DWA: Hey peoples, I've realized that my views go up a lot when I post a new chapter. So please, if you're a guest who is watching day in day out for a new chapter, make an account, favorite, read, and then review. Also, I've edited the mistakes I've made in previous chapters and made the Prologue easier to read.

Mike: Now everyone, in my world DWA said "Screw egg groups and such." So this mean any Pokémon can breed and have eggs, though egg groups still exist and it's harder for those in separate groups to have an egg. LOVE KNOWS NO BOUNDS!

Cassidy: SHUT UP I'M TRYING TO SLEEP!

Mike: Sorry.

DWA:….okay then. Now the first bit of this will be in 3rd person following Mike's team. Since there are no humans to talk to, they will talk in normal speech, as there is no need for it to be translated.

-(ooo)- scene/time break

-(o)- Minor scene/time break

'Thoughts'

"Speech"

-Telepathy-

[Translated Pokespeech]


Chapter 8: A New Day, Veilstone. POV 3rd Person (Leaf)

Leaf sat down, chin on her forepaws, and sighed.

"Glad we got outta the rain." She said to no one in particular.

"Though I think Ethan would enjoy it. Heh, he trains so hard, just to help Mike." She said smiling

"But what about this new team, Engulfing Shadows I think they're called? Either way, back in Floaroma, their blood seemed a bit darker from the rest . . . wow did I just say that? Well it is true. I wonder why?"

"I'll worry about it when I see them again. For now I'll focus on when Ethan debuts for Mike in Veilstone. He's improved so much, and so have I, as usual, with a price." She said rubbing a fresh but mostly healed scar under her left eye.

"Hmm, I wonder what Ethan's thinking right now?" She said rolling onto her back as she watched the rain slide off her new green tent, as she prefers the environmental system off. However, she was somehow oblivious to the slight blush that was on her face. To the sound of the rain, she soon fell asleep.

(Ethan's 3rd Person POV)

Ethan laid back after fumbling with his tents zipper for about five minutes and succeeding in the end. His flippers were behind his head and he was watching the rain fall on his tent. The rain always had a soothing effect on him.

"I get to fight in a gym battle huh? Man I can't wait to prove my worth to Mike. Back in the tribe I heard all sorts of stories about humans, both good and bad. Though I think Mike tops them all, I feel like I belong here, unlike with my tribe, or even my real family." He said watching the rain, he then looks at his bandaged flipper.

"Man, I'm sure Leaf was holding back when her tail hit me, that cut could've been a lot deeper. Still, I'm glad she's around, she talks to me a lot, always shows concern when I get hurt. I don't know why but I seem . . . happier around her." He yawns. "Man I should get some sleep. Not sure when the rain will let up." He closes his eyes, also unaware of his red-tinted cheeks.

(Mag and Skye's 3rd Person POV)

Mag zipped up his tent to keep out the cold, and turned off the environmental system, not really caring if it's on or off. He then turns to Skye.

"So how long have you had these feelings?" He said sitting down. Skye looked down with a blush, but her eyes showed sadness.

'Am I screwing up already?' She looked up.

"Well it started whe-." She was cut off by Mag holding up an arm.

"Sorry, mental call from Mike." Skye waited patiently for the telepathic call to end, seeing small changes in Mag's facial features. She knew the conversation had ended when Mag sighed and shook his head.

"You wouldn't believe what your father accused me of thinking right now." He said with a chuckle. "Please continue."

"Oh, okay. Well, it started after . . . Jolt died." Mag's eyes widen and his heart begins to hurt. Mag remembers how he and Jolt were the closest to brothers anyone was on the team, and the week long depression he went into after his death. Mike didn't bury him, instead he had him cremated, a very uncommon act, and kept a small jar of his ashes. Eventually everyone had moved on, even Mag, though his death still hurt.

"Sorry Mag, I didn't want to bring up old memories." Mag smiled and shook his head.

"No, it's fine, I need to move on, Jolt would agree, threatening me with a Rain Dance/Thunder combo if I didn't." He said chuckling at Jolt's most powerful technique and how it was often used as a threat.

Skye smiled and pecked Mag on the cheek.

"Wanna listen to the rain?" She asked. Mag smiled and did his best to put an arm around her waist.

"Sure, why not?" The two laid back and soon fell asleep after watching the rain fall.

(Blade and Guardian 3rd Person POV)

Blade and Guardian were lying side by side in Blades tent, a forest surrounded them with mountains in the distance, and a cloudy sky to show that it was raining outside of the holographic environment. They were sitting there feeling the emotions from a couple of Mike's team members.

