In the mountain on top of the outskirts, Zygarde, Talonflame and a half asleep Dusk Lycanroc were waiting for someone to return. The Hound of Many felt from the heart beat of the earth. "The day is with them now. It won't be long now." The Lycanroc huffed at one of his pack mates being captured as Talonflame looked over to a napping Gliscor and Midnight Lycanroc. "So, how are we going to do this?"
Whistle!
At the sound of an otherworldly tune, a crystal of light shined in the land bellow. The dogs and the bird descended down to have a closer look and Zygarde recognized the entrance to the Labyrinth. The three entered to find a cavern of pure crystal and a strange halo taking the shape of Arceus, by her was the Lady of the Labyrinth, Suiten, in a trance and passing along fast instructions. The Alpha focused upon the three and sang in hymn. "You've arrived, Zygarde." The hot blooded canine grunted. You've called us, what are you to ask?"
Suiten went out of her trance and turned to the arrivals, keeping herself under control from the strangers that are witnessing an oddity. "Arceus has set a plan in motion that would ensure that the Guardians have a layout of the land. It's been discovered that a sacred bird of legends has fallen to this realm, along with his children. That could spell disaster of a wicked one gets his clutches on them."
The Lycanroc growled and his eyes flared to pink. "You're wanting us to thrash this wicked one if he tries something?" Suiten sighed, approached the wolf and gave him a pet on the head. "Wish it was that easy. But those types of people don't go after someone like a Legend unless they have a means to back up that arrogance." She relaxed. "No. You will be given the task of ensuring that the Guardians of Light are able to capture Ho-oh's Children."
She showed the image of Suicune standing by a river, an Entei sunbathing without a care in the world and a Raikou that is chasing a storm cloud that arrived in the desert. "Make sure they don't try roaming the lands at the first sign of trouble, it's a common occurrence that they will try this and we don't have the time to waste."
She pat the wolf and stood back to address him and the bird. "The two of you are also to be captured by the Guardians, as well as the last of your pack mates. How and when is up to you." Lycanroc calmed down and barked. "They got to be tough ones to catch my bro!"
Zygarde agreed and sneezed. "Once we know the three Beasts are safe, Ho-oh would be the Guardians next challenge?" Arceus nodded. "Then, nothing will stop the Chosen of the Key and their friends, from finishing their task. Just be prepared for when an evil encroaches upon their goal."
Suiten noticed a common singularity. "A lot of these worlds have that great evil that is taking the chance to fill a power vacuum. It's pretty common that the evil is super natural or someone that's become super natural." She groaned as the crystal cavern glimmered. "I wish I can do more directly besides give out instructions in weird places. One of the Veteran Keybearers needs more of a guiding hand to let him know he's on the right track now."
Zygarde guessed. "The one that calls himself Terra?" Suiten shifted her eyes to the exit. "Yeah. His heart was always in the right place, but between a misguided mentor and a wicked one who saw that as a chance to enact a plan, he was lead into a hell that had little means of escape. Once his friends got him out of the darkness that held him tight, it took a simple push from a strange knight to teach him what he needs to go forward."
She turned to a shining light of crystal and called upon it with a booming voice. "Denki, Raging Bolt of the Labyrinth! See if that one holds the potential to become greater as that friend. Make yourself known across the Desert as a Legend made real!"
Glimmer! Stomp!
The Zygarde was pretty impressed by a giant of a specimen as the Dusk Lycanroc sized up the tall form. Talonflame whistled and gave Suiten a reason to giggle. "The Primordial Beasts... the Ancient Ancestors, tend to tower over their descendants."
The Raging Bolt had a look at the crystal images, his blue, reptilian eyes gazed upon the beasts and gasped at Raikou. "Those three are actually in the worlds?" Suiten pat the Bolt on the leg. "That they are, you still have your task... but-" She smirked. "How will you carry it out, Storm Watcher?"
At the border of Agrabah.
Leon returned from seeing the children back to their homes as Riku summarized a plan. "So far so good, we need to find the three Beasts and round them up if we have any chance of reaching Ho-oh before our opportunist gets the chance too." He lead out, where Flygon and a Koraidon were awaiting them. Great Tusk stepped aside to wait as the squad leader was impressed by the Winged King's form. "You really do look like that Cyclizar."
Kairi held Sora by the hand and volunteered. "I think if we go with this guy, we can head to this Red Sea as soon as possible and find Suicune." She asked sheepishly. "Koraidon, do you mind if you give us a ride again?"
The dragon shook his head eagerly as Leon sent out Pō and got on his back. "So we're splitting up again?" Riku nodded and approached the Flygon, who let him get on his back. "Worked well last time." Terra turned his blade into a glider and sent out Donphan to come along with him and Great Tusk as Aladdin gestured to Sora and gave a sharp whistle, calling upon a flying carpet, fit for the thief and the Princess. "Jas and I will keep with the Scarlet Lizard, just in case."
Pidgeot flew over head to have a view of the sea to the far west and went ahead for the lizard as Terra and the Donphans took off to the south west. Leon watched the group take off and had Pō keep ahead of Riku and Flygon. "You mind if the two of us keep tagging along?" He squinted his eyes to the south east and found a darkening cloud far ahead. "If we follow the storm, then I think we'll be able to find Raikou without any problems." Riku sighed at the eager youngster and the Moltres with a strange shade. "You don't have to keep asking, if it's odd then it's worth checking out."
Pō agreed and hurried, anticipating a great battle. As the group hurried to the storm, Riku felt a presence looming close and looked up to find something eclipsing the sun. A shadow of something in flight. Pō felt something predatory and flipped left to dodge a pounce of what looked to be a giant brown fur hawk with the head of a serpent and knife sharp talons. Flygon flew right to avoid the pounce as Riku notice the creature having yellow eyes and an emblem.
"Heads up!"
The Roc disappeared into the sand and ascended through Pō's shadow, to fire a bombardment of sizzling venom. Flygon glowed his claws and turned to leap at the monster and swipe, giving Riku elevation for a jump on the Roc's back.
Slash! Slash!
The Roc was cleaved by a day lit blade as Leon pressed his hands together and raised them to the sky. "Let's see if this bird can handle some heat." He focused and waved to make the sun rays intensify. "By the scorching heat, be the suns wrath upon this shadow!"
Pō inhaled and blasted a flamethrower at the Roc, making it roll to the sand as smolder. It disappeared as a bolt of fire and swerved to go after the youngster who gave that order. Pō dived down as the Sun Roc shot out bolts of dark fire across the fliers. Riku glowed in purple as the Sun Roc warped to repeat its barrage, Pō thought of a nasty plot and glowed as Leon took a deep breath and began a strange clap, glowing in light and bringing about a vigor. The Sun Roc appeared high and bared it's fangs for a venom blast, an opening Riku needed to flow at the heartless and blast it with purple flame that was more intense than expected. Flygon twirled a mighty dance and lunged with a thunder punch as Pō burst a fiery wrath and blasted the Sun Roc towards the sands bellow. It burrowed into the earth and caused it to ripple in bursts. Leon looked to the storm, gasped to an idea and gave a clap akin to the beating of drums, making something of a dance if he was still mounted on his bird. "Out of the scorching heat and into an early storm!"
Riku back flipped to Flygon and kept moving to avoid getting sand blasted as the storm cloud expanded, beckoned by someone. "Slam the ground with earthquake!" Flygon dived with his rider and punched to rip apart the sand, Riku followed with a stab that let loose a blast of light and forced the Sun Roc to fly out in an escape. It spat out spikes from it's throat as a counter attack as the sun was blocked out for a thunder cloud.
Drip! Drip! Drip! CRACKLE!
Lightning struck as Pō laughed at the heartless and flapped his wings, unleashing the winds of a hurricane that sent the Sun Roc in a daze. Leon followed with a helping hand clap and gave a vigor to the duo, Flygon flung Riku at the Roc and watched the boy thrust his blade into the Heartless, making it fall back to the ground as the dragon flew over to it's side and gave a finishing dragon claw, causing it to fall to the ground bellow and release a heart before disappearing. Leon and Pō cheered as one. "Another monster is brought down!" (Swept away before the true masters of the sky!)
Rumble! CRACKLE!
The rumbling thunder and the lightning gave the group a reason to descend to the sand and continued on foot. Riku jumped off and had a hand on Flygon's shoulder while Leon stepped off and felt an exhilaration. "That advise earlier was helpful. It takes thinking about it and the magic can work as a stand in for extra moves."
Riku smiled wide at the youngster. "Even if you're not a fighter by yourself, that kind of support works in sync with those who can." Leon hurried to call Pō back and bring about Pueo. "Now we just got to put up with this storm, Raikou's bound to follow this one soon!"
