Connecting to Partners

by zcritic88

A few days after the war against chaos, something stirred in the cosmos once more. What was a mystery prior, is soon to be relieved as a particular boy and his band if misfits get swept up into the on going battle between Light, Dark and the Truth. New bonds will be forged, and older ones will be stronger than before as the conflict takes a turn

9. Splitting Off Routes

During a sunset at the Isles; Leon and the Destiny Trio were waiting for a campfire to die down while the stars glimmered to the twilight sky. Kairi had her bag set close by the shore, where Azu and the Seafarers were camping out, Riku finished laying out a mat and blanket made out of palm leaves, for a Slowking that was tired out after a long day and Sora was simply laying by the tree, with Comfey using his neck as a bed, Zigzagoon already snoring with an arm wrapped around him and Butterfree was using the top of the tree as a nest. The Rowlet, funny enough, was exploring the area as part of a patrol with Pueo. Leon was sitting in his sleeping bag close by the fire and was watching Kilokilo and Pilikia use a leaf pile as their resting ground. The boy was keeping a ball close to him while he watched Mahi Mahi dig up a sand pit by the water and use it as his bedding. "K'ui might not mind the warm weather too much, but he can't really stay out here for long. With the long fur and the ice typing. It kind of stinks, but that's what a ball is for."

Sora understood that. "You're saying that you found him up in a tree before you all took that journey to an island with a mountain that can help him evolve into that?" Leon put the ball close by and brought out the dream ball. "Down in the tropics and all the way to Ula'ula, where the mountain of Lanakila awaits. The place of the Pokemon League, where any trainer who completed their challenge can go to in order to challenge the Champion and take the title for themselves. If a frozen mountain isn't available, an ice stone would do in a pinch." The pokeball gave a shake and a jump, Leon teeheed. "Don't worry, we're only going to use this place until I can scrounge up some munny." He looked over to the boys in hearing range. "That's the word, right?"

Riku watched Slowking lay on the bedding casually and turned. "Yeah, you can find it just about anywhere if you know where to look. Just be sure that the place can fit him." Leon understood that. "He's big, loves to throw his fists and isn't known for finesse. Just things you'd expect from a crab, including one of his special moves. Crabhammer. The signature move of many crustaceans." He took a deep breath. "I'll be letting Pō out, be ready."

Fling! Pop! CAW!

Out came the Galarian Moltres that twirled to the sky and gave a glow of magenta red, a stunning... if terrifying entry. The Moltres looked around to see the sun setting and saw the humans settling down, he flew to the boy and closed in slowly. Leon petted him on the head. "It's not for a contest this time and we're in a spot that can fit you. You've done amazingly, despite getting in a bad mood earlier." He nuzzled with the bird that broke off and squawked a question, Leon sighed, knowing he's going to disappoint. "I didn't have Kaipo with me, when we got dragged into all of this. So he's not going to be around until we get back home. We're staying around because the Pokemon need us, you'll need to continue to be on your best behavior for me. Because the people around here are easily spooked by anything looking like you."

The Moltres gasped and turned his head to the Destiny Trio, looking upon Kairi, who was nuzzling with Sea Fang in affection. The bird couldn't help but laugh to that. (And these three aren't like most people?) Leon teeheed. "Well... one of us has made friends with a dark type already. So there's hope yet."

Riku wasn't going to argue with that. "I felt what is in that Moltres when he saw what that Heartless was doing. He harassed that wrath for all the right reasons, he wanted to punish that monster with us and try to knock some sense into Regice."

The four had a flash back of something that happened before they headed back to the Isles. Kairi was letting Regice out of his ball and showed him the Ranch. "This was the thing we've been working on. A haven that's going to get bigger over time." The Golem floated close to a fence and looked at the construction, hopping in joy at something well made. "We'll need to keep up the work in order for this to stay a haven. All we need is some security so no one would try to break into the lab and steal pokemon. There's some one I'd like you to meet, she'll be keeping the place on watch with some of locals."

The Regice turned to find Litzia and Pix the Clefairy, the woman waved humbly. "Hey ya, Regice!" She marveled at the form. "Such a form, the mystery of you all gets more and more interesting." To Kairi's surprise, Regice floated to her fast and gave an eager beep, clapping to his cohort.

Pix clapped with him as Litzia tilt over to Kairi. "Uh... I didn't think you tell him that much about me." The Princess admitted. "Not really, he wasn't let out since our meeting at the King's. Regice!" The Golem turned, awaiting orders. "Because Litzia has a little bit of a history, some of her friends really don't want her to be left alone on her job. While she does her thing for any Pokemon she can find, you watch over her and help her out if someone tries to attack the town. Understand?" Regice beeped a yes and floated by the keybearer that promised. "We won't let you down, ma'am!" She clapped to an idea. "If we use that Clock Tower, we can reach out for those comets in no time!" She and Pix walked off at a slow pace as Regice floated behind.

After the flash back.

Kairi wondered. "He seems to be fine working with that girl. Maybe a little too fine for someone he didn't met before." Leon shrugged. "Maybe there were someone who met the Regis long before and tried to help them out? For all that did. Once someone does you a kindness, you'll be able to tell if it's genuine or not." Crinoid bobbed his head and spoke something the Princess was able to hear. "Makes sense, otherwise he probably have made a run for it at the first sight." Shooter doubted the reaction. "Would a legendary like that try to run?" Azu shook her head. "Nah, he probably would have been ready to shoot if she didn't back off." Sea Fang splashed his agreement. "For real!"

The boys heard differently and went along with the subject, Riku asked. "I know that Moltres didn't start off that way, you bring up this Kaipo wha...who is he?" Leon smiled to a pleasing memory. "I'm glad you asked. Kaipo was the first pokemon I've worked to capture and one of my best of friends. I've been shuffling around with him ever since we've finished the Island Challenge. Look up Persian and switch over to the Alolan Variant."

The boys did so as Kairi had a peak to herself, finding the evolutionary line of Meowth and a similar colored, long cat with a physic akin to a puma and a red gem on the forehead. Blip! They tapped to see the ones from Alola, Meowth was standing up smugly and had a bluish gray color, next in the line was a Persian with that similar color, a chubby looking face and a blue gem on the forehead.

The three started by reading the entry for Meowth. "The Scratch Cat Pokemon: Dark Type: It's accustomed to luxury because it used to live with Alolan royalty. As a result, it's very picky about food. Deeply proud and keenly smart, this Pokémon moves with cunning during battle and relentlessly attacks enemies' weak points." Sora hmmed and showed the picture to Comfey as Riku guessed by the depiction. "So it became a dark type because it got spoiled rotten? Gotcha."

Sora noticed the evolutionary step involving a heart and a moon. "What's the heart for?" Leon remembered fondly. "It represents friendship. How close the pokemon is to you. Some pokemon need that to evolve and that bond needs to be very close."

Riku smiled to that and went over to his mat. "So I'll give you this; your cat fights dirty, in ways that you won't tell us, but he was there when you gathered your friends together and he was there for most of that journey?" Leon saw the edgy teenager get ready to rest up and giggled. "He was especially there when we were treating Kilokilo as that someone who helps her calm down when she was having... episodes. But you guessed wrong on one thing." He showed maliciousness in his smile. "He fakes you out, demoralizes you before switching for someone who will put you to the ground, isn't afraid to partake in foul play and he picked up on a move that doesn't like it when you try to prepare yourself. Burning jealousy is a fire move that certain dark and ghost pokemon use." He boast. "You can imagine, that he won several ribbons with those stunts and that he was Pō's personal trainer and closest confidant." The Moltres laughed mischievously and Sora sat up with surprise, seeing Leon and the bird match that aura. "Woah, some friend."

Riku laid on his side and saw the tight bond that was worthy of respect. "I stand corrected, you'd be proud enough to tell us." Leon crossed his arms and resembled a gangster. "We're a couple of brats, taking on the skull heads that lived it out on the streets!"

The Rowlet turned his head over and was less than amused at the childish boasting, he turned his head to ask his senior and found Pueo crossing his wings like a gangster and giving that nod. The little owl whined out as Leon let himself be carried away. "The blood don't matter when you make it to the top by what you can get!" The youngster broke from that aura and giggled while the Moltres flew off to the tree, keeping the atmosphere of someone having much more control than he lets on. Leon shared a story of experience. "There's a group of rough necks that help with the island challenge every now and again, all of them were those who had nowhere else to go. I like that fashion-" he shook his head, not wishing to imagine what he would cause. "even if Mommy would flip if she sees me in those."

Riku was imagining the youngster in black clothes, sleeveless jackets, chains and a head band resembling a skull. He closed his eyes to try and get some sleep. "We've seen worse!" Sora saw the fire go out and watched the sun finish it's set. "Sun's finally going down."

