An echo proliferated through the thick, cavernous walls swelled with bright gemstones. They acted as light that shimmered a pathway towards the exit. Along the way, a few droplets of water would fall to the floor with a 'plunk'. Its echo would reach down towards the ends of the tunnel. Every time a droplet would fall onto one of the gemstones painted in the ground, it make its light refract. One could've mistaken this for a goldmine, if not for the fact there were gems and not gold.

The beauty of the view was brought down when swift footsteps were followed by rasped breathing. A young woman was hastily running for her life. She looked to be running away from something. Her attire was tattered and scraped in a few places. There was a notable scrape along her arm from something she ran into earlier. She tried ignoring the pain to focus on ahead.

As she hurried, she looked back over her shoulder. "No…stop! Please!" She nearly tripped over a gemstone, but kept on running while looking back. "Aipom! Stop!"

A blast of golden stars swept from the direction she came from. The woman reached back with her right hand and mage a blue magic circle. She fired a thin stream of water to counteract the attack. Water and golden sparkles decorated the ground, making the gemstones sparkle beneath.

The woman turned around and kept running, but she fell short of breath when her ears started aching. "Gnngh…no, stop this! Stop!"

"The ocean's waves are a restless titan,

Much stronger than any ordinary man.

Glistening shores shined brighter than the sun,

A light that no one can outrun."

The mage's ears were aching. The echoes of the song were traveling down the cavern tunnel. It didn't help that the ceilings were high to allow the sound to travel broader than normal. The soundwaves were so disrupting that she couldn't make it within a few feet before her balance threw her against the wall with a thud.

She slumped against the side of the gemstones and grunted in agony. With her down, a beam of bubbles headed her way, exploding against her back. She gagged loudly as the bubbles shoved her onto her stomach ruthlessly.

"We can relish in the view together,

If you just willingly surrender.

No harm, and no sway,

Just let me lead the way."

She trotted up to her feet, but she didn't get too far ahead when the heavenly voice was filtering through the cavern. Her head throbbed with a searing pain that brought her to her knees again. "I…can't go on like this…but…" She turned back towards the direction she came from. "That voice…it's so lustrous…so beautiful…"

She hastily shook her head. "No, stop it! I can't listen to this! I won't!" She staggered back up, but collapsed again when her knee gave out. She fell to her hands and knees, unable to escape as the found of flopping flippers and stubby paws ran up from behind.

Out of nowhere, an Aipom stood on her huge tail and flipped over her Trainer's head in acrobatic fashion. She blocked off her path and left her speechless.

"Aipom…not you, too."

The hand-tailed monkey didn't respond. In fact, her stare was so blank that it was like talking to a brick wall. The sound of flippers flopping grabbed her attention and swivel around. A seal-like creature with a deep blue complexion hopped across the ground until she was close enough to be within arm's reach.

"Dear Brionne, thank you so much,

This will be quick and easy, as such."

Each note was long, harmonic, with vibrations so long and serene that it was painful. The mage was covering her ears, but some of the sound was enough to make her lose concentration and relax.

The deep blue-colored Brionne hopped off to the side as a silhouette came into view. It was a woman in a spring green flowing dress with bright yellow hair neatly kempt and thrown over her shoulder into a large swirl off to the side of her ample chest. She had a yellow necklace that sparkled with the jewels of all the gemstone around in tiny, spherical shapes. She had bright blue eyes and green mascara to compliment her dress.

"Sweetie, it's gonna be okay.

I'm here to take all your worries away.

You've been through enough,

I will make it, so it won't be rough."

The woman leaned in closer, placing a hand on the mage's cheek. She chimed so sweetly as her melody was leaving her senses in a complete blank. With it so close, her rapidly beating heart was slowing down to match her soft, smooth pitches. The color on her eyes was gradually waning away to a duller shade, one that the operetta was relishing in.

"You feel secure?

You feel sure?

Then let's make my way,

Off to a new day."

The mage hypnotically nodded.

"Sweet, sweet melody. Let us bring on a new song,

One that will surely sweep all for enjoy for so long~"

The morning rays beamed into the large office. The light alone was enough to give the air condition a run for its money. The heat index was so high that Arthur couldn't even open up his windows for some fresh air.

Down on the early morning battle courses, however, early morning drills were still held for the mages and Trainers who were still enrolled in the Foundation. One Trainer's Herdier closed in for a Bite attack, but his attack went right through a Pikachu. "Hngh? Double Team?" He looked around, finding several copies of the opposing Trainer's Pikachu scattered across the battlefield. "Uh, Boss? What do we do from here?"

"Stay calm! We'll just have to smell them out! Just like we practiced!" His Trainer shouted. The young man reached out. "Odor Sleuth!"

Herdier's nose glowed as he lowered it towards the ground. He started sniffing around for Pikachu's real scent amongst the fakes. Sure enough as a dog would get it, his ears twitched and he went darting through a clone and snapped his jaws down on the real Pikachu. A burst of white energy erupted, sending him screaming and tumbling away, much to his partner's shock.

"No, Pikachu!" His partner looked down, seeing his Pikachu's eyes swirling from exhaustion. He slumped to his knees in disbelief. "No way, how…?"

"Heh, you're catching on, rookies." Overlooking the battle from the side, Travis had arms folded and smirked at the results. He glanced over at the victorious Herdier's Trainer. "Not bad, kid. Rtaher than smoke them out, you used an attack to counter an evasion increasing move to level it all out. Smart play."

While the Trainer looked elated and bashful at the compliment, Travis' glare hardened. "But don't think that you got off lucky, punk. Your opponent was too slow to command his Pikachu is all. Keep that in mind." His gaze fell upon the defeated Trainer. "And you, you didn't react fast enough. Make sure that next time when your opponent makes a move like that, you attack when their guard is dropped."

"Y-yes sir…" The Trainer nodded shakily.

Arthur watched from his office above placated. "Well now, seems that Charlotte's department is putting in the extra mile." He reached down to pet his Stoutland's head. "I just hope Travis doesn't let them suffer a heat stroke or two before having to call it quits."

The door knocked close behind him. "Mr. President. Can I enter?"

He heard the familiar tune and glanced back. "Hm? Oh, Marie, is that you? Yes, go ahead."

The door opened, allowing Marie to walk in with a clipboard in hand. She had a complacent look on her face as ever, not that the CEO never minded to begin with.

"Good morning, Mr. President. I see that you're as up as ever." She walked up to his desk as he moved his wheelchair to face her. She placed the clipboard on his desk and backed away. "Here are those documents that you've requested."

"Thank you for that, Marie. I apologize if this came up on short notice."

Marie shook her head. "Don't say such things. Besides, I came here on some informational notice as well."

"You don't say…" His tone was mildly slurred to hint about his curiosity. He sat the documents off to the side without looking at them. "And about this…news. Is it safe to surmise about a certain ally within our circle?"

Marie cleared her throat as she adjusted her glasses. "If you are referring to Nic and Erza Pularis' mission, they just left two days ago, sir. I'm fairly certain that their communications with us will be much more strained."

Arthur chuckled. "Of course it would be." He lost his usual grin, replaced by a grimacing frown. "But, on a more serious note, it would be nice for them to inform us of any evident details as soon as they can. I'm certain the medicinal means will help their friend Brandish recover much sooner. And about her, what's the state of her condition? Did Ajeel give us any forewarning to her levels yet?"

Marie shook her head. "I'm afraid not, sir. As it stands, Brandish's condition remains in stationary levels. Healers are doing their best on daily recovery processes but they don't have any antitoxins from the sample of the predator. I hate to say it, but if not caught, the victim could stay in a coma for weeks, if not months."

Arthur didn't like the sound of this. He was well aware of the current threshold of medicinal means that this world had to offer. Jeff drilled it by now with all these talks he's been giving to them about the research and field work studies. While the Cambire Foundation wasn't a primary in proprietary means, they still had to show some means to leniency. They had to show Earthland they were on their side.

"If it makes you feel any better, sir, the research department has been working with medicine qualities from the Trainers from the regions." She gestured to the papers. "Should be the third page in."

Arthur picked up the documents and went through the first two pages. He turned to the page she inscribed and overlooked the contents. "'A female Arbok that knows Toxic is being used for antibiotic vaccination', hm?"

"Yes, sir. It's a practice from the Kalos region. One of the Trainers we've collected was fortunate enough to assist us with something he learned during his travels. I believe Laverre City was the root of it all, yes?"

Arthur's neutral grin returned. "Well at least we're making progress somewhere. Alright…" He folded his fingers over each other. "Now then, since Jet and Bistro are both attending to their general studies, suppose I should show some more leniency. Better than frying in this office so soon on such a beautiful day."

He wheeled himself around the desk, which Marie went over to assist him. "Allow me, sir." She got behind his wheelchair and gripped the handles tightly. She started walking him towards the doorway, where Stoutland tagged along behind. "And by the way-"

"No need to rush, Marie." Arthur looked at the papers in his hands. "It's fine. I'll read them as I go along. Not to worry…oh, what's this? Ice-type air condition now operable." He chuckled. "Seems that today would be rather…chilled, supposedly of course."

"You drink too much wine, Mr. President." Marie groaned.

The early morning air of the Fairy Tail guild hall had been humid to say the least. Even with the saloon doors shut, it felt like the guild hall was going to fry. Many were too tired to move. Some didn't bother showing up today.

"Here you go~!" Mirajane saw a fresh plate of two eggs down in front of Shiin. "Made fresh from yours truly. Hope you enjoy!"

Shiin nodded humbly. "Thank you very much for the meal." With a nod of grace Mirajane reciprocated and walked away with the empty tray in her arm. With her gone he looked at the eggs to inspect them. For the most part, they appeared to be fairly cooked well. Not overdone, nor undercooked, just the way he asked for it. He clasped his hands together and bowed his head for a moment of silence before picking up his fork.

It was a new day for Fairy Tal, as well as another day for him. Though this time, it looked as though the guild would be slow today, if anything else. But it wasn't in his place to say. He hardly felt any level of discomfort despite his thick fabric. Anyone would be breaching for air if they were in his shoes, literally at that. However, as he ate, he didn't have the slightest bead of sweat crawling down his forehead. He chewed slowly to preserve dignity and energy as he watched the guild hall refugees try to deal with his wave.

"Ugh! Man, who turned on the heat today? My clothes are starting to stick." Lucy groaned, hooking an index finger around her collar to expel some trapped body heat.

"Yeah, it is a little hot in here." Wendy agreed.

Natsu, who was besides Charmeleon, looked on so casually. "Huh? Whata re you girls talking about? I feel fine. Right?" He looked down at Charmeleon, who was just as confused as he was.

"Well…I feel okay. I guess…" He looked down at his claws in inquiry.

"Easy for you to say, you're both used to fire." Happy grunted, lifting his head from the table, only to plop it back down. "Dph hahle if hot foo…" His voice was mumbled along the wood.

"We were told that the weather would be extremely hot today in advance." Carla pointed out. "Honestly, you're all whining like a bunch of underaged toddlers. If you're going to complain about, then at least do something about it! Sheesh!"

Wendy turned towards Gray. "Hey, Gray. You think you can do something about this?"

Gray, who was stripped down to his shorts at this point, sighed. Anyone would be appalled at this point – to a stranger's point of view – but today was an exception. "Alright, give me a minute." He stood up and pulled out three Poke Balls. Without a word, they were thrown into the air, where they summoned Snover, Bergmite, and Snorunt out before everybody.

"Alright guys, let's make everyone chill out today, alright?" he pointed towards the ceiling. "Use Icy Wind!"

"Okey-dokey!" Snover saluted.

"Understood. Cool down, comprehended." Bergmite shivered robotically.

"Goody, goody, goody! More snow for me~!" Snorunt chimed.

All three Ice-types aimed up to where Gray referred to and expelled icy cold air everywhere above everyone's heads. The frosted winds hit the ceiling with little force, but just enough to allow it to make a draft downwards onto everyone. Light sparkles and a chilled breeze filled the guild hall, much to everyone's pleasure.

Lucy sighed heavenly. "Ah yeah, now that hits the spot."

"Ah~, yeah! Now we're talking! I can finally enjoy a cool drink without breaking a sweat over here!" Cana shouted from the bar. "Remind me to drink to you later! 'Kay?!"

Wendy held out her palm and felt the sprinkles of bright blue come down. "It's like it's snowing…" She felt her Poke Ball rustle beside her. It popped open, bringing out Amaura to her side. "A-Amaura?"

The ancient creature's large blue eyes went up towards the ceiling, watching the frosted air swirl and dance into a number of directions. Her sails on her head shifted to a brighter shade to mimic a borealis. She looked so elated that her blue eyes twinkled with the sparkles.

"Seems she likes the cold. I forgot that she's part of the Ice-type faction as well." Carla chimed. "Also I could be wrong, but if I recall, her former land was ice and snow, was it?"

"A trip down memory lane, huh?" Wendy glanced at Amaura. "You like this, Amaura?"

Her response was clear through a loud cry and the sails on her head rippling colors towards blue, then back to bright. Every second it changed.

"I'll take that as a yes." Lucy chimed.

"Aye, sir!" Happy yelled.

Across from the other end of the guild, the cool breeze was coming down on Shiin as well. Though unlike the others he didn't show any signs of relief. In fact, he seemed even more discomforted than all else. It wasn't because of the sudden temperature drop, no. His robe regulated that for him. But looking at the Pokémon expelling this air conditioning was what caught his interests. He would've furrowed his brow if it wasn't within his job title to keep his emotions in check.

He shifted his eyes around to see if anyone was giving him any suspicious looks. He pulled out his camera from his robe and kept sitting down. He aimed the lens at Snover, Bergmite, and a jumpy Snorunt. The camera clicked and took the photo of their attack positioning ice and snow over their heads. Once it was taken, he looked at the snapshot with inquiry. 'As I thought. These creatures aren't using any means of magic. So then how are they able to use such power…?'

Another set of magical signatures were felt by him. He looked towards the saloon doors and saw Juvia walk through with Vanessa and Sophie. The former smiled graciously upon seeing Gray.

"Good morning, my love!" Juvia swiveled on over playfully. "You're looking so great today! No, better than that even!"

Gray passed the comment over his head and gave her a grin. "Oh, Juvia. I was wondering where you were. What took ya?"

"Sorry, that's kind of our fault." Sophie impishly raised her hand. "We kinda ran into each other when we were on the way here and got caught up a little."

Natsu raised a brow. "Huh? Since when you were so chummy with Juvia?"

"Just yesterday." She smirked in just a deadpan tone. "But, speaking of Juvia…" She eyerolled towards her, "Wasn't there something you wanted to show Gray, Juvia?"

"Oh, that's right!" She reached into her sleeve and pulled out a Poke Ball to Gray. "Tada! Look darling, I've found myself a new Pokémon! Isn't that great?"

"Really? That's cool." He leaned into the Poke Ball with an inquired brow raised. "What is it?"

"Wait, hold up a sec! Juvia, when did you catch one?" Lucy pondered.

"It was yesterday, when you guys were on your job." Sophie explained. "It was out by the woods when Juvia and I were by the spring."

Juvia nodded. "That's right. Now…" She through the capsule skywards. "Wartortle, come out and say hello to everybody!"

The capsule's energy expelled onto the ground, revealing Juvia's newly caught Wartortle on a knee. He was on a knee and gingerly lifted with a sharp gleam in his suave complexion. "How may I be of assistance to you, Boss Ma'am?" Even his suave voice was there to give everyone a slight shiver. And it wasn't just the Icy Wind air conditioning.

"Woah, check it out! A turtle!" Natsu smiled wide.

"Wow, just look at all those fluffy tails it has, too!" Happy awed, getting behind and placing a paw on the tail. Instinctively the tail fluttered to make him flinch.

"My apologies, but please refrain from that sort of contact, especially in that area." Wartortle politely insisted. He turned towards the others surrounding him. "So, you're Boss Ma'am's friends. It's a privilege to meet you all. I'll try not to be a burden." He humbly bowed towards them.

Wendy and Lucy's bodies shivered as a lighthearted feeling swelled. It was more shock than anything as one thought ran through their head. 'He's so mature!'

Vanessa turned towards Sophie. "Looks like it was busy yesterday." She smiled.

"Well, at least I was." Sophie chimed. She chuckled lightly, twirling a lock around her index finger. "But it was a fun little adventure. I just wished you were there to see it."

Wartortle's eyes ogled around, seeing the many Pokémon around him. He turned towards Gray complacently. "So, you're Gray Fullbuster, is that right?"

"Yeah?" Gray blinked in surprise. "How did you…"

"Boss Ma'am told me a little bit about yourself while she was waiting for your return. Figured it'd help set up familiarity if I met you as well. Any acquaintance of hers is one of mine as well. I'll do my best to assist if needed. Hm?"

