Everyone sat in the waiting area of the Pokémon Center as their Pokémon were being treated of their injuries. However, a negative cloud hanged over their heads after the loss of one of their closes friends. Tears continued to drip down the sad faces as the painful memory stabbed at them like a knife. They would keep replaying the scene in their minds over and over again, feeling they could have done something to save them.

The saddest of the gang were Ash and Buneary. They both held a special connection with Pikachu, ones that they cherish. Ash stared at the floor with his hat covering his eyes, feeling an overwhelming pain of loss in his heart. Buneary, however, continued to cry loudly in her fluff, saddened by the loss of her mate. She could have done something to save him, but she couldn't. It was because of Pikachu that she was even here. He saved her from suffering the same fate as him, but at the cost of his life.

Snivy and Piplup tried their best to cheer her up, but nothing worked. They, too, were sad at the loss of Pikachu, but they stayed strong for her sake.

Oshawott stared at his scalchop in depression. Just an hour ago, he threw this very scalchop at Laura to keep her from harming Snivy. He succeeded in accomplishing that, but it suddenly turned against him when she accidentally fired the missile at Buneary. The explosion was the reason she slipped and nearly fell over with Pikachu. It was because of him that Pikachu was…

Oshawott dropped his scalchop and broke down in tears, surprising some of them. He covered his eyes and sobbed. "This is my fault! All of it is! If I didn't redirect Laura's attack, Pikachu would still be here! It's because of me he's gone!" He started to pound the ground. "Why do I keep messing everything up?! Why is everything my fault?! Why, why, WHY?!" The trainers were worried for him while the Pokémon felt sorry for him, being the only ones that actually understood him.

Snivy jumps off the seat and rubs his back. "Oshawott, it wasn't your fault. It was an accident, nothing more. We stopped Team Rocket and that's all that matters at the moment. You never meant to put Pikachu in danger. Stop giving yourself all this grief and try and cheer up."

He sniffled and shook his head. "I know, but…I still feel partially responsible for it. Sure, Team Rocket attacked us, but I was the reason their attack cost us…Pikachu." He whimpers and cries into his paws again.

Emolga groaned. "Quit being a crybaby. It was an accident. Let it go."

Snivy glared at her. "You could be a little more considerate."

"I could…if he deserved it." She scoffed. "Please, we're all thinking it. Buneary almost got Pikachu out of harm's way until Oshawott decided to play hero and knock them over the cliff on accident." This caused Oshawott to sob harder. "I said stop with the crying."

"You expect him to calm down after what you just said?!" Snivy yelled at her. "You don't have to be so mean to him!"

Emolga jumps down and glares at her. "He shouldn't have gotten in the way!" They glared intensely at each other, like lightning was shooting out of them.

"Will both of you just shut up?!" They were startled by the shout, because it came from Buneary. "Look, all of us are tense because of what happened! So quit yelling at each other and stop throwing accusations at each other!" She went back to sobbing in her now damp fluff.

Snivy and Emolga slowly looked at each other. They rubbed the back of their heads and mumbled, "Sorry…"

Emolga looked at Oshawott. "Sorry, Oshawott." She jumped up back to her seat. Snivy sighed and rubbed Oshawott's back again. He seemed to calm down a bit.

After awhile, Nurse Joy came out with the trainers' Pokeballs. "I've managed to heal your Pokémon for you."

"Thanks Nurse Joy." They responded with a half-hearted thanks. Cilan gathered them up and gave each trainer their respective Pokeball. Ash took his and went back to moping.

Joy was concerned by their behavior. "Is something wrong?"

Dawn wiped some tears from her eyes and spoke. "We…just had a rough day so far."

Joy nodded. "I can tell. From the state your Pokémon were in, they looked like they got into a fight with a hoard of wild Pokémon."

"Osh Osha Oshawott (Or a crazy android)." Oshawott mumbled sadly.

Iris sighed. "Something like that, I guess."

"Well, if you need anything at all, I'll be at the front desk." With that, Joy walked away.

Ash sighed depressingly. "…Pikachu."

Cilan was thinking really hard. "You know, there is the chance that Pikachu is alright."

"I don't know, Cilan." Iris brought up. "Pikachu took some pretty bad hits before he fell over. Plus, we wouldn't know where to search. That forest is huge and, if Pikachu managed to…endure the impact," She chose her words carefully for Ash's sake, "he could have wandered off somewhere of be taken deeper into it."

Cilan rubbed his chin. "That's true…however, we could go into the forest ourselves and look for Pikachu." The idea caught Ash by surprise.

