Oh my freaking God, I'm so sorry this is so late!!! I had this chapter halfway done before I left on my cruise and then my computer crashed the moment I got home. Almost all of my data was erased but I'm glad I had most of it on a backup disk. Too bad this chapter wasn't on there… I hope you're all still checking this story for updates. If so, I'm so sorry for the delay!

I have also posted lots of information about the Shadow Wolves in my profile and I'm allowing others to PM me ideas for their history and such. Go to my profile for more information about that stuff. I hope you like what's there so far.

Anyways, sorry for the delay. I hope you're still willing to read this. Ahanu is Native American for "laughter" and Pari is Persian for "fairy eagle". Onto the story!

Chapter 10: Searching for Shelly

Three days passed before Team Shocker and Team Moonlight returned to Treasure Town. After being greeted by the guild and an overjoyed Wigglytuff, the four Pokemon went to dinner. Once that was over, Flare and Lili finally managed to get away from the Silver Rank team. They were still upset over Shelly's disappearance. The Pikachu still hadn't turned up.

I guess she isn't here yet, Flare thought. Then she noticed something. "Lili, stay here. I'll be back." Wandering closer, her eyes widened in shock. It was Molt! And he was…crying? "Molt? Is that you?"

"Huh?!" The Flareon jumped, whirling around in fear but relaxing upon seeing the Vulpix. "It's just you, Flare. I thought you were Freeze for a minute. Sorry,"

"It's okay. Why are you crying?"

"Well…it involves my brother." Molt cleared his throat and explained everything. "It happened not longer after you and Team Shocker vanished. Freeze became obsessed with becoming stronger so he could beat that Shadow Wolf. He's even disobeying Chatot, Flare!"

"Why's he doing that?" Flare asked.

"Freeze has always wanted to get stronger," Molt replied. "But he's changed now…a lot! He's getting meaner and he won't take me on missions with him anymore. He's says I'm just slowing him down. Freeze isn't acting like himself anymore, Flare. I'm actually afraid of him now!"

"It's okay, Molt. You're not alone in this." Tears ran down Flare's cheeks. "Shelly went missing while we were gone. I found out something about her that's scaring me, too. In some battles, it's like she's a whole other person. Shelly and Freeze are both changing, Molt. And you and I are being left behind…"

"Huh?" Molt simply stared as the Vulpix suddenly hugged him, burying her face in his chest. She was bawling now. "It's okay, Flare. I'm here for you," The Flareon hugged her back. "I'm here, Flare. I'm here,"

"I wish everything was like before!" Flare cried, sobbing. "Why is everything so different now? Ever since those Shadow Wolves popped up, things have changed! I hate it! Why can't everything be like before? Why?!"

"Shhhh, it's okay. Let it out, Flare. I'm here…" Molt muttered, rubbing her back gently. "It's okay, Flare. It's okay…"

After a bit, Flare stopped crying. She looked up at Molt and smiled. "Thanks, Molt. You're the nicest guy I've ever met. I'm glad you and I are friends."

"Uh, thanks. I'm glad I met you, too." Molt nodded, blushing. "You're the most beautiful girl I've ever met." Then he realized what he said. "Aah! I didn't mean that! I mean, yes, you're beautiful but—"

"It's okay, Molt. I understand now," Flare giggled. "I love you too."

"Huh?!" Molt was cut off when Flare kissed him. It only lasted a few seconds but it felt like an eternity. The only thing he could say when she pulled away was "Wow…"

"Yeah. Wow…" Flare nodded.

"Flare?" a small voice said.

"Waah!" the two Fire-types screamed in surprise. Then Flare noticed who it was. "Oh! Lili! Don't do that, okay?"

"Okay," the Mudkip nodded. "Flare, I'm tired."

"Oh," Flare muttered. It's been a long four days, what with all the fighting and walking. I'm surprised she hasn't said anything until now. She's acting just like Shelly… "Okay, let's get you to bed. I'm pretty tired, too. Night, Molt. Thanks…for everything."

"No problem," the Flareon chuckled. "If you ever need someone to talk to or something, I'm your guy."

"I'll remember that." Lili followed Flare down the hallway toward Team Moonlight's room. "This is our room, Lili. The three of us will all sleep in here, okay?"

"Uh-huh…" Lili blinked tiredly, slowly swaying from side to side.

Just as Flare pushed the door open, Sparks raced toward them. "Flare! Where's Shelly? She wasn't with you when you came back!"

