Hello, guys! Sorry for the late update! My mother banned me from the internet so I could practice for the show that I was doing… I'm sorry that I had to put you guys through so much.

I don't know why (maybe because I'm lazy -_-) but I'm going to reply to your reviews through here. So here goes:

XWhiteChanX: Thankies! :D I know! She's so witty, and reminds me of my flamboyant friend! Yeah… And yes, it's Marina from 'Legend of Thunder'. I wanted to include some Johto characters as well (THANK YOU AMY47101! XD) so I made them appear… I'm also gonna add Lyra, too. I know Devlin is a weird name. I called him that before I knew it was originally Silver. I'm not gonna change it, though! But, I'm still kinda regretting it… ¬.¬ Yes, good enough for me, too.

Amy47101: I know, I know, I'm sorry for doubting myself. I am scared of Dusk, so I will continue to write! Run Amy, run! 0.0

emma5678: Thank you! I'm glad you like it so far! ^.^

Poke-Lover88: Hahaha, I'm guessing you like Claire, eh? ;) Well, lots of people make it as if the Pokemon characters are actually making them up themselves! Yes, I'm kinda scarred for life just being on here… :O YES! FINALLY! SOMEONE THINKS HE'S TROUBLESOME, TOO! It's true; he gets into too much trouble. Marina…well, I can't tell you too much about her, but you will find out! I'm going to say that you've got a good guessing mind. (P.S. Aww, thanks! I really appreciate it!)

mewgirl: Yes, I realize she's the eighth Gym Leader in Blackthorn City. There's a reason why I called them the same, but I'm not going to reveal that to anyone yet… XD You'll find out about Marina soon!

Thy-Foamers: Awww, thanks for reviewing! You're so nice! :D That's so sweet!

pokeninja6600: Well, thinking about the eyes, it jogged her memory that 'Ikari' in Japanese means 'hate'. Since Dawn and Paul kinda hate each other, she decided to use Ikari.

Ketchup: I'm doing it now!

Misty Ketchum97: Aww thanks so much! My minds works like that, too!

Disclaimer: I don't own Pokemon.

Chapter 15: Bugging Bugsy

Dawn's POV

"Tour guide?" I echoed, confused.

"Yeah!" she exclaimed with a giggle. "My father and his brothers have served the tour guide community for many years. We've even branched out to Kanto, Hoenn, Sinnoh and Unova!"

"Your point is…?" Paul interrupted rudely. I gave him a glare, but he just shrugged it off.

"Before, the tour guides would just give helpful information at the start of the Gym," she explained, pacing in front of us, "but one time, a kid died, trying to find a Gym leader due to all the obstacle courses. There's now this new law: All tour guides MUST guide the challenger through the Gym, so that nothing like that would happen again."

"Then why are you here?" Paul asked, tapping his foot impatiently.

"Because I'm the new generation! Each person in the business gets allocated a particular person. I'm allocated to you, Paul," she chirped happily and did a little skip towards us.

"Hn."

"Lead the way, then, Marina," I suggested.

She looked at me and nodded. I smiled at her; I can see us becoming good friends.

"So, Paul, I didn't realize you were a teen. How old are you?"

"Sixteen."

"You're so handsome," she giggled.

Woah, there, stop right now! She did not just call my future boyfriend cute! She's flirting with him! The nerve: To think that I thought we'd be friends. She smiled sweetly, and started to walk next to Paul. Paul looked at her weirdly, and ignored her, head turning to the opposite direction. Pride surged through me, my heart beating a little faster. If he doesn't like Marina, then maybe I have a chance with him!

"Where are we?" I asked her, trying to change the subject. Marina seemed to either ignore me (slag...), or not hear me.

We seemed to be in a jungle. I heard birds making noises, water splashing, and I was incredibly humid. I then realised that humidity ruins my hair. I wailed and covered my head with my beanie hat. This is so embarrassing! I can't have Paul look at me with a birds nest as hair!

I stepped forward avoiding a puddle, and moving my way through the Gym, batting tropical leaves from my way.

