It's been nine days since we fell into this new world. I have to find him as soon as possible, yet no progress has been made in finding his whereabouts. The Gloom Organization is a dangerous group, I can only hope he's okay.

Gladio shined a flashlight through an empty wall socket, working carefully as he used a pair of pliers and electrical tape to fix the wiring underneath.

Bran had offered to help, considering it was his apartment, but Gladio had refused. After all, he needed practice using his abilities.

One aspect of Gladio's abilities allowed him to grow four, tentacle-like appendages from his back. Like Deoxys, he could combine the red and blue ones into two hands, allowing for more versatility.

Because of this, he was able to easily use the flashlight while using both of his normal hands to fix the wiring.

"All right," said Gladio, replacing the socket plate and plugging in a radio. "Go ahead and turn the electricity back on."

Bran nodded, heading over to the other room. After a few moments, the radio sparked to life, a news report emanating from the speaker.

"Nice job," said Bran, popping back into the room. "Thank you, you have no idea how long I've been trying to fix that."

Gladio shrugged. "I'm pretty good at electronics, even if it's not my main point of work."

"-in recent times, the Pokémon invasion has been waning," said a reporter from the radio. "More and more Pokémon are being forced back due to the combined efforts of the Gloom Republic and the Mestia Defense Force, headed by Lady Aurora. Gloom Republic President Justin Wolf believes with great certainty that this war can be concluded within a month; the defeat of the Pokémon imminent."

Gladio listened carefully, turning off the radio as the report moved on to a second reporter giving their opinion. "They're just going to agree with the first person."

"That's just the state of things now," agreed Bran. "People will say whatever everyone else wants to hear and agree with whatever they want to hear. Pokémon have been painted as the villains while society lives in complete ignorance."

"Don't you want to do something about it?"

Bran looked out of the window, contemplating. "Hard to say. Considering Ting-Lu chose me, I have to do something, right? But at the same time, others have to do their part and wake up. You can't change someone's mind if they're not willing to listen."

"Shouldn't this invasion serve as a wake-up call?"

"Only if you're able to understand their point of view. Which isn't possible, not unless you're a Chosen. All this invasion serves to do is cement people's perception of Pokémon being destruction-bent beasts. While the Legendary Guardians could get a message across, people wouldn't be willing to listen."

"What would happen if we took down the Gloom Organization?"

"It would be chaos. Naturally, people would blame the Chosen and the Pokémon. Over time, a new Gloom Organization would be formed by the people who most depended on it. Our best bet would be to expose the Gloom organization as the liars and manipulators they are and change people's perceptions."

"But before that, we find Faba and the other Chosen. Preparations have been made and I've adjusted to my powers. We can't wait any longer. I got a terrible feeling from that girl."

Bran nodded. "We'll leave tomorrow morning. For now, let's secure this place. Remember what I said about your Pogron hoodie."

"It's Porygon. And don't worry, I'll make sure no one sees it."

Bran and Gladio soon set out in a modified electric car. The vehicle was fitted with armor plating, increased power and speed, and a longer battery life. The two of them had been working on this vehicle since Gladio started living in Bran's apartment.

Gladio was at the wheel, guiding the small car through the empty streets. Together, they decided to travel to the heart of the battlefield. The number of Gloom Agents present there could give them a clue about their whereabouts.

Faba would most likely be held inside their main base. As big as an organization they were, they'd have to find one of their higher-ups. Unfortunately, the Gloom Organization hid a lot from the public, including the fact that one of their admins was a Chosen.

It would be hard, but Gladio was nothing if not determined to find his mentor.

"How's the car?" asked Bran as Gladio turned a corner.

"It handles fine, we did a pretty good job on it. The boxy design is atrocious when it comes to looks and aerodynamics. Are you sure we couldn't have used a better car?"

Bran shook his head. "We're not going around driving a gas guzzler. It's hard to find gas around these parts, and any I find goes straight to powering my apartment building."

"Fair enough. We should be traveling smoothly until we reach the denser cities. Most Pokémon have already moved on at this point."

"Let's hope so, I don't want any around my apartment."

They continued driving for most of the morning, remaining silent. They passed the city outskirts and entered the highway, reaching the border of the nearest city.

This city also appeared to be uninhabited, most likely due to the invasion.

"Stop the car," said Bran, looking up.

Gladio listened, following Bran's gaze. Above them flew a large Kilowattrel, its shadow passing over them. After it left, Gladio started the car again, slowly passing through the abandoned traffic.

"This city hasn't been under siege for very long," said Bran. "Otherwise, the Pokémon would've moved on."

