Let’s make Vol.3 Of our manga

Joeybear7 · December 5

Escaping Wild Zone 15:

A Shiny Alpha Pumpkaboo floats through Wild Zone 15, its red eyes glowing as it looks at the other Pumpkaboos, which all drift away as it passes. It's used to it, though. Every night, when everyone comes out, this one gets avoided. Why? Because it's different.

No other Pumpkaboo even tries to get to know it. They just avoid it. You would think it's fine this treatment by now. It's been this way since it was born. But it still hurts.

The Shiny Alpha Pumpkaboo is staring at the gate with the 15 on it. The one that blocks it from exploring the world outside. Trainers come in and out, most defeated by the army of Ghost types that live in this small area. Tonight is one of the nights that happens.

It watches, it's red eyes looking for any chance of opportunity as the panicked trainer runs out the Wild Zone 15 to heal their Pokémon. Shiny Alpha Pumpkaboo watches with excitement as the green barrier glitches. None of the other Pokémon notice. This is its chance.

It rushes for the Wild Zone 15 gate and it narrowly makes it out right as the gate fixes itself, It looks around in awe as it sees everything the confinement kept from it. This is the start of a new & better life!

Rouge Mega Lucario:

"Heat Crash," Taunie commands, rolling as a Dragon Pulse gets blasted at her.

"Join it with Superpower," Paxton shouts, barely spinning out of the way as an Aura Sphere shoots by him.

Mega Emboar covers itself in flames as it leaps into the air, slamming down into the Rouge Mega Lucario. At the same time, Mega Feraligatr smashes its tail into the Lucario, the two hits causing it to stumble. The Rouge Mega Lucario regains its footing quickly, though, howling with so much power it knock Taunie's and Paxton's Pokémon. Its eyes then lock onto Mega Emboar as it kicks off the ground, its aura forming into a bone as it uses Bone Rush on Emboar. Nobody has time to react as it strikes burning pig with a flurry of strikes. There's a blinding flash as Emboar collapses, its Mega Evolution disappearing.

"That was my last Pokémon," Taunie shouts as she returns it, pocketing her PokeBall. "It's all up to you!"

Paxton nods with a grunt. Mega Feraligatr, his own last Pokémon, growls at the Rouge Mega Lucario, which just glares back. It's all up to me, he thinks to himself, clenching his fists tightly. I have to save it!

Lucario dashes forward, hitting Mega Feraligatr with Extreme Speed before Paxton can counter. Feraligatr gets pushed back but doesn't fall. "You good," Paxton asks. Feraligatr nods and growls. "Good. Liquidation!"

Mega Feraligatr leaps at the Rouge Mega, claws covered in water. As it slashes, the Lucario tries to side step but Feraligatr extends its reach, catching the Lucario and continuing to slam its sharp claws into it, water splashing around as it does.

"Nice hit," Taunie cheers, giving them a thumbs up. Paxton returns it with a smile, then turning his attention back to the battle. The Lucario escapes Feraligatr's onslaught and fires a Dragon Pulse, which is super effective. Mega Feraligatr howls in agony as it gets sent soaring through the air.

"Hang there," Paxton hollers as Feraligatr struggles to its feet. It grunts as it fully stands up again, a pained expression on its face. Mega Feraligatr shakes it head, then roaring challengingly at the Rouge Mega Lucario. The dog claps its fists together. As it separates them, a blue orb of energy is in its paws. It pushes out its arms, launching the ball at the alligator.

"Outrage," Paxton yells, throwing his fist out. Mega Feraligatr's eyes narrow as it howls, the red skin clamping over it as it pushes its arms out in front of it, creating a fake head. It charges through the Aura Sphere, taking the hit and keeps going towards the Lucario, which braces itself for impact. Feraligatr leaps into the air, spreading its arms and uncovering its head. It dives down, clawing, slashing, and biting the Rouge Mega Lucario, which tries to block the hits but can't handle the attacks. Lucario howls as Mega Feraligatr hits it with the final strike, its Mega Power bursting off of it, forming into a Lucarionite, which Taunie catches.

Lucario lies on the ground, groaning with pain. Taunie walks up to it cautiously. "You okay," she asks gently, helping Lucario sit. It barks softly, nodding. Taunie smiles. "Good." It then grabs one of Tauine’s Pokéballs and Catches itself, it then emerges smiling

Paxton smiles as he watches Taunie help Lucario to its feet. Glad I could do it, he thinks to himself. I would hate it if I couldn't save it.

