Hey worldwide web,

Well after an explosive chapter (pun very much intended), it's been slightly difficult to make a chapter that rivals that one in comparison. At the very least, this one is an equal. I like splitting the characters up into pairs because it makes interactions much less congested, even though we have a pretty big cast with ten main characters (although that number may be getting thinned). So here's the Party at the Capulets!

Disclaimer: I own nothing.

Sam didn't do emotions. Really, he preferred being the apathetic prick in nearly every situation. It made things so much funnier. But how exactly was he supposed to keep his overconfident emotionless façade if he was going to go to a party with Pika as his date? And not only that, but they were also going to be tracking down the Cipher together and sending it to her contact. Obviously Pika would get the credit, not that Sam really cared, or at least that's what he told himself. Sam furiously typed the text message into his Dex. It made a whooshing noise at it sent to Chase. The clock on his Dex read 5:55. They were going to be late if she didn't show up soon-

"I'm here," Pika said, walking into the apartment. Sam jumped, surprised that she had gotten in. "PZ let me in," she explained. The Porygon-Z jumped out of the computer mainframe and chuckled sheepishly. Sam shook his head at it when Pika wasn't looking. Sam noticed she was wearing a t-shirt and a kapris. "Are you wearing that to the party? I forgot to mention it, but this is a very classy affair, and since you insist on being my date-"

"Relax, I've got this," Pika said, pulling out a bag of clothes. She disappeared inside the bathroom down the hall to change. Sam stood in his kitchen, glaring at PZ.

"Pory," the Normal-type said with a shrug.

"You like her," Sam told the Virtual Pokemon. PZ jumped back and shook his head. "Yes you do. Or you think I like her?" He scoffed. "Yeah, that's not happening." He folded his arms over his chest. "Get in my Dex and check the traffic updates." PZ nodded and entered the PokeDex, returning with no traffic alerts.

Pika entered the bathroom and the door shut and locked automatically behind her. Everything in Sam's apartment was automated, so naturally when she reached for the door on the other end of the wall, it slid open. Pika looked over her shoulder. The other door was still locked and Sam wouldn't dare come in if he thought she was changing. She slowly slipped into the next room.

It was Sam's study. Unlike the rest of the apartment, this room had wooden floors and a rustic atmosphere. A fake fireplace sat at one end of the room, and Sam's desk on the other. The walls were lined with bookshelves and display cases. Pika stopped to examine an ancient wooden sword from Johto. She reached for the glass door, but stop when she noticed a small blue light shining out of the case frame. An alarm-triggering laser field stretched so thin that it gave the appearance of glass. Clever.

"That's so paranoid it's not even funny," Pika whispered to herself. Sam had a living, breathing security system yet he still felt the urge to lock up his stuff with lasers like some sort of super villain. Pika had no need for such security measures. She lived in a castle composed primarily out of ice and stone, perched a couple thousand feet above sea level and surrounded by a maze of ice tunnels and razor sharp spikes.

She made her way over to the desk and checked it for lasers. Finding none, she crouched down and crawled under it, examining the bottom for a smooth surface. She pulled a large disc-shaped object our of her pocket, pressed it against the desk, and twisted. It made a hissing noise as it attached itself to the desk. Pika huffed and got out from under the desk. Good, now all it would take was the push of a button to blow the roof off the apartment building in a storm of ice and compressed air. Not that it would come to that, at least not if everything went well.

Pika entered the bathroom and shut the second door before changing into her outfit for the night. When she returned to the kitchen, Sam was leaning against the counter, reading a magazine. He had changed into a formal looking brown suit and a pink tie, and although she would never dare say this out loud, he looked good. Being the CEO of his own company mean he knew how to appear somewhat attractive (and that was as far as Pika was going to mentally compliment him). She uncomfortably cleared her throat and waited for him to say something.

Sam looked up from his magazine and stared at her. She wore a silver gown that went down to cover her feet. She nervously adjusted the straps to better cover her shoulders. She noticed his staring and glared at him.

"My eyes are up here!" She snapped, startling him. Her dress wasn't even revealing, and Sam was actually looking at her whole outfit, but she felt the need to break the silence. It was better than the awkward staring contest.

"Sorry," Sam muttered, putting the magazine aside. "So are you ready now? We should probably get going so we aren't late." Pika nodded, grabbing her small handbag and walking with Sam towards the door. She looked over her shoulder one last time, as if to reassure herself that Sam didn't know what she had done. They got into Sam's car and began to drive towards the Capulet estate.

"So who's going to be at this party?" Pika asked as they drove out of the city and into the countryside. "That Capulet guy, he sells cookware, so why did he invite you?" She probably put a bit too much frostiness into the last word, because Sam winced and didn't say anything at first.

