A/N:

Not much to say this time around, other than stay tuned for the part I'm sure most of you are waiting for.

Thanks to Orthros for beta-reading this chapter.

"…" - Spoken dialogue

Italics - Character thoughts

'Italics' - Telepathic dialogue

. . . . . - Time skip

/\/\/\ - Lemon Scene

Chapter 12

— — — — —

Tristan

— — — — —

"Advisor, the sheriff has arrived," Kieran said. He was a raichu, a few seasons younger than Tristan, but with probably twice the energy and excitement.

"Alright. Send him in." Kieran disappeared a little ways down the mountain, but returned soon to the luxray. The magnezone was following close behind.

"I'll give the two of you some privacy," Kieran said, before making his leave.

"Sorry to call you up here on such short notice," Tristan said, "but I felt that a topic like this needed addressing as soon as possible."

"Is everything well, Advisor?" the sheriff asked.

"Well, yes and no. I brought you up here to talk about your officers. Now I know that you all have noble intentions and all - you've done a lot towards keeping this town safe. But I'm concerned about their fitness for duty."

"You… are?"

"To be honest, I am. Let's take Rachel for instance. She was able to sneak up to your officers, knock one of them out silently, and get the other on his knees and at her mercy. Had she wanted to attack the others, she probably could have. And that was just one skilled person. What could a decently strong group of outlaws have done?"

"I see…"

"And the fact that you all have to rely so much on bounty hunters to capture outlaws should also be a sign. Now I'm not looking at having anyone replaced or anything."

"Then what is it that you would like done?" Magnezone asked.

"We were able to set aside some funds for you and your police. I would like for them to be trained better, and have some more recruits join. Town's getting bigger anyways, so I'm sure you all need to expand. This is all effective immediately, too."

"Really? Well we are happy to accept anything that would help our forces grow. Truth is, past few years have been hard on the force, so a move of this sort is a breath of fresh air." Tristan was pleased with how the conversation had gone thus far, as he had not meant to come across as offensive by saying that the cops were not properly trained. But Magnezone seemed happy to undertake the proper measures in creating a more elite police force.

"That's good to hear, Sheriff. Now I don't mean to cut our meeting short - especially since you've come all the way up here from town - but Aiden and I have to tend to the farmers. We're doubling the size of the fields, and we're expecting a shipment today of foreign plants, so there's a lot to pay for."

"Understood. It pleases me that you are as concerned about this town as you are. Knowing what I know now, I can only imagine how everything would have turned out if that criminal had won. Thank Arceus for Team Retribution looking out for us."

"Ah, well, we're all just doing our jobs. But thank you for the kind words."

"I will leave you to it then. Should I report the progress to you by the end of the week?"

"If you would. Kieren can lead you to the person who I have set in charge of the process. He goes by Raymond, and I trust he and his associates will be able to help get the force more in shape. His crew was a pretty elite group of bounty hunters from the Air Continent, and the elders think that he was a good choice for the money spent."

"Then I will meet with him now. You take care, Advisor." Magnezone headed back down, leaving Tristan to his own thoughts. Truth be told, this process could take months. The police had a long way to go in order to be up to his expectations - that was for sure. But surely they would be able to get it done with enough hard work, and Raymond would make sure that he saw things through. At least, those were the vibes that Tristan had gotten from the salamence. But he'd come highly recommended by many people undoubtedly more experienced in these fields than Tristan, so he was confident that things would go according to plan. Now, off to see Aidan.

He could already tell that it was going to be one of those days where he barely stopped. He didn't know how Torkoal could have possibly kept up with this level of activity, as it was definitely trying on the luxray, not to mention stressful. But it offered a sense of accomplishment unlike any other, despite the amount of stress associated with the job. Ha, I'll probably be getting some grey on my mane before too much longer, he thought. And from prior knowledge of this job, he might just have this position for life.

By the time he had made his way down the other side of the mountain, Aidan was already waiting for him. The typhlosion was patiently standing there by the eastward path, ready to accompany him on the walk to the fields. More than likely, everyone of interest was already there too, so they'd need to get a move on. "Is everything in order?" Tristan asked.

