42

"So you say she went down this hallway?"

"Yes Officer Jenny, but I didn't follow her to see where she went."

"That's okay, Leah. At least you caught this one." Jenny said as she pointed her thumb at Tico.

"He's willing to do whatever he can to help you Officer, and whatever it takes to make up his sentence. I suggested Professor Oak."

"Thank you, but it's not up to me to sentence him, but having willingly given in will help the boy. Now, her description was what again?"

"She looks exactly like Tico only she has red hair with a black stripe down the middle." Leah answered. "She was also wearing a lab coat over a very tight shirt and a short skirt."

"All right. Thank you. We have your number. If we have any more questions, we'll call you. Thank you. You can go now. We'll take good care of your friend. Take him away guys."

"Kohan! Hey! Are you okay?"

"Yeah, I'm fine Kian. Anyone else come?"

"Only Ar. Ce. I don't know where he is though."

"Hey! Guys! Come help me and the Nurses!"

"Okay Ar. Ce. I better go help him, Kohan. Kian."

"You're really okay, right?" Kian asked Kohan as Leah walked off towards Ar. Ce. and her aunts.

"My pride is hurt, and my stomach still hurts a little. She really seemed like she wanted to turn around, Kian. I mean, she was crying. She's one hell of an actress."

"Team Rocket has so many ways to brainwash someone. They promise you whatever it takes to suck you in. From what I've heard, they must have promised her a family. People who really love her. She doesn't know it, or she does but won't accept, but she has always had someone to love her. It's just soo sad."

"You don't have to tell me how sad it is to not have someone love you, or lose them somehow. Too bad she didn't run into you guys instead of Team Rocket. Good thing the genius isn't the bad one. That could be potentially dangerous."

"Yeah, but most people aren't as lucky as you were."

"Well, I hope they catch her and can try to help her. That's the best anyone can really do. I feel sorry for her though. The cops will kick her ass if the catch her."

"Kohan, did you seriously give all these Pokémon Super Potions?" Leah asked.

"Yeah I did, Leah. Hey, Kian, I'm gonna go help Leah and Ar. Ce. If you want to help, you can."

"No, it's okay. I'm gonna call the others and tell them that everything's fine."

"Okay. Bye." As Kian was starting to walk away, Kohan ran up behind her to give her a hug.

"Ugh. Thanks Babe."

"I love you." And he squeezed harder. "I just wanted you to know that you saved me. Bye Love."

Kian brought her arm around behind her and patted him on the back. "Bye, bye Love." Kohan released her and she walked out of the room and down the hall. Kohan waved after her and walked over to where Ar. Ce. and Leah were gathering the injured Pokémon. He bent down to pet the just awakened Persian that he had healed earlier.

"You poor, innocent souls. I hope your owners are still looking for you, or still want you back. You never deserved to suffer like this. Let's get them out of here before they get too upset. Leah, where did Ar. Ce. go?"

"Uh, he went outside to get more temporary Pokéballs to carry the Pokémon in. He'll be back soon. Don't get too attached to them, Kohan. We have to find their owners. It was smart of you to look for their names though."

"I can't believe we were able to do something this live-changing. We were here at the right time."

"No. Your gift was given to the right person, Kohan. Being psychic was what kept you awake. If you hadn't been able to stay awake, we would have had our Pokémon stolen too. Thank you, Kohan."

"I didn't do anything, really. My parents did. We're mostly done, right? If we are, then we should go. They can handle things from here. My shock is starting to wear off. I just want to go some where and relax." Kohan stood up and leaned against Leah. "I know the perfect place too."

"Kohan, what did you do to get probation with Prof.?"

"I'll tell you later hun." Kohan walked over to stand next to Leah and kissed her forehead.

43

"Okay, are we, like, lost?" Leah asked as they passed the same tree for the third time.

"No. I just can't seem to remember exactly where it is. It should be around here som…ugh." Kohan had just tripped on an exposed root and happened to crush the thicket that previously directed their path into a series of maze-like trails. "Ow. That hurt like a bitch. Help. Leah."

"What the hell did you find, Kohan! This place is beautiful!" As Leah was struck dumb by the beauty of the hidden hot spring, she neglected to notice the fact that she had walked into it by stepping on Kohan's lower back. Leah took a few more steps into the clearing before hearing Kohan's pathetic whimpering. "Kohan," She turned around to see her footprints on his back. "Oh my Gods! Kohan, are you okay!" She rushed back to his side and helped him up. As he straightened up, she dusted of his jacket. "I'm soo sorry K. I really didn't mean to. It's just soo pretty here." She turned her head to look at the pools of steaming water only twenty feet away.

