Hello my lovelies! It sure has been a while since I posted anything, but do not fret! As you can see, I'm alive and well! I have a vision for this series and I'm gonna see it through to the end. Life however still goes on, so I'll try when I can to write and post new chapters. Aside from that, I hope you enjoy!


The morning filled me with excitement. Today Brendan and I were going to the Contest Spectaculars and compete in our respective categories. I could almost taste the victory on my tongue instead of the corn beef hash with pancakes on my plate while thinking about it. Of course I almost choked on my food because of those imaginary visions that ran around my head, but no big deal!

Brendan on the other hand, ate like a normal human being. Man, how could he NOT feel so pumped right now?! This was our make or break moment! Also, there wouldn't be any more contests for the rest of the year after today. Usually in that time of limbo, people would practice with their Pokemon. For our case, we couldn't since we decided to dedicate the rest of that time and energy to finish our journey. Lisia-chan may not like it, but she'll just to get over it!

"So after the contests, we'll meet up at Lilycove BBQ and talk about our trip to Mossdeep City. We don't wanna take a sea trip and end up starving to death because we made a wrong turn somewhere,"

"I don't think getting lost is really a problem for you though. I mean you know how to look at the stars and shit,''

"Not if its cloudy. Sides, we're gonna hafta train our Pokémon that are good in the water,"

"Right, right. So you ready for the contest?"

"Yeah; let's do this,"

We paid for the meal before leaving the small diner my human cohort found the day before and headed to the scarlet red building down the road. It was a very nice, but still tense walk. To keep myself from getting psyched out, I kept my vision downward at the grass. However, they would glance from side-to-side every now and then. Even catching a glimpse of a thick, silver bracelet with a colorful stone set in on Brendan's wrist-wait...wha-

...

"AAAAAAAAUGH! Just let me diiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiie!"

"Oh come on! It wasn't...THAT bad! You did very good til the end! AND, you both got third place at least! Usually a finale that terrible lands you in fourth,"

"You're not helping!"

There we were, in the dressing room of the Contest Spectacular. My face laid heavily on the countertop of the vanity while Lisia-chan tried pulling it up to apply a fresh coat of strawberry flavored lipgloss. Skitty was curled comfortably under my stool and Ali did his best to nudge her excitedly with his beak.

I was fiercely determined to end this spectacular in 1st place and go out with a bang. What happened instead turned into one of the most socially destructive moments of my life. Everything was fine in the beginning when Skitty and I started our performance. She jumped, rolled, ran and walked on cue as I waved the red ball of string around for incentive. We practiced our routine when we could and honestly, I felt confident.

*GURGLE* What the-*GURGLE*

Suddenly, my stomach got queasy and rumbled uncomfortably. My face felt clammy with sweat beading it. I stopped abruptly to clutch my belly. People started to tell that there was something wrong, for most of their cheers became hushed in the audience. Cold saliva filled nervous taste buds while sitting in the back of my mouth. Before everyone and their mother...I...I...-

"I don't feel so-*RETCHES*"

The next thing I knew, my tired eyes opened up to see Lisia-chan, Ali and Skitty looking down at me. Apparently, they dragged my collapsed body back to lay on the couch in the dressing room. Eventually it was learned that the place Brendan and I ate at was a place where only the local's iron stomachs could withstand the gut-busting food.

So in other words, I got food poisoning.

To say that a loss caused by something as simple as that was a devastating blow. Actually, consider it an understatement. It felt like I was stabbed several times, ran over by a truck, had tons of salt poured into my wounds and Maxie standing over me while laughing the whole time. Yep, that sounded about right.

But despite the social death, disappointment settled in my chest. What was I gonna tell Brendan?! We're supposed to be number one together! Just imagining what he would say wrenched my stomach more than bad food could ever do. The ginger ale helped alleviate the nausea, but it couldn't take away what happened. Although, Lisia-chan assured me otherwise.

"It's not the end of the world or anything! Stop being such a debbie downer! Now….Ali and I have some things to do, so just relax for a bit, m'kay? Just take your time to get yourself together for the spectacular artists! I know one of them is just dying to paint Skitty's portrait!"

