{Approx. 10 years ago}

It had been over a year since I ended up on this island. Half of my shirt was ripped up. Wasn't so thrilled about that. But Rowlet was thrilled. He got extra lining for his basket. Nice and comfy, too. I was jealous. But if he was happy, I was happy.

The two of us kept to a consistent routine. Every day we woke up, collected water, scavenged for berries, tried to make something out of leaves and branches, and then went back to sleep. However, exactly when we started our day varied. Above and around the island, all sorts of flying Pokemon made claim to their territory. And they defended it with a passion. Be it bird Pokemon like Tailow or Staraptor, bug Pokémon like Venomoth or Volcarona, or levitating Pokemon like Haunter and Cryogonal, all kinds of airborne Pokémon tried to attack us if we ever ended up in a clearing. Their persistence tended to distract Rowlet and me from whatever we were doing from time to time, if we were not careful. So to avoid being tracked, we woke up together at different times each day. Even at night. May not have avoided the flying Pokemon every time, but at least it made it hard for them to reliably track us.

As the months went on, Rowlet grew on me as a great companion. Sometimes he flew off to survey our surroundings. Other times he chilled in the basket. I added vine straps to the basket, so I could carry the basket like a backpack. I also created nets, long poles, and mini-batons out of the leaves and branches. With these tools, Rowlet and I ventured freely around half the island.

A few weeks after Rowlet started living near me, I got another visitor. It happened as I went through the usual routine. Rowlet napped peacefully in the basket on my back. As I finished collecting water, I noticed the black and red Rockruff drinking from the pool. He stared back at me earnestly. I ignored him and moved on to collecting berries. However, I soon noticed the same Rockruff following me. He was hardly subtle, but he kept a good distance away. Only when I finished my scavenging and almost made it back to my camp did he head off his own way. "Hm, I think he's the last one I haven't told to stay away from me."

The next day it rained. Rowlet and I just sat at our camp. I sat under a roof of leaves. Rowlet happily hopped from puddle to puddle nearby. "He certainly likes water more than I thought a Grass-type would." I watched him sporadically throw leaves from his wings. "I wish I knew his moveset. I wish I read up on moves in those books instead of staring at the pictures. I know he knows Tackle. But the other moves…"

Just then, the black and red Rockruff came out of the bushes. He stood in the open rain, looking at me sneakily. "What's he doing here?" I stood up. "Wait a minute. Rockruff are Rock-type last I remember. Either this Rockruff is highly resilient to water…or something's up." I approached Rockruff opposingly. "Alright, you! What are you doing here?"

Rockruff grined. Then he leapt into the air. He turned into a dark mass of light. When he landed back on the ground, he wasn't a Rockruff before me. He was a Zorua!

"What the…?"

Before I adjusted to what I just saw, Zorua gleefully dashed onto the rock I was sitting on and laid down on his belly. He looked back to me with a mischievous grin, wagging his tail.

"Hey! That's my seat! Get…"

But Zorua stared at me with big, tearful eyes. His tail curled up beside his body.

I hesitated for a second. Then I sighed, "Whatever. Just don't touch my stuff."

Zorua yipped happily, then turned his head to watch Rowlet in the rain. I sat near Zorua, but fiddled around with the collected branches this time. After a couple of hours, Rowlet joined us under the leaves. He shook to somewhat dry off his soaked feathers. Then he started bickering with Zorua. Didn't know what they were saying, but I was more preoccupied with making more mini-batons. They were simple to make once I got the hang of it. They were small, but they snapped like a Ratatta-trap on impact.

I made at least a dozen of them before I got bored. It started to get dark. I looked next to me and saw Rowlet and Zorua sleeping peacefully a foot apart from each other. "Family. I wonder what's been happening with my parents while I've been gone." I reached over and petted Rowlet. "I'm so grateful you've kept me company all these months. But…I think I want to get out of here."

For the next two months, I put a bit more focus each day on collecting larger branches. Rowlet and I gathered them up and put them in rows at my camp. I told Rowlet I planned to escape the island on a raft. But he didn't seem to mind and earnestly helped me out. Zorua just watched us at first. But a week into the effort, he too helped out a little. Sometimes we found an ideal branch in the flying Pokémon's territory. But Rowlet and Zorua aptly attacked them to fend them off. Or when they caught me by surprise, I beaned them with a mini-baton to get them off my back.

Satisfied with what we found, I got to work building a raft. I used malleable branches as bindings between the thicker branches. Zorua and Rowlet held things for me while I put everything together. As we worked, I kept getting the feeling like I was being watched. But I shrugged it off when I couldn't detect any unusual noises. In about a week, I had a functional wooden raft ready.

I picked up a long, thick stick. "This will have to do for the oar. I wish it were flatter on one end, though." Just then, Rowlet landed on the stick. He hooted and pointed a wing at the stick and the ground. "What is it, buddy?" After repeating the motions a few times, I gave up trying to understand Rowlet and just put the stick down. Rowlet inspected the stick for a couple of seconds. Then he started shooting leaves at one end of the stick. In a few minutes, Rowlet finished his work with a more functional-looking oar. He looked at me for approval.

I picked up the stick again. I looked at how one end was now shaped to be fairly smooth and flat. Then I looked to Rowlet. "Thanks, buddy."

Rowlet hooted happily.