Leon rested up in his bag. "Yeah. We got another big day tomorrow." Sora watched Kairi go into her bag and watch the Seafarers get some rest, with Azu sharing a spot in the bag with her. The youngster saw that and closed his eyes. "So, how often do you guys travel together?"

The spikey haired boy admitted as he let his mind doze off. "Normally, I travel with Donald and Goofy, while Riku was traveling alone. But lately, we've all been heading to a world as a group." Riku admitted as he felt an odd comfort. "Kairi had to travel to some worlds by herself before it was a good time to tag along with Sora and the crew. If the group's even bigger, it's often for a mission during the war." Sora sighed. "It stinks that Goofy and Donald aren't coming along, but with all of you, I don't think it's going to be that bad." Comfey blushed as the Rowlet and Decidueye continued their night patrol, the band can rest easily, knowing they have watchful eyes during the night.

At the train station of Radiant Garden.

Ken, Xion, Oshawott and Nymble looked to the sky to find the sun setting, the gloved boy was quite pleased to the events that transpired. "Despite everything, today went really well." Xion had a shining smile that compliment the twilight radiance as she readied the three balls. "And tomorrow's going to be even bigger." Fling! Pop! Out came the Voltorb that bounced a roll and stared wide at the steam punk machinery over sizing him, the Wooper that landed on his feet and stared blankly and the Tinkatink that wave her rattle in a complaint and slowed down when she saw the steam works and metals. She dashed to the pipes in excitement and babbled many questions. Xion started with an apology. "Sorry for keeping you in the ball since lunch, you got caught in a bad mood and the people didn't need to see that right now."

She noticed the Tinkatink completely ignoring the explanation and is lost in a wonderland, Ken kept to the humor and let out Cyclizar. "I think she's already forgiven you. Tinkatink, the whole place is steam punks, with the castle having the best bits. If Mr. Cid knows about you and that hammer you're working on, he'd have a day." He and Oshawott walked ahead. "But we'll worry about that tomorrow, I got told that a certain someone was helping take care of the pokemon that took the chance to try and fix up a bit of the place. We'll ask if she can let us crash for the night."

Xion wasn't fooled by the attempt at a surprise. "Ken, you know that your-" The boy turned half way and put a finger to his lips. "I know!" Cyclizar had a slow look around at the stair way and alleys that could make fun routes, he wagged his tail and moo'd. Ken shifted his eyes towards him. "Since we've been busy the whole day, we'll test out some courses early tomorrow and work up a battle sync if we have to fight on the ride again. It's good enough for that emergency, but we have those who will catch on to the basics." The Cyclizar shook his fore limbs to stretch out, Ken pointed to the stair way to the living quarters. "But this will do! Cyclizar, sprint, turn right and don't stop until you see a place with flowers!"

The lizard gave a dash on the command, surprising some of the locals with the break neck speed that went up the stairs and turned flawlessly. The local children had glimmers in their eyes. "Woah, that's a fast lizard!" Ken hid his snickering as he and Oshawott ran the trial, Xion picked up the waddling Wooper and ordered. "Ken's trying something again, follow him!"

The misfits trialed behind as the trouble maker caught up to an expected, yet pleasing site of Cyclizar at the town garden, coming to a stop and sniffing flowers. What wasn't expected, was that a particular blonde woman in green, black and purple was at the garden. Completely surprised by the lizard as Ken was of her, the woman put her hands to her hips. "Gee, I wonder who sent you over here?" The Cyclizar turned, jumped at the familiar face and closed his eyes in a smile, giving a hello in the form of a reving bellow. The woman heard the foot steps and turned with a squint of her eyes and a sly smile, finding Ken, Xion and their companions. "I figured since you all are late, you've been up to something."

Ken cringed. "Sorry about this one Mom. I was just trying to show off and see if we can set up a speedy formation. We were late because we had to see that Ranch get finished up." Xion wrapped an arm around Ken and held tight. "We were wanting to ask if we can come on over to your place, Ms. Deborah!" The woman put a hand to her chest. "You don't need to ask until you're old enough to have your own place. I think I can fit in for these guys too."

The Wooper, Nymble and Oshawott gave a cheer as Volty and Cyclizar went in close. The ball gave a jingle of a thank you as Cyclizar barked and licked the woman at the face, Deborah couldn't control herself and gave the lizard an embrace. "Even a big lug like you! Aren't you the sweetest thing to walk on four legs!" She coo'd. "Yes you are, yes you are."

The Cyclizar stepped back with a tail wagging and Deborah wiped the saliva off her face. The mother lead to the simple house somewhere close to a wall, with a turn of a key the way was opened. Xion and her band had the first honor, with Nymble jumping off to a table and having a view as Volty spun and crackled. The Tinkatink looked around and notice a glimmer of metal in the kitchen and Xion looked for a place to put Wooper away. Oshawott let himself in and twirled at the chance to be indoors while Ken noticed Cyclizar being intimidated by the door size. The boy gave him a push. "Come on, it's a lot bigger inside." It was a careful wiggle and the Cyclizar found the living room to have a simple mat to curl up on and a nearby couch that Ken intended to use. Deborah closed the door and marveled at the full house hold. "I've only heard a few bits here and there. How did you all meet up?"

Xion didn't know where to start and heard the sound of light tapping in the kitchen. She hurried to stop the source as Ken pulled his glove and gauntlet off and put them to a coffee table. "That would take the rest of the sunset. Xion's practice round with Aqua went well, but then a bunch of stuff happened that lead to the Wormholes opening and the two helping this girl out. That stuff hit Twilight Town and Ven went to the manor while me and the guys tried to handle the mess in the town. Xion and Miss caught their team while I helped Cyclizar get some friends." He pointed to himself and the Oshawott that jumped to the sofa and begun relaxing. "Then we figured out that the latest dark attacks going on, were up to some pretty messed up stuff that would-" He didn't wish to imagine being forced into the back of ones own mind and watching someone use their own body to attack everything around it. "warrant us shooting to kill. We finished setting up some sanctuary and are resting up before we get ready for the big trip."

Tink! Tink!

The noise wasn't stopping and the boy finished as he pulled his sock glove off. "We already ate before we headed back, so that's what took the rest of our time." Deborah crossed her arms and shook her head. "Can't say no to free food after all that work. Since I already made something for myself, it's good to know now."

Oshawott and Cyclizar watched Ken reveal something amazing under the clothing, a metallic prosthetic of an arm. Ken gave it a twist with his fleshy hand and popped it out before putting it by the table and head over to the stair way. Deborah walked in to the kitchen and found Xion arranging some worn pots for Tinkatink to test her rattle on. Giving a light, but firm tap. The woman raised a brow. "So... this is new." Xion turned to the lady of the house. "Don't worry, Tinkatink's just testing her hammer on some of these worn pots. She's spent a lot of work on it." Deborah went to take the majority of them back and left one with many scratches be. "A tinkerer, isn't she? Well, I need most of these, so you can have the one I was wanting to replace anyways."

Tinkatink groaned and gave a few taps on a surprisingly sturdy pot, the woman put her collection away and wagged a finger. "Yeah, yeah, it can take a lot of abuse, but there's so many scratches that it's not really good for cooking anymore. See what you can do with it and make something great. That's what my husband usually says." Xion covered her mouth and found a juicy topic. "You're talking about Ken's dad or something?"

Deborah nodded. "One and the same. Fabri was a tinker that liked to put scraps and parts together, he's a smart man. He'd be wondering how this gal was able to make that hammer and where she got the stuff from." Xion admitted. "I think it was all scrap metal that Ms. Wanda and her men left behind." Deborah teehed. "Even better! I've been hearing talk of these guys evolving or... something to grow. Does she put in the work on that hammer whens he gets the chance or-" Tinkatink gasped and swiped the pot, giving a few hearty wacks before finishing her inspection.

Xion guessed. "I've seen the Dex entry and I think she makes it into a new project." She had an idea and picked it up. "Hey, you mind if we use this as Wooper's bed? If we mix in some mud clumps together, he might like it." The Tinkatink looked up to Deborah, who didn't mind. "There's enough dirt on the front porch, so help yourself!"

Wooper giggled as Xion guided her partners to the front porch, passing by Ken who was trying to look like he didn't hear anything. The one armed boy put a blanket and pillow on the couch and admitted. "Yeah, he might have liked her just for using that old thing. You actually brought him up?"

Deborah rubbed her nose as her son asked with a heavy breath. "That must have felt good, it must have hurt a lot, but it felt good." The mother looked around to make sure no one was listening and pat her son on the head. "It does. You and me have been trying to stay alive, ever since this town turned inside out. He'd be proud to know that we've made it through that. All because you went to find an adventure and found out about yourself."

