Story Arcs

## Welcome to the World of Pokemon (Sessions 1 - 10)

The main cast, Tucker, Brooke, Riley, and Ralph all wake up in unfamiliar forms, and soon find themselves at Savan Town on the unfamiliar Plains continent. While settling in and adjusting to this unfamiliar setting, they join the Pioneering Club and become a team, Team Cheer.

```for their first mission, the team investigates the mysterious Claydol Cairn. During the investigation, they learn that Riley seems to contain the spirit of an unknown, but extremely powerful, Lucario.

After returning to the town with the results of their investigation, the team enjoys some time doing minor, enjoyable tasks around the town.

### Session 1 - ...Where Are We?

Transcript

The main party, Riley the Riolu, Brooke the Totodile, Tucker the Poochyena, and Ralph the Munchlax, all wake up in an unfamiliar area. A storm begins to draw near, and they all decide to try to explore and find shelter. While Brooke, Tucker and Ralph all decide to work together to find their way to shelter, Riley walks off on his own.

As they explore, Ralph happens upon a mysterious orb. The silly Munchlax decides to try to lick the orb, accidentally activating it and causing everyone to be caught in a hailstorm.

Riley ends up accidentally reuniting with the three, and they press on together. As they walk, they happen upon a pair of Salandit, and engage them in combat. One Salandit ends up shoved down a cliff, and the other is dragged along by the party (See the thumbnail for the videos to see an image of what this looks like.).

Eventually, the party reaches a settlement, which they will soon learn is called Savan Town, and promptly startle a Noibat that was passing by. The group enters what is seemingly, where they meet a Pangoro and a Liepard who goes by Raize. They learn about Savan Town and the Pioneering Club, an organisation run by Pangoro filled with teams that attempt to help other Pokémon, similar to a guild in the Mystery Dungeon games. They also learn of the Salandit Bandits, a group of, well, Salandit bandits.

The Salandit the group brought is taken in and interrogated for information off-screen.

After finishing their conversation, since the party has nowhere to go, the party is invited to stay at Raize's house for the night.

### Session 2 - Savan Town Gigs

The party all wake up in Raize's home and enjoy some breakfast. After that, everyone decides to check out Savan Town and all it has to offer.

Riley decides to check out the marketplace and find some work. He first speaks with Cofagrigus, gets weirded out, and then promptly steals a job from an unknown Pokémon to guard the Kecleon Shop while Kecleon is away.

Tucker decides to visit Savan Town's daycare, meeting Tropius and Cubone as he enters the clubhouse, and sees the children there being watched by Pangoro, including an Elekid, Magby, Pichu and Rockruff.

Brooke also checks out the marketplace, and ends up meeting a Liligant and helping her find a lost item she needed to take to her job. As thanks, Liligant offers Brooke a voucher for the Savan town Milk Spa as a reward.

Ralph goes to work at the post-office, meeting the postmistress, Toucannon. He manages to get a job delivering letters, causing him to end up running into Riley while trying to deliver a letter to the Kecleon shop. The two end up getting into a scuffle, only to be stopped by the returning Kecleon.

### Session 3 - Joining the Club

Tucker continues trying to entertain the kids at the daycare, a Bonsly, Pidgey and mute Squirtle now being mentioned. They play Tag and Hide and Seek together, getting stuck in the process.

Brooke goes with Liligant and checks out the Milk Spa and all of its services, meeting the spa's other workers, Krookodile, the trio of The Florges Sisters, and Miltank. Following that, he decides to check out the marketplace as well, where he meets a Kakuna and Cofagrigus, who suddenly bursts into the shop at the mention of...their favourite material, which shall not be named.

After being relieved of his duty as a guard for the Kecleon shop, Riley decides to try to check out the area outside of Savan Town. After getting past a Kangaskan, he manages to do so, only to get his butt handed to him by an infamous Rhyhorn in the area called Old Ironside, and being saved by Noibat and returned to the clubhouse.

Ralph continues his work as a mail carrier, delivering letters to the Milk Spa, Raize's home, and also the Pioneering Clubhouse.

Eventually, the party is all together in the clubhouse and are invited to form a team by Pangoro. Still having no idea what else to do, the party agree, and become a team of Pioneers.

### Session 4 - Preparing for the First Mission

(Off-screen) The newly-made team give themselves the name "Team Cheer".

Pangoro gives the team their first mission: Some of the loot the Salandit Team Cheer brought to Savan Town indicates a ruin may have surfaced in the Baked Plains, and they are asked to investigate and find these ruins. He gives everyone 10 Poke to get supplies.

Tucker does Raize a favour for free bacon and gets back a pair of Black Glasses from Noibat. In the process, he ends up having to play with the kids in the daycare a bit to stop them from toying with Noibat.

Brooke checks out the shops to ask what he can get for 10 Poke, preferably clothing. An Ariados is mentioned to be a clothier, but they live far from town. Unable to find anything, he heads to the orchard and helps out there in exchange for some berries.

Ralph cries at the bar over Raize offering Tucker bacon, only to be tormented further by the Liepard.

Riley exits the clubhouse after seeing Ralph sufficiently tormented, and goes to Raize's house. The Riolu tries to break in so he doesn't have to deal with everyone's nonsense, and somehow vibrates his way into a secret room. As he enters the room, Raize suddenly appears behind him, and...unknown events transpire before he brings Riley to the Clubhouse.

Raize escorts everyone besides Brooke, who's staying at lodgings offered to Pioneers, to his home to sleep again. The Liepard continues to torment Ralph, who's continuing to be jealous, and gets frightened when Ralph attempts Metronome, promptly pouncing on him. After everyone calms down, and Ralph is tied up, everyone goes to sleep.

### Session 5 - Lizard Acquisition

The party wakes up, has breakfast and makes their final preparations, heading to the Clubhouse and getting some equipment from the Pioneering Club's quartermaster, Blaze the Charizard.

Team Cheer heads out to the Baked Plains, the area they first woke up in, with the goal of finding these ruins.

As the party travel, they stumble upon more Salandits. One Salandit gets captured by the team (Again), and the others end up defeated. Just like Pangoro said, the bandits seem to have taken an interest in these ruins.

The team eventually reach the ruins and see more Salandit, making sure to keep the one they'd captured with them.

### Session 6 - When Munchlaxes Fly

The team begins to trek through the ruins. during their travel, they face off against a Sandyghast, Ralph manages to use the move Fly to activate a switch, and the session ends with a long, hard-fought battle against a "guardian", a Bronzor.

### Session 7 - Malice and Malfunction

The journey through the ruins continues. The party meet a trio of Baltoy, who seem much more pleasant guardians than the Bronzor, and even inform them of the name of the ruins: Claydol's Cairn. As they continue, they find more Salandit Bandits messing with the machinery in the Cairn, causing Team Cheer to have to fight the now-berserk Baltoy.

During the battle, Riley is incapacitated, and a certain someone, a mysterious Lucario, makes his first reveal, taking over Riley's body and promptly annihilating the opposition.

After taking some time to recuperate, Team Cheer returns to Savan Town with their haul, including a deactivated Baltoy and the Salandit, and get some much-needed sleep at Raize's home, minus Brooke, who's staying at lodgings offered to Pioneers.

### Session 8 - The Power of Darkness!

Everyone wakes up due to a peculiar dream, and Brooke gathers everyone from Raize's home to report their findings to Pangoro.

The team heads to Pangoro's office and tell them about what they've discovered. During the report, the team manages to get Pangoro to allow their captured Salandit to stay in Savan as well, as long as they take responsibility.

As everyone is telling Pangoro what happened and showing their haul, Riley runs off and tells Raize about the mysterious Lucario that was in his head. Raize seems to recognise this Lucario, and barges into Pangoro's office to tell them, only to stop himself as he realises everyone else in Team Cheer is still there.

Brooke and Ralph get the equipment they'd used during the excursion from Riley to return it to Blaze. Brooke does so and goes to do some shopping.

Riley, Tucker, and their new Salandit teammate go to find a way to open the box they'd found in the cairn. It is opened by Klefki, and they obtain the POWER OF DARKNESS...AKA, a Dark Pulse gem. Afterwards, they run into Brooke and attempts to do some garment shopping at Kakuna's shop.

Ralph returns to the Clubhouse after Brooke and gets a pizza from Blaze.

Brooke, Ralph, Tucker and Riley all head to the clubhouse after their shopping and join Ralph for breakfast. Raize appears shortly after and shoos Blaze from the kitchen in order to make proper food.

### Session 9 - Sunlit Shenanigans

Team Cheer goes to see Pangoro about their next mission. Pangoro tells them to either continue helping around town, or go see Liligant about a mission she requested Brooke hear about it first. The mission is to help gather pollen from the Sunlit Ravine

Team Cheer decide to accept the mission and take Liligant through the area. After dealing with a thieving Yanma and playing with some wild Rockruff, they arrive at where the pollen can be gathered. Liligant gathers the pollen while Team Cheer fends off a group of Sunkern and a Sunflora.

After the battle, the team return Liligant to the spa and are given their reward.

### Session 10 - Downtime

Ralph and Tucker discuss making a secret password (See "A Secret Password").

Ralph goes to see Brooke, who reported theor journey to Sunlit Ravine to Pangoro.

Riley tries to get information from Raize about who the mysterious Lucario in his head might be. This attempt to get information was denied by Ralph and Tucker wanting to get some food from Raize.

Brooke goes up to his lodgings to get some sleep, only to find Squirtle hiding in his bed.

Ralph gets into an arm-wrestling competition with a Machop, Graveler, and Cubone.

The Clubhouse tavern closes, and Tucker, Riley and Ralph head to Raize's house after being given the keys from Raize, who stays to clean up.

Ralph asks Raize about The Conqueror, the mysterious third member of Pangoro and Raize's old team. Unfortunately, the Liepard isn't exactly willing to give information about them, instead only talking about their first mission.

Raize then finally begins speaking to Riley about the mysterious Lucario before going to bed. He doesn't say much. Only that the Lucario, if they are who he thinks they are, isn't someone to emulate.

Everyone goes to sleep, and then spends the next week doing odd jobs around the town. Ralph does more work at the post office to Toucannon's dismay, Riley trains his aura, Brooke works at the orchard, Tucker asks around about ways to take advantage of his cuteness, eventualy deciding on learning from example via working at the daycare.

On the last day of their downtime, everyone sees their Salandit being brought back to the clubhouse after exploring Claydol's Cairn by a Purrloin, Shinx and Litten. They'd apparantly been using the Salandit to trigger the traps, so they were naturally exhausted afterwards.

The team enjoys some food, courtesy of Raize. Raize ends up answering one of Ralph's questions from the other night: That his old tem name was "Team Pioneer".

Brooke and Riley head to the team's lodgings to sleep. Ralph rematches the Graveller from before at arm-wrestling before joining the two in their lodgings.

Tucker goes with Raize to his home and asks Raize how to look cute. Raize likes this, and shows Tucker his secret garment wardrobe. The two of them have fun putting Tucker in different adorable adornments.

## A Wild Adventure in the Wild Prairie (Sessions 11 - 18)

Team Cheer is tasked with helping to find the prince of the Wild Prairie, Prince Zeal. During their search, they are ambushed by a group of bandits, resulting in the temporary kidnapping of Tucker, and the incapacitation of Riley.

After recovering and reuniting, the search for the prince resumed and was, inevitably, successful. After resting with the prince in a place known as the Cave of Mirrors, the party returns to the prince's home, finding Raize the Liepard mysteriously singing at a grave as they travelled. They choose to rest before returning to Savan Town, leading to a fight between Tucker and Riley in the morning, and head back to the town.

### Session 11-1 - Questionable Cooking

Tucker wakes up in Raize's home, and decides to make Raize some breakfast as thanks for everything the Liepard's done for him and Team Cheer.

Ralph, Brooke and Riley wake up in their lodgings. Ralph gets the GREAT idea to make breakfast himself using the clubhouse's resources in hopes of impressing Raize. The Pioneers enjoy his cooking, but Raize? Not so much.

Team Cheer go to see Pangoro and are given their next mission: Locating the lost Prince Zeal of the Pyroar Tribe in the Wild Prairie.

The party makes preperations before setting off and say farewell to the Salandit, now officially named Lizard, who has to return to Claydol's Cairn with Purrloin, Shinx and Litten.

### Session 11-2 - Rufflet Rampage

(Due to Technical difficulties, Session 11 was split into 2 parts, and a portion of it was missed.

(Off-screen) As the party heads to the Wild Prairie, they find Cubone being assaulted by some Rufflet.

The team defeats the Rufflet, Brooke almost accidentally going feral for a bit, and are offered tutelage by Cubone when they return to Savan Town as thanks for saving them.

### Session 12 - Taking a Toll

Team Cheer reaches the Wild Prairie and begins searching for Prince Zeal.

After a day's worth of searching, including asking a Vullaby and Rufflet about the prince and finding another Litleo who mistook them for bandits, Team Cheer is ambushed by a team of Poochyena, known as the Shadow Scavengers, which they were warned by Pangoro to avoid. The bandits demand the team pays a toll for passing through "their territory". Then, soon after, they meet Mightyena, the boss of the Shadow Scavengers.

Brooke and Ralph run to get help, and Riley attempts to fend off the bandits. Not wanting Riley to get hurt, Tucker tells the bandits that he'll go with them in exchange for letting his team pass. Riley refuses to let that happen, ends up being KOd, is re-possessed by the mysterious Lucario, and takes down the Mightyena, only to pass out. Tucker ends up being taken by the bandits anyway.

When Ralph and Brooke finally get help from the Pyroar Tribe, Riley is brought to Pride's Rock, unconscious, and Tucker is then found later after being subjected to whatever Mightyena does to him.

### Session 13 - Beginning the Search

After some rest, Team Cheer is brought to an audience chamber to see the ruler of the Pyroar Tribe, Lord Zeal. Their spirits are lifted slightly by the lord's encouraging words, and they resume the search for Prince Zeal, now with one of his belongings to help track him.

During the search for the prince, they happen across a Honedge, who assumes them to be bandits due to Tucker being with them and them having one of the prince's belongings. The Honedge attempts to fight Team Cheer, only to be forced into the ground by Riley, and they resume the search.

After some more searching, the team takes a ration break.

### Session 14 - Bitter-Sweet Reunion

Ralph heads to an oasis in search of food. everyone else follows after him.

Ralph steals a berry of some sort from a Blitzle, and is promptly zapped as punishment. After that, everyone moves on and continues the search.

After more searching, the team finds some clues: Singed pawprints. They follow the pawprints and find an injured Beedrill. As they then continue even further, they find a swarm of Beedrill and Combee surrounding a Litleo. Assuming this to be the prince, and also generally being nice people, team Cheer tries to assist the Litleo in fending off the swarm.

### Session 15 - The Cave of Mirrors

The team successfully defeats the swarm and confirm that the Pyroar they saved was indeed Prince Zeal, who was protecting his friend Hakamo-o after they both stole some honey from the bees.

As it is nearing night, Hakamo-o brings Zeal and Team Cheer to the Cave of MIrrors, where they meet the cave's guardian, Kommo-o. Hakamo-o and Zeal are sent to Hakamo-o's chambers to go to sleep, and Kommo-o speaks with the team. He tells them about his time travelling with Team Pioneer, including the fact that he travelled alongside a human.

The group examines the mirrors, some of them seeing their potential evolutions, and rest. the next day, they are sent off with Zeal back to Pride's Rock.

### Session 16 - Moonlight Cantata

The group travels towards Pride's Rock from the Cave of Mirrors. As night falls, the team makes camp to rest.

Zeal, Tucker and Riley work together to hunt some food after using up the last of the rations, getting into a fight with Rufflet.

While setting up camp, Brooke senses something and wanders off. Tucker and Riley pursue Brooke when they return to camp and see the Totodile not there.

The three end up seeing Raize digging up some strange bones and a pendant that feels oddly familiar to RIley. Then, the Liepard proceeds to sing a strange song (Which you can hear in the Session. There is a timestamp to it in the list pinned on the VOD.).

After noticing Riley and Tucker had followed him, Brooke checks on Riley, who seems to be acting strange after witnessing this. Tucker returns the camp, and Riley approaches where Raize was before he left and dug up a skull and the pendent before returning to the camp with Brooke.

The next day, the team eventually returns to Pride's Rock, has another audience with Lord Zeal, and rests at the rock for that night.

The next morning, Tucker and Riley end up getting into an argument regarding Riley's behaviour when theyw ere ambushed by the bandits in the training grounds, which escalates into a fight. Riley ends up winning, knocking Tucker out.

Note: **Please** watch this episode when you can. It is definitely one of the highlights of the series with the scene with Raize and the Riley and Tucker fight.

### Session 17 - Building Bridges

Team Cheer decides to head back to Savan Town with Tucker still unconscious.

During the journey back, Riley passes out after the battle with Tucker, and Tucker wakes up.

A thunderstorm begins, and the team seeks shelter and rests for the night.

The next day, they return to Savan Town and go to report to Pangoro, only to be stopped by the daycare children on the way there.

### Session 18 - Legacy of the Conqueror

The party enters Pangoro's office and see a Pyroar speaking with him. The Pyroar explains that they will be staying in Savan to teach the residents combat and hunting techniques.

As the team reports he results of their mission to Pangoro, Pangoro finally is coerced into telling them what in the world is going on with Riley. From what he knows, it seems that Tiber, ex-member of Team Pioneer, also known as "The Conqueror" and Raize's late husband, seems to be possessing Riley. Tiber had suddenly gone mad with power one day, seemingly, which caused him to be deadly to anyone who "wronged" him even slightly. Not wanting to let this carry on, Raize was forced to kill them in their sleep, though they seem to have now clung onto Riley. Pangoro is uncertain of a method to remove Tiber for certain, but says that it may be best to keep this knowledge as secret as possible.

After all of the information is exchanged, Team Cheer leaves the office and gets some dinner. Ralph goes to collect a book from the Daycare and read it, Tucker has a bath while Brooke helps to clean him. and Riley just goes to bed with Lizard.

Following Tucker's bath, Brooke goes to bed, along with Ralph, and Tucker decides to spend the night with Raize, confiding with him in private over the events he'd been through in private.

The party has more downtime doing numerous different tasks, whether it's working or training. Ralph does some work as a translator, Brooke helps Blaze with organising inventory, Riley is trained by Cubone in how to use Bone Club and notices the metal on the back side of his paws seems to be growing into a vertical edge, and Tucker continues working at the daycare, purchasing a toy for the kids from Cofagrigus beforehand.

## The Trip to Seaspray Part 1: The Tournament (Sessions 19 - 31)

The team are required to join the rest of the Pioneers on the annual trip to Seaspray Town. While there, they meet many new faces, take part in various competitions, from a volleyball competition to a full fighting tournament, and ended up having to save thei Salandit friend, Lizard, after they were kidnapped.

### Session 19 - Field Trip

Tucker and Ralph speak with each other privately. Tucker tells Ralph he feels more confident in the Munchlax now that he, for lack of a better phrase, got his act together.

The team are reunited with Prince Zeal, who was sent to work at the Pioneering Club by his father to work and learn to be more responsible.

Riley goes to speak with Pangoro about the strange growing metal on his paws. Pangoro then reminds him that Team Cheer is yet to sign up for the trip to Seaspray Town offered to all club members, which, while mandatory, it is preferred to register with Blaze ahead of time so he can be certain of who is coming.

After Riley's conversation with Pangoro, Tucker approaches him to apologise to them for his outburst in the Wild Prairie now that he understands exactly what Riley's situation is.

Lizard approaches Riley to let him know that he might not be able to go with them on the trip due to not signing themselves up. Riley and Tucker respond and say they'll sign Lizard up so they can come with. Lizard then is spooked by Cofagrigus after realising he has a gold bar in his bag.

Ralph teases Brooke to say he should go say goodbye to his "Girlfriend" (Liligant) while he goes to say goodbye to Toucannon, much to her *immense "dismay"*.

Brooke goes with Tucker to speak with Blaze to ensure Team Cheer is signed up for the field trip, which they are since Brooke signed everyone up while working with Blaze, and he receives an explanation for what the field trip is, Ralph attempts to try and create something akin to a taser, and Riley "saves" Lizard from Cofagrigus before doing some training. After that, plus some shopping to prepare for the trip, they all go to bed.

The next day, the team goes to the clubhouse, where attendance is being taken, and they soon set off. Firstly, they travel through Rusty Canyon. After taking in the sights, and Brooke manages to perform a trick-shot to incapacitate multiple Turtonator, they arrive at a ranch, owned by old man Mudbray.

### Session 20 - Ranch Paws

To pass the time spent at the ranch before nightfall:

Ralph and Tucker speak to some Mareep that live on the ranch, including freeing them and taking them for a walk around the farm before returning them to the pen. Ralph makes a deal with the Mareep to get some wool in an attempt to find material for his taser in exchange for a souvenir from Seaspray.

Riley does some training with Lizard, including testing is his aura can heal stuff. He also overhears Mudbray speaking with Pangoro about his missing nephew, Mudsdale. Pangoro tells Mudbray that if he hasn't returned by the time the trip is over, the Pioneering Club will investigate and track down Mudsdale themselves.

Brooke idly wanders around the ranch and is given a job by Mudbray to water some roots, accidentally knocking out a tooth in the process. After he is treated so his bleeding mouth won't get infected, he puts teh tooth into his bag in case he can find a way to use in while in Seaspray.

The next day, after enjoying some nice eggs in these not-trying times, Pangoro reassembles everyone and they continues the journey to Seaspray. The Club reaches Seaspray Town without any further issues. They all make their way to the hotel they will be staying at, and notice a strangely-clothed Lucario float past them on an aura hoverboard.

### Session 21 - Mawile's Memorandum

The Club arrives at the hotel they'll be staying at, Hotel Alomo, where they are greeted by Alo the Alomomola and Croaky the Croagunk, and decide on what room keys they will take. Riley and Lizard get a suite key, and the other members of Team Cheer get a regular 3-Pokémon room.

Once they all get acclimated to their rooms and head out of their rooms, Pangoro takes them to Mawile's Momentarium, residence of Mawile, a researcher of ancient ruins and other such antiquities, in order to deliver the Baltoy they brought to Savan from Claydol's Cairn. While there, they look around the shop, resulting in Brooke and Riley being briefly hypnotised by a statuette.

After leaving the shop, Ralph finds a nearby bar, Gloaming Wood, and gets wasted. In his drunken "frenzy", he goes to a clothes shop and buys a tuxedo-like shirt, a red tie, and a fedora. After that, he flirts with a lamppost and is eventually escorted back to Hotel Alomo by authorities.

Everyone else goes to speak with Raize, who invites them to go and meet a friend of his who lives in Seaspray. Tucker is the only one to go with them and meets Luxray, who's speaking with Purrloin, Shinx, and Litten. After speaking with them, Tucker decides to spend time at the library, reading cookbooks and a mysterious journal.

Brooke enjoys a long swim at the sea, loving actually being able to swim in seawater rather than freshwater.

Riley does some sunbathing at the beach with Lizard, followed by some training.

### Session 22 - Dressed for Success

Tucker leaves the library and decides to check out Cafe V, a maid cafe run by Eeveelutions. Finding the maid outfits really cute, Tucker asks if he can work at the cafe during the trip and get to wear one of the outfits. The manager, Vee, happily accepts an additional worker.

During his seaside swim, Brooke finds a café under the sea and meets Jawson, a Croconaw who is apparently one of the "Champions" of the Seaspray Arena. Jawson ends up telling Brooke that there is a tournament at the arena soon that they can enter. After that, he goes to a clothes shop to get his detached tooth made into a necklace.

While at the beach, Riley and Lizard are harassed by the Lucario they saw when they first reached Seaspray, Glide, another one of the Champions, and also gets told about the tournament. They return to their suite for now to de-stress.

After calming down, Riley goes with Lizard to find Brooke, who was now clothes shopping. In an attempt to find Brooke, Riley attempts to sense his aura, only to be overwhelmed by the sheer number of auras in Seaspray. Riley is then calmed down again by Lizard and Ralph, who was yet to be returned to the hotel by the authorities at this point, who manages to get Riley a little bit tipsy due to how wasted he is. Eventually, Riley and Lizard manage to find Brooke and do soem clothes shopping with him, getting a dark cape for Riley.

Eventually, the team return to their rooms. Tucker sees that Purrloin, Shinx and Litten invaded their room while Ralph was unconscious, but puts up with it. Meanwhile, Brooke speaks with Riley in Riley's suite, and they eventually decide to tell Lizard that they were all originally humans, which Lizard accepts. After that, Brooke returns to his own room, shoos the cats off of his bed using a Water Gun, and they all go to sleep for the night.

### Session 23 - Who's a Good Maid?

Everyone wakes up and goes to get breakfast. While getting breakfast, Alo announces that there will be a volleyball tournament, with the reward being 100 Poke, and a coupon for an all-you-can-eat buffet.

Tucker starts working at Cafe V. He is instructed by the Umbreon he saw yesterday about how to do his job.

Brooke signs the team up for the tournament that he heard about from Jawson, where they meet a Mienshao and Machamp, then decides to do some shopping, as there is a clearance sale.

Riley, Lizard and Ralph decide to enter the volleyball tournament. Riley and Lizard make their own team, while Ralph is teamed up with a Hariyama. Neither team ends up winning in the end, with Riley and Lizard only getting 2nd place.

After the volleyball tournament, to cheer themselves up, Ralph and Hariyama check out Café V. Tucker is unfortunately stuck serving them, much to HIS dismay and RALPH'S delight.

Riley decides to check out the arena with Lizard in order to train.

### Session 24 - The Bad Seed

Riley searches the arena grounds to find a tutor to teach him Blaze Kick, unfortunately not finding anyone. He ends up finding Brooke there and trains with him. As they train, they end up meeting two more Champions, a Heliolisk named Deadeye, who Riley remembers as a pupil of Tiber, and a Braixen named Jezzebel.

Ralph goes to Mawile's Momentarium to discuss the stuff he's translated and ask her questions regarding past instances of Pokémon being permanently transformed into others and other such quandaries. Ralph brings up his taser, and Mawile gets interested in it, too. They both quickly become wholesome research buddies.

After leaving the arena, Brooke hears about some commotion at the docks and goes to investigate, seeing some seaweed wildly growing and causing issues for boats and a Waillord. He checks the water and sees a Dhelmise, who was seemingly given something from someone that caused their power to go berserk and the seaweed on their body to grow out and endanger the docks. Brooke decides to put the poor Dhelmise out of his misery, though he doesn't like it, and uses Ice Fang to freeze and incapacitate them, stopping the seaweed and saving the docks.

Everyone eventually returns to the hotel has some food, then go to sleep.

### Session 25 - Sponsorships and Social Links

Before the next day begins, Tucker decides to show Raize his new maid outfit in private, which very much cheers up the Liepard.

The next day, as they have breakfast, the team hears about an eating contest.

Tucker works a few hours at Café V before going to check out the eating contest after getting permission from Vee. As he leaves, Umbreon asks Tucker to bring him back some food as a souvenir of sorts.

Ralph decides to check out a prop shop run by a Mr. Mime to see if he can find a Metronome to synchronise with the ticking he's been hearing in his head before going to see Mawile and asking if she wants to check out the contest with him. She agrees, and they go to the contest together.

Riley heads back to the arena to train and find a Blaze Kick Tutor. When he can't find one, he trains with Brooke.

### Session 26 - Battle of the Bellybulge

Riley and Brooke train some more before deciding to go and check out how the eating contest goes. When they get there, they get to talk with Jawson and get some sausages.

Tucker, before heading to the contest, has to deal with Jezzebel, who's a particularly infuriating customer who gets her just desserts (Pun intended).

Tucker and Ralph manage to enter the eating contest and enjoy eating many foods, from the sickeningly sweet, to the unsettilingly sour, with Tucker ending up being victorious.

Tucker grabs a sausage for Umbreon and hurries back to Café V. Meanwhile everyone else gets to enjoy a Melon Parade that starts after the eating contest finishes.

After everything is said and done, everyone returns to the hotel and sleeps.

### Session 27 - The Tournament Begins

Everyone wakes up and has breakfast, the tournament starting in a few hours.

Tucker decides to run for a bit to work off some weight from the eating contest, then goes to Cafe V to have some alterations made to his outfit so he can wear it during the tournament and act as a sponsor for the café.

Riley, Lizard and Brooke go straight to the arena.

Ralph goes to see Mawile and enjoy some toast. He talks to Mawile about his team and how he feels about them. after some burned toast and pleasant conversation, he heads to the arena.

Ralph and Tucker get to the arena to meet up with the rest of the team before the tournament begins, and they are instructed to wait until their match is announced.

The Storyteller announces the beginning of the tournament. Team Cheer decides to spectate the current match before they are eventually called to the battlefield for their first match.

Team Cheer's first match of the tournament begins. Their opponents are a team known as "The Blades of Tahlia", containing a Snivy, (Galarian) Farfetch'd, Doublade, and Pawniard.

During the battle, Ralph unlocks a strange power to manipulate his Metronome to have the result be exactly what he wants, using Heat Crash. Unfortunately, something so powerful isn't permanent...for now.

### Session 28 - Blade and Stones Won't Break Our Bones

The team manages to win the match, and gets to experience a small break while waiting for their next match.

After spectating a few solo matches, they are called to the battlefield for their next match: VS Team Elemental, consisting of a Salazzle, Vikavolt, Slowking, Flygon, and Aegislash.

After another victory, though Ralph was KOd, the team gets to enjoy a brief conversation with the arena announcer.

### Session 29 - An Illusive Threat

Tucker goes to get snacks with Lizard while they wait for their next match, Ralph decides to try to break into the announcer's room to little avail so he can be an announcer too, and Riley goes to see the Aegislash they fought in the last match to try to get them to teach him Sacred Sword.

Eventually, Tucker realises Lizard isn't with him anymore, and tries to find him before their match starts. He doesn't succeed, and everyone gets concerned just as they're called to the battlefield.

Tucker wants to continue searching for Lizard, leaving Brooke, Riley and Ralph to face off against the next team, Team Grand Villains, a duo of a Granbull and a Ninetales.

The trio manage to beat their opponents and try to find Tucker before being stopped by Glide, who seems like he's very much responsible for Lizard's kidnapping in an attempt to mess with Riley, using his sponsor, Zoroark, owner of Obsidian Sky Hotel, to do the dirty deed.

Eventually, they reach Tucker, who has found the scent of a Dark Type seemingly taking Lizard with them.

The team follows the scent and are led to the Obsidian Sky Hotel. They enter and ask a nearby Poochyena (Light) where they can find the boss. They Poochyena tells them to tell Brutus, a Tyrantrum, that they have an appointment with the boss. They do so, and are permitted to go to the higher levels.

After some climbing up the hotel, they are stopped by Zoroark, or at least illusions of him. Tucker manages to dispel the illusions using a Dark Pulse, and they continue.

The team reaches what they presume to be the boss's office due to being guarded by a Greninja, Intelleon, Drifblim, and Chandelure. By using the same "appointment" excuse, they are allowed to enter the room, where they see Zoroark petting Lizard, or at least another illusion of it. Zoroark challenges the team to try to reach him on the top floor and, if they succeed, they can get Lizard back.

### Session 30 - Demons

The team begins to travel up the hotel, now distorted by Zoroark's illusions, while being pursued by Chandelure. He informs them that it wasn't only Glide that convinced him to capture Lizard, but Jezzebel as well. During the travel up, they decide to perform multiple instances of property damage, which frustrates Zoroark.

Eventually, they reach what seems like a hotel room featuring a strange mirror. Brooke looks into it and sees the Sandyghast from Claydol's Cairn. Riley looks in it and sees Tiber, which Zoroark seemingly attempts to possess, only to realise how horrible of an idea that is, and a sudden explosion causes the illusion of that floor is shattered.

As the team continues higher up the hotel, they find themselves in areas that don't even seem like the hotel. Rather, it seems more like a mashup or various locations from their memories.

Ralph wanders off on his own, resulting in him being attacked by an illusion of Old Ironside, which he runs away from thanks to luckily paralysing him with Lick, and getting to enjoy a pleasant game of cards with the Sandyghast from Claydol's Cairn before having a lovely chat with Zoroark.

Everyone else, meanwhile, end up running into an illusion of Mightyena, the leader of the Shadow Scavengers, but scarier (Referred to by some as "Frightyena"). Riley attempts to fend it off while Brooke and Tucker run away.

Riley ends up being KOd by Frightyena, and taken by Zoroark, who manges to avoid Tiber possessing Riley's body somehow.

Tucker and Brooke end up fighting Chandelure, resulting in its death, and some severe burn wounds on Brooke. However, during the battle, the Frightyena manages to catch up, and causes Tucker to be petrified as it reopens his old emotional wounds, eventually mentally shutting down and deciding to just obey whatever he's told, which, thankfully, ended up being Brooke telling him to get the hell out of there.

Everyone eventually reunites and reaches the final floor, where they see that Zoroark's office seemingly has been suddenly overgrown with plants, including Zoroark being impaled on a tree branch. Suffice to say, he's had enough "entertainment" for the night and just gives them Lizard back as promised and tells them to get the hell out of his hotel.

### Session 31 - Champion's Respite

The team leaves the hotel and makes their way back to the arena, seeing everyone panicking over the sudden explosion at Obsidian Sky Hotel.

As they try to get their bags from the locker rooms, they are approached by Deadeye, who is annoyed that the team didn't stay after their match earlier. Brooke promises that they can have a fight against Deadeye next time they're in Seaspray Town, which Deadeye...certainly doesn't seem to dislike the idea of.

After speaking with Deadeye, Glide smugly approaches the team to mock them, only to be told that Zoroark isn't exactly eager to keep sponsoring him after the damage his latest request ended up indirectly causing, and that Zoroark actually an extended an offer to sponsor Riley. This obviously annoys the Lucario more and he leaves.

After Glide leaves, the team decides to reminisce on their past lives before being called back to the arena for the award ceremony, where they are rewarded with Poke and a Lucky Egg for coming first place in the Teams tournament. The team enjoys some fun times with friends made in Seaspray Town.

## The Trip to Seaspray Part 2: The Polluted Island and Seaspray's Farewell (Session 32-41)

The party meets a strange Shaymin, driven mad by the pollution caused by Seaspray, and the party heads to their corrupted home to stop them. After visiting the island and seeing the damage caused to it, as well as seeing the Shaymin caused by outside sources, they return to Seaspray and rest in preparation for the second-to-last day of the trip, which will include a teambuilding exercise.

After the exercise, the team gets to enjoy one last day at Seaspray, and begin to leave.

### Session 32 - The Polluted Flower

The party wakes up and enjoys breakfast as best as they can after the incident at the hotel. Ralph brings up to everyone that he feels as if he may want to leave the team and move to Seaspray permanently to be with Mawile.

Riley heads to the Colosseum training grounds and finds a Blaziken to teach him Blaze Kick.

Tucker goes to work at Cafe V, and meets the Poochyena that they had saw working at Obsidian Sky, Light (Most of which is shown off-screen in a Glimpse).

Ralph assists Mawile with researching. Ralph tells Mawile about how he thinks about moving to Seaspray permanently to stay with Mawile, which encourages Mawile to tell him that she was planning to move to Savan anyway, which makes him happy, and see he had no need to worry about being unable to see her again.

Brooke speaks with Pangoro, who is currently watching over Prince Zeal, and tells him about why he was at Obsidian Sky during the explosion there, and also informing him of the incident with the Dhelmise at the docks. Pangoro tells Brooke that he is proud of Brooke and the rest of Team Cheer for their achievements, including the victory in the tournament, and that he won't require them to take part in the team-building exercise the following day due to all that they've been through.

Suddenly, the team is alerted by sudden a sudden loud explosion, and all hurry to the scene as fast as they can. They all meet up at the scene and see a peculiarly-coloured Shaymin bombing Hotel Alomo. Ralph and Tucker follow Pangoro's orders to help evacuate the hotel before helping Riley and Brooke attempt to apprehend the Shaymin. Unfortunately, they manage to get away via using a seed bomb to cause everyone to back away from them.

While making sure no-one was hurt, Tucker examines the bomb site, which had turned into something akin to a polluted, overgrown forest. He finds some foul seeds and takes them to the others to be examined.

After everyone is healed, they head to the docks, wanting to approach Shaymin Island, where the Shaymin is likely to be, and investigate what happened to corrupt the Shaymin in such a way, despite Pangoro's insistence they are not required to do so due to their exhaustion.

### Session 33 - Ill Garden

The party approach Shaymin Island by ship, and are required to abandon ship and swim a portion of the way due to a poisonous fog surrounding the island that prevents anything above the water from entering alive.

They begin to travel across the island, finding various forms of plant life that seemingly have been corrupted and turned dangerous due to pollution. As they travel across the island, they find numerous regular Shaymin, other residents of the island, and try to help them as they find them while continuing to search for the one that was bombing Seaspray.

In the process of saving one of the Shaymin, the team has to travel through a large, mucky swamp, which was actually a giant Muk, which attempts to attack them.

### Session 34 - Husks

Riley manages to poison the Muk that was attacking them, allowing the team to escape and resume their investigation of the island.

After fending off a Zombreloom (Zombie Breloom, named such by Karserus), the team comes across a mysterious large hole. Riley goes down to investigate the hole, and finds a bunch of mysterious pod things, as well as a Deerling. ...Or, at least, seemingly, a corrupted Deerling, which somehow incapacitates him.