"So, Ethan and Leaf, what do you think?" Blade asked.

"I dunno, maybe. When she was put on the team how nice was she to him?" Guardian replied.

"Always looking out for him, explaining stuff, training with him, the usual I guess. He seems to like spending time with her though."

"If they do fall for each other, who'll be the first to confess?" Guardian asked with a slightly devious grin. Blade chuckled.

"Leaf, hands down. She's bolder than Ethan, though Ethan may show his affection through his actions, not his words. Still I have a feeling Leaf will do the same. Remember the day she joined up, and her parents came to get her? She walked up to her mom with a smile, and Shadow Balled her right in the face." Blade said with a laugh.

"I remember that, the look on her parents faces were pretty funny. They couldn't believe what happened." Guardian said with a smile. After a few minutes, Guardian spoke again.

"It's great to see you again Blade."

"The same to you, love." Guardian giggled.

"Love? I thought we said no pet names?"

"Sorry Guardian, couldn't resist."

"So how is that crazy Raichu we picked up as a Pikachu back in Kanto? How is Jolt?" Guardian asked, while Blade cringes.

"He's . . . dead Guardian." She gasps. "He died in a fight, damn Rockets decided to use guns like the Aqua and Magma remnants. He was hit three times after Mike's shielding failed from a grenade. Least he died fighting like he wanted." Blade said, somewhat close to tears for his former brother.

"Blade, I'm so sorry." She said with tears in her eyes, and hugged Blade, who hugged back.

"It's okay Guardian. He died a happy 'Chu, he died protecting his friends. And we made sure we avenged the son of a bitch." He said with tears falling silently form his eyes. They stayed hugging each other until the fell asleep, dreaming the same dream, the same family, only with Jolt alive and well.

-(ooo)- Time: 2:18 pm. Four days later Mike's POV (1st Person)

It had been a few days since we had gotten here to the clearing. We had done a lot of training but not before I talked to everyone about Jolt. They asked why and I told them to ask Blade and he told of his heartwarming/breaking dream. Well he didn't tell us, he showed it to us, lotta smiles and tears going around after that. We just kinda talked about him for a bit, reminding us of the better times with him. Still, we had to train and so we did.

At this point we were all packed up and on the move. Ethan had gotten a lot more powerful, probably close to evolving, bit I'll keep him out of battles so he won't have a type disadvantage in the off chance he evolves, and also so he won't be tired for his gym battle.

For now, I had Leaf to my left and Cassidy hugging my right arm. We were just walking as my Poketch played the radio and soon enough Darker Side of Me by Veer Union came on and I looked to Leaf who was grinning. We started to actually sing.

Try-You try to get to know me.

But the one you want I won't be.

I'm half the man that you think that I have been.

My-my words are full of nothing.

Still you search for something

In the moments that I probably forgotten

Inside is someone you don't want to know!

I don't think, that you want to be a part of me!

I don't think you wanna see the deeper, darker side of me!

I don't think that you're ready for reality!

I don't think you wanna see the deeper, darker side of me!

I find a sense of satisfaction.

From a one night stand of passion.

I'm half the man that you think that I have been.

Inside there's someone you don't want to know!

I don't think, that you want to be a part of me!

I don't think you wanna see the deeper, darker side of me!

I don't think that you're ready for reality!

I don't think you wanna see the deeper, darker side of me!

(Walk away)

Can you trust me-?

(Walk away)

I'm empty-.

(Walk away)

Cause I might still be here-

Living Hell-

Might be, living Hell-

Might be.

I don't think, that you want to be a part of me!

I don't think you wanna see the deeper, darker side of me!

I don't think that you're ready for reality!

I don't think you wanna see the deeper, darker side of me!

(Walk away)

Can you trust me-?

(Walk away)

I'm empty-.

(Walk away

Cause I might still be here-

Living Hell-

Might be, living Hell—

Might be.

When the song finished I notice that I had gotten a couple stares from some other trainers, probably from Leaf singing. Leaf and I laughed at how the song somewhat related to us having a darker side, as well as the rest of the team. Cassidy had a smile on her face, she was probably mentally singing along. I smiled and kept walking.

-(ooo)- Time 2:40pm

We walked through the gates of Veilstone and immediately we saw the department store. It was off in the distance, but seeable from where we were. We walked until it was nearby and I could see the gym. Cassidy tugged on my arm, she had been hugging it the entire time we'd walked.

