I took a seat on Eagun and Beluh's old couch with Rui next to me. Despite her being less than three feet from me, she kept her hands to herself, not wanting her grandparents to witness any more affectionate moments. Which is hard to accomplish when said grandparents were sitting directly across from us on the other side of the table. It was hard to read Eagun's expression through his head full of hair and Beluh wore the same kindly old person face she always did.

"So my little girl has finally grown up"

"Grandpaaaaaaaaaaaaaa"

"Honestly, I am surprised this has not happened sooner. You have been enamored with that boy for how long now? Beluh?"

"Quite a while now, I think. Ever since we met you Wes, it was quite clear Rui was smitten with you."

"Oh come on, I did not immediately fall in love with the first guy that pulled me out of a rucksack." Rui replied indignantly. "It just took a while, that's all." Rui mumbled under her breath.

"What was that dear?"

"Nothing, nothing"

"None the less, we are quite happy for the both of you. You as well Wes, you seem like you mellowed out some, you're more open than before. It suits you."

"It took me a while, but I learned some things about myself, about Pokemon, even about Orre on this journey of mine. Rui was invaluable and her infectious personality rubbed off on me. If it wasn't for her, I'd probably be dead in a sand dune by now. I grew up and realized I couldn't be part of the problem anymore. I have a question of my own though. You mentioned something about Rui's father. What was that bit about?"

"My dad, well he wasn't around much growing up. He's some bigshot executive at Silph and spent more time at work than he ever did at home. He was married to his job rather than his family. Its why my mom left him some years ago. She felt neglected and I can't say I blame her. Of course, my dad got custody because of his paycheck and mom took the settlement money. She's living the high-society life somewhere or other, finding rich men to give her attention. I blame her for that though."

That surprised me. Rui never gave the impression she came from a broken home as well. It seems her personality was able to mask her own issues better than I thought. Then it hit me, I never actually asked about her parents, or her past. I barely even asked her why she decided to visit her grandparents in the first place. I decided to rectify this issue when I could get her alone.

"I suppose I share some of the blame for my son as well. I was not the greatest father in the world myself he took all the wrong lessons from my, uh, parenting. I was still trying to salvage what remained of my battling career and did not give my son as much attention as I should have. It took me a long while to finally remember what was truly important in life. But by then, it was too late." Eagun softly butted in with his own memories. "When I was his age, I wasn't too different from him."

"Oh nonsense" Beluh sharply rebutted. "You were a stubborn, Tauros-headed fool at times, yes, but you did care for the boy in your own way. Even if it was a bit strange and non-sensible at times.

"Honestly, I'm surprised he even let me come to Orre in the first place. Despite never being present in my life, he always hand his plans and ideas on how I should live my life. And I'm fairly certain wandering around a desert and chasing down a criminal gang wasn't one of them... Or falling for some dark and mysterious desert wanderer." I almost bluushed

"Speaking of which, do you have plans for the future? I cannot have just anybody whisk my granddaughter off to parts unknown, oh-hohoho."

"We were talking things through one day and we both decided we wanted to leave Orre, at least for a while. There's nothing left here for me, or for us. Cipher is defeated and no longer a threat, the Shadow Pokemon are all saved and purified, and Orre is the most peaceful its been in quite a while. I even conquered Mt. Battle. The only thing left in Orre is more sand and we're both sick of the desert. We were planning to go off to Kanto, maybe Johto. Rui traveled through my, uh, 'home' and I think traveling through hers would be a good idea. Or anywhere that isn't a desert, really."

"Yeah, plus after everything that just happened I want to become a trainer too and take on the gym challenge myself. Dad never let me have my own Pokemon before but I don't he think he can brush me aside anymore. I even have another Pokemon now, come on out Zephyr." Rui grabbed the ball from her pocket and released Zephyr."

"Tooooooooooooogetic"

Rui released Zephyr onto the table and the Happiness Pokemon bounced over to Beluh and Eagun and gave the two of them a heartwarming hug. Beluh ruffled Zephyr's head spikes and Eagun stroked his beard, deep in thought.

