Ch.58: Crashing the Sacrificial Party! A New Alliance is Born!

A loud slam to the lodge door came after two new guests returned from their trip into the freezing unknown. The Chandelure manning the front desk was used to these odd characters stepping in and out of the lodge. She got all sorts of crazies staying here for nights, either to take a rest or to stake out the area for their own reasons. It wasn't in her business to question the activities of her guests.

At least, unless they posed potential curiosity and/or concern.

"Um…is everything alright?" she called out to them from the front desk.

The two guests were two familiar faces, Holly and Mack, two of the three survivors of the Grim Ash Clan. Holly wore a heavy, blue winter jacket, black snow pants, and black boots. She also had on very odd gloves that fit around her scythe shaped hands, to keep them warm and toasty. She carried her prized fan, known as Last Breath, on her back as usual. She kept an emergency set of winter clothes on hand that helped her get through the unforgiving cold, which she couldn't stand.

As for Mack, he wore a bit lighter, not having that much reservation against the cold. He wore a purple jacket zipped all the way up, black snow pants, and boots for his feet (tolerance to the cold or not, he didn't want frostbite on his feet). He had his signature three sectioned staff, known as Eclipse, sheathed on his back as well.

The two booked a room in the lodge for a few days while tracking down wanted criminals. With Mack's love for battle and sadistic tendencies, he suggested going after the ones recommended to be 'Alive or Dead.' They've only crossed five wanted bandits, three spared and two dead. The last one they tracked was dead, but he put up one hell of a fight against them. One that really showed Mack wasn't thinking about personal safety too much.

The Sudowoodo was being supported up by his Lurantis friend. He had a black eye over his left eye and a few tears in his jacket. Even so, he didn't look any worse for wear and, to top it off, he was still smiling like the sadistic loon he was.

"Oh, this? Perfectly alright, ma'am!" Mack dismissed with a cheeky snicker. "No, we were just chatting it up with this nice man out in the snow and, well, he refused to come with us since he was wanted and stuff. We got into a small argument that escalated to deadly results."

The ghost chandelier felt an unnerving chill staring at the Sudowoodo. "I-I see…"

Holly picked up on her distress and raised her scythe hand. "Now, now, don't feel worried. He acts creepy, but he means well. He's a generally pleasant guy when he isn't acting like a sadistic killer," Holly hinted at him seriously.

Mack smiled apologetically. "Whoops, didn't even realize it." As a show of good faith, he stood up on his own, with some struggle, and bowed to the Chandelure. "My apologies for my abhorrent behavior, madam. I'll keep it in check, I promise."

While a little put off by his change in attitude, the Chandelure smiled and waved it off. "O-Oh no, nothing to worry about. Just…carry on with the rest of your evening."

The duo nodded and headed over to the recreational space. Mack plopped himself down on the couch and cracked his sore joints while Holly fetched two mugs of hot chocolate from the mini dispenser present for the lodge guests. She sat down next to the sore Sudowoodo and handed him a mug.

"Thank you kindly." He sipped the drink with great satisfaction, feeling the warm, chocolatey liquid slip down his throat and warming his insides. "Oh, that hits the spot…"

Holly sipped her quietly. "Perfect way to forget about that dreadful cold." She rested back into the couch and looked up at the ceiling. "…I can't believe Griffin saw the village after so long."

It wasn't surprising that the trio kept in contact with each other, since Griffin was the only one of Team Ravenfield with access to a mobile crystal ball. He remembered to keep in regular contact with his friends and shared his adventures with his new team.

They were worried about him when he mentioned encountering Voss again, someone who has been on the Grovyle's killing radar for a long time. They weren't surprised to learn that he lost to the warrior killer, but it must have hurt him that he still hasn't progressed far enough to match Voss' overwhelming strength.

Mack sighed and dropped his cheeky demeanor to express sympathy. "Poor Griffin hasn't seen that place in over a decade. Actually, I don't think we've seen it for that long as well."

"He has been trying to actively avoid it," Holly reminded. "Still, I'm glad he got some closure out of it. I was surprised that he proposed rebuilding it." She sipped her hot chocolate. "That's actually a pretty great idea."

Mack smirked. "Heh, agreed. It'd be a dishonor to let the Grim Ash Clan become a fleeting memory. Proud warriors like us deserve better." He set his mug down on the coffee table in front of them. "Too bad rebuilding the clan requires him to actually socialize with potential partners." He snickered. "Now, isn't that funny? Griffin trying to woo a girl? His idea of a date would probably be a death match."

Holly rolled her eyes. "Please, like you could do better. Girls will go running for the hills first sight of your creepy smugness."

"I think you mean 'charmingly handsome complexion,'" he corrected conceitedly.

Holly chuckled dryly. "Sure…whatever."

"Well, it's not like you could do better," Mack pointed out. "You've always been terrible flirting with guys."

Holly blushed awkwardly. In her teenage years, after getting over the trauma of the clan's massacre, she has tried her hand at forming relationships. They've…never gone too well. Unlike Griffin, she could work up the nerve to ask someone out, but romantic settings freaked her out. She growled quietly and lifted her mug up to her face. "How about we drop the subject?" Mack snickered, making her groan. "Regardless, I'm happy Griffin's taking an active approach and setting new goals for himself other than revenge. Not that I don't agree with the revenge," she added bitterly.

Mack glared. "No mercy for that asshole. I'll forgo all basic decency of a warrior and make his last moments utter torture."

"That's basically how you treat all your targets," Holly reminded wryly.

Mack smirked. "Heh…so it is." He glanced at her. "You think we should focus our efforts on tracking Voss instead?"

Holly shook her head. "No. While all of us want him to die, I think Griffin deserves the right to end him for good. He deserves the relief."

Mack folded his arms behind his head. "Kind of sucks that he's getting all the important stuff while we're just carrying on with our day. Why can't cool things happen to us?"

"Tracking and capturing/killing criminals isn't enough for you?"

Mack scoffed. "Oh, it's a thrill, but everyone's dying screams just…lose their punch after a while. If the kill's too easy, it just doesn't do it for me. I like it when my prey can actually fight back." He snickered impishly. "Our earlier kill was what I'm looking for, that drive and exhilaration."

Holly closed her eyes and chuckled inwardly. "I distinctly recall your mother once telling me that she dropped you on your head as a baby."

"Yeah, she probably did," Mack mumbled before bursting out in laughter.

The two went about their own private banter, enjoying the peace and quiet of the lodge. As they chatted amongst themselves, a new face came into the recreational area, looking like she just woke up. It was Krystal Frostwood, one of the few residents of the lodge. Her sleepwear consisted of a black top with a cartoonish explosion on the front and dark green and red plaid, flannel pants.

She yawned and made her way to the dispenser station for a glass of milk and a chocolate chip muffin. She had some bandages wrapped around the upper part of her wing, due to some accidental debris scratching her up from late night training.

"Ugh, I feel like crap…" she muttered to herself. She sipped her milk and walked past Holly and Mack, who only gave a glance before returning to their conversation. The Delibird made her way over to the Chandelure. "Morning, Ida."

