Disclaimer: I do not own any of the material appearing in this story. The OC's belong to their respective owners.

Friendly heads up: Bit of a long one.


BGM: West Province - Riding (Pokemon Scarlet and Violet)

"WHAT?!" Cian yelled in surprise. "What do you mean you came face to face with Arceus?!"

"Yeah, apparently the big guy heard about Paldea's sandwiches and wanted to give them a try, and then wanted to try out Arvie and Glori's Curry Sandwiches. As far as I can tell, he liked it."

"Aaaagh… Raifort has the worst timing." Cian groaned.

"Oh, cheer up, bro. I'm sure you'll run into him someday."

"Personally, I want to ask him so many different things…"

"Same here… mostly having to do with why Almighty Sinnoh is buds with everyone." Perrin said.

"Eh, it's just how we roll." Nora said.

Jaune chuckled. "Just comes with the territory, apparently."

"Fair enough." Perrin chuckled as they walked into Alfornada Cavern.

End BGM

BGM: Cave (Pokemon Scarlet and Violet)

They walked through the cave and saw that they had to climb their way up. "Looks like we're climbin'." Marnie said.

"Nothing that we can't handle." Gloria said.

"Alright, going up it is!" Hop said as he turned to Alessandra. "Ahehe, ladies first!"

"Oh, thank you, Hoppy." Alessandra said, both blushing as she started to climb up.

"Oooh, someone's got a crush~" Sonia teasingly whispered while playfully elbowing Hop.

"It-it's not like that…" Hop lied, rubbing the back of his head.

"Come on, lad, even I can see it." Gloria smiled as they started to climb up one by one.

As they climbed, they would see Meditite and Medicham meditating while Gible and a Sableye were getting into a scrap over a jewel, while a Bagon jumped off of a cliff and tried to flap its arms to try to fly, only to fall down and slam into the ground as a Shelgon wandered over to check if it was okay. The Bagon brushed itself off and gave the nubbin's up with a nonchalant smile.

"Hmm?" Alessandra spotted a Naclstack wandering around while a Deino walked the other way. "What's that?" She wondered as she scanned the Naclstack.

"Naclstack, the Rock Salt Pokemon and the evolved form of Nacli. This Pokémon dry cures its prey by spraying salt over them. The curing process steals away the water in the prey's body. It compresses rock salt inside its body and shoots out hardened salt pellets with enough force to perforate an iron sheet."

Arven let out a low whistle. "Is that a fact? That's interesting."

"I wouldn't want to make that Pokemon angry…" Wendy admitted.

"I wonder if ghosts would be immune to such a thing." Ludwig said, glancing over at Erza.

"Hmm? I'd guess so…"

"I'd say Erza's the better pick over ghost mom juuuust in case." Larry said.

"Oh goodness, that's horrifying to think about." Rei shuddered.

"...I think it'd just be best to avoid this line." Carmine said, hearing an innocent whistle from Arven.

"I wonder if we could add some of that salt into some of our dishes…" Cinder mused. "Could be worth a try."

As they continued to climb through the cavern, Ren spotted some Glimmet curiously floating around. "The Glimmet are in this cavern too?"

"Cool!" Nora said.

"That would explain some Tera Crystals in this cavern…" Pyrrha said, glancing at a few of them nearby.

I wonder if his theory will hold true… it does sound fascinating. Jinx thought as they soon walked out of the cavern and spotted Alfornada up ahead.

End BGM

BGM: Alfornada (Pokemon Scarlet and Violet)

"There it is." Alessandra said. "Alfornada… and where I'll be facing a fellow fashionista~!" She let out a fangirl squeal.

"Someone's excited." Kotoko said.

"Ah, but Tulip is the main reason why I wanted to be a fashionista myself!" Alessandra said. "When I was younger, I saw a commercial of Tulip showing off her new brand of makeup. Needless to say, I fell in love with her and got inspired to be a fashion queen myself. I was already into thinking of being a model because Nessa inspired me… aaah, I'm gonna meet my heroine~"

"I'd be careful… you know what they say about meeting your heroes." Carmine said. "They always turn out to be assholes."

"Oh, I'm aware that she could potentially be a diva, but the fact that I'm so close…!"

"Easy, fashion girl." Coco put her hands on her shoulders. "Let's just take a few deep breaths before you go off and meet your idol."

"Right… right, good point…" Alessandra said, fanning herself to calm herself down. "Hoo… alright, let's go sign up at the gym real quick."

Once they walked into the gym, they would see Nemona leaning on a wall as she looked up and saw everyone. "Hey, there you are~!"

"Nemona?!" Arven said in surprise.

"Arven? This is a surprise!"

"What the heck are… are… are you stalking them?"

"Whaaaaat? No! I'm just rootin' for Aless in her gym battles!"

"Well, good, I came to root for her too because she was helpin' me with the Titans."

"Did it have anything to do with the lasers in the sky? They've been kinda ominous lately…" Nemona said.

"Nah, that's not me."

"Ah, okay. Wait a sec-... ohohoho~! Sounds like someone's been pulling double duty~!"

"Well, wasn't my intention, but what can ya do?" Alessandra shrugged.

"Also, yes, she is stalking her." Velvet said.

Nemona started to sweat nervously. "Por que? What makes you think I'm stalking…?"

"Yeah, that sounds about right." Arven agreed.

"Okay, okay! I'm just excited… I just… never had anyone get close to being my equal… it's lonely being at the top. No one wants to hang with the gal who can kick someone's butt easily. Ya think it's easy trying to make friends when they just run away when they see you? Granted, I know I'm a little… over the top, but…"

Nemona sighed. "I guess I'm just desperate to make a friend…"

Alessandra smiled. "So that's why you're eager to fight me any chance you get. Cheer up, Mona… I still think of you as a friend regardless~!"

Nemona gasped. "Mona?! I have my very own nickname!" She teared up and hugged Alessandra tightly. "Oh, I knew you were something special…!"

"Grrrk! Back… nearly… breaking…!"

Nemona released Alessandra. "Oh, this is so awesome!" She giggled. "Ah, I shouldn't break your back until we have a proper match together after you beat the league…"

"I… should probably invest in a back brace…" Alessandra sweatdropped at the thought as she walked over to the officiator.

"Ah, miss Alessandra! We were just waiting for you. Not many people make it this far and just about give up by the time they're here. Anyway, for your gym test, you simply have to participate in-"

Snap!

A psychic aura surrounded the officiator's head.

"-The Emotional Spectrum… hgrrrk!"

"What the?!" Alessandra wondered as the officiator shook his head.

"Weird, I feel like I was about to say something that was incredibly wrong. Anywho, you will have to participate in Nyx's challenge."

"Nyx? Who's Nyx?" Alessandra wondered as Gloria turned her head to see Yagami at the door, having snapped her finger to scramble the officiator's mind a bit.

Holy shite, I had no idea she could do THAT… She thought in awe.

"We'll take ya to Nyx."

They all turned toward Yagami.

"Hey Yagami~!" Nora waved.

"Sup." Yagami greeted as she walked outside. "Mewtwo."

"Ladies." Mewtwo greeted with a nod as they all walked outside.

"Did you have any friends growing up?" Carmine whispered to Nemona.

"Nope, not even when was I was a little girl, no one wanted to hang with me, even when I was starting to take interest in Pokemon Battling. Not a single person wanted to be with lil' ol' me…"

"Oooof…" Carmine winced. "That's rough."

"I guess the little kid in me is… really happy." She said. "I can hardly contain… my emotions right now…"

"There there, let it out." Carmine rubbed her back.

"We got her!" Yagami called out to Nyx.

"Just a sec! I need to make this really special. Can you wait for a few more minutes?"

"Yeah, we can wait." Yagami nodded.

What's with this "we" stuff? Alessandra thought. "Soooo, who are you?"

"Yagami Ayami, girlfriend to Umber."

"Really?" Alessandra gave her a once over. "Well, he definitely knows how to pick 'em."

Yagami giggled. "Yeah, we're special~"

"Soooo, aren't you two on a date with Umber?" Marnie asked.

"Yeah, we're currently chilling in Alfornada." Yagami said. "Especially considering what happened earlier after we left that Team Star base."


Earlier…

"Karp Karp Kaaaaarp!" Lucky cried as they were walking around Casseroya Lake.

"What's up with you?" Umber wondered as Yagami looked up to see a shiny Gyarados swimming nearby.

"I'm guessing it has to do with that big fella over there." Strange said.

"Karp Karp!" The Magikarp nodded.

