I was sick and then a bunch of events happened. Thanks for your patience! We are nearing the end but we have some answers and then more questions. Enjoy!

The blazing heat of Cinnabar catches Layla off guard as Hugo drops them off, it crashes over her like a wave before filtering back through the forest towards town. The heavy heat and humidity threaten to smother her, her lungs struggling to get oxygen, and her hair begins to poof up. Her attention shifts to the volcano above them just as black smoke explodes into the sky. Even the breeze feels hot as it hits her backside. Immediately, she hates the feeling of a river of sweat tracing her spine.

Hugo steadies her with a gentle hand and then disappears in a flash to get the others.

The volcano sounds like a monster with its grumbling and growling beneath the earth moments before the ground starts to shake. Layla stumbles against Morty, clinging to him as the first bits of smoke seep from the peak of the volcano.

Sirens blare in town, their tones clashing while local police bark out orders for evacuations. The smoke thickens and lava begins to spill down the side of the mountain.

"I'll help with the town," Jasmine volunteers, drawing out her pokemon.

She dashes off, joining in the ranks of the policemen and women directing citizens, and more towards the piers. Juniper turns to the two with her as more teleported people and pokemon start to appear. Her daughter looks adamant as Juniper gets out her Floatzel and some gloves.

"I'm going to the volcano," Layla states, looking at her mother to argue. "I can't ask pokemon for help, but I can help them."

"I know," Juniper smiles and glances at Morty. "Keep her in your sights. I like you, but if she gets hurt..."

"I get it," Morty grins, Nox already behind them.

"Good."
Another sound like an explosion makes Layla tremble as rocks rise into the sky. Panic sets in and it takes a couple of deep breaths for her to relax and follow after the onslaught of G-men into the woods to clear it of pokemon.

She's felt small compared to the Beast Trio, but this is so different. The forest spans for miles and Layla feels out of breath running not even a full mile. Her legs ache as she encounters her first wave of injured pokemon, a bunch of Meowth and Rattata covered in scratches and burns. They rear up at their approach but with the help of Pocha and Nox, Layla is able to fix them up and take care of their burns.

Above her, Lance and Aaron race by, hoping to catch up to Blaine as his gym has recently moved into the volcano. Layla keeps moving, repeating her steps as wave after wave of pokemon, many of them aggressive at first, try to run out of the forest to safety.

During a particular ground shaking explosion, G-men agents find them and give them supplies to rest up. They also leave them with two water types, Blastoise and Golduck, to protect them in case they get trapped.

"Use this to get a hold of us if you're trapped or injured," the agent explains, handing Layla a communicator.

At first, it seems like they're winning against a force of nature with sheer numbers on their side to delay the onslaught of lava coming at them. Somewhere deep in the forest, Juniper has gathered a small army of ground and water types at the base of the mountain to create a path for the lava to the sea.

Past that is where the chaos reigns.

Blaine had the land circling the volcano turned into a type of sanctuary for the wild pokemon of Cinnabar. It was a lush land filled with native flora thriving with excellent care, nearly outgrowing the sanctuary's original plot of land. Now, it's mostly on fire with pokemon rushing to get out of the way of the blaze and smoke towards safety.

The rest of the fire crew from the League have split into groups to fight the blaze while the rest fight at the source. The black smoke has surrounded the top of the volcano, a swirling, angry black cloud daring them to cross the barrier. She sees flashes of lightning and hears more crashing of boulders smacking together.

"Layla, we have to go," Morty tugs on her arm, his eyes watching the trees around them go up in flames.

"Wait, wait!" she pulls back to finish wrapping a ponyta's leg up and helping the pokemon up.

The pokemon kicks off, knocking her onto her butt as she struggles to gather the rest of her stuff and join with Morty. Heat pools around them and the nearest tree cracks and bursts from the onslaught of heat. Blastoise manages to stop the flames, but Golduck is too far to pull them away. Leaving Morty to wrap his arms around her and fall back just as it collapses next to them.

His arms hold her tight as the fire gets extinguished and the pokemon pull them to safety.

"You have to be careful," Morty huffs, cupping her face. "I promise you're doing your best."

She nods, panting and on the verge of tears from it all. "Okay, I'm sorry. This is just so much and I hate Team Rocket."

He laughs, pulling her in for a hug. "It's going to be okay. We should take a break."

