Connecting to Partners

by zcritic88

A few days after the war against chaos, something stirred in the cosmos once more. What was a mystery prior, is soon to be relieved as a particular boy and his band if misfits get swept up into the on going battle between Light, Dark and the Truth. New bonds will be forged, and older ones will be stronger than before as the conflict takes a turn

45. A Masquerade's Hike

Out in the Wilderness, bellow the mountain. The alluring Fezandipiti hurried into the woods, to be out of sight and out of mind of any explorers that would venture out of the town. Not that they would know what he and his follows would plot. At a gathering of a fallen tree, a stump and a elderly tree, a high pitch voice plotted out loud. "Soon as Dipiti convinces those schmucks to look after our boss, we can make our move for the treasure horde!"

A grunty voice was panting in agreement. "Those shiny masks are gonna be ours!" Fezandipiti arrived to find Munkidori using the elder tree as a way to draw out a plan, while Okidogi was using the stump as a chair, crossing his arms and resting a foot on his leg. Munkidori noticed Dipiti arriving and rubbed his temples, he glowed a pink power as the pupils of his eyes vanished into a vision. "The town's a bigger meal ticket that we'd thought it would be." His eyes returned to normal and he let that glow fade. "All we got to do is-" Fezandipiti twirled in style. "Show off our glamorous valor!"

Okidogi wagged his tail and showed his teeth in maliciousness. "Easy peasy!" Munkidori relaxed and raised his paw while addressing Dipiti. "But you're thinking that if someone spots us, it will be a complication?" Dipiti flew to the fallen stump and perched. "Don't worry about it, the Boss is somewhere nice and cozy, they won't suspect a thing." Dori half dropped his eye lids, doubting. "That's like what you said when you thought the Ogre would be an easy mugging." Dipiti traded sharp glares with Dori, Dogi realized a fight was about to happen and stood in between them. "So what's the plan? Am I gonna beat someone up?"

Dori was ready to speak the plan as his eyes glowed in a sudden, he flinched and gave an eek as he sharply turned right. Dogi laughed heartily and sang in a rough tune. "Violence time!" He charged with little regard to any plan Dori might have came up with. Dori trialed behind as Dipiti flew into the shadows. Dogi charged into a clearing that goes up the mountain, pulsating in dark power that a totem was using to corrupt.

The totem brought about a hunched back, horned, dark ogre that wrought about strange dark humanoid insects across the land. Two pokemon were standing back to back in a desperate attempt to fend off the attack. A short, white cat ferret with sharp claws and red markings, and a large. Black viper with long red fangs, a bladed tale, spots of yellow scales and purple scars across her body. A Zangoose and a Seviper that were not happy to be working together. The Ferret snarled at her mortal enemy. "As soon as we gut these fools, you're next!" Seviper looked back and hissed. "Oh, I will remember that." The Dark Ogre split into four in an attempt to overwhelm the defenders. Each having traces of grass, fire, stone and water. Dogi flinched as Dori watched and whispered. "What the heck is that Ogre doing?"

Dogi didn't quite care, took the chain resembling a neck scarf and used it as a make shift flail before charging in. Barking wildly and intercepting the dark creatures before swiping wide and causing the fire and stone ogres to give a dark purple hue. The water and grass ogres charged in power, Dipiti flew in their way and let loose an alluring voice that dazed and left them poisoned. The dark creatures were sent flying by the combined power and Dori flipped over while dripping in poison. "Take cover!"

He pressed his paws down and fired a blast of sludge that washed over as a wave. Dogi, Dipiti and Seviper endured the wave as Zangoose made a protective barrier and cursed. The insects vanished and dark ogres were melting from the poison. They rushed after Dogi, who delivered fast poison jabs to finish the fire one off. Dipiti flipped at the water one and lashed with a tail slap as Dori blasted the rock ogre away in a psychic blast. Leaving behind a grass ogre to be sucker punched and left fading away. The Totem burst into dark power and was bringing about double the amount of ogres. Dogi laughed loudly and taunted the dark creatures as Dori and Dipiti were seeing that their situation was growing dire.

"ROAR!"

SWOOP!

CLAW!

Out of nowhere, a dragon with crescent wings dived from the town way and in one swipe, cleaved the totem in two. The darkness was fading fast as a Magneton appeared to electrocute the dark ogres, giving Zangoose the chance to take in a poison and rush in a berzerkers frenzy. Seviper slithered to the ogre farthest away from the ferret and gave a poison jab as Dipiti ascended high and flapped an icy wind at the forces, the effect of his chain left three of the forces under a deadly poison. Dogi saw three of the forces going after Dori, rolled in the way and braced for the damage, giving his partner time to unleash his psychic power while the fighter gave fast punches that drained. The dragon used her acrobatic skills to pounce each of the unoccupied forces and severed them with a swift clawing. The danger was abated and it left Seviper and Zangoose panting, it was clear they were wounded and exhausted from the dark ambush. The dragon was quick to pick up Zangoose and bring her to the Seviper before gripping the two of them, she growled softly. "I know a place that will tend to you lot."

Dori thought and called out. "Hey, wait up!" He scurried to the dragon and pointed up the mountain. "We got bigger problems, those things are looking like the Ogre up in the mountain! What has she been doing?"

The dragon glared at the three. "Again with this? When I am finished here, I will be the one to search the mountains above. You and that little coward can cease your foolish endeavor and focus on protecting the lost ones." Okidogi pressed a fist against his paw and barked. "Hey, no one tells us what to do besides the boss!" Munkidori saw the dragon looking bored and didn't need extra foresight to know it can easily flip Dogi across the forest. He jumped onto Dogi's shoulder and asserted command. "Easy, easy!" He whispered. "We'll talk about this once we make sure that no other funny stuff happens out here."

Dipiti thought and focused on the concerning threat. "If that stuff gets in the town, then the boss would be in a whole lot of trouble. Least of all how this will affect us." The dragon didn't change her glare, looked down to the groaning rivals and flew off. Dori jumped down in front of Dogi and tapped his foot. "This ain't gonna do squat if the source isn't taken cared of. So let's try it like this-" He drew on the dirt and thought up a scheme to seize the treasure with in the mountain, with Dogi and Dipiti listening well.

At the Eye Rester

The quartet of under cover agents were resting up after a nightly adventure at the concert. Denryk was using a couch and had Scraggy in his arms. Roxas was dealing with an Espeon and Umbreon that were hogging space on his bed as Namine and Arty were sound and at peace. Dupmic was at a pull out bed and was out with Schemy perching on shiny baubles. Denryk was having a sensation of blissful joy and was in a dream with Scraggy. It was one taking place in a festival of many lights and melodies that were reminiscent to what was played at the concert. Denryk and Scraggy were dancing together without a care in the world. The bliss reached a peak to where Scraggy barely notice someone appearing in curiosity, an Ogerpon that was trying to make sense out of the dream. Pop! In a sudden, Mimer, Waltza, Flingy and a Croconaw that had an eye closed. The Mr. Mime approached to invite the awkward Ogre to the strange festivity, miming an invitation that the Ogre was recognizing. She asked awkwardly. "Are you in my dream? Or am I in yours?"

Denryk shrugged and showed a lack of care. "Who knows." He announced proudly. "But we gotten enough done in the town to where we can take off as soon as we can." The dream shifted to that of Radiant Garden during it's prime years, a wonder that was alien to the Ogre. She blushed and focused. "Do you have the silly thing ready?" The hoodlum laughed. "Not yet! It should be ready by morning and I can handle the little details along the way." He calmed and reported. "We also figured out the names on three of those jerks! How many times have they've bugged you?" Ogerpon didn't even bother counting a specific number. "Lot's, be careful if you find anyone wearing chains. They'll try everything to cover their tracks."

Suddenly, the dream shifted to something more awake to the Ogre, she was getting up fast as Denryk and his crew found themselves in a cave within the mountain. A dark power pulsed outside and the band hurried out to find a dark totem with a Corrupter conjuring what looked to be tall ogre clones. The forces attacked enmass as Ogerpon got an idea and hurried inside to get something. Flingy jumped into Denryk's hand and insisted he be thrown at the Corrupter as Waltza and Croconaw danced. Mimer mimic Waltza's quiver dance as Scraggy rushed for a fast fake out at the Corrupter. Croconaw blitz after the Corrupter and bit with icy fangs as Waltza flew high and toss an air cutter. Flingy jumped to Denryk's hand and spewed toxic spikes as the dark ogres charged. They stepped on the spikes and took in poison, Denryk sensed the dark forces going for him in particular and stepped back to dodge as Mimer gave a quiver dance and blasted the forces in a dazzling gleam. Scraggy rushed to the Corrupter and delivered a low kick as Denryk leaped over the horde and brought about his bat. The Heartless disappeared and tried to sucker punch the boy who ducked and had Flingy bite at the forehead.

BURST!

