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

42. Desert Lands

During the morning, the Guardians of Light and their aid at the alley of a market. Jasmine was in a mysterious looking robe and hid under her hood while the Genie took the form of a travel planner. A tiny monkey and a parrot looked like they were dragged into a whole lot of nonsense as the Djinn explained what he found. "Just to the south east from here are some ruins that match up with the light show we've had a few days ago. We better get finished with helping our missing tourists before carry out the rest of this trip."

Terra was thinking about the mention of Ruins as Leon thought out loud. "We've covered so much ground last time that we can get finished with this before we can focus on our investigation. Some of us will take care of this city, while half of us searches the desert for any wild pokemon. If we can, it would be wise to search the mountains for any hidden passage ways. We need to be extra careful if we find Regirock's trial."

The Parrot was about to fly east and complained. "Alright, alright, I'm on it. Sheesh, how can something think bringing a golem miles away from home and all the way over here to lock him up is a sound idea?" Sora admitted to the bird. "They didn't want anyone to find them." Riku waved to offer as a volunteer. "I'll make sure the kid stays out of trouble, you and the others pick a corner to search."

Terra took the chance to ask. "While you guys handle the city, how about I set up a short cut into that set of ruins?" He showed off a crystal cube, a component for a light rift. Jasmine was concerned about the duty. "Out there, by yourself? That could take a while in the heat."

Riku promised the Princess, having in mind a glider. "Trust us, he has a way of traveling across the desert. He'll be there and back in no time."

Sora and Aladdin noticed Pidgeot perching on the high ground, spotting something over at the west and leading them along. Riku, Leon and the parrot headed east, while the others headed to the south of the city.

Over at the west.

Aladdin and Pidgeot lead the way to an abandoned alley way in the shade, with abandoned rooms that would have served as an old hideaway. "This was where me and Zygarde lead those guys for the night. It shouldn't be hard to track them from here." Pidgeot guessed with a chirp. (Takes someone who's lived out on the streets to know what this is going to be like?)

Sora's thinking deeper. "Until we catch them, they're a bunch of street rats on the loose." Aladdin thought out loud as his monkey assistant clapped and pointed over. "And I think I know where they're heading. Let's try to be discreet before a guard finds out." The band headed up the building and jumped over to keep a view hidden from those of the ground, they were hearing applause of something and heading to what looked to be a food district.

Where a trio of fire dancers were mesmerizing a crowd of people, a fiery orange Ninetales, a fiery red Damanitan and a fiery red centipede that Sora looked up. The insect goes by the name of Centiskorch; the Radiator pokemon and a fire/bug type that can generate and lash out heat. The Ninetales conjured will-o-wisps while the Centiskorch coiled fast and made himself into a ring of fire, all the while Darmanitan was jumping in the ring and stomping out a rising fire. Aladdin caught in the corner of his eye, something sneaking to a fruit stand and taking food while the crowd was distracted. A pink skin imp with long black hair and a lower half of green. "Hey Sora, we got a little gremlin in the shadows."

Sora took notice and recalled. "A Morgrem?!" He thought fast and brought out a quick ball to use while the dark/fairy type was distracted, catching him in one throw and seeing that the fire types were distracted. Sora pointed to Aladdin and directed him towards the ball while everyone was distracted. The boy flowed to a building close to the fire show and lined up a quick ball for the distracted Ninetales, the Centiskorch halted with a burst of flames while Darmanitan hoped in astonishment. Click! Fling! Then came a net ball that took the bug type in and shook three times.

Click!

Sora dived down right as Darmanitan turned to see where the ball came from. The ape stomped in fury and rose up into an inferno before standing up and beat his chest. Darmanitan rushed at him with hops and let his feet slide in the dirt for a bluff, only for Sora to roll to the far right and wave in a tease before flinging a dragon dart. "Now! Thunder wave!"

Rush!

Dreepy crackled in electricity and tackled the ape into a roll, Darmanitan stiffen in paralysis and hollered before stomping a sheer force rock slide. The bystanders were stepping back fast as the newt back flipped to Sora and was flung for rather effective damage, if because of how threw him. Darmanitan was tipped upward and lost balance as the boy used the chance to ready a heal ball, capturing the ape with intention to bring him to some work.

Click!

Sora gave a cheer while Dreepy turned around and flew around him in celebration. Aladdin was quite impressed by the feat as he picked up the two capsules. "Sora, I didn't think you'd learn the way of the thief. You pulled that heist off without breaking a sweat." The boy smiled wide. "When in doubt, improvise!" He hurried to get the heal ball and lead a fast escape out of the district, back to the hideout where they can let out the four bandits.

Morgrem and Centiscorch were in a full panic upon being let out while Ninetales was shaking in confusion of the ordeal, Darmanitan was staring blankly, trying to process what happened. The Ninetales calmed the more noisy of the bunch down as Sora asked. "Do you guys mind coming with us? We're on a rescue mission and some of you might be a help."

The thieves gave a combined huh while Morgrem and Darmanitan thought about it, Aladdin guessed of the odd one of the bunch. "You were sneaking food away while the crowd was watching your friends and I know you got more tricks up there." The dark type blushed in pride. (Well, it wasn't my idea, but I'm good at being sneaky.)

Sora let out Snowball, who was hoping and was taking notice of his counterpart. "And we're in a big desert, I don't know how much of the heat is going to hurt Snowball. Darmanitan, if you don't mind." The fire type ohed, grunted and laughed fiercely. (I got it, I got it!) Snowball appreciated that remedy as Pidgeot dived down caw. (Pretty nice work.) Sora agreed with that. "Once we're all settled, the others should have something cool by then."

At the east of the city.

Leon and Riku were taking a stealthier approach, through the alley ways, with Pueo's sharp vision, Rellor's size and the Sneasel Brothers habits making it easy to stay unseen. The parrot thought they were doing it until they get to the living residents, where a chill of snow blew down. "Brr! Is someone using the blizzard magic around here?"

