Ch.37: The Survivors of Monsoon Village! Power and Vengeance is our Desire!

"Get back here, Holly!"

The Fomantis looked over her shoulder as she was being chased down by a Bonsly. They both wore sacred robes, with Holly's blue and the Bonsly's purple. They were running around near the perimeter of their village, with the Bonsly picking up the pace.

"Almost got you!"

She chuckled under her breath, then hooked her arm around a tree. She spun around it, then kicked the Bonsly in the back, knocking him on his face. Holly landed, dusted herself off, then crossed her arms. "Oh, foolish Mack, you're no match for me." She held up a silver bell and dangled it over him. "Still think you can snatch this from me?"

He rolled onto his back and sat up. He glared. "You're just lucky I don't have arms! When I evolve, you'll be sorry!"

"Spoken like a true loser." Mack leaned forward and got to his feet before charging. Holly threw the bell in the air, stepped the side, and sweep kicked Mack back onto the ground. Holly held her hand out, waiting for the key to fall back down. "To the victor go the spoils."

"Thanks for keeping hold of the bell for me, Holly." Her eyes widened, then she looked at the tree branch above her. Sitting on it was a young Treecko, who was dangling the bell. Like his friends, he was wearing a sacred robe, which was red. "Makes winning all the easier." He leaned back with his legs hooked around the branch, then swung him over their heads. He landed, then sprinted away.

Holly and Mack blinked, glanced at each other, then chased after the Treecko. "Griffin! GIVE THAT BACK!"

Griffin laughed as he dashed through the village, ducking, sliding, and dodging the other villagers. "Excuse me! Pardon me! Make room!" He leapt off a Gabite's head and landed with a roll, then made a break towards the largest hut in the village, which was also the goal.

Griffin grinned, close to winning the game. However, unexpectedly, Holly and Mack finally caught up to the Treecko and tackled him just as he ran up the stairs to the front door. The combined force sent them all tumbling into the dwelling and sliding across the polished floors. They slammed into a wall, then sprawled out in pain.

"Ugh…" Holly groaned.

"Nnnooo Mom, I don't want to train today…" Mack mumbled dizzily.

Griffin rolled over onto his back and rubbed his face. "Dang, that smarts." His eyes widened as he clenched his fist. He smiled brightly and held up the silver bell. "Aha! I made it back first! Take that!" He flipped to his feet, then did a boasting, victory dance. "Go Griffin! Go Griffin! Ooh, ooh!"

Holly and Mack sat up with deadpan expressions. "Yeah, yeah, rub some salt in the wound while you're at it," Mack uttered dryly.

"You two are just jealous!" Griffin exclaimed as he spun on his heel.

Holly rolled her eyes. "Oh please! We're tied up in terms of wins." She narrowed her eyes humorously. "I did make you walk into a pitfall last week."

Griffin stopped dancing and glared. "Cheap trick…"

"It's what I do," she boasted, rubbing her leaf fist against her chest pridefully.

A Dragonair slithered from around the corner. She wore a scared robe that was white. She looked down at the children and sighed. "Griffin, what did I tell you about roughhousing like that? I don't want you or your friends getting hurt."

Griffin turned to the serpent dragon. "Sorry Mom, but…" He held the bell up and grinned. "I won! Ooh, ooh!"

The Dragonair sighed, then smiled amusingly. "Good for you, sweetheart." She lowered her head and nuzzled his cheek, then asked, "Where is your father?"

"Grandpa and the elders were discussing trading deals or something with another village, so they wanted Dad to help with the negotiations."

Dragonair rubbed her head with her tail. "Oh dear. I hope he doesn't challenge their resident warriors to a fight again." She rolled her eyes and deadpanned. "I'm not patching up anymore of his 'battle' scars." Griffin chuckled. "Anyway, what are you kids up to?"

"Well, we completed our training for the day, so we're just playing some games," Mack said.

Holly rubbed her leaves together. "Training games, mostly. With junior training coming to a close, we'll be on our way to the advance training where we'll learn how to use our Emotion Anima." She chuckled. "I can't wait to learn all those advanced illusionary spells."

"Well, I can't wait to learn to kick butt!" Griffin exclaimed as he kicked and punched the air. "Hiya!"

Mack smiled brightly. "I can't wait to get my very own weapon! I heard my parents talking the other day! They said they're getting me the finest enchantments for it!" He tapped his feet excitedly. "Ooh, I hope it's a battle axe! No, wait, a war club! No, no, a katana! Yeah, I bet that'll be epic!"

Holly crossed her arms. "Yes, well, I don't care what weapon is made for me, so long as it matches my own grace and technique."

Griffin looked up at his mother. "What's my weapon going to be?"

Dragonair smiled and patted his head. "Don't fret over it. Your father is crafting it himself. I, of course, will be providing the enchantments." She winked. "I think you'll like the finished product." Griffin smiled and wagged his tail. "I still can't believe you three are close to taking on your advanced training." She wiped a tear from her eyes. "Feels like only yesterday I was cradling you in my tail, Griffy."

Griffin blushed. "Moooom…" He growled under his breath as Holly and Mack snickered.

"Oh, hush up, sweetheart," his mother said with a giggle. She slithered back into the other room. "Now go play outside. I want these enchantments ready for when your father finishes crafting your weapon."

"Okay, Mom." He nodded his head towards the door. "Come on, guys, let's play a new game." They followed him out of the hut.

They jumped from the porch and walked into the near empty streets. The villagers were getting prepared for the junior training students to advance to the next level, so a ceremony was being planned for them. It's a tradition done for the young members of the clan.

Mack stopped for a moment as someone walked by with a box, which carried a heavenly aroma inside. "Mmm…" He tried to follow it, but Griffin and Holly grabbed him by the robe and dragged him along. "Aww, come on!"

"You just had lunch an hour ago!" Holly scolded.

"I'm a growing boy! A platter of meat and berries aren't going to keep me full for long!" he shouted.

Griffin shook his head. "You're going to be a problem in the future."

"Aww, thanks, that means a lot," Mack thanked mockingly.

Holly stopped under a tree and sat down. She patted the spots next to her, gesturing the boys to sit with her. As they sat down, she said, "Feels like only yesterday we got into our junior training. Now look at us. I feel older already."

Griffin laughed lightly. "Don't get too full of yourself. My dad told me how training to master Emotion Anima is tricky."

"Well, no one said controlling a specific emotion was a cake walk," Mack brought up. He blinked, then licked his lips. "Mmm, cake…"

Holly rolled her eyes. "Regardless, it's a big step up for all three of us. We should appreciate how far we've come." She crossed her arms. "Question is, what do we do after our training?"

