The Secret of the Idol

by PokeMaster64

Wes Ravenfield, an Umbreon who wishes to become the world's greatest treasure hunter, has been failing in trying to find anything to prove his worth. But, upon discovering a sacred idol that could bring about chaos on the world, he will journey throughout Mysto with his brother and ex-girlfriend, along with new friends along the way. As they get closer, secrets will unfold.

40. Flame and Fury 13

Ch.40: I Stand by My Own Power! The New Test for Rage Starts!

Nightmare doesn't ask for much. Why should he? When dealing with creatures so easy to manipulate, he expected them to be putty in his hands. Pokémon were supposed to be creatures that thrived on growing stronger, right? Was it wrong of him to assume that anyone would bail out on the opportunity to achieve the status of a god? To him, it sounded insane. It was a once in a lifetime opportunity. It's not something one came by. And what did he ask for?

The Key of Fire.

When he first met the Grovyle, he expected his rage to tip him over that pathetic morality scale that these mortal creatures seemed to possess. Giving to his lust for power, the bounty hunter should have saw reason with his offer and taken it while he still could.

Now, here he was, the boss shadow to the Tribe of Shadows, floating in front of what could have been a promising lackey, and he was being told off by said promising lackey. He actually believed he misinterpreted. Perhaps all this volcanic rumbling around him simply muddled the words. Safe bet, right?

However, Nightmare wasn't an idiot. The stern glare Griffin burned into his eyes told him exactly what he didn't want to hear. What else could be said except, why hasn't Nightmare blown his top off yet?

The boss shadow inhaled deeply, while tightly clenching his fist that burned with black fire. Streaks of shadow steamed off his body, radiating the malice and anger building up inside him. He kept his cool for as long as he could, wanting to be somewhat civil before he went into a bloody massacre. Only seemed fair.

Once Nightmare finished his mental turmoil, he folded his arms behind his back, leaned down to Griffin's level, and asked with the thickest of venom spewing from his low, menacing tone, "What…did you say?" Griffin could hear the anger being held back.

The Grovyle narrowed his eyes at the boss shadow. "You heard me. I said 'no.'"

Nightmare straightened himself up, coughed into his fist, then resumed his previous stance. He glared at the defiant bounty hunter. "Okay, it appears we're having difficulties understanding orders. Let's try this again." He stretched his hand out to him. "Hand me…THE KEY!" he roared, ruffling Griffin's clothes and head leaf with the forceful wave.

The Grovyle's neutral glare didn't falter. He merely patted out his clothing, then slid his hands into his jacket pockets. "I said…no."

Nightmare's right eye twitched. Infuriation boiled through his system. His fingers contorted before stretching out into demonic claws. He brandished the deadly extensions, then aimed them for the Grovyle's head. "Why?!" he growled through his teeth.

Griffin shrugged. "Plain and simple. You offered me power like I wanted, but…I've decided to decline it. It's just business." He glared. "That…and I much prefer that my planet isn't turned it a cesspool for you shadows. I actually like my home region the way it is."

Nightmare's form grew in size, towering over the Grovyle tenfold. He raised his claws and bared his sharp teeth. "Boy, I don't think you understand the forces you are playing with."

Griffin smirked. "I'll take my chances. Got me this far, didn't they?"

The boss shadow snarled irritably. "Don't get cocky with me, weakling! The shadows are a race of ethereal darkness born from the purest of corruption! We are an ever-growing species whose existence will carry on for thousands of your lifetime! An insect such as you is miniscule compare to our power!"

Griffin crossed his arms and scoffed. "If you can't handle those treasure hunters, you certainly can't take me on." He shrugged. "Still, if it's a battle you're looking for-"

"Griffin, don't!" Holly called out as she got to her feet. "You're still injured from your previous fight! I know you're strong, but you can only handle so much!"

He glanced over his shoulder and smiled. "Relax, Holly. I have this under control." Holly blinked in surprise.

Mack picked himself up and expressed the same expression as Holly. "Did he just smile…twice in roughly the same minute? Yeesh, that's the best mood I've seen him in in YEARS!"

Team Ravenfield picked themselves up and looked around at the swirling shadows overhead before glaring at Nightmare. "Well, regardless, we're not letting you take him on alone!" Wes shouted as he touched his Star Amulet and brought out his magic. "A little payback for jumping us earlier!"

Flint gulped. "Do we really have to?"

"You want to peacefully talk your way out of here?" Tony asked dryly.

"Fighting, it is."

Team Ravenfield armed themselves and got into battle positions. Holly and Mack nodded and did the same, bringing out their signature weapons. The shadows ceased their circling and shifted their shapes for battle readiness.

Nightmare observed his shadows and his enemy, then glared in annoyance. "Must I waste my time on such trivial matters?" He sighed, then shaped his arms into swords. "Very well. I'll humor your challenge, Grovyle. Best not to die too earlier. It'd be a tragic disappointment."

Griffin brought out Endless Regret and took position. "I couldn't agree more."

Seraphina smiled at Griffin's subtle, but obvious change in behavior. He's learning to control his anger. Excellent. She glared at the shadow around her, then snapped her fingers. She had enough magic left to summon three Fire Guardians to protect her. "Destroy them at all costs." The Fire Guardians saluted like honorable knights, ready for battle.

Both sides were raring to draw the first blow, itching to start a full-scale battle inside the partially destroyed cavern. However, before the battle could begin, the cavern rumbled with activity. It shook vicious, tripping over the grounded Pokémon who tried to keep their footing inline.

Gwyn clutched her thorn whip tightly as she watched rock debris rain from the ceiling. "Are we having an earthquake?!"

Ella narrowed her eyes. "Somehow, I don't think that's the case."

"The Espeon is correct," Seraphina confirmed. She narrowed her eyes. "I sense something darker coming. Something filled with malintent."

"Lady, pretty sure we have enough of that screaming bloody murder at us!" Mack shouted, holding his hips in annoyance. "What could possibly be causing all that ruckus that's worse than this?"

The rumbling turned to smashing. A gradual descent high above making its way down to their level. With each passing second, the hateful roars of a monster grew closer. This monster's cries sounded demonic, yet not. It was hard to tell, but they sounded intertwined with each other.

Nightmare focused on the roars, then focused his attention on an aura growing closer. The grin curling up on his face spoke bad news for the gang. "Oh hoho, I was wondering where you were."

A moment of aggressive digging later, the ceiling split open and a figure dropped down in the center of the field. The cloud of dust brought down with them spread across the field, making everyone but the shadows cough. When the dust cleared, the figure rose to full height revealing himself as the Ursaring mercenary.

