Pogy and Jenna were sat at a table inside the ranch house. Pogy was drinking a cup of tea, as Jenna simply stared down at hers deep in thought.

"So what did that Drapion even want?" Jenna asked

"Most likely nothing." Pogy replied

"You mean it came here and almost trashed everything for nothing?"

"Yes, however you may have been simply in the way as well."

"I don't understand this at all."

A lucario walked in through the door.

"Ah Rex, any info for me?"

"Indeed sir." Rex replied

"Woah, your lucario can talk?"

"Yes and No."

"I just can't get a straight answer from you can I?"

Pogy laughed "Forgive me, allow me to elaborate. You see Rex here can't technically talk, however we are hearing his thoughts."

"Telepathy?"

"Yes, if he chooses any humans around can hear his thoughts as if he could speak. It only occurs in a few lucarios; only ones that truly master aura powers can do it."
"And you have one that has done that."

"Precisely. I am very blessed as with Rex here my Pokémon can convey what they wish to say through him; considering he can understand any Pokémon as if they spoke as we do."

"I can see how that would be useful; I really wish my lucario Vincent could do all this."

"Anything is possible."

Jenna laughed "Please, Vincent can't even do special attacks let alone do telepathy."

"If I recall he used a perfectly executed dragon pulse against that Drapion."

"Oh yeah, well that isn't normal I never even remember him learning dragon pulse."

"So you're saying he's never done that before."

"No he hasn't."

"Very odd, but back on subject. Rex what have you learned?"

"The lucario said he and the infernape were attacked by a houndoom in the forest nearby."

"It was most likely his as well."

"Wait, there's someone controlling these crazed Pokémon?"

"Indeed, as I said I have a lot to explain."

"Then please go on."

"The one controlling these Pokémon is known as Dark Oak."

"An odd name."

"More of an alias to be truthful. Nobody knows who he really is. He earned the name Dark Oak after his first appearance."

"How long has this guy been running around?"

"About three months, three months I've been chasing him."

"Why are you chasing him anyways?"

"To understand that you have to understand me a bit more. I am very much an avid trainer, but I'm also an Archaeologist so to speak. I tend to follow myths and legends to see if there is truth in them. My home Origin is rich with legends, as supposedly it is said to be where life first emerged in this world."

"I have heard of Origin, mainly that many theorize that our world was one big chunk of land at one point. And at some point it was sundered and Origin is believe to be the only piece that remained in its original position. I also remember it being notable for having every single species of Pokémon inhabiting it."

"That is correct, aside from that it's not mentioned often namely from the lack of a Pokémon league there."

"It would still be interesting to visit."

"Indeed it is an interesting place. There are many ruins there, each one basically containing a different legend basically. Although most of the legends are connected."

"So what does this have to do with Dark Oak?"

"Because of my finding about two months before he first appeared. I was exploring a certain set of ruins that had been uncovered a few months before. It was myself and my friend Bowen, examining these ruins. One thing that came up on the text and symbols, a great darkness." Pogy paused for a moment and took another swallow of tea. "It told of a great darkness that would walk across the land and bring despair and destruction."

"And you think this Dark Oak, is that darkness?"

"Yes, I do. It's hard for me to forget, just because I lost Bowen that day."

"I'm sorry."

"But still my goal is to stop Dark Oak, I'm almost sure he is that great darkness those ruins spoke of. Just because everywhere he goes strange things happen. Pokémon all leave the area, odd thunder storms blow up, people get hurt, and towns get ravaged."

"Why would he come to Sinnoh?"

"The last time I saw him, he said 'I hurt Sinnoh.'"

"Why would he simply want to come here to cause chaos?"

"I don't think that's his intent, I personally think he's searching for something. Just everything and everyone that has been a victim of his was simply in his way. I originally thought his actions had no logic, but before I started my way to here I noticed something. All his attacks had been towns nearby ruins."

"But why come here there are no ruins near here."

"Oh but there is something, Lake Verity's Cave."

"So you think he was here to go into the Cave?"

"Yes, he just sent his Pokémon here so you wouldn't interfere."

Meanwhile in another room of the Ranch house Veruka was laying on a bed still out cold, with Vincent by her side.

"Why did this happen? What did that drapion have against us or that houndoom for that matter?"

"You shouldn't worry yourself you know." Said a feminine voice spoke from Vincent's side

A Dragonite sat on the floor to Vincent's right

"I can't help but too, that drapion damaged the ranch and hurt Veruka bad."

