"Giovanni, sir."

"Yes?"

"I have acquired the information you've requested, regarding your investment in Cerulean University."

"Bring it to me."

With much haste, the grunt standing before Giovanni placed three manila folders on the desk. Each folder boldly stated 'Authorized Personnel Only'. Giovanni inspected the appearance of each folder carefully before dismissing the grunt. As the door closed behind him, Giovanni sifted through each and every folder. Opening the first folder, pages of letters documenting Cerulean University's research were folded in a neat, compact fashion. He disregarded most of the papers, specifically searching for a certain document.

"Ah," he muttered to himself. He had found files clipped together with the note 'Mega Stone Research'. A letter written by Timothy Bishop sat on top of the files. Immediately, he began to read it:

October 25th, 2013

Mr. Giovanni,

On behalf of Cerulean University, we are truly thankful for the amount of investment you have provided for our research programs. Thanks to your funding, more than fifty projects are on their way to commercial release! Of course, the research involving the Mega Stone Project that you have requested has not been forgotten. For the past few months, experiment upon experiment has been tested, bringing unfavorable results. However, we have recently performed tests that are yielding positive results! It seems that the stone we have acquired through team member Allen Greene has been reacting well with certain Pokémon. Further testing is needed to confirm our results, but we will be sure to document a full report. We hope that you continue to be satisfied with our research and benefits toward society.

Regards,

Timothy Bishop

Giovanni's eyes widened for a moment at the words he had just read and began to grin. It's finally starting to happen, eh? he thought. But quickly, his facial expression changed into that of a frown. Took them long enough to start giving me results. I've been funding this University and its projects for a long damn time. He knitted his eyebrows, the frown still playing on his face. That stone, I wonder if it's the same one as that time?

He threw the letter onto his desk and rested his head back on the leather swivel chair he was sitting in. The pieces are starting to fit together.

Looking towards the ceiling, Giovanni began to fall deep in thought, planning his future steps carefully. The way the pages were turning, Giovanni would be able to take complete control over Kanto by the New Year. Citizens will be forced to surrender to his command, an unstoppable army with Pokémon affected by the Mega Stone will fall under his lead, and most importantly, Giovanni's old accomplice Mewtwo will succumb to his aid once again. To Giovanni, Mewtwo symbolizes absolute power; the ultimate Pokémon genetically modified for mass destruction. To have control over the world requires power. From the moment Giovanni stepped onto this Earth, acquiring the power to control the world maintained top priority. Mewtwo is the key to that power. From the moment Mewtwo escaped him, Giovanni had been planning all the necessary preparations to not only capture Mewtwo permanently, but use him at the moment of capture and thrust the entire world into chaos. To do this, it was vital to not simply search for Mewtwo, but garner control in all the other steps for world domination, leaving Mewtwo as the final step. Gaining the proper intelligence, connections, materials, and tools needed to come first. To his advantage, money was not an issue. It was almost too easy; throw money at the right people, and anything could be done.

Giovanni's thoughts were interrupted by the door to his office swinging wide open. Unlike the grunt that had timidly entered and exited the room, this young woman barged straight into his office, full of charisma. From head to toe, she seemed to be beaming with excitement, quite strange considering to whom she was presenting herself. She had long, wavy scarlet hair that fell loosely to her waist. Her clothing consisted of dark colors; a charcoal black halter top and skirt. Glancing at her with the backdrop of Giovanni's office, she seemed out of place, like a porcelain doll that had accidentally been misplaced in a woodworking factory. She dropped her bag on a chair in the back of the room and proceeded to approach Giovanni with upbeat movement.

"Afternoon, sir! Sorry to bother you while you're busy, but I had some things I wanted to ask you." She gave a cheeky smile, awaiting his acknowledgement. Giovanni sighed with discomfort before sitting up straight with an agitated glance.

"Silver, how many times have I spoken to you about your attitude in this environment? You're a smart girl, twenty-one no less. Understand your position! My daughter or not, I cannot allow you to roam these halls with such a nonchalant step."

