*art by me and AkiCinnaBun

When the others and I left Goldenrod City, my phone started vibrating. I took out my phone and answered, surprised to see Amora on the other end.

"Amora?" I questioned, "How did you get my number?"

"Yelena gave it to me," she said, "I told her how you helped me with Team Xenon the other day, and she told me to help you guys,"

"We're gonna need all the help we can get," Kat said, "Where are you now, Amora?"

"I'm scouting above on my Flygon. Team Xenon couldn't have gotten far. This city's too big to make a quick escape."

"Not to be a downer, but if Team Xenon is hiding in Goldenrod, we won't be able to find them that easily," Elsu said, "It's not called the largest city in Johto for nothing."

He has a point. While they can't make a quick escape from the city, they plan to hide within it, disguising themselves and hiding amongst the busy crowds. I hate how smart they are!

"Then, we're just gonna have to split up to cover more ground," I said, "Elsu and Rina, you guys check around this area for any Team Xenon members; Eric and Nina, you two check the southern area outside of Goldenrod; Kat and I will check within the city."

"Sounds like a plan." Eric commented.

The others, including Amora, agreed.

"I'll keep scouting from above." Amora said.

"Thanks, Amora," I said, "Let's get those Pokémon back!"

Nodding to one another, we dispersed. Eric, Nina, Kat, and I ran into the city and weaved past the crowds.

"Good luck, you two." I said, stopping in my tracks.

"You, too!" Nina said.

When the two disappeared in the crowd, Kat and I began our search.

Geez, why did Team Xenon have to be in Goldenrod City? It'll take a miracle to find them in this sprawling metropolis.

As I looked around, I saw two people wearing dark blue uniforms walking in the opposite direction.

Ask, and you shall receive!

"Kat, I saw them," I commented, "Come on!"

Nodding firmly, the two of us began stalking the two supposed Team Xenon grunts. I took out my phone and called Amora.

"Amora, we're in pursuit of what's to be Team Xenon," I said quietly, "Can you spot them from up there?"

"Way ahead of you, Eragona," Amora said, "I'm keeping an eye on them now. I'll let you know if they change course."

Thanking the redhead, Kat and I continued our pursuit.

Where are they going...?

Pushing past the crowds, the smell of salt water filled the air.

It smells like we're nearing the coast.

I was proven right when Kat and I arrived at multiple docks and boardwalks with a beautiful cerulean ocean beyond it.

"Where did they go?" Kat asked aloud.

Looking around, I saw the two grunts walk out onto the docks. In front of them was a big black ship with a blue X on the side. Stacked on the boat were cages full of Pokémon.

Some of them must belong to the models.

Kat and I shared a nod before stalking the two grunts once more. Nearing the ship, we hid behind a few crates and watched as the two grunts conversed.

"What are they saying?" Kat whispered.

"I can't tell," I answered, "But I can bet it's nothing good."

Then, my phone vibrated. Answering the call, I sighed in relief when I saw the others, including Amora.

"Did you guys find anything?" Eric asked.

"Yeah. We're at the docks, and it looks like Team Xenon is shipping some Pokémon somewhere." Kat said.

"Probably back to Ezonia for Calista to experiment on them," I growled, "Amora, what Pokémon can you see in the cages from up there?"

"A Lopunny, Absol, and an Audino," Amora said, "I also see a group of Swablu with an Altaria, a Manectric, Gardevoir with a Gallade, and Ralts, and a Houndoom. There's a lot of other Pokémon aboard the ship, too."

So the Pokémon were taken here to be shipped back to Ezonia.

"Uh, guys...? Someone's stepping off the ship," Amora spoke up.

"What do they look like?" Nina asked.

"Uhm, orange hair and has an eyepatch."

I let out a deep groan as I leaned my head back against the crate.

"Commander Gabriel," Kat groaned, "We're always running into him."

"He's the brains behind Team Xenon," I said, "He's been a constant thorn in my side ever since he stole my Jet from me."

"Do you want us to come and give you girls a hand?" Elsu asked.

I looked at Kat and gave her a knowing look. Kat understood and nodded.

"Yeah, but be on standby," I said, "Kat and I are gonna hijack the ship and get those Pokémon off it."

"How?" Rina asked.

"By using their favorite tactic against them," Kat said, "Misconception."

"You're gonna disguise as them?" Nina asked.

