Ch.73: Glimpses into a Life Unknown! Understanding Oneself Further!

Jonathan held his head as he leaned back into the wagon he was hitchhiking in. He was closing in on the Storm Zone, just a few days away by foot. Thankfully, he managed another ride from some kind, slightly rowdy folk who seemed to live out away from the big cities. He didn't mind their loud behavior. He has dealt with his fair share of crazy students.

Besides, it's not like his mind was on them. He has been feeling odd in recent days, ever since his fight with Raff and his crew.

Fight…that's a word he rarely uses for himself. Despite himself being a proud Scrafty, fighting wasn't in his nature. Rather odd, it just never was a natural instinct of his. He was mild-mannered in his own respects, never raising his fist or starting fights. Only instance he had to was with the shadows and with Raff and his crew.

But the fight with Raff was different. Unlike the shadows, Jonathan didn't fight in a manner he was versed in. He has never done anything extraordinary in his life. It was a pretty simple lifestyle from what he could recall. Raised by two normal parents somewhere off in the Earth Zone. He eventually got his teaching degree, spent some years traveling here and there, then eventually landed himself a spot in Quartz Plain Village about five years ago. Nothing big or exciting.

But what he did was anything but normal. The first time may have seemed like a trick of the mind, but there was no faking what he did to the imposing Drapion. He was doing things someone his age and skill level would break their back over. As if the surprise acrobatics weren't enough, he still couldn't get a grip of the insane speed he demonstrated.

It seemed he was channeling some sort of technique that allowed him to accelerate his movement in short, but effective bursts. The kind of speed he DEFINITELY knows he couldn't perform…could he?

Raff was right about one thing during their fight: it's just not something you pick up out of nowhere. Jonathan never committed to intense training in his life, so why did he have the strength and skill to perform those impossible feats? He just raised too many questions?

But the hidden martial arts talent alone barely compared to the other problem he was going through. While the headaches have dulled in frequency and pain, he kept getting odd glimpses of…something. He could see himself in these glimpses, but…they weren't him.

Another life, perhaps? Perhaps he was seeing a former life of his. Sounded too exaggerated to be the case. He ruled out amnesia because these 'memories' contradict a lot of his own history, at least the things he could recall off the top of his head.

What was happening to the history professor? It just made no sense.

"Hey, Sleepyhead!" Jonathan shook his head and looked over at the Corsola addressing him. "We'll be reachin' your stop shortly!"

Jonathan held his head and smiled gratefully. "I really appreciate all the trouble you went through."

"HA! Nonsense!" the Archeops beside the Coral Pokémon exclaimed. "Just bringin' a little hometown manners and respect to our fellow neighbors! You best be safe, partner!"

"Yeah!" shouted a trio of two Corsola and an Archen shouted. They were playing a rowdy game of checkers nearby, with a lot of kicking and biting.

The Scrafty rubbed his weary eyes and gripped his bag. "I'll be sure of that. I've got quite a distance left to go." He sighed. Can't wait to get completely soaked in rain.

The Rapidash pulled carriage rode through the winding road, through a pathway of trees. Little were unaware of the pair of eyes peeking from above.

"That him?" one of them asked.

"Oh yeah, he's the one Lord Aeternus wants. Says he needs to be captured alive. He might start causing trouble if he gets too close to the truth."

The former glared. "Heh…just one old guy against the two of us."

"Lord Aeternus and Boss Nightmare will be pleased with our work."

The two stood up, chuckling under their breaths as dark auras wrapped around them. At the center of their foreheads, a red gem glinted with an ominous glow.

"You know, we could've just taken a straight shot out of the Snow Zone instead of circling back this way!"

"The pathway into the Swamp Zone from there would've taken too much time. We wouldn't have made it, anyway. The cold was building."

"So, why are we traveling this far out through the Storm Zone?"

Walking through the light rain shower was the dynamic trio of Fernando, Mack, and Holly. Fernando carried an umbrella over his head while the other two walked behind him, rather indifferent from the massive detour they're taking.

"While we could just take one of the many paths through here to there, I still need a bit of information regarding the Swamp Zone's central tree." Fernando rolled his eyes. "None of us are native to the Swamp Zone, so I'd imagine there'd be some complications finding a hidden entrance near it."

Mack yawned and rubbed his weary eyes. "And we're going this way because…?"

"I have connections. They owe me favors." Fernando closed his eyes and smiled to himself. "They're more than willing to cooperate to my demands." He pulled out his balisong and spun it open between his fingers.

Holly snorted quietly. "Heh. How many enemies have you made?"

"You should be asking how many of them are still kicking."

Mack smirked in intrigue. "Stories to tell~."

Fernando pocketed his knife and sighed. "Anything of interest. This Alex Ghostwind is the only person in history to open the king's tomb. Or at least the only one to enter and release the seal. My particular connections should have information on the event. Perhaps starting ground or prime spots around the tree."

Holly crossed her arms. "Well, I suppose that makes up for the trip." She closed her eyes. "Besides, we could make use of checking out the wanted board."

"Better get a strong guy this time," Mack grumbled with a pout. "How hard is it to find someone who doesn't break down into tears just from a little pain? Oh boohoo~! I'm in so much pain~! Stop it, you're going to break my spine~!" He rolled his eyes. "What a bunch of wimps."

"You…are a disturbed individual," Fernando commented.

"You get used to it," Holly stated offhandedly. She reached through her bag and retrieved a map. "Where's this friend of yours, anyway? In the town up ahead?"

"Old client, not a friend. And yes. She used to live around the center of the Swamp Zone before moving out into the Storm Zone. Some mob boss was harassing her and threatened to harm her family if she didn't meet to his demands. She hired me and…" He slid his finger across his throat. "His goons found an unfortunate surprise two days later."

Mack smirked wickedly and tapped his chin. "I should get into this hitman business. It sounds like a bloodbath for fortune~!"

Fernando shrugged. "Feel free to do your own thing while I handle business. We're staying the night. All on me."

"Room service, here I come~!" Mack cheered in a sing-song tone.

Fernando sweat-dropped and pinched between his eyes. "I'm…not even going to say anything…just don't cause me any trouble until I get the info I want."

Holly rolled her eyes. "We can't make promises on that, but we'll make sure to stay out of your hair."

"I'll take it."

Jonathan wished the family of countryfolk a safe farewell before trudging through the light rain shower and into the village he was dropped off at. A fairly normal village. The community area was made up of service buildings set up in parallel lines to each other. He was interested in staying in an inn tonight.

While it was in his best interests to keep going until nightfall, he was making good time on his trek. Plus, he wanted to use today to get his head straightened. The odd glimpses need to be further looked into before they drive him up the wall.

Despite the rain, the villagers of High Wind Village, he believed it was called, went out with little notice of the droplets hitting their faces. Guess living in the Storm Zone long enough will make you used to crazy weather. He waved to some of the folks he passed and some waved back. Seemed like a friendly community.

Jonathan eventually spotted his intended destination. The inn looked like a typical saloon that frequented the dusty Desert Zone. He could hear the piano playing in the background and the commotion of the patrons. He took a deep breath, then pushed the saloon doors open.

A pretty standard inn on the inside, with an upper level sectioned off for guests taking residence. There was a counter with a Vivillon fluttering over it. The display behind her held the room keys.

Jonathan maneuvered around some passing patrons before reaching the counter. "Hi, hello," he greeted a bit awkwardly.

Regardless, the Vivillon offered him a kind and inviting smile. "Welcome to Spark's Inn. Interested in staying the night, sir?"

