Zoltan Calamanero's Story

Approaching Touko and the Terrakion, a Malamar silently floated forward, its fins that functioned as legs only inches above the ground. At its side, a young girl, no older than thirteen or fourteen (though definitely a newer Trainer), accompanied him. She had two Basic Poke Balls and a single Luxury Ball with purple and glowing yellow stripes replacing the typical red and gold. The Malamar appeared as a Malamar would, the squid-like creature being unsettling as always. The Trainer wore an Inkay inspired getup, and seemed nervous to be in Touko's presence, though there was something seriously off with how she carried herself.

Chilling more was when the Malamar spoke first in PokeSpeak that would register telepathically as English in Touko's mind. "Well, now. I must say, this is quite a find! A gathering of Pokemon responding to the call of Terrakion itself. There no doubt must be malicious dealings going on in town if we're needed for battle."

The Trainer nodded and, stiff as a board, bowed to Touko for a brief moment. "U-Um, yes, Touko! Ahh! I mean, Ms. Touko! N-no, uh, great and powerful Touko! It is your pleasure to meet finally me! No! I mean, it is finally your pleasure to meet me! No, no, no! It is my pleasure to meet you in person!"

The girl spoke with some distance in her voice, even with her nervous excitement and genuine terror both at speaking to Touko. Behind them, a Meowstic that was in a costume also came forward, but was silent, moving to stand beside the Malamar, though it didn't seem related. The Meowstic then spoke up. "You are annoying me, youngster. It is merely Touko. She isn't anything particularly special."

"Gosh, kid, thanks. I'm not sure why Dweller here made the call, but it sure seemed to get a lot of people's attention. You, uh, want an autograph or something?" She pulled a pen from her bag, the one she usually used to record events in her diary, as Dweller the Terrakion didn't pull his punches with the things he had to say.

"Listen to me, young ones. Our world has been discovered by forces we are just beginning to understand. Too many of them are savages that do not understand our codes and ethics, so you get what we saw in the desert. They maim and kill each other instead of agreeing to a civilized sport duel as we do. We Pokemon may be a so-called proud warrior race, but there are still rules that we all abide by because we know what happens when they are violated."

The grizzled veteran, champion of his kind, wasn't done lecturing the others. "I myself have seen the folly and the horror of unrestricted warfare between humans. I fought to make sure that our kind did not suffer unduly. It is up to you and your kind to make sure that all who visit our realm acknowledge our power. Let us never forget that those such as my Trainer are our most valuable allies, with numerous innovations that make lives easier and battling more varied. But for every one such as her, there is one that sees us as nothing more than tools, means to the end of power over others. Be very careful who you reveal yourself to in the wild."

As Terrakion was lecturing... "There ya go, kid. Got time for a quick battle before you go?" Touko flashed a huge smile at the fangirl.

The trio turned towards the sound of the Malamar's words, the floating form of the squid-like Pokemon a chilling sight indeed. It wasn't just the sight of him, although none of the trio had ever seen a Malamar before now. It was the way he seemed to present himself. The way Dee would describe it, it was just too polite...too official. Lumi and Skyball would see it as a front for something darker. Clearly, this wasn't a Pokemon to be on the wrong side of.

The trainer accompanying him seemed unsure and unprepared, almost like a lost fawn in a forest. She seemed awestruck by the mere sight of Touko, who carried quite a bit of fame to her name. The Meowstic, on the other hand, caused a reaction. Skyball immediately steeled himself at the sight of her while Lumi leaned towards Dee and whispered in her ear.

"Is that...Sonya?" she asked incredulously, a tiny bit of apprehension lay quivering in her eyes.

"Can't be," Dee reassured her, "Sonya wouldn't dare wear clothing of any kind. Although I can tell she's not much better. Keep your guard up, both of you."

All of them turned towards the Terrakion when he started speaking of the civility of the planet's way of life in comparison to that of the foreigners that had invaded recently. They all kept straight faces, but inside they were grimacing and cringing with every word of honor he spoke.

If only he knew what went on in the wilderness of Ruula...

But that is why they were here. That was why they joined the Crimson Guild to begin with. They were dedicated individuals who sought out peace and prosperity by ridding the world of nefarious evildoers. And while they did so on a Pokemon related scale, if the world really needed it they'd help stop any kind of criminal, human and Pokemon alike, Ruulan or otherwise. It was the lifestyle they chose to adopt.

At the warning the Terrakion placed before them, Skyball seemed surprisingly distant towards the conversation. It was like he was caught up with memories in his mind that the Terrakion's words triggered. Lumi looked towards her teammate, concerned. Oh, don't you get all self-destructive around me... she thought as she stepped towards him and tapped his shoulder. The Emolga turned to find Lumi's reassuring smile in front of him. He smiled back.

