Four days had passed, and soon, July 24th came. After their time in the Crown Tundra and the Crown Palace, it was time for the heroes to continue their quest to solve the mysteries involving Laqua, Lucius, and the Six Heroes. Saying goodbye to Glacierfang and the rest of the IceWings while taking them for their hospitality, the heroes packed up and departed for one of Galar's Wild Areas aboard the Brave Olivine and the Dragon Craft. It was a beautiful day today as both aircraft cruised peacefully along the skies, a sign that a long-awaited reprieve from the excitement they had been having was coming for them.

Liko - Here in the Galar Region, thanks to Marena and some new information she indulged during our time in the Crown Tundra, we now have four of the Six Heroes of Lucius. This meant that the only ones we had to look for now were Lapras and Rayquaza. But, today, before we could begin our search for them, Sarah decided to take us to one of the Galar Region's Wild Areas for a little R&R

In the Dragon Craft, Liko and Roy were up bright and early along with their partners as they stood outside her bedroom, the latter knocking on her door as they decided to get in some training before they and everyone else disembark for the Wild Area ahead of them.

"Hey, Sarah! You up yet? Come on and practice battling with us!"

"Yeah! Come on, Sarah, we're ready!" they grinned.

"Not yet, I still need to finish my training here," Sarah informed them, making Fuecoco and Sprigatito frown sadly.

"Sarah's holed herself in her rooms for the past couple of days and it's been a while since anybody's seen her along with Dot"

During the last three days and after leaving the Crown Palace, Sarah had been hard at work upgrading her arrow quiver with discreet high-strength magnets that were strategically embedded along its backside so she could effortlessly attach it to the Sun Sword's sheath instead of on her back, interfering with her Dragon Heart Scepter's sash and holder.

With its new upgrades, the arrow quiver was now slightly larger, exuding a blend of utility and sophistication which made it sleeker and a more modern accessory through a combination of lightweight and durable materials. It was now adorned with a stylish metallic sheen and a cool silver hue with intricate etchings while featuring an adjustable strap for a custom fit depending on whoever was wearing it and using its arrows.

Now, able to house 300 arrows at once, its interior was intelligently compartmentalized, featuring specialized seconds for different arrow types while ensuring easy access and organization in the heat of action with each arrow slot lined with soft yet protective metal. This also helped to prevent wear and tear on the arrows and to reduce the noise they made whenever they were drawn. In addition, the quiver had a small touchscreen panel that allowed the little princess to monitor the status of her arrows, providing real-time data on their individual conditions, types, and how much she had left while syncing that data to the rest of her gear including her Pup Pad and Wrist Com for enhanced tactical coordination.

"There, perfect," Sarah sighed as she finished the quiver and attached it to her sword's sheath which was a perfect fit.

Speaking of the Cosmic Grace's sheath, it was a sturdy belt loop at its top, allowing her to attach it to her combat attire or belt depending on how she wanted to draw it. Some durable and polished leather bits were reinforced with subtle yet ornate metallic accents along the edges and intricate gold filigree motifs delicately edged on the sheath's surface, intertwining with the gemstones. To top it off, the gems were arranged in a pattern along the sheath's full length, the gems corresponding to each of the Legendary Pokemon embodied in the sword: Rayquaza, Zacian, Zamazenta, Giratina, Xerneas, Zygarde, and Cresselia.

This worried Liko as she confided her worries for Sarah to Mollie while she did a routing check-up.

"I get that she's focused on finding out where and when the Explorers will strike next, tracking Lapras and Rayquaza's current location and flight patterns, and her ranger training. But, still...I can't help but feel she'll get lonely doing it all alone," she informed.

"Why don't you say all of that to her instead of me?" Mollie replied as she examined Sprigatito while Chansey rocked Terapagos to sleep, telling the Grass Cat Pokémon, "Now, give me a big 'Ahh'."

"Ahh," Sprigatito repeated, opening her mouth as wide as she could and allowing the traveling doctor to check it with her flashlight.

Even so, Liko couldn't help but worry, "What if I push things too far for her and she gets upset or more stressed than she already is? And, not just that, I'm worried the same would happen to Dot since she's also gathering intel on Rayquaza and Lapras' locations. She might shut herself out again after all this time..."

"You're all done, everything looks good and healthy," smiled Mollie to Sprigatito who thanked her and jumped off her partner's lap before turning to Hatenna for her medical examination, "Okay, Hatenna, time for your check-up."

But, Hatenna gave a small whimper, prompting Mollie to tell Liko, "...Maybe, next time. However, while it's great that you're considering how your friends might react to your worries, sometimes, we get so caught up in the 'what ifs' and what might happen that we don't do anything. Sometimes, you just got to put it all out there."

"So, does that mean...?"

"Mm-hmm, it means we all just need a little push in the right direction every now and again."

That was when their Rotom Phones rang and Cap and Friede called from the Brave Olivine's bridge as the unconventional professor told them, "We're almost there if you're ready to go. We'll be docking in the Wild Area Sarah picked for us soon."

"Go on, Liko, get out of here. I'll hold down the fort with Old Man Ludlow and Diana," Mollie smiled as Liko nodded in reply.


(Opening)

Now, head forth! Pierce through the clouds~

(Our opening for Part 2 of Pokémon Horizons (i.e. The Gleam of Terapagos) begins with Liko, Sarah, and Race in a triangle formation (Liko up top, Race from the bottom right-hand corner from her left, and Sarah from the bottom left-hand corner on her right) as their pendant and Terapagos Three shone in darkness before the former turned into Liko's Terapagos)

(We swiftly pan across the oceans akin to the beginning of the opening of Attack on Titan S4 Pt. 2 (The Rumbling by SIM) before stopping amongst the horizon as the titles for Pokémon Horizons: The Gleam of Terapagos appeared amidst a sunset/sunrise)

When I remember the words I couldn't say
I dove down to hide myself
Swimming my way through in uncertainty
I cut through the clouds and head for the blue sky

(We see a young Liko walking with her parents through a marketplace before we see her as she is, her uncertainty lifted as she holds and looks at her pendant underneath a moonlit sky from the rooftop of her family's house along with Sarah as she enjoyed her life in Alola growing up before she is shown holding her family's Sun Sword in its powered-down form as the young woman she is and held it above her head underneath the Alolan sun in a split-screen sequence. Then, in a flurry of Leafage and cosmic energy, we see the pair with their three Terapagos, Sprigatito, Hatenna, Blitz, Curly, and Silvally enjoying the breeze together on the observation decks of the Brave Olivine and the Dragon Craft)

One day, I'll look back
At that fiery red sunset
And burn it all into memory

(A young Roy is shown being fascinated by stories his grandfather was showing him until we see him as the boy he is (looking dirty all over and wearing the Brave Olivine's flag like a cape) eyeing the Ancient Pokeball that once held Lucius' Rayquaza in his right hand and raising it high above him in the rising or setting sun while Race is seen being found by Brandon, enjoying life with him and the other Frontier Brains, and being the man he is now as he eyed the camera and held a Pokeball in front of him while glaring at the camera in the same split-screen sequence before they're shown via Flamethrower, Shadow Claw, and Thunder watching the sunset on the Brave Olivine's Wing Deck and the Dragon craft's sun deck watching the sunset with Bella, Robbie, Tou-Tou, Wattrel, and Fuecoco)

Even if I can't reach the truth of the world~
Or the feelings of that girl~
It's okay to not understand~
Just shine like a rainbow~

(We are shown their friends and Sarah's family including a few of their Pokémon in five/six slot group sequences as follows: Friede, Orla, Mollie, Dot, Ludlow, and Murdock with Charizard, Metagross and Elekid, Chansey, Quaxly, Rockruff and Alcremie, and Quagsire; Burnet (with the cute addition of Lei) and Kukui with Munchlax, Incineroar, and Braviary joined by Diane, James, Nikki, and Johnathan with Romeo, Dragonite, Lucario, Clover, Catnip, Juliet, and Clover; Ash, Lana, Mallow, Kiawe, Lillie, and Sophocles with their respective partners; and Delilah, Doug, Donna (former queen), David, Asha, and Gladion with Mischief, Persian, the Tomoe Squad, Flicker, Flicka, June, Proud, Ziracon, Umbreon, Silvally, and Lycanroc; Goh, Nemona, Arven, Penny, and Team Star with Meowscarda, Pawmo, Killowattrel, Cinderace, Inteleon, Grookey, Mabostiff, the Eevees, Bisharp, Torkoal, Skuntank, Revavroom, Azumarill, Wigglytuff, Passimian, and Toxicroak; and the Blueberry Academy students with Hydrapple, Mightyena, Toucannon, Magmortor, Empoleon, Reuniclus, Whimsicott, Granbull, Flygon, and Haxorus)

(We see a smirking Cap from the Brave Olivine's bridge and Friede taking the wheel along with MK-1 on the Dragon Craft's Bridge at its controls with an eager bark, the three of them preparing to take everyone aboard their respective ships to new heights and continue discovering all the world has to offer among the horizons)

Now, head forth! Pierce through the clouds~
Stumbling, staggering~
Standing firm and reaching farther~
Now, run forth! Towards my future~

(In the horizons, with the heroes riding their respective ships, they dash forward with Lucius' Rayquaza roaring and flying alongside them before Liko, Roy, Dot, Murdock, and Ludlow are shown with their partners stumbling, running, or sliding along Rayquaza's body with Mollie, Chansey, and Orla following on Metagross and Sarah and Race tailing their new friends aboard Bolt and Winter with the rest of their family joining them before Marena and Stormcloud joined them. Meanwhile, Amethio is shown training with his Ceruledge and Corviknight with the former forced back by the latter and their master staggering to the floor and sitting on his ass from the intensity of the training battle. As his partners sparred, he gritted his teeth and tugged his shirt, feeling unsatisfied about the current progress he was making and wanting to do more to improve themselves and himself on something while Hamber and Dusknoir watched on)

