Disclaimer: I do not own Pokemon or Harry Potter

BloodyKitsune: Okay so this chapter came somewhat out of left field, but I guess you guys can kind of see where the next chapter might be leading...maybe. Anyway! A tournament is coming up and if you've read my other Vali story, you know the requirements for it. Granted I will be posting the requirements in the next chapter if not and taking them down later on. Anyway, Love you guys.

Reviews:

Jostanos: Awe Jos, nice to see ya again buddy and honestly, you'll just have to wait and see with that one.

Chapter 29

"I thought she wasn't going to be this brutal until we got to the city..." Brock almost sounded like he was whining.

Snorting softly as he shook his head, Gary dropped a water bottle beside Brock earning a look from the older teen. He took a seat on one of the rocky pillars that Idril had summoned up, "This is light compared to what she could do," He snickered at the look Brock sent him, "You've got a lot to learn when it comes to training, Big Guy."

"Obviously," Brock pushed himself into a sitting position and cracked open the water bottle, "Where did Ash and Vali go? If she wants us to reach Saffron today, we should leave soon,"

Shrugging his shoulders, Gary took a sip of his own water bottle and cast a glance across their training pokemon, "No idea, they'll be back soon though."

Taking the water bottle Vali offered him, Ash cracked it open as she walked towards where Balto was sitting. There was a contemplative look on her face, he wondered over it for a long moment before finally asking, "Vali, are you excited about seeing Sabrina?"

Nodding as she glanced back at him, Vali reached Balto's side and began leaning into her eldest partner, "Yeah...It's been awhile since we've been able to actually spend time together."

"But if you're excited...why do you seem kind of upset?" Ash tilted his head and wrapped an arm around Pikachu as the mouse settled in his lap, "I mean you haven't been talking as much since yesterday..."

Trailing off as he noticed the slight smile on her face, Ash felt a bolt of confusion hit him. Vali shook her head, "I'm not upset, Ash. Just...tired I guess," He frowned at her, "Seeing Sabrina is always nice, we end up meditating for hours which is why I'm happy you'll finally get to spend more than an hour around her. She'll teach you some actual tips on how to meditate."

"Which is kinda nice," Ash confirmed as he watched her pet Balto's side and the Arcanine nuzzle into her, "But what do you mean by tired? You haven't been sleeping?"

Shaking her head, Vali gained a contemplative look on her face, "Not like that though I could definitely use more sleep," She smiled slightly before it slipped away, "I'm tired in a way that can't be properly explained...not right now at least."

Feeling slightly uneasy at that, Ash asked her, "But you'll tell me at some point, right?"

Expression soft, Vali nodded, "Yeah, I will...just not right now," She turned her head to look out at the field where Arwen was running with Blitzle, "Later, alright."

Part of him wanted to scream at her when those words left Vali's mouth, it was always later or when he was older. But Ash kept his mouth shut and nodded, he had a feeling deep in his gut that she didn't need anyone yelling at her right now. Instead, he asked her, "Do you want to practice one more time before we head back to the others?"

"Sure," Vali's smile was small and her eyes were dim as she peered at him, "Let's work one more time on your manifestation, alright?"

There was an ache in her nose that always came with any large city though Saffron seemed to be the worst offender in Kanto, Vali had dropped everyone off at the pokemon center after ensuring they were checked in and began making her way to the Gym. Padding at her side, Aragorn walked alongside Irmo as Elrond floated at her shoulders. Not even a single step up the small set of stairs leading to the gym and the doors were open, she felt a faint tickle at the back of her mind. Small smile forming at the action, she made her way through the familiar halls beckoned by a mental touch.

Finding her way to the hidden apartment behind a bland door, Vali only had to wait a few seconds before a bubbly Mime Jr. darted towards her. Letting out a laugh, she dropped to her knees and greeted the cheerful little thing as Sabrina called out, "Give me a few seconds, Vali. I wasn't expecting you to seek me out immediately upon arriving."

"You're good," Vali picked up the little one after letting him tug on her fingers for a few minutes and began making her way into the apartment's living room.

