Hello hello! It's your boy, BlueRaptor629! I have brought you another chapter!

It's been so long, hasn't it? I have to apologize for not updating any of my stories recently. I wasn't feeling myself in these last few days. Not because of writer's block, it's actually because the recent situations I have to went through in my family and college life. And there's also the fact that I got distracted playing video games I never played before like Digimon Story Cyber Sleuth: Hacker's Memory.

I should warned you that Andrew's experience with Team Rainbow Rocket is slightly different than the game's.

With that said, let's get this chapter started!

Chapter 7: The Nectar and the Crybaby

(With Erika)

While Jiraiya and Karai are playing shogi, Erika is seen writing something on a piece of paper as she sits on her couch.

"No, this isn't right too." Erika said as she curls the paper and toss it to the floor which has many crumbled paper. "It has to be very emotional. Like reaching to the heart."

Grampa yawns before he gets up. He then sees the papers lying on the floor.

"Erika, what's all this?" The Placid Pokémon asked.

"Oh! Grampa..." Erika said as she noticed him. "It's... nothing important." She lied while hiding her embarrassment.

"It doesn't seem like nothing." Grampa said, starting to get curious about her. "Come now, child. You can tell me."

The purple haired girl take some thoughts in his words before she relented.

"It's... a-" Erika said before she is interrupted by the knocking of the front door.

"Hmm? I wonder who could that be?" Grampa said as he turns to the door.

"Let me do it." Erika said as grab one of her swords in case of a sneak attack.

"Be careful, Erika." Karai said as she and Jiraiya stopped playing and they now look towards her.

"Yeah, I'll be sure to do just that." Erika replied to her friends. Once she opens the door, she strikes on the potential enemy... but she was blocked.

"Now, is that how you say hello to the one who gave you a home?" A familiar voice to her said as she look who it is... it's the man who watches Andrew from the ceremony.

"Oh! Master Dylan!" Erika said as she lowered her sword. "I thought it was some exorcist who found my address."

"If I were an exorcist, I would bust this door open instead of knocking." The man named Dylan said.

"That's... a good point." Erika said shyly. She then clear her throat before she look towards her mentor in the eye. "Anyway, what brings you here, Master?"

"Since I'm going to be in Loegres for a little while, I thought it would be nice to check up on you." Dylan said as he look towards the papers lying on the floor. "Huh. Still writing some poems, I see."

"It's not a poem!" Erika denied as her cheeks are red. "It's... a journal! Yeah, that's it! Totally not writing some poems!" She said before she laughed nervously.

"All right, I believe you..." Dylan said with a suspicious look.

"What's that look?" Erika asked with a stink eye. "I told you it's nothing like that!"

"Okay okay I understand. I won't pry it any further." Dylan said as he look towards Jiraiya and Karai.

"Are these two your new friends, Erika?"

"You could say that." Erika said as she turned to her Pokémon companion. "The frog one is Jiraiya while the dog with horns is Karai."

"Yo." Jiraiya greeted.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Erika's teacher." Karai said

"Likewise, you two." Dylan said. "To be honest, you're very similar to the daemons here."

"Yeah, we got that a lot." Jiraiya said. "It's not the first time someone said that, and you probably won't be the last."

"Yeah. Especially those Abbey exorcists." Dylan said as he turns to his student. "In any rate, I will be sleeping outside so you don't have to worry about me coming home. There's some important matters that I need to attend to."

"You're leaving already?" Erika asked. "At least sit down for awhile. I can make you a tea while you wait."

"I appreciate the offer, but I'm afraid I have to refuse it. The matters are very urgent." Dylan said.

"Oh okay. Take care, Master Dylan." Erika said as he leaves them. Once she knows he's gone, the girl in question sigh in relief. "I'm glad that's over."

"You could've just told him the truth, you know." Jiraiya commented. "Honestly, I don't know why you kept that hobby of yours a secret."

In response to the Bubble Frog Pokémon's comment, Erika whacks him in the head.

"Ow! What did I do!?" Jiraiya cried in pain as he holds out his head.

"It's better that you don't know." Karai replied

[Intro theme]

(With Andrew and co.)

"This mabo curry is delicious!" Laphicet said while he eats a spoonful of the curry.

"Yeah. No wonder Eizen recommend this." Andrew said as he is also eating the mabo curry.

Once they arrived at the tavern, Andrew and Laphicet decides to eat these "mabo curry" that tavern is known for. Though Eizen and Rokurou already finished theirs. Eizen even asked the bartender about a man named Baskerville, who revealed that he was executed a long time ago.

Velvet, on the other hand, lost her appetite due to still can't taste anything besides blood. This is not go unnoticed by Andrew as he look towards her with a worried expression.

'I wish there's something I can do for her.' Andrew thought.

"I see you're getting along so well with him" An old woman said. "Is he your brother, by any chance?"

"No." Velvet answered.

"I was hoping you'd answer that." The old woman replied. "After all... your brother was murdered before your eyes."

"How do you know that!?" Velvet asked as she gets up from her seat and everyone is alerted by the old woman's comment.

"The shadow watch those who flinch from the light." The old woman answered.

"So the guild is still active, even with Baskerville's arrest?" Eizen asked.

"Hold up. So the shadow guild we were looking for is" Andrew said before he was interrupted.

"That's right. Just like how the Aifread Pirates continues their piracy, even without their captain." The old woman replied.

"I guess this means you're our contact?" Andrew asked as his answer is met with silence. "I, uh... going to take that as a yes."

"What may I help you?" The old woman asked.

"I want to know what Artorius is planning." Velvet answered with her usual scowl.

"Informations such as that... won't come cheap." The old woman stated.

"Is there some kind of a catch?" Andrew asked.

"Indeed there is, young man." The old woman said as she puts a to do list on the table in front of them. "I have a list of jobs here for you, not one remotely legal. Take care of them, and I'll tell you what you want to know."

"Let's see..." Andrew said as he takes the paper and proceeds to look at it. "Looks like we need to destroy some goods, rescue a man, and foil an ambush." He then turns to others. "What do you we should do, guys?"

"As long is there going to be action, I'm following whatever you choose." Rokurou stated.

"Depends." Eizen simply said. Laphicet is still eating so he doesn't quite get what is going on.

"I think we should do the job that is on the top of the list." Velvet said as she point towards the "Destroy some goods" job.

"I see. The job that involves destroying goods in red crates on Port Zekson." The old woman stated. "Are you sure, dear?"

"Yes." Velvet answered as the old woman pulls out something from the drawer.

"Take this with you as documentation. It's fake, but it's a convincing fake. It'll hold up to inspection." The old woman said as Velvet takes the paper and read it. Surprisingly, one particular word manages to catch her attention.

"We are registered as "Magilou's Menagerie"...?" Velvet said.

"I assumed you got that from our little performance earlier." Andrew stated as the old lady nodded.

"That would seem to be the case." Eizen added as Rokurou nod in agreement.

"Oh? Was that not the name you gave to the guard at the gate?" The Old woman asked them.

"Heh. I can see you're a group to be reckoned with." Velvet commented.

"Report back here once you're finished." The Old woman said before she gives the group a stern look. "However, be aware that should you fail..."

"We know. We won't get anything in return." Andrew finished.

"For someone who looks weak-willed, you can understand the situation quite easily." The old woman said.

"Thanks. I got that a lot." Andrew replied while rubbing the back of his head.

"We'll cause you no trouble, don't worry." Velvet assured. "And we'll solve this request as fast as possible."

"I appreciate your understanding. You're welcome to stay at night, free of charge." The old woman said. "The sun is about to set and it's very dangerous to go out at night. I advised that you do it tomorrow."

"Thank you so much, Miss-" Andrew said before he's interrupted.

"Tabatha. A pleasure to meet you, Andrew Stark." The woman named Tabatha introduced herself as her last words shocks the Inventor.

"How did you know my name?" He asked.

"Words travel fast, young Andrew." Tabatha said. "You're the infamous boy who defeated two exorcist praetors with unique looking creatures at your side."

"That's... sounds about right." Andrew said.

As night falls, Velvet and Laphicet have fallen asleep for tomorrow's work. The only ones who are awake is Andrew, Rotom, Rokurou, and Eizen. The Pokémon Trainer has been telling the two about his adventures, especially during the Team Rainbow Rocket.

