"Dose anybody else get the feeling we're being watched," Miriam asked concerned grabbing onto Tyme as something moved through the bushes just out of sight.
"We could be but nothing wants to attack us so I wouldn't worry about the wildlife" Raifort explained.
Despite her words of logic, the constant growling coming from Charizard and the other Pokémon didn't do anything to help calm the group's nerves.
The loud crash of trees falling got everyone's attention before Ash could do anything Miriam's Toxapex and Tyme's Garganacl attacked with Venoshock and Stone Edge although whatever cut the trees was already gone.
"That's odd," James remarked "It looks like all these trees were cut down in one swing"
"It truly is odd there are plenty of Pokémon that could cut down trees but not in a single clean swing like that" Clavell added "Iono can you call Salvator and ask him if they saw anything?"
"Yeppers I'm on it" As Iono was adjusting the radio wires a strange Scyther leaped out of the trees swinging its axe arms with an X-scissor.
"Iono look out!" Katy shouted hopelessly out of reach of Iono.
Ionos Mismagius took the brunt of the X-Scissor but it still sent Iono flying back into Rika's arms.
"What is that!" James shouted in terror avoiding another X-Scissor which Katy's Ursaring countered with Hammer Arm.
"It's a Kleavor" Raifort explained letting her Gengar attack the beast with Shadow Ball "The effects of Area Zero must have brought it here it hasn't been seen in the wild for centuries"
More Kleavor came flying out of the woods slicing with X-Scissor and swinging their axes to create stone splinters that dug into Ash's shoes.
Lycanroc and Charizard were able to keep most of the Kleavor around him and Chloe back with Flamethrower and Stone Edge giving Ash a chance to swipe some of the stone splinters out of the way.
"You doing good there Chloe?"
"Don't worry I'm good we got this" Chloe thought beside Clavell's Oranguru copying its Psychic and sending a pair of Kleavor floating away.
"Sne!" without warning a strange Sneasel leaped behind Chloe, strange purplish claws aiming to snatch Chloe.
"Chloe!" Ash screamed practically throwing Pikachu at the Sneasel knocking it down with Iron Tail.
"Heads up!" Rika yelled a Kleavor's Stone Axe almost struck Ash in the back of the head but was blocked by Charizards Steel Wing.
"What that another one of those ancient Sinnoh Pokémon?" James asked as his Veluza countered a Puruglys Fury Swipes with Psyco Cut.
"Yes it's an ancient evolution of Sneasel called Sneasler" As Raifort spoke, Kofu took down one of these Sneasler with Crabominables Ice Punch.
Ash was nearly sideswiped by a strange Ursaring and Skunktank was sent flying by a Hydro Pump.
"Ash I think we found where all these things are coming from" Gary yelled pointing to the edge of the forest where hiding in the forest was a strange portal.
"The Kleavor must have cut through the trees to let them attack us easier" Ash stated
"I see you've figured it out" From the portal Mars and Jupiter stepped out.
"You won't get away with this! Blastoise clear the field with Rapid Spin!" as Blastoise started spinning the ground clear of stone splinters a sudden thunderous cry filled the air.
At breakneck speeds, Galarian Zapdos rushed into the battlefield sending Blastoise and Pikachu tumbling with Thunderous Kick.
A loud screech came from above them as Galarian Arcticuno swooped down eyes shining as it charged up a Freezing Glare.
It fired the beam straight at Chloe.
"Umbreon go!" Gary threw his Umbreon out in front of Chloe absorbing the Psychic type move.
First, it was the Sneasler, and now the Arcticuno Ash realized what Team Galactic was doing.
They were targeting Chloe specifically because she was close to Ash.
Now Ash was officially furious.
"Are you seriously trying to attack Chloe just because you know she's my friend was that your entire plan? your pathetic!"
"Well it looks like our pathetic plan is working" Jupiter replied as Zapdos and Arcticuno attacked with Ancient Power which Flamigo and Clodsire shot down with Liquidation and Poison Jab.
"Ash we can handle the Zapdos" Gary reassured as he returned Umbreon for Electivire to back up Rika and Larry against Zapdos "You and Charizard take on Arcticuno"
"Just keep an eye on Chloe it's her that they want"
"Tyme and Iono are already on it" Garganacl and Mismagius had formed a circle around Chloe protecting her from the strange Ursaring with Ice Punch and Mystical Fire.
"Alright, then Charizard use Air Slash!" Charizard fired multiple blades of blue energy from his wings Articuno flew high to dodge it.
Lycanroc fired another Stone Edge forcing Articuno higher into the sky letting Charizard strike with Air Slash.
Ash sent out Dragonite hopping onto her back with Pikachu.