Taking a seat on the couch as Aragorn curled up in front of her and Irmo laid down beside him, Vali played with the Mime Jr while they waited for Sabrina. Jolting as arms curled around her neck, she leaned back to peer at Sabrina with a light smile. Sabrina's lips pulled into a light smile, "It's been awhile though," A frown formed and Sabrina's eyes shifted towards Elrond, "The troubles within the League follow you even now..."

"Got it in one, Brina," Vali lifted a hand to curl around one of Sabrina's wrists, "Can't reveal too much, the League's in a bad position as it is..."

There was a soft touch from Sabrina's mind, Vali's eyes closed as she nodded and opened up her barriers to let Sabrina in long enough to see certain information. Arms tightening around her neck, Sabrina's breath hitched as the psychic murmured, "Seven Ranger teams are compromised...five Ace teams...All because you found those three double agents."

"Yeah..." Vali's voice was soft as she sank further into the couch.

There was a moment when Sabrina pulled away, Vali didn't open her eyes until she felt Mime Jr's weight leave her arms. Sabrina dropped onto her lap and she peered at the psychic with a surprised look. Even after all this time, Sabrina wasn't much for physical contact unless she needed help focusing on the present. Sabrina merely offered Vali a gentle look, "You're becoming burned out. Anyone with eyes can see it if they actually know where to look," A gentle hand brushed the stray hairs away from her face and Sabrina pressed their foreheads together, "Just as you've done for me in the past, I will shield you for the night. Let you breathe and rest."

Chest feeling as if it was constricting, Vali let out a low laugh that sounded far too wet, "Brina..."

A thumb brushed against Vali's cheek so gentle that she could barely feel it. She breathed out sharply as Sabrina murmured, "Emotions aren't scary to me when they're from someone I care for, Vali. Breathe and let it out, I am here and my pokemon will ensure no one will disturb us...just let it out for once."

Cracks slowly formed in the cheerful exterior that she'd been trying to maintain even now, Vali realized she was crying. Almost sobbing with each breath, she murmured, "I-"

"Vali..." Sabrina's voice held a tone that finally broke Vali's facade.

Frowning as his call didn't go through yet again, Lance almost wanted to toss his pokegear. Glancing towards Karen as the dark-type elite strode into his office, he watched her set a small stack of files onto his desk. She raised an eyebrow at him, "What's with that look? Is the Puppy dodging your calls?"

"Yes, actually," Lance frowned at the way Karen jolted and wondered if this exact scenario had occurred during that gap in his memories, "I need to talk to her about some of the information we found on that drive, but she isn't answering," He narrowed his eyes at Karen, "Did something like this happened before? During that gap in my memories?"

There was a long moment of hesitation before Karen sighed, she nodded while crossing her arms, "Yeah though it was towards the end," She paused for a moment as if to gather herself, "While I'm sure you'll find notes on it, Witney and Bruno interfered with the Aisen operation," Lance's breath caught, "We held a meeting about it and the Puppy got really fucking pissed off. While we both know she wouldn't actively do anything during a professional setting...you alluded to it after getting her to calm down," He sank into his chair feeling like a piece of Tauros shit, "After that, she avoided you up until..."

As she trailed off, Lance realized where she was going with this. Pressing a hand to his face, he muttered, "When everything came out."

"Yeah," Karen frowned at him, "While we've been trying to keep the puppy out of things and let her have that vacation, can you think of anyway you might've managed to piss her off?"

"No-" Lance cut himself off as his pokegear rang.

Disappointment hit him at the sight of Sabrina's number flashing across the screen, Lance answered it even if he'd much rather be speaking with Vali, "Sabrina, what can I do for you?"

"Champion Lance," Sabrina's monotone voice still sent a shiver down his spine even after working together for so long, "I just wished to inform you that Vali is with me and she's currently unable to answer the phone,"

Alarm slipped through him, Lance sat up straighter. He felt like someone was grasping his throat even as he demanded, "What do you mean? Why can't she answer the phone?"

"She is currently asleep. I will not relay anything more than that as it is a personal matter between herself and I," Sabrina's tone replied almost coldly, "I will inform her you called in the morning. Have a nice rest of your day, Champion Lance,"

Without waiting for a reply, Sabrina ended the call and Lance slowly lowered his pokegear to the table. He looked up towards Karen as she offered him a look of concern, "Based on what I heard, Vali's with Sabrina? Is she okay?"