The Decidueye flew ahead as Riku sent out his Growlithe and took the lead, it wasn't long until paw prints were found and the dog used his nose to pick up the scent of thunder. Barking and sprinting to a collection of rocky hills that is bombarded by lightning, playing with the bolts, like a cat that's found the red light, was that Raikou. The beast almost didn't notice visitors and stood up slowly, like he had quite the entertaining time and sizing up the challengers. Riku locked eyes with the thunder beast and tossed a repeat ball. "Darter, let's get this lightning back in the bottle!"
Pop!
Out came the Sneasler that posed for battle as Pueo fired a quill at Raikou's shadow, Leon commanded. "You're not running from us, Bolt of the Heavens! This one challenges you for the right to capture you and you'll accept!"
The Raikou looked to the boys and focused to the cloudy sky. Riku saw the beast crackle and counter aimed with his blade and aimed his blade to the sky, causing the storm to split apart for a ray of strong sunlight. Raikou fired a bolt of lightning that Darter dodged in a roll, his partner commanded. "Dire claw!"
The Sneasler crossed his arms and rushed at the Raikou for a slash that worked like tranquilizer, Darter back flipped as Riku felt a ball open, bringing out Raz, who sprinted for battle and called. (I got this one!) Riku followed as Raikou dozed off. "Icy wind before he wakes up!"
The Weavile blasted a frigid wind that chilled Raikou awake. It shook itself and saw the Weavile taking over for his brother, it closed his eyes and brought about a violet aura that made the dark type sweat.
PEW!
A sphere of aura fired and Darter dashed in the way to take the blow. Raikou gave a hmph and shook to make the clouds swallow up the sunlight. Rumble! The thunder cat let loose a roar and used the water to boil it into a scalding shot, forcing the brothers in a move as lightning struck upon them. Riku picked Growlithe up, gave a glow and sprinted to the side. "Growlithe, finish this with head smash!"
Fling!
He tossed the canine that dashed to the sand and used a flowing light to collide, sending Raikou rolling into the sand. The beast stood up and channeled his aura as Leon sneaked behind and used a timer ball to toss at the calve, Raikou flinched on the notice and was dragged in.
Tap! Tap! Shake...shake...shake... click!
The capture was successful and the thunder storm died down. Riku felt his blood rushing and whistled. "Man, you weren't kidding when you compare these legends to the stuff we find at Olympus." Leon picked up the ball at let out the confused Raikou that looked to the band and roared once more. Raz jumped and pleaded. "Hey, hey! We didn't come after you because we felt like it. We heard that there's someone around here that is up to something nasty and it has the name of your Boss all over it."
Darter nodded with him. "If we keep you and your bros safe, then we can reach Ho-oh before that someone does." Raikou was alarmed at the mention of his master and closed his eyes in a moment, he felt something alarming and shivered before growling with them. (But where should we start if we're to stop this mad human?) Flygon was thinking into it as Riku considered a possible meeting ground and snapped his fingers. "A friend of ours found these ruins that can work while we figure this out."
He looked down to the Growlithe and hurried to check his bag. "But first, we're going to need some ground so you can follow us." He brought out a fire stone that he obtained through passing a story along with the Mother Sneasler, the Growlithe barked eagerly as Leon kept his distance, not wanting to stop this moment. Riku placed the stone down and watch the dog check it for a moment before looking to his partner and rushing over to tap his nose on it. The stone glowed in fire and enveloped the pup in it's power, causing him to grow to the size of a horse. Something that caused Riku to take a step back as the Growlithe's fur grew into a mane that looked akin to stone armor across his shoulders and chest. His head grew what looked to be three jagged horns and the ankles grew what looked to be smoke that complimented a curled tail.
Pew!
In the Growlithe's place is a dog with dark red fur, black stripes across it. His muzzle, mane, ankles, wrist and tail were of light gray. His wrists fur looked akin to decorative wings and his gray eyes gave a playful, if determined vigor.
The Arcanine gave a deep woof and panted, barking while Leon called Pueo back and listen to the Raikou giving a moo like meow. Riku called the Sneasel Brothers back and gave the balls a pet before putting them away and getting on the dog. "We know the way Raikou, so just follow us once we get going."
Leon hurried in a giggle. "From a tiny Growlithe to a mighty Arcanine, evolution through stones are a convenience!" Riku agreed and is having a childish fantasy. "Might have to deal with this size sooner, but I can handle it!" Leon climbed up as Flygon kept behind and was amazed. Riku gave a tap on the Arcanine's shoulder and gave a hut, Arcanine barked and sprinted with the Raikou and Flygon racing him.
At the south of the desert.
Terra and the Donphans were feeling the heat of a desert sun that seems to be shining direction above them. Even in regards to the wind blowing against them, it's a scorcher. Terra noticed something in a distant mirage and slowed down, signaling the Donphans to do the same as the human checked around to find the paw prints of a great feline. Going towards the west, into a rising cloud of vapor and lightning, Terra turned his ride into blade and hurried with his companions, into a storm of a brawl, where Entei and a strange, long neck beast that resembles Raikou were doing battle against a humanoid shadow that have aquatic blue ears and a veil of shadow. The long neck had the colors of Raikou, but it's shape is akin to a sauropod. The back had hollow spiked sails of blue bolts to match the tail and it's head was covered by a mane resembling a swirling cloud. The Marid was quickly in a corner and charged up a bubble blast, only for the long neck's mane to crackle in lightning and strike in the sound of a clap, shocking the bubble into a burst and giving Entei the chance to disappear and deliver an extreme speed finisher.
The Heartless dissolved into dark vapors and the Entei gave a roar that spooked the long neck, the Great Tusk blinked in confusion and roared for their attention. The Entei stood proudly as the long neck tried to look down. The dinosaur looked quite excited at the arrival of the prehistoric beast and those accompanying it, Terra used the Dex to give a quick, silent analysis of the specimen, who is right bellow the Walking Wake. "Raging Bolt: The Jurassic Pokemon: Electric/ Dragon. It's said to incinerate everything around it with lightning launched from its fur. Very little is known about this creature. It bears resemblance to a Pokémon that became a hot topic for a short while after a paranormal magazine touted it as Raikou's ancestor."
The grown asked. "Raging Bolt? Please tell me that you have a real name behind that?" The Raging Bolt was a bit embarrassed as Entei wondered. (You're more than a Raikou impostor, but we have more pressing matters.) He growled in anticipation. (The dark forces are stirring in the desert again in worse numbers and we don't have much time to figure out this source.) He guessed. (You're not from that city, are you?)
Donphan shook her head. (We've traveled there and took off to look for you guys.) She stamped her left foot in a plea. (We think Ho-oh might be in danger if we don't find him soon. We need your help and the only way to do it is by facing you in battle and capturing you.)
The Entei grunted with a smile. (I appreciate the honesty, very well.) He tensed and heat up. (If you wish to protect my master!) "ROAR!" (Prove your resolve!) Great Tusk and Raging Bolt stepped back as Donphan blew her trunk at the beast with the sun at his back. Entei ignited into blue flame and Terra knew that's not a norm. "Dodge!" Entei sprinted and fired a short range blast as Donphan leaped left to avoid the blow and stomp a shock wave of bull doze. Entei was sent into a roll, let loose the sacred fire and blasted Donphan into a roll, leaving her with a stinging burn. Terra gave a fast switch, impressed by the legend only spoken of. He tossed a pokeball and called out. "Ursa, we can use this!"
Pop!
Out came an Ursaring that gave a mighty roar as the Entei ignited once more, Terra glowed in reflective light and flung a barrier to block the worst of the sacred fire. The barrier was shoved against the bear and left a burn, giving an opening for her to rush over and deliver a blow of a facade punch. Entei was sent in a roll, towards a wall of jagged stones that were set up by a Dusk Lycanroc. The legend wasn't amused and vanished to tackle the Ursaring in extreme speed.
POW!
A facade kick sent Entei rolling once more, Terra focused and flowed to the jagged rocks before bringing out an ultra ball and tossing it down at the legend.
Tap!
Bop! Bop! Bop!
Shake...shake...shake... click!
Ursaring phewed as Terra dived down to pick up his catch. The grown up smiled wide at the accomplishment and sent out the burnt Donphan and the defeated Entei. "Nice work, you two!"
He brought out a green vile and uncorked it, bringing about a light that soothed the wounds and aliments. The Great Tusk gave a grunt of approval and sensed something in the earth, he and Entei turned north to find Raikou and a strange Arcanine racing across the sand, with Riku and Leon on the dogs back. The veteran turned to ask. "Some friends of mine are heading to somewhere that will help us figure out our next move. You mind following?" Entei didn't as the Raging Bolt's ear twitch, he picked something up and nearly jumped in a panic before bringing about a crystal light and roaring. (We gotta move like the current, something big is happening!) Pew!
