DISCLAIMER: I DON'T OWN POKEMON. ELSE WE WOULD HAVE SEEN BLOOD BY NOW!

Gear Station, Nimbasa City, Unova Region.

The previous day…

Police lines had been taped around the private lounge keeping pesky bystanders and nosy reporters out of the crime scene on that night. Some forensic officers were taking pictures of the four deceased men that had lain on the shiny floor, rigor mortis evident in their postures. Two still had that look of shock in their dead eyes while the other two had their swollen tongues poking out from their froth-coated lips, mocking the cruel world they had passed on from. Officer Jenny inspected the scene with her trusty partner Herdierr and shook her head in disgust…and anger. Anger at the fact that they hadn't found this out sooner and also at the fact that whoever poisoned these unfortunate people had multiple fingerprints. Yeah, you heard right. The poisoned food had been passed from one person to the other so their prints could not be separated and distinguished. Even Herdierr's nose had gone haywire from just sniffing for the culprit.

"Nice weather we're having, Jenny," a familiar voice greeted and the aqua haired officer had turned to face a young man with light blue hair and ranger attire.

"You smell like shit, Rain," she snapped. She didn't have the patience for Almia's biggest weirdo. The top ranger shuffled over to the bodies and pushed a stray tongue back into the deceased mouth.

"What happened here…?" he murmured and started walking around the spacious lounge. The first thing he noticed was a small roll of bandages lying in the wastebasket at the corner. For one reason or the other, it was the only piece of trash in the basket and this piqued Rain's interest. Picking it up gingerly, he inspected the dirty piece and loudly guessed that this particular bandage came from a Pokemon Center not too far from Nimbasa City.

"How do you know that?" Jenny asked cocking an eyebrow. Rain handed the piece to her and turned to leave, seemingly satisfied with his find.

"I was passing through Castelia when my friend here overheard the head nurse talking about a bandage shortage. Apparently, someone had walked in earlier and asked for twenty jumbo rolls of bandages and the new Joy posted there granted the person his/her request," the ranger explained. Officer Jenny rolled her eyes and wondered for the umpteenth time why Herdierr always tensed when Rain and his "friend" appeared.

"How does that help? Dozens of people peel their bandages and throw' em anywhere. This bandage could've come from Castelia or even the moon and we still wouldn't be able to trace the culprit. "

Rain shoved his hands into his pockets and sighed. Officer Jenny's scepticism sometimes astounded him; then again, it probably came with the job.

"Only Castelia's PC has those broken lines running along the far right of the bandage. My friend wants you to take the bandage for analysis and send the results to the Ranger Union in Fiore. You'll be surprised by what the microscope shows," he stated quietly and walked out.

"Weirdo," the officer hissed and eyed the dirty roll of bandages. She'd still have to take it though, he's Rain after all. The ranger himself was irked that he hadn't checked the gear station sooner. At the same time, he felt horribly close to his target at that point.

"Soon Scarlet…" he muttered. "Soon…"

Present day, Nimbasa City Gym.

Elesa watched helplessly as Scraggy dodged another one of Eelektross' attacks.

"Close Combat!" White cried and Scraggy began his assault on the Elefish pokemon. Head-butting his opponent, Scraggy didn't waste time before landing several light blows on Eelektross' face. Somersaulting into the air, the Shedding pokemon crashed his knee unto the top of her head before grabbing the extension on her head and flipping her over his tiny shoulders with strength from nowhere.

"Scraggy aren't supposed to know Close Combat!" An attendant cried in disbelief as Scraggy landed perfectly on his feet. Scarlet gaped at the little pokemon and wondered what was going on. The same Eelektross who had easily taken out two of White's pokemon was now struggling against this creepy lizard.

"Get up Eelektross!" Elesa yelled. Pushing herself up, Eelektross glared angrily at her annoying opponent. "Go in for a brick break!"

White waited for Eelektross to get in close before she made her move. "Parry the move and use Sky Uppercut!" At the mention of the move, Scarlet now believed that his ears were failing him. Who would believe that that small, creepy pokemon could send Eelektross flying into the ceiling with one swift uppercut to the sucker?

"Just what in the hell is that pokemon?" A spectator blurted. Scarlet shook his head.

Fuck that! Who in the hell is that girl? Scarlet asked himself. Eelektross crashed down from the ceiling in a heap and Elesa bit her lip in frustration. This was exactly what had happened when that boy was pushed to his limit too. At this rate, that humiliation might just repeat itself.

