The Hidden Hands belong to me.

The Kyrus region, Jerome, Damien and Nero belong to XfangheartX

Pokemon belongs to Nintend


Last time on the Hidden Hands, three adoptive brothers, Twig Bristol the Aipom, Caesar Romart the Chimchar and Hugo the Pikachu, strive for a greater role in life than mediocre berry farmers. One of their dreams being to join a guild and do good for the Pokemon world. That opportunity comes when they accidentally kill the tyrannical Emperor of Kanto and are soon confronted by the mysterious mythical Order of The Hidden Hands: a guild of thieves and assassins who purge the world of evil. The brothers are initiated into said Order after electing the Samurott Mizunosuke as the new Emperor and now find themselves in a world of legends. What awaits them...?

Episode 2: The Way of the Thief

The pink and purple sky swirled into a blend of orange and yellow strokes as the sun slowly rose over Kanto to start the day. Only for a certain trio it would be quite the change from their normal routine...although Twig was still a heavy sleeper as ever.

"GAAAAAAHHH! NOT AGAIN!" he stared in horror at his Voltorb styled alarm clock having slept three hours passed his wake up call. He scrambled from his bed and stumbled downstairs to find Hugo and Caesar waiting with smirks on their faces.

"Four mornings in a row and going strong. You sleep deeper than a Slakoth." Hugo said.

"Seriously, Twig you need to learn to wake up sooner. Get yourself a louder clock." Caesar advised.

"You know I'm starting to think you guys enjoy me sleeping in." Twig muttered.

"No, never." Caesar denied flamboyantly.

"Look let's just finish breakfast and get going. It's our first day on the job." Hugo said. "Wendy suggested we come meet up with her at the Silent Mouth so she can show us the ropes."

"I still can't believe we didn't know it was there. After all this time. It must've really been under wraps." said Caesar.

"Well now that Mizu's running the show, it can make itself known again. And the more new members join them the more will be promoted to our rank in the Hidden Hands." the brothers nodded in agreement before they got ready to go as they left the house and began to head into town, passing by Amy and Lotus's house on the way, the former tending to her garden.

"Morning, boys." she waved to them. "Any plans for today?"

"Big plans actually." Hugo grinned. "We're going to get our first job at the guild we've joined."

"You guys finally found a guild?! That's wonderful!" Amy beamed. "Which one?"

"It's actually right here in town. It's called the Silent Mouth."

"That's unusual. I've never heard of it." Amy said curiously.

"Yeah it seems as though they were being repressed during Mortimer's reign. But now that Mizunosuke's in charge they can put themselves back on the map again." Caesar explained.

"Say, do you mind if I come along? I could put up a job or two to help their business." Amy suggested.

"Sweet. I'm sure the Grand Masters will appreciate it." Twig smiled. Amy returned the gesture before putting her gardening tools away and coming back with a few fliers.

"I'm heading out for a bit, Lotus. keep an eye on the berries but don't push yourself too hard." she said to the Cacnea.

"I won't." he replied, waving the group good day as they set off.

XXX

"It should be around here, right?" Hugo asked as the group had been wandering around town for quite a bit having found ti difficult to locate the Silent Mouth guild.

"You mean you guys haven't actually been to the building?" Amy asked, finding the situation odd. The boys thought quickly, knowing they couldn't reveal their true reason.

"Well you see, we found out about the guild from a kiosk that was advertising them, but they forgot to give us a map." Twig excused. Amy seemed to find the concept a bit hard to swallow that this guild wouldn't provide their members with proper directions but her suspicions were quickly snuffed when a voice suddenly called to them.

"Hey~! You guys~?!" the group looked to see none other than Wendy waving them over. "I was wondering when you dorks would get here. Did you read the map upside down or something?" she laughed at the boys.

"What map?" Caesar muttered though Wendy ignored him as she turned her attention to Amy.

"Hi there. I'm Wendy Shura." she extended her hand to which the Buneary smiled.

"Amy. Amy Cotton." she said. "Are you one of the guild members?"

"Yes I am. I've been waiting for these three to arrive for half an hour now." Wendy jerked her thumb to the trio who frowned at her.

"Well maybe if you'd given us proper directions we'd've gotten here sooner." Twig growled to which Wendy laughed.

"Alright we goofed on that one." she said. "But what are we standing around for? I gotta show you guys around the office." she then began to walk towards a small building that was tucked between two larger ones. "Yeah not exactly the most open location. But Now that we're back in business and those outrageous taxes are gone, we may be able to move up market. Come on in." Amy and the boys looked at each other before following the Scrafty inside, finding themselves in a simple but rather lively guild hall. There were many Pokemon present within it's wooden walls though they seemed to be more casual and laid-back than those the boys had met during their initiation. It was hard to explain but the brothers could somehow tell which ones were certified members of the order. They just seemed to have this air about them.

"Quite a quaint place you have here." said Amy. "Um, would you mind telling me where I submit job fliers? I have a few that might benefit your guild." she added as she showed Wendy the job sheets.

"Thanks, the Masters will be glad to know we have a new client." the Scrafty grinned. "Just tack them up on that board over yonder. One of our members will take them if they feel their up to it." Amy nodded understandingly as she went to pin the jobs up for the guild members to see before returning tot he group.

"Well I should probably get back to my berry patch. It's Caterpie season and I bet Lotus is getting tired keeping them all at bay. It was nice to meet you, Wendy."

"Likewise. You seem like a real sweetheart. Don't be a stranger now you hear?"

"Oh I won't. Gotta make sure these goofballs don't get into trouble. Someone has to check up on 'em." Amy grinned pulling the boys close to her.

"Hey what are we you're kids?!" Twig said, peeved.

"Hey I'm not the one who still sleeps likes a baby." Amy smirked.

"That would mean I barely sleep at all and spend the night screaming gibberish like a pissed off Exploud."

"Well there was that time you got horribly confused from eating aguav berries and wouldn't stop babbling about getting trampled by stampeding Goomies who were after your lucky slippers." Hugo and Caesar immediately began laughing at the memory.

"I remember that! He was at it all night and we had to tie him to his bed." the latter chuckled.

"I thought we agreed not to speak of that again!" Twig hollered.

"Ok, ok. Good luck, boys. Hope it goes well." Amy smiled as she headed on home.

"Well she's nice. How long have you guys known her?" Wendy asked.

"Ever since we moved here. She's been our neighbour for four years." said Twig.

"She taught us how to farm berries so we could make a living here. I mean we're nowhere near as great as she is but she's really been there for us." Hugo smiled.

"Right then. You wanted to show us around?" Caesar asked. The Scrafty narrowed her eyes and looked from left to right before she said,

"Come with me." she then began to make her way to the back of the hall the boys following a bit puzzled until she led them through a door.

"Uh you mind telling us what's going on?" Twig said. "I thought we were taking our first job today."

"You are." Wendy replied as they'd arrived in what seemed to be a store room as the hoodlum Pokemon began wrapping her knuckles against the floorboards before one made a hollow sound and she raised her palm which began to glow white and she shot a secret power at the floor causing the boards to vanish revealing a hole.

"After you, dudes." she waved her arm invitingly as Team Monkeybone dropped down into the hole thinking it best not to question her as she then began to lead them down a tunnel which they knew likely lead to the Hidden Hands lair. "I'm just gonna be blunt. The Silent Mouth is a shack. We may be assassins but we only take that leap when there's truly no other option. We were the same as old Mizu hoping that mutt would find a shred of remorse in that moldy brain of his and put some funding into our guild to help the city but after that event in town where he almost killed those kids we knew we had to kill him before he killed Kanto. But you know how that song and dance went. didn't you?" she grinned.

"Yeah-yeah we get it already." Caesar muttered. "What are you trying to get at?"

"I'm getting at now that he's gone we can finally start building our day guild back up again. I'm sure Mizunosuke will be more than happy to put word out of our comeback. But first we need to get a new building to move into if we wanna make ourselves known again. And to do that we need Moolah." she winked rubbing her finger and thumb.

"Moolah?" Hugo questioned.

"Dough, cheddar, green."

"We...need to make a sandwich?" Twig guessed.

"Cash, numbnuts!" Wendy shouted.

"Well why didn't you say so?!" Wendy huffed.

"Look the point is if we wanna get that new guild hall and get back in business in helping others we need to make a big investment and there's no way we're gonna mooch it all of Mizunosuke. He may be a mon of the Pokemon but he still needs time to settle in so we're on our own for this."

"Ok, so I'm guessing our first job is earning enough money to invest int he new hall for the Silent Mouth?" Caesar assumed.

"Got it in one, hotman. But we're gonna be earning it 'our way.'" Wendy grinned.

"'Our way?'" Twig raised a brow as they reached the end of the tunnel and found themselves back inside the mountain once again where the rest of the One Star first squad were waiting for them. Wendy truned aorudn and grinned at the brothers.

"You're pulling a heist, dudes. Your first job as thieves."
"A...A heist?" Twig stared at his comrades, surprised by Wendy's revelation of their first job as members of the Order.

"You heard the lady." Stitch confirmed. "We're gonna be robbing some poor schlub to fund our new guild hall for the Silent Mouth...oh and by 'we' I mean you."

"Us?! But isn't this a serious job?! Like you said we're talking about our secret identity guild here!"

"Hey you guys broke into the royal palace, and your target is just a run of the mill thug, you've got this." Lisa encouraged.

"I'm starting to think Marceline's been overestimating us." Twig muttered exasperated.

"What's the matter, Monkeybone? Torchic?" Rhett smirked.

"Buuuck-buck-buck-buck-buck-buuuuck~!" Fletcher clucked mockingly which made Caesar hiss.

"Nobody calls me Torchic!"

"We are not Torchics!" Hugo snapped. "You take that back!"

"Oh yeah? Why don't you make me, pipsqueak?" asked Rhett. The Pikachu's cheeks flashed angrily but before he could let loose with the sparks Evangelyne stepped in to break them up.

"Enough! We, or rather you, have a job to do, so save your fighting." she eyed Hugo, "And petty remarks." to Rhett who rolled his eyes.