"Sorry, sorry," Silver replied with a tease in her voice. "I know you keep busy—"

"Did you hear me? Drop the careless attitude."

Silver stopped for a moment. Her cheeky smile faded slightly before she continued.

"Sorry. I know you keep busy running one of the biggest organizations in Kanto. I'm not interfering whatsoever!" She became slightly more animated again before continuing, "All I wanted to talk about was the annual Kanto Light Show. This year, it's taking place in Ether Valley! It's tomorrow, and I really wanted to attend. Would you go with me please?"

"I'm busy," Giovanni replied curtly.

"Wouldn't you just consider it?" Silver persisted. "You've been sitting here in your office for months, constantly claiming you're working and close to results, yet you have hundreds of people out doing everything for you! I don't understand why you must lock yourself in this office. You're just driving yourself mad. Just take one day off of your "results" and enjoy some of life! It's only this one time…"

"I said no. Go off and see those idiotic lights by yourself." Giovanni pointed to the manila folders he received earlier, "My plans are coming into fruition, so I cannot afford to waste my time on nonsense."

Silver sighed. She reached for her bag on the chair and began to open it. From the bag, she pulled out a small notebook and handed it to Giovanni.

"Fine, I'm going and will return Monday morning. Here's the report of all your field squads. Just as asked, I've been observing their actions. All missions have been carried out secretly and successfully thus far. For the most part, all has gone as you've requested. Now, I'm taking a quick vacation."

"'For the most part?' Explain."

"It's nothing, really. Out of all your squads, there is one trio that causes mischief. Nothing detrimental… just strange."

"Must be those three idiots on the fifth instalment of Team Rocket, never mind them. Now if that notebook is all you have for me, you are dismissed."

"It was great to see you too, sir. I'll make sure to tell you about it when I get back."

Slowly, Silver gathered her belongings and left the office, shutting the door forcefully behind her. Giovanni let out a final sigh, and returned to his previous position in his chair. He was now fighting an enormous headache. My God, how I wish she shared my goal and would make herself more useful instead of wasting time on frivolous things. Oh well, I will not concern myself with that now. The Mega Stone Project is nearing completion, so the time to strike will soon come to light. And that is the only type of light I wish to see. Giovanni chuckled wickedly as he continued to read through all of his investments.

Silver, disregarding Giovanni's warning, skipped her way through each floor of the Silph Company building, making her way down to the lobby floor. Employees of Silph once nervously watched her, fearing that her insolence would bring Giovanni's wrath upon them all, but they all eventually grew used to her behavior. Silver was never permanently phased by her father, and it seemed as if she never would be. Despite any misconception, Silver is not as naïve as she appears. It's very clear to her that she remains useful to her father as an overseer, an outside source of information, as well as holding personal information that should never be released about Giovanni. It is through these factors that Silver knows she can live freely and cheerfully as long as she keeps being useful to her father. The way she sees it, as long as she performs a couple of "house chores", she can continue to live in her own world. Giovanni could do as he liked, for his goal had no meaning to her. Silver walked through the lobby and left through the front door. At the moment, the only goal she's concerned with is to enjoy the Kanto Light Show.

It was not long before Silver arrived at Ether Valley. With a burst of energy, she made her way out of the train station, taking in the wonderful sights around her. Ether Valley was different than any other town she had ever been to. There was no loud buzz of the city to ring in her ear, nor crowds of people suffocating all of her personal space like that in the city areas. There was no prestigious University like that in Cerulean. Instead, a quiet town lay before her eyes. The beautiful mountains were visible at every angle, and Chatots could be heard singing in the trees. Small groups of people roamed the streets, all giving the friendliest of expressions. Looking around, Silver knew she would be in for a good time.

Silver reached into her bag, picking out a red watch. Immediately she placed it on her wrist and checked the time.

Shoot. It's already half past seven. I'd better find a place to stay; the show doesn't start until tomorrow night!

