Pokemon Emblem: Terastal Engage

by Coral the Leviathan

While investigating an abnormal Tera Crystal, Kris, Nemona, Arven, and Penny found themselves in an entirely different world. Here, not only are Pokemon not so common, and Tera Crystals functioning differently from ones back home, a war is coming. In order to find their way home, Kris and co travel with Alear across Elyos to stop the Fell Dragon.

1. Terastal to Another World

Hello, readers and fans alike. It is I, Coral the Leviathan, making a return to the wonderful world of Fanfiction at last~! ... With a new story.

Now, I know. I know many of you are waiting for updates on my other works. Some even asking when the next updates of those works will be or requesting that I do those updates. And upon noticing this one, you may most likely be questioning why I have started yet another story instead of continuing on with the next chapter of those other ongoing ones. The answer is very simple, really...

It is because thy mind demands I write this.

Though I either feel little motivation or lack much imagination to do my other works, the moment an idea for another story comes to mind, many others come along and my hand gets to writing on those ideas! So, I am very sorry to those of you hoping for updates, but this is as it is!

That being said, I do hope that in light to this little situation here, and to my having gained a full-time job in real life, you all can still enjoy what I will be giving you all. That being said, do enjoy this new story.

Disclaimer: I do not own Pokemon or Fire Emblem of any kind. I own only my OC.

---

"Human talking"

'Thoughts'

"Dex Entry"

(Pokemon talking)

---

It was a fairly normal day in Paldea Region, as many people gathered in one area in front of a certain academy. Be they students, teachers, and even Pokemon alike. All for one thing.

The Academy Ace Tournament. A monthly tournament in Uva Academy, held to test the strength of every individual attending said academy. Especially two individuals. They who are ranked the top two students of the academy, as well as the strongest Trainers in all of Paldea.

"Meowscarada! Flower Trick!"

"Knock them all back, Quaquaval! Aqua Step!"

As one figure tossed some bouquets at its opponent, the opposing figure leapt up and kicked one of them back, causing that one to hit another bouquet behind it. A chain reaction occurred then, as the pair exploded, and set off the explosives on the other bouquets, covering the battlefield in smoke.

An uproar could be heard from the audience at the counter, with names getting cheered on to either side. The smoke soon cleared up, revealing the two battling Pokemon and their Trainers.

On one end, there was a teenage girl with light tanned skin wearing Uva Academy's school uniform, with an arm brace on her right hand. Her black hair was tied in a ponytail, with three bangs sticking out from her forehead- two of the three being green, and her orange eyes on her freckled face were filled with excitement as the battle went on. Standing before her was a dark blue humanoid waterfowl-like Pokemon with yellow beak and feet, orange-red feathers on its head, and an elaborate-looking tail. They were Nemona and her partner, Quaquaval.

On the other end of the battlefield, there was also a teenager, seemingly around her age, though a little shorter. Her skin was white, and she had on their academy's school uniform as well. Her side braided wine red hair blew along the wind, as she kept her school hat down on her head, and her hazel eyes were brimming with just as much excitement as her opponent's. Standing before her was a light green humanoid feline with a dark green mask on its face, a pink collar around its neck, and a green cape on its back, being held by the collar, with a small green flower floating by its side. They were Kristina, or 'Kris' as many call her, and her partner, Meowscarada.

"Heh. Not bad, Kris," Nemona commented, rubbing a thumb across her nose.

"That's my line to you, Nemona," Kris retorted, removing her hand from her hat now that the wind died down. "I know this isn't the first time I'm saying this, but you really did train your Pokemon hard for this, didn't you?"

"Isn't it obvious? We are rivals, aren't we? What sort of rival would I be if I don't improve my Pokemon after each battle, and break that win streak? You've already beaten mine once."

Kris smirked at the statement, knowing how true that was. For after all, Nemona absolutely loves Pokemon battles, especially against strong opponents. She should know, having been the one who battled Nemona the most out of everyone else. And each time they battled, Nemona and her Pokemon team kept going on stronger than ever, prompting Kris and her team to constantly power themselves up as well.

"Now then, what do you say we finish this?" Nemona suggested.

"I wouldn't have it any other way," Kris answered.

At her response, the pair reached into their pockets and took out a particular orb. They raised the orbs, causing them to gather energy within. Once enough was gathered, it glowed, and the two Trainers tossed the orbs at their respective partners, engulfing them and the screen in bright light.

Within the light, the title of the story appeared.

---

Later that day, after the tournament in the late afternoon, Kris and Nemona both got called to the director's office, along with two other students. One who is a male with long gray-colored hair and a yellow vest over his uniform, and one a female with blue and red hair. The latter who is the only one not wearing a uniform, but instead a black hoodie with a pokeball logo on it, black leggings with red pluses and blue minuses on them, black shorts with a transparent skirt over them, and black boots. They are Arven and Penny.

"Ah, man! Lost again..." Nemona groaned.

"Don't feel too bad about it. You had me on my feet at that last attack," Kris consoled.

"Kris, do you hear yourself? Since when has Nemona ever felt bad for losing?" Arven pointed out.

"If anything, she'll just ask for another battle after this meeting," Penny added, in which Nemona chuckled at as she rubbed the back of her head.

"Heheh. Was it that obvious?" The question was enough to make her friends let out exasperated sighs.

"See what I mean?"

"Let's just see what the director wants first," Kris said, as they arrived at the very set of doors leading to his office. She knocked on the door, alerting the person inside of their presence.

"Enter," came an elderly voice.

As soon as they were given permission, Kris opened the doors, and all four of them walked into the room. There, waiting for the four, were three individuals. One was an aged man with white hair and goatee wearing white-rimmed glasses, white pants, purple blazer, black undershirt with a white collar, and white shoes. One was a tan-skinned woman with long black hair with blue and gold highlights in a black business suit, the sleeves blue near the end, with blue gloves to match. And one was a white-skinned woman with long green hair in a ponytail and androgynous features, wearing a grey shirt with a black tie around her neck, black pants, and brown boots.

"Kris, Nemona, Arven, Penny. We have been waiting for you," the man greeted.

The director was one thing, but they had not expected to meet the woman with him.

"La Primera! Rika! Why are you two here?" Nemona gasped.

"Chairwoman Geeta is the reason why I asked for you four," the man explained, to their confusion.

"Us? What for, Director Clavell?" Arven asked.

"Because I have a mission that requires all four of you," Geeta answered then. "I want you four to investigate an anomaly."

The request came as a surprise for them. "What anomaly?" Penny inquired.

Geeta glanced at Rika. "Show them."

Nodding, Rika tapped away at her pad and explained, "For the past couple of weeks, we of the Pokemon League have been getting reports of a strange Tera Raid Crystal appearing in Paldea, Kitakami, or Blueberry Academy's Teranium. Unlike the black Tera Raid Crystals, not only is it only the one that seems to be appearing in any one of the three areas, but neither Trainers nor investigators were able to enter."

That last piece of information surprised the teens. "Wait, no one can get in?" Kris asked.

"No, and we haven't gotten a clue as to why," Geeta confirmed. "That's why, we want you to investigate."

"But you just said no one can get inside of that time. How do you expect us to be able to find anything ourselves?" Penny questioned.

Geeta turned to Kris at the question. "For one thing, Kris here seems to have a knack for uncovering these sorts of stuff. You did uncover the truth behind the Ogre Legend in Kitakami, you saved Paldea and ultimately the world from the danger in Area Zero, you caught the Hidden Treasure within the depths of it, not to mention how you met and saved that one Paradox Pokemon prior to just your first day of school here. Should I continue?"

Kris could only sweat drop at the facts pointed out, looking at Geeta in slight uncertainty. "That's quite the amount of pressure and expectations you're putting on me here," she could only say, in which her friends- two of the three, at least- could only feel pity for.

"Okay. That explains Kris. What about the rest of us?" Arven asked.

"You mean aside from the fact that you three are also involved in the Area Zero incident?" Rika questioned, looking at the trio with a glare, in which they frightfully shuddered at. "Anomaly aside, this is still a Tera Raid Crystal. We will be needing three others to accompany Kris in case if something happens. We would ask the gym leaders for this, but they have their own matters to handle, as do I. Plus, Poppy is a little young for this."

"And the teachers?" Penny inquired.

"Likewise, they also have their own matters to attend to," Clavell answered then. A response in which Arven and Penny sweat dropped at.

"Why are you already assuming we'll find anything?" the latter especially noticed.

"Sounds like fun to me!" Nemona cheered. "Let's do it! It sounds like an awesome adventure!"

"It has been a while since the last time we did anything together," Kris recalled, turning to Penny and Arven. "Obviously Nemona and I are in. What about you two?"

At the question, the pair looked back at her with smiles on their faces. "Like you need to ask, buddy. Of course we're coming along," Arven answered.

"Not that we would want to decline in the first place, but La Primera did also kind of sign us up for this anyway," Penny said.

Geeta was more than happy to hear the responses. "Excellent. You four can start now," she told them. "It just so happens that we have received a reading from the northeast. A Flying Taxi is waiting for you right outside the entrance. Head on over there and investigate at once."

Her order only made the kids sweat drop once more. 'And now I know how Larry feels,' Kris thought.

