A/N: This song is by Rob Thomas. Sweet Arceus, it's one of my favorite love songs of all time. It's just so, so good. I think it encapsulates this one wonderfully(heh, i didn't mean to do that). Enjoy!


– Chapter 10 –

Connection (Little Wonders)

I dash up the path, breathless and panting. The heavy wings of the fossil pokemon rip through the air, like a thunderous whisper with each beat. I crest the hill and drop into a slide. Just in time, as powerful jaws snap shut in the air over my head. The grass and dirt cushion my slide, but random bits of rock and gravel still catch and tear at my leggings and skin. The Aerodactyl dives along the hill and towards the coal mine. Sensing an opportunity, I tense before launching off the ground and latching onto its gray scaled foot.

"Crap crap crap crap!" I shout as its sharp green eye looks back towards me. "Is it too late to talk about this?!" It snorts angrily and tries to shake me off.

Looking ahead, I can see the large crowd gathered at the bottom of the pit, in a stand off with Team Rocket and the fossil machine. As we approach, the criminals are sent packing by the other escaped fossil pokemon. Shame we won't be taking them into custody again.

Armaldo then begins facing down Lucas with Ash at his side. Pikachu and Turtwig launch a duo assault to take it down. Meanwhile, Silver is working with Roark to bring down the rampaging Kabutops. Shellos and Rampardos fight it side by side.

"Sasha! Why did you grab onto it's foot?!" Shaymin's voice sounds behind my ears.

"I thought I could weigh it down!" I exclaim with a terrified laugh. "It didn't work. I repeat, it didn't work! Atlas! Get out here and start distracting him with Quick Attack!"

A flash of red and Atlas appears, flying at pace beside me. "Starly. Star!" His judgmental gaze speaks volumes.

I carefully adjust my grip on the taloned foot and reply, "Scold me later! Make this old fossil land!"

Atlas nods and begins to glow with a white energy. He then blurs forward, slamming into the Aerodactyl's chin. The fossil pokemon lets out a cry of surprise and outrage. It begins snapping after the smaller bird, but unable to catch him in its mouth. At this point, we're about a hundred feet out from the battle ahead, and maybe thirty feet from the ground. And... heading directly for the cliff side.

A terrifying sound begins from Aerodactyl's mouth – the sound of charging energy. "Atlas get out of there!" My voice cracks with the force of my scream. My bird zooms behind the ancient pokemon just as it fires a hyper beam into the cliffside.

We're going to crash! Seventy feet, fifty, thi- "Sasha jump!" The sound of Lucas's yell reaches my ears and I immediately release the Aerodactyl.

As I plummet towards the ground, I watch the dino try to pull up, but it's not enough as he slams stomach first into the crumbling cliff side. The force of his crash is enough to send the dazed pokemon down in a shower of stone. I would've died... I pull the empty pokeball from my belt and sling it towards the Aerodactyl.

As I release the ball, a violet glow surrounds me and my fall comes to a speedy, but not deadly, stop. I watch, suspended in the air, as the revived pokemon disappears in a flash of red energy. With a relieved sigh, I'm able to turn my neck and see Ralts concentrating intently about fifteen feet down. Lucas is staring at me with wide eyes and a pale face. Silver is shaking his head and massaging his temples. Roark has a stunned expression as he watches me drift towards the ground. Cynthia looks absolutely livid, her hands are stuffed into the pockets of her black- Wait... Cynthia?!

I start squirming and trying to escape the psychic bonds. Ralts makes a frustrated noise and releases the hold. I fall for the last few feet and land on my butt. Ouch... Wait! No time to stop! I scramble to my feet and practically fly towards the taller woman. Her eyes widen with surprise as almost jump into her arms. I loop my arms over her shoulders as she catches me around the waist and stumbles back a step.

"Cynthia!" I laugh with a giddy mixture of joy and adrenaline fueling my veins. "I missed you so, so much."

Her strong arms hold me close as I nuzzle into her throat. The smell of mint and spice fills my nose. I can't help but smile as she presses her face into my hair. I think I could cry. Between almost dying too many times today, and actually having Cynthia in my arms... I let out a long shuddering sigh before leaning back a bit to examine her face.

