Intermission 3: The Conspiracy & The Intention

Part 1: The Conspiracy

The day seemed like any other day. The grass was a bright vibrant green in the sun and a small breeze kept the forest shifting. Seemingly so quiet all on its own unobserved, but this changed once two Pokémon ran down the path in great haste. Greninja and Blue made no time to observe their surroundings. Greninja however, felt Blue’s uneasiness and asked if it was okay.

“I don’t exactly have a choice.” it said. “Brother had decided to ask that Clemont fellow for a thorough examination of his body. I know first hand the great minds that humans are able to produce, but surely you are able to guess where my concerns lie.” Greninja nodded. “For so long I was subjugated to torture. To the ends of the earth these humans were willing to go in order to catch me and my brother. Even telling one human of our secrets is a dangerous gamble.”

Greninja told Blue to have faith. “Not to say that there isn’t any for this Clemont fellow. But it is also common knowledge that other humans will want to go after that information for personal gain. Who’s to say that the information he learns is leaked and we’re being hunted down again. In the far future, I truly fear that we will become obsolete. Already they have gadgets that are able to bypass many of our abilities.” The two ran in silence for a minute. “...But, I do understand also why we have to do it. If what my brother says is true, Clemont should be able to figure this situation out faster than we ever could on our own. We can only wait until this effort bears fruit.”

Greninja nodded. Suddenly, an explosion deep into the forest made the two skid to a halt. “Do you think it's another one of those monsters?” asked Blue. Greninja scanned the ground and found no abnormalities. “Then it is of no concern to us. Let us keep moving to Cyllage City. That is where Clemont had told us they were going.” Before they could even start running, another explosion shook the land. Curiosity got the better of Greninja and it ran into the forest.

“I suppose I should not be surprised.” Blue told itself, “You were always one to save other lives over your own. Quite admirable.” Blue then followed suit.

Another smaller explosion ensued, leading Greninja directly to where it came from. It stood back in the shade of the trees and watched as a Drapion used slash on a Nidoran. Greninja continued to look on distastefully.

Nidoran slid to a halt and stared down the Drapion angrily. Before Drapion could rush it, too more Pokémon came to its aid. A Darumaka and a Ducklett jumped in and used incinerate and water pulse respectively. Drapion responded with slash, cutting both attacks in half as they flew behind it and exploded. It then rushed in and smashed the two aside. As it raised its arm to slash the Nidoran, the attack started to glow a purple shade. But before it could land the blow, Greninja appeared and blocked it with water kunai. The Nidoran was shocked at the surprise save.

Drapion asked who would dare intervene. Greninja’s response was an aerial ace knee to the jaw then it spun around and kicked it back twenty feet. Greninja expressed its desire to protect the Pokémon it was trying to hurt. Nidoran tried to call out something but Drapion slammed the ground telling it to be quiet. It then raised its claw and told Greninja to come.

Greninja was quick to accept its offer. It rushed in for an aerial ace kick to the face. Drapion ducked just in time, shocked at its speed. Drapion went for the pursuit right as Greninja landed on a tree. It came and slashed the tree in half just as Greninja jumped away, its attack flashing purple. Greninja acknowledged Drapion as a more serious threat and ramped it up a notch. The two played cat and mouse as Greninja hopped from tree to tree, each one being cut down Drapion slashed its way through. Greninja got careless however. It noticed that they were getting close to the Ducklett. Upon closer inspection, it was pretty beat up as if they had been battling for a while. Greninja decided it was time to stop messing around. On the next attack, Greninja jumped far back onto another tree and created two water kunai, forming an x with them to act like a cross hair. It then sprang off the tree at a blazing speed, catching Drapion off guard, and cut straight through it. Greninja landed just beyond Drapion with blue trails coming off its kunai.

Nidoran, Darumaka, and Ducklett watched in awe. Drapion was confused at first, feeling itself wondering where the attack landed. Then a watery explosion sent it flying in the air towards Greninja. It crossed its arms as its leg glowed a bright white from aerial ace and turned to face the careening Drapion. It kicked Drapion square in the neck, sending a jet of air straight into a tree that was so powerful that it completely splintered the trunk.

The small Pokémon were shocked. Drapion fell limp on the ground. Greninja walked over to see if Drapion was really knocked out, but the three little Pokémon sprang into action. They all stood against Greninja in defense of Drapion. Greninja stepped back confused as they all launched their attacks. Blue then jumped in and reflected all of the attacks with just a pulse of its energy. The startled Pokémon all cowered in fear from the two of them. Greninja quickly crouched down and tried to calm them all down.

“Looks like we’re in the wrong here, Greninja.” pointed out Blue. Greninja sighed admittedly. The Nidoran built enough courage to charge another attack, but then Drapion woke up and held its claw in front of Nidoran. “Up already? This one is quite resilient.” Drapion approached Greninja and Blue intimidatingly. Greninja and Blue both readied themselves slightly. Drapion got up close, stared the two of them down for a moment, and bowed. It bowed and bowed again asking Greninja to teach it how to get as strong as it. Greninja gave a sigh of relief. The other three Pokémon all came up and started bowing as well.

“Now, it would seem that you have followers. Come now, we have no time to waste.” Greninja agreed. Drapion doubled down and started begging, grabbing Greninja by the arm and looking teary eyed. “You will have to find your own strength, Drapion. We all have to eventually.” Drapion remained persistent and tugged on Greninja’s arm. Blue grew frustrated and bashed Drapion’s claw away. “Learn your place! You have nothing of use to us that will aid our mission!”

Drapion thought fast. It asked what their mission was. “That is none of your concern!” Drapion pleaded and begged. Maybe it had even the slightest bit of knowledge that could lead them in the right direction. “I told you-!” Greninja put its hand on blues back asking to hear them out. “Must I really play along with this?” Greninja suggested that they may never know. Blue sighed, “By Arceus. Sometimes I feel like I’m the only one here with a voice.” Blue then stepped away.

Greninja asked Drapion if it knew someone called the Dreamwalker. Drapion shrugged its shoulders. Greninja let it know that it was a bad start. Drapion panicked and quickly asked if there was something else. Greninja asked if it knew anyone named Ceailean. Drapion thought for a moment. Ceailean, it sounded familiar. Greninja uncrossed its arms as it became interested. Drapion asked for a description.

Greninja didn’t exactly know what he looked like and was only told basic features from Clemont. Long, black, wavy hair. Dark skin tone. Hazel eyes. “Nerdy” black glasses. White jacket. Drapion clasped its two claws together. It knew exactly who Greninja was talking about. Greninja called for Blue to come back saying that Drapion knew who Ceailean was.

“Let us hope this is good.”

Drapion told the two of the experiences it had with Ceailean in great detail.

“Very interesting,” said Blue. Drapion nodded and high-fived all of its Pokémon buddies. “Let it be known that you were in the wrong in that situation! This is no time for praise.” Drapion and the other Pokémon quickly shut up. “But you have given us a new lead, I’ll acknowledge you for that. Would you be so kind as to show us where the individual that lives in this forest is?” Drapion nodded in earnest and rallied its friends to march on towards the house. “Make it quick now!” Drapion hastened its pace.

On the way there, Greninja tried to break the ice by asking what Drapion and its friends were doing. Drapion explained that they were training on the concept that strength would be able to get them cute girls. “Classy.” commented Blue. Drapion and its friends all nodded in pride.

The group all came up upon a white house with a single tree in its front yard and a picket white fence. “So this is the place?” asked Blue. Drapion nodded. Then upon looking up on the portico, Drapion gasped. There was Vivillon, happily laying flowers on the windowsill. Drapion eyes looked dreamily as it slowly approached. Greninja then bonked it in the head. “Do not act foolishly!” scolded Blue. “If this is truly the home of the person you had fought against then I will not risk you ruining negotiations! You will stay here, understand?” Drapion nodded. “Good, me and Greninja will return soon. Let’s go.” Greninja nodded and they walked up to the house.

Greninja rang the doorbell. No answer. Another attempt, same result. “Perhaps they are not home?” suggested Blue. Greninja shrugged and then pounded on the door forcefully a couple times.

“What!?” shouted a voice from inside. The two heard loud footsteps heading towards them. “I swear that better be you Mom! Better have just forgotten your keys!” Terrence opened the door and stared at Greninja and Blue. “Great, first that Christianson guy and now I have a couple of Pokémon at my door. Ugh, it's too early for this shit. What are you, some Pokémon street performers?”

“Actually it is quite urgent. We require any and all information you could tell us about Ceailean and the one he travels with, Marie.” explained Blue.

“Yeah yeah.” yawned Terrence. Then his eyes blew wide open. “Wait, did that Pokémon just talk?! Do you have a speaker around or something?!”

“It’s called telepathy. Have you not heard of it?” Blue said irritably.

“Only in concept, like in movies and the like.”

Blue sighed. He then began to dematerialize with green lasers shooting out everywhere until he was nothing but a small figure on the ground. Greninja picked Blue up and it said, “Now like I said, we require any and all information you can give us about Ceailean and his companion. Greninja.” Greninja nodded and made its way into the house.

Terrence was too surprised to stop them. “Wha- Wait! Why are you in my house?!”

“Because we’re not leaving without an answer. Cooperate and we will not bother you for more than we have to.”

Terrence sat down on the couch and sighed. “Okay, I guess?”

Greninja set down Blue on top of the coffee table. “First things first, have you noticed anything weird about the land? Seen any strange red vines or red flashing lights?”

