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

Pokémon: Pokédex no Isekai

Chapter Twenty-seven: Down by the river

The Big Beauty was parked in an open lot at Professor Sycamore's Lab in Lumiose City, Kalos, although the reborn trainers were at another Pokémon Lab clear on the other side of the largest city in the Kalos region. At that lab, which was owned and managed by a Professor Yvonne, Dawn along with Kenny, Trip, and Mina met up with their friend Serena who, here in the Team Heart timeline, had managed to become the Champion of Kalos.

Not only that, but Serena is widely regarded as the second strongest region Champion in the world, at least unofficially. The reborn trainers saw why when they visited her to do touch trades to further their (currently hidden) true goal of completing the Pokédex. From Serena, the reborn trainers did touch trades to get the male Forces of Nature and the Swords of Justice registered as caught, thus completing the Unovan Pokédex.

But they also saw that Serena had the Galarian forms of the Kanto legendary birds, a Single Strike Urshifu, the four Treasures of Ruin, and the Loyal Three. What also surprised the reborn trainers was that Serena also had the four Island Deities of Alola, as well as a Pheromosa which is an Ultra Beast. It is little wonder why Serena here in the Team Heart timeline was regarded as being one of the strongest trainers around.

Dawn also saw why it was said that the people of Alola are very unamused with Serena; she had captured Tapu-Koko, Tapu-Bulu, Tapu-Fini, and Tapu-Lele. It was also obvious that Serena had by no means any intention of releasing them. The four Pokémon who are all sacred to the Alolan people, their history and traditions. Serena had them and was clearly intending on keeping them. No wonder Alola wasn't happy with Serena.

Regardless, the reborn trainers did touch trades to get all of the necessary unique Pokémon Serena has registered as caught. After everyone got back all of their original Pokémon, Dawn said to Serena, "Thanks again for the assist, Serena. This is going to go a long way to the field research that my crew and I are trying to do."

"It's no problem, Dawn," Serena replied. Dawn took a look at Serena; she was dressed as she was from the Kalos anime back in Dawn's previous life, following Serena's important haircut. Dawn also noted the ribbon that Serena wore; it was the same ribbon that Ash had given her. The Champion of Kanto truly means the world to the Champion of Kalos, there is no denying that. Serena's love for Ash is the main reason she agreed to help the reborn trainers with touch trades; Ash had personally asked Serena to help them with their field research.

"So Serena," Kenny began, "How does it feel to be the Champion of one of the free lands? After all, it is a rather unique distinction you share only with Dawn, Ash, and that Elio guy in Alola."

Serena had a mildly annoyed look on her face. "I'm... not exactly fond of Elio. I really don't like how he had beaten Ash in the finals of the first Manalo Conference."

Pointing to Dawn, Mina said, "Dawn apparently beat Ash in the finals of the Masters Eight of the most recent World Coronation Series, but you don't mind her."

"Well Ash asked me to help," Serena replied.

Folding his arms over his chest, Trip said, "We've been busy as of late, so our memories are a little on the spotty side. Refresh us on this, but didn't you fight an exhibition match with Elio after he had been crowned Alola's first League Champion?"

"Yes but it was interrupted by a siege launched on Manalo Island by Team Heart," Serena replied, "The battle ended up having to be postponed, then it was canceled entirely. Although I assure you guys, I would have won against Elio."

"I wouldn't be so sure, Serena," a female voice spoke up, making Serena and the reborn trainers turn and see a female professor come walking up. She was fair skinned, had black hair with face framing bangs and a single long braided ponytail, and dressed in a manner similar to Sycamore, but her top was pink, her pants were black and more baggy while held up with a belt, and her sleeves on the lab coat weren't rolled up at all.

"Oh, Professor Yvonne," Serena said to the lady who showed up, identifying her as Professor Yvonne to the reborn trainers.

Giving Serena a wry look, Yvonne said, "When the battle was interrupted, you and Elio were down three Pokémon each. He had proven that he was fully capable of keeping up with a Champion such as yourself, despite having been freshly minted as a Champion himself."

Serena gave Yvonne an even look. "I went into my exhibition match against Elio with an entire party of legendary Pokémon. I assure you, I would have won."

