Author's Note 1: Yes! I'm back people. After nearly a year off, I've came back. For those who don't know me, I'm Panzerraptor, author of such stories as Star Ocean: Cyrus' Side and Path of the Dark One. And yes, this is a Pokemon story. Now I know what you're thinking. "Why would the ol' might Panzerraptor want to write a story like this." Before you all start hatin', no this is not a story about the show (it sucks). This is more loosely based off the games (though there will be a few references to the anime). This is a story with action, characters with depth, some flirting, and some randomness with very little moral standing. Enjoy!

Author's Note 2: I do not own Pokemon. That belongs to Nintendo. But if I did, it would be better than the crap on the T.V.

Author's Note 3: Italicized sentence is for thought. An italicized word shows emphasis. Parenthesis is added details.

Warning: Be prepared for some language, action, and a little innuendo.

About six months ago, a crisis struck a far off land known as Orre. A lawless land covered mainly by desert, Pokemon bred as emotionless fighting machines were as common as the crime that plagued the area. These "Shadow Pokemon" were created by a joint partnership between two crime syndicates known as Team Snagem and Cipher. Their goal: to mass-produce these Shadow Pokemon in their quest to rule the world.

However, their plans were foiled by two young heroes: Wes, a young ex-member of Team Snagem who carries a Snag Machine; and Rui, a girl with a unique ability to see the dark aura of the augmented Pokemon. Together, the duo traveled through Orre, capturing and purifying the hearts of the Shadow Pokemon. With the leaders of Cipher and Team Snaggem defeated, the world was saved from their dastardly plot. After their adventure in Orre, Wes and Rui left to a distant land known as Sinnoh.

Episode 1: Destiny Begins

Lying on a grassy hillside of Route 201, accompanied his Pokemon Espeon and Umbreon, Wes rested peacefully as he watched the clouds float by. With the clouds floating by and the leaves of nearby trees whistling past, the seventeen year old hero felt at ease. He would rather be relaxing in a place like this than being in a crowded city anyday. "Wes! Food's ready!" the voice of a young woman called. Hearing this, both he and his comrades got to their feet and headed to a checkered blanket just behind them. As he moved, the tails of his blue trenchcoat swayed in the breeze. Sitting on the sheet with a sandwich in her hands was his friend Rui. She prepared their meal (which was a ham & cheese sandwich and fruit punch). His Pokemon also enjoyed their food (which was in bowls). "How's you're sandwich?" the pony-tailed girl asked.

"It's great. Thanks."

"That's good to hear." She then turned to the two Eevee-lutions and asked, "How about you two's?" Both Pokemon replied with pleasant cries before returning to their food. "So, how do you like it here so far, Wes?"

"It's… okay, I guess," the young man replied. "A pretty quiet place."

"Anyway, what do you think we should do here?" Rui asked.

"I wasn't really planning on doing anything," Wes said nonchalantly before taking a bite out of his sandwich. "I just wanted to travel around and see some sights."

"Oh that makes sense," Rui said. "After all you've been through, I guess you deserve a break."

"But you know..." Wes began. "Maybe I should try that Pokemon League thing going on."

"You mean the event where trainers around the region battle gym leaders for a chance at being the champion of Sinnoh?"

"That's the one."

"Hey, that's a great idea!" Rui said with a smile. "I bet you'll do great!"

"You think so?"

"I know so! Those gym leaders won't stand a chance!"

Wes replied with a nod. He then turned to his partners to hear their opinions. "Espeon. Umbreon. What do you guys think?" The two barked, ready to take on this new challenge. "I thought so."

"After we finish eating, how about we go to Sandgem Town to get you registered."

"Sandgem. Alright then," Wes said with a smile. Another challenge, and another adventure was about to begin shortly. Usually, people who had just saved the world would sit back and call it a day. However, Wes isn't like that. He's one of those people that like to mix business and pleasure, especially when it comes to battling. His two pokemon share this trait and were also itching for a battle.

Rui chuckled to herself. She couldn't help but to smile at Wes. He was always ready for anything and everything. Always looking for another challenge. It was something that she admired in him.

Not too far away, another trainer was making his way through the forest, heading to Twinleaf Town. He was a dark-skinned teen of seventeen years wearing a black jacket, pants with red and black stripes, and a shirt that was black with a blue dragon on the front. This was Ridley, semi-finalist of Hoenn's Pokemon League. After four months of training, he came to Sinnoh to defeat this league's gym leaders, catch more pokemon, and get as many women's numbers as possible.

