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DISCLAIMER: I Do NOT own Pokémon.

Chapter 22: Peace of Mind

Sapphire's POV

Flocks of little golden clouds dappled the light-green pastures. Their monotonous baas chorused and echoed as their tails released sparks like flickering light bulbs. Judging from the looks and the sounds, it was obviously a Mareep farm.

It was a refreshing sight. With the autumn breeze fluttering my hair, I leaned against the fence and took out Moro's pokeball. "Is this where ya from, Moro?"

An eager baa accompanied by short electric zaps signaled a yes. Her face told me just how happy she was to be here. Smiling, I sent her out and she hurriedly gestured me to follow her to the house.

It was a large cozy-looking cottage with white concrete walls and a gray somber rooftop. Patches shrubs lined the corners and edges. We approached the wooden porch and stood in front of the door. Moro used her tail to knock three times before stepping aside to wait for an answer. As we stood by, she kept wagging her bright green tail like a baby's rattle. She was genuinely excited. I was too. I wondered what will Liz think when she sees that Moro is now a Flaaffy.

"Coming!" I heard a familiar voice and footsteps from beyond the door. "Wahh!—"

*thud*

…As well as the sound of something or …err someone falling down. I should have expected nothing less from Liz. She seriously hasn't changed even in her own home. I sighed inwardly as the door opened.

"Flaaffy!" Moro greeted immediately with enthusiasm and open arms.

"Marr… I mean M-Moro? I-Is that you now?" The girl with long golden locks and amethyst-like eyes picked up the bleached-colored Flaaffy and pulled her into a hug. Then she spun around in her long-sleeved dust-shade dress while giggling like an innocent little girl.

I was not much of a fashion-geek like Ruby but I still thought she looked cute especially with her ensemble accompanied by a black ribbon headband that matched her belt and boots. Whenever I see someone like her, I feel so… how should I put it? Different? I know I shouldn't be bothered by all this but I can't help myself.

A few moments later, Liz met my gaze. I grinned with a tooth poking out. Finally, she noticed I was here. She placed Moro back onto the floor and without warning gave me a hug as well.

*glomp*

I stumbled back from shock but I was able to recover before we both could fall over. Momo, on the other hand, was knocked off my shoulder but she landed nimbly on the porch railing.

"Sapphire! It's so nice of you to finally visit." Liz tightened her grip around my neck. I calmly but desperately tried to break free from her. Surprisingly, for a dainty and feminine-looking girl, she was stronger than she looked.

After a little while, I broke free. I gradually regained my composure and managed a small laugh. "It's only been ten days."

"Still! I was wondering when you'd arrive." Liz backed up and cocked her head to one side. Then she gestured us to follow her. "C'mon on in!"

Liz led us inside her home. The place had a quaint appeal because of its old-style wooden furnishings, framed pictures of pokemon, potted plants that either hung from the walls or just plainly sit at the corner of the room, and woolly rugs. On sight, Momo excitedly flopped on her belly and rolled around on the fluffy mat. Looking at her, I figured it must really be comfy. Moro stood beside her, watching with great interest. As for me, I took a seat in the living room while Liz went to the kitchen to make some coffee that she offered to me beforehand.

I laid back and breathed deeply. The faint smell of old furniture was mixing with the growing smell of hot coffee. Overall, it was quiet and calming. I glanced over at Momo and Moro who decided to take a late morning nap on the rug. Those furballs.

"I'm back." Liz smiled cheerfully as she came out of the adjacent room, carrying a tray with two coffee mugs.

I somehow had a bad feeling about it.

I was not off. When Liz was only a few feet away from me, she stumbled. The tray shook along with the coffee-filled mugs. I panicked and reached out to her on instinct. All seemed grim for a moment, but strangely, Liz regained her balance and the drinks didn't fall over or spill. I paused in surprise. Was it just sheer luck?

"I'm sorry!" Liz frantically apologized and placed the tray safely on the coffee table before anything else would happen.

"Nothin' happened so no worries." I flashed a grin to ease her tension.

Liz sighed heavily and took a seat. I sat beside her and picked up one of the mugs. Unexpectedly, they were pokemon styled coffee mugs. The one I held was a blue Marill with round ears and the zigzag tail for the handle. Liz cautiously took the other one, a yellow Ampharos mug. It had two round striped triangle horns that matched the tail-like handle.

The warm aroma filled the air, toning down the tension. I decided to help it along by starting a conversation. "How've ya been?"

