"Alright, exploration teams. Today, our primary objective is to find Ben. According to Carys and Ezra, he was heading to Jungle Thicket, so that's where we'll search." Meloetta was saying after breakfast.

Teams Geo, Valkyrie, Banshee, Hooded Brotherhood (minus Blue Hood, who didn't want to reveal himself in front of so many Pokemon), and Siren were seated in a circle in the commons room in Rose's Lofts. An APB was put out for the missing Ben, but with luck it'll be taken down by midnight.

"There's a small village near the dungeon, so we're going to talk to the locals there first, in case one of them saw something." Said Cave.

"An excellent plan." Seadra nodded.

"Meanwhile, we're going to search the surrounding dungeons, in case he somehow wound up somewhere else." Added Noibat.

"We'll help too. That way, we can get done quicker." Offered Ranna.

"That would be wonderful." Macargo nodded gratefully.

"So that leaves us and Team Banshee to explore the Jungle Thicket." Said Chrysi.

"We'll come join you guys once we're done; either to give you an update or to help find Ben." Sky said to Chrysi and Ezra's teams.

"Let us take an hour to prepare for the expedition, then we will reconvene at the edge of town." Said Macargo.

"Oh, we're already ready," said Carys. "We made sure to prepare last night so we could leave as soon as possible."

"Yeah, we did the same thing." Chimed Trina.

"In that case, you five go on ahead. We'll catch up with you later." Said Sips.

"Good luck, everyone. I really hope you find poor Ben. Also, Team Banshee, the Exploration Federation has sent a message saying that to commend you for your saving of Gratitude Valley, they're increasing your maximum storage space. You can now store up to 128 items with Kangaskhan." Said Rose, standing nearby.

"Sweet! Tell them we said thanks." Said Ezra as Teams Banshee and Valkyrie departed.

Jungle Thicket

"Wowww! Everything is overgrown! And it's so humid here!" Marveled Carys.

"A lot of rare plants and Pokemon can be found here. Ben said he was looking for medicine, right? Well, this'd be the place to get it." Said Milana.

"Shall we be off?" Suggested Ezra, impatient to move on.

"Yes, yes, of course. Go on ahead." Chrysi gestured to the entrance.

"Alright. See you at the end." Ezra said as she and Carys entered.

B1F

"Let's not stay long in this place, Ezra. Normally I'd take it easy, but since we're on a rescue mission, I don't want to waste time." Said Carys.

"Yeah, we need to get to the end ASAP." Ezra agreed.

B2F

"Hello Mr. Tropius! Care for a Shadow Sneak?" Carys inquired as she battled a Tropius.

"Hey, Carys, lemme help." Suggested Ezra as she phased into the wall next to Carys.

"I forgot we can do that!" Carys exclaimed.

"Ember!" Ezra said in response, knocking out the foe. She came out of the wall.

"Ooh, my energy drains faster when I'm in the wall!" She shuddered.

"Well, we're stocked up on apples, so feel free to do so." Carys shrugged.

B3F

"Carys, so you see that tile in the corner?" Ezra pointed to a black tile with a green arrow in the middle.

"Yeah, I've been seeing them all over the various dungeons we've been to." Carys nodded.

"Me too. Do you know what they are?" Asked Ezra.

"Not a clue! I dare you to step on it." Grinned Carys.

Ezra did. Nothing happened.

"Huh, that's really strange. Once we meet up with Team Valkyrie, let's ask them." Shrugged Carys when Ezra voiced her findings.

B4F

Weather Condition: Sunny

"Ooh, the sun's really bright!" Said Carys, turning away from the sun's harsh glare.

"Well, we are in a jungle. Tropical climates are known to be like this." Said Ezra, in between attacking a Grovyle.

"Still." Carys complained.

"Are you going to help me? This Grovyle refuses to back down."

"On my way. I'll just phase into the wall, and Astonish it—there! It's down."

B5F

Weather Condition: Rainy

"Waaah! Rain!" Wailed Ezra, trying in vain to shield her flame.

