"Are you certain that Articuno has disappeared?" The man in the screen had crimson spiky red hair, he's calm and collected nature were now replaced with a look of grave concern. He's title as the champion of Kanto had made him intimidating to all who battled him, yet none had ever doubt his kind and and compassionate nature that made him so beloved by his people. He was Lance of Blackthorn city, the pride of Kanto and the master of all Dragon types. Steadfast and honourable, he will defend the innocents to the best of his ability.
Oh and he also has a cute cousin he absolutely adore.
"Yes, the local townsfolks reported that they haven't seen Articuno for the past few weeks. Her nest in Seafoam Island and Icefall Cave are empty, it's concerning that one of the legendary birds of Kanto has disappeared without a trace." The woman before Lance was a lithe and beautiful woman. Curvy and voluptuous in all the right places, her cold and calculative personality combined with her mastery over ice types had earn her the tittle "The Ice Queen of Kanto". She was Lorelei, the first member of the Elite 4, the pride and joy of Sevii islands. Her scarlet red hair was tied into her usual ponytail, with her black jacket and black pencil skirt that made her look like a teacher or a secretary.
"Perhaps she is visiting her siblings Moltres and Zapdos?" Lance aired on the side of optimism, it's not unheard of for legendary pokemon leaving for extensive periods of time. Maybe Articuno is visiting her siblings? They are very close after all.
"According to our intel, Zapdos and Moltres have displayed signs of aggression and frustration as of late, particular Zapdos who has been summoning wicked thunderstorms for the past weeks." Lance sighed as he rubbed his face, Kanto has been engulf in torrential storms for the past few weeks. Heavy downpour and booming thunders, it was no doubt that Zapdos in angry, which implied that Articuno didn't visit her siblings at all.
"This is concerning, the other two legendries will wreck havoc if this keep going on. The 3 of them are responsible for the seasonal change and the ecosystem of Kanto, losing even one of them will spell doom for our country." Articuno for winter, Zapdos for summer and Moltres for spring. Losing one of them would because seasonal imbalance, crops to be destroyed and disrupting migration patterns for bird type pokemon. All these little things combined can have a profound impact onto Kanto.
Seeing the concern expression on her friend's face, Lorelei held her head high and placed her fist on her chest, giving a firm yet determine shout.
"Lance, I volunteer to find Articuno." The champion named after a medieval weapon blinked, he sighed and yank off his bothersome cape that was in the way of his arm. As much he loved his cape and the style he carried with it, it can be annoying at times. Such childish action from him admittedly made Lorelei smiled in amusement, good to know that he doesn't carry himself seriously all the time.
"Are you sure? This is an arduous task, you know that right?" He didn't want Lorelei to be responsible for any mishap or failure. If word of Articuno's absence reach the Kanto public, wide spread panic and media speculation would ensue. They have to keep this discreet between them.
"Please give me some time." Lorelei's hazel eyes of determination made Lance groaned inwardly, why does she have to put him in such a situation. He sighed, she's a stubborn woman and would never take no for answer. He grabbed his cup of coffee on the table and finally gave a reluctant nod of permission.
"Very well, I know how important this is to you. I will temporarily relief you of your Elite 4 duties, if you need any additional help or resources, please let me know." Lance drank his coffee, only to find it to be empty. Not wanting to look like an idiot, he pretended to drink from his empty mug and placed it down afterwards, trying look cool and suave in the process.
"Thank you Lance." Always professional and courteous, Lorelei looked undeniably stressed and depressed over Articuno's disappearance. He didn't blame her though, Lorelei had met Articuno face to face when she was a young girl, a fated encounter that lead to her desire to become an ice type trainer.
"You're welcome, but in return, I would like to see my favourite Ice type user to smile again." Lorelei blinked before giving a small smile, she knew that Lance played the big brother role to her, never showing any signs of romantic interest in her since he viewed her as a sister. Which was well received by her because she viewed him as a close friend too, nothing more, nothing less.
"There much better! I want to see you smile more." Lance crossed his arms with a grin, hearing the gentle breathing of his Dragonite who curled next to him. He's jovial expression soon turned back to his serious self, remembering the grave situation they are dealing with.
"Look, I know this is a difficult task, but given your close connection to Articuno, do you know where to start looking?" The ice type master crossed her arms, narrowing her eyes once she remember the recent Team Rocket invasion to the Seafoam Islands.
"Team Rocket has been invading the Seafoam Islands as of late, I believe Articuno's disappearance has something to do with them." Team Rocket again? Lance wanted to bang his head against a wall, how many times does he have to deal with these nincompoops? They have been a vicious thorn in the Indigo League's side since its inception, so what are they up to now?