"Thanks, Eva." Wendy said. "Let's just give you guys the rundown. Darwin?" the Elgyem nodded before the digits on his hand projected an image of a fierce looking Pangoro before the squad. "This is your target; Nero; alias 'The Brick-Break Bear'; also known as 'Nutcracker Nero.'" Wendy identified the Pokemon.

"Hehe. 'Nutcracker.'" Twig chuckled at the nickname. "I take it he has a screw loose?"

"No by 'Nutcracker' they mean he's been known to crack his enemies' skulls." Mandy clarified which made the brothers gulp nervously.

"He and his gang are wanted in several regions of Kyrus for their ruthless acts which include assault, arson and felony theft. He harbors his wealth mainly through 'protection fees' from small villages. And so, you boys are going to...relive him of it." Wendy explained.

"You want us to steal back all the loot he's accumulate, mostly from villagers?" Twig clarified. "I thought we were supposed to give what we stole to the poor."

"Oh we do. The majority of it will be returned to the villages he's leeched. Just like you were going to do on the night you broke into the palace. We'll just be taking a small cut for our services for the new hall. We may be thieves but we stick to our code of honor." Peri swore.

"And we're just going to rob him? What's to stop him from doing it again? If anything once we've stolen all the treasure he'll probably take it out on some poor town." Hugo said doubtful of the situation.

"Oh don't worry about that, Hugo. We're not gonna let him carry on his ways but you three aren't ready for assassination jobs just yet. Leave cutting him down to us." Fletcher grinned sinisterly snapping one of his pincers for emphasis. "You focus on getting the goods."

"We'll be heading out shortly so let's go over the plan." Evangelyne said as the squad made their way to one of the may houses where a map was spread across a large table which they gathered around in circle formation. Lisa then slapped her paw on a rocky mass located in Pyrus.

"This is where Nero's hideout is located." the Emolga said as Darwin began projecting photos of the location onto the wall of the room. "These reconnaissance shots Fletcher, Yapper and I took of the area have confirmed what appears to be a pile of rocks is actually the entrance to a large network of caves and tunnels where all the stolen treasure is horded. If you guys are gonna get inside and back out again with the loot, you're gonna need to do some digging." Atlas then pulled out a small box which contained another of the strange stone disks the boys recognized from their initiation.

"This will allow you all to learn the digging move quickly. It won't be a perfected version but it should be enough for the job." said the Heracross.

"Lucky for all of you, I'm quite capable at digging already." said Caesar proudly.

"Oh show us your medal why don't ya?" Rhett asked.

"Well in that case just Hugo and Twig will require it." Atlas nodded as he handed the box to the remaining two who touched the disk and felt the knowledge of the move flow into their beings.

"Now our knowledge of the inside of the cave isn't perfect but the location of the treasure room should be located within the inner sanctum of the cave. It's sealed behind a large vault which is why we'll need Caesar's fire to burn through the metal while Hugo and Twig will be digging the escape tunnel." Evangelyne continued the plan. "Meanwhile, we'll be situated outside the cave keeping the goons distracted but you may still have to take out a few of Nero's men as the vault is sure to be guarded. But as an extra precaution to prevent you from getting lost, I'll be accompanying you inside and Darwin will use telepathy to synchronize with me so he can guide us back to the group once we have the treasure.

"Thanks we appreciate the help, Eva." Caesar smiled gratefully.

"We're merely supervising you. Don't expect me to hold your hand all the way, monkey." the Kirlia responded snootily. "After we escape we'll deliver the loot to our recall service. it's their job to distribute the loot back to the poor it's been taken from accordingly and we'll take a small cut to invest in the new Silent Mouth guild hall."

"Sounds like a plan to me." Twig said.

"Assuming it all goes to." Peri cautioned.

"Then let's roll out. Suit up, teams!" Wendy ordered. "Oh! That's right, these are for you guys!" she quickly remembered opening a cabinet to reveal three outfits. They were a mixture of black and purple with the crest of the Order emblazoned on the back. In addition each one had a slightly different style. Caesar's was equipped with a hood along with leg and arm guards. Twig's outfit also had a hood but seemed to be lighter in make with shoulder and knee pads, a thief's mask and a satchel. Lastly Hugo's was designed with a broader more armor like appearance with a sleeve to cover his tail and a helm shaped to fit his head and ears.

"Your uniforms. Gotta keep a low profile right? Plus each one has been made to suit your profession. As an assassin your outfit should be well equipped and layered to defend you, Caesar. Twig your uniform needs to keep you guarded but also light so you can remain hidden while thieving. And since you're a brawler, Hugo, your outfit has the most armor. The weight of it will help improve your physical strength as you adjust to it. Also we've heard how much you wanted to be a knight so you can sorta live the dream a little. Well? Whaddya think?" The boys stared at the outfits before a huge grin spread across each of their faces as Wendy was spontaneously glomped by Hugo.

"THANK YOU! Finally I can feel like the knight I've always dreamed of!" he beamed while the Scrafty petted him as if to say 'you're welcome.'

"You do know nobody's gonna know you were the one who stole back their treasure from Nero right?" Peri asked. Hugo looked at the Sableye before he smiled and said,

"A true knight doesn't do their deeds for adulation. They fight for right and justice simply because it's their nature. I don't need praise and showers of glory. I just need to see them happy."

"Oh my goodness. That's the most noble thing I've ever heard." said Stitch. Yapper on the other hand snickered.

"More like corniest. Is it windy up on that soapbox you're standing on?" he asked earning a frown from Hugo.

"Ok, alright. Suit up and let's move." Atlas called as the Pokemon donned their uniforms and made their way to one of the secret exits. But as they were about to leave they heard a throat being cleared and turned to see Johan and Magnus standing before them.

"Grand Masters, Sirs!" Caesar bowed causing them to laugh.

"Is he always this formal, boys?" Johan asked Twig and Hugo who nodded. "We are not but humble thieves and assassins, Caesar. Nobody bows to anybody here." he friendly, albeit roughly, patted the monkey.

"Good luck on your first job, lads. But remember, you need to learn that there's more to being a thief than just stealing. That means you, Twig." Magnus said making the Aipom tilt his head confused. "Oh and Fletcher, do you have the letter?"

"Right here, Gramps." Fletcher held up a sealed scroll in his pincer.

"Then you know what to do. So go on ahead and rendezvous with the others after." the Gliscor nodded before he opened the exit and soared off ahead of his squad. "Then with that, go and rob that Pangoro for all he's worth...which is way more than he is."

"Right!" First Squad saluted before they began to leave though team Monkeybone stayed behind.

"Thanks for the new uniforms. They're awesome!" Hugo grinned.

"Gahaha! I knew you'd like them. I had that one designed particularly for you, Hugo, after I learned of your little dream." Johan smiled.

"Th-Thank you so much! I'll treasure it, I swear!" Hugo promised before turning to his brothers. "So whaddya say, bros?! ready to kick some ass and steal some loot?!"

"Just try and stop me, Tamato cheeks!" Twig laughed.

"Let's do this thing!" Caesar cheered.

"TEAM MONKEYBONE!" the three high-fived before they chased after their comrades though as the Grand Masters looked on, Johan saw an apparition of an Elekid, Magby and Growlithe layered over the three brothers. Magnus looked at him before he sighed with a smile.

"You didn't just give him that armor for the job did you? Reminds you of us don't they, those three?" the Electivire didn't reply as his smile fell and he began to walk back. "I miss him too, ya know? It's been so long. I wonder how his little boy's doing?" Johan looked up at the statue of Regigigas before he smiled.

"Yeah. I bet the nipper's doing just fine."

XXX

Fletcher silently glided through the sky as he whistling to himself until he spotted the place he was looking for: Cynderstohn village.

"Bingo." he grinned as he soared down towards a large castle and perched on the ledge. He peered through the window to see an Arcanine standing at as writing desk as he scribbled something into a log. Fletcher smiled before taking out the scroll and opening the window, but as he did so the Arcanine raised his head as a gust of wind blew in. He turned around to see the window had been closed somehow. He narrowed his eyes suspiciously before pacing to the window and opening it as he stuck his head out only to be greeted by the gargoyles on the ledge.

"This old castle really needs repairs." he shook his head before closing the window, failing to notice Fletcher had been standing just beside it with his pincers poised and his mouth gaping, though really it was due to the wind changing that his cover wasn't blown. He chuckled at the old Pokemon before springing off on his tail and gliding away to join the others. The Arcanine was making his way back to his desk until he noticed a scroll lying on it which puzzled him. He walked over and picked it up before unrolling it and began to read.

'Dear Grandad Master Jerome.

We thought it best to inform you that we know of the location of Nero the Pangoro. He's been on your list for quite some time and while we'd love to get rid of him ourselves he is still just a common thug so he isn't beyond hope of saving...at least we think so. If you wanna finally put him behind bars send a squad to Hillingham village this afternoon. Trust us, we've never lied and we won't start now.

Don't got breaking your back, Old Mon.

Joe & Mag.

P.S. Tell Damien we said hi. Bet the kid's way up in the ranks by now. Let's break bread sometime, Jerry.'

The Arcanine, now identified as none other than Grand Master Jerome Cliffton of the Order of the Rising Sun, stared at the letter in utter shock, his paws trembling as he saw the names at the bottom of the letter, including the nickname of his own. He then turned the letter over and the kiseru pipe he was smoking fell from his mouth as he saw a symbol of two shadow claws and the eyes of a Regigigas. He slowly set the scroll down and fell into his chair as thoughts and memories chased and wrestled each other around his brain.

"So it's true. They really do exist...and to think you guys were the ones running it." he said to himself as he suddenly felt a dampness and noticed a tear had slipped from his eye. He then looked to a framed picture on the wall which consisted of himself, a female Arcanine, a Houndoom, an Electabuzz and a Magmar. The old mon took a long drag on his pipe and blew out a cloud of smoke before he smiled.

"Just how long has it been...my Brothers?"

XXX

Team Monkeybone followed behind the other teams of Nightshade, Mind's Eye and Quick Fist as the Squad of one stars made their way through the Forbidden Forest after Fletcher caught up with them from delivering the message to Jerome. The trek was a rather long one as the squad would have to stop to deal with the occasional 'interference' in the form of wild Pokemon attempting to eat them.

