Hi! Beginning of the GSC Arc!

Happy National Single's Day everyone! And remember, after Feb 14th, there's going to be a lot of chocolate discounted!

Thank you!

October 19, 2015- Finished.
December 18, 2017- Edited.

-Line Break-

I glared at Red as I held his trembling wrist. It's been a couple of months since with the Elite Four and I finally caught what's been bothering Red.

"I can't believe you didn't tell me."

He tried to smile. "You were so busy, I didn't want to be a bother and I'm fine!"

I rolled my eyes at him and just started to massage his wrists. This stubborn idiot didn't bother to tell anyone that he needed help from the ice shackles that Lorelei used to eventually freeze him solid. I've noticed that he would drop stuff and stumble more often the times he would come over but it wasn't until now that I found out why.

"The only thing I can suggest without you going to a doctor is to massage them regularly. Help stimulate the nerves back since you said they're still numb." And I looked at him seriously. "But if doesn't work, please go find a doctor to help, Red."

I gently pressed down into his wrist slowly pulling up. I felt him tense before relaxing again and I hummed unconsciously.

"Thanks Rayne. I really wanted to tell you, but it's just feels embarrassing to me that I do have this kind of problem." He rubbed his head with his other hand.

I shook my head. "Don't be silly Red. I'd rather see you happy than find you mulling over this problem when it could be fixed sooner." But I soon found myself stumbling back flustered when I unconsciously nuzzled his face again. "S-sorry."

That has been a thing with me since my first Christmas and everybody started to call my kisses a pokékiss after actually being aware that, yes, pokémon do kiss like that. So when I found out about how humans kiss, which was through a movie that Blue first introduce me to, I couldn't help but blush on how intimate it was and think how serious these relationships were to humans.

Courtships were so emotionally complicated with humans and I thinks it's nice that they do it out of love but they seem to blow it up unnecessarily. With pokémon, all they want is a lasting companionship from their mates, but with humans, they have to constantly prove that they still love the other, or at least that's what the movie implied.

When I asked Old Zam, he said that it's because of human intelligence is like a double-edged sword and that they're always second guessing things especially if it comes to emotional matters. That's also why many humans will come off cold so they could protect themselves from those things.

But that's besides the point, the fact that kisses were intimate with humans makes me try and hold back on my actions that I've developed growing up at home, but it was hard since it just happens instinctually.

"It's fine." Red cleared his throat. "I told you I didn't mind right?" He smiled at me. "And it's something you can't help anyways just like my stubbornness." We both laughed. "But anyways, are you going to enter the next League Tournament?"

I frowned. "Unless I absolutely have to, no way." I said frankly. "I've already seen what you have to go through and with the work up-coming trip to Johto with Professor Oak, I don't think I'll have time to train. Plus, I still don't meet the required number of pokémon. I'm still one short."

He sighed. "With all the new regulations I kinda wish that I didn't enter the last tournament. I can bet you that there will be stronger trainers entering."

After the incident with Team Rocket, the Pokémon Association decided to do a mass inspection throughout the three years before the next Pokémon League Tournament which was in a good few months from now. The only gyms that were still up and running were, coincidentally, the ones I had the gym badges to, so if Blue entered the next one with the badges she entered with from the last one, they would be been invalid.

They also put a limit to how many pokémon a trainer should be carrying to six pokémon for safety and health reasons, not that has been a problem for me and the others so far, but there are special exceptions.

"But I think that the results would be the same in the end." I said and Red grinned.

"Of course!" Then he scratched his cheek. "But if you do enter the tournament, let me know. I want to be there since my gym leadership is right before it."

I smiled. "Of course." And started to hummed again. I enjoy these times with Red when we can hang out freely. It reminds me the times when we were still traveling together and only worrying about taking care of ourselves and our teams and getting stronger for whatever is ahead of us.

"Hey Rayne? What kind of song is that? You never hummed anything like it." Red asked.

"Hmm? I told you about that giant bird pokémon and the song it was singing, right?" He nodded. "Well that's the song I'm humming. It's been stuck in my head for a while now, but I don't think anyone at home minds though. It's a great lullaby for the little ones too."

