AN: Two readers asked questions about the story and since they don't have personal accounts the only way I can answer them is through AN. Here's my response:

Iamsomething asked:

"Why does Helena know who Michio and Annastasia are? and Why is Annastasia a local celebrity (in Aubergine Village)?"

This was in the chapter when they arrive in Aubergine and the old female gym leader claims to already knows both of them. Annastasia doesn't indicate whether or not she knows Helena, but Michio claims to not know who she is. I will explain more later in the fic.

As for the second question, Annastasia is considered a local celebrity because as a top agent, she worked all over the place and achieved a lot, so naturally, people found out about her.

Umbreon asked:

"Is Jay gay? If not, I am going to just assume he is straight."

Assuming any of my characters are straight is not a good idea. I'll leave it at that:)

Now, enjoy:

Soledad and Misty approached the trainers' platforms. Soledad's parents, friends, Pokémon, and parents' friends and Pokémon were watching from the sidelines.

"I choose Politoad," Misty announced as she released the Pokémon.

"I choose Jigglypuff," said Soledad.

"Aqua Tail, Politoad!"

"Try Bounce followed by Fake Out!"

Jigglypuff landed on top of Politoad and grabbed onto its head, then issued a successful Fake Out. Politoad got Jigglypuff to let go using a powerful Aqua Tail followed by an abrupt Take-Down.

"This'll be a close one," said Takeshi.

"Go, Jigglypuff and Soledad!" Jocelyn cheered.

"Flaafy Flaafy!"

The others joined in while Jigglypuff used Bounce and Fake Out until Politoad had no choice but to surrender.

Jigglypuff bowed.

"Soledad, that was incredible!" Dawn squealed. "You did great, Jigglypuff!"

"Keep up the good work!" Gary added.

"You rock!" said Jocelyn.

"Flaaa!"

"Brains and power!" said Jay.

"Beat her for me!" said Amber.

"Thanks, everyone!" Soledad called back.

"Jigglypuff's a great Pokémon to have on your team," said Misty. "Let's see how he reacts to Blastoise!"

"Oh, whoa… Jigglypuff, let's keep going…"

Jigglypuff made a fist and pointed it at Blastoise, trying to make himself look more intimidating than he actually was.

"Don't quit now!" Lexi cheered. "You got this!"

"We've seen what you can do, so do it!" Rita shouted.

As the others cheered, Jigglypuff began singing. Soledad everyone in the arena covered their ears.

"Blastoise, Hydro Pump!" Misty yelled. "Hurry!"

The gushing water knocked Jigglypuff into the pool. He sprang back to his feet effortlessly while Blastoise continued the assault.

"How?" said Takeshi. "Blastoise is sti—"

Takeshi collapsed, falling into a forced sleep. Annastasia caught him right before he fell.

"If Takeshi was awake to see A catch him, his heart would've exploded," Jay sighed, though no one heard him since they all still had their ears covered.

Everyone was wondering why Blastoise did not fall asleep.

"I'll explain later," Annastasia mouthed to the others.

They gave her a thumbs' up. Blastoise continued to evade the effects of Jigglypuff's song, and eventually, the Pokémon ceased singing.

"Blastoise has Insomnia as her special ability," said Misty.

"Oh, that explains it," Soledad mumbled. "Jigglypuff, use Amnesia!"

"Oh-uh, that sounds badddd," said Jocelyn. "I bet it will make Blastoise forget everything!"

Flaafy shook his head, disagreeing with Jocelyn.

"Amnesia makes a Pokémon forget its concerns and improves its Special Defense stat," Lexi explained. "It raises a Pokémon confidence and its resilience to Special Attacks all in one move."

"Amnesia's a great move to use at this time because not only is Jigglypuff upset that its song was ineffective, but Blastoise's Hydro Pump is a Special Attack, so Special Defense is an important factor in this particular battle," said Nolan.

"All this info's a lot to remember," Takeshi complained.

"You're awake, how?" Amber asked as she poked him.

Takeshi slapped away her hand.

"I gave him a Chesto Berry," Annastasia explained. "If you rub it on the skin of a human, Pokémon, or animal that is asleep, it'll force them awake—hence how I would get Jay out of bed in the morning for school."