“Yeah, I see ‘em every time I look up at the night sky. They’re attached to these things called planes, you heard of ‘em?”

“I suggest you take this more seriously,” said Blue, slightly irritated.

“Sorry sorry. I just… tend to do that when I’m nervous.” Terrence took a deep breath and exhaled. “So Ceailean right?”

“The red lights and vines first. Perhaps even crystals if I might add.”

“N-No. What’s this about?”

“What of Ceailean then? Have you noticed any abnormal behaviors?”

“I stay at home all day everyday. I’m not sure if I’m the right person you should ask about abnormal behavior.”

“Then what did he do while he was here?!”

“Look, stop!” shouted Terrence. “I get you’re in a hurry to find Ceailean but I had just got done dealing with this other guy wanting to find Marie! So many people are following that group that I wouldn’t be surprised if Crisis was a fugitive! I need a break!”

“There’s a third?”

“Well, yeah. If you knew about Ceailean and Marie, surely you would’ve known about Crisis?”

“The two were only known to have left Lumiose themselves.”

“Must’a met him on the way here then.”

“Why be named after a calamity?”

“Hey, you’re here to talk about Ceailean. I know the least about Crisis, other than the fact that he is part of Team Harmonious.”

Blue took a mental note. “Fine then, let us start back at the beginning-”

“Ah!” interrupted Terrence, “Tell me who you two are first then I’ll get started.”

“I doubt that is necessary.”

“Yall walked into my house uninvited, I’d like at least a little respect. Plus if it is as urgent as you say, that would mean I had some kind of ‘guy’ over here. I’d like to have some kind of information just in case authorities start coming over.” Terrence laid down on the couch. “I’ll go first, my name is Terrence. Who are you?”

Greninja silently pleaded with Blue to just do it to move things along. Blue sighed, “I am Zygarde.”

Terrence coughed on his own spit and sat straight up. “The legendary responsible for the Battle for Lumiose?”

“And this is my companion Greninja. It is helping me locate a being that may help me put an end to Kalos’s suffering.”

“Kalos is suffering? Coulda fooled me.”

“Focus. Again, at the beginning. How did you come across Ceailean?”

Terrence slumped back down on the couch. “Man, this is gonna take longer than Marie’s story.”

He filled Greninja and Blue in the events before and after Drapion's battle.

“Who you describe is entirely different from what my brother described.” remarked Blue.

“Really, how?”

“The Ceailean we knew is prone to anger, seemingly selfish, and violent. There was only one occasion where he hasn’t followed this pattern. And that was when he mentioned his companion Marie.”

“Well if you ask me he seems like a nice dude. He was really interested in catching that Noibat and even threw himself in front of that Drapion. Pretty creative too putting together that little show mostly by himself.”

“Two different personalities. One for the real world and one for the dream world.”

“Who’s to say that they aren’t the same person?” Greninja and Blue gave Terrence a sharp look. “Look, I may say nice things about him but at times it looked like he had a lot of baggage on his shoulders. If you know what I’m sayin’?”

“Would you happen to know why?”

“I just met the dude. I don’t know much outside of what he did here.”

Blue began to pace around the coffee table. “Interesting. Did you hear that brother?”

“Yes, Clemont is compiling the information now.” Red said in Blue’s head.

“Good.” Blue faced Terrence. “It would seem that you have exhausted all the information you have given us.”

“I would think so.”

“Then we have no reason to stay longer. Greninja, we shall observe the battle grounds before we depart. Goodbye for now, Terrence.”

Terrence waved without even looking at them, seemingly comfortable with sleeping on the couch. “See ya.”

Greninja and Blue exited the house. Blue hopped down from Greninja’s hand once they got halfway out the yard. “Now,” Blue absorbed green streaks of light until he transformed in 10% form, “let us see if there is anything abnormal.” Greninja nodded and they both took off towards the battlefield. Vivillon waved goodbye as they did so.

Unknown to the both of them, Drapion had woken up from its nap and just caught the two of them running off. Drapion got angry, thinking that they ran off because it got scammed. It yelled to all of its friends, who were all startled awake, and pursued them.

As Greninja and Blue approached, Blue gave a warning. “Here’s hoping another one of those monsters aren’t present.” Greninja agreed. “Nonetheless, get ready to attack once we get there.” The light from the clearing got closer and closer. Greninja formed water kunai and Blue charged a dragon pulse. The two jumped into the clearing in full anticipation, attacks charged up.

But nothing happened.

A couple of wild pokemon fled at the sight of them but nothing more. Blue powered down its dragon pulse, “Greninja, anything?” A quick scan of the ground didn’t reveal anything. “Nothing? Keep looking around. We must be certain we don’t miss anything.” Greninja agreed and searched the clearing.

A charred ground and broken trees were all that were out of the ordinary. Though a slight sparkle got the attention of Greninja. It called for Blue. “What is it? Did you find something?” Greninja nodded and crouched down. There was something small implanted into the ground. Greninja asked if Blue could see it. “No. It must be composed of the negative energy only you can see.” Greninja got even closer and saw a shiny round energy ball of some kind. No bigger than a marble, the thing seemed so minuscule that Greninja wondered if it just missed seeing any others. Regardless, it used a water kunai to try and dig it out.

Then shouting came out from the woods. Drapion and its friends were yelling their complaints about Greninja and Blue’s deal. “My, I had completely forgotten about them. Hurry and retrieve whatever you’re trying to retrieve. Let us be rid of these fools.” Greninja nodded but noticed something. As Drapion got closer, the marble seemed to glow brighter. Eventually it became blinding to even look at. Greninja hurriedly told Drapion to stay back. But it was all in vain as Drapion continued to get closer. The light grew brighter and brighter until it became some kind of vortex. Greninja told Blue to get back. As the two jumped away, red vines exploded from the ground.

Drapion & co skidded to a halt at the sight. The earth broke apart and churned as the vines continued to spread. One side sprouted a huge vine, then the other side. Greninja and Blue watched from the top of a tree as it all happened. The two huge vines then seemingly placed themselves upon the ground to push up one final huge vine. The vine looked like tree bark with red cuts. Smaller vines wrapped around the huge vines like rapidly regenerating skin until it eventually formed into something that looked like Drapion.

“Just what did you do, Drapion?” asked Blue in shock. “If Ceailean was able to create this monster with the misdeeds much less severe than those at Tuviere, how low is the bar that set him off?”

The Drapion monster twitched around violently. Shifting from side to side to the sound of bone cracking. Then, red crystals exploded out from the right shoulder. The monster felt the impact of the recoil and red crystal chunks flew through the sky. The same happened on the left shoulder. Then the Drapion Monster turned its head toward the sky and more red crystals exploded from its head to form somewhat of a crystal mohawk. Then it opened its eyes, revealing crystal flower-like eyeballs as it roared ferociously into the sky, easily more than twice the height of the tree line. It caused several flocks of bird pokemon to fly away scared.

Drapion and its friends all screamed in fear at the sight of the monster and hid behind trees. The monster settled down and hung it’s head as if it was exhausted. Greninja and Blue lowered their guards slightly and descended their tree, approaching cautiously. The two made it to the front of the monster, where its soft growling breath still shook the ground.

“If the small conversations we heard from Team Harmonious grunts were anything to go by, this thing shouldn’t get aggressive unless we provoke it.” explained Blue, “Red isn’t captured this time so there is no rush to destroy it.”

“I can hear you brother.” said Red unamused.

“This is not the time for petty squabbles. Can you see this?”

“Even more than that. Clemont has already developed a way for him to project what you’re sending to me. He sees everything you’re seeing. This device is very uncomfortable, however.”

Blue grew frustrated. “Tch! Already Clemont has discovered more things than we thought possible ourselves! You’re truly certain we can trust him?”

“With my life. Also, keep in mind he can hear you as well.”

“I hope you’ll tolerate me just a little while longer, Zygarde Blue!” shouted Clemont from across the room.

Blue sighed. “Understood. So, what is it we can find out now?” Greninja observed the monster. Overflowing with negative energy like the last one, with a hate well surging deep inside its body. The crystals on each of its limbs were strange however. They seemed to act like lenses, focusing the energy to repeat patterns inside of them and cause energy flowing through them to become more uniform and organized.

Greninja then walked over to the drooped head and waved its hand in front of its eye. No reaction. “There doesn’t seem to be more we can find out without relying on humans or taking more drastic action.” Drapion took a small peek around the tree. “I choose drastic action first. Greninja, you know what to do.” Greninja nodded and threw a water shuriken at the monster's face. Drapion hid behind the tree again in fear. After the mist faded, the monster still didn’t react. It still drooped its head, tired as ever. Blue sighed, “I will contact Clemont and tell him of what we found. Perhaps he can find out more before we resort to violence.”

“Already saw it, Blue.” affirmed Clemont, “I’ll make my way over now.”

Blue sighed disappointingly, “Marvelous, I have humans in my head now.”

Greninja was about to inspect the monster further when it heard cackling heading towards them. Drapion came up confidently with its claws on its hips. Nidoran, Darumaka, and Ducklett all following behind like a marching band. Drapion came up and pushed on the head of the monster claiming that it wasn’t scared at all, its friends following suit. It started with showboating, to insults, to shoving, to straight up attacks.

