"There's no time to waste—let's split up and search the forest for the Mareep!"
Knowing the longer the Mareep remained lost, the greater the danger they faced, Rex wasted no time mobilizing his stronger Pokémon to spread out and scour the dense forest.
As for Rex himself, he climbed onto Swellow's back and led the Swellow flock to begin aerial reconnaissance.
Shiny Flaaffy had insisted on joining the search—it was far too worried to stay behind. Since its speed on the ground was far too slow, Rex agreed to have one of the Swellow carry it.
Soon, Rex's Pokémon filled the once-silent woods with rustling wings, thundering steps, and watchful eyes.
Regulars like Blaziken and Ursaring were already notorious in the forest—many wild Pokémon had been on the receiving end of their strength. Now, seeing them back and in numbers, the wildlife instinctively kept their distance.
Meanwhile, the real troublemakers—the missing Mareep—were far less fortunate.
"Maareeep!"
A Mareep with a middle-parted wooldo let out a pained cry.
Covered in mud, its fluffy fleece matted and torn, the middle-part Mareep bore several small wounds. Fatigue and fear had sapped its strength and dimmed its spirit.
Its two companions—looking just as battered—huddled nearby.
This middle-parted Mareep had been the ringleader. Bored with their safe, idyllic life at Rex Farm, it had convinced the others to sneak away while Shiny Flaaffy napped, eager to experience the "adventure" of the outside world.
At first, their exploration had felt magical. The forest, lush and fragrant, had seemed like a paradise. They nibbled at tender wild herbs, basked in freedom, and laughed off any lingering fears.
The Pokémon on the forest's outskirts were mostly docile—thanks to Ursaring and Blaziken clearing out the more aggressive ones—so nothing seemed to threaten them.
They quickly decided that Flaaffy's warnings had been overblown. How dangerous could it really be?
Buoyed by false confidence, the Mareep ventured deeper and deeper into the woods.
Then… it found them.
A Seviper, drawn by the scent of fresh, tender prey, slithered into their path.
To Seviper, Mareep were a delicacy.
It struck with lightning speed.
Panicked and powerless, the Mareep scattered in fear. If not for the static electricity built up in their wool shocking the Seviper and paralyzing it momentarily, they likely wouldn't have escaped.
They bolted blindly, bleating and stumbling, desperate to find their way home.
But the reprieve was short-lived. Seviper's Shed Skin ability quickly cleared the paralysis. It slithered forward with cold patience, amused that the prey had fled even deeper into its territory.
The Mareep, gasping and exhausted, huddled together to rest. They dared a glance behind them—no sign of Seviper.
Relief... for now.
But as they looked around at the towering trees and unfamiliar brush, a new fear settled in: they were completely lost.
"Maareeep! Maaareep!"
The other two began scolding the middle-part Mareep, blaming it for their misfortune. Their leader didn't argue—head drooped, eyes hollow.
It finally understood how wrong it had been. One Seviper had nearly spelled their end. And there were worse predators in this forest.
Just as they were trying to get their bearings and figure out which way led home…
Danger crept closer once again.
Seviper had returned, stalking silently through the grass. Its crimson eyes locked onto them with deadly intent.
Then, it lunged—fangs bared, body coiled to strike down the middle-part Mareep.
A split second before impact, a blinding bolt of lightning split the sky and struck Seviper dead-on.
CRACK!
Thunder rolled through the forest as dark clouds churned above. Arcs of electricity danced between the treetops.
From the heavens, a glowing figure descended, its entire body wreathed in lightning.
Boom!
It crashed into the earth, kicking up dirt and leaves in a brilliant flash.
Then, the figure rose from the crater—tall, golden-skinned, and crackling with power.
"Maareeep!"
The middle-part Mareep's eyes lit up in joy and recognition.
A shining Ampharos stood before them.
Its golden fur shimmered beneath the roiling storm clouds, while the red orbs on its tail and forehead glowed faintly. Unlike the standard yellow, this shiny Ampharos had an almost radiant, sun-gold hide. Beneath its skin, tiny currents pulsed visibly—a beacon of raw electric strength.
In ancient times, sailors had relied on the lights of Ampharos to guide them through dark seas. Its tail could shine so brightly that it served as a lighthouse, a signal fire, a lifeline.
Now, that very light stood between the Mareep and their predator.
This Ampharos—formerly the shiny Flaaffy—had evolved midair after spotting the Mareep in peril from Swellow's back. The surge of emotion had triggered the evolution.
No hesitation. No delay.
Another bolt of lightning shot down.
Ampharos raised its arms and unleashed Thunder again.
When the smoke cleared, Seviper lay charred and unconscious—completely incapacitated.
The Mareep huddled behind their evolved protector, safe at last.
(End of Chapter)