"Capulet Industries sells more than just cookware. They supply literally everyone in Waydrn with appliances. Silas personally made every one of his products into his own Dex Project. He's the top supplier of almost everything, except PokeDexes. computers, and the like." Sam smiled triumphantly.

"And what gave you the competitive edge?"

"The element of surprise and being a Gym Leader. I was able to bypass the customs laws we have here and market my business internationally." He shrugged. "If Silas could do that, he'd rule the international business enterprises."

"So I take it he's your competition?" Pika guessed. "Then why go to his party."

Sam laughed. "Silas isn't competition, not by a long shot. He can't code worth shit, and computers is a whole other field of practice." He frowned. "We're going to the party to get the Cipher." Pika nodded. "It shouldn't be too hard. Silas probably doesn't even know what it is. If this wasn't such a big deal, he'd probably hand it over to us if we told him."

"Yeah, that's not happening," Pika said firmly. "Nobody's supposed to know the Ciphers exist anymore, mostly because they shouldn't, which is why we need to get it to my contact so he can properly destroy it."

"Who is this contact by the way?"

"His name's Bill," Pika replied. "He started the PC system in Kanto." Sam coughed.

"You mean the Bill?! As in founder of the Pokemon Storage system and coding genius?!" Sam was really excited it seemed.

"Yeah, you know him?"

"Everyone who codes knows who Bill is," Sam explained. "But at least now I trust you'll be sending the Cipher to a credible expert." Pika's eyes narrowed. "Er, not that I didn't trust you to begin with. It's just-"

"How much longer?" Pika interrupted, not wanting to continue the conversation.

"We're here actually," Sam said. "Behold the Capulet Estate."

"So this is what our major business leaders get to live in while the unemployed masses are living in hovels?" Pika said the minute she got a good glimpse of the manor. Truth be told, she was just trying to hide how impressed she was. Silas Capulet, and she assumed the rest of the Capulet family, lived in a manor that valued Parfum Palace in Kalos. Parfum Palace was the only other mansion she had seen though, but she figured this wasn't the norm for mansions. Large front grounds surrounded by sculpted hedges, marble statues towering above them, and the gentle flow of water cascading from fountains. They drove into the parking area and found a space.

"I don't really know of too many hovels in Waydrn," Sam admitted. "Maybe in rural Johto or some of the islands in Hoenn, but not here. We're so localized and productive."

"I suppose you would know," Pika responded, irritated he was trying to prove her wrong. "I do live in a kingdom of isolation, in which I am the queen." She smiled at Sam's disappointment. There was no way she was quoting that movie. She then frowned at the line of guests entering the front doors. They were all in pairs, mostly male/female with a few exceptions. "Let me see that flyer-" She snatched it out of Sam's back pocket and read it aloud. "Silas Capulet's Meal-For-Two Cooking-ware Endorsement Party. Don't be late, Bring a date, Live music at eight."

"I can explain," Sam gasped as Pika grabbed his collar threateningly.

"There is no Cipher here is there?" Pika guessed. Sam struggled, extremely nervous about the dangerous vibes she was giving off. "You just wanted a date because you're a sad, pathetic person who knows he needs to trick someone into having a good time with him."

"That's not at all what's going on!" Sam hissed, trying to keep his voice lowered. "You're making a scene." Pika shoved him back, releasing his collar. "There is a Cipher here, but the only way either of us is getting in is if we have a date. And not like a friend date, a romantic date."

"Am I missing something?" Pika asked. "Because last time we decided to be one another's 'romantic date', it ended horribly. And while I blame you for most of it, I'm willing to agree that I am also responsible for a few reasons why we do not work well as a couple."

"Don't even bring up that night," Sam said as they walked towards the door. "We were both equally at fault, okay?"

"You started it," Pika grumbled.

"How was I supposed to know you don't like ice-cream?!" Sam cried.

"Gee, I don't know, maybe because I hate being stereotyped and expected to give in to what society expects of me?" Pika guessed.

"Oh don't even start with that crap. It has nothing to do with you trying to stand out, you just wanted a reason to not have a good time. I admit I'm usually the serious one, but there's a reason why we gave you that nickname when we were kids-"

"Don't you dare say it!" Pika stood up on her toes so they were at eye level with one another. "Say it and you'll be on the recieving end of Mamoswine's tusks." Someone in front of them cleared their throat. The two Gym Leaders turned to look at a servant accepting all invitations from the incoming guests. "Are you here for the party?"

Sam fixed his tie and straightened his collar. "Yes we are. Here you go." He handed the man the flyer. He eyed Pika, and Sam realized she didn't have a flyer. The Normal-type Gym Leader wrapped his arm around her and pulled her close. He could feel his face heating up. "This is my date...we love each other and stuff." The servant nodded slowly, letting them enter the mansion. It was a barrage of glittering lights, voices, and different perfumes as they moved through the parlor towards the main ballroom. Silas Capulet was waiting for them, greeting each guest that entered the room.