After enough time, the others go into the hole, and see more Deerling, which all distort and twist into horrific creatures, referred to by Karserus as "Caretakers". Meanwhile, Riley wakes up in some strange net-like thing. After breaking free, he sees the Caretakers attacking his teammates, and tries to take down the creatures to give them a chance to compose themselves rather than only defend.

After the team manages to destroy the Caretakers and can investigate the area, they start to investigate the pods and freeing the Pokemon trapped inside, which were seemingly in the process of being corrupted like the other Pokemon they'd seen on the island, including another Shaymin. They help the Pokemon out of the hole and resume the investigation.

### Session 35 - The Still Home

The party continues to explore Shaymin Island, being attacked by a polluted Sceptile and several polluted Bulbasaur.

Eventually, the team reaches some less polluted areas, and find a small, silent village, which is where the Shaymin seemed to live.

The party presses on and finds the polluted Shaymin they were searching for, who still has no intentions of stopping exacting their "revenge" on Seaspray, and attacks Team Cheer.

### Session 36 - Inhibited

The party battles against the Shaymin, eventually managing to get it to relent via Tucker using his Dark Pulse as a way to release the negative feelings from the Shaymin.

Before they can fully recover, though, they are suddenly stopped, literally, as time is frozen, and they watch a peculiar being, currently only known as "The Clockwork Butler", who grabs the Shaymin and rips out its flower, claiming the Shaymin to be an unnecessary and broken "Vessel" of "Augmentation". The butler also explains that the pollution of the island wasn't entirely caused by Seaspray, before bowing and leaving with the Shaymin's flower.
After coming to terms with what just happened, the team takes the injured Shaymin and head to the shore of the island, planning how they intend to return to Seaspray, as they had to abandon ship to reach the island. As they walk, they see that the island has already quickly recovered to some degree from the corruption after what has just happened.

### Session 37 - A Hero's Rest

(Retroactively, the team checks the village of Shaymin, which have begun to wake up, and are already helping to rid the island of poison.)

After building a raft, the team manages to return to Seaspray, and are rewarded with a promotion to Bronze Rank by Pangoro. Raize informs the team that, after what happened at Hotel Alomo, they have been moved to Obsidian Sky Hotel, and take Tucker and Brooke with him.

Riley, Ralph, and Lizard go with Pangoro to help them with treating any Pokemon in Seaspray that were injured by the explosion and also ask for healing after the battle with the Shaymin. After that, Riley goes to stay at Obsidian Sky with Lizard, and Ralph goes to stay with Mawile.

Riley and Tucker have a bath to help clean each of their injuries, and everyone eventually goes to sleep.

The next morning, Ralph goes to the hotel to meet with everyone, and finds Prince Zeal mashing the front desk's bell, since he was meant to be staying with Team Cheer, and they forgot to bring him to the room as well, not that he realises.

Everyone else wakes up and comes down, meeting with Ralph and Zeal, and get some breakfast. They decide to take part in the training exercise Pangoro told them would be happening today, even though they weren't required to do so, and head to Seashell Cove, where the exercise will be held.

All of the participating Pioneers arrive at the cove, and Pangoro informs them of what the exercise is: Travel through Seashell Cove and find either him or Raize, who will serve as the final challenge of the exercise. he then goes down one of the caverns, Raize going down another, and the exercise begins.

### Session 38 -Seashell Cove

The team begins to travel through one of the caverns in Seashell Cove, seeing various other teams as they travel, including Team Mischief Makers, who decide to get in the way and cause trouble by making it tougher for the team to climb up a rock wall, as if water filled with Kabuto, Dratini, and a Sandyghast wasn't enough trouble already.

After dealing with the cats, the team helps other Pioneers climb up the rock wall, while Tucker checks ahead and speaks with some Cloyster that suddenly fire spikes at him. After he returns to the others, and the rest of the Pioneers are helped up, the team continues forward, and learn from the Cloyster that the reason they shot spikes at Tucker was, in actuality, them trying to give him something to help the Pioneers scale the wall with.

As walk, they come across a crossroads which doesn't seem to be too traversable. They head back and do a bit of swimming before coming across another path, which seems to lead towards an area that has similar engravings to that of the Claydol Cairn. Deciding not to investigate, as it might not be an area they are supposed to go, they head back and travel down another path.

### Session 39 - Bossing the Boss

After heading back down the other path they had found, Team Cheer reaches Pangoro at a dead end. Then, they engage in the final challenge of the exercise: A battle against Pangoro.

After working together, showing proof of how the team has grown since they first united, they manage to get Pangoro to admit defeat, and are gifted with a Lucky Hat for their efforts, which is given to Ralph, due to his fedora being ruined during the skirmish.

### Session 40 - The Zoomies

After all of the Pioneers reach the end of Seashell cave, everyone returns to the hotel. As they head back, Brooke and Riley have a private discussion, and Ralph apologises to Raize for his infatuation with the Liepard following their first meeting, now that he has fallen in love with Mawile.

Tucker heads to Café V with Ralph to show them his maid outfit, which had gotten damaged during the excursion to Shaymin Island, and requests for it to be repaired and asks if he can keep it. After informing Vee of the situation, who was very annoyed at Tucker trekking through a poisonous swamp in a maid outfit, they agree to have it repaired as thanks for all that Tucker has done for the Café.

Brooke, Lizard, and Riley head to their hotel room and see it in shambles as, again, Zeal was less unsupervised, bored, and also stuck in the room due to having lost his key, resulting in fire cat zoomies.

Brooke takes Zeal for a walk, while Lizard tries to ask Riley what the conversation they had with Brooke was about, since Tucker told him he could at least overhear it was something about Brooke helping Riley. Riley tells Lizard he doesn't need to help more than he already does, and explains that he just wanted to thank Brooke for helping him calm down after losing control and being possessed by Tiber during the battle with the Caretakers on Shaymin Island. After explaining, the two decide to head out to find Brooke and Zeal.

Brooke quickly lost track of Zeal after taking him out for a walk, and eventually catches up to him, meeting up with Riley and Lizard and returning to the room.

Meanwhile, Tucker and Ralph stayed at the Café until the maid outfit was finished, and head back to the room to rest.

### Session 41 - A Sendoff to Seaspray

The team enjoys breakfast at Obsidian Sky. During breakfast, Ralph brings up to Brooke, Riley and Lizard that they were invited to a free meal at Café V, since Vee thought it would be good for business to have the newest Champions eating there. Brooke, Zeal and Lizard agree, and Riley also agrees, far more reluctant.

Riley and Lizard do some more training before the time they agreed to go to Café V. Meanwhile, Brooke purchases many jars and uses one to collect some seawater as a souvenir, Tucker does some work at Café V, and Ralph helps Mawile move some stuff from her shop into storage, since not all of it can be taken to Savan Town.

Everyone besides Tucker reaches the cafe, and find that Zeal has been forced into work at the café since he came to the cafe and ate food before the agreed time, meaning he would need to pay with money he didn't have. Ralph uses the opportunity to psychologically torment Zeal by making him realise that he would need to be a servant, despite being a prince. This results in Vee coming out and slapping the anguished prince, and Riley gets protective and grabs Vee before telling everyone to let the prince be and just go inside.

As everyone enjoys a meal at the Café, they see Deadeye come in, bizarrely, as well as a Flaafy, who is yet another Champion, Faynelle. Ralph, in a Ralph-like manner, offers Faynelle an autograph, which the Flaffy accepts. They also see Umbreon sit with the two Champions, and chat with them.

After finishing their meal, Ralph goes to continue helping Mawile with storing items, Tucker says his goodbyes to the staff at Café V, and Brooke, Riley and Lizard go to see the Shaymin that they brought back themselves from Shaymin Island, taken to an area behind the Colosseum by Pangoro. Tucker and Zeal join the three later on, as they find the Shaymin. During this time, Tucker unlocks the power of Empathy, allowing him to accutely sense the emotions of others.

After everyone finishes what they wanted to do, they return to Obsidian Sky, and wait for all of the Pioneers to arrive so they can begin their return to Savan Town.

Everyone eventually gathers, and the return trip begins. They are required to rest in the Rusty Canyon later that day, not having reached Mudbray's Ranch yet.

## The Has-been Bandit and The Would-be Conqueror (Session 42 - Session 52)

As the team begin to head back to Savan Town with the rest of the Pioneers, they reach Mudbray's Ranch, and see Mudsdale still isn't there. Lizard directs them to the hideout of the Salandit Bandits, where Mudsdale likely is, and they all go inside to find the Mudsdale.

As they search the hideout, they rescue Mudsdale, along with other captured Pokémon, and take down the leader of the bandits. However, in the process, Lizard is gravely injured, and Riley does all he can to heal Lizard, even if it meant being fully possessed by Tiber. After Lizard is healed, Tiber, now in full control of Riley's body, leaves.

After recovering from the incident, the remaining team members, and Lizard, head to the Cave of Mirrors, and face off against the Lucario's spirit within one of the cave's mirrors to save Riley. Though they are victorious, they find Riley hasn't fully returned to normal, his memories of his humanity having been forgotten and having become akin to a feral child.

### Session 42 - The Missing Mudsdale

Everyone reaches Mudbray's Ranch, and have some time to relax.

Ralph and Tucker get reminded by the Mareep at the ranch that they promised a souvenir. Tucker, feeling guilty that he'd forgotten, requested Brooke to help make something using the jar of seawater Brooke had gotten. Meanwhile, Ralph decides to make a map of the Plains continent of his own, using what he's learned from Mawile, and shows it to Pangoro.

Riley finds Lizard, who had gone off on his own suddenly, and end up learning from Pangoro that Mudbray's nephew, Mudsdale, is still missing. Pangoro then calls out for the rest of the Team and requests they fulfil the promise that they made and help with finding Mudsdale. The team agrees and gets started right away.

After doing some investigation of the trail that Mudsdale was believed to have walked on, they manage to find a bone, meaning Riley can finally have a bone club again. Also, Lizard grows increasingly nervous, and eventually admits that he knows that the hideout of the Salandit Bandits is nearby, and Mudsdale was probably taken there.

After being directed to the hideout, the Alcazar, Lizard steels his resolve and requests that the team helps him rescue Mudsdale and take down the leader of the Salandit Bandits once and for all, which the team happily agrees to do.

### Session 43 - A Trap-Laden Palace

Team Cheer begins to explore the bandit hideout. The repurposed building is filled with traps, some seeming to have been around for ages, with other more recent additions made by the bandits. In addition, the team comes across many Salandits, some being much larger and burlier than others.

During the exploration, the party triggers a boulder trap that ends up opening a hole in the main entrance hall's walls, which seems to lead to a lower level, which appeared to have been made by the Salandits themselves to resemble the original building, but not a perfect resemblance. As they couldn't find Mudsdale on the current level, the team chooses to delve deeper.

### Session 44 - Vanity in Mud

More travelling through the alcazar. Team Cheer continues to face off against many Salandit, and find poorly-made statues that resemble a Salazzle, who Lizard confirms is the leader of the bandits.

### Session 45 - Rescuing's in the Name

While delving deeper into the alcazar, Team Cheer comes across a larger hall and see Pokémon that were seemingly forced into expanding the building: A Houndoom, a Machamp, and the Mudsdale that the team had been tasked with finding.

After defeating the Salandits who were watching the prisoners, Team Cheer travels deeper with those prisoners with the intention of either finding more prisoners to save, or putting an end to the bandits for good. As they do, they hear loud, monstrous roars, indicating that facing the leader won’t exactly be an easy fight.

Eventually, the team reaches a storage room, and collects various items, including a Magnet and an Escape Orb.

### Session 46 - Labyrinth of Mud

Team Cheer decides to let the prisoners they had use the Escape Orb to get out of the alcazar and hurry to the ranch to alert Pangoro or anyone that can help to the situation while the team continues to delve deeper, eventually reaching another storage room.

### Session 47 - Thug of a Queen

The team finally reaches the final part of the alcazar, as a staircase suddenly turns into a slope and causes them all to slide down to a single corridor with a large door being the only way to go.

The team approaches the door and finds Mistress Salazzle. After most of the team initially being overwhelmed by her pheromones, Brooke and Ralph give the others time to regain themselves before Brooke absolutely roasts Salazzle and a fight with her and her Salandit guards begins.

During the battle, Lizard is very gravely poisoned by Salazzle. In addition, Riley is incapacitated, and Tiber promptly takes over and defeats both of Salazzle's guards.

As Salazzle looks to be defeated, she uses a secret supply of food to recover, and vows to kill Team Cheer, using her mighty beast, a mind-controlled Tyrantrum, to do so.

### Session 48 - Sacrifice

Thanks to Tiber, the battle against Salazzle and her Tyrantrum goes substantially easier, though the sheer destruction he causes results in the alcazar beginning to collapse.

During the fight, Tucker is still knocked out. After being knocked out, Tucker's instincts kick in, and his body is compelled to escape the alcazar as soon as possible with the unconscious Lizard on his back due to orders from Brooke.

While everyone attempts to leave, Ralph grabs Salazzle and takes her with him, as he doesn't want to run the risk, no matter how miniscule it is, that she could survive the collapse of the building. However, Tiber sees this, and rushes towards to Salazzle, despite Brooke's attempts to stop him, killing her with a spear of his creation as vengeance for endangering Lizard, seeing the Salandit as his property. Seeing Tiber as someone that can continue to endanger the team, he manages to make Riley's body give out, leaving Tiber unable to do anything as Ralph picks up the Riolu's body and carrying them out instead of Salazzle's now-dead body.

Once the team manages to escape, Riley manages to regain control temporarily, and approaches Lizard, who was still at risk of death from Salazzle's poison. Using the last of his willpower, Riley gives everything he has to heal Lizard and ensure they don't die, unfortunately giving Tiber full control of his body in the process.

### Session 49 - Consolidation

Tiber leaves shortly after regaining control, proclaiming that he plans to evolve and get his revenge, leaving Team Cheer confused at the situation, Lizard most of all. Brooke and Ralph carry Tucker and Lizard, who were still too injured to remain conscious, back to Mudbray's ranch.

The team spends the night at the ranch, realising over breakfast that, after Riley healed Lizard, the red accents on Lizard's body and his purple eyes had turned a light blue, seemingly as a result of what Riley did.

Taking the Houndoom that they'd rescued with them, the remaining members of Team Cheer head back to Savan Town. They go to Pangoro and request lodgings for Houndoom, which are promptly provided.

In addition, Team Cheer reports the events that happened at the alcazar, including Tiber's possession of Riley and his proclamation that he will evolve and get his revenge on Raize and everyone he sees as having wronged him. Pangoro solemnly awards Team Cheer a promotion to Silver Rank, and requests that they find Tiber and finally put him to an end, for him, Raize, and everyone Tiber would want to hurt.

The team goes to rest afterwards to prepare for the trip to the Cave of MIrrors, the one place Pokémon on the Plains Continent can evolve. During the night, Tucker notices Lizard get up and leave, and chooses to follow after them in secret.

Tucker sees Lizard go to the oasis at Savan Town, and weep after all of the events that have just happened to them and Riley. However, during this time, a strange entity described as a humanoid figure born from liquid moonlight, speaks to Lizard and gives them an unknown, glowing object before leaving. Tucker attempts to discern the nature of the entity, using his power of Empathy, but can't learn anything.

After the being leaves, Lizard returns to the clubhouse to sleep, and Tucker follows soon after.

### Session 50 - A Crack in the Mirror

After waking up the next morning, the team has breakfast with the Houndoom to see how they're settling in, soon learning that Raize has decided to take "Horny" and have him help out in the kitchen.

Ralph visits Mawile to check how she is adjusting to her new home in Savan Town.

While doing some more preparations, Brooke and Tucker go to Klefki to open up a box they had found in one of the Alcazar's storage rooms. However, they are unable to open it. Klefki also brings up the upcoming "Festival of the 17 Plates", a large festival made to celebrate Arceus, as well as the different Types of the Pokémon in the world.

Tucker goes with Prince Zeal, who had returned with the other Pioneers to Savan while they were investigating the Alcazar, to collect Ralph from Mawile's house, as well as drop off the box at Mawile's home to see if she can attempt to open it. Meanwhile, Brooke goes with Lizard to collect their new bags from Blaze, due to the team now being Silver Rank, as well as collect supplies from him.

After telling Ralph where they plan to meet up, Tucker goes to the Milk Spa, and purchasing some lotion to help deal with the burns caused to his body during the battles in the Alcazar, then going to Raize and requesting his assistance with applying the lotion when he returns, leaving out the detail that he would be leaving to put an end to the vengeful spirit of Raize's ex-husband. Meanwhile, Brooke and Lizard learn from Simisage that an Energy Root they had been gifted while at the ranch could be processed and turned into medicine by the Florges Sisters. They deliver the root to the sisters, they happily accept the root in exchange for making them medicine, and Brooke and Lizard leave to meet up with everyone.

The team meets up and are guided by Zeal to the Cave of Mirros. The trip takes over 2 days in total, and they manage to arrive at the cave, seemingly, shortly after Tiber, seeing him approach one of the mirrors while mocking Kommo-o for being unable to do anything due to his station as someone who must allow those worthy of evolving to enter the mirrors and undergo the trial to evolve. However, Team Cheer, not bound to the same rules as the guardian, attempt to stop Tiber, and end up following him into the mirror realm thanks to the Kommo-o being able to at least keep the gateway into the realm open for them, in spite of his obligations.

As the enter the mirror world, they spy two beings: Riley, seemingly awake but unable to do anything, and Tiber, who is more than happy to face off against the team now that he's regained his own body somewhat.

### Session 51 - Reflection

Team Cheer begins to fight against Tiber. Tucker manages to reawaken Riley's consciousness during the fight, enabling him to join his friends in taking down Tiber.

During the fight, thanks to Tucker's continued use of Empathy, memories of Tiber's past show up during the fight, showing a promise to protect Raize, and that he seemed to have met the clockwork entity the team met on Shaymin Island.

Furthermore, as the battle continues, Lizard's gift from the other strange entity begins to glow stronger, and Lizard evolves, now becoming a Vessel of Resurgence, and renewing the team's capacity to fight.

Eventually, the party manages to defeat Tiber. And, as the realm around them begins to fade, each member of the team sees something:

Riley sees his human self, as well as Tiber. He sees memories of Tiber's past, including an interaction between Tiber and two entities: The clockwork butler, and an unfamiliar, magenta being. He has a heart-to-heart with himself and the Lucario, promising that he will continue to do all he can to grow strong enough to protect all that is dear to him, and succeed where Tiber was unable to. He is offered the possibility to evolve, but decides against it, not feeling ready to evolve yet.

Brooke reflects on how he considers himself unable to be a leader like Pangoro, King Zeal, or even Salazzle. Doubting himself, Brooke sees a reflection of himself. Or, rather, a Totodile from his past, Scales, who encourages him that he has nothing to worry about, as the only reason that he may have been failing as a leader was because he'd been encouraging the others to act like themselves despite his orders. After realising that and regaining his confidence, Brooke says farewell to his friend and evolves into a Croconaw.

Ralph gets to speak with his human self, and reflect on his past. While he still felt proud of the achievements he made as a human, and honoured he managed to reach the position he didn't, he wouldn't give his new life as a Munchlax up to return to it, because he enjoys finally having "friends that are still around when the bottles are empty". He decides not to evolve, and remain as he is for now.

Tucker sees an unfamiliar entity, an embodiment of the Aspect of Connection. The entity speaks with him and tells him that, if he hopes to be able to grow stronger and become a proper Vessel of Connection, that he cannot remain stagnant, and must grow to accept and overcome his weaknesses, because "The path goes both ways": If a genuine connection is to be made, both sides must grow and accept each other, in spite of any pain it may cause.

### Session 52 - Eulogy

The party recomposes themselves after the battle with Tiber, reacting to Brooke's new form as a Croconaw, and keeping an eye on Kommo-o, who had been negatively affected by keeping the entryway into the mirror realm open for the team, until he got assistance from the Pyroar Tribe.

During their time collecting themselves, they realise that Riley has lost their memories, and is more like a wild Pokémon or perhaps a child than the ally they knew. In addition, Tucker and Ralph find the empty remains of what seems to be another of the boxes that they'd found in the Alcazar.

After they ensure Kommo-o has received help, they all return to Savan Town. However, before setting off, they first return to Tiber's garve, and rebury the skull and pendant that Riley had been carrying with him ever since they had first been to the Wild Prairie.

As Tucker, Brooke and Zeal go to Pangoro and inform him of all that has happened, Pangoro informs them that he is ordering Team Cheer to take a temporary hiatus, at least until Riley fully recovers. Tucker also asks Pangoro if they can finally tell Raize about what happened with Tiber, which Pangoro answers by saying he will tell Raize himself when he feels the time is right.

Meanwhile, Ralph, Lizard and Riley go with Mawile to her home, Lizard having threatened to tell her about Ralph's attempt to flirt with one of the Pyroar when they were at the Cave of Mirrors, but ultimately deciding against it.

After finishing the report, Tucker and Brooke get some lunches and go to Mawile's home to meet up with Ralph, Lizard and Riley. Once they are all there, Mawile tells them that she'd managed to open the box Tucker had given him, and shows them that an egg was inside. Ralph hypothesises the box may have been an incubator, and Tucker says he will take care of the egg himself for now.

## A Long-needed Rest (Session 53 - 60):

The party is forced to remain in Savan Town and rest following all of the incidents that have happened to them. For the most part, they do so, though they do leave to investigate some goings-on in a nearby hive and find a Vessel, a Vespiquen, seemingly being driven mad by another Aspect. They spend their time around Savan Town, and overseeing the construction of their new base.

Later, the Festival of the 17 Plates begins, and the team has an unpleasant reunion with the leader of the Shadow Scavengers. During the festival, Riley's memories end up returning, and the Riolu end up confessing his love for Lizard, which the Salazzle reciprocates.

### Session 53 - New Foundations

Brooke and Tucker check out the land that they have been told upon returning to Savan that their base will be built on.

Lizard goes with Riley to the spa so that the both of them can have some much-needed relaxation after all of the events that have happened to them.

Ralph goes to the post office, much to Toucannon's dismay, and informs her that, due to his team being on hiatus, he will be resuming part-time work at the post office. Meanwhile, Brooke does some work at the orchard. Both of them are paid for their efforts.

Tucker goes to the clubhouse to wait for Raize to finish his shift so they can go to the Liepard's home to apply the burn ointment to him. During his wait, he goes to say hello to the children at the daycare after having not seen them for so long. As it turns out, Zeal has been attempting to babysit them, and failing badly.

The team all eventually reunite at the clubouse to discuss plan for the base. We then timeskip to Brooke enjoying a meal at the clubhouse while an unfamiliar Toxtricity, Florence, enters and announces that he will be staying in Savan Town for a while, giving the team an opportunity to regale him with tales of their past. Tucker comes down while babysitting the children and learns about this at the same time.

### Session 54 - Hiss

(Before the session truly starts, there is an explanation of some events that would’ve happened during the time skipped before Florence appeared. Lizard and Riley have taken to sleeping in abandoned stalls during the night, due to Riley being too nervous to be around people, and Tucker let Raize know about the egg he’s taking care of, likely when Raize has been helping him applying lotion to Tucker's burns.)

During their break, Brooke ended up meeting Team Mischief Makers while speaking with Florence, who challenges him to a battle between both of their teams, with the victor getting to make the loser do whatever they want. Brooke accepts their challenge, and they agree to battle later that day after he asks everyone if they want to participate.

Ralph takes Mawile on a date to the clubhouse, and meets Florence for himself, immediately getting along well with him.

Lizard and Riley do some combat practise, and spot a Spinarak passing through the town on occasion.

Brooke ends up asking Tucker and Ralph at different points in the day, asking if they want to join him in taking on the feline trio, and they agree to it. He also asks Lizard and Riley if they want to join in, and Lizard declines, not wanting to put Riley in harm's way for now. Riley also helps Brooke with removing Squirtle from his back, who had latched onto the Croconaw when he was speaking with Tucker in the daycare.

Eventually, Tucker, Ralph and Brooke meet up to face off against Team Mischief Makers, with Lizard and Riley spectating and Florence being the referee/musical accompaniment. Brooke ends up being taken down by Shinx following Litten's forfeit, and Ralph sitting on Purrloin, causing her to let out a surprisingly power Electric attack. Riley, however, doesn't realise the battle isn't serious, and takes that as an act of aggression against his friends, jumping in and instantly attacking Purrloin and causing her to give up. This sudden interruption doesn't sit right with Ralph, and he gives up, leaving, and the battle eventually ends with Shinx forfeiting.

Brooke ends up telling the team of felines that he doesn't really intend to make the team do anything, and just tells them giving them some money will suffice before he goes on his way. Before everyone else leaves, Tucker and Purrloin end up getting in a short argument, each shouting at each other and claiming neither could know what actual pain is.

### Session 55 - Packed Shadows

After Tucker left the scene of the battle, Riley follows after Tucker in order to apologising, feeling guilt for how he's acted in the past, despite how he doesn't really remember the past, or being unable to speak too eloquently at the moment. Lizard followed the both of them, and they all end up setting up a tent and camping outside for the night.

Brooke goes into the clubhouse to check on Ralph after his sudden forfeit during the battle. Ralph tells Brooke that he didn’t really feel right with continuing this rivalry with Team Mischief Makers as, despite their experience, the felines were still children compared to him. Brooke understand, and promises not to push him to join in on their competitions if he doesn't want to. Brooke ends up resting in the clubhouse, and Ralph spends the night with Mawile.

More time passes as the second week of the team's forced hiatus begins:

Tucker continues babysitting, and ends up learning how to emotionally manipulate opponents in battle, much like the children.

Ralph continues work on his taser idea during his free time when not doing mail stuff.

Riley continues to train and go to the spa with Lizard.

Brooke has been engaging in various small competitions with other Pioneers. Brooke is also asked by Liligant for help with gathering some honey, which he says he'll think about doing.

Near the end of the week, the team also see Raize after an argument with Pangoro storming out of the clubhouse. Believing it to have been due to Pangoro telling him about Tiber, Brooke attempts to calm down Raize by telling him that they have dealt with the situation and Tiber's given up on revenge...only to then realise that that WASN'T what the argument was about, and now angering the Liepard even more as he storms off.

Pangoro takes Brooke and Tucker up to his office, where Brooke apologises for accidentally publicly speaking about the stuff regarding Tiber. Pangoro isn't too frustrated about it, due to him imagining not many Pioneers out of the know actually believing the Croconaw's statement. He then explains that the reason for Raize's state beforehand was due to Raize requesting that Pangoro let him personally "deal with" the leader of the Shadow Scavengers. Then, after telling Raize that killing the bandit's leader was only a temporary solution, Pangoro also tried to tell him about what happened recently with Riley and Tiber, which only worsened his mood, resulting in his sudden departure from his office.

Lizard and Riley, who were outside of the clubhouse, and up encountering Raize, which causes fear to rise in Riley, and Lizard takes him to the back to the tent they'd made outside of their base's construction site.

Ralph pursues Raize to ensure he doesn't do anything too dangerous, and ends up following him to his home, where they seem to be packing something and speaking with Purrloin. Ralph tries to determine what, but is promptly stopped by the two felines obscuring the window.

Tucker and Brooke leave and discuss what they want to do regarding what they just learned. Tucker admits that, though he truly hates the leader of the bandits for what they had done to him, that he didn't want to see them die for the sake of revenge, and he promises to go speak with Raize and convince him not to go through with his idea.

Brooke and Tucker end up heading to Raize's home, and tell him not to do what he plans to do. The Liepard, clearly emotionally confused, tells Tucker that he doesn't plan to go anywhere for now, after having been given some time to cool down somewhat. Tucker nods, trusting Raize, and decides to spend some time with Lizard and Riley for now.

### Session 56 - Heart Swap

Brooke speaks with Kakuna at the general store and asks them where he can find some honey. He is then informed that there is a nearby hive that seems to be experiencing issues. This gives Brooke the idea to sneak out of the hive and check it out, hoping to solve the issue, get honey, and generally have something exciting to do.

As the day continues, Brooke goes to the construction site of their new base, where Tucker, Lizard and Riley have been camping, and speaks with them about his plan to sneak out and gather honey to help with growing some special flowers. Tucker and Lizard, and Riley by extension, agree to it and, via using Prince Zeal as a messenger, get Ralph to agree to the idea as well, who had been hanging out with Mawile until then.

The next morning, everyone enjoys breakfast, Lizard getting breakfast for him and Riley, while Brooke and Ralph have breakfast at the clubhouse.

Tucker, meanwhile, finds Raize, learning that he hadn’t come to work at the clubhouse, and was still at his home. Tucker asks if he can join him, which Raize accepts, and they have a heart-to-heart. During which, Raize also tells Tucker about how concerned he is for them, warning him not to end up like the Liepard, letting others lift him onto a pedestal where he feels like he needs to bear the burdens of others, no matter how much it hurts. The Poochyena takes those words to heart and promises that he won't let that happen, and won't push himself too far when he doesn't want to just to make others happy.

After saying farewell to Raize, Tucker receives a letter from Vee requesting his and Team Cheer's assistance with collecting some portraits and furniture for the café.

### Session 57 - Vibration

The team sneaks out of Savan Town, and travels through an exceptionally warm desert, dodging bolts of lightning as they do, and reach the hive Brooke was told about.

Within the hive, they find many Beedrill absolutely exhausted due to lack of water. Brooke hydrates them, and, as thanks for helping them regain their strength, take them to their queen.

Thanks to Tucker using Empathy to try to learn about the queen, Vespiquen, Tucker determines that they were another Pokémon like the Shaymin: A Vessel that was being overwhelmed by their Aspect, this one being Vibration. After determining this, Riley manages to use a Heal Pulse-esque move to help Vespiquen regain her senses, though he passes out as a result.

After telling her Beedrill to go out as far as they need to gather honey, telling them not to be too concerned for the hive for now, Vespiquen promises to provide the team with honey as thanks for what they've done as soon as possible.

The team returns to Savan Town, managing to sneak back in without being noticed, and they are soon asked to move their tent as the base is nearing completion.

### Session 58 - Homestead

After being asked to move the tent, everyone finds a place to stay the night:

Ralph spends the night with Mawile.

Brooke stays at the clubhouse, as usual. Tucker decides to do the same, wanting to give Raize some spaces rather than forcing him to let them stay.

Riley helps Lizard set up a tent in the broom cupboard of the clubhouse, which they spend the night in.

Tucker is woken up by Riley wandering around in the middle of the night, and spends time with the Riolu so that they aren't alone, wandering around the town at night.

The next morning, Ralph enjoys some toast burnt with a Zapdos pattern on it with Mawile before going to the clubhouse to happily announce to his team that he has completed his taser, only for it to be yoinked by the feral Riley, and everyone has to try to get it off of him.

After everyone calms down, Tucker decides to tell everyone about how he sensed that Vespiquen possessed an Aspect, and he and Lizard explain when some strange entity had gifted Lizard something, which spurred his awakening as a Vessel for Resurgence. This makes the team worry about what exactly the "gifts" these entities are giving are, and how dangerous using these abilities can truly be. They become especially suspicious of the goals of these entities, considering them sometimes helping, such as teaching Raize how to manipulate his Metronome somewhat during the tournament in Seaspray Town and gifting Lizard with their power to help the party beat Tiber, and other times showing complete indifference to life, such as when they hurt the Shaymin and left them in a peculiar state after ripping out their flower and condescending to Tiber in the past, which they saw in a memory in the mirror realm.

After the talk of Aspects concludes, the team notices that Riley seems to be regaining some of his old self, now recognising Brooke as well as Tucker.

The rest of the week passes by:

Riley and Lizard continue training.

Ralph continues working at the post office.

Tucker continues babysitting, as well as visiting Raize every now and again to check up on him and train Tucker in the art of using Shadow Sneak.

Brooke, meanwhile, continues to vibe around town, working at the orchard on occasion and competing with other Pioneers.

At the end of the week, the team are then told about their base being completed, and decide to go check it out together.

### Session 59 - Settling In

Everyone starts to settle into their new base, and end up soon receiving their delivery from a Flygon who works for "Streaky Speedy Delivery Service". They also have their first ever team meeting in their new base, discussing their delivery. They soon find that it's the delivery of honey from the hive they helped out a week ago. They also discuss the idea of hiring help if they are planning to turn one of the rooms of the base into Savan Town's new daycare. They consider hiring Prince Zeal and Noibat to do it while Tucker isn't around.

After having some breakfast, Brooke goes to the spa, finds Liligant, and gives them a jar of the honey they were delivered, being gifted some spa coupons as thanks.

Meanwhile, Tucker goes with Prince Zeal to see Pangoro and discuss moving the daycare, finding a Doublade known as Dos in Pangoro's office. They explain that there is business that needs to be discussed. However, such discussion can be postponed until after the Festival of the 17 Plates that will be occurring soon, and leave to let Tucker and Zeal speak with Pangoro, leaving with a lore drop that Pangoro was a knight known as "Bastion", which was when he met Blaze. Putting the matter aside, Pangoro explains that there will be apprehension from parents about leaving children with such a new team at first, but Pangoro himself is fine with gradually transferring the equipment to Team Cheer's base overtime. After that matter is settled, Pangoro asks Tucker to tell Brooke that he wants to enlist Team Cheer's help with setting up for the festival, which Tucker agrees to do.

Brooke visits the orchard and offers to give Simisage any seeds that they have to help expand the orchard to better supply the town with food. As thanks, Simisage hands them a bunch of seeds that he is unsure that the town needs, but Brooke might appreciate growing in his base.

Tucker first visits the spa while searching for Brooke, learning that the honey was delivered, and then heads to the orchard to let Brooke know that they were requested to help out during the festival, which Brooke is fine with doing.

### Session 60 - Festivities and Hostilities

Ralph goes to speak with Raize about Blaze's sub-par work in the kitchen, mostly just wanting to help cheer Raize up with his usual comedic manner. The Liepard goes along with Munchlax's complaining, casually throwing in that he doesn't plan to make the Munchlax food as an apology.

Riley continues to train with Lizard.

Brooke and Tucker decide to ask around to gather information about the Festival of the 17 Plates. They notice some Snorunt entering the town, merchants from the north, and purchase some sweet snow treats from them.

After enjoying the treats, Brooke, Tucker, and Ralph, who they'd run into during their walk around town, go to Pangoro. Pangoro informs them that the festival was created as a celebration of the Types of all Pokemon, and typically involves a union of Pokémon from all walks of life with food prepared based on each Type. After explaining this, he gives them all of the team members tasks:

Ralph is tasked with cleaning, as the bakery that usually produces the Normal Type dish requested he focus on cleaning and maintaining the dishes rather than making food.

Brooke is requested to prepare a Water Type dish for the festival, and he gets Blaze to assist him.

Tucker helps Raize with hunting and learns from him about how to create the Dark Type dish for the festival, which is notably more gruesome than the Poochyena is used to.

Riley, Lizard and Zeal are tasked with overseeing the table of food to ensure no-one attempts to steal food.

As Riley and Lizard walk around the day before the final day of the festival, they, unfortunately, see the leader of the Shadow Scavengers, who decided to come and celebrate, mostly to bask in the fact that the Pioneers can't do anything to him during the festival as long as he doesn’t disrupt the peace.

Lizard and Riley immediately go to find Raize and Tucker, with Riley advising Raize to keep close to Tucker and keep them protected from the Mightyena. After making sure of that, he approaches the Mightyena, who doesn't immediately recognise him, and flirts with Lizard. Then, as he walks away, and Riley brings up the newly-remembered memory of taking down the Mightyena, the Mightyena finally remembers Riley, and is tempted to get vengeance right now, but settles for memorising his scent and warning Riley that he may be anywhere, and will be eager to get his vengeance on Riley if he ever sees them, saying Riley should hope that Tucker is ready to pay the toll again should it happen, before leaving. Lizard requests Riley let what just happened go for now, so that they can enjoy the festival tomorrow.

The team all enjoy the festival, and most of the food available, avoiding the food for...certain Types. And, as Lizard and Riley continue to enjoy their own company, Riley finally regains his old self, his memories of his time with everyone returning, and he and Lizard confess their mutual love for each other.

## A Trip Northbound (Sessions 61 - 68)

Once the festival draws to a close, Pangoro informs Team Cheer that they have been challenged to a duel by a knight. The team spends a few days pondering what their next course of action should be, and decide to head north, as they have collected a lot of missions that require travelling to the north.

Their first destination is the Gallantree, where they meet Sir Cheval and his squires, and explain that they accept the duel, but want to do some other missions first, which the Aegislash allows.

The team's next destination is the Snorunt Hamlet, where they face of against a strangely-powerful Espurr, and are challenged by a rowdy Glalie to a race through a dormant volcano which results in them needing to beat up said Glalie.

After preparing to leave the hamlet, they head to the Muted Glade, and do some tasks for the seamstress, Ariados, including investigating a haunted mansion.

### Session 61 - A Return to Self

After Lizard loudly announces that Riley has his memories back, the other members of Team Cheer come over, relieved to have their friend back.

As the team relishes in Riley's return, Team Mischief Makers approach them and hand them some money, having finally scrounged up some money to give to Team Cheer for their victory against them.

