Dawn was breaking after an eventful night. Jenna and her team were all tired after the battle that took place in the Old Chateau and had all fallen asleep not long after returning to the ranch. Only two were stirring at this early hour, those two were Pogy and Veruka. Pogy was on the inside of the ranch house in the kitchen area, while Veruka was outside.

Veruka was standing on a cliff top overlooking the sea, watching the sun as it was slowly beginning its ascent.

"It's beautiful, but I can't help but to feel that the day won't be a peaceful one." Veruka said to herself. "Last night was more than enough to show me that this dark Oak guy means business."

"We all got out alright though." A voice said from behind her

She turned to see Vincent.

"You're up early."

"Well it's not fully light out yet and my light wasn't around." He replied with a smile

"Do you honestly need me at this hour?"

"Not really but I usually feel somewhat uneasy waking up with you not being nearby."

"You'd just be in a bad spot if I wasn't here I'm gonna take."

"Most likely, but who knows."

Veruka turned back towards the sea.

"I'm assuming you feel it too?"

"Feel what?" she replied

"You don't have a very uneasy feeling, almost like something is gonna happen?"

"I do feel uneasy but I don't feel as if something is gonna happen."

"It's just a feeling but, it's almost like I can feel that something is about to happen."

"Probably just your imagination."

"I'm not sure, but I hope so."

"There's nothing to worry about."

"As long as we're all together."

"I suppose so."

Back in the Ranch house Pogy was still in the Kitchen area. He was drinking tea and reading a newspaper. It was now light outside signaling a start of a new day.

"You're already up?" Came a voice from behind him

Pogy turned to see a half awake Jenna. "Yes I am."

"How long have you been up? We got back pretty late last night."

"I've been up for about three hours."

"Did you even get any sleep at all?"

"Truthfully I haven't slept well for the past two or three months."

"Good lord, I salute you then." Jenna said taking a seat.

"And by the way, we made the morning paper, so to speak." He said sliding the paper over to her.

Jenna took the paper and looked at the headline "Eterna Forest's Old Chateau Destroyed." Below the text was a picture of the ruins. "Around eleven last night an explosion as heard from Eterna Forest." Jenna started to read "Cause of the explosion is unknown; there are a few reports of a Flygon and Honchkrow flying from the northern forest."

"Luckily for us, there are plenty of Flygons and Honchkrows around."

"I highly doubt they'll make a big fuss anyways, considering it was an abandoned building."

"Yes, if anything just something like that happening is enough to make the citizens of nearby towns shaken up."

"It also says it's gonna be stormy today."

"Stormy weather seems suiting."

"Guess we're gonna go looking for him today also."

"I was planning on doing that; you're welcome to come along."

"You know, the whole loner deal is starting to get somewhat annoying."

"I believe in handling my own problems, on my own and not troubling anyone else with them."

"I want to make it clear I technically owe you for the day before, and I have a right to defend my home anyways. I don't know why you're calling this Dark Oak, your problem it seems to me he's everyone's problem."

"I just don't want anyone getting hurt, because they decided to help me."

"Bah, I've been through plenty of tough spots and came out alright. Besides I want to help you, maybe I don't want to see you go out there alone and end up getting hurt or killed."

Pogy chuckled "You know all these past few months of chasing this guy, and you're the first person who's showed concern for me."

"I'm sure other people are worried about you."

"Actually not that I know of, I've been alone for a long time." He said standing up.

"You don't have a family?"

"I was an orphan; I didn't have anyone growing up for the most part. Don't worry though I'm use to being alone." He said walking out the door.

Jenna pondered for a moment.

Veruka and Vincent were back towards the ranch now, and everyone else was beginning to wake up. The two of them noticed Pogy outside releasing Celestine from her ball.

"Wonder what he's up to?" Said Veruka

"Probably sending Celestine out to look for Dark Oak again."

Sure enough Celestine set off into the air.

