Author's Rant: Enjoy!

Bright Discoveries

Sunlight flooded the entire guest room in fluorescent gold, dust basking in the slanted beams. Morning came earlier than Yugi anticipated after falling asleep from the first hot shower and meal in weeks. Gentle knocking stirred him awake, with a muffled voice mentioning something about breakfast.

The extra cushiony pillows and thickly woven quilt beckoned Yugi to stay longer in bed, prolonging his rest, but he knew better than to procrastinate. Lazily stretching out his limbs, bones snapping into place and a sticky residue lining his jaw, Yugi sat up and swung his legs around.

He blinked around the room, adjusting his eyesight and mostly wanting to keep the feel of comfort under his bottom. Another gentle knock rapped against the door before it cracked open. A dash of amber, blue and black streaked raced inside squealing, barking and yipping excitedly. Vulpix ran several rounds in the bedroom before deciding to greet Yugi, weaving between his legs.

"Mornin' to you too, honey." He kneeled low, raking fingers through her surprisingly silky red curls. Better than that, she smelled wonderful. "Someone's had a bath."

Vulpix responded in purrs and peeps. The rest of her fur laid flat, smoothly brushed down her backside, to the tightly rolled ringlets in her tails. That was one less problem for Yugi to deal with today. This had to have been Atem's handy work.

Remembering the other company inside, Yugi slowly stood and found the other young Pokemon quietly sitting on top of his mattress. Ria didn't made eye contact as Yugi approached with slow steps and bent down in front of her. He ducked lower to make her look at him. She automatically looked off to the side.

Yugi leaned forward until he pressed their noses together. Taken aback by such shock, Ria mushed his face with her paws and rolled backwards, with her tail standing straight up. Yugi laughed, rubbing over his nose.

Ria snorted again and stubbornly gave her back to Yugi, front paws crossed.

"Come on, honey. Don't be that way." Yugi looked over her shoulder. Ria went out of her way to avoid looking him in the eyes.

She needed discipline, Yugi recalled Atem and Yami saying yesterday. Yugi sat on the edge of the bed, and gently pulled on Ria until she willingly settled under his arm, and buried her muzzle in his side.

"Ria, about yesterday, I know you're upset with me. I can't apologize to you for sending you out, but understand that you and Pixie—" Yugi glanced down at Vulpix and thinned his lips. "Vulpix, were in a fragile place. There were babies inside the barn. You could've harmed the eggs with your horse playing."

Ria dug her muzzle deep, whimpering.

"If I'd let you keep acting out, you could have cracked one of the eggs or hurt yourself," Yugi added with a tender firmness. The tone interested Ria enough to lift her head up. She blinked her red eyes, blazing with a longing to be forgiven. A long moment went by, Yugi wanting the seriousness to sink in and then he touched her paw. "Don't ever think I care any less for you when I'm upset. Don't you see? I'd be upset if you or Vulpix got hurt because I was too soft to say no." He lightly tapped her nose and smiled.

Ria engaged her trainer in a lingering, steady stare, eyes brightening. She merged their minds, racing through his emotions and feelings. The results absorbed into her spirit like a splash of fresh water and she felt rejuvenated. Without warning, Ria leapt into his lap, snatching Yugi's hand and nibbled on the tips.

"Mine," she purred, wistfully pleased. "Mine, mine, mine."

Lucario appeared in the doorway, after widening the opening. He watched the exchange between Ria and Yugi a moment before, crossing his right paw over his chest and bowing. "My master requests your presence downstairs," he said.

Ria squirmed to slip off Yugi's lap before walking up to her brother, her stride stiff and submissive. She stood before him and crossed her arms.

A moment passed as the steel type canines seemed to communicate through mutual telepathy, cut off from others.

"Sir Yugi."

Yugi snapped up from where he'd been concentrating on the exchange. "Yes?" The link from Lucario was more intense and center point to Yugi's mind; not at all as soft and as unbalanced as Ria's.

"My master wishes to see you downstairs," Lucario repeated patiently. "Will you come?"

