A Square Deal

By Lord Agravane the Undead

Disclaimer: I don't own Pokemon or any of the characters within.

Amity Square is a place where Trainers can stroll peacefully with their Pokemon

"Awesome!" said Lucas, reading the words that were set over the East Gate of said Square. "We've been battling all morning so what could be nicer for our Pokemon than a relaxing walk?"

"A relaxing trip to the Day Care with their girlfriends?" Barry suggested.

"Shush", said Lucas. "Come on, let's go in".

Lucas, Dawn and Barry entered the East Gate and the receptionist greeted them and checked that they had small and cute Pokemon to walk with. Seeing Empoleon, Infernape and Torterra, she immediately granted them access. The teenagers thanked her and then went through the turnstile into the beautiful Square.

Amity Square was indeed lovely; with emerald lawns, woodlands of ornamental trees and limpid pools of water scattered here and there. There were a few other Trainers and their Pokemon about but otherwise, it was quite quiet and empty. Relaxing music played over hidden speakers to set the mood for tranquillity.

"Oh, this looks like it's gonna be great", said Dawn eagerly. She released Fern, her Infernape from his ball and the boys did the same. Pip (Lucas' Empoleon) waddled down to a large pool for a swim. Fern went off to explore some woodlands and Tortilla (Barry's Pokemon) checked out some of the old ruins.

"Um, well so much for them *walking* with us", said Lucas.

"Aw, it's OK Lucas, I bet they just wanna go off and explore, you know, because they are in a new places and it's all new and exciting for them", Barry explained. "I bet they'll come back and walk with us real soon, you just wait and see".

Lucas' grey eyes lit up at those immortal words.

"A bet. Did you say a bet?"

Barry grinned. Dawn cast both boys a warning glance.

"No", she said firmly, folding her arm across her chest. "NO bets. No, no, no and that word that starts in N and ends in O".

"I did", said Barry. "Bet you twenty Pokedollars they come back and walk with us in the next half hour".

"You're on", said Lucas. The lads shook hands and Dawn rolled her eyes.

"Come on, let's walk round and enjoy the scenery", she said, linking her arm through Lucas'. They set off again, with Lucas and Barry continuing to discuss the fine points of their bet.

"So, do all three of our Pokemon have to return to us in half an hour or just one of them?" Lucas asked.

"All three", said Barry. "Otherwise, that would make it too easy".

"Hm, I guess so", said Lucas. "But what if..." Not looking where he was going, Lucas walked smack into another trainer.

"Oops, I'm really sorry!" he gasped.

"Apology accepted", said a familiar monotone and Lucas stared in dismay at a familiar Team Galactic Boss.

"Cyrus! What are you doing here?" he exclaimed.

"Walking my Pokemon", said Cyrus, indicating towards a cute and innocent little Eevee next to him.

Lucas gazed at the Eevee nervously, his eyes moving up to meet Cyrus's commanders, who were also accompanying him. They looked as if they wanted to give Lucas a wedgie, for having the cheek to collide with their Boss.

"What are YOU doing here Lucas?" Saturn asked. "You don't have a Pokemon with you".

"Maybe he bumped into you on purpose, Boss", said Mars (before Lucas could speak). "Maybe he did it because he wants to join Team Galactic and he was trying to get your attention".

"I do NOT want to join Team Galactic", Lucas said patiently.

"Are you sure?" Cyrus enquired. "You'd made a good commander.

"Yes and you could have your own planet name too", said Jupiter.

"Yes, you could come after Saturn", said Cyrus. "Hm, let me think...what planet comes after Saturn?"

"NO!" Lucas shrieked and Barry and Dawn burst out laughing. "No WAY. You guys are mean!" He stamped his foot hard.

"Ooooh, temper tantrum!" Jupiter smirked.

"Oh, I like that!" Lucas huffed. "Who bites his sleeve if he has a tube of jellybeans and there are no blue ones in it, hm?" He looked directly at Cyrus.

"I like blue jellybeans", said Cyrus. "Or I would do if I felt emotions".

"And besides, that's a meltdown, not a tantrum", said Mars. "You were having a tantrum, Lucas because you're repressed!

"Repressed? From what?"

"From your desire to join Team Galactic".

"NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG!" Lucas made a silly noise as Mars slid her arm through Cyrus' and Team Galactic strolled off. "Ooooh, I'm going to explode with rage!"

"Steady on mate", said Barry. "Don't explode before our bet is done. I want my twenty Pokedollars".