Paxton goes to help Taunie support Lucario, but a noise behind him catches his attention. He turns around, meeting the glowing red eye of a Shiny Alpha Pumpkaboo. It looks scared as he notices it. Paxton smiles at it. "Hey, fella! Wha-"

The Pumpkaboo squeaks with fear, floating away quickly, which is odd because it’s an alpha. “What were you saying," Taunie asks. He turns around and sees her looking at him with confusion. He laughs awkwardly.

"Oh, it's nothing. I'll meet you at the hotel later," he says, running in the direction the Pumpkaboo went. "I'll meet with you later," he hollers over his shoulder.

"Uh, okay," Taunie responds, watching him run off. She can't worry about that right now, though. She turns her attention back to Lucario. "Let's get you to a Pokémon Center," she tells it with a small smile. It smiles back, nodding.

Chase Time:

Paxton runs through the street, looking around frantically. He just saw the Pumpkaboo over here! “Where'd it go?” He hears a clatter come from some trash cans nearby. Paxton goes over to the sound and finds the Shiny Alpha Pumpkaboo, it's red eyes looking up at him with fear.

"There you are," Paxton exclaims, reaching out for it. Pumpkaboo backs away quickly, bumping into the wall. "You don't have to be scared," he tells it gently, continuing to reach for it. "Earlier it looked like you wanted something. Need some help?"

Paxton is just about to grab it, but the Shiny Alpha Pumpkaboo runs, wailing loudly. Paxton groans, chasing after it again. He was so close to helping it! Pumpkaboo turns the corner, Paxton right behind. However, when Paxton makes it around, the Pumpkaboo is gone. Paxton looks around, but the only thing he can find is a Holovator.

Pokémon can't use those, he thinks, looking at the yellow arrows. Can they?

He figures it's worth a shot, he steps onto it. His body dematerializes briefly, reforming at the top. He steps off and scans the roofs. He gasps, seeing the Shiny Alpha Pumpkaboo three houses down. "Wait up," he hollers at it, sprinting to the next building. It turns to Paxton, red eyes wide. It floats away quicker, much to his annoyance.

They leap from rooftop to rooftop, Paxton slowly catching up. Paxton is one building behind it. The Shiny Alpha Pumpkaboo turns around, now floating backwards, watching Paxton with fear as it runs. However, because it wasn't looking in front of it, it couldn't see the flock of incoming Pidgey. "Look out," Paxton yells at it. It looks, but it's too late.

The flock crashes into Pumpkaboo, knocking it back and causing it to fall in between the gap of the buildings. "I've got you," Paxton shouts, lunging after it. He dives between into the gap, reaching out and grabbing the panicked Pumpkaboo. He then pulls it against him, flipping where his back is facing the ground. He shields Pumpkaboo as they crash into a tree, Paxton taking the majority of the hit.

He groans as he sits up, rubbing his sore spots. "You alright," he asks. The Shiny Alpha looks at him, it's red eyes filled with admiration. Then, its self-consciousness kicks in. It turns to flee, but stops when it sees a bunch of Kakuna. They were in the tree Paxton and the Pumkaboo crashed into, and they're all grumbling, agitated.

"Don't worry," Paxton says, getting up and brushing himself off. "They're just Kakuna. Can't really attack well." As if in response to that, all the Kakunas light up, the shells splitting open and Beedrill popping out. Their eyes lock onto the two that disturbed their peace.

"Well that's not good," Paxton says, grabbing his Charizard's PokeBall. "Beedrill attack really well!"

Beedrill Brawl:

Paxton looks around at the Beedrills. There's at least fifty of them, and none of them look happy. "Let's go," he shouts, tossing Charizard's PokeBall. It pops out, roaring at the swarm. The Beedrills charge in, stingers poised to strike.

"Flamethrower, quick. Then turn and use Air Slash," Paxton commands. Charizard takes a short breath, unleashing flames with the exhale. It takes out some of the ones in front of it, the others backing away from the flames. Charizard then turns around, immediately giving its wings a powerful flap, sending blades of wind at the army behind it. Some of the Beedrills fall, but most of them swerve around it.

