Welcome to chapter 26 of Pocket Monsters: Shattered Souls! Thank you for reading the story up to this point and I hope you enjoy the chapter! Please view the message at the end of the chapter! Thank you!

CHAPTER 26

Sabrina's declaration left both Ayden and Nami stunned. Out of the two of them, Ayden was the only one who couldn't believe Sabrina would do something like this. However, after witnessing her demeanor, he could tell she was serious.

Nami clenched her teeth. All this time, all these years, she finally showed her true colors; and she picked the wrong time to do it. This was it. She wasn't the inexperienced little girl from before. It was time to get revenge.

She laid Shirufu down onto the floor and stood up. The rage she had been harboring for eight years had reached its boiling point. Now was the time to unleash it. "Not interested, huh? Then, I'll just have to make you get interested!"

She dashed toward Sabrina before Ayden had a chance to stop her. Not that anything he said would do any good. With her fists clenched, she only had one thing on her mind.

Sabrina sighed and raised her hand. Her eyes glowed and she released a psychic blast that struck Nami in the stomach, knocking her back.

She sat up and growled, as she slammed her fists on the floor. "You're gonna pay for that!"

Ayden tried to help her, but she slapped his hand away. "Stay out of this! Don't you dare interfere! No matter what! This bitch is mine!"

She did a kip-up and made another attempt at her, but Sabrina stopped her with her powers. Nami struggled as Sabrina lifted her up and tightened her grip. Her bones cracked and she could feel her consciousness slipping. She wondered why she couldn't get her revenge and cursed herself for being too weak. She apologized to her dad before passing out.

Ayden had hoped it wouldn't come to this. He wanted to get to the bottom of why Sabrina was with Team Chaos. That had to wait. He had to help Nami. "Piik, Thunderbolt!"

Before Piik charged her attack, Sabrina used her powers and froze them as well. She lifted them up into the air and shook her head. "It didn't have to be this way. Even though I knew it would. I had no interest in the girl. If she had stayed quiet, she wouldn't have gotten hurt."

Ayden and Piik struggled against her powers, but were just as helpless as Nami was. "What do you plan on doing?"

Sabrina looked up at him and tightened her grip. "I've had visions about you, boy. I was hoping to see if there was any meaning behind them. Unfortunately, you've only managed to disappoint me. Turns out I was just overthinking things. So, I'll be handing both of you over to Captain Mashira."

Ayden felt his insides being crushed and he could barely keep his eyes open. He still had no idea what happened. Why was she with Team Chaos? There had to be a reason behind it all. If only he could've gotten to the bottom of it.

Piik glared at Sabrina and tried her best to charge up for an attack. How could she turn on them like that? They fought alongside each other against Black Fog. Now she was with the people who are after Ayden? This was beyond unforgivable. If she could just launch one attack, they could break free.

Her grunts turned to screams as Sabrina overpowered her. A tear fell as she lamented the thought that she couldn't protect Ayden.

She and Ayden lost consciousness and Sabrina dropped them to the floor. She stared at their motionless bodies and sighed. "Honestly, I was hoping there would be more to you than this. Perhaps my visions were wrong."

As she proceeded to lift them up with her powers again, her powers were canceled out. Her eyes widened as she felt a strong aura emerge from Ayden. Her heart pounded in anticipation as she realized it was the same aura from her visions.

The branding on Ayden's back glowed and his eyes shot open. They had changed to blue in the left and gold in the right. He stood up and stared at Sabrina with a calm demeanor.

Sabrina smiled as she felt a wave of Ayden's aura rush through her. She never felt anything so cleansing before in her life. "It's you. The one from my visions."

Ayden smiled. "Ah, the young lady from the tower. Hello again. Mind telling me why you're attacking this boy, and what exactly you were planning on doing with that fragment?"

Sabrina pulled the fragment from her pouch and showed him, causing him to flinch and take a step backward. "As expected, I figured you'd be able to sense it was nearby. This was in case I needed to protect myself from you. I can already tell you're more powerful than I am, and I've been told this suppresses your powers."

