Characters & Ages:

Prima Lorelei-25

Prima's Slowbro

Prima's Dewgong

Prima's Cloyster

Prima's Jynx

Solidad's Pidgeot

Solidad's Lapras

Solidad's Butterfree

Solidad's Slowbro

Vaison

Cheryl Tougan-20

Cheryl's Mothim

Cheryl's Chansey

Cheryl's Plant Cloak Wormadam

Cheryl's Sandy Cloak Wormadam

Cheryl's Trash Cloak Wormadam

Riley Suzun-21

Riley's Lucario

Buck Dezin- 15

Buck's Baltoy

Buck's Claydol

Buck's Mantine

Mira Dinet-12

Mira's Kadabra

Mira's Sandshrew

Marley Piod-21

Marley's Arcanine

Marley's Shaymin

Marley's Latias

Tobias Corin-21

Tobias's Darkrai

Tobias's Latios

Ash: So, what do you guys think of my big bro? He's supposed to appear in one of the 2 new fictions that the author is working on.

Ellie: Ash-boy & Trent-boy cousins. Zet-boy is distant.

Zet: You're probably wondering what the letters said, what's so disturbing about the villains, what the case with Myra is, how the author came up with a rare, pseudo-legendary Pokémon, who owns the aforementioned Pokémon, etc. I've got a gut feeling I'm right.

Ellie: Ellie thinks Zet-brother-boy right, too. What does Ash-boy think?

Ash: About what?

(Zet & Ellie have left the "interview room", leaving Ash & the author)

Ash: Guys?

QUEENSPELLER67: They walked out. How do you feel about your big brother?

Ash: Depends on the fic.

QUEENSPELLER67: This one.

Ash: He's awesome! I'm only letting Ellie call me that because A, she's family. B, it's cute when she does it and, wait. B. In the previous chapter, you had Ashton "Ash" B. Ketchum, alongside Trenton "Trent" Y. Ketchum. Does that mean we have middle names?

QUEENSPELLER67: Correct. And C?
Ash: C, it doesn't sound annoying like when Gary does it. I think I know what's next.

Author's Note: When I said I had more characters, I wasn't kidding. With the last 2 humans as exceptions, all these characters are going to appear in this chapter, at the end. Not in a flashback, but in current time. I don't own Pokémon (except the one I actually made up!), Nightingale Funeral Home, or Ninjago. Like I said in the first chapter, Zet & Ellie belong to PokemonOtaku0909. Also, Vaison doesn't belong to me; he belongs to PokemonOtaku0909. To fully understand these characters (and a few others), you have to read "Bad Dude Bounty Hunters" by Mr. PokemonOtaku0909 himself. Without further ado, chapter 2.

Chapter 2: Your pasts will catch up with you…

(Flashback: Aboard the St. Benedict [a ship's name I made up for the ship from Hoenn to Johto] & at an airport for the Skylander 45 [a plane name that PokemonOtaku0909 made up for the plane that goes from Hoenn to Kalos] Max's P.O.V.)

After I said my goodbyes to May & my parents, I found myself sitting in the airport. Alone & bored. I took out a piece of paper, a pencil, & 2 pens. One red, one black. The black pen was one I got from Dad for school. The red pen was a gift from Tracey. Tracey is one of the nicest & luckiest guys on the planet, seeing that he works with Professor Oak. Tracey told me that Professor Oak's grandson, Gary comes by often, but not much & that his granddaughter Daisy is a Top coordinator. If I had known that, I would've called her up & asked her to give May pointers. I haven't met Gary, but from what I watched in the Silver Conference (which I make videos of every year), he seems like he knows his stuff & had fun battling Ash.

Since I have to wait, I better write this note & sign it. I'll do the draft in pencil & send the actual note in pen. There, finished. Man, I wish I had some orange soda. Hey, a Wingull!

"Gull? Wingull," as it flinched in fear. I then noticed it had a black tail & then it glowed white. However, instead of evolving into Pelipper, it transformed into a small black foxlike Pokémon. "Zor. Zorua," was what it said. I said, "Zorua. I've never seen one of you, before." It glowed white, but into a Meditite. I thought, "Telepathy is an ability, but it's usually hidden."

(Telepathy start: Meditite, then Prof. Birch's, aka Zorua's P.O.V.)