Leon is feeling more urgent and corrected the bird. "Maybe, or we got an ice type around here." Raz wasn't too bothered. (What's the big problem with chilling the place out?) Darter thought out loud. (Folks might like a little rain or snow in a hot place like this, but as Mama said, snow doesn't ever blow over the hot sands.)

He climbed ahead and signaled that the bird comes along, going into a scouting view and helping the low ground dwellers reach a particular neighborhood. Where a small band of children were experiencing snow for the first time in childish wonder and giving a giggling thanks to a cone shaped gust of wind with an orb in the center. The orb had a face, a small smile of good will and a side ways 8 marking over his dot eyes. Riku whispered. "That explains it, Leon... you know what this pokemon is?"

The youngster nodded. "That would be Castform. A very special normal type who has an ability tied to the weather. It's best moves can help it control the weather and through that, he can change his type to either water, fire or ice."

Riku imagined a sun over the forecast and a rain drop over a cloud. "In other words, Castform can be the cause of weather changes if we let him be?"

Leon nodded and readied a ball as in a sudden, the childrens parents pulled their young away from the creature. Castform gasped in astonishment as a woman tried to shoo him away with a broom, cursing in a native tongue and causing the pokemon to float back in fear of his own safety. The children tried protesting and Leon approached with a calm head. Pueo kept by and gave a sharp hoot while his partner called the adults out. "Hey! Castform's just making friends and he's trying to cool down these hot streets!"

The civilians were quite astonished by the youngster and the large owl, a father asked with a raised brow. "Does a youngster such as yourself, know what this demon is after?"

Leon pressed his lips together and explained swiftly "Castform was first created some time ago as a means to help with the weather. And seriously-" the color of his eyes shrank to show a building anger and his voice commanded a warning. "don't call him a demon."

The tone was enough to get the adults to shy from disrespecting him, the youngster calmed down. "It's often hot around here, so I'm reckoning he heard that someone was wanting things to get a bit cooler." He turned to the children and the boy that was playing with Castform stuttered nervously. "Y-yeah, a lot of us were." The sprite flew behind the trainers back as the grown ups were realizing how foolish they were behaving, Leon saw the look on their faces and focused on the more willing youngsters. "Now, me and some friends of mine came to this city for this reason. Castform isn't from around here and people were getting scared of what they don't understand. For this, he needs to be captured into one of these." He showed a net ball, much to how disappointed the children were. He tossed on command and stepped side ways. "Rellor, it's time that we walk the walk. Or for you-" Pop! Out came the puny dung beetle that was looking around to see the Castform, much to Leon's humor. "roll the roll!"

The snow faded away and Castform reverted a round charm with an over sized head and a small cloud like body. The forecast pokemon knew a fight was at hand and called upon the snow to transform once more, Leon stepped back and ordered. "Rellor, use struggle bug to weaken that power!"

The bug let loose a weak noise as Castform tossed an orb into the clouds and caused it to descend as a snow ball, knocking the bug back. "Sand attack and get ready!" The Rellor kicked sand at the Castform's eyes and dodged a weather ball blast. "Recover and dodge before using struggle bug!"

The bug glowed to heal himself and rolled far to avoid another barrage. Buzz! Castform was knocked a ways, fired a weaker weather ball and was blasted again, Leon brought out an ultra ball and tossed it at the Forecast Pokemon. Tap! Bop! Bop! Shake...shake...shake... click!

Rellor sighed at a hearty battle and clapped in applause to the boy who picked up the orb, the dirt ball glowed and enveloped the bug in a shine. It shined, grew larger with the bug and burst into power as Rellor grew brows and a mustache. Pew! At the end of the evolution was something otherworldly. A blue shining scarab with a red face and white facial hair, using his legs to hold onto a swirling mass of psychic power while he himself is in a meditative stance. Castform gasped as the orb spun the beetle in a swirl.

Riku and the others looked to the back of the scarab to see a stunning pattern of red lines. Leon presented the transformation. "From Rellor to Rabsca. Who channeled his true essence into the orb and reached a state of enlightenment." The children were amazed as a traveling adult recognized something. "I've seen this treasure before. A symbol of rebirth over in the land of Egypt."

Leon doesn't know what an Egypt even is, but was still amazed. "Thus the power a pokemon has, to evolve and awaken to new heights. Rabsca's an intriguing pokemon to say the least."

Castform spun around the Rabsca and asked many questions questions as Riku and the band of misfits stepped out. The parrot whistled. "He turned that dirt ball into some dream ball!" Riku agreed with the parrot. "No kidding, Iago! Leon, was this why you brought that bug along?" Leon nodded. "Rabsca has a unique move that can aid a knocked out pokemon, if the need arises. Revival Blessing. In addition, he's amazing with a trick room set up." He was grateful for the Castform. "Thank you for providing the experience. Now, can you help us investigate for anymore pokemon around this side of town?"

The forecast pokemon didn't mind the task. (There's a Ninetales and her friends over at the other side of the city and this Torracat who's taken off. But there could be more I missed.) He floated eastward and Rabsca followed while Leon promised the children. "How's about when we're done searching. We can play a bit on the occasion? At least until we got to leave the region?"

The children heard the leave part, but felt it wouldn't be a bad thing, in fact it gave them more of an incentive to come along on the exploration trip. The more curious boy asked. "Hey, do you mind if we ask more about this?" Leon saw potential. "We can, but if we run into any danger, let us deal with it while you run."

At the south of the City.

The two Princesses finished getting each other caught up in events, while Azu and Iceberg were patrolling. Kairi finished a crucial detail. "So, that's how Nuhass and the others ended up here." Jasmine recalled a sharp tongue thug that had his knee cap blasted off by a gray eyed boy. "I saw your brother strike that criminal down in the knee, how was that not enough?"

Kairi felt the amazement and was growing more annoyed. "Braig made a deal with a demon to get to somewhere that could fix that leg. My teacher and her brother in arms ought to have put a stop to them by now." She whispered softly. "Beware of any one eyed triangles that wear top hats." The Iron Bundle over heard that and chirped harshly. (He's only there to scam you out of something you'll miss.)