Liz smiled. "I should be the one asking you that question. Anyway, I'm fine."

"Me too," I replied though it felt like a lie. Was I really fine? I shrugged it off and went with the flow. I looked around the silent corners of the house. "Do ya live here on your own?"

"No, my mom and dad have gone out," Liz responded. I was about to ask a question but she gave me an answer. "Oh, don't worry. It's okay for me to have visitors over. Mom was planning on turning this place into a bed and breakfast, anyway."

"That good." The idea sounded nice. This place felt really cozy, and the atmosphere outside was really refreshing.

"So… wanna stay over?" Liz inquired with eyes glittering with anticipation.

"…Ugh." I gulped and glanced sideways at my two peacefully sleeping pokemon. Perhaps, they had the right idea to take a day to really relax. Besides, I still had an idiot who's missing. Grrr… I always forget to get his number.

In the end, I accepted Liz's offer. After I scooped up my two sleepers, I was led to a guest room. It was on the second floor in a wing opposite to the rooms where Liz and her parents are staying. There were other quarters for future guests but they weren't finished. I was to stay in the room nearest to the hall dividing the wings.

When I entered, I was greeted by the same atmosphere with that of the living room. It still smelled of old wood but it was clean and tidy. There was a large bed with white sheets and pillows. Next to it was a small table with an antique lampshade. Liz left me to settle in and get used to the room.

I placed the duo on the bed and they snuggled warmly to each other. They really became close friends. I stretched my arms and opened up the window to let some of the nature breeze in. I could hear faint baas coming from the other side. After Momo and Moro wakes up, maybe I could take them to see the Mareeps, I said to myself. Moro would be glad to see her old friends.

Another moment of breathing in the fresh breeze, my nose caught a whiff of a sweet flowery scent. Instead of feeling relaxed, I became agitated. Flowers don't bloom in autumn. It could only mean one thing…

I stuck my head out the window and panned the surroundings with absolute discretion. The soft slopes of the area were empty except for a few trees and patches of shrubs. Even if I couldn't see him, I knew he was nearby. "I know you're here… Playing the stalker again?" I murmured in a dark tone because I didn't want to alert Liz or disturb Momo and Moro. "…Better come out, or else," I threatened in a more audible voice but still, nothing stirred.

I pulled my head back in and closed the window but my eyes continued to gaze the open scene outside. I couldn't understand what that idiot is thinking. He didn't say anything specific last night. All he mentioned was a couple of choices he had to make and him being indecisive. I didn't see any reason he needed to leave. Why would he suddenly disappear?

-Disappear? I was reminded of Ruby, yet again.

"…you should forget about me completely."

My heart felt like it was clenched. His words and his voice remained clear in my head. A wave of sorrow wrapped itself around me. I clutched my arms and sat on the bed, carefully as to not awaken my two pokemon. Then I closed my eyes and tried not to remember too much because all it did was hurt me more.

Seconds passed. It became really quiet. I suddenly found myself feeling lonely and restless. I glanced at Momo and Moro who were still sleeping peacefully. I envied them. Maybe, I should take a walk, I suggested to myself.

I opened the door and on cue, two squeaky voices called out to me.

"Flaaffy!"

"…Mincci?"

I turned back my head and saw Momo and Moro getting up. Moro was already wide awake with her tail in full wag but Momo was still rubbing her eyes and yawning.

Honestly. I let out a short huff and smiled. "Alright ya two… Let's go."

We came down and greeted Liz who was readying food for later. I told her that we were going to go for a walk outside and perhaps let Moro see her Mareep friends. She approved of the idea and bid us goodbye.

Outside, it was warm and sunny but partly breezy, a perfect time to get my mind off things. We walked over to the enclosure and viewed the flocks of Mareep grazing leisurely. I helped Moro and Momo get over the fence before I jumped over as well.

"Flaaffy!" Moro cried out and flashed her tail several times to get their attention.

Simultaneously, the Mareeps ceased and turned their heads towards us. Then with tails sparking, they bolted in our direction. In a few minutes, we found ourselves in a sea of fluffy golden clouds.

*Fzzzt* *Fzzzt*

…complete with mini lightning strikes.

"Flaff-Flaaffy!" Moro greeted and proceeded to introduce them to me and Momo and vice versa.

One by one, the Mareeps baaed when Moro gestured to it. I grinned and nodded in acknowledgement. Though, all I could hear was pokemon chatter. On the other hand, Momo seemed to understand. That wasn't much of a good thing. Momo looked like she was getting dizzy from trying to remember the names and at the same time, telling the wool pokemons apart. If I were in her place, I'd have a hard time as well. This is one time that I'm thankful for not being able to speak or understand pokemon.