"Yes, I am. One room for one night, please."

She nodded and reached under the counter, handing him a sheet of paper. "I'll just need you to fill out some minor information for us and I'll have a room for you."

"Sure thing." He took a pencil from the cup nearby and wrote his information down.

Meanwhile, outside, the traveling trio of killers made their way into High Winds Village. While Fernando was getting a look around to recall his last time here, the Grim Ash duo were occupying themselves with the wanted board.

Mack tapped his foot as he examined the selection. "Ugh, must of these look like a bunch of wimps. And some of these want me to bring the guy back ALIVE!" He groaned and pressed his face against the board. "Why even have the 'Dead or Alive' option if you're not going to use it?!"

Holly narrowed her eyes on him. "You do know some of these guys are just pickpockets and thieves, right?"

"Larceny is a serious crime~!" Mack argued.

Holly held her face and sighed. "Ugh…you're so difficult…"

Fernando guided his finger around the buildings he could see, then nodded. "Okay, I remember now." He turned back to them and tapped them on the shoulders, gaining their attention. "Alright, I've got work to do. You two just…hang out around here. We're staying at Spark's Inn. I'll have your room keys and everything when you find me."

Holly nodded. "You do you."

"I think I saw a nice ramen stand when we arrived," Mack pointed out with a hungry grin. "Holly, I demand we eat there!"

The Lurantis clonked him on the head. "I'm standing right here, you idiot." She sighed and started pushing him. "We'll be back soon," she told Fernando.

He waved to them. "Take your time." He turned away and adjusted his suit. "Now then, time to meet with my old client." He pulled on his hand, then walked to the inn.

"…And here is your room key," the Vivillon said, handing over the key with the number '12' label attached. "You'll be staying in Room 12. If there's anything you need, feel free to ask questions."

Jonathan slipped the key into his pocket and nodded. "Thank you. Have a good day."

"You as well."

Jonathan stepped away from the counter and walked up the inn stairs to his room. Though, as he waked, he felt those strange memories resurface. They seemed to be getting stronger, too, because he could've sworn he went blind for a moment.

This time, it was an image of himself in battle, another odd thought given his history. He seemed to be fighting pirates with heavy weaponry at their disposal. He couldn't quite remember the sounds, but he could feel the kinetic movement he demonstrated through his vision self's actions. They reminded him of his unforeseen battle.

Jonathan pressed himself against a wall. His legs were giving out on him. He groaned and felt his forehead. He didn't feel like he had a fever, but something was making him dizzy. Perhaps he was cold. He did feel a shiver running up his body. Maybe the weather was making him sick. He doesn't quite remember ever going into the Storm Zone before.

"Maybe I'm just letting this get into my head…" He held himself against the wall and shuffled to the room with a golden plate and the number 12 engraved in it. "I'll just try and sleep it off. Maybe get a hot meal while I'm at it…" He inserted the key into the door and let himself in.

The Vivillon handed off a key to another patron and waved them off. "Have a good day." She took the information sheet and set it aside when she saw another visitor come up to the counter. A sharply dressed Monferno. "Hello. Just one moment, please."

Fernando held one hand in his pocket and tilted his head. "I need to have a word with you."

"Huh?" She faced him directly, then squinted. "Hold it…you look familiar." It took her a moment to search for the answer before gasping in surprise. "Wait…you're the-!"

"Shh," Fernando shushed with a finger to his lip. "You don't want to cause a scene, do you?" Even if being a hitman wasn't a completely secretive profession, it was best to keep his occupation mostly unknown.

And the Vivillon understood this clearly, shutting her mouth, then speaking in a quieter tone. "You…are the hitman I hired. A few years ago."

He nodded. "That is correct, ma'am. And how are you doing these days? Your family in good spirits?"

"O-Oh, uh…" She nodded quickly. "Y-Yes, we're doing fine. I was sad that I couldn't thank you properly before." She grunted. "That horrid criminal and his threats…I couldn't carry on if anything happened to my husband or children."

Fernando waved it off. "It's all a part of the contract. I did as requested and delivered." He shoved his other hand into his pocket. "But I'm not here to discuss old contracts."

The butterfly's eyes widened, then scanned the room of customers. "Please don't tell me there's a killer or bandit here. That'd be bad for business."

He shook his head. "Not today. I come for a different reason, your knowledge on a certain matter regarding the Swamp Zone."

The inn owner tilted her head. "My home zone?"

"I need your knowledge on the area and perhaps some useful information I could use." He looked around subtly, then added, "Best we keep this to private discussion, though. I wish not for prying ears to eavesdrop."

"I…I see…" She nodded. "I'll have one of my staff run the counter, then we can speak."

Fernando tipped his hat. "Thank you kindly, my dear."

Jonathan was sprawled out on his bed, eyes half-open and dreary. He had thrown his bag off to the side, leaning against the wall. His jacket was slipped off his shoulder and worn by just the sleeves. He was trying to get some sleep and rest off the confusing recent events, but his mind wouldn't stop replaying those unusual images.

He pinched between his eyes and sighed. "What is it? What am I looking at?" he mumbled to himself. "Are these even my memories? I doubt so. None of this seems like me. Why am I remembering a life of battle and glory?" He sighed and rolled onto his side. "Maybe I really am tired from all the traveling. Or maybe I've finally lost my mind. Could have something to do with the traveling itself."

That's what he wanted to believe with all his heart, though. What else was there to explain? How can it be explained? He was developing memories and skills he shouldn't know. Something was amiss.

He glared at the ceiling, then slid out of bed. Readjusting his jacket back over his shoulders, he walked over to the dresser with a vanity mirror. He stared at the surface for a moment, then dashed over to his bag. Digging through some of the garbage he kept inside, he pulled out an old drink cup. Hard to find waste receptacles out in the middle of nowhere.

He bounced the trash in his hand, then set it atop the dresser. He took a few steps back and faced the propped-up target. He exhaled calmly, then raised his fists. "Alright…might as well accept it and see what this body of mine can do."

He sharpened his vision and tensed his stance, glaring at the target with such intensity, he could burn it to a crisp. He flexed his curled fingers, feeling the muscles vibrating in wait. He shifted his footing and got lower with the ground. He drew a silent breath, tightening his fist.

Deep breath, Jonathan…focus your strength.

His arm tensed, then he threw his fist. The punch was quick and nearly instantaneous. He struck the air and send a wave through it, striking the empty dead on. A hole was punched through the center, then into the mirror behind it.

Jonathan gasped and jumped back in surprise. "That actually worked!" He looked at his hands in awe, then tightened them into fists. He glared around the room. "I wonder how much control I have…"

He spotted the curtains and tested his curiosity. He steadied his fist and threw a punch at the curtains. The shockwave nailed the curtains, but didn't rip the material or break the window. It gently swayed from the soft breeze. Jonathan aimed for the nightstand lamp and punched the air, knocking the lampshade off without breaking either it or the lamp.

He brought his leg up and kicked the air, though just to test the movement of his body. He threw some harmless practice punches and kicks, amazed by his flexibility and control. It felt unnaturally natural. He has known many Fighting-Types who lost touch with their inner fighting origin due to lack of training throughout their life. It wasn't so easy to recover, even by instinct alone. Jonathan's body felt like it was naturally gifted in fighting, like he has been studying the art for years.

It brought a smile to his face. "This is incredible…" He went quicker with the punches to see how many he could throw in the shortest time. He could barely make them out with eyesight alone, but his rough estimate was about…fifty…maybe sixty a second. Might not even be his top speed since he's only now discovering this side of himself.