"AAAUGH~!" Twig panicked when a wild Ratata jumped out of tree and started gnawing his ear. "GET IT OFF ME!"

"Come on, man it's just a rodent!" Hugo said exasperated while Twig tried to pull it off. Rhett growled before he trudged over and yanked the mouse off the Aipom (taking a tuft of fur with it) before he reeled his foot back and booted it away like a ball.

"You're welcome, crybaby."

"Hey you don't know what it's like having ears this big!" Twig whined. The Weavile ignored him before turning to Lisa.

"How much further until we reach Nero's hideout? It'll be dark soon."

"We've almost reached Pyrus. We'll make camp their so we can carry out the heist tomorrow morning since their security's thickest at night." the Emolga replied as they pushed on, thankfully running into less pests until they reached the forest's edge. As the sun began to set, the Pokemon went about setting up makeshift beds and a fire. Teams Nightshade, Mind's Eye and Quick Fist found themselves gathered around the fire, feasting and conversing, but Team Monkeybone seemed a bit distant as the three brothers were sat on a log eating berries and stargazing. Lisa, being the poke person she was decided to break the ice.

"Hey you guys~!" she called gaining their attention. "What are you hanging out over there for?! Come sit with us!"

"Really? You don't mind?" caesar asked.

"Course we don't. You're part of crew now so get your butts over here!" Stitch encouraged them. "Hurry before Yapper eats all the Grumpork chops. He'll split his seams at this rate!"

"Oh HUT UF!" the Shuppet said with a mouthful of chop as the boys went to join the group.

"Here eat up!" Peri encouraged as he offered the last of the meat to them.

"But you haven't had any." Hugo reasoned noticing the dark/ghost type hadn't eaten a bite since they set up camp.

"Ah it's fine. My dinner's all set." Peri answered before sticking his hand in the ground and pulling out a large rock which he then stuffed into his mouth and started crunching up as though it were a biscuit. Twig covered his mouth feeling a sting in his teeth just be looking at the Sableye.

"You get used to it." said Fletcher as the brothers began to awkwardly eat unable to take their eyes of Peri chowing down on solid rocks.

"I know it's in his nature but it still hurts to watch." Twig muttered. "Meats good though."

"You can thank Rhett for that, he knows his game." Wendy nudged the Weavile who was quietly eating.

"Though since we're talking about food, you guys gotta try these berries." Hugo insisted holding out a basket of them they'd brought from home. Each Pokemon helped themselves to one before eating it and soon after pulled a face of amazement.

"Oh wow! These are really good!" Atlas praised.

"They're so ripe!" Lisa beamed munching on an oran berry.

"And lush!" Evangelyne complimented enjoying a cherri.

"Where'd you buy 'em, guys?" Yapper asked.

"Oh no we grew 'em." Caesar confirmed.

"No way! Wow you guys are great farmers!" Peri said.

"Aw please you should try Amy's berries. She's the one who taught us and we're nowhere near as good as her." said Hugo.

"Oh what are you talking about?" Fletcher asked "Don't be so modest!"

"Just take the damn compliment." Rhett said.

"If anything it means you had an exceptionally talented teacher." Darwin concluded.

"Thanks you guys." Twig smiled. "We never really thought much of our farming. We were just doing it to make a living until we found a guild to join."

"Yeah that's another thing." Mandy spoke up. "Just what lead you to kill Mortimer? Marceline didn't give us the full story."

"We never intended to kill him!" Caesar defended.

"Hey nobody's judging you. We're just curious about what happened, man." Wendy said calmly. "We know how it happened but what pushed you guys to break into his palace?"

"Well, we were just at the market, getting ready sell our harvest when short, stout and ugly shows up." Hugo began the story. "That's when these two kids, Jim and Meme accidentally run out in front of the carriage he's riding in. So what does he do? He steps out to bash their heads in for playing tag a little too close." the group's faces twisted into disgust at the actions the now dead Emperor was willing to take against two innocent children no less. "That's where I chose to step in and I smashed his club to bits with my iron tail. No regrets."

"After that happened, I tried to reason with him, but instead the bastard went and destroyed our harvest and our berry cart. That was our only means of getting through the winter and he destroyed it." Caesar came in.

"That son of a bitch." Rhett scowled as Caesar continued.

"And that's when Twig snapped. he pelted Mortimer with the very fruit he'd crushed and insulted him right to his face."

"I got the snot beaten out of me but I don't take back saying he should drop dead." Twig grinned.

"Wait a minute." Fletcher raised his claw. "You told Mortimer to drop dead?...And he died falling out a window! HAHA! Oh man talk about ironic!" the Gliscor laughed along with the others.

"So after that we decided we'd take back all the money he leeched off the public with his taxes since he had immunity from the other guilds. We were gonna lose our house anyway so we went for it and...well you know the rest." Hugo ended the story. "It just so happened you guys responded to Jim's summoning a little before we got there. I don't know if that was good luck or bad luck."

"Well we'll find out tomorrow soon enough." Atlas said. Everyone nodded in agreement before after finishing their meal they turned in for the night.

XXX

The moon shone brightly int he starry sky as Evangelyne, Wendy, Rhett and Caesar had been put up for night watch. They would take shifts in pairs sleeping or watching. Currently, Eva and Caesar were awake, the former was overlooking the dark countryside of Pyrus, Volbeats and Illumises glittering in the night. The chimp Pokemon looked to see the Kirlia sitting on the branch of a nearby tree scouring the area. Deciding to go and join her, Caesar wandered over to the tree and climbed up it before sitting himself on the branch a few feet away. Eva quickly turned her head when she felt his weight but turned back after seeing he wasn't a threat.

"I, uh, thought you might like some company." Caesar attempted to star a conversation.

"I appreciate it, but I'm quite fine." Eva replied.

"Well I just thought since we're on the same squad it would be best to get to know one another. And since you're the only one awake and it'd be rude to disturb the others."

"I'm awake for a reason, Romart, and if any unwanted guests sneak into camp it's gonna be on my head not just yours." Eva sternly said.

"You're really serious about what you do." Caesar commented.

"Unlike someone I know beside me."

"Hey I see nothing wrong with making conversation."

"During a night watch it's not as welcome." Caesar let out an impressed whistle.

"You've got an answer for everything you do."

"I wish you didn't so we could end this pointless chatter." Caesar chuckled.

"We're on a roll."

"Just what do you want from me?" Eva sighed frustratingly.

"I just want you to loosen up a bit. I'm not saying stop the watch all together. You just looked a bit lonely is all. I'll shut up now." everything went quiet after that, say for the sound of Kricketots chirping as Caesar drummed his fingers on the branch.

"So this your first time in Pyrus too?"

"Ugh! And I though Stitch was a chatterbox. You need that zipper more than he does." Eva groaned earning a laugh from the Chimchar.

"That's a good one."

"I wasn't trying to be funny you monkey-nut!"

"Well you succeeded. And there's another one." Caesar grinned as Eva rubbed her temples. "Look I'm sorry, I didn't mean to annoy you."

"Well you succeeded." Eva threw his words back at him with a smirk which she failed to hide after noticing it.

"Checkmate. Made you smile." Caesar grinned.

"That was your goal? You said you wanted me to loosen up."

"Well you're looser if you're smiling." Caesar said as he tossed Eva a leftover berry from dinner before
putting his hands behind his head as he leaned against the tree. The Kirlia looked at it before she began to nibble at the fruit.

"So you've heard my story. How'd you join the Order?" Eva stopped eating upon hearing the question as she appeared to be deep in thought before she replied.

"I was the same as Rhett. I passed the Star Trials at the Silent Mouth and chose to learn the truth."

"So what's your ambition?" Caesar asked.

"...Same as you I guess. To make the world a better place, one job at a time." Eva answered as she finished the berry. Caesar raised a brow at her as it didn't seem like the full answer, and apparently Eva caught onto his suspicion fast as she then asked him,

"And what of that scar?" Caesar bit his lip as his gaze turned to his left arm which bore a small but noticeable patch of marred skin, despite being partially covered by overhanging fur. "We all have secrets, Romart. We only share them with those we trust, and while I don't doubt your capableness in this Order, I don't trust you enough to know why I'm here." Caesar looked at her as though she were a puzzle before he answered.

"Then I'll earn it. You have this air about you, Eva. One I've felt before. And it may take time but I'll earn your trust until you're ready to tell me your secret, and only then will I tell you how I got this scar. That way we'll both trust each other." he then extended his hand to the Kirlia. "Will you give me that chance, Evangelyne Hikari?" the Kirlia stared back at him before giving him an impressed smile before taking his hand gently in hers.

"Then it's a Hidden Hand's promise, Caesar Romart." she replied as they raised their free hands and hid them behind their backs as they swore the oath.

"If you two lovebirds are quite done, we'd like to begin our shift so hit the hay." the two looked down fast to see Rhett and Wendy looking up at them.

"How long have you two been there?" Caesar asked.

"More than we needed to see, or rather I needed to see." Rhett muttered.

"Aw I thought it was sweet. it's great that you're bonding with the newbie, Eva." Wendy grinned earning an embarrassed blush from the Kirlia.

"This isn't bonding, it's a pledge." she argued but the laughter coming from Caesar didn't help her case as she huffed irritably at the whole situation. Some night watch this turned out to be.

XXX

Morning soon came as the squad awoke from their rest and made their way deep into Pyrus, staying hidden from any passing public who might see them. Until eventually, they reached a clearing where a large mass of stone was up ahead.

"There it is." Lisa pointed. "Nero's hideout. Deep down in that cave is a mound of treasure just waiting to be stolen. You guys remember the plan right?" she asked Monkeybone and Evangelyne.

"Dig our way in while you distract them. Find the vault and dig an escape tunnel back out to you guys." Twig summarised the plan.

"Right." Lisa confirmed. "Eva, you remember to keep a calm mind so you can sync with Darwin. That way we'll know your position."

"Understood." the Kirlia said.

"Then it's showtime." Wendy grinned "Atlas." the Heracross nodded before he got on all fours and spread the wings from his shell, the others taking a few steps back as his horn began to give off a cyan glow and doubled in size while his wings buzzed loudly, building up speed. Stitch leaned in towards Team Monkeybone before murmuring.

