[spoiler]Next piece of spag with Silent and Mezzo

Anistar Gym

-A small pod made of blue light appears somewhere near Basket and floats around very slowly-

-Basket nips at the sphere suspiciously-

-Shadow walks toward the sphere, Forte following-

Forte: So is this all happening in our minds or something?

Shadow: <Everything that happens is in your mind.>

-The sphere appears to be of solid light, impenetrable, forming a sort of grid. Nothing but light can be seen on the other side, but the sphere seems to broadcast the knowledge of "Gym Leader inside" for any psychic-type who is listening-

Shadow: <This is where we need to go.>

Forte: Huh?

Shadow: <The sphere. It says "Gym Leader Inside".>

-meanwhile the blue pod starts circling Basket slowly-

Fuego: <Oh! Basket! That's a key! you have to catch it to open the sphere!>

Tangerine: ...I think you got that from a book?

Fuego: -crossing his arms- <If there are any trolls or potion tables, I get to say I told you so.>

Forte: Weren't they saying something about a key?

Basket: -takes a moment out of flailing to bat the pod towards Shadow with his wings-

-Shadow paws at the sphere; the large light sphere reacts to the Espeon pawing it by briefly broadcasting a sort of "you are here" map detailing Shadow's position in the surface of a star-sized pocket universe-

Shadow: <Well, that's helpful.> -telekinetically catches the pod-

-the projection also includes a depiction of what appears to be a maze, with an icon of Olympia's face in the center-

Gym Guy's voice from somewhere: «Oh, you found the key? Now all you need is a [keyhole] to match it!»

-Shadow and the others can take notice that the pod is small, blue, oval and flat; the giant sphere of light is hard and uniform without visible sockets or ridges-

Tangerine: Hmm... nothing ventured, nothing gained...

-she knocks on the sphere. Shave-and-a-haircut!-

Shadow: <This is a map, I think. There are no keyholes here.>

Basket: <Well is there a keyhole on the map? I'm getting dizzy!>

Tangerine: -starts looking for Basket's Pokéball-

-Besides a small sound, nothing happens when Tangent knocks on the sphere, but after a moment the sphere emits the same sound back-

Tangerine: ...huh. Try something, Forte?

-she recalls Basket-

Forte: Uh, what do you want me to do? I'm not psychic.

-The pod meanwhile stays close to Shadow because of telepathy and orbits him slowly; Shadow might notice that the pod interferes with the messages broadcast from the light-

Tangerine: Anything, really. Just trying random stuff to get a hint of what we're dealing with.

Shadow: <Hm. This thing is interfering with the sphere.> -touches the pod with a paw-

Forte: I have no idea what's going on anymore.

Fuego: -watches Shadow intently-

-When Shadow touches the pod, it is launched against the giant light sphere and sticks on it, causing the light to dim greatly and reveal a road made of various patterns-

Shadow: <Seems it was a key after all.> -walks down the road, Forte following-

Anistar Gym

-As the group is absorbed inside the star, they can see several paths made of colored light below. They can also see that they are being dragged towards some sort of plaza with a small pillar of light and a signpost in the center-

Tangerine: -after recovering from the surprise, strains to read the sign-

-Looking around, three paths emerge from the platform: one blue behind the signpost, one green to the left, the last one orange to the right-

Shadow: <I don't think this is very helpful.>

Forte: Yeah...

Shadow: <Also, could you put me down?>

Forte: Oh, right. -sets Shadow on the floor-

Fuego: <What's ↑? We should go ↑.>

-If the group were to look ↑, they would notice the shadows of various barriers placed around the place.

The left and right paths both lead "down", towards the center of the star, whereas the blue path seems to circle around to reach the other side of the star-

Forte: Do they all go to the same place?

Tangerine: The labels would imply so... but they are tricky here.

Forte: So... which way ''do'' we go then?

Tangerine: Never split the party... hmm, the side roads look identical, the other goes further in... think the gym leader's in the center?

Shadow: <Most likely.>

Tangerine: So that way, I guess.