"I get that Gyarados are assholes, but I don't think this one is that bad…" Umber said. "Let me guess, you got into a fight and lost to this thing?"

His Rotom Dex came up.

"Sooo, remember the dex entry about his Heartless being beached?"

"Yeah?"

"Lucky is saying that that thing is responsible for it being turned into a Heartless."

"Karp Karp Karp Karp Magikarp!"

"He was minding his own business when that Gyarados came out of nowhere and pushed him to shore."

"What? There's no way that a Gyarados-" Umber watched said Gyarados roaring and scaring away some Dratini and Veluza while some Slowpoke dipped underwater, the latter two getting beached onto the shore.

"-Could… do… something like that…"

Umber's expression darkened. "That lousy son of a…" He immediately summoned Jotaro.

"Alright, what do you want?" Jotaro asked.

"Teach that Gyarados a lesson."

Jotaro blinked. "You want me to teach that thing a lesson? What the hell did it do?"

"Turned this Magikarp into a Heartless."

Jotaro raised an eyebrow, looking at Lucky and then back at the Gyarados. "Okay, but I don't know why I would be-" He saw the Gyarados terrorizing the Dratini and the flopping Veluza. "...I'll be right back."

He dove into the water and swam toward the Gyarados.

Umber whistled to get the Gyarados's attention as it turned around to face them and started to charge up a Hyper Beam, but it was suddenly uppercutted by Star Platinum, then was grabbed by the tail as he started to swing it around.

"Ya know, I think you could've just initiated a Pokemon Battle." Strange said.

"Nah, didn't feel like it."

"ORAORAORAORAORAORAORAORAORAORAORAORA!"

Gyarados shook it off and glared at Jotaro, proceeding to unleash a Hyper Beam on him but Star Platinum pulled back his fist and punched the Hyper Beam, splitting it in two as it went around them and Umber's group, knocking down a few trees and scaring some Staravia away.

The Gyarados' eyes widened in disbelief, sweating nervously as Star Platinum would then unleash an uppercut that knocked the Gyarados high into the air and then slammed into the water, KO'd with Minior spinning around the Gyarados.

"Serves you right."

Dedede sweatdropped. "I think Gloria's startin' to rub off on ya…"

"Hmm? Nah, I don't think so."

"Karp Karp!" Lucky nodded in approval.


Back in the present…

"That poor Gyarados…" Alessandra grimaced.

"Seems like somethin' I'd do…" Gloria admitted.

"Or me." Kotoko said.

"Oooor me!" Nora chimed in.

"I think I'd do something similar…" Erza said.

"I'd probably just blow it up." Flandre said.

"Girl, you and I are in the same wavelength." Jinx said, both of them fist bumping.

Both Mabel and Kokoro sweatdropped, the latter's ocelot ears lowering. "That's a bit much…" They both said.

"Oh hey, Flan!" Yagami waved.

"Hey Yagami!" Flandre smiled as she jumped in and hugged her, the latter hugging her back.

"Ya know… while we're waiting…" Victor spoke up and nudged Cian. "You want to have a quick battle?"

"Hmm? Oh, sure."

"Cool, let's go over there." Victor walked off to the west side of Alfornada as Cian followed him.

"-And I think I have separation anxiety because of how nice and friendly Aless was to me that… that…" Nemona blew into a tissue. "I'm just a mess."

Carmine rubbed her back. "Just keep letting it out…" She said softly before glancing over at Cian and Victor walking off. "Huh, the boys gonna have a Pokemon battle? That's cool."

Alessandra knelt down next to Nemona. "Hey, have some of this. I actually saved a few." She said, handing her a sandwich.

"Huh…?"

"It's a curry sandwich, made by Arvie and Glori."

"Okay…" Nemona took a bite as her eyes sparkled and proceeded to scarf it down. "Mmmm! That perks you right up!"

Alessandra giggled. "So… couldn't help but overhear you think you have separation anxiety."

"Si…"

"If that was the case, then why did you always run off? You could've easily hung out with us. The more the merrier~" Alessandra smiled.

Nemona blinked before realization kicked in hard as she covered her face with both hands. "Soy estúpida…"

Alessandra patted her back. "Don't worry, Mona… we all make mistakes." She said softly with a friendly smile.

Arven sat down near them. "So, that's why you are the way that you are… heh, ya know, you could've just asked."

"I thought you would've ran away…"

"Well, if I had the full story, I… probably would have stuck around a bit longer." Arven admitted, patting her on the back. "You're a good girl, Nemona… you're just a bit on the wild side, but that's your quirkiness."

Nemona teared up. "Arven…! Come here!" She hugged him tightly.

"Gah! Bones… caving in…! So this is… how I die…!"

"Oh, quit being dramatic. She's not a Bewear." Carmine said.

"I feel like she got trained by a Bewear!"


Nearby…

"So, you're a Warrior of Hope now?" Xena asked, having decided to pop out of Yagami.

"Yup~!" Flandre smiled.

"And that you decided to join them after you and Kotoko sparred together?" Yagami added.

Flandre shrugged. "More or less."

"By the way, nice new outfit! It makes you look more… preppy." Yagami said.

"I think "preppy casual" would be a better term. Though I can honestly can get a bit miffed whenever people mistake me for a middle schooler."

Xena rubbed her chin. "Honestly, if we weren't friends with you, we could probably see why… buuut we know you're almost five centuries old, so what the hell do they know?"

"Thank you!" Flandre raised her arms up. "At least you two get it!" She then grinned. "Of course, not that I'm completely complaining or anything since I get to match fashion styles with Kokoron~!"

Both of them giggled.


With Cian and Victor…

BGM: First Battle (Pokemon Colosseum)

Bred for Battle - Victor

"J-Jolte…" Jolteon grunted as he fell in defeat.

"Ya know, for a Pokemon Breeder, you're quite the foe here." Cian admitted as Ting-Lu let out a cry.

Victor chuckled. "I've gotten into a few scraps." He said, recalling Jolteon.

"Okay, you showed off Absol and Jolteon, what else ya got?"

Victor smirked, sending out a Scizor.

"Scizor!" Scizor cried as Cian recalled Ting-Lu and sent out Mo'o.

"Lazz!"

Both Pokemon lunged as Salazzle unleashed Fire Lash right as Scizor used Bullet Punch, both of them connecting as they backed up, then Scizor used Swords Dance before it delivered another Bullet Punch, but Mo'o swiftly avoided and then used Dragon Pulse to push Scizor away.

"Scizzz… OOOOORRR!" Scizor unleashed a point blank Hyper Beam on Mo'o, sending her crashing through the ground.

"Ooooh!" Cian winced as Mo'o got up from the ground, letting out a groan as she shook it off and then swooped in with Fire Lash, but Scizor jumped out of the way to avoid it, but she chased him down and struck him with Fire Lash to knock him out.

Victor smirked, recalling Scizor and then sent out Mismagius.

"Mismaaag!"

Kanto, Johto, Hoenn and now Sinnoh? Oh, I see… he probably has one of each Pokemon from the more popular regions! I wonder what he has for Unova…

"I know that look in your eyes, you've already figured me out, haven't you?"

"Most likely, yes."

Victor chuckled. "Good. I was hoping you would've caught on."

Cian recalled Mo'o and sent out Spiritomb.

"Tooooomb!"

Mismagius unleashed Power Gem onto Spiritomb, who responded with Payback, knocking Mismagius away who shook it off and used Mystical Fire, which Spiritomb tanked pretty well and then unleashed Shadow Ball.

Mismagius avoided the move as it proceeded to use Phantom Force, where Spiritomb turned his head around and hit Mismagius with a Shadow Ball after it used Phantom Force on it.

"Maaaaag!" Mismagius cried as it went down while Spiritomb let out a hearty laugh despite being banged up a bit.

"Can't compete with a Spiritomb." Victor chuckled as he recalled Mismagius and then sent out Delphox.

"Kalos? I thought you were gonna send Unova next." Cian said.

"Gotta keep you on your toes, bud." Victor chuckled as Cian switched Spiritomb for Hercules, who immediately used Flip Turn and came back out in his Hero form.

"Delpho…?" Delphox blinked, looking at Hercules.

Pause BGM

"Del Del~!" Delphox said, walking over to him as Hercules flexed for her, where she poked his muscles with intrigue. "Phox Pho~"

"Pala Pal." Palafin raised his eyebrows a bit and gave her a wink.

The men sweatdropped.

"What the hell is happening?" Both wondered.

"Hey! Delphox! Snap out of it!"