"I want to assume so..." Lance pressed a hand to his face while trying to figure that out, "Why the fuck is she so comfortable with Sabrina?...When the fuck did that happen?"

If there was one gym leader he found creepy, it was Sabrina. Lance understood that she had to keep a firm hand on her emotions, but that still didn't make her any less creepy in his opinion.

Waking up to a headache caused by crying wasn't something she was used to, it almost felt like she was hungover. Sitting up as she pressed a hand to her face, Vali looked around and noted the large bedroom coated in various shades of purple. Amused smile forming, she got out of the king sized bed and padded barefoot out of the bedroom. Nose almost twitching as the scent of cooking breakfast hit her nose, she made her way towards the kitchen and only paused for a second to peer at Sabrina as the gym leader cooked them both food. With a small smile, she walked across the tile floor and wrapped her arms around Sabrina's waist earning a soft giggle.

Nose pressing against the gym leaders neck for a brief moment, Vali shifted to lay her head on Sabrina's shoulder as she murmured, "Thank you...I didn't realize how much I needed that until..."

"Until it happened," Sabrina flipped two pans of pancakes while her psychic powers ensured the eggs didn't burn, "So...you're resigning once the Rocket business is over?"

Humming low in her throat and feeling unsurprised that little bit of information had slipped out during her emotional outpour last night, Vali nodded feeling content to just lean on Sabrina, "Yeah...I'm already talking with Charles..."

"I would say that I'm surprised, but...that thought has been lingering in your mind for two years at least," Sabrina plated the pancakes after a few moments and the eggs soon followed, "Always at the back though, I think it developed after...the Corina incident,"

Grimace forming at the name, Vali let out a low sigh, "That long? Somehow, I can't be too surprised..." She pulled away from Sabrina and grabbed a plate as the oven was pulled open revealing everything else that had been made, "Are you angry?"

"No," Sabrina served them both and they walked towards the table as her psychic energy set all the dishes in her sink, "After all, I'd much rather you be happy, Vali. And I could see how much your light has dimmed since becoming an Elite,"

Almost wanting to smile at those words, Vali shook her head as she settled at the table across from Sabrina. She gifted Sabrina a soft look while reaching for the small jug of juice already sitting on the table, "Always calling me a light..."

"You are," Sabrina smiled softly at Vali though her expression shifted into one of regret, "Even if you'll never be mine,"

Frowning at Sabrina, Vali reached out to grasp Sabrina's hand, "Sabrina..."

"Don't try to deny it, Vali," Sabrina linked their fingers with that sad expression, "Anything between us was never meant to be more than friends with the occasional benefit...I suppose one benefit of being a psychic is actually being able to see it before it happens,"

Almost wanting to scowl, Vali couldn't find it in her to. Not when Sabrina was giving her that look, she found herself smiling sadly in return as she murmured, "Then why...?"

"Because even if you're not mine, I'll still get to enjoy basking in your light and warmth," Sabrina squeezed their hands, "And even having you for a moment will always make it worth it,"

The soft look in Sabrina's eyes hurt even as it eased away the guilt welling up in Vali's heart. Swallowing heavy against the lump forming in her throat, she had to ask, "What about...?"

"In time though just like with you, it will take time," Sabrina released her hand, "No asking for hints, Vali,"

"No worries," Vali shook her head with a soft snort, "I have no want or need for that kind of mess right now," She grabbed her fork, "I'll have to go back to the pokemon center and make sure the boys aren't panicking after we finish eating,"

"Make sure to bring them by," Sabrina gave her a pointed look, "A certain someone has by bouncing around even since you entered the city,"

Letting out a soft laugh, Vali nodded as she settled back against her chair and began to eat in earnest. Even if her heart felt just a bit heavier knowing what she did now, the weight on her shoulders felt far lighter.