---

With their task handed to them, the four exited the school to see the taxi Geeta spoke of and got on the carriage to their destination. Or at least anywhere near it.

"Okay, kids. Here is East Province Area 3's Pokemon Center," the driver announced. "Sorry I can't get you kids straight into Tagtree Thicket."

"No, it's okay. We can walk the rest of the way," Kris assured, as she and the others got off their ride.

"Yeah. Thanks for the ride, amigo," Nemona thanked.

"You kids take care, now." With that, Arven closed the door shut, and the Flying Taxi took its leave.

As they watched the taxi leave, Penny checked on the information and signal Geeta had sent to her to her Rotom Phone, analyzing the data given to her.

"According to the signal, that crystal is still somewhere in those woods. Since this Abnormal Tera Raid Crystal still functions as any others in that it will be at that spot until midnight, we have plenty of time to reach it. Still, we best not dilly-dally any longer than we should," she informed.

The others nodded in agreement, as they began their walk in the area.

"You sure you don't want to make a short visit, though?" Kris then asked. "Last I remember, Atticus is in the area, isn't he?"

"True, but like I said, if we waste any time, the sun will go down, and we might miss the crystal. And I'd rather not know what Geeta will do if she knows we wasted the rest of the day away," Penny reasoned. An explanation Arven and Kris immediately understood, as they imagined Geeta and Rika's reaction, if they were to return the next day with nothing.

"I guess that visit can wait, then..." Kris said.

Nemona, unfazed by the thought or unaware of it, placed her hands behind her head with a disappointed sigh. "Aw... I really want to take a peek of those facilities, though," she sighed, prompting Kris to give her a little backhand slap.

"Like we said, after this mission."

And so, they walked, taking in the sights of the Pokemon living in these woods. They consisting of the Shroodle, Grafaiai, and even the occasional Foongus and Impidimp, amongst several other Pokemon species. After some time of walking, however, they didn't see any Tera Raid Crystals. Nor did they see any light shining up; a sign that a Tera Raid Crystal was somewhere nearby.

"Not that I doubt you, Penny, but are you sure the reading is here?" Arven asked for the umpteenth time.

"Again, Arven, I am very sure it's here. I'm looking at it right from my Rotom Phone and my laptop. And don't forget, it was Geeta who sent us here," Penny answered, getting a bit annoyed with the constant questions.

"I mean, I know that, but-"

"Ah, come on, Arven. When has Penny ever let us down?" Nemona said, slapping the guy on the back. "Just trust the brain to do the brain work. As for us? We just do what we do best."

"Thanks, Nemona," Penny thanked, appreciating someone having some belief in her.

"Besides, back when we searched for the Herba Mystica, we didn't have an easy time searching for those, remember? Have some faith in her," Kris added.

Unlike with Nemona, Penny blushed lightly at the supportive words.

As for Arven, he turned away with a reserved expression. "I mean, yeah… Still, since we're mostly going by the device and not blind, I'd have thought we would at least see something suspicious by now. Everything here looks normal to me."

"It's not like we had any reliable lead to go on ourselves, if this crystal is that much of an anomaly. There is so much even technology can do," Penny pointed out. "Thankfully, even if it is an abnormality that doesn't show itself with a beam of light like other Tera Raid Crystals do, that strange crystal is still a Tera Raid Crystal all the same. And like the black Tera Raid Crystals, it's easy to distinguish since it also gives off its own weird energy reading."

"Probably from that Pokemon resting in it, huh. Ooh~ I can't wait! I wonder how strong it is~" Nemona said, clearly looking forward to do battle against the unknown Pokemon.

Her three friends all sighed at the action. "Of course you would," Arven especially worded out. "You know, you and Kris had that long battle earlier. How are you still rearing to go? Heck, I'm getting worried for your Pokemon, you know."

Nemona pouted at the statement. "That's rude. I'll have you know my team loves to battle just as much as I do. Besides, I wouldn't force any Pokemon to do battle if they don't want to."

"It's true. She wouldn't. In fact, all her Pokemon practically share the same notion she does about battling," Kris vouched, being the one who battled Nemona the most, as her rival.

Arven let out a small reluctant chuckle at the fact. "Somehow, I'm not surprised."

Penny noticed something appear on her computer screen and came to a sudden stop. "Everyone, stop!"

At her cry, the other three froze in place, eyes on their technician.

"What's up?" Nemona asked her.

"We're close." Once those words left Penny's mouth, everyone looked around to see if there was any sign of an abnormal Tera Raid Crystal nearby, only to see nothing that looked like one.

"From which direction?" Arven questioned.

Penny zoomed into the screen to get a better look at where their destination was to be, and looked around herself. "It's somewhere nearby… The energy reading is saying that it's here."

Kris continued to look around at Penny's words, wondering where the strange Crystal could be. She looked up, and her eyes widened at what she saw. "Hey. Is that it?"

Everyone looked her way and saw her pointing upwards. They followed the direction she was pointing, and were baffled to see what seemed to be a Tera Raid Crystal embedded high up on a tree.

"Up there?!" Nemona gasped.

"Well, there's Strangeness Number 1," Arven began. "But how the heck could a Crystal sprout from there of all places?!"

"Took the words right out of my mouth," Penny agreed, looking at her computer screen, to the Crystal, and back. "Still, there's no doubting that's the very same one, judging by the energy readings."

"Okay. And how do we get up there?"

"We can just climb up," Nemona suggested.

"Yeah... I'm not much of a climber. And for all we know, there may be a Pokemon up on this tree that won't welcome humans," Penny denied.

"Then how about our nifty ride?"

At that second suggestion, she, Arven and Penny all turned to Kris.

A sigh escaped her lips at the looks she was receiving. "One ride, coming right up," she spoke, taking out a certain Pokeball from her person.

Or so she was about to, at least, when the crystal suddenly lit up, catching their attention.

"What the-?!" Arven gasped.

"The crystal's lighting up?!" Nemona questioned.

Penny looked back at her laptop, noticing something odd going on with the energy readings. "Brace yourselves!" she could only say, as the crystal lit up brighter, prompting them all to shield their eyes.

---

Once the glow died down, the four trainers slowly uncovered their eyes. To their astonishment, rather than seeing the woods of Tagtree Thicket, they could themselves in a rather dark area.

"What the-?! What the heck happened?! We weren't even close enough to enter the raid!" Arven questioned, before turning to Penny. "Pipsqueak, what happened back there?"

"Even if you ask me that, I don't know myself," Penny answered, looking at both her laptop and her Rotom Phone. "The reading was calm before, no doubt about that. But it suddenly skyrocketed. Similar to how Tera Raids would normally start."

"What?! But that makes no sense! Even for an abnormality! And I thought no one was able to get in, so how did we?!"

"Hey, there's a bunch we don't know about this crystal. Especially whatever Pokemon resides in here," Penny pointed out, once again getting a bit annoyed with the questioning.

"Guys, guys! Calm down!" Kris cried out, trying to be the peacemaker between the two.

"Speaking of, where is the Pokemon?" Nemona asked, changing the subject.

At her question, the other three turned to the two, and noticed their battle-crazed student council president looking around the supposedly empty den.

"That's strange. There's always a Terastallized Pokemon in a Tera Raid Crystal. Where's this one?" Nemona wondered.

"Now that you mentioned it, it is a bit quiet in here," Arven added, as Penny worked on her two devices to analyze the den. "I've never been in a Tera Raid Crystal before, but shouldn't there be a Terastallized Pokemon the moment we enter?"

"Yeah, that's right. Trust me, I've been in plenty of these myself. There's always a Pokemon in its Terastallized state in here. Or at least… There should be here."

"Nemona's right," Kris vouched, also having been in plenty of Tera Raids during her trip around Paldea. "That being said, it's unusual for it to be so quiet in here. I wonder why that is."

"Guess that's another thing to take note on in this place," Arven noted.

As for Penny, as soon as she got her laptop set up to analyze the inside of the abnormal Tera Raid Crystal, she saw a strange energy reading being emitted from within. Her eyes widened at the sight, and turned to where it supposedly was coming from. Her eyes widened at the sight before her. "Above us! Move it!"

Though taken aback by the shout, the other the trainers hastily moved away from their spots, just in time to avoid blue flames coming down above them. They regained their bearings, and turned to the source, where they were shocked to find what seemed to be a silver dragon-like Pokemon hanging from ceiling above.

They had never seen anything like it. Aside from its silver scales, even its wings seemed more metallic than they should look scaly. The underside was black, and its claws and feet were blue. As for its head, it didn't look like any head they have seen. It seemed… covered, with a navy blue visor, and a silver helmet of sort. The 'tail feathers' at the end of its long tail- like its wings- also seemed metallic.

"What the heck is that thing?!" Arven gasped out.

"A Dragon-type Pokemon, for sure!" Nemona exclaimed, more out of excitement than in shock.

"Yeah, but what is it exactly? I've never seen a Pokemon like it," Penny stated, turning on the Pokedex app on her Rotom Phone.

"No data." Only to get nothing out of it, much to the Trainers' shock.

"No data?! Then is it... an undiscovered Pokemon?!" Kris assumed.

"In a Tera Raid Crystal?" Arven questioned her. "I mean, sure, it might be possible, but is it?"

