At the Twilit Mansion, the two parties of Sora and his friends, along with the four who make up a Secret Squad, were together in a foyer that was turning more and more lively. Denryk has his Oricorio out and is partaking in a dance lesson with her and Scraggy finding synced steps. Pineco was to watch as Ceruledge, Nincada, Poipole and Smeargle were watching. Namine had Smoliv and Starly make themselves at home as Leon had an honest critique for her, Roxas and Denryk. "Just about everyone has done amazing in some way. For one of you, it was a very close one compared to pouring everything into that song. Being a judge is hard like that." Roxas was relaxing on a chair and he felt his partners in a zen. "Do you think we'll be able to have something like that again?"

Namine wanted to say yes as Riku had to speak about realism. "We might, when everyone has more experience with their pokemon and have new surprises in store. Since we're nowhere close to any world where pokemon are born and raised in, we have limited options." He watched the Sneasel brothers play around with Slowking, Biven and Donphan while Flutter Mane and the Schemy Murkrow was playing with the windows. "These contests can't be on a repeat forever."

Leon accepted that. "True, but the most important one was an overall success." He looked over to Sora with envy of his latest capture. "Now, you say that you and your friends befriended that Robo Donphan and found a secret passage into Registeel's tomb and chased off that demon? Pretty impressive." He tilt his head playfully. "The pokemon do have their ways of figuring things out."

Sora recalled what had to be done. "We have something set up, so that demon won't show up anytime soon. Scrooge, there's a short cut to that place right from the work shop. Some guy who's working in the Labyrinth helped us with that." Kairi was half way in an inspection of the mansion, with Azu and Crinoid accompanying her on the upper floor, the Princess over heard and looked down. "I still can't believe that thing tried to trick you guys like that. Doesn't it feel any kind of shame?"

Sora doubted that. "She definitely doesn't and she had Donald fooled for a second there." The mage grumbled as Goofy gave credit. "But I don't think Sora, Terra and Cloud were fooled."

The Donphan took a step and tooted her trunk. (I knew something was fishy too!) Riku hummed and looked over to Terra, who was pretty envious that the Secret Squad have a big mansion all to themselves. "Is that right? Terra, what gave things away?"

The grown up was hearing something quite impressed and gave the Iron Treads a proud petting. "This robot acts like a Phanpy, a kid. He wasn't trying to hide anything when we were playing around and he was as much scared of what is down there as any kid would have been. But the ones who made him, they were pulling some strings." Biven stomped defensively. (Hey, they didn't lie about who I was going to meet. I went down there on my own.) Sora and Terra felt what was said and agreed. Riku gave Terra a pat on the shoulder. "Nice work there, that could have fooled a lot of people if they didn't get to know the kid."

Leon agreed with that. "I've heard of that happening a lot more times than I want to admit. The guy who helped you with that, have you figured out anything about him?" Terra shook his head. "Only four things that are consistent, he's working with that Lady, the fact he knows about us, his name, Ephemer and the fact he gave the Iron Treads a name before we had the chance too." The youngster hmmed. "Now if we understand everything else, where did that guy come from? Where did his Lady come from?"

Sora added in. "There's a Symbol he shined out and it looks like a Keyblade guarding a Heart. It's got to be something old that we don't know a lot about." That part was the most alarming and Namine repeated that. "A Keyblade that is protecting the Heart? How does that connect with such a phenomenon?" Crinoid called out an answer. (It's old stuff working with old stuff! There's no way they know about you all just because.)

Kairi gasped. "Doesn't this place have that in the computer?" Knock Knock! Roxas and his squad turned around to find Ienzo knocking to the side, with Mickey along side him with four boxes in a gift wrap. The young man asked. "Excuse us, I didn't mean to hear that." He recalled. "The data that me and those three found here never showed that symbol. But, it is familiar to the legend. Where the Chosen of the Blade would stand in defense of the Heart of All."

Terra felt that connecting. "A legend that ended up coming to pass over a year ago. Do you think the two running the Labyrinth are connected to those stories?" Ienzo believed so. "In theory, the only way we ever find anything is if we explore the wide worlds and hope it leads us to those answers. Your world wasn't common knowledge until a decade ago and fewer of us knew about the Graveyard even existing." He gasped. "And we never knew about this Blooming Creek either."

Dupmic recalled that word. "The one that those three came from?" Ienzo nodded as Mickey guessed. "When the world split into many, the way of the Keyblade survived and the knowledge was passed down among certain worlds. Before they faded away into old fairy tales." Leon smirked to that. "And that is the clue to finding out more about something that mythical. But we need to be careful about unleashing something, because it can't be contained again once it's free."

Namine found an opportunity for another day. "Our three are working with us in the Town, so we should take the opportunity to ask them more about that." Spin! Denryk, Pineco, Scraggy and Oricorio came spinning by at the height of their dance. The rough neck was dizzy in the brain. "Oh, oh, oh! Too much momentum." He shook his head as Ienzo wondered about the stranger. "That would be your assignment come morning. Could you care to provide me your name?"

The rough neck nodded. "Denryk, I've heard enough. One of those dudes were killed over that blade while the other two lost the blade while trying to find her killer. I heard that some of you all found out who done it and marked a bounty on his head that's so big you haven't posted it up yet."

Ienzo cringed at the joke. "Not funny, that criminal's far too dangerous for the public eye." Denryk nodded as Roxas played along. "Luckily, you have guys who would take care of that, free of charge." The rough neck laughed in agreement. "Totally! But we got clues about that other thing, somewhere. We just got to work with them, least so we can tell that Ephe guy that we're doing this because we want to. Not because they're leading us along."

That was quite the rebellious claim, Sora wasn't denying that will. "I think that's the idea, they're just trying to pass a few tips along." Mickey ahemed and presented the Secret Squad the boxes. "And when we're ready to find out, we'll be grateful for that. Roxas, Namine, Dupmic, Denryk; we made something that ought to help you out over here."

The four took the boxes and opened them up, four gummi phones that on the press of a button, only needed an account to sign in. Part of the same network and equipped with the Dex App. Roxas whistled. "Cool!" He and his squadmates smiled wide as Leon sighed. "Along with the Dex, you all have a way to stay in touch if it's needed." Namine swiped a hand. "Hold it, hold it. It would be handy if we are able to communicate with each other. But, it can also be more helpful if we do what we can to stay a secret from the bigger worlds. Don't call us, we'll call you, okay?"

Kairi felt that made the most sense. "Because we might have to explain that if they find something out." Leon continued along. "Well, I have heard that you have more convenient ways of communicating with your others. Baring Dupmic. While we know Denryk is a hired muscle." The hoodlum blinked as Dupmic nodded. "Because I'm a Riku clone, big difference."

Leon went for his bag to search for something. "Speaking of him. We need to make some preparations for our next trip. Riku, I've been meaning to ask. "Once your pokemon fully evolve, there will be a point where the training wheels will come off. I have a means for one of these Sneasels to evolve and it's the time of day where the sun's going to set. The Johtonian Sneasel needs this razor claw, when it is night. While the Hisuian Sneasel, needs it during the day. If you have to chose between who is picked, who's it going to be?"