The Oshawott wrapped himself around the blanket and cheered. (And now he's getting another one with the friends he made.) The mother learned to the otter and scratched him under the chin while Cyclizar pushed his head to the couch and ask for a petting. Deborah had a proud smile. "My son is going to take real good care of you. And you'd be taking care of him out in the world."

She was sniffing and was having tears slide down her cheeks, Ken saw what was happening and gave her a one armed embrace. "Mom, Mom." Deborah saw her son holding back from crying and did her hardest to keep a strong face. "Once... once Xion comes back with that mud bed, tell her I said goodnight. Let her know she has that room to use," Ken promised. "Yeah, night Mom." Deborah hurried to the short and went to a room to the left, right as Xion entered to see her retire for the evening. "That again?" She wanted to head to the sink. "That room has two beds, so why are you staying out here?"

Ken cringed. "Erk! Right... um... that wouldn't be a problem if there was someone to keep an eye on us. Like... we're dating when ever we get the chance." He blushed as Xion was confused. "We'd get into a lot of trouble if we'd play around in there? Once you put that arm away, you look so relaxed." Ken nodded. "Yeah, we'd really get into a lot of trouble. Especially if we do something like this." He closed in slowly to her cheek and gave it a kiss, the girl blushed back. "Gotcha! There wouldn't be a lot to stop us when that happens. I'll be right back."

She hurried to the kitchen with Nymble hopping behind, Ken sat back down, believing he explained enough. "Alright, that went well." He saw Volty giving him an innocent stare from a potted plant. "My mom would have flipped to where that hair would have been a wig and she doesn't need that." He planned fast and looked to his starter. "Oshawott, could you do me a favor? A long time ago, this once pretty town got wrecked by some crazy guy and his experiments. The lot of us tried to make an escape from these monsters and some of us managed to make it out. My Dad was the reason me and my mom escaped. Once we landed in Traverse, something bad happened to him and he... isn't with us anymore."

Oshawott unwrapped himself with concern as his trainer asked. "This was the first time, in a while, since my mom started to talk about him. It wasn't a good time back in those days, but my Mom still remembers him and the kind of person he is. Can you... give my Mom some company for tonight. Me and Cyclizar won't be doing much here."

The Cyclizar pressed his head to Ken's chest, like he was offering to do the task, the boy nearly laughed. "Ha! No, no! You'd hog a whole bed!" He wrapped an arm around the lizard and closed a right eye. "But we can play around a bit until we get tired out."

Oshawott laughed to that and jumped off, Xion left with a muddy pot with a Wooper sitting in it like an unaware turkey and a Tinkatink that saw him looking ridiculous. The bystanders had a laugh as the girl admitted. "This wasn't what I expected, I'll try not to leave a mess up there. Volty, we're heading up!"

The Voltorb hopped off and gave a roll, following the girl up the stairs. Oshawott use that as a chance to jump off, head over to the hall and turned to wave the two good night. Ken used his stub to make something of a wave as Cyclizar revved up a good night. Oshawott went to a door that was creaked open and went in to a calming room of cloth works and a green bed that looked like it was stitched together, quite fit for a lady. Deborah was in a strange fit, laughing in joy and crying her eyes out while laying on her back and having a two piece set of green pajamas, using her day clothes as something to hold onto as she tried to keep herself together.

Oshawott eeped and jumped to the left side. (Hey, hey, hey!) Deborah realized she had a visitor and looked around to find the rascal. The otter scratched him self on the side of the head. (I'd be here to hear you, if that can help.)

Deborah looked upon the kind heart creature and put her stuff to the side, she put her hand to her chest. "That boy was right about it hurting. Sometimes, I wish that more of us had the luck to make it to today." She perked herself up. "But, that crying can be worth it if we keep going for those who aren't here with us. So, we need to try even harder to make tomorrow fulfilling."

Oshawott rallied. (That's right, it makes the times for laughing all the better.) He laughed to his own humor, the woman had an idea of what was said and laid side ways, looking to an upper window that was darken and made way for moon light. "Ken made the right call by sending you here. I was about to lose it." She pat on the mat. "If you leave now, he'll think I kicked you out. So how about you come here, it's a little better than sharing that couch anyways." Oshawott blushed and jumped on, rolling on the comfy bed before being held like one a stuff animal, he wiggled and realize he wasn't getting out of this one without drama.

At the Castle of the mountainous lands.

Aqua watched in glee as Ven and Virtu were packing heavily on the essentials for the marrow, setting up a filled suit case while Virtu marked off what was needed. The Lady of the Land already had hers stored away and was in a casual t-shirt of a status symbol. Petilil was at her shoulder and Cyndi was in her arms. "What ever we can't fit, Oχιά will cover if we can't find a place to crash?" Ven closed up the suit case and took pride. "I don't know how, but the gummi ships were learning how to transform into a base. They felt cozy."

Virtu chirped to that. (That would be less time spent looking for shelter and more time exploring.) Ven understood that. "And once you see the world, it wouldn't look too far from a camping trip." Aqua finished the rather well laid out plan. "and that keeps us under cover."

Terra came by from the lounge, with Teddiursa licking her paws from a honey snack. The more battle headed of the group found the shirt quite awkward, yet it gave Aqua a dorky air. "How long is that going to take? Between us and these guys, I'd give it less than a day." Aqua signaled that the two of them talk it out at the lodge, where Charcadet was making bedding out of a fire place that Stantler was napping by. The lady admitted. "I'm counting on that happening. Our expedition squad had to tell the Pines the truth over what was going on. So I'm expecting a bit of action as soon as we land."

Petilil twitched her leaves and rubbed cheeks with her trainer. Aqua kept her lecture. "Now, there's no telling where the calling's going to take you. Your partners might be in for some trouble that you're going to have to cover, for now. Usually, if a world is in trouble, it will find ways to let us know." Terra sighed and took a seat by the main table. "So now, that leaves the issue I have with that kid." Aqua gestured some advise as Ven and Virtu entered. "Just don't try to baby sit him. That never works."

The youngest perked in agreement. "The last couple of jerks that thought a couple of kids were going to be useless in a fight, ended up kicked out of town because of those kids." Terra ate his own words and smirked. "So, if I can't give the message to them. Let them do what their hearts want and get surprised? Otherwise, I'll start feeling like a jerk when they prove me wrong." Aqua nodded at the question. "And suddenly, you want them to show that they'd be good friends. I get what you and Riku were trying to do. But potential is never realized until you put in the effort."

Teddiursa jumped on a couch by herself and waved her paws. (Don't worry, Great Sinnoh is counting on us!) The grown up had an image on where that potential could go as Aqua recalled a more inspiring tale. "Kairi and those Seafarers were able to turn the tide on that evil man, alarmingly fast, when he tried using one of his tricks to oppress the girl and her friends. While Ken tapped into the art of making a glider, just by being that Cyclizars friend."

Terra imagined cathartic bliss of a so called Dark Type mauling a wicked old man that instilled nothing but darkness and chaos. "If I know this right, Kairi and Sea Fang gave Xehanort what was long overdue. The thing Ken did was also very advanced and he pulled half of it off because he wanted to help that Cyclizar." Ven remembered something and went to his Dex to look up something. "We should still teach those guys how to make the real thing. It's pretty incredible how Ken was able to figure this out on his own." Aqua went to a master chair with her companions, looking stern. "It's cool to have, but for some worlds, it can really stand out. There's got to be a secret to Cyclizar that we need to know of."

Terra laughed to that. "Unless we can find another one of those out there, then we shouldn't count on it, those Charcadets have trained together for most of their lives and came in a duo." Ven was at the end of the Dex log, confused by what was missing.

The log ended with the image of a humanoid, tube shaped, golden statue with coin dread locks. "That's weird." The grown ups heard that as their Lil' Bro went over with questions, Aqua asked. "Was there something you figured out?" Ven nodded. ""A while ago, me and Virtu went into the computer program at the Bastion, because Virtu wanted to evolve with an Upgrade. Tron was working with this robot that kind of looks like that Cyclizar. It liked to be called, the Iron Serpent." He showed the entries. "But there's nothing on him. It ended on Ghoul...Gholdengo."

Terra snapped his fingers to a concept. "That Robot gave Tron the code he needed to make that upgrade, so you think it's another pokemon?" Ven nodded and put the phone aside to where Virtu had a peak. "I know it is." The Porygon2 was astonished by something and flew back in a beep.

(Alert! Alert! Phone is glitching!)

Ven checked to see the screen giving a shine of crystallized violet for more than a second, the Dex logs returned, blue color and all. Logs of something unknown, filling sixteen more spots. At the very bottom was that very Iron Serpent. Ven sat down to a couch as Terra guessed. "Did someone sneak something in there?" Aqua doubted that. "We've been reading those logs for most of the day, if someone downloaded it when he was in the virtual world, he would have found it by then."