Heading over to the Red Sea.
Sora and the crew raced from one end of the desert to the other and found a display of steam and earth fighting against an onslaught of long clawed shadows. On a second inspection, Suicune, Zygarde and Talonflame were fighting side by side against the dark ambush. Pidgeot was fast to fly ahead with the blow of a tail wind and let loose a heat wave upon what looked to be decrepit shadows with long claws. Sora had the Dreepys ready and whispered to the newer one. "Watch this and follow."
Fling!
He flung the main Dreepy and the other was quick to join in as the band got closer and closer. Kairi used the chance to let out Sea Fang and bark. "Rush those ghouls with water fall and don't stop!"
The Sharpedo flew out of his ball and jetted after a row as the carpet got close enough for a stop, Aladdin and Jasmine jumped off, they brought out Morgrem and Torracat, who faked out a couple of ghouls and left them exposed to the thief charging with his scimitar. Kairi flew off of Koraidon and slashed through the swarm in record speed, it wasn't long until the dark forces receded. Pidgeot flew to Suicune, Zygarde and Talonflame, checking if they were injured before flapping and cawing. (Glad to have shown up. Zyg, you told the North Wind what's been going on?) The canine nodded as Suicune looked to the approaching band and asked back. (It was only a matter of time before a vile human gives in to that lust for power.)
He stepped to a clearing and smirked in respect for the Pidgeot, the humans and the pokemon brought along to aid. (Protecting one such as The Rainbow in the Sky is no small feat. Do you have what it takes to succeed?)
Pidgeot looked to Sora, Kairi and their partners to ask. (You got what it takes to show this legend why you're the champs?) Sea Fang barked to Kairi. "We got a fight abound!"
The keybearers flinched and the Princess tensed at the challenge, Suicune saw that and quietly walked to the shore, stepping on the water to walk a ways in. Sora and Aladdin were amazed by the simple display and the boy sent out Quill. "Come on, we can take him!" He turned to the locals. "Keep an eye out and watch! This is going to be cool!"
Aladdin and Jasmine took a step back by the Koraidon as the teenagers approached the Suicune, taking the challenge. The North Wind raised his head proudly and gave a chilling roar. Kairi gasped to an idea and called out. "Sora, try using that Tera Orb on Quill, just in case Suicune has a trick we're not expecting!" The boy was on it and brought out the orb, he gave a confused aim and felt a power flow out, a crystal light that blew against him as it radiated. He tossed it at the determined Dartrix and watch it shine upon him, causing his body to be in cased in crystal.
BURST!
The owl flew out with a purple hue and a pendant with the symbol of ghost types, right as Suicune blew an icy wind upon the two. Quill was in a chill as Sea Fang jumped over the wind and dived into the water, Kairi ordered fast. "Sea Fang, crunch that Suicune!" Sora followed. "Daze him with that ray and give him a razor leaf!" The water rippled fast at the North Wind and the Brute leaped out for a chomp, Suicune was tossed to a confuse ray blast and was in a daze. Sea Fang followed with a poison fang bite and was blasted a ways by scalding wind, the Sharpedo was feeling the singe as Quill tossed a long reaching razor leaf barrage.
Slash!
Suicune felt the critical blow and tried to fire a scalding blast, only to over do it and blast itself in the face. Kairi switched to the Iron Bundle and ordered. "Iceberg, we have this!"
The robot landed on the shore and saw his opponent in the distance, he gave an eager beep and flapped to get over the water. "Freeze dry!" Iceberg had his tail like device slink bellow and fire a burst of wind that caused Suicune to shake himself out of his stupor. Suicune leaped to the side and shot a scalding blast on the owl that jumped over it.
Iceberg gave a clap of an encore and exposed the Suicune to another razor leaf strike, Sora pointed. "Shadow sneak!" Quill took a step and extend his shadow for a glimmering sucker punch that knocked Suicune to his side, Sora was left in a focus and tossed a dive ball far and fast. It tapped the Suicune, brought him in and landed in the water. Shake...shake...shake... click!
With that, Suicune was caught and Iceberg was about to take the ball when something strange rushed out of the water and seized the ball, a floating dark gray eel that cackled and zipped over the band to make it to a rift of blue fire. A hand reached out to steal the ball away and a condescending voice echoed. "I'll be taking that!" Aladdin and Jasmine recognized the force as the figure of a young looking sorcerer pulled the ball into the rift and was sizing up the visitors. Aladdin called out to the sorcerer. "Mozenrath!?" The Sorcerer chuckled. "Well, hello to you too!"
Sora knew there was a connection and keep quiet as he felt a Dreepy hide in his pocket. "You're the creep that's going after that bird." Mozenrath was less amused at something obvious. "We'll, someone's observant the magical weapons and companions that scholars have been dying" he fired a blast out of the portal. "to discover!" Sora rolled out of the way as the blast made contact with the water and caused it to boil into steam. Mozenrath gave a simple gesture and made the rift close up before Talonflame could tackle him. "I'd say it would be fun to watch you sort this out, but I have immortality to obtain! Finish them!" Burst!
Out of the steam came an hulking figure of steam and fiery eyes, more akin to a titan fought at Olympus than the usual dark forces. Sora and Kairi felt a chill in their hearts, a presence wished to lend aid. The duo kept side to side and aimed their blades as one, bringing about a keyhole rift that let loose a glaciating power, freezing the sand and countering the steam as something brought itself over. Kyurem. The locals were surprised by the prehistoric ice beast as Comfey clapped in a helping hand, allowing Kyurem to blast the Steam Elemental with the might of a tundra. Kairi followed. "Iceberg, freeze dry one more time!"
Sora brought out a timer ball to let loose the Iron Treads. "Biven, once you see that chance, smash it!" The Iron Bundle hurried to aim at the side of the Steam Elemental and cause it to freeze up into a cloud, the Iron Treads rolled up and rushed at the monster, smashing it into simple snow and skidding on the water before turning back to the shore.
Kyurem sighed at the lessening danger and turned to the humans, growling something their hearts were understanding. "The one who called upon that is a greater concern?" Aladdin blew out at the understatement. "Big time sorcerer that's went after Genie more times than you want to know." Jasmine didn't want to remember the details. "Mozenrath's nearly brought the land to ruins too many times this year." Sora wasn't amused. "And of course, he saw someone like Ho-oh as his chance to be a big shot." Kairi imagined. "And I doubt Ho-oh would go anywhere near that guy unless it's to stop him."
Kyurem grunted in agreement. "Are you going to show that human why we won't take kindly to that?"
Zygarde growled as Quill turned to a tall mountain at the center north of the desert. "Heck no! We'll show Ho-oh that he has friends with us." Zygarde looked up to the mountain and was ready to sprint. (Over there is where Ho-oh ought to perch, that Sorcerer ought to be heading over there.) Koraidon and the Carpet agreed with that and were ready to let their companions on. Sora and Kairi called Quill and Iceberg back before jumping onto Koraidon's back and having him sprint while Pidgeot, Talonflame and the Magic Carpet took flight, with Zygarde and Biven following in fast pursuit. Kyurem dimmed his eyes in a wish for good luck and disappeared into the frost. A brawl is about to go underway.
Over at the Ruins.
Riku, Leon and their companions made it in the break neck speed of the eager Arcanine, with the minor complication that no one else is around. Riku was giving Arcanine a petting as Leon brought out binoculars and noticed a cloud of frost towards the west. With a peak, he noticed the squad of couples and the Iron Treads hurrying towards a great mountain up north. "Hmm. Something's happened and it's came to our friends attention." Riku guessed. "Our low life of the day's made his move and they got an idea on where Ho-oh's getting lured to?"
Leon put the binoculars down. "Quite, you suppose this bad guy's swiped Suicune when the timing was right and is taking off to somewhere obvious?" Riku imagined it to be so. "Where else would Ho-oh land? This bad guy's going to count on that, so we need to get moving."
He was about to ask Flygon for something as the Raikou noticed a large ring surrounding them. The arena gave off a glow of an opening and dropped the band right in, onto the wide summit of a mountain, where a Sorcerer and his Eel were letting out a Suicune that was in a daze. The Aurora Pokemon wasn't quite focused on the arrivals and gave a glare before growling. (You've stolen me from the ones who've proved their worth.) He gave a crystal shine as the Sorcerer waved a hand. "Yes, yes, I only need one of you for-" Zap! He shocked Suicune with a sharp jolt of electricity. "the real prize!"
Raikou flinched as Riku, Arcanine and Flygon readied for a fight. "SHAAOH!"
