Please read:
Before reading this chapter, I would like to add a TW here:

If you are uncomfortable with abuse, mention of blood, salvery, Pokemon trafficking, cruelty against Pokemon, and mutilation (?) of Pokemon, or of any of kind. Please proceed with caution. I will added a breaker with '------' with the scenes. This fanfiction will have dark themes. If any chapters have any TW I will add it at the beginning of the chapters. Once again, please proceed with caution.

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[Name] observed Amber as she gently rubbed Ponyta's face, a look of empathy and understanding in her eyes. It was a sight that made [Name] ponder the possibility of her becoming the first Pokemon trainer in this world. The connection between Amber and Ponyta hinted at a future partnership filled with trust and companionship. It was a thought that held promise, especially given Amber's nurturing nature.

[Ding~]

[FYI, anyone you meet can certainly become a trainer, but it would have to be caught by a Pokeball. Which brings us to this point. You can give people Pokeballs if you choose to, but be warned if it falls into the wrong hands.....well, you get the point!]

[Name] sighed at the message from the system, considering the implications of introducing the concept of Pokeballs to this world.

"Shouldn't we head out?" Paimon's voice interrupted their thoughts, reminding them of the pressing mission at hand. As the group took a moment to rest and let Ponyta recover further, Aether, with a thoughtful expression, voiced the concern that had been lingering in all their minds.

"The thing is, we don't even know where to go," Aether mused, his arms crossed and brows furrowed in frustration.

"Amber?" The Pokemon trainer calls out to her.

Amber, who had been deep in thought while petting Ponyta, looked up, her face brightening as she realized her knowledge of the region might be of help. She chuckled awkwardly as Ponyta nudged her affectionately, clearly enjoying the attention.

"Yes?" she replied, giving her full attention to the group.

[Name] seized the opportunity to ask, "Have there been any suspicious sightings lately?"

Amber's expression turned serious as she considered the question. She had indeed heard some rumors during her travels as an outrider.

"Well," she began, her voice lowered as though sharing a secret, "there have been whispers among the locals about strange activities near a temple not far from here. Some claim to have seen shady figures lurking around, carrying cages and crates."

Paimon's eyes widened with curiosity. "A temple, you say? That sounds like a lead!"

Aether nodded in agreement. "It's worth investigating."

"Rumors do come from somewhere and it has some truth to it." [Name] remarks.

As the group discussed their next steps, [Name] turned to Amber with a question that had been on their mind.

"Has anyone in Mondstadt started looking into this rumor?" [Name] inquired, their curiosity piqued.

Amber sighed, her expression troubled. "Honestly, not yet. We've been overwhelmed dealing with Stormterror, and this matter has been put on the back burner. But now that you've brought it up, it might be time to address it."

Aether, who had been listening intently, spoke up, his eyes reflecting concern. "What are your thoughts on what might be happening, [Name]?"

[Name] pondered the situation, their brow furrowed in thought. "It's possible that we're dealing with a Pokemon trafficking ring. They could be capturing these Pokemon and then either auctioning them off or selling them on the black market."

The gravity of the situation weighed heavily on them. With the potential for organized criminal activity involving Pokemon, they felt a growing sense of responsibility to uncover the truth and put an end to it.

"Those poor Pokemon.." Paimon mumbled in sadness as she began to imagine various Pokemon in cages and treated them poorly.

"We must hurry," Amber said in urgency. "It is possible the criminals will change their locations soon. We must save any Pokemon captured."

With a tentative plan in place, Aether muttered, "Looks like we somewhat have a plan..." As they prepared to embark on their mission, the group had to say their goodbyes to Chloris. It simply wasn't safe to take her along, no matter how much she tried to convince them otherwise. Reluctantly, she agreed to stay behind.

Amber assumed the lead, given her familiarity with the locations of the rumored Pokemon trafficking activities. The rest of the group followed her as they made their way to the bottom of Thousand Winds Temple's path.