As the festivities draw to a close, Ralph goes to stay the night wjth Mawile again while everyone else goes back to the base. Brooke calls Riley to his office to ask him how he is feeling now that his memories are back. He also lets Riley know he doesn't need to go out on missions if he feels he needs more rest, but Riley insists he'll be fine, and Rest won't achieve any more than it already has. Riley also lets him know that, though Tiber isn't gone from his body now, that Tiber has finally calmed down, and has no intention of continuing his plan for vengeance. Meanwhile, Ralph and Mawile are testing his Metronome move to see how much he can control it, and Tucker checks on the egg and uses Empathy to ensure it's developing fine and well. The egg seems fine, but unable to hatch for whatever reason.

In the morning, they all are treated to breakfast by the most recent addition to the team, Houndoom, who has become a rather good cook under Raize's tutelage.

When the team goes to Pangoro's office, he is relieved to see that Riley has regained his memories, and apologises to him for what happened to Tiber, and what happened to Riley as a result of that.

Pangoro introduces them to Dos the Doublade, who tells them that they have been challenged to a duel by Sir Cheval after Riley had humiliated his squire, Uno, by forcing him into the ground during the search for Prince Zeal so long ago, despite the fault lying with Uno for his excess of Zeal and assuming Tucker was a bandit, and also for the theft of a Grimer's rotting meat on a bone club, which was the hunk of met Riley and Ralph found the day everyone first woke up. The team promise to meet Sir Cheval for the duel at the Gallantree to the north.

After Dos leaves, he gives the team another mission: A rowdy Ice Type from the north has been going around causing problems, though there isn't much information about what they are and what the problems are. The team takes the mission into consideration.

### Session 62 - Feline Fright

The team has a meeting to decide what to do. They eventually decide to go north to try to take down the Ice Type, and see Sir Cheval at the Gallantree as they travel north. As Pangoro advised not to take everyone with them, they decide to let Houndoom and Lizard stay, Tucker also requesting that Lizard watches over the egg while he's away, and take Prince Zeal with them to serve as a guide through the Wild Prairie.

Tucker and Ralph go to Pangoro to collect the map of the Plains Continent that Ralph had made, in order to give them an idea of what way to go. They also inform Pangoro of their plan, and he just warns them that they might need to result to hunting if they run out of supplies, due to not being able to provide more than 4 days of rations.

Riley goes to speak with Florence, and asks Florence if he knew where Riley could get a guitar. He tells Riley he'll gladly make one, as long as Riley gets him some materials, along with an interesting story as compensation. He explains Riley can probably get some good bark for the guitar and silk for the strings from a Seamstress, both of which are located in the Muted Glade to the north.

After getting together the supplies and meeting up, Team Cheer leaves Savan Town. As they do, they are approached by Old Ironside the Rhyhorn. The Rhyhorn realises that he is outnumbered, and leaves, allowing the team to continue their journey.

As they reach the Wild Prairie and make camp for the first night, they are ambushed by Pyroar huntresses. After realising Prince Zeal is with them, the huntresses apologise for what they did, assuming them to just be regular wild Pokémon, and escort the team through the Wild Prairie for the next day, while providing safety when they make camp again.

### Session 63 - Thunderous Hooves

Everyone wakes up the next day, Riley having woken up substantially earlier, which seems to be happening a lot recently, and have a quick breakfast before resuming their journey. The Pyroar then have to leave to return to Pride's Rock.

As they travel, they are surprised by a stampede of Zebstrika, and run to get away from it. Tucker and Zeal split off from the group, and the stampede then splits into two to pursue both parties. Tucker uses Dark Pulse to shield him and Zeal, Riley creates an aura barrier to protect him and Brooke, and Ralph uses a strange form of Stockpile that causes him to swallow a lightning bolt and unlocks the power to "reallocate" the energy to form a barrier around him.

The team reconvenes under a rock shelf and sleep there for the night. Tucker is convinced to stop being night watch early by Zeal. Everyone then wakes up in the morning to see Zeal batting at a random Cottonee. Riley ends up following Zeal as they go hunting, and seems very traumatised for some reason by watching him hunt.

Brooke wakes up long after everyone, having dreamed of his Aspect, Augmentation, and then joins everyone for breakfast. After everyone enjoys some breakfast, they all resume their trek in the direction of Pride's Rock.

### Session 64 - Certainty

As they enter Pride's Rock, everyone tries to collect information about the Ice Type they were tasked with finding. There isn't much information, except that the reasoning for the Ice Type's behaviour is that they seem to be challenging Fire Types to melt them. As they ask around, they notice a lot of Pyroar seem off, and learn that there currently seems to be a food shortage going on due to "exponential death" starting to occur in the prairie..

During the investigation, Riley has a conversation with Ralph about how it feels to have memories of his human life, only having just started to recall his time as a human after regaining his memories. He is nervous by how fuzzy the memories seem, and is even unsure about if he even wants to remember his life as a human. Ralph decides to meditate with Riley, and sees his Aspect, Probability, in his mind. With this, he fully learns how to use the power of Reallocation that he used during the stampede.

### Session 65 - Honor-Bound

The team leaves Pride's Rock and heads towards the Gallantree, both to ask for the duel to be postponed until they've dealt with the problem with the Ice Type, and to hopefully collect information regarding said Ice Type.

After three uneventful days and night, they arrive there, and see Uno and Dos having a sparring match, while their leader, Sir Ricade the Aegislash, oversees the match. The team requests that the match be postponed until they have dealt with the Ice Type, must to the displeasure of Uno.

While speaking with them, they are greeted by Calvin, or, as Sir Ricade calls him, "Lady Calliope". He and Sir Ricade allow the team to postpone the duel, and even provide an identity for the rambunctious Ice Type: A Glalie that seems to get along very well with Sir Cheval, apparently. They also offer the team directions to the Glalie's home, saying to go through Drizzle Woods to the north, and then go towards the mountain.

### Session 66 - Cosmic Power

The team are directed north towards the Drizzle Woods. They end up making camp once, and end up having to travel through another forest as well.

As they go through the forest, they happen across a Minior shell that had fallen into a pond. After Brooke and Ralph get hyponotised by the psychic crystals in the shell, Riley sees potential and, via some instruction by Tiber, manages to utilise the psychic energy of the shell, along with his own aura to produce a sword. They also take the halves of the shell with them, in case a shell with the ability to hypnotise those who look into it might be useful.

### Session 67 - Taking Some Knocks

During a sparring match between Brooke and Riley to test his aura sword, Tucker and Ralph gets ambushed by a pair of Palpitoads. However, once Brooke and Riley return, the Palpitoad are intimidated and run away.

After another night, the team reaches the Drizzle Woods, and starts to travel through it.

As they walk, Riley decides to open up and explain why he's been having problems recently: He was fully aware while Tiber possessed him, and has been wrought with guilt as he saw Tiber kill 4 Pokémon that had gotten in his way and devoured them. Tiber's spirit manifests and explains that he did it to ensure that he and Riley wouldn't starve while Tiber was on his own. The team tries to comfort him, including shockingly insightful words from Prince Zeal about not tormenting yourself with bad things you've had to do, and to focus on the path ahead until you are in a better position to reflect on your actions, accept them, and move on.

During this time, Ralph notices the presence of the amorphous humanoid entity that had spoken with Lizard before, and approaches them while everyone else focuses on Tiber and Riley. The entity escapes, leaving behind a strange piece of metal (Referred to as the star-metal piece) that Ralph decides to keep ahold of, believing it to likely be of use.

## The Frozen North (Sessions 68 - 77)

### Session 68 - The Bittercold

The party continues to press through the Drizzle Woods, eventually reaching a colder area and coming out into a very snowy area. They continue to press on, and eventually need to construct a shelter for the night.

After successfully making a shelter, everyone goes to sleep, Zeal, Riley, and now Tucker utilising Fire Type moves to light some wood fires and help everyone sleep. During their dreams, Brooke, Tucker and Ralph have brief glimpses of their Aspects.

### Session 69 - Fishy Business

Everyone wakes up, and Ralph goes out of the igloo to find some food for breakfast, eventually finding a lake and fishing with a Cincinno.

Once everyone has awoken, and prepared themselves for continuing via eating breakfast and warming themselves up with a fire, they push on, eventually running into the Cincinno Ralph had met earlier and travelling alongside them after gathering more fish.

As they walk, they see a Snom fall out of a tree, and Riley decides to adopt it. It shall come to be named "Poff".

After some more travelling, the party finally reaches the Snorunt Hamlet. They are noticed by some Snorunt, who scatter, believing them to be dangerous intruders, and a blizzard soon starts.

### Session 70 - The Box

Everyone starts to look around the hamlet to let the Snorunt know that they pose no harm. However, even if the Snorunt are in hiding, the settlement seems strangely empty.

Brooke notices a building that seems very different to the Snorunt's huts in the distance, and decides that they want to investigate there.

Riley tries to sense for any life in the direction of the hut and can sense something vague over there, as well as a much clearer signal wandering around the hamlet. Riley ushers everyone into a nearby hut, wanting to observe this strange presence from a distance to determine what exactly it is due to how strong the presence feels. Cincinno goes into one of the other, much larger huts, which Brooke enters, while the others enter a smaller one while Riley investigates.

As Riley investigates the village on his own, he notices the huts are all empty rather than just containing hiding Snorunt. After sending out an aura ball to provide some light and try to lure the presence towards him for him to observe, he notices it suddenly vanish before he can call it back, and the presence hurries towards where the orb was. He creates another aura ball for light continues towards the presence, requiring him to exit the main town. He ends up coming across two violet orbs, the eyes of an Espurr, who somehow takes away Riley's aura ball. Before anything else happens, the weather seems to clear, and the moon shines above them, which takes the Espurr's attention. Then, suddenly, as they raise their pause and proclaim "This is mine now.", he is suddenly warped away in a glowing cube, along with the moon.

Brooke tries to warn Riley not to go too far. After not getting an answer, he decides to ask Cinccino if she has any knowledge of the Snorunt, but she just answers that they're pretty ordinary, but skittish and superstitious folk, even telling Brooke about a legend that the village elder has frozen Pokémon outside of their home, and is a ghost. She also tells him about the dreamcatchers in the huts, which are supposed to help ward off nightmares, as well as some Psychic and Ghost-Type abilities.

Tucker and Ralph check around the hut they were ushered into to figure out how the Snorunts usually live. The hut itself seems pretty normal, with strange, snow-like doughy food food and straw carpets, though that makes their disappearances more concerning.

Ralph decides to leave the hut to head towards the hut Brooke pointed out, since he's resistant to the cold. He notices the light from Riley's aura ball before Riley is taken, and continues towards the hut. He manages to catch up with Riley, and keeps an eye on them from afar. When Ralph sees Riley's aura ball suddenly vanish, he attempts to use Metronome to create a light to see what's going on, and manages to successfully use Moonlight, which lets him see Riley and the Espurr. As he closes in on Riley, he ends up being taken, along with Riley and the moon.

After waiting long enough, Brooke decides to leave to look for Riley. He ends up getting close to where Ralph is observing Riley and the Espurr, but far enough that he's not warped with them. As he sees the eyes of the Espurr draw near, he tells them to let his friends go, and tries to fight them when they refuse. However, this only results in them being taken as well.

Like Brooke, Tucker decides to leave the hut and investigate as well. As he leaves, he sees the light of Riley and Ralph being taken, and sees that a Snorunt saw the sight as well. He follows them to ask if they know what caused that. Eventually, he catches up, waiting outside of a hut they had gone into so as to not startle them. When the Snorunt and another Snorunt inside notice him, and he asks for information, they tell him to speak with the village elder in the large hut that Brooke had pointed out earlier. Or, at least, when the "Hungry Ghost" has left. Tucker asks about this "ghost", and ;earns that it has been taking things and even village residents. However, the statues made by the elder seem to ward it away.

As Tucker hurries out to save his friends from the ghosts, he watches as Brooke is taken. Seeing this, he shrouds himself with Dark Pulse to avoid the Espurr taking him as well, running through a strange projection of Espurr's eyes in the process, and tries to get to the elder to get help. As he approaches the elder's home, the Espurr cuts him off, and tries to take him. He knocks them away and hurry up to the hut, which he succeeds in doing. Fortunately, as he reaches the house, he sees convincing ice statues of frightening Pokémon, which scare Espurr too much for them to want to go near.

Tucker enters a cavern to search for the elder, and are greeted by a voice with, seemingly, no owner. He asks for help, which the elder is sad to say they can't provide. They then ask about the Espurr, and the voice tells them that they just appeared one day, and started taking things from the village on a whim and putting them into a "box" each night, earning the moniker of "Hungry Ghost". Deciding that he cannot just stay here after learning of this, and wants to make this box open. The elder suggests that Tucker might be able to free everything in exchange for a trade, or that Tucker forces the box open from the inside. Tucker keeps this knowledge in mind and leaves, the Elder promising to speak with him and his team after he does what he needs to do.

Tucker approaches the Espurr and offers to trade them his meteor fragment for his teammates. The Espurr ends up wanting the fragment enough to just take them, and take Tucker in the process, meaning every main member of Team Cheer is now in "The Box".Ralph and Riley end up falling into a strange, black void, and they try to find a way out. While Ralph searches, coming across the walls of the void they're in, Riley suddenly has a headache, and realises that Tiber seems to be panicking due to now being imprisoned in here.

During their search, Brooke ends up dropping into where Riley and Ralph are, and joins them in the search. Ralph eventually comes across a hallway-sized hole in the wall, and tells the others to come with him through the hallway. Brooke agrees to it, but decides to try to leave a message to head in the direction in the hallway if Tucker falls in after them, while Riley manages to cut open with his meteor sword a doorway to a room which seems reminiscent of a classroom.

Brooke ties himself with one end of a rope and hands the other end to Riley and Ralph before he goes into the classroom to get some chalk to leave the message. The classroom sparks a strange feeling of familiarity in him, and he finds three pieces of chalk: White, pink, and yellow.

Tucker, unlike the others, wakes up in a wide-open grassy plain, with a black void for a sky and a farmhouse in the distance that feels familiar to him, with a strange obelisk in front of the farmhouse with a lectern on it. Not knowing what else to do, Tucker goes over to the farmhouse to check what this bizarre obelisk is, and what book seems to be on the lectern. Unfortunately, he can't decipher the text. Giving up, he decides to investigate the area further, noticing no scent at all, and that any movement seems just unnatural enough to feel real. He finds a ruined brick oven, and reaches into it to see if he can find anything, only to find soot and debris. Tucker attempts to use Dark Pulse to interfere with the landscape, but he can't seem to conjure any energy.

Meanwhile, Ralph decides to follow Brooke into the classroom to investigate, drawing some things on the chalkboard using the chalk., finding that the white chalk seems ordinary, the pink chalk seems to give off heat, and the yellow chalk works as a flashlight. When drawing with the yellow chalk, he sees a puppet show of a predator constantly chasing prey, and then hears a wet, gnashing sound in one of the classroom desks as a drawer opens. Riley decides to follow Brooke and Ralph into the classroom, using the chalk from Brooke to leave a sign where they went for Tucker should he show up. However, as soon as he hears the gnashing sound from the desks, he leaves immediately. Brooke orders Ralph to shut the open desk, which seems to stop the noise. Ralph decides to peek inside before closing it, and sees a bipedal, yellow-eyed, canine Pokémon feasting on a corpse, which looks up at him, making him only want to close it faster. That helps Riley feel comfortable re-entering the room, and they all go through a door in the classroom, which leads to the front of the farmhouse where Tucker is.

Not immediately finding Tucker, Brooke decides to check the book on the lectern in front of the obelisk. The book is titled "Answers", and, whenever he asks a question to it, he receives an answer from Espurr.

Hearing Brooke's talking, Tucker goes back to the front of the farmhouse and meets up with the others. He informs them of what Espurr has been doing, and tells them that they need to find a way to break this box and release everything trapped inside. As they ponder what to do, Tucker comes to a realisation that whatever move Espurr used on him as he was escaping before was Miracle Eye, and Espurr must've created this area by looking through his memories. After a few minutes, Tucker suggests trying to use their meteor fragments to mess with their surroundings, since they also seem to have some sort of psychic effect. Riley agrees to the idea, and tries to channel the power from both fragments.

The task proves too much for Riley, and he tries to call out Tiber to help. However, Tiber resists, still panicking over this situation. Feeling it needs to be necessary, Tucker uses Sympathy to try to calm Tiber enough to get him to help. Tucker senses that the area seems to be drawing out more emotions from Tiber than a fear of being trapped, making him feel insecure about feeling too weak and being stuck in here forever.

Ralph then gets an idea and uses Snatch and Reallocation to take away the Miracle Eye effect from Tucker, and place it onto Tiber, forcing him out of Riley temporarily. Realising he has no other option unless he wants himself and his..."comrades" to be trapped in here forever, Tiber channels the power of the meteor fragments and breaks the box.

As the scenery around them shatters, everyone falls into more of a black void, and sees the Espurr. They are annoyed at the team for breaking their things, and forces them out of the box. They all land in the snow outside of the elder's home, and the Espurr, who was watching them, turns and walks away. The team goes inside of the elder's abode and goes to sleep. As they do, they notice two changes: A rusted metallic disc on Riley's chest, and an inverted right eye on Tucker.

### Session 71 - A Fashioning of Fur

Tucker is first to wake up, and goes to speak with the village elder. After waking up, he notices that one of his eyes seems to have been affected by his time in the box, turning it black and granting him some strange ability to see a life force different from aura.

After everyone else wakes up upon escaping the box, they meet the village elder, Froslass. She is relieved to see that the team is alright, and is also thankful that the team indirectly helped the village by ridding them of the Espurr causing havoc in the village. The team asks her about the Ice Type they'd been tasked with finding, and she explains that Glalie is the champion of the village, and they had received a blessing that allowed their ice to become unmeltable, though explains that she does not condone his behaviour of challenging others to melt him and causing them harm in the process, also requesting them to teach him a lesson in humility so he doesn't continue to harass others, and that he doesn't continue to test his frigidity and attempt to free Mount Shiver, which would be disastrous.

Froslass escorts the team back to the village, and informs the villagers that there is no need to fear the team, allowing them to wander around the village and actually interact with the villagers, even enjoying more sweet treats. They also go about determining how to get clothing to protect them from the cold, eventually settling on shaving Prince Zeal and Cincinno, to use their fur as insulation for clothes that will protect them from the cold. This will take a day to create.

The team also runs into the Flygon who delivered honey to them, though there are only greetings before he hurries off, not being a fan of the cold.

### Session 72 - Shopkeep Shenanigans

The party does some shopping in the village while they wait, getting some berries for Poff and some stones that can provide heat for them as they climb up the mountain. Ralph, meanwhile, plays with the kids in the village, making various poses for them to make ice sculptures of him.

After finishing their shopping, and collecting Ralph, everyone rests to prepare for tomorrow.

### Session 73 - Mt. Shiver

After the party wakes up, they meet the Glalie, who had returned to the town to brag about his latest feats, and proclaim that he will climb up Mount Shiver again to get another blessing to ensure his ice will never melt.. The team approaches him, and is then challenged by the Glalie to a race to the core of Mount Shiver. Team Cheer accepts, with the promise that Glalie will stop what he has been doing if they win.

The team collects their winter clothes from the shop, and meet with Glalie to race him. Froslass announces the start of the race, and the team and Ice Type begin to hurry towards Mount Shiver.

As they hurry towards the mountain, the team must travel through a forest before reaching the mountain, facing off against a Beartic as they travel, while needing to avoid Cryogonal, who were trying to pursue and kill them, almost managing to get to Tucker if it wasn't for him hiding using Shadow Sneak in the heat of the moment. They climb up the mountain partly, and must take a rest before continuing.

### Session 74 - From Freeze to Fire

The team continues to climb up Mount Shiver. As they delve deeper, they reach progressively warmer areas until they start to see magma. This magma doesn't seem to impede Glalie, who they have managed to catch up on, as they are still able to not only continue to move, but take down a Magcargo before doing so. The team also comes across a Camerupt, who they manage to avoid battling via Riley copying the Yawn attack and making them fall asleep.

### Session 75 - Prisms in the Ice

Team Cheer continues through the mountain, exiting into another cold area, and managing to avoid battling a large group of Crabominable and Bergmite.

Eventually, Team Cheer comes across an ice slide, and are stuck sliding down it, minus Riley who uses aura sticks to travel down the slide at his own pace. During the slide down, Ralph's ability to manipulate Metronome enchances, allowing him to select moves of individual Types.

At the bottom of the slide, the party reaches a strange room similar to the Cave of Mirrors. After attempting to find out what exactly the room us, to little avail, they take note of the unusual nature of the room, and rest.

### Session 76 - Caldera's Crown

Team Cheer continues the trek through Mount Shiver. During their continued journey, Riley faces off against a Magcargo on the top of a cliff while everyone else tries to climb it, and defeating it seems to remind him of when Tiber killed Salazzle using Riley's body. He is calmed by Brooke and Tucker, and they press on.

Eventually, they reach the last stretch to the core of Mount Shiver, and see Glalie climbing (or, rather, floating) up the staircase. Via using an Observer Orb obtained ages ago, and yeeting a prince up the staircase, Riley and Zeal reach the top of the staircase first, where they see a strange, purple avian.

Glalie, infuriated by the team's tactics to get to the top first, including throwing them back down, pleads with the avian, the mountain's guardian, to receive a gift to help him punish the team, and the avian gives them a power-up that causes them to Mega Evolve. If Team Cheer can't do something about this, the volcano will freeze.

### Session 77 - A Chilling Veil

Team Cheer begins to battle against Glalie. During the fight, Zeal confronts the guardian, a (Galarian) Articuno, and ends up causing them to join the battle as well, along with some ice replicas, one of which Ralph manages to hijack using Snatch and Brooke's Augmentation Aspect.

During the fight, they realise that the Articuno isn't actually an Articuno, and instead has been something imitating the guardian in an attempt to devastate the mountain and the surrounding area.

Prince Zeal steels his resolve and loudly proclaims to the team that he wants to see the whole world alongside them, and deals a devastating attack which, after a follow-up from Riley, defeats the imposter.

As the group recuperates, they see the real Articuno enter the mountain, and they speak to them about what just happened. Then, they realise the imposter was Mercury having taken on the guardian's form while they were away. Articuno inofmrs the team about Acolytes, Pokémon that legendaries bestow a fragment of their power to, and offers them all a small blessing as compensation for what happened, including information that a way to restore a "Broken mind" could be found via speaking with Luxray in Seaspray.

## The Silk Seamstress in the Silent Woods (Session 78 - 84)

### Session 78 - Silk and Song

The team is flown back to the Snorunt Hamlet by the ice Articuno statue, where they are welcomed back by Froslass. She invites the team to celebrate their encounter with the guardian, and they enjoy various delightful foods.

During the celebration, Tiber takes over Riley's body, and tells Brooke that he intends to try to make up for his past actions as best he can by helping Team Cheer, before wandering off and partying. Meanwhile, Ralph regales the Snorunt with his totally unexaggerated tale of Team Cheer's journey up Mt. Shiver, and Tucker and Zeal speak to each other over pastries and sweets.

After the celebration, the team reconvenes and is sent off with supplies by Froslass, beginning their adventure to the Muted Glade. During their trek through Iceleaf Forest, the icy forest they travelled through before, and Drizzle Woods, Ralph brings up to the party that, when they eventually start travelling back home, that they make a detour to the Cave of Mirrors, as he has decided he wants to evolve so he can be stronger and more prepared to take on threats like the imposter Articuno again. When Ralph brings that up, Riley also requests that they sue the detour to visit Tiber's grave again.

Eventually, the team reach the Muted Glade, and manage to travel through the forest with little issue. As they explore, they come across a strange shack. They enter the shack and find the seamstress they were told about, Ariados, She welcomes them into her home, and informs them that her Spinarak assistants have been watching them for a while. Before they can make any requests, she returns a blue, yellow and red scarf that Tucker had for a while and gotten rid of, though now repaired. She then offers her services, in exchange for either money or having a request done for her.

After Tucker receives the scarf, each member of the team makes a request:

Riley asks if a new cloak can be made using his old, torn-up cloak and crystals from the meteor fragment he has to possibly imbue it with some power, which she agrees to do now, though she'll need to make the cloak from scratch, and will provide the cloak to Riley upon the completion of a request or providing payment.

Ralph asks what a possible selling price for his Cinccino fur coat is. Unfortunately, as it isn't a garment with a power, it would be able to be sold for 100 coins at best. Riley also asks if he could be taught about how to make clothes, as she comments that he has a "spark" of a clothier in him, and she says she would happily try to teach him in the future, as she hasn't had the opportunity to teach.

Tucker asks if he could possibly have her make his maid outfit into a garment, or at least more durable, and imbue it with crystals from his own meteor fragment, if he brings it to her, which she also agrees to do when he finds the time to bring it to her along with the fragment. In the meantime, she provides him with one of the original designs for the Café V uniform until it is time to make the new one.

Brooke asks if she can make something that can help him become more resistant to electricity. She tells him that making electricity-resistant clothing is often very difficult to make both practical and fashionable, also mentioning that she made Deadeye's hat. She suggests that he bring her some insulating materials such as stones, which he agrees to do if he comes across them. Brooke also notices pattens in some of her garments reminiscent of human designs.

in exchange for performing these tasks, Ariados makes two requests: A neighbour of her, who, in addition to amplifying the noise-cancelling effect of the forest, has been singing very loudly, and she asks the team if they can go to their manor to ask them to quieten down. Or, they can deliver a bancho back to Pangoro, who requested it be fixed and hasn't collected it yet, as well as collect a late fee from him for her, She also brings up in while everyone makes their requests about an old tapestry at The Gallantree that she wishes she could work on, as it has lost its lustre overtime.

Brooke compliments Ariados' designs, shocked that she could create such designs considering how rare humans are, and asks if she's met any, which she answers by saying that she's just met four more now.

### Session 79 - Toxins

Upon Ariados' asking that they are human, Team Cheer enquire as to what gave that fact away. She answers that, in truth, she just had a vague feeling of something off about them, which she is only able to tell what the strangeness specifically was because they had spoken with humans in the past. She also informs them about a strange set of ruins, akin to an abandoned human observatory, in a place known as the Moonbound Forest, which only become accessible during nights of the full moon, and that there was a shaman there who might have wisdom regarding what these ruins are. The team takes note of it, thinking it might offer hints as to the reason why they were sent here. She also acknowledges that she can sense something latched onto each member of the team, likely meaning their Aspects and Tiber in Riley's case.

The team try to ask Ariados if she has any knowledge hinted towards why they could have been brought here, if she's met humans before and seems to know that more humans are being brought to this world recently. Unfortunately, she doesn't have much of an idea, but is sure that, even if a disaster happens, it will be stopped, like many disasters have before.

Riley enquires about if he can find somewhere that has a convenient piece of wood he can use to make his guitar. She tells him that a tree had fallen near their neighbour's manor, which could be a convenient way to get what he wants. Since they're also in the area, the team agree to try to get Ariados' neighbour to quieten down their singing now.

Upon leaving, the party begins searching for the neighbour they were asked to speak to. During the search, they are ambushed by a Crobat, which is able to badly poison Tucker before the fight even begins. After the first Crobat is defeated, they are attacked quickly by another one. Once the party has defeated the second Crobat, they decide to rest and recuperate. During this rest, Riley figures out a method of removing the poison from Tucker using aura, much like how Ralph had managed to remove things such as poison from other team members before using Snatch, Cure Pulse.

### Session 80 - Let's Split Up, Gang!

After resting a bit longer, Team Cheer resumes the search for Ariados' neighbour. After a few harmless fiascos with some wild Hoothoot and Noctowl, including Riley having Hypnosis used on him, they reach the manor they were told the neighbour lives in.

Upon entering, the team finds themselves locked inside, and need to explore the manor to find ways of exploring it, or to get out. The room they first enter is a grand hall, featuring multiple paintings and humanoid suits of armour for unknown reasons.

As they check out the doors, Brooke sees that the door opposite the entrance features a Grimmsnarl head for a knocker, which, somehow, is alive and tells them that entry into the library isn't allowed without the key. Riley attempts to make an aura key, and he and Brooke spend time trying to figure out an alternative method of opening the door. Meanwhile, Tucker and Zeal head down the western corridor, while Ralph went down the eastern one.

Ralph ends up coming across a servant's quarters, finding, among miscellaneous items such as candles, a set of four 6-sided dice. He also finds a peculiar door with no handle and instead 4 cube slots. Ralph quickly realises that the dice are probably used to open it, and goes to grab the dice, only to hear a chuckling and see that one of the die were taken. He keeps the other die on him and pursue the dice thief. While travelling through the corridor, he sees a Sawsbuck skull hung on the wall. He comes across a door with a Salamence knocker, and, after knocking, the Salamence asks who Ralph is. He lies and says that he's new staff, which makes the Salamence grant him passage through their door, the kitchen, where he finds various desserts and other foods that seem to have been recently made, along with a glass orb. Immediately, he starts messing with a soup that's currently being cooked, sprinkling in some salt from Mt. Shiver. After finishing that, he finds a locked door and attempts to open it, only to be told by Salamence that he cannot open the door until the "guests" arrive. Ralph then decides to split the cooked food into portions before leaving the kitchen and putting the orb into one of the Sawsbuck skulls' sockets. He then returns to the kitchen, tells the Salamence head that the guests are almost here, and they instruct him to inform his fellow servants to ensure that they are ready to do their job. Knowing that the servant's quarters is empty, he instead asks Salamence if he knows who could've taken a dice. The Salamence grumbles and says it was probably someone named Applebee, and he may have hidden it into the master bedroom. Upon receiving directions, Ralph heads to the master bedroom.

Tucker and Zeal enter some sort of lounge area with a sofa. Tucker tells Zeal to check some of the drawers while he examines a bookcase for anything that might be useful. He finds a diary, and Zeal comes over to him with a strange cloth, which Tucker takes off of Zeal before putting the diary into the bad and heading back with Zeal to regroup with Brooke and Riley.

Brooke, after giving up on opening the door, checks out some of the portraits and notice many feature a pair of Gardevoir. Riley soon joins him in further examining the main hall, and find a note in one of the drawers explaining that "Simon's" eyes were taken out due to creeping the writer out, along with a glass orb. They check out another cupboard, only to find an old corset, stiletto and piece of bread. Invisible entities fling the pointed shoe at Riley and, out of spite, he takes the shoe and the corset.

Tucker and Zeal meet up with Brooke and Riley. They compare what they each found, and notice that the corset Brooke and Riley found seemed to be from the same outfit that the piece of cloth Tucker found was. Tucker then presents the diary he found to Riley and Brooke to read it. The first entry states that the writer was given the diary by a Gardevoir to help sort out their memories. The next talks about how they are making a garden with Gardevoir, and remark that, upon being written, no Pokémon towns seem to be around. Starting to skim through the entries, it becomes clear that the writer became more romantically involved with this Gardevoir, and then the writing style in the diary slowly changes. An entry soon explains that the writer's beloved had passed away, driving them mad, and a strange entity described as a star promises them something in exchange for servitude, which the writer happily accepts to do.

After stopping reading the diary, the four head down the corridor Tucker and Zeal had gone down.

Riley immediately wanders off on his own, and comes across a garden with a pedestal. Due to Brooke not wanting everyone to wander off on their own, Tucker follows Riley into the garden. Riley examines the pedestal and finds faded writing on it. Tucker suggests that, based on the pedestal's design, it might require having something placed on top of it.

Brooke goes with Zeal into what seems to be a study of some sort. He comes across a Seviper statue holding a key in its jaws. Upon trying to take the key, the statue attempts to bite whoever takes it. Brooke continues to examine the room, finding a portrait with a tuxedo-wearing Arbok, and a note explaining the process of using a jar to extract snake venom, leading Brooke to come up with an idea to use one of the many glass jars he brought with him to give the statue to bite onto, allowing him to grab the key. With that obstacle out of the way, he continues to examine the study, finding that the Arbok's name was Araden, before leaving and going to meet back up with Riley and Tucker.

Brooke, Zeal, Riley and Tucker meet back up, and the Croconaw shows off the key he obtained. Noticing a bite mark on Brooke's hand, Riley looks into the library, and seems to space out upon seeing something in there. Tucker asks what seems to be the issue, noticing that he's looking at the Arbok statue, which Riley answers by saying that the only Arbok he's ever met didn't survive the meeting, implying something happened while Tiber was possessing him.

The four end up passing by Ralph in the main hall, who tells them that they are now guests, to go to the dining hall, and that his "boss" told him to get a key from the master bedroom. After figuring out all of the information Ralph just unloaded onto them, they decide that they'll go to the dining hall when they're ready, thinking it'd let them meet the manor's owner.

Ralph examines the master bedroom, and ends up finding the missing dice that he needed, and a note that tells him the code he needs to input using the dice to open the door in the servant's quarters, 6 14 2.

Ralph, as he passes by the four again, tells the team to keep an eye out for a glass orb. They tell him that they have the orb already, so they go to the Sawsbuck skull and inputs the second glass orb into its eye sockets. Upon doing so, the skull seems to come alive, and he tells them that he should start tending to the garden, which causes the door next to the skull to open. The team looks inside and finds another garden.

The team goes into the garden, finding a small house-like structure, another pedestal, and Simon the spectral Sawsbuck. Brooke tries to get infromation from him, and Simon explains that the ladies of the manor granted his wish of letting him live on after death to continue serving them, and that the ladies were engaged last time he was fully conscious.

*(Continuity note: While Brooke and Riley examined the main hall, they came across a single stiletto along with the corset. This was retroactively changed later to a pair of them rather than just one.)*

### Session 81 - The Servants' Foci

Team Cheer decide to help Simon with tending to his garden. During the process, Riley chops up a large tree to hopefully use the wood to make a guitar.

While investigating the garden, Tucker learns from Simon that each garden contains a "focus" dedicated to a resident of the mansion, and the team decides to try to place an item belonging to each resident on their focus to complete them, thinking it might help the residents somehow.

First, they collect Simon's skull from by the door to the garden and place it on Simon's focus, causing the Sawsbuck's spirit to solidify somewhat. This also causes Ralph's star-metal piece to react, and Brooke can sense a power similar to his power of Augmentation being used to strengthen the connection between the spirit and the current plane. He asks Simon about the foci and Simon explains that, after requesting he be given away to continue to work at the manor and serve the mistress as his life neared its end, the foci were created, each with the purpose of keeping the spirits in the mansion.

Meanwhile, Tucker sees a spectral Aipom, Applebee, trying to grab at something before running away. He checks what the item was and finds a lever, putting it in his bag. He shows the key to Ralph, who takes it to the Salamence head, and learns that it is a piece of a contraption made by the librarian. He also gets a servant's uniform for Zeal, and tries to get Zeal stuck playing the part of an incompetent servant as well against his wishes.

Riley lets Brooke know that Araden, the head butler, had a focus in another garden, and Brooke directs everyone to the library to pick up the urn he saw in the library filled with his ashes. They take it to the other garden, and place the urn on the focus, causing a spectral Arbok to appear. The serpent seems to cause Riley to recall unsavoury memories, so Brooke takes them back inside while Tucker, Ralph and Zeal speak with them. Araden instructs Ralph to take the "guests" to the dining room door while he opens the dining room door. Ralph also attempts to tell Araden that his fellow "servant". Zeal, needed disciplining, though Zeal had left before that.

Tucker scolds Ralph for him possibly directing Araden's anger at Zeal, while Brooke asks Riley about why he reacted so strangely to Araden, causing Tiber to quip about Tiber having had Riley eat a tasty Arbok during the time he'd possessed Riley.

As they all walk towards the dining hall, Tucker gets an idea to get some payback on Ralph for his actions towards Zeal, trying to paint Zeal as the one who helped prepare the meal that will be served, and paint Ralph as someone just trying to look good. This results in Ralph retorting by getting into the dining hall from the servant's room and shutting Zeal out before they can get in, requiring Zeal to recall the password and use the dice keys to get back into the dining hall while Ralph prepares the table and everyone else waits outside.

Zeal and Ralph engage in various servant shenanigans, Ralph struggling with the complexity of cutlery placement, while Zeal manages to avoid the task due o not having hands, and only needing to light the candles in the room when he finally gets in. Araden enters and commends the pair's performance before hurrying them out of the room while he lets Brooke, Tucker and Riley in.

Zeal, unfortunately, has to let Ralph be the one to bring in all of the food, but manages to pour tea out for everyone by balancing a teapot on his head. Once food is served, Araden somehow stops the singing the team had been asked to stop, and then a Mismagius, the mistress of the manor, and 2 Misdreavus appear to take a seat at the dinner table. The Mismagius invites them to enjoy the food, as tonight will be the day a contract is fulfilled, before remarking that this will be the three guest's last meal.

### Session 82 - Last Meal

Following Mismagius' proclamation that this meal would be Team Cheer's last meal, Riley requests a vegetarian option. They actually allow it, and Araden orders Ralph and Zeal to take Riley's food away from him and get a vegetarian alternative. The Mismagius also informs the party that she had been having her Misdreavus companions spying on the party during their travelling through the manor, resulting in them learning about Tiber sharing a body with Riley.

Ralph and Zeal take the food to the kitchen and explain the situation. However, the Salamence is frustrated that someone would ask for something without meat, and tells them to just get some plants from Simon's garden. Ralph eats Riley's food, giving none to Zeal, and Zeal go to Simon's garden and collect some herbs and other non-toxic plants to make a salad for Riley, and head into the kitchen to make some finishing touches on the food.

As the meal begins, Brooke asks the Mismagius if they can quieten down for Ariados. She retorts by saying that this forest was hers, so she and the Misdreavus are allowed to do what they want. Brooke then bring up that a pair of Gardevoir seemed to be the owners based on what they've seen in the manor, which angers them. It is at this point that Ralph and Zeal return with Riley's food.

