Chapter 5 – Challenge

The darkness of the night was accompanied by a cold breeze that blew through the air. The flock of Farfetch'd that slept underneath a large tree in the ominous forest shivered from time to time, their feathers and each others' company proving insufficient for warmth against the wind. The frosty grass beneath them didn't contribute to their warmth. Andy pulled the Jeep over quietly towards the flock. Gabby rubbed her forearms vigorously, feeling the full bitterness of the cold air.

"Gabs, you should've brought a coat," Andy sighed, subtly tugging at the collar of his black fleece. "You know your figure – or lack thereof – can't handle the cold."

"Sh-shut up, Andy," Gabby shivered spitefully. Jordan stood up in the back of the Jeep, holding a bulging sack in one hand. He, too, was prepared for the cold, wearing a fleece almost exactly like Andy's.

"You'll wake 'em up if you get any louder," he said quietly. "Stay still, both of you." Jordan, using his free hand, lifted the bulge to his shoulder. Grabbing the bottom of the sack, he threw it across him, the flood of Poach Balls flying over Andy and Gabby's heads.

"Are you sure about this?" Alexa questioned. She stood near the staircase, watching her parents getting ready to leave the house. Both Lily and Hayden wore warm-looking jackets, and Keenan was putting his on, but was struggling with the zip; it snagged his coat again. Lily helped her son in fixing the zipper.

"Keith's going to be fine, honey," she said reassuringly as she looked at her daughter.

"Yeah, I know, but are you sure about going out?" Alexa asked again.

"It's only Goldenrod, Lexie," Hayden chuckled. "Besides, we can look after ourselves if needs be," he added, flashing one of his Poké Balls from his coat pocket.

"That reminds me, I think Keith's medication should be ready for collection by now," Alexa mumbled in thought.

"Cherrygrove Pharmacy's very efficient," Lily smiled.

"But I don't want Keith on his own while I'm out, so I asked Xavier to look after him while I'm getting the medication."

"He'll be fine, sweetie," Hayden said optimistically.

"He has Robbie and Reese to keep him company as well," Keenan added.

"Yeah, I guess so," Alexa said nervously.

"Honey, it's cold outside; are you sure you'll be all right dressed like that?" Lily asked with concern, hinting Alexa's unusual attire. She wore a simple red T-shirt with a black symbol of a small fire on her left hand side, blue ¾ length leggings and grey pumps over her lime-green socks. The most weird part of her attire was the purple ribbon tied around her hair in a large bow. If anything, her attire made her look out of character.

"It'll probably warm up by the time I go out," Alexa shrugged. Hayden shook his head, but kept his smile.

"I swear, Lexie, if Keith doesn't pass his cold onto you, the temperature will give one to you," he laughed. "Well, I've got my mobile, give me a shout if you need anything."

"I will," Alexa complied. "Take care."

"We will," Hayden smiled as he approached Alexa. He planted a light kiss on her head and ruffled her hair a little before following Lily and Keenan out of the house. As the sound of a key turning in a lock could be heard, Alexa returned up the stairs.

When Alexa returned to her bedroom, she saw the very feverish Keith lying in her bed, as he should be. Reese was looking through one of Alexa's old Pokémon magazines, despite not understanding a single word of its contents. Robbie lay on the floor, looking extremely grim. Skywing was perched on the very top of Alexa's mirror attached to her desk, resting his eyes. Alexa sat next to Keith and smiled at him.

"Hey. Feeling better?"

"Not yet," Keith replied. His voice was slightly different; he indeed sounded as though he had a cold, his sinuses almost completely blocked off and his chest feeling a little tighter than usual. "Kitten, are you sure you want to be around me? A cold's contagious, y'know."

"I'll take the risk," Alexa said sweetly, gently running her finger up and down Keith's cheek. "Listen, Mim and Dad left for Goldenrod with Keenan, we we'll be on our own for the day."