"She'll be fine my Heal bell has never failed before. And Master Pogy will ensure that the one behind those beasts will not hurt anyone else."

"I don't think one person could really do that, what did you say your name was?"

"Lily." The Dragonite replied with a warm smile "He's not alone he has me and the rest of his team."

Vincent turned his sight away from Lily and back onto Veruka.

"You care the world about her don't you?"

"How do you know?"

"I can tell; I've been around long enough to easily tell this stuff."

"I couldn't protect her, I should of helped her instead of standing by letting her handle it."

"It seems from my perspective that you did. That was an excellent dragon pulse you pulled off."

"I don't even know how I did that, it just happened. I've never been able to use a special attacks expect only a rare time or two."

"Well that's surprising, your dragon pulse was impressive enough to probably make my Cyril jealous."

"Your Cyril?"

"He's my master's Salamence, and my lover you could say."

"Well he'll never see it. That was a onetime thing most likely."

"I wouldn't say that."

"She wasn't even awake to see it."

"She wouldn't need to be impressed by you, just to like you she likely likes you for what you are now."

"You don't understand, she doesn't like me the way I like her."

"Oh. I see."

"I won't lie to you; I'm in love with her."

"I'm sure she'll come around, namely if you've known each other since you were young."

"She seemed to care a bit more before she evolved."

"So she changed when you evolved?"

"She got more serious, and less playful. She started caring more about battling and winning than anything else."

"There are Pokémon that do that, but deep down they are the same."

"You act like you have a lot of experience."

Lily chuckled "Deary I've made several eggs with one just like that."

"That Cryil you mentioned?" Lily nodded in response "I hope I have a chance to do that."

"Give it time."

Veruka moaned and shifted slightly.

"She's waking up."

Veruka slowly opened her eyes. Her entire body was aching to the point where she could barely move. "Where am I, what happened?"

"You've been out for quite some time dear." Spoke Lily who had gotten up and walked over.

"Who are you?"

"Lily and I must ask how do you feel at the moment?"

"It hurts to move."

"Allow me to help with that." Lily held her arm out over Veruka. It emitted a white glow and the sound of a bell could slightly be heard. "Any better?"

"Yes, the pain it's gone." Veruka replied sitting up.

"Heal Bell it does the trick every time."

"What happened to the Drapion?"

"Your friend here, along with another member of my team handled it."

"Vincent handled it?"

"Indeed he did, he used a spectacular Dragon pulse on it."

"Are you sure I'm the one that got knocked out?"

"She's right Veruka, I did somehow."

"Whatever, it doesn't matter for the time anyways."

Veruka got off the bed and walked into the other room followed by Vincent and Lily.

"Ah well, looks like your infernape is doing just fine." Pogy said

"Great to see you back on your feet Veruka. You doing okay?" Jenna asked

Veruka responded with a thumbs up.

"Rex, please go outside and watch for Celestine she should be returning shortly."

"Yes, sir." Rex said walking out the door.

"Celestine is your Flygon right?" Jenna asked

"Yes, I mainly use her for travel and contest only though."

"I wouldn't mind a shiny Flygon."

"Indeed I am lucky to have one; she has been ever so useful in scouting for Dark Oak."

"Considering you have both a Flygon and Dragonite on hand you must like dragon types."

"Aye that I do, I have raised every non legendary dragon there is. However I only have Lily, Celestine, and Rex on hand for this. Rex is a prime example that I don't use only dragons."

"I guess I don't really have a preference, I just raise what I want."

"I've done the same the past good while."

Rex came back through the door. 'Sir Celestine has returned, and she's given me information."

"Very good what ahs she found."

"Are they actually understanding that lucario?" Veruka asked

"Yep, he's really awesome with his aura, so he can use telepathy." Vincent replied

"Celestine spotted Dark Oak's cloud over a forest a good ways north."

"That would be Eterna Forest." Jenna said

"Then that's where I'm going, Rex, Lily we're going."

Pogy walked out the door followed by his two Pokémon. Pogy hopped onto Celestine's back once he was outside, Rex also joined him on her back.

"Wait up." Jenna said coming outside putting her hat and coat on.

"What are you doing?"

"I'm not letting you go alone."

"Please I must insist against this."

"No way I owe you, and besides you have a better chance of beating this guy with me then you would alone."

"Very well, I can't stop you. But Celestine is burdened enough."

"No problem." Jenna released Matthew from his pokeball. "I got my own ride."