I sat on the fence and watched them for the next several minutes. Moro spent her time talking to the Mareeps. She was probably telling them about me, her teammates and the adventures we had this past week. Momo joined in the conversation but she remained cautious so she wouldn't get shocked by their electrical current which was visibly flowing from the fleeces of the Mareeps. Even though they were deep into the flock, it was easy to spot my two pokemon. Moro's light-pink shade really stood out from the rest. Even if she was still a Mareep, it would still be easy to spot her.

All the while, Moro was in all smiles that it made me smile as well. Seeing her so happy in her old home, made me think about Dad and Hoenn. I wondered how they were doing. Is this feeling, homesickness? Did Ruby ever felt like this when he moved to Hoenn?

-Ah. I remembered him again. It really is no use for me to try and forget him even for a short while. Wait. Why am I even thinking that? Why should I forget about Ruby? I can't! I mustn't! I shouldn't!

"Dammit!" I cried out in frustration.

*wobble*

I suddenly lost my balance and fell back on the fence. But before I could hit the ground, I felt a force holding me up before I touched he grass. There wasn't anyone around or was there? Only one thing could explain what just happened. It was a psychic force that helped me and I knew only one person who had a psychic pokemon. I scrambled back to my feet, crouched down like a predator and glared at my surroundings.

"I know yer out there!" I yelled threateningly with a growl.

There was no reply, making me even more frustrated.

"Mincci?

"Flaaff?"

The two came to my side to check if I was alright. Momo was able to jump over but Moro couldn't do it so she remained on the other side. I stood up straight and told them I was fine. Momo doubted me. She turned about and scanned the area with her ears twitching and turning from left to right. Does she sense him?

I looked to her with anticipation. "Momo?"

"Mi?" She cocked her head towards me and stared at me like she had no clue as to what she was doing.

I felt a vein pop. My hopes were for nothing. I wished I could just strangle the little furball, but I should just save it for the idiot who deserves it more. I scooped Momo up and gave one last glare at the hillside before I returned to the other side of the fence.

We spent the rest of the morning hanging out with the Mareeps. It really helped me get my mind off things. By the time the sun was at its peak, Liz called us in for lunch. We bid goodbye to Moro's friends and went back inside.

We went straight to the dining room and immediately we were welcomed by a mouth-watering aroma and a finely set table. Liz motioned me to a seat while flaunting her pale lilac apron. I didn't know what to think. I was not used to those kinds of things. Platina maybe, but not me.

"Ya didn't have ta go through the trouble." I scratched my head in embarrassment.

"It was no trouble. Besides, I want some practice before this place really becomes a bed and breakfast." Liz flashed a kind smile and we sat down to enjoy the meal.

The food was great. Liz may be a little clumsy but she could really cook. I wished I could do that too. Well, the brownies last time tasted good but they looked horrible. Just thinking about it made me depressed. Liz noticed my damp mood and asked if the food tasted bad. I flinched and immediately replied that it was delicious. She looked at me with doubt but soon returned to her plate. I sighed with relief and finished up eating.

I helped Liz clean up since it was the least I could do. Momo and Moro were happy to assist as well after they ate their share of food. Liz was very hospitable and sweet. We barely knew each other but she gave me a room to stay and free food. I should really do something to thank her later on.

By the time we've finished tidying up the dining room and kitchen, Liz's mom arrived. Liz rushed over to greet her. She stumbled once again but the tall lady with short flaxen hair caught her. Liz's mom had an air of gentleness and maturity. She had lilac eyes that mirrored her daughter's. Her clothes consisted of a cream long-sleeved turtleneck, a pale saffron scarf and sleek brown jeans.

After a short exchange of smiles, Liz introduced me. She mentioned that I was Ruby's girlfriend which made me flush. It had been a long while since I've been called that. She also added that I was Moro's trainer as well as that I was staying over for the night.

Liz's mom, didn't argue or show any signs of disapproval. In fact, she was thrilled that I was staying over. I was slightly dumbfounded. Are they both just really open to strangers like me? Or was it because I'm Ruby's girlfriend? If it's the latter….Ugh, never mind. I don't even want to think about it.

"Ya know, if there's anythin' I can help out with, I'm happy ta do it." I said to them. I didn't want to be some freeloader. I would feel more at ease if I did something that they could be thankful for.