I said, "Yes, yes it is."

Max said, "Huh? Who said that?"

I said, "Me. Telepathy is my hidden ability."

Max said, "So, right now I'm using telepathy. Holy Kyogre, how is this possible?"

I said, "You befriended a Ralts. That same Ralts is able to communicate with you telepathically. I can change."

Max said, "I didn't know Meditite could use Transform!"

It was beginning to get crowded, so I had to act fast. I used Illusion to transform into someone Max knows.

(Telepathy end; still Birch's P.O.V.)

Max said, "Professor Birch, there was this, this."

I took the form of the Hoenn professor & said, "I know, Max."

I squatted so I could whisper.

I said, "I am a Zorua. My ability is Illusion & I can transform into a human or Pokémon. You haven't seen a Zorua before because we are native to the Unova region. Got it?"

He nodded.

I said, "I can evolve into Zoroark, also native to Unova. I took the form of Wingull & Meditite to get your attention. Now that I'm Professor Birch, I can get that note to the St. Benedict."

His jaw dropped & I whispered, "I transformed into a Gyarados earlier & saw May, Solidad, Harley & Drew. I'm not the real Professor Birch, I'm just an illusion."

He said, "A very realistic one. Here," & handed me the note.

As he began to walk to the flight, he said, "Bye, Professor Birch. Say hi to Harrison & Brendan for me!"

I said, "Will do Max!" & quickly got into a place where I could transform again. I delivered the note, disguised as a Xatu.

(The St. Benedict; Drew's P.O.V.)

I said, "May, take a look at this Xatu," trying to get my girl's attention. It turned & I was standing next to Harley.

May said, "Drew, what's the big deal?"

Harley said, "May, hon, Drew wanted you to see this Xatu," & pointed to the rail.

Solidad said, "What Xatu?"

We turned & I had the letter in between us, but I think May saw it.

Solidad said, "Xatu can Teleport, so it must've when you yelled. Who's the note from?"

May said, "Yeah, it looks folded really well. Can I see it?"

Harley said, "No."

I said, "I don't know who it's from, but it's addressed to Harley & I. The handwriting looks like a little kid wrote it."

May clasped her hands together & said, "Max! He must've wanted to talk to you, Drew, but what about Harley?"

Since neither of us looked at the note & we're playing 20 questions with our girlfriends, one of us had to say something.

Harley said, "It's possible that Maximus wants advice or an opinion on something."

May raised a brow & said, "Anytime he wants advice, he'll go to Professor Birch or my dad."

I thought, "Really, Harley? Advice?"

He was quick & said, "Perhaps he wants some tips on romance or is considering entering contests. Or, a third possibility," & winked at me.

I stuttered, "M-maybe he's ready to say that he trusts me as your boyfriend & I'll take care of you, May. A-and, h-he wrote H-Harley's name on it b-because he's b-been in a r-relationship before."

Harley said, "That's most likely the answer. Why don't we eat?"

The girls went with it & I said, "It's from Max. Did you notice how well it's folded to look like it's an envelope?"

Harley said, "Yes I did. We'll read it later tonight when they're asleep."

As the boys walked, a Natu was watching the whole thing & memorizing it, word for word.

(On the Skylander 45, Max's P.O.V.)

I looked out the window & saw what looked like a Latias, but then, the little TV flickered on in front of me. It was loud & a flight attendant gave me headphones.

I put them on & a feminine voice said, "Max, can you hear me?"

I wanted to say that I could, but I was already getting stared at.

The voice said, "Good. Sorry this is awkward. If you saw what looked like a Latias, it really is. I'm from Alto Mare in the Johto region. Your friend Zorua used Illusion to disguise himself as a Xatu, then a Natu. I'm about to sight share. Zorua showed this to me & I couldn't pass the offer up. If the screen goes red, then that means I am out of range. We've got it covered."

I started watching the video & it went red like Latias said, but then I heard a little voice say, "Boo!"

I turned & saw Ralts. I think.

(Telepathy begin: Ralts's (aka Zorua) P.O.V.)

I said, "It's me, Zorua. I know you were just getting to the part about May going in for advice. Anyway,"

An attendant said, "Young man, all Pokémon are to be kept in a Poké Ball, except for the service Pokémon such as Growlithe & Arcanine."