The ghost chandelier nodded to her. "Good morning, Ms. Frostwood-"

"No, no, no, I don't do formalities," she interjected. "Krystal is fine." She took a bite out of her muffin.

Ida sighed. "Of course…Krystal. Should I expect another round of scaring my residents with your training?"

"Eh, don't worry about it. I tired myself out last night. I'll probably head out in next morning and regroup with my comrades." She smirked. "Heh, nothing's going to get in our way once we enter the tournament." She sipped her milk, then finished off the rest of her muffin.

Ida rolled her eyes. "Do you plan on winning the tournament and beating the champion title holder?"

"Now that's a thought, but I'm not counting on the chances. My comrades and I are pretty good, I have to admit, but we're not that good. From what I heard, the champion wears restraints to limit his full magic output. That, right there, is the signs of a powerhouse."

"Uh huh…well, I wish you the best of luck, I suppose."

"Thank you, comrade." Krystal then narrowed her eyes and looked the ghost chandelier straight in the eye. "By the way…has comrade Fernando returned?"

Ida frowned, then glanced off to the side. "I…checked his room a couple of times. And I'm usually here at the front desk to greet visitors. I haven't seen him return."

Krystal pursed her beak and glared at the ground. "He said it shouldn't take him more than a day…" She knocked on her head. "It's been, um…about three days, actually." She grimaced. "Curse me…I've been so wrapped up in training that I didn't consider one of my comrades going missing. He shouldn't have been gone for this long."

"It is concerning, but he did say he is a hitman. Perhaps he got caught up with something."

Krystal laughed sardonically. "With what? There's nothing but snow for miles. The only thing he could have got caught up with is his damn mission." She sneered and stepped away from the front desk. "What did you get yourself mixed up in, comrade?"

Holly and Mack ceased talking when they felt the sudden levels of worry and hidden distress coming off of the Delibird. They watched as she walked up to the window and pressed her bare wing against the glass, catching her solemn expression in the reflection. The two bounty hunters shared a glance with each other, silently asking if they should say something.

Holly took the initiative and stood up. "Excuse me, miss?"

"Hmm?" Krystal looked over her shoulder, then smiled sheepishly. "Eh, sorry, stranger. Didn't mean to bother you with my melodrama. Just wondering where my comrade is."

"Is that so? Seems to me you're worried about him."

"Heh. What makes you think-?"

"I can sense the worry coming off you," Holly interjected. "I can feel the presence of sorrow from others. You can't hide it from me." Holly narrowed her eyes empathetically. "Is your friend alright?"

Krystal blinked, then looked back out the window. "I'm not entirely sure. He's been gone for the last three days. He should have come back by now, but…he hasn't."

Mack leaned back into the couch and crossed his arms. "You sure he didn't leave or something?"

"He hasn't checked out of his room yet, and I do remember him leaving a couple belongings behind. Besides, he said he'd be gone for a day." Krystal sighed, then chuckled dryly. "Listen to me, getting worked up over someone I just met. Sounds stupid, but I show great camaraderie to anyone I consider an ally, even if our meeting was nothing more than a half hour long." She sighed. "I sound stupid for worrying, don't I, strangers?"

Holly shook her head. "No…if you're concerned about his safety, then it's not stupid. Trust me, we have a friend who constantly went off on his own. We don't show it and have nothing to fear, but we do worry about him."

Mack snickered. "Yeah, that hothead was always getting himself into trouble. I suggested placing a tracker on him, but Holly here rejected my idea in an instant."

"It's an invasion of privacy, you moron," Holly lightly scolded. She sighed, then looked back at Krystal. "Anyway, if you think your friend's in some sort of trouble, maybe we can help."

Krystal raised her brow. "You're serious?"

Mack shrugged. "Eh, we've got nothing better to do. Besides, trouble leads to excitement."

"You look injured," the Delibird pointed out.

"I can walk it off." Mack jumped to his feet, wobbling unsteadily for a moment. "We're bounty hunters. We're used to this kind of stuff."

Krystal stared at them for a moment silently, then smirked gratefully. "Very well, I appreciate your support, strangers!" She held her wing out. "Allow us to commemorate our combine forces through camaraderie. Krystal Frostwood."

Holly chuckled and extended her scythe hand out. "Holly Dawngrove. And this is Mack Crowgaze."

Mack shook the Delibird's wing. "Charmed to meet you, Krystal."

Holly crossed her arms. "Now, who exactly is this friend of yours? What were they doing that could possibly land them in trouble?"

Krystal crossed her wings. "His name's Fernando Mangas. He's a hitman looking for some witches or clients, I believe, for…some reason he couldn't explain. He left and never came back. I gave him one of my magical explosives to track them down, but that's all I did for contribution."

Mack held his hip and glared off to the side curiously. "Fernando…hitman…now, why does that sound familiar…?" He tapped his chin, racking through his thoughts.

Holly narrowed her eyes. "Should we rule out being buried in the snow?"

"Definitely. He didn't look like the type of guy to be trapped under a pile of snow." Krystal glared. "I'm actually willing to believe he was captured. How, I wouldn't know, but it seems plausible."

"Do you know how to get to wherever these witches are?" Holly asked.

"In a technical sense, yes. Exact location is a miss, but, like I said, I gave my comrade one of my heat seeking explosives." She formed said explosive in her cupped wing. "He is a monkey with his tail on fire. If we follow this, tracking him down could be a snap."

Mack gave up trying to recall where he heard the hitman's name before and smirked at the Delibird. "As long as we get to beat some shits up, I'm cool with walking in the snow."

Krystal smirked. "Heh, I like your attitude, comrade. Allow me to get changed first before we head out." She ran back to her room to get her normal clothes.

Holly crossed her arms and chuckled. "Well, you asked for some excitement earlier. Looking forward to it?"

Mack smirked evilly. "I really hope they're fun to play with. Their screams will resonate with the most beautiful of sounds." He threw his head back and laughed, with Holly quietly joining along. It couldn't be helped. When it came to battle, their monstrous sides loved to creep out and take over.

The cultists were working around their empty base with glee, putting together the finishing touches to complete their sacrifice to the Shadow King. They gathered various herbs and offerings to enrich their sacrificial flame, but the main course would soon be added in the end.

The main course, specifically, was Fernando, who was sitting against the wall, keeping a neutral gaze on the cultists. All his equipment was taken off his body, even his hat, and he was left tied up for days with no food provided. He kept his cool and willed himself to suppress his hunger. He was trained well by his father. He could go on for another week before the need for food finally kicked in. He could last longer with further training, but that was for another time.

Today, however, wasn't the time to be thinking about food. As promised, the shadow cultists will be throwing him into their sacrificial flame for their god, the Shadow King. He questioned how burning him alive in fire would be remotely possible, but he managed to overhear something about 'sacrificial spikes' to represent the teeth of the Shadow King draining his blood away. The flames will do nothing but burn his clothes, but he wasn't exactly immune to stabbing.

Fernando gritted his teeth as the Golbat cultist walked over to him. The membrane of his wing that was slash up was crudely stitched together, but he could at least fly again. He looked positively smug. "Hahaha! It's almost time for the big ceremony! Aren't you excited? You get to be sacrificed in the name of the true god! You should be honored!"