"Well… we've run into an issue. No time to stop now though. I'll discuss it with you on the way there."

"What happened?"

"I've got the money for the shipment right here," Aidan said, tapping the satchel at his side. "But I think we may have miscalculated something along the line." He pulled out a folded paper, opening it up and showing Tristan the numbers they had calculated. "We're uhh… exactly Ᵽ1,200 short."

"What? How? We sat down and ran those numbers together. How did we miss a number like that?"

"I think we figured in the cost of the shipment with all field operations. So given that I've got Ᵽ1,200 here for the shipment, my best guess is that it accidentally got drawn out of wages."

"Shit, that's going to piss the workers off."

"Yeah, there are already some questions floating about. We'll have to deal with that right after paying for the shipment. Sorry that I overlooked that error…"

"No, it wasn't you. I wrote that down. It was my fault."

"I should've caught it before something like this happened," Aidan replied.

"It's okay. How have the grass-types responded?"

"They're being very rational about it. As of now, the supervisors have taken the cuts out of their own wages, so those three are the people we'll need to be dealing with."

"And money doesn't come in again until next month," the luxray said in irritation. "Well shit. I'll just meet with them privately and take care of it. I'm glad though that we found people who were willing to take the cut themselves rather than pass it down to the workers. I think we found a good crew."

"Yeah, I think so too. They all seem like really good people to me." The caravan was visible in the distance, and the workers ready to unload its contents once the exchange had been made.

"You know, I never did ask - how is your mate doing now?"

"Oh, she's doing well. She had a bad fever for three days, but it calmed down last night and hasn't returned yet. I appreciate all the house calls."

"Ah, that was nothing. Though I didn't know typhlosions could catch a fever." Aidan shook his head.

"She isn't a typhlosion. She's a lopunny."

"Ohh, that explains it. Well nice, man."

"Yeah. We met soon after I left Obsidian City. It was really weird, too - she was just walking alone on the path. Once we'd been introduced, come to find out we were heading the same way for awhile. I'd figured that I had just found someone to talk to, but as you can see, it became a lot more than that. We hit it off really well over those next few days. It's funny how sometimes all it takes is those little things, ya know?"

"Yeah, I suppose. That's so coincidental, but pretty awesome."

"Mhm. We haven't left each others' sides since then. That was about a year and a half ago."

"Neat."

"What about you, Tristan? Do you have a mate?" Aidan asked.

"Me? No. Not yet, at least."

"Ha, that's kinda weird. People in power are almost never single."

"Well," Tristan said, "to be fair, I'm pretty sure Kraven was too. So no matter who would've won, you all would've been stuck with a single Advisor," he joked. "That is, of course, until Retribution took him down."

"Ah, y'all were gonna win that election from the start," the fire-type said. "Anyways, enough of that talk. Time to take care of business."

They had arrived at the edge of the first main field, where the caravan had parked. Several wooden wagons had been loaded with produce and bags full of seeds, and more grass-types than he'd ever seen in a single place, including one of which he really needed to tend to.

"Hey," Tristan said to the person who seemed to be in charge: a ludicolo. Truth be told, it was hard for the luxray to take such a species seriously with that funny look they always had on them, but those thoughts best be kept to himself for the time being. "I'm sure you're ready to get back on the road, so we'll make this quick. Aidan." The typhlosion nodded and retrieved the coins from his satchel and carefully counted them in front of the ludicolo.

"There you are."

"Yep, everything's in order," he replied. "So should we unload here?"

"That works. All of that stuff is going directly in the ground, so it won't be out long."

"Well alright then."

"Now I'm terribly sorry that I'm not able to stick around longer, but there are some other things I need to focus my attention on," Tristan said. "I trust these guys have everything taken care of."

"Not a problem. Thanks for your business."

"Cecilia? May I have a word with you?" The bayleef nodded, her perky demeanor the same as always.