"Oh! Yes, yes, I'll be downstairs in a minute. Come on, Ria, Vulpix."

"Not my sister, Sir Yugi."

Yugi paused where he'd went to grab new clothes from his duffle bag. "Why?"

Lucario rested his paw between Ria's ears. "Her training session begins soon. It's Master Atem wish that she be well suited to her aura before her first year."

"But," Yugi glanced worriedly at the young Riolu. "She's so young. He expects her to learn attacks this early?"

"We are bred with abilities inherited from my sire and dam," Lucario told him. "You needn't worry," Lucario said, ushering Ria out the door. "She's done this before your arrival. If the training becomes too strenuous, Master Atem makes her rest. If you're not convinced from that alone, you may watch until you're satisfied with my truth."

It wasn't that Yugi was entirely scared—well—OK, yeah he was scared. She's just a baby. Exactly how strenuous was the training? What was the level of strain put her body?

Yugi shook his head, popping the side of his head with his fist. What was he thinking? Atem did this on a daily basis. If Ria trained with him before, the session couldn't be all that hard, right?

At least, he'd convince himself of that until he saw it for himself. "After the chores, tell Atem to expect me there." Yugi thought a moment. "Actually, take Pixie—Jesus, Vulpix, take Vul-pix with you."

From the corner where said Pokemon teased the drawstring hanging from the curtain, Vulpix yapped and bounced over to Yugi. Nuzzling his ankle, she waited for his pet to permit her dismissal before falling in behind the two Pokemon as they left.

Yugi returned to readying himself for today's employment, brushing his teeth, showering and dressing. It required too much maintenance to maintain his hairstyle, so he pushed all of back into a low ponytail and tied it down, shaking his banes loose. He chose a casual beige cotton vest, a blue V-neck t-shirt and black shorts with more pouch pockets then a group of Kangaskhan.

Downstairs, Yami sat at the table wearing a black shirt, all of his sweatbands (red this time around), and white skinny leg jeans. Yugi spied the wall clock reading 5:48 a.m. This early in the morning, Yami shouldn't have been able to make Yugi's cheeks flare up when he greeted him with a quick wink and air kiss, but then again, the photographer had more charm then a baby Cleffa.

"Good morning Yami," Yugi yawned, mildly sleepy still.

Yami finished chewing the eggs spooned in his mouth before saying, "It is now. Can't say I've seen better sunshine."

Yami leaned as far back as his chair permitted to get a clear view of Yugi's flexing ass cheeks as he walked into the kitchen to scoop eggs, bacon, oatmeal and bacon on his plate. Pitchers of orange juice, water, apple juice and milk were sitting in the refrigerator.

Yugi poured himself a glass of the apple juice and joined Yami at the table. "Where's Atem?"

"He said he needed to mend a hole in the fence," Yami told him. "But when I went outside he was already herding Mareep to another side of the field with Houndoom. I sent Jack to help. I think he's got a thing for that Houndoom."

Yugi blinked. "You think so?" He smiled. "I didn't know the Houndoom was a girl."

"Neither did I, which is strange. It sure as hell didn't look like a female. The horns are too big, but I could be mistaken." Yami scooped another helping of food into his mouth. "Before I called Jack in, I saw him chasing her across the field. He's only got that hyper with Lady when we caught her as a Purrloin. She doesn't give him the time of a day so, I guess he's movin' on to better opportunities."

"Awww," Yugi couldn't help gushing. "I think it's pretty cool, Jack having a crush."

"What about my crush?"

"Hmm?" Yugi hummed, spoon handle sticking from his mouth.

Yami plastered on a charming smirk. "You don't think my crush on you is 'pretty cool'?" He mocked playfully.

Blood filled Yugi's face as he scrambled to wipe his mouth and spare himself from further choking. No one should be able to have that kind of power, Yami especially. Yugi cleared his throat of the crumbs while timidly tucking his hands between his legs, shuffling his shoulders.

