Hey everyone, sorry for taking so long to update. I took forever to edit this chapter, and I'm still not the happiest with it, so let me know what you think and I'll try to update soon.

Disclaimer: I don't own Pokemon

(Amy's POV)

Amy maintained her grip on the ship's handrails as she carefully made her way back onto the dock. Cheren, who had just finished helping Bianca off the boat, immediately noticed and offered her his arm. Amy flushed and took it. "Sorry," She murmured.

"You don't have to be sorry Amy," He told her he helped her ashore. "You have cracked ribs and a concussion, never mind all the scratches down your leg. Just let me help you for now."

Amy nodded, the flush not leaving her face. It had been nearly three weeks since she'd chased after Team Plasma to get the skull back. Even though she failed, N had managed to return the skull before disappearing; making sure that Burgh had been able to get her to a hospital. She stayed there for two weeks to recover but even though Professor Juniper was paying for her stay, Amy hadn't felt right staying and had checked out early.

Now Amy was regretting it a little but she stood by her decision. She had even gone with Bianca and Cheren to investigate a disturbance caused by Team Plasma on Liberty Garden.

Amy grinned as she looked at the newly-filled Pokeball on her belt. While on the island she had snuck into the old lighthouse which contained a small Pokémon named Victini. Humanoid with long rabbit-like ears that formed a V, Victini had all but begged for Amy to take him with her and she'd been more than happy to oblige.

Bianca saw Amy's look and grinned. "See, I told you to come with us," The blonde girl chirped happily. "Why don't you let it out? You let Servine and Panpour out all the time."

"You were right," Amy told Bianca, looking away from the Pokeball. "And Servine and Panpour have been checked out by the Pokémon Centre before this. Victini hasn't and Professor Juniper told me to take him there right away."

"How do you know Victini is a him?" Cheren asked. "Most Pokémon's sex isn't determinable from just looking."

Amy shrugged. "I just can. Now I've got to get to the Pokémon Centre and you two need to get ready to face the Gym. I'll see you guys later."

Bianca and Cheren exchanged looks but didn't argue. Amy didn't wait for them to leave, only removed herself from the situation and started walking unsteadily to the Pokémon Centre.

Much as she enjoyed her friends' company, Amy wanted to be alone right now. Cheren kept acting guilty that she'd been hurt, even though there was nothing he could have done to help while he was guarding the Gym and Bianca was gushing over how great both Cheren and Amy were, while putting herself down for being afraid. Much as she liked her friends, she wasn't up for dealing with their angst.

Amy reached the Center, and the nurse was suddenly at her side. "There you are, Amy wasn't it?" She asked. Amy nodded, surprised. "Professor Juniper called ahead. You know you shouldn't be this active after being so injured. Now, you need your Pokémon checked out right?"

Amy nodded again and held out Victini's Pokeball. The nurse took it, and looked at the other two balls on Amy's belt. "I should take a look at those two as well. They were battling earlier I was told. Silly sport in my opinion. Pokémon can get hurt all on their own without humans interfering."

"But with us on one side, less Pokémon get hurt, especially if the Trainer's doing a good job." Amy told the nurse. "And Pokémon battle in the wild far more viciously than normal battles between Trainers, so why would it matter?"

"I don't like the fighting either way." The nurse replied, putting the Pokeball into the machine. "But that isn't important. All your Pokémon seem fine. Although I have no idea what this one is. Professor Juniper called it Victini and it matches the data she sent but I don't know any more than that."

Amy looked at the computer screen from over the nurse's shoulder. "Is that normal?"

"Not in the least. We have records of almost every Pokémon on Unova and generally we know if they are healthy or not. Without the Professor's notes, I wouldn't have had a clue of this Victini was all right or not." The nurse shook her head. "It seems to be normal though. Just treat it like the rest of your team and it should be fine."

Amy nodded, internally grimacing as she took her Pokémon back. Treat him the same? But he was a different Pokémon. She treated Panpour and Servine differently because of that reason, so why would she be expected to treat Victini the same as either of them? But she said none of these things and instead thanked the nurse as she left.

Once outside she let all three out. "Ok guys," She told them. "Introduction time, not that we really need it. Panpour, Servine, this is Victini. He's new to the team and new to the outside world so treat him nicely, ok?"

Servine and Panpour exchanged a look before nodding. Victini hovered a small distance away from them, looking confused before Servine marched up and quietly spoke to him. Amy didn't understand the words but she grinned as Victini nodded and floated closer. "Well, if you're all introduced, what do you say we go and explore the city? Castilia's pretty big and there's a lot to see."

Victini looked at Panpour and Servine hesitantly before the other two jumped up on Amy's shoulders, causing Amy to lose her balance. Servine was really much too big to keep riding on Amy but she didn't have the heart to tell her that. Victini looked awkwardly at the two of them before an insistent Servine gestured to Amy's hat, which Victini floated up to and sat on.

Amy rolled her eyes. "What am I, a perch?" She asked. To her Pokémon's credit, they did not laugh or agree. She sighed mockingly and shrugged, sending Servine and Panpour into a sudden scramble to stay on. "Well, now that everyone's comfortable, let's get started."

Castilia was a massive city, one that would have taken days to explore fully but Amy was content to simply wander about. Servine and Panpour were happy to just look around from Amy's shoulder and Victini was in awe of everything that they passed. It seemed the little Pokémon had spent far too long in the basement of that lighthouse and was happy to be exploring. Servine kept a gentle leash on the little Pokémon in the form of a vine that would snag him back if her went too far but otherwise he was free to explore to his heart's content.

