AN: This took a while. A long, long while. I apologize profusely. Please enjoy, that is, if you still remember anything about what you read.

"Uh…" Kevin's mind was a blank. This was all according to plan… right? What was the plan, again? For what reason had they drawn the rat himself out to a tiny little town in the sticks, anyway?

He glanced at Chikoro, who was trying his best to hold his head up high. Right… they were going to "make their move"… whatever that was supposed to mean.

"YouweretalkingaboutShady'ssweetheart,right?Oh,howcute!IwonderwhatShadywillsaywhenhefindsoutyouwanttotakeherawayfromhim?" The voice, once laden with whimsy and friendliness, was now simply an icy drawl that betrayed any false happiness in the speaker's face. The cloak and fedora, which were previously comical accessories, now seemed to give the Raichu just the impression he needed.

Kevin narrowed his eyes. "What's the point of spinning the truth into lies if nobody believes a word you say?" he asked.

"Mm," Chuno said, shrugging. "Iguessitjustcomestome,naturally."

"Nothing about you is natural," spat Chikoro, a move that surprised Kevin. "You're crazy." He was even more surprised when Chuno suddenly grinned.

"You may say that I'm crazy, but, hey, who's better off, really? You? Or me, with a family who loves me and will wait for me to come home?" He giggled. "Though I suppose there's no need to ask that when I can see the answer, clear as day."

Kevin blinked, his gaze slowly focusing on the Chikorita. Chikoro had frozen in place, not even breathing, with a look of pure terror in his eyes.

"H-how…?" he managed to spit out, finally starting to shake.

"Oh, you don't think I simply ignored you, when I saw you'd joined forces with the demon trio, did you? I got my allies to look into your background as well. In fact," Chuno smiled, "I even met with your mother. Would you like to hear that story?"

Chuno went on without waiting for an answer. "Yes, I had your mother flown in all the way from Johto. We had a very interesting discussion! When I asked your mother about you, they didn't even know who I was talking about! It's not every day you have to remind a parent who their child is, is it?"

Kevin turned to Chikoro, part of him curious about what Chuno was going on about and the other part feeling the deepest sympathies for the kid. Chikoro himself was shaking his head, his face scrunched up as if he was in pain.

"Stop. Just stop," he whined.

Chuno continued. "Your mother, they call themselves Charmy," he mused. "And, you know, I say 'they' because I'm really not sure what else I can use. Your mother told me they fathered several children as well. Why, think! You must have dozens and dozens of half siblings! It's really incredible!"

Highly disturbed, Kevin took a step backwards.

"Your mother said they remember your father, though," said Chuno. "A pretty boy Meganium who'd been left at the Daycare on a whim. Said he was one of the easiest they'd ever met; of course, he had to be, to be played by a Ditto—"

"That's enough."

Kevin turned around. At the back gate of the house was Kari, her face horribly contorted with anger. Behind her was Kyle, looking thoroughly confused but nonetheless, also angry.

The Torterra made her way towards Chuno. "Torturing an innocent child just because he's a friend of ours. Your morals must be nonexistent," She eyed Chikoro softly. "And don't cry about it, honey. There's no shame in having a Ditto for a parent."

"Oh Miss Kari, you have more wires crossed every time we meet," Chuno sighed.

"And your voice gets more disgusting every time I hear it," she said, frowning in disdain. "To think, you once sounded sweet enough that Kyle would let you in The Shades. And now, it's as sour and bitter as can be. It seems to change depending on how horrible you feel like being."

Chuno laughed, his voice echoing throughout the neighbourhood. "Ha! Of all the people to be my greatest enemy, somehow, I'm glad it's someone like you!" He shook his head. "The human who donned the Pokémon's body. You're just like the one from that old tale."

Kevin noticed Kyle's eyebrow twitch. It only took The Shade a moment before he blurted out, "Old tale, huh? Well if you've heard that one, you must have heard the one that comes after it," he said, his teeth clenched.

The Raichu frowned. "Do you mean to say the nonsense one about Pokémon and humans eating at the same table? Nobody believes in that one," Though, as he said it… Kevin could almost see something in the Raichu snap.

