"What in Arceus' name happened?" Hilda asked, looking around. She had heard a commotion and came to check it out only to find Lucas struggling to get up and a small mess.

"Damn assassins... I'll kill all of 'em," Lucas muttered angrily.

"Save it, chicken boy." Hilda turned to Brian. "What happened?"

The Reuniclus gulped. "W-well, uh, we were talking about my newest product when we were attracted outside by a noise. We found one of Scizor's assassins in the city. Lucas attacked, the assassin fought back, but that only made him angrier and I was ordered to give him the taser. Lucas did manage to hit the assassin but we didn't have a chance to finish the job as more assassins arrived. Lucas was double-teamed."

"Did they steal anything?"

"Only Lucas' sanity," Brian muttered.

Hilda sighed. "So, this new product. Tell me about it."

"It's the one we had tried out on you a few days ago. The taser?"

"The one that you made for Ghost-types?"

The Reuniclus nodded. "Indeed."

"So, I'm assuming the assassin was a Ghost-type, then? What kind?"

Brian faltered for a moment as he tried to identify it. Hilda sighed. The Reuniclus did have short term memory loss but it wasn't that long ago.

"Come with me," the Mismagius told him, taking Brain's hand and dragging him away.

"My library has books on every kind of Pokemon you could imagine," Hilda declared. Brian stared. Hilda's library was huge. Hundreds of books were stacked from ground level to the roof. Tall ladders allowed one to access the books that were high up. In the center of the ceiling was a huge skylight that allowed sunlight to get in. A few tables were scattered throughout the library.

"Everything is organized. The books focusing on species of Pokemon are at the back. Now, if you excuse me, I need to tend to Lucas."
With that, the Mismagius left Brian alone in the library. The Reuniclus sighed and floated towards the back. He traced a finger on the spines of books.

"Aha!" Brian pulled out a book and looked at the cover. It was titled The Secrets of Spectres: The Mysteries of Ghost-type Pokemon. Brian carried the book over to a table and set it down. He scanned the Table of Contents.

"Abilities... Legends... Moves... There! Species!"

The Reuniclus turned to the section and began to flip through the pages, looking for the Ghost-type he had seen. He stopped as he found what he was looking for.

"Banette are said to be one of the most dangerous Ghost-types. This is due to their dedication to tasks. A Banette will not stop until its task is complete," Brian read aloud. "They also have a large variety of moves to counter their weaknesses, such as Dazzling Gleam, Thunder, and Psychic.

"Banette have the ability to curse anyone. These curses are extremely dangerous and can be fatal if the Banette desires. Banette are known for their stealth, being one of the few Ghost-types that have access to Phantom Force."

Brain shuddered. The thought of being so close to a Pokemon so dangerous frightened him. The Renuclus closed the book and returned it to its spot. He floated back over to the table and took out his laptop. Studying the Banette he had encountered might prove useful in future encounters.

'I'll start with moves used,' the Reuniclus thought. He tried to remember the battle. The Banette had sent up a flare of sorts. Will-o-Wisp and Thunder. Brian typed them down quickly.

Yes, it was all coming back to him now. He added Psychic to the list. That explained the way Lucas went flying back. Shadow Claw and Shadow Ball went onto the list as well as Phantom Force.

The last move confused Brian. He remembered the ball of purple sludge the Banette had thrown at Lucas. The Reuniclus had no recollection of ever seeing a Poison-type move in the book.

"I'll have to research this." Brian closed his laptop and disappeared into the library's shelves once more.

"Charging into battle? How rash," Melody commented as she applied more medicine to Lucas' wounds.

"I did what I had to," Lucas muttered.

The Audino tsked. "Didn't you just give a speech about not charging into battle with those assassins?"

The Blaziken had no comeback for this. He winced at the stinging of the medicine.

"It's a good thing that assassin came. They unintentionally gave us info."

"Really? And what info is that?"

"Their location. We may not know exactly where, but we know they're nearby. After that Banette set up that flare, his allies came quickly. If they were farther away, it would've taken longer."

"Well, tell that to the rest of the officials trying to sort this mess out. I'm a nurse. I heal," Melody said. "In fact, you have a visitor."

The Audino opened the door to reveal Hilda. The Mismagius floated inside.