"Yeah, it's effective all right," Jay mumbled.

"Well, um, Takeshi, I have a good book about water, fire, and grass Pokémon if you're interested," June said meekly.

"June's book can help you a lot," said Annastasia. "You should spend more time with June—she's working hard studying too."

"I should also spend time with you," said Takeshi. "You're so smart and you just saved me!"

The others cringed, especially his parents.

"You say that as if Jay and I aren't studying," Amber said to Annastasia.

"You and Jay could spend more time reading and less time on shooting arrows and cosplay, but for now, let's watch Soledad."

"Good, Jiggly, now use your special ability!" Soledad instructed.

Jiggly used Cute Charm on the Blastoise, forcing the female water-type to become infatuated with the male Jigglypuff. Blastoise ignored all of Misty's commands.

"No, Blastoise! Snap out of it!" said Misty. "Focus!"

Blastoise refused to battle, but after Jiggly used Double Slap to weaken her HP, she returned to the match.

"Blastoise is back in the game," said Ash. "This isn't over yet!"

"Pikachuuu!"

"Use Cosmic Power followed by Hydro Pump," Misty commanded.

"Cosmic Power raises Special Defense and Special Attack stats," said Annastasia. "Bleu has the same move—it's one of our favorites."

"Tari," Bleu agreed.

"Misty's really being rough on Soledad," said Lily. "I like it."

"Ditto," said Logan.

"Run, Jiggly! Use Sing again," Soledad tried.

Jiggly was blown into the water. He soon fainted.

"Gym Leader Misty takes round 2!" Ash declared.

Soledad huffed and handed Jiggly over to Annastasia's Altaria, who had flown over in order to heal the puffy pink Pokémon.

"Thanks, Bleu. Thanks, A," Soledad said glumly.

"We agreed to three rounds," said Misty. "And since this is not a Super Single Battle—like the one I did with Michio—you can use items to heal, make substitutions, and use legendary Pokémon if you happen to have any. You can still beat me."

"You know you can do better," Annastasia added.

Soledad nodded and turned away.

"We each have one Pokémon down and two to go, choose wisely," said Misty.

"Squirt Gun, you ready?" Soledad asked the Squirtle.

Squirt Gun joined her on the battlefield.

"Squirt Gun agreed ahead of time to help Soledad," Lily explained to the adults.

"Thanks," Soledad said as she patted Squirt Gun's head. "Let's start with Quick Attack."

"Blastoise, Freeze Dry," said Misty.

Squirt Gun landed two critical hits on Blastoise and managed to dodge the persistent Freeze Dry attacks.

"He has impressive speed," said Gary. "I imagine he's eating well, practicing, and getting plenty of rest and relaxation."

"He's healthy alright," said Logan. "Lily and I assure it."

"Sometimes Pokémon make the best trainers," said Annastasia.

"I don't doubt it," said Gary.

"Thanks," the twins replied.

The arena was filled with applause as everyone cheered for the tiny Squirtle. The shellfish Pokémon took over the whole battlefield, going in and out of the pool, jumping high into the air, and jumping from platform to platform. Squirt Gun moved so quickly that the group was having a hard time keeping track of him.

Misty's Blastoise collapsed from exhaustion.

"The round goes to Squirt Gun and Soledad!" Ash declared.

"You were amazing," Soledad told Squirt Gun. She picked him up and rocked him in an embrace. "Thank you. I suggest you rest for a bit."

Squirt Gun returned to the sidelines. Logan rubbed his shoulders while Lily handed him a Sitrus Berry protein shake that Annastasia had made for the competitors.

"Go, Staryu!" Misty announced.

"Misty's had that Staryu since she was eight and it still hasn't evolved," said Brock. "It's a reminder to you all that your Pokémon don't have to reach the end of their evolution line in order to be the greatest version of themselves."

"Wow, I hadn't thought of it that way before," said June. "I would love Bulbasaur to be a Venasaur one day…but I'll love her the same."

"Bulba!"

"So, that's the same Staryu that used to shoot us with Water Pulse whenever we'd try to steal the brat's Pokemon," said Jessie. "Which means James and Meowth owe me ten bucks each."

James doled two fives.

