Disclaimer: I do not own any of the material appearing in this story. The OC's belong to their respective owners.
BGM: Southern Province - Riding (Pokemon Scarlet and Violet)
"Ah, so the big guy used mud on him to disguise himself. No wonder we couldn't find him." Umber said.
"So, let's knock this big guy off the wall." Arven said.
"Agreed." Cinder nodded, calling out Acnologia.
"Wait, hold on a second. Let's do this in style." Umber smiled.
"What do you have in mind?" Arven asked as Umber pulled out a Heart Binder, raising it up in the sky and summoned Jotaro.
"Huh?!" Arven wondered in disbelief.
"Alright, what do you wan-"
Arven pulled up Jotaro's arm.
"Is this… a human Pokemon hybrid…? What am I looking at here?" Arven wondered as he looked at the Heartbinder. "Curious Pokeball… er… PokeCharm?"
"Good grief, were you dropped on the head as a baby?" Jotaro asked.
No, but I was neglected by two deadbeats… Arven thought. "Not that I know of."
"Well, I'm not a Pokemon." Jotaro responded.
"Hmm… if Jotaro was a Pokemon, what type would he be?" Bowsette wondered.
"Fighting. Pure Fighting to be exact!" Roy said.
"Considering what Bowser was saying that he got beat up by nothing when facing Jotaro, I'd say… FIghting/Ghost?" Rei wondered.
"I just said I'm not a Pokemon! …Though that's actually not a bad guess." Jotaro admitted.
Fighting/Psychic, maybe? Umber wondered. Or perhaps… Fighting/Steel?
"So, what exactly did you call me up for?"
Umber pointed toward the Titan. "Can you get that off the wall?"
Jotaro looked at the giant crab. "You want me to get this… giant crab off the wall?"
"GIANT ENEMY CRAB MUST BE TAKEN DOWN." Morton said.
End BGM
Jotaro shook his head. "Good grief… fine." He walked over to Klawf and then cracked his knuckles.
He grabbed one of the legs…
"Vrooo?"
"HRAAAAAAAAH!" Jotaro swung the Klawf down, but let go mid swing and summoned Star Platinum.
"ORAORAORAORAORAORAORAORAORAORAORAORAORAORA"
Star Platinum unleashed an uppercut that knocked the giant Klawf high into the sky.
With Aless and Co…
"What the heck?" Alessandra wondered as they were running toward the canyon.
With Cian, Zinnia and Raifort…
"What the heck?" Zinnia wondered as they were riding on Rayquaza.
"There's something you don't see every day…" Raifort mused as Rayquaza flew closer.
Back with them…
Klawf fell down to the earth and slammed into the ground, shattering the mud shield.
"Vroooooo…" Klawf groaned before getting back up, looking mighty angry. "VROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"
BGM: Battle! Titan Pokemon (Pokemon Scarlet and Violet)
Tenderized Enemy Crab - Klawf
"Alright, my turn." Cinder said. "You ready, Acnologia?"
"Rawr!"
"Shellder, let's do this!" Arven said.
"Shell!"
"You're up, Veron!" Umber called him out.
"Decid!"
"VROOOOOOOO!" Klawf cried as his fellow smaller Klawf came running toward them.
"There's a whole party of 'em!" Wendy exclaimed.
"We'll keep 'em busy!" Bowsette said as they jumped in to help, where Cian dropped in with his newly recovered Floragato.
"Vroooo!" A few Klawf cried as they were batted away by Rayquaza.
"So, this is what one of the Titans looks like… fascinating." Raifort mused before turning toward the other Klawf and calling out her Lumineon.
"I'll join you against this big guy!" Cian said.
"Flora!"
"Just don't get in my way." Cinder said. "Flamethrower."
Charizard unleashed Flamethrower on the Klawf, only for it to tank it pretty well and used Rock Tomb on him, where Acnologia tried to dodge the attack but a massive boulder smacked into the Charizard.
"Raaaawr…!" Acnologia grunted as he was already on one knee.
"How are you nearly out?" Cinder wondered.
"Your Charizard is a Fire/Flying type. A Rock type move like Rock Tomb really does a number on Fire and Flying types, no matter how strong they look!" Umber told her and with a nod to Veron, he pulled out his bow as it turned green, then he jumped in and used Leaf Blade on the Klawf.
"Vrooooo!"
Fire and Flying weak against Rock, good to know… Cinder thought. "Flare Blitz!"
Acnologia wrapped himself in fire and launched himself toward the Klawf, where it used Rock Tomb again, the boulders hitting Charizard as he slammed into the ground. The Klawf picked up Acnologia with his claws, attempting to use Vice Grip on him.
"Magical Leaf!"
"Mrooooow!" Houdini used Magical Leaf on the Klawf's claw, making it release the Charizard as Veron pulled him to safety.
"Life Dew!"
"Shelllllll!" Shellder cried, using Life Dew on Acnologia.
"R-Rawr…" The Charizard grunted, letting out a snarl and glared at the Klawf.
"Decidu!" Veron said, putting his arm out to block Charizard from advancing. "Eye Eye!"
"Rrrrr…"
"You're gonna have to hang back on this one, Cindy…" Umber said. "This Klawf's a nasty one…"
"Rrrgh, I've noticed!"
