Dateline December 20, 1206

(Trails in the Sky SC ost - Conspiracy)

"Are you done, Professor?" Noel was playing with his Nintendo Switch as Novartis came out of the bathroom.

"Have you any patients, Noel? I'm an old man, after all." Novartis sighed.

"An old man with a twisted mind is what you are." Noel shot back. "Anyway, It's about time we headed out. So how many samples do you want?"

"Oh, more than enough. After all, you must admit this phenomenon that affects Pokemon is intriguing, don't you think?"

"True. Which is why I am studying them. I heard the main source of it comes from the area that the Paldea region forbids anyone from going in. I doubt anyone is guarding it so let's make our way there."

"Indeed. If my calculation for this Terstal energy reaches my expectations, I begin to develop something new with projects I have in mind."

"Let me guess, you need another guinea pig." Noel gave him a deadpan look.

"Perhaps." Novartis grinned, causing Noel to sigh as he shook his head and shrugged. "Oh come on, Noel. I'm just doing what I promise and honing your talents for the society. Who can say you have more in stock for you."

"You know full well I wasn't born like this. But never mind. Come on." he said as he and Nofarvtis took off somewhere from Mesagoza.

(BGM ended)

As they leave the city, arriving at the city was Briar, Carmine, Renne, Florian, and Kieran.

(Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword ost - Skylot)

"And here we are!" Florian spread out his arm and cheered. "Mesagoza! The very city where our school is located!"

"Wow, this city is better than I thought." Carmine looks around. "So where exactly is your school located?"

"At the center, but you're gonna have to climb up some stairs. But now that I think about it. You should be fine."

"And what do you mean by that?"

"Think of it as climbing Oni Mountain." Renne answered.

"All righty then, everyone. To reach Area Zero, we're going to need a Flying Taxi to reach the Zero gate that is located near Medali. Lucky for us, Renne and Florian already arranged to make our way there. Isn't that right?"

"That's right. We have been through Area Zero before because of... circumstances." Florian nodded. "The Flying Taxi should be waiting for us at the center plaza."

"Then let's make our way over there." Briar said as they took off to the center plaza.

"So... Kiki." Carmine spoke. "What did you think of this big city?"

"It's... cool?" Kieran tilts his head.

"You should have seen the places we've been through. It's a lot more amazing." Florian smiled. "You know, now that I think about it, should we ask you know who about making a portal there?"

"It would be convenient. Either that or have a Warm Pipe. Let's to ask Master Hand."

'Who are those two talking about?' Carmine thought. 'Master Hand? Warp Pipe? What are they even talking about?'

"Florian, Renne. I wanted to ask. What was like it inside Area Zero?" Briar asked with sparkling eyes.

"Let's just say it's a whole new world." Florian said as they reached the Flying Taxi guy. "Hey there Frank!"

"Oh hey, Florian! Renne! You ready to go?" Frank asked

"Yep! Take us to the Zero Gate!"

(BGM ended)


One Flying Taxi later...

"Okay, this tunnel will lead us to the Zero Gate." Florian said as they went into the tunnel.

"Ooh..." Briar places her hand over her chest.

"Are you okay, Ms. Brair?" Carmine asked

"I'm all right. I'm just feeling my heart beating fast because it's finally happening." Briar said as they reached the first lab.

"Okay, let's go in." Florian said as they went inside the lab.

"Whoa, what's this place?" Carmine looks around.

"This is an observatory lab built to observe Area Zero." Renne answered as she looked around and then turned on the switch. "I see the power hasn't left. But if I recall, there should be—" Then the central panel activated hologram rings. "Ah, there it is."

"Is that panel just... glow rings?" Carmine asked

"It's a teleportation mechanism. With it, we'll reach Area Zero." Renne explain.

"T-Teleportation?! You mean like those sci-fi, novels, tv, and Pokemon moves and such?"

"Yep!" Florian nodded. "We use it to get out of Area Zero. Everyone ready?" Florian asked as everyone nodded. "Then let's go."

They headed to the teleporter and teleported themselves to the research station 1.

"Everyone here?" Renne asked.

"So this is what teleportation feels like..." Carmine said.

"Yeah..." Kieran said. "It's like those escalators." Kieran nodded

"Teleportation is one thing. But not what's outside here." Renne said to the door as the door automatically opened and they began to walk outside and arrive at Area Zero.

(Pokemon Scarlet and Violet ost - Area Zero)

"Here we are." Florian said as Briar, Carmine, and Kieran's eyes widened at Area Zero's beauty.

"Whoa..." Kieran eye widen as Briar turn to the fence and made her way to look at what's happening with Carmine and Kieran.

"We made it..." Briar shivered. "I-I'm finally here... Area Zero! The place I've dreamed about for years!"

"Whoa... This is incredible." Carmines said in awe.

"Wowsers..." Kieran said.

"Oh?" Renne smirked. "I haven't heard you say that in a while Kieran."

"H-Hmph!" Kieran looked away while Carmine giggled. "I-I have nothing to say to you! But..." Kieran turns to Florian and Renne. "You two been here before, right?"

"Yeah. We came here before with our friends!" Florian smiled of those good times and suddenly, Koraidon and Miraidon appeared out of their Pokeball.

"Whazzzzup!" Koraidon yelled, surprising Kieran and Carmine.

"AAH!" Carmine flinched. "You two scared me! Are you trying to give me a heart attack?!"

"Oh yeah. I remember you two with Florian and Renne back then too." Kieran said

"Oh! You two must be those Pokemon that were reportedly first discovered in Area Zero!" Briar's eye sparkling. "I'm very intrigued by this specimen, but alas, that's not what we're here for. We're here to go to the deepest depths of Area Zero. And see what's even deeper."

"Deeper than the Zero Lab, you mean?" Florian asked

Briar pulls out a book. "Health mentioned in his writing that he fell from the depths to someplace even deeper."

"Wait, hold on. You're saying he went deeper underground?" Carmine asked

"Yes! It's quite curious, isn't it?" Briar chuckled until she put the book away and then folded her arms. "However, Heath also wrote that he was utterly unable to recall how he got down there. If his writing is to be believed, there must be an entire uncharted space below Area Zero."

"Hmm." Renne hummed. "If that's the case, then I wonder if the elevator back in the Zero Lab can take us to the lower floor. If not, then we may have to find some other way than the places we've seen."