"I ain't got no cash," said Meowth.

"I'll deal with you later," Jessie admonished.

"So, nothing's changed at our house much since we left, huh, Alex?" Annastasia asked the toddler.

"Nope," he answered.

Misty and Soledad had yet to begin the battle, as Misty had taken an interest in the conversation started by Brock's comment. She patted Staryu lovingly.

"Staryu doesn't need to evolve to be the best. Right, Girl?" she cooed.

"Hiyaya!" Staryu chanted back.

June leaned in to whisper into Amber's ear. "No offense to your mom, but how can she tell it's a girl? It doesn't even have a face."

"My dad and I've been wondering that for years," said Amber. "It's intuition I guess."

"Pichu pi," Pip agreed.

"And she likes being a girl," said Jay. "And I think she's perfect even though she's unevolved."

"There's no way an unevolved Pokémon could be more valuable than a full evolution," said Michio.

"And, he's at it again," Lexi groaned.

"He was doing so well," Nolan lamented.

"There are many ways in which you are wrong," Annastasia said as she lifted Lil-G. "Take this lil pupper, for example. She's ten pounds and barely a foot tall. Yet, she's got two powerful Abilities, plus a Hidden Ability, her HP's 400, Attack's 410, Special Attack's 200, Defense's 355, Special Defense's 355, and Speed's 500. She also has Pokérus, ten moveslots, and her temperament is awesome."

"Pup pup!" Lil-G happily added.

Michio looked shocked and impressed, though he'd never admit it.

"She's level 100, btw," said Rita. Then, Rita lowered her voice so that only Michio could hear. "Annastasia trained Lil-G from the time they were both babies. Even Gary once said that Lil-G's potential was in the toilet, but A changed that. Makes Annastasia just a little hotter, now doesn't it?"

"Those stats are impossible," Michio argued.

"Use your Pokédex to scan Lil-G if you don't believe her," said Soledad. "And um, I kinda wanna get this battle done, so…"

"Right. Soledad, it's your time to shine," said Annastasia. "I'm sorry."

"Don't be sorry. I know you go on tangents easily."

"The gift of Attention Deficient Disorder," said Rita. "Now Soledad, get to that battle!"

"Okay! Raticate, it's your turn. Let's finish this!"

"Raticate Ratta!"

"GO SOLEDAD! GO RATICATE!" everyone shouted together.

"You can do it! Get that Casca…cas…. lade...whatever it's called badge!" Jocelyn yelled.

"Flaaa!"

"Use Tail Whip and Fury Swipes," Soledad instructed.

"Acid Armor" Misty called out. "Then Brine!"

Acid Armor raised Staryu's Defense. Brine trenched Raticate until its HP was down to a single point.

"This isn't a good match-up," Gary commented. "Soledad's handling it well, but Raticate don't generally do well in water battles."

"It's the only Pokémon she has other than Chary," said Jay.

"Raticate, Tackle!" Soledad instructed. Raticate pinned Staryu to the ground. "Great work. Now, Fury Swipes!"

Staryu was greatly damaged, but she managed to pull herself up. One last Brine finished Raticate.

"This battle is over. Victory goes to Gym Leader Misty!" Ash declared.

"At least we did our best," Soledad sighed as she returned Raticate.

"You put up a magnificent fight," Gary said after she descended the platform. "You had no Pokémon that were super-effective against water-types."

"I need electric or grass-types…or Pokémon that can learn a move that is equally effective."

"You've improved since Pewter City. You weren't nearly as nervous and you lasted longer out there," said Annastasia. "That's meaningful progress. It's important for you and your team to understand that."

Raticate was fully revived after getting sprayed by one of Annastasia's concoctions.

Rita poked Michio.

"Stop poking me," he said as he stepped away.

"I was just gonna answer your question," said Rita.

"I don't have any questions."

"You're wondering what's in that bottle, if A made it herself, if she'll let you use it sometime, and why she bothered to make it in the first place when potions are cheap as fuck at the MegaMart that's walking distance from here."

"I don't need you to tell me."

"Good point—there'll be loads of opportunities to ask A yourself."

No one overheard that conversation except Scarlett, but Amber and Jay caught some of the last part.

"A, Michio has a question!" Amber announced.