"I'll give you two some alone time."

As soon as the Audino was gone, Hilda gave Lucas a light slap across the face.

"Seriously? Charging in like that was reckless!"

Lucas glared. "Don't you start. I already got chewed out once."

Hilda sighed. "What did you gain from your actions?"

"A lot of pain. Information. An advantage."

"What possible advantage was that?"

"Brian's taser works. I got that ghost bastard with it. If it affects him the same way it affects you, we just gained a huge advantage."

"I guess... What else did you two make?"

We're currently constructing a device that increases the pull of gravity to extreme levels. You won't even be able to take a step."

Hilda gave him a look. "When will that ever be useful? I doubt anyone's going to space soon."

Lucas chuckled. "Fair point."

Morning came quickly for the assassins. Gloria was the first to rise. She was getting used to the diurnal sleep schedule, but she rather preferred her nocturnal one.

The Murkrow looked down from her perch. Her two companions were both asleep. Gloria spread her wings and flew down. She landed next to Harley and jabbed him with her beak. The Meowstic grumbled in his sleep but didn't react otherwise. Gloria gave an exhausted sigh and did again, this one harder than the last.

Harley's green eyes opened. He rubbed them and turned his head to look at Gloria.

"Good morning, Harley! Gloria sang in a happy tone.

Harley blinked. "Good morning, Gloria."

The Murkrow walked over to Kasper, who had slept through the small exchange. Gloria repeated her wake up method. The Banette's blue eye opened partially.

"Yes?"

"Wake up, you sad sack of negativity."

"That's a creative nickname, but I'll go back to sleep, thank you." Kasper closed his eyes again and bought his sachet to his head, using it as a pillow.

"What, no! Don't go back to sleep!"

"Too late. Sleeping now."

Gloria groaned and turned her back to the ghost. "A little help?"

Harley let out a yawn. "Kasper's still tired from last night. Let him sleep. Less annoyance for me."

"I'd throttle you for that if I wasn't so tired," Kasper said, though the threat seemed extremely empty.

Harley ignored it. "How's the hostage?"

"Stable."

"Excellent." Harley pushed himself to his feet. "We're gonna have to start moving. If we stay here any longer, we'll be putting ourselves in danger. The city could strike at any time. If we're caught like this, we're doomed."

"What's so bad about our current situation?" Gloria asked, cocking her head to the side.

"The main issue is Kasper. He's practically useless right now."

"How so?"

"Right. I never told you. Remember that stick the Blaziken had?"

Gloria nodded.

"Well, it seems to be a weapon only affecting Ghost-types."

"What does it do?"

"It suppresses all their ghost abilities. No Ghost-type moves can be used. Extra abilities, like levitation and turning intangible, cannot be done either. So, essentially, Kasper's only moves are Gunk Shot, Thunder, and Psychic."

Gloria tapped a talon to her beak. "That is a problem..."

"Indeed, but we cannot let it stop us. We have a mission to complete. Let's complete it."

Nio didn't acknowledge the footsteps coming toward her. Her whiskers and ears twitched but she gave no other response.

"I'll ask you this once- would you like to go home?"

Nio looked up. Kasper was standing before her. He looked extremely tired and a barely visible wound slashed across his right eye. Despite his condition, he still held an intimidating look.

"How do I know you're not lying?" Nio asked, glaring.

"Because what I want with you varies from what Harley wants."

"And what's that?"

"Your stupid Blaziken friend hit me with his stupid laser. I want its effects reversed immediately." The Banette glared harder. "I will not hesitate to kill you or anyone else who gets in my way."

This took Nio, as well as a nearby Gloria, by surprise. The Murkrow fluttered down and landed near Kasper.

"Uh, Kasper, d-did I hear you correctly?"

Kasper looked down at her. "I meant what I said."

"We can't just let her go!"
"We can if it means saving everyone a lot of hassle!"

Nio watched as the two began to argue. 'This can't be happening.'

"Gloria, I said I will kill anyone who stands in my way. That includes you," Kasper threatened. "Let me do my thing."

The Murkrow snarled and took to the skies. "What is wrong with you?! This isn't normal! Stop!"

Kasper chuckled. It wasn't the playful chuckle Nio had heard a lot of times. It was the chuckle of a psychopath.

