Author's Note:

Here it is, the pre-gym chapter and time for another capture. This is one of my favourite Pokémon from the fifth generation and I had a few ideas of who to give it too. For a while, it was going to Cilan given the episode it's based on. With a very much love-hate relationship forged between them but I had other Pokémon I want to give him and given the roles in the games... I felt like it fitted in with Drake's style, so he ended up with the Pokémon also this is going to start a running gag. You might've noticed ghost types in this series seem to follow a tread, starting with Gengar, this example is only possible because of the lack of communication. Any who, we also have a new poll, this time focused on Serena's teams thus far. Next chapter will be on the first of April. Don't forget to vote and with that, let's begin...

Chapter eleven: Night in the Nacrene Museum

Drake took in the sights as they walk through the streets of Nacrene. It wasn't nearly as big as the Striaton but just like the rest of Unova, its far bigger than ninety-percent of the cities he visited in Kanto, Johto and especially the Orange Archipelago.

If he were to guess, it was once an industrial complex, with most of the buildings being converted warehouses into tall apartment buildings. Some rails were scattered around the ground, but they weren't well kept nor even fully connected. He also couldn't help but notice the colourful, artsy displays decorating the rather unique housing he could see. A lot of greenery was also present, even a wind-director with a metal-Pidove statue.

"Look at all these cool buildings!" Iris gushed.

"They're actually unused warehouses which the city leases to artists," Cilan explained, "and because of that, Nacrene is known as the city of art."

"I can see why!" Iris added. "There's amazing pieces of art everywhere I look."

"It's like a herd of Smeargle ran through-" he uttered, rolling his eyes... until a bone hit the back of his leg. "Ow! What was that for?!"

"Maro-" his ground type smirked. "Marowak."

"Yeah, yeah-" he grumbled. "You can enjoy this all you like... knock yourself out."

"It's also known as the city of style and admiration!" Cilan continued.

"Yep, real interesting..." He glanced to the side. "So, where's the gym? And the centre?"

"The cities museum and Library is the location of the Nacrene gym." Cilan informed.

"Library?" He turned fully towards his travelling companion. "There's a library?"

"You actually sound invested for once-" Iris mused.

"Is it really surprising we'd have a library in one of our major cities?" Cilan asked.

"I thought culture was a bad word in the states-" he shrugged. "Or something limited to ranting about your sports team whilst consuming grease and salt and waving dangerous weapons to prevent anyone with something intelligent to say from actually showing a better way to be."

"If that's how you feel why are you still here?!" Iris raised her voice.

"It's nice seeing a developing civilization in action-" he smirked. "And Marowak, for some unknown reason likes having you around... I shouldn't complain though, he is really starting to mature with his increased responsibilities of taking care of you."

"Calm down you two-" Cilan stepped between them. "Look, the centre is just down here. We can head off to the gym soon."

Nodding in agreement, he turned and lead the way to the three-story-centre. With a smile finding itself onto his face, he quickly dropped off his team with the resident Audino at the desk. Almost instant, he turned on a heel. Out of everything he's experienced so far, this was certainly the most exciting prospect.

"Whoa, slow down-" Cilan ushered, as he came up on his tail. "Is it smart to head off to the gym when you don't have any Pokémon?"

"Library?" he blinked, shaking his head. "Oh, yeah. I'll find out what the format will be when we're there too. But we should go to the library."

"Who's the kid now?" Iris asked, a certain triumphance in her voice. "Getting all excited over some books."

"Still you-" He rolled his eyes. "From the sounds of it, you've never even read a book.

"So, what if I haven't?" She shrugged. "Why are you so excited?"

"A book can give you an experience of someone's life in a few hours," Drake explained, "they can answer questions which no person can."

"And what questions do you need answering so desperate?" Iris asked.

"Plasma-"

"I doubt that their manifesto is going to be found in Nacrene's library." Cilan interjected.

"Do you take me for a fool?" he asked. "They've made it clear that they intend to work off the legends of Unovan's dragons... I'm willing to bet there's a book about them... with that information I'll be in a better situation to brainstorm their plans... maybe come up with a counter."

"Your certainly an interesting character-" Cilan mused.

"I could tell you about the dragons of Unova-" Iris noted. "No need to spend hours reading some dusty old books."

"Thanks... but no thanks-" Drake replied, "for one, I like my sources to have some sort of reliability... and two, I'm less likely to get annoyed by the book."

The conversation quietened down as he noticed the library-gym-museum upon the horizon. A pure white building, he'd guess from looks it was crafted from marbel, but he knew that was likely a design feature rather than the actual construction. Easily one of the biggest buildings in the city as a wide smile spread over his face. It was the first sight of Unova he considered truly breath taking. A surge of excitement flooded his body in anticipation.

