Chapter Six: Rescue Mission

Moon obviously made it to Mount Moon's entrance first. Running into the cave, she charged down a set of tunnels, taking the right of the two. The cave was lit with dim lights that had been installed to give some light to the cave, but also not disturb the nocturnal Moémon inside. Moon was also holding the Magikarp Moémon, whose name was Karrie.

"Moon, wait!" Lillie exclaimed, running after her with their two teams.

"Which way'd she go?" Pyrah asked as she looked down the tunnels. "Should we split up?"

"No," Lillie said. "Moon can take care of herself better than all of us combined. We should stick together. I say we go left."

"Alright," Aqua nodded. "Let us go then."

The group walked down the tunnel, looking around for any signs of Moon or Leaf's group.

"I don't think she went this way," Pyrah said. "But, to find Leaf, we'll have to keep going."

"Correct," Aqua nodded.

With Frieda

The Metapod Moémon woke up, blinking her eyes open. Her Bug type eyes adjusting quickly, she felt out her surroundings as well as seeing them. Realizing she was bound, she used her senses to tell her how she was bound and where the knots were. She skillfully used Harden on her whole body, flexing as the ropes snapped.

Pulling off the rag that had gagged her (though, it really did little in the long term…), she walked a little ways out from where she was to see several members of the organization that had kidnapped her and her trainer.

The Bug Type used her stealth skills to slip past them using the ceiling of the cave and search for Leaf. Finding her location, she descended, finding that Flora was also with her. She untied them both, picking them up.

Suddenly, something struck her senses. She turned quickly to see a shadow disappear under the door of the makeshift cell Leaf was trapped in. Frieda stared at it, narrowing her eyes. Disregarding it, she looked around for a place to exit the cave they were in.

With Lillie

"So, Lillie," Pyrah asked. "What the heck is Moon? I know we promise not to ask, but we just saw her punch out a Steelix in one hit."

"Moon wouldn't want me to tell you," Lillie said. "She doesn't like to be known by her heritage. She wants to be known by the legacy she made for herself, the legacy of Moon Aquarius Oak, the Champion of Alola."

"I get that," Pyrah and Aqua nodded. "But, still, she's not human, is she?"

"That's… for her to disclose." Lillie said. "But, whenever she's ready, she'll tell you."

"Her strength is part of why you can't be together, isn't it?" Aqua asked.

"It… it is." Lillie nodded.

"Alright," Aqua said. "We need to hurry and find Leaf."

"We need to be careful," Lillie said. "There could be some more predatory Moémon here."

"Like Geodudes?!" Skyla exclaimed.

"No, like Zubat," Lillie said.

"I don't think we're gonna find any of those!" Skyla grinned.

"But, what will we find?" Aqua asked.

As if on cue, a Moémon peeked her head out from behind a rock, coming out and standing in front of them.

The Moémon was about Lillie's height, though she had a slightly smaller frame than Lillie. She wore pink shoes that had one inch heels on them. They had a pink buckle that went over the arch of the foot. The buckle had a flower on it that was also pink. She wore whitish pink tights that seemed closer to white in color in the light of the cave. She wore a dress that went down to her knees. The dress was a cotton candy pink in color. It was very frilly, especially closer to the back and it was very soft. On the front of the dress was an apron like piece that draped over it. In the back there was a bow that stood out from the frills, which went almost to the top of the dress. A tail extended from behind her, but it curved into a short spiral. It was pink and soft looking. Two small, wing like objects extended from her back as well. They were more solid looking, but it was questionable as to whether or not she could fly. On the front of her dress, around her neck, was a red bow. It was tied in a ribbon tie. The sleeves of the dress went to her wrists with a thin ribbon in them holding them to her wrists. Her hands were petite, delicate almost. Her hair was long and pink, almost a cotton candy shade. It curled at the ends and went down to her waist in some places. Her bangs curled into a spiral of sorts. At the back, there was portion like a small pigtail that curled into a spiral. Coming out of the top like ears were two pink… ear like 'spikes'. They were long and pointed, having black tips. Her eyes were a soft blue, almost like the sky, but a few shades darker. Her skin tone was pink mixed with a fair color, making the pink barely visible.

