Deep beneath the soil of Geosange Town, inside a laboratory tucked away from the light of day, a portly wearing a red-orange suit and goggles, was hard at work at his computer. As he worked, the opening of the lab doors pulled his attention away from the screen to see who was entering his workspace. His eyes locked onto a young man wearing a crimson suit of armor with a helm that masked his features.

"Since you're here, I am assuming that today's venture was a success?" the man inquired, scanning the youth's posture as he spoke.

"If by success, you mean completing the training of the Inferno Brigade... yes, it was very successful indeed. Managed to pick up a recruit in the process. He seemed rather eager to join, Xerosic." the young man added with an amused laugh. "Something about repaying someone for humiliating them..."

"Was he now? do tell," Xerosic grinned, deciding he had a little spare time to listen to the story of the new recruit.

"You see, it went like this..."

"This... this can't be! I lost again!" a frustrated Enzo roared as he watched his Meditite collapse to the ground in a flaming heap.

The culprit, a Houndoom commanded by a trainer in a crimson suit of armor. The face of the trainer was veiled due to the helmet he wore.

"Your Pokémon fought valiantly, however... your skills as a trainer are rather lacking. You rely too much on type advantage rather than skill..." said Enzo's adversary as he returned his canine friend.

Enzo gritted his teeth and clenched his fists. "You sound just like him! He told me that I was unskilled and that I was a textbook trainer. I was taught at the finest academy that Kalos had to offer. I was top of my class!"

The crimson clad adversary crossed his arms and sighed.

"Whoever he is, he's right, sorry to say. While it is true that in terms of power, Meditite had the advantage. However... his current level of power and your skill right now, won't be enough to cut it in a battle with him again. The end result will always be the same until he is trained better and evolves..." he added, putting up a finger. "But... I do see a way that you can improve yourself and become stronger than you'd ever dreamed of."

"Oh really? and just what is it you are proposing? because unless this comes with a way to ensure victory in my current endeavours, I don't think I'll be so inclined to take your offer," Enzo frowned.

"By current endeavours, do you mean Princess Allie?" the youth stated directly, getting a raised brow from Enzo.

"But of course, but how did you know? I don't recall ever mentioning her highness to you," Enzo replied hesitantly.

"Let's just say that word gets around pretty quickly. It's no secret that there are a lot of individuals participating in that competition. Should you wish to have her hand, you are going to need to become much stronger than this. So my proposal, is that you join us. We will give you all the power you need to crush your enemies underfoot," Enzo's opponent stated, extending a hand in invitation.

Enzo considered the proposal for a moment. While he didn't exactly take too kindly to the words the man before him spoke, the promise of power was alluring. And if they promised him power to destroy his enemies and trample upon the one who caused him the greatest irritation, then he was more than willing to partake of such an offer. Without hesitation, he took the hand of fate.

"So he's in that contest as well huh? interesting! I thought you were the only one of us who was interested in that childish woman," Xerosic laughed.

The youth shrugged and let out another laugh. "She may be childish, but she's got assets. Our empire could grow beyond what it is with the fortune she has. Besides, when a man sees a woman as beautiful as she, passing up the chance to woo her is not something he should do."

"I suppose you're right. We are often driven by carnal desires, however, some of us would rather have intellect and mental stability..." Xerosic muttered.

"She's not as daft as some might think. Arrogant maybe, but she's not an idiot. All that needs to be done is to break her pride a little. A taste of humble pie always worked wonders," the armor clad lad replied.

"Now that is something we can fully agree on. On that note, you mentioned the Inferno Brigade's training being completed for the day? will they be needing their devices today then?" Xerosic inquired.

"If you have them ready, yes. I would like to see how they do with the weapons you've made..."

"We finally made it!" Shauna exclaimed as she set foot on the beach near Ambrette Town.

"It's about time, am I right?" Tierno laughed, setting his bag down and taking off his shirt to run to the water. "Last one in's a rotten Exeggcute!"

"Hey, no fair Tierno! you got a head start!" Shauna shouted as she chased after her friend, fighting with her shorts and top before dropping them to the ground and chasing after Tierno.

Trevor swallowed hard and slowly removed his shirt and tossed it aside. It was bad enough that he got nervous around Shauna, but now he was seeing her in her swimsuit.

"Are you just gonna stand there staring at her all day or are you going to go swim?" Seth questioned the ginger, causing him to jolt in surprise.

"Wha!? I'm not staring! I was... just a little surprised, that's all," Trevor murmured.

"Come off it Trevor, we all know you like her. You even have a few pictures of her in your camera. Don't think I didn't see them," Serena smirked.

"Am I that obvious?" Trevor replied nervously.

"Painfully..." Cerise chimed in, getting a confused look from Trevor who looked to Seth for answers.

"She agrees with us," Seth translated. "At any rate, you guys go on ahead, I'll catch up in a sec. I need to change..."

"Take your time Seth," Serena replied, tugging off her top to reveal she was in a black bikini. "Come on Trevor, let's not be left out of the fun. Maybe we can play chicken! I'll be the base!" Serena beamed.

Trevor smiled up at his friend and nodded, running towards the water with her. Seth took a deep breath and removed his shirt and pants to reveal he was wearing a black pair of trunks with azure fire designs stitched in. He had a well toned, muscular frame that was pleasant to the eyes and not grotesque like some who pride themselves in their bulky bodies. A few scars could be seen on certain parts of his upper frame, including his abdomen and chest. They were a testament to the rigorous training he'd endured to get to the point he was today. While some viewed them with concern, he considered them a badge of honor.

"I'm going to go out on a limb and say that those scars are from your master?" Cerise ventured, getting a nod from Seth.

"Let's just say that I've had more than my fair share of close calls with her. While most teachers don't put their pupils in life or death scenarios, mine saw it fit to prepare me for anything. We never really practiced with bokken. She did not hesitate to break a limb if it meant I would grow from it. That and she knew she'd be able to mend it so my mother wouldn't have her head," Seth summarized.

"She doesn't sound like your run-of-the-mill teacher. In my lifetime, I've known very few who taught the true way of the sword instead of the kind they teach for mere sport nowadays. I'm even more curious to meet this master of yours now," Cerise mused.

"The fact that what I just told you, doesn't disturb you, is comforting... oddly enough. Most would consider her cruel for training me in such a way. But I have nothing but gratitude for her teachings. Anyway, I'm going for a swim. Feel free to play with my companions, or even spar with Pawniard if you wish," Seth added, releasing his companions from their spherical homes. "It's a beach day today, so enjoy yourselves."

"If that is what you desire m'lord," Cerise replied as she watched Seth rush towards the water and join his friends as they played together.

"Hey Seth, wanna be the base this time around? Trevor wants to take a break and I want another go at Shauna!" Serena laughed.

"Bring it on sister! we'll take you on no matter who you have on your team, right Tierno!?" Shauna grinned.

"Right Shauna! let's do this!" Tierno shouted excitedly.

Seth chuckled to himself and looked over at Serena. Trevor had gone off to take pictures of some Fletchling and Wingull that flocked the beach. Turning back to Serena, he helped her onto his shoulders so the game could continue. It wasn't long before their time at the beach would come to a close and the five friends would be lying on the beach together, laughing about the day's events. The day had just begun, and more adventures were waiting for them. Several hours later, they were dressed and heading into Ambrette Town.