I looked to the raft, flat on the ground. "I'm going to be leaving. I know it's a dangerous attempt, what with the flying Pokémon and all. But I'm tired of walking around on the same parts of the island." I walked over to a huge tall basket I made. It was filled with mini-batons and my berry rations. "Maybe this island is remote for a reason. Maybe I won't make it to another region even if I get off this island. But I feel like I've got to try." I slung the basket over my back. I looked back to Rowlet. "I left a few good berries for you. Feel free to share with Zorua if you like." Rowlet looked crestfallen to me. A tear started to build up in my eye. "Well, this is gonna be good-bye. At least there will be one less individual competing for the dulled berries…"

Rowlet flew up onto my basket. He insistently hooted at me.

I was taken aback. "You…want to come…with me?"

He nodded eagerly and hooted once.

I wiped the tear streaking down my face as I gave a dopey grin. "Aw, thanks Rowlet!" I turned to the raft. "While the morning's young, let's get going!"

I tossed the oar onto the raft and started pushing it toward shore. The raft was heavy. Like, really heavy. Didn't help that I had a load of berries and mini-batons weighing me down on my back. I quickly started sweating bullets. "Not for nothing Rowlet, but I wish you had arms right now," I grunted. Rowlet just tweeted a sort of tune to himself.

I hardly made the progress I would have liked by high noon. Then Zorua came out of the bushes. "Oh. You came to say good-bye, too?"

Zorua nodded, then motioned behind him. A Machop also came from the bushes. She looked at the raft and showed off her muscles.

"Oh, I see. I could use the extra help, thanks!"

To be honest, it was more like me helping Machop, as she did most of the work pushing the raft. Zorua made sure the coast was clear in front of us, while Rowlet stayed perched on my basket. Soon, we neared the shore. I could hear the waves crashing against the sand. "Alright. Just a little further." I stopped pushing the raft and walked slowly in front of it. I shifted the basket to have the top be in better reach. "Okay, those flying Pokemon tend to get us as soon as we're in the clear. So as soon as we are, I'll use as many of these mini-batons as necessary to keep them off of me while I get the raft away from shore."

We reached the beach. I looked around rapidly. I didn't see any flying Pokemon nearby, but dark clouds began to form. I motioned to Zorua and Machop. "All-clear. Quickly!" Machop, and Zorua, pushed the raft across the sand. Rowlet and I waited where the water met the sand. The waters looked a little rough, but my sense of urgency overridden any concerns I had for ocean travel.

Just when the raft touched the crashing waves, I spotted movement in the sky. As expected, a large flock of flying Pokemon headed toward us. "Thank you for your help guys, but watch out!" I shouted over the wind getting stronger. Zorua spotted them next and transformed into the black and red Rockruff. When Machop noticed them, she freaked out, abandoned the raft, and retreated into the forest.

I pushed the raft a bit further, with Rowlet hunkering close behind my head. Zorua stayed behind on the shore, barking in the direction of the flying Pokemon. Once the raft seemed to head out to sea at a steady pace, I rested the basket on its side, then picked up the oar. I looked back to the shore. "Hey! Go back to the forest, where it's safe!" I shouted to Zorua.

But he didn't seem to hear me. I rowed a few paces away from shore when the flying Pokemon reached us. Zorua seemed to try his best to distract the flock, dodging and swiping his way back to the forest's edge. But over half of them came toward the raft. This flock division consisted of Wingull, Pelliper, Fearow, Gastly, Mothim, and Spritzee. "Here they come."

Rowlet stayed on the raft, flinging leaves at them. I shifted from the oar to the basket. Joining the fray, I flung one mini-baton after the other. For a dizzying couple of minutes, Rowlet and I kept back every flying Pokémon with our attacks. Rowlet did a little more work, since he was more effective on the Ghost-type opponents than I was.

"Uh-oh. I'm almost running out of mini-batons. I hope these flying buggers aren't too persistent." Just then, the wind really picked up. Rowlet hunkered down on the raft. The flying Pokemon panicked and flew back to the island.

"Finally!" I mumbled as I tried to keep the basket and oar held on the raft. The waves got rougher. I just noticed how dark it was, to the point where I almost couldn't see my hands. "I don't remember it taking this long to get to the beach. Still should be mid-afternoon the latest." I looked into the sky. Partly cloudy. No stars in the sky. Even the sun was eclipsed. The brightest thing I saw was the kaleidoscope-like hole in the sky. "What the heck is going on?"

The wind blew even harder, almost in a spiral. The waves got really rough and started pushing us back to shore. "No! I just got away!" I tried to use the oar to force against the waves. Then I heard Rowlet screech. I turned to see the basket almost falling off the edge…with Rowlet tangled in the vine strap. "No!" Without even thinking, I dropped the oar into the ocean and lunged for Rowlet. I grabbed a hold of him just as the basket got swallowed up by a wave.

I held Rowlet tight against me, both of us soaking wet. Rowlet shivered a bit as he gazed into my eyes up close. "Don't worry, Rowlet. I won't let you go," I whispered to him.

Just then, above the howling winds and the crashing waves, I heard a piercing scream. It was unlike anything I'd heard before. Rowlet and I looked up. Between the solar eclipse and the hole in the sky, we vaguely saw a huge, black figure. Its entire body was black and jagged. I wouldn't have known it was levitating there if it wasn't for its small, multicolored face, like the hole, faintly glowing.