After racing through the forest, the young teen stopped on a nearby hill and gazed at the town below. "Let's see… I just passed Twinleaf. So then this must be Sandgem." Ridley clenched his hand and smirked. "Cool! Then let's do this thing!" With that said, the black teen dashed down the hill and picking up speed by the second. It wasn't long until he tripped over a stone (or rather a small pebble) and started cart-wheeling uncontrollably down the hill. By the time he crashed to the bottom of the hill, the traveler groaned in pain. "Damn… it…!" he replied. "I knew… this wasn't a… good idea…"

After having their lunch and gathering the equipment, Wes and Rui left Route 201 and arrived at Sandgem Town, a town known for its local beach. It wasn't long after they entered that they saw a poster on a window of a nearby building. Interested, Wes walked to the large paper and read it. "Pokemon League Regional Championship. Your chance to be a true master. Sign in at the local Pokemon Center."

"I think the center is on the other side of town," Rui said as she pointed to a white building with a red roof. "You go and get registered."

"Alright. Where are you going to be?"

"I'll be at the beach."

"Alright then, I'll see you there." With that said, the two went their separate ways with Wes heading to the center and Rui to the beach. By the time Wes arrived at the building, he stood before the in front of its doors and smiled. "This is it," he said before he continued walking. As soon as the doors opened, Wes accidentally bumped into another trainer who was leaving. It was Ridley, who had just finished registering. "Excuse me," Wes said.

"Yo, my bad," Ridley also replied before they both continued on their path.

Meanwhile, on the beach, Rui sat on the cool sand watching the ebb and flow of the tides crash under the setting sun's glow. However, her train of thought was interrupted by the sound of approaching footprints. At first, she thought they were Wes'. That was until she turned around and saw it to be a different figure. It was a trainer with dark skin and a warm smile on his face. "Hey there," he said smoothly. "What's up?"

"Um, nothing," Rui replied.

The teen walked forward until he stood about a foot from Rui's side. "Mind if I sit here? Or would rather be alone?" he asked her.

"Not at all. It's okay." the girl said.

With a nod, the trainer sat down on the sand. "So do you have a name?"

"Oh! My name is Rui. Nice to meet you."

"Rui, huh? Cute name for a cute girl," the teen complimented flirtatiously.

"Uh... um..." Rui was caught off guard and began blushing. However, she tried her best to not show it. It wasn't everyday someone would call her cute right out of the blue (not that she isn't, but still). "What's your name?"

"Mine? I'm Ridley, Pokemon Trainer extraordinare. At your service," he said with a nonchalant grin. "So Rui, you from around here?"

"No. I'm actually from Ecruteak City."

"Ecruteak... That's all the way in Johto, right?" Ridley asked. "Talk about a long hike. Guess you're a serious trainer."

"Actually, I'm not a trainer."

"You're not?"

"No. I'm traveling with a friend who is one. I met him on my visit from my grandparents in Orre."

"Wait, you mean the Orre?" Ridley asked in surprise. "As in the sandtrap filled with some of the hardest trainers known that battle in those coliseums."

"That's the one."

"That is so cool. I've always wanted to check that place out." Ridley's fascination of Orre stems mostly from rumors heard from other trainers. They say it's a land filled with tough trainers that battle inside domes. Most trainers usually think such a region as a low-ranking, barbaric wasteland when they hear of it. Ridley, on the other hand, sees it as a challenge-filled paradise. "And you say you're friend's from there? I'm betting he's one skilled cat."

"He is. Wes is strong, smart, and brave. If it weren't for him, well..." Rui turned her head down and blushed. "I-I'm just glad I met him."

"I see..." Ridley replied. "Sounds like somebody I wanna throwdown with."

"Indeed," an unknown voice said.

"What the...!?" Quickly, Ridley stood to his feet and glared at the source of the voice.

A few meters away stood a trainer with black spiked hair. He wore a brown cloak with blue jeans and a white vest. Ridley glared at the stranger intensely. From their gazes, Rui couldn't help but feel that there was some history between the two. She also felt there was something wrong as a faint, tainted aura blanketed the unknown person's body. "Still playing the role of Cassanova, I see," he said smuggly. "What a simpleton. Don't you ever learn?"

"Yeah. I've learned how much of an annoying punk you are!" Ridley hissed.

"Ridley, who's that?" Rui asked as she got up, a nervous look on her face.

"A bad cold that just won't ghost."

"I am Kawagata, member of Team Rocket," he introduced graciously with a bow.

"Team Rocket?" Rui asked. She's heard of that group. They're an organization known for their criminal acts that extend from grand larceny to stealing Pokemon, among other things. However, the branch in Rui's homeland was wiped out (give or take a few operatives futily trying to ressurect). The only place where they're operative is in the Kanto region. "But wait. If you're a Rocket, why are you in Sinnoh?"

"Because this chump's like some kind of stalker," Ridley said. "Everywhere I go, he's always on my tail and ready to get all up in my grill."

"Stalker is such a harsh word," Kawagata said. "I perfer the term 'full-active observational tracker.'"

"I perfer the term psycho groupie," Ridley replied with a hint of sarcasm.

