Hey guys, you know the drill by now. Here's the next chapter of this version of Movie 3.

Morning had come and Ash was among the first to step out of the tent that his fellows had occupied. Only a little way out of the Ilex Forest, he was able to view the town of Greenfield as the first thing he would see that day. Ash stepped out of his tent out expecting to see the sight of a simple town on the horizon as he was making his way towards Azalea Town but was surprised by the sight he was offered. In place of the whole of Greenfield was instead the sight of a giant crystal tower that loomed over Johto. Ash was caught in mid-stretch as he opened his eyes from a yawn when he first beheld the structure that he didn't even notice just last night. He heard one of his friends make their way out of the tent when he asked, "Will, was that there last night?"

Will was just as surprised when he answered, "My word… No it wasn't."

Karen and Sabrina stepped out of the tent when the two observed the massive tower. Karen opened, "Well good morning to us. What exactly are we looking at right now?"

Sabrina answered, "I sense something about that structure. It wasn't just a sudden appearance. There is something up there giving it a form of life."

Karen pointed out, "Now that just sounds a little creepy. Is this even something that we're going to find a way around?"

Ash answered, "I don't think so. I think I just saw it get a little taller."

Will agreed, "And the border seems to be reaching its way here."

Karen decided, "Damn. Looks like we have don't have a choice. This isn't exactly something we can expect the Pokémon Rangers to handle for us isn't it?"

Will confirmed, "I don't think this is something that any normal trainer would be capable of facing. Fortunately most of us aren't normal."

Sabrina agreed, "We'll have to see if there is some way we can solve this mystery."

The four began to pack their things as Mew floated next to Pikachu and Espeon when she observed, "Oh my. It would seem that humans are up to something dangerous again."

The town of Greenfield was now the sight of a danger zone when authorities and trainers surrounded the growing crystal grounds. Everyone who lived in the town was just as awestruck by the sudden appearance as Ash was this morning. Ash made his way to the "no cross" zone that had been established when he asked an Officer Jenny, "Hi officer. Did this thing really just appear?"

Jenny turned to greet, "Hi. This is a new thing for the town alright. I'm worried that this might not be contained for very long either."

Ash was watching the ground of the spreading crystal grounds when he heard a roar from the distance. He asked, "That was just a Pokémon right?"

Sabrina confirmed, "It doesn't sound like one we should take lightly."

Jenny cautioned them away from the zone when she promised, "We have professionals under control trying to evaluate everything. Leave this to us."

Before there was any further questioning, the group saw the source of the roar appear in front of them as it leapt down from the crystal spires that randomly peaked from the ground. The massive Pokémon descended as it made itself known to everyone. Jenny herself prepared a tranquilizer gun as she fired at the advancing creature but was immediately forced to the ground when the Pokémon lunged its hind legs into her chest.

Will was the first to be astonished, "It can't be... Entei?"

Sabrina had made her way to Jenny to assist her when she asked, "Is that really a significant Pokémon?"

Karen stood back when she answered, "It is alright. One of the Johto Legendries themselves. Hell if Mew can exist I don't see why not."

Ash kept a watch over everyone who was intimidated by Entei's presence when he told them, "This isn't anything we can't handle."

Mew warned, "Ash, I don't think you're up against some regular Pokémon."

Before Ash could ask anything he heard a loud booming voice announce, "All of you here are worthwhile choices. Before you is the pathway to the mightiest trainer there will ever live. Those who are willing to accept her challenge will find her within this tower."

Karen had grit her teeth when she heard the Pokémon speak into her mind but Ash stepped forward when he asked, "What sort of trainer are you talking about?"

Entei answered, "One who has been deprived of such a chance for far too long. And moreover wishes for the best of companionship." He turned his gaze to Karen when he saw her back down at the motion. She was brought to gaze face to face with a legendary creature that she never imagined meeting. What came next was one that she feared the most.

Within her mind she felt a pierce make its way through her. She fell down to her knees when she asked, "What... Are you?"

Entei walked up to her when he answered, "I am an instrument. I will fulfill everything that Molly wishes to see become real. You are part of that plan."

Before Karen could ask what Entei meant, she felt another pierce through her mind before it reduced her knees to a wobble. Ash ran over to her, but Entei pushed him aside as he allowed Karen to fall on her back. "Karen!" Mew flew ahead of Ash as she prepared a psychic barrier around Entei, only to see it disappear from his backwards leap. Will and Ash rushed towards Entei's position but were caught in their tracks when a mighty crystal pillar formed right in front of them.