"Der Shell." Shellder used Life Dew on Acnologia again while Veron and Houdini took the front, both using Seed Bomb and Spirit Shackle.
"Vrooooo!" Klawf cried as he proceeded to dig up a lot of sand to blind everyone as he made his escape, destroying a rock wall to eat the Herba Mystica and then quickly dug up dirt to hide its blue shell and hid within the canyon.
"Great, now where is it?" Dedede asked after hammering away a Klawf.
"Hmph. It's over there." Jotaro said as Star Platinum went over and picked up the giant Klawf and shook the massive Titan.
"VROOOOOOOOO!"
"...What the hell am I looking at?" Alessandra wondered as she watched the Titan Klawf shake by itself as if it was possessed.
"I'm goin' with… I have no idea." Hop said as Star Platinum slammed it into the ground to get rid of all the dirt.
End BGM
"Vrooo…" Klawf shook it off and glared at them. "VROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!" It cried, powering up from the Herba Mystica.
BGM: Boss Battle (Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX)
"Looks like it gave itself a snack!" Arven said.
Acnologia let out an angry roar, the fire on his tail turning blue as he flew up into the air with a growl. The Klawf raised his claw up high, daring him to get closer as the Charizard used Flare Blitz.
"Vroo!" Klawf used Rock Tomb on him, but Veron used Spirit Shackle to fire at the rocks with pin point accuracy that destroyed the rocks, giving Charizard a path and slammed into Klawf, pushing him away as Klawf let out a growl and used Rock Smash on him, which didn't do too much damage on Acnologia as he flew back and used Flamethrower on him.
"Shelldeeeeeer!" Shellder unleashed Water Gun on the Klawf as Veron used Leaf Blade again and Houdini struck it with Magical Leaf.
"Vrooooo!" Klawf threw out a Rock Tomb at the Charizard, but he flew out of the way and unleashed Inferno, engulfing the massive Pokemon. Klawf shook it off but felt a massive burning sensation. "Vroo…" It winced.
Klawf then glared at them angrily, slamming its claws on the ground repeatedly. "VROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!" Klawf roared, powering itself up as it charged forward and used Vice Grip on Houdini quickly.
"When did it get so speedy?!" Cian exclaimed.
"I heard about this." Arven said. "Klawf has a unique ability where as soon as you do enough damage on them, they get really angry and boost their attack and speed. Granted, it also gets rid of their defense so this could get interesting!" He said as Veron used Leaf Blade to get Houdini out of the Vice Grip, then used Spirit Shackle on him.
"VROOOOOOOO!" Klawf cried, used Rock Tomb but Shellder used Water Gun to push the boulders away and then Acnologia slammed into Klawf with a Flare Blitz, pushing Klawf away.
"It's almost down!" Cinder said.
"I'll finish this!" Umber said, immediately tapping into his Z-Crystal and doing a haunted dance that powered up his Decidueye, where Veron flew up into the air and then dive bombed Klawf, unleashing Sinister Arrow Raid.
"Vrooo? Vroooo!" Klawf attempted to use Rock Smash to try and block the arrows, but it was in vain as Veron landed on the ground as Klawf was pelted by arrows, followed by an explosion that knocked Klawf down, shrinking it back down to normal size.
End BGM
"I got it!" Iggy said, waving his wand and throwing magic at it, where an Ultra Ball formed and grabbed a hold of the Klawf, dropping to the ground where after three shakes, it was caught. "Sweet, I got me a shiny crab!"
"And I got me a crab for eatin'!" Dedede said, dragging an unconscious Klawf behind him. "Gloria, fire up that cauldron! I wanna put this boy in a salad!"
Gloria sweatdropped. "Somehow, I donnae feel comfortable with that…"
The group walked into the cave immediately after.
"Soooo, Ms. Raifort… what brings you here?" Alessandra asked.
"Simple. I'm interested in the Treasures of Ruin. I overheard Cian and Zinnia talk about it after their battle, so I wanted to join in on their endeavors."
"How'd the fight go?" Sonia whispered.
"Crushed him." Zinnia whispered back. "KId's got spirit, but he's got a long way to go."
"Yeah, I figured as much."
"Aha! Here it is!" Arven said as they walked over to the Herba Mystica, pulling out his book.
BGM: Let's Make a Sandwich (Pokemon Scarlet and Violet)
"It says here that the Sweet Herba Mystica is good for gut health and that it helps aid digestion. Says that it's great for stomachaches, too, or when you want to stimulate the ol' appetite!"
Arven then grinned. "Hey Gloria, get that cauldron ready! I bet a good curry sandwich will do wonders with this!"
Gloria smiled. "I couldntae agree more~!" She said, pulling out as they pulled out the picnic tables.
"Hmm… do you only make curry? I've heard Galarians love this stuff." Raifort said.
"Oh, I make other things aside from curry… it's just that it's quick and easy to make when yer travelin'."
"Hmm… just like sandwiches. I can respect that." Raifort nodded.
"Zinnia? Why are you lookin' at her warily?" Marnie asked.
"Oh… I have… reasons…" Zinnia said, giving Raifort a wary glare.
One Herba Mystica Curry Sandwich made later…
"Heheheh~" Dedede smirked, placing the KO'd Klawf into his sandwich… however, Iggy's Pokeball opened up as the Shiny Klawf ran over and pinched Dedede on the nose. "YOOOOOOOOOOOOOWWWWWWWWWWW!"