He ceased and breathed out, dropping his arms to his sides. He looked at the cracked mirror, flinching at it. "Ooh…probably shouldn't have done that." He focused off the crack and onto himself. He felt his muscles. Even with his impressive abilities, it seemed he wasn't in top condition. Felt like he had some muscle, he just hadn't maintained it.

"Hmm…" Jonathan held his chin and looked to the side in thought. "What was it Raff called it? Tenuem Style?" He never heard of that particular martial art. Then again, he doesn't know much about martial arts in general. He scratched his chin, then turned towards his bag. "Maybe a book I brought has something that mentions it."

After getting someone to cover her position at the counter, Vivillon brought Fernando to her office where they could discuss things in more private detail. Fernando readjusted his suit while Vivillon sat herself in her chair.

She leaned forward and asked, "So…you said you aren't on another hit case?"

Fernando dusted his sleeve off, saying, "Yes, that's correct. Not my usual line of work, as you can imagine. Never had someone come up to me and ask to do task work over assassination. Though, I'd say the circumstances warrant the need for a contractually obligated killer."

The butterfly tilted her head. "Anything I should know about?"

"For the sake of secrecy, it's best I don't give too much information regarding my case." He leaned back into his chair. "However, it is of utmost importance that you give me what info I desire. Many lives will be at stake depending on the success of my mission and the success of a group of travelers I know."

She nodded, deciding best to take his word for it. "Alright. You asked about my previous residence in the Swamp Zone, yes?"

He nodded. "Specifically, the area you came from. Where you were raised. You lived in the village that reside beside the zone's tree."

She narrowed her eyes. "Ah…you mean the Great World Tree." She looked up nostalgically. "The sacred pride of the Swamp Zone and all it stands for. I used to go there all the time as a little girl. We respected and worshipped what it has brought us. It is said to be the tree connected to the properties of Xerneas, similar to her power. The Tree of Life."

Fernando nodded. "The Great World Tree is supposed to be connected to every single plant in the zone, correct?"

"Yes. It is the largest plant in the entire Mysto region, perhaps even the whole world. How many other regions or zones can say their tree takes up an entire zone or city?" She chuckled. "I would recommend seeing it at least once in your lifetime. You won't be disappointed."

Fernando closed his eyes. "Well, I may have to see it sooner than expected. A couple of associates and I are heading out to the Great World Tree to investigate some…rumors that came up."

"Rumors?" Vivillon asked with a raised brow.

Fernando leaned forward and set his elbows on her desk, glaring seriously. "Would you say you're very knowledgeable of your home zone?"

"I…suppose so. Why do you ask?"

Fernando closed his eyes. "You used to live in the center of the Swamp Zone four years ago before moving here. I can't say too much, but I will say this. We have reason to believe that there's something…unusual hanging around the tree that many are unaware of."

Vivillon blinked, suddenly intrigued. "Go on."

"From what I know, the tree and the ground around it is forbidden territory. A sacred ground where the tree can run its course without our direct interference. Would you say that in the history of the Swamp Zone's growth, no one has ever changed the land?"

The butterfly held her chin and thought it over. "Hmm…I suppose not. It's a strict rule among the village NOT to disturb our sacred tree. Doing so would land you in serious legal trouble. It's a sacred ground that can't be harmed." She tilted her head. "Why do you ask?"

Fernando leaned away from the desk and crossed one leg over the other. "The tree's growth first started from the surge of magical energy that washed over Mysto, back when it was in its original, normal state. This was after magic spread across the region, during the Grand Imperium Age. A year before the war ended, a single tree was exposed to the surge of magic and grew out of control, taking over barren land. Many who sought refuge from the war and shadows took shelter under that tree's care.

"Ever since the war ended, many came across to live in the Land of Life, later renamed the Swamp Zone. Because of the safety the tree provided, many generations worshipped and protected that tree to preserve its glory." Fernando looked down and smiled to himself. "A fascinating tale, wouldn't you say?"

Vivillon smiled and nodded. "Oh yes, I've been told the story many times by my grandfather." She frowned curiously. "But…this rumor you mentioned…?"

Fernando scratched his cheek. "Tell me…would you believe me if I told you that there might be something hidden under the tree? Like an old temple? Or a crypt filled with secrets?" He glared. "Or perhaps the catacombs of a fallen king?"

"I…huh?!" the butterfly sounded in confusion.

Fernando uncrossed his legs and leaned forward, hands on his knees. "I can't say much, but we have intel that there's a tomb underneath that tree. A very dangerous one that needs to be investigated for the safety of all life."

"I…I…" She held her head and fell back into her chair, feeling slightly lightheaded. "I…don't know what to say…this has to be a joke. S-Surely, we would've known a tomb would be hidden under the-"

"That's just it, no one wanted anyone to know." Fernando sighed. "This is a lot to understand, I know, especially without the vital details. I can't stress any further how important this is. I need to find that tomb."

Vivillon straightened up and faced him much more seriously. "Mr. Mangas, while I would love nothing more than to repay you for your services, I'm afraid I don't have much to satisfy your mission. I wouldn't know where to begin finding this tomb, even if it is somewhere around the tree."

"I know…that's why there's a dual part to this question." He rested his arm atop his propped-up knee. "This particular tomb was actually accessed by complete accident, around five years ago. By a particular individual of mysterious origin.

"Tell me…does the name Alex Ghostwind ring any bells?"

Jonathan stepped out of his room, feeling a bit more refreshed than he was an hour ago. He held his head and took a deep breath, easing his heavy nerves. "Perhaps I can make due with an alcoholic beverage, if only for one day." He walked downstairs, thankfully to a quiet house of patrons. Bars can get notoriously loud with the right customers. The dull noise did wonders to keep his headache from acting up.

He jumped onto a barstool and faced the well-dressed bartender, a Growlithe. "What can I get you, partner?" the fire dog barked.

Jonathan rested his arms on the counter. "Give me a…Storm Spinner cocktail," he ordered, reading the menu over his head, in the popular cocktail section. "With a little extra kick to it."

"Right away, partner." The bartender hopped off his stool and went to prepare the cocktail.

Jonathan sighed and rested his cheek in his open hand. "I really am losing my mind. When did I start liking to drink?" He pinched between his eyes. "Adventurer's Madness…I think that's the correct term. The condition where you are so out of touch with civilization that you let go of some minor moral restraints. Either that, or I'm just going regular crazy."

He glanced at the bartender and saw him drop two blue gems into his cocktail. Apparently, the extra kick he asked for was the sparks that were zapping through his drink. Guess he found out what made the Storm Spinner so popular.

The bartender ran the drink over and set it down before Jonathan. "Enjoy!"

"Thanks." He picked up the cocktail and, hesitantly, took a sip. His body jumped in reaction, feeling a jolt surge from his tongue to his brain. "Whoa!" He held his head and groaned lightly. "That's some kick…" Strangely, he felt his mind clearing up considerably, and he felt more awake than before.

"Just the right mix to wake you up!" the bartender exclaimed. "Call if you need anything else." He scampered off to another customer sitting down.

Jonathan stared at the drink, then shrugged. "Might as well try and enjoy myself." He leaned his head back and sipped more of the mixed beverage.

As non-residing patrons came in and out of the building, two particularly strange individuals stepped inside. A Shiinotic and a Venonat. Both wore windbreakers and tattered brown cloaks over their shoulders. It was their appearances, however, that caught some eyes. Their naturally lighter colors were darkened, almost resembling total black. They both had a red gem infused onto their foreheads, melded into the skin. Not as noticeable with the Venonat due to her fur.