"And true, Team Rocket's main territory is in Kanto. However the organization has now developed a joint partnership with this region's group of rapscallions. Aside from this kid, my reason is also to insure this commonwealth between our perspective businesses."

"So who the hell are they called? Team Planet? Universe Inc.?" Ridley quipped. "Come on! Give me somethin'!"

"So close, yet so far, my friend. Anyway, I believe we should get back to business. Hand over your Pokemon, children. Or suffer my wrath."

Rui held her hands clenched to her chest and stared in fear. There was something about this member. Quickly, Ridley shielded the girl from the Rocket's view. "Yo, don't be tryin' to muscle on a lady. She don't even have any Pokes on her."

"So be it. But I know for a fact that you do. So why don't you just hand over your Pokemon."

Pulling a Pokeball from his belt, Ridley held it forward. "In yo' dreams, bitch! You'll have to try prying it out of my black hands!"

"Tsk tsk tsk," Kawagata said as he shook his head. "I was so hoping you would cooperate."

"You serious!? Man, you Rockets are so dumb, you make Slowpoke look friggin' quick-witted." He then turned his head to Rui. "Sorry that our little chat was interrupted. How 'bout you get yo' cute self outta here. I'll catch ya later."

"O-okay," the young girl said before she hurried to the Pokemon Center Wes.

"So much for my generous, if not merciful, character," he said as he pulled out his own Pokeball. "Once more I'll have to resort to forceful tactics." With that said, Kawagata tossed the object in the air. "Go, Graveler!" The ball opened and unleashed a large blast of energy. Soon a medium sized creature made of rock appeared on the sandy beach. Its body was round with short legs and four arms (two short arms held against its body and a long, extra pair). The Pokemon growled, ready for combat.

"Oh no, a boulder! What is I gonna do!?" replied Ridley sarcastically. "I know! Turn Rocky into topsoil. Let's go Croconaw!" Ridley hurled his Pokeball which opened in midair. Appearing on the beach was a small blue Pokemon with red spikes on its head, back, and tail. With a large round head, with sharp jaws, and small arms, it looked like a cross between an alligator and a tyrannosaur. "Let's show 'em what we got! Croconaw, drench this sucka with Water Gun!" As instructed, the water-type unleashed a powerful stream of water directed at the foe.

"Nice try," replied Kawagata calmly. "Graveler, use Dig!" Before the attack could cause any damage, Graveler quickly burrowed into the sand to evade the attack.

Croconaw surveyed the beach, trying to find any trace of the burrowing enemy. "Standing their makes you a sitin' duck!" Ridley replied. "Hustle, man! Hustle!" Using its trainer's words of advice, the blue Pokemon raced around the area, hoping it's mobility would be it's saving grace from the attack.

"Nice try. If you don't know a ground-type can sense the vibrations given off by any movement on the ground. Even if it's below the surface," Kawagata said with a smirk. Ridley could only glare daggers at the Team Rocket trainer. "You've given off your position and there's no escape. Now reveal yourself!" Quickly, Graveler erupted from the ground, punching Crocnaw under its massive jaw. "Now finish it with Rock Blast!" With its large arms, Graveler reached into the sand and tossed large stones at Croconaw. The big jaw Pokemon raced over to the sea, trying to avoid the heavy rocks. However, it was hit by one of the large falling rocks by the time it reached the shoreline. Kawagata chuckled. "A cowardly crocodile. How humorous! I expected more of a challenge."

"You're not the only one with an ace up his sleeve," Ridley said, earning a confused look from the Rocket. The trainer's Croconaw managed to move the rock off of its body and continue to the sea. "Time for the finalie. Your Graveler's all washed-up. Surf's up, dude!" As if on cue, a large tidal wave arose from the sea. Riding on top of the wave was none other than Ridley's Croconaw. Graveler stood flabbergasted as the tsunami overshadowed the rock-type before crashing into it with devastating force. After the tide receeded, Kawagata's Graveler laid unconscious on the moist sand. Ridley and his Crocnaw cheered over their victory.

"Impressive, but the clock to your loss is ticking away," Kawagata said as Graveler was returned to its Pokeball with a beam from its center.

"Yo, don't you mean to your loss?"

Without a retort, Kawagata threw another Pokeball. Appearing from it was an electric-type Pokemon with two antennae sticking from the sides of its head and powerful arms. Its entire body (including its cat-like tairl) was covered in tiger stripes. "Electrabuzz, say hello." The foe's Pokemon yelled as electricity surged from the top of its head to the rest of its body. "Now say goodbye to Croconaw." With another yell, the beast rushed toward the blue reptile.

"Croconaw! Give it a Water Gun!" Defending itself from the enemy, Croconaw fired a Water Gun attack, hitting Electrabuzz directly. "Nice! Keep it up!"

