Posted May 13th, 2023


Linus Treecko's POV

I stood still, alone with my thoughts as Coordinator Cooper silently looked at his papers. For a moment, I was worried that the Granbull was upset with Jin. Coordinator Cooper had blasted like 20 questions at him all about the Committee. It was a bit odd that Jin knew nothing about the inner workings of an organization that had taken care of him. Like they kept the Zorua, and all of the Pokémon from Hisui ignorant.

Then Coordinator Cooper drilled in the severity of the Mana Artifacts into him, and all of us, which got Jin to tell 'em everything he knew. Well not tell him, more like tell us. He wanted us to hear it from the Zorua… for some reason. I was terrified the Granbull hated him.

But no, he was upset with Head Tiger, that Incineroar and her group. Not this poor, confused Zorua. With his gorgeous white coat, and cute yellow eyes, Jin was somemon that needed protection.

The Zorua's stomach growled loudly. "Excuse me, I appear to be more peckish than I had previously thought," Jin said with a flushed muzzle.

That blush was so cute that I grinned. "Where do y'all want to eat Breakfast?" I giggled and reached forward to ruffle the Zorua's head.

Jin leaned into my hand and wagged his tail. "Personally I wish to see what this 'U' looks like."

"I don't mind eating there," Nevada waved their claws.

Glade nodded, as she stretched her wrists. "Same."

"Coordinator Cooper Sir?" I asked, and watched as the Granbull stared at a stack of papers.

His ears perked up and he turned to us. Then Coordinator Cooper got out of his chair. "I suppose taking a break for breakfast wouldn't hurt."

The five of us exited the living room, then followed the scent of breakfast towards the center of the League's 1st floor, eventually making it to the dining room.

As we took our seats at the Ponyta-shoe-shaped table, I glanced over to the Zorua below me. His eyes sparkled in the light even as they lidded down. "Ooh, what an exquisite room," Jin said and further looked down at the walls, the kitchen in the back. Besides that there was the 'U', and the ornate rug along the wooden floorboards.

"Thank you for the food!" I smiled at Chad and Diamond, who sat down beside the food cart and helped themselves to a portion of everything.

The Pikachu widened his eyes before he winked at us while the Wartortle patted the table. "Now you'll have to return the favor later," the two grinned. "We'll be waiting!~"

"Yeah, thank you-" Glade started. The Totodile then shut her mouth and silently fixed a plate.

Hmm, that's something. I wonder if she's wrangling her electrophobia better? Glade placed the plate down in front of Nevada and patted the Charmander on the back.

This morning really troubled Nevada, the pain from that reunion with their older siblings along with a nightmare. Leaders Cresselia and Darkrai played with their emotions for what reason?!

They looked up and grinned at the food before them. "Oh uh thanks Glade," the Charmander then took a seat and dug into their meal.

I grabbed a plate for Jin and almost dumped the food I wanted onto it. "Oh wait," I gasped, and walked back over to the Zorua. "What would ya like ta eat?"

"Anything you pick should be satisfactory!" he replied with a smirk.

"Okay," I said and stared at the multiple trays before me. For a great and balanced start, we had an assortment of berries: Oran slices, Cheri berries, Leppa chunks, and Chesto pieces. For protein, there was a hefty pile of scrambled water-type eggs and sunny-side-up flying-type eggs. After, that there was a heaping helping of carbs with the waffles and pancakes. I carefully placed a decent bit of everything onto Jin's plate and set it down. Now for myself.

All of us had a plate full of food and after a few minutes, we slowed down on our meals. No one was talking. Here was my chance so I got some more information out of the Coordinator for the Team. "Ya mentioned quite a bit of things earlier Coordinator Sir," I started and watched as the Granbull and the Zorua perked up.

"How so?" Coordinator Cooper asked.

"Well, Eternity being a mission statement for the Committee and all," I explained and paused to take a bite of some Berries. "And all this other stuff about the most powerful Mana Artifacts powered by Gems, and Pokémon disappearing."

