Blue got to her feet as Red entered the room. Smiling, he gave her a mock salute. She sank back into her chair, returning the smile.

"You're in the top of the organisation, Blue," he told her. "You don't have to stand up for anyone. You know I won't chide you for sitting down while I enter."

"Yet you want me to keep calling you sir," Blue retorted, giving him a somewhat sad smile. Red frowned, troubled. While Blue had smiled as often as usual since joining him, there was rarely any true happiness in the smiles. He had expected her to at least partially have moved on from the griefing stage by now.

Then again, it could be a good thing if she had not. As long as she could focus her sadness and anger correctly, it would strengthen her, and be a dangerous weapon. One that was aimed at one of his enemies, and was threatening to go off at any time. One aching for something, anything, to do.

"I've got a job for you," he told her. "One involving the Masked Rockets."

"What's it?" Blue replied quickly, enthusiasm evident in her face. Red almost laughed at how eager she was for 'revenge'. Almost.

"They're starting some new major base here in Kanto. Show of force after we shut down their smaller ones, no doubt. Rumors are that it's in Vermillion City, somewhere."

"Vermillion..."

"Surge has, as he is from there, volunteered to assist you with all you need. Rides, a place to sleep, knowledge... You name it. He'll be your subordinate for this particular mission, and Ken, Harry and Al will also be there. You'll get a group of elite grunts for when you've found it, as well."

"Yes sir!" Blue said, giving him a grin that nearly made her look as before.

"Oh, and rumors also say someone high up in the organisation will be there to supervise the project. Will, Karen or someone close to them may be there. Make sure they do not get away."

"You can count on me."

"Of course," Red replied, nodding. "Tell me if you need anything, and it's yours. I noticed you only carry five Pokémon now?"

"I left Granbull with my parents," Blue told him. "It's okay though, I can catch a new one."

"You won't have to," Red told her, handing her a Pokéball. "Here."

"A Beedrill?" she asked. "Why a Beedrill?"

"It's a powerfull and well-trained Pokémon," Red replied. "You need another member in your team."

"I had a Weedle once," Blue mumbled, biting her lower lip. "I set it free."

"I remember. I stopped you from tricking a fisherman with it."

Blue smiled at the memory, and for the first time in weeks Red thought he could see some warmth in it. Then it was gone.

"Alright, now get going. I need you to find that base before its set up, and get rid of whatever key person they sent to lead the project."

"Yes sir," Blue repeated, giving him a short nod. As she exited, there was once again a confidence in her steps; something that had been missing ever since the man she had seen as a brother had been killed. Red nodded to himself, and got back to work.

"You look tired," Yellow said, concern clear in her face. "Are they working you hard at your new job?"

"It's not too bad," Red replied, smiling. "It's mostly the travelling around the region that takes a lot of energy."

"You're not young anymore," Yellow teased. Red laughed, setting his glass down on the table. They both liked to joke about their age difference, small as it was.

"I hoped to stay active at least for a few more years," he replied. "But you're right, I'm no kid anymore. Neither are you, come to think of it. You turn eighteen in less than half a year."

"Yeah, I do. Not that you can tell from my size." She was still nearly a head shorter than most of the dexholders.

"Well, size isn't everything," Red replied with a shrug, causing Yellow to nearly choke on the water she had just taken a mouthful of.

"Sorry," she managed, coughing and laughing at the same time. "I just... That's... That could be misinterpreted." Red grinned, giving her a gentle and playful shove. He was happy that Yellow had made so much progress in overcoming her shyness. He loved seeing her laugh, to share jokes with her.

"We really need to get out more often," Red told her. "I'll try to get a week off from work, stay with Green now that he's back at the gym. He wanted me to go with him to Saffron for something, but I'm sure he wouldn't mind me staying in his guest room later."

Yellow nodded, smiling widely. It was not just for their relationship that Red wanted to stay at Green's place for a while, but Yellow did not need to know that. He did love her, maybe as much as she loved him. Maybe more, who knew? However, he still needed more time before telling her the truth of what was going on in his life. If he stayed in Green's gym he could access his friends computer, plant bugs and maybe even find out..."

"Red! You're spacing out again," Yellow said, her voice slightly disapproving. He snapped back to the then and there, giving her a sheepish grin.

"Sorry, I was just thinking about some stuff."

"Something more important than me?" Yellow replied, trying to show some faked irritation, and failing badly at it. Red just laughed.

"Nothing's more important," he said, realising he meant it. Despite knowing what he had to do, and why, he was not sure if he could do that if it meant losing her. He looked her in the eyes, realising she was blushing furiously. Yellow still felt embarrased by romantic things like that, but she no longer started stuttering uncontrollably, as she had in the past.

He loved her. He could not... would not deny that. As it was now, though, love was not possible until after he had succeeded in his plans. His needs had to come second, and the good of the people first. He had to focus on his task, no matter what.

"You sure you're okay?" Yellow asked, frowning. She was looking even more worried now. Red felt as if his heart was forcing its way through his throat. He wanted nothing more than to tell her that no, it was not alright, to tell her what was going on, why he was acting like he did, confess what he had done... But he could not. Not yet. She would not understand.

"It's okay," he said instead. "I just need some sleep. I'll see you again in a couple of days, though? I'll try to get next week off."

"Sure," Yellow replied, smiling but not entirely convinced. "Couple of days."