Silver roamed the street-lit sidewalk, searching for any available place to stay. As she walked, she came upon a small park. It seemed as if no one was there. Of course, with night falling, it would be unlikely that anyone would be hanging around a park.

Hmmm, maybe I can cut through this park to make it to the center of town quicker. Without hesitation,Silver began crossing through the park. The trees around her swayed gently against the evening breeze, which was a feeling truly refreshing. She listened carefully to the sounds around her. The peace was so unlike anything she'd felt, and she wanted to make it last.

Unfortunately, it was soon shattered by a subtle crackling in the distance. Silver stopped, perturbed by the noise she had just heard. The crackling started to get louder, and voices could be heard in the distance. Carefully, Silver followed the sounds, curious as to what was behind it. With each walking step, the noises became crisper, forming into the buzz of conversation. Up ahead she could see two shadows—the source of the noise she had heard. Silver hid behind a tree as she listened to the current conversation.

"Way to go, Gengar! Wait until the others see how great you've become with your Shadow Ball! At this rate, we'll become an unstoppable Trainer-Pokémon tag team, and you wouldn't even need that to boost your stats."

"Thanks Allen! We really do make a great team. It was definitely a great idea to come do some training tonight, especially after all we've learned from yesterday. I've been really motivated to sharpen my skills after feeling my full potential with the Mega—"

A loud thump resounded throughout the park, interrupting the conversation.

"Did you… hear that?" Allen asked. Gengar moved towards the nearest tree, checking what the thumping sound could have been. Behind the tree, Silver sat face planted to the ground. Surprised, Gengar called Allen over.

"Hey Allen, there's someone here! Come check it out." Allen quickly moved himself towards Gengar and spotted Silver on the ground.

"Hey, are you all right?"

For a moment there was silence, but the silence was soon broken by a hysterical laughter. Silver's careful attitude no longer existed, leaving only her laughter to sound through the air. Gengar and Allen stared, extremely confused.

"I'm all right," Silver chuckled. "I didn't mean to be eavesdropping on you guys, but I guess I got what was coming to me." She scratched the back of her head gently as she continued, "I was just walking through the park, when I had heard an unnatural noise. I wanted to find out what it was stealthily, but instead I tripped on this tree branch on the ground and fell face first! That's me, a real klutz."

Gengar couldn't help letting out a chuckle. Allen tried his hardest to hold back a laugh, and held out his unbandaged hand for Silver to grab it. She smiled, taking his hand. With Allen's condition leaving him on the weaker side, Gengar also helped in picking Silver back up. She was hoisted back to her feet, where she brushed off her skirt.

"Thanks," she smiled. "I'm Silver, by the way."

"It's a pleasure to meet you. I'm Allen, and this is my Pokémon and friend, Gengar." Gengar made a quick bow. "Hey, so, uh, what brings you here? I've been at Ether Valley for quite a while, and I don't recognize you."

Silver gave the same cheeky smile as ever as she answered.

"Oh! I came to see the annual Kanto Light Show! It's tomorrow, and I've been really looking forward to going!"

Allen's eyes widened as he heard the words 'light show'. With everything that had happened, he had forgotten all about it! Originally he had made plans with Mewtwo to attend, but how could he have forgotten?! Silver noticed the slight distress on Allen's face and asked, "Is everything all right, Allen?"

He shook his head out of shock.

"Yeah, sorry. I had completely forgotten that the show was tomorrow! I had made plans with a friend to attend, but now…" he looked towards Gengar. "I think I'll need to adjust my plans because I've got some more people to invite. It's great that you were able to remind me."

Silver grinned and said, "Great! Oh, on another note… I was looking for a place to stay; do you guys know of a place? It would really help me out."

"The Pokémon Center typically allows for guests," Allen answered. "If it's just for a night or two, I'm sure Nurse Joy wouldn't mind."

"Oh that would be wonderful! Thank you guys! I'll try to speak to her right now!" Silver began to dash out of the park, looking for the Pokémon Center.