In fact, it seems to calm and relax any pokémon in hearing range. Dragonair loves hearing it and cuddles with me along with the little ones.

"Really? Too bad I couldn't hear it." Red said. "It must've nice."

I thought back to when I first heard it, it was awful until it finally harmonized. "I wonder why you guys couldn't though." Just because they can't understand what the pokémon was saying doesn't mean they can't hear it.

Red just shrugged. "It doesn't matter now. Let's get some ice cream."

I let him pull me along and I wonder if what Red said was true. Does it really matter that they couldn't hear it? To them I guess not, but it was really painful to listen to at first, but it was really beautiful in the end. I think it matters to me a lot since it said to come and find it.

"By the way Red, I didn't forget about your wrists or ankles."

He faltered mid step but continued on. "I didn't think you would." He laughed.

-Line Break-

"I can't believe another one of my Pokédex was stolen again!"

I laughed awkwardly as I watch the professor continue to rant. We were in Cherrygrove city in the Johto region where his second lab is located and we were going to stay more or less about a year here.

I wasn't there for the actual theft three days ago since a Murkrow decided to steal some small equipment and I was the one to go retrieve them. It took a quick scare from Pidgeot's massive size and the Darkness Pokémon was startled dropping its load into my arms. Though I can swear that same Murkrow is following me though.

But with the League Tournament and the brink of finally making both steel and dark typings official, it's definitely going to be a busy one. The Dark typings was something that Professor Oak was willing to introduce himself after meeting and studying some of them. The man's eyes lit up like a child's after seeing just how broad of a world I lived in.

"Professor Oak! There's been news that a thief just stolen a pokémon from Professor Elm!" Another assistant yelled out. "And that a boy saw his face! Maybe it could be the same thief!"

"What! Rayne, we're going!"

"Y-yes sir!" I grabbed my satchel and cane as I hurry out following the professor.

"I wonder if he's really as old as he says if he can run around like this." I heard Vulpix mutter on my shoulders.

"Definitely more interesting than paperwork."

-Line Break-

"He left already?!"

I sat down into a chair with Vulpix in my lap. It was late in the evening when we got to the police station and we both watched the professor finally burn out the remainder of his energy and sink into the chair behind him.

"But you can probably catch up to him." The police officer said kindly. "He told me that he was planning on camping in the woods when I offered him a place here."

"Later, later." The professor waved off tiredly. "Rest now. Rayne, what time is it?"

"About almost eight professor." I answered him and I felt pin pricks throughout my body to the feeling of being watched. I looked up to see the police officer staring at me intently. "Er, can I help you."

"Or I can roast him."

"Rayne as in Raynard, the top field assistant that is working under Professor Oak correct?" I nodded carefully and he immediately bowed clasping his hands in front of him. "Then may I please see your Pidgeot?"

"What?" It came out as a statement as my mind went blank for the moment.

"He's a fan, Rayne." I heard the professor comment airily "I'm surprised it took this long to meet one."

The police officer swallowed. "I've seen your Pidgeot three years ago on the news fighting that legendary bird pokémon and the first thing I thought as I watched it was how graceful and powerful it was flying through the air." He said admiringly. "And during the last League Tournament, I found out that you were the one to create such an awesome move that can put flying types in the higher tiers. And since then, I've always wanted to meet you and hoped to challenge you too."

I was taken aback but still answered. "S-sure, but can I have your name?" Because it'll stay awkward for me if I don't. I can see Professor Oak snicker at my predicament but I just ignored him.

"Of course! My name is Falkner and I'm currently trying to take over my father's gym. My specialty is flying types so I'm sorry that I came in a bit too strong."

Ah, a specialist. No wonder. "It's fine, let's go out and have that battle. Since you're applying to be a gym leader, than that means Pidgeot won't be going easy on you."

"Of course! My bird pokémon have been training and battling to show that flying types aren't easy pushovers!"

We went out to a large clearing and we both prepared for the battle.

"Alright you two! It's a one on one battle. First pokémon to knock out the other wins!" Professor Oak called out. "Begin!"

"Pidgeot!"

"Noctowl!" And the Gym leader-to-be ordered even further. "Be alert! This is the Pidgeot we watched on television three years ago!"