I shrugged my shoulders with a grin.

"We're going to try." I said.

"Oh, that's going to be interesting," Elsu said, "A taste of their own medicine is just what they need!"

"We'll call you when we have the ship secured. Then, you guys can come in and help us get the Pokémon." I said.

"Good luck, you two!" Rina said.

"Amora, you're still up there, right?" Kat asked, "Do you think you can keep an eye on any grunts coming and going?"

"I got you girls covered," Amora said, "Good luck!"

Ending the call, I peeked over the crates to see the two grunts conversing with someone else.

Probably Gabriel.

When they started walking away, Kat and I quietly followed behind them. Quickly hiding in the ship's shadow, we watched as the grunts climbed onto the boat thanks to a rope ladder.

"There's gotta be another way to get onto the ship without getting caught." Kat said.

Looking around, I saw an opening in the ship's bottom.

"We can sneak in through there," I said, "Come on!"

Staying within the shadow, Kat and I darted for the ship's opening. Hopping over the ledge, we safely landed on the ship's metal floor. The bottom of the boat was dimly lit, with only a few crates scattered around.

"There's gotta be some extra Team Xenon uniforms lying around somewhere." Kat said, opening a nearby crate.

Aiding my friend, I began searching for Team Xenon uniforms. When I opened a burgundy crate, I saw a small velvet and gold jewelry box. I picked it up, and it sat perfectly in the palm of my hand.

I wonder what's inside.

Before I could open it, Kat's voice brought me out of my thoughts.

"Eragona, I found some uniforms!" Kat said, holding up the outfit.

I placed the small box in my pocket and walked to my friend, gladly taking the Team Xenon uniform.

"Let's hope this plan of yours works, Kat." I said.

"It will. Trust me." Kat said.

I nodded with a smile. Looking down at the uniform, I sighed heavily before putting it over the outfit Rina made me. Placing the hat on my head, I looked down at myself in awe.

"Wow, this feels... so weird." I commented.

"We only have to wear it until we get those Pokémon back," Kat said, pulling at her gloves, "You ready?"

I adjusted my cap and nodded.

"These earpieces will help us stay in contact and listen in on any of the grunts and Gabriel," Kat said, tapping on her ear, "I'm channel 22."

"Mine is channel 39," I said, "Let's do this. Angel and Libby, you two stay here and stay hidden."

I looked up and saw a small opening, the sunlight shining through.

"When we need you, we'll call you." I said.

Our partners nodded as they let out firm cries. Glancing at one another, Kat and I hopped off the ship before climbing the rope ladder beside it. Once on the wooden deck, our eyes widened at how many Pokémon were on board.

How are we going to get all of them off this ship?

"Hey! You two!" cried a voice.

Turning around, we saw a male grunt walk up to us with an annoyed look.

"The commander has been lookin' everywhere for you two," he said, "You're the new recruits, right?"

I swallowed hard before answering.

"We sure are!" I said, "Please, lead the way!"

The grunt nodded before leading us across the deck. I glanced upward to see Amora and her Flygon above us.

I really hope this plan works.

The grunt soon led us up a flight of stairs until we were in the control room, where grunts were managing the control panels. In front of us was the orange-haired commander with his Liepard beside him.

"Commander Gabriel, I found the new recruits." the grunt said, shoving us forward.

When Gabriel turned to us, he grinned.

"Welcome, my dears. I've been expecting you." Gabriel said.

A chill ran down my spine.

Did he see through our disguise already?!

"Welcome to Team Xenon. We are an organization that thrives on liberating every Pokémon capable of Mega Evolution." Gabriel began

I breathed out a heavy sigh of relief.

At least he didn't recognize us.

"I'd imagine you have some prior knowledge or at least know something about Mega Evolution, yes?" Gabriel asked.

When I glanced at Kat, she bowed her head slightly and winked.

"Follow my lead." she whispered.

I nodded before looking back at Gabriel.

"Well, sir, Mega Evolution is an evolution only a few Pokémon can achieve," Kat began.

"A trainer must possess a Key Stone and a Pokémon holding its respectable Mega Stone." I said.

"However, Mega Evolution can only work if the trainer and Pokémon's hearts are connected."

Gabriel chuckled as he paced in front of us.