"So we should head to the Zero Lab then?" Florian asked.

"Yes. Let's see if the elevator can take us below since we only went to the upper floor."

"Excellent." Briar nodded. "Florian, Renne. You will take the lead. We'll follow you every step of the way."

"Got it." Florian said until he got an idea. "So what would you like to do? Use the teleporter to teleport to the Fourth Research Station? Or take the long way and admire what nature has in store?"

Briar rubs her chin. "I can't deny that I want to see the entire Zero Area but... Let's use the teleporter."

"All right. Let's head back inside." Florian said as they headed back inside, used the teleporter and then teleported to the Fourth Research Station.

"Whoa! What the heck?" Carmine looks around. "What happens in here?"

"Wait, are those crystals?" Briar stares at the crystals.

"They are. This is another one of the research labs. However... This one held an incident. An incident that cost their loves."

"You mean... they're dead?" Carmine gasped in horror.

"Yeah..." Florian lowered his head and saddened, then took his head. "Well... let's keep going." He said as they took off to the underground.

"Oh my!" Briar gasped at the size of the crystals and the path. "Are those Tera crystals? They're the largest I've ever seen!"

"Wow, this entire place is filled with them!" Carmine exclaimed "This place is insane! I thought the Crystal Pool was incredible!"

"This is the bottom part of Area Zero. From here lies most of the Tera crystals in their purest form. Be careful as we go down." Renne explain.

"Ohohoh~" Briar's eye sparking. "To think Area Zero underground would be so... miraculous!"

"It truly takes your breath away..." Carmine agreed.

"It won't be long until we reach the Zero Lab." Renne said as they continued walking until they saw down below the Zero Lab.

"Do you all see that building over there?" Florian pointed. "That's the Zero Lab."

"Then we're almost there!" Briar's eye sparkles "The structure's exterior matches Geeta's description, at least."

"So this is the deepest point in Area Zero?" Kieran asked

"Well, yes and no." Briar answered. "This is the deepest point that the Area Aero Expedition managed to reach long ago. You know, I've been told that the lowest level of that laboratory contains a mysterious room whose purpose is entirely unknown. However, Where I want to go is even deeper than that..."

"Soooo, you're saying we should head inside that... "Zero Lab"?"

"Yes. Once we head inside, we shall look for a way to go deeper."

As they go further down, Florian sees two individuals by the Entrance to the Zero Lab.

"Florian, what is it?" Renne asked as she looked down and an ! appeared over her head. "What? There are people here?"

"Yeah, looks like they're trying to get into the lab." Florian said

"I got a bad feeling about this. Come on." Renne said as they made their way down.

As they get closer, Carmine and the others notice the other people.

"Huh? I see people down here." Carmine said

"Strange. I thought no one would be here." Briar said

"..." Renne remains silent as they soon reach the entrance until they see two familiar faces.

(BGM ended)

"Oh dear. As I suspected, it appears we need a key to enter this laboratory." An old man's voice sighed. "Well, I guess we'll have to do this the other way. Noel. Be a lad and open it for me."

"You know I'm not your problem solver, right?" Noel sighed as he shook his head and shrugged.

"Excuse us." Briar called out to them, causing Noel and Novartis to turn to face them. "Pardon me for asking but who are you two? Area Zero is off limits."

Renne folds her arms. "I never expected I encounter you two here of all places. What are you doing here, Noel? Professor Novarius?"

(Trails of Cold Steel IV ost - Constraint)

"Oh hey, Renne!" Noel waved cheerfully. "Nice to see you again! You know, we really need to stop meeting like this. Otherwise, I might think our encounter is meant to be fate."

"You know this cute guy, Renne? And you didn't bother to introduce me to him?!" Carmine complain.

"Oh, I know him all right. But I doubt you're his type. No offense." Renne said.

"What's that supposed to mean?!"

"Well, she isn't wrong. You're not my type." Noel said, casually folding his arm. "Renne's more of my type. I guess that counts for Florian too."

"Wait, what?!" Carmine yelled.

"Haha, I have to admit, I wasn't expecting to see you here too, Renne. Has it already been two years? You certainly change, haven't you?" Novartis asked.

"Indeed. Time has treated me well. I see you haven't changed at all, Professor. But I am rather surprised. You're not the type to go outdoors." Renne replied.

"True. I usually use Noel to act as my eyes and ears. But I couldn't help but be intrigued by the mysterious energy that came from this Pokemon region. What was it called again?" Novartis rubbed his chin.

Emblem Arianrhod appeared. "The Terastal Phenomenon."

"Ah, right, the Terastal phenomenon."

"WAH!" Carmine shouted. "Is that a ghost beside him?!" She asked, shockingly as Emblem Loewe and Emblem Lief appeared. "WAAH!"

"W-What the heeeck!?" Kieran exclaimed.

"Arianrhod, Noel, Professor." Emblem Loewe said. "Wasn't expecting to see you here."

"Loewe..." Noel place his hand over his chest and smiled.

"Oh my..." Novartis rub his chin. "I heard from Noel's reports that you were among the Emblem Leonhardt. Seeing both you and our Steel Maiden proves it. Ah, it's been so long since I heard your voice and seen your face. You know, everyone in the society was shocked to see that you are an Emblem. Along with Abyss."

"I can't say I'm surprised. Even I surprise myself." Emblem Loewe said. "But why are you, and Noel here? Are you up to no good?"

"That's your first response after a reunion? Loewe, you completely wound me. I'm just rather fascinated by the Terastal phenomenon. Crystalize power that affects Pokemon and alters their Class Types. And these crystals are another thing too. Raw power flows within them—something I have yet to discover. And here I thought Galar Dynamax was also intriguing. My goodness, Pokemon Regions truly have outstanding technology." Novartis clears his throat. "Well in any case of the matter, I'm here just for field research and collecting samples. As a scientist. It's only natural to be curious, wouldn't you say?"

"Well I suppose in that state, I cannot argue." Renne replied. "But when it comes to you, I know it is nothing but ill intentions."

"Oh dear, you truly think so little of me, Renne?"

"Well, she's not wrong about you." Noel replied.

"Noel, you're not helping me." Novartis frown.