"I'm not looking forward to fighting Dark Oak's team again Veruka."

"None of us are, but what's gotta be done, has gotta be done."

Jenna emerged from the Ranch house, in her usual wear.

"I just sent Celestine out to look for Dark oak again. I'm guessing he's gonna be heading to one of the other two lake caves in this region. Once again I'm not forcing you to come with me if I find him, I still discourage that choice."

"Firstly I wanna say I'm going either way."

'Very well I won't stop you."

"And secondly, I want to apologize."

"For what?"

"I just have the feeling I upset you earlier, when I brought up the whole family thing."

"Don't worry you didn't I assure you."

"Well I'm glad that's the case."

Pogy released Lily and Rex from their balls.

"Sir."

"I guess I should say good morning to you two."

"Then good morning sir."

"You two doing alright after last night's scrap."

"Nite!" Lily exclaimed

"We're both doing fine sir."

"Good, I'd have little chance if you two weren't in fighting condition."

"How about I fix us some breakfast?" Jenna asked

"I suppose I could use a bite." Pogy replied. "Rex, Lily, make yourselves comfortable, it may be sometime before Celestine returns."

Pogy and Jenna went back inside as Vincent and Veruka were walking up to Rex and Lily.

"Good morning you two." Vincent said

"Good morning dear." Lily replied. Rex and Veruka remained silent. "You two should lighten up a bit"

"Guess we're both serious." Veruka replied

"May not be a good morning." Rex replied. Lily smacked Rex on the shoulder "Ow what was that for?"

"Just trying to get you to lighten up Rex. Seriously between you and Cyril I just don't know what to do."

"Sounds like you got your hands full." Vincent replied

"Oh I do. Lucky for me I have quite a bit of a punch." Lily chuckled

"You guys hear the flapping of wings?" Vincent asked

"Now that you mention it." Veruka replied

They looked to the sky and saw a Tropius flying towards the ranch.

"Tropius aren't common around here."

"Maybe someone coming to see Jenna," Vincent said

"Maybe."

Rex turned and walked towards the ranch house.

"Well it's definitely headed this way."

"Maybe it's more of Dark oak's guys?" Vincent said

"I doubt that from what we've seen of them."

Jenna, Pogy, and Rex emerged from the ranch house.

"Yep, that's a Tropius alright." Pogy said

"Trouble you think sir?" Rex asked

"I doubt it; however something is familiar about this Tropius."

The Tropius began its descent. It became visible a person was sitting on its back. Once it touched down, the person leapt off it back and recalled it to its ball.
It was a male; he had deep brown hair that was on the verge of being almost black. He wore a black leather jacket with a white fuzzy collar and Khaki pants. His eyes were a piercing green.

"Well, look what crawled outta its hole." Pogy spoke

The man walked towards them "Me crawling outta a hole huh? More like you being the one whose drug himself outta a hole." The Man replied

"How'd you even know I was in Sinnoh?"

"Oh come on Pog, someone with a rep like yours. As many trainers that travel about surely you don't think one of them won't catch on or spread the word that Grandmaster Poldi is in Sinnoh."

"I told you not to call me that Rtas."

"I know just doing it to ruffle your feathers. Besides I would think many would consider it an Honor to be referred to as Grandmaster."

"You don't know me as well I thought you did then."

"Um, Grandmaster? Poldi? Rtas?" Jenna questioned

"Ah sorry I haven't introduced myself. Rtas of Origin."

"Wait I know you, you're the guy who became the Sinnoh champ a few months back."

"Aye that was me, by the skin of my teeth I'd note."

"But why did he call you Grandmaster Poldi, Pogy?"

"Ah, he didn't tell you did he."

"Tell me what?"

"Poldi is Pogy's real name. Poldi Dragmire aka Pogy."

"And the Grandmaster part."

