Sorry for the long wait. The internet in the beach stinks so it took me a while to make it work correctly. This is one of the chapters I liked the most and I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoy writing it.

Now on with the story.

000

It was late at night in the forest. We looked in a valley that have a single tree, and two pokemons were standing in front of it looking at each other. One was Meganium that was still at the floor with her eyes red, teary and puffy because of all the crying she had done earlier. She was looking at the figure that has sneaked behind her moments ago, and she didn't expect to find him here, Arceus she wasn't expecting for anyone to find her here. Even so, he was the last person she wanted to see right now, especially in the state she was before he appeared.

Meganium: (what do you want Sceptile?)

Yes, it was Sceptile. Who do you thought it was, Giratina?

Sceptile looked at Meganium with an expression that she hasn't seen in his face before. His face showed total seriousness and no humor like the other times they have interacted. Sceptile also was panting a bit; normally a race from the pokemon center to the tree would be a piece of cake to him, but with his sickness; he was forced to make extra effort to reach in the same amount of time. He made a step forward to Meganium without changing his expression.

Sceptile: (the truth. I want you to tell me the truth.)

Meganium: (truth? What truth?)

Sceptile: (about how you really are feeling right now. I want you to tell me how you really feel.)

Meganium: (I already told you. I'm fi-)

Sceptile: (STOP TELLING ME THAT YOU ARE FINE! STOP LYING TO ME, TO NURSE JOY, AND SPECIALY TO YOURSELF!)

To say that Meganium was surprised was an understatement, she was totally shocked. In all her time with Sceptile, no matter what she said or how hard she hit him, he never lost his patience or his cool. Meganium could tell right away that Sceptile was talking seriously this time. Meganium looked at Sceptile directly to the eyes and saw that there was no way around him this time, but Meganium wouldn't back off by just a gaze.

Meganium: (whatever problem I have is mine to solve.)

Sceptile: (like you have done the last weeks? Admit it Meganium you have a problem, but you just won't admit it! You can't fool me and you can't fool Nurse Joy like acting as if nothing ever happened! STOP HIDDING WHAT YOU TRULY FEEL!)

Meganium: (I'm not hiding anything!)

Sceptile knew that he was being too forward and a bit rude, but he has waited enough and Nurse Joy couldn't have Meganium disappearing without notice. Also, she couldn't concentrate in her work and the incident of the antidotes may repeat again if Meganium couldn't focus in the task at hand if she was feeling depressed. So, he needed to push Meganium to finally accept help from someone. If it is not him, at least to ask from Nurse Joy.

Sceptile: (yes you are! You think that Nurse Joy and I can't see that you are hurt? All the time you looked outside the window with teary eyes? THE TIMES I SEE YOU CRYING YOURSELF TO SLEEP? YOU CAN'T CONTINUE DOING THIS! You are not only hurting yourself, but also Nurse Joy with your attitude! She has been doing everything she could come up with to help you. Even bring me here when I didn't want to come in first place!)

Meganium was loss at words there. She couldn't think of any come back because she knew that what Sceptile was saying was true. She never thought about it, but sometimes she could notice her owner looking at her sad, or wasn't as cheery as she normally is when treating a patient. Meganium started mumbling words without coherence as she tried to say something back. When Sceptile saw Meganium look around, he knew that he had her where he wanted. He just needed one more push to make her wall fall. She will hate the next thing he was about to say, but he knew that it was for a good reason.

Sceptile: (and let's not forget what happened with the Growlithe three days ago. You were so mad that you didn't think what would happen if you went around there poisoning pokemons around you because you were mad!)

Meganium: (that was an accident!)

Sceptile: (a stupid one if you ask me! You went all hysteric only because I wanted to help you that you ended hurting me! What kind of medic goes around harming other pokemons that just wanted to help? A pathetic one! Stop acting like a spoiled girl that we have to hear all her tantrums and accept some damn help before someone dies because of another stupid mistake!)

Meganium couldn't handle it anymore. All her sadness and frustration turned into anger, anger directed towards Sceptile. With a mighty cry, she dashed forward to Sceptile, who just looked a bit surprised, and hit him with a really strong body slam. Sceptile crossed his arms before the impact and was sent back some feet before dropping to one knee. Sceptile expected something like this to happen, so he made no movement to defend himself. He just received all of Meganium's attacks until she released all her emotions. He raised his gaze to see Meganium look at him with eyes full of rage. Sceptile suddenly felt a chill pass through his spine. He hoped she stopped before all the bones in his body ended up like sand grains.