The mushroom leered around the room with a hand on his hip. "You sure he went this way?"

"Positive. The professor's destination was in route of this particular village." The Venonat crossed her small arms. "I'd assume he's staying in an inn. This seems to be his likely location." She searched around the room with her compound eyes, pretty much seeing everything at once. "We'll have to search all the rooms until we find him."

"Or we could start with the drink bar."

Venonat glared slightly. "We're busy. This is no time for-" He grabbed her head and spun her around. "…oh."

They saw the professor leaning against the table, downing a second Storm Spinner. Not exactly drunk, but he seemed far more relaxed now. The two shadow wielders nodded at each other, threw their hoods over their heads and walked over to their target.

"Excuse me, sir." Jonathan blinked and glanced at the two hooded deceivers. The Shiinotic bowed. "Hello, my name is Reece. This is Leitis. We were hoping to have a word with you about your stay at this fine establishment. We plan to stay here for a week."

"We are just dreadfully superstitious about horrible service," Leitis added with forced weariness.

Jonathan blinked again, then rubbed his eyes. "O-Oh, uh…not much I can really say. I just got here myself."

"Every little bit helps," Leitis pleaded.

Jonathan scratched his chin. "Well, so far, things have been well. I'm really just staying here for the night."

"We would really appreciate it if you showed us what the rooms are like," Reece requested. "To get a better sense of what we'll be experiencing."

Jonathan narrowed his eyes suspiciously. "Um…I'm not sure how showing two strangers my-"

"Oh, don't be a killjoy!" Jonathan yelped as they pulled him from his seat and dragged him to the stairs. "It's just one quick look, that's all!"

"Uh…surrrre…" Jonathan glared slightly. Something felt a bit off about their behavior.

"Alex Ghostwind?" Vivillon held her chin and ran the name over a couple of times to see what stuck. "Ghostwind…Ghostwind…that name sort of sounds familiar. Is it anyone famous?"

Fernando crossed his arms. "The context I was given was that he's a traveling hero. Sources say he may have been in a state of despair and/or glumness. Some guy who wandering around Mysto and ended up in your village."

"Hmm…" Vivillon closed her eyes and tried to visualize it, then gasped in discovery. "Oh, yes! I believe I did see someone of that name! Yes, yes…I remember a couple of the villagers went up to him and asked for his autograph. I definitely heard 'Ghostwind' when they addressed him."

"Did you get a good look of his face?" Fernando asked. "Perhaps his species?"

"Now that I'm definitely unsure of. He was wearing a cloak, so not much I could see. Though…I did catch a few things from passing glances."

"Such as…?"

"I think he had…red hair. Humanoid, definitely. He…I believe he had a tail. He was wearing…or rather, carrying golden gauntlets on his sides."

Fernando held his chin. "That could be a number of Pokémon. Incineroar, Simisear, Weavile…could even be a Zoroark…" He raised his brow. "Anything else?"

"Hmm…" She tilted her head. "Well, I'd say he isn't a Zoroark or Incineroar. A lot shorter than that. Could be around the height of a Simisear…"

Fernando scratched his chin. "It's a decent start, but doesn't really tell me his exact location. And there are quite a lot of Simisear and Weavile, anyway." He glared. "What was he doing when he came to the village?"

"Not much that I can think of. Although…" She held her chin. "I think he was walking around the Great World Tree before…vanishing."

"Vanishing?"

"He went through some bushes and didn't come back for a while. I think some of the more nocturnal Pokémon saw him leave close after midnight."

"Almost like he went into a tomb for a several hours." Fernando closed his eyes and went over the details, before stepping out of his chair. "That's all I needed. Thank you for your help, miss."

"My pleasure."

Fernando was about to turn and leave before slapping himself in the head. "Oh, right." He held three fingers up. "I need rooms for three people. Just two would work."

Vivillon smiled. "Oh, of course. I'll get right on-"

BOOM!

They jumped as the inn shook from the tremor. Patrons outside were screaming and running in a panic, evident from the stomping clatter of feet. They also heard explosions going off, further panicking the patrons. Fernando's eyes widened. What the heck?!

*A Few Minutes Earlier*

Jonathan let the two 'tourists' into his room, only so he could get rid of them quicker. "There, see? Completely normal room."

Leitis paced around with a hand to her chin. "Oh yes, this is truly marvelous. Beautiful and divine, fit for a goddess."

I wouldn't take it that far, but whatever suits you. Jonathan pinched between his eyes. "It's a nice place, I know. But I think you both would like it better if you had your own. So, why don't you head down and sign in?"

Reece chuckled haughtily. "Oh, silly professor, let's not be so hasty!"

"Professor…?" Jonathan glared. "I never told you my occupation."

Reece slammed the door shut and locked it, then stood guard in front of it. "You didn't have to. We've been looking for you, Mr. Geno."

He and Leitis threw their cloaks off, revealing their true forms to the professor. Leitis threw her head back and laughed. "How foolish! You fell for our trick so easily!"

Oh please, as if I let you take me hostage so easily. Jonathan blinked and shook his head. That thought came involuntarily…weird. Nonetheless, he shot glares at the two. "Who are you two?"

"We are minions to our boss, Lord Aeternus!" Reece exclaimed.

"And the new age of darkness!" Leitis added. "We are servants of the Shadow King!"

Jonathan's eyes widened. "Servants of the…?!" He growled. "Why are you here?!"

"Our orders are you capture you alive. The boss has big plans for you. You prove to be a slight hinderance in the plan." Reece snickered. "But you're also very, very important to their plans."

Jonathan raised his fists and tensed his body. "And you think I'm just going to come along quietly?!"

"Not much choice." Leitis pointed at the gem on her forehead. "See these things? We've been enhanced with special gemstones that absorb sunlight. Combined with our newly acquired magic and the corruption of darkness, we gain power in both light and darkness."

"We've been charging up power ever since we got here." Reece pointed his finger at the professor. "A demonstration of our power."

A spark of sunlight wrapped in darkness lit at the tip of his finger. A thin beam fired past Jonathan's face and struck the dresser, blowing it into smithereens. Jonathan covered his head as flaming debris flew over his head. He glared at his two captors as they laughed.

"Only an insignificant fraction of the power we wield!" Reece aimed his finger at the professor. "Perhaps you'll think logically and come along quietly."

Leitus lit both her hands in the light and dark energy. "We wouldn't want any innocents getting caught in the crossfire, do we?"

Jonathan clenched his teeth. "I don't know what you shadow possessed freaks want with me, but you aren't taking me without a fight."

Reece tilted his head and smirked. "But you're trapped. There's nothing you can do."

Jonathan felt a strange impulse in his behavior. He couldn't explain why, but he was feeling bolder than normal…and cockier. He smirked at the two shadow grunts and stated, "All well and good, what with all this power you're waving around like a school kid on Show-and-Tell Day, but horribly flawed in execution."

Leitis growled quietly. "Flawed?"

"Oh yes, very flawed. You think you have me beat, but this whole plan of yours didn't go off without a hitch. And now you must pay dearly with your lives. There's something in this little trap of yours that'll cost you everything."

Reece glared. "And what would that be?" His eyes widened as Jonathan sped right up to his face, fist pulled back and shaking from the vibrations around his aura.

"Me."

The room door broke down, with the mushroom slamming into the outside wall with a bruised eye. Darklight beams fired from the room as Jonathan leaped out and ran across the upper balcony. Leitis slid out and fired from her fingers like a couple of pistols. Jonathan let his reflexes take over, dodging the destructive beams with great ease.

