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Chapter 37: Setting the Stage

BlackHairedPsycho

Aura Knight
“Alright, over here Scales!”

The large Hakamo-o placed the carefully carved arch right where Rose pointed, in front of the Keldeo fountain in the town square. It was a wooden thing, painted with white and brown, flowers weaved into the square slots at the top. The spray of Keldeo’s horn crested just right over the arch, completing the look nicely. The dragon turned to see Rose walking between the rows of chairs set up, carefully looking at the results of his morning of work.

“Perfect!” Rose said, clapping. “Thanks again big guy!”

“No problem!” Scales grinned. “Finn kicked me out while he was cooking anyway, least I could do.”

“Are you enjoying eachother?” Rose asked, patting him on the back. Her claws bounced off his thick hide and scales. “I mean, of course you are, I’ve barely seen you two apart.”

“Oh he’s great!” Scales grinned, showing the remains of his breakfast. Another attempt at honey roasted Spoink. He thought it tasted great, like the last fifteen attempts, but it looked like the Gabite agreed this time at least. He then kicked Scales out for the day so he wouldn’t eat what was supposed to be one of the main courses for the reception. Pana also promised that if he snuck anything from the other main course Blue’s mom was making he’d be skinned alive. Dammit… and he was getting hungry too. Maybe he could find something in that dungeon Finn mentioned… bring his back one of those pearls too… would he like that? Probably, he looked like he enjoyed staring at that one Rio brought over, but only while he seemed to be holding it. In fact, he seemed to like staring at Scales a lot…

“Good!” Rose said, smiling. “He’s like a little brother to me! You better treat him right!”

“...what’s that supposed to mean?”

The Zangoose simply gave him a wide, toothy grin. If Scales was physically capable of blushing, he would have been at that moment. He turned away from the Zangoose, towards the fountain. At that moment he saw… something. It was so brief, and it only lasted a second, but the dragon thought he saw the water spewing from Keldeo’s horn turn pitch black for just a moment. He blinked. That looked… familiar… and bad…

“Scales?” Rose asked, a grin still wide on her face. “What’s wrong? I’m just teasing!”

He looked into the fountain itself but there was no sign of anything wrong with the water. No patch of floating darkness, the water was as nice and clear as ever. The dragon shook his head, he was probably just seeing things.

“Thought I saw something weird,” the large Hakamo-o shrugged, turning back to face her.

“Probably not important. So… if I’m done…”

“You wish!” Rose exclaimed. “You need to set up tables for the food. Cone on.”

The dragon sighed, ignoring his grumbling stomach, and following the weasel.


Day 12055

I’m not sure why I keep writing days instead of years. Just never lost count I guess, but that’s not important.

It’s here. Its spread to Redwood. I found a new entrance close to town. I’m going in. It’s probably after whatever Keldeo hid here, and if it revealed itself it probably has it already. I have to get it back, that Legacy is gonna need it.

I’ll document more after I get back. No time to code this.


That was the last entry in the book. Blue flipped back through, trying to see if there was anything else, but no. That was the last entry. And he didn’t have to be a genius to figure out when that was written. It was the worst day of his life after all.

“Blue? You good?”

Blue looked up to see Rio, half-Sylveon at the moment, using his ribbons to hang from the tree upside down. The stone glowed brightly as the hybrid looked with his red and blue eyes down at Blue. Pana was glaring at the hybrid.

“Can’t believe I can’t evolve once but you can switch.” she growled.

“Hey, blame my parents. Whoever they are.”

She growled, before turning to Blue. “Yeah, you alright?”

“Fine…” Blue sighed. “Just… some more secrets.”

“Anything that’ll top the human stuff?” Rio asked, unwrapping his makeshift rope and landing on his feet.

Blue told Rio and Pana as soon as he got back. If Rose could know, why couldn’t they? Plus, if this did concern the Legacy business, which it apparently did, they should know every detail they could find. It concerned all of them after all.

“It might…”

That got their attention. All of a sudden both their eyes fell on the Bidoof, Rio even let his transformation go, fluffing back to normal.

“What’s up?” Rio asked.

So Blue explained. That his father apparently knew about Legacies, that Keldeo, the founder, apparently hid something here. And that strengthened some of his suspicions.

“Whatever Keldeo hid here probably relates to his Legacy,” Blue told his friends. “And… it probably got my dad killed.”

“Blue…” they both started.

“Later,” he cut him off. If he started thinking about that too much he wouldn’t stop, and that wouldn’t be productive. “I think I know what a Legacy really is now.”

“Well… don’t keep us in suspense," Rio said, after a pause. “Whatcha got?”

“Based on what I inferred from Diancie and my dad’s notes, a Legacy is a regular Pokemon that for some reason has a Legendary’s power. That’s what we saw with Rhodes.”

“That’s why he was pink?” Pana asked.

“That’s the theory.”

“Oh, that’s why she kept saying ‘Our power.’” Rio added. “And their weird Aura. They’re connected!”

“That sounds about right,” Blue nodded. “And I think I know why too…”

“The Labyrinth,” Rio guessed.

“Exactly,” Blue confirmed. “Dad mentioned something spreading, and Diancie said the same thing. It’s… after Legendaries, and they can’t break out on their own-”

“So they need someone else to bust them out,” Pana said. “That’s what happened with Rhodes.”

“That seems to be the case,” Blue agreed. “And that’s the most concerning part. Diancie called us all Legacies at one point or another, right?”

“Yup,” Rio confirmed, nodding. “So… guess that’s something to do.”

There was silence after that, as Blue silently panicked now that he’d gotten all that out. He, little, useless Blue, was supposed to go back into that terrifying death trap, and free what amounted to a god. From something that could IMPRISON said god. And if a human, his father, was involved at some point odds were this was something that could have even worse consequences. World ending ones…

Diancie had to have made a mistake. Him? The useless screw up? He couldn’t fight through that death trap, it was a miracle he didn’t get Rio killed with his wrist! This was-
The paw Rio put on his shoulder snapped him back to reality. They were both looking at him, faces not giving any worry away.

“One thing at a time,” Rio said. “Alright?”

“...Yeah…” Blue took a deep breath, and closed the book. The Riolu was right, panic wouldn’t help, and Scales still needed to know all of this. Breathe in... breathe out…

“What do you think Keldeo hid here?” Pana asked, plopping down next to Blue.

“No idea,” Blue admitted, breathing out. “Looks like dad didn’t know either…”

“After the wedding,” Rio said, stretching. “We’ll tell Scales, and we’ll wait a day, and we can go from there. Sound good?”

“Yup,” Pana said, nudging Blue with her elbow. “Good to you?”

“Yeah,” Blue sighed. “Maybe I can figure out some of this code…”

“Nope,” Pana said, and suddenly the journal was out of his paws.

“Wha- hey!” he made a grab for it, but she was out of his range in less than a second. “Pana, this isn’t funny!”

“It’s not supposed to be,” she said. “I’m not gonna let you drive yourself crazy right before a wedding. It’s supposed to be a good time.”

“I’m not driving myself crazy!” Blue shouted. His teammates could see the bags forming under his eyes, his fur was matted and messy, and frankly, he just looked like a mess.

“Looks like you are…” Rio grumbled.

“I’m fine!” Blue said. “I just-”

“Take a break,” Rio cut him off. “We can talk about this more after your brother is good and married.”

“...Fine. Can I please have the journal back at least? It’s… something to remember him by.”

Pana hesitated, but she did hand Blue the journal. The Bidoof took it back, gently, before storing it away in his bag.

“Thank you…”

“Alright… let’s get something to eat!” Rio said, stretching. “Changing type makes me hungry.”

“Yeah,” Pana growled, standing up. “Rub it in, why don’t ya?”

As the two bickered, Blue found his gaze wandering back towards the bag. Towards his father’s journal, and the secrets it still held. Secrets he couldn’t access just yet. Secrets that he couldn’t get out of his head…

Arceus, he did need a break. ...Was Arceus down there too? Was that even possible? Questions for later.

And so, he went to follow his friends.

…​

“Boss, Tommy got all his ribs broken in one punch, and she literally folded Morgan in half. And you don’t wanna know what she did to the rest. We need more mon!”

Veles sat outside the Cheeky Chipmunk, enjoying a delicious berry stew as his best scout reported, eating his own meal as he stood on the table. Nutmeg’s cooking was as good as Rosie said. A real talent.

“It’s gonna have to wait,” Veles told the Murkrow. “I promised Rosie work wouldn’t interrupt her big day, and I’m sticking with that. Speaking of, how’s their gift coming along?”

“Just arrived at camp,” Edgar explained. “We had it from a deal on the Grass Continent, whole rack of cider, made from Perfect Apples. Best drink on the planet.”

“Good, good, I’ll grab it later.” he took another slurp of his soup.

“Boss, they’re coming here,” Edgar repeated.

“Yeah, I know,” he said between slurps. “We’re gonna have to deal with em after the wedding.”

“But what if they-”

“Edgar, they’ve only attacked in self defense. I doubt they’re goal is to ruin what’s happening. Sure, we need payback, but my daughter’s wedding ain’t gonna be where we get it. Keep an eye on them, closely, and as soon as it's over we’ll take care of it.”

“...Yes sir…”

Veles slurped up the rest of his stew, chewing on the rest of the berries before asking another question.

“While we’re talking about payback, any word on the Riolu?”

“None, boss. It’s like the little shit up and vanished.”

As the Murkrow said that, Veles saw three Pokemon enter the restaurant he sat in front of. One was Blue, brother of the groom and reader of obscure texts. Another was a small Pancham, moving without a sound, but it was the last one inside that really got his attention.
A fluffy Riolu, just like the report, held the door open for his two apparent companions. They all had those weird bracelets on their arms too.

Before the Riolu went in himself, he turned to face the Tyranitar. They locked eyes, yellow to red.

“What?” the Murkrow asked, turning around. His beak fell open at the sight of the Riolu, who gave a small grin, waved, and stepped inside.

“Vanished, huh?” Veles growled. He didn’t even notice the air around him start to heat up, and the new markings on his arm and back darken further and spread. To say the Tyranitar was displeased with his underlings would be a bit of an understatement.

“B-Boss, I-”

“Save it,” Veles cut him off, standing up. “We’ll talk about this later.” With that, he started to walk towards the door.

“I-I thought you were gonna wait til after the wedding!” Edgar exclaimed.

“I am,” the Tyranitar confirmed as he crouched down to go back inside. “I apparently need to scout myself though. Make sure I know what I’m dealing with.”

The glare Veles gave his subordinate shook the bird to the very core. He opened his beak to say more, but nothing came out. The air seemed to heat up even more the longer Veles glared. The Murkrow knew the glare well, it’s what the Tyranitar looked like before he stomped on whatever had wronged him.

“I… I-”

“Bye.”

Edgar took the grace of his employer, flying off as fast as possible. Veles watched him go, before grabbing the platter of food and walking back inside. It would have been rude to just leave it out there. Plus it gave him an excuse.

Those three sat at one of the smaller tables, Nutmeg serving them their own helping of stew. They have good taste. It was too bad he’d probably have to squash one of them. Then again, if the Riolu did what his people told him he did, he might be more useful alive…

“My compliments to the chef!” Veles announced, further drawing everyone's attention . Nutmeg smiled, but Veles knew it was fake. She knew what he did.

“Thank you Veles,” Nutmeg said, taking the plates. “I’ll see you tomorrow.” She was curt, and to the point as she took the plates off him and retreated into the kitchen. He had to respect the nerve. And so, he turned his attention to the three children. Blue had a nervous look in his eyes, still obviously intimidated. The Pancham, after noticing Blue’s nervous demeanor, was looking him up and down. Again, he had to respect the nerve. The Riolu himself was just drinking his soup, seemingly not a care in the world. He looked up at the Tyranitar, and gave him another wave.

“Hi,” the Riolu said.

“Hey there!” he greeted, patting the Bidoof on the head. “Nice to see you again, Blue. You gonna introduce me to your friends?”

“Uh-” the Bidoof stammered.

“Rio,” the Riolu grinned, gesturing to the Pancham. “And this is my sister, Pana.”

“Hey,” she said casually.

“Little on the nose there, eh kids?” Veles chuckled.

“Yours any better, old mon?” Rio asked, in between chews.

“How does Veles sound?” the Tyranitar shot back.

“Like ‘Veles.’”

The Tyranitar laughed at that, lifting his hand off of Blue’s head and turning to face Rio.

“You got a mouth, kid,” he said, mid-chuckle.

“So do you.”

“Heh. I wonder, do you fight as well as you talk?”

“Nope. Better.”

“Uh, Rio-” Blue started.

“It’s rude to interrupt,” Veles growled, giving Blue a very brief glare. “So stay quiet for a bit. We can talk later.”

That shut the Bidoof up, and he immediately went back to his soup. Smart one, that Bidoof.

“That’s interesting,” Veles continued, putting his casual voice back on. “You know, some of my people told me about a Riolu that’s really good at fighting they met a while back.”

“That right?” Rio asked, biting into a slice of Pecha berry.

“Beat the shit out of them, and took their hard earned loot. You wouldn’t happen to know anything about that, would ya?”

He grinned. “To be fair, they stole it first. I just got it back.”

Veles stepped closer, grinning as well. “You got balls, kid. Assaulting my mon, taking their loot, and then admitting it.”

“I'm a lot of things, a liar is not one of them. That’s her thing.” Rio pointed at Pana, who shrugged.

“Well thanks for being honest,” Veles said. “Normally I’d squash you for that, but between my daughter's wedding putting me in a good mood and your skills, I think I have something better.”

“Wait, Rose is your daughter?” Rio asked, not even acknowledging the threat. “How did that happen?”

“Another time maybe. Now, how would you like a job?”

“Already got one thanks.” Rio answered, gesturing at his friends. “Exploring works for me.”

“I pay well,” Veles went on. “Plus, if you do join I won’t have any reason to squash you. I’m good to my people, when they don’t fuck up.”

“Well I’m not your people, so…”

“You could be. All of you could, if you’ve got some talent.”

“Not interested,” Pana jumped in.

He looked all three over once again, before nodding.

“I see ya need some time to think it over. Let’s talk after the reception.” With that, he started for the door, leaving the young talent to their meal. Either they’d come willingly, or Veles would have to show them who was boss.

As he ducked under to leave, he felt himself be pushed back by someone coming in. Weird, he was usually the one who did the pushing. Looking down, he saw the biggest Hakamo-o he’d ever seen, at least as big as the species’s fully grown form. He had a crack in the big scale on his forehead too. Veles blinked in surprise.

“Sorry sir,” the Hakamo-o said, stepping to the side. “I’m starving, so…”

“It’s fine,” Veles said, stepping outside. “Watch it next time, alright big guy?”

“Sure,” the dragon said, before going into the restaurant himself. Veles watched as he sat down with the other kids. Safe bet to assume he was a part of their team too. He felt as strong as he looked too…

Yeah, they'll be good working under him.

And so Veles walked back to where he set camp, to grab his little girl’s present. Tomorrow would be good, he’d make sure of it...


Finn had done it. For real this time. Before the Gabite sat sixteen perfect, steaming honey roast Spoink, capable of feeding the boss's inner circle for the reception along with Nutmeg’s soup. She was a good mentor. Should have been more than enough, but the mere existence of Scales made him question that a little…

Boss Veles probably was in town by now, wasn’t he? Should he go and see him? Last time didn’t really go well… said he was wasting his talent cooking… eh, what did he know? This dish would knock him on his ass with how good it was! Plus it was late…

“Smells great.”

The foreign voice came from behind him, and he spun to attack, his claws glowing with violet light as he thrust a Dragon Claw at the intruder. The blue eyed Espeon didn’t even flinch as she floated along on her pink bubble, Finn stopping right in front of her nose. There was something inside…

“Put that thing away Finn,” she said, yawning. “I’m here to give you something.”

“Who are you?” the dragon asked, not dropping his Dragon Claw. “How do you know my name?”

“Selena, and I’m psychic. Do you want your gift or not?”

Finn glared, and the psychic yawned, batting the bubble she lounged on. The dragon sighed, and dropped his claw. She wasn’t one that could be intimidated, it looked like. Rare in most mon, no matter how ballsy some were.

“Good boy,” she smiled, and the bubble popped. Her and the item inside clattered to the cave floor. It was a small yellow gemstone, very unevenly cut. Not particularly pretty. Still, the more Finn found himself staring at it, the more beautiful he found it. This was his, and his alone, no one else had to right to such a beautiful stone.

After just a moment of hesitation, the Gabite scooped onto one of his arm fins. It wasn’t big, only about as large as his own clawtip. He blinked at it, before looking back up at the Espeon.

“What is it?” he asked.

“Something special,” the Espeon shrugged. “On you to find the rest.”

“Wait, the rest?”

And then she was gone, in a pink flash of light. Finn looked around for the teleporting cat, but there was no trace of her. He looked back to the beautiful, rough stone, before sighing and putting it in his travel bag. Maybe he could get it made into a necklace.

So beautiful...

…​

Psych could feel the minds of the sleeping townspeople a short walk away. They could have made it that night, but Griza insisted on another night of camping. After witnessing what she was capable of with a modicum of effort, Psych was not going to argue with the large bear.
It wasn’t ready to sleep, simply watching the full moon in the sky as its companion snored loudly by him. Such a thing so far away controlled the tides, and had so much power over the planet they sat on. If it moved a meter out of orbit, the consequences would be catastrophic. What a concept.

“Moon’s nice, yeah?”

Psych was floating immediately, eyes glowing with psychic power as it turned to the new presence that had just appeared. It instinctively understood the blue-eyed Espeon must have teleported, but shouldn't it have felt her about to appear? Psychic displacement was a very noticeable effect of teleportation.

And for the millionth time, it was asking itself why it knew that.

“Who are you?” Psych asked, balls of psionic energy suddenly orbiting its torso.

“Calm down,” the Espeon yawned. “Your mind feels weird, even for a Legacy. Even look like her...”

“What?” That was what that Sableye called Griza, and itself. “What is a Legacy?” Honestly, it was kind of a relief not to know.

“Considering what’s about to happen, something tells me you’ll find out soon. Sad to say I don’t have your key, but hey, that’s probably why you’re here.”

“Hold on, wha-”

“Good luck!” With that, she was gone in a flash of pink light. Psych could only blink at the strange exchange that Griza had completely snored through.

Well, at least she didn’t attack. Psych still had no idea what a Legacy was, and Griza didn’t want to talk about it the last time it asked, right before they left on this journey. Maybe if it told her about this experience that would change? Worth a shot. After she awoke of course.
With nothing else to do, and no way to fall asleep, especially after that, Psych went back to staring at the moon, like everyone else today, it didn’t notice the tendrils writhing nearby either.


Something chuckled in the depths of the Labyrinth, although nothing could really hear it. It made sure of that a while ago, and even though it could have grabbed all the Legacies that had just shown up, it’d be easier to snatch them all when they all met up. Why else would they be here, after all? They were after the keys...

“So many Legacies, all in one place… We’re gonna need more cages…”
 
Chapter 38: Disastrous Vows

BlackHairedPsycho

Aura Knight
Blue found himself standing next to his brother, overlooking the arriving guests, playing with his bow tie. His usually messy fur had been brushed to perfection, teeth brushed, even the Z-Ring and crystal had been polished to perfection. The two necklaces, one a blazing orange, one a dim white, sat on a pillow next to him. It’d be Blue’s job to hand those off right before vows were exchanged.

Red looked better than he did. He had taken off his usual bandana, trading it in for a red bow tie, the blue Z-Crystal on his neck in full display. Mom and Rose could agree on one thing at least, and that was color coordination. He looked nervous… but happy. He hadn’t really seen that look in his eyes since dad died…

It was also clear to Blue, and any outside observer, as to which side of the family was which. His own family and friends from the village sat on the left. Mom was up front with Silver, holding back tears of what the brothers hoped was joy. Silver, for his part, was patting their mother on the back, doing his best to comfort her. Green and Yellow were waiting for the cue to start spreading flowers down the aisle. Yellow was clearly excited, the Skwovet hopping in place. Green was more reserved, but still had a slight smirk. It… kind of reminded him of Pana’s, and he wasn’t sure how he felt about that.

Speaking of Pana, she was also sat in the front row, her short stature making it a necessity to see behind the other guests. Everyone had the sense not to say that to her face, of course. No maimings yet. Right next to Scales, who was stealing glances at Finn on the other side of the area.

Rio wasn’t here yet. He knew that bribe from red soured his opinion of the Bibarel, but he did help get this entire thing ready. He even asked if he could come if he helped. Where was he?
Not important, he’d show up eventually; Red or not, the Disasters and Rose had been getting along quite nicely. He’d be here. Blue found his attention being drawn to the guests, and the divide was noticeable.

On the left as Red’s guest list. All Redwood villagers, some personal friends, some family friends, a soft, sheltered sort. Skwovet, Furret, Zigzagoon, that Cinccino and Pikachu couple, all Pokemon Blue had grown up around. Mr. Tropius lomed over everyone, smiling at the concept of a wedding.

On the right were rough, scarred Pokemon. Pawniard, a nervous looking Murkrow, a couple of Yungoos, Salandit, even some young Thievul. The old fox Blue knew was sat behind Red, right under the arch, and in front of the Keldeo statue. He’d announce them mon and wife. Mr. Nicks had really come far from stealing. Arceus, he really should talk to him more, and that was only a few of them. Each side had all sorts of Pokemon, all shapes and sizes.

“Thanks,” Red whispered, leaning over a bit.

“Huh?” Blue asked, looking back at his brother.

“For being here… I know you’re aching to get back to your job, and… I’ve been pushy...”

“...You’re my brother.” Blue sighed. “I wouldn’t miss this for the world.”

“I just… want you to be safe-”

“Not now…” Blue cut him off. “Please.”

“Right…” Red turned back to face the isle, eyes going wide, and a smile sprouting on his face. When Blue turned to see why, he understood.

Rose looked fantastic.

Her fur was brushed and glossy, the scar that went over the red streak on her belly, instead of being covered up was on full display. The long, silky, white scarf she wore was streaked with bright red. Each of their favorite colors. It waved as a slight breeze that suddenly picked up. Her father, the terrifying Tyranitar, was right behind her, ready to give her away. All chatter quieted when she came into view.

She smiled at her husband to be, and he smiled back as the bride and her father started down the aisle, Yellow enthusiastically throwing flower petals as they went. Blue hadn't seen Red this happy in so long, but one thought crossed his mind as he glanced back at his team.

Where was Rio?

Rio was eating an apple as he brushed his neck fluff. He hated getting ready for shit like this, and it always took forever… He probably shouldn’t have slept in…

The river made for a good mirror, and it helped him wash off most of the gunk he’d gotten over the past few days. Dammit, he really shouldn’t have slept in! Well, at least he looked presentable now. Fur was brushed, all the stray clumps had been picked out as a result, he even picked out the old stray bits of food caught in his teeth. Might have just been ruined by the apple, but still.

“Good as I’m gonna get,” Rio said, taking a look in the river. “Let’s see a wedding…”

And he was off, walking back through to town. More than anything he was looking forward to the reception, assuming Scales didn’t eat literally everything. Finn was watching him too, and he seemed to be able to keep a leash on that stomach of his… it’d be fine…

The problem was Red. What would he try after the wedding? He got that he was trying to keep his brother safe, sure, but going behind his back to get him kicked off? Dick move. At least his future wife was cool. Still… Blue said he’d take care of it… better to trust him with tha-

And then he felt it. Two familiar Auras. One was newer, but he remembered it well. Slammed it into a lake even, and while that memory was still fresh in his mind, that didn’t scare him as much as the other Aura.

That familiar, smothering blanket that seemed to press down on his body. That loving, crushing pressure a certain Bewear gave off. That Aura that only grew in power each day, every time he felt it. It was almost overwhelming now, like a giant looming over him. And they were both getting closer, fast. A slight shaking started in his legs, as he unconsciously tucked his tail between them.

Griza was here, and she brought a friend.


No. It wasn’t possible. One of the Mewtwo’s jailors were here? The Riolu didn’t drown? No, the blue one’s mind was strong, and he could sense that he was aware of them as well. How did that bastard know where they were going? Psych didn’t want to go back to sleep.

So the only logical thing to do was make sure that Riolu was incapable of doing such a thing. Permanently.

It was about to tell Griza this, but she seemed to be preoccupied with a scent in the air as they traveled down the river. The large Pokemon took a small sniff, then a larger one, looking in the direction of the Riolu, just down the river and through the trees. She grinned, large teeth showing.

“Found you Rio!” she said. “Come on Psych! You can finally meet him!”

“Griza, wait!” but it was too late. She was already crashing through the trees, on a direct course with his captor. The mutant had started to piece things together at that point. A Riolu, Rio being his name, and the fact they were at the very least in the same direction basically confirmed the fact its captor and her boyfriend were the same mon.

What a small world.

Psych was right behind its friend, flicking away the splintered pieces of bark with his mind. The psychic knew being around the Bewear would be safer than being inside a tank, again why did it know what that was, so it followed.

“Honeypot!” Griza exclaimed, coming to a stop at an empty riverside. There was no Riolu there… only clumps of blue and tan fur, along with a brush caked with the stuff.

“Honeypot?” Griza said, picking up the brush. “He was just here…”

Psych could feel his mind, of course. The mutant glanced up at the tree he was hiding in. The leaves were so thick and green it seemed like he had suddenly disappeared… but he couldn’t mask his mind, and with Griza’s nose she would have found him soon enough. Time for a confrontation…

Psych reached out with its mind, and grabbed the Riolu with it, yanking him out of the tree. There was a bit of resistance, but the Riolu did come loose, albeit hanging onto a tree branch. Leaves were caught in his considerable fluff, as he winced at the two below him.

“Hey Griza…” the Riolu greeted as he tried to move. Psych had a tight grip on him, his physical strength wouldn’t assist him here. Still, Psych could feel something changing about him… and fast. “And… cat thing.”

Before Psych could question how his pursuer did not know what it was, Griza spoke up.

“You’re OK! I saw that newspaper, and that you got seriously hurt…”

“Yup, I’m alive!” Psych could feel the changes more now… his mind was changing, as was his fur. Where it was blue it was becoming shorter, lighter, a light pink, the mane started to recede, revealing a horrific scar on the side of his neck. This was not normal for a Riolu. And his mind… it was becoming closer to Psych’s own! A psychic… “I-I got something to do, you mind-”

“Come here!” Griza demanded. “Psych, put him down!”

At that, the strange Riolu’s transformation completed, the last thing to finish being his tail, now pink and split into two at the end. A red jewel suddenly grew out of his head. He resembled an Espeon…

And with his new abilities, Rio wasted no time in resisting Psych’s hold. The combination of surprise at the transformation and sudden considerable psychic force pushing against its own, the apparent hybrid broke the psychic grip in seconds, zooming off in the opposite direction, fur already turning back to normal.

“He wants to play chase again huh?” Griza said, not even acknowledging the fact that her boyfriend seemingly shapeshifted. In fact, she was grinning widely. “I love that fluffball!”

“Griza-” Psych started, but it was too late. She stomped her foot, shaking the earth and making a deep footprint, before sprinting off after the love of her life. Psych could only stare for a bit. The Riolu wouldn’t be chasing it for a while, now that Griza was on him. It could leave… and get so far away it’d never see that Riolu again.

So why wasn’t it?

Was it Griza? The fact that the Riolu didn’t try to immediately catch it, and be completely ignorant of what it was? Like Psych himself? Or maybe it was the curious case of that Riolu’s type change. Or that undefined feeling, drawing him towards the place they were running, that tugging at its very soul. Maybe it was a combination of all these factors.

Or it was just insane for even considering this.

Nevertheless, it flew after the mad duo.


“We are gathered here today to join two mon in holy matrimony. May Arceus bless their union for all time.”

Blue had to stifle the shiver that came over him at the mention of the creator. If the old Thievul priest knew what Blue had suggested yesterday he’d declare him a heretic on the spot, family friend or not. Not important at the moment either, wedding going on.

In all honesty Blue wasn’t really listening. He should have been, but he couldn’t focus for some reason. Something was… tugging at him, drawing his attention elsewhere. Down? He’s felt like this before too… back at the Crystal Palace? That didn’t-

“Blue?” Red asked. “The necklaces?”

The Bidoof looked up, only to see everyone but a few staring at him. He winced as he shook himself back into awareness. That was weird…

“You alright?” Rose asked. He could see the beginnings of a frown forming on her face.

“Fine!” he reassured the bride. “Just zoned out for a bit. Sorry.” Blue took a quick glance at the guests, and noticed something. Some of the others weren’t paying attention either, all looking at the floor. Scales, Pana, Finn, even Veles. That was weird… despite how scary Veles was, he seemed dead set on seeing his daughter happy. Him not paying attention was strange, same with Finn. He was apparently like a little brother to Rose.

He shook the thoughts off. Focus. Just give the necklaces, and you can focus on whatever that was after. He turned to grab the jewelry that would signify their bond, and noticed something about the Keldeo statue as he turned. Mainly, that the water was getting murkier. And murkier. Within seconds it was pitch black, and the drainage stopped. Blue could only stare in awe, as a steady dread set in his heart. Was it writhing?

“What the…” Rose whispered, grabbing Red and pulling him away from the now overflowing fountain, who was also looking in shock. The old Thievul priest had gotten out of there quickly, also looking at the fountain.

And that's when they heard the tremors start. It was slight at first, but with every second they grew more frequent, and stronger, and stronger. It was almost like footsteps, like someone was running towards them. The guests had fled their seats at this point, fleeing from the town center in a panic. Yelling, screaming, and panic only intensified as the tremors started to shake the very tree-houses around them.

Yet Blue found himself unable to move. No, that wasn’t right. It was just that he didn’t want to move. He looked up, only to see those in a trance haven’t moved either. It was like their eyes had just glazed over.

“Blue!” he heard his mother and Red shout from the sidelines. He turned to see their worried faces, and Red step back in to get him.

“Daddy!” Rose said at the same time, right behind her future husband.

The dread building in Blue’s gut suddenly spiked as his brother stepped back into the area. As the black sludge started to pool over his paws, he felt that Red coming any closer was worse for him than anyone.

“DON’T!” Blue warned, but it was too late. The Bibarel was in range. The earth was breaking apart now, cracks forming in the town square, and inky darkness seeping through the cracks.

And that’s when Rio showed up.

The blue and black blur barreled into the town square, eyes wide with panic. And considering who was right behind him, Blue could see why. Griza was right behind him, and right behind her was that thing they found in the lab. The Mewtwo, the pseudo-legendary that may want them all dead.

“You two?” Veles roared at the sight of the Bewear and mutant. “You got a lot of nerve-”

Then the sludge from the pool suddenly started seeping from the cracks in the ground, washing over each Pokemon’s feet, and creeping up their body. In the case of the Mewtwo it formed into black tendrils and dragged it towards the ground. Blue tried to move his own legs, but found they were stuck in the same sludge. He was stuck, and when he looked around at everyone else, they were in a similar scenario. Even Griza with her monstrous strength couldn’t seem to break free.

“Red!” Rose said, trying to pull her fiance free. He didn’t budge as he looked around panicky. Blue saw as he pushed the Zangoose back, small comfort for what he felt was coming.
The paved stone beneath them shattered, and they all fell into the abyss below, and everything went black.

