CAFE CONNECTION, ARCHIEA THE ROCK CONTINENT, NOON

"I am tired of hearing this. What do you hope to gain by telling us this."

Witch looks at Ember annoyed, "You haven't even let me finish, but now that you mention it, I was hoping that your team would give us leniency."

It took us a moment to register this.

Mr. Money chuckles, "I am very sorry, but that's not how this kind of thing works. See, we get a bounty, we track down our target, and apprehend them if possible."

Witch floats backwards slightly, "Like I said before, if I don't get out of here, no one does."

Mr. Money looks outside the window, "Uh, speaking of, it's really hard to make a deal under pressure."

I comment, "Indeed, these are not fair conditions."

Witch sighs, "Fine, it seems we are at a paralysis. If you do not cooperate, then the lives of everyone in here are at stake, not just yours."

Mr. Money is about to respond, when a ringing sound is heard. Everyone turns toward Revenge.

He smiles nervously, "Sorry, I have to take this."

The puppet opens up his phone and without seeing who it is, he yells into it, "REVENANT, I TOLD YOU NOT TO CALL ME AGAIN!"

The voice over the phone doesn't reply until a couple seconds later, "Well I certainly wasn't expecting that welcome."

Revenge looks at the phone, "Who is this?"

A static noise comes from the phone that reminds me a laughter, "You don't need to know that yet. Tell your leader that if she doesn't let my assets out of the cafe, I will introduce myself and a guest of mine."

Witch grabs the phone from Revenge, "If you threaten me again I will kill you, UNDERSTAND!"

The voice pauses, "What's with all the yelling? Nevermind that, you have thirty seconds to make your decision."

The voice hangs up. I have heard that voice, yes, I have, but where, where have I?

Witch's eyes shine, "Frost, freeze this place faster."

Frost voice echoes in all our minds, "Will do. They will never escape my ice."

The Mismagius replies back, "Don't use ice, use the magic that I taught you."

"Right."

Outside the window, Frost's ice turns blue as she continues freezing the cafe over.

A psychic voice reverberates throughout the room from outside, "What do you think, Branna, did they listen to us?"

"I'd say… no."

All of the sudden, Frost flies through the window and lands on the table. I am surprised to see Sepullen and Branna outside the window.

Frost gets up and sees me, "I thought I told both of you to stay out of this."

Sepullen responds, "I recall you did, but have yet to understand your reasoning."

Witch looks at Frost, confused, "What are you talking about, Frost?"

The ice ghost yells, "NOTHING! I told you that if I saw either of you again, I would kill you."

Sepullen let's of his static laugh, "Alright then, I challenge you."

Frost's face softens at the sight of Branna, but only for a moment. She grins, which makes her face start bleeding.

"I am going to tear you apart."

Sepullen laughs, "It's not like I haven't heard that one before."

Frost's eyes glow and it starts to Hail. Sepullen engages Frost with a Rapid spin. He hits her spot on and sends her to the closest wall. She growls and sends Ice Shards at him rapidly. In an effort to dodge the attacks, Team Gold and I run out of the room and leave through the front door. As Frost fights Sepullen, Team Gold attempts to apprehend Team Fade.

I call to Mr. Money, "I am going to fight with Branna and the Relic Master. If they are defeated then my mission is null."

He calls back, "Understood. I'm betting we won't need any help on this one."

I run to the other side of the cafe just in time to see a Solar Beam slam into Frost. She takes little mind of it and returns a with a Blizzard. I duck behind a pillar to avoid the ice attack. When she ends, I jump up with my Fury Swipes readied and charge up to her. After the flurry of attacks is over, I realize that all that I succeeded in doing was ripping parts of her sash and mask. She is unamused with my entry into the battle and pick me up by the neck.

Through choked breaths I say, "We've been here before, haven't we?"

Frost answers, "Yes we have, and I'm going to keep my promise of what I said before."

Behind me Branna asks Sepullen, "Should we help him?"

Sepullen responds, "No, just wait."

She looks at him, "For what?"

Everyone, save for Sepullen, is surprised when a pan slams down on Frost's head. She drops me, then falls onto the ground. Standing over her is Wilda.

The Kangaskhan says, "There will be no fighting inside or outside of my cafe."

After a while Branna comments, "Well that's that's that."

Sepullen says to me, "We need to get going. You and I need to talk."

I reply, "Indeed we do."

Branna asks Sepullen, "Can we take Frost with us, I need to speak with her about something."