At the end of this long, long journey
I'll remember you
One day, we'll shake hands
And laugh

(Lucca, Diana, and Liko were seen together with the final Terapagos in the young girl's arms who cried out and unleashed an energy wave, showing Moltres, Arboliva, and Rayquaza with the second half of the Six Heroes: Entei, Lapras, and Kleavor, in small bursts along with Lucius and Liko's Terapagos, before Sarah, Race, Liko, their Terapagos Four, Sprigatito, Rosie, Chili, Crest, Silvally, Tou-Tou, Robbie, and Bella along with a tearful Marena come across Lucius on a cliff point before they joined the Ancient Adventurer on his current spot)

A light appeared
At the end of the rainbow
And I found my dream

(We see the Explorers in short bursts along with a Tera Orb in Sarah's hand, Lucius' gear and records, one of the Terapagos Four in Stellar Form, and someone reaching out in between the heroes looking out to the horizon and the sun in the heavens before Sarah, Liko, Marena, and Race are seen face to face with the Six Heroes as the opening ends)

(End Theme Song)


Sure enough, the heroes finally arrived at the Wild Area Sarah promised to show everyone not in the know about Galar and its beauty and they left the Brave Olivine and the Dragon Craft with Mollie, Ludlow, and Diana staying behind. As they walked about, they were amazed to see all sorts of Pokemon minding their own business and enjoying the peace and tranquility it offered. All the while, Sarah rode on Tori, the shire horse feeling more than happy to be out in the open.

She even had her Sun Sword safely sheathed within her saddle's left-hand side with her upgraded quiver beside it while her Dragon Heart Scepter and Moon Shield were still fastened to her back with her Mythical Briefcase clipped to its back. In addition, her Talonflame Backpack was inside her special trunk housing her various cinch bags including the bag Sydney had given her.

Everyone was enjoying themselves immensely with Summer, Sheena, Avel, Macaw, and the rest of the Dragonets making the most of it as they happily ran around with the Poms, Della, Scooby, Scrappy, and the Tiny Tooth Dragons, all of them ecstatic to be in such a large area with beautiful scenery and so many Pokemon around them. Fuecoco felt the same way as he sang without a care in the world, eager to play with his friends all day without worrying about the Explorers for the first time since the heroes' confrontation with Amethio, Onia, Zirc, Hambar, Coral, and Sidian at one of Diana's castle bases.

"Wow, this place is amazing..."

"I'll say; it's the Rainforest Kingdom but with fewer trees and little to no rain today," Rosebud and Reader commented.

"A perfect place for me to meditate and find my inner peace," Buddha concurred, smiling.

"And, have some berries for a snack!" added Budderball, licking his chomps and eager to eat some berries.

"Wow, so many Pokémon!" Liko grinned at the Pokémon around them.

"They say that the Wild Area is home to the widest variety of Pokemon in all of Galar. Pretty cool, huh?" Friede chuckled.

As Roy looked around the Wild Area, he suddenly noticed a large snake-like Pokémon rustling about within the shadows of one of the secluded tree sections and immediately raced after it, thinking Rayquaza was nearby, "Something's over there, it's something big!"

"**Wait for me, buddy!**" Fuecoco cried as he chased after his partner.

"Roy, wait!"

"Roy! Stop, you don't know what's out there!" Friede and Sarah shouted in bewilderment.

"I'll bet it's Rayquaza!"

However, his hopes of finding Lucius' Rayquaza again were dashed as he gasped in surprise at the Pokémon he found, stumbling back and crashing into his partner before they found themselves in the presence of a large Onix.

"Hey, now, watch where you're going, shrimps," the Rock Snake Pokémon roared, looking unamused as the others joined them.

"Now, that is one stunning Onix!" Friede grinned before he readied Charizard's Pokeball, preparing to send him out should things get nasty.

"It's huge!"

"So big," Roy and Fuecoco breathed, staggered by the wild Onix's size.

"Honestly, Roy, this is why you should always be careful and pay attention to where you're going. The Wild Areas, as Gloria, Victor, and Hop, warned my family, my friends, and I about, are also home to some powerful Pokémon. Some might be hanging around Power Spots that could pull us to a Dynamax Battle so while we're here, it's best not to antagonize them in any way," Sarah warned, making everybody stay still for a brief moment until the wild Onix turned away and left to go about its own business before she called out to it, "Sorry about that!"

"Muy bueno, now that makes for a greater selection of battle opponents for our battle frenzies!" Nemona grinned eagerly.

"YAY! Big snake guy!" Terapagos cooed eagerly, jumping out of Liko's backpack and toddling after the Rock Snake Pokémon which surprised everyone.

"You can't follow it!" Liko cried in alarm as she quickly picked it up, making it squirm in her arms and squeal in protest.

"Hey, Liko, maybe Terapagos will be able to show us! You know-whether Rayquaza's nearby or not," Roy told her, still feeling optimistic.

"Yeah, maybe... Well?" Liko replied before turning to her Terapagos who only cluelessly squeaked and looked around curiously, forgetting about the wild Onix. "...Or, maybe not."

"OW!" the two young trainers groaned as they held their heads when they were roughly shoved down with Mienshao crossing her arms at them, giving the two a disappointed glare.

"What did my girl say? What did we say?" she snorted, unimpressed since she was the one who shoved them.

The two of them looked sheepishly between her and each other before Roy regained himself and decided to contact Dot, "That's okay, we can always ask Dot whenever she's on if she's found any more clues on her end. Hey, Dot, you there?"

He was immediately met with silence as he tried to call her again, "Uh, hello? Hey, Dot, can you hear me?"

"How could I not?"

The majority of the heroes, Liko, and Roy jumped in surprise but Sarah, Lazuli, Friede, and Cap smiled knowingly, seeing that the young recluse and Quaxly had left their room in the Brave Olivine and decided to spend the day with them out in the open.

"You're here?!" Roy balked.

"Just arrived."

"What's up, Doc?" Quaxly greeted coolly.

"Sick entrance, dude!"

"Cool!"

"Great having you here, man!" Rosie, Chili, and Crest grinned at him.

"Hey, buddy!"

"Perfect timing!" agreed Fuecoco and Sprigatito who were just as happy to see their fellow Paldea starter.

Even Liko had to smile along with everyone else, feeling glad that Dot was shutting herself away from the world again, "Dot, I'm so glad you came to join us!"

"Well, even if we're out here for a little R&R, if we're looking for Rayquaza and Lapras at some point, we couldn't get the mission done if I didn't, right?" the young recluse replied, only adding to the happiness everyone was feeling over her and Quaxly tagging along.

"So, now that we're here and got the rest of today to kick back, anybody got any ideas on how to kill time?" Arven pondered.

"Hey, Sarah! Could you show us the rest of the Mythicals you mentioned in your story?" Roy suggested.

"Whoa, whoa, whoa! Put on the brakes there, Roy; I can't just open my briefcase and show you guys my Mythicals willy-nilly. I don't want people getting the wrong idea about them let alone attract a poaching ring, you know how hunters would have a field day seeing Chomp and the others. And, let's not rule out the Explorers on that equation; I can't let them have any eyes on them just I've let you in on them. They're my children, not some accessories or knickknacks to flounce around to everybody," Sarah rebutted, not liking the idea.

"And, what's more, there are dire consequences that can occur whenever mythical beasts from anywhere including the Wizarding World are seen by muggle eyes apart from our own," Tsukumaro added, knowing where his goddaughter was going with her warning to the young adventurer. "I recall being told the story of Newt Scamander and how he had gotten himself in a rut when his beasts were let loose from his briefcase after arriving in New York one time following an accident involving their discovery. That accident is something I'm sure the princess wants to avoid repeating right now."

"Oh, right... Sorry," Roy blushed.

"If you want your Pokémon to take a dip and find other Pokémon apart from the ones we're seeing right now, there's also a couple of lakes here," Gloria informed.

"Really?" Liko pondered, getting a knowing nod from the Galar Champion.

Moments later, while Friede rejoined the adults, Sarah, Gloria, Hop, and Victor brought the others to one of the lakes where they would do a little more sightseeing for any wild Pokémon in the Wild Area.

"The thing we like about places such as this is that whenever we're here, we and our Pokémon can do whatever we want with only the wild ones for company," Hop grinned.

"And, there's always a different variety of Pokémon to find in each Wild Area so you never know what you're gonna get," Victor added.

"I can see why."

"Yeah, I mean, this is great! All of these Pokémon... This is amazing; there are so many I've never seen before and I couldn't wait to learn more about them and reach Mew before becoming a research buddy with Ash!" Goh smiled, piquing Sarah's curiosity as she turned to the Mew Seeker.

"Hey, Goh, I never bothered to ask. Since you caught a bunch of Pokémon yourself while you and Ash were working to help Prof. Cerise with his work, what exactly do you do with them whenever you're out or looking after them on a quiet day?" she asked.

"Not much, I usually keep them at Prof. Cerise's laboratory. They're pretty happy over at the dome he built especially for them and it's always fun to see how they're getting on, why do you ask?"

"Are Inteleon, Cinderace, and Grookey the only ones you take with you since you met my family and I and my classmates? Apart from them, I've never seen you bringing out another Pokémon which tells me you have a deeply personal connection with your Galar Starters compared to the others you told us about. You and I have over 200 Pokémon under our wing but they're not like collectibles you could catch on a whim. I have no problem with them being put in a research park as long as they're happy, have the basic needs for their lifestyles, and have all the wide open spaces they could get to do whatever they want... But, still, don't you think it's not fair to the rest to leave them by the wayside instead of focusing on your Starters alone even if it's all to find Mew?"

