Important Notice: Due to glitches on affecting everyone, you may be unable to view new chapters. For the case of this story you will have difficulty gaining access to Clandestine Raid (Ch14) and beyond until the site has fixed its issues. I am prepping the story to move onto AO3. Hopefully it is not permanent, but it it is merely a precaution.

Before we begin today's chapter I'd like to give a shoutout to HelloYellow17 and their story "Of Sand and Shadows". It's a Pokemon Colosseum novelization which is super rare and this one is really great! The Pokemon, region and main characters both get loads of characterization!

If you want to read more about an Orre with lore and how Shadow Pokemon are dealt with you can find the story on FFN and AO3!

Now before you go opening a new tab, enjoy the rest of this chapter!

~x~

Disclaimer: I do not own Pokemon.

*We will also be signifying telepathy dialogue via [Words.] from now on.

Question: Favorite region to read fanfiction about? Do you prefer author questions at the start or end of a chapter?

~x~

Our heroes have found themselves in quite a predicament. In order to take down Pokemon smuggler Benedetto they have aligned themselves with the enigmatic Meowstic, Amethyst and the blunt misanthropist Violet. Donut and Lou have faith in their ability so Topaz has placed their trust in them as well. We can only hope it wasn't misguided.

~x~

I took out my Pokedex and began checking what items I had inside my bag. I hadn't intended for all of this to suddenly start happening, so I was quite unprepared in terms of stock.

I'll have to get a lot more ethers, potions, status heal and people medicine as well. They better still have some in stock around here.

"If we want to defeat Benedetto we'll have to be prepared to fend off his goons too. Are you two well stocked for consecutive battles?" I asked Amethyst rather than Violet who held the bag. Amethyst's answers were a lot less terse.

She gave a nod. [Most of the stuff we'd need usually we have, and we didn't exactly walk in here with nothing and figure it'll all be fine.]

"Okay good. I'll need to stop by the mart to get some more supplies and I'll be ready enough. Anything notable we as a group should know about?" I gestured to Donut and Lou at that suggestion. They were way more forthcoming when Pokemon were involved. Mareep butted my leg and huffed that she wasn't being included. I chuckled and gestured to her as well.

Violet looked more to them than me to respond. "The Pokemon they have enslaved are damaged mentally, but that does not mean they cannot recover. While I understand if it comes to that, avoiding lethal injuries would be best. They deserve a chance to live without humans ruining their lives. You should expect to come across more primate Pokemon than average, and while he is a human be wary of Benedetto. He is not above playing dirty and the League's rules of battle mean nothing to him. While he may not be able to injure you directly, flashbangs and other such tools are not out of the realm of possibility. Tactics derived from his prior mentor, Hunter J, are not unlikely either."

Hunter J!?

Donut and Lou nodded in understanding. As my Pokemon they had to undergo a bit of training themselves to be able to participate as gym trainer Pokemon. Knowing the dirty tactics criminals use and understanding the situation of your opponent was vital. At the same time though…

"Hunter J… the most wanted Pokemon hunter in the world. A supposed 100% success rate and known affiliate with Team Galactic. Responsible for the most kidnappings that happened 6 years ago," The information spilled out of my mouth with ease.

The League has wanted J for years, but no one has managed to defeat her in a fair fight or even catch her if one was possible.

She also knows when to pick her battles. Despite her strength she retreats swiftly once a leader, elite or Cynthia shows up.

"If he's anything like his ex boss, he would retreat at the first sign of big League authority. I understand better why you didn't want them involved."

[He's like his ex boss but worse at his job,] Amethyst interjected. [Forget needing a Leader to come by, he'd run shaking in his boots if a pack of Ace Trainers showed up.]

That says a lot about their power level. Hunter J can handle Ace Trainers, but it seems he didn't inherit her strength. I'm no Ace Trainer, but...

"How about Benedetto himself? Do you know anything about his team?"

Amethyst's eyes narrowed. [I have a Pangoro to fuck up.]

Violet nodded. "In addition to a Pangoro, he has a male Meowstic with him. Other than that I have nothing confirmed, but if I was forced to guess I would suppose Scrafty, Malamar, Tyrantrum, Sableye, Trevanant, Dragalge or Pyroar."

She looked to me. "Considering the hours you have used your Pokedex, I doubt I need to spell out for you where his Pokemon originate from."

