Total Pokemon : Island of Power

by Primal Latios

Mesprit and Tapu Koko have received the blessing from Arceus to organize their own Total Pokemon Island show! 25 Contestant will duke it out in order to claim a most fabulous prize. Who will stand on top of them all? Stay tuned to find out! (Reupload because of a messed up chapter 1 - Sorry about that...)

13. Chapter 13: Pokenapping in the Forest

SteveZ12: Good day to y'all. I hope that your day is doing well. Over here, It's doing great. University is virtually over for now, got my deployment and overall thinks are slowly but surely getting into place. Its a grind but its doing well. SInce the last update, Pokemon has been going crazy though. We saw Ash finish his journey after 25 long years. It is a bit weird to come into terms with the end of us following his journey. Its so weird. I am almost as old as the show's tenure here in the west. Apparently the new show isn't that bad but after following the Ketchum for so many years who knows if I can move on? Anyway, I will not bother y'all with my thoughts any longer, you're here to read about the Island of Power after all. Hopefully you enjoy! Without any further ado...

Chapter 13: Pokenapping In the Forest of delusion.

What a night that was. Emotion had risen and fallen, two sisters, separated by fate, had finally found some fleeting moments of peace and solace, yet it was not to last.

What mission could Lyra be on that would make her keep her family at an arm's length? Only time would tell that tale. For now though, another had to keep going.

The morning after this sad finale, Melody was seen on the dock, conversing with Mesprit.

''Are you sure you'll be fine?'' Asked a weary Mesprit as she held Melody's hand in support.

The music Pokemon sadly smiled, sighing deeply. ''I am not sure Mes, Lyra is this close of losing me...I love her, but her way of treating me is just...unfair.''

Mesprit, who knew of course what Lyra was really feeling and why she was treating her this way fleetingly toyed in her mind with the idea of at least giving some solace of explanation to her distraught friend. However, she knew that she couldn't, so she instead just soothingly rubbed her back, sending some comforting warmth her way.

''I'm sure that everything will turn out okay in the end. Have faith and trust her. '' She encouraged her small framed friend who nodded gently before flying off.

Mesprit watched Meloetta leave and shed a small tear.

''I truly hope for her sake that Lyra handles this quickly. The love of a sister is sacred and deep. It shouldn't be jeopardized by anything...'' She said as she floated back to her quarters, preparing the day.

Later in the morning, as the teams were slowly but surely moving awake, Both Sneasel and Monferno received black letters with a Koko and Victini emblem respectively. Both leader smiled in anticipation. It seemed that now was the time for judgement.

Sneasel immediately went back into the shack and personally woke up the last few guys that were still under morpheus's spell so they would go to the designated area. Knowing how cranky the sharp claw Pokemon had been lately, nobody dared talk back and obediently and stealthily made their way to the rendevous point.

In Monferno's case, he almost wanted to scream his teammates awake, how he was so used to do. However, the eager chimp Pokemon remembered the hidden caractheristic of the mission they had been given. In that case he slowly got up and as he turned to get to the shack, an overeager ghost bunny almost tackled him to the ground.

''You look like someone who is having fun. Let me onto it darling...'' Said Lopunny? cheerily as she planted a kiss on his cream colored cheeks.

The fighting/Fire type blushed. ''Really claws? You almost scared me to death.'' He moaned sheepishly. At the same time, he stealthily hid the letter in his neckfur, then returned the kiss on Lopunny's? forehead, making the ghost type purr.

''There is nothing going on, but I gotta go somewhere. Don't worry, it's not training with the ferret.'' He reassured his girlfriend.

Lopunny's mood slightly dampened at the mention of the fighting type master she was slowly but surely hating for the influence she had over her ''darling'' but she knew that she wasn't strong enough to take her on just yet...and Monferno seemed to love her still with full support, so it couldn't be that bad. However...

''In time...i'll reap her soul out of her body and feed it to some minion who will happily eat it for me...'' She whispered darkly, dark shadow claws appearing spontaneously on her paws.

Monferno only felt a chill as he embraced his girlfriend. ''What did you say Sweetheart?'' He asked softly.

Lopunny? thanked all the Gods that Monferno hadn't heard what she had whispered. ''Nothing love. Go do whatever you want to do. I'll be waiting.'' She said lovingly with a nuzzle atop her monkey head boyfriend.

Monferno sighed in relief before pecking her lips and jumping toward the shack. Minute later, all the guys from the Zamazentas scattered in the forest by all means. Doors, windows, the back door. It was a full on scatter.

Lopunny? watched this with amusement. Whatever they were leaving for must had been quite important.

000

Lopunny? was lazily laying on the couch in the confessional, watching her paws before looking at the camera.
''Have I realized that the boys were going out at random intervals during the past few weeks? Yes. But i decided not to pry. If darling have things to do, i shouldn't push him too much as long as he isn't cheating. He is far too pure to lie to me anyway, i'd see it right away. Ohh..what have I done to deserve someone like him...'' she said dreamily before a retching sound was heard in her mind. ''Goodness gracious, we are a Gengar, not a Lopunny. You should be scheming plots and creating chaos, not fawning over a monkey...'' Said a voice in her head, visibly not happy with Lopunny's? use of her time.''

Lopunny sticked her tongue out before the camera turned static...

000

When the guy gathered all around Tapu Koko, the electric guardian nodded to nobody in particular. In a flash, they were on their training Island, with both team behind team leaders.

Tapu Koko looked over them proudly, like a general would do his troops after victory.

Well gentleman, with this I declare Operation Emuritto Miroir over. I am glad that somehow you were able to carry out your missions with no problem whatsoever. Somehow, not a peep was raised by anyone about it, which I honestly did not expect. But you have carried your missions out admirably. Sadly, Victini is embroiled in some trouble of his own, so he couldn't continue acting as Leader for this operation. But I am sure that he would be proud of you guys too.

Sneasel especially grinned. It felt good to be praised for a job well done. Especially after all that he had been going through recently that affected his self esteem.

Bidoof however, couldn't not help but barb at Koko. It had been far too long since he had done so. ''Or he coudln't handle being joined at the hip with a youngster like you and fled. You can tell us the truth rooster. After all, he is the victory Pokemon, and you're some chump...'' He casually said, causing some of the guys to snicker.

Tapu Koko however surprisingly took it without even flinching, giving him such a bored look that Bidoof was actually shook by it. He then carried on like Bidoof did not even exist at all.

''Now I will appraise the pictures that you have gathered. Both Leader step forward. Show me what you've got.'' He instructed as both Sneasel and Monferno stepped forward.

Wordlessly, the Tapu examined the pictures. Very quickly, a faint blush appeared on his face. He had to admit that they had done a pretty good job...and honestly, if his heart wasn't fluttering for someone else already, he might had fallen for the subject of those pictures all over again.

The boys were muttering as a goofy smile appeared on Tapu Koko's face.

''Don't you think he's enjoying the pictures a little too much?'' Asked Croagunk, a bit off putted at Koko's behavior.

''Hell, I hope he is appreciative. Getting those were not easy by any means...'' Said the Falinks leader, with his five phalanx aggreeing.

''You tell me. We almost got caught more than a few times...'' Said Bidoof as he watched both leader looking at the pictures with Koko with a mix of wonder, jealousy and admiration.

''I had no idea that Mesprit could look this good, to be honest...'' Said Monferno with a small blush on his face.

''How juvenile. Of course you would be affected by somethings as fleeting as looks...'' Sneasel said haughtily.

Monferno didn't even flinch. ''Don't give me that crap you aristocrat. I've seen you ogle her when she dresses up. No man would be able to resist that and I have a hot girlfriend still.'' He said , with most of the guys aggreing.

The dark type shrugged. ''You sure aren't afraid to admit that other females are pretty while being in a relationship, heh monkey?''

Monferno grinned with all canines out. ''Not at all. I love her, she loves me and she knows me. Besides, its not like everyting but her has no beauty. My feelings for her aren't shallow enough that they could be swayed by looking at pretty legendaries anyway.'' He replied as he resumed his watch of the pictures, leaving Sneasel perplexed.

000

Sneasel had a dubitative look on his face in the confessional. ''The monkey being capable of a mature response? What in Arceus's name is happening here?''

000

The appraisal continued for around half an hour, after which Tapu Koko nodded happily.

''It is a job well done, both teams. From what I am seeing, your pictures tally are about equal in quality. I do not believe that one team outdid the other in that regard. Regardless, keep it on the down low. In games such like this, there isn't supposed to be any reward given. But I feel like in this case, everyone has worked good and since the operation has gone without a hitch, I am willing to be generous. Here's a bag for everyone of you. Look at its content, then I will stealth ship it to your adresses, including the boys that had been eliminated. Its been a pleasure to work with the both of you boys.'' He said as he made bags appear in the paws and limbs of everyone.

The boys looked at the content and it was several rare diamonds and gold bars. The diamond seemed as valuable as true eternal diamonds made by Diancies. It would seel for a pretty penny as well. The Gold bars were just insurance at proper funds once the game would be over. The guys smiled at this bounty.

''I am kind of angry at not winning, but I cannot say that this is not nice.'' Said Sneasel as he closed his bag. The bag subsequently vanished from his hand.

''The family back home will enjoy this a lot. I am glad and grateful for this Koko.'' Said Monferno as the bag vanished from his hands.

