Ch.49: Reunion in the Woods! The Game Has Only Just Begun!

A couple of days had passed since Voss' small confrontation with his unwilling trainee. The fire in the Grovyle's eyes was still fresh in the Electivire's mind. What would he have to give to bring out the full extent of his rage? It was like an annoying itch that scratched at the back of his mind. It'll bug him for the rest of his days until he comes up with something. However, that only stimulated his desire for a proper and honorable battle.

In the meantime, his focuses should only be on meeting at the arrival time and destination. Speaking of which, he pulled the mysterious letter he received out of his pocket. Frankly, he wasn't familiar with the seal on the envelope, nor the mannerisms of whoever reached out to him. In his opinion, they sounded like a psychotic lunatic.

Still, it had to be someone of great magical talent to pull a fast one on him. How this letter ended up in his pockets without his senses going on full alert was beyond his current understanding. Maybe actually meeting this mysterious individual will shed some light.

He walked through a patch of woods, significantly different to that of Lonely Rains. A much more natural color taking up the light and less flooding. A lot less flooding. A light fog rolled in, still allowing him to see a reasonable distance ahead.

He stopped, then pulled out the letter once again. It told him to meet by the tree with the evil grinning face burned into it. Voss checked the trees and found one with that exact image. And it certainly was an evil grinning face.

Yep…definitely a lunatic.

Voss checked his surroundings to see if anyone was around. Seeing that his mysterious messenger hasn't arrived yet, he plopped himself on the ground and crossed his arms. He closed his eyes and meditated within the silence of the woods.

How long has it been since he took the time to sit down and rest? He wandered Mysto so many times, he's practically been to all the major cities, towns, and villages. He rarely took the time to stop walking and rest, except for his regular periods of sleep. Was there any point to meeting with this madman? What benefit was there? He only came in hopes this man was a worthy warrior to put him to rest.

How many warriors has he killed? He lost track after fifty-eight. Then again, being around for five centuries doesn't leave room for remembering trivial matters like weak warriors. All he knows is many died by his blade. An immortal warrior like him couldn't handle the stress of life forever. His purpose in this world now was to find his end.

Voss took in the serenity of nature and let himself fall victim to its comforting atmosphere. Even after all the bloodshed and corpses behind him, he still clung to sanity after years of mental fortification. He allowed himself to enjoy the calmness for as long as possible.

Sadly, all good things must come to an end. His eyes opened slightly as he felt the presence of someone trying to mask themselves. No magical aura, but his warrior instincts detected a possible threat lurking in the woods. It was close, stalking up to him with the quietest of steps.

Voss closed his eyes and gripped his hilt. He breathed in deeply, then sighed. The closer the presence got, the more his wrist itched. He felt the burning of his mark, telling him who exactly wished to disturb him. The presence became all too clear.

Voss sighed. "…how long has it been?"

"…too long."

The twang of a bowstring shot through his ears. Rising to his feet swiftly, he unsheathed his blade and spun around. An arrow whizzed past him. He slashed through the center of the arrow, cleaving it in half like the wind. His movements were smooth and clean, allowing the arrow to be cut perfectly in half. Both halves parted and struck two trees.

Voss glared through his closed eyes, then straightened his posture. "As always, you're a dishonorable fighter. Time has not molded your instincts."

Stepping out of the fog was a familiar Ariados, who hissed gleefully as she was followed out by the spider demon, Salbon. Callista laughed in face of her old comrade. "Five hundred years and that's how you greet me? I see your attitude has worsened with time." She clicked her mandibles. "Sharp as usual, but far too proud to consider me a worthy fighter."

"You're a witch," Voss stated, sheathing his blade. "You have no combat prowess of your own, relying solely on the demons of the Underworld."

Callista chuckled evilly. "If I recall, I gave you a run for your money with said demons. The man who can take on anyone vs. the witch who can summon the forces of the Underworld. All you have is your magic and that fancy armor. A well placed shot any other day would leave you dead in seconds."

Voss closed his eyes and crossed his arms. "An armor tempered by the strongest warriors in existence. It is a symbol of my status."

The spider waved it off with a bored look. "Seeing as I'm a not a hobo like you, I like my position better."

He grunted in disgust. "Only a witch would approve of dishonorable deeds. A mere disgrace to the world."

"Oh, like you're any better," Callista countered with a wave of her foreleg.

Voss sighed. "Despicable acts follow both our paths. I suppose I'm not one to talk." He glared. "I never expected to see you out here. What have you been up to for the last five hundred years?"

Callista rolled her eyes. "Aside from collecting new sacrifices and making new contracts, I've been mostly on the run from witch trials." She snickered. "Though, in more recent times, I've been struck with good fortune that'll surely bring to light appreciation from our master." She narrowed her eyes. "You are aware of his return, yes?"

Voss nodded and held his arm up, moving his bracer down. "My mark burned with great intensity five years ago. His return was most surprising. I didn't think we'd ever find him. And yet, somehow, he has been released from his captivity."

Callista nodded. "Most intriguing. I've been preparing for his return ever since." She sighed. "A shame, though, that he hasn't sought to reconstitute our forces after centuries of inactivity. Many wars have come and gone since the Grand Imperium Age, but the mark of the shadows had since been burned away by the fires of victory for the Pokémon."

Voss crossed his arms. "I would have expected the Shadow King to seek us out after so long. Over five years and he hasn't yet returned to seek vengeance. Most strange…"

Callista narrowed her eyes. "I assume you're here for the same reason as I am."

Voss pulled his letter out, though with a curious stare. "You mean you know of the madman who sought an audience with me?"