No one even had the time to ponder on the thought, as the Dragon-type Pokemon came down from the ceiling and landed before them, letting out a screechy roar.

"No time to wonder about that. It's time to battle!" Nemona said.

No one disagreed with her on that point. While they didn't know what this Pokemon was, it clearly wasn't going to be at peace with them at any time soon.

"Nemona's right. Besides, if we manage to beat and catch it, we might find out something about this abnormality," Penny pointed out.

"Gonna be just like the old times, buddy. Let's do this!" Arven said, as they all prepared their Pokeballs.

"I choose you!" Soon enough, all four tossed their Pokeballs forward, unleashing their selected partner.

Aside from Kris's Meowscarada and Nemona's Quaquaval, also appearing with them were a pair of quadrupedal Pokemon. One a grey canine with a stripe of light grey fur running down its spine and orange beady eyes and nose. And one a pale cream-colored mammal-like Pokemon with pink feet, ears, and tail, blue eyes, and a pair of bows on its body- one on her neck and the other on the base of her left ear- with ribbon-like feelers. These two are Mabosstiff and Sylveon.

(Another battle so soon? Didn't feel that long since the last one,) Meowscarada said, getting into battle position.

(What? Still feeling wiped out from our battle, chica?) Quaquaval asked his rival, also getting into battle position.

(Focus, guys. Whatever that Pokemon is clearly doesn't look like it will hold back its strikes,) Sylveon advised.

(Neither will we regardless, yeah? If it's a battle that 'mon wants, it's a battle it will get!) Mabosstiff growled, the sound turning into that of a snarl, causing a blue aura to briefly appear on the opposing Pokemon.

"Yes! Thank you, Mabosstiff's Intimidate~!" Nemona cheered.

"Why are you cheering?" Arven asked, though just as glad that his Pokemon's ability is effective.

"Anyway, since that thing has to be a Dragon-type, Penny, you be our ace!" Nemona then declared.

"The one time I will agree with you," Penny accepted, as the opposing Pokemon let out a screech and raised a claw. "Sylveon, Baby-Doll Eyes!"

(Right!) At her call, her Intertwining Pokemon took lead, as she dashed towards their opponent and- rubbing her eyes with her feelers- stared up at the dragon with sparkling eyes and a whimper. The dragon seemed to have flinched somewhat before lowering its claw down at the Fairy-type.

"Quaquaval! Aerial Ace!"

(Ole!) At Nemona's shout, her Water-type danced a few steps before shooting himself towards the pair of Pokemon ahead at high speed. (I got your back, amiga!) He said to Sylveon, taking her in his arms and got her away from the Unknown Dragon's claw attack. Setting the Fairy-type Pokemon down at a safe distance away from and continued his way to the opponent and landed a harsh kick right at its face.

"Nice one!" Nemona cheered, before turning to the two friends whose Pokemon have yet to attack. "Arven, Kris! Follow up!"

"Don't need to tell us twice! Mabosstiff! Use Crunch!"

(Got it, Arven!) At Arven's command, Mabosstiff let out a growl. His fangs glowed white upon doing so, and he charged straight for the Pokemon.

"Meowscarada, Flower Trick!"

(I'll give it to that scaly 'mon in style,) Following them was Kris, whose Meowscarada prepared some bouquets before tossing them at their opponents as well.

Before either of them could hit the unknown Pokemon, it let out a screech before raising a claw up and brought it down on Mabosstiff, pinning him down.

"Mabosstiff!" Arven cried out in worry.

The Pokemon didn't stop there, as it turned to the Flower Trick barrage and swung its tail at them, and getting rid of the bouquets. With seemingly no damage at all.

"It brushed off Flower Trick?!" Kris gasped, with Penny and Nemona just as shocked by the outcome.

Next they knew, it tossed Mabosstiff back to them, causing the Boss Pokemon to let out a yelp as he got tossed.

"Mabosstiff!" Arven rushed to where his partner would land, and managed to catch his partner. Though got knocked down in the process. "Mabosstiff, you okay?"

The Boss Pokemon shook itself for a bit, before looking back at his Trainer with a bark.

Relieved that his partner was okay, Arven turned his attention back to the unknown dragon. "That thing is way too tough. Even tougher than the Paradox Pokemon in Area Zero."

"I know. It's awesome!" Nemona said, feeling her blood rush just watching how strong this unknown Pokemon is.

"Awesome or not, something about it is off," Penny stated, glancing at their opponent and her laptop screen in confusion.

"'Off' how?" Kris asked.

"I don't know. But for now, we need to keep hitting it however we can. Cover Sylveon!"

"Leave it to us! We'll get its attention!" Nemona volunteered herself and Quaquaval. "Quaquaval! Dance around it with Aqua Step!"

Quaquaval did as told, as he- after taking Sylveon to safety- returned to the Unknown Dragon's side, and started dancing around it. As he danced, he snuck in some slaps, kicks, and even chops on the dragon. While he seemingly did not do much damage to it, the attacks did keep the opposing Pokemon's attention on him, as it swung its tail at the Dancer Pokemon, only for him to dodge the attack in time, thanks to the speed boost Aqua Step granted him.

"They can't keep that up for long. Arven!" Kris called to her senior and friend.

"I know. Like Nemona said, that thing has to be a Dragon-type. Can't have Penny take all the credit. Mabosstiff, Play Rough! Go!"

(Right!) Once Arven gave his Pokemon that command, Mabosstiff charged back at the pair of battling Pokemon once more.

"Meowscarada, Trailblaze!"

(I'll strike just as fast!) Following him, Kris gave her own order to her Pokemon, who briefly dug her feet into the ground before also shooting herself forward.

As the two inched closer to them, Quaquaval noticed the Boss and Magician Pokemon's approach and gave the Unknown Dragon Pokemon a little wink, before leaping away, just narrowly avoiding its horn attack. Almost as soon as it failed to connect its attack on him, the Pokemon got struck by a harsh kick from Meowscarada, whom then leapt over it, as Mabosstiff followed up the assault with a Play Rough.

"Yes! Nice double team!" Nemona cheered.

Penny, who paid close attention to the battle progress both from her laptop and the battle itself, widened her eyes when she noticed something about the Unknown Dragon. "Get Mabosstiff away from it!"

Before the others could progress what she shouted, the Unknown Dragon- more annoyed than it was hurt by the assault- smacked its tail against the Boss Pokemon, and successfully knocked him away.

"Mabosstiff!" Arven cried out again, rushing to his Pokemon's aid.

"What the heck?! Did Play Rough do nothing to it?!" Nemona gasped in shock. Considering how Fairy-type moves like Play Rough are super effective against Dragon-types, they all had expected the attack to have done something to their opponent. On another note…

"Some Terastallized Pokemon from Tera Raids are a lot tougher than normal. That Play Rough must have done something to it; just not as much as we hoped," Kris could only assume, in which made sense to Nemona.

"Oh, that's right. I forgot how strong Tera Raid Pokemon can be."

As much as Penny wanted to agree, from what she was seeing, there was more to this Pokemon than they thought. Something that was not right about it, compared to other Pokemon, including Area Zero's Paradox Pokemon.

'No, I'll worry about that later. Firstly, we need to weaken it,' she decided. 'Best way to do that is…'

"Sylveon, use Moonblast!" At her call, her Sylveon gathered pink energy that soon took shape into an orb before her, and she fired the attack right at the Unknown Dragon.

The dragon sensed the attack coming and knocked the ball away with its tail, having it crash into the ceiling above, to the others' increasing bafflement.

"I know for sure that's not supposed to happen!" Arven exclaimed.

The dragon let out another screechy roar, as its mouth emitted what seemed to be light blue energy.

"Here comes its Dragon Breath!" Nemona warned. "Penny! We need Sylveon!"

Penny slightly jumped at the command, before reluctantly calling out to her Intertwining Pokemon. "Sylveon, please!"

(Leave it to me!) Sylveon obliged to the request and dashed forward with a Quick Attack, meeting the Dragon-type move head on.

At least… They had been assuming that it was a Dragon Breath. For as Sylveon got hit by the flames, she let out a pained cry, alarming her Trainer and their friends.

"Sylveon!" Penny cried out in worry. Once the attack ended, Sylveon stood, but not unharmed, as she shakily lied down on her side, increasing her Trainer's concern, as she rushed to her side. "Sylveon! Are you okay?"

(I-... I'm fine, Penny,) Sylveon let out a weak whimper at the question, looking up at her trainer in an attempt to reassure her, only to fail due to her injured state.

"A Dragon Breath that harms Fairy-types? Either that was actually a Fire-type move that looked like a Dragon-type, or that Pokemon has an ability that bypasses a Pokemon's immunity to certain types," Kris assumed, as the Unknown Dragon let out a devastating roar.

"In any case, we should retreat!" Arven suggested.

"Huh?! But the battle is just getting started!" Nemona argued.

"I don't know if you've noticed, Student Council girl, but that Pokemon is way too strong for us to battle! Maybe you and Kris have a chance, but me and Penny? Just look at Sylveon!"

And look Nemona did, as she turned to the downed Fairy-type. The state she was in.

"Arven is right, Nemona," Kris agreed, getting Nemona's attention. "I don't like this either, but as we are now, we can't do anything against that Pokemon. Besides, weren't you the one who taught me that it was okay to run from a battle we can't win?"