"You can be a casanova later, dude!"

Resume BGM

Both Pokemon snapped out of it as Delphox jumped back, the tip of her stick wand lighting up.

"Delphoooo!" Delphox unleashed Mystical Fire on Hercules, who got out of the way and used Jet Punch through the fire. However, Delphox stepped out of the way and used Psychic to pick up the Palafin and slammed him into the ground, where he got up and immediately used Hydro Pump, slamming into Delphox as she was knocked down instantly.

Victor winced. "Yeah, that'll hurt…" He nodded as he recalled Delphox and then sent out Naganadel.

"Naganaaaa!"

"So this is what it looks like up close… neat." Cian said, recalling Hercules and sent out Willy.

"Toddle~!" The Cetoddle cried as the Naganadel simply flew down and gently patted the Cetoddle on the head.

"Nagana." Naganadel smiled as did the Cetoddle as Naganadel then flew back and got into position as Willy did the same.

Naganadel proceeded to unleash Venom Drench, but Willy hopped away and used Avalanche on Naganadel, striking the Ultra Beast. He responded by unleashing Thunderbolt on Willy.

"Cetoooooddd!" The Cetoddle cried as Naganadel then used Flamethrower on him.

Cian reached into his pocket. "Here, use this power boost!" He said, throwing the Ice Stone at him as it bounced off of Willy's head, proceeding to evolve.

"I was wondering when you'd evolve him!" Victor grinned as Naganadel stopped shooting out flames and watched as Willy evolved into Cetitan.

"TITAAAAAAN!"

"Del Naga!" Naganadel smirked, unleashing Dragon Rush on him and slammed into him as the Cetitan held on and used Avalanche, striking Naganadel and burying him in snow as he used Ice Spinner to knock him back and KO'ing him.

Cetitan approached Naganadel and brushed the snow off of him. "Titan Ta."

"Nagana…" Naganadel weakly patted him on the head once he recovered as Victor recalled him.

"Alright, give me Galar!" Cian requested as Victor laughed.

"Alright, but you're not gonna be ready for it!" Victor chuckled, calling out his Galarian Pokemon.

"Dracooooo!"

"The hell is that thing?!" Cian exclaimed in shock as he scanned the Pokemon.

"Dracovish, the Fossil Pokemon. Powerful legs and jaws made it the apex predator of its time. Its own overhunting of its prey was what drove it to extinction. Its mighty legs are capable of running at speeds exceeding 40 mph, but this Pokémon can't breathe unless it's underwater."

"...That looks like a fossil hastily remade." Cian said.

"It is. The person who revived these Pokemon is named Cara Liss."

Cian's eyes widened in horror. "She ought to be in jail. Poor thing's suffocating!"

"Nah, that's just Pokedex gibberish. He's a happy boy."

"Draco!" Dracovish nodded.

Cian sweatdropped. I guess that careless individual wrote it up… He thought, recalling Willy and sending out Houdini.

"Meooo-... row?" Houdini looked at Dracovish, tilting his head and scratching it and wondered what he was looking at.

"Yeah, I'm just as confuddled as you are." Cian said.

Houdini shrugged it off and got in a stance as Dracovish jumped in and used Fishious Rend, proceeding to tackle Houdini with his gills as the Meowscarada looked at him in bewilderment before jumping back and responding with Flower Trick, where Dracovish ignored it and proceeded to use Fishious Rend on him.

"Rooooow!"

Of all the fossils I've seen in my life, this is the most bizarre… Cian thought before smiling. Who am I kidding? Ancient history IS weird!

Houdini shook it off and charged in, striking him with a Play Rough that knocked Dracovish back as he came in with a Dragon Rush as Houdini jumped over to avoid the attack as Dracovish turned around and lunged, Crunching down on Meowscarada, but he jumped back and threw an Energy Ball at him where Dracovish ate the Energy Ball. "Draco…" Dracovish shook it off and then went for Fishious Rend, where Houdini went in for a Play Rough, both Pokemon striking each other as they were knocked to the ground as Houdini was on one knee while Dracovish was flat on his stomach, KO'd.

Victor chuckled. "You're getting pretty strong." He said, recalling Dracovish and then sent out Baxcalibur.

"Baxcaliiii!"

Cian decided to scan the Baxcalibur.

"Baxcalibur, the Ice Dragon Pokemon and the final evolved form of Frigibax. This Pokémon blasts cryogenic air out from its mouth. This air can instantly freeze even liquid-hot lava. It launches itself into battle by flipping upside down and spewing frigid air from its mouth. It finishes opponents off with its dorsal blade."

Cian sweatdropped. "Good to know…" He said, recalling Houdini and sending out Aaron.

Baxcalibur's dorsal fins lit up as it flipped over and used Glaive Rush where Aaron charged up an Aura Sphere and swiftly dodged the Glaive Rush and then threw an Aura Sphere, striking Baxcalibur in the back.

Baxcalibur growled as he turned around and used Icicle Crash as Aaron jumped around to avoid it, but got struck by a few icicles. He would then use Ice Beam but Aaron launched into the air and then quickly used Bullet Punch, striking him repeatedly until he fell over in defeat.

End BGM

Victor chuckled. "Well, looks like I'm cornered to my last Pokemon." He said, pulling out a Master Ball. "You ready for this?"

"I'm ready!"

"Alright, here it comes!"

He threw the Master Ball into the air, opening up…

BGM: Battle! Legendary Pokemon (Pokemon Black and White)

"What the?!" Cian said in surprise as he was staring at the Pokemon in front of him, which was none other than Virizion.

Victor grinned. "Saved the best for last!"

Virizion proceeded to use Swords Dance as Aaron turned his head and nodded at Cian. "Alright, let's take this thing down!"

"Lucar!" Aaron agreed as he charged up Aura Sphere and threw it at Virizion, who simply dodged while charging at him and used Sacred Sword, where Aaron caught it with his hands before it could strike him, but Virizion swung her head to send Lucario flying and then used Leaf Blade.

Aaron recovered and quickly stepped out of the way to avoid it and then ran ahead, his fists turning into ice as Virizion used Sacred Sword once more, but Aaron slid underneath Virizion and Ice Punched her underbelly on the way through.

Virizion winced as Aaron stood back up and threw an Aura Sphere, but Virizion turned around and used a point blank Close Combat, knocking Aaron back as he staggered a bit before shaking it off as Virizion used another Swords Dance and swung down with Sacred Sword, but Aaron rolled out of the way and then used an uppercut with Ice Punch, making Virizion stagger as she responded by hitting him with Sacred Sword, knocking Aaron down.

Aaron weakly got up, holding on to his arm and smirking as Virizion used Sacred Sword again, but he immediately dodged and ran forward, immediately striking with another uppercut to knock Virizion to the ground.

End BGM

Victor chuckled. "Welp, that's that then."

"So… you have a Virizion with you. That's incredible."

"Indeed." Virizion slowly rose, shaking it off. "Victor is an incredible Pokemon Breeder that I found myself traveling with him at times." She said, then noticed Sonia approaching out of curiosity. "Professor Sonia."

"Ah, okay! I was hoping you were the same Virizion we met at the Crown Tundra~!"

"Wait, what?!" Victor said as he turned to his sister. "You didn't tell me you met Virizion at the Crown Tundra!"

"Ach, I was wonderin' if I forgot somethin'." Gloria said. "Between Weiss nearly dyin', the whole thing with Regigigas and the Galarian Birds… it was all quite a blur at the end."

"...Makes sense."

"I often get out and go visit with my fellow swords… and then I find myself coming back to young Victor." Virizion explained before she slowly turned toward the crater, narrowing her eyes.

"I see that you sense something amiss as well." Mewtwo approached.

"I feel… a sense of familiarity toward that crater. I do not know why…"

"One of the Swords of Justice is with us…" Carmine said. "Honestly, that's pretty cool."

"Yeah!" Nemona agreed as Perrin wasted no time taking a photo.

"Not every day you meet a Sword of Justice~" She giggled.


Meanwhile, with Nyx…

"Oh man… all of these ready made traps~!" She said with her eyes sparkling. "Oh, I've got to have Jade see if we can convert these for my use. This is perfect."

"Woof!"

Nyx turned to a shiny Dachsbun. "Also, you, Mr or Mrs. Bread Dog, thanks for burying some of these for me." She handed it a berry.

Dachsbun happily ate it up. "Woof!" It then licked her face and then took off running.