Metang couldn't smile, but even Bidoof could see that he was pleased. ''This amount of bounty could have me quitting the show, however, I have a 60% chance to win, currently. It would be a pity to waste such good odds.'' He said amusedly

''I cannot say you're wrong. Beside, the skillset we acquired for this mission aren't lost at all.'' Said bidoof as another plan sprouted in his mind. Spying on pretty girls had been a thrill he couldn't say didn't attract him at all.

Falinks nodded. ''This was good. Getting paid means that we did our job. I don't mind not winning, because this money also means that we haven't lost either.'' He rationalized as the bag in his hoplites' hand went poof.

Wartortle just twirled the cashbag around his fingers. ''You don't find bounty like this lying around. You sure that you aren't involved in some ''activity?'' Asked Wartortle. a mean, wild glint in his eyes, cackling.

''I am a guardian, Wartortle. I don't need to be a sewer rat to make money.'' He retorted condescendingly to Wartortle, who couldn't help but appreciate the edge.

Croagunk chuckled, vibing. ''Eh. Ruffians and Man will always need little to satisfy them. Some money, some booze, some girl. And when they ready to settle in, a combinasion of these three. You'd see it everywhere if it was that easy. But such are we, Pokemon competing for a wish for someone else's industry.'' He rapped as the bag of riches dissapeared from his hands.

Tapu Koko clapped his hands and the rest of the bags also dissapeared. ''Alright gentlemens. The sub game is over and time for the challenge is looming. Let's get back to the Island now.'' He said.

Everyone nodded and closed their eyes, knowing what was coming.

A flash later, and they were gone. Upon their departures, Interns started dismantling the camp and everything. Within an hour, nothing was left of their mission equipment.

000

*BOOM*

A Large rock on the sandy dunes exploded in a rain of tiny fragments.

*BLASSST*

A plume of sand was raised, with a small trench being dug by the violence of the attack.

''Huff huff huff...'' Was a voice panting before its carrier collapsed in the sand. The Pokemon stared at the sky for a while as she was recovering from her intense morning training session.

She had been restless lately, and while she could feel herself becoming stronger, she couldn't help but growl in frustration as her mind constantly went back to a certain blue Jackal.

She wanted to honor his words, she wanted to be strong. She was also very worried about him...for some unfathomable reason. Where was he now? WHat was he doing? How was he doing? When would be the next time she see him again.

''Arrrgh! This is so silly. This is a game. He might be coming from the other side of the world...Why do I even bother...I might never see him again... Hurrr...I..''

''I...''

''I don't like this...'' she growled softly, feeling wistful before growling, pushing herself up and resuming her training.

000

Fraxure stared at the Confessional camera. ''I just hope I can see him again...to show him how strong I've gotten...''

000

Back in her shack, a certain yellow snail/snake thing was staring at her Victory Charm in worry. The little artifact was not emitting any sort of warmth anymore. It was just like another little trinket of little value. It was the worrying thing actually. She had completely embarrassed herself during the last challenge. If it wasn't for Yamask's poorer performance, she could have been the one going out that night. Looking at her trinket, she sighed. It was rough. She couldn't be saved by anything anymore. She had been carried by this power for too long.

''Now...it's...my turn. Even if this is useless now...I need to push forward.'' She said as she reminded herself of her conversation with Ho-oH a few weeks before.

Proudly putting the necklace back on, she looked fierce.

''I will make you guys proud, Magikarp, Victini.''

000

Nothing much else happened during the day. So thus the night came, and with it, a particular good night. Everyone went to sleep, which was exactly what some Pokemon were waiting for.

A black clad Pokemon talked in a walkie-Talkie. Arceus knew how much he loved doing stuff like this.

''All Pokemon are currently nice and asleep, Over.'' said the Pokemon.

''Perfect! Proceed with the plan ''Sleeping Beauty'' Act 1.'' Replied a feminine voice.

''You're up, crescent!'' Said another voice over at the Walkie Talkie.

''Uggh! I can't believe i am participating in one of these shows again. You're lucky it's because of HER. I wouldn't touch these with a 10 foot pole.'' Said a haughty feminine voice.

The Black clad figure chuckled. ''Like you're touching the new guy? We heard of your escapade a few times you know?'' He replied in the walkie-Talkie, making said ''crescent'' blush bright red.

''You Idiot, don't mention that when I am working. What kind of influence will I have on them if you put that in my mind?'' She chided them as a pink mist started to permeate the area. Soon after, deep snores could be heard coming from both shacks.

''Not my problem tbh. If anything, they should be grateful to me for giving them good dreams!'' Said the black clad figure as the agent finished up.

Still horribly blushing, ''Crescent'' vanished. ''Part one is done. Moving to Part two. You are up, ''Snap''

'Snap' Sighed. ''The things I do for her...'' He said as he and some interns and went inside the shacks with the stealth of a ghost type ninja. In the matter of a few minutes, three targets from each shacks had been secured in boxes, their deep sleep not even being a little disturbed. Whatever 'Crescent' had done, she was good at what she did.
That sedation was something to behold.

Once they were done, 'Snap' took his walkie Talkie. ''Part two is completed. Transport them to Location X. You younguns are up. 'Jet', 'Piros'!''

'Jet' giggled. ''Black Clad was right. It is pretty fun. We should do this more often actually.'' She said as she got a box with her targets.

''I swear, did coming her liberate your spirit? You feel so much more open and playful now..'' Said 'Piros' as he loaded his own box onto his back.

''Oh Hush. I was always like this. Its only that this Island gave me the opportunity to be myself even more. We are not chased anymore so I want to enjoy life. And Enjoying life is all about those fun little missions or annoying cutes rooster totems.'' She said as she made a loop in the air.

''What do you mean, cute little rooster totems?'' Asked the now confused Piros.

''It's a secret...'' Replied childishly ''Jet'' as she left in a flash.

Seemingly aggravated, ''Piros'' left after her, flying in her direction.

The black clad figure blushed heavily hearing 'Jet' talk. But he shook his head quickly before reporting. The mission had been successful. '' Black to 'Matron'. The Operation is a success.''

The answer wasn't long to be heard.

''As usual, black. A job well done.'' She said quickly as everyone retreated. The Morning would be interesting for sure.

'Matron' quickly left the area where she was and reached a forest clearing. The forest was as beautiful as it was eerie. As she reached the clearing of said forest, she looked up. If the scheduled route was respected. They would arrive in around 10 minutes. In front of her, two Pokemon were kneeling in respect. Matron let a small smile dance on her feature. It felt nice to be appreciated. So she allowed them for a small while before speaking to them. Please rise, my fellow Pokemon. After all, it is I, who comes before you with a request of help, Gallant and Rapunzel.''

Both Pokemon blinked at their codenames. But Matron flashed them a luminous smile, and they relented, accepting.

Right on cue, 'Jet' and 'Piros' arrived a few instants later with their special ''Package.''

Gallant's eyes widened. ''I've heard of those species, but I never knew they existed for real. What an honor to be blessed enough to see that the legends were true after all.

''...'' Rapunzel barely emitted a whisper. But her eyes said everything she needed to convey and Mesprit understood.

''Yes Rapunzel. You will be recompensed handsomely for this mission, and you will you, Gallant. Jet, you will go with her. Piros, you will go with Gallant. Gallant, Rapunzel. Your job will be to be their jailor. You have to defend them and prevent their retrieval.'' She said as both Pokemon nodded.

''Your will shalt be done!'' Said Gallant, extending his elbow and putting a hand on his chest, closing his eyes and bowing deeply in front of the figure.

'Rapunzel' nodded wordlessly as Jet and her left for a spot deeper in the forest. Gallant followed soon after, picking another route with Piros.

''I am counting on you...'' She said telepathically to both Pokemon pairs as they disappeared in between the trees.

000

In the morning, Sneasel woke up, which was odd as he seldomly slept anymore. However, last night, he had slept like a baby Teddiursa. This was in itself pretty concerning.

As such, he went and verified his shack.

''This sleeping quality in such tense filled times? There is no way that it's natural...'' Said the small dark type as he looked through his window.

As he had predicted, the sun was already well up. For someone like him, who was also an early bird, this was proof that something was in the works. His mind immediately went on overdrive as he started personally waking up his teammates.

Something very apparent was found...

They were missing members. Three to be exact. He looked for them, helped by the rest of the awake members of the Zacians.

They looked them everywhere for them yet nothing could to be found.

"Just where are they?" Wartortle asked, shaking his head in worry.

"Perhaps the monkey is behind this. I wouldn't put it past him since we won the last challenge. I'll gut him alive if that is the case.." Said Sneasel darkly.

"And care to tell us why and how would the monkey do such a thing? Don't be ridiculous!" Said Fraxure lying against the shack's wall.

Sneasel shot her a dark look, which she arrogantly shot back, her tail twitching aggresively.

''You have been spouting the most ridiculous nonsense since Riolu got eliminated! This is actually getting on my nerves. Maybe I should Dragon Rush you into the wall a few times, getting you back on track...'' She said as she shot him a narrowed eyes glare.

Before Sneasel could retort, Croagunk decided to diffuse the tension. ''That is enough, Dragon Lady, Dark Chief. This won't help us in any way. Besides, I share Fraxure's sentiment. I think something else happened." Agreed Croagunk as he sat on the ground, a hand under his chin.

''Then what we do by golly?'' Asked Bidoof, still looking like he could use a few more hours of sleep.

Metang chimed in. ''There is a 97% chance that we figure out what is going on by going to the hall.

Fraxure then cracked her knuckles and got off the wall. ''In that case, let's stop wasting any more time and let's go to the hall. Besides, I am hungry.'' She said.