Nemona widened her eyes slightly at the last one, recalling to back when she taught Kris how to catch a Pokemon. A sigh left her, as a small smile formed on her lips. "I prefer you call it 'tactical retreat'," she said. "Well, we were asked to just get a bit of valid info on this Crystal. It can't be helped. Quaquaval! Re-"

Before she could order her Pokemon to return, the Unknown Dragon let out a screech, catching them on guard.

"Now what is it doing?!" Arven gasped.

Kris heard something behind them, and turned to see- to her shock- large, thick vines emerge out of the ground and block their exit. "It's not letting us escape?!"

Her words did not go unnoticed by her friends, as they all looked and were just as surprised to see the vines.

"Wait, what?! But that's unheard of!" Penny exclaimed.

"Great. A wild, unknown Pokemon that loves battling just as much as Nemona. That's just great," Arven sarcastically stated.

Nemona did not seem to catch on to the sarcasm, as she excitedly said, "I wouldn't have it any other way! Okay, let's see what other moves can do damage on that Pokemon! Quaquaval, Brick Break!"

(By your command, amiga!) Quaquaval shared her joy, as he dashed towards the Unknown Dragon with a glowing arm/wing.

"Guess it can't be helped. Mabosstiff! Fire Fang!" Arven called after her, as his Boss Pokemon followed suite with flames emitted out of his mouth.

As the pair continued to battle this wild opponent, Penny was frozen stiff. Not to say she was not used to battling, but she has never been in this sort of Pokemon Battle before. A battle against a Pokemon as strong as this? Strong enough to possibly be a Legendary? Only a true fool or brave soul like Nemona would be gutsy enough to battle one.

"Penny! Get a hold of yourself! Penny!" Kris called, giving the girl a little shake, snapping her back to reality. "Come on, Penny, we need all the help we can get! Get your head back in the battle!"

"We can't," she uttered out. "Against something like that? We don't know anything about it! Not even if it really is a Dragon-type! For Moonblast to not hit its mark?!"

"Even so, we still have to try. Especially since that Pokemon isn't going to let us go. If we want to get out of this, we need to beat it somehow!"

"You say that, but what can we do?! That Pokemon is way too strong for us to beat! We know next to nothing about it or the moves it's using! At most, it has to be a Legendary Pokemon. Something that is way out of our league! There's nothing we can do!"

At those words, Kris placed her hands on Penny's cheeks, squeezing them together with a resounding smack.

"You're saying that now?! After everything we've been through?!" she questioned her. "You, who once led Team Star, and asked me to help you in disbanding them. Traveled to Area Zero with us and helped us stop some Paradox Pokemon from reaching the surface! That's not something anyone can do, Penny! Sylveon knows that, too!"

At the mention of her downed Fairy-type, Penny looked down to see- true to Kris's words- Sylveon getting back up on her feet. The Intertwining Pokemon then looked back to her partner, and nodded her way with a confident smile.

Penny's eyes dilated a bit at the sight. Even though her Pokemon is this injured, she was still willing to put up a fight? Then again, it was obvious, wasn't it? Not only are Sylveon naturally ready to fight against Dragon Pokemon, but as Kris said, they had fought against plenty of dangerous Pokemon themselves. Both Paradox Pokemon, and even their teachers' team. Why, she even battled against Kris and Nemona's teams during the Academy Ace Tournament, and managed to go against them as equals. Not that she ever won against them though. Still, for her to be able to do what most others were not able to? That was a huge feat. Moreover, her team of Veevees have always been ready to battle alongside her, no matter how powerful their opponents seemed, and fought their best to the very end.

This was no different.

Penny raised her hands to Kris's and moved her hands down, off her cheeks. Once she got them off her, the former leader of Team Star smacked her on cheeks together, much to Kris's bafflement.

"Wha-?! Penny?!" she gasped.

"Give me some time," she spoke, confusing the Champion-ranked Trainer, as she opened her laptop and got her Rotom Phone back out. "My laptop. It's connected to my Room Phone and has several functions I made during my time as Cassiopeia. Give me five minutes, and I'll see if I can find some kind of attack pattern on that Pokemon, and its weakness. If we want this raid to be successful, I need all the analysis I can get on that Pokemon."

The request she made sounded promising to Kris, especially with how confident she sounded. "You can count on us!" she claimed as she pumped her fist.

As she left to regroup with their friends, Penny looked down at her partner, who looked back at her, eyes still filled with determination. "Sylveon. Stay here with me for now. I'll get you your time to shine, just like that one Sylveon in that fairy tale."

(I'm ready whenever, Penny!) Sylveon nodded in agreement to the plan as well, and stood at ready.

Meanwhile, Kris rushed to Arven and Nemona to spread the word.

"Penny is trying to get something on that Pokemon. We need to give her time!" she relayed.

"If it means getting out of here, I'm willing to listen to anything at this point," Arven said.

"Don't say it like that; have faith in her!" Nemona exclaimed. "If it's time she needs, we'll give her plenty of it!"

Kris nodded in agreement to her rival's claim, and turned back to the battle. "Meowscarada, another Trailblaze!"

(I'll get that thing's attention!) At her call, Meowscarada rushed into the battle at full speed, leaving more leaves at her wake.

"Give them a bit of support, Sylveon. Shadow Ball!" Penny called, not looking away from her laptop as she continued typing away at the keyboard.

(I got your backs, guys!) Sylveon barked in agreement to the command and fired off a black and purple energy ball at the dragon from its mouth.

With the targeted foe, both Quaquaval and Mabosstiff landed their physical attacks on the dragon, followed by Meowscarada not far behind them. Despite having landed the hits, however, it seemed to have done nothing to it still, as it forced the trio off it, only to then get hit by the Shadow Ball, leading to a small explosion.

"Did that work?" Arven asked, praying at least the last one had made a dent.

As the smoke cleared, however, the series of attacks seemed to have done nothing, as the Pokemon spread its wings out and let out a roar.

"Still nothing!" Nemona exclaimed, though more in excitement than she was annoyed or frustrated.

"No, but we did get a third attack in," Kris pointed out to her and Arven. Both who immediately understood what she meant, as she took out her Tera Orb. "Let's do this!"

"Right!" they shouted in agreement, pulling out their own Tera Orbs.

"Meowscarada! Shine now. With all you have left!"

"Quaquaval! Shine blazingly bright, my greatest treasure!"

"Mabosstiff! No one's outshining you after this!"

"TERASTALIZE!" they shouted in unison, raising the orbs in the air.

What was supposed to come next, though, never came, for the orbs didn't even react at their call, much to their shock.

"Huh? They're not working!" Arven exclaimed.

"But that can't be! We dealt three attacks!" Nemona said.

"That Pokemon didn't take our Tera energy, either. What's going on here?!" Kris questioned. Looking back at the battle, she saw the dragon let out another roar as it raised its claw. "Flower Trick!"

At the hasty call, Meowscarada tossed another flower bouquet at the raised limb. The bouquet exploded upon contact, hindering the dragon Pokemon, but not enough to stop the attack altogether.

"Move it!" With the additional shout from all three Trainers, the trio of close combatant Pokemon quickly avoided the claw attack.

"In any case, we just gotta hit it with all we got!" Nemona said, in which the other two agreed upon.

Penny overheard their conversation, taking what was said into consideration as she continued to analyze the Unknown Dragon Pokemon. She had already thought something was strange about it- how it seemed unfazed by the series of attacks dealt to it. Adding on its own attacks? Penny has her Rotom Phone recording and analyzing the dragon, including getting a read on whatever attacks it would be using. She tested the function before on several Pokemon in the wild, and when she or her Team Star friends do a Tera Raid battle, and it worked fine. Yet, on this Pokemon… She had to wonder if it can be called that, as the app wasn't getting anything on its attacks. Much less an attack pattern.

'Dang it, just what's going on here?!' she wondered. 'Even if this is a Legendary Pokemon, this is just ridiculous! I made sure this app can work on a Pokemon on the same level as a legend, so for it to not pick up anything on this one is way too weird! It can't be a Paradox Pokemon, can it? It doesn't look like the ones in Area Zero. And now I'm hearing we can't Terastalize?! That last one especially shouldn't be possible! We're in a Tera Crystal! No matter how abnormal this one is, it's-' Penny stopped when she came to realize something. 'Hang on. This is supposed to be a Tera Raid. And yet…' She looked around her surroundings, and then back to the Dragon Pokemon. Both in person and from her laptop. 'This is a Tera Raid, and yet the Pokemon is not a Tera, nor is this area crystallized like any Tera Raid.' She then thought back to when they tried to escape to before, in which the Pokemon had somehow blocked off. A thought ran into her head then, as she changed the analysis to the field.

'What if we're looking at this all wrong? What if it's not that I can't look into that Pokemon or that it's abnormally powerful, but it made itself like that?' she wondered, typing away at her laptop. It did not take much longer for Penny to find her hypothesis rang true, and for her to find a weak point. 'Here!'

"Nemona! Have Quaquaval use Ice Spinner!" she shouted.

Her voice was music to the others' ears, for they knew well what it meant.

"So it's weak against Ice-type? Okay! Quaquaval! Ice Spinner!" Nemona shouted.