She looks better than the last time I saw her, back in Jubilife. Her eyes are brighter and she looks less pallid. "I'm glad that you've been taking better care of yourself," My words are quiet, almost a whisper. Her gray eyes are soft as she looks back at me, a small smile replaces her upset frown.

"You too, Sasha. You look so vibrant and happy," She lifts a hand to caress my cheek. I let my arms slide down until my hands are on her shoulders. "Hows the Ranger life treating you?"

"It's fun. I rode an Aerodactyl. Almost died a few times," I chuckle nervously as the words leave my lips. The reality of the situation setting in. Oh geez, I'm so lucky to be kicking. The arm around my waist tightens as concern shines in her eyes. I'm quick to try and ease her worry by saying, "Its... I'm wonderful. I love it. My life has never been better. Especially now that you're here. I wasn't expecting you so soon." I let the warm feelings shine through on my face.

The worry on her brow begins to smooth away as she searches my eyes. "I thought I'd surprise you by showing up a couple days early. Also, please be more careful. I'd like to have a girlfriend to come back to." At her worried tone, a sharp pain needles into my heart and I nod slowly. "After all, who else would I take out for nice dates if something happened to you?" I can't help but match her grin and lean up on my toes to press a light kiss to her cheek.

"I can't argue with that, I suppose," I glance up to see that her eyes have darkened considerably. My heart skips a beat and begins to pound rapidly in my chest. The hand on my cheek tilts my head slightly and my lips part. "Cy-Cynthia..."

I become hyper aware of her hot breath on my lips as she whispers, "Later, you and I are having... words." I swallow thickly as her eyes fall to my lips and for a long, impossible moment- Silver begins coughing and I hear the word 'children' slipped in smoothly. Cynthia steps back quickly, a warm flush on her cheeks. As I struggle to focus back on the present, I know that I'm sporting a matching blush.

It takes effort, but I finally blink out of my hazy thoughts and look around. The people around us are all looking away with various levels of red to their faces. A high pitched noise of embarrassment escapes my chest. I forgot we were in public! I clear my throat and try to fight off the burning heat in my face. "So... We saved the day! Woo!" My weak cheer peters out as Lucas just shakes his head and buries his face in his hands.

Roark probably reacts the most professionally out of everyone and begins directing clean up and disaster relief. I share an embarrassed look with Cynthia as she steps back up. Silver approaches with Lucas and Ash's crew in tow. "Sasha, mind introducing us to your... friend?" I raise an eyebrow at his words. Surely he knows who she is... oh, wait. Is he just being polite. Already a step up on most others I suppose.

"Yeah, totally. Guys, this is Cynthia, my girlfriend." I take her hand in mine and twine our fingers. I motion towards my crimson haired companion. "Cynthia this is Silver, he's going to be traveling with Lucas and I from here on out. Apparently, he beat Lance a couple years back and decided to take a break from doing the League circuits."

She reaches out and the pair shake hands. "It's a pleasure to meet you Silver. I hope that Sasha hasn't been too troublesome. I know she's a real handful sometimes," Cynthia's voice is thick with amusement.

I make an indignant noise as Silver laughs and replies, "You're dating her. I'm sure she's far more trouble for you."

"Like you wouldn't believe," She deadpans. I huff and take back my hand so that I can properly cross my arms. Unbelievable. I watch as she turns her attention to Ash and his group. "It's nice to meet you all as well. You must be Ash, Dawn and Brock. Sasha's told me all about you. I'm glad to finally put faces to the names."

"Oh! I didn't know Sasha mentioned us to anyone," Dawn says and her eyes narrow slightly. "Though I feel like I should know you from somewhere. Your name is really familiar..."

"That would probably be because she's the current Champion of the Sinnoh League, and has been for the last, what... eight years?" Roark steps up with hands on his waist and a smile on his face. Cynthia winces so slightly that I almost miss, before nodding her head.

"Wait what?" Ash exclaims and turns towards me. "Why didn't you lead with that?"