Iris thought he went mad. "Cilan, do you know how long we'll be searching in there?!"

Cilan chuckled whimsically. "Dear Iris, I'm sure we'll find him. For instance, the forest seems to lack a lot of color, so finding Pikachu shouldn't be much trouble due to his bright yellow fur. Our Electric-Type Pokémon can also locate Pikachu's electrical energy to track him. Plus, seeing that we've encounter much worse, a forest shouldn't be much problem."

The more Ash heard the idea, the more hope that filled into his heart. "You're right, Cilan." He brought his head up. "Maybe we can find Pikachu."

Buneary was still upset. She wanted to believe that could work, but she was too upset to do so. Dawn noticed. "Guess Buneary's still upset. Poor girl…"

A set of doors opened up from around the corner. The trainers looked and saw a man coming over. He had neatly combed, grey hair and dull blue eyes. He wore long, brown cargo pants, an aqua blue, buttoned shirt with a white shirt under it, and dusty-looking boots. He was wiping his hands with a rag and whistling.

He came up to the front desk. "Nurse Joy, I got that pipe fixed up." He stuffed the rag in his back pocket.

Joy smiled. "Thank you, Hank. Your help is always appreciated around here."

Hank laughed lightly. "That's mighty kind of you." He looked to the side and saw the gang. "Well, howdy kids! What brings you to these parts?"

Dawn spoke. "Oh, we're just staying in a villa here for a bit of a vacation."

He nodded. "I see, I see. Name's Hank, by the way."

"I'm Dawn. This is Ash, Iris, and Cilan. And these are our Pokémon." Most of the Pokémon gave small waves. "So, do you work here?"

Hank had to take a moment to answer that. "Um, yeah. I work as a plumber/mechanic around these parts. Pay's somewhat good, just enough for meals and renting my apartment. But I take pride in my work."

"Sounds like you love what you do?" Cilan brought up.

Hank nodded. He then caught sight of the tearful Buneary. "Well now, what's gotten into her?" He looked at the trainers and noticed something else. "Now that I'm actually looking at all of you, y'all look a little upset about something." The trainers looked away. "Did something happen?"

Ash felt some tears start to surface. "Yeah…something kind of did…"

Hank showed sympathy for him. "Well, want to tell me what this is about?"

Ash looked unsure about telling a man he just met what happened not too long ago. However, he could somehow tell this man meant no harm and truly wished to help him.

With a small gulp, Ash said, "Well…we ran into some trouble when we went out for a picnic. We were all enjoying ourselves when we were attacked by Team Rocket, a group of people who steal other people's Pokémon."

Hank's eyes widen in shock. Team Rocket is here in Unova? He shook off his expression and feigned a concern one, though he was starting to worry about what happened. "Oh my, sounds like y'all went through some fight. Did they take any of your Pokémon?"

"No…but we did lose someone. See, one of them tried to blast us, but my Oshawott deflected it and knocked my Pikachu and Dawn's Buneary over a cliff."

Hank became even more worried. "If I may interject, where exactly was this cliff?"

"Over some dark looking forest." When Ash said that, great panic welled up inside Hank. "Anyway, Buneary was keeping Pikachu and herself from falling. It's because of my Pikachu that Buneary was saved…but in doing so, he fell down into the forest." Tears started to slide down his cheeks. "I miss Pikachu so much…"

Hank felt sorry for Ash and worry for Pikachu. He placed his hands on his shoulders. "I'm sure your Pikachu is fine. If you raised it well and trained it, a little fall like that won't stop it." Ash felt a little better by his kind words. "There we go. Now how come Buneary here is upset?" He noticed the egg that was lying next to her and its unique color scheme. "…oh, that's why."

Dawn nodded. "Pikachu and Buneary were mates. We believe that Pikachu sacrificed himself for Buneary's and their egg's sake."

Hank narrowed his eyes caringly. "That Pikachu sounds pretty noble to do something like that."

"He is. Only, now Buneary is totally upset by the loss. I wish she could cheer up."

He scratched his head. "I suppose I could try." He knelt down on one knee and looked at Buneary. "Hey there." Buneary looked up from her fluff. "My name is Hank. Nice to meet you."

Buneary gave a half-hearted wave and looks at her wet fluff. "Bun Buneary Neary Bun (I miss Pikachu so much)." She squeaked sadly.

Hank smiled sadly and rubbed her head lightly. "I know you miss him." Buneary was a little shocked that he knew what she said, but was too depressed to put much thought into it. "He sounds like a good-hearted Pokemon."

"Bun… (He is…)." She agreed.