"Hmm their activities in Kanto have been relatively tamed as of late, it seemed that they are plotting something huge. My counterparts in Sinnoh have reports of suspicious Rocket activities in Sinnoh, can't be a coincidence." Lorelei furrowed her eyebrows, Team Rocket in Sinnoh? She was aware of the Rocket's influence outside of Kanto, ranging from Johto, Hoenn, Sinnoh, Unova, Kalos and Galar. As for Alola, for some reason the Rockets never got to establish a foothold there, apparently Guzma, the leader of Team Skull was very keen on kicking out the Rockets out of the region. Though no one knows why.
"But Sinnoh is occupied by Galactic right? The two would have turf wars no?" Rarely criminal organisations tolerate each other's presence. They have a strict code of honor amongst them, don't interfere in my plans, and I wouldn't interfere yours. Neutrality is the keyword here, so to have Team Rocket stirring up trouble in Sinnoh is concerning.
"Unless they join forces." Lorelei gasped audibly at the thought, she glanced at Lance who clasped his hands together before him, eyeing her with the utmost urgency and seriousness. The Ice Queen of Kanto clenched her fists before giving a frustrated sigh.
"That's- that sounds probable." Lance nodded, readjusting one of the photo frames on his desk, it depicted his cousin and him together when they were younger.
"Indeed, both organisations have essentially the same goals and ideals, to rule the world with each of them on top. With Rocket's extensive connections, networks and resources, and Galactics' advance technologies and brilliant minds, their joint forces would render them pretty much unstoppable." Lance trailed off, watching Lorelei scrolled through her tablet that she held dearly to her. She seemed to be searching for something on her device, rather frantically if he might add.
"Regardless, our main priority is to find Articuno now." They can deal with the Rocket's shenanigans on another day, right now they need to find Articuno. Lorelei's expression of calmness finally broke into a smile, as if she discovered something of importance.
"I will start with Sinnoh." This raised Lance's eyebrows, he leaned forward while placing his cheek against the palm of his hand, surprised by Lorelei sudden firm dedication to start looking in Sinnoh.
"What? Do you think Articuno is in Sinnoh?" The Sevii island native nodded, displaying her tablet to lance. It was a weather forecast of Sinnoh that showed the wind patterns, temperature, precipitation and the abundance amount of snow fall. The graph itself was nothing out of the ordinary, except for the very high levels of snow that is concentrated in one area.
"Possibly, look at this weather chart. The sheer intensity of snowfall in the Northern side of Sinnoh has increased drastically, which coincidentally started when the rumors of Articuno's disappearance became first known. The harsh and the unprecedented drop in temperature is strange and suspicious don't you think?" The northern side of Sinnoh such as Snowpoint city has always known to be a frigid and mountainous, but to this extent? Lance was surprised that this was the first thing Lorelei thinks, then again, she is a remarkably intelligent and bright woman who's a nerd at heart.
"That's the first thing you think of huh?" Lorelei dismissed Lance's playful tone, pushing her glasses up to reinforce that this situation is grave and that he needs to be serious about this.
"Articuno's ability to create frigid weather at a moment's notice is unparalleled, the fact you mention the Rockets and Galactics potential cooperation, I fear that our worst fears have been realized." Lance nodded, perhaps the two criminal organisations are working with each other. He knew Giovanni's personality well, he's ability to persuade and use others to his advantage were impressive, so no doubt he was utilizing the Galactics resources and assets in Sinnoh to further his own agenda. As for the leader Cyrus, well Lance doesn't know much about the Galactics, it was outside of his responsibilities and expertise.
"So what we gathered right now is that Articuno disappeared when the Rocket's activity in Sinnoh has started to spike. The sudden drop of temperature and abundance of snowfall in Snowpoint coincidentally also started with her disappearance, thus you suspect Articuno is currently in Sinnoh." Lorelei gave a curt nod, holding her tablet close to her.
"Correct." Lance sighed and leaned behind his chair, glancing at his bookshelf that contained classified information. He turned to Lorelei and found her hazel eyes laced with worry and concern, as if she was thinking of something unfathomable.
"Then is it too bold of us to assume that Team Rocket kidnapped Articuno and brought her to Sinnoh?" Articuno is a powerful pokemon, able to freeze all non-pseudo legendary pokemon with a flap of her majestic wings. To think Team Rocket is able to subdue and capture Articuno is pretty much impossible, unless they utilize all of their resources.
"No, that would explain everything, the drastic weather change and the sudden increase in Rocket activity in Sinnoh, except-"
"Why." The age old question of motive, what could the Rockets possibly gain from having Articuno in Sinnoh? As far as Lance is concerned, Galactics don't care about the legendary Kanto birds, they want to change the world, not the weather and the seasons. Unless they have a change of heart? Gah, this was all speculative, not a single solid evidence to prove their theory correct.