The sun radiated blue and descended down as sacred flame, masking the silhouette of a great bird. Getting in between Suicune and the bolt before letting loose an intense heat. The Sorcerer smirked as something slithered out of his sleeve. "Oh did that fired you up?" He shot out a serpent that rushed around Ho-oh's neck and clapped it it's own tail, solidifying into a binder with a blue gem. In a sharp glow, Ho-oh was jerked out of his pose and flapped in an attempt to fight what ever the necklace was doing. Leon tossed two balls out and ordered. Pō, Kilokilo, K'ui we got to stop this!"
Pop!
A Hatterene's chime and a Moltres that is picking up what is going on drew the attention of the Sorcerer that was growing annoyed. "Looks like someone doesn't want me to get my hands on this." Glimmer! A crystal shine spirited in a team of a Raging Bolt, Entei, Lycanroc, Terra, Ursaring and the Donphans. The Eel cringed. "Uh-oh! Someone really doesn't want us to get the bird!" Terra was quickly piecing together what's been going on, called Ursaring back and had a ball ready at the hip. Entei and Raikou used the distraction to get to Suicune and pull him away from danger as the Sorcerer ordered. "Ho-oh, burn them!"
The blue power forced Ho-oh into channeling his sacred fire and launching at the younger duo, Raging Bolt fired a thunder clap to strike upon the Ho-oh and drew attention towards himself. The giant took the burst as Flygon rushed after the Sorcerer, bringing about his claws for a slash. The Sorcerer flickered into a blue glimmer and floated towards one end of the platform. He fired a cosmic orb that sent the dragon into a flight as Leon whistled to Pō and pointed to Ho-oh.
The Moltres channeled a dark wrath and flew over to keep the bird distracted as the Sorcerer had his eel fly to the sky and blast out cosmic bolts. The band were forced into a run as the Lycanroc intercepted the villain and gave a accelerok rush.
BLAST!
The wolf was countered in a blast as something was rumbling, a round electrical spear shot up from the edge and tilted to land on the earth as a carpet landed by him and dropped out Aladdin and Jasmine. The thief smirked to the Sorcerer and asked teasingly. "Mozenrath, you'd thought to leave us hanging while you're starting this party?" Koraidon climbed up, carrying a couple that were hanging on as a Pidgeot and Talonflame ascended. Zygarde appeared put itself together from the flat earth. The sorcerer rolled his eyes and focused his gauntlet on Ho-oh. "Aren't you a persistent surprise?" Ho-oh was forced to slam down on the earth and let loose and earthquake. K'ui rushed to the front and let loose a wide guard, causing the sorcerer to groan and conjure a black mist. "I'd had to be a little understaffed, but this latest pet of mine should be enough for all of you!"
The mist brought about a storm of bones that pieced itself together into a floating, six armed, skeletal humanoid with six schimitars. Mozenrath snapped his fingers on the command. "Deal with them!" The Schimiwraith whirled into a twister and rushed over to the larger group, Koraidon, Talonflame and Great Tusk tackled it as Terra sent out Kleavor and Primeape. He turned to the band and asked. "Come up with a plan while we handle this!"
He and his comrades charged for battle as Pidgeot flew back to blow a tail wind and shine his stone, mega evolving and bringing about a mighty caw. Leon called to his companions and had Pō unleash a fiery wrath upon Ho-oh, keeping him distracted as Kilokilo let loose a heal pulse for Suicune, giving him and the beast the chance to charge at the source of the ordeal. The couples and Biven intercepted Mozenrath, Sora and Kairi bringing out Quill, Iceberg, Morgrem and Torracat. Leon used the chance to order. "Pō, pounce on Ho-oh and go for that collar!"
The dark bird did so and fell to the earth with Ho-oh, giving a light peck as he inspected the gem. Ho-oh let loose his heat and sent the Moltres away. Pō shook the flames away chirped. (It's that collar, it's making him do this!) Kilokilo sighed. (Isn't that obvious.) She pointed at the binding and Leon had a second look while the Eel cackled and crackled. The youngster took a side step to avoid a tackle.
Sora and Biven went to Mozenrath's personal as Quill sneaked by and waited for chance to strike, Morgrem and Aladdin leaped to the Sorcerer's side to keep him surrounded. Mozenrath ascended and blasted the ground, flickering to avoid Torracat's pounce as Jasmine focused on the direction and blasted out a fiery tiger. Mozenrath deflected the blast and admitted. "Didn't know you were taking lessons, Princess." Jasmine scowled. "Like I ever had that chance!" Swoop! Pidgeot unleashed a hurricane blast on the Sorcerer and sent him over the edge. Flicker! He warped and fired a fast electrical blast. Flygon intercepted and took the blast before dancing fiercely.
On the other side, Leon was trying to avoid the eel and wasn't concentrating on countering. Riku let out the Flutter Mane and ordered. "Penumbra, blast that eel!" The eel huhed as he had a look at the materializing banshee that fired a shadow ball and was having a look at the Ho-oh that was in a binding and shining like the sun. She gasped. (The sun's in trouble!) She sensed dark energy from the binding and directed her gaze at the busy Sorcerer, she shrieked in spectral power. (Blasphemy!) She was about to glide over as Riku ordered. "Wait, wait! Just trust me on this one."
The Flutter Mane focused on the eel that was sent flying and pounced on it for a draining kiss, wasting little time in a vicious assault and giving Leon time to focus. "If I try shouting it, they'll figure out what we're up to." He gasped and looked to Kilokilo, who was sensing the idea. "Maybe-" He took his right hand, pressed two fingers up and pressed it to the side of his temple. "Kilokilo, can you relay this?"
The Hatterene giggled and gave a pleasing chime of a voice. "Wouldn't hurt to try." Leon thought about the binding and the gem that is engulfing Ho-oh in a matching power. He realized something and focused his sight on Riku. "Hey, Pō's figured something out." The teenager let the voice in. "Can it get Ho-oh out of this mess?"
The Hatterene focused a voice. "It's that collar, it's forcing him to fight for that Sorcerer!" Leon gasped and had a mental image of a sleek newt bombarding at a long range. "If we got a Dragapault on our side, he can fire those Dreepys at Ho-oh's collar with precision."
Riku was imagining the one who's busy in combat. "If he can get a shot in." He looked to Arcanine and pet the mane before glowing. "I'll get him right here!" PEW! He and Arcanine warped in a pillar of light, getting to Sora, who was busy dodging cosmic bolts. Kilokilo focused and suggest. "Think over to your friend!"
Riku did so and gave a whistle in his head. Sora stopped what he was doing and turned to the older boy who waved, Aladdin turned as Kairi and Iceberg fired a blast to counter Mozenrath's and allow Jasmine to charge up the Torracat for a fiery leap. Riku focused to ask the two. "Sora, Aladdin. If we can take care of that collar around Ho-oh's neck, we can put an end to this." Sora thought back. "Any ideas that can help right around now?"
Riku focused and allowed Leon to project. "We need to break that collar and there's an obvious gem. You have two partners who can help you use the move for the job. Dragon Darts!" Sora gasped and looked to his pockets as Mozenrath let loose a shock wave to get the ladies away. "That can do it!"
He asked. "Riku, cover me!" He flowed to intercept a Ho-oh that was in a four way brawl with K'ui and the legendary beasts, Mozenrath pressed his hands together. "Oh no you won't!"
BLAST!
Aladdin pointed and whistled fast at Morgrem, who leaped in the way of a magical blast and conjured a light screen. Sora called to the Dreepys. "Come on, let's get back at this guy!" The veteran Dreepy flew to the blade and let Sora spin him around.
FLING!
Dreepy was launched at the blue gem of the binding as the more timid Dreepy followed her friends lead and held on.
Fling!
The veteran collided with the gem and was knocked back in a pulse, the timid one rushed at the crystal and caused it to crack out a pulse. Ho-oh nearly fell and flew above the ground to try and get away from the beasts. The Raging Bolt took the chance and fired a dragon pulse on the collar, causing another blast that brought the binding to near tethers.
Mozenrath growled and caused a blackness to pour from his cloak. "You're going to pay for that!"
Riku and Arcanine pounced on him in a double flaming charge. Pidgeot and Talonflame intercepted Ho-oh and flew around to make a fiery, windy as Flygon took his chance to tackle the busy Schimiwraith and delivered a thunder punch to the back. Ho-oh was looking around confused and Sora whistled to the Dreepys, returning them to the blade. The boy high jumped and tossed a dragon dart duo at the binding, making it shatter completely and causing Ho-oh to loose flight at the release. Mozenrath had the sand engulf the Schimiwraith and made it twirl to let loose a mass splash. Swallowing up the Princesses, their companions, Riku's band and the many ground bound in what looked to be akin to bubbling tar. Pō swooped Leon off his feet to get him to safety as Kilokilo and Flutter Mane hovered above. Aladdin was caught in Kilokilo's hold and had a familiar shock as Sora landed on Pidgeot and saw the crowd missing. "What did you do to them?"