"Hol' up," Kenny said, "You were pulling a Tobias on Elio, who presumably can't match that with what he has? Serena, what the heck?!"

Serena was about to speak up, but Yvonne interrupted by saying, "Serena was just really upset that Elio had defeated that Ash boy for the title of Champion of Alola, so she had figured that crushing Elio with an all legendary team would humiliate him just after he got a high point in life. But like I had pointed out, Serena's plan may not have worked due to Elio proving he could keep up with an all legendary team. Even if the battle did play out fully and Serena won it, it wouldn't have been the embarrassing crushing that she was wanting to deal."

"Serena, seriously," Mina began, disapproval clear in her tone and expression, "I know that you got the hots for Ash, but that doesn't excuse deliberately attempting to humiliate Elio just after he was made Champion because you thought Ash should have gotten it instead!"

Serena at least had the decency to look guilty. "I know. Ash confronted me about it after Lana told him about it due to figuring out what I was up to. Ash was rather upset with me, it was really embarrassing for me how I had let my feelings for him cloud my judgement. Lana was also very much unamused because she's dating Elio and didn't like what she figured out what I was aiming to do to her boyfriend."

The reborn trainers all looked surprised. "Elio is dating Lana?" Mina asked.

"Oh yeah Mina, you largely aren't aware of it," Serena said, "But yeah, Elio is dating Lana. I also learned from Ash after he recently called over to Alola that Sophocles is dating that Selene girl after Misty's older sisters schemed to break the two of them up. As far as I'm aware, Sophocles isn't aware of the scheme yet." The reborn trainers were reminded of the work that they had to do when they got over to Alo-

*ring* *ring*

Serena was cut off when a video phone nearby rang. Yvonne ran over to answer the phone, and then called Serena over as it was Ash who was calling. A few moments later after the call ended, Serena walked back up to the reborn trainers. "Well it's good we did all the field research stuff you needed my help with," Serena began, "Because I'm heading straight to Kanto effective immediately. Ash just called and said that he needs my help as Kanto's local Sector of Team Heart is acting up!"

"The Kanto Sector is acting up?" Dawn asked. She vaguely remembered the Kanto Sector, how Admin Hanae was behind a lot including a scheme to help Ash and Brock make up with Misty, an act that surprised Dawn had come from a Team Heart Admin. There's also how Jessie, formerly of the now long defunct Team Rocket, was a Captain ranked member of the Kanto Sector of Team Heart, although she often got into trouble.

Serena wasted no time in taking off for Kanto, and she said that from what she got from Ash, she expected to be gone out of Kalos for quite some time. At least the reborn trainers were able to do all of the necessary touch trades to get certain Pokémon registered as caught. With nothing else left to do, Dawn led the others back to Sycamore's Lab, figuring that they ought to meet up with the rest of the crew of The Big Beauty.

When Dawn and the others arrived at Sycamore's Lab, they saw that a number of persons were all gathered outside, more than enough to suggest a big festival of some kind. Dawn and Trip had to call out Lincoln and Lisa, the named Latios and Latias, and use them to fly overhead to get in, both dragons using Psychic to levitate Kenny and Mina to carry them over the crowds as well. They landed in a clear space outside of The Big Beauty.

The reborn trainers saw that Leona was managing tours of The Big Beauty, even selling tickets, and had Mitch and Freesia, the latter still disguised as 'Tohru Kobiyashi', helping with managing the crowds. "Leona, what in blazes is going on?" Dawn asked.

"We're running guided tours of The Big Beauty," Leona said, "Earning some extra income. You approved of the idea before, we even did it in regions we've previously been to."

Sighing, Dawn said, "Yes, while I was present to supervise everything." Guided tours of her flying ship was something Dawn did do to earn extra income while in other regions, but she was always present when tours happened.

"Relax, I made sure the usual places like personal quarters were labled off limits," Leona replied, "And the groups are kept small and one at a time."

Dawn let out another sigh and was about to speak up, but stopped short upon hearing live music being played. Looking around, Dawn spotted the source of the music; it was a fair skinned girl who looked to be about as old as Rhyanna, sitting on a thick and sturdy stool as she played a lute and had a Kricketune and a Chatot making music and singing to back her up.