For a second, we just stared at each other. Then another, more guttural cry came from the hole. The black creature seemed distracted by it for a split second. Then it turned back to me and Rowlet. Between its hands, a rainbow glow built up. A few seconds later, it fired multiple beams of rainbow energy from itself. Some of the beams entered the hole. While a few other blasts hit the ocean's surface nearby us. This caused a huge wave of water to hit us. "Oh sh…" I hugged Rowlet even tighter as the wave wrecked the raft and we both went under. Something hard hit my head and I blacked out.

When I woke up, it appeared to be daybreak. Zorua pressed his nose right against my face. I groggily tried to sit up. I noticed that I was lying at the forest edge near the beach. I looked down at my lap, where Rowlet lay. He came to at about the same time as me. We looked at each other for a few seconds. Then we smiled. Zorua distracted us with his concerned yips. At that moment, something shiny caught my eye from the beach. Curious, I got up and tiptoed to the sand. Among the small wood debris, I spotted some sort of shiny stone. Taking a quick look around, I ran over, swiped the rock, and ran back to forest edge. I held it in my hands, with Rowlet and Zorua also peeking at what I just found. It looked like a translucent, diamond-shaped gem. It seemed clear, but refracted different colored lights depending on the angle of light hitting it. "Neat." I stuck the gem in my pocket. Then I turned to Rowlet, who looked at me with anticipation. I smiled again and patted his head. "Well, looks like we're stuck on this island again. Let's see if our small berry stash is still waiting at our camp."

Rowlet hooted gleefully. [Yes, please! I'm hungry!]

I stopped and yelped. The male voice came in my head, not from anywhere around me. "What the…?" I thought to myself.

This time, Rowlet shrieked and flapped his wings. [Who's in my head?! Who's in my head?!]

I jumped and screamed. "Augh!"

Rowlet jumped and hooted. [Augh!]

Zorua looked between us worriedly, then bolted off as Rowlet and I yelped and fainted from the shock.

{Present day}

After I had brunch at Café Soleil, I got to an empty alleyway in Lumiose City. Once I saw the coast was clear, I used my Unbound Rings to summon Nightraider.

He flew out of the portal and landed right next to me. [Wasn't expecting you to call me up so soon. What's the new mission?]

I gave a small smile. [It's been three nights ago since the Pokeball Factory, actually. But regardless, this isn't an urgent run. I…just thought to have some company with me this time.]

He tilted his head a bit, giving a small smile of his own. [Oh? Is that all?]

[Weeell, I guess while we're here…] I opened a small portal above my left hand. The Master Ball fell nicely into my hand. […you mind shielding the view from that side?] I used my own body to block anyone from possibly seeing the Master Ball from one end of the alley. Nightraider leaned against a wall on his left fingers while facing me. His left wing expanded, blocking view of the Master Ball from the other end of the alley.

I turned the Master Ball around in my hands, tossing it from one to the other from time to time. I almost couldn't contain myself from having a silly grin on my face. "Can't believe that I'd run into one of these things in my life. In perfect condition, too. I don't even want to know how much sweat and tears went into making just one Master Ball. If I used Poke Balls at all, I'd be completely stoked!"

Nightraider narrowed his eyes, watching the Master Ball intently. [Do you know how many people would steal for it? Kill for it?]

The Master Ball rested in my right hand as I gave him a smirk. [Hell, yeah.]

[What are you going to do with the Master Ball?]

I put my left hand up to my chin while I spun the ball in my right hand. [Hm. Well, I could sell it for quite a hefty price. Or I could use it as a bribe. Or I could even save it for a legendary Pokémon.] I paused. [Besides you, of course.]

Nightraider puffed his chest a bit. [Besides your attempt at flattery, it would give me quite the first impression if I appeared from that ball, of all the PokeBalls.]

I clutched the Master Ball to my chest and put up a finger. [Nuh-uh-uh! As honorable for you as it may be, that's gonna tip the scales of equality between you and our companions, if not more so. And now more than ever might not be a good time for you guys to be in PokeBalls. I've heard some organizations have got their hands on some black PokeBalls….]

He crosses his arms. [More Dark Balls?]

[No. Well, sort of. These sinister Pokeballs are…were created by Team Celeste, and come in two types. One kind can be used to boost the stats of wild Pokémon caught by them, but have the side effect of uncontrollable aggression. Their called Dark Balls. The other kind are also black in color, but their function is to capture any Pokémon…even those owned by other trainers. Those are called Vile Balls.] I put the Master Ball away through a portal. [So it's still best you guys keep the Micro-Tags on, so no PokeBall of any kind can catch you whatsoever.]

He stretched his wings. [Fair points. I guess I'll be content with 24/7 freedom. We going after those other Vile Balls next, then?]

[Nah, not yet. We got most of the Dark Balls out there, though. My sources don't link Team Celeste's activity directly with the remaining Vile Balls. They were sold and used by other underground groups, but I don't have specifics on who or where. But if it isn't Team Celeste, it doesn't take high priority.]

Nightraider motioned his orange mask markings like he was raising an eyebrow. [You know, considering you insist on keeping our team name as the Society that Must Eliminate All wRongdoings, you'd think you'd branch out a bit more than just one team.]

I scowled a bit. [We are not pursuing Team Celeste just because my father is the leader of it. You know full well what they're capable of…and what we've been through against them.] My voice dampened as I spoke. I could barely look to my partner.