(Si, amiga!) The Dancer Pokemon obliged at the order, as he began to spin at high speed, ice and cold mist emitting out his feet.

"No, not at the Pokemon! I need you to destroy the terrain!" Penny corrected the thought, much to her friends' confusion.

"What terrain?" Arven asked.

Kris turned back to the battle, also wondering what their hacker friend meant, when she saw at Quaquaval's feel, a crack beginning to form.

"Now I see," she spoke in understanding. "Meowscarada! Assist Quaquaval! Flower Trick!"

"Sylveon, prepare a Moonblast!"

(Right!) The two Pokemon followed their Trainers' call, as Meowscarada tossed a large bouquet in the air, and Sylveon charged up her offense Fairy-type move.

"Okay, Quaquaval! You heard them! Jump up!" Nemona called, catching on to the plan.

Her Pokemon also caught on to it, as he leapt up to meet the Flower Trick bouquet, keeping up his spinning momentum.

The Unknown Dragon Pokemon became wary of their plan, and turned to the airborne Quaquaval with its maw open, flames trickling out of it.

"Mabosstiff! Fire Fang!" Only for its concentration to break, as Mabosstiff bit down his fiery fangs on its tail on Arven's call. "Nice one, buddy!"

(No way we're letting you get in the way!) Mabosstiff snarled.

With the added force of the Ice Spinner's spin, Quaquaval landed a harsh kick on Meowscarada's Flower Bouquet, sending it straight down at their opponent. Or rather, right by its feet. The bouquet struck the ground, resulting in a powerful explosion. So strong that not only did it successfully take the dragon by surprise, a large crack formed on the floor. The crack began to spread throughout the area, reaching even the vines blocking their exit, and the space around them, to everyone's surprise, minus Penny. Next they all knew, their surroundings dispersed in sparkles, changing the area into the Tera Raid Den they knew and were more familiar with.

"Now! Fire!" Penny told Sylveon, who gladly unleashed her charged-up Moonblast. This time, the attack struck home, and turned out to be very effective, as the Unknown Dragon Pokemon let out a painful screech, much to the others' astonishment.

"Whoa! What the heck happened?!" Arven gasped.

"It was that Pokemon!" Penny exclaimed. "I don't know if it's a signature move or ability unique to it, but it completely changed the terrain around us right from the start. Into an area that gave it an advantage, and us a disadvantage."

Her friends were quite baffled by the explanation.

"Wait, seriously? That's so not cool!" Arven exclaimed.

"At least now we know what to do if it happens again," Nemona pointed out. "Course, I don't mind if it does change the terrain again."

"Maybe. But if the field was the problem and is fixed now…" Kris trailed off, holding her Tera Orb up, followed by her friends. "One more time, guys!"

"TERASTALIZE!"

Unlike when they first attempted it, their orbs glowed, tapping into the power within. The four Trainers tossed the orbs at their respective partners, causing it to burst open, and their Pokemon to be engulfed in crystals sprouting from their feet. The crystals soon dispersed, revealing their Pokemon somewhat crystallized, each with a symbol above their heads. Flowers on Meowscarada's head, water sprout from Quaquaval's, a heart with wings above Sylveon's, and a wicked smirking face on top of Mabosstiff's.

The sight of their empowered Pokemon- who let out their respective cries from the boost received- brought much joy and relief to the Trainers.

"Oh, yes! There's the Tera Forms!" Arven cheered.

"Yeah. Now let's really hit it where it hurts!" Kris said, in which they all agreed on.

The Unknown Dragon Pokemon took it as a challenge, and let out its own roar. As it did so, the Trainers noticed familiar blue flames being gathered at the mouth.

"It's using that breath attack again!" Arven warned.

"Sylveon, go! Quick Attack!" Penny called, much to her friends' shock.

"Huh?! But wait, Penny!" Nemona shouted, only to be a second too slow, as the Entertaining Pokemon already charged on ahead.

The Unknown Dragon Pokemon unleashed is flames, aiming right at Sylveon. Sylveon didn't cease her charge, and dove right into the flames, increasing the shock and worries of her and Penny's friends. Both emotions soon turned into astonishment as they saw a familiar figure pop out of the flames and strike the opposing Pokemon hard in the head, forcing it back and putting an end to the flames.

"Yes! Just as I thought!" Penny cheered, as Sylveon landed back on the ground by them unharmed with a cheery bark.

"Whoa! What just happened?!" Nemona asked.

"Yeah, I thought those flames hurt Sylveon!" Arven followed.

"Remember what I said about the terrain giving that dragon the advantage earlier?" Penny hinted out, in which they immediately understood.

"Not only did the terrains it made loose its strength and weaken our Pokemon, as well as blocked off the Terastal Phenomenon, it even made it possible for its Dragon-type moves to affect Fairy-Type Pokemon?" Kris voice out. "Oh, now that's just unfair."

Arven cracked his knuckles at the explanation given. "Okay, now this guy is asking for it. Time to bring the pain it's been missing, guys! Mabosstiff, Crunch!"

"Sylveon, Moonblast!"

"Quaquaval, Aqua Step!"

"Meowscarada, Grassy Terrain!"

At each Trainer's attack declaration, their partners unleashed their respective moves at the dragon. That is, three of the four were, while Meowscarada prepared her own terrain, as she snapped her fingers and caused the flower with her to explode, releasing a light-green ring of energy that spread across the field, causing grass and some flowers to sprout out of it. As the field was being prepared, Quaquaval rushed towards their opponent at high speed, dancing around the large foe and landing many kicks on it. This time, like Sylveon's Quick Attack, the hits had become effective against the dragon now. The dragon endured the hit as best as it could before managing to knock the Dancer Pokemon away. Just as it was about to breathe out more of its flames at the airborne Pokemon, it got struck in the face by Sylveon's Moonblast and tumbled back a bit. It shook its head, recovering somewhat from the surprise attack. Just as it was about to initiate a counter Mabosstiff bit into its tail, causing it to cry out once more, as a blue aura briefly engulfed its body.

"It's weakened! Kris! Meowscarada! Go for it!" Nemona called out.

"Yeah, we got you covered!" Arven said.

"I've located its weak point. Strike where Sylveon will!" Penny advised.

"Got it. First we'll get in close. Meowscarada, use Trailblaze!" Kris called to the Magician Pokemon.

(I'll give it a little dance, too,) Meowscarada mewled, doing as told as she rushed at the Unknown Dragon Pokemon once more at full speed. As she did so, the Dragon-type endured Mabosstiff's Crunch and raised an arm with a growl. Once Meowscarada got close enough, though rather than strike it head-on, Meowscarada changed her course, and thus began to dance around the bigger Pokemon's feet. The Dragon-type panicked a bit when she did so, trying hard to even keep a close eye on the smaller Pokemon without tripping on its own feet.

"Keep him distracted, Mabosstiff! Fire Fang!" Arven called to his partner. The latter whose maw was emitting his own flames, as he bit down on harder on the enemy Pokemon's tail, much to its surprise.

"As for us, Quaquaval, give Meowscarada a little backup! Aqua Step!" Nemona exclaimed.

(Anything for our rival amiga!) The Dancer Pokemon obliged to the command, as he followed after Meowscarada's lead, also initiating in dancing around the bigger Pokemon with her. With now two Pokemon distracting it, along with one thorn on its side- or rather, a set of fangs to its tail- Penny showed Sylveon where to hit.

"Got it?" she asked her, in which Sylveon nodded in confirmation. "Alright, then go! Give it a surprise Quick Attack!"

Sylveon let out a cry at the command, charging right into the fray at high speed.

Back to the battle, Meowscarada and Quaquaval continuously struck the dragon every chance they got as they danced around it. Each time they struck, they annoyed the Unknown Dragon Pokemon even more, as it tried to strike either one down with its claws. Each time it looked like it was about to strike, Mabosstiff bit his fiery fangs down on various parts of its body as hard as he could, distracting it, and bringing its attention to him. Likewise, before it could do any sort of real damage to the Boss Pokemon, both Quaquaval and Meowscarada would strike it at its blind spot, bringing all attention back to them.

In the midst of the exchange, Quaquaval noticed Sylveon charging in and glanced at Meowscarada. (Meowscarada!) he called out to his rival.

(Yeah?) Meowscarada glanced at where their Trainers were, and noticed Sylveon making her move as planned. A smirk formed on her face, knowing full well that she was due to take point soon. (I got it. I leave things to you and Mabosstiff!) she shouted, breaking away from the Unknown Dragon Pokemon.

The dragon took notice of the Magician Pokemon leaving and raised a claw up to grab her, only to once again flinch upon getting struck by another set of Fire Fangs to the other arm, courtesy of the growling Mabosstiff, followed by a kick in the underbelly by Quaquaval. While the two were keeping the dragon occupied, Meowscarada followed Sylveon as they ran around with their speedy attacks.

(Sylveon! Where's the weak point?!) Meowscarada asked, as she and Sylveon jumped on the Unknown Dragon's tail before it could hit them.

(No time. Follow me!) Sylveon told her, climbing up the limb onto the dragon's back with the Magician Pokemon following after her.

Feeling something on its back, the dragon tossed Mabosstiff off its arm into Quaquaval and let out a powerful roar, causing the pair to freeze up and endure the pressure sent to them from the sound. It then acted like a Tauros it wasn't and tried to shake the two passengers off it. Both who held on to its body as best as they could.