"Right..." Keith didn't sound too interested in that fact; he would've been more interested if he wasn't stuck in bed, like an ill patient at the hospital.

"I'll only be out while I'm picking up your prescription," Alexa added, sounding a little worried. "I'll be here the-"

"Don't fuss. I'll be fine," Keith said, trying to sound cheerful. Alexa looked away from Keith as she moved her hand away from his face, feeling awkward. Keith frowned slightly. "Sorry."

"No, it's fine. I know how much it sucks to be in bed all day. I've been there myself," Alexa said quietly. Keith put a hand over his eyes and sighed.

"Oh, right...I forgot about that..." He lowered his hand and tried to get a better look at Alexa, who kept her glance away from Keith. "Look, I'm sorry if I said something wrong, it's just-"

"No, honestly, it's fine," Alexa said, smiling at Keith. Skywing opened one eye and secretly watched the conversation, partly with concern. "I guess I'm still a little upset about yesterday," she said, losing her smile. "I mean, you could've died. I don't know what I would've done if you had..."

"You'd continue this investigation for the both of us," Keith said, laying his hand on top of hers. "I know you. You wouldn't give up just because I'm not there. Like before." Alexa lowered her head and, again, averted her eyes from Keith.

"But last time, you were only injured," she said quietly.

"Alexa, I was lucky to even be alive after that. Don't tell me you didn't think I was dead at that point..." Alexa's frown grew as she fought back tears; the memories of having seen her best friend being catapulted off of such a tall tower played in her mind, the images still as vivid as ever. And her behaviour afterwards left a lot to be desired. Keith's heart sank; he didn't mean to upset Alexa more than she was already. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said that."

"No...y-you're right. Part of me thought you couldn't have survived the fall...part of me didn't want to believe that, though..." She shook her head rapidly, shaking away her negative feelings in the process. She smiled sweetly at Keith again. "No sense in dwelling about that, though, the important thing is you're alive." Keith didn't understand Alexa's sudden change of mood, but smiled all the same.

"I don't go down that easily. Yesterday proved that all over again." Alexa had a sudden spark of realisation.

"Oh, I'll be stopping by the Poké Mart real quick after I've been to the pharmacy!" she said quickly. "Maybe I can find something more natural to help you through the illness." Keith merely laughed.

"You don't need to fuss, I'll be all right," he said kindly.

"Yeah, I know. I just want you to feel better," Alexa replied.

"And quickly, I take it?" Keith teased.

"Nature will take its course, but I can at least make it take its course a little quicker, yeah," Alexa laughed. She took the Lure Ball from the bedside cabinet closest to her and placed it into her pocket, being careful not to accidentally release Ronan in the process. "I'll be back as soon as I can," she added as she moved closer to Keith. She pecked a kiss on his cheek before shuffling off of her bed.

"Take your time," he said nicely. Skywing flew off of the mirror and followed Alexa out of the bedroom.

Keith tried to breathe deeply, but his blocked sinuses prevented such an act. He coughed, politely holding a fist over his mouth. Robbie stood up and walked over to the bed. He released a wondrous scent from the tuft on his forehead, which spread all across the room. Keith relaxed as he took comfort in the pleasant aroma, but couldn't help noticing how lifeless Robbie seemed to be; his ears were folded down and he avoided eye contact with everyone, yet Keith recognised the look of depression on his face. Keith grew concerned.

Alexa locked the front door of the house with a single key, which she returned to its original place; inside a little combination safe fastened to the wall near the doorbell. Resetting the combination, Alexa walked away from the house. Skywing followed her as she walked out of the city.

Jordan released at least a dozen Farfetch'd into a single cage. The fatigued Farfetch'd panicked as they came to terms with their predicament, surveying what little they could of the entire area, which was still mostly covered in shadow, scaring them even more. The faint sound of a chainsaw could be heard above the panicky cries of the Pokémon. Andy moaned.