But he put a hand on my shoulder. [I understand full well. I've been your partner for nearly 11 years now. I've been by your side in your best times…and your worst.] He paused and let me go. [All your companions also understand why you've been distant from us. You feeling better yet?]

Silence. Then I looked back to Nightraider and gave him another small smile. [Just about. Just one more thing before I return proper. Care for a walk?]

He shrugged. "Yeah, why not?"

The two of us walked out of the alley and around Boulevard. The city was at its busiest midday, so lots of people walked by us and the shops and restaurants we passed. I dressed myself in jeans, button shirt, and shades; something causal enough for me to blend in with the crowd. Next to Nightraider, I looked just like any other Pokémon trainer strolling through the middle of the city with his Pokémon. Although most people let us be as expected, there was the risk that someone like Team Celeste or the International Police could be keeping an open eye and ear out for suspicious characters like me. Fortunately, I could use my telepathy and forged bond with Nightraider to talk to him within our minds. Nobody could tell we were talking, and it didn't cost any energy when I telepathically talked with Nightraider from this close.

I stretched my hands behind my back. [Nice just walking around aimlessly in public once in a while. Though we can't do it in one place too often. I unfortunately almost got caught in Sinnoh after years of regularly stopping at the laundromat.]

[Team Celeste on your tail then?] asked Nightraider.

[Not quite, thank Arceus. It was just the International Police.]

[You faced police before. What happened this time?]

[I've faced local police before. The International Police is more dedicated and well equipped. I've been cautious of them before. Something must have bumped Team Smear up in their list of priority targets.]

[Or you might need some more training to bring you back to speed.]

I gave Nightraider a downcast glance. [Why do you think I've been pushing myself in solo missions?]

Nightraider turned his head to me with concern, while still walking forward. [That's great…for personal practice. But what about group practice? Or paired practice?]

I stopped a bit off to the side of the street, trying to avoid a scene. [I'll get to that soon.]

His eyes narrowed. [You better. I know you better. We did good back at the Pokeball Factory, but that wasn't our best.]

[So we're a bit rusty after a few months apart. One step at a time then. You know I strategize a lot in advance.]

[I know you take time. And I know you needed more time in this instance. But there are others back on the island who miss you.]

I looked away despondently. [I know.] Just then, I spotted activity from an alleyway leading to Vert Plaza.

I would have just looked away. But then I heard a familiar young voice shouting, "Give him back!"

"Austin?" I muttered. I started walking down the alley.

Nightraider followed me. [You're not avoiding the conversation, are you?]

The two of us caught up to the scene. Three men in black caps, black pants, white boots, and red jackets had their backs to me. They faced Austin, who was sitting on the ground with two kids his age right behind him.

Austin had tears in his eyes. "Give him back! He belongs to my dad!"

The middle guy laughed as he looked to his peers. "Hey, guys! The little pipsqueak here says this Pokémon isn't even his."

The left guy snickered. "I knew this kid was too young to have his own Pokémon."

The right guy pointed to Austin. "Maybe he should join our team, since he's so good at stealing Pokémon."

The three laughed even harder. The two kids behind Austin tried to comfort him, but looked just as frightened as Austin.

I frowned. "Oh, it's just some annoying thieves." I noticed PokeBalls on their belts. "But with matching clothes like that, they don't seem like regular burglar trainers. Nor would Team Celeste dress in uniform in this instance. So they must be…"

The guy on the left, now holding the stolen PokeBall, tossed it casually to himself. "You know, its times like these when I feel we get the proper respect we deserve."

"Yeah," said the guy on the right. "These kids are much more fun to deal with than the ones from Kanto and Johto."

The middle one began walking passed Austin and the kids, with the other two following him. "Let this be a lesson to never skip school, twerps!"

Austin feebly tried to reach for the PokeBall, but the guy on the left kicked him back. "You promised a fair fight, but you ganged up on me! Not fair!"

"Life's not fair, kid! Get used to it!" The right guy sneered, while the other two snickered. "You're just jealous that we're stronger than you…"

I clenched my fist. "Self-entitled assholes!"

Nightraider narrowed his eyes. [I know this feeling of yours.]

[If there are any people that get under my skin more than Team Celeste members, it's pricks with heads up their asses who think they're better than everyone else!]

[We getting involved then?]

[Yes.]

[…even though they're likely not Team Celeste affiliates?]

[Yes.]

[…good!]

I took a deep breath to calm down before I shouted, "Hey! These losers bothering you?"

The kids and the three guys all turned to me and Nightraider. The left guy with his light hair in a ponytail responded first. "Yeah! These twerps ditched school to play with someone's Pokemon that isn't there's."

Austin's eyes lit up. "Oh my gosh! It's you!"

I nodded toward Austin, flashing him a smile. Then I turned to the three guys. "Sorry, wasn't talking to you. Could you repeat that?"

"Hey!" said the ponytail guy. "Did you just call us…?!"

"Nobody asked for you to butt in!" said the right guy with short dark hair.

"Don't you know who you're messing with?" said the middle guy with short light hair.

When the three turned to me, I noticed that they wore gray gloves. Their jackets were also not buttoned in the front, exposing a large red letter on their black shirts. "So you're mooks of Team Rocket." I responded half-emphatically.

The dark haired guy pulled down on his hat with both hands as his face grew red. "You twerp! You may know who we are with, but you have no idea who we are."

"You're dealing with the Team Rocket Elite!" said the light haired guy.

