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

25. Iron Nerves

At the garden of King Mickey's, his Majesty repeated himself as Licki rolled his own tongue into his mouth as a shock reaction to what the Destiny Trio have reported. "You ran into pokemon from that Scarlet Book?"

Riku brought out the ball as proof while the Sneasel Brothers were playing hide and seek with the Slowking. "Look at it with your own eyes, then see where it stands in that evolutionary chain!"

He tossed it up and sent out a ghost that felt the glimmer of sunlight and danced towards the morning gaze. Blip! The data transfer was complete, Sora, Kairi, Dartrix, Comfey, Dreepy, Azu and the Kingsguard watch the Flutter Mane lose herself to the shine. Goofy rubbed a finger to the side of his head. "Ya thinkin' somethings going on in those crystals? Because a lot of stuff don't add up."

Kairi agreed with that. "The Dex magically downloading the data on these pokemon when we meet them. The areas seen in the Labyrinth and more importantly, that woman who showed up to Sora at the end of the War. It all comes together, but we don't know how it does."

Donald thought more into the other risk. "This could be trouble if Maleficent or that demon figure out about this. A lot of trouble." The king agreed with that. "It's why you can't afford to overlook anything. Any that are left alone for a second could be snatched away if there is a reason to."

Riku hand waved a promise. "We'll be heading out in a few hours anyways. Once we check on our extra hands, we'll know that we can go out without regrets." Sora and Kairi had a relaxed feeling that was mixed in with pride. The spikey haired boy imagined how things were working out. "Definitely."

Donald crossed his arms and tapped his foot. "Come on Sora, Roxas is right there. You can stop by before you got to leave." Mickey felt another point was to be made. "and I think it would help if they have access to the Dex as well."

He took off. "I'll be right back." With him wishing to get something made, it gave Goofy and Donald time to check up on Sora's band of companions, the shield bearer gave where it was due. "Sounds like y'all are doing fine out there. Jack and Haunter certainly been a help."

That much, Sora was proud of seeing through. "It still isn't the same without you guys." It was a pain hearing that and Comfey insist. (Despite all the ghosts, he's pretty fast on his feet. I'm still working on learning that one move I'll need to be a real help out there.) She was annoyed that she isn't much of a help outside of helping hand and after you, Donald saw the look and had an idea.

The mage looked over to a shield bearer of a mutual thought and went over to one side of the garden, Sora knew what was about to happen and looked down to the posey picker. (What did you say to them?) Donald shrugged. "She's still trying to learn the move that will help ya, but she's still being supportive." Goofy chuckled. "And you're still improvising with your friends too!"

The boy was tempted to have Dartrix join in and realize what the latest test was, he signaled that most of the others step back and have Comfey and Dreepy by him. Sora gave a dorky smile to his usual traveling companions. The three drew their weapons out, Comfey rolled around Sora's blade holding wrist as Dreepy perched on the tip, The boy called out to his opponents in training. "Okay guys, don't hold back!"

Donald grumbled. "That's the idea!" Goofy aimed his shield forward. "Let's give them the old shield blaster!" Donald was going to ignore that the technique was relatively recent and charged the shield up in ice, causing it to reflect bursts of blizzards that Sora leaped over, the duo split apart as a result. Goofy going for the right and was ready to intercept with a shield charge as Donald conjured fast lightning bolts. Sora gave a fast flow to a hedge as Comfey channeled green glowing seeds. She squeaked. (I'm giving you some stuff, throw it at the duck!)

Sora felt the intention, glided after the duck swiftly and used the blade to toss a barrage of a leech seed, sprouting on contact with the mage and sapping green energy to replenish the boy. Goofy raised his shield upward and went into a spin to chase Sora away and try to pluck out the saplings. "I'll get ya out of there!" Donald cringed at something more important. "Goofy, we got bigger problems!"

Goofy pulled out the leech saplings and looked over to where Sora landed, the boy was spinning a blade that had Dreepy on the fly. Goofy had his shield ready for an ice charge and tossed it like a boomerang, Sora rolled out of the way, let Comfey chant a helping hand and flung a Dreepy dart at the two. Knocking them asunder and gliding closer and closer for each time the newt returned.

The fast barrage pushed the duo further and further to a wall and Sora gave one more spin with his blade, dismissed it while they weren't looking and glided after them along with Dreepy. Stopping in front of them and looking something like a trickster. The duo realized the sparing match was over and shared a laugh. Goofy chuckled proudly. "Nice throwing, Sora!"

Donald agreed with that as he saw Dreepy was eager to be flung more. "You got some ammunition!" Dreepy and Comfey gave their thanks as Sora admitted. "Thanks, I learned some of that from tossing you two!" Goofy recalled. "H'yuk! That sure did make an impact." That caused more laughter as Sora thought about the idea with Comfey. "Apparently, it will take a long time for Dreepy to evolve and until then, he's not much on his own. But, with some friends, that won't matter."

"Because he has a Dragapault to give him a shot!"

The band turned to find Leon with an ultra ball, Azu waved. (Hey Leon!)

Slowking waved with her as the brothers had quite the impression. (How do you do?) Leon waved back. "Pretty well." He looked to the couple he talked with earlier. "Pretty good. Sora, Kairi, I haven't spotted your others yet but Dupmic and Denryck actually managed to catch pokemon that can really be useful around here." He opened the ball. "Say hello to Klefki!"

The word ki came to ear as the fairy gave a jingle of a hello, the Klefki had a look at Sora, who was used for some promotional material, gasped and hovered after him. He circled around him like an admirer and reveled his collection, Sora recognized one of the keys and conjured his blade to show it off. "Who knew?" Donald was quick to be annoyed. "Of course there's one of these!" Goofy advised something silly. "Don't let him snatch the keyblade, Sora!"

The teenager let them know he wasn't and asked. "So, how's Honedge and the others doing?" Donald remembered a relatively boring if productive day. "Nothing too interesting. We've been thinking about this idea the Committee were talking about after you left."

Leon guessed. "Training grounds? Ms. Lightning and Ms. Serah demonstrated that potential thoroughly." Sora was feeling an idea as the youngster suggested. "I didn't just bring Klefki here, just for a laugh. He has access to prankster, which can make him use his supporting moves easier, including light screen, reflect and the status moves. Plus... being part fairy and steel is never a bad thing."

The keyring jingled to that with a giggle as Goofy considered it. "Aren't the first two moves those shielding moves?" Leon nodded as Donald walked over to Licki and shared a look of annoyance. The boy announced. "I'd also like to announce, that my cousin, Poppy, had arrived at that Twilit Town to lend a hand. We're setting something up that will show just what the sync between us and Pokemon can bring us."

He coughed. "You're coordinately invited to check that out once you're business over here is concluded." Kairi guessed. "It's something you do as your career? Isn't it?" Leon nodded. "Yes, yes it is. We should have it ready by the afternoon."

Riku considered that. "It could quell off some of the hate, especially if those guys managed to catch something." He gave a stern frown. "But if we spend too much time on this, it will give our villains that much more time to snatch another pokemon, or cause another shadow outbreak. Is it going to be take us until the evening?"

