-Vicki-

Morning drew near with the bright sun reigning in all its beauty. As the hot, bright, rays crashed through the window I yawned and stretched out my arms. It was time for a day, I leaped out of bed and head to the middle room of Ghetsis' castle to get some food. Inside the gathering there sat Maxie, Archie, Britney, Colress, N, and Ghetsis already prepping for breakfast. It was odd since I was usually the first awake and chose the spot to sit.

My eyes shifted to observe Ghetsis, and Britney sitting rather close this morning. It unsettled my stomach to see them both together, I cared so much about Britney and she was being sucked away by a monster. However I didn't want to make her miserable either by tearing them away, they looked happy together. I walked over slowly as I glared at the two of them conversing.

"Good morning everyone." I whispered plainly.

Colress was the first to reply, "Good morning Vicki! We have quite the day planned, of course it was Ghetsis' idea to go out on a little trip to the long grass. Not much, but enough to start everyone off."

Every bone in my body shook with rage. How dare Ghetsis try to manipulate my best friend with trivial things like this. I desired so much to believe this wasn't the case, but I knew better from the smug look on his face. I shot him a menacing glare as I waited for a valuable explanation.

"Britney told me so much last night, and explained that she wanted to catch a Sandile. It seems like a good idea to explore for awhile." Ghetsis explained as he gazed longingly down at Britney.

Ghetsis' blood red eyes drew the worst in me and I bit down hard on my tongue. I didn't know how much longer I could hold back the rage boiling in my heart, and Maxie could notice it. Maxie's eyes were wide as he observed my hands clenched in a shaking manner. A smirk crept across his face as he pushed bad his red hair, he wanted me to unleash my emotions on Ghetsis.

Everything in my mind told me to act out like a maniac, but something more humane inside of me held me back. I shifted uncomfortably as I shared an annoyed glance with Maxie. At least someone knew how I felt. N, and Colress seemed to be completely unaware of the situation going down. It was so obvious to use that Britney was being manipulated.

Colress sipped up some juice as he blurted, "Alright, I'm going to prepare for the trip. You guys pack what you need!"

In sheer moments everyone separated, but Britney lingered for a moment flashing me an unsatisfied expression. Something was definitely wrong with her, and somethng was wrong with my heart. We barely had enough time together, the villains always seemed to preoccupy each spare moment we had. I convinced myself that some sort of malicious entity was the cause, but maybe we were just being torn apart.

Maxie's eyes laid straight onto mine for a moment, and suddenly he stopped to approach me. I wasn't in the mood for idle conversation, and now he was heading straight for me. I groaned to myself lightly as I met him in the middle as everyone left the room.

"You're very troubled, aren't you?" Maxie claimed without hesitation.

My eyes began to water, but I held it back with a half hearted mental strength. However this only triggered Maxie to become more engrossed in my emotions as he squinted. Why couldn't he just leave me alone? I couldn't help but feel as if I was being exposed to a predator.

Maxie's stare softened as he whispered, "I do not desire to see you so upset. Please tell the truth."

My heart exploded as I whimpered, "It's a trick isn't it?"

"What is?" He replied softly.

I poured out my emotions from my mouth, "Britney's in danger! Ghetsis is trying to trick her and I know it!"

He tried his best to understand, "Britney is going her own path in this life. Sometimes Vicki, you lose the people who mean the most to you through sacrifice. People come and go, and things change."

"That's not what's supposed to happen! She promised!" I screamed as if it was his fault.

He sighed quietly, "I lost a best friend too Vicki, through common differences. Eventually the arguments turned into battles and we split up altogether."

"Britney isn't like that, she's lost enough just like I have! A couple of stupid differences wouldn't tear us apart!" I hissed.

"You don't fully comprehend this, do you?" He explained with a heavy glare, "The friendship that was torn from me was with Archie. We were once apart of the same team, but our opinions made us butt heads. The sacrifice for our goals meant more than anything. I don't know if you know Britney like you say you do. Britney is passionate, and would give up anything to pursue what she believed. Just like me, just like Archie."