After thinking, the Relic Master replies, "You may, but I will put restraints on her until we get back to Bone Clan."

Branna bows her head, "Thank you."

An orange light appears around Frost and lifts her up. The Claydol brings her next to him.

He looks around, "That should be all then."

Then he remembers something, "Ms um…"

The Kangaskhan finishes, "Wilda."

He continues, "Yes, Wilda. Have you seen a Leafeon by the name of Blade."

She replies, "Yes I have, he wanted to take Roselyn and Venomitus here back with him."

Sepullen asks, "You don't mind if Rose comes with us, do you?"

Wilda eyes him, "It is up to her, but if I find out anything has happened to her, then I will come for you."

He nods, "I wouldn't expect anything less."

I comment, "Speaking of."

Blade and Roselyn walk up next to Branna.

The Leafeon comments, "What happened here?"

Roselyn says worriedly, "What happened to the Froslass? Is she okay?"

The Claydol responds, "Of course she is, Wilda here just knocked-"

Wilda gives him a stern look.

"-I mean she's asleep, yeah. She was just tired from all the working out she did."

Roselyn sighed in relief, "Oh, that's good."

I heard Rodiums voice yell from behind us, "I THOUGHT YOU BEAT HER IN A TWO ON ONE BATTLE."

Mr. Money walks up beside Roselyn, "Don't listen to him, he doesn't know what he's talking about."

Roselyn asks the Persian, "Did the the people on Rodiums back fall asleep too?"

Rodium interjects, "No, him, Ember, and Metal Claw were mostly fair, but I beat Revenge to a pulp."

Seeing Roselyn's face, Mr. Money laughs nervously, "He's just joking, they also passed out from working out."

The Sylveon's face brightened, "Oh okay, you guys must be taking care of them."

Rodium starts, "No-"

Ember interrupts him, "CUT IT ALREADY!"

At his outburst Roselyn hide behind Wilda.

Blade asks Roselyn, "Do you want to come with us to Steel City?"

She peeks her head out from behind the Kangaskhan, "Only if it's with you."

Sepullen points toward me, "Why not him?"

I give her my best grin and she immediately retreats behind Wilda.

Ember comments, "I think you need to work on your smile."

Sepullen laughs, "Yes he does. But on point, we've wasted valuable time here. Let us get going."

Metal Claw agrees, "That choice would be most efficient."

The Relic Master asks, "Mr. Money, why is your team going with us? You have your fugitives."

He answers, "Three of four, our mission includes Frost as well."

Sepullen looks behind him, "Oh yes, of course. She is needed only for a day or two."

Mr. Money nods his head, "Alright, but we are still coming with you. She is still considered our liability."

"I have no objections, your company would be welcome."

Branna asks, "Why are you being so accommodating. I've heard you are quite ruthless."

The Claydol responds, "I could say that I am just in the mood for it, but in truth I am in need of allies. I am not such a fool to burn bridges by taking everything I want and I'm certainly not going to have forced military like Lyle did."

The Serperior thinks, "I'll join you if you need my skills."

At this Sepullen is confused, "Don't you have a personal quest, also a child at that."

Branna responds, "I will think about it for a while."

The Relic Master says, "I must remind you that I am leaving Bone Clan in two days. Give me your answer by then."

She nods her head, "Noted. Also, before we leave…"

Branna puts a vine into her bag and takes out some coins and hands them to Wilda.

"...Here you go, this is to repair the window."

The Kangaskhan looks at the coins, surprised, "Well thank you, darling."

Branna smiled, "No problem."

Sepullen's eyes glowed, "Without further ado, let's get going."

He teleported all of us to the edge of Steel City.

WINDELL FOREST, ARCHIEA THE ROCK CONTINENT, AFTERNOON

A the forest just north of the Twisted Craigs, a figure lays on the ground, staring at the sky. Next to him are members of a rescue team that he could have once called his enemies. Now, he enjoyed being around them as friends.

To his left, an Umbreon speaks, "When are they going to be here?"

The figure responds, "I predict it will be soon."

Behind them, a Ninetales comments, "I agree, but not today."

The Umbreon asks, "Why would they come here of all places? The Relic Master has been looking for you for years and even he hasn't found a trace."

The figure responds, "Yes, people do tend to search for me, especially since they think I've lost my memory. A spy of mine has reported that Sepullen is planning to leave Bone Clan in two days time and due to to the high tide of the Lightning River, they will most likely pass through here."

The Dark type turns her head toward the figure, "But can't he just Teleport?"