Meganium: (YOU WANT TO KNOW HOW I FEEL! I WILL DO SOMETHING BETTER! I'M GOING TO SHOW YOU! I FEEL REALLY ANGRY WITH MYSELF FOR BEING SO PATHETIC!)

Meganium sent her vine whip to catch both of Sceptile's arms and pulled him to the air just to slam him back to the ground rather painfully. A bit of dirt was raised from the ground while Sceptile rose from the ground as he groaned in pain.

Meganium: (I FEEL GUILTY FOR ALL THE TROUBLES I'M CAUSING TO THE REST BECAUSE I'M FEELING DOWN!)

She once again pulled Sceptile, but this time towards herself, and produced a body slam to the stomach making Sceptile gasp and exhale all the air he had in his lungs. She released him as he was sent rolling in the ground until he came to a stop. Sceptile could feel his body aching from the hits. His body was still too weak for his sickness.

Meganium: (I FEEL FRUSTRATEDBECAUSE I'M LETTING ALL THIS NOT ONLY AFFECT ME, BUT ALSO MY JUDGEMENT, MAKING ME DO STUPID AND SILLY MISTAKES.)

Meganium swung the flower petals in her neck and fired a barrage of razor leafs towards Sceptile, who was starting to look a bit worried. Meganium was really trying to beat him to the ground. Sceptile activated his leaf blades and started deflecting the ones that were surely going to hit him. When the barrage of sharp leafs finally subsided, Sceptile received some cuts from some of the razor leafs that he couldn't dodge or deflect. He hoped that by now, Meganium have calmed down enough to listen to him. When he looked at her again, he realized that he wasn't so lucky.

Meganium: (I FEEL ANNOYED BECAUSED EVERYBODY TRY TO HELP ME THINKING THAT THEY KNOW I AM PASSING THROUGH, WHEN THEY DON'T HAVE THE SLIGHTEST IDEA!)

Meganium fired her vines to Sceptile once again, but instead of wrapping tem on Sceptile, as he hoped, she started whipping him with them in the face and chest. Sceptile raised his arm to his face to try to defend it as Meganium continued to whip him with her vines. For Sceptile, it seems that Meganium wasn't planning to stop any time soon. One of the vines got a clear hit in the face that made Sceptile lose balance and fall to the floor.

Meganium: (I FEEL JUST LIKE…just like…the time he…)

Sceptile: (just like the time when Tropius cheated on you?)

Meganium looked at Sceptile again with anger in her eyes. Sceptile noticed that the glare was anything but real. It looked more like forced because he could see her quivering in her expression. Meganium was fighting back her sadness, trying to cover it with her anger. The problem was that her sadness was greater than his anger, and it quickly was overcoming it. With another cry she ran directly to Sceptile for what looked like another body slam. Sceptile put his arms in front of his body, hoping to lessen the pain he was about to receive. When Meganium was one meter from him, she jumped and pushed his body with hers until his back touched the tree behind himself.

In that moment, Sceptile noticed something that confused him. That hit didn't hurt like a body slam, as a matter of fact; it didn't have the strength to be considered even a simple tackle. Also, he realized that Meganium was still on top of him after she tackled him instead to retreat. Sceptile was about to say something when he heard a sob come from his chest. He looked closely at Meganium and saw that she was crying on his chest. Sceptile felt a bit awkward for having his past crush crying over his chest. Slowly, he put one hand over the back of her head and rubbed it down her long neck and up again, trying to calm her down. Sceptile then heard Meganium start to mumble thing to no one in particular as she didn't address anyone.

Meganium: (why…what did I (sob) do…why did he (sob) do it…was…was something I did...what (sob) what did I do wrong…I don't (sob) I can't understand it…I just can't understand it…)

Sceptile preferred not to say anything. His awkwardness left him the moment Meganium started saying those things. He felt really bad for what he said just moments ago, but mostly he felt a lot of fury towards Tropius. After all the fights the two of them had so long ago for Meganium, he just left her for another girl without first breaking with her. How he wished he could look for the bastard and beat him so bad that he wouldn't be able to think clearly for over a month. Strangely enough, he wasn't sure as why he felt so relaxed by having Meganium cry over him after all the things he yelled to her. He preferred not to say anything unless Meganium wanted to talk. He just stayed there, listening to her cry and rub the back of her head.

Meganium wasn't sure as why she did it. One moment she was crying over herself for her pathetic actions the last days; then, she was beating the hell out of Sceptile because of some words he told her; and now, here she was, burying her face in the chest of the pokemon she wanted to rip apart, and out of her life; crying and saying all the questions that have plagued her mind the last six months. From all the people she could have chosen for this, she chose him. Why? She didn't know. The only thing she knew is that she couldn't bottle her emotions anymore, and needed to let it all out. But to do it over someone like Sceptile? Her subconscious must be crazy. In this moment she didn't care, she only wanted to cry everything once and for all. She is just thankful that Sceptile didn't try to push her off or say something. His silence is everything she needed at the moment.