Something in the cave burst into flames and dashing in a quick attack was Ogrepon in a fiery mask with blue lips, an upper set of fangs and typical cartoonish eyes. Her hood looked to be in a matching red as she brought out a fiery cudgel and made short work of the darklings.

The Corrupter burst tentacles to knock the assault back and fired chains at the Ogre. Denryk sprinted after the chain and swung his bat, feeling it not there for a moment and in it's place, something as small as a tube.

BZZT! ZZZ!

With a swing, the chain was sent flying side ways, having melted heat where a link use to be. Denryk was surprised and looked to his weapon, which remained a bat. Scraggy followed with a pay back punch as dark reinforcements crawled from the totem. Waltza and Mimer worked together to dance and bombard as Croconaw picked off the stragglers with aqua jet. Denryk let go of his surprise and dashed after the Corrupter, dodging an impaling claw and using the bat to smack the heartless in it's stomach. Making it crouch, Denryk brought out his laspistol, placed it at the side of the heartless's head and fired. A coup de gras that sent it falling to the side and disappearing into the darkness. Leaving a totem that was spiraling out of control. Flingy had an idea and buzz. "Everyone get behind Mimer!"

The band sprinted to get behind the Mr. Mime that sensed what was planned, Mimer set up a wide guard and looked like he wanted to call to the boy. Denryk felt his heart grow heavy and hurried behind as the Pineco spun fast and launched at the totem's head, he glowed and unleashed a self destructing blast that vaporized the heartless and left the totem about to break. Giving Ogerpon the chance to shatter it in a quick attack.

The battle was won and Denryk hurried to pick Pineco up. "Flingy, what did I say about dropping the fire in the hole like that?!" The Pineco was trying to wake up as Scraggy gave Denryk a light jab on the leg. "Ya didn't! That's the big problem." Denryk blushed. "Well... yeah, but it's a last resort."

He held Flingy gently and turned to warn the Ogre. "Ogerpon, those things are incredibly dangerous and if they get their hands on any pokemon, it's gonna spell really bad stuff."

The young girl cringed and put her mask away to show a worried face. "That doesn't make it sound any better, are they after me?" She thought and gasped. "I think I can fight back, but we're going to need a lot of help."

Denryk promised eagerly as his partners begun to disappear one at a time. "Just if you see more of those, smash them on sight, for those who can't do that. We'll try to take care of those Three Jerks if they try to use this as a shot at your masks." He felt embarrassed that he has to enhance his plan. "I guess there's something else that can be dumb as heck. Just keep holding on a while longer, okay?" Ogerpon nodded as a faint voice whispered from behind Denryk's mind.

"Bold it might be, but foolish?"
"Mmmmaybe."

The voice sound more akin to an elderly frog. Denryk and Scraggy remained in the dream and turned fast, the boy asked fast as Pineco disappeared in his arms. "Who said that?" The duo found themselves in a crystal cave, alone with the voice of the elder that chuckled. "Just a dream, maybe more, maybe not."

Denryk brought out his bat and felt it smaller once again, that fear of the unknown turned into determination. "If a dream around here isn't normal, then it's definitely important." He asked boldly. "What do you want?"

The voice answered humbly. "Nothing, nothing at all. But you-" The voice whispered. "doubting your feelings, you are!" Denryk wasn't denying that primordial sense. "They're just stuff that Ken would have been feeling otherwise. Me and most of my... squad mates are strange ones." He felt as if the voice was looking up to him, agreeing in good humor. "That you are, but they've found something more that is and isn't like their others. What say of you?"

Denryk lowered his bat hand, not wishing to look at what he's holding. "I really don't know. But I'm not going to wallow around while people end up in danger from all the crud that's out there." He tensed. "Especially if those people just need to see the beauty that's all around us." He twirled and laughed. "It be too easy to just sit this out now!" The voice grunted. "Too easy. Guide your feelings and you will see all that there is to be with your kin."

The hoodlums agreed with the voice and Denryk promised. "I figured that part out by now. We'll show these pokemon the kind of world we're making." A great pride filled him, Scraggy and the misfits that over heard. They found themselves waking up on the couch, Denryk saw the belt of pokeballs shaking awake as he had Scraggy jump off. The boy picked up the belt and put it on. It was still considered early, with the clock tower just lighting up for the day cycle. He looked to his squad mates and found them sleeping peacefully. Denryk hurried to get prepared, not knowing that was stirring Schemy and allowing him to perch Dupmic's back. Pecking the back of his head as a way to be a nuisance. Denryk yawned and planned out loud. "Looks like Volcarona's about to have his first round. Could be morning."

He checked the clock and found the number completely off. "at least here, but what ever." He shrugged to Scraggy, who didn't even try to make sense of the time. Dupmic swatted away the Murkrow and was waking up to the faint light, he saw Denryk was up and crawled out. "Urk, you know you don't got to be an early bird like your other has been. Like..." Denryk waved a hand. "I woke up from a dream and time zone's weird here." He blushed. "I should check to see of the wood carvers have my mask ready. Do you mind if I look for something to go with it?"

Dupmic smirked. "Like a costume?" He got up and contemplated. "Well..." He waved his hand. "you'll need someone to tell you if you're going to look crazy." Denryk tried to hold in his laughter and hurried to make a note. "Then we need to let the love birds know where we are."

The four took off to the town.

The four headed over to the wood carvers and were given a notice that the Spider Mask needed half an hour. So they settled for a complimentary piece to search for, going to a clothing department. Denryk quickly found a purple hooded monk robe that would fit in costume, purchased it with the acquired munny from the previous day and went to change in. Putting away the purple hoodie to reveal a light blue shirt. On stepping out, Scraggy and Schemy didn't know what to make of the attire as Dupmic admitted. "It would work for a party, but the hoodie can work elsewhere."

Denryk appreciated the criticism. "It wouldn't be remembered if someone doesn't stand out." The four headed out and saw more of the sky turn to morning. It wasn't long until a voice called out. "Hey!" Roxas, his eeveelutions, Namine and Arty arrived. The squad leader checked out the robe and lectured. "Don't go taking off without telling us. You know how early it is." Denryk waved a hand. "Sorry about that, I got woken up because I'm pretty excited for that trip. Who knows who we're gonna find, besides Ogerpon and the Thug Trio."

Roxas squinted his eyes as Namine was left imagining. "Well, we're gonna figure it out soon." At the sudden, an emergency horn was blown. The band gasped and hurried to the source at the Ranch. In the field was an injured Zangooose and Seviper, who looked to be passed out in claw markings. Yuffie, Aerith, Leonhart and a Chansey were having a look at the injuries, while the healers were quick to treatment. Poppy was up early and finished her examination, confused as Jumba was organizing a note. Namine called out. "What's going on this time?"

Poppy turned to see as much confusion. "That's what we're trying to figure out." Jumba reported a fast observation. "Just a moment ago, something reptilian flew here with a crescent set of wings and dropped off these two. I believe these are the special duo of Seviper and Zangoose."

Poppy explained in detail. "Normally injuries are common between these two, because they are arc rivals. But these wounds aren't anything they would inflict on each other." Denryk thought out loud. "Did anyone get a good look at the moon wings? Did it rescue these two or something?"

Doofensmirthz arrived with a camera in hand. "Just finished rendering it in the surveillance. Take give me one second." He pressed a button and projected it on a tree, showing more details of a dragon that greatly resembles a Salamence. The secret squad flinched and recognized a Roaring Moon. Dupmic called out. "That's who was spying on us?!" Poppy called the beast for what it is. "A wild looking Salamence that bears resemblance to a mega form and has the temper to match." Namine shook her head. "Like the one we found in the Labyrinth!"

Denryk corrected his squad mate. "Not like. She is! Why was she keeping to herself like that?" Roxas focused on a more important detail. "If she was the one who rescued these two, then you got to be spot on! So who could have done this?"

On further examination, it's clear the Seviper and Zangoose suffered blunt trauma as well as lacerations. They began to come through and were riled up on seeing one another, Seviper readied her bladed tail as Zangoose raised out her claws. Yuffie gave a fast toss of quick balls to get the two contained before they attempted at each others lives.

Click!

Leonhart took a deep breath at the looming ordeal. "Who ever it is, it's still out there. Think those three have something to do with this?" Poppy wasn't exactly certain. "Not going to say they wouldn't, but according to my sources; The Loyal Three I've read about normally do things for a reason. There's little to gain from bullying those two and it wouldn't make sense to try this when they want us to welcome them into the town with open arms."

Wanda stepped out and thought out loud. "So we should start our expedition as immediate as possible?" She ordered her men. "Go find more volunteers. We need someone out there in half an hour!" The Freeguild understood and hurried to take off, only to immediately run into an arriving, Donald and Goofy. The mage had a blue eyed, multi colored cream faerie on his shoulder. The faerie had blue berries for hair pins and a confident demeanor while the shield bearer had toughened up, if eager looking Honedge. Leonhart was quite surprised. "Right on que." Goofy and Honedge laughed to that as Donald explained. "His Majesty suggested that we explore and see if there's someone that will need the help."