I shrug and reply, "I dunno. She's my girlfriend dude, that means more to me than her Champion title," I grin and pull his cap down, over his eyes. "You might understand better if you ever find someone that you like-like."

"Like-like?" Silver scoffs and rolls his eyes. "What are you five?"

"No," I make a face at him. "What are you? Not the guy dating an independent, powerful, tall woman. That's what you are... unless... Are you dating someone?" Silver refuses to answer and stares me down valiantly, despite the bright crimson staining his cheeks.

"Why is tall a part of that?" Lucas wonders and I wave away his words dismissively. Deflect, deflect, deflect!

"You'll understand when you're older." Nailed it.

"Ugh. Why are adults all so weird?" Lucas groans and shares a look with Dawn. The girl just shrugs as if to say, 'I don't know any better than you.'

Silver taps on my shoulder before pointing behind me. I turn around to see Officer Jenny waving me over a little ways off. I swallow thickly before approaching the woman, "Oh! Hi Officer. I'm terribly sorry about the cliff there. I hope I'm not in too much trouble?" I chuckle nervously and reach across my chest to grab my arm. "It really was an accident. I was just trying to ground Aerodactyl, but then it got out of hand and-"

"Easy there," Officer Jenny says with an amused grin. She places a hand on my shoulder and says, "Take a breath. You're not in any kind of trouble. Quite the opposite, actually. If you and your friends hadn't intervened, who knows how much more damage Aerodactyl and the other Pokemon could have caused?"

"Oh..." I state dumbly and continue after a moment to gather my thoughts. "In that case..." I prop my hand on my hip and grin brightly. "It was no big deal. We were just doing our jobs."

Officer Jenny makes an amused noise in her throat and replies, "Well, you preformed admirably. I wanted to let you know that we'll be paying out a sizable bounty to the three of you, for your aid. I was also requested to inform you that Dr. Kenzo, head scientist from the museum, has requested your group stops by sometime."

"I see... Thank you, for the kind words... also for the money," I clear my throat and awkwardly shuffle. It's okay Sasha, she's not going to hurt you. You're good. It's okay. "It was... a uh... pleasure working with you, officer... I hope things slow back down for you."

She just laughs and walks away. Ugh... so bad with cops. "That was painful to watch," Silver's words make me jump almost out of my skin. I whirl around and halfheartedly shove his shoulder.

"Don't sneak up on me like that..." I narrow my eyes at his cocky smirk and flick his forehead. "Brat." I look past him to see Cynthia being surrounded by a bunch of hyperactive children and teens. I shake my head and mutter, "You know what? I just survived almost certain death at the hands of a literal fossil... You guys should go see what's up with the museum or something. I'm going to spend time with my girlfriend." I pat Silver's shoulder before stalking towards the group. Not really bothered with waiting for a reply.

I clear my throat as I approach and loudly proclaim, "Alright! Everyone, take two steps away from the lady," Ash looks about ready to challenge her to a battle then and there. "Nope! No complaints. She and I are going to have a nice lunch and spend a long awaited day together. Tomorrow, you can have her back or whatever. I haven't seen her in over a week and a half." I put the girls' pokeballs in Lucas's hands as Atlas flutters onto my shoulder.

"Lucas, take care of my girls. Their food is in my bag, don't steal my stuff, just take enough food for the night. Shaymin keep an eye on these kids for me. Don't let them get into any more fights with terrorists or criminals until I'm back." She sends a mixture of amusement and understanding across the telepathic bond. I do my best to send back all my gratitude and love, before practically dragging Cynthia off.

/-/

"Okay so... now that I've laid out the background," I lean forward on the table as Cynthia props her chin up in her hands. "After Lucas and Silver's battle yesterday, we got together and started brainstorming strategies to deal with Roark's team. Ash even joined in, since he lost earlier that same day. We came up with a few promising ideas and decided to start practicing down near the mine today."

"Seems like a solid idea to me," She agrees before taking a sip of her wine. I can't help but smile at the domesticity of the situation. Empty to-go boxes on the table, an old tournament on tv, and Cynthia's even let her hair down. She's down to just her pants and black tank top.