-The ← and → paths feel sad that they were not chosen, though it'd take an empath to figure that out. The ↓ path can be seen to lead to a slope and a fork on the road later on-

Tangerine: Two roads... let's brute-force this problem. Pick either direction, Forte.

Forte: Okay, left.

Random Gym Trainer at the end of the right road: Damn it.

-the left path leads to a small square with hard light decorations and a hole in the middle. A small platform is hovering over the hole-

Fuego: -jumps onto the platform-

Forte: Are we supposed to go up or down?

-The platform materializes two slots on its surface, one with a light arrow pointing up and the other pointing down-

Gym Guy's voice from afar: «Step on the direction you want to go!»

Fuego: <Gym leader's down...>

Tangerine: Then why are they asking us..?

Forte: Maybe it's a trick.

Shadow: <Well, if the Gym Leader's down, then you should head down.>

Fuego: <I think this gym wants to make you parabola!>

Tangerine: "Paranoid?"

Fuego: <Yeah. Down!>

-The platform heads down, appearing to travel across space for several kilometers, before stopping at a small plaza made of a yellow path.-

-Meanwhile, at the point where the group first got onto the platform...-

Gym Trainer: -rushes in, breathing hard: Okay, phew, I made it... Now you guys won't be able to refuse my challen-...

-notices no one is there-

NOOOOOOO!!!

Anistar Gym

-At the center of a platform made of hard light surrounded by pillars (of light) with various decorations (of light), Olympia stands accompanied by a Reuniclus; the Pokémon gives the incoming group a bemused stare-

-Forte walks up to her-

Forte: Are you the Gym Leader?

Olympia: That I am, yes. Time to introduce myself this is. Call me Olympia, leader of Anistar City. And who might you be?

Tangerine: I'm Tangent, of Azalea Town.

Forte: My name is Mezzoforte, uh, from Castelia City I guess.

-The Reuniclus teleports in a small notebook and hovers it over to Olympia, who starts checking the names-

Olympia: Ah yes, yes. You two were lost for a while...

Reuniclus: <...and you have no Star Coins!>

Olympia: ...but at least you made it here. An easy task if you set your mind to it.

-She hands the notebook over to Reuniclus-

I need not the mind, nor its marvelous powers, to know the fight you seek.

-Shadow tilts his head-

Forte: It sure didn't feel that easy.

Tangerine: -sweatdropping- The documentation was... a bit vague.

Reuniclus: -hovers around: <Oh? The repair crew made it any hard? I thought they were over with that gap already...>

- Olympia nods and steps forward-

Olympia: My interest is piqued however by this new instance of dual challengers. I foresee that you bring your teams to the fray to choose two among them each?

Forte: Yeah. Shadow?

-Shadow moves into a battle position-

Tangerine: Rufus, you're up.

Rufus: <Haha! Your Jedi mind-tricks won't work on me!>

-Olympia sees this and motions for Reuniclus to stand back; the Pokémon hovers away while Olympia raises her hand and summons a bright green light onto it-

Olympia: Then I accept your challenge.

BATTLE! VS OLYMPIA!

Swobat: -sees an incoming spear: <Oooh that's awesome? Can you show me how to shape it like that?>

-Sigilyph listens to the tirade, seems irked by the insinuations-

Sigilyph: <What do YOU know! Those platforms won me a nomination in college! >_> > -- seems to be confused, spasms -- <I'll show you some fight!>

-and bats his wings with such force that they clash against each other, releasing the Gust but also almost knocking Sigilyph back from recoil-

Sigilyph: <....Huh? What was *that*? @.@>

-Swoobat seems to only at the last moment remember he's supposed to be fighting, tries to swerve but doesn't manage to move in time and takes the full hit, is sent flying past Olympia-

-Olympia doesn't seem to be content with Sigilyph's performance, tries to call his attention with a gesture of her hand-

Olympia: At such chants, let not them confound you. Charge Beam the cat.

