Hey Everyone, I'm up and running! After several (i.e. too many) weeks, it's finally time for another Chapter.

Now, on with the story.


Chapter 17: Several Searching Difficulties

(Meanwhile, In a Cargo Plane.)

On the way back to Galar, Mateus, Ash, and Serena were heading back to meet with the others after visiting Zager in prison. However, The Sylveon-Human Hybrid was silent, having something on her mind.

(Flashback, A Few Hours Ago, Inside a Prison, Alola)

"Over the past five years, some of the people who took part in my experimentation reflected on their past vile actions and expressed regret, and I found it in me to forgive them. I hope that you use the remainder of your sentence to reflect and think about what you did to me. Because until that happens, I don't see any reason to forgive you, and even then, there is no guarantee." Said Serena, who then turns around and begins to walk away with Ash and Mateus by her side.

(Flashback Ends)

Wondering about the weight of her words, Serena couldn't help but think about that moment. She noticed that her husband was sleeping in his seat. The Sylveon-Human Hybrid knew she couldn't keep these thoughts inside any longer.

(Serena then nudges Ash a few times, waking him up.)

"Ooooouuugggghhhhh. Sweetheart, are we landing yet?" Asked a barely awake Ash. "No. We're still in the air. I just want to talk about something. Eon." Said Serena. "What is it you want to talk about Sweetheart? I'm all ears." "You know the last thing I said to Zager, about not guaranteeing to forgive him?" "Yeah?" "I said everything I wanted to say to his face, and yet, I somehow feel a bit of dread. Is there any idea why I feel this way, Ash-kun? Eon?" Ash then looks at his wife with a perplexed face, unable to think of an explanation of Serena's feelings. Mateus, who is seen reading a book, then turns to Serena. "Forgiveness is recommended, but never required. It is normal for some to feel uneasy after refusing to forgive someone, especially to their face. However, the choice to forgive someone for something, or not, and when to do so, is one that only you can make. There are some things that some people deem unforgivable, and it varies from person to person. In your case Serena, if one were in your shoes, I can see how one wouldn't forgive Zager after all that he has done." Explained Mateus. Ash then looks at Serena again. "Serena, whether you choose to forgive someone or not, I'll stand by your decision." Serena then uses her feelers to hug Mateus and Ash. "Thank you Ash-kun, Detective. It feels nice to get this out of my mind." Mateus then chuckles. "I'm glad. Get some rest, we'll be landing in Galar in a few hours.

(A Few Hours Later, Headquarters of the International Police's Galarian Branch, Galar)

Mateus, Ash, and Serena are seen walking into the room when the remaining team members were. The Alolan based Detective had a smile on his face. "We got the password." Said Mateus. "What is it?" Asked Goh. "Praise Giovanni All Hail Team Rocket, separated by underscores." Clemont then enters the password, 'Praise_Giovanni_All_Hail_Team_Rocket', successfully accessing the hard drive. "We're in!" Said Clemont. Mateus then turns to Prof. Alva. "Any updates while we were gone?" "Yes. Our missing person total has gone up to 151." Said Prof. Alva. "How?" "Our perpetrators also struck Unova as the Galar kidnappings were ongoing. They kidnapped Dr. Madeline Archer." "She's the head of the biology department the Unovan Institute of Technology, where you worked before you were kidnapped, if I'm correct. Why do you look like you seeing a Ghost Type?" "You are correct, Mateus. However, Madeline was also my former research assistant. She was a student assistant at the time…"

(Flashback, 16 years ago, Unova)