She wants to argue, but fatigue hits her then and she relents to his suggestion, standing with him and hobbling back to the safe side. It feels like they've been working for days as Layla approaches the tents. Nurse Joy and other medical staff, both for humans and pokemon, have set up a space out of the way of the lava and such for rescue crews to get a reprieve from the chaos.

Water types get doused with water and given berries and food to fuel themselves up before heading out again with their departments. Hundreds of uniformed men and women filter in and out of the area. Plenty of G-men keep it running while communicating with those on the ground or in the air.

Layla collapses into a chair, watching the river of lava shrink down and the smoke filter out and away from the town. She notices a Pidgeot swooping around, bigger than Aves with its massive wings able to clear smoke. A riderless Charizard and Dragonite take off towards the mouth of the volcano.

At this distance, it seems less chaotic and more controlled. In the hours they've been near the flames and in the forest, it's really helped ease the destruction radius.

"Mom," she croaks. Her ensuing coughing fit gets her to drink down the water fast. "Are you okay?"

"Yes, baby," her mother smiles, touching her daughter's hair. "How are you? I see Morty managed to keep hold of you."

"For the most part," he groans from beside Layla. "She's a magnet for trouble."

"Gets it from me," she winks at him. "Blaine, Blue, Lance, Aaron and Wesley managed to slow the flow of lava from within the volcano. Amazing work."

"I'll say," Layla exhales deeply.

Her body feels as though it's going to fall apart and as if it's on fire, soot covers her arms and sweat drips from her forehead. The stench of smoke burns in her nostrils, making everything stink and her nose sore. Morty seems just as exhausted, his eyes narrowed and watery from the smoke, and ready for a long nap.

The sun moves from overhead to a lower spot in the sky as the flames die out, the volcano returns to a slumber and the explosions die down and the smoke fades. Lance returns with the others in tow, looking haggard and singed on the frays of his spiked hair. The welcome he gets from the other agents is warm, pats on the back and some encouraging words, as he gets his water and sits.

He plops down in Layla's circle with a sigh, Aaron and Wesley right beside him. "I'm going to need a vacation earlier than usual."

"Now what?" Layla glances at him and the two men beside him.

"I have to postpone the competition. I need the Gym Leaders on high alert and Blaine needs time to sort things out with the gym," he sighs, rubbing his face and smearing soot all over. He still manages to look handsome and Layla wonders what that's like. "I'll start with four weeks and think of extending it if need be."

"The G-men will have to do better searching for Team Rocket," Aaron adds with a glance to Wesley. "Maybe we should extend to Kanto now."

"This is a mess," Wesley groans.

"Well, it's a good thing that messes can be cleaned," Blue snickers, sauntering over with fire in his eyes.

Layla observes the eighth gym leader in Kanto with interest. His rise to fame was a strange and twisted path that ended kind of mysteriously. He was champion, that much she knows, Red beat him and then he kind of disappeared for a while before emerging a gym leader. As a result of his disappearance in between, he's been called the Phantom Champion. A name she's sure will elicit a violent reaction if said out loud.

Since then, he's been known for his strength and cocky attitude.

"A few of my gym trainers and I will be staying here for those weeks to help clean the forest, and the gym," he crosses his arms, refusing water from an agent. "Green will stay at the gym, since the remodel I doubt Team Rocket will go there for anything, but just in case."

"Thanks, Blue," Lance nods, seeming relieved by the offer to help.

Layla supposes it takes a load off of the resources that would have been used to help. The rest of their meeting consists of boring stuff that partially involves Morty and has Layla falling asleep on his shoulder as he listens. His hand holds hers tight until Eusine and Jasmine come over from their work in the tent.

"I think it'd be best for us to break for the night," Eusine gestures at Layla.

Lance chuckles, nodding to their little group. "The league will cover the hotel cost for tonight and tomorrow. If you need to visit the hospital that will be covered too."

"Her father will send the bill," Juniper smiles, making the rest of them laugh. "Go on guys, I'll come by later to update you."

"Cupcake, it's time to go," Morty whispers in Layla's ear.

"Mmm?" she yawns, sitting up and following Morty's lead. "Mom?"

"I'll be there later, mija," she presses a kiss to the girl's temple.

"Bye guys," Layla waves to the others with a sleepy smile.

The way back to town is a blur to Layla, her stumbling footsteps cause her to collide with Morty more than a few times. The setting sun sets a chill tone as they walk past a crowd of news crews desperate to ask questions as townspeople wander the streets to survey the damage and possibly get a glimpse of Lance and Blue. Policemen block the crowd as they pass, guiding them to a hotel.