Dee spoke directly to Dweller, "It is our duty to defend the peace we strive to keep untarnished, by any means necessary." She pulled out a badge and presented it to the Terrakion, "We live by and fight with this badge because it means a better world for everyone to live in. You and Touko have already helped us out once before. For that, your Trainer has achieved a legendary status within the Crimson Guild. Any time you need our help, give us a call. We'll always be around to help."

The young Trainer remained at attention, stiff as a board. "Um, a-a battle!? I would be honored!" She was clearly green and nervous, but still somehow seemed distant all the same. Perhaps it was the timidity shining through as she accepted the autograph with all the glee of a scared and excited fangirl. "Eeeee! Zoltan! I got Touko's autograph! I'm going to battle her! I-I'm so excited!"

At her reply, the Malamar, apparently named, "Zoltan", turned to look at her. "Oh, but Lammy, do remember we have business to finish. I suppose I can allow it for this one time however. I will fight as you see fit; not even someone of her legend can withstand my power. Another victory will be yours!"

Zoltan began glowing with a black psychic energy as it prepared itself to fight. Lammy would stand behind him and try and steady herself. "Zoltan and I h-haven't lost yet since w-we started! Even if it's T-Touko...I'll win!"

--

The three lesser Pokemon, when turning to look at Temperance, earned a stoic glance back. "What are you three looking at? It isn't wise to be so focused. You could lose something you know." Her voice was pretty feminine and flat in her PokeSpeak. Temperance would give an aside glance at a nearby Trainer using his Pokedex. "Just like he is about to."

Temperance would swiftly turn and walk up to the Trainer, tugging at his pants. "Meow? Stistic!" It was clear she had a scheme, but no Trainer would ever realize it, though Dee, Lumi, and Skyball certainly would.

"All right...Zoltan, was it? How about it? Your squid thingy against my Terrakion? Keep it nice and quick-like, you know? But I won't lose...I was Champion once, and darn it, after what happened today I'm totally going to take back that crown. Katsu zo!"

Touko leaped back and got ready to throw down. "Let's go, Dweller! Use Substitute!" The Terrakion closed its eyes and grunted a bit, sparing some of its energy to make a decoy that would take hits for it while Touko fished out her Pokedex. "Ugh...hypnosis powers? Wow, good thing I decided to scout first instead of going right on the attack."

Zoltan channeled more dark energy around himself as he floated, narrowing his eyes at the Substitute being attempted. "I will admit, in any other situation, a Substitute would be advantageous! Bravo! But Lammy knows plenty better, don't you Lammy?"

Lammy seemed unsure at the Substitute, but smiled nervously at Zoltan giving her a look. "U-Um, right! Z-Zoltan! Infiltrate past the Substitute! U-Use your Superpower!"

Zoltan would rush forward, using a sort of falsified double image of himself to strike past the decoy; his fake self attacking the decoy only proved an illusion as the real him appeared before the Terrakion, all the while raising a fin. "Now witness my superior power!" The attack was aimed with force, and intent on striking hard if not true, and it was fast, very much so. If it connected, though Zoltan was quite sure it would, he would seem to grow stronger as his dark aura intensified slightly, and the blow would have a significant impact increase thanks to the nature of the elemental types. Maybe Lammy knew some stuff after all? Or so it seemed until Lammy shielded herself at the level of force Zoltan was putting into the blow, and it was then made clear he wasn't a newly evolved Inkay, but rather, a Pokemon at a Level far beyond what its Trainer should probably be attempting to control, a level that would definitely be limited in a facility like the Battle Institute. It was definitely an incredibly strong and well-trained Pokemon for a novice Trainer to have.

"G-Great strength, Zoltan! Y-You're definitely stronger than, than even T-Touko's Pokemon! Fighting T-Touko... It has just started, and it's s-so exhilarating!"

Praise being given to the Malamar being what it was, Lammy at least also had an idea of the relationships between Pokemon and Trainer.

Touko grunted in surprise as the Malamar got right through, striking hard with a massive blow that left the legendary Musketeer reeling. "Come on, I'm not sure if we can take another hit like that! Dweller! He's wide open, get him with a Sacred Sword!"

He roared in pain and anger. "You are strong! But let's see you TAKE a hit!" Terrakion charged forward with glowing horns, but it wasn't a straight on ramming attack. Instead, he did a head fake to try to misdirect Zoltan's guard at the last moment, like a hockey player trying to deke a goalie, before delivering the actual attack which was more like a powerful slash than a stab.

"Come here you little Squirtle!" Screamed Jason, determined to catch it, Floss was watching from behind Jason's back. She didn't want him to catch it, she wanted to be his main priority forever!

"One bump, second bump, third bump!"
"Yay!"

Jason danced around the street, floss had an opposite feeling.

"I will, call you Sali!"