Aside from Lisia-chan's movements, my head was still dead weight on top of the counter. I could tell from her voice that she was frustrated with my willingness to carry on a depressed attitude, but refused to show it. With a quick 'caio', she and Ali left to interact with the world outside the dressing room. Good, they're finally gone.

My head remained firmly in place for a few minutes before finally lifting it up. A slow process, but I managed to find myself now staring at an unsure reflection in the mirror. My face filled back up with color in addition to the halting of sickly sweat. A few minutes ago, it was hard to tell that I looked like a normal human being at all.

But how could I keep my sanity and dignity of someone even hinted at the incident?! Obviously everybody in the audience saw it. How would I react? By now, anyone could guess that my violent temperament would end up strangling someone. I kinda don't wanna do that. Ugh! Then I'd just be stuck in this room! Brendan might be waiting for me!

I suddenly stood up with powerful resolve. Skitty woke up from the noise I made and scurried out from under the chair. For my bestie's sake, we're gonna march out of this room, go through that lobby, get Skitty's portrait painted and meet up with Brendan with dignity! The distorted world will freeze over before anyone can stop me.

Grabbing my pink cat, I held my head high with newfound self-confidence. My body gained an adrenaline rush and a need to move with purpose. This was gonna be my moment of triumph over defeat!

The door was practically smacked open an-OH FRESH HELL!

Fate is a really cruel thing-or Pokémon maybe, but it was cruel for sure. And why would I say something like this? You would too if Professor Augustine Sycamore had been standing just beyond your dressing room door! His fist froze in midair from stopping an attempt of knocking against hard wood.

We both stood in uncomfortable silence as we inspected each other. His disgusted hatred for the normal clothes he had been forced to wear were gone; replaced with his trademark ultramarine blue shirt and black trousers once more. Tousled dark hair fell handsomely down his head. Those ocean blue eyes I came to know stared back into my gaze. He almost looked like I was expected to be here.

"*inhales* AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!"

When I somewhat regained enough sense, my hands automatically threw a very excited Skitty at Sycamore. The moment the professor's reactive instincts caught the Pokémon, I swiftly slammed the door-GOOD ARCEUS!

My aim was mighty, but not fast enough. Professor Sycamore's arm was fully wedged between the door and its frame before I could have shut it. He suddenly gave it a ferocious to push it open. I tumbled back, but quickly regained balance. More adrenaline could be felt coursing through my veins as I witnessed the man smugly let himself in to put my cat down and quietly close the door with a devilish look on his features.

"So THIS is where my wild Birdie flies off to…." He began while making his approach. "She comes to show off her brightly colored plumage! I must say: I had my sneaking suspicions when I caught sight of those small holes in your ears back then, but I had no idea of the magnitude of your dirty little secret!"

"Stay back! I'm warning you! I'm like a wild animal if you mess with me!"

"Oh I do hope so! The previous sport I've been encountering until now has been quite boring. I rather yearn for something more lively!"

"Fine! You've forced my hand! Maple Style! M-mega-uh….cosmetic throwing stuff attack!"

Sure the name sounded incredibly stupid, but how could anyone think up a good one in a situation like this?!

Just like the name suggested, I reached for the beauty supplies and launched them at my foe. Sycamore merely laughed haughtily at my efforts to repel him. Everything was feeling very sweaty right now.

As he kept coming, I obtained my final weapon: Coral Red no. 3 semi-gloss lipstick (strawberry flavored). The object was uncapped, twisted out and ready to cause destruction.

"Get back!" I exclaimed while swinging it like a hunting knife. "Come any closer and I'll mark your clothes up! You'll never get the stains out and have another set of your perfect attire ruined!"

My plan was perfect; keep the professor at bay while grabbing Skitty and making a run for it. It was a great plan….in theory anyway. I just hope that Sycamore can't think a way outta this one.

He took a moment to glance at the would-be threat before his eyes traveled back towards me. His smile grew into an intimidating, teeth-showing grin. "My….what a troublesome dilemma! A tube of brightly colorful lipstick in the hands of a ferocious bird! One who is not afraid to get her talons dirty if it came to such a thing…."

