The Titans, a mix of exhilaration and playful exhaustion, return to the main lobby of Pokémon Home. Togepi chirps happily from Starfire's arms, while Misdreavus floats serenely beside Raven. Whismur, still a bit shy, stays close to Cyborg's metallic leg, and Rockruff bounces excitedly near Beast Boy, its tail wagging furiously. Pawniard walks with quiet dignity beside Robin, its gaze sharp and observant.
Cyborg claps Beast Boy on the shoulder, his voice booming with victory. "Yo, BB, admit it! My Whismur totally schooled your Rockruff. That Echoed Voice combo? Pure genius! My diagnostics were off the charts!"
Beast Boy scoffs, crossing his arms. "Nah, man, you just got lucky! Rockruff was totally owning you until that weird sound wave thingy. Next time, Rockruff's gonna totally wipe the floor with your little fuzzy dude!" Rockruff barks in agreement, a determined glint in its rocky eyes.
Starfire cradles Togepi, her eyes shining with delight. "Oh, Togepi, you were so brave in there! Your Sweet Kiss attack was most effective, and your Growl was so mighty! I knew we had a strong bond, but I never imagined it would lead to such a glorious victory!" Togepi chirps contentedly, nestled in her arms.
Raven offers a small, almost imperceptible smile as Misdreavus floats near her shoulder.
Sorry, Starfire, but I let you win, Raven thinks, a hint of amusement in her own internal monologue.
I couldn't bring myself to overwhelm the little Togepi. Still, Misdreavus performed admirably. Its control was precise.
"Indeed, Starfire," Raven replies in her usual dry tone. "Togepi displayed remarkable resilience."
Robin watches Pawniard, who stands at attention beside him. "Pawniard's performance was satisfactory," he states, his voice crisp and measured. "Its Metal Claw technique is already proving effective, and its ability to maintain defensive posture even under pressure is commendable. We will focus on incorporating Feint Attack into its offensive repertoire next, emphasizing feints and rapid repositioning. Its disciplined approach is ideal for intricate strategies." Pawniard dips its head slightly, its blades glinting.
"Alright, Titans," Orion says, his voice calm and friendly. Pikachu chirps from his shoulder. "It's time to head over to the healing machine. Let's get your new partners healed up."
The Titans nod, gathering their Pokémon. Starfire gently places Togepi into its Premier Ball, whispering reassurances. Raven tucks Misdreavus into its Poké Ball with a soft nod. Cyborg pats Whismur's head before returning it, and Beast Boy gives Rockruff an affectionate scratch before it hops back into its ball. Robin, with a curt nod to Pawniard, secures its Poké Ball.
Latias takes the collection of Poké Balls. She walks over to the gleaming healing machine, its familiar lights softly pulsing. One by one, she places the Poké Balls onto the platform.
Chime. Whirr. The sound fills the lobby as the machine works its magic. Each Pokémon is returned to its Trainer, now fully healed and refreshed.
Latias hands the Poké Balls back to their respective Titans. A warm glow emanates from the machine, a silent testament to the care it provides.
Orion beams, a genuine smile spreading across his face. "Fantastic work today, everyone. It makes me incredibly happy to see the bonds you're already forming with your Pokémon. You've all shown great potential, not just in battle, but in understanding and respect. Keep training, keep learning, and I have no doubt you'll become truly excellent trainers."
He gestures to the Poké Balls in their hands. "The journey ahead is long, but incredibly rewarding."
Suddenly, a loud commotion erupts from outside Pokémon Home. The sound of panicked shouting and running feet draws their attention. They look towards the entrance and see people fleeing in terror from the streets.
The Teen Titans, Orion, and Latias step outside to investigate the source of the disturbance. They witness widespread chaos.
"What in the world is going on?" Starfire exclaims, her usual bright demeanor replaced with confusion and alarm. Beast Boy transforms into a bird, soaring upwards for a better view.
A booming, theatrical voice echoes through the chaos. "Fools! You thought you could escape the wrath of the King of the Depths?"
The group turns to see Mole Man standing atop a colossal subterranean creature, commanding an army of various Subterranean Creatures. Moloids, with their crude clubs and gaping mouths, swarm the streets, while larger, more monstrous beings rumble the ground with their heavy steps.
The Teen Titans immediately recognize the call to action. Robin's eyes narrow, his stance shifting into a defensive posture.
"Titans, move out!" he commands.
With determined expressions, they prepare to engage the threat, moving to fulfill their heroic duties. Robin draws his katana, his movements sharp and precise. Starfire's eyes glow green as she hovers slightly, ready to unleash her starbolts. Raven's cloak billows as she prepares her shadow magic, while Cyborg's arm cannon powers up with a hum. Beast Boy, already in a large, powerful animal form, lets out a primal roar. Orion, with a sigh, gestures for Latias to stay safe.
"Looks like we have some unexpected visitors," he mutters, a hint of weariness in his voice.
"What's the plan, Orion?" Latias asks, her telepathic voice tinged with concern.
Orion watches the unfolding scene, the terrified citizens scattering like leaves in a gale. The sheer scale of Mole Man's subterranean army is staggering, a tide of monstrous forms surging through the city streets.
"For now," Orion says, his voice thoughtful, "we let the Titans handle it." He gestures towards the young heroes who have already sprung into action, their unique abilities clashing against the monstrous onslaught. "They're more than capable. If things get too hairy, then we can step in. Our priority is ensuring everyone's safety."
Orion's gaze sweeps across the panicked faces, the sheer terror etched on their features.
"But that doesn't mean we can't save the people being attacked," he adds, his tone shifting with a determined edge. He turns to Pikachu, who stands alert at his side, ready for action. "Pikachu, target that group of Moloids chasing those civilians. Let them know they're not getting through!"
Pikachu nods, its resolve firm.
"Pika-CHUUUUUU!"
A blinding bolt of electricity erupts from Pikachu's cheeks, crackling with raw power. The Thunderbolt surges forward, striking the advancing Moloids with incredible force. The creatures yelp and recoil, momentarily stunned and driven back by the sheer power of the attack.
Latias watches, her golden eyes tracking Pikachu's precise strike.
He's right, Latias communicates telepathically, a sense of understanding settling over her.
***
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