Virtu insist that she didn't even touch it after the fact and Ven pressed the button, seeing a comic like illustration of the robot on an futuristic assembly station, activating at the moment he was turned on. The boy's eyes came alive as his mouth read out loud. "Miraidon: the Mount Pokemon: Dragon/ Electric. Much remains unknown about this creature. It resembles Cyclizar, but it is far more ruthless and powerful." He scoffed. "Yeah right, Miraidon's been nice to us." Teddiursa looked to the picture as Terra and Aqua had a read, seeing the resemblance. The Big' Sis of the group wondered. "Does Cyclizar evolve into this?" Terra isn't seeing any hint that it does. "Nothing's there to say it, but it looks like it actually turn into a bike. Unlike the one Ken has." Ven closed his right eye and felt he was in for a headache. "Good grief!"

During the morning at Radiant Garden.

Ken was waking himself up with the rays of the morning sun as he sneak out of his home and brought out the half asleep Cyclizar. The lizard yawned, wishing to get back to his dreams of sprinting on a grassy field. (Light just turned on.)

Zzz.

He realized why he was woken up and shook himself as Ken put a finger to his own lips and closed his left eye. "The first light of the day." He gave a twist of his reattached arm and drew upon Night Sky. "To the street!"

The Cyclizar sprinted fast as the boy aimed his blade and had it fly at the lizard, letting it break apart into it's saddle and plant itself on the mount. Ken flowed to the raised ledges and made it for the saddle at the time it took to assemble, the boy activated his armor as he landed. The Cyclizar wagged his tail as the boy spoke out the schedule. "Alright, we'll have a run to the mech shop, make a round out of town, get past the train station and head on back here."

Right as the Cyclizar was about to sprint, he noticed a groggy eyed Xion and her anxious Tinkatink exiting the building. She gave a great yawn. "So early!" Ken heard the voice and turned for a wave. "I did say, first thing, love." He pat the back of the saddle. "Want a lift to the shop? The race isn't as long as I'm making it out to be." The Cyclizar turned his head in astonishment and reved in protest as Xion put her hands to her hips and showed a bag with the old pot. "We can walk there by ourselves you know. If your mom wakes up and finds us missing, she's not going to be happy."

Ken agreed with that much. "That's why I want to get this exercise done early, after that talk we had about my Dad, she needed some company and the last thing we need is for her to think we've taken off already."

Xion raised a brow and nodded. "Yeah, even if Oshawott is still back there and might be a clue that we're going to be around." Ken twist a handle. "That too." He raised three fingers and counted down. "Three, two..." He pointed on the command and noticed a cluster of digital light appearing, making a lined path to use as a track. "One, follow that!"

The Cyclizar roared as the cluster flew off to the route of the mek shop. SPRINT! The mount took off as Ken went into his zone. Xion shook her head in a blush and tapped her hip to the smith. "Come on, let's say our good mornings." The two went up the track in an even pace and made it to the mech shop, where a blonde mechanic in a white shirt and a part of blue jeans was looking to a road heading to the other side of the town, scratching his head while a blonde man with spikey hair and dark clothes was giving a passive stare.

A black haired ninja three piece set of a black jacket, a short shirt having white flower markings, a pair of brown shorts and brown long boots was greatly tempted to follow what ever zipped past her. The mechanic asked out loud. "What the heck are putting in those?" The ninja shrugged, with a strange, closed eyed smile. The blonde swordsman answered bluntly. "Road! The kid still needs to know that is not a motorcycle!"

The ninja guessed. "It acts a lot like a horse." The Tinkatink checked out the swords mans giant buster sword, squeed and made a sprint, Xion cringed. "Wait, that's Cloud you're going af-" The Tinkatink leaped as Cloud grabbed his sword and gave a back press to block a rattler swing that was clearly aimed at the blade. The impact was of little effect and Cloud turned around with a stare that asked; could you explain this? Xion apologized on behalf of her boyfriend's behavior. "Sorry Cloud, Yuffie, Cid. Cyclizar needs the exercise and I think Tron might have figured this out."

Stomp! Stomp!

From the road, a red robot that was rebuilt from salvage marched an approach, having his head turned backwards and scanning to decide that what ever was racing around was no threat. Cid relaxed. "Easy there, Sentor. That's the kid."

Cloud blocked another attack from the Tinkatink that back flipped and giggled with the image of hearts in her eyes, Yuffie guessed the intention. "And you brought this kid around because she's liking big weapons?" Xion knew from her dex reads. "I was meaning to ask if I can have some scrap metal, Tinkatink's want to make sure their weapon is as good and ready while they journey on to their next stage and for the next stage of that hammer."

Cloud parried the third blow and was ignoring the nuisance. "What for?" Xion pressed her hands together with a squee. "Tinkatink has put a lot of hard work into that hammer and it's only going to get even better from there. She's giving it a few tests to make sure it's ready for the adventure."

That, Cloud was willing to forgive and flipped his sword upward in a forth parry, lifting it high and watching the Tinkatink fall to her back. She was distracted by Sentor's physic and babbled questions that were answered with a confused beep. Cid looked at the rattle and the bag with the pot. "So what's that thing made out of? What's she going to be needing?"

Xion sighed. "Scrap metal she and a Hoppip were able to gather from Wanda's old fort, Tinkatink's pretty picky but she's looking for metals that are pretty sturdy but can get bent." Cid nodded. "I got some old crap that is like that." He went into the shop as Tinkatink frosted up her rattler and leaped after Cloud, testing out her ice hammer. Parry! Cloud blocked it all the same and is imagining. "You got a picture for what this kid is working on? No one's ever this crazy over a project unless there's a good reason for it."

Xion went to the Dex app and showed the log of a pink dwarven creature with rather long for the body hair, hairy arms that looked bulked up from the work and a giant hammer made out of bent metal and showing the rattler in the center. Cloud opened his mouth and signaled the Tinkatink that he had enough playing around. "Nice project." Xion nodded and put the phone away. "From what I read, Tinkatuff would be trying to go for Pawniards and Bisharps for their metals, but since that's not happening, we're looking at the next best thing. Cool, huh?"

Yuffie certainly does and warned the Tinkatink. "So be very careful with that, someone might figure out what it actually is and try to swipe it when you're not looking." The toddler put the rattler to her hand and roared in defense as Xion passed a warning. "Careful, that's why this pokemon can get pretty defensive." Cid returned with a bags worth of scrap he was wanting to get rid of.

At the other side of the town.

Ken and Cyclizar chased the data beacon across the street ways that would require sharp turns to keep up. Locals that were getting up for their morning routine were seeing the light and caught sight of the lizard zipping close behind, the beacon made an ascent to a two leap ledge up across the wall. Ken leaned to Cyclizar's back. "I got a hold, jump high!" The lizard leaped to one ledge and had to climb before making a turn to the left and leaping to the edge of the town. Finding blue rocks and a sea that is split by the earth. Ken sat himself up and saw the beacon fly at the battlement, Cyclizar gave chase until it turned right and flew to a raised mountain. Ken raised his hand and ordered. "Turn and jump! I got this!"

Cyclizar followed the order and Ken aimed his hand to command the wind to make a speedy gust, giving the mount the momentum to make it to the hill. The beacon flew down to the edge before the sea, Cyclizar slid down and followed it all the way to a road going back into the town. In that sudden, data orbs appeared and charged up wind gusts, Ken sparked fast fire balls and blasted them away as a means to give Cyclizar time to turn and arrive into the entrance of the town. From there, it was a race to to the train station, the market place and the neighborhood where the case started.

The beacon stopped right before Deborah's house and Cyclizar halted for a skid. Glimmer! The orb gave an S rank for some reason and a particular voice reviewed.

"Excellent! You've taken this exercise to heart."

Cyclizar panted and sat upward as Ken admitted to the voice. "I didn't know you'd be hearing that Tron, thank you for making this course that fun!" He had a boyish glee behind his serious looking armor and stepped off, finding Xion and a pleased Tinkatink returning with a substantial bag of metal supplies. The boy called Nightsky back and deactivated his suit. "Looks like Mr. Cid gave you the stuff you were looking for?"

The girl nodded. "Yeah, the guys are liking the idea of having these guys around. We don't know if these are going to be exact, but Tinkatink isn't minding." Ken readied a bowl and drew in some water magic for Cyclizar. "Now, let's get our stuff and see if Mom's awake." Click! Sniff! The children and pokemon were more awake from the smell of cinnamon and saw Deborah and Oshawott with a hefty basket of baked goods and two back packs full of supplies.

The woman finished clearing the tear goop from her eyes as Oshawott offered to carry the basket over to Ken, using his whole body. The boy went to get the basket and gave a cheerful. "Morning Mom, morning Oshawott. Sorry if we disappeared there, didn't want to make noise." Deborah laughed and gave Xion her bag while letting her son get an arm around a strap. "I'd thought it was too quiet. So Oshawott and I made something for the guys traveling." She blushed. "The friend you sent was just the kind of person I needed."