Mozenrath dusted his hands casually. "Just a little something to keep them out of the way. Don't worry, you'll be joining them-" He had the sand unleash a cluster of skeletal claws. "soon enough!" He channeled a binding spell for the freed Ho-oh as Leon noticed an emerald comet descending from the sky.
RUSH! "KIRARARARA!"
The Sorcerer was knocked off his balance by the force of emerald wind, he flipped to get a look at the comet curling and revealing itself. Leon phewed. "Rayquaza!" Mozenrath channeled a cosmic aura. "Almost forgotten about you!" He swiped to bring about a meteor, Rayquaza curled to avoid it as a yellow ring flew to the sand and opened a purple rift. "Dive, dive, dive!"
A Genie turned himself into a missile and dived into the ring as Sora felt someone right by him, the boy turned to find a sneaky imp that whispered. "That goop sent them into some prison, this ought to get you in without getting caught up. Dive in there and help fish those guys out." He used a ring and sneaked in. "We got this!" Sora nodded as Kilokilo tossed Aladdin onto the mega evolved bird. Pidgeot, Talonflame, Flygon, Ho-oh and Flutter Mane dived in as Leon focused his gaze on Mozenrath and barked. "Fiery wrath!" The Moltres cawed and flapped a dark power that sent the sorcerer over the edge. Leon locked eyes and coughed politely. "Now, looks like it's our turn."
Mozenrath blew away the dark power and noticed he's going up against a child, he scoffed. "Shouldn't you be studying for the more finer things at your age?" Leon pat Pō at the back of his neck. "You mean like the creatures of legends? They are to be respected, not treated like some fancy treasure." He scowled with the Moltres. "Immortality?! You really think Ho-oh can just give that power away?"
The Sorcerer shrugged. "If not, he has the power comparable to a Pheonix. When they show their age, they let it go in a blaze and are reborn in the ashes!" Leon hymned. "When old age takes it's toll, that flame can make one start all over again. Ho-oh's power doesn't work the way you think it does." His gaze darken as his tone lighten. "But, it's not like you're the type he would approach." Pō flapped a mighty hurricane, the Sorcerer avoided the blast and admitted. "Eh. So why wait for that when I can just take it the old fashion way!" He fired a bolt that the Moltres barrel rolled away as Rayquaza gave a fierce dance.
With in the Black Sand.
The Guardians of Light and their allies were in quite the situation, with the strange sand having their feet bound in what is akin to tar, the dark orange eldritch sky as well as the Schimiwraith that was making an attempt at their lives. Terra, Kairi, Terra and a reassembling Zygarde parried two blades each as the Donphans were in a struggle to move. Jasmine, Iceberg, Suicune and Raikou were firing wildly as K'ui was trying to swing his icy fists. Quill was left without anyone telling him what to do and gasped to an idea, tossing a confuse ray to daze the Schimiwraith into throwing a slash off course and striking his many hands by accident. He tossed a razor leaf as a follow up and brought attention to the construct. Jasmine noticed a yellow ring in the strange sky, appearing out of nowhere and opening a rift. Out of it came a blue missile resembling someone. "Thank goodness!"
The missile collided with the Schimiwraith and let loose a burst of power before reforming into the Genie. "Don't worry all, the back up plan is here!" He used his tail to conjure a golden keyblade with a lamp as the head, he gave a fast cleave at the skull as the ring let out a mega Pidgeot with Sora and Aladdin at his back. Behind them was a cavalry of Flygon, Talonflame, Ho-oh and the Flutter Mane. Sora gave the order. "Pidgeot, blow that thing away in a hurricane!" The mega bird nodded and flapped a blast at the undead monstrosity as Ho-oh and Flygon hurried to pull the lighter ground bound pokemon out of the sand. Flutter Mane hurried after the Schimiwraith and delivered a point blank thunder bolt to paralyze it, letting Quill sucker punch a shadow sneak. Sora glided to pluck the owl out of the sand as Genie raised his hand and caused the heavier pokemon to glow, pulling them out of the sand and giving them flight. "Head on out the ring and get back to the real world while we handle this!"
Donphan hesitated to leave Terra behind, the grown up gave her a smirk as Kleavor used his freedom to cleave an arm off the Schimiwraith. Primeape was at a peak of rage and punched the monsters skull so harsh that it's jaw was sent flying.
Entei and Arcanine followed on that with an extreme speed rush and a head smash as Genie plucked Jasmine and the teenagers out of the goop. Kairi and Iceberg channeled a frosty aura and fired a sub zero geyser at the Schimiwraith as K'ui followed with an ice punch to it's head and sent it flying before smashing the body into the tar with a crab hammer. The skull hovered in place and had the swords fly to it, they swirled like a swarm and were flung at the escapes. Raging Bolt took the chance and shot a thunder clap at the skull as Sora flung the Dreepys, the skull was sent into a spin. The Dusk Lycanroc rushed the skull like a jagged spear sd Riku let loose a radiant sun that brought the Penumbra into shade, she ascended high and fired a shadow ball that sent the skull falling to the sand. The swords lost their flight and the band hurried to escape the prison.
Out of the Ring.
Pō was keeping nimble to avoid the magic projectiles and tendrils of the black sand reaching out. Leon kept a supporting clap of a helping hand, allowing the bird and the witch to bombard the Sorcerer with the power of wrath and gleam. The strange eel tried to make a sucker punch at the youngster and to surprise, was punched square in the face.
Rayquaza rushed the Sorcerer in extreme speed as a follow up, Mozenrath flickered away as the dragon curled and ascended to the sky. Leon aimed his hand with Kilokilo. "Ha!"
The Sorcerer was pelted by a dazzling psyshock barrage, Leon charged an orb of light and aimed. "Solar blind!"
Pew!
Mozenrath felt his eyes sting and closed them. "Erk! Where did you learn this?" Leon snickered and used a hand to cover his mouth. "It's just an idea from the friends in that sand. Who ascended down to these lands like a comet!"
The eel shook himself from the punch and saw the emerald comet descend down fast. "Uh oh!"
He flew in the way and let loose an mystical shock wave, Leon clapped a helping hand that caused the comet to radiance. "Along side us, giving us his blessing to protect this land and those were were unlucky to be here!"
SMASH!
Rayquaza speared through the barrier and collided with the sorcerer, he was sent into a spin and was regaining his vision, finding an imp that pick pocked him and flew towards the bird. Mozenrath checked to see a dive ball that could be used for leverage, missing.
The ring shined to spill out the prisoners and the imp used his power to scatter the sand. Mozenrath glowed blue in a rage and used his glove to fire a dark bolt at the boy that stood in his way. Kairi was met with an imp that handed over the dive ball. "Here you go, so... how are we doing this?"
Kairi watched Kilokilo landed determined as Leon gave a helping hand clap for the Moltres, invoking a wave of fiery wrath that pushed against the Sorcerer's counter blast. Quill crystalize into spectral power and dashed with Sora and the Dreepys, the spikey haired boy flung the duo as Quill extend his shadow to make dark darts, striking Mozenrath in a spin. Sora called the duo back and flung them as one, the eel tried to intercept a block and was knocked to his master, sending the both of them falling over the edge. Sora felt his heart skip a beat and got on Pidgeot. "Come on, that falls going to kill them!"
The bird agreed as Leon called. "Come on Pō, we beaten them up enough!" The birds dived after the falling Sorcerer, Pō grabbed him fast in a firm grip as Pidgeot kept a distance. Sora called out and readied his blade. "Alright, it's finally over!"
Mozenrath felt the wind out of him. "Quiet-" He crackled in sharp lightning. "for you idiots!"
SHOCK!
Pō and Pidgeot were shocked silly, Leon gasped and focused a burst of pollen that rushed into the birds mouths and caused them to glow in a heal. The Moltres tossed the Sorcerer down as Pidgeot blasted a hurricane in a rage, sending the duo falling bellow as an imp dived down and tossed a ring. "Let's see you get out of this one, punk!"
The ring opened in strange power and sucked the duo into somewhere, causing them to scream into the vortex. The ring glimmered, shrank and returned to the imp that breathed out. Pidgeot powered down in exhaustion as the humans were out of breath. Sora and Leon wanted to know what happened and the imp answered. "A Hoopa Ring that sent them to a world that will deal with them the moment they act like they do." Leon felt the tone familiar. "I know this tone and that smirk anyone, could this Hoopa be-" The birds followed the imp back to the summit and let their riders off. The imp waved in good will and snickered to the Genie. "That went off without much of a hitch. I sent the crook somewhere that will keep him from being trouble." The Djinn was relieved of one less worry. "Thank the Light for that one!"