However, Electrabuzz, was using its strength to hold back the force of the water. "Enough of this! Electabuzz, attack with Thunder Punch!" With its right hand blanketed in electric current, Electabuzz charged at Croconaw head on. Seeing it's attack wasn't working, the water-type stopped, hoping to dodge from the viscious, super-effective strike. Unfortunately, Electabuzz hit its mark and Croconaw flew a few feet away.

"Croconaw!" Ridley shouted. The Pokemon tried to return to its feet. But between the damage it took and the electric current traveling throughout its body, it instantly fainted. "Take a chill pill, man." After his Pokemon returned in its ball, Ridley turned to enemy. Trying to intimidate Ridley, Electrabuzz pounded its massive fists to the ground and shook its head at the trainer. "Aight, you got some muscle on your side. But I got speed and skill, ya fee me!?" The dark-skinned trainer tossed his next Pokeball. "Grovyle, unleash your green fury." Appearing from the Pokeball was a small, agile, green, dinosaur-like Pokemon with a pink underside. It had two leaves for tails and a large leaf flowing from the back of its head. Its arms were decorated with leafy projections. It stood in a silent nonchalance like a ninja, staring intently at its opponent.

"Grovyle, huh? Interesting..." Kawagata said.

Not too far away, at the Pokemon Center, Wes had just left the building. With his Pokemon rejuvenated and resting in the Pokeballs and his registration completed, the trainer smirked to himself. "I'm all set now. Pokemon League, here I come."

"Wes!" The sound of a girl caught broke his train of thought. Hurrying toward the ex-Snaggem member was Rui, her hand waving in the air. A look of concern on her face. "Wes!" she called again.

"Rui?" Wes said with both confusion and surprise. By the time Rui arrived, she bent forward, trying to catch her breath. "What's going on? I thought you were at the beach?"

"I was!" she replied. "But then a member of Team Rocket showed up."

"Team Rocket?"

"It's a criminal organization. Anyway, he's battling with somebody right now."

"Yeah, so what does that have to do with us?" Wes said nonchalantly. "

"Wes!" Rui replied. "How could you say that!?"

"What? I'm just saying that we shouldn't butt in unless it concerns us also. Plus, I bet that this Rocket member is nothing but a pushover," Wes explained. Rui knew that Wes was usually like this: a maverick, solitary young man who would rather keep to himself than assist anyone. Of course, beneath that hardened, cold exterior, Wes was indeed a kind trainer with a good heart and a sense of justice. Rui knows that as she has seen her companion displayed this numerous times.

"There was something strange about him," Rui said suddenly. Wes only looked at Rui, who returned her focus to the direction of the beach. "It was like his body was covered in a dark aura. Almost like the Cipher grunts that carried Shadow Pokemon. It's faint, but I could still feel it." She then turned back to Wes, hoping he had an answer. "You don't think that there are still some?"

Wes stood silently, trying to make sense of what Rui said. After defeating Evice back in Orre and putting a stop to his organization, they thought the Shadow Incident had ended. Between then and now, there was no reports of strange any strange Pokemon. There's a chance that the Shadow Pokemon were still being produced somewhere else. Surely after the main headquarters in Orre was found and shutdown, the project would also have been abandoned. Whatever the case, he knew he couldn't simply ignore it. "Fine," the trainer said. "We'll check it out. But that's all."

"Great!" Rui said with a smile. "Thank you, Wes!"

"Yeah, yeah." With no time to loose, the duo raced to the beach as fast as they could. If what Rui felt was the real thing, then there was an innocent trainer putting himself in danger.

Back on the beach, Grovyle had his paws locked with Electabuzz's. Both Pokemon were pushing against eachother, testing one another's strength. Though smaller than the striped enemy and not as strong, Grovyle was still holding its ground. The claws on its toes dug into the sand to keep it in place. This shoving match had lasted for a few minutes with both Pokemon not giving an inch.

"I see your Grovyle is displaying its inner strength as usual," he said. "Let's see how resilient it truly is. Now Electabuzz! Thunderbolt!" On command, Electabuzz unleashed its electricity, blasting Grovyle with electric shock.

The wood gecko Pokemon was taking the bulk of the damage. It yelped in pain. "Grovyle!" Ridley shouted. "Get out of there, quick!" Using the leaf on its head, Grovyle wacked the foe in the face, causing it to stagger back and stop the move. Using this opportunity, Grovyle leaped back, but fell to one knee when it landed. "Damn!" Ridley thought. "Grass-types might have the upper hand over a loose fuse like Electabuzz. But that zappin' was just too much." Grovyle stood back up, shaking off the last of the current that surged its body. "Alright, time to use the quickness." With a new strategy in mind, the grass-type rushed toward Electabuzz, which stared intently at its target.