The lights flashing mixed with exhaustion has Layla scrambling to stay upright only making Morty laugh and gently pull her closer to him until they get to the hotel.

They're stopped by a representative from the League and Layla nearly has a meltdown in the lobby at the thought of more talking. Morty takes over, squeezing her hand and pressing another to her lower back. His touch makes her breath catch in her throat and she suddenly doesn't remember what she was going to do. The rep checks them in and assures their rooms have everything they need as they head up.

"Stay with me," she mumbles to Morty, passing her key to Eusine. "Today was scary."

Eusine, despite his fatigue, brightens up and asks the rep with a grin. "Do the rooms have condoms?"

"Houdini," Jasmine scolds him. She smiles apologetically to the employee. "Sorry about him. We have our things, thank you."

In the elevator, Morty tries not to flush too much as Layla squeezes his hand tight and sways more on her feet. The bag given to him from the league is full of the essentials for staying away from home for the day. Sweats, shirts, toiletries and more for their night.

Morty swipes the card and enters with Layla behind him, yawning and loving the idea of a hot shower and a nice fluffy bed to sleep in. Her body screams for hot water and she has no issue digging in the bag for some clothes before turning to Morty. Her heart rate accelerates, did she really ask Morty to share a room with her? Why didn't Jasmine stop her?

"Are you uncomfortable?" she blurts out, clutching her clothes. "I'm not trying to make a move or anything. I just like sleeping with you... Wait! I mean by you!"

She continues to blabber, a rosy color rising to her cheeks as he regards her with a fond smile and realizes just how lucky he has been. Every step of the way she's been kind and considerate of his boundaries. Despite the jump he took to start dating her, he's been holding back and not allowing himself to invest fully into this relationship.

Then he thinks of today and how they ran head on into danger and how she disregarded her own safety for the safety of pokemon. It was amazing to watch her work and he feels himself falling more and more for her.

Once she falls silent from her babble, he steps up to her and cups her face. "I want to be with you tonight too. Especially after today."

"Was it that bad?" she jokes, reaching up to fix a stray hair of his. "Are you okay?"

"Yes," he smiles at her, rubbing his thumbs along her cheeks. "As in, yes I'm okay."

She chuckles, the sound warming his heart and making him pull her in closer until their hips press together. His eyes slide down to her lips, parted, pink and looking kissable more than ever. There's no chance for him to debate kissing her, her vision fully returned, she leans up and presses her lips to his.

It's as if the fire migrated to their hotel room, growing around them as Morty relaxes against her, his lips sliding around hers. The fire grows as her arms wrap around him and she presses herself against him more as if she can't get enough. His heart pounds at that thought, she wants more of him even though he's in her grip and their bodies are intertwined.

He pulls away with a gasp, his purple eyes gleaming down at her. "I'm happy you're here tonight, schmookums."

"Well, my little Honey-Teddiursa," she hums, reaching up for another kiss. "I'm glad to be here. I'll be good tonight, though. Too tired for sex."

"O-oh," he chokes a bit.

"Oh?" she raises a teasing brow. "Does that mean-"

"I think the shower is calling you?" he gestures to the bathroom. "Especially with your mother around."

She grimaces at the mention of Juniper. "You're right. She'd hang you up by your underwear in front of the town."

"Good to know."

A laugh bubbles up from her chest as she steps away to shower. "If you wanna join me, go ahead."

Another cough and she's laughing harder as she skips into the bathroom and gets the hot water starting. The stream beating down on her pulls the dirt and soot from her hair and skin. She tries to make it quick so Morty doesn't have to wait long, but her hair takes longer than usual to detangle.

By the time she's out, Morty has ordered room service and seems in a better mood. She tosses her folded clothes on the spare bed as he disappears into the bathroom, and gets out her phone to text Jasmine and her mother, separately.

On the TV, the news covers the eruption from today, citing it as unforeseeable as it was a dormant volcano for years. In her mind, everyone in the world heard Entei's roar with how the earth shook and the leaves trembled at the time of it. It's off putting to see that's not the case, the world seemed to stop at that moment, how could no one know?

It could also be the G-men trying not to panic those living in Kanto about Team Rocket moving between regions again. With this new development, Layla's mind swirls with questions about what today means for Team Rocket. They can capture and hold a pokemon for a couple of seconds at least, and, if she's right, control it enough to issue a command.