Like a whirlwind, Vali had scooped them up once she'd returned and began ushering them through the city without pausing to even answering their questions about where she'd been all night. Only as the Saffron City gym came into view did Ash start to wonder if she'd been there the entire night, he didn't get a chance to ask as Vali pushed them inside the door as it opened. Practically tumbling through the sterile hallways, he jolted as they were pushed through one of the doors and into a traditionally styled hallway covered in wooden flooring.

As he went to ask Vali what was going on, a loud cry echoed through the air before a Mime Jr slammed into his sister's legs with a happy grin. Bending down with a laugh, Vali picked up the little creature as she called out, "Sabrina~"

That chirpy tone made Ash want to instinctively wrinkle his nose, he shared a glance with Gary and they both gagged. There was a gentle laugh, the soft sound rang through the air even as Sabrina's voice came from further in, "In the living room, I could use a hand if you're willing."

"Always," Vali kicked off her boots before heading deeper into the apartment.

Hesitating for a moment, Ash followed Vali's lead as Gary did the same. Brock was slow to follow and he wore a dumbstruck expression on his face as they ventured deeper into what was looking to be an apartment hidden within the gym. As they reached the living room area, he gapped at the tangle of pokemon that seemed to be bound together by a ribbon. Gary voiced his thoughts, "What the actual fuck?"

"Younger psychics need to fine tune their abilities and sometimes it can get messy especially when they're working together," Sabrina's lips were pulled into a faint smile as she glanced over at them, "This group happened to have a very excited young one among them who made things a little bit worse than normal,"

"Why don't you boys come over here and help us out?" Vali suggested from her place beside a small Ralts, "It'll make things go a bit faster,"

"I...yeah, we can do that," Gary agreed far quicker than Ash had expected.

Glancing at his best friend, Ash was surprised by the way his eyes seemed to rove around the tangle of pokemon with a searching look. Despite his urge to comment on it, he figured they could discuss what was going on after they'd gotten everyone detangled. Settling himself by Vali as Gary did the same with Sabrina, they started to work. Brock slowly walked over and joined them after a long moment. Sabrina addressed Brock with an amused look on her face, "I do not bite nor is it my intention to, Brock. Despite how it may have seemed during our past encounters, I am not nearly as cold as I portray myself."

"I-how did you-" Brock stumbled over his words as he froze in place.

Snickering at that reaction, Vali reminded Brock, "Sabrina's a psychic, Brock," Brock swallowed with a terrified look on his face, "But you don't need to be a psychic to see that you're intimidated by her."

"I-" Brock paused before slowly nodding his head as he blushed, "Right,"

They refocused on freeing the pokemon after that and Ash found himself glancing towards Gary after an Abra seemingly attached itself to him once it'd been freed. There was a content look on Gary's face as the Psi pokemon leaned into his side, the other boy shifted in a way that almost seemed to make the child-sized pokemon more comfortable. Once all the pokemon were freed, Sabrina began sending them back to where'd they'd come from save for the Mime Jr that had seemingly attached itself to Vali and the Abra. There was an amused look on Sabrina's face as she patted Abra's head, she gently scolded the Psi pokemon, "Honestly, you really shouldn't have caused so much trouble, Little One. I was always planning to let you both meet."

"Huh?" Gary and Ash both looked at Sabrina in confusion.

"So that's why you brought us here, Vali," Brock looked at Vali with a raised eyebrow.

Looking at his sister who was reclining on the couch, Vali offered them all a lazy smile as she let Mime Jr play with her fingers, "Guilty," She tilted her head, "Though I never knew which pokemon it was, Brina always kept the details close to her chest."

"I have to if only to keep you on your toes," Sabrina sat down beside Vali and gently stole the Mime Jr.

"Wait...does that mean..." Gary looked at Abra who had shifted to sit in his lap, "She's coming with me?"

"Mhmm," Sabrina hummed lightly as Mime Jr giggled as Vali tickled its stomach, "After all, she's a determined little thing that has always wished to see more than the walls of this gym. And she doesn't wish to bond with Will or any other traveling psychic, she's always had her mind on another..." Sabrina looked at Gary with a light smile, "All I ask is that you keep an eye on her, she is the child of my first partners and very much dear to me,"

Hugging Abra to his chest, Gary nodded to Sabrina, "I will," He grinned only to pause before looking at Vali, "Uh...can you...?"