"Hold on. I can't get over the fact that there are three ghosts here! Why aren't you guys explaining why there are ghosts with you?!" Carmine asked."Also, all I'm hearing is this old man here is an evil professor, wait, are you going to use the Tera Crystals here for some dark scheme?!"

"That's a tough question to answer. But didn't Paldea use these crystals to created the Tera Orbs which allows them to Terastalize their Pokemon." Noel shot back. "They even studying them by taking samples of the crystals. How is that any different from what we are doing to research it further?"

"Well, I suppose there isn't any argument there. But did you receive permission from the Pokemon League to conduct your research? If so, how come the Chairwoman didn't mention it to me earlier?"

"That's simple really. We don't need her permission." Noel answered. "Area Zero has been closed off to the public, making this place a good hideout if necessary. Of course, no one can get into Area Zero without some way like teleportation or using a ride a flying Pokemon to go down below. No one could be able to enter Area Zero without some manners of entering."

"He isn't wrong." Florian scratching his hair. "Still, it doesn't change the fact that you two are trespassing."

"We can't deny that. But you must understand that hardly anyone comes down here. Let alone to the deepest part of this chasm. Paldea's Pokemon league believes that so long as everyone is aware that Area Zero is forbidden to enter, they mind their daily lives. And our presence would remain undetected, despite the very lack of security system." Novartis said. "Although to be honest, we did not anticipate that you all would come down here. If you secure permission from the Pokemon League, things would be different. But unfortunately, we will not leave just yet until I am satisfied. Can I ask you all to do us a favor and pretend this encounter never happened?"

"I'm sorry, but I'm afraid that is not possible." Briar shook her head. "I'm here to report anything that came with this expedition. Therefore, your trespassing is included."

"I see. That is rather unfortunate. I suppose it cannot be held at this rate." Novartis turn to Noel. "Noel."

"Yeah, yeah." Noel nodded his head and suddenly vanished with Emblem Arianrhod, causing Florian, Renne, Emblem Loewe and Emblem Lief to quickly react and draw out their weapons and block Noel's upcoming attack causing a shockwave.

"WAAAAH!" Carmine yelled as she, Briar, and Kieran fell on their butts.

"A-A S-Sword?!" Kieran yelled, looking shocked.

"Hehe~ As expected of you, Renne. But you're not half-bad, Florian." Noel said and then noticed Florian's Dagger.

Florian's Dagger is a short, curved dagger with a cylindrical mechanism built into the hilt of each dagger. It has a green gem in the handle and a black grip. It was a light green blade with gold decoration.

"That's a new blade." Noel mused as he jump back as Florian and Renne took their stand with their Emblems.

"W-Were you trying to kill us?!" Carmine exclaimed. "Wait, is that a scythe?! And a dagger?! Why do you two have weapons?!"

"We'll explain later! Right now, you three need to get somewhere safe! We'll handle him." Renne said.

"Guess we can count as another secret we've been keeping." Florian sighed.

"Hmm..." Noel hummed until he put his Aetherius swords away. "Actually. I have a better idea. How about you two take me on in a Pokemon Double Battle?"

"Eh?"

"A Pokemon Battle?" Renne asked

"Yep. My Pokemon needs some battling after some training. They certainly earn some battles. And who better than you two? Would that be better? Or would you prefer facing me in battle?"

"Either way, it doesn't change which battle we should go with." Renne said as she put her scythe away as the Emblems put away theirs. Renne pull out her Pokeball.

(BGM ended)

(Under Night In-Birth II [Sys: Celes] OST - Icefield White Knight)

"But know that you ask for this. We won't let you harm a single finger on our friend and current teacher. And if you plan to use the Tera crystals for ill purpose... like you Professor Novartis, then you should consider leaving."

"That's right." Florian put his Dagger away and got out his Pokeball. "We won't hold back. So prepare yourself."

"Hehe. They really despise you, Professor. Not that I blame them." Noel chuckled

"Well, go ahead and distract them long enough, while I'll work on opening this gate." Novartis turn his back. "Oh! But just to be sure." He pull out a Pokeball. "Klinklang." He toss the Pokeball and came out Klinglang.

"Kliiinglang."

"Protect me while I go work on this panel." Novartis requests as he turns and then begins his engineering progress.

"Kling."

"Since when do you have a Pokemon, Professor?" Renne asked, looking surprised.

"Why wouldn't I? Pretty much everyone is getting their hands on one."

"I suppose it can't be helped. Ready, Noel?"

"Ready." Noel smirked.

Old man's bodyguard - Noel Ryker

"Gyrados, Kingdra, come out!" Noel tossed his Pokeball and came out Gyarados and Kingdra as they howled.

"Starmie, let's go!" Renne throws her Pokeball.

"Your up, Dragpult!" Florian throws his Pokeball.

"Starmie?!" Noel gasped. "It's adorable~ All right, playtime over, Gyrados, Dragon Dance!, Kingdra, Rain Dance!"

Kingdra howls, summing dark rain clouds, and begins to rainwater while Gyrados body becomes surrounded by swirling purple clouds of energy and it spins around several times.

"Starmie, Psychic Kingdra!" Renne command.

"Ku!" Starmie's gem glow and blue lines appeared on Kingdra, levitated him and then slam him hard on the ground.

"Gyrados, Hurricane that Starmie!" Noel command

"Hyraaaaa!" Gyarados roared, unleashing a strong gust of wind toward Starmie, knocking her into the air.

"Kingdra, Dragon Pulse!" Noel commanded as Kingdra channeled energy from its mouth and then fired a dragon-shaped beam.

"Dragapult, get Starmie out of there!" Florian commands as Dragapult swiftly rushes to Starmie, grabbed her, and moves swiftly out of the way as Dragon Pulse passes through with an explosion. "Now use Dragon Pulse on Kingdra!"

"Dodge it." Noel command and Kingdra swiftly dodge it with incredible speed. "Aqua Tail Gyarados."

Gyrados lungs toward Dragapult with water swirling his tail and slams him and Starmie away.

"Drag/Star!" Both Pokemon grunted as they recovered.

"Starmie, used Confuse Ray!" Renne yelled

"Star!" Starmie formed purple balls of energy from its arms and then fired toward Gyrados and Kingdra.