"Aren't you thinking too far into this?" Griffin questioned. "We're kids. We have the rest of our childhood to look forward to, not our future."

"Aww, come on, Griff! Just think about what we could accomplish!" She waved her leaves out in front of her. "I can picture it: traveling the world and seeing the wondrous sights of Mysto. I've always wanted to explore outside the village." She closed her eyes happily. "Once I'm old enough to take care of myself, I'm going to travel."

"Oh, that's all fine and good!" Mack exclaimed loudly. "But I have a different dream: getting rich." He chuckled greedily. "Ooh, I'll make a fortune and afford my own place to stay! Maybe a mansion with personal cooks and junk!" He snickered. "I'm gonna put myself in early retirement and relax."

Holly slapped the back of his head. "Spoken like a true slacker."

Mack narrowed his eyes and grinned cheekily. "Just for that, you're not invited to any of my pool parties!"

Holly rolled her eyes amusingly, then looked at Griffin. "Well, what about you? What would you want to do once you leave the village?"

Griffin tapped his chin. "Hmm…I've never really thought about it." He leaned against the tree and folded his arms on his lap, staring up at the clouds. "I kind of want to see what happens when it happens. I'm in no rush to grow up." He smiled. "I want to keep being a kid for as long as I can."

Mack smirked. "Amen to that, pal."

Holly shrugged her shoulders with a brief laugh. "I can't blame you." She patted her cheeks. "I don't want my adorable face wrinkling when I get older. I'm staying cute and young for as long as possible."

Mack snickered. "Well, too late for that." He winced and cried out as Holly pulled on his cheeks with a ticked off expression.

"The fudge is that supposed to mean?!" she growled.

"Kidding, I'm kidding!" he cried as he flailed his legs. Holly released his cheeks and crossed her leaves. Mack shook his head, then glared at her. "You're a piece of work, you know that?" Holly raised her leaves with a vicious glare. "Do it again, I dare you," Mack challenged with an evil grin.

Griffin groaned and shook his head. The things he had to put up with. "Guys, cool it. You're going to make a scene…again!" he stressed irritably. He folded his arms behind his head and leaned back against the tree. "We're not here to fight. We're here to celebrate our accomplishments."

Holly and Mack looked at him, then glanced at each other with small glares. They huffed in frustration, then lightened up. "Yeah, you're right," Mack admitted. He leaned back. "A step in a new direction awaits us."

Holly leaned back as well, leaves folded on top of her stomach. "And we'll do it together." She glanced at Griffin. "No matter the struggles…" She glared playfully at Mack. "No matter the arguments…" She chuckled. "We'll have each other's backs."

Griffin chuckled, then held his hand out. "Friends 'til the end?"

Mack smiled and Holly closed her eyes happily. Mack leaned forward and stacked the top of his head over Griffin's hand while Holly stack her leaf hand over it. "Friends 'til the end!" they exclaimed in unison.

Griffin pulled away and laughed. "So, let's give it our all and get stronger! If there's one thing we all agree on, it's getting stronger!" He threw his fist up. "Go team!"

"Go team!" they shouted together, then laughed out loud.

Griffin stirred from his slumber, then held his face as a wave of grogginess passed over him. He couldn't remember a lot. Everything seemed to black out one moment ago. He tried to remember what happened before he passed out.

The first thing that came to mind was Team Ravenfield. That far back he could recall. He failed to eliminate them, then was held as their prisoner. Wasn't the best time of his life. Granted, that was the first time he was being held as a hostage, so the experience was foreign. He recalled them looking for something, which he felt had something to do with him blacking out. Ella came up, too, recalling their heart-to-heart conversation. Probably the most pleasant experience he had as a hostage.

Then there was…the shadows.

This made the bounty hunter growl through his teeth. So, that part wasn't a dream. Tsk, go figure. He must have been pumped on adrenaline before he blacked out. It made everything foggier and unclear.

He fully opened his eyes and examined where he was. He appeared to be in some sort of regal living room. The familiarity of waking up on a couch came to mind as he found himself in an armchair. Difference between then and now is that he wasn't being held prisoner…at least without anything sort of restraint.

He glanced to his left and found Endless Regret leaning against the armchair. From what he remembered, the blade was dirty and covered in scorch, ash, and dust. Now, it looked as if it was given a fresh cleaning. The resident of this house must have taken the time to clean it.

It never looked so…new.

He stretched his arms out, then grunted with discomfort. He clutched his right arm to stop the throbbing. He glanced at it. He noticed he wasn't wearing his jacket, just his short sleeve white shirt. He moved his hand away and saw some gauze wrapped around his upper arm. He pressed his finger down on it, then winced. It felt like his skin got charred.

Now he was beginning to recall what happened. Those Fire Guardians must have nicked him with a few fireballs when he was slashing his way in. He groaned and fell back into the armchair, pressing his fingers against his closed eyes.

Right…I essentially surrendered when I got down here. He pulled his hand away and opened his eyes into a narrow-eyed stare. Then where is that shadow? More importantly, where's the mage of this temple?

He picked himself up and stepped out of the armchair. His eyes widened as two waves of heat shot out of the ground. He looked up and saw pillars of fire rising, then reshaping into Fire Guardians. They aimed their palms at him with fireballs charged and ready to fire.

Griffin scowled and extended his arms out to his sides, opening up two doorways to his personal arsenal. Before he could draw out two of his weapons, the Fire Guardians ceased their defensive behavior and stepped back. Griffin raised a brow in confusion, until someone walked out from the corner of the archway.

"Forgive me for the protective measures, but I had to ensure you didn't leave so soon." She stepped into view, the Delphox mage. She had her hood down like earlier. She carried a tray of freshly brewed tea and biscuits with chunks of Durin berries in it. She set them down on the coffee table in the near center of the room, then sat on the floor. "Please, join me."

Griffin stared at her cautiously, then eyed the Fire Guardians. Their gaze was unwavering as they stood at attention. He narrowed his eyes, then closed his arsenal. Before walking over, he picked up Endless Regret. This alerted the Fire Guardians to raise their attacks, but dispelled them when Griffin simply stored his weapon away. He sat down on the opposite side of the table.

Seraphina lined up two cups, then poured the freshly brewed tea into each one. She set the teapot to the side, then passed Griffin a cup. "Please drink. I've added some healing herbs and a dash of rejuvenating nectar to get your strength back up."

Griffin stared into the cup's contents and swirled the liquid around. Nothing unusual sat at the bottom. He took a quick whiff and didn't smell anything out of place. Maybe there was an odorless ingredient in it.

