The Lord-Regent Treehouse's Story

“You sur-“ Radegast was about to protest, but the boy swiftly walked past.

Elder eyed the boy. “Was that…”

“Something wrong?” Radegast asked.

“Dude’s got six pokeballs, had an aura like Margriet’s.”

“Radegast hummed wordlessly, “Anyway, let’s go home.”

The two of them headed out of Hano. Side by side, they strode up the perfectly straight path heading past the farmlands. Eventually they clambered up some low cliffs and found their way to the Jungle entrance. “Long time no see indeed,” Radegast smiled as the two of them entered.

After some navigation, the two of them found the same path they had taken years before. They passed by the trees with the faded markings, and came across two Ariados. The spiders waved to them, somehow recognizing the boy and Gengar despite their changes.

“Sup?” Radegast waved back with a smile. “Leg’s perfect!” He pointed out said leg. The Ariados chirped cheerfully, with a pinch of relief. Evidently they weren’t absolutely sure it was the same guy until said guy pointed out the leg.

Soon enough, the cliff face was reached, and Radegast began to climb the rock wall. Elder hovered around his right to make sure the sixteen-year-old didn’t fall down anytime soon. Given his good health and since improved physical growth, climbing the cliff took about half the time as last time. That being said, he was panting by the time he reached the top.

“It’s been too long,” came a voice.

“Doc? I didn’t think you’d still be-“ Radegast rose his head, only to come face to face with a chipper-looking Dartrix. The Owl Pokemon had a beautiful blue plumage, characteristic of the shiny members of the Rowlet family. “Doc?” Did that Porygon make a breakthrough in Conversion evolution?

The Dartrix slowly moved a wing forward and gave a most formal, butler-esque bow. “It is wonderful to finally make your acquaintance, Master Radegast.” The Dartrix spoke in a heavy, hooty British accent.

Radegast blinked. “What.”

“I-Is something the matter, sir?” The Dartrix’s head turned up, despite his bow never wavering.

“Who are you?” Radegast asked nervously as he slowly brought himself up to his feet.

“Ah!” the Dartrix fumbled and scrambled on his stilt-like feet nervously, “But where are my manners!” The Dartrix hopped in place and stood ramrod straight. “*ERHERM!* This is the Treehouse, established by… well, you, of course. You and your companions. I am but a humble Dartrix, who has an eye for the good in people.”

“I can’t-“ Radegast attempted to say he couldn’t understand what the Dartrix was saying. He called out Chrome to translate.

“I see the good in one such as you, and I- Jakob- devote my life to taking care of your most humble abode.”

That last part, Chrome caught, and subsequently relayed to Radegast. The colour flushed from the boy’s face.

“Wait, no no no. I don’t want servants, dude.”

“I’m not a servant,” The Dartrix, Jakob, spoke rather harshly, as if mildly offended, “I merely chose to dedicate myself to heeding to your beck and call at any time, no matter how inconvenient.”

“… That’s exactly what a servant is!“ Radegast cried.

“No, this is entirely-“

“Nevermind, I get it, you wanna live here, and that’s cool and all, but… How did… No, why are you here?”

“The same reason the others are here.”

“Others?!” Radegast stiffened as a sudden paralysis overtook him. The boy dropped to the ground, drooling involuntarily on the igneous deposit that comprised the floor.

“Jolder!” Jakob huffed in unparalleled annoyance. His wings flapped wildly as Elder and Chrome moved to battle positions around Radegast. They hadn’t seen where the paralyzing shot came from.

“Oh don’t be a ssstick in the mud, darling,” A sultry, snake-like voice emitted from the darkness. Elder’s eyes gleamed in an utter lack of amusement as a Salazzle entered the light. “He is quite a ravishing human sspecimen, I musst admit.”

“I dun liek ge’in thtung,” Radegast slurred as more drool involuntarily trickled out of the corner of his gaping mouth.

“It’ll wear off,” the Salazzle smiled mischievously, “I make sure all men do eventually, Hmhmhm,” The humming laugh came as an opportune time. Radegast’s body had sorted through the poison faster than most, and the boy pushed himself up. “Oh! Fascinating,” the Salazzle replied as Radegast wiped his mouth with a sleeve, “I have heard that the so-called “Lord-Regent” had a particularly resilient body. If only the men in my life had half that strength.”

“Your playfulness is, of course, the most insufferable thing imaginable,” Jakob flatly replied as he rose a wing to wave at her. “Sod off, if it please you.”

“It does not please me,” The Salazzle slinked up towards the Dartrix, and stroked the owl’s chin seductively with a finger, “But I’ll do anything for you, darling.” The Dartrix’s expression did not change in the slightest. Jolder gave a disappointed harrumph as she slipped away in one fluid motion. She vanished between an opening in the now-reinforced bamboo walls. “Be that way then. I’m sure the others will want to see the human.”

“There’s even more?” Radegast asked.

“Oh yes! The Treehouse has become quite a wonderful abode to Pokemon like us,” Jakob replied excitedly as he hopped up to Radegast. “The Wildlings who want to do their own thing, to find themselves, to be themselves, without the torment of a prison cell and relentless combat.”

“Hey-hey! Long time no see, man!” Radegast turned his head to spot a Porygon Z leave the building, which had since seen many additions. “YoIs the gang all here?”

“And then some,” Radegast jerked a thumb at Chrome, “Let’s get everyone out.”

Rage burst from his pokeball, followed by Crystal, the Operative, and Suros. The Talonflame eyed Doc Holiday with a nod, and regarded the Dartrix with suspicion.

“Is that…” Doc Holiday’s head tilted as he gazed at the Talonflame.

Radegast nodded. Doc Holiday seemed joyful as a result.