Fernando sneered lightly. "Go to hell, you delusional prick."

Golbat growled lightly, then grabbed him by the neck with his foot. "Don't talk big, fool! The shadows will tear your soul apart until you're nonexistent! The shadows are the superior race! They are all powerful! They are a forever evolving race!"

Fernando glared. "Now I know you're all crazy. You think sacrificing me is going to do anything? It won't stop me from getting what I want."

Golbat laughed in his face, throwing spit onto the monkey. "The sacrifice we have for you will surely please our god!" Golbat reached into his robes and pulled out a book with a knife emblem on the front cover. "A book of sacrifices passed down from generation to generation of inspiring shadow worshippers, now in our possession!"

Fernando narrowed his eyes at the book, then deadpanned at what he saw. Sure, it looked like a sacrificial book, but what the Monferno saw was the faded out, bolded letters that were painted over in a black paint. The Golbat was kind enough to show off the several different types of sacrifice methods and offerings, but Fernando could see the work of editing made into the pages. From how it was presented and done…

That's not a sacrificial book passed down by generations! That's a freakin' cookbook! Someone just scammed these idiots! Fernando wished one of his arms was untied, even for a moment, just so he could facepalm at how utterly stupid these cultists were being. They blindly worship the Shadow King so much that they were making sacrifices based off the edits of a cookbook. Well…that explains why some of the offerings they made were spices…

Golbat laughed and marveled at the forged sacrifices. "This book was a gift sent to us by the Shadow King so we could bestow him with wonderous offerings!" He gave an openmouthed smirk. "We even sacrificed one of our own to please him. I'm sure you're familiar with the Exploud you killed!" He shoved Fernando's face into the ground. "You'll be destroyed soon enough."

Fernando glared from the corner of his eye. "Give me one good reason I shouldn't try to break out of these ropes right now and snap your neck?"

"Well, I wouldn't hold it against you, but I don't think you have the authority to do that." He laughed evilly. "Oh, I still don't get why you burst into flames before, but I guess it has something to do with killing. Whatever, it doesn't matter." He hissed quietly into his ear. "We'll be returning the favor." He pressed down on the Monferno's head harder, cackling maliciously.

Fernando fully locked eyes with the large mouthed bat, then blasted a brief projection of his bloodlust. The subtle change in pressure and bone chilling wave crawling up the Golbat's spine forced him to back off. He refused to show his fear in front of the hitman. Instead, he huffed and turned away towards the sacrificial pit.

Fernando groaned quietly and pressed his forehead against the ground. He could probably knock everyone out with a single burst of bloodlust, but he has never done anything to that scale before. He'd be too weak to leave on his own. I'll just have to wait for them to sacrifice me. My lifesaver will keep me alive while the flames burn these ropes off. Not a good plan, but it's a plan.

He focused back on the Golbat as he gathered his brothers and sisters. "Worshippers of the Shadows, gather around!" he said with a booming voice heard by all. "We've prepared for our grand sacrifice to the Shadow King! A special offering in place of the others!" He turned and glared at the Monferno. Fernando shifted himself onto his rear and sat up, glaring back at the sudden audience of angry cultists.

"Our offering to the Shadow King is one who directly defies the will of our master! One who seeks his permanent destruction!" The cultists booed the hitman, making him roll his eyes. "Today, we will throw him into our sacred fires, which will consume his flesh and bring great fortune to the Shadow King! He will no longer defy the rightful god of this world, who shall once again return and spread his endless darkness to the very stretches of the multiple worlds! His will, his reign, cannot be denied!

"This Monferno shall pay for his act of heresy and destruction against our king!" The cultists cheered with their fellow shadow brother. Golbat glowered at the fire monkey. "Have you any final words to atone for your defiance?"

Fernando raised his brow. "…you're all idiots?"

"…throw him into the pit."

Fernando growled as the Malamar grabbed him and carried him towards the burning pit. He watched as the cultists tossed in spices to make the flames turn pink, then red, before finally turning a mix of black and gray. Fernando tensed up as the cultists stomped on the floor, chanting 'Shadow King' in unison.

Golbat flew over the sacrificial pit as Malamar hung Fernando over the pit. "Let this be a lesson to all Pokémon who defy the Shadow King! All who do not recognize his all-encompassing might are doomed to die! All who worship him are rewarded with eternal life and power! The choice is clear! Embrace the shadows! Embrace darkness! Embrace the will of the shadows!" The cultists cheered.

Golbat glared scornfully at Fernando. "Only a fool would dare try to challenge a god! We tried to reason with you, monkey, yet you still pretend there's still hope! HA! Pathetic! What can a mortal like you do against the Shadow King?! It's pointless to take on the shadows and win! All you can do is accept his will and worship his power! Do you think you have the power to match a god?!"

Fernando looked down into the flames, little flickers licking at his pants leg. The black and gray flames reflected off his dazed irises before they regained focus. He glared up at the Golbat, then smirked boldly.

"I don't believe I can match the Shadow King. I'm just a hitman. My strong suit is assassination." He snickered through his teeth. "Why don't I fear the Shadow King? Because I know someone who's going to defy him even harder than me." His eyes narrowed deeper. "An uncontrollable treasure hunter with a greed for treasure. If he were here right now, not only would he be saying the same thing as me, but he'd deliver it through kicks and tackles. If the Shadow King does return, he better be as powerful as you say." Fernando smirked wider and laughed ominously.

"Because one misstep, and my friend will show no mercy."

The act of resistance further irritated the strong shadow believer. The Golbat screeched furiously at the hitman. "I've had with your blatherskite! Throw him into the pit!"

The cultists stomped their feet as the Malamar lifted Fernando over his head. The Monferno tensed his body up and prepared for the worst. The second he saw his opportunity to escape, he was bailing this nightmare world. He blocked out their cheers and focused on escaping the pit. Nothing but escaping the pit.

…Knock! …Knock!

Everyone went silent. The sacrifice was put on hold as another unexpected knock, this one much louder, came upon their hidden base. The first time with Fernando caught them off guard, but this second interruption got the cultists tense.

Golbat growled angrily. "I am not falling for this again! If it's anyone we don't know, kill them! Anyone else, stay cautious!"

The Nidoking, grabbing a pike for protective purposes, walked towards the door to check through the secret window. However, he stopped when he heard a peculiar hissing on the other side of the door. He instead went to grab the door and throw it open.

The door suddenly exploded off its hinges and threw the bipedal rhino back into a fireball. The cultists jumped back in horror as Nidoking slammed to the ground with the broken pieces of the doors jabbed into his skin. The cultists glared worriedly at the blown off entrance as the cold seeped in, revealing their party crashers.

Stepping into view was a Sudowoodo, a Lurantis, and a Delibird.

"Well, well, well," Mack started with his sinister smile, "doesn't this look like quite the party? Look at this place! Open space, party guests- oh, they even have a bonfire for marshmallow roasting! Damn, I knew I should have brought some food! We could've had a nice cookout!"

The cultists staggered in fear. The very few cultists who could sense magic could see how powerful these three were. The others felt the miserable and terrify auras of the two Grim Ash members. They all agreed, these were strong fighters before them.

