| " | \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tShinxy's training session with Mewtwo is ended by Altan's poke'gear call, informing him that Fantina has returned to her gym after the pokemon contest endend. The sun was beginning to set and he was quite exhausted from his training, but his soul still burned with the flames of determination, eager to battle Fantina and acquire his third gym badge. As Shinxy and Mewtwo head back to the gym, Commander Pluto continues his hunt of Drei and Terra, visiting the site of their initial battle. On the scene, a journalist and a camera man are reporting on the aftermath, capturing footage of the massive impact that Terra's aura bomb had left over. Pluto crosses the caution tape, to inspect the crater himself. Pluto: Hmmm... She was here for sure. It looks as though this impact was created recently, so I must be close... Just then, the journalist reporting on the scene walks over to and confronts Pluto. Journalist: Hey, big guy! You can't be here, this is a restricted area! Did you not read the tape? Pluto was annoyed at the small and rather scrawny man giving him attitude, but he didn't want to stir up any unnecessary trouble by behaving violently there. Pluto: Fine, I'll go. I just wanted a quick look is all. He huffed, turning around and pacing away from the crater. That quick inspection was really all he was interested in anyways. He was confident enough in his tracking skills that he would find his target soon... Now, we transition back to Shinxy, who enters Hearthome City's gym. He finds his friends, Altan and Crystal, sitting on a bench to the right of him, along with their companions at their sides, Altan's Umbreon on his lap and Crystal's Zangoose sitting beside her. In front of Shinxy, across the battlefield, was none other than Fantina herself, standing in the battler's square on the edge of the arena. Shinxy: Finally, I get to battle you! I've been waiting all day for this! Crystal: He looks a bit tired, don't you think? Altan: I'm not surprised, he's been combat training with Mewtwo all day. But it's good to see that he still has lots of energy. Crystal smiled and gave Shinxy a motivative cheering. Crystal: You got this, Shinxy! Shinxy: Thank you! I'm gonna ace this battle for sure! He said, giving her a thumbs up. Fantina chuckled at their exchange. Fantina: You've got yourself some nice friends, Shinxy. They caught up to me after I won the pokemon contest and assured me you would arrive soon to challenge me for my badge. Shinxy: Heh, you bet! They're the best alright! Fantina: You wouldn't be planning on battling me with that incredibly powerful pokemon in the robes beside you, would you? I'm afraid my pokemon don't stack up to that kind of power. Shinxy's eyes widend and he looked quite nervous at the remark, wondering how Fantina could see through Mewtwo's disguise. Shinxy: W-what are you talking about? That's not a pokemon! T-that's my uhh, aunt! Mewtwo simply looked down at Shinxy and thought to itself "What is an aunt?" As Altan and Crystal muttered to eachother. Crystal: How does she know? We didn't tell her anything... Altan: I'm not sure. It's kind of concerning though. Fantina: No need to lie, I've spent much time in the Lost Tower just east of here. It is a place where pokemon's spirits rest. It's helped me learn the ways of spirit and aura sensory, and the one in the robes there is radiating a very powerful pokemon-like aura the likes of which I've never felt before... Shinxy: *sigh*... Okay, you got us. That's Mewtwo. I promised her freedom from isolation, so I can't carry her around in a pokeball. Instead, I got her a disguise outfit so nobody would notice... But I won't use Mewtwo in a battle! That's something I promised I wouldn't make her do. Fantina chuckled again and smiled softly. Fantina: Ohohoho, I see. Well, I won't tell a soul. Also, how about if you beat me in this battle, I get your Mewtwo a new outfit that doesn't draw as much attention as the one she's currently wearing? Altan: I'd take it, Shinxy. Not gonna lie, it's not a bad disguise but the outfit draws too much attention. Shinxy: I guess so, but I did just buy it today... Fantina: I'll add the cost of it to the battle payout, should you win. You'll get your money back and then some~ Crystal: That sounds great! But why are you doing Shinxy these favors? Altan: Yeah, what are you looking for in return? Fantina: I'm just happy to be helping out the son of my good friend. You know, you have her eyes~ Shinxy's eyes widened once more, the revelation coming as a big shock. Shinxy: Y-... You're friends with my mom? Fantina: Of course! Shanon's Suicune has a moveset that can put on a beautiful display in contests. Sometimes she comes around to compete, when she isn't too busy with the Battle Frontier. Shinxy: Gosh, you really do know her! I'm collecting gym badges so I can go to the battle frontier and see her again! Fantina: Is that so? I'd be happy to share some stories after our battle, although... She smirked, tossing a pokeball onto the field. Her Duskull popped out from it and released it's battle cry. Duskull: Skuuuuuulllll! Fantina: Just because you're Shanon's son and need these badges to see her, that doesn't mean I'm going to go easy on you~ If you want this badge, you'll have to earn it! Shinxy: Good! I wouldn't want it any other way! He tossed his own pokeball onto the battlefield, and out came his newly evolved Servine Servine: Seeeerrrrrr! Shinxy: Mewtwo, go and sit on the bench with my friends, okay? Mewtwo: Okay. I will be rooting for you, my trainer. Mewtwo paced over to the bench and sat down beside Crystal's Zangoose. Altan, his Umbreon, Crystal, her Zangoose, and Mewtwo all looked on as the battle began.\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t | \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t