And she knows my Pokedex hour count. Creepy, but moving on.

"Sans Scrafty and Sableye all those Pokemon are from Kalos. At least his preference is consistent," I shrugged before looking at Amethyst a second.

From what I remember male Meowstic are the more defensive of the two while females are aggressive even often being labeled as unfriendly. I suppose Amethyst is a bit sassy, but I wouldn't call her unfriendly. Regardless, both have tremendous power sealed within their ears and I've read the warnings about what happens when it gets out of hand.

"Judging by your list it sounds like he has favoritism towards dark types and it's obvious you're strong Amethyst, but… hey Mareep, can you accompany them just in case anything happens?" I looked down at the electric sheep.

She jumped in excitement and nodded enthusiastically, sparking and all ready to go on an adventure. Violet just narrowed her eyes at me, then looked at her. "Would you like a name?"

And I upset her again. Is there no way to win?

She gave Violet a look. "Do not worry, I can clearly tell giving you a name that would fit a more relaxed Pokemon would not do here. You deserve a name fitting of your vigor." At that she nodded again, looking hopefully towards her.

Amethyst just gave me a smile. [More Pokemon than you'd expect want names. Violet loves calling out humans when they say she's weird for just calling them human and not asking their name.]
"Huh, I did not know that. You guys?" I turned to Donut and Lou. Donut merely shrugged, he loved his name, but he wasn't jumping at the bit for one when we met.

Lou looked oddly distracted though, as though he was thinking about someone else.

It only took a few moments for Violet to look back at Mareep. "Do you like the name Zenara?"

She sparked, giving a happy "Ma ree!"

Violet's eyes softened a moment, a small smile flashing across her face. "Then I am honored to learn your name, Zenara."

"Glad to see you're happy with your new name, Zenara," I congratulated her. Donut patted her wool, while Lou was prolly calling her Cadet Zenara or something.

Usually trainers name their Pokemon, but I won't protest a name if she likes it.

I reached on to my belt and took out her ball. I stared at it a moment considering how I had no authority to be doing this as I wasn't her trainer.

No. She's got her own free will. If she wants to help, then she can help.

I extended it out to Violet. "This is her Pokeball. Just in case something happens."

She raised an eyebrow and stared at me for a moment. A very long, awkward moment. Before taking it, nodding and putting it in her bag.

I'll take awkwardness over blatant disdain if it's coming from her.

"So, what's the plan now that we're all in this?" I asked.

Violet set her tablet on the table, typing in a few keys before a holographic map of the Grand Lake Hotel area lit up above it. On it there was a large, reddish spherical area more towards the west.

"The red area indicates the area in which Benedetto is in. As of the moment due to your alerting Nurse Joy and thus the League to his actions in the area, he will be more wary. As such, we need to gather information more discreetly."

She glanced to me. "For you, that means asking people who you believe may know something and keeping an eye and ear out for anything abnormal. Normal for humans, but now is not the time for arguable semantics. I will be hacking various electronics to locate Benedetto's, which will be simple considering how they are more encrypted than your average system. Which, if not directly attached to a radio signal, Pokemon center or otherwise an area which requires more security than average is a dead giveaway. Amethyst will be keeping us in touch telepathically so we can all communicate without having to risk vocalization. If you find them, we do not engage. First, we determine how large of an area they occupy. Then, if it includes Benedetto, we force information out of him. If it does not and he uses some method to escape that is not jammable, we pursue. Either way the end goal is ending his career permanently and rescuing the Pokemon he has captive."

They weren't kidding, they are definitely on top of this.

"Sounds good to me," I answered. I frowned slightly at trying to get information out of a bunch of older trainers when I don't even have authority as a junior trainer.

I'll figure it out.

Donut and Lou agreed in turn with the plan. Zenara looked up at Violet, who simply gave a small smile. "Do not worry. Just because we are not engaging in battle at the moment does not mean we will rely on others to complete this endeavor. You will have more than enough opportunity to showcase your ability before this is over." At that she sparked happily, looked to me and gave a confident "Reep mareep!"

I simply gave her a thumbs up and a smirk. "We'll kick their asses just like on Route 214, except they'll be running from us next time. So about this telepathic link?"

I've never had experience with telepathy before. Some of the trainers at the gym have psychic types, but they either never expressed the interest or talent in telepathy. That or they just didn't wanna talk to me which… huh. That's mean, but whatever.

