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

23. The Other Route

At the Bryn Base, Ken and his squad finished up a long call and were calming down from their moments of revelations and idea sharing. Preparing their partners for some rest in their capsules. The one armed boy recapped the general plan as he had Pawniard head back down to his pack mates. "Okay, so the next mission tomorrow is going to be about finding what Big Hero 6 is going to be doing with the intel. That's our excuse to explore more of the city and see if there are any Bisharps around. I'll talk with Hiro about making one of those doors once we have that layout."

He clapped at a suggestion. "We need to be bright and early, so we can take care of that burglar and have this city to ourselves." Olette gave a knights salute. "Got it!"

Xion blushed as she watched the sharp blade head down. "Then you all better get some sleep tonight." The ladies went off to do some preparations a girl would understand, the boys headed off to a well kept, if still messy dorm room. Pence took off his head band and let his hair fall down as Hayner took off his vest, giving a stretch as Ken took off his cybernetic arm, placed it on a night stand, took his vest off and helped Dewott up to his resting spot. The one armed boy had a moment to let out frustrations as he sat on his mat. "Hoo boy that was a long call."

Pence finished his stretch, quite satisfied overall. "Everyone's made a haul today and we finally got to see Shadey again." Hayner fell on his bed and brought Maschiff out for some rough play. "You saw how Xion was smiling?" Ken smiled wide. "Oh yeah! Shadey was her and Dupmics guardian angel. He was most of ours too. Now's he's gotten just about anything he could want in return." He calmed down from his fanatical mindset. "This is what we've signed up to be for the worlds and some of us are getting ideas on how to go further. If we gather up some material, we can set up that Forge Room so Olette can make something out of one of those feathers. What say you?"

Hayner politely refused. "I don't think a weapon fits me, but I know those fighting types have some skills in martial arts."

Ken recalled a powerful member of the committee who made holes with her fists as Pence had an idea of his own. "And we need more ways to keep control of the battle. There's a bigger source of magic that one of those guys is able to replicate with that tech." Leon let out Cyclizar and petted him as Dewott found a place to lay down, back to back of where Ken was laying. "Those chem balls? I know a few things about how that works, through the Pyromancy, but we can go further than that. There's so much to do after the day we've gone through."

Pence laid on his back and stared at the ceiling. "We know, but there's a place to start. You ever heard of Artificers and Bards?" Hayner actually does. "Those two classes from that board game? I heard they're pretty amazing supporters and have just about every tool for the job." He realized. "That can actually be good out here." Ken smiled as his mind dozed off. "Keep it coming guys, you're getting there."

During the night in Gravity Falls.

Aqua and Lilligant used the cover of darkness to sneak to the outskirts of a diner themed around a wooden log. They looked around to find nothing of note, save for a stone tower by the woods. The Keyblade Master thought to use it as an excuse to bring the newly evolved grass type through some training, conjuring up Stormfall for the moment. "I think we can use an excuse to get this finished. Milady, according to what that kid had to say, this evolution is nearly opposite to the one he's been use to. Trading all that special power for physical and having the moves to compliment it. Regardless of what we've meddled with down there, that stone guided you towards this path."

Milady agreed with an elegant nod and twirled into a battle stance. The Keyblade Master whispered in a tease. "We can also make enough noise, so that the Bonnet will learn that we're onto him!" She and Milady stepped back from one another. "A one, two, three, one, two, three." Aqua spun fierce and watched the Lilligant mimic the movement before making a fast sprint, the two ladies rushed into each other for a fast clash. Tapping a glowing blade to a sharp limb. The two stepped back and trade a kick before the Keyblade Master rolled back and pretended to toss something. "Now! Stun spore!" Lilligant twirled a cloud of yellow powder and scattered it wide, Aqua kept her distance and charged. "Again!"

The duo repeated their dance until it was more precise and they were in a battle dance, they glided over to a tree, gave a spin as one and practice an in sync blow. They had a sweat and they whipped it off their hair, Aqua regretted not bringing one extra thing. "Wish we have training dummies to test this out on." Milady gave a step and giggled, only to be spooked by something in the corner of her eyes, the tower had a blue eye staring at her and flipped over as a panel. "Lil!" (Eek!)

She hopped and pointed, bringing Aqua's attention towards it. She hmmed and circled around it slowly with the Lilligant, bringing out her phone to see if there's anything the tower resembles. "We've seen this tower before in several spots around the town. But it's never at the same pla-" She had a match in the Pokedex. "Kendry, why do you have to be right." She brought out a beast ball, gave the tower a firm stare and commanded.

"Stakataka! Reveal thyself!"

A panel at the bottom flipped to revel blackness that is complimented by a blue glowing eye. It slowly rose with it's sides going down as a way to push it's heavy frame up. Showing light blue lines that glowed with the moon.

The legs had black panels, revealing glowing blue eyes. It gave off a deep, otherworldly grumble as it approached in heavy steps. Aqua and Milady took a step back to performed a victory dance in sync, the Stakataka noticed the speed and gave a strange glow, distorting the space into a trick room. The blue glow turned to a dark red and used it's front legs to stomp the ground and unleashed a rock slide. The duo tried to get out of the way and found their movement to be much slower than they wished, they were pelted by rocks as Stakataka reared itself like a horse and charged after the Lilligant. Aqua cast a heal and ordered. "Stun him and strike with leaf blade!"

Milady twirled a stun spore to halt the Ultra Beast and glowed her limbs green for a critical slash. Stakataka growled in his attempt to get up as Aqua twirled for a throw. "Go! Beast ball!"

Fling!

The ball spun fast in the air, tapped at the Stakataka and brought the pile of bricks into it's structure, giving a firm shake as it made it's landing. Click! Victory was achieved and Aqua phewed as she dusted dirt off of her. The Lilligant raised her arms and kept a strange hop, giggling all the more. They heard rapid clapping and looked around to find Bursty under a dimly lit tree.

The Lilligant cringed and braced for a fight, Aqua signaled her. "Wait! He's friendly." She went to pick up the Stakataka's ball and greeted the Blacephalon. "We meet again Bursty." The Ultra Beast pressed his knuckles together and approached rather relaxed. (I heard, you went to a place of danger) He asked. (and danger came out of it too?)

The Lilligant had no idea what was said as Aqua had an idea based on the concerned movements. "If Kit told you and Kadabra, there's a very strange pokemon on the loose and it can definitely turn aggressive and dangerous when provoked. Be on the look out for Mushrooms, kay?" Bursty nodded and tilt his head at a Lilligant realize she's a dancer as well, dancing back in kind. Milady had a giggle from an invitation and joined in a small dance as Aqua let out the injured Stakataka and gave it a heal, remedying the paralysis while admiring the eldritch form. "As for you, big boy. I'm impressed that you kept us fooled for this long."