Wanda nodded and requested to her troops. "Keep looking for more. It's going to get dangerous out there." The troops took off as Goofy asked. "Anythin' big that's goin' on around here?"

Roxas nodded. "Just what we should have expected. Rougher people, some monsters and someone that's going to need us soon." Denryk raised three fingers. "We found out about these three jerks, a Roaring Moon from the Labyrinth and now we need a plan." He thought outloud. "I just need that mask and then maybe-" Namine gasped to a plan. "If we can get the Loyal Three separated, then three of us can catch them before they can make a comeback." Denryk pressed the side of his head at the mutual thought. "And if we can get them to work with us, then we can put to work against the real monsters out there."

He and Namine shared that smile as the witch followed along. "There has to be several pokemon that are out there too. So this is going to be a long hike." It certainly would be. Donald asked in caution. "Is there anything about these Loyal Three that we need to know about?" Poppy explained fast. "The Dex has everything you need to know, but it's lacking information on this Peach that hangs out with them." She looked to the squad and saw Denryk was missing, a surprise to only her.

Over at the Wood Carvers.

Gilligan and his crew had a helmet like Spider Mask ready. Having the features of a wolf spider. Denryk was given the mask and giggled as he lifted it up. "Just about perfect." The elder saw that and asked. "Now, what are you hoping to gain by hiding your face? The woods is no place for a festival, I'll tell you that?"

Denryk didn't care for that detail. "I'm getting a friend and a way to be around people." He put the mask on and lifted the hood of his robe. "Some people might get hurt if they see my face and mistake me for someone else. With this, they won't have to see that face unless I want them to."

That is an agreeable enough point that the craftsmen won't argue about. Denryk hurried to get paint brushes, light brown paint and dark brown paint before going to an alley way and shadow stepping. Returning to the group and waving. "I'm back, just got the last of the goods I'll need." Wanda was pleased and declared. "We'll be off in half an hour! Ya better have finished packing."

Half an hour later.

A rather substantial expedition team was deployed. Wanda, Stalwing, Poppy and a Malamar were talking the front lead while Yuffie, Leonhart and Serah of all people were following behind her. In the center was a band of Watchdogs, a strolling Sylvia who was letting Wander on her back and a hand picked band of knights and rogues. One was a well renowned onion looking knight with a jolly mood, the other was a sneaky bald man with a shield and spear. Keeping the rear guard was Lauriam, Litzia, the secret squad, along with Donald and Goofy. The botanist had Roselia out, marveling the moon lit and caught the scent of decay. Wanda and Stalwing spotted a clearing, going up to the mountain. There were markings of an obvious fight. Roselia traced the smell to withering shrubbery and chirped. Leonhart went to inspect. "What ever was here, was enough to corner those two and rile up something with poison."

Lauriam looked around to find sludge. "A toxicity that will fall these trees if nothing is done." He channeled a fast heal to expel the toxin as Wanda had Stalwing fly up. "Could this have been the work of those three?" Poppy imagined so. "It checks out with their ability, Toxic Chain." Wanda guessed. "The chain they wear?"

Poppy nodded. "Any offensive move, regardless if they require contact or not, allows them to inflict a poison that worsens over time. Badly poisoned. Most poison types and even steel types are immune to those effects though. While Zangoose has an ability that would make her immune to that or an ability that would turn that toxin into a terrifying power. One that would rip apart anyone unlucky enough to be sticking around."

Sylvia guessed. "So you think they might have been beating up who ever was attacking those two?" Poppy added. "But they didn't restrained themselves enough to watch the environment. Not like they have the power to treat it." She advised to the more capable. "We'll need to split up and cover more ground if we're to get to the bottom of this. Everyone, decide on who you're going with. We'll need to move fast."

Litzia headed over to the Committee as Lauriam took his chance with the Knight and the Mercenary. Roxas looked to Donald and Goofy while pointing his thumb to the mountain. "Want to start up there?" The Kingsguard felt it was the best place to search while Dupmic looked to Namine and Denryk. "Looks like we're about to get ditched."

Namine didn't mind and showed off a beast ball. "With the partners we got on our side as well as you boys, we'll be fine for a few minutes. Let's see where these guys are going and pick the path they're not going to travel to." Denryk bobbed his head and didn't mind that the squad leader was going ahead to where Ogerpon lives. "At worst, Ogerpon will know the kind of people who are wanting to help her. First come, first serve's a big rule if you're wanting to get anywhere." Namine wasn't too worried. "That maybe, but we're not a bunch of hungry scavengers anymore."

Up the mountain.

Dipiti took notice of visitors camping at the base of the mountain and a trio consisting of a spikey haired teenage boy and a silly duo of a dog man bearing a shield and a duck mage, going up the slope. The Pheasant flew back to a slope going leftward up the mountain, where Dori was looking up a wall and having a plan. Dori guessed. "We got some shmucks heading up here, aren't we?"

Dipity nodded and perched to the ground. "A spikey haired kid and these funny guys. What do you think we ought to do?" Dogi growled and flex. "Knock them off the mountain!" Dori glared at the brute and shook his head. "Are you trying to botch this job?"

He sighed and pointed up to the summit. "No, no! We spotted a mean one that's up the summit, so hows about we take a short cut around." Dogi wagged his tail, was over the lecture and cheered. "And get to the Ogre first!" Dipiti flew over to the rocky wall and glided to each ledge as Dori started climbing, Dogi went over and nearly leaped in his ascent. Dori wasn't too surprised and admitted. "Well... it's a short cut if we can make it work."

The Loyal Three reached over the higher ledge and were at a path that spiraled up the mountain, with in a corridor was a gap that had someone drawing a plan on a wall. A tall rodent man in a green sweater and bagged pants. He was thinking as he checked his cheese stash, he shook his head. "Nah that won't work, it isn't common up here." Dogi grunted confused as Dipiti looked at the drawing and saw it had everything to do with the Ogre he and his companions are harassing. The rodent felt someone looking at him, turned and leaped in astonishment at the three thugs.

"Watchaha?!"

Dori thought and whispered to his companions. "This loser's also going after the Masks?" Dipiti turned and whispered back. "What do you think we should do with him?" Dogi raised a fist and barked. "Punching time! That bag got goods!"

Dori wasn't opposing that idea, yet was more curious of trying subtlety. "Or maybe-" He gasped, scurried to the drawing of Ogerpon being lured into a trap. He pointed to ask. "What are you up to? Are you trying to stop the Ogre from wrecking the mountain side?" Much to Dori's delight, the Rodent man had no idea what was said. "Interesting are ya? Well, you've just found some luck your way. For Ol' Mortimer's got a nose for treasure!" He asked. "Let's get us up to speed, eh pallys?"

Meanwhile, down the mountain.

The unusual trio and their aid had a brawl going up the mountain, against dark forces that were meant to impersonate the fabled Ogre. Roxas, Ceruledge and Ninjask zipped around with fast slashes as Goofy and Honedge twirled into a twister of metal. Alcreamie decorated Donald's staff and let him unleash a mighty storm to blow the forces away. The brawl went about slowly and slowly until they began to hear the rumbling of an earthquake. The mountain shook and the band hurried to a slope way, finding a large, purple, stone pupa with eyes peering out of eye holes. It smashed the ground and unleashed a rock slide upon the Dark Ogres, burying them. Donald and Alcreamie recognized the creature for a depiction. "A Pupitar!"

Ceruledge's flame flickered in astonishment as Ninjask flew back a ways, Roxas asked. "Poppy mentioned one of those, as well as Larvitar." Goofy nodded as the Pupitar shined an aura. "Pupitar's the next stage, after some time it ends up evolvin' into this 'dere Tyranitar."

Pupitar turned to have a look at worthy opponents. "Tar!" (You're climbing up here to face these trespassers too?) Honedge shined his blade and gleamed. (We're trying to find the source and banish it from the mountain. You're not about to just let us pass though?) Pupitar shook his body, like one a head. (The lot of you are strong ones, I can see it as clearly as a day lit sky.) He roared. (Face me! Let's see who will continue this climb!)

Roxas, Donald and Ceruledge looked to Honedge and his choice of words. The boy called the duo of fire and bug, who would be at a great disadvantage, back into their balls and sent out Espeon. "Looks like someone's really wanting to crack open that shell." The Espeon sensed determination and a familiar aura. The Pupitar spun with a draconic dance as the Espeon calmed his mind. Goofy called out an idea. "Give it a metal sound and we got this!" The Honedge used his sheath to rub a harsh sound, Pupitar leaped high above as Alcreamie got to decorating Espeon. Honedge could see an earthquake coming and let loose a wide guard to block the blast. Roxas pointed. "Fire!"

Espeon blasted the Pupitar with a psybeam, the pupa rolled back and growled as Donald aimed his staff. "Energy ball!" The Alcreamie glowed green and fired a glob as Pupitar's face glowed what looked to be fangs and rushed at the projectile. Attempting to crunch through it and getting blasted by the floral power. He fell to his face and Goofy tossed a simply great ball. Shake...shake... shake... click!