Sentiment shared by the others visibly, as even the grumpy Sneasel didn't add anything before he jumped of the shack and led his teammates to the Hall.

To their surprise, as they arrived to the hall, The Zamazentas were already there. Immediately, upon laying eyes on Monferno, Sneasel growled dangerously and beelined for him, a dark look on his face, grabbed his shoulders shaking him violently.

"What did you do with my teammates huh?! Is this some kind of joke?! Out with it!" He 'asked', shaking him violently.

''Huhh...Hello?'' replied a shellshocked Monferno, taken completely by surprise and making Fraxure facepalm.

''Did he not listen to me earlier?'' She asked angrily.

''Pretty sure he did not...'' Replied Bidoof.

Sneasel kept shaking Monferno for a little while, asking about his missing teammates over and over until two arms harshly pulled him away from a barely aware Monferno, launching him to the ground with surprising force.

Sneasel landed on the ground hard, even making a few bounces as he impacted the ground. When he looked up, he was greeted with the seething face of a Gengar/Loppuny morph.

"Don't you dare touch him you bastard!" She shouted. "We are in the same shoes. We also have missing members!" She explained as Monferno slowly gained his wits back.

"Yeah... So you have missing members as well. I hope they are okay.."Lapras said in worry.

"Uggh this is boring. Why should we car? Let's deal with it so I can go back to bed.." Yawned Sandile.

"Shut Up! You have some nerve speaking up after what you did!" Shouted the Falinks leader to Sandile who simply just shrugged, visibly uncaring and unphased.

In complete dichotomy with the overall weary mood, a pair of joyful voices made themselves heard in the hall, echoing like a dissonant choir amidst all the bickering.

"Good morning campers!"

Tapu Koko and Mesprit appeared in front of the teams with a knowing smile. Between them, two small boxes were on the ground.

"Hey, where you took our friends?!" Asked Fraxure, her foot stomping on the ground aggresively.

A few Pokemon could have tought the following. ''A lot of assumptions here...Friends?''

"It's up to you to figure it out." Said Mesprit, giving her her most luminous, playful smile.

"So..it is a challenge then." Said Lapras in relief. ''I was afraid that something bad had happened to them...'' She said softly.

Roserade smiled. ''You truly are far too kind and caring for these kind of games...'' She commented softly.

Lapras looked away. ''So are you...'' she replied as Roserade smiled lightly.

The hosts carried on however.

''First things first. All of you, close your eyes. Trust me, you'd rather not have your eyes open for a couple of seconds...'' Said Koko Cryptically.

''Why the hec...''Started Sneasel before a brilliant flash erupted from the host, blinding everyone who hadn't closed their eyes.

When they finally could open their eyes, they couldn't decipher their surroundings. It was dusky, murky but there was pretty colors everywhere. The trees were so tall that the canopy allowed very little light to reach the ground. The contestant were hit by a blast of forest scents.

''I don't think i'll ever get used to sudden teleportation...'' moaned Monferno as Loppuny tenderly rubbed his shoulders...

As they looked around, Croagunk asked for the obvious question.

''Where are we anyway? This dosen't look like the Island where we have our lay...'' he commented.

''Bruh. That is what we call an understatement...'' Replied Wartortle.

Mesprit smiled. ''Welcome to Glimmwood Forest. One of the 10 wonders of the Pokemon World.''

Lapras chimed in. ''So this is the location of the next challenge then?'' She asked wearily.

"Indeed sweetie. You have 3 hours to find your team members. The one who find theirs first is going to win." Said Koko.

"But, how we do that? This forest looks huge. It's like, 4-5 times the size of Pinwheel forest..." Asked Wartortle curiously.

''It is 4.3 times exactly larger exactly. However, your question is 100% warranted. How can we win this challenge within parameters?'' Asked Metang.

Mesprit smiled as she floated toward the boxes, gently putting her hands in them. "With these little ones of course. They are going to lead you to your team members!

However, You have to be careful or else they will refuse to help you and obviously, without their help you will lose."

"Monferno, Sneasel, come forward and pick a box. They will decide your destiny" Said Koko.

They did as they were told. Both of them picked up a box then went back to their fellow teammates.

"Alright little ones, come out!" Mesprit annouonced and suddenly both boxes started moving ,then broke into pieces revealing...

...

...

two small pokemon!

One of them was a Ralts, who was now cradled in Sneasel's arms, meanwhile there was a Hatenna in Monferno's. Both pokemon looked up at them curiously, wearily.

"A Ralts and a Hatenna? Seriously? How the hell will they be of any use?" Sandile asked dissapointingly and doubtifully.

Mesprit's explanation didn't made itself wait.

"They, just like me, share the ability to feel and read emotions. With this ability you two will find your teammates no time." Said Mesprit as she looked at the two small pokemon.

"Alright, this will be fun!" Cried Monferno with pure energy. ''Let's have a cool partnership, Hatenna!'' He said with a warm smile.

The monkey had wanted to be inviting however, the sudden burst of emotion made Hatenna to jump out of Monferno's arms and hide behind Lapras. Monferno confusedly turned to Mesprit what he did wrong.

Similar happened with Sneasel too. As soon as Ralts looked at him, plunging his red eyes in to Sneasel's ruby eyes, his face twisted and then ran away hiding behind Fraxure, looking terrifyed by him.

Mesprit sighed. "As I said, you two have to be careful how to treat both pokemon. Hatenna is very sensitive to strong emotions which make her tired if she is exposed to them for too long. Ralts in the other hand afraid of negative emotions. Since you litterally acts the same as a bottomless pit of dark emotions lately, Ralts would be terrified of you. You should try to simmer down a little, if you want to win that is...Both of them prefer to run away from these things. SO, if you can't treat them well, they might never help you." She explained tactfully.

"I see.." Said Monferno in thoughts. Taking a couple of deep breath to calm himself, as he was taught by a certain ferret, he allowed himself to calm down before he looked down at Hatenna, who was still behind Lapras. He walked toward her slowly and knelt in front of her, gently stroking her headfin.

Sneasel on the other hand looked down at the shaking Ralts, snarling. ''I am not going to stand here and let my character being layed on. This is a challenge, not a prosecution. ''Let's go team! We don't have time for this.'' He said as he picked up ralts and without any more words exchanged picked a trail to follow.

Exasperated, his teammates followed. Mesprit watched him leave with pity in her eyes. Sneasel was really going to selfdestruct if that kept on going. This wasn't it.

Back with Monferno, the Zamazenta leader spoke up." I am sorry I scared you. I am just excited that is all. I will try not to do that again."

Hatenna came out from behind Lapras and smiled. "It's okay...I know you did not meant any harm." she said in a cute voice that made Lapras and Roserade melt in motherly instincts.

"Hatenna, can you help us find our teammates before Zacians find theirs first?" Lapras asked the small psychic type.

The diminutive psychic type nodded before she jumped on Monferno's head. "But first, tell me everything about them...or rather think of them! This way I can find them easily." She said enthousiastically

"But how?" Monferno asked in confusion. Hatenna looked down with a smile. "Just think about them and I will do the rest."

"Alright." Monferno nodded before he closed his eyes and did what Hatenna told him to do. He calmed his breathing, relaxed and tried to still his thoughts before imagining his three remaining missing teammates.

Gengar watched this with interest. This would be a prime occasion for mischief. Howeve,r Lopunny's held her back immediately.

''Absolutely not! You are not disrupting his focus right now...'' She said interiorly, slapping the ghost type across the face in her mind.

''Seriously...!'' Said the other spirit with indignation. '' It is a skill he learned from someone you hate! What is wrong with disrupting it?'' Asked the Gengar.

''I don't like it anymore than you do...but I have to admit that he's become even more dependable and handsome since he started training with that ferret. So as long as she understand that he's mine...I won't mind!!'' She explained as she resumed her contemplation of the monkey.

''By Giratina... Lopunnies in love...'' She said with a look of disgust on her face.

A few minutes later Hatenna jumped. "Super! Now I have the full picture!" She cried before jumped out of Monferno's arms and started swaying her antenna left and right in focus.

Suddenly, her face lit up like she had picked up something because she happily started moving somewhere while waving others to follow.

Zamazentas looked at each other with a knowing smile, before they quickly run to catch up on Hatenna. They would find their friend soon, it seemed.

000

Roserade cooed in the confessional. ''That little Hatenna reminds me of my budew little sisters. She's so cute...oh my Arceus...!''

000

Meanwhile at the Zacian team, Ralts desperately tried to focus on his task as much as he could. However, this was extremely hard because he could feel Sneasel's dark gaze onto him. It terrified him. It felt as if he had a blade under his neck at all times.

But he did not said anything. It was not just punishment for not leading them quickly to their teammates that he feared the most...

It was his very life that he felt could be taken from him if he didn't comply quickly and efficiently.

The dark type's teammates too seemed on edge, affected by they were by their leader's mood.

"Are we there yet?" Wartortle asked for the third time in a row now.

"We aren't. If you don't stop asking, i'll rip out your tongue for you." Replied Sneasel looking darkly at the turtle.

Suddenly Ralts stopped and started looking left and right with a puzzled expression on his face. Noticing this, Sneasel picked up him the scruff of his neck and burried his gaze into the tiny psychic/fairy type.

"Why have you stopped?! Can't you feel them?!" He asked coldly. His voice was so calm that it was nightmarish for the sensible psychic types. With Sneasel's grip, he could actually feel how sharp his claw was and how dark is aura was. He knew that anything short of the truth would mean his absolute end. So truth he chose.