Golbat forced a brave face and shouted at them, "What is the meaning of this?! How dare you interrupt our sacred ritual-?!"

"Oi!" Krystal yelled at him. "Shut your mouth before I blast it off!"

The bat's eye twitched. "H-How dare you! Don't yell at me like that! You're in the presence of the true god's worshippers!"

Holly looked around at the cultists as they bared their teeth and fists at them. She glared. "Sacrificial rituals…a mass of robed Pokémon…yep, this is a cult." She directed her glare to the pit and pointed out the Monferno being held over the fire. "And that must be your friend."

"Comrade!" Krystal called out. "I'm so happy to see you well!"

After getting over the shock of the sudden rescue party, Fernando blinked and smiled exasperatedly at the Delibird. "Your timing could have been better, but I appreciate the thought." He sighed. "Maybe I should have gotten your help…"

Holly stepped forward, which made the cultists tense up. "Alright, play time's over. Why don't you fine, crazy folk put the Monferno down and back off?" A dangerous gleam reflected off her eyes. "We really don't care if you try and resist."

And resisted, the Golbat did. "You fools! Don't you see you're in the company of the Shadow King's worshippers?! The rightful god of this world who shall bring about eternal chaos?!"

Krystal smirked mockingly. "The Shadow King? As in the freak who was defeated and sealed away for five hundred years? I think you got your priorities mixed up if you want to follow some long dead ghost."

Holly and Mack glanced at each other knowingly. Perhaps it was best to keep what they knew currently about the shadows private. It was easy to just pin this on the cultists being utterly crazy.

"You foolish girl! The Shadow King will return! He will bring about terror and anguish to you nonbelievers and seek vengeance upon this world who casted him away!" Golbat spread his wings out. "We will ascend into the darkness and become one with it! We, too, shall become darkness like our master!"

"I don't give a damn about your genocidal preaches." Krystal held her wing out and formed one of her azure explosives. "Now, capturing and preparing to roast one of my comrades for your stupid sacrifice? That's where I draw the line."

The Magnezone cultist buzzed angrily. "Zzt- don't be so naïve! It is hopeless to match the Shadow King's power! Only accepting his reign will you fine satisfaction!"

Illumise joined in, "We will see this world burn along with the rest of the nonbelievers! All shall be consumed in darkness!"

Mack narrowed his eyes in boredom. "Alright, I've let you have your rant. Now, can you please just hand over the Monferno before I have to go full murder happy on you freaks?"

Illumise laughed defiantly. "You think you can stop us?! As long as we follow the will of the shadows, we will never be beat-!"

SNAP!

The cultists jumped back and screamed as the Illumise dropped to the floor with her head twisted. They looked up at the long shadow casted over them and met with the eyes of the demonic Sudowoodo creature standing over them, wearing clothes like Mack's. It had a permanent, evil smirk on its face.

Mack crossed his arms and expressed a smirk that matched his persona's. "Timor Persona." He chuckled. "I warned you, didn't I?"

The cultists cowered in face of the nightmarish Sudowoodo. Golbat was taken aback by the absurd speed of the monster, but he refused to show weakness. He growled and shouted, "Do not be deterred, my brothers and sisters! Follow the path of darkness and defeat the enemies! We will not let them have the final say!"

His uplifting words gave the cultists a confidence boost. This'll be different from last time. No tricks or anything of the sort. They won't let the hitman's attack from before discourage them from vanquishing their foes. So, with a mighty roar, they charged for the three intruders.

Mack didn't order his persona to attack as the cultists attempted to push it down and, instead, focused his steady gaze on the charging Pokémon. He chuckled through his smirk. "Aww, isn't that adorable? They're working together."

Holly glared. "Focus on retrieving the Monferno first."

"I got him!" Krystal shouted before springing into the air. She flapped her wings and flew towards the sacrificial pit.

Mack blinked in genuine surprise. "Huh…I actually forgot Delibird could fly…" A Sanshrew leapt at the Sudowoodo and socked him into the cheek. Mack barely moved an inch as he glared at the shrew, whose fist was still pressed against his cheek. "Do you mind?" He socked him back in the gut, then threw him into the advancing crowd.

Holly's left eye flashed blue before she raced towards the cultists. They bared their fists, teeth, and claws at the Lurantis and lunged for her. A low chuckled escaped her unseen mouth as she vanished from view. The cultists stopped and looked around frantically.

"Level 3 Wind Style: Destructive Push!" They looked up, then a sizable group got shoved into the ground by a shockwave from above. Holly seemingly floated in the air as she held her fan out. "You shall perish from the winds of Last Breath."

The cultists struggled picking themselves up. They fired off attacks like Flamethrower, Thunderbolt, and Hydro Pump at the Lurantis, even though she had the advantage of using magic. The attacks ended up striking an illusion instead.

"It's sad how outdated the old ways of battle truly are." The cultists looked around as her voice seemed to project from all directions. "If that's all you have to defend yourself, then I suggest giving up."

A Pachirisu shook his fists. "We will never surrender! All in the name of the Shadow King!" The crowd cheered in agreement.

"Don't say I didn't show mercy." The Pachirisu felt a skull crushing axe kick slam down on his head. The cultists fled as Holly reappeared, but she chased down the groups and delivered swift chops and kicks that crippled them almost instantly. Holly dodged a right hook from a Hitmonchan, then wrapped her sickle around his neck and bashed him into a line of five Pokémon at once. Without even looking behind her, she struck her leg out and kicked a Hariyama that tried to grab her in the stomach. He collapsed with a painful wheeze.

Golbat shrieked with panic, then hissed towards the Malamar holding Fernando. "Sacrifice him, now!"

However, Krystal suddenly dive bombed the hypnotic squid and slammed two magic bombs on his head. He threw Fernando up out of reflex, which Krystal then grabbed the Monferno and fluttered away with one wing before crashing to the ground.

She recovered instantly and sat Fernando up. "How are you feeling, comrade?"

Fernando smirked. "Better, thanks." He glared at the crowd of cultists being thrown around. "One of them might still have my stuff."

Krystal picked up a shard of rock and placed it in his bound hand. "Feel free to join in as soon as you can." She raced back into battle with a hearty battle cry.

Fernando chuckled through his teeth. "I'll try." He held the rock shard in a reverse grip and began sawing through the rope.

Krystal slowed her run and held her hips at the crowd of cultists waiting to be blasted into the ground. She smirked cockily. "Oi, enemies!" Some turned towards her with vicious scowls. "It'd be rude of me to invite myself into your humble dwelling without giving my own offerings."

"Screw your offerings!" one of the cultists screamed as they charged for her. "Your death is the only thing we want!"

Krystal extended her wings out to her sides. In her left wing, an azure explosive form. Arching over her head and into her right wing, a chain of explosives formed until she was holding them between her wings, almost resembling she was juggling them.

"Too bad, you're getting them!" She extended her right wing out. "Magno Chain!" The explosives fired off her wing like gunfire. The chain of explosives moved like a magazine clip, continuously replacing the last fired shot while she produced more from her left wing.

The cultists got a face full of explosives that knocked them down in the dozens. The bulkier of them withstood the hits, but could barely move from the pain before another round of explosives took them out. Smoke covered the room as she fired down on the helpless cultists.