Blue stepped in before things got too rowdy. “Have you no sense of caution!? One of these things was able to destroy half a town simply by uprooting its foundation in one fell swoop! You will not attempt to aggravate it any further!” Drapion brushed Blue off by saying that they didn’t stay true to their word so they could do whatever they wanted. The small pokemon agreed. “You honestly think we have the time to train you? You don’t even deserve it! You best leave before I make you leave.” Blue’s legs then began to glow yellow. Drapion scoffed and started to walk away. It made one last glance at the monster’s eye.

But then, the monster's eye grew wide. Drapion froze in place. The monster's eyes pierced Drapion's soul like no other, filled with intent. Before anyone could react, the monster quickly grabbed Drapion and held it by the neck in the air. Its friends called out to it desperately.

“You fool!” shouted Blue. “Greninja! Clean up this mess!” Greninja quickly climbed up the back of the monster and jumped onto its claw. The monster paid no mind as it continued to choke out Drapion. Drapion’s friends called out for Greninja to do something. Greninja then formed two water Kunai and stabbed the claw. It pulled back as hard as it could to no avail. Looking to the side, it got an idea. Releasing the kunai from the claw, it jumped up and came back down, slamming the claw into the ground. It then planted its feet on the ground and pulled with all its might. Eventually snapping the claw at the wrist, freeing Drapion. The monster howled in pain and tried to slam down on Greninja, but it dodged just in time.

The slam was so powerful that the impact made the ground crumble and sent a shock wave so powerful that it startled Vivillon something fierce. Vivillon made its way down from the window of Terrence’s house and pressed the doorbell frantically. But Terrence was fast asleep.

Drapion caressed its throat as it coughed. Its friends were frantically trying to get it to run away. The monster’s right shoulder crystals then began to glow. Within a few seconds, the broken claw was healed back to normal. Greninja took note of this. The monster then made another grab for Drapion. Nidoran, Darumaka, and Ducklett all launched poison sting, incinerate, and water pulse at the incoming claw. They dissipated off as if they weren’t even there. They all screamed in fear until a huge purple beam sent the monster off balance. Another beam, then another.

Blue held back the monster with dragon pulse. “To think I’m helping fools such as yourselves! You should all be thankful- huh?!” The monster thrust its claw to the ground. Blue dodged just in time, only to realize that the monster was too fast and got another slam into the ground. It struggled to get up but got slammed back down every time, leaving a huge claw sized crater. Blue’s rage surpassed the limit. A dense green energy shield stopped the monster from landing another blow. Blue roared in anger as huge amounts of green streaks entered its body.

“Evidently these cretins wish to test me! So for no longer shall I restrain myself!” Blue’s body morphed into a snake-like form. Growing huge and bursting with power. “This is the end of the road for you! The entirety of you all shall no longer cause Kalos any more pain!”

The monster didn’t wait long to strike again. Blue dodged to the side in a flash of green light. It then rushed forward, slamming straight into the monster's face. The monster fell back from the force as Blue shot off to the sky.

“Ashes to ashes!” Blue charged up a huge dragon pulse. The purple energy overpowering the light of the sun. Greninja noticed Drapion and its friends all staring in awe, right in the middle of the blast zone. It urgently rushed forward telling them to move. They didn’t even hear. The time called for desperate measures as Greninja used aerial ace to kick Drapion far out of the blast zone. It then picked up its friends and ran off.

Blue fired its attack. The beam ripped through the air like a jet and filled the air with a blinding purple light. The wind and heat ripped through the trees as Greninja did its best to keep the small pokemon safe. The monster was completely enveloped by energy. It blocked as much as it could but its arms were being seared away. Greninja took a peek as the monster pulled back one of its arms. It then shot it at a blistering speed towards Blue. Greninja yelled out to Blue about the attack.

Blue caught a sight of the arm in it’s peripheral vision. “What?!” The arm took hold and yanked Blue right out from the sky. The monster roared angrily as it smashed Blue into the ground over and over like a bean bag. It then swung it around and bashed it across the treeline. The trees were blasted apart as Blue flew through them. Greninja ducked along with the small pokemon as splinters and whole trees flew over their heads. The monster then threw Blue back up just before making a full circle and slammed it back into the ground, pinning it right after. It opened its mouth and let out an ear piercing snarl straight into the ground. Blue was enveloped in dust as the ground caved in all around.

Drapion cowardly hunched down on the ground covering its eyes. Was what it did really that bad? How many lives did it ruin unknowingly? Was it true that it was much more than a bad pokemon? It watched in horror as the monster continued to rip apart the landscape around it. Was this Drapion’s true self?

As the monster kept up with the attack, shining green arrows formed in the sky. Numbering in the hundreds, they all came crashing down upon the monster. It roared in pain as it tried to get away. Blue then burst out of the monster's grasp in a green flash. The monster roared angrily and tried to grab Blue again. Blue flew through the air at extreme speeds, effortlessly keeping away from the infinitely stretching arms. It moved in such a way that the arms got all tied up. Blue then blasted them away with dragon pulse and flew as fast as it could straight towards the ground.

“Let us see how you stand up to the land's wrath!” Blue flipped forward and slammed its tail as hard as it could into the ground. An orange energy erupted from the earth, churning the land as it made its way to the monster. The attack met at the base of the monster, causing a cataclysmic explosion that launched Drapion, its friends, and even Greninja away. Pillars of rock formed all around the monster as the ground was forcibly ejected upward.

Greninja and the others tumbled down the forest and came to a sliding halt. Greninja got up and observed the situation. It still saw the monster moving around in the pillars and decided that it was going to join the fight. It put Drapion’s friends and told them to leave the area immediately. They all quickly saluted and ran off as fast as possible. Drapion was quick to follow, telling them to wait for it.

Then as if it sensed Drapion leaving, the monster bashed away the rocks that surrounded it. It growled intensely as all of the crystals around its body radiated a red light. The monster's arms were then regenerated of their burns and chunks of rock were pushed out of its body. Roaring to the sky, it pierced its claws into the ground, sending a huge wave of negative energy through the ground.

Greninja watched as the pulse rushed under its feet. Realizing what was going to happen, it called out to the small pokemon to stop. Before they could even react, a red Drapion arm burst out of the ground and grabbed Nidoran. It wriggled around desperately as it called for help. Darumaka and Ducklett launched an incinerate and a water pulse, but several more arms sprouted from the ground and bashed them away. The situation seemed hopeless as the arms began to form a sort of cocoon around Nidoran. Then Drapion charged ahead and used slash, cutting all the arms in two. Nidoran quickly ran behind Drapion as more arms sprouted and snipped away at it as it tried to get away. Drapion readied another slash but the arms turned into more arms and even more arms. Eventually, a densely packed wall of arms were spread all about the battlefield. They all formed an impassable barrier, trapping everything inside.

The monster roared out and its giant claw came crashing through the trees going straight for Drapion. Greninja shoved Drapion out of the way and stabbed the claw with dual water kunai just before it got grabbed. The claw reeled back and brought Greninja right up to the monster's face. It roared angrily when it realized that it didn’t grab Drapion. Greninja responded by throwing a water shuriken straight into its eye. It reeled back in pain long enough for Blue to rush in for the save, bashing away the claw that held Greninja captive with a flash of green light.

Greninja rolled as it landed and noticed a significant surge in the negative energy in the area. It looked to where Drapion was and sensed that the wall of arms were closing it. Drapion and its friends personally saw the wall drag itself through the ground. Each arm plowing the ground as it did so. Greninja knew that the battle had to end fast and it told Blue the situation.

“Understood. The situation is quite dire indeed. I suggest you stop holding back as well.” Greninja nodded. It stared the monster down and crossed its arms. Immediately, a surge of water swirled violently around Greninja. The vortex completely obscured it until it all burst out and swirled back around to form the giant water shuriken on its back. Greninja’s eyes turned a shining red and its fins transformed to a stark black.

“Wow, you must’ve found something really bad this time.” said a voice in Greninja’s head. “Looks like another one of those things that you fought only a couple days ago. Just how many of these things are there.” Greninja gave a basic rundown of the current events. “I get it. But before we can start answering those questions, we have to take this monster down. I’m with you all the way, Greninja!” Greninja nodded with determination and formed two water kunai, standing ready against the monster along with Blue.

“I’ll have you know, Greninja. This monster has a much more prominent healing factor than the last. I believe it's tied to the crystal growths on its body. I suggest we destroy those first.”

“Got it.” said the voice in Greninja’s head.

The two sides stared each other down for a while. Drapion and the others wondered why they were taking their sweet time, only to be scared once the monster pounded the ground and roared. Then in the blink of an eye, the monster folded over as Greninja kicked it in the abdomen with a devastating aerial ace. The strike created a sonic boom that blew away the dirt all the way back where Drapion was. Drapion and its friends all watched in disbelief at Greninja’s power. Greninja didn’t stop. It ran up the monster's body and knee’d its jaw, then flew over its head and knocked it back forward with a swinging kick. Blue then rocketed in from the sky and slammed the monster's face into the ground, jaggeding the land upon impact.

“Now Greninja!” shouted Blue. Greninja launched itself from a tree and slashed at the crystals on the monster's left shoulder. A second after it landed, its water kunai broke into pieces. “Tougher than we thought.” Blue then felt the ground grow shaky. All the cracks in the ground erupted with dark waves. The monster used snarl straight into the ground to shoot its head out of it. Blue fell back and felt the wrath of the monster's full power. It struggled against snarl as the dark waves sent it sliding across the ground. Greninja thought fast and stabbed the monster's claw with double water kunai. It ran behind it as hard as it could, making the monster shoot the snarl up into the sky, slightly darkening it. Greninja signaled to Blue that the monster was wide open.