“Come on in, We made a lot of changes since you were gone,” Doc Holiday beckoned the others to follow, “You’ll wanna meet the others anyway. They’re pretty legit guys.”

The group headed for the Treehouse proper, save for Suros. Radegast noted that the Talonflame was hopping over to the three memorial markers she had placed a long time ago. Radegast told Elder he would be a moment, and followed Suros.

“I’m tired,” Suros said.

“Tired, eh?” Suros nodded. Radegast continued, “That’s why we’re here. R&R, getting away from the Psychic Rebellion.”

“I want to see that Zoroark just like I saw Bretomart.”

Radegast sensed the bloodlust in the Talonflame’s voice. He found his hand gently stroking the Talonflame’s head, and the bird’s body heat immediately dropped in relaxation. “We’re home now, No point dwelling on it, eh?”

“You remind me of Hakkë, sometimes.”

“C’mon, let’s meet the new blood,” Radegast smirked.

The two of them caught up to the others, who had been waiting outside the door. “All good, Radegast?” Doc Holiday asked.

“Just payin’ respects,” Radegast replied.

Doc Holiday nodded, and led the group into the Treehouse. The interior had seen much improvements. The wooden walls had seen clay overlays formed and caked on to add rigidity. Furniture of varying types had been built, and the floor was covered in a mat of criss-crossing slivers of dried reeds. The most prominent furnitures were several chairs and sofas. The cushions for which appeared to be made from salvaged, beg, borrowed, and hopefully not stolen pieces of wool and cloth. As Radegast entered, he saw several Pokemon lounging on some of the chairs and sofas. They appeared quite comfortable.

“DOC HOLIDAY WHY HAVE YOU BROUGHT INTRUDERS INTO OUR HOME WITHOUT A FIGHT!?” Came a voice that Radegast could’ve sworn was Rage’s. However, he was looking at Rage at the time, and saw that the Primeape’s mouth hadn’t moved at all.

“This is the Lord-Regent, Thoth,” Doc Holiday hovered to the human. “He’s the one who built the damn place,” Doc Holiday tapped an arm on the sixteen-year-old’s tough chest.

A Night-forme Lycanroc stood from his sofa. “PLEASE EXCUSE THE DISRESPECT, LORD-REGENT!” The Lycanroc bellowed with an almost Rage-esque shiver of anticipation.

“WHY ARE YOU YELLING?” Rage shouted, “IT’S NOT POLITE TO YELL, WHELP!”

“WHAAAT!? WHAT DID YOU JUST SAY TO ME!?!” The Lycanroc’s eye twitched.

“FIGHT ME, COWARD!!!” Rage shrieked, “I WILL TEACH YOU RESPECT WITH ONE ARM TIED BEHIND MY BACK! OURS WILL BE A FIGHT OF THE MILLENIUM! THE BARDS WILL TELL OUR TALE WITH AWE!!!”

“THEY WILL TELL OF MY OVERWHELMING VICTORY!!!!!”
“FAT CHANCE!”
“IT’S MUSCLE, NOT FAT!!!!”
“I WILL DESTROY YOU COMPLETELY!”
“YOU COULDN’T EVEN KILL IT ON TWITTER!”

“Honesstly, boys, the tempers are sso unbecoming,” The Salazzle from earlier huffed as she entered from another room.

“SAYS YOU!” Rage shouted, “WE SHALL FIGHT LATER!! TELL ME YOUR NAME!”

“THE NAME OF YOUR EVENTUAL DEMISE IS THOTH THE LYCANROC!!!”

“I AM RAGE! IT IS A PLEASURE TO MAKE YOUR ACQUAINTANCE, YOU SON OF A BITCH!!!” The two of them clapped their hands together, similar to a rather amazing scene from Predator.

“So that’s Thoth, the Salazzle is Jolder, you’ve met Jakob already,” Doc Holiday indicated the Lycanroc, Salazzle, and Dartrix respectively. Said Dartrix once more performed an obscenely formal bow. “North and Metronome are currently out, and Vorpal is…”

“Right here, man,” An Alakazam entered the room. This particular Alakazam had unusual bags under his eyes, “Thoth, dude. were you performing a play or something?”

“I CAN’T WRITE, VORPAL!” Thoth shouted.

“Shucks man, you’d reach the back with resonance like that, man… Oh, we have visitors? Tha’s coo,” Vorpal slurred, “And a human? Weird, I thought we were avoidin’ the man, man…”

“This,” Doc Holiday repeated as he tapped Radegast’s shoulder, “Is Radegast, the kid who built this place.”

“Oh!” Vorpal’s eyes widened in… interest? It was hard to tell with the bags under his eyes, “Hope i’s coo if I chill here, man.”

Chrome translated to Radegast, who then replied, “All good, man. And you said there were two more?”

“North and Metronome,” Doc Holiday replied, “They’ll be back soon. The Porygon Z then introduced the group to Rage, Elder, and Crystal. Chrome and the Operative introduced themselves afterward.

“Who’s the Talonflame?” Jolder asked.

Doc Holiday glanced at Suros, who had been roosting on Radegast’s arm. Suros nodded. “This is Suros.”

Everyone’s eyes lit up, “The Suros?”

“Yup,” Suros chirped. No point hiding it if almost everyone here knew.

“Oh, Suros,” the Salazzle hummed in a sympathetic tone, “I’m so sorry,”

“It’s fine,” Suros replied, “It was a long time ago.”

“No… well yes, that too… but that’s not what I meant,” Jolder interrupted, “It’s Weyloran.”

Suros opened a single eye. “What.”

“That’s what North and Metronome went to sort out,” Doc Holiday added, “Weyloran is now the Matriarch of her clan, and they’re taking over the northern reefs on Akala.

“Why?” Elder asked.