Walking up to the entrance the automatic doors slid open and he stepped inside. The first room was fairly large and spacious without much to draw attention, several doors attached, each with a sign explaining some sort of exhibit. While a desk sat centre floor with a familiar looking guy chatting to the person behind. Without hesitation, he approached and noticed the women turn and smile, causing the guy to follow her gaze.

"Hello and welcome to Nacrene's knowledge emporium." The women smiled. "How may I help you today?"

"I'm guessing your here for a gym challenge-" Cheren interrupted. "Right Drake?"

"Actually, I'm more looking for the library... I left my team at the centre so I couldn't even if I wanted too-" He shrugged. "But is... Lenora? Is it? Is she around? It would be nice to get some info on the format... I can get my team ready beforehand."

"She's not, I'm afraid... she's visiting a site north of Castelia for a possible addition to the museum-" he explained, "she's due back in about a week. She did, however, tell me about the format for your challenge... it'll be a three-on-three battle. Why don't I show you to the library."

"Interesting..." He mused, following the blue-haired boy. "I thought it'd be something more... she does know this isn't my second gym, right?"

"Oh yeah... she also knows you caught Excadrill-" He smiled. "How you handling him, by the way?"

"Fine-" He shook his head slightly. "Back to the matter at hand."

"Well, her usual challenge is a one-v-three with her being stuck on the former-" he explained, "she was promoted when the former leader moved his family to Hoenn... it was down to Plasma, of course... she was a decent trainer in the league circuit but never really went out for a gym leader role."

"Guess that's why she's the second leader-" Drake noted. "Not much variety in her team selection?"

"Uh huh?" He nodded. "But the PLA keep this place running whilst she holds the position. It's the reason why there isn't an entrance fee."

"Of course..." He sighed. "In the states, education is hidden behind a wall but everywhere else its open to all... Just when I think I've seen the worst-"

Stepping into the room, his eyes widened at the rows of bookcases in the wooden-brown room. A few people were scattered around, either scowering the array of books or sat at one of the tables, digesting their own choice of literature. His eyes started scanning the signage hanging from overhead.

"You after any book imparticular?" he asked.

"Something to do with Unovan legends-" He muttered. "Legendary Pokémon... they're a hobby of mine."

"Well, the nonfiction section is to the right-" he explained, leading to that side off the room. His eyes scanned the array of books as he followed, seeing everything from cookery books to scientific journals. Guides to the region to celebrity autobiographies. It didn't take them long to reach a section seeming dedicated to the legends of the world. "Here we go..."

His eyes scanned oversee histories of the world, detailing how the legends brought the world into existence to scientific theorems on the individual legends and the roles they play in today's world... Eventually, he found the legends split by region series, and the Unovan addition imparticular.

"Where do I check it out?" he asked.

"The front desk but if you plan and staying you can do that just before leaving." He smiled. "I'll get the form for your library card; it'll just need your ID like-"

A high-pitched scream echoed, cutting the gym assistant off. Glancing to each other, they ran to the centre room and found the few people around running out of the library. Glancing around, he noticed several books flopping down onto the floor but surely, they couldn't have run that fast for the delay.

"Not again-" Cheren rushed his hand over his face and through his hair.

"Again?" he asked.

"Lenora dropped off some stuff the day before last, which is when we had the discussion-" he explained, "since that delivery we've had some strange goings on. Both here and in the museum. People mentioned seeing items floating... strange figures... it's been crazy."

"Interesting-" He mused, his mind running with thoughts. He pushed the book in Cheren's hands. "Take care of this-"

"Wha-" He gasped. "Why?!"

"I need to get my team?" He smiled. "And I'll take the case."

"Case?" he shook his head. "Let me get this straight. You hear something supernatural and are like a kid in a candy store."

"Oh, you Unovan's... with those small little brains... how do you get around in those things?" he asked, running towards the exit. "I'll be back soon! Until then, just make a list of everything that was in the last delivery! That's the key!"

His mind rushed with ideas about the situation... one simple theory sticking out beyond all others and one which really got his blood pumping.

Iris smirked as the duel claws of her starter burned with dragon type energy. Extending outwards, she ran across the field. Swiping her claws out at their opponent, the pure grass type jumped back. Performing a backwards summersault, he landed back on his feet, two vines burst from his head-shrub.

Flicking forward, they whipped down on her dragon. It effectively stopped her forward progression, causing the dragon energy to fade.