Kairi moved along and planned out the mission. "We got friends both inside and outside of these walls. As soon as Terra gets back... do you and your boyfriend want to come along?"

Jasmine didn't see why not. "That's no problem, but I'll need to convince my father that I'll be safe. What about that boy that came along with you? Does he have one of those swords?" Kairi felt that odd boy out to be of interest in potential. "No, he has his partners do most of the fighting for him. But he's done a lot in other areas." She envisioned where that devotion would bring Leon. "He could be someone who can use the Keyblade one day. When it comes to his love for these guys, it's absolute and lays out his heart to bare."

Azu and Iceberg were spooked by something coming from a district and zipping past them in a blink of speed. Jasmine notice that anomaly in the blink and followed to a shaded tent that had something jump on top of it and use like a spring. Kairi was keeping up to the sound of a spooked cat and followed to see something land on top of the wall, the back of something pale, thin and resembling a humanoid cockroach. In the roaches hands were a collection of colored glass shards. The creature jumped over out of sight as the tent became undone and collapsed, with something bundled in the clothe and struggling to get out.

Jasmine hurried to free up the bundle and was nearly clawed by accident, she stepped back to see a rather large house cat with white fur and red markings very similar to Incineroar. The moody feline opened a set of fiery yellow eyes and what looked to be a fiery bell. Kairi used the Dex to have a quick read. "Torracat: The Fire Cat Pokemon: A Fire Type: Torracat will let its Trainer coddle it once they've grown close, but it's a powerful, sharp-clawed Pokémon, so its Trainer gets covered in scratches. At its throat, it bears a bell of fire. The bell rings brightly whenever fire spews out."

The stubborn cat locked eyes with the stubborn Princesses, looked to the odd robot and an Azumarril that was fascinated by something. She meowed in a grumpy mood. (You know who ruined that hammock I was using? I was having a good nap.) Azu put her hands to her hips in sarcasm. "I don't, but that ought to be reveled in around-" Kairi was at a log that matched the cockroach and gasped. "UB-03 Beauty: Pheromosa. The Lissome: Bug/Fighting type: One of the dangerous Ultra Beasts, it has been spotted running across the land at terrific speeds. Although it's alien to this world and a danger here, it's apparently a common organism in the world where it normally lives." She checked the stats and saw that while Pheromosa is fast and deadly, she's quite frail. "Hoo boy! We got an tricky Ultra Beast." She gasped to a plan and asked the cat. "Hey Torracat, we need to catch both you and that Ultra Beast as soon as possible. Do you want to come along and help?"

The cat realize she wasn't going to be left alone. (It won't matter if I say no?) Jasmine crouched at the specimen and had a scolding tongue for her. "You're a stubborn one!" She was quite charmed while the Torracat nodded proudly, unaware that Kairi was out of sight.

Fling! Tap!

A luxury ball tapped the cat at the hip and brought her in. It shook, landed on the ground and gave a click. It hopped like the cat was struggling within and Jasmine grabbed the ball and had it pop open, letting out the cat that was giving an intimidating hiss. (Hey, what was that for?)

Azu snickered to her. (Well sorry, but it has to be done. So I guess for now, you and the pretty Princess are partners.)

The Torracat groaned as Jasmine suggested they stop bickering. "We'll worry about this after we find that Pheromosa." She kept hidden in her hood and lead the band out of the city gates, the band found Flygon heading to a pillar of light that was hidden in plane sight. The ladies and their companions followed, dealing with an ambush of fiery cats that were drenched away by Azu's water fall rush, Iceberg's hydro pumps and Torracat faking a close cat out and bit with fiery fangs. Kairi joined with a water spell as Jasmine enhanced the Torracat's flames with her own dabbling. They fought and caught up to Flygon and a Koraidon, who fought side to side against the dark elementals, using the force of a breaking swipe and a lizard that rolled up into a fiery ball and smashed through the forces in a collision course.

The darkness faded away and an entry to the Labyrinth closed up, Koraidon huffed and stood upward. (So much for a welcome.) Flygon noticed the arrivals and recognized Torracat before giving a wide smile and a wave. (S'up Torracat? Didn't think you'd move from that spot.)

The Torracat groaned. (It's gone thanks to this big cockroach. You find any running across the desert?) Flygon recalled seeing something odd. (It was a zip over that way) He faced the south east of the desert. (Where ever that went, it's over there by now.) He asked. (Do you need help getting over there?) Koraidon crouched and growled. (I got one better.) He inflated his throat sack and curled his tail downward, resembling that of a motorcycle. Kairi gasped in amazement. "You can turn into a bike too?"

Azu whistled and saw a comparison. "Like that Cyclizar." Iceberg felt the lizard to be trusting and looked to the Princess for the final word. Kairi readied to call the water types back. "Come on in here for now, we'll need to use some stronger projectiles for where we're going."

Pew!

The girl got on the Koraidon's back and sent out Shooter, to position him on the front seat. Torracat jumped behind the girl as Jasmine was shaking off her astonishment and got on last. "This big guy is a whole different experience." Koraidon blushed and barked as Flygon ascended and lead the way across the desert. The two dragons were getting into something of a race as Shooter notice puffs of fire to the side and snipped in caution, Kairi and Jasmine looked behind to find a six beast pack of what looked to be feline centaurs resembling sphinxes, with wings of sun fire and yellow eyes that make it obvious what they are.

Kairi took a deep breath and enveloped herself in water magic. "Shooter, take the ones at the left! I got right!"

The Clawitzer turned in sync as the Sphinx pack fired beams of sun rays at the racers, scorching lights that set the sand on fire. Jasmine channeled flames and gave counter shots as Kairi unleashed a bombardment of water projectiles, with Shooter firing mighty water pulses. Flygon flipped backwards to see what was going on and was ready to dive into battle as Koraidon looked up to him and barked, suggesting he keeps to the lead while the band handles the danger. The Sphinxes where whittled down and reinforcements arrived on flight, going in a zig zag pattern to make aiming more difficult. Kairi focused her projectiles while Shooter took some caution in his aim and fired in sync, keeping the pack off their aim and dwindling their numbers over the course of a few speedy minutes.