The older boy was surprised by that convenience and didn't hesitate to answer. "Neither, at least not yet." The Sneasel brothers stopped what their doing and had interest as Leon found that "Interesting, could you explain why?" Riku was more than glad to do so. "It's not that these two aren't ready. It's just" He looked over to Sora and Kairi. "we know where those brothers came from and somewhere out there, a mother Sneasler's looking for her kids. She would get mad if I evolved those two, without her knowledge and the last thing you want to do is piss off a mother that cares about her kids."

Kairi imagined the many times Aqua grew furious at someone who tried to lay a hand on her students as Leon recalled his own experience. "A firm lecture would be the least of your worries. That is the best possible answer you could give."

He pretended to be surprised as he gave a double check. "Oh look at that, I don't have a razor claw after all." He saw the suspicious look on Riku's face and pulled out two curved claw nails. "I have two." He gave them to the boy that was about to puff his cheeks. "Hold onto them until you find the mother and have her approval."

Riku burst laughing. "You little-" he took them and looked down to the brothers that were laughing with him. "Where the heck have you learned to play like that?" Leon admitted. "I was raised around ghost pokemon and my Daddy has a pokemon that's a certified prankster to end all pranksters. But those claws are real." He coughed and looked over to Sora and Terra. "Now in seriousness, there's something I wish to talk about in regards to the pokemon you have with you. It's never long until a trainer has to make tough choices for who they're bringing along on that journey, once they reach the threshold of six pokemon. I wish to see more about what this Iron Treads is capable of doing and Flutter Mane's better equipped for her stage. Now, you have ways to surprise me, so I want to see how you're going to find a loophole in that rule."

Sora blushed and know of one who could help. "He might be over at Traverse." He asked his usual travel companions. "Donald, Goofy, you mind if we go find Merlin?" The kings guard do not as Scrooge volunteered to come along. "I wish to have a word with the Committee about our partners training. It's clear we'll need to be prepared to venture down into the cavern."

Terra promised him. "Don't worry, they know." Kairi came back down with her duo and asked her other. "Namine, are you the boys going to be okay with us leaving like this?" The witch pointed to her. "You got pokemon to rescue and who knows where you'll end up in! You all need to hurry." She playfully shoo'd her away, Crinoid tried to gallop out the door as most of the visitors readied to leave, with their pokemon called back. The King was a bit hesitate to leave as soon as he arrived as Ienzo insist that he still has business to attend to. "There's a few details I wish to go over, we'll meet at Wanda's as soon as it's possible." Mickey nodded. "We'll see how much we have to do over there while you settle things over here."

The mass group headed out, leaving the Secret Squad and their pokemon with the scientist. Roxas asked out of his mind. "Something about all that is getting on your nerves?"

Ienzo sighed. "It's another puzzle that will be put together in due time. If I may request, once you're finished with both of those towns, we could use some experts to ensure that Registeels rescue doesn't have any unwanted complications." Roxas looked over to his companions, Namine and Dupmic didn't mind, while Denryk looked to be thinking about something. "Feels about right, even if that might take a while." Denryk nodded. "A real while, I've been told a lot and we still got some really screwed up people that are waiting for us to mess it up."

Ienzo agreed to that. "All the reason why we need to be careful. Those who were part of that Organization can hold enough of a grudge to rival the Duardin, especially towards those who've betrayed them or have undermined their plans too many times." Dupmic recalled. "Most of them are long gone, but that one guy has hardly changed one bit even after being put back together." Denryk cringed. "Yeah, especially if he's jelly over someone having the Keyblade and has made deals with the Scratches to try and get one." Ienzo heard the plural term. "There's always one when you think you've gotten rid of them."

Roxas blew out of his nostrils. "We haven't told a lot of people, but Braig made a deal with this psychotic triangle and they've almost broken Xion's mind, just because Ken kicked his sorry butt without needing the Keyblades." Denryk didn't wish to be reminded. "Who wouldn't he hurt? Things wouldn't have gone to crap like it did if that guy wasn't around."

Ienzo blew out in agreement. "With us falling for their schemes. Fortunately, we're not going to make that mistake with him again. We're aware of what he's done and most of us have explicit orders if we find any traces of him on these worlds again." Denryk wanted to yell out something and stopped, thinking that would reveal too much, Namine continued along. "Don't worry, if we find anyone trying to terrorize the worlds while the Guardians are away, they'll know that someone's watching their next move. Now speaking on a smaller scale."

She showed a picture of an Alolan Raticate. "We have a thief that is messing around with the wrong restaurant and we need a plan." She called to the dark types. "Scraggy, Schemy, come with me." She sat on a chair and tapped the side, inviting them for some hands on time. They didn't know much and jumped on, being petted while the witch was looking into something.

Denryk wanted to warn his partner that things aren't what they seem. "That dirty rat was stealing from Lil' Chef and bullied these two out of a burrow during a pretty rainy night. We're going to teach him a lesson and the sooner we do that, the sooner the folks around here can fine dine when ever they got the munny or the goods." Namine approved of the plan. "Thankfully, we got a lead on where that rat is hiding. We'll start this little mission by tonight."

Scraggy huhed as the Murkrow wondered, Ienzo was amused. "I'll look forward to the results, when we meet again." He turned to leave. "Good luck and congratulations on this feat." Roxas and Namine were warmed by that, once the door closed, Denryk rubbed his fleshy arm. "Man, I really wish it was easy to tell him."

Roxas looked over to his subordinate. "And why would you care? You pulled enough of a story together that they're buying it."

Denryk pressed his lips together. "Like... yeah, but if someone from the Bastion knows, they'll all figure out what happened. Do they really need to know? Because M...Miss Deborah nearly flipped when she heard about what the Guardians gone through at the end of the war, she's worried about what might have happened to Ken, since he sometimes cries, wondering how he's still alive."

Namine gasped. "She doesn't know?" Denryk asked back. "Do any of them know? Oh sure, they knew Ken got himself captured by the Dark Seekers and used his heart." He's pained. "By the Light, that would be messed up if they learned about Za'pher, about what getting possessed is like, having your heart yanked out and then posing as the dude without even knowing. Who the heck does that?!"

Dupmic and Namine gave Denryk a glare, Roxas went over and poked at the hoodlums chest. "You're saying that, to us?" Denryk looked confused. "What do you mean, you guys are-" He remembered some details about Dupmic. "... right." Namine informed the boy. "Right? You didn't knew what you were actually doing until after you've helped save the worlds. Dupmic tried to kill Riku, to get his life and I was filling in Kairi's spot in Sora's memories, so he'd do what I... or my what my captors, would say."

Denryk had a strange smile, clenched his cybernetic hand and looked ready to punch himself in the face, Roxas put a grip on that. "And you know I was more willing to put the worlds in danger. Even if I was pushed around by that cult. But, we've now free to make our own choices." He let go and smirked. "You might deny otherwise, but there's still things you have in common with that other. You both care about others that you sometimes forget about yourself. If that woman's what she seems to be, she'll understand you anyways without any problems."