Callista snickered. "Ha…I shouldn't be surprised. Only you and Wendrake disconnected themselves from us. This madman you speak of apparently has some infuriating news he wishes to relay. I warn you, he hasn't been the same since."

Voss narrowed his eyes. "Who do you speak of?"

"Kehehehe! Ooh, I love guessing games~!" Voss' eyes widened at the creepy voice in his ear. "Spoiler alert, I think it's the devilishly handsome freak whispering in your ear like a creeper."

Voss spun and went to grab the creeper, but he was already gone. His senses caught up and told him to look above. He did so, then he and Callista spotted the Mr. Mime sitting in a tree with his legs crossed.

Aeternus raised his hands up and laughed jovially. "Aww, now isn't this a lovely sight? Not even ten seconds in and you tried to kill me! It's like the good ol' times all over again!" He leaned back, kicking his feet in his laughter. "Kehehehehe! Where's the camera when you need it? Scrapbook material, right there!"

It took Voss a moment to figure out who this strange man was. Memories flooded back to a stoic and orderly Mr. Mime donning a black cloak and armor. It was baffling, but he could remember the aura signature of this insane man. He narrowed his eyes questioningly. "Puck?"

Aeternus sprung up and stood on top of tree branch. "Ding, ding! Aww, you remember me! I'm flattered!" He threw his head back and laughed even harder.

Voss glared suspiciously, then looked to Callista for answers. All she could do was offer a shrug. "Don't look at me. First time I ran into him, he's been like this."

Voss looked back at Aeternus and crossed his arms. "You are Puck, correct?"

Aeternus stepped off the tree branch. Spheres of pale yellow energy hovered under his feet, which in turn made him hover in the air. With his hands behind his back, he floated around playfully. "My apologies if my current mindset has left you baffled. Unlike you and dear Callista, the years have not been so kind to me." He floated upside-down, facing Voss with a large, toothy grin. "You could say I've gone a little mad!"

Voss pushed him away. "Yes…that much is clear."

Aeternus spun himself right-side up. "Despite me being your glorious strategist, it seems I've lost my mind over the last few centuries." He tapped his fingers together deviously. "But my mind is still as cunning and malicious as ever. Kehehehe…I've been coping with my fragile mind and taking advantage of this region's growth."

"I'm not following," the warrior killer admitted while the Mr. Mime floated around like he was laying on an inflatable raft.

"Well, to start, I go by Count Aeternus these days! I happen to be the leader of the greatest crime organization in all of Mysto, the Anguis Organization!" He rested his cheek in his palm, grinning. "What have you been doing for five-hundred years?"

The Electivire narrowed his eyes. "I'm not sure how, but you sound even more condescending than when you were sane."

"I roll with the madness, pal!" Aeternus exclaimed, rolling around in the air. "Feel natural! Never have to worry about big, complex issues when I can just laugh them off with a bright, big grin!" He, once again, cackled in amusement.

Callista rolled her eyes and walked over to them. "He's insufferably grating, as you can see."

"Clear as day," Voss mumbled.

Aeternus 'rested' on his stomach, kicking his legs around while laying his head in his folded arms. "Aww, I missed you guys, too!"

Callista waved her leg around. "Save it for your stupid scrapbook, you insane clown. You gathered us all here for a reason. What's the big idea bringing us back together?"

Aeternus grinned and landed his feet on the ground. "Callista, Voss, I've called you all here for a special occasion! After five hundred years of silence from the shadows, this world has written us off as forgotten threats to the tests of time! We're no longer top priority! The war we started is remembered, but we are forgotten." He smirked. "Until now." He spun in the air and clapped his hands together. "I've called you both here for a big, group reunion!" He flung his hands out, emitting small sparks from his hands like fireworks.

"Reunion?" Callista and Voss repeated.

Aeternus hooked his arm around Voss and held Callista against his side, much to their annoyance. "Friends, friends…we had some good times. Some laughs, some bloodshed. We played games, we murdered thousands." A tear dripped from his eye as he smiled nostalgically. "I can still hear their screams in my head. They would always lull me to sleep on those especially cozy nights."

Voss and Callista deadpanned. He's definitely lost it.

Aeternus pulled away, while dropping Callista. "The point is, I want another war to start!" He grunted and pouted to the side. "I've seen many wars as Mysto developed. I always rooted for the team that spilt the most blood." He groaned and held his face. "But it's always like those stupid children's books: Good always prevails!" He stuck his tongue out in disgust. "Ugh, war sucks when it's over…"

Voss glared. "Get on with it, you insane freak."

Aeternus raised his hands defensively. "Okay, okay, no need to throw a fit." He held his hips and smirked. "What I'm saying is, I want us to rejoin forces in the name of the shadows. In the name of our lord and master, the Shadow King!"

Voss and Callista glanced at each other, then glared at the insane Mr. Mime. "Why didn't you just say that in your letter?" Callista asked.

Aeternus snickered. "Because I wanted it to be a surprise! Besides…" He punched his palm with a wicked grin. "We can't do this alone. The Shadow King's return can't be completed without the combine effort of all three of us!" He pointed at Voss. "The only being in the world to defeat you, yet mocked you by sparing your life. You basically devoted your existence to his cause." He pointed at Callista. "And I know you've been busy performing witchcraft to perform the Puppetry Surgery on our master."

Callista gasped, then glared at him. "How did you know about that?!"

Aeternus laughed and kicked his feet in the air. "You think I haven't been keeping tabs on you? My organization spans entire sectors of Mysto, which is how I learned you were the one who killed off my men in the Desert Zone." He smirked evilly. "That wasn't very nice of you, Callista."

