Mrs. Shwanson pressed her ear to Vivian's door, worry etched onto her face. Phil had been fuming when he arrived at her door, but she didn't think the issue was that bad. His girl almost never cried, so she could tell whatever they had argued about hadn't ended well. The elderly lady knocked on the door.

"Vivian? I made some snacks if you want any!"

"I'm good." The voice was muffled.

"You can't stay in there forever!"

"Yes, I can! Just go away."

Mrs. Shwanson sighed and retreated. Vivian was quiet a moment longer before breaking out into sobs again.

Skore watched the girl cry sadly. He wanted to help, but the risk was too great. Sure, that old lady was here and was surely too blind to see the Banette, but what she might do if she did see him, he didn't want to know. Plus, the sobbing was beginning to drive him crazy.

Having enough, the Banette floated out from his hiding spot. The girl instantly stopped crying and sat up, as if she knew he was there. Her eyes fell on Skore, her fingers wrapped around a weird device.

"Your back," the girl whispered. "I knew I would see you again."

Skore looked at her uneasily. She knew? Maybe she was psychic like the Gym leaders.

"I'm not psychic, if that's what your thinking."

Skore continued to stare.

The girl's face cracked into a smile. "You can come closer. I won't hurt you. I love Pokemon."

Skore relaxed a bit and floated closer. The girl giggled as the Banette's head tail brushed against her arm.

"I like you. We should be friends."

Skore froze. Friends? With this girl? Such a thought was absurd!

The girl grabbed the Banette and stroked his head tail gently. Skore smiled. Then again, it couldn't hurt to try. This girl could use a friend.

Vivian continued stroking the Banette gently. She could hear it making a noise that resembled purring. Obviously a sign that it was happy.

Vivian released the ghost. "Do you have a name?"

The Banette tilted its head to one side.

"A name. Do you have one?"

The Banette nodded and looked around for something. Vivian offered her notebook to it. The ghost took it and floated over to the desk to grab a pencil. It scribbled some words down quickly, then handed the notebook back to Vivian. The letters 'S', 'K'. 'O', 'R', and 'E' were written in somewhat messy handwriting.

Vivian stared at the letters for a moment. The Banette huffed and grabbed Vivian's Contest magazine. It handed it to her and pointed to the front page. It read 'Lisia and Altaria Score Big Once Again!'

Vivian gave the Banette a confused look. "What about it? Are you interested in Contests?"

The Banette shook its head and pointed to the word 'Score'.

"Score? Is that your name?" Vivian asked.

The Banette nodded vigorously.

"Is it spelled S-k-o-r-e?"

The Banette nodded again, grinning widely.

"Skore, huh? Nice name. Mine's Vivian." She held out a hand. Skore took it and the two shook hands.

"So, does this make us official friends?" Vivian asked.

Skore thought about it, then nodded.

"Oh thank God. I was getting lonely. Now, we need some rules in place."

Skore gave her a confused look.

"Rule 1: When my dad's home, you must stay hidden. He hates Ghost-types. Got it?"

Skore saluted.

"Good. Rule 2: DO NOT prank Mrs. Shwanson."

Skore sagged. He had been looking forward to that.

Vivian noticed the Banette's gloomy attitude and laughed. "Don't worry. There's someone else I want you to prank."

Skore straightened up, looking excited.

"When my dad comes home, you can prank him until your heart's content."

Skore smiled mischievously.