Coordinator Cooper finished chewing some of his food and placed an arm on the table. "Well, as you know, we have to investigate this information as covertly and carefully as possible. For your safety."

He hadn't said it, but I knew he was thinking about preventing the tragedy that Team Vanguard went through from ever happening again. It's terrifying. If we stirred the pot too much, Pokémon from all over would come after us."Yeah, so wha' are we gonna do?"

"Well, right now we have to wait," the Granbull rested his chin on his paw.

Nevada leaned toward us. "Wait, for who exactly?"

"As much as you three detest them, Yoshiko and Austin of Team Blue Heroes."

"That asshole pair of Grovyle and Charmeleon?" Glade's eyes widened and she crossed her arms.

Coordinator Cooper smiled. "Be thankful Glade," he teased. "You're not the one who has the chance of being related to them."

"Don't remind me!" Nevada groaned.

I shuddered in my seat. "Ta think that Nevada and I could share blood with those two cuz their ancestors were born here… It makes ma worried."

Jin glanced at the four of us and frowned. "Are those Pokémon that troublesome and unpleasant to be around?" the Zorua sniffed.

"Yes!" the three of us said.

Coordinator Cooper had a little grin on his muzzle as he sat upright. "Well, I have faith in them as they travel down towards the city of Saltwater Cliffs. Leader Magearna, a Legendary Pokémon that leads the Disruption Rehabilitation or whatever we called it, has a seminar in their domain near the city."

"Oh," the Charmander tapped their claws on the table. "That city is so far off and has rumors of lots of powerful Pokémon roaming around."

"Rumors?" Jin asked, and lowered his ears.

Coordinator Cooper adjusted his seat. "Yes, but it's just Leader Magearna."

"Oh, Yoshiko and Austin get to meet 'just' Leader Magearna!? The Leader Magearna!? Come on!" Nevada and I yelled.

"Calm down," the Granbull frowned. "Those two get to go to Leader Magearna's Domain and listen to their seminars, it's not a meet and greet."

"To think they'd get picked to go to the seminar on behalf of our League means I guess they can back up their Tauros-shit," the Totodile grumbled, before she shoveled some food into her maw.

"How intriguing," the Zorua beside me sighed. "I wonder what that pair of Pokémon shall uncover on their journey?"

Coordinator Cooper's ears perked up and he tilted his head toward the exit. Just as quickly he stood up from the table and held his finished plate. "We'll be able to receive almost the exact same message as them, and all Pokémon attending the seminar."

"How will that happen?" I asked, and folded my arms.

"With the technology from the Connection Orbs the Expedition Society of Pebble Creek linked. Only certain organizations have access to the signal that broadcasts Leader Magearna's seminar."

"Organizations like our League, Exploration Guilds, other Expedition Societies, and allies of the League?" Nevada offered.

"Yes. However, that doesn't mean we are going to rely entirely on them," the Granbull paused. "You and everyone here need to get stronger to aid in the Rehabilitation efforts, especially you Fangs of the Fallen."

That damn Disruption. Glade, Nevada, and I looked down at the table. I let out a sigh. "Yes Sir, we'll definitely begin training again today." The humiliation of our near defeat against the Black Clover Mercenaries and our total annihilation in battle from the Econ Bounty Hunters was fresh in my mind. The three of us weren't strong enough. But we had potential. And Jin.

We continued eating our breakfast in relative silence. Soon the doorbell rang. Even though the bell echoed the same chime as it normally did when a guest was at the gates it didn't feel like a normal summoning.

The tone of the chime felt just a bit off. Dreadful and dreary. Fear began to cloud my mind. Who was at the gate? Who wanted one of us so badly that they came out here?

"I'll get it," Coordinator Cooper stated and walked toward the exit of the dining hall.

"What do you need us to do?" Glade and I asked.

"Come with me, Team Sharp Claw."

"Understood," I replied and got out of my seat as fast as I could.

Nevada and Glade followed suit and were right beside me. "Let's go."

The Zorua formerly beside us shrank into my empty spot. "Shall I wait here or-"

The Granbull looked at him and sighed. "I think you should come as well, Jin."