[Yup,] she said calmly, [Just keep your minds open for a moment and try not to get attacked mentally or lose your mind while I'm keeping everyone linked. Kinda makes it hard.]

Comforting, but my mind is rather stable. Hopefully it won't be as loud this time.

[That means you, Topaz.]

"Sorry," I sheepishly apologized.

Okay, no thoughts, head empty…

There was a small tug at my mind before it went back to normal, but I still felt like there was something on the tip of my tongue but I didn't know what it was. All I heard was [Jeez, lemme know when you play brain hopscotch as a baby beforehand] and then it felt fine. I still had Amethyst looking up at me though. [Seriously, I figured you might be like Violet since she's more receptive to the whole psychic thing but it's like your brain's door got smashed down at one point. What happened?]

"Smashed… down…?" My mind briefly flashed to a familiar stormy night, extreme vertigo, a broken promise and a pounding headache before the thought was gone, leaving me clutching my head.

"I… something happened when I was younger. I don't remember what, but according to the doctor I'm an excellent example why psychics shouldn't tamper with children's brains. Before you ask it doesn't hinder my intellectual or emotional capacity, it's just… some memories are foggy. As though part of my brain is... locked away...," I answered slower at the end.

I remember meeting Cynthia at least. Heimdall's fight with Roland...

Her face fell in concern. [Okay, I'm not qualified to fix that kinda stuff, but once this is over maybe I can help point someone in the right direction who can? Most people enjoy having their memories intact y'know.]

Her concern surprised me, but I collected myself. "Thanks… I might take you up on that."

[Maybe if you slept more your brain would be a-okay, just like mine,] said a voice that soundly oddly similar to mine, but with a bit more whimsy and much more lax.

[General Topaz, if it is your brain that troubles you I will do everything within my power to fix whatever wretch cursed you as a lad,] said a very rugged and deep voice that I was wholly unprepared for.

It took me a second that said voices came from my very own Pokemon. They looked at me quizzically before I responded.

"So you both talk exactly as I figured. Awesome."

Donut raised an eyebrow, but his tail began to sway in pleasure at my response. [Hmmm, this is convenient.]

Lou on the other hand… jumped into my arms (he's heavier than he looks) and began to nuzzle my chest.

[Oh how I've longed for this moment General Topaz! We have much to speak about, starting with the invasion plan of the Tranquil nest I've drawn out in the local sand bin at the playground!]

I repositioned myself to gain better footing before putting him back down. "That's great Lou, wait, no, no it's not, please leave the birds alone. Remember the mission? We're on a mission of the utmost importance. Literally right now. Priorities uh soldier."

Immediately his demeanor changed and he returned to his usual hardass self. [My apologies, sir, I was overwhelmed with weakness for a moment, it shall not happen again. This mission is of the most importance. To slay another dredge in society before his corruption spreads further and to emancipate the prisoners of war. Our Kalosian brethren will be freed!] He stared me dead in the eye. [But above all else know at least this. If you but ask it of me, General Topaz, I would kill or die for you without a moment's hesitation.]

A single teardrop fell from his eye until Donut conveniently pulled out a tissue to wipe it away, preserving his image. I just stood there dumbfounded by all the… emotion I was feeling, but I literally could NOT get into this right here, right now, with Violet, Amethyst and Zenara staring at us.

[Don't worry Lou Lou, it won't come to that! We've got an adventure ahead of us and there's no time to waste! Pokemon need saving and bad guys need beating so let's go!]

[You are right, Sergeant Zenara, we have no time to waste. General sir, I apologize for my previous outbursts, I will not get distracted again,] Lou apologized.

"Okay first of all, I'm glad you feel that way and I feel the same, but no one is dying or killing today. Second of all, oh my Arceus I felt this would happen and I still wasn't ready. Third of all… ummm," My words were losing me near the end there. This whole scene was just overwhelming.

[We should check on Dedenne before we leave,] Donut brought up, chewing on another berry.

Violet nodded. "Of course. We cannot leave without knowing that we have done everything in our power to help her."

Amethyst just shook her head, smiling. [C'mon. Let's go see her, figure out what she wants and help her do that.]

We all agreed to go see her. I checked my Poketch to see which room she was in, so we made our way to her room to spy her sitting in a small bed as Blissey treated her with a sort of ease and efficiency that most Chansey were not capable of.