"She's…gone, Sparks. We got separated from her on our way back. I don't know where she is." Flare lowered her head sadly.

"You mean she's lost? Oh man!" Sparks whined. "Do you have any idea where she went?"

"Mary said she was heading for the Northern Desert, we couldn't follow because of the cliffs. Team Raptors is already looking for her, Sparks." Flare replied.

"Well, one exploration team can't cover that whole desert!" the male Pikachu argued. "I'm gonna grab my pal, Igashu, and we'll go help!" He turned and fled, shouting "I'm coming to save you, Shelly!" as he went.

"…He's an odd guy," Lili said.

"I agree. Most men act like him, as far as I've seen." Flare agreed. "Molt is one of the exceptions."

"Guys are weird!"

"Most of them are, Lili. Now let's go to bed."

Entering the room, Flare closed the door behind her. She collapsed on her bed and sighed in relief. Then she saw Lili perched by Shelly's bed. "That's Shelly's bed, Lili. You can sleep there until I can talk to Chatot about getting a third bed in here."

"Okay…" The Mudkip curled up in Shelly's bed before burrowing under the hay. "I miss Shelly, Flare!" she sobbed.

"I miss her too, Lili. She'll come back…I know she will." Flare closed her eyes. At least, I hope she will… Shelly, please be safe. We need you…

Lili closed her eyes, dreaming that Shelly was sleeping beside her and protecting her. Please come back, Shelly. Please… Neither Pokemon got an easy sleep that night. But then again, neither did Shelly herself…

On a beach to the far north of Treasure Town…

Pain was the only thing Shelly could register as she slowly woke up. Where am I? I'm not in the snowy desert, that's for sure. She could smell salt water and feel warm sand underneath her. Opening her eyes, she found herself staring at a bonfire only a short distance away. And seated by that fire was a familiar green lizard Pokemon. He looks like the guy from my vision…

"Oh, you're awake! I'm so glad you're okay, miss!"

"Waah!" the Pikachu screamed, jumping. Pain erupted from her side and chest.

"Don't move so quickly, miss!" the small Treecko cried. "You don't want to make it worse, do you?"

"Huh?" Her eyes widened in shock when she saw those milky white eyes of his. He's the Treecko from my vision! "Oh, thanks! Sorry about that, Cecil."

"What did you call me?" Cecil asked, shocked. "How did you know my name?"

"Oh! I, um…heard it when you guys were carrying me from the desert!" Shelly quickly said. Smooth move, Shelly. Bet he'll believe that…

"Okay," Cecil nodded. "Oh! I better tell Grovyle that you're awake. Come on, I'll help you get to the fire."

"Uh, I think I can still walk on my own." Shelly struggled to her feet and slowly followed Cecil to the bonfire. "Ooh, warm…"

"Grovyle, sir!" Cecil cried. "The Pikachu woke up!"

"About time! We have to leave soon." Grovyle snapped, glaring at Shelly. "We've wasted enough time here as it is! Don't forget, Cecil, we still have our mission to complete."

"I know, sir," Cecil muttered.

"Thanks for helping me. I'd probably be dead if you hadn't." Shelly couldn't help but feel a bit frightened by Grovyle. Something about him was so familiar yet she couldn't put her finger on it.

"Well, we're far behind schedule thanks to you. Cecil, grab your bag before that Pikachu starts digging through our things. I don't want her finding our…treasure."

"Hey, I'm no thief!" Shelly barked. "I'm part of an exploration team!"

"An even better reason for us to protect our things," Grovyle grumbled. "Cecil, hurry up. LOOK OUT!!"

"What? Waah!" The Treecko tripped over a rock and fell, dropping his bag. A large blue gear rolled out of it and came to a stop beside Shelly. "Sir, where is it? I'm so sorry!" Cecil started patting the ground around in, searching for the gear.

That looks like the gear from my vision, too. Shelly picked it up and held it out to Cecil. "You mean this thing? It landed right beside me and—?!" She dropped the gear and clutched her head. "Ugh! Evil headaches!"

"Miss, what's wrong? Miss? Miss!" Cecil cried.

The vision started immediately. Cecil and Grovyle were racing through a forest in the rain. Lightning flashed above and thunder boomed but neither Pokemon slowed down. Then they entered a clearing that held a strangely-shaped lake and floating in the center…was the blue gear! Grovyle came forward and snatched it. "Could this be? Yes, it is! Our first Time Gear!" Then the vision ended with the duo fleeing as the ground became grey.

