Chapter One

Well, here's the final sequel to "Explorers of Future," my first fanfic. I feel that I have done exactly what I set out to do when I wrote Explorers of Future and that was to have fun. I had a great amount of fun writing this trilogy, after all, who doesn't have a special place in their hearts for their first story (or stories in this case)? This is exactly why I had to write the Special Episodes ("borrowed" the idea from PMD: Explorers of Sky). Look out for them.

~Frenchii~

The night was dark, a fog spread thick through Crystal Clearing, creating a twisting, swirling obstacle that impaired eyesight. But this Pokemon didn't need eyesight. His "abilities" relinquished the need for it. It bounded in nimbly, sniffing the air. Nothing. Nothing but his guards that were hindering his speed, but he couldn't just go out into the open without protection.

"Sir?"

The Sceptile had spoken, stepping forward. The leader sighed, motioning for him to continue.

"What's here?" Sceptile asked.

The leader sighed. He had been asking himself the same question all day. The thing was... he didn't know. He was just looking for something, not knowing what it was.

"None of your business!" he growled at the Sceptile.

The Sceptile jumped and braced for an attack. Golduck, the other Pokemon, frowned.

"What would a Lucario want in a place like... this?" he snorted.

The Luacrio roared.

"Stop asking questions! You're here to guard me, not question me! Now shut up!"

They did. The Lucario took a deep breath as he walked deeper into the Clearing. It had been a long time since he had been there. With his... friends.

Arceus has something to answer for, he thought. But the Council's first.

The Lucario stopped at a huge crystal formation. At the bottom an epitaph was carved:

In memory of Mothim,

A teacher. A friend. A father.

It's my fault he's dead, the Lucario thought, sadly.

The three turned toward another formation. It had nothing written on it.

"Oi! Boss!" the Golduck called. He was holding a piece of crystal. "Is this what you're looking for?"

The Lucario snorted. "As if!"

The Golduck thrust the shard at the Sceptile. The Lucario closed his eyes, concentrating. He stood there, completely still, until the Sceptile's voice broke his concentration.

"Hey, boss! It fits!"

The Lucario growled. "I'll show you where it fits."

The Sceptile cringed, but quickly recovered. He was standing near the huge, unmarked formation. The Lucario shook his head, turning for the trees.

The Sceptile became irritated. "But Jay-!"

The Lucario had pinned the Sceptile in less than a second.

"Don't ever call me that!" he hissed before rushing into the trees.