The figure smirks, "Yes, he can, and so can Aubadia, but he can't Teleport more than one person at a time, and an old friend is travelling with them."

The Umbreon asks, "Is my mother?"

"Your mother will be here."

BONE CLAN CAMP, ARCHIEA THE ROCK CONTINENT, NIGHT

Frost wakes up with a rush. She put a hand to her head, it still hurt from being knocked out. Floating over to the edge of her cell, she notices that she is in a cave of some sort. The thought of escaping briefly occurred, before she realizes that the temperature is too hot to make any attacks. Slumping her body against the wall she thinks, Why would they bring me here? I was expecting to wake up in the Gold Mine.

In the distance, she hears a door open. Great, here to put me on trial or that Sepullen is going to try to make me help him. She rolls her eyes as the door closes with a metal click. She is surprised to her a faint slithering noise approaching her. As the sound gets closer, she floats over to the edge of her cell. A faintly surprised look forms on her face when she sees Branna.

There is silence for several moments, before Frost asks quietly, "Why are you here?"

Branna replies, "I waited so long for you to come home."

The ghost bows her head, "How long ago was that?"

She responds, "Nineteen years ago, I waited for you to come home. You know what?"

Frost looks up, "I never did come back."

Branna looks into her green eyes, "Why?"

Her head starts hurting, "I don't remember, honestly. Nothing was planned. I think I died, but I don't know. I'm might have been killed, or fallen."

The Serperior says, "Then tell me, why you never came back."

Frost is silent for a moment, "It took me four years to recover from whatever happened. My sister, Vanish, is the one who helped me through it. By the time I recovered, I actually did come back, but Cryptia told me that you had disbanded the team."

Branna gives off a shocked look, "Cryptia knew? She let me sit there for all those years and…"

For a brief moment, Frost panicked internally, "Don't get mad at her, I told her not to tell you I was there."

The Serperior stares at her, "I don't hold grudges very easily, but that aside, can you join me now after all of these years."

She thinks, "I am not sure, I have obligations to Fade now. Besides, where would we go or do?"

Branna responds, "I've made an offer already to Sepullen that I would potentially join him. You could too."

Frost crosses her arms, "You're forgetting that I'm a wanted criminal, and will most likely be taken to Gold Mine."

The Serperior smirks, "Something can be arranged, if you want it to."

Frost thinks, "I have nothing to lose now, why not."

Branna grabs a nearby lever with her vine and pulls it.

Frost floats out of her cell and exhales.

"Call to the damned, it was hot in there."

I sit in Nova's den, looking at Sepullen.

He asks me, "So why have you went so far to look for me?"

I respond, "It must have been you who sent those letters to me and -the green- I mean Branna."

Sepullen throws me a Persim berry then asks, "What letters? If I want to see people, I don't write letters. I don't even have proper joints to write with."

Eating the berry, I comment, "Yes, I should have seen this."

He inquired, "I know you wouldn't track me so adamantly without a reason, so why then?"

I answer him, "After Lyle died, Deoxys did too, but there is a rumor that he has created a parasite of himself and had it planted in someone. I assume you of all people would have an inkling of what I'm talking about."

In slight surprise he asks, "How did you come by this information?"
I smirk, "My love back on Hydros is a researcher. She found this information on an expedition to meteor cave."

He sighs, "Ah yes, Gwyndolyn. I remember her, she helped me out of a few scrapes."

I chuckle, "I wouldn't call it a 'few scrapes'."

Sepullen replies, annoyed, "Yes, with your wording, you would call it a 'treacherous encounter'."

I attempt to correct him, "Actually my wording would dictate… I guess you are right."

He gives me a look, "Anyway, we are getting off topic."

I ask, "Have you found anything of this virus?"

The Relic Master responds, "Yes, it's closer to you then you think."

I am about to question him further, when Blade and Roselyn run into the room.

Out of breath, Blade says, "I don't think Branna knows what she's doing."

Sepullen asks him, puzzled, "I would think she's the most competent of us all."

The Leafeon responds, "She let- just- You'll see."

On que, Branna and Frost enter the room.

Giving a look of amusement, Sepullen asks, "Branna, why is Frost in here?"

The Serperior responds, "We um, came to make a uh…"

Frost speaks up for her, "Deal. we've come to make a deal."

The Claydol asks curiously, "What kind of deal? Also, Branna, you realize that she is more powerful then you."

Branna responds, "We're in the middle of the desert, the heat is severely weakening her. As per the deal, um, I've come up with an answer to your offer. See, I'll join your army, if she can too."