Instead of being kept away by my efforts, Professor Sycamore kept walking forward as if he didn't take the threat seriously. In turn, my feet began moving back. Good arceus! He's not stopping! What do I do now?! And just as those words passed through my head, the cool, marble counter could be felt when I backed into its corner. I made the mistake of looking back, and that was all it took for him to close in.

He swiftly apprehended the hand that wielded the lipstick of mass destruction and squeezed it until my nerves were too deprived of blood and feeling to hold onto it any longer. Once the threat clattered on the floor, he kicked it away in order to properly focus on torturing me. I tried turning my head away, but his other hand grabbed ahold of my chin to force it back. "However, you forget who plays the wolf in this game darling. And since you brought it up, I intend to collect the cost of damages you previously incurred upon my attire; they were special ordered and custom made for my use only,"

Effectively caught off guard, to say that my senses had been suddenly shocked would've been the understatement of the year. Of course anyone would feel the same way too if they had their dress torn by eager fingers. Part of the front he ruined flopped over; which was quickly held back up by my free hand. In doing so however, I pressed too hard against my chest and whimpered in pain. Sycamore noticed my abrupt change in behavior and paused his assault.

"…Is something the matter darling? Why are you making that face?"

"N-none of your fucking business!"

"Hmph, a stubborn thing as always. I will be the judge of that,"

The man let go of my chin to forcefully peel away my shielding hand to inspect. It almost felt shameful; not because he was getting lookie-loos, but that he made it seem like what injuries I made that were kept from him was a crime. He wordlessly looked at my healing wound for several minutes as to form an unknown hypothesis and strangely slid both hands to my waist. Sycamore let out an unusually calm sigh before lifting me up to sit on the countertop. His torso strategically placed between my legs.

Now, being 'afraid' of Professor Augustine Sycamore sounded as silly as it gets. I mean, come on, he looks so weak. Of course any meat head would say that if they happened to pass by him on the street. He wasn't scary in the sense of an alleyway thug, gangster or me. No, more in a way like a natural born predator or someone drunk off power. He preyed on the weak and unsuspecting while toying with the ones who could see his true nature. Anyone who got under his skin was subjected to emotional and (if the situation could work for him) physical torture. To him, almost everyone was placed in a position he wanted them in. So in answering the question he asked, I was afraid what the outcome would be.

He slyly rest his beautiful forehead against mine while I could feel his warm breath against my lips. You could say he was trying to be affectionate; although sense told me this doubled as a persuasion tactic. Either way, my stupid teenage body felt like it was melting from all the attention. I can't wait to grow up and get rid of these extra hormones.

"Why do you not tell me how you were injured, my poor, troublesome bird?"

"I-I said it's none of your business!"

"It was that despicable little child who has that ridiculous infatuation with you, yes?"

"I'm not answering you!"

"Was it that tasteless Maxie? Did your most beloved professor tell you NOT to chase after such a barbarian?"

"The only professor I like is Professor Birch! He's not fancy or smart like you, but at least he's not a jerk or a coward!"

Oh fuck.

I remembered the last time I insulted him about 'that' topic, it didn't go well for my two bag of chips. So it wasn't a surprise when his face leaned back with a jealous expression. Dam this guy had too many issues about insecurity. Birch is an airhead who's only concerned about work and grandkids for crying out loud! Why the hell are you getting all worked up about him, an overachieving nerd(Maxie) and friends that happen to be boys?! Wait, what's he-

His face suddenly closed in and pressed his warm lips against mine with bold non-consent. While it shocked me at first, an enchanting sensation shortly took its place that made my heart go into thumping tizzy. Honestly, the way he forcefully impressed it on me curled my toes in a passion that- wait, stop thinking about this! He's only doing it for interrogation purposes! Must escape….before I talk!

Already, the idea of giving in started seeping into my thoughts. I mean, he just wants to know how I got hurt; the Professor Sycamore I know wouldn't go so far a murder-NO! I HAFTA RESIST!