…​

When Blue came to, the first thing he saw were the wedding necklaces. They were undamaged, somehow, and obvious in the solid stone he found himself laying on. The little light in the room was dim, further masked by the strange haze around. Blue could barely see ten feet in front of him…

He wasn’t hurt… somehow. That sludge was gone too. Where was he… a Dungeon? The last time he entered a Dungeon like this was back in the… palace…

Oh no.

“Hello? Blue?” That was Red’s voice.

Oh no.

And that's when he heard the scrape of metal against metal.

Oh no.

And then he saw the floating sword. The blue ribbon holding its sheath, and its dead, blue eye seeming to bore into the Bidoof’s soul. The pupil seemed to pulse erratically, going from black to purple, bigger and smaller, but never leaving Blue’s side.

“INTRUDER!” the strange Honedge hummed.

Oh shit.
 
Chapter 39: Want You Dead

BlackHairedPsycho

Aura Knight
Rio's Bone Rush met the Honedge's slash, stopping it mid attack. It didn't even flinch, the blade starting to cut deeper, and deeper. The Riolu hybrid jumped back as his staff was cleaved in two, now holding two smaller staffs. Rio twirled them casually, before smashing the thing in the eye with one of them. He didn't know if that hurt it, the Laberynth was weird like that, but he did send the sword flying into a wall. The blade got stuck in the stone, and the Honedge struggled to free itself.

"Back here again huh... " he said to himself. "Guess Blue was right."

As Rio walked away, still aware of the undying blade that still probably wanted to skewer him, he noted this was a lot different from last time. The mist was new for one thing, and there were no signs of cells. Just stone, and the inability to see ten feet in front of him. No Aura too… either that, or there was nothing he could sense around.

"This mist is annoying…" At that, Rio clapped his paws together, and let his Aura explode. The blue shockwave erupted from all around him, blowing the stone he was standing on away. The mist, however, stayed where it was. Rio blinked. Not normal mist then.

So where was everyone? They all got dragged in at the same time.. But he wasn't sure who fell in. Blue definitely, maybe Red. He should focus on finding them first, they'd be the most vulnerable.

The mist didn't let him see much, he was basically walking blind through the massive cavern. No Aura to sense, no markings, and the occasional hiss of metal.

Wait the hiss of wha-

Rio jumped back to avoid the twin blades that just went for his neck. The Doublade seemed to come out of nowhere, both blades drawn and hovering threateningly in front of the hybrid.

"INTRUDER!" the blades hummed, glowing with ghostly energy.

Rio responded by holding one of his Bone Rushes out and extending it quickly. It pushed the scabbards and through it the swords, back into the mist. A few seconds later, he heard the slam of Doublade hitting the wall, but it was still screaming "intruder." Rio decided to keep it pressed against the blade as he made his way to follow the sound. Soon enough he saw the wall, and the Doublade pinned to it via his Bone Rush. It didn't seem smart enough to cut the thing, even though its blades were drawn. It just flailed angrily towards the Riolu holding it in place.

Rio extended the other Bone Rush to the other end of the room, pushing it until the walls are supporting both ends, and letting go. It held up, and the Doublade was still too dumb to cut the shaft to free itself. Good. So he left it there and went on his way, holding his paw out to drag against the stone wall, feeling for an exit, all while the blades he had taken care of were shouting the word 'Intruder' all the way.

Eventually he saw it, and then felt it. The large stone archway sloping down. Nowhere else to go, and he still couldn't sense anything. At least the mist cleared up. It was still there, but much thinner. He could now see through the dark mists, and down the unlit path ahead. Still dark, but perceivable. Rio summoned another Bone Rush and used the blue glow to light his way. It… didn't help much.

And so the Riolu made his way down, examining the cracked stone wall. Something was written on it… looked familiar too. Back at the waterfall dungeon? With that tall cat Pokemon? What did Blue say it was called… Mewtwo?

God, what a mess. Was it still mad about the ribs? Imagine if he ran into that thing while he was down here. That would be messy. Good thing he'd be able to sense it before it got to that point, the Auras that particularly wanted him dead tended to stick out.

So it was a surprise for Rio when he ran into a thinly furred body as he entered the next room. He looked up to see the confused, and widening purple eyes of the mutant in question. Rio didn't feel its Aura. Why didn't he feel its Aura?

The Mewtwo raised its arm, purple psionic energy creeping up the limb. Rio ducked the Psycho Cut, just missing the top of his head, and leaving a deep gash in the wall behind him. Rio shot his Bone Rush at it in retaliation, but instead of the Barrier like last time the pseudo legendary floated to the side and grabbed the Bone Rush in its bulbed hands, yanking the Riolu closer.

Before it could, the Hybrid detonated the bone, blowing it right in the Mewtwo's face. It flew back, bleeding black blood from its arm and nose, before being surrounded with bright purple energy. The flow of blood started to stem from the Recover.

Rio growled as he flung himself at the mutant, fist coated in darkness for a Sucker Punch. A Barrier sprung up around the Mewtwo to soften the blow, but between splitting his focus on healing itself and the sudden defense the forcefield cracked and shattered under the force of the supereffective blow. It hit the Mewtwo in the chest, but the blow was still softened.

Rio felt the things tail wrap around his waist, yanking him away. Why wasn't it using psychic? It probably noticed the last transformation and wanted to avoid another-

Oh Arceus why didn't he lead with that?

"Why-" the Mewtwo started, but it stopped itself as the black crystal lit up and the Riolu's fur started to change. It receded as it turned black, yellow rings growling around his waist, the tip of his tail, his ears, and his Aura sensors.

Before his captor could react the newly made Riolu-Umbreon flared his Aura, feeling it spread around the room and more importantly over the Mewtwo.

"What?" It said, before slamming into the ground. Rio pried the tail off of him as the Mewtwo looked at him, eyes flashing purple. He felt the Psychic wash over him, and sink into him due to his typing. The Mewtwo's body lit up next, trying to float once more, but the darkness now filling the room prevented him from doing so. Rio summoned his Bone Rush Scythe, and pointed the business end at the Mewtwo in response. The power faded from its eyes, being replaced with… fear.

"Why do you torment me?" the Mewtwo whimpered. "You chased me this far, what am I to you?"

Rio blinked, not lowering his scythe as he processed the mutant's words. Was he serious?

"What?" Rio shouted. "You followed us, you mad cat!"

"Then why did you have me imprisoned? With that thing on your wrist?" If Psych could lift its arm, he'd probably point at the Dark Z-Crystal glowing on his arm.

"I found this-" he held up the glowing stone. "Right before we found you!"

"Then why did you proceed to break my ribs?"

"Because you were trying to kill us first you asshole!"

"I-" the mutant paused, considering the Riolu-Umbreon's words.. "That… is a fair reaction."

Rio groaned and let the scythe and his Aura fade. Normal gravity reassured itself not long after. The hybrid stopped tapping the dark crystal, and his body went back to normal. The Mewtwo wasted no time in floating up once again, still cautiously looking at the hybrid. Fear was still present, he could tell that much even without Aura, but less.

"I am Psych," the Mewtwo introduced himself.

"Original," Rio commented.

"That was sarcasm, yes? You are at least partially a Riolu, and with your name you cannot say yours is much better."

"Never said that." Rio put his hands behind his head as he looked around. The room had three entrances, one behind Rio, one to the left, probably where Psych came from, and the one at the opposite side of where Rio was standing. "But yeah, we weren't keeping you locked up or anything. We just found you. Read my mind if you don't believe that."

"...I cannot."

"Really? But I shifted back-"

"No. I did not even feel your mind when you came in, before your transformation. This place seems to be blocking my sensory abilities. And reading your mind seems to be similarly impossible."

"So that wasn't just me…"

"This place seems to be inhibiting both of our sensory abilities… this mist perhaps?"

"Probably. Now, why the hell were you with Griza?" Rio asked as he walked with his new… aquatinace. Yeah, that was accurate.

"Is that really important right now?"

Rio looked back at the Mewtwo, who sighed.

"She found me, and helped mend the ribs you shattered."

"Not sure if I should apologize for that…"

"I was trying to kill you, so…"

"Whatever. How's she been?"

The Mewtwo paused to think of an answer, while Rio looked at more of the walls they walked. More of that human language. Couldn't make any sense of it.

"Griza has been well," Psych answered after a bit. "When she heard you were hurt, she went to go find you immediately, and those who got in her way…" the mutant shuddered.

"Yeah, I get ya," Rio said.

"Tell me, are you two dating? Based on your reaction..."

"No," Rio answered immediately. "That was a while ago, and she doesn't understand that."

It seemed that Griza had only become more… Griza, upon evolution. Rio still cared about her, he really did, but she doesn't listen if it's not something she likes, and their breakup fell under that category. What a terrifying mess…

"I'm not sure I get it…"

"Not right now." This conversation was getting a little uncomfortable. "Can you read this?" Rio pointed at the text lining the walls. It was a long shot, but it was worth asking, and it changed the subject.

"You can't? It's very basic Unovan."

"Worth ask- what?"

"It's mostly nonsense… 'test… fail… doom…' variations of those words."

"How do you know how to read that? Blue said that's an old human language!"

"Human? …You're right! This is a human language! Why didn't I…"

Psych held his head, eyes widening. Rio didn't need Aura sense to tell how he was feeling. Confusion was obvious on his face.

"You know…" Rio started. "We did find some info on you in the Dungeon."

"Really?" All of Psych's attention was suddenly on Rio, his pressuring gaze seeming to press down on the Riolu. Still, wasn't Griza levels.

"Blue probably knows more, and we left the books back in Wonder City. I think Thesus is working on getting more info."

"Then we must find him! Immediately! Come now!" the Mewtwo was suddenly less like a tiger and more like a kitten as it shot down into the depths. Rio, having what he assumed was at least not an enemy, followed. He was right, Blue was the most vulnerable, and they needed to find him, now.

The two current allies descended further into the depths, looking for any sign of a Bidoof, or anyone that wasn't a floating sword. It was weird, they didn't find many floating swords either… usually the Labyrinth just chucked undying enemies at you, what gives? It was getting hotter too…

"This heat is strange, wouldn't you agree?" Psych asked, fanning himself. "A departure from the relatively cool temperature so far."

"Dungeons are weird," Rio shrugged. "Especially this one."

As they continued, Rio opened his mouth to say something, when he felt a change. The heat suddenly felt fine. Like, he could feel it, but it felt like any other day. His fur changed color once again, turning red where it was blue. His neck fluff turned a creamy yellow as it suddenly puffed out, covering his mouth in a flash. The same thing happened to his tail. That yellow fur suddenly grew on top of his head. One eye turned black as the transformation completed. Rio blinked, coughing up stray strands of neck fur because his mouth was open when it triggered.

"Gah!" Rio said, spluttering as he moved his considerable fluff out of his face hole. "The hell?"

"It seems your transformations can also be triggered by the environment." Psych commented. "This is a strange ability for a Riolu… are half Eevee by chance?"

"Yeah yeah, I know I'm a freak, calm down," Rio looked his new fur over, shaking it out. The Riolu-Flareon fluffed out even more as a result. "Come on, let's see what's causing it."

The two went down the path, and walked into what could only be described as a melting room. Everything inside was in some form of melting. The stone was turning to magma, walls crumbling as they melted. The floor that hadn't melted shot up in jagged pillars that stuck out of the lava below. There was also the little fact that the place was littered with broken swords. Some of the Honedge just struggled in the hot wall, metal glowing with the heat. Some were even starting to melt. Some of the Doublade were snapped clean in half, struggling to hover. Could swords sweat, or was that just the fact that they too were in the process of melting? Either way they seemed to be grounded. Plus what really took the attention of the two was who was causing it.

The Tyranitar was stomping on a Duoblade, just stomping the those swords into the ground. His hat was nicked, but Veles looked fine. Rio did notice that weird tattoo on his arm had… grown. Instead of stopping at the elbow, the thick black lines branched to the top of his arm and has started creeping towards one of his eyes. They were both a blazing yellow.

"Stupid thing!" the Tyranitar roared, stomping the blade into the ground. "Do you KNOW how much this hat cost? Little shit!"

This went on for a while, the two freaks just staring at the display of absolute rage. Soon the ghost was putty under the raging lizards stomp. Its hilt still had the pulsing eye, shouting 'intruder' as if it did not just get what amounted to its spine shattered and melted.

"What?" Psych said absently, Barrier raised. "That shouldn't be possible, Tyranitar cannot manipulate stone in this way…"

"Lotsa things seem impossible," Veles growled, turning to stare down the two. Rio noticed that he was looking down at Psych, who he could have sworn was taller. "Like a giant hole in the ground interrupting my daughter's big day. Like two of the three mon who interrupted it in the first place teaming up, and the fact that both of them have fucked with my operation before that. All freaks at that. What a coincidence… "

Rio didn't need Aura to know where this was going. He had his hands up, ready to strike.

"What are you-"

"I hate it when they play dumb." Another step, another shake of the earth. "Don't worry, I'm not gonna kill you. You're both way too valuable. But you're gonna pay."

"Sir, I-"

Suddenly, a molten spike jutted out of the ground and crashed into Psych's Barrier. Rio lept back as the mutant crashed back into the wall. Molten rock washed over the bubble as the mutant gazed at the hot, jagged rock that would have speared him if not for the barrier.

"I said don't play dumb."

Rio took that chance to rush in, blasting forward and slamming a Force Palm into Veles's stomach. Instead of the blue explosion that usually followed, flames erupted from his palm and engulfed his enemy, and blasted the wall behind him. The rock type didn't budge, only glaring at the Riolu hybrid as the flames cleared.

"Ever heard of a type advantage kid?" he scolded, before driving a fist into Rio's stomach. He used Bulk Up right before to soften the blow a bit, but it didn't do much. Rio's breath left his body the same time his feet left the ground, and he crashed into the wall next to Psych. He gasped for air as their adversary shook the room, stomping closer. His stomach and back felt like it was on fire, which it might have been considering where they were.

"Now…" Veles growled. "I said I wasn't gonna kill ya, but soon enough you're gonna wish you were dead."

Rio tried to focus on one of his stones, the dark one, but he soon felt that funny feeling in his chest again, and stopped. He was stuck in this form…

He got his wish for a challenge.
 
Chapter 40: Brilliant Blue

BlackHairedPsycho

Aura Knight
"INTRUDER!"

Blue managed to tackle his still dazed brother out of the way of the blade that almost stabbed into him. The chink of metal against stone with the brown furry bullet that just rammed into him seemed to knock Red out of his daze. Through the mist the Honedge floated back up, blade pointed at the brothers.

"RUN!" Blue shouted, pushing Red forward. Soon enough Red was running on his own as the blade floated after them. Blue took the lead, looking for anything through the mists, any exits that may jump out… was that water?

Yes, Blue could hear rushing water! It was echoing, distant, but it was there. Still hearing his brother's labored breathing behind him, Blue ran for it, barely acknowledging the strange writing on the archway they rushed through. The water was getting louder. Good sign, good sign, he was going the right way.

He didn't question how he knew that was the 'right way,' it just felt like it.

"Blue!" Red gasped. The Bidoof in question glanced behind his brother, who had stopped to catch his breath. "It stopped following us…"

Blue stopped too, and yeah, there was no sign of their attempted stabber. He sighed, and walked back to his brother, glancing at the walls. Unovan again…

"We have to keep moving," Blue insisted. "It could come back anytime, and if it's anything like last time we can't fight our way out, not for long."

"Wait, last time?" Red asked, eyes widening. 'You've been in here before?"

"Maybe," Blue admitted. "A few things are different, but the sudden splitting of the ground tipped me off. We need to find everyone and get out of here as soon as possible." With that, he started down the path, making out the words on the wall. All warnings of some kind…

"Hold on!" Red demanded, darting ahead of his brother. Blue sighed, and stopped. This wasn't the time, but if it got them moving…

"Blue, what is this place?"

"The Labyrinth. A massive extremely dangerous dungeon. Come on."

Blue started forward, but Red held him back.

"You've been in here before?"

"Once. Right after we met Diancie."

"So this… is where you were tested?"

"...Yes."

Silence. Complete silence. The mist thickened and thinned as the Bibarel processed this. Then, he spoke.

"Blue, this is too dangerous."

"Really? Now?" Blue turned to face his brother. He could see the fear in his eyes, the worry, it was just like when dad-

And then he put it together. Dad went into the Labyrinth. He came out stabbed, tail cut off, and he had those same, scared eyes. The Honedge... This is where it happened. This is where Gold, famed explorer and last human, was mortally wounded.

This place killed his father.

"You agree!" Red exclaimed, seeing the horror cross Blue's face. "Exploring is too much for you."

"Red-" Blue started, now breathing audibly. This really wasn't the time.

"This is insane!" Red continued. "A dungeon popping up out of nowhere, ate us, and we almost immediately got stabbed to death!"

"Red-" Blue gritted his teeth, he could feel tears forming in his eyes.

"You can't fight! Dad-"

"I KNOW!" Blue shouted back at his brother, tears now freely spilling. "Don't you think I know that? That I'm not strong enough? You've made that very clear!"

"Blue-" a stunned Red said, but Blue was on a roll.

"I have to try!" Blue stomped towards the Bibarel, who started backing up. "I want to do this, follow in dad's footsteps, live my dream! I want to make him proud, and the second I get just the TINIEST bit of progress you pull out this shit!"

Blue took a deep breath, and continued the rant that's been building for a month.

"I get that dad died doing this, hell, he probably died because of this place! I. KNOW. You don't have to remind me. I have to get there, I want to get there. And I think I can now. So please, for the love of Arceus, stop."

Blue huffed, suddenly feeling much, much better, like a weight was lifted from his shoulders. That was about the time he noticed the echo, and the many, many scrapes of metal on stone that were now approaching them. Maybe this wasn't the best place for him to lose his head…

"I didn't…" Red started, before he too heard the scraping. "We should go…"

"Come on!" the Bidoof ordered.

"Right…" the panic was still in Red's voice, but he was a lot quieter now as he followed his younger brother.

Blue was feeling… better. A lot better. He had just reaffirmed his goal, his dream, his passion, his-

Resolve.

Yeah, his resolve. He didn't even question the voice that just popped into his head as he ran. It seemed to get louder the closer they got to that water sound though… It was distant, yet close.

In the face of your fear, your worry, you remain resolute.

The voice was right. He didn't give up. He came close a few times, sure, but he kept going. Thanks to Pana and everyone… huh, his first thought was of Pana…

They came into a small room with three exits not counting the way they just came. The scraping was getting closer. Blue didn't even glance at the other two, he just immediately went right. The water was roaring now, drowning out the scraping now. It didn't make sense to be so loud…

"Follow the sound of the water!" Blue shouted, still running.

"What sound?" Red exclaimed, still following his brother. Blue didn't answer. His brother's apparent deafness could be looked at later. The path twisted and turned, and while there were many, many branches Blue somehow knew where they needed to go. Where he needed to go.

"I hear it now…" Red said as they came into the last room. The rushing waterfall roared in Blue's ears as he looked over the sight.

The only mist in this room came from the water spray. Instead of a stone floor, some moss glowed green along the floor, walls and ceiling. The lake the waterfall fell into made the rest of the stone into a little island, with no visible exit. A dead end.

"What now?" Red asked.

But Blue didn't care about that. What he was staring at was much more important than any kind of escape.

The blueish horn stuck out of the ground, sky blue light pulsing off of it. From what Blue could see from it, it had a wide base, getting slightly thinner towards the other end. It was beautiful…

"Blue?" Red asked. "We should go…"

He ignored his brother, he wasn't important. The horn, that was all that mattered. He walked up to it, as if it was calling to him.

The path you've chosen is not an easy one, yet you have yet to shy away from it. Brilliant, my Legacy.

Blue took the horn in his teeth, and pulled. It came out easily. His horn, his key, his-

And that's when he noticed the tip. Or the lack of it. Half the horn, half the blade, was missing. Snapped clean in half. It was incomplete. Where was the other half? Where? It had to be around here, it had-

"BLUE!"

Red shook his brother out of the trance, his teeth still clenching the hard blade horn. It felt right, between his teeth. He didn't want to let it go, he couldn't let it go. He couldn't break his promise-

Wait… what promise?

"We have to go!" the scraping was getting closer, and closer. "They're coming!"

He was coming out of it now. Red was right, they had to go. He looked around, for anything, but there was no visible way out. Just the-

"The waterfall!" Blue muffled, horn still in mouth. There had to be something behind it, it was their only chance. The Bidoof didn't hesitate, immediately jumping into the water and swimming for their only chance at salvation. He heard the splash of his brother right behind him, and then ahead of him. He did have the tail…

They swam beneath the falling water, and discovered there was a room! A dark hall, mist creeping in. The brothers wasted no time in jumping out of the water and down the hall. The scraping of metal was getting closer, and closer. There were no branches down this hall, no new rooms, just a stretch of hallway, right until there wasn't.

The wall rose high above them, hard and cold as the rest of the damned wall. There was one word written all over it.

End.

Blue turned back to face their doom. He could see it now, the blades were on them, Honedge, Doublade, a storm of swords flying right at them. Blue thought he had doomed his brother and himself.

What now?

"There! In the wall!" He turned to see a small hole on the right side, just big enough for a Bidoof to crawl into. Not a Bibarel.

"Red, what about-"

Before Blue could finish, Red had grabbed him, and shoved him into the hole, blocking the entrance with his face. A Protect barrier shimmered around the Bibarel as he looked at his brother, a sad look in his eyes. There was fear in there, along with steel, determination.

"It'll hold for a few strikes," Red whispered. "Run. Now."

Blue's eyes widened at those words. He tried to push his brother out of the way, but the Protect was strong. The ghostly blades sounded closer, and closer. No. Not again. He couldn't lose more to this place! First his dad, now his brother? "I'm not just leaving you! Red!"

"You're more important," the Bibarel went on. "I'm sorry for everything. When you get out of here, tell mom, the triplets… Rose, I love them."

Arceus please not again. Please, for the love of all the Legendaries not again. Anything but this! PLEASE!

"NO!"

The broken blade clattered to the ground as Blue cried. He couldn't lose more to this place. The Bidoof watched his brother close his eyes as the worst day of his life was about to repeat itself.

And then, just as the barrier started to crack, something from behind Red crashed into the blades. The few dozen tings that followed, and the fact that Red wasn't stabbed yet, made him drop the Protect and let Blue go. Red looked up, and Blue took the opportunity to push past him and see what had just saved his brother.

Where there was once an open path, there was now a wall, pushed in the way of the blades. One Honedge, the one that had reached Red first, was stuck in between the new structure, and that's when the pusher made herself known.

An enormous, and familiar, black paw reached out and pulled herself out of the new hole in the side. Griza looked no worse for wear, maybe a little dusty. The large Bewear looked down at the two she just saved.

"Oh, you're one of Rio's new friends, yeah?" she asked casually, stretching, and looking at the blade in his teeth. "What was your name again?"

"B-Blue…" he stammered, still holding onto his horn blade. He wasn't sure if he should be more or less scared.

"I'm Red…" the Bibarel introduced.

"Call me Griza." she clapped, and the room shook. "Nice sword."

"Thanks…" he muffled.

"Now, let's go find my Honeypot, yeah? The Labyrinth's a little annoying, thank Arceus we aren't in too deep."

Before either beaver could ask how she knew what the Labyrinth was, she punched down the wall with little apparent effort, revealing another path, and started stomping down it.

The brothers stared at the display, and then at each other.

"Uh-" Red started.

"Never do that again," Blue muffled. "Please."

With that, Blue decided to follow their savior, and Red wasn't far behind.
"INTRUDER!"

Blue managed to tackle his still dazed brother out of the way of the blade that almost stabbed into him. The chink of metal against stone with the brown furry bullet that just rammed into him seemed to knock Red out of his daze. Through the mist the Honedge floated back up, blade pointed at the brothers.

"RUN!" Blue shouted, pushing Red forward. Soon enough Red was running on his own as the blade floated after them. Blue took the lead, looking for anything through the mists, any exits that may jump out… was that water?

Yes, Blue could hear rushing water! It was echoing, distant, but it was there. Still hearing his brother's labored breathing behind him, Blue ran for it, barely acknowledging the strange writing on the archway they rushed through. The water was getting louder. Good sign, good sign, he was going the right way.

He didn't question how he knew that was the 'right way,' it just felt like it.

"Blue!" Red gasped. The Bidoof in question glanced behind his brother, who had stopped to catch his breath. "It stopped following us…"

Blue stopped too, and yeah, there was no sign of their attempted stabber. He sighed, and walked back to his brother, glancing at the walls. Unovan again…

"We have to keep moving," Blue insisted. "It could come back anytime, and if it's anything like last time we can't fight our way out, not for long."

"Wait, last time?" Red asked, eyes widening. 'You've been in here before?"

"Maybe," Blue admitted. "A few things are different, but the sudden splitting of the ground tipped me off. We need to find everyone and get out of here as soon as possible." With that, he started down the path, making out the words on the wall. All warnings of some kind…

"Hold on!" Red demanded, darting ahead of his brother. Blue sighed, and stopped. This wasn't the time, but if it got them moving…

"Blue, what is this place?"

"The Labyrinth. A massive extremely dangerous dungeon. Come on."

Blue started forward, but Red held him back.

"You've been in here before?"

"Once. Right after we met Diancie."

"So this… is where you were tested?"

"...Yes."

Silence. Complete silence. The mist thickened and thinned as the Bibarel processed this. Then, he spoke.

"Blue, this is too dangerous."

"Really? Now?" Blue turned to face his brother. He could see the fear in his eyes, the worry, it was just like when dad-

And then he put it together. Dad went into the Labyrinth. He came out stabbed, tail cut off, and he had those same, scared eyes. The Honedge... This is where it happened. This is where Gold, famed explorer and last human, was mortally wounded.

This place killed his father.

"You agree!" Red exclaimed, seeing the horror cross Blue's face. "Exploring is too much for you."

"Red-" Blue started, now breathing audibly. This really wasn't the time.

"This is insane!" Red continued. "A dungeon popping up out of nowhere, ate us, and we almost immediately got stabbed to death!"

"Red-" Blue gritted his teeth, he could feel tears forming in his eyes.

"You can't fight! Dad-"

"I KNOW!" Blue shouted back at his brother, tears now freely spilling. "Don't you think I know that? That I'm not strong enough? You've made that very clear!"

"Blue-" a stunned Red said, but Blue was on a roll.

"I have to try!" Blue stomped towards the Bibarel, who started backing up. "I want to do this, follow in dad's footsteps, live my dream! I want to make him proud, and the second I get just the TINIEST bit of progress you pull out this shit!"

Blue took a deep breath, and continued the rant that's been building for a month.

"I get that dad died doing this, hell, he probably died because of this place! I. KNOW. You don't have to remind me. I have to get there, I want to get there. And I think I can now. So please, for the love of Arceus, stop."

Blue huffed, suddenly feeling much, much better, like a weight was lifted from his shoulders. That was about the time he noticed the echo, and the many, many scrapes of metal on stone that were now approaching them. Maybe this wasn't the best place for him to lose his head…

"I didn't…" Red started, before he too heard the scraping. "We should go…"

"Come on!" the Bidoof ordered.

"Right…" the panic was still in Red's voice, but he was a lot quieter now as he followed his younger brother.

Blue was feeling… better. A lot better. He had just reaffirmed his goal, his dream, his passion, his-

Resolve.

Yeah, his resolve. He didn't even question the voice that just popped into his head as he ran. It seemed to get louder the closer they got to that water sound though… It was distant, yet close.

In the face of your fear, your worry, you remain resolute.

The voice was right. He didn't give up. He came close a few times, sure, but he kept going. Thanks to Pana and everyone… huh, his first thought was of Pana…

They came into a small room with three exits not counting the way they just came. The scraping was getting closer. Blue didn't even glance at the other two, he just immediately went right. The water was roaring now, drowning out the scraping now. It didn't make sense to be so loud…

"Follow the sound of the water!" Blue shouted, still running.

"What sound?" Red exclaimed, still following his brother. Blue didn't answer. His brother's apparent deafness could be looked at later. The path twisted and turned, and while there were many, many branches Blue somehow knew where they needed to go. Where he needed to go.

"I hear it now…" Red said as they came into the last room. The rushing waterfall roared in Blue's ears as he looked over the sight.

The only mist in this room came from the water spray. Instead of a stone floor, some moss glowed green along the floor, walls and ceiling. The lake the waterfall fell into made the rest of the stone into a little island, with no visible exit. A dead end.

"What now?" Red asked.

But Blue didn't care about that. What he was staring at was much more important than any kind of escape.

The blueish horn stuck out of the ground, sky blue light pulsing off of it. From what Blue could see from it, it had a wide base, getting slightly thinner towards the other end. It was beautiful…

"Blue?" Red asked. "We should go…"

He ignored his brother, he wasn't important. The horn, that was all that mattered. He walked up to it, as if it was calling to him.

The path you've chosen is not an easy one, yet you have yet to shy away from it. Brilliant, my Legacy.

Blue took the horn in his teeth, and pulled. It came out easily. His horn, his key, his-

And that's when he noticed the tip. Or the lack of it. Half the horn, half the blade, was missing. Snapped clean in half. It was incomplete. Where was the other half? Where? It had to be around here, it had-

"BLUE!"

Red shook his brother out of the trance, his teeth still clenching the hard blade horn. It felt right, between his teeth. He didn't want to let it go, he couldn't let it go. He couldn't break his promise-

Wait… what promise?

"We have to go!" the scraping was getting closer, and closer. "They're coming!"

He was coming out of it now. Red was right, they had to go. He looked around, for anything, but there was no visible way out. Just the-

"The waterfall!" Blue muffled, horn still in mouth. There had to be something behind it, it was their only chance. The Bidoof didn't hesitate, immediately jumping into the water and swimming for their only chance at salvation. He heard the splash of his brother right behind him, and then ahead of him. He did have the tail…

They swam beneath the falling water, and discovered there was a room! A dark hall, mist creeping in. The brothers wasted no time in jumping out of the water and down the hall. The scraping of metal was getting closer, and closer. There were no branches down this hall, no new rooms, just a stretch of hallway, right until there wasn't.

The wall rose high above them, hard and cold as the rest of the damned wall. There was one word written all over it.

End.

Blue turned back to face their doom. He could see it now, the blades were on them, Honedge, Doublade, a storm of swords flying right at them. Blue thought he had doomed his brother and himself.

What now?

"There! In the wall!" He turned to see a small hole on the right side, just big enough for a Bidoof to crawl into. Not a Bibarel.

"Red, what about-"

Before Blue could finish, Red had grabbed him, and shoved him into the hole, blocking the entrance with his face. A Protect barrier shimmered around the Bibarel as he looked at his brother, a sad look in his eyes. There was fear in there, along with steel, determination.

"It'll hold for a few strikes," Red whispered. "Run. Now."

Blue's eyes widened at those words. He tried to push his brother out of the way, but the Protect was strong. The ghostly blades sounded closer, and closer. No. Not again. He couldn't lose more to this place! First his dad, now his brother? "I'm not just leaving you! Red!"

"You're more important," the Bibarel went on. "I'm sorry for everything. When you get out of here, tell mom, the triplets… Rose, I love them."

Arceus please not again. Please, for the love of all the Legendaries not again. Anything but this! PLEASE!