Krystal eventually stopped and assessed the damage with a sheepish grin. "Oops…guess I went overkill there. Sorry, enemies." The smoke cleared up and showed the downed cultists, groaning in pain and blackened from the explosions.

Mack walked through the crowd of cultists with his head low, with only his smirk visible. If any cultists got near him, his persona would bash their faces into the ground. If any did manage to slip by the nightmarish Sudowoodo, Mack would just punch them or kick them between the legs. He left quite a few of them squealing in pain.

"Oh yes, please keep attacking me. I'm in no rush. All of you will get your turn soon enough." He grinned unsettlingly as a Prinplup, a Scizor, and a Vigoroth charged at him. "Hmm…you three look pretty weak." He clapped his hands together. "Execution Formation: Iron Maiden!"

Three iron maidens rose up behind them, threw their doors open, and fired chains that wrapped around the three.

"WHAT?!" they screamed. They tried to struggle out, but they tightened around their limps the harder they tried to.

Mack laughed out loud with sadistic glee. "In you go!" He swung his arms towards the iron maidens, causing the chains to throw the three off their feet and into the execution device. He hummed peacefully as their screams flew past him before the satisfying shut of the devices' doors rang through his ears, then all was silent behind him. "Ah, music to my ears."

Golbat looked around with panic filled eyes as his brothers and sisters were being taken out in large quantities. They weren't fighters, what were they supposed to do against such monsters? "Grr…grab the emergency weapons!"

The cultists ceased attacking, looking up at their fellow brother in shock before realizing the situation called for it. Mack, Holly, and Krystal, along with Fernando who got through a few layers of rope, stopped and looked at the group curiously as they tore open parts of the floor.

Surprisingly, they pulled out several types of weapons, from spears to swords to guns. Golbat flew down and sneered at the intruders. "We sacrifice the enchanted weaponry of all our sacrifices to make our master stronger. Any weapon with no special properties, however, are kept hidden through this base in the event our lives were at stake." He growled. "The will of the Shadow King will give us strength! We will not surrender to the likes of you!"

While not the least bit intimidated with the cult's new arsenal, the rescue trio did stay a little cautious. Mack smirked with interest. "This just got a whole lot more entertaining."

Gunfire fired right for them. The trio duck for cover and evaded the fire. Thankfully, it seemed like the cultists were never properly trained to handle firearms. Their shots were somewhat easy to dodge, but not impossible to land a decisive blow. Observation was crucial.

Holly used Last Breath to create a barrier of wind that redirected the bullets into the wall behind her. She narrowed her sights on them, then widened her left eye. "Sensitiva Cultro: Aspectu!" She released a blindingly light at them that overloaded their visual senses.

The cultists who were caught in the illusion screamed their heads off from the overbearing light mentally burning their retinas. The rest charged for the Lurantis with swords. Holly let them get close, then deliver swift kicks and slashes while blocking their weapons.

She knocked a bunch away and set her sights on two running from behind, a Dusclops and a Mankey. She flipped backwards, dodging their pikes, and lightly smacked them behind the heads.

Mankey rubbed the spot and growled as he turned to face her. "What was that, you lousy bit-?!"

"Dolorem Demise."

The two felt something off about their bodies. Mankey looked at his arm, then became petrified with horror as it melted of his body. He felt no pain, but he…could feel it sloshing on the ground. The Dusclops was frozen in terror as his whole body started melting into a puddle, with the Mankey joining him.

Everything felt off. They couldn't move, they couldn't speak, nothing. All they could do was stay conscious as everything became a puddle of nothingness.

Holly walked up to them and picked up their pikes, skillfully spinning them in her sickles. "Feels weird, huh?" She grunted in annoyance. "Pretty messed up spell. Makes you feel like your body is falling to pieces and you can't do a thing about it. If you were stronger willed, you wouldn't be this easy to take down." She glared. "Then again, any willpower you might have is devoted to a false god."

She pierced the pikes into their sloshed bodies. Back into reality, she actually pierced them through their solid bodies, canceling the illusion from the shot of pain. They gagged out a final breath before dropping to the ground. Holly stepped away and went to find more cultists to mess with.

Mack was going to town, bashing skulls together and throwing bodies to his persona so it could use them as bats against other cultists. Mack could be using some of the execution techniques he had, but that'd ruin the fun.

A Poliwrath wielding a large battle axe came up from behind Mack and swung down at his head, expecting to split it open. Mack predicted the attack and caught the blade in his hand. The Poliwrath pushed down with all his might, but Mack's arm didn't so much as twitch with struggle.

Mack licked his lips sinisterly, unnerving the muscular frog creature. "Ooh, would you like to have a spot of fun?" His persona suddenly jumped over and landed behind the Poliwrath. "You'll get a real kick out of this one! Phobia Rem: Trypano!"

The Poliwrath regretted looking over his shoulder, as he met the face of the smiling, nightmarish Sudowoodo as the orbs on his arms morphed into needles, highly resembling injection needles. The nightmare persona laughed and struck down, with the Poliwrath barely evading the needles.

"Hey, don't run! A needle a day keeps the doctor away!" Mack smirked. "Though a mortician is a different story!"

The Poliwrath battled against the massive needles as the nightmare Sudowoodo jabbed them at him with dangerous closeness. It laughed with evil glee and punched in flurries, bashing and cracking against the battle axe until it shattered. The tadpole creature tried to escape, but the persona kicked his legs out from under him and pressed its foot down on his back.

"Don't worry, you're in safe hands." He looked up fearfully at Mack's creepy grinning face. "Side note, I'm a liar!"

The Poliwrath let out an agonizing scream as the needles pierced down on him. He could feel them piercing through vital organs and ripping them to shreds. His eyes blanked out as he dropped dead.

The persona removed the needles and turned its hands back to normal. Mack looked over his shoulder and sneered as several more cultists came charging at him. "Ah geez, I'm not sure how to slaughter these guys. So many options." He sighed. "Oh well…how about this?! Phobia Rem: Mazeo!"

The cultists stopped as the nightmare persona transformed into a black, swirling portal. Its arms remained unchanged, but stretched out and grabbed five of the cultists unexpectedly and, with little resistance, dragged them into the portal before closing up and reverting back into the persona.

A Snover aimed a dagger at the madman. "You! What did you do to them?!"

Mack smirked. "Mazeophobia…the fear of getting lost. Personally, I don't have a clue where they went. They're lost. They won't be able to reach or contact any of you until you regroup face to face. Until then, hope they like wherever the hell they are. They could be in Alola for all I know." His persona punched its fists together. "I have so many different spells meant to incapacitate or flat out mess with you idiots!" He laughed gleefully. "So, bring the fun! I'm all for it!"

Krystal blasted through cultists as they came at her with heavy weaponry, such as massive battle axes and maces. She smirked and formed another chain of explosives, this time with each connected to an azure colored string. She swung it around like an actual chain.

"Magno Chain: Whip Style!" She spun the long series of explosives over her head, then slapped the cultists with it. When an explosive pounded against their face, it exploded, using the strike with the propulsive exploding force to send her enemies flying. The chain reformed itself after an explosive was used up. She stood her guard. "I wish these guys were an actual challenge! This would be great training for the Gelid Peak Tournament!"