"You really are his sister, Whitey," Elesa muttered as she gazed at her Eelektross. It was a long shot, but she had an idea of what was going on and if she wanted to win, she would have to drag this battle out for a certain amount of time.

"Eelektross, Activate your Motor Drive!" the model ordered and pointed up to the ceiling were a live wire dangled, ripped out from Sandile's haphazard Stone Edge from before. Eelektross nodded and jumped high into the air before latching onto the ceiling.

"Motor Drive…?" White echoed as the pokemon got to the wire and touched it. A loud ZAP was heard as the Elefish pokemon received the electricity flowing out from the wire. In minutes, the stage lights went drastically dim and all everyone could see was a shimmering form hanging stiffly to the ceiling.

"Motor Drive boosts the speed of the user when hit by electricity. You don't see normal Eelektross with this ability anywhere," Elesa called out through the dim stage. "And that's why you're gonna lose here and now White!"

White squinted at the glowing Eelektross and decided that she had to finish this fast. As soon as the back-up lights went on, she called out to Scraggy.

"Focus Blast!" Scraggy shaped another blue ball of energy before firing it at the ceiling. To their surprise, the target seemingly vanished in thin air dodging the attack. In a blur, the Elefish pokemon appeared right in front of Scraggy and made to grab it when Scraggy jumped out of her reach.

"As if that pokemon wasn't fast enough already…" Scarlet hissed lowly. But they still have a chance as long as Scraggy keeps doing…whatever he's doing.

"Close Combat!" White cried again and Scraggy ran up to Eelektross ready to start another assault.

"Dodge!" Elesa ordered and Eelektross disappeared just as Scraggy almost landed a punch to her gut. "Brick Break!"

Just as fast, Eelektross got behind Scraggy and sent him flying with one super-fast punch before picking speed again and appearing in front of the flying Scraggy. With another punch, the shedding pokemon was knocked into the ground before White and the trainer marvelled at her opponent's speed. Elesa let out a confident laugh as Eelektross skidded to a halt beside her.

"Whatever you did back then seems to be useless against my pokemon's speed. Scraggy may be powerful but power's useless when you can't even hit a target."

Purple eyes narrowed in thought as White tried to think of another move to use. Elesa was right, if she didn't hit Eelektross soon then all that she was doing now would be in vain. On cue, a sharp tingle of pain sliced through her head and she knew that that was a reminder that her time was running out.

"We need a plan…" she muttered as Scraggy slowly got up. For reasons best known to her, the trainer's pokemon didn't look the slightest bit shaken by the two Brick Breaks that he had just received. Scraggy continued to stare mindlessly at Eelektross before looking up. Following his gaze, White saw her last hope stuck to the roof and smiled.

"Sorry Elesa, but I think our fight's coming to an end," she stated and Elesa cocked an eyebrow.

"If it's in my favour then I guess you're right," she replied with a smirk as White rubbed a hand against her now-banging head. It's gonna wear off soon, the model remarked triumphantly to herself. We just need to hold out a little longer.

"Scraggy, Rapid Fire Focus Blast!" White ordered. Scraggy sent six balls of energy at Eelektross who easily dodged them on Elesa's order. Not stopping, the Shedding pokemon kept up his attacks, firing Focus Blasts wherever he could see the speedy Eelektross. Said target avoided the powerful barrage of energy before appearing before Scraggy in a burst of speed. White grinned a little knowing that her plan was now in motion.

"Eelektross, Strength!" Elesa called.

"Now's your chance, grab it!" White countered suddenly. Scraggy took Eelektross' hard blow to the chest and grabbed her arm. "Flip it!" Complying, Scraggy dug his small feet into the ground and, once again with strength from nowhere, flipped Eelektross over his shoulder and into the ground.

"Stand up and use Flash Cannon!" the model shot back.

"Scraggy! Up!" and Scraggy flung Eelektross into the ceiling. A loud bang was heard and the ceiling rattled dangerously as Eelektross crashed into it. Not giving up however, the pokemon released a powerful metallic beam at Scraggy who jumped into the air.

"Focus Punch!" White ordered and Scraggy slammed a glowing fist into Eelektross cheek. The pokemon released her grip on the ceiling and fell down heavily on the stage causing another rattle. Scraggy landed in front of her and stared mindlessly again as she tried to get up.

"Stand up Eelektross!" Elesa yelled as White pointed up to the ceiling. The crowd followed the hand to see several stones from Sandile's Stone Edge still lodged in the roof. Due to the rattling from Eelektross previous hits however, they seemed ready to fall down on the battlefield at just the slightest vibration.