"NO!"

The broken blade clattered to the ground as Blue cried. He couldn't lose more to this place. The Bidoof watched his brother close his eyes as the worst day of his life was about to repeat itself.

And then, just as the barrier started to crack, something from behind Red crashed into the blades. The few dozen tings that followed, and the fact that Red wasn't stabbed yet, made him drop the Protect and let Blue go. Red looked up, and Blue took the opportunity to push past him and see what had just saved his brother.

Where there was once an open path, there was now a wall, pushed in the way of the blades. One Honedge, the one that had reached Red first, was stuck in between the new structure, and that's when the pusher made herself known.

An enormous, and familiar, black paw reached out and pulled herself out of the new hole in the side. Griza looked no worse for wear, maybe a little dusty. The large Bewear looked down at the two she just saved.

"Oh, you're one of Rio's new friends, yeah?" she asked casually, stretching, and looking at the blade in his teeth. "What was your name again?"

"B-Blue…" he stammered, still holding onto his horn blade. He wasn't sure if he should be more or less scared.

"I'm Red…" the Bibarel introduced.

"Call me Griza." she clapped, and the room shook. "Nice sword."

"Thanks…" he muffled.

"Now, let's go find my Honeypot, yeah? The Labyrinth's a little annoying, thank Arceus we aren't in too deep."

Before either beaver could ask how she knew what the Labyrinth was, she punched down the wall with little apparent effort, revealing another path, and started stomping down it.

The brothers stared at the display, and then at each other.

"Uh-" Red started.

"Never do that again," Blue muffled. "Please."

With that, Blue decided to follow their savior, and Red wasn't far behind.
 
Chapter 41: Hammer Time

BlackHairedPsycho

Aura Knight
“INTRUDER!”

Scales raised an arm to block his opponent’s slash. The Aegislash’s wildly twitching eye seemed to glare at the dragon between wild dilations. The cut didn’t break his now silver gleaming scales, his Iron Defense as perfect as ever, but it didn’t bounce off like these attacks usually did. It just kept pushing…

“Heads up!” Finn shouted, taking a deep breath.

The Aegislash raised its shield just in time to block a torrent of fire. A purple mist seeped from the shield as it blocked, the considerable heat fading away quickly.

While it was distracted Scales pushed off its blade and released his own torrent of fire, his point-blank Flamethrower washing over the ghostly blade. Both attacks should have been devastating to the steel ghost, but after a few seconds the blade, now glowing red from the heat, swung right at his neck. His Iron Defense and thick scales stopped it from piercing, but a solid blow to the neck was still a solid blow to the neck. The flames were cut, the breath needed for the attack interrupted.

The Aegislash looked at him, still humming with heat. Scales couldn’t have called it a glare, that would have implied anger. Besides the erratic blinking, its eye was… empty. Like nothing was there.

“Scales!” Finn yelled, body suddenly enveloped in a shimmering purple. His Dragon Rush crashed right into the Aegislash’s still raised shield, but it was enough to send it flying a few feet across the room. The Gabite was by Scales’s side as he rubbed at his neck, looking first to check if he was OK, and then back at the Aegislash. It was showing signs of damage, hell, it should’ve been out already, but it still stubbornly floated there, almost like it didn't feel any of it. Didn’t he see that-

And that’s when something suddenly flew right between Scales and Finn’s heads, landing right in the Aegislash’s eye. The barbed Iron Thorn that suddenly flew into its eye had to have hurt, but it didn’t yell out. It simply made a grab for the modified weapon, not hesitating to try tearing it out of its face.

“What the…'' Finn raised his claws to his mouth in horror at the display. As the Aegislash pulled it was making a sickening squelching sound as the barbs screeched against the metal. It was very unfortunate Scales’s ability wasn’t Soundproof.

“Squash it!” a familiar, bossy voice shouted from behind him. Scales wasted no time, flaring dragon energy from a sloppy Dragon Dance, as he stomped over to the currently distracted enemy, grabbing it by the hilt-head, and shoved it into the ground blade first, bending it to further inhibit its movement. It stabbed with the spike, still wet with whatever blood a ghost sword had, but it simply bounced off his reinforced scales. When the large Hakamo-o finally let go, the now blind, living blade was stuck in the ground, bent in such a way that removing itself would not be easy.

“Holy shit…” Finn said, backing up. “What…”

“You alright?” Scales asked, walking up to the Gabite. His new companion obviously was shaken by the unsettling display, the eyeless Aegislash was still trying to free itself, despite its many, many injuries, still only shouting ‘intruder.’

“Fine," the Gabite’s stare seemed far away. “What in distortion…”

“The ferals in here don’t go down,” the familiar bossy voice said, this time right next to Scales. He looked down to see the short stature of his sister standing right next to him, holding a few barbed Iron Thorns.

“Where did you-” Finn asked, looking at the thorns.

“We’re in a dungeon,” Pana answered cooly. “Found them. Can we go before it figures out how to get out of there please?”

“...Right,” the two dragons followed the panda out the door the Aegislash was guarding. It was a straight hall, with the roof high. Words in a strange language were written all over the hall as the three made their way down.

“You sure you’re ok?” Scales asked the Gabite. He still looked rattled.

“I’m not hurt…” Finn answered. “It’s just… I was expecting to have a good time at a wedding, have everyone enjoy my food, not get swallowed by a dungeon. Also that eye thing was absolutely horrifying.”

“Sorry…” Scales said.

“It’s not your fault,” Finn said. Scales wasn’t entirely sure about that, but said nothing as the ground dragon continued. “It’s just… been a while since I’ve seen horrifying stuff like that.”

“That implies you’ve seen stuff like that before,” Pana pointed out without looking back.

“...The boss… Mr. Veles… had a way with the others he had a disagreement with…” he shuttered, and didn’t say anything more.

“The Tyranitar?” Scales asked. “Seemed nice to me…”

“He acts like it yeah,” Finn continued. “But if you push him far enough, it's like he’s a different-”

And that's when that cat thing from the waterfall dungeon came hurtling out of the ceiling, its shimmering barrier enveloped in lava. The bubble crashed into the ground in front of them as the mutant floated back into the air, glaring at the still dripping hole. Pana had jumped back, and for his part Scales had pushed Finn behind him as the lava dripped.

“You!” Pana growled, but that’s all she managed to get out before the Mewtwo backed off just in time to avoid the Tyranitar in question from stomping its bubble to pieces. The ground shook, and lava spilled from where Veles landed. Scales, bringing Finn closer with his tail, stood his ground against the sudden influx of heat and force. If he wasn’t so focused on the two potential enemies, he may have noticed the torn hat Tyranitar was bigger than the last time, and the tattoo on his arm has spread all the way up it. His blazing eyes, one of which was surrounded by the black tatoo now, turned to the three.

“I’ll deal with you later…” his growled, and the earth rumbled with his speech. “Wait, Finn? Is that you?”

“H-hey boss…” The Gabite poked his head from behind Scales.

“Finn, get your ass-”

That’s when the psychic raised its arms, and pulled. The already damaged roof glowed purple and collapsed, the boulders coming down right on top of him. Veles simply sighed, catching one of the boulders with one hand as the others crashed around him.

“It’d be so much easier for you two if-” and that's when they all heard it. The hissing. Amidst the chaos, no one, Veles especially, noticed the trap he had just fallen into. The red bones sticking out of the rocks the mutant had just brought down around him had wicks burning on their ends, almost like-

Pana had already taken shelter behind her brother, and Scales pushed Finn back behind him just in time for his own Protect to shimmer into existence.

BOOM

When the wicks reached the shaft, they erupted into a fireball of an explosion. Rocks and fire clashed against the forcefield, washing over the trio. It was a good thing Scales liked the heat; Protect didn’t do anything for temperature.

When the dust, and fire, finally cleared, Veles was gone, and there was a new hole in the ground, glowing orange and radiating heat. Flames flickered in the room, and went out as the fog reassured its dominance. The Mewtwo, breathing heavily and barriers still up, looked at the very confused trio, nodding.

“I apologize for our first meeting,” it said in a deep, smooth voice. “I was-”

The ground under it turned to magma, enveloping the barrier. Fear shone in its eyes as the molten rock sucked the bastardization of a Legend in, bubble barriers and all.

“What-” Finn started, before being interrupted by the flaming bullet screaming bloody murder barreling down after them. Scales could make out the familiar fluff of his brother, but his eye was wrong, and he was a lot puffier.

There was also the fact he was red, and his feet were blasting fire, launching him down.
He was gone in a flash, yelling a battle cry as he rocketed towards the moving molten mountain. The trio could only stare for a bit, but Pana moved first. She peered down the hole, and turned back to the other two.

“Come on!” and then she jumped down the hole.

Scales didn’t hesitate, stomping forward, before looking back at Finn. The Gabite didn’t look scared, just… confused. Like, he wasn’t looking at him…

“Finn?” Scales said cautiously.

The Gabite didn’t answer in words, only walking past the larger dragon and leaping headfirst into the hole. Scales only waited a second longer before following.

…​

Rio was getting the hang of fire, letting the flames erupting out of his paws rocket him down to where Psych and Veles just fell.

A passive scan on their new arena could be described as a molten mess. The ground seemed to burn, spurts of lava trailed down the pit, something… shiny. That he wanted.

It was too bad a big problem was standing over it, and it was getting… bigger every so slowly…

Veles was doing his best to crush the mutant that he saw to have wronged him. With each heavy blow, the barrier cracked further and further. Psych’s nose was bleeding black once again. Rio turned up the heat, sending a rocket propelled kick right into the side of Veles’s neck. More flames erupted in impact, enveloping the seemingly unstoppable mountain, and sending him flying back a few feet. He seemed to actually stagger back stunned by the power of the blow.

Psych used the time to heal Rio and itself with Recovery. The burning in Rio’s chest and arms started to fade, but he could still feel the damage. Rio had to ignore the compulsion to go for the glittering rock nearby, focusing completely on their enemy, who was now stomping back over. And that hunger was getting stronger. Arceus could you shove it for a second he’d feed you later!

“That one was pretty good,” Veles admitted, rubbing at his neck. “Another reason why killing you two would be a waste…”

“I’m employed,” Rio huffed, stalling for some time. Was Recovery always this slow? “And you kinda suck at interviews…”

“I never said you had a choice,” Veles growled, suddenly growing a foot taller, looming over his opponents. He must have been ten feet tall now, marking growing even darker as they crawled up his neck. “You’re gonna work for me. The only question now is how painful you want it to be.”

With a thought more bones flicked into existence in Rio paws. Three red bones each, wicks already burning. He flung the fire type Bone Rushes, the Dynamite Bones, at the Tyranitar. With a stomp of Veles’s foot the ground rose into a wall to block the attack. They erupted into another large explosion, blowing the wall away, but the only thing it seemed to do to the rampaging father of the groom was piss him off.

“So you like the pain,” he commented, dusting himself off, and gestured with a single finger. Rocks erupted from underneath the two from all sides. It was enough to finally pierce Psych’s Barrier, and Rio barely had time to Bulk Up again. The Stone Edge jabbed into Rio’s stomach, arms, and legs, immobilizing him. Psych wasn’t in much better shape. Veles smiled, taking an earth shaking step closer. And closer. And closer.

“You asked for this,” he growled, fist glowing red hot. Rio tried to blow the rocks away, but all that came up was fire. There was little actual force behind them, unlike his normal blue bursts. The rocks burned as they jammed themselves deeper. Veles loomed over his target, saying nothing, just glaring.

“Now,” he said after a while. “Let me ask-”

Not one of them saw the black blur coming, not until she smashed Veles in the back of the head, making him stumble forward a step. That loss of focus was enough to drop the rocks keeping him in place. Rio fell to his knees, rubbing at the bruises forming under his fur.

“Arceus you don’t know when to quit!” Veles roared, looking behind him, only to be slammed in the back of the head again. Then the side, the back, the stomach… Pana’s Shadow Rush continued to barrel into him, again and again as he swiped at the blur.

Rio forced himself to stand, breathing heavily. Fast or not, Pana needed help. He took a step forward, but something stopped him. Bulbous fingers with short fur.

“Hold,” Psych employed, before casting Recover on the both of them once again. Rio could feel his wounds slowly healing. It’d take too long for a full heal, but it gave him a bit of time to think.

He was stuck with fire for the time being, that was a fact. Any real damage he could do depended on how much run up he could get, and odds were Veles could just raise a molten wall or something. He couldn’t rely on that. No… he had to think of something else…
He looked down at his bracelet, the crystals shining only to his eyes, and eyeing the brown stone. He couldn’t shift to fairy or dark with this heat… but he already couldn’t shift into whatever this type was…

Could he use it in another way?

Something heavy fell at that exact moment, right in front of Veles as he made another lunge at Pana. Scales took the hit meant for his sister, gleaming with Iron Defense, and slugged him in the gut with a Sky Uppercut. It launched him a few feet in the air, but the Tyranitar didn’t seem too phased. In fact, it seemed to help him as a Flamethrower erupted from his maw and washed over the dragon. Rio looked away, Scales had taken worse, and back to his bracelet.
He plucked the gray stone out of its slot, holding it in his paw. He could feel the Light, the boundless energy inside, wanting to interact with the light in his own body. He wanted it… but it hurt him…

“You have a plan?” Rio heard Psych say. It wasn’t important… if it hurt his body… what about his Aura?

Rio curled his paws into fists, putting one on top of the other. Like he did when he was first starting out with Bone Rush. The crystal was in between his paws, right where the center of the Bone Rush would be. His current typing, the way his Aura worked right now, made it less of a staff and more of a fire bomb. Could this Tainted Light change it again, like it did with dark and fire?

Tainted Light… where did that thought come from?

Whatever. He spawned the move, and he felt the Aura change as it solidified. The shaft was sturdier, a darker red, and no wick to burn. It grew to its normal length, the Z-Crystal embedded in the middle of the shaft, but it didn’t stop there. Loose rocks, the rubble from his earlier attack, shot over to the Bone Rush, sticking to one end. After some time Rio was holding a hammer, the head as big as his own body. As it compacted, magma formed in between the cracks, further fusing the rocks.

Rio had to Bulk Up to lift it, and it was still heavy. Psych backed away from the heat, in awe at the move variation. Rio, for his part, wasted no more time, rocketing forward. Pana and Scales heard his fire blazing, and moved out of the way as Rio blasted into the air, helped along by a Psychic, and swung the magma hammer. As he brought it down, fire blasted from the opposite end, adding even more power to the swing, and bashing Veles right on the top of his head. The ground cracked, then shattered under the force of the blow. Veles was slammed into the ground amidst the rubble, sending dust, rock and magma flying all over. Rio had to be pulled back by Psych so he wasn’t caught in his own fallout, along with Scales. Pana managed to jump back on her own, Psychic not affecting her.

When the dust cleared, there was a gaping hole in the middle of the room, magma spilling from its sides. The still relatively stable ground had deep cracks running through, shifting as the room settled. Rio breathed heavily, letting his hammer head fall to the ground next to him. The ground shattered further under the weight as his siblings and no longer murderous acquaintance rushed over to him.

“Nice new trick…” Pana said, looking the hammer over before eying Psych suspiciously. “Now, what’s with kitty?”

“Nice hit,” Scales asked, looking around. “Did anyone see Finn? He came down here before me.”

“Just you two…” Rio answered. He still couldn’t feel Aura, so he couldn’t feel if Veles was really down. But then he remembered his new friend, and he turned to him.

“Thanks,” he told the Mewtwo. “First you try to kill us, then you save my life. Pick one.”

“I was confused,” Psych said simply. “And now that he’s taken care of, let's find that Bidoof friend of yours, along with Griza.”

“Why do you want Blue?” Pana asked, eyes narrowing.

“He may have-” and that’s kind of when Rio tuned out. He looked around, something pulling at him. Hunger…

Hammer still by his side, Rio started kicking rocks and lava around. It was here… he could feel it.. Smell it… and then he stepped on it. The shudder of power rocked him, like something he just realized was missing was suddenly back where it belonged.

He wasted no time in picking up what he just stepped on. The bright red crystal had what looked like a black swirl of flame on it. Hidden in the ground, just like the wall last time…

“Rio!”

He flinched, turning back to the group. They were all staring at him, Pana and Scales with concern, and Psych with confusion.

“Is that…” Psych asked, recognizing the shape of the crystal.

“Don’t you dare blow up the room again!” Pana said, stomping over. “You better-”

And then the room rocked.

Rio fell to his knees as his hammer fell apart, and he caught the rock crystal on reflex. He didn’t order that to happen… what was happening? The only guy he knew might be able to do something like that should have been-

Oh.

Oh shit.

A harsh rainbow light erupted from the hole Rio put in the floor, blinding everyone around. Rio didn’t need to feel Aura to know how this would end. Even with his current fire typing the sudden heat that filled the room was intense. Pana fell to her knees, her fur really not helping her deal with it.

And then Veles’s head rose from the hole. The newly minted large horn appeared first, followed by his piercing yellow eyes. The black markings had stretched to one of his eyes, and seemed to stretch all the way down his neck from what they could see.
But that was just his head, and it had gotten considerably bigger. His face was as tall as Rio himself.

He said nothing as he pulled the rest of his body out of the hole. Six large spines grew out of his back, more black holes appeared on his neck and torso, and what looked like a pair of eyes on his chest bore into the four of them as he rose taller, and taller. Rio had to guess he was about twenty feet tall… but what really bothered Rio were the markings. They had stretched all the way up the Mega Tyranitar’s right arm, and were creeping down over his leg and some of the spines. The room rumbled with each movement, and the lava seemed to swirl around Veles. The monster’s yellow eyes looked down at the four with disdain.

“Let’s try this again,” he growled, the room shaking violently at those words. His breath seemed to sear across his body.

Veles raised a foot, and stomped. The ground completely shattered as a wave of rock and magma rushed the four.
 
Chapter 42: A Resolute Disaster

BlackHairedPsycho

Aura Knight
"INTR-"

"Oh shut up."

Blue watched Griza's Brutal Swing launch the floating sword right through the wall. The room shook as the Aegislash came to a stop, embedded so deeply in the wall, there was no way it'd be moving anytime soon. The Bewear marched straight into the room, the beaver brothers behind the bear, looking around for anything. There were two paths leading out to the left and right, and one down. Candles with ghostly purple flames flickered in front of the staircase leading down. Ghostly humming seemed to echo from below.

"Oh, we found the next level!" Griza exclaimed, walking up to the ominous staircase. Red met his brother's gaze, before speaking up.

"Excuse me…" Red asked gently. "But shouldn't we focus on finding the others and getting out of here? I imagine they wouldn't go for the second level…"

"Hm?" she asked, turning back around. "Oh yeah, probably a good call. Need to get you out at least, this place is a death trap for mon like you."

"I agree," Red said. "So if you would be so kind-"

"Yeah yeah don't worry. The only thing that could get me away for a bit is if another Legacy-"

And that's when a Gabite fell from the ceiling, landing between the juggernaut and beaver brothers. Blue and Red jumped back, but Griza didn't even flinch. She walked up, and picked a familiar looking dragon up by the head. It was Finn!

And his expression was… blank. Like what happened with Rio and the Z-Crystals… and now that Blue thought about it, probably what he looked like when he found the sword horn, still clenched in his teeth. Finn was a Legacy.

"Finn!" Red started, walking up to the two. "Are you alright? Can you hear me?"

The Gabite blinked, and clarity came back into his eyes. He looked down at the brothers, and waved his legs in the air, looking around in a confused daze.

"Red?" he asked. "Blue?"

"Huh, guess one did…" Griza said, throwing the dragon over her shoulder. "We'll be right back."

"What?" all three males said as Griza stated to the door.

"You don't want to fall behind, dragon guy." she said, not stopping. "Even Blue over there's farther along than you now. Should be at least a little safe, now that you found that." Griza pointed at the beaver, and the sword horn clenched in his teeth. It didn't feel right to even open his mouth, he had to keep it on him no matter what. It was part of him.

And he wasn't sure how he felt about that. He also noticed that Finn didn't argue, still being carried by the bear. There was a quiet resonation in his eyes.

"Wait!" Red called out, but the two already disappeared down the stairs, Griza's stomps echoing down. Blue… didn't find himself scared. He was calm. It seemed to radiate off the thing in his mouth.

Was that him? Or the horn?

"AAAAAH!" Red said, before flopping down on his stomach, sighing, and clutching at his head, tail slapping against the stone. He groaned quietly. "What is going on…"

"...Sorry we ruined your big day," Blue mumbled.

"This entire day has been-"

"A disaster." Blue finished. The irony was not lost on him. He couldn't face his brother. This Legacy stuff had almost killed his brother, and ruined his wedding. That wasn't OK, that was nowhere near-

"I'm sorry."

Blue's eyes widened, and he turned to face his brother. The Bibarel had sat up, playing at the stone under his now messy bow tie. The blue Z-Crystal was dormant, but both their eyes were drawn to it. Blue himself could almost feel the gray stone on his own bracelet.

"What?" Blue asked.

"For acting like I have." he sighed, and continued before Blue could interrupt.

"When dad died, I was scared. Scared of what he looked like while he passed. Of what happened on that dungeon run. About what could happen if I went in there. If you went in there. If the triplets went in there…"

"Red-"

"I couldn't trust you to take care of yourself. If dad couldn't survive, what chance did you have? That's what I thought. And that was wrong."

The Bibarel took a deep, deep breath before continuing.

"You've grown, you saved me, and you even found strong friends to help you along. Freakishly strong…" he looked down at the hall Griza and Finn went down, shrieks and stomps echoing from it. "I should have respected that. Supported that."

The Bidoof was stunned. His brother was… apologizing. In the middle of a death trap, instead of freaking out. Did he hit his head or something?

"I want you to be safe, not end up like dad did."

"I won't." Blue mumbled. "I'll make him, and you proud."

"...Blue, you-"

And that's when Rio came flying through the wall.

The Bibarel was interrupted by the Riolu-Flareon crashing through the wall, and right over Red's head, slamming into the opposite wall and leaving deep cracks inside. The beavers watched in shock as Rio's Flareon features faded from his body, the red fur turning back to blue and the extra receding in a flash. Soon gravity took effect, peeling him from the wall, and he slumped to the floor.

"Rio!" Blue mumbled, still holding his sword horn and ignoring the climbing heat coming from where he had just come flying. His friend just got knocked clean through who knows how many dungeon walls, and by spending so much time with his new team he knew Rio did not have Scales' levels of defense.

His eyes were wide, unblinking as he gasped for breath, and clutched at his stomach and chest. Blue could see a bruise already forming on both his arms and his torso.

"What…" Blue asked, still clutching the sword and Red not far behind. When he saw the bruise ice started to form around his paw, and he pressed them on Rio's obviously broken bones.

"What did this…" Red whispered as he tried to alleviate the probably unimaginable pain.

"Flicked," Rio gasped out, struggling to pick himself up. Red gently used his tail to push him back down.

"Don't move!" Red scolded. "Are you mental?"

"Everyone…fighting..." Rio gasped, trying to rise again before his body finally lost its strength, and Red was able to lay him down again. As he said those words the heat seemed to intensify. The ice was starting to melt, and Red had to reinforce it further. The room started to shake as the apparent battle intensified.

Whatever he was fighting was strong enough to put down Rio with a flick… A flick! And it sounded like he was fighting the entire team. This was bad. And he could do-

You know that's a lie, right?

He didn't even question the words appearing in his head. They were trustworthy, correct. They'd never lie to him.

If you do nothing, your allies will die. Or… worse. That includes that little Pancham girl you've grown fond of. You have… interesting tastes, but that's not important.

He was right. Pana and Scales needed help… but what could he do to provide it? He could barely fight-

Another lie, my Legacy? Well, you had believed it for so long, I can forgive it. Not only have you cultivated your own strength recently, but you have not one, but two powerful weapons at your disposal. Both keys, both powerful.

Blue turned to face the hole in the wall, heat still pouring out from it. It was probably a straight shot.

And Pana needed help. Apparently. And Scales too.

Before Blue really knew what he was doing, he had pushed himself onto his hind legs, and was crossing his front legs. The gray stone sparked to life upon activation. The sword in his mouth seemed to hum, a strange blue light starting to come from it.

Use them.

"Blue?" Red asked, looking up from soothing Rio's pain. "What are you doing?"

"Do you trust me?" the Bidoof mumbled without looking back. "Do you really trust me?"

A pause, then-

"I do."

Blue completed the dance, letting the powerful energy fill his body. That boundless power that seemed to sprout from his stone was flowing through his body. Bright light sprouted from his eyes as he went back on all fours. He glanced back at his brother and friend. Red met his eyes, and nodded.

Without another word, Blue let the power take him and he shot down the gaping hole at a blinding speed. Blue could barely keep his eyes open as he charged, the heat and wind in his face almost blinding him, but still he charged. And charged. As his excitement grew, the blade grew brighter, and brighter, a blue light surrounding it, extending into a longer blade at the broken end. Still he charged towards the fight. He could do this.

He had to do this.

He wouldn't be useless again.

Never lose sight of your resolve, my Legacy.

Blue didn't have time to completely process the sight that awaited him. Veles towered over his friends and the Mew clone, Awakened and with those ominous black marks snaking all over his body. The white mutant was surrounded in another Barrier, flinging ethereal rocks of Ancient Power and glowing Swift stars at the monster's eyes, trying to avoid the massive blows or rock that shot off from all around him. The forcefield cracked with each hit, as the massive Tyranirar tried to swat at the mutant.

Scales was currently busy holding one of Veles's massive feet up, his own strength the only thing separating him from being a cold blooded stain on the floor. Pana was nowhere to be seen, but a dark bursts of power could be seen erupting from random spots on the massive mon's rock hard skin. They didn't seem to be doing much.

That didn't matter to Blue at the moment. He had a job to do, and now he had the means, and resolve, to see it through. With one more powerful lunge forward, the Bidoof leaped into the air, a blue and brown bullet streaking at the mega's exposed stomach. He raised his head, the light of the horn now erupting from the broken end, humming with raw power.

Veles didn't have time to even try and stop him, as Blue cut through the searing hot stone skin like butter, opening a massive gash across his stomach. The Tyranitar roared as his blood gushed from the devastating wound, splashing over the still flying Blue. Scales took the opportunity to push the giant over, the Mega falling over on his back and crashing into the stone behind him.

That would be the exhaustion that set in as the power left his body and the horn, speeding towards the hard stone wall, albeit at a much slower speed. So tired… and sticky…

Just before he crashed into the wall he felt himself crash into something soft and small, arms out to catch the beaver. Pana couldn't stop him, and Blue took her with him, now both about to splat against the hard stone.

And then they stopped.

Blue's tired eyes processed that he was glowing with psychic energy, guessing the Mewtwo stopped them. His thoughts were slow… so tired. The screams of rage and pain coming from Veles weren't helping his tired brain. The room shook further as the monster raged, and started to pick itself back up.

He had done all he possibly could.

…​

Everything hurt. Vision was dark.

Rio's body was pain. All of his ribs were broken, as well as his forearms. His spine didn't feel much better. One flick of Veles's tail… that was all it took.

Pathetic.

Agreed.

The voice was raspy, faint, with an unstable edge. A mad echo.

You're better than this.

The voice could tell that to his bones. Maybe they'd believe it.

Our connection is fleeting Rio. Your pain brought clarity, but even now I return to madness. We have no time for snark.

He thought he couldn't fight anymore.

Oh please, you have more to give.

Everything hurts…

And when has that stopped you?

Rio didn't have a response to that, he was already forcing himself up. Words… someone was pushing him back down. Cold now…

You have more to give.

He could feel it. His Aura writhed like it normally did, just waiting to be released.

You know that is not what I speak of.

He did. That power, that Light, was deep inside. He always knew it was there, but he never really acknowledged it. At least, not until he started collecting rocks. It was… similar, but something was off about that Crystal Light…

The Taint is not important. Get up.

Rio could suddenly see again. Red was pressing something cold against his chest and arms. Ice?

Let it out.

That light deep inside Rio suddenly pulsed, and power started to fill him. Mixing with his Aura, Rio sat up, much to Red's surprise.

"You need to-" Red started, before stopping. Blue Aura mixed with yellow Light, writhing lifeforce mixing with pure power. It felt… incredible. Rio felt his bones prop back up, not healed, but it would do. Rio raised his arm, the stones glowing fiercely on his wrist. More power, tainted power.

His power.

There was one more he could feel around him. He turned to Red, and the bright blue shine coming from under his bow tie. The Bibarel backed off as Rio turned to him, eyes burning with light. One a neon red, one a deep blue. His neck fluff was standing on end, the scar on his neck even glowing with power.

"I need that," Rio said simply, voice shaking the air with just his voice as he held out his paw. The water Z-Crystal snapped off its necklace, and floated over to the Riolu hybrid. It started to float around him, the other Z-Crystals rising to join it. The colors were subsumed by his blue and yellow Aura, their light seeping into it. His type… wasn't changing…

Now use it.

Rio crossed his arms, and his power spiked. He glowed even brighter, and Red had to shield his eyes and back away quickly. He was like a small star, growing brighter as the stones lined up in the desired manner. He could feel his target, his enemy, the wall in his way.

Obliterate what lies in your way.

In the other room, Veles was picking himself up, clutching the gaping wound on his stomach. He didn't notice the rocks, all of the rocks that were not magma, flash and start to shift until it was too late. The debris piled on, crashing into the huge target with earthshaking force. Boulder after boulder rocketing all over his body. The pain of the massive cut and the fact that it was still being pelted by said rocks didn't let Veles gather the focus to just shatter. Rio rushed back to the battlefield as the move started, feeling his allies flee the scene. He found himself caring less about that though.

All he wanted to do was use this power.

Soon Veles was covered, roaring in rage and pain as the rocky cocoon consumed him. Rio shot a fist in the air, and the mini moon followed, crashing into the ceiling and making the hole that got them there much bigger, the debris being added to the Z-Move.

It didn't stop on the next floor. Rio forced his opponent up, and up and up, until daylight broke through the screaming Labyrinth's roof. It erupted out of the forest floor, leaving a massive hole for the setting sun to shine through. And still the screaming and bleeding ball of rocks rose higher and higher, stopping hundreds of feet above the treeline.

Rio could feel Veles fighting his prison off. He had to move now, and let the tainted light surround him, fill his Aura. In this experience, Rio found something very nice.

Z-moves were not limited to how they usually manifested. With enough creativity, and will,

they could be bent into something new.

Even combined.

Rio let the light fill his aura, the stones tainting it with their individual types. The crimson flames of one side were bordered by the storming water, pitch black void, and writhing pink sparkles shimmering fiercely. As his Aura started to write and swirl faster and faster, he could feel the force building underneath him, power leaking off of him in spades.

Without waiting a second longer, he launched himself into the air with a single leap.

The ground shattered beneath the force of the jump, sending deep cracks through the floor and walls surrounding what was left of the pit.

Rio obliterated the stone in his way, shattering the moon and taking himself and Veles even higher. Veles's roar of agony from the massive blow, right in the still bleeding stomach was only rivaled by Rio's own roar. The rocky prison exploded into pieces, the gathered rocks shooting out across the area as they flew even higher. The blood didn't even touch Rio, the force of his quadruple Z-Move obliterating the crimson lifeblood as he rocketed further and further into the sky.