Entei looked down on them with Karen still in pain on his back. He told them, "If you wish to join her, come to the tower. We will all be waiting your challenge."

Sabrina stood up as she looked up to see Entei's escape only to see him disappear in the distance. She turned to them both, "What happened? Why was he interested in Karen?"

Ash looked up at the pillars when he answered, "There's something about his intent. I can't say what, but it's not a good sign when Mew has problems stopping him."

Mew confirmed, "Entei is more powerful than I anticipated. Something about him doesn't seem proper."

Will agreed, "He must have greater intentions. The sort that we may have to face ourselves."

Sabrina asked, "As in go in there? I don't think anyone else here seems willing."

Ash agreed, "I can't blame them. Whoever this Molly is we'll have to be ready to face her. Let's get our teams ready and get Karen out of there."

Everyone nodded in agreement as they headed to the nearby Pokémon center to take turns using the pc for preparing their team. Many citizens of Greenfield only continued to look on in curiosity of their new monument while the crystal tower of the Unown continued to grow.

Karen woke up as she dealt with the residual headache that had taken over her. It was only when she slid off the bedside that she recognized where she was. The room was all crystal walls while two other figures appeared in front of her. The intimidating Entei was there alongside a young woman who observed her with a keen interest. Karen stood up when she asked, "You… Who are you?"

Molly answered, "I'm Molly. Are you the new friend papa brought me?"

Karen was confused when she answered, "I have no idea what you were hoping for kid, but I'm not here to fill anyone's demands. Especially if your idea of cooperation is to threaten me with that big guy there."

Molly was disappointed at the answer when she told Karen, "I've never had a chance to see the outside world. I never got to meet with anyone who could be my friend. And papa wants me to have that chance."

Karen looked at the Entei when she noticed something off about his presence. "Her dad? It couldn't be."

Entei responded to this observation, "I am very real. My only intent is to see Molly's dreams be realized."

Karen backed away from the answer when she told Entei, "I have to say that I'm not sorry to put a wrench in your plans. This is not how you go about making friends kid. Whatever you're thinking, you probably need some time outside."

Molly was displeased again when she asked, "You're saying you won't be friends with me? What am I doing wrong?"

Karen answered, "It's hard to say kid. But the first thing you need to understand is that kidnapping them is not a good way to start."

Molly defended her action, "I was never able to leave the mansion. I still can't. I need someone beside me!"

Karen stepped back when she recognized the intention in Molly's voice. She was demanding something and she was not going to be denied. With no way to escape and not fully understanding the intent she asked, "I'll give. Why were you never able to leave this place?"

Molly answered, "I was told long ago that I can't leave because of my condition. My mama died when I was very young. My papa was the only one to watch over me for so long. He says that he will let me achieve my dreams. He's powerful enough to do all of that now."

Karen was slightly shaken when she recognized the intent. Molly had a power to command Entei to her will. She would do everything possible to make her submit. She remained defiant when she answered, "I don't care if your papa is Arceus himself. I'm not giving you the satisfaction of being a little dictator kid. You're just going to have to learn how the world really works the hard way it seems."

Molly clenched her fists when she told her, "Papa will achieve everything for me. You will be my friend!"

Entei stepped forward when he offered a familiar gaze into Karen's eyes. The threat of the legendary Pokémon controlling her was very real. He then added, "You are a friend."

Karen felt the first warnings of her mind being penetrated as he gazed upon her. The headache returned to her as she stood against the might of Entei. There was one thing that stood between her and Entei's domination. "I am not a doll!" At those words, an aura of pure darkness formed itself around her head. The threat she was offered from before was now nothing as she stood up from and prepared to stand against her captors. Her pupils had rolled into the back of her head as she gazed upon Molly and Entei with blank eyes and her hands on her Pokéballs.

She offered them her own warning in a voice that offered a sound as though it echoed through a dark cavern, "I faced the disapproval of others when I was younger than you. I didn't cower in a tower like you. I took charge and made it my own power."

Molly stepped back in fear as she saw this new side of Karen. Entei however wasn't intimidated when he stepped forward realizing his psychic powers had no effect on Karen. "You are a threat to us all. If you will not be a friend, we will see you be broken." Right beneath Karen's feet, a hole in the ground was revealed as it caused her to fall through the crystal tower and into a seemingly never ending drop. Even with Karen's aura about her she felt the impending danger about her as she continued to search for a way to the ground. There was almost no end to the drop as she feared for her life in the evident mortality that she was now facing.