"What kind of Moémon is that?" Katie asked.

"Hmm," Lillie said. "I guess I'll actually have to use my Moédex."

"Why did you take one if you didn't need it?" Pyrah asked.

"Because Moon knew about the Moémon," Lillie said. "This has a Town Map though, so I've had use for it."

"True," Pyrah said. Lillie held the Moédex up to the Moémon.

"Clefable," She said as she read the screen. "Data not found."

"That is a problem," Aqua said. "We do not have much data."

"Eh, I don't need to know much besides their personalities and eating habits." Lillie said. "I don't mean that in a bad way, but general species data isn't as useful as one would think."

"True," Aqua said.

"Who are you guys?" The Moémon asked.

"I'm Lillie," Lillie said. "This is Aqua the Squirtle, Pyrah the Charmander, Skyla the Pidgey, and Katie the Rattata."

"Huh," The Clefable Moémon said. "Well, I'm Hikari. I lost my Shadow. Can you help me find my Shadow?"

"Your… shadow?" Lillie asked.

"Yep, my Shadow," The Clefable Moémon said.

"How'd you lose your shadow?" Pyrah asked.

"My Shadow wanders off sometimes." Hikari said, shrugging, rocking back and forth a bit. "I need to find my Shadow soon."

"Okay, this one's a creepy one." Pyrah said.

"You're telling me," Lillie nodded.

"Have you seen my Shadow?" Hikari asked.

"I want to leave the cave now." Katie nodded. "I'm way too creeped out to be here. Let's find Leaf and go."

"Agreed," Lillie, Aqua, and Pyrah nodded.

"We'll help you find your shadow!" Skyla grinned, moving up to her.

"We have to find Leaf first, dunce." Katie said.

"My Shadow is somewhere around here." Hikari turned and walked further down the tunnel. "I can always feel my Shadow."

"Okay!" Skyla fell in step behind her. Lillie and the others sighed, following the Pidgey Moémon.

With Moon

Moon ran down the hall, taking a stop as she heard a noise.

"Why are we stopping?" Karrie asked.

"I heard something." Moon looked around, setting her down. "Stay close."

"Okay," Karrie nodded, grabbing onto Moon's hair and gently holding it.

Suddenly, from the sky, a Moémon dropped onto Moon.

"Stupid human!" She shouted, biting into Moon's neck. Moon didn't react, just glancing at her.

"You attempting something there?" Moon asked.

"Why is your essence not being drained as I bite you?!" The Moémon demanded as she continued to bite Moon.

"Doesn't really work on me," Moon shrugged. "I guess I'm not good vampire food."

"Wait, how did you…" The Moémon asked, suspicious.

"I had a Moémon on my team in Alola that was a vampire Crobat." Moon said. "Her name is Zuzu and she was a Zubat when we first met too."

"I see," The Moémon said. "But, you're still a stupid human! Your entire species makes me sick! But… there's something off about you… your blood tastes like…"

The Moémon flipped forward off of Moon, facing her from the front as she pointed a demanding finger at her.

The Moémon wore blue slip on shoes that had a pink bow in the middle of them. Black ribbons wound around her legs, one on each, though they never met. She wore a black dress that went a little way down her legs. It had blue lace at the end, which was an inch in width. The dress had a pink ribbon around the waist, which was tied in a bow in the front. The dress was sleeveless and strapless dress, with blue frill on the top border of it. Bandages wound around her arms in a nearly haphazard pattern. She wore black netting gloves with black wrist cuffs. A pink ribbon on each wrist held the wrist cuffs to her wrists to keep the gloves on. The ribbon had two hearts on each. Around her neck, she wore a black choker with a pink ribbon. Two bat like wings came from her back. They were blue on the outside and pink on the inside. Her hair was blue and came down to her shoulders. Two bat like ears came up from the top of her head. They were curved forward and were pink on the inside. The outside was as blue as her hair. Her skin was pale from having lived in a cave (and apparently being a vampire). Her eyes were purple, staring deep at Moon with a glare. Two fangs poked from her lips.