"Get out of my way."

"Kasper..."

"I SAID MOVE!"

Gloria was taken by surprise by the sudden Thunder. She fell from the sky and landed on the hard ground below. Nio gaped in surprise.

"The hell's going on?" Harley's voice came from below. The Meowstic appeared over the cliffside. He gaped as he took in the scene.

"Great. Another pest I gotta deal with?" Kasper rolled his eyes.

"What in Arceus' name has gotten into you?" Harley asked. "And who are you calling a pest?"

"I'm calling you a pest, idiot."

Harley growled and unfurled his ears. He picked up a rock and hurled it at Kasper. The Banette stopped it with Psychic and hurled it straight back. Harley ducked to avoid it.

Nio watched Kasper with interest. His blue eyes seemed darker than usual. She made a mental note of this.

Nearby, Gloria picked herself up. She shook herself. Her eyes widened as she looked at her two friends going head to head in combat.

Harley winced as he took another blow. 'He's never been this powerful. What the heck has gotten into him?! Is he aiming to kill?!'

The Meowstic flinched as he felt a small pain in his arm. He looked down to see a needle sticking out of it. He brushed the needle away and tried to get into a battle stance when a wildfire of pain ran through him. Harley fell to his knees, gritting his teeth.

"Harley?!" Gloria cried, utterly horrified at the sight of her friend.

"What did you do?" Harley managed to get out. The pain grew worse.

"Just a little Nidoking poison." Kasper examined the needle he had used. "The deadliest poison around. Only has one cure."

Harley fell to the ground, unconscious. Gloria flew to his side.

"Are you insane?!" she yelled.

"You tell me," Kasper growled. His hand sparked. Gloria cried out in pain as the electricity coursed through her.

"I'll be off now. Have fun." Kasper turned and ran into the forest. Gloria and Nio watched him go.

Nio walked toward the two assassins, the psychic barrier gone now that Harley was unconscious. Gloria noticed and got into a defensive position.

"S-stay back!" she cried, fear in her eyes.

"I'm not going to hurt you or Harley," Nio replied calmly. "In fact, I came to offer help."

"Help? How can you help?"

Nio sighed. "I know someone who can heal your friend."

Melody looked down at the Meowstic. "Hm. Yes, that's Nidoking poison alright."

"Can you cure it?" Nio asked.

The Audino thought for a moment. "Mayhaps. I'll have to see what I have. I'll have to have him come to my medical hut."

Gloria, who was glaring at Melody the entire time, jumped at this. "No! Absolutely not! I'm not falling for your tricks! You're going to kill him!"

The Audino gave her a sympathetic look. "I can get where you're coming from, but trust me. If this Meowstic doesn't get the cure, he will die."

The Murkrow sighed in defeat. "Fine..."

Melody picked up Harley's unconscious form. "I notice he has a Psychic Gem. Is this Harley?"

Nio nodded.

To her surprise, Melody laughed. "Oh my! Who would've thought I'd get to care for one of the most infamous Pokemon of the region!" She smiled softly. "It is my job to heal anyone, no matter who they are or what they've done. Come on, let's go."

Kasper ran through the forest, never getting distracted for a moment. The Banette stopped and panted for a moment. He clutched his head, which hurt like crazy.

"Ow... what happened?" he said aloud. He knew no one would respond.

The memories came flowing back to him. The Banette fell to his knees, tears welling up in his eyes.

"Oh, Arceus... what have I done?" he choked out, burying his head in his hands. His sobs echoed through the vacant forest.

"What if they're dead?" Kasper's eyes widened with horror. "They can't be dead..."

"Excuse me... are you alright?"

Kasper froze as the voice rang out behind him. He whirled around to see a Gardevoir watching him, looking quite concerned. The Banette looked away.

"Just dandy, thank you."

"You're not 'just dandy'. You're upset."

"I'm not upset."

"I can sense emotions. You're upset."

Kasper turned away from her. "What's it to you?"

"Well, I could've told you to keep running. Ever notice the cliff?"
Kasper looked down. Ahead, just short of where he had stopped, was a steep cliff. The Banette looked over the edge. He shuddered as the cliff gave way to abyss.

Something pushed the ghost sending him tumbling over the cliffside. Kasper's eyes widened as he realized what was happening.