The shield bearer felt pity and looked up the mountain with some anger. "This is what them heartless are wantin'" He turned. "They're getting these critters all riled up, so they'd pick a fight with anyone who comes close to home." Donald's getting it. "And that anyone could be us." He spotted a mountain path going further up as Roxas dreaded. "If Ogerpon's up there, then it's only a matter of time until she's on a war path!" Goofy thought about it and headed over. "Maybe if we can get to her, we'll let her know that help's on the way?"

It made as much sense and the band hurried up. There wasn't any real ambushes, though the feeling of something watching over them was right above their heads. They heard a sly voice close by, offering an idea to someone and reaching to a question. "What do ya say?"

There was a corridor that had a tall rodent man that was giving a case of deja vu, offering something to the Loyal Three. Donald and Goofy were surprised at the familiar face.

"Mortimer?!"

Roxas doesn't recall that name, raised a brow and whispered. "Morti what now?" Goofy turned, just as confused. "It's someone we didn't think we'd see again. He's been someone who tried to compete with His Majesty for the Throne a whiles ago." Donald had a vague memory of that day. "He ended up taking off into exile when he was found cheating." Mortimer heard that and turned, offended. "Way put it all in the past, ol'd pals, ol chums. Achachacha!"

He approached as the Loyal Three looked to each other in doubt, Roxas noticed and asked. "So you're not after that anymore? What are you up to?" Mortimer adjusted his sweater confidently. "Just doing my good deeds around the worlds and I just so happened to have stumbled upon this mess. Some terrifying Ogre's taking up residence in the area and is making an outbreak on those chumps you call the Heartless. If someone doesn't do something about it, it could make it's way across the town." He pointed a thumb to the Loyal three. "Something that these chums have as a common goal."

Okidogi grunted as Fezandipiti giggled and covered his beak. Munkidori crossed his arms in thought and begun whispering to his companions. Mortimer turned to see the Loyal Three talking it over and asked the arrivals. "Since we've all want to keep the town all cozy, how about we put some past grudges aside and go up there together, eh?"

Donald and Goofy tapped their feet and Roxas called to talk it over at a corner. Whispering among themselves. "You don't buy this guy either, do ya?" Donald shook his head. "Mortimer has a way in talking others into doing his dirty work and taking the credit." Goofy recalled. "That's why he was banished in the first place. So what is he really doing up here?" Roxas guessed. "Special mask, great treasure, profit!"

They noticed the Loyal Three in a familiar huddle, with Fezandipiti giving Mortimer a gleaming stare before joining back in the conversation. Roxas felt an idea in mind and gasped. "I think we know what will make him crack. Just watch." The three broke from their meeting, looked to their partners, who weren't trusting the rodent either. Roxas coughed to feign politeness. "Thanks for the offer, but we got a friend who's talked with that Ogre up above. Something really doesn't connect with what you're saying."

Okidogi heard that as Munkidori called for a break. Munkidori grunted certain. "Munkay!" (You got that right!) Fezandipiti stealthily flew to the road going towards the summit. (You can talk it out with this moocher, while we go scout ahead to see what that Ogre's really up to.) Okidogi smiled and waved as he followed his partner. (We stopped him all 'ere for ya without breaking a sweat.) Munkidori snickered. (You can thank us later.) Mortimer realized the Loyal Three were leaving him to the inquisitive group. "Hey, wait up! There's no need to ditch me 'ere!"

Okidogi was getting amused and promised. (That Ogre's a rough one, you';; just get smashed if you head up there with us.) Fezandipiti tried not to laugh. (But I'm sure they'll be more than happy to escort you down the mountain and to someone who'd love to have a word with you.) Munkidori had a wide smile. ((So let some actual heroes take care of the goods... part.) He realized there was a slip of his tongue and stood there, his eyes glowed for a split second and he gasped. (Oh crud!) He turned and shrieked. (Incoming!)

Glimmer! Burst!

Leaping from above was an raging, infernal face that is roaring. By it was a great cudgel and under were tiny legs. Okidogi readied his chain as the Oni glowed in power and applied a cudgel to his chest, sending him rolling in a critical blow. The Ogerpon has arrived with rage in hand. Fezandipiti took a step back and was ready to flap his wings as Munkidori was channeling psychic power. Honedge flow in the way and brought about a wide guard to deflect the icy wind as Roxas sent out Umbreon and ordered. "Take that psychic blast!"

The moonlight cat sprinted in the way to take the blast, feel no effect and pounced on Dori for some foul play. Espeon hurried to face a standing up Okidogi that saw a psychic type and rolled. Ogerpon gave Fezandipiti a glare and smacked him a distance with her ivy cudgel. Okidogi used his chain to swipe wide as Roxas ordered. "Jump and blast him!"

Espeon jumped over the chain and fired a fast psybeam at the Dogi, knocking him to his back as Dori used a sludge wave to jump high and get Umbreon under the effect of poison. Donald sent out Licky and quaked. "Body slam him!" The Lickitung leaped after Dori and forced him to back flip, Ogerpon intercepted with lightning speed and tackled the ape to send him on a roll. The Loyal Three were cornered in a fight they weren't going to win and Dogi made a charge over the ledge, with Dipiti flying a leap and Dori scurrying fast, escaping to fight another day and leaving Mortimer face to face with the fiery Oni.

Ogerpon turned to the ones who aided her, recognized something and caused her glowing mask to shrink back down. It fell off by accident and revealed an orange, fanged face that is quite adorable, if nervous. A stark contrast to the raging Oni a moment ago, she picked up her mask, turned back to the slope and cried out in tears as she ran. (Sorry, sorry, sorry!)

Roxas sighed in pity. "No wonder she hasn't stopped by yet. Someone keeps setting her off!" He turned to a rat who was trying to rub away a drawing. "And you were about to take something from her, weren't you?"

Mortimer flinched and tried to hide his plan, nervous about being caught. "It's not... well you see-" Donald sent out a Kirlia and sighed in disappointment. "You haven't changed one bit!" He had the Kirlia bring Mortimer over by force as Goofy asked in concern. "So what are we going to do about Ogrepon? Those heartless weren't just looking like her without a reason."

Roxas agreed with him there. "We know just the guy, who can talk to her and let her know that we're here to help her." He turned back. "Meanwhile, someone has to deal with the Lousy Three Thugs." Donald and Goofy agreed on that and got ready to head down the mountain.

Down Bellow in the forest.

Namine, Arty and the boys were exploring the source of a rancid smell, the Witch and her Smeargle were in a zen as Denryk noticed Dupmic having to hold his nose and gasped to an idea. Bringing a cloth piece out of his bag and offering as a gesture. "Hey, this could lessen the stench."

Dupmic didn't hesitate to take it and use it like a face mask as Arty looked to the trees in suspicion. Up above one of them was what looked to be a worm in pink. Using her antenna to lower herself down and show a pointed nose and a set of eyes. "Worm?"

Namine had a look at the pink gasped at a the wrappings of old fiberglass. "A Wormadam in a trash cloak!" The Wormadam saw determined faces and let loose a buzz. Rustle! Rustle! From the shrubbery, came a large, menacing, brown stag beetle, a Pinsir. Going around her feet were a trio of small, blue, doll like creatures with hands on their head, a black tail with an eye and a constantly smiling face. Namine gasped and nearly swooned as the three held hands and stood as a wall. "Look at these brave Wynauts." The Pinsir jumped over the Wynauts and raised her arms upward to look imposing. Dupmic sent out Schemy as Denryk sent out Flingy. Namine looked to the Wynauts shadows and saw them tagging the three pokemon. "Hmm." Dupmic asked. "Don't these guys evolve into giant punching bags that will punch back?"

Namine whispered and pointed. "We need to get these guys out of commission if we're to handle the Pinsir." Denryk sighed and kept his eyes on the Wormadam. "We'll only have problems with one." Dupmic agreed and ordered. "Schemy, paralyze!"

The Murkrow flew at the middle Wynaut and let loose a shock wave, stunning her and breaking apart the wall. Namine commence. "Nuzzle the right one!" The Smeargle sprinted at the target and let loose a shock, the Wynaut threw a light punch back as a counter attack as the unaffected shrouded a safeguard.

Pinsir hissed and rushed at the Smeargle to inflict storm blow that sent the normal type flying as Wormadam let loose a flash cannon upon the Pineco. "Spin, spin, spin!" The Pineco let loose a fast rapid spin, flew high in the air and flew on top of the Pinsir's head. Denryk took out a hand made pokeball, dashed around the Wynaut and took a chance at the one Arty stunned.

Tap! Shake! CRACKLE!

Denryk brought out two repeat balls as the Pinsir attempted to grab the Pinco in her horns. Flingy twirled around the grip and landed. "Bug bite!" Chomp! Namine sent out Naganadel. "Paint Squirt, humble this Pinsir!"