Gladio nodded, keeping an eye on the street, "That means some people may still be trapped in the city.

Bran was silent for a moment. "Yes, it does mean that. Just remember, we have a clear goal we're setting out for. For people like us, letting people who can't defend themselves into your life is a dangerous business."

"I understand, you've told me this before. But we can't stand by and do nothing."

Bran shook his head. "I'm not saying we give up, just be careful. Not to be a downer or anything, but you can't save everyone. Sometimes, difficult decisions must be made. And those decisions can be costly when it comes to most people."

Gladio sighed. He knew that Bran wouldn't change his mind about this, and he could understand where he was coming from. Still, it didn't sit right with Gladio. One of the reasons he became a scientist was to help others in need. As a Chosen, that duty only increased.

There was a loud sound behind them, causing both men to jump. Looking in the rearview mirror, Gladio saw a large Cyclizar behind them, sniffing around.

"Wait," said Bran, carefully sinking into the chair. "Get out of sigh-"

"Too late for that!" shouted Gladio, slamming the accelerator pedal.

The car jumped forward, narrowly missing an abandoned vehicle as the Cyclizar leaped for them. It hit the ground centimeters away, roaring at them before giving chase.

Gladio swerved the car down a side street, avoiding obstacles as best as he could. Glancing in the mirror, he saw the Cyclizar bounding towards them, the distance between them shortening.

"How is that thing so fast?" asked Bran, turning back in his seat.

"They've been known to run over a hundred and twenty kilometers an hour," said Gladio. "A Cyclizar has incredible acceleration as well."

Bran's mask formed over his face as he opened the door. Without another word, he slammed a stone-covered foot into the ground, causing the ground to crack and splinter behind them.

The Cyclizar didn't pause. It leaped into the air, all four feet landing on a sinking piece of ground before leaping off. In no time, it was giving chase again.

"Take the wheel," said Gladio, opening the sunroof.

Bran nodded, his mask dissipating as he switched places with Gladio, the car's semi-autopilot keeping them straight.

Gladio climbed onto the roof, using his appendages to hang onto the car roof. He fired multiple purple lasers at the Cyclizar, none of them hitting as the Pokémon nimbly leaped onto a wall.

From its vantage point, the Cyclizar leaped directly for Gladio. Before it made an impact, Gladio brought his appendages forward and caused them to widen as he activated his Defense Form.

Blocking the attack, he joined them together and grabbed the Cyclizar, throwing it back. Before he fell off the car, he used his appendages to latch onto the car, shifting them into Speed Form.

"Nice job," said Bran.

Gladio nodded, watching as the Cyclizar gave up its pursuit. The two of them continued forward, no more Pokémon in pursuit of them.

It wasn't long, however, before they ran into more trouble. As they were driving down the road, Pokémon rushed past them, all headed toward a small bar squished between two larger buildings.

"That was strange," said Gladio from the passenger's seat. "Did they not see us?"

"They likely already have a target," said Bran, eyeing the building as he slowed the car. "We'll wait for them to do their business and keep going. It's best if we avoid conflict, considering the trials we'll face ahead."

"But what if someone's in danger?"

"We don't know that for sure. We can't hear the Pokémon from here, so we have no idea what's going on."

Gladio kept his voice firm. "Still."

Bran stopped the car. "We'll investigate then. Be prepared for a fight."

Gladio nodded, stepping out of the car alongside Bran. Moving quietly, they followed the Pokémon into the bar. From the inside, they realized that there was a lot more space due to the surrounding walls having been destroyed.

They could also hear the voices of the Pokémon. Based on the different tones, Gladio estimated five different Pokémon. They seemed to be looking for something or someone.

"Are you sure one of them is here?" asked a gravelly voice.

"You doubt me?" asked a silvery voice.

"Of course, not-"

"Then drop it."

"But-"

"Quiet, I sense humans approaching," said the voice, growing quiet. "Two of you approach. The rest of us will continue the search."

Gladio nodded to Bran, who prepared his stone armor. In a few seconds, two Pokémon, a Ninetails and a Leafeon, leaped out at them.

Bran raised his arms, blocking a stream of fire from the Ninetails. Gladio dashed forward, firing multiple lasers at both Pokémon.

"Traitors!" shouted the Leafeon, the leaf on its forehead glowing.

Bran didn't respond. He punched the Leafeon into a wall, then followed up with Ruination, sending dark bolts of energy flying through the buildings.

Gladio followed up with a blast of psychic energy, throwing both Pokémon through the wall and out into the street. Switching to Defense Form, he used his bolstered appendages to grab a large chunk of debris, blocking the newly formed hole.