Leon shook his head. "Not at all, a conte... er" he realized he nearly said it. "event like this is normally pretty short with the amount of people and pokemon we have. We'll be done with this long before then." He puffed his cheeks at the more urgent detail. "Speaking of important things," He looked upon the mage. "Mr. Donald, I wish to talk about something I uncovered yesterday."

Donald was a bit surprised that it involved him. "We heard that you and Terra went off somewhere, is this about that?" Leon nodded. "Quite. Terra and I visited a world where he had to blend in as animals. He turned into a lion with the skills of a blade, while I turned into a pokemon called Espeon. Psychic powers and all. We dived into somewhere that made our disguises irrelevant and I was able to still use that power, it wasn't until after we left that they faded away." He pressed his fingers to his temples and focused, finding nothing happening while opening his right eye. "We're thinking that happened because I wished to be more than the kid who tells others what to do. I want to help out and I'm going to need to know a few bits of magic to study. I've been told that you're one of the best around here... period!"

The mage cringed. "It's not that easy to learn, least of all get there." He pointed his thumb to Sora. "Took him a few days to learn the really basic stuff." He recalled a few pokemon moves that are just as basic, if not more. "But you're use to having friends who start off like that too?" Leon admitted. "Ember, leafage, water gun, thunder shock, confusion, to name a few, are some of the most basic of moves that do end up forgotten about once a pokemon learns the really meaty powers. It can give me something to read other than that Scarlet Book."

He looked up to the Flutter Mane that didn't hear that. The mage was convinced. "I'll go get the spell book. It's really basic stuff if you got a staff with you." He and Licki headed off to a wing of the castle, leaving Leon determined to put the work on a wish. "There's always some utility that could work into a larger canvas. They seem small at first, but they really do matter once it's over."

He asked Sora. "So, those guys at the Committee, the ones who run that Steam Punk Town and help out with Traverse, they could be a real help if we're going to need some consistent training?" The teenager agreed with that. "Lightning showed up during that war, but I've known the others for a while. They've taught me how to fight, so they can teach those guys how to do it too." He had an idea. "If Terra's going to be busy with that report, then maybe someone should stop by and ask?" He looked over to Goofy. "What do you think? We need to show them who's going to need the help." The shield bearer agreed with that as the Klefki asked in a glimmer. (There's another with us?) Goofy showed a pokeball and let out a Honedge that was waking up and pulled out it's sheave.

The Klefki gasped to opportunity as Mickey returned with news. "Chip and Dale ought to have another phone made and ready by sundown. So what did I miss?" Riku noticed the Flutter Mane was taking interest and let her descend. "We have a slight change in plans, it should be enough for us to prepare. Some of us might be splitting up in the towns for a while." Sora waved, ready to explain the plan.

At the edge of Radiant Garden.

Terra, Cadet, Ursaring and Primeape looked upon a town rebuilding and the land scape in the horizon. For the human of the bunch, this was a lot to take in and he built more of a nerve, remembering more about the tongue lashing Obstagoon gave to the lion demon. Primeape was cringed at the untold destruction and asked. (What kind of looney, would wreck the place so much that it got turned into this?)

Ursaring growled a guess. (A very bad person that didn't care for the world he was using?) Primeape gave the bear a short fused glare and wanted speak why that was too obvious. Terra got in between the two, if to stop a potential argument. "Guys, guys. A lot of bad things happened to this place, because someone took over my heart and body. It's hard to come back and look at all this, knowing that. That someone is gone now, so this land can finally start healing, for real." Primeape stomped with aggressive relief. (Good, because the next wise guy that comes around here to mess something up is going to get a foot kicked across their butts so roughly that they'll be standing for weeks!)

Cadet gave a rough cough to the ape. (Primeape, our Captain doesn't like talking about this.)

Primeape understood, breathed deeply to keep his temper in check and let the trainer lead into the town. Up at a watch tower at the southern border, was three members of the committee on watch. Yuffie was using a telescope as the Leonhart was asking something, Cloud was looking onward to the wilderness to add something. Enough of a distraction that Terra and his band climbed up to the tower, Leonhart looked over to a keybearer and some strong looking pokemon. He closed his eyes and exhaled. "Thank goodness."

Terra guessed. "We came at just the right time?" The town ninja gave an awkward smile. "If you came yesterday, it would have been the right time." She stepped aside and showed the telescope. "Take a look through the lens."

Terra did so and focused upon the canyon, something was racing around in a circle. A machine with a single, red and black stripped, set of treads that rolled. While the body, which had tusks and ears pointing to the sides, were kept in place. The veteran was confused by the strange machine. "Looks like a robot."

Cloud agreed with that part. "Some of us thought we were hallucinating when we spotted this. Think we should check it out?" Terra got his eye off the scope as Yuffie rolled her eyes to Cloud, the veteran keyblade wielder approved of the suggestion. "Yeah, if things get worse, we have some strong soldiers with us."

Ursaring blushed as Primeape gave a hearty laugh, Cadet nodded and jumped off ledge from ledge to get to the ground. The spikey haired swordsman signaled to the others that he'll handle this one with the band and asked. "Go tell the others, we'll handle this."

Yuffie and Leonhart allowed that and took off to a gathering as the band went out of town and headed to the canyon. The trip itself was uneventful, though the moment they entered the canyon, they had a closer look at the Treads making distinct turns to keep up with the speed.

Pop!

Terra felt a ball open and let out the Donphan that was feeling an odd shake. She looked ahead at a rolling robot that was racing around, gave a few stomps and blew out of her trunk, giving a noise that caused the wheel to make a sharp turn and make something of a hop. Cloud rolled his eyes and brought out his sword. "Great, now it spotted us!"

Terra squinted his eyes and felt something was familiar with the machine, he took a risk and asked. "Donphan, go say hello to it, we'll be right behind you." The Donphan tapped her feet and rolled up into a wheel, she went head as the band kept close behind. The machine slowed down more and more and issued a full stop, hoping once more and unrolling it's treads, showing it akin to a trunk and tail. Donphan slowed down to uncurl herself and have a look at the smaller, Donphan shaped machine that pushed tiny legs out. It raised it's trunk to show a waning gibbous shaped screen that housed led red eyes that had a default crossed expression. A panel opened bellow the screen, resembling a mouth, the eyes gave turned into upward curved lines, showing a smile as the machine gave off a familiar trumpet noise.

The two charged each other and pressed their trunks together, a Donphans way of saying hello. What ever urge to fight lingered, vanished when it was clear the robot isn't meaning to be a foe. The weapon wielders put their swords away and the dex holder brought out the app, finding a new log bellow Miraidon. "Iron Treads: The Armored Wheel Pokemon: Ground-Steel Type: Sightings of this Pokémon have occurred in recent years. This Pokémon closely resembles a scientific weapon that a paranormal magazine claimed was sent to this planet by aliens."

Cloud read the last part and rolled his eyes at the ridiculous claim. "Bull shit!"

Ursaring approached and grunted to the machine. (Hey, do you mind if we talk?) The elephants stopped their greet and turned to the bear, the Iron Treads blinked in a realization. (Are you from the Steam Castle?)

The pokemon heard the term and looked over to the nearby town Primeape answered bluntly. (Most of us haven't, but we stopped by.) The Treads cringed and tapped his feet in a whine. (Ah man, I was hoping to learn more about that place!)