“Way ahead of you!” Blue charged up a full powered dragon pulse. The monster flailed about as it continued shooting snarl up into the air trying to wrestle back its arm from Greninja. “Let me relieve you of the anger that took place here! Lay the sins you represent to rest!” Blue fired a precise shot straight at the crystal. But instead of impacting, the crystal absorbed the energy. It now glowed a radiant red violet. “What, it can absorb my attacks?!”

The monster stopped firing snarl and fell limp for a second before letting out an agonizing roar up into the sky. The crystal blinded everyone before exploding into several large chunks. Greninja pulled hard and tore off what remained of the monster's left arm, looking in disgust at what it managed to do. The monster roared into the sky, extremely angry at what had happened. It bashed the ground hard, sending Greninja up into the air. Its right arm exploded into black and red flames as it hit Greninja with a wicked back hand assurance.

“Greninja!” called out Blue. Greninja grunted from the extreme pain. It bashed through two trees before recovering on the last one by stabbing its trunk with double water kunai, swinging back around while shredding away its wood. The monster was ready. It swung a giant poison jab right at Greninja. But Blue intercepted just in time in a green flash, bashing away the arm as Greninja closed in with a giant water shuriken. It landed on the monster's head and was about to slam the water shuriken into the crystal but the monster slammed its head on the ground in a desperate move to get Greninja off. Greninja was tossed away and the monster quickly followed up with a poison jab. Greninja spun out of the way and tore huge crevices into the arm as it passed through with water kunai.

The monster wailed in pain as it pulled back its arm in a desperate attempt to get away. Greninja rode the crevices all the way back to the claw and pulled it down back into the ground. With the claw submerged in the ground, Greninja gave the signal for Blue to attack again.

“Got it!” Blue began charging another dragon pulse. The monster reacted by thrusting itself forward with all of its might. Its body came out of the ground like a rushing subway, getting astronomically longer and longer as it lunged. Blue was taken off guard at the change and found itself clamped between the monster's jaws. “Damn it all!” Greninja pulled on the monster's arm to try and regain control. All it did was remind it that Greninja was still there. It sprung up into the air and soared, dragging Greninja up along with it. Once it stopped, it stood as tall as a ten story tower. Greninja flew up in the air from the sudden stop and the monster grabbed it tight within its pincers. It began to crush the two as hard as it could.

“Foul creature.” said Blue, “Just how much anger are you fueled by?” The monster only growled. Blue then focused up and summoned green arrows around the monster's head. It knew what was coming however and crunched down harder on Blue. Blue growled in pain and the green arrows all dissipated. The two struggled to break out of their confinements. The monster then looked up to the sky and its crystals glowed a bright red. The stub where its left arm used to be started to billow a dark reddish smoke. Red negative energy began to run through Greninja’s and Blue’s bodies, causing great pain all throughout. It felt like being poisoned. The strength sapping effect wore out the two’s bodies fast.

“Greninja...no!” grunted the voice in it’s head, full of despair.

“H-Hey! Are you okay?!” said another voice.

“I… don't know.”

Greninja tried with all its strength to pry itself free, but it only caused more pain. It’s vision grew blurry as it looked up desperately at the blank blue sky. Then from down below, a water pulse, incinerate, and poison sting attacks flew up and impacted the shoulder crystal. The attacks were absorbed but the monster still screeched in pain. Drapion’s friends all fired their attacks from the ground with profound accuracy. Then they all urged Drapion to go up. It nodded and started the climb, using its powerful arms to swing itself up upon the protruding red vines and crystals. The monster aimed at it and fired a snarl through Blue. Drapion swung around to the other side of the body, avoiding the attack. Blue then flashed green, using all its strength to try to fly away. The monster then doubled down on biting Blue. But the move bought enough time for Drapion.

It was now above the shoulder crystal. It’s arms and tail all flashed white, but Drapion kept storing more power. The white then turned to a dark transparent purple as Drapion started to spin like a saw.

“It learned to use night slash on the fly!” said the voice in Greninja’s head, impressed. Drapion's entire body barreled straight into the shoulder crystal, bashing at the monster so hard it lost grip of both Blue and Greninja. The two pokemon fell straight towards the ground listlessly as the monster followed, its body twisting around like an over twisted rope. Drapion's friends down at the ground were all planning to catch Greninja and Blue, but seeing Blue’s size and velocity, they all changed their minds at the last minute and ran for cover.

The two crashed into the ground like meteors. The ground crumbled and dust billowed everywhere. Drapion’s friends all peeked around the trees to see if the two were alright, paying little mind to Drapion’s own meteoric fall a little farther away. They all walked up to inspect the damage. But before they could even converse, the monster's head suddenly appeared before them upside down, bobbing up and down like it was on a spring. It roared menacingly at the pokemon, who all screamed in fear. Greninja then regained consciousness and threw a water shuriken straight through the weakened shoulder crystal, cutting it in half. The momentum of throwing had Greninja fall back down on the ground. The crystal exploded and the monster sprang back up into the sky, roaring in pain. Greninja laid on the ground exhausted, hoping to at least have a minute to catch its breath.

“This is gonna be a pain, Greninja.” said the voice in its head, equally as exhausted. “It hasn't even been a week since the last one. And frankly, that’s gonna mess with my schedule a bit.” Greninja agreed.

“You're talking to a Greninja?'' said the other voice.

The main voice ignored the question. “But I still know that this is a real problem. Tell you what. After we beat this thing, I’ll come over to help out directly.” Greninja appreciated the help. “Right, now let’s… get… moving!” Greninja pushed itself back on its feet and stared up at the monster in the sky. It was flailing around in pain. In its rage, the remains of its right arm fell off and crashed down on the ground.

Blue emerged from the ground, shaking away the dizziness. “If only you were here brother, we could’ve dispatched this monster easily.”

“Yes. I truly wonder if coming here to Lumiose was the right decision.” said Red in Blue’s head.

“Do not dwell, brother. It is only that I haven’t had to exert myself this much in a very long time.”

“Still, I wish I had accompanied you.”

“Don’t worry Squishy! I’m sure your brother will beat that monster to kingdom come!” shouted Bonnie.

“Well isn’t this a surprise,” said Blue.

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“She had walked in here only moments earlier. She will observe this battle closely.”

“Understood.” Blue observed the raging monster above. “This Dreamwalker. The longer he roams, the more destruction he could leave behind. It is only a matter of time before a monster spawns in a populated area. And each one were to continue getting stronger, I’m afraid that me and Greninja alone would eventually become insufficient.”

“Don’t worry!” encouraged Bonnie, “I’m sure Clemont will come up with something!”

“Bonnie,” said Red endearingly, “Ever the optimist, as always.” Bonnie chuckled at the compliment.

Blue had lost itself to thought and hadn’t realized that Drapion's friends had climbed up on its body to observe it closely. It sighed and said, “I am no exhibit.” Greninja looked over and smiled slightly at the sight.

The whole group was then startled when an echoing roar rolled through the air. The monster was angrier than ever and it shot itself down at meteoric speeds. “Move!” Blue backed away with Drapion’s friends in tow. Greninja didn’t react as fast, immediately getting crushed by the huge head of the monster. “No…” The rest of the monster's body crumpled up upon itself as the momentum kept going. All seemed lost for Greninja, until Blue heard the slightest hint of struggle. The monster’s head rose slowly and Greninja underneath lifted as if it were carrying the world on its shoulders. Though there was a strange green, glass-like energy surrounding its body. “What is that?”

“What in Arceus’s name is going on here!” shouted a voice to Blue’s right. There stood Terrence and Vivillon. “I wake up because the house is shaking up a storm! I thought it was an earthquake but then the sky became this blinding purple and the house started shaking more violently! I thought the whole fuckin’ world was ending! So naturally, like a fuckin’ idiot, I investigate it myself ‘cause this is all happening in my front yard! What am I greeted with? Creepy little Drapion arms sprouting out of the ground like the damn arms of a Never-ending Nightmare! Then there’s trees flying everywhere, the ground is being torn up, I can’t even stand up in these hurricane force winds! Like...like, what the fuck!”

“I assure you it is worse off for us than it is for you.” agreed Blue. Terrence was about to rant more but the monster’s roar shut him up. Greninja finally stood up straight and threw the monster back far enough to form a water kunai, slashing at its eye as it came back down. The monster screeched in pain and its body came back down from the sky. The monster retreated by coiling the rest of its body up and stacking its head at the very top, roaring threateningly.

“Is that a Drapion head?! Is that thing practicing some kind of demonic arts or something?! Why is it as long as a subway?!”

“If we had the answers, we would tell you. Now stop yelling. You’ll get nowhere if you waste your breath.”

“You all are tearing up my land! I think I have the right to rant as much as I want-!” The monster roared loudly, shutting up Terrence again. It then launched a snarl downrange, enveloping everyone in its energy. Vivillon flew up before it did too much damage and enveloped all the pokemon in a green shield.

Blue could finally stare down the monster without much difficulty. “I applaud you Vivillon! This will make our efforts much easier.”

“Not for me!” said Terrence, struggling against the winds. He began to fly off but Greninja came in and pulled him back down, using itself to block the attack for him.

“This is the final stretch!” rallied Blue. “You in or out?”