"Did I do that?" the Gardevoir asked, appearing beside him. "Oops."

"Are you trying to kill me?!" Kasper yelled, his hood fluttering furiously in the wind.
"Oh please. You're a ghost. You can float."

"What?!" Kasper shouted, struggling to hear her over the wind.

"YOU CAN FLOAT!"

"NO, I CAN'T!"

"DO YOU WANT TO DIE?!"

Kasper sighed. "Yeah, sure. Nothing like dying with a Gardevoir who is anything but graceful."

The Gardevoir laughed. "That's rich coming from a ghost who isn't ghostly."

Kasper rolled his eyes. The fall was long but peaceful. It was as if Arceus had done him a favor and had made his last moments enjoyable.

Without warning, the Gardevoir wrapped her arms around Kasper. The Banette stared in surprise.

"What are you-"

"Shut up!"

Kasper fell silent. The Gardevoir closed her eyes. Kasper gaped as her body began to glow.

"Ok, seriously, what are you doing?"

"I SAID SHUT UP!"
Kasper sighed and gave up trying to speak.

"Come on. Work already, you Arceus forsaken ability," the Gardevoir muttered crossly. Kasper eyed her, a bit uncomfortable. The Gardevoir had her arms still clasped around the Banette. Kasper had never been this close to anyone. It weirded him out.

"WORK!" the Gardevoir screamed. The outburst made Kasper flinch.

"We're going to die," the ghost muttered with an eye roll.

"You're probably right," the Gardevoir agreed. "Oh well."

At that moment, there was a bright flash. Both Pokemon stared as their bodies were enveloped in a green glow.

"Finally," the Gardevoir muttered. She looked at the Banette in her arms. "So, how are you with speed?"

Kasper had no time to answer the question, as the landscape disappeared before his eyes. He blinked and was surprised at his surroundings. The two Pokemon were surrounded in nothing but flashing lights.

"Like it?" the Gardevoir asked, chuckling.

Kasper couldn't answer. His head-tail whipped furiously, indicating the extremely fast speed the two were moving at.

The Gardevoir pulled Kasper closer to her body. The Banette was taken by surprise. A small blush appeared on his face.

It was over as soon as it started.

The forest appeared around the two. The Gardevoir released Kasper and the Banette fell to the forest floor, shaking from the experience.

"Tada!" the Gardevoir sang.

"W-what was that?" Kasper asked, his voice shaky.

"Teleportation. Duh."

Kasper let out a groan. "My whole body has clenched up in shock."

The Gardevoir chuckled. "Baby. Name's Jade, by the way."

"Kasper..."

"Well, Kasper, what's a ghost like you doing here. Scratch that. What's a ghost like you doing alive?"

The Banette slowly got up. "I... did something terrible."

"Since when has surviving been terrible?"

"Not that. I lost myself and attacked my friends. They could be dead."

Jade put a hand on his shoulder. "It's ok. I'm sure they understand."

Kasper brushed her hand off and faced her. "No one could understand!"

"They can!"

Kasper growled and held out his right arm. He rolled up his hood, showing her his skin. Jade gaped at the three long claw marks that traveled down to his wrist.

"This stupid scar is the entire reason why no one could understand!" Kasper yelled.

"H-how did you get that?" Jade asked, stunned.

"An Ursaring. I've had it for three years."

Jade's hand flew out and snatched his arm.
"HEY!"
"Quiet!" she hissed. "I might know what this is. This is what we call the Mark of the Feral."

"The... what?"
"Mark of the Feral," she repeated. "It's a disease that makes one lose their mind. They forget everything- who they are, who is a friend and who is a foe, everything. The power of their attacks skyrockets, as does their speed. The disease itself is transferred by wound."

"How do you get rid of it?" Kasper asked, utterly horrified.

Jade shrugged. "I don't know if you can."

Kasper groaned. "Wonderful. So I'm just going to go crazy on anyone from now on?"

"Basically."

"You're a real ego booster, you know," Kasper muttered sarcastically.

"I aim to please. Now, come with me."

The ghost rolled his eyes. "I'm not going anywhere with you."

Jade chuckled. "Yes, you are."

The Gardevoir grabbed the Banette's arm and teleported once more, leaving the forest silent once more.