Cloud was seeing behavior akin to a small child and asked. "Hey, we spotted you racing around here. What are you doing?" The Treads looked quite lonely. (Racing by myself, I thought there wasn't anyone over there that was going to come out for a hello.)

Primeape cringed to where even he was sounding sympathetic. (Ah man, that has to be lonely.) Terra knew by the behavior, "Treads, you're acting like a big Phanpy. Some of us were getting worried that you were something else." Cloud had a plan to help the Treads curb some of that curiosity. "Seriously, we've dealt with enough already. If you come along, we can bring you to someone who can give you a check up. Maybe we might even find you someone to play with." He wanted to look away from what he said as the Cadet burst confused. (How are we going to do that?)

The grown up knew the spirit of what was asked. "I know a guy who's been keeping a motorcycle at the garage." Terra had a similar idea that could work just as well. "And if that's not enough, I know a trick that can make a race. Maybe this won't be so-"

A few minutes later.

Ienzo was brought out, due to a report on the latest activities and was in complete shock by the robot that peaked interesting in Sentor. "What in all that is holy are we looking at?!" Cloud point a thumb to the Dex. "You're not going to get crap from the logs, that's for sure. But are we really going to ignore him?"

The Iron Treads was giving a few skips across the district, exploring alongside the Donphan. The young scientist shook his head on an instant. "No, if we do, someone more... malevolent, would come by to give him all the attention he could want and none of it would have been as he liked."

That world reminded Terra about why he came over in the first place. "I was about to tell you about that anyways, do you got a minute?" Ienzo guessed. "Maleficent has showed her hand in the escalating disasters?"

Terra shook his head. "That's the thing, she hasn't. But we've found out that she is going after these pokemon too. We've been finding some that have weird names and are only talked about in some expedition journal and some weird stories. We're thinking you guys can look into the data and help us crack the code." He gave the Scientist the phone and the data on those pokemon. From the logs of a magazine that any scientist would dismiss as tall tales, logs from the journal itself and data on the pokemon themselves. "This could take a while. That child knows little about them as well?"

Yuffie was distracted by the Treads playful behavior and answered. "If he did, then none of this would have been asked." Ienzo nodded and was ready to log some records. "I'll be ready with this as soon as possible. In the mean time, keep this one busy." He guessed from the behavior. "It looks like he's wanting to play around the town."

Cloud nodded and headed to the mech shop. "That's what we've figured. I'll go get something we'll need." He asked. "Terra, you got something that you can ride on?" The Veteran gasped at a rather brilliant idea and gave his blade a spin. "Watch this!"

Over at Twilight Town.

Roxas and his squad were out and about in the quiet streets. He was quite nervous, being out in town without Sora to be an anchor. Namine was just as nervous and held his hand while Dupmic and Schemy read a poster with the image of a sun orange ribbon with a round center, showing off was a Raichu that was sailing on a bitten surf board like tail and a gracious Primarina. "Join us in the first ever Pokemon Contest, at the Theater by 4 PM. See the wonders you'll only find when you and your friend are in sync to one another."

Denryk, Scraggy, Smeargle and the Charcadet looked to the poster with some excitement. The rough neck asked his superiors. "You're thinking we should help pipe down the gripe?"

Roxas kept himself hidden in his hoodie and watched his partner having a drawing interest. "If we're going to give it a shot?" He looked to the others, Namine giggled. "It be fun to do, Smeargle is such an odd ball in his moves." Denryk joined in volunteer. "Me and Scraggy can think up a gig."

Namine shrugged. "Easy for you two, I don't even know if me and Smeargle have anything concise." Roxas considered the lack of options. "Come on, he'd be great if the two of you get creative."

Namine grew a blush as Denryk promised. "I'm sure they'll have something once it's show time. Me and Scraggy got a bit of a brain wave, you see." The Scraggy looked up to the Hoodlum and had a sweat before snapping his fingers to a particular idea. (I got an idea! This move works better if I don't got to run.) Smeargle crossed his arms and had a critics mind. (You'll save it for then?)

The Scraggy nodded as Namine had some caution to her mind. "Glad we're all on the same page. But if we do this, we won't be able to stay hidden anymore. Are we going to be okay with that?" Denryk put his hands into his pockets, twitched a cheek and showed a deathly eye. "And how does that matter for anyone else?"

Roxas felt that look mutual and had one that is more calm. "Who's around to care and give us trouble for it?" Dupmic crossed his arms and raised a brow. "Or even better, who's left to actually do that and get away with it?"

The four wanted to know if anyone would dare to try, coming with the conclusion that they should address this one issue if to control the damage that has been occurring for the last few days.

Namine followed along with a group vote. "We'll have to make a good impression for the pokemon that are lost out here, that will be our mission for the day. All in favor?" The boys and pokemon gave a unified. "Ai!"

In the Train.

Leon, Kairi and Riku had a strange nostalgia of Sora, Donald and Goofy getting ready for a mission together. As short as it would be. The youngster didn't wish to spoil the event that is to come. "This shouldn't take any longer than half an hour at worst, once you start heading to the town you should find a trial. You guys could be what we'll need to show an example."

Donald was suspicious about what was being set up as Riku spoke of the other half of the plan. "I guess we can also try and figure out what that other squad is doing. Only a few people would know what's up and they'll freak if they hear about that Labyrinth and what goes on down there."

Leon imagined four teenagers that would actively try to keep hidden, while Denryk uses that new identity to blend in under peoples noses. The band saw a glimmer of twilight and half of the squad headed out as soon as the door opened. It wasn't long until the train moved once more, transporting the trio to the rebuilding town. On exiting, Sora felt three balls open up, letting out a Quill that was getting bored, the eager Rusher and a Butterfree that wanted to greet another bright day. Donald and Goofy felt it wouldn't hurt to let out a Ralts that was having a mellow tune and a Honedge that let himself give a shine.

Some of the quiet was interrupted by the sound of something vrooming, close by was bystanders that were anxious over something, some were looking out from the town walls and others were keeping to the district. The vrooming was getting louder and the band had a watch at the town's gate, finding a digital beacon that guide a particular armored warrior on a glider. The warrior was followed by Cloud on a motorcycle, keeping ahead of a robot that greatly resembles Donphan and a regular Donphan. Rusher barked and sprinted behind, causing the others to flinch and follow all the way to a finish line at the workshop.

The cyclists made a swift turn to slow down as the Donphans unrolled and hopped. A digital beacon showed a timer and was quite amused. "That's another record that's been set out! Nice work."

The armored man got off and flickered his helmet away, showing a Terra that fought against the wind. By him was a cheer leading squad of Ursaring, Cadet and a Primape that was hopping. (At it dudes! At it!)

Cid gave a rough smile. "I'd knew that thing was going to come in handy one of these days." Cloud closed his eyes and had a small smile. "It helps to keep an eye out there."

Sentor had a round of applause as Aerith and Tifa gave the elephants a scratch behind the ears. Rusher joined in and barked. (Heya! That looked fun!) The elephants looked down to a Linoone, the robot had a noise just as friendly, while Donphan realize what the arrival meant. (Hey is that Rusher?!)

