Battle on the high seas, the entrance to the hidden land

The Pokeguild seemed small to the normal eye. However, the entrance was only the facade and some underground stairs revealed the true size of the Pokeguild: it was organized in two lower floors. At a glance, the first and second floors were built of the same material: stones and bricks on the walls with a grass floor. However, this seemed more like the natural formation of the place since it should be remembered that it was built on a cliff. There were several windows that reinforced that fact, allowing to see the outside despite being underground.

On the first floor, it was a large courtyard, but there was no more of it except for two bulletin boards located on each outside of the room. In the first, there was a sign that said 'Announcements' and, in the other, it said 'Wanted' indicating evil Pokemon that should be caught.

"Look," Mina said as she examined the sign more carefully, "It's Zangoose."

And indeed, it was: the same Zangoose that they had faced in the Village at the beginning was on one of the posters along with his cronies Arbok and Gourgeist . And not only them: the Poliwrath brothers , Noivern , the same Feraligatr from a few minutes ago were also there. However, they could not continue looking at the posters because the floor they should go to was still waiting.

On the second floor, which was much larger than the previous one, there was also a courtyard. On the right side of the stairs, just down the stairs, there was a kind of mini-store built of stone where there was a kind of cauldron and Croagunk sleeping (who was never disturbed). On the right hand side there was a tunnel of earth and stones which, as Bidoof later explained, led to the scouts' dormitories and the lookout post. To the left, according to Sunflora, there was another tunnel that led to the dining room, where all the inhabitants of the Pokeguild eat. Finally, on the left side of the stairs was a door with a frame in the shape of a Wigglytuff which was the chamber of the great Bluff. That's where they came in.

Inside the chamber, everything was arranged in chairs like in an auditorium, with the difference that there were only four wooden chairs on each side. In the center was a larger chair (which looked like a throne) even where Wigglytuff was supposed to sit. Beside it rested a sack of apples as red and perfect as the one Wigglytuff had on his head.

"Well rescuers," Wigglytuff told them once he sat on his throne, "Will you need help to go to the hidden land? I haven't heard of that place in a while."

"Mew told us that we should check the status of the Tower of Time" Rex said, "Because strange things are happening in the Pokemon world"

"I will answer all your questions. Thus, our world went through a crisis like this a long time ago" announced Chatot, "Those of the Pokeguild thought that the worst had already happened when that chosen child arrived and together with his companion stopped the destruction of the tower, what is this new disaster that torments us?"

"He told us it has to do with a guy named Darkai," Dylan explained, "Do you know him?"

"Of course. Darkai was responsible for the theft of the original Time Gears and their distribution throughout the mysterious territories. The chosen child and his companion confronted him and then said that he had been lost in a dimensional portal, along with his memory."

"Mew believes he has recovered it and has put together a new plan using leftover traces of dark matter. By the way, do you know anything about dark matter?"

"Just rumors. It is said to be an entity born from the negative feelings of all the Pokemon in the world. It is said that he can also possess Pokemon that have even the slightest amount of darkness in their hearts. So, is that what controlled one of the Brothers Ursaring?"

"Yeah. And not only him" Zack replied, "We've been fighting several Pokemon that have also been possessed"

There was a minute of silence, until Bidoof asked:

"Why does this dark matter have to do with the tower of time?"

"It's possible that what Darkai absorbed will give it the power to take on even legendaries like Dialga," Chatot reasoned, "Which is dangerous: if a Legendary Pokemon is filled with darkness, then it will be difficult to defeat."

"Then… Please tell us how to get to the Hidden Land" Mina begged them.

"My friend will help you," Wigglytuff said, "I'll call her from the beach. She's the only one I know who knows the way to the Hidden Land. In the meantime…tell us your names so we can sign you in"

"Sign us in?" asked the PokeDestined.

"That's right, and it is better that you obey the Great Bluff" Chatot told them, "From your stories and the great display of skills that you demonstrated in Treasure Town, you undoubtedly have a title of rescuers. But now, the Grand Bluff will grant them the honor of being silver-level explorers as well."