"It is absolutely adorable, Rui. Where did you get a Pokemon like this? Beluh wondered in amazement.

"I recognize this Pokemon. This was the Shadow Pokemon that was featured on the news, the one that belonged to Wes' duplicate and causing trouble." Eagun added.

"The same one, but we purified Zephyr and she's back to her original self. She wanted to come with me for some reason and well, I couldn't say no. Just look at her. Between Sparky and Zephyr, I'm going to form a team that can defeat even Wes' Pokemon. Just you wait."

"Heh, you got a long way to go Rui before you can match my level. But if you put in the work, you'll get there one day."

"Oh I know I will, that's a promise Wes."

I couldn't stop myself from smirking just a little. Rui as a master Pokemon trainer would be one of the funnier things to grace this world, so I rooted for her to succeed and I promised to help her however I could. But most trainers her age had far more experience and Rui would be rapidly playing catch-up. Though only a few trainers could match the bond she had with Pokemon, so I knew she would be a fast learner. Zephyr and Sparky were far above most rookie trainer's skill levels. But it was time to get to what I really wanted to do before we left.

"Eagun, how many trainers do you see traveling through Agate? Actual trainers, not just members of the senior citizen brigade."

"We see enough of them, I suppose. Agate is mostly a pit stop for trainers to resupply before they head off to Gateon or Mt. Battle. And there are a few Pyritians as well. Why do you ask?

"I'd like to give you a few of the Pokemon I've obtained as safe-keeping of sorts. You're a good judge of character Eagun, look at me. If one of those travelers makes a good impression on you, I'd like you to give them one of my Pokemon. I can't keep all of the Pokemon I snagged happy with me on our travels, I honestly really only trained a handful of them. They could use a good home with a good trainer who will give them the love and attention they deserve."

"Hmmm, what do you think about this Rui? Could you take some of Wes' Pokemon?

"I mean, I already kinda did. Zephyr came with me from Wes and the same with Sparky as well. I want to become a trainer myself and this is something I need to do on my own. Going out in the world with anymore of Wes' Pokemon just wouldn't be fair. He has a couple I would like to use, sure, but I want this to be my team, not Wes' B team."

"Heh heh heh, spoken like a true trainer, Rui. Alright Wes, I agree to your proposal. Though all these newfangled technologies are beyond my capabilities. You're gonna have to help me with the process just a bit."

"I can do that Eagun. Leave everything to me."

I felt my PDA buzz in my pocket and the screen said I received an e-mail from Duking. I played with the screen and quickly read over the message.

Wes,

I got some good news for you. Swing by my office when you have some time and we can discuss business. Bring Rui with you as well.

- Duking

"Who was that Wes?" Rui asked me.

"Duking. Says he has 'good news'. Wants us to meet. Probably shouldn't keep him waiting too long."

"You should stay the night with us. It is getting quite late out. I'm sure ol' Duking can wait until tomorrow. We do only have the one guest room however, so try to be on your best behavior, eh." I felt Eagun's gaze bury itself into my face and I actually felt flustered for once. I glanced over to Rui and she had her head bent over, buried in the palms of both hands. I'm sure she was furiously blushing."

"Look, I can stay in the Pokemon Center for the night. Its not a big deal, especially if makes you and Beluh feel better."

"Oh nonsense, what kind of hosts would we be if we made you sleep in the Center? Giving you a hard time is the most fun this old bag of bones has had in years. Your reactions are very amusing. Though I am quite serious about no funny business in the same bed."

"I'm glad you find pleasure in our embarrassment. I think Rui wants to crawl into the world's smallest hole right now."

Rui mumbled something incomprehensible and just groaned.


I stared up at the great earthen roof of my room and observed how the bark of the great tree made up some of the walls. I knew some kids made tree-houses, but I believe this was another level. Sol and Luna were curled up against my feet at the base of the bed, their fur brushed against my feet. I found Eagun's house to be surprisingly warm and I quickly tossed my coat, my boots, and most of my clothes into a small pile on the floor. I only had my undershirt and shorts on and I felt the cool breeze of the outside air on my skin.