The Ariados rolled her eyes. "They were in my way…and I didn't know they were your men. If I did…I would have made them suffer longer."

Aeternus threw his head back and laughed. "Same old Callista!"

Voss crossed his arms. "So, a rebuilding of the Tribe of Shadows to its former glory?" He tapped his chin. "Starting another war is pretty tempting. Draw out the worthier warriors to test their strength."

"Oh, but I'm not done yet!" Aeternus continued. He tapped his fingers together villainously. "It has come to my attention that a new game piece has been added to the equation, along with a new group of players I've been dying to meet." He snickered childishly. "Ooh, I'm so excited to see it to the end."

Callista raised her brow. "What are you going on about?"

Aeternus pulled a sketch out from his jacket and handed it to them. "I think you'll find these faces to be familiar."

Instantly after receiving the drawing, their eyes widened. "Belladonna…" Callista mumbled, spotting the sketch of Gwyn.

"Griffin?" Voss questioned, staring at the Grovyle's image.

Callista then narrowed her eyes. "Wait a second, I recognize the Flareon…and the other four. They were in Ghost Cove while I was there."

"You've seen Griffin before?" Voss asked.

They then set their glares onto Aeternus. "What's this about?"

Aeternus snickered wildly. "Oh ho, now I've got your attention! Friends, I present to you six treasure hunters in search of the legendary artifact that our master sought for during his reign: the Idol of Origin!"

Voss' eyes widened, though Callista looked off to the side with a pondering expression. "Huh…my Dark Medium mentioned something about a gold statue reoccurring in the Flareon's mind…"

Aeternus laughed aloud, basking in his own madness. "It's too rich, I tell you! How funny that the Heralds of Darkness have met a group of Pokémon out looking for the idol! HA! It's brilliant!" He clasped his hands and grinned with glee. "And you're already familiar with them! Even better!"

Voss crumbled the paper up and tossed it back at Aeternus. "They know of the Idol of Origin?"

The Mr. Mime snickered. "Saw one of the keys for myself. From what I've been told, they've already acquired two. Now they're making their way to obtain a third key."

Voss rubbed his chin. "I was wondering why Griffin was traveling without Holly or Mack…"

Callista narrowed her eyes. "So, what do you plan on doing? Should we track them down and steal the keys for ourselves?"

Aeternus marched around with a chuckling grin. "Oh no! We shouldn't waste our time on such trivial matters! The keys are easy game, but they can do the collecting for us! I'm much more interested in bringing the Shadow King back to his former glory!" He bowed to them. "My friends, our master is currently trapped in the body he used to hide from the current day world. Spending so many years dormant in that body has placed him in a suppressed state. He can barely take control." His grin widened. "That's why…we're going to bring him back."

Callista narrowed her eyes. "You're saying we're going to release him from his self-inflicted imprisonment?"

"Precisely. Though, we need to make sure his current host doesn't fight back. Seeing as how our master hasn't had the time to grow in strength, he's likely much weaker than compared to the Pokémon of five centuries ago. No…we need to restore his power."

Voss crossed his arms. "And how do you propose we do that?"

Aeternus stepped back and chuckled gleefully. "I thought you'd never ask." He swirled his finger above his head.

A pale yellow spiral cloud appeared over them, expanding outward before creating a bubble around them. Voss and Callista looked around uneasily, then glared at the cackling Mr. Mime.

"Now, before we go, have any of you had recent experiences with nausea or weak stomachs?" He pressed the back of his middle finger against his thumb. "This trip is going to be rough on the body."

Callista hissed in irritation. "What is this about? Where are you taking us?"

A dark, sinister smirk crossed his face. "My hidden base. We're going to meet some old and new friends." He flicked the bubbled, sending out a ripple.

The outside of the bubble wiggled from disturbance, then popped out of existence, leaving behind no trace of the three heralds.

"And stay out, ye wild hoodlums!" Hal's voice rang from inside his shop before a Litleo and a Growlithe flew out onto the streets and crashed on their faces. They picked themselves up, then shrieked as Hal ran out, waving a sword with an odd, rounded hilt around. They hightailed it down the street to avoid the Krocorock's wrath.

He waved the sword for a few more seconds before easing up. He grunted petulantly. "Darn kids. Ye go trying to steal from me again and I'll whoop yer asses into next week!" He rubbed his aching back. "Argh…me back is killing me." He spun the sword around, then sheathed it back into the end of a broom. He smirked. "I knew putting swords in me cleaning supplies would come in handy!" He turned around to head back inside when he noticed someone resting against his shop.

The man had himself wrapped in a black sheet, mumbling incoherently. The old croc could see he was fidgeting uncomfortably. Despite the sad state, Hal wasn't a man of generous action after a rough start to his day.

He poked the man with his broom. "Oi!" The man suddenly tensed. "I don't want any hobos loitering in front of me shop! Either ye buy something or shove off!" He went for the door.

"N-No, wait! Hal!" The man sprung up and threw the sheet off. "It's me, Jonathan!"

Hal recoiled in horror at the Scrafty. He was covered in grime, his casualwear was torn up, and his eyes were bloodshot with poignant dark circles under his eyes. He looked like he hasn't had decent sleep in months.

"By the gods! Geno, pal, what happened to ye?! Ye look like ye've been caught in a might twister over the lands!" Hal exclaimed in distress. "Have ye no pride in yer appearance?!" He held his hips. "And why were ye hanging outside me shop like a filthy hobo?!"