Ayden shrugged. "I see. I suppose I can't blame you for trying to be prepared. Well, I'd rather we didn't fight. You seem to be a good person, according to Ayden. So, why don't you put that away and let's talk this out, okay?"

Sabrina tightened her grip on the fragment and stared at Ayden's calm demeanor. His smile did indicate he didn't want to battle, but she had to make absolutely sure. She couldn't afford any mistakes.

Sabrina continued to hold up the fragment. "I'm glad we're on the same page. I'd rather not fight either. However, how can I know I can trust you?"

Ayden crossed his arms and thought for a moment. "I guess there's no way for you to. However, if you put this boy's life in danger in any way… I will not show any mercy."

Sabrina's eyes widened in fear as Ayden's smile disappeared. His aura changed from comforting to the most bone-chilling murderous intent she'd ever felt. She trembled and gasped for air as she felt his otherworldly aura grow stronger. She already knew he had more power than she did, but now she knew there was never any comparison.

Ayden withdrew his aura, leaving Sabrina coughing and taking in deep breaths. "So, are we in agreement?"

Sabrina looked up at him, wondering what exactly he was. If that was a warning, she didn't want to find out what his serious looked like. She thought for certain she was about to die. When she caught her breath and wiped away her sweat, she nodded and put the fragment away.

Ayden took a deep breath and sighed. "Fantastic. Now that we both can breathe again, what's all this about? I don't recall you being a part of Team Chaos the last time we saw each other."

Sabrina and walked up to him. "There have been events that have transpired recently that I'm uncertain about. I've lost my memories, and have been told I've been with this organization to hunt you down. However, these visions I keep having tell a different story. I've fought beside you before, haven't I?"

Ayden stared at her, analyzing everything from her facial expressions, to the aura she emitted. Just as he suspected, she wasn't lying. She wanted nothing more than to simply learn the truth.

He nodded. "Yes, you have."

After he had explained all they had done together, Sabrina held her head as she tried to remember the events he described. However, each of her memories flashed before her in broken fragments. No matter how hard she tried, she couldn't remember them properly.

She shook and fell to her knees. She strained and yelled as she tried to piece together one full memory. However, it yielded the same results as before. "Why? Why can't I remember any of it? Every time I try, everything becomes blank."

Ayden walked up to her. "Here, let me see something."

He placed his hand on her forehead and closed his eyes. He peered into her mind and was shown visions of her past that led up to her memories being erased.

Sabrina's eyes widened as she felt her mind open up, and she saw all the visions Ayden did. All the pain and frustration she just felt had dissipated. She closed her eyes and allowed the calm to take over.

Ayden opened his eyes and took a deep breath. "I see. So, that's the story."

Sabrina opened her eyes and looked at him. Her heartbeat increased as she realized what she just saw. "Those were… my memories?"

Mendy and Nathan struggled against the psychics as they led them down the hallways into a room. Their hands were bound behind them and they had been stripped of all their pokémon.

Mendy couldn't believe, after all they did to try and help, they were caught so easily. She racked her brain trying to come up with a way out of the situation, but nothing seemed to work.

In desperation, she resisted her captors and tried to stop walking.

One of the psychics slammed Mendy against a wall. "Hey, quit fighting back and keep moving!"

Nathan took notice and turned to them. "Hey! Leave her alone!"

Before he could do anything, he was forced onto the floor. One of the psychics grinned. "What's this? Trying to be a hero? You should worry more about yourself. You're in the same situation she is. So, I'd cut it out if I were you. If we wanted to, we could rip you both apart with our powers, but Captain Mashira ordered you all to be captured alive. Now, get up!"

Complying with their captors' wishes, Mendy and Nathan offered little resistance as they were led to their destination. One of the psychics opened the door, and the others pushed Mendy and Nathan inside.

Using the momentum from the fall, Nathan did a kip-up and charged at the psychics, only for them to stop him with their powers.

He strained and yelled as they increased the pressure on his body. "We told you to cut it out with the hero crap! Do you want to be made an example of?"

Mendy's eyes widened as Nathan screamed. "Stop it! Enough! We'll cooperate! Just let him go!"

The psychic released him and he fell to his side.