"Surf, Kingdra! Hop with him Gyrados!" Noel yelled

Kingdra summons a tidal wave as Gyrados hops on. The Surf overpowers the ghostly fire.

"Phantom Force!" Florian yelled as Dragapult created a portal and enter.

"Starmie, Rapid Spin out of there!" Renne yelled.

"Ku!" Starmie spin rapidly and dash out of there as the tidal wave splashed.

Then Dragapult came out and then slam into Kingdra.

"Ku!" Kingdra grunted with Gyradaos and then Starmie follow up with Rapid Spin.

"Gyrados, Crunch Starmie!" Noel command

"Gyraa!" Gyrados lung toward Starmie

"Agility!" Renne yelled as Starmie move siwflty to avoid Gyrados jaws, Dazzling Gleam!"

"Star!" Starmie's body was surrounded by rainbow collor energy and expended, hitting Gyrados and Kingdra, though Kingdra was super effective.

"Kuu!" Kingdra grunted.

"Kingdra, Draco Meteor!" Noel command.

"Kuu!" Kingdo channel an orange energy ball and shoot it to the air, then created multiple meteors toward Starmie and Dragapult.

"Dodge it!" Both Renne and Florian yelled as Starmie and Dragapult dodge at a rapid past.

"Gyrados, Hyper Beam them!" Noel command

"Gyraaaaaa!" Gyrados roared as it channel and fired a yellow-orange beams toward Starmie and Dragapult.

"Agility!" Renne yelled as Starmie move swiftly while Dragapult did nothing as Hyper Beam pierce the ground and causing massive explosion and shockwave.

"Nngh!" Carmine shielding herself along with Kieran and Briar from the scene.

"Dragapult, Dragon rush Gyrados!" Florian yelled

"Dragaaa!" Dragapult's body wa outline in skyblue then form into an aura and lung and slammed toward Gyrados.

"Kyraaa!" Gyrados winched, slid back.

"Kingdra, Dragon Pulse Dragapult!" Noel command as Kingdra fired a dragon shape beam toward Dragapult and strike.

"Draaaaaaa!" Dragapult yelled in agony and was swirling until recovered and shook his head.

"Starmie Confuse Ray!" Renne command

"Star!' Starmie form purple balls of energy from its arms and then fired toward Gyrados and hitting him

"Gya?" Gyrados groaned as his eyes swirling.

"Gyrados, slam your head on the ground!" Noel yelled as Gyrados slam his head on the ground, shook his head and regain his senses.

"Nngh!" Renne growled as the rain stop.

"Aww, the Rain storm." Noel sighed. "Oh well. Gyrados use—"

"Haha! I done it!" Novartis laughed as Noel and the others turn to him as the Zero Gate was opened. "Whoever built this certainly knows how to handle their machinery. Unfortunately for them, I'm a genius so this is child's play." He turn to Noel. "Noel. You can stop playing around."

Noel palm face. "Already. I was just having fun." he sighed as he shook his head. "Oh fine. I got better things to do anyway." He recalled Gyrados and Kingdra. He snapped his finger and then Waterform minions of Two Giants fishes appeared.

"What the heeeeell?!" Carmine yelled as Noel teleported near Novarius.

"Sorry to cut our time short. But we gotta run. Later. And it's so nice to see you again Loewe! Let's hope we can see each other again!" Noel wink and he, Novartis and Klinglang enter the Zero Lab as it close behind them, locking again.

The Waterform minions roared.

"Guess we gotta deal with them instead." Renne said as she got her scythe out.

"Yeah." Florian got out his daggers. "Come on, let's go this!" He yelled as he form a combat link with Renne and a Pokemon-link with Dragapult as Renne with Starmie.

The Two Waterform minions fired multiple bubbles attack. Renne swirl her scythe into a spinning shield and then lung toward to slash them. The Water fishes jump and then tail attack her, until Starmie hit them with Rapid Spin. Florian swoop in with combo slashes and then throwing five daggers at them with Dragapult firing Dragon Pulse

The Water fishes split up as one fired a beam of water while the other open its mouth and lung toward Florian.

"Gah!" Florian was capture by the fish and then slammed into the ground. "Oof! Get off of me!" He yelled as he stabbed from within, then shoot him out.

Florian rolling on the ground until he hop and landed don his feet. The Water fish lung toward for a taila attack, but Florian hop over and then dive attack its head and backflip, landed on his feat and then combo slash it, then flip kick it in the middle of the air. The Waterfish recovered, only to be hit by Dragapult with Dragonrush. Florian jump and grabbed the waterfish, spin and toss him to the ground. Then Florian firing energy beams from his weapon and cause an explosion with Dragapult firing Dragon Pulse.

Renne swirl her sythe and slash the Waterfish, then Starmie used Psychic to restrain him and then Renne combo slash until her scythe was on the minion's neck and slash through it. The Waterform minion spin rapidly, forming multiple bubbles to explode , striking Renne and Starmie, though not very effective against him. Starmie fired Hydra Pump on the waterform minion to push it back. Renne then lung toward and then swing fiercely against it.

The Waterform minion shoot a stream of water toward Renne and knock her away.

"Ngh!" Renne grunted as she impale the ground with her scythe.

Starmie used Rapid Spin on the fish. The Waterform minion unleash a sound ring toward Starmie, causing a screech attack, causing Starmie to cover her unseen ears. Then the waterform minion lung toward and then tail slapping repeatedly against her and slapped her back.

Starmie then used Psychic to restrain and slam her three times and then toss toward Renne. Renne's imbued her scythe with purple energy and then lung and slash through it, causing bats to appear from behind.

Florian backflip as he dodges multiple bubble attacks from the water-form minion until it open a watery portal and enters it. Then reappeared behind Florian for a bite attack, but Florian cartwheel to his left and then slash through it. Then Florian swing, jabs and then extended his dagger and swung fiercely. The Waterform fish unleash a powerful creech to push away Florian. Dragapult used Dragon Darts on it and struck twice, then Florian rushed toward, slashing through and then teleported through every angle until reappeared from above and sent slash projections down, crashing on the waterform minion, causing it to explode in water.

The other waterform minion explodes into water.

(BGM ended)

"Phew." Florian put his dagger away. "That should do it."

Renne put away her scythe. "Of course, now we got ourselves an explanation to do." Renne turn as Briar, Carmine and Kieran approached.