“They found out about this place,” Doc Holiday replied, “Apparently she didn’t take kindly to us building a hangout spot next to Felwinter’s grave marker.”

“Bitch,” Suros’ feathers flared up, but her body temperature did not rise all that much. She unfurled her wings. “I’m tired of running, I’ll deal with Weyloran.”

“You sure?” Radegast asked.

“I would like you to come with me,” Suros replied.

“Of course, dude,”

“We all going on a little field trip then?” Jolder the Salazzle asked as she slinked up close to Radegast, “I’d like to see first-hand the legend of this human boy.”

“Don’t get any funny ideas,” Suros’s beady eye glared daggers at the Salazzle.

“You wound me,” Jolder teased, though she did back away, “I wouldn’t touch your morsel… in front of you.”

Vorpal stayed behind, reasoning that the Treehouse needed a caretaker while they were gone. Radegast had the sneaking suspicion that the Alakazam was even lazier than Suros, as impossible as that seemed.

Radegast and his… entourage, essentially… moved back down the cliff and continued North through the jungle. Given that they had crossed most of the Lush Jungle already, reaching the coast did not take all that long. The sixteen-year-old had produced his bicycle, and everyone else could move faster than a human. Those who couldn’t or didn’t want to hung onto Radegast or a faster Pokemon. Soon enough, they reached the highway that ran along the Northern shore.

Up ahead, Radegast saw the silhouette of a Magneton, and a rather familiar form. Radegast parked the bike close by and approached. “Metronome, eh?” He asked.

The Meloetta turned. “Human boy, it’s good to see you again,” She sized up the human, who had grown since last they met, “I heard from Doc Holiday that Project Siren tried to kill you. I’m sorry I brought that upon you,”

“That was all me,” Radegast shook his head, “I’m just a dumb kid.”

“Dumb, but kind. I see you’ve brought almost an ar-“ She paused as she spotted the Talonflame. “Is that…”

Radegast nodded as Suros rose from her perch, on Radegast’s shoulder. “Weyloran!” The Talonflame cawed as she flared her enormous wings.

The ocean rippled near their position, even moreso than the waves could accomplish. Dull purple spikes breached the surface all around, followed by the shells the spikes were part of. Multiple Cloysters and Shellder showed their faces at the piercing Eagle-like caw from the Talonflame. Most prominent was a rather large Cloyster that rose above the rest, supported on an ice structure being formed by the Cloyster riding it. Weyloran eyed the Talonflame with an uncharacteristic flame of pure hatred.

“Suros,” Weyloran spat. The entire clan followed suit by spitting in the Talonflame’s general direction. “It’s good to see you. Do you know why it’s good to see you?”

“I recall what you told me if you ever saw me again,” Suros replied, “I’ve come to deal with this.”

“I will see you dead, Demonslayer, today, and no later.”

The Clan hummed in agreement, which sounded off not unlike a viking horn across the Northern shores.

“By Arceus…” Radegast’s eyes widened as he sensed the bloodlust from the clan he beheld. How can you teach so much hate?

Lukas's own eyes widened as he watched the scene develop. Following from the jungle to the northern portion of the island. What had started off as suspicions of the blonde teenager and his potential affiliations with Team Skull had turned into something completely different. And this alternative was looking to be much worse. A Pokemon turf war smack dab in the middle of Route 8. That would prove to be disasterous for those walking past. From the looks of the Talonflame's and Cloyster army's perspective, they were going to go all out. That could hurt people.

Lukas clenched his fist and checked his PokeBalls, making sure he had them all. He couldn't let this fight break out. Not here. He'd stopped many dangers from achieving fruition before. Team Skull and their antics. Aether Paradise and Lusamine's lunacy. Even the Ultra Beasts and their chaotic expulsions throughout the region. He'd already accepted his role as a protector of the Alola Region and it's way of life. He was kind of like the Grand Kahuna of Alola in a sense. He smiled at the title he'd just come up with.

Wonder if Kukui would let me change my title of Champion to Grand Kahuna... he thought as he ran from his hiding spot behind the Hostel and stepped in between the two sides, palms outstretched in both directions.

"Stop! Both of you!" he cried, his voice sounding surprisingly small to him. After all, he was still only a twelve year old boy, even if he looked taller than that. He could feel the staring of eyes falling in his direction. He gulped and pushed his own nervousness aside, just like he always did.

"Do not continue this fight," he went on. "Not here. These tourist who walk through here don't deserve to feel either of your guys's wrath. I will fight both of you before I let anything happen to anyone on Akala Island." His eyes twinkled dangerously as he looked at Suros, then at Weyloran, "And I mean that."

The Cloyster seemed to register Radegast’s concerned expresion. “Who is the human?”

“He is a human, and a friend.” Suros replied.

The Cloyster spat once more. “Humans, not a difference between them. They kidnap my kin, now they have filled the void in your heart, you selfish thing. You may have replaced your brothers, but nothing can replace Felwinter.”

“I replaced nothing,” Suros’ body temperature rose, “I’ve moved on, it’s you who’s stuck in the past.”

“On the contrary, I’ve never been so focused on the future.” Weyloran replied, “You see, I’ve been training, just like you and Felwinter did. You will pay for your-”

And then a boy ran out calling for them to stop. “This does not concern you, human!” Weyloran barked coldly.

“Nah dude, he’s got a point,” Radegast noted as he glanced up at Suros. The air rippled around the bird in wave of intense heat waves. The sixteen-year-old noted his shirt sleeve was not getting burned… yet.

Doc Holiday began to speak as he pointed one of his three limbs at Lukas. “Hey wait, that’s-“

“I did not ask for your opinion,” Weyloran growled as the many, many Cloyster in the waters readied themselves to launch a volley of attacks.