Denryk blushed and kept quiet, he looked like he wanted to lay down. Roxas gave him a side ways hug and helped him to a seat. The hoodlum blew out. "Sorry about that guys."

Dupmic took a spot to relax in. "You'll get use to that feeling. Let's keep up the good work and see if we can't get a decent, late night dinner for the gig." Namine laughed to that as Denryk wasn't wanting to be let go, Roxas kept him in arms length and schemed. "Those desserts would sound pretty good after that."

Over at Traverse.

The Guardians of Light found the convenience that Merlin was spending some time by the Ranch, letting a Spearow perch on a finger and a duo of Nidorans sitting by him on a park bench. Sora took the chance to explain the plan to the unaware Leon. "So it's like this, every so something someone with a strong enough will, can find their way to lend some help when it is needed. Even if they can't be there for long. We call it a summon."

Kairi recalled as she let Azu out. "Which was how I got by with the Seafarers until recently." The youngster gasped and clapped fast. "So we can use that so certain pokemon can always tag along? That's genius." His eyes glittered at the boy who came up with the idea. "You're a genius!" Donald and Goofy laughed to that as Kairi gave Sora a teasing look. "Our Sora likes to pretend to be a dim wit."

Sora blushed and showed the summon charm for Kyurem. "We just got the idea after Kyurem gave this to us. A Legendary Pokemon is bigger stuff." Leon was eager to watch as Mickey volunteered for something. "We'll go find Wanda while you short this one out." He and his guard took off as Terra remembered a Moogle shop. "I'll go get some supplies." He headed for the residential area and left the children to form a plan.

The Destiny Trio headed over to Merlin, who was reading a particular book while under the light of a street lamp. One about four heroes that travel the worlds and fight against evil. "Hey, Merlin, it's been a while." The wizard looked up to find Sora and his friends, adjusting his glasses. "Good evening, Sora, Kairi, Riku and young Leon."

He addressed the let out rabbit. "And you too, Miss Azu. Isn't this a wonder in the making." The children looked over to the Ranch and the locals working to make it a haven. Kairi admitted. "It is." Sora asked politely. "Merlin, I'm hating to ask but we got told about a limit of pokemon we should carry around and some of us don't want to leave anyone behind. I got over that limit."

The wizard ahad and remembered. "Oh goodness, I see why you've came to me." Spearow and the Nidoran's moved as the wizard stood up. "The power of the summon charms do not work as wildly as you think. Only by a strong will and a desire to protect the larger world, could make it possible."

Pop!

Out of a ball came Rusher, who was barking. (Come on, with that Robot being as fast as he is, I'm gonna to be the first to go!)

Sora cringed and showed Merlin the charm of Kyurem. "So that explains how Kyurem was able to give us this." Merlin gasped. "Could that be? Would you allow me?" Sora gave it to the wizard who marveled at the symbol. "Interesting." Riku guessed. "That pokemon gave us this, which might require all of us to pull off. Think we can do it with something smaller?"

The wizard hummed and gave it back to Sora. "It might, are there more phenomenons that these creatures are capable of?" Leon showed his mega stone and the Z Power Ring. "Quite, a bond between a trainer and a pokemon is needed for Mega evolution to happen, without the pokemon getting set off. While Z Power requires a sync to let out that burst of a move. Dynamax requires the giant to have someone to listen to and Terastallization is a way for a trainer and a pokemon to reach a simple wish."

Rusher had a bit of hope and hopped. (I'm not wanting to give it up yet, we got lots of pokemon to rescue and bad guys to beat up!) Leon looked over to the energetic Linoone and over to Sora. "If we can find a way to pull this off, then certain pokemon that might be overshadowed by better field candidates can find a way to fight with you, gain some experience and use that for the better."

Pop!

Out came Butterfree, who listened to an idea. (This means that my powders can still be helpful?) Sora smiled wide to that. "Pretty much, maybe if we can find out about how Dynamax works, we can work up to that big form that shoots that befuddle thingy."

Kairi ohed. "The move that can inflict a stun spore, poison powder or a sleep powder on anything caught in the blast?" Leon sighed. "If we have the luck in finding a hot spots. That mechanic is only common place in Galar because you need to be in a source of that energy to pull it off and I'm not sure if we should be messing around with that. That power dates back to an event in Galar's History, known as the Darkest Day. Where the source of that power, Eternatus, unleashed giant pokemon all across the region with his near infinite energy."

Sora puffed his cheeks as Butterfree was still determined, Kairi realized something in particular. "Hey, if that's the case, why did Regice Dynamax like he did? How did that island become a hot spot in the first place?" That was quite the unsettling question as Leon continued. "But regardless, could this be possible?"

Sora was about to explain how he found certain heart binders when Linoone tripped on something and kicked it back by accident. The band turn around to find a strange amulet with a silver outline, having a faint image of a pokeball. Sora picked it up and closed his eyes, feeling a selection of four slots. He opened his eyes back to reality and felt it flickering away. Bringing about a distinct sync that caused Linoone to look on cutely. (What's that?)

Sora gave a nervous look that was just as adorable. "One of the summon charms we're talking about. A Heart Binder, these things tend to happen."

Kairi and Leon giggled as Riku felt an idea in mind. "Wait here a minute, there might be someone who could be a real help to us if we try that." He took off to the lab as Leon was left to his imagination. "That bond between a trainer and their pokemon can achieve great things. Now, how does this work?"

Kairi thought to explain through her own experience. "Normally, when I think of that pokemon, a ball comes out to let me summon them. Who comes out, depends on a mood that syncs with them. In an emergency though, it flashed like an explorer badge and calls all four of them at once." She gasped to an idea. "Sora, when we visit the next world, try thinking of something speedy if you need it. That might do the trick." The boy took that advise to heart as Linoone barked. (This is gonna be fun!)

Riku came back, with Jumba and Stitch wanting a word. The boy has a beast ball in hand, regardless. "So you figured out how to work that?" Sora let his brother in arms know. "Think so."

Jumba gave a deep laugh and showed a picture that was clearly drawn by Stitch. "626 is familiar with this phenomenon of magic. You and he became close comrades along your journeys?" The boy felt that made more sense. "Even when he ended up tagging along with Ven. Thinking about it, he, this Genie, Simba and this mermaid Princess are all friends I've known." Kairi whispered. "Ariel found a way to tag along with me and help out here and there." Sora added. "And I've met some of the guys I've called upon over a year ago."

Leon didn't have anymore doubts. "Interesting, interesting. This can also be beneficial to the ranch, because where is that pokemon going to go once the timer is up? With that growing strength, I might add?"

Jumba pointed to the ranch. "Right back here. The ecosystem we're making, it can protect itself fine if the life forms aren't at an early stage." Riku nodded. "And these pokemon can get massive if given the chance. So if we tried that with a stronger pokemon, it might take longer."

The younger children looked upon the beast ball as Leon asked. "So you're taking the challenge to see if you can form some bond with an Ultra Beast that you've had a clash with? Most of the time if you catch a pokemon like that, it's not going to like you that much... at all." Kairi second that. "And he only tagged along with us because we promised to show him this kind of place."