"Of course, Advisor. I actually need to speak with you as well."

"Walk with me, if you wouldn't mind." The two of them made their way towards the town - away from all the laborers and the fields. Tristan stopped once he was out of hearing range of the others. "I know what you and the other two supervisors did. I'm sorry about that."

"I understand. Mistakes happen."

"I took a look at the numbers again, and it was my fault. I accidentally counted the cost of the new produce with everything going on here in general. It was a stupid mistake."

"I see," she said.

"But I've got you all taken care of. Don't worry about that. I'll have the money to you by the end of the day. You've taken care of me, so I'm gonna make sure you all get what's owed to you." She nodded in appreciation.

"Thank you, Tristan. Though… if you don't mind me asking… how? I don't know a lot about politics, but don't you all collect taxes each month?"

"That is correct."

"I was speaking with Aidan two days ago, and he said that you two had managed to set aside the remaining budget for the police." He had been hoping to avoid this topic, but it seemed that she was onto him.

"Yeah, that's also true. I'm trying to get them trained better to take in criminals and protect the town."

"Then… where is the money coming from?" she asked. "I don't mean to pry - not at all. But I can't help but wonder."

"I will be paying you three out of pocket," he replied. "I made the mistake, so it's only fitting that I take care of it."

"Oh, Tristan…"

"But I'd prefer you keep that between the two of us, alright?"

"Alright. You're a good person, you know that?"

"Well I try. But I'm sorry it even came to this. I will have the money tonight, so we will meet then. Now let's get back over there. That's a lot of plants, and I'm sure they could use some help."

— — — — —

Selina

— — — — —

With the trip to the Hidden Land only days away, the two of them had packed just about everything needed. Maybe the change in scenery would help to take her mind off of what had happened a few days ago. Then again, the only person going with her on this month-long vacation was the very person she was trying to think over.

As expected, Liam remembered nothing of the night before. The last he'd been able to recall was in the café, so anything said beyond that was lost to him. And the umbreon had been unable to determine if it was just something said among his drunken stupor or if the alcohol had made him confide some private feeling that he otherwise would not have mentioned.

Maybe… Flora was right… But then again, maybe she wasn't. It very well could have been meaningless words coming from an intoxicated lucario, but the thoughts could not leave her mind. Liam had been confused as to why she was so jumpy around him, and she had simply tried to play it off as nothing. But she was fairly certain that he saw through that excuse - that is, if he didn't already feel the uneasiness in her aura. She had resorted to packing for the trip to occupy her mind, but there was only so much they needed to take - or could even physically carry. Now she was without anything to do but think things over.

What if he really does feel that way about me? she kept thinking. But he might not have meant it… And all this while sharing a home with him. She should have thought something like this through better. Now things would be awkward for sure…

"Selina, are you still beating yourself up over… well, whatever it is you've been thinking about lately?" Liam asked. He was sitting at the table, sorting through the money he had taken out of his chest, probably to fund some project in town. Meanwhile, she was lying prone on her bed, staring out into space.

"No, Liam," she lied, "I'm fine."

"Sorry, not buyin' it. I don't even have to feel your aura to know that ain't true," he said without looking up from his task.

"Arceus Liam, will you just back off of it?" She had made the statement much harsher than intended, and he looked up from the table.

"I'm… sorry if I came across as prying… That wasn't my intention."

"No," she sighed, "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have snapped at you like that. I just… kinda have a lot going on right now…"

"But we've been together like… the entire time these last few days." And that was exactly what did it… she thought to herself.

"I mean in my head," she replied.

"Oh." He stood up, dragging the chair behind him towards her bed, before sitting down. "Have I upset you, Selina? Did I do something wrong?"

"No, it's not you, Liam."

"Was it someone else on the team?" he asked.

"Nobody else, no. It's just… me. I'm just trying to think a few things over, but I can't seem to make any ground."

"Well I'm sorry to hear that. Maybe this trip will do you well then. Clear your mind a bit, perhaps?" If only…

"Hopefully." She had wished that the lucario would go about his business, but he just sat there and looked back at her.