A sudden blast of electricity burst forth. The Magneton that had been hanging around planted two magnets into the water and unleashed an enormous Discharge. The electricity flowed through the ocean waters, affecting every Cloyster it came in contact with.

“DO NOT FORGET WE HAVE NORTH TO KEEP YOU AT BAY, WEYLORAN!” Thoth barked as his arms thrust forward in an obscene gesture.

Many of the Cloyster had been knocked out by the savage spread of the Magneton’s attack, but many more remained standing, and very very angry.

“They have gotten sturdier than last time,” North reported robotically.

“We noticed,” Jolder huffed, but hid her nervousness under her usual sultry visage, “Seems we’re gonna have a fight on our-“

Radegast held out an arm, and jerked his head towards the ground, where the rest of his immediate friends were standing. Suros seemed unsure of what was about to happen, but she dropped into a glide off to the side. The sixteen-year-old stepped forward from there.

“Okay, look. I think we’ve gotten off on the wrong foot,” Radegast spoke matter-of-factly and professionally, very unlike himself. “I have come as an ambassador to Absolute, who wants to ally herself with your clan.” He hoped changing the subject would do something. “They’re also friends with the…” Radegast didn’t dare speak the name of the Seven Clans in front of humans, so he flashed three fingers to the side, replicating the general shape of the Dragalge.

“If Absolute considers the likes of that bird worthy of living,” The Cloyster seemed very fond of spitting. She suddenly launched an enormous spike of ice directly at Radegast.

“Lord-Regent!” Elder called. Radegast rose his arms, ready to brace himself, or possibly catch the spike. He didn’t have enough time to dodge. Weyloran had gotten quite strong, and frighteningly fast to boot.

Jakob leaped in front of Radegast, but it appeared he jumped too soon, and wound up face-planting on the ground in front of Radegast. He was essentially unprotected from a savage spike of ice.

Despite that, there was no fleshy impact like most were expecting. Rather, the clang of ice on metal resembled a massive bell, which rang and resonated across the shores. The Reginald Coat of Arms glared at Weyloran with it’s single eye in the hilt.

“You…” Suros’ body temperature spiked. Everyone else on the shore began to steel themselves for combat.

“NO!” Radegast barked. “Damnit NO!”

Reggie, being a more independent spirit among the Reginald family, moved first. With immense speed, the Aegislash closed the distance toward Weyloran’s podium and swung it’s blade. The platform exploded into chunks of ice, sending Cloyster and Shellder flying from a single swing. Radegast shouted wordlessly at the Aegislash, but the Aegislash did not yield. The immense power of the Coat of Arms easily overwhelmed the Cloyster that remained conscious. They hadn’t expected such an immense power to strike at them instead of the relatively lowly power of Suros.

Radegast slapped both hands over his mouth in utter terror. The Coat of Arms- the goddamn family-serving Coat of Arms. Radegast had completely forgotten about Reggie throughout. Now his identity would’ve no-doubt been revealed to anyone who could recognise the Shield of Light. Were there spies around? Would that boy recognize the Reginald Coat of Arms?

Regardless, the savage attack by the Aegislash sent the remaining Cloyster to scatter and dive. Far away, Weyloran’s voice barely reached them. “ANOTHER TIME, MURDERER! NO CHEAP TRI-” She hit the water’s surface and submerged, cutting off her speech from there.

“Ooooh fuck…” Elder mimicked the Lord-Regent, understanding full well just how well this situation had been handled. Doc Holiday and the Gengar exchanged glances before both stared at Radegast. “Oooooh no…”

Radegast shivered as he struggled to sit down on the grass before the shore. He was still in shock. From his perspective, there was no more boy, no more Treehouse, no more main crew. There was the scattered Cloyster and the idiot that scattered them.

“What the fuck, man?!” Radegast shouted as the Aegislash hovered back.

“You are truly naïve if you thought you could negotiate with them,” Reggie hummed in disappointment. “You have better genes than that, boy.”

The Aegislash immediately returned to the old wood-grain pokeball. Radegast grabbed at his dreadlocks in frustration.

The Treehouse Pokemon were stunned at the sheer display of power the Aegislash put on, and kept their distance from the boy that “commanded” such power. Radegast’s closer friends, however, huddled around him.

“SUCH IMPRESSIVE POWER!” Thoth shouted.

“INDEED!” Rage agreed, though his face betrayed concern for the sixteen-year-old.

“Guys…” Doc Holiday continued, finally, “That’s the Alolan Champion right there… I think we’re in some serious trouble.”

“Shit,” Jolder slithered close to Jakob to help him up. North, Doc, and Thoth grouped closer together between Radegast and Lukas. Metronome stepped closer to Radegast and the main crew. The Treehouse did not trust trainers, especially not powerful trainers.

"Hm. Very interesting. Does this match your recent intelligence report?"

"Da, comrade. Alola does indeed have a worthy Champion. It is safe to declare ourselves, as long as we are in the business of doing so," the Bisharp noted. "Should you have to face the Aegislash, the Black Knights stand ready to assist."

"Hopefully that will not be necessary. Now come. It is time." Ten of the Treehouse agents suddenly revealed their true forms...a Zoroark, a Bisharp, and eight Pawniard as their leader dropped the illusion. Oh, what a grand prank this was! They burst out of the Treehouse and onto the sands, admiring the recent show of force. Tungsten, being the one best at the human tongue due to his...unusual heritage, spoke first.

"Hail, Champion of Alola...and whoever you are. It seems that I have found you well." His speech was overly formal, as if he was used to kowtowing to mob bosses...but given what he had just seen, it fit. "Congratulations on your temporary victory. My men have been observing you from afar...it seems you have a talent for attracting strong people to you. If I'm not mistaken, this would be the second Champion that you've personally spoken with?" He waited a beat for his words to sink in.