"I'm gonna go get some supplies and such from the department store, see ya after you win the badge." I smirk.

"Thanks Cass, so you're absolutely sure I'll win?" She simply smiled as she let my arm go and walked towards the store. I shake my head and continue on to the gym.

I had walked about ten minutes until I had reached the gyms gates. Up on a hill looked to be a fighting dojo, true to the gym's specialty. I open the gate only to find a blue sphere flying at me.

"OH SHIT!" I crossed my arms and set up a protect shield that the sphere exploded on upon contact. I lower the shield and see a Pokémon that looked like a blue bi-pedal jackal with black colored fur that looked like a mask around its eyes. It had a spike in the back of its paws and one on its cream colored chest. It was a Lucario. It had extensions on its head that were horizontally oriented and its eyes were closed.

'Oh, just a Lucario. A LUCARIO!? OH SHIT!' I thought to myself due to the fact Lucario can see Aura. I knew my own Aura. I'd met an Aura Guardian who said my Aura was black and red, symbolizing evil and malice, with many tendrils that warped around and such. I looked pretty evil through Aura Sight.

I quickly held my hands up to my chest with my palms facing him, trying to show I meant no harm.

"Waitwaitwait! Don't attack, I know my aura looks pretty evil but I mean no harm I swear!"

[I'm not stupid human! You want Maylene dead, just like the rest of you assassins!] I blink in confusion and put my hands down.

" . . .What? Assassins? What do you-" I was cut off by being put in a very weak headlock. Well, weak to me.

"Umm, can you get off?" I asked and a very angry feminine voice shouted back.

"Why? So you can kill me? Hell no!" She barked. I sighed and shoved both of my elbows back, pushing her off easily and shoving her to the ground. I turn and see a woman with a few scars on her face and pink hair that curved downward near her neck. She wore an orange tank top along with blue sweatpants and bandages on her fists. Which I was surprised by as she had gotten up rather quickly and was taking a swing at me.

She hit my face but it wasn't really painful. I shook my head and teleported behind her and grabbed both her arms and made sure they couldn't move.

"Stop and listen. I. Am. NOT. Here. To hurt. You. However, that could change in a second. Tell your Lucario to stand down, now." I said in a calm tone of voice. She looked at her Lucario and nodded. He stood down and looked down in sadness, probably thinking Maylene would die. I let her arms go and back away while she turns and gets ready to fight again.

"So you wanna go one on one? LET'S GO THEN!" She says as she starts to move. My eyes gain a blue outline and she floats into the air, held by my powers.

"FOR THE LOVE OF ARCEUS, STOP! Really girl if I wanted you dead you would have been." I look to Lucario and see another Aura Sphere flying towards me. I simply catch it and it starts to swirl into a black and red sphere. I then dissipate the sphere and lower my hand.

"Stop and listen, I just want a gym battle, okay? Is that so much to ask?" Maylene looks at me with a mixture of fear and confusion.

"If that's all you want then why do you have a katana strapped to your belt?" She asked. I smile as I put her on the ground.

"To be honest, you're one of the few people to question that. It's for self-defense, among other things." I said with a slight smirk. "Before you ask, it's the same for my psychic powers. As for me catching an Aura Sphere, I dunno, I'm not proficient in Aura. Oh and before I forget, the name is Mike." She stared at me for a few moments, probably judging me or sizing me up, before she finally said.

"Well you don't seem all bad, if you were here to kill me you'd have done it a long time ago. So I guess I accept your challenge. Sorry for attacking you." She said sheepishly.

"No harm done, you couldn't beat me in a fist fight anyways." I said with a chuckle. She glared at me, but with a smile.

"Is that a challenge?"

"For another time Maylene." I said with a smirk. "Oh and Lucario, you're forgiven as well, I'm just glad you didn't backhand me, woulda hurt like a bitch." I said turning. He looked stunned, but bowed in respect.

"So, to the Gym?" I asked and she nodded, waving a hand for me to follow, which I did.

POV change 3rd person (view of Alex)

Alex watched as the man and Maylene walked toward the Gym, seeing the entire fight from the top of a nearby building.

"Well, that was interesting. But that boy is only going for the badges, however I would like to know where he got those Psychic powers. Oh well, no real reason to report something so trivial. Maylene will be dead soon enough, damned Aura users the only thing David worries about. Why I'll never know."

"Hmph, you'll be dead soon Maylene, I assure you that." Alex said as he turned to the stairwell to go to the bottom floor and return to base.