Ho-oh sighed and looked to the band in gratitude, particularly at Leon. Aladdin asked in a double take. "Kid, you got some nerves to stand up to that guy." Kairi was the first to be impressed. "Did we see that right?" Leon blushed. "Well... someone had to keep him busy before he does something funny with that goop. But this leaves us with one more task for the day."
He locked eyes with Ho-oh as Kilokilo hovered to his side. Sora was seeing a tension as Riku confessed. "Like it or not, Ho-oh needs to be captured and someone figured out what was going on." The spikey haired boy agreed. "And told us how to solve it."
Aladdin shrugged. "The magical birds tend to figure us out." Ho-oh nodded, even if the description was crude, Leon took a deep breath in preparation. "That, they do. It is said that Ho-oh would only ever grace those who are pure in the heart, who have that sense of good will and justice that isn't too common."
He explained to the bird. "Ho-oh, we've set about capturing the Three Beasts because we figured that Sorcerer was up to something. He was willing to sink to any low, just to bring your attention. But we've put a stop to that." He showed a ball and declared. "I ask, on your behalf, that you come with us in one of these. Just so no one else tries that again."
Ho-oh looked to the lot, had a warming smile and flapped off the ground. He raised his wings to resemble the sun and cawed, the challenge was answered. Leon sighed. "Very well. Kilokilo, Ho-oh has taken our request... but we have one more task still."
The Hatterene understood and floated towards the bird that burst in sacred fire and ascended to toss it at the witch. Kilokilo took the blast and felt the burn as Leon ordered. "Fly after him and nuzzle!"
The fairy crackled and shot herself to the air, tackling Ho-oh head on and letting loose a shock that paralyzed. "Psyshock and fall back!" Kilokilo let herself fall and twirled to conjure psychic rocks to pelt the great bird. Leon called the witch back and looked over to the Moltres, a great bird against a great bird.
Ho-oh stomped the ground to let loose an earthquake that failed to affect. Pō ascended like a dark cloud and Leon insist. "Fiery wrath and I can handle the rest!" The Moltres blew down the dark flames and knocked Ho-oh to the ground in a flinch. Leon brought out a luxury ball and twirled to give a toss.
Tap! Bop!
POP!
Ho-oh broke out, raised his wings and glowed, recovering from the damage of battle, Leon tensed and snickered. "Looks like we'll have to get nasty!" Pō plotted and giggled, he dodged a sacred fire projectile and let loose a stronger storm, bringing Ho-oh in a flinch and giving the youngster an opening to hurry to the right and toss a heal ball.
Tap! Shake! Bop! Bop! Click!
Leon felt the sensation of drums finishing a beat and hurried to pick up the ball. "And it is finished." He tossed the ball and let out a Ho-oh who was surrounded by a refreshing mist, fully healed from the battle. Kairi was left quite charmed as Riku clapped. "Another legend! Now we got more questions that need answers."
Leon agreed and looked over to the three beasts, who were sniffing around the Raging Bolt, Raikou in particular was puzzled by such a form as the Jurassic beast gave a glow of crystal and emit a shine. Spiriting the band back to the abandoned ruins.
At the entrance to a cave within a mountainside.
The mysterious stranger was looking around with a Mimikyu by his side. The disguise pokemon had her cloak well stitched from years of use and kept a devoted watch. The duo notice the entrance going deeper and the human wondered. "Think this might be worth our time Lost?"
The Mimikyu looked up and chirped. (It's the only cave in the area.) The stranger recalled gazing upon a strange city. "Yeah, there wasn't anything on the other side." He brought out his Rotom Dex and had him light the way. "If we get in deep enough, we can save the guys another hour."
The Mimikyu agreed and notice a Hoopa Ring appearing, letting out the little imp that declared. "Hey, kid, got good news." The Stranger half turned. "The guys took care of that problem? I saw some of the fighting from over here."
The Hoopa nodded and floated by him. "They're going to have a haul in their hands. You found something as well?" The Stranger nodded and lead the way in. "This is the only cave way we could find and maybe-" The Rotom shined light to a wall going up a slope, having climbable ledges that could be used. The wall stretched as far as eyes would allow and the stranger know that leads somewhere. "Let's see if this goes anywhere." He grabbed on a ledge and pulled up into the darkness, with Hoopa keeping behind the stranger in case he fell as the Mimikyu jumped on her partners back. Serving as an extra hand to keep balance.
With in a few minutes, they reached something of a platform to climb on, leading to a tunnel further in. They entered a chamber with delicately narrow platforms and a pit that would be a long way down into doom. Something Hoopa wasn't going to risk and provided a Hoopa Ring, an offer the Stranger and his partners accepted. The corridor took a turn to the right into a slope downward, the stranger and Mimikyu slid down in style while Rotom and the Hoopa flew behind. The Stranger and Mimikyu saw the slope leading to a drop and at the other side was a ledge going into a room, the Stranger and ghost type used the acceleration to jump over and hurried into a chamber with a strange braille wall. On top was a pattern of dots resembling an H.
The Stranger signaled to Rotom and pointed. "We found something! Translate this!" The Rotom was on it as Hoopa realized. "Kid, what are you doing?" The Rotom finished translating as the Stranger asked. "According to our report, we might have to take the long way into these, but the forces that are trying to make Shadow Pokemon out of the regis can just slip past this if given the chance. We're here now, so maybe we can work ahead of the Key Guys?"
He read the text. "We hide our dark side with the light and over whelm those who mask themselves as our-" The Stranger stopped himself from saying an arrogant phrase and thought as Hoopa advised. "We probably should let the Key Guys handle this, but that's not why you've been interesting."
The Stranger nodded and brought out a pokeball. We're here right now and I think I know the puzzle. Someone can't stand what they think is a weakness and try to cover it with something else. A pokemon who has a type that is weak to another can still take normal damage if it has another type to cover it. So, Lost" the Mimikyu scurried to the door eagerly as the Stranger tossed the orb. "and Brimmy!"
Pop!
Out came an Incineroar who's stretched from a pleasing nap and listened to his partners explanation. "These guys could be the key we have. A ghost type would get creamed by a dark type and a dark type wouldn't like going up against a fairy type on both accounts. But the fairy type can't do much to a fire type. They take neutral damage and are equals in normal matches."
The two stood before it as Hoopa was impressed by the thinking. "One type compensates for the other and vise versa. Much like how the rock type have as many weaknesses as the types they can shrug off."
Crumble!
The wall came crumbling down, what has been allowed can't be undone. Hoopa was picking up something in his senses as the Stranger smiled proudly. "We've gone way too far now. With how much everyone is working though, it wouldn't hurt if this former champ lends a hand." The Hoopa agreed and hurried with a Mimikyu that was hissing at something. "Yeah, yeah! We're hurrying!"
The Stranger and Incineroar followed fast and entered a chamber with a still, dark brown Regirock in dormancy. By it and pouring dark power into it was a dark totem. The Stranger gasped as Lost's eyes glowed, she scurried after the Totem and gave a swift claw to break it apart into a Corruptor. The Stranger bark. "Brimmy, fake that monster out! Lost-" He shined his Z Power Ring and shined a yellow crystal as the Incineroar leaped at the Heartless and faked it out. The Stranger began to pose like a fairy, giving a rather spooky smile that the Mimikyu interpreted as an order, power flowed into her as she scurried into the darkness. The Corruptor clawed the Incineroar away and had a moment to sense something pouncing it from behind and engulfing it into a cloak. The Stranger brought out a dusk ball. "Nebby, once Lost tosses the monster, blast it with the power of the Moon!"
Pop!
Out came a glimmering Lunala that wasted little time opening her third eye and posing like the moon, her wings charged energy into the center as the Mimikyu beat the Corruptor with an inch of it's existence and tossed it in the direction of the Moone. PEW! A blast of moonlight vaporized it and left behind a chamber with a slumbering golem.
The Lunala flapped her wings proudly as the band felt a mission was accomplished. The Stranger felt nothing else in the chamber and approached the dormant golem, he put a hand on it's shoulder and sighed in pity. "Trapped in a nightmare and trapped in this hole. Not knowing if anyone's going to rescue him."
He thought more and turned to the Hoopa. "Little Horn, we could use help from a key guy. But I want the way to be as clear as possible before we try to tell them the news. Think if we try the procedure, Regirock will be able to hear us?"