She shouted up to the closing holes in her same voice, "You will not conquer me!"

Ash, Will, and Sabrina found themselves in front of a mighty waterfall as they searched for their way into the crystal structure. Mew looked up when she told them, "I don't know how much work you put into your psychic abilities everyone, but now is the time to put them to the test."

Ash stood in front of the waterfall when he looked at the ground beneath him. He told his friends, "This should be a walk in the park for us." He concentrated his power as he waited for his ability to levitate. It was only a short time before he felt the ground beneath him literally move and detach itself from the Earth. Ash looked up to see Mew floating up to his level while he turned to see Sabrina and Will following suit in their progression.

A short time later, Ash found a place where he could jump off and left the platform behind as he looked for the first chance to find a way inside. Behind him, Will and Sabrina leapt off their platforms to follow his way. Sabrina commented, "This place is becoming more ominous the further in we go. I'm concerned Karen might not be able to handle herself in this sort of place."

Will told her, "She has… abilities you might not expect. She was the one who was meant to protect me after all."

Sabrina looked at the wall in front of them when she decided, "If anything at least we'll be able to push our powers to their limits at this rate. I don't think there's any other way forward."

Ash agreed, "Let's just handle it like before. Mew, Espeon, can you help out?"

The two Pokémon simultaneously agreed, "Easily."

The five psychic users turned their attention to the mighty wall in front of them. The wall was cracked by the initial crunch but then began to fold in on itself. The crystal wall was no longer a solid formation but the sight of two ocean waves that folded in on themselves. Ash recognized this as the ability of his effort but fealt the ease build as his companions gave their support to part the crystal wall. The folding continued until finally the fold was completely separated and forced to offer a path inside the mansion.

Ash announced, "Now!" The six rushed through the open wall before the wall began to fold in on itself to correct its manipulation. Ash looked around as he saw a vast crystal room in front of him. "This isn't much different." Ash said as he looked around.

As he listened, he heard something in the distance. There was only a soft chant that was making its way through the halls that reached everyone's ears. "Unown… Unown…"

Sabrina asked, "Is that a Pokémon?"

Will agreed, "It is. A species that has only been the source of myth and legend for such a long time and yet now here they are."

Mew floated next to them when she added, "This is certainly a danger we have wandered into. You three had better be ready to stand together and nothing less."

Ash asked, "Is there something about the Unown that we should be worried about?"

Will answered, "There is very little that we know of these creatures. We know that they are psychic and that they are shaped like symbols of ancient writing. That is the most that I can offer however."

Mew floated up to them when she began, "I guess that I'll have to divulge some information about them it seems. If you were ever fortunate enough to meet one, it's just a relatively weak Pokémon by itself. Two, things become more complicated. More than that, a power emerges that few have ever witnessed."

Pikachu asked, "So you're saying that there are at least a few of them in this building? If it's weak on its own then you can't say one was able to do all of this."

Mew confirmed, "Many more than one. The Unown brought together have the ability to read the thoughts of other living creatures, people included. If utilized, a user could create an entire alternate reality."

Espeon was intrigued by the revelation when she asked, "It seems you know quite a good deal about them. What makes them so elusive to humans?"

Mew answered, "My dad Arceus created the Unown a long time ago as a tool for the human race. They were created to be the formations that would bring people together under the language that we now have. In that same time frame though, there was a human who wanted to have the power that the Unown offered. There were no psychic humans back then, but this one managed to communicate to one Unown to grant him its powers. It was because of that betrayal of trust that Arceus sealed away all of the Unown away from human contact for what was meant to be for all time. It seems like that plan didn't quite work out though."

Will was fascinated by the story when he commented, "That is interesting. I don't think any of us anticipated learning of such a tale."

Sabrina agreed, "Unfortunately that doesn't work out a solution for us. It sounds like Arceus did something that's beyond our ability."

Mew corrected, "Not entirely. It only means that we have to meet with the controller of the Unown head on. We would have to convince Molly that what she's doing is wrong."

Ash agreed, "It would be nice if things were that easy. But I want to make sure that Karen is okay."

Will confirmed, "I'm sure we all do. If we concentrate we should be able to find where she is being held."

Sabrina nodded when she accepted, "I've already sensed something unusual at the bottom of the structure. I don't know what it is, but we may want to be careful."

Ash asked, "Can you sense anything higher up?"