"Remind me, why did we bother with these things?" he asked.

"I hear Farfetch'd make for quite the gourmet meal," Jordan replied simply. "As such, that makes them worth a lot of money for just one bird. And that's per pound." Andy smiked.

"Heh, nice. Never liked it myself, though, I'd sooner have a burger."

"Hmm, I'm more of a steak kind of guy, to be honest," Jordan said casually. "I don't see the appeal behind Farfetch'd."

"Me neither, but if you say they'll bring in the money, I'll go with it," Andy shrugged.

"Y'know what, though, those Poach Balls made things a whole lot easier. Don't need to bring so many cages with us here, there and everywhere. They're not very mobile," Jordan said.

"And it makes us less conspicuous," Andy stated.

"Exactly. Yet before the Poach Balls, the police haven't been able to do anything about us. Go figure," Jordan mused, putting a finger under his lips.

"I hear the police around here can't be relied on for jack," Andy said nastily. "JPD's Chief apparently doesn't like Pokémon."

"Then he's running the wrong police department then," Jordan huffed. "I've heard the OPD is seriously lacking in manpower..."

Gabby made her way down to the basement and approached Jordan and Andy. She wore a heavily bloodied apron, which was supposed to have been white once upon a time, but her regular attire and even some of her skin had splatters of blood here and there. The two men noticed her in an instant.

"Gabs. Is it done?" Jordan asked.

"What, the refuel or the other thing?" she asked.

"The latter," Jordan replied. Gabby nodded.

"I still don't get why you wanted that from the Stantler, but, yeah, it's done. Just needs to go on a shield," she explained.

"Another trophy, Jordan?" Andy questioned with a teasing smirk. Jordan shrugged.

"Why not? It'll go well with the Sawsbuck trophy Gabby helped to make last year," he said casually. Andy looked at Gabby.

"So, Gabs, did you have fun on this one, too?" he asked. Gabby gave the two men a grin. A very sinister grin, one traditionally worn by sadistic serial killers or those obsessed with death.

"Like you wouldn't believe," she replied, whispering in an almost seductive tone.

Skywing flew next to Alexa and looked at her. The cold air didn't seem to affect her too much, but Skywing knew it was getting to her. But that wasn't on the Chatot's mind right now.

"Alexa, my dear, are you certain you're all right?" he asked.

"Yesterday just shook me up, that's all," she answered. "Anyway, I spoke to my uncle about Lionel; he's going to be with his dad for a while," she added.

"Ah, excellent; Thomas is indeed strict." Skywing sighed as he lost his smile. "If only Lupin had a Pokémon to teach him respect..."

"What's he done now?" Alexa asked in a sigh.

"He's just being his usual snappy self," Skywing replied.

"He never was snappy before," Alexa said quietly.

"I know the story, Alexa. We all do," Skywing stated gently.

"And the young ones?" Skywing shook his head.

"Only if they ask, and even then they'll be told a more child friendly version of Lydia's passing," he explained. "Otherwise, none of the young ones know as of yet. Phoenix plans to inform them as soon as they reach an appropriate age,"

"Thanks."

"Absolutely," Skywing smiled. "We're a tight community, Alexa, we look out for one another. Even if Lupin says otherwise, you really do know how to raise Pokémon." Alexa felt disheartened, and Skywing noticed her speed decreasing.

"Yeah...Lupin would say otherwise..."

"Perhaps if he spends time with you, he'll learn to accept the truth. He IS in denial, after all," Skywing suggested. Alexa took a moment to consider Skywing's suggestion; he did bring up a good point about Lupin being in denial. Lydia WAS his best friend, after all, and he was in denial about her death being an accident. He wanted someone to blame, and, for a good seven years, that was his own Trainer. And with good reason; as Lydia's Trainer, Alexa had a duty of care over her, but failed to notice her during the battle that caused her death. Alexa shook her head, thinking too deeply into the situation.