Hoopa didn't see a reason not to. "With some help from a psychic type, we can actually go into his mind. You, Mew and Brimmy could handle this job." The Stranger nodded and sent out his trusty Cofagrigus. "And we have the four pokemon to begin the procedure. It takes a ghost to beat a ghost, as long as there isn't a dark or normal type to go with it." He clapped. "Little Horn, Lost, Makuta, Nebby. Gather around and sing the tune."
He used a master ball to let out a pink, fetal like feline that twirled out playfully and was sensing a dormant heart in a perpetual prison. "Pops, we're going to dive into pretty big stuff!"
The Stranger nodded. "I know. If we can show Regirock that those scumbags were never the top guys around and show him what's changed... it could make his transition to that town all the sweater." He and Brimmy put a hand on Regirock's chest. "Isaac, I need your help. We need to go in there." The ghosts began to sing a melody as the Mew joined his paw with the two. "Don't worry, we got this together."
He glowed and closed his eyes with the divers, finding themselves in a mountainous landscape with a keyhole. The three didn't ask and hurried across into a castle with stained glass and a rocky doorway with the face of Regirock. Binding it was an amber shaped lock.
"Halt!"
Materializing before them was a muscular man in orange robes, he drew out a cleaver like blade with a bears face. He roared out in a command of authority. "What do you think you're doing? If you free this golem, do you know what kind of destruction he can cause?"
The Stranger gave a glare and barked back. "We'll be reuniting a family. And you're not getting in the way." The Bear Blade charged in a blink and was ready to cleave the three, only for Brimmy to get in between and clapped a fake out counter. Brimmy gave an intimidating growl as the Stranger stepped back. The Mew thought of something foul and had a spiteful smile. "You're just a lock that's about to be broken loose." The Stranger ordered. "Brimmy, knock that fancy sword off of him while Isaac goes for-" He focused and caused his Z Power Ring to flicker it's crystal, switching into a pink crystal with a curled tail.
The Stranger pressed his fingers to his temples, stood firm and aimed his left hand while the Mew flew around him. Light shined into the feline that ascended high, he brought about a multitude of psychic orbs that came together in a pattern of a double helix. "Genesis Supernova!"
The Bear Blade was coming through from the flinch and watch the double helix merge into an orb of power. The Bear Blade cleaved to at the Incineroar to throw him off and blitz after the Stranger that rolled to the side. The castle shook as the Mew aimed the orb. Letting the Stranger smirk. "A lot of big talk and the moment a real Champ comes around, you're at a loss."
The Bear Blade slashed horizontally in a rage, the Stranger back stepped mischievously and watched his foe smash the ground. He jumped over a shock wave as the Mew tossed the orb at the Bear Blade.
BOOM!
An explosion of psychic power sent the Bear Blade flying to a wall, weird power rushed across the terrain. The Bear Blade was dazed and the Incineroar used the chance to smack the blade away before back flipping. The Bear Blade tried to glide and found the terrain forcing him to slow down. A strange chanting came and spirited four images, a shadowy spirit, a horned imp, a mask and a bat of light. Feeding a green light into the lock as the Mew pressed his hands together to make a burst of psychic power, with a launch of a psycho boost, the Bear Blade was obliterated into pink smoke.
The spirits chanting caused the chamber to shake and the door on the verge of breaking loose. The Stranger was trying to figure out what to do as a feminine voice of glimmering light echoed. "Sheesh! Once again; I underestimate what a simple mortal is capable of doing when they and the friends by their side band together."
The three turned to find a strange looking blonde woman with a Starlight Keyblade, by her in that radiance was the form of Arceus. The Mew gasped and flew over to the Alpha. "Grand Pappy!"
The mythicals gave each other a playful nuzzle as the Stranger looked to the woman's weapon. "Is that a Key Thing I'm looking at?" The Lady nodded with a heavy heart beat and approached the lock. "It's the only way to free Regirock and let him walk among us once more. But what you've done has told him not to wait any longer. You've bested someone that called himself a Keyblade Master in a break neck record, with only two of your friends to do the work."
The Stranger laughed crudley. "Master my butt! I may not be a Champion anymore, but that title was well earned and well lost. I still have aces in the whole and pokemon that can get this kind of job done? Are you with the guys that my son's hanging out with? The ones my daughter talked about?"
The Lady shook her head and aimed her blade at the lock. "I wish I am, to have the chance at knowing them more as people and see first hand what they're becoming. Normally, I cannot interfere like this, but Arceus and Mew are helping me pull some strings through the realm of Dreams. Just call me Suiten."
She channeled a radiance unlike any other, one flowing with a passion of unfathomable love. It flowed into the keyhole and cause the lock to open loose, the door's dots shined and caused the castle to disappear. Revealing the mountainside temple.
The Stranger thought to introduce himself. "Call me Elio. I've over done this yet again and they're going to want a word with me about this." Suiten shrugged like it is a likely consequence as the memory reveled Regirock and his brothers building a place to call home. The Lady confessed. "You and your friends caught me off guard as well." She rolled her eyes and smirked. "But I guess a lifetime of adventures and puzzle solving made the urge of discovery second nature."
The memory shifted into something of a darker sky, one of Regirock and his brothers getting into a confrontation with the Bear Blade and his cohorts. Registeel stood in the way to take a blade as Regirock punched the Bear Blade away. Regice and a timid Regieleki fired a combination of ice and lightning at a spell caster in a indigo robe as a fuming Regidrago shifted to resemble a dragons skull, hovered high and blasted the back row thugs with a sliding beam that unleashed a burst of energy. Suiten glimmered after the thugs, sent them juggling in a fast combo of light and called upon constellations to resemble a Sagitirius that's aimed his bow. She fired the arrow as Elio ordered fast. "Regirock, body press that big one and follow with stone edge, don't miss!"
Regirock heard the order, leaped at the Bear Blade to press him to the ground and back jumped from a wide cleave before stomping the ground and sending his assailant away with jagged stones.
Suiten flew back as Arceus warped to the thugs personal and let loose a hyper voice that sent the thugs flying far across the land scape. Turning a nightmare into something of hope. Regirock turned to his brothers and shared joyous beeps before the dream shifted into the inside of a humble temple. One with a doorway of light. Regirock was realizing something and Suiten was more than amused. The Lady pat a hand on the Rock Peak's shoulder and promise. "Don't worry, you and your brothers will be together soon."
She gave a command to the grown up, like a goddess would to a Champion. "Elio, Champion from another world. You've overstepped a boundary that we would have allowed, but you have caused a miracle in itself to transpire. For this, I have a task that you won't ignore!"
Elio guessed humbly. "Someone's gotta make sure Regirock gets to the key dudes and they got to make sure the capture goes smoothly?" The Lady nodded back. "Correct. See that they're encounter transpires, but beware of an evil that is lurking in the shadows of this world!"
The mortal promise arrogantly. "I'll do so as soon as I know those guys are about finished catching every pokemon they could find. This evil is behind the heartless attacks out there?"
Suiten imagined so. "If this Sorcerer isn't the one drawing upon them, then I fear what will happen if the Guardians don't secure those pokemon soon."
She gave Regirock her permission to head over to the light. Elio and his companions kept by the golem. The former champion thought out loud. "It's going to show up once it figures out it's running out of time. I think we can arrange something soon."
He waved. "That ought to make up for wandering in." Suiten smirked. "It would." The three woke up back into the real world and saw Regirock's body giving a shine of light, his face lit up to dots and he was surprised by the menagerie of people.
Omph! Omph! Omph!'
Hoopa was astonished as Nebby flapped her wings in surprise. "Pops, I felt what happened in there! Do you have any idea what you agreed to?"
Elio did so and pet the felines in gratitude. "I do. We need some place for Regirock to lay low in while I figure out how to lead those guys on."
Hoopa knew just the place and prepared a ring. "There's one place they haven't looked yet and there's a couple pokemon that would only come out at night." He tossed it and lead the band across to the ledge of a mountain on the other side of the city. Where a Midnight Lycanroc was resting alongside a Gliscor. Elio bopped his head and ordered. "Lost, Isaac, while Regirock stays here, you'll keep an eye and let those two know what's going on."
He called back his Cofagrigus. "Makuta, you've been great and we got one more thing to do." He pet Brimmy and did the same for him and the Lunala. "Same goes with you two!" Pew!
He asked the golem that was spacing out at the desert lands. "As for you, Regirock, there will be a time for you to meet one of the key guys. My son and daughter trusts them and they show that promise. They have Regice somewhere in a far away town, waiting for you and the others."
Regirock beeped an anxious pattern as the human explained. "They will earn your trust. I'm the one who's going to be in for it for starting this." Hoopa had the ring ready and smiled nervously as the human kept himself mysterious and promised. "We'll be right back."
Over at the ruins.
