The next day, after breakfast, Carys and Ezra went to check up on Torchic in Sora's Library.The poor Pokemon was resting on some cushions near the back, his broken leg propped up on yet another cushion. He brightened when he saw the two.

"Hey! Ezra and Carys! Hi, how are you?" He greeted.

"We're fine. How are you holding up?" Ezra asked, concerned. Torchic shrugged.

"Eh. I'm okay. My leg hurts really badly, but Sora's been giving me herbs to help with the pain. He's been real kind to me. That reminds me; I never got the chance to properly thank you two for rescuing me. If you hadn't shown up…ugh, I don't even want to think about it! Do you know when Ben's coming back? He said it wouldn't take him long, but he hasn't returned." Remarked Torchic.

"That's strange. We met Ben coming out of town yesterday. He said he'd be back by tonight at the latest. He might just be sightseeing or something." Shrugged Carys.

"It's not like him to dally. I'll feel much better when he gets back." Frowned Torchic.

"I'm sure it's nothing, but we'll let you know if we see him." Promised Ezra.

"Thanks."

"Who is there? Oh, greetings Ezra and Carys. It is a pleasure to see you again." Spoke Sora as he came down from the second floor.

"Hi Sora! How goes your study project?" Asked Carys.

"I'm only 1/456 or 0.0021929825% through my extensive collection of literature. Suffice to say, it will be some days yet." Sora said wryly.

"Oh…okay. Well, we appreciate you taking the time out of your schedule to do us a gigantic favor." Said Ezra.

"It is my utmost pleasure, Miss Ezra. I have not come across a relic I do not comprehend for the longest time. This is a worthy challenge for someone of my expertise. An unknown relic and a human trapped in our realm…It cannot be a coincidence." Sora said eloquently.

"Hey! Team Banshee! Sora! You guys should come to the Square! There's a legendary here!" yelled Lafea, bursting through the door.

"We already have a legendary living with us, and her name is Meloetta." Remarked a confused Sora.

"No, no! A Shaymin in Sky Form!" Lafea corrected.

"A Shaymin in Lily Town? I must see this." Sora spoke as he rushed outside to see.

"Let's go too!" Suggested Carys as Team Banshee raced outside.

In the middle of the Town Square was a white and green Pokemon with a red bow on its neck. It looked injured, and was sobbing.

"What's going on?" Asked Ezra.

"Here's an exploration team, Shaymin. They'll help you." Neal was comforting the weeping legendary.

"They will?" It sniffed.

"Yeah! My name's Carys the Pumpkaboo, and this is Ezra the Shiny Litwick. We're Team Banshee. What's wrong?" Carys asked gently.

"My….My home's being attacked! My friends are in terrible danger!" Shaymin cried.

"What?! Who's attacking your home?" Demanded Carys. This only made Shaymin sob further.

"We…we were such good friends…Why is she attacking…?" Shaymin whispered.

"What's going on? I heard a Shaymin was in town." Asked Meloetta, coming up to stand beside Team Banshee.

"Meloetta! It's awful! Gratitude Valley is being ransacked! The other Shaymin are in grave danger!" Wailed Shaymin, embracing Meloetta.

"It's okay…Can you tell us what's going on?" Meloetta asked gently.

"It was just another ordinary day. We were playing, and then…and then…She came over, and we thought she was just coming over to play, but…but then she starting attacking us, and destroying our home! I managed to escape, and I flew here in Sky Form as fast as I could." Sniffed Shaymin.

"Who's attacking you?" Asked Ezra.

"Celebi." Whispered Shaymin.

"Celebi?! But she and you Shaymin are friends! Why is Celebi attacking you?" Demanded Meloetta.

"I don't know! This is all so horrible…"Shaymin sniffed.

"Who's Celebi?" Asked Ezra.

"Celebi is a legendary Pokemon who possesses the ability to travel through time. She's normally very docile and kind. I've no idea why she's attacking the Shaymin, who are her best friends. Me and my team will leave right away!" Said Meloetta, the latter to Shaymin.

"NO! Don't leave me! I don't want you and Celebi to fight, Meloetta! And I don't know if I was followed or not. You have to protect me!" Protested Shaymin.

