Feelings and snow aren't that different.

;;;

Chapter 43 It's Just a Little Ice

Bleep.

'Dendemille Town'

"It's snowing," Sienna breathes.

Alex openly gapes, nodding at her words. He finds it strange that this part of Kalos is so different from the sunny, beach side they walked around to get their first couple badges. The snow is welcomed, but he'd rather be wearing a jacket over his t-shirt before walking into it.

The town itself seems to be built around a large windmill that can be seen from every angle of town. There are stairs and white, brick walls on the northern end of town. It seems to lead to the windmill and other houses. The southern end of town has the Pokémon Center. There are lots of fields' tilled and ready to produce crops come spring time.

The snow brings him the most nostalgia and longing of home. It is a moderate winter back home this year, and there is normally one snow fall that is gone within a few hours. He misses the snow. He misses sledding and skiing. He misses the hot chocolate at the end of the day.

"Why hello, Alexander! Xena!" an excited voice sounds.

Alex sighs as an invisible wall forces him to turn and face the route connector. Professor Sycamore strides up to the siblings. The professor's blond assistant follows beside him. Alex thinks it's weird that the blond man isn't with his usual partner. The way the blond man appraises him and Sienna has Alex feel like he's missing something.

"How have you been?" The blond assistant – Alex still can't remember his name – asks.

"How's your journey going?" Sycamore cuts in, looking as excited as a puppy to see them. Sycamore sighs places his hands on his hips. He smiles brightly and reminisces, "You see, when I was younger, I visited many different regions as well. I met many kinds of Pokémon and noticed how each place has its own distinct flavors." He laughs. "So, I really came to enjoy trying new foods as I traveled." Alex wishes he had the money for that kind of lifestyle. "Because of my adventures, I'm an expert on the cafés all over Kalos."

The blond assistant looks as interested as Alex felt listening to that story. The white suited man discreetly nudges Sycamore. "Um… Professor…"

"Come now, Dexio," Sycamore slightly scolds his assistant. "I'm going somewhere with this." Sycamore shakes his head and smiles widely back at the siblings. "Do you remember the Pokémon Lysandre mentioned in the café?"

Sienna hesitantly nods while Alex bluntly says, "Yes."

"Wonderful!" Sycamore shouts. The siblings and Dexio share a look of mutual annoyance. "I knew you would!" Sycamore does not appear to have noticed that they are not impressed. "The Legendary Pokémon of Kalos are called… Xerneas and Yveltal! According to the material I've read, whoever saw one of the two was so overwhelmed by its power, they were only able to say that Xerneas resembled the letter X, and Yveltal resembled the letter Y. Apparently, Xerneas could control energy while Yveltal absorbed it."

Alex, Dexio, and Sienna share wide eyed looks. Sycamore still doesn't pick up on it.

"Xerneas gives life energy to plants and Pokémon, and makes them full of vitality again," Sycamore continues without care. "Yveltal's life span is said to be one thousand years. When it reaches the end of its life, it steals all of the spirits around it."

Dexio seems excited about learning all of this information. Alex can only think that he would rather never meet Yveltal. Sienna's face has gone blank, so there is no telling what she is thinking.

Dexio turns to the professor and asks in an awed tone, "Wherever do you think a Pokémon that amazing could be now?"

Sycamore sighs and pouts, "When a Legendary Pokémon of Kalos lose all of its vitality, it goes to sleep in a sercret place. I don't have a clue where it could be. The writings that mention it are also around a thousand years old, so they aren't much help."

Dexio nods and goes back to looking at the siblings. Alex feels like he is missing something the more Dexio stares. The blond cracks a smile and says, "It would be absolutely astounding if you two found them, Alexander and Xena." Alex narrows his eyes. "Maybe I'll look into the legend a little bit. If I find something, I'll let you know!"

Alex can't tell if he was just insulted or not.

Sycamore turns back to the siblings, laughing. "Ah ha ha! Oh, it would be a thrill if you found it indeed!" He suddenly looks serious, surprising everyone. "But your journey is yours and your Pokémon's alone." Then he goes back to smiling. "I want you to enjoy yourself and do whatever you'd like!"

With that said, Professor Sycamore and Dexio turn and walk off.

Alex opens his mouth to make a sarcastic comment, but a blur of orange rushes up to them. Trevor pants, hands on his knees, and looks around, wheezing out, "Um… Is the Professor gone already?"

"You just missed him, Trevor," Sienna says softly.

Trevor looks crestfallen. "I was hoping to have him have a look at my Pokédex in person." He sighs. "Oh well, I can still get my Pokédex evaluated at a Pokémon Center's PC…" Catching his breath, he smiles timidly at the siblings. "Anyway, I'm heading off to go look for Pokémon in the Frost Cavern and fill up more of my Pokédex!"

"Maybe we'll see you up there," Sienna replies with a smile.

Trevor grins widely and nods. "I hope to see you both up there! Oh, and you might want to change into something a bit warmer…"

"Bye Trevor," Alex says with a snort. They wave as the orange haired boy rushes up the steps to the windmill. "Everyone keeps telling us to change."

"Well, it is snowing," Sienna mutters.

"Really? I didn't notice." Alex smirks and they start walking to the Pokémon Center. "But what did you think about the Legendary Pokémon? I'm not very impressed. After the dragons of truth and ideals, having X and Y shaped legendaries feels like a copout."

"At least there's no Z shaped Legendary Pokémon," Sienna points out.

They breathe a sigh of relief entering the warm Pokémon Center. "I don't know," Alex says to his sister. "It would make sense, but it would just be weird to have legendries based off of letters. Next thing you know, they'll start with A and B, or do L-M-N-O-P."

"Five Pokémon games?" Sienna casts her brother an amused glance. "Let's be real, Pokémon Rainbow would come out before they did five games at once."

"What's Pokémon Rainbow?"

"All the regions plus an extra."

"Wow, you're weird."

"I know," Sienna smirks and hands her Poké Balls over to Nurse Joy with a 'thanks'. "Oh, um, Nurse Joy. Would you happen to know if this town has any clothing stores?"

"Sorry," Nurse Joy pauses and looks at the name her computer gives her, "Xena. There is a mover delete and a move reminder, but no one sells clothing."

"That's alight," Sienna gives a laugh and takes back her Pokémon. "Thank you for all of the help."

Nurse Joy bows. "Thank you. We hope to see you again."

"Where are you going?" Alex asks as his sister starts walking to the back of the Pokémon Center.

"To change into some pants," Sienna calls back.

Alex rolls his eyes and the Nurse Joy giggles. Alex smiles brightly up at her, "Sorry about my sister."

"It's alright," the nurse says. "Would you like me to heal your Pokémon?"

"Please."

;;;

"Where did you get gloves?" Alex asks, staring enviously at his sister's hands.

"I've had them for a while," Sienna answers, a faint red colouring her cheeks. She twists the white fabric to get them on comfortably.

"Well, whatever," Alex sniffs, turning to walk to the Poké Mart in the back of the Pokémon Center. "Come on, we need a nice, hot breakfast."

Before they can make it around the nurse's desk, Alex can hear the Hex Maniac their passing hum. He can hear his sister stop, and quickly turns to see the scary Hex Maniac holding tightly to his sister's arm.

"Something nasty is afoot in the Frost Cavern…" the Hex Maniac mutters. She lets go of Sienna and takes a step back. A creepy smile spreads across the black haired woman's face. "It could be true, right?"