"Okay. You two START explaining yourself!" Carmine yelled

(Pokemon Scarlet and Violet ost - Area Zero)

"What the heck was that all about!? Why do you have weapons!? How did you do all that hacking and slashing? Did all that stuff actually happen?! And what the heck was with those... whatever those underneath your feet?! AND WHY DO YOU TWO HAVE GHOSTS WITH YOU?!"

"Okay calm down Carmine." Florian said

"Don't tell me to calm down!"

"It's really a long story about the outside world." Renne said. "You know of sword and magic that can be seen on books or fairy tales. Or maybe in some TV shows? Those are all real in the outside world."

"Wait... you mean... it's all real?!" Carmine jawdropped.

"F-For real?" Kieran asked in disbelief.

"Yep." Florian nodded. "I've learned to fight because there are monsters out there. I'm sure you saw some of them or maybe some will appear on your hometown. I learned that when I visited the Mushroom Kingdom. Before you ask. No it is not a made-up name or a kingdom filled with Mushrooms."

"Ms. Briar. You know Liberl right along with Orbal technology and energy? The continent of Zemuria has people who can wield weapons to defend themselves against non-pokemon. In other worlds, monsters. actual. Monsters."

"I... I have no idea. It seems I truly do only understand the small part of the world..." Briar trailed off. "Wait a moment... you mean the Great Twilight that happened a month ago was true?!"

"Even THAT was real!?" Carmine gasped.

"Indeed. It was all real."

"Ooh my Arceus..."

"As for the "ghost" They're our Emblems." Renne turn to Emblem Loewe. "This is Emblem Leonhardt, but his friends call him Loewe."

"Hello." Emblem Loewe said.

"And this is Emblem Lief!" Florian smiled as Emblem Lief appeared.

"It's nice to meet you all. As they say, we're Emblems. Spirits of heroes who were summoned to another world to aid."

"This feels like we're in like those Isekai manga and anime stuff... but... Oh, my head is spinning..." Carmine groaned.

"Anything else?" Kieran asked.

"I can transform into Pokemon." Florian said.

"Okay, now you're just—" Carmine paused when Florian transform into Gallade. "—whaaaaaaaaaa?!"

"And I can understand Pokemon too."

"WHAAAAAAAAAAAT!?" Carmine, Briar and Kieran yelled.

"Listen." Florian change back. "I understand you want to know HOW that happened, but now isn't the time to explain. We got a bigger issue to deal with."

"Indeed. We promise we'll explain everything. But right now, we need to get into the Zero Lab." Renne agreed.

"Oh, of course!" Briar said as they headed to the terminal. "Oh dear. It seems that professor must have tempered with the panel. Is there any way we can unlock it?"

"Well the last time we were here, Professor Sada and Turo had use disable the locks by going back to the research lab. But I don't think that will work since that old man tempered with the system.

"Indeed. We may need to find another way." Renne said

"Okay so how are we—"

*Beep boop*

"INDIGO DISK DETECTED. INDIGO DISK DETECTED.

"D-Did that panel just talk?!" Kieran exclaimed

"INSERT INDIGO DISK FOR GREATER ACCESS PRIVILEGES. PLEASE INSERT INDIGO DISK."

"Relax, Kiki. It's just one of those computerized voices. It's not any different than a TM Machine."

"But what does it mean "Indigo Disk"?" Briaf asked

"Oh!" Florian palm fist and pull out the Indigo Disk. "It must be talking about this."

"Ah, yes. Chairwoman Geeta meant to give this to you Ms. Briar. Apparently this disk is connected to the Zero Lab. Now I understand. It must be a keycard of sorts." Renne said.

"Ooh! What fun! Come on, you guys! Do it! You have my permission!" Carmine requested as the Disk compartment open a hatch and Florian place in the disk as it closed.

"INDIGO DISK CONFIRMED. ZERO LAB ELEVATOR REDIRECTED TO AREA ZERO UNDERDEPTHS."

The Zero Lab then opened.

"Look at that! It opened." Briar said

"Now let's catch up to Noel and the Professor." Renne said as they enter the Zero Lab.

(BGM ended)

"I see this place hasn't change." Renne said as they walk in. "Except that it's dark."

"I think there's a light switch here. Hang on let me—"

*bang*

"Oooow!" Carmine groaned

"—me find the lights..." Florian sweatdrop

"Gah, this place it too DARK in here! I just smack my head on something!"

"That's 'cause you're just running around without any idea where you're going!" Kieran told her. "You could have wait until Florian or one of us find the light switch." He said and then Florian found the light switch and turn it on. "There we go."

"Well, would you look at that." Carmine made a grin. "Looks like someone's finally breaking out of their funk, hmmm?"

"Shut it..." Kieran look the other way.

"Hold on." Renne look around. "Where's the professor and Noel?"

"And where's Ms. Briar?" Florian asked

Carmine pointed. "She's over there rummaging through that whole stuck of documents."

"Um, aren't those someone's private photos and stuff?" Kieran asked. "We shouldn't be looking at all that..."

"Well, well, well, you're awfully considerate off all the sudden."

"C'mon, Carmine. Don't tease him like that. He is technically true." Florian said until he noticed the elevator. "Oh there's the Elvator!"

"And it's face down." Renne said. "I think it will lead us to the depths." Renne said, causing Briar's attention.

"Depths, you say?!" Briar asked as she approached and all gathered near the elevator. "So it is! Florian, Renne, you use this elevator last time to reach the mysterious room?"

Yep. This is the one. But we never once headed down for some reason."

"How exciting! Well, there's on time to waste! Let's go down!" Briar said as Florian pressed the button and the elevator opened, they then headed inside and pressed the down button.

The elevator door close on them and they headed down.

"Oh, wonderful! This elevator just keeps going down and down further!"

"Yeah that's how elevators works." Carmine rolled her eyes. "Although the elevator is moving pretty fast. It's almost like I'm floating."

Kieran got to thinking and then turn to everyone. "Hey, everyone. We used that panel to unlock the gate. Do you think that old man and that guy with him went down?"

"To be honest, I think they are heading down." Renne fold her arms. "I don't think they use the elevator that takes them to that chamber. Especially since the device should be in ruin."