Hank takes a look at the egg. "This is a unique egg. May I?" He asked, gesturing that he wanted to hold it. Buneary was about to say no, but something inside her told her that she could trust this man. Reluctantly, she nods. Hank carefully grabs the egg and observes it. "Well, I'll be…"

"Buneary (What is it?)" She asked in concern.

Hank smiled. "This is by far one of the healthiest Pokémon eggs I have ever laid eyes on. You clearly have been taking good care of it." He hands it back to her gently. "It'll be a fine Pokémon when it hatches." Buneary smiled a bit. "Now there's the smile I was hoping for."

Dawn smiled. "Thanks for cheering her up, Hank."

"It's no problem. I just can't stand the sight of a moping Pokémon." He pets Buneary's head lightly and gets up. "So, what do you folk plan on doing?"

"I know exactly what we're gonna do." Ash stood up suddenly. "We're gonna search for Pikachu in that forest!"

Hank was a bit surprised. "You are?"

"Yeah." Ash gave a determined look. "Cilan and you are right. There's a chance that Pikachu survived the fall. I'm going to look for him even if it takes me months."

"But Ash," Iris started, "if it takes forever, you might miss the Pokémon League."

"The Pokémon League won't be the same without my buddy. I don't care how long it takes, I'm going to find Pikachu."

Hank was quite surprised by the determination Ash had for finding Pikachu. I wonder… Hank started to think. He took a glance at Buneary. It can't be a coincidence their team has a Pikachu and a Buneary with them. If my suspicions are correct…

"Well, I'm in too!" Dawn exclaimed, bringing Hank out of his thoughts. "Pikachu has helped me out a bunch in the past. Besides, my Pokémon, especially Buneary, care about him. Right guys?" All her Pokémon that were currently out cheered.

Iris smiled confidently. "Count me in as well!"

Cilan nodded. "And of course me!"

"Right!" Ash held his fist up. "Let's start looking for Pikachu!"

"I'm afraid I can't let you do that." Everyone, plus Hank, turned around and saw Officer Jenny walking into the building. "That forest is strictly off-limits to humans and your Pokémon."

"What?!" Ash gasped in shock.

Iris tried to plead with her. "But Officer Jenny, one of our Pokémon is in that forest. We'll be quick with looking for him."

"No means no." She said sternly. "It's too dangerous for anyone to go in there."

"With all due respect, we can handle ourselves against any Pokémon we encounter in the forest." Cilan persuaded.

"There aren't any Pokémon in that forest." The trainers stepped back in confusion. "There is something far more dangerous in that forest than you could ever imagine. We've received reports of Pokémon who came out of that forest completely beaten and drained of energy. We can't risk the same happening to humans."

"S-so, what is in that forest?" Dawn asked nervously.

"That is classified information. All I can say is that there are creatures in that forest that your Pokémon couldn't handle. Only specially trained Pokémon can handle those monsters."

"But my Pikachu might be in danger!" Ash exclaimed.

"I'm sorry to hear that, but I still can't allow anyone in."

Hank walked up to Jenny. "Jenny, don't you think you're being a little strict? These kids just want to rescue their Pikachu. Can't you make an exception just this once and let them go into the forest? I'll even accompany them if necessary."

Jenny glares. "I'm not bending the rules just because you say so."

Hank glared back. "Look, I'm higher than you in authority." The trainers looked confused when he said that. He shook his head and whispers, "Look, we can't let those monsters hurt anymore Pokémon. Saving Pikachu will give us more time to delay their plans."

"Still, those kids won't be able to defend themselves."

"They have their Pokémon!"

"And what happens when it happens?! They won't be able to save themselves!"

Hank growled and ran his fingers through his hair. "Okay, can't we just call him? He's in the forest training. He'll find Pikachu and settle this whole problem."

"Except the communication is down! Something is interfering with transmission. We won't be able to call him until it's fixed." Jenny yelled. "This conversation is over Hank. And if you try some sort of trick to sneak those kids into the forest, I'll make sure your boss hears about this." She turns around and walks out.

Hank shakes his head. "Of course, she had to play that card." He sighs and looks at the trainers. "Sorry kids, I tried to reason with her."

They looked disheartened. "It's alright." Ash spoke. "I just wish there was some way we can find Pikachu without getting in trouble with Officer Jenny."

Hank narrowed his eyes. He knew one way, but he wasn't sure if the kids were willing to go with it. He looks at Nurse Joy for help. She understood what he was thinking, smiled, and gave him a reassuring nod. He smiled back and nodded. He took a deep breath and looked back at the trainers.

