It's Bangiras's Sand Stream Ability!"Be careful, Shu Wan!"The sudden gust of sand hit their faces like tiny needles. Renjiro instinctively grabbed Shu Wan's wrist and pulled her behind him, shielding her as the fierce wind howled through Lostlorn Forest. His sharp gaze cut through the swirling dust, fixed on the imposing figure approaching them.Renjiro's hands went to his Poké Balls in a flash. He clutched the ones containing Beedrill and Milotic, ready to summon them in an instant.The sandstorm settled just enough for them to see clearly. A massive Bangiras loomed ahead, its rocky armor gleaming beneath the clouded sky. And standing beside it—"It's her!" Shu Wan gasped. "It's the tour guide from earlier!"Indeed, the woman from before, the one who had tried to sell them her guiding services, now stood beside Bangiras, a sly smile hidden behind her slender hand."Nice to see you again, little brother and little sister," she said sweetly, her voice carrying easily over the wind.Renjiro's eyes narrowed. This was no coincidence."Who are you really? What do you want?" he demanded, his voice firm and steady.The woman's smile widened."You don't know me," she said softly, "but surely you've heard of my organization—the Qingyan Cult."Renjiro's heart sank.Qingyan Cult? Here?He'd only heard whispers of them—rumors of their activity in the northern war zones of Daxia. That they'd appear here, deep in the eastern regions, was as unexpected as it was dangerous.Shu Wan's grip on Renjiro's sleeve tightened."Renjiro… the Qingyan Cult? Aren't they supposed to be destroyed?""Don't worry," Renjiro said calmly, glancing back at her. "As long as I'm here, nothing will happen to you."That was all Shu Wan needed to hear. She nodded, drawing courage from his steady presence.The woman watched them with amusement."We of the Qingyan Cult have taken an interest in you, Renjiro," she said. "We'd like to extend an invitation—for you to join us."So that's it, Renjiro thought grimly."What if I refuse?"Her eyes glinted dangerously."Then I'm afraid neither you nor that sweet girl behind you will be leaving this forest alive."She spoke the words casually, as if discussing the weather.Renjiro tensed."Shu Wan," he whispered, "when I release my Pokémon, I want you to run. Don't look back.""No!" Shu Wan whispered fiercely. "I'm staying with you."Her determination shone in her eyes, and Renjiro knew there was no point arguing.The woman smirked, tapping Bangiras's rocky flank."Have you made your choice?"Renjiro clenched his jaw."You already know the answer.""Then let's see what you've got."The sandstorm continued to rage as the woman gestured to Bangiras."Bangiras, Hyper Beam!"But Renjiro was faster."Milotic—Rain Dance!"The red beam from Renjiro's Poké Ball streaked across the space between them, releasing Milotic in a flash of light."Milo~!"Milotic's elegant form coiled gracefully as it summoned storm clouds overhead. Rain began to fall, soft at first, then steadily drenching the battleground.Bangiras roared in frustration. The downpour weakened its sandstorm and dampened its destructive power.The woman's smirk faded."So you're clever. Doesn't matter. Bangiras, destroy him!"Bangiras fired the Hyper Beam, a blinding ray of destructive energy streaking toward Milotic."Water Gun! Full power!"With the rain boosting its strength, Milotic unleashed a torrent of water, meeting the Hyper Beam head-on.The clash was deafening. The forest shook as the two forces collided.But Bangiras's overwhelming strength won out. The Hyper Beam tore through the Water Gun and sent Milotic crashing into a tree.Renjiro didn't hesitate."Beedrill, go! Twin Needle, target the trainer!"Beedrill shot from its Poké Ball, twin stingers gleaming, heading straight for the woman.But she was ready."Pidgeot, intercept it! Wing Attack!"The massive bird dived down, blocking Beedrill's assault mid-air."Shu Wan, now! Pikachu, Thunder Shock on her!"Shu Wan blinked, then nodded, her hesitation gone."Pikachu, Thunder Shock!""Pika—CHUUUU!"Lightning crackled through the rain, striking the woman squarely. She gasped as electricity coursed through her, body trembling from the shock.Renjiro seized the moment."Milotic, Water Gun, now!"Despite its injuries, Milotic rose and blasted a powerful jet of water. The force sent the woman hurtling backward, slamming her into a tree.For a moment, everything was still."Did we do it?" Shu Wan whispered.Renjiro didn't answer. His eyes were fixed on the figure lying in the mud.Then—A ragged laugh echoed through the trees."Hahaha… not bad, Renjiro… I underestimated you."She pushed herself up, blood trickling from her mouth, eyes alight with dark fury."But it ends here. You have no idea of the true power of the Qingyan Cult."From within her coat, she drew a slender black wand inscribed with strange, dark runes.Renjiro's heart sank as his Eye of Insight revealed its name and function.Black Magic Wand: Allows Pokémon to achieve Mega Evolution without a stone or key through dark incantations."Shu Wan, stop her! Whatever she's doing, stop her!""Pikachu, Thunder Shock again!"Pikachu's lightning arced through the rain, but too late.Dark energy coiled from the wand, bathing Bangiras and Pidgeot in a sinister black light.The two Pokémon shrieked in pain as the magic seeped into their forms. Their bodies shimmered, then began to change—twisting, growing.Their usual colors bled away, replaced by jet black. Their eyes burned red, like embers in the dark.The forest seemed to grow colder."Mega Evolution…" Renjiro murmured, fists clenched.But not the pure kind. Not the kind born of trust and bond.This was something else.Something foul."Now, little brother," the woman rasped, her voice crackling with malice. "Let's see you resist this."Bangiras roared, its Mega-evolved form shaking the ground. Pidgeot took to the sky, faster and deadlier than before.Renjiro gritted his teeth.No matter what… I will protect Shu Wan.---
more chapter available in p@tréøñ(Atoki_29)