Okay, on to Chapter 2! Also, Zane has both the Gen 2 Eeveelutions as a reference to Wes from Pokémon Colosseum.

Chapter 2: Learning About Them

In the gymnasium of Duel Academy Island, many student gathered around or on the stands, almost all of them having Pokémon with them. However, Zane, Jaden, and nearly the rest of their friends (as well as their Pokémon partners) were standing near the entrance - Syrus not being with them on account of not feeling well and no one knew where Bastion was.

Jaden and his Torchic (a female one who he nicknamed Burst) looked over at Zane with his two Eeveelutions and commented. "Wow Zane, I never expected you to have two of these creatures. And cute ones for that matter!"

"Espeon!" the Espeon growled at Jaden from between Zane's legs, narrowing its eyes while the Umbreon on Zane's shoulder simply glared.

The black-clad Duelist snorted in disgust. "Well, if I have to explain myself," he all-but snarled. "Sol and Luna helped me out when I was at the lighthouse, so I'm having them stick around with me."

Said Pokémon nodded in conformation proudly, almost as if they were working for Arceus himself. Zane couldn't help but smile at that, knowing he had two loyal partners with him always.

Jaden and Burst blinked, but then shrugged and turned back towards Dr. Crowler and Vice-Chancellor Bonaparte, who were standing on a stand with a mic in Crowler's hands. Neither of them having a Pokémon partner with them.

"Attention students, if we could please have your undivided attention," Crowler announced into the mic, making everyone look at him. "Alright, now as you all know: There are mysterious beings popping up all over the island."

Some students rolled their eyes at this remark, seeming to give off a message that said "no duh". Jaden and his friends simply shook their heads in disappointment, while their partner Pokémon copied their actions.

Bonaparte snatched the mic. "But I bet what you brats didn't know was that these creatures have been showing up all over the world!" he almost shouted, making everyone in the room flinch from both the loudness of the mic and surprise at the news.

"Plus," Bonaparte continued. "in some instances it's been revealed that these creatures can be very dangerous!"

Most students gulped in fear, but Jaden's gang just rolled their eyes.

"Man, even I knew that," Atticus commented, sounding almost bored. "When Drago showed me one of its attacks, I had a feeling they could be a decent threat if they wanted to be."

"Char!" the orange lizard resting on the elder Rhodes sibling's shoulder agreed guiltily, making Atticus gently stroke its head gently, as if to reassure it that everything would be alright.

Charmander: The Lizard Pokémon. The flame at the tip of its tail makes a sound as it burns. You can only hear it in quiet places. (Pokémon Let's Go Pikachu and Let's Go Eevee)

"So," Bonaparte finished. "The only solution is to get rid of-"

"WAIT!"

"STOP!"

"HANG ON!"

While most of the students looked at Bastion running in, Jaden and the gang looked up to see a huge red-orange dog with black stripes elegantly leap down into the Gym. However, Zane nearly flipped when he saw his little brother climb off the back of it when it was on the ground, and - with his brotherly instincts taking over - rushed up to him before the others could get the chance.

Syrus quickly saw Zane hurrying towards him and was about to greet him, but Zane just went off.

"Syrus, what were you thinking!? Climbing onto the back of that creature when it could be dangerous!? That isn't like you! Do you know how lucky you are to be here right now? It could have bitten you, or crushed you, or even worse and killed you!"

Syrus took a step backwards in shock, unable to comprehend what was happening in front of him. Zane was concerned for his well being? Now that was certainly interesting to say the least. He opened his mouth to reply, but froze and smiled when he saw Luna resting on Zane's shoulder, looking at him with curiosity.

Syrus let out a small laugh. "Wow Zane, I should have known you would partner up a dark-type Pokémon," he commented, reaching out a hand and stroking Luna's head. "But knowing you I really shouldn't be surprised at all."

Zane could only stare at him in confusion as Luna's tail wagged and Sol rubbed his head against Sy's legs. The younger Truesdale looked down at the other Eeveelution, and couldn't hold back a genuine laugh.

"An Espeon as well? I gotta admit Zane, I'm pretty impressed that you already have two Pokémon." Syrus told his older brother with a warm smile.

Zane finally snapped back to reality. "Sy, you know what these things are!?" he demanded, eyeing the large dog suspiciously.

Sammy decided it was time to make her appearance as she jumped off the dog's back. "Yes we do," she replied. "And don't worry, Ruby here is completely harmless."

"ARRRR!" the dog howled in response happily, its pale-orange tail wagging slightly.

Arcanine: The Legendary Pokémon, and the evolved form of Growlithe. Overflowing with beauty and majesty, this strong Pokémon appears in ancient Eastern Folklore. (Pokémon Sun)

Bastion cleared his throat, gaining everyone's attention. "Allow me to explain a few things..."

*~*~Time-skip brought to you by the legendary Pokémon Dialga*~*~

Syrus, Sammy and the gang walked along the main pathway of Duel Academy Island, Anubis and Angel following suit. After Bastion explained a few things on Pokémon, they all decided to hang out at the Slifer Dorms for the night. Syrus was especially happy about that, as it would give him some time to properly talk to Zane.

When they all got there, Syrus hung back to clear his mind. The older Truesdale noticed this imminently and stayed behind as well.

"What's the matter Sy?" he asked, gently stroking his little brother's hair.

Syrus took a slow deep breath, then looked over at Zane and simply asked. "When did you change back to your normal self?"

Zane blinked. "What?" he questioned, confused.

"Before," Sy explained. "When you saw me climb off Ruby's back, you completely flipped-out in worry. When recently you've been so mean, I don't understand what brought this new chance on."

Zane sighed. "I can see why you're asking that," he replied calmly. "Well you see, last night I encountered a rather large purple dinosaur-like Pokémon, and it was very hostile. It attempted to charge at me, but Sol and Luna were able to stop the attack and knock it out. That made me realize how cruel and selfish I was being to my friends and family. Sy, can you ever forgive me from before?"

At first, all Syrus could do was stare at Zane dumbfounded. But then, tears of happiness flowed down Sy's face and he threw his arms around his older brother in pure delight.

"Big Bro, of course I can forgive you," he responded. "We're family, and family sticks together through everything."

Zane froze up in the beginning, but soon wrapped his arms around Syrus and hugged back. In that moment, the two brothers knew that from now on, nothing was going to break them apart.

Aster and his Noibat Echo sat at the windowsill of their Yacht, staring out into the ocean while being lost in thought. The two had become quite acquainted with each other and ha already grown close.

Just then, Aster snapped to attention when he saw something on the cliffside: It was a white and dark blue mammal Pokémon with red eyes staring right at him. And for some reason, it made a chill run up Aster's spine, almost as if something very bad was going to happen.

Absol: The Disaster Pokémon. The only thing unlucky about Absol is its appearance. It protects fields and warns people of disaster, so one ought to be grateful fir it.

I am so sorry this took so long to update, but this chapter was kind of boring to write. Plus Writer's Block, School, and homework are terrible things.

Next Chapter, the plot finally starts to get into motion! See you all then!