Her jacket is draped carefully across the hotel's dresser. Her hair pins are carefully laid on top of it. My jacket, glasses and hairband rest beside them, along with Atlas's empty pokeball. He left a while back, out the still open window. I'm not too worried, even though – knowing him – he's likely gone to pick some fights or do some exploring.

I nod and take a sip of my own wine before continuing, "Exactly. Anyway, we may have spent a little too much time analyzing his battle footage and slept in late. So while we were on our way out of the Pokemon Center, Bam!" I slap my hand on the table for dramatic effect. Cynthia jumps at the sudden noise and I say, "That was my reaction too. We're just out for a nice stroll, when this massive Hyper Beam starts tearing up the road. That old fossil had just attempted a drive by and I was like, 'nuh uh, no you didn't!'"

Cynthia burst into giggles while I empty my... third? Fourth?... glass of wine. "So we started chasing it down and it ended up blowing an impressive hole in the museum and those other two fossil pokemon escaped. So I had this brilliant idea, right? I was like, 'Hey gang, lets split up and deal with this.' That was about the time that Officer Jenny appeared and told us about the plan to lead the escaped pokemon to the mine."

"Right, right," Cynthia nods before lifting the half empty wine bottle. "You want more?"

I eye my glass for a moment. Hmm... I... I probably shouldn't.

"Yeah, you're right... We have had a lot huh?" I tilt my head in confusion. Oh did I say that out loud?

"Yup," Cynthia nods, popping the p. I giggle despite the embarrassed heat in my face.

"Oh. Well... I'm feeling warm and fuzzy. We could get into that ice cream cake?" I glance at the bed. "Maybe cuddle and watch a movie or something?

"That sounds wonderful," She smiles out before helping me to my feet. I stumble slightly as my head swims with the sudden movement. Luckily, Cynthia helps me stay standing. I smile up at her gray eyes as I press against her. Her cool hand brushes my cheek as she pushes my hair out of my face.

"I appreciate that you share my weakness for ice cream." Cynthia teases as I slip out of her arms and almost throw my self on the bed. Cynthia being all cute and making me blush... I wiggle around until I'm comfortably leaned against the wall with the blanket over my legs. I look up to see the woman watching me with a small turn of the lips and soft eyes. The fond expression... I feel the heat climb down my neck. "You're so pretty Darling."

My heart skips at the pet name and I ask, "Have I told you that I really, really like it when you call me that?"

"Mhmm..." She makes a noise of confirmation and walks over to press a light kiss to my cheek. I return the favor and pull back with a shy smile as she makes for the minifridge. I can see the warm pink on her face as she turns. "This is a nice date... just me and you and peace and quiet."

"I agree. Has it been as chaotic for you as it has me?" I question while lifting my arms in a languid stretch. Oh... now I'm dizzy again...

"Maybe less eventful, but still busy and stressful." She continues on to explain while cutting into the cake, "Things should calm down more after this first month is over. Then it'll be business as usual until the Conference gets close. Moments like this tend to be hard to come by."

"Ugh. Well, we'll just tell them that your girlfriend is needy and they'll have to get over it," I state firmly, adding a nod to really drive it home. Cynthia's amused gray eyes fall on me as she brings over a bowl of cake and a spoon. I catch her hand before she turns and pull it to my lips. In a fit of insanity, I hold her gaze as I dust my lips lightly across her knuckles. Oh Arceus... I may have not thought this through. Her eyes turn large and darken while her lips part in a soft gasp.

Then she's pulling back her hand with a shaking breath. I can feel the tension in the room. But either I'm too tipsy to care, or the fuzz in my head has nothing to do with the alcohol. I can't tell the difference and after the day I've had... I don't know if I care. "Maybe I'll do just that," Cynthia speaks as she puts away the cake. I feel my heart skip as I realize there are two spoons in my bowl. I'm beyond okay with this. But also... I think I might die... "If you're okay with it, that is. The media attention can become a lot to deal with at times."

I make a dismissive noise and wave my hand. "Ah, it'll be fine. At worst it'll be a passing interest. I'm just some random woman. If they do get interested, it'll fade fast."