Riku signaled that it's fine. "I did try talking with him, I showed him a picture of other worlds and he likes the idea of hoping to them. But that sync's still going to be a rough one if Flutter Mane's going to be an issue too."

Leon advised. "Just appease to what the Ultra Beast likes and get at their level. That normally does the trick and if you can get one of those binder things to show up for him, he might be in for the chance to world hop without much consequences. Unless you change your mind and have plans to keep him on the team." Jumba asked. "Be sure to let me know about the results. Worlds are merging each and every day!"

That would be considered and they found Terra returning with a bag of canned goods and potions. Beside him was Obstagoon, who was looking forward to a hot blooded adventure and Primeape, who was hoping in a good mood. Merlin is more than pleased by that statement. "That could be more true as we expand our view. We may end up finding that the friends we've crossed paths with, aren't so far away from home as we'd thought."

Leon felt that just wisdom. "We find a way, we always find a way. Speaking of which, just in case some friends of ours finish with the other town, I have a cousin that's over at that world and she's looking to find living quarters over here. She'll need to make some arrangements for when that band make their way."

"Already ahead of you." "Caw!"

The band turned around to find Poppy, a Blaziken, Wanda, her Gryphon, Mickey and his guard.

Wanda addressed one issue. "There's a few inns that have been established and they're up to standards. I'll have to talk with them in person, because the three aren't quite the same."

Poppy pointed to the one close by. "This one is with travelers in mind, a quick stop in and out. Another is close to the training grounds and is a rest stop for the guards, while the one further to the road curve is run by these... Watchdogs? I've heard they're associated with a ruffian who's on a peace treaty."

Wanda nodded. "They're a dependable sort and it can be an option for that part of the town. Rebuilding a ship on your own is a hassle and you need to get by somehow."

Riku appreciated that factor. "It's just common sense." Poppy considered her options. "They'll make a good enough headquarters." She moved along. "Unlike the other town, this is established well enough that the pokemon feel welcome. I'll need some time to get a lay out of what places will need attention."

Moa was eager to look as the girl felt her stomach rumbling. "Now, you know any places where we can eat? I'll need some clues about where's where." Wanda lead the way. "There's a few that Siegward and his companions established. You all want to replenish before you take off?" It is considered and since it is late, refusing isn't much of an option.

At Twilight Town.

It was nearing the dusk of night as Namine and Arty finished drawing a sketch. One of an Alolan Raticate hording a bag and a brown Raticate that looks ignorant. The boys and their partners were impressed by the details of what looked to be the inside of a storage house. Namine begun a story. "Scraggy snooped around to find two brothers. One of Alolan blood, the other that was not. The Alolan Raticate is a thief of foods during the night. While the brother is more of the look out and searches for material for nests. One of them is clearly taking advantage of his position, to keep the best food stuffs, for himself. Somewhere by the Struggle Square, is a ware house that is being used. If we strike tonight, we might convince them to change their ways."

Roxas agreed with what. "Yeah, by getting them in a ball while we lecture them." Denryk nodded. "After we rough them up. Stealing from another rat, who's worked to make that good stuff is just one of things I just-" Dupmic pat the hoodlum on the shoulder, he felt his squad mate gritting his teeth and eased him. "We're not sure if they even know about the effort that is put in those dishes, but there's more than one way to teach them a lesson."

Namine had a devious plan to humble the thieving rat. "A little hard work would do them wonders." She stood up, called Arty back and readied the beast ball. Denryk had Scraggy by him, Dupmic kept Schemy at his shoulder and Roxas had Ceruledge prepared in his ball. "Let's finish this night with success!"

The teenagers made their preparations, called any working pokemon back and took off to the Bistro, that was a few minutes away from closing. Jingle! There wasn't anyone in particular in the restaurant, save for a Lil' Chef that was in the kitchen finishing a count on ingredients. He was noticing something off as Namine announced. "We know where that Raticate is hiding and we got a plan!" The Chef turned fast and twitched his ears.

A few minutes later.

The squad were set up in a stake out, with a pantry of fresh ingredients open up as bait. Namine explained. "If we can catch that Raticate, we can track down his hide out and see if we can't get the stolen goods back."

The squad heard a faint creek from the window and kept to the corner of darkness, the window was pried open by a set of claws that have had experience before. Out came a brown, big bearded Meowth that hoped over to a door vigorously and had it open, letting in a chubby cheeked, black Raticate that has a bag for stuffing. The Meowth laughed heartily as the rat went for the open door and looked around, Dupmic wiggled a finger and cast something on Roxas, making him turn invisible and allowing him to sneak around to get a view of the rat's rear. He readied a dusk ball as the Meowth had a smell of something. Something of sweat, Roxas gave a throw to the back of the rat, causing the dusk ball to fly out of nowhere and tap the Raticate on the rear. Dragging him in and rolling, it gave three shakes and clicked. The Meowth gave a glare and charged with a metal claw, only to be blind sided in a fake out by Scraggy and intercepted by a Denryk with a metal fist.

"Run!"

The Meowth had a better idea and faked the two out, before back flipping to the dusk ball, taking it and making a run for it. Lil' Chef jumped out of hiding and Namine caught him, she let him hide on her shoulder, using her hair to shield himself. "Come on, we're onto him." Denryk and Dupmic took their partners and performed a sync shadow step, getting out of the back alley and chasing the strange Meowth.

Roxas and Namine followed behind, with the squad leader admitting. "Just when we thought we caught him!" His girlfriend giggled. "But he's leading us to somewhere, regardless!"

They followed the cat to a stone ware house with a generator in the back and an open window. The Meowth climbed up fast and rolled through the window, Dupmic and Roxas didn't waste time unlocking the pad on the sliding door and gave a charge, finding that Meowth and what what looked to be shelves that were turned into comfortable looking nests. The Meowth jumped with the dusk ball. (We've been found and the Boss is stuck in this thing!)

Plop! Slither! Scurry! Spoing!

Jumping out from their nests was a Kantonian Raticate, A green stomach with puckered lips and a yellow, slimy antennae, and black lizard with a head that looks like bandits mask and a red markings across her tail. Descending from above is a bouncing gray pig who's using a tail to spring, he was wearing a pink pearl. Lil' Chef looked around and found bags worth of stolen fruits, spices and grains. He scurried off as the Raticate hurried to the dusk ball. (Don't worry cous, I's got ya!) He took the ball and gnawed on it, Roxas and Namine sent out Ceruledge and Poipole as Ken barked. "Scraggy, fake that Raticate out and knock him down!"

The hoodlum gave an intimidating glare dashed and clapped his hands to knock the ball away, the lizard gave the fighter a pounce as Dupmic pointed to the bouncing pig. "Schemy, thunder wave the Spoink!" The Murkrow swooped down with fanfare and let loose a pranksters shock wave. The pig halted and oinked desperately, he fired a power gem blast at the crow as Ceruledge charged the Raticate. "Will-o-wisp, we caught the other one easily, so let's try this on repeat!"

