Nick sauntered towards the old warehouse they'd taken Jay to. However, it was apparent that she wasn't going down without a fight. She'd struggled and kicked and caused much pain for her two escorts. Considering it had been a good half hour, he was rather surprised that neither had given up already. He smiled to himself. Trust Jay to keep up such strength and vigour at a time like this.

He supposed the reason as to why he'd been startled was the fact that he'd been too busy staring intently at the newly captured. A hand slipped over his mouth and his eyes widened in surprise, but before he could react…

"Don't even think about yelling," muttered a voice he knew all too well.

He turned to see the owner of the voice clad in a navy halter top and black jeans. He couldn't help but stare at the infamous figure, clad in ribboned ponytail, armbands and all.

"Mia!" he said into her hand in mild astonishment.

His words, or rather, word, was muffled, but Mia understood him and smiled, lifting her hand away. When she did, he turned to watch her, still baffled by the turn of events. He who was stalking the Black Onix's was being stalked himself! Mia, however, didn't seem at all perturbed and motioned for him to follow as she neared the warehouse entrance. He'd never seem her in such a solemn state. But then, her best friend had never been captured by the same gang whose sub-leader almost raped her sister-in-law.

Upon a closer inspection, it was clear that, if they were to get into the warehouse, it would have to be through either the main entrance or a window. However, as Mia continued to approach, she didn't seem intent on going through the window.

"Mia! Stop! What are you doing?" hissed an anxious Nick.

"Don't stress, Nikki, I've got you covered," she teased lightly.

Despite the circumstances, Nick was still able to manage a glower in her direction. Had it been anyone else, they'd be dead before the word slipped out of their mouths. Unfortunately, the whole gang had a soft spot where Mia was concerned. They'd practically raised her, or at least watched her grow, from innocent, to heartbroken, to strong gang member, to ambition Pokemon trainer, to superstar.

Before Nick had enough time to snap out from his visit to the past, Mia had already gotten the door open.

"I don't think they'll ever learn to get a better security system," remarked Mia, disgusted and also disappointed that she hadn't been able to receive a challenging task.

The door began to swing open. Slowly. Too slowly. Black Onix members turned to see who it was. No one. And yet, the door couldn't have opened on its own accord. Pokeballs began to emerge. And then, they heard it. Softly, at first, but it was definitely there. The sound of bells. Those that you'd hear when wrapped around an anklet or when tied into your hair.

There were exchanges of surprised glances. Everyone remembered this scene, remembered the bells, always as a warning. But a warning from what? For what? When was the last time this had happened? Then they tensed, remembering. Remembering the pokemon. The people. The other gang. The fight. Neither had won, but it had been an all out war which none could forget.

They stood up, releasing Pokemon, embracing themselves for what they expected to come…

… So, naturally, when they saw only a kid and a scrawny teenage boy, they laughed outright.

And, naturally, they stopped laughing when Mia began to. Soon, only her laughter rang through the whole warehouse, and it ceased faster than it began.

"I want you to hand Jay over. Now."

There was no laughter in her voice. There was nothing except a warning. One that told them rather clearly that unless they did as told, they'd have to deal with her. And yet, she seemed no threat to them. Some sniggered, some smirked. Some even laughed outright again. Then, one of the bolder males took charge.

"Ryhorn, Take down!"

A sickly looking Pokemon began to charge wearily at Mia. She felt sorry for it. Why should it have to suffer because of its master's weakness? Mia jumped away from the charging Pokemon.

"Dragonair, Twister."

There was a deadly edge to her voice and Nick's eyes widened as he heard her speak it.

"Are you mad, Mia? You can't use that inside…."

He didn't get a chance to finish his sentence. Next thing they knew, there was a miniature tornado erupting within the building, catching up furniture, Pokemon, and gang members alike. Understandably, Nick held onto a nearby pole for dear life. Mia watched him with a sceptical look on her face, Espeon in her grasp.

"Nikki, the attack is headed that way," she remarked, pointing towards the twister, a few metres away from them now.

"Shut up," he muttered.

He realised his mistake instantly.

"What did you say?" demanded Mia threateningly.

"… Nothing?" he attempted through a stammer.

Next thing he knew, a searing pain shot through his shoulder.

"Mia!" he whined, rubbing at his arm, glaring at the child a head shorter than he was.

"Let's go find Jay!" she announced loudly, over his distressed cries.

He could be such a baby, although usually it was just to humour her. They both knew he was the better fighter physically. Pokemon-wise… Now that was a different story. As they were talking, however, the Gang members had revived and were beginning their advance. Standing back to back, not even they were up for a fight against 50 relatively well trained Onix members.

