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

59. Optimal Optional

Over at the Bryn Base attic, the city squad and the super hero in the monster costume watched the final touches applied to a humble, purple cart that has pullies for the Squawkabilly flock. Bryn opened the hatch wider as the band celebrated their contraption. The band got to work in letting out the flock, who squabbled among themselves before Hayner got the idea to give a sharp whistle, he showed them what they're dealing with. "Guys, we got a big cart that's meant to carry a lot of us. If we're to get anywhere, you got to cut out the arguing and work together. You're all the same kind of bird anyways."

The meek white birds agreed to that and gave a firm squawk, ensuring that the rest of the flock slowly got over lingering grudges. Each of the flocks got to pulling on a distinct pullie and with their strength, caused it to ascend. Olette called for the birds to wait, she and Xion took the front seat. The boys and Samurott took the back seat as Ken made for a cockpit at the back, a means to direct the birds. He armored up as preparation "Alright, everyone hold onto something. We're sky patrolling!"

The Squawkabilly flock got to work in lifting the additional weight. It was a little of a struggle and Pence considered that a possibility, he sent the Scream Tail out of the cart and asked. "Hey, can you help these birds? Is your psychic power going to be enough for all this weight?"

The prehistoric Jigglypuff blinked, saw the top of the cart and floated to land on top. She focused and had the cockpit elevate like that of a bird. The birds phewed as Ken gave Pence a thumbs up. "Good thinking! This is a lot of weight compared to what we saw in the picture."

Flap! Flap! Flap!

The make shift vehicle ascended out of the roof and up in the city. Ken placed his Gummi phone into a slot and had it bring up a picture of a strange flying totem that was close by a rather small campus that is up a ramp in the city. "Alright we can catch this Sigilyph by this Krei place. Can't miss it."

The Squackabilly flock understood and guided the cart along to the ramp. Avoiding the traffic and taking a short cut over the buildings. Fred was ecstatic. "We are actually flying in this? Awesome!" Some of the bystanders bellow notice the contraption and begun to take pictures. He and the passengers looked down to wave as Ken spotted the campus and the strange avianoid that was heading towards a higher building. The flock brought the cart to intercept crossing paths with the strange pokemon that gave a strange whistle. Pence jumped off and tossed a dusk ball. "Lick, let's get him!"

Pop!

Out came the Houndstone that gave a hearty bark. The Sigilyph beeped and blinked before ascending, his wings enveloped with wind as the boy ordered. "Shadow sneak!" The ghost dog extended his shadow for a fast punch and took an air slash. The boy in the t-shirt readied a great ball and sprinted, the Sigilyph descended and channeled a pulse of power at the teenager that rolled, got behind the creature and tossed. Tap! Bop! Bop! Bop!

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

With that, the Sigilyph that has made odd patrols have been captured. Pence picked up the ball and turned to an impressed crowd. Ken clapped. "Good, good, that's one down and who knows how many to go." Pence looked up to the sky and found more birds flying. "Only way to do so is to look higher." He slowed his breath. "That's a lot of height."

Ken admitted. "Pretty scary, but I won't let this thing fall." He took a deep breath as Scream Tail gasped and turned to look at a particularly large bird that is using something of an apron. Pence looked up to see that bird, using the apron to hold a metal disk. The bird opened his beak to make the apron drop. "Incoming drop!"

Ken eeked and jumped off at the nick of time, avoiding a wheel disk that make a loud bang against the cock pit. Scream Tail cringed and roared. (Hey, woe to he if that leaves a bent!) Xion peaked out to see that bird flying high and looking like he was laughing. She checked the entry. "Bombirdier?! The Item Drop Pokemon?"

Ken asked. "It got that title because they like to drop things at people?!" Xion nodded. "It likes to drop anything from high places and anything that makes a bang. Did that think hit you anywhere?" Ken was grateful for the armor. "This could have soaked the blow, but this is going to kill someone if we don't snag this bird."

Pence called the rather annoyed Houndstone back and hurried. "Then we got to catch up to it, fast!" With everyone on the cart, Ken pointed at the Bombirdier that realized he was spotted. He flew off towards an alley way as the one armed boy ordered. "Everyone, let's chase this bird!"

The cart took pursuit of the bird that attempted to dive into a back alley of robot parts, only to succeed in spooking the locals and finding junk that are too complex for a blunt thud. He turned in ascent to face the cart and called upon a formation of rocks to place upon the apron. The bird realized something, looked down to the people in the shadey street and gave a light click. Sharp Shell cringed. (Oh no, he's not thinking about-)

The bird jetted upward and unloaded a rock slide upon the Squawkabilly's. Ken called upon a duo of stars, of white and blue, they made a reflection to bounce the rock slide away and towards the shady lot that realized an avalanche was upon them. A particularly wide man stepped back in a fumble and begun shaking his fists. "Hey watch where you're dropping that!"

The Bombirdier was laughing as he formed more rocks.

Leap!

"Volty, let's ground this bird!" Out came the wooden Electrode that readied a hop. "Thunder wave and volt switch!" The Electrode buzzed and fired a shock that caused the bird to struggle in his flight, Volty let loose a shock and jolted back into his ball. Xion let out Tinker. "Now knock that bird into the ground and let's see how he likes it!"

The Bombirdier saw the Tinkatuff appear and had a sweat, the pink dwarf carried her hammer in both hands as Xion commanded. "Play rough!" Leap!

The fairy pounced far and used her weight to send the bird into a fall. The girl dived down in a flip in sync to Tinker back flipping, the bird was in a daze and got up. Only to find Xion no where in sight, he had a sweat and turned to find the girl leaping high and tossing down a simple great ball. Tap! Bop! Bop! Bop! Shake...shake...shake... click!