"Thunderpunch!" With electricity gathering around its fist, Electabuzz sped toward the green reptile. As soon as it was in range, Electabuzz threw its fist forward.

However, Grovyle and Ridley saw this attack coming. "Go beneath it and get behind." Taking its trainer's advice, Grovyle ducked under the electrical haymaker, before leaping in the air. "Now bust a cap with Bullet Seed!" Turning around, Grovyle fired a barrage of high-speed seeds from its mouth. The attack hit the back of Electabuzz, delivering a good amount of damage. The enemy fell from the assault, but returned to its feet, enraged by the attack.

"Seems you made it angry. I pity you," Kawagata said. "Now use Low Kick."

"Use Agility!" Electabuzz went on the attack, striking Grovyle with numerous kicks. As it attacked, Grovyle used its speed to evade the strikes from the rival's sharp clawed lower limbs. "Fast as it is, it ain't the Roadrunner. Gotta think of something." Ridley watched the Electabuzz. It didn't take long for the trainer to see that between kicks, there was a small opening before it threw a foot at its intended target. Noticing the window of opportunity, Ridley shouted, "Leaf Blade!" In an instant, Grovyle's arm leaves glowed before fusing into a long sickle. Like a ninja using a dagger, Grovyle slashed at the electric Pokemon. Electabuzz sailed a few feet backward before crashing to the ground.

The foe tried picking up its head, but was too weak and dropped it to the ground. "Return," Kawagata called as his Pokemon returned to its ball.

"That's it, fool!" shouted Ridley triumphantly. "You're all out! I won, son!"

"Actually, I have a secret weapon, Ridley," Kawagata replied calmly. Ridley stared at him with a serious glare. During their earlier meets, Kawagata's main Pokemon were Graveler and Electabuzz. Sure he would carry another one or two from time to time, but that was rare. With a Pokeball in his hand and a sinister smirk on his face, Kawagata tossed the small sphere. Materializing from the ball was a large, red lobster-like creature with a large star on its forehead. It's claws were massive with two spikes on each side. The large body was held up by a strong pair of back legs and a front pair of smaller insect-like legs. "Meet my newest tool of mayhem!"

"A Crawdaunt!? That's your secret weapon!? You trippin'!" Ridley replied in a cocky tone. " It's a powerhouse, fo' sho'. But I got the type advantage."

"Then you won't mind proving your theory," goaded Kawagata with folded arms.

"Fine, I will! Grovyle, take it out with Leaf Blade!" With the leaves on its arms transforming into lengthy, glowing sickles, Grovyle charged at the shellfish. The closer the reptile approached, both Kawagata and his Crawdaunt seemed relatively calm. As soon as it was in close range, Grovyle lept in the air and attacked.

"You underestimated," the Rocket replied. "Now you shall pay the price. Vicegrip." Crawdaunt grabbed Grovyle from the air with its pincer. Ridley and Grovyle were in shock. There's no way a large Pokemon, especially a sluggish water-type like Crawdaunt would react so quickly. Trapped in the enemy's massive appendage, Grovyle cried in pain as its arm was getting crushed. Unable to maintain its focus, Grovyle's Leaf Blade was powered down. "Now end it with Crabhammer!" Gathering energy with its free hand (causing it to glow in the process), Crawdaunt punched the small reptile forward. The attack was highly damaging and Grovyle landed a short distance away from Ridley's feet.

"Grovyle!" the young trainer replied as he picked up his Pokemon's head. Grovyle was badly damaged. Its arm was all red and bruised from Crawdaunt's attack. "Yo, man, give yo' boy a holla." Grovyle weakly pulled its head up. However, from both the injuries and fatigue, the grass-type slipped in unconsciousness. Pulling out Grovyle's Pokeball, Ridley recalled the Pokemon back.

"Seem the tables have turned, Ridley," Kawagata said in a smug manner. "Now there's only one more Pokemon you have left that can fight. But honestly, what's the point of going on. You might as well cut your losses and hand over the remaining Pokemon."

"Never," Ridley said. "I'll never give in to a punk like you! I don't know what you did with red lobster there, but I'm gonna whoop you to next week. Even to the very last breath."

As Ridley was grabbed his remaining Pokeball, Rui and Wes had just arrived on a hill overlooking the beach. As Rui took a close look at Kawagata's Pokemon and was horrified by the revelation. Wes noticed her reaction and in a concerned tone asked, "Rui, are you feeling okay?"

"That Pokemon right there..." she said flabbergasted. "It's a Shadow Pokemon!"

"What!?" Wes was in disbelief. A leftover from a diabolical scheme that nearly came through. This discovery sent chills down his spine.

"What do we do, Wes?"

"We can't do anything right now," Wes said. Rui glanced at the trainer. "If it attacks him directly or that Rocket tries anything, that's when I'll step in. Besides, I want to see just how good this guy really is."