Mendy got up and ran to him. "Nathan? You okay? Say something?"

Nathan groaned. He'd never felt anything like that before. His whole body felt like it'd been crushed by a black hole.

The psychic scoffed. "Let that be a lesson to you. Next time, we'll stop on our own discretion."

Mendy glared at them. There had to be something they could do to get out of this.

"Hey! Come on! Can't we talk about this?"

Mendy perked up when she heard a familiar voice. It came down the hallway and was coming closer. Her eyes widened when she saw Jin being escorted into the room. His hands were bound behind him as well.

"Come on! I'm trying to tell you! I was just looking for the restroom!"

One of the psychics pushed him into the room and he fell to the floor. "Would you shut up already?"

Mendy managed to smile. At least she knew one of her friends was safe. "Jin! Are you okay?"

Jin looked up and saw Mendy and Nathan. "Oh, hey, guys! They got you, huh?"

Mendy nodded. "Yeah. What about Ayden and Nami? What happened to them?"

Jin shook his head. "I don't know. I stepped on a warp tile right after you guys."

Mendy sighed. That didn't do much to lift her spirits, but it was something. "So, at least they're together, right?"

Jin nodded and smiled. "Yep. I'm sure of it. And they'll be able to help get us all out of this mess."

Nathan sprang up when he heard Nami's name and the fact that she was alone with Ayden. "What did you say? Nami's alone with Ayden? Right now?"

Jin gazed at him in shock. He thought for certain he was knocked out. "Uh, yeah, from what I last saw of them. That just means our chances of getting out of here just doubled. We're going to be okay."

Nathan felt his blood boil again. "No! This is terrible! Nami alone with Ayden is the worst thing that could happen!"

Mendy dropped her shoulders and gave him a deadpan stare. "Really? Out of this entire situation, that's what you choose to focus on?"

One of the psychics entered the room. "I wouldn't go around celebrating just yet. None of you are getting out of this in one piece. Our boss will make certain of that."

Jin glared at him. "Oh, yeah? Well, you haven't met our friends! One's a genius and the other's a martial arts master!"

The psychic laughed. "You really think that's going to save you? We have the region's most powerful psychic on our side, and she's on her way to meet up with your friends as we speak."

Mendy's and Jin's eyes widened in shock. They were both thinking the same thing.

The psychic smiled. "It would appear you've managed to figure it out. Your friends will be joining you shortly. In the meantime, we'll get you acquainted with our captain."

Mashira continued to watch as his subordinates searched through the floor. He tapped his foot as his anger rose. "How could it take this long to find it? Sabrina explicitly said it was on this floor. Why haven't they found it yet?"

As he thought about it, Amanda came up to him. "Sir, you have a call."

Mashira barely turned to her. "Who is it and what do they want?"

Amanda adjusted her glasses. "It's one of the psychics. They've captured the intruders, sir."

Mashira crossed his arms. "Is the Carrier among them?"

Amanda shook her head. "No, sir. Captain Sabrina hasn't come in with anything concerning the Carrier."

Mashira furrowed his brow. This didn't make any sense. She could easily take out anyone with her powers, especially with the boost they gave her. Why hasn't she reported in yet?

His eyes widened as a thought crossed his mind. He remembered her having headaches and all the questions she asked. Was it possible the effects of the drug were wearing off? He knew it was incomplete, but it should've kept her under wraps for the time being.

Another piece of the puzzle caused him to drop his shoulders. She told them the fragment was on this floor, but they still hadn't found it. Also, she volunteered to fight the Carrier alone. It was all a set up.

He turned to Amanda, and she took a step back as she saw pure rage emanating from his face. "Amanda! Gather up all the troops and have them head toward the top floor! Sabrina is there with the fragment!"

Amanda stuttered as Mashira stormed out of the room. "She has the fragment? What do you mean, sir?"

Mashira continued out the door. "I don't have time to explain! Just gather up the troops and get to the top floor now!"

Amanda saluted. "Y-Yes, sir! Of course!"

When she left, Mashira growled as he made his way to the stairs. "No one double-crosses me and gets away with it! I'll make you pay, Sabrina!"