-turns to Swoobat-

Try be less cute, effective is what we need. But if cuteness helps, as a weapon the best, swap opponents and use Confide.

-Swoobat flies down and tries to land near Rufus's tail, whispering all the while-

Swobat:: <[-Hey! Listen! I know where you can find a [Star Coin]!-] :3 >

Rufus: <Oh? Money! Where..?!>

Tangerine: Focus, Rufus! Crunch them!

Rufus: <NOM!>

-Shadow is zapped on the ear by a Charge Beam; he twitches it slightly-

Shadow: <That is an annoyance.>

Forte: Another Shadow Ball on that Sigilyph!

Shadow: <Will do.>

-Shadow fires a Shadow Spear, aimed at the bird this time-

-The Swoobat is confident that his story is working-

Swobat: : <It's far from here but I know its exact location.>

-smugly-

<Just go to the waterfall with the dragons and-AAAAAHHH >_> >

-suffers a bite than takes him down to the ground, severely weakened-

-Meanwhle the Sigilyph seems to have trouble even staying airborne, and shrieks at his attack having pretty much missed by an ear and change. He struggles with himself trying to decide how to avoid the Shadow Ball...-

Sigilyph: <...n-no! Left! ...Friggin' cat would catch me! Up! A! B!...> -- is hit by the Shadow Ball and sent spiraling to the ground.

-Both Pokémon struggle to get back to fighting stance but it is obvious they can not last much longer-

Olympia: I guess thinking of the skies was too risky. The problems that require our mind are much closer to home. Where the grass is richer and Ground-types are weak to it, Swoobat.

Swobat: -nods eagerly-

<Yeah! That'll be fair!>

-to Rufus-

<NO STAR COIN FOR YOU!>

-and fires a weakened but still Grass-type Energy Ball-

Rufus: <Agk! It tastes like kale!>

-he shudders and refuses to open his mouth for another Crunch, instead kicking a distracted Rock Tomb at the Swoobat-

Forte: Shadow! Finish off the Sigilyph with a...

-Olympia turns to Sigilyph to instruct him to Steel Wing Shadow, but the Pokémon, when attempting to materialize the steel-type energy, is confused enough to realize on top of his own head and hits himself with it, knocking himself out-

Forte: ...Never mind.

-Olympia sighs at Sigilyph and recalls him, then sees Swoobat screech as he tries to fly away from INCOMING ROCKS, but the Pokémon doesn't get any far before being crushed by a couple of stones and thrown to the ground.-

BATTLE! VS OLYMPIA!

-Meanwhile, one of the stars in the Meowstic constellation shines brightly, then a thunderous sound invades the battle field as a pillar of light descends onto the ground near the battle-

-Shadow stares at the pillar of light that appears-

Rufus: <ALIENS! I KNEW IT!>

-As the pillar slowly subsides leaving the ground of the platform marked with a circle of alien-ish runes, the form of a Meowstic female steps forwards, appearing ready for battle-

Ceiling Meowstic: <Oh, Reuniclus, I'm sorry for being late. I'm informed that Eta Scorpius Seven has already surrendered to our will.> -- waver paw.

Reuniclus: -twitching: <Do I look like I care? I want to make these two surrender!>

Shadow: <...What?>

-The Meowstic turns her attention to Shadow-

Ceiling Meowstic: -tilts head: <Oh? An earthly specimen? I guess I'm sent here to check your allegiance...?>

-Olympia looks angry at the Meowstic's delay and instructs her to come forward-

Olympia: There is such a thing as thinking too much. Let's get back to action... Reuniclus and Meowstic, Energy Ball and Sucker Punch on your respective opponent!

Shadow: <Wait, wha-->

-Shadow is Sucker Punched, knocking him out instantly-

Forte: Ouch...

-Rufus is likewise knocked out by the Energy Ball-

BATTLE! VS OLYMPIA!

-Meanwhile, the Meowstic attempts to retreat to a safe distance waiting for instructions-

Olympia: Keep close to the Cubone, confound him to deal with him fast!