"I'm surprised you went ahead published your theory, Professor. Do you really think it's possible to create a Pokémon-Human Hybrid?" Asked Madeline. "Theoretically, yes. However, I have no intention of proving it." Said Prof. Alva. "One question, Professor. Why would you publish a scientific theory you have no intention of proving." "The basis of my theory was done by examining the threads of DNA and the molecular bond of cells in a microscopic scale. To apply that theory in a live scale would present a myriad of questions on ethics, practicality, and much more. In fact, the ethical hurdles alone would make my theory not worthy of proving. I hope that answers your question, Madeline." "I see. One more question. If you had the opportunity to become a hybrid, what Pokémon would you be based with?" "I honestly don't know." "That's surprising, Professor Alva. I can see you being a Gallade-Human Hybrid." Prof. Alva then shows a shocked expression. "Why would I want the lower half of my arms to be swords? That would make it impossible for me to do my job." Madeline then laughs. "Well, I guess it's time I clock out and head back to my dorm. My last final is tomorrow." "I wish you the best of luck. I've got a wife and three kids waiting for me at home, and I've been aching to see them all day." "Thank you. Tell Mrs. Kaihaku and the kids I said hi. Same time for work tomorrow?" "I will. And yes, be here by 4:30PM tomorrow. If the door is locked, feel free to ask Dr. Fennel, she has a spare key to my office." "Good Night Professor Alva." "Good Night Madeline." Prof. Alva and Madeline then leave the office, going their separate ways for the night.

(Flashback Ends)

"Of course, I never did make it home. Instead, I was ambushed by Team Rocket and eventually forced against my will to fully realize the theory that was initially to be nothing more. The end result was, ultimately, Serena. When I awoke I feared for Madeline's safety." Said Prof. Alva. "Why was that?" Asked Goh. "Prior to the theory's publishing, Madeline was the only person aside from me with knowledge of the possibility." "So you were worried that Team Rocket would also go after her? Eon?" Asked Serena. "Yes. Thankfully, they never did. I cared for Madeline as if she were an additional daughter of mine. Me, Kaihaku, and the kids loved having her over, and she was nothing but respectable to all that she met. I don't think I would have forgiven myself if she also had to work on Project XYZ." Hilbert then looks at his father. "Maddie did tell us about her experience the following day a few years later. When me and Hilda were 15."

(Flashback, 9 Years Ago, Unova)

Hilbert and Hilda were in the living room of their house having a discussion with Madeline. "Maddie, please. Tell us what happened when you found out that dad went missing." Said Hilbert. "Dad was your boss, right? Why don't you want to tell your story of that day?" Asked Hilda. "Fine, you two win. I hoped you two wouldn't ask for another few years. But your father was my superior and my instructor in some classes for the first few years of my college career, and he was the most professional person in the room. He treated every person with respect, had an open mind, and was dedicated to his work. However, the only thing he loved more than his work was his family. This is something I aspire to be." Explained Madeline. Hilda then looked at Madeline with awe. "Maddie, I never knew how much dad's character has inspired you." "Your father was the best boss I've ever worked with. I remember the night before, we were talking about a theory that he published. It was late into the night and we had a lighthearted discussion about it. Of course, I was a student assistant at the time, so I had to head back to my dorm to prepare for my final. And he was wanting to head back home to your mother and you three. So we bid each other good night. I didn't know it then, but…" Hilbert then interjects. "That would be the last time you saw him." "As far as I know, yes. The next day I had an Environmental Science final, which I took, and eventually aced. I went to your father's office to work, but the door was locked. I went to Dr. Fennel to see if she had seen him, but she told me that he had not been at work for the entire day. I called your mother and she told me in tears that he never came home. I told Dr. Fennel that I would be with your mother for the time being. When I arrived at your house I saw Police Officers asking your mother some questions, I comforted her for many hours after, and when Hilbert asked, 'Where's Dad?', my heart broke. You and Hilda were 8 at the time, so it was likely you two wouldn't have fully understood what had happened, but it was hard to keep the tears in for several hours afterwards"

(Flashback Ends)

"Maddie would eventually tell Rosa a few years later. She always helped Mom and spend time with us whenever she could, even after she graduated from and began working at the Unovan Institute of Technology. " Said Hilbert. "When was the last time she visited?" Asked Mateus. "Almost five months ago to be exact." "I feel as if Madeline had been targeted by our perpetrators. The first reportings of what would eventually be these kidnappings did take place around that time." "Detective, sorry to interrupt, but there is a transmission trying to come through." Said Goh. Mateus then turns to Goh. "From who?" "It says it's from Madeline." "Patch it through."

(Goh then patches the transmission to the screen.)

*End of Chapter 17*


Sorry I kept you all waiting. I just had the stomach bug as well as several thing that complicated my schedule.

Also, A new era for the Pokémon Anime Series begins today. Liko makes her debut!

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I hope you all have a nice weekend. See you all next Friday.