"Your blood!" She demanded loudly. "Why does it taste like ichor?!"

"Ichor, eh?" Moon asked, raising an eyebrow. "Funny, Zuzu said the same thing."

"Explain yourself, "human"!" The Zubat Moémon demanded.

"What's your name?" Moon asked.

"Nocturna," The Zubat, Nocturna, said. "Now, explain yourself."

"It's genetic." Moon shrugged.

"Explain!" Nocturna demanded again. "That doesn't explain why my bite doesn't drain you!"

"I've got more essence than you could drain." Moon said.

"Your blood tastes like the sea and ichor." Nocturna said. "What the hell are you?"

"Moon," Moon said. "I am Moon. Adoptive daughter of Red and Daisy Oak."

"Who birthed you?" Nocturna narrowed her eyes.

"I'm sure you've figured it out." Moon crossed her arms.

"You were born in Johto, weren't you?" Nocturna asked.

"My mother birthed me there and entrusted me in the care of my aunts, yes," Moon said.

"The Kimono Girls," Nocturna said.

"How'd you figure?" Moon raised an eyebrow.

"I figured out who your mother is." Nocturna said. "It's not hard to figure out who she entrusted you to. But, why are you here?"

"I'm bored." Moon simply shrugged. "But, right now, I'm going after a friend of mine who got kidnapped. You wanna join?"

"Your team?" Nocturna asked. "It's just you and her?"

"No, my team's with another friend who's here." Moon said. "I'll explain when we all meet. I'm takin' the league challenge. Wanna join?"

"Why are you fighting them when you could do so much more?" Nocturna asked.

"I'm bored." Moon said. "Being Champion's boring, so I came here to take the League challenge."

"You're a strange being." Nocturna said. "If I had even half the power I can feel coursing through your veins, I'd be making a difference."

"I am making a difference," Moon said. "I believe in the equality of Moémon and humans."

"Well, you have something to fight for with common ground," Nocturna said. "But, I suppose we should find your friend."

"Right," Moon nodded as she continued walking, Nocturna following her by flapping her wings.

With Frieda

The Metapod Moémon found a small hole. Slipping the sleeping Leaf and Flora into it, she slid into it herself.

Outside of the hole, she looked around, holding the two unconscious friends. She ducked behind a corner as she saw two Grunts patrolling the area, discussing something about fossils.

Frieda looked down to see the shadow underneath her move, shifting slightly. Frieda spit a String Shot at it, which caused it to flinch.

The Metapod Moémon moved from her cover as she saw the Grunts leave, moving to the stairs.

"Freeze!" A voice called to her. She turned to see one of the Grunts with two Raticate Moémon next to him.

"You're coming back with us." He ordered. Frieda set the two friends down, getting into a fighting stance.

"Oh, so scary," The Grunt chuckled. "The Metapod wants to fight. You two, go get her!"

The Raticate Moémon lunged at Frieda, who caught them. However, they kicked her in the gut, shattering her Harden. She slumped to the ground, holding her gut. One of the Raticate knocked her aside, biting down on her arm.

Still not uttering a sound, Frieda slammed a fist into the Raticate, backing up and looking down at her bleeding arm. She glared at the Raticate Moémon, glancing back at her two friends.

She concentrated her energy, her body beginning to glow bright white. The glow died down as quickly as it came, confusing the Grunt.

Her body began to crack like a shell, her clothing included in the cracking. Once the 'shell' of her body broke, pieces began to fall off, the body splitting open in the middle, a form beginning to emerge. It was a white glowing form in the shape of a woman. Golden strands of what looked like webbing wrapped around her arms, legs, and ankles, pinning them together. It was also wrapped around her mouth, forcing her to be completely silent. However, the strands shattered, the glow around the woman beginning to lessen, revealing her attire. Her 'shell' still lay on the ground, unmoving.