A small chuckle from the Fire Mage took his attention off the tea. "It's not poisoned, unless you happen to be allergic to nectar." Griffin rolled his eyes, then took a hesitant sip of the tea. "You're quite the paranoid individual. Your profession as a bounty hunter must make living a hassle to manage. I can't imagine having to check my food every day for purposeful poisoning." She swirled her drink around, then took a quick sip. "I can respect one for putting up with the struggles."

Griffin pulled the cup away from his lips and lightly smacked them together. It was pretty good. He set the cup down, then folded his arms into his lap. Not much other than the flickering flames of the Guardians sounded in the room.

Seraphina set her up down, then took a biscuit from the tray. She spun it around in her fingers. "You weren't the one who opened the entrance to my temple. You came here with that shadow." Griffin glanced up at her. "He's causing quite a bit of trouble for my Guardians. I'm not sure how much longer they can hold him off." She scoffed. "The world would be better off without him. I'm aware of the massacre that took place in that hotel."

Griffin grimaced mentally. He may have escaped through the hotel room's window, but a trained bounty hunter can pick up the scent of blood nearby. Wasn't hard to pick up on how much blood was spilt in that hallway.

"So many lives lost at the hands of a murderous spirit." She snapped a bite off the biscuit, chewed it for a second, then swallowed. "May their spirits pass on safely into the afterlife. May we mourn for them and their loved ones who grieve for them." She narrowed her eyes. "It is sad to see one's life ended so quickly."

She saw Griffin glare at her as she said that. She set her biscuit down and chuckled. "Oh, pardon me. It seems I may have offended you." She narrowed her eyes. "You play the role of executioner regularly, don't you?" Griffin didn't answer. "You're much quieter when not being pushed to your limit, bounty hunter." She chuckled at Griffin's sudden scowl. "Someone of your skill and ruthlessness clearly takes up a life of travel and bounties. I can read it on your face."

Griffin's tea bubbled as his magical pressure increased. Each bubble released steam from the buildup in heat. Griffin pressed his palms down on the table, then looked daggers at the mage.

"Who…are you?"

"And so he speaks." The mage finished off her biscuit, then picked up another. She dipped it into her tea, then held it up to her face. "You've been patient enough. My name is Seraphina, protector and guardian of this temple. I am part of a long row of Fire Mages who dedicated their lives to protecting this temple, keeping out stray travelers…and less than reputable hunters." She closed her eyes. "To them, this temple is nothing more than another gold mine to dry out. But to know the secrets kept under this volcano…chaos would break out."

She ate her biscuit, then lifted her cup. "I've been protecting the temple for many years now, perhaps back when you were still a small tyke."

Griffin relaxed his expression into his usual narrow eyed stare. He picked up his tea and swirled it around. "The shadow told me you protect the key to the Idol of Origin." He looked up. "Is it real?"

Seraphina sighed gently. "Any attempt to lie to you would be met with more questions." She sipped her tea. "Yes, the idol is very much real. As real as the sun that lights up our sky. As real as you and I."

"So, the legends are true?"

"Two skilled wizards battling out for seven days, power matched only by the gods." Seraphina stifled a chuckle. "I had a hard time believing it myself, but…legends need to start from somewhere. From an obscure explanation of our world…to a historic event that had to be forgotten for the sake of pokemanity." She shrugged. "If one legend holds truth, what other can you separate from fact and fiction?"

"So, you just sit in this volcano and watch over a key for your entire life?"

Seraphina raised a brow humorously. "Now you're making me sound like a recluse. I can leave whenever I want. I can do many things, but conjuring food is not one of them." She waved one of her biscuits in the air. Griffin rolled his eyes. "I am not bound to protecting the key my whole life. In time, I shall find a worthy successor to take my place as guardian of the Key of Fire. After that, I return to my studies in magic. One less weight to ride my shoulders." She took a bite of her biscuit.

Griffin looked around aimlessly. "I can't believe it's real…"

"Many things are kept secret, young one, for the sake of all. From the Idol of Origin…to the shadows."

Griffin glared up at the ceiling. It was faint, but he could get a good glimpse of Nightmare's magic aura as it clashed with the Fire Guardians.

"Those vile monsters are the purest form of darkness I've ever seen," Seraphina commented, regaining Griffin's attention. "When the original wizards locked them and their master away, we thought that was the end of them." She sighed. "Sadly, our luck soon ran out when their master was released. Where he is now remains a mystery."

"Do you not know where his tomb lies?" Griffin asked.

"We hold many secrets, but the location of the Shadow King's tomb is not one. I'm afraid that bit of trivia was taken to the grand wizard's grave." She crossed her arms. "For now, we do our jobs and fight hard to ensure the safety of our planet…which brings me to you."

Griffin glared. "Oh joy, am I being lectured about the error of my ways?" He groaned. "Look, if you're going to say anything about me coming down here, I'll just cut to the chase: yes, I took a deal with that freak just so I can spare someone's life."

"That's not all, is it?" Griffin looked away sharply. "I've been watching you since you entered the volcano. I've been monitoring you closely." She narrowed her eyes. "You do not lie about your act of selflessness, but I also see temptation creeping along your face. You…desire power."

The Grovyle scoffed quietly. "Who doesn't?"

Seraphina raised a brow. "Power does not make a warrior. It takes more than brute force and tremendous magical potential."

Griffin rolled his eyes. "I've already gotten this lecture and my answer remains the same: my clan does things differently compared to other magic users."

"I do not fault your words. You possess great power with your aura…Hatred, to be specific."

His eyes widened, then he glared with a huff of annoyance. "Does everyone suddenly know who I am?"

"A member of the Grim Ash Clan is hard to come by given their disappearance. Or should I say…near extinction?"

Griffin glowered darkly. "…okay, what do you want?"

Seraphina sipped her drink again, then set it down. "Tell me, young bounty hunter…" She narrowed her eyes deeply. "…tell me why you desire power so badly."

The walls to the hotel room crumbled as Lexx was thrown through several rooms. He rolled backwards before landing on his feet. He raised his weapon and prepared to charge, but Mack's fear persona rushed and tackled him off his feet. Linking its arms together, the frightening figure laughed as he charged through several rooms without halt. Once at the last room, he dropped him, grabbed him by the arm, and flung him into a room, directly into the bathroom where his head met the side of a toilet. The impact shattered the bowl and flooded water over his head.

Mack stepped over the wreckage of the wall, hands behind his back with a stupid grin that flooded with smugness. "Well, cross that off the bucket list."

Holly stepped in with him. "Cross what off?"

He swiped the air to make an imaginary checkmark. "Trash a hotel room. Went above my expected quota, but I'll take it."