"You dare mock us by calling us weak?!" a group of cultists screamed as they tried to pounce her from behind with daggers.

Krystal dodged their strikes and wrapped the chain around them, binding them together. "Forgive me for being so harsh, my enemies." She turned away. "But, I can't show too much forgiveness for the treatment of my comrade." Like a grenade pin, she pulled the magic string linking the explosives together and snapped it off. "Destruct."

She felt the force of the explosion hit her back, but remained perfectly still as her coat fluttered with the wind. After she felt the smoke clear, she faced the unconscious bodies of the cultists, blackened to a crisp.

"Be thankful I'm not as merciless as my two fellow comrades." She blinked and spotted something hiding under the robes of one of the fallen cultists. "What the…?" She reached in and picked the items out. She smiled brightly and held up a hat, balisong, white mask, and some other small pieces of equipment. "Comrade Fernando's things!"

Golbat floated in the air, gawking in horror as his brothers and sisters, even with the firepower they had stored for secrecy, were being treated like ragdolls. He growled furiously. "This is…unacceptable! Defying the will of the Shadow will not go without punishment! Do you hear me, you vile scum?!"

"Hey, batty," a soft voice rang in his ear. His eyes widened as he felt a dreadful and overwhelming killing intent raging behind him. "Did you forget about me?"

Golbat barely had time to look at the Monferno who, after sawing himself from his binds and jumping up to his level, wrapped the severed ropes around his wings and bound them to his back as they went into a freefall, with Fernando using the supposed cult leader as a cushion for his fall.

Golbat tried to lift his head, but Fernando smashed his face into the ground. "I won't ask again." The bat felt his eyes piercing through his soul as the bloodlust intensified. He could feel the red glow of his murderous eyes. "Where is the Shadow King's tomb?"

Golbat snarled at him. "I will NEVER divulge the secrets of my master! I do not fear death! You cannot make me talk!" He looked through the corner of his eye and smirked before continuing. "The Shadow King's revival will go without a hitch. He will once again bring terror to this world."

Fernando scowled. "That won't happen, not while people like me are here to stop you."

The bat chuckled darkly. "…I have to wonder. That friend you mentioned earlier?" He glared into the Monferno's eyes, trying to keep a straight face staring directly into the bloodlust filled eyes. "What exactly does he plan on doing when the odds are turned against him? Do you really think anyone can oppose the Shadow King without some casualties taking place? No matter what, death is certain when the shadows are opposed.

"Such as your death for defying the true god!"

Fernando gasped as a spear drove through his chest unexpectedly, gaining the shocked attention of his rescuers. Fernando looked over his shoulder with a stunned expression and stared at the heavily injured Malamar behind him. He worked up enough strength to deliver, presumably, the killing blow.

"FERNANDO!" Krystal screamed.

"Shit…" Holly and Mack muttered with shocked eyes.

Golbat pulled himself out from under Fernando and shook the ropes off, letting his wings stretch free. "No one can stop the shadows once they rise! Their defeat was a minor fluke! This time, no such accident will be made again." He threw his head back and laughed. "The Shadow King's rule…is certain!"

"…if that's true, then I'm too stubborn to die against such a worthless opponent."

The Golbat froze mid-laugh and looked once more at the Monferno, before screaming at the top of his lungs. Fernando's chest was covered in the same spectral flames that harmed him last time, only now they were doing the exact opposite. He gripped the end of the spear poking through his chest and, with a painful grunt, pulled it out. He panted lightly and tossed it to the side.

"How…How are you still…?!" Golbat stammered, frightened down to the bone.

"Do you honestly believe I took any of your sacrifice threats with any seriousness?" The flames cleared up, revealing his chest was perfectly unscathed, save for the blood still dripping off it. He gritted his teeth. "I've had it with all of you."

Golbat stepped back and tried to remain threatening, but he was losing his confidence. "Y-Y-You are powerless against the Tribe of Shadows! Y-Y-You d-d-do not s-scare me-!"

Fernando, officially fed up with his talking, focused on every active cultist in the room, except the Golbat, then projected an invisible wave throughout the base. The cultists stopped fighting as they felt the wave's presence.

The shadow cultists gasped as the room turned red, forcing their eyes onto the Monferno. He was surrounded in a thick, red and black aura that flowed like blood. His piercing red eyes pressed against them with such dominating force. It suddenly became impossible to breath, like someone was grabbing them by the throat and strangling the life out of them. They couldn't force out even a scream.

Golbat watched in horror as his brothers and sisters passed out on the floor, eyes blanked out and some even foaming from the mouth. "T…That's not…"

The rescue trio lowered their guard and stared with impressed looks. "Whoa…" Krystal mumbled. "Hitmen are no joke…"

After he knocked out all the cultists, Fernando dropped to one knee and panted heavily. His empty stomach growled furiously at him. That one use of bloodlust left him utterly exhausted. "N…Now…talk…"

Golbat gaped in bafflement before his eyes fixed into a spiteful glare. "I…won't…betray…MY MASTER!" He turned and lunged for the fire monkey.

"You get a time out!" Golbat was given a sharp chop to the back of his head, smashing him face first into the ground. Mack stood over him with an annoyed glare. "Yeesh, learn to accept defeat with some grace…"

Holly and Krystal ran over, with the Delibird helping the Monferno to his feet. "Are you alright, comrade?"

Fernando held his head and made a light groan. "Knocking everyone out took a lot out of me…but I'll live…"

She grinned and handed him his stuff. "Here you go!"

Fernando smirked and placed his equipment inside his blazer before setting the hat gently on his head. "Much obliged." He looked at the two bounty hunters. "Thank you, as well. I don't believe we've been formally introduced." He tipped his hat politely. "Fernando Mangas."

Holly curtsied. "Holly Dawngrove. This here is Mack Crowgaze."

Mack didn't greet the hitman back and, instead, examined his face with narrowed eyes, confusing him. "Is…something wrong?"

"Hmm…" Mack stood up straight and tilted his head back and forth. "Fernando…hitman…Fernando…hitman…" He raised a single brow and asked, "Just out of curiosity, have you ever met a Grovyle named Griffin?"

Fernando was surprised by the question for its specific details. "Um…yes, I have…"

The answer made the Sudowoodo's lips curve up into a full grin. "Aha! I knew it!"

Holly looked at her friend oddly. "What are you talking about?"

"Holly, remember when Griffin called us and told us about what happened in Ghost Cove Town? He said he and those treasure hunters were working with a hitman. I distinctly remember him saying 'Fernando!'" He pointed at the fire monkey. "This guy is that hitman!"

Holly blinked, then looked at the hitman once more. "Huh…actually, I think you're right."

Fernando's eyes widened in surprise. "Wait…are you friends with that Grovyle?"

"Friends? HA! We're practically his family!" Mack hooked his arm around Holly and laughed. "What a big, small world we live in! What were the odds of us running into each other?!"

"Oh…so, I take it you're familiar with Wes Ravenfield and his associates?" Fernando asked. Krystal patiently stayed silent as she supported the fire monkey, just as surprised that these three seemed to have a connection with each other.