Gray raised an eyebrow. "What is it?"

Wartortle felt a chill run down his spine. The cold air coming down from Gray's icy trio was flaking onto his head. His backside felt a shiver that made him turn around in shock. His eyes widened when Amaura's light graze nearly spooked him to where he jumped back into his shell. It hit the ground on its backside.

"Ha! It even pulls in his head like a turtle! That's so cool!" Natsu laughed, but he earned leers from his peers to make him slowly simmer. "Uh…well he can, right?"

Juvia crouched down in front of Wartortle's shell and levered him up. "Wartortle, are you okay?"

Wartortle's body popped out of his shell. His ears fluttered with the shock. "Phew, I'm alright, Boss Ma'am." He rubbed the temple of his head. "I was just…shocked was all." He looked at Amaura again, who tilted her head in confusion. With the cold air and being around her, he felt another uneasy still that ruffled his tail.

"He looks…discomforted somehow." Sophie observed.

"Wartortle's aren't necessarily sensitive to the cold like other types would be. Water-types generally have a solid tolerance, aside from a Freeze-Dry." Vanessa put a hand to her chin. "But this…"

With her aura, she was feeling throbbing nerves from within Wartortle's reach. It was like a feeling of insecurity for some reason. She noticed that the longer Wartortle glared at Amaura, the more his aura changed to a duller shade. It was like a discomfort was laced around him.

"It's okay, Amaura is friendly. See?" Wendy urged Amaura to move closer. "Go on, say hello."

Amaura obeyed and walked up to him. She smiled brightly like nothing happened. "Hi there! I'm Amaura, it's so good to meet you."

Wartortle suppressed his chills and nodded calmly. He cleared his throat. "Yeah, sure. Sorry about that. You certainly came out of nowhere, didn't you?" he chuckled. "Still, it's mighty chilled in here. Must be a hot one."

"Well if you wanna heat up, I know a great way." Natsu balled his fist as embers flickered from it. "How's about a battle? I wanna see just how strong you are, right Charmeleon?"

The lizard smiled ecstatically. "Yeah, great idea."

Juvia scratched her cheek nervously. "Well, I'm not sure…"

Gray stepped to her side. "Then we'll make it a double battle, what do you say?"

Immediately Juvia jumped. "Of course! I'd love to if you really want to, Gray!"

"Of course." Lucy sighed.

Shiin watched from the table with his platter emptied out. He had his camera with him as the lens focused in on Wartortle. He took a quick snapshot and looked at the picture of the newest recruit. He hid the camera from sight just before he caught a glance of Vanessa's eyes looking back at him. Their eyes seethed at each other before Shiin pulled away. He could most certainly feel her keeping an eye on him this time around.

"Say, has anybody seen Joey? Or Dereece for that matter?" Gray stopped to realize this fact before getting ready for his battle.

Sophie sighed. "Joey left with his team earlier. They were going on a job."

Vanessa took a genuine interest long enough to keep her attention off of Shiin's shifty aura. "So early? Doesn't he know the heat index is high today? Well, let's just hope they don't take too long before we have to worry about them."

East of the Worth Woodsea, the forest was blooming with wildlife, with large trees shading all below.

Footprints paved through the dirt and grass as Joey led Dereece and Duncan to the designated area of their job. With it being on the northern end of Fiore, the heat index was much more tolerable than it was around Magnolia. Still, it was enough to break a small sweat on Joey. And borderline soaking Dereece in the salty body liquid. Duncan followed behind without even a trace of sweat to care about.

"The spot should be around here somewhere…" Joey looked at the map in his hands. "According to the client's description, we should be close."

"That's great." Dereece wheezed, slouching over. "But you think we could stop for a minute? We've been walking for miles since we got off that carriage."

"We'll stop for a minute when we reach the point." Joey insisted. Dereece was taken back by Joey's dead serious tone. He really wasn't going to be dragged down like this. The wingman will just have to follow his lead with the job. Duncan, who was silent the whole time, followed along in compliance.

The trees and the underbrush had some space growing from up ahead. The Freaks followed their Captain through it into the small clearing. The sound of woodpeckers was heard clearly as birds fluttered overhead. The sunlight was harsh. Harsh enough to make the sweat explode of Dereece's face. Trees were much more evenly spread out with a few bushes and underbrushes around the base of the trunks. Beautiful it was, and an ideal spot where the map led them.

Duncan stopped in place. "So what's that head of yours got thinking now?" He had a sarcastic, impaired tone. Dereece gave him a frown but couldn't muster up the strength to retort back.

Joey ignored the tone and looked down at the second flier in his hand. "According to the client, there's been reports about mages that were in this area that never returned to their guilds. The surveys also showed there was also a drastically large decline of wild Pokémon inhabiting the woods, too…" His brow furrowed as he was thinking aloud.

"So what are we looking at?" Dereece wondered. He put a hand to his chin to think about what he said. "It can't be poaching. Poachers don't take the Trainers with them unless it's for ransom or hostage." He turned towards Duncan. "Duncan, have you seen poachers in Sinnoh before?"

Duncan scoffed with disinterest. "No, I haven't. Just some news that I never bothered with is all."

Dereece frowned. "Really?"

"Hello? Job a job here people." Joey poked the flier in front of their faces. "A little less chitchat and a little more thinking here." Dereece and Duncan went quiet as he got to his knees and spread out the topography map. "Alright, now. If there is in fact a culprit, and it's all within this area, we can probably guess there are traps around that they all might have fallen for."

"So we're gonna have to set off every trap until he comes finds us, is what you're saying?" Dereece speculated. "I don't think paddling around like that will be very…helpful, you know what I'm saying?"

"Yes, Dereece. Which is why we will take down two Pidgey with one Smack Down." He pointed at Duncan. "Duncan, you will do a perimeter check. Check for any traps if there are any. If you see anyone suspicious, signal us."

Duncan shrugged. "Fine." He walked off, doing as told and going back into the woods. "So where does that leave us then?" Dereece asked.

"Simple, Dereece…" Joey gave him a serious brow. "You have that Honey still?"

"Yeah, I always keep one on hand in case Heracross gets hungry. The big sure has a knack for this stuff." He reached into his bag, pulling out the small jar of Honey that was stashed inside. It was covered by a lid to keep the smell from getting too far out.

"Perfect. Alright, here's what we're gonna do. While Duncan is doing perimeter check for any Pokémon or people, we're gonna lure them here with some old-fashioned Honey." He turned towards a tree nearby. "We're slather some of that bark and see if Pokémon come. If we're lucky, someone else will have a sweet tooth. And once they're out in the open, we'll use a barrier and trap them."

"Alright, sounds simple enough." Dereece smirked. "So that just leaves Duncan to double check in case this falls out on our theory."

"Right. Now, quick. Go get some branches…" Joey rubbed his two palms together. "It's time to set up some booby traps."

The woodlands were quiet. Not too quiet to cause someone to lookover their shoulder but enough to make one feel eerily calm. To someone like Duncan, it was an omen. He glided his metallic polearm across the ground, swaying it back and forth like a divining rod to locate traps set along the ground. His aim was questionable, but he was still doing what Joey told him. It wasn't that he was inclined to care, but it wasn't like there was any specific aim either. In a realistic view, the job entitlement didn't describe how these disappearances happen. For all he knew it could be traps, it could be ghosts, and yet at the same time he just didn't care. He was doing this because he had an obligation.

It wasn't the genuine need to help people like everyone else does. He was aware his motives were selfish, but then again whose wasn't? This job was a base pay of 250,000 Jewel. Divide that up with Joey and Dereece would still be half of the weekly down payments he's agreed to make, but it was better than low pay jobs that they did all over town yesterday. The net pay then was 30,000. If he wanted to get to his goals faster, he had to make sure the others could keep up with their experience. So far they aren't dissatisfying him. That counted for something.

"'He better not screw this up. If I miss the payment deadline this week, the project will be delayed. It's already expensive enough as it is.' He glanced around his surroundings. 'Still, there should be some wild Pokémon somewhere. There were birds and mammals we saw up along the way. Maybe it's only Pokémon and humans taken…'

His metallic pole grazed the dry dirt softly. He still didn't feel anything. He was starting to lose patience. He had to switch things up. "At this rate, not enough ground will be covered…" He pulled out a Poke Ball. He threw it skywards, bringing out his Honchkrow.

"(Hmph! What is it?)" The boss crow snorted.

"Look around. See if you find anyone." He commanded.

Honchkrow snorted and flew off to comply with the job. Duncan watched him off in a direction and returned to what he thought. 'The range shouldn't be very far. They all didn't go disappearing overnight…'

"Ooooh~"

A harmonious wail echoed through the underbrush like a wind. Its ringing caused the hairs on the back of his head to stand. "Who's there?" He whipped around with his metallic staff. He didn't see anyone around, and he didn't find any wild Pokémon looming around either. If that were the case Honchkrow would've spot it dead center. "Hmph, must've heard something…"

As he turned around, the winds breezed against his back as another siren-like note chimed through the breeze. This tie it wasn't as vague. It caused his head to ache and throw his left heel off to the side.

"Gngh!" He clutched his throbbing head. The serenade of the breeze was causing all his senses to dull to where his focus was completely off. His eyes were getting foggy fast, and he didn't know why. He curled downwards until his head was touching the ground.

"Listen to your heart, and be free.

All you have to, is come to me.

Me my song be your guide,

Away from troubles to cast aside."

"This song…where is it…coming from…?" Duncan's comprehension was getting nowhere fast. His world was steadily growing blank. The raspy breathing he had before was gradually diminishing to a clam breath. The pain itself was getting warm until it was comforting. The glow in his eyes had begun to fade away until it was soulless.

Very slowly, he stood up and turned towards the melodic wails within the woods. He started his way with zombie-like strides through the underbrush towards its base.

On the trunk under the shade, golden, sweet honey drizzled and covered the bark. Around the tree's base were a bunch of underbrush, much of which was fanned out.

Camouflaged within these shrubs, two of them had eyes that were shaded by the branches and leaves coating them. They were watching patiently, waiting for whenever the opportunity would come.

"Gngh! I think my clothes are getting snared in these…" A deep voice grunted. Something else rustled inside that it reached for. "Heracross, don't. Don't. That Honey isn't for you. We'll get you some more later."

"Ssh! Quiet Dereece, I think I see something coming."

The bushes went completely still, save for the few leaves rustling from the wind. The hot air beamed down onto something of medium height rolling its way past them towards the tree. A Whirlipede rolled its way slowly until he came to a halt. Its antennae trickled with the sweet smell of Honey, something even Bug-type Pokémon like him had a hard time resisting.

The two eyes in the bushes were admirably suspicious, but it looks like they were getting somewhere. It was keeping all of the one's willpower to prevent its leaves from rustling underneath where a Poke Ball was hidden away. They waited as the Whirlipede rolled a little closer until he was right at the base of the tree and proceeded to eat the honey.

"Ah, there you are." A voice chimed. "I've been looking for you, Whirlipede…"

"NOW!" One of the bushes shouted.

Suddenly the two bushes rustled and uncurled. Two bodies coated in a layer of underbrush and branches appeared and faced the surprised Whirlipede and the newcomer. One pulled out a Poke Ball, and the other reached his arm out.

"Barrier-Make: Hemisphere!"

Joey isolated the culprit within a turquoise dome of barrier. With his goal snared, he grunted. 'Got him!'

"Okay, now go!" Dereece threw the Poke Ball hastily. It popped open, bringing out Heracross as he shoved in the way of the Whirlipede and shoved him out of the bait. The two insects slid off to the side with grunts, though it took the Whirlipede by gradual surprise.

Dereece glanced over at Joey. "Captain, got the bait out of the way! He's all yours!"

"Thanks Dereece. Now, let's see who…" He trailed off in surprise. His eyes widened in shock at who was caught in the trap. "Wait, you're not a…"

Rather than it being a person, it was a Meowth. But this Meowth was different. Similar to what Nic and Erza saw in Alola, this one had a bright gray coat with curved whiskers. She looked at Joey with eyelids half-open with a flick of her whiskers.

"A…Meowth?" Dereece questioned.

"Yeah, looks like it." Joey raised a brow. "But its color is different. Is it some lookalike?" He wasn't entirely certain, but he wasn't taking any chances either. He pulled out his PokeDex to analyze the Meowth that plucked at her own whiskers.

"Meowth, the Scratch Cat Pokémon. It's impulsive, selfish, and fickle. It's very popular with some Trainers who like giving it the attention it needs."

Joey looked at the entry and back at the Meowth. 'It's a Meowth alright, but it's a Dark-type…just what exactly is this kind of Pokémon? Was it the Honey that got its attention?'

"If you're inclined to believe that I'm here for such a sticky sustenance, I apologize, but I have no intention." The Meowth scoffed, flicking another whisker. "Such repulsive texture only sullies my coat." She looked at Joey up and down, huffing. "So, you're the one he keeps raving on about…very well then."

"'He'…?" Before even getting an answer, Meowth's paw glowed white. She suddenly disappeared, and then reappeared outside the barrier in a blur in Joey's face. At the last second, he brought up a forearm to block the black Meowth's kick.

"Captain!" Dereece panicked.

'She escaped my barrier?!' He followed up with swiping his arm, deflecting the Meowth onto the grass, landing on her feet, as expected of a cat.

"Hmph, well that was simple enough."

Joey looked at her in admonished shock. He looked at his hemisphere dome, which dispelled shortly, and then back at the Meowth. 'It bypassed my Barrier-Make, and in just a blink of an eye. I didn't catch it until the last second when it attacked. But, my barriers are indestructible. Not even Spatial Magic can penetrate through them. So how did it…'

"That move it used just now, is that…?" Dereece flinched in shock. "Feint? Captain! That's how she got through! She knows Feint!"

The Meowth flicked another whisker. "Hmph, took you that long to realize. You must be slower than expected." She earned a scoff from Dereece.

"Feint?" Joey repeated. His eyes widened in realization. "Wait…now it makes sense! That's how it can get through!"

The Meowth scoffed lightly at their ability to comprehend. She jumped into the air and charged up electricity around her body before firing a lightning bolt at Joey and Dereece. Reflexes kicked in and they ducked out of the way, leaving Heracross and Whirlipede in the path of the bolt. They separated in time as the lightning bolt diffused. Meowth landed again with a smirk.

"That was Thunderbolt." Joey realized.

From the shadows of the trees, another person walked casually towards the commotion. "Come now, Meowth. No need to act so hasty." He paused, grinning mischievously. "…not yet, at least…"

Meowth turned her head around.

"Wait, that voice-!" Joey recognized that voice. Immediately he and Dereece turned towards the tree line and saw someone shift their way through the underbrush so calmly. The Whirlipede from before rolled past them towards his side while the Meowth crossed her arms. The figment walked out towards the light to show his sharp eyes and rather impatient stare on his cohort. Immediately their nerves stood on end.

The familiar man lightly grinned in surprise. "Well now, what's this? What a striking coincidence."

"Kane!" Joey growled.

Dereece got into a defensive position. "Should've figured he'd be around. Looks like he's been busy."

Kane chuckled. "So you've noticed. Do pardon my new Pokémon's behavior for the time being. As you can see, she can be rather hasty. I trust she hasn't permanently injured you…" He smirked. "…Not yet at least."

'Of all the times for him to show up…' Joey got serious as he sprouted a resolution. "Dereece. Go find Duncan. There's been a slight change in plans."

Dereece understood exactly what he meant. "I'll be as quick as I can! Be careful! C'mon Heracross…!" He looked back around to find his partner at the base of the trunk, licking up the Honey without a care in the world. "Heracross!"

"H-huh?!" He whipped around, showing Honey smudged on his lips. "Oh, sorry! I'm coming!"

Dereece used his magic and walked upwards like the air was a stairway. Heracross opened his wing shields and followed him away from the scene. They disappeared over the canopy as Joey looked at his self-proclaimed archnemesis, whom had a smug look on his face. The two had a brief standoff at each other from different point of views. Joey was under the blistering sun, while Kane was from the shadows.

"So tell me something, are you behind all those Pokémon and people disappearing?"

"Afraid I don't know what you're talking about." Kane retorted with a snarl.

"Don't play dumb with me, Kane. Look, enough is enough. We all know you'd dosuch a thing to get my attention."

Kane chuckled. "Guilty is charged." He frowned. "But I'm serious as well, I don't know what you're talking about. If you must know, I was just recently entering the woodlands in search of a potential Pokémon. And it just so happens that this Meowth here happens to be just that."

Meowth flicked another whisker. "Hmph. Petty. You were right about this guy being highly fashionable."

"Yes…quite so. Anyways, that brings me to you, Joey. You see, Joey, now you have yourself at a disadvantage. You know why?"