Paxton groan. "Alright, Flamethrower," he tells it. Charizard opens its mouth, a stream of fire shooting out. While yes it got the targets, the ones behind it take the opportunity to come back, hitting Charizard with Poison Sting. The lizard howls in agony.

"Are you okay," Paxton asks, getting a small bit of relief when Charizard nods. "Great! Hurricane," he says. Charizard waits until the Beedrills group back together before pushing its wings out, summoning a giant gust of wind that hits all the Beedrills in front of it. They buzz angrily as they smash into the wall, falling to the ground.

The Shiny Alpha Pumpkaboo sees an escape where the fallen Beedrill lie and moves quick to it. It's in such a rush, though, that it doesn't notice the incoming Beedrill. Paxton sees it, though. "Look out," he shouts, leaping off the ground and tackling it, barely not getting hit by the bug himself. Pumpkaboo looks at him with admiration, but then remembers it's different and escapes his grasp, taking off again.

"Wait," Paxton shouts. It turns to look at him and sees a Beedrill he does not. In a panic to save Paxton, it unleashes Willow Wisp. Paxton yelps, ducking his head. At first he's offended, thinking that was for him. But then he hears a buzz of anger and turns around, realizing that Pumpkaboo stopped the Beedrill from getting him.

"Hey. than-" he turns back to it with a smile, but then sees that it's already gone. He wants to chase it, but when he turns back to Charizard, he sees that it is barely holding its own. He sighs, pushing himself off the ground. "We're gonna need more power to get out of this," he says, holding up his wrist, his Key Stone bracelet shining brightly.

Charizard nods, its Mega Stone shining back. Threads of energy comes off their stones, attaching to each other. Charizard's body lights up as it fills with power. Its wings become shredded and flames burst from its mouth. When the light disburses, Mega Charizard X stands in the field, glaring at the Beedrill.

"Let's go," Paxton hollers. "Fire Blast!"

Chase Time, Now With Mega Charizard X:

"Wrap this up," Paxton shouts. "Fire Blast!"

Mega Charizard X takes a deep breath, its chest swelling up. It roars with the exhale, a giant ball of blue flames shooting from its mouth. The exhausted Beedrills don't have time to react as the attack crashes into them. They buzz with pain as they faint.

Paxton and Charizard looks around at the fallen Beedrills, panting heavily. Paxton pulls out his phone. It is severely cracked and the screen is glitchy, but he can at least make out the time. They've been battling for 7 minutes straight! The Shiny Alpha Pumpkaboo escaped 5 minutes ago.

Paxton gasps. The Pumpkaboo! He got so caught up in the fight that he almost forgot about it. He hops onto Mega Charizard X's back.

"Let's fly," he tells it. Charizard nods, spreading its large, shredded wings. With one powerful push it rockets into the sky. Paxton holds on tightly as they gain more and more altitude.

Once a decent height above the ground, the dragon stops its ascent, leveling out and gliding above the city. Paxton scans the streets below. He groans, unable to see it anywhere. It's been five minutes. It could be anywhere!

"You see it," Paxton shouts, the wind loud in his ears. Mega Charizard X growls, shaking its head. Paxton sighs. "Yeah, me neither."

As they look around, Paxton sees some pink energy flowing around Wild Zone 18. Paxton wants to keep searching, but he knows that means there's about to be a Rouge Mega Pokémon. He sighs with defeat, patting Charizard's neck. "Come on," he says. "Let's go check it out."

As they near the ground, Paxton notices the green gate that keeps the Pokémon in is glitching, probably from all the Mega Energy. Paxton hops off of Mega Charizard X's back, entering the zone. Charizard follows, and nothing stops it from entering.

"So it is broke," Paxton mutters. He looks around, following the flow of the energy. The trail leads to the Alpha Salamence, which is lightly glowing from the power.

"That's gonna be a problem," Paxton says, pulling out his phone. "Better alert the others." As he tries to call Team MZ, his phone shuts down. He groans. The fall from earlier broke his phone worse than he thought.

The Alpha Salamence roars as it begins to Mega Evolve. "Alright, Charizard," Paxton says, sending his hand forward. Mega Charizard X steps forward, but as it does it flashes white, the Mega Evolution running out. Paxton groans, knowing he'll have to build the energy, which he will need to defeat Salamence. He thinks things couldn't be worse, but then he sees Shiny Alpha Pumpkaboo shaking in fear in a bush.

