Chapter Twenty-Five

"It's been what?" Lindy squeaked.

"It's been robbed. Every last Pokémon has been taken. That was the report I got from the police though I haven't been over yet. I was just on my way when I ran into this frantic crowd," Saria explained with a pained expression. "By who?" Ellis asked, shocked.

"They took all of the Pokemon?" Colby echoed, mainly thinking aloud. "Apparently, yes. I don't know for a fact who but the police and townspeople are suspecting Team Lunar. They are rising up again…I just hope we as a region can take care of them," Saria answered.

"Team Lunar…" Amanda said with a frown on her face.

"We should get there quickly Saria," Smithers said, finally saying something. Saria glanced at him, pursing her lips, "For once, I think you're right."

"For once?" He said with a slight smile.

She rolled her eyes and took off forward towards the outskirts of town in a brisk walk. Colby's group followed, Lindy catching up to Saria and in heavy discussion. Riley had finally gotten back to his old self, walking to the left of Amanda and trying to grab her hand, earning him a punch each time. He seemed to be enjoying himself as usual and pushed on with his consistent flirting.

Josh had plugged his iPod back in, jamming to his extremely loud death metal and looking angry at the world as usual. Ellis was adjusted his knapsack strap and sighed.

"I can't believe that Team Lunar is able to pull off something like that. Where were the workers? How could they have just walked out with all those Pokémon?" Ellis pondered.

Colby agreed it did seem a bit silly. They had to have help, that or a really big transport vehicle.

"I know it just doesn't seem possible. It's not all that good for the Pokémon either…because we know exactly what they're going to be used for," Colby said stiffly.

It was obvious that some type of testing was going on somewhere because where would Nicksy have come from? He was the perfect example of an innocent Pokémon succumbing to these dreadful tests. Like the man in the suit had said, he was supposed to be disposed of. If Team Lunar knew that he wasn't in fact dead, that could cause some problems. But the question is…what lengths would they go to in order to make sure Nicksy was neutralized? Or would they even care?

"Yeah…testing," Ellis said with a frown.

"You know, I've been thinking about the man in the suit," Colby pondered. Ellis looked over at her, "What about him?"

"I don't know. I've just got mixed feelings about him you know? I know he said he was an ex Team Lunar agent but for some reason…I'm not sure, I just can't put my finger on it," Colby said.

"I guess I kind of get that feeling too. It's just like there is something we aren't seeing," Ellis agreed.

Imagine that, something we're not seeing, Colby thought. Her mind wandered as they past some small brick huts and a couple two story buildings, which seemed to be the highest that any of the structures in Mayeberry went up to. They came out onto a dirt road that had a fork up ahead, going either straight or to the right. Lindy and Saria took a right walking now rather quickly. Colby's group, including Smithers and Josh, were surprisingly able to keep up which was a good thing.

"Will you leave me alone?" Amanda exclaimed as Riley was still trying to hold her hand.

He shook his head and grinned wildly.

"Twix, c'mon, you know you like it," he purred.

"I absolutely do not!" She retorted with a blush rising on her cheeks.

Amanda pulled her Unknown cap down on her head and let her hair fall in her face, looking at the ground. Colby just rolled her eyes at them in general, like always. The wind carried down the sound of sirens and made Colby look up. Just up ahead were some flashing lights of the police officers in front of a large cylindrical shaped building, three stories tall and who knows how many square feet. The dirt parking lot was completely full with miscellaneous bikes, police motorcycles and a bunch of people. The sirens turned off as they got closer each taking in the scene that was pretty much utter chaos.

Some officers were interviewing people and taking notes on handheld devices that resembled Ellis's MID, while others were flowing in and out of the Safari Zone's building. A news crew was off in the corner doing a report of some sort and just documenting the whole case.

"Oh my…" Lindy exclaimed with wide eyes, rushing after Saria who was heading over to one of the police officers in a bright blue uniform.