Sabrina stood speechless as she recalled all Ayden had shown her. Tears welled up, but she shook with rage. "How? How could I let this happen? Everyone at the gym… I couldn't save any of them! Dammit!"

Ayden placed his hand on her shoulder. "It's okay. Now that you know the truth, you can help them."

Sabrina looked at him and saw his smile. For some reason, it helped calm her and she could think clearly again.

She wiped away her tears with her finger and took a deep breath. "Thank you. Yes, you're right. There's much to be done and we don't have much time. Please, lend me your strength in this fight."

Ayden shook his head. "I'm sorry. I'm sure Ayden will be able to help, but I will not. I'm running out of time."

Sabrina furrowed her brow. "Running out of time? What do you mean?"

Ayden placed his hands in the pockets of his jacket. "I can only take over Ayden's consciousness for so long before I start to put his very life in danger. The longer I stay in control, the more taxing it is on his body. That's why I've tried to intervene as little as possible. I don't have any healing abilities. So, his body has to recover on its own."

Ayden turned his attention on the hallway. He sensed the presence of several psychics approach the room. He knew they would make an appearance sooner or later. "Looks like we've got company."

Sabrina perked up when she sensed her troops approach the room. To think it took her that long to realize they were coming, and he figured it out before she did. "Yes, they're my students, and this is my responsibility. I'll handle them. Thank you for showing me the truth. Will you tell me who you really are?"

Ayden smiled. "I wish I could, but the less you know the better. For now, just know he has a very difficult road ahead of him. I hope you'll be there for him as a friend."

Sabrina nodded. "Of course. I'll do everything I can for him."

With a grateful smile, Ayden's eyes returned to their normal colors and the branding on his back stopped glowing. His body went limp and he fell forward into Sabrina's arms.

She smiled as she held him. "Such a mysterious boy. To have such a blessing and a curse placed on him at so young an age. Despite my powers, I can't even see how the future will turn out for you. Thank you for saving me."

"What… the hell… do you think you're doing? What did you do to him?"

Sabrina turned to see Nami staggering to get back on her feet. Her rage from earlier had not dissipated.

She stood on her feet and struck a fighting stance. "What did you do to him? Answer me!"

Sabrina continued to stare at Nami. It wouldn't have mattered what she said. She would never believe her or even give her an opportunity to explain. "It's all right. He's fine. He's just resting."

Nami gritted her teeth. "Put him down and get away from him now!"

Sabrina complied and laid Ayden on the floor. "Nami, you have to get him and your friends out of here."

Nami cracked her knuckles and loosened her shoulders. She may have let her guard down before, but she was ready for her this time. "Oh, I'll leave with them, just as soon as I kick your ass!"

She charged at Sabrina and threw a flurry of swift punches and kicks, but they all failed to land a hit. She continued with her strikes, not letting up for a second. She knew if she could just land one hit it'd be over.

Sabrina dodged each of her strikes without worry. With her powers, it was easy for her to predict where she'd strike next. However, she didn't have time for this. She had to get her and Ayden out of there before her students arrived.

She froze Nami with her powers, hoping to calm her down long enough to talk.

Nami struggled against her, but couldn't move an inch. Her anger rose as she realized this was playing out just like before. "Damn you! If you didn't have your powers, I'd have beaten you to a pulp by now!"

Sabrina sighed. After all she had done, she couldn't blame her for being angry, but now wasn't the time. "Nami, you have to listen to me. My students are coming here soon. You have to calm down and get out of here. I'll hold them off for you."

Nami growled. "Yeah, right! Why the hell should I trust you? After all you've put me through! After what you did to my gym… my dad! Give me one reason why I shouldn't bash your freaking face in!"

Sabrina stared at her, realizing words were not going to sway her. "There are bigger things happening right now than what you think happened."

She turned her attention to the doorway as her students arrived. Before they could make a move, Sabrina froze all of them.

As they struggled against her, she released Nami from her grip. "I'll deal with them. You have to get Ayden and yourself out of here. Your friends are being held on the seventh floor. Go to them quickly!"

Nami's eyes widened. "What did you say?"

One of her students gritted his teeth. "Captain Sabrina! How could you betray us like this?"