"Lorelei, make haste and investigate this matter. I will inform Cynthia regarding this matter so you will have easy access to your investigations." Lorelei nodded with her fists clenched, feeling the pressure and weight of the world on her shoulders. Articuno is vital to the survival of Kanto, in addition to balancing the seasonal changes, she is also responsible for keeping her more volatile and aggressive siblings Moltres and Zapdos in check, particular the younger brother Zapdos.
"Thank you Lance, I hope she is safe and well." The raw childish innocence in Lorelei's voice made Lance sighed inwardly, as much as Lorelei is a mature and sophisticated woman, her adoration for Articuno and collecting cute pokemon plushy made Lance wonder how much of a tough facade Lorelei puts on everyday.
"Me too Lorelei. I wish you luck." The ice type master only nodded bleakly.
"You have everything prepared?" His mother handed him the last of his winter clothing. Warm and durable, they were specifically made to withstand the cold winters of Sinnoh. She smiled when her son gave her a firm nod, overseeing his clothes and the bare necessities he packed along for the school trip. Staring at her son's towering figure, Barry's mother had the sudden realization over how much he had grown. More muscles, longer hair and filled with even more self-confidence, her son certainly grew up quick.
'Look at him now, Its only been half a year since he started high school and now he grown so much.' Barry's mother wrapped her arms around her son, hugging him from behind as she started to feel sentimental at how fast he grown.
"M-Mom, hey." He spun around and hugged her back with a small sigh, surprised that she was embracing him so tenderly. Maybe she was feeling sad and lonely that he has leave for Snowpoint? It's only a few days, nothing to feel sad about right?
"Sorry, it's just- I don't know, you grew up so quickly." Ah so this was what's it's about, Barry patted his mother head as if she is a child and chuckled at how displeased she was at the way he was treating her.
"I'm still your little Barry, I don't think that's every going to change." Barry stuff the remnant of his winter clothing into his bag, eyeing the the dark blue coat that seemed fluffy and soft.
"I know, my little Barry is such a ladies man too." He froze almost immediately upon hearing those words, surprising his mother before she realized she might had brought on the complicated issue that plagued his mind for the past few weeks. She went towards him and placed a comforting hand on his shoulder, showing her motherly smile that melted away his anxiety and guilt.
"Have you resolved the issue yet? Or?" He really didn't want to have the conversation now, but he will do it for his mother's sake.
"I-I'm still deciding, honestly it's been occupying my mind for the past few weeks. I can't seem to focus on anything else now." Barry's mother sighed and leaned behind the staircase railing, glancing at the furniture of the house that were well kept and polished.
"I see, I don't want to pressure you Barry but please make a choice quickly. The girls are probably as nervous as you are." He knew that, the girls have been rather fidgeting lately. Korrina doesn't even ask him to join her skating sessions anymore, which made him feel sad that there is a invisible wall between them. If this keeps on going, a huge wedge would drive them away from each other.
"I know, I think I will date one of them just to end all of the tension. I don't want this to keep going on between us." The quiet tone from her son worried Barry's mother. She dearly hoped he wasn't forcing himself, Barry has the tendency to sacrifice too much for others. Whenever she was sick, he would ditch away all plans to play games or hanging out with his friends, instead he will dedicate 110% of his energy tending to her. It was heartwarming to see her son cared so much for her, but at the same time, it worried her that Barry can tunnel vision himself just for the sake of others.
"Alright, but they are still offering to share you right?" Why does he mom sound onboard with the idea? He clenched his fists, shaking his head violently at the thought. He was tempted, so tempted to say yes but he can't, it won't work between them, he was sure about it.
"Mom that won't work, you know that. Even if I want it." He spoke quietly, glancing at the floor beneath him. He felt his mother's gentle hands on his cheeks as she raised them up to her eye level, flBarrying a smile in the process.
"Barry, I won't think of you differently alright? I still love you no matter what, if the girls are the ones who are offering, then perhaps you should consider it." His mother should have been the one who objects the idea of polygamy. Why was she so okay with the idea of her son having a harem?
"But-" Barry's mother gave Barry a firm stare, still holding onto his cheeks as she gave the commanding look that screamed authority.
"You're not your father Barry. You will treat all of them fairly and lovingly, trust me." Barry felt his eyes dilate, he held onto his mother's hand as he finally gave a confident nod. She saw right through his sentiments and his inner conflict, not surprising considering she was his mom.
"I will think about it mom." Barry's mother smiled, that's all she asked. With the tense conversation over, Barry's mother glanced at the clock and realized that it was 6 PM, which meant it was high time they should start to leave for Jubilife. She helped Barry carry his luggage before opening the door with her keys.
"Come on let's get a move on, you're leaving tomorrow after all." Barry nodded and took his own luggage from his mother's hand and entered the car. With the car on the road, Barry was left to his own thoughts and imagination as he watched the row of tree pass by him in rapid succession.