Max said, "I'm sorry, miss. My Ralts is terrified of being in its ball & prefers to walk with me or ride my back."

The attendant said, "No excuses. If I come back in 5 minutes & that Ralts is still there, I'll go to the cockpit."

I thought, "Why I oughta," but then, I turned & saw Max cross his fingers.

He said, "Okay. I have the ball in my luggage compartment. I just got Ralts yesterday. I'll have it Teleport into the ball."

The attendant said, "It?"

He said, "I don't know if it's a boy or a girl!"

She walked away.

I teleported into the compartment & begin to speak telepathically to Max.

He said, "I thought I might come across trouble. Sorry."

I said, "No, don't be. Just watch the rest of the video. It's so funny!"

Max did & I heard his laugh. Even in my form of Ralts, I can tell Max has had a rough past, but I don't think he wants to talk about it. Luckily, when I was transformed as Professor Birch, I wrote a note to Max, but signed it as Zoroark.

When he finished, I teleported the letter to him, transformed into a Braviary & flew off, as we neared Unova.

(Telepathy end. Max's P.O.V.)

I looked at the letter.

It read, "Max, if you're reading this right now, then that means the video went red, you had an argument with a flight attendant & lied. I know I'm right about everything. When Latias & Latios sight share, they are honest & try to get every detail. When I was your Ralts in the little compartment, I could sense into your past. I didn't want to confront you about it, because I understand emotions. All I can say is good luck, little dude. I call you little dude now because I just learned the move Foul Play & we Zorua evolve into Zoroark at level 30. Zorua can learn Foul Play at level 29. Your friend, Prof. Birch. Yes, this is my footprint."

I absorbed it & then I saw something more.

"P.S. If you die, try to find a Latios from Alto Mare, Sir Aaron & his Lucario. I only know that because a Medicham (really sneaky, by the way) used Mind Reader on me."

(Time skip to where May has gone to Snowpoint City; May's P.O.V.)

It was cold, but they call it Snowpoint for a reason. It seems like yesterday that my boyfriend & I were journeying to Johto. The next morning, they said that they read the note & Solidad & Harley had an announcement. Solidad let Harley go first.

Harley said, "May, darling, I've got a confession to make. The reason I disliked you & sabotaged you at any chance I got is because I thought you were the same little girl that I met in Slateport City in Kindergarten. You looked just like her & coincidentally, she was from Petalburg City, like you."

Solidad said, "When Harley told me that, I said that unless May skipped a grade or 2, then it wasn't her."

I was stunned & said, "Her name wasn't May, was it?"

Harley said, "No. It was June," & began to cry.

Solidad said, "She's in a better place, Harley. June was Harley's grandmother. After he was born, his parents were in danger of losing their home to foreclosure. Papers were signed & Harley lived with his grandparents."

I was shocked & Harley said, "I'm sorry May."

I forgave him & I felt super bad for him, too. Then, Solidad surprised us.

She said, "Since I'm a Top Coordinator, I'm going to register to compete in the Johto League."

Drew said, "It won't be like the Hoenn League. I know the names of each gym leader, from Rustboro to Sootopolis & everywhere in between."

I said, "Good. Then you'll ace Dad's test. He is close to his fellow leaders & our gym assistant told me that a few have actually come to the gym to compare battling strategies, get advice, & things like that. That goes for knowing former gym leaders."

At this, Drew gulped & Solidad said, "It's definitely different from the Indigo League back home. For a while, you only had to get 8 badges & now, you've gotta get 10."

Drew said, "How do you know? And don't say it's because you're from there."

Since I felt that Drew's comment was cocky & uncalled for, I kicked his ankle; if he was sitting next to me the pain would've been worse.

Harley said, "Come on dear, spill the beans."

Solidad said, "A gym leader told me. And, gym leaders that talk to challengers, unless relatives, aforementioned challengers cannot repeat what a gym leader told them. That goes for all the regions. The gym leader asked me to keep their identity a secret, so I agreed. Until he or she feels comfortable admitting it or unless I get his or her permission, I'm not allowed to say who told me."