His eyes flashed with anger as he spotted the Pokémon. "Destroy…in the name of…the Tribe of Shadows!"

Ella gasped. "Wait, him?!" She looked at Holly and Mack. "I thought you took care of him!"

"Huh, funny," Holly expressed as she turned to Mack with a glare. "I wonder how that happened."

Mack raised his hands with an impassive expression. "Okay, we can throw around names and blame each other, but maybe someone should have told me that these things couldn't be killed by means of execution."

Flint rubbed the back of his head. "Perhaps mentioning their healing factor would have helped."

"Oh! So, they have healing factors?!" Mack shouted madly. "Woo-FREAKIN'-hoo!"

Lexx raised his buster sword and aimed it at Holly and Mack. "You two…I shall slaughter you and mount your heads over my mantle."

Holly groaned. "How lovely…"

Lexx charged forward, swinging his sword over his shoulder, but Griffin got in his way and struck him right in the stomach. Lexx coughed blood out and nearly doubled over in pain. Griffin narrowed his eyes, then raised his foot and kicked the possessed Ursaring away.

Lexx tumbled towards the lava, but he stopped himself by jabbing his sword into the ground. He stood up and pulled his sword out. He spun it around and held it in a reverse grip. He locked glares with Griffin. "You're interfering with my battle."

Griffin bared his teeth. "A bastard like you has no right to fight my friends." He raised his own sword. "I shall end your life."

Lexx growled and raised his sword. Nightmare examined his pawn, then smirked as an evil thought formed in his twisted mind. He raised his hand and pressed his finger together. "Lexx…do you wish to grow stronger?"

"Yes, Master," Lexx replied as he channeled his dark energy through the sword.

"Well then, have at it." With a snap of his fingers, five shadows flew down to Lexx in a vapor form. They passed through his open mouth, making him gag for a moment.

Lexx held his head a thick aura suddenly blazed off his body, cloaking him in darkness. The momentary pain subsided and replaced with a surge of power coursing through the possessed bear's veins. His lips stretched into a sadistic grin. His muscles expanded. The ground cracked from his immense pressure.

Lexx threw his head back and laughed aloud. "Yes! YES! This is what I'm talking about!" He spun his sword behind him. "I'm coming for you, Grovyle!" He kicked off the ground and rocketed towards Griffin.

The Grovyle held up his sword and blocked the impact. Griffin nearly flew off his feet, but dug his claws into the rock. The impact was strong enough to reach the far wall behind him. Griffin could feel the massive change in strength. It was incredible.

This made him smirk.

"Okay…you've caught my interest." Griffin deflected his opponent's sword down and struck his cheek with his heel. Lexx barely budged, then grabbed Griffin by the shirt and threw him into the ceiling. Lexx crouched and leaped towards the Grovyle. Griffin blocked his sword strike. "Come on, fight me with all you got!" He pushed him down, then aimed his sword. "Exosus Release!"

The red beam slammed Lexx back to the ground, straight into a crater. Griffin spun downward and slammed his sword onto of Lexx's. The two swordsman glared at each other before pushing back, then speedily clashing all across the field. Each strike sent sparks flying.

Team Ravenfield watched in disbelief. "Man, he's tough," Gwyn commented.

Wes glared overhead. The shadows were beginning to look antsy. He smirked. "Well, let's not stay out of the fray, gang." He faced upward and charged his spell. "Mystic…BEAM!" He fired the purple magical beam right at the shadows, then guided it to bring down the ceiling.

The shadows screeched as they dodged falling rock debris, forcing them closer to the ground. They glared angrily at the Pokémon and fired black flames down. Seraphina's Fire Guardians faced them and held their hands out, casting a flame shield to protect the group from the corrupted fire.

Gwyn pulled seeds out of her bag. She tossed them around in her hand, then threw them towards the shadows. She thrusted her palm out. "Accelerated Growth!"

The seeds erupted with green light and grew into flytrap plants. The monstrous plants licked their lips, then lunged at the shadows. They bit down and shook the amorphous specters around like chew toys. The shadows screeched in protest. They raised their demonic claws and shredded the plants into pieces.

Gwyn absorbed some plants into her glove, then took aim. "Cyclone Eradication!" She fired the windstorm blast through the flame shield and sent a group of shadows flying in all directions.

A shadow got in close and turned their arm into an axe blade. They swung it through the flame shield, shattering it into embers. The Fire Guardians each formed a sphere of flame and blasted it. The shadow was thrown away and wrapped in flames, which it passed off to its allies with the slightest touch.

Ella dodged black flames thrown from above. "We're too condensed! Split up!" Everyone nodded and ran off in separate directions.

Shadows zoomed down and attempted to claw Ella's face off. The Espeon narrowed her eyes, then skilffuly dodged their assault. She flipped backwards, then slid under one shadow before blasting him in the gut with her Psychic. She spun on her back and threw Shadow Balls in all directions. Shadows that got in too close were thrown away by the explosion.

She rolled onto her feet and smirked, but then gasped as a shadow got her from behind and brought her into the air. She flailed her legs around, then glared at the shadow. "Unhand me at once!"

The shadow simply smiled with wicked glee, then opened its mouth. Black flames built up inside, ready to incinerate the Espeon to a crisp.

Ella, however, wasn't having it. She raised her brow and smirked. "I tried to warn you." Without warning, she threw her head forward and bashed it against the shadow's forehead. The shadow staggered for a moment, unintentionally loosening its grip. Ella leaped out of its grasp and landed on its back before grabbing hold of its eyelids and pulling the malleable material back. The shadow screeched angrily. "Think some of your buddies remember this little trick. Now giddy-up, freakazoid!" She steered the shadow around, who desperately tried to throw her off.

Back on the ground, Griffin and Lexx were going at it hard with each other. With Lexx's increased strength and Griffin's natural born skill, they were, for the most part, equally match in strikes. Though, that's not to say Griffin was losing.

The Grovyle was quick with his strikes, trying to force the possessed Ursaring onto the defensive. Lexx deflected all his strikes, then reached out to grab him. Griffin dodged and swung around on his arm until he was standing on top, then he flipped back, striking the bear in the chin. With his opening, Griffin lunged and impaled the possessed bear.

Griffin glared. "A few muscle enhancements won't beat me." His eyes widened slightly when Lexx lifted his head and snarled. "Oh shit…" Lexx grabbed Endless Regret and, in one swift move, pulled it out while also throwing Griffin across the field.

Lexx held his stomach as it regenerated. He smirked confidently. "You see…you can't kill me. These shadows…the more of us there are, the stronger I become. That is the true power of darkness. The power you could have had."