"Vrooo!" Klawf pulled his friend out of the sandwich and dusted it off.
"Vrooooo…" The other Klawf woke up and shook it off before wandering out of the cave.
"Here… if you're so eager to eat a Klawf…" Arven handed him a candy stick that had a Klawf claw shaped lollipop on the top. "It's a Klawf Stick. It has a chocolate center to it."
"Ooooh, don't mind if I do!" Dedede said, taking it.
Arven turned around. "It takes a while to get to the center of it. Hell, I've seen a commercial where I've seen a Hoothoot give three licks before chomping, but I think it takes more-"
"Ya got any more?"
"HUH?!" Arven turned around, seeing that Dedede had inhaled it. His eye twitched before sighing. "I don't want to know… I don't want to know…" He mumbled as he gave him another, then watched him inhale it before going back to eating his sandwich.
Arven groaned. "Those commercials were terribly outdated anyway…"
At that moment, both Raidons came out and enjoyed a sandwich… where they started glowing and then fell back down like nothing happen.
"I'm guessing the Herba Mystica packs a punch with you two." Alessandra said.
"They better… or I'd be up a creek." Arven said.
"Why's that?" Cian asked.
"I'd rather not-"
"Agia…"
Both Raidons reached for Arven's sandwich.
"DON'T YOU DARE TOUCH THAT! THAT'S NOT FOR YOU!" He suddenly yelled, causing the Raidons to recoil in surprise as they all turned to Arven.
End BGM
"...Arven? Are you okay?" Umber asked.
Arven sighed. "Sorry, I didn't mean to shout like that…" He said before scratching his head. "I… might as well show you guys." He said, pulling out a Pokeball. "Come on out, bud."
He opened it up as a sickly and beaten up Mabosstiff laid in front of them.
BGM: Emotion (Pokemon Scarlet and Violet)
"This… is Mabosstiff." He said softly as the twins both looked at him in awe. Gloria pulled out her Pokedex to scan the Pokemon.
"Mabosstiff, the Boss Pokemon and the evolved form of Maschiff. This Pokémon can store energy in its large dewlap. Mabosstiff unleashes this energy all at once to blow away enemies. Mabosstiff loves playing with children. Though usually gentle, it takes on an intimidating look when protecting its family."
"What happened to the lad?" Gloria wondered.
"He… got seriously hurt. I've tried everything… Oran Berries, Poke Centers, Potions, Full Restores… nothing worked on him. I was running out of ideas and I was on the brink of getting up… and that's when I found out about the Herba Mystica online. I… knew this would be my final chance to try and bring him back."
Arven turned to the twins. "You're… not the only one with a lil' bud. I'm sure Balto meant the world to the both of you. Mabosstiff was the same way."
Alessandra immediately knelt down to gently stroke the Mabosstiff as Cian did the same thing. "You poor thing…" Alessandra whispered.
Arven took his sandwich and broke it apart, gently feeding the big dog. "Here ya go, bud… small bites. Take your time… this might help you feel better." He said as the Mabosstiff slowly ate the sandwich.
"You really did your research on this, didn't you?" Sonia asked.
Arven nodded, pulling out a book. "Look at this. I found this book in my parents' lab."
Herba Mystica
"Area Zero was home to wondrous herbs that instantly impart vigor when eaten. We dubbed them Herba Mystica and attempted to grow some in areas around Paldea. However, before we could harvest, the herbs were eaten by Pokemon… which in turn grew large and strong. We call these Titan Pokemon."
Arven pulled the book away. "Usually the books in there are all legends and myths, but… considering there were two Titan Pokemon we found, then it's got to be true! According to this, eating all five Herba Mystica can cure anything that ails you! Case in point, Mabosstiff's paws were cold as ice before he ate the last herb, but they've warmed up a little now. I'm sure they have!"
At that moment, Mabosstiff started to move a little bit. Arven turned his head. "...Buddy?" He wondered… and then Mabosstiff's eyes opened up, causing Arven to gasp.
"Ma-Mabosstiff! Are you-... Can you see? Are your eyes open?!" He started to tear up. "O-Oh man… I… it's been so long that he's been able to open his eyes… it's been so long…!" He sniffled. "I was so worried… oh man, I'm so… glad…!"
Mabosstiff let out a soft whine as Arven knelt down. "Those fiery orange little eyes… hard to even tell if they're open or not, but I know the difference!"
He smiled. "Haha! Yeah! I had a feeling this would work! Just three more Herba Mystica to-" He was then hugged by Alessandra. "Oh…!"
"I'm so happy that you're getting your buddy back to health…" Alessandra said. "We failed to protect Balto… I don't want you to go through something similar like us…"
"Yeah…" Cian sniffled. "Mabosstiff's special to you."
Arven smiled, hugging Alessandra and then roping Cian in for a side hug. "Hey, don't worry. I'm still betting Balto's okay, doing well and lookin' for you guys."
Alessandra nodded. "Right…" She pulled away and wiped her tears away.
"Ooooh, uh… is your makeup okay or…?"
"Waterproof… and smear proof too."
"Ah, okay." Arven nodded. "But still, I'm glad you two have my backs here."