The ponytail guy pocketed the stolen PokeBall. "The boss doesn't send just any old grunt on special missions. We are…"

The dark haired guy slid over to the middle guy's right, striking a downward pose. "Ken!"

The middle, light haired guy also struck a pose, reaching his right hand out toward me. "Al!"

The ponytail guy switched places with the dark haired guy and mirrored his pose. "Harry!"

"Let it be known to the world of Team Rocket's true revival!" They said proudly and simultaneously.

Austin and the two kids slinked behind me. "Be careful, mister!" He cried to me, hesitant to reach for my shirt. "My dad told me about some awful stuff they can do. And now they've stolen his Pokémon. My parents are going to kill me!"

My eyes narrowed. "I hardly believe Team Rocket's acts are worse than anything I've seen Team Celeste do. But no evil organization lasts over a decade with this kind of recognition for nothing." I glimpsed Austin nearly bawling next to me. "This can't go ignored."

Nightraider leans forward. [Let's step up for the little guy once more.]

[Right.] "I can't risk using my Unbound Rings to call upon my teammates. Nonetheless…" [We can settle this…just the two of us.] I took a step toward the trio. "As a civilian, I hardly approve the behavior of Team Rocket. And doesn't make you look any nicer for stealing someone's Pokémon. But as you can see, I have a partner Pokémon of my own. So why don't we settle this like trainers?"

The Elite trio grinned. They each took a PokeBall off of their belts. "If you insist…" Ken started.

"But be prepared for a world of trouble!" sneered Al.

"That's right!" said Harry. The three released their Pokémon in a puff of smoke. Ken sent out an Electrode, Al sent out a Magmortar, and Harry sent out a Drapion.

Nightraider stepped in front of me. [Seems like they're setting themselves up for a type advantage.]

The gears in my head turned furiously as I eyed my opponents and our surroundings. [Drapion is going to be the trickiest to maneuver around, and has best type coverage. Electrode has the most speed, and Magmortar will probably dish out the most damage. These alley walls can give us some shade and limit ground fighting to close-quarters combat. That said…]

Austin looked between me and the Elite trio. "Hey! This is three against one. T-this isn't fair!"

"Says you, twerp!" Ken sneered.

"We agreed you face the three of us," Al said to me. "We never said nothing about it being one at a time."

Harry motioned to the stolen PokeBall in his jacket pocket. "You want the PokeBall so badly, you're going to have to play by our rules!"

I smiled. Then I laughed. "No, the kid's right. This isn't fair. How about this: you have to give back the PokeBall if we win…" I held my hand up. "…but we can only use five moves in this total battle."

The trio was taken aback. "What?" they replied simultaneously.

"That's right. I see this 3-on-1 match, and Nightraider can defeat you in just five moves."

Nightraider nodded and hooted defiantly. [I need a good test of my training. If you're serious about working with the rest of the team again, Will, then I'll gladly prove my skills to you!]

I nodded to Nightraider, then continued speaking to the trio. "If you think you see something I don't, then you win whatever you want out of me. Do we have a deal?"

A gust of wind blew by us. A moment of silence hung in the air. "You're serious?!" Ken broke the silence. He nodded with his two partners. "Hell yeah we agree to that!"

"You're a fool to think the odds are in your favor!" Al laughed. "You'll regret making a mockery of Team Rocket!"

Harry pointed to me in a dissenting manner. "Best surrender now, or prepare to fight for your life!"

I lowered my stance, as does Nightraider. "Then let's begin!"

"Electrode, get over to Drapion!" Ken called out.

"Drapion, give Electrode some Acupressure!" said Harry.

"Magmortar, provide them cover with Flamethrower!" said Al.

Drapion and Electrode got behind Magmortar. Drapion leaned over and pinched Electrode with both his pincers. Magmortar raised his right arm. In cannon form, a steady stream of fire bursted from his arm.

[Let's see how well your training has been in my absence.] I telepathically said to Nightraider. [Dodge the flames and get in close to Drapion!]

[Watch me,] Nightraider replied coolly. He dashed forward, side-stepping away from the line of flames.

"Double the fire power!" Al shouted. Magmortar raised his other arm and used two jets of flame.

Nightraider hardly flinched. He raised his feet and practically glided through the air. By rotating his body, he dodged each line of flames when they got too close for comfort. In seconds, Nightraider got up close to Magmortar's left side. But he feinted a swipe and continued passed.

"I need to give Electrode more juice!" Harry said to Ken.

Ken nodded, "Then we'll repel him. Throw him off with your Sonic Boom, Electrode!"

Electrode winced in pleasure and pain from Drapion's pincers. But it grinned as it glowed, then released multiple sound waves in Nightraider's direction.

Nightraider scoffed, [Like a little noise is going to hurt me.]

I smirked, [Blaze through and head straight for Drapion!]

Nightraider arced forward and made a beeline for Electrode. He pushed straight through the sound waves, not wavering one bit.

"What? How can this be?" Ken stammered. "If his Decidueye is immune to Normal-type attacks, then…"

"He's coming in fast," Harry interrupted. "Drapion, grab him!"

Electrode rolled out of the way, just as Nightraider came in close to Drapion. Drapion growled as he lunged both pincers at the opposing Decidueye.

But Nightraider opened his wings and leapt into the air to dodge both arms. [Drapion's a little speedier than I thought,] he thought. He continued to spiral right over Drapion's hunched over head.