Zoltan would raise a fin to parry the Sacred Sword, though it was not without a bit of a price, he looked like he was actually injured from the act of deflecting the attack, massive cuts now on his fins. "An impressive blow! But it's time I ended this! Your boasts will not save you! Lammy! Say the word, and I'll faint this Musketeer!"

Lammy tried to keep it together. "Z-Zoltan! Use Psycho Cut! I-It should work!"

Zoltan generated several wicked sharp blades out of psychic energy that surrounded the Terrakion before launching in with slicing potential, each blade intended to finish off the Terrakion with a powerful swing of super-effective psychic energy. Each blade however appeared a blackish purple, instead of the usual psychic colors, while a small black and pink glow emanated from Lammy's lower back, around where her fanny pack was placed.

Touko looked up, noticing the sync between the Trainer's pack and the aura of the powerful blades. Dweller grunted, trying to hold it together, but his knees finally buckled. "You...truly are mighty..."

"Kuso... Dweller, return." The irritation was audible in Touko's voice. "Wow, kid. I feel like I should be asking you for an autograph...I've never had a front row seat to that kind of power. And this is after all the crap that happened today. After all I've gone through. You really put a damper on my plans to become Champion again. Lammy, was it? I'm going to have to train extra hard now. If there are Trainers like you about, surely the League must have gotten even stronger than THAT! Now, ah...how much do I owe ya?"

None of the trio of Electric-Pokemon looked away from Temperance when she bounded off to the Trainer staring at his PokeDex. Dee was studying Temperance carefully while Lumi and Skyball's attention turned towards the fight that was about to happen in front of them. There was a bad feeling in Dee's gut as she watched the Meowstic tug on the pant leg of the boy and stare up at him.

"What the hell are you doing?" Dee called out to Temperance, tensing her body in case she tried to do anything shifty. She would be ready to spring into action if the moment chose to arise.

Meanwhile, Lumi and Skyball were fascinated by the exchange of blows between the Malamar and the Terrakion they'd only recently talked to. What was incredible was that despite the girl's lack of authority in her voice, the Malamar carried the instruction across with a mighty power and an incredible aura. Both their eyes went wide when Zoltan finished off Dweller with an incredible beam of power. This...this had been the champion that stood up to Zane, so easily snuffed out by a virtually unknown female.

"Wow..." Lumi couldn't help but murmur, "That's...something..."

Skyball turned to Lumi and raised a quizzical brow, "That girl is very lucky to have that Malamar on her side."

The Pachirisu's brow furrowed, "What do you mean?"

"You didn't notice the separation in body language between the two?"

Lumi shrugged, "Guess not."

Skyball went on to explain, "Well, when a Trainer and a Pokemon are bonded, they tend to fight as one. Notice how much energy and passion was in Touko's voice when she commanded her Terrakion. They worked on a similar mind set...a singular wavelength. They worked with synergy. The Malamar, on the other hand, had done most of the work on the other side of the field. That girl had barely any kind of connection in her voice. In fact, she seems to be a novice to Pokemon battles. She wouldn't have nearly enough authority and practice in her voice to command a Pokemon who could sweep the floor with a former champion."

"So what are you saying?" Lumi asked, to which Skyball glared at the Malamar with a crossed look.

"I'm saying that either we watched the greatest miracle ever performed in a Pokemon battle...or something fishy's going on."

Lammy seemed shocked. "I-I won that round?! Y-Yes! Ahh, but it is Touko! Thank you for t-the honorable fight!" She bowed again, stiff as a board.

Zoltan would hover back to Lammy's side, landing on the ground for a change as the aura disappeared. "Lammy, my dear, you truly have nothing to worry about! How about it now? Was it not your father who spoke of you becoming a Champion one day? Together, let us make it so! You and I will be of great renown!"

Lammy looked at Zoltan. "E-Eh?! Me, renowned?! I'm not sure I-I could handle the attention! I o-only just memorized my types..." She sort of wilted, giving away her insecurities, an clearly establishing whom had a bit more command between the two of them.

Zoltan would focus his eyes on Touko. "As for you, Touko, you remind me of a couple of women from long ago. Trainers of great caliber, they fought a long battle against the massive underground empire of Pokemon that belonged to an old friend of mine. Though he is deceased now, slain by one of his own in a cruel twist of fate, his legacy lives on. I wonder if you too will be the one to lead others in a revolt against the more unsavory forces that have bubbled up into the current time. I will tell you right now...your demonstrated prowess will be tested when you encounter these elements."

Lammy gasped. "R-Really?! Touko reminds you of that! Wow! She's so much c-cooler than I imagined if she's reminding you of h-heroes!" She hugged Zoltan afterwards. "Zoltan, you really are s-smart! I never w-would've guessed that Touko was so iconic beyond her legendary record! T-Terrakion respected her too! Ahhhh! I want to be like h-her!"

Zoltan shrugged off Lammy. "Not now, in-Lammy; there are moments when that is okay. Touko may yet have another Pokemon she wishes to use, so do not drop your guard!"