"Looks like you only know the basic understandings of it, but no worries," Gabriel said, "Here in Team Xenon, we are currently finding a way to have Pokémon mega evolve without using a Key Stone or a Mega Stone. Our glorious leader, Calista, is the one who came up with this revolutionizing idea, and we plan to see it out to the end!"

I couldn't hold back the wince when I heard his leader's name.

"Since you are new recruits, you will keep the Pokémon on the deck in line and list off all the Pokémon that come aboard this vessel, understood?" Gabriel asked.

"Yes, sir!" Kat and I said with a firm salute.

Before Gabriel dismissed us, he handed me a tablet with a list of all the Pokémon on board.

"Check off the ones you see and mark down the ones that arrive," Gabriel said, "We depart to Cavern Cove City in an hour."

Nodding to the commander, Kat and I walked down the stairs and back onto the deck. I quickly took out my phone and called others.

"Guys, we have an hour before this boat leaves," I whispered, "Try and stop as many Team Xenon grunts as you can find. We can't let a single Pokémon leave this port."

"Aye, aye, Eragona!" Elsu said.

"Good luck, you guys." Kat said.

"Right back at you." Nina said.

Ending the call, I held up the tablet as we approached the encaged Pokémon.

"I don't like doing this one bit," I told Kat, "It feels wrong."

"While we pass by, we tell the Pokémon that we're here to bust them out." Kat said with a reassuring grin.

I returned the gesture and nodded. When we came up on the Houndoom, it glared at us and growled.

"Easy there, buddy," I said, "We're here to bust you out, honest."

I set down the tablet and held out my hand to the Houndoom. The Dark Pokémon growled before turning its back to us, only to lay down. I sighed as I picked up the tablet and checked off the Houndoom.

"It's going to be harder to earn their trust looking like this," Kat said, gesturing to our uniforms, "But once we get them off this ship, they'll come around."

I sighed and nodded to my friend.

"I'll try and connect to Gabriel's earpiece and listen in on any plans Team Xenon may have." Kat said, tapping on her ear.

Nodding to my friend, I continued to inventory the Pokémon around the deck.

The fact that Team Xenon planned to infiltrate Yelena's fashion expo and disguise themselves as her models is daunting. They're getting craftier, and it aggravates me that we can barely do anything to stop them.

As I checked off the Audino, Kat tapped my shoulder and pointed to her earpiece.

"Channel 14." she whispered.

Nodding, I tuned my earpiece to the desired channel.

"Commander Gabriel, the southern dispatch has captured two Pinsir and a Gyarados," said a female grunt.

"What of the northern dispatch?" Gabriel asked.

"No word from them yet, sir."

I heard Gabriel sigh before clearing his throat.

"Send some grunts out there to aid the northern dispatch," Gabriel said, "I presume that there's a pest problem, and we are the exterminators."

"Yes, sir." the grunt said.

That's not good. Elsu and Rina are over there!

I pulled out my phone and called Amora.

"Amora, head to the northern area outside of Goldenrod City," I said, "Elsu and Rina are over there, and Commander Gabriel just sent reinforcements."

"I'm on my way!" Amora said.

Hanging up, I continued to listen in on Commander Gabriel.

"How are the new recruits doing?" Gabriel asked.

"They're slow, but I can tell they're hard workers." a male grunt said.

Slow? Oh, I cannot wait to give them a piece of my mind!

"Still, even though they understood the basics of Mega Evolution, they still knew of it nonetheless," Gabriel said, "New recruits barely know what the name even means when they hear it. Having them know the principalities of Mega Evolution concerns me, and I don't know why."

I turned to Kat with a concerned look, and my friend returned the gesture.

"They're onto us!" I hissed.

"Play it cool," Kat said, "Act like you're still checking the Pokémon."

Nodding, I resumed inventory, all while listening to Gabriel.

"With all due respect, sir, you did ask them if they had any prior knowledge of Mega Evolution." the male grunt said.

All was silent after that.

"That comment was unnecessary, soldier," Gabriel growled, "You're lucky I'm in a decent mood today; otherwise, things wouldn't look too good for you."

I swallowed hard when the commander said that.

"You're dismissed." Gabriel commented.

The sound of stepping soon faded away.

"We've gotta get this place secured. Now." I told Kat.

"We will," Kat said, "When Amora returns, she can start helping us get these Pokémon out of here."

I sighed heavily and nodded as I checked off the group Swablu and Altaria.

"We're gonna get you guys out of there, I promise." I said.