Goh pondered as he thoughtfully replied, "Wow, yeah... You know what? I never thought of that... I mean, I thought that if I found and caught every Pokémon or so in the world or did anything to get any clues as to where Mew was, I might be able to have it as a partner... It's in my future and I can see it in the palm of my hand..."

Goh smiled as he was determined to fulfill his wish involving Mew in the ways he knew best which intrigued and surprised Sarah as she never knew how much of an impact Mew made on him before he told her why he was doing what he did as a research fellow with Ash for Prof. Cerise.

"You really love to meet Mew that much, don't you?"

"Yeah... I know I told Ash and Prof. Cerise that I planned to have Mew as my Partner Pokémon before I ended up with Cinderace but that dream of mine, I'm hoping to fulfill it and meet that wonderful Pokémon by completing the Pokedex. Hopefully, when I do complete the Pokedex... Maybe, just maybe..."

Sarah smiled warmly at him, understanding the hope that burned within him despite having reservations about how he should fulfill it, "If that's what you think, I won't stop you. Maybe then, you'll be able to find Mew. However, I can't help but wonder... If you catch a lot of Pokémon and only share your personal experiences and memories with a select few, the ones you really trust and love with all your heart, then what's the point? Would catching Pokémon be worth it even if it's to complete the Pokedex and meet Mew after that?"

Goh was in awe of the wisdom he heard from the little princess; he was getting a much broader and more effective viewpoint on his current plan of action as the Pokémon Trainer he is now and sharing his hopes and dreams with Sarah as well as her inquiries over his style had enlightened him. It was as if he was seeing a more fleshed-out and experienced version of himself through her given she went through a similar process of how he cared for his Pokémon but one that included all of the Pokémon she had on him. And, judging from the knowing smiles he saw from everyone else and the approving nod from Ash, he began to smile as well, feeling as though he learned something that'll stick with him for the rest of his days as a Pokémon trainer.

But, there was no time left to think on that for out of the nearby lake came...

"Whoa! Sick jaws, dudes, what is that thing?" gawked Giacomo.

"Oh, no... A Drednaw," Penny breathed worriedly as she recognized the wild Pokémon in the lake.

"You're right to know what Jaws before is, little lady. 'Cause it's often known to be a nasty Pokémon with a big, big bite!" Rotoscope quipped in agreement as he scanned the evolved Bite Pokémon. "Drednaw, the Bite Pokémon and the evolved form of Chewtle. A Water and Rock Type, this creature is extremely vicious and lurks near the shoreline, waiting to bite Pokémon who come for a drink."

"And, I thought crocodiles and alligators were a nasty piece of work with them being ambush predators," gulped Lacey.

"Sounds like we should avoid it while we still can," Dot suggested, feeling uneasy about the wild Drednaw before Roy noticed that they were missing one member let alone four in their group.

"Huh? Hey, where are Terapaos, Larmina, Garnet, and Topaz?" he blinked, making everybody realize that the Terapagos Four had vanished on them.

"Huh?! They were just here a minute ago!"

"But, now they're not!" Ortega and Drayton freaked.

"Over there!" cried Fuecoco in alarm as he spotted the Terapagos Four coming face to face with the wild Drednaw and directed everyone to them.

"Oh, no! When did they get over there?!" Liko breathed in horror, seeing the Terapagos Four and Drednaw staring at each other before the Bite Pokémon opened its jaws which got a shocked squeal from Roy's partner.

"Fuecoco, you're on!" Roy signaled, allowing his partner to go over and defend them only to falter and faceplant when Drednaw just yawned and left everyone feeling awkward about it going against its supposed nature by that one move.

"Just a yawn?" Dot quipped as everyone including her sweatdropped or comedically fell over in bewilderment.

Larmina, Topaz, Garnet, and Terapagos copied Drednaw's yawn and squeaked happily at the surprisingly friendly Water/Rock Type before some of the group's partners toddled over to them.

"Wait, Quaxly!" gasped Dot, seeing her partner and Hatenna amongst them.

"...Excuse me?" Quaxly began timidly before the friendly Drednaw faced them, slightly spooking the younglings for a moment.

"And, you are?" it asked kindly.

"Our friends," Liko's Terapagos cooed while Larmina, Topaz, and Garnet nodded, their smiles still on their faces as they watched their older friends and family warm up to their new rock turtle-like friend.

"What's up, Doc?"

"Hi, there," Quaxly and Hatenna smiled, finally warming up to the Bite Pokémon (with the others sharing their smiles and greeting the wild Pokémon as well) as it gave them a friendly chuckle.

The rest of the heroes with them smiled, seeing now that the wild Drednaw before them and their Pokémon meant no harm with Liko and Roy remarking on everyone's behalf, "Looks like it's surprisingly pretty chill."

"Everyone seems so happy to be making new friends."

The young heroes were relieved that the Drednaw was being incredibly peaceful with its new friends as they began to play with it. They were so engrossed in the happy moment that they were immediately startled when another human appeared from the brush behind them.

They jumped and turned to see who would be coming but soon saw that it was just a man looking surprised at them, having seen everything. Looking at him closer, they discovered that the man was wearing a lime green and carmine traveler's uniform and black travel shoes coupled with a large black backpack with cooking utensils attached to it from the back, a coffee mug hanging from one of its hooks, and a red-orange sleeping bag strapped below it with a pillow on top.

"Uh, you kids startled me!" the man said, amazed.

"You think we startled you?!" Dot balked.

"I would tell you all to be careful around wild Drednaw since they're usually pretty violent but...guess there's no need. Very clever customers," the man laughed, seeing how much fun their Pokémon had playing with Drednaw.

"Customers?" Roy echoed, unsure of what to say as were the others as they stared awkwardly at him.

"Hey, Dot, if we went through with your internet findings, would this man be an informant we're looking for?" Liko asked Dot, wondering who they would've met had they gone with the reports on Shiny Rayquaza sightings she found.

"Negative," replied the young recluse who felt a little uneasy.

"Uh, okay," Roy blinked awkwardly.

"Excuse me, Sir, but who are you exactly?" Sarah gulped, trying to shake off the awkwardness brewing from everyone.

"I'm an ingredient seller hosting a special variety of items for sale every day!" the man, now revealed to be an ingredient seller, grinned as he showed off his pack that's most likely filled with food ingredients at bargain prices for passing trainers.

This perked up everyone's interest as Ash noted, "Hey, guys, if this guy's an ingredient seller and he's got ingredients on him, does that mean...?"

"Wherever there are ingredients anywhere in the world, there's the chance that with them, we're going to make and have..." Goh nodded before the pair smiled brightly and they cheered, "FOOOOOOOD!"

The others muttered in amazement and excitement at this with Race also suggesting, "Well, since we're all here in the Wild Area and we got the whole day to ourselves, why don't we buy what he has for sale and have a picnic?"

"YEAH!" everyone agreed, eager to have lunch while they and everyone else had fun in the Wild Area.

Nodding in agreement with a bright smile, and after taking out her wallet, Sarah approached the ingredient seller and asked, "We'll take the lot, Sir. What do you have and how much do you offer?"


Meanwhile, over at the Explorers' main headquarters, Coral, Sidian, Chalce, and their partners were waiting for a report from Spinel or Hamber regarding the heroes and what they were up to. But, as they were waiting, Coral immediately grew bored as she floated about on Glalie, wanting something fun to happen.

"Ugh... I'm bored! Bored, bored, bored, bored, bored, bored, bored! Entertain Coral, ENTERTAIN ME!" Coral snapped as she and Glalie floated about while Chalce, Sidian, Medicham, and Garganacl did their best to ignore her.

"Medicham," sighed Chalce, having her partner move Coral and Glalie as she focused on her inner energies and made them crash into the Rock Salt Pokémon and stumble onto the floor.

"You done yet?" he asked the pair, unamused by their antics.

Sidian felt the same way as he grilled his co-worker for her behavior and lack of professional conduct, "What do you say you stop messing around for once and focus on our missions, Coral? Thanks to your arrogant recklessness and how you got us punked by the princess and her entourage days ago, the Explorers' reputation is being dragged through the mud."

"The point of the Explorers is getting to do what we want, you know that?" Coral snapped back indifferently with a huff which only made Sidian scoff at her.

"That might be true for you if you had bothered to get actual results," he snorted just as Spinel appeared to give them his latest intel.

"I'd say to do what we want is good, Sidian. The worse our reputation, and despite the princess' ongoing suspicions of us, the more our opponents underestimate us," Spinel replied with a smirk.

"Ha! That sounds pretty cool but that's also mighty rich coming from you, Spinel. I mean, come on, that's big talk you're putting out given how you've been outwitted by the princess," Coral sneered with a mocking smirk as Umbreon snootily looked away from Garganacl.

"Spinel, how are things going with the fake intel?" Chalce questioned her cohort.

"Not surprisingly, it didn't turn out as I'd hoped. The princess and Lazuli have seen through my trick and told the Rising Volt Tacklers about it. But, I heard that they're all in the Wild Area so it won't mean they're not chasing their own tails. Still, they're far more intelligent than I initially gave them credit for."

As he was speaking (still smirking and not once fazed by Sarah and Lazuli seeing through his fabricated reports on Shiny Rayquaza sightings), Spinel, Coral, Sidian, Chalce, and their partners were greeted by Amethio, Ceruledge, Hamber, and Dusknoir as they entered the lounge briefing room they were in. It was clear to the four top agents that something big was about to happen with what Hamber and Amethio had to say regarding their next mission(s).

"My apologies for the wait, everyone. Now, shall we begin?" Hamber began.