"Alright Lycanroc I need you to make sure that Articuno doesn't reach the ground okay"
"Lycan!" Lycanroc barked a yes well Dragonite took off.
"Arrr-arrrcc-arrrcc-arrcc" Arcticuno laughed cruelly creating copies of itself with Double Team.
"Pikachu use Thunderbolt Charizard use Flamethrower" The Thunderbolt and Flamethrower cut through the Double Team but the real Articuno had vanished.
Arcticuno had flown down at Chloe overpowering Garganacl and Mismagius with Freezing Glare Zapdos also made a swoop at Chloe but was stopped by Electivires Thunder and Blastoises Water Pulse.
Before Arcticuno could get to Chloe Lycanroc slammed into it with Accelerock giving Pikachu the chance to strike with Thunderbolt.
"Arrrcc!" Arcticuno screeched going for Hurricane, creating a blast of wind that sent everyone around it flying back.
Ash was able to hold onto Dragonite but Chloe, Tyme, and Iono were sent towards the waiting arms of a Sneasler and strange Ursaring.
Thankfully James's Veluza and Kofu's Crabominable got to them first knocking out the pair with Psyco Cut and Brick Break.
Ash needed to stop the legendary birds everything else could be held off easily but Articuno and Zapdos needed his immediate attention.
Ash had a plan but he needed to execute it carefully.
"Dracovish, Sirfetche'd I choose you!"
"I need you to protect Chloe" Dracovish and Sirfetche'd circled Chloe clearing the area of hostiles with Brutal Swing and Fishious Rend helping out Katy and her Ursaring.
Up in the air, Ash got a good view of the battlefield and was able to see Zapdos running at Rika and Larry from behind.
"Rika! Larry! behind you!" Ash's warning gave them enough time to counter Zapdos's Drill Peck with Brave Bird and Poison Jab.
With another loud screech, Articuno fired another Ancient Power that Charizard and Dragonite cut through with Steel Wing and Dragon Claw.
Now was the time to execute his plan.
"Charizard fly high and then Steel Wing!" Charizard flew above Articuno and slammed down with Steel Wing, Articuno flew down to dodge it only to be sent back up from Lycanroc's Stone Edge.
"Gengar I choose you!"
"Use Will-O-Wisp!" as Articuno flew up from the Stone Edge Gengar connected with Will-O-Wisp burning Articuno.
With a series of distressed screeches, Articuno flapped around as it was hurt by the burn a light purple aura appearing around it. That must have been from whatever was controlling the Articuno Ash needed to get that off.
"Pikachu use Thunderbolt, Gengar use Sludge Bomb!" Pikachu and Gengar's attacks were able to keep Articuno distracted.
"Charizard use Seismic Toss!" well Articuno was distracted Charizard grabbed onto it, flying up and spinning as if it was spinning around the globe before flying back down and slamming Articuno into the ground.
Well, Articuno was down Lycanroc grabbed onto its tail with Bite to keep it from getting up.
Hidden in Articuno's neck feathers was a neck collar limiting the same purple aura.
Pikachu chopped the collar off with Iron Tail, once the color was off Articuno seemed to calm down overpowering Lycanrocs grip and flying away.
"Mars we need to retreat the mission is a failure" Jupiter yelled stepping back into the portal Mars following her.
Zapdos ran across the battlefield at blinding speed with Agility easily dodging a Hydro Pump, Thunder, Brave Bird, and Poison Jab leaping 30 feet into the portal.
Before anyone could try to go after them the portal closed and any hints of Team Galactic were gone.
"W-why were the Legendary Birds only attacking me?" Chloe asked shaking against Dracovish.
"Team Galactic wanted you because you are close to Ash they wanted to hurt him in a personal way" Gary explained.
"Wait what about Goh they're probably going after him too" Chloe suggested.
"Yes your right," Clavell remarked "Iono does the radio still work?"
"Well about that um, one of those weird Scyther cut it in half"
"You mean Kleavor" Raifort corrected "And more importantly why does Team Galactic have these Pokémon that haven't been seen in hundreds of years"
"How exactly are we supposed to get through that?" Iron Valiant asked at the giant wall blocking off Area Zero.
Calyrex didn't respond its eyes glowing bright blue transporting the group into the caverns of The Great Crater. Wherever they were was deeper than they had gone before brilliant red crystals lit the misty cave with an odd pink.
"Alright so everybody be very quiet we don't know where the enemy" Inteleon ordered.
With a loud laugh, Moltres ignored the order and flew out into the open, and started launching Firey Wrath at nothing.
"Exterminate! Exterminate! exterminate!" Iron Moth and Flutter Mane flew out of the fog and struck Moltres with Discharge and Moonblast.