So, they can capture legendary pokemon and they're looking to control them, again if that's what happened. The short burst sound wave was a different frequency, one Layla could barely register, but it turned the electric collar a different color. Since Raikou's capture, she supposes an actual physical object was more difficult to maintain and they switched to a frequency based one...

"Room service!"

Layla jumps at the announcement as a knock follows on the door. Safety flies to the window at the thought of food and she rushes to answer it. A smile forms on her face at the sight of the tray the service worker pushes into the room, whatever Morty ordered smells delicious, and with the lavish design of the hotel it probably will be good.

She offers a tip and moves to uncover the food as Morty leaves the bathroom donning sweats hanging low on his hips, a loose shirt and wet flopping hair. He looks handsome and it makes her blush as he approaches, running his fingers through his locks to brush them out of his face.

"I ordered whatever sounded best, I hope you like it," he murmurs, folding his clothes and tossing them beside hers. "I'm exhausted. Did they bring our pokemon back?"

"Yeah, on the table by the TV," she gestures, opening the first platter to showcase an assortment of berries in a bowl with a smattering of fluffy dip in the middle.

She licks her lips, lifting the tops of the other ones to see slices of a roast bird covered in a cream sauce, still steaming. Under another one is a leafy, vibrant green salad on a tray next to some steaming tea cups. It brings a smile to her face seeing the meal, so luxurious and decadent, waiting for them to eat it.

"How are you feeling?" Morty asks, checking his pokeballs before sauntering over to sit beside her.

She looks exhausted still, but there is a better light in her eyes now that she's showered and there's food available. Her hair has been braided back and put up into a pile on her head, the flower smell of the hotel conditioner wafts over to him. It's not the usual coconut smell he associates with her, but it doesn't fail to intoxicate him all the same.

"Better," she answers, piling food on a plate for herself and him.

He puts their tea cups on their corresponding bed side tables and settles on the right side of the bed. It feels natural for Layla to pass him his plate and settle in beside him as the TV continues to play in the background.

Silence ensues as they dig in, it's not her or her mother's cooking, but after today, they find themselves going for seconds. By the time they're done, there's a knock on the door and Morty's face pales while Layla laughs. She lets him finish organizing the dishes on the cart while she greets her mother.

"Are you okay!?" Juniper bursts into the room in a whirl of Spanish and motherly love.

Morty watches with slight fear as she looks over both of them looking for injuries and such. When she's satisfied, she pulls back and glances between the two and the room before raising her brows at them. It's like a mother catching kids in the act, only making Layla try to hide her smile while Morty clears his throat, searching for a part of the wall to stare at for longer than a few seconds.

"I know you're both adults, but I'm too young to be a grandmother," she raises a finger at Layla more than she does at Morty. "Just remember that."

"Mom, stop," she giggles. "We're going to bed."

"Is that what the kids call it nowadays?"
"Mom!"

Juniper skips out, giggling and wishing them a goodnight, and reminding Morty that she's nearby. The door shuts and Layla turns to Morty with a smile, watching him as he tries to find something to busy himself with. On one hand she feels bad, but on the other she's glad he's getting the entire relationship experience of her family trying to make him blush and get on his nerves.

"You okay?" She breaks the silence, turning down the TV.

"I'm just getting used to it," he shrugs, sitting on his side of the bed. "I know you're going to behave tonight, by the way."

She crosses the room and sits on the covers, biting her lip as she looks at him dressed in casual clothes with his hair falling to his shoulders. The excitement in her belly builds as she wraps her arms around his middle and squeezes tight. At first, he stiffens but it doesn't take long before he relaxes against her.

"And if I don't?" she mutters in his ear.
"Layla," he warns, leaning his head back on her shoulder.

"I'll try," she giggles, nuzzling into his neck. "You're just so handsome!"

"I'll turn it off," he laughs, bringing his arms up and twisting his upper body to toss her onto his lap. He stares down at her, his purple eyes soft and warm in the lamplight as his hands hold her head. "I don't tell you as often as I should, but, you're beautiful."

A blush rises to her cheeks, staring up at him. "O-oh. Yo-you too."

Smooth.

Her hands fly to her face to hide as he laughs, his head tilted back. "You say the most vulgar things and that makes you blush?"

"Remember, that I like you too," she points out. She turns back to him and cups his face right back, her thumbs brushing over his stubble. "Keep talking like that and we're not going to sleep tonight."

His turn.

"Ha!"

He sighs, grabbing her sides to tickle her off of him, smiling as she squeals and rolls away. "Yeah, yeah."