Griffin jumped to his feet and pulled his sword back. "And have multiple voices in my head? I'll take a pass. Exosus Release!" His sword erupted in blood red magic.

Lexx sneered. "Then you'll die like the rest of these weaklings." He pulled his own sword back and wrapped it in darkness.

They lunged and clashed swords, with their magic flying off and destroying the cavern even further. Part of the main temple was revealed as the wall collapsed. They slammed their weapons against each other repeatedly as they ran all over the battlefield, passing through battles that were taking place with the others.

Wes was practically taunting the shadows as he performed dance-like dodges to avoid their spells and melee strikes. He spun of his back, avoiding shadow bullets, then spun onto his forepaw. "TerraSlash!" A ring of purple energy appeared on the ground, then fired shards of sharp down that tore through the shadows and ripped them like fabric.

Two shadows combined together and shaped into a two-headed beast, who then roared at the Umbreon execrably. His hat nearly flew off his head. He readjusted it, then smirked. With a mocking gesture towards the beast, it growled and charged towards him recklessly.

Wes formed a Warp Pad under his feet, then bounced around a ring of Warp Pads surrounding the beast. It roared and spewed black flames from both heads. Wes redirected himself skyward and avoided the flames entirely. "Mystic Burst!" He body erupted in purple magic, then he used an amped up Warp Pad to rocket into the beast's back. The impact sent him straight through and sever the monster in half.

The beast roared as its hind legs dissipated into black steam. The shadow monster reshaped itself and took on the form of a large snake. With a threatening hiss, it lunged for the cocky Umbreon.

Wes took a bow, then rolled out of the way. He clapped his paws together. "Septem Gladii Virtustis!" The seven, doubled edged, light swords formed from his body, then telekinetically spun by his commands before taking on an offense stance. He lunged at the snake and spun the swords like a buzz saw, slicing through its middle, then fired over half into its eyes. With the remaining three, he grabbed one in his teeth and sent the other two into the sides of its neck. He used Warp Pad and lunged straight for it. He spun around and perfectly cut through its neck, sending the head to the ground.

He landed on his feet and commanded the light swords to return to him. He tipped his hat to the snake. "Thank you, thank you! I know I'm great!" He beamed with excitement as more shadows surrounded him, all wanting to rip him to shreds and bathe their blades in his blood. He laughed. "Ha! Come at me! I can take you all on!"

Flint shrieked as swarms of shadows chased him down. He clapped his paws together every so often, trying to will that accursed humanoid to show itself and help him. No matter how much he tried, it wouldn't come out. "You've come out when I'm in danger before! What makes NOW different?!"

He looked forward, then dropped on his stomach as shadow nearly struck his head. He rolled to his feet and fired Flamethrower to keep them at bay. However, they traveled across the ground and grabbed him by the legs. "Crap!"

The shadows rose out and laughed at his misery. They extended their claws, then viciously stabbed the Flareon in the back and head. They took pleasure in his horrified screams, until his body shattered into nothingness. They blinked in bewilderment, then threw their heads back and screamed in frustration.

If there was one thing Flint knew how to do, it was run away and divert attention off him. He hid himself under an illusion and backed away from the fighting. Okay Flint, get a grip. Just…get your bearings in order find a way to help without getting the way. He felt his back foot slip a bit, making him stop. He turned around and saw the lava lake. He blinked, then looked up as an idea formed.

The shadows looked around for the Flareon, while keeping stray fire off them, when they heard a whistle. They turned and saw Flint waving his paws in the air. "Hey, uh…freaky splotches!" He cupped his paws around his mouth and yelled, "Quit it with all the screaming! It makes you sound, uh…tone deaf?" Okay, smack talking? Not my thing.

Regardless, this drew their attention. They flew straight for the Flareon, arms morphed into spears. Flint crouched down and quietly counted down as they got closer. "Three…two…one…NOW!" His eyes flashed orange and time halted around him. He shuffled out of the way, then resumed time.

The shadows smashed into the walls, practically flattening from the impact. They pulled back and growled at the annoying Flareon, then gasped as Flint made the bold move of jumping in them and dunking their heads into the lava. He jumped out before his clothes could get incinerated. The lava disrupted their physical forms and evaporated them into nothing.

Flint sighed, then wiped his brow. "Oh, thank goodness. I didn't expect for that to-" His eyes widened as a gang of shadows appeared behind him. He turned around, then squeaked nervously. "Uh…please don't hurt me?"

They raised their claws and prepared to massacre him when vines suddenly wrapped around them and pulled them into the ground. Flint blinked, then saw a green hand extend out to him. He looked up at Gwyn's cheerful smile. "I'll attack, you cover me."

The smile on the Flareon's face perfectly showed off his relief and gratitude. "Thanks…"

In contrast to Flint's brief moment of 'fun', Tony was having a blast destroying shadows by the dozens. He was literally leaping off their heads with his casual, mocking attitude alive and ready. He landed on one shadow with his arms folded behind his back.

He bent down to see its pissed off glare. "Yo, spooky? I'm not bugging you, am I?" He jumped and dodged a claw swipe. "I'll take that as a maybe. Dragon Thunderclap!" With one powerful clap, he scattered the shadow into paint splotches raining on the ground. He fell towards the ground with his hands in his pockets. "And my stop should be right…"

Just as he predicted, two shadows came flying at him with the intent of skewering him on their spear hands. He threw his scalchops in their faces, misguiding their flight to ram into each other and for the Dewott to slam his feet on their heads for a soft landing.

"…now." He picked his scalchops up and activated Razor Shell, electrifying the water energy. He slashed his weapons around and took his stance. "So, which one of you losers is next?" He glanced to his right, then spun around to block a sword strike. "Ah, we have a volunteer!"

The shadow attacking him screeched and, with its other arm blade, slashing furiously down on the Dewott's lightning blades. Tony redirected the force to lessen the blows, while keeping his ground. He ducked under two swipes, then jabbed his lightning blade through both shadow blades once aligned. He flipped onto them, then aimed his fists at the alarmed shadow.

Tony smirked. "For being a good sport, here's your prize. Impetus Pressure!" He fired the pressure wave right in its face, destroying it on the spot. Before the shadow could regenerate, Tony sent a surge of electricity through the body and obliterated in into nothingness. He dusted his hands off and smirked. "Huh, guess he didn't like the reward." He picked up his scalchops. "Oh well, there's plenty of other shadows to mess with."

Back with Griffin, his fight with Lexx ended up with them clashing swords while in the air. Griffin blocked a sword thrust and pushed himself away to cling to a wall. He pulled out Infinity Breaker and extended it outward, piercing Lexx through the shoulder.

The possessed Ursaring clutched the polearm. "Your puny attack doesn't harm me!" He flung Griffin around with the long polearm.