"You see, Iris, you need to know not only your own battle strengths but your opponents," Cilan explained, "when it comes to offense, you have close fighters and long range. Pansage is a nice mixture so he can adapt to his opponents style. It's obvious that Axew is on the more close-combat range."

"-problem with that is that's a very simplistic explanation of the basic level of battle." She turned to see Drake, attaching Pokéballs to his belt. "It's why he struggled in our gym battle. Marowak is very much a close-combat fighter. We've worked out ground manipulation by building upon his earthquake to ensure anyone who tried to keep distance couldn't out due him. You also have to consider environmental fighters, defensive fighters, or stall fighters to start."

"Back so soon?" Cilan asked, as both Pokémon stopped their practice battle.

"Guess those books we're all you thought they were-" Iris smirked.

"Far from it," he replied, "I'm gonna be helping Cheren out... there's a problem at the museum-library-gym."

"What sort of problem?" Cilan asked.

"Some strange things happening... floating objects, mysterious sightings-" He shrugged. "Everything for your perfect ghost story around a camp fire."

"Ooooh, sounds supernatural-" She jumped forward. "Count us in! We'll find out what they did to upset the spirits!"

"Don't be ridiculous!" Cilan added. "There's no such thing as spirits... I'm sure there's a scientific explanation-"

"You two are both idiots-" Drake pinched the bridge of his nose. "It's not supernatural... and science won't help answer it either."

"So, what's your bright idea?" she asked.

"Gee, I don't know-" he shrugged in his deadpan tone. "Marowak, you got any ideas?"

"Maro-" the ground type shook his head.

"Maybe I should ask Pinsir, Xatu, Tepig, Blitzle, Excadrill..." He listed, turning to the previous battlers. "Or Axew and Pansage... do you two know?"

"You think it's a Pokémon?" Cilan sighed.

"The simplest answer is usually correct-" he replied, heading back towards the library. She glanced at Cilan and the two of them began to follow, "so I'm working on that bases until evidence proves otherwise. Of course, I need to identify the culprit, my guess is likely a ghost type... they're known for being mischievous... can't set that in stone though. What I need is to know what it wants."

"Wants?" Iris asked.

"Is it just a trouble maker? Making the people of Nacrene the victims of a practical joke?" he asked. "And if not, then its targeting the knowledge emporium for a reason... which is going to be easier to deal with-"

"How do you think it being driven will be easier?" Cilan asked.

"If it's got a goal, I can help it succeed in its goal," he explained, "we have an end point. If it's just trying to scare people... we're gonna need a more forceful approach. I'm hoping for the former, not only will it be easier in comparison but less chance of collateral."

"You almost sound like you care-" Iris teased.

"Ghost types, usually, are quite efficient in battle." He cut her off. "The ability to transverse nearly any field type and a double immunity. If everything goes to plan, then I'll have a new team member ready to test against Lenora."

"Are you sure it's sensible to use a new catch in a gym battle?" she asked.

"Relax, I've thought it all through-" he replied.

"I'm not convinced about that." Cilan mused.

"I have." He repeated in a harsher tone. "Normally testing in gym match would be an issue... but, for one, we'll have an immunity and two... this is a Unovan gym, remember. It's more like I'm giving Lenora an actual chance by hindering my own team."

Rolling her lips into her mouth, she could've sworn she saw steam pipping out of Cilan's ears. They continued across the city in a silence as Axew climbed up to rest in her hair. The grass monkey likewise climbed onto Cilan's shoulder. As they approached the knowledge emporium, she noticed a teen with medium length black hair stood in front of the doors. He moved in front of Drake as their little group came to a stop.

"Your back?" Cheren asked. "I just got off the phone with Lenora. She's asked we close this place until she returns."

"What about my offering to help out?" he asked. "We had a deal."

"Deals changed-"

"No can do-" He cut him off. "You want to be a gym leader, right? A gym leader is meant to protect the people of their city. Not cower behind closed doors."

"But Lenora said-"

"Come on, live a little. Just imagine her reaction when you've solved this without help," he replied, "just one night... one night with me and this thing... it'll be over!"

"You know, Drake, I can't tell if you're a genius or just incredibly arrogant." Cheren stated.

"On a good day I'm both." He smirked. "I already have a working theory. If I'm right, it'll tear that place up. Untold damage to the priceless artifacts."

"What is this theory?" he asked.

"A wild Pokémon is the cause... some sort of psychic attack causes the mysterious goings on," he explained, "it's actions were to scare you all out. Guess what, it's worked so whatever it wanted that for, it now has free-reign. Do you think Lenora will be happy with it?"