"Oh my, I see someone made themselves comfortable."

I turned my head and saw Rui enter the room. She let her hair down to her shoulders and was wearing nothing but a thin pink slip that went down to her thighs. Her hair was still dank and I realized I was staring at her, my mouth slightly open. Rui merely smiled and climbed onto the bed next me. She slowly placed a hand on my chest and ran a finger over one my scars.

"Oh Wes, you look like you have never seen your girlfriend half-naked before."

"Not like that, no. Or maybe its the first time my eyes have truly seen how pretty you are. And I quite like what I see." Rui's hand was still on my chest.

"I'm surprised you can see anything at all with those goggles ..." I rolled over and placed a kiss on Rui's pretty lips. Our eyes closed and none of us made a sound as we savored the moment. I placed a hand on her thigh and slowly made my way up her leg. I placed my other hand on her back and snuck it inside her slip. As I moved my hands, I heard Rui moan ever so softly and that sound drove me inside. I found myself on top and staring directly into her eyes, my hands all over her soft body. She moved her gaze lower, beneath my chest, and her eyes opened impossibly wide.

"Wes, we.. we have to stop. We promised them that we wouldn't. And there is no way I could face them in the morning, if, we, you know."

"You're right, I know, I know. It's just I can't control myself sometimes. I take one look at you and you're gorgeous and, you know." I groaned out while I rolled onto my back.

"There will be plenty of time for that later on, just tonight would be a really bad night. Now why don't you hold your gorgeous girlfriend and use me as your pillow for the night."

"I'd like that very much. Good night Rui." I said as I failed to notice Sol and Luna hop off the bed and bury their heads in the floor.

"Rui"

"Yes Wes?"

"I realized something earlier. I never really asked you about your family or your life before you came to Orre? You and Eagun talking about your Dad and it hit me, I don't know that much about you. Much less than you know of me"

"Is this your attempt at pillow talk?"

"No, I'm being serious. I'm your boyfriend now, I should know more about the very special woman in my life. I know you came here to visit your grandparents, but why now? Orre isn't the best place for a vacation even during the best of times."

"… I don't really want to talk about it… no that's not right. I'm a new woman now, I can't avoid it forever. Ir was the divorce mainly. Mom didn't want a teenage girl cramping her new single freedom and Dad never really cared. The judge decided I would be better off with Dad's money and so he got custody. But he wasn't much of a parent, not in a long while.

I felt my parents drifting away and I wasn't wanted by them anymore. And that feeling of abandonment was crushing. Its why I left Kanto, I needed to go somewhere I was wanted. Grandpa and Grandma were always so great to me, even I didn't see them that often, and were more than happy to let me live with them for a while. They figured Agate's atmosphere would help cheer me up. I don't think they expected me to get kidnapped by the local goon squad, and well, you know the rest."

I pulled Rui into a hug and held her closely with her head on my chest.

"I'm sorry Rui. No one should have to deal with parents such as yours. If I ever meet them, I'll be sure to tell Sol to give them a wedgie."

"Hahaha, I'd like that. If I'm being honest, some of the reason I followed you around at first was because you needed me to identify the Shadow Pokemon. It felt nice, being wanted by somebody for a change."

"Oh, you have no idea just how much I want you." I said in my most suggestive tone possible.

"You're a terrible flirt Wes." she said playfully. "But its time to go to sleep for real this time. Good night Wes."

Rui snuggled up against my side and we both slowly fell asleep.


I woke up to the sounds of chirping Pidgey and the sight of a red-headed angel curled up in the crook of my shoulder. Rui was still sleeping like a baby and I felt the most refreshed in a long, long, time. But as much I wanted this moment to last, we had a long trip to Pyrite ahead of us and we had to get moving eventually. A sweet aroma filtered through the air not unlike Tauros Bacon

"Wake up dear, its time to get moving" I cooed softly as I ran my fingers through her luscious hair. My other hand tickled that one spot behind her ear.