"Eli's happy to help teach though you have someone here who also has a pokegear..." Vali waved a hand at Sabrina who giggled.

Face flushing as he cleared his throat, Gary nodded before shifting to turn towards Sabrina, "Sabrina, I know that you'll likely be willing to offer me help because Abra is a child of your first partners, but...it still needs to be asked," He offered her a sincere look, "Will you please assist us?"

"Of course," Sabrina smiled at Gary, "You are far more polite than your father, Gary Oak," Gary gapped at her earning a snicker from Vali, "Though admittedly he did become more polite as he aged," She looked at Ash and tilted her head, "As for you...I can see all of your parents and even Vali...I look forward to seeing how you grow, Ash Ketchum,"

"I...thanks?" Ash flushed at her giggle, "You know our parents?"

"I was a little girl when they were starting out," Sabrina sighed deeply and her expression became sad, "At the time, I was little more than a puppet to my powers...something some very powerful people tried to take advantage of. But Red and Blue with a little help from Green managed to change that," She shook her head with a gentle laugh, "Those three...I will never forget what they managed to do..."

Eyes widening as Vali touched Sabrina's cheek, Ash watched the psychic looked at his sister in a way that he'd only really seen Sirius look at his mother. But there was an absence of it in Vali's eyes, he could see warmth there, but...it didn't seem as deep as the look in Sabrina's eyes. Vali's voice was soft, "Brina..."

"I'm in the present...I do not intend to slip into the past," Sabrina took Vali's hand in hers and placed it between them, "Now," She looked around the room, "You are traveling to Vermillion, no? Do you intend to battle in the tournament that will be taking place there?"

Forgetting all about the moment he'd just seen, Ash felt excitement bloom in his stomach even as Vali let out a groan and covered her face. He nodded in excitement, "If we get there in time, hell yes!"

"Definitely, I want to see what we can really do against other trainers," Gary grinned in agreement, "And that's not considering the prizes that are going to be available,"

Letting out a soft laugh, Sabrina waved her hand, "Well if you want, I can give you a few tips though not many while you're here for..."

Without uncovering her face, Vali grunted, "We leave the day after tomorrow..."

"Well then, I'll have enough time to get started with Gary and offer advice for your first tournament," Sabrina shook her head in amusement.

Even as Sabrina began coaxing them into telling her about their pokemon and what each one knew, Ash kept glancing towards his sister and wondering what he'd just seen. There was something twisting in his stomach, a sense of unease that he couldn't quite explain.

"You know, Ash," Vali snorted as Ash jumped at the sound of her voice, "You could just ask your question rather than just stew and let it fester,"

Face flushing, the boy looked away from Vali while Bulbasaur's eyes narrowed at her. She ignored the grass-type for the moment while taking a seat beside Ash on the Pokemon Center's upper deck. Letting her legs dangle over the edge, she leaned back on her hands and waited for him to speak. Aragorn settled down beside her with a soft grunt and settled his head in her lap. When Ash finally spoke, she'd begun stroking Aragorn's ears, "I...Vali, are you in a relationship with Sabrina?"

Blinking at the question, Vali let out a soft laugh feeling a bit unsurprised by the question. She shook her head softly, "No, Ash. Remember what I told you awhile back," She looked at him and saw the confused expression, "I'm not dating anyone and probably won't until after I leave the League."

"So...what was that then...earlier?" Ash asked with a frown.

Clicking her tongue, Vali contemplated how to answer that question without invading Sabrina's privacy. She slowly came up with the proper words, "With certain friends, I have a special relationship with them," She saw the confusion increase and sighed, "Sabrina and I are really good friends, right?"

"Yeah, you two have been friends since your journey," Ash tilted his head likely a confused Growlithe, "So?"