"So you've been battling Pokémon with extraordinary powers that can rival an Empyrean? It's almost unbelievable when you said it, Andrew." Eizen said.

"Yeah, I was thinking that too." Andrew replied he pours his bottle of Moomoo Milk to his glass. "Of course, I ended up releasing those Legendary Pokémon they have once they're defeated."

"You've been through a lot for someone as scrawny as you." Rokurou said. "Normally, people would go insane after going what you went through."

"I know the feeling. I was honestly shocked that he actually defeated them all." Rotom said as he recalls the events of Team Rainbow Rocket. One particular which is that he had to save one of his friends from Ghetsis, one of the top leaders of the aforementioned team. "Who knew Andrew got that in him at that time?"

"Honestly, I call that impressive. To be able to walk away from it without going insane is no easy feat." Rokurou said as he take sip of his drink. "Guess that's explains why you're able to fight the Abbey."

"Yeah." Andrew said as he drink the glass of Moomoo Milk. "When you face dangers far more threatening, nothing fazes you at that point."

"That sounds about right." Rokurou replied.

"In any rate, there's the thing of me having powerful Pokémon like the Legendaries and the Ultra Beasts in my arsenal." Andrew continued. "If the Abbey finds out that I have these types of Pokémon, they might catch them and turn them into mindless slaves. Just like how they did with the malaks."

"Yeah. Probably for the best if you keep those Pokémon in a low profile." Rokurou agreed. "Who knows what they'll do if they managed to get their hands on one."

"That's the scary part. I don't want to imagine if that's actually happened." Andrew said as he, Rokurou, and Rotom turn to Eizen, who is talking with Tabatha.

"sigh* Right. Your missing Captain Aifread." Tabatha said as she look towards Eizen. "The captain has done much toward our viabillity. I promise that I'll share anything I hear about him for no charge." Tabatha promised.

"Thanks. All we know is there was a pendulum on the ground at the place he was last seen." Eizen replied. "And that Legate Melchior is connected to the captain's disappearance. How, we didn't know."

He then proceeds to walks toward Andrew, Rotom, and Rokurou as he sits nearby them. He then starts pouring a bottle of beer to his glass.

"You sure this Melchior guy has something to do with your captain's disappearance?" Andrew asked.

"That's only what heard." Eizen answered. "And speaking of heard, I think I got the gist of what you went through. I'm surprised that you're still standing in spite of what happened."

"Sounds like you've got problems on your own. Do you really have time to take on ours as well?" Rokurou asked the Reaper.

"Not every Pokémon Trainer gets to experience what I've been through though." Andrew added.

"I couls ask the both you and Andrew on why you're all getting tied up with Velvet." Eizen asked back to both of them.

"I had my reason." Andrew said as he still reminiscing of how he sees Artorius sacrificing Laphicet (not the Malak one) in front of Velvet's eyes. "Sad as this may sound, I don't like seeing Velvet in her current state. Andrew explained. "She could had everything... only to lose everything." He then grip his fists in anger. "And it all thanks to that scumbag Artorius took that away from her."

"It appears to me that you speak this out of experience." Eizen commented.

"That's because it is." Rotom said. "Andrew's been through a lot."

"Truth to be told, I'm not a popular kid growing up. The only friends I made were the teachers at school. I didn't expect that would cost Gwen keeping her distance from me."

"Gwen?" Rokurou asked.

"Gwen Rogers. She was my childhood friend I told you about." Andrew replied. "Do you still remember how I told you that she only come to me when I have to do her homework." He said as the two men nod. "Well... that's not the only thing she does."

"Did she did something else to you?" Rokurou asked as Eizen comes with a conclusion.

"Let me guess, were you being bullied at that time?" Eizen guessed as Andrew can only nod. "Figures. I hate people like that. Treating someone different as if they're a plague."

"Yeah..." Andrew said as he reminisced one of the times Gwen bullied him.

(Flashback)

"Oopsie!" A 12 year old Gwen said as she snatched a device from a young Andrew. With her are two girls who appeared to be in the same age as her. "Mind if I "borrowed" this?"

"Hey, give it back!" Andrew said as he tries to snatch back the device.

"What are you going to do about it, Nerd?" Gwen taunted as she keeps dodging Andrew until she's backed to the window. "Whoops." She intentionally let go of the device as it falls from window... and into the school's fountain. "Oh my. Me and my slippery hand. No big deal, right? After all, you can always just build that again from a box of scraps. Or should I say "junk"."

She then laughed at his misfortune along with her two friends before they leaved the young Inventor.

(Flashback end)

"That's... really messed up." Rokurou commented.

"I agree." Eizen said. "Even as it may, seeing your an inventor, that certainly no excuse for her to keep destroying your inventions just because she wants to."

"I told her that, but I end up getting punched for that." Andrew said.

"Female students can sometimes be mean to other students, especially towards each other." Rotom explained. "But Andrew's case is a bit special."

"Yeah." Andrew said. "She had popularity over her head and it costed our friendship. She treated me as if I never existed. Some friend she turned out to be, huh?"

"If she was bullying you, why didn't you tell the teachers? Sounds to me that you kept quiet about it." Rokurou said.

"Aye. I was thinking the same thing." Eizen added. "Why not just report to the teacher about it?"

"It's easy said than done, you know." Andrew said. "I can't tell even if I wanted too."

"Why not? It should've been easy for you to do, you know." Eizen asked.

"The saying "Snitches get stitches" is popular in our world. It means that those who tell on someone will get a severe repercussion." Rotom explained.

"That's very interesting saying. I should remember that." Rokurou stated.

"When she did found out for bullying me... It was quite the mess. In the end, she had to be transferred to the Kalos Region."

"I see. Now I can understand what have you been going through." Eizen said as he turns to Rokurou. "And what about you?"

"Me? I've got a debt to repay. Without her, there's no way I'd have ever found my blade again." Rokurou replied before he pours his sake.

"A daemon repaying a debt? Ridiculous." Eizen teased.

"Says the malak who is doing piracy." Rokurou said as he drinks the sake.

"There's really nothing wrong about a daemon paying their debts." Andrew stated. "My opinion, not a fact."

"No matter how you slice it, there's nothing reasonable about our rogue existence." Rokurou said as he putting his left hand on the table. "And in this brave new world governed by reason, a rogue can either rage and become a monster like me, or..." Rokurou continued before Eizen interrupts him.

"...Or band together with the others, like a shipful of pirate, perhaps." Eizen finished for him.

"Or maybe have a friendly competition with each other as you take on a journey where you meet new people, creatures that you've never seen before in order to grow as a person and establishing bonds between them." Andrew chimed in as he drinks his Moomoo Milk.

"Exactly, you two." Eizen said. "You know Andrew, I admired both you and Velvet for your determinations. Fighting against the world all on your own. As you know, only a few can defy fate and stands bravely against the overwhelming odds."

"I know I have mentioned this before. I may be timid, but I can still be brave." Andrew said.

"So you're doing it for yourself after all?" Eizen asked him.

"Is that so wrong?" Rokurou asked back as he drinking his sake.

"*sigh* No...I'm the same." Eizen replied.

"How exactly?" Rotom asked.

"I need allies on my side with the strength and courage to combat this so-called "order" imposed by the Abbey." Eizen explained. "But anyone who's willing to put up with the "creed" folly of the Aifread's Pirates has to be an even bigger fool than we are." He continued before drinking his glass of beer. "So, I'm like you. I want to know how deep both you and Velvet's foolishness goes."

"Foolishness we both may be, but it could be that these foolishness of ours will prove to be beneficial to us in our future endeavors." Andrew said. "People make mistakes from time to time. The question is that how a person can do in order to prevent the same mistake from happening. And they would do so from learning from their mistakes. Let's face it, there's no such thing as "perfection" in any other world."

"You should probably choose your words, carefully." Rokurou said. "Otherwise, Velvet would've killed you when she heard that."

"I was complimenting." Andrew said with a sweatdrop.

"You know, most fools tend to dream big and end up lost big." Eizen stated. "But only a few of them managed to get a miracle."

"I bet the same can be said with Aifread." Rokurou added.

"You have no idea." Eizen said with a smile. "Fool as he may be, but the man stands tall proudly without fear." He said as they decide to turn in for the night once they're done with drinking.