Lunchtime finally came and with Sarah and her family and friends helping them, the Rising Volt Tacklers (now joined by Ludlow, Diana, and Mollie) were getting ready for their upcoming meal. They had set up two large picnic tables for both groups and an army of cooking supplies at hand, and what was even better for everyone, was the fact that there was a wide variety of ingredients Sarah and her party got from not just the ingredient seller they met but also from a greenhouse from the little princess' Galar Castle.

There were spices, curry bases, an array of onions, carrots, potatoes, and an apple from the ingredient seller; however, Sarah also brought along some Herba Mystica she grew from her Galar castle's greenhouse (along with some Terastal Crystals which were grown in complete secrecy) and other fruits and vegetables including Shaderoot and Iceroot Carrots, more apples, bananas, blackberry bushels, blueberries, lemons, limes, citrus, oranges, raspberries, tangerines, coconuts, and ginger root.

Everyone was in awe of the immense supply of food ingredients before them (with Sprigatito, Quaxly, Liko, Fuecoco, and Roy left in absolute wonder as their mouths watered at what they all had from her and the ingredient seller) and they couldn't wait to get started with what they have on them.

"We're lucky you got a greenhouse and you kids bumped into that ingredient seller, Sarah! We can make great curry with all this stuff!" Murdock smiled broadly.

"Curry?!" Ash and the Pokémon School Gang perked up, excited over having curry for lunch.

"Wait, curry?! That's awesome!" Goh agreed, his smile broadening.

"That's a meal I can get behind in," Race concurred with a smile as his wife nodded in agreement.

"Oh, yeah! I love curry!"

"Me, too!" Roy and Liko cheered.

"None for me, thanks. I brought my usual," Dot declined politely, surprising everyone.

"Uh... Yeah, thanks, but no... I think, I'll just...well, you know... Take a hard pass," Lazuli added bluntly, showing herself to be ragged and looking like she hadn't slept for a fortnight with an unkempt bedhead and slight bags under her eyes as a sign of distress she went through.

"Lazuli, Dot, do you two not like eating curry?" Liko questioned.

"Never tasted it."

"Ditto..."

This shocked and horrified the others as their jaws dropped and their eyes bugged out with Liko and Roy being the most vocal in their shock as they flustered on everyone's behalf, "Whoa, seriously?!"

"Not even once?!"

"Is it that big a deal?" Dot gulped awkwardly.

"D-ugh! Hey, wait! Are you serious?! I was on the run for four months, is this curry thing such a favorite pastime for you all?" the swordswoman added, sharing Dot's discomfort as she snapped out of her sleep-deprived trance and unkempt looks and immediately grew uncomfortable with everyone's attention fixed on her.

"Of course, it is! Curry is amazingly delicious, are you guys kidding me right now?!" Roy panicked.

"He's right! Other than Pokémon, curry is the most incredible thing in the world!" Liko added, sharing Roy's sentiments.

"Uh, really, it is?"

"Come on, I doubt it's that big a deal. How could you go bonkers over such a simple dish?" Dot and Lazuli questioned, the young recluse sounding nervous and out of her depth compared to the unimpressed former Explorer.

"It is, you two! Please, let me be the first one to cook your very first curry!"

"I'd love to help out, too!" the two young trainers offered, undeterred.

"That's a great idea!"

"I want to try Liko's curry!"

"Nothing tastes better than a pot of curry cooked in the great outdoors!" Murdock, Orla, and Friede commented happily, agreeing to Liko's idea and making Dot and Lazuli regret saying anything.

"The perfect meal for camping anytime and anywhere!" Cap agreed with a smirk as he got on the curry train, too.

Their point was made when Ash, Pikachu, Goh, and Roy's stomachs growled a little as the four sighed blissfully and their mouths watered while the young adventurer breathed heavenly, "Our tummies are rumbling and growling just thinking about it!"

"If this curry sounds as delicious as you put it, then you must indulge us on such a treat," Doug said, eager to taste some curry.

"It sounds delicious and I want to see if it upholds this reputation you've given it," Delilah agreed.

"And, I have a hunger that only freshly cooked curry can satisfy!"

"In the Wild Area, curry is the only way to go!" Orla and Murdock finished.

By this point, Lazuli was feeling overwhelmed by the peer pressure she was feeling and she was starting to lose her cool but she did her best to keep herself under control and not break out in a panicked sweat before she finally said, "Uh, I-uh, well, it's just that, I mean, maybe...! If that's what you think, but...I, I never had it in my life! This is all new to me and, I-I-I, I never had any friends, s-so this, is, well-! W-Well, I gotta find Mr. Hu and get back to training now! Bye!"

And, with that, the flustered and panicked swordswoman quickly darted back to the Brave Olivine and the Dragon Craft to be alone (since she had just lied in everyone's faces so she could find an excuse to get away and calm down).

"Was it something we said?" Roy asked, surprised.

"Can't say we're surprised; Poor Kid's been through 20 years with no friends since being in the Explorers, never had time for fun stuff such as making curry and whatnot," Rooster commented as he and the Circle of Twelve arrived.

Sarah frowned sadly as she remembered that Lazuli never knew about the simple joys and pleasures of life many others before and after her had and could only comment in agreement, "Oh, yeah... She obviously wouldn't know the first thing about making curry let alone having fun with family and friends since her parents were killed and she was with the Explorers for twenty years before breaking free from their grasp."

The others realized that they were unintentionally putting her through an immense amount of peer pressure without even realizing it as they also remarked "I see, I guess we did go overboard on her."

"Damn..."

"Whoops..."

"Our bad..."

"Our mistake..."

"Man, I didn't know..."

"Sorry, Masters..."

"Really? I didn't think she would be so out of her depth with something like this," Liko pondered thoughtfully, realizing why Lazuli left as she did.

"We know you all are trying your bessssst for Lazuli but you mussssst remember to take it sssssslow and ease up on her desssspite your noble intentionsssss," Snake lectured gently.

Mistral nodded as she added, "Remember, guys, it's not our place to force her to try anything new and she still experiences trauma from her days in the Explorers and what Amethio and his cohorts did to her during that time. She's been struggling to sleep since she defected and she's still having nightmares about them and how they ruined her and her life."

"Well, then... What can we do to help?" Roy pondered.

"It's just as Mistral and Snake said, let's take it slow and remember that it's not our place to force her to do anything. But, more importantly, we must let her choose whether or not she'll try out new things but also gently nudge her in the right direction on anything so she can come out of her shell and be ready for what the world has to offer," Hu informed, feeling worried for his charge.

"And, you, Sarah?" Liko asked her first best friend.

"...I'm fine for the most part despite my intensified training," Sarah admitted.

"I'll say; 13 new forms to train, drilling on her Chi Manipulation ability, and more...? Sarah's got a real hefty ton on her plate and we're lucky she hasn't crashed and burned yet," Sydney remarked matter-of-factly.

"But, since you're all doing something wonderful for the kid, I'll talk to her and bring her back. I'm sure she's happy about what you're all doing for her, she just needed someone to help guide her through such a phase in life," Hu suggested, returning to his Tiger Form and preparing to leave to find Lazuli.

Dot thought about what she had heard from the Circle of Twelve and everyone else, and after a moment, she spoke up, "...Actually, Mr. Hu?"

Hu turned back to Dot, wondering what she had to say until she told him, "Would you mind if Quaxly and I join you in finding Lazuli and bringing her back? I mean... If we were to have some curry later today, I don't think it'd be fair for her to miss out... Plus, I'm heading back to the ship to invite Mollie, Ludlow, and Diana, will that be alright?"

Hu was surprised by the unexpected offer but smiled warmly at Murdock's niece and nodded as he thanked her, "Most appreciated, Dot."

Even Liko was surprised as she smiled and blushed, telling Dot as she and Quaxly joined him, "O-Oh, right! Good idea!"

"Then, it's settled. Let's go, Partner, Mr. Hu!" Quaxly approved as he and his partner went off with Mr. Hu to find Lazuli and return to the Brave Olivine and Dragon Craft to invite Ludlow, Diana, and Mollie for lunch (with the rest of the Circle of Twelve giving the pair appreciative smiles as they left).

Satisfied over what they witnessed and feeling as ready as ever, the atmosphere around them no longer feeling as awkward and intense as it once was, everyone smiled once again and Murdock declared, "Alright, team, let's get cooking!"

"Alright!"

"Yeah!"

"Let's party!"

"Great!" Liko, Ash, Sophocles, and Mallow cheered as everybody began to make their curry lunch for everyone including Dot and Lazuli.


While everybody else prepared their lunch, since everyone decided that with Liko and Roy cooking creamy curry AND chunky curry amongst what they were all preparing, the young trainers in question, Sprigatito, and Fuecoco went off with their partners to gather their own 'secret ingredients' which they would use to complete their respective curries.


Back in the Dragon Craft, Lazuli was in her bedroom, wanting to be left alone for a moment. She felt bad for lying to everyone earlier but given that having curry was completely out of left field for her, she didn't know what to think. For now, she felt like she needed to be alone for the rest of the day and hoped that the others wouldn't rope her into moments that were precious to them.

However, a certain baby dragon followed her back to the Dragon Craft and the Brave Olivine without warning and entered her bedroom, sensing how sad and broken she felt. Gently cooing, Petunia fluttered over to the swordswoman and pulled her bed covers off, seeing how much of a mess she was given how hard she had been crying.

Lazuli soon noticed Petunia but weakly told her, "...N-Not now, kid. P-p-please..."

"You know that's not healthy, right?"

"...Are you sure you want to quit while you're ahead?"