"Well..." Vali sighed as Aragorn snorted at her, "Not to be disgusting, Ash, but Sabrina and I's relationship occasionally shifts into a more...physical kind of thing," She saw Ash's eyes widen and his cheeks went red, "It doesn't happen often though and only if one of us needs it,"

"Needs?" Ash frowned at her even as his cheeks stayed red, "What does-why would-I don't understand,"

"I know," Vali rubbed the back of her neck with a sigh, "When you get older, you'll figure out that there are certain things that can only be sorted out with..." She knew Delia would probably strangle her for telling Ash this, "Well...with sex," She saw Ash's cheeks go red, "But that isn't the only thing benefit at least on Sabrina's side of things...mine too if I really think about it,"

"What do you mean?" The curious look was back in Ash's eyes even if he looked a bit mortified asking that question.

"Well..." Vali dropped her hand back to Aragorn's head, "How do I put this? You know how Elrond can get really exhausted after using his abilities for so long?"

"Yeah...he gets overwhelm-" Ash cut himself off, "So-" He cleared his throat and his voice turned softy as the blush on his cheeks increased, "Sex helps Sabrina with that?"

"With any human psychic from what Sabrina's told me though most try not to admit it," Vali tried not to laugh at how embarrassed Ash was getting, "They use their partner as a buffer to keep out any unwanted 'noise'. Even after it's all said and done, they can just tune the world out by focusing on their partner for a bit,"

"Oh...cool I guess," Ash looked away from her towards the sky, "But you said it helps you too,"

Nodding despite the fact he wasn't looking at her, Vali felt a small hint of embarrassment as she admitted, "It does though not always," She saw Ash glance at her, "I won't say why or with what partners because that's not something I want to admit to my little brother," He nodded with a thankful look, "But," She looked down at Aragorn, "With my inner flame and magic especially when I'm really stressed out, I've got a tendency to burn things...fall into my more animalistic tendencies depending on which energy is stronger. So it acts as a way to burn off some of that energy and give me a chance to calm myself down."

"But what if you can't be around one of..." Ash trailed off after a moment.

"I either go for a run in with Balto in my Arcanine form or cuddle with my pokemon," Vali looked at Ash and saw the confusion there, "Most of the time, I just need comfort. And my pokemon are more than happy to provide it most of the time," She let out a soft laugh, "Khione is one of the best to cuddle with when I'm in that kind of mood,"

"Your Aurorus?" Ash looked at her in shock, "But wouldn't you free-" He shook his head, "Right, inner flame,"

"And she's capable of controlling the temperature around her," Vali looked towards the sky above her, "So...did that answer your question?"

"To a point," Ash paused as she felt a small bolt of confusion, "I just...you don't love Sabrina?" She shook her head and glanced at him in confusion, "But...she loves you?"

There was a pang in her chest at that, Vali heaved a low sigh as she admitted, "Yeah...yeah, she does. But the most I feel for Sabrina is a deep friendship," She looked at the sky with a sad smile, "If I could, Ash, I would love her, but that's...it's just not something to do even if we care deeply for one another. Sabrina even confirmed it herself that we aren't meant for one another."

"But-" Ash started.

"Ash," Vali's voice was stern, "What's happening between Sabrina and I...it's between us," She looked at him and saw his confused expression, "No matter how much you might want to argue with me, you're not going to be able to. I care for Sabrina...I want her happy, but I'm not about to force myself into a position where we'll both be miserable,"

"I-you'd be miserable?" Ash looked at her in shock.

"Trying to force two people into a relationship where only one person feels loves is only going to make them both miserable," Vali replied with a sigh, "Right now, I cannot have a relationship, Ash. With my place in the League and everything going on, I can't," She saw his face fall, "One day, I'll be able to have a relationship with someone, but that isn't in the cards for me...and it's okay,"

"But...you're not happy," Ash muttered earning a soft laugh.

"I am even if you can't feel it half the time," Vali reached out to ruffle his hair earning a yelp of protest, "Look, Ash," She gave him a light smile, "Don't worry about me being happy, alright? I'm fine even if it doesn't seem like I am. And don't worry about my relationships, alright? You're my little brother and it'd be weird if you did,"

"I-fine," Ash pouted at her.