"Pog is a very famous trainer so to speak. Kinda an overlooked legend so to say. Anybody who's really looked at the league records can tell you Pogy here is on the top. His win to lose ratio is impressive I don't even know what it really is, and many debate if any other trainer has topped it."

"So that's why people have referred to you as Grandmaster."

"Grandmaster was what many of the Origin trainers labeled me. Simply because of all the Origin trainers my record is the most impressive." Pogy said

"He pretty much started calling himself Pogy, just to avoid attention."

"It was mainly because I never asked for a title, nor do I want people idolizing me."

"Say what ya want Pog, you know you're the best."

"That is not the chase in my eyes, I've had my fair share of loses even if I only really remember two vividly."

"Yeah, yeah. So what are you doing in Sinnoh anyways?"

"Tying up a loose end. I could ask you the same. Didn't you have a promise to keep to a certain special someone?"

"Hey I already handled it; remember you left me a few months ago."

"I assume she's doing well."

"Yeah, got her third badge just before I left."

"It's rather chilly out, we can continue inside."

"Of course, but I guess I could do a few some favors first."

Rtas threw up three pokeballs. Out of them came an Infernape, a Lucario, and a Scizor.

"You guys make yourselves comfortable." Rtas said before joining Pogy and Jenna who were heading back inside.

"Good to see you again Aaron." Rex said Approaching Rtas' Lucario

"Good to see you again friend." He said as they smacked their arms together as a greeting.

"Like hi." The Infernape said to Veruka, and Vincent.

"Hi, um..." Vincent spoke

"Its Nova."

She was a female Infernape like Veruka, but she was slightly shorter than Veruka and her fur was a bit lighter as well.

"Okay Nova, not too often you see female infernapes."

"Yeah, and there's two in one place now isn't that cool?"

"I suppose." Veruka spoke in a low tone.

"I don't think I got your names yet."

"Mines, Vincent."

"Oh cool like the artist guy right."

"I suppose."

"Mine's Veruka."

"Veruka, huh? I always thought a verruca was like a type of wart on the bottom of your foot."

Veruka felt her blood begin to boil slightly.

"Well, my name isn't the same. Isn't even spelt like that word."

"Of course."

"Take it easy Veruka, Nova isn't known as the type to hold her tongue very often." Lily said

"Heya Lily, you're looking like your usual self."

"Of course."

Napoleon, Cotton, Rupert, Ross and Saria all walked up.

"Well what do we got here, did Veruka split into two?" Napoleon smugly remarked

"No, this is just a visitor's Infernape." Veruka replied

"Who are all of you?" Nova questioned

"Oh this is Napoleon, Cotton, Rupert, Ross, and Saria." Vincent replied

"Hi, like my name is Nova."

Napoleon stood beside Veruka. "Its like looking through a window into another world, where everything is the exact opposite. Eerie isn't it." Napoleon spoke to Veruka

Cotton chuckled. "Well veruka you may have some completion for Vincent now."
"She can have him for all I care."

"Um what about that guy?" Vincent asked Pointing at the Scizor who had moved himself a distance from the others.

"That's Bandit, he's like a tough guy or something."

"Sounds like my kinda guy.' Napoleon said

Napoleon and Cotton moved over towards Bandit. Ross and Saria went back to where they previously were.

"You know." Nova said looking at Vincent. "You look really different from Rex and Aaron."

"Yeah I guess so."

"Your ears are like really big, and your spikes are short and dull."

"Yeah I kinda broke my spikes off."

"Yeah, he still hasn't gave me a reason for that either." Veruka spoke out

"Either way, your kinda cute."

"Um…thanks?" Vincent replied kinda confused on what to say.

"Nova was it?" Veruka asked in a somewhat aggressive tone

"Yeah."

"What would you say about a battle?"

"You sure, I'm like really strong."

"It works well cause I am too."

"Okay if that's like what you want."

The two of them walked over to the clearing.

"Um what just happened? That seems a little outta the blue, and veruka seems a little hostile too." Rupert said

"Rupert If I didn't know better, I'd almost say they are gonna fight over me."