"Okay," Jin padded over to us. "Only if you are certain, Coordinator Cooper Sir."

I reached down and pulled his cloak over his entire body, the rich yellow of his eyes bright against the shadows.

The five of us made our way to the sealed entrance where Chad and Diamond waited. They wordlessly gazed over us and I saw that tremble in their eyes. That Pikachu and Wartortle pair were never like this… not since the day before we found out what happened to Team Vanguard. Another Keeper must be outside. A powerful one, perhaps even unlocked.

"If I need anything I'll give a shout," the Granbull explained before he took a deep breath.He placed his badge against the receiver and the large metal door began to open, which allowed the chill of the outside air to pour inside.

A Grimmsnarl stood underneath the awning, with a black, red, and purple cloak that hid the majority of their body. That Grimmsnarl had dark grey patches on their fur. Just like Head Tiger. Shit. Underneath his cloak, Jin widened his eyes and clung his tail between his legs as he pressed against my side. Subconsciously I took a step closer to the Zorua and my heartbeat soared. The Grimmsnarl eyed everymon and smirked as Coordinator Cooper also protectively moved toward Jin. There's a familiar feeling to this Pokémon too. Like, everything is an act.

"Who do I have the pleasure of meeting with this morning?" the Granbull asked, his tail raised.

"Good morning, League Coordinator Cooper McBone," the Grimmsnarl said. "Good morning, Silver Rank Team Sharp Claw. And how could I forget a good morning to one of our wards from Hisui, Jin? I am known as Knight."

Smug son of a Ditto.

"Knight?" Coordinator Cooper repeated, his eyes narrowed.

"Knight of the Committee, Head Knight to be precise," Knight grinned. "I am he who holds that title, here for Jin."

What? I clenched my fists.

"You are here for Jin, Sir? But Head Tiger was the Pokémon who entrusted him to my League's care?" the Granbull furrowed his brows further.

No. This can't be happening!

The Grimmsnarl folded his arms. "And? You no longer have to worry about that. We have to discuss some matters back at the Committee Headquarters along with performing some very crucial tests to determine his position under our care."

That better not fucking mean testing him to turn into an Ether Gem! I grit my teeth and pulled my scarf off of my head. You can't take him away from me! Not after everything we've been through!

The Granbull stared far past the Grimmsnarl for a while and made no noise. Then he glanced over at Jin and lowered his ears. "I understand, goodbye Jin."

"Farewell Team Sharp Claw, and farewell Coordinator Cooper," the Zorua glanced at us, his ears low as well. "I am thankful to have been in your care. And Linus I am especially glad to have met you."

"I'll miss you. Bye Jin," Nevada whispered, their flame dim.

Glade patted the Zorua on the head. "Stay strong Jin, I'll miss you too."

He quickly nuzzled his head against my side and walked over to Knight. "Best wishes my boon companions. I love you, goodbye for now!~"

"No!" I yelled and held onto the Zorua. "You can't be okay with this!"

The Grimmsnarl quirked a brow at me but said nothing.

"We aren't okay with it either," Coordinator Cooper said. "It's time for him to go back."

I reached forward but the Knight stepped away from Jin. "I don't care! I need him. I need to be with him!"

The Granbull closed his eyes. "Nevada, Glade…"

Suddenly both of my arms were held back and I was yanked away from Jin. "No!" I screamed and flailed in the Totodile and Charmander's grasp. "Put me down!"

"It's for your own good Linus," the pair sighed.

The gates to the League opened once again. "Let me go! Put me down! JIN!" I cried and hollered as the two Committee Pokémon slowly left.

The Zorua didn't spare me a single glance as he and the Grimmsnarl got further and further out of my reach.

I struggled against Nevada and Glade over and over as tears poured down my face. "Don't kill him! Don't!" I screamed, my throat raw. I thrashed and begged and cried but it didn't matter. Jin was gone. My eyes slowly shut as the pair was finally out of sight, completely gone.

Arceus-dammit! They took away Jin! I don't know about the others but to me, the Zorua was such a beautiful, handsome Pokémon. One troubled by his newfound status as a Committee ward.