'Share me huh, would it really work.' He liked all of them, he really does but he was more worried of what others may think of them. Submissive, weak, an object for his own self pleasure, these are the words the girls would be associated with by society. If word of his so called harem does go out, the school might expel them for being in such a forbidden relationship. All their hard work would be swept under the rug and for what? Just to be with him? It didn't seem worth it, the risks were far too great.
'But at the same time, I'm that important to them." He didn't forget the scene of Bea's earnest and heart wrenching confession. He couldn't possibly forget that, so he has to act as a balance to ensure the girls' feelings don't get to the best of them while at the same time returning their sincere feelings to the best of his abilities.
It wasn't long before they reached his apartment with the familiar white brick buildings staring back at Barry. He exited the car with his luggage before waving good bye to his mother with a smile on his face. He would have given her a kiss on the cheek had it not been the ominous looking clouds above him that rolling in quickly. With their farewell gone, Barry entered his apartment and waved hello to Soledad in the process, the pretty receptionist whom help him on the first day.
"Hey Barry, are you going to the Snowpoint trip?" Barry nodded as he placed his luggage next to him, leaning onto the receptionist desk for a short conversation.
"Yeap, I'm kinda excited." Yuma chuckled at his enthusiasm and stamped one of the documents before placing it neatly into a file holder.
"I bet you are, enjoy your trip!"
"Thanks Yuma, have a good evening." Barry waved her off and entered the elevator, hoping to reach the apartment in time before and relax under the tub.
"I'm home." It was funny that he would shout out his arrival back home like this, akin to a husband who came back from work. Such thought conjured up the image of the girls welcoming him back from home, with each of them giving him a peck on the cheek with the sultry bedroom eyes that screamed passion and lust.
'What the hell is wrong with you Barry.' He rubbed his cheeks dryly, he consider himself screwed in the head right now. Any more thoughts about the girls he held close to him and he was sure his libido will go to maximum overdrive. Amidst his inner dirty thoughts, Bea waved to Barry while wearing her hot pants that doesn't leave much to the imagination. Despite the healthy distance they were maintaining from him, Barry swore that Bea and Korrina wore more revealing and provocative clothes around him just to tease him.
"Hi Barry." He waved back at her as he placed his bags down in his room before joining the redhead.
"Is Korrina not back yet?" The other housemate was nowhere to be seen, which wasn't surprising since all of them went home for the weekends in order to prepare for the school trip. Since Bea's family is in Galar, she went to her auntie's place in Sinnoh to pack up her winter clothes.
"Nope she's still packing her winter clothes back home." The frigid weather of Snowpoint shouldn't be underestimated, Barry himself did extensive research regarding the city. It is known for its beautiful snowy landscapes and the amazing scenic view at night with the dazzling aurora borealis dancing in the skies. It was a perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of the Jubilife, and it was a city that Barry dreamt of visiting.
That being said, the recent reports of harsh snowstorms and avalanches were a cause for concern, but Barry wasn't too concern with the thought of being stuck in a blizzard since they would mostly be indoors most of the time.
"Ah, alright." He sunk into the couch and scrolled through his phone to make sure he didn't miss any messages and to his delight, no one messaged him over the weekends, perfect.
"Hey little buddy." The little rock type jumped into him as he licked his cheeks, giving him a hearty greeting as he went home to Bea's place for the weekends. Barry sat upright and placed Rockruff on his lap, as it cuddled on top of his stomach, earning a smile from Bea who was typing on her phone.
"Korrina and I are planning to bring him with us." Barry blinked, bring him along with the school trip?
"What? But what if he gets caught? How are going to explain to the school?" He definitely do not want to let the school know what had happened in Eterna, or that he is secretly harbouring a wild pokemon. Besides, the cold weather of Snowpoint is not really suitable for Rockruff who lives in the hot and humid climate of Alola.
"We can't leave him here, who's going to feed him?" Compelling argument, Barry eyed the Rock type in the eyes and find its adorable face staring right back at him. Aww, how could he possibly leave him alone for a few days?
"Your aunt?" Bea shook her head, stating that her aunt had to left for Galar yesterday. Barry sighed and wondered if he's mother was willing to take care of the rock type. Admittedly he's mother might not be pleased to drive back to pick up Rockruff, but given that she has a thing for cute pokemon. Barry was sure his mother would spoil Rockruff to his hearts content.
"I don't think that's a good idea, leaving Rockruff with someone he doesn't know while we leave him for a few days." Bea was very adamant on bringing Rockruff along and he didn't blame her. They were very attached to the rock type given that he was 4th member of the household. So with a reluctant sigh, Barry nodded and rubbed the puppy's belly.
"Fine, but how on earth are we going to carry him to Snowpoint?" Smuggling a pokemon with their bags does not seem ethical or wise, and Barry wasn't going to put the little one through such horrid condition just to bring him along.
"I will leave that to Korrina." Bea spoke softly, not looking Barry in the eyes. That of course caught Barry's attention, it seemed that Korrina had something planned for him, a plan that Misty knew as well.