Nyx giggled. "What a cutie." She said as she stood up. Okay, Yagami. Bring our victim, I mean test subject… I mean Gym Challenger here!

Nice save. Yagami teased.

Gods, I love our telepathic connection. Nyx snickered.

Yagami, as Xena had merged back with her, approached Nyx with Alessandra. "Here ya go."

"Oh wow." Nyx gave her a once over. "Naturally pretty… you're quite the looker if I say so myself."

Alessandra giggled. "Thank you. It didn't take much to look this gorgeous~" She said, casually brushing her hair to the side.

Nyx chuckled. "I'm surprised no one's asking you out already."

"Oh, I've had plenty of folks clamoring to let me be their girl, but I can tell who wants me for my looks and not who I truly am… and believe me, that was every single person that I've shot down. It's always for looks and not for their true character."

Nyx nodded. "It's kinda why I'm not putting myself out there just yet. I'll be ready when I'm ready… despite Yagami encouraging me to put myself on the market already."

"Hey, ya never know when the iron's hot. Some guy or gal would be lucky to have you." Yagami nonchalantly shrugged.

"As long as they're not only interested in my chest…" Nyx rolled her eyes.

"Ah, been there… relatable." Alessandra shook her head. "Alright, what ya got for me?"

"Okay, all you have to do is go straight for that flagpole over there." She pointed toward it as Alessandra spotted it dead ahead.

"Oh, sounds simple enough. …Buuuuut I know there's a string attached."

"Basically, I set up a minefield of traps that will more than likely hinder your progress or just be straight up amusing for me. This isn't timed or anything, so feel free to go at your own pace and try not to set off any traps as possible." Or do and simply amuse me.

"If there's one thing Nyx is good at, she's the queen of traps. Have fun~!" Yagami grinned.

"Oh, I'll be the judge of that." Alessandra said, rolling her shoulders and stretching. "By the way, what are you wearing?"

"My normal huntress gear, why?"

Alessandra tilted her head. "I don't understand the scarf or… why you have crossbows on your ankles? That's such a weird fashion statement… is there a weird trend I haven't stumbled across yet?"

"Nah, it's just my thing."

"Oh, okay."

BGM: Super Mario World Medley (Super Smash Bros for Wii U)

Alessandra cracked her knuckles. "Bring it on." She said as she immediately got into position and started to run, but the moment she stepped onto the course, she stepped onto a bubble trap and was caught inside of a bubble. "Huh?!"

Alessandra immediately burst the bubble to get out. "Okay, I see you." She smirked as she took a few steps and rubbed her chin before jumping over to the right… aaaand fell right into a pitfall. "Wah!"

THUD!

To make matters worse, a hatch opened up as mud balls fell on top of her. "Ack!"

"Oooh, mud in her hair and face… that's gonna make her upset." Nyx snickered as Alessandra climbed out.

"Jokes on you… I wrestled with Glori in mud pits all the time when I was little. I'm not afraid of getting down and dirty!"

"True story!" Gloria called out.

Alessandra shook it off, making a mental note to wash her hair later as she jumped over, only to step onto a smoke trap and blinded her, but she waited until the smoke cleared as she hopped over, only to step onto a spin mat and started to spin her around.

"Whoa! Whoooooa!" She exclaimed as she stopped spinning as her eyes were swirly as she stumbled around, only to walk onto another trap as she proceeded to get glitter bombed. "Ack!" She yelped as she was covered in glitter.

She snapped out of her dizziness and jumped over.

"Do!"

"Hmm?" She looked down to see her landing on a musical note trap as she stepped down on another one.

"Re!"

"Oooh, a reprieve~?" She wondered as she hopped all over.

"Mi fa so la ti do-"

"KYAH!" She yelped as she fell into another pitfall as a toy Fly Guy flew over and proceeded to carpet bomb her with water balloons, effectively washing the mud and glitter off of her. Spoke too soon… She chuckled as she climbed out as she ran over to the finish line, but realized that no new traps had sprung up…

…Until she slammed into an invisible wall. "Oooof!" She grunted as she rubbed her head. "What on…?" She wondered before a wall of stuffed Kecleon toys appeared in front of her. "Oh. Clever…" She chuckled as she decided to go around, only for more Kecleon toys to appear.

Alessandra rubbed her chin as she backed up and then smirked. She immediately took a running start and proceeding to do a series of flip jumps before flipping over the Kecleon wall and landed on the ground near the flagpole, only she landed on a warp and warped just outside of the Kecleon wall.

"WHAT?!" She yelled as she let out a sigh and looked all around for another warp, as she happened to find one that just so happened to be at the start of the course, where she warped over and landed near the flagpole.

"Okay, I'll take it." She said as she grabbed it, where the Bowser flag lowered itself and Nyx's flag raised up instead.

End BGM

BGM: Level Complete (Super Mario World)

"Phew…" Alessandra sighed in relief as she walked off, where some small fireworks exploded behind her.

End BGM

Alessandra noticed Nyx and Yagami laughing, the former's hands on her knees. "I imagine that was really funny to you."

"Oh, it was. The fact that you could've skipped all of it if you stepped onto the warp trap at the beginning! Hahaha! Oh, that was such a brilliant move on my part!" Nyx giggled once she somewhat gained her composure.

"I'll be the first to admit… you got me good there. Not bad." Alessandra giggled, fist bumping Nyx.

"You should see my other traps some time. I've got a plethora of them that will knock your socks off."

"I can imagine!" Alessandra giggled. "Alright… I'm gonna go fight my idol." She said as she turned around, only to realize the state she was in. "...Let me go change into something prettier." She took off running.

Nyx chuckled. "Nice girl. Really pretty too."

"Oh yeah." Yagami nodded. "So, you want to head back home or-"

"Nah, I think I'll stay for a bit. Besides, I asked Jade to watch the boys while I'm gone."


Meanwhile…

"So let me get this straight… E. Gadd has a wife AND a granddaughter that had her parents screwed over by King Boo?" Yellow asked.

"Pretty much."

"Man, I'd hug ya if I wasn't still stuck in this thing!"

"Hey, by any chance can you invent something that prevents me from getting dizzy?" Red asked as Jade pulled out a gun of sorts, aimed and fired at Red. "WHOA WHOA WHOA! I WAS JUST-"

He felt some particles hit him as he found himself right side up… buuut his wrist was now caught in the rope while he was dangling from it. "...Well, better than having blood rush to my head."


Back with the group…

"You want to hang with us?" Yagami asked. "We're sure Umber wouldn't mind."

"Yeah, sure, I've got nothing else better toooooo-" Nyx spotted a Dunsparce hopping around. "...Hello, what are you?" She wondered as she walked after it.


A few minutes later…

"You think this might be a bit much?" Alessandra asked, having Coco with her for a second opinion.

"Might want to lose the feathers."

"Augh… sorry, I'm nervous…"

"Don't worry, I know just the thing for you." Coco said as she looked into Tulip's bio real quick. "Okay, she has her own make up line and is a Psychic gym leader? Huh, I was thinking she was the Fairy Type with that outfit."

"She looks gorgeous in it." Velvet said.

"Alright. Let me work my magic on you." Coco said as she opened up Alessandra's bag.

Once Coco was done, she turned Alessandra around to face the mirror. "Alright, open 'em~!" She said as Alessandra opened her eyes to see that her hair was brushed and wavy, the corners of her eyes were bedazzled in sparkly gems with purple eyeshadow. She also had sparkly lipgloss on her face as she also had a princess-like tiara on her head.

Her clothing was a pink blouse with a Sylveon dressed in a fairy costume while also wearing red fingerless gloves with bedazzled fingernails. She was also wearing a pink short skirt while wearing black tights and red high heels.

"Ooooh, pretty~!"

"And the cherry on top…" Coco made her stand up as she grabbed her back and pulled back fairy wings.

"Wow! I forgot I had those…"

Alessandra turned to her. "Coco, you are a lifesaver!" She said, hugging her as Coco hugged her back.

"Now let's knock 'er dead." Coco smiled.

Alessandra walked out with Coco as Nemona snapped a picture. "You look gorgeous~!" She smiled as she then texted Geeta.

"Hey, Aless is about to fight her last gym. You want to come cheer her on?"

"Ah, I would love to, but something important just came up that needs my attention. As soon as Miss Alessandra is ready after her gym battle, escort her to the League."

"Oh? Okay then. You got it!"

Alessandra excitedly ran up to the battlefield, where she saw Tulip and a certain supermodel chatting. Eeek! There she is…! …Wait a minute…

"Hmm?" The supermodel turned toward Alessandra. "...Aless? Is that you?"