Despite owning a large amount of his products, Pika had never really even seen a picture of Silas Capulet. He wore a sharp-looking three piece suit. He was balding on the top of his head, and the rest of his hair was buzzed really short. He was maybe in his late forties, yet he maintained a youthful glow. He greeted each guest with a smile, a handshake, and a few words.

"Sam!" He said cheerfully, shaking Sam's hand. "I'm so glad you could make it. I was worried you'd be missing out on all the fun like at my We Fish You A Merry Christmas Party."

"Sir that was three years ago," Sam said awkwardly as he shook Silas's hand, but Silas was already moving onto Pika. He took her hand and kissed it.

"And who might you be my dear?" He asked politely. She started to speak, but Silas held up his hand. "Wait...I've got it. You're the Ice-type Gym Leader up in Gefroren. Pika?" She nodded. "It's a pleasure to make your aquaitance." He bowed.

What a weirdo, Pika thought, but she smiled anyway. "The pleasure is mine," she argued kindly. "Sam seems to have quite a lot of respect for you." Silas glanced over at Sam.

"Oh Sam and I go way back. I bought out his first company," the man laughed, causing Sam to look embarassed. "You know Sam, I never thought of you to be the type to settle down with a girlfriend. You always seemed so busy with your work."

"It's not really settling," Sam explained. "I just...er...enjoy her company is all."

"I'm sure you do," Silas said with a wink. Sam and Pika both felt the strong urge to throw up. "Well go mingle with the other guests. We're having a lot of people showing up who weren't on the list to begin with. I'll join the rest of you in a bit." With that, he pushed Sam and Pika into the ballroom.

One half of the giant room was a dance floor with a disco ball and strobe lights. Music was playing for those that already wanted to dance. The other half of the room had circular tables where guests could sit and chat before the party began. Sam led Pika through swarm of people, pausing occasionally to greet people. Finally they stopped at the wall. Pika started to laugh.

"That was big, scary, Silas Capulet?" She asked incredulously.

"Yes, and what's with the laugh?" Sam retorted, unamused.

"You spent the whole drive here painting him out to be some evil mastermind," Pika chuckled.

"He's definitely a mastermind," Sam remarked.

Pika's laughter died down. "It's just...I was expecting someone more like Lex Luthor, not Dr. Doofenshmirtz." Sam rolled his eyes.

"Maybe it's his skills with people's that make him so dangerous," Sam said quietly.

The party actually didn't suck, or at least it hadn't so far. Sam and Pika had talked with a few more people about various things in the region. Silas still hadn't shown up, meaning the party couldn't officially start. It was getting hot in the ballroom and everyone was just standing around awkwardly. Then, the doors to the ballroom opened and Silas strolled in. He seemed a little worn out, but he smiled at everyone.

"My apologies," Silas announced. "We had an unwanted guest roaming the grounds and it had to be dealt with." He rolled down his sleeves to cover a large scratch-mark. "But let's let the party begin!" Everyone cheered.

"That's kind of suspicious," Pika whispered. Sam nodded in agreement.

"Ladies and gentleman," Silas said to the guests. "It is with great pride and joy I present to you, for the first time ever at one of my parties, my daughter!" Everyone clapped as a young woman about her age entered the room from the upper floor. She walked next to the banister, smiling down at the party guests. Her youthful glow and perfect complexion immediately made every woman in the room self-conscious. Perfect brown curls, a winning smile; Pika put a hand up to her own hair, which was straight and not nearly as good. She shook her head to clear herself of these thoughts. This girl was doing something to the guests.

"Everyone, my daughter Kate!" Silas announced again, and everyone clapped a second time as Kate walked down the stairs. Pika relaxed once she saw the shiny scale-pendant Kate was wearing to contrast her dress. Prism Scales were able to reflect light perfectly to improve the looks of what or whoever possessed one. They were responsible for Feebas evolutions and were dropped by Milotics. Kate flipped the pendant over to snap the other guests out of its effects, and was met at the top of the stairs by a young man her age, wearing a tuxedo. He was large, muscular, and his hands were shaking like he had one too many shots of sugar with his coffee.

Julius the "Caffeine-Power Powerhouse" - Machamp, Mienshao, Medicham, Lucario, Hawlucha, Gallade (Mega)

Exertion Badge - Julius has over thirty-million subscribers on ChuTube. He's a part-time fitness buff, part-time vlogger, full-time coffee enthusiast. His battles are a rush that you won't find in any espresso.