Drapion flashed a mean glance. With great speed, he lunged his tail right at Nightraider. He grabbed the Arrow Quill Pokemon by his feet and slammed him to the ground.

Harry laughed, "You think Drapion was only using Acupressure on Electrode? I've taught Drapion to multitask, and now Drapion can use all his pincers at once! Even on himself!"

Magmortar and Electrode held back on either side of Drapion, ready to pounce.

"We're too close together," said Ken, "I don't want Electrode to hit you guys by accident."

"I think I can do something," Al smiled. "Magmortar, use Psychic!"

Magmortar's eyes glowed. Then a blast of energy from his mind flew at Nightraider. Drapion wasn't fazed by the blast, but Nightraider winced in pain.

Due to our link, I got a major headache during the psychic attack. But I gritted my teeth and forced myself to stay linked.

"My turn!" Harry jeered. "How about a Cross Poison, Drapion?"

Thankfully, Magmortar halted his attack. Drapion twisted his upper body to fully face Nightraider, still pinned down by his tail. Both his arms and pincers glowed purple as he winded up for the attack.

"Your Pokémon's in trouble!" Austin cried. "You have to do something!"

But I held an arm in front of Austin. "Don't worry, we've still got this." I told him in a low voice. "We've trained with a Drapion back on the island. And I know how hard it is to get in close to it. So because of that and its typing against Decidueye, Drapion takes top priority." [Nightraider, lay it on him!]

Nightraider nodded. A ghostly veil surrounded him. His head creepily turned to properly gaze at his opponent. He screeched, [You think this is pain?]

Drapion flinched. Then the ghostly veil spread to him. He let go of Nightraider as he scrunched up from the sudden pain.

Nightraider immediately flapped his wings and got a few meters above Drapion. [Now my Curse is yours to bear!]

"What did you just do to my Drapion?" Harry gasped. "Was that a move?"

"Must be," said Harry.

"Then he's only got four moves left," said Al. "Let's keep the pressure. Magmortar, use Flamethrower again!"

[Take to the skies, Nightraider!] I smirked.

Nightraider used his avian and spectral talents to quickly fly even higher. He dodged a couple of flame blasts, before ending up out of range.

Harry turned to Ken. "Let Drapion do a couple more Acupressure on Electrode. Then you can really wail on that worm!"

"Alright!" Ken nodded.

The ghostly veil subsided from Drapion. Electrode rolled up to Drapion again and let him pinch him a couple more times. But as he did so, Drapion seemed to groan in pain.

Meanwhile, Al and Magmortar kept sending attacks upward at Nightraider. "Use Psychic again!"

Magmortar concentrated and sent mind blasts at Nightraider. But Nightraider was so high up that he easily avoided the attacks.

Al's forehead pulsed under frustration. "Use Focus Blast!"

Magmortar changed to shooting energy blasts from both his cannon arms. But Nightraider still darted through the air, phasing through some of the blasts.

"I don't think these guys have been to the Alola region yet. This must be the first time they've encountered a Decidueye." I smiled. "You know, we're getting kind of bored here. Don't make us come back down to make it easier on you."

"He must be part Ghost-type," Ken shouted to Al. "Electrode will take it from here. Use Magnet Rise!"

Electricity sizzled around Electrode. Its body began to lift off the ground.

Ken pointed to Nightraider. "After him with Gyro Ball!"

Electrode spun rapidly in place. Then it rolled up one of the sides of the alley with such speed that it blindsided Nightraider before either of us could spot it.

Ken sneered, "Your Pokemon may be able to fly, but with these metal-filled buildings on either side of us, Electrode can catch up to you from anywhere here!"

Electrode continued to roll along the walls, leaping across to hit Nightraider while he levitated in the air. Nightraider tried to dodge, but Electrode was too fast. A couple of the hits connected. Nightraider leaned against the wall opposite of whatever Electrode's current position was at a given moment. While this avoided further damage, Nightraider felt weighed down by the amount of damage he had already endured in the battle thus far.

[Speedy little asshole!] Nightraider grunted. [Even with a good shot, I don't think that will slow it down enough.]

Al fist bumped the air. "That's it! Bring him down so we can hit him, too!"

I noticed how Electrode rolled down to the ground whenever Nightraider was too far. Then it used the momentum to roll back up the opposing wall and caught up to Nightraider. [Then don't strike where he is. Focus on where he's going to be.]

Nightraider flashed a smile under his hood. [I see.] He flew to the opposite wall once again, dodging the Electrode's Gyro Ball. In response, Electrode rolled down the wall. As it dud so, Nightraider pulled out a ghostly arrow from his left wing.

"Alright, use Spirit Shackle!" I shouted gleefully.

Nightraider held his hoodie string with his left hand, pulling it tight. With his right hand he pulled the arrow back against the string. All this before Electrode even reached the ground. [With pleasure!] he hooted. He took aim, narrowing his eyes. Then he released the arrow. The arrow gracefully curved down into the alleyway. Electrode passed just beneath the line of fire, when the arrow touched the ground and exploded.

When the hazy smoke cleared, everyone but I gasped. Electrode spun in place on the ground, not going up the wall the way it wanted to. Its shadow stretched from the point of the arrow's impact.

Nightraider relaxed a bit midair, grunting, [I never miss.]

"No way!" Ken cried, gripping the sides of his head.