The Pinsir took a step back at the sight of the Ultra Beast as Denryk tossed at the back of the scattered Wynauts. Shake...shake...shake... click!

Dupmic smirked, focused on a Wormadam that's protected by safe guard and commanded. "Dual wing beat, go, go!" The Murkrow rushed for a one two and was knocked back by a metal burst, the Wormadam let go from the tree and hovered down slowly as the Pinsir slashed at Naganadel in an x scissor.

Flingy let go as Denryk sent out Croconaw. "We're not letting this worm shoot the dragon! Aqua jet!"

Pop!

The Croc heard clearly and rushed in the way of Wormadam as Schemy delivered another wing beat. The Naganadel blasted a dragon pulse at Pinsir and ascend as the witch took a net ball and tossed. Tap! Shake...shake...shake... click!

The Wormadam flinched in a panic as the Croconaw lunged for a mighty bite, tossing her aside and giving Dupmic the opening for a net ball capture. Click! Namine phewed as Denryk hurried to pick up the knock out Arty. The witch took her partner back and sniffed at a stench that is getting closer. Out of a shrubbery was a rafflesia with a black body underneath, a really irritated Vileplume that saw intruders and commanded. (Get my friends out of there and get out of my forest!)

He blasted out a foul smelling, purple powder, forcing Namine, Dupmic and anyone not Naganadel to back away. Denryk, due to how covered he is, was able to see his companions covering their eyes and coughing. He looked at the Vileplume and showed his mask before sending out the Oricorio. "Waltza, let's catch this stink pot!"

The bird posed for battle as the Vileplume took a step forward and wiggled his petals, trainer and bird gave a pose as one as Denryk looked to the Ultra Beast and had her shield Namine and Dupmic from anymore pollen. Waltza danced elegantly as the Vileplume tossed a cloud of poison, Waltza flipped over the blast and tossed an air cutter. Smack! The flower was knocked to his rear at the instant. Denryk dashed to it's left and tossed a great ball at the flowers back.

It shook, landed and clicked in a bounce. Oricorio gave a gracious bow as Denryk picked up his catch. "Nice and quick."

Namine rubbed her eyes and eased her breathing. "Didn't think that costume was going to be that helpful." She tilt her head left and right as Denryk hid a wide smile. Dupmic coughed and hurried to help pick up the poke balls. "You're enjoying being the smart guy, aren't you?"

Denryk wasn't going to boast too much. "We all should have seen the Vileplume coming, there's only a few pokemon that smell that bad and wouldn't wilt a tree." He picked up the Wynaut balls went to the hoping Flingy and the Croconaw that grunted in respect. Dupmic channeled a heal, got Arty woken up and let Namine lead back to camp.

Finding Wanda and Poppy getting a report from Lauriam, Roselia, the jolly knight and the pessimist of a mercenary. Lauriam answered the mayors concern as he let a duo of fireflies dance around. "Nothing we've done is able to stir that earthly bear from his slumber!" The mercenary waved a hand. "Least nothing that wouldn't be asinine enough to get us mauled."

Lauriam cringed. "Like going into that cave and poking that bear? Absolutely not!" The jolly knight wondered. "But the red moon on his forehead remains a mystery to us." Poppy gasped and checked her dex. "A moon on his forehead?" She spotted a log and had the Dex put away, the mercenary guessed. "It's a special pocket monster, isn't it?"

Poppy nodded. "Very special, once Terra figures out the next step in an Ursaring's growth, it would be best if they're the ones to deal with it." The squad got close as Wanda proposed with the girl. "Until then, I suppose we can have a few patrols around the area, after we're finished with our adventure."

She turned around to find the squad returning with captures and Denryk lifting his mask a ways to show a smile. "You're back as well, what have you find?" Namine reported the boys were ready to send out a particular trio. "It was ust a small grove for a few bug types a Vileplume and these cuties."

Pop!

Out came a trio of Wynauts that needed a full restore, Poppy hurried to do so and watched the psychic types stand up and huddle together in carefree joy. "Very cute pokemon! Wynauts love to live together in a cluster and especially when it's dark." She and the teenagers crouched to pet the Wynauts as Roxas, Donald and Goofy returned with a familiar looking rodent man. Wanda felt the urgency as Stalwing noticed a familiarity and cawed, the General asked. "You look like someone from the Kings Town." The rodent chuckled nervously and raised his hat. "Charmed."

Roxas spoke quickly. "This sleaze ball was trying to bother Ogrepon and thought she had something to with the attacks out here. Someone's making the heartless look like her and I'm thinking that gave those Lousy Three Thugs another excuse to go after her." Donald joined in the report. "At least until she showed up and chased them out with the power of one of those masks and her club."

Denryk gasped and whistled. "Woah, that's got to be strong." He realized something and pulled his mask down. "Wait a minute, why isn't she with you guys?" Goofy sighed. "As soon as we helped her chase those three out of the mountain, she got scared and headed back to the summit."

Roxas asked around. "We're thinking that she needs someone to talk to, because she can finish fights!" Wanda imagined how that can escalate. "And the Forces of Darkness are trying to make their way to her because she's a recluse? There leaves a problem, where has those three thugs gone to? Because they'll try to sneak into the town the moment the Ogre brings those masks along."

Roxas looked over to Dupmic and Namine first as Poppy noticed someone missing. "That's something I think the three of us can handle. If they could hold their own against the heartless, then they might be a help if we teach them a lesson or two." He smiled to the masked boy. "Denryk, you got lucky this time, take that chance and-"

Blip! Blip! Blip!

Surprisingly, Denryk and his companions were nowhere to be seen. Though some shrubs were rustling, Poppy turned to the mountain and was ready to follow. "Guess he took it." She had a ball ready and was about to take off. "You guys handle those Lousy Three, I'll catch up with that kid!"

Dash!

Heading up the mountain.

Denryk, Scraggy and Croconaw were hurrying. The dark forces saw one without the protection of the blade and leaped out as a pack of shadows. Denryk dodged a duo that tried to pounce and countered with a swat of the bat before firing his pistol, Scraggy and Croconaw performed a dragon dance and rushed in a melee brawl. Forcing their way through the darkness and taking a step up a slope, where a core appeared and gathered rocks towards it's being. Turning into a boulder to flatten the three, Denryk felt himself blinking at the Landslide and smashed the forehead as Croconaw followed with an aqua jet, leaving Scraggy to deliver a low kick that sent the heartless off course. Denryk leaped at the boulder and caused the rocks to scatter, leaving the core to be rushed by a Blaziken's flare. The three saw Poppy catching up and breathing.

"Phew!"

Denryk smirked. "You're braver than a lot of people." Poppy smiled back. "Same can be said to you guys. If you and Ogerpon have truly formed a bond, then I won't stop you from making it official."

Denryk appreciated the approval and lead the climb. That elderly voice echoed in Denryk's mind, wondering. "Do you venture up here to make a friend, or because you find that you're not alone in your burdens?"

Denryk thought back, hearing his own voice, one sounding hopeful and sorrowful. "She holds a great power and she had to keep away because she doesn't hold back on thieves. If someone helps her channel that justice, she can be able to get off this mountain and find out that people would be nice to her regardless." He giggled to himself. "Even that crazy cop lady wouldn't turn on her."

Another Landslide appeared, rolled up as a boulder that was shattered by a Blaziken on command. "Moa, close combat!" Denryk and his squad sprinted at the core, Scraggy delivered an exposing fake out as Croconaw sent it high in the air. Denryk used the scattered rocks to get over head, smack the heartless on the head and blasted it's forehead before flipping forward on a flatter surface. He was quite impressed that Poppy was keeping up. "Because of her, I found a way to talk to Ken's closest folks and the poke kids without them having to worry about scaring them. I owe Ogerpon a friend." The voice laughed mellowly. "Owe her, you do not. You fear for your others burdens being known?"

Denryk turned to the corridor as if he was talking back. "They don't deserve to be hurt like that. All they need to know is that War is over and we're just cleaning up some loose ends. If things gone a little better, I wouldn't have happened." He felt that presence more stern, a presence wishing to do more to be an ease. "The war against Chaos may have ended, but not without a price. When life breathed it's gift into you, you've set about what must be."

Denryk breathed deeply as two Landslides appeared. Moa made fast work of the left one as Denryk aimed a hand at the other and caused the rocks to fly off, leaving his partners to stun it before going for a killing blow. "I've brought about the best that was going to be. I thought that would be it, no problems for Ken and I get to watch him live on." The voice grunted. "But ended, it did not. You share his love, but you question if you should be hated?"

Denryk felt himself wanting to cry out loud. "Every single one that is like me has done nothing but take and take. Of course most of us aren't going to be welcome around here. But we can still keep things right with the world." The voice lighten. "That you can. But first, you must let go of that fear. The rest, will follow."

The phrase echoed across Denryk's mind as he noticed he and the squad were heading to the summit. "Roar!" Flap!