The entire group turned to look at him. Michio tried to not look embarrassed, but it failed.

Annastasia knew what this was about without even needing to ask.

"There's a recycling bin at every PC," she began. "Trainers have a tendency to toss potion bottles that still have an ounce or two left. They figured that their Pokémon's healed, so they don't even need to use that last bit of potion—it happens frequently among people who are training small to medium-sized Pokémon…I check the bottles, and if they're not expired, I put that last little bit in this bottle. I do a brief toxicity test on it using a technique I learned in TR training, then I use and share it."

"That's why she collects our bottles for us," said June.

"Anna-sama is so perfect to think of every little thing like that," Takeshi sighed.

Thee others cringed, again, and Annastasia emphasized that this was something she learned and that anyone can easily do, not an Annastasia-exclusive superpower.

"That's a waste of time," said Michio. "You have enough money to buy the entire Pokémon Center."

"It gives me something to do while I wait for you to get out of bed in the morning," she retorted.

"She's not wrong," said Logan.

"Never is," said Lily. "Except for when I say so, but 99.9% of the time, she's not wrong."

"This is a good time to discuss who's going up next and rematches," said Annastasia.

"I'll be here for a rematch anytime," Misty told the trainers. "The Gym's hours are posted, but I can make some exceptions for you all if you let me know ahead of time. The chances are I will be available."

"Thank you so much. You know I definitely will be in touch about that rematch," Soledad replied.

"Misty needs a break to recharge her Pokémon," said Annastasia. "But let's make a plan. Who wants to go next?"

The children looked at each other briefly, and then Jay spoke up.

"We were actually thinking that maybe we should wait until tomorrow, this way we can get another day of practice in…" he explained. June and Takeshi nodded in agreement. "If that's okay."

"Fine with me," said Annastasia.

"And me," said Misty.

"You can stay another night at the Pallet House," James offered.

"And I can take a few of you if you would rather sleep on the floor of my tiny house instead of in a two-star motel."

"It's four stars and a hotel—with an 'h'," Jessie complained, then she added for only James: "This is a relief; I'm getting sick of pretending to cheer for other people's kids."

"I'm hungry," said Amber. "Jay too."

"And me," said Jocelyn.

"Fla fee."

The other children nodded.

"We planned a special picnic," said Cilan. "We just need about thirty minutes to set up."

"For real?" said June.

"You've earned this. You've all taken leaps since the day you embarked," said Iris. "New Pokémon, some gym badges, valuable experience—no doubt you've learned more than you realize."

"I thought I was an expert on Pokémon but even I learned some stuff," said Logan.

"Expert? What kind of fantasy was that?" Lily retorted. "But yeah, I agree I learned some things too."

"Like how to take care of a Pokémon," said June. "How to groom them, which kinds of snacks are best, how to properly give a potion…"

"How to dig through the recycling bin and use other people's potions," said Amber.

"I learned that Flaafy can one day mega evolve into Mega Amararos!" said Jocelyn.

"Fla?"

"Oh, yeah, 'Ampharos'. It's hard to pronounce."

"I learned more about what I already knew," said Soledad. "Or thought I knew…"

"How to train new moves to Cyndaquil in hours instead of years," said Takeshi.

"How to get ready for the day without a sink and horrible lighting for your foundation," said Jay.

"And Michio learned ten times that amount, right?" Soledad teased.

"Sure," he shrugged.

"Pika!" said Scarlett, agreeing with Soledad.

"I'm excited about this picnic," said Jocelyn. "Will there be ice cream?"

"Fla fee fla?"

"Plenty, Princess," Jessie answered.

"Yay!" she cheered.

"Flaaa!"

"You all can relax in the rec room while we get ready," Misty suggested.

"Need help setting up?" Nolan asked.

"Nope; we got plenty of hands already."

Once they got to the rec room, Soledad took out her current read, Jocelyn and Flaafy made friendship bracelets, Jay and Amber teamed up against Nolan and Lexi for a game of poker, June groomed Bulbasaur, Michio groomed Scarlett, Lily, Logan, and the majority of the other Pokémon either napped or played cards, Rita tried to make conversation with Michio, Annastasia took over the role of babysitting Alex, and Takeshi watched Annastasia.