Joey furrowed. He chose to eye his archnemesis as he paced about through the shadows. "You see, she knows Feint. And we all know what that move does. A move that bypasses defensive moves such as Protect and Detect is extremely underrated, wouldn't you say? It's not all that powerful admittedly…but for someone like yourself it should prove to be most interesting." He chuckled again.

Whirlipede hissed about something.

Kane reached down, petting Whirlipede's head. His antennae purred softly.

"Don't worry about a thing, Whirlipede. You know you couldn't help it. Honey is every Bug Pokémon's weakness. You'll have a nice bowl of that with a side of Berry Juice when we get home. Yes you will…" He nuzzled his nose against Whirlipede's antennae, who turned his head and purred affectionately.

"Ugh, can we please hurry this along? Any more of this heat and that is going to make me barf." Meowth groaned.

Kane shot his Meowth a disapproving frown. "Yes, it is rather hot out. So then…" He stood tall, glaring down Joey menacingly with a Heal Ball in hand. "Shall we?"

Joey mentally cursed at the predicament. Of all the times to get pinned into a situation precariously by Kane. This was rotten timing, but he had to make the most of it. 'I just sent Dereece to go find Duncan, so I don't have any backup like we did.' He looked at Kane's empty side. 'But it looks like Kane doesn't have backup either. No one should be getting in the way. I better hurry this up so I can get back to the job!'

He pulled out a Poke Ball and a Luxury Ball in opposite hands. He threw them sideways outwards. "Quilladin! Tympole! Go!"

The two capsules flung open. Out first came Quilladin on the right-hand side, with Tympole on the left. The mammal stomped both heels on the ground and rolled his arms with a furry. "Ready to go, Joey." He glared at Kane. "You again!"

"Poznáš toho chlapa?" Tympole inquired.

Quilladin glared. "Yeah, we know these guys. Trust me Tympole, they're as creepy as they are crawly." The tadpole beside him didn't question that logic. He braced himself for battle besides Quilladin.

Whirlipede shifted his antennae and started forward, but Kane held an arm out. "Now, now, Whirlipede. Calm down. Let's not forget we have a new recruit who's just itching to let it all out." He snapped his fingers and pointed outwards. "Meowth, go!"

Meowth groaned. "Fiiine." She waddled out, putting a paw to her hip.

"And now…" Kane threw out a Heal Ball into the atmosphere. "Roggenrola, come forth!"

The Heal Ball popped open, bringing out Kane's Mantle Pokémon. Roggenrola stood up with his mantle core shimmering underneath the sun. "Present!"

All four Pokémon were under the harsh sunlight. The humidity was already cranked up enough as it was, but with the sun beaming down bright, it was like being in a tropical season. Joey and Kane stared each other down and glared.

"Now then…show us what you're made of!" Kane reached out towards Tympole. "Meowth! Use Bite!" The Meowth opened her mouth, showing her fangs glowing as she ahead and darted right for Tympole. The tadpole stood there, glaring down the incoming feline.

"Chceš niečo z toho?!" He vibrated his ears brightly in challenge towards his incoming adversary.

Joey swiped to the side. "Block her off, Quilladin! Pin Missile!" Quilladin spread his legs as his spiky horns glowed atop his head. He puffed and expelled white energy orbs surrounded by green streams. Four in total sped in front of Meowth's path, pausing her to look at the direction of the attack.

Kane smirked before reaching out. "Roggenrola, counter that! Rock Blast!"

"Yes, sir!" Roggenrola's top glowed a bright silver before unleashing blast waves at the Pin Missile's direction. In total, four drew closer towards them.

Meowth continued her path towards Tympole as the two attacks streamed into each other. Powerful eruptions exploded in the middle of the battlefield, blocking out the sun from view momentarily. Meowth continued her charge until she was within Tympole's proximity.

"Tympole, quick! Bubble Beam!"

"Jedzte bod-prázdne bubliny, ktoré snobby fleebag!" Tympole inhaled before spraying Meowth with an intense volume of bubbles. They exploded in her face, erupting mist around her. She went sailing backwards until she landed on her two feet.

She shook herself off the damage and grunted. She shriveled up as her fur got hindered in blue glisten. "You…how dare you defile me with your bubbles! My coat's nearly drenched because of you!" She outraged.

Tympole squirmed in glee of his attack. "Bupta!"

"That Bubble Beam should've done more…" Joey pondered into silence. He started getting an idea as beads of sweat were on his face. "And it's so hot…wait." His eyes widened. "Oh, you have got to be kidding me here, man!"

"A-ha!" Kane pointed accusingly at him. "Now you understand? The weather is exceptionally bright and hot right now. Those are conditions within Sunny Day if I'm not mistaken. Water-type moves are halved when under these conditions. And if I recall correctly, you don't have Pokémon that rely much on sunlight, do you?"

Joey growled beneath his breath.

"Now, let's give them a little taste of some of our special tricks we have in store." He pointed outwards. "Meowth, Thunderbolt on Tympole! Roggenrola, Rock Blast on Quilladin!"

Meowth jumped into the air and crackled in lightning before firing an intense bolt at Tympole. Roggenrola stood his ground and fired more silver energy projectiles from his top at Quilladin, this time counting only as two. They shot through the air towards their respective targets.

"Tympole, quick! Mud Shot!"

Tympole's glare hardened as he took in a deep breath. His mouth glowed bright orange before unleashing a barrage of mud balls at the lightning and incoming rocks. The mud conducted and neutralized the lightning upon impact, and created a stalemate with the rock-like energy blasts. The air exploded into a large cloud around them, fanning out all their vision at once.

Covering up from the smoke, Kane peered through his sleeve. "So, he has a countermeasure for Electric-types. Clever." He saw two silhouettes within the smoke. "However…" His eyes narrowed as he looked down at Roggenrola.

He saw his top vibrating. With it being his ear, he was picking up on the sounds of Tympole's vibrations running through the ground. He looked back at Kane and silently nudged his body in that precise angle. He understood.

Kane wickedly smirked. "We, too, can play around a little with clever tricks of our own! Meowth, Thunderbolt at 11 o'clock!"

Meowth snarled and jumped back into the air. Lightning crackled around her body and shot it through the direction Kane pointed out. It bolted into the smoke, making a hole that opened towards Tympole, who was taken by surprise and electrocuted by intense voltage. He croaked loudly in distress while Quilladin and Joey looked stunned.

"Tympole!" Joey shouted. "…! Quilladin, in front of you!"

Quilladin turned forward in time to see Roggenrola darting right for him. "Headbutt!" His hexagonal head made contact with his forearms, causing him to shoot backwards across the grass on his heels with a pained grunt. The voltage simmered down around Tympole and made him fall back with Quilladin.

Joey looked at his Pokémon with wide eyes. "You guys alright?!"

"Gnngh, yeah…believe me, Gyarados is much heavier than this guy." Quilladin grunted, shaking off the numbness in his arms. "Tympole, how badly hurt are you?"

The tadpole squirmed weakly, barely responding. He shook his head about in pained grunts. "Som...som v poriadku...ale cítim to na týždeň." He grunted loudly. "Neviem, či si môžem vziať niečo také."

Meowth snickered. "Hmph, what's the matter tadpole? Looks like you're not swimming properly. You better learn how to, before this cat gets hungry!"

"To bude deň!" he retorted.

"What he said." Quilladin grunted.

Roggenrola pressed a heel onto the grass. "Let's go!"

Joey balled his fists tightly. Kane looked just as intent on the battle as his archnemesis. "This time, Joey. You'll be the one who'll be buried alive when we're through!"

Dereece paddled through the hot, humid air as hard as he could, but with the heat index and the fact that being in the altitude exposed him to the sun, he was running a little on empty. The slight breeze he got did help keep him from exploding in sweat unlike the ground.

"Alright, where is he?" He looked down at the forest beneath him. "He's gotta be around here somewhere, I can sense his Magic Power…or somebody's for that matter." Another matter with Joey came to mind again. He bit his lower lip. 'Maybe I should go back and check on him. Can't leave him with that guy for one lousy minute without-!'

The sound of a caw got Dereece's attention. He whipped around with Heracross to see a familiar bird flying close by. "Dereece, is that who I think it is?" Heracross questioned, pointing his claws at the object's direction.

"Yeah, looks like it…" He stepped across the air and called out towards the larger crow. "Honchkrow! Over here!"

Honchkrow flapped about looking below until he caught wind of Dereece's shouting. His red eyes glared at him and changed his flight path until he arrived in front of Dereece and Heracross. His speedy arrival surprised the latter more. "What do you want, Chubs?" The bossy avian chapped his beak lines together.

Dereece got himself together just as quickly as he was startled. "Uh, look. We don't have a lot of time! Can you take me to Duncan? This is an emergency!"

"Why should I listen to what you have to say?" Honchkrow turned his head away snobbishly. "Like you matter…but you're lucky. Because my Trainer told me to find anyone who's around and scope them out. And maybe he isn't where he's supposed to be…so I guess he'll understand."

"Well that's good…I suppose." He looked at Heracross, who seemed just as confused as he was. They looked at Honchkrow as he immediately changed his flight path towards the direction where his Trainer sent him off towards.

Using his magic, Dereece ran along the air several meters above the tree canopies. Heracross glided right beside him in case he fell over, but otherwise paid no mind of worry. The Honey that was still on his face was being licked off before it could solidify through the winds.

"Please tell me he's here somewhere…" Dereece looked hastily at the lower lands. He didn't see anything emerge or move until underbrushes were pushed aside for a familiar person to walk. "Duncan!"

"You found him?" Heracross questioned.

"Apparently so. C'mon, we gotta get him, fast!"

Dereece, Heracross, and Honchkrow descended from above the canopies towards the forest floor. Dereece deactivated his magic and wheezed his way with harsh breaths until he caught up with Duncan.

"Duncan…thank goodness…we were starting…to worry…" Dereece wheezed some more. "Where you were…ugh." He coughed to clear his throat. "But that's not important. Captain Joey's in trouble! Kane's back, and we've gotta go back him up!"

He was expecting a response of some kind. Maybe like a reasonable scoff or two. Maybe something borderline along something disinterested that he would say. But instead he kept walking forward like nothing happened.

"Uh, Duncan…are you listening? Hey!" He hurriedly caught up to him. "Hey man, don't go through this rebellious thing again, you hear? I know you heard me. Captain's orders, let's…Duncan?"

Heracross raised a brow. "Is he okay? He looks a little…dazed."

Dereece quickened his pace to finally get in front of Duncan. He looked into his eyes and saw that the usual sharp glare he'd have was hollow. It was like looking into a possessed doll. His felt a shiver just looking into them.

"W-Woah!" Before he realized it, he fell over a tree root onto his back. Duncan's absent-minded body continued waling forward, stepping on Dereece's chubby frame from the stomach, towards the face. He pressed on like nothing happened, whereas Dereece recoiled from tasting dirt and rubber footwear.

"Are you alright?!" Heracross hurried over and reached down to help him up. He used his claws and pulled his Trainer up to his feet and stayed by his side to support him. "That looked, um, how should I say this…unpleasant."

Dereece blinked several times and spat out mulch and dirt. "Bleck! Oh, god…!" He coughed. With one good cough, he managed to pull back his senses and looked at Duncan as he kept going. "What is with him…?" He felt a chill run up his spine as a hum ran through the wind. His head perked up as he looked around. "…did you hear that?"

"Ooooh…"

An angelic, yet sinister tune chime through the rustling trees. Heracross and Honchkrow were perfectly still. The forest life around them seemed oblivious the moment this angelic wail reached their ears and antennae. As quickly as it did reach them, it left them completely calm.

"W-what…is this…? My body…is…"

The ghostly wails echoed in the direction Duncan went in. Now their curiosity was piqued, but it was too late. Their minds were growing blank as they carried their own weight towards the forest's darkness. Dereece's brown eyes drew a blank with Heracross and Honchkrow. Their wings carried them over their respective Trainers as they followed towards the path of the siren-like tune.

"Aqua Ring!"

Tympole's body expelled liquid that turned to rings around his body. They took on an atom's ring-like pattern and covered every corner of his body as he stood completely still right behind Quilladin, who covered for him like a wall.

Kane reached out ahead and commanded his Pokémon. "Meowth, Work Up! Roggenrola, Iron Defense!" His Meowth glowed a red aura around her body, while Roggenrola stood perfectly still while encasing himself in a broad layer of iron sheen. A sharp red aura flared around his body to signal his defense increase.

Joey swiped his arm. "Quilladin, Leech Seed!" Quilladin spat out a seed that went into the ground beneath Roggenrola. The mantle looked down just as the ground uprooted with large roots and snared him. They trapped him, while at the same time gradually sucking his energy nit by bit.

Kane grunted in annoyance. "Intrusive infliction…!"

As Roggenrola stood still, he suffered a small amount of energy loss, while Quilladin regained health through green waves. Tympole's Aqua Ring expelled small ripples of the same color, giving him energy back as well, though only in small doses.

'We have to do something about Meowth now. It's dangerous enough with that Thunderbolt. One more hit and Tympole's done.' Joey had to think through this, and fast. "Alright, get ready guys."

Quilladin and Tympole braced themselves. Roggenrola and Meowth did the same.

"Oooooh~."

A melodic wail went through the wind. Its chime reached everyone's ears and stopped them in place. Roggenrola and Tympole especially stopped in their tracks and vibrated with this melodic chime.

"What is wrong with you? Why do you look so dazed?" Kane scoffed. He looked towards his side, seeing Whirlipede looking away with antennae shriveling. "W-Whirlipede?"

It wasn't just Whirlipede with was reacting strangely to this phenomenon. Quilladin's spiky horns and Tympole's vibrators were shriveling as this tune entered through them. It was feint, but their sensitive hearing was causing their minds to lose all sense of functioning for the time being. The Aqua Ring around Tympole faded away, and Roggenrola's trap with the vines receded back into the earth.

"So…heavenly…" Quilladin swayed side-to-side passionately as his eyes were losing their light.

"Quilladin, the heck's wrong with…with…" Joey's head was spinning as the melodic chime whisked his thoughts away. "Yooouuu…?" He gradually lost strength in his mentally, until he was slouching forward with Quilladin.

Kane couldn't resist either. The moment they passed through his ear canals, the hypnotic aria enchanted his thoughts with a warm feeling. His cohorts were no different as they stood completely mesmerized by the voice.

"Please ear, come towards me,

I'll make feel longing for thee~."

All of them slowly turned in the direction of the voice and wandered in a straight line towards the harmonic tune. They carried along, not minding their unfinished score as much as they did for yearning this chime.

"Follow my voice and feel serene,

Take the chance to take in the scene."

Tympole gurgled as his ears vibrated. He hopped along merrily besides Roggenrola, whereas Meowth followed in tow. Quilladin and Whirlipede were in the back. They all came to a large, thick tree root that they all instinctively went over. Kane followed behind, stepping over it. Joey followed as well, but he stopped above the root and did a pirouette jump off of it.

The group of five continued through the forest with the eloquent chimes being their only guidance. Their subconscious carried their bodies to the sound's base across the woodland areas without so much as a hitch in whatever stood in their way.

Their next obstacle was a low-hanging branch. Roggenrola and Tympole were small enough to hop right beneath it. Whirlipede rolled in its way and pulled the branch forward. He passed by and allowed it to smack towards Quilladin, but he caught up and brushed it forward. The processed returned to Kane, who, for subconscious reasons, held it a bit too long as Joey closed in and stopped in place to allow it to smack right across his face. He floored completely, much to the hypnotized Kane's glee. He pressed on with the others.

"Oww…" Joey groaned, rubbing the side of his head. "Sweet Arceus, it felt I was Wake-Up Slapped by a…OW!" He felt an intense pain within his right side's ear lobe. He clutched it tight and grimaced heavily. "Gah! Crap, now I think my hearing aid is messed up…great, I can barely hear again."

He started inserting his thumb and index finger to try and get to the switch to help calibrate the medical device. He sat on the ground and tried reaching for both knobs, but it was frustrating with the heat getting back to him, and his other ear was all muffled that he couldn't get much but the constant ringing. It added to his dilemma.

"Dereece, tell me you have the tweezers on you! Dereece?!" He waited for an answer, but h didn't get any. It just hit him then. "Right, I can't even hear myself…what am I even saying?"

He noticed Kane and the others ahead of him walking off aimlessly. With his hearing aids still ringing, everything else was a mute as he raised his brow to catch up.

'Where are those guys going? And…weren't we just battling?' He took notice of the woods around him shading from the sun. 'I don't remember seeing this part of the woods coming out here. Let's see. We were out by the trees, and we were battling…then we-!'

His eyes widened in realization. That song! He remembered hearing something like that. He bolted to his feet in shock. 'Wait, is that what's happening? Where's it coming from?' He looked at the fading cohorts in the distance. "Hey, wait up guys! How dare you forget your Captain!"