"Brace yourselves. You're about to see why we call him 'The Wrecking Bug.'" the brothers glanced at the Banette before back to Atlas who was now churning up dust clouds from the speed of his wings before in almost the blink of an eye he shot off like a bullet and struck the stone mound, smashing right through its broadside like tin foil. KER-KRASH! The dust soon settled revealing a number of Pokemon to be hiding within the stone which included a Scizor with a black bandana around his neck, a Hitmonchan with an eye patch, a Mightyena with a large hole in his ear and a Mankey with bald spots on his fur.

"Knock-knock." Atlas wrapped the air with his knuckles.

"INTRUDER!" the Hitmonchan shouted. "BOSS! WE'VE BEEN DISCOVERED!" he then called before a large shadow began to emerge from the cave as atlas backed out to rejoin the group, until out of the bleak came an enormous Pangoro. He was a fierce looking beast of a Pokemon with a hideous scar over one of his eyes and clamped between his teeth was a twig which he was chewing on rather peeved due to his 'front door' being obliterated. It was clear as day that this was Nero.

"What is the meaning of this?" he asked with a false calm tone.

"We don't know, Boss." the Mankey answered. "These schmucks just smashed our hideout in. They're probably some rival gang after our loot."

"Is that so?" Nero questioned as he drew a huge bamboo shoot with a sharp spearhead at the end. "Then let's show them the door...Death's door." his goons chuckled sinisterly as they prepared to attack.

"Aw man you have a real knack for threats, Panda bear." Rhett muttered unimpressed as he brandished his claws which became shrouded in a light purple aura, growing longer and sharper as his attack was raised with a sword dance. "So let's go." he then disappeared from view before appertaining beside the Hitmonchan and delivering a fierce shadow claw to his face sending the fighting type tumbling across the ground, his face scratched from the Weavile's strike.

"ATTACK!" Nero commanded as he and troupe charged at Hidden Hands members, save for Darwin who was hiding in a tree away from the battle and not far from where he was, Team Monkeybone and Eva were watching the battle.

"Wow they just get right to the point." Hugo stared at his comrades.

"As should we. Let's go." Evangelyne said as the four began to make their way to the hideout from a different angle until they reached a spot away from the fighting. "Ok, boys. You're up." she said presenting the stone wall to them.

"You heard the lady, let's dig." Twig said before the three began to claw at the ground as a tunnel began to take shape, growing longer and deeper before they were eventually out of sight. The trio tunneled through the earth with a steady slope in their digging, Caesar's flame lighting the way while Evangelyne crawled close behind them. Until eventually after about ten minutes the dirt in front of them crumbled away and light spilled into the tunnel as the group saw what appeared to be a wide cave.

"Gentlemen and lady, we have arrived." Twig said he crawled forward and as he did, suddenly tumbled out of the exit hole. "WAA!" Thwump! The other three looked out of the hole to see Twig lying a few feet below them, face down, revealing the tunnel had ended raised above the ground.

"Thanks for the early warning, Twig." Hugo gave the Aipom a thumbs up which he shakily returned. Eva chuckled before closing her eyes as the horns on her head began to glow dimly.

"Darwin. We're in." she spoke in thought.

XXX

Back outside, the Elgyem was sitting in the tree with his hands together the lines on his cranium pulsing.

"I read you, Evangelyne. I'll keep a tab on you while you're down there. Remember to keep an eye out for traps. Nero's treasure is sure to be heavily guarded."

"Understood." Eva replied. All the while a few more rogue Pokemon had exited the cave to aid Nero's troop. Rhett was currently locked in combat with a Gabite, the dragon type's arm blades clashing with his claws.

"You call that an attack?!" he questioned before blasting the Gabite with a shadow ball. A Lickitung attempted to paralyze Lisa from behind with a lick attack but the Emolga was one step ahead as she turned around and...hugged him?

"HUGGLES~!" she laughed nuzzling her fuzzy cheek against the Lickitung causing him to become engulfed in electricity freezing him solid. "Now, Yapper!" Lisa signaled as the Shuppet flew up from the ground and blasted the normal type with a dark pulse KO'ing him.

"I sure hope the boys are doing alright down there. This is pretty big for their first job." Lisa said with a hint of concern in her voice.

"Ah they'll be fine." Yapper reassured. "They've got Eva backing them. No one messes with her on the job."

"When you put it like that I actually worry more for the enemy when she's involved." Lisa muttered.

XXX

Back underground, Team Monkeybone and Eva were sneaking around in search of Nero's treasure, ducking to avoid any passing guards who'd remained posted.

"So how exactly do we find the vault?" Twig whispered to Eva who was eyeing one of the nearby guards; a Loudred.

"That one there has a map of the cave." she pointed as the boys spotted the Pokemon did indeed have a map sticking out of his pocket. The Kirlia then lifted her palm as her eyes began to glow blue until the map began to edge its way out of the Loudred's pocket before it floated over to the group. Evangelyne unrolled the map before pointing to a spot which had a large currency sign scribbled on it.

"Bam. We have our heading." Hugo grinned. "Awesome work, Eva." the Kirlia went a little pink from the compliment but quickly shook the blush off.

"Let's keep moving. The vault's two floors down from where we are." she said before heading towards a staircase with the boys following. But as they descended, Hugo spotted some holes in the side of the wall. he narrowed his eyes before he noticed some of the steps were coated in strange cracks.

"Stop!" he halted the group and picked up a stray rock before tossing it down the staircase and as it bounced on one of the odd stairs, spikes erupted from the walls ahead of them. "I thought so. Don't step on a crack or a spike will skewer your back." he warned the others before he took the lead and carefully hopped down the stairs, avoiding the cracked ones as he did so.

"Nicely done, bro!" Caesar patted the Pikachu thankfully. "We can always rely on your sharp eyes." Hugo bashfully rubbed his head as the group carried on following the map as they slid down a steep slope of earth which lead them to the first floor. But then, they heard a chirping sound and as they looked up they saw a Tranquill perched on a nearby post, its beady eyes swiveled over the area. The quartet ducked behind a rock so they wouldn't be seen.

"An eye in the sky huh?" Twig muttered. "Maybe if I channel my swift into a single shot I could knock it out." he whispered in suggestion.

"Well our only path to the next floor is right passed that bird and I don't know teleport yet." Eva said. "Just don't miss or we're in trouble." the Aipom nodded before his tail began to glow gold and a large shuriken materialised in his third hand. Twig aimed it carefully at the Tranquill before reeling back his tail and fired. The star flew at the bird but as soon as ti struck, the attack phased right through the flying type.

"...What?" twig questioned, surprised before reality dawned on him. "Crap! A double team!"

SKRAWWWK! The gang wheeled around to see the Tranquill hovering behind them glaring daggers at them. The wild pigeon Pokemon squawked angrily but just as it was about to fly away to alert Nero. Fwoooosh! The Tranquill was engulfed flames from one of Caesar's flamethrowers before out of the fire fell what looked like a roast pigeon, that was until a head and feet popped out revealing the bird to still be alive...but completely bald of feathers. BA-GAWK! It clucked in humiliated shock, covering its privates while Caesar looked on with a cocky grin, his brothers rolling on the floor in hysterics, even Eva couldn't help laughing at how deliciously ridiculous the bird now looked.

"Now that's what I call Pyrusian BBQ." said Caesar blowing a mocking smoke ring at the Tranquill before he kicked the now flightless bird away. "As we were, brothers, and lady."

"Aw man that was rich!" Twig wiped his eyes. "You should cook more often."

"I'll admit you could give Fletcher a run for a his money with that kind of humor." Evangelyne chuckled as Caesar bowed to his comrades.

"Just look at it scramble." Hugo pointed at the bald Tranquill who without feathers, was forced to walk up the slope they'd come down in an attempt to reach Nero only to pathetically slide back down. The group shook their heads as they left the retched struggling squab behind.

XXX

Back with the others, they were still holding up the ruse quite well. many of Nero's goons had been knocked out by the Hidden Hands though his elite members still stood. Wendy was facing off with the Mightyena who attempted to bite her with his razor edged fangs, though the Scratfy narrowly dodged the attack before following up with a drain punch which sapped the dark type of his energy. This gave Wendy time to slip back and speak to Darwin from his hiding spot.

"How are they doing? I'm not sure if we can keep Nero tricked for much longer." she said as the Elgyem focused on Evangelyne's location.

"They're close. They've made it to the floor where the vault is located. Not much longer." Wendy grinned at the good news.

"Sweet. I knew those guys had it in them." she said. "Now where was I?" she asked herself before going back to beating the thugs senseless.

XXX

"Not much further now. the vault should be at the end of this tunnel once we get passed the security system." Eva read the map as the group found themselves in a cave that had many tripwires crisscrossing between the walls and hanging from the ceiling were a great number of bells that were attached to the strings.

"Be careful. If you trip a single thread the alarm will be raised and the mission failed." Eva cautioned the brothers. "Follow my lead." she added before she raised her arms and stood on her toes before she took a flying leap into the web of wires. With the balance of a scale she weaved in and out of the strings, flipping and spinning through gaps in the air before landing on one foot in the small spaces of the floor that were untouched. She glanced back at the boys who were gaping at her graceful display of the fusion of acrobatics and ballet. She smiled before falling forward and stood on her hands and splitting her legs so she could walk under a wire that was just over her until eventually she reached the other side and flipped back on her feet. She turned to face the boys who were still amazed by her flexibility which tempted her to take a bow of her own.

"Wow. What a bendy babe." Twig whistled until he heard Hugo snicker.

"Twig, look at Caesar." he pointed as Twig looked to see the Chimchar staring at the Kirlia slack jawed and bug eyed. "Someone's impressed." the Aipom chuckled at Hugo's comment before giving Caesar a light slap with his tail snapping him out of his trance.

"Our turn, Caesar." Twig said before he coiled his tail up like a spring and began to bounce on it before he launched himself forward and soared across the cave, diving between the threads and landing on the other side. "Never let me down, buddy." he grinned proudly high-fiving his tail hand.

"Come on let's go." Caesar said as he and Hugo began traversing the trip wires themselves, albeit not as fluidly as the last two. the former tiptoed and limboed as carefully as he could while the latter tried desperately to keep his tail from hitting any of the strings. They eventually reached the other side, but just as Hugo was about to step over the last string a wild Diglett suddenly popped up in front of him.