"Oh? You're one of the psychic birds I've heard about." Pidgeot commented.

And the other nodded. "Yes, and it is an honour to finally meet you in a battle."

"Same here, so let's see how well you can battle!" He tore at the ground with a Steel Wing and lobbed rocks towards the smaller bird.

"Confusion and send it back!" Falkner yelled out but Pidgeot was already sending out Air Cutter to destroy the rocks. "Take flight!"

"An air battle huh?"

"Trip it up, Pidgeot!" I shouted, no need to prolong this battle than it needs to be.

"Let's see how well you can fly!" He initiated a Double Team and used Featherdance once he caught up to the Noctowl. Once distracted and slightly panicked, Pidgeot swooped right under it disturbing the air and the Noctowl started to fall out of the sky back first.

"Noctowl, get up right!" Falkner shouted quickly.

"Good match but I have to end it here now." And Pidgeot ended it with a Steel Wing.

My opponent sighed. "I expected a lot of things like when you tear at the ground to throw those rocks, but not the tripping thing." Falkner said.

I smiled at him. "It's a maneuver that simple knocks flying pokémon off balance. Confuse or make it panic and disturb the air under it with Pidgeot's massive size to where it loses balance. It's like tripping someone while walking really. Since you said you were a flying type trainer, I had to do something that was unexpected."

Falkner laughed. "Definitely unexpected and something new to work on too." He shook my hand. "Thank you for the battle."

"No problem!" I'm just glad he isn't like the fans that Red and the others has.

-Line Break-

We follow the light from a campfire and hoped it was the kid that saw the thief's face. The professor had Ledyba and Stantler out for protection and transportation. I had Vulpix out as always who's trotting along besides me bored out of her mind.

"I know I'll regret this, but I really hope something exciting happens. Watching you and the other assistants run around can only entertain me so much."

I laughed a little as we arrived at the little camp and Professor Oak walked up to the two boys who were still oblivious to our presence I merely waved as the two boys were startled out of their conversations when the old professor injected his own thoughts on the topic.

"Pr-Professor Oak?! What are you doing here?!" The shorter boy pointed. His name was Joey I believe, he's the one that helps out with little errands.

"Whatever you heard I didn't do it and I have nothing to do with you." Was the other boy's sharp response. I just raised my eyebrows in amusement.

"Gold!"

"You may not have anything to do with me young man, but I do have business with you." Professor Oak pulled out the new Pokédex. "Has the thief you saw carried something like this?"

I could tell that Gold did recognize it when his eyes sparked in recognition. He must've lied quite a lot to be able to stop his body from responding also. I watched his excitement grow despite his steely poker face as he stared at the device and listen to the professor explain what it is and does.

"And you're asking me if that guy had it or not? He was trying to hide something like it when I finally caught up to him." Gold said.

The old man sighed. "It's fine, but I think I get the picture and I can only conclude that the one that stole the Pokédex from me and the Totodile from Professor Elm is the same person." He turned to me. "We're going back to the police station to report this, and after this." I nodded.

"Wait you mean the place I had to deliver the package to?" Joey asked. "Professor Elm's, I mean."

The professor nodded. "Yes, since my lab is just a route away, I can see it being the same person. It's supposed to be convenient since I do my talk shows here in Johto, I guess it also helps with catching thieves too!" He laughed.

I distracted myself with looking around the woods since I'm not conversing in this conversation and in the trees to my left, I spotted a Murkrow in the branches looking at me. I wouldn't been able to see it if it weren't for the fire's light reflecting off its beak and it flew away when it saw I was looking that way.

"What?!" I was startled out of my sightseeing as Joey started to frantically apologize. "I'm sorry professor, it's just been a very long day for us and Gold was knocked out so he's probably not right in the head right now."

"Hey! I'm serious!"

"Whether you're serious or not, you're not having it." The professor said gesturing to the Pokédex. "This is made to help me in my research and there's also the fact that one was just stolen. This isn't something that was made for just anyone."

Gold still persisted. "I understand but I want to chase after that guy and settle things with him! But I'll be at a disadvantage since he has a Pokédex too!"

"No!" Was the swift answer.