Oshawott blushed and acted like it wasn't much of a deal as Ken grabbed the basket handle and got his arm through the other strap. Deborah advised. "Those ought to be a nice pick me up until you all can get to those worlds. I've made a lot so please share them around."

Cyclizar was giving a sniff and put his nose under the blanket, earning a push from Xion while Ken promised. "I'll ask if the guys didn't eat yet." He went to his mothers right cheek and gave it a kiss. "Thank you," Xion went for the left and gave that side a kiss while Cyclizar gave the woman a nudge of affection and Tinkatink a hearty hand shake. (Thank you for the stay Ms. Nice!) Cyclizar woofed while Xion promised. "We'll try to find a way to call." Ken waved with his Oshawott. "Take care for the time, love ya Mom." The mother gave a kiss to her finger and applied one for each of the five. "Don't fall behind, things are going to move on just as fast." The band took their leave and waved, with Oshawott waving both paws and walk backwards, nearly tripping over a ledge and waddling close behind.

Ken was curious about the bag and opened them to find over two dozen, rolled up, fried pastry rolls with a strawberry jam. His belly rumbled. "Oh ho, these can fill you up. He took two of the rolls and gave one to Cyclizar, who nearly broke it in two with a snap of his jaw and had the chance to taste the jam before swallowing the first half whole. He smiled at the treat as Ken and Xion broke apart the other and passed it along to Oshawott and Tinkatink. The humans had their pick and tapped in a toast before giving it a try and feeling their spirits as sunny as the morning sky.

Over at a train station in the Isles.

The Destiny Trio and Leon were waiting for their cart to come along, Sora was too sleepy in the brain to even protest against the Rowlet making a nest out of his hair once more while Comfey was blushing with Kairi. The posey picker used the scent of her flowers to get Sora out of his grog as Kairi confessed. "That night was quiet."

Riku, Slowking and Azu waited for their ride as Leon showed his Rotom Phone and confessed. "The two of you looked so peaceful with your pokemon. I'm not sure which one ought to get blogged." He showed a picture of Sora sleeping with Comfey around his neck and Zigzagoon in his arms, along with a picture of Kairi sleeping by a Sharpedo, Cradily and Clawitzer, with Azu firmly in her arms. "You looked like a couple of angels. One that's taken in the essence of Alola and the other that's become one of the Seafarers." The Princess was even more red as Sora woke up to that picture and found it quite peaceful. Slowking closed his eyes to block out the disturbance as Riku saw Azu blushing, the older boy turned and warned the youngster. "Good luck posting those and those are some pretty big words."

Leon shrugged as Kilokilo had a smile for the edgy teenager. "You're acting like being called one is a bad thing?" Riku pointed to his closest friends. "They had those pictures coming and if we end up with more of those, we'll be doing something right." Kairi snickered. "Come on Riku, you're just jealous that there wasn't a good timing for your own picture. It will come."

Slowking turned eager and kept behind with some confidence, Riku crossed his arms stubbornly and pat his partner on the back. "Until then, we're going to work to bringing some balance back to the worlds and see what kind of friends are wanting to come along." He had a smile as he rallied. "Hip, hip!" Kairi, Comfey, Slowking, Azu and Kilokilo gave a loud and proud. "Hurray!" Click! Leon took the chance of snapping a photo and checking on the image of Riku and Slowking cheering like a couple of kids.

Sora's brain woke up and he had a peak, smiling at the energy. "So that's where he's been!" He laughed. "Hey, Riku, check this guy out!" The Rotom Phone showed the older boy the wholesome image that he couldn't get mad at. "What the heck are you talking about, he's been here. It's just that he was taking this way too seriously."

Slowking laughed heartily to that as they heard the sound of train whistle. It was a hop and a skip once the cart made it's stop and let the band in. Sora felt his other a little anxious for a trio of friends that have agreed with a daring adventure and waited for the train to make it's move. "This morning feels right. If all of us are up and at it, then we'll be out of here in no time." Kairi put her hands to her hips and raised her head proudly. "My Lil' Bro was making a good word on them, we'll find them enroute in no time."

Sora and Riku turned to see a particular witch right beside Kairi, having that smug air to her, while Slowking hmmed and gave a blink. Seeing something that Azu was seeing well. Leon was not, but felt the air was fitting of royalty. The train took off to it's trip through the plane between and was at the town in twilight. Sora and Kairi hurried to the door and rushed out as soon as it opened, nearly bumping into the Twilight Town trio that were about to head in. Sora in particular, bumped right into Hayner as the girls gasped in surprise. Pence whistled as Heater was watching into the chaos. "Woah, you guys were early too?" Olette and the Hoppip on her head perked to the morning sunshine. "We'd figured if we're to stop the mess at the source, then we ought to get there as soon as possible. Besides, this sunrise is cheering us on."

She headed in first as Hayner and Sora pushed each other away, the Poliwag hurried to the cart while the hot blooded boy blushed. "Still, it's nice of you guys to check up on us. We're not going let you down in there, Roxas." Sora's other had a blush. "Hey, it's still one of the biggest days of your lives. Keep yourselves sharp, because Ken's still acting like he's part of some military." Hayner kept firm and followed in. With the crowd together, Leon raised a finger to question something. "Is it common to be given nicknames around here? Because that's an odd one."

Kairi and the Twilight Trio cringed, the Princess calmed herself. "You've heard that?" She wiggled her lips. "How am we're going to explain this?" Olette stepped in to answer. "If we had any time, we might tell you. Let's just say, Sora and Kairi have another person that is with them... in more ways than one. They're made from the same stuff and at the same time, are their own person. They're close friends with Xion though."

The Alolan scratched the side of his head as Kilokilo pressed her true hand under her chin and squinted her eyes at the couple, she saw something and ahed. Using her tentacle hand to give a tip of the hat as her partner pondered. "So kind of like a split personality and a spirit? Rolled into one? I think there's a Hoenean bug that works like that in the right conditions."

Sora hmmed and had a quick check on the Dex as Kairi didn't expect the boy to pick up on that. The train readied to leave as the Princess felt her other ask. "It's easy to relate to any pokemon if we know where to look? What's it about that bug that is anything like that?" Sora found the log and the evolutionary chain. "Here it is! Nincada! Normally, it evolves into this Ninjask, but the arrow's pointing to both of them at once." Leon nodded. "Yep! Just have a spare poke ball when Nincada evolves and you'll find out."

Roxas had a gasp in astonishment. "No way! It can evolve into two pokemon at once?" He had a double check and pressed the entry for a discarded cicada shell that is right underneath the winged, yellow backed cicada with a black belly and mighty wings. The shell had it's legs crouched up, it's back split to resemble wings and a halo. "Shedinja? A hollow shell that's come alive for some reason?" Leon smiled deviously. "Never needing to breath, or eat. Has a marvelous ability in wonder guard, which protects it from any damage that won't be super effective." He shifted the smirk to a face wishing to give advise. "Though, hazards, weather and status would still be a problem. Never peer into the back of the shell, for it will steal your spirit."

Roxas guessed. "It's part ghost, isn't it?" Leon nodded. "Yup, it only has one piece of health, but if you know how and when to use it, you'll find that shell isn't quite so brittle." He pressed his hands together, aware he's talking with a spirit. "Was I on the mark?"

Roxas and Namine looked to each other, agreeing that the similarities are uncanny. The other answered with enlightenment. "Closer than you might realize. But we'll tell you the details when it's a better time." Kairi's other had a chill regardless. "Thank you for letting us see that log. It's just as spooky as it is helpful."

Leon pressed his hands together as Kilokilo gave a wave to a fellow witch. "Don't mention it, seriously. The scariest thing to do is provoking something you know nothing about and not realize it until it's too late to do anything about it." Namine didn't mind. "No one else heard this but us and anyone who would have taken offense have been gone for months now."

The train readied it's leave to the next stop as Leon felt behind on recent history. The train made it's way to the Bastion, where a band of five were waiting. Ken, Xion and three of their misfits. The group entered at the first chance they got and saw the bags, suit cases and eager faces. Leon noticed the cybernetic arm and was amazed as the strange boy put the basket to a table and announced. "If any of you haven't gotten breakfast, there's plenty of it here for those who are going to take off. My Mom made them for us."

Oshawott jumped and cheered. (It's good stuff!) Ken used the chance to open his bag and bring out his sock glove, covering the machine and is seeing someone staring. Leon knew he was spotted and hurried to ask. "Did that happen because of that war I've been hearing about?" Ken put the sock on and waved while going for a matching glove. "Oh yeah. The people around here know how it happened and it's a battle wound to be proud off. I'd still don't like it when people point it out. Especially if it's to pick on me." The youngster cringed at the concept. "Eesh! Those bullies would stoop that low?"