“I want this thing gone. Then after that, I want you two gone also!” Terrence took out a pokeball and let out Medicham. It was immediately shrouded in friend guard. Drapion crawled out of the crater where it made impact. It dizzily watched the group come together to stand up against the monster. Seeing its friends somewhat courageously stand up against it gave it determination.

“Wish what you will. This is the plan. We have to destroy the crystal on that monster's head. Then and only then will it stop regenerating. But who knows what mutation will befall it once we do.”

“Mutation?! What-?!”

“THAT is when Greninja will go in and destroy its source of power. From there it should no longer pose a threat. Do you all understand?” All the Pokémon shouted in agreement.

Terrence sighed, “I guess I don’t have a choice.” He pulled something out of his pocket and tossed it to Greninja. “I figured you two were involved in some way and I knew that Greninja was at least a water type. Use it to end this fast.” Greninja observed what it was and it was a perfectly cut water gem. It nodded it’s head in thanks.

“Now, let us get started.” Blue shot a dragon pulse at the monster, immediately ceasing snarl. “Now!” Greninja ran ahead.

“Medicham, help it with dynamic punch!” ordered Terrence. Medicham’s fists shined yellow as it also rushed ahead.

The monster went for a bite on the two approaching Pokémon. “You three, aim for its eyes!” shouted Blue. Darumaka, Ducklett, and Nidoran all launched their attacks. The explosive force made the monster retreat slightly. Medicham flew in through the smoke and upper cutted the monster's head, sending it up in the air away from its coiled body. Greninja ran up the body immediately after and soared up high in the air. It formed water kunai and dove in straight on the crystal. They only scraped off its surface, slipping off and piercing its wooden-like skin instead. Greninja tried jumping and down again and again, each time closer to bringing the head down to the ground. The monster had enough of Greninja’s buckling and tossed it up in the air, blowing it further back with a snarl. Greninja flying up to the sky sporadically.

“I've got you!” shouted Blue, shooting up in a green flash. Drapion’s friends were holding on for dear life. Medicham joined Terrence’s side as they watched Blue soar up like a green star.

“This is it, Greninja! Bring it home!” said the voice in it’s head. It focused up and clenched the water gem hard. It broke into pieces as a wave of blue energy flowed through its body, immediately doubling the size of its giant water shuriken. Blue came up and Greninja used its head as a platform, taking the water shuriken off its back and making it even larger. With all it’s might, it threw the shuriken right down. It flew through the air like a spinning helicopter blade, spiraling down until it implanted itself on the monster's forehead. The impact sent tree branches flying the opposite way, the ground cracked even more, and the monster roared in pain.

“Not done yet!” shouted Blue. It whipped around and launched Greninja off its head. It flew straight in and spear kicked the water shuriken deeper into the monster’s head. It tore up the ground as it flew back, unraveling its own coiled body. It even crashed straight through its own wall of arms. Once it stopped, Greninja poured as much energy as it could into two more water Kunai and stabbed them into where the giant water shuriken was. Immediately, negative energy poured out of the crystal. It felt cold but intense, rushing like an unrelenting river. Then, it exploded. Greninja was thrown into a tailspin as the monster's dying roar echoed through the land. Greninja hit the ground hard and slid to a halt right next to Terrence and Medicham.

“Did you do it? Did you get rid of it?” he asked. Greninja closed its eyes and nodded exhaustedly.

Blue landed down next to them. “I’m afraid it's not over yet.”

“What do you mean? We killed it right?”

“We must burn it. Erase all evidence that it was here.”

“What?! This thing showed up and tore up half my land! You think I’m just gonna forget about it?!”

“Yes! You must! If you alert the public, you’ll only cause massive panic!”

“No, I’ll be saving lives! From what it sounds like, this isn’t the first one you two fought, huh!? We can’t rely on you two to come save us every time! Greninja! Zygarde!”

“You know my name?”

“The media was all over it! It happened in Tuviere, didn’t it?! They said there was a monster there that caused never before seen destruction on the town, and you two were there! Along with that Team Harmonious!” Blue remained silent. Drapion’s friends listened in earnest. “Well no more! We’re getting to the bottom of this! It’s only a matter of time before one shows up in a town, a city! We’re gonna be the ones that have to deal with it, but we won’t know the power they hold! People will die because of it!”

“We’ll get to the bottom of this before that happens, I assure you,” said Blue calmly.

Terrence gestured at the monster's limp body. “You’re after Ceailean, right? Did he do this?”

“We’re… not sure.”

“Well it’s like I said before. They’re heading for Camphrier on the way to Cyllage in order to participate in the Kalos league right? What are you doing chasing them on foot? Just go to Cyllage and have them come to you.”

“We’re making sure that they do not leave anything behind.”

“Yeah, what good that does. If you are ‘getting to the bottom of it’ as much as I think you are, then just get to Ceailean. If he is causing it then he can stop them all at once, right?”

“That’s the problem. We do not believe this Ceailean will be cooperative. Every attempt at communication has ended in failure, often from outbursts of rage and the general inconsistency of our methods.”

“What are you, some socially anxious loser?” Greninja stood up and defended Blue.

“No Greninja. We mustn't cause more conflict than there already is.” Blue eyed Greninja, “You know what we must do.”

“Do what?” asked the voice in it’s head. Greninja only nodded and started to walk to Terrence, but suddenly stopped. The negative energy was starting to grow sporadic, warping and twisting around violently in the ground. Greninja urgently alerted the whole group. Not even a second later, several arms sprouted from the ground and tried to attack whoever was closest to them.

“Get back!” shouted Blue. It was arm-megeddon. There wasn’t even a single foot of space without an arm flailing around. Everyone did their best to stay clear. Drapion’s friends however were unable to keep themselves safe. Taking too long to charge their attacks, the arms quickly beat them all down.

“We gotta save ‘em!” shouted Terrence. He wasn’t in a particularly good position either. Medicham didn’t have time to cut down the infinitely sprouting arms while protecting Terrence and the small Pokémon at the same time. More and more arms circled around to constantly bash the small Pokémon into the ground. Then in a flash, all the arms around them were cut in half. They all dissolved into charcoal. Drapion stood front and center, defending its friends with its body.

It shouted into the air, saying to stop attacking everyone. It knew who the monster was looking for, so here it was, ripe for the taking. Though Drapion’s friends couldn’t move from the pain, they still voiced their protest. Drapion shut its mind to them as it stared at the monster's body intently. All the arms stopped moving and they all faced Drapion as if they all had their own faces. Vivillon listened closely. It’s face expressionless.

Blue slithered over. “Drapion. I know you see this as an act of redemption, but we don’t know what will happen if that monster takes you.” Drapion assured Blue of it’s choice. “Have you not considered the fate that befalls you?! You could experience years of torture in seconds! The monster could grow even stronger for all we know! It is overflowing with negative, evil energy! We must-!” Greninja shouted from across the clearing, urging for blue to stop. “But-” The arms all remained motionless, all feeling like needles as they stared down Drapion.

“To think I let Ceailean in my house.” said Terrence aghast, “To think this could’ve been my home.” Vivillon gave Terrence words of encouragement. “Thanks Vivillon, but this is just… too much right now.”

They group stood in silence for only a second more before all the arms suddenly burrowed underground. Before Drapion could react, several arms burst from the ground and restrained it. Everyone gasped at the sight. Blue then noticed that the sun was getting dark, a sudden shade rolling over its eyes. It wasn’t anywhere close to nighttime. So what was going on? Blue looked up and felt the tiniest bit of dread that it hadn’t felt for years. The sky was crawling with arms, hyper extending over the sky. This mess of claws and vines was forming a huge dome over everything.

Terrence looked up in despair. “What the hell…” He then looked over to Vivillon. “Vivillon go! M-Maybe you can make it!” Vivillon hesitated, still worried about Terrence. “Just go damn it!” Terrence threw a rock in Vivillon’s direction, startling it away. “Straight up ahead! Towards the warmth of the sun!”

Greninja urged Blue to do the same. “Very well. I’ll put my faith in you.” Blue shot up in a flash of green. Vivillon flew up as fast as it could towards the sun. But then the arm dome sensed that it was about to escape and launched ultra long arms to attack.

“Vivillon look out!” shouted Terrence. Vivillon looked down wondering what was going on, completely oblivious to the arms closing in.

“Here!” shouted Blue. It bashed away the arms with its explosive power. Vivillon could barely stay in the air from the rushing winds. “Hurry we might still- What?!” The arms shot over their heads like grapple hooks in an effort to quickly seal the remaining area exposed. “You won’t entrap us here! You embodiment of evil!” Blue surged ahead to pierce through the thin weave of arms. But then they all glowed purple, embodying the power of poison jab. Blue didn’t care and sought to plow through at full force.

“Brother! You must pull back!” warned Red through telepathy. His plea fell on deaf ears as Blue collided with the wall, pushing on it like it was a plastic bag. But the strain was too much. Poison filled its veins and the strength was sapped from Blue’s body. The arm wall used its pent up elasticity to shoot Blue into the ground.

“Y-You heathen!” shouted Blue as it was shot down. It plowed through the ground on impact.

Terrence ran up to the trench. “Is it gonna be alright?” Blue started to glow green, blinding Terrence. The friend guard shield shattered and green streaks shot out of its body in every direction. Blue shrunk until there was nothing left but a small little figure on the ground. “Is… is that what you really look like?”

