It was dark outside, around 8 PM, yet a throng of crowd was still gathered at the waiting area as Archer and Shane went inside the National Statistics Office. Even Pokemon were peacefully waiting beside their masters, but what captured Archer's attention was the human-like Pokemon that had padded fingers and a body of a mime artist. Continuously moving, it really did look and act like a mime artist, hence its name.

Mr. Mime Height: 4'03" Weight: 120.1 lbs. Type: Psychic, Fairy

Description: A Barrier Pokemon

A skilled mime from birth, it gains the ability to create invisible objects as it matures.

Ability: 1st (Soundproof)

2nd (Filter)

Hidden (Technician)

Weakness:

Ghost

Steel

Poison

Strength:

Poison

Fighting

Dark

Dragon

No Effect:

Dark (Only Psychic is Useless)

Note from Earth anime: Underestimated due to its silly look. But beware its barriers and psychic attacks, making it good in attack and defense.

Note from the Guardians: They are silly-looking but strong. Yet you just look silly, not yet strong.

Evolution

Pre Evolution:

Mime Jr.

Via

Natural Evolution

(No Stone Needed)

Disregarding the ridiculous notes from the guardians, Archer could somehow see Mr. Mime as a balance Pokemon, regardless of its statistics. With only 3 glaring weaknesses from Ghost, Poison, and Steel types, he could imagine how this dual type be useful in most situations or battles. Thinking of his starter Pokemon, regardless of his Pokessence type, he felt obligated to choose a Pokemon that had few weaknesses, at most 3.

"Archer, let's move fast! To the counter." Shane quickened his pace, not minding the people beside them. "I forgot about the cut-off time. We need to get our queue number before 9 pm. Only after doing that we can eat dinner at the cafeteria."

Archer nodded as he hastened his steps as well, thrilled that his Pokessence nature would be known before the night was over. Shane was first to arrive at the reception desk and took a stub immediately. He gave it to Archer, relieved that the first part was over. "Now all we have to do is the waiting game," Shane said.

Archer memorized his number and hid the stub inside his pocket, now secured that his turn would indeed come that night. "Let's eat. I didn't notice that I was hungry. The pills were not enough to satisfy my hunger, I could still eat a whole chicken."

"Aye to that. Hell, I could even eat a whole cow." Shane rubbed his abdomen and winced. "My tummy's grumbling. Hurry up. Let's head to the cafeteria."

"Goodness gracious! Now, I'm famish."

Shane grimaced while popping a pill inside his mouth. "For now, this will do. Want some?"

"Nah, I want some meat," Archer declined the offer. They were almost striding on their way to their destination when they saw the line that started from the bar. Frustrated, yet this did not stop them from taking a line, and waited for almost half an hour to buy their food. They chose a table that was near the exit so they could easily go back to the Waiting Area in case Archer's number was called.

The plates filled with food earlier were now clean, even the sauce were not spared. Burping loudly, Archer was now smiling as he patted his tummy. "That was the best food I have ever had, as far as I can remember."

"Amen."

"Did you hear what number is it?"

"It's 465," Shane replied. "What is you number again? I forgot."

"467. One more to go." Archer stood up and checked his clothes for any food stain. "Hey, I'm just wondering if it is possible to have a Pokemon be converted to another type?"

Shane gave it a deep thought before answering, "Yes. The best example of which is the Ratatta. Have you ever heard of their Alolan counterpart?"

"Nope."