Sam snapped out of his Prism Scale-induced stupor and leaned close to Pika. "That's Julius, one of the replacement Gym Leaders Green hired. He's a pretty tough trainer." Pika shrugged. "I heard he trains Fighting-types." She could sense his displeasure. Neither of them were really that fond of the aggressive, physical-based Pokemon. They could punch through ice cold defenses and do extra damage to vulnerable Normal-types. Julius seemed like an okay, guy, from the brief glimpses they caught of him before he and Kate disappeared into the crowd.

"We should sit down," Pika suggested. The tables were filling up fast. She and Sam looked around for somewhere to sit.

"Sam my boy," Silas said, coming over to the duo. "Why don't you and Miss Pika come sit at the guests of honor table?" He offered his hand to Pika, who took it with fake smile.

"Silas that's a big honor," Sam exclaimed as they walked over to a table where Kate and Julius were sitting. "Are you sure you don't have other people you want sitting here?"

Silas laughed. "Oh no, you're like a son to me. Might as well keep the young couples in one spot. It's easier to keep them out of trouble that way." He winked and Sam felt his face flush again. The couple took their seats across from Julius and Kate, who seemed to be in a heated conversation.

"Unova's beaches are nicer," Julius reasoned. "We can go out more often, get tan, show off your- I mean, our- beach bods."

Kate didn't seem to notice Julius's slip of the tongue. "But Johto's so much more rustic. Things get really down to earth over there." Sam coughed awkwardly, causing the young couple to look at Pika and Sam.

"Oh, hello," Julius said awkwardly. "You must be the Gym Leaders I'm covering for." They nodded. He stuck out his hand. "I'm Julius and this is Kate." Kate waved awkwardly. Pika gave an unimpressed look at Julius's hand and didn't take it. Julius retracted the offer and looked back at Kate.

"You're Sam right?" Kate asked finally. The Normal Trainer nodded. "Father talks about you a lot. Mostly good things," she promised. "You usually give him quite the run for his money."

"Well he still manages to afford parties like these," Sam pointed out, motioning around the room. Servants began to go to each table and take drink orders.

"But you're a Gym Leader," Kate retorted. "That's the one thing Father can never be. Don't be so quick to make yourself seem less than you really are. It's pretentious." Pika raised an eyebrow. Maybe this girl wasn't so bad after all.

"So how do you two know each other?" Pika asked. Julius started to say something, but Kate interrupted him.

"Julius and I have known each other forever," she explained. "We met at Trainer School and have been best friends ever since!" Julius wore a pained expression on his face.

"Yeah," he turned to order his drink. "Friends." After they ordered, he continued. "So you two are...you know?" He made an obscene gesture which made Kate laugh awkwardly and both of the Gym Leaders blush.

"You don't just ask someone that," Kate scolded. Julius shrugged.

"Oh yeah," Pika replied dryly. "We're really going at it." They laughed at her sarcasm.

Julius smirked at Sam. "Bruh, you got to step it up. It take me maybe two hours to get a girl to swing by my flat for a little one-on-one training," he winked.

Kate frowned. "You mean our flat?" Julius winced. "I wasn't aware you brought girls over when I wasn't around."

"Heh, yeah...sorry about that-"

"It's so good you're seeing people!" Kate interrupted him. "Now I just have to get a boyfriend and we can double-date!" Julius looked like he wanted to hang himself with his tie. She then cast a glance at Pika and Sam. "Or, you know, triple date."

The two "couples" continued to chat as the party moved on. Drinks were brought out and people made trips to the buffet tables for food. Pika noticed that in between mingling with his guests, Silas would glance nervously at her and Sam, and then to the large windows of the ballroom. He was also constantly cleaning his scratches.

"I'm going to go to the bathroom," Pika whispered to Sam when Kate and Julius were distracted. "Maybe snoop around for the Cipher. I'll let you know if I find it." Sam nodded,

"Don't do anything that'll get us arrested." Pika rolled her eyes before walking towards the bathrooms. Kate noticed she was gone and turned to Sam.

"So that's your girlfriend hm? Well," she said, her voice raising. "I don't remember hearing anything about you two being a thing. In fact, the most recent thing in the tabloids, besides Grace's scandalous swimwear, is whether or not Apperjus is going to get married eventually." She flipped her pendant back around for a few seconds. The other guests were staring now. Even Silas seemed interested. "So I guess my real problem is what your true relationship with Pika is. Are you dating?"

"No," Sam admitted. There was a murmur from the crowd. Why sis she doing this?

Kate smirked. "Well then why are you two at this party meant for couples?"

"Er..." Sam stared at the party guests. He couldn't really tell them the truth. It was official league business. Okay Sam, you're a business man. Make something up that won't hurt your image. "She's...my intended." The party guests gasped and Sam wished he could take that back.