"Diglett!" it squeaked which made Hugo jump and he began to fall backward towards the wires.

"GAAAAH!" Twig panicked before he thrust his tail forward and a long hook and cable shot out of the glove on his tail, wrapping around the Pikachu and pulling him to safety. "Grappling hook!" he cheered.

"Phew! thanks a million, Twig. I was in real trouble there." Hugo sighed with relief before throwing a glare at the Diglett who blinked innocently before disappearing back underground.

"Well that was the last trap, boys. The vault's just up ahead." Evangelyne pointed to a door in the back of the room. "I have to admit you're doing quite well for first timers. A little rusty here and there but still pretty good." the brothers grinned proudly before they made their way through the door. But no sooner had they done so the gasped in shock. At the end of the small tunnel was a huge iron door that simply screamed 'vault of treasure', but that wasn't what had shocked them. No, what shocked them was what was guarding the door. Lying in front of the entrance and breathing heavily in its sleep...was a shiny Druddigon. Even though it was curled up it reached half the height of the door, its orange and green scales glistened in the flickering torchlight, scars of many sizes visible on its hide, but strangest of all, it's wrists, ankles, throat and tail were shackled in big iron chains. Wisps of smoke sprayed form its nostrils as it yawned, showing a mouth of enormous fangs that could rival daggers. the sight of which sent the four thieves running for cover as they peeked out form behind their hiding place at the dragon.

"Holy Dialga. Look at that size of that lizard." Twig whispered in a mix of intimidated amazement. "How could he fit something like that down here?"

"How matters not." Evangelyne said. "The treasure is behind that beast. Once we get passed we close the door and dig the escape tunnel from the inside."

"Not that I'm doubting your strength, Eva, but do we really stand a chance against a full grown Druddigon?" Caesar asked. But before Eva could reply a deep slightly rasped voice spoke,

"I know you're back there...thieves." the dragon murmured as he began to rise form his slumber, the thick chains of his shackles rattling heavily. "I smell you. An Aipom, a Chimchar, a Pikachu and a Kirlia; A unique band of misfits. You've come for Nero's hoard, haven't you?" the group hesitated to breathe as the Druddigon paced back and forth across the vault door, waiting for them to face him. "Show yourselves."

"What do we do?" Hugo asked Eva who closed her eyes.

"Darwin. Did you see this coming?" she telepathically communicated with the cerebral Pokemon.

"Yes. I foresaw an impending threat of you all charging in only to be burned alive by dragon-fire. You must be careful. This Druddigon has been put through great pain. He may seem in charge but Nero has him completely immobilized." Darwin spoke back from outside for the others to hear.

"You've got this. Just kill the damn dragon and get the goods." Rhett said. "You've faced deadlier." Eva strained her eyes at the mention of Rhett's suggestion.

"He's in chains. I doubt he's any comrade to them."

"All the more reason to put him out of his misery. Darwin said he was in pain so why let him suffer?" Rhett asked. Eva was going to debate until something snapped her out of her mental connection. She looked to see Hugo stepping out form their hiding spot and facing the Druddigon.

"Hugo what are you doing?!" she hissed.

"There you are, thief." the Druddigon sneered at the Pikachu who didn't seem to show any fear of the towering dragon type. He only eyed the shackles which had dug their way into the flesh of his wrists and ankles.

"How long?" he asked.

"What?"

"How long have you been locked down here?" Hugo expanded his question causing the Druddigon to stomp toward him only for the chains to hold him back when they straightened.

"You have a lot of nerve to ask such a question, rat!" he snarled. Eva was about to leap into action but Caesar grabbed her arm, shaking his head and then nodding at Hugo. The Kirlia seemed puzzled as she turned back to the Pikachu who was looking at the dragon sadly.

"You're a prisoner. A slave at Nero's disposal. A dragon as big and powerful as you could wipe the floor with him. That's why I ask how long it's been cause there's no way he wrestled you down here at this age." the Druddigon looked Hugo in the eye, strangely intrigued by his courage before he answered.

"...Ten years. Ten long years I've been chained down here in this cave, guarding gold that isn't even mine. I was taken when I was no bigger than you. My parents slain, my home destroyed."

"He broke you. Turned you into a pathetic guard dog." Hugo said.

"SILENCE!" the Druddigon roared who breathed a burst of warning flames at Hugo who still refused to waver. "How dare you speak to me that way?! As though you understand my pain! You, a lowly thief no less a criminal than Nero!"

"You're wrong. We came to return what he's stolen back to it's rightful owner." Twig spoke up, deciding to join Hugo. "We're members of the Hidden Hands." the Druddigon laughed.

"HAHAHAHA! You think I'm a fool, simian?! The Hidden Hands don't exist. An old wives' tale meant to keep little brats in line."

"We thought so too." Caesar stepped into view as well. "Until we accidentally killed a dictator and earned a spot in the Order. Honestly we're still trying to comprehend it all. We're Team Monkeybone: Caesar, Twig and Hugo. What's your name?" the Druddigon stared at them, slightly intrigued. It had been so long since he'd had a worthy conversationalist so he introduced himself as,

"Ore. That is my name. And let's just say by some miracle I believe your story. What gives you the right to take what isn't yours?"

"Like we said, we're giving it back to the Pokemon Nero took it from. I don't know what stories you were told about us but we aren't doing this to line our own pockets. Anything that wasn't stolen from others is going to be used to fund our new guild hall so that others may join to help make this world a better place. Surely you can't deny that cause?" said Caesar.

"And what do I have to gain from it? When Nero finds out he'll blame it all on me for failing to guard the treasure. He'll likely kill me." Ore growled.

"No he won't...not if you're free." Twig suggested which shocked both Ore and Evangelyne.

"What's going on, Eva?" Darwin asked the Kirlia who'd been watching as she hurriedly thought back.

"They've been talking with the Druddigon. Trying to reach a truce...and they're offering to free it." the Kirlia's voice emanated from Darwin.

"They're what?!" Stitch gawked. "Are they crazy?!"

"We can't keep Nero and his goons distracted forever!" Atlas spoke punching the Mankey in the face as it tried to attack him.

"Those rookies are gonna jeopardise the mission if they keep chatting it up with that dragon." Rhett grunted as he was locked in a stalemate with another goon.

"If not get themselves mauled to death by freeing it." Mandy droned while using hypnosis.

"We need to get the loot before those five brain cells of Nero's wake up and realise he's being tricked." Peri reminded Eva as he froze some of the rogues with a mean look giving Fletcher time to sweep them with a guillotine. The Kirlia severed her mental link again to turn her attention back to Team Monkeybone.

"You intend to free me? And you expect me to trust you?" Ore questioned.

"Well yeah, that's the idea." Twig simplified.

"You've been locked here in the dark for too long. I doubt you've even had the chance to fly properly. No dragon with wings should be kept grounded." Hugo said as he reached out a paw and gently pet Ore's muzzle. "You're a victim and we exist to help those who've been hurt by villains like Nero. Let us help you, Ore. Let us set you free. That's what friends do."

"...Friends?"

"Just watch us." Caesar smiled before he grabbed one of the shackles and began to breath fire on it which gradually began to expand the metal before Hugo brandished his iron tail. SLASH! SLASH! SLASH! The shackles on ore's limbs, throat, wings and tail were sliced in twain, falling to the ground with loud thud. Ore gasped as he felt their weight leave his body before he stared at Team Monkeybone in disbelief at what they'd just done.

"You...you...freed me..." he murmured.

"Well sure we did. You deserve to be free, Ore." Caesar grinned, petting the dragon. "Hey Eva, why are you still hiding? Come out here." the Kirlia, who'd been viewing the whole thing in astonishment tentatively came out from behind the rock. "This is Ore. Ore, Evangelyne."

"Nice to meet you, um, Sir." Eva muttered awkwardly.

"The pleasure's mine." Ore replied. But then as he tried to take a step forward his legs buckled and he fell to the ground.

"Ore!" Twig ran to him only to see the areas where his shackles had been were red, chaffed and bruised. "You're hurt. We need to heal you."

"I'm fine." the Druddigon growled as he attempted to stand up only to fall again.

"No you're not. Eva can you use heal pulse?" Caesar asked.

"It's not fully developed but I think I can heal his wounds." the Kirlia replied.

"Look we'll start bagging the moolah. You need to stay here and help Ore. Once we've packed up we're outta here." Twig said.

"Hey who do you think you are to order me?" Eva puffed her cheeks.

"We're not ordering you. It's because you're the only one here who can heal Ore! So quit loafing and get to work!" Hugo snapped. "That was an order. See the difference?"

"Just who are these three. They're first job and they're able to tame Nero's guard and take charge like this. Incredible." Eva thought and began to treat Ore while Team Monkeybone opened the vault to find it bursting with mounds of treasure.

"Sweet nanab smoothies! There's even more here than there was in Mortimer's palace, and he was royalty!" Twig gaped at the riches as the brothers went about stuffing it into bags. But little did they know that Nero's Tranquill had regrown it's feathers and caught up with the group. Choosing not to be rotisseried a second time, the flying type took off in reverse to inform its Master he was being robbed.

XXX

"This is starting to become annoying." Nero chewed the twig in his mouth viciously as the unconscious bodies of his underlings littered the battlefield. "You punks are persistent I'll give ya that much, but you're not getting passed me."

"Just watch us, hairball." Peri mocked as he started charging up a power gem attack. But at that moment, the Tranquill came soaring out of the cave and landed on Nero's shoulder squawking frantically.

"What is it?" Nero asked as he listened to the bird's panicked cries before his eyes widened in shock and he stared at the other Hidden Hands.

"Does he know?" Stitch nervously asked no one in particular.

"You sneaking little buggers!" Nero growled.

"HE KNOWS!" Fletcher confirmed before the Pangoro raised his arms. WHAM! KRRRRRRAAK! He slammed his fists against the earth causing ti to crack and rise, pushing the gang back before he hurried into the cave and smashed the side of the hole causing rocks to break and fall down sealing the cave.

"Dammit he caught on! He's going for the others!" Atlas cursed.