"Me." A voice announced. The group looked up to see a cute young woman making her way down to greet them. She greeted, "I guess you must have heard Papa's invitation. He said that the three of you would be worthy of facing me."

Ash pasued before he asked, "You're Molly? I wish this could have been different."

Molly stopped her descent when she commented, "I want to be a powerful Pokémon trainer. The best who ever lived. Can you provide that experience?"

Will stepped forward when he offered, "I certainly can. Defeating a member of the Elite Four is no feat to scoff at."

Sabrina asked, "Will, do you think you're prepared for her?"

Ash agreed, "I'm sensing something. She's probably more powerful than she looks."

Will told them, "It's fine. I've faced a multitude of trainers and I don't believe she will be any different." Before either of them could say anything, he offered them a message telepathically, "Go find Karen. I'll handle this."

Ash stepped away while Sabrina followed behind him when he accepted, "Okay Will. Let's see how good you are."

Molly smiled when she heard the challenge and waved her hand across the room. The group was offered view of the newly formed battleground. Ash was given a sight of a stadium very reminiscent of the Kanto League but the empty stadium seats cemented a feeling of isolation. Molly stretched out her hand again as a crystal Pokéball formed from her hand and said, "I look forward to this. This will only be the beginning."

Will smiled when he told her, "Lofty expectations. A good trait in any trainer starting out. The circumstances are quite different I have to admit." He reached for his own Pokéball when he looked up at the board and asked, "So a three on three battle is it?"

Molly nodded when she told him, "I expect you not to go easy on me."

Will watched Ash and Sabrina find their way out of the arena area and to the first set of descending stairs they were able to find. Now secure in his role, he prepared himself, "No one expects me to. Go Xatu!" Will saw his green condor-like Pokémon leap from his Pokéball prepared for battle while taking in his surroundings.

Molly didn't hesitate to send out her Pokémon when she ordered, "Go Ampharos!" The yellow, bipedal Pokémon roared in the air when it stood ready against its opponent.

"Oh dear. This can't be good. I couldn't even read her mind beforehand." Will thought to himself. He didn't allow himself to be immediately defeated when he ordered, "Xatu! Confuse Ray!" Xatu's eyes glowed a rainbow hue before staring directly into the eyes of Ampharos.

Unfortunately for him, the yellow Pokémon was unfazed before Molly ordered, "Zap Cannon!" Will's worst fear had been realized as a cyclone of electricity from the body of Ampharos.

Will was prepared for this however when he ordered, "Teleport!" Xatu fazed out of existence at Will's order as the cyclone of electricity missed its intended target. Will breathed lightly as he saw Xatu appear right behind Ampharos.

Molly was fast however when she countered, "Ampharos! Use Thunder Punch!"

Will ordered, "Protect Xatu!" Xatu formed a barrier around itself as Ampharos's fist bathed in thunder made contact with him. The attack didn't result in physical damage but Xatu was tired from the current defensive. Will tried to turn the table when he ordered, "Psyshock!"

Xatu's wings opened as an energy form appeared in front of his beak and fired at Ampharos. There was no time to dodge as Ampharos was pushed back a few feet by the contact. Molly was surprised at where things stood when she observed, "That's persistent. I didn't think a flying type wouldn't go down so hard."

Will confirmed, "Type advantage isn't everything dear. Something that you are about to discover the hard way."

Molly didn't accept the warning when she countered, "I won't be defeated that easily either. Ampharos! Thunder!" At Molly's order the fake sky above the stadium darkened from the black clouds forming before a mighty yellow creation loomed over the head of the battle.

Before the first bolt of thunder could descend Will ordered, "Xatu! Teleport! Everywhere!" Xatu heard the order and was visibly afraid of the looming danger above him. One mighty crash of thunder fell down from the sky after another as his shift from one place into another gave him a temporary escape from harm. Before he had a chance to give another order, the battle was decided. A mighty bolt struck Xatu down the middle as it completely devastated him.

The clouds above quickly cleared as they left the sight of a triumphant Ampharos and a grounded Xatu who couldn't even attempt to get off the ground. Will consoled, "A valiant effort Xatu. Return." Xatu was returned to his Pokéball when he congratulated, "Fine work Miss Hale. Most trainers do not even accomplish such a feat."

Molly smiled when she returned Ampharos to its crystal Pokéball to thank, "I knew Papa wouldn't disappoint me. We still have a battle to continue however."