"Yeah, maybe in your dreams there buddy."

Vincent and Rupert walked over closer to the clearing where Veruka and Nova had positioned themselves.

"Anything goes." Veruka said "Agreed?"

"Agreed. First one to give up loses." Replied Nova "Agreed?"

"Agreed." Veruka replied taking a fighting stance. "Rupert do the honors would you?"

Rupert stepped up between them. "Alright anything goes; first one to give up loses. Alright, three, two, one, go!" Rupert exclaimed leaping outta the way.

Nova and Veruka charged towards each other. They both threw flurries of punches and kicks at each other. Both leapt back at the same time. Nova slammed her fists onto the ground causing a trail of pointed rocks to burst up from the ground towards Veruka. Veruka gathered energy and unleashed a focus blast at the rock advancing rock trails. The blast slammed through the rocks leaving dust and pebbles flying through the air. Nova quickly leapt outta the path of the Focus blast. She leapt up, her fist engulfed in electricity. Veruka's fist became engulfed in ice. Their fists met with an incredible force, sending both flying back.

"What's going on here?" Rex asked Vincent and Rupert.

"Nova and Veruka are having a fight." Rupert replied

"Why are they fighting?' Aaron asked

"We dunno, Veruka just came up outta the blue and requested it."

Nova's body became engulfed in flames and she charged forward. She slammed into Veruka sending her flying back about a yard. Nova flinched from the hard impact giving Veruka a chance to retaliate. Veruka charged forward and swung her claws which glowed with a purple energy. Nova winched in pain for a moment before she threw another punch. Her fist glowed purple and slammed into Veruka's stomach. Veruka slide back a few feet as Nova got back to her feet.

"Well they certainly aren't holding back now are they?" Aaron spoke

"Nope." Rex replied

Vincent watched as he held his hands tightly together.

"I think I've had just about enough of you as I can stomach." Veruka said as she charged forward bring her arm and fist back preparing for a powerful strike.
Veruka swung her fist upwards. Nova just managed to dodge and grabbed Veruka's arm. She mustered all her might and threw Veruka straight up over her head and slammed her into the ground. Nova wrapped her arm around Veruka's neck and wrapped the other around Veruka's lower torso. "Like I got you now." Nova spoke tightening her grip around Veruka.

"Okay now this is getting hot." Vincent said

"Your tail will be hotter if Veruka see you with another nose bleed over something like this." Rupert Replied

"Let me go!" Veruka yelled as she tried to jab Nova with her elbows.

"You said like everything goes."

Veruka continued to struggle in nova's grip. "Yeah I did say anything goes. So now you won't be able to get angry at me for this." Veruka slammed the back of her head into the Front of Nova's. Nova's grip loosened enough for Veruka to break free. Nova sat on the ground slightly dazed for a moment. "Okay that one like hurt."

"I got plenty more where that came from."

"Well I'm gonna finish this like right now!" Nova suddenly lunged forward. She threw a powerful punch, and it slammed right into Veruka's Jaw. Veruka was sent flying slightly upwards and backwards. Her eyes were in shock, and blood came out of her mouth. She hit the ground a yard or two away from Nova.

"That's enough Nova!" Aaron barked.

"She was like asking for that one."

Vincent ran over to Veruka who was still on the ground. "Veruka! Are you alright." Veruka exclaimed as he dropped to his knees beside her. He extended his hands towards her head and brought her face up from the ground. Vincent was somewhat shocked at what he saw. Veruka had tears coming from her eyes, and blood was still slowly flowing out of her mouth from her jaw.

It began to lightly rain

"I… lost… to her Vincent."

"Don't worry about that you're hurt!"

"I can't believe I lost to that joke…"

"Veruka it doesn't matter! Please don't cry over that! This won't change anything!"

"I was beaten in front of the entire team…" Veruka closed her eyes and sobbed.