"No...no..I am just, trying to focus...Sometimes I feel them, sometimes I don't. Plus the emotions of the other Pokemon get in the way...so it's...I..I

I need to stop time to time to make sure I am on the right track.." Ralts said nervously, finding it difficult not to teleport out of harms way with how several degrees colder the air around Sneasel was becoming as he narrowed his eyes more and more.

"I see..Is this true for any Ralts or only you have this problem?" He asked further

"Um..I don't know. I am new to this thing." He nervously replied, smiling a little before almost pissing his pants at the look of absolute malice he received from the sharp claw Pokemon.

"Don't play with me kid. I am not in the mood for that and I am sure you know that too.." He said quetly. Too quietly. His intense emotions were saying a whole other story to the small kid. Something along the lines of...''I am this close of cracking your pitiful green skull open if you don't do your damned job. Make it snappy!''

"I...I don't do that sir. Just let me care of it, and I will lead you there as soon as possible." He said, desesperately wanting to be anywhere but here right now.

"Good." Said Sneasel calmly enough. But his tone wasn't fooling anyone. They were in fact just relieved that Sneasel hadn't crossed a line by attacking an innocent child.

With this, he let go of Ralts's neck who landed on the ground holding his neck before he stood up and started walking forward focusing on the lost Zacians's emotions.

The quicker he found them, the quicker he will get freed from this psychopaths's grasp.

000

Back with the Zamazentas, Hatenna happily lead the way while humming a song. It was cute to see her walking on those tiny legs. Monferno was tempted to pick her up and place her on his head but he refrained, thinking on how cute it would be when he would be raising little Chimchars... and maybe some Bunearies or Gastlys as well. Shaking his head, he focused back on the little Hatenna. After all, they were on a challenge right now.

"Say little one, we are almost there?" Monferno asked as they walked though more glowing forest and rock canopes.

"I wouldn't say almost, but we are getting closer for sure." Hatenna said earnestfully.

"The bosses of the show knows how to hide people I'll give them that." Said falinks's leader. "But that won't stop us from complete the mission. No matter how small or big it is." He said confidently, with the others agreeing

" I just hope they are okay. They must be scared or disoriented." Lapras said in worry.

"Whatever...can't we stop? I am so tried.." Said Sandile as he was walking slowly behind the them.

"Oh shut up! We can't waste any time or those blasted Zacians will find their lost member first." Lopunny? yelled at him harshly.

"Who asked you, monkey screwer? Shut your gas-made Lopunny undead rear up!" Grumbled Sandile.

"Oi! You better watch your tone when talking to her. Besides, she is right. We have no time to spare" Monferno shouted boomingly, his tail fire growing in size to show his displeasure. That crocodile was really starting to grind his nerves bit by bit.

The team members kept arguing among themselves for a while and didn't noticed how Hatenna started to get more and more tired.

She turned around, wanting to ask them to stop, but nothing came out as a veil of darkness fell upon her and it was over.

Lapras was the first who noticed her. "Oh no..she fainted! What have we done..." She said desperately as she picked up the fainted Hatenna with her fins, reminding herself of the words Mesprit had said about how Hattenas were sensible to strong emotions.

Monferno's tail flame immediately shrunk, he felt very ashamed now.

"I'm do dumb...I had forgotten about that. Dammit..what are we supposed to do now?" Monferno asked nervously.

"I guess. we have to wait until she wake up.." Lapras said back, slightly glaring at him, which made Monferno look down in shame.

"Right...we can't find the others without her after all." Nodded Monferno sadly. He did not wanted to lose again but the chance for it was high now...and it was his own fault.

"Finally!" Said Sandile lying down ignoring the angry glances that his outburst drew. He was out like a light within seconds.

Seeing the sleeping Sandile, Gengar got an idea. As Monferno and lapras took care of Hatenna, she decided to play with Sandile's dreams a bit.

Let's just say that Sandile did not appreciate his sleep at all, as Lopunny decided to let Gengar have full reign. Quickly Sandile's face scrunched in extreme discomfort, but nobody remarked nor cared.

Sandile was getting his just desserts.

000

Gengar licked her lips in the confessional. ''Delicious nightmares he's got. I could make him go completely crazy, but he won't be sticking around long enough for me to enjoy his fear and suffering, so rather finish eating them up now!'' She said evilly as her grin made the lens freeze.

000

On the Zacian side, things were about to get much more interesting as they kept walking until they stopped in front of a huge rocky cliff like encampment in the forest. There,

"It's a dead end.." Said Croagunk head scratching.

"I don't understand... They are here. I can feel them!" Ralts said, his voice shaking with fear, afraid of what Sneasel would do to him if he faltered.

Luckily for him, Sneasel's sharpened senses were on high alert. For a while, he had felt like they were being watched, but had kept quiet in order not to disrupt his focus. He didn't believe that any of his teammates could be effective sentinels anyway. Now the feeling was unbearable and, being a Pokemon used to ambush others, knew that his gut feeling wasn't for nothing. It was salutary, as...

...

Suddenly he jumped forward and pushed Wartortle out of the way without warning. Before the Turtle Pokemon had any time to protest, a huge gash had appeared on the ground, scaring the turtle shitless. Another gash appeared on the ground, making everyone in the team look around in fear. They could vaguely see a shadow move, but it was so fast that they couldn't lock on on it. Indeed, The figure was so speedy that it was almost invisible.

"What the heck was this?" Wartortle asked shakily as he barely got on his feet.

''I got no Idea, could be anything in this wretched place, my brotha'' Said Croagunk.

It was then that they heard a booming voice. Sharp, to the point, commanding.

"No one shall go any further! Turn around and leave now!" Commanded a male voice standing atop a thick tree branch.

As everyone looked up at the voice's direction, they gasped to see a regally dressed Gallade staring down at them critically. He exuded confidence and power. A strange, multicolored aura radiating from him.

''That looks like a Gallade...'' Pointed out Bidoof.

Metang was the one that gave them the key however. ''Indeed, it is a Gallade. But judging by that Aura and those garments he has, there is a 99.5% chance that he is currently in his mega form. He will need to be dealt with with caution.'' He said eerily as Bidoof gasped, not wanting to be on the receiving end of yet another beatdown.

However, Sneasel didn't seem a little bit phased. He even seemed...eager?

"We will see about that.." Said Sneasel as he sharpened his claws, showing his readiness to fight. He would be victorious. Nothing would stop him from realizing his mission, not even Arceus herself.

''Everyone, prepare for combat. We will smite him quickly and rescue our comrades!'' He shouted as he jumped toward the Gallade, his claws covered in purple energy.

Everyone took on battle stances as the small little ralts quietly went on and sat atop a tree hump, putting his tiny hands under his chin.

"Daddy is half fighting type. I hope he kick that psyhopath's butt." He said to himself quietly.

000

Wartortle was staring wide eyed in the confessional. ''For all the shit he put us through, that ferret really means what he says about not wanting to lose or lose a comrade. I might have misjudged him greatly...''

000

''Nnngggh...''

Immediately, Lapras was all over the tiny psychic type, who had been resting atop her shell for the past two hours. She had watched the small psychic like a hawk for the past 2 hours, even occasionnaly drizzling her tiny face with refreshing cooled water to keep her comfortable. During that time, the team had set camp in a small clearing, engaging in quiet chitchat. They had the time to eat and rest a little, the general atmosphere being far more convivial than with the Zacians.

''Are you okay little one? Do you need more time to rest?'' Asked a weary Lapras, her maternal instincts in full force.

The small hattena shook her head. ''No, I am okay now. Thank you kind lady.'' She said happily as she settled on her head.

Monferno, seeing this, got up and stretched, making his girlfriend stare a little. ''Alright, now that this is settled, let's be on our way. Who knows how much time we have left to find our friends after this break.'' He said quietly and with big efforts to limit his emotional output, which Hattena appreciated.

With his team approving, the crew started to walk toward their objective, guided by Hattena once more.

The team was relatively refreshed, despite the delay, however...

Sandile was not particularily in what one could call ''Good Shape'' . The lack of sleep and the lingering fear he had felt in the past 2 hours made his mood be frankly excecrable. Haunter was grinning and gobbling it up, litterally, as she was eager to see how badly the sand croc would fuck it up in such a state.

As they kept walking, they entered a darker part of the forest. Somehow, it looked even prettier. The tall trees were blocking the sunlight in such a way that it created a vague, dusk atmosphere. It was almost as if they were at night when in reality they were in the afternoon.

One little pokemon didn't seem bothered by the scenery however. She seemed actually pretty happy to show this rowdy, but kindhearted bunch around her home.

Indeed, Hatenna showed them how to make the path visible by jumping on the big mushrooms one by one. As they touched them, the mushrooms started glowing in a beautiful blue, green and pink color, brightening the area.

"Welcome to Glimwood Grove. We are in a deeper part of the forest now, Glimmwood forest. In this area of the forest, Many fairy types like me live here." Said Hatenna with a smile.

"It is indeed a magical and omnious place for sure." Agreed Monferno as he looked looking around, his fur relatively on edge.

''Calm down love. You are a fire type predominantly. They can't hurt you. Beside, I am a poison / Ghost or a Ghost/Normal type depending on the form I take. They won't lay a finger on you if I don't allow it...'' Said Lopunny? as she layed a soft kiss atop Monferno's head, making most of the team giggle.

''Friendly reminder that this is a challenge, not a date you two!'' Said the falinks Leader, making all of them laugh.

Monferno blushed and looked away, quickly returning the kiss before pensively looking around.

