Disclaimer: I do not own Pokémon, or any other property in this work that I did not make myself.

Pokémon: Sinnoh no Isekai

Chapter Three-hundred and eleven: Blueberry Bungling, part four

After Kenny had time to rotate his party around for the battle against Kieran, following along with the rules he and the other reborn trainers were told about by Carmine, the heroes made their way out to the front reception desk above the rest of Blueberry Academy, the desk right outside of the above water battlefield. When the reborn trainers got there, they were met up by Drayton.

"Hey yo, Kenny and friends," Drayton greeted, "I just wanted to see if Kenny was ready to sign up for the official match."

"Yeah, my cringe posse and I are ready," Kenny replied.

Drayton gave a single nod. "So, Kenny... you said that you and Kieran are friends, right? There's no need to be shy about it, friend drama is just a part of life at your age." Turning around so that his back was to the heroes, Drayton went on, "Here's the Drayster take: I liked Kieran better when his hair was down. He used to be this quiet little guy. Trembled like a leaf, had the spine of a Wimpod."

"But now that he's too much for his older sister to bully and boss around, you want him to go back to being his sister's whipping boy," Mina said dryly.

Looking curious, Drayton turned back around. "No, I don't want him to be at Carmine's mercy again. I just want him to stop harshing everyone's mellow. But I tell you what, when it came to Pokémon battling, I never saw so much joy in anyone's eyes as his. But then, out of nowhere, he... changed. Now he's relentless, pushes himself, pushes everyone around him. I guess that's partly from how his older sister had really dropped the ball."

"It was a bowling ball and Carmine dropped it right on Kieran's foot," Trip said dryly.

Drayton let out a chuckle. "Regardless, nothing good is going to come out of this. Someone's got to snap Kieran out of it. I tried but couldn't do it. Guess I got soft from the lazy life. So now I guess it falls to you, Kenny."

"I'm surprised that no-one had thought to simply whip you until you stopped being lazy and actually started doing what you're expected and wanted to do," Dawn remarked, "I mean, it worked for me when I forced an apology to Crispin out of you. Seriously Drayton, being lazy like you are all the time is not good, you have got to start picking up the slack."

Shrugging, Drayton said, "Don't wanna stop being lazy, being not lazy is too much work." Dawn merely rolled her eyes at Drayton defiantly refusing to stop being a lazy bum as Kenny told that lady receptionist person that he was ready for his battle against Kieran. "Well, it's all up to you now, Kenny," Drayton said, "Me and the rest of the BB League Elite Four will be watching to cheer you on as you fight to snap Kieran back to normal."

"I swear by the powers of cringe and moxie that I shant fail," Kenny said as he went to stand at one of the spots on the above water battlefield. The reborn trainers aside from Kenny went to join Drayton and the other BB League Elite Four members to watch the battle, and Crispin made a nice comment on how Dawn and Lacey look like a matching set as Dawn was still wearing the copy of Lacey's long cardigan that Lacey had given to her. Lacey appreciated the nice comment.

Kenny, however, had a battle ahead of him, and he looked on ahead as Kieran took his spot for his and Kenny's fated battle. "...Kept me waiting," Kieran said, "I worked so hard for a chance to show you what I can really do, Kenny. I put everything into studying and making my Pokémon stronger... I crushed the Elite Four and became Champion... All of that hard work... All of it..."

Kieran held up a Pokéball, aimed it so the red top was pointing at Kenny. "All of it was just so that I could beat you- right here, right now!" Kieran then let out a skyward scream before settling down, then gave Kenny an even glare. Kenny was being challenged by BB League Champion Kieran. "Go, Politoed and Dragonite!" Kieran said as he sent out his first two of six Pokémon.

"Go, Godzilla and Shallot!" Kenny said as he sent out his named Tyranitar and named Glaceon. It then began to rain suddenly after Politoed's belly pattern glowed a bit, so Kenny assumed that Politoed's ability is Drizzle. "Godzilla, use Rock Slide! Shallot, use Ice Beam on Dragonite!" Kenny called out.

"Politoed, use Weather Ball on Tyranitar!" Kieran ordered, "Dragonite, use Extreme Speed on Glaceon!"

Dragonite rushed in first due to its very fast priority move, and struck Shallot hard. But Shallot was able to strike back with a strong Ice Beam that did more to Dragonite than what Dragonite had done to Shallot. Godzilla then used Rock Slide which hit both Dragonite and Politoed, knocking out the former who was hurting bad already and pushing the latter to the edge.

But Politoed's Weather Ball hit Godzilla hard, and Kenny could tell that his named Tyranitar would be in trouble if things aren't turned around. After he called back his fainted Dragonite, Kieran sent out his next Pokémon with a cry of, "Go, Incineroar!" After Kieran's Incineroar came out, Kieran called out, "Incineroar, use Brick Break on Tyranitar! Politoed, use Weather Ball on Tyranitar!"