(Outside)

""Sheperd" Artorius, hm?" He's got the populace eating from the palm of his hand." Magilou stated as she views the capital. "I wonder... Hmmm... Just how deeply will the fangs of our would be tragic heroine would scar this broken world of ours and how my magnificent boy wonder would heal this world's pain." She said, referring to Velvet and Andrew. "I've got a traitor to find, but in the meantime, I'd like to see how this goes." She then wander off to find someone... or something in order to find this "traitor" of hers.

(In a forest near the Loegres)

It was quite and seems there's no daemons in sight... that is, until a familiar portal suddenly appears out of the thin air. What comes out of the portal is a pink egg with a white line at the top and a black end on the bottom. This particular egg lands on the ground gently. What purpose is this egg for coming here is either a mystery... or a sign of things to come.

(The next day)

"Andrew! Wake up!" Rokurou called out after he knocked the door.

"*yawn* I'm coming..." Andrew said as it takes awhile before the person in question opens the door. He then wipes his eyes before looking at the daemon swordsman. "Morning already...?"

"I'm afraid it has, buddy." Rokurou said. "Get ready quickly or we'll leave you behind."

"Alright alright. I heard you loud and clear." Andrew said as he proceeds to change his sleepwear to his usual clothes, grooming his hair for a bit, then wake Rotom up before he washes his face at the bathroom, and then pack all of his stuffs before meeting with the others.

"There you are." Velvet said as she and the others see him. "What took you so long?"

"Sorry. I guess prepping takes a lot of time than expected." Andrew said as he sweatdrops. "So, are we all set?"

"Yeah. Let's go." Velvet said as they leave the tavern, ready to take their first task.

"Destroying red crates in a warehouse? Doesn't sound very nice." Rokurou commented.

"It's those crates, huh?" Andrew asked as Rokurou nodded. "I have feeling that those crates are sent from somewhere illegally."

"Well that could be." Rokurou replied.

"Have we ever been nice?" Velvet asked.

"To be fair, I'm pretty much the kindest guy of the group besides Laphicet." Andrew stated.

"But even the nicest person can get angry if provoked." Rotom added.

"This is a contract job, so let's keep costs down." Eizen advised. "I'll call the Van Eltia and have the crew draw the guards away.

"Do it." Velvet said.

"If I may..." Andrew said, earning Eizen's attention. "Loki can provide some distractions for you."

"Be my guess." Eizen replied as Andrew pulls out a Loki's pokeball and then throwing it in the air.

"Come on out, Loki!" Andrew said as the pokeball open up, releasing the Shiny Zoroark.

"'Sup, boss man." Loki greeted. "Is there something I can help you with?"

"I want you to go to the Van Eltia with Eizen. He'll explain more once you and him get there. And you'll do what he told you to do." Andrew said. "Think you can do that?"

"Don't know what's going on, but I'm pretty damn good at making distractions." Loki said while he boasts. He then turns to Eizen. "Let's get to it, shall we?"

"Aye." Eizen said as he turns to the group. "This won't take long." He said before leaving the group with Loki.

While waiting for Eizen, the group, especially Velvet, keep hearing people talking about Artorius. All of which are nothing but praise to the man, much to Velvet's displeasure.

"Oh boy. Are they really blind to the truth?" Andrew muttered. "This is going to be harder than I-"

"I said I don't want anything to do with you!" An unfamiliar female voice interrupted as Andrew turns to the source. He sees a purple haired young woman with red eyes and a man, who is pulling her arm. If you're asking who that is, this is Erika.

"Come on, baby. It's just for a little while." The man said calmly. "I promised you that we'll be having a fun time."

"Yeah, fun for YOU not for me!" The young woman said. "If you don't let go of my arm right now, things will get really ugly for you."

"It's only for a while, so just lighten up, will ya?" The man said, who slowly become impatient. "Trust me, we're going to have a lot of fun together. What do you say?"

'Never the easy way, huh?" The purple haired young woman thought. Just as she about to reach out one of her swords, a third party joins in.

"When she said knock it off, then you better scram!" All eyes turn to Andrew, who has a serious look on his face. The Inventor breaks of the contact by passing through them, before stopping in front of the unfamiliar girl.

"Stay out of this, twerp." The man said with hostile expression on his face. "I only just asking her to-"

"I'm sorry. But I think you don't understand her clearly." Andrew interrupted him. "If she said no, then that means it's a no. I'm starting to think you don't understand her feelings very well."

"Of course, I understand." The man said. "I respect women-"

"If you do respect women, then do her a favor and back off!" Andrew interrupted as he glares at the man, who glares back at him. "Or do you prefer to settle this the old fashioned way? I rather not to start something, but I must if that's the only way."

Though Andrew's glare is fiercer than him. After realizing there's no point of arguing any further, the man relents as he clicks his tongue before walking away from them.

'Whoa... for someone who isn't so strong looking, he's really gutsy.' The young woman thought.

"Really. It's too early for this garbage to happen." Andrew muttered before he turns to the purple haired young woman. "Hey, are you okay? From the looks of it, you're about to attack him or something."

"I'm fine..." The young woman said as she looks away. "You know, you shouldn't have done that. I can handle this no problem."

"Yeah, but is it occurs to you that by cutting his arm, you will get into more trouble?" Andrew argued as Erika think about it.

"You... do have a point there." Erika said. "I'm not in the mood to fight anyone anyway."

"See, you got my point?" Andrew said. "There would be time when some fights are just not worth it."

"Yeah yeah, I know." Erika said as she noticed the clothes he was wearing and Rotom. "Strange clothes you wore. And that red malak too" She then turns to him with a curious look. "You're not from around here, are you?"

"You could say that." Andrew said as Erika examines him with her arms folding.

"You don't look like some kind of thug. Or an exorcist for that matter..." Erika muttered. "Where you from anyway?"

"Um... It's faraway island called Akala. It's tropical island where there are no daemons." Andrew lied, but not too far from the truth though.

"No daemons, huh? Must be nice." Erika said. "As much I want to continue this conversation, I got things to do and places to be."

"Oh okay. Sorry to disturb you, Ms-"

"Don't call me that, it makes me feel that I'm a middle aged adult." Erika interrupted. "Just call me Erika."

"Okay then, Erika..." Andrew said. "I'm Andrew, by the way."

"Alright, Andy. I have feeling we'll meet again real soon." Erika said with a smile. "See you later, I guess."

"Take care." Andrew said as Erika leaves him. Once she left, the Inventor just sigh in relief. "I thought she's going to pry about it." He stated. "Andy, huh? It's been long time since someone called me that. The only person who called me that was..." He muttered before he frown. "Oh Gwen..."

"There you are..." Andrew turn around see Velvet and the others. He sees that Eizen have returned and he's now with the others. "Where have you been exactly?"

"S-Sorry about that." Andrew said as he scratches the back of his head. "Just done saving a random girl, that's all."

"Oh do tell." Rokurou said.

"Knock it off. We got important things to do than this senseless conversation." Velvet said.

"Let's be off then." Andrew said as he and the others head towards the gate where they first came to Loegres. After going through the gate, they are approached by a man and a woman.

"Greetings, Magilou's Menagerie." The woman said, much to Andrew and Rotom's shock. "You've come to exactly the right place!"

"Um... should we know you?" Andrew asked.

"You must be a Bloodwing." Velvet stated.

"Bloodwing?" Andrew said before he came in a realization. "I take it that's the name of the shadow guild we took the request from?"

"You're correct, Andrew Stark." One of the Bloodwing agents said.

"Data updating..." Rotom said as he update his database as a loading screen appear before it has a happy face. "Data has been successfully updated."

"So what business do you have with us?" Andrew asked.

"Have you heard about the code red daemons?" The female agent asked them.

"Yes, we have." Velvet answered. "They are incredible strong daemons that the Abbey wanted gone. What of it?"

"Would you ever consider hunting them down for us? We'll reward you properly." The female agent said.

"That's actually not a bad idea." Andrew said. "If we come across one, we'll exterminate it for sure."

"I'm down with that." Rokurou chimed in.

"Reward us?" Velvet asked, who is feeling skeptical about the agent's claims. "Why pay us when they Abbey would do it for free?"

"It's... complicated." The agent answered as she fold her arms. "The Abbey is calculating in their deployments, especially where the code red daemons are involved."

"I think I get the gist of it. They'll only act if they determine the daemon would cause more harm than the losses they'd incur in battling it." Eizen commented. "That does seem logical."