Drew snapped his fingers & said, "Brock! It's gotta be. He's the Pewter Gym Leader (A/N: Since the Wallace Cup takes place while Brock is travelling Sinnoh & Forrest isn't named Gym Leader until after Brock gets back, this is true. Drop any guesses in the review section). At the Grand Festival, you said it yourself that you remembered Brock from his days at the Pewter Gym," a sly grin forming on his face.

I was getting annoyed, but Solidad said, "I can't even tell you if you're correct or incorrect. For all I know, the Gym Leader who told me could've been messing with me."

I remember Kenny talking about the Kanto Gym Leaders before I left to meet up with Ash & Dad said, "Well, if Ash took on the Johto League, I have no doubt in my mind that he took on his home league. Ah, May, there you are." I was standing in the doorway & he said, "If you find yourself alone, here's a list of the 8 Kanto gyms & leaders. It's current." One name caught my attention, in particular. I said, "Where's Vermilion City?" Kenny smiled & said, "It's a romantic place. The gym leader there served in the army."

I pulled out the list & Solidad said, "I can tell you that 2 gyms are inaccurate. So, anyone know a Johto gym leader?"

Drew said, "Nope."

Harley said, "Sorry sugar."

I was conflicted. Not only did Dad meet up with Hoenn gym leaders, he would also meet up with gym leaders who specialize in Normal-types.

Drew said, "Is there a Normal-type gym in Johto, May?"

To be honest, I didn't know anything about Johto's gyms. However, I knew that there was a store that we had to stop by.

I said, "To be honest & fair, I don't know anything about Johto. However, there is a store we can stop by."

As I smiled at the memory, Solidad so far has been true to her word. As I was walking on route 217, the familiar sound of a Poké Ball opened. Skitty let herself (A/N: According to Bulbapedia, May's Skitty is listed as female) out; again.

As I got nearer to the Ice Rock, there was a guy in an orange snowsuit taking pictures with a teal camera. Skitty touched it & I said, "Skitty, nothing will happen if you touch it. I heard a few trainers from Snowpoint City talking about Pokémon that evolve when they touch or are exposed to the Ice Rock."

This caught the photographer's attention.

(Ice Rock, [it should be obvious who the photographer is] photographer's P.O.V)

I was taking pictures of the Sinnoh Ice Rock, since there's an Ice Rock in Chargestone Cave back home in Unova & there's one on Route 13 in some place called Kalos. A girl with brown hair was scolding her Skitty. I think I've seen her before.

I said, "I couldn't help but hear that you're talking about Pokémon that evolve via the Ice Rock. That right?"

The girl said, "Yeah, & Skitty thinks it's one of them." Unsure, I pulled out my Pokédex, especially since Skitty aren't native to Unova. He (A/N: Unova Pokédex= male voice) said, "Skitty, the Kitten Pokémon. Skitty will get caught up in pursuing any moving objects that catch its eye." I held down on a button & there was a message on my screen. I put it back & said, "Skitty evolves into Delcatty when exposed to a Moon Stone."

The girl returned her Skitty & looked disappointed.

I said, "I just got here myself in Snowpoint. Rumor has it that if an Eevee touches the Ice Rock or is exposed to it, it'll evolve into Glaceon."

The girl beamed, she's probably got an Eevee. Case in point when she said, "Eevee, take the stage!"

Out popped a little Eevee & I watched the Hoenn Grand Festival with Tyson. I said, "I'm not trying to be intrusive, I was just wondering if you competed in the Hoenn Grand Festival."

The girl said, "Yeah, I did. I competed in the Kanto Grand Festival not too long ago. My name's May, from Petalburg City."

Petalburg City, home to the Petalburg Gym; like father like daughter, I guess. After all Alder did say that there was a Normal gym in Hoenn. It's unfortunate that my source happens to be wanted in Hoenn. I offered to take pictures of Eevee evolving.

May said, "So, uh,"

I said, "Tristan. Call me Tristan."

May said, "Why are you taking photos?"

I said, "Well, photography when I'm not training is a hobby. In fact, I'm from Unova."

May blinked & I said, "I work for the National Gymquirer. It's a TV section."

May said, "What does your show talk," but was cut off by Eevee touching the rock & I began to take pictures of Eevee going under evolution.

She pulled out a yellow Pokédex & it said, "No data."

She sighed & said, "Prof. Oak gave me this new one in Kanto."