"Eva! Twig, Hugo and Caesar!" Lisa worried.

"Darwin you need to tell Eva to grab what they can and get out of there!" Wendy said to the Elgyem who focused his mind to reach Evangelyne.

XXX

Back at the vault, the boys had finished stuffing the last of the treasure into the bags and Eva had fully healed Ore's wounds.

"That's the last of it, Eva!" Caesar called to her who nodded.

"You should be all better now, Ore." she said petting him as the Druddigon managed to stand up, letting out a joyful gasp as he did so.

"My strength. I feel it all coming back to me. I want to fly!" he roared determinedly.

"And you will. Right after we dig our way out fo this dank cave." Hugo smiled as he and his brothers began tunneling away at the back wall. But at that moment, Ore tensed and he sniffed the air before letting out a growl.

"What is it?" Twig asked.

"We have company." Ore growled as the group turned around to see none other than Nero trudging towards them, his Tranquill hiding behind him.

"So, which of you wants to die first?" he inquired.

"Eva! You and the brothers need to get out of there now! Nero's moving to your position!" Darwin's voice sounded int he Kirlia's head whose eyes half lidded.

"You were a little too slow on that one, Nox." she muttered as the Pangoro stood before the group cracking his knuckles.

"Now then, would you mind explaining why you're stealing my treasure?" he asked.

"We aren't stealing anything you fat rug!" Twig snapped. "Not a bit of this belongs to you! We're giving it back to all the Pokemon you took it from! And there's nothing you can do about it!"

"Oh I think I can." Nero growled before he turned his gaze to Ore. "It's you who surprises me the most though, Ore. Why are you letting the thieves have their way?" the Druddigon tensed a little as the painful memories of his torture trued to resurface but his fears subsided when he looked at the smiling faces of his rescuers.

"Because they intend to free me from this prison you've kept me in, Nero!" Ore snarled. "My wounds are healed and my chains broken and now, it's payback time!" he roared before he began to charge towards Nero but then almost instantly, he began to lose speed until the dragon had slowed to a crawl upon reaching Nero.

"HAAHAHAHAHA!" the Pangoro laughed at him and the shocked thieves. "Don't you know Druddigon can't move when their body heat is low, Ore? Well I guess you wouldn't since I took you at such a young age. Why do you think I kept you down here in the dark? So you could never fight back! Even without your chains, you are still weak!" SMAK! Ore was struck across the face with a hammer arm sending him smashing into the cave wall.

"ORE!" Team Monkeybone cried before they glared at Nero.

"You bastard! You'll pay for that!" Hugo shouted as angry sparks flew from his cheeks.

"You runts will be nothing but a waste of my energy." Nero mocked. "But take your best shot, little street mouse."

"Come on, guys! Get him!" Hugo shouted before Team Monkeybone charged at Nero. The daunting Pokemon sighed irritably before he struck Caesar in the face with a focus punch before seizing Twig by his tail and slamming him into Hugo, sending the three boys tumbling back.

"Guys!" Eva cried before she leapt into action as well. Nero attempted to skewer her with his bamboo spear but the Kirlia countered his attack as she began to sing loudly, sound waves emanating from her which caused Nero to drop his spear to cover his ears as eh roared in pain from the disarming voice. The boys took the opportunity to follow up as Twig bombarded Nero with a swift attack followed by a burst of ember from Caesar and finally a thunderbolt from Hugo which pushed Nero back a few steps as he snarled at them.

"You're starting to piss me off!" he shouted before his fists glowed white and he struck the ground causing columns of rock to erupt from the ground beneath the four thieves launching them into the air as the Pangoro jumped after them as he laced his fists together and struck each of them back to the ground with an overhead swing. KAPOW! The four were smashed into the stone ground badly dazed as Nero landed on his feet.

"Damn. This guy's no push over." Hugo groaned as he sat up.

"If only ore could move we'd have a shot at beating him!" Twig punched the ground. But just then, Caesar's eyes widened.

"Wait a second! Nero said Druddigon can't move when their body heat's low. But if their body heat's higher then they should be able to move quickly."

"What are you saying, Romart?" Evangelyne asked.

"Ore!" Caesar called to the Druddigon who slowly raised his head to look at him as Caesar put his hands together a ball of light building up between them. "Get ready fro a sunny day!" he shouted before he released the ball of light into air. Ore gasped when he felt its heat on his skin before his wings began to take the sunlight in and he began to get to his feet.

GROOOOOAARR! He let out a monstrous battle cry before he flew straight at Nero and bulldozed him right into the cave wall with a CRASH! The latter spat blood as he felt the dragon's weight crushing his chest before he punched Ore off of him and the two locked hands in a stalemate, each one growling ans snarling fro dominance.

"It worked!" Caesar cheered. "Sunny day may be used to power up fire types but for a Ore it's just what the doctor ordered!"

"Caesar you're a genius!" Twig praised him. "There's no way we can lose now."

"You're right about that, Bristol." Evangelyne smiled as she stepped forward. "With Nero locked in combat with Ore I can use my dazzling gleam to bring him down." she added before she began to gracefully twirl on one leg, her body growing brighter and brighter.

"Of course! Dark and fighting types are both very weak to fairy types! One shot of that will finish Nero off for good!" Caesar realised. Meanwhile, Nero was trying with all his might to wrestle Ore who was starting to gain the upper hand as the dragon opened his mouth and a huge blue flame began to grow inside his throat. Nero swallowed hard at the sight of the oncoming dragon rage, knowing at this range it would surely defeat him, until he spotted Eva powering up her dazzling gleam which at first terrified him...until he got a wicked idea as he pretended not to see the Kirlia who'd finished charging her attack.

"This ends now!" she shouted before she released a blinding beam of light form her palms towards Nero who grinned madly before with a roar of strength he swung ore in front of him...who took the full blast of the attack.

"AAAAAAAAAAAUUUUGHH!" the dragon type roared in agony as the fairy light struck him in the back. The others cried in shock as ore went limp in Nero's grasp, his eyes closed before the Pangoro threw the dragon at them with a mocking laugh as Ore crashed into the group knocking them all to the ground, but Nero didn't stop there as he raised his arms and smashed the ground causing another earthquake as the ground burst from beneath the group in a wave of rock and earth.

XXX

"Come on put your horn into it, blue beetle!"

"You call that digging, Rhett?!"

"I'm trying as hard as I can, dammit! There's a lot of rock to get through!" back outside the hideout it was revealed the others, thanks to Darwin's knowledge of Evangelyne's location, had rushed to the spot that was above the treasure vault and were now tunneling down to aid the group.

"Come on dig faster! They could be in trouble!" Fletcher shouted as the Pokemon dug at the hard layers of rock between them and their comrades.

"Don't panic! I'm sure they're doing just fine on their own!" Peri reassured him as he clawed at the earth. "I bet by the time we get their they'll have all the treasure bagged and ready to go."

"Looks like Twig's optimism has rubbed off on you." said Rhett.

XXX

Cough-cough! Twig opened his eyes to see his friend lying on the ground, beaten and groaning, Ore crumpled in a heap, his back smocking form the attack meant for Nero, whom of which was standing before the group with a smug grin on his twisted face.

"Congratulations, thieves. You're the first Pokemon to come this close to robbing me. But it ends here. Now that you know my location I can't let you leave here alive. I think I'll start with the rat." he eyed Hugo and began to advance towards him. Upon hearing that threat, Ore's golden eyes snapped open. The sight of the brute approaching the weakened Pikachu who'd treated him with kindness for the first time in ten years made the dragon grow immense with rage.

"You leave him alone, Nero! Take me first! I'm the one who betrayed you!" he hollered. The bandit laughed in response.

"And that's exactly why I'm killing him first. What better way to punish you then watch your friend die?" he cackled but just as he was about to grab Hugo.

"It ain't over, scumbag!" Caesar growled as he got to his feet, raising a clenched glowing fist. "You can beat me down as many times as you want. But I won't let anyone threaten my family! Don't let me down, Ore!"

SHEEEEEN! With that an orb of shimmering sunlight emerged from Caesar's palm and engulfed the cave in its warming glow, Nero shielding his eyes from the glare but at that moment a ferocious growl reached his ears and he looked to see Ore rising to his feet as the sunlight began to absorb into his wings before the Druddigon let out a roar of newfound strength. The dragon then opened his mouth and a purple and blue light began to build up in his mouth. Nero tensed and tried to run but then he was suddenly frozen in place by Evangelyne's psychic.

"Oh no you don't!" the Kirlia hissed before Ore released a ferocious dragon pulse from his maw. BZAAAAAAAAAM! The attack engulfed Nero in a massive explosion sending dust everywhere.

"You did it! Nero's burnt to a crisp!" Hugo grinned having regained his footing. But as the cloud eventually cleared, the gang were shocked to find Nero still standing, though he was panting heavily.

"Well...played, Ore. It seems you do have what it takes to be a dragon. But you'll never-"

"Oh just shut up already!" Caesar interrupted in frustration before he took a flying leap at Nero and began striking him repeatedly with acrobatics, his fists and feet engulfed in flames as he punched and kicked the Pangoro allowing no opening for him to retaliate. POW! SOCK! WHACK! SLUG! The Chimchar finished his attack with an uppercut before leaping away.

"YOU FILTHY MONKEY!" Nero roared in anger as he prepared to strike back only to find Caesar had vanished.

"Up here!" the Pangoro heard a voice and as he stared up he saw Hugo rolling down towards him, his tail silver and gleaming. "TAKE THIS!" GONG~! Hugo's tail struck Nero right between the eyes, sending a shock form his head to his toes. He clutched his head in pain and stumbled backwards as he was losing balance.

"You're up, twig! Finish him!" Hugo shouted before delivering a tackle to Nero's gut sending him toppling backwards where the Aipom was positioned behind him on all fours with his tail tightly coiled and the fist clenched.

"And this time, stay down!" he shouted before he released his tail with the force of a cannon and the fist rammed straight into Nero's back. WHAM! KRAK! Nero let out a strangled gag as he felt his back break from the strike until his eyes finally rolled back and he fell to the ground, out cold and defeated. They had won. The Tranquill slowly hopped over to his Master, lightly pecking him to see if he was still conscious, until the bird looked to see the group of thieves and the dragon staring at him menacingly.