"Uhh, 5 more minutes Wes" she giggled out as she struck out with one of her hands, playfully hitting me in the forehead.

"Do you smell that Rui, your folks made breakfast for us. And I, for one, would enjoy a quality breakfast instead of dried cactus rations. Again."

"Thinking with your stomach again? Fiiiiiiine."

We quickly got dresses and made our way downstairs to the kitchen. Beluh and Eagun were already half-through their meal and had the news on as background. ONN was babbling about the latest fallouts from Cipher's destruction. They turned to face us with a kindly smile on their faces.

"And how was your night?"

"Peaceful. I haven't had a sleep that refreshing in quite a while. You have the softest pillows."

"I see. Well eat up you two. We made extra bacon and eggs. And waffles. A quality meal is the best way to start the day. And you have a long trip ahead of you, so eat up. We made plenty of extras."

Rui and I ate up and soon had our bellies filled and I felt as if I could take another nap. But there were things to do, such as say farewell to some of my Pokemon.

"I need to make a quick stop by the center and say goodbye to the Pokemon I want to give to you. It shouldn't take that long."

"Of course Wes, I will still be here."

I exited Eagun's house and the first thing I saw was the great sun. Early in the morning it was directly in line with the front door and the almighty rays caught me square in the face. I pushed forward and made my way to the Center where I began the process for a mass Pokemon transfer/release. An official center made the process much smoother. The clerk informed me that I had a few minutes before it began. I gathered the Balls and stepped out back before I released all of them in the open. I scanned the large crowd and looked at all their happy faces. I remember when I first snagged them, they all wore faces of anger and pain. Their eyes were dark, full of hatred, and impossible to talk to. But I freed them from their curse and opened their hearts to living. And now I was going to set them free.

"Yanma, Dunsparce, Qwilfish, Remoraid, Shuckle, Jumpluff and all the rest of you. This is the end of our adventure. I am leaving Orre and I can't simply take all of you with me. But don't be sad, Eagun will take care of you temporarily until he can find you a kind trainer to travel with you."

I choked up as I watched the faces of my Pokemon all fall at once.

"Its for the best you know, I can't give you all the attention and love you deserve. You are the bravest and strongest Pokemon I know. What we been through together, its incomparable. You lot were faced with the abyss, and kicked the abyss in its ugly face. I am proud to have been your trainer. May you find happiness with someone else."

My Pokemon slowly gathered around my feet before they all jumped up at once and knocked me on my rear. They all started licking my face and I found myself at the bottom of a particularly rough Pokepile. I'm sure they were being playful, but I think they were trying to get me to stay with them. Oh how I wanted to take them with me, but I knew giving them away was for the best. If someone told me the best Snagger would have one day released all his catches, I would have laughed at him. And probably would have stolen his Pokemon for good measure. But Snagem was a part of my past dead and buried and I planed to keep it that way. A final measure of regret hit my heart before I recalled my friends into their Balls and I went back into the Center to complete the process. A few minutes later and they were officially out of my care.

I made my back to Eagun's house and gave Eagun the many PokeBalls of my friends.

"They're counting on you Eagun. Don't let them down."

"I won't Wes, that is a promise."

Rui gave each of her grandparents a long hug and I proudly shook Eagun's grizzled old hand. It was known that this day would most likely be the last time we would all be in the same room for quite a while. We finalized our farewells and made our way to the exit.

"Before you go, I have some final words of wisdom. I will go talk to my son, let him know you might swing by his way one of these days. I'll put in a good word for you Wes, so you can hopefully skip the awkward formalities if you ever meet him. He can be a handful at times. Also, please use protection. I'm not that old to be a great-grandfather quite yet."

"Grandpaaaaaaaaaaaa"


A/N: I originally had this chapter and the next as one large chapter before splitting it up and adding a few things. Shouldn't be too long before I finish the next one. Wes won't be giving away all of his Pokémon, just the ones I didn't use in my last playthrough of Colosseum. heh