"Huh?" Not wanting to elaborate further, Bea scratched the back of Rockruff's ear, flashing a cozy smile to Barry.
"Just wait for her to come home." Barry nodded, feeling Bea's hands brushing against his stomach every now and then when she rubbed Rockruff's belly. Was it intentional? Maybe, the way she moved her hand is certainly a good enough indication. As the two converse about the upcoming school holiday, the sound of the door being unlocked brought smiles to their faces.
"Hey guys!" The bubbly tone from the blonde came shining through as she placed her bags down onto the sofa, she grinned when she saw Bea and Barry sitting together rather intimately, despite the aforementioned "maintaining a healthy distance", it seemed that the two couldn't resist the presence of each other and to be honest, neither can she.
"Korrina you're back, you pack everything you need?" The girl named after the first light of day plopped next to Bea and glanced at the little puppy who snuggled on Barry's stomach. The heavy downpour outside has finally started with the temperature dropping rapidly. The gale winds started to kick up, with the leaves of the surrounding trees waving violently. The horrible weather was not surprising given that the monsoon season has arrived, which made Barry worried if the trip to Snowpoint would be a smooth one or not.
"Yeap, I even showered before I came back." Her hands make their way towards Rockruff as she stroke its bushy tail filled with affection, watching it sighed in content against her caress. Barry took the ample oppurtunity to stare at Korrina and her getup, her hair was now tied into a ponytail with side bangs while her black jacket and pink top were still striking to the eye.
"Barry can we talk in your room?" Her request surprised the young lad, did she caught him staring at her? He composed himself and held Rockruff in his arms, careful not to touch the sharp jagged rocks decorated around his neck. Why do they need to talk in his room? Is it something that private?
"Sure." Wordlessly, she entered his room while he stay behind with Rockruff. He glanced at Bea who nudged him to follow Korrina and not to leave her waiting, which he assumed that it was something of great importance. He sighed and walked to his bedroom, with Rockruff following closely.
Once he entered the room, he felt his face flushed red when Dawn took off her jacket and sat on his bed. The little puppy pokemon quickly jumped into her lap and waste not time snuggling into it. Cautiously, Barry sat on his gaming chair and stared at Dawn who was busy scratching Rockruff's ears.
"So what do you want to talk about?" Korrina pointed at the puppy that curled on her lap, causing Barry to raise his eyebrows.
"Its about Rockruff." Ah, perhaps she was thinking of taking him for the school trip.
"Oh you want to bring him along for the school trip right? Bea told me, I'm fine with it, as long as we don't get caught." He ended with a chuckle, causing Korrina to smile. She patted the spot next to her, beckoning him to sit next to her. He obliged and reluctantly sat next to her, wondering what on earth is she planning.
"About that, here." She took a pokeball from her jacket and cupped it in the palm of her hands. It was perplexing why she was giving him a pokeball given that he can't even legally own a pokemon yet.
"A pokeball? I don't have a trainer license you know."
"We have our Pokedex, which qualifies our status as a first year student right? No one would bat an eye if you have a pokeball if you show them your Pokedex." That's true, they recently received their very own Pokefex after passing their first exam. It was an incredible piece of technology that allowed Barry to better understand Prinplup and the abilities he possessed. He would have never known Prinplup learned the powerful Thunderbolt move had it not been for the Pokedex.
As Barry took the pokeball from Korrina's hands, he glanced at the Rockruff who seemed to be awake. It nuzzled his arm briefly and stared at the empty pokeball in his hands, which made Barry realized what Korrina's intentions are.
"Are you giving Rockruff to me?" The bashful nod from his roommate surprised him, he would have normally placed his hand on her shoulder had it not been his conscience nagging him about maintaining distance with the girls.
"But why? You were the one who saved him." Korrina shifted closer to him, allowing the rock type to sit between them. She clasped his hands and placed it on top of her thighs, smiling at him in the process.
"Barry, Rockruff is a natural born battler. Besides, it's not like both of us are going anywhere." It seemed that she was planning to give him from the start. While he knew Rockruff displayed excellent combative skills, he wasn't sure if the rock type was willing to become his pokemon.
"Still, are you sure?" Korrina raised the puppy in front of her, which made her look freaking adorable.
"Why don't you ask him?" Wagging its tail in delight, Rockruff stared at his future trainer and barked in delight when Barry patted his head.
"Rockruff do you want to be my pokemon?" Seeing it nodding enthusiastically, Barry was thoroughly surprised by Rockruff's lack of hesitation. Something tells him that Korrina and the puppy had made a prior arrangement before this, as if they were waiting for the right time to break the truth to him.
He raised the pokeball in his hands and pointed towards Rockruff and immediately, it booped it's nose against the pokeball, instantly sucking him in. With the lack of resistance coming from him, Barry gave a childish grin when a "ding" noise was all he could hear.
