Alain woke up suddenly when a loud noise interrupted his peaceful slumber. He sat up slowly, looking around the room. His eyes were wide with shock when he saw his backpack on the table. It was on its side, with all the zippers wide open. Worst of all, the mega stone was gone. Alain bolted out of bed, accidentally waking up the sleeping girl next to him. She groggily opened her eyes, wondering why Alain was in such a frantic state. "What's (yawn) going… on Alain?"

Alain, meanwhile was talking to himself. "I knew that guy was suspicious, I knew it! Why did I still decide to sleep here?! Where is that mega stone?!" he muttered while pacing around the room. He was snapped out of it by Mairin, who was tugging on his arm. "What's wrong Alain?"

"The mega stone was stolen."

"What?!"

"I know who stole it too. Come on, we need to get it back!"

"All right, let's go!"

The two changed into their normal apparel and quickly exited the room. Alain ran down the stairs and was appalled by the sight before him. A large hole occupied the back of the reception desk, and an old man was lying on the floor, breathing heavily. Alain took a step back. Mairin hid behind the boy, frightened at the prospect of what had happened.

The duo reached the injured man and helped him up. "Thanks lad."

"Do you know what happened here?"

"Sorry lad, but I was knocked out cold…. I did manage to see the manager put on a red suit before he left though, and he was carrying a small stone."

Mairin's eyes widened. "Team Flare! They took the mega stone! We've got to go get it!"

"Hold up Mairin, I want you to stay here. You will be safer here," Alain said softly. Mairin's look of annoyance then turned into a gentle smile. She then playfully winked.

"Then you'll have to protect me then."

Alain sighed. He really wanted her to stay so he would know she was safe. On the other hand, when Mairin made that face, he couldn't really say no. "Fine." He muttered. Mairin, overjoyed, wrapped her arms around Alain. The mega evolution trainer's face went red when he realized that there were people watching. "M—Mairin, let's get going," he stammered out, clearly flustered.

Matt had pulled out his holocaster after he was a safe distance away from his pursuers. "Xerosic, I have retrieved the mega stone. I'm currently awaiting pickup."

"Very good Matt. Bring it to me in one piece though. I wouldn't want my precious energy to be blemished by a scratch or tear. I'll have the evacuation team pick you up. Xerosic, out."

Matt was putting his holocaster away and stood up, but as he turned to get going, he came face to face with an angered Alain. The trainer stepped on the holocaster and grabbed the admin. "The mega stone. Give it back. Now."

"No way! We need that thing for Neo Team Flare! You're gonna have to get through me first!"

Alain then kneed the man in the stomach. "OW! Hasn't anyone taught you manners?!" Matt countered by elbowing Alain in the face. The boy stepped backwards and rubbed his cheek. Matt turned the tail and ran in the opposite direction, but as he ran, Chespin use Vine whip to trip him. The Team Flare admin fell on his face, giving Alain just enough time to take back the mega stone from his bag. Mairin blew a raspberry at the fallen Matt, before turning and running with Alain out of the forest. Matt grunted and picked himself off, and then limped off deeper into the forest.

Meanwhile, Ash and his friends had entered the mysterious forest, proceeding with caution. Clemont had packed the group flashlights as well as walkie talkies to help them through the forest should night come and they were still not out. The group had picked up their pace somewhat, but was stopped dead in their tracks when a loud screech could be heard in the distance. The noise was enough to frighten the Pokémon that were out in the open right back into the darkness, leaving the quartet alone. Serena held on tightly to Ash, who gave her a sympathetic look. Even Bonnie was scared. Ash shivered, but knew that he had to push on.

A few hours had passed since the group had set off into the forest, which was known as the Forest of Destiny by the locals. If the forest decided one wasn't worthy of passing, it would simply end them right on the spot. The four shuddered when the old man had revealed this to them. Still, they agreed to make the trip through, as Ash would need as much preparation time as possible. Now that they were actually traversing the eerie forest, they started to have second thoughts. Pikachu looked up towards the sky and murmured softly. "Pika, Pikaaaaa…."

"I know buddy. I don't think we're gonna make it. If we set up camp, we'll be safe from the nocturnal Pokémon. I've heard that they are quite aggressive. Let's set up camp guys. We've only passed half of the forest." The others agreed, as they were visible tired. They were so intent on getting through the forest in one go that they hadn't rested since they first entered the forest. Gratefully accepting an offer to rest, they almost forgot they were camping in a haunted forest. After a short break, Ash decided to help Clemont by getting firewood for the camp. He arrived shortly after, carrying several dry pieces of wood.

As the group got ready for bed, the same noise echoed through the forest. Serena quivered, worrying Ash. The raven haired trainer then decided to keep her company. Clemont slept with Bonnie for the same reason. As night fell, a shadowy object emerged from its hiding spot and growled viciously. Looking around, it headed off to find the trainers who had invaded its resting spot.