A feeling that he had learned to live with well since he had started training with that borderline maniac of a trainer had been installing itself ever since they had made it to this part of the forest. A feeling like they were being watched. Monferno's ears twitched. He didn't want to worry his team and his girlfriend, so he remained alert but silent.

000

Monferno was watching in the confessional. ''I don't like this. Something is fishy in that forest.''

000

Gengar was smiling in the confessional. ''I also feel his anxiety. Monferno's worried about something. I won't press him, yet. But nobody will hurt him as long as I am here.'' She vowed with a malovelent look on her face. Inside her, her Gengar side smiled.

''I've finally found the angle where I can have her act like her true self...This will be interesting...''

000

Back in with the Zamazentas though, one pokemon in particular was not pleased with that revelation.

"Fairies?! dammit...As if I didn't have enough problems already" Said Sandile, shivering in worry.

"What's wrong? Are you afraid of some tiny, cute and adorable fairies?" Hunter taunted him with a laugh.

"Cute?! Tiny?! You never seen any fairy types then. They are mean and cruel. They also like to mess with you too. They look innocent but they will reap your life off faster than the fangs of my evolution line...their appearances are deceptive..." Said Sandile back in frustration.

"Well, regardless, I am sure that as long as Hatenna is with us we will be fine." Said Lapras to him and the rest of the team as well

"As someone who live in the ocean, I can tell that this is nothing much. You see much darker things in the open blue. Besides, with what the host has us going through, small fairies cannot be that scary right?" She added.

''Can't fault that logic for sure.'' Replied Falinks

"Don't worry guys. Just listen to me and nothing bad will happen to you all." Hatenna smiled as if she was feeling their frusration.

"We will girl." Promised Monferno.

As they kept walking deeper and deeper into the forest, Monferno couldn't help but feel the same sensation that they were been watched.

The fire monkey even sometimes stopped and looking around in hope to catch the stalker's gaze unguarded. But nothing happened.

In the meantime, the group couldn't not help but be amazed by the actual scenery presented by the forest. it was nothing short of beautiful, bordering on mystic.

Ponytas passing by them, their mane giving of a mesmerizing pink and blue color. The assortment of glowing mushroom creating a dim lit atmosphere. The large trees with darkened leaves due to the lack of sunlight. It was an amazing view.

000

Roserade was smiling in the confessional. ''I really feel right at home here in this forest. Eterna is charming, but this is something else. Maybe i'll come here after this show is over.'' She revealed, a pensive look settling on her face as the camera went static.

000

Sadly, as quickly they had came, as quickly they disappeared, leaving the crew in dusk once again.

Luckily, the mushrooms helped them see the way, prompting Monferno to be curious about how these mushrooms were able to glow.

"Hey Hatenna, why can these mushrooms glow? Is this some kind of new species?"

Hatenna just smiled back mysteriously. "Magic." She said before she turned back to focus on the emotions of the lost members.

"Okay..." Monferno replied, a bit off putted by the tiny hatted psychic type.

Suddenly Hatenna stopped in the corner of a path. Her face looked worried.

"What's wrong Hatenna?" Lapras asked as she noticed that they were suddenly more or less surrounded by Hattrems.

"Oh no..one Punching bag wasn't enough?" Said Sandile worriedly

Hatenna turned to the team. "Alright listen to me. I don't know why so many Hattrem gathered into one place. Our species tend to walk alone so maybe it is a mass outbreak or something" She said as looking back at the Hattrem group then back to the team.

"Regardless, You always have to be calm around their presence. If you do that they let you pass without any harm. Okay?" She continued

"But, why would they want to hurt us? We don't want to do anything to them." Asked Lapras curiously. She always was a bit perplexed by their own Hattrem's reactions when she would shudder then try to punch the lights out a Pokemon seemingly at random. Hattena quickly put her questioning at rest though.

"You might not be aware, which I don't blame you for. But, you indeed harm them. But not in such way as you think." Said Hatenna seriously before successively pointing her ears and her heart. "Your strong emotions are like loud noises which hurt their ears. In order to stop the harmful noise, Hattrem tent to attack the individual and will attack until the harmful ''noise'' cease.'' She explained rather grimly

"So..they, kill them?" Monferno asked worriedly, gulping.

"Not always...simply making them faint is normally enough. As long as the individual emitting those ''Emotion Noises''. At most. maybe you find yourself with broken bones and bruises when you wake up, but at least you are alive." She said lightheartedly, making everyone shiver in shock and slight fear.

"So, are you still think fairies are cute?" Asked Sandile sarcastically.

"Hattrem is psychic type just like Hatenna. Right Hatenna?" Lapras asked.

Hatenna nodded before looking ahead again. "Anyway time is running out so let's keep going. And remember, keep a calm mind and heart."

And with that, Hatenna started walking forward without looking back. The team followed her while trying to stay as calm as possible.

For a while, there was no incident. Of course, as they were stranger to the forest the other Hattrems were gossiping among each other but they mostly stayed out of their way.

"Look, it is working." Whispered Lopunny? to the team.

"Yes. And look how cute they are." Lapras said as she watched two other Hattrem talking to each other.

Suddenly, the transport Pokemon noticed another pokemon up between the trees. They were pink with a sort of black mask on their faces and looked like tiny little chimps with pointed fangs.

"Hatenna, who are those guys?" Asked Lapras as she pointed to the tiny Pokemon above them.

Hatenna replied. She didn't even bother looking up however. "They are nothing what you should worry about. They wouldn't go close anyway due to the many being around.

"We take note of this, but who are they?'' Asked Roserade as she came level with Lapras

"They are pokemon known as Impidimps. A very annoying bunch. They feed on negative emotions so they are not the ones who you want to have fun with." She explained to them

"Oh," Said Lapras in thinking as more of those little Pokemon were watching them now . In fact, it now seemed that some of them looked different, as they were taller and had hair too.

"And those whose have hair?" Continued Lapras.

"Morgrems. They are cowards but clever as heck. I don't recommend meeting with them. Especially alone." Said Hatenna seriously.

Lapras nodded as she resumed to watch the cute Hattrems interacts while keeping her growing apprehensions in check.

As they kept walking Monferno looked back to check Sandile who closed the march, making sure he kept himself in check As he had a bad feeling about the rest of the proceedings.

Quickly, it seemed that the small ground/Dark type was the perfect target for a prank, because the Impidimps quickly started moving.

It started with one jumping behind the crook and poking his back, then almost instantly vanishing in the dusk of the forest. And such didn't happen just once.

Every time Sandile felt someone poke his back, he turned around but there was nobody to be found. This process happened again and again and again, aggravating him more and more.

The Impidimps and Morgrems above must have been finding this hilarious because they could litterally sense how close he was to breaking. And Break he did.

After what must have had been the 20th poke, Sandile had enough and snapped. "Stop it or I will jump and broke your neck you..." He shouted angrily before realizing that his echoed voices had now all the Hattrem looking at him with red glowing eyes. In an instant, Their cute appearances now took the face of the wrath of a divine Kami. The forest quickly was filled with the laughter of the Impidimps and the Morgrems as they dissapeared from sight but still making their presence known juding by how their snickers could still be heard around the area.

"Hatenna..What do we do now? Asked Monferno in fear.

The answer was as simple as it was directive.

"RUN!" She said.

And with that, the zamazentas immediately took of to a deeper part of the forest, trying to stay alive as they were chased by near homicidal psychic types swinging their huge ponytails at them. They understood very quickly the danger they were in when they witnessed the ponytails taking chunk of trees and rocks in the paths, making trees and bushes fall in their wake.

During the chase, they could hear the Impidimp and Morgrem laughing maniacally as they mocked them and absorbed their fear and frustration as in it was the juventus's fountain. Even a few Grimmsnarls appeared, wondering what was going on. It seemed that the unusual chased attracted quite the crowd of forest dweller.

As they kept running, Monferno moved behind the team and started to use his fire moves to slow the hattrems down. It worked for a time but their psychic attacks together were too strong to able hold back longer than few minutes.

Lapras noticed some glowing things inside the bushes. She did not knew what were they, but she felt they are up to no good.

Her worry was warranted when they started blowing out some kind of glowing powder towards them.

Seeing this, Lapras quickly used water gun to blow the spores out of the way. The water pressure quickly made the spore linger toward the group of hattrem who started dropping like flies. Within a , they were all asleep.

When all the Hattrem joined the club of Morpheus, tiny little glowing mushrooms started popping out and about. They were glowing with the same color as the forest around them and they were shaking their head fro and pro.

"What they are doing? And what are they?" Asked Hunter.

"They are called Morelull. Don't be fooled by their looks. They are dangerous. Expecially the evolved form Shiinotic." Said Hatenna

"Why are they dangerous? The sleeping spores?" Asked Monferno.

"No. They suck your energy away with their tentacles. When you wake up, you look like a zombie or someone basically having never eaten for the past 10 years" Said Hatenna as she kept hold Monferno's head to prevent herself from falling.

"Shit..Guys don't let the spores hit you!" warned Monferno to everyone as he tried doddge the spores which started coming again. Only this time they were more numerous.

The Monkey was especially worked up as he could have sworn he was seeing big red glowing eyes watching him from some dark corner of the forest. His tail fire grew fiercer. If they wanted a piece of him, he would give them such piece.

However, unlike with hattrem, his fire moves worked well with the mushroom pokemon which made him guess they are half grass type.