He then turned to the trio of electric rodents. "Listen closely, youngsters, for you associate yourselves with the Crimson Guild. I can only say that such a thing may not be the wisest of choices for your lives. There are many threats simply waiting in the wings, and you no doubt encountered a few already."

He continued, assuming a more confident stance. "As an example, I am aware of an encounter in the desert to the south of our location, wherein, an ugly and disgusting act took place; Pokemon enslaved. The three of you will need to be ready for whatever you will face. Most of all...Quash any who try to destroy who you are, and your identity as a Pokemon. Be proud. We have a level of strength that Humans like to borrow for their own ends, but do not forget who you truly are; if you must aid Humans, then do so as a strong partner and a strong Pokemon! If you can give your all for yourself, then you can give your all for any who demand your aid!"

Lammy nodded. "Z-Zoltan! I'll be strong! I-If I have you, we'll be u-unstoppable, even i-if goons show up! Now!" Lammy was going to reach for another Poke Ball, but then she noticed Touko asking about what she owed. "E-Eh!? Owe me!? I-I should owe you! The battle alone is payment e-enough! I-I don't need to fight more of y-your Pokemon? If you insist, t-then thank you for the win!" She bowed once more.

Zoltan could really lay it on when he had to, his charisma and presence almost heroic and legitimate, no doubt something able to rally a lot of others. Whether any of what he said was bought by Lumi, Skyball, and Dee, as well as Touko, was yet to be seen. He was a confusing mix of a lot of good and bad traits at the moment, and he wanted to keep it that way. Lammy seemed unaware of what she really had at her belt (literally, if not figuratively), but nonetheless had a refreshing level of optimism despite her newness.

--

When the others called out to Temperance, she would quickly bump the Trainer with a Fake Out attack in an adorable mock display of tripping, and took a few Poke while she was at it as she pretended to stand up and dust herself off. It was a swift motion, almost invisible, but no doubt the electric rodents' attentive eyes would catch it if Zoltan didn't catch their attention instead.

The Trainer apologized to Temperance and patted her on the head, which she allowed, keeping her straight face the entire time. She then made a cute meowing noise as she turned and ran away from the group as a whole, giving a single look back at the electric rodent trio as she made her getaway.

Skyball scoffed at the Malamar's words, "Oh, we knew that our lives would be threatened when we joined. We put ourselves on the front line so that other Pokemon don't have to. We do it for them."

"Yeah," Lumi gave the Malamar a knowing smile, "We are members of the Crimson Guild to help others, to explore new places, and to protect the world from troublemakers and evildoers. It may be a dangerous life, but it's a fun one! And I can't say I've enjoyed my time more anywhere else than under Crimson's leadership."

She remembered the day Crimson had revealed himself to the citizens of the Pokemon Village, the day he flew in on Unix. When he told the town the threat the Psychic Rebellion had on this world and his immediate plan of action to stop it, forming the Crimson Guild, many laughed at him. They believed he was claiming rubbish, that the missing Pokemon number that was growing wasn't related at all to the Psychic Rebellion's activities, and mocked him for it. Some said even if his claims were true, there was no way they would unite under the leadership of a Chimchar...no way...

And then Crimson performed what came to be known as the Demonstration...and three weeks later, here his organization stood. Internationally connected and growing by the minute. Lumi was proud to be one of their finest members and have that Elite title by her team name.

Perhaps the Malamar meant well. Perhaps not. But his words of warning would not affect which side of the line she and Skyball fell upon. They were with Crimson till the end. They were with each other till the end. They were Team Volt till the end.

"If it hadn't been for the Crimson Guild, I wouldn't have met Skyball," Lumi turned towards her Emolga partner, who gave a half-witted salute to her. "Or Dee...wait..." she began to look around for the tiny form of Dedenne, but wasn't able to find her, "Where did Dee go?"

---

"Thievery? Not on my watch!" Dee mumbled under her breath as she shot to the side like an arrow. Instead of giving chase as many normal Pokemon would, she kept side by side with Temperance while she tried to make her getaway. One thing was for sure...Dee was much faster. Her tiny form allowed her to dart from place to place as if she was a little flash of orange. She was hard to keep track of and she knew it.

Before long, a building had crossed in between the two Pokemon, separating them. Dee took this as an advantage, scurrying towards an alleyway and crossing through it. At the same time, she began to gain altitude, climbing the walls higher and higher until she was three stories above the ground. She stayed high, but kept low so as not to be spotted. Leaping across to another window sill, she peered down at the Meowstic below with calculation in her gaze. From Temperance's perspective, it would appear that she had gotten away with it.