"Come on, sis," Alex urges, pulling his sister away. "Those Hex girls are just creepy."

"Alex," Sienna says, as if in a daze. "We need to go to the Frost Cavern."

"What?" Alex squawks. "Don't tell me you actually believe that woman?"

Sienna snaps out of the phased look and shoots her brother a look. "Alex, we need to go to Frost Cavern now. Trevor is heading up there, and something feels wrong."

"I don't care if the world is going to get destroyed if we don't go up there. I want a nice, warm meal. At least I can say I would die happy."

Sienna seems to glare even more. "I know we're not good friends with Trevor, but we need to go and see if he's okay. The snow outside looks like it could be getting worse. I'll use my split up pass if I have to, but I won't leave him to wander out in the storm."

A memory of them, getting lost on the way back from sledding, pops into his mind. The redhead can see where she is coming from. "You don't have to use it. I'll come too." He just has to ask. "So, no breakfast?"

"I'll buy you some when we come back."

"I'll take that deal."

;;;

Bleep.

'Frost Cavern'

;;;

The snow fall is much worse in Frost Cavern then it was in town. The siblings huddle close, trying to keep as much heat as they as the storm whips snow everywhere. The mountain they are on is unforgiving. The few trees growing are sparse. Still, they continue on. Only when cross a bridge and an invisible wall pops up does Alex cry out in relief. No more snow on him. Sienna is a different story. The snow is relentless against her shivering form. She moves away to watch as a large Pokémon turns and faces the mountain they were heading to.

Alex can hear the Ace Trainer easily as the purple haired man talks with the large, brown Pokémon. "Is something wrong in the Frost Cavern, Mamoswine?"

"Swi," Mamoswine howls in the air, "swi…"

The Ace Trainer turns to them. "Are you headed to the Frost Cavern, Trainers? This Mamoswine here usually can't get enough of giving people rides on Route 17, but… These days, it seems to be too worried about something in the Frost Cavern to give rides."

A small voice pipes up from behind Alex. The redhead boy squeaks and tries to turn against the invisible wall to see Trevor. "Mamoswine is a Pokémon that loves cold climates. So, maybe it has sensed something amiss in the Frost Cavern."

The invisible wall finally moves, and Alex is forced to see Trevor. A part of him is happy that the orange haired boy is alright. Another part is upset that his sister dragged him to the middle of a snow storm for this.

Sienna's teeth are starting to chatter.

"And you are?" the Ace Trainer curiously asks Trevor.

"My name is Trevor," the grey eyed boy answers. "I'm searching the distribution of Pokémon in the Kalos region at Professor Sycamore's request."

"I see," the Ace Trainer hums. "So that's why you're walking clear out to the Frost Cavern, then. Mamoswine seems concerned about something over there, so be careful."

"I will," Trevor says, his round face not looking very stern even though he sounds serious. "Thank you." Trevor then turns to the siblings. "What are you going to do, Alex? Xena? I'm going to prepare for my expedition."

Trevor turns and walks back towards town. Alex can feel the wind and snow start to hammer him as the invisible wall falls away. He starts shaking at the onslaught and turns to his sister. She shakes harder than him, and Alex finds he really doesn't want to be here anymore. "Can we go back to the Pokémon Center? Trevor's fine…"

Sienna shakes her head and rubs her arms. "S-sorry Al-Alex. I'm n-not l-leaving now that w-we know so-something's wr-wrong."

Alex glares, "Sis, you're turning blue."

Sienna releases her arms and rubs her gloved hands on her cheeks. "I'll b-be fin-ne. You can-n go ba-ack if y-you want."

Alex rolls his eyes and starts nudging her forwards. They completely ignore the curious Ace Trainer watching them leave. "I'm not leaving you again. Now let's hurry up and get into that cave."

"Y-you could le-et Fletchling ou-ut," Sienna suggests. "He's-s the on-ly fire t-type we have."

"Fletchinder," Alex corrects. "I'll let him out in the cavern, I guess. I mean, only if there isn't the storm there is now."

"Al-right." Sienna nods.

"Now, tell me why this is so important?" Alex demands. He huddles closer to her for warmth, still managing to get his glare across.

"The Hex Ma-aniac," Sienna stutters. "I just felt-t… so-something. It wa-as… I guess like-ke a memory. I di-didn't want-t Trevor to en-nd up lost in the-e snow."

"Like we were," Alex mutters. He sighs and shakes his head. "So the Hex Maniac's warning made you think about the time we were lost for like, what, ten minutes? Sis, that's a terrible reason for why we are risking our lives to trek through the snow."

"We ha-have Escape Ropes and can u-use fly," Sienna reminds him, slinging an arm over his shoulder and rubbing his arm. "We c-can leave any t-time we want."

"I guess," Alex grumbles. He flinches at the new onslaught of snow as they take a sharp turn. His eyes narrow and he sees a long stretch of path leading to some hills of snow. There are some mountains in the background, and he wonders how much longer.

"I s-see an opening," Sienna hisses to him. He followers her pointed finger down the path to the dark blob getting larger as they walk.

"Then let's go," Alex says. He starts jogging forwards, hoping that it will lead them out of the snow storm. He ignores his sister's cry and picks up speed. The snow falls sideways into him, but Alex keeps running. He practically leaps through the hole, breathing a sigh of relief as there is no more snow falling. He catches his breath, walking further into the cave. He reads a holographic sign in the corner as his sister comes into the cavern, panting. "No roller blades. No bicycles."

"I guess we're trekking it, then," Sienna says. Alex turns and sees her rubbing furiously on her arms, but not shaking as bad as before.

The redhead rolls his eyes and sighs. He takes off a Poké Ball from his belt and releases his fire type. As he reequips the ball, he motions between his Pokémon and his sister. "You can hold on to him, just don't use him for battle."

Sienna looks slightly shocked. Her lips part, and then she stares at Fletchinder. She gets down on her knees, her pants starting to soak from the snow on the ground and the snow from the storm melting. The brunette opens her arms, and asks, "Would you mind helping me warm up?"

Fletchinder looks at her curiously. He stares at Alex, and the boy nods. Fletchinder squawks and hops into Sienna's arms. She circles around him, sighing as the medium sized bird shifts to get comfortable.

"Careful," Alex warns with a wry smile. "He has Flame Body as his ability. If your shirt bursts into flames, I suggest stopping, dropping, and rolling in the snow."

His Pokémon and his sister stare back unamused. Alex chuckles at their faces. He starts towards a pacing, female, Ace Trainer. When he blinks, he is suddenly on a wide, snow covered field. His opponent, a brown, hairy, Piloswine.

"My only fire type is with my sister," Alex grumbles. "Figures."

;;;

"Here," Sienna says, handing over Fletchinder. Alex waits until the Repel completely disappears before grabbing and hugging his Pokémon. Sienna clicks a few buttons on her watch, grabs the green Repel that floats above the screen, and finally shuts her eyes and starts spraying.

"Ready to go?" Alex asks, enjoying the warmth of his Pokémon.

The empty can in Sienna's hand disappears, and she opens her eyes. The brunette nods and Alex turns towards the sparkling path on their right before she can say anything. Fletchinder coughs a little, but snuggles down and rests his head on Alex's arm.

Alex goes to take a step on the shiny off-white surface, and ends up flat on his back.

"Fletch," Fletchinder hisses, flapping his wings to keep in the air, and stares down at the dazed Alex.

