PokéRangers: New World

Beginning of the End

"Are we sure about this? Araxorn asked as the group made their way out of the cave and towards their newly arrived guest

"No, but we rarely ever are" Zekks admitted

"I'm getting a bad case of déjà vu" Dawn noted as she continually scanned their surroundings. She felt a noose tightening; but she was unsure from where.

As Bewear walked among the five, she took a moment to brush her hair over her ear, covertly activating her comms. "Anything?"

"Nothing at present", Infernape noted from inside Vinnie's lab, "but Palkex says the dimensional seams in this area are razor thin right now - and it's not just from the degradation."

"Him and Vinnie are continuing to monitor", Skaraxia added, "but please keep your guards up!"

"No need to worry about that." She looked towards Dawn and nodded ever so slightly.

Far below them, beneath the surface of the sand, Xanatar sat and watched the scene that was about to unfold with a keen eye - ready to intervene at the slightest hint of something about to go awry

"You all know the plan right?" Greninja asked quietly as he and the remaining few sat hidden just beyond the false entrance to the cave.

"If anyone shows any sign of distress, I create a distraction" Mandibuzz nodded.

"While the rest of us swoop in and pull them out of there!" Houndoom added.

"Are you certain I'm the best person to have on the rescue team?" Xaikrou asked nervously

"If Zekks is the one in distress, then yes!" Greninja reminded.

"That's fair"

"If you need to save someone other than Zekks, Macho can also bind them in a layer of stone first - if you'd like" Macho offered.

"Thanks"

As the front group finally neared, the man - who had been patiently reclining on a rock - he looked up with an expression of both amusement and relief.

"Oh good! I was beginning to fear that you had all already left!"

"Not without first saying goodbye to your boss" Zekks began, his tone unwavering. "After all, we have unfinished business"

"Indeed" the figure nodded as his attention momentarily drifted towards the Bewear Ranger - and the staff she held - before returning towards Zekks. "Speaking of business, seeing as how the Palkex spirit is now under your employ, you're likely already aware that the clock is ticking on this world. And as such, Master Giravan would like to offer an armistice!"

"You have got to be kidding" Dawn scoffed.

"We never kid when there's an option for peace" he offered before another very audible scoff arose - this time from Xammoth. "And I believe you'll find the terms most worthy of consideration"

"Save the sales pitch for someone who hasn't heard it before" Zekks glared as electricity began to crackle around him

"Easy" the figure asked in a measured tone before looking towards Xammoth and Araxorn. "And what of you two?"

"What about us?"

"While Xaikrou's actions the other day constitute treason of the highest order, it is not too late for the rest of you - Skaraxia and Xanatar included" the figure explained. "Return with me and you'll receive a full pard-"

"The only thing you're returning with is an icicle to the face" Xammoth threatened as he summoned a massive 5 foot javelin-like icicle in his hand.

"Well, you can't say I didn't try. Although a simple 'no' would have sufficed", the figure shrugged, completely unfazed by the threat. "Though in all fairness, I never expected to return at all - especially considering I'm only here to buy time."