As the group set off on their journey, [Name] couldn't help but mutter, "Looks like we have a long way to go," a faint scowl on their face.

Amber, determined to keep everyone's spirits up, reassured them, "Don't worry, if we maintain a fast pace, we should make it there before sunset." Her voice trembled slightly with unease, but she managed a shaky grin. Ponyta, sensing her anxiety, whined and nuzzled her hand. Amber responded with a bittersweet smile as she tenderly stroked the Pokemon's nose. [Name] couldn't help but smile internally at the sight – Amber was gradually opening her mind to the possibilities of their journey.

Paimon, on the other hand, was feeling the fatigue. She couldn't resist complaining, "Ugh! Paimon is so tired," crossing her arms in protest.

Aether, ever the realist, retorted, "You're flying, not walking like the rest of us," his tone edged with judgment.

Paimon squawked in offense but soon fell silent as the group continued their journey towards the temple, their destination looming on the horizon.

"What is this place?" [Name] inquired, their gaze lingering on the somewhat dilapidated structure that, despite its state of disrepair, bore a striking resemblance to an arena. Its purpose intrigued them – perhaps it had been a venue for grand announcements, although that theory didn't entirely align with its location, far from the capital of Mondstadt.

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Amber's expression soured as she began to explain the grim history of the place. "I have to admit, Mondstadt has a dark past. Before my time, and even before the time of most of Mondstadt's citizens, there was a period of slavery here. This arena," she gestured towards the ruins, "was used during the Aristocratic period, where nobles would force their slaves to fight for entertainment."

The revelation left the others, except for [Name], in a state of shock. To [Name], it wasn't particularly surprising. In their previous world, many countries had a history of slavery, that had been abolished over time. They had learned about it extensively through history classes and online resources, and it was an ugly truth of their world's history.

Aether, grappling with the dissonance between this dark history and Mondstadt's renowned reputation for freedom, couldn't contain his bewilderment. "But isn't your archon and city known for freedom?"

Amber nodded with a hint of sadness in her voice. "Yes, you're right. I understand how it might seem hypocritical, but our current archon isn't the same one who presided over those times."

This revelation left [Name] with a sense of curiosity. "So the archons can be replaced?" They had assumed that these divine beings, regarded as gods, would be immutable and everlasting. Amber affirmed their question with a solemn expression.

"I promise I'll explain our history in more detail later," Amber assured them, a hint of weariness in her eyes. Aether and [Name] exchanged glances but decided to shelve the matter for now.

However, Paimon couldn't hold back her alarm. "Uhhh, Paimon doesn't know how to say this, but isn't that what we were looking for!" She pointed urgently towards the distant horizon. This sudden exclamation seized the group's attention, causing their eyes to snap to where Paimon was pointing.

In the distance, a ghastly scene unfolded before them. A wagon, propelled by a pair of Rapidash, came into view. The creatures, known for their majestic flaming manes and imposing horns, now bore a dreadful sight - both of their magnificent horns had been brutally severed. The once proud symbols of their fiery power were reduced to stumps.

Holy Arcues, this ring is also harvesting Pokemon's body parts! [Name]'s eyes widened in sheer horror as the gruesome reality sank in. These poachers had callously mutilated the Rapidash, stripping them of a part of their very essence. It was a horrifying testament to the depths of cruelty some individuals could stoop to. Pokémon were not mere tools; they were sentient beings deserving of respect and compassion.

Their eyes were inexorably drawn to the abhorrent spectacle that unfolded before them. The wagon, an instrument of misery and cruelty, bore witness to a horrifying array of Pokémon entangled in its vile grasp. Within the confines of its cages, each of varying sizes, a multitude of Pokémon languished, their anguished cries for liberation echoing through the air.

In this heart-rending scene, [Name] couldn't help but discern a Pidgey, a timid Budew, a hapless Wurmple, and countless others, their expressions a tapestry of suffering and despair. The Pokémon bore the stark scars of their torment, from gaping wounds and cruelly inflicted bruises to dried blood that bore witness to the unendurable agonies they had endured.