The avian menace has been neutralized and the two hurried to pick up their prize. Right as a gang member was trying to understand what was seen, Xion gave off a pillar of light and warped her and her partner back to the cart.

Blip!

On a screen by the front seat, shined Ken, who was in a blush. "You got the drop on that mean bird before he had the chance to drop us towards the locals." Xion looked down at the gangsters, who were once again trying to determine if they weren't hallucinating. The wide gang leader scratched the back of his head. "What kind of Marry Poppins techno are we looking at?"

Fred apologized. "Sorry about that, we're trying not to make a sky battle up here." The cart was carried off and Olette thought to check on a small screen, causing it to turn on a side camera of the higher ground. There were a set of controls to help her adjust. By one of the smokier suburbs looked to be a rising duo of steam stacks and by the highest building looked to be a flapping cloud ready to make a perch. The cloud looked to be the feathers of a yellow bird with a long neck and two long yellow plumes. The girl gasped. "Captain, we got an Altaria high above!"

Ken asked the Squawkabilly flock. "Let's get the high point and give the city a real birds eye while we're at it. Everyone hold on!"

Flap! Flap! Flap!

The Altaria notice the cart reaching to her height and flew back to her roost. Giving the cart the right of passage. At the roof top, the band got off to solid ground while Alteria sang a tune. (Ascend to the tallest mountain, narrowly avoiding the deadliest fall.)

Olette felt her eyes glimmering as Hayner readied a quick ball. "Cool tune." Ken agreed. "Not what we'd think when facing up against a dragon. She's got to have a lot of power stored for this very moment." The Altaria gave a light dance and shined something in her bosom. (Bravely you enter the roost of the Cloudy Siren. Seeketh to tame nature herself.)

Gentle flap.

Fred nerded out and readied to bring a dive ball. "She's singing her battle song!"

Pop!

Out came a Finizen that saw the glimmer on her chest and went stiff. Altaria blew a tail wind and Fred hoped. "Oh, oh! Encore, encore!"

Finizen realized he can do that move and gave an applause. Forcing Altaria on a repeat and exposing her to a barrage of ice beams. The bird back flipped and gave a sharp note. (So seems the Siren let her guard down.)

Glimmer!

She shined her necklace and caused it to burst in power, causing her fluff to grow to her back, head and neck. Her tail feathers elongated and her voice became more charming.

Burst!

The Altaria's chest might be exposed, but her voice is ever clearer. (Who among you, hold the courage to face the Siren at her pitch?)

Finizen simply back flipped behind Fred as a way to show this is a fight he won't win. Olette and Hayner stepped forward, the girl sent out Grafaiai as the boy sent out Pawmot. "Come on, she's changed that flying type to a faerie, that's our chance!" "Come on one shock and we can run circles!"

The Grafaiai snickered as the Pawmot gave a crackle. Altaria twirled for a great dance as the boy gave a battle cry. "Fast nuzzle!" Pawmot rushed for a fast shock as Olette followed. "And precise jab!"

The Grafaiai sprinted for a swift poison jab, causing the bird to gasp. Another fast jab caused Altaria's form to flicker and revert, she was in a daze and Olette took the chance to toss a humble ultra ball. Fling! Tap! Shake! Bop! Click!

Through trial of wit, Altaria was captured. Ken was a little disappointed. "I'll bet a Mega Altaria would have kicked some major butt if given the chance. You all made the smart move to end that fight before it got to begin."

The duo saluted as Fred picked up something from the communications. Wasabi was freaking out. "What are you guys doing?! We can see you from the news!" Ken heard from his communications. "Sky patrol, we should give a birds view before we report what we found." Hiro interrupted. "From that height?" Ken blew to the air. "At least find out the big ones. We had to make due with Scream Tails psychic power but I think adding Sharpy to the bird force and reducing the weight by a pokemon or two should be what we need. We'll come down."

He and Sharp Shell thought to have a look at the city and found the moving steam cloud to be an anomaly. "Looks pretty clear..." He notice police cars diving by the building and cringed. "Ooooh, we're going to get attention." Hayner looked down and whistled. "Dang it." He stretched. "So it looks like our options are stretched?"

Ken agreed. "I've already spent my shadow power last night, so it looks like some awareness ought to keep the fuzz out of our business." He raised his hand. "Think that would be smarter?" Hiro groaned. "Ken, if they learned about this-" Ken finished. "Did they ask questions the last time Keybearers showed up? Or the time before when super heroes, straight out of the comic books, showed up? I think we can break some of this ice." The group gathered into the cart as Hiro cursed. "Drat, that's a good point."

At Traverse

The call meeting came to it's conclusion and the teenagers were left with a rather mortified Neku, who's realized he reveled what can't be undone. "So my world wasn't the only one that got hit by those psychos?"

Riku shook his head. "It was a war that broke out across the cosmos as a whole. Judging by what you described, you've dealt with stuff from a galaxy in a bleak future." Dupmic knew what was being talked about. "Where the Technology is advanced, but any form of common decency has long been stamped out."

Daphne felt some familiarity and had a rather bold plot. "Neku, think you should bring your friends over and let them know they can trust the town folks?" The stranger thought about it. "If it can get their minds out of the bullet we dodged."

Leon snapped his fingers, knowing what his sister is plotting. "We know just the thing that will bring them out. We're just going to need some fresh supplies." Poppy smirked and watched the twins head over to the Market, with Kingambit scooting behind them. Neku found the silliness complicated but went along. "I guess I could go get them." He took off with a tremor, Denryk sensed that and offered. "Hey, you mind if someone keeps you company until you get to your friends?"

Neku eased his breathing and appreciated the aid, leaving the group to their activities. Poppy thought to head over to the central district of the town, where Ven and Kadabra were searching for someone. The teenager had the trade machine in hand and the girl in glasses asked. "Being picky about who's going to evolve with Kadabra?"