The former Explorer didn't need to look to know who came to see her; despite not immediately the second voice belonged to Dot, she instantly recognized Hu since the first voice belonged to him. Despite their offering to comfort her, she was still adamant about not returning to the others after what they unintentionally did as she continued to find solace in her bed, keeping her back turned to them, Petunia, and Quaxly.

"Look, Mr, Hu, I know you and your friend understand this... Leave me alone, it's just... I a-a-I...I appreciate what they're trying to do... But, I-I can't, I just can't! All that energy, the noise, I-I just, I, I don't understand! I just don't...fit in, you guys know that!" she sniffed as Petunia cooed sadly at her.

Hu sighed solemnly as he, Dot, and Quaxly carefully joined her and Petunia before the Tiger Zodiac went back to his human form and gently lifted the swordswoman so she would be facing him, telling her with all the sincerity he could muster, "I won't force you, you know me better than that. I loved you too much to do such a thing. But, at the same time, you have to remember; that you've got a long road ahead of you to recover, especially after everything you've been through since you lost your parents. Still, you must realize that you're not alone anymore. You have friends, a new family, people who truly care for you after you managed to open your heart and let everyone we met along the way in, telling them everything that happened to you. It may take time for you to heal completely and for them to understand but know that you have a brighter future ahead of you because of them, of us, of everyone who is your friend..."

Lazuli sniffed as she nodded despite feeling like a total wreck but no matter how much she wanted to believe her guardian figure, she was still on the rocks about what went down and what she should do from this moment onward.

At that point, Dot decided to tell the swordswoman her two bits on a similar situation she found herself in as she began telling her, "...Hey, Lazuli, I...I was once in your shoes one time and, I...I understand what you're going through."

Lazuli was taken aback as she could only look at the young recluse and say, "...W-What?"

"...When I first spoke with Liko, Race, and Sarah when they tried to talk to me, I didn't want anything to do with them and everyone else and do my own thing. I didn't understand what they wanted when I got around to talking with them after Liko got on my nerves and got something out of me even if I didn't intend to speak to her or get involved with everyone else. And, yet... I didn't realize it at first but after a while, she and the princess, they and the others were starting to rub off on me..."

"...How so?"

"Well, I didn't understand what she was thinking to try and talk to me but after they finally managed to make me talk to them, I suddenly felt strange, like they were pulling something out of me that I had no idea what. We talked about how much we like Pokémon, my interests, and all that stuff... But, the clincher there was that Sarah, well... She spoke to me from her heart when she figured out this whole business of some donuts my uncle was making for me; she told me that there was more to life than just internet videos and being an internet sensation with what I do involving Pokémon, and the crazy thing, was that she implored me to try new things I never did or had before. She even went as far as to relay to me one of her experiences that parallels what Murdock was going through at that time."

She then chuckled as she recalled the stroke of inspiration she got from Sarah and Liko that led her to make her Nidothing picnic video back in Levincia, "And, funny enough, it happened again while we were at Levincia and I got stuck on a video involving picnics with Pokémon; Liko and Sarah informed me that they prepared a picnic for me, Quaxly, and Ludlow and wanted to share that joy the only way they know how while continuing to go the extra mile when Sarah had some of her Legendary and Mythical Pokémon join us for it. And, Sarah-she gave me a chance to help her and the others deal with Spinel when we decided to stop him from going through whatever crazy plan he had for Liko when he tried to steal her pendant..."

Quaxly grinned as he quipped with a cool swoosh of his hair, "If anybody brought out the best in her, that's Sarah with Liko and everyone else!"

Lazuli was speechless before she said again, trying to wrap her head around everything she was told, "...What is it you're saying?"

"While it is true that you've never experienced something like being offered curry before and it becomes too much for you, that shows how much everyone loves you..."

"...W-W-What...? Ar-A-Are you..."

"What happened to you twenty years ago is traumatic and it can't go away easily, we all know that... But, things are different now... You may have been one of them before but you're no longer with the Explorers after you defected from them and joined us, right?"

"Yes... But, still... How did you all manage to hope things would work out for me even if I still think there's no chance for me even enjoying moments and things such as curry as with earlier?"

Hu then spoke up as he decided to tell her his thoughts on the matter at heart, "Believe it or not, it was all because of you. You may not realize it, kiddo, but after seeing how much you've truly grown now that you're away from the Explorers, you've become the most hopeful person I've ever met. You're starting to be the young woman Seiya and Mary wished to raise you as and see you become despite your traumatic past with the Explorers. Even if you shut yourself from the world because of the darkness that crippled you from a psychological standpoint, after you were dumped by them when they got what they wanted and you found a way out months ago, opportunity knocked and you answered. You took the leap of faith that saved you from the pain and suffering you went through even after they made you into their best soldier for a time and became a new person out of it. In layman's terms, you wished for more and did more to fulfill what you wanted most of all; you dared to hope that you could be free from Hambar and his subordinates no matter what, and now, here you are."

Lazuli didn't know what to say as she meekly told her guardian and Dot while she took Petunia in her arms and gently petted her, "I thought it was all over for me despite what I've been through ever since I hooked up with the girl and her posse... But, even though I lied to everyone earlier and tried to push them away, they wouldn't let me go... They wanted to help me and when I turned them down and left, but now..."

Hu and Dot smiled warmly and nodded as the young recluse finished, "Even if you're not completely free from the Explorers yet, now that you're with us, you have your whole life ahead of you. You can decide your own destiny through us, all of us..."

Lazuli looked between them along with Quaxly and Petunia as the baby dragon babbled and the Duckling Pokémon gave her a thumbs up with a wink and a smile smile which prompted her to cry again, realizing that they were right before she finally replied, "I guess... No matter how we look at it, in a way, and in the end... There really is no end; just, new beginnings... And, that's what's happening to me..."

With that, Lazuli thanked the pair with a smile for Dot and by sharing a hug with Hu, prompting the young recluse and her partner to leave them and Petunia alone for a moment while they went to the Brave Olivine to get Diana, Ludlow, and Mollie. It seemed that after her little heart-to-heart with Quaxly's best friend and her guardian Zodiac, the swordswoman was left with a lot to think about and ready to give her impending curry lunch with everyone else a second chance.


A little later, after Dot returned and brought Mollie, Diana, and Ludlow over and the young recluse and Quaxly joined up with Liko, Roy, and their partners to help them find their "secret ingredients" for their respective curry dishes, Goh was becoming more and more curious about the Paradox Pokémon. He looked between them from Iron Crown to Raging Bolt while helping to prepare some curry he was helping Sarah and her friends make and decided that he couldn't hold back anymore.

"Hey, Sarah, I know we're kind of busy right now with our curry dishes but could you tell me more about your Paradox Pokémon?" he questioned the little princess, getting her attention. "I mean, it's incredible you and your family even had them but... It would be interesting if Professor Cerise and his team back in Vermillion City know a few things about them from you, really..."

"Yeah, I knew about Zelda and Link but I didn't think there would be Paradox Pokemon counterparts to Cobalion, Terrakion, Raikou, and Entei from Area Zero," Ash admitted in agreement.

Sarah hesitated for a moment given how touchy a subject the Paradox Pokemon were to Arven and his family but the Pokemon Cook decided to speak up as he became more comfortable with talking about them and the fate of his mother and father with the help he got from his friends.

"I'll tell them, Little Buddy," he reassured the princess who blinked but nodded, allowing him to tell Ash and Goh more about the Paradox Pokemon.

The little princess, despite her concerns for him, nodded and allowed him to begin, "According to my parents, Professors Sada and Toro, the Paradox Pokemon are Pokemon from the distant past, the distant future, or from parallel timelines. They worked on making a time machine that would bring them to those worlds and back but... Last year, the more aggressive counterparts of Koraidon and Miraidon, Serpent and Athiusa, couldn't handle being torn from their respective homes after they were brought to this world..."

Arven waited a few moments before taking a deep breath and continued, "...They came with the more docile Koraidon and Miraidon our buddies have now and they wanted to take their aggression out on whoever ripped them away from their homes. So, they targeted Koraidon and Miraidon but Mom and Dad...they gave their lives to protect them and they were forced to watch them get killed protecting them..."

Goh and Ash winced worriedly as they unknowingly hit a nerve in the Pokemon Cook (despite him coming to terms with his parents' tragic fate), forcing the latter to apologize, "Oh, sorry..."

Even the others couldn't hold back their sympathy for him as Gloria, Hop, Kiawe, Victor, and Sophocles voiced their shared thoughts, "Oh, dear..."

"Arven, mate..."

"...Damn, that's terrible."

"Bloody hell..."

"Arven, we're... We're so sorry."

Arven shook his head reassuringly and accepted their sympathy as he said, "It's okay... I've come to terms with their deaths thanks to my friends and our buddies so it doesn't hurt as much now."

Race placed a reassuring hand on his left shoulder, deciding to pick up where he left off (which he appreciated), "The incident left both Koraidon and Miraidon with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder that kept them from unleashing their full power until Island Girl and I first met them. We managed to help them overcome that trauma and help them and Arven find closure after uncovering the truth..."

"...But, I don't get it; if the real professors died protecting Koraidon and Miraidon, Sarah, who talked to you throughout last year, especially regarding Chien and his brothers?" Mallow questioned, confused.

"Surely, this can't be a coincidence," Lillie concurred, feeling a little uneasy.

"I wondered about that myself but shockingly, it turned out that the professors that told me about them and gave me my family's Fidoughs and Rotoscope were AI programs created by Toro and Sada imbued with their memories and thoughts to aid them in their work with the time machine. However, they were stuck in Area Zero as their programming left them bound to the machine so they couldn't leave," the little princess confessed.