"Elesa, I just want you to know that whatever happens to your roof…My coach will pay for it!" White declared with a grin and Scarlet's jaw dropped in protest. Hopefully, that was a joke. "Scraggy, Focus Blast!"

Scraggy formed one final blue ball and launched it skywards. The ball collided with the roof and exploded, blowing a clean hole right through it. At the same time, the stones were dislodged and each one rained down heavily onto the battlefield. Luckily, Scraggy knew protect. Unluckily, Eelektross didn't and was stoned like a hiker smoking in the middle of a landslide.

"Eelektross is unable to battle. Therefore, the winner of this round and the match in general is Challenger White!" the referee called loudly.

"Fin!" White declared and fell on her knees to the ground. Elesa stared open-mouthed at her unconscious champion and unknowingly started clapping slowly. This clapping was joined by two more, then five, then twelve, then thirty more until the whole hall reverberated with applause and cheers. Scarlet and Jolteon climbed up to the stage and trotted over to the panting White who was hugging her successful pokemon.

"How did you do it?" the hunter asked as he stooped to face her. White looked up at him and flashed a toothy grin. Her eye colour had returned to normal as Scarlet observed.

"I'll…..tell….you…..laterrrrrr…." she slurred before crashing face first into his arms. Scarlet, surprised, turned her over and saw she was unconscious.

20 minutes later…

The crowd had cleared for the day, satisfied that they had watched another great battle unfold at the gym and even pleasantly surprised that their idol had lost. Scarlet still held on to White wondering why she passed out in the first place.

"Don't worry about her, a couple more minutes sleeping and she'll be fine," Elesa said as she walked over to them and knelt beside Scarlet. Gazing at the sleeping girl in his arms, she brushed the white hair sticking to her forehead and smiled softly. "Honestly, I meant to make your head spin, but you shocked me instead…" she muttered and snapped her fingers. The referee ran up to them with a box in her arms. Taking it, Elesa pulled out a shiny, yellow badge shaped like a thunderbolt.

"Bolt Badge, right?" Scarlet asked as he took the badge and placed it in White's open palm, letting her grip reflex take hold of the badge tightly. "You wouldn't happen to know what her Scraggy displayed back then, would you?"

"It's called Bonding…" Elesa replied quietly. Scarlet arched an eyebrow.

"Bonding…?" he asked doubtfully. Trainers obviously bond with their pokemon, that was a given. But he was yet to see a bond that would cause a "move-less" pokemon to know high-end moves not common in its movepool. And such strength too…bonding definitely doesn't provide that.

"Sounds ridiculous right?" Elesa laughed at his slight scepticism. "Apparently she can link her heart with her pokemon and give them a boost in power with just her will to win."

"That's cheesy and scientifically impossible," Scarlet cut in matter-of-factly and picked White up bridal style. "I'll stick with the fact that Scraggy probably inherited such moves from a parent pokemon of different species. How do you know that bonding-stuff anyway?"

Elesa made a face and got up. "I figured you wouldn't believe me. I've battled someone like that before, that's all. Anyway, where're you guys headed?"

"I've checked the maps and Driftveil's the nearest city with a gym. As soon as she wakes up, we're leaving," the hunter replied and whistled for Jolteon and Scraggy to follow him. Four girls giggled as he started making his way towards the exit and he couldn't help but shoot a death glare. If looks could kill…

"And what's so funny girls?" Elesa asked voicing Scarlet's inner question before patting him on the butt and smiling coyly. "Is it wrong for a man to carry his exhausted girlfriend back to their room?"

"For the last time, she's not my girlfriend," the ravenette deadpanned and stared a little before heating up. "And what exactly did you mean by that last question?"

Jolteon and the girls laughed heartily at Scarlet's cute outburst while Scraggy stared…like he usually did. Huffing in contempt, the hunter trudged out of the gym and into the gym's brick walkway with two pokemon following close behind. As they walked towards the Pokemon Center, Elesa caught sight of something and frowned at one snickering attendant.

"Jane!" she scolded. "I told you not to leave any hickeys. I'm surprised he hasn't noticed them yet."

Jane pouted playfully and crossed her arms. "I couldn't help it; his neck was soooo smooth…" Elesa sighed and placed both hands on her hips before turning to face her gym.

"Now..." she stated. "What to do about that hole in my roof..."

Far out of earshot, Scarlet continued on his way to the PC and caught sight of the Ferris wheel in the distance.

"We never got to go on that damn thing…" he recalled before hearing a low moan and feeling a gentle tug on his shirt. Looking down, he saw White giving a pleading smile and point to the tall circular structure. Well, she had to be rewarded for her victory anyway.