Shelly jumped upright and watched in fear as Cecil put the Time Gear away. Daisy said the Time Gears were being stolen. Time is stopping where Time Gears have been, only in Treeshroud Forest currently. These two have a Time Gear… They're the thieves!

"Miss, are you okay?" Cecil asked. "Did you get a headache?"

"Yeah, a bad one," Shelly nodded, backing up. "Look, I think I'm feeling much better now. Thanks for the help, Cecil. I need to go. See you!" Turning, she leaped into the trail and tore away from the beach, running toward Treasure Town's location.

"That was a weird exit," Cecil said.

"It doesn't matter. She's gone now so we should get moving. We've wasted more time than we needed to helping her." Grovyle snapped, kicking sand onto the fire. "We're leaving for the volcano now. Get ready to swim, Cecil. Stay close." Grovyle plunged into the cold salty water.

"Wait for me, sir!" Cecil cried, quickly swimming after him. His hands grabbed the long leaf at the back of Grovyle's head and hung on. Grovyle tolerated this. It wasn't Cecil's fault he was blind, anyhow.

Shelly, on the other hand, raced through the forest as fast as her paws could take her. I have to get back to Treasure Town and tell them what happened! I hope nothing bad has happened to Flare or Lili yet… She ran over a hill and stood up at the top, the wind ruffling her yellow fur. The slowly-rising sun easily outlined Sharpedo Bluff. I'm coming home, guys!

Wigglytuff's Guild…

There was fire everywhere. And at the center of it all was Shelly. Flare cried out, running to her partner's side. A dark shadow loomed over them, red eyes glowing in glee. "You couldn't protect her, Flare," the shadow said. "Not from your father, not from the Shadow Wolves, and not from the future."

"The future?" Flare squeaked.

"Yes, the future. You can't change anything and will only get heartbreak in the end." The Shadow gestured to look around and the Vulpix did so. She gasped.

The fire was now raging around more than just Shelly. Many figures of Pokemon surrounded her, the most recognizable being Lili the Mudkip and Tangle the Tangela. She didn't know who the others were, though. Then she saw a familiar black Pikachu only feet away from Shelly. Shivani…the Shadow Pokemon, as Garde called her. A Gardevoir, bigger than Garde, lay near her. None of the figures were moving.

"W-what happened here? What's wrong with them?" Flare asked, nudging Lili gently. The Mudkip didn't make a sound.

"They're dead, Flare," the Shadow replied, baring sharp teeth. "This is the fate of those most precious to you. If only you had remained in the future instead of fleeing to the past. Your friends would have been safe then."

"You're wrong! This can't be the future of us! It just can't!" Flare cried.

"And why can't it be?"

"I've lived in the future my whole life and I hate it!" Flare declared. "If this is the future of us, then I'll find a way to change it!"

"Changing this would change your future and the future you lived in. Are you sure that is such a wise decision?"

"Time is at a standstill in the future, but the past is still alive and beautiful. I want it to stay that way, no matter what!" Flare glared at the shadow.

"…We'll see how this unfolds, Flare. Good luck changing the future…and your inner self." The shadow laughed before departing, Flare's friends and the other figures dissolving in seconds.

Then her dream shattered as a loud voice boomed in her ears. "UP AND AT 'EM! IT'S MORNING!"

"Ugh! Morning, Lili…how do you like the wake-up call?" Flare asked, cracking open an eye.

Lili was huddled under the leaves and straw, her paws firmly covering her ears. "Hurts…"

"That's what we have to wake up to every morning, Lili. Might as well try to get used to it." Flare stood up and stretched, yawning. "Come on, time for morning announcements before work time." The Vulpix left the room, Lili following her.

Chatot was just beginning the announcements when Team Moonlight entered. Glaring at the late apprentices, he continued nonetheless. "Everyone! I have an announcement before we get down to work. Let me introduce…"

Icy the Glaceon turned toward Flare. "No sign of Shelly yet? I am deeply sorry for your loss."

"We're holding up fine, Icy. Shelly will come back sooner or later." Flare explained. "Team Raptors is searching for her. I just have to take care of Lili until she gets back. So, no missions for me…right?"

"I don't think so, Flare. You know Chatot won't let that go past him."

"Well, a girl can hope." Then a foul scent hit her nose. "Yuck! What's that smell?!"

"Maybe it's coming from that big Skuntank," Lili suggested.