Cheren let out a long sigh and pinched the bridge of his nose. It seemed to take him a while looking back at them.

"Fine-" He declared. "But you only have one chance. Lenora is going to kill me for this."

"Eh, you had a good run-" Drake shrugged, setting off into the building. "Come on, we're wasting time. Allons-y!"

Following the boys from slightly behind, she bite down on her inner cheek. Her eyes glanced around the mostly abandoned knowledge emporium and memories from her time at school flooded back. She was always falling behind in the elder's lessons for the children, to the point that she asked Drayden to intervene. Being the first native to make a name for himself outside of the village but still supporting throughout his years.

He took her to Opelucid city for a more formal education but that only made matters worse. A bubbling pit of dread stewed in her stomach as her arm instinctively clutched it. Hearing her starter ask something from her position in her hair, she shook her head from the intruding thoughts.

"I'm fine-" she whispered, reaching up to scratch her dragon. Turning back, she noticed Drake releasing his mysterious looking bird.

Spreading her wing-arms out, her eyes glew bright blue. A wave of psychic energy spread out. In a couple of seconds before she returned to her stoic state.

"Interesting-" Drake mused. "So, we know it's not a dark type... but knows a dark move... my money is still on ghost, but it could be psychic."

"Sorry?" Cheren asked.

"Xatu just used a psychic wave to find any minds in the building," he explained, "she found one, but it quickly disappeared. It stands to reason the way it did this was through manipulating dark energy. Had it been a dark type, she couldn't find it initially... it also has some sort of psychic ability because of how quickly it recognized the mind-tap. Although we already knew that. My money is still on it being-"

She turned to see a Galarian-suit-of-armor clanging from out of one of connecting rooms. A light blue outline surrounded the armor.

In rugged movements, it raised up to sword. Swiping down in a dangerous fashion as it crept forward. Her eyes widened as everyone else moved back.

Pulling out her Pokéball from her belt, she held the device out. Her multi-coloured dragon burst out, throwing himself forward into the suit of armor.

His fists burst into flames as he knocked into the attacking force. Landing on his feet, he delivered a swift double punch before swinging his tail around.

Knocking the suit to the side, he clutched his jaw down onto the sword. Ripping it back, he sent the weapon flying over the room.

"And you said this wasn't something spiritual?!" She cried as her cave Pokémon continued to rip the armor apart.

"Nothing has changed-" Drake sighed. "Cheren... did you get that list together?"

"I didn't have time," he replied, "but the paperwork is in the office still. That should give all the information your-"

"What?!" Iris cried as more mysterious suits of armor marched into the lobby. "How can you say nothing changed? Why are we being attacked?!"

"The Pokémon likely took the psychic link as a threat... this reaction means it's more likely goal driven, and we've bumped up the time table. Xatu... you got what Cheren said?" he asked, receiving a nod from the stoic bird. "Good. Teleport us to the office."

Spreading her wings, there was a bright flash. Moments later, the blindness passed but she was still in the lobby. Only Xatu, Drake and Marowak were gone.

"Where did they-" She seathed with the anger and closed her eyes. "I hate Drake sometimes!"

"We can argue about it later!" Cilan insisted, releasing Trubbish as Pansage jumped down beside him. "Right now, we need to defend ourselves!"

She turned to see a large Stoutland materialise in front of the suits of armor. Her young dragon dived out of her hair next to Druddigon.

He materialised in a traditional looking office with a red carpet, book-shelves on the walls and a desk in the middle. Sat on the centre piece was a pile of papers in an in-tray. Running over, he picked them up and skimmed over them until he found the delivery inventory.

"Got it!" He cheered. "Now to figure out what the ghost is after... it'll be simpler if we knew the species."

"Maro-Marowak."

"Good point. If it's not found the thing then it's not on display yet-" He turned to his other Pokémon. "Get us down to storage!"

His psychic flying type repeated her actions and, in a flash, he found himself in the mostly dark room. Before he vocalised his command, his mystic bird illuminated her body, acting as a central light. Several wooden creators surrounded them as a cool wind blew against the large metal door which lead outside.

"Marowak! Xatu! Get searching!" He instructed. "We don't have long until whoever it is finishes them off upstairs!"

Receiving a nod from both Pokémon, he watched his ground charged up to a crate, using his bone to break his way inside. Ripping the wooden panel off, a pile of delivery-softeners spilled out, revealing several artifax. He ran up to begin searching through the spillage. His bone keeper running up to another crate to repeat his actions, this time searching through the spillage himself.

