A Little Bit of Fun:

A few days past after the caravan stopped for Keiko's injury.

The young Riolu's bandages were taken off, her wounds now not even noticeable thanks to Roserade. Keiko found a good friend in her, and learned more about everyone else in the troupe.

Hiro was the self-proclaimed leader, a bit immature compared to the rest. Still, he was a good teacher, and kind at heart.

Staraptor was a motherly sort. Somehow, she reminded Keiko of Lopunny, often saving her and the other apprentices from extra training, but still treating them like children.

Luxray was sharp-tongued, but meant well. Never had Keiko seen the electric Pokemon have to yell at any of the females in the group, guys were another story.

Swampert was low-voiced and powerful-looking. However, despite his size, he really was a kind-hearted being, always hoping he wasn't in the way.

On to the apprentices, Roserade was quiet and kind. She enjoyed talking to Keiko, mainly listening as the Riolu told her stories of the forest she came from. Yoru often stuck by them. He hadn't spoken since the day Keiko and Roga awoke from that dream, just stayed close to Roserade, hinting the Keiko that they where a "thing", as Staraptor explained.

Roga, Keiko still couldn't figure out. He had been back to his hardy and cheerful self after they set off once more, but those looks he had still burned in Keiko's mind. The flood's stone face, the stressed regret face from the Mightyena story, and his helpless head shake in the dream. What was he?

Now, everyone traveled on the dust path. There were a few extra Pokemon that followed and questioned Mewtwo-sensei and Hiro-sensei at front. Luxray and Staraptor talked like usual, Keiko and Roserade happily following their example. Yoru and Roga warily followed them, each at opposite sides, Yoru behind Roserade, and Roga behind Keiko. Swampert was behind them all, his steps thudding the ground, and drawing out more curious Pokemon to attack the mentors with questions.

"And then we found the poor kid, hiding under a rock because he saw his reflection!" Keiko laughed. "Aww. Was he that scared?" Roserade inquired happily. "Yeah, we had to get Linoone to coax him out with a threat of sending Zangoose in after him! The guy ran out before you could say 'Mothim'."

The two friends laughed at the story. At least Keiko was accepted by a few Pokemon here. Still, the air was not completely light, a hazy watchfulness still lay on top of everyone's smiles.

Something drew Keiko to ask this, "Roga, you have any funny experiences?" Roserade had already told a story, and since Keiko just finished her's, now was a great time to bring Roga into the conversation.

The Lucario, who's attention was away to the forest, jumped a bit when Keiko spoke. "Huh...Don't think so. Unless..." He maliciously smiled, and the apprentices huddled inward, as he whispered, "We create one." His paws slightly pointed over to Hiro-sensei.

'Finally,' Keiko thought, 'Some fun!'

"What's the plan?" Roserade whispered. Yoru flashed a glint of excitement to Roga also as they waited for him to explain.

Roga glanced around the area to make sure no one was watching. "First," he began, "Roserade, you and Yoru walk close to the bushes off to the side." "Why do we do that?" Yoru snorted

Roga shot a glance, and then explained, "On the other side of the bushes, there's a cliff filled with mud and who-know's-what. And you know we'd hate for some to just 'fall in'." He winked, telling Keiko what he was thinking. They were going to trick Hiro-sensei into the pit! 'Nice idea.' Keiko thought in a comment.

"Next, me and Keiko will go up to the mentors and wave away the crowds. We'll keep their attentions until you decide to spring."

"But? How do we play it out?" Roserade pipped. "Go on how you feel. One of you can 'fall in' or both. Just go hide in the bushes and be as quiet as you can, whoever 'falls'. Got it?"

The group nodded, and then broke. Roga beckoned Keiko to the front for their part. She couldn't help but smile as she caught up. This would be fun.

"Hiro-sensei!" Roga called as they neared. He elbowed Keiko, signaling her to say something as well. "Uh-Mewtwo-sensei!" she sputtered out. She was caught off guard, which apparently wouldn't cut it for this to work.

"Sensei, we want a lesson about the surrounding area!" Roga pleaded. His acting wasn't as bad as Keiko thought. Maybe he'd done this before? Hiro gave a wave to Mewtwo, having him deal with the crowd of questioning extras. "Now, why do you want a lesson?" Hiro-sensei inquired, "You don't sound this excited during regular training."

"Well...This place it different!" Roga explained, "It's got a whole 'nother aura to it, right Keiko?" The Riolu nodded a play-along smile.

"Alright...I guess." The Gallade suspiciously muttered, "Now, in a forest like this, you always must be on your toes. It's blah blah blah" The rest of his sentence was drawn out into a boring blur of words. Keiko and Roga kept their faces in a look of wonder, but inside, they both were just waiting for this to end.

Suddenly, a cry rang out. "Help!" Called the voice of Yoru. The plan had begun! "We've fallen in!" Roserade added. Her voice sounded the most dramatic, which didn't surprise Keiko.

Hiro suddenly looked up and to the cliff. "Oh no, I'm coming, guys!" He yelled as he ran at full speed to the cliffs. A splashing sound made Roga and Keiko giggle. It worked, he fell for it! The two apprentices followed their mentor through the bushes, stopping to look at the hilarious sight of Hiro, face-first in the muddy area. A thundering stomp shook the ground behind them, making the two turn to see Swampert, staring angrily at the fallen mentor.

"Hiro! You tell me I can't stop at every swamp we get to, but I guess it was so you could have it all to yourself, huh?" he pouted.

Roga hi-fived Keiko to this. "Perfect plan, Roga!" Roserade praised as her and Yoru emerged out of nearby bushes. With this, Hiro jumped up and stood firmly on the mud. "Roga?!" He yelled. His voice echoed inside Keiko. Who was he to be so angry with only Roga? Everyone pitched in!
"What in the name of the Ancients were you thinking?!" He stepped out of the mud and came face-to-face with Roga, "If I could I would-"

"Hiro-Sensei!" Keiko's mouth exploded, "It's not just Roga's fault! I-..I help think up this plan too!" Her paws immediately shot up to her mouth. What did she just do? Sure, she wanted to defend her friend, but under her control. This time, it came out on it's own.

"Keiko..." Roga murmured. His eyes side-glanced to the loud Riolu in somewhat wonder.

Hiro snorted, "I thought Roga would influence you wrong. Both of you, extra hard training tonight. You will not go to bed until I see...an Aura Sphere leave your paws!"

'Harsh' Keiko flinched, 'Guess I won't get any sleep tonight..'

"Now, now, Hiro. Don't be too hard." a relieving voice suggested, "They haven't even had a full Aura lesson yet." It was Mewtwo-sensei, thank goodness.

"But- Did you see what they did?!" He pushed on. This was a side of Hiro, Keiko did not want to revisit.

Mewtwo chuckled, "Yes, but everyone likes to have a bit of fun every now and again. Grudges are not the answer." With this, he turned and left the bushes, an annoyed Hiro quick to follow him.

With the relief, the group of apprentices broke out in laughter. Only was Roga's laughter paused. "Hey, thanks for bailing me out, Keiko." The Riolu stopped laughing as well, to turn to her friend.

"Uhh, No problem?" she returned. Why was he thanking her? Hadn't Yoru or Roserade ever done that before? "It was nothing." She added in a smile.

'He changes to much' Keiko thought, 'One day, I'm sure he'll stick with a personality. But for now, this guy's giving me headaches.'