Jonathan could barely keep his eyes open. "I'm…I'm sorry, Hal, I just…I just can't…" He stumbled forward, leading the former pirate to catch him. "I…haven't been able…to sleep well recently…"

"Ye don't say," Hal sarcastically replied. His eye widened as the professor passed out on him. Hal stood him up straight and quickly patted his cheek. "Geno! Buddy! Wake up or I'm getting the sea spray!"

Jonathan jolted awake and rubbed his eyes. "S-Sorry, sorr…wait, sea spray?"

"Keep yerself together, matey! This is no way to be carrying yerself! Ye're a proud man! Act like one!"

Jonathan gripped his head tightly and groaned. "Ugh, I'm sorry! I just can't think straight! Every night, I'm being plagued with these…horrible, horrible visions! Each one more grotesque than the last! That haunting, chilling voice that rings inside my head! I just can't take it anymore! I'm losing my freakin' mind!"

Hal narrowed his eyes, then gripped the paranoid man's shoulders. "Jonny boy, calm down and tell me what's wrong…"

Jonathan breathed heavily, then pinched between his eyes. "A…A…A dark cloud, haunting me. Hal…it's him. I think the Shadow King is haunting me."

This took Hal by surprise. "The Shadow King? Why is he haunting ye?"

"I…I…" Jonathan gripped his head and dropped to his knees. "My head…it hurts too much…can't think…"

Hal frowned, pitying the diluted state the professor has been brought into. Hal has seen many a man fall victim to insomnia, many being of his former crew. Anyone deemed worthy of the croc's friendship will not suffer such a pathetic state while he's around.

Then again, he wasn't the most caring type. Not to say he couldn't be nice, but his people skills were…bad. Plus, he doesn't even know where to begin with Jonathan given how loopy he's acting.

The croc tapped his snout with a pondering expression, then snapped his fingers. "By the gods, I know someone who can help!" He picked Jonathan up under the arms and threw him over his shoulder, which made the professor uneasy. "Hang on, professor, I'll get ye the best treatment this side of the village!"

"H-Hal, as appreciative as I am, you don't have to-WAH!" The Scrafty did his best to keep his lunch down as the excitable pirate dashed off in search of this supposed help.

Vivian rested on her couch, reading one of the many novels she had laying around on the shelves. Reading had become a familiar pastime in the recent months as it kept her mind off her two boys. As much as she worried, she couldn't burden them with her concerns. They had their father's blood in their veins. If they ran into trouble, she was certain they'd find a way out.

She rolled onto her side, holding the novel up with her feelers instead. The Sylveon sighed tiredly. Good grief, I need to step outside more. I can see why Wes gets so anxious waiting for a job. She glanced up with a curious gaze. Hmm, I wonder if I could do some treasure hunting. She smirked to herself and laughed it off. Oh Vivian, you're not as young as you once were…or as experienced as Garret. That man could run five marathons in an afternoon, I swear.

She wasn't one for treasure hunting. Being raised like any normal girl in Quartz Plain, she didn't seek out much excitement. Though, after meeting her future husband, she was thrusted into the fun against her will. And yet, she didn't regret it. That crazy, crazy Jolteon who turned her life upside down and brought out the biggest smiles she could manage.

She giggled behind her paw and sighed dreamily. I can still remember that surprise date he brought me on. She tapped her chin. Hmm…yeah, I think he invited me to the hilltops, then came crashing in on a lifeboat from one of those pirate airships. She giggled. And he was still right on time. What a gentleman.

Before she could daze off too far into her sweet memories with her late husband, a loud and unending series of knocks rang on her front door. She jolted off the couch and landed on her floor. She picked herself up, huffed in annoyance, then set her novel down before marching to the door.

Of all the obnoxious behavior, who's banging on my door this early?! She grabbed the handle with her feeler and pulled it open. "Can I help-?" Her bitter mood turned to shock as a Scrafty was waved right in her face.

"Fix him!" the man holding him shouted.

Vivian leapt back with a shriek, reaching for her chest. She panted quickly, then took a second look at the two. "H-Hal?!"

Hal stepped inside and closed the door. "Sorry for barging in, but I need yer help!"

"Hal! You nearly gave me a heart attack!" Vivian yelled, still recovering from her sudden fright. She took a deep breath and calmed herself down. "Good grief…what's the problem?" She took a third look at Jonathan, then gasped. "Professor Geno?!"

The Scrafty looked sick to his stomach, though that probably had to do with the way he was dragged here. "Does…he have any sense of…sanity?"

"Jonathan! What happened to you?! You look like a mess!" Vivian pointed to the couch before racing to the kitchen. "Place him on the couch! I have some medicine!"

Hal lay the Scrafty down. "He's not sick."

"I am now," Jonathan groaned.

"He's being plagued with nightmares. Insomnia."

Vivian grabbed some medicine from the cabinets and filled a glass with water. "I know you can be rather brash, Hal, but I'm not a doctor. Jonathan may need to see someone about this."

Jonathan gripped the back of the couch and lifted himself up. "I'm…fine, Mrs. Ravenfield." He coughed into his fist. "I just…can't get to sleep these days."

Vivian plopped a medical kit down and pulled out a mortar and pestle. "You should have seen someone sooner," she scolded lightly. She dropped herbs into the mortar and started grinding them up.

Hal tilted his head. "What are ye doing?"

"I studied medicine in college. I'm not qualified to be a doctor, but I learned how to use medicinal herbs to cure common day ailments. Just give me a moment and I'll have something that'll have you asleep for a few hours."