"You kiddin'? I wannae see the lad get back to health too!" Gloria said.
"You nearly got me sobbin' back there. I'm lendin' a hand no matter what." Marnie said.
"Yeah, me too!" Hop said, rubbing his eyes.
"We'll get your bud back up and running." Ludwig smirked.
"For the pup!" Iggy sobbed, raising his fist up with Larry and Wendy doing the same.
"Yeah!" Kotoko nodded while Kokoro and Mabel were busy wiping their eyes as Flandre simply smiled.
"I hope your Mabosstiff makes a full recovery." Raifort said.
"We got your backs." Coco said with Velvet nodding.
"I'll throw my support in too." Bede nodded.
"Shoot, I'll lend a hand now!" Umber smiled.
"Yeah! Dogs make the world a lot better!" Dedede agreed.
"I'll see what I can do. Me and the kid's other supports." Jotaro nodded.
"You can count on us!" Bowsette said with Rei nodding with a smile.
Arven was overwhelmed with emotion before smiling. "Thanks…" He said as they started cleaning up and walked outside, though Cinder stayed behind with Arven who was scratching Mabosstiff's ears.
End BGM
"If… you don't mind me asking, what happened to Mabosstiff?" Cinder asked.
"This… really powerful Pokemon came out of nowhere and attacked him. We tried to fend him off but… it overwhelmed us to the point that Mabosstiff was in critical condition, no matter what I did."
"A powerful Pokemon, huh?" Cinder frowned. "Well… I say whenever that Pokemon rears its ugly head, we go at it together."
"Right… wait, are you-"
Cinder gave him a small smile. "You have my support too, Arven."
Arven smiled back. "I'm glad to hear it."
Meanwhile, outside…
"Ro-to-to-to!" Cian's phone vibrated once they had all split up. He then answered the phone.
BGM: Professor Turo/Sada (Pokemon Scarlet and Violet)
"Cian, this is Sada."
"Hey there."
Glynda? Velvet's ears twitched a bit.
"We detected that the Raidons have regained more of their original power. It seems they will now be able to dash at high speeds while you're riding upon them. We hope you will continue to explore Paldea with the both of them, as you have done here."
"We will." Cian nodded.
"Thank you."
Sada hung up.
End BGM
"So, now what are you going to do?" Alessandra asked.
"Get stronger… as much as I want to check out the Treasures of Ruin, I… need to get stronger considering Zinnia wiped the floor with me." Cian rubbed his head. "Honestly, if I were to find the Treasures of Ruin now, I imagine I'd be a rug to 'em…"
Sonia smiled. "We'll just help you along the way."
"Yeah!" Victor said with Neo nodding.
"You all go on ahead… I'll see what I can uncover." Raifort said as she walked off. "The Treasures of Ruin intrigue me…"
"Should… we let her run around collecting stakes unsupervised?" Cian asked.
"Well, given what I've overheard with her and the fact that I've read that the stakes will only be removed with someone with a pure heart… I'd saaaaay… we should be fine. I hope." Zinnia said.
"Alright, where to next?" Kotoko asked.
"From what I understand, the third gym is in Levincia." Alessandra said.
"LEVINCIA?!" Kotoko yelled, her eyes sparkling. "My idol Iono lives there! We need to go there NOW!"
Alessandra chuckled. "Someone likes her~" She teased, ruffling up her hair. "Come on, let's head over."
"Yeah!"
One trip back to Artazon (and past it) later…
BGM: East Province (Pokemon Scarlet and Violet)
"Hmhmhm~" Alessandra hummed as she was at the Pokemon Center after crossing the bridge.
"Ye gonnae be okay?" Gloria asked.
"Yeah…" Alessandra nodded. "I should be."
"Ye do seem to be missin' 'im a lot more than ye let on."
"I don't know what you're talkin' about, Glori."
Gloria smiled, putting a hand on her shoulder. "Hey, it's gonnae be okay…"
"I… I know that." Alessandra nodded, snagging a few more Pokeballs and Super Potions, then her Pokemon were fully healed up. Gloria hugged her right after as Alessandra teared up before steeling herself and returned the hug.
Nearby, Bede was busy dragging his feet across the dirt. "What exactly are you doing?" Hop asked.
"Well… I'd say it's time I tested how far Alessandra's come along."
"Right now?" Hop raised an eyebrow. "Why not in Artazon or, like, Levicinia?"
"Because I think this place is the perfect spot."
"...Eh, okay. If ya say so." Hop shrugged.
"There we go." Bede said as he applied the finishing touches.
Alessandra turned around and walked off. "Alright, let's-... what's all this?"
"Aless… I'd say it's time I challenged you to a battle." Bede said.
"Huh? This is a bit sudden." Alessandra said.
"Why not? Rival battles tend to be sudden, don't you think?"
Alessandra rubbed her chin, recalling how Nemona tended to be. "You're right on that." She nodded.
"Get into position."
"Come oooon… can this wait until Levincia?" Kotoko asked.
"No." Bede responded.
Kotoko folded her arms with an annoyed pout. "Oh… fine…"
"There, there…" Kokoro gently patted her shoulder.
Kotoko sighed. "Thanks…" She said before an idea came to her as she pulled out a Pokeball. "Hey, um… do you mind if we can battle together as well?"