"Well, what do you wanna do today? I don't have much of anything going on… so I'm sure we could find something to do around town."

"I think… I just wanna lay here today and do nothing…" she said.

"Really? That's not like you at all. But if you insist. I have to go out some and run some errands, so I'll be outta here before long. Want me to get you anything on the way back? Something to eat maybe?"

"No, I'm good."

"Alright... I guess I'll be off then." Liam got back on his feet, taking the chair back to its original place. He put the money in one of his satchels and slung it over his shoulder. But he couldn't just leave on that note. "Hey," he said, making his way back to her side. "Whatever's going on… I'm sure it'll work itself out. It always has." He placed a paw reassuringly on her back, and she relished in the contact. She had been distant from him ever since that incident, so it was a welcome gesture.

"Thank you." He nodded, then began to make his way for the door. "Oh, and Liam?" He turned around, flashing her a questioning look. "I wouldn't mind one of Spinda's mixed berry smoothies, if you have time." He laughed in response.

"Of course. You and your sweet-tooth. I'll bring ya back one."

And like that, she was finally on her own. Selina had her head buried into the covers. Oh how she wished she could've wiped the memory from her head - or perhaps been buzzed enough to have forgotten the whole thing. But then again, one could only imagine what may have happened had they both been intoxicated. Don't be surprised when you find the two of you locked together, if ya know what I mean. Flora's words echoed within her mind, much to her displeasure. "Ugh, that shaymin," she said aloud. She just had to go and put thoughts of that nature into the innocent umbreon's mind. It had only served to worsen things, now that she had heard what Liam said. And she didn't mean to be reclusive towards Liam - it wasn't his fault things had turned out like this. He was her closest companion by far; no one else even came close.

You're overthinking this, a voice said within her head, you always do. Liam wasn't even able to navigate town that night. No way was he thinking straight. "Yeah… but if he did feel that way…" It was the same conversation she had been having with herself ever since he'd said those things. What Liam and her already had was a very valuable bond, and she didn't want to endanger that for anything in the world. But now she was faced with a choice that she didn't want to make: either discuss this with Liam and risk making things awkward between the two of them, or just keep it to herself, to which she would never know for sure.

Yet she had only served to avoid the one question that she now had to ask herself: how did she feel about him? Selina knew that one day she would probably find a mate and settle down. But thoughts of those types had been absent while in Team Retribution, only now to resurface abruptly. Liam was certainly prime material for a mate, and any female would be excited to land a catch like him. He was, at his core, a very sweet and sensitive person, though he tried very well to hide that. And Flora had been right about one thing: he did admire her. Liam had gone out of his way to made sure she was always happy and taken care of, and looking back over all these years… it wouldn't surprise her if he did feel that way. But he was a human… he doesn't even know if he'd take a pokémon for a mate… She stopped that line of thought. Oh Arceus, now i'm talking about him being a mate… She sighed into her bed. Well that's what people in love do, silly, that voice said. I'm not in love, I'm…

What do you call this then? You sitting here fawning over him, wanting him to come back. True, she was waiting for his return - his presence might put this annoying voice to rest. That and there may be a smoothie involved…

But no matter what, she couldn't shake the mental war she was having with herself. As soon as she looked up from her bed, she was greeted with the sight of that eevee and riolu in the picture. Stop fighting what you know to be true. Accept it. She couldn't take her eyes off of the portrait, noticing how happy he looked at her side. Despite his evolution, he sported the same look that he always did - that same look he always had around her. A look of pure happiness.

— — — — —

Liam

— — — — —

On his way back home, Liam walked with a brisk pace to keep the smoothie from getting warm. He had tended to all of his errands quicker than he had thought, given that all the people he needed to see were in relatively close proximity to each other. While Tristan and his crew were tackling several large projects, Liam had helped fund a few of the ongoing public projects that potentially could have insufficient money to continue during the lack of administrative funding. Not that it was the luxray's fault; the matters he was taking care of now were far more important than roads and fences.