She looked to find Sora, Donald, Goofy and their companions, Terra turned and guessed. "You finished up already?" The spikey haired boy nodded. "It wasn't that long, we have an idea that will help those pokemon get stronger." He looked to find the Committee present and Leonhart guessed. "You're wanting to ask if we'll do some training for any of the ones that want to help protect that place?"

Sora nodded akin to a child. "We got the idea after we heard about that fight that Terra and Kleavor had. What do you think?" Leonhart looked over to Yuffie, who had a serious frown. "You can-" she burst into a cheer. "Count on us!"

Leonhart added in. "If it can keep Maleficent's talons out of our business, then we can give a few lessons. But only when we got time in between rebuilding this place." He looked over to Donald, Goofy and their partners, with Ralts approaching the strange machine and tilting her head curiously. "If these guys are willing to help, then it would be less shuffling."

The kings guard let them know that was the plan as the robot approached and raised his trunk to get a look at the arrivals. The robot's eyes closed to show happiness and gave off a cry. (Where did you guys come from?)

Sora blushed and looked to the details. "Aw!" He blinked and remembered a picture Leon sent him. "Wait a minute-" Terra remembered and hurried on a report. "That's the weirdest part. All the dex has to share is the name and type. Say hello to the Iron Treads, a ground and steel type that is one of the fastest wheels you'll find around here."

Goofy asked. "Iron Treads?! Where did this fella come from?" The Robot pressed his trunk to the ground, completely confused at that question. (Some room with this lady, she said if I race around and make friends, things will make themselves clear.) Comfey uncurled and asked. (A lady?!) "Sorry about that, got distracted by some of the logs."

Ienzo made himself known, it was clear he saw the race unfold and was looking forward to some discoveries. "Sora, you've noticed something about this specimen, care to talk about it?" The boy nodded. "It's like this, those dinosaur guys were shown in the book the Kid gave us and they're also found in some magazines. Do you know anything about those?"

Ienzo recalled from his childhood. "The so called science books that speak about cryptids and slap together any logic to make a story out of them? You've pieced together something in regards to the Iron Serpent? Miraidon." That was accurate, the Iron Treads turned around and hopped. (That one, he gave me a good race before I zipped out into the land!) He asked while tilting his body right. (Say, I saw a hole going into the castle, do you know about what's in there?)

Terra was realizing a clue. "You don't think this guy was sent here on purpose, do you?" Cloud second that. "Nothing ever shows up out of nowhere, unless there's a reason for it." The Iron Treads realize they weren't listening, showed something of a blush under his eyes and gave a few hops over to a particular path. Sentor beeped. "Halt! You are being addressed!"

The Iron Treads turned and had an idea, giving out a distinct beep. "01010100 01101000 01100101 01110010 01100101 00100111 01110011 00100000 01110011 01101111 01101101 01100101 01110100 01101000 01101001 01101110 01100111 00100000 01110101 01101110 01100100 01100101 01110010 00100000 01110100 01101000 01100101 00100000 01100011 01100001 01110011 01110100 01101100 01100101 00100000 01001001 00100000 01110111 01100001 01101110 01110100 00100000 01110100 01101111 00100000 01110011 01100101 01100101 00101110 00100000 01001101 01100001 01111001 00100000 01111001 01101111 01110101 00100000 01101000 01100001 01110110 01100101 00100000 01110100 01101000 01100101 01101101 00100000 01100110 01101111 01101100 01101100 01101111 01110111 00111111"

The large robot asked. "01010100 01101000 01100101 00100000 01000011 01100001 01110110 01100101 01110010 01101110 00100000 01101111 01100110 00100000 01010010 01100101 01101101 01100101 01101101 01100010 01110010 01100001 01101110 01100011 01100101 00111111" Sora saw his phone activate, showing the translation. "There's something under the castle I want to see. May you have them follow?" "The Cavern of Remembrance?" He asked. "Has anyone checked on that place lately?"

Ienzo cringed. "That was the next place we've explored and there wasn't even a trace of a Heartless. Only one of those wormholes appeared, after all." Sora wasn't so sure if letting the Treads explore there was a good idea and followed him to ask. "Hey, there might be some gizmos down there, but if you end up too deep, you'll run into really weird stuff. It's not worth going through all that," The robot turned and asked. "01000100 01101111 00100000 01111001 01101111 01110101 00100000 01101011 01101110 01101111 01110111 00100000 01101000 01101111 01110111 00100000 01100110 01100001 01110010 00100000 01110111 01100101 00100000 01110011 01101000 01101111 01110101 01101100 01100100 00100000 01100111 01101111 00111111"

"Do you know how far we should go?"

Sora recalled the most obvious and nodded. "Yeah, there's this white door that leads there and there isn't anything else besides some computer." The Iron Treads cringed. "01001001 01110100 00100000 01100100 01101111 01100101 01110011 01101110 00100111 01110100 00100000 01110100 01110101 01110010 01101110 00100000 01100001 01101110 01111001 01110100 01101000 01101001 01101110 01100111 00100000 01101111 01101110 00111111" "It doesn't turn anything on?"

Sora shook his head. "Not unless you want to get hurt." The Iron Treads had a strange stare of something serious and hurried. Sora and his companions followed along, with Cloud and Terra keeping by. They were right at the hole going onto the cavern, the Iron Treads blinked, as if he was analyzing something. The robot was surprised and turned to the boy. "01010111 01101000 01111001 00100000 01110111 01100001 01110011 00100000 01110100 01101000 01101001 01110011 00100000 01110000 01101100 01100001 01100011 01100101 00100000 01100100 01101111 01110111 01101110 00100000 01110100 01101000 01100101 01110010 01100101 00101100 00100000 01110111 01101000 01111001 00100000 01110111 01100001 01110011 00100000 01101001 01110100 00100000 01100010 01110101 01101001 01101100 01110100 00111111 00100000 01010111 01101000 01111001 00100000 01101000 01100001 01110011 01101110 00100111 01110100 00100000 01100001 01101110 01111001 01101111 01101110 01100101 00100000 01100100 01101111 01101110 01100101 00100000 01110011 01101111 01101101 01100101 01110100 01101000 01101001 01101110 01100111 00100000 01100001 01100010 01101111 01110101 01110100 00100000 01101001 01110100 00111111"

"Why was this place down there, why was it built? Why hasn't anyone done something about it?

Sora, Donald and Goofy turned around to a Scientist that followed behind. The boy pointed at him. "What was the point of that place?" Ienzo cringed. "I know little about it myself, only that it was a station that Xenmas has built to collect data when the world was abandoned. Most of it is a mine shaft that is connected to the technology the town was known for. I suppose that data ended up being used for something that you've tested yourself against?"

Sora nodded as Quill half dropped his eye lids. (But they didn't turn it off? What's going to happen if someone goes down there again?) The Iron Treads didn't wish to know, turned to the hole and made his jump. Donphan jumped and followed her companion, bringing Terra to call his band back. "Hey, wait!"

He charged in recklessly and Sora followed, with Quill and Butterfly flying behind him while Rusher barked. (Come on, we got to follow them now!) He sprinted behind as Ienzo sighed and used his phone to contact someone.

