The Hunt Begins

You know we can't talk or Absol will hear us and get frightened. I think we should also split up and see if we can draw it out.

That won't be necessary. Mentus is masking our approach with Calm Mind....as far as anything around us is concerned, visual contact is the only way to perceive us. This isn't my first op, nor will it be my last.

As far as stealth was concerned, things were going well.

....Then the Croagunk appeared. Zandrophin mused to himself,

Great...because these guys are stealthy....


"Prasha...stop playing around. Unless he's going to lead us within a few meters to Absol...lock him up."

"I'll keep those in mind, old boy...we may need them later. However, as far as our current quarry goes...I have a way of capturing it."

Zandrophin took out the Dusk ball which Akane had given him. He smirked as he swapped it for his own Dusk ball. He opened his version, activating something inside.

Sorry, Highness....I've got my own for this one. Mentus, if you wouldn't mind.

Zandrophin held the ball up to Mentus, who charged it with Psychic, creating a small field around it.

Thanks, old friend...we may not need this...but if things go south...it'll come in handy.

The small party made it's way across the flatland before the actual mountain in a few hours.

He was always good about keeping pace, old friend.

Absolutely, Sir...unlike your trip to Silvertree.

They kept moving forward...and began to hike up the side of the mountain...when Mentus sensed something. Zandrophin felt his distress and held up a hand to halt Prasha. Something was out there...but he was unsure as to what...

Sir...there is a strong presence here. It's very close...I'm sensing a very negative aura. Something is angry...perhaps not at us, but we may not be helping.

"Prasha," Zandrophin said in a hushed voice, "I want you to flank around to the left. There's something up ahead, and a wider area of coverage will...help......"

Sir! Up there!

Zandrophin's words trailed off as Mentus relayed this new information. Standing atop one of the outcroppings was their target.

"Cancel that order...I'll handle this alone. If it runs...give chase, subdue it, and hold it until we arrive. Understood?"

Zandrophin and Mentus stood locked with the Absol...neither party breaking eye contact.

Mentus...try to talk to him. Let's see if diplomacy is possible here.

Yes, Sir. I will try...he's very angry, Sir...he may not listen, but I'll try.

Mentus floated up a few feet ahead of Zandrophin and said,

Hail, Absol. Why have you appeared here?

At first, the Absol said nothing....then suddenly.

To warn...but they don't listen. They never listen.

Warn of what? What is coming?

Cannot say. Not here. You travel with powerful human, although that classification almost does not fit.

The Absol continued, addressing Zandrophin directly this time.

Human...why have you come here? Have you come seeking me? You hope I give you answers? You hope I obey you?

"I do not wish to control you, Absol...merely to work with you. Your species has been mistreated by many...thought of as harbingers of doom and death, when all you do is warn of such destruction. I may use you, but I can promise that I won't overuse you."

You make many promises in your life, Human...Why should I trust these?

"Because I can help you spread your message...whatever that is, to the people. They will listen to me...for I have managed to achieve great favor with their leader. She wants to find out what she can do to save her people. The only way to do that is if you agree to come with us."

Their lives are inconsequential to me...since they did not heed my original warning.

"Don't you see the problem with that logic? They did not understand your warning...you must be clearer with humans...many are not very perceptive. Let us help you warn the populace. You can still save these people from...whatever is coming...if you'll just come with me."

Absol was silent for a while...and then he jumped down from his spot and walked up to Zandrophin.

I will accompany you, Human...if you can catch me!

Absol took off across the plain. Zandrophin shouted to Prasha:

"If you wanna get paid, you'll get your ass in gear and catch that creature! I hope you weren't all talk when you said you were fast. MOVE!!!"

Prasha took off like lightning. Zandrophin sent a message to him:

Remember...catch him and restrain him...that's all I want done....he's still mine to deliver...I just regret having to do it this way.

Zandrophin saw Prasha returning, Absol in tow. Zandrophin grinned and handed the Dusk ball up to Mentus, saying,

Dissipate the energy...we don't need to encase him. That's a relief...I don't need a spiteful Pokemon.

Zandrophin nodded to Prasha and spoke to Absol,

"For the duration of this journey...you will travel within the confines of this Dusk ball. It should be rather comfortable, as it is very dark inside...along with many other amenities."

Why the extra precaution? Afraid that I run again?

"Not at all. It's just that, until we present you to the leader of these people...they will panic when they see you. To avoid that extra attention, we'll hide you away until it's safe to release you."

Very well. Do what you must.

After Absol was safely stored away, Zandrophin turned to Prasha and said,

"Mentus will teleport us back to the palace in Ignacia....or just outside the walls. I hope you packed a decent set of clothes in that bag."