"Then just lend it to me! I'll give it back!"

"This isn't something that can be just loaned!" The professor growled.

"Then can't you make another one?"

"No! This isn't something that can be just made!" Professor Oak huffed. "And I won't change my mind no matter how much you persist either! The people I gave my Pokédexes to were outstanding boys and girls who all had my trust and helped out people and pokémon alike with their amazing abilities!" He continued. "Take Rayne here for example. He's been through more dangerous situations than the average human and has collected the most data for me since he's started his journey and after he became my field assistant!"

Gold just scoffed. "Him? His cutesy Vulpix doesn't even look like it belong on the battle field."

"He did not."

"All I have to do is prove myself that I do have an amazing ability right? Aibo, Scratch!" His Aipom attacked.

Vulpix merely put up her nose and turned her back and to Joey and Gold's surprise, the Long Tail Pokémon stopped in mid air with a visible blue energy surrounding it. I laughed nervously seeing my friend is now in an irritated mood.

"The monkey isn't worth battling I say."

"W-what?" He was thrown back to his owner hard enough to knock him on his butt.

"What was that!" Gold demanded.

"Vulpix doesn't take insults well." I explained.

"That was a psychic attack! There was no way that little thing could have done that!" He ranted pointing at her.

"'Thing?' I'll show you!" Her eyes glowed the same blue energy and lifted Gold and turned him upside down. "Let's see how you like me now!" She growled as Gold flailed like Aibo.

"Vulpix, he gets it." She cut off her attack and dropped him on the spot. "You really shouldn't insult anyone Gold." I smiled at him scratching my head. "Pokémon are smart enough to understand humans and they are stronger than us by a long shot."

"It's you who should've been insulted." He groaned out.

I laughed and turned to some quiet flapping noise behind me. I see the same Murkrow that's been following me for a while now.

"You're the Murkrow that stole some of our equipment." I blurted out. "Er, what are you doing here?"

She pointed her wing at me. "I've seen the big bird and saw it fight. I've seen the little fox's power. I would like to join you human to get stronger, but not battle you now since I know I would lose." Her voice was soft but resolute at the same time and she was slightly smaller than her species were usually are so she must've been young.

"Sure!" I chirped and dug into my satchel for a pokéball. "Here!" I held it up to her and she pecked at the button before it sucked her in. "What do you think of her Vulpix?"

"A tricky flier huh? I think she and I would get along fine and Pidgeot will probably stop mulling around whinging for a battle partner in the skies."

I looked up to see everyone just staring at me. "What?"

"That's not normal." Gold pointed. "Pokémon doesn't just come up to people asking to be captured like that."

I put a hand on my chin. "Well the only pokémon I've had to battle with to capture was my Nidoking, but he and Pidgeot have a rivalry going on so I don't really think that counts since he would follow anyways." Seeing even without their little deal Nidoking would've chase us down following us until he was able to beat Pidgeot.

"Wait, so all your pokémon just asked you to come along?!" Gold gaped.

I shook my head. "No, I won my Dragonair from a Game Corner. I felt bad that he had to stay their for months so I played poker until I had enough coins to win him." I smiled. That was fun.

"I've never heard this before." The professor said staring at me in disbelief.

I shrugged. "You never asked."

"Now this is hilarious. We should bring up more of our stories if this is the expression people will make."

-Line Break-

"So you got a Murkrow as your fifth pokémon!" Red exclaimed through the Pokédex grinning as Murkrow herself was perched onto my shoulder. "So you gonna enter the tournament then?"

"No, Red." I answered exasperatedly "Things seems to started to get slightly hectic here so I don't think I'll have time to think about it."

He frowned. "If you need help, I can be there, you know."

"I know but it's just a thief. We'll find him eventually." Though hearing about the thief's actions reminds me a lot of Blue though. "Plus I can handle myself along with the fact that you have your own stuff to worry about. How's your wrists and ankles?"

"As fine as they can be. We're still looking for a cure but we'll find it." Worry bubbled but I kept it down, confident that he will, but doubt still creeps at me.

Lorelei's ice was specialized to target an area which freezes up the whole part inside and out with psychic energy before spreading out. When it spreads, it doesn't freeze the entire body part thoroughly like it did to the targeted area so that's the reason why only Red's wrists and ankles give him problems.