Flygon noticed something in the distance and shrieked, Koraidon took notice and growled a request, letting the dragon turn to the heartless pack and rush them with swift slashes of his claws. The ladies turned, knowing one danger is adverted and found a rocky hill with a cave way that was decorated with glimmering glass and crystals. On a closer view, was the Pheromosa trying to organize her stolen goods, making the walls look akin to a strange canvas. Koraidon came to a quiet stop and let the passengers off, Shooter and Torracat kept side to side as the ladies watched the Ultra Beast take pride in her craft. Kairi realized something and sighed in pity as Flygon gave a light buzz, letting the Ultra Beast know someone is approaching. Pheromoma turned fast to find intruders and scurried out in a blink of an eye, she let loose an aura of light and displayed a warning kick and gave a loud buzzing shriek.

Shooter and the ladies cringed at the noise as Torracat gave an intimidating roar and rushed for a fake out clap, stunning the roach as Kairi ordered. "Use a terrain pulse, we got to hit light for her!" Shooter aimed his claw and fired an average, if launcher boosted beam. Pheromosa was forced into a back flip and looked like she was seeing a flashing red. She rushed at the Clawitzer and engaged in close combat, Kairi flowed overhead to the top of the hill and toss a beast ball at the Ultra Beasts back. Making for an effortless capture, Shooter adjusted himself as his partner jumped down to pick up the ball. (Getting here was more of a hassle.)

Flygon agreed to that as Jasmine had a peak of the cave, the rather artful décor was a mystery in motive. "What did she have to gain from stealing all this?" Kairi had an inspection of goods that were broken beyond repair and recalled. "I read about this one. The world Pheromosa came from is a pristine desert that had gem stones as far as the eye can see." She realized something and sighed as Flygon pitied the beast. (She must be trying to fit in at home out here?) Shooter nodded to him and sighed. (Likely.)

The Princesses thought and Kairi asked in vote. "Maybe we can talk with her in a secluded place somewhere? She can be a real help." Koraidon imagined Pheromosa could be of aid and was ready to carry the band back to the city.

At the other side of the desert.

Terra turned his blade as a motorcycle like glider and used it to race across the desert, with Donphan keeping up as a wheel and finding an intersection with the Great Tusk that is keeping up. The grown up was amused until he saw a pack of Sphinxes appear and fire out of their wings. He ordered fast. "Everyone, swerve!" He and the elephants skid around the bombardment, the keybearer had his glider sprout blasters and fire back, giving the Donphans time to get close and run over the heartless. With a few minutes in high speeds, it wasn't long until Terra notice a downward, crag hill that leads into the ruins of what use to be a temple. The three slowed down, the Donphans unrolled from their exercise and Terra stopped in a slide before getting off and calling his glider back into a blade. The grown up let the five mon band of Cadet, Ursaring, Primeape, Kleavor and Obstagoon out. He rallied. "Alright guys, we're over in no mans land with the mission in mind. Cadet, you focus on keeping our distance while the rest of us do what we're good at in melee. Donphan, Great Tusk, you stay outside and guard the entrance" He looked to a Primeape that was curious about the structure. "and Primeape, if you find that Rage Fist can finish a problem off at that moment, I won't stop you. Something about this evolution is telling me that I need to see it with my own eyes."

Primeape huffed at something his partner had a concern about and gave a whine. (I just don't want to let you down, sensei.) He stomped in frustration. (Getting angry is what I'm good at!)

Obstagoon giggled and pat the monkey on the back. (And you're a natural. We'll teach any punks that crossing us is a bad idea.) He hurried ahead into the door way, giving the rest a reason to rush in behind him, the inside of the ruins was pretty barren, save for a short hallway with drawings of nomads traveling across the desert. The door ahead had the image of a great bird watching over the world and ahead was a chamber of three doors. One ahead, one at the left and one at the right. Terra had a strange sense of something not feeling right, yet nothing came out of the darkness to attack. The grown up lead to the left and found a strange band going ahead, in a fast sprint they found themselves in a near identical room and hurried to catch up with the strangers that were just ahead of them. Cadet sparked on realizing something and turned around as the band went to the door ahead and find that Cadet turning around to look back. Spooking the group and causing Primeape to stomp. (What the?!) Cadet stepped over the door and agreed. (We're not alone, something's playing a prank on us.)

"Ha, ha, ha, ha!"

A booming, disembodied voice laughed at their situation. "You've figured out that you've entered the Tomb of the Infinite Loop?" Terra wasn't going to play around and drew his blade. "Eventually. Show yourself!" The voice laughed harder. "And get beaten up by you guys? Not a chance. Answer these three questions in earnest and you can pass through this room."

The voice calmed down and took a more serious tone. "What are your names?" Terra started with the companions that have their own language barrier. "This is Cadet the Armarouge, Ursaring, Primeape. Kleavor and Obstagoon." The dark type twitched his ears at something his partner gave away too easily, the keybearer focused upon himself. "Just call me Terra, I'm one of the guys that came to these lands to rescue any Pokemon that got stuck in this desert." The voice asked more inquisitively. "You have more pokemon with you. We can see all, you know." Terra groaned, went to the door going out of the ruins and called out. "Donphan, we're needing your help!"

Rumble! Rumble!

Heavy footsteps were heard, heralding the arrival of the ground type that was curious as to what is going on, the trainer explained. "She and the Great Tusk are guarding the entrance, the last thing we need is some bandit sneaking in here while our backs are turned." The group heard a ding and the voice sounded impressed.

"The point is that you're honest about this. You don't got to worry about that, at least."

It brought about the second question. "What's your personal reason for coming here? If there are more of you, it would have made sense to come here as a bigger group." Terra didn't hesitate on the answer. "It's better to reach far and find these guys" he looked over to his companions and focused to the voice. "before someone else with bad intentions finds them instead. Besides, I'm the only Keybearer who had a glider and the guys have a huge city to explore."

