Pokémon Legends Legacy: A Pokemon Mystery Dungeon Adventure

[BlackHairedPsycho]

“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.

 

[BlackHairedPsycho]

"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.

 

[BlackHairedPsycho]

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.

 

[BlackHairedPsycho]

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.

 

[BlackHairedPsycho]

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.

 

[BlackHairedPsycho]

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..."

 

[BlackHairedPsycho]

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.

 

[BlackHairedPsycho]

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.

 

[BlackHairedPsycho]

"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?

 

[BlackHairedPsycho]

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.

 

[BlackHairedPsycho]

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?"

 

[BlackHairedPsycho]

Breathe in, breathe out. Breathe in, breathe out…

Blue tried to calm himself as he sat on the deck of Prince's ship. The broken blade strapped to his side seemed to hum with the crashing waves. He couldn't tell if it was from nerves or excitement. The Temple of the Sea, ancient city of Manaphy! He was going there!

…to march through and kill a death maze that has spread its influence there. Kind of put a damper on that bubbling excitement.

…a slight one. It was too bad Pana and Scales wouldn't be coming along, as he just heard.

"Why the hell not?" Pana growled at her parents. Rio yawned at her side, while Scales dozed off to the side a bit. He was carrying both his and Pana's bags, and stared at another island in the distance. Blue thought it was called… Greenpaw.

"I know you can feel the first reason," Master Kuma said, pointing in the direction Scales was looking towards. "I know you can feel it."

Pana said nothing, but her eyes wandered towards the island as well. The Bidoof watched her fists clench, and relax. Over and over…

"You and Scales have your own to find," Ursa added on, crouching to get on her daughter's level. "They can't stop you, you know that. Go and claim what's yours."

…did her eyes flick to Blue for a moment? He wasn't sure…

"...fine," she said finally. "We'll go. Just…"

"Alright," with that, Kuma waved Blue over, calling to him. "Time for one last debrief."

Blue went over, a bit of nerves creeping back in. Where exactly were Pana and Scales going…?

"To put it simply," Ursa said to the team. "we're splitting you up. Pana and Scales have their own task nearby, and they'll be of limited use in the water."

Blue knew the reasoning made sense, especially if their task was what he thought it was…

"Rio can shift into a Vaporeon," Kuma added on. "Blue's powers work best when there's water around, and for obvious reasons this will be Prince's home turf. You three will be the assault squad. Get Prince through, get Manaphy loose, and drive the maze out. Got it?"

"Yup," Rio nodded, tapping the crystal he got from Red.

"I'm ready for this," Prince looked positively excited, and Blue couldn't really blame him. If Blue was excited about seeing this place, Prince's anticipation must have been staggering. His Legend, the fact he probably heard more stories about the place than even Blue, and he's been working towards this for who knows how long? And he needed one last push…

"...ok," Blue said after some hesitation. This was it. He was doing it.

"I'll be dropping the two of ya off on Greenpaw on our way out," Prince said to Pana and Scales. "You got this."

"Right…" Scales nodded.

"Don't we always…" Pana agreed, before turning to her brothers and Blue. "None of you are allowed to die."

"Last thing I wanna do," Rio waved the concern off, but flashed her a genuine smile. "We'll be ok. Always have been."

"...We'll keep it that way," Blue finally said.

"It'll take more than that place," Scales shot back.

"...good." she nodded, before going to sit next to Blue. The Bidoof didn't flinch, instead calming down a bit. Rio shot the two of them a smirk. Then Blue's blush came.

"Good luck," Kuma nodded, before going to jump off the ship.

"You won't need it," Ursa smiled, before following.

…

Pana walked as silently as ever as she and Scales walked Greenpaw. They could feel where they needed to go, it was so obvious now… She didn't bother with trying to sneak around, she really didn't care. Plus, Scales's scales tended to stand out.

It looked as nice as ever, the fields of different crops standing against the forest that gave the island its namesake. Fruit, rice, vegetables, and of course bamboo. She resisted the urge to snatch a small piece for herself. Small houses and fences marked the borders between, a path snaking into the lush forest that took the second half of the island.

And, of course, there were the people themselves.

The Snorlax, the Pangoro… they all stared at the siblings, exiled years ago only to return. The runt and the bastard. The thief and the glutton. The freaks…

Scales didn't even flinch as he caught an overripe tomato thrown by a Munchlax and just popped it in his mouth. Free snacks are free snacks…

Pana however, retaliated almost instantly. No one really saw what exactly she did, but the kid found his own face full of mud in an instant. Her paws only had the faintest of droplets as the tiniest bits of evidence. But no one would dare call her out on it. Their new family, their actual family… they made them strong. They wouldn't have it. They didn't need to take it anymore, and the people knew that.

She thought back to those early years. Just her and Scales. She had to steal for herself, and a RAVENOUS mouth. She had a talent, and it just… blossomed under so much pressure. And it got her noticed.

"Pana," Scales said, holding out his tail to stop her. "We're here."