As he picked up piece after piece, he realised just how much of a Krabby-shoot this way. What's the chance it'll have 'property of angry ghost Pokémon' written on the label? Maybe he should lure the ghost down here... it'll be able to confirm or deny each item, but he doesn't seem in a talking mood right now.

Xatu let out a loud chirp and he turn to see her levitating some sort of golden mask. She had used her psychic to remove items from her crate in a more orderly manner. It floated over and he held the weirdly textured mask, which lacked any definitive details.

"You think this is what we're after?" he asked, looking up to the mystic Pokémon.

"I felt the same essence off this as I did from the brief mind-link-" Xatu's mental voice explained. "I estimate a seventy-percent accuracy, but the essence is faint and due to the close placement, it could be cross-contamination."

"Right-" He nodded. "Here's the plan then, teleport us back. We're going to bargain and if it turns out this isn't what its after... we're gonna act as bait."

"Marowak."

"Of course, I don't want to... I'd prefer this is what it's after-" He retorted. "Of course... they might not want to talk. In which case, I'm gonna ask you to destroy it and Xatu I want you ready to battle should it come to it. Either way, we're ending this tonight!"

Receiving confirmation from both Pokémon, he signalled to his psychic flying type. Once again, she teleported them. It took him a second to realise he was in the middle of a battle field. Suits of armor scattered the floor and so did bones. Looking around, he found a skeleton of a Dragonite swinging both Pansage and Axew around. Druddigon burst through the chest, covered in dragon energy. Flexing his strength, the fossil crumbled into a pile, letting both Pokémon go.

"Where have you been?!" Iris yelled but he ignored her. Seeing some sort of bird fossil running across the ground, he walked up to the dangerous opponent.

"Hello! I've got something I think you're looking for!" He held up the mask. In an instant, everything still attacking stopped and turned towards him. Each took a step close, causing him to smirk. "Ah, stop it. Xatu is under instructions. You attack and she teleports me and this far away. You want it then show yourself."

The exhibits from the museum stopped, he could've sworn he heard a pin drop in the moment before a Pokémon materialised in front of him. It was a shadow-like Pokémon with two shadowy, tendril-like arms and large red eyes, on what must've been either side of the head. Both focused intensely on the golden mask in his hand. It also had a small tail-like appendage that curled underneath and pointed up slightly in front of him.

"It's a Yamask." Cilan informed.

"This yours?" He wiggled the mask, receiving a single serious nod. "I'll let you have it... provided you don't attack anyone else. We draw a line here."

The ghost nodded once more. Offering a small smile, he flattened his palm out, no-longer holding the item. A psychic outline surrounded it, and it floated over to the shadow Pokémon as everything else crumbled down into a heap. It slotted onto the end up the tail, having the mask positioned right under its head.

"Now... can we talk?" he asked, receiving a quizative look from the ghost. "Xatu here can set up a mind link. It's what she tried to do earlier."

After another nod, he turned to the psychic flying type moving between them. A quick flash of ESP and he felt the familiar presence in his head. Closing his eyes, he found himself, Xatu and Yamask alone in a pure dark location.

"So... want to tell me how we ended up here?" he asked.

"I lived in a desert... some humans invaded and, in my haste, to escape them, I dropped my mask-" the ghost explained, "-I ended up chasing them here... I could feel its presence but-but didn't know where it was exactly."

"So now your good to return home?" he asked. "How do you plan on doing that?"

"I... don't know-" He mused. "I never really mulled over time for a plan. I just acted on instinct."

"As you should." He nodded. "A Pokémon is meant to be a creature of instinct. Of course, those change depending on the individual but that as a concept is the truth. That's where I come in. Human's compliment Pokémon so we can propel each other to new heights."

"Are you kidding me?!" he asked. "Humans are the reason I'm here in the first place!"

"But not me-" He cut him off. "I'm not like the others. In a few hours from learning of you, I helped you regain your mask."

"So, I should just let you catch me?" he asked.

"No... it means you should hear me out-" He corrected. "I'm gonna be straight with you. I'm a person of logic. You want to return and I'm travelling the region for the gym challenge. Your best chance of returning home and remaining safe is as a member of my team. If we get there and you think I've not proven myself then I'll happily let you go. With the training I'll provide, you shouldn't have a problem fending of humans again."

"And I'm just meant to trust you?" he asked.

"Trust the logic." He retorted. "Why would I want you if it weren't to train? So, I'm going to train you. If I don't keep my promise, then your training will allow you the chance to overpower me. It's one reason why Plasma's arguments are stupid. A strong Pokémon won't have a problem leaving a shit trainer. Of course, there are trainers who abuse Pokémon, but they don't turn out to be strong-"

"And how do I know you're not one of them?" he asked.