They kept running and dodging spores and sometimes energy balls or razor leafs. It looked like it would never end. Only after more running and more dodging, it finally came to a sudden stop. As if they had crossed a border of some capacity.

The team stopped, looking back and seeing the many angry mushroom pokemon with their disapointed faces before they turned back and walked away.

Seeing this, the zamazentas fell on the ground, breathing heavily.

"I'll never go into this shitty forest again.." Said Sandile between two gasps.

"Oh shut up. You was the one who made hattrems mad." Gengar pointed out aggressively

"If those stupid imps wouldn't irritate me, nothing would have happened!" Fired back Sandile.

"Alright guys stop. Fighting is useless and it'll just keep us away from the goal. We have already lost too much time. I don't think we will win anyway. But sure as heck I want to get out of this forest with my lost teammates as quick as possible."

Said Monferno laying against a huge tree.

"Hey, did you noticed this?"" Lapras asked worriedly.

"Like what?" Asked Hunter back.

"The nothing. The grave silence... until now we could hear pokemon noises here and there, Even if they were far. But here..nothing.."

Now the others noticed it too made a chill go through their spine.

"Whoever is here, don't stop us to reach our goal and leave this forest." Said Monferno seriously.

"Hatenna, please lead the way."

"Okie dokie" She smiled before moved her antenna again to detect the lost team members. "There, into that direction. We are really close too." She said as she jumped back on Monferno's head showing the way with her left hair.

"Alright. Music to my ears. Let's go guys!" Monferno waved to others and started running into that direction, where Hatenna pointed.

000

Back with the Zacians, everyone fought hard to defeat the mega Gallade. But he was so fast and skilled that they couldn't get him.

"If we keep doing this, we never win the challange. Need a plan" Sneasel said annoyingly.

"Okay but what it could be?" Said Wartortle back as he kept dodging Gallade's moves.

"I might have a plan. Everyone listen to me." Said the icey fox. "I am the only one who can knock out this knight for good due to my fairy moves

So let me a hand and make sure I able to attack him more with moonblast and dazzling gleam."

"Okay we try." Said the team back while trying to form a barrier to prevent gallade to get more space while Alola Ninetails kept blasting him with fairy moves as she could hold.

Took long enough but Gallade was finally taken down. He landed on the ground whiel turned back to his regular form.

"Dad! Are you alright?" Cried Ralts running to him.

"Don't worry kid, I am fine." He smiled back and petted his son's head.

"So, you are a family huh?" Asked Wartortle.

"Yes. Now Zacians, you completed the trial. Go, and freed your members from the cave." Gallade said.

The Zacians did what he told, and broke the rocky wall which bloced the cave revealing the missed members.

"Dude, what the heck took so long? I thought I will die in this dirty place with these." Commented Bidoof pointing at Metang and Fraxure.

"If you don't shut up I will eat you do you hear me?!" Yelled back Fraxure. "Your mouth just won't shut up the whole time, complaining of your selfish stuff."

"Well done to save us by the way." Said metang ignoring those two whose kept aruging.

"Thanks. Now let's hurry back. We still left one hour to do so." Sneasel nodded. And all of them turned back while Gallade showed the way with his son on his back.

000

After this little run and chase moment, the time was now ripe to finally find and rescue their friends. As they advanced deeper into the empty forest, with only the wind creating an eerie melody around them.

The Surroundings looked magical, magical indeed. However, the entire Zamazenta squad couldn't help but feel like an oppressive Aura was upon them. As the terrain slowly and surely started lowering and lowering, as if they were walking down a downward slope, something very peculiar started happening.

Falinks was the first to be affected. The Leader of the Phalanx, Leonidas, started stumbling around before stopping prompting a worried Monferno to turn around.

''You okay buddy?'' Asked the captain of the Zamazentas.

Leonidas held his shields to his head. ''I don't know by what fuckery, but my head...it hurts…'' He groaned.

Monferno had a grimace on his face, as the moment he had heard the proud fighting type utter those words, he too, felt the growing headache take him over.

Lopunny? Almost immediately jumped toward her beloved, rubbing his temple with her fur. ''This'll help honey…'' She said as she rubbed his temples powerfully.

Monferno almost closed his eyes and layed on her chest, his body vigorously requesting so. However, he knew he couldn't back down. With huge regrets, he tore himself away from the ghost type.

''I...i can't stay there love. We have to keep going.'' He said as he started walking down the path once again,

Even Lopunny? Could sense that headache that started to be present. She winced.

As they went deeper down, the headache sensation became even stronger. To the point that they were seeing black spots in their visions.

''W….what's is that….pain…'' Monferno asked as he walked in a clearing.

Hatenna looked confused. 'What pain, I don't feel anything…' she said confusedly.

Sandile as well didn't seem too affected by the odd condition the other Zamazentas were experiencing.

'What are you guys even doing? Can't handle the atmosphere?'' He asked meanly, snorting as he walked a bit further down the clearing.

Monferno barely was able to keep his eyes open at this point, painting and struggling with the painful headache. His temples were throbbing and he had the distinct feeling of tasting blood. However, he knew he had to keep his composure and keep his team safe. So as Sandile slowly accelerated his pace, he called out to him.

''Hey! where you going you dumb crock?'' he asked worriedly.

Sandile didn't even turn around to grace him with a direct answer. ''I don't need you weak wusses standing in my way. You guys can't even handle a little headache. How pathetic!'' He insulted them , shaking his head in disappointment before reaching even deeper, simply not seeing like he had any expectations about them at all.

Monferno grip his teeth. Seriously that crook had been the bane of their existence for a few days now. He had barely had done anything notable for the team. Just in this challenge alone, he had already had forced them to waste a bunch of time while being chased by Hattrems and subsequently had been under the wicked illusion created by something, or someone. In short, Sandile had no right to be speaking like this, but somehow, he did.

Lopunny? walked toward him with a scowl that said everything that needed to be said about the ground and dark type.

'We are getting rid of him at the first chance we get, right honey?'' She asked cautiously.

Much to her delight, Monferno answered affirmatively. ''Yes baby, he is gone. I don't know what is his problem, but with his recent actions, he as become more than just expandable. He's being an asswipe for absolutely no reason, so we don't need him anymore. '' He explained, that comment warranting a kiss on the cheek by Lopunny?.

''I was thinking the same thing. However, if we focus on the here and know, how do we deal with those headaches...I can barely walk.'' she said as she held one hear to her temples, rubbing in an attempt to soothe the pain.

Monferno sighed. ''I don't know. I've never been there. So I have no idea of what it could be.'' He replied truthfully.

At this point, Sandile was far ahead, not even caring with the way his teammates were lagging behind.

It had been a strange couple of days for him. Gradually, after losing his plaything in Yamask, he had found that it was more and more pointless, all of this. His teammates were stupid, happy go lucky goody two-shoes that just wanted to have a good time. But in reality, Sandile was jealous. He was jealous as he wished he could take life so lightly, so playfully. Back from where he was, as the runt of the litter, he was constantly belittled, constantly bullied. He wanted nothing more than to prove himself, but at best he was only able to be someone's sidekick. Moreover, that someone was now clinging to Monkey to dear life and had completely abandoned him. It was no longer about teaching him how to be evil and stronger. Now , he was just a nuisance for his team. He knew. He had expected to leave and be freed from his suffering after refusing to participate in the talent show last challenge, but somehow, his victim had decided to leave instead, deciding to live out a full life in the wild. Sandile was devastated by this. He wanted to break her spirit, not inspire her to be stronger at the end of the day.

''All of this is futile. I want this over with already. Why, why did I even waste my fucking time coming here? Why am I stuck in the middle of a misty fucking forest to 'rescue' members that I don't give a rattata's ass for, what is this all fo…'' He brooded before stopping. All of his well honed survival instincts had made him freeze. Something was amiss.

Snarling, the ground/dark croc prepared himself to fight, snapping his jaws aggressively. ''Well, come and get it!'' he shouted into the mist.

Nothing happened at first. It made Sandile almost want to laugh at himself for how silly he was.

However, this was no « silly » feeling. Something near him truly had sensed his anger and jealousy. To that thing, nails might had as well been grating on chalkboard. Wordlessly, eyes narrowed as she teleported right next to the source of those powerful emotions with one goal in mind…

….

…

...

Shut it up!

Obviously, as full of hubris that he was, the sand croc never saw the glowing red whip that launched itself at him until it was too late.

*POW!*

Monferno's ears were slightly ringing, among the rest of his team. All around him was mist and tall trees. The clearing seemed endless. It was very odd indeed. However, like the crack of thunder, an impact sound had completely rip through everything. The headache suddenly was gone, which made him visibly breathe out his relief.

Roserade throttled next to him, visibly relieved herself but still concerned. '' Wh..what was that sound?'' She asked in worry to the both of them.

Lopunny shrugged her shoulders...''I don't know, probably Sandile getting rekted.'' She theorized with a smile.

Every member of the Zamazentas, including Falinks now who had joined the rest of them, smirked at the morph's insinuation. Needless to say that it seemed that most of the Zamazenta did in fact not appreciate Sandile's presence around the team.

As they advanced even further, the mist slowly cleared and this is where they understood that the kiddy games were over.

''Hatenna, are we close to our friends?'' Monferno asked kindly to the small little Pokemon, who had started dozing off atop Monferno's head and lulled by his body temperature.

Cutely yawning, the small fairy type nodded, the antenna atop her head pointing resolutely forward.

Monferno smiled. 'Well you heard the little one. Forward, those who love me!'' Monferno said happily.

000

As soon as he said that, a lightning bolt seemingly shot out of nowhere and landed right in front of his feet.