Kyle glared. "'It was a time when there existed no differences to distinguish the two.' That's the very last line. You can look it up – Canalave City Library, top floor. Sinnoh Folk Tales. It's in a big display. I would know; I stayed there for a bit, before I became The Shade," His hands balled into fists. "It happened once before. Why can't it be that way again?"

Kevin watched his brother. Their father had recounted the tale, line by line, maybe about one hundred times before he'd left them all those years ago. He had no idea that old story was written down at all, much less in a human's library. But their father was from Kanto, not Sinnoh… and the way he told the story, he had always mentioned humans and Pokémon getting married…

"Of course, that's this region's version," Kyle added. "It's aged differently in other places. Some lines are different."

"You do realize it's called a folk tale for a reason, right?" asked Chuno, his eyes half closed and uninterested.

"Well, yes, it's a folk tale, and nobody really knows the real version," said Kyle. "But in the end, that last line stays the same throughout. And I think there must be some truth to that, don't you?"

The Raichu shrugged. "Well, maybe."

"Maybe?" Kyle looked affronted.

"Well, I'm not a historian, of course. But I don't recall any mention of something like that being in recorded history. And I can assure you, that stupid little story of yours hasn't been passed down through my family. I only know about it because you wouldn't stop going on about it in your very first speech. I mean, really," Chuno pouted slightly, adjusting his hat.

Hold on. Kevin shot a look at his brother, checking his face to make sure he was serious. That was what Kyle was basing his arguments off of? A picture book? How did anyone ever take him seriously…?

"I am absolutely positive there is truth to the story. I believe it really was like that, long ago," Kyle said.

"But the entire point of history, Shady, is to learn from our mistakes," Chuno said, voicing it in the same way one would address a toddler.

"Who said it was a mistake?"

Of all the people to have said it, of all the people… Well, it was the most fitting, if unexpected. Kevin didn't know if the surprise he experienced as he and everyone else whipped their heads around was a good thing, but at the same time… He was somehow glad to see what he saw.

Leaning on a fencepost with one arm slung over his shoulder, briefcase in hand, was a man with brown hair in a white coat. His brow was furrowed in a mixture of curiosity and discontent, making his glasses slightly askew. He looked out of place in the rural town, though at the same time, he seemed to fit right in, as if he'd been in one his whole life.

But of course, nobody was taking the time to notice any of that.

Chuno, for once in his life, seemed to be at a loss for words. He stuttered, his voice so incoherent that the language he was speaking in was anyone's guess. His eyes, however, were able to communicate his intentions just fine – the dagger-look had returned.

"I'll admit getting married may be taking it a little too far. But tolerating each other, and respecting each other… That's what this is really about."

The man stepped forward, stopping a few feet away from the group and placing his briefcase at his feet. His hands then found their way to his pockets, as if what he was doing was the most natural thing in the world.

Finally finding his voice, the Raichu chuckled. "Ah… Jack Holly, I presume? What wonderful timing you had… It's almost as if Shady planned this!"

The man shook his head. "They had no idea I was coming here. And I'm not Jack."

Kari suddenly perked her head up, seemingly understanding it all within a second. Chuno was a bit slower on the uptake, his face contorting in surprise once again. The man gave him the tiniest of smiles.

"My name is Cory Holly. I'm a scientist specializing in Pokémon behaviour working in Lilycove City," He glanced to the side down the small street, as if he was checking they were the only ones there. "Though I happen to have a forged degree, and the only reason I'm any good at what I do is because I can just ask the Pokémon for the answers. Jack Holly was my father."

Nobody said a word. Cory continued.

"I look like a human, I know. I am half human, biologically, somehow. I was born looking like a Pokémon, though parts of me were off. The way I stood, my teeth, and of course my eyes… And I grew up like that, and then made a machine with some friends that could make me look human. And I used that," he said. "I ended up looking a lot like my father… whether it was a bug in the machine or genetics, I'll never know."