The commotion caught the immediate attention of everyone downstairs and sent them into a panicked frenzy, pushing and shoving to reach the door.

Jonathan jumped onto the balcony railing, dodging darklight beams. Leitis jumped onto the railing as well and lit her fists in the magical energy. She swung at the Scrafty, who blocked her strikes effortlessly. However, with the magical energy around them, it slowly started burning his skin.

He leaped over the Venonat and struck her in the back with his foot. She was sent careening into the main floor, crashing into the bar counter.

Jonathan landed on the railing, balancing on one foot, then looked back as Reece charged him from behind. Erupting in the darklight energy, he slammed with full force into the professor and sent him over the room. Jonathan grabbed hold of a light fixture, swinging around with a tight grip.

Reece smirked and raised his finger. "And now, I invite you to a world of hell!" He fired a much larger beam into the fixture, igniting the whole thing in one glorious explosion.

Jonathan leveled out in his fall and landed perfectly on his hands and feet. Immediately after landing, he rolled away from a darklight ball fired from Leitis. She fired volleys of them after the professor, who ran around the main floor using the tables as cover.

He quickly picked up some scattered silverware and threw them at her. The spoons did little to harm hurt, but the knives and forks jabbed into her skin and eyes. She let out a horrific shriek and slipped off the bar counter.

Jonathan leaped across the bar and landed on the counter to finish her off. He jumped and prepared to slam down on her, but was met with a large beam from up above. It pushed him against the floorboard and into the wall. He grunted in seething pain and held his side.

Reece hopped down from above and sneered. "Quit fooling around, Leitis. We're trying to capture him, remember?"

She picked herself up and pulled the last fork out of her eye, which quickly healed. "How was I supposed to know this guy was secretly a ninja?"

He glared. "Who cares? Just make sure he stops moving." He wrapped himself in the darklight again and charged into Jonathan just as he got up.

The professor crossed his arms and took the hit as it slammed him further into the wall, nearly taking it down. He growled and reached behind his back. "Your friend healed off those stab wounds pretty quickly…guess that means pain is irrelevant to you?"

Reece was about to ask what he blathering about, but then was shot in the stomach with an exploding round. He threw himself back and clutched his searing side, then got smacked across the face with Jonathan's gun. He tried to retaliate by pulling the gun from his hand, but then took an invisibly fast punch to the face.

Jonathan holstered his gun, then tackled Reece to the ground. He pushed him onto his stomach, then forced his hands behind his back. "Stay down if you know what's good for you."

Reece gritted his teeth. "You're making it very hard not to outright kill you. Leitis!"

Jonathan barely reacted to the spinning ball of darklight energy that flew past his face. The Venonat had herself wrapped in the magical energy, spinning like a Donphan covered in neon lights. She turned and scored a direct hit on her second try, throwing Jonathan off of Reece.

He slammed into the counter, then quickly flipped over just as Leitis came in for her third hit. Jonathan searched the ground for unbroken bottles. "Could go for another alcohol bomb right about now!"

Plans were immediately shot when Reece and Leitis leaped over and fired down with a bullet hell style of darklight beams. He used a sprint burst to avoid the shots, sliding his feet through the floorboards to stop. Their shots destroyed and ignited the alcohol, setting the counter ablaze.

Jonathan's eyes widened in horror. "Are you insane?!"

Reece smirked. "Who cares? We won't die from it." He aimed his finger and lit up. "Now…you want to try that again?" Jonathan gritted his teeth and raised his fists.

"You're holding your own just fine, professor," Leitis complimented, "but I'm afraid you still have a long way to go to beat us. It is two on one, after all."

"…then allow me to even the odds."

Reece and Leitis looked over the shoulder, but felt a breeze cut between them. Suddenly, they were assaulted with a flurry of knife stabs to their fronts, cutting up their nerves and muscles in brutal, clean fashion. They fell back and landed on their backs, too stunned to cry out.

Jonathan lowered his fists and stared at the newcomer in shock. It wasn't a newcomer at all. It was a familiar face.

Fernando spun his balisong before closing it up. He tipped his hat and faced the professor. "…I couldn't believe it even if I wanted to."

"F…Fernando?!" Jonathan couldn't believe it. He never thought he'd see the hitman again. And his timing couldn't be better.

The Monferno held his hip. "What are you doing all the way out here, Mr. Geno? You're kind of a long way from Quartz Plain."

"Uh…" Jonathan rubbed the back of his head. "It's kind of a long story…"

Fernando raised his brow. "I saw most of what happened. When did you learn to fight like that? You didn't look like someone who could hold their own in a fight."

Jonathan sighed. "That's what I want to know, too…" He shrieked as the flames from the alcohol started spreading. "Can we talk about this later, though?! We've got other issues!"

Fernando glared. "Right. I'll see if I can…" His head quickly turned. "Look out!" He pushed Jonathan to the floor as a spiraling beam of darkness and sunlight fired over their heads, destroying the back of the saloon.

Reece and Leitis were back on their feet, fully healed from the sneak attack. The Shiinotic sneered at the hitman. "Great, now there's another one causing trouble. How wonderful!"

Leitis glared. "Just shut up. We can kill this one, at least."

"You've got a point."

Fernando pulled out his knife and held it up. "Mind filling me in on this?"

Jonathan stood up. "They're…working for the shadows. They seemed to have fused with them or something…"

Fernando smirked. "They're directly working with the shadows, eh? That means that they fall within the parameters of my contract."

"Contract?" Reece mumbled.

"He's a hitman!" Leitis exclaimed before rolling into a blazing ball and spinning right at the Monferno.

Fernando closed his eyes for a moment, then opened them to project a wave of bloodlust. The grisly image of a monstrous Monferno shadow projected over him like a large, snarling beast, gleaming its hungry, red eyes down on the enemy. Leitis lost her cool for a second and swerved around the Monferno in involuntary fear. Jonathan used this distraction to spin on his hand and slam his foot into the bug's side.

Reece flinched when the Venonat crashed through the walls and landed in, what he presumed to be, a puddle from the audible splash. He glared and held his hands out. "The famous bloodlust of the hitmen. Some potent stuff there!" He fired a volley of darklight projectiles.

"Get behind me!" Jonathan shouted, getting in front of Fernando and punching down the attacks with unnatural bursts of speed.

Fernando held his arm over his face and grunted from the rush of wind hitting him. "You really need to catch me up to speed on what you've been up to!"

"I'll put a pin in it!" Jonathan yelled.

Reece ceased firing and slamming his hands down for a wave attack. The energy rippled across the floorboards, then exploded upward in a flash of black and white. Jonathan and Fernando let out cries of pain as the blast threw them in the air. Reece smirked and fired off finger beams while they were incapacitated.

However, Fernando's will was strong and he pushed his body to deflect the shots with his knife. He clung to the battered railed and launched into the Shiinotic. "Dance of the Death King!"

Reece took a fast flurry of knife thrusts with concussive force, throwing him off his feet. He flipped off his hand before landing and got to his feet. "I've got something just for you!" His mushroom cap glowed as he held his hands over his head.

Fernando held his knife up, then noticed the light in the inn was disappearing, like metal slowly attracting to a magnet. And that magnet was the dense orb of light energy channeling over the mushroom's head. He took in all the light in the inn until there was nothing but the massive light source hovering over him.

The Shiinotic laughed, then gritted his teeth and growled, "Now, burn away into darkness!" He lobbed the concentration of heat right at him.