As the power faded from Rio, Veles finally gave out, immediately shrinking down to regular Tyranitar's size, unconscious, and beaten to absolute shit. There was a massive dent to join Blue's slash.

Of course, Rio wasn't much better. With that power fading his earlier damage came back, along with a severe case of exhaustion from using so much.

Rio couldn't so much as muster a groan as he and Veles were recaptured by gravity, and fell back to the earth below.
 
Chapter 43: Setting The Stage

BlackHairedPsycho

Aura Knight

I’m proud of you. You’re already a great explorer.

There’s just one more thing I want to see…


“Blue… Blue!”

The Bidoof’s eyes fluttered open, the first thing he saw being his Greedent mother’s worried face. Tears were pooling under her eyes. The sun was going down now, and Blue found himself back in town, near the fountain. That crack in the earth seems to have closed itself, but it looks like the town itself was not completely spared of Rio’s final attack. Boulders of all shapes and sizes were all over the place, cracking the road, crashing into the treehouses, a particularly even large one had crushed the Keldeo fountain…

Wait, where was the horn?

Before Blue could panically look around for the powerful weapon his mother had him in a tight hug, quietly sobbing. That… brought him back, the horn could wait.

He couldn’t talk, his mother was squeezing a little too tight for that. All he could do was look at the sight behind her. The triplets, all still looking fine, fur still groomed, ran over to their now conscious brother, relief obvious on their faces. Red was not among the Skwovet as he was currently in his own hug with Rose. She looked like she had been crying.

Another look around made his breath catch. Veles laid next to the two, back to a more normal height and belly wrapped in bandages, Rose’s guest list muttering to themselves. The marks stayed the same though, creeping up the side of his body Blue was looking at. His chest rose and fell. Good. He wasn’t a murderer…

Wait, where was-

“Oh thank Arceus.” two voices called out. Blue turned to the side opposite of Veles to see Pana and Scales sitting next to an unconscious Rio, glowing in a healing light provided by the mutant floating over the two. Everyone was alright… good.

Now where was the horn?

He glanced back at Pana, who pulled said object from behind her back. Blue let out an involuntary sigh of relief.

He wasn’t sure whose sigh it was.

He wasn't sure how he felt about that.

“Sorry…” he said to his mother and siblings.

“Don’t apologize…” his mother scolded. “There was nothing you could have done.”

He wondered about that, but decided not to press the issue.

“So… what now?”

Before anyone could answer, a hole in the ground opened up nearby. Blue tensed, had that death trap come for them again? Pana and Scales were already on their feet, ready to destroy whatever came out of that hole-

Only for a familiar Gabite to pop out instead. Everyone let out a sigh of relief as Scales went to help Finn out of his hole. He looked as exhausted as Blue felt.

“What happened to you?” Scales asked, not letting go of the Gabite’s claw yet.

“Detour…” he said softly. “I-I’m ok… Griza said she’d be out soon…”

“Oh good…” Pana sighed, falling on her back. “What a day… what a vacation…”

Psych had stopped with his healing of Rio, who seemed to be sleeping easily now. Blue watched him float over to the couple. Red seemed startled by the bastardization of a god, but Rose seemed less phased. Still uncomfortable, but standing her ground. Psych landed, and kneeled. The mutant who could rip apart most here with a thought, was kneeling.

“My apologies,” he said, staring at the ground. “Griza and I angered your father, and that seemed to cause his attack, which forced us into battle with him. That caused his current condition. For that, and interrupting your ceremony, I apologize on her and my behalf.”
Everyone that was still conscious blinked at those words. Except Rose, who just sighed.

“I told him to not bring work with him…” she shook her head, giving the mutant a fierce glare. “If you wanna make it up to me, and everyone of our guests, you’re helping clean up and fix the town, got it? And your Bewear friend too.”

“I-I understand…” the mutant seemed just a bit intimidated.

“Good!” she smiled, the glare leaving her face just as quickly. She really was Veles’s daughter… “Now we have to wait for that to happen…”

Red gave his future wife another hug, and she returned it. This was supposed to be their special day… but what could be done? The best place for it was trashed and-

One more thing I want to see…

Blue had an idea.

“Why wait?” he said, still in his mothers grip and his little siblings circling him.

“What do you mean?” Silver asked his brother.

“We have a place…”


“We are gathered here today to join two mon in holy matrimony. May Arceus bless their union for all time.”

Blue’s full attention was on the old Thieful’s words as he looked over the crowd. Veles and Rio were still out of if and sleeping off the fight in rooms very far away from each other. Rose didn’t want to wait for her dad, he caused enough trouble, and the other Disasters confirmed Rio would be ok missing it as long as they saved him some grub.
Plus, another father could see it now.

The crowd stood between the rows of trees, the Grove of Graves was more crowded than it ever was, at least with the living. The couple, and best mon, stood in front of Gold’s tree, offerings pushed to the side just for today. The moon was rising into the sky The crowd stood, there was no room for seats, but everyone's attention was on the happy couple, eyes unmoving from each other.

“Do you, Red, take Rose to be your lawfully wedded mate, with the Legends themselves as witness? Through sickness and through health, no matter what difficulties you may face?”

“It’s all I want right now,” he smiled up at his future wife. “You're my other half, you make me feel like I can do anything, and I would fight the Reaper itself to keep you by my side, as long as you’ll have me.”

Blue heard his mom sniffle, she was closest in the stand after all.

“And do you, Rose, take Red to be your mate, in the eyes of the Legendaries looking down on us? To defend your love, and fight for your eternal happiness alongside him?”

“I put up with you for this long,” she joked, but her eyes softened at Red’s words. “You make me happy, happier than anything has. That’ll never change, no matter what happens, and I don’t care how many random Dungeons get in the way. You’re what I want.”

Both their tails were wagging. His brother's giant hammer of a tail almost slapped Blue down. He'd never seen it so fast…

“If anyone has any reason that these two should not be wed, speak now or forever hold your peace.”

No one spoke up. Nutmeg seemed to be holding in tears, but she said nothing. There was no way she’d stand in the way of her son’s happiness.

“Then the necklaces please.”

That was Blue’s cue. He bit the pillow holding the small necklaces, and held them out for the couple. Rose grabbed the Sun Stone piece, and Blue grabbed the Moon Stone. Rose crouched down, and they put said necklaces on each other at the same time.

“I now pronounce you mon and wife. You may now-"

The old Thievul didn’t even get to finish as Rose grabbed Red and pulled him into a tight embrace. Red returned the hug, being lifted from the ground. The cheer from the crowd rocked the grove. Blue, with a lack of lands without jumping up, simply smiled. He turned to the tree, wishing his father-

And that’s when Blue saw it. The translucent, golden brown fur, the gold bandana around his neck, the large, square spectacles, and the large tail made for matting down trees. The translucent Bibarel clapped, smiling that familiar, humored smile. The smile his son had grown up seeing everyday.

His father.

Blue’s eyes widened as he stared at the translucent mon before him. Gold paused his own applause, and turned to his second eldest. His eyes were warm, but distant. Fading. He mouthed something, Blue couldn't hear what he said, but he instinctively knew what it was.

I’m so proud.

And like that, the translucent Bibarel was gone. Blue was stunned. He could only stare at where the apparition was. He wasn’t slack jawed, more… stunned.

And then a single tear fell from his face.



Rio couldn’t see.

Rio couldn’t hear.

But Rio could feel.

He could feel pain.

It was like he was in a cage made of pure agony, the sensations of pure pain blocking everything else out. His world was pain. It’s all he knew, all he could know, all he would know.

Forever.

He hated it.

He hated it.

He hated it.

MAKE IT STOP!

Rio jolted out of bed, clutching at the scar around his neck. That blinding agony was gone, but it still echoed in his mind. In his soul…

“Oh good, you're awake!”

Right, the other Aura… Red. he turned to face the Bibarel, noting the Sun Stone necklace hanging from his neck, over his bandana.

“Congrats,” Rio said, falling back into his bed. Looks like the wedding went alright, even after everything. He was happy for Rose, and Red he guessed. Still hadn’t forgotten… “Hope you saved me some food.”

“Keeping Scales away from it hasn’t been easy. Don’t eat meat myself but apparently it's really good. Most of the stuff Finn makes is.”

“I believe it,” he gave the beaver a side glance. It was then he noticed his Z-Ring was on the table next to him, all stones still present. He let out a little sigh of relief. Why... “Gotta say, wasn’t expecting you to be the first mon I saw after I woke up.”

“We’ve been taking shifts…”

“You volunteered to be here when I woke up?” Rio took a glance down at his body. He was absolutely covered in bandages. His casts covered all four of his limbs, hell, even his tail had a cast. He should be in immense pain.

But all he felt was a slight itch. He could move everything, he felt he could. This place had amazing healers!

Or… it was something else.

“I did,” he confirmed.

“Shouldn’t you be with your wife?” Rio pointed out. “I think she likes you more than I do, and that’s not hard.”

“I just wanted to talk. In private.”

“The last time that happened I had to leave before I exploded.”

“That’s… a part of it.” Red looked to the floor. “I wanted to… apologize.”

“You should apologize to-”

“I already did.”

He blinked, and looked back at the downcast Bibarel. His Aura was genuine, overflowing with guilt. Shame.

“After what happened to dad, I wanted him to have nothing to do with exploration. It… still haunts me, the thought of what might happen to him.”

“You don’t trust him to keep himself alive,” Rio summed up, moving to grab the Z-Ring.

“I didn’t,” he admits. “But after that dungeon… I can see he can do just that, and he has a strong team to make up the slack.”

“Damn straight.” Rio ripped off the cast on his left arm and put the Z-Ring on.

“I'd scream at you to stop, but the doctor said you were good to go… never seen anyone heal so fast, even with so many Heal Pulses.”

“I’m weird,” Rio said distractedly.

“ALL of your bones were broken.”

“I’m weird,” he repeated. Really, really weird… he should be happy to be able to move…
Shaking his head, he could think about that, and that… dream… later. Could he even call it a dream? He turned the Z-Ring over, finding the newest addition. The water Z-Crystal sparkled to his eyes alone. He popped it out, holding it out for Red.

“Thanks for the loan,” Rio said, looking away. Giving it away even felt wrong… but it was his first. A memento. Why did every fiber of his being scream at him to stop? It was his choice to give it back!

Wasn’t it?

“Keep it,” Red said, not moving to take it.

“...You sure?” Rio took his paw back, the screaming subsiding. That was better…

“You get more use out of it than I ever did. Plus, I have a replacement. It’d clash with my new one.”

He smiled at his new necklace. His Aura was sad, but resolved. He was serious.

“Thanks,” Rio wasted no more time slotting it back in his Ring, where it belonged. He wasn’t sure how he felt about that, being so certain…

Was it really him who was so sure about that?

“I do wanna ask you a favor though,” Red spoke up once again. Rio snapped back to attention, staring at the Bibarel once again.

“If it’s about kicking someone off-”

“Nothing like that,” Red shook his head. “All I want you guys to do is keep Blue… alive. Can you do that much?”

Rio actually laughed, it was a humorous laugh, full of joy. Red seemed to be startled by that, standing back up.

“What?” he asked, eyes wide. “What’s so funny?”

“Sorry…” Rio calmed down. “Just… he’s saved my ass once already!"

“Huh?” he blinked.

“He just saved us all from Veles too, at least til I got there! Your brother is amazing, in every sense of the word.”

At least those words were his own. That much he was absolutely sure about.

“...I know,” Red choked out.

“Did you?”

“I didn’t, but I know now.”

“We won’t let each other die. No favors needed.”

“...Thank you.”

And suddenly, he was reminded of something. Something probably more dangerous than Veles was…

“Wasn’t there a Bewear that-”

And then he felt it, that smothering, enormous Aura that entered his range. Oh shit. He had to move, he had to get out of-

And then the door was blown off its hinges, falling to the floor in splinters. Griza stood in what was once a doorway, and was now a large hole in the wall. Red scrambled out of her way, he had good self preservation instincts. Rio was frozen. He knew there was no way out of it now.

“Rio!” Griza exclaimed, arms wide as she approached. “You’re alright!”

He was alright. He wouldn’t be after this, but at least Griza was right at the moment.
He liked his bones unbroken, but you couldn't have everything apparently.

“Griza wait-” was all he could get out before she squeezed. He passed out when his ribs shattered and his spine started to give.
 
Chapter 44: Homeward Bound

BlackHairedPsycho

Aura Knight
Blue fidgeted with the scabbard strapped to his side, made from spare treated Rhydon skin Rose… found. Blue didn't ask any more questions, considering her father and the fact she was family now. The hilt stuck out just enough to grab it with his mouth. Apparently Rose was familiar with making stuff like that. And fast too!

Because their 'vacation' was over. It was time to head back. And they had a few goodbyes to say, and some promises to make.

"I would like more of an explanation of what I am," Psych said, floating a large ball of debris. "But you've told me enough for now. A clone of Mew…"

"Yeah, sorry I can't be more help," Blue said. "But Mr. Thesus has had a month to decipher the books in there. Maybe they can tell you more?"

"I hope so. Please tell him I will be paying him a visit after I finish here. I understand my appearance can be… startling."

"Honestly I think he'd be happy to see you. You're a real, breathing remnant of humanity. He's been studying that for his entire life. I think you'll get along."

"I… suppose I am…" Psych looked away, something akin to confusion crossing his face. "I look forward to it."

"A-alright I-"

"Blue!"

The triplets ran up to him, circling both their big brother and the mutant.

"Do you really have to go?" Yellow asked, eyes pleading.

"Are you ever gonna tell us what that thing is?" Silver asked, eyeing the sheathed horn blade.

"Seriously, what is your friend?" Green asked, staring unblinking at Psych. The mutant seemed a bit uncomfortable at the gaze…

"I'll write more," Blue promised his younger sister. "I still gotta do a bit more research, Silver, and don't stare, Green, it's rude."

"Ok..." they all groaned, then hugged their big brother.

"We'll miss you," they said at the same time.

"I'll miss you guys too," Blue said as he hugged. "Stay out of trouble, alright?"

"Well…" started Silver.

"We'll try for sure…" Yellow looked away.

"...I'll keep an eye on them," Green promised.

He gave his younger siblings a look, smiled, nodded to Psych and went to join the rest of the group. As he approached, Rio sat bolt upright, still stiff from his last healing session, as Griza loomed. Everyone had given them quite a wide berth.

"The second I'm done with my thing," she said, smiling. "I'm gonna go find you again, and we can be together for good, alright?"

"Griza, listen-" Rio started.

"Love you Honeypot!" she gave him one last bone rattling pat, Blue swore he could almost see his spine start to give, before she picked up a pile of boulders ten times her size, and went to throw them into the giant hole the Riolu made in the woods. Rio groaned as he watched her go.

"She always like that?" Rose asked, handing Rio a Sitrus berry. Rio took it gratefully, swallowing it and straightening out.

"Pretty much…" Pana watched her go, as the rest of Blue's family watched in awe at her raw strength.

"I'll see if I can talk to her," Rose said, looking back. "Get her ears working."

"...Thanks." Rio said between munches.

"Good luck," Scales said, before turning back to Finn. "And you're sure you wanna go with Griza? She's a friend, sure, but it's an acquired taste…"

"I feel like I have to," Finn answered. "especially after that…plus I've always wanted to see the Grass Continent! Lotsa recipes, Treasure Town with the cafe… it's world famous!"

"That does sound awesome…"

"...but you can't come with, right?"

"Probably not… can't just leave them."

"I get that. Just… don't be a stranger, alright?"

"Yeah…" and then Scales gave the Gabite a big hug, actually lifting him off his feet, Rough Skin be damned. Finn wrapped his own arms around the large Hakamo-o. They both seemed to really enjoy it. In fact, they didn't let go for a while…

"He better lug our shit…" Pana muttered, looking at the display.

"Let him have this," Rio said, inahing the rest of his berry. "Or do I have to tell him about where you and Blue-"

"I will break your ribs again." Pana cut him off, and Blue blushed heavily as he came up to them. Rio snickered at the two of them, but said nothing else.

"I say go for it," Nutmeg whispered to her son. "Nothing ventured, nothing gained as they say."

"Mom…" Blue mumbled.

"What? How do you think I landed your father? He was far too shy to take the first step, and as smart as he was, he was completely oblivious when it came to-"

"MOM!" Blue exclaimed.

"Alright, alright." she relented, before taking her son in a tight hug. "You've made us both proud already. Please, please be careful."

"I will mom," Blue said, hugging back. "Promise."

After some time, she let her son go, and took a step back, just in time for Red to come up. He smiled at his brother.

"What mom said," he started off.

"Well, you heard me," he smiled back. It was then that Red leaned in to whisper to his brother, and tell him something useful.

"But seriously, Veles still has his eyes on you four," he went on. "He'll still be in bed for a while, but...he doesn't let stuff go easily. When he's up…"

"We'll watch our backs." Strange, Blue didn't feel nearly as scared as he probably should be. A shudder still ran down his body of course, but… his fear wasn't crippling. It wasn't… ok. But he could deal with it. He felt they could deal with it.

"All I ask," he let his brother go, giving him an encouraging smile. "Don't let em drag you all around, alright? Not like I did…"

"Yup… enjoy marriage."

"Already am," he smiled at the Zangoose who walked up to them.

"Oh he better be," Rose said, smiling back. "And trust me, he will."

Red blushed hard at that, and that was all Blue needed to hear for a lifetime.

"Ok bye!" With that, he turned to walk with his teammates. Pana was tapping on Scales to let go of Finn.

"Come on you big lug," she said. "We're wasting daylight."

"Alright…" Scales let the Gabite go, smiling. "We'll see eachother again, yeah?"

"Yeah," Finn said, grinning right back. "We will! And I'll have a big meal prepped just for you!"

"You know me so well."

"Let's go!" Pana threw Scales a bag, and he sighed to pick up more of them.

And then they were off, each Disaster waving back at the friends and family they were leaving behind. Blue himself didn't stop til they were out of sight, and from what he could see neither did his own family. He sighed, and turned to face the road they walked.

"So," Rio said after a while, seemingly better. "That was a pretty good vacation."

"Minus the times we almost died?" Pana asked.

"Nah, even with that."

"...Is it bad that I agree with Rio?" Blue asked.

"He's getting to you," Pana shot back, and Scales rumbled with laughter, despite his load. Even Blue chuckled.

"Could do with less near death experiences honestly," the Bidoof admitted. "But… thanks guys."

"For?" Scales asked.

"You're the reason I could go back. That I could honestly be proud of what I've done, the stories I could share. Prove myself." He looked down at the now dirt road out of town, and towards the forest path in front of them. They had a bit of a trek ahead of them. "Without you guys, I never would have done that. So thanks."

"We're your friends," Rio said simply, patting him on the back. "You don't have to thank us for that."

"But I want to, so let me."

They were silent for a time, before Rio spoke up once again.

"Everybody gets one."

…​

"So let me get this straight," Guildmaster Jain said, clutching her head. "I send you on a well earned vacation for how you handled Diancie's situation, and you come back to tell me you fought the most dangerous crime boss on the continent, unveil new phenomania with both your team leader's genetic makeup and with the Dungeon Diancie warned us about, discover what she wasn't telling us about these supposed Legacies, and then blew a massive hole in a forest. Did I get all of that?"

"Yup," Rio said simply, chewing on a gummi. Blue sat to his side, fidgeting with his new scabbard as he looked around the Medicham's office, mentally preparing for the dressing down that was to come. Pana, who sat next to him, was calmer, looking straight ahead, at the Guildmaster, and the Noctowl that stood by her side. Thesus being there was a bit of a surprise… And of course Scales sat behind his team enjoying a selection of gummies while she talked.

"...I'm not sure whether to send you on more or less vacations," she said after some time.

"Seriously, does relax mean anything to you guys?"

"W-we tried ma'am," Blue got out. "Things just… happened."

"Wasn't our fault that bastard Veles wanted us dead," Pana shrugged. "Or… working for him I guess."

"The wedding was nice!" Scales added.

"I'm sure it was Scales," Jain sighed.

"Congratulations to your brother Blue," Thesus added. "I hope you at least enjoyed it a bit."

"We did…" Blue nodded, it was the truth.

"Now, may we see your blade?" the bird asked, nodding to the strange blue sword piece.

"W-what?" Blue sat back a little, the hilt turning away from his boss and mentor. He couldn't just give it up, he'd gone through hell! He had a promise to-

Were these his thoughts, or someone else's?

"We'd just like a closer look," Thesus reassured. "It will only be a minute or so."

"...alright."

Sure at least this was his choice, Blue unsheathed the blade with his mouth, and placed it on the desk. He winced as he drew back, ready to reclaim it the second it was ok to do so. Just because he said it was ok didn't mean he couldn't take it back the second he said so.

"Thank you," said the Noctowl, before carefully examining the jagged blue blade. "Doesn't seem like much of a sword… wide in some places, and broken at the middle."

"It works like one," Pana reassured. "I was there, trust me."

"Mmm," the guildmaster nodded, also looking at the blade. "Well, keep us updated-"

Blue wasted no time in taking the blade back, sheathing it. He immediately felt better now that it was back at his side.

"...right." Jain moved on from the sudden rudeness. "Well, unless there's any other world breaking secrets you'd like to share, I'd like to hand you your next long term assignment."

Blue hid his deep breath. There was one… but he wasn't sure he was comfortable sharing that with the guildmaster… maybe with Thesus later…

"We just got back though," Scales grumbled.

"You had a long vacation," Jain said. "Now it's time to get back to it."

"What's the job?" Rio asked, leaning forward.

"Diancie has been… frustratingly vague about her situation, the Legacies, the Labyrinth, and everything in between. Even with her donations to improve the town's infrastructure and foundation, it's still maddening."

"So you want us to get her to talk?" Pana asked.

"If you can," Jain nodded. "She may speak to more Legacies, but considering what you told us already about your theories, we need confirmation. Until then, we have to operate under your hypothesis. But that's not all I need you to do."

A drawer opened up without her touching it, and a bundle of papers floated out and towards Rio.

"What's all this?" Rio asked, looking over the first page.

"Reports of strange phenomena all over the world, similar to what happened in Gemstone and Redwood. Dungeons spreading rapidly, swallowing mon, some came back out, some never did, and neither have the rescue teams sent in after them."

"What?" Blue quickly trotted over to Rio himself to take a look as did Pana and Scales. The report was just as it said, and the next, and the next…

"Arceus…" the Bidoof whispered. Red could have been one of these casualties...that thought… really scared him.

"This has all been happening in a month?" Rio asked, eyes wide.

"It has," Jain nodded, solemn. "And considering this started after you saved Diancie, I doubt it's a coincidence…"

"...we caused this?" Blue whispered. We caused these missing mon, these deaths…

"I'm gonna stop you there," Jain said. "None of this is on you. You did the right thing, setting Diancie free. If this thing is after Legendaries like you proposed, it's most likely spreading to ensnare them and the Legacies that can free them. But, as Rio demonstrated, there's a way to stop the spread, at least for a time."

"...my big moves," the Riolu nodded.

"Exactly," Jain said. "We'll be on a monhunt for these crystals of yours, and I'd like you to travel to these places, and stop the spread wherever you can."

"I can do that," Rio nodded, taking a look at the reports again. Worry crossed his face as he read. "Where to first?"

"Before that," Thesus said. "We need to establish better communication with you all, so we're going to order some Remote orbs."

"The hell are Remote orbs?" Pana asked, but Blue was already in the process of answering. His eyes lit up at the mention of the unique tool.

"It's a special type of reusable orb! A psychic imbues power into a Spoink's pearl, and when they come into contact with each other, or the psychic's mind, a connection is established. The orb lets them communicate, even seeing their surroundings…" and it was then that the entire team, sans Scales apparently, remembered the orbs Rio got from a strange Espeon, and all their eyes widened.

"Exactly," Thesus nods. "Very rare, as Spoink hate parting with- are you all alright?"

Rio, Blue, and Pana all start digging around their bags, while Scales looks on confused.

"What are you guys-" he started, before they all pulled out the large orbs. The purple orb in the middle of the pink had expanded considerably, almost resembling a ball of dense mist. Thesus squaked in shock, while Jain could only laugh, very amused.

"Well, aren't you four on top of things?" she smiled.

"You just happened to get three Remote orbs?" Thesus squealed, incredulous.

"Four actually," Scales pulled out his own orb to follow the trend.

"Went feral Spoink hunting while I was there," Rio explained. "and an Espeon did something to the pearls.

"All of them?" both elders asked, shocked. "At the same time?"

"Uh, yeah."

"The psychic power that would take…" Thesus shuddered, rubbing at his own head.

"This was that other probable Legacy you mentioned?" Jain asked. Blue had asked the team to leave out his probable connection with Selena, at least for now… so much to process…

"Yup," Rio nodded.

"...later." Jain said, waving that off for now. "Gently touch them together please."

The Disasters did as asked, and the two elders closed their eyes. A pinkish purple mist curled around their heads, becoming thicker and more defined. Eventually it floated over, some seeping into each orb. The four orbs lit up in resonance, and dimmed. The elders opened their eyes.

"There," Jain said. "Just think about us or yourselves, and it should light up and connect."

"Awesome!" Rio gazed into his own orb, thinking. Blue stared into the mist, mesmerized by such a rare find-

When Rio's face suddenly formed out of the mist, staring back at the Bidoof.

"Boo!" he heard from both the orb and the Riolu next to him. Blue almost jumped in surprise, almost dropping the orb. The Riolu in the orb disappeared, his actual body laughing at his reaction.

"Really?" Blue asked, sighing at his beating heart.

"It was too good…" Rio chuckled. "Couldn't resist…"

"Someone's quick to try things…" Jain smirked, hiding her own laugh. "Right, I'll see if we have some extra gold badges, despite the destruction you did do work enough for a promotion. Keep up the good work, tone down the collateral."

Blue blinked, once, twice, three times. Seriously? Another promotion? Well, they did discover a lot…

"We'll try," Rio said getting up.

"Don't jinx it," Pana glowered, standing with him.

"Thanks!" Scales burped, finishing the gummis, but his stomach was still rumbling.

"Y-yes, thank you!" Blue said. "We'll do our best."

"Come see me in the library later Blue," Thesus added. "I have something to show you."

"Of course!" Blue grinned, standing. "See you then!"

And out the Disasters went.

The former partners sat together in silence for a time, before the bird broke the silence.

"Why didn't we warn them about who was waiting for them?" Thesus asked.

"Consider it a punishment for the damage." Jain said simply. "Plus, I wouldn't like to ruin the surprise, wouldn't you?"

Thesus simply sighed, and silently worried.

…​

"Think anyone messed with it while we were gone?" Rio asked, stretching his finally unsore body. Heal Pulses could only do so much.

"They'll regret it if they did," Pana said simply.

"So what's for lunch?" Scales asked, sniffing. "I'm thinking stew."

"Well, I could make mom's stuff…" Blue said as he walked with them.

"That'd be awesome!" Rio said. Weird how Scales didn't react though. He was still sniffing the air.

"Think someone beat you to it Blue…" Scales said after some time. "Smells… good. Familiar."

"What are you-" then Rio smelled it. The tangy, yet savory smell. He knows that smell. He drank so much of it, he grew so sick of it. But now that it's been a while...he found his stomach rumbling for a taste.

"What's that smell?" Blue asked. Rio didn't bother to answer, none of the Disasters did. Rio could hear his heart thumping in his ears. He didn't want to say it, but he had to confirm, they all did.

"Guys?" Blue shouted after them, running behind. "What's wrong?"

Soon the Disasters burst into the clearing, looking at their treehouse. The yard looked as they left it, besides one new feature. The fire pit they dug was being used, and something was boiling over it. Red misty clouds swirled as the stew boiled. The siblings froze at the sight.

"Rio, where are they?" Pana demanded, looking around desperately for any sign of the chefs.

"I don't sense them!" He yelled back. It was true, the only Auras he could feel in the area were the four Disasters.

Four.

Shit.

"Sense who?" Blue asked, looking around. "Why does that soup have clouds?"

"Nostalgic…" Scales said, also looking around frantically.

"Blue!" Rio said. It was too late, they were already coming. "Remember what I told you before we left?"

"You mean about-"

"Now that's rude, Rio," a new voice rumbled right behind him. It was deep, gruff, but calm. "Sending your new friend off before he even meets us. I thought we taught you better."

The Riolu's blood ran cold at the familiar voice. It was too late. If one was here-

"It's been half a year, and that's your first thought?" another voice called from the same position. This was similarly gruff, but had a softer tone. Female, and also very familiar. "I thought you would miss us more. I'm hurt."

Rio took a deep, deep breath, mentally preparing for what was coming, and turned around. His siblings had already frozen at the sight of their parents. Blue, for his part, was gawking at the sight of the towering mon.

They had long ago taken off their cloaks, both bears' black and white fur stood out against the green and brown of the forest. Arms crossed, and fingers of yellow fur, the two bears gave their children a disappointed look, yellow muzzles frowning. What looked like black and white headbands flowed in the wind. The black tufts that hung from their waists similarly blew in the wind. Their stances, even like this, were firm, unyielding.

Just like the siblings were taught.

"Mom…" Pana said.

"Dad…" Scales followed.

"Master Kuma, Master Ursa…" Rio added.

"...Your masters are the URUSHIFU?" Blue gawked at the Legendary masters of all martial arts, who sternly stood in front of their dinner.

"We are little Legacy," Master Kuma said in his gruff, deep voice.

"It'll be good to get to know you," Master Ursa added. "On the way back."

"...back?" Blue took a step back.

"To the Isles of course," Master Ursa smiled at the Bidoof. "You're all coming home."

"W-wha-"

Fight.

The pink stone on Rio's arm suddenly lit up and his body changed. His blue and black fur turned white and pink, his tail straightened, and ribbons of flesh sprouted out of his arms and neck, looking like a bow tie suddenly sprouted there.

"Nice trick," Master Ursa siad, before the tendrils lashed out at the bears.

Who jumped back with ease.

"Needs some work though," Master Kuma responded, before blitzing Rio with a Mach Punch. The blow knocked the wind out of him, and he was sent flying back into the trees. His Sylveon form left him as his vision started to darken.

His final sight was Pana and Scales stepping forward, their attacks caught in the other Urushifu's paws. She lifted her children up, and slammed them into each other. Pana crumpled, while Scales took another big blow before succumbing.

Well, their world tour was over…

He only hoped Blue could get away.

And then he was out.

…​

Blue did not run away.

He ran towards Pana, the unconscious Pancham laid in the dirt. She had to be ok, she had to be…

"Now," one of the masters, Kuma, said. "Are you going to show us what you've learned, or will that wait?"

Blue knew he stood no chance. The team was dismantled in actual seconds. He had to run, he had to-

Resolve.

Blue found himself gabbing for his blade. It hummed with power as his teeth made contact, the blue light sparking.

"Already learning how to use it," Ursa said. "Good."

And then Blue felt the fist slam into his head. Hard. He crumpled, vision fading fast.

"We'll see what we can do."

And everything went black.
 
Chapter 45: Welcome to the Isles

BlackHairedPsycho

Aura Knight
The rocking woke Blue up.

The constant swaying… the footsteps… his head was killing him. What hit him this time?
Oh right, the legendary bears.