Fair skinned as previously mentioned, the girl also had long and wavy purple hair that cascaded down over her shoulders a bit. She was also dressed in an outfit that to Dawn's surprise looked to be a spot on replica of the female minstrel outfit from Dragon Quest 9. The bard girl was also looking to be about half a head shorter than Rhyanna, but was undeniably very fat; with a casual glance, Dawn was able to accurately guess that the blubbery bard weighed between one-hundred and ninety kilograms to one-hundred and ninety-five kilograms.

Despite the fat girl's clearly good music, a good number of people in the crowd in front of The Big Beauty weren't exactly amused by her presence. Dawn was able to notice the displeasure of the crowd, and stood in front of them. "Hey yo, Sinnoh Champion Dawn Berlitz here!" Dawn called out to the crowd, "I can't help but notice that a lot of you aren't exactly fond of the live music performer who is playing over there."

The fat bard girl stopped in the middle of her music, as did her Kricketune and Chatot, when she heard Dawn mention her specifically. "Is there anything wrong with what she's doing?" Dawn had asked the crowd, "Because she's violating no laws that I am aware of, there's people playing music live in Lumiose City public all the time same as her, and I have to admit that I actually rather like the music she's playing."

"She's a complete and total fatty!" one vain sounding woman called out from the crowd, "Fatties have no place here in Kalos!"

"Yeah! I bet she's a spy working for Team Heart!" one man called out, "Those villains are the only people insane enough to think having fatties around is actually okay!"

"Woah woah woah!" Mina said, "What's with the personal attacks on that bard girl? So she's plus sized, big whoop! That's no excuse to hurl insults at her, or accuse her of being a member of Team Heart! The hell is wrong with you people?!"

"Hey, don't shame us!" said a second vain woman, "We're the ones in the right here! All fat people are evil villains because fat is ugly!"

Dawn was worried things were gonna come to blows, but at that moment Professor Sycamore came out. "Hey everyone!" Sycamore called out, "There are WAY too many people on my property! I'm going to have to ask that you all disperse!"

"But most of us didn't get to tour the flying ship yet!" the first vain woman called out.

"We're going to have to put an end to the tours today because Professor Sycamore is available now for my crew and I to talk to!" Dawn called out, "Keep an eye out for future tours in other areas here in the Kalos region!" The crowd of people, obviously displeased, still dispersed as asked, and the tour group that was on board was told that the tour had to end early.

"No refunds," Leona said as the tour group that was on board of The Big Beauty left.

After all of the people were gone, Dawn was about to turn to face Sycamore but stopped short upon seeing the fat bard girl, a sad and resigned look on her face, get up and get ready to leave. Dawn was about to ask her if she was okay, but stopped short when Mina had beaten her to the punch. "Hey yo, you okay?" Mina asked, getting the fat bard girl's attention.

Gently shaking her head, the fat bard girl replied, "I wish I was, but... no, that would be a lie." Gesturing to herself, the fat bard girl said, "My name is Alexis. I'm a traveling musician, aiming to bring harmony to people and Pokémon alike though my music. I've taken a more classical approach to my goal, my instrument of choice is a lute and I dress as a medieval minstrel girl. I was hoping that my endeavors would be appreciated here in my homeland of Kalos. But..."

"...But the Kalosian people at large are not having any of you," Mina said.

The now identified Alexis nodded once in confirmation. "It shouldn't be TOO much of a surprise. After all, Kalos IS regarded as the most fatphobic region in the world."

Gesturing to Alexis, Mina asked, "Where are you going now?"

"Wherever the road will take me," Alexis replied, a hint of sadness in her tone.

Shrugging, Mina said, "If you got nowhere to stay, why don't you join the crew of The Big Beauty? We could use a musician to entertain us with music."

As Alexis lit up with hope, Trip said, "Uhh, Mina? Shouldn't you have at least cleared it with Dawn before you invited Alexis here to join the crew? I'm not against Alexis joining, but Dawn IS captain of The Big Beauty, so she ought to get final say in who is and isn't a crew member."

Looking to Dawn, Mina said, "Yo Dawn, let Alexis join the crew."

"She may not be an animated skeleton with a black afro and a cane sword," Kenny began, "But she IS a musician, and her music DOES sound good."

Looking to Alexis, Dawn considered her for a moment. "...Can she help me find a copy of her outfit in my size?" Dawn asked, "Because I really love what she's wearing and want my own copy of it."