"I want Mommy," Alex told Annastasia. "And Daddy."

"Mommy and Daddy will be home soon. A week is a lonnnng time to be away from home," she replied. "You are being so good about it."

"Uncle James and Aunt Jessie say I'm good."

"You are good. What would you like to do?"

"Pokémon!"

"Would you like to help me groom Bleu?"

"Yay!"

"Good. He's got a lotta wool. I could really use your help."

"Cute, right?" Rita asked Michio randomly.

"Zoo?" her Zorua cooed as she rubbed against him and Scarlett.

"You can't seriously be bothering me again," Michio grumbled. "I don't even know what you're talking about."

"She's always like that," Rita continued. "A's not only good with Pokémon and eleven-year-olds—she can communicate well with anyone, so long as they are at least a teensy bit open-hearted…"

"I miss Ditto," Alex continued. "I wish Mommy, Daddy, and Ditto could help groom Bleu."

"I miss them too," said Annastasia. "Are you having fun with Acorn and Aliyah? They are like Ditto too—they can become any Pokémon in the entire world."

"Wow!"

Acorn and Aliyah appeared at the mentioned of their names. They licked the two humans' faces. Annastasia had them turn into Loudred, Shinx, Roselia, and Mew. Alex was fully entertained by this.

"Can they turn into Mommy and Daddy?" he asked.

"No, but we can call them on my phone," Annastasia suggested. "Bleu can wait, right, Bleu?"

The enormous Pokémon nodded then joined Star, Annastasia's Espeon, as she napped. Lil-G was already asleep on Bleu's back by the time Annastasia dialed Duplica.

"Awe, so cute," Rita whispered.

"Sure," Michio repeated.

Duplica appeared in a hologram emanating from Annastasia's phone. was wearing hiking gear and a worn expression on her face.

"Mommy!" Alex exclaimed.

"Alex! And Annastasia! How are you?" Duplica responded.

"We're doing well," Annastasia replied. "Alex really wanted to see you."

After Alex and Duplica exchanged several random words, Annastasia filled them in on their progress. Then she asked about the TR mission. Duplica gave vague details but sounded hopeful.

"I wish I could tell you more," said Duplica. "But I can't in case these wires are being tapped—the heads have gone nutso on security."

"I understand. Hopefully, I'll see you in a few days. Good luck," said Annastasia.

Annastasia noted a disruption in the background.

"I have to go," Duplica said abruptly. "Alex, I'm sorry, but I gotta go."

"Okay, Alex, time to say goodbye," said Annastasia.

"Bye, Mommy!" he exclaimed, far cheerier than he was before.

"Bye. Sweetie!" she responded, blowing him a kiss before hanging up the phone.

"That was nice you got to see Mommy," Annastasia told Alex.

"That was lovely," Rita told Michio, still attempting conversation even though Michio had moved his seat three times in the last five minutes.

"Yeah, she's good at babysitting," said Michio. "What do you want from me? Just be straightforward."

"I've been straightforward."

"I'm not interested in you or anyone else."

Meanwhile, Annastasia's conversation with Alex continued.

"Aunt Jessie and Uncle James have a secret!" he burst out randomly, as toddlers often did.

"Oh really?" Annastasia replied.

Annastasia was genuinely amused. She tickled him and he giggled harder.

"What's their secret?" she asked.

"They said that they're having another baby!" Alex exclaimed. "They also said that Giovanni is a meany! And that Meowth is dumb!"

Alex laughed and grabbed onto Aliyah, who laughed and tickled him some more.

'Oh god,' Annastasia thought to herself. 'Not this again.'

Before she could spend more time on the thought, Rita joined them. Rita introduced herself to the toddler, who happily conversed with her until Aliyah took away his attention. Rita then started a conversation with Annastasia while the Mew entertained Alex.

"You have that 'oh shit' look on your face," Rita noted. "You okay? I can look over Alex if you need to make an escape."

"I'm fine," Annastasia replied.

Rita was unconvinced.

"I'll give some deets later," Annastasia added. "What's up with you?"

"I'm officially giving up on Michio," she sighed.

"You already told me that…several times."

"But this time it's official."