This new form of Frieda was slightly shorter than previously. She was wearing purple boots with thick blue soles. The soles were at least an inch thick with a heel that was half an inch. The boots were made of a material that hugged her legs tightly and still allowed movement. They rose up almost to her knees in the back, the front being about an inch or two lower, the top being at an angle. She wore a leotard like top that was strapless. It had a skirt that went almost to her boots and was a thin, silk like substance. The top was a purple color and seemed similar to lavender. The area over her breasts was blue mixed with lavender in color. She had long gloves that were a similar material to the top. They were purple and blue striped, the same colors as the top. The gloves went past her elbows a little bit. Two large, bisectional wings emerged from her back, similar to those of a butterfly. They were beautiful and strong looking. The outside was bold and black with thinner black lines moving inward in a pattern. Her hair was long and dark brown, moving past her knees even. It flowed and seemed to move like in a breeze. Two large, red, orb like objects were in her hair, one on each side, and resembled compound eyes in texture and look. Two antennae emerged from her head, both with a small bulb at the end. Her eyes were a mahogany red like the autumn leaves, glowing and powerful.

She looked at the two Raticate Moémon, who were shocked at the transformation she'd undergone.

"You plan to prevent me from helping my trainer and companion." She said as she held her hand up at them. Her voice was soft and angelic, though fierce and full of determination. "For that, you will pay."

A powerful blast of Psychic energy in the form of Confusion shot from her hand, blasting both the Moémon as well as their trainer into the wall behind her.

She then turned to Leaf and Flora, using her wings in the form of Gust to blow away any traces of the Sleep Powder that may have remained.

However, as she did that, a strand of webbing suddenly wrapped around her leg. Frieda looked back to see her 'shell' was pulling her back into itself.

"Leaf," Frieda said. "Wake up. You mus—"

A strand of the "webbing" that had bound her true form previously wrapped itself around her mouth, more pinning her arms and legs together as they pulled her back into the 'shell'.

She was forced back into the 'shell', the entire time struggling against the strands. With eyes wide with panic, the 'shell' sealed itself up again, leaving Frieda silent once again.

A shadow moved, slipping away as the "Metapod" Moémon checked over her trainer and companion.

With Lillie

"So, where is your shadow exactly?" Lillie asked.

"This way," Hikari said, walking down the corridor of the cave.

"Say, have you seen our friend?" Lillie asked. "She could be hurt and afraid."

"My Shadow can help." Hikari said. "My Shadow always helps."

"I am officially more creeped out than anything." Pyrah said, everyone but Skyla nodding.

"You should totally join us!" Skyla grinned.

"I and my Shadow are willing to." Hikari said. "Follow me."

They continued to follow the strange Moémon, who eventually stopped.

"I have found my Shadow." She said. "We must now follow my Shadow to your friend."

Hikari continued walking, the group noticing her shadow in front of her.

"Do… do you see that?" Pyrah asked.

"I do," Lillie nodded. "She now has a shadow."

"My Shadow has discovered your friend." Hikari led them into a room where Frieda was watching the two, silent as usual.

"Frieda!" Lillie called, the "Metapod" Moémon turning to her, a small smirk crossing her lips for a split second. Lillie ran over to her, hugging her as the rest of the group helped up the stirring Leaf and Flora.

"Are you alright?" Lillie asked. Frieda nodded as Leaf and Flora fully awoke.

"Guys?" Flora asked.

"Y-You came for us," Leaf smiled, hugging them with tears in her eyes.

"She helped us," Lillie pointed at Hikari.

"My Shadow helped as well," Hikari said. Frieda walked over to Hikari, spitting on her shadow, which twitched as the spit hit it. Frieda smirked slightly.

"Now, we need Moon and we can get out of here." Lillie said. "I hope she's okay."

With Moon

Moon, Nocturna, and Karrie moved through the tunnel, Moon moving faster than Nocturna and holding Karrie. Nocturna was managing to keep up with her wings, but she wasn't able to match Moon's speed.

"You are fast." Nocturna said. "I still don't know why you put up with these stupid humans."

"Because not all of them are bad," Moon said. "Some are good."