They both stayed silent for several minutes with Sceptile resting his back against the tree and Meganium with her face still buried in his chest. Only seconds ago Meganium stopped crying, but she still let out some sobs. Sceptile stayed silent the whole time she was crying without making a sound. Honestly, Sceptile's back was starting to hurt a little for the position he was in, but he couldn't say that to Meganium in her emotional state. After so much time, Meganium finally raised her head from Sceptile's chest, but she didn't meet his face. She just turn around and rested her body in the ground facing the opposite direction of Sceptile while using one of her vines to clean any tear that was left in her face. Sceptile took the opportunity to take a more comfortable position. He also noticed that his chest was totally wet and a bit sticky from the tears, but he paid no mind to it.

Meganium: (sorry for (sniff) getting your chest wet.)

Sceptile: (don't worry about it. I should be the one to say sorry. I did tell you a lot of mean things just moments ago.)

Meganium: (I can't argue with the truth.)

Sceptile: (what? You know that I invented everything to just make you talk right?)

Meganium: (even if you mean it or not, what you said was all true. I was pathetic, acting all dramatic because of a break up. What kind of medic let their personal life to interfere with her job? I should have gotten myself together and keep moving forward with my life for the sake of everybody. Instead, I got all hysterics, got distracted, and even hurt you when you only wanted to help me. You were forced against your will to help me and even knowing that I didn't care and tried to get rid of you in any possible way. I didn't take in consideration the effects of my actions. I was selfish, mean, spoiled, and most of all pathetic…I think that's the reason Tropius got tired of me…I think I deserve what happened to me…)

Sceptile: (DON'T SAY THOSE THINGS!)

Meganium jerked up to see Sceptile standing in his feet looking directly at her. Meganium was surprised by the tone of his voice in which Sceptile said that. She noticed the difference between the tone in which he said before the conversation started and now. Before, his voice sounded cold and so out of him. Now, he sounded more like himself, more determined, and more…comforting. Meganium didn't know why, but she preferred this tone of voice from him.

Sceptile: (you are not pathetic! You are a good pokemon that was cheated on by some idiot that doesn't know what he is losing. In my opinion, it is totally normal that you got all emotional, and a bit stubborn, over this mess! You have to deal with things you don't deserve! You are nice, cheerful, likable, and compassionate. You deserve better things than what happened these last days. Also, you aren't acting dramatic over this. That Tropius betrayed your trust, the one you love and thought he loved you, betrayed your trust! If you haven't been acting all moody I wouldn't have considered it normal and would be worried for you! So what if you made a mistake and acted a bit moody, you still are of better help than others. Damn, I think I was dramatic and useless after you-)

Sceptile quickly shut his mouth before he said something he would regret later. Meganium, on the other hand, didn't know what to say. She didn't expected Sceptile to say so many comforting and nice things to her. She almost thought that she didn't deserve those compliments. She hadn't thought things that way too. Tropius was the one to blame here too. Meganium made a smile that went unnoticed to Sceptile, but she still wanted to smile. Just then, she heard Sceptile mention himself and cut himself mid sentence by covering his mouth with his hand. Meganium's smile disappeared just as fast as it was formed. Sceptile didn't need to say anything else, she knew what he was about to say. He was talking about the day she chose Tropius over him.

Sometimes, Meganium remembered that day, and got mixed feelings when she thought over it. She wondered why she chose Tropius in first place, or how things would have been if she had chosen Sceptile at that time. Even not take either of them. She wondered how different would things would have played if the situation changed. Would Sceptile have cheated on her like Tropius did? Then, she thought about how Sceptile was when she rejected him. If her memory didn't fail her, he wasn't able to generate any attack correctly. She wondered how he felt at that time, maybe he felt just as miserable like her if his expression at that time was any indication. She looked back at him, curiosity getting the best of her.

Meganium: (Sceptile…how did you felt…after I choose him over you?)

Sceptile looked lost at words for Meganium's question. He, in all his wildest dreams and imagination, would have thought that Meganium, of all people he knew, would ask him about that time. He looked at the floor for a moment, deep in thoughts if he should tell her about it or not. After all, it was a delicate memory to him. Finally, he sighed in defeat, she deserved that story at least.