"As per record, Rattatas in Kanto region usually have Normal Pokessences of about 80%, Dark 10%, Fighting 8% and Ice 2%. But their counterpart in Alola were forced to live at night because of the Yungoos' attacks and lived in urban areas, mostly inside houses, subways, caves, or anywhere that were dark or full of shade, thereby increasing its Dark Essences as time goes by. Following the rule of genetics, then their offsprings would later have a body that has more Dark Essence than Normal Essence, changing its body from a single normal type to a dark-normal dual type. But I guess it takes a long time before it actually does," Shane revealed as he went near him. "That's what happened to the Sandshrews, Geodudes, Vulpixes, Exeggutors and Grimers living in Alola, well, including the Pikachus with the Thunderstones. The Pokessence of Alolan Digletts and Alolan Meowths, on the other hand, changed because of the way people treated them. And, Cubone changed because of its circumstance, evolving to an Alolan Marowak. Sometimes, the way a Trainer or an environment treats a Pokemon affect them internally, and that could lead it to evolve, like a Pichu to Pikachu.

Archer flinched as he heard Grimer's name; his recent encounter still fresh in his mind. "So environment also plays a factor in Pokessence changes and the way you treat them might also trigger them to evolve?"

"Yes. But it's hard to do that. Consider this, volcanoes are rich in Fire Pokessences, so any Pokemon that lives inside are mostly Fire Pokemons. Theoretically, you can change a Normal Rattata into a Fire Rattata by placing it inside a volcano, but in reality, it can't because the Rattata dies before any significant changes happen on its body."

"And how about the Trainers? Was there ever a case that a Trainer change his type as well?"

"Yes, but it is far, more complicated."

"Why is that so?"

"Like Pokemon, a Trainer exposed in harsh environments could change its Pokessence Type. But, the negative effect is that his attitude changes 180 degrees. Records show that 90% of human having Normal Types are friendly in nature. But, a certain someone I know changed to a Dark-type when exposed to killings and became very murderous. A Trainer with a 50% Fairy and 50% Dark Pokessence is usually unpredictable, since both are at the opposite side of the spectrum. Fairy is lawful and Dark is chaotic. There is no neutral between these two."

"Really? So, does that mean that an attitude of a person reflects his Pokessence nature as well?" Archer frowned.

Shane shook his head sideways. "Usually, but of course, there's always an exemption. There's someone I know who is very calm, yet his Pokessence is 90% Fire."

Thank God. Because if that was the case, I'm very sure that I'm Poison and Dark. Maybe with a touch of Ghost. The first triple-type, the trinity of evil.

"That sounds relieving." Archer was smiling happily. They arrived at the waiting area when he heard the voice-over called his number.

CLIENT 467, PLEASE PROCEED TO THE COUNTER AREA FOR FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS

"Let's go. I needed to be there to vouch for you in case there are some questions about your identity." Shane pulled out a pill and offered it to Archer. "This is a mind-calming pill. Helps a lot in loosening your body."

"Thanks." Archer took out his stub and placed it on the counter. "Hello Miss, I'm client 467."

"May I know how can I help you?"

Archer looked at Shane, gesturing him to take in-charge of the conversation. Shane thankfully nodded and said, "My friend here is facing some special circumstances and needs to be scanned. May we know where we should go?"

The chubby receptionist smiled at Archer and gave him a set of question papers. "Please fill this out legibly and proceed to Room 105, it's just near the stairs."

"Thank you." Archer grabbed the test papers, furrowing his brows upon reading what was written.

"Why?" Shane looked at it and chuckled. "Don't waste your time. To room 105."

_______________________________________________

"Were you instructed by the receptionist to fill-out that paper?" The old guy, about 60 years old, lifted the box full of electric gadgets, and carried it to the table near the PC Booth. Wiping his forehead, he massaged his hips and turned around to face the shocked duo. "It's our protocol to have the client's data before we take tests. This is for the safety of the client and the person in-charge."

What a strong Grandpa! That seemed like he lifted 500 kilos or something.

The old man sat down, gesturing them to take a seat as well. He removed the stack of papers scattered on his table, and placed it inside the nearby cabinet. "So, what's the story?"

Shane was about to speak when he was stopped by the Grandpa. "I want to hear it from him. Please."

There was some sort of pressure that Archer could feel as he faced this old guy. Not sure of what to do, he started his story by asking, "May I know your name?"