"Well looks like we meet again" Iron Moth scoffed.
"And it looks like you got some weird horses with you how pathetic you-" Flutter Manes's taunt was cut off by Spectrier blasting her away with a Shadow Ball.
"Oh, now your in for it!" Espathra screamed the rest of the Paradox Pokémon appeared out of the mist.
Calyrex and Glastrier launched a Glacial Lance launching a blizzard-cloaked Icicle and cloaking the battlefield in Ice.
"All right then you... asked for this" Flutter Mane stuttered before Regieleki's Thunder Cage blasted her aside.
"You freeze right there!" Iron Bundle yelled at Calyrex.
"Is that an Ice-Type joke?" Inteleon asked from behind.
"What no...whatever take this" Iron Bundle fired a Freeze Dry at Calyrex who jumped out of the way to dodge it.
"Iron Bundle to your left!" Scream Tail yelled. Iron Bundle was blown aside by a Hurrican from Moltres, and Inteleon had to grab onto Great Tusk to avoid getting blown away as well.
"Get them!" Espathra ordered.
"But boss how are we supposed to do that their new allies appear to be extremely powerful," Iron Jugulis asked "Oh yes lad that was not a pleasant breeze" Iron Bundle added getting up from the Hurricane.
"Just get them!" Espathra squawked.
Iron Jugulis, Moth, and Bundle launched a Dark Pulse, Firey Dance, and Hydro Pump at Calyrex counted with an Icicle Crash easily overpowering the three Paradox Pokémon and sending them flying away.
"Why can't you hit them!" Espathra yelled.
"There... mighty strong, boss they might be a legend...ah" Iron Jugulis responded as it was knocked out by Regielekis Extreme Speed.
Sandy Shocks and Brute Bonnet attacked with Earth Power and Giga Drain which Calyrex easily dodged letting Moltres and Spectrier knock them out with Shadow Ball and Hurricane.
"Well is certainly a lot better than the other times we've encountered them," Great Tusk remarked.
"I know right most of the time it's a big fight now we just get to watch Calyrex fight them" Iron Throrns laughed.
Scream Tail, Iron Thorns, and Iron Hands charged at Calyrex with Play Rouge, Iron Head, and Close Combat. Calyrex dodged and leaped off of Glastrier and onto Spectrier attacking with Astral Barrage sending hundreds of small balls of ghostly energy at the three Pokémon sending them flying back.
"Okay, this isn't going to work" Espathra sighed "Is there anyone of you Paradoxes that can open the gateway!"
"XGdjtcfgrger45-I think that I can open it" Sandy Shocks groaned.
"Then open it now!"
"$&^*FGBIU*&*-But we can't bring everyone through the portal at once we grggsgse-don't know how it could affect us or the TTT3-TTT time around the portal"
Espathra blocked Regieleki's Electro Web with Protect "Did I stutter open it now!"
"D$-okay boss on it" Sandy Shocks pressed all of its magnet hands into the ground creating a portal a white portal that sunk everybody into the ground.
A sudden burst of red light erupted from the portal, The air around it cracking and breaking like the fabric of the universe couldn't handle it.
Inteleon had to cover his eyes from the sheer brightness of the portal but in the pink flash, he could see a strange humanoid figure in the center of it.
When the light died down Espathra and the Paradox Pokémon were gone.
"Was it just me or did anyone else see something come out of the portal?" Absol asked.
"No, I defiantly saw something too" Frogadier responded.
"Did anyone else see it?" Sandile asked, a murmur of yes rippled through the group.
"Well whatever it is it isn't our biggest problem" Calyrex responded "I can sense that Articuno is free from whatever sinister force had controlled it but Zapdos is still under it and we need to find it it's still in grave danger"
Goh couldn't take it anymore he needed to share his thoughts.
"Iris I know it sounds weird but I swear something is watching us"
"Goh you're overthinking this again it was probably just the wildlife" Iris reassured
"I know that but like, the wildlife here is all weird everything looks off like someone's redrawn them or something"
"It's possible that's what you're seeing" Jacq explained "The strange property of Area Zero can have interesting effects on the Pokémon found here"
"Like Jacq said there's no reason to be" Iris was cut off by a bright burst of light cut of Iris.
A pink portal of light appeared in the ground. An Avalugg appeared out of the portal but something was wrong with it. Its legs were covered in rocks and its lower jaw hung was covered in a sheath of hardened Ice.
"What did I tell you!" Goh screamed, "Cinderace use Pyro Ball!" Cinderace kicked the fiery ball at the Avalugg which seemed to do little to it.
"Avaaaa!" Avalugg let out a booming cry and hurled giant chunks of ice flinging everyone away.