"You don't have to! I'm just happy that Ruby's girlfriend is staying over. It'll give me a chance to get to know you better," Liz told me with an innocent glee.

That was her intention. I started to panic in the inside. What if I'm not the person she expects? I'm the complete opposite of Ruby. I'm not a girly girl who likes pink and dressing up.

*gloom*

Ruby, it's all your fault, I cursed under my breath.

I'm wearing pink. I'm hanging around a sassy Minccino and a fluffy Flaaffy. What would people assume? -That I'm a girl, who wears grass skirts, likes swinging through trees, and crawls around in mud and dirt. A complete wild girl? Of course not! Looking at me now, there's no way that she'd think of me like that.

"Anyway, Liz. Did you finish painting the back part of the barn?" The blonde lady inquired with a motherly smile.

"Ah! I almost forgot! I'll do that right now." Liz brushed passed me and in that moment, I had an idea.

"I wanna help out!" I exclaimed with eagerness. This is my chance to show her that I'm really not some girly girl that I appear to be. Whether she thinks I'm not compatible with Ruby doesn't matter. As long as she knows who I really am.

An hour later…

I followed Liz to the barn which was located at the back of the house. I was excited to get things over with… before. Now, I was unsure how things were turning out.

"…Uhm, Liz?"

"Yes?"

"Why're we wearin' this?"

Liz and I were dressed in some weird light brown suit with a matching beret. It was so that we weren't going to get our clothes stained from all the paint, but it looked so weird. We also had this dark brown goggles and a belt with paintbrush attached making it look like we had tails.

"Isn't it cute?" Liz spun around and twirled her tail. "This costume is modeled after Smeargle, the painter pokemon. I thought that it would be fun to do it like this."

"…Fun, eh?" I raised a brow and took another look at myself. If Lapis was here, he'd be snapping photos of me. And if somehow he is… I'll break his precious camera to pieces along with him!

Momo and Moro were also tagging along, dressed in smaller version of the Smeargle outfit. Their ears were poking out of their hats especially Momo's. Unlike me and Liz, they didn't have to hold on to their Smeargle tails since they can move it around using their own.

I stared for the nth time at the suit. Why does Liz have outfits like these? I asked her about it and she told me that she and her mom liked making pokemon costumes. It was like their bonding time. They even designed ones for pokemon so that pokemon like Moro and Momo could dress up like …well, other pokemon.

I didn't know what it is like to have a mother. Dad said that mom passed away after I was born. I wondered what she was like. Anyway, that's all in the past.

We got the buckets of paint from the storage room located inside the barn then we circled to the back. The barn was painted primarily with blue like it was mimicking the sky while the rest of the edges and frame were white. The back side was still unfinished though. With the four of us doing it, it'll be easier and faster.

Thank you, blue paint! It was quite a relief that it wasn't pink. I'd die if I get anymore pink than Ruby's outfit. I whirled my tail and dipped it into the paint bucket. Momo and Moro followed and started painting the lower parts because that's about all that they could reach.

It would be best to start at the top, I said to myself. As I looked up, I saw a rope dangling from the roof of the barn. I was reminded of a vine hanging from a tree. It was a perfect chance for me to show Liz who I really am.

"I'll do the upper half." I suggested to Liz and eagerly reached for the rope.

"Really?" Liz looked at me with worry, but then her worry changed into awe when she saw me hanging comfortably from the height adjacent to the barn loft.

"No problem!" I cheered happily from my position and started to paint with my free hand while my other hand was grasping the rope. For paint, I had an extra bucket secured to my belt while the others used the rest. I was all set. I didn't have experience in stuff like this but we're just painting everything all blue, how hard could that be?

*drip* *drop*

"…Mincci?"

*drip* *drop*

"MIII!"

Hmm? I looked down and saw Momo desperately pawing her face. Moro and Liz were fussing over her. It was only when I spotted a hint of blue on the Minccino that I realized that my paint had accidentally dripped all over her.

"Momo!" I slid down the rope in a hurry, unintentionally forgetting the open bucket of paint attached to me.

*splat*

When I was halfway down, the can tipped over and spilled. Now, all three below me was covered in paint. Arceus! I'm clumsier than Liz! I slammed the lid on the container and came down to apologize.

"I'm really sorry!"

Liz rubbed the little paint spots off of her face and smiled. "It's alright. At least the suit was useful."

Liz was correct. It was mostly the beret that got splattered. Her goggles also help protect her from the paint. Moro was in the same condition and she wasn't angry at all. But I couldn't say the same for a certain fussy furball.