"I told you I knew where it was."

"This is the place you were talking about, Kohan?"

"Yup. Surprise." At Leah's big smile, he turned her around and gave her a big kiss on her forehead as he hugged her.

"My Gods! How did you find this place?"

"Sadly, the same way I found it today, when I first came here."

"Oh, that is sad." Leah left his embrace and turned back to face the pools. "Wanna dip?"

"It's getting late though. We should go to bed and start tomorrow with one."

"Okay." Kohan walked over to Leah and kissed her on the forehead.

44

They got up late the next morning, and had a full breakfast. After using a small spring as a sink, Kohan asked, "Got a bathing suit?"

"Yup. Um…?"

"Behind those trees." Kohan smiled and took his backpack off. He opened it and started to look for his own. "Oh crap."

"Kohan, did you say something?"

"Uh, no Leah." With a quick thought, Kohan rushed behind a clump of bushes next to the closest spring and undressed. He jumped out from behind it and into the water without testing it. The water was hot, but not skin searing. It instantly relieved the tension in his stomach. He relaxed and slid lower into the water. After a few more seconds, Leah appeared in a black skull and crossbones bikini that resembled the pair of underwear Kohan had found earlier. "You look like a Tease-Boy Skitty model."

"Shut up! I do not!" Leah covered her chest with crossed arms with a look of embarrassment.

"Yes you do. You have a beautiful body, Leah. Jump in, not literally though, it's hot. Sit." Kohan patted the water next to him. "It's therapeutic." Leah walked to the edge and stuck her foot in.

"Ooo. Just right." She sat down and put her legs in. Then she slid all the way down into the water. "Perfectly relaxing. So what do people who are going out do now?" Leah asked with a slight smile. She moved a little closer to Kohan, but he moved the other way. "Hey. What's wrong? You don't want to have a little fun." Leah moved to sit right next to him and put her hand on his lap. "Oh, Gods!" She retracted her hand and held it with the other as if it had been bit, and sprayed hot water all over Kohan's face in the process. "You don't have anything on!" Leah giggled.

"Well, it was either this or ruin the only other pair of clean shorts I have. I must have left them at the Pirateers. Oops, sorry."

"It's okay. I knew."

"How?…"

"I never gave Newton his powers back. I heard you yell 'Fuck! I forgot my trunks!' That's why I asked if you had said something, 'cause you yelled it. I also know something else." Leah stood up and walked in front of him. "I wore this suit because of it." Then she put her hands on his knees and jumped onto his lap, crossing her legs over his, careful not to bump, hit, touch or nudge anything.

"Uh..?"

"Calm down. I'm just sittin'. I know you're in love with me. I could see it in your eyes before the powers; they just helped me look into your soul to read it. I'm not upset, or frankly surprised. His powers help me to see that you can look into a person's soul to see their intentions, goals, spirit. You didn't love my body when you first saw it, but you did love my soul when you first felt it. And I have had the privilege to see it too. Thank you. I'm not sure if I love you too yet, but I do like you more than I have liked anyone else. Even Keson. I saw that look." She smiled.

"Don't you think this place is romantic?" Leah asked as she looked around her again.

"Yeah. Leah?" Kohan placed his hand on her cheek. Leah turned her gaze back to him. She looked into his eyes and placed a finger on his lips.

"Before you say anything, or I have the chance to read it, don't you think Newton should get his powers back?"

"He won't mind a few more minutes."

"But you will?"

"Huh?" Before Kohan had the chance to ask her the question behind his lips, she stole it with hers and a swipe of her tongue.

45

The sparrows twittered in the early morning light while the rainbows created by that light refracted by the hot springs danced and played on the faces of two newly bonded Pokémon Trainers. The days before had been hectic for both of them, and having found the hot springs helped to relax them even more than would a normal couple. They were able to sense each other's thoughts and, thankfully, fears, which helped them to see that neither of them was ready for the situation they were in.

After their wonderful bout of kissing fits in the pool, Leah had asked Kohan if her thoughts were too forthcoming, and he had agreed. Leah had brought him a towel; she wanted everything to be in the perfect place and time. Then they had both dressed behind different trees, and had fit themselves into one sleeping bag. Needless to say the kissing fits continued under the endless expanse of the Kanto night sky. They finally fell asleep holding one another at around ten-thirty.

Kohan was the first to awaken. He lay there staring at the morning sun through the Oak leaves of the tree they had slept under. He felt Leah stir next to him. He turned to face her and saw that she was wearing the beautiful smile that he had seen the first day he met her. He propped himself up on his elbow so that he could watch her sleep from the tree's perspective. When he felt her drifting toward waking, he leaned down to lift her out with a kiss. Leah floated into his kiss as she roused from a dream not to different from this very incredible moment. She had never been awakened in a more breathtaking way.