"I doubt it," Nocturna said. "But, I'll believe you if you've been as far as you say."

The three of them made it into a large, open portion of the cave, where there stood Ariana.

"Ah, you must be the Moon I've heard about." Ariana smirked. "I've heard quite a bit about you from our associates in Johto and Alola."

"Your point?" Moon cracked her knuckles. "You're clearly the one who took my friend. Give her back."

"And, why should I?" Ariana asked.

"Because I'm in no mood to deal with you and I certainly won't let you get away unscathed." Moon said.

"You get that temper from your mother, don't you?" Ariana took a step closer. Moon, with a glare on her face, stepped closer to her, clenching her fists as she did so.

"I got a lot more from her than you could ever imagine." Moon said.

"Oh, please," Ariana snapped her fingers. Fang and Plumeria appeared behind Moon, Fang going for a strike.

Moon's gaze flicked to her without the blunette turning her head. Fang instantly froze, jumping backward with wide eyes and panting.

"What the hell, Fang?!" Ariana demanded.

"If I'd have attacked her," Fang said. "Ssshhhe'd have killed me."

"And, here I thought you were interested in the rights of Moémon." Ariana said with mock shock.

"I don't tolerate those who stand on the side of evil." Moon hardened her glare further.

"Evil?" Ariana chuckled evilly. "What makes me evil? I follow the beliefs and goals of my leader, who sees this as right."

"You kidnapped a sixteen year old girl and her Moémon." Moon said. "That's pretty damn evil."

"Like you can talk," Ariana chuckled more. "You really think the League would accept your Championship?"

"Alola did," Moon smirked. "And, besides, you and your group won't get away with what you're doing. I won't let you."

"Well then, hero," Ariana said, with a smirk. "We'll see how you deal with Poison in your veins."

Plumeria fired off several poisoned barbs from her gloves, said barbs hitting Moon in the back.

"Cute," Moon said. She spin kicked Plumeria, sending her flying as she turned to Fang, who had regained her courage. She walked towards the Arbok Moémon, who lunged forward with a Poison Fang attack. She clamped down on Moon's shoulder with the spectral jaws that Moémon summoned with biting attacks as Moon punched her in the jaw, sending her backwards.

"Now, I'm getting a bit more pissed." Moon said as her body had a slight purple tint to it. "you'd best have something way stronger."

"You're Poisoned," Ariana chuckled. "What makes you think you've got much left?"

"The fact that I've been Poisoned before," Moon cracked her knuckles. "It doesn't really hurt after a bit. The question is can your team last long enough to let me get knocked out?"

"You think you can beat us?" Ariana asked with another chuckle. "You two can handle her, correct?"

"We can, misssstressss." Fang said.

"Failure is not an option," Plumeria said.

"Nocturna, take Karrie and move over there," Moon pointed out a spot by a puddle. "And, don't move till this is over."

"O…okay…" Nocturna did so, taking the Magikarp Moémon over to the puddle.

"Sssshhould we ssstop them, misssstresss?" Fang asked.

"They're harmless," Ariana said. "Now, let's get the one we were sent here to get."

"If you can," Moon growled, one of the pearls on her hair braid cracking.

Nocturna noticed the water in the puddle next to them ripple. She bit her lower lip and watched as the two Rocket Moémon moved in front of Moon.

"You may be strong," Plumeria said as she created two shuriken out of solidified toxins. "But, you can still fall."

"The same can be said of you," Moon said. "This is your last chance to give me back my friend."

"Get her, you two," Ariana said.

The two Moémon rushed at Moon, using Poison Type attacks. Moon dodged most, slamming their heads together.

She then slammed her fist into Fang's face and swung around to kick Plumeria in the gut. Ariana got a bit nervous as she saw her team losing.

Moon continued to battle the two Moémon.

"Stop," Ariana said from a different place. "Or, I'll harm these two."

Moon and the two Moémon turned to see Ariana holding Nocturna and Karrie holding Nocturna by the neck and away from her fangs.