He followed them towards the deeper ends of the forest. Though inaudible towards Joey, the echoes of the harmonic chime carried out smoothly. The Captain stopped in his tracks when he saw something up ahead that glistened about.

'A cave?' He looked inwards, seeing a bright rainbow that shined like stage lights in accordance to the muted tunes. He watched Kane and the others saunter in. 'Whatever they're going in there for, I can guess that's where all this stuff is coming from. I better keep up.' True to form, he hurried along into the mouth of the cave.

Kane and the others continued on, with Joey taking up the rear of the pack. It was slow process for him, especially with him mesmerized by the bright walls and ceilings. Gemstones glistened in clumps and scattered about the cave to give the gray walls a bluish hue. Each gem shined with a different color of light to match the rainbow. The further in they went, the more spread out these clumps were.

'Man, talk about flashy.' Joey thought to himself. 'It's like a stage without the flashes to change the beats. It's pretty though, but man, it's bright.' He cupped his eyes around his eyes. 'How far in are we going anyway-'

He barely caught his footing when he nearly bumped into Whirlipede. He stopped in his tracks to realize the others have stopped moving. He leaned off to the side to see what stood in their way.

'Is that someone heading this way?' He squinted lightly to see through the glare of the gemstones. It was vague, but he saw someone coming his way.

Through the thickness of the gemstone lights, an enchanted aria hummed from the depths as a voluptuous woman in an eloquent dress slowly walked up to them like she was on a runway. Her strides were confident with her blonde hair swaying hypnotically with her voice as she hummed sweetly towards Kane and the others. By her side was the deep blue seal that dragged herself across the ground with a complacent grin.

'Who is she?' Joey pondered.

The woman cleared her throat before inhaling through her nose.

"Welcome~, to you my friends.

This is where, all your trouble ends

Please, come with me,

And together, we shall be set free."

She reached out in her concerto towards Kane. Her seal mimicked the same movements as her arm, like a little backup singer. She looked at all her guests with a loving daze in her eyes. Kane, Whirlipede, and the others softly smiled back, but Joey was still a bit more confused than anything else.

'I have no idea what she's sating…' He shot an inquired look from behind Kane's back. 'Wait…humans and Pokémon disappearing were happening around here. Don't tell me…is this her?!'

The songstress shot a gaze at her new audience. When her eyes met Joey, she softly smirked at him, to which he froze up to looked at hypnotized as the others.

"Won't you please~, come with me?"

The others started moving at her command. Joey started walking as closely as possible to resemble hypnotism. 'I don't know what's going on here, but I should probably lay low and follow along. It looks like the others are doing what she says. If I'm gonna get to the bottom of this, I should, too.' He suppressed the urge to swallow a lump. 'Remember Joey, the mission comes first. If she really is the culprit…then I know what I have to do.'

The songstress swayed her hips with a carefree expression. New people to join her for her songs. She was looking forward to seeing how they react to her beautiful voice. She had to pull away from her beautiful little stage enough to give her vocals the rest and recompense they deserved. But now that she's calmed down so much, her tunes have gotten back into key. And with even more people to guide, she was getting somewhere closer to her desires.

The walk down the tunnel wasn't terribly long. It was a couple minutes from where they were originally. As they went further inwards, the air had gotten notably cooler than t was outside. Now it felt like Joey needed to wear his overcoat, not that he was going to take it off to begin with. When they got deep enough, the seal flipped around and smiled at everyone.

"Alright, everyone~! We're here~!" Even her voice was chiming and serene, though not as musical nor harmonic as her master.

Joey's ears were still ringing at his own deafness, but his eyes widened slightly at where they were taken.

They traveled into a massive, circular chamber with sleek rock walls with large stalagmites of gemstones jutting up from the corners. They provided light down under where a number of Pokémon and a few dozen humans were scattered into the crowds that littered the smooth cavern floors. The crystals were at their largest and bright as they hung over a higher point to resemble a stage, where two huge yellow crystals illuminated the performers on stage.

Four Brionne all chimed the same words and hummed to their hearts' content. They even raised their hands to show their concerto that made much of the wild inhabitants want to rise up with them. Flying-types and others with wings were rising up with glee.

Joey's eyes widened just a little more. Amongst those perched in patience and loving the harmonic concert was Heracross and Honchkrow. 'Heracross! And Duncan's Honchkrow? Then that means…'

The Brionne beside the songstress hopped up with an eloquent smile. "You all enjoy the concert Miss Siren will be performing for you. We ask that under no circumstances that you make any noises in doing so during or outside the concert."

Joey didn't understand what she said, but it had to be important.

"Right this way~!" The Brionne flopped off towards the left side of the cavern while Siren swayed to another part of the chasm. The others followed behind the deep blue Brionne. Joey followed them, but he looked over his shoulder to watch the lady walk along a narrow passage that went around the side behind huge pillars of gemstones. Once she was out of sight, he frowned heavily and furrowed his brow.

The Brionne flopped into the back of the crowd, where she patted a spot with her flipper. "Enjoy~!" She flopped off, and Kane took the spot where she pat down. Whirlipede, Meowth, Roggenrola, Quilladin, and Tympole stood in a perfect row beside him. Joey was amongst them as he looked through the crowd with shock.

'There's so many Pokémon out here. They've gotta be from this area, there's no mistaking it.' He eyed the surroundings all around him. There were several dozen Murkrow and Pidgey roosting along the crystal stalls with Fearow and Pidgeotto. A number of forest-dwelling creatures were also amongst them that were spaced out evenly. They were so mesmerized that even wild Zangoose and Seviper stood a few Pokmon apart from each other, but didn't fight. They were hypnotized onto the tunes so much that it stunned Joey a little too much.

A few rows ahead of him, the light reflected off a metallic staff that his blue eyes widened at. He saw two men stand right beside each other in silence at the performance. 'Dereece? And, Duncan?! They're here, too?!' His teeth gritted as his fists balled. 'C'mon, how is this fair?! What're they even listening too?!'

He looked ahead at the Brionne on stage wrapping up on a high note. They all ceremoniously bowed their heads and curtseyed before their audience. Everyone clapped their hands, paws, or claws together for them. Duncan and Dereece did the same, as did Kane. Joey had no idea why, but he followed the leader and mimicked everyone's clapping to blend in.

The four Brionne backed off a flop as the deep blue Brionne crawled her way forward. "Thank you all~, for your wondrous patience~!" She hummed. "Thank you, the illustrious Four Star Brionne Choir for your gracious performance. Now, to all who have been patient…who is ready for the main event?"

Everyone was silent, as expected.

"Great~! Without further ado~, please, welcome~…Miss Sire~~n!"

Off from the stage's left-hand side, the crystals lights got a little brighter as everyone's infamous star came into view. Siren swayed her hips as she drew closer towards the centerstage, with her Brionne stepping back. The audience clapped as she made her appearance and shuffled towards the lacrima mic stuck to a poll.

The gemstones around the stage shined brightly like a spotlight onto her face. She smiled brightly as her pink lipstick was standing out under the light. She straightened her back and smiled thankfully as her audience settled down.

'Is she going to perform for us?' Joey was genuinely piqued at this. 'Well I love a good show. Okay, first I'll watch, then get to the bottom of this.'

Unbeknownst to him, Siren cleared her throat one more time. She leaned into the mic and spoke.

"Hello, to all.

I, have to save you from this dreadful fall.

From grace where we were kept from,

The chaos of the maelstrom.

It's okay now, because here I am,

With my chimes to banish the damn."

Everyone stood completely still as all that was heard was her voice. Its hypnotic chimes loudly through the high ceilings of the chasm, where Woobat and Noibat were hanging upside-down to roost.

"I've been there beside you all along,

Seeing you for so very long.

I'm here now, and with that,

We can do everything without a spat.

I shall, oh yes I shall, lead you the way,

To a future that will make my day~!"

She extended a long, verbal wail as she lifted her head high. Her mouth gaped, in which shout out distorted wails that shrilled through the atmosphere. The Pokémon and humans alike clapped ceremoniously for the cries, rather robotically at that.

Joey continued watching with a frown. He couldn't hear jack squat, but from the way she sang, and everyone reacted at the same time, it had to be her doing.

"We'll take them all by storm,

Send them back to the norm!

Those wretched fools had it coming!

All their talk will be for nothing!

Rectify! Rectify! That's what we will do!

We shall bring them all to see anew!

Rectify! Rectify! We shall see the new dawn!

Earthland and all shall become…my pawn~!"

Her note stretched long and harshly throughout the chasm that everyone couldn't help but clap in rejoice. They all smiled and swooned for her. She ceased her singing and bowed before everyone's captivated clapping. She winked and waved back at her loving fans with the sincerest smiles.

Thankfully hidden amongst the crowd, Joey frown. Suffice to say that he seemed grievously disappointed. 'Really? That's a show?' He scrunched his brow. 'All these fancy lights, and all these people, and it looks like all she does is sing? C'mon! Would it kill her to have added some flashy lights or a fog machine for added effects?'

He shook his head annoyingly. 'Ugh…fine, whatever. So she can sing…' He shot a look at his surroundings. 'But I think her voice or some kind of music is affecting everyone here. Maybe she can hypnotize people with her voice or vocals. Then maybe she's used her voice to bring all these people and Pokémon here for something she needs. That's usually what people like her would do. If that's the case…then I need to snap everyone out of her voice. But how am I gonna do that…?'

He looked around for anything that could be of help. He saw Dereece, but he and Duncan were a few paces ahead of them and separated by a few mages and some of the wild inhabitants. He looked towards his side and noticed Kane, and right by his side Tympole.

He suddenly jerked at a shock that right into his brain. 'Oh, I just got an idea.'

The songstress sighed heavily to relax her voice a little. She stood on stag to compose herself before her audience. She needed just a few more minutes to recharge her vocals. That's all the time Joey needed.

He looked around the back to see that the exit was blocked off by two Brionne, which he had to surmise was one of the backup singers from the stage before. It looked like they didn't notice him under the bright lightning fortunately. He narrowed his eyes and swiveled past Whirlipede and Quilladin, until he snuck up behind Kane. He held up his index fingers and shove them into his mouth, pulling them out slowly with drenching saliva.

"Time for a little wake-up call…" he whispered.

He held out the two fingers beside Kane and shoved them into his ears, immediately getting a jerking reaction. He hastily pulled him back as his eyes returned to having color. "Gngh! Gah! What the-?!" He felt his ears violated with saliva drenched in fingers. "Joey?!"

"Sh! Ssssh!"

The few Pokémon and humans turned around and faced them. Joey immediately took a statue position like before like nothing happened. Kane did the exact same, briefly copying Joey's example like nothing was going on. Fortunately, this was enough to sway the masses long enough for them to turn back forward as the songstress was clearing her throat.

"What is going on here, Joey? And why did you give me a wet willy ju-"

"Kane, listen to me." Joey cut into his question, not knowing he was talking through his deaf ears. "If you can hear me, I have a plan…and I need your assistance with this."

Kane raised a brow. "What…?"

"Oooohh…"

Kane's body froze up again as the song played. Joey looked at Siren then at Kane before dipping his fingers into his saliva for the second wet willy. This time Kane shuddered when Joey didn't pull out. He looked at Siren as she continued administering her songs.

'This is gonna be a while…'

"Wartortle, Bubble!"

Wartortle inhaled a sharp breath before stepping forward. He breathed out a harsh trail of blue bubbles that fanned into Charmeleon and Staryu. The attack struck both Pokémon, though the brunt of it was for Charmeleon. He shot back across the guild floorboards until he stopped behind Natsu, grunting hard at the damage he received.

"Charmeleon!" Natsu exclaimed. He looked back at Wartortle, gnashing his teeth. "Right, I forgot. Fire-types are weak against Water."

Gray crossed his arms and smirked at Juvia's comeback. "Not bad. That Wartortle's got some guts." Gray chimed. "Now let's see how you like this!" He reached out ahead. "Bite!"

"(Oh goody! I've wanted to taste starfish for a while now!)" Snorunt's large white teeth glowed and he went pouncing for Staryu.

"Staryu, hurry! Use Minimize!" Lucy countered.

BEEPBEEP BEEP!

Staryu's entire body shrunk down due to its cells coming together. With an evasion increase, it allowed Snorunt to rolled overhead and stop in his tracks behind Staryu. "Huh?" He turned around to see where he went. A big mistake.

Charmeleon readied flames inside his mouth aimed right for Snorunt. "Let's see how you like this!" He reached out before him. "Use Ember!" Charmeleon careened his head back and opened his mouth, unleashing a blanketing spread of orange sparks right at Snorunt. The snow hat turned around in shock before the bristling flames drew near.

"Protect!"

"Whatever you say, Boss Ma'am!" Wartortle came between Snorunt and the Ember at the last second. He reached out, creating a forcefield of translucent turquoise that absorbed the attack. The flames pillowed out, leaving Charmeleon to snarl.

Lucy reached out ahead. "Staryu, Psywave!" In its shrunken state, Staryu fired a wavy, kinetic beam from across the guild hall that connected with Wartortle's forcefield. It also dissipated, much to Lucy and Staryu's surprised looks, if Staryu's blinking gem meant that.

"That's a pretty manly defense that thing has. Nice." Elfman admired.

"Not too shabby, I've gotta say." Jet teased.

"Yeah, that shell looks har to get past by." Droy said, a platter of fried chicken in hand.

Juvia lightly chuckled. It was so humbling to hear such nice things about her new Wartortle. Embarrassing sure, but she was willing to take it. But nevertheless, she continued on with the pressure. "Wartortle, now! Rapid Spin!"

"Can do!"

"Snorunt, follow him up!" Gray shouted. "Ice Shard!"

Snorunt created a hemisphere of icy energy that solidified into ice. He aimed it at Charmeleon, which fired at an alarming rate across the battlefield. But he was quick enough to lean off to evade, only for a rotating spinning shell to crash into his frame. He pushed back further across the ground, up to the point where he had no choice but to dig in his heels into the floorboard and grab the rotating shell. He shoved him away and into a flip. Wartortle popped out in midair and landed on a knee.

Charmeleon grunted. "He's…no pushover."

Wartortle hummed. "Flattering, aren't you. Gotta say though, I'm disappointed. If you really came to battle…" He spread his legs apart. "Then show us what you've got right now. I insist."

Charmeleon scoffed. "Fine by me." His body expelled a bright flare from around the tail end. An orange aura coated him as his Blaze Ability activated. He let out a prideful roar as his fire ignited.

"Yeah, that's what I'm talking about Charmeleon!" Natsu shouted. "Yo Gray, Juvia! Better get ready! 'Cuz we're not holding back this time!"

Gray sneered back. "Count on it. Juvia?"

"Just leave it all to me! Wartortle and I won't let you down! Right, new partner?"

Wartortle gave another suave composition outward. "Sure, Boss Ma'am, whatever you say!"

"Don't think Staryu and I are just gonna sit back and let out guys have all the fun." Lucy chimed. "Let's go!"

Everyone from around the guild hall was fully invested into the battle. They were so caught into the event that they almost completely forgot about Shiin, who had been watching the battle as well with a prudent glare. To say he looked pleased at what he was seeing wouldn't be the right words, but he wasn't disinterested by it.

As Charmeleon surrounded himself in fire and scored a clean hit on Wartortle, Shiin put up his lacrima camera and took a snap of when Wartortle slid backwards to a stop in front of Juvia. Once the flash-less snap was taken, he pulled away and took a look at the picture. He could see Juvia was really into the match.

"Finding something you like?"

Shiin whipped his head up and found Vanessa hovering close by. Despite his expressionless disposition, he was genuinely surprised at seeing her. From how she appealed it wasn't her intentions to startle him either. 'I let my guard down.' He inwardly despaired. "It's nothing to be concerned for. I was just doing my job as observing is all." He reasoned.

"So I see." Her aura picked up on his inclination. "That's a rather nice photo, wouldn't you say?"

Shiin scoffed, putting away the camera to withdraw evidence. "You can say that. However, I fail to see how my opinion invokes such a subject. If your intentions are to strike up a conversation, then I apologize, but I'm not necessarily what you might consider a songbird."

Vanessa remained neutral. "You wouldn't be the first. I won't say much if needed to, but…you seem to have some sort of an investment in quite the Pokémon Battles, don't you?"

"And what gives that away?" he chided.

"Well, supposedly it could be the picture that I saw…" Shiin mentally cursed himself as Vanessa paddled on. "But also, it's your aura. You seem exponentially focused on Pokémon Battles specifically. Why is that, I wonder?"

