Ugh, real sorry about the delay, but we got a little sidetracked, what with Christmas holidays, which were over way too soon, and with the co-authors busy with exams...(Wolf), holiday laziness (Tiger), or disappearing off the face of the earth (Falcon). Anyway, we are all back and real sorry about the delay. For those that expressed concern, we cant leave the story die that soon...maybe after Kanto has been explored, but not before.

As usual its that time again where we thank those that inspire us to continue, so without further adieu, our thanks go out to MultiplePersonas, PokeRus, Ketchum Kid, general andrew & DuelistBlake1852. Nice to see those who are sticking by us, as well as those new to our thank list.

Well, as it was so plainly pointed out to us about the reviews and how they affect the speed, well we forgot to add the part where if the review quota was not reached after a week, we would start the next chapter anyway. So our apologies for that misunderstanding also. (Yes, we know it has been well longer than a week since our last chapter, but circumstances beyond our control occurred, and we already said sorry.)

So enough delay, we are back today!

Once Dylan and Myles received word that their Pokemon were healed from Nurse Joy, they immediately departed the bedroom where they were waiting. Collecting the Pokeballs, both thanked Nurse Joy before exiting the building into the night.

A cool wind was blowing and the moon was shining brightly as both guys made there way down the alleyway between two houses.

Breaking the silence of the night, Dylan asked quietly, "So where are we going Myles?"

"No point staying in the center, when my house is just around the corner," replied Myles as he stepped over some rubbish which had accumulated in the alley.

Dylan nodded thoughtfully half remembering Myles mentioning that before.

Both walked in silence for a few moments until a loud screech caused both of them to jump. Turning in the direction of the noise, they stared in horror as three large brown rats emerged from the shadows.

"Ugh! Rubbish tends to attract the Raticates" Myles muttered to Dylan, repulsed by the thought of his hometown plagued by rats.

"They don't look to friendly" replied Dylan.

Eyes flashing menacingly and advancing slowly, Myles would have to agree.

Both quickly snatched a ball from their belts and threw them forward.

"Spearow Peck!"

"Pidgey Sand-Attack!"

Sensing a battle, the Raticates separated. They were obviously used to these attacks, and as Dylan's Pidgey flapped his wings, causing sand to fly towards the Raticate on the left, the other two darted towards Spearow, choosing to take the attack head on, and outnumber the Pokemon that seemed intent on hurting them. Spearow though relished the challenge. Too long had he been cooped up in his Pokeball, and jabbing his beak forward, he took advantage of his preys distraction to turn to the other Raticate and unleash a Fury Attack, pecking any part of the rat he could reach.

Pidgey on the other hand was having a worse time. Recovering quickly from the sand in its eyes (usually has a lot worse than sand to contend with), it had darted forward and took a bite at his flapping wing. Mew must have been against Pidgey that night as Raticate got a firm grip on a moving target and was intent on ripping him to shreds. Shaking its head, Raticate was treating Pidgey like a stuffed doll. Even the cry of Gust from Dylan was not enough to get through to Pidgey. He was blocking out all sound in his shocked state, so the bright blinding light of a fire was a real shock to him...but Raticate got a bigger one. With singed hair, he released his grip on Pidgey and ran away, tail lashing angrily from side to side.

Spearow was chirping cheerfully as the other battered and bruised Raticates also retreated. He only noticed the Houndour when he turned to see how his battle partner had fared. Flying to Myles' shoulder, he watched as Dylan carefully sprayed a potion on Pidgey and fixed his wing in a strap.

"He will be fine Dylan...your taking real good care of him." Turning to Houndour, "Nice ember attack boy, though next time I think I'll wear sun glasses."

Houndour grunted in appreciation.

Smiling at the thought of Myles in sunglasses at night, he returned both of his Pokemon, and watched as Myles done the same to a rather disgruntled Spearow.

They continued on there walk for five minutes before finally standing before a moderately sized stone bungalow.

"Hey Myles, know its none of my business, but why didn't you invite the others?"