I knocked on the door to alert them we were here garnering Dedenne's immediate smiles and Blissey's frown, trying to shoo us away.

Rather than wait for us to leave Dedenne hopped out of bed and onto my head, greeting everyone else.

"Haha, good to see you too, Dedenne," I chuckled. "We just came to check on you, we have to take care of something, alright?"

Amethyst chipped something to Dedenne, who squeaked back. There was a kinda ripple in my head for a moment before it stopped.

[Oh you're gonna stop the bad guys right? Great! I'm coming with you!] Dedenne's voice passed through my mind. It wasn't as squeaky as I imagined, but definitely mousy.

That aside, how many people can Amethyst link with? A teleporting Meowstic and now we've got a whole mental group chat going on? I can see why she's confident… I also have to consciously remember that telepath speaking and thinking are dangerously close together.

[I do not believe that would be wise, brave Dedenne. Your condition was less than ideal when you happened upon us in a frenzy,] Lou brought up. [We are about to be engaged in war and while we need every mon we can get, we can't afford missteps along the way.]

[True, but the pink lady bathed me and Blissey just fed me the best egg in my entire life, so I'm feeling way better now! Come on, lemme come, I've got friends that need me!] Dedenne earnestly begged.

It was strange, it was like because it was straight through my head I could feel the desperation echo through my mind.

"Excuse me, but Dedenne isn't fit to be doing anything right about now," I turned around to see Nurse Joy looking not necessarily angry, but firm. "During our check-up we found that her electric sacs are underdeveloped for her age. I can't say it was from the abuse though, likely a birth defect, though her prior situation did her no favors. Either way, she's in no condition to be romping around the forest."

Dedenne clicked her teeth derisively as she sat perched on my head well outside the range of the concerned Blissey and her tiny arms.

[Humans are so bossy, bad and good. First they kidnap me and stuff me in a cage with no say and now even when they heal me I get no say. I NEED to help everyone else!]

[Then let's go,] Donut piped up once again, yawning to blatantly showcase his disinterest in this whole conversation. [Come on Zio, Amethyst and Violet said we shouldn't be wasting time, right?]

Violet then turned to the Nurse Joy with noticeably less animosity in her demeanor than when she was looking at me. "This Dedenne wishes to help her companions who are in the same situation she was. While it may not be the level of care that can be provided here, I will die before I let harm come to her. I am also quite used to helping Pokemon simply from what is around at the moment, so something that would result in her needing larger amounts of electricity and general care is something I am both capable of and willing to do."

Nurse Joy stared deep into Violet's eyes before they went from stern refusal to genuine concern.

"Dear… you-," There was pause then shift in her stance. "How can I trust you all with her?"

Violet then took out a Munchlax capsule, opening it and revealing a portable generator inside. Not like any I'd seen, which is something considering which city I live in.

She then held it up to Dedenne. "Can you please input a small jolt? Something on the level of a static shock is more than sufficient."

Dedenne surprisingly enough looked towards Donut for assurance. Rather than speak he sent a reassuring static jolt to her. After his confirmation she zapped the generator just enough. It whirred softly, a display panel opening up and coming to life on the side. Violet simply pressed a few buttons before handing the device to me.

"This generator will now produce a type of electricity she will find easiest to intake and most desirable within its capacity for twelve hours' worth of constant production. If at any point she requires electricity, simply have it close enough to her. As you are the one she favors, it would be better that you have it so it is closer to her."

Now that's a surprising level of candor.

I took the generator and nodded in thanks. I put it away in one of my own capsules before turning to Nurse Joy and Blissey, bowing slightly. Somewhat old fashioned, but respectable.

"We're sorry for the trouble, we'll be okay."

Nurse Joy simply sighed and smiled softly at us. "Absolutely no electric type attacks from her and she can only battle in self defense and even then, do not push it. She's in no condition for any rough housing. Once you're all done with whatever you need to do, come back here."

Blissey didn't look as sure about this situation, but she didn't speak up. With that I made my way out. Before Violet could leave Nurse Joy called out to her.

"Young lady, your life matters too, you know?"

She simply looked back, face unchanging. "Not even in the same league as the Pokemon I dedicate my existence to helping."

I decided to hold my tongue at that statement. Donut was right, we did have to move on. Dedenne made herself comfy on my shoulder, while Donut found himself back in my bag as usual. Lou crawled on the ground with his usual vigor. Once outside we properly introduced ourselves to Dedenne.