"Eeeeeeeee!" Alexis squealed excitedly, "Thanks a bunch! You won't regret it!"

"Just bare in mind that we're traveling from region to region to do field research on the various species of Pokémon in the regions," Dawn said, "And that we occasionally fight members of Team Heart in regions where they don't rule. Can you battle?"

"I have a Kricketune, a Chatot, and a Wigglytuff," Alexis said, "I should be able to last at least a bit against at least the rank and file level members."

Nodding once, Dawn replied, "Good enough. Welcome aboard The Big Beauty, Alexis." Turning to look at Sycamore, Dawn said, "Sorry about the delay, Professor Sycamore."

"It's no worries at all, Dawn," Sycamore said, "And as it just so happens, you and your crew showing such kindness to a larger girl while others were being mean to her reminds me of my time back when I was still a student studying to become a Pokémon Professor. I'm actually hosting a class reunion in my lab right now. If you and your crew would like, you can join us." Dawn nodded in agreement and proceeded to make her way into the lab with the other reborn trainers and Alexis.

Inside of the main large area of Sycamore's Lab, a party was set up and the reborn trainers and Alexis saw a number of persons clearly dressed as Professors. When Sycamore walked in with the reborn trainers and Alexis, a cocoa skinned man with dark hair in cornrows approached Sycamore. "Hey Sycamore, who are the guests?" asked the cocoa skinned man.

"Dawn Berlitz and some of her companions," Sycamore began, "They are here in Kalos to do field research on the various species of Pokémon living here."

"No way," said the cocoa skinned man, then added after getting a look at Dawn, "It really IS Dawn Berlitz! Ah ha ha! I can't believe I'm getting to meet the Champion of Sinnoh and Monarch of the World Coronation Series!" Offering a handshake to Dawn, the cocoa skinned man said, "A pleasure to meet you. I'm Professor William, but my friends call me Will for short."

Dawn accepted the handshake. "A pleasure to be sure," Dawn said, "Anywho, the fellow with the straw blonde hair is my adopted brother Trip, the goofy boy is Kenny, the girl next to Kenny is his girlfriend Mina, and the somewhat older girl in the amazing female bard outfit is Alexis, who literally had just joined my crew a few moments ago."

Another male professor approached the group; he was fair skinned, had fairly long brownish hair combed back, and some neat and handsome facial hair going. "Oh come on now Will, don't hog all the time with our guests," said the fair skinned professor, "They ought to mingle with the rest of us."

Turning to look at the fair skinned professor, Dawn said, "And who might you be?"

Gesturing to himself, the fair skinned professor said, "I am Gabe of Anistar. I hold the distinction of graduating at the top of the class amongst me and my peers, although to be fair Sycamore has gotten more fame here in Kalos in recent events."

"Well fame isn't everything," Sycamore said, "And where are the ladies amongst our number?"

Jerking a thumb over his shoulder, Will said, "Karly found where you were stashing the adult drinks and is trying to goad Lor'aye into a drinking contest with her. Meanwhile Minerva is hopelessly trying to persuade Karly to wait on getting smashed."

A look of alarm appeared on Sycamore's face. "She better not touch the vintage red!" Sycamore said as he ran into the party area, prompting the others to follow him.

...

A tall and strong looking woman, her slightly reddish skin denoting some manner of native heritage, was chugging a modern looking dark green glass bottle of wine as a cocoa skinned woman and a fair skinned woman looked on. Only the cocoa skinned woman was dressed like a professor; the other two women looked to be more like hired private security.

The male professors plus the reborn trainers and Alexis came up to the seen. "Did Karly touch the bottle of vintage red?" Sycamore asked, clearly worried.

Pulling out a much older looking glass bottle of wine, the cocoa skinned woman replied, "I had assumed that this one was important due to the age of the bottle compared to the others you had, so I kept it from Karly."

"Oh come on Minerva, lighten up," said the tall and strong looking woman, before she let out a rather un-lady like belch.

Receiving the bottle from the now identified Minerva, Sycamore said, "Thank you for saving this, Minerva, I'm saving it for the special toast later." Looking to the tall and strong looking woman, Sycamore went on, "And you, Karly! Why is it that whenever there's alcohol around, you drink up as much of it as you can?"