Cynthia almost snorts and shakes her head, a pitying smile on her face. I watch as she falls onto the bed and makes herself comfortable. I roll my eyes, but reach across the bed to take her hand. I scoot towards her until my shoulder is against hers. When she doesn't move, I nudge her. Finally taking the less than subtle hint, her arm drapes over my shoulder and I feel a private smile pull at my lips.

"Anyway, where was I?" I wonder before snapping my fingers. "Oh... right! So Jenny tells us about the plan, right? So I'm like, 'you two go after the escapees, and I'll go get that Aerodactyl.' Silver was about to argue, but I took off before he could. After that, it wasn't too hard to find the angry dinosaur. I had Petite hit him with a Magical Leaf. Needless to say, the fossil was very upset by this turn of events."

"Then you just ran towards the mine?" Cynthia's question earns a sheepish grin and nod. "I can't believe you. Do you have any idea how dangerous that was?"

"Well, considering that it almost bit my head off, at least once... yes," Cynthia frowns at my words. Suddenly, she's cupping my chin and forcing me to look into her gaze. A dangerous fire burns in her gray eyes. Her face hangs inches from mine as she speaks in a heavy, upset tone, "Don't joke about it. Don't treat it like it's not a big deal."

"It's not though. I'm still here and everything is okay." I reach up and cup her face between my hands. Her eyes glitter with unshed tears.

"What if you weren't though? What if, next time, you don't get lucky? I know, that you like to just charge headfirst into situations, but..." She pauses and the heat fades from her eyes, leaving fear and sadness in its place. "I don't... I... I can't just lose you like that. What about Johanna? Lucas? Shaymin? Have you any idea what it would do to them, to me, if you got hurt, or worse?"

"Cindy, I-" She shakes her head to cut me off before turning away. Trying to hide her watering eyes. I pull her to face me again, before pressing our foreheads together. "I'm okay. I'm right here."

"I... I don't mean that I want you to give up on your dreams or anything like that... I just..." Her voice catches and I press closer to the taller woman, my closest confidant, my best friend. "Please. Please... be more careful. Think things through just a little more and listen to your companions. Don't just think that you know best all the time."

I let out a long sigh and let my hands fall. She catches my right hand in her own as I look down at the ice cold cake sitting in my lap, "You're right. I... I will. It's just... we've been working so hard. My team and I. I want to prove myself and do some good. Maybe... maybe I am trying too hard. I apologize, for making you worry and putting myself in needless danger."

She gently nudges my cheek with her nose and I giggle a little. I look at her again and wipe the stray tears from her cheeks as she says, "Please don't think that I'm not proud of you. Because, I am." The warm, honest smile that lights up her face, tears me apart in wonderful ways. "I'm so very proud. Despite the danger, you acted bravely and potentially saved lives today. That's amazing. You're amazing. All I want is for you to continue being here, so that you can continue being amazing."

I bite my lower lip and press closer to her. The praise does all kinds of things to my emotions that I don't understand, but definitely like. A shiver shoots down my spine as her eyes flicker downward and I watch in real time as her gaze darkens. I think I've made a grave error in judgment... My voice is slightly hoarse as I try and deflect the sudden tension by saying, "I like the part where I'm amazing... we could uh... we uh..." My brain short circuits as her warm hand slips out of mine and instead presses to my cheek, her thumb brushes over my lower lip. "Arceus, you're so gorgeous..." I feel a rising panic. I said that aloud. Oh no. Oh-

"I... I- Sasha..." Never has my name sounded so heartrendingly beautiful, as it does in her cracking voice. "Watching you out there, in your element," Her words are breathless and dark. "You don't... you don't understand the things that you do to me. I- I don't understand the thi-"

"Shut up and kiss me," I demand with a thick and equally breathless tone. My heart is pounding and my head is swimming. All I can think about is that this woman, this perfect person, is mine and I want her to know that I am hers. My hands press into her thigh as I turn closer to the woman. She's looking at me with large doe eyes, glittering gray melts me. "Please... Cindy, I- Mmf!"