Colby's group followed, scanning the scene with concern.

"Officer Parish," Saria called, approaching the officer who was talking to a reporter woman.

The officer's hair was dark blue, a bit darker than the famed Officer Jenny's hair, and she was a bit tanner, along with a leaner built.

"Excuse me for a moment ma'am," Officer Parish said, waving off the reporter for a moment.

"Are there any new leads on who might have done this?" Saria asked.

Officer Parish shook her head, "I'm afraid not Saria. The officers are inside and in the back now trying to find any more evidence, besides the one piece we have so far. Sadly that doesn't make much difference because it's pretty much useless."

Saria looked puzzled, "You have evidence?"

Officer Parish nodded, "Just a shred of cloth that was caught on the back door that happened to have a hole cut into it by someone."

"May we see it?" Amanda asked quietly.

Officer Parish looked down at her and at the rest of the group with a frown, "What are you kids doing here? This is a crime scene and we don't need any of the public to get in our way of collecting the evidence."

"It's alright, they're with me, along with Smithers here," Saria replied.

The officer pursed her lips but didn't argue, "Very well. I'll have Gibbs bring the sample over."

Officer Parish made her way into the building, going to find whoever Gibbs was. That was a good idea; maybe they could identify the sample if it was in fact Team Lunar's. How could they not forget Ronan's dorky outfits? "What's the good in that? I don't want to look at some cloth," Josh growled. "She does have a point, if it's part of Team Lunar's outfit then we'll be able to identify it for them," Colby countered.

"Yeah, and then they'll know who exactly they're hunting. Good work Amanda," Smithers congratulated.

Amanda grinned, "It really was nothing."

Officer Parish pushed one of the glass doors open; holding a sample, clear bag and holding it out for them to see. Everyone crowded around the piece of purple cloth, looking a bit like satin and torn off randomly.

"If I'm not mistaken that looks a bit like-" Riley started.

"That dumb prick Ronan's sash," Josh finished.

Colby looked at it closer and in fact Josh and Riley were right, it looked a bit like the sash that wasn't a sash on Ronan's outfit.

"I knew Team Lunar had something to do with this!" Amanda exclaimed, grinning brightly.

"Officer, we believe that this is part of one of a Team Lunar grunt's outfit. The girls wear a blue outfit and the guys wear a purple one," Ellis explained. The officer studied them closely, "And how do you kids know so much about Team Lunar?"

Colby glanced at her group, "Let's just say we've had a few run ins with them."

Lindy looked worried, "They're very dangerous. You kids should get off their radar because they could seriously hurt you. Their fair shares of disappearances to even adults have been recorded over the years, especially these past few. It seems they are growing in power."

Smithers nodded, "Lindy's right. I know you kids just want to do the right thing, but this is the reason we have officers and Special Forces. There are people trained specially with their Pokémon for jobs like this."

Colby mentally sighed; adults just underestimated them to no end. Her parents were never like that though, which is something she missed. They always encouraged getting out there and doing whatever it was. Reaching your dreams and fulfilling the tasks that others thought you would never be able to do. She was already halfway in, owning a hybrid Pokémon that should be dead, so she was already targeted anyway. What was the point of giving up now?

"We know," Ellis stated with little emotion.

"Well if you're convinced that this is part of Team Lunar's outfit…then I suppose we can consider them possibly the cause of this," Officer Parish said.

They were just a possibility as to being the criminals? Who else could perform the clearing of the Safari Zone in a few hours? No one that didn't have many assistants and power, that was for sure.

"Wait…where were the employees when this happened?" Riley asked.

That was a good point; though it was surprising that it came from Giaden…he normally didn't think all that much.

Amanda crossed her arms, "That's actually a pretty good point. Lindy was away, because she came to find us."

Lindy shrugged from the left of Officer Parish, "I was off for the day and heard the commotion on my way out of town."

Officer Parish crossed her arms as well, revealing surprisingly muscled arms for a woman.

