The Veil Uplifted

When you said you were going to look for your sister, Rachael headed towards the dormitory where their companions are said to be. The Buneary takes a moment to breathe easy. After the Greninja attack, meeting the Nidos, and then the Garchomp ambush, she needs a bit of time to relax after doing so much just to get here.

‘I do admit, just getting by is tough. Now having to consider stopping this? That’s a huge task for us.’ she thought before shaking her head. ‘I’ll rest for now and let them know that we’re here.’ she decided as she opened the door into the dormitory.

Just as she took her first step into the room, Rachael let out a yelp as she suddenly felt something wrapped around her waist, lifting her up off the floor. She struggled against the arms wrapped around her waist. She managed to locate the head and headbutted the assailant, which got them to let go of her as they fell to the ground.

“Ow! Geez, that’s how you greet someone who was worried about you?!” A rather familiar voice cried out as Rachael looked and saw a Croconaw rubbing the sore spot on his forehead, it was then that he took a look at who was in front of him and his eyes widened.

“Vargus?!”

“Rachael?!”

They both exclaimed at the same time. Rachael got up, staring at Vargus with annoyance. “What’s the big idea?! Glomping me before I even got two of my paws into the room!”

“I expected it to be Rai. He always seemed to take the lead in most situations, so I didn’t expect any difference.” he stated, sheepishly scratching his head.

“Well I think it was better to be me then. You would probably ended up shocked if you bear hugged him.” Rachael pointed out.

Vargus chuckled, lightly blushing in embarrassment. “Yeah, he’d probably do that.”

“Honestly, I told you that doing that was a bad idea.” Rachael heard a female voice and saw that Nina was watching the two. “During a time like this, one would be more susceptible to be attacked when suddenly grabbing someone.”

“Honestly I expected him to be on the ground fizzling from electricity.” Felix responded, leaning against the wall. “That would’ve been funny.”

“Hey, that’s mean.”

The Grovyle chuckled. “But it’s true.”

A cough sounded in the room as they turned to see the Zoroark who was sitting on one of the beds. “Speaking of electricity, where is he exactly?”

“Oh snap! I just realized he hasn't entered the room yet!” Vargus cried out in surprised.

“Wow, so aware…” Felix stated sarcastically. “Though that is the question. Is he okay?” he asked, staring at the buneary.

“He’s fine. He’s looking for his sister at the moment.” Rachael stated, hoping to ease the worries of the others.

“Geez, you think you know a guy. Not even going to see us first.” Vargus groaned.

“Well what did you expect? After going after and dealing with whoever attacked his friend, he would quickly realize he just left her with us.” The Vulpix spoke calmly, her tail tapping against the bed. “He was probably worried sick too. Best to ease his troubled mind.”

“Rachael, how were you and Rai able to arrive here?” Neku asked as the Buneary sat down.

“Well…” Rachael said as she and the others started to recount the past each of them experienced up until this point.

“I see… It was fortunate that you two were able to convince the Nido couple that you two weren’t threats. Most would’ve just eaten unknown strangers without question.” Neku said, resting a little.

“Didn’t need to hear that.” Rachael responded, “Just recounting it before makes me shiver.”

“What’s bothering me is the fact that Rai had another nightmare that affected him.” Neku stated.

“Nightmare?” Vargus asked, not understanding what they meant before asking. “Did he get hurt again?”

“Not really, but it shook him.” Rachael pointed out.

“Huh?” Nina asked in confusion.

“Oh right, you don’t know. This isn’t the first time Rai has had these nightmares.” Felix explained. “We’ve reason to believe that he’s partially haunting him from time to time. Considering what’s happening, it’s led to believe whoever is doing this is the one who’s responsible for this madness.”

“It happened the night I met him. He woke up covered and scratches and bruises.”

“So does that mean he knows where we are exactly?” Nina asked, thinking about the info. “Can’t he stop us if he wanted to?”

“Doesn’t look like it, he’s just able to breach his mind sometimes. Plus it doesn’t look like it controls the infected, just caused this.” Felix answered, looking at the door leading to the outside. “Where is Rai? It’s been a little while since you showed up. If he’s looking for Kate, you think he would’ve come over here to check if she arrived.”

Rachael looked over at the door. It has been some time since they arrived, and yet you haven’t stepped in to see if his sister entered.

“Better yet, Kate hasn’t checked in either. It’s been a little while since last time.” Vargus added, staring at the door. “Maybe they had found each other?”