"Godzilla, use Rock Slide!" Kenny commanded, "Shallot, use Shadow Ball on Politoed!" Shallot was able to go first, blasting Politoed with a Shadow Ball that knocked it out before it could attack. But Incineroar rushed in and struck Godzilla with Brick Break, knocking out the named Tyranitar before it had a chance to attack.

"Every time he faces a fully evolved starter," Kenny muttered to himself in mild annoyance under his breath as he called back the fainted Godzilla. Sending out his next Pokémon, Kenny called out, "Okay, Zarbon! Let's make it cringe!" Coming out into battle was the named Machamp, who gave off a moaning cry of aroused, sensual pleasure upon entering battle.

"Go, Grimmsnarl!" Kieran called out as he sent out his next Pokémon, which was his Grimmsnarl. Pointing forward, Kieran called out, "Grimmsnarl, use Spirit Break on Machamp! Incineroar, use Flare Blitz on Glaceon!"

"Zarbon, use Stone Edge on Incineroar!" Kenny commanded, "Shallot, use Ice beam on Grimmsnarl!"

Shallot and Zarbon, due to the advantage of distance with their attacks, were able to strike at both of Kieran's Pokémon as they came in close to strike. But neither Grimmsnarl fell to Ice Beam or Incineroar fell to Stone Edge (it was close for Incineroar, though), and Zarbon took a hard pounding from Grimmsnarl's Spirit break whereas Shallot was actually knocked out by Incineroar's Flare Blitz, although the recoil knocked Incineroar out.

Both Shallot and Incineroar were recalled, and Kenny sent out his named Torterra Roshi whereas Kieran sent out a Porygon-Z. "Roshi, use Seed Bomb on Porygon-Z!" Kenny called out, "Zarbon, use Dynamic Punch on Grimmsnarl!"

"Grimmsnarl, use Spirit Break on Machamp!" Kieran called out, "Porygon-Z, use Ice Beam on Torterra!"

Zarbon and his opponent had to rush at one another while Roshi and Porygon-Z lobbed their attacks at one another. The exchange of Spirit Break and Dynamic Punch ended up knocking out both Zarbon and Grimmsnarl, whereas Porygon-Z barely tanked Roshi's Seed Bomb while Roshi himself went down to Ice Beam. Kenny had to recall both of his active Pokémon while Kieran called back his fainted Grimmsnarl.

"Go, Cell and Elay!" Kenny said as he sent out his named shiny Scizor and named shiny Kantonian Sandslash. Seeing two shinies come out at once impressed a lot of the crowd watching the battle.

"Go, Hydrapple!" Kieran said as he sent out his last Pokémon, that being a Hydrapple. He then proceeded to Terastallize Hydrapple into Tera Fighting type. "Hydrapple, use Tera Blast on Scizor!" Kieran called out, "Porygon-Z, use Ice Beam on Sandslash!"

"Cell, use Bullet Punch on Porygon-Z!" Kenny ordered, "Elay, use Rapid Spin on Hydrapple!"

Due to his priority move, Cell was able to rush Porygon-Z and knock it out before it had a chance to attack, thus saving Elay from taking an Ice Beam. Elay was then free to attack with impunity, getting in a hit on Hydrapple with Rapid Spin and raising his speed. Then Hydrapple used Tera Blast, conjuring up a blast of fighting energy which it then cast right at Cell, striking the shiny Scizor...

...Right on his abdomen.

Cell went wide-eyed with shocked pain as he held his metal pincer claws over his stricken abdomen, stumbling around like a man who had been struck right in his holy land. "Oh of all the times for Cell to get hit right in the schmeat!" Kenny exclaimed, "Why'd it have to be now?!"

"No clue," Kieran replied as he recalled his fainted Porygon-Z, "Anyway, Hydrapple, use Earth Power on Scizor!"

"Cell, try to use Bullet Punch again!" Kenny called out, "Elay, use Rapid Spin!"

Cell was barely able to overcome the crippling male pain and struck Hydrapple with Bullet Punch, and then Elay came on in and struck Hydrapple with Rapid Spin. But Cell when he fell back was blasted by Hydrapple's Earth Power, and was knocked out as a result. Now the battle was just Elay versus Hydrapple. Although Elay was fresh and Hydrapple had taken some hits, Kenny knew better than to underestimate Kieran.

Gesturing forward, Kenny called out, "Elay, use Earthquake!"

"Hydrapple," Kieran ordered, "Use Fickle Beam!"

Elay triggered a powerful quake that shook the battlefield and slammed Hydrapple with seismic waves, an attack that did more than normal to a part grass Pokémon like Hydrapple because it was currently Tera Fighting. But then Hydrapple lashed out with Fickle Beam, an attack that Hydrapple looked like it went all out on. Elay was blasted, and looked like he barely was able to hang on. Kenny was able to tell that one more hit could defeat Elay.