"Y-yeah...can you bring him here please?" Alexa finally asked. Skywing nodded.

"Of course. I'll be back in a flash!" he raced into the sky, on his way to collect Lupin. Alexa took a deep breath, as if she immediately regretted her decision. Nevertheless, she continued her way towards Cherrygrove City; after all, she had a prescription to collect.

Jordan threw another bulging sack into the back of the Jeep. Andy and Gabby stood behind him as he threw a second sack into the Jeep. Gabby wore a caramel-coloured fleece jacket with a furry collar to keep herself warm. Jordan faced his two colleagues.

"So much more convenient, not having to carry the cages around," he said.

"And it'll avoid suspicion," Andy added.

"Like we established earlier, yes," Jordan nodded.

"So, where're we headed this time?" Gabby asked.

"Just scouting this time. The Poach Balls are for in case we find must have snags," Jordan explained. Andy almost looked disappointed.

"So we're not gonna take out the kids?"

"One's down; there's no challenge in kicking a man while he's down," Jordan stated.

"And what makes you think he's even alive?" Gabby asked rudely.

"He was pulled out of the ocean; that alone should conjure that assumption," Jordan answered.

"By the way, Jordan, which one do you hate?" Andy asked. Jordan raised a suspicious eyebrow.

"Beg pardon?"

"Y'know, which of the kids do you hate? Keith, Alexa or Keenan?" Andy elaborated.

"...none of them," Jordan sighed. "Seriously, Andy, you and Gabby have problems, hating on kids."

"J-Jordan, they're our opposition!" Andy exclaimed. "How can you stand there and tolerate them?!"

"...they're kids. Hardly a threat."

"It's a Pokémon Ranger with two others who're presumed to be Trainers!" Andy shouted.

"I think she's a Ranger too...I forgot," Gabby said calmly.

"She is, yes. She wore the uniform on our first encounter," Jordan confirmed. "Your point, Andy?"

"A-and you're not worried about them?!"

"No, I'm not. About the two Trainers, curious as to their strength at the most, but not worried. Especially not of the youngest. Anyway, we're wasting scouting time. Get in."

Alexa left the Cherrygrove Pharmacy with a small paper bag in one hand. Satisfied with her collection, she proceeded to visit the Poke Mart, picking up a cherry-coloured basket on her way in.

Inside the Poké Mart looked a lot like a convenience store; there was merchandise for both human and Pokémon use and consumption lined in designated shelves. The pair cash registers were to the left hand side of the building. There were shelves lined along the floor, spaced apart to make pathways for shoppers to browse with ease. There were a small line of refrigerators at the far end of the shop, again, filled with merchandise for humans and Pokémon, each in separate refrigerators. Alexa made a mental note to browse through them before finishing her shopping. Placing the medication in the basket temporarily, she began to walk around the store, looking around for what she wished to purchase. She picked up a green box of herbal tea and looked at the listed ingredients. She nodded and placed the box into the basket as she moved further down the aisle.

Alexa placed two cold cans of cola into her basket, along with the other items of her choosing; they included a small brown bottle labelled "Calcium", the box of herbal tea, a box of Lava Cookies and a box of Chocolate Chip Cookies. She finally approached the checkout and placed her basket on top of the pile of previously used baskets that were on the floor next to her, after having liberated it of her chosen purchases and Keith's prescription. As the cashier ran the items through the bar code scanner, Alexa pocketed the pills in exchange for her purse; a small black and orange purse about the size of a standard credit card. The cashier almost informed Alexa of the total cost of her purchase, but he caught a glimpse of her.

"Hey, aren't you Mr Thorndyke's kid?" he asked. Alexa let out a silent sigh of near frustration; a cashier who recognised her as the boss's daughter was the last thing she wanted.

"One of them," she answered as politely as she could.