"Enough!" Moon shouted in rage as she swung her arm around and knocked both of the opposing Moémon backwards as the puddle near Ariana and the other two Moémon hit Ariana in the back. Nocturna broke her grip, grabbing Karrie and moving over to Moon.

"Let's go find your friend," Nocturna said.

"Right," Moon nodded. They continued on, looking around.

With Lillie

"Should we call her?" Pyrah asked.

"We can do that?" Lillie asked.

"I-I think the Moédex can," Leaf said, Flora's vines wrapped snugly around her and pulled very close to Flora. She was also holding Flora's hand.

"How?" Lillie asked, fiddling with the device. "The Rotom Moédex was so much easier to use thanks to the Rotom that we let use it."

"Th-That sounds cool," Leaf said.

"It is," Lillie said. "But, let's see if I can call Moon."

"My Shadow is with you," Hikari told Leaf.

"Wh-What?" Leaf looked down nervously to see a shadow beneath her that wasn't her own. "Wh-What is that?"

"That is my Shadow," Hikari said. "My Shadow likes you."

"O-Okay," Leaf nodded, nervously.

"Weird shadow," Flora said.

"My Shadow is not weird," Hikari said with conviction. "My Shadow found you."

Frieda looked down at the shadow, which seemed to wink at her. Her eyes widened slightly as she returned to looking at Leaf.

"Got it!" Lillie exclaimed with pride. "I managed to get the call function going!"

"Great!" Pyrah said. "Let's see where she is."

Lillie pressed the call button. After waiting for about thirty seconds, Moon picked up, looking at her.

"Hey, Lils," She grinned. Lillie noticed the purple glow to her.

"Moon you're Poisoned!" She gasped.

"Yeah, but I'll be fine," Moon shrugged. "Where are you?"

"Still wandering through the cave," Lillie said. "We found Leaf though."

"Cool!" Moon said, sweating slightly. "Me and the two with me are gonna head out. There's an entrance near where we are. You guys should be able to hit the other side too. They're near each other, so we'll meet up on the other side of Route 4."

"Moon, you don't look so good," Lillie said. "Don't overexert yourself like the last time."

"Don't worry," Moon chuckled, a slight wheeze in her voice. "There's no gods to challenge me this time. I'll see ya, Lils."

"Moon, I think you should—" Lillie began before she heard Moon collapse, the Moédex falling out of her hand.

"Moon!" Lillie exclaimed.

"Who are you?" Nocturna looked into the Moédex. "Are you one of the stupid humans she's travelling with?"

"I am," Lillie nodded. "Is she okay?"

"She's just as stupid as you humans." Nocturna said. "She'll probably recover soon. I'll just take her out and meet you."

"Thank you." Lillie smiled. "Um, what's your name?"

"Nocturna," the Zubat Moémon said. "You must be the chick she clearly wants to rail."

"Wh-What?" Lillie gasped, her face turning blood red as Flora, Pyrah, and Aqua began to snicker.

"I mean, to hell with the stupid human's societal norms," Nocturna said. "I'd hit it if I could."

"A-Are you hitting on me?" Lillie asked, blushing harder as the three starters were laughing harder.

"Damn straight… er, gay?" Nocturna smirked wide. "I'd Lick you any day."

"Moon is collapsed on the ground," Lillie was so red and hot, she was practically on fire with steam coming out of her ears in embarrassment at this point. The starters were on the ground laughing with Leaf looking confused.

"Oh shit, you're right!" Nocturna said. "Uh, well, hold on, I'll take her and Splashy over there outside."

"Okay," Lillie said, her blush managing to die down a bit. "Just be careful."

"I will, I will," Nocturna said. "Gimme a ring when you get out of this place."

"I will," Lillie nodded, hanging up.

"She was nice!" Skyla exclaimed, having no idea of the undertone of the conversation.

"Yeah, just go with that." Katie rolled her eyes.

With Nocturna

The Zubat Moémon picked Moon's arm up, trying to drag her.

"You are heavy." She grunted. "You're also jacked, so I get that. But, how do you weigh so damn much?"

"Is Moon lady gonna be okay?" Karrie asked, walking beside her.