"Oh, archons," Amber gasped, her hand flying to her mouth in shock as another figure emerged from behind the carriage. This individual was tugging on a chain that connected to others, which were in turn attached to collars around the Pokémon's necks.

[Name] couldn't help but wonder why the Pokémon didn't use their powers to break free. Their gaze fixated on the collars adorning each Pokémon. These silver bands were etched with intricate carvings, emitting a faint blue glow. It became clear to them that these collars were likely preventing the Pokémon from using their abilities to escape their captivity.

"Keep moving!" The chain puller barked, yanking it harder, causing some of the Pokémon to cry out and stumble to the ground.

"Did I say you can rest?" Another person cruelly kicked a Tyrogue. The poor Pokémon whimpered in agony as it clutched its stomach in pain.

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[Name]'s eyes widened in absolute disbelief, a tempest of emotions swirling within them. An incendiary rage surged forth, fueled by the horrific tableau before them. How, in the name of all that is right, could anyone stoop so low? How could individuals dare to inflict such brutality upon Pokémon, the very embodiments of innocence and wonder? Pokemon only become 'monsters' once pushed by humans or other Pokemon.

A torrent of questions inundated [Name]'s thoughts. Was this the cruel reality they were meant to confront and change, as Arcues had hinted? Could they genuinely transform people's perceptions, actions, and attitudes toward Pokémon in the face of such heinous acts? The scope of the problem was daunting, and they couldn't help but wonder if they possessed the capacity to dismantle such a monstrous operation.

But one thing remained resolute within them: they would never forsake Pokémon. This was a call to arms, a vow etched into their very being. With their present and future Pokémon as allies and humans like Aether, Amber, and even Paimon, they would grow stronger and strive to usher in a new era where Pokémon were treated with the love, care, and respect they so rightfully deserved in Teyvat. (A small part of them wonder if the people of Teyvat even deserve Pokemon?)

[Name] still couldn't contain their anger at the horrifying sight before them. Their trembling hand clenched into a tight fist as they reached for Raboot's Pokéball. However, before they could release their Pokémon, Aether intercepted their hand, his braid swaying gently.

"Aether—?" [Name] began, their eyes aflame with anger.

"No," he said firmly, shaking his head. "We need to find their base and free the other Pokémon they've captured."

A wave of realization washed over [Name]. They had momentarily forgotten the information imparted by Amber. They couldn't simply rescue one and leave the others behind, subjected to such cruelty. However, they didn't like leaving the ones in front of them to suffer. However, they promised to themselves and Arecus that they would help free the other Pokemon trapped.

"We will save them," Amber declared with unwavering determination, her gaze resolute. [Name] nods in agreement with a grim look on their face.

[Ding]

[Side quest] [Complete]

[You have found out the mission given to Amber and helped find the culprits.]

[Rewards: 1000 mora, +1 Gacha Ticket, and 2 potions sent to inventory.]

[New quest:

Save the Pokemon from their capture! May Arceus be with you, trainer.]

[Rewards: 2000 mora, +1 Gacha Ticket, and 2 random Poffins.]

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I am...appalled with what I wrote. The irony I know. Like this shit is getting dark fast. I didn't think I could go with this when I started thinking about this quest. I wonder who is doing this? Well, I do. Not you guys. Thanks for the 648 reads and 39 votes. I might finish this in the next chapter which is what I thought when writing this it will take up to 3-4 chapters. The history of Thousand Winds of Temple, I got from . I could be wrong though. Please do let me know if I am. If anyone has any theories drop them in the comments. I would love to hear what you guys think is behind this. I did leave a hint. Until next time.

For anyone who skipped the scene here is a rundown: the group finds poachers dragging Pokemon to the base. It wasn't pretty as Pokemon have various wounds. This turned even more inhumane as Rapidashs pulled a wagon filled with Pokemon cages without their horns. This leads to what MC fears as a ring is also being used to harvest Pokemon's parts for various things and other things.

Don't come after me-