The ding returned more eagerly.

"A wise choice."

It asked the final question. "Now, what do you think about your companions here?" Terra felt a tension and thought about his ordeal. "These guys got a strong arm, strong will and strong hearts. Ursaring has a mystery to show when a full moon shines and Primeape has a secret that can only be shown through rage fist."

Primeape was getting more annoyed and the voice spoke fast. "Secret fourth question. Do you trust Primeape to handle that building anger? They are prone to it, it's natural and the fact he isn't going on a rampage has got to come from somewhere."

That question sounded more personal and Terra felt guilt in his strict mentoring. "The last time I was encouraged to use those feelings, it didn't end well for me, at all." He looked back to his misfortune. "But that was because I was lead alone. Primeape has friends that will have his back, regardless of where this will lead."

Ding! Ding! Ding!

The doors gave off a gleam, showing dimly lit corridors going somewhere, with the central one going to a wider room. The voice kept a professional tone. "It's how we evolve and make ourselves better people. Delve deeper into this tomb and a great treasure will await." The band felt a presence leave and Obstagoon asked fast. (That voice ain't normal. You think someone got here first and is pulling something on us?)

Primeape was unnerved. (What gave that away? But I want to know how that voice knows anything about me!) Ursaring shrug as Cadet felt oddly comfortable. (He just does. Keep behind me and I'll flush out the way.) He hurried to the room as Terra asked Donphan. "Head back to guard duty, we'll be back soon."

The elephant grunted and was confused as she hurried out, letting the band go to a room with a door to the left and right. More odd, there wasn't any traps in particular, even if Terra felt his foot press down on something and felt his heart skipping a beat. Nothing of note happen, though Kleavor notice the walls having holes meant for something. Cadet felt calm and lead to the right, entering a room with many sarcophagi. In the left of the chamber was a mirror and all around was that voice.

"On the golden surface, lies a power as dark as the shadows. Reflect the gold and you'll see a guiding truth."

Terra gasped and looked to the coffins, a surface holding something morbid. He clapped a gust of air and blew dust off the coffins, a particular one at the right wall, revealed gold across the body and blue markings at the head. It had a face resembling a stoic golden mask and glimmered. Cadet sparked in fire and warned his companions. (Don't pick that up. It's not what it seems.)

Terra knew the Coffin's connected to the riddle. "A power as dark as the shadows. Cadet, use will-o-wisp on it, just to be sure!" The Armarouge jumped high and toss a will-o-wisp at the coffin that glimmered a crafty barrier and stood upward. It sprang open to reveal a sinister, red eyed face at the head of the coffin. White sharp teeth smiled and shadowy hands slithered out of it's sides. "Grigus!"

He crawled up the wall with malicious intentions as Terra smiled slyly, aimed his blade at the mirror and let loose a shine of light that reflected at the spirit, the mirror disappeared and a circle of purple appeared behind the spirit. It went into the purple with no grudges and left the band be.

If there was anything made clear, that coffin; Cofagrigus, is in league with the disembodied voice that is playing around. The group checked where the mirror was and saw a stair case leading up. Into a small chamber with two grand coffins and a carving of a scarab. One at the left end and one in the center, the Cadet pointed to the one in the center and Terra noticed it had a mask much like the Cofagrigus. The coffin stood upward in a menace and sprang open to show a Cofagrigus with a silver body and markings of purple, a glimmer of a shine sparkled as it gave a mellow grunt. "Cofagrigus!"

Terra asked. "Cadet, give him a fire spin! Nice and steady." The Armarouge aimed and fired twirling fire at the coffin that gave a shine of a wire being cut, the fire type followed with mystical fire. The Cofagrigus blasted a weaken hex and floated to the right as the Cadet tossed a will-o-wisp. Terra flowed to where the Cofagrigus was and tossed a dusk ball. Shake...shake...shake... click!

The trainer cheered. "Nice one!" Cadet scratched the side of his head in pride as his partner picked up the ball, the band looked proud and Primeape felt the sound of a quiet clap. He turned around to find a tiny horned, legless imp floating in the shadows. It noticed the ape and sneaked away, Primeape stomped and charged after it. (Hey!)

The band followed back to the hall way, Primeape lost track of where the imp had gone and headed to the room on the left. One with distinct drawings on the floor. A large one in, particular showed a bird resembling the sun, flying above something that had a dragon like bird under the sea.

The voice asked.

"What do you need to catch a glimpse of the rainbow in the sky and the glimmer of the sea?"

Kleavor gasped and looked around to find a collection of large stone slabs, he notice the center of the drawing had a hole. He found a slab with a typical island and creatures making a home of it, something to fit into the slot. (The land and time itself!)

Terra watched the Kleavor put the slab in and thought the puzzle requires more insight, the voice felt like it was hesitate to reject the slab. "The land and the timing would be correct, but what is time? What is the moment?"

Kleavor realize he wasn't quite on the mark of the answer and Obstagoon took the slab out before giving a check on the others. Showing various formations and familiar creatures. A jungle with a strange, floating fetus like feline, a meteorite that was made into a shrine, dedicated to a fairy resembling a wishing star. Another was an island with a baby like sea angel and finally, an typical shrine in a forest. It had a small fairy sitting on top of it. The dark type gasped and picked the final slab up. (I know this one!) He went to show it to Terra. (Lookie at this! This pixie can jump to yesterday, today and tomorrow!)

Terra trusted that insight. "I heard of this one too." He realized what the image is. "Celebi!?" Obstagoon nodded and put the slab in. Completing the picture and causing a shadowy shade to appear, showing a moment and a young man with a short beard, gray eyes and a set of blue robes to go with a head scarf. He finished drawing the puzzle and hurried to a corner at the right, having a door way to follow down. The band snapped to the present and found a wall where the passage was. Ursaring gasped and hurried to give it a light punch, the fist faded through and caused the wall to disappear. Finding a stairway leading down and to a curve.