"The other Pokemon here will protect you just fine." Reassured Meloetta.

"I don't know any of these Pokemon! One of them could be a spy for Celebi! No, it's better if you stay and Team Banshee go." Said Shaymin. Meloetta sighed.

"Very well. Ezra and Carys, let me show you where Gratitude Valley—where the Shaymin live—is on your map." She said. Ezra gave her the map.

"The dungeon is just beyond Gleaming Woods. The Shaymin live at the end of the dungeon. You'll probably have to fight Celebi. She's very powerful, but she's also weak to ghost- and fire-type moves, so at least you'll have an advantage. Don't underestimate her, and don't let her get away with harassing the Shaymin." Warned Meloetta.

"On it! We're off! Don't worry, Shaymin, we'll teach Celebi a lesson!" Cheered Carys.

Gratitude Valley

The entrance to the dungeon was green and filled with colorful flowers.

"Wow! It's so pretty here! I can totally see Shaymin living here!" Marveled Carys.

"Don't forget we're here for a reason." Remarked Ezra.

"Never! Let's go!" Grinned Carys.

B1F

"Oooh! So many pretty flowers! Hey, Ezra, if I pick some for Franzy do you think she'll finally feed me candy?" Asked Carys, sniffing some flowers.

Ezra tried to imagine the scenario, but failed.

"I think if you did that she'd Razor Shell you into oblivion." Ezra said wryly as they got going.

"You really think so?" Asked Carys.

"I know so."

B2F

"Aww, a Togetic! How cute!" Gushed Carys as the white Pokemon flew up to them and used Metronome, which turned out to be Crunch.

"OWW! A very mean cute Togetic! Confuse Ray!" Stormed Carys.

"Follow it with Ember!" Chimed Ezra, defeating the Togetic.

"Hmph. That Crunch really hurt! It hurt my feelings." Pouted Carys.

"Have this Purple Gummi that I just found in consolation." Said Ezra, tossing it to Carys, who swallowed it whole.

"I love these things. They taste exactly like candy!" She exclaimed happily.

"There are so many different types of candy, it's impossible to narrow the taste down to just one." Argued Ezra.

"The taste changes with each one I eat. Some taste like chocolate, some taste like licorice, and some taste like cherry lollipops! The one I just ate tasted like cotton candy." Explained Carys.

"Really? Wow. That's actually kinda neat."

B3F

"Why do you think they call this place 'Gratitude Valley'?" Asked Ezra.

"Well, Shaymin's the Gratitude Pokemon, and a bunch live here, so…" Trailed Carys in a shrug.

"So wait, Meloetta's the music legendary, Celebi the time travel legendary, and Shaymin's the gratitude legendary…?" Asked Ezra, confused.

"Yep!"

"Out of all things, gratitude?"

"I don't make the rules, Ezzie."

"This makes as much sense as Blue Gummis tasting like watermelons."

"Are we really having this conversation again?"

"Watermelon?"

"Sigh…"

B4F

"Carys! Hand me an Oran Berry! I can't go on much longer!" Ezra winced, taking heavy blows from a Swablu.

"Hang on just one second, Ez! I'm preoccupied myself!" Called Carys, who was busy dealing with a Sunflora.

Another Wing Attack pummeled Ezra.

No! I can't faint again! Argh, there must be something I can do! She thought in frustration.

She felt fire gather in her flame, growing bigger and bigger. She released the energy, and was astounded to see a huge ball of fire defeat the Swablu.

"Wow! Was that…Flame Burst?" She exclaimed, surprised.

"I'd say so." Said Carys, who had just finished her own fight. She and Ezra each ate an Oran Berry.

"Sweet." Smiled Ezra, proud of her new ability.

B5F

"Whee, Stairs!" Sang Carys as they spawned.

B6F

"More Stairs!" She laughed.

B7F

"Where do you think Ben is?" Asked Carys.

"He's probably back in Lily Town by now." Shrugged Ezra.

"What if he's not?" Frowned Carys.

"Don't say that! Of course's he's back in town by now! He has to be." Said Ezra.