Jonathan held his hand up to decline. "Vivian, that won't be necessary." He tried to stand up, but two of the Sylveon's feelers grabbed him down by the shoulders and pinned him to the couch. He froze up at her scolding glare.

"Rest. NOW," she ordered firmly.

Jonathan gulped and smiled nervously. "Resting…"

Hal took a cautious step back. You sure know how to pick 'em, Garret.

Vivian mashed up a few herbs into a green paste, then sprinkled a white powdery substance into it. She held the mortar up to her nose and took a quick whiff. Satisfied with the concoction, she took the glass of water and dumped the paste into it. She used a stirring rod to mix the ingredients in before handing it to Jonathan. "Drink this."

Jonathan complied immediately, only because he didn't want to suffer her wrath any longer. He cautiously smelled the elixir before downing the glass. He nearly spat the concoction out from the bitter, burning taste sliding down his throat, but he pressed on until every drop was sipped.

He gasped in relief and handed the glass back to Vivian. She fluffed a pillow to make him comfortable. "This should help you sleep for a few hours. After that, you can tell us what's wrong."

Jonathan held his head and sighed. "I…you're too kind, Mrs. Ravenfield."

"Just call me Vivian, dear. Now sleep." He nodded obediently and turned on his side, feeling the medicine drift him off into slumber land. Vivian sighed, then jabbed Hal in the side with her feeler, making him yelp. "That's for scaring me earlier." She packed the kit up and carried it back to the cabinet.

Hal rubbed his side and followed her into the kitchen. "I'm sorry, but this was urgent. He was speaking crazy talk when I found him outside me shop. I though he was some dirty hobo loitering on me property."

Vivian put the kit away and closed the cabinet. "Your people skills are impeccable," she muttered sarcastically. She faced him with her bottom feelers crossed over her chest. "I still think you should have taken him to the doctor."

"In the state he's in, I was worried he'd say something." Hal narrowed his eye seriously. "Viv, do ye remember why Wes and his friends went out on their adventure?"

Vivian nodded. "To search for that Idol of Origin. You told me this before."

"I also told ye the shadows are after it, too." He shook his head. "Listen, the forces yer boys and their friends are defying could spell trouble for all of us. If any of us make the wrong move, we'll send the entire world into a tizzy. There are dangerous foes out there that can and will go after them once they join forces." He glared at Jonathan as he slept. "And I think Geno there is getting the worst of it."

Vivian narrowed her eyes. "Oh dear…"

Hal crossed his arms and sighed. "Once he wakes up, we need to get to the bottom of this and figure out why he's the only one being haunted."

Within the throne room of Aeternus' base, a ripple of space distorted in the center. A pale yellow pulse expanded outward and popped the distorted space, materializing Aeternus, Callista, and Voss. The two other heralds groaned from the trip through space, having difficulty remembering most of the ride. Aeternus just laughed at their misfortune.

"Well, at least you didn't lose your lunch!" he exclaimed.

Voss glared at the sadistic jokester. "I do not have qualms with stabbing you in the throat."

"Yeah, well I do!" Aeternus retorted as he tapped his neck. "Kind of need this breathe properly!" He snickered through his teeth.

Callista shook her head, then gazed upon their new surroundings. "My, my, you certainly been living it up in the high life, Puck."

"That's how I roll!" Aeternus jumped up and floated around the room. "My personal domain where everything goes my way! Speaking of which, did I ever thank you for my maid? She has been a BIG help in keeping this place spotless!"

Callista rolled her eyes. Ah yes, how could she forget? First time the two reconnected after so long, he asked for some favors that he never returned. A few witchcraft items and one Puppet to use as he pleased. "Sort of."

Voss examined the portraits of the narcissistic clown with disinterest. Rows of portraits with his smug grin. "You certainly have developed a vain interest in yourself."

Aeternus shrugged. "I can't help it if I'm amazing."

Callista crossed her forelegs and sighed. "Well, we're here. Mind explaining who these 'friends' of yours are?"

Aeternus bowed to her. "Oh, of course!" He walked to his throne and pressed down on a button, signaling a gong sound to echo through the base.

Not even five seconds after, the doors opened with Zaros and the Roserade maid entering. Zaros pushed his glasses up, then immediately bowed after in respect for their guests. "Greetings, honored guests. I am Zaros, assistant and apprentice to Count Aeternus." He gestured to the Roserade. "This is Count Aeternus' personal maid."

Roserade bowed respectfully. "Greetings."

Callista narrowed her eyes. "I see my Puppet is still in good condition."

"I told you, she's been a big help in keeping things in order," Aeternus reminded.

Voss narrowed one eye on Zaros. "I would have never expected you of all people to take in an apprentice."

Aeternus popped up behind Zaros. "What can I say?!" He pinched and pulled on the Watchog's cheeks. "I saw the brimming potential in his eyes! I had to make him my student!"

Zaros wasn't bothered by the violation of his personal space, merely shrugging it off with a tip of his glasses. "It is a huge honor to work under such a respected master of magic."

Callista helped herself into Aeternus' throne, deciding to give her tired legs a rest. "Does he know of your ulterior plans?" she hinted.

Aeternus snickered through his wicked grin. "Zaros is my most trusted apprentice. My only apprentice, granted, but trusted! He knows of my involvement in the Grand Imperium Age and the war of the shadows." He rubbed his knuckles against his chest. "I hold great mastery in my talents. I couldn't keep them secret from my protégé forever."

Voss closed his eyes and groaned. "This is who you called us here to meet with?"

Aeternus jabbed his thumb at his maid. "Well, she's just an accessory for the ride. It's just Zaros and…" He smirked villainously and pointed forward. "Hehehe…him."