Race nodded in agreement as he added, "It had been running non-stop as it was powered by Tera Crystals for the last decade, consequently bringing in Paradox Pokemon from the past AND future to our time unchecked which explains why we have the likes of Pokemon such as Raging Bolt, Link, and Zelda here."

"They wanted Race and I to shut it down to save and preserve Paldea's ecosystem from them as they started to break free from the force field that contained them and it was a surprise to us given the AI cliche of not caring about such stuff and their programming."

"So, that's it... Destroy the time machine to preserve Paldea's ecosystem? That makes sense," Kukui quipped.

Arven nodded as he picked up where the royal couple left off, "The AIs came to the same conclusion as they did so they shut it down, and later, they brought Aurora over to reprogram it from the ground up so they could keep up the ruse of my parents being alive. They may not be the real deal but, as far as we're concerned, it's fine... At least, their spirits are at peace given what we did for them..."

"Then, they made the full truth known to us and gave us authorization to enter Area Zero when needed. That way, there won't be any need to tell the world about the place given the harm it'll do," Nemona finished as Penny nodded in agreement to her words.

"Even so, given how much of a cautionary take Area Zero and the Paradox Pokemon are, I'm keeping my research on them personal. Sometimes, some things are better left unsaid," Sarah noted wearily.

"And, along with keeping their work top secret between us, I've decided to live my life out for them as they would've wanted me to," Arven finished as Mabostiff comforted him.

"Even now, you're still off saving the world wherever you go, huh, Sarah?" chuckled Mallow to her old friend.

"That's just like you," joked Lana knowingly.

"I see, guess it's better that Cerise and his team remain in the dark about them," Goh said, now understanding everything.

"It's for the best," Penny nodded.


Later, despite running into trouble with a pack of Skwovet and a Greedent coupled with Terapagos happily eating away in its own hunger, Liko and Roy with Dot and Quaxly's help found some Pecha Berries and Cherry Berries which they considered as some of their "secret ingredients" for their respective curries. Now, along with their Paldea Partners, the pair are ready to cook and show Dot how to make creamy or chunky curry, whichever they and everyone else liked.

"The berries have been picked!"

"Now, we're ready to start cooking some delicious curry!"

"Whoo-hoo/Yeah!" they began with a hearty cheer.

"Curry, yeah..." Dot awkwardly added.

"Good luck, you three!"

"We're all ready for ya!"

"I can't wait!" Murdock, Friede, and Orla grinned in acknowledgment, ready for what they were about to prepare just as Lazuli and Hu returned but with Petunia riding on the former's right shoulder and watched from a few feet.

"There are five essential ingredients to make the perfect curry - Number 1: the ingredients," Roy began as he poured his chopped onions, carrots, and potatoes into the pot housing his curry base.

"Number 2: the berries," Liko continued as she and Sprigatito poured some sliced Pecha Berries into her pot's curry base.

"Sweety-sweet!" Sprigatito cheered.

"3: heat!"

"Burn, baby, burn!" smirked Fuecoco as he heated Roy's curry pot with his Flamethrower attack.

"4...!"

"M-Mixing it up?" Dot added, feeling out of place as she stirred the curries to get the creamy and chunky textures everyone wanted (getting an amused smile out of Lazuli as she and Hu watched the young recluse put herself to work with her friends and their help with Petunia laughing and clapping for her).

Then, Roy and Liko gestured to Dot as they allowed her to say what the final ingredient for curry is, the latter announcing, "And, the final point is...!"

Awkwardly, Dot answered with, "W-uh-um... Uh, is it the size of the veggies?"

"Incorrect!"

"It's actually...!" the pair replied with a determined yet knowing glint in their eyes.

"...Actually...?"

"It's actually... The *heart* you put in it!" Liko finished as she and Roy made hearts with their hands.

"U-Uh... Heart?" Dot echoed, trailing off in utter confusion and wondering why they would make heart shapes for their curries.

"Uh-huh, do it!"

"Like this!"

"What does that even mean?"

"Put your heart in it!" they barked together.

"Yeah, it's easy, Partner! Like this! Try it, you'll like it!" Quaxly grinned as he did the same with his flippers, immediately getting Liko and Roy's point.

"Uh, okay... Like this?" Dot replied making her heart shape.

This satisfied Liko and Roy as they cheered for her, "Way to go, Chef Dot!"

On the other hand, the young recluse felt overwhelmed by how the process of making curry went as she could only mutter meekly (while blushing which got a chuckle out of Lazuli and Hu before they and Petunia decided to come over and join the heroes for lunch), "I, do not, understand..."

After cooking, Liko and Roy's curries were finally ready, and with Ludlow, Mollie, and Diana joining everyone else for lunch, the moment of truth had arrived. It was time for everybody to test their curries and see what they think of them. With mountains of freshly cooked rice for everyone to go with the curry, they were each given their own helpings and even the Pokémon were given some to go with their Pokémon food.

Even Sarah, her family, and her friends had completed their curry and they felt satisfied with what they made for their lunch, having followed the same steps Liko and Roy took in making their curries.

"Alright, everybody, come and get it!" Sarah called once everything was ready and everybody took their places on their respective tables just as Hu, Petunia, and Lazuli came over.

"Hey, got room for three more?" the swordswoman announced with a small smile, surprising everybody as they saw them coming.

"Lazuli!"

"Hey, you made it!" Liko and Roy grinned happily.

"You feeling alright?" Dot asked.

"Yeah, peachy. But, that curries you kids made look pretty delicious..."

"You think so?"

"You want to try 'em?"

Before Lazuli could answer Liko and Roy, Petunia giggled and babbled cutely before she fluttered over to Liko's curry and tried to get some for her. However, Sarah saw what she was doing and rushed over to the baby dragon before gently grabbing her, prompting her to giggle at her human mother.

"Errrh! Whoa, whoa, whoa! Hold it, Petunia, that stuff's hot. You can't get some for her yourself," she scolded gently, allowing Murdock to give her a plate with Liko and Roy's curries together.

"Here you are, Lazuli, try out both and see which one takes your fancy," the friendly cook grinned.

"Uh, yeah... Thanks," Lazuli nodded as she took the plate before she joined Dot, sitting next to her, Roy, and Liko from her left with Petunia fluttering over to her and Hu joining them as he got his own plate.

"Hey... Uh, sorry...you know, about earlier... It's just, I-I, uh... I, uh... Well," she began awkwardly.

"Hey, forget it, don't worry. We shouldn't have put you on the spot as we did."

"Yeah, our bad."

"We understand this was out of left field for you but you don't have to worry anymore. We're all here for you, your new friends and family; we'll have lots of fun together while you're here," Murdock, Orla, and Friede reassured.

"Besides, the Circle of Twelve did tell us about your PTSD and we get why you ran off earlier."

"We'll try to be more careful from now on AND be more considerate of your feelings," Liko and Roy added.

The swordsman smiled softly before she looked at Dot and said, "Well, I had a friend or two to help me out with that..."

Then, she turned to everyone else with her before adding, "...So, what's the hold-up? Are we going to eat now or what...?"

The heroes all grinned brightly, knowing what she was thinking, and heartily announced, "Time to dig in/Bon Appetit!"

They all tucked themselves into their curry dishes, and immediately, everyone sang their praises regarding their meal of choice by the hands of Sarah, her friends, Liko, Roy, and Dot. The Pokémon loved it, the dragons loved it, everybody enjoyed their curry dishes, and even the Circle of Twelve could hardly believe their taste buds when they tasted the dish many people including Liko, Roy, and the Rising Volt Tacklers loved so much.

"Whoa, that's good!" gasped Dot in awe.

"Yeah, the taste of your heart really came through!" Liko chirped happily in reply.

"What taste is that?"

"I knew it! My curry is so awesome!" cried Roy joyfully, sweating from how spicy his curry was.

"Our curries are the best!"

"Agreed!"

"I could go for seconds with ours along with Liko's and Roy's!" Mallow, Lana, and Lillie cheered.

"Are you kiddin'? I could go for ten plates of all this!" laughed Sophocles heartily.

"Me, too!" Ash agreed ecstatically while Gladion smiled and nodded in reply as he ate his dish.

"Liko and Roy's curries are amazing! So delectable, the hot and sour and sweet and savory tastes of both curries when they combine and contrast with each other in your mouth... They're so beautiful...! Together, my heart...it feels like, crying with absolute culinary joy with the PULSATING HEART OF INFERNO OVERDRIVE!" Kiawe screamed as he cried happy tears while eating Liko and Roy's curries.

"Hot as a Flamethrower and delectable as Sweet Scent, these curries are the best thing I've ever eaten!" Kukui cheered with Burnet humming happily in agreement as they fed themselves and Lei.

"Our daughter, her friends, Young Liko, Little Roy, Lady Dot... They're all so wonderful with this stuff," Doug breathed in fascination as he and his family ate their curry dishes.

"So beautiful and tasty, it's all absolutely phenomenal," added an astonished Delilah.

"Bloody Nora, now I fully understand why the people of this age enjoy such a thing as curry!" gasped Tsukumaro, amazed after taking his first bites.

"Now, this is just wonderful!"

"Really delicious!"

"Liko Curry, Roy Curry, Paldea Curry, and Alola Curry all hit the spot!"

"SO GOOD!" Diana, Mollie, Murdock, and Orla smiled brightly as they dug into their own dishes.

"Tasty!" Friede praised heartily before turning to Cap for his opinion, "You try, Cap."

"This is Liko's." He then fed Cap a spoonful of Liko's curry which earned the young girl a "Sweet perfection." from him.

"This one's from Sarah and her friends." Friede gave him a taste of Alola Curry, making him nod in approval with a smirk.

"Our friends from Paldea..." Cap tasted Paldea Curry which he approved, "And, this here is Roy's."