Great. Another redneck. I pulled mine back out & he said, "Glaceon, the Fresh Snow Pokémon & an evolved form of Eevee. Glaceon can freeze the fur on its body, and make it stick out like sharp needles. Also, Glaceon freezes the surrounding air by controlling its body temperature." I scrolled & said, "May, your Glaceon is male & his ability is Snow Cloak. He has the hidden ability Ice Body." I gave her the photos; I mean, I don't need them.

(Time skip to the appeals round of the Wallace Cup. Petalburg City)

(Norman's P.O.V.)

I saw Slaking sitting where I last saw him. (A/N: Norman's Slaking is only confirmed as male in the games.) I said, "Hey, Max, May's getting ready," but stopped myself, remembering he had left for Kalos. Maybe he'd watch May compete there.

(The battle between May & Dawn, the Olivine City Pokémon Center)

(Harley's P.O.V.)

It was different, watching my girlfriend compete against gym leaders. Solidad considered Drew as a friend & acted as an older sister figure towards May.

I was waiting for the phone to ring. I got my answer & said, "Nurse Joy? Hi, I'm Harley from Slateport City. My friend Ursula said she is staying there. I'm calling from Olivine City, in the Johto region. Um, just tell her that I'm sorry she didn't make it past the appeals round. Thank you," & hung up. I was disappointed, I worked very hard to help her catch that Gible. It pains me that I can't even remember how I helped.

I walked back to the table as Marian announced the battle participants.

Solidad said, "May's dress is beautiful, isn't it?"

I said, "So is her opponent's."

Drew said, "May's opponent is a girl named Dawn from Twinleaf Town."

I said, "May's a good battler, but, she doesn't stand a chance if Dawn is who I think she is," & pulled the chair out to get a better glimpse of Dawn.

Drew said, "Are you saying May's gonna lose?"

Solidad said, "Drew, calm down. Who do you think Dawn is?"

I said, "It's gotta be. Dawn looks just like her: Johanna Berlitz."

Drew & Solidad were silent after that.

(Mahogany Town's Pokémon Center. Solidad's P.O.V.)

May battled as hard as she could; unfortunately, Harley turned out to be right. However, we just got into the town, only to find that the gym is closed. May walked into the Center, looking sad. She said she'd be going for a walk & there was a person behind her. Why did she look familiar?

May said, "Thanks for the pep talk. Hey, Solidad, guess what, you can challenge the Mahogany Town Gym!"

I said, "But the sign said it was closed."

The woman said, "I know the way. By the way, I'm Prima."

Now I know why she looked familiar. Not only was she from Kanto, but she's also an Elite 4 member!

We walked to the Gym & Harley said, "I heard that Pryce's Piloswine is hard to beat."

Drew was gawking, enough to where May smacked him upside the head. She unlocked the door & said, "It's been a while. I hope you can handle the cold."

May said, "Uh, Prima, where's Pryce? According to Candice, he's the Mahogany Town Gym Leader."

Prima smiled at this & said, "He is. However, one of my friends is in Hoenn's Elite 4 & we were some of his top students. He said that if either of us were ever in town & he wasn't," but she was cut off by a Poké Ball opening, revealing something much larger than a Piloswine.

Prima said, "Mamoswine. I take it you miss your trainer."

May said, "Mamoswine?"

Prima calmly stated, "The evolved form of Piloswine. Ordinarily, to get this gym's Glacier Badge, you'd have to beat Pryce in a 2-on-2 battle. However, I'm in charge & it's been a while," & grabbed her own Poké Ball.

Drew said, "Hope you know what you're doing."

Prima said, "Let's see if the student can beat the teacher. Slowbro," sending out her Pokémon.

Harley said, "Solidad, is there something you haven't told us?"

I said, "With all due respect, Harley, I couldn't. I used to train under Prima in this very gym. I know Prima's team by heart."

My teacher arched a brow & said, "I hope you've caught a fifth Pokémon since I last saw you."

I looked over at the egg case Harley was holding, having won the egg back in Eggseter. I deadpanned, "That's number 5. Butterfree," sending out my loyal partner.

I wanted that egg to hatch, hopefully before I got to her fifth Pokémon, which happened sooner than I expected. She said, "Now, Piloswine!"

I thought, "Lapras is still slightly burnt after Slowbro's Flamethrower. However, my egg won't be hatching anytime, soon."