"Among Orreians," said the fair skinned woman with Minerva and the now identified Karly, "Such consumption of alcohol would be extremely worrying."

Gesturing to the ladies, Dawn asked, "Former classmates of yours, Professor Sycamore?"

"Oh yes," Sycamore replied, "The one with slightly reddish skin is Karly, the fair skinned woman is Lor'aye, and the cocoa skinned woman is Minerva. Although to be fair, both Karly and Lor'aye had flunked out of school and got jobs as hired private security."

"So Minerva is the only girl in your class to have graduated," Trip said.

Sycamore, a troubled look on his face, gently shook his head in the negative. "...No, there were two girls in my class who were able to graduate. Minerva is one of them, the other is Serena."

"You mean Ash's girlfriend?" Kenny asked.

"Sycamore ain't talking about Kalos Champion Serena," Karly said, "He's talking about an old classmate of ours who was also named Serena." Karly looked a bit somber. "Our classmate Serena, she... she ain't here anymore."

The reborn trainers and Alexis could all tell what the issue was. "How did it happen?" Dawn asked.

"The petty, fatphobic bullying of the Kalosian people at large had driven our classmate Serena into ending things on her terms," Minerva said, very clearly unamused. Gesturing to Alexis, Minerva went on, "Last time that I saw our classmate Serena, she was about as tall and well fed as your minstrel friend here." Alexis had a look of surprised shock on her face.

"Not that Serena's size was any bother to us," Karly remarked, "Hell, as a matter of fact Sycamore, Will, and Gabe all had the hots for her." Shrugging, Karly said, "I had the hots for her as well, I go both ways. I'm pretty sure Minerva liked her that way too. Pretty much only Lor'aye out of our class didn't have the hots for Serena."

"I only, as you say, 'have the hots' for duty," Lor'aye remarked, "A good Orreian puts necessary duty above personal pleasures such as romance."

"Orreian?" Kenny said questioningly, clearly confused.

"Lor'aye was born and raised in the Orre region," Gabe explained, "Orre was, sadly, one of the first lands to fall to the banner of Team Heart."

"And I shall return to my homeland to liberate it from the tyrannical rule of Team Heart," Lor'aye said, "Riding on the back of a magnificent dragon Pokémon, and with a sword in hand!"

"Is living under Team Heart rule really as bad as many say it is?"

Everyone stopped short upon hearing a female voice speak up, and all turned to look at Minerva who had been the one to speak up. "Minerva," Gabe began in a warning tone, "You are suggesting quite the dangerous line of thinking."

"And how is it dangerous?" Minerva asked, "Discriminatory acts are swiftly punished in the Team Heart Empire. The regime treats its citizens as well as the free lands treat theirs."

"They throw people who act up into labor camps," Karly snarled as she made a wild gesture with her right arm, "Sometimes they straight up kill people!"

"People in the free lands who break laws there are arrested," Minerva pointed out, "And if they are bad enough they are sentenced to death."

"They're villains who storm innocent lands and take them over!" Lor'aye exclaimed.

"There had been reports that quality of life actually went up in some of the regions taken over by Team Heart," Minerva countered, "Always showing to at minimum be more caring to a conquered region's people than the region's previous government, and are usually a straight up improvement."

"Their methods... leave a lot to be desired," Will said.

"The governments of the free lands leave a lot to be desired," Minerva replied, "The governments of lands taken over by Team Heart before the take overs left a lot to be desi-"

*grab*

"Are you suggesting that the Orreian government wasn't perfect?!" Lor'aye snarled as she grabbed Minerva by the front of her shirt collar and hoisted her up with both hands.

"Lor'aye!" Sycamore called out, "There's no need to get violent!"

Looking down into Lor'aye's eyes as she was held up in the air by the Orreian, Minerva said, "Figures you wouldn't understand. You're the only one who never loved her."

Lor'aye looked confused before Gabe said, "Lor'aye, set her down." It took a few seconds for Gabe's words to reach her, but eventually Lor'aye complied and set Minerva back down on her feet. "With all due respect Minerva," Gabe said, "You crossed a rather serious line by suggesting that life under the Team Heart Empire might be a good idea. I'm going to have to ask that you leave the party."