Lexx pushed himself up and growled. He grabbed his sword and gripped the hilt tightly as he asked angrily, "How long do you pathetic mortals plan to intervene? Can't you see it's hopeless?!" He rushed the two.

Holly narrowed her eyes, with the left one blazing with blue light. "Okay, I think you took too many walls to the head." Lexx leaped forward and swung his sword at her. She widened her left eye. "Sensitiva Cultro: Aspectu!" Her left eye erupted with an unbearable, blinding light.

Lexx caught himself and recoiled in pain. "AGH! What the heck?!" He pressed his hands against his eyes and stumbled around, knocking into destroyed furniture. However, even covering his eyes with darkness, his eyes were still exploding with blinding light. "WHAT THE HELL?!"

Holly chuckled darkly. "Don't bother trying to shield your eyes. I overloaded your sight with an illusion. It'll wear off, but the mental strain it's putting on you is a different story."

Lexx growled as a thick veil of dark aura surrounded him. His eyes watered from the illusionary, blinding pain. He raised his sword and transmitted the dark aura into the blade. "My will to the shadows forces me to fight! Dark Nubis Cutter!" He slashed the air, sending a pressure wave of darkness.

The bounty hunters and Mack's persona ducked under the pressure wave. The force slashed down the line of destroyed walls, further wearing down the support of the building. Holly narrowed her eyes, then rushed forward. Closing her fan, she spun it behind her back, leaped in the air, then slammed the base down on Lexx's head. The possessed mercenary didn't stagger. He grabbed Holly by the leg and tossed her aside. She caught herself, then charged again. She slid on the ground and kicked his feet off the ground.

Lexx rolled to readjust his balance, then lunged at Mack. The Sudowoodo didn't flinch as his persona leaped in front of the sword and took it to the stomach. The sword was caught in it, like the figure was made up of a sticky substance. The persona laughed creepily.

Mack smirked. "Torture Incita: Electrocution."

The persona linked its arms around Lexx and held him tight. With evil laughter, the persona erupted in electricity. Lexx threw his head back and screamed in agony as the electricity inflicted massive damage onto every nerve of his body. It felt like he was on the gap between life and death, as if it was only hurting him enough to make him suffer.

Mack laughed darkly. "Fear Anima comes with some interesting perks. I can induce a plethora of torture spells to break one's will." He narrowed his eyes. "I want to hear you beg for death. I want you to know true fear."

Lexx gritted his teeth, then forced himself to face the insane bounty hunter. "Y-You're mad!"

Mack smirked evilly. "You just now figured that out?"

Lexx growled, then concentrated his strength to pry the persona's arms off. Despite his muscles forcibly contracting, he flexed his muscles out until he was able to push the persona off of him. He grabbed his sword, then slashed across the creature's neck.

Mack's persona stumbled back and wailed as its head was lobbed off. Smoky, purple energy seeped out of the wounds of the neck, before the head collapsed into mist.

The head started to reform back on the body, but Lexx pulled back his sword and charged for another attack. "Not letting that happen again!"

Holly opened her fan and spun it. "Level 3 Wind Style: Destructive Push!" She jutted the fan forward, sending out a sonic boom that tore through the room. Mack and his persona leaped out of the way as Lexx was blasted through the other destroyed rooms. Holly closed her fan, then ran after him. "I got him!"

Lexx dug his claws into the ground, then glared up. Holly leaped forward and slashed her sickles at him. He blocked with his sword, then spun on his heel to hit her in the side. She, however, jumped onto the face of the blade and clung on. Lexx sneered and held his hand out to blast her with a dark energy beam.

Holly sheathed her fan, then slammed her sickles together. "Deceptive Explosion!"

Lexx fired off the energy beam and blasted her through the chest…at least, that's what he thought. He gasped as Holly's form glowed blue, then condensed into a glowing orb. With a bright bang, Lexx was through into the hallway and crashed into the wall.

He picked himself up and growled. She can create illusions that explode?!

"Looks like that caught you off guard." His eyes widened as the hallway became filled with illusionary clones of Holly, each with a cheeky expression. "Think you can handle more than one?"

Lexx jumped back and raised his hand. "Spear of Darkness: Dusk Rain!" He swiped his hand forward and commanded a shower of shadowy spears to strike the clones. With each hit came a powerful shockwave of energy. He pulled his sword back. "Dark Nubis Cutter!" He fired the pressurized wave and lobbed off the illusions' heads, making them all explode at once. The floor wore down from the explosions and collapsed to the next floor.

"Sorrow Anima utilizes some of the most versatile illusions in magic." Lexx held his sword up as he kept an ear out for the crafty bounty hunter. "You can try to counter me all you want, but I'm always one step ahead of you. Mack can break you physically and mentally, but I exceed in breaking my foes down on pure mentality. Compared to him, I'm the master of mental combating."

Lexx narrowed his eyes. "You don't frighten me, mortal." He spun his sword. "Dark Nubis Wave!" He slashed around him, creating a ring of darkness that expanded outward, cutting through the top of the hotel.

Holly appeared under him and kicked into his chin. He staggered back, but he moved his arm quick enough to bash Holly with the blunt side of his sword. This time, it was the real thing.

Holly fell through the hole in the floor and landed on the next floor. She rolled to her feet as she tumbled. Once she stopped herself, she flipped to the side as Lexx came down with his sword. He turned and slashed Dark Nubis Cutter down the hall, barely giving Holly time to lean back and duck under it.

Lexx prepared for a piercing maneuver when Holly adjusted herself and casted another spell. "Sensitiva Cultro: Audiunt!" she shouted, which hit the mercenary's ears and amplified to an unbearable degree in a matter of seconds. He through his head back and screamed, but that seemed to only add to the amplification of the noise. Every little sound he heard buzzed in his ears and continued to replay over and over while getting increasingly louder.

Can…barely…hear myself…THINK! Lexx clenched his teeth tightly as he tried to block out the sounds. If it was anything like the overload on his sight, it should last for only half a minute. He grabbed his sword and rushed towards Holly. "I'm gonna kill you!"

Holly crossed her arms as he lunged in the air. However, because his ears were being bombarded with amplified sounds, he couldn't distinguish the sound of Mack's persona swinging down from above, laughing like a maniac, and kicking him square in the face before it was too late.

Mack landed beside Holly with a lazy smirk. "I heard screaming. Did I miss a party?"

"Shut up and fight," she ordered.

He shrugged. "Can do, ma'am!" He sprinted down the hall with his persona.

Lexx pushed himself up, recovering from the ear deafening assault, then quickly raised his sword to block a strike from Mack's fear persona. The figure laughed evilly as he threw a flurry of punches against the blade, pushing the mercenary back. Mack calmly matched the pace of his persona as he gradually pushed Lexx down the hall.