My heart beat rapidly against my rib cage as it ached. I wouldn't believe the words he spilled out to me, Britney was not a monster. She and I were the best of friends, and nothing would ever change that. However something in the pit of my stomach made me feel a painful agony. Somehow my body considered the thought that he could be right, regardless of how much it was ridiculous.

"You don't know her like I do." I declared proudly, "Britney doesn't give up the ones she loves for her beliefs. She believes because of the ones that she loves. It's the reason that she is who she is!"

Maxie frowned and disagreed, "Even the best of friends can be separated. I thought the same thing, with the same positive outlook. You wouldn't think I was ever the one to believe in luck and magic, but at one time I was that person. Time changes everything, and now the only logical answer is calculated success."

A few moments after Maxie finished talking, he laid a single hand on my shoulder pitifully. His eyes held a dark and gloomy gaze, as if he wanted me to understand, but knew I wouldn't change my tune. In that aspect he was right, I would never change my opinion until I was proved wrong. Never would my best friend betray me. I knew this for certain.

-Britney-

I raced through the grass rapidly as the scent of fresh dew tackled my nose. It was so pleasant to be out in the fields, free and full of life. Every time I rushed through, it brushed against my sides roughly. Every stroke of the long grass could be felt as I searched endlessly on the prowl. I felt so alive.

I panted loudly as I shouted, "I thought Sandile was supposed to be found in sand?"

Colress was eager to answer, "Actually recently there's been a burst in Sandile in this area, nobody really knows why!"

Huffing in a deep breath of cold air, I took a moment to relax my aching muscles. Lots of Pokemon were found today, but none of the ones I were looking for. My head throbbed with a hot rush of blood, and I felt the desire to throw myself into a pool of cool water. I imagined how nice it would be to bathe in ice-cubes right at the moment, but quickly shook myself out of this imagination.

Ghetsis came to my side quickly with a bottle of water in his hands. He held a charming grin across his face as he leaned closer to me. I never felt so safe with anyone as I did with him, ever since last night I felt like I had the shelter I needed. He quickly handed me the fresh bottle of water and I smiled at him brightly.

"Thank you, it's getting hot out!" I claimed gratefully.

Ghetsis conveyed his feelings, "It would be nasty for you to get heat stroke. Keep hydrated and don't allow yourself to pass out alright?"

With a passive nod, I continued to run about in the grass searching for Pokemon. Each and every one I came across however, was a dud. I ended up training Oinkers with all of them passing by like this. At least by now my Tepig was gaining decent training.

The day passed like nothing, and soon the sun set fast over the horizon. My disappointment filled my entire frame, but I attempted not to show it. While Ghetsis was temporarily distracted and I was too exhausted to catch up, Archie caught my attention for a moment. His eyes glistened from finally being able to catch my attention.

"I'm sorry that ye' weren't able to find what you wanted!" Archie claimed with a shy smile.

I huffed with a positive stare, "It's okay there's always next time!"

He managed to move close to my ear and whisper. "I actually got something for you from Hoenn, courtesy of Team Aqua!"

"What is it?" I squealed back in excitement.

He muttered it as quiet as possible, "I managed to pick up a little Carvanha for you. You always said you liked them, and it's directly from the family line of my special partner."

I stiffed a scream, "Oh my god! I can't thank you enough! I'm so excited!"

Archie ruffled my hair and declared, "Nothing but the best for my pretty girl!"

I hugged him briefly for a moment, and rested my head against his chest. The sound of his heart grew rapid suddenly, but I gave him a wide smile in glee. His face appeared to be just as excited. There's no possible way that this was the wrong choice. Everything just felt so right.

END CHAPTER

Authors Note: Yeah this was a pretty short chapter, but it seems you prefer more frequent updates so that's what I'll do! Thanks for sticking with me, I enjoy reading your input! I've been really busy this past week with work, but I should be able to get a chapter in for Christmas. Things will start to slow down by then! Alright thanks so much!