Gesturing forward, Kieran ordered, "Hydrapple, use Earth Power!"

"Elay," Kenny commanded, "Use Rapid Spin!"

As Hydrapple was conjuring its attack, Elay spun out of the attack zone just in time to avoid Earth Power and slammed right into Hydrapple, making it reel back a bit. Seizing the opportunity, Kenny called out, "Elay, use Earthquake!"

The named shiny Kantonian Sandslash, being right within ground zero range of Hydrapple, triggered a powerful quake that shook the battlefield with seismic waves, slamming Hydrapple hard and making it cry out in pain. After the attack from Elay was done, Hydrapple's Terastallization became undone as Hydrapple itself was knocked out by Elay, falling over onto the battlefield and laying there, having been defeated.

Kieran, realizing that he had just been defeated, went wide-eyed with shock. "Wha... Huh?"

Stepping forward after recalling Elay, Kenny called out, "Kieran-"

"-Is hereby expelled from Blueberry Academy!"

Kenny stopped short, as did everyone present, when Cyrano's voice boomed out, brimming with grim disappointment. Everyone then saw it as Cyrano himself walked up to the scene.

"Hol' up," Kenny began, getting Cyrano's attention, "What do you mean Kieran's expelled from Blueberry Academy?! What in the name of Artemis did my good chum here do to warrant such a drastic measure?!"

Gesturing to Kieran, Cyrano went on, "Evidence had been submitted to me citing that Kieran had committed an act of compromised trainer integrity. Upon hearing that said citation is true, I decided to immediately expel Kieran from Blueberry Academy." Holding his arms behind his back, Cyrano with his grim expression unchanging went on, "I won't stand for someone who'd commit such acts to be at my academy."

Everyone who was present was now looking at Kieran with shocked looks of distrust, whispering about him and wondering what exactly it was that he had done. Kieran himself was beyond shocked, and he tried to argue. But he barely got one syllable out before Cyrano cut him off with a sharp snap of, "I won't be hearing anything from you, boy! Don't even try to argue!" Cyrano then turned around. "You'll be allowed to gather your things from your former dorm room, but I expect you to be ready to leave Blueberry Academy by the end of today!"

Everyone then saw Cyrano, his back to everyone, walk away. The crowd then dispersed, although Drayton walked up to Kieran who by now had fallen to his knees and was looking down at the ground. "I guess we'll be seeing you later..." Drayton said to Kieran, "...Ex-champion." After leaving Kieran there, Drayton walked up to Kenny. "Look at you, buddy!" Drayton said to Kenny, "Way to go on winning such a close match!"

Gesturing to where Kieran was still kneeling on the ground, Kenny asked, "Was it really necessary to rub it into Kieran's face that he lost? I mean the dude was literally just expelled from school, we still have no idea why, and your first reaction is to rub it into his face that he lost to me! Did you really have to go and do that?"

"Yes," Drayton replied bluntly, "After how badly he had harshed the mellow of the BB League Club, I just had to get in a shot on him." Folding his arms over his chest, Drayton went on, "Anyway, now-"

Drayton was cut off when an announcement over the school intercom was made. "This is an announcement to the following," the intercom said, "BB League Champion Kieran. Top Elite Four member Drayton. Carmine of Class 3-2. Sinnoh Champion Dawn Berlitz and her company. Ms. Briar and some guests would like to see you. Please proceed to classroom 1-4 as soon as possible."

"What was that about?" Lacey asked, "The timing is rather poor."

Folding his arms over his chest, Drayton said, "BB League Champion Kieran, huh? They're gonna need to update that, and for more than one reason."

"Drayton, seriously," Kenny said, "You're being a douchebag. Knock it the hell off already."

"Well, we ought to go see what Ms. Briar and the guests want," Drayton said, "Or we'll never hear the end of it. Kenny, you and your friends go on ahead, I need to make sure Mr. Former Student over there gathers his stuff and gets ready to leave."

"Drayton, seriously," Trip scowled, "You're being unnecessarily douchey." Seeing that there was nothing else for them to do, the reborn trainers went to classroom 1-4 to see what it was that Briar and her guests wanted with them. But as they left to go see Briar, the reborn trainers couldn't help but feel as if things were not going to be going well.

Kenny was especially worried about Kieran.

Later over in classroom 1-4, the reborn trainers and Carmine who met up with them walked in and were greeted by Briar. "Hmm?" Briar began, "Where's Kieran and Drayton?"

"Kieran... had been expelled from Blueberry Academy," Carmine said, looking upset, "Kenny and his friends told me about it on the way here. Drayton is supervising to make sure Kieran gets all of his stuff and is ready to ship out. Hoo boy, our grandparents aren't gonna be happy to hear about what all Kieran had done."