A panel lazily flipped, letting a blue eye look upon someone who's hair matches the color. Aqua in turn found the eyes just as stunning as she offered a deal. "While I don't have any intention to have you help on the field, we could use some serious protection for the base when we have to take off. If you help us with that, you won't have to worry about a local pestering you again." The Ultra Beast had no clue as to what Aqua said, but knew because he has access to trick room in a kind of arena where speedsters are common, that his skill is needed. A panel at the top and a panel at the middle flipped, awaiting guidance.

One of the eyes spotted something in the dark wilderness, giving a low growl. Aqua turned and signaled her dangers to follow her sight, getting closer and flushing out a large dinosaur like Mushroom that approached without fear. Growling a question. (What you doing at this smokey grub log?)

The Lilligant put her hands together and tapped her legs in a dance. (Dancing in victory over this stalwart giant. We've heard of you, Brute Bonnet!) The Mushroom blinked, looking confused for a moment.

(Is that my real name?)

He approached the dinner and tried to find a distinct smell, only to be disappointed by the smell of dirt, grease and possums. The whine gave Aqua less reasons to be hostile and she tried to ask. "We've heard you tried to attack someone in that hallow. What are you smelling?" The Brute Bonnet picked up another scent, salivated and turned. (I picked up something with a strong kick! You got some?) He smelled the Lilligants flower and was drawn in glee. (Nah, nah! I'm smelling something better, what you got in that flower?)

The Lilligant eeked and readied to fight. (Do you have to be so rude?) Aqua signaled a time out and took the time to smell around, the scent was coming from the flower. She was feeling that Lilligant was onto something and judged the Brute. "You're no butterfly or bee, so I don't see what's in there for you to go after a lady for." She smelled something pungent and strong. "A distinct scent of an fresh onion. That explains it." She turned to the Brute Bonnet and advised. "You're looking for something strong, savory and with some flavor, to sink that jaw into? How about we hit a convenience store and pick up something with that kind of kick? Would that keep you from attacking the townsfolk?"

The Brute Bonnet clapped his shields and grunted. (Unless they attack me like them shorties tried to do!) Brusty and Milady gasped, the Lilligant asked. (Are those shorties the ones with those cone hats?) The Brute Bonnet nodded. (Tried to trip me and tried to jump me, they taste terrible too! So hairy and stinky.) The flower was slightly amused by the last statement. (Well, if they're the only ones, then I might be willing to forgive that.)

The Brute gave a disgusted bleh as Bursty had an idea and lead the way. (I know a place with free treats!) The plants knew Bursty had a direction and followed them, with Aqua calling a willing Stakataka back and following to a closed out convenience store. Aqua examined and saw a hole that worked as a keyhole, with a light nudge from her blade, she opened the way in.

She went to flip the switches on and found what is to her, a wonderland. "Hmm, what is mundane here, never ceases to be a wonder." She turned to her companions. "Come on in, guys!" Bursty and Milady kept caution to their entry as the Brute Bonnet charged in like a typical teenager, raising his shields and squeaked like he was in a playground. Aqua waved a hand. "Alright, alright, calm down! We wouldn't be doing this if this place wasn't abandoned. Now let's see."

She found a quantity of masculine brand jerky. "Inadequate huh? You'll do." She picked four bags as Milady spotted a quantity of packaged, dried fruit. Something more in mind for the beasts health. "Ah, much better." She picked those up as the door closed up and the lights flickered.

Bursty freaked out in a jump as a deep voice echo'd. "Welcome!"

The shelves started to float as the Brute looked around, expecting something to fight. (Where's that coming from?!) He hissed out a taunt. (Where are you?) Aqua recalled a small warning from Ken, about the abandoned store, she had a flash back of her student helping her out with some planning. Using a map and pointing a finger at one of the stores. "Just in case you're looking for a free pick me up in the dead of night, there's this one convenience store you'd find after dark. But it's haunted, the ghosts are friendly as long as you don't act like a rowdy teenager!"

The concept of a rowdy teenager was alien to Aqua, she recalled the behavior of Sora, Riku and even Ventus. Being of that age while being blunt and rude could be a sign of rowdiness and she looked to herself, realizing that physically, she's not that much older than them. "Ooooooh!" She raised her hands. "Wait, wait! I'm an adult. Not a teenager!"

The super natural menace subsided for that moment and a duo of specters manifested in, an elderly couple with simple glasses and work clothes. The old man had his hands to his hips at the oddity. "Well that was awfully convent." The elderly woman apologized. "We'd almost mistook ya in those clothes." Aqua blushed. "Yeah, I get that a lot and the looks never helped. But I got tossed into something super natural and time flows a lot slower there. So for everyone else, I've been missing for around ten years while looking like this. I've taken in some teenagers as my students and they've called me Mom or Mother every chance they get."

She blushed as the elderly woman was surprised. "Oh my! You've gotten into a bigger pickle than we did. Have they've treated you alright?" Aqua nodded in pride. "Yeah, all three of them are good kids. I came here with these guys because this mushroom's been wanting something to munch on and we'd thought this was a good way to get something free and easy. Guess we got caught?"

The old man nodded. "That you have, but we'll let you go if you know some dances." The Keyblade Master chuckled. "If we know them?" She looked to the alien clown and the fighting type princess. "Bursty, Milady?" The two pokemon arranged themselves with Aqua, in preparation to dance their way out of this mess.

Back at the Bryn Base.

Ken and Dewott were sharing a pretty fond dream, looking upon an star lit ocean on a ledge of a town. Ken was upward and protective, as Dewott kicked his legs more akin to that of a child. The surroundings turned to that of tapestry, rolling in the end of a film. At that moment, Ken and Dewott woke up to a noise and was quick to get out of bed, wasting little time attaching his arm in silence as Dewott was knocked around in a rude thud. The partner jumped in a scowl. (Hey, what gives?!) Ken shushed him as his arm's nerves connected once more. "Do you hear that?"

Dewott kept quiet and heard the sound of something creaking. The fact that was nearby meant one thing, Ken drew upon Night Sky and flipped it into the form of a scythe. He placed a hand on Dewott and gave a step, everything rippled like a shadow and they were at the upper lobby, right behind someone who was closing a door after taking a peak at someone. The intruder put a hand to his chest and gave Ken time to recognize the silver hair and muscular physic. The one armed boy tapped his scythe down and whispered. "Dupmic, what are you doing here? You know coming here without giving us a call would make us jump."

The familiar looking boy turned around. "Yeah Ken, I know. But I had to guess the do-" He saw the frosty scythe and felt his heart freeze up. "You weren't joking about that."

Ken made sure he wasn't, as he allowed the scythe to disappear. He called himself down. "You know we have very dangerous people out in the worlds. But I guess if Bryn didn't sound the alarm, then she noticed you before we did. What brought you here?" Dupmic walked towards a projection screen he used as the lead Pawniard was hurrying from bellow the stairs. He saw an intruder and crossing his arms for battle as Ken stopped him. "Don't, he's a friend."

Dupmic waved hello to the Pawniard and admitted. "I over heard a call you made. Kairi's really wanting to get you something, so you can keep up and there are ways to hop to the next world if you know." Ken realized. "This goes straight through the Realm of Dreams?"

