Once we were all healed and rested, we began to survey the area. The queen had emerged from a giant hole in the ground, one that was pretty well hidden. Pangoro jumped down first, followed by Vivillion, Butterfree, Ferrothorn, myself, Malamar, and the other Butterfree. I probably shouldn't be down here at all after what just happened, but if horror movies have taught me anything, it is that people should always stick together.

As we were walking, the temperature in the tunnel began to decrease rapidly. While the Pokémon weren't too bothered yet, I was definitely feeling it. After almost a whole hour of walking we found a swirling mass of green energy.

"Fuck me, another portal," I said. This was probably the reason the Beedrill started going berserk. I pulled out my phone and called Prof. Sycamore. While the connection was spotty, I was able to get the message across and was promised a team of Veteran trainers that would respond. I hope they find me quickly.

"Kekekeke… Hehehe… HAHAHAHA!"

A deep disorienting voice boomed from the portal. It scared the living hell out of me and made everyone tense up, ready for a fight. We watched the portal carefully. We weren't sure what would come out or if we would be affected like the Beedrill. Upon thinking that, I realized jumping down here was not such a good idea.

The voice we heard was constantly chuckling, the laughter surrounding us. The portal then began swirling ferociously, which was accompanied by the chuckling turning into maniacal cackling. It reminded me of Ichigo's Hollow-form, the shrill laughter showering us in feelings of evil and danger.

A figure then appeared in the portal, with now distinguishable features other than its tall and thin stature. It took a step out, a bloody and flaming leg planting itself firmly before a similar arm gripped the edge of the portal. A twisted and grotesque face appeared next, whatever semblance to a smile on its face known only to itself.

"WE WILL RIP AND TEAR YOU APART!" it said before seemingly teleporting forward and piercing Pangoro's chest with its arm, squeezing one of his lungs with a pop. We all stared in horror as it enjoyed dismembering Pangoro. It then set its empty eye sockets on Vivillion, who had already started to attack with Air Slash while Butterfree tried its best to slow it down with its powder moves.

Someone appeared next to me, an Alakazam next to her. She stared wide-eyed at the gory slaughter. I returned Ferrothorn and Malamar, deciding it would be better to run while I had a chance. There was no way in hell we could take that thing down.

"Go! Befo-" the woman started only for a flaming hand to pass through the back of her head and through her mouth. She could only gurgle in pain before collapsing. The Alakazam had already been dismembered.

I was right. I had barely gotten a few steps away before it appeared in front of me. It stunk of burnt skin and rotten flesh, its rancid breath slightly burning my eyes and irritating my skin and lungs. I was paralyzed in place because I knew, no matter what I did, I was not coming out of this alive. Not with this here.

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"Heeheehee, HA! I love that look on my prey. I'm surprised that giant bee was taken out so quickly. Maybe you can be a little more fun for me," it said, taking pleasure out of my fear. I felt a sharp pain in my abdomen and a fire burning in my intestines. I looked down to see a flaming hand inside my guts.

I looked back up, but this time I didn't see the demon. I saw a young man's face, with facial hair starting to grow out and long hair flowing down the sides of his head. He looked familiar. Not someone from the Pokémon world. No, this is someone from my own world. Someone that I knew very well. And then it came to me.

"J-Junior?!" I said, recognizing my younger brother. I was stunned, no longer caring about the creature from hell. I can't remember the last time I saw my brother in person.

"Ah, I guess not. What a disappointment. I guess I'll have to look for someone else," it sighed, pushing me to the floor. "Though, I guess that's to be expected. Though this world's energy signature is quite delectable, the real treats are never served first."

It began to walk away as I could feel myself growing colder. I was dying. I could feel my Pokéballs shaking ferociously, but I had already put them in a locked mode to prevent Malamar and Ferrothorn from coming out and facing it. I wouldn't let them die for nothing, preferring them to be freed when my body is found.

Just as my vision was slowly fading out, I could hear faint rumbling. It sounded like a battle. But who would be crazy enough to come here? Oh yeah, the Veteran trainer team. I hope one of them survives. I think I just had them sent to be killed. How's that for getting rescued? Not that it matters now.

—

(Malamar POV)

He… He put us in the Pokéball, away from that, that monster. How could he? After all the training we did together. After the battle with that guy with a Pangoro and the Heliolisk. He just took us out of the fight, without asking us if we wanted to run.

And to top it off, he was dying. I could feel it. So close, like that Helioptile I almost killed during my first battle. He was losing energy quickly and I could feel his mind slipping away. I wanted to break free, go out and shred that monster apart. But I knew I couldn't.

Not only was this ball locked, but I didn't come close to that monster's strength. I would only get myself killed. I hated that and I hated my trainer for saving me. Twice now, he's saved. The first time when I was starving and wanted to kill my soon-to-be trainer for food. The second, just moments ago. I hated how much he's done for me in such a short amount of time. I hate that I will never be able to show him my appreciation, or repay him for his kindness.

He helped me grow strong and I couldn't save him. I failed. I guess this is my punishment.

—

(Ferrothorn POV)

That monstrosity was terrifying. How could anything ever grow to be so chaotic and evil? I am thankful that dad has put me into safety. I will have to thank him once he releases me from this enclosure. Talking about that, I really enjoy being outside with him. I can't jump into his arms anymore, sadly, but I can at least bounce along next to him. I am very glad he had me train my mobility up this way. It made it easier to spend time with him and big bro Mar.

I can't wait to tell Mar about my new super secret technique. I'm going to combine Bullet Seed and Leech Seed. If that doesn't surprise him, Iron Defense and Spikes, where I apply Spikes on myself, will do the trick. Heh, he doesn't know how much planning I actually do. One day I'll surpass him and then BAM! I'm gonna knock him off the pedestal.

Now I'm fired up! I'm gonna see if dad is done with that monster.

*shake* *shake*

What's this? Why can't I get out of the ball? Surely dad handled it already, right? But then, why won't he let me go out? Maybe he's still fighting it out. He's the strongest trainer ever. I know he'll win. I just know it.

…

…

Why is he still fighting? It's been two hours. He should be resting and playing with us. I need to see if I can help him.

*shake* *shake* *shake*

Why did he lock the ball? He's never done this before. Is he ok? I hope he is. I just want to play and hug him. It's been a long time since he started fighting that demon alone. What if…

What if the monster was stronger? Oh no. Dad!

Release me! I can help. Mar can too! Please, let us help.

…

Let us out! Dad!

…

Why won't he listen? Does he not care anymore? Or does he care so much he won't let us get hurt? Dad, please. Don't leave us. We are a happy family. We are a strong family. Please, don't leave us.