Truth and Lies

Dian looked them over. There were five researchers in white lab coats and several Trainers dressed in all sorts of clothes. The most striking was a woman with short brown hair: Professor Tenben, the target of his mission.

"Bal, Bal!"

Baltoy circled anxiously above Michael's head, clearly worried about him.

"He's only unconscious. Don't worry."

Dian crouched for a glance and saw that they had been hit with a substantial amount of Sleep Powder. Otherwise, they were unharmed, if a little weak.

"Mis."

Misdreavus nodded in agreement.

"Ugh... What happened...?"

Professor Tenben suddenly groaned. She held her head as she slowly got to her feet.

"Yukai, Selene, Daiki."

Seeing that the researchers were still asleep, she hurried over to check on them.

Dian's eyes flickered. He approached with a smile. "Professor Tenben, please don't worry. Your students are only asleep. They'll wake up soon."

He took both her hands, his face full of admiration. "I never imagined I'd meet you here, Professor Tenben, a leading scholar of Ancient Civilization. This is truly... truly..."

He paused as though searching for words. "I read your analysis of Mount Miacha. Your theories about Golden Eye and the Super-Ancient City were simply..."

He shook his head, unable to hide his admiration.

Professor Tenben seemed a little bewildered. Dian released her hands without drawing attention to it and smiled. "That was rude of me. I'm sorry. I've also studied Ancient Civilization on the side."

He gave a polite bow. "I should have introduced myself sooner. My name is Dian. The Pokémon Ranger Union sent me to ensure your safety."

Dian took out a Poké Ball and recalled Misdreavus, then engaged its locking mechanism in front of her. He looked a little embarrassed. "This Misdreavus is rather mischievous, so I usually keep her in her Poké