"Yeah. You're right. Sorry. I think I'm just nervous about what's happening at the end of this dungeon." Carys said sheepishly.

"I've never fought a legendary before. I wonder if it's possible for us to beat a legendary." Wondered Ezra.

"I guess we'll find out soon." Carys said in a small voice.

B8F

"We've gotta be getting close. I hope the Shaymin are okay. Why do you think Celebi's attacking them?" Asked Carys.

"I don't know, but I plan on getting to the bottom of this." Ezra said vehemently.

"Right." Nodded Carys.

B9F

"Flame Burst!" Yelled Ezra, attacking a Sunflora who surprisingly didn't faint.

It Tackled her, but something strange happened. Her flame caught the Sunflora's arm, which immediately burned. Then it fainted.

"That was weird." She frowned.

"What was?" Asked Carys, coming over from the corner, where she was gathering Gravelrocks.

"My flame burned that Sunflora, but I didn't use an attack." Said Ezra.

"That was probably Flame Body, one of your Abilities. Sometimes when an enemy attacks you, they get burned." Carys explained.

"Oh, that's right. I forgot Pokemon had Abilities. So mine's Flame Body?" Ezra asked.

"Yep, and Flash Fire, meaning whenever you get hit by a fire-type attack, your fire-type moves get strengthened. Mine are Pickup—meaning I pick up random items without notice—and Frisk, which lets me steal an enemy's held item." Carys explained.

"So I get stronger and you take items?"

"Pretty much."

"Sweet."

B10F

"Stairs in the spawn room? Yes please." Snickered Carys.

Gratitude Valley Village

"Hey, we made it!" Exclaimed Ezra.

The village they had stumbled upon was in shambles. The cottages were destroyed, and the ground was torn to shreds.

"Listen, there are cries coming from up ahead!" Said Carys. Sure enough, faint shouts were coming from the village proper.

"Celebi must be up ahead. Come on, we've got to save the village!" Said Ezra as they ran towards the cries.

Small green Pokemon were being terrorized by a floating green Pokemon. The land-bound Pokemon were green with pink flowers on their heads, and their aggressor was small and green with wings. This must be Celebi.

"Celebi!" Called Carys. The floating Pokemon whipped around to face them.

"Who are you? What are you doing here?" It snarled.

"We've come to stop you from terrorizing these Shaymin! They're your friends, Celebi! Why are you attacking them?" Demanded Ezra.

"'Friends'? Hah! These weak Pokemon are not my friends. I take it you two are an exploration team. Well, this is the end for you! Prepare to meet your doom!" Celebi declared.

Boss battle!

"How many Reviver Seeds do we have?" Whispered Ezra to Carys.

"Two." She whispered back.

"Magical Leaf!" Shouted Celebi, sending the leaves towards them.

"No you don't! Counter with Ember!" Retorted Ezra. The embers disintegrated the Magical Leaves.

"Then Flame Burst!" She followed up.

"Ah!" Shouted Celebi. "Not bad. But taste my Future Sight!" She said, glowing blue for a second.

"An attack's going to come in a little bit! Be careful!" Squeaked Carys to Ezra as the former sent out a Confuse Ray, confusing Celebi.

"Now's our chance, Ezzie! I'mma use my Astonish!" Shouted Carys.

"And I'm going to use Hex!" Declared Ezra as the two attacked together. Celebi snapped out of her confusion.

"You're going to pay for that! Leaf Storm!" She snarled, sending a mass of leaves onto the two.

"Owowowow! That hurt!" Pouted Carys.

Suddenly, a large white beam struck Ezra, blacking her out. Then, all was white, and she found herself revitalized.

"Future Sight got me?" She asked grimly to Carys, who nodded.

"Tch! Exploration teams and their love of Reviver Seeds…no matter, I'll defeat you eventually! Have another Future Sight!" Celebi grinned wickedly as she glowed blue again.

"We can't keep falling to her Future Sight attacks…I got it! I'll confuse her again, and then we'll go all out." Said Carys to Ezra, who nodded in anticipation.

"Confuse Ray!" Said Carys.

"Flame Burst!" Added Ezra.

