Hooray, managed to upload this on the six-year anniversary of when I uploaded this story. Something I didn't think would happen when I first uploaded this little plot bunny but here we are now!

As much as Ved was willing to talk about the Neos Unit earlier, he went back to his short-and-to-the-point attitude they remembered him for once they started eating.

And that wasn't helping to improve Mia's mood as she kept trying to ask Ved questions about himself to learn more about him. Every attempt went something like this:

Mia: So, where are you from?

Ved: Small town in the mountains.

Mia: Do you have any siblings or…?

Ved: Private.

Mia: Are you taking part in the Pokémon League or Contests?

Ved: Unimportant.

Mia: What's your favorite color?

Ved: Irrelevant.

Eventually, the blonde gave up, choosing to instead stuff her mouth with as much of her egg sandwich that she could fit. Mia glanced at the mystery that was Ved through her bangs. The tan-skinned teen merely chewed his own sandwich quietly while every so often picking a piece off to give to his Elgyem.

He really cares for it, she thought.

That thought made Mia relax a bit. The whole reason she was trying to know more about Ved in the first place was to find a reason to trust him. As strange as that was, considering she already trusted him with her contact info and Jasper and Ripley's, Mia was still unsure about the guy.

The only thing she really trusted was that he seemed to hate the Neos Unit, what they were planning, and that he cared for Pokémon. It seemed that would have to be enough for now.

"Well," Ved said, wiping his hands on a napkin. "I need to head out now."

"Already?" Sora asked.

Ved stood up as Elgyem placed itself on his shoulder.

"I've done what I needed. We'll be in touch though."

And with that, Ved left without another word. The two kept their gaze on the door after he left for a moment before sharking a look.

"He really is a character isn't he?" Sora mumbled.

Mia sighed and leaned back in her seat.

"Yeah, that he is. Hopefully, he'll be able to help us with the Neos Unit."

"Speaking of, what kind of 'inside sources' do you think he has?"

Mia clicked her tongue.

"I'm not sure. Good enough to know about their plans but not good enough to know just what happened to Project M."

"True, otherwise he would have asked about it."

"Yeah, but it also begs another question that's been bugging me."

Sora raised an eyebrow at her.

"Oh yeah? Like what?"

Mia bit her lip, unsure if she should speak about her suspicions. Honestly, it was a bit scary to think about.

"Well, I've been thinking about how Ved wouldn't tell us how he knew we were coming," Mia said. "It just makes me wonder if he was able to keep tabs on us enough to wait for us at a Pokémon Center—"

"Then so can the Neos Unit?"

Mia nodded as Sora crossed his arms, closing his eyes in thoughts.

"True, that would be a problem," he said.

"Uh, yeah. A big problem," Mia said. "And between you and me, it freaks me out a little."

Sora raised an eyebrow as he glanced at her.

"This coming from the girl who can put a grown man in a chokehold until he's knocked out?"

Mia's face grew hot in embarrassment as she punched his shoulder. A part of her was hoping the brunet would forget about that, or at least never bring it up again. Though another part of her was still extremely proud of her accomplishment in taking down that Pokémon Hunter back at the underground base. It felt good knowing all the training her mom put her through growing up was still useful. But at the same time, she always felt like self-defense was a tad bit useless against Pokémon and there wasn't much self-defense against Pokémon except with another Pokémon.

"Look," she said, shifting in her seat, "I'm just saying that the idea makes me a bit paranoid okay? Let's just…talk about this later."

For a moment, Mia thought Sora was going to argue. Instead, he just shrugged his shoulders. Then the two got up, paid for their food and left the café.

"So, who are you gonna switch out to take on the Gym?"

Sora let out a long sigh as he stared at Gen's Poké Ball. They had returned to the Pokémon Center about two hours ago and checked in. They decided to simply rest up and spend the rest of the night preparing for the Sora's Gym battle to help get their mind off of their worries regarding the Neos Unit.

Sora was pretty sure she wouldn't admit it, but he was sure that Mia was far more worried about the villainous team than he was. At first, he simply played it off as having faced against the likes of the Organization and all the constant battles he's had against the Heartless and Nobodies hardened him a bit. But then all the confusion, doubt, and worry that plagued him during all those times came crashing into his mind.