"We can test your theory, you can battle Xatu right now." He shrugged. "Or just let me finish. As I was saying. Abusive trainers normally just want to be strong, but they can't let their Pokémon be strong because then they'd leave them. Enough of that tangent. If you want to prove I'm not one of these trainers, firstly I wouldn't be talking and would've just battled to catch you, mask or not. Secondly, we can battle, like I said."

"You make a good argument-" He admitted.

"-and I can offer you something." He smirked. "How would you like the chance to get a little payback?"

"Payback?" Yamask asked.

"My next gym battle is here in Nacrene... the leader is the head of the knowledge emporium-" he explained, "I'm offering you the chance to get back at her."

"Why are you doing this?" he asked.

"I could have Xatu battle you before capture but as I already explained, it would just lead to trouble for me," he replied, "I need a ghost type and you've proven yourself in my eyes. The way you used the museum to attack. I think we could work well together but obviously I need you on side for that. I'm willing to bet my time on training you for that return. So, what do you say, Yamask?"

He took out a Pokéball and held it out in an open palm. The psychic link faded as the rest of the knowledge emporium returned. He could already feel the eyes of the other people on him, but he didn't share a glance back. Keeping his eyes locked onto the ghost, Yamask floated forward and tapped the device. His body turned into red light, and he disappeared. It shook slightly in his hand before dinging. With the capture successful, he pulled out his Pokédex to scan it:

Yamask, The Spirit Pokémon. The spirit of a person from a bygone age became this Pokémon. It wanders through ruins by night, carrying a mask that's said to have been the face it had when it was still human It rambles through ruins, searching for someone who knows its face

Type: Ghost

Ability: Mummy

Hidden Ability: N/A

Gender: Male

Nature: Naughty (Note: This could change if/when this Pokémon evolves)

Move(s): astonish, protect, haze, night shade, disable, will-o-wisp, crafty shield, hex, mean look, grudge, curse, shadow ball, payback, trick, psychic, payback

His Pokédex switched screens to a list of his current on hand team of: Pinsir, Marowak, Xatu, Pignite, Blitzle, Excadrill and now Yamask. All but Marowak and Xatu's images were simple shilluette's. "Please select which Pokémon you wish to send back," the robotic voice instructed.

Glancing over the options, he hit knew he was keeping his newer captures and Marowak. Not wanting to waste time on recalling and messing his team around, he just hit the pure bug types button. Feeling Pinsir's device teleport from his belt, he replaced it with Yamask's and put the device away.

He turned to face Cheren, who had his Stoutland beside him. "Your welcome... and I'll take that book now."

"Erm, right-" He stuttered, shaking his head. Taking the book of Unovan legends from the front desk and handing it over.

"Thanks-" He turned around. "Looks like you've got some cleaning to do. I'll be in library since it's a little late to go walking back."

"Aren't you gonna help?" Iris asked.

"No," he replied, "you're the ones who decided to go scooby-doo on the exhibits. This is your mess."

"But-"

"I didn't invite you to join me-" He continued without letting them interrupt. "With Xatu's teleport I could've done this without fighting back. Remember which one of us actually brought Yamask to a stop without every firing off an attack. Now if you excuse me..."

He walked through the knowledge emporium with his two Pokémon by his side. It didn't take them long to reach the library and he took a seat at one of the abandoned desks. Placing the book down, he barely got one paragraph in before feeling a hand by his belt. Looking to see Marowak grabbing the Pokéball containing the newest capture. His partner walked over and let the ghost type out, partaking in some sort of conversation with Xatu.

Returning to the book, he really didn't care what they were discussing. This isn't the time or place for training so-

His eyes flickered up to see both his older team members looking astonished as his new ghost chuckled. They froze in place with wide eyes and sweat flooding down their foreheads. Biting down on his inner cheek, he froze.

"Please tell me I didn't just catch myself another version Gengar?" He thought to himself.

A few days later he stood on the battlefield in the Nacrene battle club. His Pignite stood in front of him with Axew and Iris opposite. "Remember, this isn't a proper battle. It's just to see how you two have progressed. So, you've got the first move."

"Alright Axew, dragon claw!" Iris hollered.

The small green dragon flexed both claws out to the side. Extending with a white glow, a blue flame burst over them as she ran forward.

He didn't instruct Pignite, as the tusks Pokémon closed in. Swiping one claw to the side, it struck his stomach as she went in for the second blow.

Crumbling over from the blow, Pignite used the involuntary movement to turn into a ball. A mystic shimmer of light covered his body.