Kokoro blinked. "...Eh…?"
"Please? I promise it'll be a quick one v one."
Kokoro giggled. "Okay, okay." She brought out a Pokeball of her own. "I could use some time to improve my own Pokemon Battling skills too anyway."
End BGM
Bede walked to his end, smirking. Let's see if this fashionista can earn my respect… He thought as he turned toward Alessandra. "You ready for this?"
"Oh yeah. Let's do this!" Alessandra smirked, pumping herself up.
BGM: Battle! Vs Neo Galar Champion (Pokemon Masters EX)
Galar's Pretty Boy - Bede
"Rio/Mawile!"
"Quax!"
"Mawile!"
"Play Rough!"
"Aqua Cutter!"
Both Pokemon launched themselves toward each other as Mawile pounced on him but Rio jumped back and swung his leg down, striking Mawile with a powerful splash.
"Wile…!"
"Work Up!"
"WEEEEELLLLLLL!" Quaxwell roared, getting himself pumped up.
"Fake Tears!"
"Maw-Mawi…" Mawile faked a sob as Rio immediately frowned, feeling bad for the Mawile.
"Don't fall for it!"
"Too late!" Bede smirked. "Iron Head!"
"Low Sweep!"
Mawile's "hair" turned to steel as she lunged forward, whipping her hair directly at Rio, slamming into him as he responded by hitting her with a Low Sweep.
"Well…!"
"Wile!" Mawile winced, staggering a bit.
"Crunch!"
"Water Pulse!"
Mawile ran forward, turning around and jumped back as her venus fly trap-like "hair" opened up as Rio unleashed Water Pulse directly into its mouth, pushing Mawile forward and making her faceplant.
"Mawi!"
"Low Sweep again!"
Rio ran forward and then jumped over right as Mawile got up and lunged to try and use Crunch again, but Rio landed behind her and sweep kicked her to knock her to the ground, KO'ing her.
"Okay, not bad." Bede said, recalling her as Rio got into position.
"Quax!" Rio smirked.
"Gardevoir, you're up!" He called out.
"Voiiir."
"Aw sweet, a Gardevoir." Alessandra smirked. "Water Pulse!"
Bede smirked, nodding at Gardevoir as she nodded back, pulling her arms back and threw an Energy Ball, which pierced through the Water Pulse and struck Quaxwell head on. "Quaaaaax!"
"An Energy Ball?!" Alessandra exclaimed in surprise.
"What, you thought the Fake Tears was for show?"
Rio was on his butt, having taken a heavy beating on the Energy Ball.
Alessandra clenched her fists, immediately recalling her Quaxwell and then called out Sherry.
"Steenee!"
"Like that will change anything. Shadow Ball!"
"Rapid Spin!"
"Voooiiiir!" Gardevoir threw a Shadow Ball at her but Sherry unleashed Rapid Spin, dodging the Shadow Ball and striking Gardevoir head on.
"Neeee!" Sherry smirked.
"Psychic!" Bede ordered as Gardevoir raised her arms up, holding Sherry up in the air.
"Stee… nee…!"
"Sweet Scent! Hurry!"
"Steeneeeee!" Sherry cried, using Sweet Scent on the Gardevoir.
"Garde…!" Gardevoir coughed but still holding on to Sherry as she then used Dazzling Gleam on her.
"Neee!" Sherry grunted as she was dropped to the ground.
"Rapid Spin again!"
"Shadow Ball!"
Sherry ran forward, quickly dodging the Shadow Ball and then struck her with a Rapid Spin, where the Gardevoir hit her with a point blank Shadow Ball. "Steee!"
"Nnnngh… this Gardevoir's something else… hang in there!"
"Dazzling Gleam."
"Gaaardeee!" Gardevoir unleashed Dazzling Gleam, striking the Steenee.
"Stee…!" Steenee winced.
"Magical Leaf!"
Sherry spun around, using Magical Leaf on Gardevoir… but also stumbled as she had taken a heavy beating as Gardevoir brushed it off.
With a growl, Alessandra recalled Sherry. "Raffia!" She threw the Pokeball and called out her Eevee.
"Eevai!" Raffia smirked, ready to throw down.
"Quick Attack!"
Eevee started running toward Gardevoir.
"Stop him!" Bede ordered as Gardevoir used Psychic on Raffia to stop him.
"Voir."
"Swift!" She ordered as Raffia unleashed Swift directly on Gardevoir.
"Garde!" Gardevoir cried, dropping Raffia as he shook it off, jumped back and then used Quick Attack to get a running start.
"EEEVAAAAAAAAAAAAAI!" Raffia slammed into Gardevoir's gut, making her hunch over and fall on one knee.
"Now use Swift!"
"Use Psychic on those stars!" Bede ordered as Gardevoir used Psychic, stopping the stars… however, that didn't stop Raffia from headbutting her in the shoulder with Quick Attack, breaking her concentration as Swift then connected to Gardevoir.
"Voooir…!" Gardevoir cried as she fainted on the spot.
"Eevow Vai!" Raffia cheered happily.
"Take a long rest, Gardevoir." Bede recalled her and then pulled the next Pokeball out. "Rapidash!"
Rapidash let out a horse whinny.
"Cool, a Galarian Rapidash." Alessandra smirked.
"Vai!" Raffia got ready.