Amy grinned as she watched Victini explore. She was happy to see her new Pokémon so happy to travel, especially since she planned to travel all over Unova. Victini made an excited sound and took off before Servine could anchor him. Amy, startled, paused for a second to comprehend what had happened before taking off after him.

Running through Castilia was no easy matter, especially since there were people going every which way on the street. Amy dove through the crowd, trying to avoid running into anyone while keeping Victini in sight. The little Pokémon could easily float over the heads of the crowd and was excitedly chasing something.

Amy pushed herself up to a sprint as she chased Victini and stumbled out into a small park devoid of people. She skidded to a stop, panting for breathe as she scanned the park for her Pokémon.

After a moment of panic, a short excited squeal caught her attention and Amy turned to find Victini splashing excitedly in the fountain. "Easy there little one," A familiar voice lightly chastised. "You don't want to fall in."

Amy felt a warm grin come across her face as she approached Victini. "N?" She called over.

The green-haired trainer turned and returned Amy's smile. "Amy. Glad to see you're doing better."

Amy grimaced. "Not entirely," She admitted. "I left hospital early."

"Why? That doesn't sound the healthiest," He told her.

"I couldn't stand being there anymore," Amy admitted. "Not with everyone coming in and fussing. Everyone was blaming themselves and my mom got upset because she couldn't take the time off work to come and see me in hospital, or pay for it. It was easier on everyone if I left."

N cocked his head at her and shrugged. "Whatever the reason, I'm glad you are out. I was hoping to see you again." He looked over at Victini, who was getting tired from splashing and hovered over to plop himself down on Amy's head. "I take it you and he are acquainted."

Amy glanced up at Victini, who peeked down at her past the rim of her cap, causing her to giggle before nodding. "Yep. Victini decided to travel with us recently. Victini, this is N. He's one of my human friends."

Victini gave a little chirp, which N smiled warmly at. "Ah. That would explain a few things. So this is the human you're so fond of little one. You're right; she is pretty."

Amy blushed at that. N sighed as he turned away. "I haven't been to Castilia in a while," He told Amy wistfully. "And I've missed being here. I don't like all the people but the Pokémon are so happy here."

Amy looked curiously at N for a moment, before cautiously asking, "N? We were going to go and try some Castilia cones before we came here. Would you like to join us?"

N turned to face her, openly surprised before he cleared his throat. "Umm... Y-yes please," He stammered out, red blossoming across his cheeks. "I'd like that very much."

(N' POV)

He quickly paid for the ice cream before Amy could even reach for her money. It would have been rude to ask her to pay, especially with her travelling around all the time and needing the money.

Amy gave him a look of surprise when he paid for the two cones. "You didn't have to do that," She told him, sounding embarrassed.

"But I wanted to. It's not often I have a pretty girl join me for ice cream," He told her, and felt his cheeks heat up. Why was he always feeling flushed around her?

He felt a little better when Amy blushed as well. "Well, thank you for the compliment, and the ice cream. I'm more than happy to keep such a gentleman company," She told him.

They walked together to the pier, where Amy's Pokémon led N's to a clear area by the docks to play. He glanced at the Pokémon he was now carrying around, a Sandile and Dramuka replacing the Tympole and Timbur he had caught. The little crocodile Pokémon was currently staring curiously at Victini, who was hovering and playing tag with Tranquil, while Dramuka seemed to be playing hide-and-seek with Servine and Panpour.

He was glad the Pokémon were getting along right now, although he could see Servine and Panpour keeping a sharp eye on him. He ignored it for the time being. After what he'd done in the past, he would have been surprised if Servine and Panpour weren't watching him like a hawk. He kept his attention on Amy instead. "So when did Victini join your little group?" N asked her.

Amy took a quick lick of her ice cream before answering. "Just today. I found him locked away in a lighthouse on Liberty Garden. There was an old diary that said that the old lighthouse keeper had found him, and wanted to keep him safe. But the diary was dated from about 200 years ago, so I don't know all the details. Team Plasma was trying to get him so Servine, Panpour and I helped to keep him safe. He asked to come with us afterwards."

"Just like that?" N asked, with a smile but he didn't feel it. He glanced up at Victini and surpressed a shudder. Two hundred years. That little Legendary had been locked away in a small, dark room for two hundred years alone. No wonder he couldn't hear Victini's voice; the little Pokémon couldn't remember how to talk. He must have gone insane down there.

"Just like that," Amy confirmed. "We played in his room for a while, and then had tea but then we had to go. I needed to make sure Victini was ok."

N looked at Victini, who was giggling as he dived around Tranquil before landing on Amy's shoulder. "Tini?" He asked, looking at the ice cream.

Amy giggled and nodded. "You want some now? Sure, you can try a bite," She told him, holding up the cone. Victini leaned over and took a mouthful, then let out a trill of glee. "I'm glad you like it." Amy said, a warm grin forming on her face.

Servine and Panpour both wandered over. Amy looked at them and chuckled. "I take it you two wouldn't mind if I shared as well?" She asked. The two nodded and she bent over and let them each try a bite. Servine looked thoughtfully as she ate hers, a smile on her face and Panpour did a little dance for joy. "Seems all three of you like it. Should I get you each a cone?" The three nodded excitedly.