And that fucking thing, that so-called Head Knight of the Committee caused this to happen. He's one of the Pokémon who ruined Jin's new life. Him and all others from Hisui! And had something to do with the research that ruined all fourteen memories of Team Vanguard! One day… I will have my revenge on all of those Committee bastards!

"Linus?" a voice called out. "Linus!"

I opened my eyes and saw Coordinator Cooper and Chief McBone above me. I don't know what time it was anymore. Or where I even was. "Yes? W-where are we?"

"We are in the living room," the Granbull knelt down to my level and offered me his paw. I took and stood up.

After I blinked a bit Chief McBone began to speak. "Would you like some water?"

I gulped at the thought. "Sure, thank you." In his other paw, Coordinator Cooper held a glass of water, which I took and drank slowly.

"I'm sorry, about Jin leaving. I'm so damn powerless against the Committee," the Granbull clenched his fist and lowered his head. "I… I don't want you to get too clouded with anger and do anything rash either."

The Stoutland next to him folded her ears. "If you can manage your emotions in a healthy way for just a bit longer that would be great. I know it's hard but I don't want you trying anything with Wicked Blow."

"I understand," I replied, "if Team Vanguard was caught off guard then-"

"If they knew what they were getting into, things could have been different," Chief McBone explained as she began to walk away. "It didn't help that they were scattered across the Continent when they were attacked either. Now I'm off to go fill out some paperwork, see you all later."

"And just so you know, it wasn't just Pokémon from Wicked Blow who attacked Team Vanguard," Coordinator Cooper said. "It was Pokémon from the Committee."

"What am I supposed to do?!" I gasped. My hands trembled and my vision was blurry with rage. "How can I-"

"Don't worry yourself crazy!" Glade's voice chimed in from the back.

Nevada trailed right behind her, with a smile on their maw. "We've got some help."

"Help doing what?" I asked.

"Being ready, ready to fucking take on those shitty Econ Bounty Hunters, and ready to take on those Wicked Blow bitches!" the Totodile wrapped her arm around my shoulder.

The Charmander also came up beside me. "We could even use those Mana Artifacts for Fangs of the Fallen! Those black testing swords or maybe even the real deal, and one day with their power we could destroy that damn Committee!"

"Okay, Team Sharp Claw don't get ahead of yourselves. You should head on out to the practice field," Coordinator Cooper grinned and patted my head. "You can probably guess who's waiting out there for you. I've got to go do part of the Entrance Exam with Mienfoo and Slowbro so I'll see you in a bit."

I nodded and watched as the Granbull reached down to pick up a stack of papers and walked away. "Alrighty, let's head on out y'all. We've got shit to do."

The three of us opened the sliding glass door and entered the patio. Chilly air immediately rushed at my scales and sent a shiver down my spine. But a warm heat came from the Charmander beside me and the Sun above us.

Team Whitelight wasn't too deep within the practice field. "Morning Team Sharp Claw," Morág called when the three of us got close enough.

The Whirlipede beside her rolled forward. "I am truly sorry that you had to say goodbye to Jin, the ghostly Zorua."

"But don't worry, to take your minds off it we're going on a little trip just outside the practice field," the Pawinard tapped her blades together.

The rest of her team walked on ahead and opened the back gate with their badges. "Hurry up you guys!" the four Pokémon yelled.

"What the fuck?" I asked, as my tails lifted off the ground. "Morág, Devontay? Is this some kind of joke?!"

"No, we are going on a hike up Logos Mountain," Morág replied.

Devontay nudged me with his antenna and I flinched away from him. "Don't be so worked up, Linus."

"I can't fucking afford ta take a stupid walk like ta rest of yas!" I growled.

The Pawniard sighed. "When we reach the vantage point we'll have some mock battles to help you guys bring out some more of your power."

I crossed my arms.

"When we were dealing with tough times, Silas, and Aerith, Co-Captains of Team Blue Heroes, forced us to head out here. While infuriating at first, the new environment allowed us to better process our feelings," the Whirlipede explained.