"But sometimes, people have lost a loved one to such a daemon. Or sometimes, they have a connection to the person the daemon used to be." The agent explained. "Wherever there's a code red daemon, you can bet there are people willing to pay good money to have it killed."

Hearing those words made Velvet gasp, which it goes unnoticed by Andrew.

"And that's where the Bloodwings come in, right?" Rokurou asked.

"Exactly." The agent replied. "There are Bloodwings all throughout Midgand who have information on these code red daemons."

"So in a nutshell, if we can defeat these daemons, will get paid?" Andrew asked.

"Yes. Only If you truly did defeat those code red daemons and reported to one of my comrades, they'll make sure that you're well compensated." She answered.

"Alright, I understand. Unlike the boy here, I won't promise anything." Velvet stated.

"That's fine." The agent said. "No sense in drawing up a contract when the hunter probably won't survive anyway. If you get the results, let us know. We'll hold up our end of the deal." She continued as she try to pull out something. "That being said, I'd feel guilty if I didn't help out at least a little, so here, take this."

"A bottle?" Andrew asked as he saw the agent pull out one before he take it from said agent. "How's this going to help?"

"Oh, this isn't just any ordinary bottle. This is the Inoph bottle." The agent said.

"Inoph bottle?" Andrew and Rotom asked in unison.

"I take it that you and that red malak come from foreign land and don't know about this?" The agent said as the both of them nod. "If that's the case, let me explain. That bottle will allow you to teleport you to a specified location when you're in a town or a field. You can get it easily on the shops like in the capital or in a treasure in a dungeon. Sounds convenient, right?"

"Data updating..." Rotom said as he once again update his database. "Data update on Inoph bottle completed!"

"It certainly is." Andrew 'This is magic, if anything. It's just as convenient as a Ride Pokémon.' He thought. 'As a matter of fact, I could analyze this one bottle to see if I can make a mobile teleportation device from this-'

"If you're done pondering, then let's go." Velvet said. "You don't want to be left behind, do you?"

"R-Right!" Andrew saidf as he catches up to the group before handing the bottle to Velvet, who then hand it to Laphicet so he can put it in his satchel.

As they walk, Velvet decided to start a conversation.

"Those Bloodwings are definitely a rough crowd." Velvet commented on the Bloodwings.

"To be fair, things are never straightforward when you're dealing with daemons." Eizen added with arms crossed.

"Good news is that there's something in it for us if we hunt those code red daemons." Rokurou stated. "The only thing better than fighting formidable foes is getting paid for it!"

"Yeah." Andrew agreed. "Reward money aside, we can also get stronger too if we defeat some of them."

"Just remember that these code red daemons are tough enough to make the Abbey shiver. It's recommended that we should stay on guard or we'll be inviting death over." Velvet suggested.

"I know, Velvet." Andrew replied.

"We should talk to those Bloodwings before considering any of the marks. They might have information that will help us prepare." Eizen advised.

"Yeah! And we'd better remember to upgrade our equipment!" Rokurou replied with a smile.

"And healing times too. It's simply not enough if we rely on those healing artes. So we have to make sure to supply them enough for us. And then some in case of an emergency." Andrew stated.

"Right." Velvet said as they continue their trip to Port Zekson.

(Skit: Delicious Dishes)

"Hey Laphicet." Rokurou called the malak boy out on the middle of their trip.

"What is it, Rokurou?" Laphicet asked.

"Mabo curry." Rokurou simply stated that.

"Huh?" Laphicet said in confusion. All of sudden, rumbling sounds can be heard in his stomach. "Ah...!" He said as he slightly blush in embarrassment.

"Hahahaha! You're an interesting one!" Rokurou said after he laughed. "You like mabo curry that much, eh?"

"Yeah." Laphicet replied. "It smells good, and it's creamy and kind of spicy. Eating it made me feel nice."

"I like mabo curry too." Andrew said. "Eventhough I ate a lot of curry in the past, I found this curry to be... unique. An interesting flavor only the mabo curry has if you will."

"I'd say you love it too then." Rokurou replied Andrew as he turns to Laphicet. "Do malakhims have such an appetite?"

"Each has their own tastes." Eizen answered as he joins in on the conversation. "Some eat a lot, some eat less. Just like humans or daemons."

"Same can be said to Pokémon too." Andrew added. "As I said yesterday, some Pokémon is able to eat foods we do, some able to eat something that is considered inedible to us. For instance, there's a Pokémon who eats metal, some eat special leaves like Conner's species, and some likes to eat mud."

"Eating mud? That's sounds disgusting." Rokurou remarked. "Who would eat that?"

"A species of Pokémon called Mudbray." Andrew said.

"Mudbray?" Rokurou, Eizen, and Laphicet asked in unison.

"Allow me!" Rotom volunteered as his screen shows the Pokémon in question. Said Pokémon is small, brown donkey like Pokémon with black horizontal pupils. "Mudbray, the Donkey Pokémon. A Ground type. And the pre-evolved form of Mudsdale. Mudbray are stubborn and independent. Their daily routine includes eating dirt and frolicking in the mud they kick up, which enhances its grip and power. Despite its small stature, it can carry or drag loads up to 50 times its own weight."

"Impressive." Eizen complimented. "I can certainly see how Eeyore used to be that Pokémon. Size doesn't mean a thing if you can carry heavy things.

"It's also noted that this Pokémon was hunted to near extinction across the world." Rotom continued. "Because of that, the known remaining population is in Alola."

"Oh." Laphicet said as he frowns.

"Guess people tends to greedy at times." Rokurou commented.

"I think we're going off-topic here." Andrew reminded them.

"Oh. Okay." Laphicet said. "What do you like, Eizen?"

"Drinks, I suppose." Eizen answered.

"What else?" Laphicet asked.

"Uh... Pretty much just drinks." Eizen answered once more.

"Don't you like anything else?" Laphicet asked again.

"Is it a problem if I don't?" Eizen asked back.

"No..." Laphicet said as he hides behind Andrew. "I was just wondering."

"Speaking of drinks..." Rokurou said as he turns to Andrew. "Andrew, I think I saw you drink some milk last night."

"I was thinking about that too, actually." Eizen added.

"It's not just an ordinary milk, Rokurou." Andrew explained. "It's Moomoo Milk."

"Moomoo Milk?" Rokurou said. "That sounds interesting. What's so special about it?"

"It's a milk from the Pokémon Miltank." Rotom said as his screen shows another Pokémon. Only this time, it's a bipedal, cow like Pokémon. "Miltank, the Milk Cow Pokémon. A Normal type. The milk that it produces is sweet and very nutritious, and can be used to heal Pokémon and ill or weary humans. The milk can be either produced to be a yogurt/ice cream or enjoyed unchanged by children and adults alike."

"Wow. I like to drink one of that." Laphicet said, feeling interested.

"You're in luck because I happen to have one on me." Andrew said as he pulls out a cooler from his bag and open it, revealing several bottles of Moomoo Milk. He then grab one bottle and he opens it before handing it to Laphicet. "Here you go."

"Thank you." Laphicet said as he drinks the bottle. Once he's done drinking, the malak boy looks impressed. "Wow~! It tastes so good. The best milk I ever had."

"Let me try that." Rokurou said as Andrew gave him a bottle. He then open it before drinking it. Much like Laphicet, he too find himself refreshed. "Rotom wasn't kidding when said that the milk is sweet. Where do you get these?"

"I got them straight from my friend." Andrew answered. "My friend and his family runs a ranch near my home, so I visit him on a regular basis."

"That's sounds neat. Maybe I should get one of these if I happen to visit your world." Rokurou stated as Andrew collects the bottle before putting them in the cooler, which he put it back in his bag. It's miracle that his bag can hold something like the cooler. "It can certainly go with my snacks."

"What's your favorite snacks, Rokurou, Rotom?" Laphicet asked.

"I like sweet flavored berries." Rotom said. "And Moomoo Milk."

"Candied sweet potatoes and drinks. Including that Moomoo Milk Andrew has." Rokurou said.

"That's where you boil strips of sweet potato in oil then coat them in sugar, right?" Laphicet asked.

"Yeah, I never get tired of 'em!" Rokurou replied gleefully.

"Bzzt! I should try that." Rotom said.

"Didn't take you for a sweet tooth, Rokurou." Andrew commented.