"You shouldn't play with people's feelings like that you know. I know you like to flirt, but—"

"I don't like to flirt, I love it," Yami corrected huskily. "But better, I love flirting with you. Seeing that pretty face go all red makes me feel some type of way. Turns me on a little."

Yugi's face grew impossibly redder. How the hell does someone like Yami walk around without being arrested for that mouth? He had no filter.

"See?" Yami continued. "Makes me want to do something naughty to that body."

"Whelp, I'm done!" Yugi shot up to his feet, plate in hand. "I'm gonna go outside to help Atem." He didn't have the stomach to finish eating; too many Butterfree playing tag in his belly. The rest of his meal was scrapped into the trashcan before he made his way out.

"Thanks for providing the eye candy!" Yami called out behind Yugi's back as the teen descended the porch steps and jogged out toward the field.

Staying would only lead to pumping blood in the nether areas. The last thing Yugi needed was letting Yami know he had that kind of effect on Yugi. Yami having a crush on him? God, Yugi could only imagine what that crush entitled and how exactly Yami went about enforcing that crush. Yugi wondered, as he strolled out to the field, whether Yami spoke of his crush on terms of sexual or wanting to presume something more. It was difficult to tell with that guy.

"Over here, Yugi!"

Yugi stalled near the fence, reaching for the clipboard. Well. . . . well. . . Yugi swallowed the bulk of saliva pooling in his mouth as Atem roamed over on the back of a Rapidash, shirtless and in ripped blue jeans and steel point black boots.

The morning heat glistened over his tanned skin like softened chocolate. Hours under the sun, highlighted the freckles on his cheeks and the beads of sweat dribbling between the parted lines of his muscles.

Yugi shook his head and smacked his cheek. 'Get it together, man!' he mentally chastised before giving a wide smile. "Sorry, you said something?"

"I called out to you." Atem steered the Rapidash to the side of the fence and unhooked his leg from around the saddle. "Are you feeling alright?"

"Yeah, of course!" he chuckled nervous. "It's the sun. Gotta be the sun. Yeah, I'm not used to all this heat."

"I could bring you water," Atem suggested, nearing the fence. He folded his arms over the top, staring intently concerned. "The temperatures are only going to soar throughout the day. If this becomes too much, I could have you monitor the barns—"

"No, I'm able to work. Just tell me where to start and I'll get on it—" Yugi swayed off balance in the mix of trying to prove his ability and—he swore it was on accident—stumbled on tangled feet.

Atem reacted in lightning speed, hopping over the fence and snatching Yugi's upper arm. The heat sunk right into Yugi's skin like hot pig iron and the back of his vest instantly collided with the scent of sweat and grass.

Overbearing body heat consumed Yugi the moment he smelt and felt the warm whist of toothpaste. Atem chuckling next to his ear. "Able to work, you say? You're stumbling about like a newborn Tauros." Without warning, Atem dipped low, bumping his upper arm behind Yugi's knees until the teen fell back into Atem's arms.

Yugi immediately threw his arms around Atem's neck as the breeder rose up with the teen in his grasp.

"Is this necessary?" Yugi demanded. "Put me down! You're gonna drop me!"

"Nonsense, and stop that squirming or I will."

Yugi obeyed, annoyingly avoiding eye contact. "I can walk, Atem."

Atem didn't answer him, continuing his stroll to a lower part of the fence. He tested the sturdy capability on the fence rail before propping Yugi on top and stepping back with his hands on his hips. Yugi refused to look at him, pouting and embarrassed.

"You're angry."

No reply.

"Why?"

Nothing.

"Fine, I don't see why you even bother portraying the pissed off look" Atem shrugged. "A pout's cute on you."

A hot glare, then Yugi's eyes shifted shyly away. "Shut up."

Atem continued laughing. He thought it was the cutest thing, seeing those rosy cheeks get so red. "So, Lucario says you'll be coming to Ria's training session?"

Yugi contemplated on answering him since he was still mad. He eventually folded his arms and said with plenty of attitude. "Yeah, what of it?"