"Feel the burn! Go, Charmeleon!" Throwing his last Pokeball, a fire-type dinosaur-like Pokemon with gold colored skin arrived on the scene, sparkling stars appeared on its release. Both its legs and its long, muscular arms were tipped with three sharp claws. Protruding from the back of its head was a small crest and its tail had a good sized flame on its tip.

Both Wes and Rui were surprised by the new arrival on the beach. "Wait! Aren't Charmeleon usually red!?" Rui asked in shock.

"They are..." Wes responded in a cool tone to mask his astonishment. "That must be a shiny pokemon."

"That's a shiny?" Rui asked.

"Yes. This is also the first time I've seen one. They're known for their alternate color and are thought to be more powerful than the normal forms. Of course no one knows for sure due to their rarity."

"Well, well. You've decided to face defeat in a desperate show of resistance. I'm sure there's someone who would see this as admirable," Kawagata said. "I, on the other hand, see it as a futile effort."

"You wish! Charmeleon and I are gonna boil that shrimp!"

"So your pecan-sized brain believes. Crawdaunt, show me a Crabhammer." With a shout, Crawdaunt raced into battle. Shuffling toward the flame Pokemon at high speed, Crawdaunt's giant claw gathered energy for its coming attack.

"Go, Charmeleon!" Charmeleon charged at Crawdaunt as fast as it could, its tail swinging from side to side with every step. By the time the two met halfway, Crawdaunt swung its massive arm. "Charmeleon, Smokescreen!" Evading the foe's attack by leaping in the air, Charmeleon spewed a stream of smoke from its jaws at the enemy. As Charmeleon landed behind the enemy Pokemon, Crawdaunt was swinging it's massive pincers in a desperate attempt to hit something due to the Smokescreen lowering its accuracy.

"Focus and attack with Vicegrip!" Finally out of the smoke, though still unable to see straight, Crawdaunt charged, eagerly snapping its pincers. By the time it was in close enough range, Crawdaunt threw one of its deadly clawed limbs forward. However, due to its sight and the target's speed, Crawdaunt was having problems landing a hit.

"Throw this fool the slip with another Smokescreen!" On the order, the flame Pokemon unleashed another cloud of smoke before sidestepping from the blinded foe's wild swing. "Looks like it's in the dark," Ridley said. "Let's shed a little light on the situation with Sunny Day!" Gathering energy in its hands, Charmeleon fired an intense beam of light straight at the sun. In a few seconds, the once faint orange light of the setting sun intensified.

"What's Ridley doing?" Rui asked as she watch the battle with a concerned look.

"He knows that his Pokemon has a severe disadvantage over Crawdaunt," Wes said with an observing tone. "So to even the playing field, he used Smokescreen to decrease its accuracy. Then he used Sunny Day which boosts fire-type attacks and weakens water-type moves."

"This battle has lasted long enough!" shouted Kawagata. "Crawdaunt, use Bubblebeam." With the command issued, Crawdaunt fired a stream of exploding bubbles at Charmeleon. Before the gold reptile could react, it was thrown to the ground by the Water-type move. Kawagata laughed maniacly. "It's over, neophyte!" he gloated. "Your Charmeleon is now mine!" He continued his laughter before he noticed the fire-type returning to its feet. Shaking its head, the Pokemon was ready for battle once more. "H-How is this possible?"

"Now who's underestimated? Just like a battery, Charmeleon's getting his power from the sun!" Ridley replied. "Your attacks don't have the punch they used to. But my boy's moves sure do. Charmeleon! Clock this fool with Fire Punch!" With its right hand blanketed with intense flames, Charmeleon raced toward Crawdaunt as quickly as it could with its fist pulled back. By the time Charmeleon was in range, the shiny landed a powerful punch in the foe's face. Upon fiery impact, Crawdaunt was flown back a few feet from where it stood.

However, the attack, as strong as it was, did not keep it down. Crawdaunt propped itself off the sand using its rear feet and pincers. The Pokemon breathed heavily. Not from fatigue, but from seething anger. Charmeleon sensed that something was wrong and began snarling. Ridley noticed his Pokemon's reaction. Glancing at the enemy Pokemon, a shiver traveled down his spine. "Somethin's up. Stay on your toes Charmeleon." Still snarling, Charmeleon braced for whatever was going to occur.

From the hill, Rui gasped in horror. She watched as the Shadow Pokemon aura changed from dark purple to an intense mix of black and dark red. "Oh no!" replied Rui with hands covering her mouth. "It's in Hyper Mode!"

Kawagata grinned as his Pokemon's rage and power increased. "I'm sure you've guess it by now that this is no ordinary Pokemon. It's a Shadow Pokemon."

"A Shadow Pokemon? What the hell is that?"