Greninja jumped over and stood next to Blue. It was struggling to get up. “I… can still… fight!” Greninja urged Blue to just stop and rest. “No! I refuse.” It looked at the rapidly closing dome. “Not again. It’s just like 5 years ago. To be trapped again, this cannot happen.” Flashes in Blue’s mind showed flashbacks to when it was captured by Team Flare. A glass dome slowly closed over it’s head while a stoic Lysandre stared through. No matter how much it tried to fight, it was tortured into submission through blasts of energy every time it touched the glass.

Blue made another effort to stand, but the poison quickly caught up, making it fall back on the ground. Greninja quickly picked it up and looked to the top of the dome right as it blocked out the last rays of sunlight.

“We have to hurry, Greninja!” urged the voice in it’s head. “I know Squishy, or Squishy’s brother, doesn’t eat anything. Maybe if we get it back out in the sun, it’ll cure the poison.” Greninja nodded and walked over to Terrence, asking something of him.

“Y-Yeah? What do you want?” Terrence asked. Greninja said nothing as it gently passed Blue into his arms. “What? You want me to-” Greninja jumped away before he could finish. Terrence looked at Blue as he gently cradled it in his arms. “It’s kinda… squishy.”

“Please refrain from describing me as such.” said Blue weakly.

Terrence freaked out a bit, “Oh yeah, I forgot you can talk.”

Drapion watched as the last rays of sun were blocked out. The dome had completely encompassed the area. It would be pitch black if it wasn’t for the flashing negative energy running through the arms. Then, negative energy began to pour itself into Drapion, making it scream out in pain. The friend guard shield was shattered as well. It’s friends finally had enough of laying around. They all struggled to their feet and launched their attack at the arms restraining Drapion. They were successful in blowing them away, but they were just replaced by new ones instantly. Darumaka and Ducklett tried to charge their attack again, but they were too exhausted to form any power. Nidoran then ran up and began to gnaw at the arms. The other two watched in disbelief, but not at the efforts of Nidoran.

Slowly, menacingly, a shadow of a huge figure rose up in the darkness. It slithered around, coiling its body as it started to tower over them. Two crystal eyes stared at the group. Drapion suppressed its scream and stared back. Then a huge wave of negative energy lit up the dome to reveal the monster, but it had changed. It’s head was more bulb-like, smoke was billowing from where its crystals were, and there was a huge seam where Greninja’s water shuriken was implanted. Then the monster curled back and roared in Drapion's face. It’s face split four ways, creating a horrid amalgamation. A flower of wood like skin, thorny teeth the size of small shrubbery, and vines flailing about in the wind. It’s roar was extremely breathy and humid, as if it was the breath of a million Yampers combined with the screams of the damned.

Once it finished, the monster's face closed up like a rose bud and it continued to stare down Drapion. Darumaka and Ducklett were scared to bits, causing them to pass out from sheer despair. Drapion however, still felt something gnawing at the arms it was restrained in. Nidoran remained persistent, seemingly so much so that it’s mind was completely ignoring everything that was happening. Drapion then realized that the arms weren’t inputting more negative energy into its body, and it knew why. It tore away from them with ease, but Nidoran kept gnawing. Drapion pulled it away, but Nidoran was so focused that it bit Drapion’s claw. It winced in pain and slapped Nidoran across the face. It finally realized where it was and noticed that Drapion was alright. It jumped for joy in Drapion’s arms, hugging it affectionately. Drapion was surprised at how much Nidoran cared for it. It put Nidoran gently on the ground and patted its head, thanking it for caring so much. Nidoran looked at the monster and got ready to fight. But before it could even get ramped up, Drapion chopped at Nidoran's neck, instantly knocking it out.

“Hey! What’re you doing!” shouted Terrence. Drapion looked at him with a slight pain in its eyes. It then picked up Nidoran and walked over to the other small Pokémon. “You’re still gonna act like the big tough Pokémon?! You’re still gonna act like the big bully of the forest?! For all we know, you acting like that is the whole reason why this monster exists!”

“Hush child!” scolded Blue.

“But you saw-”

“You and I saw two very different things. It would be wise of you to figure out the difference.”

Drapion placed its friends upon a fallen tree and went back to face the monster alone. The monster watching the whole time. Drapion stared it down. It then imbued its attacks into as many limbs as it could. Poison jab and night slash on the arms with assurance on the tail. Drapion shouted to the monster that it wasn’t what it thought it was. Drapion may not have been the perfect role model, it may have done some bad things. But the visions the monster showed it were not who it was. Even then, it realized its mistakes. This was the time to change.

“What’s it yelling about?” asked Terrence, “Surely that monster doesn’t understand anything.”

“It is a confession child. And a pledge to better oneself.” answered Blue.

“Why’re you calling me child? I told you my name, right?” Blue only smirked internally. “Medicham, you hearing this?” Medicham ignored Terrence and focused fully on what was about to go down.

Greninja had been watching from the tree tops. “What a Pokémon, huh?” said the voice in it’s head. Greninja nodded with a slight smile.

Drapion wasn’t even sure what would happen, but still it waited for a response of some kind. The monster stood idly until Drapion could have sworn it whispered the slightest phrase. “Prove it.” Then after only a second of Drapion's shock, the monster roared again and sent its vines to grab Drapion. It held them off for a while, slashing away at the vines as best it could. But eventually, the energy of its attacks ran dry. The vines took hold of all Drapion’s limbs and began to pull it inside of the monster's mouth. Drapion’s feet plowed through the ground as it tried to stop itself, but it was no use. The monster was too strong. Pure fear took hold, but Drapion’s determination was just as strong. It looked deep into the monster and screamed as loud as it could. The monster in turn, roared back.

Drapion closed its eyes and prepared for the worst. Then it felt a soft tap on its forehead. It looked to see Greninja jumping straight into the monster's mouth, slashing away the vines as it flew through the air. Greninja jumped straight into the belly of the beast, its mouth flaps closing tightly afterward.

“Do you think-?” asked Terrence.

“Oh very much I do.” answered Blue.

The monster's mouth flaps compressed hard. A muffled grinding of wood and stone could be heard from inside. It raised its head to the sky and coiled tightly in an act of finality. Drapion may have had some relief, but then it began to think. What good would sacrificing oneself do in the grand scheme of things. Greninja could be gone for all it knew and for what? The monster is looking for Drapion, not Greninja. It made Drapion mad. It powered a poison jab and charged in. Vivillon listened closely to what was happening from nearby and told Drapion to stop. It slid to a halt and asked why. Vivillon asked if it heard anything weird. Drapion shrugged.

Then the ground shook. A small shock wave that knocked everyone who wasn’t flying off balance. Then there was another accompanied by the slight screech of pain from the monster. Drapion stepped back in disbelief. The biggest shock wave yet rocked through the ground. The monster actually buckled in pain. Then, a bright blue blade shot right out of its throat. It was then followed by three more on the sides and the back. They all turned slowly to the sound of snapping and carving wood. The monster did little to intervene, seemingly frozen in shock. Then all at once, all the blades swiftly turned to send the monster's head flying into the sky.

Greninja revealed itself standing from the inside, holding a humongous water shuriken that spun up a fierce wind. Everyone struggled to stand in the wind. Vivillon was pushed up high in the sky, gaining a front row seat to the monster's head. It roared in Vivillon's face, alerting it of the monster's presence. The monster began to charge a snarl. Vivillon heard what was about to go down and braced itself, calling for help.

Greninja looked up and knew what it needed to do. It spun around and launched the shuriken up as hard as it could. The shuriken flew past the head only for Greninja to jump past and grab it. It flew down with a huge battle cry and impaled the monster with the shuriken. The head spun along the spinning shuriken all the way down to the ground where it was pierced into its own body, flattening its coil.

“Whoa! Did we get it now?” asked Terrence. Blue remained silent as it continued to observe. The monster was still chittering slightly. But then a huge river of negative energy burst out from the ground. The monster’s body wrung out wildly as the energy inside rushed out. The ground split apart as more energy began to expel.

“Now it is over.” said Blue, the ground shifting around them. “The hate well has been destroyed.”

The energy finally began to peter out and the monster’s body fell to the ground with a slam. Greninja landed next to the head and looked down on it. The monster looked back at Greninja with mellow anger. It roared slightly to tell Greninja off. Greninja only scoffed and kicked the monster crystal eye in, smashing it to pieces. The monster’s head began to dissolve into a charcoal like substance and it fell into a huge hole in the ground along with the huge waterfall of charcoal from everything else. Soon the hole was filled and all was well.

Vivillon breathed a sigh of relief. But then it heard something huge coming its way and flew out of the way. The arm dome was beginning to collapse. Chunks of charcoal were falling from the sky.

“We gotta get outta here!” exclaimed Terrence. “That stuff is going to crush us!”

“Worry not, child,” said Blue. It wriggled out of Terrence’s arms and stood on the ground. “Greninja! Do it now!”

“What does it mean by that, Greninja?” asked the voice in its head. Greninja only shook its head and powered down to its base form. Its head was now silent. Greninja appeared behind Medicham and chopped at its neck. It’s friend guard shield broke instantly as it fell to the ground unconscious. Vivillon noticed something wrong and flew down to investigate.

Terrence could barely figure out what’s going on with all the chaos going on. “Medicham? Did you get hit?” Greninja appeared behind Terrence and chopped his neck. The world faded to black.

----------------------------------------

() Terrence woke up in a cold sweat. Breathing heavily, he looked around to see that he was on the living room couch.