Monferno had jumped sideways to dodge the attack, narrowing his eyes at the direction.

It was there for sure now. Monferno picked up Hattena and gave her to Roserade. ''Rose, go hide with Hatenna. I believe that we are going to have company soon, and I don't want to be responsible for hurting a small baby Pokemon. '' He said.

''Sure will.'' She said before carefully picking up the Hattena. Said Hattena, sensing the calm and kind disposition of Roserade, immedately settled in her white hair petal as both Pokemon quickly went for the first hidden bush they could find.

Turning to Lopunny? Monferno nodded. ''Turn back to your Haunter form. We are going to need our fire power. ''He said as two more lighting bolt pierced the darkness to land next to them, dodged by only the celerity of their movements.

''By the Gods, where are we being attacked from?'' Asked Falinks as the fighting type unit took a defensive position around both Monferno and Haunter.

Haunter peered into the darkness. Being a ghost type did grant her better vision in smoke and mist. What she saw shocked her.

Monferno immediately saw the look and grmaced. ''What's up love?'' He asked as he deflected yet another lighting attack with a well placed, solid Mach Punch attack.

Haunter growled.''My friends, I have a good and a bad news to tell you. Which one you want to know first?''

For Falinks, it wouldn't matter if they got taken out first. So with a sharp verbal order, all 6 members of the unit used protect, temporarily covering them in a impenetrable green dome.

''Now you can just say both!'' said Leonidas before going back to focus on keeping the protection up.

Haunter chuckled but didn't add any commentary. ''Well the good news is that our friend are at the end ofthe clearing, straight ahead of us. There are a lot of butterfrees around there and they seems to be using some sort of power moves at different intervals at the vine like prison cage thing our teammates are kept in. I also see the useless crocodile somehow embedded in a hill formation near the cages. The bad news however, is that in front of these cages is a strange Witch like Pokemon that I cannot really identify.'' She said with a puzzled look on her face.

Leonidas actually turned at this description. ''Wait...what does that 'witch like Pokemon actually look like?'' he asked as more lighting bolts were being shot that the shield. It was holding on for now, but who knew for how long it would be the case?

Haunter, knowing that time was against them, quickly went to work, with her eyes locking in onto the figure.

''Well, judging from what I see, it looks like it is a humanoid Pokémon with a thin, white body. Its head is round and has a small mouth, narrow black eyes with white pupils, and two elliptical pink markings over each of its eyes resembling eyelashes or eyebrows. It has extremely long, layered, symmetrical hair, far longer than its body is tall; much like a cloak. Said body is adorned by a pink semi-translucent dress that gives it a much taller silhouette, resembling that of a stereotypical sorceress or witch. This hair is colored in a gradient of baby-blue, pale pink, and white from its upper portions downwards. The hair above her head is shaped like a wide-brimmed witch's hat with a conical shape serving as the crown of the hat formation. Extending from the pointed end of the hat is a single tentacle that ends in a pink bulb and a consecutive baby-blue bulb that has a trio of sharp claws, which can articulate in a manner similar to fingers, jutting out of it….

AND FROM THOSE FINGERS LIGHTING INCOMING!'' She screamed in the end as a barrage of lighting bolts rained on the shield, finally making it break.

The impact send all of them packing, with it also the mist cleared, showing the full, voluptious figure of the Pokemon. Said very feminine looking Pokemon looked at them, her piercing eyes seemingly reading through their souls.

Falinks's eyes narrowed. It was had he had feared. ''This is a Hatterene.'I should have known.'' he growled.

Monferno was for a little while transfixed by the now revealed Hatterene. ''Are they all pretty like that?'' He asked innocently.

Haunter smacked him on the back oh his head. ''Really?'' she chided him.

Monferno sheepishly put a hand behind his head. ''Sorry about that…'' He said.

If the scene could be funny, the witch did not give any sign of it. What she could give as a sign however was her teleporting behind them and blasting Monferno with a poweful Psycho Cut attack that rended the very earth.

Monferno punched the ground to create cracks that diverted the attack, and immediately went on the counter attack.

''Rapid strike flame wheel!'' He screamed as he immediately rolled into a ball of flame and with a attack line path that seemed like surging waves, stroke the Hatterene hard at multiple times.

Haunter immediately followed up with a vicious shadow claw that drew a bit of blood from the witches' body. She would follow the lead of her boyfriend to the end of the earth if needed, and while he despised the time that the ferret took from her, she had to admit that seeing her boyfriend fight using the style taught was very impressive indeed.

Unnervingly however, she didn't flinch, nor emit a single scream. She just teleported back to be in front of the cage, now observing all of them with a frown on her face. But she didn't say anything, nor she emitted any sound.

Falinks immediately provided with an explanation. ''I know this species well because our roads are adjacent. Wild Hatterene are very reclusive species. They don't like interacting with pokemon much. So they have a lot of time to hone their strength so they can be autosufficient. They are also said to be able to sense and emotions from her sorroundings and that it feels like loud noises to her. Hence why she prefer being alone. The headaches of earlier must have been her trying to get us to move away, and so were the illusions. If she is being this strong, we must be facing a very old and poweful one. This won't be an easy fight at all.'' He said

Monferno growled. ''Well what do you know. Our friends were kidnapped by some reclusive witch. I see.'' He said before turning toward the witch. ''Sorry witchie, but we have to get our friends back, so you are going to need to let us have them back.'' He shouted as he launched a burning flamethrower at the witch.

*Music suggestion: watch?v=dpv8qTYyrsw&ab_channel=AnttiMartikainenMusic (AKA THE CHASE)*

Gengar smirked. ''Well I never thought we'd be fighting Rapunzel over here. Eat this sludge bomb!''

She said as she launched several poisonous projectiles that looked ready to do some serious damage.

''LEGIO EXPEDITA!'' Shouted the brass leader Leonidas as the six team of robot fighting type gave off a blue aura, making rocks jut out of the ground and rush at powerful speed toward the Hatterene.

Immediately, the witch teleported out of the way and appeared near Haunter, striking the wraith with a powerful brutal swing attack that exploded with the crack of the thunderclap.

''Haunter!'' Shouted monferno as he jumped to catch the ghost/poison type before she touched the ground. However, the impact had been so strong that even monferno was actually dragged a few feet back with the momentum of the impact.

'' By the gods, that witch packs a punch.'' he noted before he saw the witch teleport toward the front of the cage, staring at them as if studying their next move.

Monferno grew angry again. Turning toward the fairy type, he showed her a scary face that would make a slaking flinch. His tail flame growing to enormous proportion, showing well his anger.

''You are going to pay for this, you evil kidnapper!'' He snarled as he released another jet of this time blue flames toward the hatterene, whose eyes widened this time.

The impact was powerful, and the form of the witch was enveloped with dastardly powerful blue flames that twisted around her like an inferno.

''Nice shot brother!'' Commented the robot as he launched yet another volley of sharp rocks at the Hatterene. The impact was terrible, with the rocky splinters covering the Hatterene with cuts.

She fell down, definitely wounded as the flames circled her once more, indicating a burn.

However, Monferno wasn't done. His anger hadn't subsided. He jumped, his entire form glowing red, then blue. This wasn't flame wheel.

…

…

It was Flare Blitz…

''Hey mate, don't approach her like this, stay at a distance.'' Warned Falinks, but his words fell into deaf ears.

With a vicious snarl, the monkey launched himself at the Hatterene, with the proper intent of burning her to death.

…

…

…

He never had the chance. Hatterene , now sporting a terrifying glare, materialized a ring of red energy that engulfed her completely, making the entire clearing shake.

Monferno was knocked back by the release of energy and landed on his back, next to a barely recovering haunter.

Falinks however, was in front, in a position of vanguard. And what he was seeing was not something he wanted to see right now.

The surrounding took on a reddish tint. A strange mist was now permeating all of the area. The very air seemed charged with an electric energy, but it wasn't electricity.

Monferno's fur stood on its end. His survival instincts were kicked into overdrive. Whatever what in front of him now...was not to be messed with,

Haunter also gaped when she realized what was in front of them.

''Oh Arceus...we are screwed…'' She muttered.

Indeed, in front of them was Hatterene. But not the relatively tallish Hatterene they were fighting just a few minutes ago. No. It was an absolutely humongous Hatterene. It was like she had taken on the real size of Primal Groudon. Her skirt and hair now forming the illusion that she was trapped in a tower, with part of her upper body visible. Her face was still amazing though, with her now blue eyes piercing them as if they were mere ants that had dared to raise their head in front of her. It was here. They were not facing a mere Hatterene anymore. They were facing the raging Godess herself. The real fight was now. The stage was set. Now, was the moment of truth.

Monferno, the initial shock passed, stood strong. Size would not matter. He had a mission to rescue. And so he would rescue.

''Common guys, get up. We have friends to save….'' He said as he stared down the humongous psychic type who now observed him with a barely visible smirk. However, she still remained utterly silent, which was almost impressive for her size.

Haunter however, was less than willing to fight that thing head on. ''Are you sure that you want to fight that? Shouldn't we retreat and figure out a better plan?'' She asked, sweating from the intense power the Gigantamax Hatterene was diffusing.

Falinks, normally eager for a good fight, was in a similar state of mind. ''Defeating the raging Goddess without a plan doesn't seem like a good idea. We should retreat for now…'' He recommended, with the rest of the the phalanx agreeing.