Sometime into the meal, Mismagius sends Araden to get something for her. While the Arbok is away, the Mismagius explains that, clearly, Team Cheer and Ariados don't understand the reason for their singing, only for Riley to just say that, based on what they'd found in the diary, it was likely to revive a dead loved one.

Araden slithers back with a music box, and Mismagius begins to sing. The song tells of a girl who was lost in a place unfamiliar, but was later found by a miracle from the stars, which resulted in her staying in the manor. Her power slowly grew greater, and, once she found someone to be with forever, but they ended up dying due to illness. Riley then notices that this was actually a Perish Song, and covers his ears before using an explosive kick to try to stop her singing. She is hit, and fades away with her companions, but the song has taken effect, and is affecting Brooke and Tucker.

Ralph notices that Araden wasn't fazed by Riley assaulting the Mismagius, and asks why. He states that the reason is because he has no doubt that Mismagius cannot be beaten by the team, and is only regretful that she wasn't able to incapacitate them all with the song with no issue, then sics a pair of Misdreavus on Zeal, who was the only one who didn't get to eat anything, that use Power Gem on him. Ralph scares them off with Lick.

Riley comes up with the idea of copying Mismagius' Perish Song with Copycat, and mix it with Heal Pulse to undo its effects. Brooke and Tucker assist him by trying to link their Aspects of Augmentation and Connection respectively with him, and Riley succeeds, cancelling the effect, but leaving Brooke and Tucker close to incapacitation.

After everyone is given a moment of reprieve, they attempt to recompose themselves. Tucker sees Araden protecting the music box, and approaches Araden while using Dark Pulse to protect himself. Araden shows no animosity, and ends up saying that the revival ceremony is tomorrow, and that he wished they'd just slept until then. Araden whispers something to Tucker and vanishes, leaving Tucker to smash the music box and find a mourning veil within.

Tucker gives the veil to Brooke, believing it to be something important, and also mumbling that it seems like, despite Araden's remarks, the servants might not be wanting for the ceremony to go through and for them to continue going on like this.

Then, suddenly, the Aipom Tucker had seen in the garden before, Applebee, appears in front of the group. He explains that, personally, he likes how things are now, since he can play even more pranks, and he can watch everyone pick up the stuff he leaves around the manor rather than having to clean it up himself. Tucker attempts to convince them to tell him about the manor, and the lever he found. Applebee explains that the lever is for opening up a secret place in the library. They also explain that, despite the many attempts past guests have made, the manor cannot be burned down (Much to Zeal's relief), and seems to regenerate whenever something is destroyed once it is out of view, that they had been capturing guests for 500 years, and that it was only in the past 10 years that everyone became overgrown with plants due to Simon losing his corporeal form. Applebee then suddenly vanishes, leaving the team to decide what to do.

After Riley heals Tucker up a bit with Heal Pulse, the team all goes to the library to find where to use that lever. As they walk, Tucker attempts to keep shroud around them with Dark Pulse to keep the ghosts away.

They reach the library through the Grimmsnarl door, and look around. There, they see the actual spirit form of the Grimmsnarl. Grimmsnarl asks them is they've gathered "everything". Brooke asks what exactly "everything" is, and Grimmsnarl explains that he means everything for the mistresses' special day, though Applebee had taken the crank to the compartment that contain the last piece. Brooke places the crank where Grimmsnarl shows its meant to go, and reveals a gold ring. Ralph gets Grimmsnarl to explain what happens if the ritual fails, and he just says that they hope the ceremony helps to lift the mistresses' spirits and help ward off the illness plaguing one of them. Brooke comes to the conclusion that Grimmsnarl may not be as aware of what has been happening as the other ghosts.

Ralph examines the library, and finds doors with Araden and Simon engraved onto them. They all lead to a chapel-like structure with alcoves filled with bones, and a full skeleton at the far end. Ralph enters first, and finds Mismagius and her Misdreavus chanting at the altar. Mismagius notices Ralph enter, and is frustrated the group wouldn't wait one more night, as the moon isn't full and the "star" hasn't arrived. She attempt to battle Ralph, and he quickly leaves.

Everyone else, meanwhile, focuses on the ring, and wonders if that this might've been happening due to an entity like the Observers manipulating the love that the ones who were going to be married had. Ralph then comes back to the group and tells them what he found, and they discuss how they could possibly mess up the ritual. Ralph takes the ring and swallows it, thinking that messing with the items for the rutual will mean the ritual has to stop.

Before they go, Tucker consults Grimmsnarl about what illness one of the Gardevoir had. They explain that the disease, for all he knows, is incurable, and results in the afflicted slowly wasting away. He also mentions the sick Gardevoir being banished from some sort of tower.

The party all find potential ear coverings, besides Riley, and enter the chapel. Riley attempts to communicate with Mismagius, understanding the pain of grief indirectly through Tiber, and attempts to convince her to reconsider her actions. She, unfortunately, is too far gone to listen, and the battle commences.

### Session 83 - A Thousand Curses Too Soon

As the battle begins, it quickly becomes apparent that Mismagius is the source of the strange power of the Muted Glade, silencing the team whenever they attempt to use sound-based moves.

Zeal ends up being incapacitated during the battle.

After taking out most of the Misdreavusi fighting alongside her, Mismagius calls the Grimmsnarl illusion into the chapel to use Moonlight and force the full moon to appear, while also healing her.

Upon defeating Mismagius, she calls upon her mysterious benefactor, lets out a glass-shattering scream, and absorbs the items Team Cheer had collected during their search of the mansion, becoming a peculiar Mismagius/Gardevoir fusion. Tucker then experiences another warning, like when he met Vespiquen, warning of what, presumably, is Mismagius' Aspect: Necromancy.

### Session 84 - Fetters

After receiving the warning, Tucker examines his surroundings. He notices that the bones scattered around the room have begun shaking, and their pupils begin to glow a violet light. Riley also notices the bones all suddenly be filled with Mismagius' aura at the same time. They both realise that getting closer to the bones will likely result in them attacking. As such, Tucker decides to deal with the new threat by attacking the bones first. Mismagius attempts to use a powerful sound-based attack and, getting an idea, Riley uses a new technique he's developed through his training and produces chains of aura to wrap around her throat, preventing her from using it, and any other moves requiring her voice as long as he's focused on it.

As the battle rages on, Tucker attempts to do something similar to what Riley attempted earlier, getting close by using Shadow Sneak, and using Sympathy to cause Mismagius to encourage her to stop fighting and realise she doesn't need to force herself down this tortuous path, passing out in the process. Mismagius struggles for freedom, and uses the bones to try to push Tucker away, but ends up too racked with guilt to continue to fight, and everything else stops.As Mismagius pleads for the party to leave her alone and let her continue her plan in a defeated tone, Ralph walks over and attempts to comfort her with a hug, and apologising before saying she has to be stopped and using Body Slam to incapacitate her.

In her last moments of consciousness, Mismagius looks up at the sky, and, as everything around her, including Grimmsnarl's spirit, fades away, she curses Team Cheer for preventing her reviving her beloved, and her benefactor for not helping her anymore. Brooke tells her she was likely used by the benefactor, and he wishes she rests in peace. She curses them one last time and fades away.

Riley picks up Tucker, who seemed to be crying as a result of using Sympathy on Mismagius and experiencing her inner turmoil, and Zeal, and he tells Ralph and Brooke that they should leave now, since the mission is over. Brooke picks up the wedding bracelets and nods.

The three conscious Pokémon exit the manor, now a lot more old and decrepit, and see all of the spirits of the mansion send them off, happy the team stopped their tormented mistress, and all fade away as well.

## The Return Trip (Session 85 - 91):

### Session 85 - Steps to Improvement

Following exiting the manor and seeing the spirits vanish, Team Cheer head back to Ariados' home, the Muted Glade still retaining its noise-cancelling effect. They are welcomed inside by a Spinarak, and find Ariados asleep next to a brown coat. Riley puts the unconscious Tucker and Prince Zeal onto the floor, who are then given blankets by the Spinarak, and everyone sleeps until Ariados is awake.Riley and Tucker are first of the group to wake up, seeing Ariados dangle over Ralph hungrily. After telling her they'd prefer Ralph remain uneaten, everyone else wakes up, and she apologises, and explains that she is hungry after all of the work she'd put in while they were away, She finds something to sate her hunger before thanking everyone for putting an end to the singing, and tells them that she will send her Spinarak to offer the spirits that were there a proper ceremony.

Getting to business, Ariados hands Riley the coat embedded with the Minior shell fragments he requested. Meanwhile, Brooke looks to Tucker and hands him the wedding bands he'd kept when he left the manor, suggesting Tucker could maybe wear them like earrings if they're modified a bit.

Ariados reminds Riley of her offer to tutor him, and that she requested the team deliver the bancho to Pangoro and extract the late fee from him, but encourages the group to continue onto whatever task they want to do next first. Tucker proceeds to ask Ariados if she knew what was happening there, and she answers by saying all she knew was that the singing grew more serious with each full moon, and that's about it.

Brooke remembers that they need to go back to the Gallantree before they return to Savan Town. However, he imagines Lizard may be starting to worry about their progress, so Ariados lets them write a letter to tell Lizard that they're fine and have it delivered by the Spinarak. They take Ariados up on the offer, and leave the Glade, re-entering the Wild Prairie.

During the trek, the team manages to find items for them to be able to keep themselves fed. The sun starts to set after a few hours, and the team decides to press on during nightfall, taking advantage of the cooler air. Once it starts to get especially late, Brooke tells everyone they should rest for the night, and they agree to do so.

The next day, the team resumes travelling, noticing a traveling trio of Salandit as they walk, not seeming as erratic as the Salandit they used to stumble across all of the time in the past. Team Cheer approaches them, and they're asked if they are Pioneers. Ralph immediately confirms their suspicions without any hesitation, and the Salandit explain to them that they were tasked with investigating Claydol's Cairn, and are currently hopelessly last trying to find Savan Town. Zeal offers to guide them to Savan Town, suggesting he can also give them a place to stay at Pride's Rock on the way to Savan. The team agrees that that could be a good idea, since the Salandit returning with a Pioneer will help the town residents feel calm, and Zeal starts to escort the Salandit. The Salandit provide the team with a box before they leave with the Litleo, telling them there should be rations inside that they can use.
The team check the box they were given and find the rations they were told were in there, as well as some thank-you money and some pieces of metal, likely gathered from the cairn, though they can't recognise what the parts would be for. Ralph gets an idea to use these parts, and Tucker magnet, to upgrade his taser, and borrow Tucker's magnet to attempt to do so later.

During the travel, Brooke attempts to teach Tucker Ice Fang, and Riley practices trying to channel aura through his coat to attempt to float.

After another day and a half. the team arrives at the Gallantree. finding Ricaid guarding the entrance. The Aegislash offers them a friendly greeting and lets them inside. He explains that he has been left in charge of the Gallantree, as Dos has been sent out on a mission, and Uno and Calvin don't seem to be around.

### Session 86 - An Honorable Scrap

Ricade guides Team Cheer towards the back part of The Gallantree's ground floor, passing by numerous faded banners as they do, with varying quality of what is depicted based on how old the banners appeared.

The Aegislash opens a door, bringing the team into a war room, with an Escavalier sat at a table, looking at a map of the Plains Continent. They introduce themselves as "Sir Cheval, leader of Team Gallant of the Misted Knights, Knight of Valor, under Sirfetch'd himself, Knight-lord of Valor" (Twice, actually). After being reminded of the duel he had issued, Cheval tells the team that they must wait for his steed to return before he can duel them.

Sir Cheval leaves the room temporarily, being reminded that the reason Calvin was away was to get food, and Tucker decides to check the map he was looking at while while they wait. There were marks for the Cave of Mirrors, Pride's Rock, Aster Rock, Savan Town, Seaspray Town, and two unknown location south of Savan Town and to the far west, likely just an indication of settlements on the Plains Continent.

Cheval returns, remarking that the food stores are full despite Calvin having supposedly left to get food, and offers to help the team pass the time by speaking with them. Ricade and Cheval explain to the team that Team Gallant originally hailed from the Mist Continent, hence the name "Misted Knights", and explains that the Mist Continent is much more developed, with stone paths and large castles that they used to reside in before being stationed in the Plains Continent. Tucker also decides to ask Cheval about letting Ariados repair some of the worn tapestries and banners at the Gallantree, which they refuse to do, stating that the tapestries will only be repaired by those in the Mist Continent, where they were first made. Rakph queries as to how to become a knight, to which Cheval and Ricade explain that, if the team ever visits the Mist Continent, they can become squires relatively easily, as long as they are up to the task.

Eventually, Calvin returns with Uno on his back. Cheval immediately tells his trusty steed to saddle up and get ready for the duel, which the Zebstrika agrees to do, requesting the Team come to his room with him to assist him with preparations while Cheval makes his own preparations in secret with Ricade.

Calvin directs the group up to his room and starts to put on his battle garb. During the process of travelling, Brooke asks how Calvin became a part of the team. Calvin explains that he was originally from the Plains Continent, trained under the Knight-Lord of Steeds, and was assigned to Cheval to be his steed. After becoming well-acquainted with the team, Calvin had evolved and "figured out" himself, causing him to want to change his name from "Calliope" to something more comfortable. However, it was too late to stop Cheval and Ricade from using that name due to their age, although Uno and Dos do try to use his correct name when possible. The team also tries to enquire as to why Team Pioneer may have decided to stop being knights, and Calvin answers that he can't give a certain answer, besides either an obligation that causes it to be impossible to serve as a knight, or just not wanting to serve under their lord anymore, but it's certainly not something uncommon or severe if it happens.

After finishing helping Calvin equip his armor, everyone heads to the battlefield. Cheval offers the team the choice of facing him alongside either Calvin or Ricade. Brooke says he doesn't mind how many they have to face, which seems to provoke Ricade's fighting spirit somewhat. After some playful trash-talking, Brooke decides that Team Cheer will take on all three at once, and the fight commences.

After an arduous battle, where no-one was defeated, Sir Cheval proclaims that the battle has gone on long enough once Calvin has to stop fighting. He congratulates the team on their fine skills, and tells them that their honor has now been restored.

As the team recollects their things, Riley notices that Poff, Laddy and Uno seemed to have gotten along while watching over the match, and invites Uno to travel with them some time. Cheval doesn't agree to let his squire travel alongside them, but doesn't deny that it would be good for Team Gallant to work alongside the Pioneers in the future, and that they may send Calvin and Uno to Savan Town in the future to serve as ambassadors for them.

### Chapter 87 - Home at Last

Cheval and Ricade leave to prepare the feast, and Team Cheer help Calvin out of his armour before resting. The team is offered bandages to treat their wounds as thanks.

Ricade offers to instruct Riley on swordsmanship.

While resting with Calvin, Calvin asks what the team's going to do. They decide that, after taking up the knight's offer of a free feast, that they’ll probably continue returning to Savan Town, and possibly head to Seaspray after recuperating a bit.

After a brief rest, Uno knocks on the door to Calvin's room to inform everyone that the food is ready, and the team all exits the room to head to the main hall, where there are tables with food places upon them.

Brooke asks about what Team Gallant does here, to which Cheval answers that they are here to protect the peace and punish evildoers. Ricade also explains that they were sent here specifically by the Knightlord of Valour due to Calvin originating from the Plains Continent and being able to serve as a guide. They also explain that they were sent to deal with a group known as the Shadow Scavengers, however, they found out that, due to the group residing in the Pyroar Tribe territory, they are not authorised to try to deal with the group without Lord Zeal's permission. Ricade also informs Team Cheer that the group seems to prefer remaining in the southern area of the prairie for some reason.

As the meal progresses, Riley finds it harder to ignore the meat on the table, and lets Tiber control his body to avoid having to look at it. Tiber just silently enjoys the food.

Night begins to fall on the Prairie, and Ricade suggests to the team that they can stay the night. The team accepts the offer. Calvin shares his room with Tucker, Ralph and Brooke, and Uno shares his room with Riley.

Riley notices that Uno seems very anxious, constantly going up to the 4th floor for some unknown reason before returning to his room. Riley asks what Uno has been doing, to which Uno answers that he’s concerned that Dos hasn’t returned from hunting yet. After a quick attempt to sense her with his aura and failing, Riley and Uno return to Uno's room to grab one of Dos's whetstones.

Calvin and the others go to sleep much more peacefully. However, Tucker stays up and attempts to sneak out of the room, only to bump into Riley and Uno on the way out. Tucker attempts to pretend he just wanted to go to the bathroom, and Riley is suspicious about it but just lets Tucker be.

Tucker starts to slowly walk while he’s in view of Riley and Uno, picking up his pace when the two turn into the room where the knights keep their whetstones. He heads to a shrouded blind spot where he won’t be seen from higher or lower floors while using Shadow Sneak to warp towards one of the more unnoticeable tapestries, and takes the tapestry, putting it delicately into his bag.

Riley uses the whetstone Dos uses, and pinpoints her location to being westward from the Gallantree, potentially near the landmark Aster Rock. Uno assumes it’s best to just wait until tomorrow, which Riley denies due to the scarcity of food in the Prairie, based on what he’d heard from the Pyroar tribe.

As Riley and Dos continue to navigate the Gallantree, they notice Tucker being suspicious, and Riley asks what’s going on. Tucker then explains he just dropped one of the wedding bands, which Riley just accepts as well. The three Pokémon then all go to where they’re staying and sleep.

The next morning, the party wake up and exit their rooms, seeing Calvin being fitted with a shoddy wagon to help take the party back to Savan Town. After being thanked for upholding their end of the deal, the party starts to be carried away.

However, before the team can even fully leave the Gallantree, their way is blocked by a Bisharp. This Bisharp's name is quickly confirmed to be Benkei, and was a colleague of Cheval's. The Bisharp enters with a black-coloured Scizor and some Pawniard, the former of which is holding an unconscious and severely beaten-up Dos. The Bisharp explains that Cheval had sent one of his squires to interfere with his mission, which Cheval denies. They continue to talk down to Cheval and Team Gallant, mocking their recklessness in spite of their constant spouting of honour, and warn Cheval not to interfere with his mission of protecting the order of the Plains Continent, unless he wants to be ejected from the continent before leaving with his group.

Brooke asks just who that was and what just happened while Uno tends to Dos' injuries. Cheval and Ricade explain that the Bisharp was known as "Benkei, Knight of the 100 Victories", a knight unaligned to any virtue. Calvin expresses confusion as regarding why they were here in the Plains Continent, and Ricade says that everyone needs to remain calm, and for Calvin to focus on escorting Team Cheer back to Savan Town while Uno stays at the Gallantree to tend to Dos' injuries. Team Cheer offers to assist with getting vengeance for the excessively-brutal state they left Dos in, as well as being concerned about the Scizor that Benkei was with, but Ricade and Cheval advise them to simply stay out of it, as it is an issue between knights. The Team agrees to stay uninvolved, but at least inform Pangoro about what they just witnessed.

Calvin manages to bring the team back to Savan Town within 2 days, arriving at the gate in the afternoon of the second day.

Riley immediately returns to the team base, promptly hugging Lizard, who was in the process of carrying the egg. Lizard lets Riley and the rest of the team know that nothing of note has happened, besides the berry garden starting to grow fruit. Brooke introduces Calvin to Lizard, and welcomes them into the base to rest for a bit before returning. Lizard returns the egg to Tucker, which seems as healthy as ever.

Ralph quickly goes to see Mawile, telling her about anything she might consider interesting.

Tucker and Brooke go to the clubhouse to inform Pangoro of their return, and notice Florence, for once, isn’t at the clubhouse. Squirtle, however, is at the clubhouse, and tackle-hugs Brooke as soon as someone acknowledges out loud that Brooke has returned. Squirtle also shows Brooke a new neckerchief that they have, which is red and blue with "In training" written on it. Raize also welcomes the duo back, and, when Tucker tells him that he’s figured out Shadow Sneak, Raize pats Tucker and tells them he’s proud of them.

### Session 88 - The Buzz and the Bancho

(Due to Eragon leaving the campaign, Riley will now be assumed to be staying at the Team Cheer base with Lizard from now on unless stated otherwise.)

Brooke and Tucker report to Pangoro about the events that had happened during their excursion, including what had happened that morning at the Gallantree with Benkei. Pangoro remarks on how he wishes he couldn't believe the outrageousness of the events that transpired, but, since he knew the havoc that follows the team wherever they go, has to admit he can't help but believe it. Pangoro also takes out a box of money from his desk to, finally, pay for the bancho he asked Ariados to repair, as well as the late fees accrued. While on the topic of Benkei, Pangoro informs them that, due to where Benkei is operating, he can't afford sending Pioneers to investigate without sufficient circumstances. He also brings up that he's never heard of Benkei, or whatever his plans may be, but, as long as he poses no issue, he isn't a matter of concern.

During the conversation, Pangoro requests that Brooke not mention how Squirtle has been taken on as a Pioneer-in-training around Noibat, due to Noibat wanting to become a Pioneer, despite his fragility and Raize's and Pangoro's concerns. Noibat is currently away with Florence, escorting him to Seaspray Town, as a test to see if he's capable enough to be considered to be taken on as a Pioneer-in-training. Team Cheer brings up that they intend to head to Seaspray, so Pangoro mentions that, should the team run into Florence and Noibat on the way back, if they truly have faith in Noibat, he can join them to help prove himself.

Ralph, meanwhile, goes to speak and catch up with Mawile. He first brings up an idea to use the Magnet that Tucker had been carrying in his bag as a component in his taser to increase its strength, which Mawile shows interest in. Ralph then asks Mawile if she's been to visit the observatory in the Moonbound Forest, to which she answers that she hasn't, though it's not a big issue since the next full moon is meant to be in roughly 28 days anyway. He also informs her that he intends to go to the Cave of Mirrors at some point to evolve, due to how the danger's they've been facing have been increasing and Riley now choosing to stay in Savan. She tells him that, if he decides to go through with it, she will stand by his decision, though teases him that she won't be happy if he becomes a big grouch like Pangoro. She then suggests that they can work on the taser now if he wants, to which he answers that he can't do that right now, as he wants to go to the kitchen to deliver the salt that he picked up in Mt. Shiver.

Ralph then goes to the Pioneering Club and delivers one of the two jars of salt to Raize and Hotdog at the kitchen. Raize greets him and, upon seeing the salt, immediately takes it for safekeeping, thanking Ralph and offering to reciprocate the generosity with a freshly-cooked meal.

While Raize is preparing the meal, Tucker and Brooke go over to chat with him after having completed their report. Tucker asks Ralph if he delivered both jars to Raize already, which makes Raize look at Ralph "sweetly" upon learning Ralph had more than one and only gave him the one. Ralph negotiates with Raize to see what Raize would offer him, and gets 300 Poke in return.

Everyone leaves the clubhouse. Brooke helps Calvin with receiving some resources from the guild for the journey back to the Gallantree and sends him off. Meanwhile, Tucker drops the box of money from Pangoro at the base and then meets up with Brooke to head to the shops. Tucker informs Brooke about how he intends to try to use a tapestry he stole from the Gallantree as a reference to try creating a new tapestry of his own. Brooke is impressed at the Poochyena's brashness, and agrees to help, suggesting that they could possibly get supplies for tapestry-making from Kakuna's shop.

Ralph goes to Klefki's shop, intending to ask them to open up the locked compartment on the box they received from the three Salandits. However, due to its complexity, Klefki required a gold bar as payment, which he didn't have on-hand, so he went back to the base to relax.

Brooke and Tucker arrive at Kakuna's to see that they evolved into a Beedrill. After acknowledging and congratulating him for his evolution, they ask him for advice on what they can use to make a tapestry, explaining that Tucker had been told by Ariados that he had potential for making tapestries, much to Beedrill's surprise. Beedrill offers some materials that they could potentially use to emulate the tapestry, but suggests that they might have a better time using feathers for the tapestry rather than the materials they had in stock. One of the other Beedrill in the shop bring up that there's a volcano to the south of Savan occupied by Volcarona with a nearby forest which looks constantly on fire, and potentially using Volcarona wings as materials. However, a safer option would just be to use Mareep or Wooloo wool, or some unused scrap materials from Beedrill's shop and just dyeing it red, the latter of which Tucker agrees to do. As the two leave, Beedrill also suggests potentially asking a Grass-Type to help make a material out of plants that they could use.

After leaving, Brooke goes to the orchard to purchase some Pecha Berries, cautious after all of the past instances when the team had been poisoned., and Tucker buys an Oran Berry, before returning to the team base.

While on the way back to the base, Ralph notices a (Hisuian) Decidueye pulling a cart filled with traps as they head to the market. He starts a conversation with them and follows them to learn that they are a new merchant, who's setting up a shop specialising in quick-to-set-up traps. Brooke and Tucker also pass by as the shop is set up.

### Session 89 - Gearing Up

Brooke and Tucker greet Ralph as they approach the shop and check out what Decidueye has for sale. They have a conversation with Decidueye and learn that all of the items they sell were made personally by Decidueye, who had been making such apparatus for hunting ever since he was a Rowlet.

Ralph ends up purchasing a spear and a shield from the shop and then, after receiving a gold bar from Brooke, returns to Klefki's shop to open the locked compartment of his box to find certain components of some sort of machine that causes him to have a flashback to his time as a human. Tucker goes with Ralph and notices this, but doesn't recognise the components at all, and gets no answer as to what they are when asking Ralph if he knew what they were. Changing topic, Tucker decides to suggest possibly using the repellent bundles that the team still has from their travels to the north to create their own repellent bombs, like the small bombs that were in Decidueye's shop. Ralph figures out that, if they can get apricorn shells or something similar, he likely could create such a contraption.

Brooke, meanwhile, also purchases a spear, and shows Decidueye the horn that had fallen off of Glalie during the battle in Mt. Shiver and asks if anything could be made with it. Decidueye agrees to try to make something for tomorrow, but suggests that a smith would probably do a better job, or be able to enhance it later, such as Blaze, who used to be a smith. He then goes to check on Ralph and Tucker, suggesting that they go to the spa. Tucker then finally remembers the Tauros-tail treat he'd gotten from the spa months ago, and decides to try and eat it...only to lose a tooth in the process, with the snack being unscathed.

The three then go to the spa and used some of the old spa tickets to receive some much-needed relaxation after the long journey via a bath and a massage for Brooke and Tucker and a milk bath for Ralph. Tucker notices the egg shake vigorously in the bath, but it still doesn't hatch just yet. After finishing their treatments and enjoying a *fresh* Tauros-tail treat, the team gets some rest at their home base.

The next day, Brooke collects a new knife made with the Glalie horn from Decidueye, free of charge due to the lack of equipment to do proper work on it, and then Decidueye leaves due to having sold all of their stock. Brooke then proceeds to help Tucker with learning how to use Ice Fang for a few hours. After helping the Poochyena practise, he then goes to see Blaze to ask about possibly enhancing his new knife. Blaze remarks on how anything would be an improvement over the shoddy work that was done on it explains that he doesn't really have much equipment to do such a thing. He tells Brooke that, if they want him to turn the horn into a knife or something, he'll require a grindstone, something to act as a drill, (optionally) some metal to use as the handle instead of wood, and some sort of glue or adhesive to create something better.

Ralph goes to the Pioneering Club and heads upstairs to the daycare, suggesting to the children that they work together to paint a scary face onto his new shield. The symbol ends up having Cofagrigus' eyes, a cartoonish smile with triangle fangs, whiskers, and angry Pangoro eyebrows. After cleaning up, he then goes to Mawile's home to finish up the improvements to the zapper and test if it works.

After finishing his Ice Fang training, and relaxing at the base afterwards with the egg, Tucker then goes to visit the daycare to catch up with the children after so long.

The rest of the day is uneventful for the party.

The next day, Ralph surprises Lizard, Brooke and Tucker with his newly-decorated shield and enhanced zapper. Prince Zeal also returns in the morning, having escorted the Salandit trio to the clubhouse. Lizard, Tucker and Zeal are spooked by the shield while Brooke is impressed, and everyone is wary of the improved zapper, besides Zeal, who shocks himself with it. They then proceed to have delicious pancakes for breakfast.

Ralph starts pondering going to the Cave of Mirrors on his own within the next few days, wanting to avoid bringing Tucker with him so he doesn't risk encountering the Shadow Scavengers. Brooke agrees to let Ralph go without him and Tucker, but requests he at least takes Zeal, since he knows the landscape better. After the discussion is finished, to pass the time, Brooke decides to look around for materials to potentially use for his new weapon, and Tucker helps out at the daycare.

### Session 90 - Ralph's BIG Day

Ralph and Prince Zeal begin the journey to the Cave of Mirrors. The journey is uneventful, with only mild annoyances along the way with Cottonee getting stuck in Zeal's fur, and the pair arrive at the cave in three days. They are greeted by Hakamo-o, who immediately get pounced upon by Zeal. After Ralph informs Hakamo-o that Ralph is here to evolve, the Dragon-Type takes Ralph into the cave to speak with Kommo-o.

Kommo-o greets Ralph and asks for his son and Zeal to go to Hakamo-o's room while he speaks with Ralph. He warns Ralph about the potential consequences, of how evolution might wreak great havoc upon his mind, and asks him if he truly thinks he's ready to face his flaws and take on the trial ahead. Ralph resolutely says that he's ready, and goes with Kommo-o to one of the mirrors.

Upon entering the mirror, Ralph sees a banquet hall, filled with various foods and drinks, with a large, obscure figure at the opposite end of the hall. The figure welcomes Ralph, and encourages Ralph to partake of the delicacies. Ralph tries to resist the urge to eat, wanting to make sure he stays focused on the tries, but it grows increasingly more difficult to do. Eventually, it gets too difficult for Ralph to resist picking up a skewer. However, with extreme will (And his lucky hat), Ralph musters the strength to throw away the skewer and continue to starve for the sake of the trial and his friends. This angers the figure, and it morphs into a grotesque beast (Preta) before battling Ralph.

In a fittingly ironic finish, Ralph swallows down the combatant, a representation of his hunger, after a long battle. Then, he is presented with various mirrors, each of different Types. He approaches one of the mirrors, and he begins to evolve, becoming a unique Normal/Psychic Type Snorlax.

Meanwhile, during Ralph and Zeal's three-day trip, Brooke works with Blaze, and getting a little bit of assistance from Squirtle, to collect materials necessary to create a forge and improve his new knife, while Tucker works at the daycare and, with Pangoro, finally manages to finish setting up the daycare section of the Team Cheer base. Tucker often gets the children to help him tend to the garden, which awakens a few vague memories of his human life, and has the children help make a sign for the base.

During the three days, Florence also ends up returning to Savan Town from Seaspray with Noibat. Florence starts assisting Riley with the creation of his guitar and learning how to play it.

5 days after Ralph and Zeal had left for the Cave of Mirrors, Tucker wakes up to a cracking sound and watches as the egg hatches into a sabre-toothed. stripy Poochyena pup. After it hatches, Tucker cuddles the puppy and cleans the eggshell off of it. After a while, he leaves the puppy with Lizard to get some milk for the puppy from Miltank.

### Session 91 - The Perils of Puppies

After exiting the mirror, Ralph looks back towards it and sees himself, along with a few familiar sights: His human self, Preta, and the Tree of Possibilities he'd seen during his dreams/meditating. After that, he goes to see Kommo-o, who seems to be having some moss medication applied to him by Hakamo-o and Zeal. Hakamo-o is shocked at the change in size, Kommo-o is surprised at how Ralph's height and appearance is different from most Snorlax, and Zeal is, as usual, 100% on board with it. Kommo-o also presents Ralph with the remains of a stasis box that Team Cheer had seen in the cave the last time they were here, offering it to Ralph as he would likely have better use for the materials than himself. After accepting the remains and receiving some supplies, Ralph and Zeal leave the Cave of Mirrors to return to Savan Town.

During the several days it takes for Ralph to return to Savan Town, Tucker focuses intently on taking care of the puppy, and everyone else suffers from the consequences of a teething pup munching on everything and everyone as Tucker attempts to try to teach it not to bite everything. Brooke eventually asks Tucker if he's come up for a name for the puppy, or if the puppy is a boy or a girl. Tucker just lets out a bark of "Puppy is puppy", completely dodging the question due to being in a more feral and excited state due to the new puppy. Brooke shrugs and just says that they'll call it "Puppy" for now, and leaves Tucker and Puppy alone as he goes with Squirtle to continue working on the forge. Hotdog, after waking up, is amused at the sight of the pup...until the pup bites his muzzle, and he leaves to go to work.

Tucker, realising even in his feral state that the puppy needs something to chew on that isn't alive or important, puts the puppy into his bag and looks around the town to find something.

Brooke has some breakfast at the clubhouse with Squirtle before finding Blaze to ask him what to do today. Blaze tells them that, unfortunately, he is too busy today to continue working on the forge himself, but the forge is now almost done, and basically just needs a drill, metal, and a grindstone. He also asks Brooke if he really wants the horn to be forged into a knife, considering he may evolve into a larger species and might end up wanting something like a sword later. Brooke answers yes, as seeing Team Gallant made him realise that weapons have their own perks rather than just using his teeth and claws. Blaze acknowledges Brooke's words and says that, in order to get the rest of the materials for the forge, it would be best for Brooke to acquire such things in Seaspray, and to put building the forge on hold for now. Brooke nods, and decides to spend the day helping out Blaze again, now with Squirtle.

In the afternoon, Ralph and Zeal return to the town. They quickly see Florence again, who is curious to hear the story of Ralph's bizarre evolution. Ralph says he might do so another time, but he'd best report to Brooke first, and starts to look for him with Zeal and Florence's aid. They start by going to the clubhouse, shocking Raize and Hotdog with Ralph's new look. After telling the two that he evolved, Ralph is quickly shoved out of the clubhouse by Raize, insisting that seeing Mawile to show her his new appearance is more important than reporting to Brooke.

Ralph does as Raize requests and goes to see Mawile. Mawile is happy to see Ralph return, and happy to see that he's returned as himself, just stronger. Their discussion quickly turns from relationship matters to research, as they both start discussing examining a Bronzor from Claydol's Cairn to try to determine exactly how the Bronzor in the cairn function, and then they decide to head out to show Ralph's team his new form.

As the two reach the clubhouse, Pangoro has come downstairs and can *immediately* recognise that the peculiar Snorlax is Ralph. Brooke also comes out, along with Blaze and Squirtle, to see Ralph's new evolution, and is mostly shocked that Ralph is shorter than the average Snorlax. Blaze lets Brooke and Squirtle know that they're finished for the day, and returns to the closet to consolidate all of their work. Pangoro also informs Brooke and Ralph that there is something he needs to tell Team Cheer about once Tucker is able to pull himself away from the puppy. Brooke leaves to go get Tucker so that Pangoro can explains ASAP.

Brooke finds Tucker at the base, unsuccessful in his attempts to find a good chew toy for the puppy. He gets Tucker to snap back to a less feral state, and Tucker goes to leave the puppy with Lizard before leaving with Brooke.

Tucker and Brooke arrive at the clubhouse after a meal has been prepared to have as Pangoro briefs the team, and Tucker immediately goes for the food after realising he hasn't eaten yet. After everyone enjoys a bit of food, Pangoro begins to explain why he asked the team to come here: He wants to make sure that the team always has someone able to properly take care of the puppy if they are to leave Savan Town for anything, due to the danger of being a Pioneer, and also requests that they at least come up with a plan as to what would happen to the puppy should the team be unable to return. Tucker explains that, considering their more peculiar appearance, and the fact that the egg the puppy was in was kept in a stasis box, that there must be some reason as to why they were kept in the box, and that the puppy probably shouldn't be kept with the other daycare kids, at least as they are. Tucker asks Brooke to assist him in trying to train the puppy to be a bit more manageable. Brooke agrees to it, and Ralph also agrees to help however they can in training them. However, Pangoro chides the team somewhat for immediately assuming that the puppy must be "trained", as if they are already some feral creature, and suggests getting the puppy acclimated to others might be for the best, as Tucker, even if he doesn't intend it, might not be the most capable at taking care of the puppy. Pangoro suggests that Miltank and Krookodile could potentially offer some assistance, causing everyone to be surprised, or maybe Simisage and Simipour as the orchard would be a less dangerous environment for the puppy to be in. After that, Pangoro leaves the team to their meal, again requesting that they inform him of their plans for the pup before they next leave Savan Town

As the team resumes enjoying their meal, Noibat approaches the team, and requests that, when they next go on a mission, that they let Noibat join them. The team had discussed the idea before, and are more than happy to let Noibat join them when they next head out, even if they're likely to end up needing a few days to determine what to do with the puppy before doing so. After explaining that they'll likely go to Seaspray Town, which Noibat is disappointed by, Florence then chimes in, suggesting that he'll join them in that case, at least to serve as a guardian (On paper, at least) for Noibat so Raize won't be as concerned for Noibat's safety.

## Seaspray 2: To Aid A Shaymin (Session 92 - Present):

### Session 92 - Lineage

The group ponder what to do with Puppy and, eventually, decide that they should ask Miltank and Krookodile to look after Puppy, due to the spa being a very calm environment, and there being plenty of nutritious milk for the little puppy. Tucker is hesitant to leave them with someone else, but, after Pangoro had remarked on how the team wasn't taking a good approach to encouraging Puppy to become civilised, he realises that it's likely for the best. They return to base for now, with Squirtle and Noibat following them, and rest for the day.

The next day, Team Cheer heads to the spa to ask Miltank and Krookodile if they would be fine with it. They agree to it, one more enthusiastically than the other, and Miltank quickly prepares a milk-soaked rag for Puppy to alleviate their frequent chomping issue (For a few days) before returning Puppy to Tucker for now. Tucker also makes a mental note to try to recall getting a durable chew toy for Puppy.