Morág knelt down across from me and my Team. "I know I'm part steel-type but it's not too chilly up there today, and a hike is great training. It beats just wailing on those Substitutes, the altitude makes sparring incredible and can pull out all sorts of things you never knew you had inside you."

I uncrossed my arms and sighed.

"Just try it okay?" Devontay gently added. "If you want to stop, we'll take you down right away."

I glanced over at Nevada and Glade and replied, "fine."

We exited the gate and made our way toward the base of the back path. I glanced behind Glade and Nevada and saw our Pawniard and Whirlipede League mates. Morág and Devontay walked behind us while Enrique and Kairiharu led the charge. Behind the Luxio and Oshawott was Angel with Ollie perched on her head.

Logos Mountain was a public, national park that the League had special access to, thus the other Teams often cleaned up and maintained the trails once or twice a month.

The Totodile beside me kicked a couple rocks and sighed. "I didn't know how to feel about all this, but thankfully it's nice out."

"Really?" I asked.

"Don't worry Linus. This is my first time, going on a hike just to hike in a while too," the Charmander said.

I shook my head. "That's not what I meant."

It wasn't as tall as the Bristberg Mountains or the Highland, but it was just as beautiful. The mountain was covered in dark blue rock, and the peak was topped with a darker purple with streaks of black. In between it all were blue-magenta colored areas of mountain. There were all sorts of pine and coniferous trees that stood on the edge of the dirt and stone along with dried grasses.

As Morág said, it wasn't very chilly. Of course as a grass-type I'm naturally sensitive to the cold weather but today bode fair weather, well, fair for near Winter in Bristberg. I've lived up here in the Mountains for six years now and it wasn't like Hunter's Plains was that much warmer. It helped that I had both Nevada and Angel close by, their bodies always helped with this sort of stuff.

We started getting higher up on Logos Mountain and unfortunately the dirt path was replaced with a stone one, Glade and Nevada got closer to me as the trail grew narrow. On this last stretch we were also on a sharp incline going high toward the top.

As we continued further my breath clouded into the air. It felt like my vision had gotten hazy and my heartbeat roared through my ears. "Damn, it's getting harder," I groaned. I nearly slipped. "Shit!"

"Can-can we stop?" Nevada cried.

Glade coughed as she tried to catch her breath. "This mountain is no fucking joke, damn."

"You're not done yet! Are you?" Ollie hooted and flew against my side.

I pushed the air where the Rowlet was and grumbled. "It's suc' a Grevard-gone pain in ta ass for-"

Angel pointed to the end of the path. "Don't you want to get stronger?! Are you already giving up?"

"Not giving up!" I yelled and grit my teeth. "COME ON!" With one last push my teammates and I trudged up onto the vantage point.

It was a fenced off open battle court with various seating and tables along the side. An area with a breathtaking view of Hunter's Plains villages to the east and the rest of the Bristberg Mountains to the west. Once I caught a full glimpse at those majestic peaks, Glade, Nevada and I slowly collapsed against the ground. With a sigh I glanced up. I tried to stop my ragged panting and noticed Team Whitelight as they stood before us.

"Up!" Kairiharu ordered, as she swung her Razor Shell toward my face.

"Woah!" I somehow scrambled upright just in the nick of time, my limbs and body all sore from the exercise and the mountain air.

"Come on!" Ollie yelled, and lunged forward at Nevada with a Brave Bird. "Find the power you've buried inside yourselves!"

Angel barreled at Glade with a Lava Plume. "You're holding yourself back!"

The Charmander and Totodile also dodged the attacks, they barely caught their breath for a moment. "Oh y'all folks wanna fucking go?! Get 'em!" I screamed and the two chased after their targets. I pointed twice and spread my arms out before I darted toward the Oshawott with Quick Attack. "I ain't done just yet!"

She sidestepped away from my attack and slammed into me with a punch of Retaliate, the blow sent my back against the ground before I jumped away from her. "Team Sharp Claw! Feel the mana all around you! Then swap out a weaker or unnecessary move!" the Oshawott ordered as she stood primed for battle.