Kadabra turned pretty confidently as Ven felt he was on a trail of freshly finished projects. "It got me thinking, we could help out the town if we use this with those two fighting types. Machop and Timburr, if they've already evolved, then they can handle the bigger lifting." Poppy pressed her hands together in approval. "You often find Machoke in construction sites, due to how the heavy lifting adds to those muscles. In regions where they're scarce, Timburr's entire line serves as an excellent alternative. It is said that Conkeldurr, the final stage of Timburr's line, once taught humans how to make concrete. The town gets the best construction crew you can find in the Pokemon World and you get an Alakazam." She smirked. "Totally a worthwhile deal."

She brought out Hakakā. "We have two fighting types that are absent from the Ranch, if we can find a trial, we can see to this." The Articuno scoffed and used his senses to hover to the alley way. A small sprawl was heard and it wasn't much of a guess to what's happening. Tifa and the Mama Sneasler were having a sparing match with Timburr and Machop. The veteran fighters ran up a wall and flipped behind martial artists that readied a punch. Machop changed to a wall kick as Timburr used his log as a weight to fling himself after Sneasler. Machop spun and traded fist blows with Tifa, they stepped back and the Sneasler side stepped to avoid Timburr's blow. The merchant noticed visitors and snickered. (Well, looks like someone followed their nose after all.)

The fighting types stopped what they're doing and saw arrivals. They waved as Ven waved back. "Exercising?"

Tifa had a sweat. "Kind of, these two are looking to evolve and we're out of dummies to test their strength against." She showed aggressive teeth. "If they're like this now, then imagine when they get bigger!"

Poppy found that an odd predicament. "Now that you mentioned it, there's almost never enough trainers that can help them reach that potential." She recalled. "However, there are some wild pokemon that could be the sparing partner they need. Their capture's still needed anyways." Sneasler casually nodded and then jumped. (Wait, wait! You're not thinking of that big one that's stick to the roof tops, are you?)

Tifa had a moment of terror. "You mean that Roaring Moon? People have been reporting that they sometimes see those yellow eyes looming over them at night, it always disappears in that lunar shadow too." Poppy nodded. "She could be too tough for them, but they'll have to be better prepared for the actual monsters out here." She had hope in her eyes. "Me and Denryk met this Roaring Moon in person, she's helped us protect Ogerpon without much trouble." She pointed to the roof tops. "She might look the part, but she's far from a monster."

She looked up to find no one there as Sneasler crossed her arms and confessed. (That matches with the stories we've heard from the wilds. But, no one in their right mind would dare to cross a Salamence without a reason. Especially not one that looks liker a mega.) Ven half dropped his eye lids. "She's apparently part dark instead of flying. How fast are you?"

The Sneasler blushed. (Part dark?!) She huffed and looked to the youngsters. (Well... now that you reveled that, they might stand a chance.) She kept caution as the fighting types looked up in search, Tifa took the girls words to heart. "It's a little spooky, but ever since that incident at the Mountain, people have been whispering another thing about that dragon. That someone or something is looking out for them."

The band headed back to the district and saw a local cloth merchant booking it from the clock tower. Kadabra picked up on both fear and relief, he went where pedestrian came and lead to a rather vicious sight. The Roaring Moon descending on a small pack of shadows and knights, along side her was Wander and Sylvia. The dragon sent the dark foes rolling in a breaking swipe while Sylvia gave a tail smack. Wander rummaged through his hat and pulled out a small orb of light that quickly expanded and shot out at the dark foes.

BURST!

Then came a duo of large bodies, the Roaring Moon took a deep breath and rushed in acrobatic speed, knocking to a backwards lean an striking in a back attack. Warp! Kadabra and Ven teleported to the scene, with dazzling power and swift wind, the hulking foes stood no chance. Sylvia phewed. "That started getting hairy." She saw where the arrivals came from. "Say did you see some guy that was getting away?"

Tifa nodded. "Just found him." Sylvia grunted and gave a thumbs up to the dragon. "Good timing, would have lost someone if you didn't distract those monsters." The Roaring Moon gave a light smile and begun to realize she's been seen by more than she'd like. She readied to take off as Timburr called out. (Hey, wait! Me and Machop want to fight you!)

The dragon stopped and snorted out. (Find someone else, you're far from ready to face me!) Sneasler sneaked by her and whisper. (That's kind of the problem, these kids want to get bigger and stronger, the problem is we don't got a safe way to do it without making riots. They need a sparing partner to work out their kinks.)

Kadabra agreed with her. (And they only evolve again during that next stage. They can be worthy protectors of the town and great construction workers.) Timburr and Machop placed their hands together in a plea, the Roaring Moon watched, closed her eyes and took a deep breath. (Fine.)

She turned (I'll play, but you better know the game.) and flapped her wings in flight as Poppy took a step forward to be commander. She had her Rotom Phone show case moves and smirked. "Excellent." The Machop and Timburr readied as the Roaring Moon dashed and delivered a brutal breaking swipe, sending the fighting types rolling back. "Timburr, bulk yourself up while Machop tickles that dragon!"

The Timburr tensed his muscles as Machop leaped to the dragons arm pit and tickled, causing her to laugh off her guard. Timburr readied a fist as Poppy followed. "Now mach punch finisher!"

The Timburr vanished in a blink and gave Roaring Moon a punch to the shoulder. The dragon was sent rolling all the way to a wall and caused dust to pick up.

Machop landed with his nerves hardening as Timburr was surprised. The dusk cleared and left a Roaring Moon that was dazed and out. Victory was achieved rather easily and Tifa gasped. "Woah! You turned that fight around in seconds flat."