(Back to Mike)

When we got to the battlefield, it was a simple room with a wooden floor, a man with karate robes went up to the referee platform. He stated the rules, challenger may substitute, 3 on 3, blah blah blah. He threw his arms down and shouted, "BEGIN!"

"Meditite, go!" Maylene said as her pokeball revealed her Pokémon ready to go.

"Okay Ethan, your debut is here! Front and center!" Mike said as Ethan's Luxury Ball released the penguin like Pokémon.

[All right! My first gym battle! Ready to go!] Ethan said as Mike chucked at his enthusiasm.

[Your debut? If this is your first gym battle than I fear this will not be a fair fight.] Meditite said, frowning.

"His debut? Are you sure? I'll let you call him back." Maylene said.

"Ethan will be fine. Lady's first." Mike said with a very evil smile but a gentle voice.

Maylene smirked. "You'll regret that. Meditite, Force Palm!" Meditite charged Ethan with her palm open and glowing with energy.

"Dodge." Mike said, and Ethan ran off faster than Meditite and Maylene thought possible for the water type. He ran up behind her and went at her with his flippers coated in metal.

[Metal Claw.] Ethan said and slashed at the female Meditite, sending her a few feet away. Maylene looked stunned.

"What the- Prinplups can't move that fast! Can they?" Mike smiles.

"With my training, my Pokémon gain a lot of speed and power. Ethan can easily outrun Meditite, but speed isn't the only thing we worked on. Bubblebeam, and give her no way to escape!" Ethan ran in a circle around Meditite while firing off a Bubblebeam constantly.

"Meditite, use Confusion to get out of that!"

Meditite glowed pink and sent out a weak burst of psychic energy with Confusion, destroying any incoming bubbles and hitting Ethan, who slid back a couple inches. Meditite looked very tired.

'Damn that Prinplup moves like it was trained by a master Pokémon Trainer, what kind of training does he do?' Maylen thought to herself, not liking where the battle was heading.

"Drill Peck." Ethan jumped up into the air and his beak started to glow. He took aim at Meditite and spun while charging at her. When he hit her it was an instant knock out.

[That's it? Way too easy.] Ethan said with a smirk.

"Ethan, don't get cocky. Now come on back." Ethan had a disappointed look but quickly went to Mike's side.

"Okay Leaf, front and center!" Leaf came out of her Luxury ball after Mike threw it high in the sky while Maylene sent out her Machoke.

[Careful Leaf, he looks pretty tough.] Ethan said.

[I'll be fine, defense is one of a Leafeon's best stats. Of course, he has to hit me first.] Leaf said looking back at Ethan.

"Machoke, Fire Punch!" Machoke charged Leaf with a flaming fist.

"Aerial Ace" Mike said under his breath, and Leaf vanished. She reappeared in a second flying towards Machoke's back like a bullet, scoring a powerful hit.

[D-Damn, what the hell?] Machoke said getting up slowly.

[I hate being cocky but, that was too easy.] Leaf said using Giga Drain, firing a green beam at Machoke from the growth on her head, absorbing health and finishing it off. Maylene returned him with a happy look.

"It's been a while since I was put into this kind of situation. But it will be tougher to take down Lucario." Lucario walked onto the field and pointed at Ethan.

[I shall fight him.] Mike pretended not to understand Lucario and asked, "You want to fight Ethan? Ok."

[So why do you want to fight me?] Ethan asked as he walked on the field.

[I want to test you, to see how strong you really are. Let us begin.]

"Aura Sphere!" Maylene said mimicking the action of Lucario firing the attack.

-No dodging that Ethan. Destroy it with Bubblebeam.- Mike ordered through telepathy. Ethan's Bubblebeam effectively cancelled out the Aura Sphere.

[Interesting.] Lucario said.

"Force Palm!" Lucario shot forward with high speed and slammed his paw into Ethan, the blast of power sending him into a wall.

[ETHAN!] Leaf shouted while Mike cringed, knowing that hitting a wall that hard had to hurt.

Ethan slid onto the ground and got up but looked hurt, he was holding his left shoulder but quickly let go.

[That all you got? You won't take me down that easily!] Ethan said firing off a Bubblebeam.

"Bone Rush!" Maylene said, once again, copying the movements. Lucario created a blue bone staff and spun it, deflecting the Bubblebeam.

[And you cannot hit me with those kinds of attacks.] Lucario said smirking and charged Ethan.

Ethan ducked at Lucario's swing and used Drill Peck on his stomach, making Lucario stumble. Mike saw and opportunity.