"Nessie…?!" Alessandra said in surprise.

"Ah, I see you know her, Nessa?" Tulip asked.

"You kidding? I often did collabs with her. The modeling gigs were pretty spectacular."

"Yup!" Alessandra nodded.

"Hmm, I've heard all about the rising supermodel in Galar." Tulip said, doing a once over on her. "So young, and yet, incredibly gifted in her natural beauty."

"Y-you… you absolutely inspired me to be a fashionista! I've seen your commercial in Galar when I was younger and I wanted to be a fashion model like you. I even made a few make up brands!"

Tulip smiled. "I've no idea that I was the inspiration to you being a fashion supermodel… I'm absolutely touched." She said, wrapping Alessandra into a hug. "Now, I suppose you're here for a battle, yes?"

"Mhm!"

"Then let's have a grand time."

Nessa smiled. "This oughta be fun." She said as she heard heavy footsteps and saw everyone else come in. "Ah, I see the whole gang's here."

"Nessa~!" Sonia waved.

"Hey!" Nessa waved as the two hugged. "...Oh? Alister and Ace? Ya know, Bea and Korrina were looking for you."

"We were up in Glaseado…" Alister said.

"I saw a Mimikyu. I'm content~" Acerola smiled.

Nessa sweatdropped. "That makes sense. I think they just left town… I dunno where they are now."

BGM: Gym Theme (Pokemon Scarlet and Violet)

"Alright, just because I more than likely met my number one fan doesn't mean I won't go easy on a fellow fashion icon." Tulip said.

"I was hoping you'd say that." Alessandra smirked.

"Good~" Tulip smiled.

"By the way, how do you know Nessie?"

"Oh, I just recently went on a Galar trip and ran into Nessa. She showed me around so I thought I'd return the favor. I even gave her some beauty tips on her modeling."

Nessa chuckled. "I'll take that to heart." She said as she got on the edge of the battlefield. "Alright, Fashionistas at the ready!" She raised her arm up as both ladies pulled out their Pokeballs.

End BGM

Nessa swung her arm down. "BEGIN!"

BGM: Man! I Feel Like a Woman (Shania Twain)

The Bewitching Beautician - Tulip

Alessandra and Tulip both sent out their Pokemon, being Raffia and Farigaraf.

"Umbre!"

"Farig!"

Nora proceeded to scan the Farigaraf out of curiosity.

"Farigaraf, the Long Neck Pokemon and the evolved form of Girafarig. Now that the brain waves from the head and tail are synced up, the psychic power of this Pokémon is 10 times stronger than Girafarig's. The hardened head from the tail protects the head of the main body as Farigiraf whips its long neck around to headbutt enemies."

"You got this Aless!" Nemona cheered.

"Knock 'er out!" Arven also cheered.

Both Pokemon charged up a Shadow Ball and launched them at each other, both proceeding to cancel each other out as Farigaraf proceeded to use Thunderbolt on the Umbreon, where Raffia ran around to avoid the Thunderbolt and proceeded to use Dark Pulse, striking the Farigaraf.

"Farig…!" Farigaraf winced as it used Thunderbolt again, but Umbreon nimbly dodged and jumped up, striking with Iron Tail in the head to knock the Farigaraf to the ground, defeating it flawlessly.

"Umbre!" Raffia cried as Tulip pulled Farigaraf away and then sent out Gardevoir.

"Let's make this interesting." Tulip said, proceeding to tap the earring on her right ear, which was actually a Mega Stone as Gardevoir Mega Evolved.

Already?! Alessandra thought in surprise.

"Voiiiir!" Gardevoir cried.

Raffia wasted no time and used Shadow Ball on Gardevoir, only she proceed to stop it by using Psychic and tossing it to the side as Umbreon ran over and used Iron Tail, but Gardevoir gracefully twirled out of the way and used Energy Ball, striking Raffia.

"Umbre…!" Raffia grunted, shaking it off before he was surrounded by a Mystical Fire. Raffia looked around, trying to figure out how to escape the ring of fire… and while he was distracted, Gardevoir unleashed Dazzling Gleam on Raffia.

"UMBREEEE!"

"Raffia!"

The Umbreon fell to the ground in defeat as Alessandra winced before recalling the Umbreon and sending out Wisp.

"Ceru!"

"Gardev." Gardevoir hummed as she immediately used Expanding Force on him, but he jumped out of the way and ran toward her, immediately using Swords Dance as Gardevoir proceeded to use Dazzling Gleam, to which Wisp tanked it but winced as he immediately slashed through her with Bitter Blade.

"Voir!" Gardevoir shook it off and pelted him with a few Energy Balls and Expanding Force, where Wisp batted away the Energy Balls but got struck by the Expanding Force. However, Wisp jumped in and used Shadow Claw, clawing through her and standing behind her as Gardevoir fell on her knees and fell over in defeat.

Tulip recalled Gardevoir and then sent out Espathra. Wisp got ready, using Swords Dance and lunged, ready to hit her with Shadow Claw but Espathra jumped out of the way and hit him with a point blank Shadow Ball.

"Ceruuuu!" Wisp cried as he was thrown to the ground. He got up but nearly staggered from the attack.

Alessandra recalled Wisp and then sent out Tut.

"Ah, you have an Espathra of your own, do you?" Tulip asked.

"Yup." Alessandra smirked.

"Espa Pa!"

"Pathra!"

Both Pokemon charged at each other, both of them using Lumina Crash on each other. The opposing Espathra then used Shadow Ball, but Tut got out of the way and used Agility, followed by using Uproar.

"ESPATHRA PATH PAAAAATH!"

"Espa!" The opposing Espathra winced as it used Flash Cannon and struck him, but Tut used Uproar again to make the Espathra stagger, and then used Uproar one last time to which the Espathra used Shadow Ball right before it fainted, critically striking Tut to knock him down with it.

Tulip let out a giggle. "My, that's one way to go about it~"

Alessandra laughed. "Not how I envisioned that to go, but I'll take it."

Both of them recalled their Espathra as Tulip sent out Gallade while Alessandra sent out a weakened Wisp.

"Galla!" Gallade said, seeming to egg Wisp on as the Ceruledge immediately used Swords Dance.

"Ceru!"

Both Pokemon lunged at each other, both of them using their blades to clash against each other as Gallade struck with Psycho Cut, making the Ceruledge back up and nearly falling as Gallade immediately went with Psycho Cut again.

However, Wisp parried the Psycho Cut this time as he got in a stance and slashed down with Bitter Blade, absorbing his energy and replenishing his own as Gallade immediately went with X-Scissor, but Wisp jumped back and used Shadow Claw, clawing through Gallade as he went down for the count.

Tulip chuckled as she switched out Gallade for Delphox. "Delphooo!"

"You have a Delphox? That's cool!"

"I had a fashion show in Kalos. A Fennekin decided to join my show and wanted to be my companion." Tulip giggled.

Alessandra recalled Wisp and sent out Rio.

"Quaquav!" Rio cried as he immediately ran ahead, dodging a Flamethrower and then used Aqua Step… only for Delphox to stop him with Psychic with a smirk and sent him crashing to the ground and then unleashed Psychic power on him.

"Val Val…" Rio grunted as he slowly got up and proceeded to use Acrobatics, but Delphox used Psychic to stop him in his tracks and then proceeded to unleash the psychic power again to knock him down for the count.

Alessandra winced. "Ooof…" She recalled her Quaquaval and sent out Athena.

"Dragoooo!"

Athena proceeded to use Dragon Dance and then charged at her with Dragon Rush as Delphox tried to slow him down with Psychic, but got slammed in the stomach with Dragon Rush, knocking the Delphox away.

"Delpho…!" Delphox grunted as Athena used Dragon Dance again and flew over to Delphox as she quickly used Scorching Sands to try and deter the dragon, but Athena powered through and unleashed Steel Head to finish her off.

"Delphoooooo!" Delphox cried and fell on the spot.

"My my, you're quite the adversary… hmhmhm~ Let's see if we can't corner you." Tulip said as she recalled Delphox and sent out Florges where both fashionistas proceeded to Terastallize their Pokemon, as Florges had the Psychic Tera Crystal on her.

"FLOOORGEEEEES!"

"DRAGOOOO!"

"Steel Tera, hmm? Smart." Tulip chuckled as Florges used Calm Mind before using Moonblast, but before she could even throw the moon at her, Athena was already in her face and used Steel Head.