"We're almost to a checkpoint!" Marina squealed, putting her hand onto Paul's shoulder. I would've lunged at her, but Piplup tugged the end of my dress, restraining me.

"Checkpoint?" I grumbled.

"There are these levers where you have to do something, and we call them checkpoints."

We followed her until we were face to face with a…Spinark. It was a big, mechanical, Spinark.

"What do we do here?" Paul asked, clearly wanting to battle.

"Pull the lever." She pushed Paul onto the Pokemon, and jumped on it herself. "Dawn, pull it!"

I shrugged, feeling kinda miffed. Why couldn't she do it? I looked at it, clasped both hands around it, and pulled. To my horror, Paul and Marina started moving on the Spinark. AND THEY WERE MOVING WITHOUT ME!

"Dawn!" Paul shouted. I ran and jumped (thanks to ballet and gymnastics), trying to reach Paul, who had his hand out. Just in time, he caught me, and I was safe. "You idiot!" Paul shouted at Marina. "You should've fricking told us it would move!"

"I was almost separated from the group!" I screamed at her. She looked at us sheepishly, playing with her gravity defying hair.

"I'm sorry," she mumbled, "I didn't think it would move so soon."

For some reason, Paul just totally quietened down. He wasn't evidently angry with her anymore, but he wasn't exactly on speaking terms with her. I would've slapped that whore, tore out her hair, and kicked her in the stomach. She's trying to get rid of me! She wants Paul all to herself, thinking that I'm going to get him if she doesn't interfere.

Well, NEWS FLASH: I CAN'T EVEN GET HIM TO STOP CALLING ME 'TROUBLESOME'! HOW THE HELL AM I GONNA GET HIM TO LOVE ME? I took in a deep breath, scolding myself with the sudden swearing.

"Are you okay?" Paul whispered to me.

"Yeah, but she's psycho!" I muttered, giving daggers to her innocent, lying face (who was admiring the scenery around her, oblivious). I can't believe that girl!

"Don't worry," he assured me, "I'm gonna win against Bugsy, and then we'll be outta here."

"Thanks, Iron Man," I thanked, smile on my face.

"Shut up, Troublesome." I smiled. We're back to our old selves, again.

After a long Spinark ride, we got to a flight of stairs. They looked shiny, hard and cold, made out of marble. Unfortunately, leaves, vines, and dirt had ruined the middle of the flight. It was located next to a massive podium with a…net placed upon it. A golden net... I didn't know that you could even get nets that expensive.

I'm not really a fan of bugs, I'm quite squeamish, actually, but I really can't understand why someone would cherish a…net? Nets...trap things. Scary things. Bugs...

"Up the stairs!" Marina started to walk, well, skip, up the flight of stairs, knocking away vines and leaves in her way.

"Her optimism…" I groaned, smacking my forehead.

We followed her, eager to get away from this Gym, and her crazy personality. When we got to the top, I gasped. I saw a massive field of grass, with bugs flying and eating together. They made me feel slightly queasy, until I saw a beautiful purple butterfly, with white intricate wings and a black trim on the sides. It flew around me, before flying off. If I liked bugs, I would catch that Butterfree in a heartbeat.

I started to plod down the steps, taking care not to trip. If I did, I would either die from embarrassment, because I'm wearing a very short dress, or I'd hurt myself terribly, as there were no banisters, or anything to hold onto.

When we got to the bottom, passing the meadow of bugs, we got to a battlefield. In the middle of the battlefield, was a girl, bent down on the floor, examining a Weedle. I cringed. How could this girl possibly sacrifice an outfit, lying on the floor all grubby like that, for a bug? That girl confuses me…

She then stood up, sheepishly dropping her magnifying glass, and brushing her clothes down. She was wearing a green shirt and shorts, clearly needing a wash. She had a yellow tie on, slightly ruffled and out of place. Her hair was an amazing shade of lavender, and her eyes matched. Brown sneakers adorned her feet, and she oddly chose to wear long white socks, with a green trim to top it off. Her brown belt had a little back at the side, which she put her magnifying glass (picked up from the floor) in it.

