I'm sick today, so I thought I would update. Hope you enjoy!

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Chira stood in the shade of a tree, comparing the picture to the real thing. Subtract the trickle of people and add those in the picture, they'd be identical.

"There's no doubt about it," she said. "This is where the picture was taken."

Cami nudged her. "You gonna be okay?" she asked.

Chira nodded, then stopped. "Cami," she said. "Do I really want to do this?"

Cami humphed. "Well if you don't, I will. I didn't run my hide off so you could back out at the last minute. Besides, why wouldn't you?"

Chira sighed and put the picture away. "I don't know. I just have this feeling that if I go ahead and find someone who knows my birth parents, my life will never be the same."

Insight jumped up to eye level. "What's wrong with that?" she asked. "Just go for it and accept the consequences."

Chira smiled. "Thanks for the confidence vote," she said. "You probably shouldn't be out of your pokeballs when we go in. Why don't you Return now?"

Cami shook her head, and Insight remained silent. "I can see why I would have to be in my pokeball, but Insight is small enough she should be allowed to be out."

Insight protested. "No! If Cami can't be out, then I don't want to be."

Chira shook her head. "Cami has a very valid point, and I really don't want to go it alone. Would you mind?"

"Well, since you put it that way, of course not."

"Okay."

They headed in after Cami returned herself, joining the rapidly shrinking mass of people. Chira picked Insight up shortly after they entered, scared lest they become separated. The inside was a circular hall, curving away in both directions. There were tables and snack counters, and the numbers of trainers at both were incredible. TV screens showed the stadium, where the trainers were being introduced before the next day's elimination rounds. Down one hall, she could see the beginning of statues of the winners of the big competitions.

"Well, Toto, we're definitely not in Kansas anymore," Chira muttered. She stood for a moment, undecided as where to start. Finally, she headed over to a table and sat with her back to the wall to observe the trainers, who all appeared to know where they were going. She noticed Chris on the screen and smiled.

"Kind of busy, isn't it?" Insight remarked dryly. Chira smiled, not responding. There was a group of trainers at a nearby table, and Chira couldn't help but overhear their conversation.

"I have badges from both Kanto and Johto, eight from each," a boy said, proudly displaying a badge case. The "ooh"s and "aah"s from the small crowd assembled were impressive. He began telling them about some of his close battles, where he had always emerged the victor by some brilliant plan. Chira snorted.

"He could at least give his pokemon some credit," she muttered.

The boy soon got up and headed her way. He started to pass by her, but doubled back. "Nice Eevee," he said sarcastically. Insight growled, and Chira fought the urge to punch him.

"At least I have a partnership with her that gives her credit for her victories," she responded icily. "Now if you'll excuse us," She got up and left, headed down the hall. She passed the statues, not even bothering to look at them, something she normally would have done without hesitation. "Why do trainers have to be like that?" she asked Insight. "Idiots who don't care about their pokemon."

Insight licked her chin. "Don't feel bad, Chira. You aren't like that, and that's what matters."

Chira smiled at her. "Thanks."

Chira kept walking, deep in thought, for some time. Eventually, she stopped when she realized that there was no one else around. They were in a vast room that seemed to be circular. Doors opened off of it every five meters. She looked around, completely lost. "Um, Insight?" she asked after a couple minutes.

Insight shrugged, just as lost as Chira. A door to their left opened and a man stepped out. He wore a suit, but Chira could see pokeballs on his belt. He had a shock of reddish-brown hair.

He stared at her for a moment, and Chira blushed. "I-I'm sorry," she stumbled. "We got lost. If you would be so kind as to point us in the right direction…"

He scratched his head. "Kind of hard to end up here, of all places." He scrutinized Chira, then relaxed. "Why don't I just show you the way back to the main hall? I'm headed there anyway."

Chira beamed. "That would be great! I'm sorry if I'm imposing, I don't know how I managed to lose my way. Oh, my name's Chira by the way."

"Lance." He led the way back through a door and into a hallway. "So are you here to compete?" he asked.

"No, Sir. I only have one badge. I got my license just about a week ago."

"Oh? Is that eevee your starter? I must say it looks remarkably happy with you."

"Thank-you," Chira said, embarrassed. "She's not, though. I have a ponyta."

"A ponyta?" he asked, raising his eyebrows. "Fire pokemon are hard to use as starters, aren't they?"

Chira smiled. "I've had her since I was twelve, so I haven't experienced any of that." With that statement, she remembered the last day at home and her mission. She frantically began digging in her bag, putting Insight on the floor. He paused, watching her. She finally pulled the picture out.

"I know this isn't a very big chance, so if you don't know, then don't feel bad, but… Do you know either one of these people?" Chira asked in a rush. She handed him the picture. She was shocked to see his face pale.

"I do." He said. "Well, I did. They're both dead now, along with the baby. How did you come across this picture?"

Chira blushed. "My parents found me on their front porch and ended up adopting me. This picture and a note came with me. I got them when my parents told me I was adopted." She left out the fact that had been only a week ago. "These people, they told me, were my real parents. I came here because, since the picture was taken here, I had hoped someone would know them."

He stared at her. "You have got to be joking." He shoved the picture back into her hands. "You conveniently end up getting lost and meet me, to tell me you're my cousin? I'm not buying it." He glared at her and left. She stared after him.

Cousin, she thought. I have a cousin?

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Ooh, suspense. Yes, she is related to Lance. Now to just figure out how to make him believe her…