"A creature of unstoppable power. An ultimate fighting machine. And the key to my victory as well as your defeat. Now Crawdaunt, release the dark power festering within through Shadow End!" Streaking across the sand with a dark trail, Crawdaunt collides with Charmeleon like a football quarterback tackling a defensive player. The attack was so strong and powerful, the flame Pokemon was launched back, bouncing on the sand's surface numerous times before sliding to a stop near the hill Wes and Rui were on. "Excellent job, Crawdaunt," Kawagata congratulated. However, the attack, as strong as it was, did some damage to the user as well. Crawdaunt dropped to its knees from the loss of energy. "Seems the attack had a backlash effect. No matter. Victory is secured."

"Charmeleon…" Ridley stood motionless as his Pokemon was still, his face painted in concern and shock. Drops of sweat slid down his head. "What kind of attack was that…? How the hell could something like that do so much damage." From above, Rui was taken aback by the attack. Wes, too, was also surprised and couldn't help but feel for the trainer and his Pokemon. However, after a moment, Charmeleon began to move. Ridley stood and watched as the Pokemon was trying desperately to pick itself up. "Charmeleon… You still wanna go…?" Though he felt pain all over his body, the flame Pokemon returned to its feet (albeit with some difficulty) and nodded to his trainer. Suddenly, its body was covered in red glow. "That skill… Alright, let's kick some ass."

"That ability…" Wes began. "It's Blaze."

"Blaze? What's that?" asked Rui.

"A special ability for Pokemon like Charmeleon. When its health is at low levels Charmeleon's fire-type attacks will become stronger than they were before."

"Charmeleon be blazin' up in this bitch! Literally!" Ridley replied. "And with the sun still shining, there's a chance we might win this. Are you ready?" Charmeleon responded with a nod and growled.

"So you still have some life left and are gonna use it to keep fighting," Kawagata said. "So be it. Crawdaunt, final attack: Shadow End!" With the last of its strength, Crawdaunt charged with its devastating tackle.

"Charmeleon, burn it down with your strongest Flamethrower!" Gathering fire in its mouth, the fire-type Pokemon launched a searing-hot stream of fire aimed directly at the water-type. At first, Crawdaunt was stopped in its tracks by the attack. However, between the heat and the strength of Charmeleon's attack, the shellfish was thrown back by the strike. Once the attack was over, everyone was tension filled their air. Wes, Rui, and Ridley was silent as they waited for Crawdaunt's response. After a few seconds, the Shadow Pokemon dropped to the ground. Covered in burns, its body was still smoking over the attack. "Oh yeah! We won! Way to go, C!"

Kawagata stood silently in disbelief after he returned his Crawdaunt. "Impossible…" he said. "I had power… You should not have won…"

"Like I told you," Ridley began. "I have skill and my boys on my side."

"Ridley!" a voice nearby called. The young trainer turned and saw Rui running to him. Accompanying her was Wes.

"Rui. Nice to see you here," Ridley said. He then faced the taller trainer. "Hey, the guy I bumped into before. You're Wes? 'Sup."

"Um… Yeah," Wes replied.

"Do not ignore me!" shouted Kawagata. "This turn of events… It's inconceivable. I had the better Pokemon! I should have won!"

"Yo, just face it," Ridley began. "You relied to much on your firepower. That's why you went down. Now get over it, get out my face and leave me alone."

"You think you're really something. But soon, I'll be the victor and that precious Charmeleon of yours will belong to a new owner." Kawagata then turned his focus to Wes. The teen clad in a blue trenchcoat glared at the Rocket. As Kawagata studied the individual, he saw the machine that was covering his arm. After a few seconds, he then realized what it might be. "You," he said as he pointed to Wes. "What's your name?"

"What's it to you?"

"Just… curiosity. A great thief always wish to know the name of their target."

With a narrowed glare, the ex-Snaggem member replied, "Wes."

"Wes, you say? Well then Wes, I look forward to plundering from you as well."

"You wish. Now tell me how you got that Shadow Pokemon!"

"Shadow Pokemon?" Ridley thought.

"You know about the Shadow Pokemon?" Kawagata replied. "Interesting… Seems today was not a total loss. I just found another target."

"What did you say!?" Wes replied. Pulling a few smoke pellets from his pockets, the Team Rocket member threw them on the sand in front of him. Wes and Ridley tried to capture him, but as the smoke cleared, the enemy was gone without a trace.

"Bastard…" Ridley hissed.

"We should get to the Pokemon Center." Both Rui and Ridley gave a nod of agreement and the trio hurried to the Pokemon Center as quickly as possible.

Upon arrival, Ridley handed his Pokeballs to Nurse Joy. Croconaw was the only one that needed to be put on the machine and was given back to its trainer in a few short minutes. Grovyle and Charmeleon, on the other hand, were being patched up. Ridley sat in a chair in the lobby, waiting patiently.