"Skuntank?" Looking up, her brown eyes widened in shock. "Oh no! You've got to be kidding! What are they doing here?!"

"These three are our new partners." Chatot explained.

"Whoa-ho-ho! I'm Koffing."

"Heh-heh-heh! Zubat here. Glad to meet you."

"And I'm Team Skull's leader. I'm Skuntank. Remember it." Then he turned to Flare and Lili. "Especially you two. Chaw-haw-haw!"

Chatot looked surprised. "What? You're already acquainted with Team Moonlight? That simplifies things. These three aren't joining us as apprentices. They will be joining our expedition to lend us their assistance."

"Whaaaaat?!" Flare cried.

"Why are you so shocked?" Chatot asked.

"Chatot, sir, it's nothing." Skuntank interrupted. "That one always overreacts to every little thing. Chaw-haw-haw."

"Hmmm…" Chatot finally nodded. "Very well, then. Now, the Guild—"

"Hang on a sec! Where's that Pikachu that's always with you?" Zubat asked, finally noticing Shelly's absence. "Where'd she go?"

"None of your business!" Lili shouted.

"That's enough!" Chatot barked. "I apologize for her behavior. Shelly has mysteriously vanished and explorations teams are currently searching for her."

"Oh, okay." Zubat grinned toward Skuntank. So, the chicken's all alone right now besides that baby Mudkip…

"Anyway, the Guildmaster has made his decision. He has decided that having this trio take part will make us stronger over the expedition. However, it would be impossible to coordinate teamwork if we were to begin working right away. Therefore, we've decided the trio should live with us for several days. Though it will only be for a short while, I ask everyone to treat our guests with hospitality."

"…Doesn't Chatot think something stinks about this? Literally?" Loudred muttered.

"Maybe his nose is plugged or something." Luna the Pichu suggested.

"…Eew! How can the Guildmaster stand this?" Sunflora wondered.

"I sure hope this expedition ends soon! Yup yup!" Bidoof whimpered.

"I second that, Bidoof." Molt agreed.

"All right, everyone. Let's get down to work." Chatot said.

"…Hooray?" everyone said.

Chatot blinked before speaking. "What's this? Where's your usual spirit?"

"You gotta be KIDDING!" Loudred bellowed. "This STINKS! How do you expect us to be cheerful when…?" The ground started shaking. "WH-WHAT?!"

"Flare, what's happening?" Lili whined.

"I don't know! Chatot!" Flare yelled.

"YOOM…" Wigglytuff whimpered. "YOOOOOOOM…"

"Aah!" Chatot squawked. "No! The Guildmaster…his rage is building! If the Guildmaster gets angry, it will be horrific! Everyone! Come on! Be cheerful, even if it hurts! All right, everyone! Let's get down to today's work!"

Flare gathered her strength before screaming "HOORAY!" with everyone else at the top of her lungs. The shaking instantly stopped. "That was fast…"

Everyone immediately left until only Chatot, Team Moonlight, and Team Skull remained. "Chaw-haw-haw! Glad to have met you." Skuntank said with false politeness. "It's a shame we couldn't see your Pikachu leader again." Koffing and Zubat laughed before Team Skull departed.

Flare turned to Lili. "Urk! Something's definitely suspicious about them for sure. I don't know what they're scheming…but we better be careful, Lili. Those guys are bad news."

"Right!" Lili nodded. "Skuntank is a bad guy, right?"

"I…guess so?" Flare sighed. Remember, she's just a kid. These guys are probably more than just bullies in her eyes.

"Ah, you two." Chatot called. "Take care of the jobs on the boards today, okay? We're counting on you."

"Yes, sir," Flare nodded. I guess Icy was right. I'll have to do missions with Lili until Shelly comes back. "Chatot, could we get a third bed in Team Moonlight's room. Lili wants to stay with us."

"Huh? A third bed?" Chatot asked. "Well, I'll see what I can do. Do a good job today and I'll have it done."

"Thanks!" Flare said, climbing up the ladder. She noticed how Team Skull and the apprentices were on opposite sides of the room. "Okay…"

"What are they doing, Flare?" Lili asked.

"I have no clue, and I'm guessing that I don't really want to know." The Vulpix started climbing up the other ladder. "Lili, this way! This is gonna be your first mission, okay? Keep up!"

"Don't worry! I will! You better keep up!"