Anything!? Hmm, Energy Ball, Giga Drain, Dragon Breath… Maybe Quick Attack!

I grounded my feet on the Mountainside before I tasted a new, faster, and more powerful normal-type mana within me and I shot toward Kairiharu with the same force of her Retaliate but my own move: Slam.

The Oshawott smirked and swung her scalchop with a winged blade of Aerial Ace that took the brunt of my attack and once again sent me flying onto the ground in a daze. "Shit, that got me good!" I groaned. The pain was so strong and deep across my left shoulder, chest, and upper belly, I could barely stand.

"You learned- er remembered a move you hadn't used yet too Linus?" Nevada asked as they staggered upright. "I decided to try Dragon Claw, it felt awesome!"

Glade rolled off of her side and crawled over to us with a big grin. "Hehe, I hit Angel with my new and improved Aqua Tail!"

"Team Sharp Claw! You thought training was over?!" Morág yelled as she extended her blades.

The Pawniard swung her blades in a blur of white energy towards me, and before I moved the Slash struck me across the arm and threw me to the side. Oh yeah, ya think it's over?! My vision turned red and Energy Ball after Energy Ball immediately formed in my palm.

I threw them as hard as I could toward Morág, who sliced through them and yelled something at me. I didn't hear it. I just launched every attack I had, again and again. This is what I'm gonna do to those bastards in Wicked Blow and to the ones who took Jin! More! More! MORE!

A loud Metal Sound pierced my ears, which sunk me to the ground for a second and once I glanced up Devontay was right in front of me. I ran forward to Slam him but the Whirlipede didn't dodge it.

Instead I crashed into him like a brick wall and then I felt something cold and hard against my back. Now that I was still I noticed my body's protests, my lungs burned, and my head ached, my limbs were sore. When I looked at the side I noticed Morág's blades around me. "That's enough for today!" the Pawniard ordered and my legs gave out.

I glanced over to see Nevada and Glade on the ground also ran ragged and tired from our training. Enrique approached me and Angel placed me on the Luxio's back. The Totodile and Charmander waved to me as they both were picked up by some other menbers of Team Whitelight and my eyes slowly lidded shut.

I fell asleep for about 30 minutes. While the Luxio was very comfortable during our descent down Logos Mountain I eventually knew I had to get up. "We made it back to the League?" I asked, and opened my eyes.

"Yes," he answered and lowered himself onto the ground. In front of us was the patio of the League, food and drinks all on the table.

I looked back at the others and my eyes widened. "Crap, I'm sorry that I lost my temper and control of my powers on Logos Mountain. Before and during the training. I also wasn't paying attention to Glade and Nevada either so they probably went off the rails."

Enrique shook his head. "We all have had our moments, Linus, and we weren't out in public in front of civilians."

"Team Sharp Claw has always ended up behaving in unbecoming ways as a League Rescue Team haven't we?"

"You all couldn't handle your new moves powers and got careless. But it's okay, all of us in Team Whitelight expected and prepared for that," the Luxio sighed.

"Alrighty then, thanks for the ride partner," I spread my arms out and tried to get my feet on the floor.

The Quilava beside Enrique helped me down. Once on the ground I stretched my arms, and legs, before I looked around. Glade and Nevada were sitting on one of the smaller tables with Kairiharu, and Ollie. "So we are free to have lunch?"

"It seems like it," Angel said as she sat down at the much larger table.

Devontay scuttled over to me and flicked his antenna toward Morág, who stood by the sliding glass door. "Try and take it easy," the Whirlipede said before he went back to her side.

"Okay Team Sharp Claw, here are some things the Chief and Coordinator wanted you to do," the Pawniard started to speak. "After you eat, rest up. Then cook and serve dinner, and before bed clean the 2nd floor."

"Understood! Team Sharp Claw won't let them down!" I replied. Then I took my seat next to Ollie and took a good look at the table. "What are you guys gonna do?"