"Oh, right, I almost forgot he has two," the clerk laughed nervously. "But why're you buying stuff from your dad's business? It doesn't make sense, the money would just go back to him!" he laughed. He soon acknowledged Alexa's look; her eyebrow was raised and she looked impatient. The clerk cleared his throat.

"I-I'll just knock off 50%..." he said nervously. Alexa felt mildly satisfied; while it was true that she had certain perks, given her father owned the Poké Mart chain, she refused to fully utilise them, only willing to accept a half price discount on all purchases. She handed the clerk a 10 dollar note and accepted her change before claiming her brown bag of items. She placed her wallet and Keith's medication inside it as she walked out, thanking the clerk on her way out.

Alexa took a deep breath as she walked out of Cherrygrove City. All in all, a good outing, she thought.

"Alexa!" She heard Skywing hollering her name and spotted him flying over to her, with a minimised blue Poké Ball with red lumps on the top in one talon. Skywing seemed anxious.

"Hi, Skywing. I got the pills, home time," Alexa said.

"Wonderful." Skywing's tone hinted his worry if his expression hadn't. Alexa sighed.

"Okay, spill. What happened?" Alexa asked. Skywing seemed reluctant to answer.

"My timing left a lot to be desired," he began truthfully. "When I got there, there was a scuffle..."

"Scuffle?" Alexa queried. She dreaded the answer.

"Lupin was attacking anyone within poking distance. Including Shandra," Skywing replied gravely. Alexa was mildly shocked; Shandra was Lupin's student, not to mention a very gentle Gardevoir. She couldn't understand how Lupin could attack such a sweet Pokémon.

"Is everyone all right?" she asked worriedly. Skywing nodded.

"Phoenix put him in his place, but I fear Lupin will be highly disgruntled once he's outside of his Poké Ball," he added.

"Oh..."

"I apologise," Skywing sighed.

"It's not your fault; I just hope Shandra and everyone else Lupin attacked will be okay," Alexa said wishfully.

"Ian was tending to the wounded when I was preparing to leave," Skywing replied. "How fortuitous he was around."

"Sounds it. Oh, almost forgot." Alexa stopped and searched her carrier bag for the Calcium bottle she purchased. "Here, I bought this for you; I figured you'd be exhausted." Skywing smiled.

"How delightful, a Calcium! Thank you so very much!" Alexa unscrewed the lid and removed the foil seal as Skywing perched on Alexa's arm, being very careful not to drop the Poké Ball. Using his wings to hold the bottle, Skywing enjoyed his drink, which, because of the soda cans in the bag, was colder than usual. Skywing didn't care for the temperature of the drink, he enjoyed it regardless. Alexa waited patiently for her little parrot to finish his drink, appreciating his efforts.

As Skywing finished the last few drops of the bottle's contents, Jordan's Jeep pulled up in front of Alexa. A few blasts from the Jeep's horn caught her and Skywing's attention as Jordan stood up to face the pair.

"Well, well. Out on your own, Alexa?" Jordan asked. Alexa and Skywing were less than pleased to see them, especially after yesterday's waterside encounter.

"None of your business," Alexa said spitefully. "I should arrest you three right here and now."

"But, alas, you lack the manpower to apprehend all three of us at once," Jordan said casually. Alexa recoiled a little; he had a point.

"You seriously have a lot of nerve, ambushing a young lady from behind!" Skywing fumed. Andy scoffed.

"It was hardly an ambush, Feathers!"

"Awww, is Polly still cranky from his time in the Poach Ball?" Gabby asked tauntingly.

"D-D-DON'T USE THAT STEREOTYPE ON ME!" Skywing shouted with extreme anger; he took great offence to Gabby's remark. Alexa used her finger to stroke Skywing's cheek.

"Shh, Skywing, deep breaths," she whispered. The little bird took her advice and began to breathe deeply, enhancing his calm.

"Anyway, to business. What say we have a battle? One on one, you and me," Jordan proposed. Alexa almost laughed at the offer.