"Boo." said Caesar which sent the pigeon madly flapping away like a headless chicken. "WE DID IT!" Caesar then cheered as he exchanged a high five with his brothers.

"Ore you were amazing! I knew you could stand up to him!" Hugo laughed as he hugged the Druddigon's neck.

"Nonsense! It was only because of Caesar's sunlight and Ms Evangelyne's psychic that I was able to land that blow."

"Oh no, please." Eva waved her hand bashfully. "I don't deserve your praise. It was my fault you got hit by dazzling gleam. I'm so sorry." she bowed.

"It's not your fault." Caesar insisted. "Nero was the one who pulled that cowardly trick. And besides I'm not the hero here. it was all Hugo's idea to free Ore in the first place."

"Alright enough of 'pass the praise' already." Twig interjected slinging his arms around Eva and Caesar and his tail around Hugo. "We all did it. Together. That includes you, Ore." he nodded to the dragon. "And now, let's get all this gold stuff outta here. I don't wanna be around when he wakes up." eh jerked his tail to Nero. But at that moment a banging noise reached the Pokemon's ears as they looked to see it was coming from he back of the vault. Thump! Scrape! Crack!

"OPEN UP!" a voice shouted as the stone began to crack until CRASH! The back wall crumbled away to reveal the rest of the squad rushing in through an enormous hole.

"Don't worry, guys! We're here to back you up an- Oh." Peri cut himself off upon seeing Nero's defeated form.

"You mean you guys did it?! You managed to beat Nero?!" Fletcher asked in disbelief.

"We had a little help from a friend." Hugo smiled as the gang looked to see Ore, Eva currently healing his wounds.

"Holy Hoopa! He's bigger than I thought he'd be!" Stitch gaped.

"And you were able to gain his trust. Fascinating, I never saw it coming." Darwin pondered the scene."

"Well we weren't expecting you guys to come to us, but we sure could use a hand moving all this moolah." Twig grinned. "Ore, can you walk?"

"Yes, I'm fine." the Druddigon answered as the team grabbed a bag of treasure and began to make for the exit tunnel.

"Hey Wendy come on we're leaving!" Rhett called as the Scrafty had stuck behind and was scribbling something on a piece of paper.

"Be right with you! Just leaving Nero our calling card." she winked before leaving the paper on top of Nero and hurrying after her friends.

XXX

"...Boss...Hey Boss!" Nero groaned in pain as the sound of his henchmens' voices called to him. The Pangoro opened his eyes hissing from the pain in his back and head.

"Boss!" the Scizor helped him sit up. "Are you alright?"

"Do I look like I am, fool?!" Nero snarled as he struggled to his feet. Upon doing so a piece of paper slipped off his front and fluttered to the ground. Curious, he picked it up and turned it over to find it branded with the crest of the Hidden Hands and scrawled under the image was a short message which simply read 'Thanks for the treasure, have a nice day. From the Hidden Hands' Nero's eyes widened before he looked up and gasped to see his vault wiped clean not a poke in sight.

"Dammit." he whispered before he threw a punch at the cave wall, obliteratign it. "GOD DAMMIT!"

"Boss calm down, you're injured!" the Hitmonchan cautioned.

"No, I will NOT CALM DOWN!" Nero roared. "Do you idiots have any how serious this is?! Our payment is due tonight!" his cronies trembled when he said that. "If we don't gather up enough cash before sundown...where's the nearest village?!"

"Hillingham. But, Sir we've already claimed their protection money. They'll have hardly any money left let alone enough to pay-"

"I DON'T CARE!" Nero cut off the Mankey. "We have no other choice! I'm going to squeeze every last drop out of that miserable shanty town! Otherwise my head will roll tonight."

XXX

"Treasure~!" Peri cheered as the Sableye was now diving in and out of the bags of loot like pools of water. "Oh man, you guys scored big time!" he grinned at Team Monkeybone while Eva was rolling her eyes at his antics as the dark ghost type was now dancing around their loot along with Fletcher who was snapping his pincers like castanets.

"Tonnes of gold for you, hey~!" Fletcher sang bumping Peri's hip with his tail.

"Tonnes of gold for me, hey~!" Peri back kicking Fletcher in the rear.

"Tonnes of gold for we, hey~!" the both sung before Rhett, having had enough of his team mates little jig, shouted.

"SHUT UP!" the two gave the Weavile a look that said 'buzzkill.'

"This isn't for us, remember? It's going back o the public it was stolen from. Only a cut of it is going to buy us the new hall for the Silent Mouth. That's it. I don't wanna see a single Poke in your pockets. Peri, I'm looking at you!" he quickly snapped at the Sableye who was reaching for a giant ruby as he whined and walked away.

"So now we just go home?" Twig asked. "The job's over?"

"You got it." Wendy nodded. "We're real proud of you guys. From what Eva's told us you each pulled your weight."

"She said that?" Caesar asked.

"Are you saying I can't be nice, Romart?!" the Kirlia snapped at him.

"No-no-no! I was just surprised you mentioned it." the Chimchar defended. Fletcher glanced at Peri who grinned and nodded before the fang scorpion Pokemon snapped his wrist against the air.

"WA-PISH!" almost instantly the group erupted into a fit of laughter, even Ore could tell what the Gliscor was implying.

"I AM NOT WHIPPED!" Caesar shouted red with rage.

"Then why you being so defensive, hotshot? You're redder than a Darmanitan's ass." Stitch pointed out causing even more laughter. But then, a mixture of frightened voices suddenly reached the group. they looked to see the small village of Hillngham was close by and the Pokemon there seemed to be in a panic.

"What's got them so scared?" Yapper asked.

"Only one way to find out, come on." Lisa said as the group went to investigate but they soon became shocked as they saw none other than Nero, along with his elite underlings approaching the scared villagers, their chief, an elderly Delphox stood before him using his stick to help him walk.

"What are you doing here, Nero?!" asked the old mon. "We already paid you our protection dues, today!"

"Shut up!" shouted the Hitmonchan. "The dues doubled! So we're back to take whatever you've got."

"That includes little snot-nosed brats, too," said Nero. But the villagers were having none of it as they started objecting. Meanwhile the Hidden hands watched from close by in shock at what was unfolding before them.

"Oh no." Lisa gasped.

"This is our fault." Caesar stared in horror. "He's gonna bleed that village dry because of us!"

"We have to do something!" twig shouted as he tried to rush intot he fray but Fletcher seized him by the tail.

"Whoa hold up there, monkey! He's not gonna be taking anything from them today."

"And what makes you so sure?!" Twig asked.

"You remember I had to deliver a message before we left, right? It was for the grand master of the Order of the Rising Sun: Jerome Clifton." the group gasped. "The letter told him we were going after Nero and that if he wanted to catch him, to send a squad of his knights to Hillingham village this afternoon."

"Can we really believe it'll go down like that?! This sounds like some fortune teller mumbo jumbo!" Caesar doubted.

"No! Ms Sanae is never wrong about the future with those eyes of hers. Nero's goign down right here so just enjoy the show." Fletcher grinned as the group watched the fiends.

"You're mad is what you are!" shouted a male Croconaw. "Our children don't have any money of their own! There's no way they can pay for themselves!"

"You stole so much from us, that we can't even give them a proper allowance!" cried an Espeon.

"Well," said Nero, "I guess that means that the brats have to die. Too bad."

He then snapped his fingers, causing his snickering cronies to advance upon the fearful townsfolk, who stood protectively before the frightened children.

"That's it!" Hugo hissed. "I won't stand by and watch children be dragged into this!" the Pikachu was about to leap out intot he clearing but Darwin froze him in place with his psychic.

"Don't. I can't see any outcomes of death here. We must have faith in the Rising Sun." he spoke calmly. Hugo gritted hsi teeth as he watched the goons draw closer to the hapless children.

"Don't worry," said the Scizor, raising his pincers. "This shouldn't hurt."

"Yeah," added the Mankey, holding a wooden club. "We won't feel a thing! Hahahahahaha!"

Just as the thugs are preparing to make due on their threat…

"Hold it, right there!"

Nero and his goons all looked back in confusion before they turned around and spotted another group of Pokemon, consisting of a female Absol in pale rose armor with some kind of marble in the middle of the collar, a male Scizor wearing silver armor, a Blastoise wearing dark blue armor, and finally, an Arcanine with yellow fur, clad in grayish-blue armor with silver outlines, standing before the group.

"And voila! One squad of Rising Sun knights." Fletcher smiled.

"I told you they'd be fine." Darwin said to Hugo.

"Who the hell are you guys?!" asked Nero. "Can't you see we're busy?! Get lost!"

"It's you who needs to get lost, punk," said the armored Scizor.

"Excuse me?!" Nero questioned. "Who the hell do you think you're talking to?!"

"We know who we're talking to, scum," the Absol spoke. "You are Nero of the Bamboo Mountains."

"That's right," Nero answered, gripping his spear. "And you're interrupting important business! Now leave!"

"It's you who needs to leave," said the Arcanine. "You have oppressed these good folk for far too long, and now it's time for you to pay the price!"

"Yeah, so you've got a choice!" shouted the Blastoise. "Leave or we kick your tails! Which is it?!"

"Why you!" Nero growled. "Who the hell do you think you are?!"

"We are knights of the Order of the Rising Sun," answered the Arcanine. "I am Commanding Officer Damien, and I order you all to leave this village, at once!"

Hearing this caused both the villagers and the bandits to gasp.

"D-did he say 'knights'?!" asked the Mightyena.

"Of the Order of the Rising Sun?!" asked the Bandit Scizor. Nero looked amongst his cowering cronies and growled.

"D-don't listen to them!" he shouted. "They're just bluffing, you fools! Don't just stand there! Get them already!"

Upon hearing that order, the bandits roared as they charged, causing the Absol to sigh.

"Why do they always wanna do things the hard way, Damien?" she asked.

"I wish I knew, Nova," Damien replied, his eyes still fixed on the thugs. "ATTACK!"

With that, the three armor-clad 'mons charged right back at their opponents.