Mack chuckled. "Seems you're not as tough as you made yourself out to be. Let me guess, Griffin took you down in one hit?"

Lexx bared his teeth. "You mortals and your arrogance. Do you not understand the power we shadows possess?!" He fired a dark shockwave that pushed the two away from him. Lexx flipped to his feet and fired a flurry of Dark Nubis Cutters.

Mack scowled, then mentally commanded his persona to punch down the air slashes. Mack slapped his hands together as his eyes glowed purple. "Hope that power grants you gills! Phobia Rem: Aqua!"

Mack's persona laughed out loud, throwing its arms in the air as it melted into a puddle of water, which quickly expanded in size before flooding the hallway. Holly grabbed Mack and threw him back on the top floor, following behind. Lexx tried to jump after them, but the water reached up, grabbed him by the ankle, and pulled him back down. He held his throat as water forced its way down his throat. Because his host wasn't dead, the shadow was bound to the limitations of a living creature: a need for air.

The water threw him against the walls, keeping him from reaching the surface. Lexx thrashed desperately to get to the surface, but the water was determined to drown him.

Holly and Mack watched from above, with the Sudowoodo smirking with glee. "Too bad he can't scream. It would be delightful."

Holly narrowed her eyes. "I can feel his desperation, but he doesn't seem overly worried about dying."

Mack narrowed his eyes as well. "I didn't think it would be that easy to kill him off."

Lexx dug his claws into the ground and anchored himself down. He glared up at the ceiling, making out the blurry image of his two opponents. He looked around for his sword, but it was being thrown around with the currents. As an alternative, he raised his claws and channeled darkness into them. Yelling a spell, he swung his claws and fired pressurized slashes towards the two.

Mack and Holly jumped back, but the slashes tore away at the ground and dropped them both into the water. Holly's eyes widened before flailing for air. Mack, who was calm about the situation despite also desperately needing air, clapped his hands together and ended the spell.

The water swirled in the center and retook the shape of Mack's persona. It laughed gleefully, then gasped as claws pierced through his back and out through his stomach. They were coated in darkness.

Lexx sneered. "I'm getting real sick and tired of that laugh." With his strength, he ripped the monster perfectly in half and threw both halves in opposite rooms. He retrieved his sword from off the ground, shook it dry, then charged down the hall.

Holly pushed herself up and coughed, spitting water out of her unseen mouth. She rubbed her face and groaned. "Ugh…you're a pain in the neck, Mack."

"Yes, I am. Also, baddie coming in hot."

Without looking behind, Holly flipped backward over the possessed bear, narrowly avoiding the sword. She raised her sickles and slammed them together. "Adluci Armis!"

Lexx spun around and faced her. His eyes widened as the hallway behind the bounty hunter filled up with a near endless array of knives, all facing towards him. With a flick of the wrist, the knives were sent flying at him.

Lexx took his sword and rapidly slashed through them. The knives were mere illusions, so no physical pain could be brought on. However, they can simulate pain mentally. While they can be countered, Holly could create a near endless amount to attack with until the mercenary wears himself out.

The possessed Ursaring bared his teeth as he continuously slashed through the mental knives. "How long do you plan to keep this up?! Defeating me is impossible!"

He gasped out in pain as Mack's newly reformed persona slammed its fist into his back. Mack leaned against the wall with his arms crossed and smirked cheekily. "You haven't proven your worth, pal. My lady friend and I have been kicking your ass while you've been whining." He narrowed his eyes. "But, if it makes you feel better, maybe you just picked a bad host. Certainly not your fault or anything."

Lexx growled. "You dare mock me?!"

"I can't tell who I'm mocking. What, do you have fused minds or something? Who's in the driver's seat?" Mack smirked. "Or are you both just crazy?"

The possessed Ursaring roared out in frustration, admitting a blast wave that canceled out Holly's spell and nearly knocked her off her feet. He raised his sword and charged at Mack. "You want to see power, Pokémon?! Let me give you a taste of my power!"

Mack's persona stepped in the way and caught the blade between its hands. Mack narrowed his eyes curiously as the blade started to corrupt. The metal turned black with a purple, spider web styled pattern stretching over the face. Mack could feel his persona struggling to push back against the force of the blade. The mercenary was turning up the heat.

Lexx pulled back, then slashed the blade across the ground. "Take this!" He slashed a spark of dark energy that transformed into a wave that took up the hallway, tearing down the walls with no room to escape. Mack's response?

A deadpan stare while muttering, "Ah shit…" before being blasted down the hall and forcibly ejected out of the hotel. Onlookers at the entrance looked up in horror as they saw someone thrown out of the hotel in a black flame and crashing into the roof of a building half as tall as the hotel.

Mack slammed into the roof, pushing up concrete as he dug through the surface and hitting his head against the ledge. His head limped over the side of the roof, yet he was still fully awake and conscious.

He blankly stared at the ground, then groaned. "I'm so glad I'm not completely sober…"

Lexx lugged his smoking sword over his shoulder as he looked down at the fallen bounty hunter. He smirked. "One down. Now for the other-"

"Level 3 Wind Style: Eye of the Storm!"

A pulling force of wind blew into Lexx's face as he was drawn towards Holly's spinning fan. The Ursaring dug his claws into the floor, but his last attack wore down the durability. He growled over his shoulder, then released a flurry of slashes at Holly.

She closed her fan and backflipped from the energy slashes. She kicked one out of the way and sent it slicing through the ceiling, taking it down even more. She groaned, then straightened herself up. "We can keep this up all day, but I rather kill you now." She sprinted forward.

Lexx pulled his sword back. "Then let me end you like your little friend!" He slashed the ground and sent a pressure wave of magic towards her.

However, after seeing it once, Holly was prepared. With a flash of her eyes, blue petals surrounded her. "Dolorem Rewrite!"

Blue petals scattered across the hallway, completely obscuring Lexx's field of vision. He narrowed his eyes and tried to peer through petals. He couldn't see anything. He couldn't hear his attack going off. It should have destroyed something by now. What was happening?

His ears perked up, then he raised his arm to block a kick from Holly. He bared his teeth and pushed her away. She skidded back on her sickles and feet, while keeping one sickle hand around her fan.

Lexx aimed his sword at her. "What is this?"

Holly narrowed her eyes into an amused expression. "We have a list of spells in our clan's different anima, but we all have our 'signature spell.' You've seen Mack's…now feel the might of my own." She charged forward.