(A/N: Pryce appears with a Mamoswine, Prima/Lorelei {name is interchangeable} appears with a Piloswine; both are in-game teams. Slowbro can learn Flamethrower.)

I lost.

(Time skip to Max's funeral. May's P.O.V.)

Harley left & Anabel answered a phone call. I was trying to think of how to help Solidad in her gym battle. Lucy, Tara, Yolanda, & Forrest left; Lucy to get something for my mom & letting her rest. That left Drew, my Dad, Pyramid King Brandon, Brendan & I. The door opened up & in came Liza alongside Flannery.

Liza said, "Hey, Brendan. Tate said you're holding out. May, I'm speaking for both of us when I express my deepest apology for Max's passing."

Brendan said, "Holding out on, oh." He then turned to Drew & grinned.

Brandon said, "The rumor's true, Flannery?"

Flannery said, "You better believe it! About all the guys in this place are ready to do the brain burn challenge!"

I said, "Brain burn?"

Liza said, "Flannery not only is a top-notch gym leader, but also a top chef. She makes a variety of salsas, dips, heck, if it's spicy, she'll make it. You've heard of a brain freeze, but, since Flannery cooks with really spicy stuff, some people experience a term appropriately dubbed 'brain burn'. Flannery just made some really fresh salsa. The challenge,"

Flannery said, "Eat all the tortilla chips, plus the half-pint of salsa. However,"

Drew said, "Sounds easy."

Brendan elbowed him, as if he read my mind. He stood up & said, "You can't have any relief and you've gotta deal with the 5-minute after burn."

Dad said, "Flannery, as much as I like the salsa, I think I'll pass."

Flannery said, "No sweat. Pyramid King Brandon?"

He said, "No, but these two should," pointing to Drew & Brendan.

Brendan said, "Bring it. Tate's a man of his word & so am I!"

Drew flipped his hair & some sweat out of his eyes before saying, "I'll pass."

Liza clicked her tongue & said, "What's the matter, Drew? Scared that you'll lose?"

Drew said, "I couldn't. Not in 5 minutes."

I said, "Does it take 5 minutes to do the challenge?"

Flannery said, "No time limit. You finish, you've just gotta deal with the after burn. So, Drew, don't tell me you're wimping out."

Apparently, this is a guy thing, because Dad & the Pyramid King are grinning. Drew said, "Where do I sign up?" Brendan dragged him, Liza snickered & gave me a hug, before racing to join her boyfriend.

What surprised me next was what the Pyramid King pulled out of his coat pocket.

He said, "Mind if I tape this?"

Flannery grinned & said, "I thought you'd never ask!"

They left & Dad said, "This'll be fun at the next," but was cut off by a knock at the door. The door opened to reveal a boy with spiky black hair & a prosthetic arm, a girl with orange hair & a Poochyena in between them.

Dad said, "You must be Zet."

Zet said, "Yes sir, I am. This is my s-sister, Ellie. We found out earlier that we're long-lost siblings. We spoke on the phone."

Ellie said, "I find Zet-boy & we come from Kalos to talk to Max-boy's family."

Dad stood up & said, "I'll go check on my wife. Zet, this is May."

Dad left & closed the door.

Zet sat down at a table across from me, & Ellie pulled out a laptop case. Zet said, "Max said that you only know his past & the truth."

I said, "Did he run into the syndicate?"

Zet nodded & I said, "Justice needs to be brought!"

Zet sighed, his stoic expression creeping me out, a little.

Zet said, "Believe you me, May, I'm distraught about Max. See, like I said, Ellie & I only found out this morning. Max was like a little brother to me & acted like an older brother to Ellie. I can't bring justice to Vaison."

That name. Ellie said, "Max-boy death details graphic. May-girl handle it?"

I blinked & Zet said, "It's really not for the faint of heart. Since Max told you what happened, I'm not," I nodded.

Zet took a deep breath & said, "All I know is that Max & Vaison got in a fight. Vaison,"

(A/N: No, this isn't a warning to turn away. To know how Max & Vaison died, please [puts on sad Growlithe eyes & sticks lower lip up] read "Bad Dude Bounty Hunters by PokemonOtaku0909)

I cried & Ellie opened a zipper & handed Zet a rose.