"Wh-what was that!" Jessy asked.
"I don't know that books never mentioned any kind of Avalugg form" "More importantly where did that Avalugg send us?" Grusha asked. Looking around Goh, Jessy, Ryme, Grusha, and Meowth were somewhere deep in the forest surrounded on all sides by tall trees.
"Oh good well it looks like someone else found us" Jessie sighed in relief as the forum of a person came out of the forest.
"Oh, hay Geeta am I ever thankful to see you," Goh said in relief.
"No wait hold back" Ryme put her arm up in front of Goh.
A malicious purple aura began to form around the person.
"Move!" Ryme ordered as the shadow attacked with a vicious purple aura.
The human morphed into a strange-looking Zoroark.
Goh finally remembered where he had seen that before a Hisuian Zoroark what was that doing here?
Hisuian Zoroark hissed charging up a Bitter Malice before it could attack Grusha's Altaria froze it in place with Ice Beam, Ryme's Toxtricity attacked with Sludge Bomb but the Zoroark disappeared into red light.
"What happened?"
"Looks like it was returned to a Pokeball someone must be controlling it"
"Team Galactic must be controlling it they must be the ones behind that Avalugg" Goh stated. Now everything was starting to add up Team Galactic wanted to suppurate them and then pick them off.
"What was up with that Zoroark?" Jessy asked.
"It was a Zoroark forum from ancient Sinnoh it's been extinct for hundreds of years"
"Was that rocky Avalugg also from ancient Sinnoh?" Meowth asked.
"Probably" the loud calls of the Avalugg could be heard in the distance.
"We should probably go stop that thing it's probably a bigger issue"
The group ran back towards the Avalugg's location.
"Electrode!" Goh suddenly felt a throbbing pain in his abdomen as he was blasted by an Energy Ball.
The culprit, a Hisuian Electrode rolled around Cinderace's Blaze Kick going for Discharge.
"Cinderace use Quick Attack!" with priority, Cinderace was able to smash through Electrode which was sent back into its Pokeball.
"What is up with these things!" Jessie yelled in frustration as another Hisuian Electrode was sent back to its Pokeball.
"Whoever is controlling them is just sending them in and out of their Pokeballs" Grusha responded "If we keep going like this will just get worn down"
"Then will have to focus our efforts on one at a time" Altaria and Toxtricity double up on one of the Electrodes with a Sludge bomb and Dragon Pulse.
Jessie and Goh also doubled up on one of the Electrode with Cinderace's Double Kick Glimmets Venoshock also knocking out the Electrode.
"Goh look out!" Meowth yelled but it was too late. Goh was suddenly dragged across the ground by Zoroark and dragged into the forest.
"No stop put me down let me go!" Goh screamed helplessly the blow from the Energy Ball still burning in his abdomen.
The dragging was suddenly stopped when Zoroark was struck by an Ice Shard from Baxcalibur.
"Avante-Guard your too slow!" before Zoroark could retaliate with a Shadow Claw Sudowoodo struck it with Sucker Punch causing whoever was controlling it to return it.
"Goh, are you okay?" Hassel asked helping him off the ground.
"I was with Ryme, Grusha, and Jessie I when I was dragged off by that Zoroark"
Without Cinderace Goh sent out Arctozolt and Golurk to defend himself.
"We saw more of those Avalugg the others are fending them off"
Sure enough, once Goh got out of the forest there were now multiple giant Avalugg launching giant balls of ice everywhere.
Jacq's Farigiraf and Tulip's Florges sent the chunks of ice back at the Avalugg with Psychic letting Salvator, Saguaro, and Tendra knock it out with Thunder, Dazzling Gleam, and Close Combat.
Further behind them, another Avalugg started launching more chunks of ice.
"Arctozolt use Icy Wind Golurk use Flash Cannon!" the Icy Wind and Flash Cannon stopped the Avalugg dead in its tracks letting a Dragon Pulse from Haxorus Gigaton Hammer from Tinkaton and Power Gem from Glimmora knock it out.
Goh suddenly felt the ground underneath him disappear as a portal like the one that transported Avalugg appeared beneath his feet.
And he was sinking into it.
Goh started running he could see Hassel's outstretched hand waiting for him.
Goh was running fast he could make it.
But Hisuian Zoroark was faster.
The Baneful Fox Pokémon grabbed Goh pulling him back into the portal as he was surrounded by spitful purple energy.
End Credit Song-Beggin' by Måneskin.
This chapter took a while to write since it's very story important obviously with what goes down here.
The next two chapters are Julianna/Florian focused that happen concurrently with the last two chapters a want the gap between gym three and four to be smaller than the last one so look forward to that.