He looked behind himself to see Kevin and Kyle. "I want to have a talk with you two… and you, Miss. Is that all right?"

"Like hell it is!" shouted Chuno, grabbing Cory's attention once more. "You can't just waltz in and interrupt, you demonic freakshow!"

Cory sighed. He picked up his briefcase, fumbling with the lock to open it. He entered the combination and it popped open, allowing him to reach inside and pull out a shiny, purple and white sphere.

"If you don't leave us alone for this, sir, I'm afraid I'll have to use this," A Master Ball sat in the palm of his hand, its glossy sheen sparkling in the winter sunlight.

The Raichu eyed the high grade Pokéball and stepped backwards. If Kevin had to guess, he seemed to be pondering whether he could dodge Cory's throw and continue on with what he had planned to do. He seemed to decide against it, however, and tilted his hat to the scientist. "Very well. I'll let you be… but just for now." He turned, walking down the dirt road, tail swishing.

Once Chuno appeared to be well out of earshot, Cory turned back to the others, an apologetic look on his face. "All right… I owe you about a million things right now, but most importantly… I'm sorry." He placed the Master Ball back in the briefcase. It snapped shut.

"It'll take more than that," Kyle said, his voice quiet, but dark.

"A lot more…" Kevin added.

"Most of it an explanation."

"And maybe a free trip to Cove Lily Motel," Kevin said. He saw the look on his brother's face. "What?"

Kyle was glaring. "Aren't you the least bit mad at him?"

"I was mad… for a long time. I guess I'm not now," Kevin replied. In truth, he had no idea why he was reacting the way he was. Maybe it was because his father had managed to make Chuno leave, or it was all okay, since he had gotten back in contact with their mother. Either way, he was feeling strangely serene.

"Boys," said Cory. The both of them turned. "Is there a place where we can all talk?"

Kari spoke up. "There's an empty field a few houses down that way," she said, gesturing to her left. "It's covered in snow, but that shouldn't be a problem for a couple of fire types."

Cory nodded. "That'll do. Well then, shall we head over there, you three? Oh, and, er…"

The scientist was looking at Chikoro, apparently unsure what to do. Kyle took initiative.

"You go inside and wait for us to get back, all right kid—"

"Hell no!" Chikoro yelled.

Kevin frowned. "Like it or not, Kyle, he knows a hell of a lot already. He's as wrapped up in all of this as any of us," he said. Kari agreed, nodding her head.

"He's right, Kyle," she said, as softly as she could. It was the first time Kevin had heard her use his brother's name… and judging by the look on Kyle's face, it must have been the first time in a long while he'd heard it, too. Kyle barely whispered an agreement before heading off to the left, along the path Kari had indicated.

Kevin followed them, arms crossed. The barely minute long walk didn't give him enough time to form a coherent thought in his head, let alone think of what he was going to say to his father. He wondered if Kyle was having the same problem, only with his anger getting in the way as well. Kari seemed to be attempting to comfort him through the use of telepathy, or something else that didn't require contact or talking, judging by the looks she kept giving him, though Kevin would be surprised if Kyle had even noticed her efforts.

When they reached the field, Kyle performed a quick, weak Flamethrower, melting half of the snow. He seemed to think that was enough, as he trudged through the wet, brown grass and stood there, waiting for everyone else to follow. The whole time, his eyes were focused on his feet, never once looking up.

The five of them formed a group in the field. They were all silent for a few moments; Chikoro was staring at the sky, Kyle still at his feet, Cory at Kyle and Kevin and Kari at each other. Eventually, after what seemed like an eternity, Cory spoke again. "Where do you want me to start?"

"Why did you leave us and our mother?" Kyle said immediately, before Cory had even finished. Cory frowned, but nodded.

"I guess that's as good a place as any. I left because I had to."

Kyle didn't believe him. "What made you think you had to leave?"

Cory's face was laden with regret. "I never had any intention of leaving at all, Kyle, please understand that. I had to leave because I evolved into an Infernape all those years ago, my body became unstable, and it was killing me. It's a wonder I even lasted a week in that state."