The old man seemed taken aback, and slowly grinned. "That was rude of me. I am the Vice Head of the Scanning Department, Mr. Richie Ketchum, at your service. Now it's your turn."

Ketchum? Could he be Ash's grandpa?

Archer balled his fists to gather his strength and began his story. "I'm Archer Sullivan. Uh, I have amnesia. Can't remember my family, friends, address, everything...well, just my name and age I can clearly recall. I woke up inside the Pokemon Mansion back in Cinnabar island, not knowing what happened or why am I at that dangerous place. I soon escaped from that hell and met my new friends, including Shane here. I don't know if I'm registered so I'm here because I want to know. And...and to ask help from you, in case I'm not registered at all."

Ritchie never took his eyes off Archie, and he could feel his penetrating stares, as if accusing him that he was not telling the truth. After the agonizing five minutes, he stood up and went to the Scanning Booth, inviting Archer to come over.

Archer's body was stiff, he could not properly walk. He could feel that he was busted, and that Richie did not believe him at all. Yet he was confused because Richie was indeed allowing him to be scanned without passing the form. He slowed his pace until he reached the Scanning Booth.

"I'll be waiting for you right here, go ahead." Shane assured.

Archer could only nod as he gawked at the old man. "Should I...should I go inside?"

"Yes."

He was now inside the booth, but before the door closed, Ritchie whispered to him, "You are lying. The rest is true but you are lying about your memory loss. I bet you're wondering why I am helping you then?"

Archer blinked, his face stamped with fear. "Why?"

"Because even though you are hiding something from me, but this I am sure: you are no heretic. Your Pokessence is still pure, all positive and no negative, at all. You never owned or stole Pokemon, that is why I am helping you keep your secret. Do you understand."

Archer bobbed his head in agreement, still full of fear from the predator.

"And good luck."

________________________________________________

Archer was able to smile despite seeing the big words on the print-out: No Record. He was already expecting the worse, but luck was on his side. Ritchie decided to help him register his citizenship in Kanto. After filling out the necessary application form, Archer was subjected to several scanning procedures, including fingerprints, hair, eyes, voice, and face. It took them for about an hour to finish the tests, and Archie was allowed to rest for a bit.

"So this is it, Archer." Shane patted his shoulders, shaking him lightly as he smirked. "Congratulations for your new citizenship. Are you now excited?"

"I'd be lying if I say I'm not." Archer smiled widely. "You're sure that attitudes do not reflect Pokessence natures, right?"

Laughing a bit, Shane took a seat and pointed at himself. "I am sure of it, 99%. Why, are you afraid that your Pokessence turns out to be 100% dark?"

"Then I'll be the greatest villain in history, attacking everyone with the strongest Dark-related skills."

"Yeah, 100% dark would be so scary. As if Plankas were not enough, we don't need another enemy to torment us."

"What if I turn out to be that way? Would everyone stay away from me?"

"I don't know, hahaha." Shane responded. "Maybe you will not have chance to get out of here, since the Old Man will just pulverize you."

Gulp. Why am I having goosebumps all of a sudden? Why does it sound so ominous?

Ritchie called Archer while he was preparing the contraption. "Remove your shirt."

"What?!"

"Don't overreact. I don't like popping crysanthemums. We need to attach this on your body." Ritchie explained, his mouth twitching.

"Oh, okay. You should have told me earlier." Archer retorted as he took off his shirt, revealing his sorry-not-sculpted torso. Ritchie then secured the two pod-like appendages on his chest, warning Archer as he turned on the device. "This might hurt, so better get ready."

Archer was frightened as he was not really good with handling pain. He closed his eyes and clenched his fists and waited. And waited. And waited until someone tap his face.

"It's done."

"Eeeeh?!"

Shane and Ritchie both roared with laughter as Archer stood still, surprise visible on his face. He understood that he was pranked by the old codgers, but he did not let it affect him.

"Do you want to see the reading?"

"Yes."

Ritchie gave him the printed result. What he saw made his heart flutter.