Machop and Timburr couldn't believe it and cheered together, they gave a celebration dance and glowed, growing. Machop turned much bigger, around the size of a young teenager. His frame was much more muscular. Timburr in comparison, had his growth turn into a head of lumps and was shorter compared to his partner. PEW!

In their place was a purple muscular lizard man with briefs and a golden belt with a red P, as well as a strong man creature with a clown nose. "Machoke!" "Gurdurr!"

Wander woahed. "Somebody's gotten all big and strong." Roaring Moon snapped out of her defeat and got on her stomach, not too ashamed that she might have acted. (They just needed a push.)

Machoke and Gurdurr pressed their hands together in gratitude. (Thank you for the sparing match!)

Silvia noticed Ven had a machine with him and asked. "Say, what's that?" The boy showed the trade machine off. "Something that can help Kadabra evolve. We've heard that Machoke and Gurdurr need something like this to evolve as well. If you guys help us out, we can help you out."

Gurdurr ohed. (You're looking to become an Alakazam?!) Machoke imagined. (That psychic power's going to be incredible!) He gave Gurdurr a tap. (So, we could be using some concrete. Sturdier buildings make for better homes.) Gurdurr blushed. (Come on, those two hands aren't going to be enough. Two more to match that muscle ought to get some work done faster.)

The two started arguing and Tifa brought out a whistle. "RRWWWR! Alright knock it off. I think we can work something out for the both of you. But someone has to be traded in first. Are you going to fight over that or something?"

The fighters gasped. (Good idea) They hurried to different ends of the street, getting use to their new forms. Machoke warned his companion. (There's no steel beam for you here, so try to keep up your balance.) Gurdurr growled and tighten his fist. (I don't need it to out skill) Blink! (You!) Machoke braced for a bullet punch and tickled as a counter attack. Machoke followed with a low kick and braced for a weakened drain punch before frosting his fist. He and Gurdurr traded an ice punch burst and bulked up. Gurdurr sprinted for a fast bullet punch and was knocked over by a swing of a low kick. He tried to get up and felt it was a struggle, he sighed and relaxed as Machoke lowered to help him up. (That's not bad at all.) Gurdurr felt silly. (You always like to open with that tickle.) He appreciated that out of the box tactic.

Tifa readied their balls. "Alright guys, wait in here while we get this working." She gave Poppy the Timburr's ball as Ven laid out the machine, turned it on and called Kadabra back. "So here's how it works. I trade Kadabra over to one of you and you send Kadabra over to the other. The exchange should get them all to evolve." Poppy nodded. "And since technically these two fighting types are Terra's, you'll end up giving the fighting type back."

Tifa and Ven lined up with the machine. Placing the balls under the tube. Machoke was exchanged for Kadabra and Poppy prepared to trade in Gurdurr once the trade was finished. It was a small minute to wait before she and Tifa exchanged. Ven felt his wonder coming alive as he saw in the image, a creature greatly resembling Kadabra. Without the tail and the star. In exchange is a more detailed mustache, brown bracer like growths at his wrists and ankles, as well as two spoons. There was pause in wait as Poppy and Ven worked on the machine again. Showing the evolution being exchanged for a gray four armed body builder without the reptilian features and something with yellow lips.

Pop!

The trade was finished and the three let out the pokemon. The evolution of Kadabra and Machoke looked to each other in admiration, with the fighter flexing. Gurdurr became more hulking, with his single lump sticking out of his head, hunched back with pink veins as well as a gray goatie. He crossed his arms and grunted. "Conkel!" (Now this is more like it!) Tifa bobbed her head. "Don't celebrate yet, you skipped that stage quickly and you got to work to match up to that. Conkeldurr, Machamp." She Poppy agreed with the brawler. "It's pretty common and most of the real training starts at this stage once you find a trading partner."

Suddenly, Daphne arrives and gasped. "Oh my, a triple trade!" She admired the muscles of the fighters and the rather humbled stance of Alakazam, she waved to Ven. "Congratulations on getting Kadabra to this stage. Alakazam is pretty versatile in his offenses with those vast psychic powers and has a pretty good ability in magic guard. Only a direct attack can really hurt him."

Alakazam crossed his arms in a grunt. (Quite) He promised. (I think I can manage with the others now.) Daphne raised a finger and remembered. "There's just a few more things before I can leave you be. I got something for Virtu, if she's ready, but you're on your own for enhancing Alakazam even further." Ven huhed. "What?!" He remembered. "Right, mega evolution."

Alakazam guessed the details. (Of which, we'll require rare materials and we need to strengthen that sync even further.) Daphne guessed what was said. "A lot of stuff that I can't just hand over to you and the phenomenon does things to a pokemon's body that you got to be prepared for. Not that a rookie trainer needs it right away."

Ven blushed as Sneasler noticed the Roaring Moon taking off into the night sky. "That solves one problem, but we need to do more to keep these guys in shape. We can't keep asking tough guys to help." Daphne agreed. "I've seen those scientist guys working on something," She lead on. "Let's check it out."

A short walk later.

The merry band watched a Tauros smashed through an obstacle course composing of push up dummies. Designed by Jumba as a way to analyze their combat abilities. Tifa and the fighting type duo were in glee as Daphne readied to bring out Chimery. "I knew hiring you was the best idea we had. You came up with this after that jousting game last night?"

Jumba laughed as Stitch was firing lasers with Farigiraf. "Inspiration from it and this Hammer Heart, little girl. Our dangers are quite beatable and that should be encouraged."

Pop!

Out came a Silvally that was quickly excited by the course, Ven had interest and was ready to let out Virtu. "You got anything for the odd ball mons?" Jumba readied a button. "That was to be the next phase of this test." As he had his finger on the button, Denryk, Ogerpon and Scraggy arrived to see the event. Ogerpon hoped. (Hey what's with the course?) The Padawan guessed. "Probably something for those who can't use the Hammer Heart. Every volunteer gets a chance at improving themselves." He could tell by the contraptions design to pop up. "Since we're dealing with things that pop up and attack, that's smart."