"Flooooor!" Florges cried as she shook it off and used Psychic, but was already knocked to a wall when Athena used Dragon Tail. "Fl-Flo-Flore…" Florges grunted, immediately using Giga Drain, but was struck with Steel Head to finish her off. "Flooooooorrr!" Florges cried as she fell in defeat.

End BGM

"YES!" Alessandra fist pumped.

Tulip let out a chuckle, clapping her hands. "That was simply invigorating."

Gloria smiled. "She's come a long way."

"Are you the same Aless who didn't seem to care much about Pokemon training? You move away to one region and you're suddenly a badass." Nessa teased.

"Eh, blame Mona over there." Alessandra pointed her thumb toward her.

"What can I say? I just have that touch!" Nemona giggled.

"Still, I wasn't sure how that was gonna go. You knocked out half of my squad and I wasn't sure I was gonna make it out alive."

"You did fabulously." Tulip said, handing her the gym badge. "Hey, if you want, we could do a collab together~"

Alessandra's eyes sparkled. "Hell yes, I'd love that!"

"So eager~" Tulip teasingly giggled.

"Alriiiiight! Now she's got all eight! That means she can go to the Pokemon league!" Nemona cheered.

"Up up up. Poco Path first." Arven said.

"Awww… alright, fiiiine, I guess a little detour won't hurt." Nemona pouted a little.

"You'll survive." Carmine said, patting her on the back.

Suddenly, the ground started to shake once more.

"Again?!" Nessa wondered as they saw a massive blue energy laser shoot up into the sky.

BGM: Danger! There's Trouble! (Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX)

"SPLAAAAAASHHHHYYYYYYY!"

"Sounds like those three need help!" Alessandra said.

"Uh, hi. We're right here." Zinnia spoke up as Cian waved.

"Huh…? Then who opened up the fourth seal?"

End BGM


Meanwhile…

"I don't see anything… do you?" Ruby asked after she lifted up the last blue stake.

"No. I think it's over the mountains?" Blake wondered as they looked around the northern province but didn't see anything sticking out once they got there.

"I guess we'll come back to that later." Dipper said.

"Right. We're almost to the last Team Star base anyway." Nagisa said as they walked through the forest, unaware of being watched by the last ruinous Pokemon from on top of a mountain.

"Splashy Splash…?"

"I still can't believe that Cassiopeia was Penny all along…" Sun said.

"Yeah, that was a plot twist right there." Neptune agreed.

"What I can't believe is that you guys weren't on the same page as the rest of us." Meryl deadpanned.

"H-hey! We were… just… uh…"

"Blanking out on who it could be?" Claude teased.

"Couldn't come up with anything?" Nagisa added.

"Coming up with a different conclusion that's way out there?" Jataro added.

"Trying to pin it on someone we've never heard of?" Blake added.

Both boys sulked.

"Okay, okay… we admit defeat…" Sun sighed.

"Yeesh…" Pit frowned. "Talk about some low blows there."

"Ro-to-to-to-to!"

"Ah, that must be her." Ruby said as she pulled out her Rotom Scroll.

BGM: Cassiopeia Theme (Pokemon Scarlet and Violet)

"Are you guys okay? These weird laser things shooting up to the sky along with these earthquakes is getting ridiculous."

"We're fine." Ruby said.

"Oh good!"

"I'm here too!" A voice said as Clive came running. "Apologies, I got lost in this forest… not to mention those Bisharp were giving me a deadly glare." He said, glancing over at a Bisharp who was giving him the stink eye while some Pawniard also glared at him.

"At least everyone is accounted for. I can't thank you all enough." Cassiopeia said. "Now then, you're coming up on Eri's Base, the Caph Squad… and if I know Eri, she's going to put herself on the front lines to protect her squad. She's a wrestler, so I wouldn't put it past her."

"A wrestler, eh?" Yang perked up.

"She will probably be the most hostile, given how she takes threats seriously and will probably be ready to throw down at a moment's notice. Good luck to you all."

"We will." Nagisa nodded as Cassiopeia hung up.

End BGM

"Sounds like someone's ready to go down swinging." Carmen said.

"Sounds like it." Weiss nodded as they walked over toward the gate… but before they could even ring the bell, the Team Star Boss herself vaulted over the gates and landed on the ground.

"Don't even THINK about it!" She declared.

BGM: Team Star Encounter (Pokemon Scarlet and Violet)

"You must be Eri." Weiss said.

"I am! And I refuse to let you hurt a single individual in this base! I've heard all about how a Solgaleo bursts through the bases and I've also heard how a Necrozma destroyed Ortie's Starmobile! I'm not going to allow you to harm my Starmobile either!"

"Wow, Cassiopeia wasn't kidding…" Blake whispered.

"I, Eri, leader of the Caph Squad… will face you here and now! I will protect Team Star by any means necessary, even if I have to get my hands dirty myself!"

Weiss pulled out a Pokeball. "Alright. Then let's go."

End BGM

Eri crossed her arms and then swung them down, letting out a loud war cry and getting into a stance as she also threw her coat to the side.

BGM: Battle! Team Star Boss - Pokemon Scarlet and Violet (GaMetal)

The Frontliner - Eri

Eri pulled out a Heal Ball and sent out her first Pokemon, a Primeape. Weiss responded by sending out her Primarina, though Nagisa and Masaru decided to send out Konerak and Takibi as back up just in case…

…Which turned out to be a good thing since Primeape threw a Gunk Shot at Mari, but Takibi jumped in and took the blow instead. The Combusken shook it off as Mari jumped up and used Moonblast on the Primeape, but the Primeape avoided the move and stomped on the ground, unleashing Stomping Tantrum on Takibi and sending rocks at him, but Konerak kicked them away as Takibi ran over and used Aerial Ace, hitting the Primeape.

"Aaaaape…!" Primeape grunted as he used Cross Chop on the Combusken, who swiftly blocked with his arms and sweep kicked the Primeape as Konerak then used Air Slash, combined with Mari's another attempt at Moonblast and Primeape was already knocked out.

"Thanks boys." Weiss smiled.

"No prob, Weiss!" Masaru grinned.

Eri recalled Primeape and then sent out Toxicroak, who immediately glared daggers at the Primarina.

"Oh no, you don't!" Blake said, sending out Minette who immediately got in front of Mari and spread her arms out.

"Meow Meow!"

Toxicroak immediately ran toward the Primarina as he swiftly dodged the attacks from both Konerak and Takibi, the tips of his hands starting to glow as he immediately went in to use Poison Jab, quickly rolling out of the way in anticipation of an attack from Minette and jumped up toward Mari, ready to use Poison Jab.

However, Minette's eyes glowed and stopped Toxicroak in midair with Psychic where Mari smirked and hit him with Moonblast, sending Toxicroak flying and slamming into the ground as he immediately recovered and used Ice Punch on Konerak, who used Aqua Cutter to counter as both got hit as Konerak's leg got frozen while the Combusken used another Aerial Ace to knock the Toxicroak down.

"Quax Quax…" Konerak shook the ice off of him with the help of Takibi karate kick the ice off of him. "Quaxwell Quax!"

"Combusk!"

Eri then sent out Passimian as Minette proceeded to make some Light Screen and Reflect barriers and then her eyes started to glow temporarily. Passimian eyed Mari and used Gunk Shot, but Minette used Psychic to toss it to the side as Mari used Hydro Pump in retaliation.

Passimian shook it off and tried to Seed Bomb Konerak, who quickly made a few cartwheels as Takibi went for an Aerial Ace and nailed the Passimian. The Passmian grunted and tried to go for Close Combat on Takibi, but Konerak used Air Slash to knock him away and then a massive cloud of telekinetic energy appeared over Passimian and shot down, striking him with Future Sight as he went down.

"Meow." Minette smirked, high fiving Mari.

"Combusk Busk!"

"Quax!"

Suddenly, both started to glow as they both evolved into Quaquaval and Blaziken.

"Quaquav!"

"Blaaaaze!"

"Awesome!" Masaru cheered.

"Way to go, Konerak!" Nagisa smiled as Ruby scanned the Blaziken.

"Blaziken, the Blaze Pokemon and the final evolved form of Blaziken. When facing a tough foe, it looses flames from its wrists. Its powerful legs let it jump clear over buildings. It can jump powerfully, clearing a thirty-story building in a single leap. Its flaming punches scorch its opponents."

"Awesome!" Ruby said.

"Like an evolution will change anything!" Eri said as she sent out Lucario.

"Lucaaaar!"