"Ah, but how rude of me to not introduce myself. I am Tungsten, son of the legendary coven leader Ahriman. Maybe you've heard of me from the news on Terra some years back, yes?"

Radegast, Doc Holiday, the Treehouse Pokemon, and the pokemon accompanying the dreadlocked teen would all be staring at the young twelve year old boy whose identity was now known to them. He wasn't facing any of the Pokemon that had gathered around Radegast, but rather stared out into the ocean where Weyloran and her clan had submerged. His expression was hidden to them. The most they had to read was body language, in which the only telling sign of that was when his hand unclenched, hanging loosely by his side. He didn't move, but the slightly rough island wind swept through the area, blowing his brown, unkempt hair to the right. An audible sigh was heard from his breath.

"Woah..." was the noise that escaped Lukas's lips.

Finally, he turned around. There was no anger in his face, nor was there a serious kind of tone in his stance. His eyes were glittering with pure joy and amazement at what he'd just seen. As if he was in awe.

"That was so cool!" Lukas pumped his fist in the air, his eyes finding Radegast, "Your Pokemon just...completely took care of that Cloyster! I think I remember Sina or Dexio telling me about that Pokemon. It's an Aegislash, right? WOW, it looks cooler in person! And a neat ball to match!" After examining the finely crafted wooden PokeBall, his gaze found the band of Pokemon that were a part of either Radegast's party or the Treehouse.

"You guys okay?" he asked genuinely, even though he knew he wouldn't understand the response, "It didn't seem like you were the aggressive ones in this fight, so I'm hoping you're the good guys here. I'm just glad that group of Shellfish and Cloyster didn't hurt anyone. Actually, I'm glad that no one got hurt. As much as I like a new and exciting adventure, I don't like people getting hurt on them."

"Hail, Champion of Alola..."

"Huh?" Lukas voiced questioningly as he whirled his head around to find quite a few new faces to meet. He didn't recognize any of the Pokemon presenting themselves to him. Maybe if he talked to that Oak guy, he could relay some information for him...

Though for his lack of knowledge on this party, they seemed to know a lot about him. More than even he knew. Who was the second Champion he'd run across?

"Tungsten?" Lukas repeated, the name sounding foreign on his tongue, "I don't think I've ever heard that name before. Or Ah...Ahriman? Is that how you pronounce that? I don't know. I don't know a lot of history about Terra or their inhabitants. Sorry." He gave a peaceful shrug. "I am curious about how you know so much about me, though. I don't recall meeting a second Champion. I think I was introduced to some former Champions at the battle tree. Red and Blue were their names. If you're referring to them, then yeah, I guess. But otherwise, I have no idea what you're talking about."

He then turned to everyone else around him, "Regardless, alola to you all! I guess the title slipped out a couple times there, but I should probably introduce myself anyway. I'm Lukas Castiel." He held out a fist for Radegast to bump, "And it's awesome to meet all of you!"

As Weyloran and her clan vanished under the ocean waves, several more wild Pokemon appeared. They appeared to be a team of Pawniard led by a Zoroark and a Bisharp. Radegast stood up once more with his friends around him. The Treehouse mainstays (Jakob, Jolder, and the rest) formed up around the boy like some VIP. Rage's sunken eyes pierced the Pawniards' as well as the Zoroark's.

However, when the twelve-year-old boy seemed ecstatic about what just happened, the group settled down somewhat. Radegast’s anger towards the Aegislash seemed to vanish rather rapidly as he took a deep breath. “Welp… C’est la vie…” Radegast glanced at Elder, who began shoving everyone aside so the sixteen-year-old could actually move.

Radegast stood up and approached the slightly taller boy, who had introduced himself as Lukas. The twelve-year-old seemed very… naïve for a champion. Then again, there was no Pokemon League to speak of last time Radegast was there.

Well, all that mattered was that one existed now, and Lukas Castiel introduced himself as that one. “Dreads, my name is Dreads,” Radegast introduced himself with a false name as he recovered his own laid-back grin, “And these are my friends,” he indicated the twelve that were with him. Elder, Rage, Suros, Chrome, Operative, Crystal, Jakob, Jolder, North, Metronome, Thoth, and Doc Holiday.

The Champion didn’t seem to recognize the Shield of Light, so that was a major blessing. He wasn’t sure about the Zoroark and his posse who had emerged from the Jungle as well. Due to a couple of run-ins with another Zoroark who could speak Ruulan Common, the sixteen-year-old had reluctance talking with said Zoroark. The others in Radegast’s crew seemed to feel similarly regarding the Zoroark named Tungsten.

However, when asked if he had heard of Tungsten, Radegast could only shrug. “Sorry man, dunno what you’re talking about.” Perhaps Reggie’s presence hadn’t betrayed his identity. If he held onto the name “Dreads”, he could still salvage this, hopefully.

The Zoroark mentioned spies… The last thing Radegast needed was even more spies tailing him. All he could do was bullshit and hope. He was supposed to have vanished entirely after Mistralton, for Arceus’ sakes… Maybe it would help a lot if he went back to Po Town. It would be cool to see some of the Skulls again.

Radegast had no idea that OG Lee was only one of the few who had remained at Po Town, turning a new leaf by renovating the town and cleaning up the graffiti.

Lukas's jaw dropped as the dreadlocked teen introduced himself.

"No...way," he breathed as he reached for a PokeBall, completely oblivious to Tungsten and his crew at this point, "Dude, I've got a Dreads! Check it!" He tossed the PokeBall and unleashed the Pokemon within.