N looked surprised at her. "You'd give them ice cream? But it's for people," He said.

Amy shrugged and pulled out a card. "Maybe. But Castilia Cones are famous for both people and Pokémon loving them. It won't do them any harm."

N looked back at his Pokémon and at Amy. "I think I'll do the same," He said, walking back to the stand. "Would you like a second? You were nearly done yours before you shared."

Amy looked at her near finished cone in surprise. "I didn't even notice," She told him sheepishly. "And I wouldn't mind a second. Would you?"

"Sure. We should head over now; the vendor doesn't seem to be that busy." He observed. He glanced back and listened to Panpour chittering with Dramuka, who was arguing back. He smiled and shook his head.

Amy looked back at him and asked, "What are they arguing about?"

"They are arguing over who could eat the most ice cream," N told her. Servine and Tranquil were now in on the argument, with Victini and Sandile just watching, almost confused.

Amy looked at them and laughed quietly. "I wonder who would actually win?" She idely wondered.

N shrugged. "Dramuka claims he can do better than any of us, Trainers included," He told her.

"Does he now?" Amy asked, an impish glint in her eye. "Think we should take him up on it?"

"We?" N asked, surprised. Amy wanted him involved in this?

"We," Amy told him firmly. She took his hand and almost skipped back towards the vendor. "Besides, it'll be fun."

N wanted to protest but Amy seemed so happy he didn't bother. Besides, with her hand gripping his, he felt any need to argue with her fade away. He pulled out a money card as well and gestured for the Pokémon to follow. They could have their contest. As Amy had put it, what was the harm?

(Amy's POV)

Amy groaned as she sat heavily on the bench by the pier. "Maybe that wasn't such a good idea."

N, who was sitting beside her, gave a light chuckle. "Really? I thought it was fun. And the Pokémon seemed to enjoy it. Besides, you won."

Yes, Amy had won the ice cream contest, much to her surprise and current discomfort. The entire group had decided on doing the eating contest, and just like Dramuka and Panpour had thought, both of them demolishing seven cones. Victini, Sandile and Tranquil hadn't been able to eat more than three cones, and Servine and N had stopped after four but Amy had suddenly felt the need to get competitive and ate seven as well. When it was clear it was a tie, she decided to force down an eighth so she could win.

Now she was regretting that decision. Her lithe frame now sported a very distended belly that was not happy about all the ice cream in it. "I don't think I like winning eating contests," Amy muttered.

N gave her a teasing chuckle. "What's the worst that could happen?" He asked her.

Amy rolled her eyes with a rueful sigh. N took that as a cue to stop teasing her, keeping an eye on his Pokémon. "It looks like Sandile's asleep," He told her. Amy was a little surprised. "And Dramuka isn't far behind. I suppose it's getting late."

Amy looked over and nodded. "The sun's going down," She said absently.

N nodded beside her. "It's beautiful, isn't it?" He asked. Amy nodded and he added, "That's another reason I love coming here. It's great to sit by the docks and watch the sun set. I like having company though, rather than watching it alone."

Amy smiled at him, and gently took his hand. While he was surprised, he didn't resists, and even blushed lightly and smiled back. "Thank you N," She told him. "I had a lot of fun today."

"I'm glad," He replied shyly. "I... I was worried you wouldn't want to see me, after I left you with Burgh in the Forrest."

He had been worried about that? Amy shrugged. "It wasn't a problem. Burgh saw me safely to hospital, and you had other things to take care of. It wasn't a big deal."

N looked away. "Still, I should have stayed. I wasn't a good friend." He told her.

Amy shrugged. "Maybe you weren't. But I'm not worried about it. You were there for me then, and you're here now." She let out a sigh, and tried unsuccessfully to stifle a loud belch. "Excuse me," She said, her face bright red.

N chuckled again. "It seems that you were right; that wasn't the best idea," He told her with a grin.

Amy gave him a look, and then sighed. N waited for her to say something, before asking, "Are you going to challenge the Gym here?"

"Yes. You know that already." Amy reminded him. "I have to challenge them, for the money but also because I feel the need. Like I have to prove that I'm better than them. That me and my Pokémon are better."

"So it is a matter of pride?" N asked, sounding disappointed.

"Almost," Amy admitted. "But not just mine. My Pokémon take pride in being better as well. We all enjoy the feeling of being better, the thrill of winning the battle. It makes us closer."

"But they are still forced to fight," N pointed out.

"Not forced. They choose." Amy retorted. "If they don't wish to fight I won't make them. I will ask if they want to, and sometimes they might battle to please me but that is the same as me playing with them if I'm tired. I might not want to right then but I chose to, in order to make them happy. We all make the choice."

"Choice," N murmured. "That seems an odd word. There feels almost like a lie."

Amy shrugged. "I think that's what everything comes down too. We all have to make our own choices, and live with the consequences."

"That sounds simple," N admitted. "But I don't know that it would happen all that easily."

"Easy or not, there isn't anything else we can do," Amy pointed out. "Sure you could order people to do what you want if you got strong enough, but how could you get strong enough to order any larger number of people without them deciding to rebel? And even if the masses agreed, how can you make sure people always do what you want? They have to choose to conform."

"What if that wasn't needed?" N asked. "What if the people all had a reason to conform, to move towards a common idea?"

"I would say that would take a miracle," Amy replied.