Sceptile: (to be honest with you…it hurt me your rejection. The first time I saw you, I fell right there for your kindness and beautiful smile. You were really kind with me when you healed me after my first encounter with Tropius. I knew I loved you at that time, but didn't find myself worth of you. That's why I fought against Tropius again, to prove myself that I could love you.)

Meganium: (I don't understand. Why fight? Why didn't you try something else?)

Sceptile: (that's easy to answer, because there's no other way a girl would like a male like me.)

Meganium: (like you? What do you mean with that?)

Sceptile: (just look at me. I'm a big reptile, and not one really attractive or appealing for most females. I'm lazy, stubborn, and sometimes a jerk to the rest of people. My only likes are to sleep, eat, train, or fight. As you see, my appearance and attitude is not one of the best combinations to impress someone. So, what do I have left? My strength and skills in a fight. That's why I fought, and when I won I thought that I have impressed you…but I was wrong. When you went for Tropius I… I felt hopeless. I couldn't win your heart with the only thing I was good, so I lose any will to try anything else. I really didn't have anything left. After feeling hopeless, I started to feel useless.)

Meganium: (because your attacks didn't worked…)

Sceptile: (correct, I really couldn't comprehend why my attacks weren't working the way they should, and until today I still don't understand. Those days I felt lost at what to do, I couldn't impress a girl with the only thing I was good, and now I couldn't even do what I was good at. I felt useless, I wasn't good at anything else and no matter how hard I tried, my mind couldn't stay focused.)

Meganium gave Sceptile a pity look. She didn't know that he felt that way just because a girl rejected him. If she knew that something like that would happen, she would have been more considerate when she didn't return his feelings instead of using such a direct way. She could have talk to him in a softer way. Still, she must admit that Sceptile was right in one thing. She wasn't pathetic compared to how Sceptile felt in that time. They both were acting in similar ways to their situations, only that Sceptile's had a deeper meaning that he let the rest know.

Meganium: (how did you get over it?)

Sceptile: (I must give the credit to my trainer for that. He stayed to my side at all time and never loses the faith in me. We even end up lost in a forest with me injured and him with a twisted ankle. When we were about to meet with the rest, the three buffoons appeared and tried once again to steal Pikachu and myself. Ash jumped to the balloon that held us prisoners and tried to free us, but failed horribly. Then, the woman of the group sent out her Dostox to throw him away when we were like 20 meters from the ground. When I saw him fall, my mind went into frenzy, I tried a lot of things to safe him, but none of them was going to work. Before I knew it, my mind turn blank except for one thought: to save my trainer. Then, before I noticed, my leaf blade activated and cut clean the robotic arm that was holding me and caught my trainer before he hurt himself with the ground. Since then, my attacks started to work just fine.)

Meganium: (wow…I never thought that you would take it so hard. I…I'm sorry for what happened.)

Sceptile: (don't worry about it. Like I told you, compared to my situation and yours, you had all the right to act the way you did. I was dramatic in my situation compared to what happened to you, even if I know only the general thing.)

Silence surrounded them after Sceptile finished talking. Sceptile expected Meganium to say something, so he turned to her to see why she suddenly turned so quite. When he looked at her, he found her looking at the floor with a troubled expression. She also looked in deep thoughts, like she was debating with herself about something. Sceptile was confused as what he could have said to make her looked like that. It seems she was thinking about really important. So, he would wait for her to say something first, even if he was starting to get really cold with the air of the night.

Meganium: (do you…do you want to know what really happened?)

So that was what was troubling her. She was deciding if she wanted to remember what happened at that…moment. He couldn't blame her to take her time for such decision. He also took himself a couple of minutes to decide if he wanted to tell her his story, but he also could tell that she was starting to have second thought about what she offered.

Sceptile: (I don't know. Are YOU sure you want to tell me what happened now? I still have some days left before I'm suppose to leave. You don't have to do it now if you don't feel prepared.)

Meganium: (you are right; I don't feel ready to tell you, I may never be ready, but just like you told me you deserve the truth. You told me about how you felt after I rejected you; I think you at least deserve to know what happened that day.)

Sceptile: (if you think so, I'm all ears.)

Meganium nodded and closed her eyes to think were exactly she could start her story. It hurt her to have to remember such a horrible moment in her life. When Meganium opened her eyes, Sceptile could see the sadness that her eyes reflected. If only thinking about that moment turn Meganium like this, then he can only imagine how she looked like in the actual moment.

Meganium: (everything started when Tropius started to visit me fewer times every day. At first I didn't mind it because I thought it was nothing to worry about. Then, I started to notice he was acting distracted and almost looked bored to be here with me and too eager to leave. That started to worry me a bit, and I thought that maybe something was worrying him. So I decided to ask him about it.)