"From our reports, the work day was winding down with not too many visitors. Most had left early for the day. Only a few were on duty, as in less than ten. That is what I've been told. Strangely though, there are a few missing. At least one I should say," Officer Parish explained.

Colby's eyebrows raised, they were taking hostages now? First they take Pokémon from innocent children, and then they take innocent workers.

"Well we better get started now! They aren't going to find themselves-" Amanda started.

"Whoa there, kiddy, you and your friends can't help in this situation. The information you've given us now is more than enough, we don't want anyone else getting hurt," Officer Parish commanded firmly.

"But-"

"No buts' Amanda. You kids have been targeted by Team Lunar before…so sorry to be the party pooper but I'll have to agree with Officer Parish on this one. It's too dangerous," Smithers said with a frown.

"We're not just kids. We've beaten a pack of grunts before," Colby said, backing up Amanda to the best of her ability.

"That was a pack of grunts. You kids don't know what and who is really out there. Grunts? The lowest and least threatening of the rising force that is Team Lunar. Believe me when I say you haven't seen anything. Not what could really happen if you fell into the hands of the wrong people," Officer Parish fired back, eyes in a hardened line but also clouded with memories.

Colby mentally shook her head; this officer, and practically anyone else underestimated them. Their Pokémon were gaining in strength by day as well as their strength as a group. Just look how far they'd come in under a month. All they had experienced. Including my experiences with Faye Colby thought to her self. She made a mental note to think about that again…Faye told her to be on the look out for someone, but whom?

Amanda shot her eyes to the floor, disappointment flooding her face. "Don't you guys have somewhere to be anyway? There's always the next gym! You think Smithers was easy, wait tell you take on me!" Saria exclaimed, her eyes bright.

"Actually we have something to do first. My mom told me earlier today that I forgot something, so she is bring me my stuff before we continue. I'm afraid we're going to have to let you all go," Josh said firmly, looking straight at Officer Parish's glare.

Smithers nodded, "Well then you better go. Thanks for battling, you five are amazing trainers and I wish you luck with the rest of the gyms, as well as the Elite. I believe that you can make it that far. Just remember, steer clear of Team Lunar."

"Will do, thank you Smithers, for everything," Ellis said with a smile.

"Make sure to get the birds home safe and sound!" Colby added following everyone else and Josh who were trooping back towards the city.

"Good luck!" Lindy called with a wave.

As soon as they were at least 100 yards and clearly of human hearing range, Riley broke the silence.

"We're going after them aren't we?" He asked with a smirk.

Josh looked his direction with a wry grin aimed at all of them and it was obvious what was coming, "Oh hell yeah."

Approximately 28 miles in the opposite direction (starting from the tip of the claw obviously) residing on the top of a plateau was a hexagonal shaped, black building. Around this building stood no fence or any means of protection, because the whole 15 acre expanse of land was fenced in by twenty foot chain, an entrance gate with armed guards, heavy security features and camera systems, plus a whole lot of other shit that no one cared enough to mention, since it was so minor.

Essentially this place was a modern castle, the symbol of strength, security, and high in stature. Inside this single story building you could almost disregard the fact that there were armed guards outside and all these advanced security features, because why were they needed? It appeared to be just a normal office setting, with umpteen halls going every which way, cubicles and offices in what seemed like every part of the building, except one half of the back that was used for a lunch and break room, along with the occasional bathroom.

Workers were busy at these desks, men and women of all different hair colors, sizes, and features, typing away or busy on their headsets. Occasionally there was a hall tree or plant in the halls, with the clean floors always shined to perfection. Though as most have yet to figure out, things are not always what they seemed. If someone were to tell a person that just underneath that calm expanse of office space was a multi-million dollar, black market, highly illegal base of operations was going on right under their feet, it would be passed off as a joke. This in fact is not a story just for good jocular, but is the truth. It is the only reason that the high security is put in place.