"That's good. As long as you don't overwork them, you should be fine until you do." I said simply. "I should go now, the professor probably needs me by now since we're on the field."

"That's fine. Call often though! It's weird not seeing you here."

"I will Red, and I miss you too."

I didn't wait for Red's reaction when I cut the call as I already knew that he would be flustered. I don't get why he doesn't say what he wants to say to me, but I guess this is one of the things that Mama Khan and Teacher Espeon said about growing teenagers. Though, I still don't really get it.

"You and that human seem very close."

"Yup!" I chirped at Murkrow. "We should hurry and find Professor Oak. Vulpix went back into her ball again so it's probably going to rain soon."

"I'll believe that until I see it. It's a bit incredulous that she has the foresight to predict water occurrences."

I smiled at her. "It's more of a gut feeling that she follows closely. I just decided recently to pay attention to it too. Sorry we can't get you training right away."

"It's fine. I already knew you were a busy human and it literally has been less than a day since my capture. I'm not in a rush right now."

We met up with Professor Oak right before the sky started to turn dark. It was decided that we would take the time to gather information on our way back to the lab, but the weather seemed to prevent any progress with the way how quickly it changed.

"I am definitely going to get my hands on a Sunny Day TM!" I shouted as the light drizzle instantly turned into a downpour.

I was really hoping to avoid getting wet but I could feel every inch of my clothing and hair get drenched thoroughly The joys of having long hair.

"Why did this had to happen when we were traveling?! It was so clear just moments before!" His Stantler and Ledyba were both also panicking in response to his own.

"I can't believe that it's raining. And hard." Murkrow flew above my head. "It can't be just a simple gut feeling, this is like a Future Sight or Foresight only more passively convenient For Vulpix anyways."

We soon came across an area that was too muddy and disturbed along with a poorly maintained tent that was slowly sinking into it.

"Hey! Isn't that Joey's and Gold's tent?" I said out loud catching Professor Oak's attention.

"It's definitely the same colour." Murkrow said. "Don't tell me those hatchlings are in trouble."

"Don't tell me those two are in trouble!" I snorted when Professor Oak parroted right after Murkrow.

"Help!"

"Somebody! I can't hold long any longer!"

We ran to the edge of the river where Joey and Aibo was hanging off a branch. With the heavy rain, it looked like the Aipom's grip was about to slip in a few more minutes.

"Joey!" We pulled the two up. "Where's the other kid?!"

"He went in the water to save my Rattata just moments before, so he's down the river somewhere!" He answered quickly. "Please save them!"

I already threw Dragonair's ball. "There's a boy in this river, hurry and save him!"

"Got it!" The blue serpent sank into the water with ease going down with the current.

In this weather and rapid waters, there's only one direction he could been swept away to. I was pretty sure there was a waterfall at the end of it too so hopefully Dragonair catch up with Gold.

He'll be fine.

-Line Break-

"What were you thinking! Because of your reckless training, the ground became muddy and unstable so it's no wonder that some of you slipped and fell!" Professor Oak scolded. "To think you were able to to this much damage to the ground in such little time, it was a good thing that Rayne and I were still around to save you!"

"Please Professor, Gold did save my Rattata, so don't be so harsh on him." Joey pleaded.

Dragonair was out recounting how Gold almost fell off a waterfall at the end of the river but he managed to reach Gold in time and flew under him before he went plunging for the rocks below him.

"The look on his face was priceless too. He was prepared for the inevitable but was surprised when he was on my back flying back here." Dragonair snickered while I rubbed his head, he's definitely caught Pidgeot's sense of humor

"I wanted to get stronger! I need to in order to beat that thief but I also wanted to prove to you that I'm really am worthy to carry a Pokédex!" He bowed politely. "So please give me one!"

I was surprised to see him beg. Last night he stomped off saying he didn't need it but I guess that with the thief having one, it really bothered him a lot that he doesn't have one after learning what it does. It really was useful in battle but it's not like he won't be able to battle without it. There is literally only six people with one, seven if Gold does get his hands on one.