Pana looked up at the dungeon entrance. The seemingly normal forest clearing ripped and writhed in front of them, stretching far past what should be possible on such a small island. And, of course, the roiling mass of tentacles that edged each side. Signs of the maze.

That, and the longing in their heads told them they were in the right place.

"Let's do it," Scales growled, his scales already shimmering with Iron Defense.

Pana nodded, taking a deep breath before Bulking Up herself and walking inside the death dungeon. The world seemed to get colder as they were spat into a forest of darkness.

"The preview was off…" Scales notes kicking a tendril that got too close. The tree leaves were a gunky black, the trunks themselves were coated in a gnarled, oily substance, the grass was pitch black, and the silence was eerie.

In other words, about what the two expected. There was only one path ahead.

"Is it weird I feel more comfy here than back in town?" Scales asked, taking a careful look around.

"Feel the same way," Pana said, her already light footsteps drowned out by Scales's jingling. Two paths to take, one to the left, another to the right. That feeling that drew them in… all Pana could feel was it being faintly ahead. Without discussing, Pana went for the leftmost path. Scales shrugged and followed.

Of course, the enormous, rotting Trevenant waiting there wasn't inclined to let them advance without a fight. It didn't even wait for them to finish walking through the corridor, bringing a massive Wood Hammer down on the pair as they emerged. Scales brought his own hand up to block and flared his Dragon Dance to push back, his Iron Defense combining with his natural toughness to barely make him feel it in the first place. He just held it there, keeping it in place for Pana's attack. She was already gone.

Suddenly, the ghost tree's other arm was severed from its body, the sneaky Shadow Claw rending ghostly wood like paper. It didn't cry out, but did not look like it appreciated being pruned. It looked around for the unseen panda, before suddenly taking an Aerial Ace to the back, forcing it to stumble. That was all Scales needed, YANKING it off its root legs and towards his burning maw. His Flamethrower erupted point blank, dead wood going up in smoke. Again, no cry of pain. No agony displayed. Only the release of a zombie.

Pana rejoined her sibling as they watched their enemy burn. Another monster of the Labyrinth.

She almost wanted it to be this stupid island instead.

"Let's do this fast," Pana said, tearing her eyes away from the burning log and starting down another path.

"Yeah…" Giving the burning ghost tree one last glance, Scales followed. They had a job to do.

And dammit, it would be done.

 

[BlackHairedPsycho]

"Begin!" Rio barked, watching the spar on the deck of Prince's ship with the rest of his crew. His fellow hybrid wanted to test how Blue had grown in his swordplay, and so here they were. The dual Razor Shells versus Blue's broken blade. The sea churned as the two sprung into action, Blue dashing to the side as Prince approached quickly, water surging around him. The blades clashed, and Blue actually managed to stand his ground, and push the water type back! All that training had been paying dividends.

The Riolu-Eevee then saw Blue's blade go slick with condensation, as he suddenly launched an arc of cutting water at Prince, who cut it out of the air. Now that was something! Blue had come a long, long way from when they first met. Wave after wave uf high pressure cutting water flew at the captain, who weaved through the slashes, an Aqua Jet surrounding him as he approached.

Blue adapted rather quickly, bringing his blade low to block with a sudden wall of water, probably formed from the moisture in the air. Unfortunately, Prince just jetted right through, raising a blade to Blue's neck. The beaver had no way of retaliation without getting cut, so…

"Prince wins," Rio says, going to meet the two. Blue had grown quite a bit over the past few weeks. The Masters could work some magic, that was for sure… or maybe it was his Legend? Probably some mix of both.

Blue sheathed his blade as Prince took the Razor Shell from his neck. The beaver sighed.

"Thank you for the match…" he said quietly.

"You got loads better," Prince cut him off. "Won't have to protect ya as much in there at this rate."

"That Zubat wouldn't stand the ghost of a chance," Rio added on with a lazy yawn.

"...thanks…" he relented. "Speaking of… Prince, can you tell us what to expect? I've only ever heard old legends about the Temple…

"I've heard less," Rio added on, sitting on the deck. "I'm curious."

"Yeah sure,' Prince sat in a cross legged position. "Making excellent time anyway, I can spare a story or two."

Rio watched as Blue sat himself, taking out a quill and his fathers journal. The pursuit of knowledge never ended apparently. The fluffy hybrid let out a lazy smile at that while Prince just stared.

"...what?" Blue asked. "Until we free Manaphy, you're the closest thing we have to a primary source on one of the ancient wonders of the world! Of course I'm going to take notes. I'd kick myself if I didn't."

"...fair 'nough," Prince shrugged. "Alright, where to start…"

"How was it created?" Blue suggested. "Did Manaphy do it himself? His subjects, the Phionie? How long has it existed exactly? What's it made of? How does it submerge-"

"Woah, woah!" Prince raised his paws in surrender. "One at a time! Don't even know most of that."

"Oh…" Blue sighed, and Rio could feel his embarrassment like warm water at the back of his head.

"...most of that?" Rio points out for the beaver's benefit.

"Can let a few things slip," Prince nods. "Sit down, get your quills ready."