"Sorry; I have priorities, and battling you isn't on the list," Alexa objected.

"I see. But you're not the only one I'm interested in battling," Jordan stated. Alexa's eyes widened.

"Wait...you want to battle Keenan too?!"

"Why of course. I'd prefer to know how strong my opposition is and I'm not presently convinced that you and your boys are a threat," Jordan explained.

"Well maybe we'd be able to prove you wrong if you stopped trying to kill us every day!" Alexa yelled angrily.

"Incidentally, if you don't believe Alexa and her boys, as you called them, are a threat, then why the attempted murders?!" Skywing asked interrogatively. "It makes no logical sense!"

Jordan ignored Skywing and Alexa, sending out his Cokeldurr into battle. Andy and Gabby released their Pokémon, Scrafty and Roserade respectively, to join Conkeldurr in battle. Scrafty was chewing the whole time and occasionally blew a brown bubble from his mouth, which popped. Scrafty took the bubblegum back into his mouth and resumed chewing, beginning the cycle all over again.

"Oh for goodness' sake...better send Ronan out, Alexa, they're not fighting fair," Skywing complained. Alexa nodded and took out Ronan's Lure Ball from her pocket. She released her Golduck from the Poké Ball despite her reluctance to battle. She began to acknowledge her situation; at the present, she had two Pokémon against their three. The only way she could make the battle fair is if she called upon Lupin's power to aid Skywing and Ronan, but, remembering her earlier conversation with Skywing, she was hesitant to resort to that.

Under his natural form, Xavier entered the bedroom to check on Keith. Robbie continued to lie on the floor, occasionally exhaling loudly. Reese lost interest in the magazine, now showing interest in one of Alexa's Pokémon plush toys; her Jirachi plush. The plush looked well made, but it also looked worn out and well handled, despite its unbroken seams.

"How're you doin', buddy?" asked the Zoroark cheerfully.

"I've been better," Keith complained. Xavier looked at Robbie briefly before facing Keith again.

"Robbie been helpin' your symptoms?" he asked.

"About that...I think something's bothering him," Keith said quietly.

"Maybe he's just shaken up after yesterday, no biggie," Xavier smiled.

"I dunno..."

"Look, once Alex gets back, I'm sure she'll get to the bottom of it. Anyway, anything you need?" Xavier asked.

"No," Keith said bluntly. Xavier sighed as he ran his claws down his face.

"Look, Alex asked me to look out for you, meaning I have a duty of care over you until she gets back," he stated.

"I know, but I don't need anything, Xavier," Keith said casually.

"Oh." Xavier laughed sheepishly. "Oh, yeah, how did you feel about meeting her parents?"

"Uh...okay, I guess. Bit nervous, though. Why?" Keith asked curiously.

"You're gonna be meeting the grandparent soon," Xavier smiled. Keith was puzzled.

"Eh?"

"So, Alexa, are you prepared to battle now?" Jordan asked. Ronan and Skywing patiently awaited Alexa's reply, Skywing half expecting her to agree to the battle despite her better judgement.

"Prepared, yes, willing, no," Alexa replied simply. Jordan sighed.

"So be it."

Ronan instantly moved in to attack Conkeldurr, but ended up in a grapple match against the bubble-blowing Scrafty. Conkeldurr stood perfectly still, as per Jordan's instruction. Roserade released spores from her red bouquet, all of which struck Skywing like a nasty smell. He felt drowsy and his wings slowly ceased flapping. He began to lose altitude, finally having fallen asleep. Alexa caught him before he fell to the ground, but the Poké Ball escaped his talons and opened on impact with the ground. Alexa could only watch as the Pokémon appeared from the Poké Ball. An Alakazam formed from the shining light and stood tall, with a silver spoon in either hand, a well groomed moustache and a red five-pointed star on his forehead. This was the Pokémon Alexa and Skywing mentioned numerous times.

"L-Lupin..."