Enrique swished his tail as he sat down next to the Quilava. "We'll clean the 1st floor, do some errands for the Chief, contact Yoshiko and Austin, rest and the like."

I nodded and then dug into my cup of berries. We had nice Apples and egg sandwiches to go along with it. After Glade, Nevada and I cleaned up our plates we headed to our room and plopped into our beds. I don't know about the others but I was out like a light when I hit the covers.

With a groan and a stretch I rolled out of bed, then felt the dryness in my face so I went to the bathroom to freshen up and get ready for dinner. I left my Teammates and headed into the kitchen to get started. "Let's see, somemon put rice, and mixed earthy berries out, let's see what we can cook up!"

Nevada and Glade arrived as I arranged and chopped the berries and soon after about an hour we had finished making dinner: scrambled eggs packed into riced balls with mixed berries. Everymon present at the League tonight: the Chief, the Coordinator, Bernard, Anabel, Team Whitelight, Diamond, Chad, Slowbro, and Mienfoo all cleaned their plates and even got seconds or third helpings. We had success!

Once all was put up after dinner Team Sharp Claw and I got out brooms, mops, rags, dusters and various other cleaning supplies, and cleaned up the 2nd floor.

I was thankful we never had to clean inside the Team's personal rooms, but our hallway and bathrooms were dirty. Unfortunately cleaning the 2nd floor also meant cleaning the outside windows, shoveling snow and breaking icicles. We finished after many hours of back-breaking labor.

"Finallllly," Glade groaned as she opened the door to our room. "What a day, learning all that stuff about those Mana Artifacts and then uh, all the shit just worn me out."

I folded my arms before I placed my bandana and my badge down on the dresser. "Those Ether Gems especially have me worried but the good thing is that they are something that that damn Committee has to try and make on their own."

"We got stronger but I'm scared about all of the uses for the missing Mana Artifacts, especially those Gears of Mana! Almost any Pokémon out there can find one and do whatever with it!" Nevada said and slammed the door shut.

"We've gotten stronger today?" I asked.

"Yes," they replied.

"Are you sure?" I questioned. "The others in our League have found leads on where or how to find some of those fangled Mana Artifacts. But we haven't done anything."

The Totodile patted me on the back and ruffled Nevada's head. "Don't you two go and get bummed out now! Team Sharp Claw has to toughen up to fight the Econ Bounty Hunters!"

"We haven't set my older brother and sister straight yet so I'll do my best!" the Charmander grinned and patted Glade back.

She smirked and elbowed me. "Team Captain, ain't you trying to give it your all to take on Wicked Blow and the Committee?"

"Of course I am Glade!" I growled and gripped her arm.

"We may have had some setbacks but we learned some new moves! What's got you so upset, Linus?" Glade asked, her tail low and eyes wide.

"I- I just freaking hate that those bastards took away Jin and there's nothing any of us at the League can do! Not the other Teams, not Coordinator, not even the Chief!" I pushed Glade away and walked toward my bed.

The Totodile narrowed her eyes. "It's true that we can't now but we need to get stronger in general. And don't get too worried. You heard what Jin said, they know he probably can't crystallize into an Ether Gem."

"I know, I know! But still, they could try again! ANd maybe-"

Nevada dimmed the lights and gave me a forlorn look before they got in bed and closed their bedside curtains. "J-just as Glade said, despite it all let's try to think positive. Good night."

The Totodile and I exchanged good nights and shut off the lamp. I knew better to let my fears get the best of me. Especially so late at night. Shit. I had to apologize. I climbed into the covers yet again and closed my eyes, eventually after a few minutes I fell asleep.

I slept relatively well throughout the night. Just before our normal wake up time I slowly opened my eyes. With a stretch and a I sigh sat up in bed, and heard Glade and Nevada as they got up as well. In the early morning silence, with the hint of light from our window there was a knock on the door.

More knocks came back just tad louder and I groggily opened the door and saw Chief McBone in front of our room.

The Stoutland simply just looked down at me."Good morning Team Sharp Claw," she spoke in a quiet but stern voice. "I've got some things for you, would you come with me?"