Everything was in order for their departure tomorrow. Like each year, Lapras would take only Selina and him to the Hidden Land, where they would make their way leisurely back towards Temporal Tower. And as always, they would visit Dialga, as well as pay their respects to Grovyle. Liam missed his friend from another life, and not a day went by where he didn't wish to at least remember a little more. But there was no changing his reality now. Selina had been as great a companion he could have ever hoped for.

But lately, she had been very reserved. He didn't know why, but she had been acting strange ever since he'd woken up from his night of intoxication. Did I do something that upset her? He sure hoped not. She had said that it wasn't him, but it couldn't be a coincidence that her demeanor had changed just like that.

A white flash zipped by his face, causing him to jump slightly and almost spill the smoothie. Flora had landed at his side, grinning as though she had done nothing mischievous at all. "Dang it, Flora…"

"What? Saw you and thought I'd come speak with our brave leader."

"Sure. Not that you wanted to cause trouble or anything."

"Mmm, nope - that's your job," she said. "Isn't that right, my election-rigging friend?" He looked around, seeing that nobody else was paying attention.

"Hush now," he said quietly. "No talk of that sort in public."

"Oh alright. Not like they'd care anyways. You've got this town at your beck and call. You've probably got more power than Tristan," Flora said.

"Don't let him hear you say that," he said with a laugh. "How're things going between the two of you? Selina told me about your interest."

"I'd say it's going well. He knows I feel, but the few times he doesn't seem to be tied up, I'm out on a mission. We need to get better about planning these types of things out."

"Well I'm sure it'll sort itself out," the lucario said. "In the meantime, y'all just make sure he doesn't do anything too rash while we're gone." Flora looked at the cup in his hand, apparently just now noticing it.

"Say, don't you think it's a bit early for drinking?"

"What? Oh, this isn't for me. And it's not alcohol."

"I see. Always at your umbreon's beck and call. 'Oh Liam? Be a dear and fetch me something from Spinda's,'" she joked. Liam laughed after rolling his eyes.

"Yeah, that's not at all how that interaction went, but okay."

"If you say so."

"Well I mean I was going out anyways. She just wanted to stay home and think about something, so I'd figured I'd bring her back this."

"And Spinda's just so happened to be 'in the way,' right? Despite being on the other side of town," the shaymin said.

"Well I mean… I think I may have upset her a few nights ago. When the two of us went there, I got a bit drunk…"

"No, you got a lot drunk."

"Is that why she's upset? Did I do something?" Flora averted her gaze, staring off towards the path ahead. But eventually, she shook her head.

"You didn't do anything particularly rash, other than walk into every other obstacle on the way home. But you said something." I knew it…

"I did?" he asked. "What did I say?" It could have been any number of things.

"I can't tell you that. She asked me to keep it a secret."

"Dammit Flora, I need to know. If I said something that hurt her, I gotta make it right."

"Calm down," Flora replied. "No matter how intoxicated you become, you don't have it in you to be mean to Selina, and you know it. You haven't upset her in any way."

"Then what—."

"You'll have to ask her yourself. But I fear she might not tell you for some time to come."

"Then why did she tell you?" he asked. "I mean… no offense at all. But I've known her ever since I've been here. Why didn't she tell me?"

"Because sometimes you can't tell people stuff - especially guys." He sighed, knowing she was right. He hated that that was the case, but it was true nonetheless. Maybe one day they could talk about it, but for now, it might just be best to let the matter go. Though knowing his own tendencies, letting something go was nearly impossible…

"Oh well. Is what it is. I just hope I didn't say something too dumb."

"But you say dumb stuff all the time," she said with a laugh. "Relax. Everything's okay, and Selina's fine with you. Just take it easy on the drinking."

"Yeah, you're telling me. Thanks Flora." Though she hadn't disclosed exactly what he had wanted, it did bring him so form of confirmation.

"Anytime, silly human. Now I better get going. Unlike you, I gotta go to work today, and Eleanor is waiting. You know how she is."