He brought out the three masks. "So Ogerpon, which one you want to try?" Ven asked before things started. "Before we do that, what do you think of the new arrivals?"

Denryk recalled. We found a far enough trial that Neku could find the rest of the way. Only way to break the ice is to try anything silly that says you're welcome here." He felt peckish. "And some home cooked grub sounds pretty good. If we get more volunteers then we'll be in for one heck of a lunch."

Through the power of the Force, Denryk had the dummies raise up, the padawan caused a stick to fly to his hand as Ogerpon took on the Wellspring Mask and adopted the colors of a water type. He had a stick fly to his hand and offered. "You guys got here first, so you can start."

At SFIT's campus

Due to Hiro having business to be, the band of super heroes hanged out with the city traveling trouble makers. For some smoothies and an inspection of the Cart. Gogo checked out the cart as Honey Lemon was taking an analysis of the flying types that became the center of the news. Olette finished the report. "Yeah, so our test run is a success. I think if we take the sky again, we could round out those like the Night Count during the shift."

Honey Lemon and Gogo looked to each other and recalled the strange smoke takes. "Or, once the city calms down, we can investigate who is this mysterious steam vent." Gogo remembered. "That could be another pokemon that you'd like. We got two that are the incarnate of pollution in the land and water, one of them has adapted to help the environment out."

Xion felt a buzz in a heal ball and let out the Iron Moth, who gave a pattern of beeps. (If I may, I have ran into those Steam Vents. Or the Air Inspector.) He gave a small laugh. (That might have been his excuse to keep the birds away from the more polluted parts of the city.)

Ken decided. "We got one more loose end to tie up and Hiro looks to be up to something. How about, the ladies head out while me, Pence and Hayner go spy on Hiro and figure out what's been going on?" The ladies agreed with that and split off. Due to the mission being one for one pokemon, Olette had Sharpy carry here while Xion and the super heroes leaped from building to building. By the smokey cloud of a down town district, they found the steam stacks and the creature emitting it. A floating black mass of gas balls with growths that resemble elegant top hats. It puffed out green gas as it looked down to the town bellow, finding a different scent in the air.

It turned to show a face on the large, central gas ball and a face on the smaller gas ball at it's cheek. The green smoke resembled a mustache for the bigger head and a beard for the smaller head. An alternate to the representative of air pollution, Weezing. The two saw the mechanical Volcarona among the lot and puffed out steam from the top hat, as if they were trying to raise it up like gentlemen. The smaller head being quite elegant (Oh good day Volcarona. Steady wind we're having.) The big head laughed. (Not a lot of bad air that couldn't be handled.) They looked to the visitors. (Friends of yours?)

Honey Lemon begun to read an entry as the Iron Moth flew side to side. (In a way, we're here on a rescue mission. To capture and protect the pokemon that are found across the city. We're finally able to fly as one, so we mean to ask-) The big head smiled and emit more steam from his top hat. (Well, if we're to keep this city dandy-) He circled around the band as the smaller head asked. (We suppose we can work some business. We've watched you all use those balls, but do you know how we'd can help?)

Honey Lemon finished reading a particular detail and gasped. "So that's what you've been doing. You've been filter feeding on the pollutants in the air and expel out cleaner oxygen." Gogo was surprised. "No kidding?" Honey Lemon showed the evolutionary line of the single carefree purple gas ball and it's grumpier looking evolution. "It's the evolutionary step from Koffing. Who feeds and expels pollution. When the air reaches a critical point, due to factories, it triggers the evolution into the Galarian Weezing."

She showed the alternate counterpart, which is poison and fairy. Gogo guessed why the behavior change. "Does it happen because it feeds off of that, rather than just the garbage fumes?"

The Weezing recalled living in quite the hazardous world, full of encrusted fumes. Pop! Out of a ball came the Alolan Grimer, a sight that beheld the Weezing. (Well, well!) (We were wondering where you've gone.) Grimer waved. (He ya!) He turned to explained. (We agreed to take the dump as a home while Weezing picks the smoggiest part of the city.)

Honey Lemon squeed. "The implications on your anatomy could benefit the world of clean air for years to come. If you would, may we challenge you for the right to bring you along?" The Weezing was in the humoring mood. (Well, if you have another who's needing to get stronger.) (It could even the odds against the evolved sort.)

He floated back and gave off a battle cry, Gogo and Varoom rushed at the que as the Weezing exhaled a strange, confusing mist on the Grimer. Gogo ordered fast. "Ram him with iron head!" Honey Lemon tossed a ball and let out a soothing herbal mist, snapping Grimer out of confusion. "And go for a poison jab!"

The Varoom rushed at the Weezing in a full collision as Grimer slithered and threw his limb in a fast jab, Weezing floated back in shock and inhaled. Gogo dashed to a panel and made into a make shift ramp for Varoom to use for a jump, helping him avoid a heat wave blast. Grimer took the blunt and channeled a frigid fist, punching the Weezing and sending him falling as an ice ball. The chance Honey Lemon needed to toss a heal ball and secure the capture. Click! Quick, effective and insightful. She let out the Weezing that was surprised by the balls effect while Grimer crossed his limbs and grunted. (Welcome to the team, Weezing! I still got a ways to go.)

Weezing didn't mind. (Those ne'er-do-wells could use a little muck to gum up their day.) The two heads laughed as Xion gasped. "You know, maybe Karmi would like to learn about this one. Just a little difference in growth and it has to be a different pokemon from the other kind of Weezings."