"Oh hush; a little rain never hurt anybody." Carys dismissed.

"I'm a candle, for Arceus' sake! That reminds me, who or what is this Arceus thing?" Asked Ezra, giving up on protecting her flame.

"Arceus is the creator of everything. It created the Creation Trio, the Lake Trio, and this world. Legend says that It lives in a tower high up in the sky, far, far away." Explained Carys.

"Wow, that's amazing! But then who are the Creation and Lake Trios?"

"The Creation Trio are Dialga, master of time; Palkia, master of space; and Giratina, master of dimensions. The Lake Trio are Uxie, Being of Knowledge; Azelf, Being of Willpower; and Mesprit; Being of Emotion." Carys went on.

"So Arceus provided the building blocks for this universe, and the Trios created life as we know it?" Asked Ezra.

"Pretty much. If you want a more detailed explanation, go ask Sora. Or, better yet, Meloetta. She knows the Trios and Arceus."

"She does?!"

"Oh yeah, she—STAIRS!"

B6F

"Since Meloetta's a legendary, she's privy to opportunities that most Pokemon never have." Said Carys.

"Once we find Ben, I'll definitely ask her." Ezra vowed.

B7F

"Stairs are here." Reported Ezra.

B8F

Weather Condition: Rainy

"Ugh, why does it have to rain so hard?" Ezra grimaced.

"It's only a light drizzle, Ez." Objected Carys.

"To you, it's a light rain. To me, it's a downpour." Winced Ezra.

Weather Condition: Sunny

"Wait…what just happened?" She asked, looking up at the sky.

"It…just changed spontaneously…" Marveled Carys.

"That can happen?" Wondered Ezra.

"I guess so." Admired Carys.

B9F

"Flame Burst!"

"Shadow Sneak!"

The Tangrowth they had been fighting went down.

"Yeah! Teamwork!" Cheered Carys.

B10F

Weather Condition: Sunny

"Hey, Carys? I found an Orb." Ezra called out.

"Oh yeah? Sweet! Do you know what kind it is?" Said Carys from across the chamber, where she was fighting a Grovyle.

"Uh, no. I'm, uh, not quite sure what to think about this one." Said Ezra, picking the Orb up.

"Astonish! Why, what's wrong with it?" Carys said, coming over.

"It's decorated in rainbows and glitter." Ezra said wryly, holding it out.

"It is? Hahahahaha! That is the funniest thing I've seen all day!" Guffawed Carys.

"I'm going to keep it. I don't want to use it just yet." Said Ezra, putting it into the bag.

"Yeah, definitely keep it. We'll get someone to tell us what it is later."

B11F

Weather Condition: Rainy

"Stairs being in the same room as us is the best." Sighed Carys happily.

B12F

Weather Condition: Sunny

"We should be close now. I can feel it." Ezra said.

"Yeah. Then we'll find Ben—or at least a clue to where he is—and then all will be well!" Carys beamed, doing a backflip.

By now, Ezra had gotten used to Carys's body language. Since the Pumpkaboo had a tiny body with no arms, she had found other ways to express her emotions. A quick bob up, then down was a shrug; a backflip meant she was excited or happy; floating close to the ground meant Carys was sad; twitching ruffles, coupled with low floating meant she was mad; and a quick step backwards meant she was either scared or startled.

"Come on, Ez! Race you to the Stairs!" Carys said, running ahead.

"Hey! No fair, you have a head start!"

B13F

Weather Condition: Sunny

"Confuse Ray!" "Then Hex!" They said together as they took down the Heracross guarding the Stairs

Jungle Ravine

"We're here!" Carys exclaimed.

"Hello, you two!" Milana greeted, she and her team walking up to them.

"We just got here, so we haven't explored yet." Said Trina.

"Well, come on! Ben might be here!" Exclaimed Carys.

The five looked around, searching for any sign of Ben. There was none.

"Um…guys?" Chrysi called softly.

She knelt down to the ground and picked something up. She held it out. It was a cobalt bow, the exact kind that Ben wore.