Ceruledge sprinted after the rat and kicked a will-o-wisp, inflicting a burn that caused the rodent to get gutsy. It rushed for a crunch as the Guplin waddled towards the Poipole. Namine commanded. "Go for fury attack!"

The Poipole rushed for two jabs and the stomach yawned, making the ultra beast drowsy, the Meowth sprinted after the Scraggy. Denryk knew there was a reason. "Dodge that and low kick!" Scraggy rolled back and kicked the Meowth at the leg, making him trip. Dupmic hurried to toss a heal ball at the Spoink, catching it with little issues as Roxas tossed a repeat ball at the Raticate.

Shake...shake... shake... click!

The rat was caught and Namine switched Poipole out for Arty. "Come back in so yawn wears off!" Fling! The Smeargle landed and was given a blast of sludge from the Guplin, the Salandit sprinted after the artist and fired an opportunistic venoshock. Schemy pounced on the lizard and kept her distracted as Roxas ordered. "Hit the Gulpin with a shadow claw and we got this!"

The Ceruledge glowed his swords with a grudge and sent the Gulpin flying in on slash. Giving Namine time to ask. "Arty, nuzzle that Meowth!" The Smeargle nodded and sprinted to the distracted cat that was tackled and shocked into paralysis. Roxas tossed a pokeball to catch the Gulpin as Schemy let loose a thunder wave against the Salandit, leaving her exposed to a heal ball capture from Dupmic as Denryk had Scraggy give a low kick and take a metal claw. Denryk brought out a great ball and hurled it at the side of the cat, bringing him in for a capture. Click!

With that, the Bistro Bandits are apprehended. The four gave a cheer with their partners in victory, Namine sent out the Poipole as a way to let him see as Scraggy snickered at the dusk ball. (That's what ya get!)

Denryk took out a bag and put the balls in as Namine and Roxas looked over to Lil' Chef, who was getting a smell of the pilfered ingredients and saw most were in separate bags. The boy had a look in the bags and found the ingredients mostly intact. Grains in jars, fruits that have protective skin, the spices being recognizable that they could be separated from the cluster. "Looks like we got most of them in time, at least what ever wasn't eaten. It shouldn't be hard to get this back where it was."

Lil' Chef agreed with that as Dupmic advised. "But first," Denryk brought out the three balls with the heavy lifters and he sent out the Raticates and the Meowth, the rodents shook of defeat as the feline gave a hearty laugh. (That was fun! We're out for a feast?) The Scraggy glared at him as Denryk petted him on the head and looked to the thieves.

Having an eerie calm before his eyes gave a glare and snarled his teeth. "Now listen here you stinking thieves! Those ingredients you nearly soiled are some high class stuff that people worked their butts off to get and you just took them before they could be cooked into good dishes!"

The shouting was unlike any rage fitting for a typical teenager, the Raticates were shivering stiff as the Meowth didn't have much shame. "What's worse is that you ate some of them too and we're not ever going to get them back! Oh and that's not the one that's making me want to have you all beaten up, you selfish pigs horded it all in your hideout while leaving out anyone who could have a nibble and a roof when it rained and poured. Unacceptable! So you're going to pay for that with your hides and see how that's like!"

The Meowth flinched as the rats whimpered, Namine put a hand on Denryk's shoulder. "That's quite enough." She clapped. "You three are going to carry those bags back to the Bistro and help put them away where they belong. Then you're going to learn a thing or two about sharing with the town through diligent, hard work." She pointed to the bags and ordered. "You have a choice between that or never eating from a kitchen ever again! So chose!"

The Raticates hurried to the bags as Meowth went over heartily. (Their won't be a feast if we don't do this trial!) He grabbed two bags proudly. (To the kitchen my brethren!) The Alolan Raticate cringed. (Hey, I'm suppose to be the boss.) Ceruledge laughed at him in spite. (Not anymore, you're not!) Denryk put a finger to the side of his head and was feeling an ache as Namine turned to his squad mate. "Feeling better that you got that out of your system? Someone's been holding that in."

Denryk promised her. "Yeah, yeah. I'll be fine." He went over to the boys, not looking too well. Lil' Chef jumped on the head of the Alolan Raticate as the Meowth hurried back. Dupmic was seeing that Denryk had disturbed eyes. "Denryk, it wasn't that big of a deal. They're getting what's coming to them." The hoodlum had Scraggy by his leg. "I know, that's not what's giving me a head ache. Something feels wrong."

Roxas was a bit surprised. "You screamed the wind out of yourself, of course your head's going to hurt after that." Ceruledge felt something uncertain as Namine gave Denryk a playful poke, her eyes widen to a disturbance from somewhere. Denryk felt urgency and looked like he was staring upon something. Denryk asked Lil' Chef. "If these guys step out of line, tug the boss by the hair!" The rodent gave a light grab to a head hair as the hoodlum felt certain and put a hand to a center. "Everyone, hold on because we need to jump!"

Dupmic cringed. "Denryk what's gotten into you?" Namine saw the picture more clearly and had Arty and Poipole join her. "I don't know either, but it's flowing through his senses." Roxas took the gambit and joined in with Ceruledge, Schemy perched on with a caw and Dupmic gave in.

With a blink, the band found themselves in a beach that had a battle underway. A band of dark, orkish creatures with various melee weapons, vultures with cross bows and horned goblins with spears were getting blown away by a hyper voice. They watched Drampa flew away from a thunder wave cast by a skittish Mismagius and a wave of dark fire that was cast by a particular witch. Roxas, Namine and Dupmic gasped as once. "Maleficent?!"

The witch halted her spell for that moment as the Mismagius floated around, gasped at Dupmic for a moment and tilt her head confused at a vibe. (Hey, I didn't know Riku had a twin.) Schemy laughed to that. (Ah, but it's not quite simple.)

Maleficent was oddly impressed. "Well, well, well. I've suspected that the Guardians would heed that twilit town, but for you to be drawn here." Denryk drew out his bat and a pistol as he and Scraggy stepped away. "That feeling was spot on." Namine called to the elderly dragon that was in quite the peril. "Drampa, just keep flying for a little longer, we'll handle this."

Roxas and Dupmic drew their blades as Ceruledge and Schemy were ready for a confrontation. Drampa focused upon the shore as Maleficent tapped her staff and aimed, shooting a combination of green fire and lightning upon the keybearers, they leaped over as the witch warped by Namine and Denryk, bringing about a circle of flame for a blast. The girl stepped away in a panic as Denryk jumped back and shielded her. Mismagius hovered and apologized. (Sorry about this!)

Gleam!

And unleashed a dazzling gleam that knocked the Murkrow a ways and sent Scraggy skidding to the shore. The boys went sent back in a flip and Denryk called his hoodlum back, sent out his Pineco and whispered. "Jump to my hip!" The bag worm didn't question it and clamped on, Denryk waited for Maleficent's blast to power down and had an instinct to roll right, dodging a fire blast before shooting his pistol. Maleficent tried to swat the blast away and felt the force shoving her staff back. Denryk raised his bat up and used it as his chance to give one firm strike, forcing the witch to warp back in shadows.