A bush that's right next to the soon to be Rouge Mega Alpha Salamance.

Joeybear7 · December 5

ROUGE ALPHA MEGA SALAMANCE:

Paxton scowls as the Alpha Salamence reaches its point, the energy taking over. It roars powerfully as it grows. Once it becomes a certain size, the light on it bursts off, Mega Salamence now in Wild Zone 18. Its red eyes lock onto Paxton, glaring at him with challenge. Paxton steps towards it, Charizard following.

As they approach, the Mega Energy surrounds them, creating a barrier from the rest of the area. The terrain around us fades away, the sky above is turning red. The bush the Shiny Alpha Pumpkaboo was hiding in disappears, revealing it. It jumps as it gets seen, immediately starting to rush around frantically.

"Calm down," Paxton shouts to Pumpkaboo, but his voice is barely heard over Mega Salamence's howl it does as it unleashes a Dragon Pulse. Paxton rolls out of the way, avoiding the blue beam of energy. "Charizard, Hurricane!"

Charizard flaps its wings, summoning a large gust of wind. The Mega Salamence takes the hit, barely fazed. That's gonna be a problem, Paxton thinks, scowling.

Pumpkaboo finally comes full circle, bumping into Paxton's leg. He picks it up, holding it tightly against him. "Stop panicking," he exclaims. "You're safe with me!"

The Shiny Alpha looks up at him, making a noise of question. Paxton nods. "Yeah," he confirms. Now that Paxton had really had the chance to look at it, he notices the Shiny Alpha Pumkaboo's right eye has some pumpkin covering it, kind of like an eye patch.

For a brief second, he forgot about the Alpha Mega Salamence. He was reminded, though, by Charizard roaring with warning. Paxton looks up, seeing the Mega coming in with Dragon Rush. He rolls, barely avoiding the attack.

As Paxton gains his footing, Pumpkaboo jumps out of his arms, making aggressive noises at the Rouge Mega. "You want to help with the battle," Paxton asks. The Shiny Alpha nods, squeaking with agreement. Paxton smiles. "Thanks. We need all the help we can get!"

Charizard flies to his side. It's trying to hide it, but Paxton can tell that it's still tired from the fight with the Beedrill. "You did great," he tells it, pulling out its PokéBall. "Now take a good rest."

The orange lizard nods as a red beam of light absorbs it. Paxton puts the ball back in his pocket and grabs another. "Let's go, Feraligatr!"

The blue alligator roars upon release, challenging the Mega Salamence. The Alpha dragon roars back, soaring into the sky with Fly. "Be ready," Paxton tells his allies, the Pokémon nodding as they watch above them.

The Rouge Mega comes crashing back down, targeting Feraligatr. "Dodge it," Paxton commands. The water type leaps out the way, narrowly escaping the hit. "Alright. Pumpkaboo, Willow Wisp. Feraligatr, Ice Fang!"

The big shiny pumpkin screeches as it launches some purple balls of fire at the Mega, which yelps as it gets burned. Before the Rouge can recover from that, Feraligatr charges in, chomping down on the Salamence with frozen teeth. The Alpha Rouge Mega sure felt that.

A bunch of small orbs of Mega Energies come off of the dragon as it tries to recover from the attacks. Paxton sprints in, swiping his wrist through the energies, charging his Key Stone. He looks down at it, seeing a growing glow come from it. "We're close," he shouts. "Shadow Sneak! Dragon Claw!"

Shiny Alpha Pumpkaboo makes a noise that sounds like giggling as a dark force exits it, traveling to the dizzy dragon and hitting it. At the same time, Feraligatr growls as it brings its sharp claw down, critically hitting the Rouge Mega.

Each hit sends some power Paxton's way, causing his Key Stone to shine brightly. It's in the verge of being ready. "Almost there," he hollers. He's about to give more commands, but the Alpha Mega Salamence snaps out of its daze, roaring with so much power it blasts its two opponents backwards.

Then, it flies into the sky, charging up power. From the way it blocks the light, it casts a shadow on them that looks like a giant cresent moon. After a few seconds of charging, it howls, releasing a ginormous Hyper Beam.

"Scatter," Paxton shouts, the three of them narrowly dodging the blast. That was close, he thinks, watching the Mega Alpha Salamence come back down, growling at them.