And for a tiny moment, he almost almost wished he was dealing with the usual Heartless and Nobodies. At least then he knew what to do. And when that thought occurred, he found Mia's grief regarding the Neos Unit to be understandable. So he didn't bring it up and chose to instead simply follow along for now since this time she had the experience dealing with threats like this to an extent. So when she suggested they just continue on like usual as they previously decided, choosing to focus on the Gym battle and not let the threat of the Neos Unit dictate their actions, Sora didn't question it.

The only problem with that was that he had no idea what to really do about the Gym battle.

Sora had planned to switch out Gen's Poké Ball for someone else but couldn't decide who. Mia reminded him that the Gym Leader specialized in Fire-type, though they both pointed out how obvious that was.

"Realistically, Bellona would be the best option being a Water-type." Mia looked up in thought as she tapped her chin. "Although, given it's a Feebas still, not exactly equipped to fight out of the water. Same thing with Cantor."

"Well, at least Nicolai knows Hydro Pump and Aqua Tail so that's a plus," Sora murmured. "But uh, no ideas apart from that."

"Okay, well despite being at a disadvantage, Azurite would be a good idea, Bone Rush is a Ground-type move which is effective against Fire-types," Mia said.

"True. But I think I managed to figure out who to switch for," Sora said. He grinned as he looked at her. "Because who better than to be my back-up for Azurite and Nicolai than my partner?"

Mia merely rolled her eyes but still smiled at him.

Once morning came, Sora made the trade of Gen's Poké Ball for Avis. After that was done, the two teens made their way towards the Gym that was just at the end of the same street the Center was located on. The moment they walked in they were assaulted with the scent of ash and burning oak. Once they met the Gym Leader himself, it made sense as he in the middle of breathing fire right alongside a lion-like Pokémon at his side.

"A Fire-type Gym Leader who lives in a town with fire in its name, who is also a fire breather." Mia let out a short chuckle. "Makes sense…I guess."

Sora merely shrugged as a Trainer came over, asking if they were hoping for a Gym battle. When the told him he was, the Trainer nodded and then directed them to the battlefield. The room itself looked like it was carved straight out of the side of a volcano, complete with a fake waterfall of lava coming down from the ceiling that cast a wave of shimmering red light onto the battlefield.

Sora took his place on one side of the battlefield while Mia sat down on one of the benches to the side and the Trainer stood to act as referee. Not a moment later, the Gym Leader walked in with the lion-like Pokémon at his side. Taking his Pokédex out, Sora scanned it as the Gym Leader took his position on the field.

"Pyroar—the Royal Pokémon. With fiery breath of more than ten-thousand degrees Fahrenheit, they viciously threaten any challenger. The females protect the pride's cubs," the Pokédex recited.

Glancing at the pictures on the screen, Sora could guess the Pyroar was a female with her long, gold and red mane that extended from its forehead to the whole length of her body. He also couldn't help but flinch a moment when she narrowed her tinted azure eyes at him in warning as she growled, a few embers escaping as she did.

The Gym Leader merely laughed at the gesture and stroked the Pyroar on the head, causing her to purr and lean into his palm.

"Ah, don't mind Minerva here," he smiled. "She's always like this right before a battle."

"Oh, charming…I guess," Sora said.

"Anyway, my name's Daz. I'm assuming you're looking for a Gym Battle then?"

Sora nodded.

"Well alright then, let's get this started."

Minerva the Pyroar walked onto the battlefield facing Sora, her glare still as strong as ever.

"Now then, this will be a three-on-three Gym battle between Gym Leader Daz"—the Trainer raised a hand towards Daz—"and challenger Sora. The challenger will be the only one allowed to substitute Pokémon during the course of the battle. The battle will end when all three chosen Pokémon on one side is unable to continue."

The Trainer raised a hand in the air, taking the chance to glance at Sora and Daz who both nodded to show they were ready. The Trainer gave a nod of understanding back.

"Let the battle BEGIN!"

"Alright, Azurite let's do this!" Sora called out, throwing Azurite's Poké Ball out into the field.