"Before I say anything…how much do you care for Pikachu?" He asked seriously.

Ash looked up. "I would risk my life to save Pikachu. He's been with me from the beginning. We didn't get along at first, but now, we're practically inseparable. I would go to great lengths to make sure Pikachu is alright."

"That's all I needed." He sighed. "Listen, there is a way to save Pikachu."

"There is?!" They shouted.

"SHH!" Hank shushed harshly. "I can't let Jenny know I'm telling you this." He calmed down. "Alright, I'm trusting you with this kids. But never tell another living soul. Promise?" They nodded. "Alright…I work for the International Police."

This shocked them greatly. "You…work for the International Police?" Dawn repeated in disbelief.

Hank nodded. "Nearly five years ago, one of our operatives' missions went horribly wrong. To sum it up, that forest was what went wrong. They were trying to retrieve an experimental item, but…" He didn't finish. "The point is, one of those operatives and me have been keeping an eye on that forest to keep any evil activity from spreading. Nurse Joy and Officer Jenny are the only other ones who know about it."

"Wow…" Cilan was stunned.

"But, what does this have to do with saving Pikachu?" Iris asked confused.

"I'm getting to that. You see, there are creatures inside that forest that are far more powerful than regular Pokémon. We keep people out of that forest because they're incapable of defending themselves against them. Pokémon, however, are capable of defending themselves."

Everyone, but Ash, was starting to understand. "I don't get it." Ash said.

"We don't enforce the law on Pokémon because they have a better chance of escaping those creatures. We just tell trainers that because we try to keep Pokémon out. So, your Pokémon can go into the forest and find Pikachu."

Ash smiled. "That's gre-"

"I'm not finished." Hank interrupted. "Look, you kids will be taking a big risk with this. The creatures that dwell in the forest are dangerous. Having your Pokémon go in there is a real gamble. Are you sure you want to risk their lives for the sake of one Pikachu?"

They looked at each other in wonder. They seemed to be having a silent conversation. They nodded with each other. Ash said, "That's not our decision." He gestured towards the Pokémon. "They're the ones who have to go in, not us." Hank smiled at their idea. Ash looks at the Pokémon. "Well, it's up to you guys."

The Pokémon looked at each other in concern. The way Hank described the forest sounded ominous. If they went in, there wasn't any guarantee that they'll get out safely. Plus, who knows how log it'll take to find Pikachu? It could take hours, days, who knows.

"I'll do it." They were surprised when Buneary raised her paw.

"Are you sure Buneary?" Snivy asked worriedly.

She nodded. "Pikachu saved my life. It's time for me to return the favor. I'm tired of being scared. I'm going to find him and bring him back." She jumped off her seat and steps forward.

Oshawott was astonished by her bravery. He wiped away any tears he had left on his face and stood at her side. "Same here."

Snivy smiled at Oshawott and stood next to him. "Count me in."

"Pikachu has been my pal for a long time. I'm in." Piplup stated as he stepped forward.

Axew took their side as well. "Me too."

Emolga shrugs. "I've got nothing better to do." She stood next to Axew.

"I'll help too." Pansage stepped forward.

Pignite, Quilava, Pachirisu, and Scraggy stepped up as well. "We're in!"

Ash smiled at their bravery. "Thanks guys." He reached for one of his Pokeballs. "You may need some more help." He released Krookodile. "Krookodile, do you mine helping these guys rescue Pikachu?" Krookodile responded with a thumbs up.

Iris released Dragonite. "Dragonite, can you please help out the others?" Dragonite crossed his arms and nodded.

Hank smiled. "Your Pokémon are certainly brave." He scratched his chin for a moment. "Alright all of you, listen up, because I'll only say this once." They nodded. "Good. Now, the forest is incredibly dangerous. If it gets too dark out, you need to find shelter, a good one too. Make sure that you can't be seen by predators."

They nodded, though a selective few gulped at the thought of encountering predators.

"Now listen. I've already mentioned that one of our operatives is in the forest. He's the one that keeps all wild Pokémon out and keeps those monsters under control. I want you all to find him as quickly as possible. He'll protect you all."

Piplup pounded his chest. "Pip, Piplup Pip Pip Lup (Please, we can handle ourselves)."

Hank glared a little. "Piplup, you'll regret those words when you meet those creatures." Piplup recoiled in surprise. How did he know what he said? "Another thing I should mention. Be careful with who you encounter. Make sure you can tell the difference between friend and foe. Hopefully you won't have to face that problem. But you better hope you know your friends well, because your life might depend on it. Which brings me to the most important rule of all."

