took back their usual smooth features.

Koko used that opportunity to make his inquiry.

"Hey Uxie, I need your knowledge right now," Koko said urgently.

"What can I help you with?" Uxie asked calmly.

Koko explained the situation to Uxie, telling him about the legendary combee colony in Hoenn and how the players had found it, but no one knew from which flower they created their honey and royal jelly.

''Let me see...'' He said as he used his psychic to lift a few drops of jelly out of the bottle and brought it to his mouth.

Appraising the taste, Uxie thought for a moment before speaking up. "There are many colonies that could survive for so long, but from the taste, I would say that the flower they use is the moonflower, also known as the enigma berry flower. "

Koko and Uxie both looked at each other curiously, the moonflower was a rare and native species of plant that could only live in a specific area due to the climate and location. The flowers also bloom at night when the majority of nectar eaters are sleeping, giving plenty of time for that colony to gather enough nectar for themselves.

"I see, thank you," Koko thanked, tilting his head down in respect.

"You're welcome. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to go get that sister of mine" and with that, Uxie teleported away, leaving Koko to ponder over the new knowledge he had gained.

"That Pokemon is very wise. I don't think I could have explained it better myself." Said the combee, her eyes sparkling with admiration.

"Indeed. So, what will you do now? Will you make your honey the same way as that colony did, to carry on their legacy?" Asked Tapu Koko as he sat down, with the little Combee landing comfortably on Croagunk's lap, her top left head leaning on his chest.

"No, I do not think so. It is Catherine's colony now. I should do things my own way. That colony could one day be called a relative of mine, but I have no home there anymore." She said seriously.

Croagunk's feature brightened at what he heard. This combee showed a lot of resilience, already thinking of the future after the injury and escape she had just did. It reminded of his mindset of survival back in the slums.

"Can I make a sugesstion?" spoke Croagunk for the first time in a while.

"For you? Anything... Darling... "She replied, with the last part being only thought, the Combee being far too shy to utter that out loud.

"It's a secret, so keep it to yourself, but I like water lilies. Luckily, there were some nearby, so I picked some. I wanted to know if you would like its nectar and make honey out of it," he said as he took out a water lily flower from his bag, which was carefully tucked in a vase.

"I would love to try it," she said with a slight blush on her face, which was sadly missed by the Muay Thai frog.

Both faces of Combee had a taste of it.

"I like it. It is sweet and yummy," said the down one happily.

"Hmm, too sweet. I don't like it," said the top left one with a grimace.

The nurse responded to the boys before they could speak up. "Combee's three heads have different tastes of nectar, so not all of them like one specific nectar, you see."

"Sorry," said the top left one while the down one still kept feeding on the flower nonstop.

"Hmm, how about my red rose? Roses are my favorite, and I guess I have some of it in my nurse camp. Hold her, please," she said as she put the bee into Coragunk's arms and went inside her camp.

"This was delicious! You have nice eyes for great flowers, Croagunk," she said happily, making him blush. "This is nothing, really."

"I am back. Here is my rose." The nurse came back with a vase of pretty red roses. "Have a taste."

The tiny bee tasted the roses as well. Now the tables had turned.

"I prefer the water lily," said the down one.

"Now this one is good," said the top left one.

"Hmm, how about this? I know your kind do not mix up two different flower nectars, but what if we make an exception and see how it turns out?" She asked as she used a grass capillary tube to take nectars from both flowers, then mixed them up.

The tiny orange bee sniffed at it first before starting to taste it. Both drank up the whole bottle immediately.

"Perfection. Now we know what kind of honey we are going to make. this will be a unique one like no other before, our personal brand." Said both faces at ones before they turned to them.

"Thanks everyone for your help. Now we know that our legacy will be better," She said, grateful for their help

Croagunk smiled. He was happy that he was of some help. For some reason, he felt a particular kinship with this combee, and the thought of not seeing her again didn't sit right with him. As such.

"Hey Combee, I live in the Unova region, but once you recover and when this game finish, I would love to see you again. This is my street. If you ever come to the Unova Region to establish your hive of which I recommand the Hidden Grottos in the Luxuriant Lostlorn Forest, btw, I can show you around. I am sure that you will make a great Queen someday. You certainly have the resilience for it. These are my coordinates." Croagunk said with a smile as he extended his coordinates to the combee.

''You really think so? Thank you so much... You were so kind to me...and you saved me and even helped me find the right Honey formula to make mine...'' She said before, feeling bold, she came toward the Frog and whispered the rest of her sentence in his ear.

''Once I recover, I will be coming to Unova And once I evolve, even if sadly you can't live in the hive, I might make you my king still, who knows... You're an angel...'' She said as the top face took his coordinate and the bottom one, heavily blushing, gave the muay thay a kiss on the cheek.

Tender and sweet, Croagunk was taken by surprise, and Koko felt envious of the frog—not because of who was kissing his cheek,but because someone was. Nonetheless, he was happy for the frog, who seemed to have made one big admirer by his actions.

"Alright then. I definitely hope to see you again. Until then, be nice and rest. You need to recover.'' Croagunk said with a smile as he put the Combee in the Nurse's arms.''

''I hope so too.'' Replied the bug/flying type.

The nurse, a kind Audino, turned to the two Pokemon. ''I must thank you for your actions today. You saved a Pokemon from certain death. I am sure that Arceus shall reward you handsomely with a blessing for that act. I wish you success in your endeavors, Your actions today won't be in vain. I promise that this combee will make a full recovery. I bid you farewell now.'' She thanked the two Pokemon, and then the two of them made their way inside the station.

Croagunk stared at their disappearing form for a while. He hadn't expected that at all...but it felt..fitting. Good even. Suddenly, the game did not matter much anymore.

"Man, I sure wish I could have that power. You really have a way with the ladies my man. Teach me your secrets yo?" Koko asked the fighting type with a knowing smile.

Croagunk just looked away in embarrassment. ''I don't know myself...''

Tapu Koko laughed. ''Alright, Let's go back to the boat. We are going to leave soon.'' Said the guardian and thus, both left toward the Yatch, their next adventures sure to be epic and full of surprises.

000

Croagunk was touching his cheek in the confessional. ''Wow...Being liked by a chick sure feels different yo! But I could get used to this feeling for sho! Heck, it even got me thinking about leaving the streets behind to settle down. The crazy thing is that I think it could be pretty nice, being finally grown...'' He rapped with a reverie smile on his face, leaning on the confessional with his hands behind his head.

000

Mesprit, back in her room, had regained her composure. Her mind wandered to Victini, who still hadn't come for a therapy session since that night. Then, her mind wandered toward her brothers, whom she wanted to see now. Anything to distract her from the anger that was still smoldering under her blanket of self-control.

''Hey Mesprit!'' Asked Uxie as the pretty embodiment of emotions almost jumped to the roof for.

''Uxie?'' She asked in disbelief.

End of the chapter.