Lexx swung his sword and blocked her flurry of kicks. He aimed for her head, but she blocked it with her sickles. Her protective aura sparked with energy as it stopped the blade from digging into her skin. She threw her knee up and disarmed the mercenary of his sword. It landed behind the bounty hunter.

Lexx glared, then cracked his neck before raising his fists. Holly raised a brow, then shrugged before raising her sickles. The two shuffled up to each other, then traded punches with each other. They skillfully kept track of each other's movements, blocking and deflecting blows just as fast as they could deliver.

Holly laughed mockingly as she deflected his punch. "You know, I think that sword was hindering you. You're much better in a fist fight."

Lexx scowled. "Cease your mockery, vile lifeform!" His claws wrapped in darkness, which extended in length, then he swiped furiously at the bounty hunter. "Cold, heartless, insignificant lifeforms like you our imperfect scum in the face of the Shadow King! You could never match up to his glory!"

"I'm not fighting him, I'm fighting you, bozo!" Holly dodged a punch, hooked her sickles around his arm, then swung herself up to kick him in the chin. She flipped back, then jumped into the swarm of blue petals. "And your times up." Lexx recovered and charged after her. "And fate frowns upon you."

With that phrase, the petals dispersed into blue sparkles. Once he could clearly see the hallway, Lexx noticed two odd changes: he was near the giant hole he fired Mack out of…and the attack he fired earlier was barreling towards him.

He held his hands out and pushed against the dark spell, but his unprepared state sent him flying out of the hotel in a large explosion. He flew out of the smoke with his arms crossed over his face. He lowered them to see Holly flying out of the smoke with her fan.

Lexx sneered, then powered up his claws. "Fool! Attacking me in the air leaves you open!"

His eyes widened as something hit his shoulder. He looked behind and saw a purple whip of light clinging to his shoulder. He glared down and saw Mack waving at him. His other hand held the purple whip. "Elevator going down!" With a strong pull, he brought Lexx down to his level and sent him through the roof.

Holly used her fan as a glider and slowed her descent down to him. "Nice move."

Mack pulled the whip back and it reverted into his three-section staff. He spun the weapon around skillfully before catching it in both hands, resting against his nape. He snickered. "Nice distraction."

The roof crumbled at their feet. They jumped away as Lexx leaped out of the roof, with an array of Spears of Darkness surrounding him. He fired the spears at the two. They dodged and blocked the spears, while also keeping any stray ones from flying into the crowd below as they gathered near the building.

Mack sneered. "Ugh, first sign of danger and people decide it's a matinee they weren't invited to!" He spun his staff and destroyed three Spears of Darkness.

"Then let's wrap this up quickly!" Holly suggested as she swung her fan and destroyed several spears in a powerful gust. "Ravenfield and his team may need our help!"

Mack smirked. "Time to give this guy a real fright! Timor Persona!" Mack's fear persona rose up from the ground, laughing with delight.

Lexx charged at the two with his claws at the ready. "I cannot afford to fail my master!"

Mack laughed. "Your debt's about to skyrocket then! Stalking Presence!" He pulled both his arms back, then thrusted them into his persona's stomach. They passed through like the body was made of water.

Underneath Lexx's shadow, two Sudowoodo arms reached out and grappled him by the legs. Lexx gasped and fell over. He growled and tried to shake off the arms. "Where the hell did these come from?!"

Mack grinned deviously. "Now to really turn up the heat!" He pulled back, dragging Lexx into his own shadow.

Lexx dug his claws into the ground to anchor himself, but the Sudowoodo was remarkably strong. "What are you doing?!" He sank into his shadow, which disappeared along with him. He was pulled out of the persona's body before being held captive by it.

Mack let him go, then slammed his hands together. "Phobia Rem: Pyro!"

Lexx's eyes widened as the persona laughed evilly, turning itself into a blazing fire that wrapped around the possessed Ursaring. He roared out in pain, trying to pull the sentient flames off. Quickly healing off the injuries didn't stop the pain that was consuming him.

Mack stepped back with his arms crossed, admiring his handy work. "Well, I say we're wrapping this up nicely." He smirked at Holly. "Care to do the honors?"

She nodded. "Get your spell ready. I'll whittle him down."

He bowed to his friend and stepped back. "Have at it, my dear."

Holly stepped up to Lexx and crouched down with a cold expression. The possessed Ursaring glared up at her as the fire continued to damage him. "Still think we're weak and pathetic mortals?"

Lexx growled. "Just you wait…your friend will give his heart to evil! The darkness shall consume him! Once he feels that power, he'll never want to part with it! Power is what he wants! Power is what you all desire! You can't fight a desire! The temptation to become a god! He'll submit to our master! He'll never crawl out from the abyss of temptation once he tastes that power!"

Holly stared at him unchangingly. She stood up, then lit her left eye up. "Sensitiva Cultro: Tange."

Lexx bared his teeth and roared out in agony as the flames, which were already painful enough, were now bombarding his cells murderously. She was now overloading his sense of touch, ergo increasing his pain.

"The Grim Ash Clan desires to be the strongest," Holly said through the bear's screams. "That was our goal through our creation, our corruption, and our redemption. Nothing has changed our desire for power. Maybe you're right. Under the right circumstances, Griffin could be corrupted by that temptation." She glared. "But I wouldn't expect something like you to understand the mind of a Pokémon, especially someone like Griffin." She reared her foot back and kicked him across the cheek, amplifying the pain against him.

"But do you know what else we desire? Something we desire more than power." She lifted her leg and stomped on his back. He clawed through the roof as the pain built up. "Vengeance. We want to find the sick bastard who destroyed our home, killed our families, and left us to perish to settle his own sick ideology." She stomped on the mercenary repeatedly, unfazed by the fact she was torturing him by this point. "We've abandoned the Grim Ash Clan's desire to be redeemed. We don't act to kill the innocent…" She glared evilly. "But we have no trouble killing heartless freaks like you to satisfy our bloodlust."

Lexx struggled to push himself up, glaring furiously at the Lurantis. "You…You're not a Pokémon. You're…much, much worse…"

Holly narrowed her eyes. "We're simply agents of cruelty. We do the things the innocent can't bring themselves to do. We protect the innocent…and punish the guilty." She stepped back. "Let's end this, Mack!"

The fire finally flew off Lexx and reformed into Mack's fear persona. Lexx pushed himself up, panting in exhaustion. His body tingled with agony. Every nerve and cell of his being was screaming out to him. He rose to his feet and attempted to raise his arm for another attack.

But they weren't allowing him.

"Execution Formation: Iron Maiden!"

Lexx looked forward and saw a magic circle appear behind Mack, who stood with his arms crossed. An iron maiden rose up from the magic circle, with the face of a Gardevoir. Mack laughed and spread his arms out, commanding the execution device to open up, revealing the spikes inside.