"Don't give it a chance to recover," Paxton yells to his two Pokémon. They nod, rushing back towards the Rouge Mega. "Confuse Ray! Ice Fang!"

Shiny Alpha Pumpkaboo's light glows brightly, swirling its way to the dragon. The Mega Salamence tries to avoid it, but Feraligatr hits it with Ice Fang, temporally freezing it and letting the Confuse Ray hit. The burn the Rouge already had inflicts some more damage.

"Nice work," Paxton praises. "Now while it can't move get it! Hex and Outage!" The Shiny Alpha shakes, muttering something that sounds like a curse. It screams as it unleashes a shadowy force, hitting the Mega Alpha Salamence with immense power. Still unable to move, the dragon can't avoid the onslaught of slashes and bites the giant alligator attacks it with.

A bunch of energy bursts from the Alpha Mega as Feraligatr takes its final swing. Paxton rushes in, collecting the Mega Energy quickly. Feraligatr tries to follow, but it wobbles around from the confusion. As Paxton swipes the last orb, his Key Stone shines brightly. He smiles, but his joy is short lived because the Alpha Rogue Mega Salamence breaks out of the ice. And it is not happy.

The dragon roars, blasting all three of the in different directions. It shakes violently, and its statuses disappear. It growls, red eyes locked in Feraligatr, as it soars eclectic up and above the alligator. "Dodge it," Paxton shouts, but it's too late. Feraligatr didn't know what was happening from the confusion and didn't move, taking the full fly. It howls in agonys it collapses. This Rouge is strong!

Paxton returns it, taking it back in a beam of red light. He's about to send out his next, but he doesn't have time as the Rogue Mega close in on him, swinging its tail. Paxton yelps as he ducks, barely avoiding the Dragon Tail. Once up again, he sees nothing, the Salamence seemingly gone.

The haunted pumpkin yells at him, eyes at the sky. Paxton looks up, and there it is, the dragon coming down quickly with Dragon Rush. He rolls, but his legs get hit. He screams, the pain almost unbearable. He rises to his feet, body shaking. He can't take another hit like that soon.

Lucky for him, the attacks have left Salamence worn out, giving him a moment. He sends out his Gardevoir and it trills at the dragon. Paxton taps his Key Stone, lifting his wrist above his into the air. The Mega Energy flies from him to Gardevoir, filling it with power. It glows as it accepts the energy, letting itself be filled with the power. Its body poofs up becoming a large white gown. Gardevoir twirls as it finishes, the light disbursing. "Go, Moonblast," Paxton commands.

Gardevoir puts its hands close together, all pink ball quickly forming between them. It launches the orb at the tired opponent, doing massive damage. Paxton smirks. "Way to go," he praises "Now Ice Punch! Pumpkaboo, Willow Wisp!"

Mega Gardevoir dashes to Alpha Mega Salamence, slamming a frozen fist into it. At the same time, the Alpha Shiny Pumpkaboo shoots the balls of fire that burns the Rouge. "Great job! Now don't let up," Paxton shouts. "Another Moonblast! Hex!"

The two Pokémon begin their attacks, but the Salamence snaps out of its daze, roaring powerfully and knocking everyone back. It then flies up, crashing back down quickly on Gardevoir with Dragon Rush. Since it's a Rouge Mega, the attack hits, making Mega Gardevoir stumble. However, it catches itself quickly and follows through with Paxton's prior command, landing a Moonblast on the Alpha Rouge Mega Salamence.

Salamence howls with pain, the Super Effective blow doing lots of damage. Pumpkaboo follows up with the Hex, adding more to the dragon's agony. It then growls at the three, flying high into the air, spreading its wings like a cresent moon as it begins to charge energy.

"Hyper Beam is coming," Paxton yells, returning Mega Gardevoir. "Make sure to avoid it!" Shiny Alpha Pumpkaboo nods, beginning to run around. As it does, Rouge Alpha Mega Salamence watches it closely. Once it gains enough power, it releases it all in one big beam. One that is right on top of Pumpkaboo. Paxton acts before he thinks, leaping in and shoving the giant pumpkin out of the way, taking the full hit.

Shiny Alpha Pumpkaboo looks at Paxton in horror as the Hyper Beam crashes down on him. He lies there, unmoving. Pumpkaboo thinks he's dead and its eyes tear up. But then, much to the Shiny's relief, Paxton groans, slowly stirring. He pushes himself to his feet, coughing.