"So you like to drink, but you also got a sweet tooth?" Eizen asked.

"Is that so strange?" Rokurou asked.

"Nope. It's okay if you like sweets." Andrew said.

"No." Eizen said.

"Candied sweet potatoes... Moomoo Milk... sounds good." Laphicet said as he stomach rumbling again. "Ah...!" He said as he once gain blush in embarrassment.

"There's nothing to be ashamed of. It's just a sign that you're alive, remember?" Velvet reminded him.

"Right..." The malak boy said as he nod.

(Skit ended)

They then continue their trip. If nothing goes wrong, they'll be at the warehouse in no time.

(With Hilda)

"Are you sure this is where the strange portal appeared, Lady Hildegard?" One of Hilda's orderlies asked her.

"There's no doubt about it." Hilda said. "The reports said it appears only for a brief moment before disappearing. I feared something terrible might come through it. So let's look for it."

"Yes, Lady Hildegard." The orderlies said as they keep an eye out for something that seems out of place.

Hilda unknowingly wander off around the forest all on her own, hoping something turn up... for better or worse. She wonders aimlessly through the forest and seems she found nothing out of place.

"I searched everywhere for something suspicious but so far no luck." Hilda muttered. When she turn around, she found out that she just got lost. "And my subordinates is nowhere in sight. Just great-"

All of sudden, a roar interrupted her monologue.

"Sounds like there's a daemon around here!" Hilda said as she run towards the source.

When she enters a clearing, she sees a beast like creature wielding a hatchet.

"That's an Orc Kong!" Hilda exclaimed in shock. Apparently, this one is a code red daemon. She also sees the egg (the one that came through the Ultra Wormhole last night) near the ground. The daemon notices it as it licks his lips. Hilda knows that the daemon is fully set on eating the egg. "Oh no you don't." She muttered as she runs up to the egg and secure before the Orc Kong could snag it for itself.

'I don't know why, but..." Hilda pondered. "For some reason, I feel... the urge to protect this egg."

Having its free snack snatched away like that, the Orc Kong roars in anger as he prepares to fight the wine haired praetor.

"I have feeling this going to be a tough fight." Hilda said as she summoned her malak. She then hand the egg to the malak.

"Keep this egg safe at all times." Hilda ordered his malak.

"As you wish..." The malak said in monotone voice as Hilda pulls out her weapons, hoping she can drive it off instead of fighting it.

(With Andrew and co.)

"This is it, huh?" Andrew said as he and the others have just arrived in front of the warehouse. He then sees Loki on the rooftop before the shiny Zoroark jumps down towards him. "I take it that the distraction was a success?"

"Yup. Too easy as a matter of fact." Loki replied. "And all it took was to cast one illusion."

"Nevertheless, you and the Van Eltia crew managed to draw the guards away." Eizen complimented. "Good work."

"Well, deception is just so happen to be my expertise." Loki boasted.

"That sounds about right." Andrew said as he pulls out his Loki's pokeball. "Nice job again, Loki. Now go get some rest." He said as he returns Loki to his pokeball and then putting it away. "Okay, let's go see what this warehouse has in stored." He and the Menagerie proceeds to enter the warehouse, which is full with red crates.

"Red crates." Velvet said. "These must be our targets."

"It seems to be the case." Andrew added. "Let's see what make this crates so special that it wants to be destroyed..." He said as he examines one of the red crates. His eyes catch the sight of unfamiliar seal to him. "What's this seal?"

"Let me see..." Velvet said as she looks at the crate for the seal. It didn't take long for her to find it. "The seal of Midgand Cathedral?"

"Cathedral is like a church, right?" Andrew stated. "Why would they send goods to this warehouse? It make no sense."

"Who knows." Velvet shrugged.

"Should we look inside?" Eizen asked Velvet.

"No need." Velvet said as she turns to Laphicet. "Burn them."

"Let me help." Andrew volunteered, which the raven haired girl doesn't mind. He then transforms into his Flame Plate form before conjuring up a Fire type move while Laphicet readies his fire artes.

"Ready... aim... Flame Burst!" Andrew said as he shoots orange-red fireball that collides with Laphicet's fire exploded artes, causing an explosion that spreads fire on to some crates.

"One problem solved. Now let's get out of here!" Andrew said as he and the others quickly make their exit.

(Outside of the warehouse)

"That storm cost too much time." A certain "crybaby" exorcist said as she walking through the docks. Unlike Teresa and Oscar, she arrived late due to the aforementioned storm. "I must report to Lord Artorius as soon as possible." As she walk through even further to the port, the Menagerie is seen running nearby as they soon will cross path with her.

"So far so good. Let's hope there are no guards or exorcist nearby-" Andrew said before he was untimely interrupted.

"*gasp* It's you!" Eleanor said as she noticed him and his group, who soon stopped running.

"*sigh* Me and my big mouth." Andrew muttered as the Inventor doesn't like where this encounter leads to.

"Oh, hey. The crybaby." Velvet stated.

"Now that's just plain mean." Andrew commented.

"Eleanor Hume, exorcist praetor!" Eleanor said as she summoned two malakhims to her side, ready to battle.

"I was hoping to avoid unnecessary violence, but... oh well." Andrew complained as he and the rest are ready to battle. He then shifts to his Draco Plate form, shocking Eleanor.

"You can turn into a dragon!?" Eleanor exclaimed. "It's not supposed to be possible!"

"My secret." Andrew replied.

"I'll cheering you up from the sidelines!" Rotom said as he back away in order to the battle from the sidelines.

"You won't get away this time!" Eleanor said to Velvet before she turns to Andrew. "Especially you!"

"Rgh! You really want to fight, don't you..." Velvet said as she and Andrew battles Eleanor while Rokurou, Eizen, and Laphicet fight her two tethered malaks.

"I'll start this with Dragon Claw!" Andrew shouted as his a light-green aura soon forms around Andrew's hands and they turn into a claw like shape before he tries to attack Eleanor with them.

"Oh no you don't!" Eleanor said as she use her spear to block the move. However, spear failed to block the attack as she suffers some damage. 'He's actually more powerful than he looks!?' She pondered.

"Don't forget about me!" Velvet shouted as she attacks Eleanor with her kicks and a slash from blade gauntlet.

"Dragon Dance! And now Dual Chop!" Andrew said as his body is covered with red and pink aura before his hands glow light green before hitting her with them two times.

'That attack was faster and powerful than the last one...!' Eleanor thought as she grunted in pain. "Why you!" She then tries to impale Andrew and Velvet, but they dodged, with the former responds by flying high.

"Twister!" Andrew said as he flaps his wings, causing a gust of wind to blow towards Eleanor as she takes damage. "How do you like that?" Andrew taunted.

"Tch. Don't get overconfident now just because you're able to deal some damage on me!" Eleanor retorted as she readies her spear. "This fight is far from over!"

"For once, I agree with you." Velvet replied as she and Andrew ready to handle for whatever Eleanor throws at them.

(Meanwhile...)

Hilda is panting as she still fighting against the code red daemon.

"I guess now I know why this daemon is a code red one." Hilda muttered. "Even so..." She then so turns to the egg that her malak holding. "I don't know what came over me, but for some reason... I can't let this daemon destroy the egg."

"Shall I lend you my assistance, Lady Hildegard?" Her malak asked.

"I appreciate the offer, but no." Hilda answered. "I'd like to handle this myself."

"Understood." The malak replied.

"ROAAAAR!" The code red daemon roared as it try to strike Hilda, who manages to dodge the attack.

"Tough luck, daemon! Lightning Sting!" Hilda said as she stabs the daemon forward with her sword, which is covered with yellow electricity. "And Daybreak!" She then proceeds to do a downward slash, dealing a decent damage to the Orc Kong. Eventhough the artes have done serious damage to the daemon, but it wasn't alone to defeat it.

The daemon roars in anger as it proceeds to attack again, in which Hilda uses her shield to block the attack. The attack end up pushes her back by several steps.

"Looks like the Orc Kong isn't messing around anymore." Hilda commented as she readies herself. "Unfortunately for it, so do I!" She said as she charge towards the Orc Kong once more...

(With Andrew and co.)

"You missed!" Andrew said as light blue waves of energy start swirling around him. "Dragon Breath!" He shouted as he releases a pale purple fire from his mouth to Eleanor, causing her to feel the damage.