They took a step back. The way he said that sent a chill down their spines.

"Be cautious around any plants you come across. And do not, under any circumstances, touch any strange flowers! If you do, you're doomed. Is that clear?" They nodded their heads in confirmation and fear. "Good…"

The trainers were taken back by Hank's warnings. "Is the forest…really that bad?" Dawn asked nervously.

Hank nodded. "Just ask Joy. She was the one who had to treat the Pokémon we couldn't rescue in time."

"It's true." Joy agreed. "The Pokémon I had to treat were bruised, beaten, scratched up…they even lost a ton of their energy. If they didn't get medical treatment from me, they could've died."

The Pokémon paled at the thought. Hank looked at them with a serious look. "Are you sure you still want to go in there?" They swallowed their worries and nodded. "Alright…let's get you over there."

Buneary began to reach for her egg when Dawn stopped her. "Sorry Buneary, but taking your egg with you is dangerous." Buneary bit her lip and look between her egg and the door. "What's wrong? Don't you want to save Pikachu?"

Hank had an idea of what might be going on. "Dawn, when did Buneary have that egg?"

"Roughly two weeks ago."

"I see. I get what's going on." He crouched down and rubs Buneary's head. "Her egg could hatch at any moment this week. It might even hatch today. Instinctively, the mother will witness the hatching of their child. Buneary is torn between bringing her egg into danger to save Pikachu, leaving it here and missing its birth, and staying here with the egg but not helping out with saving Pikachu."

"Oh my…" Dawn said worriedly.

"So what can she do?" Iris asked.

"Well, she obviously wants to be with her egg, which is understandable. However, she really wants to find Pikachu." He rubbed his chin before snapping his fingers. "I have something that might help." He stood up and left the room for a moment.

Iris looks at Dawn. "What do you thinking he's getting?" Dawn could only shrug in response.

Hank came back carrying a unique item. It looked like a high tech egg carrier. It was cylindrical, blue metal, glass to see the inside, a cushion for the egg, straps on the side, and a scanner on the top. "This is an invention of mine. It's an egg carrier, but way more advanced. Indestructible material, so this thing can withstand any blast. It's been modified so that, no matter how many times it's jostled, the egg will stay in place. And this scanner is the best part. The carrier will only open to the DNA of the Pokémon who uses this. Buneary, can you stick your paw out?"

Buneary held it out. Hank pulled out a small needle and gently punctured her skin. She flinched a bit, but it wasn't that bad. After extracting a small sample of her blood, he pulled it out and injected it into the scanner. He pressed down on the lid, making a beeping noise.

"There we go. Oshawott, try opening this." Oshawott shrugged and walked up to it. He placed his paw on the scanner and lets it scan. He presses down on the lid and tries to screw it open. However, it was easier said than done. He struggled greatly, trying with all his might to pry it open. After a couple more tries, he fell over in exhaustion. "Krookodile?" Krookodile scanned his finger and tried to open it. But was met with the same results as Oshawott.

"Amazing…" Ash complimented.

"That is an extraordinary invention, Hank." Cilan praised.

"Thank you kindly." Hank replied. He took the carrier from Krookodile and hands it to Buneary. "Now you try." Buneary scans her paw and presses down on the lid. She, surprisingly, manages to twist it open with ease. "See? No one but Buneary can open it. Now, place your egg in and I guarantee that it'll stay safe in there."

Buneary nodded and grabbed her egg. She gently placed it into the carrier. She gives it a quick kiss before placing the lid back on. She grabs the straps and slung them onto her shoulders like a backpack. She moved around a bit and was surprised that the egg was perfectly still. She smiled and hugged Hank.

"Hey, it's no problem." She lets go and joins the others. "Alright, are you all ready?" They nodded. "Good. I'll take you all to the forest." He looks at the trainers. "If Jenny asks where I am, tell her I'm on my lunch break." They nodded. "Alright all of you, let's get moving." They walked out of the Pokémon Center.

Deep inside the forest, a lone creature sat on top of a tree, mediating. A four legged creature ran up to the tree he was on and shouted, "Lord Dark, we received word that there are a group of Pokémon heading towards the forest. Should we attack?"

The lone creature known as Dark smirked. "No…let them come in peacefully for now. My plans are almost complete."

His servant was confused. "So…why wait?"

Dark chuckled evilly. "Well, who says we can't have a little fun with these trespassers?" A radiant purple flame ignited in his hand. "After all, what fun is there in completing my plans that easily? I say, we show these Pokémon just how powerful the Darkmon are."