"Alex," Sienna calls, rushing over to him. "Are you alright?"

Alex blinks once, twice, and then answers. "Those are some sharp looking icicles."

Sienna quickly glances up, and gulps. "They sure are." She helps the redhead up. The brunette holds out and arm for Fletchinder to land. As she scratches the purring bird, Sienna nervously hovers around her brother. "Are you okay?"

"Just surprised," Alex laughs off his fall, rubbing his neck. He sticks a foot on the off-white surface again, and his foot slides easily.

"I think it's ice," Sienna breathes, trying it out herself. She turns to the Pokémon on her arm, warning him. "Hold on."

Alex openly gapes as his sister glides across the ice and into a frosted wall. He hears Fletchinder squawk, and watches her rub calming circles on the Ember Pokémon. Sienna turns to her brother, and motions him to follow.

"Shoot," Alex mutters quietly. He hesitantly keeps one foot on the ice and one in the snow. Then he pushes off the snow, arms flailing to keep balance. "Gah!"

His sister pushes off from the corner she is in, leaving him an empty space to slide into. Alex grunts as he crashes into the wall, his hands hurting from the biting frost of the wall.

"There's snow over here," Sienna calls. Alex sees her waving at him from down the path. He pushes off towards her, arms making wide circles as he stumbles over the ice.

"I wish they gave us skates," Alex moans. Sienna helps steady him off the ice with her free hand. Fletchinder gently pecks Alex before hopping into his arms.

"I think this is easier," Sienna admits. "You just need to go in one straight motion."

"You have gloves," Alex argues. "Touching the walls with bare hands hurts."

"Oh," Sienna looks sheepishly at her hands. "Would you like my gloves?"

"They wouldn't fit," Alex sniffs. "Besides, it's not like we're going to need them after this, right? Don't Pokémon games only have one ice puzzle?"

"Um… I guess?" Sienna walks beside her brother, up the path.

"So, after this there shouldn't be any more ice things, right?" Alex reasons. "I mean, maybe an Elite Four ice type, but no Gym with a convoluted ice puzzle that takes hours to solve."

"Diamond and Pearl wasn't that bad."

"It really was," Alex snorts. He stops when the path splits. "So, left or right?"

"Staircase on left," Sienna muses out loud. "Icey path on right."

"Left it is," Alex announces, marching through the snow to the staircase. Fletchinder nips him. "Ouch! What was that for?"

"Maybe he wants you to stop ignoring him?" Sienna suggests, following with a smile.

"Well, sorry. No need to bite me, though."

;;;

"Come on, Alex," Sienna calls with a smile. "I've got you."

Alex looks down at the ice path they had to come back to after the first path was a dead-end. He is not impressed. Alex shifts Fletchinder in his arms so the bird's weight is on the arm away from his sister. Then, Alex takes a deep breath and slides forwards.

"Fletch," Fletchinder squawks. Alex bites his lip as the bird grips his shirt with his claws. They both teeter side to side on the ice. Sienna bites down a smile when she grabs him and steadies them to the snow.

"It's not funny," Alex argues. Fletchinder squawks again. "See? Even Fletchinder agrees."

Sienna hides her face and shakes her head. "Whatever you say, Alex. Now, switch places with me. I'll pull you across the little gap to the Ace Trainer."

The Ace Trainer purposefully turned away from the group. Alex swears the purple haired man is laughing at them.

"Thanks for the help, Fletchinder," Alex mutters, returning his Pokémon. At his sister's questioning gaze, he shrugs. "Well, you'd have to carry him around next time we go ice skating. I can't keep holding him and keep my balance, you know."

"Sure, Alex," Sienna says. She moves around him and then holds out a hand. "Just hang on to me, alright."

Alex takes her hand, but throws out one last remark. "If I go down, I'm taking you with me."

"Wouldn't expect any less."

"Shush. Your cheekiness is a fail."

;;;

Alex stares gloomily at the ground of the second floor. If the surface isn't reflective, then there is a large icicle sticking up from the ground. The few patches of snow make his spirits fall even further. It isn't going to be easy. "Well this sucks."

"Don't worry," Sienna chuckles. She sets herself up, one foot on the snow and one on the ice floor. "I'll help you get from one end to another."

"How about," Alex draws out, "you figure out this ice puzzle and come back and get me when you're done."

Sienna looks blankly at her brother. "Seriously?"

"Completely serious," Alex says, backing up with an angelic smile. "Won't count as your split up, and we don't have to struggle going back and forth."

"You won't," Sienna says, raising an eyebrow. He ups his smile into a pleading look. Sienna bites her lip before sighing. "Fine, I'll do it. Shout out if you see something to help me."

"Will do," Alex says, saluting her.

Sienna rolls her eyes and takes off.

Alex sighs; very glad he doesn't have to figure out the ice puzzle by himself.

;;;

Alex gets bored watching his sister fly back and forth across the ice. So he bends down, pacts some snow into a ball, and waits.

His sister glides across the ice, and he lets the snow fly.

He cackles at her surprised expression as she zooms out of site. He blows hot air on his freezing hands just as she slowly crosses back into view, looking stern.

"Did you just throw a snowball at me?" Sienna asks in a low tone.

"It missed," Alex defends, smiling innocently.

No effect. Sienna pushes away from the wall and back to where she was originally going. "See if I ever help you again."

"Wait, sis!" Alex shouts, poking around the corner. He waves frantically at her. "It was just a joke! Come on! I was bored! Where are you going! Wait, what-"

Alex ducks and hits the ground on all fours just in time for a snowball to fly over his head.

"Oh," Alex smirks, "it's on now."

;;;

Sienna, covered in snow and shaking at the cold, drags her brother across the ice.

Alex smiles widely, even though he's about to fall any minute now.

"Hey, sis?"

"Alex?"

"Can we do that again?"

"… Maybe after we've find some warmer clothing."

"So you did have fun!"

"Never said I didn't. You don't need to shout, I'm right here."

"I know. …I had fun too."

"Good."

;;;

"Look at that," Alex breathes in awe.

"It is pretty," Sienna says shortly. She tries to inch away from the river of flowing, crystal clear water.

Alex snorts. He isn't thinking about pushing her in. She only just stopped shaking after the last few Trainer battles. He actually wants to cross the water instead of continuing on the ice path. Ice skating was never his favourite, and this free skating isn't fun. He is cold, and hitting the walls and icicles to stop his momentum isn't helping warm him up. The only reason he isn't on the river right now is because he doesn't know how Aero will handle the cold water.

"Ready to go?" Sienna asks, looking nervously at Alex.

"Yah," Alex chuckles. He can only imagine his sister, waist deep in freezing water riding her Blastoise. He discards the idea of riding their Pokémon in this temperature. He holds out a hand, and smiles at her. "Help me across the ice, sis."

;;;

The female Ace Trainer the talk with smiles brightly at them. She is the first Ace Trainer in the cave to look open and friendly. Her voice is kind and she has a higher pitch then what most consider normal, though not as bad as Shauna was. "Let's make a bivouac so we can rest and restore our Pokémon's health!"

As the kind Ace Trainer starts to heal their Pokémon, Alex leans over and whispers, "Sis, what's a bivouac?"

"A camp area without a cover," Sienna whispers back. Alex still looks confused. "It's like camping without a tent or RV."

"Oh," Alex says. He frowns, not wanting to camp in the middle of a freezing cold cave.