"Now, you cannot tell Delia about this talk," Vali gave Ash a stern look, "She would strangle me if she found out I told you any of this,"

"I'd rather forget half of what you told me," Ash's nose wrinkled as she snickered, "So no worries,"

"Good," Vali began pulling her legs back prompting Aragorn to get up, "Now c'mon, we should head inside. You've got a lesson with Sabrina in an hour,"

There were some soft grumbles from Ash even as he got up, Vali stood and dusted herself off as he headed for the door. Hand settling on Aragorn's head as she followed after him, a low sigh left her.

Almost stumbling to his feet, Lance grinned at the sight of Vali entering his office, "Vali! Are you alright? Sabrina didn't tell me what happened other than you apparently being asleep at her place."

Offering him a light smile as the door closed behind her, Vali shook her head, "I'm fine, Lance. I was really tired when we got in to Saffron and Sabrina let me stay the night with her," She tilted her head, "So what were you calling about anyway? Sabrina never told me."

"Ah, I had some more questions about the drive," Lance answered as Diaval darted towards Vali and hugged her tightly, "Do you have some time?"

"Yeah, I've got a couple hours before I need to be back in Saffron," Vali hugged Diaval back with a bright smile, "Missed you too, Dia," She looked over at him, "I do need to check on Thorin and Disa. See how they're doing not to mention the eggs,"

"If you want, we can move this conversation to your rooms," Lance offered as he walked around his desk earning a surprised look, "Since Balin does have a copy of the drive on his laptop, we can go through the portions I've got questions about,"

Humming low in her throat, a myriad of emotions flickered across Vali's face as she pet his starter. Finally she nodded with a soft sigh, she looked at him, "Yeah...we can do that."

After getting Diaval to release Vali, Lance led the way out of his office and they headed towards Vali's room. He glanced at her and noted the tired expression she'd begun to wear was absent which he felt somewhat thankful for though wondered what had happened since they'd last spoken. Entering Vali's rooms, he watched with some amusement as Ortho immediately darted off towards the door where her pokemon rested. He spoke with a soft chuckle, "Eager to say hello to everyone, huh?"

"My little gossip," Vali's lips were pulled into a fond smile as they followed after the Furret.

As soon as they'd reached the resting area of her pokemon, Vali''s pokemon released themselves without her even having to touch the pokeballs on her belt. Diaval moved to greet Smaug and Balto as the two appeared as Vali moved towards a small space that was half-way hidden amongst the hodge-podge of comfort areas set up for her pokemon. Almost going to follow her, he stopped himself knowing that some of her pokemon would likely take offense to his intrusion. Instead, he moved towards where Balin was sitting against Rosie's side. Peering at him as he approached, Balin inclined his head as a robotic voice called out, "Greetings champion, how might we assist you today?"

Lips quirking at the reminder that Balin had figured out a way to communicate with others outside of Elrond and Vali, Lance settled himself on one of the comfortable pillows that were spread out across the room, "I had some questions about the drive. Vali's going to be joining us once she's checked on Thorin, Disa, and their brood."

Nodding to him, Balin began typing on his computer with a swiftness that rivaled some of the techs that resided within the League, "No problem, Champion. Let me pull up the drive and we can begin."

Settling back on his palms, Lance slowly began to relax as the general warmth within Vali's rooms seemed to settle into his bones.

"Vali-Thorin?" Ash stared at the fire-type in shock as he paused mid-step.

"Wait, I thought he was staying with Disa," Gary looked at their elder sister in confusion as he jogged up.

Bending down to pat Thorin's back, Vali shook her head with a soft smile, "Thorin and Disa are doing what they've done during their last two litters of kits," She saw the confused looks, "Until the eggs hatch, they'll alternate every other week thus allowing each other to get a proper work out in. Disa would have come along with me, but she isn't ready to leave the eggs just yet."

"I never knew that a male pokemon would be that interested in caring for their young before they were even born," Brock muttered as he eyed Thorin in surprise.

Puffing up his chest with a glare aimed at Brock, Thorin snorted softly. Vali giggled as she stood up fully, "Eevee's are different especially when you get to the evolutionary lines," She saw the interested look in Brock's eyes, "While I'll send you the papers I've got on the subject later, I can tell you right now that male Flareon care deeply about their young. They loathe to be away from them even before their born and will spend weeks ensuring the eggs stay the optimal temperature. When Disa had her first set of kits, Thorin refused to leave their side until they'd started using their first attacks."