Ken nodded. "Yeah, they would if they felt their ego got hit. Special treatment also bothers me. So-" He waved a gesture that the topic is to be dropped, the youngster zipped his mouth and was given a floating roll by Kilokilo. "You smell like you've chased wind, giving that Cyclizar enough exercise?" Nom! Ken felt it was enough. "And Tron surprised us by setting up that course." Sora ohed. "Cool, how many pokemon are like that?" Leon was more focused on eating, a que to enjoy the pleasures while they still can.

At the Ranch.

Ven and Virtu were having a moment to watch Wander wearing a gas mask while trying to get close to the hostile Stunky as Litzia finished her report. "So that's what I've learned about that Solrock and Lunatone. The sun rock is flies over during the day cycle while meeting up with Lunatone and switching spots during the night. If I can pin point the moment it hits noon, Pix and I will be able to reach out for him."

Ven imagined from the logs. "Neither of them sound like pokemon that are going to be easy to catch. But maybe if you catch Solrock, that could help bring Lunatone closer to the ground." Litzia considered the advise. "Strange pokemon like that aren't going to come down by asking. But that stellar pattern is going to keep me busy for days. Speaking of which, are you sure that Miraidon isn't in the book?"

The boy shook his head. "Aqua's read that nearly to the last page and he isn't found in it, there's a lookalike that is called the Winged King." He worried about the mystery as Virtu beeped. (Is there something off about the way Miraidon entered cyberspace?) Ven understood what was asked. "I've heard that there was a crystal something that the kid found before pulling out some Turtle and it uses the same power that Aqua and Daphne found at home. If it's the same stuff, then it's obvious something crazy is going on." Litzia agreed. "That entry found it's way into your phone for a reason and if Virtu had nothing to do with it, then the source has to be linked. Always do some research when you see the impossible, they're possible because of something."

At the sudden, Terra noticed someone and Aqua called out. "They're here everyone!" Ven and Virtu gave their good buys and hurried to the meeting, with Mickey and the King Guard seeing a group that's up and at em. Donald crossed his arms with some Judgment, particularly at Sora. "Nice to know we're all at it this morning!" The boy with brown spikey hair knew that was a jab at him. "Yeah yeah, I told you I was breaking that habit."

He pointed to the owl on his head. "Helps that there's someone that's sleepier than me." Goofy chuckled. "H'yuck. That's some motivation right there!" The Rowlet kept himself asleep as Comfey puffed her cheeks, uncurled from Sora's neck and flew up to wake the owl up. It smelled the flowers, woke up to the scolding face and looked around to realize he was in a meeting.

Leap!

He jumped off and gave a firm stance, earning ridicule from a Cyndi who was at Aqua's feet. (Late for that to matter!) Oshawott puffed his cheeks in defense of the owl and kept by him. (Hey, I was sleeping in too you know!) Cyndi relaxed and sighed. (Well, you woke up once you did.) The trainers had their partners knock it off, with Ken picking Oshawott up and ready to call back Cyclizar. Riku felt a similar idea and finished up the role call. "This is about everyone accounted for. Master Aqua, is there any last minute regrets before we get going?"

The Keyblade Master raised a pinkie and called Cyndi back. "There's one, Terra." The oldest of the Poke trainers stepped forward as he watched the band call their pokemon back. "Here's how I've been told. An enemy of ours, that lives over in Gravity Falls, makes it his goal to trick people into his deals. Because of that, it's been suggested that I don't go anywhere near that place."

Xion didn't hesitate to show her approval at the judgment call. "Bill wouldn't just go after you. He tried to sucker Dupmic when we couldn't find the lock-" Aqua added. "then tried to sucker me when Ken's mind was on the line." Riku added. "and when Nort was at his last leg of his master plan, Bill managed to weasel a deal out of him. A deal that ended with the Dark Seeker becoming nothing more than a tool for the Chaos to use." He advised. "If that smart alec of a triangle was able to coax someone like that; who knows that it's a bad idea, then anyone could be conned into that game and not know it. It would be better if there was one less target for him to mess around with."

Terra wasn't sure if that made him feel any better, since his fellow Wayfinders were heading into that kind of territory. Leon called Kilokilo back and stepped forward. "Then-" He turned to the crowd. "Maybe, if Terra has to go out there, he doesn't go somewhere by himself. He might have his pokemon, but I know a late beginner when I see one." He coughed and offered. "Terra, you need to know that sync with your pokemon sooner or later. Teddiursa and Charcadet wouldn't like it if they think they're holding you back. You can say I was a bit skittish myself when it was my time to come of age."

The grown up believes that. "Because you stepped away from home and got to see how big the world really is?" Leon nodded. "Yep, without Mommy and Daddy to hold my hand every step of the way. My sister was the rival that kept pushing me to keep up the pace. Even if the Contests don't run at her schedule." He explained. "Since we're all catching and training pokemon, some matches between one another are expected. That's what a good rival tends to do. I want to see how close you all become as those once we really get in deep."

That gave Ken a reason to give Kairi a challengers smile, Terra sighed at something so childish, put a hand to his hip and looked to the two balls at the belt. "Alright," He requested to the youngster. "but don't get too far from my sight. You don't know what kind of people are out there."

Leon nodded firmly as Ken gave Aqua and Ven the breakfast basket. Aqua approached to pick up a couple of rolls, let Ven pick his and pass the rest to Terra. "So it's settled?" Leon teeheed and cheered for the Destiny Trio. "You guys got that road all to yourselves now! You and the Pokemon with you have a big adventure on the horizon." The three were charmed and Sora notice Comfey was missing, over by Donald to receive a lecture. "And remember, when he gets himself roughed up, you heal as much as possible." Goofy nodded. "and be careful about the worlds where you gotta blend in." The Comfey promised heartily. (Once I learn this move, you won't have to worry about him falling over.)

With the band ready, Mickey advised. "Remember, if anything happens, you can call on us and we'll be there as soon as we can." The squads lined up in their respected groups and Aqua had one last rally for her top students. "Once we head out, your first real mission as Late Journeymen will begin. I'm counting on you to do what needs to be done." Kairi promised as Ken turned around. "Don't worry, me and the Seafarers will hold it together while the boys balance their friends with their experience." Ken made is own vow. "We're just a bunch of kids out there and thinking that will be the Dark Bringers biggest mistake."

With that, Sora went to his squadmates and announced. "The three of us will be taking my ship, so Terra and Leon can pick if they want the blue ship or the red ship." At the moment, Ven had one last request. "Hey, before we go. There's something that's been bugging us since last night." He showed the younger kids the log for Miraidon. "Me and Virtu met this guy and when we were looking him up, the entry wasn't there. It wasn't until it got brought up that the data showed up."

Leon hmmed. "Was Virtu messing with that?" Ven shook his head as Ken saw the image and brought up the log on Cyclizar, seeing the two are similar, Sora, Donald and Goofy had a look at the futuristic robot and felt some nostalgia. The boy with the brown spikey hair confessed. "He'd pass off as one of the bikes you find in there." Goofy agreed with that. "You know, I'm thinking he would. You think that book has a clue on him?" Leon shook his head. "Nothing on Miraidon or an Iron Serpent, just a Winged King that thinking about it-" He picked up the book, looked to the front cover and compared it to Miraidon and Cyclizar. "does resemble these two." He went over to the Destiny Trio and gave them the book. "Just in case, you'll need this if you find something the Dex isn't picking up on." He warned the others. "Expect that Miraidon to be out there. If it's as much of a Legend as the Winged King or Solgaleo, then it has the power to shape the worlds." Aqua heeded the advise. "Well, there's one way to learn about these pokemon. Catch them and see if they're friendly enough to share some secrets."

After the meeting.

Sora, Riku, Kairi and the Comfey headed to a place that was out of site and out of mind.

PEW!

In a flash of light, the Comfey was a bit blinded and found herself in what looked to be a space ship in the vast cosmos. She let go and was gasping in amazement, Sora turned to his partner and admitted. "Pretty big, yeah? Say hello to the Gummi Ship!"

Blip!

The ship gave a beep as the Comfey gave a nervous hello before retreated to the neck, the boy petted her. "That's why we didn't want our partners out yet. This might be too much for them." Kairi admitted as she took the right seat. "Azu had seen enough of this already." Riku went for the left. "We'll show them once we're on a world of note. Sora, you're the lead." The boy smiled and sat down on the captains seat, pressing his hands together and closing his eyes in a zen. With force of will, the ship sailed out of orbit of Traverse and a keyhole appeared, bringing the lot into a lane, Sora opened his eyes and guided the ship to where the path would bring. A gate way that was shining in an orange color, a familiar cluster of blocks that resemble a broken high way with a backdrop of orange clouds. The trio had their hands on the cannons, while Sora grabbed the steering wheel.