Fernando gasped and crossed his arms, but secretly knew he wasn't going to survive the hit. He could feel the heat the spell was giving off. All the light in the inn condensed into this one massive explosive. Even if he got away, there was no telling how much the blast would do to the whole building. It might atomize everything into dust.

He shielded his eyes as the miniature sun came closer, waiting for the inevitable.

"And you scolded us for getting our asses in trouble~?!"

Something got in front of Fernando and caught the attack in its place. He looked up and reveled at the figure of a ghoulish Sudowoodo as it held onto the light attack, burning up against the heat. It was Mack's Timor Persona.

Reece clenched his fists. "What is-GAH!" A twister slammed into his back and threw him against the orb. Actually, it did more than that. It was shoving him right into it. His skin burned with his attack's own heat. "AAAAAAHHHHHHH!"

Mack's persona laughed before pulling its fist back and slamming it into the orb, knocking it through the walls and out the building. A secondary twister shot up and pushed into the air before letting it explode harmlessly, only damage being the shattered windows from the shockwave. With the explosion came the restoration of light in the inn.

Fernando rubbed his eyes, seeing spots in his vision, then look to the entrance. Holly, with her fan out and opened, and Mack, with his three-section staff around his neck, walked up to the hitman. Mack grinned sinisterly. "You just wanted to have all the fun to yourself. Not cool~!"

Fernando sighed, then laughed in relief. "Your timing was impeccable."

Holly glared over her shoulder. "Should we ask what that was about?"

Jonathan picked himself up and held his bleeding arm. "I think we all have questions."

"Who's the geezer?" Mack asked casually.

Jonathan faltered, then growled, "How old do you think I am?!"

Fernando held his hip. "A friend of my current employer. Look, we'll have plenty of time to introduce ourselves, but for now-"

"For now, you can just raise your hands and accept your executions!" They turned in time for Leitis to ram herself into Jonathan and pin him down. She locked his arms behind his back and started running with him in tow. "Forget this! We've got what we came for!"

"Agh!" Jonathan grunted, feeling his injury flare up. "Watch it!"

Fernando pointed out the retreating Venonat and stated, "Just know that she can't get away with him at any costs!"

Mack smirked. "A free pass to murder someone? It's my birthday~!" Without stalling, he chased down the fleeing bug with a mirthful, sickly laugh. Holly and Fernando pursued behind.

Leitis threw Jonathan out onto the street, then jumped down atop his back, an uncomfortable feeling for him. "Reece! Where are you?! We're leaving!"

"I believe you got the wrong package!" A purple chain lunged out and grappled around Jonathan. Before Leitis could say anything, Jonathan was pulled away in a flash of light, almost like he went intangible under her. She turned back and saw him thrown down next to Mack, wielding his Eclipse. He spun the weapon around him before striking a pose. "Hello~!" He lunged and whacked his chain staff across her face.

"AGH!" She growled and slammed her pain against his chest. "Insolent cretin!" She blasted him into the dirt. She jumped over him and powered up a shot. "Burn!" She fired down a beam that pushed him five feet under the ground.

Mack grunted through his clenched teeth, but worked in his murderous smile. "You're fun~! Finally, some prey I have to work for!"

Leitis pulled her hand back and channeled a darklight blast over her head. "This prey is going to use your bones for sacrificial toothpicks!"

Eclipse sprung from the ground and latched to her foot. Rather than pulled her down, it did the opposite, pulling Mack to her. She gasped as she got a face full of his creepy grin. "I'll have to politely decline."

Leitis felt another presence over her. Before she knew it, she was sandwiched in between two punches from the front and back. One from Mack, and one from his persona. The sickening cracks of her bones satisfied the psychotic Sudowoodo as they were grounded into dust. Both Sudowoodo threw their leg up and kicked the Venonat right into the hole she made.

Holly stepped forward. "Mack, quit playing around." She glared up, then blocked a volley of beams with Last Breath, tanking the explosions.

Reece, having survived his own attack's explosion, panted from atop the roofs with one eye half shut. He gritted his teeth. "Do you know who you're pissing off, lady?! We've been reborn into higher beings! We have become one with darkness!"

Holly's eyes slowly dipped into realization. "Ah crap…more of these yahoos…"

Reece wrapped himself in his darklight cloak and lunged down from the roof. "I will swallow you into the darkness and break your spirit!"

He tackled Holly directly and smashed her through the dirt, punching her face repeatedly. She wasn't putting up any resistance to his attacks, only grunting and sputtering to say something.

Reece laughed. "Too choked up to say anything?!" He jumped back and lit his finger up. "GOOD!" He fired down on her, catching her in a massive explosion. He laughed aloud. "What a joke! You didn't even bother to defend yourself!"

"Can you blame her?" Reece's eyes widened as a chilling whisper directed itself to his ear. "Who would expect their own teammate to turn on them?"

Reece rubbed his eyes aggressively and looked to the dust cloud of his explosion. Once it cleared, he was taken back by presence of, not a Lurantis, a Venonat squirming in pain.

A sickle limb wrapped around his neck. "It's so sad to see others fooled so easily. Why can't you all just take your time and think for a change?" Holly narrowed her eyes sinisterly. "Might do you louts some good."

Reece turned around to blast her, but was nailed between the legs with a merciless kick, then spun around as he was still hooked around her sickle arm. She tossed him skyward, then swung her fan with a flurry of wind slashes cutting him up.

Leitis picked herself out of the ground and glared at the Lurantis while her back was turned. She roared and fired a wide beam of darklight at her. The beam connected with, however, an illusion and continued down the village path before colliding with the ground.

The Venonat was growing infuriated. "I'm fed up with your disappearing shtick!" She channeled an orb of darklight between her hands. "Dodge this!" She threw it upward.

The orb floated right above the main path and exploded into a thousand-arrow shower of black and white streaks. Chains of explosions went off, decimating the once clean path with dust and craggy rock. Everyone covered themselves as the full force of the shock slammed into them.

Jonathan was thrown into a stack of barrels that collapsed over him, spilling out a bunch of berries. He gripped his bleeding arm tightly and growled. Grr…if I had a better understanding of WHAT I'm doing, I could just beat her unconscious!

"Fernando! Please tell me you have a plan!" the professor called out.

Fernando perched himself against the side of a building adjacent to the inn. He glared. "I've never dealt with anything quite like this! Their regenerative abilities far surpass anything I'm familiar with!" A glow caught the corner of his eye. He dodged a spiraling beam of darklight from Reece, who recovered from Holly's last attack.

The Shiinotic was covered in cuts that were healing off. He grounded his teeth together. "This was supposed to be a simple mission…grab the professor and hit the road." He glared angrily. "You know what? Forget trying to play it safe!" Without warning, he fired beams into the Scrafty.

Jonathan gasped out and tripped over his heel. Two beams got him in the shoulders, one through his arm, leg, and stomach. Like any normal bullet wound, it stung madly…times ten. Jonathan fell onto his side and growled as he held the searing wounds as best he could.

Mack's arms dropped to his sides, shooting the professor a curious stare. "Yo…Old Guy, you doing…alright?" Jonathan responded with sputtering cries of pain. Mack blinked, then directed his attention to the Shiinotic. "Hey, lay off, Fungi. Whatever happened to respecting your elders?"

"I'm…not…that old…" Jonathan grumbled in a struggle.

Leitis stepped up to Reece's side. "Idiot. We're not supposed to kill him."