"Guess these things really work," he says with a smile, pulling a Green Canari Plush from his pocket. "Who would have thought?"

Pumpkaboo has no idea what the item is, but it is so thankful to see Paxton breathing. The Alpha Rouge Mega Salamence comes back down and Paxton sends Mega Gardevoir back out.

"Let's get it," he shouts. "Moonblast! Confuse Ray!" Gardevoir hums, charging power and creating a pink ball, which it throws at the dragon dealing massive damage. Shiny Alpha Pumpkaboo screams at it as it sends some swirls at the opposing Mega, inflicting confusion.

The Alpha Rouge Mega Salamence wobbles around, flinching as the burn from earlier kicks in. Paxton smirks. "That's it! Dazzling Gleam! Hex!" Mega Gardevoir moves in quickly, its body beginning to sparkle. As it closes the distance, the glimmering turns into a full on blinding flash. The dragon roars with pain, howling as more comes, the shadowy energy from the pumpkin reaching it.

The opposing Mega stumbles its way to Paxton, attempting to swipe him with Dragon Tail. He ducks, avoiding the attack. Mega Gardevoir rushes over to them, but as it arrives its Mega Evolution runs out, going back to normal. Salamence notices this and shakily turns around. It then flies up, immediately crashing back down with Fly. Gardevoir gets knocked back, barely any health left. Paxton returns it.

"Great work," he praises it as it gets absorbed. "Now take a break. I'll need you when we're ready to Mega again." He pulls out a new ball and tosses it, a Malamar popping out. It smirks smugly at the dragon, watching it closely.

Shiny Alpha Pumpkaboo hovers to Paxton's side, grunting aggressively at the Mega. Salamence looks at the three of them and growls. It roars, shaking its body and ridding itself of statuses. It then shoots up into the sky, diving back down with Dragon Rush.

The three jump out of the way, but the Rouge wastes no time, zooming to Malamar and hitting it with Dragon Tail. The squid gets knocked backwards, but doesn't show signs of worry. It looks the dragon in the eyes, its smirk growing wider and smugger. "Hit it with Hypnosis," Paxton hollers. Malamar flashes its lights at Salamence, which then becomes dazed and slow.

"Now follow up with Hex," Paxton commands the Shiny. It mumbles under its breath, dark energy going from it to the Rouge Mega. The Alpha Rouge Mega Salamence howls as it gets hit. Then, it goes up, coming back with a Fly on Paxton, who rolls out the way.

"Keep the attacks coming," he shouts. "Use Psychic and Shadow Sneak!" Pumpkaboo hits first, its dark force quickly traveling to the Mega. Malamar squints its eyes as they glow purple. The Salamence then glows the same color, yelping as Malamar crushes it with nothing but the squid's mind.

The Rouge Mega had light burst out of it, Mega Energy lying on the ground around it as it is temporarily left weary from all the attacks. Paxton rushes in and collectes the orbs of power. "Now's our chance! Hex and Foul Play!"

The Mega is hit with two attacks at once, Pumpkaboo summoning its shadows and Malamar slamming into it. More energy comes out of it. Enough to fill up Paxton's Key Stone. "Nice work Malamar," he says, returning it. He's ready to end the battle, but the Alpha Rouge Mega Salamence comes out of its fatigue, blasting off info the sky.

It charges energy again, ready to blast them. Paxton and Shiny Alpha Pumpkaboo run around, and this time the dragon watches Paxton closely. Once ready, Salamence unleashes the power right at Paxton. He rolls, narrowly avoiding it. Once in his feet again, Paxton sends Gardevoir back out.

"Finish this," he shouts, raising his Key Stone into the air and Mega Evolving Gardevoir. "Moonblast!" The moment the opposing Mega is back down, Mega Gardevoir sends the pink orb at it, which finally knocks it out.

The Rouge Mega roars as the Mega Energy leaves it, an Alpha Salamence now on front of Paxton. "You did great! Take a rest," he tells Gardevoir, returning it to the ball. He then smiles down at Pumpkaboo. "And you did great, too!"

The Shiny Alpha smiles up at him, eyes filled with tears of joy. "Wanna join me," Paxton asks, holding out a PokéBall. The pumpkin nods excitedly, touching the ball and letting itself be caught. "I'm gonna call you Patch since your pumpkin looks like it has one," he tells it, the ball rolling like a nod in his hand.