The ship zoomed past the entry tunnel and were beset by a pack of race cars with cannons and an emblem. The ship gave a spin to maneuver around the fast projectiles and fired back before racing off the debris and fly to a long stretch of road, flying ships intercepted and fired anchors. Flip! Pew! The ship closed in and Sora picked up on something approaching from behind, a black and purple spiked wheel that was bouncing an entry and tried to ram the ship as it turned and flew backwards.

WOOSH! CRACKLE!

Suddenly, an electric wheel crashed into the heartless and caused it to spin out of control. The wheel uncurled to reveal a violet motorcycle lizard that jet across with rocket boosts, he shifted into a vehicle and slowed down to get behind the heartless. The trio knew they didn't have time to think and fired upon a head that popped out of a slot, causing it to spin right towards the lizard that launched a pulse and caused it to flip over out of control.

Glimmer! Glimmer! Blip! Blip!

Kairi cringed and turned around to find a crystal cluster with a wide entry. "Captain, we're heading straight towards something!" Sora stirred the ship towards the crystal and found a light consuming the ship. Before long, they found themselves with in a high tech race track with in a factory, crystallizing something into existence. Riku kept a back eye and found that same lizard jetting behind them and making the effort to out pace it, getting ahead, transforming into a bike form and zipping to make a course of fast electrical lines. Where maneuvering is key over shooting, it went on for half a minute as the alarms picked something coming by them in the speed of wind. A duo of crystal winged drones that resembled three headed hydras with flowers for necks, banding together and unleashing a combo twister, the ship rolled left and right as soon as the twisters formed and was blasted by a double snarl.

The ship countered with fast shots and found it to do little in affect. It kept dodging the hurricanes as it zipped across the factory. The drones flickered into celestial light and vanished on their own, then a duo of water jets swirled around from behind and closed into a narrow tunnel of an escape, bringing it into a race track where metal wheels flew by to join in the race. They zipped up ramps and unleashed shock waves of raised plates while a sun like drone intercepted and danced fire balls. Sora cringed at the fast pace barrage. "Where are all these guys coming from?"

Kairi guessed. "They were waiting for us to join in that race and give us a detour from the ships we've been fighting." Roll! Roll! The Princess felt her heart racing as Comfey is regretting her life choices. "But they're leaving wide enough gaps for us!"

The rolling treads zipped to intercepting ramps that went on and on, causing shattering quakes on impact and in a pattern. The drone ascended to be like a sun and unleashed a barrage of sludge from it's solar panels, much to Kairi's insight, the attacks are oddly avoidable enough that the crew wasn't in any serious danger. Least not unless they wish it to be. The wheels zipped to slots and disappeared as crystals while the drone flew off. The bike lizard returned with a pulse of electricity that caused the ships thrust engines to charge up and accelerate with it, right to a gate way that opened up for it. The two vehicles zipped through and end up in the broken high way, greatly out speeding the dark carts that made an appearance and a wheel that tried for a rear attack. On a turn around, they found the wheel was becoming little more than a distant memory, even as it's sides brought out panels to affect the gravity. The two sailed to the next stretch of road and found a wall with a glowing keyhole, the lizard zipped to a crystal cluster and gave a roar of good luck before disappearing. Letting the gummi ship fly into a tunnel of light that brought it into the cosmic void.

Sora gave a bright cheer and made the cockpit spun."HOHOHO! WOO!" Comfey looked up to giggle as Kairi offered a high five. Clap! "Man, that was a blast!" Riku was suspicious about the stranger that, in an odd way, helped them evade most of the heartless in the high way. "Was that the Miraidon that Ven told us about? Where in the light did it take us?"

Sora guessed. "A Metal Track! Now," he hmmed. "something about that highway feels familiar." He had a look around and found a place most familiar. A planet with many different sides appeared. Facing the ship was what looked like a place of curled hills and pumpkins, on the other side was a world of festive snow. Separated by a line of a forest. Sora recognizing the place and almost lost his breath as Riku had a second look and gasped. "No way!"

Kairi had a look at the world and scratched the side of her head. "What kind of place are we looking at?" "Fufufu." Namine stepped out of her other and surprised the Comfey, the witch tapped Kairi on the side of the head. "Guess when things are like a dream, you can't exactly remember it all." Roxas stepped out and made Comfey more confused while he tapped his head on the glass and looked upon the world. "This world's special!"

Namine gave a clap, to announce a story. "A world, making up of the holidays that are celebrated across the worlds. Over a year ago, the Spirit of Hallows Eve, did battle against the Darkness that threaten to consume the hearts they wished to scare. The one who is called, the Pumpkin King, became a friend to the Lights last hope."

Sora recalled the rest. "And then a year later, me, Donald and Goofy found out that Jack liked Christmas as well. A little too much." Kairi gave out an oh. "Now I'm getting it. He might have tried to take it over, not knowing the consequences of doing the job of Saint Nick." Sora nodded. "Then someone brought back a Bag of Bugs that tried to destroy Halloween before. Nearly ruining Christmas on his second round." He put one and two together, realizing why Halloween and Christmas are at it again, he put his hands to his cheeks dramatically. "Ooooooh noooooo!"

Comfey wasn't liking the sound of that or the spooks as the Princess agreed. "Oh no is right. We got one of two problems. There might be pokemon who have no business being among these holidays and are hating it here, or we're going to be in for all those ghost pokemon that we had to read about." Roxas nodded and half dropped his eye lids while giving a chilling smile. "Yep, from the spirits that love to give you all a big hex. To that guy who can be tapping at your shoulder while you're not looking. Or we have something like that dog Pence has, who's candle can drain you dry of life if you play with him for too long."

Namine closed in to Kairi's ear and whispered loud enough to be heard. "And that's the one who does it accidentally. Beware the purple lights, for they are not your guide." She wiggled her fingers to try and look spooky. "Woooooooo!"

That caused the Destiny Trio to laugh, Roxas and Namine returned to their others as Sora thought about another problem. "And Christmas Town could just be too cold for some of these guys." He called for a line up and readied Rowlet's ball. "Come on guys, this is a world we got to blend in to." Kairi and Riku readied theirs while the captain activated light. "We're in for a freight!"

In a snowy landscape, swallowed by a dark blizzard.

A black triangle like creature that was covered in a yellow cloak of fur that had an underside of orange was tip toeing behind a creature in a yellow cloth, mouse like costume. "Bad, bad, bad!" The disguised creature showed a plush head resembling a certain red cheek mouse and agreed while finding a dark orb of elemental ice and leaped at it to play rough. "It's not too much longer, we got to get to that other side!"

Tap! Tap!

Behind the two was a bipedal dark blue weasel, with sharp white claws, multiple red tails, a long red ear to contrast a short dark blue ear and a yellow stone on his forehead and chest. He blew an icy wind at a horned predator and turned to spot something in his keen eyes. "There it is!" He leaped at the blizzard core and delivered a swift knock off, getting a clear view of a glowing orange jack-o-lantern. "Come on, that icy wind won't slow that thing down for long!"

The three hurried and the weasel heard something coming in all fours. "Crud!" The cloaked triangle turned to blast a fast water pulse to daze the monster confused as the yellow cloaked creature reached a black tendril, swiped his companions and leaped into the unknown. Falling for what felt like a while and finding a light to roll out of. Into a dark forest, with a clearing in the center and a collection of doors going somewhere. The cloaked one dropped the two and turned to a door radiating a dark power, heralding the arrival of a dark predator.

GLIMMER! GLIMMER! WRRR!

Suddenly, a dazzling gleam blasted the monster into the darkness while a hex aura sent it falling back to the other side. The door closed firm by a nearby presence that the shivering triangle turned to meet. A dark blue, floating head with red beads for a necklace, red eyes with yellow sclera, wild hair and something resembling a dress for a body. The spirit puffed up her cheeks while a towering, gray, lantern shaped cyclops with a white sclera and a glowing red eye kept her focus on the door.

The less busy spirit asked with concern. "You all look like you ran into something spookier than the guys across the woods. You okay?" The disguised one nodded. "Yeah, it happened pretty sudden. Our Lady of Snow's keeping the worst out of the town over there. But it isn't going to last long. Names Mimikyu." He pointed to the cloaked runt "That's Snorunt!" and the weasel. "And that's one of the Sneasel boys that's coming with us, while his brother stays behind to watch big guy."

The spirit laughed at the title. "I'm the new Banshee of the Woods, Misdreavus." The requiem growled a feminine tone. "We've claimed nothing!" The Misdreavus introduced her in a sarcastic tone. "And that's Dusclops." She eased up her tone. "So, what are we going to do about this?" The Mimikyu looked around for a pathway. "Let's see, the Almighty said that if the Darkness ever creeps into the festive lands, we need to jump over to the land of frights and find the bearer of keys, who accompany kin." He planned. "Maybe we'll find them by the town? We just got to act natural."