"So what did she say about your Pokemon," Rui asked as she took a seat next to the dark-skinned teen. "Will they be alright?"

"Nurse Joy said Croconaw's doing fine right now. Grovyle and Charmeleon…" Ridley sighed. "Grovyle's arm is hurt pretty bad. And Charmeleon needs to stay the night due to all the damage it took."

"I'm sorry to hear that," Rui said sympathetically as she turned her gaze to the floor. "I'm hope they're alright." The room was filled with silence for a few moments. "Um… Ridley?"

"Yo."

"You don't mind if we stay here with you?"

Ridley turned to the pony-tailed girl, looking at her with a somewhat confused glance. "It's cool."

"Is that okay with you, Wes?"

Wes stood against the wall next to the doors, watching the starlit night sky. The trainer only shrugged. "Fine. Besides, it's too late to go anywhere now." Pushing himself off the wall, Wes joined the two, sitting in a chair next to Rui.

"Yo, Wes," Ridley began. "Earlier, you called Kawagata's Crawdaunt a Shadow Pokemon. What is that?"

"Basically, it's a Pokemon who's heart is shut. With no emotions, it's a fighting machine. Thing is, they go into uncontrollable rages, injuring themselves, other Pokemon, and even their own trainers."

"And how do you know about all of this stuff?"

"Because Wes and I were the ones who who stop Cipher from making more Shadow Pokemon," Rui said. "At least, that what we thought."

"Apparently, Cipher must have made and distributed more Shadow Pokemon than we thought," Wes said. "There's no telling whether Kawagata's Pokemon was just overlooked or if there are more around."

"Wow… Guess I should've gone to Orre earlier," Ridley thought. "Course, if there are more Shadow Pokes running around, we're all gonna be screwed." "Well, if what went down in Orre is really gonna happen here, then I might as well tag along."

"Ridley…?" Rui replied.

"This isn't a game, Ridley," Wes replied. "Why should we let you come?"

"Believe me, I'm usually a solo cat myself. But if you haven't noticed, the both of us have the same thing on our mind: Getting to the top of the ladder in the League and stopping those Shadow Pokes, you feel me?"

"You're telling us something we already know," Wes said. "Look, we can handle this ourselves. The last thing I need is to get someone involved."

"Man, you say you heard, but you still ain't got the message," Ridley replied as he stood out of his chair and met the fellow trainer eye-to-eye. "As far as being involved goes, it's too late. My Pokes are in beds because of what Kawagata did, who, if you forgot, is gunning for the both of us. If there are more of those Shadows out there, I want to make stop them before it happens to someone else."

"I think it's a good idea," Rui said. Both Wes and Ridley turned to her. "I mean, you did see how strong Ridley was against Kawagata's Pokemon. And I'm sure he knows more about the region way more than we do."

"Well, I'm not one to brag…" Ridley said as he scratched the back of his head. "But I do have a little book about all the spots here in the big 'S.'"

"See? We have a better chance of stopping these Shadow Pokemon together."

Wes turned away, thinking about the decision on hand. "I don't want to put anyone else in danger. But Rui does have a point. Ridley's the only one that has some knowledge of this region and he is pretty strong… I guess for now, my options are limited." "Fine, he can come."

"Great!" Rui said happily. "Welcome to the team!"

"Thanks," Ridley said with a smile.

"Just don't do anything foolish," Wes said with indifference as he walked down the hall to a nearby vending machine.

Ridley stood quietly with his arms folded as he watched the Orre trainer getting something from a nearby vending machine. "Damn, talk about Mr. Personality," he said in a low tone.

"Please don't worry about it," Rui said. "Wes is always like that. You just need to get use to it."

"Aight. I guess that's cool." With that said, Ridley walked down another hall to check on his Pokemon.

Now left behind in the lobby, Rui only sat in the chair behind her and sighed. "Something tells me this is gonna be a long journey," she said to herself.

The next day, Ridley stood at the front desk waiting for Nurse Joy. Standing behind him were Wes and Rui, who awaited for the diagnosis. After a few minutes, the nurse returned with a tray holding the trainer's Pokeballs. "Your Charmeleon and Grovyle are doing better now," she said with a smile. "But I advise that you should take it easy for a while."

"I guess you're right," Ridley said as he picked up the balls and placed them on his belt. "Thank you," he said with a bow before leaving the Pokemon Center with his traveling companions. After they left the building, Ridley inhaled the morning air. The sun was shining and small bird Pokemon flew overhead. "Take it in, my peeps," Ridley said with a smile. "These will be our first step in a new land."

"Ridley, we're already in a new land," Rui said.

"I mean a where the real action is," Ridley corrected.

"Of course you do," Wes said as he shook his head as he continued north to Route 202.

"Wes! Wait for us!" Rui replied as she hurried after him with Ridley in pursuit.