Azurite took a few deep breaths as he got into a fighting stance, staring down at Minerva without any sign of trepidation.

"Minerva use Incinerate!" Daz said, pointing to Azurite.

"Okay buddy, dodge and use Bone Rush!"

Just as the Lucario leaped out of the way of the beam of orange, yellow, red and black fire that Minerva fired at him, he put his paws together. He spread them apart, creating a light-green bone of energy that he wielded the staff as he charged head on towards the Pyroar. With a yell, he pole-vaulted with the bone just as the Pyroar unleashed another Incinerate directed at him.

Using his momentum, Azurite twisted in midair as he struck Minerva with the bone alongside her head. The Royal Pokémon cried out at the attack but quickly recovered as her fangs glowed a brilliant white. She bit down on the energy bone until it completely shattered in Azurite's paws. Azurite just barely had enough time to recover and dodge the Pyroar's attempts at chomping down on his arms.

"Azurite use Power-Up Punch!"

"Minerva use Overheat!"

While Azurite's fist started to glow an orange aura, Minerva's body started to glow red while fire started to surround it as well. Azurite launched himself forward, the aura around his fist glowing even brighter as Minerva unleashed a big stream of fire directly at him. Grunting Azurite ducked under the stream of flames as he continued his charge. This was enough to throw off Minerva as she gasped in surprise and prematurely ended her attack.

Seizing his chance, Azurite delivered a solid blow to Minerva's stomach that sent her flying across the battlefield until she landed right at Daz's feet. She struggled to get to her feet but ended up collapsing.

"Pyroar is unable to battle!" The Trainer held a hand out towards Azurite. "The winner is Lucario!"

Alright! Azurite cheered, pumping a fist into the air. Who's next?

Daz answered his question as he withdrew Minerva to her Poké Ball, thanking her for her efforts and then sending out a dog-like Pokémon.

"Houndoom—the Dark Pokémon. Its red claws and the tips of its tail are melting from high internal temperatures that are painful to Houndoom itself," the Pokédex stated upon scanning the new opponent.

Sora flinched a bit at the description as he watched the Houndoom paw at the ground eagerly. He glanced at Azurite who nodded at him.

I can keep going, he said. Don't worry about me.

Sora nodded back and the Trainer nodded as well.

"Let the second battle begin!" the Trainer proclaimed.

"Houndoom use Inferno!" Daz said.

"Azurite use Power-Up Punch one more time," Sora said.

Houndoom opened its mouth causing a massive stream of flames to shoot out towards Azurite. The Lucario managed to dodge roll out of the way in time as he closed his fist to be surrounded in a glowing orange aura once again. This time however as he charged at the Houndoom charged as well as it became surrounded in a purple aura with spiraling yellow stripes.

The Houndoom collided with Azurites fist head on, sending sparks of energy and shockwaves throughout the air. Both Pokémon were blown back with Azurite cradling his arm and Houndoom teetering on its feet. That didn't last long however as after shaking its head the Houndoom charged at him again, this time becoming surrounding in orange flames.

"Azurite use Bulldoze!" Sora said. "That should throw it off!"

Azurite nodded and leaped straight up into the air. He crashed back down on the ground, sending out shockwaves. This seemed to work as Houndoom struggled to keep its footing as it continued its charge until it eventually was blown back from the shockwaves.

"Quick use an Aura Sphere while its off balance!"

Right! Azurite said, putting its paws together to charge it up.

Just as he managed to conjure up a glowing blue orb between his paws the Houndoom stood back up. It unleashed another massive stream of fire just as Azurite threw his Aura Sphere.

The two attacks collided in midair but the flames easily swallowed up the Aura Sphere. Though Azurite was already dashing at the Houndoom long before they did. The Dark Pokémon was prepared as well however as it ran up and clamped its glowing white teeth into Azurite's shoulder.

Instead of crying out, he gritted his teeth and started to use Close Combat on the Houndoom, rapidly kicking and punching at it until it finally released his shoulder and staggered back. Before it could recover, Azurite delivered one more Power-Up Punch that sent the Houndoom flying much like it did the Pyroar before him. And just like with Minerva, it struggled to get back up before collapsing unconscious.