"Smart Strike!"
Smart what now? "Swift!"
"Voooow!" Raffia cried as Rapidash charged forward, his horn turning into steel. Alessandra's eyes widened on the realization.
"Raffia, get out of the way!"
Raffia jumped out of the way, but Rapidash changed course and struck Raffia. "Vaaaai!"
"Ooooh!" Alessandra winced as Raffia fell to the ground, but thankfully, Raffia shook it off but looked a bit beat up from it. She immediately recalled the Eevee and called out Wisp.
"Charca!"
"Like that will change anything! Smart Strike again!"
Rapidash started galloping toward Wisp and thrust his horn into him, but Wisp grabbed on to the horn and flipped himself over until he was on Rapidash's back.
"Huh?!" Both trainers said in surprise.
"Buck it off!"
"Ride him and use Will-O-Wisp and Fire Spin!"
Rapidash tried to buck him off but Wisp held strong. "Chaaaarc-haaaaw!" Wisp cried, causing Alessandra to snicker at this before Wisp unleashed Will-O-Wisp to strike a burn and then used Fire Spin immediately after.
With a growl, Rapidash desperately tried to buck him off by using Dazzling Gleam and running through it.
"Charca!" Wisp endured it and kept on riding.
"Drill Run!"
"Night Shade!"
Rapidash immediately jumped up and turned into a drill, immediately drilling into the ground and then bursting out of the ground immediately after… but to everyone's surprise, Charcadet held on while also using Night Shade.
"What kind of Charcadet is this?!" Marnie wondered.
"A cowboy, that's what he is!" Mabel giggled.
"Ride 'em, cowpoke!" Hop cheered.
Rapidash landed on the ground as he kept trying to buck him off, but was also getting tired from all the bucking, not to mention feeling a burn from Will-O-Wisp was not making things easier too.
"Night Shade!"
"Come on, do something! Keep bucking him off!" Bede ordered as Charcadet used Night Shade as Rapidash let out an annoyed whinny and successfully bucked Wisp off of him, sending him flying forward but he recovered and landed on the ground, sliding a few feet.
Rapidash let out a growl.
"Smart Strike!"
Rapidash immediately galloped forward… only to collapse from exhaustion as the burn from Will O Wisp finally took its toll on him alongside trying to buck the little guy off of him.
"Nice!" Alessandra fist pumped, kneeling down and high fiving Wisp.
Bede recalled Rapidash. "Lousy cowpoke…" Bede grumbled under his breath before calling out his Sylveon.
"Sylv!"
"Ooooh!" Alessandra smiled as she recalled Wisp and called out Raffia again.
"Eevai!" Raffia cried with a smile.
"Sylve!" Sylveon waved with her ribbons as Raffia waved back with a giggle before they got into their stances with smirks on their faces.
"Light Screen!" Bede ordered.
"Syyylv!" Sylveon conjured up a Light Screen in front of them.
"Use Bite!"
Raffia charged forward and chomped down on Sylveon. "Sylv…!" Sylveon winced as Raffia jumped back.
"Vai Vee!" Raffia smirked.
"Use Moonblast!"
"Use Quick Attack!"
"Veeeeeeeeee~" Raffia suddenly started stumbling about like a bumbling doofus.
"Huh…?" Alessandra wondered as Raffia had hearts over his eyes.
"Ooooh, bad timing for Cute Charm to activate…" Gloria grimaced.
"On the contrary, the timing couldn't be more perfect!" Bede smirked as Moonblast struck Raffia.
"Veeeee~" Raffia cried. He was still ready to go but was still lovestruck.
Alessandra sweatdropped. "Uh… take a long rest… casanova…?" She said, recalling Raffia before sending out Tut.
"Flittle~!"
"Shadow Ball!"
"Psybeam!"
Both Pokemon unleashed their moves, with Shadow Ball missing Tut by a few inches while Psybeam struck Sylveon.
"Veon…!" Sylveon winced, thankful that Light Screen absorbed most of the damage.
"Use Psybeam again!"
"Moonblast!"
"Veeeoooooon!" Sylveon unleashed Moonblast, striking Tut while Psybeam launched out toward Sylveon… where Light Screen faded out before it could connect, striking Sylveon directly. "Sylv…!"
"Use Psyshock!"
"Veo…?" Sylveon tilted her head before using her ribbons to smack herself.
"...Oh no." Bede frowned.
"Confusion!"
"Fliiiiiii!" Tut unleashed Confusion on Sylveon.
"Veon…!" Sylveon winced.
"Snap out of your confusion and use Shadow Ball!"
Sylveon aimed up into the sky and used Shadow Ball… and then it came back down and slammed into Sylveon, causing Bede to groan in defeat with a facepalm as Tut finished her off with a Psybeam.
"Way to go, Tut!"
"Flit!"
"Hatterene, let's go!"
"Hatta!"
"Let's get ready, Tut."
"Flit!"
Bede smirked, aiming his Pokeball at Hatterene. "Let's do this the ol' fashioned Galarian way." He said, recalling Hatterene into her Pokeball before it grew huge and pink, Alessandra's eyes widening.
"W-wait a second! There's no power spots in Paldea!"
"True, but… Gloria's Eternatus is the Power Spot, whether he's in his Pokeball or not!" Bede smirked.