"Which we still don't know, by the way," Kenny said, "We still have so little details beyond Kieran supposedly having committed an act of compromised trainer integrity, whatever the hell that means."

Briar looked shocked. "Kieran's been expelled from Blueberry Academy? Oh dear, that doesn't sound good at all." Gently shaking her head, Briar went on, "But we can't let that stop us, especially as we've got some very special guests on our way here to see you all."

Perking up a bit, Dawn said, "Who's coming to see us?"

"They're already here and are touring the school, but they'll be here soon," Briar replied, "In the meantime, I'll fill you all in on the situation. Please, take a seat." After everyone was seated, Briar said, "Let me cut to the chase. I want all of you to join me on an expedition into Area Zero over in the Paldea region."

"That's the place you want to go to, huh?" Carmine asked.

Nodding once, Briar replied, "Yes, I was able to get permission. My main goals are to investigate the Terastal phenomenon and to gather samples of the crystals present in the crater. But to be honest, I have one more goal on this trip, that being to find the legendary Pokémon Terapagos, which sleeps deep within Area Zero."

Carmine perked up at that. "Terapagos? A legendary Pokémon?"

"A rather exciting idea," the familiar voice of Geeta spoke up, making the heroes, Briar, and Carmine all turn to see that Geeta was there with a cool office lady person with long green hair in a single ponytail, "Don't you think?"

"There you are, Geeta," Briar greeted, "I was just getting the kids up to speed."

"Heh, sorry for the tardiness," Geeta remarked.

Pointing at Geeta, Trip said, "You're the Top Champion lady of Paldea. And who's the other person with you?"

"My name is Rika," replied the person with Geeta, identifying herself as Rika, "I'm a member of the Paldea League Elite Four."

Looking to Briar, Geeta said, "Is it alright if I explain the situation to the children, Briar?"

Gesturing to Geeta, Briar replied, "By all means, please."

Nodding once to Briar, Geeta then turned to look at the heroes and Carmine. "Here's the story," Geeta began, "More than a decade ago, the Pokémon League of Paldea provided support for research into Area Zero, the great crater at the center of Paldea. Once the research was completed, we shifted our duties to monitoring and managing the area. Area Zero is full of mysteries... and danger. As a rule of thumb, the area is off limits, even for research."

Stepping forward, Rika said, "That being said, we've recently had to confront the possibility of how the dangerous Pokémon living in Area Zero could escape into the main open area of Paldea. Geeta told me of how Dawn Berlitz's companionship had caught two Paradox Pokémon that escaped from Area Zero and made their way to Asado Desert. There's also rumors going about that Team Scorn may try to see as many of those dangerous Pokémon as possible escape from Area Zero and try to spread them out over as much of the region as possible."

"There's a clear need for further research," Geeta said, "And quickly. But at the League in Paldea, we have had trouble finding capable personnel, not to mention time, to study Area Zero. So I've reached out to Briar, who's been chomping at the bit to access the area for quite some time now. I'm sorry that we of the Paldea Pokémon League are not sufficiently prepped to handle things ourselves."

Gesturing to around the classroom, Rika said, "Blueberry Academy has a wealth of highly skilled trainers with well trained Pokémon. There's also how we have you, Dawn, and your companionship, to count on. We have the means of throwing together a highly capable expedition team to go into Area Zero and get all that it has to offer before we initiate plans to seal Area Zero off for good, so as to prevent Team Scorn from accessing it."

"It's entirely voluntary," Briar said, "But it'd be very reassuring to have you come with us!"

Dawn shot a look at Geeta, could tell by looking into her eyes that she and the other reborn trainers actually weren't going to be given a choice and that they all had to go. "...Assuming my friends and I are provided time to get our respective teams of Pokémon ready for such a trek," Dawn said, "Then I see no issue with going in."

"Or course everyone who is going will be provided sufficient time to prep," Geeta replied, a hint in her tone telling Dawn that Geeta really would have forced them to go regardless.

"...You said it's voluntary," Carmine spoke up, "So if I say I wanna join the team you'll let me?"

"Of course," Briar replied.

Nodding once, Carmine said, "Good. Count me in."

Clapping her hands together, Geeta went on, "And I was able to convince Naranja Academy students Rimu, Nemona, Penny, and Arven to come along as well." Dawn had a sinking feeling that Geeta may have forced at least one member of Rimu's group to agree to go.

"Then it's decided!" Briar said, "The team will consist of myself, Dawn, Kenny, Trip, Mina, Carmine, Rimu, Nemona, Arven, and Penny."

Turning to look at Briar, Nemona said, "You have my thanks for your help on this matter. I look forward to the great findings that you will no doubt bring back!"