“Or maybe…?” Neku spoke, narrowing his eyes before hearing footsteps approaching. Though it wasn’t you or Kate, it was the Gothitelle from before when they first encountered the Gardevoir, Melanie.

“Forgive me for the intrusion, but I’m just here to inform you that the meal will be ready in a moment. So everyone needs to be heading into the main hall very soon.” she stated just as she was about to leave.

“Oh wait, have you seen a Raichu around? He’s looking for his sister and he hasn’t came by yet.”

“Oh right, he told me to inform you that he’ll be joining you two in the main hall with her. No need to worry.” she stated to the Buneary before she left the area.

Well I guess we’re going to meet them there?” Vargus said, getting up and about to leave before Rachael grabbed his paw.

“Before we go, can you quickly show me around here first?” Rachael asked them.

“Huh? Did you not hear-” Vargus speaks but she cuts him off.

“Please? I could really use some peace and quiet.” she stated looking around the group, noticing some Psychic types present. “Somewhere secluded just for me to clear my head.”

The Croconaw stared in confusion while Felix and Nina raised an eyebrow until Neku responded with.

“I know a spot where you can meditate.” The Zoroark said, standing up. “Follow me.” He lead her out, with the Vulpix and Grovyle following, with a confused Vargus trailing them from the back.

The group arrived at a small corner of the church grounds where various flowers surrounded them. The Buneary sat down and Neku had the others do the same to make it look like they’re joining her.

“Rachael, is this-” Vargus spoke but Neku shushed him.

“That Gothitelle didn’t speak to Rai. She’s lying to us.” Rachael whispered quietly. That got the attention of the others, but they don’t react too strongly due to how the two are being secretive.

“What do you mean?” Felix asked her.

“When Rai says to me about doing something and coming back, he would almost always do so.” she explained closing her eyes. “If something comes up that requires him to change plans, he would tell me himself.”

“Really?” Nina asked. “That’s pretty diligent considering things can happen.”

“Well whenever he couldn’t, I would hear that from his parents. Someone who would inform me of a change of plans would tell someone he doesn’t know to pass the message to me? Something’s not right.” Rachael stated to him quietly.

“I think you’re on to something.” Neku said, keeping an eye out. “You know that crypt that Kate pointed out during the tour? I see a lock on it now when there wasn’t one before. They increased security now when it wasn’t before.”

“Rai and/or Kate not having shown up yet, them saying something that contradicts one’s personality, now there’s extra security? You’re not suggesting…?” Vargus asked, growing worried.

“Something must’ve happened to them. If they’re willing to lie, that means they’re hiding something in that crypt.” Rachael answered.

“If we start of conflict, the members will know.” Nina warned her.

“Does the lock look big?” Felix asked and Neku shook his head. “I could cut a small lock off, if I can get a good angle, but that Meowstic will hear it if the others don’t spot me.”

“I have an idea.” The Zoroark said, which got the other’s attention. “We all need to work together in order to succeed.” He motioned the others to come close so he could explain.

“We need to find out what’s past that doorway to the crypt. Since it’s locked now when it wasn’t before, Rai must’ve gone in there and saw something he shouldn’t have seen. There are three things that are blocking us from entering. The lock, the watchers, and that Meowstic guard.”

“That’s clear, so what do we do about them? Even if we attempt to sneak attack them, they may not get knocked out so easily.” Felix asked Neku.

“We don’t need to knock them out, just keep them from watching the crypt. Nina, Vargus, I want you to run a distraction for the Girafarig and Malamar. Do what you can to keep them from looking in the direction of the crypt.”

“Okay, then what?” Nina asked.

“I need Rachael to be at the bench nearest to the crypt. When it goes down, we need her to enter the crypt before anyone catches on what’s going on.” Neku added, looking towards the Buneary. “Make sure you look natural, not like you’re waiting for something to happen.”

“A-Alright, but what will you do?” She asked nervously.

“Being a dark type, I’m confident that I’ll be able to knock out the Meowstic.” he explained, looking towards the closest place to hide him and it would be that underpass with junk underneath. “After I do that, I’ll pick him up, carry them there, and pretend I’m the Meowstic. Felix will cut the lock off. When that’s done and the coast is clear, Rachael will enter to see if he can find him or anything that implies where he could be.” He explained.

“Well I say it’s as good a plan as any, and if they are in trouble, we have to help them, so let’s go.” Vargus stated, about to get up until Neku tapped him to keep him from doing so.