"Speaking of them, who are they exactly? And who is that cute guy you're familiar with, Renne?" Carmine asked

"Noel is a friend of mine. He's... an agent that serve an... organization so to speak. That old man with him is Professor Novartis. He's an overseer of a series of workshops of technology. He's also Noel's mentor in technology. Noel is both a powerful swordsman and a mage. Noel is very dangerous. Compare to the professor."

"Okay but what kind of organization?" Kieran asked. "His... Pokemon look incredibly strong."

"They... work for an organization that operates in the shadows. The same one Natsume works in." Florian said

"Wait... you mean Ouroboros?!"

"Ouro what?" Carmine asked as that shortly after, they arrive at the depths.

The elevator door open and they leave.

(Pokemon Scarlet and Violet: Indigo Disk ost - Area Zero Depths)

"Oh my..." Briaf said in awe as they see the mines filled with tera crystals. "OH MY GOODNESS!"

"Is this place... the Depths of Area Zero?" Florian asked

Briar pulls out her Rotom phone and taps a few buttons. "Yes! According to my data, our current position is far deeper than where we last were!

"Man, Area Zero was already a lot to take in..." Carmine sighed. "I don't think anything's gonna surprise me at this point, no matter what we run into."

"H-Hey." Kieran called them out. "What's... all this stuff?"

"OH!" Briar approached it.

"Is that a desk filled with files and papers?" Renne mused as she approached it.

"Oh me, oh my oh me oh my! Thesr are reports written by the esteemed Professor Sada and Turo!"

"From those two?" Renne asked as she look at the book and read out loud.

"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, I have witnessed the Terastal phenomenon occurring in a way I've never seen aboveground—Terastallization that appears to hold the power of every known type. I have dubbed this Tera Type the Stellar type for now. Could Terapagos's influence be at play?"

"Terapagos is the hidden treasure of Area Zero?!" Briar gasped. "And it's slumbers in the form of... a crystal? And what is this about a Stella Tera Type?"

"Hmm..." Renne hummed. "Professor, if you look carefully here." She pointed. "It said that this Stellar type holds the power of every known type. Oh my..."

"Every Known type?" Florian gasped.

"Oh, my Arceus! Brilliant! Absolutely marvelous! To think there was so much that Heath didn't write about! These documents are a veritable treasure trove! And we've only just begun our expedition!"

Renne, Emblem Loewe, Emblem Lief, Kieran, Florian and Carmine sweatdrop.

"And there she goes, getting so excited in a bizarre place like this..." Carmine sighed

"But she said that Terapango is the hidden treasure of Area Zero, right?" Florian asked.

"From the looks of it, It must be." Emblem Lief said.

"Well, what are we waiting for? Let's hurry up and go further in." Kieran told them, impatiently.

"I still haven't gotten my fill of these documents, but..." Briar hummed and than nodded. "Okay, let's go!"

Then they take off while Renne is still looking at the pages.

"Hmm... this is very intriguing information..." Renne said and flipped the pages until one page caught her interest. "Hm?"

"While investigating the hidden treasure, I found myself transported to a great height, near a lake that smelled of sulfur. Based on temperature and humidity, I believe it to have been the eastern lands I've read about before.

And there, a child gave me a white volume."

"What?" Renne eye widen.

"Ooooooi! Renne! Come on!" Kieran yelled

"Oh! Coming!" Renne said as she took a picture and then place the book back and take off. 'A child gave the professor a white volume in an eastern place near a lake...?'

As Renne catch up, they begin to walk down the stone bridge until...

"Oh blasted. "This crystal is more difficult than I expected." A voice complaining as they see Novartis and Noel were looking at the blockage.

"This crystal is more durable than the others." Noel mused. "It will take me some time to cut through it. But—" Noel paused when he turn his head and see the others. "Um, Professor..."

"Yes?" Novartis asked, turning his head and see Renne and the others. "Oh my goodness!"

"Hey it's you bozos again!" Carmine yelled. "So you did come here to the Depths!"

"H-How did you manage to get here? I'm pretty sure I had the panel lock!"

"Oh, you did. But lucky for us. We ended up finding another way into the lab and go down." Renne said.

"I thought that screaming just now wasn't my imagination." Noel sighed.

"Excuse me, but what are you two doing here?" Briar asked until she gasped. "Don't tell me you're after Terapango!"

"Terapango?" Novartis asked, amusingly.

Briar sweatdrop. "Oh dear..."

"If I have to guess, this Terapango is this Area Zero I've heard so much about? And I'm guessing it has something to do with all the Tera crystals here. Am I wrong?" Noel folds his arm

"And what of it?" Florian asked

"Well, at least it answers where the power of these Tera crystals came from at least. I had a feeling it came from a Pokemon. Seriously. Every phenomenon that happens in the Pokemon region, always involves Pokemon."

"Well he isn't wrong." Renne agreed. "But now that you know, are you here to capture it?"

That causes Kieran to snarl.

"Who can say for certain." Novartis wrap his arms behind his back. "If it is indeed the very being responsible, surely such powers would be fitted for the society than some hogwash uses."

"Hogwash?!" Florian yelled

"Oh? And you're saying the Tera Orbs are job wash?" Noel gave him the dirty look. "I beg the differ, Professor." He turn to the others. "Anyway, even if we wanted to or not, the problem lies with this crystal here."

"What the heck is THIS?" Carmine asked. "It looks like a crystal trying to be a flower."

"That's what I thought to. It's completely blocking our path." Noel said. "I've already collected some sample but this one is more durable than the rest. We can't go any further than this."

"Wait just a moment!" Briar exclaimed, "Did you just say you collected the sample from that crystal there?!"

"It was difficult, but yes. Why?"

"H-How?! That's likely a manifestation of pure Terastal energy. We have no idea what might happen if we try to destroy it with brute force!"

"That is true." Novartis rub his chin. "It is likely as you said, the purest manifestation of Terastal energy. Of course, we're very careful."

"We did try to look for another way but this is apparently the only place to go deeper." Noel told them.

"Okay, so what do we do, then?" Kieran asked

"That is a good quest—" Renne pause. "Wait." She turn her head and see a Glimmora.

"Gli... Gli... Gli..."

"It's a Glimmora!" Florian said

Briar gasped "There are Pokemon all the way down here?! And what's going on with this one? It seems to be charged with some kind of strange energy..." She begin to approached it.