The nice Ace Trainer hands back their Poké Balls, chirping, "Make a bivouac in the Frost Cavern, and take a rest."

"Thanks for healing our Pokémon," Sienna mutters as Alex drags her away. They hear the Ace Trainer laugh and return the reply. "That was rather rude, Alex."

"Thanks," Alex calls over his shoulder. He turns to his sister as they head towards the next staircase. "Better?"

"Good enough."

;;;

The third floor looks like a large puzzle, except the obvious route the siblings need to take is straight across one small patch of ice. Xena helps her brother slide across the patch. They battle a man in a karate gi, and then make their way north. Xena can feel her brother start to slow as the red suits get closer. The insistent feeling the brunette felt since the Hex Maniac grabbed her disappears. Xena can make out a large, white and green Pokémon standing against the wall. Then she sees one of the Team Flare members move forwards and do something to the Pokémon. The Pokémon groans. Xena stops in her tracks, a hand out to halt her brother. The three team flare members don't notice them.

Footsteps behind the siblings has Xena whirl around, a fist raised in defence. When she sees that it's Trevor, she drops her arms. The orange haired boy doesn't seem to notice, his gaze on Alexander.

"It's really cold in here, isn't it Alex? Xena?" Trevor asks with a small smile. His smile fades as he peeks around the siblings to view the Team Flare members. "Is there something going on up ahead?"

"This Abomasnow is a fine specimen!" Xena turns when she hears the shout. The middle Team Flare member, standing out with blue hair, has a shrill voice. The female member stands forward, making her the one that did something to the large Pokémon. "It's absolutely brimming with energy. The more we agitate it, the strong its Snow Warning Ability becomes, making the snow fall even more furiously." The woman appears to clap her hands together. "Let's catch it swiftly and get out of here."

The Abomasnow backs up a little more, groaning out a pitiful, "Snowww…"

Xena can feel her brother lower her arm, and she grits her teeth. Team Flare is continuing to go down the path of violence, and she is ready to stop it. It's only better that her brother is here to stop them with her.

"Hey!" Trevor shouts from behind them. Xena startles, completely forgetting the boy was there too.

"Trevor," Alexander hisses, trying to grab the boy. He misses, and the orange haired boy runs up behind the grunts. The redhead huffs and pushes Xena forwards. "Come on, sis. We have to go make sure he won't get hurt."

Xena's lips twitch into a smile, before she schools her face into a neutral expression. As glad as she is her brother seems to care for the others on their journey, it is not the time to think about it. They need to stop Team Flare, and maybe figure out what the red suit people are planning.

"Hey," Trevor shouts and waves his hands in order to draw attention away from the Abomasnow, "you Poké Ball thieves! What are you doing here?!"

"What does it look like?" screeches the blue haired woman. The three female Team Flare members sneer at the three Trainers. The blue haired woman in a short red dress raises a hand to her visor, while the grunts on either side of her put their hands on their hips. "We're catching Pokémon. Why else would we have grabbed all of those Poké Balls?" The blue haired woman turns back to the large Pokémon. "It was all so we could catch powerful Pokémon like this Abomasnow. It's full of potent energy!"

Xena fists her hands at her sides, trying to look relaxed. Potent energy. Strong energy. She is utterly lost on Team Flare's final goal. Do they wish to take over the world with strong Pokémon? Are they all about being fashionable? And more importantly, what about Team Flare hasn't been revealed to them?

"Energy?" Trevor asks, trying to hide his fear. Xena has to give it to him for trying, even if he doesn't succeed.

The blue haired woman snickers and turns to the group. "You're not the brightest one, are you? Whoever has the most Pokémon and the most energy will come out on top! Lazy people who just wait for things to be handed to them don't get to have these resources!"

Trevor takes a deep breath. Xena watches out of the corner of her eye as motions a hand out, looking angered by the blue haired woman. "But why is Team Flare amassing Pokémon, energy, and money?" He draws another deep breath, and fists a hand. "To put it another way, why is Team Flare always trying to take everything for itself?"

Xena can practically feel her brother shaking from laughter. She hides a smile. The orange haired boy said it with so much conviction, Xena wonders if he has been around Calem much lately. She never expected Trevor to have so much determination.

"Allow me to spell it out for you!" snaps the blue haired woman. She looks fuming mad. "It's so Team Flare – and only Team Flare – can survive!"

Xena draws in a deep breath, eyes widening.

"After all," the woman continues, clearly smug at the shock she caused all three, "why should we care about saving people who aren't on our side?" She scoffs. "Anyway, I don't mind a healthy curiosity, but I'm afraid I just don't have any more time for you."

Trevor turns to face the siblings. Alexander turns, and Xena in the middle keeps her eyes on the Team Flare members.

"Alex, Xena..." Trevor sounds stressed. It's unnatural to hear since he has been normally lighthearted until now. "Did they say only Team Flare will survive? These people have a few screws loose…"

"No kidding," Alexander hisses, glaring at the people dressed in red.

"You two," the blue haired woman snaps at the two grunts and motions to Trevor and Alexander, "hurry up and send these kids packing!"

"Yes, ma'am!" shouts one grunt, leering at Alexander.

"Right away!" shouts the other grunt, stiffly walking towards Trevor.

"Let's go!" hollers out the grunt standing closest to Alexander. "Team Flare! This is the trademark pose of Team Flare! It's the very definition of fashionable!"

The two grunts make the shape of a letter F, and Alexander freezes beside his sister. The grunt facing him stays in that position, while the other lowers her hand to her pocket and pulls out a Poké Ball.

Trevor sucks in a breath, scared. Xena turns to take over his battle, but she sees he already has a Poké Ball. Trevor glances in her direction and casts a fleeting smile.

"If you need any help," Xena whispers to him, "just holler."

Trevor nods. Xena walks up to the blue haired woman, clicking A before she can see Trevor's Pokémon.

"Hmm…" the blue haired woman carefully appraises Xena. The brunette holds out a hand, her face impassive. "You're more powerful than you look. I wonder how much energy there is inside you.

The woman takes Xena's hand. A burst of heat, followed by the Team Flare symbol, appears in front of Xena. She looks calmly from the flames to her watch, the background being replaced by the snow theme of the Frost Cavern.

The blue haired woman's name is Mable. She has one Pokémon, a level forty-eight Houndoom. Xena smiles at watch. She unclicks her first Poké Ball, and releases Greninja.

"Foul Play," Mabel tells her Pokémon.

The female Houndoom springs forward, her eyes gleaming.

"Water Pu- ugh," Xena cuts off and falls to her knees. She looks wildly behind her, but nothing is there to push her. She doesn't know what hit her behind her knees, making her legs collapse. She swore she felt something – it had hurt – but there is nothing there.

She turns back to the field when there is a smack. Greninja cries out and stumbles back. Xena's eyes widen as she sees the hit point bar turn yellow. The blue eyed girl quickly gets to her feet and calls out to her Pokémon. "Are you alright?"

"Nin," Greninja grumbles. He gives her a worried look.

"I'm fine." Xena grits through her teeth. "Sorry." She looks over at her smug opponents and narrows her eyes. "It's a fire and dark type. Hit it with Water Pulse whenever you can."

"Grin ninja," Greninja nods, setting his feet shoulder length apart.

"Foul Play!" Mabel screams, cackling at them.

Houndoom runs forwards, the shimmering look back in her eyes.

"Now," Xena calls.