Paxton looks back at the Alpha Salamence and smiles, seeing as it goes back to the Bagon, returning to its normal life. He then heads out, going to a Pokémon Center.

Dinner Time:

Team MZ is sitting around the table. Most of them are enjoying some Croissant Curry (Naveen made himself a sandwich) as Paxton tells them about today's catch.

"After me and Taunie beat the Rouge Mega Lucario, I saw a Shiny Alpha Pumpkaboo watching me," he says.

The rooms looks at him surprised. "Just watching you," Naveen asks. "No aggression?"

Paxton shakes his head. "No. It actually looked at me like it wanted something. I tried approaching it, but it got scared and ran off."

"That's pretty strange for an Alpha Pokémon," Taunie states, Paxton nodding in agreement.

"That's what I thought," he says. "That's why I left. I chased it all throughout the town, trying to figure out what was wrong. We got into some trouble, but we got through it."

Taunie smiles. That's one of the many great things about Paxton. When he sees something that seems like it needs help, he will do anything to help it.

"We even battled the Alpha Rouge Mega Salamence together," he continues after taking a bite of his food.

"Was there any time that you had to protect it," Lida asks, an eyebrow raised.

"Only once," Paxton replies. "But it was no big deal."

Taunie doesn't say anything, taking a big bite of the delicious croissant curry. She knows that's a lie. Well, maybe not a lie. She knows he believes it was no big deal. Taunie's pretty sure Paxton would jump off a roof to save someone and say "it was no big deal." She saw what happened, though.

Team MZ got a call from Vinnie saying that there was a large amount of Mega Energy in Wild Zone 18 and that it was interfering with the barrier, meaning it would be a problem because the Rouge Mega could leave. They tried to call Paxton, but it went straight to voice mail, so Taunie said she would go without him. She used to do it solo and sure she still could.

As she arrived at Wild Zone 18, she saw what Vinnie was talking about, the green wall flickering on and off. She enters and is shocked to see that someone was already challenging it. Fear quickly consumed her. What if someone low leveled entered the place, unaware of the Mega? They will easily be defeated, most likely worse!

She ran to the red clouds, getting to the edge of the battle field. Unfortunately, when a Mega Battle starts nobody but the people that are already in it can enter the field. However, she could at least look into the area, shocked when she saw Paxton with a Shiny Alpha Pumpkaboo running around in it. The Rouge Mega was a Salamence and it was in the sky, charging its attack.

It unleashed the Hyper Beam right at the Pumpkaboo. Taunie gasped as Paxton shoved it out of the way, taking the full blast. She stared at his motionless body, thinking she just witnessed his death. Tears rolled down her cheeks, but then he moved. She sighs with relief, letting out a breath she didn't know she was holding. He got up, tossing out Gardevoir, which was Mega Evolved.

Taunie continued to watch Paxton with admiration as he easily commanded the two Pokémon throughout the battle, switching out and continuing his commands. She gasped the Salamence tried to crush him with Fly, him rolling out the way perfectly. She got worried as the Rouge flew into the sky for another Hyper Beam and felt her stomach tighten as Paxton barely avoided it. She was so proud of him as he finished the fight, saving the Alpha Salamence from its pain.

As the terrain fades away, she thought about running up and hugging him, but he was talking to the Pokémon. After he returned Gardevoir, he looked down with a wide, proud smile. He held out a ball, asking if it wanted to join him. He's always so respectful, asking a Shiny, something anyone else would have caught immediately, if it wanted to come with him. She smiled as she left the area, not saying a word. She didn't want to interupt him. Plus, it seemed like he had everything under control.

Watching him in that battle made her realize why she likes him. He's caring, strong, and protective. He's kind and considerate of others. And right now, he could be bragging about having a Shiny Alpha or talking about how heroic he was but instead just keeps it simple and stays humble. That's what makes him great.

"So what happened with you today," Naveen asks. Taunie looks up, snapping out of her thoughts. The whole room is watching her expectantly.

"Oh, me? Well, I caught a Lucario," she responds, holding up its ball.

"Really? You caught it," Paxton asks, smiling when she nods. "Great job!"

She smiles back at the wonderful person in front of her. "Thanks!"