"Mi-Minccino!" Momo fumed while furiously flailing her paws in the air. Her ears up to the half of her face were covered in paint. The goggles were really blue except for the parts that she and Moro wiped off. I could see the fire burn in her scarlet eyes.

"I said I was sorry…" I bent down and looked at her, apologetically.

Momo stared at me, unsure whether she was going to forgive me or not. After a second or two, she turned her head and bolted on all fours back inside the barn. I guessed that she was still upset or that she was going to clean herself up.

Liz helped me up and asked if I was going after her. I was unsure. I knew that I had to but Momo like cleaning up by her own and some time to cool down sounded best.

*splat*

I suddenly felt something drop on my head. The next sight made me completely frozen. It was dripping pink. PINK! I grabbed the little can from my head and handed it to Liz who seemed on the verge of panicking. Without a word, I looked up, fully expecting the identity of the culprit.

"Mi…" Momo looked down on me from the window of the loft. Her goggles and hat were gone, showing the unpainted part of her head. She was half grinning with satisfaction. This was her payback. Was I gonna let her off?

Not a chance.

I snatched back the can from Liz and threw it up, striking the edge of the window where Momo was situated. It didn't hit her but it was enough to jolt the Minccino into a frantic panic that she fell out of the window. Lucky for her, she clutched the rope before she could come anywhere near me but I wasn't through.

"Get down here, ya little!" I angrily tugged the rope, making Momo squirm and grasped the cord tighter.

I was about to climb up after her, but Liz held my arm and tried to calm me down. It was then realized that my anger got the better of me and that I must have looked like a hot-tempered person in front of Liz.

"Uhhmm…" I stammered.

"I-I think you look good in pink," Liz blurted out a compliment which made me completely gloom in the inside. I understood that she was trying to make me feel better but she didn't know that it had the opposite effect.

"Flaff," Moro cried out and motioned to the wall which was still in the process of painting. I sweat dropped. The ground around below us and ourselves for that matter had more paint on than the barn. Moro had the right idea to finish off what we actually had in mind to do.

"Alright, Momo. Come down. I'm not mad at ya…" I called out my Minccino who was still dangling above us, fear stricken.

Momo took one look at me and jumped down. I immediately caught her and stared. The blue-stained furball was making her eyes all big and round and her ears flopping downwards to the side as if her cuteness was going to get her off the hook.

It was partly working.

I huffed in exasperation. Momo perked herself up, expecting than her little act won me over. Think again, ya fussy furball. I wiped my head against her forehead, adding the pink paint to her gray fur. She squirmed a lot but she didn't hate it too much. After all, it was rare for me to snuggle her. I giggled softly as Momo snuggled back in an attempt to rub the blue paint on me as well. Moro enjoyed the sight of us and joined in, rubbing herself against my leg.

And here I thought a minute ago, we were going to continue painting the wall of the barn.

"Let me join too!" Liz ran up to me with open arms.

*glomp*

*splash*

The force of her hug knocked us all over as well as the remaining cans of paint. It was official. We were completely covered in paint. There a mixture of pink, blue and lilac puddles all around. Everyone laughed. I gotta admit it. It was funny. In the spur of the moment, I splattered more paint on everyone using my Smeargle tail. A moment later, they retaliated in the same manner.

For a while, I remembered being a little kid again, playing in the mud with the Mudkips my dad brought in for future trainers. But this time, there was something different. I felt as though I had a little sister. It was nice.

In the end, we planted ourselves against the wall since we wasted most of the paint on ourselves. The upper half was tricky but I used my vine swinging skills to finish off using whatever paint was left in the cans.

The result looked weird but Liz said she loved it. It was primarily blue but with a few streaks of pink that spread out into large blotches of light violet. At least, we finished painting the wall.

We returned to Liz's home but we used the back door since we were still slightly dripping wet with paint. Momo's fur became stiff that it almost made her cry. Feeling sorry for her, I carried her in my arms as we went up the second floor. I assumed that she's going to be up all night, brushing the paint off her fur.

Liz showed me to the bathroom for guests. Then she went to the opposite wing where the family bathroom was located. Thanks to the suits, I didn't have much paint on me other than the lower half of my face which was not protected by my goggles. Moro's skin was rubbery and her ears were smooth so it was easy for the paint to come off. Momo just sat in the metal basin while scrubbing her ears with soap. Her whole head was a different color from her body. And now, it was covered in a layer of bubbles.