Blip!

"There we go, I have a friend of ours to be an extra aid. Try to find a way to get Treads out of there and we'll guide along if we notice something." Donald, Goofy, Honedge and Ralts hurried behind, the psychic and ghost type worked together to slow the guards descent as Cloud followed and made a jump.

Into the cave with a ladder going back up, the Iron Treads hurried down to find a cavern of raised ledges and a door over a mighty jump. He wiggled his ears and beeped. (Is this the door?) Sora used the chance to catch up and pointed. "That's not the one, but the further we go, the more machines we run into. That stuff is made to keep us out." The Iron Treads looked around in an analysis, curled up into a wheel and had his tread roll him backwards, Cloud cringed. "Don't do it, we shouldn't even be down here."

The Iron Treads shined his red plates, let loose a jolt of electricity and raced back in surprising speeds, leaping from each stone in a bounce and unrolling once he reached the other side. (That track the Lady made is much more twisty than this!)

Donphan rolled herself into a rapid spin and mimic the leap, reaching to the other side safely as Ralts focused her mind and teleported Donald, Goofy and Honedge over. Sora had Rusher jump onto his back and glided across, with his fliers keeping by, Terra joined in the glide as Cloud leaped from stone to stone to make it across. Sora opened the door and lead the way into a mine shaft with narrow pipes. The boy looked to the Ralts that tried that trick and gave a crouch, channeling a bright light that warped the party across to a split path. One going a tunnel and the other with another door.

The boy gave a warning. "This one is a lot trickier to jump over." He opened and showed the bottom of a cavern, with drills going upward, ledges meant to rise up to apply pressure and cooling fans. The Iron Treads looked around and admitted while showing off his stubby feet. (Yeah, this is tricky. But you know how to get us through that?)

Sora looked up to the upper grounds and a pipe going forward, bringing back memories as Terra admitted. "Nice try fooling him, Sora. I think he saw what you did." The boy shrugged and gave a dorky smile. "How else was he going to make it across? I learned this from watching Riku. Just stay close while I handle this part!"

He channeled the light and cast a mass light rift that brought them to a door at the upper end of the cavern. Bringing them to a passage with a clutter of pipes that anything resembling Donphan would bull doze through. One more light rift got them across and the Iron Treads looked around. (Why are they all connecting down here? How does this have anything to do with that computer?)

Sora and Terra were given a translation, the grown up recalled. "The technology of the town use to be something else. Spanning like clock work. So I guess this was where they got the stuff to make some metals?"

Across the door was what clearly connected to the foundation of the castle, brick walls at the right and cave at the left. Sora raised a hand. "Alright, this as far as we got before we found that door." He wanted to give the robot a scolding. "You know it's going to be a pain in the butt, to get out of here, right?"

The Iron Treads nodded in agreement and shifted his eyes to the cave wall that was attached to some flooring. He waddled over and gave it a light tap with his forehead. He was suspicious and called. (Hey, hit some of the cave walls! I think I heard something.)

Donphan did so and hit solid wall as the muscle bound travelers gave it a shot. Donphan called. (Solid earth!) Iron Treads nodded and tapped again, hearing something from behind and taking a few steps back. "RWRWRggglr!"

Smash!

He gave it a firm head butt and caused it to crack open, Cloud realized a detail, brought out his sword and leaped to strike the upper section, breaking it apart and showing something behind it. He back flipped as the Iron Treads gave a firm stomp of a bull doze and broke apart the foundation of the wall, making it crumble and reveal a dirt metal door.

The robot had a fast scan and gave a cry. (Hidden door, detected!)

Sora was quite impressed and approached, only for Donald to grab him by the shoulder. "Sora, what did you say about those doors?" The boy understood and took a picture of it. "I know, but we never found this one!" He gave a send to the contact above and asked. "You know anything about this? Treads found it behind a wall."

In a few minutes, Ienzo texted back. "You have me there. Are you sure you want to go through that?" Sora imagined that now that they know, they might as well clear out the dangers behind it. "We won't figure anything out if we don't head forward."

Ienzo was respecting the wish. "Be careful down there, curiosity has ended the adventures of many cats." Ralts shivered behind Donald's leg and the mage felt a similar nerve. "Please tell me the guys know what's behind that door."

Sora turned around to see Ralts getting scared, with Cloud and especially Terra having a strange sniff of something. The boy imagined something more sinister at work. "They don't know," He tried to get close to the Ralts, if to pet her and watched her hid behind the other leg as Terra recognized the scent. "There's a whole lot of darkness behind that door." He was ready to open the it. "No going back now," Goofy agreed with that and joined him in opening the strange passage. "Now that we've opened it up, we can't let anyone else wander in 'ere."

The two opened the door and found a typical, purple chamber with raised stone platforms going down into an abyss, the edge had a spiral slope, meant to dare walkers into climbing down. Donphan and the Iron Treads curled up and rolled at the slope, spiraling down and down, Sora conjured wind magic and leaped down with his ground bound companions, serving as a guiding light and revealing a bottom with stalagmites that would mean certain death for anyone who dared to take a leap of faith. At the right was a passage going somewhere, with safe ground to land on. The boy made a glide and looked up to wave. "Careful on the way down!"

Terra took a leap to the right as Cloud dashed to the right pillar and let himself drop for each ledge, getting close enough until he conjured wind magic and glided to safety.

Roll!

The Donphans went down quite fast and rushed through the tunnel, leading into an wide cave with a great chasm taking most of the space. Leading down into stalagmites far bellow and having dark jagged rocks blocking a passage forward. They crackled in dark energy and conjured a band of eight archers, each wearing blue clothes and brown, dual horned caps. Along side them were three moon blue lanterns with eyes glowing in night and curled ram horns. Appearing on the solid ground with a pack of ten brown cloth bandits of a similar attire to the archers, having hand axes and knife like talons. Ralts eeked and channeled in light as Donald took a step back and aimed his staff. "Water!"

Fling! He flung water globs that complimented Ralts wide dazzling gleam, pelting the archers and keeping them distracted as Goofy took a step forward, had Honedge keep by his back and gave a spun with the sword, rushing at the Bandits as a union of a sword and a shield. Terra ordered his partner. "Donphan, with me! Let's help Goofy out!"

The elephant spun in a rapid spin as the Moon Beacons channeled a dark beam into one and conjured a moon that rained fast beams. Cloud dashed right and flew after the Beacons, avoiding getting blasted and slashing swiftly as the Iron Treads rolled and leaped after the Beacons, tackling one to the wall in an iron head and letting loose a volt that did minimal damage and sent him flipping to the edge. Sora dashed left. "Rusher, try and get at those archers with extreme speed. We'll be right there!"

The Linoone worked himself up, gave a sprint and disappeared, tacking an archer over the ledge and throwing a seed bomb, the second archer tried to use it's bow to knock the badger off and took the full blow of a flowing Sora. Quill was tossed after the next platform and tossed a razor leaf barrage before diving for an aerial ace. Sora flipped over to the one being attacked and gave a swift combo to knock the archers into the abyss. The Moon Beacons flew over to the jagged spikes, darken themselves in power and fired bolts at the crowd. Goofy and Honedge took a step back and called to Terra, Donphan and Cloud. "We got a wide one ready!"