The band continued exploring bellow and found paintings and drawings of things they don't recognize. With a particular one looking like red serpent with fangs and a hole of an eye. Ursaring wandered close as Cadet picked up thought and called out. (This is a-) As Usaring got close, the hole revealed a purple eye.

Rumble!

The drawing forced itself out of the wall and sprang to life. The coils split from the slab to serve as hands for the shadowy power, the tail at the lower left served as a foot and the head of the serpent forced out of the slab to hiss. "Runerigus!" (You've found me!)

Primeape stood in the way and pumped himself up as the Runegrigus distorted the room and giggled. It sank into the shadows to avoid the apes ice punch, Terra called out. "It's going to sneak attack you, be ready!" Primeape felt something drop from behind and let himself be hit with the slap of a phantom force before turning and giving the ghost a rage fist punch.

Primeape felt his vision flash to a memory of that stranger, whispering instructions and having mischief in mind. "If they solve the puzzle, give them a surprise before they get you somewhere safer." Runerigus in comparison, was spooked by a memory of Primeapes battle with a Obstagoon that was possessed by a demon of fire. The ghost hovered back in astonishment and asked. (What are you? What kind of horrors have you faced?) Primeape felt a vein pulsing. (Who the heck is that guy?! Are you working with him or something?) Runegrius was ready to go into the shadows once more. (That will be reveled soon.)

Obstagoon saw what was coming, pulled Primeape out of the way and took the phantom force, giving his companion time to give an ice punch and feel his spirit return. Terra sneaked behind the painting and gave a tap with a dusk ball, ending that encounter with a simple capture. "These ghosts didn't show up here on their own,"

Click!

The group heard something open and hurried back to the hall that had the far end open a door, with stairs descending down. They went down to enter a chamber with a table holding a particular, ring shaped bottle with a cork resembling a horned, pink haired creature. All around the bottle were golden rings and an air of mystery. Obstagoon giggled and hurried to get the pristine treasure as Terra called out. "Wait, don't touch that, it's a trap!"

Cadet felt a chill from behind and turned to find the stranger arriving from a rift, in a rather adventurous style. By him was the golden Cofagrigus from before and a tiny, purple imp with a dark pink, v marking on his chest, pink hair, a black horn for each side of his head, green eyes with yellow sclera, disembodied arms, a yellow ring around his waist and a ring around his right horn. The rift's glow faded to reveal a matching ring for the other horn.

Cadet heat up and Terra turned at his partners astonishment. He braced for a fight and called out to the strangers. "You!"

The stranger took a step back and explained himself. "Hey, hey! I was going to play along and see if you'd take my word on this so called treasure, but Obstagoon pushed you along to call it for what it is." He gave a gracious bow. "Congratulations! Way to follow your gut instinct!"

The imp smirked in agreement. "The puzzle solving was... interesting." Terra squinted his eyes at the three. "What do you all really want? And get to the point!" The stranger knew Terra wasn't trusting him, while Cadet put a hand on his partners shoulder. (They've been trying to help us.) He approached to give a salute. (You've cleared the true dangers for us and set about testing us in your own way?)

The imp nodded. "Took a lot for me to disarm the worst of it and rearrange some good ol' illusions." The stranger admitted. "We were wanting to try this with more of you, but what you said earlier about needing to explore everywhere at once is a pretty good point." He he pointed to the Cadet and Obstagoon. "Having a psychic type, a ghost type or a dark type that's use to trickery, can be your best friend if you're not sure on if you should trust people."

Terra lowered his guard at the sagely advise. "A psychic can read you're mind, a ghost can look into your heart and a dark type uses the same kind of tricks you'd make." The stranger nodded and took out a map from a bag. "Yep! Takes one to know one." He went to the table to put the bottle aside and laid out the paper. The map showed oasis further south and to the far north was a tower with question marks. "This was as far as we were able to find this far away. Even a ground type would want to stop by this oasis for a drink and something about the this tower feels off." He looked to his companions. "By the way, Makuta's a Cofagrigus that's with me and he helped me calm the shiny and the Runegrius into playing along. While you can call Little Horn over here, Hoopa."

The Hoopa waved in an attempt to present himself. "We've been sent by the Almighty to do this much. But this guy's" He shift his eyes to his partner. " feeling that we need to give the tower a look," his voice turned to a suggestion. "if you're not going to head there right away."

The stranger felt uneasy. "It's way too pristine to be abandoned like this place is." His eyes showed a stronger wish to give more aid. "Can you trust us to find out if something's up?"

Terra felt that wish to be heard. "It's far away from the city that there's something going on over there. We'll check the oasis for anymore pokemon before we report this back to the guys." The stranger smiled eagerly. "I'd like if you do."

He asked the Hoopa. "Little Horn, Hoopa... you may." The imp used a ring to make a passage way to somewhere "I've also heard you're needing to find out if a Regirock is somewhere in these lands. There's a limit to Hoopa's power right now, but one cork of that bottle, with him close by will give him the power to do more than just find him."

Terra shook his head on an easy route. "It would be better if we can find him on our own. But we're suspecting him to be somewhere in the mountains by the city." The stranger closed his eyes in respect and offered the map. "Then you're going to need to show this while we scout that tower." He asked his other partner. "Makuta, see them out and make sure nothing tries anything funny."

The Cofagrigus crawled up the stairs and escorted the band out to where Donphan and the Great Tusk were guarding. The elephants were surprised at the ghost that waved a hand. (Fear not, my Master wishes for you to not be ambushed the moment you try to leave.) Obstagoon sensed experience. (You've been through a lot of fights and got some strength there.)

The Cofagrigus lighten his smile and looked to Terra. (Precisely and I know my presence unnerves your partner.) He snickered back to the pokemon. (Once you find what you're looking for, I know you'll meet my master again.) Cadet felt that. (He feels like he's wanting to help with more.)

Terra agreed to that and called his band back. "Nice work in there." Pew! He brought out his glider and nodded to the ghost type that crawled back in, he and the Donphans followed the map to the oasis, which was a lot smaller compared to the one in the Pridelands.