"There, now we can easily bring him along." Barry released Rockruff from the contraption and watch it nuzzled his leg, it jumped off the bed and exited the room, presumably to find Bea. The awkward air of silence slowly sipped in as Dawn sat next to him, his mind were still preoccupied with the situation with the girls.
"If there's nothing I will go back to my room, make sure you wake up early alright? Don't want to miss the bus now do we." She seemed to sense the tense situation in the room and hastily made an excuse, it did saddened Barry that their once closeness and openness with each other are now gone. Instead, it was met with a painful awkward tension that forbidden them to be close again.
Of course this didn't apply to just Korrina and Bea. Casual hangouts with Serena? Also gone. Pretty much, the dynamic of the group has drastically changed because of him and it was ironic that all of this happened due to his desire to prevent the group from fracturing in the first place.
'Maybe, I should give the harem thing a shot?" Nothing ventured, nothing gained. At this point, Barry could easily see how choosing even one of them would affect all of their relationship with him. It was fine before because he didn't have a partner, so it was somewhat okay for them to be flirty and clingy with him. Now, if he does have a partner, well he could say goodbye to the close and special interactions he has with the girls.
'And this is before I even chose one of them, I can imagine how awkward it is when I officially date one of them.' He wasn't looking forward to their usual afternoon cafe sessions, they barely look at him now. The distance they forcefully created between them, it was horrible. Barry can barely have a decent conversation with them in public since most of them were wary of each other's feelings for him. So they were reluctant to show any ounce of affection to him in front of others.
"Korrina." The blonde managed to halt her movements and turned to Barry, surprised by the emotion laced voice behind Barry's tone.
"Yes?" Damn he didn't think this through did he? Just shout out her name like that without thinking, what an idiot. He paused himself from blurting the words out, he had to handle this carefully. To say he would accept the proposal of dating all 3 of them out of the blue, even if it is experimental was uncalled for right now, especially on the eve of their big school trip.
'Maybe after the school trip, all 3 of us can sit together and I can discuss with them.' The last thing he wants was to distract the girls with this topic, a school trip is arguably one of the most unique experience in the world, he didn't want to ruin it for them now. This can wait, his own desires and gratification can take a back seat for now.
'Tomorrow's the day. After this school trip, I will tell them.' For now, all of them should enjoy Snowpoint city and enjoy the beautiful night view of the city.
Ash, Misty, Dawn looked at the city which was very cold and they were at the highest point in the city. The city looked beautiful and the weather was cloudy which meant that lights were switched on across the city and the city looked as thoughit was night time and the lights made the city look beautiful.
"Oh, you three are Team Rocket agents!" a child said and ran.
"I am going after the child." Dawn said and ran to the child and Dawn soon reached the child.
"Please do not kidnap me!" the child was sad that he was cornered by a Team Rocket agent.
"We would not do anything bad with you!" Dawn said and then she carried the child.
"We would just show you a sight and then leave you." Dawn said carrying the child and then she walked and then after some time she reached Ash and Misty. Dawn soon left the child and the child said "Thanks for the sight!" and then ran away.
"Even in Sinnoh, people are scared of Team Rocket." Misty was surprised that in Sinnoh, people were scared of Team Rocket as Team Rocket did not have much activities in Sinnoh.
"The weather is now looking like a snowstorm could occur. This could be due to Articuno." Dawn speculated as Ice Island was cold despite being in tropical location due to Articuno and now with Articuno in already cold city, the city is now even more cold.
"This city could end up being the coldest place." Misty asserted as Articuno made Ice Island to be cold despite being in a tropical place, the city could become the coldest place.
"I will take pictures of us three." Dawn said and took her phone. Dawn then made the phone to take pictures of Ash, Misty, Dawn in front of the scenery in Snowpoint City. Dawn then took the phone. Officer Jenny soon camet to the area.
"I know you three are the lost students but I warn you three to not do any wrong things." Officer Jenny said to Ash, Misty, Dawn.
"Fine, we woud not do." Ash said to Officer Jenny. Officer Jenny then left the area.
"We three would just be known as criminals to the world." Ash said sad that that was their identity.
"We can walk around the city." Misty said as she liked the city which looked beautiful. Misty liked cold places as the sights in cold places look beautiful and so Misty wanted to explore the city. Cold places also had Water type Pokemon and Misty liked seeing Water type Pokemon.
Ash, Misty, Dawn then walked around the city and soon it started to snow heavily. Ash, Misty, Dawn walked in the snowstorm and looked at the city which soon they reached a giant inn that was made out of lacquered pine wood.
"This is Audenbern inn! We can go here to see how it looks like." Dawn said as she wanted to see the inn.
"I agree that we should go and look inside the inn." Ash said as he was curious about the inn.