A few days later, the party leaves Savan Town and visit Mudbray's Ranch while on the way. Mudbray lets them stay for as long as they like, although Ralph will now have to sleep outside, and the Team offers to do any menial chores Mudbray would like help with as thanks. Brooke and Tucker decide to go and visit the Alcazar wreckage, while Ralph relaxes on the ranch.

Upon arriving at the wreckage, Tucker and Brooke sit down and reminisce on what had happened here: Of rescuing Mudsdale, of facing off against Mistress Salazzle, and of Tiber taking over Riley's body, leading to the battle against him at the Cave of Mirrors. While they feel bad about all of the Pokemon that likely were trapped under the collapsing structure and met with a cruel fate, they should not let the mistakes of the past continue to drag them down, and instead at least take pride in how they're improving, since, as Augmentation says within Brooke's head, "Growth is the Mark of Kings". After a few more moments of reminiscence, they return to the ranch, and help with sheep wrangling before getting some rest.

The next day, the party is sent off by Mudbray, and the trek to Seaspray continues. Noibat immediately shelters their ears in Tucker's fluff and Florence asks where the group is going to first. They answer Florence's question and begin walking towards the library. They arrive without issue and quickly find Luxray, due to them immediately needing to silence Florence. Tucker informs Luxray that they'd heard about Luxray being a member of the Archivists, and asks if he could possibly know how to remedy the situation of the comatose Shaymin. Luxray, shocked that they'd learned such knowledge from Articuno, shoos out anyone else in the library and closes the library before answering. He confirms their statement to be true, and states that he could take the group to the continent where the Great Library is, but they would need to go through a place known as the Dragon's Path. He then directs his attention to Noibat, who he believes would be able to take the group through the path, due to being a Dragon-Type. Luxray explains that they could reach the path by visiting a ceremonial gravesite guarded by a Dragon Pokemon. Noibat states that he doesn't know such a location, but, however, Florence and Luxray do, and explain that there is such a gravesite north from Seaspray, near a place known as the Cinderfall Forest. Luxay agrees to join them and they all leave right away.

The party follow Luxray along the coastline, and spend a few days walking along said coast, noticing as they travel that a storm seems to be approaching. As they reach higher and higher elevation, they notice cinders falling down from the sky, indicating getting near to their destination. Soon, they come across a set of dragon bones, and soon notice a cave filled with similar bones, one of the entrances to the Dragon's Path. Luxray enters the cave and focuses on one of the sets of bones buried in the floor, explaining how many Dragon-Types will choose to die at the entrances to help ward off weaker, more cowardly Pokemon from coming across the Dragon's Path. He then tells Noibat that, here, Noibat must let the team enter the path. However, Noibat and the team struggle to come up with how exactly to do such a thing. Tucker suggests using the Power of Connection to try to help Noibat connect with the spirits of the late dragons in the cave. Brooke and Ralph attempt to assist with their own abilities, and, eventually, Noibat starts to glow, and, with a cracking noise, the cave seems to change, becoming the Dragon's Path.

After everyone adjusts to the new surroundings, Luxray explains that, now, they must locate the council and request permission to continue on their way. They approach a pair of glowing red eyes in one of the tunnels, and come across a Haxorus. The Haxorus attempts to attack them, only for the attack to be blocked by a teleporting Kirlia, sending it flying by making their attack collide with a metallic orb.

### Session 93 - The Dragon's Path

After blocking the initial attack, the Kirlia assists Team Cheer with fending off the attacking Haxorus. Upon bringing the Haxorus to yield, the Haxorus congratulates their victory, and welcomes them to the Dragon's Path, revealing this was a test. However, due to overexertion during the battle, the Kirlia passes out soon after the battle draws to a close, saying that they were relieved that "Mistress" Brooke was safe before collapsing.

Upon seeing Noibat, the Haxorus groans that Noibat should've spoken up, and they could've avoided needing to perform a "trial", to which Noibat, as well as the rest of Team Cheer, responds with confusion. They explain that, as only "the strong" are meant to be allowed into the Dragon's Path, that combat is often used as a trial or greeting between people in the path. They then serve as a guide for the team down one of the paths, their wounds quickly recovering due to the power of the Dragon's path.

As the party follows the Haxorus, Brooke carrying the Kirlia, they ask more about the Dragon's path, learning about the various bones that adorn the path from the past guardians of the path, and of the "leylines" that carry dragon energy along the path, allowing for the guardians an other dragons to quickly regenerate from injuries. They go on to explain about the value of strength among the culture of dragons, hence why the path entrances are littered with bones to scare away cowards, and why combat is used as a greeting or trial in the path. Due to this, they degrade Noibat for their lack of strength, despite Noibat's circumstances of being an orphan, much to everyone else's displeasure.

As they travel, the Kirlia regains consciousness, and Brooke lets go of them. Brooke thanks them for their assistance in the battle, and the Kirlia tells them it was no problem before healing the minor injury Brooke had sustained in the battle.

As they travel further down the path, they see more decor along the tunnels, reaching an area where bones are starting to be used as lanterns and pillars. Haxorus explains that, depending on how valued the dragon was in life, their bones may be used for a more utilitarian use.

Haxorus guides the party into a larger chamber, featuring a massive crimson crystal within, and, much to everyone's surprise, Zekrom, Reshiram, and Kyurem. Haxorus informs the trio that the group requests passage to the library. Zekrom and Reshiram, referred to by Luxray as "Lord of Thunder" and "Lord of Flame" respectively, quickly start to debate whether they should be allowed or not, and they are silenced by Kyurem, referred to as "Lord of Stasis". who states that they sense something familiar from the team, described as a "poison" which resulted in the loss of their "Lord of Balance. Upon mentioning that Articuno had suggested they come here, the discussion amid the dragons continues, until Kyruem eventually requests for "Eternatus" to be called, which the two other lords are against due to how dangerous it would be. The dragons also mention about Acolytes of "The Dead Star", which were sealed away by the dragons in the past. The team realises that they are likely referring to the entities that had been turning Pokémon into Vessels for Aspects, such as the Shaymin and Vespiquen. They also confirm Florence to also be an Acolyte of some sort.

The team continues to plead to be granted entry, explaining that they are against the Acolytes that the dragons are associating them with, stating that they did not wish for these abilities, but are glad to at least now have a way to refer to these entities. Brooke remarks that Team Cheer seemed to be doing more to deal with the Acolytes while all these big powerful dragons are "hiding" in here, which provokes them into explaining that they stay here in order to ensure that their power doesn't accidentally cause disastrous consequences outside of the Dragon's Path, and to ensure that the Dead Star is prevented from getting inside the path. Eventually, the dragons agree to let the team enter the library together, despite Zekrom's suggestion to keep Toxtricity "for assurance".

Luxray proceeds to guide the party through one of the tunnels. As they do, the Kirlia finally formally introduces themselves as Rhyda. They state that they are familiar with Tucker, Ralph, and "Mistress" Brooke, the latter of which causing confusion for all of them. Brooke requests that Rhyda not call him ""Mistress", which Rhyda agrees to do, substituting it with "My liege", much to Brooke's dismay. Rhyda is then asked why they intruded on the battle, or why they are insisting to refer to Brooke as if they're nobility. They dodge the latter question, and are incredibly vague when answering the former, saying they are simply fulfilling their duty to protect Brooke. The team leaves the questioning at that, and decides to simply accept Rhyda onto the team. Luxray then states that the team should save the chatter for later, as they would not want to be found by "the warden".

Eventually, the group reaches another dead end, this one having an amethyst floor, and, like with how the team entered before, Luxray requests that Rhyda open the way. Rhyda agrees to do so, and causes the floor beneath them to glow with various glyphs. A few seconds later, there is another noise, and the party finds themselves now in a cylindrical room. One of the first things they see is an elderly Alakazam, who looks at Rhyda with an annoyed scowl.

### Session 94 - A Labyrinth of Knowledge

Alakazam welcomes Rhyda back, and scolds them for going against an "agreement". Rhyda says that doing such was a "necessity", though Alakazam doesn't believe that too much. He then also comments on how peculiar it was for the group to have been granted access to this place so easily rather than just being imprisoned, especially Florence, considering how willing the "Lord of Condemnation" is to imprison even their supposed allies. Putting that matter aside, Alakazam welcomes the entire group to the Library of Clairvoyance, and informs them that he has been aware of the group's existence fro a while due to Rhyda's "stalking", as he puts it.

Alakazam guides the group out of the room and into a reception area. As they move, Brooke asks Alakazam if they know why Rhyda was intent on observing them, though he dodges the question and instead explains that Rhyda wasn't able to observe them all of the time, with her clairvoyance sometimes losing visuals or audio. He also explains that, despite how one may assume that Psychic Types might attempt to use clairvoyance or telepathy constantly, doing such is considered not only poor manners, but focuses far too much on the mind, when the body needs just as much training to keep a Pokemon healthy. Tucker, curious about the extent as to what a Pokemon can learn via telepathy, asks if telepaths are able to read emotions as well as thought, to which Alakazam and Luxray explain that, for most of the telepaths working with the Archivists, reading emotions is difficult, as most there study the teachings of Uxie, the being of knowledge, rather than Mesprit, the being of emotions.

Putting the topic of Psychic Type abilities aside, Brooke asks who exactly Alakazam is. He answers that he just goes by Alakazam, though a lot of Archivists are starting to take on names from the books they read, using a Noctowl named Archimedes as an example. Tucker then asks if the Library of Clairvoyance is located anywhere in the regular world, or if it was something situated in another world like the Dragon's Path was, to which Alakazam explains that the library is located on the Mist Continent, although the building is sealed off, making exiting via normal means near-impossible.

The group soon arrives at the reception hall, and suggests that the group registers themselves at the reception desk. After all, they won't be able to access the library's contents without a library card. One of two Indeedees at the desk presents each of them with a contract that basically reads that any damage done to texts taken out by an individual will result in a fine, and any permanently-lost materials will result in having to answer to "Head librarian Mewtwo". The group signs their contract in their own way and hand them back to the Indeedees, each receiving a card.

After receiving their cards, the group begins their search to learn what exactly has happened to Shaymin, and to find someone who can help. While navigating the library, they learn that, in this space, even non-Psychic Types can walk alongside walls similarly to as if using telekinesis, provided their mind doesn't simply limit them to only walking on the floor. During the search, Ralph also decides to look for books that could help him learn how to use his new Psychic Type capabilities. Brooke also notices Florence seemingly looking for something unsurely. Upon being asked, Florence explains that he's wondering what to look for to make songs about. After explaining that, Luxray states that, though the rest of the group are allowed to, Florence cannot take books out of the Library, and any attempts to do so will result in whatever stolen texts returning themselves to the library, as well as the person's library card. In addition, without a library card or somebody with a card to assist you, access to the library is difficult. Alakazam also warns Tucker specifically to remember to present his library card if anyone questions him, as Dark-Types cause concern among the residents due to being unable to be sensed by Psychic-Types.

Ralph eventually comes across a book to teach him how to use psychic powers...in the children's section of the library. After perusing all of the educational manuals, they decide to find a book to about distilleries. He eventually comes across such a book, which detailed how to create a distillery, and all of the ingredients and recipes for various alcoholic beverages, as well as proper conditions to store everything in.

Deciding to keep the book with him for now, Ralph then goes to ask a Beeheeyem monitoring the library for directions towards a book detailing the construction of a Bronzor, hoping it could help Mawile with her research. The Beeheeyem escorts him to the Physiology section, and points him to the appropriate shelf. While reading about it, Ralph asks the Beeheeyem about creating Pokemon like Bronzor, to which they explain that producing such constructs is very rare nowadays, meaning any "constructed" Pokemon are often remnants of the "old world". Following this, Ralph starts to gush about Mawile, while Beeheeyem skimmed through a bunch of books. After enough gushing, Ralph reads further through the book about Bronzor to determine how to get a pre-made construct to operate. He determines that a reason that it is inactive may be due to lack of power. He also learns of a Pokémon that resided in the Library who has researched constructed Pokemon like Baltoy and put their findings into a book, explaining how they are so highly-advanced that it would be simpler to create a functioning stasis box than to construct a replica of one of these Pokemon .

Tucker, with Luxray walking with him to make sure he's fine navigating the library, reach a section of the library dedicated to emotions. While exploring the section, they come across a pair of Meowstic having a tea party. Tucker cautiously approaches, getting a bad feeling from them, and the pair vanishes with most of their tea set, remarking "Oh, Tofu's playmates" before they leave, which makes Tucker think about a certain other Psychic-Type feline which used similar terminology. However, he is also gifted with some tea cakes, which helps him ignore the concerns for now. Luxray gets Tucker to refocus on what they were here for, and teaches him how to take books out of the shelves, the books seeming to attach to paws like magnets should you wish to remove them from the shelf. Tucker asks Luxray if he knows if there are any books that could help Tucker learn more about emotions, or where he can locate Mesprit to learn how to better control his emotions. Luxray apologises and explains that the section is more focused on the psychological aspects of emotions, but a book in a different section will likely help them to locate Mesprit. The two also notice that, strangely, a large portion of the section are missing, which Luxray is especially confused by due to there being a limit on how many texts one can take.

Luxray and Tucker decide to consult the Indeedees at the reception desk about the missing books. They check the records and explain that a large portion of the texts were withdrawn by Hatterene, who's infamous for holing up somewhere private with a bunch of books, and weaving defences around them using their psychic powers. The Indeedees suggest asking the head librarian to assist them with locating Hatterene and retrieving the books from them, and the two quadrupeds begin to walk up the tower to consult them.

As the two travel, Tucker asks Luxray out of curiosity about who "Head librarian Mewtwo" is. Luxray explains that they are a Pokemon with near-unmatched psychic powers, who was likely around since the creation if the tower, if not before. Then, they are greeted by a Malamar, which had been watching the party's searching in silence until that point, and seems happy to see Luxray return to the library, although Luxray doesn't seem to remember them as well as they remember him.

Brooke goes with Florence to a section dedicated to mental ailments to try to determine what exactly Shaymin is suffering from. Brooke grumbles about wanting to fix whatever happened to the Shaymin, partly out of guilt for being unable to help, and also to get revenge on the Acolytes that manipulated Shaymin the way they did. Florence then decides to tell Brooke a story:

"A long time ago, someone foolish decided that they needed to be strong. And an even bigger fool, sought only to fool 'round. To live their days easy and lackadaisical. So one dreamt, and one sang. Brothers, though you would never think so. and one caught the eye of someone very powerful, though you wouldn't think it at first glance. A spirit free, and a heart warm, tends to draw such individuals together. And yet, where one knew joy, the other knew jealousy. The tale does not end kindly, as you may guess. One slew the other, but now no-one could say which brother was which. Both were marked. Both had fought. And, in the end, both of them sang to try to win favour of that powerful someone. 'Course, they said one brother did terrible things to get what he wanted, while the other gave all they had from their heart. And they gave and they gave until they could give no more, and could only take in turn."

Brooke listens intently and sighs, remarking about how corrupting yet necessary strength is.

Eventually, Brooke and Florence arrive at the Psychology section and start their search. Some of the texts are much more difficult to understand than others, some even using the Unown script. Brooke eventually comes across a book of mental ailments and, through skimming through it, learns that what the Shaymin might be experiencing may be a result of psychological trauma. Another book goes into further detail about what exactly trauma does to an individual's psyche. Likely, when the mentally-unstable Shaymin suddenly suffered immense physical trauma due to their flower being torn off from their neck, the Shaymin's mind entered a catatonic state. Though Brooke struggles to understand the more technical terms, he can understand that trying to resolve this will indeed require an expert in fixing said trauma, and he and Florence turn their focus to locating such an expert. While asking around, Brooke learns that one such expert is Hatterene, and that Hatterene was supposedly the one that tended to Rhyda's psyche when they were first found.

Rhyda, meanwhile, searches for any books detailing the Dead Star. After taking the name literally and failing to find anything in the Astronomy section, Rhyda comes up with two other places they might find it in: The Forbidden Knowledge section, which they don't know how to access, or in the Legendaries section in a tome describing the Lord of Balance who sealed them away. While on the way, they are stopped by a Grumpig asking if they want to hang out with them and some friends to do an experiment, which Rhyda quickly declines (Explained in the "Player's canon RP" channel on the Discord server, posted November 13th 2022).

Rhyda reaches the appropriate section and has difficulty locating the book due to being very unfamiliar with the section. Eventually, she comes across a book detailing the "Aspects of Existence", a hypothetical concept that describes various "pillars" that are believed to hold existence together. If one such pillar was to be removed, they must be replaced or else existence may fall apart. While the book mentions that most of these "pillars" are embodied by known legendaries, there are some that seem to lack a physical form and, as such, have less power over the world than the others. Hypothetically, anyway. They then try to find a book about Arceus, only to find a religious text, as well as a scroll from someone ranting over the only book about Arceus being said religious text. Deciding that they don't have too many ideas left besides the Forbidden Knowledge section, she decides to join up with Brooke.

### Session 95 - The Master Librarian

Ralph finishes up his research and leaves the Physiology section to rendezvous with Brooke and ask if he needs help. While searching, he decides to loom over an Exeggcute and Spoink, because why not, but they weren't as surprised as he hoped.

While everyone navigates the library, they all end up reuniting and sharing what they have found. Ralph mentions that he's pretty much content with what he's found, while Tucker brings up how he's going to consult Mewtwo about locating Hatterene. Ralph recognises the name "Mewtwo", due to his memories of his technological background, but Brooke and Tucker don't really recognise the significance of that name themselves. The group decides to all go together to see Mewtwo, as they've all mostly completed their searches, besides Tucker.

As the group all travel upwards together, they are greeted by the Malamar again, who asks them what they're doing. During the exchange, Malamar ends up calling Rhyda "Chalkboard", and hypnotising the party to see Rhyda as a chalkboard, for some reason. The Malamar also finally explains why they know Luxray: Luxray apparently left the library with a certain feline and said that they were never intending to return. Tucker criticises the Malamar's "friendly" behaviour, which seems to amuse the Malamar even more, chiding Luxray for not teaching Tucker more about "Type inclinations", and that they're just being friendly in the way Dark-Types tend to be. Ralph manages to scare Malamar off by drinking from the water bubble Malamar floats around in, and they resume their ascent.

Soon, the group reaches the stained glass-like ceiling of the library, and decide to knock on the ceiling, unsure of the protocol when it comes to meeting Mewtwo. After Florence shouts "HOUSEKEEPING!" through the glass, the panes slide to create an entryway for the group to fit through. They pass through the entrance and enter a cozy-looking study/personal library with a desk and an empty seat, and a fireplace with a lovely, lavender blaze within. Then, all of the group, minus Tucker, are telepathically greeted by Mewtwo , who is tiredly lounging on a sofa. They compliment the group for the amusing way that they dealt with Malamar, saying that it was understandable that they rubbed the group the wrong way. They also don't immediately notice Tucker, but, once he notices Ralph repeating his sentences to Tucker, apologises and hands Tucker a twisted spoon, which seems to allow him to hear Mewtwo's telepathy.

The group tells Mewtwo that they were here to locate Hatterene and assist Shaymin. However, before Mewtwo focuses on that topic, he notices Florence and acknowledges them as an Acolyte before bringing out tea and desserts for the group, as well as telekinetically creates custom seats for everyone. while they enjoy a pleasant teatime, Mewtwo chides Florence and teases him by saying "Is Meloetta not returning your calls?". Florence grumbles angrily at Mewtwo revealing his secret so casually like that, and the rest of the party are confused, causing Mewtwo to casually tell them that Florence is an Acolyte of Meloetta, annoying Florence even more. During the discussions, Ralph has a private telepathic discussion with Mewtwo to confirm theories that he had about how a Mewtwo could exist in this world, as well as other unknown topics.

Eventually, the topic returns to Shaymin. Mewtwo says that he would help with Shaymin himself, but is unable to leave the library. As such, he decides to assist them with locating Hatterene, even if it will be a hassle to do so. He explains that they hide away in the library due to how sensitive their species are to the emotions of others, which can easily result in violent outbursts. He manages to locate them, and tells the group that he will open up the first of Hatterene's "defences" for the group, and that they'll need to manage through the rest to reach them, and should do it as quickly as possible for everyone's benefit.

When the group is ready to begin, Mewtwo conjures up an elevator within a doorway, and the group enters. Conversations over various other topics continues as the party descends down the tower. Like Ralph, Rhyda also starts to have private telepathic discussions with Mewtwo, but is seemingly having as much luck at extracting information from Mewtwo as Ralph is, due to him answering questions very literally and concisely. However, one such question causes Mewtwo to halt the elevator and request that Rhyda wait for Hatterene to be collected before he answers one such question, which Rhyda agrees to do, as certain matters need to be attended to beforehand. Then, the descent resumes. Tucker also asks openly if he could learn to use more Psychic Type abilities to help him in learning to control his emotions and better understand others, to which Mewtwo answers that, while not impossible, it'd be difficult to learn such abilities due to the nature of Dark Types when it comes to psychic abilities.

After all questions are asked, the elevator comes to its final stop and the doors open, revealing a grassy plain that's being tended to by Exeggcute. However, when looking upwards, it becomes clear that it's an internal greenhouse, which Mewtwo calls "Hydroponics". They show the group around the area, where they can see the various forms of plantlife that are being grown and used to create food via having Solrocks and Lunatone provide the energy required for the plants to photosynthesise, and having Exeggcute and Exeggcutor tend to the plants due to their affinity for plants. He guides them to where Hatterene seems to have holed up, and warns the group again that the defences will be rather tricky to deal with, though not lethal.

### Session 96 - Hatterene's Labyrinth of Illusions

As the group prepares to enter, Mewtwo states that, due to circumstances, they will not travel with the party, and also forbids Florence from following, due to Florence being Florence, despite Florence's farcical fury at the thought. He lets the group know that, should they fail to breach the defences, they'll likely just be spit out somewhere else in the library, and will be able to retry as many times as they want.

The group enters into a dim hallway that smelt of the books that they were searching for, and are greeted with a foreboding mist. The group travels through the hallways and passes through an archway, ending up in an area reminiscent of a garden, with vines growing along the archway. As Tucker and Rhyda end up passing through the archway, two pedestals arise, each possessing objects the two wanted (A squeaky Tucker plushy and an Arceus encyclopaedia respectively). While the items on the pedestal WERE tempting, the group realises they are likely illusions, and ignores them.

The group presses on and reaches a kitchen area with all of the furniture pushed to one side, and a slice of cheese in the centre of the room. Ralph immediately goes up and eats it, despite everyone else's caution. Or, at least, attempts to...before Rhyda teleports him away from the cheese. While lamenting the fact that he is not allowed to each cheese, they are greeted by an upside-down Noctowl hanging down from the ceiling who starts assailing them with "terrible" cheese puns. Puns that aren't very *gouda,* and could drive you *em-mental* if you are forced to bear with them for a *provolone-*ged period of time (Not too easy to make puns in text). While Ralph and the Noctowl have their tete-a-tete about *le fromage*, the rest of the group continues to push on, and Ralph (unfortunately) has to follow them and say farewell to the *cheesy* avian, Archimedes.

Next, the group comes into an even mistier area, featuring a black stone statue of a Corviknight with ruby eyes. As they look around, Tucker approaches the statue, and everyone suddenly hears a very familiar chuckle as an oversized version of the Mightyena that led the Shadow Scavengers stepping over the statue. Tucker is quickly petrified from fear, and Brooke and Ralph order him to hide behind them while they try to get rid of the Mightyena. Rhyda realises that it must be an illusion made to represent one of their fears, and approaches the illusion, with Ralph doing the same. As they try to fend the illusion off and see it change shape and size mid-fight, Ralph and Rhyda get the idea to use their own psychic abilities to create their own illusions in this area, Rhyda producing illusory clones, and Ralph attempting to increase his size to combat the beast while Brooke continues to comfort Tucker.

Despite Rhyda and Ralph's best efforts, the illusion soon focuses on Tucker and tries to reach for him. Via a last bit of comfort from Brooke, and a fusion of Calm Mind and Heal Pulse from Rhyda, Tucker's fear starts to lessen somewhat. Then, due to a clumsy slip-up from Ralph, the Corviknight statue breaks apart, and the illusion promptly vanishes. As everyone starts to calm down, Brooke apologises to Tucker for not noticing that the fear still lingered and not trying to deal with it sooner. Tucker thanks Brooke for trying to calm him down, and says that the apology is unnecessary, steeling his resolve for the next time he has to face such a fear again.

The party tries to press on, and end up being turned around outside the labyrinth again. They grumble about how frustrating it was to lose their progress, and steel themselves to go through a second time.

### Session 97 - Artistic Antics

After emotionally recovering from the *dairy*-ing (daring) encounters of the labyrinth, the group re-enter to try to find Hatterene.

The group, this time, are immediately presented with a staircase. As they travel down the staircase, Brooke leading the way, gravity seems to flip on them, causing them to start walking on the ceiling. Already being used to this from navigating the library, they avoid thinking about it too much.

Brooke happens upon a trap door and, while attempting to open it, falls through into something resembling an art room. He warns the others of the impending fall, meaning the rest of the group aren't surprised as they fall in. While examining the room, they see various forms of pottery, and even what looks like an unfinished version of the Corviknight statue that gave them a nasty surprise during the first attempt to navigate the labyrinth. Tucker spies a bag of usable clay and decides to take it for himself, while Rhyda looks in a kiln and comes across a clay mask. Rhyda tries to put on the mask, though the mask's muzzle was long enough to make it somewhat uncomfortable to wear, and notices that footprints could be seen through the lenses of the mask.

After examining everything they wanted, the team check the two doors they could go through: An east room that somewhat warm, and a west room that smells of paint. Rhyda and Brooke check out the east room, containing a forge with various tools and example products, all organised neatly with labels upon them. While they do find various pieces of equipment such as tongs, they don't find much of use, despite Brooke's hope to find a grindstone to add to his forge, though he does find a drill he hopes could serve some purpose. Meanwhile, Tucker and Ralph check out the west room, containing various paintings, drawings, and other canvas-based art pieces, along with the tools to create them, like how the other room focused mainly on pottery and statue-making. Tucker, excited by memories of arts-and-crafts from back in school, runs around the room checking out everything, while Ralph idly muses over how much pasta is used on canvases rather than as food. Tucker yoinks even more supplies, including canvases, paints and pasta, to the point that his bag is fit to burst, while Ralph tries to draw Mawile like one of his Kalosian girls.

Brooke and Rhyda head over to the other room to see the child and child-at-heart having the times of their lives with art supplies. Brooke starts chuckling at Tucker's excited ramblings over the art supplies and macaroni he found, while Rhyda confusedly wonders what macaroni is. Ralph also shows off his self-proclaimed "degenerate" pinup portrait, which there is little reaction to besides critiquing the awkwardness of the pose.

Suddenly, everyone is caught off-guard by a meow sound, which comes from the front of the room. They all attempt to locate the source of the meowing, and find an Alolan Meowth hiding under one of the desks. Most of them are suspicious of the Meowth as it is seemingly feral, while Ralph tries to get it to curl up on its belly cutely, unconcerned of how suspicious the cat is at all. Rhyda suddenly feels as if they recognise the room somehow, and try to recall just why they do. They recall them painting something for someone, but their recollection is suddenly stopped by a headache. Not noticing Rhyda's pain, Brooke tries to help Tucker spook off the Meowth with Water Gun, but Ralph tries to defend the feline, which he now has named "S'mores".

The cat starts to run off as Tucker manages to barely nip it with his teeth, and goes through one of the doors. The group follows after the cat and ends up...outside of the labyrinth again. Frustrated, everyone decides to take a break before trying again. Tucker decides to try to eat some of the tea cakes that were given to him by the Meowstic in the library, and ends up suddenly floating in the air. Mewtwo gives the party some berry juice to relax before attempting to enter the labyrinth a third time. The group explains what they found in the labyrinth, to which Mewtwo explains that the art rooms and forge were actually originally buildings in the tower, sometimes used for lessons or therapeutic purposes, including by Rhyda. He also warns Tucker not to eat the macaroni found in there as it was a...century past its expiration date.

After their rest and relaxation, the team returns to exploring the labyrinth. They immediately enter the art room again, though it has one major change: Where a large portrait of an Alolan Meowth was, there is now a door. They decide not to mess around in the art room again and go straight through the door.

Upon entering the next room, the team is greeted by the potent smell of chemicals as they enter an area resembling an apothecary. Ralph is very excited to see a room filled with various different chemicals, and everyone else immediately decides to press on much to Ralph's displeasure, since the room's smell is too unpleasant.

The next room bares similar resemblance to the previous one, containing various ingredients and a large cauldron in the centre that's being stirred by itself. Rhyda searches for and locates some goggles, and also locates some notes on a clipboard. It features various shorthand terms, which Ralph can figure out a few of, and explains that the substance in the cauldron allows the transmutation of items, and warns the readers not to use the cauldron without permission. Rhyda immediately tosses the goggles into the cauldron, which the cauldron changes into a set of differently-shaped goggles crafted with different materials. Their curiosities peaked, Rhyda throws in an empty glass vial, creating a class box in the process, Ralph asks Tucker to borrow a macaroni to throw in, which turns into a tiny rubber tyre, Brooke throws in a citrine gemstone and receives an equally-sized diamond. Brooke then decides to bring in some adhesive from the art room, and gets a slightly stronger glue. Noticing the amount of liquid in the cauldron going down, Rhyda throws in a copper ring and gets an iron ring in return, and then Ralph finally throws in the star-metal piece he got in Drizzle Woods, which uses up the rest of the cauldron's fluid, and explodes, leaving the unchanged star-metal piece. With the cauldron completely used up, the group decides to go through the door Tucker had found while the others were experimenting, Ralph having more difficulty than the others due to how small the door is.

The next room contains 3 different pedestals, each with a book placed upon it: One named "Fantasy Land", one named "Grim Tidings", and the last being named "As A Leaf Before the Storm". Rhyda checks the various passageways in the room for a clue on which passageway to go down. Unfortunately, the only difference between the passageways are footsteps from one of the passageways which go towards one of the pedestals. Brooke opens the book called "Grim Tidings", and the room suddenly darkens, only lighting up again when the book is closed, which is when the party finds themselves in an unfamiliar setting: A dark, ominous-looking town with decrepit trees pointing towards the full moon. Seemingly, they have been brought into the book.

Before Brooke can ask anyone if the setting spurs any memories, an ominous figure comes out of the shadows with glowing eyes and a menacing grin. It approaches the party with jagged motions, being illuminated by the moonlight to look like a strange, living scarecrow-like creature. The team retreats into the town and tries to find somewhere to hide, only to find all doors locked besides an illuminated house at the end of the street.

### Session 98 - Return of the Bufflax

As the team runs towards the illuminated house, they notice that their surroundings seem more like a painting than real life, with a limited palette of darker colours and red, minus the spots illuminated by moonlight.

As the team is chased by the strange scarecrow-escque entity, Ralph, wondering if he can fend off the creature, stops and attempts to fend it off with Lick. However, Tucker looks back and sees Ralph vanish in a puff of smoke as soon as the creature makes contact with him. Upon noticing that he stopped, and distance between him and the others was quickly increasing, Tucker uses Shadow Sneak, narrowly missing an attack from the creature, and quickly catches up to Brooke and Rhyda despite how peculiar navigating the shadows in this area felt compared to the real world.

The creature quickly closes the gap between it and the running trio, and grabs Brooke, dragging him into the shadows. This causes Rhyda and Tucker to try to attack it with ranged attacks, Rhyda using Confusion to stun it, and Tucker attempting to use a meld move that combines Dark Pulse and Fire Fang which seems to ignite the entity. However, this only stops the creature temporarily before it whirs back to life and screams.

Meanwhile, Brooke and Ralph find themselves back in the alchemy lab before the room with the three books. Ralph got an idea to, using the art supplies, add a totally awesome totally-not-self-insert character who's super cool and super brave and super strong and super handsome to fend off the creature to give Rhyda and Tucker time to escape.

As the creature seems to close the distance again to try to attack, it is then suddenly knocked away by a giant sword as a cartoony, buff Snorlax swoops in to save the day. The two are immediately struck with confusion, though Rhyda prepares to assist with aiding their saviour in defeating the monster while Tucker tries to calm down and analyse the situation. However, the creature continues to survive despite the dashing hero's best efforts, making Rhyda realise that it'd be pointless to keep fighting, and they go with Tucker into the illuminated house. As they exit, their glorious saviour is defewated, and Ralph weeps over his amazing character being removed from the book.

Tucker and Rhyda then find themselves in a cylindrical room filled with various books along many shelves, and, upon one of the shelves, is Hatterene. They calmly read through a book while commenting on how they didn't expect anyone to get through all of their defences. They ask why the team went through the effort to go all this way to meet her. Tucker informs her that his team had come here to try to cure a Shaymin with a broken mind. The Hatterene comments on how familiar that concept sounds while glancing over at Rhyda, musing over how they hope that the Shaymin's mind wasn't as broken as Rhyda's was when they were found. They state that they have just concluded their study, and will return the books they have collected from the library as per usual, including the books based around emotions and restoring broken minds that the team had travelled here to obtain.

Ralph and Brooke see a door suddenly appear before them, with Hatterene walking out with a line of books floating behind them. Then, Tucker and Rhyda exit the door as well, who are relieved to see the two attack, Rhyda especially running over to Brooke immediately to check for injuries. Hatterene compliments Brooke for their choice of a book to navigate besides Fantasy Land, which is apparently the most common choice made by others, though Brooke responds that he only grabbed the book that was closest to them rather than caring about the contents.

The group then follows Hatterene out of her labyrinth back to Hydroponics. Ralph remarks to Hatterene about how this labyrinth reminded him somewhat of the situation with Espurr in the Snorunt Hamlet. Hatterene suggests that what they experienced at that time may have been the result of a strengthened, more complex version of the move Wonder Room, though it is only a hypothesis.

Mewtwo, getting up from a lounging position, welcomes the group back once more and congratulates them for actually reaching Hatterene. He tells them that, if they're tired after all of those excursions, that he can conjure some more food for them. Rhyda goes with Hatterene to discuss matters in private before they get the answers they want from Mewtwo, and the rest of the group all settles down for a picnic while Ralph discusses the mechanics of creating matter using psychic power with Mewtwo.

During the picnic, the group, now with Florence and Luxray again, is reunited with Noibat, who comes to the picnic with food made by him and Alakazam. The team praise him for the food, though Nobat bashfully undersells his own contributions. Brooke ask out of curiosity over how long they they have likely been in the library, to which Alakazam and Mewtwo explain that, likely, including the time travelling through the Dragon's Path, they have likely been in here for 8 hours. The group is shocked about how they still don't feel exhausted then, since they hadn't rested in at least 24 hours in that case, to which they are told that the general energy of the library assists in keeping Pokémon awake. Brooke suggests that the team needs to rest before they leave the library, which Alakazam agrees that they should do.

As the picnic draws to a close, Mewtwo gets up and brings the team to a bedroom for them, while Alakazam goes to collect Rhyda.

(Note: In the "Players-canon-rp" channel of the Discord server, Rhyda and Hatterene had their off-screen conversation with each other. The contents of the conversation included an more-indepth explanation of how Wonder Room could be manipulated by the creatively-minded to create spaces such as Hatterene's Labyrinth or the Espurr's Box, which intrigues Rhyda, who wonders about trying to practise such concepts. After that, Rhyda asks Hatterene as to why they seemed so familiar with them, and are told of how Hatterene was the one to restore their mind to the best of their ability. Rhyda thanks Hatterene for what they did.)

### Session 99 - The Dark Star

Alakazam collects Rhyda from their conversation with Hatterene, and informs them to go to their room as well. After exchanging some final pleasantries with Hatterene, Rhyda agrees to do as Alakazam requests and goes to their room, occasionally spying on Team Cheer through their orb between periods of sleep.

Meanwhile, after taking in the appearance of the room Mewtwo has provided, everyone else goes to their own somewhat-personalised bed with little conversation and rests, the exhaustion that they should've been feeling throughout their time in the library catching up to them.

Everyone wakes up in accordance due to their own internal clock due to no windows to let in natural sunlight. While most of the Pokémon that wake up are content to just stay quiet to let the others rest as they please, Noibat wakes up and immediately goes to wake up Florence, leading everyone else who was still asleep to start waking up as well. Brooke tells everyone that, since everyone's up, they might as well leave the room and get ready for the trip back. Rhyda also gets up and leaves their own room as they see everyone awake through their orb, standing right outside of the team's room once they finally get around to leaving.

Rhyda guides everyone to a kitchen-escque room where food can be served to those who can't bring the food over to themselves. The team enjoys a hearty breakfast, some having more fun playing with their food than others, while Rhyda questions the chef, a Gallade, regarding the specifics of how they evolved. Sometime during the breakfast, an Indeedee walks over to bring the team a letter from Mewtwo, telling them that he'll be ready to give them information whenever they're ready to come up to his abode. Everyone cleans any crumbs or food fillings off of their faces and leave the room.

The group climbs to the top of the tower to meet with Mewtwo. Mewtwo lets them know that they had been sleeping for roughly 2 days, much to their own surprise. He then brings the group to the section of the library that contains "forbidden" books. Rhyda is the most eager to enter first, and everyone follows after them into the space. However, as Florence, Luxray and Noibat try to enter with the rest of the group, Mewtwo shuts the door on the three.