He peered through the large pane of glass, his breath fogging up the window. The object sat on the ground next to him. Can you see them? It asked curiously. He could see the thermal images of the party guests through his jeweled eyes. He clutched the object close to his chest and phased through the wall. Excellent work Sableye. Now toss me into the center of the room, and then find Heroi. Sableye nodded and threw the Odd Keystone into the air. He had already teleported away before it landed on the dance floor with a loud bang.

When Pika returned from the bathroom, everyone was staring at her. "Uh..." She said awkwrdly. Then, Silas lifted his glass.

"To Pika and Sam!" He toasted, prompting others to do the same. Pika turned to look at Sam and gave him a cold stare. She marched over to their table and sat down.

"You have exactly ten seconds to tell me what's going on before I have Cloyster crush your head like a soda can," she whispered threateningly.

"Nothing happened," Sam whispered back. "But when this is over, we have to get married."

Pika opened her mouth to say something, but was cut off by a loud banging noise and a sudden plume of spoke billowing out from the dance-floor. Several guests screamed as the violet smoke began to swirl around the middle of the room, a sinister laugh echoing through the ballroom. Phantom hands broke off from the main cloud of smoke and small glowing green orbs could be seen in the vortex of smoke. Pika felt her blood run colder than usual, her mind flooded with visions of people in agony and screaming.

"What's happening?!" She heard Kate cry. Her vision was starting to blur. Sam didn't seem to be faring much better, his head slumped against the table. Pika reached out to touch his shoulder and nearly collapsed as she felt herself being sucked into a vision. This one wasn't her own. It appeared to be Sam's. She struggled through the haze until she could see the scene unfolding through Sam's eyes.

Sam was lying on his stomach, searing pain slicing through his sides. He huffed and puffed, trying to regain his breath as his tiny body struggled to get enough oxygen. Just a few meters away, the other seven kids were jogging through the garden as part of their daily exercises. Amanda and Joos seemed like they could run forever, leading their tiny pack of children. Sam's legs ached and he could barely breathe. Porygon floated above him, trying to attract May's attention, even though Sam didn't want it. He had failed and it was hard to ignore the others as they stared at him.

He hadn't noticed he had started to cry until May sat down next to him and helped him into a seated position. As she helped him drink water and slowly massage away the pain in his legs, he began to quiet down.

"You aren't the fastest," she whispered to him, "but you'll find something your the best at. It's just not this." All Sam had heard was that he wasn't the best, and that slowly began to tear him down.

Pika tightened her grip on Sam's wrist as she punched through the memory. Whatever was doing this had a good grip on him, and she would have to break through it. It wasn't long before she tumbled into another painful part of Sam's past.

It had been three years since the fall of Waydrn to Kanto. The soon to be Gym Leaders were forced into a strict training camp to ensure they would be able to handle their positions. The rigorous battle and combat exercises served as a fail-safe in case exactly what had happened, happened. One such part of the training, and most of their least favorites, was the weight lifting class. Green powered through the class like he always did, while Grace lounged around smiling innocently at the overseers so that they wouldn't force her to do more than the others.

Sam grunted as he once again failed to lift the required weight. He wasn't the only one, as a matter of fact, Green, Amanda, and Joos were probably the only ones that could do it, but the overseers spat curse words and insults at him as he walked to the back of the line in shame. He recalled May's words, only this time they were saying something else. "You aren't the strongest."

Pika felt her vision clearing as she lost contact with Sam's skin. The phantom hands were slowly wrapping their skeletal-looking fingers around both Gym Leaders' waists. Pika grabbed Sam's wrist and drove headfirst into the next memory. She shattered several flashbacks of embarrassment and low self-esteem, memories that Sam would probably never want to share with anyone. This isn't right, she said to herself. I shouldn't be seeing these things. She wasn't well-versed in telepathy, but drove further in, looking for something that would snap Sam out of his funk. She felt her efforts dwindle as she was quickly thrown into another memory.

It was their final year of training. Eight long years and now there was just one week left. The overseers had determined the nine of them were fit for Gym Leader status and now there was just training. Today was Sam's favorite exercise. It was a virtual reality training exercise, one that put real physical exertion on their bodies, but kept them inside a virtual mindscape. They were split into three teams of three; blue, red, and green. Sam was on Green with Anna and Jimmy. They had formed a temporary alliance with the Red team (Joos, Grace, Pika) to flush out the Blues. The virtual arena was the same, a grassy plain with mountains on one side and a jungle on the other. Chase was leading the Blues to probably another victory.

Well, lead was a choice word. Chase wasn't much of a team player in these simulations. He would lead his team to the treetops so he could pick the other teams off with arrows and toxic spores. He didn't care what his teammates did, as long as he could get his own plan to work. The grove wasn't a bad spot. It was clear enough for lightning bolts to hit their targets, and any other projectiles for that matter.