The three jumped behind them and saw a wide guard conjure with the duos combined will. Donald whispered to his partner. "Ralts, teleport Cloud to one of those lanterns!" The feeling pokemon gave Cloud a light tap and warped him to the right spike as the Iron Treads rolled up, let loose electricity and disappeared with a line, rushing to the left spike and shattering the foe in one blow.

Cloud rushed the other in a multi slash as Terra and Donphan slammed blade and trunk into the ground and unleash a bull doze that knocked the bandits into the pit. Leaving three that would be slashed apart by Honedge. Butterfree flew after the Beacon over the pit and gave an air slash to make it flinch, she flew after it and sprayed a stun spore, causing it to freeze and be exposed to a shadow sneak. Sora slashed the heartless and trapped it mid air, giving a glimmer for each blow and sending it flying as a comet of light, he flew side ways to dodge an arrow and assisted Donald in a double water blast. With the last of the hearts released, it left the dark spikes that were splitting out of control.

Sora spun his blade, sprouted angelic wings and blasted the middle spike into oblivion as the Iron Treads rammed his head at the foundation of the left wall and shattered the spike in three blows. Terra flowed over to Cloud and together, smashed the final one into bits. With some of the danger lightening up, Sora flew to the Linoone to pick him up and went to the Iron Treads, finding the one tunnel going forward. Crackle! Rumble! Something was going on and the band hurried over, the Treads tapped his feet nervously, waiting until Donphan was close enough and rolled up with her.

Sora and his four misfits followed close behind, entering a long hall with a narrow strip of land and dark energy emitting from the pits bellow. The boy knew where this was going. "Careful, those things are going to skewer us if we rush in." He saw a door to the far side and turned to Donald and Ralts. "Hey, I got an idea. Donald, Ralts, you want to help?"

The mage and the psychic knew what was planned and stood by the boy, channeling into the blade as Sora focused his vision on the far end and gave a shine of light. Teleporting the crowd over a trap that spun, spikes rushed from all sides in a fast pace, as if something was enraged by the trick. The band took the opportunity to run for it, with the Donphans taking the front lead and rolling over any possible obstacles and ramming their way into a chamber that had a stone door. They unrolled and found standing before them, a blonde scientist with her hair tied into twin buns and clip board.

The band followed in as the scientist channeled a dark power into a wall with braille readings and a hexagonal pattern of dots above. The Iron Treads had a moment of astonishment and was ready to stomp as the scientist conjured spiked pillars to continue her ritual. "Why hello there, Tready, it's so good to see you." She turned, revealing a smug face with a left eye of light purple and a right eye of yellow. "You've done well to lead the Guardians towards their unmaking, as expected!"

Rusher gave a loud arf. (Hey, what's he talking about?) Donphan looked over to the Treads. (Does she know you? Is she the lady you've talked-) The Iron Treads had an anger in his eyes. (That's not her!)

He stomped as Terra and Cloud looked to each other with certainty. Donald quacked. "Wait, was this a trap?" The Scientist readied to snap her fingers. "Isn't it obvious? You've been a thorn into the Dark Forces plans for long enough!" Their way back was closed up by electrical lightning as Sora shook his head and was ready to strike the woman down. "I don't know who you are, but you don't have the same air she did!"

The Iron Treads grunted as the boy kept to his side. "You got a lot of nerve too," Terra second that one. "He's too blunt to be hiding anything he wanted to keep to himself." He recognized the dot pattern and is surprised as Cloud lead a charge, giving a high pitch battle cry and cleaving right through the scientist that took a step back and was amused. "So I supposed you old dogs have learned new tricks after all."

She transformed into a mastodon and stomped so hard the cave begun to shake. "But that's not enough!" Honedge and Goofy let loose a wide guard as the room begun to crumble, blocking the impact as Quill noticed something behind Sora and flew down to pick it up. The keybearers glowed in light as the Donphans readied to charge, the shape shifter fired a dark energy at the Donphan and the Treads. "Let me close that will, your power will be the undoing of these heroes."

ZAP!

Donphan was shot back and was giving a scream as the Iron Treads took the brunt of the zap, Terra's eyes widen and he glowed in red. He charged at the foe in a battle cry as Sora followed with a roar sounding mature, the Iron Treads gave a battle cry, burst into electrical power and charged along side them. Giving a triple bash that shoved the shape shifter to a wall, breaking her concentration and causing her to transform into energy that made a rush at the dazed Donphan. Quill flew in the way and aimed a crystal with a symbol of single blade, protecting a heart.

It burst into a glimmer of celestial power and a voice of a bold boy commanded. "Begone! You're not going to get in the way of setting this right!"

PEW!

The cloud was swallowed up by the light as the demon realize she was about to be expelled. "No, no! This only delays the-" Pew! The strange light pushed away the darkness and left behind the simple chamber, the guardians didn't waste time going over to the Donphan that looked like she was stabbed in the heart. Treads gave her a slight push as Terra and Sora worked together to channel their blades to the elephant and expel the dark hold, leaving the ground type shivering in a whimper. Terra kept an arm to her forehead as Comfey curled around her trunk and petted her on the upper lip.

Glimmering before them was what looked like a light glowing, teenager that has a pouch belt, gloves, and a scarf. He conjured a star lit blade and channeled into being, a beacon with a heart symbol, marked by a single key. "There we go. Until you unlock the door, this should keep that demon and her cronies from coming back." He went to the left side and was ready to conjure something as Sora asked. "Wait up, how did you show up?"

The stranger flinched nervously, as if he was looking for a lie to give. "... Me and my Mistress put a tracker into this guys-" He pointed at the Treads. "heart and we were able to pick up on what he's been doing. Once you all figured out that demon was trying to make you think he was a double agent, that anger showed the way through the darkness." He confessed. "I'd figured you'd have some heart to heart, but I didn't think you would find the door we've been looking for."

The Iron Treads looked to the strange door and beeped. (Does that door lead to somewhere?) The boy looked over to Sora, Donald and Goofy. "Does it lead to someone you've been looking for?"

Donald recognize the pattern above. "That looks like the door to one of those Golems!" Sora was fast to use his phone and had a log on the golem with that pattern. "To Registeel?!"

He hurried to get close and use a translator, taking a while to figure it out and read. "The Dark Forces are ignorant to think themselves untouchable, not knowing that we are untouchable from their power." The boy tapped his foot. "Untouchable? We tried having some pokemon stay by a door and that worked." He felt an idea in mind as Goofy asked. "Hey, aren't there types of move that won't do anything to certain pokemon?" Sora nodded. "And I bet we need to find another pokemon that won't be affected if things go the other way around?" Cloud was impressed by the problem solving. "Smart thinking... now do we have two pokemon like that?"

Sora did some research and found there is hardly any types that are immune to one another. Save for Normal types and Ghost types. He tapped his foot. "Let's see... combinations are important..." He snapped his fingers. "Darn it, we only got Licki and Rusher to work with, the only few pokemon that are mono ghost aren't with us right now."