Dee realigned herself, prepared an attack, made sure she had the angles lined up, and jumped. She flew through the air in a downward arc that was aimed directly at the Meowstic. It was from above, so that she would have the element of surprise on her side. After all, people and Pokemon seldom looked up. She had charged up a Thunder Punch in advance and, upon being within range, would strike at Temperance's head with full force behind it as well as momentum and gravity adding to that. Once contact was made and the Thunder Punch followed through, she would leap off the Meowstic from wherever the momentum took her and would land gracefully across from her, blocking any escape route.

"I not gonna let you get away with this," she growled, her eyes glinting steel despite being an Electric-Type, "You can't take advantage of people like that and think there won't be any consequences."

"Actually...I didn't really get your name. But I gotta thank you. Nothing like the occasional loss to motivate you to get back to training hard and getting stronger. And I'm sure Dweller feels the same way." Touko turned towards Team Volt, not registering the fat one of the group. "I know an Emolga when I see one, and I've heard tell of a Pachirisu from the cold wastes of Sinnoh, but...what the heck are you? More importantly, what was that thing that just took me to school? You're going to have to show me where Pokemon go to get stronger around here...I'm sure Dweller knows, but he needs to rest for now after taking a beating like that!"

Dee watched as the edge of the roof has suddenly shrouded in purple, wispy smoke that masked the mischievous cat Pokemon movements. Thinking quickly, Dee kept her vision in her peripherals while running back the way she came so as to keep an eye on where she left the smoke cloud. She began scurrying back into the alley...when the soft clinking of coins caught the Dedenne's attention. Whirling around, she spotted the shiny lustrous quality of the Poke that had been stolen. Sighing in relief, Dee ran over to it and pocketed the Poke before anyone else could do so, stealing a glance back at the plume of smoke that was beginning to dissipate. Temperance was long gone.

Next time, Dee thought as she began to make her way back towards Lumi and Skyball, Next time I'll get her...

The scurry back to the front of the baseball stadiums didn't take that long. By the time she arrived, the battle between Touko and the Malamar had ceased. Luckily, the boy Temperance stole the Poke from hadn't strayed too far from the location and the Dedenne was able to quickly swing by and leave the Poke in a suitable location so that the boy would spot it and pocket it.

"Sweet! Free Poke!" came the call from the boy as Dee rejoined Lumi and Skyball once more.

"Hey thanks for helping me chase down the Meowstic, by the way," Dee's words couldn't be laced with any more sarcasm. Lumi reared back from the sudden spitefulness of her tone.

"Dee, we didn't see you leave!" the Pachirisu protested, "One second you were there...the next, poof!"

"Well, maybe if you'd pay attention and stay on guard, you would've noticed that Meowstic steal a kid's money!"

Skyball just shrugged, "Hey, the past is the past, Dee. What happened happened, so it's best not to gripe about it. Did you at least catch her?"

Dee growled at the Emolga's easy nature, "No, she got away. But she at least dropped the Poke."

"Then no harm no foul," Skyball reasoned, "Everyone's happy, nothing's changed. The wrong was righted and we can carry on."

"Arceus, I hate the way you two act sometimes," Dee lamented as the two members of Team Volt gathered around her, "It's like you don't take this job seriously."

"We do," Skyball patted her shoulder, "We just don't show it."

"Yeah, sometimes there's more to life than stressing about every mission," Lumi added, "Do you know how many lines I would have on my face if I followed your path every day? I'd be a toddler's art project!"

Dee sighed, "I'm really glad I'm on Team Vitality. I don't know how Rubira puts up with you guys."

"Oh come on," Lumi said defiantly, "Rubira loves us! AND I LOVE MY RAPIDASH!"

This inspired a fit of laughter from Skyball as Touko walked up to the three of them and asked them to show her a place where she could make her Pokemon stronger. Dee turned to Lumi as her eyes represented deep focus, her mind in a sea of thoughts and idea. She knew a place.

Dee knew what she was thinking. "Absolutely not!" she cried, "We are not taking her to Crimson!"

"Well, she does want to get stronger," Lumi turned to stare at Dee, "And Crimson's the strongest Pokemon we know. Maybe he could train her. He does know Touko after all."

"But then we'd have to get her through the Pokemon Village!" Dee flustered, "They don't like humans! Also, isn't the Crimson Guild not supposed to be involved with any human affairs? In any way?"

"Just think for a moment," Skyball added, "What would Crimson say to Touko's request if he were here?"

Dee placed a palm on her tiny head and sighed, "I don't know...I guess, he would allow it and try to push us to be okay with the idea as well."

Lumi nodded, "Then it's settled. We're taking her to Crimson." She stood in front of the former Champion and motioned for her to follow. "Let's take her to the rendezvous point. At least there, she can follow Unix instead of trying to find her own way to the headquarters." she called back to Dee and Skyball.

Dee muttered something before darting towards the direction of the makeshift base they were leading Touko to. Skyball immediately took to the skies and flew ahead of them, scouting out the area in front of them. Lumi did the actual leading, keeping just far enough ahead for Touko to always be within sight as they rounded corner and traversed the streets.