Wait-

Blue started awake with a gasp, talking in his surroundings. He was in a wooden room, a thin blanket covering his once prone body. It was small, bare, and rocking like mad. Where was he?

“What the…”

The blade.

Blue’s head turned on a swivel, suddenly knowing exactly where the broken blade was. The sheathed horn stood against the rocking wall, swaying itself. Blue sighed in relief, getting out of bed. At least he wasn’t restrained…

Wait, where was his team? Their masters? He needed to find the rest of his team, now!
Blue grabbed his sword, rushed to open the door, only to run straight into something furry, but firm. The Bidoof was pushed back by the unexpected barrier. He looked up to look at who he just ran into.

“Watch it!” the Dewott-Wartortle hybrid groaned. His whiskers twitched in slight annoyance, long Wartortle tail flicking over his large turtle shell, his scalchops slotted in said shell. His tired, slightly annoyed eyes were ringed with a slight yellow. “Where’s the fire?”

“W-where am I?” Blue asked, wide eyed at the unique hybrid. “Where are my friends?”

“Your- oh yeah, you just woke up…” the Dewtortle sighed. “Those crazy bears knocked you good. You hungry? You’ve been out for a few days after all.”

“I-” Before Blue could ask again, his stomach growled. He was hungry… but he needed to know what was going on first. “At least answer my questions please… Wait, a few days!?”

“Yeah a few days! You got knocked by a Legend!” the Dewott shook his head. “I get you’d be a bit confused, I still am… the name’s Prince.” he held out a paw to shake.

“Blue…” the Bidoof took the paw and shook. “Where are we? Where are my friends?”

“Eh, they’re breathing. Crazy bears wouldn’t let that happen, that’s for damn sure. Kinda feel bad for that they’re putting em through at the mo…”

“What?”

“They’re up on deck I think.”

“Deck?” the still groggy Bidoof asked. The floor, the entire room rocked. “Oh.”

“Welcome aboard the Merry Morning. I’ll be your captain for the evening.” he gave Blue a mock bow, shell still stiff on his back. Seriously, how did he not fall over like that?
“Uh, thank you for having me?”

“Why are you thanking me? I’m basically an accessory to kidnaping.”

“I-” Oh yeah, he was. Blue was too groggy to fully process his situation. Either that or the months he'd spent with the Disasters had dulled his sense of danger. Possibly both.



Definitely both.

“Well, if they’re ok, I won't tell?” Why was he being so casual about this?

“I appreciate it,” Prince started, turning to open the door once again. “But you gotta define ok…”

Oh no.
…​

“Is that the BEST Iron Defense you can do?”

The barking of the bear ratted Blue’s aching head. He and Prince came up on the deck, his crew giving the large punch dragon and even larger punch bear a lot of space. Master Kuma’s headband swayed with the wind as he watched Scales take a stance, his claws dug into the wood, gouging it out as his namesake took on a metal sheen. Blue blinked. He’d never seen Scales take a stance, much less need to…

“Oi!” Prince started over, exasperated. “We JUST got that fixed, damn you!”

“Apologies,” Kuma bowed to the captain. “I wasn’t aware of how sloppy my son had gotten in my-”

Just then a black and white blur rushed the side of his neck. Pana’s sneak attack was silent as ever. However, it was still lazily blocked with one paw. How was Kuma so fast?

“Naive,” he said before headbutting Pana away. The panda flew back, crashing into the railing of the ship. The Chessnaught sitting next to where she landed jumped back from the sudden impact.

Blue found himself moving before she even flew. That hit looked bad. Really bad.

“Pana!” he shouted, head clearing. Something flashed at his side, the sword? That wasn’t important. Pana wasn’t moving.

Mostly because she seemed to have turned into a doll.

It was a perfect replica in all honesty. Minus the stuffing spilling from her head, and the cute button eyes. A perfect Substitute…

“Better,” Kuma said. Blue turned to find him holding the real Pana’s arm, sparking with dull yellow light. The tired look in her eyes started to fade a bit as the master bear seemed to weaken just a smidge.

“Substitute and Drain Punch…” Kuma nodded, letting go of his daughter's hand. “Much better. Almost instant… almost. You can do better.”

Pana dropped to the deck, huffing a bit. Blue rushed to her side, a little embarrassed. In hindsight there was no way she’d let herself get hit so easily. Then again, that blow was scary fast…

“Are you ok?” Blue asked, the slight sheen from the horn fading.

“Am I ok?” Pana turned to look at the now conscious Bidoof. “I’m not the one that's been out for three days!”

“Yeah,” Scales dropped his strong stance, his scales losing that steel sheen. “Are you ok Blue?”

“Did I say you could stop?” Kuma growled at the dragon. Scales sighed, and got back into his stance. At least the grooves couldn’t get any worse.

“I’m ok…” he looked towards both his friends, head still killing him a bit, and up towards the bear that probably knocked him out. Kuma’s stoic face melted off his muzzle, replaced by a familiar grin. He’d only seen that smile from Scales.

“Good to see you up, little Legacy,” Kuma said in a gruff, but joyful tone. “Sorry the missus hit you so hard, but with your little key there, she thought it’d be for the best. Didn’t want you causing too much damage!”

Too much damage? Me? Wait, why was he suddenly being so nice?

“I, uh-”

“You’re Blue, yeah?” Kuma continued. Pana sighed as she started leaning on Blue. Her fists were like iron, but he didn’t find himself minding it all that much. “Heard a lot about you from these two, and Rio…”

Rio…

“Wait,” Blue’s mind cleared. “Where’s Rio?”

“Oh he’s just taking a swim with Ursa,” Kuma said, waving it off. “Helping the sea push us along, should be fine.”

“...what?”

Before he could get another answer, a geyser erupted from the side of the ship, shooting high in the air. Blue jumped back as he watched the sudden sea spout gush, and two figures fell onto the deck with a thump. It was the other Urushifu, the extra fur growing out of her head in a braid, her own headband weighed down by the seawater clinging to her body. She wasn’t alone.

At first glance, Rio looked normal, blue and black, big eyes, tail. But then Blue squinted, and noticed he wasn't covered in fur anymore. No… fish scales? And he had fins growing out of the side and top of his head, his mane was replaced by a white frill. His tail was longer, thicker, and split at the end, a fish’s tail, the fin spin running up it and his back. Looked like Rio was trying out Vaporeon mode…

“What did we tell you about control?” Ursa said, giving Rio a pat on the head fin. He groaned, and his body seemed to wobble and shake, as if it was jello.

“Don’t blow every-” then his sensors started to float, and Rio turned to see the Bidoof. “Blue! You’re up!”

Rio started over to him, his new Vaporeon features melting back into his body. Soon he was his old, fluffy, dry self once again.

“Oh is he?” Ursa smiled back, starting over as well. “Sorry, didn’t think you’d be out so long…”
Again with the nice. Blue wasn't sure to be freaked out or gracious.

“Uh…" he started. “No harm done?”

“I disagree,” Pana commented, still leaning against Blue and giving her mother a look.

“Well maybe if you didn’t leave without even a note-”

“THIS IS WHY!”

“Look,” Kuma sighed, motioning for Scales to stop. The dragon immediately dropped his stance, sitting down as all four Disasters looked up at the bears. “We were worried.”

“You trained us to fight anything-” Rio started.

“Not about you,” Ursa cut him off. “Well, that's kind of a lie. You, and everything around you is more accurate. Your training is incomplete.”

“Wait,” Blue asked, processing that. “...I have seen Rio blow a hole through a many tiered dungeon, Pana can disappear without a trace, and I’m pretty sure Scales mentioned a house falling on him once.”

“Twice,” Scales corrected, yawning.

“TWICE,” Blue repeated. "Without a scratch. And their training is incomplete.”

“Yup,” both masters said at once.

“...well ok then.” the Bidoof said weakly, looking back at the deck. He’d teamed up with monsters… but he knew that.

“And yours will begin!" Ursa said.

“...what?” he looked back up at the bears, who nodded. He barely noticed the sky getting darker.

“We’re gonna train you while we’re at it.” Kuma said simply.

“Just like them,” Ursa pointed at the three, who suddenly looked a lot more nervous.

“B-but-”

“Land Ho!” Prince shouted, looking over the front of the ship.

“Ah, perfect,” Kuma said, stepping aside for Blue. “Let me welcome you to the Bear Isles. Behave yourself better than these three.”

It was a small archipelago, one large island with four smaller islands on what could be considered north. It looked like a paw print from a bird's eye view. The main island was lush, green with a large forest, while the other four islands had their own climates. As they passed Blue could see an enormous bamboo thicket on one island, a fierce blizzard on another, and wide open plains on third. He didn’t get a good look at the fourth, that was when they started pulling into the port.

How were these climates possible so close together? Was this a dungeon phenomenon? What was with the strange shape of the archipelago? Why call it the Bear-

It was when he looked over the side, he realized why.

Every resident looking at the boat pulling into port was a bear mon, from Teddiursa to Bewear, they were all ursine.

And they were all glaring back.

That was not an encouraging sign.
 
Chapter 46: Tense Homecoming

BlackHairedPsycho

Aura Knight
Rio waved back at the glaring bears as they pulled into port. He didn't miss them, and they didn't miss him. Good to see some things never changed.

The port was just how he remembered it. A simple set of docks where mostly fishing boats, what they used to get from island to island, resided. The Merry Morning itself barely fit in between the smaller vessels. The bears all looked up at the larger vessel and the passengers atop it. Rio continued to pay the glares no mind, he could feel the resentment, the hostility clear as day in their Aura.

Largepaw hadn't changed much in the months he was gone. Venders sold their dungeon hunts like feral meat and miscellaneous items on the sides of the road, and bears littered the streets as they went about their business. A Pangoro was struggling with two massive crates as he lumbered down the street, while a Beartic made snow cones for the young Teddiursa and Stufful around. A Snorlax snored on a street corner, much to the annoyance of the Usurang that were trying to go about their day. The cracked stone street led up into town proper, where actual shops and restaurants could be found, and even past that, on the highest hill on the island, lay the dojo.

Home.

"Good to see some things don't change," Pana joined Rio by the railing, meeting the glares they got with her own death stare. The looks stopped almost immediately. Seems their reputation remained strong too…

"You know," Scales said, before joining his siblings. "I'd like some noodles at least, before we go back to the soup…"

"I've never seen such a concentration of one genus…" Blue gasped at the town, and the turning away bears. "But… what was with those looks?"

"We'll explain later," Rio told his beaver friend. "Just stick close to us for now, alright?"

Rio felt Blue's fears spike for an instant, but nodded his agreement. Good. At least anyone that wanted to fuck with him would have to go through them.

"Wait," Blue asked. "Aren't we still technically being kidnapped?"

"We're where we needed to go," Kuma said, walking behind them, and holding what looked like…

"...Is that our stuff?" Blue sputtered.

"Well we weren't just gonna leave it in that tree you call a base," Ursa added on. "The lock on that place broke so easily…"

"Anyway," Kuma went on. "As long as you don't leave the islands and you report when we say, you've got free range. If you try, good luck with the swim. Prince isn't gonna help you this time either. He knows what'll happen if he does…"

"Yeah yeah…" Prince grumbled. "I like my shell where it is, thank you very much."

"We'll make the trouble bringing us back worth your while at least," Ursa reassured.

"Meet us at the dojo, we have something you'll be interested in."

"Yeah yeah…" the Hybrid grumbled. "Gotta settle in first."

"You want some-" Rio started to ask.

"NO." Prince answered almost immediately. "When I need to wreck an island, I'll go to you. Something like this though? We're good."

"Suit yourself," Rio shrugged, looking over the town. "Might as well get noodles, show Blue around. See you at the dojo?"

"Don't blow anything up," the Masters ordered, before jumping off the ship themselves. Every single mon greeted the Urushifu warmly as they made their way towards the northern tip of the island.

"So…" Rio turned to his team. Pana and Scales's Aura were disappointed, but calm enough. Blue was… calmer than Rio was expecting. Sure, he could feel confusion and fear, but that was far outpaced by the curiosity he shot off looking around. "Noodles?"

"Why not?" Pana shrugged.

"Griza's dad still owes me for that work I did!" Scales excitedly shook.

"...can we go the long way?" Blue said after a slight pause. "...I'd like to see the town before Scales keeps us stuck there until they run out of food."

"Fair enough," Rio nodded.

"Stay close," Pana reiterated.

"...I would." Scales admitted.

Without another word, Rio leapt off the side, followed closely by Pana. The large thump and clang of Scales's descent followed soon after. Blue, for his part, just took the gangplank lowered by Prince. The hostile stares never left the four as they walked towards town proper.

It really was just how they left it. Cracked stone streets, warm day, the constant fearful and unwelcoming glares, all that. He kinda missed it.

Yes, even the glares.

"What did you say this town was called again?" Blue asked, looking every little thing over.

"Largepaw," Pana explained, giving the evil eye to two Pancham sticking their tounges out at them. Her glare was much more effective as it sent them scurrying away. "Same as the island."

"What are the other islands called?"

"Well there's Greenpaw," Rio started to explain. "That's where a lot of stuff grows. The Pangoro and Snorlax like it there."

"Shiverpaw is horrible," Scales picked up. "Always freezing…"

"Scales is a big baby," Pana added on.

"Hey! Not my fault I don't have warm blood like you three!"

"It's where most of the Bearitic live," Pana went on. "Their own little winter wonderland."

"Woodpaw is just fields and woods," Rio continued. "The Bewear and Usurang make that place their home.

"An island for each of their preferred climates…" Blue nodded. "It's almost as if… wait, what about that last island? There were four visible besides this one, right?"

"Yeah…" Rio winced, looking away.

"Boompaw," Pana and Scales said at the same time, groaning.

"...What's wrong with Boompaw?"

"Hey we're here!" Rio pointed out the building they were standing in front of. One story, with a massive door to enter. It had to be considering the usual size of the supposed patrons. The sign on top said 'Rope for your Throat.'

"...I'm not the only one that sees how morbid that name is, right?" Blue pointed out.

"Honestly Prince pointed it out first," Rio answered.

"I think it's funny," Pana shrugged.

"Who cares what it's called?" Scales was drooling as he stepped inside. "Food here's great!"

The noodle shop was just how it was left. Large tables and chairs filed the dining area, while a counter with bar stools faced the kitchen. Someone was cooking in there. The restaurant was slow today, the only patron being an old Usurang, who almost choked on his own large bowl of noodles at the sight of Scales. He coughed, not taking his eyes off the team as he quickly finished his own meal and ran for the door.

"...You guys have a reputation around here?" Blue asked. Rio just felt resignation more than anything from his Aura.

"What tipped you off?" Pana asked, as Scales jangled towards the counter. Rio simply shrugged, and sat next to his brother, whose scales and claws were digging into the wooden counter, tail slapping against the stool leg. The large gashes and dents in the wood and stool might have tipped any outside observer that Scales sits here a lot.

"Now that's a familiar sound…" and the chef in the kitchen stepped out to see some familiar faces. The old Azumarill had to hop on a stool to look at his customers. His ears dropped, and his paws and apron were stained with flour. When he got a good look at the three, he sighed. The Bidoof was new though.

"Well if it ain't my future son in law, the shadow thief, and mister bottomless pit. And guest!" the Azumarill said in a jovial manner. "Nice to see you kids are back."

"Hey Mr. Atlas," Rio waved.

"Been a while," Pana waved.

"Yeah, hey!" Scales stopped his tapping. "Could I get-"

"I know what you want…" Mr. Atlas said, waving him down. "Lemme breathe a bit first. Who's your new friend?"

"Oh!" Blue mumbled, waving. "I'm Blue… joined the team on the mainland…"

"Nice to meet ya! And good luck here. You heard my name already, now what can I get ya?" Atlas pointed at the menu carved into the wood above them.

"I guess… veggie sauce?" then Blue blinked as he processed the rest of his words. "Wait… future son in law?" he looked at Rio, who had his head against the counter, hiding a groan. "Are you Griza's-"

"Oh you met my little girl?" Atlas smiled. "How is she? Still going strong?"

"Could say that…" Rio groaned. "...not so little anymore…"

"Takes after her mother, that one…" Atlas shakes his head. "In more ways than one. Better be glad she's out right now."

"I'm not ready for that talk again…"

"Griza's still-"

"Obsessed with me, yeah…"

"I tried," Atlas sighed. "Well, good luck with that one Rio. Let me make your food…" With that, Atlas retreated into the kitchen. Rio sat back up, sighing.

"...Griza's parents own a noodle shop?" Blue asked, after some time.

"Best, and only one on the island!" Scales licked his maw as he waited.

"...huh. And can you please explain the looks we've been getting?"

"Fine, fine," Rio finally relented. He needed to know. "Two reasons. This island is… suspicious… of anyone that comes from out of the Isles. Not a bear, and you're from outside? Watch your back."

"Oh…so what about Mr. Atlas here?"

"It's not everyone," Pana went on. "He makes good food, and no one in their right mind would mess with his wife."

"...who is Griza's mother?"

The siblings all nodded at the same time.

"...sensible. And the other reason? That first doesn't seem to apply to you, Pana…"

"...not important." Pana sighed. "The only one that should apply to you is the first one, so watch your-"

A massive thud cut the Pancham off. Scales's order was here. The massive, streaming bowl of noodles took up most of the countertop in front of the tea. It was loaded with meat, berry sauce, the works. Mr. Atlas worked as fast as ever, his Huge Power helping him lift the sheer quantity.

"Haven't had to break out the big bowl in months…" Atlas noted. " Enjoy big guy! Rest of your food should be out-"

Scales wasted no more time in digging in, lifting the bowl easily and beginning to slurp. Everyone just kind of watched him go for a solid minute, before he took a breath, let out a earthshaking burp, and dropped the now completely empty bowl back on the counter.

"Seconds please!" he grinned.

…​

Scales ended up going through eight more bowls of that size by the time their lunch was done. Rio noticed he didn't eat as much as he usually did there. Must be nervous. His own few, much smaller bowls were nice, but eventually they had to get going. Preferably before the lady of the household came back. Again, Rio was NOT ready for that conversation.

The hostile Auras watching the group were strangely comforting. He supposed he got so used to the stares they just became a part of the background. Still, no one challenged them as they walked towards the island's tip.

Towards the dojo.

The red and blue tower was the largest building on the island. Two stories, with white walls and a yellow gold roof, it sat atop a small hill, the cobbled path leading up to it being flanked by now empty berry bushes. The arched roof was supported by thick, old stone pillars, carved with murals. It showed different depictions of fighting type moves, acted out by rudimentary bears. He spent countless hours just examining each illustration as he recovered from his training.

At least Blue seemed interested in them.

"Are these decorative?" he asked, examining the weathered marble. "Or are they accurate instructions?"

"Both," Pana responded, before yanking Blue towards the sliding door. "Cone on, let's get your notebook. Something tells me you wanna note a few things…"

"Well, you're not wrong…" Blue lets it happen, and Rio and Scales watch them walk inside. They both stare up at the roof, where the Masters probably were right now.

"...think Blue's gonna be ok?" Scales burped.

"...Probably," Rio responded. "Doesn't feel like Pana's gonna let him out of her sight if she can help it."

"And the training?"

"...they won't kill him."

"Let's hope…" Scales yawned, before following the two inside. Rio stayed back outside a bit, before following.

In a way, he was excited to really show off what he could do!

He just wasn't sure if that was all him.

…​

The room the large fighting bears led Prince into was one the captain could appreciate. It was chock full of treasures. Statues of jade depicting all kinds of Pokemon stood against the walls. Chests of gold sat in a corner, and old rolled up pieces of parchment lay in their scrolls, organized in a hexagonal shelf off to the side.

But that wasn't what was drawing the Dewott-Wartortle's attention. The map and strange blue and red shards given to him by the Masters were. He gripped the ancient parchment, in awe at its contents. The shards seemed to glow faintly, as did his own sheathed Scalchops. The Urushifu simply stood over him as he read.

"This is…" the Hybrid managed, eyes bulging.

"You should have about two months before you can enter," Kuma said.

"And you'll want to go in with backup," Ursa continued. "Legacy or not, you'll want more help than just you and your crew."

"...The only ones who could even attempt to follow are the walking bomb and the sleepy beaver. I'd like to keep what's left of the place intact, and the other guy is far from ready…"

"That's what training is for," Kuma reassured.

"They'll be ready," Ursa nodded. "

The Hybrid sighed.

"Hope you're right..."
 

RJR Basimilus

Arceus is nice I suppose...
Location
the Lovely Planet
Partners
  1. arceus-fighting
  2. lurantis
  3. arceus-poison
  4. haxorus
I’ve never been able to figure out whether or not I can review... Hahahaha, well, there’s always time to try to find out again and again. Besides, what better time to start than the new year? Or at least, close to it.

Legends disappearing though? Fuck them, it shouldn’t be anyone’s prerogative to look after them. If they’re getting lost somewhere, then they should find their way back themselves.

Like, look at Team Disaster here taking the initiative. They know what they want, and they take steps to achieve it. Makes me wonder though, buying property sounds like a pain here. There’s nothing like credit checks or mortgages, so the Persian is assuming a lot of risk here selling to a bronze rank team- but I guess the fact in and of itself that they’re with a guild makes them trustworthy. Obviously the seller isn’t all on top of it herself, she’s selling a beat up tree that a bunch of criminals moved into. If she was so insistent on selling a higher priced property, then maybe she should have just not listed the tree for sale. Ooh weeell, ahah.

It’s unfortunate for the squatters that they chose to hang out where they did. Team Disaster must’ve liked the location if they bought it without even seeing the place. Maybe they’re on a budget. Either way, the criminals are almost lined up perfectly to show off the team’s strength. I like Scales the best (because I’m biased) because dragons are cool! Seems like Rio is the more level-headed of the group though.

Poor Blue. I wonder how he got mixed up with that group. He is a normal type, maybe he ran with them for awhile, but got kicked out. Oh, but that’s very unsympathetic, I choose to not believe in that possibility. He seems too nice after all, knowing he could break in the house, but knocking anyway. Goodness though, there really isn’t any due diligence in sales if the treehouse is filled with trash. I mean, it definitely happens, but at least a seller could clean the place.

It’s nice that they invite Blue to join the team so quickly. As Pana says, it’s good to have someone to rein in the other two- but someone needs to keep track of her as well with how angry she gets! Blue is lucky he made such good friends, willing to train and teach him. Very suspicious about the Sableye (I had to look that one up so I didn’t misspell it, hah!) and the fitted jewelry! In conjunction with Blue’s weird rock, there’s many strange things happening. I think they’ll be fine though, the box chose them, or at the very least, resized its treasure for the recipient.

The whole group is very silly, and they’re great! Despite how close Rio, Scales, and Pana are, they still seem to have some ways to go with their relationship, but they definitely have each other’s backs. Blue needs to have more confidence! I’m sure he’ll find it at some point. I hope they don’t get in too much trouble. I’ll have to make a return trip and see. Making a note so I won’t forget where I left off! Very nice story :)
 
Chapter 47: Your Special Hell

BlackHairedPsycho

Aura Knight
Blue found himself encased in ice. He wasn't even sure how he was still alive and conscious to process that, but he was. His eyes still worked, somehow, as he looked into the room he was trapped in. It looked nice, a push carpet, stone brick floor, the dark tendrils wrapping around the cube. That last one wasn't even a surprise at this point, Blue was just wondering why he was still alive in this frozen hell.

The cold bit into his hooves, his legs, his entire body. Something was missing, something important. And then he heard it, that faint voice.

Hurry.. Please…


What-

And then the loud bang woke Blue up.

He shot to his unfrozen feet, gasping for air as he processed what the hell just happened. Why did he have hooves? Where was that?

Was that… who he thought it was?

After noting the pillars in his fathers journal, he collapsed into an almost barren room. The simple woven straw bed could barely be considered such being so thin. His bag was placed in a corner of the almost barren room, his fathers journal sitting atop it. He looked out the window, noting the lack of sun. Fine by him, he wasn't going back to bed after that. He needed to think, to process-

And then the door slid open with a crash. Master Ursa stood in the doorway, giving the Bidoof a look.

"Time for breakfast," she said simply.

"But-" Blue tried to argue, but was cut off by her claws tapping against the wood floor. Suddenly, every neuron in his brain screamed at him to move, and move now. Confusion all but eradicated by sudden dread, Blue rose to his feet in a panicked manner. The large bear smiled, large fangs showing.

"You have good instincts," she said, tossing her hair to fix her ponytail. "Come on, the first day is always the worst."

With that, the Urshifu walked away. Was it his imagination, or were her footsteps even heavier than what they should be, even for a mon of her size?

He chose to believe he was just freaked out, and lumbered out to follow after strapping his blade to his side. Three other doors were open down the hall as he walked, but Blue didn't take a peek. It was a mix of respecting his teammates' privacy, and he was scared of what he'd see.

It was a bit of a walk to the dining room, and the wooden walls seemed to loom over the Bidoof, their many rooms leading to various other things. Pana had shown him a few things last night. Heavy duty raining dummies suspiciously in the shape of Snorlax, an entire room just filled with various weapons, and what looked like very familiar dragon scales.

"So," Ursa spoke up, as Blue was thinking of the ramifications of the last mentioned room. He snapped to attention immediately as the bear turned to look at him. "Any strange dreams?"

Blue flinched at that. What? How had she known?

"So he has been speaking to you," she nods. "Good. You're farther along than I thought."

"Who's been…" Blue asked, despite already having a very good guess.

"If you didn't know at this point," Ursa said, turning back around. "You wouldn't be speaking to him." And on she went.

Blue hesitated for a time. Why wasn't he more freaked out? Him? Save a Legend? Save the founder of his village, an immortal hero known for being a match for Zacian herself? He was supposed to help a guy like that?

Yes.

As Blue set off to follow, something more worrying crossed his mind. Something he'd had on the back of his head for a long time.

Did he have any say in this? At all?

That little nagging in his head didn't reply.

…​

When Ursa and Blue made their way into the dining room, the siblings and Kuma were already knelt at the low, long table. Four cushions sat one each long side, and the unfamiliar characters sewn into the carpet were, for once, completely foreign. It was as if they kept shifting… Rio and Scales sat across from Pana, while Kuma watched them drink. Two pots of stew sat in the middle of the table looked like the one they were cooking back at the base; bright red broth, clouds circling over the pot. One was much bigger than the other, about three times the size. Bowls sat at each seat, except for Scales'. That was weird…

"The smaller one's vegetarian," Ursa said, taking a seat at the other side of the table, and pouring him a bowl of the ominous stew, setting it in front of the seat next to Pana. The Disasters and Kuma all looked up as the duo entered the room. Scales looked utterly miserable as he watched the others slurp away.

"Morning," Rio said, burping. That got him a glare from his mother, and he quickly looked away.

"Cover your mouth," Ursa scolded, before pouring a bowl from the larger pot for herself.

"How'd you sleep?" Pana asked, as Blue took his seat next to her.

"I'll… tell you later," Blue shook his head, and looked suspiciously into the broth. It bubbled as chunks of vegetables floated inside. What Blue was most drawn to, however, were the strange mushroom chunks. They were pale, and the tops had a strange, swirling pattern made of different reds and purples.

"Well," Kuma grumbled at Blue, looking at the bear expectantly. "Go ahead. You'll need the energy."

"What is it?" Blue peered into the steaming broth. Was this the soup Scales was talking about? Why wasn't he eating any?

"Soup," Kuma said simply, slurping his own bowl.

"I think he can see that dad," Pana sassed, drinking her own bowl.

"Special soup then," Kuma shot back.

"You'll like it," Kuma encouraged between slurps and bites.

"Why isn't Scales-" Blue started. His claws were digging into the table and his stomach growling was audible.

"So he doesn't eat everything before we do," Rio answered, finishing his own bowl and chewing on what was left. "Might want to help him with that…"

Blue looked back at the suspicious red, cloudy soup. He could make out beans, potatoes, and peas to go with the shrooms. It… didn't smell half bad honestly, and everyone else was eating it no problem….

Blue took a sip.

It…

IT…

It wasn't his favorite thing in the world. It was by no means bad, but it wasn't divine or anything. His mothers stew was much better. This had less flavor, less to write home about in general. But it was filling.

And energizing!

Blue felt his stubby tail wag, his free legs tapping against the cushion. He felt strong, tough, and full of energy! The Bidoof felt like he could run a marathon easily, what was that stuff? He quickly drained the rest of the soup, and it just sat in his stomach. Fueling him…STUFFING him. It was as if he had just come from a feast, how was he this full after one bowl? Without a stomach ache either…

"You like the Giga Soup?" Ursa asked, finishing her own bowl.

"Y-yes!" Blue stuttered. "What's-"

"A topic for later," Kuma cut him off. "Done?"

"Yup." Rio put his bowl down with a thump. It was bigger than Blue's.

"Been waiting," Pana added. Her's was about the same size as Bidoof's own.

"All yours, Scales," Ursa said, and the large dragon needed no more prompting. Grabbing both pots, the large Hakamo-o poured the smaller pot into the larger, licked his muzzle, and poured the red soup into his waiting maw. To the dragon's credit, he didn't waste a single drop. After some time, he dropped the pot with a clang and patted his scaly belly. His burp shook the room. It… sated his hunger. Sure, it took an entire pot of the stuff, but it did! What… was IN that soup?

"Alright," Kuma clapped his paws together. "Today, we'll see what you three picked up on your little world tour."

"You can't really call it a world tour if we only went to the one-" Before Rio could finish, he found a spoon sticking out of his place in the table. Head first. The Riolu shut up immediately and looked at his annoyed father. Blue gulped.

"And as for you," Ursa looked towards Blue, a small smile on her face.. "I'll be easing you into your training regiment. Just some light exercise today, some practical."

Blue couldn't help but sigh in relief. He was scared of some utterly insane method, something he could die from.

This would be fine.

…​

This was not fine.

This was the farthest thing from fine.

Blue ran, and Blue ran hard. The outdoor practice field was just that. Attached to the back of the dojo it was flat and rocky, not even grass grew. This was a good thing, as there was no way he could trip.

This was also a bad thing as there was nowhere to hide.

The next boulder crashed down right behind him. If he had a longer tail, it'd be broken, crushed by the rock three times his size. Blue suddenly found his second wind, and dashed as hard as he could away from the mad bear.

"Come on little Legacy," Ursa said, hefting another giant Rock to Throw. She had yet to even move from her spot! "You hit me once, or I hit you first. Then we can move on."

He'd shoot back that he didn't want to move on if THIS was easing him into it, but he didn't have the time or energy to be coy. If he got hit by one of THOSE-

The rock sailed to his right side this time, just missing his flank. Blue immediately rolled away, but by the time he reacted it would have already crushed him. In other words-

"That was pathetic," Ursa called after him. Blue was well aware, but he didn't stop running! How could he? How was he expected to attack when attacks like this were flying at him? He had two options, but one of them would take time he just didn't have, while the other he needed a clear line of sight. He couldn't attack without getting brained. How long had they been at this anyway?

And so this pattern continued for a while. Ursa would rip chunks of rock out of the ground, almost nail the Bidoof with them, and repeat. All Blue could think to do was dodge, roll, and just… avoid. What else could he do? And every time, the Urshifu would comment on something he did wrong. Be it screwing up his timing on the dodge, becoming rattled by the sudden impact, or the fact he was letting this drag on far too long.