"Mmmm." Kohan released her. "That was, such a wonderful way to wake up."

"I know, you'll have to try it sometime." He leaned in to kiss her again, this time slipping his tongue between her lips.

"Kohan, did you know her as well as you seem to know me?"

"Uh?" Kohan just stared at her, astonished by her sudden question. "I thought I did." He looked away.

"Oh! I didn't mean to upset you. I'm sorry." Leah placed he hand on the other side of his face and pulled him closer to her so that she could kiss his cheek.

"Should I grow my hair out?"

"Uh… Um, okay. Yeah! Sure! You'd look really good with it long!"

He looked back at her. "Okay then, I will." Kohan brought his hand to the base of her head to draw her close. Then he nuzzled her nose with his. She struck out with her tongue to try to lick his mouth, but he drew away to kiss her jaw. Kohan then brought his lips back up to hers and kissed her once, twice, a third, and on the forth kept his mouth to hers while their tongues frolicked in each other's mouths.

"Hey… What's your middle name?"

"Can't you look for it?"

"Oh! That's right! I still have to give Newton back his powers!"

"Fine. It's Atmrin."

46

Kohan, Hypno and Newton successfully managed to release Leah from her brief psychic gift. She was a little disoriented when she was no longer able to sense Kohan's essence. But she was aware of a slight difference in her own gifts.

"Kohan, you got your middle name from the old legend, didn't you?"

"Yeah. How did you know?"

"Well I guess it's kind of a coincidence, but my middle name is Aethen. It's not like it means anything."

"What do you mean! It's a sign!"

"Kohan, you're dreamin'!" Leah turned away from Kohan to ponder this. "Are you sure?"

"Look, if you feel uncomfortable or somethin', we can think about where we're going next. Hey, lets train!"

"Nah. We're going to the Second Seafoam Island, right?"

"Uh, yeah." Kohan said quietly as he dropped the subject. One of his best characteristics is the knowledge of when to shut up about something. It always came in handy with his father.

"We should find out if there are any boats on the east shore."

"Okay. Xatu, come out." Kohan threw its Pokéball into the air. Xatu hovered in front of Kohan awaiting direction. "Teleport to the east shore of the island to see if there are any boats there. If there are boats that are sea-worthy, come right back, if there aren't, teleport the boat we used to get here to the east shore."

"Xa." It nodded its head and dissipated into thin air.

"It shouldn't be long now. Leah, if you didn't want to talk about it, why did you bring it up?"

"I hadn't remembered what Kian said when she read my palm. After a few seconds, it occurred to me that she might be right. Our names are not a coincidence, Kohan." Leah turned to face him. She had the look that Lianta had when she told Kohan to leave her. Kohan was suddenly afraid of her. "Do you know the whole legend? The part about him being too afraid of her? Of what might happen if they got close again? I've seen it happen. I don't want us to go through that. That's why I don't want to think about it."

"You already have."

"I know! I don't want that to happen to us! Do you know how much she hurt him! She broke his heart time and time again before she even realized that he was… almost gone. He could never really trust her again. I don't…"

"Don't worry Leah, if we know the history, we can avoid repeating it." Kohan took two steps toward Leah and seized her into his arms. She burst into tears. Kohan could tell that she had always hated her namesake, and the knowledge that not even love could out-win the hurt that one could inflict upon another. She had hated the way it portrayed women as only looking out for themselves' until the last minute, when they only sought to help others when it would benefit themselves again. He could see all of this radiating off of her soul to settle at her feet; her mother should have picked a better name.

47

"What do you want for lunch?"

"I'm not hungry, Kohan." Leah replied as she sat under the Oak tree, polishing her Pokéballs. She was still upset about the shocking realization of their situation. She was in a state of shock.

"Oh. Okay." He sat down next to her. "I'm, sorry you know. I didn't…"

"I know. I'm just afraid."

"You don't have to be." Kohan said as he pet her hair. "You don't want the same circumstance to happen, so you won't make the same mistakes she made." He kissed her temple. "I won't let it happen." He brought her closer into his warm arms. She laid her head on the upper part of his chest and just listened to his heart.

"Thank you." She whispered.

48

"You really should eat something, Hun."

"Fine. I'll just have a small sandwich. Just a few pieces of turkey and some cheese."

"Okay. I'll have it in a few minutes."

"Don't forget to make yourself something."

"Sure."

49

"We should pack up now if we want to get going."

"Shouldn't we wait for Xatu, Leah?"