"No, I'm serious Amy," N insisted. "What if we could? What if someone came forward, with a new path, a new choice? One that benefited all the Pokémon, one where they could choose to be free."

"That sounds great N," Amy admitted. "But what about people like us?" She looked over at Victini, Servine and Panpour, all of whom were settling down in a group and looking tired. "I couldn't bear to be apart from Servine, or Panpour. And look at Victini. He's so happy being with people or Pokémon. Who are we to say he can't be with one of the groups?"

"But people are hurting Pokémon," N told her. "And they don't have a choice when they are captured but to obey."

"They have a choice," Amy retorted. "Pokémon can choose to disobey, or choose to leave."

"How? A Pokeball binds them to their trainer," N shot back.

"Like a wedding ring binds a couple? Like children are bound to their parents?" Amy replied, getting frustrated. "A Pokeball is nothing more that. Maybe it is forced on the Pokémon at first but after, it is just a symbol of the bond. Pokémon are not enslaved by the Pokeball."

N sighed, a quiet, frustrated sound. "We aren't going to agree on this, are we?" He asked her, his voice heavy with resignation.

Amy looked at him for a moment, before sighing as well. "Maybe not," She agreed, "We agree on some points, but I think you see something in the relationship between a Pokémon and their Trainer that I don't. And I notice that you use Pokeballs."

N looked down at his team. "I do. But I don't like to. I would prefer that I didn't have to, but it seems that today's society is dependent on them."

Amy snorted. "Of course. People love something that lets them put their Pokémon in a safe, easily carried device that keeps them from getting hurt and helps heal their team in nearly an instant. And I don't use like using them either, but only because it isn't always the Pokémon's choice. If they got to choose, like ours do, then what's the harm?"

"But they don't get the choice," N sighed. "Humans don't ask; they take. And no matter how hard I wish it to be otherwise, it won't change. Not unless someone changes it."

Amy rolled her eyes. "Always so serious," She told him with a chuckle. "Lighten up. We just had a great day together. We don't want to ruin it arguing."

She knew that she was doing a blunt topic change, and she hoped N would follow it. She didn't want to fight with him. Fighting with him hurt. And she was tired now. Amy enjoyed spending time with N but after everything that had happened and still recovering from her wounds, she felt that she was getting tired a lot more often than before. As it sat right now, she could have easily just nodded off right there and then but she wouldn't do that on a public bench in a big city at night. That was just asking for trouble.

She couldn't hold back a yawn though, and N was surprised. "I'm sorry, you must be tired. We should get you back to your room."

"No, it's fine," Amy protested. "Sure I'm a little tired but I don't want to head back yet. Besides, I didn't reserve a room yet and I don't want to bother the nurse. Can we stay here a little longer?"

He smiled at her, his own face betraying that he was tired too. "Of course. But we should probably think about leaving soon."

"As soon as the sun sets." Amy promised, shifting herself to be more comfortable and staring out at the sunset. N sleepily shifted himself and she turned herself to be leaning against him. There, that was more comfortable. N didn't seem to care, letting Amy snuggle up against him. She stifled another yawn, and felt her eyelids getting heavy. She tried to keep them open but she was so comfortable against N, and she felt like she was safe here.

She felt something grip her sides, and she glanced down in alarm, only to see it was N's arm. She turned her head slightly and heard him snoring quietly beside her. Stifling a giggle, she snuggled in closer and felt her eyes dropping. "It's fine," She thought. "N's asleep too, and our Pokémon are here. And I'll wake him if I move..."

Her thoughts slowly fizzled out as she shut her eyes and let sleep finally claim her.

(Pokémon's POV)

Servine glanced up at her trainer, slowly shaking her head. "She's crazy. It isn't safe to be sleeping here. And especially not with him."

Panpour shrugged. "Come on Liv," He told her, using his nickname for her, "It isn't harming her. And she's happier with him. Besides, we sleep on the side of the road all the time."

"The road doesn't have random people all around." Servine snapped back.

Dramuka suddenly started, having almost fallen asleep, and turned to glare at Servine and Panpour. "Would you two keep it down?" He demanded, before turning to face the bench with a frown. "What is she doing? Why is she with my Trainer? She should be moved."

"You won't lay a hand on her," Panpour promised him before the little Fire Type could move. Dramuka gave a heavy swallow, backing away slowly as the little monkey Pokémon stared him down.

Tranquil, who had been perched on a lamp a few feet away, glided down beside her teammate and smacked him with her wing. "Idiot. Did you just threaten their Trainer?" She demanded. "Are you crazy?"

Dramuka stared at her in surprise. "But she isn't our Trainer! What if she hurts ours?"

"Yes, I'm sure curling up against him for warmth could do him real harm." Tranquill drawled. Dramuka bowed his head, looking away embarrassed and upset. Servine however looked thoughtfully at the packs that were beside their sleeping Trainers.

"Tranquil, your Trainer keeps blankets in his pack, right?" Tranquil nodded her head slowly. "Ok. Dramuka, I'll need your help with this. It's going to be cold here by the sea so we'll need to wrap them up so they'll be comfortable for the night. We don't need them getting sick or worse."

Dramuka nodded once. "I trust your trainer keeps a blanket as well?" He demanded. "Because I don't see why she should get to share his blanket."

"Yes she does, and she would because you can't cover him without covering her." Servine replied, trying to keep the snarl out of her voice. "Panpour, could you grab it? I'll see if Victini's still awake; he can give us a hand."