"Hol' up," Kenny spoke up, "You're kicking Minerva out of the party solely because she stated a personal opinion that, admittedly, might be a bit on the controversial side?"

"And she also defended said opinion fairly well," Mina went on, "Pointing out how things in the free lands have similarities to things in the Empire?"

"Also you aren't the one hosting this party," Sycamore pointed out, "I am, so you have no real say in who gets to stay and who has to leave."

"I was just about to leave anyway," Minerva said, "It's clear to me none of you really care about how the free lands, despite claiming to be the good guys, can be just as bad as what they claim the Team Heart Empire to be, if not being worse." Minerva then turned around and left Sycamore's Lab, not speaking another word to anyone.

After Minerva was gone, Sycamore said, "Well great, the mood's down."

"Minerva started it by suggesting that the Orreian government before Team Heart took over Orre was flawed," Lor'aye snarled.

"Uhh, she started it before that, Lor'aye," Karly remarked, "She started it by suggesting that literal villains are no different from the good guys."

"You see," Dawn whispered to Mina, "This is why I hate discussing politics."

The party continued, but it was clear that the mood had dropped for the professors. Sycamore tried to rally things by getting the reborn trainers to talk about their planned field research in Kalos. "We're also aiming to look into some Kalosian lore in regards to certain Pokémon," Trip said.

"Well if it's lore related to Pokémon that you're wanting in Kalos," Will began, "Then that Professor Yvonne woman is your best bet. She's tops in researching Pokémon of lore, thanks in no small part to being the Professor who helps to handle Champion Serena's Pokémon."

"Yeah, we already got what we needed from Serena before she left for Kanto," Dawn said.

Looking curious, Gabe said, "Champion Serena went to Kanto? Why?"

"Heh, she probably wants to mack on Kanto Champion Ash," Karly said, "But she's a girl I'm love, so who can bla-"

*THOOM*

Karly was cut off by a loud explosion going on outside, making everyone flinch. As everyone recovered, Dawn saw Alain run into the party area. "Professor Sycamore! Big trouble!" Alain called out, "Team Heart is launching a siege on Lumiose City!"

"Proper construction efforts to rebuild Lumiose Tower after the last time Team Heart came to town haven't even begun," Sycamore snarled, "How are we gonna-"

"Let my crew and I help," Dawn began, cutting Sycamore off, "We've fought Team Heart before."

Sycamore looked unsure, but ultimately relented. "...Just be careful," Sycamore said as everyone proceeded to rush out to do what they could to help.

Smirking in amusement, Karly as she ran said, "This had better be violent, sexy, or both."

...

When everyone was outside of Sycamore's Lab, they saw that there were Team Heart grunts all over the place. "Team Heart never attacks in such force," Gabe said, "What could be emboldening them so much right now?"

"The fact that by this point Champion Serena is halfway to Kanto?" Lor'aye said, snarling a bit in clear unamusement.

"In her defense, Champion Serena had no way of knowing that Team Heart would be acting up," Will said, "I don't think that any of us could have anticipated this."

Dawn didn't say anything, although she was wondering how news of Serena's leaving of Kalos for a bit got out quickly enough for Team Heart to swoop in and attempt a stunt like this. The scope of the attack, the sheer number of grunts... Dawn suspected that things here might have been planned for ahead of time. But by who? And why? And what are the exact details?

That would have to wait as the heroes rushed in to help fight off the attack being launched on Lumiose City by Team Heart. During the fighting, Dawn who partnered up with Alexis came across a uniquely dressed Team Heart member. It was a guy, fair skinned and with scruffy chin length blonde hair. He wore a pink long sleeved doctor's coat over a black shirt, black pants, pink men's sandals, and he had a black Team Heart 'H' on the coat over the left pectoral.

With the uniquely dressed Team Heart member was a female Team Heart grunt; fair skinned, long wavy light pale orange hair, and she wore the standard female Team Heart grunt outfit. "Oh? What's this we have here?" said the uniquely dressed Team Heart member, "Ladies who want to try to stand up to Team Heart?"

"Who are you guys and what are you doing?" Dawn demanded.

"I am Janusz," replied the uniquely dressed Team Heart member, "Fourth Captain of the Kalos Sector of Team Heart. The lady with me is Emilia, my Captain's Assistant. Team Heart is beginning efforts to take over the Kalos region, starting with its structurally weakened capital of Lumiose City."