"It can do that?" Alessandra asked as Gloria nodded. "...Oh boy."
Bede threw the ball behind him, turning around as Hatterene Gigantamaxed behind him.
"HAAAATAAAAAAAAAAAA!"
Nearby…
"Hmm?" Geeta wondered as she was taking a leisurely stroll through Paldea, noticing the gigantic Hatterene in the distance. "Dynamax? I don't recall Paldea having any Power Spots…" She mused as she pulled out her binoculars and saw Gloria cheering the both of them on. "Then again, I've heard the champion has an Eternatus on her which provides Dynamaxing."
She then smiled. "Regardless… how exciting~! I wonder how young Alessandra will do out of her element…"
Back with them…
Alessandra's heart pumped as adrenaline rushed through her. A big dorky smile appeared on her face.
"I may not have a Dynamax band on me, but who the hell cares!" Alessandra smirked. "Tut, Psybeam!"
"G-MAX SMITE!"
Hatterene unleashed G-Max Smite directly on Flittle.
"FLIIIIIIIT!"
"Ah geez… hang in there!" Alessandra called out, but when the smoke settled, Tut was already KO'd. With a grimace, Alessandra recalled Tut.
"Alright…" Alessandra called out Wisp.
"Cha-... CHARCA?!" Wisp cried in surprise, seeing the gigantic Hatterene in front of him. He nearly fell on his butt in surprise.
Alessandra brought out her Tera Orb. "Let's even the odds!"
"Charca!" Wisp steeled himself as Alessandra Terastalized him, where a Tera Fire Crown appeared on Charcadet's head. "Charcaaaaa!"
"Will-O-Wisp!"
"Max Darkness!"
"Charcaaaaa!" Charcadet cried, using Will-O-Wisp directly on the gigantic Hatterene.
"Hatta…" Hatterene mumbled, feeling a slight burn. "HAAATTAAAAA!" She cried, unleashing Max Darkness on Wisp.
"Det…!" Wisp grunted, falling on one knee before staggering back up. "Charca…!"
"Let's incinerate that little guy! Max Flare!"
"Fire Spin!"
"Charca… Charcaaaa!" Wisp cried, using Fire Spin but was hit with Max Flare immediately after.
"No!" Alessandra cried out as Bede smirked, but when the smoke cleared, a fiery aura surrounded Wisp.
"Flash Fire?!" Bede said in surprise.
"Flash Fire…" Alessandra whispered before smirking. "Alright, let's use this to our advantage! FLAME CHARGE!"
"CHARCAAAAAAAAA!" Wisp cried, the Tera Crown bursting with a fiery inferno as he launched himself toward Hatterene.
"G-Max Smite!"
"HAAATTAAAAAA!"
Hatterene unleashed G-Max Smite right as Wisp slammed into Hatterene, both moves connecting.
"Charca…!" Wisp groaned, barely able to stand before collapsing, the Terastallization fading.
"Wisp… you did well…" Alessandra said, recalling Wisp… before they both heard a loud explosion coming from Hatterene "Huh?"
"What?!"
"HAATTAAAAAAAAA…" Hatterene cried as she shrunk back down to size and collapsed, KO'd.
"I… did it…?" Alessandra said as realization kicked in. "OH MY GOSH, I DID IT! WOOOO!"
Bede closed his eyes… before letting out a chuckle and recalling Hatterene.
End BGM
"Well… I guess that's that." Bede said.
Alessandra fell on her butt, sighing. "Man… watching Dynamax is one thing but experiencing it yourself…? That's another thing…"
Bede walked over to Alessandra, reaching his hand out to her. "Come on, up and at 'em." He said as she took his hand. "You've earned my respect, Aless."
"Sweet." Alessandra smiled, while nearby, Kokoro's Psychic Tera Solrock collapsed while Kotoko and her Clefable cheered, hugging each other.
"That was a hell of a fight, Bede. I wasn't sure if I was gonna get out of there alive or not."
"Indeed, it was." Bede nodded. "...Though, I'm curious about something."
"Hmm?"
"Why exactly do you call Gloria "Glori", Hop "Hoppy" and Victor "Vic-cy"?"
"Oh, those are just my affectionate nicknames I gave them when I was younger. I called them that so much that… just calling them by their actual names these days just sounds… wrong to me. Heck, I called Sonia "Soni" all the time."
"Aaaah, that makes sense. So… you got a nickname for me then?"
"Hmm…" Alessandra rubbed her chin as Bede smiled, confidently putting his fingers on his chin with a friendly smirk.
"Go on, name me something that will strike confidence in me."
"Ah, I got it! Twink."
"WHAT?!" Bede yelled in shock.
Pride and Ego SHATTERED!
"WHAT THE HECK, WHY?!" Bede yelled in dismay while Gloria, Hop and Marnie burst out laughing, causing Bede to glare at them. "IT'S NOT FUNNY! STOP LAUGHING, YOU IDIOTS!"
Kotoko snickered in amusement. "Whatever you say… Twink~"
"Mmmph…" Bede sulked. "I hate you all…"
"Oh, I'm sure you'll get used to it." Alessandra said innocently.
BGM: East Province
"There there…" Zinnia said, trying her best not to laugh at Bede while rubbing his back while Sonia, Victory and Neo tried hard not to laugh.