The Shade looked up, one eye closed, the other narrowed, giving them the impression of someone who really didn't give a damn. "What's that supposed to mean? Your body was unstable? That's the kind of talk you hear… you know, when someone's talking about clones, or whatever."

"What I mean," Cory said, becoming stressed, "is that I already had a low tolerance to fire as a Monferno, and evolving didn't help. My body had gotten used to flames constantly burning on my tail, and when they suddenly moved to my head, it hurt me greatly. You saw what it did – and I think it's safe to assume that's the reason neither of you are Infernape, am I correct?"

Kevin nodded. "I didn't want to risk ending up like you," he admitted.

Kyle spat out a flame. "I haven't evolved for a number of reasons. None of them were influenced by you in any way."

Kevin didn't know why his brother was being so harsh, especially when he thought back to their previous conversation at his headquarters. He had been so nonchalant there… to see him angry enough to spew flames was rather strange.

Cory didn't seem to be too affected by his outburst, continuing his explanations on his own. "I suppose you're wondering why I'm here, then."

"You heard the news from Stella and came down the instant you could, right?" asked Kyle.

"Who's Stella?" asked Cory. "A friend of mine told me you were in the area."

"What friend?" Kevin asked, curious. The only friend of his father's he knew of was Bill.

Cory gestured to his left. "He's a professor over in Sandgem Town. His name is Rowan."

Kari and Kyle made sounds of surprise; Kyle momentarily forgot his act of being uncaring and stared at his father in confusion. "What?"

"Oh, that's right, Miss Kari, you were a starter there for a time, yes?" Obviously, Cory was clueless.

"You… you're friends… with Rowan," Kyle said, taken aback. "Friends."

Cory blinked, frowning slightly. "He and I go way back. Helped me build the Cell Separation System with Bill, actually. Without him, we'd have never gotten it done." The scientist straightened his glasses.

Kyle turned to Kari, almost snarling. "Then he freaking knew, right? He knew I was the son of his freaking friend, and he still kept us there. Who the hell does he think he is?"

"Well, maybe he didn't know…" said Kari weakly.

"Don't try and rationalize it! Even if he didn't know, he was friends with a Pokémon that would have acted the same way in the same situation, and he still didn't let us go. Freaking…" Kyle then trailed off, his language degenerating to nothing more than swears.

"What exactly happened?" Cory asked, concerned.

"You are friends with a sadistic ass," Kyle answered curtly. "That's it, I'm done. Kevin, you talk."

Kevin shrugged. "Uh, 'kay…" He frowned. Rowan really wasn't who they should be talking about at the moment. "Back to you leaving… If you had to leave so badly, then why didn't you tell us the reason? I mean… If we knew…"

The professor folded his arms, pursing his lips. "I made Sunny promise she wouldn't tell you… because I thought if you knew, you'd all insist on going with me anyway."

"Damn right we would," said Kyle. He then remembered his new vow of silence and appeared to bite his tongue.

"…And that would be bad because?" Kevin asked.

"I lived my childhood with a Pokémon for a mother and a human for a father. The whole time, I never felt like I belonged on either end, like I was constantly stuck in some messed up limbo with my brother as my only friend. I couldn't subject you two to that. Not in a million years." Cory closed his eyes.

Kyle seemed to be trying very hard to stay quiet. Kevin wondered why he had decided he wasn't going to speak if it was really that difficult for him, but the thought wasn't given much time as he replied, "Well… you kind of failed at doing that, then."

"Hm?" said Cory. "What do you mean?"

Kevin sighed. "We're kind of messed up anyway, if you couldn't tell. And as for my brother, I only just began to tolerate him." A grim frown adorned Kevin's face.

The scientist frowned. "That's a shame. You boys are the only ones who can really respect what the other has gone through."

"That's true…" said Kari softly. She was frowning herself, almost looking miserable for some reason.

Cory turned his attention to her. "Ah, and you, Miss. I've heard a few things about you… I understand you're quite acquainted with both of my sons, yes?"

Kari seemed surprised. "Er… yes."