The two teams dashed into the grove, hiding underneath the cover of branches and shrubs. The canopy was oddly quiet. Usually Chase and the others had no problem being loud. Maybe they were changing tactics. "They should be here," Sam whispered.

"Or maybe you led us to the wrong spot," Joos suggested. "Or a trap-" Sam blinked in surprise as the shaft of arrow suddenly appeared in the bark of the tree, perhaps a centimeter from Joos's nose. Sam immediately knew who this arrow belonged to, and that this person only missed on purpose.

"Joos ru-" Both the tip and the fletching of the arrow exploded, killiing Joos and ejecting him from the simulator in a cloud of pixels. The others went into panic mode as they saw Chase leaping from branch to branch with his Gloom, releasing toxic powders and arrows at them as they ran. Grace scampered up the trunk of a tree, leaping at Chase, but she was cut down by a vicious bolt of lightning. Pika gasped as Green's weapon was thrown into her back and she too died.

"THE RED TEAM HAS BEEN ELIMINATED" The mechanical simulator voice said. Sam looked around for Anna and Jimmy. They were probably both alive, but they were now scattered in the grove. Sam looked up. Green, Amanda, and Chase were all standing atop a large branch, each training their weapons on a different person. Sam had maybe four seconds. He glanced at Porygon and then the cloud of powders hanging in the air.

Poison Powder is a Poison-type attack, he thought, Psychic attacks can be used to ignite poison, dealing major damage. "Psybeam!" He cried as Chase released the arrow. He saw the flash of multi-colored light, a slight discomfort in his throat, and an explosion before he was pulled out of the simulator.

"THE GREEN TEAM HAS WON!" The computer droned as they all woke up. Anna and Jimmy both had blue lights next to their icons, but Sam noticed his light was red. The other eight were looking at him, impressed. Sam couldn't help but smile. No, he wasn't the fastest, or the strongest, but he just might be the smartest.

Pika grunted as she was forced out of Sam's mind. The hands had released their grip and Sam was now looking around in confusion. Pika wasted no time in pulling him out of the chair. She spun around and nearly screamed. In the center of the dance floor, the mysterious green orbs swirled around in the smoke, a bright green face and eyes glaring at the party guests. Its mouth was still erupting with laughter.

"A Spiritomb," Sam said breathlessly. "And a pretty damn big one too." He ducked and pulled Pika down as one of the hands swiped at them. "We can't let them touch us." They crawled around the table towards where Julius and Kate were huddled on the floor. "Are you guys okay?"

"I've had better days," Kate admitted with a nervous laugh. "What is that thing doing in here?" Nobody could offer up an answer.

"We need to get people out of here," Sam explained as party guests ran around screaming. "A Spiritomb is no joke, especially one of this size. I'll be no help, and neither will you." He looked at Julius, who just shrugged awkwardly. "Julius and I can help evacuate, if you want to take down Spiritomb." Kate tilted her head the side. "Sorry Kate, but we can't bring a civilian into the fight."

"You'll be much more useful rallying the party guests," Pika assured her. Besides, like she'd be good in a battle. And definitely not if things get physical. She looked at Sam. "Hall of Fame?" Sam nodded. They both opened up their Dexes before leaping out from behind the table.

ACTIVATING HALL OF FAME - WAYDRN - CODE 19113 - SARCASTIC GADFLY

ACTIVATING HALL OF FAME - WAYDRN - CODE 169111 - ICE QUEEN

Sam felt the tingling sensation as the molecules of his battle armor were assembled over his party clothes. A simply shirt and pants, with light but durable metal plates embedded in the; complete with shoulder-pads, knee-pads, basically a lot of pads. Sam pulled the hood over his face and activated the mechanism on his wrist. A circular shield (two feet in diameter) made of a lightweight medal and tricked out for all sorts of functions assembled on his wrist. The best function though was the neurotransmitters in the hood that allowed Sam to mentally order the armor to change its color, and cause the shield to activate. He blinked and saw-like blades emerged from the sides. He held it up to his face to block a chair that was thrown at him.

Pika's armor wasn't as useful, but still good for a fight. Electric blue combat boots and matching leggings underneath a powder blue skirt and long-sleeved top. A wool vest over that. Her hair was tied back in a long braid. Tied to her waist was a small pack that held her freezing grenades. In her right hand was a white sceptre with a razor-sharp, titanium snowflake at the top. She dove to the side and swiped at one of the hands, eliciting a groan from the Spiritomb. She saw Sam dash towards the guests and threw a grenade int one of the open palms. It exploded, freezing the hand solid and dropping it to ground with a crush. The spiritual energy flew back to Spiritomb and now only one hand remained.