"What?!" asked Bidoof, "But they should barely get into novice level. I have been here for a couple of years and I still have bronze…"

"Chimchar and Piplup graduated due to their previous heroic deeds" Big Bluff explained while holding a brown backpack, "But they don't have time to stay in the Pokeguild since they have to save the world too. Take this"

It looked like he was going to throw the backpack at them, but he actually gave them a shout like the one he gave to Feraligatr just now. However, it wasn't that powerful and only made them close their eyes. When he finished, he threw the backpack away. Rex caught it and discovered inside it a plate similar to the one for rescuers, only it had 'Pokeguild of explorers' engraved in its place.

"Team Poke-Destiny , congratulations," Big Bluff told them, "You're officially a Explorer Team too."

"Thank you very much," all the PokeDestined said in unison.

So, with that new distinction, the chosen kids headed back to the beach, led by Wigglytuff, while the rest stayed in the Pokeguild. When they arrived, the Krabby had stopped blowing bubbles and had returned to their burrows to rest. They all sat on the sand and rocks, while Wigglytuff waddled over to the sea.

"I'll call her," he said as he inflated to release another Hyper-Voice, "Lapras!"

The scream might have even woken up Kyogre . Fortunately, that did not happen... nor did anything else appear to have happened. However, after a minute, a silhouette began to be seen on the horizon. At first, it looked like the head of the Loch Ness monster (one you'd see in those old photos), but as you got closer, it looked like an aquatic dinosaur. When it got closer, it could be seen better: it was a Lapras.

"Hello everyone, my name is Lapras, an old friend of Wigglytuff's," she said when she was near the shore, "My, I see there are new PokeDestined among us. It's nostalgic"

"How did you know we are the PokeDestined?" Rex asked.

"Because there is that special sparkle in your eyes. A brilliance that can only be seen in the pure of heart"

"I remember" Mina mentioned remembering, "Swanna told us the same thing in Paradise"

"I see that you have visited several places where your ancestors have been" Lapras continued, "Well, if my presence was requested, it is because they surely need to go to the Hidden Land"

"Can you take them, Lapras?" asked Wigglytuff, "They are our best hope for saving the world we have worked so hard to rebuild."

"I am aware. But unfortunately, the passage through the sea where the Hidden Land is hidden cannot be revealed without the presence of the stone amulet."

"Stone amulet?" Zack asked, "What's that?"

"Long ago, Piplup and Chimchar used that amulet to unlock the way across the sea to the Hidden Land" Wigglytuff narrated, "But they are not here now and neither is the stone. There must be another way to get there…"

It should be noted that Dylan had been contemplating the sea as soon as they informed him that there was a hidden path to find that land. Feeling a strange sensation, he pointed his Pokephone towards the sea and it responded by shining.

"Guys!" he yelled, "I think I know how to lead us!"

The others turned their gazes when they saw what was happening. So, everyone took out their Pokephones and pointed to the horizon. Instantly, all the Pokephones shone together and a wave of colored light emanated from each one, which came together as one. In a blink, that ball of energy shot towards the horizon.

"That should be your guide" concluded Lapras, "Each chosen one may have a different guide. Now, we can follow its route and reach the hidden land."

( A few minutes later… )

It seemed like a joke, but before the PokeDestined had left, all of Treasure Townd had gathered to see them off and provide them with food and anything they might need. Bidoof, Sunflora and Chatot had been in charge of spreading the news of the appearance of new chosen ones who would save the world and, in the blink of an eye, they had become celebrities.

The Kecleon brothers provided them with fruit and food, Chansey some medicinal berries and Marowak some Vigor Seeds, which would give them more strength for a while and were only for very difficult cases. Finally, the chosen kids got on Lapras, ready for the trip and, saying goodbye to those Pokemon that treated them so well, they sailed the sea following the signal from their Pokephones.

"Lapras, is it true that a chosen child has already made this journey before?" Luke asked.

"Yes, it's true" Lapras replied, "He and two other companions: Chimchar and Grovyle "

"Do you know where they are now?" Dylan asked.

"Sorry but no. After an encounter with a Palkia and Cresselia , they continued on adventures, quests, and arresting evil Pokemon. Their base was Sharpedo Ridge. But, today, that place is empty. Many think they are adventuring in a faraway place."

The PokeDestined were slightly bummed out: it would have been great if they could have talked to them or at least gotten to know them. That way, they would know what to do in order not to fail in this mission.