Griffin hung onto Infinity Breaker as he deposited Endless Regret and pulled out One For All and Pride of Leones. He threw the shield in the air, curving with the momentum, and accurately aimed it for the dark bear's head.

"AGH!" Lexx growled as he let go of Infinity Breaker and held his bleeding head.

Griffin contracted Infinity Breaker and sent it away, then slashed the air repeatedly until twenty light swords surrounded him. "Sword Blitz!" The swords followed the command and flew at Lexx.

The Ursaring slashed through the light swords, laughing arrogantly. "Once I've killed you and reclaimed that key for my master, I'll finish the day by slaughtering those bounty hunters who belittled me!"

Griffin scoffed. "Yeah, because that went so well for you the last time." He landed on the ground and glared at the possessed bear. "Keeping talking my ear off, but the only one doing the slaughtering is me." He raised One For All. "Prepare yourself, because your sad, pathetic life will be flashing before you."

Lexx growled and spun his sword. "I've had it with you self-righteous bounty hunters!" He kicked off the ceiling and swung down. Griffin traded out for Endless Regret and blocked the strike, resulting in a strong shockwave.

Holly backflipped from shadow bolts and kicked away any incoming shadows. She leaped over one and bashed the end of her fan down on its head, then spun on top of the fan to kick the shadows surrounding her. She leaped up with her weapon in tow, then opened it to full length.

"Level 3 Wind Style: Destructive Push!" She waved the fan and sent down a sonic boom that demolished the shadows, splattering their shadowy body everywhere. She landed, folded the fan, then slapped all who got hear her with it. More shadows popped up around her, which only made her chuckle. "There isn't enough of me to go around, freaks. Let's fix that. Deceptive Explosion!"

Her eye flashed and projected multiple illusionary clones of herself. They lunged at the shadows were their fans at the ready. Unaware of the nature of this particular illusion, the shadows went in for the kill. They slashed through the clones, believing they were nothing more than mental projections, until they condensed into orbs and exploded, obliterating their bodies on the spot.

Holly continuously dodged sword slashes with graceful and swift movement. She leaped over a shadow and landed on its blade. It looked up at her in confusion, then screeched as she projected a blinding light that burned its eyes.

Holly chuckled. "Sensitiva Cultro: Aspectu." She faced the other shadows and repeated the same spell. The shadows doubled over in pain as their eyes stung with the overloading light. Holly stepped back and opened her fan, only halfway this time. "Level 2 Wind Style: Wind of Knives!" She waved the fan and send out air energy projectiles, shaped like throwing knives.

They tore through the shadows, ripping off pieces of their shadowy bodies. Some shadows narrowly avoided the knives and fired off Final Nightfall at the deceiver.

The beam spells came from all directions, but Holly wasn't fazed. "Dolorem Rewrite!" Blue petals scattered out, surrounding her and her enemies. The shadows looked around in confusion, while also wondering what happened to their Final Nightfall.

Holly leaped at the shadows and kicked them to the ground, while battering the already grounded ones with her fan. She spun on her back and kicked away some pursuers, then hooked her sickle around one's neck and slammed it into the rock.

She backflipped away and said, "And fate frowns upon you."

The petals dispersed, revealing the Final Nightfall spells to be aimed at each shadow. They screamed as they were consumed in their own attacks, obliterating them in a mere instant. Holly landed on her feet and struck a pose as the shadowy steam evaporated behind her.

Mack stood still, arms behind his back and smirking smugly, as shadows tried to dig their claws into him. However, his fear persona kept them at bay, throwing them around and beating them as brutally as possible. Mack dodged a sword slash, then ducked as his persona threw a punch, lobbing off the shadow's head. Mack stumbled around and snickered through his teeth.

"You little freaks are a delight to play with. I'm sure we'll all get along. After all, I have a wondering personality." His persona stretched its arms out and wrapped them around a group of shadows. "Torture Incita: Electrocution!" His persona lit up with lethal doses of electricity. The shadows convulsed and jittered in agony before evaporating.

The Sudowoodo laughed his head off, then his eyes widened as his persona blocked a shadow blast from behind. Mack glared over his shoulder as more shadows came flying down, taking the shape of large, monstrous birds.

"Oh great, more of this shit." Crossing his arms, he mentally ordered his fear persona to leap in the air. "Phobia Rem: Chiropto!"

His persona laughed, then took on the shape of a monstrous bat. Arms extended out and its sphere ran down its arm, stretching out a thin membrane in-between. The branch on top its head split into bat ears and it grew jagged fangs from its mouth. It screeched gleefully, then flew towards the shadows.

The shadow birds fired sharp quills of darkness. The persona laughed off the attempt and sank its fangs into a shadow bird's neck. It ripped its head off and swallowed the darkness before bashing the remains into its allies.

Mack smirked. "Phobia Rem: Haphe."

Mack's persona reverted to its original form, then grappled a shadow's neck. Much to the shadow's utter horror, the mere touch of this frightening creating burned its ethereal body. Other shadows tried to get away, but the persona decided to bring them all in for a big, group hug. The crushing grip coupled with the burning sensation left them screaming out in agony before they were ultimately destroyed.

Mack walked up to his persona as it landed. "Guess they couldn't stomach their own nightmares."

Nightmare watched on as the battle escalated. He scowled as his shadows were being destroyed one by one. It was utterly infuriating to watch his forces be destroyed so easily. My shadows cannot win like this. We must grow stronger if we wish to overcome these fools.

He glanced around, then spotted Griffin and Lexx as they continued with their fight. It boggled the boss shadow's mind how the Grovyle could still fight despite his prior battle. Lexx was being fueled by the power of six shadows. He should have more strength than Griffin. On the other hand, the vessel could be straining from the numerous occupants.

Nightmare rubbed his chin, then smirked. "The Grovyle possesses much rage…" He held his hand out as a shadow formed from his palm. "Meaning he'll be easy pickings for control."

Griffin threw his sword up and ducked Lexx's sword slash. The Grovyle landed on his hands, caught the sword with his foot, and swung it into Lexx's shoulder. Lexx roared out, then pulled the sword out of his flesh. "Dark Nubis Cutter!" He slashed the ground forward. Griffin rolled out of the way before he could be sliced in half.

He returned to his feet and lunged, driving his sword through the bear's chest. He stood on top of it and cupped his hand over his fist. Three rings of energy traveled down his arm and wrapped around his fist.

He sneered, then threw it right into the possessed mercenary's face. "Ira Dei: Three Destructive Fists!" Right before the mercenary flew off, Griffin gripped his sword and kept it from following the airborne bear.