"Huh. Guess that's a yes, then. Thanks, everyone. I have to get stronger if there are more Trainers like the one with that...Malamar, apparently," Touko nodded as she checked her Pokedex. "Hopefully once I become Champion again, Unova won't have to worry as much about what just happened. I'm not the naive little girl that set out from Nuvema anymore...I know they're going to happen now that we're no longer alone out in the darkness of space. But if, as Champion, I can use my influence and authority to prevent a similar incident from breaking out..." She sighed. N and Alder were right. Sometimes you had to be realistic.

"Damn it all. I hope I don't have to blindfold myself for this trip. But think of it this way...you guys get to talk with Zekrom himself, how cool does that sound? Let's get to the training grounds!"

A pair of binoculars in hand, a young woman in a black two-piece swimsuit, and black sandals, was scouring the waters for anything unusual.

"I can surely find what is called a "Mareanie" here, right Zoltan?"

Her question was aimed at a Malamar watching the horizon with minor interest, his attention far more occupied by the woman herself, and on other Trainers, almost as if scheming.

"Something tells me, Lammy, that we will not discover any on this particular beachfront. Not without swimming out a ways to any coral reef. Of course, you could send myself to look for you. You also do have two other Pokemon as well; the one I helped you catch, on my recommendation after all, is not to be overlooked. Surely Aegir could be of use, with his abilities to prevent one fleeing? I doubt Node will serve much purpose at the moment. The one you started with will not help in the water."

Lammy thought critically on it for a moment.

"Then, I-I should brave the water? I can swim out there! With you, I can do anything!"

Seeing how pumped she was, Zoltan moved a tentacle to cover a laugh.

"She's still ever the foolish girl. It cannot be helped however, she is critical to my backup plans should anything go amiss. This cover is very delightful to have, however. Such convenience."

Lammy looked ready to go into the water, assuming something or someone did not distract her.

"Out for an evening swim, eh?"

The voice that would cut across her own elation was a young one and wrought with a light air. The boy that voice belonged to also represented that carefree attitude as he sauntered onto the beach and approached the girl. That was, if his black shirt and orange flower-covered board shorts didn't accentuate that fact enough. Regardless, he was smiling and looked clearly relaxed, his hands behind his head as he stood on one leg, the other providing support behind him.

"Gotta be careful at this hour," he went on, now looking past the girl and towards the ocean, "My Gramps always told me the Sharpedos were more active when the sun sets. But I think if you don't go too far out, you'll be fine."

He turned and looked at her, all kinds of easy-going happiness radiating off his evening sun-lit face, "Name's Hau, by the way!"

"Ahh! Y-yes!" Lammy seemed surprised. "Hi Hau... My name is Lammy. I like swimming every now and then. It was by a beach that I met my Malamar, who was my first Pokemon I ever caught beyond my starter. My dad gave my that starter, but I w-wanted to aim higher."

As she smiled, the Malamar watched Hau with intrigue. He put on his friendliest face as he did so. As distinguished in some areas as he was, his Trainer was thus also part of his carefully maintained facade, and such he made sure always to play the part.

Hau's eyes flared as his expression represented nothing short of awe, "Woah! That one's pretty cool, actually! You said it was a Malamar, right?" Hau took in the Psychic-Type squid-like creature. From the way it was floating in the air to the two appendages by it's side that almost looked like arms, it practically screamed awesomeness to him. It seemed innocent enough for him in nature, but Hau could tell that it carried a lot of power within. A part of that excited him.

"So your father gave you him?" he turned lack to Lammy, the biggest grin on his face, "That's really cool of him! I take it you're not from here, cause we don't have cool creatures like him. Where are you guys from?"

Lammy nodded at the praise, blushing a bit from shyness.

"We moved here from Kalos... My dad said the business prospects were better here, since he's a biologist, and Alola has a lot of natural life and local Pokemon. I do believe Malamar do exist here..."

As Lammy seemed to recover some confidence, the Malamar nodded, as if confirming her comment.

"I believe they are called Inkay... I think. My dad said they intrigued him."

Hau shifted his stance, putting one foot behind the other and placing his hands behind his head. That grin was ever so present, "No kidding, huh? I didn't know that! I've never seen one before no, I think I'll take it under consideration when I build my team again. Where can I-"

A small noise coming from the northwest interrupted and Hau turned around out of natural curiosity to see what it was. What he saw made his smile disappear from his face and his eyes widen in fear. A large plume of green energy was rising into the atmosphere, adding a greenish tint to the sunset, the beach, and everyone on it. The sickly green light continued to climb until it hit the wall that was the atmosphere's limits and began spreading.

"Demobreath..." was the only word Hau stated. It was filled with dread. He turned back to Lammy and grabbed her hand, not asking for her consent while the tone in his voice represented urgency, "We have to get inside. Now!"