"Discord!" Velvet said as she slashes Eleanor several times. Unfortunately, Eleanor is still standing, refused to give up the fight.

"I didn't expect for you to be this resilient. I'm impressed." Andrew complimented.

"That's rich, coming from someone who allied with daemons!" Eleanor retorted.

"I have my reasons." Andrew replied. "You wouldn't understand anyway."

"I must know about why are you siding with daemons!" Eleanor pleaded. "If you want is world peace, then you must join the Abbey-"

"Blah blah blah blah... you went on and on about daemon this and daemon that..." Andrew interrupted her. "You delusional delinquents are really good at making pretty words, are you? I can't picture myself as one of your lackeys, so you can just take that offer and shove it!"

"What did you say!?" Eleanor asked, feeling offended by Andrew's claims.

"Yeah, I said it. What? Got a problem with that?" Andrew asked with a challenging tone. "I called you because you and the so-called "saints" of an organization think you can become heroes by killing daemons. People think they're on the right and trying force people without their consideration would just make me sick!"

"I won't allow you to go and insult the Abbey!" Eleanor said. "I'll make you join the Abbey and I'll make sure you repent for your crimes!"

"I'm sorry, but that's not going to happen." Andrew said as he pulls out one of his pokeball. "Come on out, Drake!" He shouted as he summons his starter Pokémon, Drake the Charizard.

"Looks like it's my turn again." Drake said as he stretches his neck.

"Not ony do you have that bat dragon, but you also have another dragon!?" Eleanor exclaimed, which makes Drake offended.

"I take it this shortsighted girl's my opponent today?" Drake asked, which his choice of rewards offended Eleanor.

"You could say that." Andrew replied.

"Sharp tongue for a filthy daemon..." Eleanor said as she readies her spear. "Once I defeat you, I'll force your master to join the Abbey. Like it or not."

"Not gonna happen, girl. Flamethrower!" Drake said as he breathes a stream of orange fire towards Eleanor, who manages to dodge, but barely. "Nice reflex."

"I don't need compliments from daemons such as you." Eleanor growled as she tries to impale Drake with her spear, but she's blocked by Drake's Dragon Claw, which is able to break the attack.

"Have a taste of another Dragon Claw!" Drake said as he strikes Eleanor with one of his claw in which is covered in green energy. "And Flame Charge!" The Flame Pokémon then covered himself in flames before slamming his body towards Eleanor, who grunted in pain while Drake is covered with red aura briefly, increasing his speed.

"It seems that I have underestimated you and the dragon." Eleanor said before she enter her stance. "But that's not enough to defeat me!"

"Funny. That's what they all say before getting their asses handed to them." Drake said as he charges up a yellow sphere of energy between his hands. "Keep being stubborn and you'll see where that gets you. Focus Blast!" The Charizard said as he launches the sphere towards Eleanor.

"Not so fast!" Eleanor stated as she thrust her spear forward via an arte. Unfortunately, it overpowers her to the point where she was sent flying backwards before landing on the ground.

"Looks like we're done here." Velvet said.

"I guess so." Andrew replied as they see Eleanor standing up.

"Andrew, was it...?" Eleanor said as she turns to Andrew, Velvet, and Drake, but she focuses on Andrew. "Things could have been different if you on our side."

"I already told you that I won't join the Abbey." Andrew retorted. "I'm fine where I'm now, thank you very much!"

"I agreed." Velvet said. "Andrew is not as naive as you do. He's not easily to be convinced by your honeyed words."

"Then he should realize the consequences behind his actions by siding with you!" Eleanor argued. "It'll be a huge waste of his potential if he doesn't use those power of his for the good of the Abbey."

"I got zero regrets for siding with Velvet." Andrew said, making Eleanor even more furious. "What I do or don't is clearly up to me and me alone. You don't get to decide on how I do things."

"Hey, Andrew, Velvet!" They turn and see Rokurou, Eizen, Rotom, and Laphicet walking towards to them (by them, I meant Andrew and Velvet).

"How's your battle?" Velvet asked them.

"Those malakhims were strong." Eizen commented as he folds his arms. "Fortunately, we were able to defeat them."

"Yeah." Laphicet added with a gentle smile.

"Indeed. They managed to turn the tides of the battle." Rotom added.

"That's good." Velvet said.

"Looks like you could use a little help-" Rokurou commented as he and everyone else notice the warehouse, which is now on fire.

"The warehouse! How dare you...!" Eleanor growled. "The people have worked so hard to endure this time of crisis...How could you destroy what those people have painstakingly built!"

"Because I'm not human..." Velvet said.

"From a historical figure and I quote, "I may have hurt some people along the way, but I would like to be seen as somebody who has done his best to do the right thing for any situation and not compromised."." Andrew retorted.

"Damn you and that daemon!" Eleanor growled as she slams her spear to the ground. "You'll pay for this!" She said as she summons another malakhim.

"More malakhims up her sleeves!?" Velvet exclaimed.

"It doesn't matter if you send more. I'll defeat them all the same!" Drake challenged as the group minus Rotom are ready to fight again. But what they didn't know is that Eleanor's malak... won't be as intimidating as they initially believed.

"I will protect you, Madam Eleanor! Face me now, daemon!" The said malakhim said as he appears before it strikes a pose. It is a small dark purple humanoid-like creature with a black top hat with red line that covers the majority of his face and only his eyes are shown. He wears a red ribbon on his collar and a bigger one on his hat.

"It's... kind of cute." Laphicet stated as he is speechless.

"I'll bite. Is that a malak or a Pokémon?" Andrew said with a flabbergasted expression.

"I don't know. It looks more like a Pokémon than a malak." Rotom added, also with the same expression as Andrew.

"Although it looks like a cheap Halloween costume." Drake added, earning the ire of the malak.

"You should never underestimate me, daemon!" The malak retorted. "I'll make you pay for hurting Madam Eleanor!"

"I'd like to see you try." Drake said as he spews another Flamethrower towards the malak, causing the malak roasted, literally as he is covered in ashes.

"B-Bien... *cough* *cough* This is very bad-bad..." The malak said before collapsing on the ground, with spirals on its eyes.

"Looks like its unable to battle bzzt." Rotom said with a confused emoji on his screen.

"Hahahahaha! I guess it's true when people said don't play with fire." Rokurou said after laughing at the sight he just saw.

"If you plan to make us entertained with this joke, then it's working." Velvet sarcastically said.

"Silence, daemon!" Eleanor retorted as she turns to her malak. "As for you, get up! Don't let a little burn defeat you like that."

"R-Right, Madam Eleanor..." The malak said as it regains to its feet, albeit barely. Just before it could say anything, it heard the one voice it hoped to never hear again.

"Found. You. At. Last~!" A familiar voice said with low tone of voice.

"Oh no! That bad-bad voice! Why now!?" The malak said as it and everyone else look towards the newcomer, who was none other than Magilou.

"Oh, hey there Magilou!" Andrew greeted. "Didn't think we met so soon."

"Nice to see you too, Darling. It seems fate has allowed us to meet once again." Magilou replied before she turns to the malak with a glare. "Bienfu, you traitor! You'll never leave my clutches again!" She shouted toward the malak called Bienfu, who slowly back off out of fear from Magilou as she get close to the malak.

"BIEEEEEEEEEN! NOT HER! NOOOOOO!" Bienfu said with tears as he retreats back inside Eleanor before Magilou could get him.

"W-What are you doing?! Get back here and fight them!" Eleanor demanded.

"As much as we like to stick around and chat..." Andrew said as he pulls out some smoke bombs. "We really should leave. See ya!" He said as he detonates the smoke bombs, causing a temporary smokescreen to appear around Eleanor.

"Now's our chance! Let's go!" Andrew said as he flies away.

"I got her!" Drake said as he lifts up Magilou like a sack.

"Let me go! Witch Nappers!" Magilou shouted as she struggled but failed as the group successfully escaped from Eleanor.

"Madam Exorcist! What happened!?" A civilian asked as he and his friend approached Eleanor.

"Oh! You're badly hurt..." His friend said.

"Never mind me! Gather the people and put out that fire!" Eleanor ordered.

"Y-Yes madam." One of them said as he gather the others to put out the fire.

While the others are working to extinguish the fire on the warehouse, Eleanor approaches one of them.

"Tell me, do you know what was being kept in that warehouse?" The "crybaby" exorcist asked.