Lexx stepped back. "Wha-?!"

"This spell requires quite a few conditions to be used. I have to weaken my opponent to where they're close to collapsing, then I have to judge them to make sure they're guilty or not. I may be a cruel bastard, but I'm a fair judge of character. And the way I see it…" He smirked villainously. "Oh buddy…seems you have an appointment with the maiden." He threw his arms forward. "Reel him in!"

Purple chains sprung from the iron maiden and latched onto the bear's arms and legs. Lexx tried to break free, but the chains were constricting around his body, too. They limited his ability to move. He flung himself wildly, trying to escape.

"Is that panic I see?" Mack asked. He chuckled. "Ooh, you look scared." He closed his eyes, then made a light gesture, commanding the iron maiden to drag him in.

"No, no, no, no, NO!" Lexx screamed as he was pulled off the ground and flung towards the execution device. He slammed inside the contraption, gasping as spikes stabbed into his back.

He growled furiously as Holly and Mack stepped in front of him with cold expressions. "I think we've had our fun."

"Don't want to spoil it all in one go," Mack said with a snicker.

"Now, if you'll excuse us, we have some Pokémon to help." Holly turned away and started walking. "Kill him."

Mack shrugged and turned his back on Lexx, following his friend. Lexx bared his teeth and shouted at the top of his lungs, "You think you've won?! You haven't bested me yet, vile lowlifes! You insignificant lifeforms are no match for the shadows! If it is not I who shall slay you, another will take my place and end you all! Do you hear me?! YOU WILL ALL DIE-!" The iron maiden's doors slammed shut, ending his desperate speech.

Holly and Mack stared at the iron maiden with disinterest. Mack, of course, offered a mocking grin. "Yeesh, did he ever shut up?"

Holly rolled her eyes, then stared at the blood dripping through. "He's not our problem anymore. Get rid of him."

"Done and done." Mack stepped back as his fear persona rose up behind him. It lunged forward, pulled its fist back, and punched it off the roof, sending it flying across the city.

As Mack's persona vanished and the Sudowoodo dusted his hands off proudly, Holly gave him a look of infuriated disapproval. "I meant dispose of the body, not toss it away."

Mack shrugged. "What's done is done. Now come on, they said to meet at the volcano. I don't know about you, but I'm kind of curious to see what's got them so riled up." He jumped off the roof.

Holly rolled her eyes, then followed after him. Just hang in, Griffin. Prove to us you're not the violent warrior others claim you are.

"…a desire for power is not something so easy to explain," Griffin eventually answered. He raised his teacup and took a sip. "Frankly, it's a long-accumulated series of passions that manifested in a strong urge to take." He closed his eyes. "I take power, I get stronger."

Seraphina sipped her tea, then set it down with a curious expression. "I see. So, you are motivated by the desire to grow stronger?" She narrowed her eyes. "But a simple goal such as that is not found without an ulterior motive. One does not desire to be the strongest if they didn't have an end goal in mind."

Griffin scoffed. "What do you know?"

"I was not raised on the same morals as you. The Grim Ash Clan isn't my home, so the teachings you lived under are not for me to question." She took a biscuit. "However, with the extinction of your clan, it's clear that you are motivated by anger. It feeds into the Hatred Anima you were born with. The much stronger that emotion becomes, the greater the output. It's a mindset you've adopted for years, haven't you?"

Griffin glared at the ground. "…maybe. So?"

"Utilizing rage in your power is normally a poor tactic, as it clouds the state of mind. However, you're a different case, as rage is part of who you are. It is not something you should suppress, but embrace. I encourage you to utilize your rage to grow stronger."

Griffin looked up. "There's a 'but' to this, isn't there?"

Seraphina smirked. "Sharp wit. However, the rage you use is different. You're motivated by…revenge." Griffin glared angrily. "Ah yes, someone hurt you deeply. A wound has been inflicted on your soul, leaving but a scar surrounded in tragic memories." She narrowed her eyes. "I take that you are on a journey to take vengeance on the one who wronged you. You wish to take their life to avenge the loss of your people."

"…you seem to have all the answers laid out," Griffin commented quietly. "All of this…from a few facial expressions?"

Seraphina chuckled. "I'm much more knowledgeable than you think. Only a select few know of what happened to Monsoon Village many years ago, myself and my fellow mages included." She folded her arms over the coffee table and leaned forward. "Tell me who hurt you."

Griffin narrowed his eyes. "…you think I'm just gonna trust you?"

"I took you in. You're still alive, aren't you?" She raised a brow. "I eliminate all who pose a threat to the Idol of Origin. Another lost soul won't change my own beliefs."

Griffin blinked slowly, then folded his arms in his lap. "He was a traveling warrior from what he told us. We didn't think much of it. He took residence in our village for six months. He took the time to secretly train me. It was nice having another mentor to teach me to fight, but…I never felt comfortable around him. I've taken notice that his fighting style was brutal and wielded destructive potential. I felt scared wondering what he would be like as an enemy."

Seraphina narrowed her eyes. "And an enemy he became?"

Griffin closed his eyes. "We were stupid to trust an outsider. Because we tried to be a reformed clan, we let our guard down and suffered the consequences. All that remained was me and my two friends, Holly and Mack." He opened his eyes and stared down at his tea. "Nothing makes sense anymore."

"How so?"

"As a child, I thought the world was about fairness and just acts. Instead…it's a cruel, metaphorical wasteland waiting to give you one bad day." Griffin sighed. "I was a fool to think kindness would get you anywhere." He glared. "So, I abandoned those thoughts, retained my morals, and sought out to take on the ways of my clan from the past: slaughter all evil that stands in my way, grow stronger, then murder the bastard who took my family away."

Seraphina nodded with understanding. "You feel entitled to avenge the death of your family."

"My whole family…everyone in that village was close. We all stemmed from the same family tree. Holly and Mack are part of a long lineage of powerful fighters, just like me. We come from the same bloodline. We share the same ancestors." He closed his eyes. "They've been my only friends for the past thirteen years."

Seraphina frowned sympathetically, then reached out to touch his shoulder. He froze up in response. "My dear child, how you've lost so much. Your clan, your family, and your innocence." She pulled back and asked, "Do you see the whole world as a dark, foreboding place?"

Griffin looked away and shrugged. "Maybe…I don't know. I've given up thinking the world is a nice place."

Seraphina narrowed her eyes gently. She set her biscuit down and stood up, catching Griffin's attention. "You never told me your name, bounty hunter."

Griffin glared lightly and looked down. "Law of the bounty hunter: never reveal your true identity."