The Kommo-o appeared in front of all of them, raising her brow curiously at his surroundings. Her body was mostly a steelish gray color, her snout round and beak-ish. Her head was accented with a yellow scale garnished by a red heart, the scales falling around her head like...well, from the name you can probably guess. This same design of scales ran down the front of her neck, across her back, down her arms, and even accented her tail at the end. She looked around, the scales clanging slightly against her skin.

"Akala Island of all places?" the Kommo-o muttered, mostly to herself, "Not a lot of strong Pokemon here." She sighed, but her lip curled up into a sneer, "Well, I guess I could still have fun."

Lukas held out a hand towards the new companion he'd just met, "Dreads, I'd like for you to meet Dreads!"

Dreads the Kommo-o's eyes narrowed harshly, "Oh really? Then we have a problem. There can only be ONE Dreads in this Region!"

She let the tension cut through the air for a moment before letting out a sultry chuckle, her stance relaxing "Nah, I'm just messing with you guys. A name is a name is a name." Her gaze did pass over Tungsten and crew, her eyes narrowing for real this time. Her scales seemed to clang slightly louder.

"Huh?" Lukas noticed the change in behavior and turned towards the Zoroark, "Now I know she was kidding around with Dreads over here, but she's not with you guys. She can sense something dark within all of you. Why are you here right now?"

"Allow me to explain," the Bisharp noted with a foreign accent. "It is my business to know things. The news of legends awakening and Leagues forming...well, human affairs have interested me for some time ever since my former master taught me to speak and play chess." Upon the dragon hitting the beach, the eight Pawniard immediately formed a protective phalanx, just like pawns on a chessboard. It was like the Bisharp could telepathically command them.

"We possess information that could facilitate our young Champion's new political responsibilities. News from overseas that will aid negotiations with your fellows. The human Dreads seems to be a person of interest to many and varied factions...and staying on top of their various deals and power plays is our business. For the right price, we'll give you the knowledge and expertise you need to stay ahead of whoever's chasing you."

"Plus your Operative reminds me of one of my dad's old henchmen, an Ariados. He seems very professional, an asset to any organization," Tungsten added. "If you could organize all the regulars around here, you could form an effective strike force when the time comes to take the fight to your pursuers. I learned from a young age that you must choose your destiny before others choose it for you. So...I hope we have a deal?"

Damnit damnit damnit, what an unlucky fake name to pick on the fly. At least, that’s what was running through Radegast’s head up until it turned out Lukas and the other Dreads were taking it in stride with no suspicion whatsoever. This calmed Radegast down quite a lot, and allowed him to regain his natural calm demeanour.

“You got the wrong guy.” Radegast insisted in response to the Zoroark. “And Operative’s no henchman. She’s a friend. I dunno what you’re trying to insinuate with that nonsense about destiny, but I’m just a native, dude. I just got back from Ula’ula Island.” His Reginald poker face had returned in form, and he spoke deliberately to make sure neither Lukas, nor the Zoroark would misinterpret what he was saying.

As soon as he said that, Radegast about-faced and began to power-walk back to his parked bike. His main team returned to their respective pokeballs while the Treehouse caretakers followed on foot. They meant to head back to the very defensible position of the Treehouse, where Vorpal lounged alone on a lawn chair made from bamboo shafts and dried vines.

Radegast tried not to let either party respond as he tried to mount his bike as quickly as possible.

Overseas? Negotiations? Lukas rubbed his chin as he thought about what the Bisharp was trying to offer him. It seemed to him that this group of individuals acted upon shady deals. Perhaps that was just because they were dominantly Dark-Types. Perhaps not. But that wasn't why the business proposition was so off-putting. It was the nature of it. These two were dealers of information on a national scale for reasons and/or motivations unknown. And the bone-chilling exchange for this information...for the right price. That told Lukas they weren't dealing with money, in a sense. They were dealing with something else.

Though that bit of information with Dreads...it was interesting. He was a person of interest to many factions. That bit seemed to stick with Lukas as he turned to the blonde human. Even though the teen was quick to deny it, he may have been a bit too quick.

And yet...

It seemed that what he was proposing was true as well. He certainly looked like a native to some degree. He knew the name of Ula'ula Island, which wasn't too difficult when you've been in the Region long enough. But all it took to learn that was a simple geography lesson. But it did solidify a theory he had been building.

Dreads very well could be a part of Team Skull...

That meet-up with the one Team Skull affiliate was way too informal...and definitely not hostile, like other encounters that he'd had in his experiences. And he was a native of Ula'ula Island, where Po Town resided. That was another piece of the puzzle. And when the other Pokemon had mentioned he was a person of interest, Lukas was sure Team Skull qualified as a faction.

So Lukas decided to play off the information gatherers with a simple, "Truth be told, I've never had an issue with obtaining information. If people want to come to me for something, they're more than happy to meet me in person to talk about it. But I get what you're offering and I do want to maybe have you as a back-up, just in case something breaks out." His gaze went over to Dreads (the Human) who was attempting to leave, "Hold that thought! I'll be right back." As he ran off, Dreads (the Kommo-o) would carry on the conversation from there.

Lukas ran up to the blonde-dreaded teen, standing in front of the bike he was proceeding to get on, "Hey, wait a moment. I still need to ask you a few things." He kept the suspicious nature of this teen in mind. He was trying to leave the scene...a sign that he was hiding something. And then he took a glance down at the bike, which was not a common mode of transportation for locals, believe it or not.

Dreads, what an enigma you are, Lukas thought.

"So, the humans don't seem interested. I don't blame them. I wouldn't trust me right away, either," Tungsten mused, before turning to the Treehouse residents. "You guys...I could use more soldiers. Eyes and ears all around. People ready to fight. Plus there's something going around Unova that could threaten all of Ruula. I offer a network of safe houses that my dad used as compensation for your cooperation...the only caveat is that not even I know all the secrets he's hidden away in them. You see anything suspicious, don't poke it. You call me. As for why I can speak the human tongue, that's a story for another time."