Shiin gave her a blank glare. Though, from the look in his eyes he could tell that Vanessa was having her own intuitions. Just looking at her eyes alone, they brought some sort of challenge towards him that he didn't know why, but it was making his inner composition tremble. But by just a little. It wasn't that he was obligated to reply to her, but it wasn't like he expected her to understand. For now, as a show of some measure of faith, he could trouble her to spoil.

"Hmph…what's the point, about these battles I mean?"

Vanessa went quiet. She turned and watched Gray's Snorunt bite down with blue energy fangs with Staryu miraculously. Shiin continued. "You all seem to have the satisfaction about the beliefs that these so-called creatures can be an answer to a cause, do you not? This goes back to the conference days after The Crossing. I'm sure you were there, considering this was fielded around Fiore and all. When those Pokémon battle, what are they trying to accomplish? If you ask me, it makes no sense why humans, who are capable of their own strengths, should have Pokémon do battle for them? What is the meaning, with these Trainers and Pokémon I wonder?"

Vanessa could feel a shift in aura. A sense of earnest and distaste; a very crude mixture of someone who is trying to find an answer to a question that even she finds to be some measure of wonder. She watched Charmeleon unleash a brutal blast of sparks that overpowered Snorunt's frosted winds, sending his charred front to the guild hall floor.

"You know, that's a rather opaque question that even some of us Trainers don't fully understand at first. Exactly why do we battle with Pokémon on PokeEarth? Well, even I can't answer that." She looked at Shiin. "But you know, the humans on that planet don't have magic of their own. It may be more convenient for them for such battles with Pokémon."

Shiin snorted, looking away. "Perhaps so, but it shows just how much more frail humans can be on that planet. If they really relied on these creatures so much, then why haven't they taken over their race yet? To tame such beasts, you humans must have a ways with trickery or something to make them do your bidding."

Vanessa shook her head. "No, I don't expect you to understand. You haven't been to PokeEarth, so you haven't seen the cultivation of their efforts. And…you said the humans of PokeEarth are frail. Is this to imply that you think highly of the humans of Earthland instead? That's rather hypocritical, considering we're the same species."

"I am entitled to the facts laid out before me, there's no denying it." He paused, shaking his head. "I'm aware that humans have been crossed over to this planet, but in this world, it's a much crueler place. If they didn't have their Pokémon, how do you expect them to be resourceful or responsible for their own well-beings. To wield such power, one must know how to harness it. If that power turns on them, that's a sign they were not suited for it. They would've been too weak to fully grasp what befell them before it's too late."

"You have quite the perspective on such a touchy subject. Is this perhaps a matter that the Pergrande Kingdom is exploiting?"

Shiin scoffed. "That's none of your business."

"You say that, and yet you answered my question in earnest detail." She humbled herself. "You're a rather hypocritical observer, wouldn't you agree?"

"I would watch my mouth if I were you. Don't forget why I'm here." Shiin threatened. "I am here to observe Nic Pularis and the ways of human and Pokémon of this world."

Vanessa frowned. She could see that Shiin was getting fairly defensive here. Her natural impulse was to back off, but she was anything but a quitter. "Well…" She crossed her arms. "You may be entitled to what you may say, and perhaps there is some kernel of wisdom to how you perceive humans on PokeEarth. I can speak from personal experience when I say we may not be the most durable compared to here. But…there is something that those there have that you do not. Do you know what that might be…?"

"Charmeleon! End this! Flame Charge!"

"Wartortle, Bubble!"

They watched the harsh jet of Torrent-infused bubbles sail across towards Charmeleon, who was the only one standing after Staryu was knocked out. Charmeleon coated himself in flames before blitzing past the bubbles, until he hurriedly shot himself into Wartortle's shell-crusted gut. The impact blasted the turtle onto his back with a cough, much to Juvia's shock.

"Understanding." Vanessa looked at the sheer lust of battle in Natsu's eyes. He and Charmeleon looked to be thoroughly enjoying this as the latter's Speed arose, allowing him to dart about to disrupt Wartortle. "You said to 'harness' that power. Maybe rather than that, Trainers actually try to help 'understand' that power themselves. Maybe they don't battle, but for the Pokémon, to have someone there to help you know yourself, it's a benefit to both parties."

Shiin furrowed his brow. What she said just now he heard, but to have a grasp about it just to help the Pokémon and Trainer grow? Experience he could get behind, but with power, only one side would benefit from his perspective.

"Finish it, Charmeleon! Dragon Rage!" Natsu smiled wide.

"Got it!" Charmeleon careened his head around as a blue spiraling energy gathered in his gut. He reeled his head forward and fired black and blue draconic energy with a dragon's head at Wartortle, who was too slow to react in time with the Speed difference. The turtle was struck head-on, caught in an explosion that sent him flying with several tumbles until he ended up in front of Juvia, swirls in his eyes.

"Oh no, Wartortle!" She knelt down, quickly tending to her defeated member. She sighed. "You did your best out there. Thank you."

"And that's a wrap, folks!" Cana cheered. The guild hall followed with a round of claps and cheers for Natsu and Charmeleon, who beamed with pride at their victory.

Shiin was silent as he inspected Natsu and his Pokémon.

"You're not the only one who believes that. I'm sure there are many like you in that world too who question the real meaning behind these Pokémon battles." Vanessa paused. "But I've explained my perspective. I'm sorry if I dragged the matter a bit too long for your liking."

Shiin crossed his arms. "No, it's alright. You've said your part, now allow me to continue my job, if you will." He dismissed her, to which Vanessa passively agreed and walked off towards Sophie, who was at the bar with her Kadabra and Cana's Liepard. As she went her way he couldn't help but give a leery glare to her back. She was awfully persistent as much as he was.

Mirajane walked up towards him, getting his empty platter of eggs he finished. "Looks like Vanessa gave you quite a talking to. She can be pretty deep when needed, but you don't have to worry about her. Her input's not harsh at all."

Shiin crossed his arms. "So I've noticed." He allowed Mirajane to take his plate. "Thank you. The eggs were cooked well."

"It's no problem." She softly smiled. "I'll grab you some water to wash it down. After talking with Nic's little sister, you must be parched."

"Thank you, I'd appreciate…wait, hold on." Shiin's eyes widened at the realization. A crucial detail he lagged before. "Did you just say 'little sister'?"

Mirajane tilted her head. "Hm? Didn't anyone tell you? That's Nic's sister you talked with. She's just like her brother, they're both pretty closed people, but they're great once you get to know them."

"I…wasn't aware of those facts." Shiin coughed. "Thank you for that."

"My pleasure!" Mirajane too to her leave and went beyond the bar to go and wash the empty plate, leaving Shiin to his thoughts about the revelation.

'So, Nic Pularis has a younger sibling. The Grand Captain must know about this as soon as possible. And also…' He looked over at Natsu and Charmeleon, the latter's maw churning with flames that fumed around his teeth. He bit at the air, making embers that erupted into fire.

"Woah! Look at that!" Happy shrieked. "His mouth's on fire!"

Charmeleon moved his head around, showing everyone his flaming maw. He snapped at the air constantly, much to Natsu's glee and pride.

"That's so cool. Looks like you just learned Fire Fang, huh?" he smiled wide. "Just like Darumaka! Looks like you're starting to get stronger pal, so let's not lose momentum, alright?"

"Yeah!" Charmeleon smiled brightly.

Shiin gave a stern glare towards the duo. He didn't like it, and that was directed onto Vanessa's back as he watched her drink her lemonade.

The audience clapped again for Siren as she gave them a bow. She smiled contently at the numerous applause she was given. Those without hands were flopping or stomping, or wailing about. Anyone would crave the attention. She was no exception.

"So…that's it then. That's your plan?" Kane whispered.

"You got all that? We've gotta get on that stage, and shut her down for good." Joey whispered. He had no idea if Kane could hear him, but judging from the serious look on his face he had to assume he understood. "Okay, so on the count of three, okay?"

Kane scoffed, but he nodded. He slyly smirked. "I'd prefer to say this when you were not deaf, but it's better this way…it bitterly pains me to have to team up with you."

"1…"

Joey knelt down and snaked his hands around Tympole. Kane did the same with Roggenrola and prepared to grasp him.

"2…"

Siren waited for the clapping to end. As it gradually slowed down, she smiled wide and started clearing her throat.

"…3."

Joey grabbed Tympole by the vibrators, immediately cutting off his hearing. Kane did the same with Roggenrola, seizing his hammer-like top. With his free hand, Kane snapped his fingers, a sound that echoed loudly throughout the chasm.

All at once, the bright gems flickered off, much to everyone's surprise – though they were too hypnotized to care. When they came back on a second later, Siren felt an uneasy presence beside her. She turned around, looking in disbelief and honest confusion at the sudden appearance of two men, a Roggenrola, and a Tympole.

"H-huh? Wait, what happened?" Roggenrola's mantle eye blinked. "Why are we in a cave?"

"Počul som nejaký sladký hlas ... Bolo to tak krásne. čakať...!" Tympole whipped around towards his Trainer still muffling his ears. "Joey?"

Joey smirked. He had no idea what Tympole said, but he smirked. "Alright, phase 1, done."

Despite her initial shock, Siren looked at Joey and Kane with genuine interest. Her heart rate settled. "Hello? My, what passionate fans you must be to join me on stage. I'm flattered." She placed a hand over her heart. "But please, I'm about to go onto my next song. Would you please be so kind as to exit the stage right behind you? If it isn't inconvenient, I can have Brionne give you VIP passes so you can be a little closer."

The deep blue Brionne hopped along, showing them several orange tickets within her flippers. "Here you go~. There aren't e~asy to come by~. So ple~ase, take good care of them~."

"What is she saying?" Joey asked, turning towards Kane.

Kane crossed his arms. "Hmph, cute. What a lovely chime you have. But, afraid we wanted to be a little more than VIPs."

Siren blinked. She was genuinely confused by this befuddling requisition. "Eh? Did you not hear my voice from so far back? That's alright, I'll be more than happy to give you a note to listen up close." She cleared her throat as she readied her magical chimes again.

Kane tapped Joey on his shoulder harshly, urging him with his finger pointing downwards. Joey got the idea and smirked, while Kane covered his ears. "Actually! We wanted to share our own music with you, lady!" He pulled out Boombox and held it out in front of everyone. "Get ready, everyone! It's gonna get funky!"

"Bupta!" Tympole cheered.

"Eh? What is that supposed to be?" Siren snapped her fingers. Her Brionne stood upright with a much more notable hostile expression. "Sit down now, and listen to me song~~."

"NOW, JOEY!" Kane screamed.

"Here we go! Let's see what your music can do…against these sick beats!" Hastily, Joey pressed the play button.

[Nelly Furtado – Promiscuous]

The beats started pulsing across the stage with hard bass lines. With the high ceilings and the echo of the cave, the Boombox's speakers were giving a rhythm-like echo that channeled out into the crowd.

The Pokémon and few humans up close were starting to get the angelic hypnotism beaten out of them. The lyrics and the music were causing the light in their eyes to return.

Siren looked absolutely stupefied by this upset. She saw the crowd starting to shake their heads an moving hypnotically with smooth dance moves. They were coming out of their hypnotism, which was the last thing she needed.

Kane snickered. 'Figures. That fool Joey is clever. Using the echoes that the stage produces will reverberate the music we play as well. With his gaudy taste in music, we can block out her opera hypnosis.'

Tympole's ears vibrated as he flopped beside the Boombox. Roggenrola, with his excellent hearing, was thumping his flat feet with the rhythm.

As the sound was traveling outwards through the chasm, Dereece and Duncan were hearing these intrusive notes. The familiarity rattled them so much that they were coming back to their senses just as quick.

"Ugh, w-what?" Dereece blinked. "What happened? Wait…this music…" He looked ahead at the origin with growing realization. "Captain Joey!"

Siren stepped back in moral shock. She saw her beloved audience stir out of her hypnosis thanks to the beats Joey was providing. She looked back at him, seeing his blank expression as he held up his Boombox associate doing all the work.

"Gnngh! Get that gaudy music off of my stage this instant!" She inhaled loudly, before unleashing a loud, harmonic chime that echoed throughout the stag area. It rippled through the chasm, bring everyone who was starting to come around back into familiar standstill.

"Joey! We need something more power…p-power…ful…" Kane's faint warning had only a little tap to Joey's shoulder, who remained amidst to what was happening.

The deaf Captain's muted world only saw Kane coming to a standstill yet again, followed by Tympole and Roggenrola's sensitive hearing quickly overruled by the chimes outweighed by the foe. 'Uh oh, looks like I need something with more bass towards it.' He looked at Boombox's audio and pressed buttons until a new – more intense tune – played.

[Pink – So What]

The more punkish tune with the percussions kicked in, gradually giving Joey's muted world a much more vivid spacing with Siren's chimes. As the sound traveled outwards with the growing beats to the chorus, the guitars strummed to an intense beat that thumped the chasm.

The rowdy audience was starting to come around again. They all churned in their spots as the rock-like beats proliferated whatever hypnotic grasp was seized upon them. Gradually, even more of the populace was beginning to show more signs of self-aware.

Tympole was stirring when the memorable song brought him back. "Bupta~!" He cheered.

"Hip-hip, hooray!" Roggenrola cheered.

"Yeah! I knew rock would be irresistible!" Joey shouted, his voice high enough to be barely audible. "Top this!" He stuck his tongue out as a boast.

Siren suppressed a growl, her right eye twitching in anger. "You…are trying to ruin my show! Enough!" She inhaled louder than before, this time unleashing another powerful chime that went through the atmosphere. It echoed up towards the cavernous rooftops and reverberated outwards. Everyone below was starting to return back to their hypnotic selves.

Tympole, Roggenrola, and Kane were starting to slouch again. Their eyes lost color, all except Joey.

Joey narrowed his eyes. "Looks like we need even more volume! Time to change the beats up a little!" He shouted.

"Don't you find my chime,

The greatest thing to hear at this ti-"

"SORRY! I CAN'T HEAR YOU!" Joey shouted, pointing at his right ear. "NO OFFENSE, BUT I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT YOU'RE SAYING!"

Siren blinked in honest shock at how loud and rude Joey was. She couldn't pinpoint how or why, until it hit her. 'Wait, can he really not hear me? Can my voice…really not reach him?!'

Her face paled in utter horror. She was starting to tremble again. "My beautiful voice…he truly can't hear its splendor…"

"OKAY-" He pressed another button. "NO ONE CAN RESIST THIS SONG! TRY THIS, OPERA LADY!"

[PSY – Gangnam Style]

The music shifted a third time into something with a lot more upstart towards it. The electronic guitars immediately picked up on rifts and held onto a steady beat that flowed with the greater sense of volume in the area. The atmosphere thumped with the new music flowing outwards and reverberating off the walls yet again in a louder echo thanks to the volume increase Joey added.

For the umpteenth time, the crowd that starting to fizzle back out of their hypnosis. They groaned as they held their own heads in growing pain. It wasn't just loud, but it was a music they never heard that left their heads spinning.

Joey smiled wide with glee. His arms tingled at the vibrations running through the speakers.

Siren had it up to here. Her patience with this deaf man ruining her dream had to end here. She balled her fists to release another wail, but the music was louder than before. The ones in the front couldn't possibly resist it.

"Dear friends, here my plea!

Dismay this intrusive song and help me!

Take out the man, who dares to stand,

In the way of my one-woman band!"

The moment she started singing, Joey read her lips and had to counter. "Barrier-Make: Hemisphere!" He encased himself, Kane, Roggenrola, and Tympole within the walls of a turquoise barrier. The music reverberated off the enclosed walls. "THAT SHOULD MAKE IT EASIER SO WE CAN'T HEAR!" he yelled.

While the crowd in the front was dazed and having a huge headache, the ones in the back were still within Siren's chimes. They arose from the ground and proceeded through the disoriented crowd to hurry and take out Joey before it was too late.

A Gurdurr from the crowd shot up and slammed his iron beam into the barrier, but bounced back into the front of the crowd instead, having other Pokémon break its fall. An Ursaring slashed as well, but ended up with the same fate. Pokémon fired attacks from the crowd, along with mages that used elemental attacks in conjunction, but they were all deflected off the hemisphere without a trace of harm.

Elements blinded the view from within the barrier Joey had up. He was doing all that he could to keep up his impenetrable defenses. So far it was working, and the music was still getting through. 'Sound can still travel out my barrier, that's a weakness aside from making only one at a time…' he thought through the deaf vibrations. 'But I guess this can work for us. We can get through this!'

Dereece robotically shot his arm out ahead, as did Dereece.

"Honchkrow, Dark Pulse!"

"Heracross, Horn Attack!"

Heracross' horn glowed brightly. He shot through the crow and barreled his horn into Joey's barrier. Unfortunately he bounced off as well. Honchkrow flew over and expelled a vicious blast of dark rings into the forcefield, but they also faded outwards into nothing.