"I'm grateful for the chance," Briar said, "You can count on me!" To the heroes and Carmine, Briar said, "My dream of exploring Area Zero is finally becoming a reality! Now, let's get going! We'll meet by Dawn's flying ship docked on the bridge at the academy entrance as soon as we're ready!"

"Hey Dawn and company," Geeta began, "There's something I need to give you."

"I'm still a bit iffy that you guys went into Area Zero in the first place," Rika said to the reborn trainers, "But I got it you had gotten permission for it, and there's the fact that Team Scorn is threatening Area Zero. I guess I'm a little bit wound up persons as young as you all are being given too much adult work to do."

"Relax, Rika," Geeta said, "Dawn and her companionship are all capable trainers, and no harm came to them." Turning to look at the reborn trainers, Geeta said, "Don't think poorly of Rika. She's just worried about you all is all."

Shrugging, Mina said, "Well at least she knew we had clearance and didn't wrongly chew us out. And if you don't mind me making a side note about Rika, hot damn is she sharply dressed!"

"Yeah, I like her attire as well," Kenny said, "Just like how Clavell at Naranja Academy is impeccably attired. Are people being well dressed a common sight in Paldea?"

Rika, looking surprised and a bit flattered, said, "Umm, thanks. I'm not often complimented on my choice of clothes, so it's nice to hear words of praise about how I outfit myself."

Geeta let out a sincerely amused chuckle. "Well we of Paldea try our best. Anyway Dawn and company, you all will be going into Area Zero with official permission again. I ask that you keep an eye on Ms. Briar to ensure her safety. Oh, here's the thing I wanted to give you." Geeta then handed over to Dawn an item she identified as the Indigo Disk.

Trip, looking curious, said, "What is that?"

"A disk that was sent by an Area Zero researcher to an investor some time ago," Geeta explained, "I had an investigation team look into it. It's not a mere tool for storing data. I honestly have zero clue as to its true purpose... but I assume it has to do with Area Zero. As you're heading into Area Zero, I figured that I'd ask you to investigate the purpose of the disk while you're there."

"Alright then," Dawn replied. With all matters of business settled, the reborn trainers and Carmine took off to go get ready to head out.

After Kenny's party was treated by John on board of The Jelly-Filled Donut, Kenny and the other reborn trainers rotated their parties as needed to be ready for a trek into Area Zero. As the four of them stood outside of the drawbridge leading up to the flying ship, they were met up by Drayton and Carmine, who had a dejected looking Kieran following along behind with some bags, presumably holding all of his stuff.

"We're going to have to swing on by Kitakami before heading to Paldea," Carmine said, "Drop off my failure of a little brother. All of the work to have him expelled from Blueberry Academy has all been officiated and finalized, so all that's left is for him to go home."

"I had to take his Tera Orb and hand it off to Director Cyrano," Drayton said. Drayton then pulled out, to the surprise of the reborn trainers, a Master Ball. "Kieran also had this spare Master Ball," Drayton said, "But given he was expelled, I don't think he deserves such a prize."

"One, how did he get it," Dawn began, "And two, who are you to decide if he deserves to have a spare Master Ball or not?"

"Rimu gave it to me as thanks for helping to get medical attention for Penny," Kieran said, "It was on an occasion where my Grandpa and I visited the Paldea mainland, and I had time to spare to hang out with Rimu and his girlfriend. Penny suddenly started suffering an asthma attack, so Rimu asked me to run for help which I did. It wasn't too bad of an asthma attack but my efforts did help get the medical attention Penny needed. Rimu after Penny was out of the woods gave me that Master Ball as his way to thank me."

Turning to look at Drayton, Dawn scowled, "Drayton, give the Master Ball back to Kieran now. It was a gift from a friend given in thanks. You have no right to-"

Dawn stopped short when Carmine quickly swiped the Master Ball from Kieran. "I'm going to have to borrow it," Carmine said, "If the rumors of that one Pokémon in Area Zero are true, then Ms. Briar will want it caught to help with research. I'll pay Kieran back for this somehow."

"What," Kieran began, "Will you let me catch and keep another Furret over in Kitakami? I'm still mad you made me get rid of my first Furret. I'm actually rather fond of the species."

"...So long as it's not a shiny Furret like the monster Dawn had caught," Carmine replied. The reborn trainers were surprised to see that Carmine actually agreed to let Kieran get another Furret. They were surprised that Carmine had compromised with Kieran at all; was she that serious about having the Master Ball for use down in Area Zero? The reborn trainers were wary of what Carmine was up to here exactly.

Even Drayton was curious. "...Okay, now that I know that the Master Ball wasn't a reward from the school here like I had originally thought upon seeing it," Drayton began, "But rather a gift from some friend of Kieran's, you had seriously better pull out the stops to make it up to Kieran."