"This could be where Barry and the others are arriving." Misty speculated as they needed a place to stay the inn was huge for them to stay. Ash, Misty, Dawn then walked and Ash opened the door and Ash, Misty, Dawn walked inside the inn which had a large lobby room and sofa. Misty and Dawn sat on the right and left sides of the sofa leaving place for Ash to sit.
Ash, Misty, Dawn then looked at the inn which was warm despite the city being in a snowstorm. A receptionist then greeted them.
"Helo! Welcome to the inn." the receptionist said cheerfully to the three.
"Are any students going to visit the inn?" Ash asked as he was curious about whether this was the inn that his former classmates were visiting.
"Yes, students are coming to the inn. Many of the rooms are booked." So Barry could arrive to the inn along with the rest of the students. Ash was interested to meet the students but he had done things which many would dislike like catching Articuno and Kyurem. Ash then walked to Misty and Dawn and the three sat with Ash between Misty and Dawn and Misty to Ash's right and Dawn to Ash's left.
"Should we leave Team Rocket and join the school again?" Dawn asked as Dawn was curious about that possibility of them leaving Team Rocket and again being students. But they would lose a lot of freedom that they had as Team Rocket agents and would have to study again with their Pokemons possibly being taken by the school.
"We are probably recorded as possible criminals when our disappearance was reported. We let Articuno out of the Ultra Ball and this city would become the coldest place. We are fugitives and the only places we could stay are places not controlled by the League." Misty said what she felt was the harsh truth to Dawn even though Misty disliked the answer.
"The world is an unfair place." Ash said and he took his phone to see some YouTube videos and Misty and Dawn also looked at the YouTube videos along with Ash. They were looking at the couple who were exploring Alola region with their Pokemon which were two Azumarrils.
"I feel nice looking at Alola which is warm and sunny." Dawn smiled and said. Dawn wanted to see Alola as Alola was a pristine region which was sunny for most of the year except when there was rain. Alola was also not part of the Pokemon League for a long time and recently, Alola was part of the Pokemon League. Alola also had many rare Pokemons like Rowlet and Dartrix but spotting a wild Rowlet and Dartrix was difficult due to the Pokemons being endangered but the fact that Rowlet was a starter meant that the number of Rowlets could increase.
"Alola is so bright and sunny. There would be many Water type Pokemon in Alola." Misty smiled and said as Misty wanted to see Alola as Alola was bright and sunny for most of the year and there were many Water type Pokemon in Alola which Misty liked to see. Alola also had many pristine beached with clear sea which Misty would love to visit. Alola had rare water Pokemons like Wishiwashi and some Pokemon that lived near water but were not water type like Mareanie and Toxapex.
"One day, we can visit Alola." Ash said as he hoped that one day, there would be some way to visit Alola but Team Rocket did not have much of a presence in Alola due to Team Skull and Guzma who ensured that Team Rocket did not have much of a presence in Alola but Ash knew that things could change in future.
Ash, Misty, Dawn continued to see the vlog for some time and laughing at times as there were many funny moments in the vlog such as the man going to Pyukumuku and taking Pyukumuku who sprayed ink at the man or where the woman was engulfed by a Mareanie. Ash, Misty, Dawn continued to see the vlog for quite some time and then the vlog reached the end.
"We would continue to explore Snowpoint City." Ash said.
"I would like to see how the rooms are." Misty said.
"Yes, I also would like to see how the rooms are." Dawn said.
Ash, Misty, Dawn then got up and then walked to the receptionist and then reached the receptionist.
"We would like to look at the rooms here." Misty said to the receptionist.
"Fine then." the receptionist then got up and then walked and Ash, Misty, Dawn followed the receptionist. The receptionist then opened the door and showed a room which had five beds. Ash, Misty, Dawn glanced around the room and found it really cosy with pine wood walls and modern heater warming.
"Ash, we could take some more pictures of Snowpoint City." Dawn said. Snowpoint city is arguably a photographer's dream with the stunning landscape and scenic night view that makes even amateur photographers look like they were professionals. Such were the photogenic wonder of the city that brings out the natural beauty of snow during the night.
"You three are part of Team Rocket?" the receptionist asked. After so much time, only now you are asking is what Ash thought as Ash was surprised that them bieng in Team Rocket was not asked by the receptonist for quite some time.
"Yes, we three are in Team Rocket." Ash said the harsh truth that they were in Team Rocket.
"Fine then." the receptionist said.
Ash, Misty, Dawn then walked and reached the exit of the inn and then Ash opened the door and they walked outside. Ash, Misty, Dawn then walked in Snowpoint City in the storm.
"We have two Legendary Pokemons. Why are we in Team Rocket when we soon could be more powerful than them." Dawn asked as Dawn was curious as to why they were in Team Rocket when they could escape from Team Rocket and live a secluded life and protect themselves from Team Rocket with Legendary Pokemons.