She swallows my words with warm, soft lips. Some part of me dies a beautiful death as my eyes flutter shut. I melt and lose all coherent thought. My heart might give out at any moment from the desperate speed with which it beats. Eternity in a moment that ends too soon. Before I realize what's happening our lips part. Like an alcoholic after their next drink, I chase her to steal another sweet kiss.

Cynthia makes a high pitched noise and her fingers dig into my back and she grips my own thigh to steady herself. I gasp against her mouth at the sudden shock of heat that wracks my body. She immediately leans back with an apologetic expression, pulling her arm off my shoulder. I shake my head quickly as she leans back. I somehow have the wherewithal to sit the bowl to the side, before rising up on my knees and slipping my form onto her lap. Our eyes stay locked as the room is filled with the sound of our breathless panting.

That dark gaze makes me feel so weak and soft. I link my fingers behind her neck and drape myself against her. It's hard to think past the fuzz of alcohol in my head. Or maybe it's the fuzz of her presence. Of the fiery emotions broiling in my chest. "Cynthia..." Her name is a prayer from my lips. A pleading call. A desperate need. "Is... Can..." I clear my throat and try again. "I... Sweet Arceus... I can't think straight." I lean forward and rest my head against hers, eyes shutting as I try to calm my racing heart.

"Sasha..." Cynthia swallows thickly and my eyes flicker open to find her staring back at me. "Will you kiss me again?"

I don't bother with words and comply. The kiss is like the others, a gentle, careful press of lips. But it feels like everything and more. Like a whole world that's always been in my sight, but I've still never witnessed. I melt against her like ice cream in the sunlight. Eventually, I have to lean back for breath and press my forehead against hers once more. We take a long quiet moment to recoup, the air between us burns with our mixed breath.

"Again," She breathes and I oblige happily. I lose track of time, lose all sense of existing outside of this little moment.

As I pull back once more, she pushes on my chest. I fall onto my back and let her move atop me, her legs on either side of my waist. I let my hands rest on her forearms as she leans over me with her arms propping her up on either side of my head.. "Sasha..." She breathes out my name, and my heart skips again. "I... Wow..."

"Yeah," I agree as her lips brush against mine. "I'd always... Always wondered... But this... there's no comparison."

"I didn't know... I never knew it could be like that." She breathes as she ghosts light kisses around my face. From my chin to my cheek to my temple. " Now... I don't know how to stop."

Suddenly her lips are on mine again. I squirm beneath her as my thoughts begin to fuzz and fade into white noise. So much fire fills my veins, it's getting hard to breathe. Before she pulls back, she nips at my lower lip. The sensation is overwhelming. A sharp cry bursts from my lips and I'm left seeing stars.

"Cynthia... w-wait. I... Too much..." I gasp out the words and feel her start to move off of me. I shake my head and reach out to catch her face between my hands. I carefully pull her forehead against mine. "Stay... Please just... Stay." Slowly my chest stops constricting and I can finally breathe again.

As my vision clears of the static and stars, I see her brow drawn down with worry. I start to smile, but realize that I already am. A giggle starts in my chest before turning into full on gleeful laughter. I squish her cheeks and kiss the tip of her nose as I breathe, "That... You're amazing. I... wow..."

My laughter seems to be infectious as the worry lines disappear and she slowly joins in with my giddy hysterics. I pull her flat against me and hug her tightly, arms wrapping around her middle. She buries her face in the crook of my neck as the ridiculous laughter drags on for what feels like hours.

When we finally run out of giggles, Cynthia slips off of me and nestles into my right side. Her head rests on my shoulder and she drapes her arm across my stomach. I tangle my fingers with hers and draw nonsensical shapes over her lower back with my other hand.

"Sasha... I'm so happy," I press a soft kiss to the top of her head as she continues, "It's not that I haven't been. But, as the Champion, I... It's hard. I'm constantly busy, constantly the center of attention. There's no such thing as anonymity for me and... it can make forming genuine connections hard. When all that everyone sees is Cynthia, the untouchable champion."

