Standing outside of the Pokémon Mansion was a young, emerald-haired woman dressed in a maid's uniform. She was seen kneeling down before a group of baby Pokémon consisting of a Cleffa, three Pichu, two Igglybuff, an Azurill and a Swinub and most surprising of all, Manaphy and Shaymin. The group was happily enjoying a meal that was set before them when the sound of a roar echoed through the air, startling them.

The woman looked up to see a massive Tropius descend from the sky and land a few yards away. She watched as a young man with blond hair hopped off the beast and stroked the sauropod's face. Intrigued, she rose to a stand and walked to greet the youth.

"My word! that has got to be the largest Tropius I have ever seen! you must feed him quite well," she exclaimed in admiration.

Gabe blinked and looked up at Tropius and then back at the maid. Immediate recognition shone in his eyes as he met her gaze.

Well I'll be, it's Monica. I'm finding all kinds of surprises in this new life aren't I?

"He is pretty big isn't he?" Gabe laughed, getting a snort out of Tropius. "Oh shush you, that was a compliment."

Monica giggled and looked up at Tropius who was eyeing her warily.

"He seems a bit perturbed. Is that how he always is?" Monica observed.

Gabe reached up and gently rubbed Tropius's face as the sauropod leaned his long neck down again.

"He... well, let's say before he met me, he wasn't too good with people," Gabe said with a nervous laugh.

"I see. Well, he seems pretty calm around you. You must be an excellent trainer," Monica complimented.

Gabe rubbed the back of his neck and flashed her a grin. "I'm just doing my best like any trainer should."

Monica nodded. "Well said young man. Oh! Pardon my rudeness, I'm Monica. I'm a maid of Mr. Backlot. Welcome to our mansion."

"I'm Barry, it's nice to meet you," Gabe replied with a polite smile.

Monica's Pokémon peeked out from behind her, having been hiding for a while due to their sudden fright. Monica looked down and blinked at the sight.

"Oh dear, it's okay everyone. This trainer won't hurt you. He's nice," Monica beamed.

Gabe glanced down with wide eyes as Manaphy and Shaymin shuffled up to meet him. It was almost surreal to see two Mythical Pokémon right in front of him.

Okay... I understand why Manaphy is here. In the games it can only be given out here. But why is Shaymin here?

"These are--"

"Oh! Yes, Manaphy and Shaymin. They are considered residents of the mansion and are under our protection," Monica explained.

"Protection?" Gabe inquired with a raised brow.

"There have been several attempts at stealing them in recent months. A group by the name of Team Galactic made an attempt not too long ago actually. Fortunately Manaphy and Shaymin fended them off. Since then, we haven't had any difficulty," Monica added.

"That sounds stressful. I'm glad no harm came to you all," Gabe replied sincerely.

"Thank you. Would you care to come in? It's awfully cold out here," Monica invited with a gesture towards the mansion.

"How can I say no? I've always wanted to come here," Gabe admitted, returning Tropius and hitching him to his belt.

"Right this way then," Monica smiled, beckoning him to follow.

Now that I think of it... Manaphy and Shaymin were both targets of some sort of I remember correctly. And, if memory serves me right, they have extremely rare abilities. Manaphy has the power to form a bond with any Pokémon, and Shaymin's Seed Flare, when used a certain way, can open a gateway between this world and the Distortion World...

Gabe frowned at this realization. It was no wonder these two were sought after!

Those abilities could make befriending even legendaries very easy. In the wrong hands... no, I don't even want to think about that...

Gabe shook his head and continued forward. Needless to say, the mansion was as expected. Extravagantly decorated and very expansive, making it a must see attraction for anyone.

"Incredible..." muttered Gabe as he scanned the foyer, admiring the decor as he entered.

Manaphy and Shaymin happily scurried off to play with their friends.

"Shall I introduce you to Mr. Backlot? I have no doubt you'll want to see his garden, no?" Monica suggested.

"I'd like that actually," Gabe replied. "I've heard a lot about it, so it would be cool to see."