With in the outskirts was a black hippo with open pores on her back and with in the oasis were two cacti. A bunny eared cactus resembling maracas and a scarecrow with a large, diamond shaped thorn on her chest, sharing seeds with a blue wolf with a rocky mane. The veteran went into a full stop and stepped off to make himself known to the Hippowdon that on looking at him, stood up and gave a roar. Her pores shot out sand and she charged with her wide maw. Terra stepped to the side and let out the Obstagoon, the dark type checked out the size, giggled and braced himself. A bunny eared cactus, Maractus, noticed and hopped towards the fight as her partner, a scarecrow known as Cacturne, disappeared into the shadows. The blue wolf, a Midday Lycanroc, woofed and sprinted to the conflict.

The Hippowdon leaped for a body press and the dark type braced the attack in an obstruct before tossing her on her belly and screamed. Terra watched the flame orb inflict a burn and ordered. "Now facade!"

Obstagoon leaped for a punch to the hippo's shoulder and caused her to howl as Terra tossed an ultra ball to capture her. The grown up turned to the approaching party, Maractus looked to Lycanroc rather timidly and back to Terra before giving a dance for battle.

The grown up caught his sight on the sneaky Cacturne and sent out a three man band of the Kleavor, Ursaring and Primeape. The Lycanroc rushed at Kleavor in an accelerok and was countered by a low kick from Primeape. Terra focused a bio spell meant to inflict poison on Ursaring right as the Maractus gave a tune and danced, bringing the band of pokemon into the rhythm and leaving them confused. Ursaring roared and rushed the Maractus in close combat as Kleavor caught sight of a Cacturne that tossed a seed bomb to the Primeape. The bug type charged at the sneaky cactus and bashed his head against a tree as Primeape was getting furious and delivered a rage fist to the Lycanroc, sending him rolling and open for an ultra ball capture. Ursaring crackled her fist and charged the Cacturne for a thunder punch that resulted in paralysis.

Primeape delivered a rage fist on the Cacturne as Kleavor used quick attack to rush the Maractus and bring her to Terra, who tapped her in the back with a heal ball. The grown up flew to a tree as the Cacturne was left dazed and in a panic.

Fling!

A heal ball came her way and brought her in as the other ball was shaking. Click! Terra huffed and brought out a bag for the balls to go into. "Nice work guys. Once we get these pokemon bagged up, we can head back and report what we know." Primeape tried to calm himself down at a job being done and stomped in a laugh with his companions.

At a strange tower in the north.

Hoopa sneaked into what looked to be a well organized lair of strange scrolls, various magical item and alchemical stations. Signifying a lair of some kind, he heard a smug conversation and kept in the shadows, to spy on what looked to be a young man in a blue and black robe, with a matching turban, pale skin and curly black hair. He was conversing with a cackling dark gray eel about something, while conjuring an image in a mirror. The eel cackled. "More opportunities for immortality, Master Mozenrath!"

The young man focused upon it. "Indeed Xerxes, now that we've had time to observe our cosmic arrivals, I've acquired something... interesting." He showed a pouch of ashes and showed a right hand with a glove, he pulled it to show a skeletal arm that has parts of regrown flesh. "With the ashes from the Rainbow Pheonix, one can rejuvenate conditions that would be... well a mess to say the least." He applied more to the arm and caused it to burst in flames, enough to have meat and skin back on, although it still looked quite decayed. "Imagined what I can do with more!"

The eel cackled as the mirror showed a bird of legends, flying to the sky and having a dance with a serpentine green dragon. "But how are we going to bring the Pheonix to us?" Mozenrath dismissed the question. "I'm already observing these three." Three mirrors glimmered to a Suicune looking on over a vast sea, a Raikou that is pouncing on places lightning is striking and an Entei that is rolling in the hot sand.

Tap! Tap! Scree!

The young man had a scowl and looked to a sealed bottle on an alchemy table, one having strange symbols and holding a Dreepy captive. "Quiet already, I'll deal with you once I uncover my next step to unlimited power!" The Dreepy was trying to bash her way out as the villainous duo focused on concocting their plan. Hoopa had seen more than enough, took a ring to place on a wall and press his hands together. Dreepy had time to notice a ring appear before her and drop her into the hands of the imp. She flinched in silence as Hoopa gave a silence whisper and had the hoopa ring change in a glow, he flew in for a fast escape and was back in the ruins, where his partner was talking with a Cofagrigus. "It won't be long until Leon figures out what is going on. His friends look and sound like promising people."

Hoopa closed his ring and reported fast. "Kid, we got trouble!"

The man in blue turned to see Hoopa with a Dreepy trapped in what is clearly a magic bottle, the newt was in a panic as the human hurried to take the bottle and saw the symbols. "What the heck is this? Some kind of magic stuff?" He showed it to the Cofagrigus. "It's keeping Dreepy trapped in here, Makuta... you know what to do."

The coffin gave a purple glow and caused the symbols to burst, disappearing before his power and giving the man the chance to uncork the bottle. Dreepy was allowed to be free and twirled in joy before giving the Hoopa and the human a nudge. The human used a finger to pet her while the Cofagrigus giggled. (Much better, don't you think.) His smile lessened as his partner asked. "Little Horn, did you find Dreepy in that tower? You were only gone for a rough minute."

Hoopa put his left hand to his hip and gestured with his other. "I found more than that. Some wizard's figuring out that pokemon got powers and he's trying to go after a Ho-oh that has the complete package deal. With the Three Beasts roaming somewhere."

The man gasped. "Ooooh boy, and if Dreepy was stuck in there, that means the wizard is definitely bad news!" He gasped to a plan and brought out a strange device with a screen, having the eyes and features of a Rotom. "Dreepy, I need a favor from you."

He showed the picture of a blonde boy with gray eyes and a gentle demeanor, accompanying an Alolan Persian who's just as happy, a Haterene, Decidueye and a Galarian Moltres that was excited about something. "Dreepy, this kid's somewhere in a nearby city. When you find him, he should have a phone with the face of a Rotom."