Greninja follows her idea. As soon as Houndoom lifts her front legs off the ground, he shoots off a pulse of water. It hits the Dark Pokémon in the face, and she chokes and stumbles.

"Once more," Xena says, casting a glance at her watch.

Greninja shoots out a ring of water, catching most of Houndoom and flinging her backwards. Houndoom's eyes roll into the back of her head as she faints.

Mabel returns her Pokémon with a screech. Xena gives her Pokémon a quick thank you, returning him and reading her watch as Mabel freaks out on the other side of the field. "Not just strong… TOO strong! Not ordinary, indeed…"

Back in the Frost Cavern, Xena backs up and stands between her brother and Trevor. Both boys look a little out of breath, yet they both glare down Team Flare.

"Hrmph!" Mabel shrieks. "I've no patience for losing. Let's get out of here!"

The world suddenly gets dark, and the boys cry out in surprise. Xena grabs a hold of their hands, waiting until the sound of Team Flare running away fades and the light of the cave slowly comes back before she lets go.

"Are you alright?" Alexander whispers as Trevor sighs.

"I'm alright," Xena answers quietly. "You?"

"Yah," Alexander answers. He gives her a hard look. "Trevor's Pokémon's attack hit you during his battle. Are you sure you're okay?"

Xena tries to hide her shock. She realizes that that must have been what made her fall before. The frightening realizations come next. She can't protect herself on another plane, when she battles. That means her brother can't protect himself when they stand still and battle. That outside things can hurt them. They have been defenceless without realizing it. And now that people are coming to life, they are more vulnerable than ever.

The cold that sweeps through Xena has nothing to do with the temperature of Frost Cavern.

Trevor speaks up, and the siblings turn to him. Xena struggles to focus her mind away from her thoughts. "Doesn't battling with Team Flare scare you, Alex? Xena?" Trevor sounds afraid.

A few minutes ago, Xena would have said no. As of now, she is terrified.

"I'll admit it scares me," Trevor mutters. He pursues his lips, but looks seriously at them. "I don't like battling them… But we managed to protect Abomasnow by pitching in there. I know I'm the reserved type, and I'm OK with that, but it's important to be bold when necessary." Trevor softens and smiles. "Mamoswine doesn't have to worry about Abomasnow anymore, and that's what matters. All's well that ends well!"

With that Trevor leaves. He waves over his shoulder, and the siblings give half-hearted goodbyes to him.

"I get where Trevor's coming from," Alexander admits. "Team Flare keeps giving me more reasons to not want to battle them, what with the Power Plant, the Poké Ball Factory, and now this. I get that everything will work out for us, but I still worry, you know?"

Xena swallows hard, keeping back everything that threatens to spill out of her mouth. She forces a smile and nods, "I know what you mean. Don't worry, though. If you ever feel like you need backup, or a swap out, just ask."

Alexander rolls his eyes and nudges Xena. "Thanks, sis. But only if I need it."

"Of course," Xena replies. Her right hand tightens into a fist. "Just remember, I'm here if you need me."

"Snooowww!" Abomasnow breaks in. The siblings turn around, and the large Pokémon lumbers up to them. It looks down at Alexander, and then holds out a large green hand.

"Ugh," Alexander raises a hand of his. Xena waits, ready to act, as the Abomasnow covers Alexanders hand with his. Then the Pokémon lets out a roar and steps back. Alexander stares at a shimmering, marble-like stone in his hand. He smiles brightly at Abomasnow. "Thank you so much!"

"What is it?" Xena asks wearily.

"Abomasite," Alexander answers eagerly. He slips the stone into the main pouch on his backpack before waving at the Pokémon. "Thanks again. Take care."

"Snow!" Abomasnow calls back.

"Come on, sis," Alexander says, pulling his sister towards the ice. "Do you mind if we fly back to town? Even without Snow Warning in effect, I really don't want to go through the snow storm again."

"Sure, Alex," Xena says.

At that moment, she makes her decision not to tell him the tidbit of information she learned. Instead, she thinks about telling Calem. He's looking for a solution to this, something she really should be doing. Xena still doesn't want to do anything to ruin her brother's happiness, and she can't find it in herself to want to leave her Pokémon either. If, by chance, they find a solution home, she'll leave it to her brother to decide. She owes that to him, at least.

Calem needs to know what happened with Team Flare. He should get caught up on the information they learned from Mabel. Also, if they really are friends now, then Xena believes that he should know about the information on them being hurt while battling. She can't protect her brother by herself, so why not enlist the only person in Kalos that truly knows and cares about what goes on with their watches?

Xena will go on to protect her brother, first and foremost. He is her priority, then her Pokémon, and then this world. She knows now that she will need to be stronger, and be more cautious. A lot of things can go wrong if she's not careful. Her brother should not get hurt, and she swears to try and stop all who try to cause him harm, for as long as she can.

Maybe one day she'll be brave enough to tell him that she won't always be there.

;;;

"Hey! Serena! Calem!"

Calem and his sister turn to see a familiar redhead waving at them from his spot on the couch.

"Alex!" Serena shouts back, running to the boy. Calem follows slower, looking around for the brunette that is usually nearby. "How are you? Wait, what are you still doing here? There's no Gym around."

"We met up with Trevor and stuck around," Alexander explains, making room on the couch for his friend. Eevee on Alexander's lap hops onto Serena, and she eagerly pets him. "There was some commotion going on over at Frost Cavern, but I'll tell you all about it later. How was Route Sixteen? Did you end up finding the Pokémon you were looking for? It wasn't snowing there, was it?"

"Alex," Calem breaks in, gaining the younger kid's attention. "Where is Xena?"

Alexander waves off the question like it is nothing. "We're split up for an hour or two. She should be in town. I think she's over by the Move Deleter? Wherever they are."

"Alright," Calem nods. "I'm going looking for her. I'll see you guys later."

"Bye, Calem!" Serena calls. As he leaves the Pokémon Center, the black haired teen can hear her start to explain their journey down Route Sixteen. "It's a lot like Route Fifteen."

Calem zips his jacket up as the cold hits. It's nothing too bad, and the clear skies are what make it warmer than expected. He doesn't know how his neighbor could be out in the weather long without freezing. He also has no idea where to look. Since he isn't sure whether he wants to find her or not, Calem doesn't Holocast her.

Route Sixteen was a good place for training, and Calem feels like he could take Xena in a battle at the moment. The insistent need to challenge his neighbor isn't there, and he takes it as a sign that he does need more experience with his Pokémon.

Not hearing anything from Team Flare today has put him at ease, though he knows it can't last forever. Calem would like to think that he is ready for whatever is to come. He knows it just won't be possible. No matter how many times he felt prepared before a battle, it doesn't always end in his favour. He has been struggling to keep up with the stronger Pokémon in the wild just as he feels that he has caught up. A new route, stronger Pokémon, and the more he struggles to catch up in strength.

Throw in the curveball with his only true friend dying and Calem walks through the heart of Dendemille Town unsure of how he's made it this far.

He still isn't sure he completely believes Xena is dying. It may be an elaborate ruse to get him off her case. That would explain why she begged him not to tell Alex. She could lie about dying, and her brother would call her on it, and he would no longer have any reason to trust her. She would go back to being only his rival, only his neighbor, and nothing more. A part of him wants to believe she is lying to him.

He doesn't want her to die.

He could see her acceptance. How she truly thought that this is her last stretch of life.

He doesn't want to believe that.

