Before I get started on the second chapter there are a few things I forgot to say in the previous chapter.

I would recommend reading the prequel to this fic Battle for Life and Love. While it's not required it would probably answer any questions new readers have regarding the characters in this fic and their relationship to each other.

And now for the dialog guide.

Speaking, Thoughts, (Pokémon Speaking), (Pokémon Thoughts)

Chapter 2: Premonition of Incoming Danger

A large group of trainers had gathered at Gateon Port. At the head of the group was a large, muscular man. His moustache, which was oddly shaped in a zigzag pattern, extended at least one foot from each side of his face, as did his eyebrows. He was wearing a dark red vest and black pants. In his hand was a phone, which he was currently talking on.

Man: Yes sir… Okay, sir… Right away. Gonzap out.

Gonzap hung up and turned to the team of trainers, or to be more specific snaggers, that were with him. All of them wore similar outfits to him.

Gonzap: Okay, listen up! We've been given new marching orders from Grand Master Greevil! We are to head to the Hoenn region and collect Pokémon from there! Our first location will be Mt. Pyre near Lilycove City! Is that clear?!

Snaggers: Yes sir!

After making sure the other snaggers knew what they were doing Gonzap turned his attention to the docks, waiting for their transportation to arrive. He didn't have to wait long. A cargo ship was pulling into port.

Gonzap: Look alive! Our ride's here!

Gonzap lead the snaggers towards the cargo ship that would be taking them to Hoenn. As they approached the ship the captain, who was also a member of Cipher, greeted them.

Captain: Well, Gonzap. It looks like Master Greevil has your next mission lined up for you.

Gonzap: You know where to go?

Captain: He contacted me on my way here and gave me the coordinates.

Gonzap: Then let's get going.

The captain led Gonzap and the other snaggers onto the cargo ship. However, the cargo ship exterior was just to camouflage it. It was really a cruise ship disguised as a cargo ship in order to avoid attracting unwanted attention. The interior contained not only living quarters for the snaggers but training facilities as well. Minutes after all the snaggers were on board the ship set off. Gonzap followed the captain up to the bridge.

Captain: Any idea on what Pokémon he's looking for?

Gonzap: No, not really. Ever since that new guy showed up we've been busier than ever.

Captain: I know. You think he has some kind of hidden agenda?

Gonzap: Maybe, but as long as it doesn't interfere with Master Greevil's plans then I don't care.

They soon reached the bridge, where Gonzap immediately went to a nearby computer to get the details of their mission. As he looked over the details the captain walked up behind him.

Captain: So, what's the target this time?

Gonzap: According to this there's a Ninetails and two Vulpix, one of the Vulpix is an odd color.

Captain: Just three? Doesn't sound too difficult.

Gonzap: Not with the number of men we're sending. Still, this does seem a bit excessive for just three Pokémon. There must be something about them if he wants all of us on this mission.

Captain: Well it'll be a few weeks until we arrive. I suggest you use the facilities on this ship to their fullest.

Gonzap: I plan on it.

With that Gonzap got up and left. With Hoenn a few weeks away he'd have plenty of time to make sure he was ready for the mission.

Even though there seemed to be no need for improvement after their earlier training session Neo and the others still made frequent trips to the training grounds, even if it was only to brush up on their skills. And of course Sasha and Gem were always there to cheer them on.

Gem: Wow. Daddy sure is strong.

Sasha: He sure is.

Gem: Do you think I can be as strong as Daddy someday, Mommy?

Sasha: Sure. If you train hard and long enough I'm sure you'll be as strong as your father one day.

Gem's eyes grew wide. At that moment she was inspired to begin her own training routine.

Gem: I can't wait until I can start training!

Sasha: You'll be training soon enough.

While the two of them talked Neo finished up his training for the day. He approached them.

Neo: Okay, I think that's enough for the day.

Gem: Daddy, Daddy! Mommy said that if I train hard and long enough I can get strong like you.

Neo: That sounds good to me. Then maybe we can train together.

Gem: You mean it, Daddy?

Neo: Sure. Nothing would make me happier than to train with my own daughter.

Gem: Alright! I'm going to train hard!

Seeing their daughter so happy brought Neo and Sasha nothing but joy. While Gem was celebrating Missy approached them.

Missy: Neo, you got a minute?

Neo: Something wrong?

Missy: No, not really. I just need to talk to you.

Neo: Okay.

Sasha: We'll head on back.

Gem: Don't be too long, Daddy.

Neo: I won't.

Sasha and Gem headed back towards their den, leaving Neo and Missy alone. Even though she said there wasn't anything wrong Neo knew there was.

Neo: Okay. I know there's something bothering you.

Missy: I didn't want to worry Sasha or Gem.

Neo: I understand. So, what's is it?

Missy: There's something on the way… something bad.

Neo: Can you tell what it is?

Missy: No. All I know is that it's bad and it's heading this way.

Neo: From where?

Missy: I'm not sure, but I think Orre.

Neo: Orre? What sort of danger could be heading this way from there?

Missy: I wish I knew. That way we could prepare for whatever it is.

Neo: You know, I think we should keep this between ourselves for now. No need in getting the others worried.

Missy: I agree.

Neo: We should get back or Sasha and Gem will start to worry.

Missy: Okay.

The two of them left the training grounds. Missy's premonition had Neo worried that something similar to the incident in Viridian Forest was about to befall them. However…

Neo: I'll be ready this time…

The weeks went by without incident. Though Neo and Missy were still worried about her premonition from a few weeks back nothing had happened that brought about any cause for alarm. And so, everyone went about their normal routine. Neo, Sasha and Gem were currently in the Lilycove Pokémon Center getting a check-up.

Nurse Joy: I'm happy to report that all three of you are in perfect health.

Neo: That's good.

Sasha: Thank you, Nurse Joy.

Gem: Thanks.

Nurse Joy: My pleasure. Now, you have a safe trip back.

Neo: We will.

The three of them left through the rear exit. As they left Neo took a look towards the docks. A cargo ship had just docked.

Neo: That's strange.

Sasha: What's strange?

Neo: I don't think there were any cargo ships scheduled to dock here today.

Gem: Maybe it's an emergency stop.

Neo: Maybe. Anyway it's got nothing to do with us. Let's get home.

The trio headed out of town. But in the back of Neo's mind he still thought about that ship.

Neo: I've got a bad feeling about this. I'll discuss this with Missy when we get back.

Nurse Joy was behind the counter going over various medical records when a person walked inside.

Nurse Joy: Hello. Welcome to our…

She looked up. The person that walked inside was a large, muscular man. His presence was extremely intimidating.

Nurse Joy: C-Can I h-help you?

Gonzap leaned on the front desk. It creaked under his weight.

Gonzap: Can you tell me where Mt. Pyre is?

Nurse Joy: S-Sure. J-Just head out of t-town and t-to the e-east.

Gonzap: Thank you.

He left, having gotten the information he was seeking. Nurse Joy let out a sigh of relief, but soon began to worry about his business there.

Nurse Joy: I'd better call Officer Jenny.

Fearing for the safety of Neo and the others she quickly called Officer Jenny and informed her of the situation.

Gonzap and the rest of the snaggers have arrived in Hoenn. With their sights set on Mt. Pyre will Neo and the others be able to defend their home? Or will this indeed turn into another Viridian Forest incident? Find out in the next chapter of Fighting the Shadows!

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