"Hey, wait!" Gengar called. Silver was still running but called back,

"Don't worry! The Pokémon Center shouldn't be too hard to find. I'll see you guys at the festival tomorrow, then! Be sure to introduce me to your other friends! It was great being able to meet you guys!"

Allen and Gengar watched as Silver disappeared from view.

"She was odd, but seemed sweet," Allen started.

"Yeah," Gengar agreed, "but I couldn't really get a good look at her. It's so dark, I could barely make out what she looked like."

"Yeah, guess we'll just have to find her at the festival then to really see."

Gengar and Allen made their way back to Alder's house, where Mewtwo, Alder and Alakazam had taken the evening to reflect on the newfound knowledge regarding Mega Stones. It was still so much to absorb, the power and overall success of the Ring and Stone. As the two walked in, Mewtwo greeted them.

"Allen, Gengar, welcome back! How did your evening training session go?"

"It was going really well," Allen started, "and then we met this girl. We didn't have too much time to chat, but Mewtwo, she reminded me of the Light show! We were planning to go, remember?"

At the reminder, Mewtwo indeed remembered. Just like Allen, Mewtwo did not have the show on his list of priorities. He had forgotten that it was even happening tomorrow as well!

"Yeah, I remember. Should we still go?"

Allen looked to everyone in the room,

"I say we all go, especially if you all take it as a thank you gift for helping me with the Mega Stone Project."

"That sounds good to me!" Gengar chimed in. Mewtwo nodded, feeling nervously excited about going to his first Light Show. Alder and Alakazam also gave consent, and it was settled.

"Oh," Alder interrupted. "The light show is going to be taking place right around here. Mewtwo, Allen, and Gengar, you are welcome to stay here for the night, it's more convenient than the Pokémon Center."

Mewtwo thought for a minute before responding. He didn't like the idea of imposing on Alder, but he weighed the pros and cons. For only one night, it seemed logical to stay near Alder and the others, instead of having them meet him all the way back at the Pokémon Center again. Besides, they would be able to all leave for the Light Show together with ease this way.

"Thank you," Mewtwo answered. "As long as it's not a burden." Allen nodded in agreement to Mewtwo's statement.

"Not at all! Alakazam and I were able to get most of the town-related work done for tonight anyway, so it'll be a pleasure to have you."

With that, Gengar returned to Allen's Pokéball for the night as Allen and Mewtwo were shown to the guest bedrooms.

Meanwhile, after multiple twists and turns through town, Silver found her way to the Pokémon Center.

Maybe I should have asked them for directions. Ah well, found it! Fixing her posture, Silver casually walked into the Center and made her way to the front desk.

Nurse Joy greeted her politely,

"Welcome to the Ether Valley Pokémon Center. I'm Nurse Joy, and how may I help you this evening?"

"Hi!" Silver beamed, "My name's Silver. I'm from out of town, but I came to see the Kanto Light Show happening tomorrow. Unfortunately, my excitement had gotten the better of me, and I forgot to book a place to stay. By any chance, would I be able to spend the night here?"

"Why, certainly," Nurse Joy answered. "If you follow the back hallway and make a right, there should be an empty room. You are free to use it as you like."

"Thank you so much! I really appreciate that!"

After receiving Nurse Joy's nod, Silver walked to her room for the night. It was a plain white room, bearing all the necessities for a single night stay. Without delay Silver made her way to the bed. After expending all her energy for the day, she was exhausted. Her eyes fluttered shut, and she hummed a solemn ballad until she fell deep into sleep.

She awoke to the blazing afternoon sun shining through the room window. Slowly, she looked upwards towards the ticking clock on the wall. It read 13:00. Silver tiredly rubbed her eyes before realizing what the clock said. It took a minute before she jumped out of bed, realizing just how late she had slept in.

Oh my God! It's already this late! I'm so behind schedule… I need to get moving!

She quickly performed a morning routine and walked out to the front desk. She thanked Nurse Joy once again, and left the Pokémon Center. She walked in the direction of where the Light Show would be taking place. The event only happened once a year and Silver didn't know if she'd ever be able to have time to see it any other year. Thus, she wanted to set up everything she possibly could in the meantime. As she walked, she could hear the whispers of some people talking about the show. Some were making plans with friends, some with family, and others just talking about what to be expected. All in all, the whole town seemed to want to observe the forthcoming event.