Will agreed, "That we do." His thoughts turned to Ash and Sabrina when he prayed, "Ash, Sabrina, you two had better be enough. I only hope I didn't cause you to face something worse."

Ash and Sabrina continued their way down the crystal tower while their Pokémon followed behind. The sight of the tower only going further and further down caused them to worry about what would await them at the bottom. Ash asked, "Are you sensing the same thing I'm sensing?"

Sabrina confirmed, "The growing presence of something powerful? I'm afraid I do."

Espeon asked, "I cannot imagine that there is something down there that would be able to overpower all of us."

Mew warned, "Don't be so sure. There is one obvious thing we haven't encountered since we made our way in."

Pikachu commented, "This is starting to make me feel a little insignificant. How do we even know if Karen is down here?"

Ash told them, "We're here to help a friend guys. We can't back out of this now."

Sabrina met him at the floor of the current level when she commented, "We are going through a great deal to save her. This is something we should hold for everyone right Ash?"

Ash looked around when he answered, "It's not a… ah… It's something I would do if you or anyone else was in this situation Sabrina. This is all about helping friends. Friends don't leave each other."

Sabrina considered the weight of Ash's words when she admitted, "This probably isn't a good time. This sort of thing just seems to slip out of me easy these days."

Mew warned, "We're about to discover just what has been awaiting us."

The group turend to see what Mew was warning about. The mighty presence made itself clear within the clear darkness of the crystal room before they were facing the mightiest challenge they could ask for. Entei stood in front of them when he announced, "I have seen what your kind wants. You wish to stop us from having our place in this world. I have achieved my place in this world as a parent and will serve Molly's desire."

Pikachu accused, "You're just a big wannabe version of the real thing! Maybe you should step aside and we won't have to beat the fight out of you!"

Espeon stood next to him when they prepared for his attack. Ash stood before Entei when he asked, "I get that you've been locked away for a long time for something you might not have meant to do. But is the rest of the world really supposed to pay for what happened?"

Entei responded, "If she so desires, then I will see it is done. She has been denied the choice of adventure for as long as she was alive. If the world must continue to be so cruel, then I shall see it is paid in kind for its choices."

Sabrina shook lightly at the answer. "This is not the sort of father anyone should be allowed to have." She told herself. She told Ash, "Nothing we say can change his mind. This thing is a creation of Molly's mind from what the Unown have conjured. If it's something we can conquer, he will have no reason to continue on."

Ash prepared to grab one of his Pokéballs when he agreed, "We won't lose to some illusion. Mew! Pikachu! Follow Gengar and take him on!"

Sabrina followed, "Espeon! Grumpig! Alakazam! Assist them!" In a short amount of time, six Pokémon stood in front of Entei prepared to face the mighty creature. Entei wasn't intimidated as he prepared to engage in a battle for his existence.

Mew floated forward when she offered, "It only took a few of me to control you before. I'm sorry to say that you aren't so special. The fact is you aren't doing anything to help Molly become a better person. You aren't giving the world the judgment it deserves."

Entei denied Mew's warning, "I have seen the depths of Molly's mind. I have seen what happens to a child who is denied everything she dreams of. I will not allow those dreams to be unrealized."

At the bottom of the crystal tower, the sound of the Unown continued to resonate through the structure. "Unown… Unown…" One person lay at the bottom of their sphere of gathered concentrated energy that caused the structure to come into being. It was here that Karen was unconscious of what was going on around her. Even in this state she still had an aura of darkness surrounding her body as it kept her from being observed by any outside watchers.

As she lay in what would have been a slumber for many, there was only one thought that pierced its way through the hall of the Unown. "I'm not finished yet."

Notes on Chapter 11:

And so our heroes have found themselves in the crystal tower where they must rescue Karen. Or that's what's been laid out so far.

Karen does have an ability that hasn't been alluded to before. Something that will probably leave the reader curious about what the power of darkness is about her. Good news is that this isn't going to be its last appearance or left a complete mystery. Goal met for this chapter is beginning to delve into what sort of character she has about her, something that will lead to her and Ash to a "moment."

Did a little bit of world building in the meantime, with Mew revealing the origin of the human language and offering a bit of context that would cause Molly to set things up as they are now.

But what sort of condition kept her from ever becoming a Pokémon trainer? Most importantly, what really is the cause for Molly's actions? This question and virtually everything alluded to will be answered in the climax and resolution of next time.

Until then, Happy Halloween and I look forward to seeing you all next chapter.