"AS LONG AS MY BARRIER IS UP! WE ARE GOOD!" Joey assured.

The dark rings faded away to nothing, but something else was heading their way. Something all too familiar. Green energy streams beamed through the air around Whirlipede, whose tail was seeping in poison. Their attacks met the barrier, but as Whirlipede bounced off, the Pin Missile attack created an explosion the was blinding enough for them to look away.

Suddenly something kicked Joey in the face, something that felt rather light, but just as annoying. He spat as he faltered back a step. Had he not he would've fallen and hit the Boombox.

"What was that?!" Kane shouted.

Joey shook his head. "IT FELT LIKE SOMETHING HIT ME!" He looked down with Tympole and Roggenrola, all sharing shock at their attacker a few feet away from him. "YOU?!"

Kane's Meowth scoffed, flicking a paw. Her eyes were still hollow, but the moment her feet touched the ground, the music was getting to her ears. They twitched constantly, but they served to rile her up with growls and discomfort.

Kane gasped in shock. "Meowth still knows Feint…"

"SNAP! I FORGOT THAT THING KNOWS FEINT!" Joey shouted.

The Meowth struggling to come to terms was crackling lightning around her body. She expelled a blast of lightning at Joey and Kane. Joey moved thanks to his sidestepping with the beat, but that left the lightning to strike Kane, electrocuting him so hard that he screamed and fell to the ground.

"Oh…that's gonna sting." Joey murmured.

Roggenrola waddled up towards his Trainer's static-brimming body. "Are you alright?!"

Kane struggled to stan, but it wasn't enough to hold him down. "I'm…fine." He groaned, standing up again, though this time he was pissed. "Oh, that is it! One way or another, I will make you behave! Roggenrola!"

"Uh, right!" He hopped in front at Kane's command to face his new comrade. "Uh, sorry in advance. Nothing personal!"

"My beloved friends,

Help me to their ends!

They deserve no less,

For trying to make a mess!"

The Meowth growled and covered her wailing ears. Between Siren's command and her desires, it was tearing her apart. Her paw glowed as she jumped for Joey. He pivoted with the Boombox in hand and had Meowth follow through to the other side. With her even closer to the music, she curled up with a growl.

"Enough!" Kane shouted. "Roggenrola, Mud-Slap!"

Thanks to his exceptional hearing, Roggenrola could hear through the music and shot mud from his mantle eye. The mud streamed into Meowth, sending her mucky coat across the floor. It smeared as she came to a stop.

"Bupta~!" Tympole rejoiced.

Meowth was coming to her senses when her eyes were fluttering open. She stirred with a blurry vision in her eyes. "Mmmm…what's this loud music…I can't-" She felt something off about her body. She was feeling all sloshed about something weighing it down. She looked down at her arm, which was coated in mud. "GAH~! M-MY FUR! MY BEAUTIFUL FUR!"

"NOW, JOEY! RIGHT NOW!"

Meowth was partially blind by the mud, but she could hear her Trainer's voice. "Kane?! Is that you?! You better fix this for me or else I'm gonna-"

When she whipped around, however, Joey had just plugged in the auxiliary chord into Boombox, with the other end not being to a device, but into Tympole's mouth. The tadpole's ears were vibrating with a thick bass line from the song that was transmitted through his body.

"TIME FOR A LITTLE ULTRABASS!" Joey screamed. "ON THE COUNT OF THREE, USE ROUND!"

"Som samé ucho!" Tympole cheered.

Meowth's patience was at an end. "That does it! Tadpole or not, I'm having fish fry for lunch!" Her paw glowed as she charged after Joey and Tympole.

"1…" Joey murmured.

"Dva…" Tympole mulled.

At the same time, both their eyes widened. "3! ROUND!"

At that instant, the beat had gotten past the last word of the final chorus. "Oppan Gangnam Style!" Tympole opened his mouth wide with the auxiliary chord underneath his tongue. The vibrations exploded out of his ears as he released an intrusive colorful soundwave that expanded louder than usual thanks to the song boost. Joey lifted the barrier for the attack to reverberate loud enough for everyone to hear. The harsh Round amplification of the attack not only did a critical hit on Meowth, but it spread an echo so intense that everyone stopped attacking with the ultrabass shutting off Siren's control.

Siren was unfortunately blown off her feet by the harsh beats the soundwaves possessed. "Gah!"

"Miss Siren!" Brionne flopped over in shock.

The Boombox's song turned off when he decided that was enough. He hit stop and stood there with Tympole, who was still vibrating from his attack he used. He took a peek out towards the crowd to find Heracross, Quilladin, Honchkrow, and Whirlipede all beginning to stir.

"Oww, my ears are ringing." Dereece groaned. "What happened?"

Duncan looked at their surroundings, finding themselves in an entirely different location in front of a stage surrounded by colorful gemstones. He looked up at his hardy Honchkrow to find him just as surprised as he was.

"W-what's going on? I thought I was…?" The woman from before was looking around confusedly when she noticed her Aipom standing confusedly next to her. "A-Aipom?!"

Aipom was so startled she snapped up on her hand tail with earnest shock. "Gah! W-what happened? I heard a sweet song, and the next thing I knew…"

As more of the audience was coming to their senses, Siren looked stupefied at her performance going to ruin. She was – quite literally – speechless. She looked back at Joey and Kane, who stood over Kane's fainted Meowth.

"HOW'S THAT FOR A SICK BEAT?! FEELING THE BOOTY YET?!" Joey taunted.

Kane stepped forward. "What my deaf associate means is that it's futile to continue this." He pointed accusingly at her. "Now! Surrender peacefully, and we won't have to resort to more standing ovation!"

"Bupta!" Tympole declared aggressively.

Siren shook her head aggressively. "No one…no one outstages me! You, you and your gaudy music…" Her calm disposition had turned completely dark. "I won't allow my second chance of fame! Brionne!"

The deep blue Brionne flopped in front of her, holding up her flippers with a jovial chime. "Present! And now~!" With another gleeful chime, she cleared her throat, allowing a harmonic hymn to play. Off from either side, two bright blue Brionne flopped to sandwich her, making five Brionne in all.

"DUNCAN! DEREECE! CAN YOU HEAR ME?!" Joey screamed. "I COULD REALLY USE YOU RIGHT ABOUT NOW!"

Using his magic, Dereece carried himself over everyone's heads, running in a straight line until he touched down along the smooth rocky stage. "I'm here, Captain! Don't worry." He said. Heracross joined him by his side.

Honchkrow guided across the chasm until he was stationed right beside Heracross. Duncan jumped beside Dereece onto the stage and glared daggers for battle.

"Get off my stage! Do you people seriously have no taste in music?! What does that gaudy, annoying crap that you call music have that my voice doesn't?! I won't stand for this!"

The Four-Star Brionne choir flipped in unison until they all tumbled through the air and landed in front of Dereece and Duncan. All four inhaled and unleashed pink soundwaves in the shape of hearts heading for Heracross and Honchkrow.

"That's Disarming Voice! Look alive, Heracross!" Dereece warned.

Duncan swiped his arm across. "Honchkrow, use Dark Pulse!"

Honchkrow opened his beak and gathered jumbled, dark energy rings. He aimed at the four chimes and unleashed a broad beam of energy that net the soundwaves dead center. Not only was hit attack stronger, but it tore through the air after them. All the Brionne panicked before diving away to avoid the attack head-on. A dark, brutal explosion erupted behind them, catching many of them by sincere surprise.

One Brionne barked angrily before creating water around her body. She shot in a straight line into Heracross, who crossed his arms to take that attack.

"Counter!" Dereece ordered. Heracross' body gave off a reflective, red-orange aura before flexing his frame, sending the Brionne flying backwards onto her back with returned force at double the expense. A second one quickly took over and unleashed a frosty attack that traveled towards them.

"It knows Icy Wind?!" Dereece gasped.

Duncan swiped his arm off to the side. "Dark Pulse!" Honchkrow created another energy mass within his beak and fired it through the winds. Before they could reach him or Heracross, the winds were torn open by the dark energy that Brionne was too unlucky to have been struck by. It was swallowed in a dark explosion, much to the horror of its comrades.

A vengeful Brionne stood on the tip of its tail and gave an applause. A spotlight cast down onto Honchkrow, which enveloped him in a rainbow-like static energy mass that he seemed to be ignoring for the most part.

"That's Encore. Looks like that won't be good." Dereece grimaced. He reached out ahead. "Heracross, quick! Horn Attack!"

"Roger that!" Heracross bolted across the ground after another Brionne. His horn glowed just as he struck the Brionne in the neck, sending it soaring above in a frantic wail.

The Brionne that Heracross struck before recovered from that shock and saw its comrade in descent. It opened its mouth with its other comrade and fired a shrieking soundwave of pink hearts at Heracross' back. The attack expanded out towards Honchkrow as well.

"Dark Pulse!" Duncan ordered. Once again, a jumbled dark energy mass fired clean through the bolstering soundwaves. They interjected in front of Heracross and tore into the two Brionne, erupting them in an explosion of darkness.

The Brionne in the sky squealed as it was coming down fast. It broke its own fall with its tailfin and stood upright. It turned back towards Heracross, looking mildly upset. The insect didn't sway.

"Chip Away!"

At Dereece's command, Heracross moved as fast as possible by gliding across with his claws glowing brightly. The Brionne intercepted with making a water jet that it surrounded itself in and lunged after Heracross. The closer they got, the more it seemed Brionne would have the upper hand, but it didn't account for Heracross' superior strength.

Heracross took the Aqua Jet head-on, sliding back several paces. However, the force wasn't enough to keep him down. He got a heel back and jabbed the Brionne from below, sending it circling through the air in a spiraling heap into its fellow Brionne.

All four Brionne laid there, swirls in their eyes and unable to fight back. Heracross looked mildly cheerful at the proud success, while Honchkrow made no effort to show any interest.

"Alright!" Dereece cheered.

Joey and Kane stood against Aria and her deep blue Brionne. Unlike her backup, she beamed with not just pride, but a sense of composure and eloquence. "Hmph! That's why they're Four-Star. Guess we…" She flopped onto her tailfin and stood upright. "Will have to show them how to truly perform!"

Siren scoffed with just as much anger. "Yes, we shall indeed. We'll soften up these interlopers, and get back my glory!"

Tympole and Roggenrola stood side-by-side as they glared opposingly.

"Kngh! Does this Siren really think she stands a chance?" Kane scoffed. "Joey, as much as it pains me, I shall join forces with you this time. Because…like she says…" Whirlipede rolled up right behind him, hissing aggressively. "I hate interlopers."

"KANE! I KNOW YOU DON'T LIKE IT, BUT WE NEED TO TAKE HER DOWN RIGHT NOW!" Joey shouted.

"That's what I just…" he sighed. "Nevermind! Go, Roggenrola!"

"Roger!" Roggenrola hopped in place alongside Tympole, who was still vibrating a little from that attack he unleashed.

'Tympole is probably still low on energy after that earlier battle against Kane's Meowth.' Joey figured. 'I don't know how long he'll last, but he's our best bet in case that lady uses her powers to control them again! Gotta keep the beats up loud enough to drown her out!'

Joey hit the play button on his Boombox again.

[Miror B. Battle Theme]

The funk started playing, giving the rocky chasm stage a beat for everyone still dazed in the crowd to hear. Some of the conscious humans were just as alarmed as they were speechless with the oncoming stage fight happening.

"THERE'S ONLY ROOM ON THIS STAGE FOR ONE PARTY PERSON, AND LET ME TELL YOU! IT AIN'T YOU!" Joey pointed at Siren. "YOU'RE GOING DOWN!"

Kane smirked. "Excellent. With this music playing this close to us at this volume, her voice won't reach us, nor our Pokémon." He shot Joey a smirk. 'As expected of him. A worthy foe indeed.'

Siren looked absolutely appalled by music. Her voice won't work on them, especially Joey, so now she'll have to resort to violence. She pointed ahead with a vengeance. "Dearest Brionne~, use Disarming Vo~ice!" Her lead Brionne inhaled before unleashing heart-shaped soundwaves that fanned out towards Tympole and Roggenrola.

"Tympole! Round!" Joey shouted.

"Roggenrola, Mud-Slap!" Kane followed.

Tympole inhaled before unleashing multicolored soundwaves from his mouth. Roggenrola blasted mud from his mantle eye. The two attacks surged into the soundwaves, erupting them in a dispersing pulse that splattered mud everywhere.

Siren huffed. "Lucky."

Joey balled a fist. "Tympole! Aqua Ring!" Tympole created several rings of water around his body to help him restore his health. After those struggles all day, he needed a little energy boost.

"Like a show needs stunts and music like that! Brionne, darling, use Icy Wind!" Brionne inhaled deeply, before unleashing a frosted blast wave from her mouth that fanned out towards them.

"Roggenrola, block it off, now!" Kane ordered. "Rock Blast!"

Roggenrola hopped in front of a healing Tympole as his hearing heard what Kane said. Silver energy amassed at the top before unleashing three volleys of that energy outwards into the cold frost heading their way. The rock-like energy shredded through the attack, tearing into the waves and blasted Brionne. She squealed as she flew onto her back with a pained grunt.

Kane narrowed his eyes. "Figures you'd have an attack for Grass-types. And what batter way to break a little ice, than with some heavy rocks?" At that, Roggenrola perked up.

Brionne grunted as she got up. She glared daggers at Tympole and Roggenrola, primarily the latter. "Oh~? You wanna make this a fight~? Then far be it from me~, to stand in your wa~y!"

Tympole flashed wavy green energy, signaling more of his energy gradually coming back. "Teraz sme na rade!"

"Our turn!" Joey shouted. "Tympole, Mud Shot!" Tympole used his tailfin to spring into the air. Once high enough, he careened his head back and opened his maw wide. He fired a relentless volley of mud balls that poured down onto Brionne.

"Dearest Brionne~, Bubble Beam!" Brionne inhaled through her mouth, where she exhaled deeply out her nose for a multitude of blue bubbles beaming at Tympole's barrage of mud balls. Clear sparkles dazzled and diffused the mud balls in midair, creating a dazzling light show that the crowd was taken back by.

"Roggenrola, now!" Kane shouted. "Headbutt!" With Brionne momentarily distracted, the Roggenrola hurriedly hopped over and lowered his mantle to hit Brionne. Brionne, however, wasn't taking it lightly.

"Icy Wi~nd!"

Brionne noticed Roggenrola heading her way. She glared at him and inhaled through her nose this time, and out through her mouth. Frosty winds expelled into Roggenrola, who was too close to dodge in time before being blown away backwards. He rolled into Tympole, who was taken back for too long in order to act accordingly. They both fell over, grunting heavily as a blue aura indicated a Speed decrease.

"Tympole! Are you good down there!" Joey shouted through his beats.

As the ground thumped with his music, Tympole's ears were palpitating like crazy. It was enough to make him aware enough that he was conscious. "Koniec!" A green aura faded around his body, bringing back some more of the energy he's lost.

"Glorious~!"

Siren's operetta chimes wailed about, causing it to match the beats that Joey's Boombox made. It caused Kane's head to ache as he plugged his ears. Roggenrola and Tympole groaned as they were torn between the two musical numbers that was throwing off all sense of focus.

"Oh how I have longed for thus day!

The one and surely only way!

To reclaim that was mine,

You'll have to pay a gracious fine!"

Tympole and Roggenrola were straining to hold in their focus, but her voice was so beautiful that it was distracting. It totally clashed with the energetic beats Joey was using to outpace her, but it seemed to have some serious effects.

"Dearest Brionne~, let's give them you highest note!" Siren sang. "Give them your eloquent Echoed Voice!" Brionne inhaled, and the exhaled. This time she unleashed yellow and orange patterned soundwaves that darted for Tympole.

Joey's eyes widened in shock. "Tympole, Round!" Tympole inhaled deeply, before firing musical soundwaves back at the incoming attack. The two beats of echoes and chirps expanded outwards, echoing towards the ceilings and stirring up the inhabitants. The crowd covered their ears as the loud attacks combined and dispersed amongst them.

"So loud man!" Dereece shouted, covering his ears with his hands.

"I…don't I can feel that Honey coming back up!" Heracross grumbled, holding onto his cast-iron abdomen.

"Oh no you're not!" Quilladin covered Heracross' mouth with his paw. "Keep it in! We don't need another mess to clean up!"

The soundwaves gradually dispersed across the atmosphere. Brionne didn't look affected at all. In fact, she looked better than ever, while Tympole was regaining energy from Aqua Ring yet again. Roggenrola rolled in front as cover.

"We have to stop Echoed Voice at once! The more it's used, the greater its power!" Kane warned. "Roggenrola, Rock Blast!" Roggenrola channeled even more silver energy into his top, firing it at Brionne's path yet again.