Down below, watching a high def, mini flat screen TV was a grunt, chin in palm and a frown on his face. He was busy replaying footage from a couple hours before, replaying the plan. In all honesty though, he couldn't care less about this footage, after all, what was the point? It was boss's orders though…eah, why didn't he do it himself?

The grunt sighed, running his hand through his brown hair and pursing his lips as he rolled over footage from less than an hour ago. This feed was live from a ridiculous excuse for a Safari Zone just outside of Mayberry. He was lucky the techy was able to hook them up with the feed because it made the monitoring job a hell of a lot easier.

He yawned, watching the useless expanse of people rush around, some talking to officers and some just standing around in some form of shock. The grunt rolled his eyes, not sure exactly what he was supposed to be looking out for, and hit fast forward a bit. The replay was boring so far, so why not go to the present instead of watching the useless past- He stopped, pressing the pause button firmly. Was it...? Could it be?

Thinking he saw something, he rewound it a bit slower this time, stopping just before. Sure enough, five kids just a year or two under his age walked over with this man and two women to talk to a blue haired officer. He squinted at the screen, rubbing his eyes after an hour or so of looking at a TV. No…it couldn't be… He noticed the one on the far left that had unmistakable flaming red hair, getting pushed away by a shorter girl with long brown hair. To the left was the girl with blonde hair and black streaks, and the green headed boy. To the right of him was the bitchy, dark haired, trench coat wearing all season kid.

It was true, that was them…but what were they doing at the Safari Zone? Do those kids have to stick their nose in everything that was his business? It was imperative that he got things done now because Team Lunar was beginning to rise to power again. Oh boy, was he proud to be a part of history in the making of the new world. Now if he only could get that promotion…even though he was head of all grunts.

"Ronan! What the hell are you doing?" A voice shouted, followed by a bright wave of light where the door opened on the pitch-black room, accept for him and his screens.

Ronan realized he was almost an inch away from the screen with his eyes wide and mouth open. He jumped at the sound of a voice, slamming back into his rolley chair and sitting up.

"Uh…nothing…" He stuttered, trying to compose himself again after being startled. Ronan's vision cleared up a bit and he recognized the person screaming at him, of course the same as usual.

Sarafine stood there, hands on her hips and her long black hair everywhere as usual. She was just a bit under him in the commanding of the grunts, and of course second in command of his normal scout team which consisted of her boyfriend Monty, the extremely tall stocky guy, and Desmond, taller blonde grunt.

"I don't mean to interrupt your little make out session with the computer, but the boss wants to speak to you," Sarafine snapped, her lip twitching with irritation.

Ronan narrowed his eyes, "Who pissed you off now?"

"No one surprisingly, accept you! Because you won't get off your lazy ass when the boss called three times. You didn't answer your phone, so he told me physically inform you," Sarafine said.

Ronan's posture went from irritated to alert in the expanse of a second, leaping up out of the chair. He jammed his hand into his pocket and pulled out a little black flip phone, reading 3 Missed Calls and seeing they were in fact from the boss…oh he was going to be royally pissed.

"Oh…" Ronan said softly.

Sarafine rolled her eyes, "If you want to keep your position, I would suggest getting downstairs, now."

Ronan gave her a crisp nod, passing her and starting off down the tile and white painted concrete hallways. This was the last of the lower floors, going down to 14 with this being 1 below the decoy floor, that wasn't finished with construction. They had to finish the walls, as well as add a few more lights to the ceiling, but it wasn't too bad. Ronan dodged a worker who was on a ladder, fixing a panel light, and headed down the hall, taking a sharp left down an identical hall.

Good thing he knew the ins and outs of this place like the back of his hand, otherwise getting lost in this maze would be easy. For many of the new grunts it was confusing, but eventually you picked it up. He walked to the end of that hallway and chose the door just a bit larger than all the others. He rapped on it a couple times before slowly turning the doorknob and easing the door open.