Tranquil glared at Dramuka. "You smarten up or I'll give you a lesson in manners," She warned him. Turning to Servine, she asked, "How are we going to wrap them up? You and I could probably lift one or the other but not without waking them up."

"I'm not sure," Servine admitted. "I was just hoping to even get them covered. That's why I'm getting Victini. You can fly but I don't know how easy it would be for you to move the blanket without tearing it. You don't have hands," Servine quickly explained after getting a perplexed look from the Flying Type.

Tranquil nodded sharply. "True. Well, we'll see what we can do."

Servine sighed, hoping she had not offended her only supporter among N's Pokémon before going over to wake Victini, who had just nodded off while she was talking with Tranquil. "Little one," She said gently, shaking the small Pokémon's shoulders. "I know you're tired but we need your help."

Victini yawned and looked up at her sleepily. "Help?" He asked tiredly.

"Our Trainer is asleep and will be sore and cold in the morning if we don't help keep her warm for the night." Servine explained. "I need your help to try and keep them warm."

"Fire warm. Want fire?" Victini asked, holding out a hand. A small ball of bright fire rested in his tiny hand.

Servine swallowed heavily and resisted the urge to back away. "No, fire won't do. Please put it away." Victini nodded eagerly and the flame disappeared. "We need someone with hands to help us tuck a blanket around them."

"Blanket?" Victini asked, this time confused.

Panpour hopped over, a large bundle of cloth in his hands. "This is a blanket." He said, showing it to Victini.

"Oh. On her?" Victini asked pointing at Amy.

"Yes," Servine told him, relief in her voice. She hadn't quite figured out what was off about Victini, other than he acted so young and ignorant.

"Ok. I help." He said, grabbing the blankets from Panpour and floating into the air. He hovered beside N and Amy for a moment, at which point Servine turned to Panpour in confusion.

"What is with him? Why does he feel... Odd?" She asked.

Panpour shrugged. "Victini is odd. He's older than any Pokémon can be in the wild, or at least older than many, and he's strong. Don't forget, he was in that room in the lighthouse for 200 years alone. I think he's trying to remember how to live, and right now has been reduced to an infant."

"So basically right now he's a really sweet, potentially dangerous baby?" She asked.

"After a fashion, yes," Panpour told her. "This is just a guess mind you. Only Victini knows what's really going on."

Servine nodded and glanced back over at the Trainers, before doubling over in shock. N and Amy were hovering a few inches off the bench while the blanket was moving by its own accord. Servine couldn't believe her eyes and ran forward to stop it but Panpour grabbed her. "It's Victini. He's a Psychic type. He's just using Confusion to move out Trainers and tuck them in without waking them."

Servine let out a breath of relief. "Good. Well, that solves one problem at least. We should make sure Victini is tucking them safely in though. He could choke them if he isn't careful."

Before they could move, N's Sandile suddenly seemed to snap awake and he angrily charged Victini, snapping his jaws and demanding "What are you doing to my Trainer?" Victini froze where he was as Sandile spat out mud, striking the little Pokémon in the face. Victini stopped floating, hitting the ground hard as he tried to remove the mud that clung to his face. Sandile charged him, mouth open to use Bite.

Servine leapt bwfore she thought, her vines out and snapping down in front of Sandile. The crocodile Pokémon stopped dead in its track, scrambling out of the way of the Grass attack. "Don't you touch him!" Servine spat.

Dramuka saw the attack and ran up, cloaking himself in fire for Flame Charge. Panpour, who had been helping to secure the blankets, spun around and shot out Water Gun at the Fire Type. "Keep away from them!" He snarled. "You struck first, and if you take another step it will be your last!"

"You attacked our Trainer!" Dramuka snapped. "Sandile saw it and reacted accordingly. You don't attack a Trainer!"

Tranquil decided to get involved at this point, walking over and wiping the mud off of Victini's face while glaring at Sandile and Dramuka. "Our Trainer was picked up and had a blanket wrapped around him, and Victini was so gentle that he didn't even twitch." She told her team coldly. "You two have been itching for a fight since we got here. Well, you got one and these two will leave you in pieces if I don't. Back off now."

Sandile looked at Dramuka, who gave a scowl at Tranquil. "Who's side are you on?" He demanded. "You've been supporting them messing with our Trainer since he let us out."

"Messing with? They've been looking after our Trainer and their own. What did they do wrong?" Tranquil snapped back. "You two are violent degenerates looking to attack any human or Pokémon that supports a human!"

"And you don't?" Dramuka demanded. "Humans are evil! They want to hurt and enslave us!"

"And what pray tell is our Trainer?" Tranquil demanded.

Dramuka was about to protest before stopping to look at N's sleeping form. "He's different." He told her weakly.

Tranquil snorted. "You're full of manure. You're no better than the humans you hate. Our Trainer wants what is best for all Pokémon and here you two are trying to hurt humans and Pokémon alike!"

Dramuka looked like he wanted to be angry but couldn't get past his shock. Tranquil just shook her head and told him, "We're going to be standing watch over out Trainers tonight. You make one move towards the girl and I will personally drop you in the middle of the ocean." Tranquil glanced at Servine and Panpour, the threat clear to them as well.

Servine nodded and turned to Dramuka. "You can get some sleep if you want. Panpour will stand watch with you, I'll stand watch with Sandile and Victini can stand watch with Tranquil. I can go first if Sandile doesn't mind." Sandile tilted his head, surprised and confused before nodding slowly.