[Oh right, you can all call me Cenza. One of the Pokemon I was trapped with gave me that name. It's nice to meet you all officially!] She mentally squeaked. [Merci de me recevoir!]

Wait, even the Kalosian Pokemon speak French? How come this isn't automatically translated?

Violet bowed to her. "A wonderful name and an honor to meet you." She then looked at me. "Amethyst, Zenara and I will head northwest. A radio tower in that direction will make it simpler to scan a wider array of devices. I suggest you head southwest both to cover that area and to encircle them more."

"Got it. Donut, Lou, Cenza, we need to gather information from every viable source we can. I'll be counting on you guys," I addressed them.

[Sounds easy enough,] Donut said as he began stretching.

[The vagrants that tarnish this holy land will relinquish their information to us once I have finished interrogating them,] Lou added eloquently.

[Je l'ai!] Cenza added off in French.

I can't believe people used to think that Pokemon weren't intelligent creatures with diverse personalities. If only they could hear them now.

"Good. We'll keep in touch," I affirmed with Violet. "Ummm, bonne chance!"

Cenza looked pleased at my sudden French. Violet simply nodded. Amethyst just smiled. [Good luck!]

Zenara grinned. "We're going on a new venture, la la, la la, la laaaaa~"

As they started walking away, I heard Violet in my head. [They did. And they saw them as lesser beings from lack of humanity. Because they believed ignorantly that being human makes them in any way superior.]
And then the motley group rounded a corner and were out of sight.

I was a bit stunned by the sudden thought (and my apparent lapse in letting it slip), but I recovered quickly enough.

I don't share in her level of disdain for humanity, but I won't deny their sins. Benedetto and his lackeys do not believe in equality and freedom for all. They are those who believe that life can be measured in monetary value. For that reason I will never stop fighting. For that reason, they must all fall.

~Chapter 13 Fin~

Trainer: Topaz Heart

Age: 12

Class: Youngster

Funds: ¥7,500.

Gear: Pokedex, Poketch, 10 Luxury Balls, 5 Potions, Escape Rope, Cellphone, Several Berries, Baton, Explorer Kit.

Deck: Fool, Devil.

Team: Donut (Pikachu), Lou (Charjabug).

Other: Cenza (Dedenne).

x

Donut (Pikachu/M)

Equip: Eviolite.

Moves: Thunderbolt, Discharge, Iron Tail, Brick Break, Quick Attack, Rollout, Tickle, Charge, Nuzzle/Thunder Wave.

Ability: Static Chance to paralyze opponent upon physical contact.

Likes: Pastries, sweets, naps, relaxing, quiet, Topaz's bag.

Dislikes: Bitter food, stress, stupid decisions.

Tactics: Maneuver (Creates a thunder wave barrier to sense attacks), Enhanced Tickle (Enhances his tickles with electricity to hit the nerves of sturdier opponents), Spin Dash (Rollout+Iron Tail).

x

Lou (Charjabug/M)

Moves: X-scissor, Spark/Wild Charge, Acrobatics, Mud Shot, Iron Defense, Screech, Dig, String Shot, Spiderweb.

Ability: Battery Boosts allies' special attack moves.

Likes: Bugs, war, battling, General Topaz, usurping oppressors.

Dislikes: Birds, criminals, condescension, threats to his unit.

Tactics: Mud Pit (Digs a hole underneath the opponent and traps them in a pit of mud), Mud Spin (Digs into the ground and begins throwing mud all over around himself), Grapple Bug (Uses string shot to reel in himself or the opponent), Web Sling (String Shot+Acrobatics).

Allies

Trainer: Violet

Age: ?

Class: ?

Funds: ?

Gear: Tablet, Pokeball, Berries, ?

Team: Amethyst (Meowstic), Zenara (Mareep).

x

Amethyst (Meowstic/F)

Moves: Psychic, ?

x
Zenara (Mareep/F)

Moves: Thunder Wave, Take Down, Cotton Spore, Cotton Guard, Shock Wave, Charge.

x

Author's Note

A short chapter!? Blasphemy I know. I'm trying something new by having the question of the chapter at the start of the chapter. Leave a review to answer!

That aside I just want to thank every single person who has been reading so far! Your feedback really gets my brain turning and makes me motivated to write even more! I appreciate each person who has taken the time to follow, favorite, comment, everything!