"Now there's no escape!" I laughed. "Make Razor Leaf rain from above, Nightraider!"

Nightraider screeched as he rapidly threw lots of Razor Leaf down upon his enemies. Electrode tried to roll out of the way, but with his shadow pinned down, he took nearly every hit. Drapion and Magmortar faired a little better. Even though they were slow and bulky, their typing kept the damage to a minimum, and were not pinned in place like their teammate.

[Don't stop,] I told Nightraider. [Until Electrode can't take it anymore.]

"Electrode!" Ken cried out. "Bring on the Thunder! Shut him down!"

Electrode growled, releasing a huge surge of electricity straight up into the air.

[Focus. Remember our training.] I told him calmly. [Listen for the sizzling of supercharged heat in the air. Then dodge when you must. But remember to keep the Razor Leaf going unless I say otherwise.]

[Alright,] Nightraider replied, continuing the storm of Razor Leaf. He levitated from side to side in a rhythmic way, as if swaying to a faint tune. Suddenly, Nightraider made a hard rush to the side. A moment later, a bolt of lightning cracked through the air. It narrowly missed him, with some of his feathers singed. But that hardly slowed his assault of Razor Leaf.

A few seconds later, Electrode finally rolled upside-down. Its beady eyes spiraled in a daze.

"No!" Ken shouted.

"Yeah, science!" I said happily to myself.

Al clenched his fists. "I'll avenge you! Magmortar, use Solar Beam!"

Magmortar raised one of his arms straight up. Green energy began collecting in his cannon arm.

"It's so shady in this alleyway, that Solar Beam s going to take a while to charge up." Then I noticed Nightraider swaying a bit unevenly in the air. [Alright, Nightraider. You could use some healing.]

"You want me to use one of my five moves on that?" Nightraider lightly protested. But he flew down to ground-level nonetheless.

"Use Roost!" I said calmly.

Nightraider perched on the ground not too far from me. He closed his eyes. Then his body glowed brightly.

"He's self-healing!" said Harry. "Quick, Drapion, use Crunch!"

Drapion charged forward. A dark aura encased his claws.

I focused my attention on Magmortar. "So he's got Flamethrower, Psychic, Focus Blast, and Solar Beam. Nice for long-range combat, but that leaves him wide open for close-range attacks. Unless his ability…" I cracked a smile. [Nightraider, dodge and head straight for Magmortar!]

Nightraider eyes rapidly opened. Then he twisted his body to dart out of Drapion's way. Drapion stopped to turn around, but paused and grimaced from some pain. Nightraider floated straight for Magmortar, who still charged his Solar Beam.

"Ack, too quick!" said Al. "Magmortar, distract him with Flamethrower!"

Magmortar used his free cannon arm to send a stream of fire Nightraider's way.

But Nightraider simply sidestepped out of the way. Though he grimaced from the heat. [This close combat would be easier for me if we kept Leaf Blade.]

[True,] I replied, [but Spirit Shackle is too good, and your other moves can't be passed up. Instead, let's try that new improvised move you practiced.] "Use your Spirit Shackle to slash Magmortar!"

There was a sparkle in Nightraider's eye as he let out a threatening hoot. With a whip of his arms, a Spirit Shackle arrow slid out of the folds of his feathers into each hand. He gripped them like daggers, pointing outward. [This'll do.] Then he ran circles around Magmortar. He slashed the arrow tips at his opponent every half-second.

"He's using up his last move!" shouted Harry. "Drapion, get in there!"

Having shrugged the pain, Drapion started to charge at Nightraider. But then he stopped. While slashing at Magmortar, the Blast Pokémon wildly waved his free arm, spraying flames in almost every direction in the hopes of swatting Nightraider away. Nightraider continued to slash away, while I spotted for him in case a wild swing entered his blind spots and relayed positions telepathically.

Ken blinked a few times. "How is this Pokémon able to know when and where to attack with such precision without getting instructions from his trainer?!"

Al stamped his feet. "Augh! This worm is literally running circles around me!" Then he looked to Austin and the two kids, who cheered me on. A wicked grin grew on his face. "Magmortar, direct that Solar Beam at those kids!"

Holding back the pain from the attacks, Magmortar lowered his arm. Now fully charged, he let the Solar Beam blast toward Austin.

"No!" Nightraider and I screamed simultaneously. My smile vanished. Time felt like it was in slow-motion for the next few seconds. Nightraider just managed to slide directly into the line of fire, holding one Spirit Shackle arrow up to the blast. In unison, I raised my arm forward and posed just like Nightraider. Within this split second moment, my chest glowed faintly beneath my shirt, in a mix of dark purple and green colors. The Solar Beam hit Nightraider point blank. At the same time, the Spirit Shackle arrow in Nightraider's forward hand grew longer and sharper. It pierced the beam of energy, cutting the blast in half. Nightraider and I gritted our teeth. The Arrow Quill Pokémon forced the Solar Beam to disperse around him, blasting trash cans and boxes scattered along the sides of the alleyway. Austin and the kids were torn between looking away in fear and looking in awe.

[You have no honor!] Nightraider hooted. I also yelled, making a stabbing motion with the arm held behind me. Then with the other, equally enhanced Spirit Shackle arrow, Nightraider jabbed it straight at Magmortar's belly. Magmortar bellowed as he skidded a good few meters from the hit. Then he fell on his face and fainted.