"She'll be fine." Nocturna continued to drag her. "She's one tough customer."

"Okay." Karrie nodded, accepting this. "Moon lady strong. She really strong."

"Yeah," Nocturna grunted once again. "I suppose her heritage has to do with that. But, I guess her strength could also be from her own trainings."

"She really strong," Karrie said.

"Yeah," Nocturna said.

Suddenly and without warning, a being was standing in front of them. They saw her enter, but it was a bit shocking to see her.

The being wore platform sandals that had inch thick soles. They were a dark blue in color, and were seemingly simple to balance on. She wore white sock like stockings that went halfway up her thighs. They had three dark blue bows near the top of them, decorating them. She wore dark grey, skin tight leggings that went under the stockings. She wore a skirt that went halfway down her thighs. It was pure white and had blue trim around the edge. Two long tassels draped down from the waist portion of the top, dark blue bows decorating them. She was almost wearing a kimono top, the waist covered by a dark blue belt. Over that was what resembled a second skirt. It reaped down and was a dark grey mixed with blue. It also had blue trim. The top she wore was white and the sleeves close to her body. She had longer sleeves over top of those that were wider, almost by six inches. They were pure white as well, dropping to her legs. Around her neck, she wore a covering of some sort. IT was white with several blue bows decorating it. Her hair was pure white like fallen snow and went down to her knees. It seemed to move like a breeze blew it, despite there not being much wind in the cave. Her eyes were blue and seemed to reflect the color of the sea.

"Idiot child," She said, picking Moon up with one hand and dragging her unconscious body. Her voice was stern, yet it showed some concern.

"Where are you taking her?" Nocturna asked, getting in front of her.

"I am taking her to where she belongs." The woman said. "And, don't either of you try to stop me."

"Who do you think you are to take our friend?" Nocturna demanded.

"Yeah, you no take Moon lady!" Karrie moved in front of her, her small hands pulling on Moon's larger one.

"Enough, children." The woman said, irritation seeping into her voice. "I am taking Moon where she belongs: home."

"Wait…" Nocturna froze. "You're… there's no way."

"This idiotic child has thrown herself into danger yet again." The woman said. "She must be taken to learn the proper way to carry herself about."

"But, her friends want her with them," Nocturna said, her voice rising. "As much as I can't stand humans, Moon likes and trusts them. Who are you to take her away from them?"

"Excuse you?" The woman asked, shocked at Nocturna's tone. "Who are you to make judgements of me? You are a cave dwelling Moémon. Don't talk to me as if we are equals."

"You're right," Nocturna said. "We're not equals. Because you don't respect Moon's wishes."

"She does not respect mine." The woman said. "So, I don't think your argument holds."

"Moon is her own person." Nocturna said.

"She has a destiny," The woman said.

"And, it's what she makes of it," Nocturna said. "Not you."

"You meanie!" Karrie began to hit the woman with her small fists. "You leave Moon lady here!"

"Ingrates, the lot of you," The woman said, groaning in irritation. "Fine, I will leave Moon in your care. But, if you fail, I will return for you."

"You don't scare me," Nocturna said.

"I should," The woman said, continuing to walk with Moon. "I will take her out of this infernal cave and there I will leave her. However, her next step is up to you. I will return for her later."

"We'll see what she wants," Nocturna said.

"We shall," The woman said. "We shall."

As the group walked, Karrie kept looking at the woman suspiciously, as if she distrusted her.

"I do not know why you are suspicious of me, child," The woman said. "I may not like it when I don't get my way, but I am a woman of my word. I will not take Moon."

"You better not," Karrie said, her youth not being intimidating as well as her attire.

"You'd better be evolved before you try to give me threats," The woman said. "But, you are very noble. When you evolve, you will be a force to be reckoned with."

"Moon's gonna survive, right?" Nocturna asked.

"If she doesn't, she's not as strong as you'd think," The woman said. "But, I think that she'd be fine if she survived. Honestly, why she is so reckless is beyond me. Idiotic child. I suppose those Oaks raised her correctly in one regard."