"Very well, Celestine to Eterna Forest." Celestine kicked off and started flying north, closely followed by Lily.

"What he said Matthew!"

"Just how I wanted to spend my evening, carrying around Jenna." Matthew sighed as he kicked off the ground.

It didn't take long by flight before they could see Eterna Forest, with dark clouds drifting over it.

"My guess would be he's at the old Chateau that seems like the kinda place he would hide himself." Pogy yelled out to Jenna

"Right!"

They began their descent into the forest and landed a little ways from the Chateau.
Once on the ground Jenna recalled Matthew to his ball and Pogy did with Celestine. The forest was dark and cold, there were no signs of life anywhere to be found aside from the two trainers.

"This is freaky, where are all the Pokémon at?" Jenna questioned

"Likely hiding somewhere, most Pokémon tend to make themselves scarce when this guy is around."

"Well that's unnerving."

"Well you insisted on coming along, having second thoughts I'm taking?"

"No way, I'm not chickening out of this."

Pogy laughed "You sound just like a good friend of mine."

"Nothing wrong with being brave."

"Ah but bravery can lead to foolishness, but the fact that you seem somewhat afraid shows a good sign of bravery."

"I don't see where you come up with that."

"Ah, someone who is brave doesn't make them fearless. Being brave just means you stay calm under pressure, even the bravest of the brave are afraid quite often."

"Apparently you're fearless considering you were gonna come here alone."

"Oh I assure you, I'm just reckless not fearless. I suggest we arm ourselves."

Pogy threw his two pokeballs releasing Lily and Rex. Jenna did the same, releasing Veruka, Vincent, Rupert, Ross, and Saria.

"Good to see you brought you're A game."

"Well considering you only brought two of yours."

"Lily and Rex are all I need for driving the roaches outta this hole."

The Group began walking in the direction of the Chateau.

"I don't like this, it's all dark and creepy." Vincent said as he gripped Veruka's tail

"Don't worry yourself, there are plenty of us here." Veruka replied

"I just remember the last time we were in this place."

"There's no lemonade here this go round, I'd wager." Rupert added

"A lot of chatter from your team Jenna." Pogy said

"Yeah they really tend to do that often, wish I could understand sometimes."

"I can assure they are just expressing their thoughts on the current situation." Rex said

"And I'm still not use to your telepathy thing."

"Give it time."

"I got a really bad feeling about this." Saria said inching closer to Ross.

"Don't worry Saria I'll protect you." Ross replied in an attempt to sound brave.

They finally came to the Chateau. It was much more eerie than usual, and the front door was off it's hinges.

"Judging by the door something not too friendly was here." Said Pogy

"Or still is here."

Pogy brought out a lantern from his bag and lit it. "In we go, watch your backs."
They all walked through the door way. The Chateau was pitch black, and the air was heavy with dust.

"I'm really getting freaked out here." Vincent said

"Ow Vincent, please don't squeeze my tail that hard." Veruka replied

"Well Rex, feel anything?" Pogy asked

"A lot of stuff sir. I personally feel very uneasy."

"I would say split up, but in this event I think it would be best to stick together."

"I've been in here several times and I've never seen it like this." Jenna said

"Yes I've been here at night before as well, something malevolent is in the air."

Vincent was gazing all around the main room. He gazed up to the upper level, a shadow shot across the wall starling Vincent. This caught Rex's attention.

"What is it?"

"I saw something move up there, something fast."

"Sir Vincent said he saw something move on the area above."

"Then that's where we're going."

The group moved up the stairs. Pogy examined the upper floor closely.

"It's almost like all the shadows here are moving."

"I agree it does look like that."

"Just by looking all the shadows are moving towards that door." Pogy said pointing at two large doors. "Come, I bet he is further in here. Through the door the shadows crawl towards."

"You act like he is here."

"I have no doubt he is now."

The opened the doors and walked through. They emerged into a hallway that ran far both ways into what appeared a deep darkness.

"Its like there isn't no end to this hallway, almost like both ways lead into a boundless darkness."

All of Jenna's Pokémon were all unnerved and almost terrified. Rex and lily also looked quite uneasy.

Rex stared down one side of the hall, almost as if he saw something down it. Suddenly Rex felt his blood go cold.

"Sir he's here! In the Darkness!"

The Doors they entered, Slammed shut. It caused everyone but Pogy and Rex to jump.

"D….Do…. you hear that?" Jenna asked

The sound of heavy breathing could be heard coming from both ends of the hall.

"Indeed, Rex is right he's here. He's drawing closer."