"You thought that Kieran's Master Ball was a reward from the staff of Blueberry Academy?" Kenny asked as he looked at Drayton.

Looking to Kenny, Drayton replied, "It's why I thought that Kieran didn't deserve it. But given that he got it from a friend because he helped get help for the friend's girlfriend when she had asthma issues, that changes everything. I owe Kieran an apology for thinking poorly of him when I first saw that he had a Master Ball."

As the group talked, they were met up by Briar. "Geeta headed back to Paldea on her own and will meet us before we go into Area Zero," Briar said, "But I'm ready to leave when you all are."

"We'll have to stop off at Kitakami first," Dawn said, "Drop off Kieran. Then we can go straight to Paldea and go to Area Zero."

Nodding once, Briar said, "Let's go!" Since The Jelly-Filled Donut was the mode of transportation, everyone who was leaving boarded. Once everyone was on board, the flying ship took up and took off to Kitakami, and then Paldea after that.

Kieran and Carmine's grandparents were shocked to hear that Kieran was expelled from Blueberry Academy, and what's more Cyrano didn't give exactly clear details. Kieran's Grandpa vowed to get the answers he wanted, but for now Kieran was allowed to settle in at home, citing how he had been given a hard deal and needs to relax.

After that, The Jelly-Filled Donut made its way go to Naranja Academy in the Paldea region, where they met up with Geeta who had just Rimu with her. "...Didn't you say that Nemona, Penny, and Arven were also part of the group coming along?" Kenny asked Geeta.

"Penny is having issues with her asthma right now and is under medical monitoring," Rimu began to explain, "Arven sprained his ankle so he's in no condition to go, and Nemona did something to get grounded by her parents who are barring her from going. Not even Geeta can argue with Nemona's parents, especially when they get angry."

Folding her arms over her chest, Birar said, "So we're down three pairs of hands, one of which is a Champion ranked trainer. We're going to have to make do with the planned party minus Nemona, Arven, and Penny."

"Actually, Birar," Geeta said, "A random passerby who is visiting Paldea and recognized Rimu had volunteered to go, and he's undoubtedly stronger than even Rimu." Turning to look in a certain direction, Geeta called out, "You can show yourself!"

Someone stepped out from behind a bookshelf (the meeting was in a library area), and walked up to the group. To the surprise of the reborn trainers, it was Ideku Badorigo, the roaming trainer from the Johto region and current officially ranked number one strongest trainer in the world having won the title of Monarch in the most recent World Coronation Series. "Hey guys," Ideku greeted the reborn trainers, "Long time no see, huh?"

"Ideku!" the reborn trainers exclaimed in unison, all of them rushing to meet up with their friend and fellow powerful trainer.

"So we lost three from our planned party but gained one," Briar said, "But can one trainer really make up for the lost strength of three other trainers combined?"

"He's stronger than you can guess, Ms. Briar," Rimu said, "Trust me." With everything settled, the heroes plus some other persons proceeded to go to Area Zero.

Later, the party had made their way into Area Zero, stepping out of a lab shed after getting there via a teleporter pad. "We made it..." Briar said as she looked around, "I-I'm finally here... Area Zero! The place I've dreamed about for years!"

"No need to get too excited, Ms. Briar," Rimu said. No-one else in the party knew what Rimu was planning to do involving Area Zero in his work as Admin Slime, head of Team Scorn's Mask Sector which is the Team Scorn sector based in Paldea. ...Well, no-one else in the party knew as far as Rimu himself knew, he had no idea that one of the persons who was also in the party was the true overall boss of Team Scorn.

Turning to look at the reborn trainers, Ideku said, "So, you've been in here before?"

"Once, when we were asked to catch some Pokémon to help with the research that a teacher over at Naranja Academy, Jacq, was doing," Dawn explained.

Nodding once, Kenny said, "Yeah! The Paradox Pokémon! We caught one of each different kind that we saw!"

Ideku's expression became grim. "...Yeah, I heard about Paradox Pokémon. Heard about them from some Team Scorn grunts that I cornered and beat info out of. They sound comparable to the Ultra Beasts that were getting up to no good in Alola, at least in terms of how much trouble they can do if not properly addressed. And instead of being from different worlds, the Paradox Pokémon are from different times supposedly."

Suddenly, one Pokémon each from Dawn and Trip came out, showing themselves to be Dawn's named Koraidon Veldora and Trip's named Miraidon Villetta. "Eeek! You scared me, you two!" said Carmine, "Honestly! The both of you are just too big to come popping out like that, you... umm... uhh... you Whatchama-dons!"

"These are... certainly some impressive Pokémon," Ideku said as he beheld Veldora and Villetta.