"Pretty clever for a mere child," Spiritomb smirked, his voice echoing through her head, and apparently everyone else's. Pika pulled out another grenade and threw it, but Spiritomb threw it back with his one free hand. Pika did a clumsy backflip and hid under a table as the grenade exploded, covering part of the floor in a layer of ice. She emerged from the table and lowered her sceptre. Maybe she could reason with this thing.

"What do you want?" She asked aloud, forgetting he could answer mentally if he wanted.

"I want nothing but to experience the agony and suffering of as many people as possibly," Spiritomb replied, shrugging with his one hand. "But that's not what I came here for. I came here on an order from my master."

"And that would be?" Pika frowned. This was a Trainer's Pokemon. Meaning this attack was planned.

Spiritomb laughed again. "My dear, I've been in this miserable existence for thousands of years, since the dawn of my master's bloodline. And even before that, before I was transformed from human to spirit to Pokemon." That was right. Spiritomb were created from ancient, sacred, and now illegal rituals that harnessed 108 of the most evil souls and bound them to an Odd Keystone. It was a punishment to the Pokemon and the people, and only one person in the world had managed to successfully capture one and keep it from turning on them; Cynthia the Champion of Sinnoh. Although I suppose now that's two people, Pika thought.

"You still haven't told me what you're here for," Pika spat. She could see most of the party guests being ushered out of the ballroom by Sam and Julius, with the help of their Pokemon.

"My master needs to acquire you and your fellow Gym Leader," Spiritomb explained. Pika began to sweat. This thing had come for her and Sam? "And while I'm not supposed to kill you, nobody can help if one of my attacks is a tad too strong. I am over a thousand years old you know." He summoned and Shadow Ball and threw it. It moved towards Pika at astonishing speed. She tensed up, but the attack never came. Standing at her feet was a Glameow, the Shadow Ball caught between her teeth. With the jerk of her head she tossed it to the side. Even Spiritomb seemed caught of guard.

Someone to Pika's right gave a whistle and Glameow ran over to their side. Pika stared at this person, barely recognizing them. The big puffy dress was gold, and now all that was left was an undershirt and pajama shorts. She was barefoot, her hair was a mess, and all that was left of the former Kate was the scale pendant. Pika blinked. She wanted to clarify this was the same girl she had met at the party, but didn't in order to remain vigilant. At Kate's side was Glameow, a snarling Mightyena, and a sly-looking Liepard.

"I figured you could use some backup," Kate explained. She turned to Spiritomb. "I'm not letting you take my friends."

Spiritomb smiled. "If only you knew what your friends really thought of you." Kate took a few more steps with her Pokemon.

"What they think is not of my concern," she clarified. "They are my friends whether they like it or not. And if you hurt my friends I will hurt you back. I've got nothing to lose."

"Do you now?" Another spectral hand appeared, Silas tight in its grip.

"Daddy," Kate gasped, the color draining from her face.

"One more step and 'Daddy' gets squished," Spiritomb said simply.

"My father has nothing to do with this," Kate said, her voice shaking. "Let him go."

Spiritomb couldn't have looked more thrilled. "Your loyalty must be what's driving him to keep your true relations secret, by implying you have any." Kate just stared, confused. "He's not your father my dear. He's been posing as your father since he found you on the street. After your real parents abandoned you."

"He's lying!" Silas shouted. Spiritomb responded by having his hand squeeze silent.

"Please don't," Kate said desperately. "Daddy? This...this isn't true is it?"

"You can't trust him," Pika said. She suddenly wondered which 'him' Kate would interpret her to be talking about.

Spiritomb scoffed. "I can read minds dear. He found you and took you home because nobody wanted to have a child with trash like him. He wrote notes and kept what little belongings you had behind the green door you could never open as a child." Kate's eyes widened. Silas just stared apologetically at her. "And now that we've taken care of that elephant in the room, time for 'Daddy' to say goodbye." With that, the hand tightened its grip.

"NO!" Kate screamed, running at the hand. Her Pokemon held her back. Pika grimaced and looked away as a whole lot of blood spilled onto the floor and what little was left of Silas was dissolved by the ghost energy. She fell to her knees, tears spilling down her cheeks. Kate gripped a broken table leg and hurled it at Spiritomb, striking him in the eye.

"You idiot girl!" Spiritomb shouted. He spat out a massive Dark Pulse right at Kate.

"Don't you touch her!" Julius shouted. Jumping out in front of the attack and slamming a button. There was a flash of magenta light, and the Dark Pulse dissolved. Standing above Kate was Julius and his Mega-Gallade.

"J-Julius?" Kate said. "You've never gotten him to Mega Evolve before."

Julius looked down at her. "I- I mean he's- I mean we have never had a good enough reason to." He turned back to Spiritomb. "I'm going to defeat you if it's the last thing I do." Sam was now ready to join the fight.