"Um... Mostly Nectar, I believe." The man said as he folds his arms. "Vast stores of the medicine, provided by High Priest Gideon, to be distributed to doctors across the land."

"Medicine given by the church? Why would anybody destroy it?" Eleanor wondered about the recent information she received. She can only stares at the direction where the Menagerie escaped.

(With Hilda)

"Roaaaaar..." The Orc Kong let out a death roar before it collapsed on the ground, dead.

"Phew. And I thought it's never going to end." Hilda said in relief as the Orc Kong disintegrated upon defeat. She then approaches her malak, who is still holding the Pokémon Egg. "How was the egg?"

"It's still in perfect condition, my lady." Her malak stated monotonously.

"That's good." Hilda replied as she takes the egg off from her malak. "Still, this is an unusual looking egg. It could be a daemon egg or a Chocobo egg, but I just had this feeling that whatever's going to hatch from that egg will be... something else." She said as she ponders about the egg. 'Now that I think about it, it's... warm too. I think it's going to hatch soon-'

"Lady Hildegard!" A female voice called out to her as Hilda snaps out of her thoughts and proceeds to look the source, she then that her subordinates are making their way towards her. Speaking of which, her subordinates are four female orderlies.

"Everyone, you're here." Hilda said. "How did you all find me?"

"When we noticed that you were missing, we've searched everywhere." A female exorcist orderly stated. "But when we heard a loud roar and the sound of metal clashing together in the north side of the forest, we knew you're in the middle of a battle."

"Once we heard that, we rush towards here as fast as we can." Another female exorcist orderly stated. "But looks like you can handle on your own."

"Thank you for the compliment, you two." Hilda said. "It was miracle that I managed to slay a code red daemon."

"WHAT!?" All of her subordinates exclaimed as they get close to her face. "YOU WERE FIGHTING A CODE RED DAEMON!?"

"Hey! Don't get too close to my face." Hilda scolded.

"Sorry. It's just that the fact you defeated a code red daemon is impressive." The first orderly said. "At this rate, you're going to be as great as Lord Artorius."

"Do not say it like that." Hilda said as she's blushing. "I still have some ways to go."

"You'll get there someday." The third female orderly said as she and her comrades finally notices the Pokémon Egg Hilda found. "That is unique looking egg."

"I agree." Her comrade said. "Where did you find this, Lady Hildegard."

"Right around here." Hilda answered. "If weren't for me, this egg would have been devoured by that daemon."

"I see." One of her orderlies said. "But is it wise to save an egg like this one? For all we know, it could be a daemon egg."

"Or it could be a Chocobo egg." Her fellow orderly said.

"You forget? Those things are unusually aggressive when they see an exorcist." One of Hilda's orderlies argued.

"Yeah, what if we can tame it to not hurt us?"

"What a foolish plan. Do you think that's going to work-"

"That's enough, both of you!" Hilda reprimaded her two subordinates, causing them to drop the subject and stop talking. "I consider the possibility, but let's see what will it hatch into, all right? If its turn out to be a daemon, we shall kill it on the spot. And if it turns out to be a Chocobo, we'll try to raise it so it won't attack other exorcists."

"Okay." A female orderly said. "I hope you know what you're doing, Lady Hildegard."

"So do I, Beatrice. So do I." Hilda said as she "returns" her malak before leaving the area with her subordinates.

(With Andrew and co.)

"I think we should be save. For now." Rotom stated as he turns back to normal and Drake put Magilou to the ground gently.

"Good job, Drake." Andrew said as he pulls out Drake's pokeball. "Now go and catch some rest." He said as he returns his Charizard back to his pokeball before putting it away.

"Aaiiiaaagh... Misfortune and anguish!" Magilou cried because of the fact she couldn't capture Bienfu when she had the chance. "I had that little turncoat right in front of me!"

"Cheer up, Magilou. There's always a next time." Andrew assured her as he pats her on the back in order to give her comfort.

"But on the bright side, I know where he is now." Magilou said, who has shifted her expression from depressed to happy.

"Geez. Talk about having a mood swing." Andrew commented.

"Agreed bzzt. What a strange girl she is." Rotom added as he has the (-_-) emoji on his screen.

"So that weird malak was the one you're looking for?" Velvet asked Magilou.

"The very same. The malak Bienfu." Magilou answered.

"The little guy DID get frightened when he noticed you, so that explains it." Andrew said as he put his hand to his chin.

"Right you are, Darling." Magilou replied before she starts explaining about Bienfu. "Bienfu is a creature of unfathomable wickedness and beguiling cuteness who broke the heart of this wretched maiden!" She then dons a sinister expression. "Heh-heh-heh... Once I finally catch him, who knows what I'll be capable of..."

"Not sure I get it..." Rokurou said with confused look on his face.

"Me neither." Laphicet added.

"Me three bzzt." Rotom added with a confused emoji on its screen.

"Good. Pray that you never do." Velvet said with her usual scowl. "Let's go back and report our success."

"Good idea. Let's do that." Andrew said as he and the rest of the gang decided to make their way back to Loegres. Despite defeating a couple of daemons along the way, they have arrived once again at the gate.

"All right. Let's see your papers this time." The guard said as Velvet gives him the documentation to him. It doesn't take him long to give it back to her. "Everything's in order. Move along! And no more of that crazy performance, you hear."

"I understand, sir." Andrew said. "Sorry for inconvenience yesterday."

"As long as you understand to never do it again, it's fine." The guard said. "Now, move!"

Then the group go through the gate and enters the town as they make their way towards the tavern. While doing so, Andrew decides to start a conversation.

(Skit: The Crying Exorcist Returns)

"Hey, Velvet. I have to ask." Andrew said. "Why did you call that Eleanor girl a "crybaby"? I heard you called her that when were in Hellawes and then today in Port Zekson." He asked.

"I was curious about that too." Eizen chimed in. "Why is that?"

"She had tears in her eyes when me and Velvet first saw her in Northgand." Rokurou explained. "Velvet poked fun at her, calling her the crybaby exorcist."

"Why would an exorcist cry?" Eizen asked. He knew what kind of people the Abbeys are as they prefer reasons over emotions. But hearing that one of them cries is really out of the ordinary.

"Now that you mentioned it..." Andrew said. "The tone she used when she said some stuff to us almost as if she's about to breakdown and cry."

"Sacrificing the individual for the good of many is part of Artorius's philosophy." Velvet answered. "She seemed troubled by that. She's naive."

"That could be." Andrew stated. "I can tell she was hesitant when I fought her."

"Even so, the fact she can still carry on proves just how strong she is." Eizen stated. "It looks like they don't hand out the rank of praetor to just anyone."

"You could say that again." Andrew said. "Her spearmanship wasn't just for show either. Although..." He said before he blushes a bit. "She's kinda cute."

"Hmm." Velvet hummed.

"Just stay sharp around her. That's all." Eizen advised.

"By the way, is that Bienfu character that Magilou was after really a malak?" Rokurou asked about Bienfu.

"Strange he may look, but yes, he's still a malak." Eizen said.

"Data about malak and Bienfu updating..." Rotom said as he once again updates his database. "Update complete!"

"That means Magilou is an exorcist. Why does she call herself a witch, then?" Rokurou wondered.

"Seeing as the people who can summon malak so far are exorcist, I can say that she could be a renegade exorcist or some kind." Andrew explained his theory to the others.

"If she got locked up in that prison, she must have been kicked out of the Abbey." Velvet replied.

"Or she could be a fraud." Eizen added.

"Yeah. Even if she wasn't an exorcist, she could still perform some tricks with a malak like that." Velvet said.

""I will protect you, Madam Eleanor! Face me now, daemon! You should never underestimate me, daemon! I'll make you pay for hurting Madam Eleanor!"" Rokurou said as he do an impression of Bienfu, with his funny tone at all. "Right?"

"That's actually kind of funny." Andrew said as he barely contains his chuckles about Bienfu.

Laphicet was also laughing, which caught Rokurou's attention.

"Was that laughter, Laphicet?" Rokurou asked, causing the malak boy to stop laughing.

"I'm sorry." Laphicet apologized with fear.

"Why sorry? Bienfu was funny, right?" Rokurou asked.

"Yeah." Laphicet answered.

""If you wanna laugh, then laugh!"" Rokurou said with his Bienfu voice again.