Sceptile: (did he tell you?)

Meganium: (no, he told me that he was just fine, but I knew he was lying. Also, he snapped at me when I continued to insist him to tell me what was wrong. He never snapped at me before nor looked so angry when doing so. Later that day, I decided that if he wasn't going to tell me what was wrong, I was going to find out by myself.)

Sceptile: (you followed him.)

Meganium: (I wish I didn't, but yes. I followed him one day when he was leaving to the forest. At that time, I thought he was going back to the tree where he lives like always, but I saw him change of direction to a deeper section of the forest. I was confused as why would he need to go to the forest if his tree was in another direction. I tried to keep up with him, but he was flying faster than what I could run. When I finally reach a clearing where I saw him descend I saw him…with her.)

Flashback

Meganium watched from behind a bush with a totally shocked face as Tropius descended from the air and landed near a Venosaur that seemed to have been waiting for him. When the Venosaur noticed his arrival, she smiled and went to meet him in the middle of the clearing. When Tropius landed, he nuzzled his face with hers. That action alone stunned Meganium to the core of her soul. She hoped that the nuzzle didn't meant what she was thinking about.

Venosaur: (you are a bit late you know.)

Tropius: (sorry, it took me a bit more so I didn't look suspicious.)

Meganium jerked up her attention at the word "suspicious". What could Tropius be hiding to prevent someone from finding out? Meganium could feel how her heart beat faster every second as her anxiety increases the more she watched Tropius and that Venosaur interact with each other. She kept quiet and tried to listen clearly what they were talking about. The Venosaur made a face of annoyance as she huffed and looked at Tropius.

Venosaur: (you still with her? I thought that you would have cut the act already. What keeping you? Did you truly fell for her?)

Meganium was starting to tremble in anxiety. She tried to understand what could the Venosaur be talking about, and, at the same time, she didn't want to understand out of fear of what could it mean. She was afraid about the answer of that question. She looked at Tropius again, hoping that he had some kind of explanation for this situation. He laughed. Tropius suddenly started laughing as if someone had just told him a good joke.

Tropius: (that's a good one babe. Please, you know that I only went to her to demonstrate you that I could win her over. Yes, it was fun with her the first weeks and I really enjoy myself, but, after some time, she started to get boring with all those lovely and cheesy and that was boring. The only thing that we haven't done is mate. I could bet you that will happen at any moment. After that, it's over.)

Meganium: (THAT'S WHAT YOU THINK!)

Both pokemons turned to the source of the screaming. Tropius suddenly freeze-up as he came with the picture of a teary but totally angry Meganium. She couldn't believe what she recently has just heard. Those words hurt her as if a million of knives have stabbed every inch of her body, and her heart turn into shreds by the same knives. Normally, any other girl would have run away to cry their eyes out, but Meganium was filled with so much rage that she couldn't just run away now. Venosaur watched the interaction between the two grass-types uninterested. Meganium started to make slam steps towards Tropius that still haven't moved from his position.

Meganium: (so all this have been a joke for you? everything that we pass together these last months was nothing but an act!)

With every word that Meganium said, higher was her tone of voice. Tropius watched her approach with something between anxiety and seriousness. Meganium continue talking seeing that Tropius haven't said a word.

Meganium: (who do you think you are? What do you think I am! ANSWER ME YOU BASTARD!)

Tropius: (what do you want me to say if you already know everything? Yes, everything is true. I will admit that it was fun to be with you, but you are simple too boring for my taste. All that cheesy stuff isn't really my thing. So, I think were over now. You can leave whenever you want to.)

Meganium couldn't believe that Tropius could say those cold things about the time they passed together, and so calm! Meganium could already feel tears falling from her eyes as Tropius just turn around to leave. Meganium clenched shut her eyes in anger, and when she opened them again to see Tropius, she saw everything red. Tropius wanted her to leave then she will leave, but on her own terms. While Tropius was giving his back to her, she released her vine whips and sent them around his neck and thigh. Tropius made a cry in surprise and confusion as he felt the vines around his body.

Tropius: (what the hell are you doing?)

Meganium: (giving you a parting gift dear!)

