"So we have the plan down?" Kyle asked.
Rio nodded. "I'm going west," he said.
"Me and Alex are going south," Adeline said.
Adriana still looked angry from the day before. "Both of us are going east."
"And I'm staying here," Tosan said finally. "Why do I have to stay?"
Adeline rolled her eyes. "Someone needs to watch the base," she said in a matter-of-fact tone.
Kyle nodded. "That, and we need someone to watch Global carefully," he said. "Don't worry, you won't be by yourself for long."
Rio took out a Pokegear and gave it to Tosan. "We'll be sending Pokemorphs from nearby cities to help you," he said. "Till then, try your best not to screw up." He grinned.
"It would make more sense if I was telling you that," Tosan replied. "Can I at least go to the chateau?"
"Miley told me she doesn't like you," Adeline told him. "She'll probably send her ghost buddies after you if you did."
Adriana sighed. "Go somewhere safe," she said. "As long as Global doesn't get you, it's okay."
-0-
After an hour of packing, the group met at the mouth of the cave, bags slung over their shoulders.
"Well, see ya," Rio said. He started to head west, but he was stopped by his sister.
"I'm still waiting for an apology," she said. She and Luna gave him an evil look.
Rio smiled innocently. "You're just like a Teddiursa," he said. "Cute on the outside, pure evil on the inside."
Adriana almost punched him, but he stopped it with his hand. "I'm sorreh," Rio finally said, messing up the word 'sorry'. "Bleah. Yuck."
Adriana gave him a sly smile. "Now say it like you mean it."
"No way!" Rio yelled. He ran west, to the forest, with Shadow right behind him. Adriana was hot in pursuit.
Adeline rolled her eyes. "Those two fight like cats and dogs," she said. She received nods from the boys.
"Who's the cat?" Alex said, smiling.
"Rio," they all said at once.
-0-
Adeline and Alex managed to find a mountain trail so they could travel south without getting ran over by bicycles. Despite Mischief's telepathic complaints (he wanted to teleport to save time), they decided to travel by foot so they wouldn't attract too much attention. Once they got to a safe area, they decided to camp for the night.
Alex took a Pokegear from his bag. "I'm calling Toasty," he said. "I wanna see if there are any Pokemorphs in Oreburgh."
Adeline nodded, and took a sandwich from her bag. She took a few bites, shared a bit with Magic, then wrapped it up. A few minutes later, Alex approached her. "There's a Rock-type Pokemorph in Oreburgh," he said.
"Wow, I didn't that coming," she said sarcastically.
Alex raised an eyebrow. "Are you okay?" he asked. "You never use sarcasm."
"I don't know," Adeline replied. "Something feels out of place." Right when she said that, she heard someone clear their throat behind her.
"Ahem. I'm right here."
Adeline turned to the source of the voice. Right behind her was a pale, ghostly girl. "Miley!"
"Miley?" Alex asked. "From the chateau?"
Miley smiled. "I heard you were on an adventure," she said, hugging Adeline. "I wanted to come, and maybe find my brother."
Adeline pushed her off and turned to Alex. "She wants to come with us," she told him. "She said that she might find her brother if she comes."
Alex turned to Miley. Even though he couldn't see her, he could feel her presence. "How did you get out of the chateau?" he asked. "I thought ghosts couldn't leave the place they died."
Miley whispered something into Adeline's ear, which made both of them giggle. "Simple. She went out the back door," Adeline said, smiling.
That is... creepy, Mischief said telepathically.
I know, Alex replied. I haven't seen Adeline laugh in a year... It's mega creepy.
Mischief sighed. I mean Miley, he said. Now we have a creepy ghost girl following us.
Just until she finds her brother, Alex replied. "She can stay," Alex said out loud. "But she better not play any tricks on us."
"I promise!" Miley said, smiling. "And if I can, I'll help you guys find the Pokemores!"
Adeline smiled. "Pokemorphs, not Pokemores," she said. She turned to Alex. "She promises. And if she can, she'll help us find the Pokemorphs."
Magic floated over to Miley, and snuggled against her. Mischief looked at her curiously. What was that? he asked telepathically.
A hug, Magic replied, smiling. I like her.
She's a ghost, Mischief pointed out. Plus, how can you hug someone when you don't have arms?
Magic stuck her tongue out at him and floated over to her partner. Things are starting to get interesting, she thought.
-0-
A.N. I couldn't just leave poor Miley at the chateau, so now Adeline has a side quest! To help Miley find her brother!
Also, next chapter, we're following Rio into the forest. Dun dun dun...