"You've already told me the names of your friends. They, too, are bounty hunters." Seraphina looked over her shoulder. "Perhaps you grew too comfortable down here."

Griffin blinked, then groaned in annoyance. He did just blather out Holly and Mack's names without thinking. He was letting his guard down so stupidly.

Seraphina giggled behind her sleeve, then walked towards her fireplace. She snapped her fingers and ignited a fire in the logs. Arms folded behind her back, she stared into the fire as the flames waved smoothly. The light of the fire reflected off her eyes as she stared thoughtfully.

"…my name is Griffin Everfall."

The mage nodded. "Ah. Well, Griffin Everfall, let me share my perspective on this 'cruel' world." She raised her hand. Flames swirled around her fingers. She played with the fire as it slithered between her fingers and around her hand. "What I see…is a world influenced by a great war. A war that…changed everything."

She threw her hand out and commanded the flames in the fireplace to fly out. Griffin crossed his arms defensively, but lowered them once he realized the flames had no intention to hurt him. They, instead, shaped in front of him and took on the shape of rough images. Flames depicting Pokémon at war with scary creatures that towered over them. These flames reminded him of the boss shadow.

An army of shadows.

Seraphina continued to speak as she manipulated the fire with her hand raised, keeping her eyes on the fireplace. "The shadows were creatures of malevolent intent. We were at a disadvantage." The monstrous fire rose up and fired 'energy beams' at the 'Pokémon', destroying them on the spot. "We were defenseless." The monstrous fire expression laughter as they lobbed fireballs across the coffee table.

"Until the dawn of a new era arise." The center of the table erupted with flames, pushing back the shadows. Flames shaped like Pokémon rose once more, this time wielding staffs and wearing wizardly robes. "Magic was introduced to the world, bringing on a new realm of possibilities." The flaming Pokémon clapped their hands together and casted a spell that banished the fire shadows away, dispersing into smoke.

The flames splashed down on the table became a rough shape of the Mysto Region. "Magic spread through the air, changing our world as we drew more from it. With these changes came new challenges to explore. Magic became a rich resource for everyday life." Traveler shaped flames hopped between the borders of the individual zones. "Our world, like Pokémon, was evolving."

The flames swirled and took on a villainous appearance. "With the rise in good came the rise of evil. Pirates, bandits, thieves, murders…they were a common occurrence. A threat to our lives." The flames took a different shape, not quite as villainous. "Bounty hunters, hitmen, assassins, treasure hunters…they're goals lie with their own morals." The flames shaped to gentle spirits. "Mages, wizards, sorcerers…their mission is to protect this world from harm.

"You see, Griffin Everfall, we live in a world of constant change. The world as we know is in flux. The only ones who can right our wrongs are those willing to take the extra mile."

She snapped her fingers and dispersed the flames. Griffin waved the smoke from his face, then glanced over at Seraphina as she stepped away from the fireplace.

"Why did you show me this?"

The mage narrowed her eyes. "…it's like I said: a secret of this magnitude could cause chaos. We live in a world where trust is divided. Pirates and bandits are very real threats. Corrupted magicians are a danger. And now the Pokémon's greatest enemy is rising from the grave and exacting its revenge." She looked down at him. "Who do you suppose will take the stand and save everyone?"

Griffin glared. "What about you? You said there were ten mages protecting these keys." He stood up. "If the world is in danger, why aren't you doing anything about it? You're worthy enough to guard these keys. Surely you all have the power to stop them."

Seraphina folded her arms together. She sighed and turned away. "I don't blame you for bringing that up. Yes, why would the ten mages assigned to protect these keys not be the ones tasked to eliminate the shadows? It seems so obvious." She narrowed her eyes sadly. "And yet, it isn't."

Griffin's eyes widened in confusion. "What?"

Seraphina paced around the room. "There are some secrets I shouldn't say, for I see a future you are destined to accomplish. However, if what my master says is true, then the Mages of Origin will lose the fight against the Shadow King."

"Wha…on what grounds?"

Seraphina closed her eyes. "My master comes from a long line of fortune tellers with near accurate predictions. Believe what you will, but I've seen them firsthand. They are as true as can be." She sighed. "We wouldn't be strong enough."

Griffin narrowed his eyes. "So, are you saying our whole planet might be in danger?"

"Yes…and no." Before Griffin could ask what she meant, a Fire Guardian appeared before her and bowed. Seraphina narrowed her eyes at it, as if having a mental discussion with it. She nodded to it as it vanished. She held her hand out. "It would seem we have guests."

An orb of fire formed in her hand before revealing an image. Griffin leaned forward to see. The fire orb showed Team Ravenfield entering through the temple entrance and running through the halls, passing through the previous carnage.

Seraphina looked at Griffin. "Are these friends of yours?"

Griffin narrowed his eyes. "…no, they're not."

"Do you know them?"

"…yes."

"Are they an ally or enemy?"

"…I don't know…"

Seraphina closed her eyes and dispelled the orb. "It'll be some time before they reach my chamber." She turned away from Griffin. "The world as we know it may be in danger. However, if, and only if, someone could step up to take a stand…we might see peace once again."

Griffin narrowed his eyes, then looked to the fireplace as it blazed and crackled. His arms fell limp against his sides as he stared intensely at the flames, his brow lowered into a questioning gaze.

"Those five…they're putting their lives on the line to save all Pokémon." She shook her head. "They don't know what they're getting themselves into. They could very well die before they reach the next key. A sad thought."

Griffin's eyes widened. He didn't care too much for them, but…Ella. He was the first Pokémon outside his normal group that spoke to him like a person. His eyes lowered questionably. Looking back, he nearly cut their mission short from being tricked the way he was. A ragtag team of Pokémon working together to stop a threat from rising and he nearly cut their lives short.

"There's more to life than seeking vengeance, Griffin Everfall. I will not fault you, nor discourage your mission. However, once that vengeance is fulfilled, what is next? Restore your clan? Or do you wish to pursue a new goal?" She looked over her shoulder. "Let me ask you something: do you still plan to take the key from me?"

Griffin glimpsed at her for a moment, then looked back at the fire. "…yes."

"Then what, should you win? Give it to them? Keep it? Sell it? Destroy it?" She narrowed her eyes. "Or do you still wish to fulfil your end of the deal with that shadow?"

Griffin clenched his fist tightly. His glare could be felt by the flames of the fireplace, as they were pushed back by his intense aura.

"Griffin Everfall, you now face a lifechanging realization where the world rests solely on the outcome of today and from now on until a victor is decided. Pokémon or shadows. When all is said and done, how will you contribute?"