Axew's second claw struck the defence curled Pokémon, rebounding off. She stumbled back as the fire fighting type stood back in the same spot.

"How many times do I need to tell you?" He wiped his eyes, ending with him pinching the bridge of his nose. "Raw power only gets you so far."

"You also said to work on our natural advantages!" Iris declared. "Dragons are naturally powerful."

"In some cases, yes..." He admitted. "But Axew should evolve first before you consider that her natural advantage!"

"Hey!"

"It's the truth, as Axew stands right now, she isn't a beast of pure strength... like Druddigon is-" he explained. "Her small size makes her difficult to hit and when compared to Pignite, is quicker on her feet. We have flame charge to counter that but in close quarters, her moveability will still win."

"Axew?" she asked.

"You'd be better off going for quicker, more agile attacks." He informed. "Don't put everything into a single blow. As you just witnessed, your opponent's bulk won out in that battle, and it left you wide open. Had Pignite wanted too, he would've entered a rollout and you couldn't have stopped him."

"I thought Axew wasn't exactly that fast-" Iris grumbled. "Remember when we practiced with Blitzle?"

"First, there's two different types of speed. Long range and close quarters. Blitzle is naturally a long-range fighter-" he explained, "and you need to look for your advantages over your current opponent. Pignite has the weight advantage here but against Snorlax? He'd be better going for quick, multi-hits."

"And the second type of speed is reflex time?" she asked.

"Exactly-" he replied, "fighting types usually excel in this particular skill but Pignite is an outlier because he only recently acquired the typing with evolution."

"You heard that, Axew?" she asked, to which her dragon nodded. Shaking herself off. "Ready to go again?"

"Pignite... once they seem to have it down... kick it up a notch-" He instructed. "I'm gonna check on the others."

Seeing the two Pokémon restart their practice. He watched just long enough to see one dragon claw go for the leg as Axew skidded around the side.

He turned to see Xatu and Yamask on the other side of the room. The ghost was floating around as his mystic Pokémon fired off shadow balls. He swiftly floated between them as he tried to close on. Dark type energy radiated around the mask as he closed in... just for Xatu to teleport away.

"How's Yamask getting on?" he asked, with the psychic flying type reappearing beside him. The shadow balls imploding in the air.

"Yamask's capabilities have a long way to go..." Xatu's voice echoed in his head. "For a Pokémon with no prior trainer experience, its impressive."

"Interesting..." He mused. "If it's enough to impress you then I think it'll be enough to test in the gym. Speaking off, I'm planning on you being the third one."

"Might I ask why?" she asked.

"We've spent too long to risk a delay-" he explained. "Pignite's still getting use to his new form... and this will be Yamask's test run. I need a safeguard."

"Surely, Pinsir would be the better option for that role-" Xatu replied, "not saying I won't but you know my skillset lies in support. If you need a safeguard for victory, a fighter would be far more reliable. Or is there another reason for your decision?"

"It's like I said, I need to ensure the victory." He shrugged. "And Iris hasn't got out of the mindset of pure power being the answer to everything. So having your support skill-set on display might be able to demonstrate the flaw in her current mind-set. Two birds, one stone... no offence."

"Understood and none taken." Xatu nodded. "I'll move onto preparing Yamask for what to expect in the pending match."

Giving her a nod, she teleported back over to the ghost type. Turning on a heel, he caught another glimpse of Iris' battle. A thick cloud of toxic smoke surrounded Pignite, and his small ember turned it into a fiery blanket, causing Axew to back up towards Iris.

He sighed at the sight, being a dragon meant she could easily withstand the flames. Pignite clearly let his own guard down due to the fiery shield.

Continuing on his path, he made his way outside to the training courtyard. His eyes turned to see Marowak manipulating the ground by throwing pillars up in a swift aggression. Blitzle ran along the top of the pillars, using her speed to avoid the attacks. Electricity sparked around her body in a yellow glow.

A ring shot out and expanded out, striking Marowak head on. She landed on one of the pillars, but it crumbled under her weight, causing her to crash down.

Walking over through the battleground, his pure ground returned the ground back to its starting state. The electric type shook the rubble off as she stood.

"You let your focus go... when just working on evasion, you were able to assess the platforms and jump accordingly-" he explained, "but when turning to offense, you let that slip and hit a dodgy platform. You would've been better preparing then throwing off Marowak's focus as a safeguard."

"Maro Marowak."

"She needs to get proper control over her own element before introducing others-" he replied, "I'm thinking charge beam should be her next target. That move requires a great deal of concentration and controlling the current of electricity... I might need to task Jolteon with it though."

"Zle?"