Panpour glanced at Dramuka and quietly told Servine, "Wake me if he tries something. Don't try and fight him alone. You're stronger than me but his Type advantage will take you down quickly." Servine rolled her eyes but nodded.

Tranquil sat down and settled in beside where Servine was standing. "I'm sorry about those two." She told the Grass Pokémon. "Dramuka is strangely violent, and Sandile is too young to think independently."

Servine nodded. "You could show him differently. Sandile respects both you and Dramuka."

Tranquil shook her head. "He fears me, because I make noise and am a good deal stronger than him. But that isn't enough. And I don't have the energy to fix his views. Part of the problem is that our Trainer dislikes people, and loves his Pokémon absolutely. Dramuka is far from the only Pokémon that has turned extreme, or so I have been told. I do not fit in with my Trainer or his team. I am not dedicated to his dream."

"His dream?" Servine asked, surprised.

"A dream where Pokémon are free from humans, where we are on equal footing with them." Tranquil told her wearily. "A world with free Pokémon able to choose what they wish, without human interference."

"But that would be a lie." Servine said, shocked. "We aren't any freer than we are in a Pokeball. Surely your Trainer can see that?"

"No he can't, and honestly I don't always either." Tranquil admitted. "I see Pokémon that are basically slaves to their Trainers, who are made to fight until they're crippled or worse. But then I see those like you, whose Trainer puts you first and would die for you, and wonder what is true. But even if I did know, this is bigger than me. I don't know what is right and I'm not inclined to choose. I'm going to ask N to release me tomorrow."

Servine stared at Tranquil now beyond shocked. "You're joking. I wasn't trying to-"

Tranquil chuckled. "No, you didn't do anything. I was planning on leaving anyway, and tonight's events just put everything in perspective. I'm not meant for this. I'm not up to changing the world, and that's what my Trainer will do. Yours too. "

"Amy?" Servine asked skeptically.

"Your Trainer and mine will change the world. For better or for worse. You, Panpour and Victini will play a massive roll in that, that much I'm certain of." Tranquil sighed ruefully. "Me, I'm just a bump along the way. I'm not strong enough to change, either myself or someone else."

Servine swallowed heavily. "Are you certain you'll leave? What if another Trainer catches you?"

"Then I hope they are not plagued by quests of grandeur." Tranquil replied dryly. "Besides, I can keep my Pokeball and that will prevent me being caught by another Trainer. However it happens I won't be travelling with him anymore."

"I'm sorry." Servine told her.

Tranquil chuckled. "Don't worry about me. Just make sure you keep your Trainer safe. She'll have a bigger part to play in this than you or I could possibly imagine." With that, Tranquil tucked her head into her chest, leaving Servine to only stare out into the night and struggle to comprehend all that she had been told.

"Vic! Get back here!" Amy yelled Victini flew down yet another alleyway, ignoring her cry. Amy tried to keep up but the crowds blocked her movements

"Liv, you're the fastest. Catch up to him." Amy ordered. Servine nodded and took off silently, dashing through the crowds before using her vines to leap from light post to light post. Panpour chittered worriedly from Amy's shoulder.

"It's fine Pan. She'll catch him and we'll catch up with them once I make it through this crowd." Amy reassured the Monkey Pokémon. Pan didn't comment, only stared anxiously above the crowd.

Amy was still getting used to calling her Pokémon by nicknames, but after her N had left her the last time, he had questioned her about it. It turned out that he did know of names that Panpour, Servine and eventually Victini wished to be called, so now she nicknamed them Vic, Pan and Liv.

And now, Vic was currently having fun exploring every inch of Castilia City, leaving an anxious Amy to try and catch up with him. Luckily for her, Liv was willing to chase after the little Pokémon even when he took off through the crowds and the close streets and lamps meant she had an easy way to follow him from the air.

Amy kept fighting her way through the crowds, with Pan directing her as to where Liv and Vic were going. She felt a growing feeling of dread as she recognized the streets they were running down. "Pan, are they still heading this way?" She asked. She felt his nod and he chittered at her, confused. "Vic's heading for the piers. And he can't fly for much longer."

Pan looked at the approaching pier and let out a shriek. Amy winced at the loud sound in her ear but that shriek did what it was intended. Vic paused momentarily, floating by the edge of the pier to call back to the monkey Pokémon. That was the point that Liv, having finally caught up with Vic, snapped out a vine and wrapped it around the little Pokémon's ankle.

Vic gave her a pouty look before floating down to the ground and glaring at Liv. Amy winced as her starter retaliated by launching into a loud tirade, talking down Vic with an angry and disproving tone. Vic went from pouty to sheepish in a hurry, ducking his head and murmuring in response to Liv berating him. Amy watched Liv and Vic for a moment, relief setting in as she struggled to catch her breath. She walked over as calmly as possible just as Liv finished her rant and stalked away.

Amy knelt down beside the little red Pokémon. "You ok Vic?" She asked worriedly. Vic looked up at her and nodded, looking now very ashamed. "You know you really scared us when you ran away. None of us can fly you know, and we don't want you getting hurt. Liv's even more worried than the rest of us because she feels it's her job to bring you back. Please, can you stop running off?"

Vic looked at her strangely before giving a sigh and nodding. "Tini." He agreed, his face still pouting but getting up and hovering by her side.