"We get money from Team Rocket which we would not get living secluded and we would have to live in regions not controlled by the League which means Team Rocket could attack us for leaving them and there woulld be no protection other than Legendar Pokemons. Also Team Rocket are perfecting methods to subjugate Legendary Pokemons so we cannot be confident that we could be safe from Team Rocket. When we are in Team Rocket, we have a lot of respect though for subjugating two Legendary Pokemons." Ash said that they had to be in Team Rocket.
"How about we become the leader of Team Rocket ourselves?" Misty asked as they were having very powerful Pokemons and so they were respected in Team Rocket and with Giovanni probably not having as strong Pokemons as them, they could convince the Team Rocket members to follow them and so they would become the leaders of Team Rocket.
"We could get promoted to higher positions in Team Rocket by doing more for Team Rocket and earn Giovanni's respect. Then we could later become leaders of Team Rocket." Ash said agreeing with Misty's idea to become leaders of Team Rocket as then they could have the freedom to do as they want.
"What if Giovanni wants to remain as the Team Rocket leader? Then what could we do?" Dawn asked as she was curious to know what could be done if Giovanni wanted to be Team Rocket leader as then they could reach high ranks in Team Rocket but Giovanni would not let them to replace him.
"We would then confront Giovanni possibly with our supporters and then make ourselves the leaders of Team Rocket." Ash said this as he felt with them having the strongest Pokemon n Team Rocket means that Giovanni would have to listen to them when they confront him and then they could take over Team Rocket.
"We could let Giovanni to retire from Team Rocket and then control Team Rocket. Giovanni could agree as he probably would see that there was no way to disagree." Misty said this as that could let Giovanni to be fine with them replacing him as the leader of Team Rocket and he would have no way to disagree with trainers who are stronger than he and also he gets to have money with him when he retires. He could also he happy that he let Team Rocket to be in good hands.
"I agree with this idea but we need to gain support in Team Rocket and so if Giovanni disagrees, we could threaten him and then he would be forced to agree." Ash felt that they needed to gain support in Team Rocket before they confront Giovanni so that if Giovanni disagrees, he could see that the organization could be split and also that he could lose if he disagrees with them and so Giovanni's loss of power could be compensated by having money and also knowing that his organization is in good hands would mean that Giovanni could still have some power when Team Rocket wins.
Ash, Misty, Dawn walked through the snowstorm and Dawn took her phone and took pictures of Snowpoint City in the snowstorm as Snowpoint City looked scenic even in a , Misty, Dawn walked to the base and then Ash opened the door and Ash, Misty, Dawn entered the base. Ash, Misty, Dawn then walked and then reached the dining hall. Ash, Misty, Dawn walked to reach the table and then reahed the table and sat on the chairs next to the table.
Ash, Misty, Dawn then waited and then a waiter came and Ash gave the orders for the food. The waiter left and then soon Ash, Misty, Dawn got foo. Ash, Misty, Dawn then ate the food rapidly. Ash, Misty, Dawn then gott up from the chair and then walked and reached the exit of the dining hall. Ash, Misty, Dawn then walked through the exit and then left the dining hall. Hans soon approached Ash, Misty, Dawn and then reached Ash, Misty, Dawn.
"We have managed to control Articuno's power." Hans said this smiling as the task was difficult but still they managed.
"So could you control Articuno using full power?" Ash asked as Articuno was very powerful and he was unsure whether machines could control Articuno's full power.
"We could control Articuno but still we would like you three to stay for few more days." Hans asked as they needed Ash, Misty, Dawn to control Articuno if the machines fail.
"From this I could get that there is some possibility of failure. We would like to see Articuno." Ash noticed from the statement that they were concerned that Articuno could use full power and the machines could fail and so Ash wanted to see Articuno to help them control the power of Articuno.
"We would allow you three to see Articuno." Hans said and Ash, Misty, Dawn followed Hans and then reached the laboratory entrance. Hans opened the door and Ash, Misty, Dawn walked inside and Ash, Misty, Dawn walked to see Articuno.
"Articuno, increase your power." Ash said and Articuno increased its power and the power reading in the machine increased and soon the machine was close to failing.
"Articuno, decrease your power." Ash said and Articuno decreased its power and the power reading in the machine decreased and soon the machine was safe from failing.
"We would work on the machines to make them better." Hans said and Hans went to a scientist who was sitting. Hans then said "We need to make the machine work better." and Hans and the scientist started working on the machine. Ash, Misty, Dawn then sat on the chairs in the laboratory looking at Articuno which was a powerful Legendary Pokemon for some time and Articuno looked at them.
"Articuno, increase your power." Hans said and Articuno increased its power and the power reading in the machine increased beyond the previous limits of the machine and Articuno continued to increase the power and soon the machine was close to failing.
"Articuno, decrease your power." Hans said and Articuno decreased its power and the power reading in the machine decreased and soon the machine was safe from failing.