The punch caved in the Ursaring's skull and, if it weren't for the shadows overhauling on healing, was close to having his head explode into red paste. He took all three kinetic punches, even after slamming against the wall.

Griffin waved his sore arm, then held his sword aloft. "So, who's next?"

Nightmare floated down to his level with a cunning smirk. "My, my, such power, Grovyle. You would be an excellent addition to the Tribe of Shadows."

Griffin sneered and aimed his sword at the boss shadow. "What did I tell you? I'm not joining you or your freak show."

Nightmare chuckled lightly. "Oh, I heard you, but I don't remember giving you a choice!" He threw a black vapor at the Grovyle, which nailed him right in the face.

Griffin dropped Endless Regret and growled as the vapor forced its way into the orifices of his face. He tripped over his feet and rolled around on his back as he clutched his head, scrunching his face up in agony.

Holly and Mack ceased their fighting and gasped. "Griffin?!"

Ella crashed a shadow into the lava and landed. "What's happening?!"

Everyone ran over to the Grovyle's side, then glared at Nightmare as he laughed maliciously. "I don't make deals with traitors! I make minions!" He raised his fist. "The shadows' greatest strength lies within the perfect host! You weak-minded lifeforms will now bear witness to the bond between a shadow and its host! The anger and rage that dwells in this creature's heart will give my shadow the strength to control his mind!"

Holly glared at Griffin and shouted, "Griffin, don't listen to him! Fight it!"

"He can't help it, Lurantis," Nightmare insisted confidently. "No amount of willpower is going to pull him out of my shadow's grasp!" He narrowed his eyes. "I would have done the same thing to all of you if you weren't such do-gooders." He smirked proudly. "But at least I have this to fall back on."

Griffin clenched his teeth as his skin started to turn black. Whiteness washed over his head leaf, as well as the leaves on his wrists. A skull tattoo shaped over his head. He clawed at the ground as he cried out once more, furiously.

Mack shook the Grovyle. "Yo, Griff! Quit acting like a pansy and-OOF!" Griffin punched him in the face, knocking him into Flint and falling on top of him.

Seraphina's eyes widened. "This isn't good…"

Griffin flipped to his feet, then stood to full height. He cracked his neck, then stretched out his arms. "Oh baby, now this is a body!" He glared over his shoulder, eyes glowing a sinister red. "I can feel his power surging through me!"

Wes clenched his teeth. "Griffin…get a hold of yourself!"

Nightmare laughed with absolute joy. "I did promise you power, Grovyle. Not what I intended, but I kept my end of the bargain." He held his hand out. "Now, my loyal servant, hand me the key."

The possessed Grovyle snickered villainously. "At once, Master." He walked towards the boss shadow.

"Oh no, you don't!" Wes tackled him from behind and grappled his legs around him. "Get out of Griffin's body, you parasite!"

Shadow Griffin growled. "Get your filthy paws off of me!" He slammed his fist against Wes' face, knocking him into Tony, who caught the Umbreon.

"Wes!" Ella shouted. She ran over to him and held his shoulders. "Are you okay?!"

Wes held his nose, then checked his paw. He could feel the scarlet liquid running from his nose. "Not so hot…"

Ella tightened her glare, then casted it at Griffin. She stamped her paws down and shouted, "Griffin, quit acting like that asshole's puppet! What kind of warrior lets himself be used like some freak's tool?! Are you just going to stand there and take it?!"

Nightmare crossed his arms and laughed. "Scream all you want, Espeon, but the bounty hunter belongs to the Tribe of Shadows." He smirked. "You could try beating the shadow out of him, but I don't see you winning this fight anytime soon."

Ella softened her glare, but kept them narrowed. She sighed through her teeth, then said, "Griffin, I may barely know you, but I know you're strong. Stronger than this."

"Tell me something I don't know, runt!" Shadow Griffin taunted as he lifted Endless Regret. He channeled his dark energy through the blade. "One swing of this and you'll be out of the master's way."

Holly glared, then stepped forward. "No, Ella's right. He says willpower can't break you out, but he doesn't know you like Mack and I do. The Grim Ash Clan is a proud clan of the fiercest warriors in the world. Our power is greater than all in the land."

Mack stepped forward with a slouched stance, lazily smirking through his teeth. "I know I joke about this a lot, but now I'm being serious." He narrowed his eyes to reflect his mood. "Why don't you give that idiot a taste of your power? The edge of your full potential?"

Nightmare clenched his teeth in irritation. "This is maddening. I have no time for this drivel!" He pointed commandingly. "Destroy these pests."

Shadow Griffin spun the sword and blazed his dark energy through the blade. "At once." The energy crackled furiously. "Final…Night…Fa-!" His eyes widened, then he dropped the sword as he reached for his head and screamed out in agony.

Nightmare's eyes widened. "What the?!"

Shadow Griffin stumbled around and dropped to his knees. His eyes clenched shut as he bared his teeth. "My head! My skull feels like it's...burning! AAAHHH!"

The group stared at the possessed Grovyle in confusion and concern. "What's going on?" Flint asked Holly.

She narrowed her eyes. She wasn't exactly sure what was going on with the shadow inhabiting her friend, but she had a feeling it was in for a hell of a time. She could see the rising spike in Griffin's aura.

Nightmare grabbed his possessed minion by the jacket and held him up. "What are you doing?! Kill them!"

"I can…I can feel him! Clawing his way out from the abyss!" the shadow screamed as a blood red aura surrounded him.

Nightmare glared. "How is that possible?! No willpower on the planet can-!"

"It's not willpower!" the shadow screamed again. Nightmare dropped him as the possessed Grovyle stumbled around, clutching his head tighter. "It's…I can see his heart! It's…oh darkness, this creature…this deranged creature! How can any mortal harbor this much hatred in their heart?!" He turned his back to Nightmare and continued to scream at the ceiling.

Nightmare narrowed his eyes cautiously. "Hatred…?"

Everyone, but Ella, could see his passive magical aura blazing uncontrollably. The malice it contained grew stronger with each passing moment. The aura waved like a crackling fire, waiting to spread across the land and burn it to smithereens. Even if she couldn't see it, Ella could feel the pressure exerting from him.

"That's it, Griff!" Holly shouted. "Let the anger flow out! Pop the cap off!"

Seraphina narrowed her eyes. The rage I sensed deep within his heart. Now we shall all see the extent of his raw power come alive.

*Griffin's subconscious*

Deep inside the subconscious of the Grovyle, the shadow was frantically flying around in a hellish space of blood red energy surging upward. It bared its teeth as it looked around for answers. "What madness is this?! You dare defy the order of the Tribe of Shadows?!"