Sabrina stared at her students and knew she had to do whatever it took to get them back to how they were. Everything would go back to normal starting now.

She turned to Nami. "Go! What are you waiting for?"

Nami stared at the situation, but couldn't believe her eyes. Was she really not with Team Chaos, or was it some kind of act? She could easily be walking into a trap, but she couldn't ignore the possibility that Mendy was in trouble.

She put Ayden's arm around her shoulder and acted as his crutch, picked up Piik, and headed for the door. She stopped just as she made it to the entrance. "Just so you know, this doesn't change a damn thing. As soon as I know Mendy's safe, I'm coming back to kick your ass, got it?"

With that, she exited the room and ignored the cries of Sabrina's students as they demanded she stay.

She trudged down the stairs while adjusting Ayden on her shoulder and looked over at him as he slept. "I don't know what she did to you, but I may need you to wake up soon."

Mendy, Jin, and Nathan sat and watched the psychics as they each reached for their earpieces.

Jin leaned in toward Mendy. "What do you think they're talking about?"

Mendy shook her head. "I don't know, but I don't like it. They haven't said much."

Nathan furrowed his brow. This was his chance. If he could sneak up on them, he could knock each of them out.

As he stood up, Mendy turned to him. "What do you think you're doing? Sit down before they see you."

Nathan gave her a confused look. "What are you talking about? This is a great opportunity. We can take 'em all out now."

"What? Captain Sabrina has betrayed us?"

All three turned their attention to the psychics as they all had been thrown into a frenzy. One of the psychics touched his earpiece. "Are you certain? She took the fragment for herself? This doesn't make any sense. Why would she do that?"

Amanda's voice came through. "I'm not sure. We have orders from Captain Mashira to report to the top floor and confront her now."

The psychics looked at each other, then at Mendy's group. "What about the hostages? We can't just leave them alone. Shall we get rid of them?"

Amanda spoke again. "Negative. Take them back to the base in Hoenn. They can be used as bargaining chips if nothing else."

The psychic nodded. "Understood. We'll transport the hostages to Hoenn and meet you up at the top floor shortly."

Jin's eyes widened. "What did he just say?"

Mendy couldn't believe her ears either. She didn't expect them to make a move like that.

He and the other psychics turned their attention to Mendy, Jin, and Nathan. "Looks like things have taken a little turn. So, you all are going on a trip."

Mendy, Jin, and Nathan moved closer to each other as he approached them with his hand outstretched.

Mendy's heart beat increased as he moved closer. She closed her eyes and braced herself, hoping Ayden and Nami would come to their rescue.

Sabrina's students continued to struggle against her grip, but to no avail. When struggling didn't work, they shouted for her to release them, called her a traitor, and mentioned how she would suffer the consequences for her actions.

Sabrina ignored them. She had more important matters to focus on. She took a deep breath and closed her eyes. Her mind scanned the layout of the building as well as the surrounding area, searching for all of her students; making certain all of them were in her sights.

When she had sensed each one of them and pinpointed their locations, she opened her eyes and let loose her psychic powers. Her eyes glowed and waves of psychic pressure emanated from her.

The waves traveled throughout the building until they reached her targets. All her students were thrown into a frenzy as they felt the waves enter their bodies like an electric current. The halls of the building were filled with their screams as she invaded their minds and bent them to her will.

Mendy, Jin, and Nathan watched in horror as the psychic held his head and screamed. He banged his head against the wall and then fell to his knees. "Get out! Get out! Get out of my head! It hurts! Get out!"

Mendy turned her attention to the other psychics as they writhed on the floor. "I don't get it. What's going on with them?"

Jin shook his head. "Your guess is as good as mine. I have no freaking clue."

Nathan, initially stunned by the whole ordeal, managed to bring his focus back on the situation. "Well, whatever it is, it just gave us a great opportunity to get out of here."

Amanda caught on to what Sabrina was doing and fought back. She countered Sabrina's efforts with shockwaves of her own. When their waves connected, she communicated with Sabrina psychically. "Captain Sabrina! What is the meaning of this? Why have you betrayed Team Chaos?"