"Hey, get back!" Carmine yelled, causing Briar's attention. "You know you're no good in a battle, Ms. Briar!"

"She's right." Renne nodded. "I've also sense an unual energy resonating from it. You should let one of us handle it." Renne said.

"Agreed. Florian, you should handle this!"

"Got it!" Florian nodded as he approached it. " Let's go FLygon!" He toss his Pokeball and came out Flygon

"Aaru!" Flygon roared

(BGM paused)

(Pokemon Scarlet and Violet ost - Area Zero Battle)

"MORAAAAAA!" Glimmora roared as it covered in Terastal energy, but suddenly, it's Tera Jewl was unlike any are seen. It has an mysterious creature with a diamond-like jewel on top of it. And multiple jewels rotating around it.

"What the heck!?" Florian yelled.

"Are those... Terastal Jewels?" Renne asked

"Flygon, Earthquake!" Florian yelled

"Aru!" Flygon swing his tail and slam the ground toc create a shockwave and struck on Glimmora.

"GLIMMOOOOOORA!" Glimmora yelled in agony until it recovered to fired Ancient Power toward Flygon.

"Dodge and use Earth Power!" Florian yelled

"Aaru!" Flygon move swift around and then stomps the ground, sending golden energy and strike on Glimmora

"GLIIIM!" Glimmora yelled in agony until the Tera Jewel shattered.

"It's weaken! Flygon, finish it off with Dragon Pulse!" Florian yelled

"Aaaru!" Flygon open his mouth, channeling and firing a dragon-shape beam and strike on Glimmora.

"Glimmooooooora!" Glimmora swirling and then slam to the wall and fell to the ground with swirling eyes. "Glimmora..."

(BGM ended)

(Resuming Area Zero Depths)

"All right, that should do it!" Florian said

Suddenly, the blockage begin to glow and then vanished, causing everyone to have an ! over their heads.

"Whoa, it disappeared." Kieran said

"Did defeating that Pokemon cause the crystal flower to disappear?" Renne wondered. "More importantly you all saw that mysterious jewel on its head?"

"Yeah. It's like a crown where you have multiple jewels." Noel remarked.

"When I better it, it felt like it was super effective. Glimmora are Rock and Poison Type so Ground types delivers a four times weakness on it." Florian said.

"It's just like in that report we found earlier..." Briar mused "What we just witnessed was a Pokemon wielding the power of each and every type."

"Indeed. So that is Stellar Tera Type." Renne nodded

"Stellar Tera Type, you say?" Novartis amused.

"Wait, was THAT supposed to be the so-called hidden treasure we're looking for?" Carmine asked, causing Kieran to make a small grin.

Noel, Emblem Arianrhod, Emblem Loewe and Renne notice Kieran's expression.

"I can't say for certain, but.. no. I don't think so." Briar said. "The professors' notes said the hidden treasure of Area Zero is slumbering in crystal form. The Glimmora Florian just fought off doesn't fully fit that description, so I don't think it's the Pokemon the professors called Terapangos."

"Well, the only way to know if it was the hidden treasure or not is to keep going." Kieran said. "Come on."

"Well, you heard the man, lets go." Noel said

"Hold on! Since when did we agree to have you come with us?" Carmine asked. "For all we know, you could steal right from under us!"

"I'm not a thief. I'm not like a certain colleague of mine." Noel fold his arms. "Besides, you're gonna need every help you can get, right? I can promise you I won't do anything unless the situation calls it. And I'll keep an eye on the professor before he does something stupid."

"What?! Come on, Noel, must you treat me like I'm something diabolical?" Novartis groaned

"Do you really need to ask?" Renne asked, giving him a deadpan look. "Anyway, we can trust Noel to keep an eye on Professor Novartis."

Florian then noticed Stellar Tera Shards and he went and pick them up. "Hey, look at this."

"Are those Tera Shards?" Carmine asked

"It looks like Stellar Tera Shards." Renne mused. "Florian, keep it with you."

"Right." Florian put it away in his inventory. "I feel like I also gain some LP when I defeated it."

"Good for you. Now let's go. But be careful." Renne said as they all go down the path.

"Whoa, look at this place!" Carmine gasped.

"This is a sight to behold." Noel said as he is taking pictures.

"It feels like we stumbled upon a mine filled with invaluable jewels in their purest forms! Question is, does the Stellar Tera energy here are in sync with the Septium Veins?" Novartis wondered

"That's a good question. But can't say for certain."

"Whatever the case, be careful not to fall or slip by the crystals." Renne warned as Florian found Stellar Tera Shards and collected them.

They found another blockage.

"Look! There's another one!" Carmine pointed as they approached.

"Hmm... The Pokemon with the Stellar Tera Jewels must be connected. Perhaps if we defeated. A new path is open for us." Novartis said.

"I'll go this time." Renne said as she look around until she spotted a glimmering Pokemon in the distance. "Wait here everyone. Miraidon!" Renne called out as Miraidon appeared

"Agia!" Miraidon said

"What the!?" Noel exclaimed as Renne hop on and then take off into fly mode. "I never seen that Pokemon!"

Renne and Miraidon flew toward a Stellar Tera encase Noivern.

"Noii! verr!" It roared

"Glaceon, you're up!" Renne toss her Pokeball and came out Glaceon.

"Glace!" Glaceon took her stand.

Noivern begin to used Boomburst onto Glaceon as everyone covering their eyes.

"Glaceon, Ice Beam!" Renne yelled

"GLAAACE!" Glaceon fired a light blue beam toward Noivern and struck a four time critical blow.

"NOIIIIIII!" Noivern yelled in agony as it's tera jewel shattered.

"Ice Beam again!" Renne yelled

"Glaceon!"Glaceon fired another Ice beam on Noivern, causing an explosion as it froze in defeat.

The crystal flowers that was blocking, now disappeared, clearing a path.

"Good job, Renne!" Carmine shout. "The crystal thing is gone now!"

"Okay! I'm coming!" Renne shout back and pull a Pokeball. " Glaceon, return!" She recalled Glaceon and then Miradon fly back to the others. Renne hop off and return to his Pokeball.

"Renne. What Pokemon is that?" Noel asked

"It look like it's a living cybernatic being." Novartis asked

"I would advise you to stay away from my Miraidon, Professor." Renne warned him with a death glare.