"Maybe he's up further ahead?" Suggested Ezra, getting a bad feeling.

"Maybe." From the sound of Carys's voice, she felt it too.

"He's gotta be here somewhere." Said Trina, who was searching the bushes nearby.

"Carys, you and Milana go up into the trees in case he's up one of them." Ezra gestured upwards.

"Why would Ben be in a tree for the past few days?" Asked Carys, confused.

"I've no idea, but I'm not leaving without searching every single part of this place." Shrugged Ezra.

Milana and Carys floated up to the treetops.

"See anything?" Called Trina.

"No, not yet! You guys keep searching down there!" Milana said from above.

A few hours later found the five exhausted and thoroughly worried. They had not found a single trace of Ben.

"What do we do now?" Chrysi asked unhappily.

Ezra opened her mouth to reply, but was cut off.

"Hey! Teams Valkyrie and Banshee!"

The five turned to see Teams Geo, Hooded Brotherhood, and Siren coming up to them.

"What's up? Did you find Ben yet?" Asked Noibat.

"No…" Ezra sighed.

"You're kidding!" Exclaimed Meloetta.

"We wish." Carys drooped.

"Sorry we're so late. We would've been here sooner, but someone wanted to gossip with the locals." Sky glared at Cave.

"What? How else am I supposed to keep up with the times?" Cave objected.

"A newspaper?" Sips rolled his eyes. The three began arguing.

"For the love of..." Ezra barely heard Blue Hood's mutter. "Enough." He barked at the three, who instantly became quiet.

"Who are you?" Asked Chrysi.

"I am known as Blue Hood." He introduced.

"Whoa. Really?" Said Trina, stunned. Blue Hood nodded.

"Well, we're Team Valkyrie, and we're going to beat you next time you come to Lily Town!" Chrysi smirked.

"I look forward to it, but for now we have a job to do." Said Blue Hood.

"We searched the entire place, but there's just no sign of him." Milana sighed.

"'No sign'? I will judge that. Team, let us search!" Ordered the Lucario.

"Yeah!" Cheered Sky, Sips, and Cave.

Everyone watched as the four did their own investigation. Presently, the four came back.

"It's clear to us what happened." Began Sips.

"You see this dead flower on the ground? Well, this particular species is known for its medicinal properties. Obviously, this is the flower that Ben was searching for. He came to the end of this dungeon, saw the flower, picked it…" Trailed Cave.

"Then he was ambushed. See the scratches, ripped branches, and burn marks on all the foliage? These are the signs of a struggle. A battle happened here—a few days ago, I'd say—and a very violent one at that. This hole through this tree—" Sky pointed at a tree with part of its trunk missing "—is consistent with a Shadow Ball."

"And these leaves were ripped off in a way that matches the marks left by a Dragon Claw." Sips went on.

"Finally, these blast marks match the scorches left by a Dragon Breath." Concluded Cave.

"How did we miss all that?" Wondered Carys aloud.

"You have to have the right eye for investigation. Also, you have to know what you're looking for. Don't feel too bad; our 25 Riolu trainees wouldn't have noticed it either, and they've been taught all this." Sips patted Carys on the back reassuringly.

"Still." She frowned.

"So, what you're saying is Ben's been…kidnapped?" Ezra could only whisper the word.

Blue Hood and his team were silent for a long time.

"Well?!" Carys demanded, getting tears in her eyes.

"…That's what it looks like. He was ambushed by two or three Pokemon, by the looks of it." Sky said unhappily.

"NO!" Screamed Ranna. "I won't accept this!"

"He can't be gone!" Chimed Ezra, tears falling freely now.

"He's too nice and kind to be taken! Who would do such a hideous crime?" Sobbed Dyrim. Everyone was crying now.

"He gave us his last three Orange Gummis when we first met him," Cave was saying "Didn't know us at all, yet he gave us his favorite treats as a welcoming gift."

"He rivaled Manaphy in his ability to befriend anyone and everyone." Milana said somberly.