"According to Diablo," Dawn began, "Veldora when it and Villetta fought each other in the wild here in Area Zero had fought with such ferocity that it may have triggered an early occurrence of the chaos that Team Scorn was said to have caused. Luckily for the Paldea region, Trip and I had captured Villetta and Veldora respectively and kept that from happening."

"Now let's hope that we can prevent Team Scorn from succeeding at all," Ideku said, "But first, we ought to handle the business that we came here to help Ms. Briar with."

"Indeed," Briar said, "We're to go down to the deepest depths of Area Zero, and see what lies even deeper than that! We need to go in as deep as possible!" After Briar said that, Kenny's named Machamp Zarbon came out and let out a moaning cry of aroused, sensual pleasure. "I see that your Machamp is excited for the trip, Kenny," Briar remarked in amusement.

"You have no idea why Zarbon is really excited," Kenny said dryly as he and the others recalled the Pokémon of theirs that was out and proceeded to head on down as deep into Area Zero as they could possibly go.

...

Later, the party made their way down to the outside of the Zero Lab. On the jaunt down there, Ideku was able to catch for himself a Scream Tail and an Iron Bundle, interested in learning more about the Paradox Pokémon himself. But that all had to be put aside for now as the party was standing outside of their latest stop. "Whoa, this place is insane," Carmine said, "It reminds me of the Crystal Pool back in Kitakami."

"This is the Zero Lab, I take it?" Briar said, "The structure's exterior matches Geeta's description, at the very least."

"Is this the deepest point of Area Zero?" Ideku asked.

"To be honest, none of the lads here and I know," Trip said, "We didn't bother exploring much after we caught one of each different kind of Paradox Pokémon. We basically just left as soon as we got what we came for."

"This is the deepest point that the Area Zero Expedition managed to reach a long time ago," Briar began, "But my goal lies even deeper than that. I want to go down to the deepest area and have at what goods are down there!" Once more, Zarbon the named Machamp came out and let out a moaning cry of aroused, sensual pleasure.

Looking bemused, Kenny as he recalled Zarbon remarked to himself, "If I had known it ahead of time that Briar would be triggering Zarbon repeatedly, then I wouldn't have brought him."

"So you wanna head into this Zero Lab area," Carmine said, "But the gate is closed. What do we do, force our way in?"

Looking around, Dawn said, "There's a panel over there." Dawn pointed to a control panel base next to the starting point of the ramp leading up to the closed gates of the Zero Lab. The party made their way over to see if they could use it to open the gate. However, they simply got a message telling them that access was revoked due to prolonged inactivity, and that the entrance was locked because of it.

As the party members turned to look at one another, the control panel said, "Indigo Disk detected. Indigo Disk detected. Insert Indigo Disk for greater access privileges."

"What in blazes is an Indigo Disk?" Briar asked, "I've never heard of that before."

"I think it's the fancy item that Geeta gave to Dawn," Mina said. Dawn nodded in the affirmative and pulled out the Indigo Disk.

"Oooh, how fun!" Carmine said, "Go on, Dawn! Do it! You have my permission!"

"Since when do I need your permission to do anything?" Dawn replied dryly

As Dawn proceeded to insert the Indigo Disk, Ideku turned to look at Carmine. "Your petulance is simply astounding," remarked the World Champion to Carmine.

"Indigo Disk confirmed," the control panel said, "Redirecting elevator to Area Zero under depths." Within quick order, the gate opened, letting the party head on inside. Not wanting to waste any time at all, the heroes and their companions made their way in.

...

Inside of the Zero Lab, everyone looked around, but stopped short when they heard a clanging rumble. "It's WAY too dark in here!" Carmine complained, "I just smacked my head on something!"

"Ah ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!" Kenny laughed as he pointed at Carmine.

As Carmine scowled, Birar was rummaging through stacks of documents on a table near Carmine and the others. However, Briar stopped short when Rimu pointed out an elevator that was nearby. Coming over to look, Birar said, "You all think this leads down to where I want to go?"

"Again, we don't know," Dawn said, "We didn't go this far into Area Zero the last time we were here. We're as clueless as you are." Trip walked up to the elevator and opened it, and then everyone filed inside before it closed and proceeded to go down.

...

"Oh, how wonderful!" Birar said as everyone rode in the elevator, "This elevator just keeps on going in deeper and deeper!" For a third time, Zarbon the named Machamp came out and let out a moaning cry of aroused, sensual pleasure. Kenny recalled Zarbon and apologized for his named Machamp acting up so much, but advised Briar on being careful with how she phrased what all she said from this point moving forward.

"So," Carmine said, "Where exactly is this thing taking us?"

"I think the control panel said something about an Area Zero under depths?" Mina remarked. Within short order, the elevator stopped and everyone was able to get out. But they would be surprised with what all they would end up seeing upon exiting the elevator.

...