A small part of my will empowered my limbs to attempt repelling his dangerous advances by pushing at his already hot chest. He reacted by seizing my arms and wrapping his arms around my waist. Sycamore kissed, sucked and tasted my lips; apparently enjoying the flavor of my semi-gloss lipstick that was originally spread on there. There was little strength to move; let alone escape. Somebody please help me-*THUMP!THUMP!THUMP!*

We froze at the sudden knocking that rapped against the wooden door. Relief flooded my chest upon hearing the noises, but I needed to get free. Sycamore still had me in his clutches with his head turned in annoyance. It was then that I realized that the buttons on his shirt were almost all the way unbuttoned with his tousled hair in an even bigger mess. GOOD FUCKING ARCEUS, how did that manage to happen so fast?! Our interaction only lasted a couple of seconds! Was he some kind of alien or demon born with the talents of rendering girls powerless?!

Whoever it was on the other side of the door kept on knocking for about what felt like a minute until deciding to reach for the handle….which was only able to rattle. Relief turned into anxiety as I realized they couldn't get in. I tried leaping off the countertop, but the dastardly professor kept me in place with a hand clapped over my mouth; his annoyance took a 180 degree turn to upmost joy. Together we watched the door rattle several more times before stopping in a heart-wrenching silence.

"Goodness me…" Began Sycamore as he turned his attention back on me. "We must count ourselves fortunate that I had the hindsight to lock the door. Fate seems to curse my timing of things. But back to the issue at hand: I will make you tell me the cause of your injury by any means necessary,"

His fingers suddenly squished my cheeks. Puckering out my lips for his amusement.

"A sacrifice I am willing to make on your behalf. Now let us start with those pretty lips and work our way down,"

He pulled my unwilling face towards him to commence torturing me. NOOOOOOOOOO-*BANG!*

A large sound startled us out of my dilemma. My eyes and Sycamore's head looked towards the door once more.*BANG!* It came and rattled the entrance. Dust puffed out on small sprays as it streamed out in from the small cracks. Then-*BAM!THUD!* The third time it sounded caused the rectangular piece of wood to swing violently open. Standing in the space behind it, was Lisia-chan…..holding a large battering ram in her hands.

The three of us stared at each other in unexpected silence until she broke it. Her mouth upturned with a odd smile and dropped the heavy-looking object that was in her hold. "Oh my gosh! I can't believe how jammed that door was! It's a good thing I had a spare battering ram!" She exclaimed excitedly. Her hands clapped together and walked further in the room. "Oh? What's this? Birdie-chan! You know the rules! Fans can't be in the dressing room! Sorry sir, but I'll have to put you out!"

Already, the Contest Spectacular Veteran had a broom in her hand and was shooing him away like a stray animal. The professor looked silly being chased away by a young adult and tried to earn his stay.

"Come now! Must it be necessary? I am no mere admirer, but her tutor! Surely this qualifies my admission!"

"Nope! Contest Spectacular performers only! You're gonna hafta wait outside!"

"But I-"

"No butts! Please wait until all Contest Spectacular performers are properly changed back into their normal attire and out of the dressing room! Bye-bye!"

On that unexpected note, Lisia-chan ejected the professor from the dressing room before closing the lock-busted door with a proud slam. I was still sitting there; completely beside myself. Lisia-chan had accomplished what felt like no other women had done before: Successfully resist a man who was skilled in the art of seduction. She did this with much bravado and little hesitation. Thank arceus! Life was finally cutting me some slack!

I hopped off the countertop while still holding my dress together. "Man Lisia-chan, you have no idea how grateful I am tha-" The teen idol suddenly turned around to grab ahold of my shoulders. Her eyes were wild as her face got close to mine. "May, what are you doing?! She exclaimed while shaking me like a ragdoll.

"Huh? What are you doing?! I was just-"

"Listen May, I know he's a really hot and attractive professor with a foreign accent, but you can't fall for him! My otp fanfiction depends on it! Your place in a doki doki relationship is with your best friend/ secret boyfriend, Brendan!"

Okay, this is now getting weird. As wacky as this girl was, Lisia-chan never ceased to amaze me with her strange fantasies. I had no idea what the terms 'doki doki' or 'otp' were, but I had little desire to find out. At any rate, Sycamore was still lying in wait for me in the lobby. I swatted her away in annoyance.