"He was one of the first Pokemon to be kind to me, after I left Cobalion's training. He truly was one of the few Pokemon with the purest of souls. So help me Arceus, I will find whoever took him, and he or she will pay." Blue Hood hadn't shed a single tear throughout all this, but at the end of his vow his voice actually cracked. Clearly, even the indifferent Lucario had been swayed by the sun that was Ben's kindness.

"I guess we should go back and tell everyone the bad news." Meloetta said in a dull voice once everyone had calmed down somewhat.

"We're staying behind in order to see if we can find out who did this." Sips said solemnly.

"Be back before ten tonight. Me, Ranna, and Dyrim will be holding vigil." Meloetta said.

"We will be there." Blue Hood nodded somberly.

"Let's go, I guess…" Chrysi shuffled forward towards the exit.

Lily Town

They had gotten back five hours ago. Everyone was equally horrified and shocked that sweet Ben had become part of the ever-growing lists of Pokemon who've disappeared recently. After much bawling, it was time for Ben's vigil. Ezra almost didn't want to go. She was so numb inside, she didn't think she could move. But Carys helped her up, and to the Square, where candles and various offerings lay against a giant picture of the Shiny Riolu on a makeshift stage. Strangely, a piano and drums sat in front of the pile. When everyone in town had arrived, Meloetta came forward.

"In light of this unbelievable tragedy, we wanted to come together and remember our beloved Riolu as he should be. He was much more than a Shiny Riolu who was kidnapped; he was someone with the truest heart and purest intentions. None of us could ever hope to even rival his kind soul. Now, if anyone would like to come up and say a few words, please feel free to do so." Meloetta said.

"Ben was my first real friend. When I first came to Lily Town, alone and sad, he instantly befriended me, and made me happy to be alive. He taught me how to enjoy life, and for that I will be eternally grateful to him." Said Lafea.

"He always joked with us. Every day he would stop by our store and ask us how we were doing, how sales were going, how much a Pecha Berry cost. But now that he's gone…I don't know how we're going to manage without his sunny cheer." Sniffed the green Kecleon Brother.

"I remember once, a while ago, he bought up all of my leftover stocks and distributed them all out to everyone in town. It must have cost him like, 10,000 Poke, but he gave it all away for free. For his friends. I remember I was astounded that someone had the heart to do such a thing. Ben truly had the biggest heart of them all." Neal sobbed.

"I didn't know Ben for very long. But…It feels like I've known him forever. It feels like I've lost part of my heart. And you can't function properly with half a heart. I don't know how I'll be able to go on without his smiles and hugs." Ezra bowed, feeling her flame dwindle dangerously low.

After everyone had their turn—they all were friends with Ben; no one could not be friends with him—Meloetta and her team came back up to the stage.

"We will now play a song, in honor of our missing brother-in-all-but-blood." Dyrim said somberly as he took the piano. Ranna sat behind the drums, and Meloetta stood in front of the two.

Dyrim started the song with a slow melody, soft and sweet. Where his stubby arms could not reach the next keys in time, he used Psychic.

"I can't see your star…." Meloetta began. "I can't see your star…Though I patiently waited, bedside, for the death of today…And I'm alone now…" She continued mournfully.

Dyrim and Ranna continued to play, adding their voices to the background. Meloetta sang on, voicing her sorrow and loneliness.

"Why can't you feel me calling your name?" She mourned, all three reaching a crescendo "Can't break the silence; it's breaking me! All my fears, turned to rage…"

As they continued to sing and play, not a dry eye was to be found in both the players and audience. Team Siren's musical, harmonic empathy was too powerful, and their lyrics a perfect description of what everyone was feeling. The town would not recover from the choir for many days.

Soon Meloetta couldn't continue singing, for huge sobs wracked her entire body. Dyrim and Ranna continued sorrowfully, until finally they finished.

"We will miss you, Ben. Come home to us soon." Whispered Ezra, a single tear sliding down her cheek.

A/N: What a chapter! I had a tough time writing this :'(

The song that Team Siren plays is a real song! It's called "Your Star" by Evanescence.

The next post will contain: A new day, an experiment, and The Wind.