"Take THIS!" shouted Nova as she threw blue balls of sinister flame summoned with her horn at the Mightyena and the Hitmonchan, causing him to scream at the burning pain. Concurrently, the Blastoise literally had a Mankey on his back, the primate knocking his paws against his head like a drum.

"I said knock it off!" shouted the Blastoise.

"What's the matter, Justin?" asked the armor-clad Scizor, locking claws with his bandit counterpart. "Can't handle such a little pest like that?"

"Ha!" Justin laughed. "Just watch this, Levi!"

"Wow! These guys are the real deal." Twig cooed at the knights' valiant strength.

"So this is what they're like. Real and true knights!" Hugo stared at them, his eyes sparkling.

"Well, Nero," said Damien after the Pangoro's men had been defeated. "Guess it's just you and me, now." Nero glared at the Arcanine, but inside he was terrified. This had been his last effort and it was failing horrendously. but then he spotted a small male Eevee cub and seized the boy before he could run, holding his spear to his throat.

"Sh-shut up! You take another step and I kill this kid! You got that?!"

"I wouldn't do that if I were you," warned Damien as he stepped forward. "Seriously."

"I said back off!" Nero cried. "I'm counting to 3, asshole!"

Damien only glared at the Pangoro, who tightened his grip on the frightened child. The Hidden hands also watched intently, wondering how the Commander would save the child.

"1..." Nero counted, his spear pointed at the Eevee's head. "2-"

Suddenly, in the blink of an eye, Damien disappeared and reappeared in front of Nero, his right front paw curled up into a fist.

"3, right?" he asked to the shocked Nero…whose face was soon introduced to the Fire-type's knuckles, which distorted the bear's face somewhat and knocked out several teeth, as well as the twig in his mouth. The Pangoro soon toppled to the ground, accidentally tossing the Eevee out of his arms before collapsing completely, and Damien casually held out his paw, catching the child in his arm. Now if he'd only been at full strength, Nero might have been able to take the hit, but all the damage he'd sustained from Team Monkeybone and Ore was still fresh and as he hit the ground it all came flooding back to him at full force. Now, he was utterly defeated.

Nero's Tranquill companion, in his fright, flapped off the moment his boss was defeated.

"You okay, kiddo?" he asked.

"Yeah!" answered the Eevee. "Thanks, mister!"

"That was a bit reckless, don't you think?" asked Nova in an annoyed tone.

"I got the kid back, didn't I?" asked Damien.

"Ugh…!" Nova groaned. "You're absolutely insufferable!"

"Why thank you," the Arcanine smirked.

"That wasn't a compliment, moron," Nova answered.

"Psh!" Damien scoffed. "Whatever." Off in the distance, the Hidden hands watched the victory with gleeful satisfaction.

"Wow. He really plays the whole 'knight in shining armor' shtick pretty well." Stitch clapped his hands impressed by Damien's talents.

"Well he certainly lives up to the reckless part as his companion so described." Eva said.

"Are you just gonna keep gawking at them like that, Hugo?" Twig asked as his brother refused to look away from the knights. "You look like you're trying to catch Combees."

XXX

"Well. Looks like it's the end of our career as bandits, Boss." the Hitmonchan said as he, along with Nero and the others were now tied up in a barred cart. "But hey look at this way. We'll be safe as long as we're locked up."

"...No...mere bars won't hold them back. All I can do now is pray I'm not worth their effort." Nero murmured hopelessly. But as the cart was being pulled away with the knight following in tow, Nero looked to see something stirring in the distance and as he focused he gasped in shock to see it was none other than Team Monkeybone waving goodbye to him. Hugo was smacking and shaking his rear while Caesar was pulling faces at him and Twig was holding a magnificent gold cup which he planted a big kiss on and waggled his eyebrows with a grin.

"N-No wait! WAIT!" Nero shouted as he pathetically tried to reach out of the cage, the knights only rolling their eyes believing he'd gone mad until the cart rolled over the hill and out of sight.

"And that is that." Twig nodded dusting his hands. "Now let's go home."

"A-greed!" Hugo and Caesar nodded as they went to join the others.

"I can safely say, mission accomplished, everybody." Wendy grinned. "And well done, boys! great work on your first mission."

"Thanks." Hugo grinned before he turned to Ore who was looking at the sky. "So Ore. Now that you're free, I was wondering, do you wanna come back with us? Come join our team at the Hidden Hands! You're so strong and fast and I know you could help so many Pokemon. So whaddya say?" the Druddigon remained quite for a few moments before he turned to face the group.

"I decline." he spoke.

"WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAT?!" Team Monkeybone squawked.

"Do not misunderstand me. Words can't express how grateful I am to you for freeing me. Had you not come to rob Nero I may have never left that cave. But now, for the first time in ten years, I feel the sun on my skin once more. I want to go out there. Feel the wind beneath my wings, the fresh air in my lungs, to roar from a mountaintop like no dragon has ever done. I want to fly like a comet and burn like one and sail across the world like one."

"You want to know how it truly feels to be free." Hugo smiled his eyes downcast. "Go. See the world. Be all you can be. I'll-I mean we'll miss you." he added as he blinked the faint tears from his eyes. Ore smiled as tears of his own began to well up before he pulled the little mouse into a hug careful not to crush him.

"Thank you...so much, my truest friend." he murmured as he pulled away and petted the Pikachu. "Come now, no tears. This isn't goodbye. Once I've had my journey and learned what it means to be a dragon...will you invite me again?" Hugo stared at him in amazement before he beamed and hugged him again, only this time, Twig and Caesar joined in. Even Lisa couldn't help embracing him.

"See you soon then, Ore." Twig smiled petting his nose.

"We'll be waiting for you, big guy." Caesar said sniffling a little.

"I may not know you, but a friend of theirs is a friend of mine." Lisa said. Ore chuckled as he pulled away form the little Pokemon.

"We will meet again!" he smiled before he turned on the spot and began to beat his wings, gusts of wind blowing through the brothers' fur until Ore took of from the ground and soared off high toward the sun, roaring with the force of a hurricane, everyone waving him goodbye until he disappeared into the sky. The boys rubbed their eyes until the felt their comrades' hands on their shoulders; Eva patting Caesar with a proud smile, Peri ruffling Twig's fur and Wendy with her arm around Hugo.

"That'll do rookies. That'll do." she grinned as the squad watched the sun set before them, proud of another job well done.

XXX

"Now sit back and enjoy the cell, Nero. You'll be squatting in it for the next fifty years!" a Wartortle and Arbok guard laughed at the sneering Pangoro who was now slumped in a cold stony jail cell after he was brought in by Damien. As the guards walked away to leave him with his thoughts, they stood outside the entrance to the cell block chatting amongst themselves when suddenly, two Pokemon materialised behind them as one of the mysterious intruders waved their hand causing the guards to collapse into a deep sleep.

"Nicely done, Anathar. Now, to business." the other Pokemon said to his comrade before they made their way down towards Nero's cell.

"Damn those brats! My entire fortune gone and my slave freed! When I get out of here I'll hunt down every single one of them and then their children! And their children's children! I'll slaughter their entire bloodlines!"

"Oh, I don't see that happening anytime soon." Nero looked to see the two shadowed Pokemon standing outside his cell door. Even though they were silhouetted, the dark fighting type knew who they were instantly as his face paled in terror. "Time's up, Nero."

"No! No you don't understand! My hideout was attacked and raided! By the Hidden Hands!"

"HmHmHmHmHm! Oh how amusing, Nero. Harping on that old fairy tale." the Pokemon named Anathar chuckled as he twiddled his large mustache.

"It's the truth I swear! You know I can't lie to save my life!" Nero swore.

"It matters not whether we believe you or we don't. Your debt is due and from what we've been told by your comrades it was all stolen from you...by four children." the other Pokemon spat the last word like it was poison. "I have no use for some mon who'd lose to such pitiful opponents!"

"It's not what you think! My Druddigon betrayed me and aided those brats! And technically they were teenagers!"

"Spare me your excuses!" the Pokemon struck the bars with his huge claws which sent Nero scurrying back a few feet. "You know the terms of our deal! You provide me with money and I keep you and your cronies hidden from the prying eyes of the Guilds and Orders. But not only were you robbed blind by youths, but you also practically handed yourself over to the Rising Sun. Gold can no longer pay your debt...only blood remains now." Nero trembled in fear before he rushed to the bars and jammed his face up against them.

"Don't do this! You're making a mistake casting me aside like that! Break me out instead and I can work my way back up again! I'll even hunt down the Hidden Hands and annihilate them!"

'We've tried showing you mercy before. We dare not try it again...nor will you." the Pokemon hissed menacingly. Nero felt large beads of sweat drip from his brow as he shook in a mixture of terror and rage before her thrust his arms through the bars and grabbed the Pokemon by the throat.

"Well if I'm goign down, I'm taking you with me!" Anathar prepared to attack but his leader stopped him with a raised hand.

"I confess myself...disappointed." he judged Nero with a calm tone. SHLUK! Nero gasped as a hand burst through his back, claws as big as steak knives dripping with his blood which also poured from his mouth before he collapsed to the floor, dead as a door nail. The Pokemon removed his hand from Nero's corpse shaking the blood off his claws with a swipe.

"Our work is done here. Let's go, Anathar." he said as they teleported out of the dungeon and to a nearby hill far away from the castle. "But tell me, my friend. Just who were the little thieves our old accomplice was raided by? I assume his followers described them to you?"

"Yes. The group itself consisted of fourteen Pokemon but only four of them stole the treasure. They were an Aipom, a Pikachu, a Kirlia and a Chimchar." Anathar identified them as his leader's ears perked at the last word.

"A Chimchar? He didn't happen to have a scar on his left arm, did he?" he asked which surprised Anathar.

"Yes. How did you know?" the Pokemon chuckled wickedly as the moon emerged from behind the clouds which showed his right eye to be covered by a strange silver patch which glinted in the light. Meanwhile Anathar was revealed to be an Alakazam clad in a scarlet robe and holding a staff which had a spoon at each end. His leader turned to face him before he answered the psi Pokemon's question.

"Because we go back, my friend. A long way back." he then turned around and began to walk away with Anathar close behind as he stared at the moon and grinned touching his eye patch.

"I know you're out there...Caesar."

The Journey Continues...