Ellie (who was able to stop crying) said, "Max-boy said that May-girl's boyfriend gives roses."

Zet took the rose & said, "We were in my hometown. Not a lot of roses grow in Kalos; unless you're in Coumarine City & have ties with Ramos. I picked it."

I couldn't help but blush as I took the white rose from Zet.

He said, "Now, I don't think your parents exactly want the truth."

Almost on cue, Dad walked in & he saw the rose.

Dad said, "A white rose. I didn't think Drew knew what they meant."

Zet raised a brow, wiped his eye a little & cleared his throat. He said, "It's from us. Ellie, Poochyena & I."

I said, "Drew's roses are usually red & Harley gave me a black rose once."

Zet said, "That strikes a nerve. Black roses signify heartbreak & death. A red rose can mean anything, unless it's blood red. A blood red rose means that someone is hiding something. If there are no spots of black, it is usually good news. However, if there's even the slightest black spot, it's devastating. I don't know much about my father, but I was given a blood red rose the day my mother died. It had a few black spots. A white rose signifies purity, innocence, wanting to start over, or new life."

I said, "My friend Solidad has an egg that hasn't hatched."

Zet said, "When it hatches, it'll be new life. May, we'll give you some time alone to tell your father how Max passed."

They left & I said, "Dad, those boys. They found Max in Kalos," & lied to him.

(A day after the end of the first chapter. Lloyd's P.O.V.)

I was still limping when I tried to let out Soul, my Ultra Dragon. Then, 4 people showed up. Two guys, two girls.

Zoey smiled & said, "Four out of 5 isn't too bad. Mira, Cheryl, Buck, Riley," acknowledging them. Behind them were a myriad of Pokémon, in front of them, they had their own.

Mira had a Kadabra, Cheryl a Mothim, Buck a Baltoy, & Riley had a Lucario. I listened when Ash was telling me, but there was one problem: I didn't know who was who.

Zoey said, "Hey, Ash. They're here."

Ash walked up to us & said, "Hey. These are 4 out of 5 stat trainers. I'm gonna call out your stat, & you need to introduce yourself to Lloyd."

Ash paused & said, "HP."

HP stood for Hit Points. A girl with green hair stepped forward & said, "Pleased to meet you. I'm Cheryl. Wormadam, Wormadam, Chansey, & Wormadam, return." The Mothim landed on her shoulder. She recalled it & then grabbed what Ash called a Level Ball.

Ash said, "Attack."

A guy wearing a hat who had dark hair like Ash & Cole said, "Hey. I'm Riley. Ash's cousin. Lucario, return," & pulled out something Ash called a Premier Ball.

Ash said, "Defense & that includes special defense."

A guy who had reddish-orange hair stepped forward & said, "The name's Buck. This is my Baltoy. Claydol, Mantine, return." He then said, "Baltoy, return," & pulled out something Ash called a Luxury Ball.

Ash said, "For now, last but not least, Special Attack."

That left Mira, who alongside her Kadabra had a Sandshrew. Mira said, "I'm Mira. Kadabra, Sandshrew, return," & pulled out something Ash called a Friend Ball.

Ash said, "Is Marley coming?"

Mira said, "Not for a few days. She's with you-know-who on a you-know-what."

Riley rolled his eyes & said, "Tobias on a date. Just because he's from another world, doesn't mean he doesn't know what dates are."

Cheryl said, "You see Lloyd, Riley, Mira, Buck, Marley & I are stat trainers."

Ash said, "I looked at the family tree. Riley & I are descendants of Sir Aaron."

Zoey said, "Alongside Marley & Tobias, they're the only people who have a Vierginchen."

I said, "Vierginchen?"

Ash said, "So that's what Tobias's note said, but what about the notes May & Solidad got?"

Author's Note: Boom, cliffhanger! Boom goes the dynamite. So, clarification time. One, PokemonOtaku0909 gets a lot of credit for writing "Bad Dude Bounty Hunters" in the first place. Two, thought I was gonna reveal what the notes said? Not in this chapter! Three, the next chapters will focus on pasts. Four, Solidad's egg has hatched. Five, Vierginchen is the name of the Pokémon I made up. If you've played generation 5, then you might understand where I'm coming from. Six, read, review & vote!