"It's trying to shake them off!" Nemona gasped.

"We can see that! At this rate, Sylveon and Meowscarada won't be able to hit it and end this raid, even with help," Arven said.

"You don't know that! Quaquaval, get its attention back! Aerial Ace!"

Despite the clear command, however, Quaquaval couldn't move from its spot at all, much to the Trainers' confusion.

"Quaquaval, what's wrong?!" Nemona asked.

"It was that roar!" Penny informed, analyzing the whole battle from her laptop still. "I don't know how, but it looks like that roar immobilized your Pokemon. Either that or it made them flinch."

"Immobilized?!" Arven repeated with a gasp. "So wait, they can't move?!"

"It looks like it's only temporary, so that's something. But it may be long enough for that thing to shake Meowscarada and Sylveon off!"

"Then what can we do?" Nemona asked.

"Even if you ask me…"

Kris analyzed the battle, wondering what they could do to end it. With the Pokemon flailing around like it was, Quaquaval and Mabosstiff wouldn't be able to do anything to help. Heck, they might get rebounded back before their attacks could land. 'There has to be a way Meowscarada and Sylveon can hit that dragon where they are now. But how…?'

"Dang it, I didn't think this far. Then again it's not like we know anything much about that Pokemon in the first place. Still, if only they can climb to its neck…" she heard Penny mutter, turning her attention to the hacker.

"Its neck?" she asked.

"That's where its weak point is. The base of its neck. If our Pokemon could get there, one good Flower Trick could end this."

At her explanation, Kris looked back to the battle once more, taking in the information as she analyzed the current situation in full. "So you just need a good Flower Trick, right?" she asked, getting Penny's attention. "Keep Sylveon right on that Pokemon. Meowscarada, jump up!"

While Penny was confused what the newly-made Champion meant, Meowscarada heard her Trainer's command loud and clear. (I'm going ahead!) she informed Sylveon, just as she jumped in the air at the same time the Dragon-type Pokemon lifted them upwards, gaining much aerial momentum.

"What are you doing?!" Arven asked Kris, shocked that she was having Meowscarada be in the air where she would be defenseless, as were Nemona and Penny.

"Gather the energy of the field! Flower Trick!" At Kris's next command, with the boost Meowscarada was getting from his Terastalized state and Grassy Terrain, she snapped her fingers, causing her signature flower to disappear, and summon forth a multitude of rigged flower bouquets before her.

The Unknown Dragon Pokemon sensed the attack and looked up, unleashing its Dragon Breath at the bouquets and the Magician Pokemon, setting off a massive explosion that engulfed the Grass/Dark-type, as she let out a pained cry.

"Meowscarada!" Nemona cried in worry.

"Kris, what were you thinking?!" Arven asked.

Penny, on the other hand, already caught on to the girl's true intention. "Sylveon, hit it!"

While Arven and Nemona looked to her in confusion, Sylveon nodded to the command, also having caught on to the plan, as she swung one of her feelers- of the others wrapped tightly around the tail base to prevent her from falling off- upwards. (Hey, Dragon. You missed one!) In the end of the stretched out feeler was a flower bomb. One that appeared close to her when Meowscarada used his Flower Trick. One look at that was all Sylveon needed to catch on to his and his Trainer's idea, and deliver it in full. Once the feeler reached its destination, she tossed the bomb down at the base of the neck, completely catching the Dragon-type Pokemon by surprise as it let out a pained roar.

The sight of it brought much joy and relief to Arven and Nemona.

"Whoa! You got it!" the latter cheered.

"Now I see. With Flower Trick, the bombs can appear anywhere. It doesn't necessarily have to be from above the target," Arven understood, before turning to Kris. "Though that was a bit risky. What would you have done if Penny and Sylveon didn't catch on to that?"

"What are you talking about? I didn't have a single doubt in my mind they would catch on. In a Tera Raid Battle where you team up with other Trainers to fight the wild Terastalized Pokemon, trust is most important. What kind of friend would I be to not trust in you guys?"

Her response brought much delight to her friends, as Meowscarada and Sylveon landed right by them.

(She has a point there,) Meowscarada agreed, looking a bit worse for wear after the explosion and Dragon Breath combo.

(Are you sure you're okay, though?) Sylveon asked her.

(Don't worry.)

Arven playfully patted Kris hard on the shoulder. "Man, don't you know your way with words, buddy?"

"I'm just saying it as it is," Kris said with a light chuckle.

"That's great and all, but more importantly…" Penny spoke, her face a bit too close to the laptop screen than it should. "That Pokemon is still well and active!"

Her reminder brought all attention back to the Unknown Dragon Pokemon, who seem a bit angered by the sneak attack.

"Of course even Flower Trick boosted by Grassy Terrain and the Terastal Phenomenon wouldn't be enough," Nemona said, smirking in excitement rather than feeling even a smidge of dismay. "Quaquaval! Time to get back into action!"

"Mabosstiff, you too!" Arven also called.

Finally snapped out of whatever effect the roar had on them, the two Pokemon got back on their feet and joined Meowscarada and Sylveon.

With the four Pokemon regrouped, the dragon let out yet another roar, causing the Grassy Terrain to glow, much to their confusion.

"What the-?! What's going on with Grassy Terrain?!" Arven asked.

"That Pokemon's trying to change the field to its advantage again!" Penny warned.

"We can't have that! Ice Spinner!" Nemona called to Quaquaval, whom instantly spun in place in response, chills being released from his feet again, as he leapt up and drilled down on the Dragon Pokemon, whom raised its wings up to block its attack. "Keep spinning! Our target isn't that dragon!"

(I know,) Quaquaval said, not that the Trainers knew it. (The real target is… this terrain!) At those words, the icy chill from his Ice Spinner spread throughout the Grassy Terrain, freezing it solid, much to the Unknown Dragon's shock. (You're not changing the terrain again!) With that shout, the ice broke off, reverting the area back to normal once more.

"Okay, we know what we have to do! Kris, you do your thing!" Arven exclaimed, with the girls letting out cheers in agreement. "Mabosstiff! Try to lower that Pokemon's Defense even more! Crunch!"

"Quaquaval, use Brick Break!"

"Sylveon, Quick Attack!"

"Reset the field, Meowscarada! Grassy Field!"

With each their command given, their Pokemon delivered in full. Meowscarada once again snapped her fingers and made her flower explode, resummoning the grass and flowers back on the field. As she did so, Sylveon rushed on towards the Unknown Dragon Pokemon with Mabosstiff and Quaquaval following.

The Dragon-type roared in challenge at their charge and slammed a claw down at them. The trio leapt up to avoid the attack and simultaneously struck their opponent, who in turn pushed them back and quickly retaliated with another claw attack. The attack struck, slamming them back down.

"Man, that thing is persistent!" Arven grimaced.

"Maybe. But we need it that way. Right, Kris?" Nemona asked.

"Yeah!" Kris confirmed. "Meowscarada, dash in and use Flower Trick!"

(Like before, right?) Meowscarada obliged to the command and rushed towards the Unknown Dragon Pokemon. She snapped her fingers, causing her signature flower to disappear once more, and summoned upon multiple bouquet bombs above the enemy Pokemon once more. The Dragon-type let out a roar in response, and this time grabbed Meowscarada, much to the other's surprise.

"It's ignoring the Flower Trick this time?!" Nemona gasped.

A terrible thought rang through Penny's head at what the dragon may really be planning. "No, it's going to-!"

Before she could finish her sentence, the dragon tossed Meowscarada upwards, straight towards the Flower Trick barrage that was raining down on it. Kris widened her eyes at the action. Even more so as the bombs went off on her Pokemon.

"MEOWSCARADA!" she cried out, as she and the others watched on in horror.

"Okay, that's even worse than before!" Arven exclaimed. "Is Meowscarada even okay?!"

"Flower Trick has been boosted a lot, and it always has a chance of dealing critical damage. Even if Meowscarada is resistant to her own type, it's hard to say," Penny pointed out.

As she said that, Meowscarada started falling back down from the cloud of smoke, and landed on the ground. She struggled to get back up, when the Unknown Dragon Pokemon brought its claws down on her, keeping her pinned with her arms kept to her sides. Meowscarada glared up at it as it let out a screechy roar in what may be victory.

"That dragon really is tough…" Nemona stated.

"Yeah, it is…" Kris agreed. The grimace on her face turning into a smirk. "But we're stronger!"

"Got that right! Mabosstiff, Play Rough!" Arven shouted, in which the Boss Pokemon obliged to as he charged towards the Unknown Dragon Pokemon.

Meowscarada mimicked her Trainer's smirk, catching the dragon's attention as it seemingly looked down on her in confusion, before looking back at the Dark-type Pokemon. It swung its other claw down on it, grabbing him in its hold before bringing him up to its face with a screech. Mabosstiff endured the sound before pushing against the force behind the roar, glaring back up at it. As the roar came to an end, the Unknown Dragon Pokemon glared down at Mabosstiff… who then looked up at it with a large smile. Revealing a familiar round object in his mouth. The Pokemon was shocked to see the object, and couldn't react in time as the Boss Pokemon spat it out of his mouth, hitting it right in the face. The moment it did, the bomb went off, catching it by surprise, as it took a few steps back, dropping Mabosstiff and releasing Meowscarada.