Bran got to his feet. "Let's keep-"

He didn't get to finish as a giant boulder smashed into him, knocking him into a wall. The boulder exploded upwards, four hands popping out from its body.

"I guess that Absol wasn't wrong after all!" shouted the Graveler, landing on the ground. "We were hunting the Traitors after all!"

Gladio stood ready, his appendages thinning as he switched to Attack Form. At the same time, Bran pulled himself from the wall, shaking off the attack.

The Graveler plunged all four hands into the ground, ripping off chunks of earth and throwing them at Gladio. Gladio stood his ground, using his appendages to slash at the projectiles before they hit. Seeing that its attack was ineffective, the Graveler smashed the ground, creating a powerful quake.

Bran leaped forward, punching the ground and sending forth a fissure that ripped through the Graveler's attack, the ground exploding around it. Using the created opening, Gladio sent a surge of psychic energy, blasting the Graveler backward.

The Graveler hit the ground, rolling over and collapsing. "Damn you, Traitors."

"They're hunting a Chosen down," said Gladio. "We have-"

"If they're a Chosen, do they really need our help?" asked Bran. "By getting involved, there's a chance more Pokémon would be drawn to this location."

Gladio frowned, realizing the truth behind his statement. "It's too late to back out now. Let's go."

Together, they charged through the buildings, climbing over the broken rubble that stood in their path. Angry voices could be heard from a part of the building.

Gladio and Bran ran forward, finding the Absol and a Braxien in what looked to be a hotel lobby. Both Pokémon turned to face the new threats, behind them was a girl cowering underneath a fallen cart.

"Looks like we found our Chosen," said Gladio.

Bran looked at him. "Not much of one. These are the only Pokémon left. Let's get this over with."

"Such arrogance," said the Absol bitterly. "Befitting of Traitors. Unfortunately, you don't know what you're dealing with. I came here to dispose of the Traitors and Oathbreakers. You will not stand in my way. Freya, get out of here."

The Braxien with him looked fearful. "Sir! A-Are you sure…"

"Of course I am, now go!"

Bran stepped forward, the mask around his face disappearing. "You're the one who should leave. Let the girl go and there's no need for us to battle. We both have the same enemy; I'd rather not spend energy fighting. I believe you understand what's going to happen next. Is it really worth the effort if you know you don't stand a chance?"

The Absol stared at him, a smile on his face. "You don't know, do you? Revel in my power!"

Bright light emanated from something hidden in its fur, filling the entire room. Bran recreated his mask, throwing up a hand to block the light.

The Absol began to laugh as purple light swirled around it, a cocoon forming. With an intense rainbow light, the cocoon shattered, revealing the Absol once more.

This time, however, its fur was longer, two giant wings growing from its back. Its horn had extended into a sharper and stronger shape, a second horn appearing off the side of its head. Its tail was now sharp and jagged.

Gladio stepped back in surprise. "Mega Evolution?"

Bran gave him a side look. "You know about this?"

"It's a special kind of evolution certain Pokémon can undergo with a Mega Stone. It allows them to reach untold levels of power as well as a new, temporary form. But I've never heard of Pokémon Mega Evolving without a special bond with a trainer that holds a Key Stone."

Bran readied his fists, his armor glowing. "Different world, different rules. Doesn't matter though."

"Does it now?" asked the Absol, its wings glowing with red energy. "Let's see about that."

A red aura exploded from its wings, blanketing the entire room. The moment the aura hit them, both men felt an intense fear fill them.

"W-What the hell?" shouted Bran, stepping back.

Every instinct screamed at him to run, that they were going to die simply by standing there. The Absol grinned, its aura intensifying.

Bran and Gladio fell to the ground, unable to overpower the intimidating aura. Gladio desperately tried tapping into his powers, but his head felt like it was going to split apart from the mental attack. All his fears, and his insecurities, came to attack him like a swarm of angry bees.

"How does it feel," asked the Absol, stepping forward. "To know you're powerless. That no one can help you in your time of fear?"

Bran struggled to his feet, trying to overpower the artificial emotions. "Of shut up, I've fared much worse than a little fear."

The Absol's horn glowed, purple blades of psychic energy flying out and striking Bran, knocking him to the floor. "Oh really? Perhaps you don't know the meaning of true fear!"

Before the Absol could unleash another attack, Gladio leaped to his feet, his momentum sending him crashing into the Absol. With a sheer amount of willpower, he directed his appendages to slash at the Absol, breaking its focus and causing its aura to weaken.

The Absol reared up, bringing its horn down and using Night Slash. The dark blades of energy struck Gladio directly, a red gash forming on his chest.