"Nothing. I expected as much. Lucario said you expressed concern about her wellbeing." Atem turned to him with a small smile. "You needn't be worried. She's more than ready. The brat tends to bounce back even after the most severe beating."

"She's just a baby."

"Maybe, but Lucario was younger when my parents trained him. She shows as much promise as he does. Unlike her the rest of the other Riolu we've trained in the past . . ."

Atem was cut short when he glanced over Yugi's shoulder. The change in demeanor was so sudden and sharp, Yugi was spooked silly.

"Watch the herds for me," Atem sneered, marching toward the source of his rage.

Yugi watched the breeder stalk off, muscles draw taut and stiff. What on earth just happened? He nearly called out breeder back, but remembered how temperamental the guy was when upset. Yugi slipped off the fence post and quietly followed. The trail wasn't long and Atem's outraged voice could be heard for miles; so loudly that even the predatory Pokemon gave pause in activity to see what was happening.

"What the hell do you thinking you're doing out here?" Atem fired out. "How many times do I have to tell you to never leave the barn without my permission?"

Yugi reached the end in time, finding Atem towering over Angel, his Arbok. She sagged to the earth, retracting her hood. Yugi remembered Yami calling it, submission, but the behavior was different from last time. She looked ready to sink in a hole and disappear.

That's fear if Yugi didn't realize it. And he didn't like it. Not one bit.

"You're an eyesore out here during the day, Angel! Don't you remember what happened last time? It took days for me to get you back! The sky is full of Pidgeot and Fearow during the morning. They're plenty big enough to carry you off!"

Angel slinked back, lowly hissing in the grass.

"How could do you this to me, knowing I'm already stressed enough trying to keep this daycare running? The last thing I need to worry about is you being seen!" Atem stood over her. "Go back in the barn and don't come out again!?" Atem grew louder and angrier. "Am I clear!"

Yugi heard enough and stepped forward to make it known. "Don't you think you're being a little harsh?"

Atem whipped around, eyes ablaze. "Mind your own business!"

"I will when you stop yelling at her like a child!" Yugi snapped back. "Angel's a full grown Arbok. I'm sure she wouldn't have left the barn unless she knew the consequences." Yugi gave a pitying smile to her. "She's cooped up in that barn for days at a time. Can't you let her out every once in a while—"

"And have her spotted by a poacher or worst, some hungry Flying type? The last few times I've allowed her to wander off the property, poachers and predators attacked each time. No matter what time of the day she's out, she's a target. Angel knows better, yet she tries to leave anyway!"

"Then . . ." Yugi clamped his mouth shut, unable to come up with a better suggestion.

It was times like this he was glad Yami knew when to interfere. "You've allow her to wander alone, but have you tried letting one of your Pokemon escort her where she needs to go?"

Atem turned his glare toward Yami as the photographer made his way over to the pair. Yugi's shoulder sagged, relieved.

"A Pokemon disobeying their trainer's wishes is a sign. You being a breeder should know that better than anyone." Yami came to crouch by Angel with his hand hovering above her head. He cut his eyes to Atem. "Protection is one thing, neglect of your Pokemon's feelings is another."

"Neglect?" Atem barked, outraged. "I go over and beyond to keep Angel safe! The world doesn't see her for the beauty she is. You know the story of what happens to shiny Pokemon. Keeping her hidden is what's best!"

"But at what expense, Atem?" Yami rose up. "The more you keep her caged, the more she'll likely break free and it'll be that moment when you're not around and the worse happens."

Atem went quiet as a world of struggles streaked across his face.

"Angel knows the dangers waiting out here. What do you think she experienced as a baby before meeting you? You don't think she knows she's different? Instead of embracing her shine, you selfishly keep her hidden from the world . . . that isn't fair for Angel. Each day is becoming more and more precious. You should know why she's so desperate to explore." Yami stared him down hard. "Am I right?"

Atem barely controlled the impulse to shout and rage on his argument, but he knew Yami was right. He knew and still couldn't bring himself to see how important it was for Angel to go out more. His shoulders sunk as he helplessly gazed around the surrounding terrain.