"Don't worry about that for now-" he replied, "you've got your agility down. Focus on hitting Marowak with thunder wave. That moves require precise control."

"Maro-" He grumbled.

"Oh, shut it you." He rolled his eyes, turning around.

Walking along, he found his final team member fighting against Iris' Druddigon. Excadrill's metal-silver-shimmered blocked the sharp claws of his opponent.

Cilan stood to the side, watching the two fighting in a brutal fashion. Flexing outward, he caused the cave Pokémon to stumble backwards.

His ground steel type used the opening to dig into the ground. Shaking himself off, Druddigon glanced around for his opponent.

"Interesting style of training-" A female voice boomed from behind. He turned to see a middle-aged woman with large puffy light teal hair, which had a head-band pushing it back. A white shirt with red-flapped pockets and long teal-blue trousers. "Most trainers partake in battles alongside their team."

"Most trainers are idiots-" He retorted. "Excadrill is already experienced so no need to help develop a battle style. Better I observe his style and adapt my own to strengthen the partnership. Had he been a relatively young capture then he'd benefit from us developing a style together."

"Just as Cheren said." She smirked. "My name's Lenora. The Nacrene gym leader. And I take your Drake?"

"Uh huh."

"I believe we have some things to discuss-" she replied.

"Yes, we do." He growled. "Three things by my count."

"The mask and subsequent damage done to the museum-" She counted. "Excadrill and how he came under your trainer-ship. The book currently out of my library and your future gym challenge."

"First, when you connect points, it doesn't magically combine into single points. Be, no two- second!" He counted. "You stole the mask. Complaining about it being returned is like a home invader complaining about his stolen goods being seized by the police."

"We spent a lot of time and money on that exhibition to the desert ruins." She frowned.

"Ah yes, I forgot how the Unovan criminal system works... guilty until proven rich-" He rolled his eyes. "-you invaded his home. You stole his property and now your mad he took it back? You should be thankful I helped him before he tore your precious exhibits to shreds in search for his mask."

"You think your so clever... got it all figured out." She shook her head. "And I admit, when Cheren informed me of what happened. I was impressed."

"Don't try to sweet talk me-" He groaned.

"Your deduction skills are something to behold-" She continued. "But intelligence is not a privilege... it's a gift. One you should use for the good of mankind."

"And I didn't?" he asked. "Or do Pokémon not count in your world view?"

"Of course, they count... who do you take me for?" she asked. "Plasma?"

"Is this going somewhere?" he asked, tilting his head to the sky.

"Excadrill... you again proved great intelligence and its clear he's thriving under your trainer-ship." She commended. "But he's been liberated by Plasma once before and you're not exactly shy in your opposition towards them."

"And?" he asked.

"And-" She continued. "While your clearly clever, I have a distinct notion you lack emotional intelligence."

"Wha?! Me!" he replied in an overly exaggerated tone of voice. "I never."

"Sarcasm is the lowest form of intelligence-" she uttered.

"But it's funny-" He shrugged. "And besides, when given a stupid statement it's my moral obligation to give a sarcastic retort."

"Yamask and Excadrill... both hurt by people." She continued. "Now you're dragging them into a fight... against people who don't want them to be hurt."

"That's if you believe what Plasma say-" He countered. "Talk is cheap. There actions speak volumes and they hurt Excadrill with said actions, remember."

"Just be careful in your own actions-" she replied, "which does bring me onto the final point."

"The gym challenge. Or the book?" he asked. "You really wasn't that clear. Either way, you can expect both when I've finished the book."

"You see, I offer a free book to all challengers who successfully win my gyms badge-" She clarified. "So, no need to wait if that's your only reason for delaying."

"Given the rather full collection, I guess not many take you up on the offer." He shrugged. "Not that surprising given we're in the states."

"I believe knowledge should be shared for all," she explained, "unfortunately, Plasma has seen a massive reduction in league goers. The contest circuit also stopped operating a couple seasons back and the showcase committee have suspended plans on incorporating their organisations in the states."

"In that case I think we can schedule it tomorrow-" he shrugged. "What time do you open up?"

"The knowledge emporium opens at half six... mostly for students before their classes-" she informed. "But for gym challenges usually ten but if you want, I can open early... after everything which has gone on, I can't deny I'm excited to see what you have to offer."

"Great... eight o'clock?" he asked.

"Sure." She smiled. "And it'll be a three-on-three."

"See you there then."

Thanks for reading... Please Favourite, Follow and Review. Also, feel free to ask any questions through PM, I will answer them all, although don't expect too big of spoilers. Don't forget to vote in the polls. I really appreciate the support. Thank you and see ya next time...