"It'll be there when we get there. Come on." Leah bent don to unzip her half of the sleeping bag while Kohan picked up the rest of the plates and things from their brief lunch.

"Leah?"

"Working."

"Are you mad at me? I thought you weren't mad at me. Wha I do?"

"Kohan. Just clean."

"Okay. I wonder what Xatu found over there? Mustn't have been anything dangerous, or else it would have been back by now."

"Mmm."

"Want help rolling up the bags?"

"No. Don't forget to put the trash away. I don't want to be arrested for littering."

"Why would we be arrested out here?" Kohan looked up from the trash bag.

"They have their ways."

"Uh huh. 'Kay. I am sorry, you know."

"You've said that about a hundred times already."

"Sorry."

"Kohan."

"Yes'm."

"Just keep packing."

"I'm done over here. You want help?"

"Nope. Done." Leah stuffed her sleeping bag into the bottom of her backpack, and did the same for Kohan's. She took the almost dry bathing suit from yesterday down from the branch it had been drying on, and folded it to put it in a plastic bag. She swung her backpack onto her shoulders and stood waiting at the opening of the hot spring for Kohan to get his. When he joined her at the entrance, he placed an arm around her shoulders as a hug. Then he leaned over to kiss the top of her head.

"I would say something, but I don't know what I can say. And I'm not ready to say what I could say."

"I know. It's okay. I'm sorry for being so depressed. Come on, let's get to the other side of the island."

50

Their walk through the forest to the east side of the First Seafoam Island gave Leah and Kohan a chance to talk about their families. Leah discussed her role in Pewter City's Pokécenter and how much her sister bugged the fuck out of her. Kohan laughed his ass off at her description.

"What? She does. I love her though. She can be a pain, but she's my sister."

"Hm. I don't have any siblings. That's okay though. It just meant that I didn't have to worry about them when I left. But I guess when I meet Jenna; she'll just have to fill in the job. Is that okay?"

"What? Asking me if Jenna would act as your sister?" Leah stopped in the middle of her step. She looked up at Kohan with an astonished smile. "Go ahead, take her. But that seems strange. You, really want to, Kohan… I'm sorry you didn't have a model family. Of course Jenna would love to act as your sister, though," Leah reached to touch his hand. "she wouldn't be the only one to want to be your family. My parents would spoil the hell out of you if you wanted." Kohan leaned close to Leah to place a light kiss on her lips.

"Thank you."

"They'll love you."

"As much as you do?"

"Kohan, I don't know that yet."

"Sorry."

"Are we close to the coast?"

"Uh, maybe. Hey, I want to try a trick that I've been working on for a while. I don't know if it will work, but you trust me right?"

"So far."

"Hm. Okay, here we go." Kohan brought Leah closer to his body and put his first two fingers on his right hand to his temple. He closed his eyes and scrunched up his forehead. Leah was baffled by this act, but when she started to get dizzy and to lose the feeling of gravity, she could guess what was happening.

"Koha…" And they vanished from sight.

51

Later that day, some ten miles south of Cinnabar Island, a black piece of metal silently slipped below the rolling waves. As the submarine found it's course under the whitecaps, the only passenger on board received a transmission from her superior officer.

"Lanna Hitoma. I am very disappointed in the loss of our base on Seafoam Island. But I am proud that you decided to stay with me. You know how much that means to me, right?"

"Yes, Giovanni sir. I do."

"It is a shame to have lost your brother, though."

"Yes boss, it is."

"Lanna. Seeing as you have stayed loyal to me, I have decided to give you another job. But, I want you to understand that it will take place on the Second Seafoam Island. Will you take the job, Lanna?"

"Yes, Boss. I will do anything for Team Rocket."

"Good. Do you remember Project M2?"

"Yes Sir. I do."

"Do you remember the scientists that worked for me? Good. Do you remember Corzi? Excellent. Lanna, he ran off with most of the data gathered from Project M2, and until now, we have been unable to find any trace of the man. But our spies have found one of his recent colleagues. His name is Kotoko. I want you to kidnap him and all of the men working under him. I also need you to steal all of the information he has on his computers. I don't care if it looks like a game of Solitaire; I want his hard-drives wiped clean. Will you need help Lanna?"

"Lanna will not need help. Lanna will not be going on this mission."

"Lanna. What do you mean?"

"Lanna Hitoma will not be working on this job because K3 Z40 has taken over."

"Ah. Good girl. Your best disguise. I have trained you well, Kaethree Zeeforoh. May the Gods be on your side as you follow my orders. Remember that I love you Lanna."

"Yes, Sir, I do. I love you too, Father."