Honey Lemon agreed as Gogo was ready to lead back. "By the way, before you came here... have you faced the other variant of Grimer?" The girls shook their heads as Olette answered. "We've met one and Riku said it can wilt any plant it slithers across. But this one can contain that hazard." The implications could be a field day for any biologist.

At the shadey part of town.

Ken and the boys were on guard in familiar grounds that remember their feats. Close to the alley was a car with the Principal, someone that Hiro was following for most of the day. "So the Professor has a few secrets that could mean something."

Pence thought with him as Heater and Riolu were on watch. "She's kind of recognized these guys, so it wouldn't hurt to ask why."

Hayner asked. "But, why would it bring Hiro to this dangerous spot?"

The Magmar and Riolu spotted something and sprinted, the rest and the Samurott followed to find with in the alley, Hiro, Golett a Baymax in a trench coat in trouble with the wide mobster. Who was coincidentally carrying a pizza that splattered on his jacket. "Why I oughta."

In a sudden, Heater blasted a thick black smoke screen as Riolu hurried in to escort Hiro and Baymax to Golett, who used phantom force for a fast escape to the band of boys. The three disregard the confusion and headed a fair distance. Ken asked the boy genius. "Alright, you're thinking that Granville is up to something?" Hiro sighed. "I've saw her wandering to the labs a while ago and I thought I'd check. It's pretty weird how quick she's willing to help." Pence thought of one obvious reason. "These guys are a scientific breakthrough in the right hands. But we all got our own secrets."

Hayner suggest. "So how about we just ask her when we get the chance. It's still the afternoon, so she should be back to the school." Sharp Shell nodded. (Sometimes it's just he simple stuff, you know.) Hiro thought. "Well, following her isn't working, but I know someone who could know the history of the school."

Back in Traverse.

Litzia was looking up the sky, lost in thought with Fae and Solrock. A calling to that grand adventure wouldn't leave her heart, she thought of someone to talk with and headed by the ranch, to find a camp fire being set up. Denryk was helping Roxas and Namine out with a pot of curry broth and rice while Dupmic set up the table with their pokemon.

Litzia was feeling quite peckish. "Looks like you're about to cook something." Denryk perked from his stirring and took a smell. "You know what this stuff is for, with the right spices, anyone is going to come over for a plate of lunch." He looked over to the Ranch as Roxas requested. "The others are at the Ruins by the river, if you're going with the Guardians, now's the best chance to say yes."

The two took it as the chance and had their partners follow across the river way. Denryk felt stoic and warned the girl. "Litzia, once you head out of these worlds borders, you're going to have to be ready to defend yourself. Do you take it upon yourself for this task, knowing that?" The girl nodded with concerns. "I honestly don't know which is scarier, the fact that man could be starting up a tragedy for a far off world or the fact my brother and my bestie might know more about what he's capable of doing if he sees me. But it's the reason I got to do my part in this."

Denryk eased the tension. "To reject that fear and deny it isn't going to do anything once you find something that reaches your limit. To face it, regardless, is to turn it into courage. Looking evil and death in the eyes, and be willing to protect what you love from it-" He puffed his cheeks. "It kind of stinks that I can't really experiment with another rookie. But that is the duty to the worlds."

The group reached the Ruins where the golems were communicating with one another and working towards building their own piece of home, Aqua over heard a detail and turned. "Experimenting with a power such as the Force? How did you even learn about this gift in the first place."

Cyndi sensed a prideful passion and turned as Denryk had his partners gather around in an audience. The masked boy shrugged and lead towards a clearing for any who wish to take interest. "I got inspired to reach into something more than what I am. To actually feel what someone else is feeling and return it back." They were far enough and the boy turned with a blow on his robe. "That wish became a power far beyond what you can imagine. I want to see how far this can go, against someone who's got the right idea on how the Force works its ways."

He gestured an offer that Aqua was very aware of, the Master felt that familiar aura to the student he resembles. "Well, what a coincidence. Some of us Keybearers have been wanting to see if we can even match the Force, or if we can over come a Force User should this Dark Side ever reaches the worlds."

Denryk laughed as he brought the Light Saber in his hand. "Those who travel the road of the Sith can be a danger to us all. The end to where all Temptation leads." He turned on his laser sword. "Let's see who the Force is with today, don't hold ba-" Aqua glimmered to warp into Denryk's personal and ready a fast swipe. Denryk back flipped to dodge as Aqua unleashed a barrage of projectiles, the Padawan used the Light Saber to deflect the bullets. He aimed his hand at the increasing barrage and drew them towards the palm, making them bounce off like they were a breeze. "Predictable."

He turned off his light saber and Aqua felt something rushing at her, a circle of sticks. She leaped over as Denryk called a stick to his hand, the Padawan leaped after her for a clashed.

Each parry shined and Denryk crouched to avoid a crystal swipe. He dashed away and had rocks fly after Aqua, the Keyblade Master high jumped, focused and unleashed a prismatic crystal rain. Denryk leaped over to a tree and disappeared. Aqua flowed into another and intercepted the Padawan, with a firm blow, the stick broke and Denryk had to keep away. The Keyblade Master returned a taunt with her own. "What's the matter? Afraid you have to hold back?"

Denryk heard the word afraid and had a smirk behind his mask. "Not really, unless any of us want this sparing match to turn into-" He activated his light saber and gave a slash, Aqua dodged and watched a branch be cleaved right off, with a smoulder of ashes at the stumps. Denryk called the branch to his other hand as Aqua readied a crystal mass. "That would defeat the purpose."