"If this was a real fight, I'd have killed you thirty minutes ago!"

Thirty minutes? He'd lasted that long? How had he not keeled over from exhaustion? Blue stole a look around the now not so pristine field. Large boulders littered the area, the holes in the ground around the bear master growing. She still hadn't moved from her from where she had been for the past-

Wait.

He didn't have cover before.

He did now.

As Ursa threw the next rock, Blue dove behind one of the thrown boulders, a passable dodge for once. Knowing he had at least some time, the Bidoof focused. Drawing on the energy in his gut, he focused on pushing it into the ground, and where he saw master Ursa last.

"Better!" Ursa congratulated. Good. That meant more time. Hurry up, come on… "Using cover provided by your opponent, I was wondering-"

She stopped suddenly,as Blue felt his move sprout. He took a peak from his hiding spot to make sure, and… yes!

Grass has sprouted from the ground below the bear, trapping around one leg. The Grass Knot had worked! The Master just stared at it, blinking, and then nodded.

"You did land an attack," Ursa admitted, dropping her boulder where she found it. "Not bad for your first time, I have to say."

Blue couldn't respond. Now that the adrenaline was wearing off, he fell onto his belly and wheezed. How had he managed that nonstop running for that long… even with adrenaline going. He needed a minute. Maybe an hour.

"Now in five minutes we'll be going for a light swim-"

Arceus help me.

…​

Ursa had to carry Blue back to the dojo when their first day of training ended. When they entered the common living area, Kuma was sitting on the floor, meditating in the mostly empty commonspace.

"How was he?" the other Urshifu asked without looking up.

"Better than I expected honestly," she gently laid Blue on the floor, at her feet. "Smart, but he tends to overthink."

Blue was, to put it softly, a mess. Half conscious and drenched in saltwater, his own sweat, and even some of his own tears, the Bidoof wasn't moving anytime soon. He gasped for each breath as if it would be his last. He shuddered on the floor, the water spilling freely from his furry form fused with the carpet, seemingly ruining it. Exhaustion was putting it mildly.

"Hmmm…" Kuma glanced at the Bidoof, and the other three figures on the floor with him. Scales was already asleep, his clangs and snores muffled by being face down in the carpet. Pana was laid down on her back, huffing as if she was about to stop breathing herself. Rio had his arms and legs splayed as if he was a star, tail limply wagging as he explored the depths of his own unconscious mind. "I could see that much. Same routine tomorrow?"

"Maybe ease up," Ursa sat next to her mate. "The Giga Stew can only do so much."

"Fair enough. Maybe utterly exhaust them at least once a week?"

"Considering they have to establish the connection fast, it's a necessity."

"Do you think they're communing right now?"

"Maybe… Blue has had at least one dream, and considering what Rio allegedly did…"

They went silent for a time.

"...Rio may be progressing too fast," Ursa said, looking at her sleeping son.

"We don't have time to slow down," Kuma shot back. "If we do-"

"The whole world is eaten, yes?"

The bears were on their new visitor in an instant, on either side of the Espeon laid on a floating bubble, a bag in the middle of the road. Her startlingly blue eyes panned to each bear, and she waved with her tail.

"Hello Masters," Selena yawned. "I'm sorry for intruding."

"What are you doing here, Legacy of Mew?" Kuma didn't take his paw away, his glower sharpening as he looked at the cat.

"Can't an old friend check on her friend's son?" she calmly replied, looking the unconscious Bidoof over. He snored, but didn't react.

"And your own son?" Ursa's glare was even sharper, her fist coated in ice.

"I think you've done a wonderful job with him." With no fear, she floated forward, away from the bears, and towards the unconscious Riolu hybrid. They didn't stop her. She sniffed, and gagged, her gem flashing a bit.

"Might want to give him a bath though,"

"Why are you here Selena?" Kuma growled.

"Simple," her eyes glowed, and a small pouch floated out of the bag and phased through the psychic membrane of the bubble. It floated to Ursa's still frozen paw. She snatched it with her free paw, and took a look inside. Her eyes widened and she closed the bag immediately.

"Keep it in the bag until he's ready," Selena yawned. "He shouldn't freak out with that little barrier."

"Where did-" Ursa asked.

"Lady Mew sent me to retrieve some keys in the Labyrinth," she licked her paw. "That was one of them."

"Selena-" Kuma tried.

"When he has every necessary type," she went on. "Tell him where he was born. Then he may try to claim what was promised to him."

"Are you not going to let him see you?" Ursa growled, stomping her foot once. The entire dojo shook.

"He already has," Selena replied, not turning around.

"Does he know who you are?" she took a step forward.

"He knows my name-"

"Selena, he should know his own mother."

At this, she turns back to face the bear. Her eyes were sad, cold, before being replaced by a slight smile.

"I think he already has a good replacement."

"SELENA-"

"Keep it up," and with that, the Espeon vanished in a flash of light. Not a single one of the Disasters stirred as Ursa punched a hole in the wall, frost creeping from the hole. Kuma sighed, and started to grab the four while she worked off some steam.

Then he would join her.

He'd probably have to drag her away before she destroyed the entire living room. They had dummies for a reason after all.
 

ShiniGojira

Multiversal Extraordinaire
Location
Stranded In The Gaps between Multiverses
Pronouns
He/him/they/her
Partners
  1. froslass
  2. zorua-gojira
  3. salandit-shiny
  4. goomy
Hi there! Hope you're doing good! Thought I'd see another one of your PMD fic's thanks to a recommendation from Bench!

Well, after hearing about this, I thought I'd give it a go since I rather enjoyed your last PMD fic I read. Also by the way, that cover art is absolutely adorable.

Anyway, here's the review for the first three chapters of this fic.


Starting off with some backstory from Team Disaster in that they've apparently been slaves before? Then we've learned that they've been dealing with a greedy Persian that's trying to swindle them for a quick hustle due to their rank. Now I wonder why they're considered bronze despite them being rather strong.

I mean, yeah they got promoted pretty quickly so I'm guessing it's because they joined the guild pretty recently?

And we're quickly introduced to a fight between our main characters and a gang of bandits. So these bandits have been using their new home as a hideout, I'm wondering why the guild hasn't taken care of them yet if they're a four-star gang. Have they really been hiding that well or is the guild just incompetent?

Also the Aura sensing by Rio is a pretty cool trick and the fact that they can't turn off that Aura sense begs a couple questions like: Are all Riolus born with Aura sense? Or do they learn this skill and they never bother to learn how to turn it off? How do they not get overwhelmed if it's a skill they were born with?

Anyway, back to the fight. Love how you utilize Pana as a sneak attacker, it fits her dual-typing when she evolves. Rio is very skilled in hand-to-hand combat and weapon handling and it's cool to see Bone Rush used like that. Then we have Scales (I find it such a horrible coincidence that I have an Oc named that) the Juggernaut, the tank, the big boy. Took down the main boss without much trouble.

Again, it's great how you've written the fight scene in a way that makes the trio all distinct and unique. Rio's the calm and collected strategist, Pana's the quiet and efficient sort of assassin, and Scales the big beefy loud dragon.

In the second chapter, we get introduced to Blue, a Bidoof. He's not a Pokémon that most would care about so it's fun to see a Bidoof being used here, I wonder how his character will develop over time since he seems to be sceptical of the trio and thinks that if he couldn't beat them then anyone that's the same age shouldn't either so he's got a pretty quiet narcissistic attitude and that's probably gonna be explored later on.

And then chapter 3 has him cleaning for Pana in search for his property that sounds suspiciously like the Relic Fragment from Explorers of Sky, so I'm guessing it's gonna be some key to a legendary's domain.

Anyway, here's some line-by-line thoughts:

Free from their masters, free to live however they wished with the slight threat of a possible surprise attack.
They were slaves? This world's already sounding dark. Holy crap.
Their salesmon’s Aura was the closest thing he’d ever seen to pure greed
A greedy Persian. Huh, I can't believe how well that actually fits.
the houses they were being shown didn’t would’ve been impossible to defend.
'the houses they were being shown didn’t would’ve been impossible to defend.'

Remove the 'didn't' here, seems like it slipped by your proofreading.

Rio counted that as the twenty-fifth lie that came out of the Persian’s mouth. The Aura never lied.
Aura's a lie detector? Wonder if this particular power will be used later on.

ana excused herslef
'Herself' is misspelled here.
Her species' natural smile was replaced by a frown she had had since Rio had met her.
Sorry if I'm being nitpicky, but the three 'had's in this sentence doesn't flow well for me. Maybe the sentence could be worded differently to make it flow better?

He caught it in his left paw as Scales punched the Zangoose in the stomach. To his credit, the winded Pokemon didn’t go down
Oh good, I'd be more surprised if he got taken down instantly after that intimidating description.

He didn’t even sense her that time. That thought scared him for a split second, but he was glad for her.
Rio fears her? Hm, I wonder whether this will be expanded upon.

Blue already knew the address, so he left to scope it out.
Wait, how does he know where they live? Didn't they just buy the house like a day ago?


That caution he brought with him? He was just dragging its life corpse around.
Woah Woah, when was there a dead body? Okay, never mind. Just reread that sentence and now it makes sense. A pretty good line although it did scare me a bit.

Right now, a job needed doing. But he really didn’t want to do it
Welcome to life, pal.

"What makes you say that?"

"The fact that this much could comfortably feed an orphanage for a week."

"Then we'll be fed for a week."
Best line so far. Also, Scales admitting to the audience that they're orphans, loving how natural this little tidbit of information was.

"Twenty-thousand."

"Seriously? And how much did the food cost you?"

"I'll let Scales tell you about that."
Jeez, food really costs that much in this world, huh?

It was then that Rio realized something. He was just as responsible for spending that much money, and she would verbally rip him a new one.
Welp, it was nice knowing you, Rio. Hope Oran Berries could fix your ears.

feral meat is dangerous to get!
Does this imply civilized meat is a thing? 'cause that brings in a lot of questions if it is. Like for instance: Is civilized meat tastier than feral? Are there any ethnics behind meat productions with civilized and fetal Pokémon? And also the age old question of 'Is it consider cannibalism if you eat someone that's like you but is an animal in how they behave?'

So overall, a pretty good start to an interesting story and world. Would love to see more when I get the time.

Take care! Wish you a wonderful rest of the day!
 
Chapter 48: What a Hazard

BlackHairedPsycho

Aura Knight
When Blue woke up the next day, he expected to feel every muscle in his body screaming at him for even having the gall to try and move. After yesterday's utter hell, he couldn't exactly blame his body for rebelling.

But he felt fine.

In fact, he felt better than fine. Just a little sturdier, a little stronger. It wasn't anything drastic, but… he felt it.

Why could he feel it?

"The soup is great, right?"

Blue flinched as he turned around. Ursa was there, smirking at him as she leaned against the doorframe.

"Eat one bowl a day, and the training goes faster." she went on. "More results, less rest…"

A grin he'd only seen on Pana sprouted on her face. "And much more intense."

There was no escape. Blue didn't even have the excuse of being unable to move. He couldn't escape this hell.

"So… day two."

Arceus help me.



Pain.

Agony.

Terror.

Darkness.

Where is my Light?


I don't-

Find my Light.

I can't-

You promised.

I-

I know you can feel it. What is stopping you?



It is strongest in the cold.

…Who are you?

You've forgotten that much? Those damn guardians…

What?

Find my Light.

WHO-

FIND IT!



When Kuma went to open Rio's door to wake him, he felt it. That tremendous surge of life and power erupting from inside. A fraction of a living storm, a hurricane, or something worse. The Urshifu jumped to the side just in time for the door to be blown off its hinges, and splinter. Shattered wood was stuck in the wall behind him. As soon as it erupted, the storm receded. Back into its unassuming package. The bear looked inside.

Kuma was very glad they reinforced Rio's room. Six inch thick steel plates reinforced the walls and ceiling underneath the wood, and it still wasn't enough. If Rio's bed, or what was left of it, wasn't in the middle of the room they'd probably be another hole in the wall. Even still the wood was splintered, the steel bent outwards from the sheer force of the sleeping explosion. Rio's room was never decorated precisely because of this. Rio laid in the medium sized crater he made, eyes wide and brimming with confusion.

"That was a big one," Kuma said, sliding down the crater his adopted son had made. "At least compared to your other uncontrolled bursts."

Rio didn't say anything, he just looked up into his father's eyes. They stared at each other for a few long moments.

Cold…

"Come on," he crouched down and held a paw for the Riolu to take. "It's gonna be just us today. Ursa's got the others."

One on one with master Kuma? That either meant he was gonna teach him something new, or…

"Let's see those new forms in action, see what we can't come up with."

Developing new techniques from scratch.

Rio grinned, and grabbed his fathers paw. The weird dream could wait. Right now, it was time for some fun.



Rio jumped up and brought the scythe down as if he was trying to cleave the bear he was facing in half. His black fur with yellow glowing rings stood against the clear, grassy plain they fought on in front of the dojo, scar on the side of his neck fully visible. The Riolu-Umbreon snarled as the scythe was stopped dead between the bear's paws, his own fur taking a metallic gleam. Iron Defense.

"A bit impractical," Kuma commented. "And the typing won't hurt-"

Triple, Rio ordered.

He felt it. His own weight, the scythes weight, and his father's weight suddenly skyrocketed. The ground cracked as the scythe came down with six times the force previously, and slipped through the Urshfu's paws. Kuma's eyes widened as the scythe nicked his iron hard torso and embedded itself in the ground.

"...That's a nasty surprise." the bear grinned, taking slow steps back. "Can you do it in other-"

Release.

Gravity went back to normal almost immediately. Kuma was again surprised by this, and he stumbled. A chance. As Rio pulled the scythe back he spun it around his body, to the side, and went for a side strike with its weight negligible. And just as Rio was about to make contact…

Side. Triple.


Rio only managed to double the weight that time, but it accomplished what he wanted. The curved edge of the blade slammed into his father's side, where it dinked off his well muscled and steely side. He was expecting more of an impact, but hitting a Legendary dark and fighting type with a dark aspect attack wasn't gonna end well, Iron Defense or not.

With one punch Rio was sent tumbling back to the dirt. The blow burned, not helped by his current typing.

"So you can," Ursa said, dropping his Defense. Rio hissed to himself as he picked himself up, letting his draw on the Dark crystal stop, and puffing back to normal. "Gravity manipulation. Not something Umbreon are known for, but whatever. What else? And uh, try to avoid fire. Not the place…"

He hasn't had much practice with the other forms, but first time for everything. He tapped into the light contained in the pink crystal, let it flood him, his Aura, his entire being, and he started to change. His black and blue fur changed to white and pink. Ribbons sprouted from his wrists and neck, tying themselves into a little bow tie. One eye was now a brilliant blue, while the other remained its usual crimson.

"A much better typing to fight me," Kuma nodded. "What can you-"

Rio didn't think. He just did. He put his arms up, and four of the six ribbons shot towards the bear as he dashed to the side. Kuma didn't move, letting the ribbons wrap around his arms and legs. Now that the bear was bound, Rio pulled.

Kuma barely budged at the first pull, firmly planting his legs and taking a firm stance, even Bulking Up when planting his feet. Rio was stopped dead in his tracks as he tried to move the near immovable.

"These ribbons feel weak for a Sylveons," Kuma noted. While his voice was calm, he still kept his stance and buffs. Rio Bulked Up himself, but no. Master Kuma was not budging. "We'll see about strengthening these-"

Come on! Rio thought, pulling with all his might. Just fall over and BURST LIKE A ROTTEN-

Something chose to flare in Rio right then. A surge of power deep in his gut, his heart, chose to move. His Aura, now a writhing pink instead of its usual light blue, snaked down each ribbon attached to the Urshifu. They were so fast, the fairy light streamed, and when contact was made…

Like everything else Rio's Aura touches…

It burst.

The detonation of the Aura stood out against the green of the field and the blue of the sky. The terrifying pink sparkles consumed each limb as they exploded in a bright flash. Even the Legendary couldn't hide the cry of shock and pain that followed. When the sparkles finally cleared, Kuma was standing in a small crater, arms and legs steaming from the explosion. Rio… Rio felt fine. It was just another way to blow up.

Rio started to retract his ribbons, blinking. Had he really done that much damage? He'd never managed that much against-

And then Kuma shot forward, grabbing one of the ribbons and PULLING him forward. He let his guard down. Rio didn't stand a chance as the Fire Punch scorched his face. It knocked the fairy out of him, and Rio slammed into the ground. The stone stopped feeding him the sweet, sweet light. He was too concussed to even question why he decided to call the light 'sweet'. His vision swam as he tried to force himself out the hole he was just forced to make. That hurt, and his master's commentary was fuzzy.

"Now… a hit!" Was he laughing? Was his cheek still on fire? It was kinda hard to feel when everything was wobbling. "How fast…"

Get up.

Hurts.

You must.

Why?

Get up.

WHY?!

STAND.

His body screamed as he rose, drawing on another stone as he did. The cool blue light flooded his system, changing his body and Aura once more. Fur retracted, being replaced by fish scales. His mane was replaced by a frill, and fins sprouted out of the side and top of his head. His back was now lined with dorsal ridges, all the way down to his now fishy tail. One of his eyes was now back, the pupil massive as he looked back towards his adoptive father, saying nothing.

Mostly because his everything felt like it was on fire. And it wasn't just from the punch.

Every inch of his body, every single cell felt like they were tearing themselves apart. Every twitch, every movement.

Master Kuma didn't say anything either. He recognized the pressure, the Aura, the look in his son's eyes.

It was like that day on Boompaw.

"Enough," the Urshifu said, voice like iron.

Obstacle. Obliterate it.

Rio held out his paw, and a sea blue trident formed in his open paw. Three pronged and as tall as he was, it smelled like ocean spray. And Rio wasted no time in using it. He thrust forward, and the water in the air condensed into a sharp lance of moisture that zoomed towards the bear. Kuma leaped to the side, as the water shot punched a hole clean through a boulder on the other side of the hill and kept going. And going. And going…

"Stop," the Master demanded, stepping forward.

Wipe it away.

Rio spun the trident in one hand, and water seeped from the air. It clung to the path of the trident's spin, becoming a halo of moisture. The more Rio spun it, the more solid the ring looked. Every cell in his body rebelled, screamed at him to stop but he couldn't. Threat. The war god would stop him if given the chance.

He needed to get the Light. It was close by.

Rio thrust the spinning trident in Kuma's path, and a massive geyser of water erupted from the force. The torrent of force ripped through the air, spiraling. Kuma leaped to the side once more, not looking back at the damage an attack like that would cause. No time.

In an instant the master was next to his son, who was still shooting the twisting torrent.. Before Rio could retaliate, the bear's fist sparked with electrical power as the Thunder Punch struck in just the right place, the side of his torso. The blow was bad enough, but the lightning shook him to his core. The agony became too much, and the Riolu-Vaporeon crumpled. He fell to his knees, and then on his face. His body shifted back to normal as his consciousness faded.

"...he's not ready," Kuma said, looking down at the crumpled form of the Riolu, then back at the dojo's back wall. Or what was left of it. There was a massive hole in what was once the kitchen, all utensils and stoves flooded. Splintered wood floated in the makeshift pool. Kuma wondered if Ursa would kill him for that…

He looked back down at his unconscious adopted son. Face first in the dirt, arms splayed over his head, neck bleeding…

Damn, it was like when they first found him.

Wait, the scar reopened?

Kuma wasted no more time in picking the Riolu back up, using his own large paw to stem the bleeding. Damn… those forms must take a strain… how did they not know that?

Kuma carried his son back in to start poaching him up. Boundaries needed to be set, limits understood, and his progress rigidly watched.

Or else they may have a second Boompaw on their hands.
 
Chapter 49: Hone Your Edge

BlackHairedPsycho

Aura Knight
"Begin!"

Blue wasted no time in drawing his blade, the broken horn taking time to hum with the hard light edge that had become so familiar. The drain with its use had lessened… or he just wasn't using it at its highest capacity. Prince, however, was just faster. The Dewott hybrid drew his twin scalchops from the slots in his shell, and long sea blue blades of energy sprouted from the ends. The Razor Shells just came into contact with Blue's strange sword, and the Bidoof's jaw ached at the sudden force. It was all he could do to not be sent hurtling back. The grooves he left in the firm dirt spoke wonders for both the force of the blow, and Blue's grueling, hellish work over the past few weeks. His foundations had been torn down and rebuilt, from wood to stone.

But it wasn't iron.

Prince dashed forward, water surging around him as Aqua Jet closed the slight gap between them in an instant. Blue couldn't begin to parry that kind of speed. His blade was raised to block one, but the tip of the other Razor Shell stopped right before his neck.

And as he transitioned into sparring before his day of hellish exercise, he was learning that Prince was steel.

"The winner is Prince!" Ursa barked. "Lower your blades!"

At the Urshifu's words, the sea blue energy dissipated. The Dewtortle sheathed his shells still looking at the Bidoof. The look in his eyes… It reminded him of how Red saw him before. He didn't think he was enough.

And if Blue's suspicions about his role was correct, he was probably right.

"Thanks for the scrap," the Dewott offered, despite the look. "Got your footing down, and for four legs your draw is great."

"...thanks." And if Prince was steel, the others were… even diamonds seemed too low.

"Not bad," Blue had to bite back the flinch as Ursa made herself known once again. "Still a ways to go, but-"

"Yeah…" Blue looked at his blade, fighting down the itch to draw it. It made him strong… if he just kept it out-

Blue stopped that line of thought immediately. It had been happening more…as he grew more comfortable with using it, those thoughts grew more and more frequent. It was… it was…

"Blue!" Ursa's authoritative bark cut through his warring mind and he panickedly looked back up. Both water types looked down at the formerly entranced Bidoof. "Were you listening?"

"Yeah yeah, work harder or whatever," Blue said absently. "Let's just get to the part where I'm coughing up blood from the exercise…"

"... Prince?" Ursa said a question obvious on her voice. "Why don't you take a bit of a break?"

"Sure, sure…" he waved, and started walking to the dojo. "Need to talk to him about something anyway."

The turtle-otter waked off, and Ursa sat down next to Blue. Her expression was… calm. Not the scary smirk that usually adorned her face.

"Why don't we have a little chat?" she asked. "You haven't really talked to me or Kuma since you got here. Why?"

Because you're somehow more terrifying than whatever Veles was turning into is why.

"...Intimidation, I guess?" Blue decided to dress up his response a bit. Didn't want to risk a punch.

"That makes sense," Ursa acknowledged. "You met three, technically four, Legends in a short time. It's a bit overwhelming, yeah?"

"...a bit, yeah…" Blue agreed. "Who's the- oh. Psych."

"A curious being, that one. I think he has a good chance of keeping Griza under some semblance of control at least…"

"...why did you teach her?" Blue had to ask. "And if she's that much of a problem… why let her go?"

"The longer she stayed here, the more her own Legend was rotting away. Her training was complete, at least physically. Hopefully she'll learn to calm down a bit in the outside world."

Blue thought back to the wedding, and the chaos she brought.

"...I don't think that's going well…"

"Too early to tell. Anyway, do you know why I brought up Griza?"

"...another reminder of my inferiority?"

"Not an intentional one," Ursa admitted. "But tell me this. What is her greatest strength?"

"Her literal strength," Blue answered almost immediately. "I haven't seen anything even close to stopping her when she gets going, hell, I don't think I've seen her TRY! It's… utterly terrifying."

A pause, before… "I'm like a bug to her."

"Maybe," Uras shrugged. "And Scales?"

"...His ability to take damage… even with his namesake, it's incredible. His Ability is Bulletproof, yes?"

"Correct," Ursa corrected. "And Pana?"

"Wait, really?" he paused, and sighed. Of course… "Pana's is… ironically obvious. Speed and stealth. Her moves are based on quick, single strikes, as well as evasion, and recovery, like she did on the ship. I imagine she has moves I've never seen her use, all of them probably do."

"I imagine Kuma's probably expanding on those as we speak, now that her hit and runs have gotten better. Poison Jab will fit her beautifully now."

"That's… yeah, that would fit."

"Interesting that you had the most to say about her," Ursa went on. "It's almost like you pay more attention to her than the others."

The Butterfree in his stomach started to flutter.

"Well, I, uhhhhh, admire her efficiency!" he said quickly. "She's just… amazing. At everything she does…"

"Is she now?" a sly grin came back as the water bear flicked her ponytail. "Well, Kuma may disagree, but I think you two are good together."

"W-what?" the blush came back full force as he panickedly looked up at the now giggling bear.

"Nevermind. Just, good luck with that. Let's continue. Rio's?"

"Yeah…" Blue shook his head to focus. "...Rio has two, maybe three."

"Three? Elaborate."

"Well, for one his power output is incredible. He can pull powerful moves off with seemingly minimal effort, especially with the crystals. And even without, his tendency to make his attacks explode out like that is… scary.

"I see. And the other?"

"Flexibility. He's still learning what his Eevee Shift can do-"

"Eevee Shift?" she raised an eyebrow.

"O-oh." he stumbled on his words a bit before continuing. "That's just… what I've been calling it. He never gave me any other name, so it's just that in my notes…"

"Hm. Go on." Ursa urged.

"Right. His Eevee Shift is still new to him, and based on what he told us yesterday he seems to be able to shift three times in rapid succession. Still, this offers enormous flexibility, and then there's the different Bone Rushes to consider on top of that. Those don't seem limited to Eeveelutions, if the hammer story is true. If he can stretch those limits…"

"Good," Ursa nodded. "Now, weaknesses?"

"What?" he looked back at the bear, confused. Safe to say he wasn't expecting that.

"You heard me," Ursa nodded along. "Go on."

"...Griza isn't very smart," he continues. "She doesn't plan ahead, and while her strength is absurd, that is a serious issue… got her and us into trouble a few times. Not to mention she seems to have a wind up. Scales is slower than he should be… even with his size. And his weight can be exploited… hell, even I did it. I've never seen Pana take an actual clean hit, and I think that's on purpose. She can't take a lot of damage, can she?"

"Maybe…" a smile was growing on the bear's face. "And Rio?"

"...control. The longer and more fierce the fight… the sooner he loses it. And that's dangerous for… everyone. Not to mention he usually ends up wiping himself out. It's worked so far… but if it ever doesn't…"

"Good," Ursa nodded, giving the beaver a pat on the back. Blue stumbled from the force. "That's your edge."

"E-excuse me?" Blue looked back up at the bear, genuinely confused.

"Your talent," Ursa explained. "What you're already good at. Observation, planning, picking out strengths and weaknesses. Your terrain awareness could use work from what I've seen, but…"

"I-I'm not that-"

"You are." the bear shut him down immediately.

"But… I had time! I saw what each one of them could do multiple times! I can't-"

"You just fought Prince for the first time. What are his strengths and weaknesses?"

Blue paused, his eyes widening. Ursa smiled.

"Ready for a rematch?"

…​

"So soon?" Prince glanced down at the Bidoof, who stared back. The look in his eyes was… different. Sharper.

"Humor him," Ursa said dismissively. "Let's get it out of his system." Prince could have sworn there was a hit of a smile on her muzzle. Weird. She seemed impartial when it came to the first spar…

"Sure, sure…" the Dewtortle stood aside, paws not going for his blades, not yet. He wouldn't need to be that ready for the Bidoof. Not at his level.

For his part, Blue crouched down. He didn't go for his own blade yet either. He leaned forward, as if ready to sprint. Prince was surprised by this, the Bidoof would try to outspeed him? Really? Maybe with Aqua Jet, but he didn't know that… did he?

"Begin!"

Prince drew both of his blades out of his shell in one fluid motion, the sea blue energy sprouting to life. He would make sure Blue paid for the strange lapse in-

The Water Gun that shot towards the Hybrid was also unexpected. Still, nothing he couldn't handle. The blades started to steam with Scalding heat as Prince slashed the attack out of the air. Steam erupted from the hissing, creating a mist that obscured the battlefield. It clung to Prince. He couldn't see. But he didn't need to. All he had to do was listen for the sing of a blade leaving its scabbard and…

Shing!

There.

Water surrounded the hybrid as he went to Jet towards the beaver, just like he did before. Only… there was something different.

He felt the grass tighten around his ankles too late. Prince fell victim to the Grass Knot as he fell flat on his face, hard. The shell made him heavier than he looked at first glance, and the super effective move hit him hard. His scalchops fell out of his paws, and when he forced himself to stand he found a strange blue, broken blade pointed at his nose. The royal blue aura that clung to it and extended the blade matched the rings that had grown around his eyes, the broken sword gripped in the Bidoof's mouth. For a second, Prince was genuinely intimidated.

"The winner is Blue!" Ursa exclaimed. At that, the blue around both his eyes and the blade faded. The beaver, the Legacy, sheathed his blade at his side. Prince just stared at him for a minute.

"...how the hell did you manage to do THAT much better?" Prince rose, the grass wrapping his legs receding.

"I guess I just saw a way to take you down…" Blue took a step back, that confident glare fading. "I saw how straightforward you were, relying on your blades and getting close, so I figured if I could distract and trap you…"

The hybrid stared at the beaver, incredulous. Blue's nerves suddenly shot back onto his face, as he shook his head.

"O-of course if that was a real fight you could have just pelted me from a distance! Hell, you could probably do better than what I did if you had Ice Beam but-"

The Dewtortle just started laughing. Hard. Blue was… very confused now. Ursa couldn't help but smirk a bit herself.

"Why are you…" Blue started.

"You'll do," Prince responded, going to pick up his shells. "I was a bit nervous about the trip coming up, but you'll do."

"Not quite," Ursa corrected. "He's a thinker, not quite a fighter yet."

"Wait, what trip?" Blue looked between the two, his nerves spiking once more.

"You'll find out," Ursa nodded. "Rio's going with you."

"How's he been doing?" Prince asked, sheathing his blade. "Said he needed a few days?"

"Shifting so many times in quick succession puts a strain on his body," Blue said. "But enough about that. Where are we going, exactly?"

"No sense of suspense huh?" Prince sheathed his other blade. "Fine, fine. You two are gonna help me with my own Legend."

"...what?"

"Even hear about the Temple of the Sea?"

…​

Why did Pana have to bring him food? The Pancham held a tray containing the red stew that was a staple of living under the Masters. Why did it make tiny red clouds form over it? She at least didn't have to go hunting for the mushrooms needed for it, that was always annoying. She kicked her brother's door open, not bothering with a doorknob. Her hands were full after all.

"Lunchtime, dumbass," she said, stepping in. Looked how it usually did… his bed at the bottom of a crater. The lump under the blanket didn't respond. Asleep? She knew from experience you didn't wanna eat this soup cold, so she slid down the hole.

"Come on dumdum," she reached to take the blanket off. "You need to-"

There was not a Riolu under the cover. There was his pillow, and nothing else. Pana dropped the tray, and the stew fell to the ground. She blinked, and in a heartbeat exited the room to search the grounds.

Where was her brother?
 
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RJR Basimilus

Arceus is nice I suppose...
Location
the Lovely Planet
Partners
  1. arceus-fighting
  2. lurantis
  3. arceus-poison
  4. haxorus
It’s like, cold then warm then cold again then warm. So weird! Does the pokemon world have a natural ice age? Let’s hope not! Today was too cold! I wish I could be like a Spheal...