Monferno however, wouldn't have it. ''We don't have the time to make a plan. We have to do this right here, right now! We don't want to lose, don't we? We will find a way to beat her, for sure!'' He said as he launched himself at the Gigantamax Hatterene, his form cloaked in blue flames.

Gengar shook her head. ''This Monkey of mine will always push us in the most perilous of situation with a smile, won't he?'' She said as the Gigantamax Hatterene glew pink and rainbow colored stars rained on the battlefield, emitting a harsh pink light that illuminated the whole area.

The impact of the two moves created a backdraft that almost blew them clean away. The raging goddess held her name well. The brilliant flash receded and the effects were instantly visible.

Haunter was floating around aimlessly, suddenly stricken by how « pretty » the red mist was.

The explosion had knocked out Falinks cleanly, and he didn't seem like he was going to wake up any time soon.

Monferno landed on the ground in bad shape. While the flare blitz attack cloaked him in flames, making him avoid the blinding side effect that seemed to have ripped asunder the entire surroundings,

His newly learned flare blitz was a move not without drawbacks, and the lightning that flashed around his form, making him flinch.

He looked to his right, and saw Falinks knocked out and Haunter looked so out of it that it was honestly hard to watch. His blood boiling with Anger, the monkey turned to shout expletives' at the psychic titan in front of her. However, before he had the time to actually open his mouth, the Hatterene's eyes had already narrowed and she launched a Max Mindstorm that looked ready to end him.

Monferno was speechless. How did she even react before he opened his mouth? In desperation, Monferno launched a blast of flame in order to stop the attack from connecting. Blue flames and Multicolored rings of energy clashed in a deafening struggle, illuminated the entire forest.

The backdraft created by the clash was burning, and the impact sent a completely confused Haunter flying toward a tree, dazed. It was now Monferno against Hatterene, all alone. And he was acutely aware of that.

« I can't lose…They are counting on me.. » growled a strained Monfern0, who 's attack was quickly losing bite compared to the powerful max move.

HAtterene narrowed her eyes even more, and seemingly decided to put her all into the attack because the energy suddenly became much bigger, pushing his move toward him and ultimately connecting with him in a brilliant explosion of multicolored energy.

The last thought Monferno had as the move detonated, was as such.

« Sorry… everyone. I wasn't strong enough… »

After this, there was only pure darkness.

000

Back at the hall the Zacian team with their lost members were sat on chairs while eating dinner, while the leaders of the show had a word with Gallade and his son.

„It had been hours and the Zamazentas still didn't came back. I wonder if they are alright.." Said the blue frog in though.

„ Who cares? As long as I don't breathe the same air with that monkey everything is good." Commented Sneasel between two bites of his hot dog.

Back to the leaders, Mesprit curiously looked at the entrance of the hall time to time.

„I think I have to check if they are okay or not." she said to Koko worriedly „ I did not expected the mushroom Pokémon decide to settle in that place where the path was.."

„I think they are alright. Knowing that monkey," Koko said with confidence.

Mesprit turned to him „ If something happens with them I will be the one who throw you into the mushrooms.." she said coldly making Koko sweat and gulp in fear

000

Later down to the evening, Monferno's eyes fluttered open. His body was aching all over and he had a terrible migraine. Haunter, back in her Lopunny morph, gently took his head with her paw and placed it on her lap.

''Are you okay? » She asked worriedly.

Monferno groaned… « I have definitely felt better in my life, yes. But never mind me… what about you? What about the team? What about the little Hattena? » He asked in rapid succession, making purple furred Pokemon chuckle.

« Calm down gator », she chided him with a kiss, calming the monkey down significantly.

Hatenna, who was nearvy, watcching them cooed, with Roserade smiling at the two PoKemon.

« I am fine, thank you. We sadly got wiped out by Hatterene, aside of Roserade, who surrendered. There was nothing to be done and Rosie knew that she couldn't win. So when she just surrendered, logically and calmy, Hatterene seemed to be happy and desactivated her Gygantamax. When Roserade asked why, she just said that she wasn't overwhelmed by fear and she had taken good care of her Hattena. So as she wasn't being too emotional, she was content at her surrender.

''Her Hattena?'' He asked softly, cocking his head cutely.

Lopunny? smiled. ''Yeah! Hattena is her daughter..'' she said calmly.

Monferno smiled and started getting on his feet and was about to go give a piece of his mind when Lopunny? Held his hand.

''Wait. Take some deep breaths. Hatterene's are sensitive to emotions. If you get angry, she is going to attack again. You saw how she kicked our ass. Don't provoke her okay? Promess?'' She asked seriously.

Monferno couldn't resist her request, not when she was staring at him with such a vulnerable smile

''I will try my best'' he promised kissing her softly on her lips before his flames visibly lessened.

As he was about to talk, a voice echoed in the Area.

''THE ZACIAN HAVE WON THE CHALLENGE. ZAMAZENTAS YOU SUCK! GET BACK TO THE ISLAND VIA TELEPORT!'' The voice echoed.

Monferno almost snapped, but reminding himself of Hatterene's sensibility, kept calm and simply asked if Hatterene could teleport them to Sosei Island.

Silently, and appreciative of The team's willing and conscious effort to remain calm around her, The psychic type used her psychic powers to teleport them to Sosei, with Hatenna waving cutely to her new ''Friends'' for a day.

The Hatterene put back her Hattena back on the ground and both of them walking toward the deeper part of the forest, happy that the disturbances to her territory was now gone. She was offered a lot of food and to never be bothered again, but she was happy that she got to play with them a little.

000

Monferno was looking sad in the confessional. ''I don't like losing, but at least my teammates are safe now...''

000

''Hey, they are back!" cried Wartortle as seeing the Zamazentas slowly walk inside the hall with their missing members.

Koko quickly flew past Mesprit and flew to them.

''Are you okay guys?" He asked.

''We yes, but them, not as much..." said Hattrem pointing of their rescues whose fell into their butts tiredly and in pain. They were in terrible shape.''

I see. Well, before they take a visit to the infirmary, I have to tell you that since the Zacians came back first so you need to vote off someone." Koko said while Mesprit already teleported them away.

''No need to wait. We all agreed that Sandile has to go.'' Said Hattrem seriously

Koko nodded. ''Well once he has recovered he will leave. The rest of you, go back to your camp or do whatever. I don't really care right now." He shrugged.

The Zacians prepared to leave also while Sneasel could not stop grinning, satisfied. It was good to see monkey in that state. He was curious who was the one who could beat him up so thoroughly

''See dad? That ferret was the one who abused me." cried a young voice made Sneasel freeze in apprehension.

He slowly turned back and saw a grinning Ralts approaching with a...not grinning Gallade walking toward him, his sword arms extended past his elbows, a telltale of aggression.

''Shit...gotta go!'' Muttered the sharp claw Pokemon as he tried to leave the area. Sadly for him, the knight was faster than he was and grabbed him by the collar.

'' You and I must have a talk, why leave so soon?." Gallade said seriously made which made Sneasel gulp in fear.

000

Sneasel looked panicked in the Confessional. ''I'm in trouble...''

000

Somewhere else a white little bunny finally was done with his research and quickly went to his friend Mew to show him what he found.

''Mew! I finally done it! It didn't take as much work as I thought, and I have everything I need to know here!" Victini said, and proudly put the documents on the table where Mew was staying, prompting the levitating cat to check it out.

As he was reading the document, his jovial attitude quickly turned into surprise...and finally into a mask of grim seriousness.

'' Judging the methods would be deeply hypocritical, given our past. However, this is so messed up. If this is really what happened with Mesprit, then I wouldn't wish that to my worst enemy. At least, not anymore. I feel bad for her...

Quite Indeed brother. However, All I need to do is to find out who has done so, and why. Said Victini with a Confident smile as he put a Sherlock Style hat on his head, and a magnifying glass front of his right eye.

Mew chuckled. ''Really, Sherlock Holmes?''

Victini shrugged, a playful smile on his face. ''Yeah. He was the most famous human detective in history. I need to channel him here now because this is Mesprit we're speaking about.

Mew raised an eyebrow. ''You don't even hide it anymore?'' He asked dubiously.

Victini cocked his head. ''Hide what?'' He asked curiously.

Mew shook his head, chuckling softly. ''Nothing.''

000

After a quick heal, Sandile throttled toward the end of the deck wordlessly, his eyes vague and slightly unfocused. Nobody saw him off. Only Mesprit and Koko were there.

''How odd. I had somewhat some expectation of you, you know? It is weird that this is all you accomplished.'' Commented Koko

''I would like to at least wish you good luck in life...even if you should probably learn not to bully anymore..'' Said Mesprit. She didn't totally believe that a Pokemon so broken could truly change. But turning her thoughs toward a white furred winged bunny, she had a soft smile. Change was possible, in anybody, no matter how low those circumstances were.''

''Whatever. I just want to be out of this hellhole. Come on you dumb distortion World beast. Drag me down to Hell already!'' He asked before turning away.

A Mere instant later, a Giant claw had dragged him down to the distortion world with all of his belongings. Down he went, not even emitting a scream.

Both host looked at each other then shrugged.

000

Sandile was looking in the confessional before he went toward the dock. ''I came here alone. I will probably be exiled from my pack after such a pathetic display. But I don't care at this point. I just want to get out of here! That wish, they can shove it up their a**. I don't care about it.''

000

(End of The Chapter)

SteveZ12: Thanks for reading people. I hope that you enjoyed the read.

Standby for the next chapter. Stakes might be just a little bit higher the next time you tune in :)

Sandile: At this point, y'all readers do what you want...