Meganium pulled her vines dragging Tropius with them and slam him to a nearby tree. Meganium didn't stop there. She pulled him again and spins him around without letting him go. She could feel the strain in her vines when she did this, but her anger fuels her to continue, ignoring the pain in her limbs. After she was sure she was spinning hard enough, she let him go and saw him went flying to the trees crashing in some branches and the body itself of the tree. He fell to the floor father roughly and groaned in pain. Just when Tropius thought it was over, he felt the ground tremble a bit and opened his eye to see Meganium running at high speed towards him. Before reaching him, Meganium made a small jump above the ground, and came down crashing into Tropius with maybe her strongest body slam to the date. Tropius couldn't handle it and dropped to the ground, still conscious but in pain. Meganium brought his face to her level so he could see the fury in Meganium's teary eyes.

Meganium: (I don't want to see you ever again, understood? If I ever see you again, I will give you a beating so hard that today's beating will be seen as a child's play. GO TO GIRATINA YOU DAMN-COLD-HEARTED BASTARD!)

Meganium run away while crying to herself as she run as fast as her legs could carry her. She arrive the pokemon center and collapsed on the floor to cry for who knows how much time.

End of Flashback

Meganium: (that same day Nurse Joy asked me what happened, but I never told her the full story behind what happened, just the short thing. I-I was so mad, s-so angry tha-that I didn't know what to do…)

More tears were starting to fall from Meganium's eyes as she clenched them shut to prevent them to continue falling. I doesn't matter how much time it passes or how many times she tells the story, it really hurt her to remember that day. She felt someone put a hand at the back of her neck and opened her eyes to meet Sceptile's face. He was looking at her with a warm look that seamed alien in his piercing yellow eyes.

Sceptile: (if you ask me, I think you did the right thing. You tried to forget him and even kick his butt really hard. Just for you to know, all that is already in the past and you made him pay for it. The idiot got what he deserved and loosed the opportunity to pass the rest of his life with a great pokemon, all because of his stupidity. You should not cry or feel bad for what he did and him. You can start again and, who knows, maybe you will find the right guy for you in its time. There are more magikarps out there to choose. It is like I told you before; you are kind, likeable, cheerful, and considerate. Any guy in its right mind would like a girl like you, talking from experience.)

Meganium looked at Sceptile stunned for what he has just told her. She could feel her cheeks turn a bit red, but more tears were falling from her eyes. She started to cry over Sceptile's chest again, but this time for a totally different reason. Meganium was crying again, but this time she was crying not for sadness but relieve. She finally let out of her chest that heavy feeling for being hiding the truth for so much time. Sceptile just stayed there again holding her as she cried in his chest again. This time wasn't as awkward as the last time, because he was expecting it this time to happen. Sceptile stayed by her side until once again she cried all her tears. When she raised her head from Sceptile's chest, she didn't look away like the last time.

When Meganium opened her eyes, she felt different as when she came here. She felt much better than how she felt in a lot of days. She looked at Sceptile who was watching her from his position with a smile. Meganium didn't know how or why, but she found herself making a small smile herself while cleaning the rest of the tears from her puffy red eyes. What Sceptile did for her have really help her out of her problem. She felt rejuvenated and no longer depressed; it was as if a boulder had been taken from her shoulders. She then noticed that Sceptile had stood up from his position and faced the way back to the pokemon center.

Meganium: (where are you going?)

Sceptile: (back to the pokemon center to tell Nurse Joy that you are alright. Also I think you deserve your time alone now.)

Meganium: (you mean…you are not going to follow me around anymore?)

Sceptile: (there's no longer a need for that. I told you that I was going to follow you only until you decided to speak to me about your problem. You have just done it, so I don't need to annoy you anymore with that. You can have your time for yourself for now on.)

Sceptile started walking towards the pokemon center with a smile adorning his features. He felt satisfied with him for being successful in helping her with her problem, and still remain in one piece as he hoped when he left the pokemon center. In reality, it affected him too to see such a cheerful pokemon be so sad these days compared to how she was the last time they saw each other. As he was thinking this, he felt a presence walking beside him, and when he looked at his side, he saw Meganium walking at his side with an equal smile in her face. Meganium was holding that same smile he saw the first time they met while he looked at her questioningly.

Sceptile: (uh…what are you doing?)

Meganium: (walking back with you.)

Sceptile: (I can see that, but I thought that you wanted some time alone?)

Meganium closed her eyes and made some steps ahead of him and stood in front of him with her smile never leaving her face. Sceptile was still looking at her confused as ever, not understanding her.

Meganium: (I had enough time alone. I wouldn't mind the company of a friend now)

Sceptile looked at her smiling face with a surprise expression that didn't seem to be leaving any soon. He didn't expect her to take him as a friend so quickly after they just stood in better terms. Especially with all the ups and downs, the downs outnumbering the ups by far, they had at the first day. Sceptile decided to leave those questions unanswered. There was no reason to think that if the result was still positive the way they ended up seeing it. He will allow himself to enjoy the moment.