The Guardians of Light were at a daze from the Raging Bolt's teleportation and were recuperating from their showdown with the Sorcerer. Leon was thinking out loud. "Something about that Hoopa's behavior is right at the tip of the tongue. There are many myths about that pokemon, being something akin to a genie who has a habit of taking your stuff and playing tricks." Aladdin raised a brow and asked the local Djinn. "Genie, how long were you hanging out with that guy?"
The Genie recalled merrily. "Just around the time he sneaked that Dreepy over to the city. A total wise guy and he was working right under Mozenrath's nose." He conjured an image of a jeweled ring. "Got the vibes of a Genie of the Ring."
Leon had a nervous smile as Terra asked. "But there's more to the myth than a small time trickster?"
The youngster blushed and noticed a Hoopa Ring appearing. "He's also got a bottle that holds the rest of his power. An Unbound Hoopa is a whole different level." Genie imagining. "From before I got out of that wish granting gig?" Leon imagined. "If it's a power beyond the worlds, then it's very close."
A Hoopa floated out alongside a Stranger in Blue, he was about to say something and was surprised by the Koraidon, Raging Bolt and the odd colored Zygarde. "Hoo boy!" He looked to the Ho-oh and the three beasts, so impressed that he didn't know what to say.
Riku realized something off. "Wait a minute. Hoopa helped that Dreepy escape, but he needed to know what's been going on before he'd even think about sneaking into that hideout. How did that happen?"
Terra waved a hand and introduced. "That's because I found these guys over here, while checking out this place for those two ghost types." Sora gasped. "What made you trust this guy?" Terra didn't notice Leon, Ho-oh and Kilokilo giving the awkward Stranger a look. "He set up a bunch of puzzles and a test to see if I would take the first thing of notice without thinking. He wasn't faking that kind of trouble."
The reason was making some sense as Leon realized something and approached the Stranger that insist. "It was a bigger deal for this guy than I thought it was going to be and no one would learn anything if someone just hands something over to you." Riku shrugged. "You're not going to believe the kind dude we met yesterday."
Leon was close to the Stranger's personal, took the blue wrapping around the head and pulled it off, revealing a gray eyed man with black, medium layered, wild looking hair. Someone with a striking resemblance that earned a scowl from the child. "Daddy, what the heck are you doing?"
Somehow Terra was not surprised, while the rest flinched at the tone. The father raised his hands up to insist. "Trying to help, someone called Little Horn to lend a hand and I had to come along." He coughed professionally at the band. "Looks like your rescue mission's a complete success. That trust between you and these pokemon, both caught and wild, got you this far." He directed to the locals. "Along with some friends that are really good at stepping it up when it's needed."
Leon nodded and looked to the Talonflame and Lycanroc that were looking to escape. "We're about done for the day and we ought to continue this when it starts getting dark. If you two can go get the sleepers ready, we'll meet you again soon."
The duo nodded and took off as Rayquaza gave a growl and ascended back to the sky. Leon introduced. "Everyone, this is my Daddy. Elio, former Champion of Alola and an enforcer at the Aether Foundation. He was there when Alola first formed it's league and he has years of experience as a pokemon trainer." He turned to his father and introduced the Keybearers. "Daddy, these are most of the guys Daphne's reported to you about and some of the guys they've known."
The Father gave an dorky smile and gave a familiar greeting. "Alola!" The resemblance became more obvious and Terra shrugged. "This explains a lot. Did you find anything in the mountains?"
Elio pointed his thumb to where he came from. "Just about everything that checks out, passage way that can kill you if you make a false step and a puzzle door. The good news is that it was solved easily, but I've overdone it. Are the things behind the Shadow Pokemon those weird monsters that like spilling their gunk into any one who can't fight back?"
The Guardians gasped and the Great Tusk grunted, Elio took that as a yes. "An Incineroar with fake out can stop them in their tracks and a Mimikyu with their Z Move can do most of the work if you have an Emissary of the Light on ya."
"Mahina!"
Elio felt a ball shaking at his belt as Riku was realizing something. "And you didn't leave Regirock there by himself, with the door open." Hoopa shook his head. "Don't worry, we didn't."
Elio sped up his talk. "Me and Isaac... a Mew that's with the family, went into Regirock's heart scape with Brimmy and kicked this weirdo with a key thing into next week. Then Arceus and this weird Lady showed up."
Leon squinted his eyes. "Blonde hair in s style, has Heterochromia?" Elio nodded. "Has one of those key thingies and is something else. Isaac helped bring them over and well-" Riku finished for him. "She woke Regirock up?"
Elio directed to the Hoopa Ring. "And he is resting with a Midnight Lycanroc and a Gliscor. If you can finish catching the nocturnal pokemon, I think I can talk the big guy into giving you all a chance to prove yourselves."
The band of Team Nimbus, Zygarde and the Great Tusk recognized the description as the former Champion asked. "I've open the bottle, didn't I?"
The band were speechless and Riku confessed. "Well, you took care of that Demon for us and we've heard tales of some dude from nowhere doing impossible things. We got a new problem though." He asked the band. "Could anyone tell me what is missing from that battle we had?"
Kairi realized a missing element. "Mozenrath didn't use any Heartless. So the source of those things is still around here." Elio guessed. "Which means, forces that would hurt these pokemon are still out there and we got too many strong pokemon that someone's still going to try something." He focused on the Flygon and the prehistoric beasts. "How many of these guys are captured and how many of you are ready for that?"
Riku felt his heart beating nervously and focused on Flygon. "Some of these pokemon came here through this weird Labyrinth we've been spotting and they could use that to work ahead of us. But I get what you're trying to tell us." He asked Flygon. "By nightfall, we're going to make something official. Got it?"
The dragon looked to Pidgeot, who was smiling to him. Elio felt enough was done and had Hoopa ready a ring back to the City. "If you feel that you've captured everyone that would show up in the daytime, then I'd go relax for a while. If you can pull this off, then Regirock ought to trust you to do what would be right for him and his fellow titans."
He was ready to head to the ring he used. "I'll go keep an eye on the guys while you get ready." Leon didn't mind and smiled proudly. "I'll try to investigate some of our strangers in the meanwhile. You've done us a lot Daddy, we appreciate that." Elio blushed. "It's nothing yet. We'll talk more when we have a better time."
He waved off as Hoopa escorted the band over the other ring, bringing them to the balcony of a certain palace. "Not bad all, not bad. Try not to sweat it too much, this is only just beginning." He took off to the ring and left the band to think over what happened. Aladdin asked the youngster. "So, that's really your Dad huh?" Leon blew to the air. "Yep. Arceus must have needed Hoopa because his skills works for this kind of land. Daddy was just a bonus."
He focused on Terra and Riku, who had questions about the family. "What ever Daddy pulled on Terra wasn't the first time it happened. On the special occasion, Daddy sets up the Island Challenge to be more adventurous than you'd expect. By having our local gang, Team Skull, cause some" he quoted. "trouble." Terra imagined the nonsense. "And he made the special accommodations for you and your sister as well?"
Leon nodded. "Yup, that was the plan until this Crime Group tried to mess things up. I guess Daddy finally got his wish out of this." He breathed out and looked to the locals. "Now, I don't know how often Little Horn's going to help us like that. So I should show you this-" He had his dex show the image of the ring like bottle. "The Prison Bottle is what contains the rest of Hoopa's power. If this feels familiar, then that should be an indicator to what that trickster's capable of. His form changes and everything."
Genie smiled smugly. "What's the catch to that?" Leon showed three fingers. "Hoopa can only stay Unbound for Three Days and Three Nights. As Unbound, he wouldn't need to be that much of a trickster to get what he wants. If things get serious, Daddy will uncork that bottle. That Hoopa's also a very cunning one too."
Kairi wanted to sit down somewhere as her imagination gone to chaotic places. "So that means Hoopa knows precisely where he sent Mozenrath too, hope that means he won't be anyone's problem again." It's a hope to hold onto and Terra looked to the nervous Raging Bolt and the Koraidon that wanted to curl up and nap. "So before we see that in action, we have to talk about these two."
Leon nodded and went to his bag, bringing out the Scarlet Book and showing it to the local couple. "This has everything we know about the Prehistoric Pokemon. The ones that look more reptilian or wild." He flipped to the page of the Primordial Beast. "And the Raging Bolt confirms something about this creature."
The Three Beasts look to a creature with all their features combined and were surprised, Jasmine gasped. "This almost looks nothing alike from this guy." Kairi agreed with her. "And neither does the Suicune lookalike, the Walking Wake. This does mean we have an Entei, somewhere." The Raging Bolt blushed as Ho-oh gave him a look, sighed and went to perch. Jasmine thought about that mystery. "For now, let's gets these guys refreshed after today. How many do we have so far?"