Gladio fell backward, struggling to defend himself as the Absol's aura forced him to his knees. The Absol struck again, Bran blocking the attack with his armored body. Before the Absol could attack once more, he slammed a foot into the ground, creating an earth wall to block them off from each other.

"Are you okay?" asked Bran, his voice wavering.

"Not really. I can't think clearly because of the intimidation aura. Willpower alone won't be able to overcome it for very long. Right now, I'm worried about the girl. Mega Absol's aura has been known to cause lighthearted people to die from shock."

Bran got to his feet; fists raised as the wall began to shatter. "Let's hope that girl's a tough one then. Or else we may be too late."

The wall shattered, the aura intensifying once more. Bran gritted his teeth and slammed both fists on the ground, causing the floor to erupt around them with a powerful earthquake.

Gladio charged forward, activating his Speed Form. Knowing that his abilities wouldn't work on a Dark Type, he used his surroundings to rapidly lash objects at the Absol, mainly to break its focus and prevent its aura from intensifying.

The Absol leaped into the air, using its feathered wings to slow its descent as it landed on a pile of rubble, its horn glowing.

"You. Cannot. Compare!" shouted the Absol, firing multiple blades of psychic energy.

Gladio and Bran tried to avoid the attacks, but they were too overwhelmed to handle them. Bran tried blocking as many attacks as he could, his armor breaking apart. The Absol charged a ball of dark energy, releasing it as a shockwave that devastated everything around it.

Gladio collapsed on the ground, his appendages fading. Mega Evolution is such a strong power. They didn't stand a chance, not against this unfair ability. Gladio could barely make out Bran's voice, a voice that told him to keep going. He felt himself giving in to his fears. His fears of failing, of not understanding. He couldn't fight anymore; he was too afraid. The Absol was stronger than him. He had to run, flee! Leave everything behind or die!

Yet, he knew he had a duty to fulfill. He couldn't give up here, he had to find Faba. But his body refused to listen, it was completely paralyzed with fear. But he could overwrite that, couldn't he?

Gladio focused his power inwards, trying to remember what Deoxys had told him. As he did this, he thought back to all of his biology lessons, lessons about the human body. What controlled his body's instinctive response? How could he change that, if only temporarily, to give him the ability to fight here?

While he did that, Bran refused to stop fighting. He had to protect what was important to him, whether his stuff or his people. He'd come to realize over the past few days, that Gladio was someone worth hanging out with. Whether it was playing video games, listening to him talk about his world, or scientific theories Bran didn't understand. He'd found someone he could count on to protect themselves. But now, in this moment, Bran needed to protect him. And he was willing to do that, even if all instincts screamed otherwise.

Bran charged forward, his armor hardening around him. He smashed his way through a barrage of Psycho Cuts, slamming them down and causing a pillar of earth to rise beneath him.

The Absol snarled at him and leaped into the air, its horn glowing. Bran didn't hesitate, leaping off the pillar and slamming his shoulder into the Absol. Both of them hit the ground and rolled away from each other.

Bran got to his feet first and fired multiple dark lasers, each of them corroding anything they touched. The Absol recovered onto all fours and sprinted away from the Ruination, firing back Dark Pulses.

Bran could feel the sense of dread creeping back in. Even with all this fighting, Absol's aura still hadn't diminished. He knew he couldn't keep this up for long.

However, he didn't need to. In a burst of speed, Gladio dashed forward, cutting off the Absol and colliding with it as he shifted to Defense Form. Wrapping his appendages around the Absol, he picked it up and threw it into a wall, firing multiple lasers to collapse the building around it.

Bran felt a renewed sense of clarity, realizing that the Absol aura had finally been weakened. Using this opportunity, he channeled his powers to cause multiple quakes around where the Absol had fallen, causing the ceiling to fall and imprison it in the rubble. He kept this up for a good twenty seconds, only stopping when he no longer heard the Absol screaming obscenities at them.

"That won't hold it for long," said Gladio, his voice surprisingly steady. "We need to get the girl and get out of here.

"You seem fine," said Bran. "Considering what just happened. What were you doing back there towards the end?"

"I limited the amount of adrenaline in my body."

Bran raised an eyebrow, impressed he could do something like that. "Are you going to be okay, reconfiguring yourself like that?"

"It'll wear off, especially since nothing stressful is happening right now. Though a side effect I'm feeling right now."

Bran nodded, his armor crumbling around him. He was tired as well; this day had taken a lot out of both of them.