The team sees a blinding white, silent space filled with moving tessellating cubes, and are guided by Mewtwo towards a series of containers that constantly changes form. Brooke asks Mewtwo why Mewtwo's allowing them to examine texts that a very small few in the library are able to read, to which Mewtwo retorts that, even if he only met them 2 days ago, legendary Pokémon tend to be very good judges of character due to either their own powerful abilities or servants in their domain that keep an eye on things, so they can trust the team enough to give them the knowledge without much concern. After explaining that, Mewtwo sighs and begins to tell the team about the Dead Star:

The Dead Star (or Dark Star depending on your preference) is an artificial creation, much like Mewtwo. A mechanical system stored in a satellite created in the ancient past that became much more powerful than was ever expected, requiring the power of many legendaries to so much as compete with it, let alone defeat it. During the process, many of the legendaries made efforts to destroy any semblance of those that created it, burying them far beneath the land and sea to limit the chances of them resurfacing and recreating such a device. When Brooke asks for what purpose such a thing was made for, Mewtwo could only say that all that they knew was that the Dead Star desired to "bring order to the world". Once it and its servants were defeated, the satellite it was contained in was sent further into the reaches of space, orbiting the planet from a further distance. However, despite their best efforts and their hopes, they could not confirm that the Dead Star was ever fully defeated, only injured, and that Team Cheer and their Aspects are causing concern to many of the legendaries that it may return and try to act upon its goal once more. Ralph, putting the information he's heard together, realizes something: The creators of the Dead Star...were humans, and the reason that humans no longer exist in this world is due to humans being wiped out during the attempts to defeat the Dead Star, leaving the only traces of humanity's existence being the artificial Pokemon created by them, and the ancient ruins of their civilizations. Ralph then comes to another hypothesis regarding their being here: They weren't sent into a new world, but instead brought far into the future via currently-unknown means. After all, the chances of another world containing a Mewtwo that looks exactly like the Mewtwo Ralph can recall from his memories of his human life are near impossible. Mewtwo then reveals his own hypothesis as to how the Dead Star acquired so many servants: Mewtwo knows of one of the servants, which has the ability to travel through time. The Dead Star must be using them to bring in servants of its own from other times to aid them, much like how the world itself pulls humans into it in times of crises to aid in saving the world.

Brooke then recalls a memory of his past, where he'd been berated for hanging on to his old partner, Scales the Totodile, while they were trapped in a valley instead of sacrificing themselves to let him escape. He recognizes now that that voice was Mewtwo, and chastises them or those harsh comments, but thanks them nonetheless for how their words changed his life going forward, and, as thanks for that, promises to help however he can to stop the Dead Star. Tucker and Ralph agree, also not wanting to help the Dead Star achieve its objective. Mewtwo explains that they doesn't have as much information as they'd prefer, but do know that, even if the Dead Star is too damaged to do anything about, that there are various facilities around the world created to interact with it, though some are in better states than others, which should be recognizable via streams of light pulsing through the facilities like veins, one such facility potentially being Claydol's Cairn. Mewtwo warns them that, should they go to these facilities, that doing so will be incredibly dangerous, and servants of the Dead Star will likely attempt to get in their way.

Tucker also explains to Mewtwo about how the servants have been bestowing "gifts" to Pokémon and giving them Aspects. Mewtwo is frustrated by this and grumbles about "The Mirror" still being around. They go on to explain that, based on what Tucker has told him, that Shaymin was likely being used as a form of incubator to grow these "gifts" to give to other Pokémon and imbue them with Aspects, with Team Cheer being implanted with their Aspects before first awakening, hoping that the growing curiosity about their peculiar abilities tied with the isolation that they could've felt from other Pokemon would eventually lead them into also becoming servants of the Dead Star. Brooke tries to say that the Dead Star clearly miscalculated by thinking that he, Brooke and Tucker would end up in such a state, to which Mewtwo responds that their plan might be more complicated than Brooke is giving them credit for, and the team will likely be continue to be manipulated by the Dark Star and its servants as much as they deem necessary.

Mewtwo offers Team Cheer one piece of aid: He offers to give them all a "mark", which will grant them access to the library, and also grant him the ability to locate each of them whenever they want, for better or for worse. Unfortunately, that is the most that he can provide, as his ability to confer power with others clashes with the power of the team's Aspects. Specifically that his ability to 'make acolytes' is not the same as the more divine sort of Legendary Pokemon. The team agrees to receive these marks. Mewtwo also warns them that, while it should hopefully persuade most legendaries to leave them be should they traverse the Dragon's Path again, that it will be unable to persuade Eternatus, who is VERY adamant over the Dragon's Path only being used by Dragons. In addition, he requests that the team keep this information somewhat private, for obvious reasons, which they agree to do unless they deem someone to be potentially helpful and trustworthy enough to be given this knowledge.

During this entire conversation, Rhyda is trying to decipher all of this information, not understanding how they could possibly have memories of Brooke if they were not only humans, but from a completely-different world entirely. They remain silent throughout most of the conversation, and only speak up again upon the discussion of receiving marks from Mewtwo, which they are the only one to respectfully decline.

Before the team leaves the space, Mewtwo decides to ask the team how exactly their Aspects have been treating them. Upon explaining how each Aspect has treated them, Mewtwo comes to the conclusion that, even if they are servants of the Dead Star, they act independently and hold at least some form of care for their hosts. Mewtwo then wonders why exactly the Dead Star would require specifically Pokémon with Aspects to aid them, rather than just using the Aspects themselves as servants, but ultimately decides that they can come to no conclusion on that subject at this point.

After completing their discussion, Mewtwo brings the team back to the office. They see Florence and Luxray boredly watching Noibat parody things he has heard from Alakazam, and the three are caught off-guard by their return. The team thanks Mewtwo for their help and leave the office, Mewtwo taking away the spoon Tucker had been using to hear their telepathy, and decide to now start the trek back to Seaspray to help out Shaymin.

Rhyda seems to thank Mewtwo for answering their question privately, and follow after the team with the first smile and chuckle they have ever let out, satisfied at the answer they received. As they follow the team, they then ask the team to let them join the team more permanently to continue to serve Brooke and learn more of their origins, which the team happily agrees to. Brooke then recalls the promise they made to Noibat, and tells them that he'll talk to Raize and Pangoro again about letting him join the team, which he thanks Brooke for but seems somewhat more hesitant of than before.

### Session 100 - Incarceri Sanguis (Imprisoned Blood)

The team, having completed their mission, finally head for the tower exit. During the travel, Noibat tries to pry the information the four had gained from Mewtwo, Luxray and Florence realize that, if it was truly important to hear, that they'd have already heard it from them. Noibat eventually gives in, and starts thinking back on how this journey was done solely to help the one Shaymin, which confuses them about why exactly Team Cheer was going so far out of their way. Brooke explains to Noibat that Shaymin's current state is, at least in part, their doing. So it's not only cleaning up the team's own messes, but also being the 'best team' (as Ralph would put it) by going above and beyond to help others.

Upon arriving at the exit of the tower, the group see Alakazam and Hatterene, as well as a quartet of Luxray. Alakazam was waiting to see the group off, and Hatterene was here to obviously join them to Seaspray in order to assist Shaymin. As for the latter, while not much is said about who the group of unknown Luxray are, what the Luxray the team knows says speaks volumes enough: "Clearly, the ones that used to be my family have no reason to talk to me anymore. I would say it's a shame, but I have no regrets."

The teleporter to the Dragon's Path activates easier than it did the other way around. Brooke recalls the path back to where they first met vaguely, and leads the way. As they travel, they notice the path being strangely darker than the last time. Tucker can sense something very dangerous looming over them, and notifies the team about it. Hatterene explains that that should be expected, as the dragons are on especially high alert due to something slipping into the Dragon's Path after the team travelled through it.

As the team proceeds, they notice that something seems off about the path, as if it is distorting as they travel. At one point, Noibat asks the team if anyone had heard something, which puts some on edge and causes them to keep their ears peeled. Soon, they hear a low hiss, and come across a terrifying sight: A large, looming skeletal dragon, saying "I've found you" aloud in a hushed tone before reaching down and attempting to grab everyone one by one. Hatterene tries to say something, but suddenly vanishes, and everyone else tries to run away as fast as they can. Rhyda attempts to grab Tucker and teleport them away, only for their Teleport move to fail for some reason, and the both of them get captured.

As they run away, Ralph manages to successfully impede the pursuer's movements with paralysis from Lick, though they are still able to keep up with the perceived "intruders". After a point, Noibat starts to slow down, and it is made apparent that the pursuer has no interest in capturing Noibat, due to them being a dragon. Brooke encourages Noibat to try to do anything they can to hopefully slow the pursuer further, but Noibat panics and laments that he wouldn't be able to do much of anything. Then, before anyone can react, the creature captures both Luxray and Florence, one after the other. Realising how close its gotten, Brooke attempts to freeze it with Ice Gun. Brooke's plan is successful, and the pursuer's body gets frozen to the ceiling temporarily, giving them some extra time to make distance between them.

Once the pursuer breaks free and resumes their chase, Ralph comes up with another plan to try to impede them: Using Metronome, they use the move Dragon Hammer, and knock it into the ground, trying to feign being a dragon to dissuade them, to little success based on their reaction of "Imposter". The creature soon gets back up, and captures Ralph as well.

Noibat notices a potential escape route via a climbable passageway in the ceiling of the path, and Brooke manages to make their way up into the passage. Thankfully, this seems to cause the pursuer to lose track of them, and the two get to have a moment of reprieve.

Meanwhile, during that entire chase sequence, Tucker, Rhyda and Hatterene have been examining their surroundings: A dark room reminiscent of a jail cell, the only illumination being that of dim crimson crystals on the stone that makes up the walls. Hatterene is visibly upset, cursing the "Lord for Condemnation" for not caring about the pact between the Archivists and the dragons. She explains to the duo that the being they had just encountered is known as Eternatus , and they serve as the prison warden for the Dragon's Path. They can sense a great number of emotions within this jail, which is causing them immense discomfort. While Hatterene tries to cope, Tucker tries to pass a single paw through the bars via Shadow Sneak, and is able to pull his paw back in as a small insect-like creature reminiscent of Eternatus attempted to pounce onto where the paw was. Rhyda recalls the lens they had picked up in Hatterene's Labyrinth, and uses it to determine what kind of footsteps the creature has, seeing X-shaped footprints with large distance between them as if the creature either moves via leaping or climbing on the ceiling.

Rhyda attempts to break down the jail door using their orb, though it achieves nothing but denting one of the bars and aggravating nearby prisoners. They do the same again to even less avail, and then Rhyda and Tucker hear Florence and Luxray's voices, sounding to be in a nearby cell. Tucker calls to them, and they both respond with relief that Tucker, Rhyda and Hatterene are in relatively good condition. Florence attempts to shake the bars, and is surprised by one of the creatures pouncing at him again. They cannot recognize the species at all, and assume that these must be the "Dragon eaters" that he'd heard various stories about.

Then, suddenly, Ralph spawns in and falls on top of Florence, beginning to explain what happened while Florence begs for Ralph to get off of him. He does as Florence asks, and explains to everyone that he hopefully managed to give Brooke and Noibat enough time to get away. Then, Tucker explains to Ralph about the situation they seem to be in.

To prepare to try to take down the jail door again, Rhyda attempts to use Lucky Chant, only to find out that the stones that make up the cell seem to be preventing them from using it. Tucker checks on Hatterene, who's currently going over all of the abilities that they can't seem to call upon due to the crystals, and offers to try to help calm them down so they could help in the group's escape. Hatterene agrees to it, and then Tucker uses Empathy and Sympathy to try to reduce the burden Hatterene is experiencing, Rhyda trying to aid in the process as well via a combination of Calm Mind and Heal Pulse. Rhyda finds that their attempt to assist doesn't work, but Tucker's, due to not being conventional powers, are able to function, and he takes on some of the stress and impulses that Hatterene is trying to suppress. Hatterene looks up at Tucker and Rhyda and apologizes for requiring their assistance, but agrees to help, explaining that, if they cannot get a dragon to open the doors, then they must force the doors open.

Hatterene explains that, in this area, veins of dragon energy are travelling through everything, including the bars. As such, if something were to disrupt the current flowing through the bars, that the bars could end up breaking and give them an opportunity to escape. She suggests that, once Ralph breaks down the door to his, Florence and Luxray's cell, that Rhyda teleports over to Ralph, believing that the close proximity and Ralph being a Psychic Type should aid in the move succeeding this time, and assist them in breaking out. The group then realizes that, should Ralph, Rhyda, Florence and Luxray distract the "guards", that Tucker should be able to slip out of his own cell and aid in the escape. Tucker worries over how Hatterene will get out, to which they explain that they will likely be unharmed should they remain in the cell, so they can wait for the others to escape and get them out through another method.

After strengthening himself with Belly Drum and Rest, Ralph begins the plan with a Dragon-based Metronome and uses Dragon Hammer to dent the door to their cell. Then, Florence follows it up by knocking Ralph through the door with a Thunder Punch. The sudden Snorlax busting through the door startles the guards and causes them to back away from the busted cell. As Florence prepares to serve as a distraction to anything that may approach, Tucker and Rhyda Shadow Sneak and Teleport to Ralph respectively. However, Tucker's attempt to Shadow Sneak seems to be interfered with by the energy of the area, causing increased difficulty while navigating the shadows, and alerting Eternatus to their escape. As they get out of the shadows, they find themselves not ending up with Ralph and the others, but instead next to Brooke and Noibat, startling all involved.

### Session 101 - Jailbreak

Once Noibat is finished screaming in terror at the sudden appearance of Tucker, Tucker tells the both of them about where he just came from. They both tell Tucker that they're glad that Tucker managed to escape, and explain about how they had managed to hide in a cavern to escape Eternatus, Noibat joking that his ability to locate this hiding spot was due to some "Dragon powers". Brooke requests that Tucker try using Connection to try and give them an idea of which direction they need to go to to locate the prison, and asks Noibat to put his joke to the test and see if he could sense a congregation of energy that could indicate where the prison may be, or sense the presence of Eternatus if they get too close to them.. Tucker manages to sense Hatterene, though, due to the unique circumstances of the environment, all he can sense is that they are on the same level as Hatterene, and a general direction of where to go. Then, the team begins their search for the prison.

The three immediately reach a fork in the road, with Tucker sensing that both paths will end up leading to the prison. After choosing a direction, they press on and come across a large pit. As they can't walk around it, they go backwards and take the other path, leading to a downward slant and another fork in the road. Tucker and Noibat hear a hissing sound from one of the paths, and decide to travel down stealthily towards the other remaining pathway. As they sneak, a rock comes lose and alerts the Dragon Eater that the hiss originated from, but it fortunately doesn't notice the stealthy trio, allowing the three to press on.

The path eventually levels out, leading to another fork in the road. while 2 paths are immediately obvious, Noibat also senses another path up on a wall that the three could scale, which could lead back to the other side of the pit they saw before. They decide to follow that path, Tucker climbing onto Brooke's back as he climbs up the wall. As they reach the top and get to the other side of the pit, another sound alerts a Dragon Eater, but they again don't notice the team and scuttle away, giving the opportunity to once again press on.

Meanwhile, as Ralph, Rhyda, Florence and Luxray continue their escape, they are soon stopped by a group of Dragon Eaters. Ralph attempts to try to scare them off, though to little avail, meaning the group has to fend them off, Florence and Luxray fending off some while Ralph and Rhyda work together to fend off others. As they battle, they all notice how the power of the prison seems to drain away any methods of strengthening themselves, impeding their combat ability somewhat. Realising this, Rhyda focuses on supporting Ralph and aiding his attacks with Psychic, due to Ralph's Belly Drum not having fully worn off yet.

As Tucker, Brooke and Noibat press on, they seem to enter the prison, walking along a pathway with a view of many Dragon Eaters roaming about below them. They see a Garchomp attempting an escape from the prison, only to be quickly assailed by the Dragon Eaters and tossed back into their cell after they're incapacitated. Trying not to let the sight concern them, they press on, soon reaching a cell block like the one the others were kept in. Tucker warns Brooke and Noibat about avoiding touching the bars or any crystals that resemble the bars, due to how they absorb attacks. The two take note of Tucker's warning, and approach a ladder that could bring them down to a lower level.

(Note: Between Session 101 and 102, a Glimpse was written by Karserus and Eragon over the span of March 21st 2023 and April 8th 2023, regarding Riley travelling to the Cave of Mirrors to evolve. This can be read on the following page: "Riley's Self-Reflection")

### Session 102 - Wer Luyos Batobot Nkyorific (The Fate That Awaits)

Upon reaching the bottom of the ladder, Tucker, Brooke and Noibat suddenly overhear a voice speaking in an unknown tongue. They approach the voice and see Eternatus on a lower level from a ledge, seemingly speaking something in front of a cell as strange beasts, likely guards despite being different from the Dragon Eaters, rise from the earth and guard the cell. Eternatus them seemed to move away from the cell in disdain. Curious, the three ponder whether to approach the cell and find out who is being given such attention. They ponder how to get down, as the cell Eternatus was speaking too was 3 levels down, but Tucker then recalls the cakes the Meowstic had given him, and suggests he and Brooke eat them to try to stealthily float down each level while Noibat flies down.

Meanwhile, Ralph and Rhyda are continuing to try to fend off their share of the Dragon Eaters. During the conflict, Rhyda gets knocked out. However, upon being knocked out, they soon rise back up with an unhinged smile, and tosses Ralph, who was using Rest at the time, at the targets using their psychic powers as they resume combat.

As Tucker, Brooke and Noibat climb further down, they recall the sentries Eternatus left, and decide that the best choice would be to ambush them, so they use their currently floaty nature to their advantage and take the sentries by surprise. After they take down one of the sentries, the trio suddenly hear a voice from within the cell also speaking in an unfamiliar tongue, the prisoner having seemingly woken up. Focus is kept on the one remaining sentry and, once they cease moving, Tucker, Brooke and Noibat turn towards the cell to see who the prisoner is.

The prisoner looked to be a rather frail and small Sawsbuck, seemingly around the size of a Deerling, with bare antlers and a thread woven between them. The Sawsbuck tries to speak to the three, but, after the language barrier is made clear, they simply insist that they just keep going and leave them there. Brooke agrees to do as they ask, which gives the Sawsbuck some relief. They point upwards, assuming that they were in the process of escaping, but, after Brooke clarifies their reason for being here, the Sawsbuck seemingly apologises, though the three can't understand the Sawsbuck's words. Brooke pauses for a moment and decides to try to give the Sawsbuck an Escape Orb, since Eternatus seemed so interested in them. The Escape Orb dissolves as it passes through the bars, and the bars fade away, still giving the Sawbuck their "escape". However, the two sentries start to recompose themselves, which encourages the group to hurry to a lower level before the sentries can follow them. The sentries do attempt to do so, but are much slower due to needing to reconstruct themselves each time they fall to a lower level. As they continue running, the Sawsbuck offers what seems to be their name: Lyre.

### Session 103 - Something Lost, Something Found

Following the absolute decimation of the Dragon Eaters at the hands of Rhyda, Rhyda goes over to the bodies and begins to tear them apart, planning to use their stingers for weapons, and their plating for potential armour. Ralph proceeds to do the same, seeing the potential use behind using such things and also planning to try to research just what the Dragon Eaters are, and the only one visibly concerned about the idea is Florence. After looting as much as they wanted, the group leaves the area to try to regroup with the others.

The group is soon presented with 3 paths to go down. Rhyda attempts to try to sense Brooke to determine which direction to go, and proceeds to follow a sensation down the leftmost path, with Ralph, Luxray and Florence following suit. They come across another split in the path, one way leading towards a block of cells that seemed to be naturally forming in the caverns. They start to hear more Dragon Eaters from behind them, and Ralph gets the idea to cave in the path behind them using Metronome to slow them down. The result ended up being Rock Slide, and the plan worked like a charm, ignoring the loud sound that most likely told the Dragon Eaters exactly which direction they went in. The group then pushes on down the path containing a more developed cell block than the other. Travelling further, they soon come across a pair of stairways, both leading to lower levels, and an archway that seems to just lead to nothing besides a wall. Ralph ponders why exactly that is, but escape is obviously much more important, so they proceed down one of the staircases. As they push on, however, Luxray confirms that there is actually a room beyond that archway, despite the wall blocking the path to it.

Meanwhile, Brooke and Tucker proceed to follow after Lyre. They pass by an area with shackles dangling from the wall, and a skeleton hung by one of those shackles. Then, they come across a room filled with statues depicting different Dragon Types that look a *biiiiit* too realistic to have just been regular statues. Tucker can sense via Connection that their friends seem to be on the move, making determining which path to go a slight bit difficult. Tucker also notices that Lyre seems strangely sad looking at the statues, and asks if Lyre recognises them. Lyre struggles to answer in words that Tucker, Brooke and Noibat could understand, eventually settling on calling the statues a "cage". The group soon decides to go down a path to the east, which leads to a large pit reminiscent of one Brooke and Tucker saw in Claydol's Cairn. As they ponder what to do, Lyre walks towards the pit, and seemingly starts to walk on the air before looking back at the group with confusion. Noibat also remarks with confusion to the two, asking if they can't see the red threads that form a bridge along the pit. Tucker and Brooke figure that the threads must only be able to be seen by Dragon-Types, which Lyre currently is due to the use of the move Camouflage, and follow Lyre's lead, walking on the threads that are invisible to them. As they travel, Tucker starts struggling to maintain the use of Connection, but can at least sense that the others are close. They press on down one of the paths on the other sides of the pit, which...leads to yet another pit. Tucker and Brooke attempt to keep walking, but are promptly warned by Noibat that there are no threads forming bridges over this pit. Noibat suggests that they could jump down, as they think the pit isn't too deep, which Brooke immediately does. Fortunately, Noibat was right, and the worst Brooke had to face was a stinging sensation as a thread barrier blocks his fall after falling a few feet.

Soon, the two groups reunite in a sequence of the same pits. Ralph, Rhyda, Luxray and Florence, having no idea about the thread barriers, are left to determine their own way to cross. Rhyda and Hatterene, sensibly, teleport and float over, the pit respectively, while Ralph, insensibly, proceeds to yeet Luxray and Florence across the pit. Ralph then runs and attempts to leap over the pit, managing to succeed thanks to Rhyda using Psychic to levitate Ralph the rest of the way across the pit. Once each of the groups start to see each other, Rhyda immediately rushes over to Brooke to check if they're OK, paying no mind as to how they are seemingly walking on nothing. Brooke informs the others about how his group broke one of the prisoners free, which immediately concerns everyone except Rhyda. As Brooke explains, Tucker hands Lyre one of the two remaining tea cakes to eat so that they can both float down onto the threads and meet up with the others.

Upon seeing Lyre, Florence seems shocked, and proceeds to try to ask who they are. However, before he can, a roar shakes the room, and something crashes into the threads they are all standing on. Realising time's up, Brooke immediately tells everyone to leave, heading towards the southernmost exit of the room. Ralph, noticing that Lyre seems exhausted, proceeds to pick up Lyre as they move. They proceed to a lower level, with Ralph trying to provoke nearby prisoners to try to start a riot as they do. His provocations start somewhat, giving them some extra time to run as prisoners start attacking nearby wardens. They are given further time by Lyre using their last remaining strength to use Aromatherapy before passing out, further distracting the guards and calming the group sightly.

Brooke suggests to Tucker as they run to attempt to connect with someone outside of the prison to determine what direction to go. Tucker requests some assistance to help him with trying to use the power across such a large area, and Hatterene and Rhyda offer their psychic powers as aid while Brooke assists using Augmentation. Ralph buys further time during this via blocking the path behind them with Stealth Rock. Thankfully, Tucker manages to use Connection to be able to locate Riley, giving Tucker a guide out of the prison. They can also sense a strange power, and Tucker tries to call upon it. He calls for everyone to move close to him and, using a combination of Dark Pulse and Shadow Sneak, as well as requesting Brooke to bite him to let an adrenaline rush power him up further, attempts to teleport them out. At first, it struggles to work, and requests that Brooke bite harder to try to incur more pain to strength his emotions further. Then, hearing that, Rhyda gets the idea to use Synchronise to force some of the turmoil occurring in Rhyda's mind in their unhinged state currently onto Tucker. That manages to do the trick, and everyone is pulled into the shadows and pulled out of the prison.

As they press forwards through the shadows, the group hears Eternatus, travelling through the shadows as well in an attempt to stop the escape and reclaim their "prize". Lyre's body seems to glow in the shadows, and they slowly regain consciousness. As they do, a note rings out, which seems to ward off Eternatus a bit. Ralph, noticing this, tells Florence to try to play the threads strewn across Lyre's horns to further ward off Eternatus. There is difficulty at first, as plucking the strings seems to pain Lyre, which causes Florence some manner of stress. However, upon the second attempt, Florence manages to play a song, further pushing Eternatus away. Brooke, uttering an insult at Eternatus and how his immense ego makes him a terrible leader, uses Augmentation to slow Eternatus further, giving Tucker even more time to get everyone out of the shadows and out of the prison. Eternatus makes a last ditch effort to grab for the group, but it is to no avail as everyone finally exits the shadows.

Everyone is brought out into the Cave of Mirrors, and Eternatus follows suit.

### Session 104 - The Pact

The sudden intrusion into the Cave of Mirrors alerts the Pokémon already inside the cave, and they come to investigate where the team suddenly appeared: Kommo-o, Lizard, and a now-evolved Riley (For context, read the Glimpse posted on the Discord server between March 21st 2023 and April 8th 2023, or read it here on the page "Riley's Self-Reflection".). Riley immediately chastises the group for somehow incurring the wrath of Eternatus within a week of Riley's decision to watch over the base, and asks what in the world happened. Ralph gives a brief, incredibly vague explanation, before asking for someone to try to help Lyre, who is currently unconscious in his arms. This confuses Riley, who is currently blindfolded due to a heightened aura sense, and can't accurately sense Lyre's aura while Eternatus' aura is so overwhelming.

Then, Eternatus starts to rise, though does so uncomfortably due to the cave being somewhat small to him. Eternatus orders the group to return Lyre to him, as per the contract they'd made long ago. Only then do the group notice Eternatus' mention of a contract, and Brooke tries to ask what exactly that contract is. Eternatus explains that "Life"'s side of the deal was to provide a "prisoner eternal" to "stem the tide of light and steel" and ensure he is "alone nevermore", or, in plainer terms, provide a companion for Eternatus to ensure they aren't lonely. Team Cheer isn't amused by this explanation at all, Ralph remarking how it's no wonder why Eternatus needs to keep prisoners as companions if this is how they go about it, Riley quipping about how typical it is for a god to only try to "play fair" when losing, and Brooke critiquing the conditions Eternatus is keeping their "companions" in. Eternatus disregards their words, claiming they have no right to complain about their methods. They then turn to Lyre, and repeat for Lyre to come back, adding that, if they don't, "a day as dark as night" will happen once more, "extended for a thousand years". This seems to leave the Sawsbuck torn. However, Team Cheer continues to speak up for Lyre, Rhyda saying that other gods would rise up to stop Eternatus should they try to go through on their threat. Eternatus' gaze focuses on Rhyda, saying that "uncaring gods" would not dare break the contract just to save them.

During the back-and-forth between the two, Eternatus decides to propose another deal. This seems to worry Kommo-o, who tries to step in to calm Eternatus down by offering to return Lyre, but Eternatus merely entraps Kommo-o in claws that erupt from the earth to silence him. RIley once again quips how Eternatus isn't playing fair now that they're not getting what they want, which Eternatus ignores. Eternatus says that, for a single fortnight each year, Eternatus will let Lyre be free from their imprisonment. However, in exchange, they request an Acolyte to serve as their distributer of retribution and justice, as, despite Eternatus'...less positive traits, he *was* imprisoning those who would likely be dangerous should they be released. Specifically, they request either Rhyda or Tucker become their Acolyte, each due to the suffering they have felt at others being able to be used as a drive to mete out justice. Rhyda steps forward and agrees to become Eternatus' Acolyte, provided Eternatus understand that, to Rhyda, Brooke will always come first. Tucker, meanwhile, denies Eternatus' request, refusing to agree with Eternatus' mindset of determining justice by themselves just because they suffered. Eternatus seems confused by the words, remarking how they wouldn't expect their Acolyte to always be right, as they themselves admit to not be always right, but Brooke speaks up to say that Tucker has made of his mind and will not be convinced otherwise. Brooke then asks Rhyda if they're sure that they want to go through with this, to which Rhyda answers that, if it will help them protect Brooke, then they're more than happy to go through with it.

Eternatus then goes on to explain why exactly they tried to imprison Team Cheer: Because they could sense the team's connection to the Dark Star. Brooke critiques Eternatus for trying to imprison them when they've yet to do wrong, which Eternatus retorts to by saying that many before them have claimed to be "stronger", like the team, but succumbed to the Dark Star's influence in the end. Tucker then speaks up, remarking on how he thinks that Eternatus is assuming the team knows better than them to be willing to critique them. However, it is because the team is aware of their limitations, and won't let pride get in the way of their judgement, that they won't succumb and do harm to the world like the past vessels did.

Realising that the argument would continue ad nauseum at this rate, Eternatus digresses, and returns to focusing on Rhyda and granting them the title of Acolyte. Eternatus leaves a mark upon Rhyda's eye using one of their claws, and then orders the team to never return to the Dragon's Path again, unless they decide to return Lyre. Eternatus releases the grip silencing Kommo-o before returning to the Dragon's Path through the mirror everyone came out of.

Kommo-o sighs in relief at how surprisingly well that conversation went despite the overall tone the team was taking with Eternatus. Then, now that everyone can talk normally, Luxray speaks up and greets Kommo-o. Kommo-o, only then noticing Luxray was there, informs him that Purrloin and Shinx had visited the cave. However, only one of them underwent the trial, but failed. After which, they said that they were returning home, likely referring to Seaspray. Luxray thanks Kommo-o for letting him know of this.

Meanwhile, the team starts to congratulate Riley on the evolution, and Tucker apologises for ruining the special day by suddenly bringing in everyone along with an angry legendary Pokémon. As Riley offers Tucker a consolatory head-pat, Rhyda's body finally gives out, and they collapse while resting on Ralph's side. Deciding to leave Rhyda be so that they can rest, attention turns to Tucker, who's eyes are now both inverted, much like how a single one had inverted during the expedition to the north. He explains that, like before, he can't see normally, though it's even more of an issue now that it is both eyes rather than only one.

Kommo-o offers to let the team rest in the Cave of Mirrors so that they don't need to find another shelter after the journey they all went through, though grumbles about how often he's needing to do this. Hakamo-o then steps out, asking Kommo-o if it was safe for him to come out now that Eternatus is gone. Kommo-o says that it is fine, and further grumbles about how he's glad Prince Zeal wasn't here at the moment, and instead searching for berries, as he likely would've done something overly reckless. He requests Hakamo-o to go search for Zeal while he brings everyone to some bedding to use. Luxray offers to keep watch, and proceeds to loaf where they were standing as everyone goes to get some rest.

Hakamo-o soon returns with Zeal, who is surprisingly able to be quiet while some are trying to sleep. Kommo-o speaks to Brooke and Ralph, who are currently still awake, and remarks on how long they must've travelled if they were navigating the Dragon's Path. Brooke explains that they simply wanted help from the Library, which Kommo-o nods to, though they are concerned how Hatterene will manage out of the Library. They then ask about who exactly Lyre is, but neither of them can really offer an answer. Ralph remarks on how Florence seemed to know Lyre, but Kommo-o retorts that Florence has a fair few stories he doesn't tell people, and who exactly Lyre is may be one of them. After a bit more conversation, Kommo-o walks away to check on Lyre, and Brooke and Ralph proceed to sleep.

The next day, Rhyda is the first to awaken, finally back to their senses after all that had happened during their unhinged phase. While their mind tries to recompose itself, they try to stealthily walk around the Cave of Mirrors, avoiding interacting with Kommo-o, Hakamo-o and Zeal, who were currently preparing breakfast. They idly look into the mirrors, and, at some point, notice a silhouette looking at them from within the mirror. Rhyda asks what it is, but, upon getting no response, instead decides to turn away, muttering how they're more broken than they thought. They eventually decide to sit outside of the cave entrance to relax.

Meanwhile, Brooke and Ralph are next to awaken, along with Noibat, who asks if they are now safe. Brooke and Ralph explain what had happened last night, before they are greeted by Kommo-o. Kommo-o lets them know that they should hopefully have enough breakfast for everyone, though gives a glance to Ralph as he says so. They then head to where the food has been prepared and start to eat, Florence waking up to join in while idly bantering. Luxray also walks in, and silently starts to eat.

While Rhyda relaxes outside of the cave, Lyre quietly walks over and sits next to them. Rhyda seems confused initially, but doesn't tell Lyre to leave, guessing they also just didn't feel like being with the others. Then, as they both look out into the wilderness, Lyre begins to sing, the strings tied on their antlers plucking themselves as they continue. The music seems to calm all in earshot, including all within the cave. Rhyda notices flowers beginning to grow around Lyre, and plucks one to examine, noting how small and fragile the white-stemmed flowers are, but how vibrant the colour of the petals are. Following plucking the flower and letting in fly in the breeze, Hatterene then joins the two, remarking on how Tucker's transportation caused them to end up a bit off-course from their intended destination of Seaspray. Rhyda responds that Team Cheer likely doesn't mind that, and how they look forward to being able to feel such a way through travelling with them. After more conversation, Hatterene then heads back inside to wake up Tucker.

Tucker wakes up as Hatterene comes to awaken them due to Lyre's song resonating through the cave, and seems a fair bit better than yesterday due to the song's calming effect. He greets Hatterene, who informs Tucker that he should best go get food, as there's now a good distance to travel to reach Seaspray. Tucker apologises for bringing them out so far from Seaspray, to which Hatterene retorts that bringing them pretty much anywhere is better than the Dragon's Path. He then goes to join everyone in having breakfast, Riley and Lizard being the only ones still resting at this point. As everyone eats, Tucker approaches Brooke and requests that they use some of the fabric in his bag to blindfold him to help him cope with his inverted vision until it wears off. Brooke agrees to do so, remarking about how he now matches Riley, who's also wearing a blindfold to cope with heightened senses, which makes Riley grumble in his sleep. Brooke wonders if this could possibly be something that can happen when Shadow Sneak is used, and suggests asking Raize might know the reason it happens, since they likely bare going to be going through Savan Town on the way to Seaspray. Kommo-o agrees to the suggestion, adding to make sure to take Riley and Lizard with them.

### Session 105 - Trials in Error

Riley and Lizard wake up and join the rest of the group at breakfast. Brooke informs the two of their current plans to pass through Savan Town to go to Seaspray, so the couple agree that it makes the most sense to join them on the way to Savan Town. As thoughts turn back to the base, Ralph teases Riley by asking if Riley had picked up any more pets in addition to Poff and Laddy, which makes Riley give a deadpan glare (Presumably, considering the blindfold.), and Tucker ponders if Puppy's kept themselves out of trouble. Brooke also brings up that it will be for the best to visit Pangoro while in Savan to report of how their journey went, omitting the details they learned from Mewtwo about the Dark Star. Ralph jokes that Pangoro might already know about what has occurred, recalling him mentioning the many spies guild leaders have observing the continent, and Hatterene admits that, even though it would require a powerful Pokemon with draconic lineage or a considerable powerful Psychic Type who knows the area's precise location to be able to access the Library, it would not surprise them if that were the case. This leads into a discussion of the scarcity of Psychic Type Pokemon on the Plains continent, which Florence and Hatterene explain is due to that Psychic Types have a propensity to stay away from particularly arid areas such as the Plains Continent.

The group prepares to leave as Luxray speaks up, asking out of curiosity if they are bringing Lyre with them. The group agrees that it may be for the best for Lyre to stay in Savan Town to keep them safe, rather than leave them on their own in the Baked Plains. Brooke suggests that Florence, who seems to know much more about Lyre than the rest of them, could take care of Lyre, which he agrees to do. Zeal then soon chimes in, explaining that he's on a mission and will stay out in the Baked Plains for a while longer before returning to Savan, though what exactly that mission is, he doesn't explain, quickly leaving with Hakamo-o without Kommo-o's permission. Hatterene then attempts to call for everyone to leave, but Kommo-o chimes in by asking if anyone in Team Cheer wants to undertake a trial to evolve while they're here. When the team declines, Kommo-o then just asks that the team be alright with being a host for Hakamo-o should Zeal bring Hakamo-o to the base with him without any due notice, which the team agrees is only fair considering all that Kommo-o has done for them.

As the group goes to exit the cave, Rhyda stands up to greet the group. Ralph realises that Rhyda likely isn't aware of what exactly the cave of Mirrors is, and explains what it is. This piques Rhyda's curiosity, and they ask for more details regarding the specifics regarding what defines if a Pokémon is ready to evolve. Upon receiving more information, Rhyda decides that they want to undergo the trial, and they go inside to ask Kommo-o to allow it. Noibat also comes with Rhyda and requests the same, while Tucker comes with to observe and ponder if they want to evolve as well. Kommo-o agrees to allow them to undergo their trials, and takes the three to a set of mirrors. Noibat approaches the mirror Kommo-o points them to and passes out. Tucker, meanwhile, simply idly looks around, occasionally catching a Glimpse of a Mightyena, and even Connection in the mirrors.

Rhyda approaches a mirror as well, noticing the silhouette again, and soon finds themselves in a dark area, much like the others had when entering the mirrors before. They feel a presence observing them from the darkness, and approach them. The presence asks if Rhyda is content continuing to serve Brooke, and, upon receiving the expected answer, they proclaim that they shall test the resolve of Rhyda's "duty", and wonder if their will will shine through.

With a snap of the presence's fingers, Rhyda has a spotlight shine upon them, and they recognise a ballroom floor beneath their feet. Then, heavy footsteps sound out, accompanied with a strangely familiar voice that remarks how Rhyda hasn't "changed at all". Then, a hammer then falls past Rhyda's head, smashing into the floor behind them. The figure then comes into view, revealing a Machoke wearing a paldron and a half-breastplate, wielding a hammer like the one that was just barely missed Rhyda. Then, a battle between the two begins, the Machoke mocking Rhyda's deservingness to be a knight and remarking on how Rhyda always uses the same tactics as the battle progresses.