"Unfortunately," he said with a grin. "But you all will be back to see us off, right?"

"Of course. We were last two times. Now shoo!" She nudged him in the side for emphasis, before leaping into the sky. Little pest, he thought jokingly. By now, he had entered the woods that led to their home. Though the town was expanding, and with that came the need for more locations to build houses, he was glad that this property was off limits. Civilization had brought more conveniences than he could count, but it was nice to preserve some of the wilderness as well. And as long as he owned all that land, it would stay that way.

As he walked into the house, he saw the umbreon perk up. "It's still cold. Somehow."

"Oh. Thanks, Liam." Her voice sounded tired somehow, though sleeping had been pretty much all she had been doing as of lately. He didn't like that she was beating herself up over whatever this was.

"Not a problem," he replied. "Oh, and I spoke with Flora today. She uh… she told me." He had lowered his voice to make it seem more serious, causing her to tense up in fear.

"Wh-what? No… she… why would she…?" But he couldn't keep a straight face for long and grinned. "You!"

"Aw come on, have a bit more faith in her. She wouldn't go and do something like that." Selina shook her head.

"There was about to be a fight. Don't joke like that, Liam." But it had worked; she had eased up ever-so-slightly, evident by her tiny smile.

"But it's all too fun. You got worked up quickly, too."

"Mhm. You'd do best not to upset someone who has access to your room."

"Why? What're you gonna do to me?" Liam asked.

"I dunno, but I'll find something. Now give me my smoothie, please." He'd forgotten that he was holding it, and set it down at her place at their table. She went about drinking it as Liam headed towards the expansive opening in the cave. Against the horizon, Lapras could be seen drifting lazily against the waves, with Marvin flying alongside him. Poor guy, he's probably getting his head talked off right about now, Liam thought.

"Liam, you're looking kinda silly just standing there like that," Selina said. "Something on your mind?"

"Yeah, a little bit. Just wonderin' how he of all people was chosen to be the sole means of transport to the Hidden Land." Selina tilted her head in confusion.

"Lapras? I dunno. Maybe he lives there and Dialga just came up to him and said 'hey, want a job?' Maybe something like that." He laughed at the idea.

"I suppose. I'll tell you what, though, I was terrified back when we first went over there. Seeing a lapras just take off and fly…"

"Yeah," Selina said with a nod, "me too."

"Say, why didn't he ever choose a name for himself?" Liam asked. "I mean I know there are a lot of people around here that haven't either, but still… It's getting way more common. World's getting smaller, and all of a sudden there are more of everyone's species. You almost have to take a name nowadays."

"Well I guess that's a question for him in two days. But also, have you ever seen any other laprases? I know I haven't."

"True. I guess he can get away with it. Only I don't understand why nobody else at the Guild decided to take one up. I know for a fact there are like twenty other bidoofs around… unfortunately."

"Hey, don't you speak bad about him," Selina said jokingly. "He uhh… he means well."

"Yeah. Oh, and that reminds me, I haven't decided whether to thank him or punch him yet. I forgot to tell you, but he's the one responsible for gettin' me turned into a pokémon."

"What? There's no way," she stated.

"Uh huh, he sure did. Remember how he was the last member to join the Guild before us? Well about half a year before we joined, he had taken a trip to some place called Star Cave."

"Never heard of it."

"Yeah, well, there's supposedly a rare pokémon called Jirachi down there. And he grants a single wish to anyone who can reach him. And you know what he wished for? A friend to mentor in the Guild. And guess who showed up right after that? So yeah, he was responsible for me getting turned into a pokémon."

"No… I never would've thought…" Selina said. Her smoothie had long since been finished as she listened intently to his story.

"Mhm. And had he not gone and done something like that, I'd have stayed a human. But I doubt the Guild would've let one join, so I guess it might've been to our advantage."

"And when exactly did you find this out?"

"Let's see… about a week ago when I was speaking with Chatot. I'd forgotten to tell you because we were working, and then I went and said whatever it was. Didn't find a good time until now to bring it up," the lucario said.