"It's not like you to linger on a rejection or one guy…or any human being."

"He's the first person other than you who didn't give me at least one night. It makes me wonder if I'm losing my charm. I'll go for Nolan."

"Don't go after Nolan."

"Why? Jay told me he was single."

"Nolan's a good guy; I don't want you corrupting him. He's been one of my closest friends since I was a baby. It's my job to protect him from people like you."

"You're right; I would corrupt him. That's why we're friends—I need an ace card."

"That pun makes zero sense."

"Well, I tried."

"Just take a break from sex. It won't hurt."

"Easy for you to say. You don't know the agony of being attracted to people."

"Anna-tay-ya?" Alex asked, tugging on her uniform. "Can we go swimming? There's a pool!"

"That is right Alex, there is a pool," Annastasia replied. "But we have to wait a few more minutes, then maybe you can go in during the picnic."

"Okay!"

Alex resumed playing with the Pokémon.

"I hate traveling missions," Rita pouted. "One-night stands are nice, but two and three-night stands are better."

"You can always contact you work partner," Annastasia suggested.

"I told you: he sucks. All the good ones are being sent to Toka. Giovanni is so goddamned mysterious. He won't give a lot of details about what is going on out there, but it must be important. He's thinking of putting a base out there. Sounds strange, considering hardly any people live on that continent…it sucks that HQ is getting emptier by the day."

"Hmmm… Alex's parents in charge of one of the Tokan expeditions. If Gio builds a base, he might want to make them as base leaders…I hope he doesn't push them in that direction."

"I can't imagine anyone wanting to take that position. It's cold and boring."

Rita and Annastasia talked about nothing topics until Misty retrieved them.

"Whoa. You really went all out," Takeshi said when he saw their display. "Neat."

"Ice cream!" Jocelyn cheered as she ran towards the dessert table.

"Flaaaaafy!"

"Whoa, look at all that food," said Amber. "It's like a years' worth. Imma eat till I puke!"

"Tacos!" Logan cried. "Oh, how I missed tacos! Mini hotdogs too!"

"Gluten-free stuff as well," said Annastasia. "Thanks."

Over the pool hung a large banner with the words 'Congrats!" written across it. It looked like many different Pokémon had signed it by sticking their paws/wings/fins in paint. The adults had set out a large buffet table with many different types of food, a Ping-Pong and pool table, a bar with non-alcoholic cocktail drinks, a little stage with a drum set and a guitar amp, and a pop-up Jacuzzi. The children laughed and ran towards the scene. Annastasia carried Alex to her parents.

"Aunt Jessie!" Alex squealed.

Jessie lifted Alex, who then called for James, who then brought him to the buffet table.

"We figured you all could use a little fun," Jessie said as twirled a piece of Annastasia's hair between her fingers. "My perfect daughter deserves the best."

"This is nice," she replied. "We appreciate it more than you can imagine."

A few yards away from where they were standing, James was talking to Jay. James grabbed Jay's hand and pulled him to the side. He whispered something in his ear. A giant smile rose on Jay's face and he ran back into the gym. James watched him go with a look that was a mixture of happiness, sadness, and pride.

'That empty-nest syndrome must be kicking in,' Annastasia thought as she watched the scene unfold.

"You okay, Princess?" Jessie asked when she noticed her staring out into space.

"I was just wondering why Jay ran off so suddenly," she replied.

"We brought his amp for his guitar. We figured that while he was here, he could play something for the crowd," Jessie responded. "Maybe you can join him."

"I suppose I could."

Before she could request a quiet conversation with her father, Jocelyn and Flaafy dragged James to the pool and forced him to play with her and Alex. Several Pokémon joined in. Annastasia turned to her mother before she could escape.

"So, Alex told me your little secret," said Annastasia.

She was in too good a mood to hold back now. Her mother would have done the same thing to her.

"What secret?" Jessie asked. She looked at Annastasia, then Alex, then back at Annastasia. "Clarify."

"Are you really going to deny it?" Annastasia said playfully, gently elbowing her mother.

"I really don't know what you're talking about."

"Oh." Annastasia could tell when her mom was genuine versus when she was lying. She figured it was just Alex making things up again. "Okay. Never mind."