Siren cleared her throat as she prepared another note with a serene pose. "E~choed Voice!" She slurred from a high note to low. Brionne complied with releasing another high-pitched soundwave that reverberated through the atmosphere. It made contact with Roggenrola's attack, making another stalemate that sent dust everywhere as cover.

"Okay…" Joey's tone was low as he reached for his auxiliary chord. "Let's turn up the beats a little…TYMPOLE!"

"Bupta~!" Tympole jumped in glee and took in the chord's insert through his mouth. He plopped back down in silence as he waited for the smoke to clear, yet the deep, funky tune that was playing right now was echoing through his ears like speakers.

The smoke dissipated, revealing a few dust particles to disintegrate between them and Brionne. She huffed annoyingly as she poised to strike again.

"Echoed Voice!"

"Round!"

Joey hit the volume button again, and cranked up the excess bass on the speakers. It went through the chords and out Tympole's ringing body as he projected a shrieking multicolored shockwave that went barreling through the air. Brionne fired another shockwave of her own, being yellow and red patterned and much thicker than intended. Its power was extreme!

The two soundwaves connected in midair, making yet another explosive shockwave that echoed so harshly that nearly crystals cracked. The moss that grew alongside them gradually seeped out the liquid that glowed in the dark, giving the floor and walls drooly leaks of the bright substance.

However, the standoff between the two sour notes didn't last very long. It dispersed outwards, but much of it also repulsed back towards Tympole and Roggenrola. They drew closer, but Joey whipped up a barrier to absorb most of the shockwaves. The rest of the sounds traveled through and caused Tympole and Roggenrola more splitting headaches; Tympole more so with the thick bass line he was transmitting.

The barrier eventually lifted, revealing Tympole and Roggenrola still standing. However, they looked a little shaken, and no one could blame them. Tympole regained even more energy with his Aqua Ring, making him feel even better compared to before. However, Brionne still had a gracious distance between them, and she wasn't going down so easily.

"Blast it!" Kane cursed. "Any closer and we'll be unable to escape that accursed sound of hers! What kind of brilliant plan do you have now, Joey?!"

"WHAT?!" Joey's answer was the excuse Kane needed to facepalm.

Tympole and Roggenrola were looking winded from that last attack. They were more than a little exhausted, but they couldn't give up. Even with the music playing, they were still needing to focus. Tympole's ears vibrated with the consistent beats, and Roggenrola's hearing enabled him to pitch in and thump his feet.

Siren hummed sweetly as her magic traveled to a low area. Dereece and Duncan had to hang back close towards Joey, as could their Pokémon so the sound wouldn't hypnotize them again.

"My time draws near,

The end is clear!

Your voices are lame,

Thus I will rise to fame!"

"OKAY LADY, I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT YOU ARE SAYING!" Joey, yet again, cut her off. "BUT THERE'S MORE TO MUSIC THAN JUST SINGING YOU KNOW! YOU MAY HAVE A VOICE…BUT WE STILL GOT SONGS TO PLAY, TOO!"

"Horror, horror~, that's all I hear.

That's something I dare not fear.

Your tunes hold no heart,

You shall be slain and torn apart!"

"TYMPOLE, SHOW THEM YOU MEAN BUSINESS!" Joey ordered.

Kane groaned. "As much as I dislike the act of encouragement, Roggenrola, I dare say it. I need you, now more than ever! So please, please just get this over with!"

Tympole shook his head and focused. Roggenrola's stammering stopped. Both of them glared daggers as Brionne hummed brightly.

"Bupta…"

"I…understand." Roggenrola grunted. "We can hear you…we can hear you…we…can hear you…"

There was a strange sensation that was flowing through the atmosphere. More HP returned to Tympole and revitalized even more energy, but that wasn't what was being felt. They both vibrated through Joey's signature song running through their cores.

"Brionne~, finish them off~!" Siren chimed. At her hypnotic call, her Brionne inhaled for one more soundwave.

Roggenrola and Tympole's bodies vibrated through the beats, their eyes shrinking at the same time.

"WE CAN HEAR YOU!"

"POČUJEME ŤA!"

They both screamed in unison at the top of their core and lungs. Tympole released distorted soundwaves from his uproarious shout before a bright glow engulfed both Pokémon. The two blue shines caught everyone's attention long enough to see what was happening.

'That light…that can't be…' Dereece caught on fast to the realization. "Captain Joey and Kane's Pokémon are-"

Kane gasped in earnest shock. Joey, who was already deaf, was speechless at what he was seeing. They both watched the stage dazzling in the two lights gradually made Tympole and Roggenrola's frames grow and become bigger. They both git taller at the same time, with each growing toes or long stubs that helped support their figures. They gained considerable length alongside each other, until they finally reached a peak.

Two blue explosions flashed outwards, dazzling the stage briefly in blue sparkles. Tympole's new form had more of a mid-way adult tadpole, with the tail having grown a little smaller, but at the same time he had blue feet to support his bauble-like figure. With the two bumps on his side, a larger one for the forehead took space. He had actual dark eyes and a tan gut bordered by black lines.

Roggenrola's evolution was sheer stone with three stones in triangular fashion holding him up. A stone separated the mantle eye to make it seem like two. Orange-red crystals jutted out of his body, especially at the tips of the new appendages.

Both Pokémon released powerful cries and careened their frames into the air, briefly blocking out the music and wails polluting the chasm. Everyone was stupefied with what they just saw.

"Roggenrola…became Boldore?" Kane muttered. He was so in shock he didn't realize Whirlipede hissing with just as much surprise as he had.

"Tympole evolved!" Joey shouted. "Palpitoad!" He pulled out his PokeDex and focused on his evolved tadpole first.

"Palpitoad, the Vibration Pokémon. When they vibrate the bumps on their heads, they can make waves in water or earthquake-like vibrations on land."

"Boldore, the Ore Pokémon. The energy overflowing from its body has turned into orange crystals that are hard enough to smash diamonds."

"I have no idea what it just said…but it looks like we just got some new tricks." Joey murmured. "Okay…time to up this party jam! PALPITOAD!"

"Idem do toho!" Palpitoad stomped his new heel on the ground, causing the stage to thump.

"Boldore, we shall not be upstaged so frivolously now!" Kane directed at Brionne. "Now, show them your power, too!"

Boldore raised his front legs, stabbing the smooth stage with enough force to bend rock beneath. "You got it, Boss!"

Brionne thumped her tailfin on the ground. "Hmph! We shall not be upstaged!" She inhaled deeply, opening wide to expel another Echoed Voice. This one packed so much power that it tore through the area and made the stage rumble spontaneously.

Palpitoad and Boldore made no effort to move. In fact, the vibrations on Palpitoad's bumps were getting stronger than ever. Boldore's crystals glowed bright orange as he fired gemstones at the erupting soundwave. Palpitoad opened his mouth to gargantuan proportions before unleashing a blistering shockwave at the incoming attack. Their combined power was not only enough to create a successful stalemate, but gem particles severed and rained down on everyone like snow, awing the disrupted crowd yet again.

"That was…Power Gem, and Hyper Voice!" Kane realized. He looked at Joey in surprise. 'Did his music help power up his moves? It can't learn that unless it's extremely powerful. Hmph, well, well, guess we're lucky then.'

"I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT THAT WAS, PALPITOAD, BUT…" Joey held up his auxiliary chord. "LET'S GIVE THAT A BOOST!"

"Vzal si mi slová priamo z úst!" Palpitoad jumped back towards Joey. He opened his mouth and allowed Joey to insert the auxiliary chord under his long, sticky tongue.

Siren's left eye twitched in frustration. "Brionne~! End this~!" She inhaled deeply. "ECHO~ED VO~ICE!" Brionne opened wide, channeling all her vocals into making a powerful echo that reverberated horrendously throughout the chasm. This time it packed so much power that it nearly tore apart the stage as it traveled towards Palpitoad and Boldore.

Joey smirked. 'I didn't want to do this…but if my funk and electronic ain't enough…let's see what some of the songs I got from Shou can do.' He quickly changed the song. 'Time to get heavy! Straight to the last chorus!'

He pressed the play button.

[Breaking Benjamin – Feed The Wolf]

Palpitoad's bumps vibrated at unceremoniously intense levels. The heavy metal projected from out his body as the guitars and deep roar following before the chorus pulsated through his veins. He and Boldore tensed up as the Echoed Voice drew closer.

"HYPER VOICE!"

"POWER GEM!"

Palpitoad opened his mouth as wide as possible and unleashed another ultrasonic soundwave that distorted the air. It had even more power to it thanks to the heavy metal music. The shrilling vocals and guitars caused ears the vibrate as it reached so far out at such a loud volume that the nearby crystal pillars were cracking apart. The stage gems shattered as the deafening heavy metal was too much. Boldore's glowing gems shattered and turned to a storm of fragments that bolstered through Brionne's soundwaves. The amplification made Hyper Voice scatter the gems through Echoed Voice, which held very little weight against the roaring that ruined its melodic chimes. Brionne shrieked in horror as the heavy metal shockwave and gemstones collided with her body. They sent her flying past Siren, crashing into a tall yellow crystal with force enough to make it crack.

Siren cupped her ears at the intense music infiltrating and blocking out her beautiful tune. She was so distracted she didn't realize the position Joey took with a barrier forming into the shape of a dragon's head.

"TIME TO END ON A HIGH NOTE! BARRIER-MAKE: DRAGON RAM!"

The barroer lengthened into a speedy dragon's head that shot across the ground. Siren opened her eyes at the last second to see turquoise glass heading her way and was blasted into the stalagmite with Brionne. The structure collapsed on stage, oozing bright moss that was collected inside the gems. The shards fell like raining sparkles all across the stage, dazzling so majestically.

The song ended just in time as Joey and everyone watched the mess dissipate. Siren laid atop the pile of shattered crystal remains with Brionne, both down and out. "My sweet…sweet chimes…" Siren reached up to the glitter. "Don't fade…not at these…times~." Her hand fell back to her chest as her consciousness faded.

"Alright! We did it!" Dereece cheered. Beside him, Duncan scoffed with the statement. But otherwise he didn't offer any negative input.

"Woooh! Now that's what I call a concert!" Quilladin clapped. "Wait a go, Palpitoad!"

"BUPTA~!" Palpitoad's voice held an echo that rung ears.

Siren laid unconscious, unaware of Joey walking up to her with his Boombox held at his hip. "Guess what, lady, your concert…is cancelled! He noticed several shifts beyond the gemstone lightning. It it oozing beneath and off the stage, the ground beneath the stage illuminate the silhouettes of the many people and Pokémon who seemed to be giving rounds of applause. He blinked. "Um…heh! Uh, thank you! You're all a wonderful audience! Hope that you enjoyed the show!"

"Hmph, really?" Duncan scoffed.

"Just let him have this one. It won't be long." Dereece said, eying his Captain waving as he blew kisses towards the people. "But still, he's gonna hang this over our heads for weeks. Ugh, better prepare yourself."

The Freaks watched Rune Knights lead the unconscious Siren into the carriage, with the help of two Baltoy using Confusion to move her body for them. They all watched her disappear behind the carriage's closed doors with straight faces. They should feel accomplished, and that they do, but this wasn't the time to celebrate.

A Rune Knight walked up towards them, giving a salute. "We thank you for your services, Fairy Tail Mages. The services of Fiore thank you for the apprehension of Siren the Songstress."

Dereece nodded, chuckling. "Glad we could help."

"Chief!" Another Rune Knight ran up to him, giving a salute in respect. "All the names of the missing people have been confirmed. They were all accounted for."

Chief looked back at him. "Understood. Make sure that they have been supplied rations and given the information correctly. Informed their families of their whereabouts and have a temporary base set up for the refugees. As for the wild inhabitants, contact the Cambire Foundation so we can do a check on where to place them."

The cadet nodded and ran back to pass on the message to his fellow platoon. Chief turned back towards the mages. "At any given rate, we thank you for your services. We will contact your employer for you and you will receive immediate payment, with a handsome bonus provided for the lives you've saved."

"You hear that, Joey? Looks like we'll have even more to go home with! Up top!" Dereece raced both hands to Joey, but was completely ignored by the Captain's blinking expression. He lowered his hands. "Right, I forgot. We've gotta get your hearing aids looked at when we get back…"

"What?! Did you say something, Dereece?!" Joey yelled intrusively.

Duncan shot a glance at the cavern they were in front of. "Now I get it. The cave gave a loud echo so had her magic could be amplified. And also, her Brionne would be more effective in cooler weather than out in the sun."

"That's correct. She's been on the run for the past few months now, but we've finally caught up to her." Chief held up a clipboard containing a picture of Siren, with papers full of information. "From what our reports gathered, she was once a member of the Scarlet Orca Guild, but she was unceremoniously expelled due to her poor performance out on the field. She'd always be singing, and she was caught manipulating her peers' earnings so she could save up enough to make her own show." He flipped to another page. "Then, she got hooked onto a manager and was starting to perform at a few local taverns to start off. However, she appeared to have suffered vocal injury a short while into her gigs, and had to pull away." He flipped to yet another page. "Upon healing, however, her manager had already gotten her a replacement. You can say the rest is history."

Dereece frowned. "Wow, talk about rough. Now I almost feel bad for her."

"You reap what you sow, I'm afraid. Don't worry, she'll have her own stage…in a cell in the Magic Council detainment center. I'm afraid she and the Brionne will be detained until we can establish a rehabilitation with them."

"Sir, we're ready to embark on your order!" A nearby soldier announced afar.

Chief turned back. "Yes, move out on my order!" He gave the Fairy Tail Mages a glance over his shoulder. "Do be well, and please do behave yourselves." He took to his heels to meet up with his fellow cadets to embark back en route towards Era. Once they were out of sight, they all seemed to have relaxed a little.

"Phew! Well I'm glad that's taken cared of. We were lucky after all." Dereece chimed.

"Yeah, that felt pretty strange…eh, strange as in a bad strange. Yeah." Heracross stammered. His antennae still shuddered from remembering Siren's beautiful voice. It was almost as sweet as the Honey that he was licking off his claws…almost.

Quilladin turned towards the newly evolved Palpitoad. "So, Palpitoad, how's it feel to have evolved?" He smiled. "Bet you feel great, right?"

Palpitoad turned towards Quilladin, pouting his lip with a stern grunt. "Pýtaš sa ma, že po tom všetkom, čo sa stalo? Ako sa mám cítiť?! Ako sa mám cítiť?! Mám nohy teraz, takže viem, čo tráva a šteklivý pocit! A Skoro som si odstrelil rany! Bol to dlhý deň!" He finished with a crazed look that showed his hidden strife and a partially twitching eye.

The Freaks stared at Palpitoad's irate of an answer with a complete loss for words. Fir starters, they had no idea what he just said. Dereece and Heracross blinked in unison, but Quilladin glanced at Joey, who would've understood and interpreted…if not for his deaf condition right now.

After a few seconds, Palpitoad gurgled up a hardy chuckle out of fatigue. The others nervously followed just to be nice. He soon broke into a full-on laughter before falling onto his back, flailing his feet about frantically.

"Um, I…think he's had a long day." Heracross murmured.

"Yeah, must be this heat, too. We better get moving back before we fry for the rest of the day." Dereece said, his hand over his face to shade from the sun.

The deaf Joey looked around, realizing something was off. "Huh?! Hold on guys, wasn't Kane here, too?!" He looked around the woods, until he spotted the tunnel's entrance. He pointed at the person inside. "Oh, there!"

The Freaks turned towards the tunnel entrance, where Kane was in the darkness with gems all around him. He had Whirlipede and Boldore by his side, crossing his arms as he stared at Joey with a boasting smirk.

"Yo! Kane, man! Thanks for the help!" Joey chimed. "Does that make us…friends now?"

Kane chuckled. "We are not friends, we are eternal enemies. And no one will have the pleasure of seeing your defeat…except for me." He petted Boldore and Whirlipede's head. "But, just for today, I will give a break due to circumstances." He eyerolled at his own statement. "And as much as it pains me, I do commemorate you on your thinking today. You truly are a worthy adversary."

Whirlipede turned to Kane with a vibrant hiss. "Yes, Whirlipede, I know. We'll get you some of that Honey you still wanted." He gave Boldore his own cooing expression. "And someone deserves an extra bowl of ore and minerals for the extra hard work he put in today. Ta-ta all~!"

The cavern's gems went dark at his command, flickering on a few seconds later to reveal their presence gone. The Freaks blinked several times before Joey turned towards Dereece.

"Um…was that a yes? I couldn't tell, it was a little creepy!"

"Bupta!" Palpitoad cheered.

Dereece shook his head. "Let's just go home."

Akala Island was an island that held much more environmental diversity compared to its neighboring island, Melemele. It was an island that was known to have lavish tidal pools that lead out to the ocean, a volcano park that's around a dormant volcano, and a lavish jungle just in the north besides the coast. A paradise for anyone who likes diversity in one area.