Holly nodded. "Yes, we've met them. A charming and…eccentric team, I must say. Griffin was traveling with us before he went along with them. We keep in regular contact with him when he's…ahem, not in danger."

Mack suddenly smirked and leaned forward very close to the monkey's ear, whispering, "Annnd…now that I think about, I'm starting to understand what all of this is about. You're tied to this shadow business as well, aren't you?"

Fernando gasped quietly. Before he said anything further, he casted a cautious glance at a very confused Delibird. He smiled apologetically at her. "Um…Krystal? My apologies, but would you mind giving us a bit of privacy?"

While Krystal was a bit suspicious about their behavior, she didn't see any malice or ill-intent between the three. She smiled respectfully and nodded. "Of course." She sat Fernando down, then took a couple steps back before turning her back to them and, as an extra precaution, shielding her ears to block out the threat of accidental eavesdropping.

Fernando smiled appreciatively at her, then shifted to a serious expression at the bounty hunters. "You know about all of this?" he asked in a low voice. "Who told you?"

Holly crossed her arms. "Well, we were informed, but the Umbreon didn't have much of a choice. We saw it for ourselves and our friend was being manipulated. Not something we'd just shrug off."

"We fought one of their shadow possessed subordinates, so that just stacked the evidence against them," Mack added. "It wasn't any of our business at the time, but Griffin took it as a sign that he…needed to find himself. He's been keeping us informed about it all."

Fernando narrowed his eyes, then looked down at his lap. "I see." He drummed his fingers against his knee. "Well…I guess that saves me a bit of trouble explaining all of this."

"Yeah…why exactly did you come here?" Holly asked curiously.

Fernando glared at the sprawled out, barely conscious Golbat. "The Shadow King's tomb…it might hold secrets about the old shadow. Not just who or where he is, but…maybe something about him we've yet to learn. The shadows are one of the greatest mysteries of our time and they became a fleeting memory for the past. Just a significant mark in our history." He lay his arms in his lap and sighed. "I was hired to get the truth about the king himself."

Mack glared at the bat. "And I'm just going to assume this delusional asshole is what's getting in your way?"

"In a sense, yes."

"FOOLS!" Golbat screamed furiously. "I WILL NEVER BETRAY MY MASTER! DO YOU HEAR-Gah!" Mack grinded the heel of his foot into his back.

"Hmm, what was that? You sound like you're choking."

Holly glared. "He's that stubborn to keep it secret?"

"He'd rather take the secrets to his grave," Fernando explained.

Mack smirked. "Aww, he loves his master that much?" He snickered. "Well, I think I have a solution to all of this." He kicked the bat in the side and knocked him into the free space in the base. "Yo, bomb girl, private time's over!"

Krystal uncovered her ears and stepped to their side. "Should I ask what happened?"

Holly narrowed her eyes. "Mack's just going to…have a chat with our difficult friend here."

Mack snickered lightly as his Timor Persona manifested behind him, cackling evilly. "So, you're not afraid of death, are you? Well, that's nice, but those who say that usually expect the welcoming, cold grasp of the reaper. Those that willing to throw their lives away over a secret…don't tend to do well with torture, I assume."

Golbat picked himself up and trembled. "What…are you…?"

Mack smirked, a darkness casted over his eyes. "…Torture Incita: Interrogation Chamber."

A darkness crept out from behind Mack and surrounded him and the Golbat. The bat looked around confused as his base disappeared before his eyes. "What is this? Where are you taking me-WAH!" He jumped as metal bars sprung up around him, trapping them both in some sort of cage. "D-D-Do you think you can s-scare the location out of-AAH!"

Metal wiring sprung from the cage and bound itself around his wings, legs, and body. His eyes widened as a large hand crank appeared next to Mack, which he rested his hand on gently. His persona stood by with its arms crossed, monitoring the bat with its soulless, evil gaze.

"Maybe not…" Mack admitted in an ominous tone as a cold breath escaped his parted lips. They stretched into an evil, malicious smirk. "But I want to take a stab at it, anyway." He gestured his persona to walk towards the Golbat as he began turning the crank.

Immediately, the bat felt the metal wiring pulling on and constricting around his body, simultaneously stretching and squeezing his captured limbs. A pained wince crossed his face as he began to feel stress over his body. "Ah…agh…gah…" He could barely make a sound with one of the wires wrapped around his mouth.

Mack knew he would eventually have difficulty turning the crank any further. This chamber wasn't designed to kill, but forcibly extract information. He had his work arounds, however. "Now, my Timor Persona…Phobia Rem: Pantho."

The persona held its hands over the bat's head, then administered a weak electric shock into his head. The bat winced a bit, but didn't seem to feel any pain (apart from the metal bindings). "Wat…wahs…tat?"

Mack started turning the crank a bit faster, chuckling darkly. "Execution and torture…radically different concepts under the same spectrum. You don't fear the threat of being executed…but I have to wonder how much you fear that supposed death being prolonged." The crank started fighting back on him, but he kept turning it. "Phobia Rem: Pantho is, ironically, one of my least favorite spells in a combat situation. No pizzazz or flashy techniques…just a weak shock that amplifies your fear of suffering."

Golbat's eyes widened as the binds tightened down more on his skin. He wasn't sure why, but…he felt his heart racing and sweat dripping down his face. The more pain he felt, the more terror that could be seen in his eyes.

"But, on the flip side, it's the best spell when coupled with my interrogation chamber." Mack smirked. "Fear Anima is classified as support base magic. No raw power, speed, defense, or advanced illusionary abilities. I rely on technique and skill, with my persona providing the muscle."

The binds continue to tighten down on Golbat. He felt his body going numb, but pain still spiked through his terror amplified mind. He tried to scream, so desperately, but the bindings over his jaw made them come out as breathless cries. He felt like his bones were going to snap.

"Turn and turn, the little crank goes~!" Mack started to sing childishly. "Suffering and pain for my foes~!" He smirked wider as the bat started thrashing with tears streaming down his eyes. He could just make out the frantic screams of agony. "What's wrong? I thought you were willing to throw your life away. Don't tell me life is that meaningless to you." His smirked dipped into a frown, eyes shaped into a glare. "If you're so willing to die, then I won't give you that relief…not until you start talking.

"Where…is the Shadow King's tomb?"

The Golbat felt everything being crushed, stretched, and pulled out of socket. He couldn't even struggle anymore. The binds had too tight a hold on him. His screaming became completely silent. His mind was racing with horror, wondering how long this nightmare will last.

I…can't…how long…minutes…hours…days…weeks…months…years…I can't…I can't…take it...

A sharp inhale of breath.

"…AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!"

Outside the interrogation chamber, Holly, Fernando, and Krystal were staring at a cube of darkness, completely silencing everything taking place inside the chamber. They couldn't see, nor hear whatever Mack was doing to the Golbat inside.

"He's been in there for a while…" Fernando mumbled.

"These things take time," Holly stated. "Depending on his resolve, that Golbat could be stuck in there for a long time until Mack lets him leave."

Krystal narrowed her eyes. "Your friend must be rather sadistic if he has access to such…disturbing spells."