After Moro and I were paint-free, we helped out Momo as best as we could.

Night was descending. I got changed into my night wear and took a breather in my room. Momo was till brushing the tangled parts of her fur with a brush, but she was gradually nodding off. Moro offered to help but I took it upon myself to groom her.

I placed Momo on a pillow and slowly combed her fur. The remaining paint wouldn't come off. If I brushed too hard, I might disturb Momo. She was already dozing off. If Ruby was here, it would have been done in seconds flat and Momo's fur would be all silky and stuff. I don't know how he does it.

I sighed inwardly once again. I still continue to think of him. It really couldn't be helped. Whenever I think of him, I feel calm but at the same time, lonely. Sometimes, the air around me becomes cold that I just want to wrap my arms around myself.

"Mincci?" I snapped out of my daze when Momo raised her head and called out to me.

"I'm fine, Momo." I managed a smile and continued brushing her fur.

I had dinner downstairs, a few hours later. Liz's dad was still not back. According to Liz's mom, he was on a business trip and he would be back the day after tomorrow. So it was just us girls in the house. It felt strangely new to me, but I liked it.

I hung around with Liz for the remainder of the evening just before we would go to bed. I told her about Hoenn and my adventures there. And because she asked, I also told her how Ruby and I met. I expected her to be surprised about what kind of girl I am since I mentioned the grass skirts and other stuff, but to my surprise, she was really open. And in fact, she was intrigued by me. But what surprised me most was that she said that I had a charming aura. Whether it was my fanged grin or my azure eyes, she couldn't explain it herself. She just found it refreshing to be near me.

I wonder if Ruby ever felt that way-Ah.

…Here I go again.

I bid Liz goodnight and went up to my room. When I opened the door, I found Momo and Moro already asleep and curled up like they were this morning. They're so carefree that I envy them a little.

The quietness returned. I went to the window and stared out at the night sky. Lapis didn't show himself. I was sure that it was Azura's psychic powers helping me out today. What's up with him? Why is he distancing himself?

*yawn*

There's no point in dwelling on it. I should just get some sleep.

Normal POV

"Lights have gone out," Azura stated with the use of telepathy as she turned towards her trainer.

Lapis sat by the roots of the tree and glanced upwards at the starry sky, peeking out from between the branches. They were surrounded by shadows. Only the faint glow of Azura's amber eyes and horns shone some light around them. The chilly autumn wind blew but neither of them seemed bothered. Even if there was no fire around to warm them.

"I don't know what to do anymore." Lapis continued to stare blankly at the sky.

"She seems fine without you," Azura quoted but she knew what she said wasn't completely true. She detected Sapphire's emotions and knew of the times she felt lonely or sad. She merely told that to Lapis for his sake.

"I can see that." Lapis took out his camera and scanned the additional photos. He smiled but it was mixed with some emptiness. He shifted his eyes towards his shiny Kirlia and presented her the images on the screen. "Thanks to Xylo's Camouflage, we weren't seen and I got some great shots."

Azura didn't look amused. "Can't we just head straight to Cianwood City?"

Lapis' smile vanished. "Here I thought that Xylo was the serious-type." After pondering for a moment, he exhaled deeply and lowered his head. "…You're right. But at least, I should say goodbye properly."

Azura argued with his decision but in the end, she went with him to see Sapphire.

Since it would cause a flash if they teleported inside, Lapis went up to the 2nd floor window using Azura's telekinesis. He peered inside but couldn't get a good enough view of the bed. He tried tapping the window but nothing stirred.

Lapis had to resort to opening the window and sneaking in. Shadows filled the room but they it wasn't as dark as the forest that they were in before. They boy stepped inside and immediately, he was grabbed by the collar and thrown onto the floor.

Thankfully, it wasn't forceful enough to make a loud noise that could have woken up Liz and her mom.

Shaken up but recovering quickly, Lapis looked up at the silhouette before him.

"Ya've got some explaining ta do…"

End of Chapter 22

I'm having procrastination issues. I planned on a Valentines Day sidestory but I'm a little late. I'll think about.

These writing gaps are making me loose track but I'm still in the safe zone. (My head still pops up ideas)

Anyway, back to the story...

Sapphire is probably gonna beat some answers out of him this time. (maybe)

Cianwood is still after Olivine City. 1 badge and some more adventuring to go before that place.

I'll probably do another Ruby POV in the next chapter with a mix of the continuation of this.

Ok! Review Please! And thank you for being patient :D