The professor paused for a moment contemplating something before speaking up. "I just want to know one thing then. What is pokémon to you?"

"Huh?" Gold looked up confused along with Joey.

"Pokémon are beings that trainers and people like myself dedicate our lives to in order to understand and achieve goals that we set. Rayne here and a few others were able to tell me and also show me that they were worthy to carry my Pokédex." He waved the device in his hands lightly. "The other two told me that they were 'Companions' and 'Friends', so tell me your answer."

Gold's eyes started to wander in thought. "Those are different to what I'm used to because I grew up with pokémon to where they're family." He patted the Cyndaquil. "But Exbo here is different because we just met each other yesterday. I wanted to catch the thief and this guy wanted his friend back, so we were able to work together and still are because he escaped. We're partners! And I think I'd like to keep this kind of relationship if I ever meet and catch other pokémon." He said confidently.

It was enough to convince the professor and he handed over the Pokédex to Gold. I remember when Red and I first got ours, right after a disaster with the release of the pokémon in the lab and after getting into a battle with a Machoke. It was a complete surprise, but it led us to some amazing adventures, so I wonder what kind of adventures Gold will get in to?

"Oh, but there is one condition I need you to agree to and that is to let Rayne here to travel with you."

"What?" Both Gold and I said at the same time.

The professor huffed crossing his arms. "Usually I would trust you on your own but since Rayne here is available for the time being, I can make him watch over you until I say otherwise."

"What? Why?!" Gold yelled.

"And I'm not really available since I'm helping you professor." I can't believe this is happening.

"Gold here is obviously more reckless and stubborn than Red is, Rayne. You were able to curb or at least help him out of trouble, so I'm sure you'll be able to do the same with him." He said nodding. "And I was going to send you out on your own anyways to explore Johto finally."

"I don't need a babysitter!" Gold yelled out.

"Of course not! Rayne will just be a temporary traveling companion for you until I know you can take care of yourself. Plus he has experience with the Pokédex and I'll also expect data from you too!"

"Lively pair aren't they?" Murkrow said watching them.

Dragonair nodded. "The professor likes him though and he does has a point. Gold is more lively than Red from what I've seen and heard so far."

I sighed. Is this what the professor talks about when he's rambling about change? That storm did last only half an hour before clearing up as quickly as it came so I wonder if it really was fate that Gold did get a Pokédex.

The churning of excitement and foreboding filled my insides and I couldn't help but think about the near future. Something's going to happen but I don't know what yet.

I really hope nothing too bad will happen but I only seem to get that feeling when the start of something big is going on.

"Fine! As long as he doesn't get in my way I'm fine with it." Gold muttered. "I guess this is where we separate then Joey. I have to hurry and catch up to the thief and get Totodile and my backpack back."

"Hmm? You mean this one?" I held up a yellow backpack that I was carrying. "I found it near the riverside opened earlier, Professor Oak said we'd stop by the police station again to turn it in."

The pack was quickly snatched from my hands with a quick thanks thrown at me. His excitement grew seeing everyone was okay before sending Joey to deliver them all to his house.

Maybe this won't be bad. His exuberance is definitely catching and certainly not unwelcomed though he could tone it down.

This could be more exciting than I thought. Definitely better than paperwork and staying in the lab all the time, plus Murkrow and the others can stretch out more now.

-Line Break-

-Omake-

Blue dragged me to clothes shopping in Celadon City along with Red and Green, though I don't think they know about the clothes shopping part since Blue told them she and I were going to get something first. She wanted me to try on girl clothes, I didn't think much of it and agreed.

I was staring in the mirror looking at myself wearing a light purple sundress with matching sandal and a sun hat with a matching ribbon running around it on my brushed downed hair. I twiddle my finger nervously since wearing this made me nervous.

"How do girls wear this kind of stuff? I feel so exposed." I said to her.

Blue giggled. "It's supposed to. Us human girls feel more confident and beautiful when we appear to look beautiful too. It helps self-esteem for many even though we don't need others opinion about us, it's just for us and us only." She said holding my hands. "And it's the less we need to put on, the more of our natural beauty shines out, so of course you'll feel exposed."

"But I'm not a girl though. " I trailed off looking down at myself.