During the battle, Rhyda asks the Machoke to stop referring to them with such familiarity, which seems to inspire ire in the Machoke, remarking on how forgetting about them is even worse than simply running away from the past. Soon after, the Machoke tells Rhyda that they should just give up on their duty if they're gone and forgotten everything and just run away. Rhyda retorts that they'll sooner die than give up on their duty, which causes the Machoke to utter the phrase "How did THAT work out for you?" before the area is shaken and the Machoke morphs into an amethyst-horned Nidoking. This sight seems to cause Rhyda to tremor, and they proclaim that they won't lose again. However, that bravado doesn't amount to much, as the Nidoking takes them down with a single mighty blow. The Nidoking taunts Rhyda, laughing at how Rhyda was unable to protect their mistress, and that they should come back if they want to serve a "REAL master", walking towards a throne as Rhyda is dragged away, bleeding and in tears.

Rhyda is then launched out of the mirror, the eye obscured by their hair feeling pained. Tucker sees this, as well as Noibat being launched out in a similar manner. Tucker, realising what must've happened, silently goes over to a very upset Noibat, and offers them some comfort and lets them climb onto his back before walking over to Rhyda. He asks Rhyda if they need a moment alone, and notices Rhyda holding themselves back from reflexively using Psychic on Tucker. Rhyda then apologises for that, before remarking on how the trial was much harder than they were anticipating. Tucker tries to offer comfort, saying that just mustering up the courage to try to undergo the trial means that they already have plenty of strength unlike him, which Noibat doesn't agree with. Noibat requests that, when they return to the others, they don't go into detail about what just happened, which Tucker agrees to do. Then, the three solemnly return to the others, Kommo-o seeing them and trying to reassure them that, even if they failed, they can learn from the experience and grow stronger from it for next time.

Once the three regroup with the others, they all begin the trek to Savan Town. As they travel, brooke says to the trio that, whatever Rhyda and Noibat experienced in the mirror, they don't need to talk about it, as whatever it was was likely very personal. Rhyda states vaguely that, while they are disappointed that they failed, they are at least glad that they now recall "an old friend and an old enemy" from that experience.

The first day of travel is uneventful, and the group make camp for the night. As everyone settles down, Ralph gets the idea to try cooking the corpse of the Dragon Eater he'd crammed into his bag. While the scent is rather off-putting to those that notice, Ralph enjoys eating it at least. He offers some of his cooked corpse to Tucker, who finds it as unpleasant as it smelled, RIley, who makes it clear hat he's still adamant on not eating meat by showing the salad he and Lizard had foraged, Brooke, who respectfully declines, and Rhyda, who...isn't there. Rather, Rhyda is training using Double Team a small distance away from the campsite, Noibat doing the same.

The next day of travel is also somewhat uneventful, and there is a slight delay in their travel as they choose to take a detour around the area where Team Cheer had been attacked by the Shadow Scavengers. They find a familiar set of overhanging rocks, and decide to camp under there for the night.

On the afternoon of the next day, the team arrives at Savan Town. Hatterene asks where Team Cheer's base is, and decides to travel along the outskirts of town upon receiving directions rather than go through the town itself, Lizard and Riley going with them. Brooke decides to ask Noibat how they thought of the little expedition as part of a team. Noibat admits that they wished they could contribute more than just opening the way to the Dragon's Path, but they did overall enjoy the journey. The team comforts Noibat, remarking on how, regardless of whether Noibat thinks they contributed much or not, opening the way was extremely important, which cheers them up somewhat. However, Noibat says that they realise now why Raize seemed so adamant not to let them go on missions, and hopes that they could end up as strong as the team are before leaving and going towards Raize's house.

Florence and Luxray part ways with the group, leaving Lyre with the group as they head to report to Pangoro. Lyre seems in notably higher spirits, curiously looking around the town as they walk. Once they enter the clubhouse, they notice a tantalising scent as it seems Raize had been cooking a lot of food, with the assistance of Hotdog and Blaze, giving them the idea to have some food before they report to Pangoro. Tucker notes something strange regarding his vision: Raize seems to appear more as a void, unlike everyone else. Raize, upon noticing the team's arrival, approaches them and reminds the team that, according to their new rank, they're allowed one free meal per day. Then, Raize's attention turns to Rhyda and Lyre, and introductions are made between the three, Raize getting genuinely flustered at Ralph referring to Raize as the "town mom". Raize notices the difference in Tucker's eyes, and whispers to them that they'll speak to Tucker about them before walking away to prepare food. Then, the group all goes to sit down, Lyre having difficulty understanding how to use a chair.

After a while, food arrives, and everyone enjoys a much-needed meal.

### Session 106 - Townterlude

Following the end of their meal, Team Cheer makes their way to the second floor of the Pioneering Club to report to Pangoro. As they approach his office, they can see the usual group of child terrors piling on some unknown Bug-Type Pokémon, with the exception of Larvitar. This sight reminds Tucker about his plans to renovate a room in their base to turn it into a daycare, however, other matters are of higher priority right now.

Pangoro lets the team into his office to hear their report, grumbling about what could’ve possibly happened this time. Deciding not to say the most grumble-worthy comments first, Brooke begins the report by introducing Rhyda and informing him of their plan to join the team. Pangoro takes out some paperwork to hand to Rhyda to sign, followed by a guild badge after said paperwork was signed. Brooke then briefly recounts the journey to the library, explaining how they encountered Lyre, and adding that, if they want to know more about Lyre, Florence would likely be someone who knows more details. However, Pangoro just sighs and says that, ultimately, if Lyre isn’t joining Team Cheer, their origins don’t matter, likely partly so he doesn’t feel obligated to try to force details out of Florence. Brooke continues the report, adding in how important Noibat was to their mission, and that the excursion has helped give them more to think about regarding whether they want to go on more missions. Then, they close the report by saying that their next plan after the necessary relaxation is to escort Luxray and Hatterene back to Seaspray. Pangoro is surprised to know that Luxray had decided to join them along the way, and wondered if they’d let Raize know he was here. Brooke said they hadn’t, not realising they had a connection, which makes Pangoro say that they’ll go ahead and let Raize know so that Team Cheer doesn’t have to go and find him. They also grumble about visitors that will be coming soon, which has them on edge for an unknown reason.

The team leaves upon closing their report, and finds Squirtle with Litten of all Pokémon, who seems to be practicing sign language. Brooke greets them before turning to the team and saying that, now that the reports been done, they can all go do whatever they want in Savan for now. Ralph leaves to go see Mawile with Lyre and Rhyda, who is curious to meet Mawile, as well as speak with Ralph and Mawile regarding intellectual topics. Squirtle lets Brooke know that Blaze was looking for him, so Brooke leaves with Squirtle following after him. Lastly, Tucker decides to go to the spa to check on Puppy.

On the way to Mawile's home, Ralph gives Lyre and Rhyda a tour of Savan Town, telling them of his experiences at the Post Office as they pass by it and see signs of more holes having been blown through the door while they were away.

The three soon arrive at Mawile's home, who, after making necessary introductions, immediately takes interest in Lyre, wondering about their physique and colouration which seems different from ordinary Sawsbuck. Ralph informs her of how they freed Lyre from Eternatus, which immediately catches her off-guard, and, after recomposing herself, she invites them inside for tea. Ralph hands her the sketch he drew of her in the Labyrinth, which she’s flattered by, but more focused on the incredibly-concerning story she’d just been told at that moment.

  Ralph and Rhyda explain the situation with Eternatus in more details, hoping that'd lessen her worries somewhat, which…only partly works. She puts the matter aside for now, and starts to tell Ralph and Rhyda of what she’d been doing during Ralph's trip to the Library. She informs them of her progress in researching the Baltoy in Claydol's Cairn, explaining that she managed to activate it for a few seconds before launching a Hyper Beam through the Post Office door and shutting down again.

Then, the conversation topic turns to Lyre, trying to determine if she could figure out whatever language they were speaking. Upon hearing it, she confirms that…she had no clue. It was either an extremely old language, or one so rare that it didn’t show up in any texts she'd researched. Ralph suggests trying to use telepathy to bypass the language barrier, but Rhyda explains that, unfortunately, one needs to be a really skilled telepath to be able to understand someone's thoughts beyond intent if they’re thinking in a language you don’t know. Ralph suggests that she could ask Florence about the language or about Lyre, which piques her curiosity, but she knows from experience with him that prying information from him might be more difficult than Ralph believes. Mawile, realising that Lyre can at least understand them, asks Lyre if they are affiliated with some sort of Legendary Pokémon and, upon seeing them nod, tries to determine which Legendary it was for a potential clue. After locating a book of Legendary Pokémon, Mawile shows the book to Rhyda to attempt to project various Legendaries so Lyre can answer which one they’re connected to. Through this method, they confirm that Lyre is connected to Xerneas, which is at least a step forward to determining more about Lyre.

Putting the matter aside for now, focus turns to crafting and Rhyda presents Mawile with notes taken from the Library to be able to craft the transmutation potion they’d encountered in the labyrinth. Mawile explains that making such things isn’t really her expertise, and it would likely be better to go to the bakery to find any necessary tools and ingredients. Ralph also announces his plans to try to produce a distillery in Savan Town, which does pique Mawile's curiosity to an extent. Next on the list, Rhyda presents the lens that they had received in Hatterene's Labyrinth, and asks if she could make a monocle using the lens, or some other piece of headwear so that it could be used more practically. She agrees to look into the matter more later, letting Rhyda then move on to her last request: Crafting a weapon using the pieces of the Dragon Eaters she and Ralph had collected. Again, Mawile explains that weapon-crafting isn’t her expertise, and Blaze would be better-suited for such a task.

The discussion of weapons reminds Mawile to let them know about some strange happenings in the orchard, where plants and fruit were either going missing or being chewed on by unknown forces. Then, she reminds Ralph that a full moon is approaching, and to let her know if Team Cheer would be able to escort her to check on the ruins she’d brought up before. As a last topic of discussion, she lets Rhyda know that she’s willing to house Lyre if they were comfortable with it, but Lyre seemingly declines based on how uncomfortable they looked with the idea. Rhyda says their farewells, saying that they’ll take Lyre to Team Cheer's base, allowing Ralph and Mawile to engage in wholesome lovey-doves matters.

  Meanwhile, as Brooke makes their way to see Blaze, Squirtle climbs onto his shoulder, as well as Litten who’d tagged along without seeing invited. They arrive where Blaze is and see him in the middle of a meal. When Blaze notices them, they ask Brooke if they found the materials they wanted to craft a weapon, saying it’d take a week for him to be able to make any sort of weapon. Brooke places down the diamond he’d found in Hatterene's Labyrinth, and asks if it could be used for anything. Blaze explains that, after inspecting the diamond, that it seems like it would be able to have energy stored into it to allow it to be used as a move gem, preferably for Normal-Type moves. This piques Brooke's curiosity even more, looking forward to being able to combine it with whatever weapon they decide to make. Brooke lets Blaze know that they’re planning to go to Seaspray soon, so Blaze decides it’s best to store the materials until Brooke returns in case they pick anything else up during the excursion. Blaze also adds that, despite their initial thoughts, they’ve been enjoying getting back into forging, especially since they can now make tools that they were originally missing to help out the Pioneering Club.

Brooke also asks about the visitors Pangoro mentioned we’re going to be visiting Savan Town, as Blaze seemed as if they knew about it. Blaze explains that a group akin to inspectors from other guilds are going to be coming to check on the Pioneering Club, to ensure that it is being run well. As such, most of the club is on edge, as many Pokémon have negative thoughts on the Pioneering Club, and a bad inspection could result in a change in management and Pangoro being demoted from leader and replaced with someone else. After a bit more idle banter, Brooke and Squirtle leaves Blaze to finish their meal, while Litten stays to do the typical cat thing and attempt to get some of the Charizard's food.

  During this time, Tucker makes his way towards the spa and, upon entering, sees many noticeable bite and scratch marks on the floor, walls and desk. Miltank greets them, unfazed by the scene around them, and directs Tucker towards Krookodile smiling as he plays Tug of War with Puppy, who was on his lap. Upon realising customers were here, Krookodile decides to go back to being a grouch and grumble about how Puppy was chewing on everything, including him. It takes a few seconds for Puppy to realise Tucker was back, but they quickly pounce with Tucker excitedly once they do. Tucker says that the couple can have a break from taking care of Puppy, and he’ll take over being Puppy's guardian again while he’s back. Krookodile seems grateful for the opportunity to repair the stuff they’d been gnawing on, while Miltank mentions that it should at least lessen the burden on the Florges Sisters for now. Tucker asks out of curiosity and learns that Liligant has been missing for the last 3 days, which has been a concern. As of now, they have no idea where she could’ve gone, so they can’t exactly do much about it. Tucker requests if he could check her quarters to see if there are any clues to her location, and Miltank agrees to let him check in there for now, due to the circumstances.

Krookodile directs Tucker to Liligant's room, allowing the Poochyena to examines it. Using Odour Sleuth, he ends up not finding much that could potentially give a clue besides a box with a padlock on it. Unfortunately, the couple have no idea what the combination is would possibly be, but Miltank suggests Tucker go on their way to do whatever they need to, and Krookodile can have a go at trying to figure something out before they need to leave for Seaspray. Tucker thanks them for their help, and leaves with Puppy to go to the base, meeting with Rhyda along the way.

### Session 107 - The Mystery of the Midnight Muncher

Brooke is first to arrive at the base with Squirtle. He sees Lizard and Riley entering the base, with Riley having difficulty with going inside and using Poff and Laddy as guide Pokémon. The plants that Brooke had been growing outside the base are growing as expected, still in one piece.

When Tucker and Rhyda come across each other, Tucker informs Rhyda about the situation with Lilligant, and his plan to help with finding her if the problem grows more severe. Rhyda remarks on how they find it peculiar that Tucker cares so much about "little details", and how such compassion can be detrimental at times. Tucker admits that there is truth to that argument, but says that, even if it comes with risk, that isn't sufficient reason for him to stop caring for others.

The two then enter the base as well, immediately witnessing Riley being directed into one of the base's support beams. while Riley complains to Brooke about them not stepping in to stop Poff and Laddy's shenanigans, Rhyda asks Tucker what the tiny Poochyena Tucker is carrying is. Following having Puppy's origins explained to them, Rhyda wonders if Tucker is planning to try to return Puppy to any potential family if they have it. Tucker explains that they're unsure if that'd be possible, since Puppy looks to be some form of primitive Poochyena, so it would be very unlikely for them to be able to find its parents in this day and age. Tucker, noticing Puppy getting particularly antsy after being held for so long, puts them onto the ground and goes to check the doors are all shut so they can't sneak out, while Rhyda explores the base on their own, and Brooke directs Lyre to the garden so that they can settle down where they want by a tree.

As night falls, the team reconvenes at the table to discuss everything that they'd heard that day, such as Lilligant going missing, the inspectors coming to visit, and the crops being eaten at night at the orchard. Brooke explains that they plan to watch the orchard tonight to see if they can resolve the orchard issue tonight before going to Seaspray. Rhyda asks if Brooke intends for them and Tucker to also participate, considering how it would be best for some of them to get some rest before they leave, which gives Brooke the idea for the three of them to watch the orchard in shifts, and whoever's watching can simply wake the other two up if something occurs. After making sure Puppy is asleep, the three head out.

When they reach the orchard, the three meets the Kangaskhan that they'd often seen guarding town gates. They explain why they're here, and Kangaskhan explains the situation. Apparently, whoever has been stealing crops has been able to slip past the guards undetected, which is likely due in part due the amount of Pokémon allowed to guard the orchard being rather limited, which annoys Kangaskhan greatly, since that means they are one of the first choices due to being a Normal Type. They then let the three inside the orchard to look around.

Tucker attempts to smell the crops to try to pick up any scent of what had been eating them, but has difficulty trying to pinpoint anything exact, while Brooke and Rhyda wander around to try to find any visual clues from gnawed-on crops. However, they can at least determine one thing: Whatever has been eating the crops is at least intelligent enough to specifically target crops in areas that are blind spots if one was to look into the orchard from outside.

As time goes on, Tucker starts to be able to determine that plants that have been gnawed on seem to have some sort of distinct floral scent on them that their uneaten counterparts lacked. He then recalls a memory from his human life of this scent being associated with a particular pink Pokémon, though he can't recall much more than that the Pokémon was pink, and at least taller than his child self. Brooke tries to think of a Pokémon that could somewhat match those descriptions, and the Pokémon that come to mind are Cherubi, Deerling and Lurantis.

After getting one last look around the environment, the three begin their night watch, Brooke and Rhyda going to sleep while Tucker watches over the orchard from within a bush. Nothing occurs in the orchard under his vigilant gaze, and, upon his shift ending, he trades places with Rhyda. Rhyda doesn't witness the thief either, and goes to wake up Brooke to trade shifts, only for Brooke to be too sleepy to be woken up without difficulty. Rhyda pushes them to stay awake and keep watch, only to notice Kangaskhan patrolling the orchard. They then try to wake Brooke again, their footing unsteady as they collapse upon Brooke successfully awakening. Then, by complete happenstance, Brooke immediately bumps into a Lurantis munching on an apple. Brooke gives the Lurantis the chance to simply admit their guilt and come quietly. The Lurantis finishes the apple they were eating with a defeated expression, and Brooke alerts everyone that he's found the target. When Tucker sees the Lurantis, he notices an odd dimness to the energy coming off of the Lurantis, though he has no idea what it means, and Brooke notices that their general colouration also seemed oddly paler than usual.

Brooke attempts to reason more with the Lurantis, explaining that they could offer help if they just explain why they were doing this. However, the Lurantis stays completely silent. After realising that not much progress will be made, Kangaskhan thanks Team Cheer for their help, and then explains that they'll take them to Pangoro to decide what they'll do with them. The team then decides to go back to the base to rest, Brooke carrying the unconscious Rhyda over his shoulder.

### Session 108 - A Celebration of Cheer

The following day, Ralph wakes up at Mawile's home, seeing her making some delicious pancakes. Ralph greets Mawile with a wholesome kiss on the cheek, and they start to chat. Ralph reminds Mawile about how he'll likely be heading to Seaspray with the others either today or in the following days, and Mawile tells Ralph that they'll be able to be back in time for the next full moon and aid Mawile's investigation. Upon further recollections, Ralph remembers that, before they leave, that the team was meant to have a spa day before leaving using some spa coupons, and tells Mawile about his last experience in the milk bath. This causes Ralph to think again on how happy he is to have a group of friends now. Mawile tells Ralph that she's happy for him, and hands him some pancakes for breakfast, causing Ralph to start rambling over his "meals of the day" tier list. As they eat, they continue to discuss plans, including Ralph's plan to make a distillery and how useful it would be for Savan besides getting drunk, due to alcohol's potential uses in medicine. After finishing the food, Ralph hugs Mawile and says is farewells as he goes to the base.

Brooke and Tucker wake up before Rhyda at the base after some much needed rest after the orchard stakeout. They organise their inventories, Tucker leaving the art supplies obtained from the Archives to the planned daycare. Brooke mentions to Tucker that they should probably go to the spa, since they can also get Rhyda familiar with the facilities there when they wake up. Tucker explains that they, unfortunately, might not be able to go with the party since he was going to speak with Raize about his vision. Brooke then says that Tucker can come to the spa whenever he's done, putting one of the vouchers in Tucker's bag. Rhyda then wakes up in the tent that they'd set up outside, and then goes inside the base to join the two. Ralph enters the base as well soon after Rhyda. Rhyda's tiredness is notable to all, somehow sounding even more monotone than usual, and Brooke informs Ralph of the stakeout the previous night in addition to letting Rhyda know that they can rest more if they feel they need it. Brooke then declares the final plan for the day: Today will be a spa day, and, assuming nothing else significant arises, the rest of the day will be devoted entirely to prepping for the Seaspray trip tomorrow.

Brooke, Ralph and Rhyda go with Lyre the spa and spy the Florges Sisters seemingly gossiping over something, with Miltank stationed at the reception desk as per usual. Brooke attempts to eavesdrop on the conversation, but is quickly noticed by the sisters, causing them to shuffle further down the spa. Miltank then welcomes the trio in, seeming still a little bit tired this early in the morning as they sip a coffee. After they each choose their preferred treatment, Brooke and Lyre are brought to a mud bath, Rhyda simply soaks in a regular bath, while Ralph, as expected, decides to enjoy another milk bath.

After leaving Puppy with Hotdog, Tucker goes to Raize's home. Raize invites them inside, seeming tired due to not being much of a morning person. He goes to prepare breakfast, evoking feelings of nostalgia in Tucker considering how Raize used to house Team Cheer for a while. Then, the conversation quickly turns to the topic of how Shadow Sneak is effecting Tucker's vision: The change isn't something to be overly concerned over, as it does fix itself overtime, but it is mostly just a sign of over-exertion when using it. Tucker apologises, explaining that he has been pushing himself to be able to be of used to the team, which Raize sympathises with. Tucker decides to explain to Raize about the powers he'd been granted via Connection, and how he had been using them during his time with Team Cheer. Raize remarks on how they were right about assuming that Tucker wasn't just some ordinary puppy, and gives Tucker some words of comfort that, no matter what, he has faith that Tucker will pull through. Tucker then, out of curiosity, wonders how Raize knows about the vision problems. Raize explains that it would happen to him every now and again during his time as a knight with Pangoro and Tiber. He was explained by his previous teacher that, as his species isn't meant to be using Shadow Sneak, overexposure to the world that he travelled through when using Shadow Sneak took his toll on him via the impact to his eyesight. The same situation was likely happening with Tucker, which is why Raize can comfortably say that the issue will lessen with more practice, just like it did for him. The conversation then turns to the vision itself, Tucker wondering if Raize knew any specifics regarding it. He explains that, from what he's learned, it is a power similar to a Riolu or Lucario's aura vision. Stronger lights emanating from people are an indication of good health, and vice versa. This causes Tucker to recall the Lurantis he saw the other day, and Raize to recall his time with Tiber. Raize apologises for making the mood so heavy, explaining that it feels awkward for Raize to know that Tiber is, in fact, still around, and how he has tried to speak with them, but communication has been difficult on both sides of the conversation. Tucker moves to comfort Raize, and Raize chuckles before repeating how Tucker has no need to worry about the eyesight issues before asking if there was anything else the Poochyena wanted.

In an attempt to lighten the mood, Tucker shows off the outfit he'd received from The Seamstress, which successfully raises both of their spirits. With the mood lightened, Raize asks Tucker if he'd wondered if he came up with any new names for Puppy, considering Raize's nickname for Tucker is also "Puppy", to which Tucker answers that he's waiting to let Puppy decide when they're older, if they want. Raize chuckles about Tucker being a considerate carer, and the topic turns to Noibat. Tucker explains about how Noibat had undergone a trial at the Cave of Mirrors, which catches Raize off-guard. Raize ponders if he's being too over-protective of Noibat, to which Tucker tells him about how useful Noibat was to him. Raize explains that, partly, the reason he's so protective of Noibat is that he wants to help Noibat realise that he doesn't need to focus on becoming stronger to be useful, and jokes that perhaps its his Dragon heritage that causes him to be so focused on being physically powerful. He soon says that he'll at least try to be less protective of Noibat if that's what he really wants. Raize then brings up about how he'd been told Luxray was in town, and wanted to know how long he'll be in town with Team Cheer. Tucker explains the plan to have a spa day before leaving tomorrow. Raize keeps this in mind and gets up to clean the dishes before mentioning to Tucker that he'll be willing to try to take care of Puppy if necessary, accidentally muttering how he'll be willing to be Puppy's grandparent. He then waves Tucker off and wishes them a good day at the spa. As he leaves, Tucker overhears Raize muttering over what outfit he should put on to speak to Luxray.

Tucker then makes his way to the spa, greeting Miltank and deciding to join Brooke and Lyre in the mud bath, using up the last of the vouchers. He notices that Lyre seems a bit confused at the concept, but does seem to at least be relaxing. As they relax, Tucker lets Brooke know about how Raize told him that there's no need to worry about his eyesight and that it'll get better just like last time, which is a comfort to Brooke. Everyone finishes up their treatments when they're ready and leaves their baths to wait in the lobby. Ralph and Rhyda are the first ones out, leading into Ralph asking Rhyda about possibly tutoring them in using psychic power. Rhyda agrees to do so, though warns Ralph that they have no intention on holding back due to Ralph's inexperience. Rhyda first gives Ralph a test by seeing if he can hover Rhyda's seeing orb using psychic power. He manages to succeed in doing so, if only for a brief period, which Rhyda commends and then gives him the next task of stopping Rhyda from slamming the orb into his chest using those same powers. After enough time, Miltank notices the training going on, and asks the two to stop such things in the spa.

Brooke, Tucker and Lyre soon finish their mud bath and join the two in the lobby as well. Miltank also asks how Brooke, Tucker and Lyre felt regarding the mud bath, to which they respond positively. Miltank mentions possibly trying to expand the spa to include a general public bath, but says that most of the residents seem to be content just cleaning themselves using the oasis if its needed. Miltank also gives everyone a Tauros Tail treat to enjoy after the treatment, which everyone seems happy to receives except Rhyda, who isn't too big a fan of non-nutritious food. Miltank also remembers to ask Tucker about how the salve she'd given Tucker to help with the burns he'd received from Salazzle was doing. Tucker explains that the salve definitely helped his fur from growing back, and he decides to purchase another salve just in case something similar happens again. Rhyda notices this and mentions that they may be interested in learning how to produce medicinal salves, to which Miltank shares the recipe for the salve she'd just given to Tucker, and also explains that they can likely ask the Florges Sisters to teach them to make more if they so choose. Then, the team leaves the sauna to each do their own things.

Brooke decides to continue practising a meld move at the base, with Lyre returning to the base with him to oversee the training.

Tucker, recalling something he'd been wanting to do, searches for Luxray. He finds them at the market, doing a little bit of window shopping to see if there was anything he wanted to bring back home to Seaspray. Tucker first brings up that Raize is intending to try to find them later, which he thanks the Poochyena for letting him know. Tucker then decides to ask Luxray if he could help them with learning Thunder Fang. Luxray says that, while he's willing to teach Tucker, he wouldn't be able to fully teach him in the time it'd take for tjem to reach Seaspray. However, if Team Cheer would be willing to stay for a few days, Luxray would be willing to offer them lodgings to give them more time to train. Tucker says that they'll likely stay in Seaspray a while to make sure the Shaymin ends up properly recovered, so Luxray's offer would be much appreciated. The two then spend a bit of time wandering around the market together before returning to the base where they start the Thunder Fang training.

Ralph follows Rhyda around to practice his psychic power. However, upon noticing Ralph trying to stealthily steal their orb, Rhyda then simply teleports out of view. The two then end up in a brief competition to see who could pickpocket the most from the other. When the two finish the contest, Rhyda explains that they plan to speak to Blaze about crafting a weapon. Ralph gives Rhyda some directions to the clubhouse to find Blaze since, the sooner Rhyda can finish what they plan to do, the sooner they can resume training. Upon reaching the clubhouse and finding Blaze, Rhyda asks Blaze about potentially using the Dragon Eater parts they have as material to make a scythe, creating a projection of what they are envisioning. Blaze admits they are unused to using parts of organic lifeforms, and says that they'll give it a shot, though they make no promises of it looking as edgy as the projection Rhyda envisioned. Blaze then asks if they have any other materials they'd want to use for the scythe, to which Ralph offers some of his own Dragon Eater parts, but they can't contribute much else. Blaze asks if there's anything that the two want from him as a quartermaster rather than a blacksmith and, upon request, gives the two a hank of rope. The two then leave the Charizard to grumble about all of the work he's taking on and how he's unfortunately enjoying it, returning to the base to train.

Raize knocks on the door of the Team Cheer base, and is greeted by Hotdog, who lets them know that they're behind the house. Raize goes around the house to approach Luxray and Tucker, who are practising Thunder Fang after Luxray explained to Tucker how the move is used. Brooke greets Raize, which alerts the two to his presence. Raize then invites the team to a small celebration at his home to serve as a proxy birthday for the members of Team Cheer. Everyone agrees to go to the celebration, including Riley after a bit of coaxing from Tiber and Ralph.

The celebration evokes feelings of nostalgia in many of the Team Cheer members, recalling their beginnings and how they stayed in the Liepard's abode for a while. Raize apologises that, though he tried to prepare a cake for all of the original members of Team Cheer, it was too short-notice for him to prepare one for Rhyda, though Rhyda says that they don't mind as they aren't too fond of cake. The team has a fun time, recalling the past adventures and remembering how much they want to help Savan Town after they took the original four in, and then rest to prepare for the trek to Seaspray the next day.

### Session 109 - The One With The Merciless Smile

Everyone wakes up at the base, and get prepared for the trip. Ralph, eager to train his psychic power, tries to touch his toes using telekinesis, Brooke collects everyone who would be joining them for the trip, Rhyda trains outside, and Tucker spends time with Puppy in his room.

While Brooke is extending invitations, Riley requests to join the group on the trip to Seaspray, wanting to see the Shaymin get better, and Lizard, naturally, joins as well.

After a while, Tucker leaves his room to speak with Rhyda, wanting to show them the Minior fragment, and explains how looking into it causes similar results to when Rhyda had used Hypnosis on Puppy the other day to help them go to sleep. He offers the fragment to Rhyda, believing they could likely make better use out of it than him, and Rhyda accepts it. He then leaves to do some last-minute preparation and take Puppy back to the spa to be looked after.

When Ralph finishes with his exercises, he goes to speak with Hotdog, and wishes them good luck with managing the base since Lizard won't be here. Hotdog grows concerned upon that realisation, as that would mean he'd have to try to keep Prince Zeal under control. Then, with *perfect* timing, Zeal marches into the base, loudly proclaiming that he'd completed his mission. He explains that, while the team was away, he'd been tasked with retrieving some sort of "metal apple", and that Hakamo-o had been helping him in his search. He also presents the pay that he'd been given for returning the items to its owner.

Ralph then heads outside to see Rhyda training using a psychic copy. He immediately starts rambling about potential uses of this ability, none of which of practical use, which confuses Rhyda due to how convoluted the ideas are when they have such little payoff. After finishing with joking, Ralph goes back to practicing his telekinesis by attempting to flip Rhyda around. This ends up turning into yet another competition as the two proceed to see who can out-rotate the other.

Once everyone finishes with their preparations, Brooke calls everyone together and splits them into groups for the trip. As they all go to leave, Mawile comes to the base to see Ralph off with a hug and some sweet rations for the trip.

The journey passes without any major events. During the travel, whenever the group takes a break, they take the opportunity to get training for their specific goals in. They eventually arrive at Mudbray's ranch, much to their surprise as the Pioneering Club's annual trip isn't meant to happen yet. After explaining the situation, Mudbray offers to let them stay in the barnhouse, but can't offer any of the bedrooms as, now, he has acquired a farmhand to aid him. Specifically, the Machamp that Team Cheer had rescued from the Alcazar had started to work at the farm. Ralph and Tucker go to see and take care of the sheep Pokémon, and Rhyda and Brooke offer assistance to Mudbray around the farm, much to Mudbray's delight.

The following day, the group receives some minor compensation from Mudbray for their help before resuming the journey. They soon reach Seaspray, seeing the familiar hustle and bustle of the city. Lyre seems very impressed by the city and how many Pokémon there are, while Hatterene and Riley end up seeming uncomfortable for similar reasons. Luxray quickly says his farewells and goes back to his library, reminding the team that they're happy to let the team visit for some peace and quiet.

Ralph starts to tell Rhyda of the various things that could be found in Seaspray, during which he mentions the various eateries. This reminds Tucker of the letter he'd received from Vee, but decides to keep that in the back of his mind and wait until later, rather than going there immediately to see what Vee wants. Brooke looks for a hotel for the group to stay in during the visit, with Tucker and Rhyda joining him, Ralph takes Rhyda with him to the bar he visited last time, Gloaming Wood, for a drink, and Riley and Lizard split off from the group to show the curious Lyre around Seaspray.

Brooke, Tucker and Hatterene arrive at Hotel Alomo, now repaired after the incident with Shaymin and heavily remodelled. Brooke explains to Hatterene about how they stayed in the hotel before, and mutters about potentially trying to cover costs for all 8 Pokémon. Hatterene offers to cover the costs for lodgings, still seeming uncomfortable due to the presences of so many Pokémon. As they enter and approach the front desk, Croagunk recognises Tucker and Brooke, referring to them as the "Saviours of Seaspray", and happily welcomes them to the renovated hotel. Brooke requests that they not be referred to with such a grandiose title, and Crogunk obliges before mentioning about how happy he and his partner are with the changes they'd made to the hotel since Team Cheer was last there. As the sleeping arrangements are sorted out, Alomomola floats into the main lobby and greets the familiar faces. Then, upon noticing Croagunk was going to dare to charge the Saviours of Sespray full price for lodgings, Alomomola scolds him and, via some sweet-talking, the team is given a (roughly) 50% discount for however long they decide to stay the night. Brooke, wanting to ensure that they have a few days in case anything happens, settles on a week. Brooke is handed 4 keys, and he hands 2 of them to Tucker, asking him to go take the rest of the keys to the others, and hands another to Hatterene as they are taken to their room. Brooke, meanwhile, plans to visit the arena next.

Ralph and Rhyda arrive at Gloaming Wood, and Ralph explains his time at the bar before entering, asking for the second strongest drink that they offer. He also asks the Trevenant manning the bar for his advice as to what kind of drink Rhyda should have, and is disappointed when both Trevenant and Rhyda agree that they should simply have non-alcoholic berry juice. The pair enjoy some biscuits and their respective berry juices. Meanwhile, Ralph mentions that, since it's somewhat late in the day, that they'll likely have to save visiting Cafe V for another day. Ralph also notices a new poster behind the Trevenant featuring a depiction of a *certain Munchlax with a tie and hat*, with the caption "Do not serve", but, luckily, the Trevenant doesn't recognise him now that he's evolved. The Trevenant also warns the two of a group of ruffians that has recently started going around Seaspray during the day, causing trouble. Then, Ralph, in his hubris, asks for a copy of the poster behind the Trevenant. This causes Rhyda to notice the poster as well, and bluntly state that the poster was definitely Ralph before he evolved. The Trevenant, realising that the poster doesn't serve much use anymore, simply gives Ralph the poster on the wall, and simply asks that he doesn't repeat what he did last time.

The two then leave the bar, Ralph taking Rhyda to the lamppost that he'd tried to woo. At this time, they see Tucker, who presumed they'd likely find Ralph at that exact lamppost, and Tucker hands Rhyda the key for the hotel. Ralph mentions Hotel Obsidian Sky and the adventure Team Cheer had there, which prompts an unusual reaction from Rhyda as they look at the ground before saying that they're going to explore Seaspray on their own for a while. Ralph makes way towards Hotel Alomo, more than happy to eat up the remains of the buffet before the chefs start work on dinner, and Tucker goes to find Riley, Lizard and Lyre.

Rhyda teleports onto a building rooftop and begins to look around the city from the vantage point to see if they can find the ruffians the Trevenant mentioned. However, due to the lack of specifics regarding who they are, Rhyda is given a plethora of options as to who the ruffians could be, and eventually settles on using the process of elimination to figure out which would be the ones Trevenant mentions. They mostly end up encountering gladiators with less-than-pleasant attitudes, but eventually comes across a strangely-coloured Wooper and a Crawdaunt with peculiar attires that are harassing a Salamance. The Wooper mentions them having debts to their "organisation" that they haven't paid. Rhyda jumps down behind them and states that they have the Salamance's payment, which gets both of their attentions. They then present the Minior fragment, hoping to hypnotise them, but it fails. However, the Wooper seems content to take the fragment as payment, which gives Rhyda the idea to hand it over and attempt to try sensing the fragment's location later to track them at a later time. Then, as they hand the fragment to Crawdaunt, they are suddenly contacted by Eternatus, and is granted the ability to track those that Rhyda considers as unjust, which they then promptly use instead. The Wooper, not noticing this, bids Rhyda farewell as they climb on top of the Crawdaunt, and is then carried away by a Clawitzer that silently descended from above. Rhyda checks if the Salamance is OK and, after they thank them, the shaken dragon walks to a spot where they can spread their wings and flies away. Rhyda then heads to Hotel Alomo, following the directions they had been given by Ralph.

### Session 110 - The Calm and Loud City

Tucker makes way to the beach by the cave Team Cheer visited in the past, expecting to find Riley, Lizard and Lyre in the secluded spot. However, it appears that the trio didn't decide to go there. Tucker approaches a Corsola sat on the sea shore selling sea shells. While they initially piqued his interest, the shells had copious amounts of glitter put onto them, and Tucker decided against buying one for the sake of his fur. After enjoying a brief time at the beach, they continue to search around Seaspray. He eventually finds them via overhearing Riley upon another beach by the docks, shouting at a Pyukumuku. Tucker walks onto the beach, passing by a large travel vessel docked at the port, and noting a small handmade boat drifting upon the sea with a candle upon it. The Pyukumuku slowly inches its way into the ocean, throwing rude gestures at the irritated Riley, and gets away as Tucker greets Riley. Tucker hands the last remaining room key to Lizard, and curiously asks if the three saw who arrived on the ship at the docks, wondering if it could've been the inspectors that will be visiting Savan Town. However, Lizard explains that the ship had docked up before they arrived at the beach. Tucker decides to stick with the three for now, considering they don't have any other plans, and Lizard explains that they're now planning to head towards the arena.

Ralph, after finishing eating the remains of the buffet, goes to his room, realising that Brooke didn't leave the room that they were sharing unlocked and deciding to pick the lock using telekinesis, only to fail.