Later that night…

It was another quiet night in the Wigglytuff Guild and everyone was sleeping…well, not everyone. A single exploration team lay awake, stomach's growling even after dinner. They were Team Skull and they were hatching a plan.

"We just had dinner, but I could go for some more food." Zubat said.

"My belly will never get filled on grub like that." Koffing agreed.

"All right," Skuntank growled. "The guild members have all gone off to bed… Let's go find it now."

"Huh? Find what?" Zubat asked.

"What else? The guild's food stock." Skuntank replied. "We'll find their food and give ourselves a proper feast."

"I like that thinking, Chief!" Koffing complimented.

"Okay, let's get to it!" Zubat nodded.

The trio headed off to accomplish their goal. This would mean plenty of trouble for Team Moonlight in the future…

The next morning…

After waking up via Loudred, Team Moonlight went to the morning announcements. "AND THREE! SMILES GO FOR MILES!" everyone cheered. Team Skull simply stayed silent.

"OK, Pokemon! Time to get to work!" Chatot cried.

"HOORAY!" Everyone dispersed.

Just as Flare and Lili headed for the ladder, a voice stopped them. "Flare, can we talk to you?"

"Horus! Team Raptors!" Flare cried.

The Diamond-ranked exploration team had returned. Horus was in front of his teammates and hung his head. "I apologize, Flare. We scoured the entire Northern Desert and found no trace of Shelly. I'm afraid we've failed to find her."

"…No…" The tears came immediately. "Shelly can't be gone! She just can't!"

"I'm so sorry, dear." Garde wrapped her arms around the crying Vulpix. "Just because we did not find her doesn't mean she is gone. Maybe she is coming home right now."

"The main reason we couldn't find her is because of the snow," Croc pointed out.

"Snow?" Lili repeated. "What's snow, Flare?"

"It's frozen water that falls from the sky." Geckon explained. "It's beautiful but cold if there's a lot of it."

"That was the first time any of us had seen snow falling in a desert. We kept getting turned around because our tracks kept being buried." Horus laughed. "We found no tracks or signs of Shelly, but I'm willing to bet that a tough girl like her is fine. She'll be home any day now."

"Thank you," Flare whispered. "I'm sorry we caused you guys so much trouble. Helping a Normal-rank team must be degrading to you."

"Not at all! Everyone needs help sometimes, even us." Horus replied. "When Shelly comes back, tell her to keep training. I want to battle her again sometime in the future."

"I will!" Flare nodded.

"Well, we're off to train some more. It's been a long time since we've come back here. Maybe we'll stay a while," Croc chuckled. "Good luck, you two!"

Garde smiled. "I see an improvement for your team in the future, Flare." She turned and followed her team as they left.

"An improvement?" Flare muttered. "I wonder what that means…"

"Ah, you two." Chatot called. "Your task today is to obtain stock to replenish the larder."

"Larder? You mean, go get some food?" Flare asked.

"Correct," Chatot nodded. "We inspected the larder this morning. For some mysterious reason, the guild's food stock has dropped sharply all of a sudden. Furthermore, our entire stock of Perfect Apples has disappeared. That was the only item to get completely cleaned out."

"Perfect Apples? What are those?" Lili asked. "I know what Apples and Big Apples are but not those."

"They're very big and very delicious apples." Chatot explained. "But more than that, they are the Guildmaster's favorite food! If there were no Perfect Apples, the Guildmaster would, um… The Guildmaster w-w-would…erk!"

"Go on. If there were no Perfect Apples, what would happen to Wigglytuff?" Flare asked.

"The G-Guildmaster would………… Yes, that's what would happen."

Flare and Lili looked at each other in confusion. "He didn't even say it!" Lili whined.

"That's why I'm begging you two to get some Perfect Apples!" Chatot cried.

"Uh, what did he just say?! I didn't hear! It'll drive me crazy, not knowing!" Flare complained.

"Oh well," Lili sighed. "Sure, we'll go get some. You can count on us!"

"Good!" Chatot said. "Perfect Apples can be found deep in Apple Woods. Now, listen, this may seem like a simple errand but it's a crucial job. After all, this is about the Guildmaster's…erk! So please don't fail!"

"OK!" Flare barked. "Let's do our best, Lili!"

"Right!" the Mudkip nodded.

As Team Moonlight went up the ladder, Team Skull watched. "Whoa-ho-ho! Looks like they're going out foraging for food." Koffing said.

"That's because we feasted last night. A thankless task thanks to us, chaw-haw-haw!" Skuntank chuckled.