"That's why I want her safe. Can't you see that? She has so little time left." Atem sighed softly and squatted next to Angel's bowed head. He let his hand hover above her head until she rose up to meet it, interpreting her forgiveness. Atem sniffled and shuddered. He drew his palm back, seeing the dusty residue from her cracking scales. "God, where had the time gone?" he whispered, pushing up to his feet. "Do you think you could at least stay near the other Poison Types? Please don't go too far."

Angel lifted her body up fully and nodded, flicking her tongue. She slithered toward the east end of the field where the forest camouflaged a portion of the daycare. It's where many of the woodland Pokemon laid dormant. Atem watched her leave, concentrating on her department until a poke in his side brought him back to the company he invited on his land. He spared the two a glance each, Yugi's worried bright eyes and Yami's understanding nod.

Atem rubbed his wrist under his nose. Sighing, Atem turned to face Yugi and Yami with a softened face. He wanted to say something, knew it would be right to admit his wrongs, but simply couldn't. He waved for Yami and Yugi to get back to working and returned to herding the Mareep.

He would thank them later.

Rotate the Rhyhorn and Rhydon herds. Keep the Reptile Pokemon from staying in the sun too long. Spray the berry trees. Scare off the Bug Pokemon before they contaminated too many of the berries.

Work, work, work.

If it weren't for the pleasant company currently nesting on his head, Yugi would've given up ages ago. The sun was unforgivable, baking the land with such intensity, transparent waves wormed from the dry dirt and pools. Yugi wiped away the sweat from his brow and stretched his arms over his head. He was on the North side of the field, filling the metal feeders with hay and oats for the Rapidash, Ponyta, Blitz and Zebstrika. Problems stirred earlier between dominate male Rapidash and Zebstrika for better feeding spots, but Yugi doused that with separating the males on the furthest ends of the stalls.

Gentle breezes fluttered down his neck and ears. Where would he be without his little stowaway to keep him cool?

"Thanks honey," he murmured to the little Cottonee fluttering his leafy wings. He had one more task to do before taking a break.

He went around toward the fence post and grabbed two large buckets of sprinkle feed. The water type Pokemon were near the North East side of the field, sheltered by rows of manmade ponds. Atem's written instructions stated all Yugi needed to do was use the plastic scoop in the bucket to pour the food into the water. The food is made to expand upon absorbing the water and the Pokemon would nibble on it.

Each bucket was strapped to the end of a large balance pole meant to be supported on your shoulders. As soon as Yugi tried to lift it, he nearly doubled over. These suckers were heavy as hell. Too bad he waste more than half the feed in the dirt before catching his footing.

"Ugh, damn, damn, damn!" Yugi snarled. He grew his hands in the air and stared up at the blistering sunshine, wondering what else could go wrong.

He didn't get a response, thankfully, though the familiar sound of shrieking and loud yipping did manage to get him going. Yugi frowned, turning back and forth to find the origin of that sound. He knew it wasn't Vulpix. Her barks weren't that high pitched. Ria's, however, were.

Yugi decided to salvage what he could of the food and quickly divided it out amongst the ponds. He'll come back to fix his mistake later. Ria's screams were making him nervous. One particular shriek jolted Yugi straight as a toothpick.

Another followed suit, dragged and winded. Yugi jogged in the direction it came, stopping short when he found it wasn't a long distance to go. Far off, in a section of field that was a row of tall trees purposely barricaded away from the daycare.

Ria was lying on her stomach, shakily trying to get to her feet. Across the field was Atem standing tall, arms folded and a new Pokemon.

He recognized it though, a final evolved form of a male Kirlia.

*Gallade: the Blade Pokémon, and the evolved form of Kirlia. Gallade extends its elbows as if they were swords, and when protecting someone, it fights fiercely.

It fit its description to a tee. Yugi stuffed his Pokedex back in his pocket and crept around to peek between the trees.

"Try again, Ria!" Atem called to her. "With feeling this time. Summon the power and channel it where it needs to flow. You can't focus your aura if you're angry!"