"If you would be heroes intend to get in our way, we won't hesitate to fight you," said the now identified Emilia.

Turning to look at Alexis, Dawn asked, "Ready to earn your keep in the crew, Alexis?"

Nodding once, Alexis replied, "Totally!" Tossing up a Pokéball, Alexis called out, "Go, Wigglytuff!"

"Alright, Leni!" Dawn said as she sent out her named Lucario, "Let's get goin'!"

"Go, Clawitzer!" Janusz said as he sent out a Clawitzer.

"Go, Skuntank!" Emilia said as she sent out a Skuntank.

Immediately after all Pokémon were out for battle, Dawn Mega Evolved Leni into Mega Lucario. Gesturing forward, Dawn said, "Leni, use Aura Sphere on Skuntank!"

"Wigglytuff, use Thunderbolt on Clawitzer!" Alexis ordered.

"Clawitzer, use Water Pulse on Lucario!" Janusz commanded.

"Skuntank, use Poison Jab on Wigglytuff!" Emilia called out.

Leni was by far the fastest of the Pokémon currently out to attack; even with Skuntank's poison typing helping to reduce the sting its dark typing took from fighting, Skuntank was still taken out by Leni's Aura Sphere, boosted by Mega Evolution among other things. And Wigglytuff's Thunderbolt had managed to knock out Clawitzer with a well aimed critical.

Janusz and Emilia were forced to call back their fainted Pokémon and send out more, with Janusz sending out a Kingler and Emilia sending out a Garbodor. "Kingler, use Crabhammer on Lucario!" Janusz ordered.

"Garbodor, use Sludge Bomb on Wigglytuff!" Emilia commanded.

"Leni, use Psychic on Garbodor!" Dawn called out.

"Wigglytuff, use Thunderbolt on Kingler!" Alexis said.

Leni's Psychic was strong enough to blast Garbodor right into being knocked out, taking it down well before it could have stricken Wigglytuff. Speaking of, Wigglytuff scored another lucky critical hit, this time knocking out Kingler. For a second time in the battle, Janusz and Emilia were forced to call back their fainted Pokémon.

They then sent out a third Pokémon each, with Janusz sending out a Crustle and Emilia sending out a Muk. "Crustle, use X-Scissor on Lucario!" Janusz ordered.

"Muk, use Sludge Bomb on Wigglytuff!" Emilia commanded.

"Leni, use Psychic on Muk!" Dawn called out.

"Wigglytuff, use Flamethrower on Crustle!" Alexis said.

Leni was able to blast Muk with Psychic and knock it out in one hit before it could even attempt to strike Wigglytuff. As for Wigglytuff, its Flamethrower struck Crustle but not quite enough to knock out the dual bug rock type. However, Crustle WAS burned, which would curb its physical damage output thus nerfing X-Scissor. Not that it mattered as Leni easily dodged the clumsy strike.

On the next round of combat, Crustle after it was pained by its burn was taken out by a Flash Cannon from Leni, thus winning the battle for Dawn and Alexis. As Janusz and Emilia recalled their fainted Pokémon, a number of Team Heart grunts came up. "There's more resistance here in Lumiose City than we had anticipated, Captain Janusz!" said a male grunt, "We aren't going to begin Team Heart's conquest of Kalos with taking Lumiose City!"

"You lads need to cover me and Emilia so that we can escape," Janusz said, "Admin Tress needs to hear about this!" Dawn and Alexis tried to act to keep Janusz and Emilia from fleeing, but the number of Team Heart grunts surrounding them ensured that the Officer and his Assistant were both able to make a clean getaway.

...

Eventually, the attack on Lumiose City ended, with the defending side successfully repelling Team Heart and their efforts. A total of twelve Team Heart grunts were captured, but the only names of note were able to escape. Also, given the sheer number of Team Heart members who had taken part in the attack on Lumiose City, getting only twelve members of the rank and file wasn't all that much of a consolation prize.

Still, the day was saved and the good guys won. Dawn and the reborn trainers were even able to get a more detailed story of things from a female Team Heart grunt; apparently Team Heart was going to try go begin acting in earnest to take over the Kalos region and add it to the list of territories that are under the banner of the Team Heart Empire.