Rita tugged Annastasia's arm. "Join me in the Jacuzzi."

"I will—later."

"You better."

Rita left to go find Lexi, Nolan, and possibly Michio.

"What'd you think I was hiding?" Jessie asked.

"Alex told me you were having another baby," Annastasia responded. "But he obviously made it up."

'Stupid James,' Jessie thought to herself.

"You how toddlers can be…" she laughed nervously.

"Yup," Annastasia replied. "Anyway, I'm getting food. You want anything?"

"No…I'm fine…"

Alex yawned and rubbed his eyes. Jessie got him a plate of fried tofu and they sat on the grass. She helped him eat while James and Jocelyn played a game of basketball together. It was pitifully clear who was winning. Jessie laughed as Jocelyn and Flaafy scored basket after basket over her father.

"Do you want me to take over watching Alex?" James called from the pool.

"No, I got him!" she responded.

She was enjoying the show too much to have it stop.

"You sure?" he asked.

"Yes. Play with your daughter. You still have a slight chance at making a comeback."

"Yeah, Papa play with me!" Jocelyn demanded as she shot a basketball at him, bruising his face. "Sorry, Daddy! Flaafy, get the First Aid!"

"Flaaa!"

"No need for that," James said before Flaafy sprayed a potion in his face. "Just be gentler."

"Aye, Papa," Jocelyn saluted.

"Flaaa!"

Jessie caught Michio eating alone out of the corner of her eye. He looked at her briefly and she gestured for him to come over. He reluctantly obeyed. Scarlett followed behind.

"Is there something you need?" Michio asked.

Jessie was surprised to find his tone neutral, as opposed to grumpy and irritable.

"Sit," she ordered.

"Why should I?" he replied.

"Because you'll regret it otherwise."

Despite the vague response, he obliged.

"Hi-hi," said Alex.

"Hey," Michio responded. "Um, Alex, right?"

"Pika," Scarlett nodded as she allowed the child to pat her face.

Scarlett helped Alex finish his food while Jessie talked to Michio.

"I find you interesting," said Jessie.

"You didn't have anything nice to say the last time we met," Michio responded, recalling their encounter at the Cherryblossom Festival.

"That was because you were being a self-righteous asshole." Alex looked at her curiously, not understanding the new word, but he ultimately decided to ignore them and focus on Scarlett instead. "You seem less douche-ish now."

Michio sniggered. "This means the world to me."

"Pikachu?" asked Scarlett.

"I'm kidding."

"I hope you aren't fucking around with my daughter," Jessie said casually. "Because if you are, I'm going to have to hurt you."

Jessie gently petted the electric Pokémon. She still disliked Pikachu in general because of past experiences, but Scarlett was just begging for a sign of recognition, and the rat seemed caring enough.

'What the hell's wrong with this family?' Michio thought to himself.

"I'm not doing anything to her," he retorted. "I've been doing everything she fucking asks! Can't you people leave me alone?"

Michio stood to storm away but Jessie grabbed his arm. He pushed her away but returned to his seat. Jessie stared him in the eyes, sending a chill up his spine. It freaked him out how much she reminded him of Annastasia.

"Annastasia's the strongest and most potent woman alive," said Jessie. "I know she can hold her own, but I can't have her getting stressed. There are things you don't know about her. Maybe she'll elaborate if you ask. The point is that the last thing she needs is people bothering her."

Michio wondered if he should bring up what he witnessed yesterday. It almost sounded like Jessie knew already. He decided against it. He was going to get Annastasia to explain herself if it was the last thing he ever did.

"I think I know what you mean," said Michio. "I've seen it, sorta; it's not like she trusts me enough to explain anything."

Michio didn't realize until he said it aloud how much the concept really truly bothered him. The fact was that Annastasia didn't trust him, and for some reason, he actually cared. He reasoned it was because she had the power to control his future. After all, she could flat out lie and everyone would believe her word over his. And while that was probably unlikely, her perception of him played a huge role in the final evaluations. She held his future in her hands, yet she couldn't trust him.

Jessie smiled as if she was reading his thoughts and liked how torturous they were.

