Disclaimer: These characters belong to Game Freak, Nintendo, and The Pokémon Company.

May God bless you all.

The caves were creepy and beautiful at the same time. It would almost be pitch black if it wasn't for so many bioluminescent crystals around. Just what were these things, and why did they glow so brightly? Also, why were the Pokémon here so similar yet different? They had dealt with the scream tail at the upper levels, but the ones down here made that thing almost look normal. Some had extra long appendages, others just appeared to be a bigger more scary-looking version of some pokemon, while others… were something completely different.

"No, wonder this place is off limits." Said Ms. Raifort. "If these things got out there might be chaos."

Raifort had followed the group at a slower pace. Florian had volunteered to be back here with her and in all honesty she didn't mind the company. It could possibly be dangerous with all these strange pokemon around. However, there was one downside to him staying behind with her…

"Oh look at that one!" Nemona screamed.

Raifort sighed. "Remember what I said about being quiet while observing these pokemon?"

"OH… yeah right." Said Nemona.

Apparently, after last night, Nemona was not about to let Florian "be stolen" by anyone else. Unfortunately, that meant she also volunteered when Florian did. While Raifort didn't mind Nemona's enthusiasm. In fact, she rather enjoyed students who were this interested in pokemon. It was just almost impossible to study anything with her around.

If she's this clingy with a rival I wonder how bad she'll be with a boyfriend. Ms. Raifort thought.

"Hey!" Yelled Juliana from the group which was a few dozen yards ahead of them.

"They must have found the last research station." Said Florian.

"Good. Probably best to turn in, before meeting the professors tomorrow." Ms. Raifort said.

When they caught up to the group Florian's suspicions were confirmed. The fourth research station looked pretty much like the others.

"Hopefully there are more dorms in this one." Said Mela.

"I doubt it." Said Arven. "These were pretty much cookie cutter, I'm pretty sure."

"Who cares, as long as there is a decent kitchen." Said Saguaro. "I'm going to make an energy-filled meal in preparation for whatever tomorrow may bring."

"Phew…" Said Grusha. "Is anyone else… wow it's hot down here."

"You're wearing too many layers of clothing," Ms. Dendra pointed out. "You're not on a snowy mountain anymore."

"Yeah, think I'll drop a few when we get inside." Grusha said as they approached the facility.

Raifort watched as teachers and gym leaders interacted. She thought to herself… She was here more or less because why wouldn't she want to study the area as a historian she had wanted to do this for years. She had even attempted to get authorization just to study the top level, but to no avail. However, as she looked around, that couldn't have been the reason everyone else was here. Then she looked to her left to see the recent pokemon champion and smiled. He'd only been going to the acadmay for about a year but…

…There was something special about him… and his sister of course.

"AH…aha….aa…." The two women could barely make out words as they watched what was happening before them.

"aa..you….aa…w…" Ms. Dendra and Raifort seemed to say in unison.

"What?" Asked Grushna, but it appeared that she or actually more accurate he was the only one in the room not in utter shock.

"You're a boy?" Asked Julianna who cheeks had also turned slightly red though not as much as Ms Dendra and Raifort.

"Ummmm…. Yes." Said Grushna who had pretty much stripped down to his undershoot and long pants.

"Wait… this whole time?" Asked Saguaro.

"Since I was born." Grushna replied nonchalantly.

"Sorry, it was just the long hair and…" Said Florian.

"Oh, yeah, see I grew it long because it's so cold up in the mountains." Grushna pointed out. "Actually, I'm over due for a haircut."

"Oh, well that's no problem." Said Salvatore as he brought a Scizor from out of its pokeball.

"Um… are you sure about this?" Asked Grushna.

"Who do you think does my hair?" Replied Salvatore. "Trust me she's pretty good."

"Okay." Said Grushna though he seemed to be still a bit uneasy.

The female teachers had yet to drop their "What's going on." Expression, but after a few moments when the haircut was done those expressions were replaced with what could only be described as schoolgirl squeals.

"Thanks." Said Grushna as he waved his newly short blue hair.

"Um… I think I'll go check out the dorms." Said Juliana, before bolting to the dorms. Ms. Dendra and Raifort however seemed to be in a state of stasis.

In truth, even Florian was shocked. Not just by the fact that Grushna turned out to be a boy, but how muscular he was. Florian never realized that under all those layers of clothing was quite a fit individual.

"So when's dinner Saguaro?" Asked Grushna.

"Well, in about an hour, I think." Replied the Home ec teacher.

"Cool, think I'll get some fresh air." Grushna replied.

"I'll join you." Seemed to come out of both teachers' lips simultaneously.

With that, the three went outside. Florian was tempted to see the interactions between the three, but decided it best to go to the dorm and unload.

Upon arriving there he noticed Arven, was already unpacking.

"So, how's Mabosstiff" asked Florian as she sat down on what would be his bed.

"He's doing great, ever since we got those Herba Mystics he's back to his old self." Arven replied.

"Good." Replied Florian as he lay down in bed.

"Um… Florian." Arven Asked.

"Yeah?" Florian asked back while looking at the ceiling.

"You think… I should get my haircut?" He asked.

Florian turned to his friend.

"Why?" He asked. "You hot like too?"

"No, just wondering… you know I didn't really hang with many people so never really concerned myself with my look." He told him.

"Oh, well I'm not the one to ask." Florian told him as he directed his gaze back to the ceiling. "Maybe Juliana… she's more of the get the right look kind of girl."

"Oh… jul… yeah… I guess." Said Arven rather weird like.

"What? Do you not think she'll give you good advice?" Asked Florian as he again turned to face Arven.

"Umm… no… I'm sure… yeah… thanks."

Florian thought Arven was behaving a bit strange, but he didn't think too much on it. His mind was still heavily focused on what they may find tomorrow when they reach Arven's parents.

Based on what he had already seen he almost doubted that anything down here could surprise him.

As he lay in bed and waited for dinner…

…He had not the slightest inkling of just how wrong he was.

Thank you all who made it to the end.

May God bless you all.