Rhyda, upon arriving at the hotel, heads to the buffet, grabs a knife, and goes to their room. As they do, they see Ralph attempting to pick a lock, and offers their aid in Ralph's pursuit to get into his own hotel room. However, upon realising that they can't enter the hotel room via teleportation and open it from the inside, they decide that the less troublesome option was to let Ralph stay in their room until Brooke returns. Ralph takes Rhyda up on their offer, and goes to their room and starts tinkering about with his metal box of parts. Rhyda, seeing this, curiously asks what Ralph is doing, so Ralph shows them the box that he's been messing around with. Apparently, the components inside could be used to create a powerful human weapon that he remembers from the human world. He admits that, while he's unsure about if he really wants to fully complete the device yet, it might end up necessary in the future. However, he requests Rhyda keep it secret, even from the rest of the team, which Rhyda agrees to do. Rhyda then explains Ralph about the encounter they had with Wooper earlier, and requests Ralph's aid in helping them locate them, wanting to reclaim the Minior fragment that was a gift from Tucker. Ralph happily agrees to the idea.

Meanwhile, Brooke goes to the arena. They approach the reception desk, and see the same Mienshao and Machamp as before, currently hard at work as there are a large crowd of Pokémon at the arena despite no matches occurring currently. Brooke approaches the front desk, wanting to ask a question. The Mienshao calls for a lunch break to give Brooke the opportunity to ask, explaining that they are currently extremely hard at work dealing with an influx of new champions. Brooke asks them if they know where the Shaymin is, remembering how the Shaymin was originally being nursed within the arena when he'd last seen them. The Mienshao explains that the Shaymin would've been taken into one of the two medical centres in Seaspray, though they can't recall which one. They provide Brooke with the two addresses. Brooke asks if anything special is going on at the arena currently, and the Mienshao explains that, since so many new gladiators have begun signing up, arena matches can no longer afford to provide as luxurious prizes as the ones offered when Team Cheer participated. In addition, the battlefield has been compartmentalised, including retractable walls to not only allow for more matches to occur at once, but also allow a luxury service of letting people watch a private match. Brooke wonders how in the world the arena became so popular to require such extensive renovations, and the Mienshao explains that, since Team Cheer participated, the arena's popularity has been on the rise, with even Pokémon from overseas coming to participate, including the crowd in the main lobby that had just arrived today. Brooke requests if Mienshao would be willing to schedule a match that he could participate in, and Mienshao agrees, even offering to give Brooke a sign of identification as a past champion at the arena, much like how the Explorer's Association provides identification for their members of varying ranks. This piques Brooke's curiosity, having not actually heard about the Explorer's Association before, spurring Mienshao to give Brooke an extensive explanation about the Explorer's Association, rescue teams, etc. The Mienshao also remembers to hand Brooke one of the tokens that the arena now uses to let Pokémon issue challenges to Champions, recalling how Team Cheer is still owed a match with Deadeye, and notifies them of where Deadeye would likely be found, as well as Jawson since they and Brooke had interacted in the past. They also hand Brooke some documents to sign to register as a gladiator before Brooke goes to do whatever they decide to do next.

### Session 111 - A Wobbuffet of Pain

After Rhyda's attempt to scry for Crawdaunt's location provides little results, Ralph and Rhyda exit the hotel room in search of the Crawdaunt they had tagged with Eternatus' mark. They soon catch a glimpse of the Crawdaunt heading down one of the streets. Before pursuing them, Ralph notices a familiar Umbreon walking next to them, seemingly on their break. Ralph engages in a quick conversation with them and quickly wonders about how cute Mawile would look in a maid outfit. After Umbreon catches on that they shouldn't be following the two Pokemon, they walk away, and Rhyda and Ralph continue their search.

As the two attempt to head down the street, they are blocked by a quartet of Wobbuffet. After negotiating with them seems to be impossible, the two decide to visit a nearby restaurant for now so Rhyda can quickly scry for the locations of Crawdaunt and Clawitzer while being able to keep note of what the Wobbuffet quartet are doing. Rhyda determines that Crawdaunt appears to be moving further into the city, with one additional Wobbuffet traveling with them, and the Clawitzer seems to be very far away from their current location, seemingly scoping out a popular building with a blue sign on it. Using this knowledge, Rhyda plans that they and Ralph could engage the Wobbuffet via force, and then interrogate the Crawdaunt when they catch up, with no worries of the Clawitzer attacking them. Getting an idea, Ralph boxes a remaining slice before they leave and use it to tempt the Wobbuffet to leave their station and sate their hunger using the promise of a fake "Blue Pokemon" discount on pizza for the day, allowing them to get through with no combat required.

As the two head down the street, they pass by numerous more shops and, while Rhyda has a bit of difficulty determining which direction to do, they spy a pair of similarly-dressed Wobbuffet. The two hide to eavesdrop on the two Wobbuffet, overhearing conversation about a place the bosses always go to known as "Sandbar Blue". The two presume Sandbar Blue to by the place Rhyda saw the Clawitzer scoping out via their earlier scrying, and decide to try to find that place later.

The two continue down the street and, as Rhyda continues attempt to scry for Crawdaunt, they eventually are able to get a clear indication of where they are, and pick up their pace to reach them. They catch up and see the Crawdaunt, as well as the Wobbuffet that was accompanying them, debating going through a somewhat tight side-street with an unknown parcel. Following Rhyda's instructions, Ralph shoves the Crawdaunt into the side-street, causing them to get stuck. The Crawdaunt quickly instructs the Wobbuffet to take the parcel and go on without him, and Rhyda begins to interrogate them. Rhyda's attempts to intimidate the lobster with a butter knife and Ralph's Body Slams have little effect in unnerving them, but the activation of Ralph's tazer serves to shake them somewhat. However, Ralph's use of the tazer proves to be *too* effective and causes them to pass out. Ralph and Rhyda check the incapacitated body, obtaining some money, some blue blocks of food, and a business card for Sandbar Blue that, unfortunately, lacks an address.

Rhyda teleports in front of the Crawdaunt and heavily strikes the back of the Crawdaunt's head in an attempt to get the Crawdaunt out of the way permanently, which catches Ralph extremely off-guard. Ralph grabs Rhyda when they attempt to do it again to finish them off, telling them to stop. Rhyda, however, continues to try to deliver the finishing blow despite Ralph's attempts to convince them that, even if the Crawdaunt is a villain, that this is not the correct decision. Ralph eventually concludes that they need to stun Rhyda with the tazer which, unfortunately, results in him being stunned as well due to Rhyda's ability being Synchronize. As the two stay stuck in place, continuing to argue over Rhyda's actions, the two suddenly hear a familiar whispering as Eternatus suddenly appears, commending Rhyda for what they were willing to do, but also commending Ralph for pushing Rhyda to focus on the more important target and hoping they they will continue to guide them similarly in the future. They advise Rhyda to follow Ralph's suggestion to focus on finding the boss before leaving, leaving the two stuck paralysed in the alleyway.

Eventually, Ralph and Rhyda are found passed out with the Crawdaunt in the alleyway, and are brought to the hospital to be treated. Fortunately, they are not assumed to be the ones that incapacitated the Crawdaunt due to the circumstances they were found in, allowing them to leave and continue their investigation. As they leave, they see the Crawdaunt strapped to a bed to rest, sharing a room with several Shaymin that Ralph recognises. Rhyda also decides to ask Ralph if they would find themselves willing to do what Rhyda was planning to do if they were to find someone who deserves it. Ralph recalls and tells Rhyda of the time when he saw Raize preparing to go and assassinate the Shadow Scavenger's leader, and how he was dead-set on going with Raize to aid them in doing so. Fortunately, the conversation over how willing the two are to commit murder is not overheard by the Magnezone who approaches the two and asks for their statements as to what happened. Ralph gives an explanation that what happened was simply an argument that escalated beyond their initial scope. While Magnezone accepts such an idea, even admitting that, as a Pioneer, Ralph would be authorised to use weaponry like a tazer, they scold the two for leaving the Crawdaunt in such a near-death state, and requests that the two offer an explanation as for why they left them in such a state if possible. Rhyda says that they cannot offer a further explanation other than what had already been provided, so the Magnezone leaves the two be.

Meanwhile, Tucker travels with Riley, Lizard and Lyre to the arena. Tucker looks around, not seeing any familiar faces besides Mienshao and Machamp, before turning to ask Riley why the three had wanted to come to the arena in the first place. Riley explains that they wanted to train there again, but the possibility seems less likely due to how crowded the place is. As a result, the group decides to just wander around the arena to take in the sights. Lizard and Riley part ways with Tucker and Lyre for now, hoping to find a place they can get some training in, leaving Tucker and Lyre to head towards the arena designed for aquatic Pokémon. There, they find Brooke and Jawson, the latter of whom seems to be coaching some Water-Types. Brooke greets Jawson, who doesn't immediately recognise them due to their evolution, and asks what they're up to. Jawson explains that they'd started doing work at the arena coaching some of the amphibious fighters, much to Brooke's surprise and causing them to joke about possibly joining in on a lesson or two.

It is at this point that Tucker approaches the two and greets them. Seeing the Poochyena and the discussion of Team Cheer's time at the arena spurs Jawson to remember how news had spread about how the two past Champions, Glide and Jezebelle. Apparently, their attempts to mess with Team Cheer before, which had led to them having their Champion status revoked, and being replaced with some newer champions that he finds have much more pleasant personalities. Jawson also notices Lyre next to Tucker and, seeming interested in them, invites them to go get a meal together and check out the new theatre in town. Tucker asks Lyre if they would be OK with that, and they indeed seem to be fine with it, though their speaking in a foreign language befuddles Jawson a bit. Brooke then, recalling their plan to create a move gem, asks if Jawson has any knowledge about them. Jawson explains that, while he doesn't know anything about them, Deadeye or one of the newer Champions could possibly know how to infuse them with a move. Then, after Brooke explains that they intend to use a move gem in a weapon, Jawson's curiosity is piqued, and they tell Brooke that he might know a guy, and he'll tell Brooke more if they go for a swim together sometime, which Brooke happily agrees to. Brooke and Tucker then decide to spend some time at the arena training their respective moves, Brooke training under Jawson's instruction.

### Session 112 - A Seaspray Afternoon

Deciding to put a pause on the investigation for now, Rhyda and Ralph decide it would be for the best to train. They head towards the arena, learning about how, even though a portion of the Pokémon that were inside are leaving, the place is still very crowded. Rhyda notices the line towards the reception desk and immediately assumes that they need to wait. However, Ralph promptly decides to use whatever sway Team Cheer has at the arena and cuts the line with Rhyda to go all the way up to the desk. Recognising Ralph after seeing the hat, Mienshao quickly tells them to just go in, letting them know about how Brooke is currently training in the aquatic arena. Rhyda attempts to find a place where they can train in relative secrecy, only for the crowded nature of the arena to mean that they don't get the level of privacy they initially hoped, noticing a Sawk, a Sudowoodo, and a Marowak who was being coached by a Charmeleon. They also see a Rowlet practicing on their own, seemingly not meant to be there due to their lack of identification and their apparent youthful nature.

After secretly using some psychic power to strengthen one of the Rowlet's practice moves to boost their spirits, Rhyda then approaches the Marowak to ask about the move they were training. The Marowak seems confused at the sudden question, but shows Rhyda the move again at their request. Then, both they and the Charmeleon are even more confused when Rhyda asks if they would be willing to tutor them in being able to use Bonemerang, or at least a variation of it. However, Rhyda's request is denied when they cannot offer proper compensation for now, so they resume training on their own.

Meanwhile, Brooke and Tucker finish their own training, with Jawson's class coming to a close. Jawson and Brooke decide to meet up again the next day, and then he joins up with Tucker again to ask where it is they want to go. Tucker suggests that he somewhat wants to confirm where Shaymin is located. Brooke lets Tucker know about the two hospitals he's been told Shaymin could be in, and both of them agree it'd be best to wait until they regroup with the others before going to see them. That leads the two of them to start pondering where the two could possibly be at that time. Brooke suggests heading in the direction of the nearest hospital so that they could both see if they could locate Ralph and Rhyda on the way there, and confirm whether the Shaymin are located at that particular hospital. Little did they realise Rhyda and Ralph were also training at the arena, meaning that the two parties reunite before even leaving the arena. The two pairs inform each other over what they'd been doing, with Rhyda omitting the information regarding their investigation, and saying that they ended up in the hospital after an accident with Ralph's tazer. Rhyda also mentions how they and Ralph saw Shaymin at the hospital they were at, giving Brooke and Tucker an answer to the question of where Shaymin was.

After 3 and a half hours, the group reaches the hospital, only to see entry being blocked by a bunch of Magnemite and Magneton. Apparently, a patient had suddenly began to act violently, leading to patients and staff being evacuated. Brooke, concerned, asks about if the violent patient was a Shaymin. However, they are told that, as Shaymin was a priority patient, they have been moved to another hospital. Instead, the violent patient is a Crawdaunt, which is a shock to 50% of the group. Brooke offers to help with restraining them, only for Rhyda to suggests that they *instead* leave and head towards the other hospital to go see the Shaymin. Brooke finds Rhyda's sudden aversion to impulsive vigilante justice extremely out-of-character, and Tucker notices Lyre secretly having slipped past the Magnemite and walked into the premises. After they all realise, Tucker hurries past the Magnemite to go after Lyre, with some of the Magnemite then following Tucker, and Brooke following the Magnemite following Tucker.

Lyre miraculously dodges the Crawdaunt's attacks, and approaches them to try to calm them using Aromatherapy. The move works to some degree, as the Crawdaunt stopped throwing furniture for a while. Tucker, realising what Lyre is doing, stays quiet and moves in front of Lyre to guard them. Rhydra, meanwhile, prioritises avoiding being seen by the Crawdaunt as they approach the scene, while Brooke wanders up with no such stealth. As Lyre continues to approach, and Tucker tries to offer some words of comfort to the Crawdaunt, they ready themselves to throw the bed they are holding at the pair. Rhyda attempts to incapacitate them with Hypnosis, only to fail, and Brooke steps forwards to try to calm them himself, telling them that they shouldn't be exerting themselves so much with how injured they look. This argument stops the Crawdaunt from lashing out again, only for Lyre to suddenly headbutt the Crawdaunt and send it flying into a wall, instantly knocking them out. It initially comes as a shock to Brooke and Tucker, but, considering the situation, accept that it was likely the only option, and leave the premises before the Magnemite catch up.

As the party exits the hospital, Ralph relieved to see them unharmed, they note how late in the day it is getting, and decide it is best to go back to the hotel for now, seeing Jawson waiting outside of the hotel for Lyre. Rhyda is suspicious of Jawson's intentions with Lyre, but is swayed by Brooke and Tucker's words that Jawson is a trustworthy sort. Then, the party goes to their respective rooms to rest for the night.

### Session 113 - One Witch, Two Witch, Good Witch, Ghost Witch

The next morning, everyone wakes up and prepares to go see the Shaymin. Tucker takes it upon themselves to find Hatterene and inform them of their plans for the day while bringing them to have breakfast with the rest of Team Cheer. As they eat, they figure out which direction to go to, since their trip yesterday confirmed exactly which hospital to go to. Once breakfast has concluded, the party gets on their way without any other distractions.

When the party arrives, it is clear that the hospital is at or near max capacity in terms of patients, considering how busy it seemed inside. They approach the front desk, manned by a Machop and ask if they could see the Shaymin. A Skitty is called to the front desk to bring them to the appropriate wing. The group heads inside and sees the unconscious Shaymin laying on top of a hospital bed, with 4 other Shaymin around them to keep check on them. They explain how they brought Hatterene to examine and possibly help awaken the Shaymin, though Hatterene discloses that, even if they will try as much as they can to help, they may not be able to successfully wake them up within this first meeting. They also request that, should they be unsuccessful, to be brought to the Shaymin Island to get a better understanding of this situation by seeing Shaymin's environment prior to the incident. After that, everyone settles down and gives Hatterene space to work.

Hatterene's body starts to glow, then the Shaymins. After a while, Hatterene turns in the direction of Tucker, Riley, Lyre and Lizard, asking why Tucker and Riley felt the need to fight the Shaymin. Tucker explains how the team felt as if they had no other option, he and Riley looking remorseful as he says that. Hatterene offers words of comfort, explaining that such conflicts born from ideological differences are parts of life, even if some may take it too far. Then, the Shaymin stops glowing, and Hatterene, winded, explains that the Shaymin's frustrated emotions and hatred for the state Shaymin Island was once in is contributing towards keeping them stuck in such a state. While trying to examine the Shaymin again, they feel an odd sensation, as if part of the Shaymin's very soul had been torn out. They use their power to try to alleviate the impacts the trauma was having on the Shaymin, but cannot completely restore them yet, explaining that more time will be needed, and they cannot do any more to help them today. Brooke thanks them for at least being able to offer some aid, and agrees to go with Hatterene to the Shaymin Island like they requested, along with the rest of Team Cheer. The party says their farewells and split up to do whatever they plan to do.

Tucker chooses to stay at the hospital with Hatterene for now to help whenever possible.

Rhyda and Ralph go to the arena to train.

Brooke finds Jawson doing some practice swimming laps in the arena. Jawson brings Brooke towards the ocean, and the two go in, swimming past the buildings Brooke had checked out during his first trip. The further down the two dive, the area grows darker and darker, and Jawson brings Brooke towards a building seemingly carved from a massive Cloyster shell with a seaweed curtain for a door. Brooke follows him inside, and goes up a spiral ramp that leads towards the surface. Jawson calls out for someone, but there doesn't seem to be anyone there as far as he and Brooke could immediately tell. Brooke continues to look around the room, spying a coat that his curiosity compels him to try on. Then, a voice speaks from the direction of a table, as a crystal starts to shake and seemingly come to life, revealing itself to be a Bergmite. Jawson, confusedly, asks who the Bergmite is. Then, before the Bergmite can answer, another voice speaks from behind Jawson and Brooke, belonging to a Cursola. Jawson nervously greets the Cursola, referring to them as "Cursyus", and the Cursola introduces their new apprentice, and Bergmite who decided to go by the name Dysphoria. Brooke introduces himself to them, and explains that Jawson brought him to them to ask if they could help him with creating a move gem. Cursyus looks at the gem, noticing that it looked to be tampered with, which prompted Brooke to explain how he had gotten it from an alchemy cauldron. Cursyus then goes on to explain about how Jawson had been speaking very highly of Brooke whenever they visited. which flatters them somewhat, before saying that they'll help Brooke make the gem free of charge. They instruct the Bergmite to use Ice Beam on the gemstone, and suggest Brooke looks around to pass the time while the process is done.

Brooke asks Cursyus about various curios within the shop, including the coat he had put on, and Curseus offers to give the coat to Brooke in exchange for a favour. They want Brooke and Team Cheer to try to get a certain Pokémon that had been scaring away potential customers to move away. After making the agreement, Brooke is given back the move gem, now infused with Ice Beam, along with some necklaces to allow land-dwelling Pokémon to breathe underwater, though they won't be able to breathe outside of the water while having it on. Brooke continues to ask about the many items in the shop, from curious orbs to off talismans and strangely-sentient security lamps, fascinated both by the many peculiar items and the shop's overall aesthetic. When asking about the various items, they also learn that Cursyus is the adoptive mother of Litten from Team Mischief Makers, though she doesn't visit the shop often due to the shop being underwater. After receiving a description of each of the items, Brooke settles on purchasing one of the lamps for now, as, while everything piques his interest, he doesn't have enough money to purchase too much. He thanks Cursyus for the help, and thanks Jawson for bringing them there.

Brooke goes through the back exit with Jawson opened by Cursyus through their home, and respectfully decides not to snoop around the home before exiting out onto the streets of Seaspray. After readjusting to natural sunlight, Jawson suggests to Brooke that they should go and meet his friends so he could introduce Brooke to them. Brooke's interest is piqued, and he takes Jawson up on his offer.

### Session 114 - Supporting Local Businesses

After spending some more time at the hospital, Tucker decides to go to Café V to finally consult Vee about the letter. As they go inside, they see a familiar Skitty dressed in a maid outfit. Tucker asks if they're the same one for the hospital, to which Skitty explains that they work many jobs, and Vee needed to take on soem staff while some of the other staff were on leave for a while. Tucker goes to the employee area and finds Vee overseeing a Leafeon preparing food. Tucker clears his throat to get Vee's attention, and Vee then takes Tucker to his office to discuss the matter in the letter.

After the 2 exchange pleasantries, Vee explains their business venture: A wealthy family from the Mist Continent had made their way to the Plains Continent with plans to better "Civilise" the people of the continent, and set up a plantation which, according to their sources, has been abandoned due to the family suddenly disappearing. Vee had the thought of seizing the opportunity by searching the plantation for resources that could be useful for the café, and wanted Team Cheer to assist them with it. They let Tucker know where it is located, a place known as Aster Rock, and tell Tucker that they will come along with Team Cheer when they are ready to leave Seaspray. Tucker suggests that, if the plantation really is abandoned, that the plantation's land could possibly be useful for the Pioneering Club when it comes to making crops, suggesting Vee could cut a deal with them, which excites them even more. After a bit more discussion, Tucker leaves Cafe V in search of Brooke.

Tucker finds Brooke training with Jawson at the arena, immediately noticing the new coat before explaining what Vee had told them, adding in how Tucker ensured that the venture would be properly compensated, and how useful it could be for the Pioneering Club. Brooke and Tucker agrees that the idea sounds good, and the two go to let Rhyda and Ralph know of their next mission. As they say goodbye to Jawson, Jawson asks about how Lyre was after their date a while ago, and goes away a bit flustered after being told that Lyre seemed to have enjoyed it, which makes the two chuckle.

The two find Ralph and Rhyda training together via a duel, with other Pokemon having put aside their own training to watch the two. Through the process of the duel, Rhyda manages to master the use of their own Meld Move combining Psychic and Double Team. When Brooke and Tucker greet them, the duel is immediately stopped, and the mission is explained to the pair of Psychic types. Brooke then gets to show off what they'd received from Cursyus's shop, and explains the mission he'd been given to remove the presence lingering around the shop. The team marvels at and messes with the various curios Brooke acquired, and then they agree to go resolve Cursyus's quest now as they have not much else to do currently.

Brooke brings the group along the same route that Jawson showed them to bring them to the shop. As they approach the shop, Tucker and Ralph notice a pair of presences relatively nearby which might include the one Cursyus wanted them to find. Ralph also finds the shadows he sees relatively familiar from his time as a human, but is literally pulled from those thoughts by Brooke as they all enter the shop to see Cursyus. They only find Dysphoria in the shop, but the Bergmite is able to tell the team more about who Cursyus wants them to deal with: A Carracosta. They don't know for certain why they are being such a nuisance, but guesses that they are a fellow magic-specialist that is jealous of Cursyus' skills. Rhyda then tries to argue over the legitimacy of "magic" with the tiny sentient ice block, while the others, Ralph especially, are very intrigued about the idea of peculiar forces that can't be necessarily correlated with a Pokémon's usual abilities. The group examines the new stock of items in the shop before heading out to deal with the Carracosta.

### Session 115 - We Punched a Wizard

Team Cheer head in the direction of the shadows they spotted before. Brooke decides to take out the security lamp he'd purchased from the shop, which ends up stunning the two shadowy figures and giving the team an opportunity to ambush them. The two figures in question were a Carracosta and a Huntail, the former of which bearing mysterious runes marked over their shell. Brooke tries to ask them why exactly they are loitering around outside of the shop and getting in the way of business, to which the Carracosta responds with displeasure about Cursyus sharing their "traditions" with Pokémon from the surface in exchange for money. A battle promptly escalates from there, with the lamp revealing a pair of Frillish who looked to have been attempting to sneak up on Team Cheer during the battle. The team is able to dispatch the Frillish and restrain the Huntail, but are unfortunately unable to defeat the Carracosta before they use an ink cloud to help them and the Huntail escape.

The team lament being unable to bring Carracosta and Huntail in for questioning, but decide to bring the Frillish with them to report to Cursyus about what happened. Before they go, Ralph spots a piece of the Carracosta's shell, and decides to take it with him.

When they reach Cursyus' shop, they explain what happened, and present them with the Frillish and the broken shell. They also decide to ask about what Carracosta mentioned before battle, to which Cursyus answers by explaining that most Pokémon from their village weren't fond of their decision to sell magical items, as most wielders of magic choose to keep such things to themselves due to the dangers they could pose in the wrong hands, mentioning the Seamstress as one such example. However, even if they couldn't fully apprehend the Carrascosta, or kill them as they expected the Carracosta to simply fight to the death, that battle should at the very least dissuade them from loitering around the shop for now. Ralph asks them about the rune inscribed on the shell, and learns that some Pokémon may adorn their body with runes to receive a similar effect as the talismans they sell. He then muses over the idea of tattooing such runes onto himself, which Cursyus warns can be incredibly dangerous for one not versed in such practises to do. Rhyda decides to present Cursyus with the alchemy notes found in Hatterene's labyrinth, which piques their curiosity, and they explain that they have the tools to perform the process, but lack the ingredients. Rhyda asks if they could buy those tools, and Curyus refuses, but allows Rhyda to use such tools within their shop to test their alchemy skills, and provide Dysphoria with a little bit of competition. Rhyda's interest is piqued at the idea of learning alchemy, and lets Cursyus copy down the alchemy notes in exchange for letting them peruse Cursyus' basic guidebook of alchemy. Ralph decides to ask if she knew anything about the star-metal piece, but they bluntly respond that they know nothing about it. Tucker asks out of curiosity if he could pay for the necklaces they'd been using to breathe underwater, to which Cursyus explains that the necklaces would cost 500 Poke, which Tucker doesn't have on-hand, but they could also do Cursyus a favour later when they need something done if they come back another time to get the necklace. They also hand Tucker a vial of strange goo as a small consolation. Ralph also decides to purchase a "Gloomhunger pendant".

### Session 116 - Sandbar Blue

After parting ways for now, everyone decides to focus on different activities:

Rhyda studies the alchemy notes offered by Cursyus, being given a blank book by Luxray to transcribe any notes of their own, and trains with Ralph in preparation for their secret mission.

Tucker trains Thunder Fang with the assistance of Luxray.

Brooke enjoys some brawling at the arena, getting the attention of a few unimportant sponsorships which he did not care to sign up with.

The day passes with no other events, so the group all eventually individually head back to the hotel and sleep until the next morning.

The next day:

Tucker continues to train, now having reached the point where they can practice on their own without Luxray needing to lecture them on the theory aspect of the move.

Rhyda announces to Ralph that they are beginning their mission. After having breakfast and making their final preparations, the two head to the address of Sandbar Blue. Before they enter, they decide to prepare outside in case a fight is to break out. As they do so, Rhyda catches a glimpse in the reflection of their orb of Pokémon heading into an alleyway where one offers another strange cubes in exchange for money. Rhyda then scrys with their orb to see if they can pinpoint if the Wooper is inside. However, they end up sensing that their general location is nowhere actually near Sandbar Blue, and seemingly instead enjoying a delectable dish of pasta. Despite this, Rhyda recalls that the Clawitzer sniper was still focusing on Sandbar Blue regardless, so they and Ralph decide to enter the building after all.

Ralph immediately vibes well with the glitzy, sophisticated aesthetic of the club and starts chatting up some of the Wobbuffet there and encouraging them to drink with him, while Rhyda examines the customers at the bar and decides to speak with a Roserade sat on their own, employing some tactical sweet-talking in the process. The Roserade explains that they are sat on their own due to currently waiting for an acquaintance of theirs, so they don't mind letting Rhyda sit and chat with them for a while. They are the manager of the band that are currently performing, and that they were currently waiting on someone from a notable bloodline, though they do not specify who exactly that someone is. As thanks for the conversation they have, the Roserade gives Rhyda a special wrapped candy that apparently isn't often provided to those that aren't regulars at Sandbar Blue. They also end up giving Rhyda information about an ex-gladiator who has current plans to create some form of establishment before leaving backstage. Rhyda then examines the candy and, not noticing anything immediately suspect, decides to eat it. Meanwhile, Ralph's plan succeeds, and the Wobbuffet ends up telling him about how the Wooper is the "brains" behind the operation, the Clawitzer is the Wooper's fearsome fighting companion, and the Crawdaunt is basically just a scary face used to help intimidate people. They also explain that the Wooper likely rose through the ranks due to being the son of the boss of the entire group, though their intelligence is not to be discredited. He also ends up learning of a password to give at a certain other restaurant to gain access to the backroom, where the boss would be eating.

After deciding he has enough information, he goes to Rhyda and exchanges what information they each acquired. Ralph also makes sure to tell Rhyda that the Roserade is known as Philia, according to the bartender that was providing him and the Wobbuffet with their drinks. Rhyda, realising something, checks their orb to see if they could tell the Clawitzer was still scouting the place. However, they find that the Clawitzer has changed locations, though they cannot determine why that is.

### Session 117 - Cheap Shots

Brooke's brawling at the arena continues. During one such brawl, they start the match having relative success. However, as his opponent was near the point of surrendering, he noticed them putting something into their mouth before having a sudden surge of energy which causes them to quickly turn the tables. Regardless of if they were defeated, they were offered some additional compensation from the sponsor of their opponent, who was seemingly trying to buy his silence about what happened. Brooke declined this, however.

As Brooke receives medical treatment after the battle, they see Deadeye come to speak with them. They remark on how surprised they were that Brooke suddenly lost when they had the advantage most of the battle, and, when Brooke simply writes it off as a "second wind", Deadeye retorts that, if that is the case, then that has been happening surprisingly common lately, mostly with tourists that are visiting the arena. He also shows general displeasure at the tourists that are visiting the arena and are deciding to stick around rather than enjoying the sport once and heading on their merry way. Brooke offers to help out Deadeye with getting rid of any poor sportsmons, explaining that, in truth, they did notice their opponent ingesting something. Deadeye is impressed that Brooke caught on to his implications, and is openly grateful for the offer. Brooke asks Deadeye if there are any Pokemon he's currently suspicious of, and Deadeye says that he'll let Brooke know when he pinpoints a particular suspect. Brooke then decides to make his way back to the hotel to relax for the rest of the day.

Meanwhile, Tucker decides to casually wander around Seaspray. As they do, they bump into a malnourished Chimchar who asks if Tucker could offer them some money. Tucker notices them clutching one of their arms, and, as they hand over 5 Poke, asks what's wrong with their arm. The Chimchar refuses to elaborate, thanks Tucker for the money, and tries to walk away. Tucker sees scratches on the arm as they hurry away that look as if they were self-inflicted, and decides to follow behind them. They sneakily stalk the Chimchar and see them heading down some somewhat rough alleyways. Eventually, they see the Chimchar reach a Wobuffet and hand over the Poke they had in exchange for what appears to be candy, pleading with them to cut them a deal for at least just one of them. The Chimchar immediate eats the candy and is shooed away by the Wobuffet. Tucker follows after the Chimchar to ask about it, but the Chimchar explains nervously that they feel that they needed the candy, with one hand instinctively going to claw at the arm with all of the scratches on it. Tucker makes the decision to convince the Chimchar to go with him under the pretence of getting more candy, claiming he knows a guy at the arena who could help them out.

Meanwhile, Ralph and Rhyda leave Sandbar Blue, just barely missing Tucker leading the Chimchar towards the arena, with the password from the Wobuffet Ralph had previously smooth-talked. Recalling Rhyda scrying for the Wooper's location and noticing a pasta restaurant, they decide to ask nearby Pokémon about any pasta restaurants. while they don't find the Wooper immediately, Ralph happens across a shop that sells pasta wigs run by a Furfrou, and immediately starts giving them inspiration to expand upon the possibilities of grain-crafted accessories. Eventually, they come across the restaurant they were searching for, noticing that it is filled with Wobbuffet. Rhyda decides to teleport onto the top of the restaurant without letting Ralph know their plan to attempt to find a way in. Meanwhile, Ralph, thinking people would be suspicious of a Snorlax choosing not to enter a restaurant would be suspicious, decides to go inside on his own.

On the rooftop, Rhyda is immediately blasted with water and knocked back down onto the ground exactly as Ralph enters. However, they luckily land on cushions to prevent further injury, and they start to hide from the presumed Clawitzer via alleyways as they tend to their injuries. Then, they test if the Clawitzer still knows their location by sending a Double Team duplicate into the open streets, but there is no shot. They scry for the Clawitzer and, while they cannot pinpoint a location, they learn that the Clawitzer currently has them in their sights. Trying to make use of the opportunity, Rhyda attempts to ascertain which point exactly the Clawitzer can see them from to mark them, but their idea has little success due to the Clawitzer's experience.

Meanwhile, Ralph looks around the restaurant and requests a table for two before being directed to said table past the many Wobbuffets. As he walks, Ralph sees no sign of the Wooper at that point. He sits down and orders a dish while continuing to survey the restaurant while also looking through the window on occasion to check if Rhyda was OK.

### Session 118 - Sharing Scandals with Candles

After arriving at the arena with the Chimchar, Tucker decides to search for anyone who would know if Brooke was there. They end up speaking with the Machamp, who lets them know that Brooke had just left before Tucker arrives. Tucker then decides to ask if Jawson was still there, but the Machamp unfortunately has to return back to work, and can't immediately rememeber if Jawson is there. Tucker looks around the arena and finds Jawson by the aquatic Pokémon area practicing with some other Pokémon. Trying to avoid bringing too much attention to them, Tucker asks the Chimchar to wait while he approaches Jawson on his own, which the Chimchar agrees to do. He is able to successfully able to signal Jawson to speak with him, explaining that he had an addict following him, and he'd come here to get help from one of the crocs. Jawson, immediately assuming that he wanted Tucker to knock the Chimchar's lights out for stealing from him, tries to march over to the Chimchar, but stops when Tucker explains he just wants to take them to a hospital. Now understanding, Jawson approaches the Chimchar with a serious expression and says he can show the Chimchar how the candy gets made. This immediately grabs the Chimchar's attention, and they happily follow Jawson to a medical room containing an Audino and Venomoth. Jawson requests that the two wait until he can tell the Audino to leave the room before entering the room themselves, and Jawson requests the Venomoth to use Sleep Powder on the Chimchar before they notice and try to escape the powder's reach. The Chimchar catches on at the last second, but cannot do much to get away before falling unconscious. The two thank the Venomoth for their assistance, and Jawson is promptly told to go get the Audino by the Venomoth.

After better explaining the situation to Audino, they explain that the arena doesn't have any resources that would be used to try to detox the Chimchar. Tucker asks if this situation is common, and the three adults look at the innocent child and explain that what the Chimchar was ingesting was a drug that can slowly degrade a Pokémon's health, while also being addictive enough to make them want to continue eating them despite such consequences. Jawson is then told by Audino to take the Chimchar to the hospital, and that they will explain what Jawson had been doing, as Jawson apparently receives some negative attention for frequenting Ebbing Tide. Jawson reluctantly agrees to do so, picking up the Chimchar and taking them with him and Tucker to the hospital.

Meanwhile, Ralph and Rhyda are continuing their separate investigations of the restaurant. Ralph, unable to see Rhyda, tries to send a signal to them to let them know he'll be attempting to gather more information, though he cannot tell whether Rhyda received it or not. Ralph then calls over the Mr. Rime who had directed him to the table and politely requests if he can be moved to one of the tables in the back of the restaurant. The Mr. Rime reaches their hand out to receive some additional payment, and are more than satisfied with the amount Ralph assumes he has to pay before escorting him to the back rooms. The corridor they pass through is more dimly lit and compact, and numerous fancy paintings of various patrons on the wall, including the Persian and Roserade from the club, leading to a door that opens to a similarly-lit room with Litwick serving as lighting, and the tables separated by tall barriers. As Ralph passes by the various tables, he notices one illuminated by an orange flame which has the Wooper sat at it with two Wobbuffet and the Zoroark Ralph recognises as the owner of Obsidian Sky. He tries to maintain a low profile by engaging in friendly banter with the Litwick stationed on his table while attempting to listen in on the Wooper's conversation. The Litwick teases Ralph, presuming them to be some gambler who doesn't understand the "Proper rules" of the rich, and mentioning that he is not anything like the family of the Wooper, who are currently the richest family in Seaspray.

Meanwhile, outside of the restaurant, Rhyda tries to approach the restaurant entrance nonchalantly, while remaining prepared to dodge another projectile should the Clawitzer attempt another shot. Seemingly not wanting to fire at Rhyda in a crowded street in comparison to an alleyway, no shots are fired, allowing Rhyda to enter the restaurant to try to meet with Ralph. They ask a Charmander who seems to be one of the staff where Ralph's location is, and is told that they were taken to the back room by the Mr. Rime. Rhyda follows the direction the Charmander pointed them in, but finds that the door at the end of the corridor is not moving despite their attempts to open it. They decide to knock and wait for a response, realising that the door is being held shut by a psychic force and not wanting to use any brash methods to force it open currently.

They are then soon let in by the Mr. Rime, presuming them to be Ralph's companion, and warns them to mind their manners. As Rhyda is brought in, Ralph notices the other table go silent until Rhyda is sat at Ralph's table. Ralph introduces Rhyda to the Litwick, who claims know who Rhyda is after overhearing about Rhyda's earlier interaction with the Wooper. Ralph tries to pry more information, but the Litwick sees right through Ralph's attempts and recognising him as a former arena champion. Ralph attempts to get more information by reading the Litwick's mind, but immediately realises that it will be impossible to do so as some other force blocked any attempts. Rhyda, meanwhile, inquires as to if the Litwick knows anything about Philia the Roserade, to which they learn that they were an ex-singer at the restaurant back when Seaspray was first being formed, but had later left her job to move on to other things. After a few more attempts to pry information, the two notice the Zoroark leaving the restaurant, needing a cane to walk after the injuries sustained following Team Cheer's visit to Obsidian Sky, and decide to approach the Wooper's table now that it is just them and the Wobbuffet.