Honedge pouted in shame as Donald wagged a finger. "You should have caught more, that was your mission!" Goofy signaled that his partner doesn't do that. "It wouldn't have helped if they were taken away from a neighborhood that they've been fittin' in. Uncle Scrooge has that there Gimmighoul." The boy asked. "Is he going to help us with that?"

Donald nodded. "He will if he knows what's behind there. But are any of us going to be ready for Registeel?" Cloud shook his head. "Not if you just asked us to help with some training. It's not something we can get done in a couple days. Pokemon can get crazy strong, really fast if they put in the work, but even that has to have a limit." The stranger agreed with that. "And it's a legendary pokemon of great power." He put fingers under his chin and opened a crystal tunnel. "You guys might need some help beyond time, once you all calmed down, follow me into the Lab." He conjured up a rift of light and tossed an orb to Sora. "This can help you make a short cut once you all are out of here."

He approached and half turned his head. "Biven, come!" The Iron Treads woke up to that name and was hesitate to follow and leave a friend behind. Donphan was breathing easily, if still confused, she tapped her foot. (Go with him, I think there's a reason he called you.)

The Treads grunted, looked over to the band once more and followed the stranger into the crystal light. Keeping the way open as Quill felt something suspicious. (Was that a nickname they gave him?) He jumped to Sora's shoulder as Butterfree cling to the back of the boys head and looked on into the unknown. (Is there anything else we can do from in here?)

Ralts rubbed her eyes and shook her head. (Not with our current power.) Donphan stood up, feeling as concerned. (He's strange, but he lead us to finding something big.) She blushed to the band. (Thanks for having his back when that monster tried to trick us, that means a lot.) Terra scratched the back of his head, knowing that was gratitude. "She nearly had us fooled, but the robot wasn't happy to see that she was pretending to be that lady."

Sora nodded. "That was the first clue, the actual lady's pretty weird and the kid didn't know what was down here." He lead the way into the crystal gate. "Come on, let's see what they want."

The band followed along into the strange cave and found a gate of fog in their way. Stepping over, brought them to an elevator in a pristine laboratory. It gave a glow of violet and ascended the band a few feet into a control center with an open garage gate and sides of spectator seats. The young man turned around, revealing a young man with short, curly, gray hair, cyan eyes and a lab coat with some grease to his clothes. His gloves remained the same and he had a set of black boots. By him was the Iron Treads that was excited to be in a place to call home. The assistant waved. "Hey, welcome to the Testing Grounds. Where these guys," He pointed a thumb to the robot. "have a bit of exercise before we let them loose out there in the world." He smiled with mischief, nearly laughing. He pressed a button to activate a screen. "I think this recording can say it better than I can."

Blip!

The screen turned on, showing a familiar looking blonde woman in glasses and a necklace. She was in a hurry to get something started and waved. "Greetings, Guardians. If you're watching this, I'm busy somewhere else in the Labyrinth and can't be here to over see the experiments." She smiled in an apology. "I'm sorry if you have a ton of questions, they're not going to be answered anytime soon." She adjusted her glasses in confidence. "In case that happens, I've sent my chief assistant to fill in on some of the details." She gestured to the one who was overseeing the video. "Ephemer, you are free to show them what is to be done in this place."

The boy had a blush and turned to the band. "We've been hearing a lot about you guys for a very long time. Some of you haven't made it big until around a year ago." He addressed the two. "Terra, the Wayfinder that broke free from the chains of the Dark Seeker. And Sora, the Light's Last Hope, who saved us all from complete oblivion." He looked over to the Kings Guard. "Donald and Goofy, you've done things that are only read about in fairy tales. Some random guys who were picked for a task and became the worlds protectors, alongside the Keybearer who needed time to learn." The two blushed at the honor as Ephemer addressed the odd one out. "And Cloud Strife, one of the friends Sora has made along this long road, who've been that guardian when the Chaos was reaching it's peak."

The pokemon were completely left out and the Dartrix hooted. (Hey, what about us?) The assistant gestured. "I'm getting to you, you've only been at this for a few days. The victims of fates wheel, that managed to find willing hearts to connect with and achieve things that a world would speak legends about." He admitted. "It's impressive, but if you compare that to the wider scope-" Comfey hmmed and understand. (It's pretty small.)

He directed to the main gate. "Over here, is the next trial of the keybearers, facing the Iron Treads in hope you can capture him for the bigger battles to come. The rest of you will watch to see wonders unfold, as you gaze upon the Marrow and think about what you're about to accomplish." Sora and Terra gasped. "Capture him?"

The boy felt his eyes glitter as the grown up took a step back. "Thanks, but I already have a ground type with me." Donphan pouted. (Ah shoot!)

Sora took the challenge. "We can take him on!" He turned to his chosen four. "Right guys?" Comfey cringed as Butterfree gave a twirl of excitement, Rusher barked eagerly as Quill flapped his wings proudly. (Let's show him how we roll!) He adjusted his hair as the band took the right door and readied for a match.

Ephemer had one more warning. "There's one more catch, Biven has a few more surprises that haven't been reveled yet. If he gets pushed to his limit, there's no telling what he'll do. He might attack you in that enhanced state. Are you sure about going through with this?"

Sora didn't mind. "I know you guys are up to something, but I can trust you." Ephemer put a finger to his lips and took a step back, disappearing in light. "Glad to hear that you're pumped up. Everyone, take your seats! Our final test is about to begin." The Iron Treads tilt side ways in confusion and rolled off to the gate as Sora gave a count and thought of a plan. "Butterfree, if we can slow him down, we'll have this." The Butterfree giggled and was ready for battle as Sora gave Rusher a sitrus berry and called his two partners back. "Quill, Rusher, Flowers, wait until the time's right."

Pew!

He followed into a flat arena with white panels, over shadowed by a giant round crystal. Radiating a power that the floor reflected back, the Iron Treads reached to the other end and turned with a wish. (Please show me more of the world, Sora.) He pressed the ground with his trunk and gave off a battle cry as Ephemer was seen standing behind a glass screen and having notes to write. "And... you may begin!"

The Butterfree gave a battle cry and looked chipper than ever as she flew ahead for a match. The Iron Treads beeped an apology, curled up into a roll and charged before unrolling and ramming the bug with an iron head. Sending her flying to the air in a scream, Sora ordered. "Stun spore, now!" The Butterfree free fell as the Iron Treads jumped right and rolled, the butterfly used the speed to get close and spray a yellow powder that halt the nerves. "Now, use air slash and don't stop!"

The Butterfly twirled in a dance and let loose one slash, making the foe flinch, the Iron Treads mustered the will to rush at another slash and send the butterfly to the ground in a knock out. Sora gave a switch and sent out his Linoone. "Rusher, we got him!" The trusty normal type barked, much to the amusement of the paralyzed foe that grunted. (When I get that nerve, I'll show you!)

Sora gave a stomp to signal a tantrum that sent the foe rolling to the side. The robot tried to curl and was stopped by paralysis, exposing him to another that made him laugh, Sora licked his lips and ordered. "Now go light with extreme speed and we have him!" The Linoone vanished for a tackle and sent the robot rolling, causing his being to give a glimmer of light that reflected from the globe above.