"Is she… a hybrid?" Nocturna asked.

"No," The woman said.

"I see…" Nocturna said. "So… is there a name you want us to call you?"

"Oceana," The woman said. "That is fine for you to call me."

"Fine then, Oceana." Nocturna said. "How long until she recovers?"

"It depends on if she can expel the Poison." Oceana said. "But, the question truly is what she plans to do about this group. They're certainly a problem."

"Why aren't you helping?" Nocturna asked. "I mean, I dislike humans, but those guys are certainly someone I don't want to fight."

"They are not my concern," Oceana said. "I am more concerned with the disappearance of Mew."

"Mew's gone?" Nocturna asked, shocked at this news shed just been given. "How is that possible?"

"I am unsure," Oceana said. "But, I aim to find out. Moon can handle these humans."

"Are you sure you don't want to help her?" Nocturna asked.

"She's made it very clear she wants nothing to do with her heritage." Oceana said.

"Whatever then," Nocturna said as they exited the cave. On the other side, they saw the group Moon travelled with.

"Moon!" Lillie saw her, running over. "I was so worried and I—um, h-hello, miss, um, Lu—"

"Oceana is fine," Oceana said. "Here is your partner. Take her and get her rest. I am leaving."

"Um, th-thank you," Lillie was very nervous as she was handed Moon. She strained to carry her, surprised that Oceana could do it so easily with one hand… though, Lillie figured she should be able to considering her position.

"I am leaving," Oceana walked back into the cave, seemingly disappearing.

"Moon!" Lillie looked at her, falling over from Moon's weight, which was a great deal more than Lillie's own. Pyrah, Aqua, Katie, and Skyla tried to lift her, straining.

"My Shadow will assist." Hikari said as a shape materialized from where her shadow was.

The Shadow was as tall as Hikari. She wore blackish purple shoes that had inch and a half heels. The shoes had three buckles on them, each with a belt. She wore black leggings that were a slight purple. She wore a dark lavender colored skirt that went to her knees. A frame, which was in the shape of a dress, went over that. A skirt of sorts went over that. It was a purplish black in color and seemed like a shadow. It was much higher in the front, but didn't reveal anything. In the back, it was frilly. It had a bow on it, the same shape as Hikari's, but on the back. Her sleeves were the same as Hikari's, but slightly longer, covering her fingers a bit. A frilly collar of sorts draped over her shoulders. It was the same color as the dress she was wearing. She had purplish black hair that was a bit wild and went down to her waist. It was very thick and soft looking. Two points in it, like the 'ears' on Hikari's head, stood up. They were shaped like triangles and seemed to be similar to ears. Some of it draped over her shoulders as well. Her bangs went more over her face than Hikari's, pointed and sharp looking. Her eyes were a bloody red color and made her seem insane almost. Her skin had a purplish tint to it, almost like a shadow.

"I'll take that," The being said, easily hoisting Moon over her shoulder.

"She's strong." Katie mused.

"Thank you, Shadow." Hikari said.

"No prob, baby sis." The being, who the group decided to refer to as Shadow, said as she held Moon over her shoulder with no effort.

"How are you so strong?!" Skyla rushed over to her, excited.

"I just am," Shadow shrugged. "Hikari's the non-physical attacker."

"Cool!" Skyla exclaimed.

"You look real good," Nocturna moved over to Lillie.

"Taken," Lillie said without hesitation.

"Fine, fine," Nocturna said. "Let's just get this overactive demigoddess to Cerulean to heal."

"It's too bad we didn't pick up any antidotes," Lillie said.

"So this is the child I sensed," Shadow said. "She is certainly a force to be reckoned with."

"U-Um, Miss Sh-Shadow," Leaf stammered.

"What?" Shadow turned to see her.

"Th-Thank you for helping Frieda find us," Leaf blushed as she looked down. She then hugged the Shadow Moémon, moving back over to Flora, who wrapped her up with her vines.

"Guess I know which team I'm batting for," Shadow mused.


Well, the rescue mission went well. But, will they be able to help Moon recover quickly? Find out soon.