Thesus seems like an on and off mentor for Blue. He goes off on him like everyone else, but then he’s worried? Really one of those kinds of personalities that is mysterious. But I suppose it’s just his own way of caring. How many pokemon even care about books? Blue does it seems. Team Disaster is lucky to have someone so well read and eager to learn!

This city is really a mess though to have dungeons popping up all over the place. Random houses that lead to libraries- it’s convenient, but surprising no one has noticed before now. I suppose one pays less attention in a city because there’s just so much of it.

Rio, how can you say you care about the destruction of your city when you just finished doing quite a bit of that yourself? Haha, I guess it’s okay since you were running away. Very cryptic conversations though. It’s surprising how the Carbink assumed Rio was participating in a test just because he had a bracelet. Uh oh, I hope the crew didn’t start accidentally fulfilling a prophecy :O

After that whole deal with Mewtwo (I’m assuming- I’ve never been good at identifying pokemon from text descriptions.) everything is really picking up! There are lots of fun questions. Like, why is team disaster just kind of fucked up? Rio is a hybrid, Pana is ‘special’, Scales is Scales, and Blue has a bunch of mysterious stuff. When I clicked on the story to go through, I did “accidently” read some later chapters out of curiosity, so I have an inkling of the deal with the masters and Griza, but I’ll do my best to forget it so it’ll be exciting when I do reach it! Not to mention, everything with the stones and the rings are connected to both the lab and the trials for the Queen. Ah, it might get confusing, but that’s okay. In my opinion, confusion is a part of the experience, sometimes we forget, and sometimes we remember and it makes everything more exciting.

I wonder how good the guild’s information network is that they (marginally) connected a tip about team disaster being around to the hole in the waterfall. I would think since they just got back that making the correlation already in the paper is a bit premature, but hey, that’s what the news is all about! Even if they say they don’t know what caused it, saying the team was in the area sure is a hell of a side eye lol.

Team Disaster is in thick jam now. I’m sure they’ll be fine though! I couldn’t understand the note I left for myself about where I left off last time, so I’ll have to be more thorough this time.
 

Spiteful Murkrow

Busy Writing Stories I Want to Read
Pronouns
He/Him/His
Partners
  1. nidoran-f
  2. druddigon
  3. swellow
  4. lugia
  5. quilava-fobbie
  6. sneasel-kate
  7. heliolisk-fobbie
Whelp, I've been really scatterbrained tonight for some reason, but I feel like getting something out for a review tonight as I crunch through my backlog of stuff to publish. Sounds like as good a reason as any to dip my toes into Legends Legacy, jumping straight into the first two chapters:

Chapter 1

Rio thought buying his first real home would be fun. Moving in with the only family he knew sounded great on paper. Free from their masters, free to live however they wished with the slight threat of a possible surprise attack. After their first real great paying job, he was under the impression that it would be smooth sailing from here.

He didn’t take the real estate industry into consideration.

Oh, so the bludoge character from the cover art is 'Rio' huh? Though... yeah, from experience, real estate can get really confusing really fast.

When they walked into the property owner’s office and requested the place they wanted the conniving Persian insisted, no, demanded, they go search for another, more expensive piece of land. Rio should’ve stopped it there. He could feel their intentions. Their salesmon’s Aura was the closest thing he’d ever seen to pure greed and the houses they were being shown didn’t would’ve been impossible to defend. They were gonna need to guard it!


... What sort of cursed neighborhood do you live in such that how easily you can personally guard your home is a major consideration for buying a house?
:grohno:


I mean, I get that you live in a world where there's a civilization of Pokémon, but still.

Still, the Persian persisted. Rio tried to keep a lid on his annoyance, but he could feel his friends were close to snapping too. He was honestly amazed Scales hadn’t stormed off yet.

The next place was a large structure just outside of the city. At least they were getting closer to the place they decided on. It was stone, the walls looked to be as thin as possible, it was a single room, and it was double what they were willing to spend. The Persian made it sound much better.


At this rate, y'all probably want to consider renting considering your luck with these houses thus far.
:joltyshrug~1:


“This granite home was made to have a great amount of airflow, so the walls are understandably thin.” Rio counted that as the twenty-fifth lie that came out of the Persian’s mouth. The Aura never lied. “It is very close to town, so that’s why it’s so expensive.” Twenty-sixth. They were just hoping to sell a cheap house at a stupidly high interest to trick a gullible new homeowner. “How about it?”


Rio: "..."
:absus:

Persian: "... Is that a 'maybe'?" ^^;

“No,” Team Disaster said in unison.

“Just let us buy the treehouse!” Rio shouted in frustration.

“Why do you want that dump?” she asked. “It’s so-”

Pana cut her off this time. “That’s none of your business. Sell us the treehouse. Now.


Considering the dumps this guy's tried to unload on you so far, are you sure you don't want to try to do business with another agent?
:loltias:


The menace in her voice could have made a Tauros think twice about charging. The Persian had considerably less nerve. In seconds, they started padding back to her office to officially buy their base.


>buying anything from a real estate agent that has transparently been trying to scam you

I'm beginning to understand why these guys are apparently called 'Team Disaster'. :V

“Arceus almighty that took forever.”

Team Disaster walked up the forest trail to their newly purchased base. The Riolu, Rio, had his face buried in his paws as they walked. He had quite a lot of fur for a Riolu. The blue and black fur was thick, and the silver mane of fluff covering his neck stood out quite a bit. His black-tipped tail waved as he walked with his friends.


Rio: "... We're sure this was the right decision, right?"
Scales: "... No, not really. But we should at least see the inside of our new digs before we get buyer's regret, huh?" ^^;

“Why didn’t we stop her sooner?” Scales asked. The Hakamo-o was the tallest of their group, having at least a head over both his teammates. His gold and silver scales sparkled in the sunlight, clanking loudly as he moved. The massive scale embedded in his forehead was cracked towards the top, the result of a training accident.


Scales: "... That'll buff out with evolution, right?"
:fearfullaugh~1:

Pana: "Does it matter when you'll probably just crack your new scales in another accident afterwards?" -_-;

“I just didn’t want to be rude,” Pana excused herslef. The Pancham was probably the most normal looking out of the three. Her species' natural smile was replaced by a frown she had had since Rio had met her. She was also a little shorter than what was normal for a Pancham, but he had learned to never bring up her height. Not that it was very noticeable.


I mean, considering the vibe these guys are giving off, I can already see the ensuing shenanigans for when her height does get brought up.
:hoodLUL:



The only things they had were their treasure bag filled with their camping and exploring supplies, their bronze rank team badges hanging from their necks, and the keys to their new place.

“She was full of shit,” Rio said. “Trying to put us in deep debt. Her Aura was really obvious about it.”


Ah yes, earning that T rating you have on FFN right off the bat. Not that it's not hard to empathize with Rio there. :V

“You didn’t think to mention that?” Pana glared at Rio.

“I didn’t want to be rude,” Rio said mockingly. The glare she gave him wasn’t as bad as the one she gave the Persian, but it was a close second. She was about to respond when Rio felt the hostile Auras.

“Hostiles ahead,” Rio said. “Don’t be obvious about fighting.”

Oh, that's certainly a convenient application of Aura there. So Aura sensitivity works passively in this story, huh? Definitely handy for having a proverbial minesweeper on-hand, especially with how everything about these guys thus far screams "walking magnet for shenanigans"

Rio’s Aura sense wasn’t very precise, but he could at least sense multiple volatile Auras. He felt six in total. Some were either floating in the air or standing on something tall. He hoped it was a tree and not their-

Their new base had squatters. Because of course it did. No wonder it was so cheap. When they walked into their newly purchased clearing, a small field surrounded by tall trees, they saw their new base. The largest and thickest tree stood in the center, with a door built-in. When Rio looked up he could see the moderately sized treehouse, made of faded wood, sitting in its branches.


I'd say you get what you pay for, but with an agent like yours, it was really just a function of how you were going to get screwed over.
:LULgia:


The place was also crawling with bandits.

Scales: "Wait, Rio. How on earth can you tell those are bandits-?"
Rio: "Aura senses. Helps spot the obvious 'scheming and plotting to rob others' vibes."

Rio knew three were in the treehouse. One of them felt stronger than the others. His Aura sense couldn’t differentiate size or type yet, so he had no idea what was leading these guys. The Pokemon on the ground were normal types. Two Meowth, one was purple and looked really smug, a Zigzagoon, a Glameow, and a Patrat all looked up at the new homeowners. Their Aura shifted from hostile to ‘If you come one step closer we’ll eviscerate you’ like it was nothing. Rio stopped, and his team stopped with him.


Rio: "... I suppose it's not too late to cancel the sale, is it?" ._.;
Pana: "Rio, do you seriously think that that Persian would let us get away with that?" >_>;
Rio: "... I'm just going to assume that that's a 'no'."

“Hello,” Rio said calmly. “I think you’re in our base.”

To Rio’s surprise, they didn’t attack. Their Aura told him they were close enough to the edge that he thought any sudden move would get them into a fight, but they looked completely casual. “We’ve been here longer,” the purple Meowth said.

“That might be true, but we own it now. Could you leave?”

Alolameowth:
Image

Pana: "Rio. These are bandits. Seriously, why are you bothering to stop and ask?" >_>;

It was at this that one of the figures in the treehouse came down. It was a heavily scarred Zangoose, at least double the Riolu’s height. He towered over every Pokemon in the area. Healed scars ran up his arms, and legs, and a long one went over one eye. The trio watched as he slowly approached. His Aura was completely calm. No, that wasn’t quite right. He was just underestimating them. He was a smug prick of a bandit. Probably had a bounty on his head too.

“Piss off,” the Zangoose said. “Small fry explorers like you won’t be taking me in.”


Scales: "... You do realize that at least three of us have a type advantage over you, right?"
:what:

Zangoose: "You do realize that you all look like dweebs I'd rip off for their milk money, right?"

“We just want our house,” Scales had jumped in now. “Leave and we won’t have trouble.”

At this, the Zangoose laughed. His followers joined him. It was a deep laugh, the mocking undertones obvious. He was even close to tears. Rio was gonna enjoy what he was about to do.

“You kids are funny!” the Zangoose gasped. “Tell you what, I’ll let you go with your items- Hey, weren’t there three of you?”

Image


This is gonna get good, I can tell.

The last two Auras left the treehouse then. It wasn’t their choice, of course, but they flew out anyways. The two Aipom were unconscious before they hit the ground. Pana did her job well. The signal was loud and clear.

Staff, Rio thought. A glowing blue bone as tall as him flashed into existence. He caught it in his left paw as Scales punched the Zangoose in the stomach. To his credit, the winded Pokemon didn’t go down. Rio walked past the two. This was routine for Team Disaster at this point. They didn’t even have to discuss their roles. Pana took out any fringe combatants, Scales took the biggest mon, and Rio cleared out the rest.


Well that's gotta suck for those bandits' pride there. Though guess it pays to be tougher than you look on the outside.

The regular Meowth slashed at him first. He blocked it with his staff, batted his paw out of the way and drove a Force Palm into his stomach. The Meowth went flying back a few feet, landing on his back unmoving. Rio twirled his staff in his paw as he waited for the bandits to process what he just did.

“Next?”

They all decided to take Rio up on his offer. The Zigzagoon reached him first, and Rio didn’t even give him time to attack. With a quick flick of his staff, he tripped the Zigzagoon. Rio dogged the next few slashes from the other Meowth easily, kind of disappointed in the lack of effort he was putting in. Another quick Force Palm and the other Meowth was down.


I was honestly expecting them to nope out after seeing like three of their own get dropped by a seeming bunch of kids. But, hey, criminals don't exactly self-select for intelligence. :V

The now recovered Zigzagoon had gotten up at this point and leaped at Rio’s back. He ducked, jumping as soon as the Zigzagoon's belly was over his head. He heard the wind leave the small Pokemon’s lungs as his Headbutt landed.

The Glameow and Patrat had the best idea out of all the bandits. They decided to come up with a plan of attack while Rio slaughtered their group. The Patrat got behind him as he dealt with the Zigzagoon, while the Glameow rushed at his front. Rio sidestepped both of them, letting them crash into each other. As soon as they landed on their asses he bashed the both of them over the head with his staff, knocking them out. The exchange only lasted a few seconds.


Scales: "Wait, Rio, are we actually killing these guys, or...?" .-.
Rio: "I think it's metaphorical, but if not... meh, can't say they didn't have it coming."
Scales: "I hope it's metaphorical, because boy are these guys gonna reek in short order if we're just throwing their bodies out the back of the treehouse." >_>;

He looked away from his victims to see if Scales needed any help, but the Hakamo-o seemed to be having even less fun than Rio did. The Zangoose just kept slashing at the dragon's scales, his claws bouncing off every time. Rio felt his Aura change from smug to absolute terror as the pathetic display went on.

“Who the hell are you?!” he yelled in frustration, never letting up his useless assault. “Are you really Bronze?”


Have you ever considered that you're just picking the worst possible type of attack to attack a 'mon with thick, overlapping scales with? Just saying, most forms of armor in reality resist slashing attacks. :V

Scales didn’t even bother to answer. He just stepped in closer and drove his fist up into the Zangoose’s gut. The Sky Uppercut sent the bandit leader a few feet into the air before he crashed back down into the dirt. He groaned in pain, still conscious.

“Going easy on him?” Pana asked, landing next to Rio. He didn’t even sense her that time. That thought scared him for a split second, but he was glad for her.

“Nah,” Scales responded, walking over to the gasping Zangoose. “Just punched at a weird angle.”

Pana: "You know, that's your cue to run off with your tail between your legs while you can, bub."

“Better be glad the Masters didn’t see that,” Rio said. “You would’ve been punching trees all week. Help me gather these bastards, would ya?”

“Gimme a sec,” Scales responded. He clocked the Zangoose in the face, knocking him out. Rio grabbed the large coil of rope from his bag and started grabbing the bandits.

“It’s a good thing they’ll never find out about it!” Scales said cheerfully, casually dragging the Zangoose over. Pana had already brought the Aipom over, and Rio sat their victims in a circle with the Zangoose sitting in the middle. He quickly wrapped the rope around the bandits and tied a tight knot.


Scales: "Oh, so they are still alive."
Rio: "Yeah, I kinda got the vibe this was a more comedic story. It'd be kinda messed up to kill the opening joke bosses as a part of that." ^^
Zangoose: "Joke bosses?! Why I oughta-!"
Scales: "... Can we at least still throw 'em out the back of the treehouse?"
:joltyshrug~1:


“Think they have a bounty?” Rio asked.

“This close to the city?” Pana shot back. “Maybe they were banking on the fact no one would look for them so close?”

“Might as well check,” Scales said, grabbing one end of the tight bundle. “Mind helping me with this Rio?”


Pana: "... That's a sign that these guys don't have a bounty on them, huh?" >_>;

Rio wordlessly grabbed the other end of the package. “We’ll get food while we’re at it. Can you start cleaning, Pana?”

“Try and get me some bamboo,” she asked, taking the bag from Rio. “Big cities should have some, right?”

“I only promise to try.” With that, the two hefted their potential bounty and headed into town.


Zangoose: "Hey! You can't just ignore us here-!"
:seviAAAAAAAAAAA:

Riolu: "I mean, you only just jobbed to a Bronze-rank team, so... yeah. I think we can, since I'm pretty sure there's schoolkids out there who'd put up a stiffer fight than that. Sit tight while we take care of those errands, we'll get around to turning you in eventually."
:gardeshrug:


Chapter 2

Rio and Scales had been inside Wonder City twice so far. For most, the novelty would have died down after the real estate issue. Maybe the fact that they grew up so isolated, so far from other Pokemon, helped them keep a strong sense of wonder.


Scales: "Say Rio, did we take care of those bandits yet-?"
Rio: "... Does it matter considering how forgettable they are? I mean, we could've skipped forward a week and it'd have made about as much difference to the plot."
:joltyshrug~1:


Its structure was like a ring, split into three sections. Residential for the outer, the market for the middle, and the centerpiece of the city, the Wanders Explorer Guild. Since the entire city was built around the massive tower every single road had a path that led to it.


Scales: "So, is this a company town for the guild, or...?"
Rio: "Pretty sure that's just the story being really on the nose about the relative importance of things. But eh, we'll find out soon enough."

The two of them got some stares with their load, but the badges kept people from asking questions. They knew where the two were going. It wouldn’t make sense for them to be going anywhere else.

The guild branch building, the tower, loomed over every other hut, tent, and house. It was painted silver and gold, the colors of the Wander’s guild. They were the only guild in the area, and training wasn’t necessary to register. Worked out great for Team Disaster.


I think that's a typo since you called it 'Wanders' Guild earlier. Though what's the catch with this guild if it's that easy for them to join into it?

The guild hall was packed with teams. Rio was glad his Aura sense was still relatively weak, or he might have been overwhelmed. Teams of Pokemon laughed, planned, and split treasure in the brightly painted room. The large request board took up the back wall. Everything from fetch quests to bounties littered the board. A desk stood in front of the wall and a Prinplup sat there.

When they dragged their bundle in, all eyes wandered towards the pair. Rio mostly felt surprise coming from every Pokemon in the room, followed closely by disbelief. Was it that surprising for two young Pokemon to bring in an entire bundle of bandits by themselves? When Rio phrased it like that, he could see where they were coming from.

“Delivery!” Rio and Scales said at the same time.

I kinda wonder if it'd have made more sense in the earlier bit to more explicitly indicate that they were lugging the bandits along with them, since I wasn't sure what they were carrying with that 'load' comment at first.

Scales: "Oh, so we were dealing with those bandits after all. Guess this is still the first day we moved in, huh?"
Rio: "Again, really wouldn't make much of a difference if we'd dragged our feet for a week on them."
Scales: "(Well I hope we didn't drag our feet that long, since otherwise boy those guys must reek right about now.)"
:TailsEww:


Blue couldn’t believe it.

The Bidoof stared at the bundle the excessively fluffy Riolu and Hakamo-o brought in. They were the bandits he was about to report. The bandits that stole from him. The bandits that took his treasure. The bandits he had no chance against. The bandits he was about to tip the guild off to, dragged in by one unevolved and one mid-evolution Pokemon no older than he was. They walked over to Blue, as if waiting for something.


Oh, so that's the Bidoof from the cover art.

Bidoof: "I... don't know if that's a sign that those guys are really tough, or if I should probably suddenly feel a lot more embarrassed for getting robbed by those bandits." >_>;

“You were saying something?” the Prinplup manning the front desk asked. “You had a tip for us?” He snapped out of his pondering, realizing that they were simply getting in line.

“It’s not important anymore,” Blue said, backing out of line. He never took his eyes off the duo, or the bandits he was about to tell the guild about. He simply watched and listened, trying to find out who these guys were. The duo walked forward, easily dragging their bundle across the smooth stone floor.


Blue: "... Wait a minute. Isn't this really premature since if the bandits are caught and here, then maybe I could get help recovering the stuff they stole from me?"
:joltyshrug~1:


“We found them squatting in our new place,” the incredibly fluffy Riolu said. Blue couldn’t get over the amount of fur on him. Blue knew he had to be a hybrid, there was no other explanation! A normal Riolu was not that fluffy. “From the way they were acting we thought they might have a bounty.”


Oh, so this is one of those stories where cross-species parentage reflects in traits of the child Pokémon, huh? Or at least I think that's the implication there.

Unless 'hybrid' means something really different from what my initial suspicion was.

The Prinplup clerk ducked under his desk and pulled out a stack of faded wanted posters. The scarred Zangoose was on top, a four-star bounty for twenty-thousand gold for the entire bunch. The Riolu and Hakamo-o stared at the poster, mouths agape. Blue couldn’t blame them. That was a lot of money, especially if you didn’t know the bounty.


Blue: "Holy cats, they really are strong!"
:ShockedCabot:

Scales: "I... uh... wow. Wasn't expecting to make that much money without breaking a sweat, but hey! We'll take it!" ^^

“‘Scarface’ Scratches and accomplices, four-stars,” the Prinplup said. “Team name and badges?”

“Team Disaster,” they said in unison, both handing over their badges. Blue didn’t see the badges at first. He was distracted by the bound bandits, but the most unbelievable thing he’d seen about this Team Disaster was their rank. They were bronze.


... Actually, how are they still Bronze Rank if they're pulling off jobs like these? Do they just inevitably wind up falling afoul of every guild they run into and get kicked out at some point? :V

They were new at this, and they manage to bring in a four-star bandit and his entire gang? There had to be a trick, or maybe they’re just taking credit for the real team? Did they have a veteran working with them?


Blue: "... Or it could be crazy beginner's luck there, but I dunno. Something about that doesn't seem right either."
:sceptical:


“Congratulations!” the Prinplup said. “Your team rank has risen to silver! Your new badges will be delivered to your base of operations, so we’ll need to know where that is.”


Whelp, they're not a Bronze team anymore. Though now I'm curious as to how they swept those guys so effortlessly.

Blue already knew the address, so he left to scope it out. No one was home, after all. Unless the person who actually beat them was already there, in which case he’d ask. If no one was there, he’d break in and take what was his.

As Blue left, he thought he saw the Riolu’s eyes flicker towards him. He shook it off quickly. Why would a fully-fledged explorer pay attention to someone like Blue? It was ridiculous.

Blue: "... Aside from the fact that I'm on the cover art, but that's getting too meta for this story."
:joltyshrug~1:


Blue stood on his back legs and checked the treehouse door. Locked. It made sense. This was a bandit hideout up until a few minutes ago. The team, or at least some of them, were out, so keeping others out would be a great idea. Blue wasn’t very stealthy, nor did he have the dexterity to break in without it being obvious that he gnawed his way inside. The price of being quadrupedal. His only choice was to knock, hope someone was home, and for them to not realize the value of his treasure.


Blue: "... Wait, why am I assuming that the bandits still had my treasure instead of pawning it off?"
:what:

- Beat moment -
Blue: "... Right, because it's as good a place as any to look around. And if it's not here, I can probably talk these guys into helping me look for it. Could do worse than a team that swept an entire gang of bandits." ^^

Blue lightly pounded on the hardened wood with his paw, barely resisting the instinctual urge to bite into it. That would’ve been rude. He put all four of his feet down and waited. It didn’t take long.

A Pancham covered in hay stood in the doorway. She seemed annoyed with his sudden intrusion, but that quickly turned to surprise. She looked about as old as her presumed teammate, but that made his theory of some kind of super explorer helping them even more unlikely. Blue’s first thought was how cute she looked. He immediately shook that off as she spoke.

“Can I help you?” she asked. A perfectly reasonable question.


Blue: "... Wait, am I tripping, or are you really part of Team Disaster?" .-.
Pana: "What are you going on about? Of course I'm part of Team Disaster! Didn't you see the sign walking-?"
- Beat moment -
Pana: "... Rio and Scales didn't put up the sign yet, did they?" >_>;
Blue: "I mean, there wasn't one described, so..." ^^;

“Is this the base of Team Disaster?” Blue asked, already knowing the answer to the question.

“Arceus almighty, what did they do?” she asked, slapping her face.

“Excuse me?”

“We just moved in, and we haven't done much, so how much shit did my two idiot teammates get into turning in those squatters?”


Blue: "... 20 Gs and a rank up? Why, is that normally not what they get into?" 😅
Pana: "(Wait, they actually accomplished something useful this time?) Uh. No. Not at all."

Blue was surprised. It was almost like she expected something to go wrong. He guessed it was the same reason their team name was Disaster.


I mean, yeah. When you call yourself 'Team Disaster' unironically... :V

“No! I saw them take the bandits in, so I thought to see if I could get my property back.”

“This place is ours.”

“No, not the house! They stole something from me a while back, and I wanted to see if it’s here.”

“And you didn’t ask Rio or Scales because?”


Blue: "... It didn't occur to me while they were at the guild? (Boy am I feeling dumb right now.)"
:joltyshrug~1:


Blue almost couldn’t believe those were the duo’s names. Rio the Riolu and Scales the Hakamo-o. What kind of parent names their kid after their species and most obvious traits like that? The Pancham must have noticed his disbelief as she continued.


Pana: "The same sort of parent that names their kid 'Quil the Cyndaquil' or 'Flame the Charmeleon'. On-the-nose names aren't rare in this fandom, kid." >_>;
Blue: "Look, at least mine isn't a fragment of my species name or a physical feature that I have." -_-;

“You didn’t even ask for their names?”

“Well-” he started, but the Pancham continued.

“You were hoping no one was home, weren't you? Break in, take what you want, and hopefully never even see the homeowners? Did I get all that?”

Blue: "(How on earth did she know that?!) What? No! Not at all! Why on earth would you think that-?!" O_O;
Pana: "Because you didn't walk up and explain what was going on to them like a normal person?" >:|
- Beat moment -
Blue: "... (Yeah, I'm really feeling dumb for not approaching them at the guild now.)" >.<

She did, but Blue wouldn’t tell her that. Judging by the hostile tone of her voice confirming that wouldn’t be good for his health.


Oh wow, before going back and checking the text more carefully, I didn't think that Blue was actually planning on stealing his stuff back from these guys. :V

“Anyway,” he continued. “It’s a small stone, diamond-shaped, gray, has a circle pattern in the middle. Have you seen it?”

She thought about it for a minute and waved him inside as she backed in. Blue followed her, caution never leaving his side.


Blue: "... Is that a 'yes'?"
Pana: "That's a 'hell if I know' since I've been here for all of an afternoon and I'm pretty sure I spent most of it sleeping." >_>;

The only thing in the narrow trunk of the tree was an old, rickety ladder. It stood in the middle of two openings, one going down into what Blue assumed was a basement, and one going up into the treehouse.

“What’s your name?” the Pancham asked, grabbing the ladder.

“Blue,” he answered.

“I’m Pana. If you help me sort through downstairs, you can have your treasure back.”

Blue: "Oh, so you did see it!"
:riowolu:

Pana: "Bold of you to assume that when I'm asking you for help sorting through stuff in a house we've owned for all of a day." >_>;

With that, Pana started to climb down. Blue hesitated. He was about to go down into a former bandits den with an admittedly pretty and highly dangerous Pokemon. That caution he brought with him? He was just dragging its lifeless corpse around.


Probably don't want to blurt that out loud to Pana right then and there, since I'm pretty sure that she'd deck you for saying that. :V

Blue really wanted his treasure back though. He needed it. His mother would kill him if he found out it was stolen. That reminded him that he should go visit her later. It would be a long trip.

Blue stood on his back legs, put his front legs through the very old wooden bars, and slowly started to descend. The rotting ladder held his weight as they went into the depths of the tree.

Blue: "Uh... hey, have you considered fixing that up? Since I'm pretty sure that's a safety haz-" .-.
Pana: "Owned this place for an afternoon, remember?" >_>;
Blue: "... Right."

The smell hit Blue first. Something was rotting in the large pile of trash below. All he could do was stare at the litter that cluttered the floor. Used orbs, rotting berries, stat-boosting items, even some used TM‘s. Everything was filthy. Blue couldn’t see the floor, and when he finally stepped down into the room the squish he heard and felt sent shivers down his spine. Was this how the bandits lived?


... I'm guessing those bandits already reeked even without keeping them around tied up for a week given that that's the state of their basement. :V

“If it’s still in the base,” Pana continued, holding her nose. “it’s probably somewhere in here. If you find it first you can go. If I find it first you help us clean to the end.”

Blue was close to gagging, but this was his best chance.

“Sure,” was all he could say without losing his lunch.


Blue: "I'm... suddenly not convinced that this is worth getting my treasure back right now."
:TailsEww:


“Great! I’ll get some bags.” Blue turned to look at her, but she was already gone. He hadn’t even heard her go back up! Maybe she took them down, one by one? Could any Pokemon be that good?

Blue shook the question out of his head. He decided to ask later. Right now, a job needed doing. But he really didn’t want to do it.

Blue: "Seriously, why me?" >.<

Alright, and a bit tight on time and energy tonight, so I think I'll leave things there and cut to the recap.

I... honestly really liked what I saw of this story from the first two chapters. It's nice and digestible, and has a funny vibe to it that gives it a 'slapstick cartoon' feel. If with some pretty drunk censors. I don't know how you managed it with chapters this short or else if I was just too enthralled with the characterization and gags to really pick up on sections with skimpier description, but both chapters honestly felt fairly complete as narratives. A bit fast and sped-up, but it seemed to have been done for comedic effect, and quite well to boot.

As for stuff I wasn't fond of... honestly, barring the couple of nitpicks I spotted such as being more explicit that Scales and Rio were dragging the bandits from their treehouse through town from the get-go and stuff like that one minor typo, I don't think that I have anything. Maybe there could’ve been more description, but I honestly was having too much fun with the back-and-forths with the characters to notice it all that much. Besides, It's a fun palette cleanser of a story that (for now) doesn't take itself too seriously, and I honestly see myself following it more in the future.

Great work there, @BlackHairedPsycho . I'll be looking forward to crossing paths with your writing again in the future.
 
Chapter 50: Born of a Blizzard

BlackHairedPsycho

Aura Knight
Frostpaw was just as Rio remembered it. The eternal snowstorm clouded the island over, only getting thicker the closer you got to the center. The moon did its best to pierce the clouds, but with little success. Boats couldn't get to the island itself because the water was frozen over. Boats had to make due with the pseudo-dock erected by the native Bearitic. Rio, of course, didn't need a boat. He found he could be aquatic when it suited him. His Vaporeon form skimmed through the freezing sea with ease, the cold water only nipping a bit at first. It was starting to get notably uncomfortable though. When he got to solid enough ice to stand, his immediate thought was to get dry so he could change back, when suddenly he felt his body change again.

The cold that cut through his fish scales suddenly felt like a nice spring day. He felt… at home in the cold, on the ice. He breathed in the freezing air, and the breath came out colder.

He looked down at his body, noting his puffy black and blue fir had been replaced by a pale, icy blue. His paws stood out, with their dark blue fur and thin claws. He looked into the ice to see his Aura sensors and mask got the same treatment, growned with what looked like a crystal growing out of his forehead. His tail was tipped with the same fur. So this was him as half Glaceon… Blue would probably want to take notes.

…why was he here again?

…right, the cold light at the center of the eternal storm.

…why didn't he bring anyone with him?

… they'd get in the way, right. The Masters would try and stop him. Why? Didn't they want this? Like how Diancie did?

…questions for later. He had a job to do.

A promise to keep.

Get the Light.

And get the light he went to do. Rio skated his way towards the land itself, gliding like it was the most natural thing in the world. He felt at home in this. His claws just helped him zip across the icy ocean. The cold and snow wrapped around him, and it just felt… right.

He got to the island itself in no time, the snow low on the beaches themselves. Further inland igloos skirted the worst of the eternal snowstorm, harsh even for the most hearty of Bearitic.

Two of which stood on the beach, and were now walking towards the Riolu. Oh here we go…

The Bearitic glared down at the little freak of nature, who looked back up into their eyes with a casual smile. He couldn't feel their Aura like this, but their hostility was obvious.

"You're one of the big bosses' kids, yeah?" the bear on the right asked. "The explosive freak?"

"Well aren't you polite," Rio's breath was as cold as his words. The Masters' status didn't protect the siblings, they had to do that themselves. Rio thought the Boompaw incident would have put an end to shit like this, but that seemed to be wishful thinking.

"Why are you here?" the one on the left asked. She seemed a little nicer at least.