"I see…" said Cory. "The way you speak, you didn't take the pill I made, right? Which means you must be special yourself."

A light blush formed on the Torterra's face. Kevin couldn't remember ever seeing her become embarrassed before. "I don't know about that…" she said, her voice trailing off.

"Nonsense," said Cory. "If you learned to speak like that on your own time and by your own dedication, you have a certain admirable quality that tells me you're a good friend for my sons to have."

Kyle appeared to get even angrier. Kevin could only imagine why. He looked at Kari, then to his father.

"Um… Dad?" Kevin said quietly. His father smiled; he was obviously happy about Kevin's word choice. Kevin sighed. "Don't take this the wrong way, but… what are you doing here, anyway?"

Cory's smile dissolved into a frown. "Didn't I tell you a minute ago? My friend told me you were down here, and I felt that I really needed to see you. It has been a while," He seemed to have a rather heavy guilt complex. Kevin found himself thinking that it must've taken a lot for his father to even consider leaving.

"So… you didn't know about Chuno or anything?" Kevin asked.

"Well, I've certainly heard of him," Cory said. "He's an interesting sort. Obviously I don't agree with him, but I can see where he's coming from." He shrugged. "I didn't expect him to be here with you, though. What was he doing?"

"Er..." Kevin muttered. Honestly, he could barely remember what they were supposed to do when Chuno showed up.

"We were gonna get rid of him," said Chikoro. Kevin was surprised; he didn't expect the Chikorita to say much, and he hadn't at all until now. Cory gave him a curious glance.

"Get rid of him? In what sense of the word?" The professor frowned. "I'd hardly consider any of you the murdering type, not to mention that that would be incredibly stupid of you." Oh great, now he was mad. Just what they needed.

Kyle glared. "Okay, look. I don't condone murder or anything, but you've got to understand that this rat has been trying to kill me for years, and I've had enough—"

"So you're going to stoop to his level and do the same thing? Kyle, you know better than that," Cory berated him.

"It's not just me!" Kyle yelled. "He wants to kill Kari, too! And I swear on my life that I'll stop him before he even tries," Now, more than ever, Kyle looked serious. He really did care about Kari, probably more than anything else. But at the same time…

"He already tried," said Kari, her voice low. Her eyes weren't looking at anyone, instead to the side.

Right, Kevin remembered that. The skull-crushing episode. That Machoke would have killed her if he hadn't gotten himself disqualified. He suddenly remembered talking to Chikoro after the fight.

"Well, what if you had to fight, instead?" Kevin thought for a moment before replying.

"I'd be dead."

Had Chuno foreseen that? That way, no matter what Kevin had decided, the rat would've been able to attempt to kill at least one of them. He swore in his mind. This was getting pretty bad.

Kevin hadn't noticed, but while he had been thinking Kyle had been freaking out. His brother was yelling frantically at Kari, panic-stricken.

"What do you mean, he already tried? When would he have— Kari, what did he do?"

"It… it was at the league. I was battling that Machoke guy that follows Chuno and—"

"You were battling at the league? Why would you be— wait. Kevin!" Kyle sent his brother a glare. "Don't tell me you made Kari battle for you against that psycho!"

Kevin glared back. "Hell no! I never made her do anything! I had no idea that Chuno was going to ask that guy to do something like that, and if I did, I never would have agreed to battle him in the first place!" Why did Kyle have to automatically go and assume the worst of him, anyway? He wasn't that stupid.

"She could have died, and it would have been your fault!"

"Don't think I don't know that!"

"Shut up!" said Kari, her expression pained. "It was my fault for not taking Chuno seriously, okay? And I'm fine, aside from being sick, so everything's okay. Got it?" she turned her gaze to Kyle, who clenched his fists in frustration.

"Kari…" Kyle started, but then faltered. He gave out a large sigh and turned around. "I can't take much more of this. I'm going to go," And with that, he began to walk away.

The rest of them didn't follow. They watched his retreating back, trudging through the winter snow, his inner turmoil clear for anyone to see.

It was going to be a long, long night.