"Heh; Polly had a Poké Ball on 'im, huh?" Andy smirked, taking an interest in the sudden turn of events.

"That makes us evenly matched, Alexa," Jordan said.

"But I-" Alexa instantly stopped mid-sentence as the Alakazam gave her a cold glare. Alexa felt a sudden chill down her spine, and it wasn't the breeze. Ronan released himself from the grapple, consequently causing Scrafty to fall flat on his face, and quickly stepped in front of Alexa, returning Lupin's glare just as coldly. Whatever he thought Lupin might do, Ronan wasn't willing to let him try anything, least of all anything to Alexa.

"Oh, dear...looks like Alakzam's not a team player," Jordan tutted. "So, did it have a previous Trainer or does it just not like you?"

Lupin looked towards the opposing Pokémon as his eyes seemed to sparkle. He crossed his arms almost over his face as his spoons shone in a bright pink glow. He quickly spread his arms out, releasing a large blade of pink psychic energy straight at the Pokémon before him. The blade was long enough to strike all three of them at once, defeating them in one hit. Andy, upon seeing his Scrafty fall victim to the attack, was gob-smacked.

"Psycho Cut?! How the hell did that hit Scrafty?! It's a DARK type!" he almost screamed in frustration and astonishment.

"Lupin used Miracle Eye," Alexa replied.

"And that, Andy, allows Psychic type attacks to hurt Dark type Pokémon," Jordan concluded.

"That's a smart Alakazam," Gabby said plainly.

"They ALL are, Gabs," Jordan sighed. "Anyway, get the Pokémon back, we're off," he said as he recalled his defeated Conkeldurr. Alexa couldn't believe what she had just heard.

"Wh...just like that?!"

"You have your priorities, Alexa, and I have mine," Jordan explained.

"Then WHY did you bother confronting me?!" Alexa shrieked in complete fury.

"Calm down; you'll cause a scene," Jordan sighed. Alexa scowled at the man.

"You're more than capable of doing that yourself," she said nastily. Jordan nodded.

"Indeed. But I don't humiliate myself in the process. Andy, let's roll."

As the Jeep drove off, Ronan watched Lupin approaching the sleeping Chatot. He looked strangely content for a Pokémon that was forced to sleep. Using one of his spoons, Lupin poked the bird in the stomach continuously until he woke up with a snort and a yawn.

"Huh, what..? Oh. Lupin. Must've dropped your Poké Ball," Skywing said half-heartedly.

"Kazam," Lupin grunted as he levitated his Poké Ball with his telekinetic power.

"Are you okay, Skywing?"

"Perfectly, my dear, it was only Sleep Powder, after all," Skywing smiled. Ronan took the floating Poké Ball and held it in front of Lupin, wanting him to return to it.

"Guuhbuuh..."

"That's a bad idea, Ronan; he didn't want to go into it in the first place," Skywing cautioned. Ronan looked at Skywing momentarily before returning the Poké Ball to Alexa.

"I'll be fine, Ronan, don't worry. Let's just go back home, we're not far off now," Alexa said with forced optimism. Still glaring at Lupin, Ronan followed her as she walked towards Violet City. Reluctantly, Lupin followed Ronan.

"Robbie's depressed?" Ryder asked as he raided the refrigerator in the kitchen. Xavier casually leaned against the wall and watched Ryder's search.

"Yeah, Keith said he hasn't been himself since yesterday," he explained. "I think it's just the shock of what happened to Keith, but seems to think different." Ryder lifted his head out of the fridge and held a bottle of milk in his paw. He used his other paw to close the door.

"And you think Alex can find out if Keith's right about that?" he asked as his eyes and paw shone cyan.

"I hope she can, yeah," Xavier replied, watching as the box of oat cereal, surrounded in a cyan glow, slowly flew down from the cupboard and onto the counter, pouring some of its contents into a readily placed porcelain bowl. "If only to put Keith's mind at ease, but I'd like to be able to help the poor Deerling."