Blue did exactly that, his binder out in a flash and ready to write. Rio grinned and sat down to listen himself. This should be quite interesting…

"Alright, so when humans were still around, there was this group called the People of the Sea…"

…​

That night, Rio found himself meditating. The Masters had suggested it more and more, to constantly cycle his Aura and to prevent it from blowing holes in and around various things. He sat on the bowsprit, the ocean churning below him as he focused on himself, and the aura of everything around him.

His own Aura felt like it usually did, a thin veil of calm masking an enormous, unstoppable storm. And even that hid something… deeper… and deeper… something he didn't like to focus on too much, so he moved on.

Blue was asleep below deck, and Rio could feel his fear and curiosity in equal measure. Even while he slept… and then there was that other part of him… the mostly dormant part. Resolve was what he felt there… Was that the Legend? It was probably Keldeo, according to Blue…

Prince slept up in the captain's quarters. Excitement and anticipation radiated strongly off his fellow hybrid. He could guess why. That warm foreign Aura was almost imperceptible, the signs an almost complete Legacy… he was glad to help in truth.

The crew slept soundly below deck. He'd ask why no one was keeping watch, but remembered that was technically what he was doing. Plus, this boat was sailed by what was basically the prince of the seas. Nothing was going to mess with them… neither weather nor other mon, hopefully.

…well the possibility of pirates was real-

And then he felt it. The immensely powerful Aura surfacing nearby. Something big and powerful was surfacing, and it didn't exactly feel friendly. No… it was greedy, vengeful… and it was coming right for them.

Rio jumped back on the deck proper, just summoning his Bone Rush when the figure in question showed herself. The large Feraligatr loomed over the smaller, fluffy dog and his stick, piercing yellow eyes glaring down at him. The tattered vest and red bandana went well with her blue body, and the strange, red markings running along her arms and chest. He… thought he recognized those. The gator gave the uncowed Riolu a cruel smile.

"Where's the captain, kid?" she asked, cracking her knuckles. The sea seemed to churn with her words, but Rio didn't let himself be cowed. He just kept glaring with defiance.

"Sleeping," he shoots back, now casually twirling his Bone. "It's the middle of the night, and sailing's hard, get me?"

"Oh I get that much," the massive croc said, the smile traded in for a glare. "But I'm on the clock for something, so I wanna settle this right now."

"Tough shit," he shrugged. "Leave a message?"

"Sure," she raised a claw, and the ocean churned nearby, a claw of water rising from the briny depths to loom over the smaller dog. "How's about I write it in your blood?"

Rio stared at the claw of water. This was suddenly reminding him of a certain incident not too long ago, with a Tyranitar with similar control over the earth. That and the markings made their situation a bit clearer…

Be a good fight at least.

"Good luck," he shoots back, staff in an attack position. Before either of them could actually do anything however-

"Not on my ship you bloody won't!"

Rio had been so focused on the crocodile and her powerful Aura, he hadn't noticed the other powerful Aura approaching. Prince's wasn't as strong, but considering what they were probably dealing with that made a lot of sense. Blue was right behind him, sword already drawn to his credit. He paused at the sight of the giant intruder, however.

"There you are," the Feraligatr turned to face Prince, her cruel smile coming right back to where it was. "The little freak of a Prince."

"Harley," he yawned, walking up with a Scalchop already in hand. "Did ya get taller, or are all those bottles of rum finally just giving you the belly you deserve?"

"Funny," she growled down at the Hybrid, fully disregarding the Riolu and Bidoof. "If you're offering, I won't turn it down, but I'm gonna need a fair few more than a few bottles now."

"You get nothing and you'll like it." he said flatly. "Or do you want what I gave ya last time?"

"Please," Harley shook her large head. "I think you'll have a bit of a harder time now… I know you noticed."

"I did." he admits. "So, why haven't you sunk us yet?"

"I want you to sweat," she grinned and turned to jump back into the sea. The water claw fell back. "Watch that shell, and your little upstart. Remind me of…"

She glared at the Riolu Hybrid, and Rio just glared back. He could take her, he was sure of it. Still, he held himself. Not yet…

"You-" Rio started, but Prince cut him off.

"Bye Harley," he growled, waving her off the ship with a shell. She flipped him off, and jumped back into the sea, a splash bigger than she should have. Rio stood still as the boat rocked under the force of her exit, next to Prince. It as then that Blue joined him, staring in horror at what they just saw.

"...Please tell me she's not…" he said after a while, as the rocking calmed down.

"Never been much of a liar," Prince sighed. "That was Harley… and apparently she's taken to being like us…"

"And she's so very pleasant…" Rio growled.

"...she's like Veles… and her Legend-" Blue started again.

"Yes, it's Kyogre, and we're on the open seas." Prince nods.

"...oh. And she hates… both of you."

"Yup."

"...Eh." Rio shrugged, feeling the presence swim away. "Still got a job to do, and if she gets in the way…"

"Nothing's gonna stop me," Prince said, voice hard as he stared at the sea. Rio could feel the determination, along with Blue's terror. That pushed the curiosity out for now…

This mission somehow got a lot more interesting…