"Would you believe a friendly visit?"

They glared harder at the dog.

"After what you did to Boompaw?"

"It was an accident!" Rio groaned. They didn't have to remind him. He could still remember it well. How it felt… having that much power flow through you… and then-

"Hey!" the snapping of claws drew him out of the memory. The male Bearitic was in his face now, breathing hot air onto his cold body. That felt really weird… "What's your real business?"

"The storm, and the dungeon at the center." With that, the Hybrid moved to push past them. Predictably, they moved to get in his way.

They were in the way.

"You think we're just gonna let the damn-"

Rio didn't even let them finish, burying a Force Palm into one of the Bearitics' stomachs. Even if the Aura was chilling, the force was still the same. The Bearitic flew back, ice creeping up his stomach. It was a deep blue, contrasting the white of the polar bear's fur. Even with it not being very effective, the ice type was unconscious before he hit the floor.

"You little-" was all the other one got out before she suddenly… stopped. Her eyes went blank, the anger in her voice dying, before suddenly slumping over. Floating behind her in a bubble of psychic power was a familiar Espeon, her blue eyes boring into his red.

"Can't say that wasn't efficient," she said with a muffled voice. "Still harsh."

"I didn't mind crush the other one," Rio shot back, walking forward and past the floating Espeon. She followed, a smile forming on her lips.

"She'll wake up with a headache in a few hours," Selena explained. "Less of one for either of us that way."

"Why are you following me around anyway?" Rio asked. Her strangely familiar and overwhelming Aura had just popped in. Wait, why could he feel hers? Was she hiding? Teleport? "Blue's your old partner's kid."

"And he's just like Gold." Selena waved him off. "He's doing fine on his own path."

"So what, I'm not?" he raised an eye at the Espeon.

"Yes and no." she shrugged. "You're going faster than you should. That monster in your soul is getting impatient, yes? Hearing it more?"

The air around Rio suddenly grew even colder. Frost crept up Selena's bubble, she felt the frigid air through her barrier. Rio's eyes were cold, angry, and confused as he stared back.

"How do you know that?" he growled.

"I'm psychic," she answered evenly. "And… this isn't the first time. At least you didn't go on a rampage-"

"Boompaw was a burst-" he starts to defend himself before Selena raised a paw.

"I said rampage," she emphasized as she floated along. "Not a move accident."

"...what are you-" he started to follow.

"It's not important, not yet at least. You feel the ice crystal?"

"...center of the island." the temperature didn't get any colder at least. "It's where-"

"Yes, yes, I believe the locals call it the Boreal Crack?"

"Read my mind for that too?" he raised his new pale blue eye, and she returned the look with her piercing blue.

"The Bearitic actually. Has a wonderful family too. Husband, three adorable cubs."

"Well good for her…" Why did those words coming from her bother him so much? It shouldn't…

"How have you been?" she asked after they had been walking a while. Nothing had bothered them as they walked further into the eternal storm, Rio's new Snow Cloak obscuring him with the intensity of the snowfall. Selena's bubble seemed only to thicken as they went along. "How has life treated you?"

"Good and bad," he sighed. "Made some new friends, but my ex still doesn't understand I'm her ex. Also the voice in my head won't shut up…"

"Now that's relatable," she smiled. "About Griza, you shouldn't have to worry about her. Her group just made it to the Grass Continent."

"Ah, so you're keeping an eye on them too. I suddenly feel less special."

"Don't get jealous, sweetie," Selena laughed. "If anything, you're a lot more… interesting. You deserve special attention."

"Well I'm flattered." he said flatly. "...what did you mean by rampage?"

"Exactly what it sounds like," Selena said simply. "Scary to watch, I must admit."

"You saw-"

'We're here!"

All other questions seemed to melt from Rio's mind as he overlooked the Dungeon below. The Boreal Crack ran along the center of the island, the worst of the snowstorm gatherers above its center. The sheer cliff of ice wrapped around the dark void of the Dungeon entrance.. And something in there… it called to him. It was all that mattered now. He had to get in there.

"Try not to be too consumed," Selena cautioned. "Here are other joys to consider. Friendship, food-"

He jumped down without responding.

"...family…" she sighed, and floated after him.

…​

The Boreal Crack was widely considered to be the most dangerous Dungeon in the archipelago. With the cold that would make even ice types shudder and the massive mammoths of feral mon that made it home, even the main residents of the island themselves only sent their strongest inside. The Masters has even cautioned the Disasters to not go in unprepared, and they were thrown into the other Dungeons in the area in the middle of the night sometime. The tough, slick ground that made up the landscape with the towering frigid cliffs.

Rio could care less about that at the moment. Even as two towering Mamoswine charged at him, eyes glazed over. Rio simply stared at them.

They were in his way.

He would move them.

His Bone Rush sprouted to life once more, growing in between his clasped, frosty paws. Instead of a staff, or scythe, or dynamite, something new came to his hands. The Aura that made it up was colder than ice, and extended past his head. On each end large axe blades sprouted from each end, and Rio snapped them apart. He leveled his new twin axes at the charging pig mammoths, and swung.

Freezing wind followed the cuts at the leftmost mammoth's leg while he danced to the side. The blades sliced a bit into the thick muscle, before shattering. Rio looked as the feral whined in pain as they both tried to turn to charge him again.

"Well that was underwhelming," Selena said, floating out of their reach. "Not all those bones are winners huh? Or maybe it's the fact you tried that on an ice type Mamoswine?"

Rio was only half hearing her, and the axe blades reconstituted themselves. In seconds two fresh, sharp ice axes sat in each of his paws once more. They really were fragile… maybe…

The swines charged once more, and Rio turned to face their charge. And that's when he noticed something… one of the huge titans… the one he wounded. It was moving slower… a lot slower than it should. It was a scratch… it was only a scratch.

And then, as he dodged easily once again, he saw. The ice was red and blue, the shards from his previous axe still stuck in its leg. Where the cut landed, and where shards stuck out, ice spread, creeping along the huge mon's leg. And it was only picking up speed the closer it got to him…

Rio dodged to the other side this time, delivering a chop to the unharmed swine's side with similar results. The ice spread from the shards, freezing the wound and climbing up and up the massive feral's bulky body. They were really slowing down now…

"...never mind," Selena said, a tinge of surprise in her voice. Even her carefully controlled Aura let it slip. "That is terrifying."

As Rio got closer and closer, the ice, the cold, it got stronger and stronger. The rage the ferals felt had fully turned to fear as they looked into his mismatched, cold eyes. Rio looked back, blinking at what he had done.

And then the ice consumed them both, the Mamoswine falling still. Rio let out a frosty breath and hefted his axes. That was new…

"That was completely terrifying," Selena said, floating back down. "Does it have a name?"

Rio didn't respond, and simply continued onward. They were almost there…

"Hmmm, how about Viral Frost?"

Responding wasn't important. The cold Light awaited.

"Yeah, Viral Frost."

…​

The shattered Cryogonal slowly pieced themselves back together, but they had learned their lesson. Let the scary dog and floating cat pass. They would miss the freezing crystal, but their existence was more important.

"Now that is a sight…" Selena whistled. The two started at an enormous column of ice in the massive cave they stood, rising far above their heads. The entire cavern was encased in thick, blue ice, all piling up. The center of the cave lay a frigid pillar of pure ice not quite reaching the ceiling, but coming close. That wasn't what Rio was interested in, however. The ice wasn't important, no.

But what lay in the center of the column was. He could see it shine through its icy pillar casing, the pale crystal, a snowflake etched into its surface. It was the Light, tainted Light, but a source of it nonetheless.

And it was his.

"Well, there it is," Selena noted. "How do you plan on-"

Rio raised a paw. The Light inside the pillar brightened, and the room suddenly got much, much colder. Selena, her bubble's insulation suddenly doing next to nothing, decided to finally Transform into an Abomasnow. She still felt cold.

Then the pillar began to crack.

Light poured out of the rapidly forming cracks, shining and splitting the ice apart. Chunks of cold and frost started falling out in clumps, shattering on contact with the ground. The entire room rumbled as the pillar soon shattered under the force of his thought, enormous chunks plummeting towards the duo. Selena had to knock a few away, and Rio just mostly ignored them as he took a few steps forward. The crystal was already flying towards him, but he was impatient. He needed it now…

And as soon as he grasped the crystal, he felt it, more clearly than he already was. The thing under the surface, the thing driving him, the black hole that wanted to consume the Light, the alien yet familiar mind. The Legend. It...

It was satisfied.

For now.

Rio fell to his knees as he processed what had just happened. That was… different from the other trances. Longer… stronger…

And he didn't even know the name of the thing driving him to this end.

Selena transformed back, and stared down at the Hybrid from her floating perch. Even as he was reeling from his experience, as he tried to process the haze of a Legacy's trance, he inserted the crystal into his bracelet. They all flashed visibly before settling back down. The room was back to its normal, if a little warmer, temperatures.

She didn't ask if he was ok. He was, even if he didn't think so.

He had to be.

The consequences if he wasn't were unacceptable.

She expanded her bubble to include him. He didn't fight it. With a pop, they both Teleported out of the Boreal Crack.

…​

Pana had been searching for Rio all night. It was something to focus on that wasn't that pull to Greenpaw but it came at the cost of her brother's location. Unacceptable. He was still collapsed from whatever that training accident was, body strained to its limit. He could not have just gotten up. Rio couldn't have gotten far, and everyone was looking.

Pana found a trail soon enough, footprints leading to the beach, and into the tide. They ran straight into the ocean, and towards a certain island. Pana gazed at Shiverpaw, and her eyes bulged.

The storm… it was gone.
 

Spiteful Murkrow

Busy Writing Stories I Want to Read
Pronouns
He/Him/His
Partners
  1. nidoran-f
  2. druddigon
  3. swellow
  4. lugia
  5. quilava-fobbie
  6. sneasel-kate
  7. heliolisk-fobbie
Heya, there's a flash reviewing event going on, and I've got -checks notes- an hour to get something together for it. Wanted to squeeze in a small extra for it, and looking at the next chapter and its length... yeah, this seems as good a thing to throw in as any. Picking up with

Chapter 3

"Scales?" Rio asked, getting his friend's attention.

"What's up?" Scales responded.

"I think we got too much food."

The Riolu and Hakamo-o carried enough food to feed several large families. Berries, seeds, feral Pokemon meat, they even found the bamboo Pana wanted. Both their arms were loaded, and they were even using their tails to haul their bounty to their base. The walk wasn't hard, but it was long and starting to wear on the Riolu.
... Did these two blow all 20k Poké they made off those bandits on food or something? Since that feels like a crazily large quantity of food for them to have there. :V

"What makes you say that?" Scales asked.

"The fact that this much could comfortably feed an orphanage for a week."

"Then we'll be fed for a week."
IMO, you want to explicitly say that Scales spoke up there, since there's not a hard lead-in from the prior paragraph that Scales spoke up, since the last mention is that things were starting to wear on Rio and as it stands things are kinda ambiguous.

[ ]

"You know, just because we don't live with the Masters anymore doesn't mean we should pig out all the time."

[ ]

"Then think of it as a party tonight! We just got our base!"

[ ]

"Fine. But I'll let you tell Pana how much this cost us."
This segment feels like it's one that could benefit a lot from describing body language or internal thought process or the like, since it'd help make this back and forth between Scales and Rio a bit more animated and expressive.

Though they really did just blow 20Gs on groceries, didn't they? :V

[ ]

"Do you think we could keep that to ourselves?"

"We both know she'll ask to see the money and I'm telling her how much that gang was worth."
Ditto here, since you just know that Scales was cringing at the idea of telling Pana how much money they blew while food shopping. Might as well spell it out more explicitly and get in some laughs.

Scales sighed in resignation, and they continued to walk. Rio wasn't sure why he didn't step in. Maybe it was the elation at the fact they finally had a base entirely to their own? The fact the masters wouldn't find them too easily? That he enjoyed seeing Scales realize his ideas weren't thought out, especially when it came to team decisions? Or maybe he was just hungry too and he didn't notice the edible mountain they purchased after too long. Either way, every shopkeeper made it clear there were no refunds.

:fearfullaugh~1:


Can't tell whether that's a bad omen for how the masters are, or if Team Disaster are just the equivalent of rebellious protegés that are looking to skip out on their mentors.

Rio noticed two Auras before the smell. One was Pana, he spent enough time around her and Scales to instantly recognize them, and the other one was new. He thought he recognized it, but it was really new. This was strange since they were new in town and barely talked to anyone yet.

Then the smell hit him, and he almost puked up what little he did eat. Scales wasn't much better, almost dropping their precious meat and bamboo. It was rancid!

Scales: "Uh... Rio? I think that's coming from our house." 🤢
Rio: "... How on earth did we never notice that before?"
:TailsEww:


"What the hell is that?" Scales shouted.

"I think the bandits didn't care much for cleaning," Rio answered.

The duo continued on, and sure enough, trash piled at the base of the tree. Pana had been busy, and she had a helper.
Whelp, you can't say that this place wasn't cheap for a reason.
:loltias:


"How much trash can a few Pokemon make?" the curious Bidoof with a blue bandana from earlier said, dragging a large bag out with his mouth. Rio hoped for his sake it didn't break while he was carrying it.

"I wouldn't talk with your mouth full," Pana suggested. "You don't want to swallow any of that."
I think the better question is how long were those bandits all chilling there. Since if they just yeeted all of their trash in the basement to try and cover their tracks for a few months...
:fearfullaugh~1:


The two walked over, getting both Pokemon's attention. Pana noticed the long bamboo stalks they carried and her expression visibly brightened. Her Aura shifted from near-constant annoyance to joy.

"You found some!" she exclaimed, dropping her trash bag and rushing over. Before either of them could react she had grabbed every stalk of bamboo out of the bags and their grips. Rio barely noticed. The Masters would have been proud of that display. Her appetite was obviously unaffected by the rancid smell. "It's been so long!"

"Might want to save them," Rio said. "They're not cheap."
Rio: "Pana, how on earth can you eat like this right now?"
:TailsEww:

Pana: "Hey, I fell asleep like this. I'm pretty sure that I'm odor-blind to this stench at this rate."
:gardeshrug:


"How much did those squatters fetch for?" Pana asked, taking a bite.

"Twenty-thousand."

"Seriously? And how much did the food cost you?"

"I'll let Scales tell you about that."
Scales: "Rio?! Why on earth would you-?!"
:ScaredCabot:


Rio turned to their guest and pointed towards the treehouse. He didn't want to be around the soon to be livid Pancham. For someone so stealthy she could yell. The Bidoof got the hint and the two of them went inside. Thankfully the trash was left outside.
... Wonderful teammate there. I wonder if that's also an omen for how well these guys work together in dungeons. :V

"You don't want to be near that mess," Rio said, closing the door behind him. "We met at the guild hall, right?"

"You noticed me?" he asked, wide-eyed.

"With an Aura projecting that much curiosity it would've been hard not to."
Blue: "... Wait, really? Since the entire time last chapter, I could've sworn that you literally didn't even turn your head to acknowledge me."
:joltyshrug~1:

Rio: "Don't have to. Aura vision."

"Are you reading it right now?"

"I can't really turn it off."

The Bidoof looked uncomfortable, and his Aura confirmed the feeling. They were silent for a bit, and the predicted shouting hadn't started yet, so Rio continued the conversation.
Boy that must get awkward in moments like when Scales happens to meet a cute dragon girl. Though I wonder if Rio just proverbially tunes out when he's being surrounded by auras/vibes that he doesn't want to think too hard about. ^^;

"So, what's your name?"

"It's Blue. You're Rio, right?"

"Yep."

Another uncomfortable silence, then Blue asked a question.

"How did the three of you beat an entire bandit gang?"
Rio: "Is it really that unbelievable that we'd be able to beat an entire bandit gang when in PMD, a well-placed Wonder Orb can get you halfway to deleting a Monster House?"
:what:

Blue: "... Just saying, I'd like to not feel pathetic about getting robbed by those guys, so I was kinda hoping that you were all secretly like Level 70 or something like that."
:joltyshrug~1:


"That? Well, we got the drop on them first, and then we beat on them until they were out."

"That's it?"

"We did have a type advantage."

Blue's stare bore into Rio. He didn't have to sense Aura to pick up on the massive amounts of skepticism contained in the look. He was kind of impressed that anyone could be THAT skeptical.
I mean, I'm kinda skeptical there too given that you three used to train under some 'Masters'. You're very, very obviously not a run-of-the-mill Bronze- well, now Silver Rank team.

"Alright," Blue said, dropping the subject. "Another question."

"Shoot."

"Have you seen-"

"YOU SPENT TEN THOUSAND ON FOOD?"
Oh, so that's how much money they blew on their food budget. :V

Rio: "And there it is..." >_>;
Scales: "W-We still have some money leftover, I swear!" O.O

Rio was expecting it, but Pana's screech of rage followed by the sudden spike of her angry Aura instantly got his attention. He sensed it burning with fury outside, while Scales's Aura cowered under its rage.

"WHY DID YOU THINK SPENDING THAT MUCH WAS OK? THAT MUCH COULD'VE BOUGHT US ITEMS! FURNITURE! THINGS THAT WON'T SPOIL!"

"Well-"

"AND WHY DIDN'T RIO STOP YOU?"
Rio: "Boy am I glad I'm not right next to her right now."
:fearfullaugh~1:

Blue: "Wait, so... she's just always like that, or...?" o_o;
Rio: "Er... yeah, while you wouldn't know about it yet canonically, this is pretty par for the course for Pana." ^^;

It was then that Rio realized something. He was just as responsible for spending that much money, and she would verbally rip him a new one. A light teasing was one thing, but this might cost him an ear. Or she might get straight to ripping off both of their tails slowly as she berated them. That was equally likely.

"Ten thousand?" Rio turned back to Blue, who was wide-eyed at their incompetent money managing. "Seriously?"
... Blue winds up coming aboard as their accountant, doesn't he? I mean, it's not a guarantee, but it just feels like that's where the joke is headed in short order.
:LULgia:


"There's a reason our name's Team Disaster," he answered. "I'm gonna go help downstairs to [lessen her rage]. You're welcome to join me."
I think that if you phrased that as "calm her/Pana down", that would probably sound more natural there.

With that, Rio retreated into the basement. The smell still got him close to gagging, but it was better than the torment he was trying to escape. Blue followed him down, his curiosity still strong.

"What'd you even get?"

"Berries, seeds, bamboo, feral meat."

"There's your problem. Bamboo is rare and feral meat is dangerous to get! Of course it was so expensive, especially since you seemed to get so much!"

"In hindsight, I probably should've been the one to one to handle the money."
... Feeling really good about my prediction that Blue is going to join as the team accountant.
:hoodLUL:


With that, Rio got to work. He grabbed one of the many needed bags and began to scoop up trash. They worked in silence until Blue asked his next question.

"Could you tell me if you see something?" he asked.

"What is it?" Rio asked, noticing a glint in the muck and trash.

"It's a small, grey rock." Rio picked up the glowing object. "It's diamond-shaped, and has a circle pattern on the front."

"You didn't mention the glow."
Blue: "Wait, the glow-?"

Rio stared at the stone he held. It matched Blue's description, minus the white light radiating from it. The symbol he talked about was a circle surrounded by an incomplete circle, small sections missing from opposite sides. He held it out to Blue, whose eyes widened.

"That's it! That's my stone!"

"So why didn't you mention the fact that it glows? I feel like that would've been more obvious."
Blue: "I'm... pretty sure that it's not supposed to do that? And I’m not sure if I can even see that…" ^^;

Blue walked over to him and examined his prized prism. Rio was surprised he looked at it so intently, it wasn't a particularly strong light, but it should still at least hurt to look at.

"What are you talking about? It's not glowing."

"Yes, it is."

"No, it's not. Is the smell getting to you?"
Blue: "... Waaaaait a minute. Is this some sort of freaky Aura vision thing at work all over again?"
Rio: "Look, I can see your rock glowing, alright? The better question would be is the smell getting to you such that you can't see it?" >_>;

Horrendous smells aside, Rio felt fine. It was strange that only he could see the light coming off that stone, but as long as it wasn't anything life-threatening he wasn't gonna worry about it. Life was too short.

"Here," Rio held the stone out to Blue. After a second of hesitation, he grabbed it with his teeth and gently dropped it between his neck and bandana. It would've been unnoticeable, if not for the light that still came from it.

"Thanks," Blue said, and Rio could tell he meant it. His curiosity was shattered by obvious relief. "This is-"

The surge of anger directed at Rio cut any moment he was sharing with the Bidoof off. He just managed to sidestep Pana's Arm Thrust, aimed right at his gut.
Whelp, so much for having a calm, collected moment to figure out what that rock was.

Blue: "Uh... Rio, was it? I thought that you said that you were going to lessen Pana's rage or something like that."
:uhhh:

Rio: "... Yeah, I kinda thought I was too."
:riohnolu:


"I'm cleaning!" Rio shouted. He hadn't even felt her come in! If she wasn't so pissed he'd be gasping for air on the filthy floor.

"You better!" she shot back, suddenly calm. "Now he doesn't have any reason to help!" She gestured to Blue, whose relief was replaced by so much confusion. Rio couldn't blame him, of course.
Wow, that was certainly effective at getting Pana to calm down. Guess it makes sense thematically that a hair-trigger temper would also be easy to subside, though.

"A deal's a deal," she said to Blue. "Thanks for the help."

Blue: "Er... thanks. (Boy am I glad that I'll never have to see any of you again-)"
- Blue looks up at the cover art -
Blue: "Aw nuts."

Rio could feel hesitation coming from Blue. He hadn't moved to leave yet.

"Actually," he started, "I wouldn't mind staying to help if you offer dinner. As you know by now food is a little expensive here."

"Done," Rio and Pana said at the same time. Any help would be a godsend with that much trash.

"It better be good," Blue said, getting back to work.
Somehow I doubt that it's merely just food prices animating Blue's reluctance to leave there, though it might have been nice to see that hinted a bit more explicitly in the text.

Alright, time for the recap:

Another bite-sized chapter, but I'm not necessarily opposed to it. It was a fun little piece that gave a few glimpses at Team Disaster's past, how they interact with one another, and... well... why 'Team Disaster' isn't such an inaccurate name for them considering their antics. So I'd say it did its job pretty effectively as a comedic breather.

I do wonder if you were a little overly sparse on the description at some points. Since there were a few bits where just stopping to describe stuff like body language or the like IMO would've made a couple of segments funnier. Like the dialogue already does a decent job of carrying things, but it's like the old saw about a picture being worth a thousand words. You don't have pictures to work with in a written medium, so you kinda need words to paint one for your reader.

But kudos on the chapter @BlackHairedPsycho . It followed up from my earlier impressions pretty well, and I'm looking forward to coming back for more of this series and of Team Disaster's misadventures in the future.
 
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Chapter 51: Mercy of the Sea

BlackHairedPsycho

Aura Knight
Dark Crater. Once it was a vault for a special artifact, and it still was, in a sense. Once, it was the point of darkness, where a certain god started to expand his dominion over the world with a reality shattering plot. Once, long, long ago, it may have even been the start of something… sinister. Whatever the origins, Dark Crater was an apt name for the fiery hellscape of a dungeon.

The tendrils that wrapped around it didn't help the reputation much. Purple black taint spread across the volcanic island, the tendrils twitching, writhing. Despite the volcano that made up the center of the island, it felt cold to the crew docked nearby. The ragtag group of pirates were in rough condition. After they escorted that terrifying Bewear that literally lifted their ship like it was a toy as well as her companions to the Grass Continent, their captain and her new guests had gunned it for here. The giant cat was unnerving, but at least the Gabite could cook.

It had been two days since the three entered, and every day they could swear the tendrils were spreading… growing… getting closer to them. If the wrath of the pirate queen wasn't hovering over their heads they would have ran already. And the fear of whatever eldritch horror was responsible for those tendrils was beginning to outweigh the fear of their captain. The Sneasler was just about to order their abandonment of their captain, when a jovial, yet somehow still threatening voice shook the bird to her core.

"No faith in your queen?" the towering Feraligatr said, a smirk on her face. She stood at a terrifying nine feet tall, towering over the rest of her scared and tired crew. The red bandana around her neck and torn vest were charred, but her blue scalley body didn't seem to have a mark, and the crimson markings that ran down her arms, chest, stomach, and up her jaw. Her piercing yellow eyes seemed to hoot through the first mate's core. All while the true boss of the ship smiled her toothy smile.

"C-captain Harley!" the Sneasler said. "It's good to see you alive and-"

"Don't kiss my ass Ames," Harley cut her off, stepping closer. "I'm gonna ignore the fact you almost disobeyed and stranded us, cuz we're in a good mood."

"T-then you all-"

"You don't need to know that much," said a soft, but serious voice from behind the croc. Another lizard, this time a Sceptile, stepped out from behind them. He wasn't as tall as Harley, not many mon were, but he was still over six feet. There were some other deviations to the norm… the seeds that grew out of his back looked less yellow and more a clear blue. They were also losing their spherical shape, more closely resembling gems. Bits of metal seemed to be running down the lengths of his arms, and the blades on each forearm seemed to be lined with it as well. They looked sharp. His tail had a similar effect, each leaf seemingly coated with metal. And then there were the eyes. A dull red reptilian pupil was surrounded by pitch black void. It seemed to bore into Ames's soul. She couldn't help but notice that he wasn't that metallic before the team went in. "Just keep your heads down and-"

"Oh shut it Pierce!" Harley barked. The ocean seemed to rock the boat just a bit harder at the captain's outburst. "My damn crew, they can know what the hell we found in there. What's the harm?"

"You mean besides the sentient dungeon who would love more than anything to swallow this ship? With all of us on board?"

"That thing's overblown," She waved the concern off. "You got your gear."

"We tore through an actual flaming army, and then an ENORMOUS Coalossal to get that thing."

"Which we fucking tore apart, remember?" Harley grinned down at the other reptile. "Now you better keep your end of the bargain. Where's my next piece?"

"Fabio has the map."

"That fairy prick?" Harley groaned.

"Would you have come back with us otherwise?"

"No, because I would have had better things to do!"

"The Golden Lady wishes to speak to you."

At that, Harley flinched. The Sceptile managed a small grin at that.

"I thought our last talk summed up what would happen next," the pirate queen said, unusually calm.

"She likes to be thorough you see," Pierce nodded, and turned his back to the larger lizard. "Now come on. You know the place."

"...set sail for the springs!" Harley barked. The crew obeyed with no hesitation. When Legacies were involved, it was better to just get on with it. Saved headaches, and collateral.

…​

"Tell me what happened again," Kuma asked, his wife and partner beside him as they stared down the Riolu on the other side of the table. The new stone in his bracelet seemed to radiate cold, every time he tapped it. Which was often. The pile of treasure in the room sparkled under the small coating of frost forming.

"Why?" Rio groaned, feeling antsy. "I told you everything already!"

"Humor us," Ursa shot back. "What happened?'

"Fine!" Rio groaned. What was the big deal? He was supposed to be collecting these anyway, right? "I went out to Frostpaw, met this Espeon again who I'm PRETTY sure is a Legacy, we went into the Crack, and I found this." He held up his bracelet, flashing the icy crystal that lay within a slot. "Happy?"

"Calm down," Kuma asked.

"I am calm!" Rio exclaimed, and suddenly exploded, blowing a hole in the ceiling and his chair to smithereens. His parents gave him a flat look as he picked himself up sheepishly.

"...now. I'm calm now."

"Right," Ursa sighed. "Remember to keep your Aura cycling. Should help with not exploding."

"Yeah, yeah… so what's the problem? I thought I was SUPPOSED to collect these things."

"You are," Kuma nods. "It's just that some of them are in tricky places."

"It wasn't that hard-"

"Not what he meant," Ursa cut Rio off. "Rio, how do you think Frostpaw stays so cold?"

"I… figured it just was?"

"In the middle of the ocean? Near the center of the world? Localized entirely on that one island?"

"...Ok when you say it like that…" he looked at the icy crystal once again, a sinking feeling settling in his stomach. "...this is what was keeping it like that, huh?"

"One of several factors," Kuma explained. "But by far the most important."

"And now that it's gone," Ursa went on. "What do you think will happen to Frostpaw? The mon? How they live?"

Rio was silent for a moment as he processed this. Without the cold, the results were obvious. The island would-

"...thaw." Rio said simply. "Shit…"

"Now you get it," Kuma sighed.

"Then what am I supposed to do? Put it back?" Those words disgusted him. The crystal was his. He needed it, no one else did. It was his by right, essential to his growth and a key. If he had to lose it-

"Calm down Rio," Ursa said, noting the sudden change in the air. The Aura around Rio's body was pulsing violently as he noticed he was getting ready to leap at his parents. What the…

"You don't have to give the stone up," Kuma said. Rio let out a breath he didn't even realize he was holding in. "We were going to let you have it, but it was pulled early. We just need a replacement."

"A replacement?" Rio tilted his head. "Where are we gonna find a replacement?"

At that, the bears smiled.

"What do you know about the Temple of the Sea?"

…​

Blue could only stare in shock at the island before him. He, Pana, and Scales just watched as the eternal storm before them dissolved into nothing. They could still feel the cold, but it was fading fast. What had Rio done?

"This is…." Blue stammered. Taking one little rock had done all this?

"Insane," Pana finished, as she leaned on the beaver. Blue didn't seem to mind at least, though her attention seemed to be split between Frostpaw, and the island a distance away from it. Greenpaw. Scales was mostly staring at said island himself.

"I never liked the place," Scales admitted. "Too cold, but… I guess that was the point."

"It's an enormous climate shift for the area," Blue went on. "The ice surrounding the island will melt, along with the snow and such until the climate matches what would be considered normal. A tropical island. But considering the residents…"

"All Bearitic and Cubchoo," Pana groaned. "Shit's about to get really uncomfortable for them, huh?"

"There's also the possible flooding that may come from this much ice and snow melting so quickly." Blue went on. "This has the potential to be really bad for every island in this archipelago."

"Ohh…" Pana groaned, while staring at Greenpaw again.

"That… does sound bad," Scales relented, finally looking at the beaver.

"Yeah…" Blue groaned. "There's gotta be a way to fix this. Maybe put what Rio took back-"

"He won't agree," said a voice coming from the water. Each Disaster flinched as the hybrid rose from the depths. The Dewortle, Prince, shook himself off as he rose out of the water. He looked tired. "Asking a Legacy to give up one of their keys? Never work."

"Prince…" Blue said, calming down. His swordsmanship had gotten a lot better thanks to their constant spars. "Why-"

"Helping keep your friend's mess from getting any worse." he yawned. "Guess it's good practice for what comes next…"

"And what's that?"

"Blue, I'm gonna need yours and Rio's help on a little job. Sounded like Pana and Scales here have something else to do. Plus, they'd be less useful in the water."

"What are you talking about?" Pana asked, rising from her seat. A frown was forming.

"What do you know about the Temple of the Sea?" Prince asked casually.

"The… ancient city?" Blue asked, blinking. "The one that sank beneath the waves millennia ago? The one that surfaces only under very specific circumstances, or if Manaphy himself wills it? A fortress even Kyogre can't penetrate?"

"That'd be the one," he nods, eyes suddenly gleaming yellow. "How'd you like to help me take it back?"
 
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