He doesn't want to believe that someone could just lie down and die.

He would put up a fight to the very end.

"Hard to find your way."

Calem pauses at his walking and looks up.

"Hard to make amends."

The voice is coming from the area above him, on the same level as the windmill head.

"But there's nothing you can't do-"

The singing voice isn't great. The tone is kind of bland, and it is very quiet. It sounds like Xena, though.

"- 'cause you've got the power inside of you."

Calem looks around for the stairs. He slowly makes his way up, following the voice that flows on the wind.

"It's never easy, to make a choice. To keep things inside, or raise your voice."

Calem looks over to the windmill, but she isn't there. He keeps walking, and spots her looking out over the water.

"But for everyone there comes a time when the light inside begins to shine."

It looks like she is barely muttering the words. Calem quietly walks closer, still hearing her loud and clear.

"It's not always right or wrong, as long as your spirit's strong. It's not always win or lose, it's the road you choose; the answer's within."

He has to cut her off there. "Aren't you cold?"

Xena yelps and spins around to see him. Calem's lips twitch into a smile as she huffs and walks towards him.

"Nice to see you, too," Xena drawls. "Yah, it's pretty cold. Not as bad as Frost Cavern, though."

Calem frowns. "Isn't that your warmest outfit?"

"Yes."

Calem scowls, "Do you have a death wish?"

Xena smirks and rolls her eyes, "Not particularly." Before Calem can say anything else, she goes on to explain. "We had to go to Frost Cavern and help Trevor. Team Flare showed up and was agitating the resident Abomasnow."

"That's why you went to Frost Cavern," Calem says, his eyes lighting up with realization. "Alex had said something about that."

"Yah," Xena purposefully turns away and walks back to her spot overlooking the water. She motions Calem to follow. The black haired boy rolls his eyes and follows. He crosses his arms and stares at the rough looking sea. "Calem… Team Flare… we found out their final goal."

Calem snaps his head to face her. Xena looks troubled as she hesitantly meets his gaze. She shifts her legs and angles her shoulders to face him head on.

"The person we battled, Mabel," Xena draws is a deep breath. Calem barely breathes, waiting. "She said that they were trying to get rid of everyone that wasn't a member of Team Flare. Calem, I think they're trying to kill everyone."

"You think," Calem asks coldly, "or you know."

Xena keeps him from saying anything else with a hard glare. "She said that only Team Flare members would be allowed to live. I think it's rather obvious on what their goal is."

Calem breathes out a sigh and looks back to the river water. "How am I supposed to believe you? I mean what if they're like that Team Aqua and Magma you told us about? They just want to increase or decrease land mass? Or their like Team Rocket and they just want to make a profit? Killing everyone not-like them seems a bit radical."

"One day, I'll tell you about Team Galactic," Xena mutters, turning to the water. "But truly? I'm not lying. And if you keep thinking that I am, then take it into consideration." Xena squeezes Calem's shoulder; drawing his attention and making him meet her eyes. "Be ready, Calem. I don't think we have long until Team Flare makes their plan known to the public."

"What makes you say that?" Calem asks, narrowing his eyes.

Xena gives a thin lip smile and turns back to the water. "We have two Gyms left, and this is the third day in a row that Team Flare has done something this extreme."

"What do you mean?" Calem asks, not understanding the entire sentence.

"Two days ago, they were at the Power Plant," Xena explains. "Yesterday, the Poké Ball factory. Today, Frost Cavern. It can't be a coincidence that we've seen Team Flare members so often. I think whatever they are going to pull; it's going to happen soon."

Calem looks over at her, and then buries his face in his hands. "There's nothing we can do, is there?"

"Don't say that," Xena scolds with such harshness that Calem flinches. "We can always do something. I'm not going to let Team Flare threaten my brother or my team, my family, without fighting back. And if they think I won't fight back, then they are sorely mistaken."

"What happened?" Calem asks sharply.

Xena looks appraisingly at him. "What do you mean?"

Calem stares hard into her blue eyes. "What's gotten you so riled up?"

Xena stares at him for a few more seconds before she seems to make up her mind. She jerks away from the railing and holds out her left arm. Calem looks at her arm and sees her watch, as well as a bracelet with a rainbow stone in the center. He doesn't see what she wants him to.

"When I was battling Mabel," Xena stops and grits her teeth. She takes a deep breath, and matches gazes with Calem. "When I was battling Mabel, I felt something hit me when nothing was there. It almost caused the opportunity for my Pokémon to faint. Turns out, when my body is completely still while I battle someone, I can still get hurt. A stray move hit me, and there was nothing I could do to stop it or prevent it. That means the same thing could happen to Alex. I'll let you know right now, there is no way I'm letting my brother get hurt by Team Flare because he couldn't defend himself."

Calem stares at her. He snorts and gives a low whistle. "You take overprotective sister to a whole new meaning."

"Thank you, I try," Xena says scathingly back.

"Just remember your brother needs to grow as a person, too," Calem reminds her. "He needs to start preparing for when you're not here…"

"You think I don't know that?" Xena snaps, turning away and putting space between them.

"Xena," Calem sighs, "at this point, I feel like I don't know anything."

There is a pause. It stretches. Then Xena sighs and looks at him, making no move to get closer. "What's wrong?"

"A lot," Calem cuts himself off. "I guess everything has been piling for a while."

"Talk to me, then," Xena insists. Her smile is bitter. "You've listened to my update. Only fair."

Calem snorts. He risks a full look at her. He doesn't like the knowingness on her face. He doesn't think she could possibly know.

"Alright," Xena speaks up in the growing silence. "Then can I tell you about my… strange experience."

"Go for it," Calem replies, resting his head on her hands.

"A Hex Maniac grabbed me and I felt… something." Xena pauses. "Alex thinks I just remembered something, but the truth is it felt like the Hex Maniac placed this need on me. I just felt like I had to get to a certain point. I know it sounds strange, but when I got to that certain point-"

"It just went away," Calem says, staring hard into her eyes.

"… Yes," Xena says slowly, nodding her head. "It was like it was never there in the first place. I thought I was crazy, or the Hex Maniac really could place hexes, but if you've felt it-"

"I have," Calem cuts her of again. He frowns in thought. "It's like you just know you need to be somewhere, but you don't know where you have to be. Soon, you're running there as fast as you can."

"I don't know about running," Xena says, "but that describes it pretty well."

"Well," Calem looks curiously at her, "Hex Maniacs can be a bit strange. I don't think one's ever activated the feeling for me."

"How many times?" Xena asks.

Calem gets it. "At least three. They've actually all been to meet you or Alex."

"Mine had us meeting with Trevor and Team Flare," Xena says sourly. "I'm sorry you've gone through that so many. I never want to feel it again."

Calem nods in understanding. "It's like your choice has been taken away."

There is a pause where they stare at each other. Xena sighs. "I can tell you I won't be talking with any Hex Maniacs anytime soon."

Calem snorts. He smiles at her. "They really aren't so bad. The whole eerie vibe is not as bad as the Fairy Tale Girls."

"True," Xena nods, smiling back. "And when they are paired up, it's terrifying."

Calem's smile softens. He looks down at the ground and mutters out, "Thanks."

"For what?" Xena asks, honestly surprised.

"Making all this strangeness feel normal." Calem won't look up. "Serena won't talk about any of this… The people I asked today and yesterday, they have memories of a past. Sometimes I've been wondering why us? It's why I snapped at you yesterday. I'm wearing thin of everything. I'm so tired."