"That's a terrible plan!" Pika blurted out. "Spiritomb's a Dark/Ghost-type, so he's immune to-"

"With all due respect Miss Pika," Julius interrupted with a grin, "Shut the fuck up. Gallade, Night Slash!" Gallade launched at Spiritomb and the real fighting began.

Pika had sent out Weavile, Mamoswine, and Olaf her Glalie (whom she Mega-Evolved) to fight with her. Sam had Pyroar, Blissey, and PZ with him. Julius was dueling Spiritomb one-on-one with Gallade. Kate sat against the grand fireplace, her face void of emotion. Spiritomb was tough, evne with seven Pokemon and three people fighting him. His two spectral hands had minds of their own, and wouldn't stop reaching for Sam and Pika. Julius was making little progress with Spiritomb, and Pika could see that he and Gallade were tiring.

"Let me know when you're ready to submit," Spiritomb said to Sam and Pika. "Remember that whatever happens tonight is your fault. Silas's death; it could have been avoided if you had just gone with him." Kate looked up at them, her face filled with pain. Spiritomb smirked and Pika could sense his grip tightening on Kate's mind. "Yes my dear Kate, your father may still be alive if it weren't for these pathetic excuses of Gym Leaders."

Kate rose from her spot on the floor. She stared at them all with a stern expression. A feeling of dread crept over Pika. Spiritomb's smile grew, before twisting into a pained expression. "Get out of my head!" Kate ordered. She took a deep breath.

"I am Katherine Capulet, legal daughter and heir of Silas Capulet. Seeing as how my father is recently deceased, I inherit everything of his as stated in his will." Her voice had a stone-cold voice that even set Pika on edge. "That includes the Lance of Capulet, which I now claim as my own!" She reached for a crystal blue PokeBall on the fireplace mantle.

"No!" Spiritomb growled.

"By blood or by law, I am still a Capulet! And I declare you trespassing on my noble house!" Kate threw the PokeBall into the air, releasing the Lance of Capulet in a flash of rainbows.

"Milotic," it cooed, floating in the air beside Kate. The girl flipped over her pendant so Spiritomb's focus was on her.

"Now get out of my house!" Kate screeched, charging forward. Milotic blasted at Spiritomb with Disarming Voice, crippling it. This Milotic was like nothing Pika had ever seen. It's normally red ear-fins were a deep blue, and its blue tail was a glimmering gold. A Shiny...of course. Kate lept into the air, grabbing onto Milotic before bringing the Water-type down onto Spiritomb with a devesating Dragon Tail. Spirtomb immediately fled back into the Odd Keystone as Kate and Milotic landed on the ground. Kate reached for it, but it disappeared in a puff of smoke. Kate looked up at the others. "We have to call the Jennys.

Luckily the Jennys had already arrived. After doing as good of an investigation as they could, they began to collect as many witness statements as possible. Kate, Julius, Sam, and Pika stood outside one of the police car. Sam was on the Dex with Green.

"So what will you do now?" Pika asked Kate.

"I don't know," the girl admitted. "I'm the last living Capulet in the world. I can't get married or I'll lose my last name. I can't keep going with Daddy's company, that's not me. Actually, I don't know anything about me. What if what I find in that box, isn't what I want?"

Julius took her hand. "We'll open it together then. And we'll face whatever you end up being together."

Kate smiled at him, tears forming in her eyes, and leaned forward to kiss him on the cheek. "Thank you Julius. You're the best friend I could ever ask for. I really don't deserve you." Julius just shrugged and took it for what it was worth.

Pika sighed and walked over to Sam. Kate was taking things better than she would have. "The Jennys looked through the house, it seems like there actually was no Cipher. It was just a dirty trick." Sam just nodded, he was still on the Dex. "You know, I thought about what you said. About getting married-"

"We can call it off," Sam said, putting Green on hold. "It wasn't right for me to just say something like that."

Pika shook her head. "It could be nice. I mean, I'm not ready for marriage, and I haven't exactly met anyone that's changed my life nearly as much as you." Sam started to turn red. "How about in four years, if we're still single, we'll give it a shot?"

Sam shrugged. "That could work." He put the Dex up to his ear. "Yeah, wait what?! We'll be right there." He look alarmed and shoved the Dex into his pocket.

"What's wrong?!" Pika asked, concerned. Sam looked terrified. "Sam answer me!"

"Something happened at Amanda and Joos's Gym. There was an accident. They think-" Then the police radio went off.

"We have reports of a massive explosion at The Shaky Ludicolo," the radio buzzed. "Two Jennys are on the scene, they've reported one fatality. I repeat, one fatality."

This chapter was a bitch to write XD I've complained about it to friends so much it isn't even funny anymore. But it's done, and I know there's a lot to explain. Ask any and all questions you have in the reviews and I'll respond to them via PM as best as I can.