Ria didn't seem to care. She was angry and shot up to her feet, front paws extended forward and pressed together. Sweeping winds circulated at her command, building force until it became a visible blue orb. She stepped forward, shooting the bolt of blue straight, but Gallade charged forward, speed like a shooting star and sliced through the orb before it traveled five feet. It wasn't done there.

Ria was too caught up in her surprise to see the blunt side of Gallade's bladed-elbow surging down and slamming into the side of her head. Ria catapulted into the air before skipping in the grass, immobilized as Gallade dealt a final strike of his blade. It pierced the side of the grass, an inch from her startled eyes.

"Turning your back on your opponent is always going to result in a faint. Every second is vital. You can't waste a single one being caught up in admiring your enemy's strength!" Atem coached, unfolding his arms. He walked to where the two Pokemon remained still. Gallade didn't get up until Atem gave him the command.

Atem kneeled down next to Ria who stared defeatedly at the ground.

Not strong,' Yugi heard her whimper in his thoughts.

He clutched his chest. A deep rooted sorrow settled like a stone on his heart. Ria's emotions were effecting him more than he realized. Or were these feelings his own because of the subtle tears in her eyes?

Atem gently lowered his hand on her shoulder. "You are strong. It takes time. I never expected you to become a prodigy."

Ria stubbornly looked away. 'Brother did.'

"You weren't born yet to know that. You're basing this off his current strength."

Something pushed into the back of Yugi's leg. He clapped his hands over his mouth to keep his shriek at bay when he turned around to find Yami behind him, holding Vulpix in his arms and Jet on his shoulder.

Yugi sighed, relieved. "Don't scare me like that," he whispered. "Wear a bell or something."

"And miss the delicious sight that is your ass? I dare not." Yami squatted next to Yugi and peeked through the bushes. He tilted his head, frowning at the damaged land. "Is that Ria's doing?"

"Some of it, yes. The rest came from that Gallade there."

"Hmm," Yami didn't say more for a long moment, staring with intensity at the trio in the distance. He reached up to tickle behind Jet's ear, hearing the little fox Pokemon snicker. "Let's not interrupt their lesson. We should finish our chores anyway."

Yugi vaguely agreed, though a part of him wanted to stay longer. Maybe just to ease his conscious about leaving Ria to endure whatever other harsh training Atem had in store for her. She would be OK, right? She had to have been going through this kind of training before he showed up—

"Psst, Yugi."

Yugi paused where he was about to straightened and tilted his head back to find Yami perched in a tree. "What's wrong?"

"Shh," Yami winked and beckoned him to come up.

Yugi nodded and hurried to climb up and join Yami on the same branch. Yami waited until Yugi got situated next to him before pointing off in the distance, some yards away from where Ria was being lectured.

It was Lucario standing by his lonesome, repeatedly flexing his arms and hands together in a single thrusting motion. OK, so what's the big deal? Yugi didn't see anything unusual about it. He would expect Lucario to be doing something like this after seeing how Atem trained Ria.

As if reading his mind, Yami silently waved his hand back and forth to indicate that Lucario wasn't the reason for bringing Yugi up here. He pointed a bit further off toward the forest line.

That's when Yugi saw, beneath the gleaming glare of the sun, a reflecting shine from the brush. Leaning further, he saw it shift closer, seeming to wait a closer look. Then there were a bunch of shiny sparkles moving at a longer angle.

Yugi gasped when one of the smaller sparkles accidentally stumbled from the brush and quickly disappeared back inside.

Yugi gasped. "I saw that!" He squeezed his fists together, shaking with excitement.

"Easy, there. We don't want them scared off." Yami pointed him in the side to keep quiet and chuckled at his response.

Yugi couldn't help himself. Every time the opportunity to see a new Pokemon appear, it was almost too much for him to keep inside. It was a bit on the small side and as red as a Cheri Berry. It hadn't gotten far. It was seconds later when it poked its blade-embedded head out and pushed the rest of the bushes away with its sharp pointed hands.