"Hey, freak." The shadow froze, then cautiously looked over its shoulder. A flickering flame burned to life behind him. Red, piercing eyes glowed through the flame. "Who gave you permission to come into my head?"

The shadow recoiled in horror, then aimed charged magic beams at the flame. "You stay back, you vile monster!"

"Monster?" A dark chuckle emanated from the flame. The shadow may not have a spine, but it could feel shivers running up where one should be. "Oh, you take me too lightly." The flame started taking on a new shape. The shape of a Grovyle. "Let me show you just how much of a monster I am."

*Reality*

Griffin raised his foot and stomped the ground, sending pressure waves through the rock. He slammed his hand down, triggering small quakes. He rose onto both feet. His black skin cracked, revealing red light the penetrated the surface. The darkness that surrounded Griffin peeled away as his aura built up.

Nightmare glared. What is this?

The gang backed away as the pressure Griffin was exerting started tipping over the line into danger territory. Wes chuckled nervously. "Hey guys, call me crazy, but I think we may want to take cover…"

Mack laughed along with him, only jollier. "Oh yeah, totally!"

Everyone got to the ground, with the Fire Guardians standing before them protectively, ready to take whatever impact that comes their way.

Griffin bared his teeth and snarled through the control. Steam fired off his body as he raised his arms, struggling to rip apart the shadow. His aura condensed around his body while the hatred he exuded filled the air, felt by the shadows and Nightmare. Nightmare could only watch in curiosity while his army fell back with terror.

As the last of the shadow began to break away, Griffin spoke through the control. "I will not…submit…to your…DARKNESS!" With one horrific roar, Griffin exploded with raw, hateful magic that crashed through the ceiling.

The ground around him burned from the intense friction. The air pressure he fired off blew the shadows away, with only Nightmare holding his ground. He peeked through his arms and glared at the Grovyle.

Griffin opened his mouth and expelled the shadow from his system, who burned away in the aura instantly. With the cloak of darkness bathing his skin now gone, he revealed a new change.

The blood red, glowing stripes that came from his eyes had stretched out all over his body, reaching his hands, feet, and head leaf. He opened his eyes, his irises glowing in blood red magic.

He glared at Nightmare, then picked up his prized sword. Nightmare growled, then shouted at Lexx, "Lexx! Quit laying around and destroy this whelp!"

With his face fully reformed, Lexx leaped out of the wall with his sword in tow. "At once, Master!" Not even regarding the magical energy exerting off his opponent, he leaped into action with the goal of pleasing his master and ending the life of this insolent lifeform.

Everyone hooked their arms/forelegs together to prevent from being blown away. Gwyn glared through the wind pressure. "What's going on?!"

"Remember that limiter we kept mentioning?!" Mack shouted. "Well, suffice to say, he's just about maxing out on the first stage of his limiter!"

Lexx spun his sword in his hand, charging through the air pressure like nothing. He got in close and swung from the side. "Now, die at the hands of-!"

Griffin connected the back of his hand right against the sharp edge of the blade, and, in a shocking move, completely shattered the sword. He didn't have a cut whatsoever. It was like the sword was made out of fragile glass.

Lexx stared in disbelief, then held the hilt up to examine what was left of his sword. "How…?" Lexx backed away as Griffin pulled Endless Regret back and poured his magical power into the blade.

Griffin scowled maliciously at the mercenary, then said, "Hatred…Hatred as red as the blood of my fallen opponents." The aura blazed erratically off his weapon. "With spite and malice in my heart, together with my hellish hate, all who stand in my way will burn in my vengeance." He aimed the sword out as it burned brighter.

"I'll burn you all…that is your fate!"

Griffin fired a massive Exosus Release that Lexx had no chance to avoid. He screamed out in agony as his body disappeared into the blinding, blood red beam. Nightmare's luck was slightly better as he avoided the beam, though the tips of his shadowy hair were singed off. The boss shadow watched the beam fly in horror.

There was no stopping it. Not only did it crash through the walls, but the beam drilled its way through the temple and through the outer layers of the volcano. On the outside of the volcano, a bubble of heat formed from the side until exploded outward. The beam pierced through the volcano, bathing Scorch Grave City in its blood red glow.

The citizens below watched the beam fly in absolute horror. Those who weren't screaming their heads off and fainting, they watched in absolute silence. The beam reached as high as the clouds and destroyed them with a massive shockwave that spanned over the city.

Reporters with cameras were quick to snap pictures of the sight, while also yelling as to WHAT exactly they were looking at. The two reporters, Palmer and Ritchie, were watching from the rooftops.

"WHAT IN LORD ARCEUS' NAME IS THAT?!" Ritchie screamed.

Palmer narrowed his eyes. "This day just keeps getting weirder…" he pondered quietly.

Back inside the volcano, everyone kept their heads low as the volcano rumbled from the shockwaves. They could barely see anything with the red light shining through the cavern. With time, the pressure waves and light came to an abrupt stop, with lingering shakes continuing on for but a moment.

The ceiling crumbled and rained sprinkles of powered rock down on the gang. They picked themselves up, utterly dazed by the events that unraveled. Once they got their bearings in line, they turned their attention to Griffin.

The Grovyle collapsed forward, holding himself up with his sword, and panted in exhaustion. His body steamed with heat, while also quivering from the exertion of energy. The red tattoos surrounding his body contracted back into his eyes, then ceased glowing. He panted for a moment, then stared up at the large hole he made.

His beam actually managed to burn right through the volcano and part the clouds. He was aiming to kill, but…was that seriously how much power he had stored under his belt? With the limiter reaching its near peak, no less? The very thought of having that much magic…maybe Seraphina was on to something.

Griffin faced away from the hole and set his sights on his opponent, or what remained of him. Lexx stood petrified in place, with his entire body charred, head to toe. Blood red energy glowed through the cracks, while pieces chipped off. The Ursaring wasn't moving, much less breathing. Griffin could no longer sense his dark energy, or any obvious sign of life. He did a real number on the mercenary.

Nightmare recovered from his shock and faced Griffin once more. The boss shadow's teeth were bared in fury. How…How could a mere mortal break through our control?! The shadows…The shadows should have suppressed his free will! But no…he broke through…with that hatred he possesses. He focused most of his attention on the members of Team Ravenfield, who shared a glare back at the boss shadow. Perhaps…it is time to reassess our situation.

Given the circumstances, and that he was moments away from meeting the same fate as his former minion, Nightmare lowered to the ground and used his tail to create a portal under him. "Shadows, we're retreating for now." The shadows obeyed and swarmed into the portal hastily. Two shadows grabbed the petrified statue of Lexx and brought him along. Nightmare sank into his portal as he delivered a threatening glare to the Pokémon.