"Uuuuugh… can we just go to Levincia already…" Bede groaned.
With a nod, they walked off, all the while Geeta looked on with a smile of approval on her face.
"She just might make Champion rank yet…" She said, putting her binoculars away and went back to her leisurely stroll.
"Hmm?" Cian turned to a tower overlooking the beach on top of a cliff. "Hey Zinnia, can you get me up there real quick?"
"Sure!" Zinnia nodded, calling out her Salamence as they flew off together until they got to the top of the tower where they spotted another treasure chest. Immediately, El Dorado came out of his Pokeball.
"Gimmi!" El Dorado cried as the treasure chest hopped over to the other as El Dorado opened up the treasure chest.
"Ghoul…?" Another Gimmighoul wondered as both Gimmighoul communicated with each other before the second Gimmighoul nodded and handed over his coins to El Dorado.
"How many is this now?" Zinnia wondered. "I recall it being seven hundred and seventy seven."
"Let's see…" Cian looked into his Pokedex. "Holy crap… this Gimmighoul has two hundred coins in his chest!"
"So that makes nine hundred and seventy seven then. Nice!"
"How the heck did I get this lucky?" Cian wondered as he recalled El Dorado as they made their way back down to the others where they were already chilling at the beach.
"Aaaah… nothing like hanging by the coast to chill for a bit." Alessandra said as everyone spread out to enjoy themselves.
"Fini Fiiniiii!"
"Hmm?" Alessandra looked up to see a Finizen swimming around. "Ooooh, I remember seeing that on Iono's stream." She said, scanning it with the Pokedex.
"Finizen, the Dolphin Pokemon. It likes playing with others of its kind using the water ring on its tail. It uses ultrasonic waves to sense the emotions of other living creatures. Its water ring is made from seawater mixed with a sticky fluid that Finizen secretes from its blowhole."
"Interesting." Alessandra mused as she looked at the Finizen performing tricks. "Definitely cuter in person though~!"
Cian walked over and saw the Finizen, recalling how Finizen unexpectedly evolved in Iono's stream. "I want to see this for myself." He said, calling out Houdini.
"Mrow!" His Floragato cried.
"Let's see if we can't weaken it!"
"Wait!" Zinnia spoke up as she handed him a Dive Ball. "Throw this at him first."
"Shouldn't I…?"
"Just humor me for a sec."
"Okay." Cian nodded as he threw a Dive Ball directly at Finizen, bonking it on the head.
"Fini?" Finizen wondered before it was pulled into the Dive Ball, gently splashing into the water.
One shake.
Two shakes.
Three shakes.
"Ooooh!" Zinnia grinned… before Finizen broke free. "Well, worth a shot!" She shrugged, handing him another Dive Ball.
"Is it possible to catch a Pokemon at full health?"
"If you have a Quick Ball, yes. Dive Balls do wonders with Water Pokemon, especially if they're in the water, sooo I thought "Why not? Give it a try before walloping the lil' guy."
"Oooh, okay." Cian nodded. "Alright, Houdini, let's weaken him!"
"Mrooow!"
Meanwhile…
"Oh man, I'm feeling pumped up!" Raihan said as he wandered around Levincia with Iono.
"I know, this collab we cooked up is gonna be ah-maaay-ziiiiing~!" Iono giggled as she looked out toward the beach. "Now, I wonder if there's a challenger out there who-"
She paused, looking out toward the beach to see Alessandra relaxing at the beach. "Oho? The fashionista is right at my doorstep?" She wondered, also seeing Cian weakening Finizen with Houdini as he threw another Dive Ball right at him, this time catching it after three shakes.
"That poor boy's not gonna know how that Finizen's gonna evolve…" She said as she then saw Kotoko, throwing some punches in the air. "Hmm?"
"Something catch your attention?"
"I know her… she's that rising social media star on Yosei Days!"
End BGM
Meanwhile, at Bowser's Castle…
"Hmhmhm…" Kamek hummed as he was in his study… when his staff started to light up. "Hmm? Someone's calling me?" He wondered as he answered it. "Hello?"
"Hey Kamek, it's me."
"Ah, Lady Bowsette. What can I do for you?"
"I was wondering if you could do me a favor."
"What is it?"
"So, there's these Galarian twins named Alessandra and Cian, they're childhood friends with Gloria."
Kamek immediately looked nervous. "So uh… they wouldn't happen to be crazily Scottish, would they?"
"Nope."
Kamek relaxed. "Okay. So what's the story?"
"They both lost their little pup named Balto. It's a Growlithe. They lost it when they were little and they still miss him all these years later. Cian's dwelling in the past and Alessandra… well, she's futuristic, but I can tell she misses him more than she lets on."
"So you want me to find their Growlithe? Last I checked, there's a lot of 'em in Galar… how am I supposed to find out?"
"I'm… sure there's an accessory. I forgot to ask if their Growlithe has anything that stands out."
"Alright, I will see what I can do in Galar."
"Thanks!"
Kamek nodded, putting his wand away. "Alright… let's go look for a pup." He said, writing down a note on his desk before using his magic to teleport away.
The idea was that Alessandra was always going to fight Bede after Brassius. Arven just had to make 'em do a detour first.
Ibuki: Makes sense!
Deadpool: Pffft, poor Bede though...