They had even carried out a scheme to not only get Champion Serena out of Kalos, but keep her out until at the very least they had taken enough of the region to make taking it back unrealistic. Serena was torn because although Kalos was her homeland and she's the Champion for it, she also wants to help Ash because Team Heart over in Kanto is currently REALLY acting up, to the point it's a very big ordeal for all of the usual defenders of Kanto.

Over video phone, Dawn assured Serena that she and the rest of the crew of The Big Beauty would keep things in Kalos in check until she gets back. Assured, Serena was free to continue helping Ash deal with the unusually high activity from Kanto's native Sector of Team Heart. After the video call ended, Dawn met up with her crew as a whole to discuss what's going on.

"Okay!" Dawn said as they met in a main area in The Big Beauty, "It looks like Team Heart here in Kalos is actively trying to take over the region and add it as a part of the Team Heart Empire. They even carried out a scheme to lure Serena out of Kalos and keep her lured out long enough to at least be effectively successful in taking Kalos over."

"It doesn't surprise me that Team Heart wants Kalos," Sho said, looking unamused, "Those jerks want the entire world."

"So what do we do?" Rhyanna asked.

Dawn was about to speak up, but Mitch stepped forward. "If Mitch may have the floor for talking," Mitch began, "There is option to help gather allies to rally against Team Heart."

Gesturing to Mitch, Dawn said, "Go on."

"Mitch believes that Kalosian Pokémon Ranger Corp may be a good bet to find allies against Team Heart," Mitch began to explain, "They are stalwart heroes all. Mitch was member of Kalosian Pokémon Ranger Corp until... Mitch had to leave Kalos at urging of Kalosian nobles." It was clear that Mitch's past, though still painful for him, held hints that could help the heroes of Kalos defend against Team Heart trying to take over the region, thus he decided to speak up.

"Where do we go?" Trip asked.

"Camphrier Town, it is where Kalosian Pokémon Ranger Corp headquarters is located," Mitch replied, "Mitch suggests going there as soon as possible."

Nodding once in agreement, Dawn said, "Very well, once everything is settled here in Lumiose City for us, let's go to Camphrier Town." A game plan was set in motion, and Dawn had a feeling that she and the others would be learning more about Mitch's past. Hopefully old wounds won't be reopened for Mitch as he helps with rallying allies against Team Heart.

END, CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

Author's notes;

This chapter sees the crew of The Big Beauty arrive in Kalos and immediately the reborn trainers get all necessary touch trades with Serena out of the way. They also see that Serena caught the Island Guardian Deities of Alola, something that will crop up when the Alola arc rolls around. Anyway, Serena after helping Dawn and friends immediately leaves Kalos for Kanto as Ash called her for a bit of help, and no way can Serena say no to Ash.

But it turned out to be a scheme on part of the Kalos Sector of Team Heart, who want Serena out of the way to make things easier for them as they begin in earnest to take over the Kalos region. Too bad for Team Heart that Dawn and her crew, plus Sycamore and some of his peers from their old class when they were students, are in Lumiose City and foil the attack, although Dawn does learn of the plans that Team Heart has for Kalos.

After things are settled, Dawn discusses with her crew what happened and begins to brainstorm some ideas to figure out how to stop Team Heart in Kalos at least until Serena gets back from her time in Kanto to help Ash. It is Mitch who suggests visiting Camphrier Town where the Kalosian Pokémon Ranger Corp headquarters is located to recruit the Rangers to help out. Things will see a continuation from here in the next chapter, but until then take care.

Dawn's Pokémon: (on hand) Chi-Chi (female Infernape), Tsukune (Palkia), Leni (female Lucario), Argent (male Arcanine; alpha; Hisuian), Lincoln (male Latios), Entreri (male Sneasler; alpha)

Kenny's Pokémon: (on hand) Black (Giratina), Shallot (male Glaceon), Cell (male Scizor; shiny), Roshi (male Torterra), Zarbon (male Machamp), Kermit (male Politoed)

Trip's Pokémon: (on hand) Deelia (Dialga), Lisa (female Latias), Mr. Popo (male Magmortar), Veda (female Abomasnow), Myde (male Empoleon), Villetta (Miraidon)

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