Roxas and Ceruledge dashed in a sword dance boosted slash as Dupmic ascended for a spear dive, followed by Schemy blowing a tail wind and ramming as a brave bird.

Woosh!

A surf wave washed over the fire and the Drampa landed by the shore. In a sudden, something crawled out with a giggle. "Wee, hee, hee! Someone's finally in for it!"

Splash!

Crawling out was a giant purple octopus with a sharp toothy grin, red eyes with yellow sclera and many tentacles. He gave the dragon several opportunistic slaps and was shot with acidic goop. The octopus yelped and turned. "Who shot that?!"

He was seeing the Ultra Beast and Namine in that dress, blushing wildly. "Ooh, who's the pretty one with the short squirt?" Namine was quite disturbed as Denryk tossed Pineco up. "Spikes!" Scatter!

He jumped and gave the bag worm a throw. "And latch on to that forehead!" Fling! Chomp! Pineco bit at the forehead and caused the Octopus to squeal. "Eeeouch! Get off, get off!"

He grappled the bag worm off and felt it rapid spin an escape. He wiggled to the side to intercept Denryk, only to be shocked in the back by a reckless Mismagius who puffed her cheeks.

(Whoops!)

Maleficent raised her staff to the sky. "Gaze of the heavens, unleash thy fury!" It lit up into a barrage of meteors, forcing Roxas and Dupmic to retreat with their partners as Smeargle thought of something and twirled a whirl wind at the Octopus, causing it to fly off all the way to the witch. Drampa flew to the exit of the beach and fired an orb at the meteors, causing it to burst into a bombardment to counter it. He roared out. (Come on, get on!)

Denryk grabbed Pineco and kept Namine guarded as she called her partners back and jumped on first. Roxas and Dupmic called their partners back and flipped on, with Denryk jumping at the tail end. They watched Maleficent get knocked over and bursting in green fire in rage at the octopus. "You imbecilic fiend!" She snared the octopus in lightning and shocked him silly as the Mismagius had an idea and whispered. (Hey, maybe we can use this? You said that force or what ever needs-) Maleficent listened to what was said and turned to a band that was flying off, perhaps such a brute could be a use.

Drampa was quick to fly back to Twilight Town, with Namine whispering. "Just bring us to the Clock Tower and I'll point where we can go. We'll tell you the rest." The dragon grunted as Denryk felt himself calming down. Pineco kept a look back as Dupmic half turned to the hoodlum. "What was calling you over there? Because we could have lost Drampa without knowing." Denryk had no idea. "What ever it is, it's calming down. It was just showing me the beach and I was feeling this guy fighting back."

Drampa grunted. (What ever it was, it came at the nick of time. You all have my thanks for that.) The dragon was over at the town and by the tower, Namine pointed down to the Bistro. The dragon flew to land in the lamp lit town. The teenagers got off, Namine took that step and watched Roxas get Dupmic down. Denryk got off with a strange sense of certainty and even pride, a feeling of mischief and a good impression was close.

Namine went close to the Hoodlum and gave him a kiss on the cheek. Denryk cringed. "Hey, hey! I really didn't do much."

Drampa laughed at that as Namine lead the boy in the building, the four went back to the kitchen and found Lil' Chef, the Raticates and the Meowth putting away the stolen goods. Roxas called out. "We're back and we got a Drampa that's going to stay over the hide out." The Meowth had a smell and asked. (You've had a hearty battle?) Pineco hopped off and grunted. (Definitely,)

Roxas had a brief description of what occurred. "We rescued this big guy from a witch that's been trying to snatch pokemon and I think if we keep close to the town, she won't try anything funny." Namine asked Lil' Chef. "If we stop by early in the morning, I think we can have our bandits start with their lesson." Denryk gasped. "Oh, I know where this is going."

Dupmic snickered. "That way, they'll understand what they're trying to take and what they were missing out on." The chubby Raticate huhed. (Missing out on what?) Lil' Chef sighed at what is going to be a long process. He went over to a menu, the four felt a beef saute ought to be pretty straight forward.

Dupmic had an idea and let out Salandit, who saw she was captured and raised her hands in defeat. The boy asked. "Hey, your pals over there are going to get to cooking something for us. It's going to involve heat and we could use a fire type, are you in for some lessons?" The lizard lowered her hands and scratched her chin. (Well, in case we get sloppy...) She perked. (okay, because someone's got to handle the burning.)

Lil' Chef tapped a spoon to address attention as Namine waved at the trouble makers. "Good luck, if you're more trouble than it's worth, Lil' Chef ought to let us know."

The teenagers left the thieves to their first lesson and helped themselves to a table outside, where Drampa was looking up to the stary sky. Denryk noticed the view and let his partners out, the others followed suit and Roxas channeled a heal to mend the wounds. The squad leader explained. "Since you all got something to eat before, it's going to be our turn for some free grub."

The four picked a table closest to the star shine as Dupmic felt his imagination going wild. "They're right about the sky being gorgeous at night." The Poipole and Smeargle looked up, finding that factor to be quite true. Roxas declared ."So, this makes our night mission a success, with flying colors. Now, in case some of those guys aren't going to work out, what are we going to do with them?"

Denryk thought about it. "Depends, but the others are heading to that ranch anyways. What about that Meowth, he's got a different feeling from that one Dorlu has." Namine checked the Dex. "Galarian Meowth! The Scratch Cat Pokemon and a Steel Type: Living with a savage, seafaring people has toughened this Pokémon's body so much that parts of it have turned to iron. These daring Pokémon have coins on their foreheads. Darker coins are harder, and harder coins garner more respect among Meowth." Tap! She gasped. "Oh my," She put the phone away. "He feels like those Vikings we've heard about, makes you wonder why he joined up with those rats."

Dupmic guessed. "He wasn't caring much for the food as he was looking for fights and loot?" Namine nodded. "It's in the breed." Roxas sighed. "I guess one of us could bring him along tomorrow."

Dupmic checked a particular pokemon and felt his heart skip a beat. "Sheesh! And it looks like we'll have to make sure that Spoink evolves soon. Because staying put is not going to be an option."

Denryk snickered. "Congratulations!" Namine was charmed by that smile.

"There's that trouble maker we've been looking for. You were scaring us for a moment." The hoodlum wanted to forget about that moment and blushed. "It's crummy that we don't have a T.V to hook anything up to. A late night movie sounds good around now." Roxas sighed. "Can't afford that, but it would make things feel complete. You know any good ones around here?" Denryk shrugged. "Never went that far into the town, but some Star-"

At Gravity Falls.

Aqua and Ven were sneaking in the woods, to double check on the wild pokemon in the vicinity. The Keyblade Master had the honor of listening to one of the most horrific ordeals she could imagine. "Sounds more like she wanted to possess that goof ball over wanting actual love. No wonder the Heartless got drawn to her."