"I made sure not to hit anything important." Reece snickered. "At least he won't be moving for a…while…" Their eyes widened as the downed professor did the unthinkable and pried himself off the ground, clearly struggling with agony burning through his muscles. "The hell…?"

Holly joined by Mack's side and was just as surprised as him and Fernando. "That's one tough teacher."

Jonathan pressed his hand down and panted. His clothes were stained with his blood. He gripped into the dirt and hauled himself to his feet. His stance was slouched over, shoulders slumped, and head low. But his eyes…they were burning with a driven ambition. A strong will to stand.

He looked over his shoulder, glaring at the two kidnappers, then fully turned his body to properly face them. He wiped his lip, then raised his fists. "Is…that all?"

Fernando narrowed his eyes. This…This is the same man I met at Hal's shop, right?

Reece gritted his teeth. "Unbelievable. How hard is it to put you down?"

Leitis raised her hand and channeled another blast. "Watch yourself, professor, or we might accidentally kill you." She fired it straight at him. He made no attempt to dodge with his stamina drained.

However, a tree branch shot out and blocked the full brunt of the blast, only knocking Jonathan onto his butt harmlessly. Jonathan shook his head, then gazed up at Mack as he pulled back his smoking arm. He had a cold look to his eyes, directed straight at the two shadow pawns.

"…Fight's over, professor." Mack marched forward. "Holly, let's end these two nimrods."

Holly cracked her neck and followed along. "Already on it."

Reece and Leitis lit their hands in darklight and aimed it at the approaching bounty hunters. "What the hell are you two?!" Reece growled through his teeth.

Mack tilted his head and smirked. "What, us~? Just a couple of orphans who really love killing. Kind of a hobby."

Holly glanced at him. "That's your hobby."

"Same difference. We do this for a living."

Leitis narrowed her eyes. "Reece…there's something off about their auras. They feel…distressing."

"Yeah…I notice it, too…"

Holly folded her fan and sheathed in onto her back. She glared at the duo of shadow pawns. "You're part of those freaks who attacked our friend back in Scorch Grave…"

Mack snickered behind his hand. "Ah yes, I remember that lovely Ursaring fellow we humiliated. Reminds me of those cultist freaks I slaughtered."

Reece's eyes widened. "Wait…you two…are the ones who fought Lexx?! And killed him?!"

Mack shook his head. "Sadly, can't take the credit for that one. My bud, Griff, cooked his insides until they were charred." He smirked villainously. "I wanted to be the one to end his life…but I guess you two will have to do."

Leitis and Reece stepped back, with the former exclaiming, "You do not know the forces you are playing with! We are the one with darkness! Reborn in its power!" She punched into her palm. "Continue down this path of yours and you will meet your end at the hands of the shadows!"

"You're promising strong guys will come hunt me down?" Mack threw his head back and cackled, unnerving the bug. "Where do I sign?!"

Reece clenched his teeth. "You will regret defying us!"

Leitis and Reece roared and unleashed a full-scale eruption of their stored energy, blasting the two Grim Ash members with pressure waves. They stood and braced it, unaffected, as they watched the two draw in the nearby light with shadows looping around them like rings. Much like the attack from the inn, the light was being sucked away in the immediate area, making all around them dimmer.

This time, it wasn't being used for just an attack. It was empowering them. Leitis' fur turned into the white glow of sunlight with shades of darkness highlighting it. The same for Reece, whose mushroom cap reached maximum brightness with the darkness containing it, turning into an almost literal 'dark light.' Beams of darkness projecting out like light beams.

The bounty hunters sensed the overwhelming power they were emitting, but remained completely unflappable. In fact, all Holly could do was respond with a light sigh. "Should we…?"

Mack crossed his arms. "Might as well. If we're going to make enemies of them, might as well bring the whole army to us."

Leitis and Reece, reaching their peaks, pulled their hands back and channeled darklight between them. The gems on their foreheads were absorbing as much light as their bodies could handle. The energy of their attacks merged into a combined, spinning sphere, emitting a pressure that shook the air around it.

"Let's go! Lumis Shroud Eraser!" The duo fired the energy beam straight at the bounty hunters, with the recoil nearly breaking their arms. The pressure tore up the ground under its path, with the bounty hunters still unfazed.

As the blinding light drew closer, Mack flashed his usual smirk and said, "…You lose."

The beam collided into them and, this time, sensed there was no trickery involved. The beam made its mark and was, as intended, going to burn them into nothing. Vanquished by the light they worshipped, under the control of the endless force of darkness.

The shadow minions kept pouring all they could into the blast, digging their feet into the ground to keep from flying back. Fernando and Jonathan got behind cover from the blast, with Jonathan horrified for the duo's safety.

"I have to help them!" Jonathan, stubbornly ignoring his injuries, tried to come to their rescue, but Fernando pulled him down.

"Calm down," Fernando ordered softly. "I've only known these two for a while now, but I can assure you…we've already won." Jonathan blinked, then peeked over their cover again.

Meanwhile, Reece was beginning to notice something strange. "L…Leitis?!"

"Yeah?!"

"Why…is the beam…still pushing against them…without moving?!"

"What?!" she shouted, unsure what he meant.

"It feels like we're blasting an unbreakable wall! Why aren't they dead, or MOVING, for that matter?!"

Before questions could be answered, they were given the shock of their life. Their beam, fired with enough energy to atomize any normal living creature, was being pushed against. Not just being held at bay. The beam was literally being pushed back. They saw as the shadows of the two hunters approached them with their hands out, shoving the beam like it was a boulder in their way.

Reece and Leitis were horrified, so much that they put more into their attacks than their limits allowed. Bones were cracking and healing endlessly, muscles were being strained, even their skin was burning against their own heat. They had to do everything they could to kill these troublesome-

"Holly, now!"

"Dolorem Rewrite!"

Blue petals exploded forth, wrapping around the environment and the attack. Reece and Leitis felt their connection to the beam disconnect instantly. They looked around frantically, seeing everything obscured by a storm of petals.

"What kind of magic is this?" Leitis muttered.

"The Grim Ash Clan's specialty." The two turned around and gasped at the bounty hunters. Only, their appearances were slightly altered.

While physical form and color was still the same, it's what came over them that changed. Glowing tattoo markings, stretching out from their eyes and spreading over their body, stopping at around their shoulders from what they could see. Holly's were blue and Mack's were purple. And their auras seemed to have magnified as well, far stronger than previously.

Reece stumbled back and stuttered in horror, "W-W-W-What is t-t-this?!"

Mack smirked. "You like~? Previously, we were holding back…a lot. What you see here is our hidden reserves of power that we've obtained through years of killing and stealing emotional energy from."

Holly narrowed her eyes. "You must feel pathetic…and hopeless, not your attempts at survival are futile. There is no point when the objective laid out could very well be a trick on the mind. The nature of sorrow…"

Mack tilted his head. "Or maybe you're just too paranoid to fight back. Horror and nightmares take on a lot of forms. So many ways to break the baddies down, for they must fight what dwells in the worst parts of the mind. The nature of fear…"

They held their hands over their hearts and declared, "We are the Grim Ash Clan! And you are our prey!"

The two shadow minions were stunned, but Reece broke first and lunged at them. "Is this your idea of a JOKE?!"

Holly's long leg appeared before his eyes and slammed square into his face, throwing him back to Leitis. She leaped in the air and, with a cold gaze, stated, "And fate frowns upon you…"

Just as the two shadow pawns rose, the petals dispersed. Suddenly, their attack they thought disappeared was directly over their heads…and coming down at full power. They screamed in seething agony, with their skin catching fire and everything inside rupturing and breaking.