As he said that, Laphicet proceeds to laugh.

"Here, you should try and say, "Hi, I'm Laphicet."." Rokurou asked Laphicet to give his impression of Bienfu.

"All right..." Laphicet said. ""Hi, I'm Laphicet!""

"Knock it off!" Velvet scolded them, causing them to stop what they're doing.

"What's the problem, Velvet?" Andrew asked the therion girl.

"People are staring. Don't attract attention." Velvet said as she leaves them.

"R-Right..." Andrew replied as she catches up to her with Rotom and Eizen.

"She's so uptight." Rokurou said as he turns to Laphicet. "Let's try it together later, Laphicet."

"A-All right." Laphicet said as he and Rokurou soon catches up to the others.

(Skit ended)

As they're on their way towards the taverns, Andrew look towards the bracelets form of his gauntlets.

"Something wrong, Andrew?" Rotom asked.

"It's about the name of this weapon." Andrew answered. "I think they're too long to say it."

"Is it necessary to give weapons a name?" Laphicet asked.

"Yes it is, Laphicet." Rokurou said. "Not only the names give the weapon the coolness factor, but the names also shows how powerful they are besides their identities. Many famous weapons were wielded by a king or other legendary figures."

"Not really get it, but I guess one could look it that away." Eizen said as he can't find a way to describe it.

"I got it!" Andrew said as he finally come up with the names. "How about Helios and Selene? Their names are often associated with the sun and the moon."

"That's sounds fitting." Rokurou said as he agreed. "I like that."

"They sure do, Darling." Magilou added. "They're perfect."

"I agree." Eizen said. "It's as if they are named after some deities."

"I think it's a cool name, Andrew." Laphicet added.

"Hmph." Velvet just huffed without saying a thing.

"Okay. It's decided then." Andrew said.

"Re-updating on Helios and Selene bzzt..." Rotom said as he updates about the names of the Sun and Moon gauntlets. After that, they decides to continue their walk to the tavern.

(With Hilda)

Hilda and her subordinates are now in their quarters so they can verify about what kind of egg it is. Around them are a bunch of books regarding eggs. And speaking of the egg, it sits on a pillow that the wine haired praetor provided.

"I read everything about egg in books, but they all said nothing about this one." Hilda commented. "There's should be at least something about this egg."

"Or maybe this egg is a brand new discovery!" One of her subordinates said.

"Or it could be a daemon egg for all we know." Another female exorcist orderly said.

"Don't be like that. It could also be a Chocobo or a black one for that matter." The first orderly said.

"Thinking like that will only get you killed." The second orderly said as they're going on and on in their argument..

"Can't you believe that we're the only group of exorcist that are like this, Lady Hildegard?" A female exorcist named Beatrice asked to Hilda. Truth to be told, they're the only group of exorcists that are full of emotions, as opposed to most of their comrades.

"Yeah." Hilda said as she notices the egg glowing briefly. She then rubs her eyes to ensure she isn't seeing things. Surely enough, it glows again.

"Lady Hildegard, am I seeing things or did that egg just glow?" Beatrice orderly next to her asked.

"No, it clearly glows." Hilda answered as the egg, which alerted everyone who is in the room.

"What could that mean?" One of the arguing orderly asked as

"Did that answer your question?" The other arguing exorcist replied as the egg glows brightly. Cracks begin to form on the egg, and the next thing they know... the shell breaks off and it disappears. Now resting on the pillow is... a small, pink bear cub that resembles a stuffed toy.

"It's a bear cub..." Another orderly said as she was speechless like everyone else in the room. "How is that even possible?"

"Aww~! It's so cute." One of Hilda's orderlies said.

'I'm seeing things, right?' Hilda exclaimed in her head as she's just as surprised as her subordinates. 'What kind of a bear that hatches from an egg?' She thought. The very idea of a bear cub hatching from an egg is almost something out of the ordinary for her.

The bear cub starts to wake up, alerting everyone.

"Look! It's waking up." Beatrice said as the bear cub open its eyes, revealing its black, beady ones.

The very first thing that the bear cub see is... Hilda.

"H-Hello there..." Hilda shyly greeted. To be honest, she's still shook after what had transpired. The bear cub proceeds to clumsily waddle towards the praetor and put its front paws on her foot.

"Goo goo a ga." The bear cub babbled at the wine haired praetor.

"Um... why is that bear cub looking at me like that?" Hilda asked as she is dumbfounded at what the bear cub is doing

"It seems it has deemed you as its mother the moment it saw you, Lady Hildegard." Beatrice answered. Surprised is probably the right word of how Hilda is feeling.

"Me!? As mother!?" Hilda exclaimed. "I-I couldn't possibly be! I m-mean I could never-" Unfortunately for her, the bear cub have assumed that her new mother is already disown it.

"That is not good." Another of Hilda's orderlies muttered as the bear cub proceeds to bawl its eyes out.

"Why is it crying!?" An orderly asked. Despite the orderlies are wearing their helmets, they can still hear the cries.

"It seems this bear cub is smarter than it looks." Beatrice explained. "After seeing the reaction of Lady Hildegard towards it, it could tell that it was abandoned!"

Hearing the word "abandoned" make Hilda remember how she was in the past. That loneliness... she knows it all too well. Out of instinct, she come towards the bear cub and proceeds to rocking back and forth.

"Shhhh... It's okay. Everything is going to be okay." Hilda said softly as the bear cub cease its cries and babbles happily. "See? It's all better now."

An orderly approaches Hilda. "Not to be a bearer of bad news, but unless if that thing's a malak, we can't keep it. There is a "No Pets Allowed" policy here." She advised.

"No, Auriol! That is absolutely out of the question!" Hilda retorted, surprising the exorcist she talked to and everyone else in the room. "I can't just leave this bear cub be."

"Auriol has a point there, Lady Hildegard." An exorcist orderly said. "If the others found out that we've been keeping this bear cub, we're going to get harshly punished or worse..."

"Then I'll take the risk." Hilda countered. "This bear cub is too young to fend for itself. It will be killed by daemons the moment we released it in the wild."

"I'm sorry, Lady Hildegard." The exorcist named Auriol said as she gets closer to the former. "Just because you're my superior, that doesn't mean I can't keep you in line." She then proceeds to take the bear cub off of Hilda's arms. Little does she know, that's a very bad idea.

"What are you doing!?" Hilda exclaimed as the bear cub struggles to get out of Auriol's hands.

"Auriol, you probably shouldn't separate a baby from its mother." An exorcist orderly said, fearing where this action leads to.

"It'll be fine-" Auriol said as she was suddenly send flying to a wall when the bear cub smacks her with one of its paw. She was unconscious by the time she falls into the floor while the bear cub lands on the floor on all four.

Everyone including Hilda was impressive- no, they are amazed at the sight they just saw.

"D-Did any of you s-see that?" One of the exorcist orderly said. "Tell me this is just a dream..."

"N-No you are not dreaming..." Hilda said with a surprised expression on her face. 'H-How can a bear cub have so much strength in it?' She pondered as the bear cub is near her feet. 'This bear cub... is definitely not a ordinary one...'

"Ma... ma..." Everyone except Auriol turns to the bear cub as they realized it begin speaking like a human.

"Did it just say I think it said?" An exorcist asked.

"Mama!" The bear cub said as everyone was surprised at how fast the bear cub speak its first word, in human language no less. Devoted organization they may from, but the exorcists in the room can't help but to awwed at the sight. With Hilda is shocked at what the bear cub just called her. Those feelings, however, turn into a happy one as she lifts the bear cub up before hugging it.

"I guess, I'm your Mama... Teddie." Hilda said softly as the bear cub nuzzles her in return of the praetor's affections. It would seems that this is a start... of a path that will change her life forever.

Next: Chapter 8: The Ultra Samurai

Finally, this chapter is done. It took me awhile because of my poor time management skills. In the future, I'm going to try to fix that so I can finish it just in time.

I'll make tethered malak's like Hilda's to be like the androids from Detroit: Become Human, which helps me to move on with my life after several hang ups.

Speaking of Hilda, she at some point joins the Menagerie. And there's a special reason why she named her Stufful (yes, it's a Stufful) "Teddie". To be honest, I like to see where this is going.

And there's the inclusion of the Chocobos, which is requested from one of the readers here.

Please leave a review and give some supports to my fanfics :)