At the mouth, was a protective dragon that wasn't keen on intruders. The Roaring Moon. The band were ready for a fight against the prehistoric beast and Denryk aimed a hand at her. "Roaring Moon, we've been the ones talking with Ogrepon!" He shifted his eyes to Poppy and Moa. "And we've brought some friends here. We're here to help her find a real home in the world."

His voice nearly shook as he pleaded true. "Please, let us through!"

The Roaring Moon locked eyes with the band, seeing that wish in their hearts, she calmed and stepped out of the way, letting the band pass. Entering a pretty wide, if lonely cave, on the other end was Ogerpon, looking at her masks. She heard foot steps and turned fast, putting on the Teal Mask in preparation. She recognized Scraggy and Croconaw, jumped and looked to the boy under his mask. (It's you guys!) She waddled over and asked. (Are you all going to blink away again? Or are you here for real?) Scraggy pressed fist to his chest. (We're in the flesh!)

Denryk gave that salute. "Some friends of mine, like the guy you've met, are about to get those three bozos taken cared of. You know what that means, right?"

Ogerpon stared blankly. (They're... finally going to leave me alone?) Scraggy raised his paws. (Better than that.) Denryk relaxed as Poppy answered. "You can visit Traverse, when ever you want, without having to worry about bandits." Denryk nodded. "And you can meet a whole lot of people who would want to know about who you are. Maybe... some festival ought to work?"

The Ogre jumped in delight and blushed before realizing something. (But first, we got a bigger problem. Some bad things that are looking like me are showing up and are trying to get the pokemon around mountain!) She looked to the Roaring Moon, who was keeping guard. (And I know those four aren't behind that!) The Roaring Moon agreed as her eyes caught sight of a slither in the darkness. (They're as much in the dark as the rest of you are.)

Denryk felt a sense and turned left at the darkness, finding a dark radiating chain shooting out after Ogerpon. The hoodlum aimed a hand at the chain and stood in between it. He glared sharp and barked. "Would you just leave Ogerpon alone already?" The chain slithered back into the darkness that hissed out. "What could a nothing like you, possible do about it?"

Chains shot out from all sides and Denryk aimed both hands, making them freeze in place. Astonishing Poppy, first and foremost as the darkness was off guard "What?! How is this-" Denryk pressed his hands together and sent the chains flying back into the dark. "Does it matter? I'm not letting you hurt anymore in the town or out here!"

He raised his bat forward as he, Ogerpon, Scraggy and Croconaw backed to the center. Roaring Moon kept to the rear as Poppy and Moa kept to the bands side. Ogerpon brought out her club and caught sight of a Corrupter, slithering out of the darkness and readying a cloak of chains. The entity's eyes glowed in a hint of purple as it hissed. "Foolish Nobody, I will bring ruin and misery upon the worlds you call home. You're but a insignificant spec against the force of my power!" Denryk held the bat like one a sword. "That one bump you overlook on the road can change a course in it's entirety. Let's just see where you're going to crash once you're off balance."

The Imprisoner growled and shot a massive, purple fire ball, Denryk smacked the fire with his bat and caused it to scatter to a wall. The Hoodlum focused upon the epicenter of the chains, right at the chest of the heartless and caused the whole to be pulled forward. Scraggy and Croconaw rushed in as Poppy shined a stone and raised it high. "Moa, let's make a spicy mega scorch!" PEW! Power rushed at sync to a stone the Blaziken wore and caused her to envelope in power.

The feathers at the back of her head raised up and her wrists burst into streams of flames, becoming a mega of great power. "BLITZ!"

Moa rushed as an inferno and forced the Imprisoner to slither out of the way. Denryk kept his eye on it and tighten a grip right as it countered with a chain shot, stopping them in place and pulling it towards the crowd. Right at the claws of a Roaring Moon, Denryk and Ogerpon sprinted as one and smacked the entity in a sync. The three flipped back as the Imprisoner flew up to the ceiling and was ready to rain down sharp projectiles. Moa leaped high and kicked through each one as Denryk and Croconaw used the chains as a way to jump to the source. Water and metal sent it flipping and scattering into the surroundings that darken even more.

Simultaneously

Roxas, Namine and Dupmic were patrolling in the forest, allowing Denryk to have his moment with the Ogre. Dupmic pretended to lecture the squad leader. "So were you really going to catch that Ogre while the rest of us were busy... or was that suppose to be a-" Roxas answered fast. "Of course I was joking. She's strong and was able to push those three away with just one of those masks. But, I'm not the one who went to make friends with her."

Namine sighed. "Well, we are living the life of opportunists. So I doubt Denryk was caring about who catches her." They heard at the clearing of a drop, a debate of some kind. Chirping, growling and snickering. They found the "Loyal" Three licking their wounds after their latest set back and plotting once more. Munkidori was using rocks to formulate a route. (So, if these guys are faster than we think they are. We're going to have to go for plan B. Dipiti can give us the details along the way.)

Fezandipiti hmmed and raised a feather. (This could take a while and we'll still have to tell the Boss that we're still empty handed.) He huffed. (Again.) Crack!

Roxas stepped on a stick and Dogi twitched his ear, he woofed and turned in sync to his companions, flinching at the familiar boy and his band. (Uh oh!) Munkidori gave a glancing stare at Roxas and whined. (Not you again.) Roxas crossed his arms and leaned by the tree in a sly style. "Thought you three were up to something." Namine braced for a fight. "That sleazebag isn't the only one we're bringing for questioning. You got a lot of explaining to do." Dupmic smirked before bringing out a ball and scowling. "Lot's of explaining!"

The Loyal Three readied for a fight as Munkidori and the teenagers felt a spike of malicious power, they looked up the mountain to find a dark power erupting. The Monkey gave a sweat. (Hoo boy, there's something you all are ignoring.)

The Pheasant gave a glow as Namine knew what was said and wasn't too worried. "One of our friends are up there, handling that mess!" The teenagers were ready for a show down. "You won't get away with this."

Dipiti squinted his eyes in a slight. (We'll see about that.) Dori called out a new plan. (Once you blow it, we split off to find a way up the mountain. First one up there gets first pick of a grub spot!) Dogi raised a fist and bellowed. (Oh yeah!) Dipiti flapped a mist of poison gas. The teenagers brought out a cloth to cover their nose and mouths while closing their eyes. At the clearing, the Loyal Three were missing. Namine heard rustling at the south east as Roxas saw giant paw prints going to the west, Dupmic was smelling a mist going to the mountain. Namine followed the trees, Roxas followed the foot prints and Dupmic followed his nose.

The witch found her trail going to a river that was reaching to the far horizon, with hills barding the unknown. Dori was using his psychic power to bring a fallen log to the shore, having every intention to use is as a boat to swim upward to the mountain. He stopped and turned, quite annoyed. (Sheesh you're a persistent bunch!)

There wasn't much of a need for words and Namine sent out Smeargle. "Come on Arty, let's catch this monkey!" Pop! Out came a Smeargle that bore witness to Munki giving a malicious snicker. Arty sparkled and gave a nuzzling tackle, Munki gave a glow and was ready to move out of the way as Namine pinched the air and tossed something aside, the Munki forgot what he saw and was tackled for paralysis. Namine whistled to Arty and sent out Paint Squirt the Naganadel while the monkey was paralyzed. "Dragon pulse!"

The Ultra Beast hurried to shoot the Monkey to the edge, Dori stood up in irritation, had his chain hover in a pose and used his psychic power to blast the insect away. Namine sent Meditite and clapped. "Fake him out!" The meditation pokemon hovered mid air and glided for a fast clap, Munkidori knew something was coming. He glowed his eyes for a fast peak into the future and found that girl standing right in front of him.

The monkey was quite spooked and was left exposed to a fast zen head butt that knocked him to the present. Namine looked up to the darken sky and saw it as a chance to use a fitting dusk ball, she called out. "So this is how you end up being the brains of the Loyal Three? Using a quick peak in the immediate future to know what's coming and reacting as such?" She shrugged. "Alas, there are somethings that you won't react to in time."

Dori cursed his luck and channeled his will power into a psychic blast. Zip! Suddenly, a Magneton flew from the trees as a way to shield the girl and her partner, using a light screen to absorb most of the blow. Namine gasped as Dori whined out. (Crud!) The witch hurried to the side of the distracted monkey and tossed the ball, causing it to burst into shade as it brought the ape in.

Shake...shake...shake... click!

Namine phewed, hurried to pick the ball up and turned to the Magneton. "You were a surprise." Meditite relaxed and hummed. (As much as it was, for you to disrupt his vision.) The Magneton beeped. (Affirmative.)

Namine explained in a realization. "I guess I could mess around with memories like that if I try hard enough." She looked up a mountain escalating. "And we don't got time to worry around." She called the Meditite back and brought out Munkidori, the retainer saw the girl standing before him, much like in the vision. He cringed as the witch used a full restore to mend the wounds. "There we go."

Spray!