He looks up when Xena bumps shoulders with him. He didn't even hear her move.

"It's okay to feel like that," Xena tells him. "Especially now that I'm here, and I'm sure even Shauna would help if you asked her. It's what friends are for. When you feel down, we're here to carry the burden too, and help you back on your feet. Well, I am. That is, if you want help."

Calem stares, mouth slightly parted. He was not expecting such a mushy thing from her. He starts to smile, then chuckle, and is full out laughing. It starts to sound like sobs as he quiets, but he doesn't break down. Not here.

"Thank you," Calem tells the confused looking Xena. "Thank you, for being here and being you."

"I try," Xena says sarcastically.

"I have a request," Calem says. He stares hard at her face, but sees nothing to dissuade him. "One day, do you think we could train with each other?" Xena raises her eyebrows. "I don't mean full on battles, though I do still want to challenge you, neighbor. I mean, maybe one-on-one, sharing some tips, training. Just us two. Some friendly help."

"Sure," Xena says, nodding and smiling slightly. "Whenever we have free time next?"

Calem looks up at the sky. "I guess we do have to meet with those two soon." He looks at his friend. "I'll take you up on that offer, though."

"Wouldn't have it any other way." Xena smiles. She motions to the path down a level. "Shall we?"

Calem nods and starts to lead down, noticing small bumps appearing on Xena's arms and feeling the cold seep through his jacket. He rubs his arms and turns to the brunette. "By the way, what song were you singing?"

Xena takes a moment to think about it. "It's called Black and White. It was an opening song for a Pokémon show I've seen."

"Never heard it before," Calem sneaks a glance at her. "It sounded interesting."

Xena chuckles. "It is one of the more meaningful songs the show's produced. I like it, but it is a duet and I can never seem to do both voices."

Calem snorts. "Well, yah. It's a duet… Do you think you could teach me a few songs? I've never sat down and listened to anything and, well, with lack of memory, it has been awhile since I have heard anyone sing."

Sure," Xena says softly. Calem risks another glance and sees her smiling. "It would be fun. I can't promise that I'm any good at singing."

"You're not," Calem tells her. "I heard you, remember?"

"Jerk," Xena says with smirk. Calem rolls his eyes, and then flinches as she elbows him. He glares and rubs the spot. Xena doesn't pay any mind, walking into the Pokémon Center. "Hi Serena."

"Hi, Xena." The blonde smiles back. Calem watches as his sister stands up and greets his rival. "Nice to see you so soon."

"Hey, sis," Alexander says, coming up to them. "Get everything done?"

"Yep," Xena says, smiling at the younger kids. Calem watches as Serena leans over and whispers something to the older girl. Xena nods. Serena smiles and walks out of the Pokémon Center. "I'll see you guys later. I'm going to take Serena to the Move Deleter."

"This counts as your next split up pass," Alexander tells her.

Xena rolls her eyes and nods. "Sure thing. Bye you two."

"See you, neighbor," Calem sighs. He returns the half-hearted wave and then turns to the boy in front of him. "How was Frost Cavern?"

;;;

"Now," Xena starts, patting the bench area beside, "tell me what's on your mind."

Neither pays attention to the large windmill right in front of them. Serena sits down, and immediately her face falls. Xena automatically puts an arm around the girl, and Serena turns buries her head in the girl's shoulder. Xena takes a moment for it to sink in. Then the brunette hugs the silently crying blonde, letting her get it all out.

"I'm s-sorry," Serena chokes against the older teen. "I just- I just-"

"It's okay," Xena mutters. She rubs soothing circles on her back. "It's okay. Take the time you need."

Serena cries for another minute before she stops shaking. They slowly part, Serena turning away to wipe her eyes. Xena leans back and waits, unsure what she should say.

"Thanks," Serena tells her. The grey eyed girl finally turns back, sniffing and huffing. She hesitantly meets Xena's eyes. "I'm sorry for falling apart like that."

"You're allowed to fall apart," Xena whispers to her. "It hasn't been an easy journey."

Serena nods, looking down to her lap. Her fists lie clenched together. "You understand, right? Calem and Alex, they just don't seem to get it. We're away from home, without any idea of what we're doing. We keep running into wild Pokémon, and Team Flare, and Trainers that only want to battle us for an easy win. Then they get so disappointed when we win. And I don't know if Calem's told you, but we don't remember anything. It hurts. It hurts a lot to even think about.

"But you get it, right? It's why you don't eat. Why you go to sleep last. You understand the fear, and the longing for something more? Please. Please tell me you understand. I don't want to keep going without remember who I was."

"Then look towards the future," Xena says, grabbing the girl's shoulders and forcing her to look her in the eyes. "You can make your own future. You can be who you want to be. Serena, I didn't know you from before you two lost your memories, but you are the sweetest person I know. You should be proud of the person you are. And I can understand. I am afraid for what the future will hold, but that's why I keep going. If I didn't believe in a future, then I couldn't get up in the morning. Think about the happy times you've had with friends, and think about making more.

"This is your journey, Serena. This is for you to find yourself, and to find what you want to do. If you ever get scared, or need any help, talk with me or Calem. Your brother understands a lot more than you believe. He's a good person to talk to whenever you are feeling down. If you ever feel up to it, I do think you should talk about your two's memory loss. It would help, if only to know that you aren't the only one going through it too."

"I'm sorry," Serena sobs.

Xena shakes her head and grips the girl tighter. "Never be sorry for feeling this way. Just know that we are here, ready to help you through tough times like these. I promise you that you can talk to me about anything."

"I'm sorry," Serena breathes again. She latches onto Xena's middle and dry sobs. Xena gives all the comfort she can, hugging Serena back and trying to keep the girl warm as the cold air blows up again.

Xena wonders if Alexander ever has to go through this. She hopes not. It is a lot for any twelve years old to handle. She hopes he would come to her if he ever felt low, especially this low. She is glad that she can help however she can. Calem and Serena seem to need as much support as she and Alexander do in this mixed up world.

Xena hopes Calem and Serena can learn to rely and trust on each other, because one day she and Alexander may not be here to help.

Xena's chest hurts at the thought of leaving the girl in her arms to cry alone or to leave the boy in the Pokémon Center to take on the world by his lonesome.

;;;

"Oh," Alex exclaims, gaining Calem's attention. Alex points a holographic scroll in his hands and peers at the words. "Here's what my Pokédex says about Fletchling. 'Despite the beauty of its lilting voice, it's merciless to intruders that enter its territory.' See? I think my fear is justified. Oh! Hey sis! Serena!"

The girls wave back and make their wave over to the table next to the boys in the Pokémon Center. Calem turns off his Pokédex and slips it away just as the girls sit down. He nods to them, and then abruptly gets up and walks to the back of the Pokémon Center.

"Okay," Alex laughs nervously. He closes his Pokédex, but keeps is in hand. "We've just be comparing Pokédex entries. Some of them are so bad."

"Really?" Serena asks cheerfully. "Read me one."

"Alright." Alex slides open his device, and the scrolls through the hologram. "This one is for Chespin. 'Such a thick shell of wood covers its head and back that even a direct hit from a truck wouldn't faze it.' Can you believe it? A Chespin would probably put a dent in the truck because of its armor."

"Whoa," Serena answers, leaning over. "That's so cool. Hey, you also have Froakie on here."