"No, but it doesn't mean you should hide away under your scruffy clothes. Don't worry, we'll by dress shirts and pants to replace your old ones. Trainer clothes are tough too seeing we're always on the move." She winked. "C'mon, I want to know what the others think."

I felt a ball dropped in my stomach. "But this feels so embarrassing, I never felt so insecure like this." I pulled down the dress, it feels like it's going to fly up unnecessarily.

"Don't worry too much. I doubt anybody will recognize you since you always hid your body under that oversized cloak and lab coat you wear." Vulpix said.

"Blue don't make me do this." I felt so shy.

"Don't worry! I'll be with you the whole way and if I can't, I'm sure the others would keep you company." Blue said cheerfully. "You look amazing Rayne, much different from that oversize cloak and lab coat you wear."

After paying, Blue led me by the hand into the food court. I felt stares drilling at me and I gripped Blue's hand tighter as I spotted people staring at me.

"Why are they staring like that?" I whispered as I moved closer to Blue.

"Boys are just being boys and the girls are just jealous." Blue said nonchalantly.

"Jealous? But why?" I asked confused. "And what do you mean that boys are just being boys?" I'm a boy too and I don't understand that.

She just laughed at me. "You're so innocent! Come on, they're right there. Guys!"

I saw both Red and Green look up from their drinks before their eyes widened.

"R-rayne?" Red stuttered out.

I waved. "Hi." I said shyly, this really was making me feel smaller than I should.

"What do you think guys? Isn't Rayne pretty?" Blue sat us down at the table the other two were occupying. "I did say we needed a second opinion."

"This is so weird." I groaned into my hands. "I want my clothes back."

"Oh c'mon, we still need to hear what they think about." She looked at the two boys across us slyly. "So?"

Red blushed while Green glared at Blue in frustration.

"Why did you dress like that anyways?" Red asked quickly.

I looked down. "Blue wanted me to and I didn't see why not. I didn't realize how uncomfortable this would make me feel though."

"Pokéraised." Green said. "I keep forgetting." He groaned and glared at Blue again. "You shouldn't take advantage of that."

"But I'll never get a chance like this! Here Red, I'll even send you a picture!" She said holding up her camera.

This was really way out of my comfort zone and I was really glad Vulpix was on my lap or I would be shivering from having too much skin exposed. This dress was too cold to wear in the coming colder seasons so I wonder how Blue wore those skirts all the time.

Vulpix's fur is so fluffy and warm, I'll miss this when she decides to evolve. Maybe she'll let me use her as a pillow like Madame Ninetales does sometimes?

"Seriously Red, if you don't ask, I will." I heard Green speak.

I looked up to see Red looking away while the others stared. "Hmm? Ask what?"

"On why you're so cute!" Blue hugged me from the side. "You can't expect people not to stare when you're cuddling with Vulpix like that."

"It's cold Blue." I told her. "How do you wear this everyday?"

Green snorted before smirking at Red, he received a glared for that.

The day wasn't that bad, but Red did end up scaring off a few boys that came up and talk to me. They all kept calling me these weird nicknames like 'Sweetheart' and invite me to hang out with them and their friends.

I don't understand why these boys keep asking me but I really appreciated Red keeping them away since they had these guys had scary, ill-intentioned looks on their faces. We ended up locking arms and with Pika's sparking cheeks and Vulpix's growling, they all stayed away and we enjoyed ourselves.

But the other thing that concerned me more than the boys were the girls.

I held tighter to Red feeling the angry glares bore deeper at me. Why were they so angry? They had to be one of Red's fans, the last time I was seen with the others I was almost cornered by some angry girls if it weren't for the fact that Blue was with me the entire time.

"Come on Rayne, after we get some ice cream we can escape to Pallet right after." Red started to lead on. "It'll show Blue and Green for ditching us."

I giggled. "Blue will get you back."

"Yeah well, this is what she gets. I can't believe she did this." He muttered.

I can't help but feel this was all set up by Blue somehow too seeing she and Green disappeared the moment we were out of the shopping center.

But that's all on Red when Blue finds out that we left her hanging with Green.

-Line Break-

Hope you enjoyed and review!