The device buzzed out loud. "BZZT! Can't mizz him! ZZZT!"

The stranger showed the entries and images of Ho-oh and the Three Beasts. "Find him and convince him to show these pictures. They'll know what's going on." The Dreepy froze at the concept of going out there as Hoopa gave her a pat on the head. "You're not going out there alone. I know a short cut into the place that the creep won't find and a tourist ought to be easy to find." He prepared another Hoopa ring and warned his partner. "Kid, you're going to be on your own until I can get back." The stranger showed a dusk ball and laughed. "Ha! Not when Nebby can fly me to the mountain." Hoopa bobbed his head and gave a gentle gesture to the Dreepy. "Yeah, you'll be fine as long as we're pulling some strings. This should be easy."

At a street corner in Agrabah.

Leon was presenting Castform and Rabsca to the squad from the other half of the city, while Riku was impressed by Sora's haul of fire types and a Morgrem that was giggling over a turn of events. The youngster finished his report and looked over to a band of children playing with Quill, Pidgeot and Pueo. "And thus, we found nothing else, besides some youngsters who want to spread the word on what they're all dealing with."

He tensed with admiration to Sora's tale. "You're a natural in making friends with these pokemon." He raised a finger. "My Sister could use a worthier challenger for that title of hers." The teenager blinked, not sure what is being talked about but went along anyways. "You really think so?"

Leon explained to an impressed Aladdin. "Where I came from, the strongest of trainers have a chance to compete for the title of Champion. All the credit that comes with that title and the responsibilities. Few hold that for long, but it's worth it when one acknowledges you enough for a match." The Thief gave Sora an encouraging nudge on the shoulder. "You totally have what it takes."

Dreepy agreed with that and chirped loudly. (You're the best around.) Quill admitted in confidence. (He's getting there.) "Eeeeha!"

A familiar cry of a Dreepy was heard and the ones in the know felt their heats skip a beat, Dreepy dodged a fast tackle from a Dreepy that was in tears. Relieved that she was able to find kin and perform a small dance with him. It took a while, but Dreepy found one of the friends he was looking for. Sora blushed at the moment as the wild Dreepy looked around, noticed Leon and gave a series of cries to explain what is going on. The caught Dreepy floated to Sora to give his friend a recap as to what happened, more than enough for the wild Dreepy to tackle the boy as a way of saying thanks.

Sora had a laugh and brought out a repeat ball. "It's no problem Dreepy. I've been separated from my friends way too many times, I know the feeling when they disappear and you cant find them." He gave a light tap and let the ball open up, bringing the newt in and giving three firm shakes before clicking. Sora had the ball open up to let out a Dreepy that was horrified and flew into a barrel to hide in. The veteran Dreepy flew to the barrel and explained. (Hey, that's so we can stay safe.) The hiding Dreepy poked her head out and raised her voice. (How can you be okay with that?! Once you're in those orbs, you're trapped!)

Sora felt something move around his neck and let Flowers get off to explain. (It's just how it goes, but there's another spot you can use if you hate being in that.) The veteran Dreepy flew to Sora's pockets and his hood, convenient spots for a ghost to hide in as an alternative.

Leon had questions. "Where did this Dreepy come from? It's rare that a pokemon is that scared of being captured into a ball-" he thought. "unless she's been into one of those by force." The hiding Dreepy saw something in Leon's backpack and chirped. (Phone!) The Rotom Phone floated out and Leon had a plan. "Dreepy Nu-2. Could you explain what happened?"

The Dreepy hurried to explain as the Rotom translated. "A bad human with blasty hands wanted my ghost power for something. He want's to find a bird and his friends." Pidgeot chirped. (A bird?) He realized. (Hey, I think Flygon's met what you're talking about. A Ho-oh that likes to hide in the sunlight.)

He cringed as Rotom showed the illustration of Ho-oh and the three beasts. Riku had a chill. "That's not a good thing to be seeing with that news." Aladdin guessed. "Those are legends, aren't they?" Leon nodded. "Indeed. "Ho-oh caused the three, Entei, Raikou and Suicune to come to be through the resurrective power he holds." He gasped and snapped his fingers. "Entei could be found by a volcano, Raikou follows a storm and Suicune is found by water. The catch though is that often, once the three know someone is looking for them, they'll never stay around in one place. If we can gather the three, then we can warn Ho-oh that someone is after him. We're going to need a bigger map."

Aladdin felt something tap on his shoulder and tried to turned fast to find a map dropped off by a strange ring that flew off. He unrolled it as Kairi, Jasmine, Terra and the Great Tusk made a return. The red head gasped at the two Dreepys "Woah!" and sprinted over. "Did you guys finally find one of Dreepy's friends?" Riku asked in honest confusion. "Dreepy found us and we got another lead to something big. Let's talk about this privately, because I'm getting the feeling someone's watching us."

On the roof of a building, watching down from bellow, was Hoopa enjoying the reunion of friends and an escalation he's had a hand in orchestrating. "Heh! This will work out."

Poof!

The Hoopa noticed something appearing by him and turned to find the local Genie, who had an idea he was behind something and crossed his arms like a strict senior. "You've gotten them all worked up for an adventure, did you?" The Hoopa smirked without much fear at the cosmic being. "Not because I want to." He raised a hand to the sky. "We have bigger things going on and the higher powers want to guide them along to something of a miracle." He had a peak at the band and the pokemon being shown. "They'll get it done." He gasped to an idea and asked. "Say, Genie guy. I think the two of us could track down the trial of a mystical rainbow bird and a serpent of the sky, to give them a heads up about what's been going on. After that, I think the guys bellow will take care of the rest of the problem while my partner does some digging for them."

The Genie offered a hand shake. "I think I know how you found that critter, maybe you can jog a few memories that can help." Hoopa took it. "More than enough, Hoopa by the way. Though some would call me by another name." The Genie introduced himself. "Well, I forgot my name an eon ago, so just call me Genie." Hoopa laughed to that and readied a Hoopa ring for a fast getaway.