"Annastasia's not like other teenagers. Unless you're thicker than I imagined, you've already noticed how independent she is. That's how she likes it. Whatever mind games you're playing with her, you ought to know that she'll win," said Jessie.

"You don't know what I'm capable of," Michio said bitterly.

"If you lay a finger on my daughter, I'll ruin your life."

"How do suppose you'll do that?"

"I have my ways. When you get a chance, call your parents—they'll explain."

Dread penetrated his mind and body. Unlike Annastasia, he wasn't independent. His parents owned everything. If influenced by the right people, they could essentially destroy his livelihood forever. Annastasia—and hence Jessie—could play a major role in that.

"What do you want me to do?" Michio asked.

"Stop trying to sleep with her," she demanded.

"What? That's…not…at all…WWhoeversaid that I was trying to go there?"

"I did, just now."

"Between you and Rita—why does everyone think I'm—"

"—I don't know what Rita has to do with this, though I can probably guess."

"I don't want to be with Rita or Annastasia."

"Then why are you always watching her? Every damn second she's around, your eyes are glued. And her siblings are her soft-spot, so what is it you're trying to pull by impressing Jay and Jocelyn?"

"I'm not out to impress anyone."

"Answer me."

"There are other reasons to watch people and I'm only being nice to Jay and Jocelyn because Annastasia will complain if I do otherwise."

"I don't buy it."

"Don't. There's no reason for you to care about her life anyway. She doesn't even live with you anymore. She could more than survive without her parents filtering her friends."

"So, you're friends now?"

Michio refused to respond, though Scarlett nodded heartily.

"Annastasia's on the ace spectrum, so friendship is the closest you'll ever get to her, no matter what," said Jessie. "The last thing she needs is advances from a teenage boy."

"She…never told me…" he replied. 'Although it does make sense.'

"Ask her if you don't believe me."

He watched Annastasia. She was talking to Rita who was in the Jacuzzi with her Zorua, Lexi, and Nolan. She looked so normal to him. It was puzzling.

"So, she's the opposite of Rita," he remarked.

"She's more than you'll ever know." Jessie replied.

"Whatever…I'm going to get some food now. It was…nice…talking to you."

"Well, I suppose it was nice talking to you too then, Michio. Remember what I said about stressing out my daughter."

"Yeah…right."

XO

Jay and Togetic returned to the yard, red electric guitar and an amplifier in tow. In whispers, he and Annastasia devised a plan. Then they got up on the gym's mini Battle Royal stage.

"We have a few songs, if you all want to hear," Annastasia announced as Jay handed her a microphone. "But first, Rita?"

Rita joined them on stage. They exchanged whispers as everyone gathered around.

"Do it, Onēsan!" Jocelyn exclaimed.

"Flaaafy!"

Lexi and Nolan gave them a thumbs up.

"Thanks," said Jay. "Um, uh, so this song is called 'Follow Your Arrow', and um, Annastasia and Rita will sing while I play."

The Pokémon all chanted their names and everyone clapped as they started to perform.

In the meantime, June moved closer to Takeshi. Her little sisters tugged at her clothing and begged her to play with them. She sighed and sat down in the grass. By coincidence or luck, Takeshi turned his head and noticed her frustrated expression as the toddlers messed up her hair and playfully smacked her. He walked up to June and sat down next to her. Ines, the youngest of the three siblings, tumbled onto his lap.

"Annastasia's amazing, don't you think so?" said Takeshi.

"Yeah. She is," June responded. As much as she loved Annastasia, she was one of the last things June wanted to talk about with him. "Why did you come over here?"

"You looked like you were um, uncomfortable, bored, frustrated, something like that. How about we bring Ines and Luna over to your parents?" he suggested.

"No!" Luna cried, clinging to June. "No!"

"That won't work," June sighed. "I think they missed me."

"Well, I can see why," Takeshi replied. "You're fun to have around."

June was speechless. Before she could think of a decent response, Takeshi's attention returned to Annastasia.

"Someday, it'll be my turn," she sighed to Bulbasaur.

Rita, Jay, and Annastasia performed several more songs After dessert and more games, they called it a day. Everyone except for Amber and her parents returned to Pallet for the night.

AN: Thanks for reading. Your reviews are awesome:) I look forward to them every day.

Enjoy your life:)