Sabrina kept up the pressure as best she could. "I didn't betray Team Chaos! We've never been a part of it! They captured us and forced us into this operation against our will! I'm a gym leader and you're my student! You have to help me fight them off!"

Amanda shook her head. "Nonsense! We have been Team Chaos operatives for years! You're a decorated soldier! I don't know what's gotten into you, but I will stop you, and you will hand over the Red Chain fragment! For the pride of Team Chaos!"

Sabrina had no other choice; Amanda had no idea who she was before all this. "I'm sorry, Amanda, but if talking to you won't bring you back, then I'll have to bring you back by force!"

She gritted her teeth and doubled her output. She had to do whatever it took to get her students back.

Amanda felt the pressure against her strengthen, but was able to still stand against it. She couldn't go down now. Not after they were so close to completing the operation. She had to keep fighting and win.

She doubled her output and matched Sabrina's. "Captain Sabrina! Team Chaos does not tolerate traitors, and you will answer for your crimes! This is unbecoming of you! I urge you to surrender now, and I will do my best to work out a lenient punishment for you!"

Sabrina screamed as her powers took their toll on her body. The mental strain to combat a dozen psychics rose to the point she felt her brain would split in two.

In the midst of the power struggle, she thought about how Team Chaos took her gym, how she lost her students and her best friend. She thought about how Amanda didn't let anyone talk badly of her. When Mendy came to the gym as a kid demanding a battle, Amanda nearly tossed her out when she started hurling insults. She had to do whatever it took to get her friend back.

A tear fell down as she thought about all the time they spent together. "Urge me to surrender? Screw that! Amanda! You're more than just my student! You're my best friend! I'm sorry I wasn't there to help defend the gym! I'm sorry I put you all in danger! But you're all my precious students, and I will do whatever it takes to save you all! Even if it costs me my life!"

Amanda's eyes widened as a memory flashed before her. She couldn't remember what it was, but somehow, she felt it resonated with Sabrina's words. "Sabrina?"

Sabrina doubled down on her output again and the force of her powers shook the building. Windows shattered and the electricity to the entire building went out under the immense pressure.

The veins in her arms ruptured, she coughed up blood, and her eyes bled. Regardless, she kept up the pressure and knew she only had to endure a little bit longer.

Her students succumbed to the pressure and collapsed on the floor. The chips implanted on them, as well as the collars around their necks, burst into fragments.

When she felt the last of her students fall, she stopped her powers and relaxed her body. She gasped for air and froze when she felt the recoil of her actions. Her body had never felt a backlash from her powers like this before.

She smiled. She didn't care how her body ended up, as long as she was able to protect her students and her best friend. Her thoughts transitioned to Ayden and the power inside him. "Thank you… Ayden… the rest… is up… to you."

With that, she fell forward and passed out.

Nami and Ayden made it out of the stairwell and onto the tenth floor. Just like the other floors, no one was around, and Nami hoped it stayed that way.

Nami looked at Ayden and stopped walking when he stirred. "Well, look who decided to wake up?"

Ayden looked around with half-opened eyes. "Where… are we? What happened?"

Nami eased him off her shoulders and leaned him against the wall. "We're on the tenth floor. Sabrina attacked us, remember? Don't know why, but she didn't finish us off. She only wanted us to get out of here; which I don't believe for a second. She must have something up her sleeve. Some kind of trap she wants to spring on us."

Ayden held his head and tried to think back, but his memory became fuzzy. He felt like he was talking to Sabrina, but not as himself.

He took notice that Nami was holding Piik. "How's she doing?"

Nami shook her head as she handed Piik to him. "I'm not too sure. She hasn't woken up. I think her previous battle with Electrode and Sabrina's attack might've exhausted her."

Ayden nodded. Piik had been doing quite a bit. She'd earned a good rest. "So, what now?"

Nami clenched her fists. "Team Chaos caught Mendy and the others. Sabrina said they're being held on the seventh floor. We have to go to them now."

Ayden clenched his fists. He couldn't believe Team Chaos had gotten to his friends. He had to help them before anything happened. He turned to Nami and nodded. "You're right. We have to get going."