(You forgot what happened earlier way too soon, don't you think?) Meowscarada mewled, glowing a green aura via Overgrow.

"Even if it takes Meowscarada down, don't forget; it's fighting four Trainers and their Pokemon!" Kris reminded. "If we're going to go down, we'll go down preparing for anything. Including followups for our friends to take over! Nemona, Penny! Your turn!"

"We got it! Quaquaval, Aerial Ace!"

"Sylveon, Moonblast! Add its power into your Flower Trick bouquet!"

The two called Pokemon nodded at the command, as Quaquaval- with his rigged bouquet in his hands- dashed towards the dazed, recovering Unknown Dragon at full speed, climbing up its arm easily, and leapt into the air. It turned to face its enemy, and tossed the bouquet bomb in his hand down on his opponent, right at the base of its neck. One hit, and the bomb went off, damaging it even further as it took a knee. Sylveon continued the flow of the attacks, as she- gently sending the Fairy-type energy of her Moonblast into her Flower Trick bouquet- launched it up at the Dragon-type Pokemon. The bomb set off another explosion, and with the additional Fairy-type energy within it, inflicted even more damage on the opposing Pokemon.

"Just a little more! Time to end it!" Penny exclaimed.

"Go for it, Meowscarada! With all your power, and that of the Grassy Terrain, Flower Trick!" Kris shouted.

Meowscarada did as told, as she willed her flower to float between her hands, turning it into a bouquet bomb. The glowing green energy she had from her ability, as well as the energy of Grassy Terrain, gradually transferred into her signature attack, causing it to glow and grow a bit. The Unknown Dragon Pokemon soon took notice of the glow and fired its Dragon Breath once more at her.

"Jump!" Kris warned, prompting Meowscarada to leap over the flames. The Dragon did not give in, though, as it lifted its head up in an attempt to hit the Magician Pokemon with its flames. "Toss it!"

Meowscarada took the bouquet bomb in her hand and threw it right at the Pokémon's head. More specifically, the mouth. The Unknown Dragon was too slow to realize what the Magician Pokemon did, as its flames struck the Flower Trick, and caused it to go off in a bigger explosion.

The Trainers and other Pokemon braced themselves as the strong force from the explosion nearly blew them back. Kris- having her arm up to block whatever dust threatened to go in her eyes- looked past the smoke as best as she could. Trying to see what the result was in that attack. Hoping that it has done its job.

To her surprise, she saw what seemed to be a human silhouette within the smoke. But that couldn't be right. Her friends are all by her side, and she would know if she was mistaking the shadow for that of a Pokemon.

"I found you," she suddenly heard in her head, much to her surprise.

Next thing Kris knew, the silhouette suddenly moved towards her. Rather, it flew her way. She closed her eyes, bracing herself for impact, only to feel nothing but a breeze blew by, and heard something snap.

Once the wind died down, the Trainers all lowered their arms, and found no sight of the Pokemon.

"Where'd it go?" Arven asked.

"Did we do it?" Nemona followed.

Penny looked into her laptop, her Rotom Phone scanning the area in full and transferring the scanned data to her. "Looks like it. There's not a single reading from that Pokemon. We did it!"

The last three words most especially confirmed things for Nemona and Arven, as they both let out cheers at their victory.

"All right! We won that battle~!" Nemona shouted.

Arven let out a relieved sigh on his end. "I was getting worried for a moment there."

The Pokemon were just as glad to have won the Tera Raid Battle, also cheering for their well-earned victory.

(Yes! We actually did it!) Sylveon cried out, jumping in place.

(Oh ho~ Yes!) Mabosstiff howled in agreement.

(To absolute perfection,) Quaquaval stated with a bit of suave in his tone.

(Yeah, we did it, Kris!) Meowscarada mewled, turning to her Trainer in glee, only to find her looking for something on the floor, much to her confusion. (Kris?)

Her last cry caught their friends' attention, as they turned and saw Kris looking around the ground for something.

"Kris? What's the matter, buddy? You dropped something?" Arven asked.

"Yeah, my ring," Kris answered, not turning to them as she spoke. Her response, however, surprised the trio.

"Your ring? Since when were you a 'ring' sort of girl?" Nemona questioned.

"Since I was given that ring from my dad. Mind helping me out?"

Now understanding how important the accessory was, the three and their Pokemon proceeded to help her find it.

"How did you drop it? Shouldn't it be on your ring finger? You know, where it would be impossible to just drop?" Arven inquired.

"I had it as a necklace around my neck. I was a little girl at the time he gave it to me, so it was far too big for my finger," Kris explained.

"Seriously? Isn't that a little weird for dads to give their daughters ring at that young age?" Penny asked.

"I remember my father giving me accessories every once in a while, but I don't think I remember being given a ring by him," Nemona said.

Kris let out a small chuckle at the statement. "Yeah. I guess that wouldn't normally happen to any dads with their young daughters. Only... He wasn't my 'dad' dad." Arven and the girls paused in their search at that last part, staring at her in slight stupor. "I don't remember much about my birth dad, but my stepdad- or would've been- was a fun guy. Even though he was busy enough as a researcher, he always found time to be with me and Mom."

"'Was' 'Would've been'?" Penny noted.

"They were together, but they never got married. The day after he gave me the ring, he disappeared. No one knew where he went or why he was gone. My mom especially was saddened for a while, but picked herself back up. Said that just because he's gone doesn't mean he's never coming back."

"Isn't she just giving herself false hope, though?" Arven asked then.

"Honestly speaking, she might be. She lost my birth dad before him, after all. But, I also believe he will come back. They said that he just disappeared before they wrote him off as dead. He has to be somewhere. Plus, he told me to keep the ring safe for him. He has to come back one day. Especially, if that ring is the very one he wants to use to propose to Mom. At least, I think it is. Why else would he ask me to keep it safe?"

While her friends weren't sure what to say to her belief, they understood how much Kris cared and respected the man who was to be her stepfather, and how important the ring was to her.

(Hey! Is this it?) came Meowscarada's mewl. All heads turned to see the Magician Pokemon hold up a silver ring with a white gemstone in her paw.

"Oh, that's it! Great find, Meowscarada! Thank you," Kris praised, retrieving the ring from her Pokemon and patting her on the head, to Meowscarada's delight.

"She found the ring?" Nemona guessed.

"Yeah." As Kris confirmed the find, she presented the ring to her friends for them to see. They who were in awe at the trinket in her hand.

"Wow. That sure looks neat."

"I don't think I've seen a design like it before," Penny stated, pushing her glasses up.

"Honestly, it looks a little bland, coming from a researcher who told a kid to keep it safe," Arven said, earning an elbow jab from the Eevee Trainer.

Rather than feel offended, Kris chuckled. "I get why you would think so. These days, after taking some visits to several jewelry stores during our Treasure Hunt around the region, I was starting to wonder myself if this is a wedding ring for Mom. But, I stopped caring about it. Besides, for all I know, it could just be his way of promising to come back."

"It has to be. There's no way he would give it to you otherwise," Nemona supported. "I'm glad you found your Treasure."

Kris looked down at the ring when she said that. "Treasure... Yeah. I guess this has been my Treasure. And boy, am I glad we haven't left this place yet. I don't know how I'll ever explain losing it otherwise."

"You should probably put it on, though. At least until we get you a new chain for it," Nemona suggested. "Oh, and don't worry about school rules. As Student Council President, I'll make an exception."

"Yeah, I'm pretty sure it doesn't work like that. Still, we should stop by at a store for a chain for it," Arven said, as Kris gave her ring a little dusting and light blowing.

"Sounds like a good idea. In the meantime, I should put the ring on for now," she then said, as she took out her Pokeball. "As for you, Meowscarada, you took quite the beating in that battle. You deserve a nice long rest." With that, she returned her partner into her ball.

Her friends all agreed to the act and also returned their respective Pokemon in their own balls. As they did so, Penny noticed something off about their situation. "Wait a second… Why are we here?"

Her question caught the other's attention, as they turned her way.

"Huh? What do you mean?" Arven asked.

"Whenever a Tera Raid is done, the Trainers partaking in it would be transported out of the den, and the crystal would disappear. But we're still in here."

Nemona and Kris- both well accustomed to how Tera Raids worked- looked around the area in wonder at the facts pointed out. "Now that you mentioned it…" the former trailed off, wondering the same thing now.

As Kris pocketed Meowscarada's Pokeball into her pocket, she placed her ring on her ring finger. Upon doing so, however, the strangest thing occurred, as the ring suddenly lit up, much to her surprise. "Huh?! What the-?!"

Her gasp caught her friends' attention, as they turned and were just as surprised to see it glowing.

"Whoa! What's going on with your ring?!" Nemona gasped.

"I-I don't-!" Kris didn't have the chance to finish what she wanted to say, as her ring glowed even brighter. As if that wasn't surprising enough, next they knew, the den itself started to glow, much to their increasing bafflement.

"What the-?! What's going on?!" Arven gasped.

Penny turned her eyes back to her laptop, and grew even more speechless at the readings she was getting from it. "Everyone, get down and brace yourselves!"

Not long after she shouted that out, the light got brighter, and everyone concealed their eyes with a surprised yelp.