Dupmic nodded and leaned by the projection. "Oswald said I can use it if it's urgent and it kind of is. He's talked with two people that want to lend a hand for the home worlds but they have tiny problem." Ken asked with his brain half asleep. "What kind of problem and is it why you came here?" He realized. "Oooooh! You were sent to pick me up for a night job?"

Dupmic gave Ken a point at the chest. "You have someone who could help these two out, but they need to talk to him!" Ken blinked. "That nobody who let me have my-" He stopped himself. "I think I know who those two are, lead the way!" Dupmic did so as Ken had Dewott and Pawniard follow him through the projection screen, entering the confines of a dark, beautiful castle.

At the Ranch in Traverse.

Kairi and a brain sleeping Sora were wiping the sand out of their eyes, out of sight and awaiting for someone to arrive.

Ripple!

Kairi turned to find Dupmic, Ken and a duo of Dewott and Pawniard that were freaking out over something they experienced. Dupmic presented the brother in arms. "Here you are, Namine! Did Oswald tell you?" Sora woke up fully when he noticed Namine stepping out of Kairi, with Roxas stepping out of him and leaving the Pawniard completely puzzled. The witch had a determined frown. "I've been doing some brain storming and I'm connecting some theories. If those Terastial Crystals are opening up anywhere, then one could very well be hidden around the town, away from our eyes and giving something time to get out. If Arceus is involved and if the potential of those crystals are that wild, then maybe-" Roxas finished with a bit of hope. "We might get a little extra hands around here, making sure we don't have someone like Maleficent show up and snag pokemon under our noses. We haven't even heard from that gang since we got back."

Dupmic guessed. "They probably don't know what they're doing and some of them might have been having the issue Riku and Terra had, where doing it out of obligation isn't going to get you far." Sora was feeling scrambled in the head and asked his other. "But how are you and Namine going to do this? You guys step out of us when ever we don't have people watching."

Namine corrected him. "We're projecting ourselves from with in you. I'm thinking we can work with something even stronger. But before we do that, we'd thought a third set of hands could help us. Ken, do you still feel him in there?"

Ken had a feeling of slight interest, and complete confusion as to how to project himself. "A little, he'd promise to leave things be. But I guess, since he did give up right when he learned what he is, he might want to see where this is going. How are we going to do it though?" Roxas took the lead to the wilderness. "We got a lead on one of those Labyrinths, just follow!" The others headed out as Sora and Kairi followed, leaving Ken, Dupmic and the two pokemon to look to each other and hurry along.

Back at Gravity Falls.

The Elderly Couple were quite impressed by Aqua, Milady and Bursty's elegant movement and clapped in joy before disappearing. "Never something that beautiful in all our lives!" "Or in our after lives either!" The door opened. "Make it home safely and knock before you come back." With the night patrol out of there, they made their way back to the camp site. Along the way, Aqua ripped two of the bags open and felt enlightened. "I should tell the kids not to go in there without preparations." She called to the Bonnet. "Brutey, get over here!" The Brute Bonnet caught the smell of the jerky, hurried on stubby legs and panted like a dog, Aqua put the meat in one pouch and put the fruits in another before tying them together and giving them to the mushroom. "You need to make these last until you can find better food, I don't want to hear anything about you attack people again, do you understand?"

The Brute grunted as Bursty had an idea and waved, Aqua knew what it was about. "Good idea." She advised the mushroom. "In the meanwhile, Bursty can keep an eye on you and make sure you stay on the sure path. We'll try to get something prepared tomorrow, so you'd know what real food is." The Brute had little idea what was being talked about as the Ultra Beast had an invitation for somewhere. The Brute followed the Ultra Beast to somewhere in the wilderness and left the ladies to keep their hike at the edge of town. Kit waited by a lamp post and waved. "Hey, I've been looking everywhere for you all after I felt the tremor. What happened?"

Milady pressed her leaves together (Quote a lot.) as Aqua showed the beast ball. "That stone tower we didn't pay attention to was an Ultra Beast in disguise, he was a brute but I'm thinking he'd guard the camp when taught. That was when Bursty came, after me and Milady have a bit of exercise though that... elegant battle dance."

Kit was impressed and looked over to the Lilligant. "Pretty effective. I've seen this kind of Lilligant in action before, they're quite beautiful among grass pokemon but their kicks are worse than a poisonous thorn."

Aqua definitely agreed with the latter. "Then, the Brute Bonnet got drawn to the noise and we figured out what he was trying to do. He smelled candy on the kids and went after the source before losing them. Those snacks should stem the Brutes cravings and bring him to hunting elsewhere." Kit squinted his eyes and smiled mischievously. "Or he'd associate you with free food. It's not uncommon for the wielders of old, to use a tasty rice ball as bait just so they can line up a toss where that pokemon isn't looking."

The Keyblade Master had a bit of curiosity to the strangers back story. "How'd you know of this?" Kit answered bluntly. "My boss is the Creator of Time and Space. I've been from a time where pokeballs were a recent invention. People lived in fear of the Pokemon, who haven't learned what a human buddy can do for them." The Keyblade Master found that fascinating. "You're some kind of walking paradox? A phantom who's only seen when he wants to be seen. Should I have tried catching the Brute when I had the chance?"

Kit shrugged. "Eh, you probably should have if you were able to, but if you managed to get him to calm down so he can stop his rampages, I'd say he's off to a good start. From the womb of that Labyrinth into the real world, once he figures out who he is, he'll come back to you."

The camp was in sight and the three felt more in good faith to one another, Aqua didn't wish to shoo away a rather helpful guide. "Do you want to tell me where you've been using to rest? The camp has room." Kit had to declined the offer, even if he looked warm in the heart. "Thank you, but I've been out in the wilderness so many times that I know my way around a forest like this one. Besides, with all the kids caught by you two, I can camp with Togekiss. I won't be alone."

Aqua knew about that particular pokemon. "She's had experience in keeping others company, at least I know someone has your back." Kit smiled and was ready to take off. "I'd appreciate that you care about that. Alright, try to get some rest before your brother notices you're gone. Every day can be more busy than the last."

The ladies gave Kit a salute and headed to the inside of the base, in a converted, two person bed room that was prepared. Ven was sleeping soundly, with Shadey in his arms, while Virtu was sleeping at the back of his head, like an extra pillow. Aqua's bed had Cyndi and Goomy curled together, while Spinerak was on an overlooking web, doing something of a night patrol. The Lilligant headed over to a well decorated potted plant to crouch down in a nesting pose as Aqua went to lay on her back and rest up. "Night everyone, sweet dreams."

At the outskirts of Traverse

Our band ventured quite far from the town, to the point that they are borderline in the wilderness. Seeing simple raccoons, opossums and an owl was oddly refreshing. Ken saw something at a river that lead all the way to the town, a large crystal pillar with a cave way. Standing in front of it was Regice, who gazed upon the mysterious phenomenon in duty. Ken pointed to bring attention to it and asked. "Is that the thing?"

