Pokémon USUM: Hero Born of Darkness (book 1 of the HBoD series)

Chapter 46: Mahina

I dreamed I was in Hau'oli City. It was overrun by nature, vines creeping up buildings and cracking the roads and trees growing wherever they pleased. The stars above shone brilliantly as I neared the center of the city. A circle of gigantic trees stood proudly, a steady wind blowing the leaves gently.

Then the wind picked up, howling. An energy of golden light emanated from within the circle of trees. I shielded my eyes as everything went white.

As darkness faded in, I found myself back in the Prowler's Den. And the Prowler herself sat in the shadows, hunched over, her feline face grimacing in pain.

"Prowler," I said, getting her attention. "Why am I here?"

"Zeno," she rasped, coming into view, and I got a good look at her dirty golden fur. "I need to warn you. The Tapus... They remember who they were now."

"How?" I asked, alarmed.

"The Shadow," she coughed and I noticed how sickly she looked. "He's setting up for the final parts of his plan. But he still needs you. Even now, you're doing exactly what he wants you to do."

"That's not possible," I said, but I had a sinking feeling I was wrong.

"That's not all," the Prowler said, her fur slowly blackening and muscles growing. "We're gaining in strength, in power. Soon we will rise and I fear nothing will stop us. I can barely hold her ba-!"

The Prowler roared in agony as her fur turned fully black and her spots purple and I was flung back into the darkness.

...

I awoke in a cold sweat. I sat up, breathing heavily. I stayed like that for a couple minutes until my heart calmed down. I glanced out the window. It was still a bit dark out, but I had a feeling I wouldn't be getting anymore sleep.

I got out of the bed I was in and slipped on my trench coat. As I did this, my Master Ball fell to the ground. I stared at it for a couple seconds before picking it up. It was time.

...

I stepped out of the house into the warm air of morning. The sun was just beginning its rise, light chasing away the darkness.

I grabbed the Master Ball and clicked the middle button. The ball opened as a beam of light hit the ground and a Type: Null appeared.

She thrashed on the ground, clawing at her bronze helmet, whining and growling.

"Shh," I said, crouching low next to her. "Don't worry. I'm here."

Quick as a flash, Type: Null had jumped to her feet and swung a clawed foot. I blocked with my left arm and her claws held onto my arm.

I grimaced and clasped my right hand on her leg. "Hey, it's okay girl. It's alright. Everything is fine."

She calmed down and I gently removed her foot. "I'm here for you. I'll never let you get experimented on ever again."

Type: Null whined and looked at my arm worriedly.

I smiled warmly. "It's okay. I'm used to pain."

I stood. "Now, I want you to meet my family. I promise it will be alright."

She tensed, but nodded. I then let out Growlithe, Decidueye, Lycanroc, Mimi, Kabutops, and Gyarados.

"Alright guys," I said, holding my arms wide, smiling. "Say hello to the newest member of our team, of our family. Type: Null."

Growlithe yipped with happiness, Decidueye cooed, Lycanroc growled fondly, Mimi shook herself wildly, Kabutops clanged his scythes together, and Gyarados wriggled his body.