"Heh-heh-heh! Let's mess with them!" Zubat suggested.

Team Skull quickly followed as Team Moonlight reached the road leading to the dungeons. After a long while of walking, they reached Apple Woods. Trees chock full of Apples surrounded them and Lili couldn't resist grabbing a few to eat on the way.

"This must be the way into Apple Woods, Lili." Flare called. "According to Chatot, we need to go to the deepest part of the woods. That's where the Perfect Apples are supposed to be. Let's get them, Lili." The duo ran into the forest.

Team Skull came out once they were gone. "Whoa-ho-ho! Looks like they're off and running!" Koffing laughed.

"Heh-heh-heh! We'll go after them." Zubat added. "Come on."

"Hold it! I hear something." Skuntank stood still before diving into a bush. "Come on, you slowpokes! Someone's coming!"

As the trio watched from their hiding spot, two Shadow Wolves stepped out from a shadow beneath a tree. The biggest of the pair stepped forward, sniffing the air. A large blue stone collar with the Unown letter C was around his neck. "Pari, I've found their scent. Shelly went in this direction, no doubt about it."

The smaller Shadow Wolf, a female named Pari, nodded. "Enyeto failed his assignment to kill that mouse. Now we'll prove that we are more worthy of the task than he is. Right, Ahanu?" A bright pink stone collar with the Unown letter Y was around her neck.

"Of course, Pari," The giant male lumbered forward, only two feet from Team Skull's hiding place. Pari quickly followed him, giggling happily.

Once they vanished into the forest, Team Skull came out. "What was that?!" Zubat yelped.

"Those must've been those Shadow Wolves everyone's been talking about." Skuntank muttered. "They're way bigger than I thought. But why are they looking for Shelly? She isn't even with them!"

"I think I know why they think she is, Chief." Zubat whimpered.

"What is it, Zubat?" Koffing asked.

"The little Mudkip has Shelly's scent all over her. Maybe she slept in Shelly's bed or something because her tracks smell just like that Pikachu." Zubat explained. "What'll happen to them if those Shadow Wolves realize she's not with them?"

"Who cares? It's their problem!" Koffing argued.

"Well, we're going after them." Skuntank declared. "If we want to stay on the guild's good side, helping those runts against those Shadow Wolves will end up benefiting us later."

"Whoa-ho-ho! Good thinking, Chief. Just one question. What can we do?" Koffing asked.

"We fight, that's what. Now let's go!"

Team Skull followed the tracks of Team Moonlight and the Shadow Wolves. They had a job to do now. It all just depended on if they could catch up in time. Luckily, they weren't the only ones trying to find Team Moonlight.

Wigglytuff's Guild…

"Chatot!" Shelly cried as she tore down the ladders. "Chatot! I'm back!"

"Shelly?!" Chatot squawked as the Pikachu skidded to a stop in front of him. "Where were you? Everyone's been worried sick!"

"I'm so sorry, Chatot. Where are Flare and Lili?"

"In Apple Woods. I sent them on a mission to get some Perfect Apples." Chatot explained. "You'll need to move fast if you want to catch up with them."

"All right! After we get back, have I got news for you!" Shelly ran back up the ladders and tore out of the guild with speed to put an Arcanine's Extremespeed to shame. Flare, Lili! I'm coming, you guys! Shelly's back home!

Upon reaching the entrance to Apple Woods, she stared in shock at the large paw prints on the ground. "Shadow Wolves," she whispered. Reaching out a paw, she touched them. The vision came instantly.

Flare and Lili were fighting a small Shadow Wolf wearing a pink collar. Team Skull was fighting a larger Shadow Wolf. Both teams were badly hurt. Just as both wolves were about to strike for the final time, a voice tore through the forest. "STOP IT!!"

Shelly jerked awake. "I have to hurry. Flare and Lili are in danger!"

As the Pikachu charged into the forest, a small monkey with a hand-like tail peered out from a tree. It giggled playfully. "I wonder where she's off to in such a rush. I'll think I'll find out!" The monkey vanished, following Shelly through the trees.

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I am so sorry for the lateness of this chapter and how short it is compared to my usual posts. I also apologize for the cliffhanger. School, mainly algebra, has kept me super busy and I can barely update one story, let alone two. But never fear, I shall not give up on this!

Anyways, I hope you enjoy the chapter and I pray you are still reading this story. If so, thank you for your dedication. I am indebt to you. Please review!