"I doubt he'd like what he might find out," Ryder said as he poured some milk over the oats in the bowl. "If Robbie's not saying anything to Keith, then chances are it's a personal matter."

"Where'd you get that philosophy?" Xavier asked as Ryder took the bowl in both paws.

"Phoenix," Ryder replied. He looked at the bowl of oats and milk with great adoration before he began consuming the contents rather greedily. The messy method of eating cereal hadn't fazed Xavier in the slightest.

"Not surprised; Phoenix seems to know a lot. He's a better Pokémon to turn to than-"

Xavier and Ryder, whose mouth was now soaked with milk with the occasional oat stuck to his fur, looked towards the front door as it opened. Alexa was the first to enter the house, but allowed Ronan, Skywing and Lupin inside. Xavier was glad he couldn't finish his sentence, as the Pokémon he was about to mention was now in the vicinity. Alexa closed and locked the front door behind them. Alexa gave the opened box of Lava Cookies to Skywing before retreating up the stairs with the rest of her shopping. Lupin glared at Xavier and Ryder. Ryder returned the glare, but Xavier looked at the Alakazam plainly.

"Speak of the devil."

Alexa entered her bedroom and closed her door behind her. She took out the rest of the Lava Cookies from her carrier bag and placed them near Reese. Robbie's curiosity got the better of his depression and he approached the cookies. Both Pokémon sniffed the cookies before taking one to sample. Having realised they enjoyed Lava Cookies, they went on to appreciate Alexa's treat. She walked over to her bed and sat next to Keith, pulling out the white paper bag from the plastic carrier bag.

"Got the meds," she said unenthusiastically.

"Are you okay?" Keith asked worriedly, noticing her lack of cheer in a heartbeat.

"I just saw Jordan, that's all," Alexa replied.

"Just saw Jordan?" Keith asked suspiciously.

"We almost battled. Well, we did, but it only lasted about 20 seconds..."

"Oh. Alexa?"

"Yeah?"

"Robbie seems to be depressed," Keith explained. "I don't know what's wrong with him."

"I noticed he was blue. Take Reese with you when you're better and I'll talk to Robbie if I get the chance," Alexa advised.

"If?" Keith was confused.

"R-remember Lupin?" Alexa asked reluctantly. Lupin. The name seemed to have rung a bell for Keith, as he recalled the first time he heard the name.

"Yeah, why?"

"He caused trouble for my other Pokémon...I'm going to try to communicate with him," Alexa replied quietly.

"Is that a good idea?" Keith asked. Alexa looked at him in confusion.

"What do you mean?"

"I mean, he might not want to communicate, least of all with you. N-no offence..." Alexa felt slightly heartbroken, but she knew Keith had a point. For seven years, Lupin had blamed her for the death of his best friend and lost communication with her other Pokémon for just as long. Alexa felt her breathing growing a little faster as she sighed a shaky sigh.

"N-none taken. But I'm his Trainer, the least I can do is try," she said as calmly as she could.

"But if he doesn't want anything to do with you...what'll you do then?" Keith asked. He sounded as reluctant as he looked, as if he didn't even want to ask. Alexa felt herself tearing up as she pondered an answer. Robbie and Reese stopped all activity and watched Alexa with concern.

"I don't know," she said honestly. "It's been seven years since Lydia died, and we've...well, we've not exactly been the best of friends from that moment on..."

"Does he still listen to you in battle?" Keith asked sensitively.

"Surprisingly, yes. But it's like...I don't even know him anymore," Alexa said sadly.

"Alexa..." Keith placed a hand on her arm, trying to comfort her, but it didn't stop her eyes from watering. She sighed again.

"I guess I should prepare for the worst."

"That being...?" Keith asked. Truthfully, Keith didn't want to know if the answer would upset her. Alexa choked back her tears, and replied, her voice cracking.

"...to let him go."

To be continued...