"Well I think you should thank him. After all, you wouldn't wanna be the one human wandering around these parts, now would you?" she asked.

"Good point," he admitted. "But he still kinda has a punchable face, though…"

"Liam!"

"Just messing with ya, geez."

— — — — —

Eleanor

— — — — —

The day had come for Liam and Selina to depart for the Hidden Land. Everyone except for Tristan, who was currently busier than ever, had attended, as was custom. After all, they wouldn't see these two for about a month. She did not know what all they could do over the course of a month in such a place, but that was none of her concern. They did need the time off, though - really, every member of the team could use that right about now. But the surrounding territories really couldn't afford for all of Retribution to be on break at once. Not when there was as much work to be done as there was. But Liam and Selina had both pitched in massively these past few months in order to secure the safety and wellbeing of the town, and for that, a vacation would do them well.

But she knew just as well as everyone present that this was not just a vacation. This was also held in memory of everything that had gone wrong years ago - from the near collapse of Temporal Tower, and with it, time itself, to the loss of Grovyle, Liam's closest companion and friend from another life altogether. She truly pitied the former human for all that he had been through, but her pity could do nothing to bring back what was lost.

Yet in the loss, he had gained so much. The cresselia treasured him as a friend, and though there were surely times where they argued, she knew his heart to be filled with love and compassion. She had made the right decision in joining forces with them after the defeat of Darkrai, and her time with them had been undoubtedly the most enjoyable time she had spent in her life. Her days of the endless pursuit of evil had now come to rest, other than the occasional run-in with thugs in the field. Now she had friends who she knew she could take on the world with. Eleanor only hated the fact that she would outlive them all by centuries. But I shall enjoy what time I have with them, however brief it may be, she thought. And besides, she would see them on the other side.

"Y'all be sure to have fun out there," Flora said.

"When am I ever not having fun?" Liam asked. Oh, you always do make sure to do so.

"I assume the three of us will resume missions when you get back?" Rachel asked.

"Of course," replied Selina. "And we'll be back before you know it. In the meantime, though, please help Eleanor and Flora on their rescue missions. Hopefully the police will be able to bring in some of these outlaws while we're out."

"I can do missions on my own as well, if need be," the female lucario stated. "I've been doing it for years."

"Oh I know that - of course. But Tristan's brought in some people to help train the police force. Let's let them try a little bit. And besides, you've got friends in all of us. You don't have to go out on your own any more," Selina said.

"Okay, I will accompany these two on their rescue missions for now. And when you two get back, I'll be ready to kick some ass."

"That's the spirit," Liam said. Eleanor decided to speak up.

"Do not worry, Rachel. Rescuing others is often more rewarding even that bringing down outlaws, and not as dangerous. I'm sure you will enjoy it." She directed her focus towards Liam and Selina. "You two, have a great time. And be careful. I look forward to hearing what all happened when you get back." She went up and embraced both of them.

"Now you guys are gonna get me all choked up," Selina said.

"Oh no, we don't want that happening. On the shell, Selina," Liam said. She hopped on top of Lapras in response, soon followed by Liam. The few bags that they could carry were already on his back, and he was ready to swim off at a moment's notice. "Listen y'all, take care. We'll be back before long. And Marvin… you be careful with those three. And guys, if I found out that he even got a scratch on him…"

"He won't Liam, don't be paranoid," Flora said.

"Alright. Love ya bud."

"Love you guys," the manaphy said. Liam nodded to Lapras, who, taking the cue, pushed off of the shore. They started drifting off.

Eleanor watched as her friends grew further and further away, joining the others in waving before heading off on their own business for the day. As she slowly flew back to town, she couldn't help but think that this time… this trip… things would be different. She was arguably the smartest member of the team, her intelligence a result of her five hundred years of experience. And through that time, she had come to know how people acted very well. But aside from that, she knew these two, and was aware of the tension between them… and what may very well become of it. It is only a matter of time, the cresselia thought as she headed off in the other direction.