"Be warned, lifeforms. Victory has fallen into your lap today, but my forces will come back stronger than ever. We will not rest until your blood is spilt in honor of the Shadow King." He disappeared into his portal, then closed it.

With the fighting finally over, Griffin allowed himself a sigh of relief before collapsing to the ground. "I think I'm gonna throw up…" he mumbled.

Holly and Mack walked over to him, with the former shaking her head in a scolding matter. "Annnd, this is why I scold you for misusing the limiter so much. I swear, how you haven't gone into the second stage yet is beyond me." She lifted him up and wrapped his arm around her neck. She narrowed her eyes sweetly. "Though, I'll let it slide this time, if only because you drove those freaks away."

Griffin stared at her for a second, then smiled dryly. "Thanks, Holly…"

Mack picked up Endless Regret and handed it to the Grovyle, who touched it and sent it to his personal arsenal. "That was CRAZY, man!" He smirked. "Can you do it again?"

"NO!" Griffin and Holly shouted.

Mack threw his arms up, smiling awkwardly. "Kidding, kidding!"

As the bounty hunter chattered amongst themselves, Team Ravenfield looked at each other, mix of triumph and awe. "I can't believe it…did…did you see that?" Wes asked with wide eyes.

Tony pointed forward. "The, uh, gaping hole in the volcano is enough evidence for me."

Gwyn laughed nervously. "Really, really glad he didn't set that loose on us."

Ella smiled. "Eh, I knew he could do it. He's not so bad once you get to know him. I knew he could pull through."

Flint narrowed his eyes. "Well, I'm happy for you all, but there's still the issue with the Key of Fire."

Wes held his chin, then glanced over at the bounty hunters as they chatted to themselves. A smile crept up on the Umbreon's face. "You know…I have an idea that might benefit all of us." The team tilted their heads, confused.

Seraphina smiled at the team, then faced the bounty hunters. A new chapter is opening up for you, Everfall. Let's see if my words haven't influenced you in any way.

---

The sun began to sink into the horizon as the day drew to a close. Griffin sat on the edge of the volcano, staring off into space. He had bandages wrapped around his head and some parts of his body. His muscles ached from the overexertion he placed on himself, but he should heal up in due time.

He occasionally glanced at the city below. As everyone expected, a whole crowd of Pokémon were gathering near the volcano demanding to know the source of the big red beam shooting through the sky. It won't take long for the temple's existence to spread. A gaping hole in a volcano raises several questions.

He sighed, then pulled out the Key of Fire, giving it a quick glance over. It was hard to believe it started out as a simple bounty. Now he possessed a key that'll lead to the discovery of a powerful relic. What was he supposed to do with himself now?

He sensed multiple magic auras come up behind him, so he stood up and faced Team Ravenfield, his friends, and the Fire Mage. Seraphina walked up to Griffin. "My business here is over. Without the Key of Fire, this temple no longer serves purpose other than a historical site for the city."

Griffin narrowed his eyes. "Where do you plan to go?"

Seraphina smiled. "I have other business to intend to. Now that my duty is complete, I can take my business elsewhere. Perhaps heading back to the Brimstone Kingdom will be the best start." She curtsied to the bounty hunter. "You are an admirable fighter, Griffin Everfall. Remember to take what I said in strides and improve on yourself."

He bowed to the Fire Mage. "I will. Thank you for your guidance." After parting ways with the Fire Mage, he walked over to his friends. "Are we ready to go?"

Holly and Mack glanced at each other, sharing a subtle wink. Mack smiled and said, "Yeah, we're ready. Where should we head to next?"

Griffin crossed his arms. "Well, the Swamp Zone could be a good start. Place is crawling with lowlifes in hiding. It'll take time, but-"

"Hold your Horsea, bucko!" Griffin turned around and faced the stern faced Umbreon, with his team sharing similar looks. His hat was tipped over his eyes. "You're not going anywhere just yet. There's still the matter of that key."

Griffin held the Key of Fire up. "You mean this? What about it?"

"What do you plan on doing with it? It's no use to you without the complete set."

Griffin looked at the key, then sighed. "To be honest, I'm not sure." He spun it around between his fingers. "I assume you want it?"

"We've worked hard to get this far. That key holds great importance to our mission." Wes tipped his hat up and glared at the Grovyle. "You're not walking away without complying to our demands."

Griffin glared back. He reached behind his back and opened a rift to his arsenal. Endless Regret's hilt slowly poked out. "Is that so?" He closed his eyes. "I've won the key fair and square. Whatever demands you're making better be worth my while."

"Oh, it will be." Wes marched up to the Grovyle until he was right up in his face. He glared into the bounty hunter's eyes. "It's a simple deal, one that'll benefit you and me."

Griffin narrowed his eyes deeper. "What?"

Wes glared harder at the Grovyle with such focus and intensity, before breaking out into a cheerful grin. "You're joining my team!"

The response wasn't at all what the bounty hunter was expecting. He was legitimately caught off guard by the offer. Endless Regret sank back into his arsenal as he took a gingerly step back. "Excuse me?"

Wes laughed while his team lightened up, too, showing off their own smiles. Well, everyone but Flint who still remained unsure about the ordeal. Wes placed his paw on the Grovyle's shoulder. "You heard me! We could go about this at different angles! We either fight for the key or we try to work out some sort of bargain! So, I figured why not have you come along with us!"

Griffin narrowed his eyes, then stepped away. "Why would I join you? Why would you want me to join?"

Wes nodded at Ella, who waved. "She put in a good word for you. All of this came from a HUGE misunderstanding. I mean, tricked into a fake bounty? Must rile you up."

Griffin rolled his eyes. "It was a waste of my time."

"But, if you ask me, I say it was fate!" He held his paws out. "I mean, come on! Look at how strong you are! You would be an amazing ally to have on our journey! You took on those shadows like they were nothing!" He snickered through his paw. "Though, that's not saying much, but still."

Griffin crossed his arms. "Listen, while the offer is appreciated, I can't abandon my friends. We're on our own mission to find the man who massacred our village. I can't leave them to do all the work."

"Actually…we're with them on this."

Griffin blinked, then turned around to face his friends, who looked at the Grovyle sheepishly. "Wait…huh?"

Mack shrugged his shoulders and smirked. "When Seraphina went to patch your wounds, these guys came up to us proposing the idea. Admittedly, we were iffy on the idea of parting with you, but then we…considered the benefits."

Griffin seemed confused, so Holly filled in the rest. "Griffin, you showed us today you have a lot of untapped rage that, while powerful, can be troublesome if used incorrectly. You've had the most close calls losing it between all of us. We've nearly come to terms with our strengths and weaknesses, but you…you still have much to learn."