Charizard descended from the skies, touching down along the edge of the main town of the island. Charizard snorted out hot steam out of his nostrils as he took in the air this island has to offer. "(Not bad.)"

Nic twisted his body off and landed on his two feet, He lend a hand and helped Erza off Charizard's back. They both turned and admired the large city off the coast.

"Is this supposed to be our next stop, I take it?" Erza pondered.

Nic looked down at the brochure he had in hand, which he thankfully kept on his personnel this time. "Well, according to this, we're supposed to be in 'Heahea City'. Looks like this is the right spot unless I can't read."

They all looked around to admire the modern housing and buildings around them. It had the charms of what one could describe being a welcoming city. They saw people alongside others walking off towards clothing stores and shops that were meant for tourists. Some exited with large shopping bags or some kind of pastry. Erza's mouth was just watering at the site of a nearby pastry shop. She was locked on now, and Nic had no means to stop her adventurous taste buds.

"Nic, I'll be right back." Erza chimed, walking off towards the pastry shop with a mischievous smirk. "I'm…gonna go sample."

Her Poke Ball popped open, bringing out Slurpuff, who licked her lips in salivation. "(Make that two~! Don't mind if I do!)"

"Alright." Nic watched them prance off to their hearts' content. He shook his head to dismiss their pastry-enticed delights to focus on his own musings. "Guess it can't be helped, I suppose."

"(You said it, not me.)" Charizard huffed. "(You're the one who's married to her.)"

Nic snorted back. "Touche." He held up the brochure in an attempt to distract himself. Heahea City was exceptionally grand. Not as grand as Hau'Oli City, but still held some gradual extensions. 'This city was founded by people from Kanto and Johto? Never would've guessed that. Guess that shows influences from other regions can affect a culture…'

His thoughts derived from the reality towards Earthland. Speaking of influences and culture, he was beginning to wonder how everyone was fairing without him and Erza around. He wasn't necessarily cautious of Natsu and Gray's ordeals, at least not anymore. Besides, Vanessa would have things under control at this point. They all knew better than to make her mad as much as they would to him. He was really more concerned about how the Cambire Foundation has been going about regarding its interventions with Pokémon across Earthland. It's no secret that because of their success that there's been a growing case of countries learning from example, but even so, there was still so much of Earthland, and granted while he's met only a few tactical foes, he was certain there were plenty out there that were just too power-obsessed to understand feelings.

He shook his head to dismiss his worries. There was hope in Ajeel's party at least, He was able to knock some sense into Ajeel the hard way. If that wasn't a silver lining, he didn't know what would. Everyone deserved a chance.

Charizard's claw tapped Nic's shoulder. "(Look alive.)"

Nic heeded the warning to find Erza coming back towards him. She and Slurpuff had Malasadas in hand, along with some other goods and pastries with icing on them in a tiny bag. "Mmmm! These Malasadas are hitting the spot~!" The Requip Mage chimed. "Though I do admit the ones on Melemele are a lot sweeter. This isn't half-bad."

"(I'll say!)" Slurpuff cheered. She threw what was to be her third Malasada to be consumed into the air and opened wide for it to drop into her mouth. However, she was done dirty when a Wingull cawed and swooped from out of nowhere and snatched it.

Slurpuff kept her mouth open in waiting. She opened an eye and didn't find it falling. "(h-HUH? Wait, I thought I…!)" She saw the Wingull fly away. "(NOOOOO~! WHY ME?! C'MON!)"

Charizard shook his head. '(You'd think she'd learn by now.)'

"Here, Nic. This is for you." Erza passed Nic a small rollup paper back. "I know you're not much of a sweets person, so I got you something your tastes."

"Thanks." Nic took the small bag and unrolled its top. He pulled out what seemed to be a block of rich, chocolate fudge with a minty swirl in its mixture. Giving it a gander, he slowly bit into a fraction of the fudge bar. Immediately a cool wave of cold mint and dark chocolate enflamed his tongue. "Not bad." He muttered.

"You see? I knew there'd be some leniency towards your taste buds." She chimed. "Honestly you can be so picky."

"Says you." Nic replied chided. He had another bite of it before passing off the other half to Charizard. He sniffed it and ate it out of Nic's hand. Nic petted his head as the dragon looked genuinely delighted by the minty taste.

"(Hmph! Oh, I see how it is, so he gets a free pass, while I have to starve? Ugh! What did I ever do to deserve this?!)" Slurpuff wailed. "(Come back to me, precious Malasada~!)"

"(Keep whining like that and it'll be no wonder why you'd get the short end of the cotton candy stick.)" Charizard chimed.

"(Cotton candy? Where…wait, that's just a figurative speech.)" She dropped. "(Stupid human analogies.)"

"Alright…" Nic took a pause to collect his thoughts. "Now. We're on Akala Island. The brochure says that there's a lot of terrain diversity here. Which means we have that much more ground to cover."

Erza nodded. "Agreed. We should probably get to the Pokémon Center first to grab ourselves some lunch. We can't hike on an empty stomach, you know."

Nic scoffed lightly. "You'd be surprised." He shot Charizard a knowing glance. "Remember Route 8?"

"(Like I remember the tail on my back.)" the dragon swayed his tail to and fro. "(Frogadier, Kecleon, and I didn't eat the whole day and we had to go uphill until we reached Connecting Cave. We had to work for that dinner. I still remember my calves being sore, too.)" He eyerolled at the last sentence.

Nic sighed. "Well, best that we get going then." He held up Charizard's Poke Ball and returned him. Erza copied the method and recalled her Slurpuff, too.

They decided to walk the ways towards a nearby café. It was something that was on the recommendation list that was on the brochure Nic saw, though really it was more of Erza's idea if anything. They were welcomed by the waitresses, who allowed them to sit out by the patio under the shade. The patio was surrounded by red railing with flowing circular accents to give it a rose garden charm. They took seats and chose to try and make for some decent news to uphold.

"What are you looking at to have?" Erza questioned, eyeing the menu. "Oh, a pasta with a sweet seasoning…"

Nic wasn't sure himself. Nothing really caught his eye. It wasn't that he wasn't hungry per se, rather, he didn't have much care what he ate at this point.

"Oh? What is this?!"

Nic and Erza perked up upon hearing a feminine squeal from nearby. They both turned to the culprit, who scooted out of nowhere and stared at the eloquent wedding ring on Erza's finger. "This diamond…it's absolutely gorgeous! Oh, what an exquisite jewel!" She awed.

Erza gave the intrusive woman a stare. "Is there something we can help you with?"

The woman looked up at Erza, realizing she was within boundaries. She froze up before flinching back with surprise. "Oh! I'm so sorry! Where are my manners?! I didn't realize until I was too close, didn't I?"

Nic scrunched his brow. "Yeah, maybe just a little bit…" He trailed off his note. He saw Erza give him a small glance of uncertainty. Not towards the statement, but of how awkward the situation had gotten.

Now that they've gotten a good look at her, the woman seemed to have had quite a few accessories along her body. She had magenta short shorts that went with her light pink top. She had dark skin with short black hair and eyes. She had necklaces and jewelry spread across her ankles and wrists that had a mixture of minerals and nick-knacks.

"My apologies, I couldn't help myself." She chimed. "ER-um, where was I…oh, yes! From the looks of that diamond, are you both from another region?"

Erza quickly brought up the front. "Yes, actually. We just came here from Kalos for our honeymoon. We just arrived here on Akala a short while ago."

The woman winced with a gasp. "Kalos? I knew it! We don't have a collection of jewels like that here, so seeing something this gorgeous is always so refreshing! But please, forgive me for not introducing myself sooner." She stepped back, tilting her head and gave the Alola greeting. "Alola to you both, I'm Olivia. It's a pleasure to meet you."

"Yes, Alola to you as well." Erza mimicked the same greeting.

Nic nodded. "S'up."

Olivia chuckled. "Pretty laid back greeting there, that's fine as well." She gave them both a smile. "So, Kalos you said? I've heard quite a few things about that region regarding stones. I've heard there's a Stone Emporium in Lumiose City. There's supposed to be a lot of stones there if I recall."

"Yeah, something like that." Nic complied, pausing to look Olivia up and down. "So you're…into jewelry then?"

"Hm? Why, yes, I am. You see, I actually own a jewelry shop in Konikoni City, just south from here. I actually came all the way up here to check out what kinds of cute clothing they would have, but wouldn't you know it, they're all not on sale. Hehehe…" She shook her head. "But, at any rate, I also am the Kahuna of this Island, so, as a commemoration, please allow me to say my respective greetings to you both for coming to visit Akala Island."

'She's the Kahuna?' Nic thought, immediately thinking serious of the situation.

Erza's stare hardened some. 'I see, so she's just like Hala. Which means, she must have a direct link to the Tapu here as well.'

They both had to hold in their inquiries for the time being. For now they had to assume Olivia didn't suspect a thing. The Kahuna smiled like it was oblivious towards her. "So, you both are enjoying your honeymoon so far?"

"Hm? Oh, yes, we most certainly are." Erza smiled, which turned to a beaming boast. "As a matter of fact, I love your little pastries here. These Malasadas aren't like anything we have back home. They're delectable to make my taste buds soar."

"I know, right?" Olivia winked. "Believe me, the other islands may have other types of Malasadas, but if you ask me, ours is top-notch. You both are lucky to be here because they're having such a big sale here today, too."

"You mean the buy one get one free? Yes, I know. I got as much as I could that they were almost cleaned out."

"Oh~, a sweet tooth huh? Well great minds think alike!"

"Yes! The passion of sweet desserts shall never die!" Erza declared.

"You go, girl!"

Nic gave them a blank stare before sighing. 'Why did we have to come here again?'

"Oh! I have to run! I need to finish my errands for the day!" Olivia stepped back, giving them another bow and playful wink. "Alright, you two, play nice now! Make sure to stop by Konikoni Town sometime, I know a great deal for you that'll go with that sweet ring you got!"

Erza smiled. "We'll do that. Thanks for the recommendation."

Olivia fiddled her fingers at them before walking away. Nic and Erza waited until she was out of earshot for them to look back at each other to configure the information shared.

"Well she seems rather chipper." Erza chuckled.

"Glad that you found a new best friend." Nic smirked. "But, still…"

Erza's face fell to a serious glare. "Yes. I know. I looks like we've found the Kahuna faster than we thought. Or rather, she found us. But we were lucky that she didn't question about the Z-Rings in time."

Nic reached into his clothing, feeling the rock hidden inside his jacket. He subconsciously had to be sure it was still in his personnel. "We better keep this quiet. At least until we get a better opportunity to sort this all out."

Erza furrowed her brow. "If she's the Kahuna…that must mean she knows about these Z-Rings more than we do. We didn't get to clarify with Hala as well as we intended. But if she runs a jewelry store, she must also have a fancy for these crystals…like the one that Hala used on us. If she's a Kahuna, she must have her own crystal, and I can presume the attack must be something else as well."

Nic leaned back in his seat. "That case, it sounds like we have an idea of where we need to go from here." He pulled out the map, looking at it. "It says here that Konokoni City is south of here. Let's try there after we look around here."

Erza nodded. They went silent in time as a waitress stepped towards them, having a multicolored necklace of flowers wrapped around her neck to take their orders.

Nic looked up to the Alolan sky, watching a Pikipek sail overhead. 'Hopefully, things play out much smoother here than I did before.'

The doors to Lusamine's office opened abruptly, allowing Wicke to enter without a skip in her step. Her strides were absolutely serious. She rushed towards Lusamine's quarters. She needed to hurry and tell her something important. "Miss Lusamine? Miss Lusamine!" she shouted.

Lusamine was in her office chair, reading up on a computer screen about the wild Pokémon and Aether Foundation's projects bringing them to prosperity. "Huh? What is it, Wicke? Is there something the matter?"

Wicke hurried along with her pacing and hastily handed something towards Lusamine. The CEO was surprised by how harsh the slam was. "Miss Lusamine, take a look at this article that just came in. This is bad."

Lusamine continued looking at Wicke with shock, but she got the attention adverted onto the paper in time. She looked down at the document, her eyes narrowing on the picture and the article headline. "What…?"

"AETHER FOUNDATION MEMBERS ATTACKED:

At around 5:04 A.M, Route 10 worker Cecile and Marcus were found lying along the dirt path between Route 10 and Mount Hokulani. 'I was on my way back from work from my overnight job at the bus stop,' the driver said. 'I was walking down the path, being sure to have sprayed all the Super Repel I could on me until I was sure no Pokémon would come near me. As I was coming down, the sun was coming up, and I noticed a pool of this strange black gunk that sat past a boulder.'

The bus driver stated that he was no aware of what it was until he turned the corner. To his horror, it wasn't a wild Pokémon that was covered, but two adult men. Both were found with their clothing soaked in black ooze and their Aether Foundation hats several meters away. When local authorities came upon getting the call, they had found their bodies in critical condition, and unresponsive.

At approximately 6:15, the two were administered to the Malie Emergency Care Unit and are currently under procedures.

'It's just terrible. The Aether Foundation didn't deserve this. They have been working diligently for Alola. Who could have done such a terrible thing?'

'We never recognized the gunk, but just seeing them like this just made me want to puke inside. It took everything I had to not break down and cry. If a wild Pokémon did this, then why did it have to be like this?'

At the moment, the Aether Foundation is getting notifications, and are currently taking action to ensure to compensation for their employees."

Lusamine was in moral shock at this upsetting news. Her disbelief was so intense that it took her several minutes to process the information.

"It's just horrible, isn't it?" Wicke shook her head.

Lusamine sat her newspaper down, giving a studious vibe. "…yes, it is." She paused. "How are their conditions?"

"Right now, the Ula'Ula police department are only allowing authorized personnel into the care unit. So far we've managed to get a few of our higher associates in to get a full examination with the patients." She frowned. "And what we've found wasn't very good. We have evidence from their communications log that they spotted UB-01: Symbiont just before contact went off."

"So it's another Ultra Beast attack?" Lusamine put a hand to her chin. "This is troubling indeed. First the case from two nights ago on Melemele Island, then the next day following another victim…and now this. Are you certain this is all Ultra Beasts?"

"There's no solid evidence confirming that it could be the same one, Miss Lusamine. For all we know, there could be several in hiding." She held up a clipboard and passed it towards Lusamine. "And this was also something Faba wanted me to pass along to you."

Lusamine took the clipboard and read over it with a scrutinized look in her eye. She looked at the several documents with papers with colorful wavelengths. They were around the topography regarding Ula'Ula, and Akala Island. She flipped the other page to reveal Melemele's activity with wavelengths of their own.

"This was a sent copy of the information Mrs. Burnet sent us from the Dimensional Research Lab on Akala." Wicke continued. "If you look closely, there's been a consistent range of space-time energy on Melemele Island happening for the past two days. It seems like something was on that island before the energy signature drifted off this morning."

"I can see that, Wicke." Lusamine looked at the Ula'Ula charts. "So then this one…is just one large spike that faded, right?"

"Yes. However, the information we've gathered is now detecting space-time energy now in the presence of Akala Island. The Ula'Ula reading was just last night, and we'restill under investigation about that spike. However, we have reason to believe that whatever the constant energy mass was on Melemele has migrated onto Akala Island, and is there right now. Miss Lusamine…what should we do?"

Lusamine folded her fingers, giving a very uncomfortable glare towards Wicke. "If this is an Ultra Beast, then this will get difficult. But, so many lives are at risk right now. We've never seen such a pandemic like this before…" She sighed. "We'll need help…get me the International Police on the phone at once."

Tapu Lele hummed along, minding her own business in her large expanse of ruins. "Hm, hm-hmmm~! H'oof! I'm starting to get bored again…I wonder if those guys show up here?" She chimed merrily. "Ooh! I'm so excited I just can't wait!"

I'm a little late, but better late than never as they always say. I decided to switch things up a notch and have this chapter focus on what was going on with Fairy Tail and The Freaks. It's been a while since showcasing Kane again, so I thought I'd give him a reasonable role, as well as some of the potential Tympole and Roggenrola would get, in conjunction with their evolutions.

This will come off as hypocritical, considering how much I respect the game's way of doing levels and movesets. But that goes for levels only, and I don't count TM/HMs, and move tutors. On the Gen 7 basis, Hyper Voice is a move tutor move in US/UM, so consider that the idea of Palpitoad learning that attack than just bolting up to Lv 51 out of nowhere, especially when they evolve at Lv 25.

Anyways, time to put this down for a little bit and get back to my Bakugan story. I wanna finish that before 2020 ends, so I need to pay attention on that for as much as I can! But as usual, reviews are appreciated! Thanks guys for reading the chapter, and hope to hear from you soon! XD