"Not Magmortar, too!" Al groaned, stamping his feet even more. "And that Decidueye isn't even burned?!"

Harry looked around frantically, realizing he and his Pokémon were the last standing against us. "It's down to me! But…I'll win if I can force you to make one more move!"

I caught my breath and smirked. "That may be true. But I wonder: can you finish Nightraider in one more move?"

Harry tilted his head in slight confusion. "I bet I can! I know now your Decidueye is a Grass-Ghost type, as is his moves. He's also taken some damage, even after the Roost. My Drapion is a Poison-Dark type, and has boosted itself with Acupressure already. I have every advantage!"

I let out a laugh. "Then let's prove it!"

"Drapion, use Cross Poison!"

"Nightraider, run passed him and dodge it!"

Nightraider and Drapion charged at each other, each in the direction toward their respective trainers. Drapion's arms glowed purple. Nightraider tucked his wings against his body, making him more aerodynamic. With a cry, they dashed close passed each other and halted.

For a few seconds, nobody moved. Nobody even made a sound. Then Nightraider took a knee. He clutched his left arm, where the Cross Poison grazed him. Drapion grunted mockingly. Then he let out a painful groan. The same ghostly veil from earlier enveloped him. Two seconds later, Drapion fell motionless on the ground.

"Yay!" Austin and the two kids cheered.

"What?!" Harry shouted. "How?! You barely attacked me?"

"You didn't even get burned by my Magmortar!" Al protested.

"That worm must have cheated!" said Ken, as the three of them recall their Pokémon to their PokeBalls.

I stepped up next to Nightraider, helping him to his feet. Then I waved a finger to the Elite trio. "Hardly. You had a fair strategy with your three Pokémon, but I knew exactly how to take you down right from the beginning of the battle. Your Drapion was the biggest threat to Nightraider, so I had him use Curse on him early on. This Curse makes your Pokemon faint after using four moves. That left Electrode and Magmortar. Your Electric-Type did have the speed and arena advanatage, which was pretty clever. So I played keep-away to lure Electrode from its teammates and pick it off. That left your Magmortar, who unlike Drapion had little close-range utility. With a long-range moveset in mind, I figured your Magmortar had the Flame Body ability for coverage. True, that would burn physical hits. But Nightraider has the Long Reach ability, giving his close-range hits just a little extra tip range. Just enough to avoid damage from harmful surfaces." I grinned and opened my right hand. "As I promised, I only used five moves to defeat three of your Pokémon. Now, what about your end of the deal?"

The three were stunned. Harry grumbled as he haphazardly tossed the stolen PokeBall from his pocket into my hand. Then the three briskly walked away.

"Who is that kid?" Ken said to the other two.

"I don't know," said Al nervously. "We should report him to the boss. There may be a use for him here."

"Let's just focus on the reconnaissance mission first," grumbled Harry. "Then we can finally head back to Kanto and be rid of this region!"

As the Elite trio walked out of the alley, Nightraider and I walked up to Austin. The three kids slowly stood up, their jaws still hanging open. I handed Austin the PokeBall with a gentle smile. "I believe this is sort-of yours?"

Austin slowly reached out and took back the PokeBall. He looked at it for a second. Then he looked up to me, his whole face beaming. "Thank you, mister!"

"It may not save you from a talking-to from your parents, but I hope you learned a valuable lesson today."

Austin sheepishly nodded. "Yes, sir."

"You were amazing!" said one of the other kids.

"I've never seen a battle as crazy as this one before!" said the other kid.

"Maybe you will again someday," I said. "Just…don't skip school for that."

"I was hoping to show them," stammered Austin. "I brought my father's Pokemon to school from his trips to Kanto. I hope…he'll still allow me to have it as my partner, just like your Decidueye."

Nightraider leaned into me. [Tell him to start with a Rowlet. They're the best to start with. No bias.]

"What Pokemon is it?" I asked Austin.

"It's a Hoothoot," he replied happily.

Nightraider shruged, [Eh. Close enough. At least it's a bird Pokémon that can fly. But tell him to get a Rowlet.]

I chuckled to myself before continuing my chat with Austin. "It's a fair Pokemon to start with. Hope it goes well for you."

Austin smiled. "Thanks! And I want to be a Pokemon Trainer when I get older…just like you!"

There was a pause. I tried to shrug off the comment and put a hand behind my head. "Nah. You don't want to be like me." I walked passed him with Nightraider.

"W-wait!" Austin cried out. I stopped. "W-what's your name, sir?"

Another pause. I sighed and gave a half-smile. "Can't share that information with you kid. It's a secret to everybody." With that I left Austin and the kids behind in the alleyway. "If I share my name, that risks bringing me out of the shadows. And I can't let that happen while Team Celeste is still running around."

Nightraider put a hand on my shoulder. [That was fun, back there. Speaking of which, how's your little gem been holding up?]

I put a hand on my chest. [Still alright. As long as nobody touches or hits it, it doesn't hurt me.]

[Good. You know, we should do battles like that more often.]

[Maybe. But we've got some more important things to do first. And Team Celeste activity is number one priority.]

Author's Note: Hi guys! I hope you enjoy the story so far. Let me know what you think! Also, this story makes references to another story made by a friend of mine. He's user Soul X-Link, and his story is Pokemon Adventures: Soul. That's where the Vile Balls appear. It is really good, and I highly recommend you check it out!