As Silver approached the open field where the event was to take place, she smiled. Dozens of stands were set up for the event. Food and activities were set up, as well as some pre-show entertainment by some Pokémon and their trainers. The center of the field was left as open space for people to watch the lights when the show would commence. Silver made her way to the center, brought out a blanket, and placed it on the ground. There she sat, awaiting the events to come.

She checked her watch, noting it was only 15:00. She sighed, lying back on to her blanket. This would be more fun if I had someone with me… but I guess it's always been this way. She felt the cool breeze against her cheeks, wondering if she should have worn a thicker jacket than the light blazer she had brought. While she thought, she heard familiar voices approaching near she was. Sitting back up, she looked behind her to notice Allen and Gengar several yards behind her. She could see they were making conversation with a few others, and so she took the opportunity to say her greetings.

"Allen, Gengar!" she called excitedly, waving her hand towards her location. The two of them stopped in their tracks, searching for where the call had come from. Seeing Silver's hand, Gengar motioned the group to make their way towards her. She smiled, getting up from her sitting position in order to greet everyone properly.

Looking at the bunch, Silver was very intrigued by the diversity of the group. An Alakazam, an elderly man, a Pokémon unlike any she's ever seen before, along with Allen and Gengar really caught her attention. However, both groups were equally astonished. Allen and Gengar were now fully able to see all of Silver's features. Looking at her closely, she radiated with expression. While Allen seemed amused by her appearance, Gengar was slightly put off by it. Allen began to speak, so Gengar shook his suspicion.

"Ah, so allow me to introduce you to our great friends!" He pointed to Mewtwo first, "This is Mewtwo. He may look intimidating, but he's one of the sweetest people I know."

"Hello. Pleasure to meet you," Mewtwo said with a smile.

Silver paused for a moment to study Mewtwo, then returned the greeting,

"Nice to meet you! I'm Silver!"

"And then we've got Alder and Alakazam over here," Allen continued, "our unbreakable team. They're the wisest out of all of us."

Silver walked over to give yet another greeting. Alder and Alakazam were pleased, and shook her hand.

"You guys seem like a great bunch! I'm glad I ran into you guys," Silver began, "will you be staying for the show?"

"Ah yeah, we all wanted to enjoy the festival, and the show seemed like it would be something worth watching," Mewtwo answered.

"Yup!" Allen added, "And it'll be Mewtwo's first time seeing a light show of any kind. We came a bit early to scope out all the attractions and whatnot."

"Really?" Silver asked. "It's my first time seeing one too! I've wanted to come to the Light Festival for so long, but every year it was either at a location too far or I had something urgent to attend to."

"Well it's great that you're able to see it now," Allen said.

"Yes, most definitely! Actually, would I be able to join in the moment with you guys?" Silver gazed awkwardly at her feet before continuing, "I kind of… came here by myself. It really isn't as great as an experience when there's no one to share it with."

Mewtwo, understanding the feeling of loneliness, spoke out first.

"Of course! I don't see how that would be a problem." Mewtwo looked for the approval of the others, and for the most part, all were nodding. Gengar, however, seemed to have gotten lost in thought.

"Gengar?" Mewtwo said. Gengar quickly came out of his daze,

"Oh… umm, yeah. Sorry for spacing out like that. She can come with us."

"Then it's settled," Mewtwo said triumphantly. He felt a sense of joy knowing that he had saved another person from loneliness.

"You guys are too kind!" Silver exclaimed. "Alright, to thank you guys, how about I bring you all back a drink from one of the stands? It'll only take a moment!"

Before the others could give a proper response, Silver was already off, rushing towards the stands. She seemed to be revitalized by the fact that she now had some company. The group couldn't help but laugh at her reaction. Mewtwo, noticing Gengar's strange behavior, called him out on it.