"I think my sister's and mine are synced," Alex explains, scrolling through the Central Pokédex entries. "I have a lot of Pokémon from the first few regions that I know I didn't catch."

"Probably that wire Sycamore gave us," Sienna speaks up. "Remember he gave it to us last time he checked?"

Alex opens his mouth to agree, when he watches Calem slip a small bowl of fruit in front of Sienna.

"That's right," Alex exclaims. He turns to his sister. "We had lunch a little while ago. I forgot to tell you, sorry. And you owe me lunch and an ice cream now."

"Sure." Sienna rolls her eyes. She brings up her watch. "How much do I owe you, Calem?"

"Buy me lunch next time," Calem says. He nudges his sister, "We really do need to go."

"That's right!" Serena shouts, scrambling up. Alex watches as Calem shakes his head and Sienna relaxes. "We need Mamoswine to get us to the next town. He takes maximum of two at a time, and we just missed him last time."

"I hope you guys get him," Alex calls. "We'll be here if you missed it again."

"Bye guys!" Serena shouts, rushing out the door.

Calem sighs and waves at them, leaving too.

Alex turns to his sister just as she switches to his table. "So… What did you go to the Move Deleter for?"

"Eevee can evolve into a Sylveon when it knows a Fairy Type move," Sienna says, shifting around her food with a fork. "I thought, why not? I had a Heart Scale, so I taught it a Fairy Type move, and took the Everstone. You can have it back, by the way."

"Keep it," Alex says, playing with the Pokédex in his hands. "I don't need it. And did you ask your Eevee if she wants to evolve?"

Sienna looks unimpressed. "I asked her a while ago. Lucario even translated. She said anything was good, as long as I could still hug her afterwards."

"Humph," Alex snorts and closes his Pokédex. He tucks it away, still chortling. "Of course your Pokémon said that… I actually don't know what I want Eevee to evolve into."

"We can ask him," Sienna suggests.

Alex nods, slipping off his smallest Pokémon's Poké Ball. "Alright, sure. Come on out, Eevee."

"Eevee," the small, brown furred Pokémon chirps. He turns from his spot on the table to look at Sienna's food. Then he turns his eyes wide, and keeps them on her.

"You and Alex," Sienna mutters. She takes a piece of fruit and offers it to the Pokémon. Eevee gladly scarfs it down. Alex smirks and rolls his eyes as Eevee begs for more. Sienna hands over another piece. Then she releases her Pokémon. "A little help, Lucario?"

"Lu," Lucaio mutters. She stares down at Eevee and appears to be smirking.

"Stop bugging my sister," Alex says, calling Eevee over. He rubs his Pokémon's head. "There, now I was wondering-"

"Yes," Sienna breaks in. Alex and his Pokémon turn to see the two females locking eyes. "You wouldn't mind translating, would you?"

Lucario looks over at Alex. She smiles and then turns back to Sienna, nodding her consent.

"Thank you," Sienna says. She looks over to Alex and Eevee. "Go ahead."

"Right." Alex looks seriously at his Pokémon. "So, I was hoping to evolve you soon. It's your choice what you want to be… but know that once you evolve you can't go back."

"Eevee," Eevee chirps. He looks between Lucario and Alex before settling on Lucario. "Ee eevee eevee, vee vee ev."

Lucario nods and then turns to Sienna, who tries to swallow her food. Her and her Pokémon lock gazes again, and then Sienna nods.

The brunette turns to her brother, explaining, "Eevee doesn't care what he evolves into. He just wants to help the team as much as he can."

Alex's smile grows until it hurts. He turns to his Pokémon and Eevee chirps.

"Thanks, Eevee," Alex says proudly. "That's awesome. Thanks for thinking of the team. I really appreciate it." He returns his happily chirping Pokémon.

"Thank you for all the help, Lucario," Sienna says. She holds out her Pokémon's Poké Ball, staring into her Pokémon's eyes. The staring makes Alex uncomfortable. Sienna nods and switches Poké Balls. "Sure, that's a great idea. Thanks for offering."

"Lucario," Lucario says with a nod.

Kirlia is released. Alex watches as the team on the other side of the table share a few words, and then the two Pokémon walk to the other side of the Pokémon Center.

"So Lucario is a telepath?" Alex asks, looking curious.

Sienna nods. "She's offered to help Kirlia learn. I appreciate it. I wouldn't know where to start."

"I guess it's nice," Alex shrugs. "I mean, you get to know what your Pokémon are thinking. I still don't like Psychics as much. It's really weird when they reads mind. I like my thoughts private, thank you very much."

"Lucario doesn't read minds, as far as I know," Sienna says, folding up a fork of fruits.

"Still weird that she can talk to you that way," Alex says. He sighs and rests his head on his hands. "Can we go soon? Maybe take the Mamoswine to the next town?"

"As soon as I'm done," Sienna answers. She pops the food in her mouth, chews, and then swallows. "It was nice of Calem to pay for my food."

"I guess." Alex sighs and glances around the Pokémon Center. "He'll probably buy something really expensive when you get him lunch."

"He wouldn't do that… would he?"

"Probably. I would. So, what type do you think I should evolve Eevee into? I'm stuck…"

"Really?" Sienna swallows and looks curiously at her brother. "You normally go for Espeon; it's the only Psychic type you really like."

"Yah…" Alex draws out the word in thought. "But I've never had a dragon type on my team before. I think Simon will be able to do anything I need to cover Psychic types. I don't want Umbreon; it's too hard evolving it at night. And now that you're getting a Sylveon, I don't want one."

"How about Glaceon?" Sienna suggests.

"Too hard to get it," Alex whines. "Same with Leafeon. Finding the stones to evolve them can be such a pain. Then you have to level up around those stones. Why is it so hard?"

Sienna coughs on her food. She chokes, trying not laugh. When she finally swallows, Sienna has a reddening face and a small smile. "Well, if you say so. Hard. Sure. So that leaves you with Jolteon, Flareon, and Vaporeon. I mean, only if you really want to evolve Eevee."

"Jolteon's out," Alex says. "I have Carleen for all electric attacks. I guess Vaporeon would be out too, since Aero covers the water on my team."

"So Flareon?" Sienna prods.

"I guess so," Alex says in surprise. He smiles and lifts his head off his hands. "Well, I guess it wasn't so hard to figure out."

"I guess not," Sienna says, smirking. "Glad I could help."

"Thanks. Do you have a Fire Stone?"

"If only. We can always check Lumiose, or see if there is a Department Store in Kalos."

"Yah… but let's head to the next town first. We're down to two Gym Badges left!"

"I wonder what types they are."

"Shoot. I forgot to ask Serena."


Disclaimer: I don't own Pokémon.

A/N: Thanks for reading! Wow! Over one hundred reviews! Thanks so much everyone! I hope you enjoyed this chapter!

Thank you Sophiebybophie for your review! I hope you enjoyed the chapter, and thanks again!

Thank you aem for your review! I hope you enjoyed the chapter, and again sorry for what's about to become an inconsistent updating schedule. Thank you for your understanding. Thanks again for the review!

Thank you TheRunAwayPanda for your review! Thank you, and I hope you enjoyed this chapter!

Thank you Serilye for your reviews! I really appreciate you taking the time to review. I'm glad the story's left you interested. Thank you very much for your reviews, and I hope you enjoyed this chapter, as well as the last few!

Have a great February, (and March, and April) everyone!

Chapter 44 Release Date: A random Sunday within the next four months