The two couples recognized it and Kairi confirmed to him. "That's the thing!" Regice heard noise and turned around to beep a hello and possibly ask what the children were doing so far away from town. Sora realized. "I knew there was a reason that we didn't see you. Did you sense this sort of thing too?"

Regice raised his arms to confirm that assumption, the boys readied to have a peak as Kairi put a hand on Ken's shoulder and pulled him away, presenting him with a dusk ball. "A hem." Ken let his sister in arms know. "You've been wanting me to meet someone when I got over here?" Kairi nodded. "Quite! You've captured another pokemon, we were worried over how picky you can be." The one armed boy looked down to the Pawniard keeping by his leg. "And you can say that I caught this one mostly for field work. A dirty fighter that fights like a pack is something no one's going to see coming. Is there anything you're suggesting?"

Kairi tried once more to give Ken the ball. "Bring this pretty lady out and you'll tell me." The Lil' Bro did so and let out a Froslass that had a chilly aura and a joyful twirl into the night sky. Ken looked up the pokemon, saw the type and the options for moves. "Woah! Now that can be scary." He called to her. "Hey, Arendelle! Do you got a second?"

The Froslass descended and flew around the boy, feeling that cold aura he has. "We're about to dive into something unknown and I tend to be pretty quick on the edge if we're in danger. Fire in sync with me and if I draw attention, that's your opening to attack! You'll pick it up."

The spirit giggled and gave hello to a chipper Dewott and a determined Pawniard as Dupmic lead the way into a cave with deep hole to drop into. Past a fog of gray light and feeling much heavier than the last trip that Sora and Kairi have been through. So heavy, that Namine felt her legs shaking. "They really do want us to dive down into the deepest places known to all."

Kairi saw no stair way, no rope, no nothing. "Yeah, once we go down there, we're not going to be getting back up that easily." She asked her other. "If you would be so kind," Namine hummed and saw Kairi was getting close to lift her up in a bridal carry. Whether it be from training, or because the witch is quite light, the Princess didn't feel like she was carrying much. She smiled to the others. "See you boys down there!" Namine eeked. "Kairi, wait!" She wrapped her hands around the girl's neck and used her feet for a counter weight, she breathed out relaxed. "Okay, now!" Kairi jumped down with Namine, disappearing into the unknown.

Dupmic blushed red like a tomato. "Woah, that's bold." He swallowed nervously and approached it backwards, giving a wave and a taunt. "Beating y'all too it!" He jumped backwards in style as Ken lifted Pawniard up and had Dewott climb to his back. Sora and Roxas looked down to the hole and the Chosen of the Blade looked to his other with something silly in mind, Roxas raised a hand to Sora's face. "Don't even think about it!"

Ken and the Froslass laughed to that as Sora denied anything. "I was just about to say, are you ready?" His other nodded and in sync, jumped in with his other. Ken let Regice skid ahead for a jump and simply took a step over, descending into the unknown world, with Froslass giving chase. Falling and falling into a cavern of glimmering mists. The landing was rather soft and most of the area was covered in fog. It was neigh impossible to have a reading on what they were suppose to do, Regice looked around and hovered to something of an edge, he gave a concerned beep. "Regiiiiii"

Namine followed him and saw the mists going deeper and deeper into a cavern, until it reached a glowing white core, with a round opening to somewhere. Kairi looked up to find a ceiling of visible earth, giving the ground a double check as Sora looked to the two and jumped astonished. "It looks like someone turned the sky into the ground." Kairi felt that was actually quite accurate. "Looks a lot like it was flipped." She asked her other as Ken had a look to the edge. "Namine, do you think this is going to work?"

The Witch recalled. "I've messed around with crystal magic once before, when projecting myself out would have been a horrible mistake. I think there's a way we can do it, without really leaving you two. But it's more of an experiment. I need to get close enough to have an analysis on the stronger stuff. So," Ken noticed a sky black earth and pointed. "It might be easier than we think, Regice go jump down."

The golem did so and looked around as Ken explained. "This is still earth and jumping down didn't make Regice anymore hard to see. Take a look at it and you'll find there isn't any shapes to watch out for, no nothing. Just an edge we got to go over in this spiral." He turned to his other ice type. "Froslass, would you mind going deeper and telling me what you see?"

The ghost did so, flying down and going to the edge of the second layer, she turned and raised up to call. (Nothing down here!)

Ken stepped over the ledge to land, let Pawniard on the ground and saw he was quite visible. The rest saw the illusion being a breath thin and followed down, the one consistent is that the core had crater like marks, resembling a moon. If they reach there, they might be able to dive further into the labyrinth. As they were about to jump over the third layer and into the penultimate, they heard roaring from the sky.

Kairi and Regice looked up to find four sky blue colored, crystal dragons with red wings. Their heads having a six pointed flat fins, three on each side of the head. Their bellies looked to be of hard gray scales and they have an air of menace. The girl cringed and sent out Shooter. "Incoming!"

Roxas and Namine hurried back to their others as Dupmic called to Regice. "Hey, work with me for a bit!" Regice didn't have a clue at how they could work together and aimed for one of the dragons as Dupmic drew upon a feathery wing keyblade that resembles a polearm. The dragons took offense and called upon rocks to bombard in a rock slide. Sora back flipped, had his Comfey uncurl from his neck and sent out Snowball as Kairi called out. "Guys, we're in a lot of trouble if these Salamences get to us!"

Sora guessed as he brought out his blade. "Strong pokemon?" Kairi nodded. "Very strong pokemon!" Ken gave off a step of ice, channeled Nightsky and conjured a blizzard of hail stones to keep the dragons distracted. "Arandelle, I'm going to distract one of them. You follow and get him where he isn't looking!"

He ascended while the Froslass had a different idea and flew along. Ken spun his blade to make an orb of ice and flew around the Salamence that countered with a hurricane. Froslass surrounded the dragon and split into a double team, laughing like a gala of noblewomen. The dragon took offense rushed recklessly, missing entirely and exposing it's underbelly for Dewott to give a long range air slash. Dupmic shadow stepped under a Salamence and high jumped to get on the dragon's back, forcing it into a barrel roll whiling making a ram to the floor. The boy ordered the golem. "Now, shoot him!" Regice had a clear aim and fired, causing it to shatter in crystal.

Kairi and Shooter floated back from a Salamence that disappeared in an aerial ace and clawed fast, the girl countered with a dazzling uppercut and had Shooter fire a barrage of water pulses, along with a heal pulse. Kairi landed and twirled a terrain of frost, giving Shooter something to experiment with and fire a terrain pulse that knocked the Crystalmence out in one blow. Sora waited for his Salamence to make a dive, rolled out of the way and fired fast ice spells as Comfey clapped in a helping hand and gave Darmanitan a momentum to use a blizzard blast as a platform and leap over the dragon. With a single punch, an icicle crash, knocking the crystal out with a firm punch. The ceiling began to lit up, bringing about an even larger flight of Crystalmences, the teenagers banded together as Sora heard something roaring from the core. The spikey haired boy made a glide for the core, to confront what is there and found a set of yellow, reptilian eyes in the dark crater.