"You want his advice, right? " Lapras asked them, taking a quick glance back, "Each age has had its conflicts, its dark days, but as long as there is no light found in that world, it will appear from where you least expect it. Maybe I don't know what they would have done, but I can tell you something important."

"What thing?" Rex asked.

"Everyone was persevering and eager to help. If you are the new chosen children, each one of you has their way of seeing the world, but each one evolves in a different way to overcome their adversities. In short, there is always hope: even the tiniest light can work miracles."

The chosen kids reflected on Lapras's words as they watched the sunset and ate fruits and berries (they also shared several with their new friend). Yes, it was a good way of thinking, but… the battles were getting more and more difficult, were they ready to face the root of all the problems?

However, the thought was interrupted as they began to notice darkness spreading across the late sky, like a sudden storm at sea. Then something shot out of the water: three huge Crawdaunts came out, with their huge pincers and their star on their foreheads. In their auras, the presence of darkness was noticeable, while red fury was displayed in their eyes. Before the kids thought of attacking, one of them was already doing it:

"Crabhammer!"

But Lapras moved quickly in the water (he was one of the best swimmers) and dodged the blow. And in the twinkling of an eye, the other Crawdaunts had also attacked without success.

"They are too many" Lapras pointed out, "I don't know how much longer I can dodge them."

"Guys" Mina interrupted pointing at the sky, "I think they are only welcoming committee"

And she was right: in the air, three possessed Sigilyphs were also surrounding them. One of them released a powerful Psybeam.

"Thunder shock!" Zack countered, with an equally powerful discharge.

Meanwhile, two of the Crawdaunt cast Bubble Beam.

"Razor Blades!"

"Poison String!"

Rose and Mina prevented Lapras from being hit by those attacks. However, there was nothing more they could do.

"We must evolve!" Zack yelled, ready to do it, but Rose stopped him:

"We can not do it. Lapras doesn't have as much space to carry us in our evolved form."

"Then I'll take care of it!" Dylan yelled as he plunged into the water, "Time for evolving!"

Upon submerging, Dylan began his metamorphosis.

"Froakie evolves to... Frogadier!"

When he was ready, he met the Crawdaunts.

"Water pulse!"

The water impulse managed to knock them down, but they were tougher than expected, and they charged at him with their pincers. Dylan supposed he had to go to the next level. The symbol of water appeared on his chest.

"Frogadier ultra-evolve to… Greninja!"

His body evolved again; now, as Greninja, his swimming abilities were tripled and he swam faster than a submarine's torpedo. With his energy, he created his aquatic ninja weapons.

"Water Shuriken!"

The powerful attack tore through the water with such speed and power that it hit the Crawdaunts hard.

( Meanwhile …)

The Sigilyph attacks continued.

"I'll take care of them!" Luke told his friends as he soared towards the Sigilyphs, "Lapras, continue with the others... time for evolving!"

"Pidove evolves to... Tranquill!"

"Tranquill ultra-evolves to... Unfezant!"

Luke rise to the sky, ready to fight.

"Air Slash!"

Luke flapped his wings rapidly and released waves of wind that were extremely sharp and powerful, thus knocking down one of the Sigilyphs. The second protected himself with his Light Screen and the third managed to dodge it. However, the latter did not fly very far.

"Sky attack!"

With the speed of a bullet, Luke charged into the Sigilyph that had dodged his last attack and collided with his partner, knocking out two with a single blow. Just then, Dylan came out of the water, being chased by the 3 Crawdaunts.

"Hydro pump!"

A powerful shot of water that the Greninja created was enough to finally defeat the Crawdaunt and free them from the evil power. In the same way, the Sigilyph were also free. The two warriors approached the rest of their friends, who were still mounted on Lapras.

"If that was the welcoming committee, I can't imagine what awaits us..." Rex commented as he saw his companions return.

"You must go up quickly" Lapras indicated to them, "We are about to enter the zone where the sea evolves into the sea of time. If you don't come up, you may not have a chance until we get out."

Dylan and Luke then returned to their base form just in time, as Lapras had doubled his speed... maybe tripled, actually... she seemed to be flying.

"Get ready, the entrance is ahead"