"Hey, Gengar. Are you all right? Ever since we've been with Silver, you've been acting strangely."

Gengar paused, trying to place his words before speaking.

"Well, I don't quite know for sure, but she seems peculiarly familiar. I can't place who or how, but there's something about her that doesn't sit right with me. It's not fair of me to judge her off a gut feeling, because she seems innocent in every which way, but… I just wish I could place why she looks so familiar."

"We trust you Gengar," Alder answered. "If something comes up, we'll be on your side. If you don't want to watch the show with her, we don't have to." The others agreed, nodding accordingly.

"No, it's all right for now," Gengar replied. "I haven't figured out how I recognize her yet, so for all I know she could look like some mean merchant I dealt with years ago. But thanks guys, I'll keep you posted. Right now, let's enjoy the festival and that Light Show."

It wasn't long before Silver arrived back with sodas for everyone. For the next few hours, Silver laughed and chatted with everyone, getting along really well. They played games, won prizes, and had a wonderful time. Gengar, although still puzzled as to who Silver was to him, ended up having fun with her as well. As the sun began to set, the group made their way back to the area Silver had set down her blanket, and got ready to see the show.

"It's almost seven o'clock, guys! The show's going to start" Allen shouted. Silver jumped onto her blanket with joy, ecstatic about what was to come. Everyone sat together, preparing for the show. Mewtwo sat nervously, unsure as to what to expect. They had been waiting for this time for a while, and although he had been excited, now he was completely in the dark about what was to come. This gave Mewtwo a slight discomforting feeling. After all, he was always being careful of any trigger objects. Who could tell how he would react to these lights?

Silver noticed Mewtwo's face, and lowered her voice so that only he could hear her.

"I'm a bit nervous myself, but look around us. With all these wonderful people around, it doesn't matter if the show is breath-taking, horrifying, or a let-down. The fact that everyone is here together, and that's all that matters, right?"

Mewtwo nodded. He couldn't agree more. He smiled at Silver as a token of appreciation, but looking at her sparkling ruby-colored eyes, he couldn't help but wonder to what Gengar saw in these eyes and why Gengar had found Silver to be so suspicious. His thoughts were quickly interrupted by the start of the show.

A beautiful array of fireworks opened the night sky. Bursts of purple, blue, red, and orange touched the sky like a painting. The explosive sounds of the fireworks could be heard for miles.

"Wow…" Mewtwo muttered in awe.

"Oh, this is just the opening to let everyone know it's starting," Allen whispered to him, "wait until it really gets kicking!"

In that moment, the fireworks began to shift into the background in regards to what appeared next. Flying type Pokémon took to the skies, carrying beautifully lit lanterns as they soared in different patterns. Fearows used their large wings to carry more lights, some wrapped along their wings for a dramatic effect. Pidgeys carried the smaller lanterns, flying swiftly in circular motions. The entire sky was lit with lights. The calm Ether Valley now shined with thousands of glowing lights, almost as if the small town had evolved into a city. The audience cheered at the wondrous sight above them. It truly looked as if a miracle had blessed the sky.

Silver stared in awe of the show. Her first instinct was right; it was all so breath-taking. The gentle, swift movements of the Pokémon as they carried the lights left her speechless. By the time the finale had made its way center sky, Silver was unable to move. She sat mesmerized, unable to focus on anything else. With the last light finally dimming, cheers resounded amongst the entire town. Silver looked towards the others, her eyes gleaming as she spoke:

"That was absolutely fantastic! I've never seen a more spectacular show in my entire life! That's definitely something I need to see again one day!"

"It really was something special," Mewtwo added. Everyone nodded in agreement. A show to talk about for years to come, this performance was one of the best yet.

Now that the show was over, Silver began to pack up her belongings. Gengar noticed this, and realized he may not have another chance to ask her the questions he needed answers to.

"Hey, Silver?" Gengar asked a bit timidly. "Mind if we take a quick walk together before you go on your way? There's been a couple of things I've wanted to ask you."