Leap!

Out of the darkness, was a large Salamence with a red belly that had four glowing yellow stripes and a red stripe going across the lower tail. It had red markings around it's eyes, a boney shell on it's head, wild unkempt fins, mighty three fingered claws, an upper set of serrated teeth, a lower set of fanged teeth and the most distinct detail, was a mighty red crescent shaped set of wings. The wings have yellow patterns of a star right where it connected to the body and a back wing of black fur. At the edge of the wings were red and blue feathers. The Dragon pounced on Sora, shoved him to the ground and had him pinned while making a lunge for his head. Sora blocked with his blade as Kairi glided to the Dragon's back and grappled it. Sora had a moment to see a Sableye jump over him and give the dragon a fake out clap, back flipping in style and twitching in a sinister smile as the dragon stepped away.

The boy got up to see the Sableye had a crown with a mega stone and a pranksters urge to toss a will-o-wisp. The Salamence saw the burn coming, ascended to the sky to dodge the flame and toss Kairi aside, all the way to the crater. Ken did some quick thinking, flew at the Salamence and tossed Pawniard. "Get at this things back and really let it have it!"

The sharp blade landed on the wing and climbed to position a metal claw as the dragon barrel rolled and flung him away, it turned at the floating boy and gave a swipe with the claws, sending him into a spin to the earth. Kairi felt herself roll to some darkness and found a bright glowing crystal, emitting a wondrous light. With a simple touch, everything turned blinding, consuming her, her companions and causing the incoming Crystalmences to disappear. As the bands visions returned, they found themselves at the brown earth, under the illusion of a cloudy, night sky. The mist gave a swirl as the moon gleamed in radiance.

"RWAR!"

The teenagers and the pokemon looked up in shock, finding a dragon shaped comet descending upon them, or more specifically, the strange Salamence is terastallizing. It burst into a sky blue glow and flapped it's wings to slow it's landing, looking upon the band with indifferent, if enraged, eyes. Kairi gasped to an idea and called to the nomad. "Sableye, use will-o-wisp again!"

The Sableye cringed. (Lady, that didn't work the last time! It dodged it like it was a dark type that saw it-) Shooter gave a squeak. (Please! We're going to get ripped to pieces if we don't have something!)

Sableye groaned and snickered, raising her claws to conjure the dark wisps and toss them at the dragon, inflicting a burn. The Salamence felt that sting and charged at the goblin for an acrobatic blow, Ken saw the chance and ordered. "Sucker punch, let's go!"

Pawniard rushed in the way of the dragon and gave a firm blow as Ken aimed his hand in sync to Froslass. "And hex em!" The spirit followed in sync as the dragon swat Pawniard into a back flip, Kairi brought about the frosty terrain and had Shooter fire an icy pulse as Sora took a few steps back. "Snowball, throw an icicle crash and we have him!" The Darmanitan jumped up and down in vigor, leaped above the distracted dragon and punched the icicles upon it, Regice crackled a fast thunder bolt that caused the crystal to shatter and leave behind the injured dragon.

Sora used the chance to bring out a dusk ball and hurl it. "Let's go!"

Fling!

The dragon saw the orb coming at it and sprinted to the side to dodge it before disappearing into light. The battle was at an end, but the presence is still felt. They watched the clouds blow away to reveal a night sky of the moon and stars, calling down a door way for the group to enter. It was a familiar, white room, with a trio of crystal egg chambers. Each having a blank humanoid vessel with a reflection to the arrivals. Words echo'd across the room. "A dream, which can only be imagined. A limit thou could only imagine. Resting with in thine heart and roaming among you as kin!"

Sora, Kairi and Ken went close as they felt a guiding, motherly voice presenting them with a means. "These vessels are yours, but how will you use them?" On taping a breath's step, the pods opened, Kairi felt her other issue a time out at the rising interest. "Hold it. Let's actually take a look at them!" Namine stepped out of her other and was allowed to inspect the vessel. "Hmm?" She pressed a hand on it and felt an odd view, as if she is looking back to herself. "Hmm!" She realized. "Aha." She turned with a theory. "I think this is connected to those words. Here's how it goes. Kairi, Sora, Ken. If you touch these, we will be brought into something of a deep sleep with in. While that happens, we dream about using these. Through that dream, we can walk among you all without restriction."

Sora, Kairi and the listening Darmanitan nearly dropped their mouths as Dupmic raised a brow. "But there's a catch?" Namine nodded. "These vessels would make us real enough to interact with the world. But if something bad happens to us, we can feel it and there's no idea if we would wake up like how you would. I'd also imagine these are a one and done deal. If they break, we'll be back to our others without having this again." She approached Ken and had a hand aimed for his chest. "Ken, Roxas and I need to talk with your other. You haven't had the chance to encounter the worst of the Nobodies, only one who's been more focused on a bigger enemy and one who's akin to your shadow."

Ken stepped back at the disturbing behavior. "He was gone as soon as he knew what he was, you're wanting to make sure he's stable in the head before unleashing him?" Roxas stepped out of Sora, having harder news to deliver. "There really isn't any other way for her to get in there without Kairi's help. Are you going to be worried about it now?"

Ken didn't hesitate to shake his head. "No, but Namine's a whole different level when she gets in here." He pointed to his head, something no one could disagree with. Which is why Kairi stepped in with Namine and mimic the pose, as Sora stepped in with Roxas to do the same. Ken swallowed and closed his eyes, letting the duo send their others into his mental scape. One of Traverse in it's most simple, on a park bench was a lookalike to Ken. Matching clothes, gray eyes and an unchanged scowl. Questioning if what they're doing is remotely sane. "You know that if you let me out, I'll be helping you in my way. Are you going to let me in on that fun, knowing that I'm going to break something?"

Roxas sighed. "Depends on what you consider fun and if that thing needs to be broken. You did what was needed to be done, going by what Ken knew. But when it was time for him to get his body back, you didn't even fight back, you never even got a name for that trouble."

The other didn't regret most of that. "But I got to shoot that jackass and get him knee deep in this mess. As well as setting everything up for that final push." He sighed blissfully. "So many things that took years to set up and it all came tumbling down!" Namine couldn't argue with the results. "Even then, only a few people even know that you exist. Even with the chance to be more known, you believe that this is going to be a danger to everyone involved?"

The other smiled wide. "Not if I say this. You two, look like the kind of people, who would let me be free without asking for much." He put a knuckle to his chest and stood up. "For that, you have my eyes, my aim and my muscle. That would be worth the bit of freedom, to do things even Ken, won't do." He tilt his head like a delinquent and requested. "Just make your wish loud and clear!"

The duo looked to each other without doubt and offered a hand for the one with no name. The other took it without regret. The wholes woke up and felt an urge to head to the vessels, each picking one and putting an hand to the vessels chests. A light consumed the vessels and caused them to take shape, the three felt a part of them going into a slumber and felt the vessels waking up.