---

Soon enough, light finally came into their view… and all four Trainers paled upon seeing where they had suddenly ended up.

"The…"

"THE SKYYYYY!?"

Not in the woods or the mountain, or anywhere on solid ground. But high up in the sky, and falling back to the surface below, screaming for their lives.

"The sky?! Why the heck are we falling out from the sky?!" Arven questioned.

"How should we know?! This shouldn't happen!" Penny responded.

"Kris! Get Miraidon!" Nemona called out.

Kris did not need to be told twice to do so, as she hastily took Miraidon's Pokeball out. "Save us, Miraidon!" The ball opened up at her command, and a beam of light was released from it. Emerging from the light was a purple robotic creature, with silver face, claws, abdomen, and tail.

As soon as the Pokemon was released, it angled itself to have its back towards Kris. She who managed to grab the handles on its shoulders and pulled herself on its back. With its rider secured, Miraidon folded its back legs in, turning them into their engine mode, and shoot himself to the Trainer closest to them. That being none other than Nemona, who reached her hand out to the pair.

As they neared her, Kris reached out her own hand and managed to grab hold of her rival's hand, pulling her onto Miraidon, as she quickly situated herself onto the Ride Pokemon. Upon feeling an additional passenger on board, Miraidon angled himself once more and shot towards the next closest person.

Penny was that next closest person. She who tried to angle herself towards them like Kris did, only to fail, and in turn make it harder for her to even see them. And instead brought her attention more to the ground below, increasing her fear for what was to come if she was not caught in time.

Thankfully for her, as Miraidon neared her, Kris got up from the driver's seat- with Nemona supporting her, keeping her on their ride- and caught Penny by her Eevee backpack. She pulled, bringing the hacker Trainer behind her, and practically passed her to Nemona, who caught her by the hand, and seated her by Miraidon's tail end. As soon as she was on the futuristic Cyclizar, Penny grabbed hold of the 'backseat'.

"One more, Miraidon!" Kris shouted.

Miraidon let out an agreed cry, as it angled itself to Arven. He who was flailing around in the air, crying in a panic.

"Aaahhhhhhh! Help!" he shouted.

"Hurry!" Kris told Miraidon, who used his accelerator to hasten his fall towards Arven.

"Aaaahhhhhh! I'm gonna die! I'm definitely going to die!" Who was still crying out. For good reason, considering how much closer he was getting to the ground.

Kris and Nemona leaned forward, hoping that the action would do something to help speed up Miraidon's fall, as the Paradox Pokemon of the future narrowed its eyes, hoping to reach its previous caretaker in time. Soon enough, it got close enough to grab Arven by his bag, and hastily moved its antennae, expanding its energy membrane, and went into its Glide Mode, now hovering in the air, and bringing the fall to a stop.

Now having a slow descent, the group took a moment to catch their breaths and calm their beating hearts.

"Whew. Talk about a close one," Kris sighed.

Nemona, on the other hand, let out a small laugh. "Nice save! I was actually wondering what was going to happen for a moment there!"

"That was way too close for comfort," Penny said, relaxing somewhat. "But more importantly, where are we? One look around and none of these landmarks look anything like what you'd see at Paldea."

"Yeah, pretty sure there are more important things to worry about here," Arven spoke up. "Like say me, right now! You can't just leave me here dangling!"

A small giggle escaped Kris's lips, as she got up and reached out to the lone male under the membrane. "Alright, Arven. Give me your hand," she said. As she leaned over Miraidon's shoulder to grab his hand, though, she noticed an odd expression on the Paradox Pokemon's face. "Huh? Miraidon, what's wrong?"

Her question did not go unheard by the others, as they all turned to their acting savior.

"Whoa. What's with that funny look on your face?" Nemona asked, just as concerned.

Miraidon let out a small whimper, which was then followed by an odd sound.

"Hm? What was that sound?" Penny questioned, voicing out everyone's thoughts on the noise they heard.

Arven was the first to pale up, knowing well what the sound was. "Wait… Don't tell me."

Kris was the next to pale, as the sound was heard again. Next they knew, Miraidon broke out of his Glide Form, and their fall resumed, causing them all to scream again. "AAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"

"What the heck?! What happened to Miraidon?!" Penny demanded in fright, keeping a firm grip on her seat, her legs tightly wrapped around it as best as she could.

"It's hungry! This stupid thing decided to be hungry now!" Arven explained.

"Don't blame it for being hungry!" Nemona scolded, also hanging on tight to their ride. "Miraidon, endure it! FLY!"

While Kris- actually airborne from the fall, keeping a firm grip on Miraidon's handle to keep herself from getting separated- didn't worry much about the landing as she knew Miraidon can make safe landings even from the height they were at- probably- she couldn't say the same for Arven. She, Nemona, and Penny may be fine while on Miraidon's back, but Arven while he's in its mouth? She highly doubted he would make it out alive.

She pulled herself closer to her Ride Pokemon and reached out once more, trying to at least grab Arven's bag to pull him to them. Suddenly, their fall came to a sudden stop. So sudden, that as Kris was standing and reaching out to Arven with no support, the impact practically forced her off Miraidon, and tumbling down on a slanted surface. One that may as well be a cliff, when she looked down and saw no sign of solid ground close up below her.

Just as she was about to resume her free fall, a gloved hand grabbed hers, saving her, with her hat getting blown away by the force and the wind.

"Are you okay?!" she heard a voice ask. Feminine, but not any that she knew.

Kris looked up to the owner of the voice, locking eyes with a pair of blue and red heterochromatic ones, belonging to a girl seemingly older than her with red and blue hair, what seemed to be a tiara on her head, and wearing strange white clothes. Similar to what a noble may wear in the old age.

"Don't worry. You'll be okay."

---

Come on, break through the clouds ahead
(Opening begins in a black background with a gold ring floating down, the blue gem glowing in the darkness.)

(Marth and the other Emblems suddenly got summoned out and engulfing the screen in bright blue light. Title then appears on screen.)

When I remember the words I couldn't say
I dove down to hide myself
(Alear with red hair and eyes is dying in Lumera's arms. As Lumera cried for her to live, scene changed to Present Alear crying, as Present Lumera peacefully died in her arms, her arm limped down to the floor)
Swimming my way through in uncertainty
I cut through the clouds and head for the blue sky
(Scene changed to Alear standing in the plains on Somniel with a saddened expression until Koraidon bumped his head into her back. She turns and saw Alfred, Diamant, Ivy, and Timerra looking at her happily, in which she returned as she and Koraidon approached them.)

One day, I'll look back
At that fiery red sunset
(Young Kris was with her father-figure in a meadow at night, as he gave her his ring. As she raised it up to the moon, scene transitioned to the ring on Present Kris's ring finger during the day, as she looked at it while blocking out the sun, sitting on the edge of a cliff.)
And burn it all into memory
(One by one, Penny, Arven and Nemona tackled her from behind, as she tried to not fall from the cliff with them. Miraidon happily joined in the hug, though rammed into them, knocking them all off, and saved them by going its Glide Form, with Arven angrily scolding it while in its mouth.)

Even if I can't reach the truth of the world
(With each beat, brief transitions of each of the Four Kingdom's Young Royals occurred, from Alfred and Celine, to Diamant and Alcryst, to Ivy and Hortensia, to Timerra and Fogado, with the ring entrusted is their kingdom floating between each sibling pair.)
Or the feelings of that girl
(Also in each beat, brief transitions of Nemona, Arven, Penny, and two Shadows. Each with their Pokemon team.)
It's okay to not understand
(Sommie jumps up, covering the screen briefly before jumping in Alear's arms to be petted.)
Just shine like a rainbow
(Sombron glared at the screen before roaring, causing the scene to zoom out and reveal a hooded girl, the Four Hounds, and their Corrupted army in front of him.)

Come on, break through the clouds ahead
(Alear ordered an attack, prompting her friends to charge towards the army. Alfred is cutting down Corrupted on his horse. Diamant swung his sword and knocked back some more Corrupted)
Even if we stumble and stagger
(Ivy burned some Corrupted from above on her wyvern. Timerra emerged out the flames and took out some Corrupted with her lance in a surprise attack.)
Just hold on and go farther
(Nemona, Arven, and Penny raised their Tera Orbs up and Terastalized their Partner Pokemon in a burst of light.)

Come on, run on to my future
(Alear in Engage State, Kris and Terastalize Meowscarada emerged from the light, charging at Sombron while avoiding the Four Hounds' attacks.)
At the end of this long, long journey
I'll remember you
(As the hooded girl charged up an attack, they stopped, with Alear looking horrified. Camera zooms in her blue eye, showing moments she had with Lumera in the short time she awakened. The hooded girl fired her attack at them, which landed in an explosion.)
One day, we'll shake hands
And laugh
(Alear looked up to see Koraidon and Miraidon blocked the blast in their Battle Forms. Both who let out a roar and charged at Sombron, colliding in a flash of light.)

A light appeared
(Scene changed to Alear sleeping against a tree and waking up.)
At the end of the rainbow
(She looked up to Kris holding a hand out to her with Koraidon and Mirardon behind her.)
And I found my dream
(She accepted the hand and got up. A breeze blew by, as they looked up at the blue sky.)