He rubbed his eyes, “Man… was that a dream?” He then noticed Medicham meditating across the living room. “Hey Medicham? Did anything weird happen?” Medicham only shrugged as it continued to meditate. Terrence groaned as he rolled off the couch. “What time is it?” He picked himself back up and looked at the time. “12:36? Man, that guy really messed up my sleep schedule. Those two Pokémon two. Wait, they don’t exist. Or do they? Damn it, I’m confused.”

Terrence walked outside to see the sun shining brightly on the land. He saw Vivillon sitting on the white fence at the end of the walkway.

“Hey Vivillon? You notice anything weird around here?” he called. Vivillon stood still. Terrence began to shuffle around in boredom. “You know, you come around here a lot lately. If I didn’t know better I’d say you want me to catch you.” Vivillon didn’t say anything. “You’re awfully quiet today.” Terrence walked over and stood behind it. “You feeling down?” Nothing. “You wanna talk about it?” Nothing again. “Man, tough day today huh?”

Terrence massaged the back of his neck. “Ugh, I must’ve slept wrong cause my neck is so stiff.” Terrence hoped Vivillon would say something. But its wings only fluttered slightly. “You doing alright all by yourself? I know Noibat meant a lot to you and this must be the first time you’ve been away from it for a while. If that’s what’s keeping you down, rest assured that I believe that Ceailean will be the perfect trainer to take care of it.”

Vivillon had been lost in its own thoughts and just realized something. A dreaded feeling for Noibat coursed through its body. It couldn’t help but put its arms together and pray that what Terrence was saying was true.

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() “Brother please, I do not wish to fight alone anymore.” complained Blue, drooping on top of Greninja’s hand. Greninja sighed and subtly reminded Blue that it was here too. The two were walking down the sunshade path on the way to Camphrier.

“I understand all too well, but you must remember why I am here in the first place,” said Red.

“Just watching that fight made me tired.” yawned Bonnie.

“May I release myself from this uncomfortable contraption? It is evident that we have seen all we need from my brother.”

“Oh, sure Squishy. Let me help you.” A series of metal wire twanging and Velcro ripping sounded out in Blue head, causing it to groan in annoyance. “There, feel better?”

“Very much so Bonnie. Only a few minutes in the sun and all should be well.”

“Sounds so simple over there.” sighed Blue. “What of this Clemont fellow? Since we were forced to annihilate that monster, I’m not sure there’s anything left worth analyzing.”

“Clemont? What are you doing?” asked Bonnie.

“SHHHHH!” shushed Clemont. “I’m at the site now and I’m remaining inconspicuous.”

“*scoff* You’re in a forest, Clemont! It’s not like anyone is going to find you!”

“Oh naïve little Bonnie. You can never be too cautious when conducting field work.”

“Yeah, I also can never get through that thick head of yours.”

Clemont chuckled slightly before suddenly stopping. “Oh, is this it?”

“Move your hair Clemont! It’s blocking the camera!”

“Oh! Sorry!” Clemont's monitor lit up and it showed a completely torn up ground with trees and such seemingly blown, burned, or knocked away.

“Squishy? Is this it?”

Red looked closely at the monitor. “Brother?”

“I’d recognize it anywhere.” answered Blue. Red nodded to Bonnie.

“That’s it Clemont.” confirmed Bonnie.

“Then this is a good spot to do my research.” send Clemont confidently.

“Aren’t you gonna get closer?”

Clemont pushed his glasses. “Hehehe! Naïve little Bonnie. Remember that we are working with an energy source that we know practically nothing about. So it would be imperative that we take precautions. And it just so happens that I have the perfect invention for that!”

“Oh no, here we go again?” groaned Bonnie.

“How is his fanfare playing through the monitor?” asked Red.

Clemont whipped out a small box with wheels. “I call it the impervious and inconspicuous battleground analyzer!”

“It actually makes me wonder if all these new anime titles were inspired by Clemont’s names.” commented Bonnie.

“I had originally designed this machine to analyze the battleground back at the gym after Pokémon battles in order to figure out the precise amount of energy being outputted by each challenger's Pokémon. It takes video footage and measurements of the fissures in the ground to calculate how many joules attacks would need to generate that much destruction. And just for fun I also gave it the capability to analyze soil samples in order to determine the most optimal ground composition for battlefield construction. It should be able to analyze whatever that monster was made of no sweat! Now, power on!”

Clemont flipped a switch on his remote control and the box came to life. An assortment of instruments then extended out and began to do calculations.

“Now impervious and inconspicuous battleground analyzer, go!” The box moved forward, getting two feet away, the four, then six.

“...Clemont! It’s so slow!” complained Bonnie.

“Too much movement could mess with the calculations, so I designed it to move as steadily as possible.”

“This is gonna take forever…”

“Then let us discuss something worthwhile.” suggested Red. “Brother, could you please go over what you know and have figured out. I will project your thoughts to Bonnie.”

“I suppose it is that time.” said Blue, “Alright then, let us start with what we know. Monsters have appeared in both Tuviere and Route 5, which we can confirm remains consistent with the whereabouts of this Ceailean.”

“Monster sounds generic and bland, can we change it?” asked Bonnie.

“Always one for names, huh?” pointed out Red, “Very well, it would be slightly less confusing to differentiate them. What is it you have in mind?”

“Well what do they all have in common?” asked Bonnie.

“They’re a pain.” said Blue.

“I’m sure. But what else?”

“It is plausible that Ceailean has met the two Pokémon that became those monsters directly. Them becoming Pokémon is no accident. They were both linked to acts of sin, though one much greater than the other.”

“I get the Tyranitar. But what did Drapion do?”

“Acted like a bigot and tried to swoon a Vivillon. If what it had told me was true, it got violent.”

“Wait the same Drapion that fought alongside you guys?”

“Yes.”

“Just what are you guys talking about?” asked Clemont.

“Oh yeah, I forgot you can’t hear squishy from there.” Bonnie explained the situation.

“A name huh? Well obviously these monsters are formed from ones no good deeds. So I would say no-gooders or no-goods.”

“Bleh. Let’s try and keep it to one word.”

“Ah come on! You know I’m not good with that! At least let me name one thing please!”

“No Clemont! You name enough of your inventions already!”

“Then what are you thinking? I bet you can’t come up with a name as good as mine.”

Bonnie thought hard. “Well, they’re no good Pokémon who do no good things. Who else would do things like that. Aha! I got it! We’ll call ‘em Freaks!”

“Freaks! What a marvelous suggestion!” complimented Red. “It fits those monsters well.”

“Ha! Take that Clemont! Squishy loves it!”

“Aww man.”

“If you think about it, those monsters also exist along with their Pokémon counterparts right? We can use Freaks as a form, like Ash-Greninja. Think Freak Tyranitar, Freak Drapion-”

“Yes yes, but can we move on please?” asked Blue.

“Pfft, party pooper.”

“Continuing on, These monsters have proved to be mighty powerful and they are starting to outdo mine and Greninja’s efforts. Who knows how long until we aren’t able to take those Freaks down ourselves.”

“Last time I checked, you guys never took any Freak out by yourselves.” pointed out Bonnie.

Blue sighed, “Must she rub it in.” Bonnie chuckled slightly. “Anyhow, we know full well why Freak Tyranitar appeared in Tuviere. Upon my brother's capture he was able to see through Ceailean’s own eyes what had transpired there. The monster was some sort of storage device for the memories he endured, and they sought out whoever was responsible. Though it is unclear as to why. It could be redemption or something far worse.”

“The Freaks will kill ‘em.” said Bonnie.

“If you wish to be blunt about it, yes. They will be killed. Quite a flamboyant way of doing so however. Why does one need that much power, that much presence.”

“It is most likely because it is a power that Ceailean doesn’t even know he has.” explained Red. “Considering he forgets everything I say every time I contact him and those Freaks don’t appear once he plants those hate wells, it is probably why they are so out of control. Tell Clemont that is all we know so far.” Bonnie explained the details.

“If that’s the case then we will have to keep track of news in the area’s he is traveling through.” said Clemont, “I’ll make sure to do that when I get back.”

“Ugh, I'm thirteen now Clemont! I’m sure I can look up the news by now.” complained Bonnie.

“Oh, I didn’t mean anything about that. You could totally look up what’s happening in Camphrier right now. It’s just that I meant I was going to set up an algorithm to keep track of the news on their projected path so that way we don’t have to do it by hand.”

Bonnie sighed, “I guess. I’ll check right now.” Bonnie walked off to use the computer.

“Thank you.” Clemont said awkwardly.

Red watched the box move slowly on Clemont’s monitor for a little while more. “We haven’t considered the possible worst case scenario for this, brother,” said Blue. “If our attempts to quell Kalos’s pain results in catastrophe, it could mean the for the region as a whole.”

“I am well aware,” said Red. “But the same can be said for if we do nothing. Suppose you can find comfort in that no matter which decision we come to, it will still be our fault.”

“Quite the contrary. Everything depends on us now.”

“Yes, it would seem.”

Bonnie came running around the corner. “Guys, guys! You’re not gonna believe what just happened in Camphrier! It was only an hour or two ago also.”

“Tell me in great detail Bonnie. And listen close brother, this information may help you with you next target.”