"Whatever Lisia. Do you have a back way out or something? Because if you really wanna keep your hallucinations alive, then you'll help me escape,"

"A way out? Sure thing! Anything for the cause of Hoennshipping!"

"The what?"

"Wait right here!"

"Hey! You didn't tell me what 'Hoennshipping' is!

But Lisia-chan already moved to the other side of the room; close to a large, wooden trunk used for costume accessories. She unlocked it, threw everything to the side and motioned for me to come over. Not wanting to miss the opportunity, I went to her so I could see what she had in mind.

Nearing this mysterious trunk, a cool blast of air hit my face, sending an uncomfortable chill throughout the rest of my body. It turns out, the accessories were merely a front for something much bigger: A secret tunnel. Woah, this is pretty weird, even for Lisia-chan. Was she some kind of smuggler or something? I better not ask anything about it.

"THIS," She exclaimed in unrestricted excitement while gathering my things together. "Is is how you'll be sneaking out! Wouldn't want to cause any unnecessary attention. Now fly my amazing apprentice, FLYYYYY!"

"Hold up! Lemme get dressed first!"

The secret path I was sent on had been dimly lit to avoid detection on both ends. It was made of concrete and every sound bounced off its walls. This place struck me as very creepy. All that's missing is a psychopath coming to send me to an early grave. Fortunately, everything remained uneventful from beginning to end; which was seeing rusted bars stuck in the wall to act like steps. Climbing up proved to be little of a challenge. The top felt to be made of wood, so I pushed as hard as I could an-

*POP!*

"Huh? Where am I?"

When my hands finally pushed open the top, I was left confused for a moment as to where the tunnel had left me. I could still smell the distinct sea of Lilycove, so I was in the city for sure. AH! The hotel's right over there, the department store is here and I'm…..at the marina?

Out of all the places that Lisia-chan could've used as the end route, she chose Lilycove's marina! Now I'm really starting to wonder if my talent teacher is dealing in some under-the-table stuff! Well due to my crisis, a possible investigation will hafta wait. You got lucky this time, Lisia-chan!

Although Slate port dominated the Hoenn region when it came to trading, Lilycove had its own little port of wealth. Mostly luxury items came through here with an occasional Pokémon species stowing away in the cargo hold. Cruise ships also parked their boats here in encouragement for tourism. All of that came through the marina.

Gathering my strength, I crawled out of the hole and put the falsetto back in its place. Man, escaping the professor sure worked up an appetite. I should-where's all those people going?

At the front of the marina, many tourists and locals alike were gathering to enter the mouth of the port in curiosity and mild excitement. I began to consider my next course of action. Lilycove didn't have a gym, so there wasn't any obligation to stay. Hitching a ride on a boat to the next place wouldn't be a bad idea; especially since I could blend in with the crowd.

I casually stole my way into the group of people in hopes for an effective way to bail. They absorbed me into their thrilled crowd with gladness. Together we all went in.

Okay* grunts* now to give them the sli-woah.

Seeing as how my height reached up to 4'11, being able to take in any sort of sight proved to be a difficult feat until I managed to separate myself from the large clique; leaving me to gaze upon a half-submerged submarine. Aside from pictures in magazines or movies, I never saw a sub's entirety until now. It was overwhelming and so….intimidating.

When people had dispersed enough for me to push ahead, my eyes suddenly halted, for they recognized someone I hadn't seen in a while: Captain Stern. He stood behind a small podium next to the railing of the fancy pier. Suddenly, the task of delivering those ship parts made perfect sense. Actually, bringing ship parts to make a sub felt backwards. You can't use ship parts for a submarine! Oh well.

I went forward and shouted for the old man's attention with waving arms. Somehow, it managed to work as his tired eyes raised up in surprise and waved back. Hos response inspired me to power through until I made it to him.

"Captain Stern!" I was only able to utter his name before stopping and bending forward to suck in air. The man adjusted his hat smugly. "Why Miss Maple! What a coincidence to find you here! What brings such a little lady to the Lilycove Marina?"

"Actually, I was gonna ask you the same thing. I was just passin' through and got curious,"

"Ah!" He paused to push me towards the railing. "Today is the day my company christens our updated model of our Deepwater sub! It took us a long time to develop, but it will be worth the toil once we start reaping the results," Captain Stern explained while gesturing to the sub's entirety.