Amy nodded and offered her shoulder to Liv again. Vic floated up and sat on her head, which Amy giggled a little at. "Ok guys, now that we're all together, let's see if I can find that Gym now. I want to get that challenge out of the way soon." Her Pokémon crowed in agreement and Amy started off towards what she hoped was the Gym when she heard her name being screamed.

Amy whirled around and saw Bianca tearing towards the pier, her face consorted. "Amy, help!" She screamed at her, running into her friend and grabbing her by the shoulders, dislodging Liv and Pan. "I need your help now!"

"Bianca, what-" Amy started but Bianca cut her off, her face tight and her eyes wet.

"Someone stole Munna!" Bianca sobbed hysterically. "It was more of those Plasma guys. They cornered me and took Munna!"

Amy's blood ran cold with the statement. "Tell me what happened." She ordered Bianca. Bianca hesitated and Amy removed her friend's hands from her shoulders. "Bianca, I'll help you. I won't let them take anyone's Pokémon, let alone my best friend's. But you need to tell me everything or else they're going to get away."

Bianca gave a heavy swallow and nodded. "I was heading to the Gym to challenge the Leader when three of those Plasma guys surrounded me with their Pokémon out. The challenged me to a battle and I tried to fight them but I couldn't keep track of all three and they beat me. They tried to take my Pokémon and one of them was the woman we stopped before. She saw Munna and took her Pokeball. I couldn't stop her." Bianca looked down, her voice growing soft. "I wasn't strong enough to stop her."

Amy shook her head. "It doesn't matter. They ambushed you and I've never heard of battling with three Pokémon at once. Is your team still strong enough to fight?" She asked. Bianca shook her head. "Shoot. Did you call Cheren?"

"Yeah. He's at the Centre. He'll be here in a minute." Bianca told her.

"Bianca!" A high voice called out. "Bianca, that you?"

Bianca and Amy turned towards the sound of the voice as a young girl ran up to them. She was a little taller than Amy, with long dark hair that was mostly unkempt, only bunched up in a wide ponytail and she was dressed in a light brown tunic and pants. Bianca looked at her, looking very surprised. "Iris?" She asked.

"Yep. I just heard what happened." Iris told her. She turned to Amy, giving her a look of scrutiny. "Is this the one who took you Pokémon? You'd better not be. I'm really strong you know, and I'll take you down if you did."

Amy gave the girl a flat look. "I'm Amy. Nice to meet you too. I don't normally start off a meeting with threats but if we're going to, I'll let you know that you will lose and if you pursue me with violence, I'll be forced to remind you I'm standing right next to a pier with very good currents for disposing of bodies."

"Oh you're Amy? Sorry about that." Iris told her, her voice suddenly cheerful. "Bianca told me about you. Sorry, I got distracted by all the things to do in Castilia City, so I wasn't around to meet you. But Bianca's been nice and helping show me around, so I said I'd be her bodyguard. So if you didn't steal Bianca's Pokémon, who did?"

"Team Plasma." A familiar voice called out, and Cheren and Burgh joined the group. "And I've found their hideout too." Cheren added. "It's just down this alley way."

Amy nodded to Cheren and looked at Burgh, a little confused. "Burgh? Why are you here?"

"A Gym Leader is charged with keeping his city safe, especially from the likes of Team Plasma." He replied calmly. "Hi Iris. Didn't know you were in town."

"Came for the art show and to play tourist. Now I'm Bianca's bodyguard. Well, let's go trounce those baddies who are stealing Pokémon." Iris cheered, skipping down the alleyway that Cheren had pointed to. Amy's head reeled with the suddenness of everyone's arrival and the news that Burgh was a Gym Leader, and of the Gym she was planning to challenge.

"Amy? You coming?" Cheren asked. She looked up and saw everyone walking away, but instead of answering she nodded and ran after the group. She followed them until Cheren showed them a large corporate building, right across the street from what appeared to be the Gym.

Burgh stared, in disgust and horror. "You mean that Team Plasma has been hiding right across from my Gym this whole time?" He asked. "I can't believe it."

"They've been very careful. I only caught it because I interrogated one of the grunts who was being recalled after Bianca was mugged." Cheren told him. "We'll probably be met with a full force so we might want to be careful going in."

"Let them come." Amy said coldly. "I was hoping to see these guys again. Is everyone else ready?"

Burgh and Iris exchanged glances before nodding. Cheren nodded as well. "Ok. Any objections to me going in first?" Amy asked.

"Go ahead. We've got your back. Bianca, you stay by the door with your team ready. There'll be some trying to escape." Burgh warned her.

Bianca shook her head. "I'm staying with you. These jerks took my Pokémon, and I'm going to get her back."

Iris nodded approvingly and Burgh shrugged. "Your choice. Ok, let's go."

Amy went first, just like she planned and was greeted by a room full of grunts. They took notice of her immediately and lined up, almost like soldiers closing ranks. "Intruder!" One of them yelled. "You go get the boss. We'll keep her busy."

Five of the closest members stepped forward, calling out their Pokémon in a bright flash of light. Amy looked at the Pokémon with a sigh. "Really? Five of you against just little old me? I'm flattered." With that, Liv and Pan jumped off her shoulders and stood ready for battle while Vic floated hesitantly in front of her. "Let's see how good you are. Liv, Pan, go!"