The girl stepped forward, holding out her hand, "Hello, nice to meet you. My name is Bugsy Tsukushi, and I'm the bug type Gym Leader of Azalea Town!"

"Bugsy?" I echoed, taking her hand, and shaking it firmly, "what a peculiar name for a girl!"

Bugsy froze, glaring at me, transfixed. "I'm not a girl," she muttered with an annoyed tone.

"Y-you're not?" I asked, taken aback, blushing with embarrassment.

"You look like one," Marina piped up.

"I'm not a girl! Why does everyone ask me that question?"

"Because you look like one," Paul pointed out bluntly.

"I'M NOT A GIRL!" she-I mean he shouted at us.

"Sorry." I bowed, apologizing, "we had no idea. I hope this doesn't affect if you'll battle Paul or not."

"Oh, Paul? It's cute that you're being kind to your boyfriend," Bugsy complimented, looking at Paul with curiosity.

"She/He is not my girlfriend/boyfriend!" Paul and I shouted at him in unison.

"Both you and Falkner have pointed that out…" I complained grumpily. Bugsy smiled at me, and Marina looked satisfied at my anger. That girl!

"That's because you look like a married couple!" Bugsy pointed out. I looked at Marina, and saw that she was frowning at that remark. I grinned in satisfaction.

"You may not be a girl, but you sure act like one," Paul remarked in annoyance.

"Wha– that's not true! I'm a normal guy! I like bugs and stuff!" Bugsy protested shoving his hands into his pockets.

"You're a feminine guy, that's for sure," I muttered, scratching the back of my head sheepishly.

"Don't fight," Marina pleaded, speaking up from watching the banter, "I want to see you guys battle."

"Oh, yeah." Bugsy walked over to his side of the battlefield. Paul walked to the other side.

"The battle is between the Gym leader, Bugsy, and the challenger, Paul!" The referee's voice rang through the hall, surprising us all. "The challenger is allowed to switch Pokemon, but the leader can't unless it is through a move!"

Paul shoved his hands into pockets, and pulled out a poke ball.

"Let's the battle… Begin!" The referee pulled his hand down, indicating the start.

"Scyther, come on out!" Bugsy ordered, throwing out his poke ball. Out popped a…well, what looked like a cross between a preying mantis and a lizard. It was green, and had wings coming from its back, and sharp pincers. It had sharp teeth coming from its mouth, and I felt creeped.

"Turtwig," Paul demanded.

Paul's happy and energetic turtle popped out from his poke ball, and jumped around.

"Turt, wig!" he exclaimed happily. I smiled at Paul's Pokemon and walked to the side of the battlefield. I got my pom poms out of my bag, and started to wave them around!

"Oh, Paul, you'll win, you can, if you can't win that no one can!" I shouted a lame excuse for a cheer, and jumped in the air. Paul looked at me, slightly embarrassed, but he shook his head indicating that I'm just a little kid.

"Turtwig, use Tackle!" Paul shouted.

Turtwig, readied, and then started to run towards Scyther. Eventually, Turtwig rammed into Scyther, making the Pokemon stumble back.

I saw Bugsy look worried. "Scyther, use U-Turn!"

Scyther nodded, and enclosed herself in a ball of energy. Before Turtwig could react, Scyther hit Turtwig, then, vanished into her poke ball. Out popped a green chrysalis with eyes, on its side.

"Metapod!" it exclaimed with such boredom that I almost burst out laughing.

"You substituted, for this?" Paul asked disbelievingly. I gave him a glare for his rudeness. He should have some kind of zipper on his mouth so I can take away those feelings he has hurt. It must be horrible to live with him. I feel sorry for Reggie.

"Metapod, use Tackle!" Bugsy ordered. The chrysalis nodded, and then…shuffled towards Turtwig slowly.