"Chigorin, two steps forward." One of the central Pawniard obeyed, and Bisharp stepped through the breach. "My men have obtained intelligence regarding the existence of a certain Psychic Rebellion. A group of Pokémon that seek to assert themselves over humans as Ahriman's coven once did," he said in a steel-accented Pokespeak. "Supposedly they are led by a Zoroark as well...it is unknown if this one is related to my client, but we must assume that he is and prepare accordingly. We will need whatever you can provide if we are to stand a chance." Tungsten simply extended his claws and dropped into a battle-ready stance, his mind awash with Nasty Plots as he relived those awful memories in the detail only a Dark-type could manage. "Tungsten is powerful, but no one, no matter how strong, can hope to defeat them alone. A well-executed strategy followed by a decisive attack using a variety of forces is what is required for success. The only question left is...what do we have to work with?"

The Treehouse mainstays Jakob, Jolder, and the others had sided with Radegast on the matter. They had their own safehouse, they didn’t need one that wasn’t built by someone they trust, especially since they have the terrible power of the Shield of Light, that which sent their powerful enemy Weyloran flying. “I dunno, dude,” Radegast replied to Tungsten’s question about who they had to work with, “Why don’t you go to Unova and ask around there? I mean, that’s where you said it was. I forked over a load of cash to get a boat from Ula'ula to here. I'm not about to do the same to another continent.”

However, Lukas seemed hell-bent on getting to know “Dreads the Human”, also known as “Judge Dreads” sometimes by his old Skull friends.

“Sup, man?” Radegast’s calm, almost stoner-like demeanour was back in full force, though he was definitely trying to get the hell out of the proverbial Dodge.

“Lord-Rege-“ Jakob paused part-way through. He wasn’t sure if this Champion knew Pokespeak. “*erherm* Master Dreads, we really should get back home before Weyloran recovers.”

Radegast nodded, but if what that Zoroark said earlier was true, this Lukas was the standing Champion of Alola. He’d have to utilize his wit in order to get such an influential entity off his back.

Oh crap, Lukas suddenly found his mind coming to a blank. What to ask? It felt like he had a load of questions to unload on him earlier, but now nothing was coming to mind now that he was standing in front of him. None that didn't sound too accusatory, anyway.

So for now, he'd poke around the edges of Radegast, getting to know him a bit better, but slyly. "Nice bike," he commented, pulling out a Ride Pager of his own and recalling Dreads, "I'm curious where you managed to find one. They're pretty rare around Alola. I've always wanted to ride one., but I guess good ol' Tauros will do."

From the forest appeared the massive Bull-shaped Pokemon, mighty and adrenaline-pumped as ever. Lukas hopped on the Tauros, giving it a gentle pet as he sat in the saddle like he'd known it his whole life. On the Tauros, Lukas had to look down at Radegast on his bike, even more so than the two were when they were both standing.

"So, why the bike?"

“What the hell happened? First that Magneton hit us with Discharge again… but we had gotten tougher so we could tank a hit like that…”

“It was an Aegislash. A powerful one at that. I’ve never seen such power, not even from the Slayer.”

“Did the Slayer befriend this Aegislash?”

“He befriended the human, who owned the Aegislash.”

“Cowardly bird…”

“I dunno, the human seemed very against the Aegislash attacking us.”

“Of course he didn’t. He wanted to get us to consider an alliance with that Articuno.”

“What is Absolute’s history with the Slayer? We shall have to ask her.”

“She tolerated the Slayer’s existence. What more needs to be asked?”

“Who the human is. It’s clear that human is an entity not to be underestimated. We need intel.”

Soon after, a single Cloyster scout slowly emerged from the waters. The Cloyster saw that the Slayer's human was still around, currently guarded by those... heretic "Treehouse" punks... "caretakers" of a gravesite they have no business to be near. It made the Cloyster's blood boil.

The Cloyster took note of a Zoroark and a squad of creatures. They appear to have been left to their own devices by the Slayer's human and that other boy.

"Psst," the Cloyster whispered loud enough for the Zoroark to possibly hear, "Who is the human?

—

“So why the bike?” Lukas asked.

“It’s good exercise,” Radegast replied quite naturally, “Imported from Kanto. A buddy had two coupons and gave one to me.”

Good fib. Radegast was getting better at them. If Doc Holiday could grin, he would’ve had to try very hard not to. The Porygon Z took to turning his head slightly away from Lukas, and winking the eye that the Champion boy couldn’t see.

“Plus it wouldn’t feel cool to ride a Tauros regardless if it inconveniences ‘em in any way,” Elder added.

“That too, whatever you said,” Radegast chimed as he kicked up the kickstand.

Tungsten held up a massive, blood-stained claw. Or maybe his claws were naturally red. Probably both. "What you hate is just one Pokémon. What you fail to realize is that if you're going to get Suros, you'll have to get through Reginald there first. And I don't see that happening anytime soon. So how about you go pick a fight you have a chance of winning, against this other Zoroark and his crew? What he can unleash is far worse than anything one Dragonite could possibly dish out. You help me beat this guy, and suddenly you're big time. I've seen whole communities forced into exile from a single blast. Even the humans are threatened by the fearsome power of this device...and there's no telling where or when it will strike next. Hate on Suros for letting your friend die all you want, but we have bigger problems. Are you with me or not?!"

"Kanto..." Lukas repeated as they began to trot besides Radegast while he pedaled, "I used to live there, y'know? Right before I turned ten, me and my mom moved down here to the Alola Region. Never had a chance to ride a bike...but yours looks really cool."