They eventually found the girl passed out in a corner, alive and breathing. She wore a ragged shirt and shredded jeans, and her long lavender and purple hair splayed across her face. Unable to wake her, they decided it was best to take her along with them. Bran had no objections. After all, she was supposedly a Chosen.

"I'll drive," said Gladio as they reached the car.

"Okay. I'll settle in for a nap. Wake me up in an hour or two so we can switch. You need to rest as well."

Gladio laughed. "I could manage that."

Bran smiled, getting into the passenger seat after carefully putting the girl in the backseat. It had been a long fight, but it was over now. Bran quickly felt his eyes grow heavy as he slowly fell asleep.

Unfortunately, Bran didn't get to sleep for long. He could hear screaming and the sound of something being struck.

As he opened his eyes, he realized the screaming voice belonged to a girl, a girl who was striking the door with her feet. With all of her screaming, he could barely make out Gladio's voice as he tried reasoning with the girl.

"Stop it," said Bran, turning around. "It wouldn't do to bring an army of Pokémon upon us. Especially after what we went through to save you."

The girl paused, looking at him doubtfully. "Save me from what?"

"You don't remember?" asked Gladio, giving her a concerned look.

The girl sat back in her seat, her black eyes glaring suspiciously at the two men. "There were some Pokémon hunting me or something, that's all. I passed out at one point after a flash of light."

"Five of them," said Gladio. "You must've passed out after the Absol Mega Evolved. How are you feeling? Any side effects?"

"Just let me go, I'm not who you think I am."

"Who are you exactly?" asked Bran.

The girl paused, regarding them with suspicion. "Who are you?"

"I asked first."

"You're the ones kidnapping me."

"It's not what you think it is," said Gladio, trying to resolve the situation. "My friend and I are among the Chosen. We're currently chasing after the Gloom Organization to save my other friend. We'd been traveling through this city when we came across the Pokémon pursuing you. We intervened, and now we're here."

The girl huffed, looking away. "Thanks."

"What about you?"

"Just trying to survive on my own. It's pretty hard to do so when I don't have inhuman abilities."

Gladio and Bran shared a surprised look, but Bran's was more doubtful.

"You're telling me you're not a Chosen?" asked Bran.

The girl tried to look at him in the eyes, but the lack of expression within them caused her to look away, unsettled. "What even is a Chosen?"

"Bad acting."

"I don't know what you're talking about. Look, I appreciate you saving me, but I really need to go now."

"Hold on," said Bran. "Why are you trying so hard to run from us? All of us are Chosen, after all. You'd be safer staying with us than striking out on your own and getting targeted by Pokémon and the Gloom Organization."

"Why do you care whether I'm a Chosen or not?"

"So, you are one," said Bran, finality in his voice. "Why hide it?"

"Because it's none of your business! How am I supposed to know you don't work for the Gloom Organization?"

"You'll have to take our word for it," said Gladio gently. "We can't force you to do anything, of course. If you wish to go, we won't stop you."

The girl paused, considering his words. "Then why haven't you let me out?"

"The doors are unlocked," Bran pointed out. "You just never bothered opening it like a normal person."

The girl blushed, looking down. "Okay, whatever. So, I'm free to go?"

"You always were," said Gladio. "I want to ask you a question if you're willing."

"Go ahead," muttered the girl, her hand on the door handle.

"What are you afraid of?"

The girl stared blankly at him. "My biggest fear? Well, I don't like high places that's for sure."

Gladio shook his head. "I don't mean it that way. Excuse me for being intrusive, but there's a reason why you're hesitant to talk about your powers, why you don't wish to come with us even though it'll be safer. I believe it stems more from lack of trust."

The girl looked away. "You'll be safer without me being here."

Bran shrugged. "If you feel that way, you can always go."

The girl gave him an annoyed look but smiled afterward. "Keeping things honest I see. But I suppose you're right."

"Right about what?"

"I'll be safer sticking around with you two. One thing to make clear, however, is don't ask me about my powers. I'd be better off with no one knowing them. I understand you're heading directly for the Gloom Organization?"

Gladio nodded. "Yes, we intend to find my friend. He had been captured by a Chosen who worked for the Gloom Organization. If we find their base of operations, we can find him."

The girl sighed. "Well, I'm tired of being hunted. Just know, me joining your little group isn't permanent. I'm not about to deliver myself into their hands."

"You'll have us to protect you," said Gladio.

"I can protect myself if need be."

Bran looked over to Gladio, who shrugged. The girl was difficult to work with, but they'd reached an understanding, somewhat.

Gladio started the car again, heading down the road. "I'm Gladio Turner."

"Bran Faunus."

The girl seemed hesitant for a moment but sighed after a moment. "I'm Celica."