Callista and Voss' eyes widened as a sudden chill expanded out behind them. They turned and saw a mass of shadow rising out of the floor, peering down on them with piercing red eyes. The glare didn't faze the two heralds, as they were more surprised by the shadow as he took on his natural form.

The Being of Nightmares, after reverting to his normal form, bowed to the heralds. "Callista, Witch of Darkness. And Voss, Warrior of Darkness. It had been too long."

The two blinked, then narrowed their eyes. Callista clicked her mandibles in delight. "Ah, Nightmare. Is that really you? You don't look a day over five hundred…or however old you are." She hopped off the throne and scuttled over to him.

Voss raised his brow skeptically. "I thought you were sealed away in an unmarked location."

Nightmare folded his arms behind his back and bellowed with laughter. "The one true god known as the Shadow King released me from my imprisonment. Puck summoned me to his domain under the assumption I was freed."

Aeternus rubbed his fingers together. "He and his shadows have been hanging out here while I've been scheming. We're all after the same thing: the idol and the eradication of those pesky treasure hunters."

Voss narrowed his eyes at the Mr. Mime, then scoffed. "…you've planned all this out in advanced. Seems you haven't lost your wit for strategy and planning…Puck, the Strategist of Darkness."

Aeternus snickered childishly. "You flatterer~!"

Nightmare looked around the room, then raised his brow in sudden realization. He only counted three heralds present, not four. He glared at Aeternus. "Where is the Assassin of Darkness?"

Callista scoffed. "You mean Wendrake?"

"Yes. If we wish to strike fear into the hearts of this pitiful world, all heralds must be present. His deadly skill in assassination is vital to our ranks. Why haven't you summoned him, Puck?"

Nightmare was mildly surprised when he saw the confused looks Callista and Voss were giving him, as if this question was baffling and unnecessary to talk about. This led Voss to facing the madman with a suspicious glare. "You haven't told him, have you?"

Aeternus floated in the air with his legs crossed. He snickered impishly. "Might have hinted at it, but never said anything."

Nightmare's eyes glowed furiously. "What is the meaning of this secrecy?! I demand an explanation to Wendrake's absence!"

Callista huffed in irritation and turned her back to the shadow. "If he's anything like last time, he won't be coming."

"Huh?" Nightmare sounded in confusion.

Voss narrowed his eyes. "After the Shadow King, you, and the shadows were imprisoned for eternity, only we remained. We originally suggested destroying what remained of the land due to the war, but…Wendrake had enough, it appears."

Aeternus laughed aloud. "Oh, he had enough alright! Freakin' spat it in our faces that he was done with the Tribe of Shadows! Oh, but we tried to reason with him like any good friend would! We tried pleading to his better nature, convincing him of the rewards, and even tempting him with small doses of glory! And how did he thank us?!" Aeternus' smirk curled with anger as his eyes twitched creepily. "Oh, he just declined and tore down the king's castle on top of us!"

Nightmare's eyes widened. "He did what?!"

Callista groaned. "Believe it or not, he's not exaggerating. He slashed up the castle's support and pulled it down on top of us. We were buried under there for a day. Ever since, we haven't been able to track him down. Wendrake has completely severed his connections with us, even hiding his mark to make sure we can't find him."

Aeternus waved his hands around with an annoyed smile. "Oh, we feel the blips of his presence every so often in the months, probably just to change the bandage or whatever that's covering his mark." He tapped his fingers together and laughed darkly. "Oh, how I wanted to see good ol' Wendrake again just so I could return the favor. Tell me, is slamming two castle down on him overkill?"

Nightmare ignored the madman and turned his back with an annoyed scowl. "That treacherous scumbag…I always knew he was a shifty bastard, but defying the will of the Shadow King? Disgraceful!"

Voss shrugged his shoulders. "Wendrake's dead in our eyes. A Herald of Darkness who must pay for his betrayal." He glared with disdain. "He's sullied the shadows with his impudent display of defiance." He pulled his sword out. "Even as our enemy, his death will be honored as I strike him down with my blade."

Clicking mandibles and cheeky chuckles turned his attention to the Ariados present. "You think you're getting that all that action to yourself? I'll have his soul sacrificed in my rituals and make sure he suffers for all of eternity. I can pull the right strings with my employers to make that happen."

Aeternus threw his head back and laughed, wiping a tear from his eye. "You think those feeble revenge schemes will get you anywhere?" Pale yellow dust surrounded his hand. "I intend to disintegrate him and use his remains for my twisted experiments, plain and simple."

"You're all fools!" The heralds turned their sights on Nightmare, who scolded them with a fierce glare. "You four were the strongest of our forces for a reason. A three-on-one confrontation may seem to be in your favor, but you forget Wendrake is a specialist in his craft." He closed his eyes. "He was always the most skilled fighter of the heralds."

Aeternus waved his pessimistic attitude off. "Nighty, we've had five hundred years preparing for that day. We've sharpened our minds, perfected our abilities, and polished up on old tricks. Whatever Wendrake decides to throw at us, we'll be ready."

Voss nodded. "Yes. Wendrake will be no match for me, as I, too, have grown stronger slaying those pathetic excuses for warriors in my years."

Callista closed her eyes and clicked boastingly. "I've made some rather fortunate deals with higher grade demons. I haven't even show my full force to those treasure hunters."

Nightmare narrowed his eyes. "Is that so?" They nodded. Nightmare sighed, then floated around the room. "In that case, we shall set the issue of Wendrake on the backburner…I believe that's how the expression goes." He glared at the walls. "Objective one on the list is restoring our master to his former glory."