“Wait, we don’t want to bring attention to all of us. Each of us should leave one at a time to look inconspicuous. When I’m last, I’ll stretch my limbs which will show that I’m about to leave and you all need to be ready. When I leave, that’s when you all need to act.” Neku stated. “Everyone understand?” he asked and they all nodded their heads.

“Alright then.”

(A short time later)

When Rachael left the place she was waiting moments ago, Neku was the last one to remain. He watched her head towards the bench nearest to the crypt. He could barely notice that the Meowstic is looking at her for a moment before resuming watching around. He noticed Rachael reaching up to her ears to adjust the ribbons around her ears so that they remain in place as something to do to not be suspicious.

With that, he got up and started to do his stretches to signal the others to get themselves ready. After about 3 seconds, he stepped out of the meditation area to make his move.

As he walks, he noticed that Vargus was walking towards the garden, looking eagerly at the plants as the Girafarig stepped forward as he asked her about the various berries, fruits and vegetables in it. As this happens, Nina walked towards the Malamar to speak to him. He couldn’t hear what they were talking about, but she was keeping his attention away from the crypt.

Neku looked towards the Meowstic who was keeping watch until he looked towards Rachael who was adjusting her ribbons around her ears. Seeing an opportunity, he moved quickly and quietly towards the Meowstic and before he realized what was going on, Neku landed a solid blow to the back of the feline’s head. He noticed the Buneary jolting from hearing the impact, but she didn't react much else.

The Meowstic starts to collapse, but Neku quickly wrapped his arm around his body, preventing him from hitting the ground. He took a quick look around to make sure no one noticed, and saw he was still in the clear. Neku lifted the Meowstic onto his back as he started heading towards the designated spot to hide him. Just then, the Zoroark heard a door opening somewhere and saw the second door was opening. Neku tried to move faster, but it was too late as he saw the Gardevoir had spotted him with the **** Pokémon on his back.

It felt that time stopped as this realization hit him, now all she has to do is alert everyone within the vicinity and everything would be over. Instead of crying out however, she turned around and remained where she was, almost like she was talking to someone. Neku was about to drop and charge to her before she noticed the Gardevoir backing up a bit, revealing that someone was with her, but she didn't let them get any further to see the Zoroark.

Neku was confused for a moment before he moved towards the hiding spot, binded the Meowstic where he couldn’t move or speak, and returned to where the Meowstic was, changing his appearance to match that of the Psychic type. When the Gardevoir saw that, she allowed the other to enter, showing to be a Baltoy. The two of them walked some distance towards the tower and headed up.Seeing this, he looked towards Felix who quickly got ready before dashing towards the door, Leaf Blade ready and slashed the lock. It made a metallistic clang sound, but it has broken off. Neku took a quick look at the Croconaw and Vulpix, who while still had the other psychic’s attention, The psychic Pokemons were losing patience, so he looked towards Rachael. “Now’s your chance, go.”

Rachael gets up and moves towards the door. She took the handle and pulled it carefully to not make any noise. Felix went and gave her a hand, eventually pulling it enough to where he and Rachael slipped in and closed it without anyone noticing.

The inside of the crypt was pretty dark. Rachael waited for a moment before taking a cautious step down the pathway. The Grovyle followed not far behind, taking a moment to look at the coffin spots. He shivers from the various coffins already there, clearly getting freaked out about being here. “L-let’s be quick okay?” he asked, trying to keep his gaze at her. She nods and takes a deep breath as she decides to move down the tunnel.

As she moves, she couldn’t help but noticed that the ground felt more uneven than usual, like something was dragged through it, but she couldn’t focus on that as she walked towards the door. As she places her hands on the handle, she felt a deep feeling of dread, like something horrible was behind this door, but she steeled her courage and opened the door.

What was behind it chilled both the Buneary and Grovyle to their bones. A massive amount of various bags were left here in a pile.

“W-what is all this?!” Felix asked, his hands trembling a bit before clenching them into a fist to stop it. As Rachael stares at this, she stepped back a bit before noticing a couple familiar looking bags. The Buneary went and took the bags. Thankfully, the stuff hasn’t been emptied of its contents. “T-These are Rai’s and Kate’s bags!” Rachael muttered in shock.

“Rachael…” Felix’s voice spoke out as she turned and saw the Grovyle bending over and picking something up. It’s revealed to be the lightningbolt medallion Rai wears. “He wouldn’t drop this without realizing he did right?” He asked as he notices what she was holding. It took less than a second before they had the same realization,

‘They’re in grave danger!’