"Now Ethan, BubbleBeam! Ethan fired the attack, pushing Lucario back and doing a good amount of damage.

[Well, you and your trainer have a good bond, he doesn't need to know your strategy to help. Very nice.] He then fired an Aura Sphere at Ethan, who got hit. He took a good amount of damage, but shook it off. Ethan used Metal Claw on Lucario several times, doing a low amount of damage due to it being a steel type move. However, that wasn't the goal.

[What was that going to accom-] Lucario was hit by a more powerful Drill Peck, due to some of the Metal Claws powering up Ethan's attack power.

[Gah!] Lucario exclaimed, and started to power up an Aura Sphere, only to get hit by a hail of bubbles from above. Ethan had jumped up and started a Bubblebeam and kept it going until he landed. At that point Lucario looked like he could barely stand.

[Shit, I definitely underestimated you. It was a good fight Ethan.] Lucario said with a weak smile.

[Agreed Lucario.] Ethan said, firing off one last Bubblebeam to finish Lucario off. Ethan then fell to the ground, sitting up, looking pretty tired.

-(ooo)- POV Change 1st Person

I saw Leaf run up to Ethan and gave him a hug, congratulating him on his victory.

[YOU WON YOU WON!]

[Huh? Oh crap.] He wasn't expecting it as he turned around and they fell into an awkward position without really realizing it, all the while Leaf was still hugging him to the best of her ability.

"Uhh, Leaf, Ethan. You two are in a very . . . intimate position."

[Huh?] They both said and realized that Leaf was on top of Ethan with their faces very close to each other. I saw them blush and rush to get off each other.

[Sorry Ethan, I was just happy for you.] Leaf said blushing.

[Yeah, thanks Leaf.] Ethan said in the same state. I chuckle at the two and go over to Maylene who is helping up Lucario.

"That was fun, you've trained Lucario very well." I said. She smiled.

"Thanks, I agree it was fun, so how are your Pokémon so strong?" I shake my head with a smile.

"I put them through some intense training. I push them a little past their limits each time, that way they adapt to a new limit, though they do gain scars through this. I train with them, and we attack each other with some pretty harsh strikes."

"Sounds really tough. But I know what it's like to train with your Pokémon, I do the same with Lucario and have done so for over ten years. He hates losing but I do have to limit him a bit, we have to have people get to the League somehow."

"Which is why the Lucario you trained with isn't the one to fight right?"

"How'd you know?" She asked.

"A trained Lucario that has been with you for ten years would be a lot tougher than the one you have in your arms." She laughed.

"That's correct, now for your victory I present to you the Cobble Badge." She said reaching into her pockets while I held Lucario for her. She pulled out the badge and I simply put it in the case with my powers and hand her back Lucario.

"Now, onto other matters." She looked at me while returning Lucario.

"What other matters?"

"Your Lucario said there were assassins after you, why?" Her eyes widen.

"You can understand Pokémon too?"

"Yes I can and I will question how you can in a second. Answer my question." I said in a serious tone.

"I can answer both. Through my training with Lucario, I have gained Aura powers, including understanding Pokémon. This may be why they want me dead."

"Who wants you dead?"

"I don't know, maybe this will help?" She pulled out a piece of fabric with an emblem, the Engulfing Shadows emblem.

"Shit." I said as Leaf gasped.

[But why would they be interested in killing Aura users?] Leaf inquired.

"Not sure, but I guess I may as well tell you about these guys. Please sit." I hear the door open and my right hand goes to the handle of my katana, and I spin to see Cassidy with a smile. I sigh and let go of my katana.

"Expecting trouble Mike?" She asked. I shrug.

"Well we are talking about Engulfing Shadows, so yes." She nods and walks over to me.

We all sit down and I put my hands together.

"Okay, first, get something to help protect you, a dagger or something small. I'm fully aware you can handle yourself, it's just in case." Maylene nods.

"Okay now, I'm going to tell you everything I can about these guys, so, let's begin."


DWA: Done. Well before I go I have to say something, I envisioned Max a bit younger than he is in this story. I did the math on Thursday and it turns out he's 20 or 21. Meh, whatever right, never specified his appearance so use your imagination. Sorry bout that.

Mike: So will we see Maylene again?

DWA: Not sure yet, maybe in one of the climaxes or something. If I have more than one that is. I may have future stories planned, but not all details. I'm improvising starting somewhere next chapter.

Blade: Arceus help us all.

DWA: Well fuck you too.

Blade: No thanks, I'm straight.

DWA: I hate you. Anyways, Read, Review, etc. Bye!