"If you're so weak that you can't even talk then I'll have to do the walking won't I?" he asked although he practically knew the answer. White gave a weak smile and thumped his chest lightly. Jolteon smirked and Scarlet shot him a look before sighing and changing direction. "One ride and that's it."

In minutes, Scarlet passed the small crowd at the theme park. During evening times, all rides except the Ferris wheel were closed and most people weren't too interested in the rotating wheel. Only couples and the occasional dumped go there and Scarlet had initially picked it for being simply free to use. However, as he neared the wheel, he noticed the majestic simplicity of the whole structure as it stood against the orange skies defying gravity and nature themselves. Stopping to briefly satisfy his inner child and admire the wheel, a memory flashed through his field of vision making his blue eyes widen briefly in realization before they went half-lidded again and a small smile graced his scarred face.

"Oh…that's why people like these things…" he whispered to himself as he restarted his brisk walk to the ride. There was no line, no annoying wheel attender and no human being in general in the carriages on the wheel, just the way he liked it. Stepping up to the lowest carriage, he placed White gently on the red cushion and allowed Jolteon and Scraggy to enter before stepping in and seating himself in the opposite seat facing White. The wheel automatically started and began its slow, soothing rotation gradually bringing their carrier up and giving them a view of Nimbasa City at sunset.

"Congratulations on your win I guess…" Scarlet started and White gave a thumbs-up. "Elesa gave me a run-down of what you did and frankly…I thought it was BS. But since Scraggy wasn't supposed to know any moves and you don't tell lies, as you claim, then I'll just conclude that a fluke happened."

"I told ya fighting beats electric-types…" she replied, smiling weakly.

"How off point," Scarlet deadpanned and flicked her nose lightly. "You just need more training."

"Jerk," White giggled and sat Scraggy on her lap. "We'll just have to prove to Scarlet that miracles do exist, won't we?" Scraggy only replied with another stare and both Scarlet and Jolteon sweatdropped.

The hunter faced the city as they were halfway to the top. "I don't believe in miracles or waiting for them to happen…" White tilted her head cluelessly. "One just has to plan his way out of a given problem or crisis. Depending on how it works out, the lesser people deem it a miracle. Pathetic, right?"

White leaned over to the hunter and flicked his own nose, snapping him back to reality.

"Now you're going off point…" she chuckled and Scarlet huffed. "Silly Scarlet, you don't know what a miracle is." Scarlet narrowed his eyes and continued facing the city with his chin in his palm. What's the broad gonna spout out now?

"My older brother once told me that a miracle wasn't something that just popped out of nowhere and disappeared in an instant. It also wasn't something humans could create. In fact, miracles appear every day. We just don't notice 'em."

"Show me one," Scarlet stated deciding to humour her. White pointed to him, then at herself. The next statement surprised even him.

"You and me and every single living thing on this planet," the snow haired girl replied calmly.

"Huh?" The airhead's tone was completely different.

"The fact that we were born from seemingly nothing and how we have different abilities and strengths, only a miracle can attest to that."

Okay, this White was definitely new. Pointing at Jolteon and then at Scraggy, she continued.

"Pokemon themselves are another small miracle that we always fail to recognize. Don't you agree, Scarlet?"

Scarlet gazed at Logical White (as he now coined it) before turning to Jolteon who also had a look of wonder on his furry face. Airheaded White snapped back with a vengeance however.

"A-At least that's what my brother said," she stammered and laughed nervously. Scarlet smirked and leaned close to her. Blue eyes met Golden as he saw his reflection on her startled face.

"Your brother…is one cheesy lunatic, I'll give him that," he stated thoughtfully. White thumped his forehead and scowled.

"If he were still alive, he'd beat you up for being this close to my face," she replied and Scarlet flinched a little.

"Says the pervert who crawls into my bed at night…" he trailed off. The ride was coming to an end and he had promised one cycle after all. As the doors slid open, Scarlet picked White from her seat and stepped out to face the now navy blue sky. The theme park was nearly empty as people had closed shop for the night and the few remaining looked just about ready to leave. As Scarlet walked past the lingering groups of people, he brushed past a man in his early twenties with light blue hair. Jolteon stopped and began to look around the area suspiciously. Was it just him…or could he feel an ominous presence in the air? Seeing nothing, he ran up to his partner and ignored the thought.

The blue haired man felt his senses tingle and looked back at the person he had just brushed past.

"You're absolutely right buddy. He does look familiar doesn't he?" he remarked with a mysterious grin.

Scarlet exited the gate and headed home. As he went, White stared at his neck.