The Swablu huddled up to the Altaria, and the Humming Pokémon glared at me.

Geez, I hate wearing these uniforms. If only I could understand Pokémon as they understand us. Then, everything would be so much simpler.

When Kat tapped my shoulder, I turned and saw Gabriel walking toward us.

This isn't good...

"Well, recruits, how's everything going?" he asked.

"Swimmingly, sir," I said, "Only a few more Pokémon to check."

Gabriel nodded with a knowing look.

I'm not too fond of that look one bit...

"Commander!" cried a female grunt.

When I turned around, my eyes widened. Struggling within the grunt's grip were Angel and Libby.

Oh, no!

"I found these two stowaways in the bottom of the ship." she said.

"Haven't I seen you two before...?" Gabriel questioned.

Libby cried out before growling at the commander; Angel did the same. Then, Gabriel let out a hearty laugh.

"Now I remember," he chuckled, "You two belong to those pesky little brats."

I swallowed hard as I tried to keep up the facade.

"If you two are here, then that means your trainers are here, too," Gabriel began, "But where, oh where could they be?"

I felt my breathing quicken as the commander glanced at us.

"Recruits," Gabriel began.

"Yes, sir?" Kat and I asked.

"I want you to find the stowaways' trainers. Bring them to the control room once you've found them."

"Yes, sir. But what will you do with the Pokémon?" I asked.

"That information is... confidential. Bring them to me when you can."

As Gabriel walked away, Angel and Libby struggled to escape the grunt's grip as she followed behind him. I felt my heart shatter as tears welled in my eyes.

"Kat," I began, "We've gotta-"

"We're going to," she said, "Right now."

I smiled as a tear streamed down my cheek. Wiping away the lingering tears, Kat and I left the deck and stormed toward the control room.

No one takes our Pokémon and gets away with it!

When we entered the control room, Gabriel was leaning against a control panel with a smug grin.

"I was wondering when you two would come around," he deadpanned, "What, did taking your beloved partners set you off?"

With a snap of his fingers, two grunts walked next to him with Libby and Angel in their arms.

"Libby!" I cried.

"Angel!" Kat exclaimed.

Our Pokémon cried out with sad smiles on their faces.

"Ah, friendship," Gabriel began, "Such a powerful and... stupid thing,"

"Give them back!" Kat growled.

"What kind of fool do you take me for?"

I let out a groan and hung my head.

"What do you want?" I asked.

"You know exactly what I want, deary," Gabriel said with a knowing look, "Hand over your Pokémon, and these two shall be set free."

I knew he was going to ask for my Pokémon...

"Era, don't do it," Kat said, "We'll think of another way to get them back."

"Oh, yes, please do!" Gabriel said dramatically, "You really care more about your little sidekicks than your buddy?"

I balled my fist and ground my teeth.

"How dare you call them sidekicks!" I yelled, "My Pokémon are far stronger than any of your Pokémon combined!"

"Ha! Tell me something worth my time," Gabriel said, "Speaking of which, I honestly don't have the time for this. This vessel is leaving with all those Pokémon, whether you like it or not, and unless you want your partners back, cough up your Pokémon, now."

I sighed as I looked at the metal floor.

I have no choice...

"Fine, you win," I said, "Just give us our partners back."

Gabriel grinned and snapped his fingers once more. When the two grunts beside him released our Pokémon, Libby and Angel ran into our arms. I held my Eevee close, feeling tears stream down my cheeks.

"Your Pokémon," Gabriel said, holding his hand out, "Now."

I slumped my shoulders before pulling out three Pokéballs. I breathed a shaky sigh and placed them in the commander's hands.

"Eragona, no!" Kat cried.

"Thank you for your lovely donation," Gabriel said, looking out the window, "Lock them in the brig. Madame Calista will be very pleased to see some familiar faces."

The two grunts standing beside the commander nodded before escorting us out of the control room.

"Eragona, I can't believe you would give up Jet, Charcoal, and Kaiba!" Kat said in disbelief.

"But at least we have Libby and Angel back," I said.

"Yes, but... your other Pokémon, especially Jet. He was your first Dragon-type Pokémon, and you just gave him up."

"He would understand, and I know that he'll escape and come back to me, as well as Kaiba and Charcoal. I have faith in them."

Kat sighed and shook her head in disbelief.

Don't worry, Kat. They're in good hands...