Before long, they were holding hands with the manifestation of their others. A miracle that is hard to believe and more hard to make words out of, Roxas relaxed, let go and looked Sora in the eyes. "It's like we said, we're still-" he pointed to his other's chest. "in here."

They watched Kairi and Namine give a squee and embrace each other for a kiss, the Princess guessed. "So for now, we're on our own?" Shooter wouldn't say that. (You do have us to call upon.) Comfey agreed with that. (Yeah, but it doesn't sound like they'll be far away.)

Ken stepped back from an other with gray eyes and stood aside with Dewott, Pawniard and the Froslass. The other glowed something in his right hand as a way to experiment, summoning a simple baseball bat, the gray eyes asked. "Remember this thing?" Ken did. "I use to use that. Welcome to the out of bounds! You're not going to regret this." The other pointed at him. "I hope you don't."

The band closed their eyes as the world glimmered, they found themselves on the surface world, in the vast wilderness. Roxas was ready to ask something as he noticed the crystal condensing into something, something armor shaped. It reveled a black set of armor, that upon being picked up, gave away feelings of regret. Roxas had an idea and asked. "Kairi, you mind giving me the Cadet ball that you've borrowed from Leon? We'll need some partners before we head out."

Ken's other whistled, knowing where this is going. "Oh boy!" Namine advised, with a plan in mind. "We should visit the Ranch before we split off, there's one other factor we need from you. Now that people need to address you, you'll need a name."

Sora asked the gray eyes. "Yeah, what kind of name are you going to go with?" The gray eyes felt annoyed by the request and kept to the thought, it was less than a minute and he clapped. "A ha! Denryk!" He repeated his chosen name.

"Denryk!"

"No one's gonna know!" Kendry put a finger to his lip. "OOOOH! I get it, yeah it does sound normal." Roxas hmmed and had a bit of envy. "Not bad, not bad at all. We'll explain the rest once we're back in town." The band took off with both the knowledge and the treasure, somewhere close by, a light was shining from the earth. A set of three toed claws rose from the glimmer and pulled, bringing about something of reptilian eyes.

At the Ranch during the late night.

Pop!

Out of the ball comes the Charcadet that was pretty groggy in the eyes. (What is it this time, I got some training to do come waking-) He looked up to see Roxas with a back pack and squinted his eyes. (You came back?) He turned his head, a little crossed from earlier. (Took your sweet time to bring me out to duty.) Dewott put a paw on the Cadet's shoulder. (Hey, I know what you're saying, but this isn't the same guy.)

Roxas knew why the Charcadet was behaving like this. "People get that confused, but I'm not him. We got to pick up some partners and we'll be heading to a place with an actual morning. What do you think." The snappy tone startled the Charcadet, he nodded in silence and flexed his arms downward. (You won't be disappointed in me.)

As they talked, Namine sneaked into the lab and found Jumba sleeping in his research desk, with Stitch and Sparky curled up together, keeping guard of a pristine glass case of balls. One that was close in reach, was a beast ball with a symbol of purple spots. Namine was quick to write a note down, pressed her hands together and focused on a learned technique and shadow stepped to swipe the ball. She placed the note on the slot, explaining what has befallen the Poipole. She was back to the group and found Denryk looking over the Ranch. She opened the ball to let out a sleepy eyed Poipole that was perking to light and squeaked. She saw faces, familiar and new, while twirling in a giggle. Namine whispered. "Shh! Not so loud, I left something so Jumba won't worry about you. Do you want to come with me, Roxas and Denryk? We're going to clean up some of the messes around these towns!"

The Poipole clapped eagerly, put her hands to her hips and babbled that she can count on her. Denryk watched the Nidorans play around, while a Spearow and Flittle were sleeping together. He tapped fingers to his cheeks and looked over to a Pawniard that was looking drowsy eyed, he recalled someone left behind at Twilight Town and gasped. "I think I can pick up that starter at the other town."

Kairi doesn't have an idea on what Denryk is talking about. "Are you sure about that? We have a ton of pokemon over here, that would be a good partner." The gray eyed counter pointed. "These guys wouldn't like me and there's someone over there that needs to be straighten out." Ken remembered a particular lizard. "I think I know the hoodlum you're talking about. Are you sure about that?"

Denryk creep out a smile, knowing that's precisely what he intend to do, Dupmic scratched the side of his head and second the notion. "I think there's a better fit for me at the town as well. I'll give it a look after I help these four get back." Ken had Dewott and Pawniard get ready while holding the hand of a Froslass that was well and perky form her escapades. Dupmic realized one complication to address. "Denryk, are we going to have some problems once it's morning? You really do look like Ken."

The other pfffed. "I got a plan for that. They won't spot Ken if they don't see him and what works in hiding a face?" Roxas flinched. "Denryk, we're not using those coats!" Namine cringed. "I don't think that's what he's talking about." The gray eyes agreed with her. "Those make it obvious anyways! Ken's seen the kind of stuff the guys at the struggle pit wear. That would work."

Sora recalled the rough fashion and could tell by the behavior. "That would fit you if you keep that up." Denryk blushed at Sora, only keeping himself in check due to Kairi being right there. "Thank you, thank you!"

He turned in a sudden and sprinted off, Roxas flinched and barked. "Hey, not yet!" He and the Charcadet sprinted after him as Namine sighed and shrugged. "Boys." She promised. "I'll keep them from butting heads. Head back and see if the Dex has a log on that Salamence. Ken, it's pretty late so it's going to be out of the question for you to get that Kingambit."

The one armed boy without his vest didn't mind as he picked up the Pawniard. "Hey, Dagger's done good when it was needed. Worse case scenario, those Bisharps might not mind when they see how those guys end up doing."

The Dewott crossed his arms with some jealousy. (Where are the nicknames coming from?) Ken knew he was drawn in to some connections. "I'm thinking of some for you and Cyclizar, it just needs to come to me." Namine giggled and took off with Regice and Poipole, if for the security. Ken gently petted the back of Froslass's head and had a ball ready while giving his gratitude. "Sis, this was a good idea. In case I have to bring about the cold, I'll know I'll have a friend to have my back."

The Froslass blushed and let herself be called back as the Princess confessed. "I was thinking about you when I watched her give it her all. Keep taking care of them, you hear?" Ken saluted his sister in arms. "I'll have to tell them about a change of plans, but we'll have to work with Emboar and Vikavolt, so we don't cause anymore dangers by accident." Sableye jumped in astonishment. (Did you say Emboar and Vikavolt?!)

Sora sighed. "I knew there was something up. Are you apart of the Rescue Team?" Sableye nodded and gleamed her eyes at the quiet Shooter. (Yeah but something got screwed up. A jumpy Azumarril, a smart alec Cradily and a bull headed Sharpedo. You know them?)