Sceptile: (well, if that's the case, then I wouldn't mind giving you some company. Only if you promise that you aren't going to beat the heck out of me again! I'm still hurting from the beating seconds ago!)

Meganium just laughed at his comment, a true and real laugh. The same type of laugh that Sceptile heard many nights ago when she pushed him down the stairs. Just like he told her that night, he thought she had a beautiful laugh. He was glad to have her back in good mood and in high spirits once again. He really didn't like that moody one that kick his butt around at every minute. Now he knows that his butt is saved from being beaten all over the pokemon center again. He snapped from his thoughts when Meganium poked him in the forehead with one of her vines.

Meganium: (come one, I race you to the pokemon center.)

Sceptile: (are you sure? My species are one of the fastest pokemons in the world.)

Meganium: (let's put that on test! Ready, set, Go!)

Without warning, Meganium run ahead of Sceptile making a good distance between the two of them. It took Sceptile almost a full minute before he started running behind her. Meganium was laughing and smiling the whole way while Sceptile grimaced at the unfair situation he was in.

Sceptile: (hey! That's cheating!)

Meganium didn't pay any mind to him and just continued running as fast as she could. Sceptile didn't care either; he just followed her as they both have fun while returning to the pokemon center. When both were finally gone, a single figure descended to the ground from the tree the two grass-types where moments ago and watched the direction in which both of them disappeared. At first, it was frowning over it, but it got a devilish smile as it took the air once again and disappeared in the darkness of the night.

0

Nurse Joy was sleeping soundly and at peace in her room of the pokemon center. She could not stay awake while waiting for Meganium to return as she was already too tired that night. She went to sleep at ease knowing that Sceptile will surely bring her back safely. Now, her room was silent and the curtains were blocking the sun rays from passing through the window. Nurse Joy showed a peaceful expression as she sleeps, as if she was having a really good dream. Suddenly, the curtains were removed from the window, allowing the sunlight to illuminate the dark room once again. Nurse Joy furrowed her eyes as the light hit her face, interrupting her peaceful dream. She sat up on the bed and rubbed her eyes to get rid of any sleep left in them.

When she looked for the one responsible of waking her up and interrupting her dream, she was surprised to see that it was Meganium the one to blame for the open curtain, but that wasn't what surprise Nurse Joy. She was smiling! Meganium was looking at her with a big smile adorning her face. Nurse Joy looked directly at Meganium who just now realize that Nurse Joy was looking at her.

Meganium: (time to wake up sleepy head! It's time to work and it is a too good day to pass it in the bed.)

Nurse Joy rubbed her eyes once again to make sure that she was seeing what was in front of her correctly. Meganium looked totally different compare to her state last night, even the last couple of months! She was radiant now, cheerful, and happy, just like she was before all the mess of months ago. She kept quite some more seconds before she snapped from her thoughts. She realized that Meganium was still waiting for her to say something to her in return.

Nurse Joy: uh…thanks for waking me up. Are you…feeling ok?

Meganium: (never better. Now hurry up, we have to get back to work soon. We can't leave all the hard work to Sceptile.)

Nurse joy got the second surprise of the day when Meganium talked about that certain grass-type so freely and not even the slightest trace of venom or anger in her voice. Now that she remembered, Sceptile went to look for her last night. Maybe, just maybe, Sceptile was able to convince Meganium to open up to him. That was the only explanation that Nurse Joy could come up with, but she would have to ask Sceptile about it the next time she sees him. She doubted that Meganium would like to tell her, and she preferred to prevent another depression for her lack of knowledge. She quickly changed to her night clothes to one of her equally identical nurse outfit that she wears every day, and walked with Meganium towards the reception. While they walk, Nurse Joy decided to start a conversation with Meganium. To make sure that she wasn't acting to hide her depression from her like the other times.

Nurse Joy: so…where did you go last night?

Meganium: (oh, nowhere special. I just needed to take some fresh air.)

Nurse Joy: ok, but next time, remember to tell me where you are going. I was worried when you just disappeared without a notice.

Meganium: (sorry, I didn't think about it that way at the moment. I will make sure that it doesn't happen again.)

Nurse Joy: good to know. Hey, just what did you send Sceptile to do? I still haven't seen him yet.

Meganium: (I send him to change the towels for cleaner ones. There wasn't too much in which he could help us now.)