"Wow," Brock breathed with an excited look on his face.

"Disa on the other hand was less interested once the eggs hatched though don't get me wrong she was protective of the kits," Vali rubbed the back of her neck, "I think Smaug still has a small scar...or three from when he tried to snap at the two for interrupting his nap,"

"Wait, they only had two during their first litter?" Ash asked with a confused look, "I thought she only had one,"

"Disa's body has a habit of hiding how many kits she'll actually have until after she's given birth," Vali explained with a light smile, "Like last time, we were sure she'd only have two, but it ended up being three,"

"Wow..." Ash looked a bit awestruck.

"Enough about the kits though," Vali clapped her hands and grinned at them, "We have a road waiting for us and you two," She gestured to Gary and Ash, "Want to reach Vermillion in time for that Tournament, right?" The two nodded with excited grins, "Then we gotta get going,"

Giggling as they started rushing for the door, Vali glanced down at Thorin as he just shook his head with a low sound. Brock spoke as she began to follow after them, "Vali," She glanced at him, "I...well..." She raised an eyebrow as he flushed, "I...would you teach me?"

"Teach you what?" Vali asked as Thorin shot the teen a glare, "If it's being a master, I don't think I'm qualified for it just yet-"

"No," Brock shook his head as he cut her off, "You know a lot about pokemon...seemingly random stuff," They walked out of the door and followed after the boys towards the entrance that would lead them to Vermillion, "I...want to learn that stuff. Not just random things though, I want...my dream is to be a pokemon breeder. I know that's going to be hard work, but-"

Threading her fingers together, Vali placed her joined hands behind her neck as she interrupted him, "You do realize that a lot of what I know isn't exactly needed for a pokemon breeder, right?" He nodded slowly, "Well...to be honest, I don't know the specifics for being a pokemon breeder. I never really wanted to," She saw Brock's face fall and mentally snorted alongside Elrond, "But I do know a lot of good ones," He brightened far too quickly for her liking, "While I can promise that they'll be willing to help you-"

"Please...even if it's just pointing me in a direction, I'll take it," Brock pleaded with her, "I...I really want to do this,"

"If you're sure...and if you're willing to do what it takes, I suppose I can," Vali clicked her tongue when he just nodded rapidly, "I'll see what I can do, but no promises since some of these guys aren't exactly the most sociable despite their occupation,"

"That's fine," Brock grinned brightly and looked like he would've hugged her if it weren't for the fact he knew her boundaries, "Thank you-"

"Don't say those words until you've actually become a pokemon breeder," Vali snorted softly as she sped up her walking pace, "Trust me, you won't be thanking me later,"

Ash's Team:

1. Pidgeotto

Female

2. Electrike

Male

3. Pikachu

Male

4. Blitzle

Female

5. Clefairy

Male

6. Bulbasaur

Male

Gary's Team:

1. Weepinbell

Male

2. Squirtle

Male

3. Spearow

Female

4. 'Ziggy'/ Galarian Zigzagoon

Female

Vali's present team:

1. Balto/ Arcanine

Male

2. Smaug/ Charizard

Male

3. Elrond/ Alolan-Raichu

Male

4. Eowyn/ Houndoom

Female

5. Aragorn/ Vulpix-King-Gene

Male

6. Pele/ Camerupt

Female

7. Celina/ Pidgeot

Female

8. Thorin/ Flareon

Male

9. Arwen/ Rapidash

Female

10. Galadrial/ Chandelure

Female

11. Nazgul/ Gengar-Shiny

Male

12. Irmo/ Pyroar

Male

13. Ortho/ Furret

Male

14. Noldor/ Smeargle

Male

15. Terra/ Tyranitar

Female

16. Empress/ Salamence

Female

17. Idril/ Sandslash-Shiny

Female

18. Pippin/ Luxray

Male

19. Bombur/ Dewgong

Male

20. Balrog/ Magmar

Male

21. Khione/ Aurorus

Female

22. Rosie/ Meganium

Female

23. Balin/ Typhlosion

Male

24. Disa/ Jolteon

Female

25. Absol

Male

26. Noibat

Male