The Clawitzer turned humbly. (Crinoid's more attuned to nature than the rest of us, he's the first to tell us if there's something going wrong.) The response was more than enough proof that made Sableye laugh. (Y'up, you're that mumbling Clawitzer that's pretty handy with that launcher. The sharp eye of the Seafarers!) She pounced on him for an embrace in good will. (Finally! You all got yourselves lost and it's been months!) She groaned while her gem eyes dripped. Shooter gave the Sableye a side ways embrace. (We've found good friends to help us. So now we know you're at the other side with us.)

The Sableye let go and headed over to Ken, hitching an escort. She looked up to ask. (Hey, Ken right?) The one armed boy didn't even argue. "You're coming with us, only because that picture says you and Emboar are team mates. I'll make it clear to the squad that you all are to be left alone until it's time for us to capture you. We're in for a lot."

The trouble maker gleamed her mega stone and brought Ken's attention. "Especially, if you use things like that!" The Sableye tried to pretend it was something else. (Oh stop, it's just a little trinket.) Clawitzer knew the Sableye was bring a trickster and watched the boy let the goblin onto his back.

Ken headed over to Dupmic and asked Sora and Kairi. "So, what did we just do tonight?" Sora crossed his arms for a guess. "We found a way for our others to get out and help, without having us stick around in one place." Kairi felt an assertive essence that wanted to give out a stern lecture. "But we can still feel them. They really are dream projecting!" Ken oddly felt someone certain about a choice. "Okay, I'm feeling it too." Sora in comparison, was feeling a mixture of pity and frustration. "This is complicated." The odd one out went to the alley way he and Ken came from. "It might go away in the morning. Get on back to bed, it's past midnight." Ken shook off an intense feeling of excitement and followed his escort. "If anyone asks, tell them everything!" Kairi nodded with a frown and watched the boys take off.

She and Sora called back their partners, baring the Comfey and headed back to the Inn, the boy realized what awaits in the morning. "Leon's going to flip." Kairi blew to that one. "Definitely! But this is going to solve one of our problems."

The duo checked the dex, to get a log on what they had to fight to fulfill the wish their others have been having. Starting with the early stages of the Dragon, Salamence. Starting with a blue, bipedal lizard with a rocky head for a skull and two sharp fangs sticking out of the mouth from the jaw. "Bagon: The Rock Head Pokemon: Dragon type. Its steel-hard head can shatter boulders. It longingly hopes for wings to grow so it can fly. Its belief that it will be able to fly one day is apparently the influence of information carried in its genes."

That caused Sora to give an aw. "He wanted to fly since he looked to the sky?" They went to the next stage, a round, gray, stone hard shell with yellow reptilian eyes. "Shelgon: The Endurance Pokemon: Dragon Its armored body makes all attacks bounce off. The armor is too tough, however, making it heavy and somewhat sluggish. The cells within its shell transform with explosive speed, preparing it for evolution."

Kairi could guess by the biology. "So the drastic change occurs in there, like a cocoon when a caterpillar digests itself for the metamorphosis." Sora gave a dim witted huh. "I thought the caterpillar just sleeps in there while it turns into a butterfly?!" Kairi blushed at something completely inaccurate. "You're going back to school once the Summer's over!"

That caused Sora to blush back, realizing he said something rather dumb as the Princess went to the log of Salamence. "The Dragon Pokemon: Dragon-Flying. It flies around on its wings, which have grown in at last. In its happiness, it gushes hot flames, burning up everything it passes over. It becomes uncontrollable if it is enraged. It destroys everything with shredding claws and fire."

That caused a cringe at a cautionary tale that when you work to achieve something great, pride can seep into the heart and bring about a sense of megalomania. They found a page on a fourth form of the dragon, one with longer head fins, wings melded to a crescent moon and belly scales that are used as a strap for his claws. "A Mega form?! It puts its forelegs inside its shell to streamline itself for flight. Salamence flies at high speeds over all kinds of topographical features. The stress of its two proud wings becoming misshapen and stuck together because of strong energy makes it go on a rampage."

Sora understood how that could happen. "How can you flap those when they're put together like a big croissant? Bagon's got to work hard to get those wings." Kairi sighed at the mixed feelings. "Yeah, but any trainer worth their salt would try to teach Bagon that just because he's achieved his dream, doesn't mean the world revolves around him. Good luck."

Sora had the dex scroll to the bottom, finding right before Miraidon, the image and entry of the dragon they met. "Roaring Moon: The Crescent Drake Pokemon. Dragon-Dark. It is possible that this is the creature listed as Roaring Moon in an expedition journal that still holds many mysteries. According to an article in a dubious magazine, this Pokémon has some connection to a phenomenon that occurs in a certain region. It scatters feathers as it flies around in high speeds, seeking prey."

Sora put one and two together. "This is where that mega form came from?" Kairi believes it. "There's got to be a reason why the pokemon gets pushed into that state and is able to turn back like nothing happened. It's triggering something in there. But, what is that thing doing in the Labyrinth in the first place? There's no way it could have been living in a place that weird." The thought made them even more tired.

At the train of Twilight Town.

The three others stepped out of the train and found the town under rather heavy rain. Charcadet gritted his teeth and was about to charge forward, only to be stopped by his trainer, who pulled his arm out of his right sleeve and kept the stubborn fire type that wouldn't take kindly to being in a ball at the moment, under wraps. "It's raining now?!"

Namine shrugged as Poipole went out to sing and dance in the drizzle. "Well, it's a good thing our hideout's close by. We got a manor that's unoccupied, we can use that!" Roxas cringed. "That place?!" Namine nodded and gave a firm pout. "Unless we can come up with some munny in a few minutes. It will have to do." She followed Poipole in the rain and turned confidently. "We can make that place go from a bad memory, into our place! We got what we need to start."

The determined Charcadet nodded to an idea and gave Roxas a certain grunt. Denryk grabbed a couple of dusk balls and went ahead in the rain. "It's across the water way and up that forest? You four go ahead, I'm not going to let that Scraggy get away from this one." Roxas cringed. "But what if someone sees you?!" Denryk pulled his vest, showed a short sleeve purple shirt in the process, he adjusted the vest into something of a hood. "They won't." It wasn't worth arguing over, it's fine enough for improvising.

Denryk rushed out into the dark and followed the trial to the Struggle Pit, he searched the alley ways until he found one with a steam punk generator. Denryk had a look at a scuffle and found a fat, black rat with white cheeks, pushing out a Scraggy and a Murkrow that was trying to get into a burrow. The rat hissed and shoved in his bag of food into the hole, leaving the two out in the rain and desperate while he stayed dry. Murkrow hummed confused. (That food isn't yours! Surely we'd come for something more convenient to avoid this rain!) The Scraggy shivered in a plea. (Y...Yeah, it's cold out here!) The rat growled. (I'm not missing a single crumb, now get outta here!)

Denryk brought about his bat, lifted it over his head and approached in a menace, scaring the rat into hiding as the two dark types realize something was coming for them. A sleeveless humanoid with a cybernetic arm and a hood made out of a vest. The bird turned his head curiously, exposing himself as an easy capture. Denryk tossed a dusk ball in his off hand and hit the Murkrow square in the face, it rolled and gave three shakes before clicking and causing Scraggy to panic. (AHK! No, no, no!) He pulled his shed skin like one pants and tensed. (You're not gonna knock me around here!)