Smiling slightly he replied, "No point, Nurse Joy told me they weren't going anywhere till she made sure the Pokemon had rested enough after their battle, and Blain wanted to stay with Alex. Ye two got off lucky compared to the other three. Anyways, my house is empty, parents on holidays in the Orange Islands, don't think they would appreciate me throwing a little party."

Nodding at that statement, the two off them entered through the front door taking care to shut it after them. Dylan stumbled forward in the dark as Myles searched for the light switch. "Don't you know where the switch is in your own house?" muttered an annoyed Dylan. Chuckling at the thought, Myles quickly switched on the halls light. Grinning at Dylan, he gestured for him to walk on. Stepping forward, both turned and looked horror struck at each other. A crash from one of the rooms told them that they weren't alone.

"Come on Mario! We haven't got all morning."

Yawning loudly, Mario thought darkly that that was because a certain someone wanted to be first to Cerulean. He had been looking forward to sleeping in late after claiming a Gym badge.

"Coming, coming. Don't have a Miltank...."

Both of them had set off east from the center in the early hours of the morning with a bandaged Squirtle, and a disgruntled Blaze, both having the enormous pleasure of sleeping in their Pokeballs.

It was amazing how quickly signs of the city disappeared, as the paths became dirt tracks, and the buildings turned to trees. Traveling early did have its advantages to be fair, as there was less people to challenge them. Yet that was not to say that there was no challenges.

Shortly after following the path north, they came across a small lump of dirt in the middle of the path that was making unusual sounds, like that of a hibernating Ursaring. Mario cautiously prodded it with his foot, where upon it let out a deafening yell. Startled, Mario and Samantha watched as a young boy stood up from the ground, glaring at both of them.

"Eh sorry man, didn't...eh see you there?"

"Humph, you were not meant too. I am," gesturing to his attire, "a ninja pupil, and concealed myself there, waiting for unsuspecting passerby's, so I may challenge them!" Yelling the last few words, Samantha blinked uncertainly and asked, "Why didn't you jump out or say something to us then before Mario poked you?"

Face growing red, he muttered something about being asleep, but quickly increased in volume as he demanded a battle.

"I'm taking this battle!" Samantha said to Mario, revealing her pink Pokeball.

"No way, you got me up early, least you can do is give me something to keep me awake!"

The ninja student flinched as Samantha thumped Mario hard on the head, and turned to battle.

"Remind me not to ask for your awakening remedy...names Trevor."

Juggling two Pokeballs that had appeared from nowhere, he threw forth one seemingly at random. From it emerged a small blue bat, with purple wings, and no eyes. Flying in irregular patterns, it was emitting low squeaks in all directions.

From Samantha's wrist, the Poketch quickly mentioned that it was a Zubat and that even though it had no eyes it emitted ultrasonic sound waves to find obstacles and prey.

Nodding she released her Caterpie and pointed at the Zubat.

"Tackle it now!"

Trevor looked insulted, and as Caterpie ran towards Zubat, commanded him to fly higher.

"Zubat does have feelings you know...he isn't just 'it', show her what we mean Zubat, Leech-Life!"

As Caterpie looked above her at her now out of reach victim, squealed in fright as it suddenly flew downwards at her. Biting her back, Caterpie slowly felt the life being sucked out of her but she was not finished just yet. At the cry of Samantha, she quickly rolled over dislodging her parasite and fired forth her sticky string. The effect was instantaneous. Zubat fell like a rock due to his wings sticking together and upon impact with the ground, got knocked back from a tackle attack. Dazed as it was, it faced Caterpie and gazed (yes we know it hasn't got eyes, figure of speech) deeply into her eyes. Letting out an unmerciful screech, Samantha cried "Finish this with your Tackle!"

Caterpie charged forward and upon impact, fainted. Running head long into a tree might do that for you. Pity her opponent fainted also due to the stress of not being able to fly. Also confusing your enemy with a supersonic shriek isn't as easy as its made out to be.

Recovered from his injury, Mario announced a draw.

After both Pokemon were returned, Trevor thanked Samantha for the battle. He seemed to have injured pride, and left quickly, walking south.

