"In today's news, the team behind the Shadow Virus has been captured. This means that the contingency that went to Orre is home! We join at Lilycove!"

The port was decked out with flyers and bands. Everyone of importance could be found around the festival- even the dark master Sydney could be found enjoying himself. All attention was drawn to the ship now relieving itself of passengers.

Steven surveyed the town. "Ahh. Good to be home."

"You Hoennians really give nice welcome home parties, don't you?" Chi looked out.

"Remember, I headed this investigation. That means that I get all the girls and the glory."

"Fine by me."

Steven walked out with his noble air as Taki was wheeled out by Petra. "This is so great." Steven thought. "One look and every girl will fall for me." As they reached the dock, everyone noticed Taki's predicament and rushed to him.

"Mr. Taki, what happened?"

"Who did this to you?"

"Why didn't I get to do it?" and more varied expressions. After a while they departed for another event in town leaving him with Petra, Norman, and his children.

"Hey, I'm going to find some food, play nice Chi." …Leaving him with Norman and his children.

"Please tell me that you're not going attack me…" Taki pleaded. "I've been beaten by two Johtoians this week…"

"Well, not today." Norman laughed. "You've proven some strength."

"But you must have seen some powerful Pokemon!" Max cheered.

"Yeah, here's a tip: Don't get attacked by a Tyrannitar. They hurt." Taki whispered.

"Is that how this happened?" May cocked her head.

"Well, you can't make an omelet without breaking a few Togepi."

"…You eat Togepi?"

"It's a saying."

Steven stood there with a scowl on his face. "I can't believe it. I planned this campaign, I led it, I made sure everything was tied up nicely… Why does he get more attention?"

"Perhaps it's because you don't have anything on you to show from it." Glacia appeared from behind him. "Think about it. I doubt that you've actually done anything physical for this; while Chi broke his back, literally, over the job."

"So you're saying that my skills don't win me points?"

"No, I'm saying that the Champion should get his hands dirty every once and a while."

"Man, and is this going to be all the attention I get from the opposite sex tonight?"

Glacia bent down and gave Steven a kiss. "I don't think so."

The festival was over, and they finally returned to the Gym. It didn't seem too bad, but Taki was sure that something was up. They opened the gate to see some Aquas and Magmas with shovels and buckets of paint. "What did you do?" He inquired with a stern voice.

"Nothing…" They all chorused.

"Did you have a gang war here?" Chi scorned. They nodded dumbly. "Did you use my Pokemon?" They shook their heads. "Are you cleaning up?" They nodded. "Good, get out of here when you're done." He went into his room, and got onto his bed with a little strife. He just laid there, glad to be done with another chapter in his book.