They unwind after that, full stomachs, and dimmed lights as they watch the news to see everything from the outside eye. Layla curls up under the covers, Morty leaning on his side with his hand on her stomach rubbing in circles. The hum of comfort threatens to take hold of her and drag her under, but seeing the eruption keeps her from surrendering to fatigue.

On the screen, the volcano erupts from a civilian video of their family on vacation. No indication, no warning. Just them, laughing and smiling before boom! Their lives are altered in the course of minutes. The eruption itself started a race against time to get people and pokemon safe.

"It'll be okay," Morty mumbles, reading her stiffness as the video plays again. "Suicune can't cause floods."

"Wind can be dangerous too," she replies, looking up at him. "I know what you mean. I'm just worried about everything."

"I know you are," he adjusts so they're on the same level. "I'm sure your mother won't let you go unguarded, I wouldn't either. It'll be okay. We can stop Team Rocket."
"We?" she giggles, pressing her body closer to his.

He responds by wrapping an arm around her middle, his hand grazing exposed skin, causing a flair of fire in her body. Their faces pause just inches away from each other, his breath fanning across her face and her eyes tracing his lips. He's so sweet, his taste, his personality, everything.

With all the action going on there's little time for intimacy between them in their budding relationship. It's always one thing or another and it feels as though he's using these events to hide from her. In the end, it feels as though their relationship is dragging along at a Slowpke's pace.

He's trying her patience, kissing her earlier has awakened the monster called desire and it's just a countdown now. She keeps a semblance of control over herself as his eyes trace the shape of her lips and his hands ghost her skin. Tension builds between them like a fire not unlike the one that had set the forest ablaze today. Only this time, she craves the tingle that zips across her skin.

"Please kiss me," she whispers, her chest lifting in anticipation. "I promise I'll behave."

He grins, his ears turning pink to see her looking at him with lowered lids and parted lips. His heart pounds being in this position with her, she's intoxicating and he wants to jump in, but feels as though he shouldn't. Ugly thoughts rear themselves from the back of his mind, urging him to leave. It's like he's a teenager all over again as he's held himself back due to... self confidence.

Those negative thoughts battle the sight before him. Does he take the risk? Just like the one he took today?

Yes. Please!

He follows that scream of desire against his screaming self doubt, he leans down to press his lips to hers. First, a soft brush to test the gentle waters, it sends a shiver down his back. Even more so when she reaches up to clutch his shirt, taking more of an initiative he's more than happy to follow her lead.

His body moves on its own, his arms wrapping around her middle to pull her into his grip, marveling as her lips press harder to his. Swallowing her gentle sighs and feeling every inch of her press into him. The speed of it all presses him to the edge of a cliff in his head, he finds it difficult to make the jump and starts to pull back.

"Morty," she breathes, her breath fanning over his face. Her eyes are shining in the dim light of the moon as she regards him. "It's just kissing. Like high school."

He chuckles, pressing a shy kiss to her lips. "We had different high school experiences."

"Well, we're making up for lost time then."

He smiles again, reaching up to swipe his thumb along her bottom lip. "I haven't been fair to you. You've been so patient and understanding and I've been... hiding."

"You have," she agrees with a cheeky smile. "But our lives are chaotic, so I am not blaming you completely. And," she pokes his nose, "I'm not done yet. Don't distract me with sentiment."

His laugh gets swallowed by her mouth on his, her eyes closing as she does her best not to jump his bones. Instead, she cups his head and moves to nibble his bottom lip, marveling when he gasps and chokes out a moan. She smiles again, holding his jaw and pressing her lips into his and delving her tongue inside his mouth.

An onslaught of sensations wrack their bodies simultaneously, fireworks exploding and it feels so right.

It's also overwhelming.

Layla feels him stiffen and pulls away. "I'll stop, it's okay."

"Okay, okay," he pants, loosening his grip on her. His eyes rise to the ceiling as he calms himself. "I just..."

"Don't worry about it," she kisses his cheek. While the heat in her belly burns for more, she manages to settle under the covers and wrap her arms around him to be the big spoon. "It's okay. I promise. I'd rather you be emotionally ready, than unsure."

"Thank you," he whispers, his hands gripping over hers to squeeze them.

"Don't thank me," she buries her face in his hair, loving his smell as she sighs. Fatigue washes over her, dragging her down to sleep much like Morty must be able to do when he sleeps. She gives him a tight squeeze. "Good night my Snuggle Ledyba."

"Good night my little Smoochum."