As Nami continued down the hall, he stood up, but his legs gave out and he fell to the floor. He felt sore and light-headed. Even trying to stand up made him dizzy.

Nami turned to him. "Come on! What're you waiting for? Get up!"

Ayden took deep breaths and tried to analyze the situation. No matter how he sliced it, they had to split up. He looked up at Nami. "Okay, go ahead to the others. I'll catch up."

Nami hesitated. She wanted nothing more than to go to Mendy and make sure she was okay, but for some reason, she couldn't bring herself to leave.

Ayden furrowed his brow as she just stood there. "Go on! Hurry!"

Nami clenched her teeth and slammed her fists against the wall. "Yeah, and leave you all alone? I'm not going to have you getting captured on my conscience! Now, get up!"

Ayden stared at her. He didn't have time to debate. He needed to make sure everyone was safe. If that meant for him to be left behind, then so be it. "We're wasting time talking like this. I can barely move and I'd only slow you down. I'll be fine. Don't worry."

"Well, well, well, what do we have here? A couple of kids snooping around where they shouldn't be?"

Ayden and Nami turned their attention to the voice that came from down the hallway. With the lights blown out, the hallway was shrouded in darkness, and they could only hear the sound of boots stomping on the floor.

Nami reached for a pokéball. "Who's there? Show yourself!"

Mashira laughed as he emerged out of the shadows, and Ayden and Nami stared at his muscular physique. He yanked a flask from his belt, took a swig, and stared at Nami. "Well, little girl, my name is Mashira. I'm a captain in Team Chaos and the leader of this operation. Now, here's a question for you. What are you doing here?"

He gazed over at Ayden and his eyes widened. Silver hair with a blue-cheeked Pikachu. He'd found him. He'd found the Carrier. All he had to do was get past this girl and get him over to the headquarters. He just needed to knock him out before he could activate any of his weird powers.

Nami grinned as she watched Mashira take one swig from his flask after another. This was a Team Chaos captain? He looked like someone they just picked off the street.

She popped her knuckles. "So, the big honcho decided to show up, huh? Well, seems to me if I beat you, then all your subordinates will go down too. I'll make this quick since I'm in a hurry."

Ayden stared at Mashira as he staggered to get on his feet. Something wasn't right? Why was he getting this ominous feeling? "Hey, Nami. Keep on your guard. Don't underestimate this guy. Let me battle with you."

Nami scoffed. "Don't bother. Like you said, you'd only slow me down."

Mashira drank from his flask and grinned. "Oh? So, you think you can take me on all by yourself, little girl?"

Nami smiled. "Oh, trust me, I'll be more than enough to take you down."

Mashira reached for a pokéball. "Well then, let's test that out. Go!"

He tossed his pokéball and it popped open revealing a Pangoro. The dark gray bipedal pokémon, resembling a large panda, roared and beat its chest as it gazed down on Nami and Ayden.

Nami took a step back. "What the hell? I've never seen a pokémon like that before!"

Ayden furrowed his brow. "That's a Pangoro. It's a fighting and dark type. Heracross would be a good match up for it."

Nami stopped him. "Yeah, no thanks. I've got this. Go, Staryu!"

Staryu emerged and gazed at its opposition.

Mashira took another swig from his flask and he chuckled. "That's real cute, little girl. Is that really what you want to fight me with?"

Nami grinned. "Yeah, Staryu's more than enough to deal with the likes of you. Staryu, Water Gun!"

Staryu jumped into the air and fired a stream of water at Pangoro. It landed a direct hit on its face, and Staryu continued to shower Pangoro with its attack.

Nami's grin turned into a smile. "Yeah, that's the way, Staryu! Now, follow up with Bubblebeam!"

Staryu stopped the Water Gun and moved straight into launching a flurry of bubbles. Every bubble hit Pangoro and exploded on contact, leaving a cloud of smoke around its face.

Nami placed her hand on her hips. This was turning out easier than she thought. "Way to go, Staryu! That's showing 'em!"

Ayden became worried when he noticed Mashira hadn't ordered Pangoro to do anything. He just stood there drinking from his flask while Pangoro took one attack after another. Why wasn't he concerned?