"Houndoom is unable to battle!" The Trainer threw up a hand. "The winner is Lucario!"

"Hey, Azurite, you should get some rest too," Sora called out, just as Daz returned Houndoom to its Poké Ball. "You've done enough."

Azurite let out a long sigh, paw on its injured shoulder from Houndoom's bite as he nodded.

Yeah, ok, he said.

Sora nodded back and returned him to his Poké Ball just as Daz called out his last Pokémon.

"You get some well-deserved rest buddy," he murmured to him. "You did awesome."

"So, your friend managed to take down two of my best with quite a bit of ease." The tips of Daz's mouth twitched up into a smirk. "Not bad kid. Let's see if you can pull through against Turtonator."

"Well, let's see if you can Nicolai!"

Sora threw Nicolai's Poké Ball into the air, allowing the Dragon Pokémon to appear on the field opposing Turtonator. Nicolai stomped the field in anticipation as the Trainer held a hand up.

"Let the final battle BEGIN!"

"Turtonator use Dragon Pulse!"

"Nicolai, counter with Dragon Pulse as well!

Both Nicolai and Turtonator opened their mouths to charge up a massive ball of multicolored energy. Then at the same time, they both fired their Dragon Pulses that collided in the air sending out shockwaves that managed to rock the room.

Mia yelped as she gripped the bench to keep from being blown back while the Trainer knelt and gripped a fake rock.

"Nicolai fly and use Hydro Pump!"

"Turtonator use Shell Trap!"

Nicolai cut off his Dragon Pulse as he spread his wings and rose up into the air. Flying up he released a powerful stream of water from his mouth at Turtonator who merely turned around, exposing the shell on its back towards Nicolai. The second the stream of water made contact with the spikes on its shell they exploded, causing smoke to cover over that entire side of the field.

Nicolai let out a growl and then slammed back into the ground, causing it to shake violently due to Earthquake's effect. That seemed to get the desired effect as once the smoke cleared up Turtonator was trying to get back to its feet, numerous injures visible on its body.

"Nicolai use Aqua Tail!"

Nicolai dashed forward as his tail began to glow a light blue before water appeared and swirled around it.

Turtonator turned, charging up a Dragon Claw as its claws glowed light green. It slashed at Nicolai who managed to maneuver out of the way just enough so it only scratched the tip of his wing before Nicolai slammed his tail into Turtonator's side. The force was enough to slam the larger Pokémon into the ground.

Nicolai used his wings to fly back as Turtonator lifted its head to fire another Dragon Pulse at him. Though right as Nicolai opened his mouth and started to charge up one of his own, Turtonator's attack died off as its head fell back to the ground unconscious.

"Turtonator is unable to battle. The victors are Salamence and challenger Sora!" the Trainer announced.

"Way to go!" Mia cheered, jumping to her feet.

Nicolai landed back on the ground and let out a roar of triumph as Daz recalled Turtonator.

"Man, you sure got strong Pokémon," Daz chuckled, looking Nicolai who just gave him a smug look. "Gotta say I'm impressed. You've certainly raised them well."

Everyone burst into laughter as Nicolai dashed over to Sora, only to tackle him to the ground as well, happily licking his face as the brunet groaned at the gesture.

"Geez, what are you a dog?" Sora complained as he sat up.

"Man, with Pokémon that love you that much, no wonder they're willing to fight so hard for you," Daz laughed as he walked over and reached into his back pocket. "And because of that, you've earned this."

Sora held out his hand as Daz placed a badge in it. Looking at it, it looked like a burst of flame encircling a gemstone.

"Congratulations on winning the Flame Badge," Daz grinned, clapping Sora on the back.

Another chapter over and done, another Gym victory for Sora! And the mystery that is Ved once again leaves...

Oh well, until next time!

Current teams:

Sora

Azurite - Lucario

Nicolai - Salamence

Davilla - Purrlion - Shiny

Primrose - Happiny

Forrest - Turtwig

Avis - Spearow

Mia

Neptune - Gyarados

Crimson - Charizard - Shiny

Aquajaws - Feraligatr

Blu - Squirtle

Hawkeye - Staraptor

Menace - Gengar