The room was lit up due to the lamp on the normal sized oak desk and of course the light system built into the ceiling. Ronan was surprised, usually the only light was on was the one on his desk.

"Come in," a calm voice said.

Ronan shut the door and glanced at the boss, who had his big black chair facing forward, making himself not visible at all.

"Sit, please," he said, obviously meaning the two leather chairs seated in front of his neat desk.

Ronan did as he was told, taking a seat in the left chair, anticipating to be yelled at.

"How did this today's raid go?" He asked, still not turned around.

"Very well sir, we acquired at least 120 Pokémon which will be used to test our latest serum. I think our operations came clean…" Ronan replied.

The boss paused, "Why hesitation on the last sentence?"

Ronan furrowed his brow, sitting up and wanting to squirm in his seat. What should he tell him? That some kids were potentially jeopardizing this? "No hesitation sir," Ronan said firmly.

"Have you seen that the Pokémon are placed in the area where I asked?" The boss asked.

"Yes sir, that was taken care of as soon as we got back sir," Ronan answered. "Wonderful. I look forward to what Team Lunar is going to be in the future Ronan. I also look forward to you being my head man in that future," the boss said.

Ronan smiled, being thrilled at this information. At least he wasn't getting criticized for not answering his phone.

"Well I suppose that is all I had to say, you are free to go back to your duties," he said.

"Thank you very much sir. If there's anything else I can do for you please let me know," Ronan replied, standing.

"I will my good boy," the boss said simply.

With that, Ronan took his leave, heading back to the security room to hopefully not get caught while he took a little nap… so much for exceptional employee.

Back in Sanville everyone was super shocked to see the abomination Josh had pulled out of his backpack, in the middle of a store. Luckily there was no one around when he pulled out an assortment of equipment that looked like it came out of a spy movie.

"Where did you get all of this stuff?" Ellis whispered.

"Let's just say I'm prepared for anything," Josh sighed.

"He has connections," Amanda said with shifty eyes.

"Hey guys! I found some!" Riley shouted from the other side of the store.

An older worker gave them a dirty look, which Josh returned. He was so kind. Colby and Amanda walked over to where he was. Joy was practically radiating from Riley as he flailed his arms about, gesturing to the rack in front of him. It was filled with what looked like skintight jumpsuits, jet black. Colby and Amanda looked at each other as he held one up to him.

"These are perfect!" He exclaimed.

"Uh…" Amanda said, trying to scoot away from the rack.

"I think I'll stick with the loose, flowy pants. They're better to fight in…" Colby said, taking her leave with Amanda to find some more comfortable clothes.

Riley still fell in love with the jumpsuit, picking it out to everyone's horror. Josh and Ellis settled on loose fitting sweat pants, and Amanda and Colby about the same. They were in all black, traditional ninja material. An hour or so later, everyone was changed and they took to the streets at dusk, backpacks on backs and Poke Balls ready if need be.

Everyone was in one line walking down the dirt road, headed towards a place that Ellis had mapped out, since he was the techy. This location couldn't be exact…but it would get them close to where they needed to be, the Team Lunar base on this side of the region. That had to be where they had taken the Pokémon. Their mission: to get each and every one of them back unharmed.

Ellis was assigned the techy work; Josh and Colby were fighters (both knowing a bit of Martial Arts. Colby was taught the basics by her father and continued to blue belt, and Josh just liked to pick fights.)

Amanda was the breaking and entering specialist, and Riley was the distraction. That tight fitting jumpsuit was definitely distracting. More like disturbing.

"Are you guys ready for this?" Ellis asked with an excited grin.

"Breaking and entering is the only way to go," Josh replied firmly.

Amanda smiled, "Lets prove them wrong and get those Pokémon back!"

A/N: :D yayyyy now we get to go on a spy mission! Review if you'd like, because I would like it berry berry much C: thanks and enjoy my lovely readers