"Mia, behind you!" gasped Nick, ducking a punch and throwing his opponent over his shoulder.

Mia bent backwards well enough for the punch to miss her, but it was brought downwards just as quickly and she had to attempt to roll away. Her reflexes allowed her to miss being kicked, but not without taking a blow to her stomach. She gasped in pain, but regained her footing, only having to jump to avoid being tripped up. Nick delivered a well aimed side kick to the side of someone advancing upon Mia.

They were all aiming for her. Why? Because she was assumed the weakling? Or because they knew her status, her power, her fame? What would happen to her and her reputation if it got out that she had to be hospitalised due to a gang fight? A block to the side and a return punch. What was the meaning of all of this anyway? Why had they taken Jay in the first place? Jay…

Mia kicked backwards, her sneaker making contact with someone's lower jaw, before she jumped into a one handed cartwheel in an attempt to move away from the congregation forming around her. Bending her legs so that her cartwheel fell short, she tripped someone up before returning to her feet, with the intention of injuring someone.

Both knew they were struggling with the amount of people which surrounded them. They'd begun to separate, which meant both had to watch out for their own backs.

"How can you start a party without me?" drawled a voice that both thrilled and chilled Mia.

"Gary!" exclaimed Nick, grinning, as everyone stopped fighting for a split second to watch his dramatic entrance.

He leaned against the door, arms crossed, trademark smirk in place, and his brown hair blowing messily in the wind giving him a roguish look. Mia could have sworn she heard giggles from the scantily dressed sluts who had stayed away from the fighting. Most likely more worried about chipping their nails than defending their own territory. Unable to help herself, she glanced at her own rather boyish clothing and resisted the urge to blush. What did he think of her now, compared to the female Onix gang members?

She shook away those thoughts. It didn't matter now. Nothing he thought about was of any concern to her. Not anymore, at least. That is, not if she could help it. But she couldn't. No matter how hard she tried, she couldn't put him from her mind. Nor could she ignore the sense of betrayal which still remained fresh in her heart.

Catching her off guard, six members charged at her all at once. Still dazed from her thoughts, Mia made a split second decision to duck, allowing all six to skid to an abrupt halt. She knew she didn't have a way out now, as they once again began to advance upon her. Espeon, however, jumped in front of its master and, without any command, commenced using Confusion.

The 6 stepped backwards, allowing Gary to steal Mia away from their circle formation. Stunned, she followed without a word.

"Come on, I've got Jay, let's get out of here!" cried out Nick, dragging forward a disgruntled looking Jay.

She was glaring at her so-called saviour. However, her blackened look instantly disappeared when her eyes lighted upon her best friend. They both grinned at each other, pausing for a split second, before diving outwards and into the alley. A Vine whip fell short and they got away, hearing the curses its trainer bestowed upon the poor Pokemon.

Laughing they emerged in their own territory. However, the moment they got there, all four of them composed themselves. Hands were released. Careless laughter was cut short. Smiles vanished. Casual positions were taken. Gary leaning against one wall, Nick beside him. Mia and Jay walked across the road and began to talk animatedly to each other, although neither expressed any glee or interest physically. However, it was apparent to the boys, at least, that they had already begun catching up.

Mia grinned inwardly. Here, she was free. Everyone knew her, but not as Mia the superstar. Rather, it was Mia the comrade. She nodded a few greetings as the few from her old division passed by.

"So how's it been?" asked Jay casually although her eyes were dancing with joy.

"Not bad. And you?"

"… It's alright, I suppose."

"And Julius?"

"… Long story. I'll tell you later."

"Want to head up to Autumn Café?"

"Sure. Why is it called that, anyway?"

"Probably something to do with Autumn's lack of understanding of the word 'café'."

"Still. Calling a candy store a café?"

The two exchanged silent giggles. Autumn's Café was their old hangout. It was an extremely pale pink store with white decorations and lettering. In its shop window were jars full of candy. Tables were set up if you wanted a drink or cake. This had been redesigned after they'd explained to Autumn what a café actually was.

The joyous moment died down.

"I hear they've released Jack," remarked Jay quietly.

A solemn silence hung in the air for a minute before Mia replied.

"I know," she said softly.

Hey! Sorry for the lack of updating. Writer's block... Tests... Assignments... You know. The usual excuses. I'm sorry! I'll try to update faster next time. Anyway, enjoy! Don't forget to review and tell me what you think! Thanks!