A little Pawniard, all the way out here? They were usually native to the mountains, but to see an entire company of them out here? Yugi suddenly leaned away and gazed at Yami with wide expecting eyes.

That meant that. . . Yami nodded, smiling.

Yugi gushed. "There's a small company staying near here."

"A breeding company from the looks of that young one. I wonder if Atem is aware."

"We should ask him right away!" Yugi said, already climbing his way down the truck. What an amazing discovery this was! He simply had to ask Atem about it. If there was even a slim chance Yugi could get a closer look, he would take it.

"Atem!" Yugi called, running toward them.

Ria stopped all of her attack to turn and squeal like a baby Tepig upon seeing Yugi. She fell on all fours and charged for him, expressing radiate red and gold aura. Yugi kneeled to catch her in his arms.

'Mine, mine, mine!' she chimed, nuzzling into his chest. Ria snuggled under his chin like she hadn't seen him in a month of Sundays.

Yugi tickled under her chin with a smile, listening to her in-mind giggles and yips.

"Yugi, finally made it I see." Atem approached at a less than enthusiastic stride then Ria. Yugi's mood almost dampened at seeing that stern face. He'd nearly forgotten about their encounter earlier. "But you're late. Is something wrong at the daycare?"

"No, no nothing at all." Yugi cuddled Ria again to settle her down for a moment. She decided to use his fingertips as a chew toy. "I wanted to ask you about some Pokemon I saw on the edge of the property."

Atem's eye rose with interest. "What about them?"

"Did you know about a company of Pawniard living nearby?"

This time both of Atem's eyebrows shot up. "You saw an entire company? How many?"

"I couldn't get a very good look, but I think maybe five, maybe more?"

"That's . . . strange. They shouldn't be down from the mountains so soon. Their courting season is a few weeks away."

"Is something wrong with that?"

Atem's face relaxed of the frown lines. "Then it's nothing to be concerned over. We have three Steel-Type companies leaving near here. Perhaps the strange lately has stimulated them into an early courting season. I'm glad you said something. It means they may be stalking some of the livestock near the fences. We'll have to keep closer watch on the herbivore Pokemon now, so stay alert."

Yugi absentmindedly patted Ria's head when she nipped him too hard and turned to look back where he saw the Pawniard company traveling. He'd only see that one baby, but there was no mistaking the shimmering sunlight reflecting from their armor clad bodies. "Anyway, we should head back to the daycare. There's still plenty of work to be done." He clapped Yugi's shoulder as he walked by, using his other hand to signal for Gallade to follow.

Gallade politely bowed to Yugi before following behind his master. Yugi tilted his head at the departing pair, curiously wondering about Atem's reaction. Something just didn't feel, well, complete about their conversation. He felt as if he were missing something.

Crushing grass brought his mind back into focus. Yami was coming with his head dipped low, eyes focused deeply into the back of his camera. His thumb was shifting through the pictures taken, and for each one, Yami seemed to hold the same look of concentration. However, when he reached the final one, that's when he lifted his eyes up to meet Yugi's.

Yugi didn't like that look one bit. He shifted from foot to foot, waiting until Yami stood over him. His lips were thinly pressed together as he lowered his camera down in Yugi's line of view.

Yugi didn't see anything out the ordinary. Yami slowly flicked the switch to change photos. Four went by and then there were some of the brush where Yugi saw the baby Pawniard fall. Nothing happened.

Then he saw it, a brief glimpse of what he thought was a smooth blue surface? "What the?" he whispered, astounded, using his left hand to cradle Ria to his chest and using his right to snatch the camera from Yami's hand.

This must've happened after he left to speak with Atem, but there was it plain as day.

What appeared to be the evolved form of Pawniard had lingered from the rest of its company, watching Lucario from a far. A Bisharp, a young, oddly short, Bisharp . . . but where they were usually plated in thick red armory to cover their bodies . . . this one, it wasn't. . .

Its armor was blue.

Yugi swallowed at the uniquely beautiful and yet dangerous discovery. "It's . . . a shiny Bisharp."

TBC: I promise, all of this will connect as the story progresses.