Fuego: <I thought they used Energy Ball all the time against Rufus? Can you only use a move a certain number of times or something?>

Forte: Hm... try whipping up a Fairy Wind at that Meowstic!

-Celeste extends her ribbons out and sends out a sparkling wind-

-Reuniclus hovers around looking for a good angle of attack; meanwhile, Meowstic rushes towards Fuego and, seeing a Fairy Wind incoming, attempts to strafe around to put the Cubone in the line of fire-

Olympia: Hmmm... even if that doesn't work we are out of options but that initiative. Reuniclus, get close as well and ready to attack Sylveon with a Signal Beam.

-Celeste is struck by a Signal Beam, and stares blankly-

Celeste: <Pretty lights...>

-Celeste is confused!-

Fuego: <Whoa! Not me!> -he flattens on the ground for cover-

-Meowstic meanwhile tries to get closer to Fuego, sees him go to the ground and braces herself for the incoming strike-

Ceiling Meowstic: <....Rrrrrrgh!>

-yells and shakes from the effect of the Fairy Wind-

<...Little creature you should have stood your ground...>

Olympia: -quickly assesses the situation-

At least some of that worked. Shift opponents, you two! Take advantage of the close range and finish off that Cubone, Meowstic! Reuniclus, since you are stuck at the moment, you are to Energy Ball the Sylveon.

-The Meowstic stands up, noticing that the green barrier in front of her is fading away quickly-

Reuniclus: <A shame. I had better tricks up my jello sleeves but I'll have to deal with you like this.>

-turns to Celeste-

<Like the lighs? Have the lights!>

-fires a weakened Energy Ball at the Sylveon-

Ceiling Meowstic: <Well now...>

-puffs her fur and glares at Fuego-

<I have some sparkling tricks too and you are going to volunteer as my audience since you let me be hit.>

-she charges her psychic powers to collect the remaining Grass-type energy across the field and materializes it into an array of leaf-like flechettes, ready to fire a Magical Leaf attack at the Cubone-

Celeste: <Eep!> -stares at the pretty light coming at her-

Anistar Gym

Celeste: <Did we win...?>

-Olympia frowns at Reuniclus being distracted, then graciously bows to Forte and Tangent-

Olympia: Very well, this is how it ends. Drawing power from of not only the mind but the body... has ended up beating us.

Ceiling Meowstic: -curled into a ball: <zzzzz>

Tangerine: Aww, kitty

Reuniclus: -stuck to the ground in a pile of jello: <mphfmfmfphfmmfmmff?>

Fuego: <Tangent! We won, don't pet the cat!>

<You OK, Celeste?>

-Olympia decides to wait a bit before recalling her Pokémon, produces two Psychic Badges-

Celeste: <I'm okay... I think.> -twirls a ribbon-

-Forte and Tangent each take a badge-

Olympia: Congratulations. As a testament to your skill. This symbol will mark your memories of this battle.

-She then produces a couple of TM discs-

Olympia: It is to be required now, that this is delivered. More than good enough for it, you have shown to be.

-Offers two Calm Mind TMs-

-Forte takes a look at the TM-

Forte: Uh... I already have this. I had Shadow use it in the battle, even.

Tangerine: We can probably find something to do with it, right?

-Olympia smiles and shrugs-

Olympia: Following rituals give us peace of mind, and tempers our character.

Tangerine: -scoops up Fuego in her arms-

Well, that was a good game, right?

-Forte does the same to Celeste-

Celeste: <Pretty lights...>

-She waves her hand, materializing a small circle of light on the ground and a Heart Piece nearby -

Olympia: A fun exercise it was. But you are made to greater challenges that await outside. This way leads directly to the outer world, if you choose to take it.

-Meanwhile the pile of jello in the ground tries to get unstuck from the ground, unaware of what is going on-

-Forte nods and steps into the light-

Yeah.

Reuniclus: -gets himself back into shape, floats around and sees opponents gone-

<Oooh! it worked? We won~? Awww I missed it...> ^.^