Chapter 15: Split

Charcadet and Grimsnarl made their way back to Oranguru and Toucannon. The trip was silent and awkward. After a while, Grimsnarl broke the silence.

(Grimsnarl) "Hey. I don't expect forgiveness or even for you to believe me. But I'm sorry for how me and my team treated you guys. This time alone from Hakamo-o and Salazzle made me think about some things. We're not good Pokémon."

(Charcadet) "What gave you that idea?"

(Grimsnarl) "I guess I deserve that. Either way, when we make it through this I want things to change. I'm done running Team Strength as thieves and jerks. You want to believe otherwise, or just aren't even listening to me, whatever. Either way, I'm getting us back to Oranguru and Toucannon."

(Charcadet) "That's great and all, but why? Why are you suddenly wanting to change your ways?"

(Grimsnarl) "I don't know. I just can't do this anymore. I saw Hakamo-o and Salazzle get corrupted before my eyes. They're my friends...Pokémon I really care about...and I couldn't help them. If I've made anyone feel even remotely close to how I felt seeing them corrupted...I don't want to do that anymore."

(Charcadet) "Well. I guess I never expected to hear that from you. I guess I'll believe it when I see it."

Grimsnarl gave a little smile. He looked ahead. Suddenly, he stopped and grabbed Charcadet.

(Charcadet) "What are you doing?"

(Grimsnarl) "Look."

Grimsnarl pointed ahead. They were about to enter the forest where the hideout was located. However, the forest was dark and void of color.

(Charcadet) "No! Oranguru and Toucannon!"

(Grimsnarl) "What happened here?"

Some Time Earlier

Team Owen headed off towards the Murky Sea. Barnaby lagged behind everyone. Tristan noticed this, and walked back towards him.

(Tristan) "What's wrong?"

(Barnaby) "I'm not in the mood."

(Tristan) "Are you upset because Eli attacked you?"

(Barnaby) "No. I'm upset because I deserved it."

(Tristan) "You know, I don't think I've heard what happened between you 2."

(Barnaby) "We were friends 3 years ago. But one day, I got hurt by a Krookodile who tried to steal from us. We were saved by this group called Team Strength. uThey promised us strength, and I was all on board. Eli was suspicious of them. Anyways, that night we joined them on a mission to get IV vitamins. They were stealing them from the Kecleon shop. Eli obviously wanted out, but I was corrupted by the greed of power. He tried to stop me from joining them...and I attacked him. That's how he got that scar. I wanted so badly to become stronger so no one like Krookodile would hurt me again. And instead, I became like him. A jerk. I ruined the one good thing I had. You know if I could go back to that day, I'd let Krookodile beat me up again. I've already accepted I'll probably never have Eli as a friend again. But I just wish I could show him I'm sorry. But he won't believe me."

(Tristan) "Well. Actions speak louder than words. Maybe you need to do something to show him your sorry."

(Barnaby) "Like what?"

(Tristan) "I can't help you with that. That's up to you. Otherwise, it wouldn't be genuine."

(Barnaby) "Whatever. But seriously, we need to keep an eye on Poipole. I just know something's up with her."

(Tristan) "You're still on that?"

(Barnaby) "Seriously! I've never seen anyone like her. Plus she acted like she came from your hometown, but you haven't seen her. Why would she lie about that? And where did she come from?"

Poipole flew around in the sky.

(Pawmo) "Hey Poipole! What are you doing up there?"

(Poipole) "Just watching out for any danger ahead on our journey!"

(Pawmo) "Cool!"

Pawmo looked away. Poipole suddenly took out a walkie-talkie while no one was watching her.

LATER

Charcadet and Grimsnarl snuck through the now dark forest.

(Charcadet) "What happened? We were literally just talking to Oranguru and Toucannon not too long ago."

(Grimsnarl) "Maybe they made it out. Let's not panic just yet."

Charcadet and Grimsnarl arrived at home base.

(Grimsnarl) "Be prepared for whatever may have happened."

Grimsnarl and Charcadet entered home base. It was neaely impossible see more than a few inches from their faces.

(Charcadet) "Oranguru? Toucannon?"

(Grimsnarl) "We're back. Is everything alright?"

Suddenly, a pair of blue eyes peered out from the darkness. Nothing else of the mysterious figure could be seen.

(Voice In The Dark) "Well well well! Looks like we have a few visitors!"

Charcadet and Grimsnarl froze.

Some Time Earlier

(Poipole) "Yello!"

(REDACTED) "*through walkie-talkie* Did you get in with the others?"

(Poipole) "Yep! No one suspects a thing. Except the Lycanroc. However, those idiots won't listen to him."

(REDACTED) "*through walkie-talkie* Perfect! It's all going according to plan! I'm near their homebase now. These fools won't know what hit them."

(Poipole) "No they will not...Shadow King!"

End Of Chapter 15