The Iron Treads took the nerve to stand up and beeped. (Nice hit, but I'm not through!) He kept ready. (Activating, Terastallization! Overriding the Type Combination of Ground and Steel) The light rushed through the Iron Treads body and caused him to crystalize, his childish voice turned to something more robotic. (Activating arena and electric terrain!) The panels begun to shift and rise up as ramps and slopes, electrified. (Activating Quark Drive!)

Crack! Crack! (Adapting.)

Rusher cringed and yipped. (Hey, hey, are you talking okay? You're kind of scaring us.) Sora was hearing more of a robot and he looked up to the boy playing scientist. "Hey, what gives?" Crack! Scatter! The two looked ahead to see the crystal shatter into electrical yellow, bellow the robot's chin was a medal with an electrical bolt. Ephemer apologized in advanced. "I've told you about this, we're also designing something so we won't have a repeat of that War. A robotic soldier that could match up with a Keybearer like you were, with hopes of surpassing a fool who would see the Key as a means to make the world theirs. As the best of the best in recent years, this should be more than a match for you and your partners."

He commanded. "Now, Biven, child of two worlds! Help this one see the door to his future, show them the potential that has always been yours! Show them what can be built! Activate the power of electricity, the life blood of all machines!"

The Iron Treads stood upward. (Weaknesses of steel and ground removed. Replaced with the defensive potential of electric!) He crackled as the panel rose up into a hill, even if Sora had Butterfree available, stun spore isn't going to be much of a help, the robot rolled and rushed with a red line left behind, Rusher and Sora rolled out of the way and watched a slope rise up, giving the Iron Treads momentum to flip back and fall upon the duo. Sora picked Rusher up and glided out of the way of a bull doze slam, the Iron Treads turned to charge up a voltage and fired it at the duo, blasting them a distance before back flipping to flat ground. A hill rose up to ascend the duo and disorient them. The Iron Treads kept a roll and charged.

(Achieve a rebuilt world!)

WW!

Rusher jumped out of Sora's arms and let the boy get out of the way before stomping in a tantrum and throwing the Treads off, he followed with an extreme speed rush. The Iron Treads let loose a volt switch to knock the Linoone back and jolted to a rising hill as a slope descended. Rusher hurried to eat a sitrus berry for a fast heal as the Iron Treads used his enhanced speed to rush at the normal type in an iron head and make him flinch. Rusher countered with an extreme speed tackle and watched the robot smash the ground and let loose a shock wave that sent Sora and his partner in a roll. Rusher was left laying on the ground, tried getting up and passed out. The boy's heart skipped a beat as he called his partner back and pointed. "Flowers, it's up to you!"

The Comfey rolled to battle as the Iron Treads looked the two in the eyes and chanted. "01010111 01100101 00100000 01100001 01110010 01100101 00100000 01010000 01100001 01110010 01100001 01100100 01101111 01111000 00100001 00100000 01010111 01100101 00100000 01110111 01101001 01101100 01101100 00100000 01101101 01100001 01101011 01100101 00100000 01110100 01101000 01100101 00100000 01100110 01110101 01110100 01110101 01110010 01100101 00100000 01110100 01101000 01100001 01110100 00100000 01001001 00100111 01110110 01100101 00100000 01110011 01100101 01100101 01101110 00100001 00100000" He had a smile under his glow. "01010111 01100101 00100000 01101101 01110101 01110011 01110100 00100000 01101101 01100001 01101011 01100101 00100000 01110100 01101000 01100001 01110100 00100000 01000110 01110101 01110100 01110101 01110010 01100101 00100000 01110011 01101111 00100001"

Flowers cringed and flew ahead of the speedy wheel. (That's more than enough, what's happening to you?) She flung a leech seed upon the robot that let loose a volt switch and appeared behind Sora, rolling for a lightning fast iron head.

The boy called. "Dodge!" He flowed to a slope and Comfey flew out of the way, only for her partner to sweep her out of mid air as the leech seed sapped some health. She flew after the Iron Treads and gave him a draining kiss, before the foe turned and gave swift ram to send her flying. Sora sent out Quill. "Come on, one more!" The Comfey was in retreat as the Dartrix was seeing the foe slumping forward, refusing to give up, Sora called. "Shadow sneak!"

The owl took a step to slither a fast shadow and sucker punched the Treads for light damage. It caused the crystal frame to crack as the Treads gave off what sounds like laughter and sobbing. "01010100 01101000 01100001 01110100 00100000 01110111 01101111 01110010 01101100 01100100 00100000 01100011 01100001 01101110 00100000 01100010 01100101 00100000 01100010 01110101 01101001 01101100 01110100 00101110 00100000 01010111 01100101 00100000 01100011 01100001 01101110 00100000 01101101 01100001 01101011 01100101 00100000 01101001 01110100 00100000 01101111 01101110 01100101 00100000 01100100 01100001 01111001 00101110"

Shatter!

The electric frame scattered, bringing the machine into a daze. Between his battle rant about and the match, he was completely lost and confused. Sora saw his chance, brought out a timer ball and tossed it, it gave a whistle and tapped the robot on the forehead, bringing him in and falling to the ground. Shake... click!

The Iron Treads, was captured. Sora and his conscious duo phewed as the arena returned to a flat shape. Ephemer glimmered to the grounds, gave a clap to make a glass disappear and congratulate the boy. "Nice work, Sora!"

The keybearer noticed the boy wiping a tear from his eye and pointed for a stylish heal. Pop!

Rusher and Butterfree quickly made their way out of their balls and saw a battle had been won, the bug gasped and twirled a dance as the Linoone dashed to fetch the ball. The assistant heard people jumping off and admitted. "When we sent this guy out to that world, we'd expected a stir in the status quo to escalate. We didn't expect you all to have uncovered as much as you did, now show Biven the kind of world that's coming together. He's stubborn, but he won't let you down."

He stepped back and raised his hand as Terra, Cloud and Donald looked like they were going to beat him up for bringing Sora into that danger. Cloud demanded. "What are you actually trying to do? No riddles!"

Ephemer stood aside to show a door opening up. "For the longer term, we're trying to help you resolve the real issue that's going to bring the worlds into another cycle. That's all I'm allowed to tell you, you'll have to figure the rest out." The tension lessen and the boy explained. "This should bring you back to the real world. Tell them what you found down there and it will work itself out."

He walked off and disappeared into a glimmer, leaving the band to decide on taking the advise and journey to the light. With a glimmer of fog, they found themselves stepping out of the Cavern and finding Ienzo leading a group of his fellow Scientists and the Committee to an investigation. "The whole place is a labyrinth of puzzles and it's easy to get lost, don't wander off without."

Tifa and Aerith noticed who appeared and gasped. "Cloud!" The ladies rushed to tackle him to the ground as the young scientist felt his heart leaping. "Tron lost contact with you as soon as you showed that picture! What happened?"

Donphan hopped in a cheer. (We caught someone and we got a puzzle down there!) Sora showed the timer ball and let out the Iron Treads that was blinking at the day light and gave fast noises. Cid insist. "Slow down, kid! Didn't you all talked about some robots that were hidden behind those doors?"

Iezno nodded. "We have. So what do we got to do to free this one?" Donald sighed. "Well, we have a pokemon that can work and we know someone who has the other key. But we'll have to go ask him in person."