Sneasel raised a brow and smiled to show a fang. "Natural huh?" He spotted a path ahead in a keen vision and took off. "T'heh. That's totally going to work." Misdreavus cringed and followed behind. "Hey, that's not what he meant!" Mimikyu and Snorunt blinked in astonishment and looked to each other, the runt shivered a feminine tone. "We're in for it." The Mimikyu looked over to the Dusclops warding off the looming evil and scurried to follow the others. "Don't worry, it will be fine once we find our guys."

At a spooky graveyard.

Comfey looked upon the barren landscape of death and clung to Sora in dread, shaking stiff until a sudden white glove, in place of Sora's fingerless wear, petted her calm. "Don't worry, the people here are nice." Comfey flinched to the glove and saw Sora's clothes have turned almost completely black. His shoes were black with white stripes, he had leggings that were black and red, his unarmored shoulder had white cloth and an uneasy aura was felt. Comfey uncurled to have a look at her partner, who had two sharp fangs, short bat wings on his back, a twisted orange monster mask covering his right eye and a deep shadow over his left, highlighting a white sclera and a bright blue iris. The Rowlet over the head, who is normally the most silly, looked imposing regardless of the sleepy behavior. Comfey eeped and woke the Rowlet up, who looked down to Sora to see what the big deal is and eeped in shock. He flew off and turned with a drop in his bravado, before taking a battle stance and hooted. (Sora?! What happened?)

Slowking was timid of the environment and visuals, so he decided to hide behind Riku, he noticed dark looking clothes with patches of wear and tear. The body was covered in gray fur and had a fluffy tail, the oldest boy turned around to show a hooded figure with a long gray snout, sharp claws, torn up shoes of clawed toes and a mouth of sharp teeth that wanted to say something. Slowking noticed the hood had a set of fluffy dog ears and was taken aback. (Is this that world magic you've been talking about?)

Riku knew what was asked and undid the hood, showing a mane of a near identical hair style and a set of greenish blue eyes that became rather stunning with the shadow. "Yep, that's the rule here. Although it looks like it's done nothing for you guys." The Slowking had a second look at the canine form and actually didn't mind the werewolf. (Interesting.) Comfey flapped her hands in protest. (What do you mean, these guys are looking like spooks!)

She flew to the neck of the one person who looked remotely normal. Kairi in a long, red, tattered cloaked dress, long arm legging of red and black, leggings of similar colors, curled purple shoes and purple gloves. All complimented by a purple, long pointed hat. Comfey curled around the girls neck and kept put while Kairi checked the boys out and was in aw. "Woah, you guys are spooky!"

Azu was the only pokemon who wasn't scared from the start and rallied. (Spooky, gnarly and can make Sea Fang jump!) She raised her fist in command. (Come on kids, that guy's scarier than them!) Kairi looked down to the Azumarril who had a point. "It's those eyes and teeth he has. Sora and Riku don't have those same eyes." She spaced out from a moment of perception and Azu looked up to nod. (Theirs are way to pretty to be sca-) She stopped in amazement and the Princess brought a hand to her forehead, seeing the whole hand in view. Azu advised the Comfey in sage advise. (You might want to fly back to Sora before you look up. You're in for a spook.)

Comfey did the complete opposite and looked up, flipping her main body upside down to get a look. Finding a giant, singular, blue eye in the shadows of the hair, to compliment distinct white horns at the sides of her head. Comfey went completely limp and floated to the ground in a complete knock out. Kairi caught her and tried not to laugh. "Oh no."

Sora hmmed and called Comfey back while Rowlet looked to the eye and calmed down, crossing his wings. (She didn't see that one coming.) Slowking laughed to the crude joke as Sora had a distinct look at Kairi and found the face a complete compliment. "Spooky!" Kairi appreciated that and found a town close by. "Thank you, you and Riku have that spook to you too."

At the mention of the word, the graveyard darken. The band had a feeling that they were being watched, chills went down their spines, they looked around to shake off the feeling and found by the town way, a purple fog with shadowy, skeletal hands. At the blink, the fog was gone and the boys looked around fast, finding nothing. As their backs were turned, Kairi saw something in their shadows, a still, floating, spectral, skeletal white head with a rows of purple teeth, a long pink tongue, a jack-o-lantern wisp in it's throat and white circles with black pupils filling the eye sockets. Disembodied, along with the clawed hands.

Reaching slower and slower to the boys backs and stopping short. Kairi and Azu put their hands to their cheeks and let out a scream so loud that the hat came off. The girl had a row of jagged teeth reveled as the throat let out. "Eeeeeek!"

The boys and their partners turned to find the apparition and screamed out in terror. Slowking landed on his rear as Rowlet went into a battle pose, shaking like a leaf. The apparition begun to split into three, lightening the atmosphere back to it's entirety, floating to the left was the red glow, revealing itself to be a simple bed sheet looking ghost dog with a pumpkin shaped nose. To the right was a floating specter with something of spikes across his head, disembodied hands and a ghost like tail for a lower half. His triangular, eyes was mostly of white, with small black pupils, his tongue was pink and he looked more of gas than anything. Standing in the middle with some fanfare was a more friendly looking, tall, skeleton in a black suit, he had a bow tie of a bat and a wide smile at a job well done. He and the purple spirit laughed heartily at one of the best scares they've concocted yet.

Azu calmed down and called to the band. (Everyone get up, this is just a Haunter that's found friends.) Sora's heart relaxed to a familiar friend and he broke out a laugh that was weaken by the scream. "Ha, you got us good Jack!"

The Skeleton snickered in mischief. "Did you like that? Me, Haunter and Zero have been trying that all night!" Kairi blew to the air. "*Hoof* That nearly caused our hearts to jump out." Riku was impressed by the effect and admitted. "That doesn't happen often." Slowking got off and dusted himself as Sora stood by the Skeleton and gave an introduction. "Ladies and Gentlemen, this is the Pumpkin King of Halloween, give it up for Jack Skellington!" Kairi and Azu were the first to give a round of applause, while Riku and Slowking followed, giving credit to the scare.

Rowlet relaxed himself and flew back to Sora's head, purring in defeat. Jack took the applause. "Thank you, thank you. Sora, I'm seeing that you're with different company this time. What's the occasion?" Sora took a deep breath, remembering that he did leave Donald and Goofy behind while looking up to the owl. "Something's happened across the world and we have to go fix it. That friend you made came out of one of the stars you saw the other day." The Haunter gasped in surprise of the accuracy as the boy finished. "Because of that, we have to try and handle it in a way they can get. That's why Goofy and Donald didn't come along this time." He gestured to his friends. "But these guys, I've known for longer." He started with the werewolf "That's Riku." to the witch "and that's Kairi." then to the misfits. "And these are the guys who are going to help us sort this out. Rowlet, Azumarril, Slowking and the rest." Haunter huhed. (The rest?)

Jack wondered the occasion. "This is really a problem?" Riku squinted his eyes at the Haunter, felt pure heart intentions and scratched under his chin. "Not with him, but he isn't the only guy that's showed up in the town and not every one of them can adapt to this." Kairi had an example that would be easy to explain. "Some of them might have a better shot with Christmas, than Halloween."

That example had Jack thinking about it. "I see, some of the gentlemen have been seeing something strange since the lights appeared." Haunter scratched the side of his head as Sora spoke of a dire warning. "We're also on the look out for something that would try to hurt these guys. So we do need to make sure everyone's counted for."

That surprised the Haunter more and he lowered his hands in concerned. (Why would someone around here do that? They all seemed nice in my book.) Azu believed him. (That something or someone isn't from around here either. It's for the best that we find the rest of your friends, if you have any.) Haunter point a thumb to the town behind him. (That was why I'm trying to set up a gig with these guys. They like scaring, we like scaring! Like the only one of us that's got to eat solid food has plenty to chomp on here!) He placed two hands together and had them approach to mimic a chomp, amusing the group while Azu playfully stepped back. Haunter cut the act and wiggled them back. (I guess we can set up a role call and take care of that problem.)

Jack focused deeply for a plan and snapped his fingers. "A ha! If we can find Haunters friends, we'll handle who ever dares to try and ruin this Halloween. Then we can get back to making it different. A change from the same old scares!"

Haunter was surprised by the plan and looked to his fellow pokemon awkwardly before following Jack back into the town. The band of heroes felt that was quite easy and Sora wondered. "Jack's at it again, but this doesn't feel as bad of an idea."

Riku agreed with that. "I'm not picking up any strings from that Haunter. What ever the reason, he had a really good idea for Halloween that he wanted to share with Jack." Slowking shivered and advised. (But we should still be careful, all those ghost stories from the Dex didn't get written down without a point.) Sora lead on. "Come on, let's see what Jack is up to this time!"