Liv snapped out a vine at the command pulling herself to the ceiling and launching two bursts of Leaf Tornado at two of the grunt's Timburr and Blitzle before engaging them with Vine Whip. Pan dove to the left, firing off Scald at a Sandile before being tackled by a Whirlepede. Vic, who'd been hiding above Amy's head, saw the Whirlipede attack and Pan spiral out of control before leaping into action. Though he looked terrified at the thought of fighting, Vic grabbed the Bug type with Confusion, throwing it against the wall before slamming into it with Flame Charge.

That left a very terrified Woobat hovering in the middle of the room being stared down by Vic, Pan and Liv. The poor thing started to attack before being crushed by the three Pokémon. The Plasma grunts all took a sharp step back when Amy's Pokémon raced to stand in front of her following the battle.

Cheren, Burgh and Iris all burst through the doors behind Amy, Bianca following them hesitantly, all with Pokeballs out. Team Plasma stood where they were, the defeated grunts being pulled to the back. It looked like things were going to escalate into a massive brawl between the two parties when a voice called out, "What is going on here?"

The members of Team Plasma all snapped to attention and parted their ranks to let a massive man push his way through the ranks. Amy recognized him as the speaker from Straiton City. "Ghestias." Amy remembered. "What's that slimeball doing here?"

"What is the noble Gym Leader of Castilia doing in our lovely building?" Ghestias asked Burgh, his face pleasant but anger leaking through his eyes. "I didn't think that there was anything wrong with our organization."

"Team Plasma has been of interest of the Gyms for a while." Burgh told him, his voice light as he stared down the crowd. "But this has more to do with the fact that your organization robbed a young woman of her Pokémon."

"Stole a Pokémon? I wasn't aware they were property." Ghestias told Burgh, a disappointed look on his face. "But according to the laws of today they are. Have you any proof that it was someone in our organization that did this? We are a peaceful syndicate."

Amy snorted and Ghestias shot her a reproachful look. "You doubt my word, child?"

"I've met many members of your organization sir, who make me think that Team Plasma is a group of self-entitled jerks who assault children and museums and rob little old ladies on the side." Amy told him coldly. "So I very much doubt your word, unless you are very ignorant and I can see that you are far to intelligent to allow yourself to be ignorant of your syndicate's actions."

Ghestias still looked at her but this time it was more of an appraising look. "Your name wouldn't happen to be Amy would it? No it must be; your team is rather unique. We have a few overzealous members who are being dealt with but rest assure, we are peaceful in our intentions to better the world for Pokémon."

"I'll believe that when I see it." Amy replied. "Now, I believe you have one of my friends held captive. If you don't return her to her Trainer, there will be consequences that you won't like."

"Your friend? I thought people owned Pokémon." Ghestias said snidely.

"That's enough Ghestias." Burgh told him, his voice rising. "I am perfectly content to simply arrest the lot of you and confiscate all your Pokémon and return this young lady her missing partner." He gestured to Bianca, his arm tensing to throw a Pokeball as he spoke.

"There is no need for such drastic action Gym Leader. I am simply trying to get a point across." Ghestias told him smoothly. "I will happily return this young woman's Pokémon to her. And since our building, being right across from your Gym, is under such scrutiny, I think we will have to relocate." Ghestias guested to a grunt at his side. "Return this girl's Munna to her now."

Amy felt anger boil up in her. "You not only knew that my friend had been robbed, you knew by who and what Pokémon?" She demanded.

"Easy Amy." Cheren told her, glancing around the room at all the grunts starting to get anxious, a few even starting to look angry. "Bianca got Munna back. Nothing else matters right now, right?"

Amy glared at all the grunts still, wishing she could do something else but stood to let the Team Plasma leave while Bianca happily held Munna. Ghestias stopped before leaving, leaning down close to Amy and told her quietly, "Not every Trainer takes good care of their Pokémon, regardless of how much they love them. Is it so wrong for us to liberate an abused or neglected Pokémon from it's Trainer? We are the good guyus here Amy. Remember that."

Amy wanted to snarl but his words sat heavily in her mind. Was he right? Was it justifiable to release or steal a Pokémon that was being abused by is Trainer? Would she step in if she saw it or would she step away and let the laws she defended deal with the situation? She didn't know right now but she aslo knew that she wasn't going to give Ghestias the satisfaction of a response.

Ghestias just added, "A smart and pretty girl like you will know the difference. Remember us Amy, because we are the future, and I for one would like to see you with us."

Amy blushed in spite of herself, but her glare didn't waver. Ghestias just gave her a smile that almost showed warmth but he turned and left without a fuss. Amy didn't take her eyes off the group. Vic was looking confused, still standing guard over Amy but not understanding her anger. Liv and Pan shared her anger and responded in kind, making a clear threat of what would happen if any of Team Plasma came back.

Burgh shook his head, watching them leave. "I can't believe they were this close to my Gym. I'm going to have to keep a better look out from now on."

Iris, who had disappeared during the exchange, popped her head out of the elevator and announced, "There are crates full of Pokémon and Pokeballs up here. We'll have to give them to the nurse so she can return them to their Trainers."

"Blasted thieves." Amy muttered.

"But they're gone." Cheren said, his voice thick with relief. Pushing his glasses up his nose, he added, "And we now have more useful information. We'll be ready to counter them, no matter what."

Amy shook her head but glanced over at Bianca, who was holding Munna tightly with tears of pain and relief in her eyes. "Not just counter." Amy said coldly. "We'll crush Team Plasma. If I have my way, they'll never hurt someone like Bianca again."