After everyone stepped out of the elevator, they saw a cave tunnel, tall, long, and wide, lit up with the many crystals growing out of the walls and looking as if they were glowing. "OH MY GOODNESS!" Briar exclaimed as she dashed forward to stand in front of the group.

"So... what?" Ideku asked, "Are we under Area Zero or something?"

Pulling out her Rotom Phone to check it, Briar said, "Yes! According to my data, our current position is... far lower than where we were at last." Briar remembered to watch her words at Kenny's request, and recalled that mentioning 'going in deep' made Kenny's named Machamp come out. Briar wasn't sure how that worked or why, but she'd try to avoid using the word 'deep'.

"Man, Area Zero was already a lot to take in," Carmine complained, "I don't think that anything will be surprising me at this point, no matter what we run into."

"Look over there!" Kenny said as he pointed at something, "A desk with stacks of papers and books on it!" Sure enough, everyone turned to see that there really was a desk with stacks of books and papers all over it. There were two such desks, actually. "What all even is all of that stuff?" Kenny said as he and the others looked at it.

"It's mine now," Briar said as she walked over and checked things out. As she shifted through the papers, Briar stopped as she said, "Oh my... I have here a report written by the esteemed Professors Turo and Sada."

Rimu perked up at that mention. "My friend Arven said that Turo and Sada are the names of his parents, and they were both Professors."

Briar nodded once before she began to read the report aloud. "A massive cavern exists beneath Area Zero, and there slumbers Terapagos, the hidden treasure of Area Zero. Its body has become crystal, protecting it from hostile outsiders. It appears that rousing it will take some time. In this cavern, we have witnessed the Terastal phenomenon occurring in a way we've never seen above the ground, Terastallization that appears to hold the power of every known type. We have agreed with each other to dub this Tera Type the Stellar type for now. Could Terapagos's influence be at play?"

Putting the report down, Briar said, "So Terapagos is the hidden treasure of Area Zero?! And it's slumbering in the form of... a crystal? And what's this about a Stellar Tera Type?" Turning to face the rest of the party, Briar said, "Brilliant! Absolutely marvelous! To think that there was so much that Heath didn't write about!"

"Isn't the one member of the crew Dawn has in her flying ship named Heath?" Carmine asked.

"Obviously it's a different Heath, you idiot," Ideku scowled dryly, drawing amused chuckles out of Rimu and the reborn trainers.

"The documents are a veritable treasure trove," Briar said, "And we've only just begun our expedition down here!"

Gently shaking her head, Carmine said, "I have no idea how she can get so excited in a bizarre place like this..." Holding a hand to her chin, Carmine went on, "But still, the legendary Pokémon Terapagos... that's the hidden treasure of... Area Zero..." Putting her hands on her hips, Carmine said, "Come on, let's hurry up and go further in as deep as possible!" Zarbon the named Machamp came out again and let out a moaning cry of aroused, sensual pleasure.

As Kenny recalled Zarbon, Briar turned to look at the rest of the party. "I still haven't gotten my fill of the documents, but we can collect everything on our way out when we're done here. Okay, let's go! It would be best to discover the truth with our own eyes, after all!"

"Keep on guard, everyone," Carmine said as the party proceeded to make their way into the Area Zero under depths.

END, CHAPTER THREE-HUNDRED AND ELEVEN

Author's notes;

This chapter sees Kenny defeat Kieran and become the BB League Champion, but then Kieran is mysteriously expelled from Blueberry Academy by Cyrano, who gave vague answers at best about why he decided to expel Kieran. It's a mystery that the heroes will need to look into later, but that has to be put on hold for the time being.

Mainly because the reborn trainers are recruited by Geeta to help Briar with a trek into the deepest reaches of Area Zero, where Terapagos slumbers. They're joined by Rimu and Ideku, who they know as friends but don't know of certain secrets they are both concealing. They eventually make their way down, and find documents left behind by Arven's parents.

The next chapter will see things continue on from here. Until then, take care.

Dawn's Pokémon: (on hand) Chi-Chi (female Infernape), Tsukune (Palkia), Diablo (Iron Valiant), Veldora (Koraidon), Muffin (male Furret; shiny), Solstheim (male Ursaluna; Bloodmoon)

Kenny's Pokémon: (on hand) Godzilla (male Tyranitar), Elay (male Sandslash; Kantonian; shiny), Cell (male Scizor; shiny), Shallot (male Glaceon), Zarbon (male Machamp), Roshi (male Torterra)

Trip's Pokémon: (on hand) Myde (male Empoleon), Deelia (Dialga), URL (Iron Jugulis), Donbot (Iron Hands), Robot Santa (Iron Bundle), Villetta (Miraidon)

Mina's Pokémon: (on hand) Scar (male Eevee; scared over one eye), Dragonite (male), Lucario (female), Umbreon (male; shiny), Espeon (male; shiny), Jolteon (male; shiny)