"Alright then Barry, if you'll just wait here a moment I'll--"

"Miss Monica? is that you? I heard voices so I thought I might come and--oh my, a guest! Welcome young man!" said a rather jubilant old man as he made his way down the stairs to the foyer.

Gabe glanced up at the portly old man as he descended the stairs. Mr. Backlot strode towards him and adjusted his spectacles.

"Ah! aren't you Palmer's son? Bobby? no... Barney--Barry! yes, that's it! Barry," he chortled.

Gabe laughed nervously at the man's forgetfulness.

"You'll have to forgive this old man. My memory isn't as sharp as it used to be," Mr. Backlot stated. "What brings you here young man? have you come to see my garden perhaps?"

"If it's not too much to ask," Gabe replied with a grin.

"Splendid! right this way!" Mr. Backlot exclaimed happily.

Looker let out an exasperated sigh as he poured over the information in front of him. It had been over a month since the incident in Eterna City, and so far he he made very little progress with his assignment. The sleep deprivation as catching up to him. He needed rest. As much as he would have liked that, it would have to wait due to the file that was given to him just this morning.

"Mr. Backlot's mansion huh? I can see why Team Galactic would target such a place..." Looker mumbled as he stared down at the photo of Mr. Backlot and his staff.

"Hold on a sec... isn't that--" he paused, furrowing his brows at the sight of two Pokémon in particular. "It is them... looks like I'll be paying Mr. Backlot a visit today. Maybe after I can finally get some sleep."

Looker stood up and grabbed his tan trench coat and slid it on before stepping out of his rented out office in Jubilife City. It would be a long trekk to the mansion if he decided to go by foot. Fortunately, he'd been loaned a Flying-type for his assignments.

A Staraptor screeched out of his Poké Ball as he was released. The bird of prey glanced over at the detective, waiting for a command. Looker clipped the ball back on his belt and mounted the massive Flying-type who spread his wings to take off.

"We are going to fly to Mr. Backlot's mansion. I'll give you directions as we go," Looker informed his ride, giving him a light tap on the side as a signal to fly.

Without a moment's hesitation, Staraptor took to the skies, being mindful of his passenger as he soared.

Time went by and before long, the detective was descending onto the grounds of the mansion. Looker soon was off his ride and at the front door of the mansion, ready to get to work. Taking a deep breath, he reached over and pushed the buzzer in order to get the attention of the people inside the mansion.

After a few minutes, the door to the mansion opened, and a green-haired woman answered the door in a maid's outfit.

"May I help you?" Monica inquired politely.

"Perhaps. I believe this is the mansion of Mr. Backlot. Is he home? and if so, may I see him? it's an urgent matter. I'm a detective," Looker stated with a determined look.

"He is, and you may. Please come in, Mr. Backlot is in his Trophy Garden in the back of the mansion," Monica informed him.

"Thank you," Looker replied, progressing into the mansion, admiring the foyer as he walked.

After a few moments, Looker and Monica were outside, standing in an expansive garden that was teeming with Pokémon.

"If you will follow me, Mr. Backlot is just a little farther up," Monica explained. "He's with a visiting trainer at the moment."

"Not a problem," Looker responded, following Monica through the garden, walking by fountains and sculptures of different Pokémon.

Soon, he came upon the portly old man and a young trainer whom he recognized immediately as Barry. The long hard day ahead of him quickly became easier the moment he saw the youth. A smile cracked the stern expression on his face as he trekked along the walkway to meet them.

"And so there you have it! My story of how I started this place. Quite remarkable wouldn't you agree young man?" Mr. Backlot laughed, stroking his mustache as he spoke.

"That is quite the tale," Gabe laughed nervously," scratching the back of his head as he listened.

"Mr. Backlot? we have a detective here to see you," Monica interjected, prompting Mr. Backlot and Gabe to direct their attention towards Looker.

The rugged detective stepped forward and cleared his throat before speaking.

"Mr. Backlot, it's a pleasure to meet you. I'm going to get straight to the point here. My name is Looker. I have a few questions regarding recent incidents involving an organization by the name of Team Galactic. If you don't mind, I would like to speak with the three of you if that's alright..."