Nurse Joy nodded and secretly let out a sigh of relief. She feared for a moment when Sceptile wasn't appearing that Meganium could have done something to him. She also realized that Meganium was acting totally naturally, not a trace of acting was found in her attitude or tone of voice. When both girls were passing in front of the stairs, Nurse Joy saw a green figure descend from them in the corner of her eyes. She stopped by the stairs and saw Sceptile emerge from them with a lot of towels in his arms. He couldn't see them because the towels were covering them from his line of vision.

Nurse Joy: hey Sceptile! Good morning.

Sceptile: huh? Oh, hello. Good morning to you to- AHH!)

Because his vision was limited, Sceptile missed one step and loose his balance that made him fall down the stairs. Nurse Joy called him in alarm when she saw him falling down the stairs. She closed her eyes and waited for the impact, but it never came. When she opened her eyes again, she saw a scene that if it wasn't strange, she would be right now laughing hard in the floor. Sceptile was holding all the towels in one hand to prevent them from falling to the ground while only his left foot was still in contact with the stairs. The rest of his body was being supported by Meganium who catch him with her vine whip. Both pokemons had a frantic expression in their faces before they both sigh in relief. Meganium helped Sceptile back to his feet as he took a harder hold in the towels.

Meganium: (that was really close.)

Sceptile: (too close for my liking. I don't want to repeat what happened the last time I fell from the stairs.)

Meganium: (I don't know…I got a good laugh that day.)

Sceptile: (I still want to have kids of my own one day thank you very much.)

Meganium giggled at Sceptile overdramatic answer while he only smirked and readjusted his hold on the towels. Nurse Joy was starting to believe that she was still dreaming as she watched how both of them interacted. So many changes in only one night? This really looked like a miracle! A green-gecko-like miracle that was in front of her. When Sceptile was about to leave and continue with his errand, Nurse Joy called him to stop. She really needed some answers now.

Nurse Joy: Sceptile, wait a moment.

Sceptile: (hmn? What's the matter?)

Nurse Joy: nothing's wrong, I just wanted to talk with you for a moment.

Sceptile: (ok, not that I'm too busy or something like that.)

Nurse Joy: good, why don't you go ahead Meganium? It won't take me too much time.

Meganium: (as you wish. Just don't take too long. With one lazy worker here is enough.)

Sceptile: (don't talk like that about Nurse Joy Meganium. It isn't her fault that she isn't as strong as we are.)

Nurse Joy: Sceptile is right he- HEY! WHAT'S THAT SUPPOSE TO MEAN!

Both grass-types laugh heartlessly while Nurse Joy pouted like a little girl in annoyance. Meganium left the two of them, but her laugh could still be heard all the way through the halls. Nurse Joy looked at Sceptile in annoyance while he still snickered a bit from his joke. Then, Nurse Joy changed her pout into an accusing look. Sceptile stopped snickering when he noticed the type of look Nurse Joy was giving him. That kind of look was making feel a bit uncomfortable.

Nurse Joy: what did you do?

Sceptile: (uh…do what?)

Nurse Joy: don't act as if you don't know! Meganium, she…she is happy!

Sceptile: (aaaannnnddd…that is a bad thing?)

Nurse Joy: off course not! But last night she was…and now she is…what happened last night that she changed so drastically! She is laughing, joking; she even saved you from getting hurt just now!

Sceptile: (oh, nothing happened. I found her, we talked and she felt better. That's it.)

Nurse Joy: that's it? What did you two talked about?

Sceptile: (nothing important, don't worry about it.)

Nurse Joy: ok then…thank you for helping her.

Sceptile: (you are welcome. Now if you excuse me, I still have some towels to replace.)

Sceptile turned around and continued his way to the other rooms. Nurse Joy just stay there a bit struck in her position, her mind totally confused. She was so confused that she didn't notice the smirk that adorned Sceptile's face while he left. He didn't tell her the details because Meganium ask him to. She didn't want her to worry by all the details and Sceptile just agreed with her. So he kept quiet and if she insisted, he will just ignore her. A bit rude from his part maybe, but he had to do it. Not that he haven't done worst in the past. He just laughed to himself as he continued with his work. Just them he may find a tree to rest before they give him another task.

Nurse Joy watched Sceptile disappear in the corner of another room. When she couldn't see him anymore, she let a smile slip in her face. She knew that something else happened between them, but they won't tell her. She was fine with that. True, she was a bit freak out by the sudden change, but she was just glad that Meganium was back to her old self. Nothing else mattered right now. She let out a tired sigh, but quickly replaced it with a determined expression while she started to think in all the thinks she had to do. But before she set her mind, one last thought pass through it.

Nurse Joy: thank you Sceptile.

000

There you have it. Now thinks will calm a bit in the next chapter, but don't think that it's over. There are more things to come.

Review please.