"Nio! Wake up!"

Nio groaned in her bed. "Go away."

"Wake up! They're coming!"

"No one's coming, let me sleep."

Nio was promptly slapped across the face. She jolted upright, rubbing her cheek. She glared at the Pikachu in front of her.

"That hurt," she said, still rubbing her cheek.

"Sorry, but you wouldn't get up."

"And what was so important that it couldn't wait until morning?" she asked, glancing at the sky, which was still dark.

"They're coming," the Pikachu replied, fiddling with his fingers.

"Who?"

"I dunno, but I do not want to be here when they arrive."

Nio sighed and lay back down. "Mio, no one is coming. We'll only survive if we stay put. The army's supposed to attack in a few days. Once we do that and end this war, we'll be able to live in peace. Now go to sleep."

Mio eyed the Dedenne and scampered off, unaware of the eyes watching him from the forest.

Kasper let out a soft hiss as he watched the Pikachu leave. "I knew it! They are with the army!"

He turned and reduced his density, letting himself sink through the branch on which he was perched on. The Banette flew through the forest, which was deathly silent. His eyes scanned the area, constantly flitting from one place to another.

A flash of yellow made him stop. The Pikachu was ahead, muttering to himself as he paced in circles. Kasper grinned and floated towards him.

"Why won't she listen? She never listens and I always have to save her when she gets in trouble," the Pikachu muttered.

Kasper hovered above the Mouse Pokemon. He decided to play with the worried Pokemon, lying down on air with his hands in his head. "What's the matter?"

The Pikachu jumped and Kasper had to restrain a laugh. The Electric type began to turn, worry and fear etched into his facial features. "W-who's there?"

"Is that important?"

"Yes! We're in the midst of war! I need to know if you're friend or foe."

Kasper landed on the ground a few paces away from the Pikachu. He had his back turned to the Banette. Kasper let his density return and cleared his throat. The Pikachu whirled around. Kasper waved lazily.

"Y-you're one of Scizor's assassins," the Pikachu stammered, his hands over his mouth.

"Indeed. How did you know?"

"No other Banette dresses like you and has blue eyes."

"Well done. I'm glad you know your facts," Kasper said, applauding slowly. He took a few steps forward. "I've been watching you for a while. I must admit, you seem very alert."

"Of course I am. I don't want to get killed by assassins like you," the Pikachu replied, his cheeks sparking with electricity.

Kasper smirked, which made the Pikachu back up. "I'm alert as well. I don't want nuisances like you raising armies and attacking Scizor's lands. Which is precisely what you plan to do."

The Pikachu crouched down into a fighting position. "I will fight you."

"Will you?"

"I will."

Kasper laughed and beckoned him forward. "Well, come at me then."
The Pikachu shot forward, his tail glowing a silver color. Kasper dodged the attack and charged up spectral energy into an orb, which he launched a moment later. The Pikachu ducked and the orb flew into the trees.

Kasper snickered as the Pikachu turned his fearful gaze back to the Banette. "No one's coming for you. You're done for."

An explosion nearby made Nio jump. She bolted upright, gasping. To her horror, her brother was missing from his bed.

Nio got to her feet and scampered into the forest. She didn't dare shout Mio's name. Instead, her cheeks began to spark, leading her to him.

Nio entered a small clearing and was almost hit by a stray attack. She ducked and the attack flew over her head harmlessly. Nio looked back to the clearing. Her brother was facing off against a Banette. Something about it made her uneasy.

Then it hit her. This Banette was no ordinary Banette. No, this particular one happened to be a very experienced assassin working for the enemy.

Nio let a bolt of electricity towards the Banette. He noticed and dodged quickly. Nio raced to her brother's side. The Pikachu was panting heavily.

"Are you ok?" she asked.

"I'm fine," Mio replied. "This guy's really tough."

"This Banette... he's not one to be messed with. It's Kasper, one of Scizor's aces."

"I know. His eyes gave it away. He knows, Nio. He knows about the army and the plan."

"He knows?! How!?"

"Eavesdropping comes naturally to me," Kasper replied with a smile.

Nio growled at him, her cheeks sparking. "What are you going to do with the information?"

Kasper examined his claws. "Nothing. I'm on a mission right now and I'm not allowed to return until it's done." His posture drooped slightly, looking somewhat exhausted. "Arceus, my work is never done. Been thinking about quitting, but that's not an option with Frisk." His voice became high pitched and squeaky. "Do this, do that, keep training, no resting. I am Frisk, second in command. You must obey me because I will have Scizor kill you if you don't." He groaned.

Nio exchanged a glance with her brother. "Uh, why are you telling us this?"

Kasper straightened, his claws glowing. "Right. I'm telling you because I'm going to kill you."

He was about to attack when a loud caw stopped him. Surprised, the Banette looked to the trees. Nio and Mio copied his actions.

Kasper turned away from the pair. "This isn't over."

Nio watched as the Banette reduced his density and sank into the ground. She let out a sigh of relief and turned to her brother. "Come on, let's go back."