Aeternus snapped his fingers. "Zaros, lay the info on my homies~!"

Callista deadpanned. "Never…say that again…or I'll kill you."

Zaros cleared his throat and took center stage. "Well, according to Count Aeternus, your lord and master has trapped himself in the body of a certain Alex Ghostwind. From my own knowledge, he was a proud warrior in his time and took on the most dastardly of criminals." Zaros closed his eyes. "However, he mysteriously disappeared some years ago, even some time before he found the tomb of the Shadow King.

"It has come to our attention that his survival rested solely on hiding out in that body, causing his power to drastically weaken. He cannot take control without an outside force assisting." Zaros turned to his teacher. "Count Aeternus, with assistance from Mistress Callista, will make an elixir that'll restore his royal darkness to his rightful state of power. A concoction that'll energize him BEYOND his original power."

Voss crossed his arms and held his chin in intrigue. "You're suggesting a drug that'll return our dark master into the fearer warlord he once was?" He closed his eyes. "I have to say, that's utterly brilliant…and preposterous. The amount of time and research to imagine such a ridiculous formula-"

"Voss, buddy," Aeternus interrupted, "we definitely have the time. And I have the research necessary. We're not just going to restore the Shadow King's power. We're going to make him unstoppable." He rubbed his hands together evilly. "The time for fun and games is over. Soon, our master will be transformed into a monster of war. And once the Idol of Origin is in our possession, nothing will stand in our way!"

Callista clicked with an impressed sound. "Hmm…you've thought long and hard about this stupid plan of yours, Aeternus. I might actually give a damn and help you."

Aeternus snickered. "You're too kind. After we bring your coven to my lovely hideout, we can get started on this little project of ours. You still have a Puppet Master, right?"

She nodded. "You haven't met him, but Reuben has been practicing Puppetry Surgery for a long time. Once we retrieve our master, that surgery will make him a god among the Pokémon."

Aeternus snickered in delight. "I'm tingling with joy!"

Voss closed his eyes and turned away. "I have no part in this insane project of yours. I wish to be somewhere so I can sharpen my skills."

Aeternus snapped his fingers. "Maid! Take Master Voss to the training room!" He smirked. "I think you'll find it to your liking, good ol' buddy."

Voss narrowed his closed eyes. "My only desire is to be defeated by the one who is worthy. I must make them earn that honor." He followed the Roserade maid out of the throne room.

Zaros gestured out the door for Callista. "I will show you to a suitable chamber for your coven before they are summoned here."

"Good. I could use my own room after hopping from place to place," the Ariados grumbled as she followed him out.

Aeternus laughed and clicked his heels together with glee. "Yes! Everything's going according to plan!" He rubbed his hands together and snickered evilly. "This world and those treasure hunters will burn under the glory of our magnificent Shadow King! And nothing will stop us once the idol is ours!" He threw his head back and laughed his heart out.

Nightmare grunted in annoyance. "I think you're forgetting the skill level of those treasure hunters. They were able to take two keys from the two mages and even defeated my shadows on occasion." Nightmare clenched his fist in annoyance. "Being trapped for centuries has led us to be underdeveloped in our own magic. As we grow in strength, they, too, grow stronger."

Aeternus smirked. "Leave that little conundrum to me, Nighty. Shadows are at their strongest with a proper host." He pointed at himself. "Leave the hosts to me. I have many minions at my disposal. They'll prove suitable vessels…" He clasped his hands together and grinned creepily. "Hehehe…with the right upgrades, of course."

Even with his time with the madman, Nightmare continued to feel unnerve by his general lack of sensibility or sanity. However, he wasn't one to turn down an offer for stronger soldiers. "See to it, then." Nightmare raised his hand and extended his claws. "I, too, wish to see this world razed to the ground."

"That's the spirt~!" Aeternus shouted before throwing his head back and letting out an uproar of insane, maddening cackles that ran throughout the entirely of the hidden base, frightening the minions within the dwelling.

That kind of laughter left ominous forewarnings for their future.

Jonathan took a deep breath, then sighed before sipping the herbal tea Vivian provided him. After sleeping for a few hours, he felt a bit more refreshed than earlier, at least enough to think clearly. He still had a mild migraine eating at the back of his skull, but nothing too troubling.

"Thank you for the medicine, Vivian," he thanked quietly.

Vivian stood in the kitchen, mashing up some more herbs to make extra elixirs for the professor. "You're welcome. I'll be sure to have a few stronger batches done so you can sleep easier."

Jonathan sighed. "That'd be wonderful." He leaned back into the couch and pinched between his eyes. He looked over at Hal, who patiently sat in the armchair and waited for the professor to speak. Jonathan closed his eyes for a moment. "…I suppose I owe you an explanation."

"How long have ye been having these nightmares?" Hal asked. "And why haven't ye come to me sooner about them? If they involve the Shadow King, I need to know. We're both trying to get to the bottom of this mess."

Jonathan rubbed his forehead. "I'm sorry…I've just been so frazzled lately that I…I just can't think straight." He clenched his cup tightly. "He keeps showing me these visions of them being killed…over and over." He clenched his eyes shut. "I can recount the vivid details…"

Hal glared softly. "Argh…but why ye?" He glanced off to the side. "Unless he doesn't see me as a potential threat." This immediately caused the Krocorock to lose his temper. "How dare he?! Doesn't he know I was once a feared pirate?!" He twisted his prosthetic arm and shot up to his feet. "I'll keelhaul that shadow and give him a good stabbing or me name isn't Captain Spec-!" Hal doubled over, followed by the sound of his cracking back. "Arceus dammit! Not again!"