"But all of this, I owe to you. Miss May Maple, you took on a stranger's request expecting nothing in return. And if it weren't enough, you stood up to Team Magma's oppressiveness and turned them on their heads. Take pride my dear: Without your help, we couldn't have surpassed this milestone!"

I never really thought of something like that. To me, it felt just like another delivery. The way he put it in perspective however, made my heart leap with excitement. Being a part of something like that, (no matter how nerdy it was) helped me feel a sense of self-worth.

"Thanks, it was nothing to it,"

"Nonsense, being a trainer is no easy feat. Even more so when you've gone above and beyond! Don't be afraid to give yourself some recognition,"

While I can brag about beating up Team Magma and try looking cooler in front of my peers, gloating wasn't something done on a regular basis…..at least I think it wasn't. Anyway, Captain Stern casually held up his pocket watch for a glance and nearly jumped out of his socks. "Goodness!" He exclaimed while his free hand to hold onto his hat. "Please excuse me, it's time to begin the ceremony,"

I nodded and gave him space so he could go towards the podium. That old man is something else. A big dreamer for sure. And although I didn't see any pokeballs on him or have any Pokémon at his side, did he ever own any?" Even though he looked like preferred other alternatives to be being a trainer, I've learned to expect the unexpected.

My head turned briefly to look at the majestic sub before switching views to the captain, who started to address excited onlookers. He tapped the foam topped microphone to test the sound before speaking.

"Greetings people of Lilycove; welcome to the brief christening of Team Magma's instrument of humanity's progress,"

Okay, I wasn't expecting Captain Stern to start his speech off like that. Or change his voice while delivering it. In fact, he looked pretty surprised himself. Wait a minute, I know who's talking! Its-

Suddenly the submarine began moving; and not at a slow pace either. I automatically leaped over the railing to pursue. However, I forgot about my brutal injury that had been sustained, so it was only natural for the salt water to cause extraordinary pain to my wound. I jerked erratically and was able to fight the pain long enough to get to the surface. Thankfully, once my head popped out of the water, a life floater ring had been thrown in. A rope was tied to it. My body pathetically swam to the object and held onto the thing for dear life. And as the life floater ring was being pulled back to the port, I could hear my arch enemy, Maxie speak calmly through the loudspeakers.

"I must apologize for commandeering your vessel, but be assured that it is but a small price to pay for what's to come. Team Magma will restore humankind's achievements and push it towards a flourishing future! True, there are some who do not believe, but fear not: I, the Great Maxie will put those doubts to rest,"

Tch, typical of the nerd; acting so full of himself. I'll bet he carries a mirror with him to stare at himself all day. My head turned to the sinking sub. Dam, I couldn't catch it even if I wanted to now.

"And to the naïve, little girl who thinks of herself to be the brave heroine,"

Huh?

"Not a bright idea to try following a submarine. Try using some common sense for once, it'll work wonders. Great Maxie out,"

THAT FUCKINHG SHI-

The concerned citizens who had thrown me the ring, pulled me out of the water and sent me to the hospital. Despite salt metaphorically and literally put in my wounds, I managed to have enough patience with the nurses and their aides. One aide in particular interacted with me in a way that felt like I was on a flight. She was about the same height as me with tanned skin and dark brown hair neatly put up in a bun. Her chocolate colored eyes shielded by a rectangular pair of glasses imitated the illusion that she was looking right at me; the reality was that she had been staring at the wall above me. The aide wore a faded pair of Caribbean blue scrubs with a black, long sleeve undershirt. Her name badge dangled alongside a rubber krabby that held a mini hand sanitizer; pecha bellini scented. Her mannerism was shy and tried rehearsing polite, careful words.

"Good morning. My name is Janice Ortiz. I wanted to make sure I got the time to introduce myself and let you know that I'll be here today taking care of you along with the nurse. Is there anything I can get you at the moment before I leave?"

"Nope, I'm good-wait! I want…..sherbet ice cream. Can I get some of that?"

"Uh, this is medical intensive care….and I'll hafta call dietary to see if that's allowed in your diet, but uh, if it clears, then sure. Would you like anything else?"