"Sure thing," Silver replied instantly. She picked up her packed bag and carried it with her. "We'll be back soon everyone." She followed Gengar out of the crowds of townspeople and onto a ragged pathway. The pathway moved through the forest, and typically had no visitors. It was the perfect place to talk.

"So what's on your mind?" Silver asked promptly. "Man, I really enjoyed that show. How about you?"

"Yeah, it was a great show. Anyway, ever since I got a good glance at you for the first time in the light, some things came to mind."

"Like?" Silver asked curiously.

"Well you see, let's start from the beginning. What struck me oddly first was your personality. You are an all-around bubbly person, upbeat and a bit rash. Now, these traits can be great and all, but something about the way you express yourself seems a bit unnatural to me. It could be the fact that I'm a Ghost Pokémon now, so my sense of emotion is skewed, but from the looks of it, you aren't being yourself. It's like you are trying to overcompensate for something, and it makes you act in extremes you normally shouldn't."

Silver chuckled at this remark. She pointed to a fallen oak tree before replying,

"This sounds like it's going to be quite the talk. Why don't we sit on the trunk of that tree over there, and I'll answer your questions."

The two did just that, and Silver continued.

"Well… I'm sure by now you've seen the depths of this world, no? The way things are now, people are unhappy. Everyone's suffering, and there's no immediate way to fix that. Life's built under the system that humans and Pokémon must suffer in order to feel the beauty of life's goodness. Yet, at the same time, humans are also very naïve creatures. They see something eye catching and they cling to it, treat it well, and remember it. When someone unhappy sees someone happy, they can temporarily be put under the illusion that things are better than they really are. And if that illusion remains in place, less people are becoming unhappy. If maintaining a constant happy, bubbly person will make those surrounding me happy, then by all means am I to forever keep that persona."

"But becoming the illusion of happiness won't make yourself happy," Gengar pointed out. "Is that all right with you? You're essentially lying to yourself."

Silver once again laughed, but this time quite solemnly.

"Gengar, I've seen some horrible things. Worse, I continue to see horrible things, and I walk away from it. I try to live in my own world, away from the mass destruction of this one, but it's fruitless. I'll always hear the screams, or the threats, or the cries. I'll hear them, and walk away, documenting my day's find to keep those close to me informed on what's going on. There's no way for me to ever achieve true happiness anymore. However, if I can save others from turning into someone like me, then I'd gladly give up my outspoken feelings to do it."

"I understand. There are some things I wish I could un-see as well…" Gengar paused for a minute, trying not to lose focus. "I've had my share of mistakes too, which leads me to my next point; your hair."

"And what about my hair?" Silver asked curiously.

"That color... A bloodshot scarlet red. Your hair seems familiar to me, and for some reason, I can't clearly recall why. Have we—have we met before?"

Silver remained silent. Her smile transitioned into a frowning face of pity. She stared directly into Gengar's eyes.

"I won't say we've met before, because the circumstances would fit themselves into a different type of puzzle; although, I will say I've seen someone like you. A lonely ghost, who not only lost his happiness, but lost control of his heart for quite some time. His eyes were stained a wicked red, and he obediently followed the orders he was given. Orders that… I delivered as a messenger."

Gengar gasped.

"While I was possessed… you—"

"Gengar, you need to understand where I'm coming from. Remember what I've just told you…"

"How are you related to Him? Are you one of his lackeys too?! And you spent the entire day with us! For all I know, you could be reporting Mewtwo's whereabouts straight to Him! Was that your plan all along?!" he finished with an obvious air of accusation.

"No, I won't do that. As far as He's concerned, I saw the show by myself and that's it. Mewtwo is still nowhere to be found and Gengar, one of his finest grunts, is still MIA. Both presumed dead, some reports say."

"And how can you expect us to trust you?! How can you expect me to trust you? You stood by and watched as I hurt innocent people under his control. Hell, you delivered those instructions from him to me."

Silver remained calm.