"What?" he grunted as he neared the PC.

"I just found another miracle."

"And what would that be?"

"Jerky Ginger has a hickey…"

Underground Plasma Castle, Unova Region.

It was a vast throne-room with a single navy blue carpet set in the middle of the room dividing it into two equal halves. Majestic pillars held up the high, virtually endless ceiling and paintings depicting the sea filled with schools of aquatic pokemon spanned the entire ceiling. At the end of the hall sat a throne bigger and grander than any throne you could have ever imagined.

"All the time I've been here and yet I still never get used to this place," a man wrapped in bandages whistled as he and the Dragon Knights walked into the throne room.

"Draco...lose the mummy wrap," Terra face-palmed. "It's starting to irritate me." Mr.P, or should I say Draco, burst into laughter at Terra's irritation and caused everyone except the drowsy Alphinia to sweat drop.

"What was your mission anyway?" Aqua inquired after the customary roll of her eyes. Draco stopped short and put a gloved finger to his wrapped lips.

"Sorry, It's. A. Secret," he answered and chuckled at her annoyance before turning to his favourite and only sister, Alphinia. "Alphy, it's time to wake up now~"

"I'm not asleep yet trash. But I will be if I don't see King Ghetsis soon," she snapped rudely and eyed her brother impatiently. "Only human trash celebrate Halloween, dumbass."

"It was for the sake of his mission, my little dragon..." a terrifyingly soothing voice echoed throughout the throne-room. On cue, all four knights dropped on one knee each and bowed their heads in respect.

"Our High King," they hailed in unison before gracefully rising before the figure now in front of them. When he had come and where he had come from was a mystery to Alphinia up till now but she couldn't be bothered to figure that out at the time.

The form that called itself Ghetsis was veiled in a black robe and a large, crown-like helmet that covered his face with green hair poking out from underneath.

"How was the mission Draco?" he asked directing his gaze to the bandaged knight.

"Went without a hitch Sir!" the man replied in his usual sing-song voice. Terra glared at him before turning to face Ghetsis.

"I believe you called us for something sir," he stated and Ghetsis replied with a nod.

"Yes...I believe the time is right for us to start setting up our plans. Forgive me for keeping you all waiting so long," the figure started and there was a noticeable rise in tension between the knights as they grinned slowly revealing their razor sharp fangs.

"Finally!" Aqua exclaimed and stretched her arms. "Now the fun begins!"

"We can kill again?" Alphinia asked, getting a little excited at what would be taking place. Ghetsis nodded solemnly and she whispered a small "YES!"

"You four know what to do, so head for your various assignments. Long live Team Plasma!" Ghetsis called.

"Long Live Team Plasma!" the knights cried and Aqua and Alphinia left the room.

"Terra, I believe some children defeated Alphinia and forced her to retreat. Is this true?" Ghetsis asked as Terra was about leaving.

"Yes sir," the knight replied knowing the next order from the king.

"Kill them. That is all," Ghetsis ordered and waved him off. With a bow, Terra left the room. "You can lose the disguise now, Draco."

Draco sighed and tugged on a loose bandage on his neck. "I was finally getting used to it too." In a second, the bandages fell loose and jet black, wavy hair sprawled all around the ash-coloured face belonging to the man of 22. Draco P. Quincy smiled as he took in a breath of fresh air and remarked "Breathing's a pain."

"Your sister stated that the champion's sister is now on a journey. With Scarlet," Ghetsis remarked as he sat himself down on his throne.

"You ordered Terra to kill them. Aren't they essential to your plans...especially if Black's power transferred to his sister?" the still smiling man asked as he shook his tousled hair.

"If they are essential to my plans, they will survive..." Ghetsis replied as he eyed his trusted knight. "The meat must be prepared before it is served to the king, not so?"

Draco grinned openly revealing his own set of fangs. "Yes, Your Highness..."

Author's Corner.

Scarlet: That was looooong.

White: Ginger has a hickey! Ginger has a hickey!

Scarlet: Someone get me some foundation. This broad is killing me!

Logical White: Things are gonna get a little rough from here so we'll be having longer chapters and more Team Plasma again. Be on your guard Scarlet.

Scarlet: Yeah, yeah, doesn't matter though cos I'm the great hunter Scarlet. Jolteon and I can take anything.

Slybill: So this first volume ends and a new volume begins. More will be revealed in the next set of chapters so keep your eyes peeled action fans!

END OF VOLUME ONE : NACREOUS CLOUDS AND THEIR SCARLET WHITE

By Slybill. (Thanks for Staying up till now.)