He examined the durable Acro Bike Radegast was riding upon. A shiny purple that matched the leather jacket tied around his waist, it was not only as fast as a standard bike but lighter as well, giving the dreadlocked teen the immeasurable opportunity to perform some tricks as they began to travel down Route 8. There were plenty of nature made ramps to ride off here. Lukas frowned slightly, but said nothing further about it.

"Well, I'll be honest," the Champion and the Tauros trotted off to the side as they progressed, "I know you recognize me from earlier, when we bumped into each other in Heahea City. You have to know that I followed you down here. I owe you a reason why. A few seconds before, I saw you talking to that Team Skull member...and he was more than friendly towards you. That's a bit weird considering they're a bit rough towards most locals. But if I know anything about them, it's that they protect their own to some extent and they respect each other. You're not in trouble or anything if you are, but I get the impression you are a member of Team Skull? Am I right?"

Weyloran, the Cloyster that had emerged to scout, regarded the Zoroark with something resembling interest as said Zoroark approached and began conversation. She listened as the creature spoke, and as it spoke, she only grew more and more puzzled.

“What in the name of Arceus are you babbling about?” Weyloran asked when the Zoroark asked his question regarding whether she was with him or not. “You seem to assume I know who you are, which is a mistake. You also seem to assume to know what I want, which is also a mistake.”

Weyloran glowered at the human that Suros replaced Omolon and Häkke with. Her eyes met the human’s, only for a moment. At that distance, she saw warmth and… sadness. She couldn’t tell exactly from the distance, but the boy, a hundred yards away, seemed aware of her presence.

Perhaps I should meet with this Absolute, she found herself thinking, Articuno are prideful by nature, and so was Suros, but that human… I’ll think on this later…

Her gaze returned to Tungsten, and she emitted a sound not unlike a human clearing their throat. The Cloyster then spoke with a newfound icy patience. “Consider this, boy,” She was, despite her strength and borderline zealous fervour, a very old Cloyster. The darkness of her inner body made it nearly impossible for one to see the wrinkles. The beautiful dull purple shell was thick and hard, but not brittle. “When it comes to unifying factions, there is a certain degree of etiquette one must adopt if they desire healthy relations between factions. The first is to never assume what the other wants, even with very good evidence. The second is a proper introduction goes a long way.” She opted not to name off the other aspects of the “Code”, but she continued.

“I will ignore your rudeness, considering you seem interested in aiding my and my clan. I will allow a second attempt to conduct business in a proper manner. I am Weyloran of the North, Resister of Regicide, and sister of the late Felwinter, the Robbed Hero.”

—

“Kanto, eh?” Just like me. Home is where the heart is, though.

Radegast’s eyes caught sight of a Cloyster a hundred metres away. Their gazes matched, and Radegast couldn’t help but feel sorrow for such broiling hatred. His body didn’t show it, but his eyes went cold… only for a moment. The Cloyster had turned back to the Zoroark. Radegast could not hear their conversation, but he wasn’t about to intrude on their conversation on suspicion. He just wasn’t that kind of guy, ambassador or not.

Regardless, Radegast loosened his shoulders and began to ride down the road, known as Route 8. Jakob, Jolder, and the others headed into the woods. Metronome, however, stayed behind to float alongside Elder and Radegast.

The boy, Lukas, began to get to brass tacks. He had seen Radegast with Langley. He shook his head when asked if he was, in fact, a member of Team Skull. “Nah, I don’t wear the colours. I just haven’t even seen them in years. OG Lee’s a good guy, just misunderstood.” He remembered that only he was allowed to call him by his real name.

One would think that would answer the question. And had Hau been conducting the interview, it would've. But something didn't quite ring right in Lukas's mind when Dreads stated his affiliation with Team Skull.

"I don't get it," he contemplated. "You say you're old friends with some members of Team Skull, and that's probably true. But you haven't seen them in years? And you're native to Ula'ula Island, the island where their headquarters are located and you still haven't seen them? Either you and them had a falling out or you've been away from the island for some time. And I find it a bit hard to believe the second statement considering your...financial...issue you stated to those weird Dark-Types back there earlier. And you imported an Acro Bike from the Kanto Region? That's almost unheard of, considering they're made and only found in Hoenn, Sinnoh, and Unova. You're giving me a whole lot of jumbled information that doesn't fit together. But you seem so local and so foreign at the same time." After venting his frustrations, he was silent for a moment, trotting along silently while Dreads biked. His gaze was distant for a second, examining the Pokemon Center they were passing once more.

Finally, he sighed. "Look, I know you're not a bad guy, Dreads. I can tell just by your voice. It's too relaxed and easygoing. But we're not going to get anywhere if you keep lying to me. We're far enough away from those guys and I won't tell anyone anything about you if you don't want me to. But this is my region and I need to protect it. So if you're potentially bringing trouble with you, I have to know about it." His blue eyes twinkled at Radegast, shining with a boy's curiosity trying to fit the mold of a Champion's responsibility.

Damnit.

Radegast was silent for a spell, and then he heaved a sigh. His eyes seemed to scan for anyone who might be listening in. Elder floated towards the nearby jungle and soon returned with a reassuring nod. “You the Alolan Champion, eh?” He smirked, but spoke in a low voice. “I can trust you then.”

He went on to tell Lukas the jist of the situation. The Psychic Rebellion, how they’re targeting Radegast, and how he was encouraged (or rather, forced) to go into hiding. He did not say anything about his heritage; it wasn’t important. “I’m keeping my identity a secret for the sake of avoiding trouble coming to Alola… although that Zoroark seemed hell-bent on ruining that- it took a great deal of effort to vanish this time…” I might need to do it again, somehow… “As for Team Skull, that was a long time ago. We had a falling out.” If he ever mentioned the Treehouse, he’d have referred to it as a “Secret Base”