Cap tasted Roy's curry and felt its hot, spicy, and savory taste in his mouth, punching his left fist out and letting out an ecstatic, "HOT AND SPICY BOOYAH!"

Friede was delighted by Cap's reactions to the four curries he tasted as the unconventional professor proudly declared, "All four curries get the Cap Seal of Approval!"

"YEAH!" cheered Ash, the Pokémon School Gang, and Sarah and Race's Paldea classmates as they shared high-fives.

"Called it."

"Yep," smirked Sarah and Race knowingly with a wink.

"Yeah/Alright!" Liko and Roy grinned happily, sharing a high-five before turning to Dot.

"We did it! Huh, Dot?!"

"U-Uh, yeah, curry," Dot replied awkwardly.

"Hey, Lazuli, how's it with you?" Roy asked Lazuli as everybody looked to find the swordswoman quickly finishing off Liko and Roy's curries, looking amazingly happy and fascinated with what she tasted.

"...Whoa... T-They, they're... Good..." she breathed, unsure of what to say next for several moments before, "...Is there more?"

She quickly went over to the pots holding all four curries, helping herself to two more plates (with one having Liko and Roy's curries on it and the other having Paldea and Alola Curries on it) and sharing them with Petunia which got hearty cheers and laughter coming from everyone. They were ecstatic to see Lazuli beginning to enjoy herself after she became comfortable on her own terms and relieved to know she didn't break out into a full-blown panic like before.

"I'm having seconds!" Roy grinned, following her example as he went for another helping.

"I am, too!" agreed Liko as she prepared to have another plate ready before turning to Dot and asking, "Do you want more, Dot?"

"Uh, yeah, sure," the young recluse nodded as she handed Liko her empty plate. "Could you give me some?"

"Coming right up!"

And, while they were eating, the Circle of Twelve watched and smiled as Lazuli started to enjoy herself as she and Petunia scarfed down their curry dishes together.

"Boy, the kid had me worried there. She and Slippers sitting with her thought that meals like that were just a way for people to get energy but it looks like she's getting the gist of something like this. She could care less about how it tasted as long as she could eat," Rooster admitted with a relieved smile.

"Yeah, but now look at her! She's starting to look like a changed girl before us! She's smiling, she got herself two more helpings-she's even sharing her meal with that baby dragon shadowing her!" Sydney added, stunned.

"Yeah, after Dot and I had our little heart-to-heart with her earlier, the kiddo's started to appreciate what was being offered to her after she came back here on her own terms. It's a start as far as I can tell. It may be a small step for her ongoing recovery, true... But, regardless, it's a giant leap for her in her quest to find true happiness in her life again," Hu smiled warmly, watching Lazuli eat with Petunia and feeding her in a cheeky manner as they laughed and joked together.

"It looks like she's starting to know the joys and wonders of doing things with friends and family such as having a meal together. Her parents would be very proud if they could see her now," Naomi concurred.

"Even now, while she may know about some things in life after defecting from the Explorers, there is still much more she doesn't know about because of those monsters."

"Which is why we'll all take it slow with her and let her decide what to do with her life and in moments like this," Ox and Dog grinned.

"Tha-a-a-a-a-a-at's right," chirped Goat cheerfully.

"Yes, new things such as having curry with friends and family may be scary but she's starting to realize that they're also exciting according to what our young friends had been through before meeting her. And, since she's starting to come out of her shell now, we'll help her discover all the new things that lay before her as we go along this journey together," Mistral declared, smiling for Lazuli.

"Right!" her fellow Zodiacs agreed with Hu nodding along (vowing to do so in Seiya and Mary's memories and honor).

And, as it turned out, Dot was feeling the same way as she confided her thoughts to Liko, "...I always thought of meals as a way to get energy so I never really considered the taste and texture. But, after doing all of this and seeing how Lazuli took to your and Roy's curries just now, eating together with everyone makes it taste better."

"Really?" Liko pondered as she served herself and Dot more curry.

"I always thought I knew everything there is to know including stuff about Pokémon but after meeting you, Roy, Lazuli, and Sarah along with her family and friends, I'm starting to realize that there are so many things I don't know. Just thinking about that is terrifying, now that I mention it..."

"New things are scary but they can be exciting, too, you know? From now on, let's all discover the many new things we can learn together!"

Dot, touched by Liko's words, shyly nodded in appreciation before turning her attention to her refilled plate and taking a bite out of the curry she was given only to discover that she was given Roy's curry as her face turned beet red from how spicy it was before drinking her cup of water.

"My special curry's really special, isn't it?" Roy quipped eagerly to the young recluse.

"It's too spicy!" she replied breathlessly.

As all of this was going on, helping himself to a plate of Roy's curry while fishing at the nearby river, Ludlow sagely noted, "The ground gets firm after rain, friendships get deeper through curry and grain."

And, with that, he took a bite out of his dish, quickly finding Roy's curry to be extremely spicy for him to handle and he breathed fire while saying, "My mouth is on fire with flame!"

Thankfully, Oshawott gave him some water to cool down, and the entire experience inspired Dot and Quaxly to make a new version of their intended Nidothing video that also touched upon the subject of friends.


Surprisingly, one of the viewers watching their finished video happened to be Zirc while he and Onia were back at their syndicate's headquarters (the two of them waiting for Amethio as he was in a meeting with his fellow agents and Hamber) and it gave him something to think about as he mused, "Hmm... Friends, huh?"

"Huh, did you say something?" Onia asked, turning to him as he tucked his Rotom Phone away.

"Uh, no, just...talking to myself," he covered.

"Hmm, I wish I could relax but I'm sure we can't because of all the big wigs gathering right now. I wonder if Master Amethio's okay in there...?"

In the briefing room, Amethio and Hamber were discussing with Coral, Sidian, and Chalce about Liko's Terapagos, Larmina, Topaz, Garnet, and the Six Heroes, looking over the images that had been gathered concerning their encounters with them and what they could all mean.

"The pendant Diana entrusted to her granddaughter has thus far eluded our grasp, and beforehand, we've no leads on the three Terapagos in the hands of the princess and her husband after they were awakened. While the princess' Terapagos awakened at the end of the Alola League exhibition match and during a recent expedition with three members of Blueberry Academy into Area Zero, how Konami's Terapagos awakened still eludes us. However, they made contact with a Shiny Rayquaza exhibiting a strange crystallized body in Kanto. Then, they crossed paths with Arboliva and Galarian Moltres in Galar, and more recently, the pendant is now awakened as a fourth Terapagos," Hamber mused, completely in the dark about Marena having Lucius' Entei and Kleavor safely in her hands.

"Ugh, I hate those pests. The princess and her entourage, especially, I got a damn bone to pick with them for making a fool out of me," Glalie snarled, humiliated.

"Cool story, old man. But, those four are still in the hands of all those lame-os, right? Because some people let them get away," Coral remarked, glaring at her fellow agents.

Sidian scoffed at her before he suggested, "Hamber, if I'm to be brutally honest, I say it's time we finish off the Rising Volt Tacklers, the princess, her family, and Lazuli, and then, take their Terapagos, their Legendary Pokémon, and their Mythical Pokémon for ourselves along with Galaxagus and Panthera so we could punish them for their betrayal."

"HA! Now, you're singing Coral's tune, Siddy! I got chills just thinking about it," Coral smirked.

"I, on the contrary, would argue that using brute force right now in a full frontal assault poses too large of a risk for us," Spinel retorted, shooting down Sidian and Coral's shared suggestion.

"HUH?!"

Chalce was intrigued as she questioned her fellow agent, "That's awfully passive of you given how you flubbed things up on the field beforehand, Spinel. You know something we don't on the matter?"

"I don't. Given the princess' previous display of power and how persistent her entourage and friends were in defending her when they humiliated Coral, Sidian, Amethio, Onia, and Zirc several nights ago at Diana's castle base, their failure proved to us that confronting them head-on will only lead to your deaths. Unfortunately, as far as we know, the princess and her dearly beloved are the only ones who truly understand the value of those Terapagos and how to unlock their true power. Of course, this makes it more imperative to remove both them and Lazuli in any way. Therefore, I believe our best course of action from here on out would be to observe them closely."

"I would agree," Amethio concurred, catching Spinel's attention as he eyed him suspiciously.

Hamber was also intrigued as he questioned him, "Might I ask you to explain the reasoning behind this opinion?"

"What if Arboliva and Galarian Moltres were awakened not by the influence of the fourth Terapagos but mainly by the Shiny Rayquaza's?"

"So, proximity with Rayquaza caused their awakening?" Chalce inquired, wondering what Amethio was implying by that logic.

"Chasing those Terapagos is a waste of time given the bigger picture. Our enemies will still proceed with the singular goal of finding the Shiny Rayquaza."

Sidian was impressed by his thinking as he said, "In other words, hurry up and wait, huh? Works for me..."

Hamber nodded in agreement to the idea as he concurred with Amethio's theory, "I agree that this is the best strategic path forward given what the princess, her entourage, and the Rising Volt Tacklers would do regarding their quest."

While her curiosity was piqued, Chalce couldn't help making a jab at Amethio as she gently mocked him, "A fine suggestion. Not bad for someone who was on thin ice with our leader as of late, huh, Amethio?"

"You hold your tongue, Chalce," his Ceruledge, not taking her jab at his human master lightly.

"So, what? Our big plan right now is to keep tailing them for the big fish in the sky?" puzzled Coral, not understanding Amethio's logic while still craving action on the front lines.

"You can all do as you please. While you're all doing your own thing and fixating your minds on Lazuli, I'll be the first to reach Rayquaza."

"Hmph, that is if the princess and her crew don't reach the creature first. It's obvious she has a gift for attracting Legendary and Mythical Pokémon in the most unorthodox of ways as I'm sure we can all tell from her family," Spinel remarked with a doubtful snigger.