"Follow up with Astonish!" Shouted Carys.

"Then Hex!"

"Then Shadow Sneak! Wait, what?" Frowned Carys as her shadow extended and struck Celebi.

"I learned a new move! Yay!" She beamed.

"Good…for you…" Celebi said, rising slowly. They all had been taking heavy hits.

Suddenly, Future Sight struck Carys, knocking her out before being revived.

"Argh! Last one we had." Carys winced.

"What was that? 'Last one'? Perfect! I know just how to end this!" Celebi smiled smugly.

"Uh oh." Said Ezra.

"Perish Song!" Said Celebi, singing a cacophonous song that drained the life from Ezra and Carys.

"No! If she keeps that up, we'll lose for sure!" Wailed Carys, paralyzed by the sinister song.

But Celebi was affected by the song as well. She kept it up as long as she could, but just when Team Banshee was about to black out, Celebi collapsed, and the spell was broken.

"We…we did it." Said Carys, astonished.

"We actually defeated a legendary." Ezra added, equally awed.

"Don't think you've won yet." Celebi gritted her teeth, getting back up.

"You may have won this battle, but the war's just getting started." She said.

"What do you mean?" Asked Ezra.

"I'm tired of this boring, peaceful life. I'm tired of being denied the glory I deserve as a legendary Pokemon. It's time for peace to subside and darkness to reign! With the power of the dark, I will be worshipped as I rightfully deserve! War is coming, little ghost-types. And when it arrives, you two will be swept up in the miasma that it evil. Farewell!" She cried, fleeing the dungeon.

"Hey! Get back here!" Screamed Carys.

"Where do you think she's gone?" Asked Ezra.

"Probably back to Lush Highland, where she lives." Said a small voice. Ezra turned to see one of the small green Pokemon from before walking up to them.

"Thank you so much for saving us. We're eternally grateful." It said, bowing.

"We couldn't just stand by and watch Celebi hurt you guys. Are you all right?" Carys asked.

"Yes, I think so. We're Shaymin, in Land Form. We should be alright, now that Celebi's gone." The Shaymin said.

"Why did Celebi attack you guys?" Asked Ezra.

"We don't know. She often comes to play with us, but lately she's been acting…different. She probably won't come back here, now that she knows you two will stop her if she tries it again." Said Shaymin.

"You said she lives at a place called Lush Highland?" Carys asked grimly.

"Yes. Don't chase her today; you two are all beat up from her assault. At least wait until tomorrow, when you two are back to full strength, and when Celebi thinks she's safe." Protested Shaymin.

"As much as I would love to chase Celebi down, Shaymin has a point. We'll alert someone to come help you guys rebuild your village, and make sure Celebi doesn't come back." Promised Carys.

Lily Town

"So Celebi's gone rogue, huh?" Meloetta said grimly after they had returned.

Shaymin had left back for her village shortly after they got back. Team Siren had gotten the Hooded Brotherhood to guard the Shaymin village, in case Celebi decided to come back.

"It seems so. She said war was coming, or something like that. Do you know what it means?" Asked Ezra.

"I don't, and that's what worries me. I know I'm out of the loop, since I'm part of an exploration team now, but it's just unlike Celebi to turn so…evil. Anyway, you two are going to Lush Highland to bring her to justice tomorrow?" Asked Meloetta.

"Yep, and this time we're bringing more than two Reviver Seeds." Carys said.

"Well, I wish you luck. Oh, by the way, have you heard any word of Ben? He still hasn't returned." Frowned Meloetta.

"He hasn't?! That's not good. After we take care of Celebi, we'll go out searching for him if he's still not back." Fretted Ezra.

"That's not a bad idea. In fact, me and my team will search the area for news of him tomorrow." Meloetta said.

"Awesome. Well, we'd better get ourselves ready for tomorrow, when we go to Lush Highland. We'll see you in at dinner, Meloetta." Frowned Carys.

"See you then." Said Meloetta as she departed.

"I'm really worried about Ben." Carys said to Ezra.

"Me too. I really hope he's okay."

The next chapter shall contain: A highland, a boss battle, and an MIA friend.