His eyes widened when he figured it out. "Nami! Keep your guard up! Watch out!"

Nami turned to him. "What are you talking about? I've got him right where I want him! In case you haven't noticed, I've been dominating this battle!"

Mashira smiled. "I wonder about that."

Nami turned toward Pangoro as the smoke cleared and her eyes widened in shock. Pangoro stood as if it never took any damage.

Nami took a step backward. "But… how? How can that be? Those were direct hits. How can it just stand there like nothing happened?"

Ayden clenched his fists. He tried to warn her. This was the power of a Team Chaos captain. So far, the highest rank he'd fought was a first lieutenant. And even then, it took Piik going berserk for them to take him and his Typhlosion down.

Mashira turned to Nami. "So, little girl, is that all you've got?"

Nami shook her head. She just had to think. This was just like when she was in Pokémon Tower. There are some battles where you can't overpower your opponent. She just had to utilize Staryu's other attacks. "Not by a long shot! Staryu, Confuse Ray!"

Staryu jumped into the air and launched a bright light at Pangoro from its jewel.

Mashira popped his neck on each side. "Pangoro, use Crunch."

Pangoro jumped out of the path of the Confuse Ray and made its way toward Staryu. It bared its fangs and chomped on Staryu. Before Staryu could resist, Pangoro shattered Staryu's jewel and tossed it to the floor.

Nami ran up to it. "Staryu! Are you okay?"

Staryu lay limp and unresponsive in her arms.

She took out its pokéball and recalled it. "Thanks, Staryu. Get some rest. She stood up and glared at Mashira. "You're gonna pay for that! Marill, I need your help!"

Marill emerged and stared at Pangoro.

Mashira gave an intrigued look. "Okay, now it looks like you're starting to get serious. A water and fairy type, huh? This ought to be interesting."

Nami shook her head. Everything was fine. Just a minor setback. She just needed to get the momentum back. "Marill, Play Rough!"

Marill ran toward Pangoro while swinging its tail around.

Mashira sighed. "Enough of this. Pangoro, Slash!"

Before Marill met up with Pangoro, it got in Marill's face and struck it with its claws. Marill zoomed through the air and into the wall.

Nami ran up to it and held it in her arms. "Marill! Marill! Come on! You can't go down now! Marill!" When Marill didn't respond, Nami clenched her teeth and recalled it.

Mashira took a swig from his flask. "Ah, yeah. Nothing like a drink after a victory, no matter how boring it was. So, any more pokémon you want me to knock out, little girl, or are we done here?"

Ayden took heavy breaths as he still wasn't fully recovered. He reached for a pokéball and threw it. "Go, Heracross!"

Heracross emerged and dropped his shoulders when he saw his opposition. He wondered what it was with Ayden sending him out to face opponents two times his size. He knew he wanted to get stronger, but this was ridiculous.

Nami stared at Ayden as he stepped forward. "What do you think you're doing? I'm handling this fight!"

Ayden continued to face Mashira and Pangoro. "You only have two pokémon, and they've been knocked out. Heracross and I will take it from here."

Nami clenched her teeth. He had a point. Her only pokémon were knocked out with one hit each. How could she have let this happen?

As she stared into her bag, her eyes caught something. She pulled it out and she gasped. She'd forgotten about it. The item Tsuyoshi gave her.

She held it in her hands and thought hard about it. She was hoping it wouldn't have to come to this, but she needed to take down Team Chaos. She just hoped it would work.

She stood up and walked to where Ayden was. "You're wrong. I'm still in this fight. I have one pokémon left."

Ayden turned to her. "Really?"

Nami nodded. She activated the pokéball and threw it. It popped open and Poliwrath emerged out of the white light.

***I hope you enjoyed the chapter! Thank you again for taking the time to read my story and I hope you've been enjoying it up to this point! As usual, let me know your thoughts and any constructive criticisms you may have. I'm trying to write my own original story and would like to hear your thoughts on my current writing style and what ways I can improve upon it.

***Chapter 27 will be posted around the same time at the end of June! So, look forward to the next chapter and I'll see you all next time!