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Part 2: The Intention

Police memo

#9674

2/25/2022

Jenny, Officer

Today, we were successful in our capture of Solga Telin. He was wanted on 75 counts of petty theft, 16 counts of illegal use of pokemon substances, possession of said substances, property damage, grand theft auto, the kidnapping of a personal pokemon, and attempted aggravated assault. During a rough struggle, we were able to capture him once he had overused a certain magical relic and drained all of his stamina. The victims have decided to lightly punish his crimes, opting for only 600 hours of community services. Solga Telin has no family, no clear friends, and no clear significant other. His only relation of note was that of his pokemon, a Sewaddle. The intentions are currently unclear as interrogations have not started at the time of this memo. Though evidence suggests that he may be uncooperative in revealing those intentions. As of now, Solga Telin is being held within Camphrier town jail until a transfer is found. He is being watched by Officer Doyle Jacobs.

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() Solga blew air out his mouth and watched the dust particles dance in the single ray of sun shining through the window. He was laying down on the stiff bed of a barren jail cell, bored.

He looked through the bars of his cell, “Hey buddy. You mind given’ me a pack of cards while I’m here. This boredom is killing me.” Across from the cell sat Officer Doyle in a simple wooden desk. The office lamp looked like the only light source on that side of the room.

“Shut up inmate.” Doyle said sternly, “No talking until you are talked to.”

Solga shrugged and wriggled around. “Alright then. It's your loss as much as mine. I do find myself to be quite the conversationalist.”

Doyle quickly stood up and whacked a bar on the cell door with his baton. “I said shut it!”

“Oooh, so scary.” taunted Solga. “Last time I checked, I couldn’t care less what you say.”

Doyle was about to talk back but the phone started ringing. His expression laxed when he walked over. He picked up the phone and said, “Cell house two, this is Doyle… Yes… Understood, I’ll let him in.” He hung up the phone. “It’s your lucky day inmate, you’ve got a visitor.”

Solga sat up and looked at Doyle, confused. “Visitors. For me?”

“Yeah, said they knew you.”

Solga laid back down and closed his eyes. “Oh who? What is Vertant coming to tell me about all the wrong I’ve done or is Marie or Ceailean coming to brag right in my face for their victory?”

“Oh, you’ll see.” Doyle pressed a button. The door buzzed and the lock snapped open and in came someone.

“Oh hello there Solga. Very nice to see you again.”

Solga recognized that voice. He got up and saw Zyne walking in. He was wearing a black trench coat and a tie. A small fedora hid his eyes slightly and he was carrying a silver briefcase.

“You?” Solga scoffed, “Why did you of all people come to visit me? What, did you suddenly come back wanting payment? Well too bad. As you can see I’m quite holed up at the moment. I don’t have anything to give you.”

Zyne walked straight up to the cell bars and said, “Oh, but you do” Zyne turned around and nodded at Doyle. Doyle nodded back. He walked over and handed something to Zyne that Solga couldn’t see. The two then walked over to a locker. Zyne gave Doyle the briefcase and he locked it inside the locker.

Zyne held out his hand, “Nice doing business.” Doyle nodded and shook his hand, looking like he was bracing for something. Suddenly, Zyne knee’d Doyle in the abdomen and slammed his head on the desk.

Solga jumped out of the bed, shocked. “Zyne! What the hell are you doing?! Are you trying to break me out in the most violent way possible?” Doyle laid limp on the floor. A slight pool of blood was forming on the ground.

“Unfortunately for you, that is not what I am here for.”

“So what? Is this that job you told me about?”

“Suppose you could say it's ‘business as usual’”. Zyne walked to the other side of the desk and pressed the button on the desk. The door unlocked and revealed a woman.

She was black skinned and walked with the intent of showing off. Her skin tight black suit squeaked ever so slightly as she did so. Her hair was put into long braids and her eyes were like that of a predator. She walked up closely to Solga.

“...Uh hi.” said Solga awkwardly. “What uh, what’re you here for-?”

The woman smiled. “Sigilyph, use psychic.” she said calmly. Her thick accent made it almost hard for Solga to understand. Sigilyph came out of its pokeball and made Solga kneel down in front of the woman.

“Ack! What are you doing you crazy psycho bitch!” The woman sneered at Solga and spit in his face. “Ew, thanks.”

“Now now, let us not get carried away here. It’s my turn.” said Zyne.

The woman scoffed. “You and your sick pleasures. Why can we not just get on with this?”

“Because that wouldn’t be any fun.” Zyne kneeled down in front of Solga and pulled something out of his pocket. He brandished it in Solga’s face, going so far to even stick it through the bars. “You know what this is don’t you?”

Solga’s heart sank. “It was you. It was you the crown showed me! You bastard!”

“Ohoho.” laughed Zyne. “It was quite the performance you gave in town. This pokemon would do mighty well in our ranks.” Zyne pulled his hand back from the side of Solga’s head and revealed a pokeball.

Solga grew pale. He tried as hard as he could to break from Sigilyph’s psychic. “You son of a bitch. You leave Sewaddle be!”

“Well you see, I can’t do that I’m afraid. See the way I’m paid on a target to target basis. And with the footage I’ve gathered from your little scuffle, I’m sure it will catch a pretty penny. Or even better yet, be one of the top competitors of the Gulag.”

Solga’s realization was being stacked one on top of another. Dread was beginning to fill every fiber of his being. “You take that back! You leave Sewaddle alone!”

“Last I checked, you were quite holed up at the moment. I doubt you’ll be of any threat to me.” Zyne started tossing the pokeball up and down. “I can’t say it hasn’t been fun.” Zyne leaned close and whispered, “But in my hands, I’ll make Sewaddle does more than you ever had with it.”

Solga grit his teeth. Unknown to all of them, a small amount of negative energy was building up right under Solga’s feet. He put in one last big effort to break through psychic. The psychic energy turned red and became unstable.

“Oh?” said Zyne curiously. Suddenly, Solga broke out of psychic and grabbed Zyne by the collar, slamming him against the bars.

“I’ll kill you! You hear me, you bastard! I’ll kill you!” Solga screamed.

“Sigilyph! Get a grip!” ordered the woman. Sigilyph put more power into its next psychic and slammed Solga against the back wall. Solga could barely breath against the pressure.

Zyne jumped back and held his nose. “Ow, ow, ow,” he then started laughing, “Hoho, it looks like we have a rough one here.” Zyne then pressed a button on the desk. A buzz opened up Solga’s cell. “Hehe, use sucker punch.” Zyne released an Ariados and it zipped across the floor and punched Solga straight in the abdomen. Solga coughed up spit from the pain.

The psychic energy faded and Solga dropped to the floor. Zyne approached menacingly. “Now use Toxic thread.” Ariados strung up Solga with toxic threads. The threads burned as they cut into his body. Solga was breathing heavily from the pain.

“I want you to understand something. Never at any point in time did you ever have control over me. This is the last time we will see each other. Me and your pokemon.”

“I’ll… kill you.” Solga huffed.

“Tch, do as you please Sychic. It’s clear that he is broken. Now you have your fun with him.”

The woman smiled. “With pleasure.” She sat on her knees in front of Solga and grabbed him by the chin, forcing him to face her.

“I’ll kill you.” he said with a growl.

“Aww, the wee child that is lost in the world. Let me help you find your way. You need only to look to the sky for enlightenment.” Sychic jerked Solga’s head up to the ceiling where Sigilyph looked directly into his eyes. “Use hypnosis.” A strange energy started to wave around the room.

Solga gawked at the sight of it as his memories started to erase from his mind. “N-No!”

“Believe me kid, if it were up to me I would’ve just killed you. But the boss said I’m not allowed to cause casualties. So we have to do the next best thing.” explained Zyne.

“To break your mind!” Sychic said ecstatically, “And to see another person become a soulless husk of themselves!”

Solga could hardly breathe. He couldn’t look away from the hypnosis and slowly felt his drive draining. Soon, the process was complete. The toxic thread around his body snapped away as he fell to the floor.

He fidgeted around, seeming almost like he was going to throw up while constantly saying, “I won’t… I won’t… I won’t…”

Sychic smiled. “So cute when they do that.”

“Let us move on, sister. The sooner we get out of here and get paid, the better.”

“Aww,” Sychic rubbed the back of her hand across Solga’s face, “Goodbye sweet child. May the next life you live be one of fulfillment.”

Solga’s vision grew hazy. He couldn’t focus on anything anymore as the world became a blur. He watched as his cell door was closed back up as four figures left the room.

“I won’t… I won’t… I won’t… I… won-” With one last breath, a single drop of sweat sent a weird pulse of energy through the ground.

The world faded to black.

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() Zyne and Sychic left the police station in an orderly fashion. Zyne looked up to the sky, “Looks like there will be rain today.”

“That reminds me, HQ has contacted us and are waiting to give you new orders.” said Sychic.

“Is that so?” Zyne picked up his phone and pressed on his HQ contact.

“What are our accomplishments?” asked the operator.

“The entirety of the progress made in our modern world.” Zyne answered. A moment passed.

“I’ll redirect you shortly.” Another moment passed.

“Poyzyne. Have you completed your task?” said a womanly voice with a thick accent.

“Benzra. Yes, I have.”

“Acknowledged. Nachal’stvo has informed me that I was to find a team to take down those involved with our lost assets in Tuviere.”

“Well, I think you have to keep looking.” Zyne was about to hang up when Benzra spoke again.

“This task is of high priority to Nachal. He is willing to grant a seat on the board of directors to anyone who is able to take down at least a third of all those involved at Tuviere.”

“A third? Might you be referring to the lil’ scouts?”

“Them, Sycamore or this Blaziken Mask, or the entirety of Team Harmonious. The choice is yours.”

Zyne smiled at Sychic. “It looks like our Schedule is wide open now.”