The breathing became louder and louder by the moment. All of Jenna's team expect Vincent appeared petrified and even Veruka was showing signs of fear.

"There!" Rex exclaimed

They all looked down one end of the hall. A Red eye shot open and pierced through the darkness.

"Why…?" an ominous voice spoke from the hall. "Why….have…you…come…"

"To put an end to you!" Pogy exclaimed

"I…hurt…"

"You will not harm us or anyone here in this land."

"Turn…back…"

A figured formed around the red eye. The form of a cloaked man became visible in the darkness.

"I will not be intimidated by you."

"Run…leave…here…"

"Sir." Rex spoke

"What is it?"

"Behind us."

They all turned, and the sound of heavy footsteps could be heard from the other end of the hall."

"Leave!"

A Shiftry leapt from the darkness. It launched a dark pulse.

"Down!" Pogy exclaimed

Jenna and her team, hit the ground alongside Pogy and his team and the Dark pulse tore the walls around them. The Shiftry let out an unnerving screech. It spread its arms and streaks of darkness rushed from them.

"Quickly through the door!"

Lily slammed the door open, and all of them quickly ran from the hallway dodging the attack.

"We make our stand here."

The Shiftry emerged from the door, once again screeching. It launched large seeds out at them. They all leapt out of the way as the seeds exploded against the railing.

"Rex, Aura sphere now!"

Rex launched an Aura sphere at the Shiftry. It slammed into the Shiftry knocking it back. The Shiftry recovered quickly and exhaled a purple gas from its mouth. Upon breathing in the gas Pogy, Jenna and all the Pokémon began coughing.

"Its Toxic, down the stairs quick!" Pogy exclaimed

They all ran down stairs into the Foyer.

"Lily, Dragon Rush at the stairs!"

Lily slammed her tail into the stairs totaling them. The Shiftry simply leapt down into the foyer.

"Veruka! Close combat!" Jenna commanded

Veruka rushed forward throwing a flurry of punches and kicks at the Shiftry. It blocked most of the blows but still took a hand full.

"Rupert Poison jab!"

Rupert charged forward, his fist glowed purple and he slammed it into the Shiftry's chest. The Shiftry was knocked back a few feet, but still seemed in good fighting condition. It collected energy into its hands forming a green orb, which it tossed at the group. The resulting impact threw all of them back.

"Rex fire punch!"

Rex charged forward with his fist engulfed in flames. It struck the Shiftry several times, each time leaving a defined burn mark. The Shiftry roared out in pain, and slammed it's arm into Rex throwing him back.

"Veruka, Flamethrower!"

Veruka held her hand up, a small flame forming at the tip of her finger. She blew into he flame and a torrent of violent flames burst forward from it. The Flames engulfed the Shiftry as it released a loud screech of pain. A charred Shiftry stood as the flames subsided and it fell face first to the ground.

"Toasted to golden perfection, well done." Pogy remarked

"Awesome work Veruka." Jenna said

Veruka gave Jenna a thumbs up.

"You know you continue to prove to be my hero." Vincent said

"Oh please." She replied

"Now for Dark Oak." Pogy said

Before they could do anything, the Shiftry groaned and got to its knees.

"By the stars, its still able to move after that?"

The Shiftry was engulfed in a white light.

"Its evolving?" Jenna asked in a confused tone

"No, that's not possible." Pogy replied also sounding confused. Pogy then realized what it was doing as his eyes shot open. "Down! Now!"

The Shiftry exploded in a violent torrent of flames. Everyone managed to get down just in time. When they looked up, the Chateau had caught fire and much of its central structure had been badly damaged.

"I wasn't expecting that. Is everyone okay?" Pogy asked

"Yeah, we're all fine I think." Jenna replied. A burning support beam fell from the ceiling and crashed into the floor. "But if we don't get outta here, we won't be for long."

"I agree, everyone out."

They all vacated the Chateau and looked back on it after gain a bit of distance. The entire Building was ablaze and collapsing.

"You think Dark oak is still in there?" Jenna asked

"No, I'm sure he got away."

Just seconds later the Chateau caved in sending sparks flying everywhere.

"Let this serve as a example to all of you, this is what Dark Oak does."

"Its terrible, and the thought of this happening to an entire town is just terrifying."

"Indeed it is."

"Either way, we best be taking our leave. I doubt somebody on both ends of the forest hasn't noticed the smoke and red glow. I don't think we need authorities questioning us at this time."

"I agree, back to the ranch we go."