Mack smirked evilly. "Timor Persona!" His fear persona appeared behind him, then charged straight for the shadow minions.

Not even a moment to recover from their own attack, the fear persona grappled around them and smashed their faces into the ground. A trail of blood followed behind as the persona dragged them across the ground. It pulled them out and chucked them straight into the air.

Holly leaped in the air and kicked both of them straight down, demonstrating her increased strength. She unfolded her fan and opened it partly. "Level 1 Wind Style: Big Wing Slash!" She swiped the fan down and battered them with a light blue, wing shaped blade, digging them into a crater.

Reece and Leitis struggled to rise, their bodies shaking in pain. "We…aren't…done…"

"Good, more time to torture!" Their eyes widened when they were grabbed and picked up by the heads. Mack's fear persona. "Phobia Rem: Pyro!" The persona laughed, holding the two tightly in its arms and erupted in flame. The shadow minions couldn't even scream any longer, their voices giving out under the strain.

Holly landed and stepped up to the blazing fire. She glared at the gems on their foreheads. "Those are…soleil jewels." She crossed her arms. "So, that's how you've been manipulating darkness and light. Clever…very clever."

Without warning, she swung her leg and bashed it against their heads. The force of the kick ripped the jewels right off their foreheads in one flawless scoop. Blood splattered across the ground. The jewels bounced along behind rolling to a complete stop.

Mack smirked and clapped his hands together. "And now, for my finishing trick! Timor Persona! Crush them!"

The persona slammed the two weakened minions down and went down on them with a barrage of punches. The ground crumbled under its mighty strength. The two minions were barely recognizeable under the flurry of fists. Their darklight aura tried to fight back and give them strength, but it was rapidly dwindling without the presence of their gems. It was no use.

We…failed…

The darklight that surrounded the two shadow minions burned out like candlelight. Mack's persona ceased its attack and dropped them to their knees. Their eyes were blank, jaws wide open, stunned from the insufferable pain they were committed to. Their healing factors were repairing their damaged bodies, but it was too late. They suffered so much pain that they could barely speak.

"Ack…agh…gah…" they garbled.

Mack shoved them to the ground and took hold of both of them. "Hmm…sensing more fear in the Venonat than the Shiinotic."

He took hold of the bug while Holly grabbed Reece. A dark, thick mist encompassed Leitis and absorbed the remnants of her fear into the Sudowoodo. A light blue mist surround Reece and absorbed his sorrows into the Lurantis. After absorbing the last of it, the two minions fell face first to the ground, the last breath drawn.

Mack bent down and glared at their bodies for a moment, then smirked. "Yep…they're dead."

Holly reengaged her limiter, removing the tattoos. "Good…that wasn't nearly as entertaining as I hoped."

"You said it, sister." Mack stood up and crossed his arms. "Though, they were better than those stupid cultists."

Seeing the fight was over, Fernando stepped out with Jonathan's arm around his shoulder. "Are you two unharmed?"

Mack waved it off. "Please! This was nothing more than a warm-up. You should see us when we're fighting each other. Now THAT is a real fight!" He sighed. "I miss Griffin. He knows how to kick butt. I can actually fight seriously with him."

Fernando sighed, then settled Jonathan onto his back. "How are you holding up?"

"Badly…" Jonathan groaned.

"Here, let me help." Holly knelt down and took off her bag. "We always make sure to travel with plenty of medical supplies. I'll have you patched up in no time."

"Thanks…" He grunted and held his side. "Ugh…I'm surprised I held out…for as long as I did…"

Fernando narrowed his eyes. "Yeah…mind telling me what that was all about? You were fighting like a pro back there."

"I couldn't tell you even if I wanted." Jonathan stretched his arm out as Holly disinfected his shoulder. "It sort of just…happened."

Fernando held his chin. "…Why did the shadows want you, though?"

"They said I was…a hinderance to their plan…like I could ruin everything…that's all I got?"

Fernando glared. "But why capture you alive?"

"AAAAHHHH!" The four turned and saw Vivillon looking at her inn in utter horror. She dropped to the ground and wept, tears drizzling down her face. "MY INN! NOOOOOOOO!"

Fernando sweat-dropped. "Ooh…right." He sighed and pulled down on his hat. "You two keep him company. I got to handle this." He ran over to calm down the innkeeper.

Mack raised his brow as he stared at the inn, then looked down at Jonathan. "What was that crap about just knowing how to fight?"

Jonathan did his best to shrug without disturbing Holly's work. "It just…happened. I'm trying to get somewhere important to…stop the shadows…then I just happened to pick up some martial art along the way…"

Mack narrowed his eyes. "Just picked it up?" He exchanged a look with Holly. She, too, was thinking the same. "…Somehow I doubt that."

Jonathan sighed. "Like I said, I don't believe it myself. With all these weird images popping up in my head, I don't know what to make sense of."

Mack and Holly paused and stared at each other oddly. Weird images popping up in his head?

Fernando returned to their side with his hat low. "Okay…I managed to calm her down…barely. I'm going to try and cover half the damages." Fernando glared at Jonathan. "You still haven't told me where you're heading off to."

Holly finished the last of Jonathan's injuries and eased him up. He sighed. "…The Snow Zone. I'm looking for the Immensus Library."

"Immensus Library?" Mack questioned with a head tilt.

"Mythical library said to contain all the knowledge that ever existed," Holly summarized. "But…that's just a legend."

"So is the Idol of Origin," Jonathan reminded quietly.

"…Fair point."

"I'm looking for it so I can find the secrets of the shadows. Maybe…we can find out where they came from and if there's a way to stop them. A weakness or…anything." He sighed. "I just…couldn't stand by and let Wes and his friends handle all the work."

Fernando crossed his arms. "This was a foolish plan of yours. You could've gotten yourself hurt…more than now."

"I understand the risks. I accepted them a long time ago." Jonathan glared. "But I have to do this, for everyone's sake. That library could save everyone if I just found it."

Fernando blinked. "Mr. Geno, I can't just-"

"I've got no problem with it." They turned to Mack, who just shrugged it off. "Hey, the guy's risking his life to find this weird library. I'd say why not help him."

Holly stood up. "But we've still got our lead to the Swamp Zone."

Mack flipped onto his feet. "The Swamp Zone is literally in the center of Mysto. I say we just take the old guy to the edge of the Snow Zone and he can continue on from there. Then we'll just carry on towards that big tree or whatever."

"…" Holly looked at Fernando. "…Not the worst idea that came out of his mouth."

Fernando sighed and rubbed the back of his head. "I don't know…"

Jonathan pushed himself up. "I don't know…what's going on with me, but I can take care of myself, Fernando. Just let me do this so I can help Wes and the others. I want to do all I can."

Fernando narrowed his eyes and took it into deep consideration. Jonathan was just made a target for the Tribe of Shadows, for whatever reason he couldn't process. Regardless of what he said, they may still go after him. Plus, he seems to be fully capable. He held his own fairly well for someone who was just grasping his unknown skills. Maybe a little further training and he could defend himself.

Fernando pinched between his eyes. "…Alright, we'll escort you to the Snow Zone. But you better know what you're doing."

Jonathan clenched his fist, feeling more of those images popping up. "I hope so, too…"

Fernando waved them to follow. "Let's go and settle down in our rooms no-" The light fixture finally fell from the ceiling, breaking into pieces. "…right, the…inn's destroyed…and so are the rooms."

Mack walked past him with a jolly demeanor. "Call dibs on the room with no floor!"