Griffin narrowed his eyes. "What do you mean?"

Mack smirked. "Well, to be fair, you deserve a break from all the revenge hunting. Like Firefox over there said, you still need to find balance with your rage. We're not exactly the best influence for that sort of care since we desire the same end goal." Mack pointed at Team Ravenfield. "They, on the other hand, are…" He chuckled gleefully. "Oh, let me tell you, they're a riot!"

Griffin looked legitimately down. "I…but I won't be able to see you guys."

"Says the guy who kept ditching us," Holly joked playfully. She laughed and punched his arm. "Don't worry about it, alright? You still have our contacts through your crystal ball. If you ever want to chat or say hey," she reached behind and pulled out her own crystal ball, "we're one tap away."

"We'll keep you updated on our search," Mack assured. "If we find anything on that psycho, we'll inform you as soon as we can. We promise."

Griffin put his crystal ball away, then looked between the two. "You two really think I should do this?"

Holly shook her head. "No. I know you should do this. We've been your only friends for your whole life. I think it's time to branch out and find a new mission to conquer. If you ask me, saving the world from an apocalypse is a step down from self-inflicted mental torture," she joked.

Griffin's mouth twitched with laughter, but he kept it to himself. He rubbed his head, trying to wrap his mind around this. "I…don't know what to say."

Holly placed her sickle on his shoulder, narrowing her eyes caringly. "Griffin, we both agreed that you need time to pull yourself together. You've been at this for over a decade. I think it's time to take a step back and focus on something other than vengeance."

Mack held Griffin's other shoulder and smirked. "They're good people. Might…take a while to get over the whole murder plot, but they know you aren't as heartless as you first came off." He snickered. "We just don't want you getting over your head."

Holly shrugged. "Who knows? Maybe this will help you get a better grip on your power. We just think you need time away from the senseless violence and channel that rage into…well, something productive. Not for survival. Not for revenge. For the greater good." She raised a brow. "You, uh, get what we're saying?"

Griffin looked between the two for a moment, then looked back at Team Ravenfield as they waited patiently for his response. He looked down at his feet contemplatively, then sighed.

"…you idiots better stay out of trouble while I'm gone."

Holly and Mack laughed and threw their arms around the Groyvle, nearly knocking him over. "We'll miss you too, you hothead!" Mack exclaimed.

"Remember to stay in touch!" Holly added.

Griffin hesitated for a moment, then he wrapped his arms around them with a warm smile. "Always…" He gave them both a gentle squeeze before pulling away. He inhaled deeply, then faced Team Ravenfield.

"Well?" Wes asked.

Griffin sighed, then placed his fist over his heart. "I, Griffin Everfall, solemnly swear to help you in your mission to recover the remaining keys to the Idol of Origin. I shall lend my strength and assist in the defeat of the shadows." He bowed to them. "I would be honored to join you."

Wes broke out into a grin, then leaped in the air. "Woohoo! Brand new teammate!"

Ella smirked. "Was the formality necessary?"

Griffin shrugged, then nearly toppled over as Gwyn gave him a friendly hug around the waist. "Oh, we're going to have so much fun together! The six of us on the road! Have you ever been camping? It's amazing!"

Griffin pushed her off. "I'm…sure it is."

Tony walked up with his hands in his pocket, smirking. "Just try not to slow us down, especially me. Last thing we need is a liability on the team."

Griffin closed his eyes. "I'll be sure to pick up the slack you've brought along."

Tony's eyes fixed into a glare, then he flailed his arms at the Grovyle. "The hell did you say?! You want a rematch, Stabby?!" Gwyn hooked her arms under Tony's and pulled him away before he started anything.

Griffin shook his head, then met gazes with Flint. The Flareon didn't seem as thrilled to have Griffin on the team. Griffin slid his hands into his jacket pockets. "What?"

Flint huffed, then looked away. "Nothing…"

Griffin sighed, then faced his new leader. "So, team leader, what's our next course of action?"

Wes dug through his bag and retrieved the map. He unfurled it and scanned the different zones. "Hmm…AHA!" He slapped his digit down on a zone, expanding it. "The next key is in Spring Wells City!"

Flint blinked, then turned to his brother. "Spring Wells? That's in the Aqua Zone."

Tony, after cooling down from his brief spat, held his chin. "That's not too far from where we are. Could take us a couple weeks at best."

Ella sighed happily. "Spring Wells City, what a glorious place! The sights, the food, the beach, and the fashion! We definitely have to go!"

Flint shook his head. "Ella…"

She giggled behind her paw. "Because it's closer, of course." She leaned near Gwyn and whispered, "We're totally heading to beach when we get there." Gwyn smiled.

Seraphina narrowed her eyes. Spring Wells City, huh? She held her chin. That means they'll have to fight Calder. Oh dear…I hope they're ready for him. She put on a smile and clasped her hands together. "Well, my children, it's best that you head off." She glanced down the volcano dryly. "It…won't be long until they send someone up here to investigate."

Wes nodded. "Yes ma'am!" He bowed respectfully, as did his team and the bounty hunters. "Thank you for everything."

Seraphina chuckled. "I can't say I did much, but…" She curtsied. "I'm always happy to help.

Holly and Mack walked up to the edge of the volcano. Holly's eyes flashed blue as blue petals surround her and the Sudowoodo. They looked back at Griffin as the Lurantis casted an illusion over them. "Take care, Griffin."

Mack smirked. "Don't do anything I would want you to do!"

Griffin smirked lightly. "I'll try." He waved. "I'll miss you two."

"We'll miss you, too." The petals fully encased the two, then they scattered, with Mack and Holly nowhere to be seen or sensed.

Griffin frowned a bit, but shook his head and smiled anyway. "Heh…you two are the best," he whispered under his breath. He turned away from the edge and walked towards his new team. "Shall we go?"

Wes grinned brightly. "Absolutely!"

The team ran to the other side of the volcano and climbed down. Seraphina walked over and, once they were at the bottom, watched the team run through the streets to the Scorch Grave exit. She folded her arms behind her back, then floated on top of a fire platform.

"Six warriors…will band together and seek the Idol of Origin." She narrowed her eyes as she flew away from the volcano. "The prophecy has finally started. Our six champions have banded together." She gave one more glance to the group as they disappeared into the streets.

"The Beast, the Rose of Death, the Protector, the Reborn, the Wise, and the Hero." She closed her eyes. "Great warriors of various natures. To what the future holds for them…please merciful gods, watch over these heroic souls and guide them through their journey. If the prophecy is true, do not let them succumb to fate's merciless hand."