"Now that you mention it, gimme some water with ice-oh and a cup of ice by itself,"

"Oh…alrighty then, just give me a minute and I'll get that for you,"

"Sweet, thanks,"

Maaaaaybe I abused my power as a patient over her, but fuck that! I want my free ice cream and room service! I mean, she's SUPPOSED to cater to my every whim in order to get better right? I dunno, but for most of the day after that, I barely saw her. Well there was this one time where she tried sneaking in to restock the medical cabinet, but I caught her and demanded more ice cream. There was a casual wave of the hand at each request, but I could tell how pissed she was…meh, this is what my insurance pays for; top of the line service!

Anyway, aside from that and the painful bandage changes, it was a pretty decent stay for sure. Although, since I needed to make sure that dad didn't catch wind of any of my going-ons against Team Magma, I decided to sign myself out 'AMA'. Or I really tried sneaking past the hospital staff. A hard thing to do when they're ever vigilant of their patients.

It wasn't until they disappeared into their lounge, did the opportunity present itself. Although, when it came to pull out the IV….it wasn't the best of experiences.

Once my escape from the hospital was complete, I began to investigate on the whereabouts of any Team Magma activities. The progress for that was incredibly slow. For three days, nothing worthy of taking notice turned up. By the fourth day, I overheard a conversation between sailors about part of a sea route being blocked by a line of wailmers Hm, annoying inconveniences; that sounds like Archie! Maybe I can beat some answers outta him. He's probably holed up somewhere in a secret cave….pfft, nah, he's probably on a pirate ship or something. To the wailmers!

My excitement overflowed at the thought of punching that Magma nerd's face in. I got out Pelipper and went down on the beach. While my wounds healed nicely and wasn't reactive to the saltwater anymore, I still came prepared with extra gauze to wrap and heavily tape around my torso.

For the most part, our trip was a very eventful one. The sun provided a warm atmosphere while its watery counterpart that we floated in, gave us refreshing comfort when the heat was too much. Eventually, when we ventured closer towards the cliffs, my eyes spotted a near line of wailmers. They looked very tame and would sometimes break formation to hunt for food. Welp, time to start making a mess!

Pelipper charged toward the one who made up the line's middle. Then-"Use your aerial ace!"

BAM! She smacked it hard in the face in unrestrained ferociousness. The water-type rolled back several times like a heavy liquid-filled water balloon before stopping to float belly up. Alright….that looks a lot of bit disturbing. Wow, all of the rest of them look really mad. Maybe attacking them wasn't such a good idea.

"GREEE!"

Definitely not a good idea!

Now presuming my course of action to be stupid, I made my Pelipper charge past them. Some of the wailmers decided to follow us, while others barely moved from their spots. The ones that did give chase, failed spectacularly. You see, their round, large bodies prevented them from gaining any speed faster than my battle partner.

Up ahead, I spotted an enormous cave mouth naturally carved out from the rock. That's something you don't see every day. So there is one after all…..let's go towards it! With a plan of that in mind, I directed my seabird with an ecstatic point. She has no complaints complying with what was demanded and turned into its entrance. As far as our tailgates went, they strangely halted at the front of the cave and swam back. Yeah, that was weird.

Despite those thoughts, we pressed ahead until discovering signs that announced the presence of human interference. Things like giant glass tubes with bright orange liquid surging within them. There were two pairs of three lined next to each other on the ceiling that led to what looked like a very tall and wide doo-HANG ON A SECOND!

As we came to the platform, I couldn't help but let surprise daze me when we both found ourselves staring at the intimidating emblem of Team Magma that was decorated in front of the metal doors. Honestly, it's pretty smart to use wailmers to guard the entrance of your lair (although sharpedos work too) to throw off people into thinking it was the other conflicting team. At least I don't have to find out where they are. Although I found it very peculiar as to WHY nobody hasn't discovered Team Magma's hideout yet! Oh well! Better late than never!

I withdrew Pelipper and marched up to the large pair of doors. They began to slowly slide open with metallic creaking upon sensing my presence. Behind them was a set of metal stairs going up. Let's light this candle!

*Continued in chapter 32*