Vivian deadpanned from the kitchen. "Did you throw your back out again?"

"Shut up, woman!" Hal eased himself back into the chair, then locked his fake arm back into place. He stretched the digits a bit before looking back at Jonathan. "Argh…still, he seems interested in ye."

Jonathan stared at the ground with faint distress. "I know…and I don't know why."

Hal glared lightly. "Well…for matter's sake, we can take a guess with motivation. I bet he doesn't want ye digging too close to the truth."

"What do you mean?" Jonathan asked.

Hal crossed his arms into his lap. "Fernando's out there searching for his long lost tomb. Ye managed to uncover information regarding the Heralds of Darkness. Any more leads and connections like that and ye might find something to use against him." He held his chin. "It's a rough guess, though. We not be doing much compared to Ravenfield and his team, but we are trying to find anything we can on the shadows. Perhaps a weakness. A weakness they don't want ye snooping at."

Jonathan glared forward. "That seems likely. However…what could I possibly uncover about them? Information like that is kept in closely guarded letters. I haven't found anything like that in a public library. I barely found information on the heralds. I'd imagine Mysto's high council wouldn't want closely guarded secrets like that leaked out without attracting unwanted attention." He closed his eyes. "Someone had to know where the tomb was. You don't lose something as delicate as the Shadow King's tomb without bearing the consequences."

"I assume ye're saying someone does know more about the shadows than yer average joe?" Hal inquired.

"Precisely." Jonathan rubbed his chin. "But where to look?"

Hal closed his eye and stood up. "Perhaps it's best to put it off for now. Ye've been hard at work and need yer rest."

"But I need to know, Hal," Jonathan insisted.

"Not on my watch, mister," Vivian chirped in, bringing with her a small box of sleeping medicine. "I'm not your mother, but you're going to get some rest even if I have to trap you under your own sheets." She glared. "Don't think I'm joking. Wes had a habit of sneaking out at night when he was younger. I can make that happen."

Jonathan stumbled back with slight fear in his eyes. "You are…a very intimidating woman, Vivian."

She smirked. "I'll take that as a compliment." She placed the box in his hands. "I recommend a cup of this every night. It'll help ease you to sleep without any trouble."

Hal tapped his cheek. "Hmm…maybe I have some dreamcatchers ye can use."

"I…" Jonathan sighed and smiled wearily. "…you both are too kind." Vivian smiled back, then it dropped as she took a long, hard look at the Scrafty. Her eyes narrowed curiously as she stared at his face.

"Yeah, yeah!" Hal shouted before slapping the Scrafty in the back, knocking him forward. "Now go home and…read a normal book or whatever ye do in yer spare time!"

Jonathan opened the door and waved back to them. "Right…I'll see you both later, I guess. Have a good day." He closed the door behind him.

Hal huffed irritably. "And they say I'm the stubborn old man…" He looked at Vivian, who looked down with noticeable confusion. "Viv, are ye okay?"

Vivian narrowed her eyes, then shook her head. "I'm…yes, I'm find, Hal. Just blanked out for a moment." She scratched the side of her head, then sighed. "All this talk about the shadows has me anxious over my boys again…"

Hal looked at the door with a serious gaze. "Frankly…so am I." He held his hips and glared at the ground. "I'd be a fool if I didn't play me part in all of this." He clenched his teeth. "…we can't beat around the bush any longer."

Vivian sighed. "I can't contribute. We just need to put our trust in Wes, Flint, and their friends."

Hal closed his eye. "Perhaps ye're right…"

Jonathan entered his house and threw himself onto his couch. He sighed tiredly and pinched between his eyes. They told him not to involve himself in the shadows any further, but he couldn't just put it off. He dedicated countless weeks into researching the shadows and he wasn't going to end his search here.

Even so, he wasn't in the best of moods to do complex thinking. Plus, at this point, he's hit a dead end in his research. Not much else can be found on the shadows without infiltrating Mysto government files, which would lead him into a whole lot of trouble if he could pull that off.

Adhering to the orders of his 'doctor,' he had no choice but to take it easy. He picked up a random book scattered across his floor. A quick skim of the title showed it was another mythology book.

Now that he had the time to rest, he let out a small chuckle at the possibility of some of these myths actually being true. Some were obviously too fantastical to be real, even by their world's standards. A raging flood engulfing the world because of a war between the water Pokémon three millennia ago? Nothing more than a natural disaster during a touchy time in what is now the Aqua Zone.

Still, as even he himself admits, myths become so drowned out through time that many will believe they are, in fact, fictional.

He flipped through the pages of the book, skimming through the various myths and legends recorded inside. I have to wonder just how many of these legends are true?

He continued flipping, then put the book away before reaching for another. However, he looked down at his feet and saw a book with a burgundy cover. There was an illustration of a library with crystal towers that peaked up into the clouds. In fancy, cursive writing under the picture was:

"The Immensus Library…" Jonathan raised his brow curiously. "I…don't remember grabbing this book." He picked it up and looked at the cover. He narrowed his eyes. "Do I even own this book?" He looked around at his disorganized bookshelf.

He owns a lot of books, so it wasn't that hard to believe he forget he owned quite a number of titles. But…he doesn't recall ever owning a book called 'The Immensus Library.' He doesn't remember pulling it from the shelf, either. Where did it come from?

Jonathan stared at the book cover, hearing the gears in his head turning with his curiosity. He shrugged, then opened to the first page. "Looks harmless enough, I suppose." He lay back on the couch and got to reading, wondering what adventures this book will take him on.