She pointed her thumb to the central conflict. "Do you want to deal with the real problem and fix this mess with us?" Dori was seeing the chaos unfolding and shrugged. (Well, you look like you have a better plan than I do.) Magneton turned to the mountain and took flight as the witch explained. "We got to get up there and hit the darkness where it's not looking. Magneton looks like enough of a power house that it can make up for my lack of... combat abilities." It was a simple, if thought out plan. The schemers took off to the mountain, in a race against the clock.

At the mountain slope.

Dupmic was flowing from rock to rock, in pursuit of the technician of the Loyal Three. Oddly that a bird didn't simply fly over, although given that the target is a pheasant, it should be expected. At a wall of ledges, was Fezandipiti, about to make a hop across a rock when he notice a boy on his trial. He flapped out a poisonous gas as a warning and Dupmic rolled out of the blast before bringing out a dusk ball. He tossed upward to bring about the Schemy Murkrow and smirked. "Figured you'd try to fly up here."

The Murkrow descended like a cloud of shadow and half impressed Dipiti, who wasn't going to admit to the entrance. (That form could me more to desire. But a high flier like yourself should know why this isn't as simple of a route.) Schemy cawed. (Ah, but would that matter when you compare it to the end results of our success?) Dipiti jumped off in confrontation and confessed. (Perhaps not. But getting in our way is a huge mistake.)

He cawed a malicious laugh as Schemy giggled. Dupmic pointed simply and ready the Spoinks ball. "Thunder wave! Let's fight dirty!" The Murkrow flew high above the Dipiti and blasted a paralyzing wave as Dupmic sent out the Spoingy Spoink. "Spoingy, blast him with psybeam!"

The Spoink landed in a bounce and glowed in psychic power as Dipiti was struggling to move, Dupmic called out. "Come on, try to take us on without your tricks!" The Murkrow squinted his eyes. (If you can.) Dipiti cawed in frustration. (You annoying little)

Pew!

He took the psybeam and dazzled, with a flap, he let loose a gleam that sent Schemy flipping back and Spoingy in a toxic hue. Schemy returned to balance and darted for a dual wing beat smack, Dipiti took a step to the side and delivered his own as part of a dance. The Murkrow was knocked to the ground and the bandit realized that the human boy was nowhere in sight.

The bird cringed and took a hop forward, knowing a shadow was looming over. Dupmic used wind magic for a short hover and redirected his throw to the back of the bird. Tap! Bop! The ball rolled across the earth and gave three shakes before clicking. Dupmic landed and balked. "Hah! Got you right in the back!"

He picked the ball up, let out Dipiti and used a potion to remedy the injured. With the bandit shaking his head in embarrassment as Schemy was coming through. Dupmic looked up to the summit, pulsating in darkness. "Denryk could use some help and we just got a fairy type that could turn the fight." He focused on the bandit and offered. "What do you say? Want to do something right and help us stop the real menace?" Dipiti huffed and gave a bow in defeat, raising his wings in finesse. (If we can take care of that before it puts the town in danger! We don't have anywhere else to run to as it is.)

Schemy laughed to that as Dupmic called the Spoink back and flowed from rock to rock, Dipiti was impressed as the Murkrow ascended, bringing the bandit to fly harder.

At the west of the mountain

Roxas didn't waste time catching up a wall of climbing rocks and a Brute that was trying to climb. The boy barked and sent out a net ball. "Hey!" Pop! Out came a Ninjask that zipped to the top of the ledge and delivered a fast wing beat, forcing Dogi to fall down and spin to punch the ground. The Brute growled and turned to face Roxas and an unleashed Umbeon. (Annoying kids don't know when to back off!) He let his tongue drop as an idea of violence came to be, Umbreon called out with spite. (So what you gonna do about it, big guy?) Dogi stood up and flexed. (I'll show ya! It's violence time!)

He bulked up as the boy acted like he seen that bolster before and yawned, Umbeon yawned alongside him and caused the Dogi to grow drowsy. Dogi knew what was happening and sprinted after the dark type, having a drain punch in mind. Blink! Roxas warped to the Brute and parried as Espeon stepped out of the shadows and blasted a psybeam to make the thug roll to his back. Dogi rolled back on his feet and use his chain to swing wide, leaving Ninjask and Espeon under the effects of poison. A parting shot before Dogi dozed off, Roxas glided to the brutes back and tossed a dusk ball.

Shake...shake...shake... click!

Dogi was captured near effortlessly and the boy channeled out a healing light before taking the ball and letting Dogi out. The boy applied a full restore to get Dogi back up and watched the Brute look around in shock. Ninjask and the Eevee brothers gave a welcoming cheer as Roxas pointed his thumb to the chaos. "A friend of mine is up there in the center of that and he's going to need the help. Are you wanting to beat up" Dogi started wagging his tail at the word beat up as the boy finished. "the source of the darkness with us?" Dogi simply put Roxas on his back and started to climb while Ninjask and the Eevee brothers hoped across the slopes to get above.

Within the summit.

Within the summit.

Denryk, Poppy and their band of misfits kept back to back against the constant onslaught of dark claws, chains and crackling power. Relying on the Roaring Moon to claw openings of attack. Scraggy was freaking out and hissed. (This is way too many, going way too fast. What are gonna do?) Denryk felt his partners fear and kept guard of him. "Focus, don't let the fear get to ya. This is just a big monster that needs others to do the dirty work for it." The elderly voice returned into Denryk's senses.

"Concentrate, you must stand against this evil."

The Imprisoner was annoyed by the Roaring Moons offense and fired chains at her, Denryk saw that as a chance, aimed his hand and caused the chains to freeze in place. Denryk gestured downward and yanked the chains to the earth, bringing the Imprisoner slamming for an opening. Poppy saw the chance and ordered her speeding, Mega Blaziken. "Go, go! Close combat!"

The fire type sprinted in a blink and beat upon it, letting loose a bright heat that caused the darkness to abate. Croconaw and Scraggy took the chance to perform a dragon dance while Ogerpon danced with her cudgel. The Imprisoner swatted Moa away as a counter attack and was rushed by Croconaw's aqua jet, giving Scraggy and Ogerpon an opening for a low kick sweep and a ram of a horn leech.

Roaring Moon used that and glowed herself in crystal, taking on the tera type of flying before joining in the assault and shoving the heartless around with acrobatics. Denryk sensed something slithering by a busy Poppy and turned to find a dark hand of chains reaching out for her. The boy swung his bat and heard a buzz before purple light took the side of his vision.

BZZT!

Severing the hand and forcing the chains to recede, Poppy turned in surprise and was gasping. "Woah! How long were you hiding that?" Denryk huhed, caused that something to glimmer into the form of a bat and looked to it before focusing on the pokemon delivering a beat down at the monster. The Imprisoner grabbed Ogerpon by the neck and hoisted her up, bringing Denryk into a protective instinct and glimmering in crystal light, nearly warping to the heartless, raising his bat upward and swinging down at the Imprisoner's arm.

SLICE!

He saw once more, a sword of purple light where his bat should be, severing the arm and bringing the Heartless into a screaming crouch. Ogerpon and Croconaw backed away as Denryk and Scraggy back flipped. Denryk felt that voice guiding him.

"You are more than you believe yourself to be. Let the doubt go."

The Imprisoner tried to crawl into the shadows and Denryk directed his will, stopping the heartless in its tracks and dragging it towards him. Giving Croconaw the opening for a crunch as Scraggy delivered a payback punch. Ogerpon stomped in a tantrum and sent the Imprisoner flying as the Roaring Moon dive down with her claw and knocked it to the ground.

Warp!

The heartless warped away brought about a tide of shadows to overwhelm the forces. Denryk jumped back and aimed his hands, pushing the heartless away and giving his companions time to regroup. "Take those things out with a dazzling gleam!" "And drown them in their own filth!"

In a sudden, a bird flew into the center and spun a dazzling that sent the heartless swarm back, diving down was a monkey that was accompanied by a Magneton. The magnets conjured a light screen to use as an upward platform, giving the monkey the chance to splash sludge against the forces and cause them to melt in a purple hue. Least the ones that weren't already poisoned by the gleam. Dupmic flew to get by Denryk and fired a barrage of soul arrows as Poppy looked around and recognize the bird and monkey, Fezandipiti and Munkidori. Namine hurried to get to the center as Dupmic focused at an pulsating epicenter and channeled a blue power into his blade. The boy speared at the pulsation and caused it to burst into a grotesque Imprisoner that was at the end of it's rope. It enlarged into a melting amalgamation of bone and bile before rushing as a last ditch effort. Right before a green fist collided with it's face and sent it back, Moa spotted Okidogi lending aid and blitz after the heartless.

Glimmer!

Giving Roxas time to enter as a wave of twilight and unleash a twister of blades, the Imprisoner was sent rolling and had a look of terror before it tried to slither to safety. Only to be kept in place by Denryk's Force, the squad leader leaped with his two blades and pierced the heartless in the skull, causing it to burst into light and vaporize, the light washed over the mountain as a wave of power. The battle has been won.