Amethio, however, was now wise to his taunts and doubts as he only scoffed, "Yeah, so what?"

"I'm just saying, really; what if she eventually discovers a way to summon that Shiny Rayquaza to her and her friends before you even have a chance to get near it? Her status as a Power Ranger showed when she and her husband along with their Koraidon and Miraidon combatted you and Ceruledge back in Kanto. She obviously has more secrets up her sleeve and there's still so much about us that Lazuli spilled onto her. How do you plan on one-upping them on that front or two, might I ask?"

"Spinel's right; and above all else, she's extremely bright and not as dumb as we thought she was. She's becoming as big of a problem as Lazuli still is to us when we found out she was still alive and our assassin failed to kill her while she was on the run. What do we do about her in the meantime? She's now fully under their protection and those Terapagos could still be an important key to our mission given she knows their value now," Chalce frowned in agreement.

The Explorers' top agents and Hamber looked at each other; thankfully, for the heroes, none of them knew about Lucius and Marena's connection since they only saw her as another bump in the road and not much of a threat to their ultimate plans.

Eventually, Master Gibeon made his thoughts known as he told everyone gathered, "We shall continue to eliminate both her and the princess from the picture for their treachery and betrayal. As of now, our primary goal is to capture the Shiny Rayquaza..."


However, as the Explorers were finalizing their plan for whatever they had in mind, they had no idea that their entire meeting was shown to Reader via her Reading Crystal when she got a vision involving them and Lucius' Sky High Pokémon. She frowned with worry and disgust at what they were planning to do, knowing that they had to be ready for them and their change of plans no matter what the cost. This also meant that the heroes had to hustle in their search for Rayquaza and Lapras before they could move out and reach him first.

"Urgh, damn it...! Why can't we ever get a moment's peace when characters such as those stupid Explorers rear their ugly heads at the worst of times? It's bad enough they were after their Terapagos but now they're planning to target Lucius' Rayquaza? Sometimes, I hate being right thanks to my visions... Rrrgh, GODDAMN IT!" the NightWing advisor groaned as she slammed one of her clenched paws at one of the walls of Sarah's Galar Castle, exasperated by the Explorers and their motives.


Dusk fell by the time the heroes returned to the Brave Olivine and the Dragon Craft with Dot confiding more about her worries and concerns about being useless to everyone else and wanting to be more helpful whenever something goes wrong to Liko who assured her that she was doing everything she could to help everyone in her own ways through her research, her Nidothing videos with Quaxly, and everything else she could get under her thumb (which the young recluse appreciated as they arrived back).

The heroes were surprised to find Reader waiting for them when they returned but she told them about what she saw through her Reading Crystal and what the Explorers planned to do involving Rayquaza, they were deeply concerned, shocked, and worried.

"So, the Explorers are on the move again. And, this time, they have their sights trained on Rayquaza," Friede frowned grimly.

"Not cool," Cap agreed.

"I never thought they would go as far as to ignore Terapagos, Larmina, Garnet, and Topaz even though Terapagos awakened Arboliva and Moltres when we encountered them and helped them deal with their personal traumas," Liko pondered, concerned.

"Not to mention Rayquaza was summoned from his Ancient Pokeball when we squared off against him and his cronies back at Roy's home in Kanto," Race nodded.

"Heh, you think all that's giving you headaches? I'm not surprised they're still after my and the kid's heads," Lazuli remarked, crossing her arms.

"Yeah, it was a lot of fun but we know for sure Rayquaza's isn't in the Wild Area," Roy sighed before he regained his determined smile. "But, we can't quit now, knowing this tippet about the Explorers and their motives."

"Yeah. While Sarah continues to pinpoint his location through her magic and whatnot, I'll do what I can to find any actual leads on him. But, it'll take a while for me to puncture out all the fake reports Spinel threw at us," Dot informed from her room.

"Understood. Thanks, Dot, we're counting on you," Friede nodded.

Sarah nodded before Dot ended the call, "Stay in touch."

Then, she and Liko turned to Marena as she looked at Entei, Kleavor, Arboliva, and Moltres' Ancient Pokeballs before the young girl asked, "Hey, Marena, what do you make of it...?"

Marena was deep in thought over the matter before she gave a heavy sigh and admitted, "...To be honest, I'm not happy. Now that the Explorers have their eyes on Rayquaza and see your Terapagos as nothing but a side attraction given its current state compared to the Terapagos belonging to the princess and her man, we have to be extremely careful from here on out."

Tsukumaro nodded gravely and added to the discussion, "Misinformation and lies have always been a detriment in any form of this media these days and the likeliness of people lying about some supposed Rayquaza sightings is becoming a problem."

"Mm-hmm, I heard that the mainstream media would push a variety of fake news reports to get people hooked to their TVs and computer screens for ratings since it's all about money for them so I wouldn't be surprised if Spinel tried to throw us off several days with his disinformation campaign," Kiawe nodded.

"All the more reason why he is a master of deception and the tried and true tactic of 'Slight of Hand'; as I mentioned before, espionage is the one thing he excels at in the Explorers and it goes to show why he can be the most cunning out of all of that stupid syndicate's top agents," the swordswoman confirmed.

"You know, besides maintaining constant vigilance and while Dot distinguishes the fake reports Spinel sent us from any real ones regarding sightings of Lucius' Rayquaza, I wonder if there's something we can do to help, too," Liko pondered, wondering how the other could assist Dot.

"Like what?" Sprigatito meowed in question.

"Hey, Liko, guys! Let's ask around about the Ancient Pokeballs some more!" Roy suggested, holding out Rayquaza's pokeball.

"Maybe we should ask some kind of expert or something."

"That does seem logical to go by word of mouth but it's far from ideal in our current situation."

"There might not be many people who know about Lucius' legend and the Six Heroes' Ancient Pokeballs since nobody's ever seen them before," Gladion and Lillie interjected.

"Well, I happen to know someone who's had experience with those Pokeballs and who made them," Marena replied.

"Really, great! Who?" Roy grinned before Marena pointed to herself and gave him and Liko a wink, making them blink in surprise as they cried, "YOU?"

"Duh, did you forget already? I'm the one responsible for designing and crafting the Ancient Pokeballs for the Six Heroes. After all, they were unique Pokémon so I had to get creative with their miniature safehouses which are as functional as they were beautiful. Of course, I couldn't have done it all myself without a little help from an expert craftsman and a professional blacksmith in our day to forge and build them as I wanted but you get the idea."

"An expert, huh? If you're looking for an additional hand on the knowledge front of them," Diana added as she drank her coffee and got everyone's attention. "I just happened to have a friend who has a shop full of rare antiquities. I bet that, along with your immense experience with them, Marena, he might be able to help us discover any hidden tippets about them."

"What are anchi-ki-ties?" puzzled Roy.

Marena and Diana chuckled before the latter clarified for him, "Antiquities are ancient tools, artworks, knickknacks, and what-nots from eras long forgotten."

"I want to go!"

"Me, too!"

"I'm sure if Dot were still on, she'd agree since it goes to show we sometimes can't find what we seek on the net," Sarah nodded before turning to Marena. "I know we're forsaking you right now, Marena, but maybe it'll do you some good to do a little mythbusting while we check it out."

"...Mythbusting?" Marena echoed, confused.

"Let's distinguish the ones who actually saw Lucius' Rayquaza from the phonies."

"If Diana's friend knows something or nothing about your Ancient Pokeballs for the Six Heroes, we'll fall back on you for info. And, we mean genuine info given your experience, work, and magic on them," Asha added.

"It'll be fun! Mama said it'll be like what these humans on this TV show called 'Mythbusters' do with actual myths!"

"Yeah, let's put this antiquity dealer guy to the test and see if he knows anything or not about your Pokeballs!"

"Myth busted or myth confirmed, it'll be great!" Braixen, Quilava, and Gogoat grinned at their human mother's human advisor.

"We can show you what we mean by an episode we found on the Dragon Craft's TV if you want to know what we mean," Prinplup quipped.

Thinking over what she was told and Diana's suggestion, the human advisor from Dragonstone couldn't help but make sense of what Braixen, Quilava, Gogoat, Prinplup, Asha, and her charge were saying. If she were to put Diana's friend to the test and see if he has any knowledge about the Ancient Pokeballs as she did, then she'd know if she'll be the one the heroes turn to concerning anything about them, Lucius, and the Six Heroes in the end. Plus, she couldn't help but give off a cheeky smile since she could pull the Mythbusters card on Diana's friend for a moment to boost her ego for fun (should he know absolutely nothing about them).

At last, she turned to Diana, Liko, and Roy and nodded (her cheeky smile still on her face), "Hmm... Alright, Diana, let's find your friend and see what he thinks about it."

But, she quickly made a bet, raising a finger and saying (as her smile morphed into a challenging smirk), "But... If he knows nothing about the Ancient Pokeballs, you and everyone else here will have to buy or make me...A large deep-dish human pizza of any kind."

"Oh, is that a challenge?"

"You're on!"

"You want to play that game?"

"Bring it!" Liko, Roy, Kieran, and Eri grinned back.

Diana smirked, "Alright, may the best friend win."

"I intend to," Marena chuckled.

Everyone turned to Cap for his opinion before they left to find Diana's friend and he promptly responded with, "Challenge accepted."

"Sounds like a plan, then," Friede concurred as everyone else agreed to the idea (even though the bet was just for fun between them to help take their minds off thinking about the Explorers for a moment).

"It's off we go to the antiquity store!" Roy cheered as he held out Rayquaza's Pokeball, eager to know more about them from another expert besides Marena.

To Be Continued..