"Uh… Turtwig… Dodge?" Paul told Turtwig, confused. Turtwig just stepped away a little. Turtwig was clearly in no harm. How is it possible that Bugsy is a fully fledged Gym leader, if he has Pokémon is like this?

"Turtwig, use Grass Knot," Paul said.

Turtwig walked towards the Metapod, and hit it with a burst of grass. Metapod was instantly out, in seconds.

"Um?" Marina said. I looked at her and nodded. We may not see eye-to-eye, but we're both really confused.

"Its okay, Meta," Bugsy reassured, returning Metapod into her poke ball, "you did well today."

''Well today'? Is he complimenting his utterly weak Pokemon? Maybe his other Pokemon are somewhat stronger?' I thought, amazed.

"Kakuna, come on out!" Bugsy shouted, throwing the poke ball. This time, a yellow chrysalis came out. It had evil black, angry eyes, and a hard shell. Hopefully this Pokemon will be somewhat stronger…?

"Use Poison Sting, Kakuna!"

I braced myself, after I mentally clapped with glee; Bugsy is using a move super effective move against Paul! Paul just stared at Kakuna, contemplating on what he should do next. I saw the spark in Paul's eyes when he battles, so I started making cheers, and ruffling my pom poms.

A purple pin of poison flew from Kakuna. Paul pushed his hand forward, as if Turtwig and he have rehearsed it to a point that they were in total synchronization. Turtwig then jumped up into the air, just before the pin hit him. The amazing thing was that Turtwig jumped on the pin, and then pushed off of it, to Kakuna.

Turtwig's mouth readied with incredible energy. He burst a green energy ball, hitting Kakuna smack in the face. Kakuna fell back, and couldn't get up, due to how it was. Kakuna tried to roll, making noises of frustration, poor girl.

"Turtwig, Energy Ball!" Paul shouted, and Turtwig got ready again. Another ball of energy was shot at Kakuna, and she fainted immediately.

Now Paul only had Scyther to deal with. Paul had this stupid smirk on his face, but I couldn't stop myself from swooning. I noticed that Marina was looking at me weird. Out of the corner of my eye, she was frowning at me. When I turned to her, she smiled sweetly. This girl must be bi-polar.

"Oh, no…" Bugsy returned Kakuna to her poke ball, and took out Scyther again.

Scyther stood tall, looming over Turtwig menacingly. At least Scyther looks strong.

"Scyther, Quick Attack!"

Just as quick as the command was made, Scyther had hit Turtwig, winding Turtwig slightly. Turtwig flew back in pain.

"Scyther, Slash, repeatedly!" Bugsy was really showing his true colors as a Gym leader. Maybe his first two Pokemon were just decoys? I find it hard to believe, but it was a possibility.

Scyther started to grow a razor sharp claw, as started to swipe down on Turtwig's head. Turtwig fell back, and then fainted.

Paul stared at Turtwig, before returning him, with some inaudible words. I could've sworn that Paul was complimenting Turtwig. Was Paul becoming a softie, now? Would he start to wear pink, and smile at everyone?

I shivered at the thought. He would turn into Reggie, and Reggie was a handful, even if he was the grown up. It's like he was a little kid, but only showed responsibility when Paul got into trouble, or if Paul was mean to me as a kid. I giggled at the thought of Reggie scolding Paul. Back then, Paul used to listen to Reggie, and be really ashamed if he was angry.

I also remember when he stopped admiring Reggie. Paul had been mean to me again, and when Reggie had told him off, Paul just gave him his middle finger. I had laughed so much in shock that Paul and I made up in seconds. My mom had said on many occasions about Paul being a bad influence.

"Paul, don't worry! You'll kick his butt!" I shouted a few words of encouragement. Paul just rolled his eyes at me. I glared at him in annoyance.

"Murkrow, your turn." Paul shoved his poke ball out, and Murkrow appeared happily. I think this bird Pokemon is confident that he'll win. This has to be the first time, and Paul seems to think this, too. Paul must have more faith in Murkrow, due to all the training that has happened. Their bond is strengthening.

"Scyther, use Quick Attack!" Bugsy shouted.