A Ninjask and the Eevee brothers hurried in to find the fight over and Denryk exhaled, he listened to the laser sword receding and checked to find a metallic tube that resembles the hilt of a sword. The color of his eyes shrank, hidden behind the mask, while Ogerpon had a second look at the Loyal Three and glared before getting ready for a fight. Stepping back for battle while Namine talked fast and stood in between the two forces. "Wait, wait! We got this for you, Ogerpon." She turned in a cough. "Alright guys, I think that was the push we needed. We're going to tell Ogerpon what's up and you're going to let this go! There's a lot you all still have to answer for, but this is just the beginning of your parole."

Dori cringed and half dropped his eye lids. (Crud.) Denryk guessed what his squad mates have done as Croconaw began to glow and grow. "You guys caught those three, right in the nick of time for that to matter." The hoodlum in the mask turned to see the water types size go over double as Roxas admitted. "And we were expecting things to have been a lot worse! What were you doing?"

Denryk flinched and recalled the lecture from the mentor in his head. "Let the fear go." He flipped his mask to show his face, surprising Poppy as he confessed. "Something was guiding me to put that evil in its place and in turn, me and these guys saw it through."

He looked to the Roaring Moon in an odd light and watched her power down, the dragon grunted in respect. (That Force won us this day.) Denryk looked heavy in his chest. "That evil was going after Ogerpon, the mountain and everyone else in town! It needed to be stopped right then and now."

Croconaw's glow ceased and in his place is a bipedal crocodilian with a nearly smooth blue belly, a hunched back, and a v at his lower abdomen. He gave a low growl, fitting for a Feraligatr. (It's finally gone now!)

Scraggy agreed and tapped his partner on the hip. (Things are fine now, boss.) Ogerpon nodded. (Yeah, good riddance to that bad stuff.) Denryk breathed deeply. "So, now that the evils gone, we can focus on finding the rest of the pokemon out here and show them better shelter."

Roxas showed a ball and smiled wide. "Yep, you know what that means." Denryk does and had Scraggy come with him as Ogerpon looked at the orb, Poppy hmmed, brought out a green ball with seed markings and tossed it at Denryk. "Hey, try and think about this one!"

Fling!

Denryk caught the ball without looking, Ogerpon hopped over to the other side as Poppy powered Moa down and guided the audience tot he side. The Ogre giggled mischievously. (Okay! But I warn ya, this won't be a typical fight.) She switched her Teal Mask for the Hearthflame Mask, turning from green to red and glowed in power. Encasing in crystal and bursting out a fiery face.

Denryk felt the offensive power and had Scraggy step forward, the lizard gave an intimidating glare that caused the aura to lessen. He leaped for a fast face out and caused Ogerpon burst into fire. She swung her cudgel and sent Scraggy rolling with one blow. Feraligatr to intercept the second blow Denryk ordered. "Dragon dance, now!"

Feraligatr took the third cudgel and danced before enveloping his claw in sheer liquid power and slashing, causing the crystal to shatter and for Ogerpon to switch the Hearthflame for the Wellspring, heart shape mask with dripping crystal tears. She turned blue and terrastilizing into a form with long blue hair and flat white horns. Denryk followed. "Crunch, we got the boost!"

Feraligatr sprinted for a fast crunch on the Ogre's mask and was shoved back, the horns turned into branches and Ogerpon ram into the Gatr for a fast leech before knocking him to his stomach. Denryk growled and switched to Waltza. "Technique, teeter and quiver!"

The Oricorio landed in a dance as the Ogre rushed as a flowing rapid and sent the bird in a back flip. Oricorio danced strangely and caused the Ogre to join in the confusing dance. She waddled in confusion and tripped as Oricorio danced and tossed an air cutter, Ogerpon rushed after her in retaliation and tripped on a rock, slamming to a wall and hurting herself before the bird toss an opportune critical blow that made the aura shatter. Ogerpon shook herself into balance and switched to a flat slab of a mask that had yellow eyes, crystal pupils, tusks at the mouth and a blue upward curved, rock slab of a mustache. She turned dark gray and crystalized to show case horns and dread locks of black hair. Denryk spun. "Baton pass and get away!"

Oricorio tossed a glowing stick and retreated as the trainer brought out a flask and aimed it at his next option. "Scraggy, it's on you!"

Scraggy took the heal of the potion, nodded and sprinted to catch the stick, feeling a boost of speed and giving an intimidating growl. Ogerpon leaped as a cornerstone of a boulder and smacked down at the hoodlum, forcing Scraggy into a pant as he faked her out and danced. Ogerpon stomped in a tantrum to shake him off as he dashed for a low kick. Ogerpon rammed for a fast horn leech and was kicked once more before she used her tantrum to send Scraggy into flight.

The Hoodlum toughen out that blow and landed in a back flip before giving a low kick that shattered the power of the Cornerstone. Leaving Ogerpon to her triumph card, the Teal Mask. She took a green form resembling a viney bush with white branch horns. A strange wish, for friends to call ones own, filled the air. Ogerpon blinked in blinding speed and used her ivy cudgel to knock Scraggy out. Denryk caught Scraggy and sent out his back field triumph card. "Come on Flingy, we can wind this!"

Pop!

Out came the Pineco that flipped forward. Ogerpon stepped back in a giggle and tossed a leech seed at the bug type. Denryk growled. "Is that what you're pulling! Flingy, rapid spin and fling for that bite!" Pineco spun to toss the seeds away and tackled Ogerpon. Ogerpon stepped back and used her cudgel like one a baseball bat, sending Flingy flying in a critical blow, the Pineco stepped on a wall and flung at the mask, biting down for a super effective blow. Flingy hopped in a dance as Ogerpon sprinted for a quick attack, the Pineco rolled back and used the momentum to get under the mask and at the Ogre's back.

Chomp!

A bug bite to the back caused the Teal Mask's power to shatter, leaving the Ogre at a daze. Denryk took the friend ball and tossed. "Go catch her, friend ball!" Fling! Tap! Bop! Bop! Shake...shake...shake... click!

With that click, the battle was over and the three masks fell to the side. Denryk hurried to get the ball as Flingy leaned back and breathed out, glowing and taking on a form that was larger and rounder. What looked to be a metal walnut that split open to reveal red flesh that brought out spike like feelers with a hole to launch projectiles. The simple eyes blinked as the bug hummed. "Forretress?" Denryk was quite surprised by the change. "Little grenade's turn into a big cannon ball!"

Poppy nodded in agreement as the squad mates were rather speechless. "Forretress is like that. Part steel and has a greater potential for demolition if you can carry the weight."

Denryk picked up the friend ball and asked. "No fooling?" Scraggy came through and let himself be placed down, letting his partner pet the bug type. "You and the guys did a ton." The squad mates went to pick up the masks as the hoodlum let out an Ogerpon that was tired out from that match. She hopped in joy as Poppy had a look at the Teal Mask and noticed the familiar gleam. "Wait... could it be?"

Namine asked in wonder. "You noticed something about those magical masks?" Poppy pressed her hands together in delight. "Yeah. Pieces of it are made out of terra shards. Must be a source somewhere in Ultra Space Wilds. This explains why the terastallization was different for the Ogre, compared to most others." Munkidori put a paw on his forehead in appraisal. (That's why it's the big treasure! Powerful stuff.) Dogi grunted with him. (Who ever has strongest mask is the strongest around!) Dipiti flapped in a loud, envious chirp. (Which means, more respect.)

Ogerpon glared at the Loyal Three as the Squad Mates put the masks in Denryk's bag. The Hoodlum imagined. "That's something I want to check out, so we can unlock a greater power. If Ogerpon can do this on her own though, I think I can go over some hoops to make up for the equipment we lack." That could be a plan, the Roaring Moon crawled to the cave entrance and was ready to leave, Denryk nearly jumped and tried to chase her. "Hey, wait." The Roaring Moon flapped her wings and gave a side ways look, one content. (Keep showing that potential and you'll be in for more surprises.) She huffed and looked to the others. (I know not, why we're here in the grand scheme of it all. But if the town can rest easily under the moon lit sky, it wouldn't be too pointless.) She grunted and faced the outside world. (We'll meet again, hopefully in better times.)

She flew off and left the teenagers to celebrate, Dupmic asked loudly. "What's with the change in her attitude? One moment she tried to maul us and another she's helped us all out here?"

Poppy thought out loud. "It could be strange, but you and the Labyrinth Divers were intruding in her territory and causing a fight to break out." Ogerpon hopped to explain what she knows. (A place that was pretty narrow and didn't have a sky. Now that she's free, she can see more of the world out here.)

Denryk felt what was said. "So she's happy to keep the sky as beautiful as it is." It was a faithful thought, the Squad turned to the rather defeated Loyal Three and Namine asked. "As for you guys, we'll bring you over to Wanda and Resira. We'll can pull a few strings, because you've been a great help, but you're still not out of the woods yet." The Loyal Three cringed and whined like bratty teenagers as they were called back, leaving behind an empty cave and a route down the mountain.