She unleashed a blast and Denryk jumped back to the center, the crystal shot over at him and he parried the shrapnel. The Padawan gave a light spin and turned it off before going for the stick, inviting Aqua to glide for a blow. Denryk side stepped and brought upon the rocks, closing his eyes in a zen and sensing where his foe warped to for fast magic shots. The Padawan kept dodging and opened his eyes before turning his stick backwards and parried a charging Sora, who was given a force push to make a distance. Denryk nearly burst into a laugh. "The instant your heart feels, it overrides any thought that would be up here." He pointed to his cranium and was in a beat of something, more of an admiration than a real taunt.

Sora back flipped to gain control of his footing and braced. "Denryk, what the heck are you doing?" The spikey haired boy felt himself floating by the Force and Denryk readied to hurl him "Demonstrating what you need to-" towards Aqua. "See!"

Fling!

The two caught each other and kept side to side as Denryk felt that will power. The two glided as one and were given a firm counter smack. Aqua begun to still and warped as phantoms for a sneak attack, the Padawan parried each blow as Sora saw the passion for each movement. The spikey haired boy followed the phantom strike with a sonic dash, Denryk jumped out of the way and spun in a dance. He raised his hand and called upon a maelstrom of flat rocks and fallen branches. To use as both protection and annoying offense. The Keybearers flowed through each rock to get across the maze and were met with Denryk using the rocks as shielding. He shoved the shield to throw their balance off and saw them flip a distance. He tossed the stick aside right as they glided for a sync blow, they felt their blades slow to where Denryk opened his hands and let them be placed gently on his palms.

Sora and Aqua jerked back, flickered their blades out of the grip and struck as one. Denryk brought the light saber for a parry and gave a push to signal his defeat. Cyndi and the pokemon clapped as Litzia glimmered in her eyes. Denryk hand wave that victory belonged to the keybearers and turned off the sword. "I think that's about as far as we can go without leveling something. The two of you got a love for what you're good at."

Aqua agreed back. "Got to admit, it has that familiar sense. The training Ken received served you well." Denryk smiled and took his mask off. "Thanks for that, by the way." He showed the gray eyed face that matched the hair, causing Litzia to gasp in a realization. "So that's the secret?! It explains so much." Denryk smiled softly at his fellow student. "The Force has it's way of making things work. When you're face to face with the evil that's out there... the Force lets you know what you need to do." He headed to his companions as Aqua asked. "Then you act upon it's will?"

Denryk asked back. "Because that will is to protect these worlds and those who got a value for life itself. You understand this feeling. A love that shines back and does more and more to make it... ideal."

Sora found that surprising wisdom from a nobody. "It gives you a purpose towards something greater than extra muscle. It lets you see things for what they are?"

Denryk closed his eyes and kept marching. "All corners of the world finding that love to be a common thing they share and together, they make a one of a kind song." He shrugged. "It's something Ken wants, to say the least."

The band headed back to the ruins, where Ven was bestowed a eviolite necklace for Virtu. "So all she needs to do is not evolve again and her defenses will double?" Daphne focused away from the light show. "And with that versatility, you'd reach a potential that can match most mega pokemon. Still, if you ever find a Keystone and the mega stone to go with Alakazam, you'll know that the time will be soon."

Ven blushed as Denryk took his leave back to his squad, deciding to keep the mask on his hip as Namine sensed enlightenment. "The best of the best live up to the mantle, haven't they?" Roxas smirked and felt the spices together in harmony. "Just... if Sora wasn't holding back, he would have knocked you off that chair in seconds, you know that."

Denryk sighed blissfully. "Expected since they're dealing with a Masterless Padawan. But they'll be safe in case of a random Darth decides to take it personally with them. Now let's invite some smiles."

Back at Sanfransokyo.

It was reaching the evening. Hiro and the boys stepped out of a prison, quite enlightened to certain events, although Hiro wasn't in much of a mood. Ken recalled a talk with an average looking man in a orange jump suit. "So that was the big guy you dealt with before Riku came along?"

Pence nodded. "The former dean that tried to get revenge on this tech corp? Ended up getting Hiro's brother killed and then used an invention that got the first Baymax body stranded in between worlds?" Hayner whistled. "Some history." Baymax calculated. "As we know, it appears that Principle Granville has been apart of SFIT for longer than she claims."

Ken's recalled fast. "An incident with a student of hers and she resigned for a while. So, she does have something to share. Could explain why she's pretty strict." Hiro calmed down as the college campus was in sight. "I think you might be right. But do you think she'll let us know that easily?"

Ken shook his head and felt a ball shake. "We'll have to sneak in and do some digging by ourselves. Maybe... catch her red handed? We shared a lot of info with her already, including some pretty confidential stuff." Hiro agreed. "It's only fair." He sent out Golett and signaled. "Baymax, Pence, Hayner, stay out here and be on the look out for any trouble." He crouched. "Golett, can you use that Phantom force to get us into the lab?"

The robot grunted a beep and offered a hand of aid, the two boys took it and found themselves sneaking into shadow, appearing inside the facility as rising phantoms. Ken whispered. "That can be real helpful if you need to be out of a pinch."

Hiro admitted as Golett sensed something rolling in. "We should work on that when we get the chance. We could use some adjustments for their training, just to keep up." Roll! "Gol!" (Speaking of which.)

In a sudden, a rather large white orb with a black interior rolled into the room, having flat red lines and giving strange feelings towards a Forretress. It sprouted mechanical, spider like legs and did more to intrigue the one armed boy. It beeped. "Threat, detected."

More came rolling in with Granville, who was realizing someone got in. "I'd figured you'd find your way in." She called out to the machine. "They're authorized." Suddenly, the robot's red glow turned green and docile. Granville knew there were owed answers. "Due to the rise in dangers, it has come to my attention that this campus needs security."

Hiro blushed. "Right, between the Heartless, wild pokemon and that incident with the island last night, it wasn't going to be overlooked."

Ken followed along. "One of the students got snatched away, just like that in the campus." He crouched to the wondrous machines. "Back at my hometown, the guys worked on a security system to keep the random heartless attacks at a minimum. Is this the same idea?"