He started running for the Pokemon Center at breakneck pace, dragging the scientist's daughter behind him.

Lammy squealed as she was suddenly dragged along, not able to react with any sort of composure. Managing to but grab a Poke Ball, she held it out towards the Malamar, who intentionally activated it, putting himself inside as Hau no doubt was making a breakneck pace.

In the beach, Gary's head popped out of the sand. He blinked, and yawned. Then, he saw the two humans walking nearby. He rubs his eyes and looks again. Yup, still there. He clamoured out of the sand and rinsed the sand off in the ocean. Then, he walked toward the humans.

Hau'oli City was in a state of motion. Many Pokemon Trainers were either rushing outside to see what was causing the eerie glow while others were rushing inside because they knew what was causing the eerie glow. Mostly tourists were out and about still, peering over the water or up into the sky to gape at the beam of energy while locals were beckoning them to come inside. Either way, the people and Pokemon were quite active, leaving the city hustling and bustling at an unusual point in the day. The wildings were flying into the woods in large flocks or groups, panicked by myths and legends experienced or told. And with the greenish tint added to the scenery, it set a tone for the people spectating, a common feeling rippling through the population...unease.

Ignoring the Garchomp's progression, Hau wasted no time dodging and weaving through the crowded streets as he made his way into the bright, fluorescent lights of the Pokemon Center, a harshly white light that seemed to cut through the queasy twilight outside. The 12-year old boy was panting, hands on his knees as he slowly turned to Lammy.

"We'll be safe...in here...for the night," he replied through heavy breaths, "Trust me."

---

Night time fell upon the people of Hau'oli City and tension with it. Hau and Lammy weren't the only ones to take refuge within the Pokemon Center as a number of tourists and a few locals were packed in there like sardines. There wasn't much room to move around, even with the nurses telling everyone to keep their Pokemon in their PokeBalls to conserve space. Eventually, people took to the floors, growing tired from their standing. The constant clamoring of conversation about the event had long died off, replaced by a few whispers here and there and mostly grim faces. Everyone glanced outside at least every few minutes, seeing if the green light had faded. Some were fascinated by it, watching it intensify at certain points and the recede, as if it was constantly being fired in different directions...like a battle was taking place. No one dared to step outside to see if someone dared to challenge the might of Demonbreath, for fear of seeing something they didn't want to.

Hau sat across from Lammy, not talking. He'd already filled her in on what he knew about the creature...the large Dragonite that used to plague the Wela Volcano and the environment around it, terrorizing everyone who came near. He told her about the many attempts to capture the beast by those who were brave enough to march up the igneous rock-filled slope only for those brave fools to meet their demise. He'd already explained the beast's mysterious disappearance one night, the unknown identity of the people and/or Pokemon that strode after Demonbreath and drove it away from it's home, slain on Ula'ula and never to be seen again apart from a few bones resting on the mountainside. He told her he didn't know how this was possible or even if it was indeed possible, but he'd recognize that green fire anywhere.

And then things were silent for a while. The green light actually faded and the sky returned to it's moonlit form, cascading neutral light down on the empty streets. They would stay empty for the rest of the night. No one would take the risk of walking outside to make sure Demonbreath was actually gone. The tourists who weren't sure what was going on were heavily advised to stay in their respective "shelters" until the sun came up tomorrow, most of which obliged without question while some had to take a lot of convincing.

As a result, the streets of the largest Alolan City stayed quiet until the sun rose the next morning.

---

Hau blinked awake at the feeling of motion around him. His eye fluttered open as he began to see many people exiting the Pokemon Center after a long and mostly restless night. The nurses and other retailers were sitting down behind the counter, exhausted after upkeeping the establishment all night. As for the tourists, they were going back to their regularly scheduled vacations, which likely involved a long nap in a hotel or on the beach. From the looks of the people's faces, it seems they were told that the threat was past.

The 12-year-old boy sighed, slowly pulling himself to his feet and groaning at the pain in his back from resting on the hard floor. Somehow, he managed to find his way to his knees and then to his feet, shaking his head as he cleared his thoughts and focused on that to do next.

Iki Town. He had to check on his home town. He had to make sure everyone was okay and that nothing had happened to his Gramps. Though he didn't hear the sounds of battle and destruction, he wanted to make sure it hadn't happened...just in case.

Without a second thought, Hau left the Pokemon Center, forgetting about Lammy as he marched down Route One and up the path towards Iki Town.

The brisk pace Hau took to getting to his hometown made the journey that much quicker and the sun was rising higher and higher in the sky. It did a good job lighting up the quaintness of Iki Town, which was fortunately not destroyed in any way, shape, or form. Hau breathed a sigh of relief and les a small smile cross over his face as he ran into the village and searched for a familiar face.