Both of our trainers then continued north where slowly they both realized that they had been ignoring the large mountain range in front of them. How they missed it, none of them knew, but the sight of a Pokecenter ahead of them announced clearly that they were nearer to Mt Moon than they had anticipated. Hurrying forward, Mario grabbed Samantha's arm hard. Before she could berate him for hurting her, she looked to where he was pointing. Looking at her waist, she noticed a blinding light coming from her Pokeball. Holding the ball in her hand, she clicked the center button, and watched as a creature made of light materialized in front of her. Slowly it was changing shape, becoming larger and broader before finally the light subsided. Standing....or sitting in front of her was a pale pink cocoon with eyes.

"Meta! (what a rush!)"

Screaming in delight, Samantha picked up her new Metapod and started dancing around the path.

Thinking this must be a girl thing, Mario pointed his Poketch at her and listened as it said that a steel hard shell protected its fragile body. It also said that the Caterpie forms a cocoon in order to prepare its self for the next evolution.

Thinking how mad Samantha had became with her first evolution, Mario shuddered to think of another one. Calmly, he steered her towards the center and resolved to buy ear plugs as soon as possible.

Why were they always the last to leave!

Alex had just found out that again, he and Blain were behind.

"Ain't my fault. You slept it out."

Groaning loudly, Alex hurriedly grabbed his Pokeballs, and rushed outside to be greeted by a glorious looking sun.

"Chill Alex...it isn't a competition."

Dropping his head, he replied, "Yeah I know, but..."

"But nothing. In fact we are going to go to the museum since we are here."

Alex looked up shocked. Since when does the little brother take command. Still it was a good idea, and they set out at once.

They walked north of the Pokecenter and passed the Gym on there left. Right in front of them stood the museum. It looked even bigger than before. Marble pillars supported the arch that led into the reception, and Alex could hear the other visitors exclaim in awe at the architecture.

"Eh hem!" came the shrill sound of the receptionist.

Engaged as Alex was in his thoughts, he had forgotten to pay to enter, and blushing furiously rushed back and paid. Blain was just laughing at this time, having kept his mouth shut.

Striding into one of the galleries entitled 'Fossil Pokemon...Fact or Fiction?' Alex stood looking at the assortment of fossils they had on display. Ranging from the Kabutops of Kanto, to the Cranidos of Sinnoh, it would seem that the only museum in Kanto had done its best to hold onto its reputation.

Both boys walked around in silence, reading each description with awe, at it wasn't long before they had passed through numerous other galleries. From PokeArt, to ship designs, to the theory of Poke Evolution, neither could say they were bored. On they walked until they came to a small wooden door near the back of the museum marked 'Private! Staff members ONLY'.

Turning back towards the exhibit, neither of them noticed Shai breaking forth from the Pokeball. Yawning loudly, Shai pushed open the small wooden door and walked in, leaving the door crash behind him. Lucky for Alex, a small girl was giggling and talking loudly. "Mommy, can I get a red Pokemon like that when I'm bigger?"

Alex stared at the girl bemused at what she was saying but suddenly it dawned on him. Clicking Shai's Pokeball, he grabbed Blain and dragged him through the door. Not only was he in serious trouble for allowing his Pokemon out, but going into a restricted area! He was so dead.

Keeping Blain with him, they quickly found the rouge fire lizard, and returned him. Turning to leave, they were confronted by a large bearded man with brown hair, wearing a stained laboratory coat.

"Who are ye?"

"Eh we're sorry sir, I'm Alex Hunter, and this is my brother Blain"

"Hunter?...Hunter you say? Not related to Arthur Hunter by any chance?"

"Hes our dad" piped Blain.

"You don't say. Well, I know ye are not meant to be in here, but my names Marvin, Marvin Morrisey, and if ye would agree to deliver something for me, then the rest of the museum will not hear of ye from me."

Feeling relieved, Alex nodded and muttered sure.

Groping in his pocket, Marvin pulled out an amber amulet on a cord string.

Handing it to Blain, he said quietly, "The staff here doesn't know I have it. I found it in the lake of Mt Moon, and I believe it contains a fossil, so I was wondering if ye could deliver that somehow to yere dad. Last time I checked, he was good at the Identification and Resurrection of fossils."