Sepullen thinks, "She can join if she proves herself, and if you promise not to try to bring-"

He pauses, "Wait, Lyle? Where is he? He was with Team Fade the last I heard."

Frost answers him, "I can take you to him."

The Claydol talks hurriedly, "Where is he? I can't have him interfering with my agenda."

Branna and Frost both look at him.

He realizes what they want, "Oh yes, you can come, but keeping in mind that I will make both of you prove your worth. What I have in mind is not easy. Now please, tell me where Lyle is."

Frost smiles, "Thank you. Now, Lyle is in a cave northeast of Articune called Awowa Cave."

Sepullen sighs, "I thought we were done with that place."

Branna comments, "In the meantime, we'll have to train a lot."

The Claydol says to them, "Yes you will. I am going to teach you your Hidden Power before we go anywhere. Especially you, Frost. Being that Archiea is mostly rock and desert, I can't have you being powerless in any situation."

She nods her head, "I'm willing to do…"

The ghost passes out and falls on the floor.

I comment, "I believe the heat has gotten to her."

Branna lifts Frost onto her back, "I think I'll go and rest."

I say, "Quite, we've all had a journey today."

We leave the room, but not before seeing Sepullen implant himself in the ground and the orange glow in his eyes fade. In my mind I hear him say, I'm going to train you to, you know. Thinking back I say, you will train me, yes, but surprised you will be, you will.

BONE CLAN CAMP, ARCHIEA THE ROCK CONTINENT, AFTER MIDNIGHT

"I can't wait to see them train."

"Mr. Blade, I don't like fighting."

"I know, but when you live out here like me, you'd have to learn to defend yourself."

"Are you going to make me train?"

"No, I was selected to be your escort, not a mentor."

"Why does the Relic Master not like miss Frost?"

"She was a criminal, but I believe she has reformed."

"How do you know?"

"I don't, but I trust the Chief and Relic Master's judgement."

"The Chief?"

"His name is Nova. He's in charge here."

"I can't wait to meet him."

"Yeah, he's pretty rough, but nice when he wants to be."

"I saw a sick person in there. Who was it?"

"Oh, that's mistress Felicia."

"Will she be better?"

"I can only hope."

Above them, hiding on top of a totem, is a Kecleon. He watches their conversation intently. A voice talks to him through his Scout Lens.

"Looks like everything's going according to plan."

The Kecleon scouts out the camp. He makes his way to the far side, where the prison cells are located. Inside, twenty or so Pokemon are locked away. He makes his way down to the last cell, witch has orange enchantments surrounding it. Three ghost types lay inside, sleeping. As soon as he lightly tapped the bars, Witch shot up and Teleported to the edge of the cell.

She shouts, "What took you so long?!"

The Kecleon talks softly, "I'm not here to break you out?"

Witch shouts again, "Then why are you here, then?!"

He rolls his eyes, "Where is Frost?"

The Mismagius responds, "I don't know, those imbeciles took her somewhere else."

The kecleon smiles, "Then everything has gone as planned."

He turns to leave, ignoring the shouts of Witch to get her out.

"Something else is to be done."

"I know, I will check on them."

WINDELL FOREST, ARCHIEA THE ROCK CONTINENT, AFTER MIDNIGHT

The figure and the Umbreon guard the area as the Raichu, Absol, and Ninetales sleep.

The Umbreon says to the figure, "What has your spy said?"

The Figure responds, "Your mother has indeed convinced her friend to come along."

She asks, "What of Lyle?"

"They are going to fight him in a matter of days."

"How many?"

The figure thinks, "They have to return to Mount Meteora before they can continue on to Awowa cave."

They Umbreon is puzzled, "Who'd name it 'Awowa Cave'? That's almost like saying, 'wow a cave'!"

The figure snorts, "Yeah, wasn't too creative."

"Well, on that note, I thinks it's Jude's turn for guard."

"Alright, see you in the morning, Cryptia."

I haven't updated in some seven, eight months due to lack of direction in the story. Alas, that problem has been fixed and I will be updating (somewhat) regularly.

Credits: Kalim the Kecleon (Kamillionaire), Team Gold, Archiean Deoxys, and Lyle all belong to RodiumTech. Roselyn was created by EonTheZoarark. All other characters were created by me. Of course, Pokemon is owned by GAMEFREAK Inc.

Before I leave, I want to say that this plot has been kicked off and I have big plans for it.

-Vein Locke