Granville escorted the boys and Golett to a room with a computer. "With the program that I've installed through this CPU, I've been observing the techniques that you and Sharp Shell have practiced. I'm still working on counter measures to criminals that would use the Heartless for their goals."

Hiro looked at the computer in amazement as it showed a green screen with him and Ken's faces. "So they can tell the difference between friend and foe?" Ken admitted. "Could be complicated of a random pokemon shows up in here. Or if we bring a newer looking one, if you like we could help you download some data that can help this-"

In a sudden, the screen turned red. Showing the boys and Golett as a threat. Granville gasped and hurried to correct the error, only to be denied. The robots turned red and begun to shoot beams at the four, they ducked and Ken used a cloud of ash to sneak them to a standing position. Hiro was quick to realize. "Oh boy, I think the computer got hacked!" Ken cringed. "Has someone been spying on us?!" He readied a beast ball and let out the Kartana. "This also happened, when a Master Control Program got access to the security and used it to try and kill the towns folk."

Golett got in the way of a laser beam and cast a protective barrier as Kartana ducked from a blast. "!hsubmA" Hiro ordered fast. "Golett, bull doze and get these robots off balance!" Ken barked. "Kartana, detect for defense and when they're knocked prone, slice them up!"

The Kartana detected and ascended, Ken flowed to an upper platform and watched Golett stomp the ground to trip the robots. Ken and Kartana disappeared in a flash of fire and metal, rushing through each robot and causing them to come apart in one precise slash. With them neutralized, Hiro looked to the hacked computer and have an idea who might have caused that. "Let me take a look at this. We've heard that you worked here before as a teacher, what made you resign?"

Granville took a deep breath in memory as Ken explained. "We've heard that it was an unsanctioned project or something and someone got hurt?"

Granville breathed out and showed an old faculty card, showing her with wavy hair. "It's the reason there are regulations today. My student, Bob Aken is a brilliant student who was even allowed to have his own lab. But something went array that I should have paid more attention to." Hiro hmmed. "And he ended up in the hospital?"

Golett jumped in astonishment as Kartana asked. ".efil sih sah, llits eh epoh I." Ken cringed. "For it to go that way around here, that's got to hurt." He asked. "So, that's why you got to action as soon as you saw what we're doing? I'll be you even knew something was going on when me and some friends visited last time. Or even earlier when Riku showed up."

He spoken a little too much as Granville regretted. "If you never learn your limit soon, you will when it's too late to correct yourself. I can't just stand by and let this chaos ensue again." Ken understood. "Believe me, that's why venturing with friends is a must. These robots are a still pretty good idea."

Hiro agreed with him. "We won't have to worry about someone sneaking in here again. But we're trying to find a lead on this hacker that makes machines go haywire. The central computer just needs a few fire walls and-" He over ridden the hacked program and got to work in instillation as Ken thought to humor the Principle. "As you know, me and my friends came from a world that's not like this huge city. But that technological potential is a pretty common factor."

He had the phone ready to project. "We have to keep the details a secret from the locals, but since we had to tell you, it wouldn't hurt if you see." He showed an image of the rebuilding Radiant Garden and some art of what it was before. "Once upon a time, this place was a marvel, before some crazy guy messed around with science he shouldn't have and caused it all to go to ruin. It took years before we were able to come back to the Hollow Bastion and get it rebuilt. My Dad use to be a salvager, who makes use of parts no one thought to use and makes gizmos out of it. That adventuring runs in the blood."

Granville gasped as Hiro didn't recall meeting anyone like that. "But something happened to him and he isn't around anymore?" Ken wished he knew more. "This was all when I was little and we know the Heartless go after people for their hearts. It takes on bad alley turn without the protection of the Keyblade... which was wiped out for a while, and you're a goner. If you're wanting to know more details, you're asking the wrong guy."

He breathed out in sympathy for Hiro and his own predicament, all the while Sharp Shell got out of his ball, growling at his limit. (How often do I have to be in those?!) He saw the machinery and Hiro working on the computer, taking a look while asking. (I've missed out on a this?)

Kartana grunted. ".retfiws ma I tub, tfisw era uoY" Ken apologized. "Sorry about that, needed a smaller cut to get around the robots. I'm going to need to let the guys know." He began texting. "So, Hiro, your bro built something as incredible as Baymax. Anything more about him you like to share? I won't tell if it's a little personal." Hiro stopped, took a deep breath and relaxed. "He's the reason I ended up in SFIT, I've excelled at high school like it was nothing and started getting into Bot fighting. Rather than something more productive."

Golett sweated. (That sport over in the shadey part of the city.) Ken remembered hearing about the sport. "Where people make robots smash each other to bits?" Sharp Shell gasped and cringed. (Ohhhhhh, that explains something.) The one armed boy guessed. "I guess people take that game too seriously and use it for gambling?" He stopped. "Riiiight, so kind of like those Pokemon Matches these kids keep talking about?"

Granville nodded. "Much like that, except Trainers battle each other as a means to raise their companions for the better of the world?" Ken mhmmed. "Other wise, the moment some scumbag starts abusing that... there wouldn't be anyone to stop them. That Bot Fighting isn't like that and it could bring you into dangerous situations. Like how that big guy really, really doesn't like Hiro."

Hiro smirked arrogantly. "One too many times, I've kept into a lot of trouble. Once I ended up into SFIT, I ended up meeting the guys." Ken guessed. "Who were close associates with your brother and things kind of became history once they met you?"

The boy genius recalled particular details and went to focusing on the program as the one armed friend admitted. "Your bro looked out for you and he sounds more like a cool guy." He sighed at what else he knew and settled for staying on guard as Granville find the friendship charming.