Holly narrowed her eyes. "Even though Mack may act a little insane and has a loose policy on killing, he values life much more than he lets on. He would never use spells like this unless he had something to gain from it. He would never use these on people he deems innocent. Despite his nature, he's a good-hearted man who'd risk his life for his friends."

Krystal blinked, then smiled at the dark cube. "I can appreciate conviction like that."

The group stopped talking as the cube started to fade. It melted into the floor, leaving behind nothing but the two figures trapped inside. Mack, with his arms crossed, stood over the Golbat, who was passed out on the ground and twitching with blanked out eyes. He had dark lines going over his body from the metal wiring.

Mack sneered at the bat. "Worthless scum." He turned his back to the bat, then changed his mood once he faced the others. "Heh, wasn't so tough. He was resistant, but I got him to crack."

Fernando narrowed his eyes. "Well?"

Mack smirked. "Hehe…everything you need to know…lies in the Swamp Zone."

The group trekked back to the lodge and settled themselves into the couches to rest. They shared hot cocoa while Fernando treated himself to a full meal after going without food for so long.

Krystal sipped from her mug, then smiled at the group. "I've got to say, that was certainly a wonderful evening. Do you all get into this kind of trouble all the time?"

Holly chuckled. "Mack and I bring ourselves to the trouble, honestly."

Fernando patted his lips with a napkin. "It's in my job description."

Krystal laughed. "You all are amazing! Even in our short time together, I say this was a stellar bonding experience!"

Mack smirked. "Oh, I wholeheartedly agree, my dear. Nothing says group bonding more than a rousing session of pummeling."

Krystal sighed sadly and leaned back into the couch. "Such a shame that I have things to do. Work to get done and, of course, training. Which reminds me, I have to leave tomorrow and meet back up with my team."

"Oh, where are you going?" Fernando asked.

"You're familiar with the alternate dimensions throughout Mysto, correct?" He nodded. "I'm heading to one of them here in the Snow Zone. The metal kingdom, Ironworks Kingdom." She grinned. "I actually moved there since that's where my girlfriend lives. It's a pretty neat place. Plus, it has all you need for top notch training."

"Oh, is that so?" Fernando looked up at the ceiling. "I don't think I've ever been to that particular kingdom. Eh…not that I can, since I can't use magic to pass through the dimensional barriers."

Krystal chuckled. "You have to be in the know about magic to know where the separate planes are. Some non-magic Pokémon don't even know the planes exist and that's just because they're not well informed on magic like we are." Krystal sipped her chocolate. "You're welcomed to tag along."

Fernando raised his hand. "I have work to get done myself, but I'll consider the offer for a later date."

"Suit yourself." She finished off her mug and stood up. "Perhaps we should do dinner together later before I head off in the morning."

Holly closed her eyes in agreement. "That sounds like a splendid idea."

Mack shrugged with a tired grin. "Eh, sounds good."

Fernando chuckled. "Fine by me."

Krystal grinned. "Excellent! I'm going to rest up in my room. Take care, my comrades!" After giving a polite bow, she headed off to her room.

The three waved her off, then turned to each other with more serious expressions. They couldn't really discuss much of what happened with Krystal around. Fernando didn't think it was worth filling her in on the details. She didn't have a direct gain or connection to fighting the shadows.

"So…you mentioned the Swamp Zone?" Fernando asked.

Mack set his mug down and leaned back in his seat. "I got the bat to spill his guts."

"And you're sure he didn't lie?"

Mack smirked. "Trust me…he didn't lie." He looked up at the ceiling. "The Swamp Zone's an incredibly old land, and the largest of the zones. Prime spot for finding ancient temples long since buried through time." He glanced at Fernando. "I couldn't get a specific place out of him, but he did mention something about the heart of the Swamp Zone."

"The heart?" Holly repeated. She narrowed her eyes quizzically, lightly rubbing her chin. "I feel like I've heard something like that before."

Fernando scratched his chin as well before snapping his fingers. "That's right, the Swamp Zone was said to have grown from a single tree that went out of control. That's why it's called the Swamp Zone, due to the heavy forestation and plant life that exists out there." Fernando glared to the side. "Wait…does that mean they set his tomb somewhere around the tree?"

"That…actually might make sense," Holly said in realization. "That tree is sacred, so no one would think of digging around there. Plus, if the tomb was meant to be sealed off from everyone, it must have been well hidden."

"Not well enough, it seems," Fernando muttered. "So, how did Alex Ghostwind happen upon it? You don't just dig up tombs near a sacred tree without a reason."

"Unless you wanted to get arrested for the free food and shelter," Mack joked.

Holly rolled her eyes, then looked out the window. "Hmm…how much do you know about this Ghostwind fellow?"

"Not much, to be honest," Fernando admitted. "Can't find much on him." He sighed. "I'm hoping to get my answers once I find the tomb."

Mack grinned. "Great! When are we going?"

"I suppose once we heal up, we could head out in the next few…" Fernando glared at him. "Wait, what's this 'we' business?"

"Mangas," Holly started with a wave of her sickle, "we can see that you are good at what you do, being a hitman and all that, but I think it's obvious you're not cut out for fighting."

Fernando raised his brow. "I'll have you know I was only captured because of a loophole in my contract."

"You were fighting cultists, bro," Mack reminded. "They weren't exactly training warriors or skilling mages." He tapped the monkey's head. "Meanwhile, if those shadow pests come after you, your fancy knife and little conquering spirit-"

"It's called bloodlust."

"-isn't enough to take them on your own." Mack pointed to himself proudly. "However, you're in luck! You happen to know two highly skilled bounty hunters that have not only fought those pests, but can also kick serious ass! I'm, of course, talking about this handsome devil!" he boasted, pointing at himself. He then pointed halfheartedly at Holly. "Oh yeah, she's strong, too, I guess…"

Holly bonked him on the head in annoyance. "Excuse me?!"

Mack grinned, unfazed by her hit. "Kidding, kidding!" He faced the Monferno once more. "Say no all you want, but we're tagging along! It'll kill my boredom, at least!" He snickered through his toothy grin.

Holly narrowed her eyes kindly. "It is something to consider, don't you think?"

Fernando rubbed his chin and gave it some thought. Assassination can only get him so far, especially with a handicap. He never actually did fight the shadows, so he doesn't have a clue what kind of techniques would be most effective on them, or if they could be killed by means of assassination at all. Plus…his contract never said he wasn't allowed to have assistance.

Fernando sighed in defeat, but grinned nonetheless. "Can't argue with that, I suppose. Very well. I'd be honored to work alongside you two."

Mack closed his eyes and snickered. "Great! We promise we won't be too much of a bother!"

Holly chuckled. "That's his unfortunate way of saying, 'We like to bring hell with us.'"

Fernando grinned lightly. "Heh…I'll keep that in mind." He narrowed his eyes. "It'll take time to reach the Swamp Zone AND the center of it."

"We're used to long journeys," Mack said with a shrug. "No big deal."

Fernando smiled. "Good." He held his hand out. "I hope to make this partnership a successful one. This is a big task, so I want you to bring your best."

Mack and Holly nodded with determined expressions and shook his hand in unison. "Right!"