Ven certainly agreed as Shadey, who was in the guise of Sora, spoke out his mind. "She was way too crazy. Did anyone who bought that game, figure that out?" Ven answered. "They sent it back and left a note to destroy it at all costs. But Soos was the only one who had the guts to do it. Those guys only cared about getting a refund instead of fixing the problem."

Aqua imagined. "And getting rejected enough times had only made it worse. Now that the Pines aren't busy at the moment, we got tomorrow to tell them about what happened."

Ven recalled. "The fact that Braig is working with Bill now?" Aqua dreaded what else was going to be unleashed. "They're the reason we have a Heartless problem in the Falls again and he's still out here while that Triangle cooks up another scheme." She looked around and found a particular and four pokemon that were getting use to the illusion. "Okay, I think we're alone now."

They hurried to find the Kadabra wave a hand to make the illusion fade away and reappear, the Blacephalon sensed something and turned. He waved with a mellow jingle. (Ven, you're alright!)

The boy understood what was said and sighed. "I'm glad you weren't in there to see the worst of it. We needed to be sure you guys are going to be fine before we head back to the base." The Brute waddled into the hollow as Togekiss chirped. (You mind if someone watches over you?) Aqua politely refused. "It's better if you four stay as a group, just one of you being alone, could be all those monsters would need to make you disappear. Or worse."

The Togekiss puffed her cheeks and understood as she tip toed into the hollow and waited for the others to hide in. Bursty walked in as the Kadabra glowed with his eyes. Aqua put a finger to the side of her cranium, to show Ven how to make a mental link. "With that tag, Bill and the dark forces won't be able to find you. While the illusion would make you hidden from Braig."

Kadabra rephrased. "Or as Bursty calls him, the danger man." Ven nodded. "Danger man sounds about right. By tomorrow, we'll be exploring the places that aren't in plain view. If you feel something wrong's going on, try to find us."

Kadabra and Bursty understood, the psi pokemon hovered to the hollow and huddled up with his companions. "We won't interfere, there are things that you need to overcome by your own skills and resources." Ven admitted. "It should be easy with four trainers." He remembered a warning. "We'll see you tomorrow, try to stay out of trouble. We've been hearing that a dark witch is trying to snatch pokemon right under our noses. If that happens to any of you, it will take a while before we can rescue you."

Bursty gasped as Togekiss was as startled. (Goodness!) The three awaken pokemon gave the group a good night and Kadabra waved his hand to close up the illusion.

Shadey pretended that he wasn't noticing anything as the humans lead all the way to the camp site. The star lit sky over the shaded trees have a distinct beauty to them. They were back at the base and found Kit stepping out of Oχιά, he saw the keybearers making a return and quickly raised his hands, not that Aqua cared too much. "Hey Kit, we heard about what you've placed around. Thank you," The mysterious aid blushed. "It's nothing hard. These Guard tags have the blessing to ward off evil spirits and what I've heard from Koraidon, fits the bill as a spirit of pure evil."

He realized what he said. "This base as a tag on the outside and one on the inside in case someone figures it out. Aqua, you would have went into that weird Labyrinth, even if there wasn't an emergency. Why did you think going in there, without your friend, is a good idea?"

Ven answered in defense of his sister in arms. "Because I was busy with my own issues, this was hers and hers alone." Aqua smiled in appreciation. "It was a bit selfish, but I didn't regret meeting that Valiant nor having a chat with that weird Lady."

She remembered. "Ven, if we visit that place again and we meet her, you wouldn't mind, would you?" The boy shook his head. "If I'm guessing, she, Valiant and Koraidon helped you kick those freaks out of there. Feels like we can trust them." Kit was intrigued. "Sounds more like someone was making a request, but you're taking up the challenge to show the Labyrinth that you're not afraid of the unknown."

Aqua admitted. "Well, I started abusing the privilege anyways. It isn't going to be an issue on this world, but if we find it again, we'll be ready." Kit had a wide smile for the Keyblade Master. "It takes a determined heart, to keep going at it and it takes a bolder heart to admit that she isn't perfect either." He was ready to take off. "I'm going to see if that Shack can be warded as well. Have a good rest, you all have done well enough to earn it."

He hurried along as Ven was feeling suspicious. "How come he always shows up after we explore something?" Aqua wondered as well. "To be frank, he's got a way to watch over us. But I think we can rest easy, knowing that." She lead to the door. "Now, we got to see if the others are making good on their progress as well." She went to the kitchen and got yeast, flour and oil. "I made a promise to the Brute that I treat him and that place got so wrecked that I can't get it for him that easily. So, it's time to do some experimenting."

Ven knew what she was talking about. "It's probably for the best, he needs to start eating some more greens, if you know what I mean." Aqua certainly does. "Something to balance out the grease." The boy turned on Connect and saw there was a channel for a Two Sided Witch.

Blip!

He saw the contents of a two cockpit Gummi ship with quite the amount of space, with the Destiny Trio looking like they've seen an episode while Terra and Leon looked around. Ven smirked. "Nice timing, we just got through a crazy outbreak. What just happened?"

Sora shrugged. "Looks like our ships put themselves together once they heard we're all going on a trip together. What do you mean by an outbreak?" Ven has no way of saying it without sounding crazy, so he sent out Rotom and asked. "Hey, you want to put today's events in words? You've seen the most." Rotom cringed and found a slot to use, he squeezed in and filled a report on the Giffany incident, the Destiny Trio went to reading it fast as Leon and Terra joined in the conversation.

The youngster was more than pleased. "Looks like you got a Rotom of your own now?"

Ven was amazed by that realization. "He can get into so many things and can take on a lot of powers from the junk he possesses. He gets into an arcade machine and he'll gain the powers of a fairy type!" Leon gasped at the relatively new discovery. "Which one?" Rotom sparked out as Ven answered. "Dazzling gleam, I don't think we can get a busted machine out of there though. So it's nice that we tried it out."

Leon honestly didn't mind. "It was worth discovering anyways. Most of the known forms are smaller, easier to sneak around and a lot more common. Get creative and he won't let you down." Ven considered that an option. "I can look at a bin to find some appliances and see how those moves will help."

The destiny trio had a combined look of horror and Kairi cringed. "Sheesh! Soos really did dodge a bullet." Riku and Sora agreed with that, wide eyed and wiser to that particular terror. Terra thought to give it a read as Sora asked. "We got off pretty late, but we're finally heading out to the next world. Terra and I explored underneath the Bastion with some of the guys and we found something cool." He plugged in a picture and notes of Registeel's chamber, including what is planned out. Along side was a log on a robotic Donphan, the Iron Treads. Riku spoke the news on that one. "This robot helped Sora and the guys explore down there and found the door to Registeel. They've also figured out the puzzle, so we're letting Mickey and the others prepare for an excavation."

Aqua joined in behind Ven, having flour on her hands. "That's a good plan, but wouldn't it be dangerous to leave that gate unguarded? Someone could find that and use it as a trap."

Terra was spooked by the reported tale as Sora had ill news. "That someone already did, that demon tried to confuse us and get us in a cave in. But most of us didn't fall for it."

Terra explained more. "She tried to make us think the Treads was luring us into that, but the robot was acting too much like a kid to make it believable."