Eri smirked. "Let's ramp this up!" She said, immediately pulling her sleeve down and showing off a Mega bracelet as she tapped it, as her Lucario Mega Evolved.

"LUCAAAAAAAAAAAAR!"

"Oh yeah? Two can play that game!" Masaru said as he proceeded to Mega Evolve his Blaziken.

"BLAAAAAAAAAZE!"

Lucario glared at Takibi as the latter glared back, both of them charging at each other, the former using Extreme Speed and slamming into the Blaziken as he was pushed back, but Takibi used his arms to hold himself steady and then used Blaze Kick to knock the Lucario back.

Takibi ran forward and jumped up into the air and Blaze Kicked Lucario from above, but Lucario caught his leg with one hand, using his free hand to use Aura Sphere to knock him away as the Blaziken backflipped off of him, narrowly dodging a Dragon Pulse as he used Focus Energy to power up and then they both charged at each other again as he used Dark Pulse, but Takibi slid underneath the Dark Pulse and struck Lucario's leg to trip him over.

Lucario caught himself and turned around and used a flurry of Aura Spheres that Takibi deflected away with his own kicks as Lucario used Extreme Speed, but Takibi immediately sweep kicked to knock the Lucario down as Takibi proceeded to use Blaze Kick to finish the Lucario off.

"Grrrr…" Eri growled as she recalled the Lucario and then sent out her last Pokemon, an Annihilape.

"LAAAAAAAAAAAPE!"

"Oh boy…" Weiss could only say.

Annihilape wasted no time in throwing a Gunk Shot at Mari, but Minette swept it to the side and shifted her eyes for a moment. She nodded and then turned toward, proceeding to use Psychic on both Konerak and Takibi and pulled them aside.

"Huh? Minette, what are you doing?" Masaru wondered as a massive shadow overlapped them as they looked up to see a gigantic pile of rocks floating above them. "WHAT THE?!" He yelled as it fell on top of the Annihilape. It proceeded to try to punch it away with Rage Fist, but it was in vain as he was flattened instantly as it exploded.

Once the dust settled, Annihilape was already banged up as they turned to see Jataro with his Z-Ring and having used Tectonic Rage with his Marowak.

"You're welcome!" Jataro smiled.

"Maro!" Callen flipped his bone around with a smirk as the Annihilape let out a rageful cry and lunged toward the Marowak, only to get hit by Mari's Hydro Pump to knock it down and KO it.

"RAAAAAAAAAAH! I'm not done yet!" Eri declared as she got in a wrestler stance and charged toward them, but Yang jumped in and squared up.

"Let's go!" Yang said as Eri grappled Yang, the latter doing the same as Yang swung her knee forward to hit her in the stomach, forcing her to back up as Yang delivered a swift right and left hook.

Eri shook it off and tackled Yang, slamming her to the ground but Yang kicked her off, where Eri tried to come in with a haymaker, but Yang blocked it and then countered with an uppercut to make Eri back up, then Yang got into position as Eri let out a loud war cry and tried to slug Yang, but she weaved to the side and struck her with a Shoryuken to knock Eri into the air.

"GRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!" She cried out as she slammed on her back in defeat.

End BGM

"Whew, that felt good." Yang said.

Nearby, Penny watched the whole thing unfold. "Ouch…" She winced.

"Uuungh… I'm sorry… everyone…" Eri groaned.


About a year and a half ago…

BGM: Team Star Flashback (Pokemon Scarlet and Violet)

"I'm so sorry… I think I went a little too far…"

"Nah, don't worry about it." Giacomo reassured. "We're the ones who asked you to put us through some tough battle practice so we can train up."

"Yeah, but…"

"Truly, you need not apologize, my lady." Atticus said. "Thanks to thy sage instruction, I am making swift strides toward mastering the art of battle!"

"And I could never have evolved my Pokemon without you, Eri!" Ortega said.

"Even the big boss said it's thanks to you that we have a fightin' chance against our bullies." Mela added.

"See? Nothing but gratitude." Giacomo smiled. "To us, you're the brightest star in the whole team!"

"Hehe. Come on, quit being silly!" Eri giggled.

"Um, just one thing… we've been training for four hours. I'm totally spent." Ortega groaned.

"Ah, I'm sorry! You all should really take a break. I'll go for a run while you rest up!"

"My lady… we four have each trained in our turn… but you, our steadfast mentor, have rested not once. I cannot help but worry for thy health." Atticus said in concern.

"Thank you for your concern, Atticus. But lately… I feel like I can take anything. Even if I'm really tired or feel like crying. Remember that one time we all got together and riffed on the Gym Badge designs to create our own Team Star badges? Well, I don't know what it is, but just looking at my Star Badge makes me feel so strong… Like I want to give it my all!"

End BGM


Back in the present…

"I gave it my all…" Eri said as she stood up, catching her second wind. "But it wasn't enough… I wasn't enough." She lamented before giving them a smile. "You showed amazing strength. Even if the code doesn't require me to do it, I want you to have this." She said, handing Weiss the Fighting Badge.

"Thanks."

"And this!" Eri also wrapped her into a massive bear hug.

"Ack! Hnnngh!" Weiss grunted.

"Huh… an intimidating frontliner one minute and a total sweetheart the next. Who woulda thunk?" Palutena wondered.

"So, Yang." Ruby giggled.

"Dang straight." Yang smiled.

"By the way, this is also for you." Eri smiled, handing Weiss the Close Combat TM.

"Thanks." Weiss said, handing it to her friends while breathing out a sigh of relief that she wasn't crushed by Eri's bear hug.

BGM: Emotion (Pokemon Scarlet and Violet)

"I can tell that, despite you being in Operation Starfall, that none of you are bad people. The way that your Pokemon stands by and is at one with you tells me everything I need to know. It's just so… beautiful…"

"Excuse me." Clive approached the near blubbering Eri. "I was just talking with one of your cohorts during your battle and she was saying that she used to hate you because of how popularly athletic you were, correct? And how that turned into bullying when she rallied up the students to pick on you?"

"Yes…"

"However, you took that girl in because they grew bored and picked on her instead… she claimed she was surprised because of how forgiving you are."

"It is true…" She sniffled. "I'm too big of a softie. They made fun of me just how I was so intimidating despite being so sweet and… it was Mellie's idea to paint my face into something that would strike fear into everyone. As someone who's into wrestling a lot, I… agreed even though it was not who I was. I guess I was too emotional to even think clearly…"

"Ah, and here I thought you were going to get back at everyone with your own bullying."

"Bullying is not what I want to do. While we are waiting to get back at them… I… deep down, I'm a truly forgiving person that's just… going through a hard time." Eri admitted.

"A truly forgiving person? This changes things…"

"I love everyone in Team Star, including the fellow Team Star bosses dearly. For you see… they're my greatest treasur-" Her eyes shifted toward something else. "-WHAT THE HELL IS THAT THING?!"

End BGM

"Splashy Splash?"

BGM: Battle! Legendary Quartet (Pokemon Scarlet and Violet)

They all turned to see Chi-Yu curiously approaching, while at the same time burning down some bamboo trees and grass.

"Whoa! What's that?" Ruby wondered as she scanned it.

"Chi-Yu, the Ruinous Pokemon. It controls flames burning at over fifty four hundred degrees Fahrenheit. It casually swims through the sea of lava it creates by melting rock and sand. The envy accumulated within curved beads that sparked multiple conflicts has clad itself in fire and become a Pokémon."

"I'll have everyone evacuate the base! I am not letting everyone burn by that creature!" Eri said, quickly opening the gates and took off running.

"I got this!" Ruby said, immediately sending out Flutter Mane.

"Misdreeeea!"

"M-Meryl… g-get Calyrex and Glastrier out for me…" Weiss said, clutching her heart while wincing in agony with tears rolling down her cheeks.

"Right!" Meryl nodded as Blake was holding her steady.

The Beads of Envy - Chi-Yu

"Splashy Splaaaash!" Chi-Yu got ready to fight.

Flutter Mane proceeded to use Power Gem, striking Chi-Yu who swiftly shook it off and used a fiery Ruination, as Flutter Mane dodged as everyone else got out of the way as it struck the gate of the base, causing it to burn.

"That's not good!" Neptune said, calling out his Blastoise as he started to hose it down.

Flutter Mane proceeded to disappear into the darkness as right as Chi-Yu used Lava Plume, nearly hitting Ruby by accident hadn't she moved out of the way, and then Flutter Mane appeared behind it and struck him with Phantom Force.

"Splaaaash!"