Taking another amulet from his pocket and placing it on his own neck, he continued "You there Blain was it? You can keep that one since I have two, but just let me know if it was an actual fossil. That knowledge would make a young scientist I know very happy, now before anyways notices ye, go on get out."

Giving them a quick smile, they knew he was not being rude, just joking, but all the same, both of them ran quickly out and continued outside (Alex taking care to hide from the receptionist).

Once outside, they discussed the amulet, and decided to ring home once they got to the center near Mt Moon. Midday passed a long time ago, but there was still plenty of light to travel by, and so they headed east, both discussing how cool a fossil Pokemon would be, arguing whether a Cranidos or a Armaldo would be the best.

Motioning for Dylan to be quiet, Myles tiptoed forward, glancing into rooms as he passed. Finally stopping before the last door in the hall, he enlarged one of his Pokeballs. Not a sound was to be heard, but they knew someone was behind the door. Flinging the door opened, he threw forth the Pokeball and yelled.

"Tales Bite!"

A small red fox with six tails appeared and darted into the room.

With a strangled cry, Myles and Dylan ran into the room to see Tales pinned to the ground beneath a large white colored fox with nine tails.

Standing beside the two fire types was a teenager with spiked brown hair, wearing a long white tee shirt ( had a skull and cross bone design on front), along with black flannel jeans.

"Geez Myles...Give a guy a heart attack will ya!"

"Zane, what the hell are you doing here?" yelled Myles happily. "Thought you were in Johto somewhere with the police force?"

"Got called back for duty here. Couple of robberies and other stuff. So whose your friend?"

"Ugh, sorry man," gesturing to Dylan, "This is my friend Dylan Drohan. Rookie trainer, and badge holder". Winking at Dylan, he turned back to a stunned Zane. "And this is Zane Wilson...arrogant police intern, and my older brother."

Zane rearranged his expression into a smile.

The brothers returned the Pokemon (not before Dylan managed to scan them and learn that the smaller red fox was a Vulpix, who evolved into the larger white fox Ninetales).

"Thought ye two were robbers, but unfortunately slipped on something and hit the desk. Not the highlight of my night, but anyways I'm up for a midnight feast."

And leading his way into the kitchen, he got Myles and Dylan to sit as he started cooking. While they waited, Myles filled him in on all that had been happening, with a few details added by Dylan, and it wasn't long before they begun feasting.

After the meal, Zane explained that he had been requested by Professor Oak, to help investigate missing Pokemon. Apparently it wasn't long before the investigation of missing Pokemon, became one of Poke-nap. Someone had Poke-napped four Pokemon, and it was his job to locate them.

"Anyways, I gotta go to the station tomorrow. Ye are welcome to join me if ye want... Never know, ye might just be able to help."

Yawning, both nodded there agreement. A moment later, or at least what seemed a moment, they were hunted into bed for falling asleep at the table.

Zane walked into his room, brooding moodily. Releasing his Ninetales, he pointed to the door.

"Alrite Nine, guard duty tonight. Don't let them leave."

"Niiine (No problem)" it sung in reply.

Lying down on the bed, he thought back to what Oak had told him. About how three trainers left the day the Pokemon went missing.

Closing his eyes, Zane sighed. It would appear he had his first suspect.

During the visit to the museum, two people clad in black had broken into the Silph Company of Saffron, wreaking havoc to the staff, and simply disappearing when the authority appeared. After all the staff got over the shock, the alarm was raised. Apparently a purple shard had been stolen from the chairpersons display on the 12th floor, and while none knew exactly what it was, they knew it was at least valuable or else why had it been so heavily guarded. All members felt pity for the chairperson, even though he was not even present during the robbery as each knew that he had only had the shard on loan from the Gym Leader there to analyze it, and would not enjoy explaining what had happened to it.

And thats it for now. Again really sorry for the long wait, was hard to get back into the swing of things, but let us know what ye think. As usual R&R, it really motivated us to get our act together and continue. Till next time.

On a last note...All Gym Leaders have now been decided. Thanks to those who entered there OC's. Will think about announcing those Leaders that were accepted next chapter. Also, thanks go out to PokeRus for Zane. (Although not permanent, he will be appearing every now and again)