"I don't expect anything. Go off and tell your group. Tell them all and then... what? I don't believe you guys would want to kill me? You are a wonderful group of people, I truly believe that."

"Mewtwo flies off the handle when it comes to him. I don't know what would happen to you. And just as you always do, I'd probably just sit and watch."

Hearing these words, Silver frowned. She took a deep breath, and continued.

"Gengar… I know—"

"I remember now!" Gengar interrupted, now surging with rage. "You would always check up on those who were given missions by him. You'd check to see if they were done, and then hand the next mission over to be completed. If the mission was not completed, which sometimes happened if the mind control was weak, Little Miss Redhead would report it back. We'd see your scarlet hair and know that it was blood-stained from all the poor people who were exiled because of your reports. You—you're just as sick as He is."

"Gengar," Silver breathed, "listen to yourself. You are no longer living that life. You no longer are forced to choose the path of violence, yet what are you saying right now? Yes, I deserve to burn in hell for what I've done and what I do, but do you want to get your or your friend's hands dirty doing it? I die here, and He will come to this area. He knows I saw the show. I'm to leave as soon as possible to return for Monday morning. And if I don't come back? He'll start investigating. Now, he also knows I traveled alone. I go back, tell him how great the show was, and Ether Valley remains the same unknown gem it's always been."

Gengar started to calm down a bit, but remained firm as he spoke.

"And how do I know you aren't just going to make a little report now, and send it off to him, exploiting Mewtwo and I? I'm sure you know the relationship we share with Him, and he must be looking for us."

"I have no proof for you. All you have is my word, for I know how cruel life is, and I don't want to be the one to cause any more deaths. I perform my job in order to survive, but I do not wish for violence. You've met the real me when we chatted at the festival, and I was being genuine. Overly excited as I've trained myself to be, sure, but the feeling was real. The astonishment I felt when the legendarily heartless, vicious Mewtwo was actually a sweetheart; the laughs from all of Alder's stories; the amusement from Allen's wonderful way of wording things; all of that was real."

Gengar slowed his breath a bit, remembering more of Silver's character. Thinking back, when he was possessed, she did always try to make him feel good. Making others feel good, while she sat there in an inescapable trap of solitude. Forced to be distant with everyone, for her reports determined who lived to see the next day and keep Him happy. They were just reports. She smiled and handed a piece of paper to the victims each day, but she never was truly at fault for the outcome. A messenger she was, another victim. Gengar faced her now dull ruby eyes straight on.

"Thank you for answering honestly, Silver. I was too enraged to see that you were also a victim, like I was. And so, like I was freed, we will get you freed as well. I trust you, and we'll save you."

"Unfortunately I can't be saved from my own blood," Silver responded with a faint smile. "But, I can be of use to you guys."

Silver wrote a sequence of digits on a piece of paper she had pulled from her jacket pocket. She handed the piece of paper to Gengar. "This is my phone number. I always have access to Him and his supplies. If you ever need anything, give me a call, and I'll do my best to get it for you. After all, I may do as he says, but I'm not loyal to someone who won't even take the time to talk to his daughter on a personal basis. Now, I need to get going, tell the others what you wish, but I'd rather us all stay friends. I've never had true friends…"

"Alright, I will. Thank you, Silver."

Silver suddenly became animated again.

"Bye, bye! I really enjoyed the show tonight! Much more, spending the day with a wonderful group I'd like to call friends. Tell the others I say goodbye!" With that, Silver dashed through the rugged path, quickly disappearing from sight. Gengar turned around, and walked back towards the others.

"There he is!" Allen exclaimed. "Hey Gengar! Welcome back, but what happened to Silver?"

Gengar hesitated, but ultimately gave a radiated smile similar to Silver's to answer.

"She was so mesmerized by the great show, she needed to get back home to tell everyone about it. She gave me her phone number to keep in touch, and told me to wish everyone a goodbye for her."

"Ahh... and did you ever find out who she reminded you of?" Mewtwo asked.

"Yeah," Gengar answered. "An interesting girl I had met once; stricken with loneliness, but always a good friend."