"Goodness me!" Calyrex said as he moved off and waved his hands to restore the burnt shrubbery after Tank extinguished the flames.

Flutter Mane unleashed Moonblast as Chi-Yu swam out of the way and used Confuse Ray, but Flutter Man moved out of the way and used Moonblast again, but Chi-Yu got out of the way… only to get struck by a sudden rampaging Tyrantrum, striking it head on. "Splaaaaash!"

Zinnia dropped down from Rayquaza. "Yo!" She greeted as Alessandra came driving up on Miraidon and screeched to a halt as Ren hopped off and sent out Ogerpon, who immediately donned her Wellspring Mask and came running in, jumping up and using a watery Ivy Cudgel on him.

"Splash!" Chi-Yu whimpered as Flutter Mane struck him with a Moonblast.

"I was wondering when you guys would get here." Ruby said. "By the way, you could've teleported to me after I pulled up the stakes."

"I could have, but you were busy." Mewtwo said, causing Ruby to sweatdrop.

"Pona Pon Pon!" Ogerpon said, quickly turning around to help out with restoring the land as Cian pulled out an Ultra Ball and threw it at the weakened Chi-Yu, sucking it in and dropping to the ground.

One shake.

Two shakes.

Three shakes.

Click!

End BGM

"Got ya!" Cian smiled.

"You got them all!" A voice said as Raifort approached, having caught up with everyone. "That's wonderful."

"Yup." Cian nodded, calling out the now tamed Chi-Yu.

"Splashy…" Chi-Yu said as Cian healed him up with a Full Restore as Alessandra knelt down.

"You're a cutie, aren't you?" She smiled as she gently petted the Chi-Yu, feeling warmth as she touched it.

"I feel like that should be like touching a Slugma…" Carmine said. "But, I guess it isn't…?"

"I got something to show you." Cian said, calling out the other Ruinous Pokemon.

"My word!" Clive exclaimed. "Are these the Ruinous Pokemon I've heard so much about?"

"Yes, yes they are." Raifort nodded. "...By the way, you look familiar."

"The name's Clive, nice to meet you Ms. Raifo- I mean… certain individual I've never seen before."

Raifort narrowed her eyes. Oh, don't give me that Mudsdale shit…

"Ro-to-to-to-to!"

Ruby pulled out her Rotom Scroll.

"Well, that was… certainly something. But good job. The Caph Squad is no more-"

"Pona Pon?" Ogerpon turned her head after hugging Chi-Yu and curiously wandered off with no one noticing.

"-And soon Eri will go back to the academy just like everyone else."

"I presume I am the one handing the supplies?" Clive said.

"Indeed." Cassiopeia said as Clive handed it over to everyone, while also LP was transferred over to them, including Alessandra.

"Twenty thousand?! Now you're just being generous." Alessandra said.

"You're technically part of the squad."

"Wow! So you're pulling triple duty! You're quite the go-getter." Nemona said.

"I wouldn't necessarily call it "Triple duty"..." Arven said.

BGM: Cassiopeia

"Well, regardless, now there's only one piece left of the puzzle. And that is taking down the big boss of Team Star."

"The big boss? Now where would they find the big boss?" Alessandra wondered.

"There's no need to go on a treasure hunt to find them. The big boss is-"

"Pona Pon Pona Pon!"

"Whoa! Where did you come from?!"

"Pon Pooonnn~!"

"H-hey! Put me down! PUT ME DOWN! No, don't carry me over to THEM! HEEEELP!"

They all turned to see Ogerpon happily carrying Penny over and softly tossing her to the ground.

"OOOMPH!"

"Oh hey, it's that Penny girl." Nemona said.

"Yeah, we all figured it out it was her by the time we faced Ortega… or tried to, since Umber made a mess of things." Nagisa said.

"I'm… not the big boss! I'm the secretary…! Y-Yeah… I just do all the voice messages for the big boss. You see, the big boss is-"

"Ro-to-to-to-to-to!"

"One moment." Penny picked up her phone. "Y'ello?"

"Hey Cassie." Claude said nonchalantly.

"Ugh! I'm Cassiopeia, Not Cassie, you-... you…yoooooouuuuu…" Penny paled as she turned to him, casually putting down his scroll with a casual smile. "...Crap."

End BGM

"Soooo, I'm pretty sure there's a good reason why you did this." Weiss said once she gathered her composure.

"...I've nothing to say to you all. Not here." Penny said as she called up a taxi. "I'll explain everything at the track field at the academy!" She took off running.

"Wait… can someone explain what the heck is going on?" Hop asked. "I don't think I'm following!"

"Yeah, neither am I… and we had come back from Kitakami too." Pyrrha said, where Eri had eavesdropped on the conversation and taken a quick peek at Penny.

"That's Cassiopeia? …I never thought she'd be so cute~" Eri giggled quietly.

"I'm afraid I have other matters to attend to. If you will excuse me." "Clive" walked off as well, also calling for a Squawkabilly Taxi.

"Well, I guess we can explain on our way to the academy." Nagisa said.

"Good, because I'm just about as lost as everyone else here." Cinder said as they started to walk back.

However, Gloria pulled Ruby to the side real quick.

"Ye got a sec, lass?"

"What's up?"

"Aless already took down Marnie, now yer the only one left."

"Oh really?" Ruby rubbed her chin in thought before chuckling. "Alright, after we're done with Penny, I'll fight her and she won't even see me coming."

Gloria grinned. "I knew ye'd get excited~"

"By the way, you have her number? Give me hers and I'll text her."

"Oh! Of course!" Gloria nodded as she proceeded to link up Alessandra's number to Ruby.

"Thank you~!" Ruby giggled as they both hugged, then they walked off together.

"By the way. I've got somethin' planned for my fight with Aless."

"Oh? What ya got?"

Gloria smirked. "Oh, let's just say I got Leon involved~"

Up ahead, all of the Warriors of Hope received a text message as they pulled out their scrolls to see who texted them.

"I've been a bit busy lately~" - Pacifica

She then sent a mirror picture of herself, decked out in a lab coat with an iron gauntlet in her right arm.

"Let's just say I've gotten into alchemy while you were gone."

"Whoa! You leave her for a few days and she changes on ya." Mabel said.

"Her parents will definitely disapprove of this… heheh." Dipper chuckled.

"Wow, nice lab coat." Flandre said.

Silver whistled. "Lookin' good."

"Oh wow! That's amazing!" - Kokoro

"Shoot, not bad!" - Kotoko

"Stylin! I like it!" - Masaru

"Looking pretty good." - Jataro

"Amazing." - Nagisa

The others remembered to text back their compliments.

"Aww, thank you! I've worked hard." Pacifica responded.

"So… have you finally figured out what's your ideal RPG class?" Nagisa texted.

"Yes, I have, Nagi. Call me… the alchemist."

"Hmm… I wonder if it's an homage to that guy…" Masaru mused to himself.


Meanwhile, in Galar…

"How hard is it to find a Growlithe with a blue bandana?" Kamek wondered as he searched the Crown Tundra. "Baltoooooo! Where are yoooou! HEY BALTOOOOO! I got a treat for you!" Kamek said, waving his chewed up wand around due to the Nickit chewing on it after he got it back.

No response.

"Baaaltoooooo!"

"Kilo?"

Kamek turned around to see a Kilowattrel landing on the ground as a Flareon walked over as well. The Kilowattrel also has a Snom on the top of his head.

"Flare Flare." Flareon said.

"Snom Snom!" The Snom cried.

"I know I do not speak Pokemon but, this is worth a shot… do you guys know of a Balto?"

The three Pokemon turned to each other and turned toward Kamek. With a nod, they took off as they urged him to come with them.

"Oh, this seems promising." Kamek mused as he followed them, where they would soon arrive in a small cave where a Wishiwashi in a big fishing bowl swam around while also an Arcanine rested.

"Arc…?" The Arcanine perked up at the newcomer.

"Wishi?"

"I come in peace. No need to worry yourselves." Kamek said. "I am looking for a Growlithe named Balto. Two kids by the name of Cian and Alessandra are looking for him."

The Arcanine perked up.

"Have you seen the lil' Growlithe around?"

The Arcanine stood up and let out a howl, where something blue flashed beneath his fur that caused Kamek's eyes to widen.

"Oh!"


The boy's been found!

Ibuki: Oooh, Ibuki's sensing an emotional reunion soon!

Deadpool: I'll get the tissues ready!

Shout out to DarkRebellion for that Pacifica being an alchemist idea! Which will be the next Gaiden real soon!