His smile would drop, however, when he found one...no, many faces. The ones he would recognize immediately of course were Hau's Grandfather and Professor Kukui's, both with surprisingly stern lines across their face. But the ones that took a second glance to notice had more impact on him. The first was Lukas's mom, eyes puffy and red with a tissue in hand. The second was a familiar Decidueye he'd battled time and time again but had yet to defeat in a standard battle...Robin.

But no Lukas.

Hau's expression went blank as he stood there, unsure of how to approach or react. It was Lukas's mom that ended up spotting the 12-year old, her spirit seeming to elate simply at the sight of the Kahuna's grandson. But her expression went dark and tormented again as she realized Hau was alone. Kukui said nothing, giving a half-hearted wave towards him, but had surprisingly little energy behind it.

Only his grandfather made the effort to step forward, steadily walking up to his grandson and embracing him in a hug...a hug with many emotions tied to it...

---

"You don't know that he's gone," Hau's words were tough and unwavering, yet full of hope and optimism.

"I'd like to think that too," Hala said flatly, "But if he had indeed gone after Demonbreath, then I fear the worst may have happened."

"You know what it was capable of," Kukui added, leaning forward on the table with his hands crossed in front of him, "You know how many trainers tried to wrangle that beast."

"But those trainers weren't Lukas!" Hau shot back, shooting up from his own chair, "Every time I battled him, I could feel it...that unwavering determination he had in every breath...that smart twinkle in his eye that told me he had a trick up his sleeve...that unstoppable spirit he shared with his Pokemon every time he called a move. I know him inside and out. If there was any trainer that was capable of bringing down Demonbreath, it was him!" He slammed his fist down, his mind visibly racing as he closed his eyes and sharpened his brows.

"I can't accept that he was just taken out. I can't do it." Now there was a bit more tremble in his voice as all the emotions he had fought back since yesterday all came to a head. He was slowly losing that battle. He closed his eyes, fighting back the tears.

"Hau," Kahuna Hala's words were soft as he got up from his own chair and approached his grandson, "I know this is pretty hard to accept. Even a part of me doesn't want to accept it. But I looked out across that ocean and watched those green flames leave the sky. I know they weren't out of victory. Someone or something had to have taken Demonbreath down, probably laying their life down for the good of us all. There's only one person I can think of who would be willing to charge towards the sound of danger and that's our Champion."

"Hey little man," The professor offered an encouraging smile, "He couldn't have known about the dangers. He didn't have the warning we all had."

That did little to ebb the wave of sadness washing over the Kahuna's grandson, who was now full on crying. Hala wrapped him up in a comforting hug.

"Lukas had done a brave thing," he told Hau, "He did something no one has ever done before and saved everyone in Alola...again. We owe a lot to him and his sacrifice will not be forgotten. He will be celebrated with a memorial as grand as a Kahunas."

Hau said nothing for a while before finally nodding.

"There will be time to mourn," Kukui scratched the stubble of his beard as he glanced outside the window of the Kahuna's house, towards Hau'oli City below, "But right now, we need to get things back on track. I've already got in touch with Libby and asked her to return. She has not gotten back to me yet, but something tells me she will return. In the meantime, we need an interim Champion to act in Lukas's place until someone can take down the Elite Four and earn their spot."

"We were thinking that you could be that interim Champion," Hala said, causing Hau to glance up at him with confusion.

"What?" he asked, "You want me to act as Champion in Lukas's place?"

"Of course," Kukui's smile returned as he walked over to Hau, "You're one of the strongest trainers in Alola! That's unquestionable. And unlike other possible candidates for this job, you're the only one who wouldn't be taken from some other duty."

"But you were the one Lukas challenged to become Champion in the first place," Hau protested, "Why can't you do it?"

"That was before you had proven yourself more than capable against the Elite Four," Kukui replied, "Besides, I can't do the same thing twice. That just isn't my style."

Hau turned to Hala, "Gramps, you're one of the strongest trainers I know. Can't you be the Champion? You're already in the Elite Four."

"Actually," Gramps said with a hint of revelation, "I was thinking of retiring from the Elite Four."

"You are?" Hau was once again shocked, "But why?"

"I'm getting too old to be keeping watch over this region," Hala admitted, glancing out the window, "It's kind of like what Kahuna Nanu said when we offered him a spot in the Elite Four. The Tapu choose me to keep an eye over Melemele Island, but that doesn't mean I have to maintain a post as a gateway to some of the most elite trainers."

"But who's gonna replace you?"

"I was thinking Molayne. That man spends all his time with Sophocles, who's growing up. It'll give him something else to do besides taking care of a genius."

Professor Kukui was shaking his head, "This is everything you've wanted to be. Why won't you accept it?"

All Hau did was shake his head back, "I didn't want to become Champion like this. I wanted to earn it."

"Hau," Kukui spoke with conviction that cut through the 12-year old boy, "You have earned this."