He charged in a head butt, Denryk jumped a flawless dodge, watched the Scraggy near a trip and use a second dusk ball to toss at the back, the lizard rolled out of the way and went for a low sweep. Denryk flipped over him and brought out a third ball, taunting the lizard into trying that again. The other leaped from a kick and tossed the ball downward, taking the lizard in and bouncing up, Denryk grabbed the ball and felt it shake firm before it gave a click. The boy gave the order. "Now stay in there until I'm done! This whole rain bites!"

He approached the ball containing Murkrow, picked it up and gave the hole a stare before shadow stepping into a clothes store that was locked up for the night.

He kept himself out of sight of a camera and conjured a laser pistol while formulating his next plan. Shooting each camera to where they blinked in a malfunction that is to last for a few minutes. The other snickered. "Heehee! Now, which of these, will they not miss."

At the forest trial.

Namine charged ahead with Poipole, she felt the mud and grime on her feet as she was heading right to a door of a mansion. The two stood under the the porch went in as Roxas was at the mat, keeping the Charcadet dry as he rubbed his shoes. They were out of the rain and Roxas blew out. "Didn't think the water would get that high." Namine was just as dripping and rubbed her feet on the mat. "You and the guardians have never really been in the town long enough to see it rain. I've been so busy here that I never had the chance to experience it until Kairi started going to the wet worlds." The group went into the mansion and Poipole was shaking the water off, she shivered more and whined. (It's cold in here.)

Namine rubbed her hands in agreement. "Let's heat up that hearth room and use it for the night." The Charcadet nodded, jumped off and followed ahead with her, he looked back to Roxas in respect. (I owe ya one for keeping me safe from that rain. It's a death sentence out there for something like me.) The trainer cringed. "You don't owe me anything. Next time, you'll let me call you back, the ball's there for a reason, you know." The Cadet agreed with that. (You can't train for another day if you end up killed.)

The four went to a room at the base floor and found a fire place to use, it had some couches that could do as bedding material and a fire place with old dried wood. Charcadet hurried to light that up and bring about a warmth, giving Roxas and Namine time to share a couch together. They felt a sudden spark of astonishment and Roxas put a hand to his chest, knowing what his other has discovered. "They've found something out that explains the dragon?"

Namine smirked at an interesting take. "That's going to make for a wild morning. Even if we're in two different places, it doesn't feel like those two are far away from us." She shook herself, trying to see if what is happening is real or not. Since she wasn't waking up anywhere, she asked her partner in crime. "Did we actually do it? Please tell me this is all a dream, because it's got to be too good to be true."

Roxas blushed and scooted close to her, acting typical of a nervous boy. "I don't get it either, but as long as it's with you. It's worth it." The witch saw the wet boy trying to get closer, put a finger to his cheek and helped him get his vest off, showing a simple black undershirt. The Poipole had no idea what is going on and floated to the Charcadet that looked on with a sigh and focused on the fire. Namine wrapped her arms around Roxas and gave him a kiss on the lips, the boy was quite surprised and returned it, cuddling with the witch as they warmed up to the fire.

Step! Step! Close!

The two looked to the door they took and found Denryk with a purple hoodie, a black pair of jeans and purple shoes. The hoodie concealed a good portion of his head, save for the gray eyes and his face. He tossed a wet bag aside and showed a dusk ball, giving it a toss and letting out a Scraggy that was surprised to be in a warm hearth. Denryk ordered in a manner typical of a general. "Alright, welcome to the team. Make yourself comfortable, because we'll be working by the morning."

The dark type flinched and hurried over to the fire as a way to get as far away from the boy as possible. Denryk looked over to his superiors and saw they were having a moment before he flipped his hoodie and showed a black beanie that covered most of his hair, save for a strand of blonde hair. He advised to the drying duo. "I'd stay away from the clothes store if I were you. Because I definitely didn't pay for these."

He took off the hoodie, showed off a sleeveless black top and took his cybernetic arm off for some drying by the fire. Poipole eeked and flew to get behind Namine, who had every right to be intimidated. "Now no one's gonna recognize you as anyone other than Denryk. Life out of there is tough, isn't it?"

Denryk went over to a couch and nearly fell upon it. "Only because we don't got any munny! Since there's no one around to kick us out of this place, I'd say it'll get better." He laughed roughly as he laid upon something soft. "I spotted a big rat that's got a bag of stolen food. You thinking what I'm thinking?"

The squad leader might have that mutual thought. "That some of these pokemon are actually making gangs and we got to clear that out?" Denryk yawned and turned his face away. "Close enough." Ripple! Out of a projection screen came Dupmic, who blushed like he made a promise. Namine sighed at a moment being cut short. "Welcome back Dupmic, are you going to be helping us out?"

The Riku lookalike sighed and borrowed the couch Denryk was using. "Only long enough to clean up this mess. The worse part about starting this late in night is that everyone is asleep. But I'll take Ken's word about telling Xion and the others." He listed the inconveniences they have. "We got no phones and none of us got any jobs. How many balls did you pick up before going out here?"

Roxas sighed. "Not nearly enough! But if some the goons of his high and mighty were around here, they'd be setting us up to make more." Namine let go and was about to scold her boyfriend. "Roxas, don't be rude."

The squad leader groaned. "I know he's helped us. I know he's been helping us and has been making it clear that there are things he wants us to figure out on our own. But how many times have we been used by someone who keeps bigger things behind closed doors? That lady he's working with has bigger connections that are tied back to that stupid war and it's just going to drag us into something cosmic again."

Namine wasn't going to argue with that. "You have a point to feel that, but it also feels like they're wanting us to figure it out on our own terms. Rather than using us like chess pieces." Dupmic crashed to that sofa and felt both had a point. "Roxas, the door to that mystery is wide open. We're just not seeing it." Denryk yawned to ask. "And is it going to help anyone, if we get told something that make our brains make a pop?" He tossed with little warning. "Hey Dupmic, catch!"

The Riku lookalike caught a dusk ball and saw he was bestowed a partner, he let it out and found a Murkrow that shook wildly and glide over to the fire. Denryk answered, half way concerned. "I found this guy chirping with Scraggy and he looks shifty enough that he can be a use. You don't mind working with him, right?"

Dupmic smiled sarcastically. "Like I have a choice!" He called to the bird. "Hey, Schemy, we got a lot to work on soon, because we won't be sticking around the town forever. Are you going to be ready by day break?"

The Murkrow was caught in a scheme and hmmed with mischief in mind. (No flock ever stays in one place for long! But some order to the town ought to be good for the next flight.) He hopped to Scraggy, who was relaxed enough to fall asleep, he sat by to rest up as Roxas and Namine were about to doze off. Denryk nearly curled up and felt at a zen while Dupmic watched the hypnotic silence.