"My goodness, you really don't trust me, do you. Even after all the good times we had together."

"You earn it, professor." Noel rolled his eyes. "Anyway, let's go."

"Right behind you!" Carmine said as they walk down the path again, and already found another crystal flower blockage.

"And another blockage. Figured." Florian said.

"Ugh! Why is there another one?! If these lousy rocks think they can stop me, they got another thing coming!"

"This place is more twist and turns than Oni Mountain." Kieran rub his chin

Noel notices a pathway.

"Look, there's the path over there. I think the Pokemon we're looking for might be in there." Noel said. "I'll take over from here. Wish me luck."

"No. Let me help. What if someplace you can't reach?" Florian asked

"I can jump high enough and even use my powers to create a bridge of water." Noel said. "But since you're volunteering, who am I to argue."

"Thanks. Wish me luck everyone." Florian said as he walk to the pathway and then stumped upon a large gap. "Whoa! There's a large gap here! I see the Pokemon is on the distance!" Florian turn to the Pokeball. "Koraidon!"

Then Koraidon came out of the Pokeball.

"What's up, my friend?" Koraidon asked.

"Let's fly!" Florian hop on.

"Then let's take off!" Koraidon then run to the gap and then activated fly mode and fly toward the Stellar Tera Sandy Shock.

"Bzz-zz-zz! BZZZT!"

"A Sandy Shock, this time huh?" Florian got out his Pokeball. "Flygon, you're up!" He toss and came out Flygon

"Aru!" Flygon roared

"Earthquake."

"Aaaru!" Flygon slam the ground and a shockwave struck onSandy shock

"BZZZZZt!" Sandy Shock yelled in agony before it can respond and it's Stellar Tera Jewel shattered

"Earth Power!" Florian yelled as Flygon stomped his feet, sending golden energy and then finish off Sandy Shock as it fell on its back.


Where the others are...

The Crystal flower shine brightly then disappeared.

"It disappeared! Excellent! I'll go alert Florian." Briar run toward the cave entrance reach the gap. "Oh my. this is a large gap." She turn to Florian. "Florian! The path opened up!"

"Coming!" Florian shout back. "Return Flygon!" He recalled Flygon and then Koraidon take off flying and return to Briar.

Florian hop off and recalled Koraidon as they regrouped.

"Nicely done as always, Florian." Renne smiled.

"Indeed! Sorry that we have you and Renne do all the work. We really appreciate it." Briar smiled, then she pull out her Rotom Phone. "Hmm... It appears the Terastal energy around us is growing more dense the further we do down. No time to lose! Come."

They nodded and they take off again. They walk down the slope carefully until arrive at another blockage.

"And another blockade." Noel sighed as Briar check her Rotom Phone.

"Oh Marvelous! The Terastal energy here is positively overflowing!"

"Yes, you're right." Novartis checks his personal hologram tap computer. "It's unlike what we've seen so far! Oh, that data is as good as ours!"

"Yes, yes. it's all good but remember to RESTRAIN yourselves." Noel warned them.

"Y-Yes sir..." Briar and Novartis frown.

"Wow... He managed to rein in those two before they do anything recklace..." Kieran said

"Yeah." Florian nodded.

"It isn't the first time, Professor Novartis lacks restrainment." Emblem Arianrhod said.

"Hey, look over here!" Carmine called out as they pointed to the water.

"A water area, hmm?" Noel mused. "Shall I go through this?"

"No. I'll go this time." Renne said as she got Miraidon out. "Okay, Miraidon. Let's get to it." She hop on.

"Agia!" Miraidon nodded and then he begin to swim.

Noel sighed. "So much for me doing the work."


With Renne...

Miraidon swim all the way to another land and then see a Terastal Stellar Garganacl.

"A Garganacl this time." Renne mused and then pull out a Pokeball. "Starmie, you're up!" She toss the Pokeball and came out Starmie.

"Star!"

"Gi-ga-ga-ga-ga-ga!" Garganacl roared and then launch Salt Cure

"Dodge and used Hydro Pump!" Renne yelled as Starmie cartwheel to the right and fired Hydro Pump.

"GIIIIIIII!" Garganacl yelled in agony and the Stellar Tera Jewel shattered

"Surf!" Renne command

"Star!" Starmie summon a tidal wave and then slam into Garganacl.

"Giiiii!" Garganacl fell on his back with swirling eyes


With the others...

The final flower crystal glow and faded away.

"All right!" Florian cheered

"Okay, Kiki—your turn to call over Renne!" Carmine said

"What? Why me?" Kieran asked

"Quit your blabbering! Just do it!" Carmine yelled, causing Kieran to flinch, and then frown, causing Florian, Noel and Novartis to sweatdrop.

Kieran approached the water cavern. "H-Heeey! The path opened up! We can keep going!"

"Coming!" Renne shout back.

Shortly after, Renne returned.

"Don't you all think we're relying too much on Florian and Renne's help?" Kieran asked

"Looks like it." Noel agreed

"Well, we did volunteer." Renne replied. "Come on. Let's go. Hopefully, this will be the last one." Renne said as they took off.

As they each the depths, the Tera Orb suddenly glow.

"Huh?" Kieran pull out his Tera Orb. "My Tera Orb! I think it's... reacting to something?"

"Huh, you're right!" Carmine said as she takes out her Tera Orb. "Mine is, too."

"Same with me." Renne pull out her Tera Orb along with Florian and Noel

"Curious. Our Tera Orbs are reacting to something.." Noel mused

"Hmm..." Novartis rub his chin as he check his hologram computer. "I'm detecting an outstanding amount of Terastal Energy. It seems we're finally reaching the core."

They all turn to the path.

"It seems to be coming from in there..." Briar said.

"Are we FINALLY at the finish line?" Carmine asked

"The Hidden Treasure!" Kieran's expression dark grin and then take off.

"Hey, where d'you think you're going?!" Carmine yelled

"Ooh, I can't wait another second! The truth behind the Scarlet and Violet Book is so close now!" Briar cheered and she takes off

"Wha—!? Not you too!"

"Are they always like this?" Noel asked

"For Ms. Briar, yes, but to Kiki..." Carmine said

"Come on, let's go after them." Florian said as they take off.


Terapango awaits!