Aqua and Ven froze, the Keyblade Master asked. "Terra, say that part again?" Terra wasn't falling for it. "You heard it loud and clear, some one from the Labyrinth showed up to banish the demon and set up a ward so she wouldn't return down there. I don't think our other problem even has a way to know about this." Ven cheered. "Awesome!" Aqua blushed. "Excellent, excellent. So you're bringing the Treads with you, because that feels like a counter part to the Great Tusk."

Riku imagined. "Just so he can learn how to work with Sora. He's recently caught, so like Flutter Mane... it's going to take a while." Aqua hurried to download a log. "A teenager like that shouldn't take long in comparison. We have a rising issue over here and this should cover most of the details. Me and my squad had a little help from Koraidon, The Lady and her Magnum Opus in the works."

Blip!

Their were two details given. Once was a mostly accurate report of Aqua's adventure in the Labyrinth, the other was the entry of the Iron Valiant as well as the color alteration. The change caught Leon's eye. "When they're called shiny pokemon, I didn't think someone would take that literally." Aqua laughed to that. "The good news for you all is that we figured out where Braig is at and that won't be your problem right now. Unless you're heading somewhere connected to Gravity Falls."

Blip! Blip!

Sora hurried to the drivers seat and Kairi was worried. "Doubt that, but now that whole town could be in a lot of danger." Leon advised. "Be careful over there, so... should we tell them about that other thing?"

The Princess shook her head. "Not unless Ken is here. But we have extra help, protecting the home worlds and cleaning up some of the mess."

Oχιά rang a text and caused a user name, Night Angel to appear. Showing to everyone's surprise, Hayner in a set of pajamas. He was looking quite drowsy. "Erk! It's so late."

Click!

The sound of a door closing is an indicator that they were under resting hours and Ven apologized. "Sorry about that, Oχιά rang?" An angry emoji appeared by the name, Bryn. Aqua wanted to get back to what she was doing. "Ken and the others are trying to get some rest?"

Hayner had to be blunt. "The girls are out with Honey and Gogo, they've discovered something big and we've found a ton of stuff while exploring a you know what." Bryn sent logs to be downloaded, that of Slither Wing, Scream Tail, Sandy Shocks, Iron Hands, Iron thorns and Iron Moth. All but the Sandy Shocks and the Iron Moth are labeled as captured. Kairi whistled. "Nice one!"

Hayner blushed as there was a log on transpired events. Marked by a purple Star Shard. "We also got a project so we can get back over to home if we need it. We have the most important piece and we're thinking that if we make that door like the one from the Monster World-" Kairi mhmmed. "that could work. But we're just heading to a gate way right now."

Hayner imagined. "It might be something that will need two sides to work, I'll fill our captain in on the details." The rather respectful tone on the word brought attention and Aqua asked. "That's a bit more hearty, what did he do this time?"

Hayner tapped to where the log is. "Most of it is right there. But he saved a Golbat that was parching out." Leon ohed. "Golbat? It isn't exactly easy for him to get blood if the city's mostly for humans and robots."

Most of the Keybearers, baring Sora, gave Leon a stare. The boy explained. "It's only 10 ounces to refresh him but it could be more if Golbat is really gluttonous. They're more careful about it once they evolve." Hayner blushed. "Night Count's kind of a nice bat when you ignore that and I think someone knows about this and is going to give us some free bags. We had to split the bites up between us and Emboar."

Kairi sighed. "Then that's barely a problem." Hayner continued along. "Most of our pokemon have evolved or are going to be by tomorrow and we caught those Hitmons too. Once we meet up again, we might try to make a blue print and go bird hunting so we can make a cart." Leon hmmed. "You mean like those taxi carts that are found in Galar and Paldea?"

Kairi wondered. "You think that Skarmory and that Golbat can pull all that?" The youngster shook his head. "Not a Golbat and not a Crobat, although the later can carry someone just about anywhere. But I've heard some lands substituted."

Hayner asked. "You know anything about Squawkabilies?" Leon answered. "Other than those are the birds? I've never raised one or seen one in person. But it sounds like it will be fun to find out. Tee hee!"

The crew were seeing a great light and Kairi had to call a hang up. "We're at the gate, turning off now, because we need to focus." Aqua and Hayner gave a wave. "Good luck!" The Princess wished the others. "Good night and keep up the good work."

Blip!

Aqua hurried back to her task as Hayner read the report fast and pointed a tap. "Ken's going to want to know about that part." Aqua sighed. "I'm well aware that those two did something to hurt Xion in a place close to her mind and heart. I can't blame Ken, if for wanting to bring those two down. But we need to be on the reactive stance."

Hayner hmmed. "Ken, Roxas, Namine and Dupmic are the only ones who know the full scope. Just know that there isn't anything that crook wouldn't do to get back at us." Aqua agreed fully as Ven wished the recruit a good night. "Send us a pick of that cart when it's done! Because it sounds like things are going to get fun soon!"

Hayner promised. "Oh we will, night all." Blip!

Ven whistled. "Everyone's making good progress. Think Terra's showed enough?" Aqua nodded. "Quite, now that he's had the time and chance to prove that lesson. So let's double the effort tomorrow and finish searching the Falls."

At a merged ship.

Sailing through a tunnel system of tree ways and water falls; Sora, Riku and Kairi had the vessel zip to a lake with a whirl pool in the center, they watched a dark eel with a mouth of sharp teeth emerge. It opened yellow eyes and fired shards of ice, Leon hurried to plug his phone into a socket and had the pokemon take over a cannon to shoot lightning. Sora focused on piloting as Kairi and Riku went for the eyes. Terra manned a lower gun and fired at the Arbdys's uvula as the Rotom shocked the heartless into a stagger. Sora pressed a button to fire bombs down the throat and caused it to burst, it it disappeared into the darkness and the ship dived down in the whirl pool. Finding a strange, cosmic glowing keyhole to fly through. It brought them into an underground river that felt quite tranquil and the ship showed a time of eight hours. The seats leaned back and Sora felt he could let go of the controls. "This must be a world that's far from the others."

Kairi rubbed her hands. "It's got to be one we haven't been to before." Leon leaned back on his seat as his phone returned to him. "At least we'll be ready bright and early. Now," He looked over to Terra, who was feeling proud of himself. "it sounds like your friends really, really liked that you stuck with your gut when the Treads was getting framed."

Sora admitted as he took a seat. "Yeah, that was good work." Riku pointed a thumb the both of them. "You knew a real friend from a fake one once you spent time knowing him and you didn't fall for a demon's crud. You both pulled through." Terra admitted and sighed. "If that's the kind of person Bill is, then I'm finally getting it." Leon imagined. "It's a different flavor, but those kinds of manipulators have tunnels. Now, Poppy should manage the rest of Twilight Town with the clean up crew and we'll be in for quite the return."

He asked. "Rotom, could you plug into the screen and play that Timegate sequel. We're going to be stuck here a while." The phone gave a zip and plugged a film. "One movie coming up." Leon clapped in glee as the cockpit darken, the entertainment should drone out the wait.