Bugsy quickly hit Murkrow. Murkrow shuffled back only slightly.

"Murkrow, use Peck." Bugsy looked slightly scared when Paul told Murkrow what to do next. This is most likely because of the type disadvantage.

Murkrow flew towards Scyther, and pecked his arm. Scyther screamed in pain, and fell back. I looked at Bugsy, triumphant. To my dismay, Bugsy looked determined, as if he had a trick up his sleeve. He smirked in arrogance. Bugsy may not act like a boy, but this proved that he could act cool under pressure.

"Scyther, use Slash on Murkrow's beak!" Bugsy commanded. Scyther nodded, and ran towards Murkrow quickly, swiping at his beak.

Murkrow looked like he didn't take any damage, but when he tried to speak, he couldn't. Scyther had broken his beak somehow! I saw Paul get scared.

I had heard about this while watching a documentary. If a bird's beak isn't repaired soon, it could never speak again… I don't want that to happen, and this is really serious! I clenched my eyes shut, trying not to look at poor Murkrow, or Paul.

"Murkrow, you can't use your beak, but use Wing Attack!" Paul ordered, a cold expression on his face.

"What?!" Marina shouted in disbelief. "How can he just ignore how serious Murkrow is, and tell him to carry on fighting?!"

I stared at Paul, thinking the same thing.

Murkrow obeyed his trainer, though, and ran to Scyther, hitting her harshly. Murkrow repeatedly hurt Scyther, and in the end, Scyther fainted.

"You may think that Paul is slightly barbaric, but that's typical Paul," I said quietly to Marina, "Paul is in fact worried about Murkrow. He just doesn't show it. In fact, Murkrow would've suffered more, if Paul hadn't of commanded him to use Wing Attack. If this Gym battle hadn't of ended soon, then Murkrow would've been in more pain. Paul actually saved his life."

Bugsy looked disappointed, but gave Paul the Hive Badge happily. He then told Paul to hurry to the Pokemon Centre. Paul picked up Murkrow, after nodding good bye to Bugsy.

Paul then started running out of the Gym, through the exit.

"Congrats, Paul! I hope to see you again!" Marina called. I shook my head at her insolence. Paul doesn't like her. If he did, he wouldn't have ignored her.

Realizing that Paul had already gone out of the Gym, I ran to follow him. I plodded past Claire, waving her good bye, and saw Paul entering the Pokemon Centre. I followed eagerly.

"I'm glad you gave him to me," Nurse Joy thanked, "if you'd of waited any longer, than it might've been too late."

Paul had handed Murkrow over, and Nurse Joy was speaking to him while she examined him. Thankfully, she told us he'd be fine, but would need some surgery. Unfortunately, surgery meant money, and Paul didn't have that kind of money. My heart went out for Paul. Murkrow is too important to not have treatment.

"I'll just have to wait a little longer, dress…" I muttered to myself, looking at the money I pulled from my purse. It was three thousand poke dollars. Mom had given this to me, in case of an emergency. This was an emergency.

"Here." I handed over the money with a sheepish grin. Nurse Joy took it, and told us to come collect Murkrow tomorrow morning. We agreed.

As we walked to Ilex Forest, Paul was weirdly nervous, I could just tell.

"Thanks, Troublesome," he whispered.

"For what?" I asked.

"For helping Murkrow," he said. I saw some color on his cheeks.

We arrived at our camp. I looked at Paul and said, "If Murkrow were my Pokemon-"

"But that's the thing, Murkrow isn't your Pokemon," Paul interrupted. "But, thanks, anyway."

Paul's recent nervousness had diminished, and he climbed into the tent collecting some food we could have. I looked at him in confusion.

Why was Paul so nervous to tell me that?

BECAUSE HE LIKES YOU, DUMMY!

Hahaha, sorry for the long wait. It took me ages to write this, and its ten pages long! I wanted to give you a long chapter, as a thank you for reading and reviewing.

It wouldn't hurt to give me some more, though!

Please: Review, review and review! ^.^