She props up on her arm and looks at me. Her eyes slowly study my face as she says, "When we first met, you were too busy adjusting to life to be awestruck. That's what I thought, at least. But even as you began to settle in and you seemed to be doing better, you were so unapologetically you. When you would stare at me... it didn't feel like you were looking at a Champion or something to conquer. You made – make – me feel beautiful, feel special for more than being a strong trainer."

She leans down and brushes gentle kisses along my jaw. "You're so awkward and silly and so intelligent. You're always smiling, always trying to make everyone else smile. You're one of the most kind people I've ever met." I feel my face burning as she leans back up and smiles warmly. Her eyes meet mine and warm fingers brush loose bangs from my face. "You're patient and understanding and so wonderful with people and pokemon both. And don't even get me started on how passionate you are. When you set your mind to something, it's like you'll move mountains to make it happen."

I reach up and touch her cheek lightly, my chest constricting with too many emotions to speak. She presses into my hand and places another kiss against my palm. "If anything, I'm the one who's awestruck," She admits with a playful smirk, eyes shining down at me. "Every time I look at you, you get prettier. Every time I hear your voice, my heart melts a little more." I make a choked noise and cover my mouth with my free hand. My eyes are stinging with unshed tears. I can't take anymore. I'm not... I'm just...

"You're also headstrong," She mutters with more than a hint of exasperation. "You struggle to admit when someone else might be right. Not to mention that you're aggravatingly heroic." I can't help but let out a strangled laugh. "You're always putting yourself behind others, as if you matter less somehow. I adore you for all of these reasons. From your best all the way to the parts that need some work."

"You need some work," I fire back petulantly, desperate to dispel some of the powerful tension.

"Please just..." She lays back down and lays her head on my shoulder. "If you won't stay safe for your own sake, then remember me... and what I would lose if something happened to you."

Ugh, I... What am I supposed to say to that? I just let the silence settle and gently run my fingers through her hair, nails gliding over her scalp. The moment is so peaceful even as my emotion are a storm of chaos. I've never felt so... so much. Being stuck in my head, I feel like I'm drowning. I need an out. Just something more than silence.

"Will you tell me something about your past?" I ask into the heavy silence. "You've told me that you grew up in a rather wealthy home. But you don't really talk about your family much. If it's not something you're ready for, that's okay too. I just... need to stop thinking for a moment."

"They're not my favorite topic, but I suppose that it's only fair..." She breathes as her arm stretches across my stomach until her hand slips into my left one. "So, the first thing you need to understand is that I take after my grandmother, much more than the rest of my family. See, my grandmother is a researcher and the elder of Celestic Town. She has always been staunch in the old traditions of our family, exploring ancient legends and learning about the legendary pokemon."

"Right... you've spoken of her before," I hum following along so far.

"Well, she and my mother don't get along and never have," Cynthia lets out a long sigh. "Mother always felt stifled under the tradition and constantly tried to push me away from the old values too. 'To protect me from the stifling heritage,' she'd say. 'The world is moving beyond silly legends and ancient tales.' Then, I would visit Grandmother and she would show me her research and take me to explore some of those ancient locations. It would mesmerize me and drag me in like a river's current."

"Mother hated it. She and Grandmother would get into such intense arguments. Mother would shout and scream about how I was meant for more than air-headed fantasies. That my Father's legacy and business would be mine to inherit and Grandmother didn't need to waste my time with fairytales," I shift and Cynthia moves with me, until we're on the pillows and lying face-to-face.

I turn on my side to look at her as she continues, "I didn't really care about that though – following in his footsteps – and I think Father recognized that at least. He never really pressured me for it, and only did enough to appease my mother. Even fought her until I was allowed to keep and raise the Gible egg my Grandmother gave me when I turned ten." She scoots closer, until our heads are together and her fingers drift the length of my arm. "Then, when my sister started getting older, well... it became clear that she would be the far better choice to inherit his company."

"I think that's when Mother really started giving up on me. I've always felt like a disappointment to her," She speaks the words almost distractedly; her eyes are distant and cloudy. I reach out and touch her cheek. Gray eyes blink and refocus on me. Her lips pull up in a small smile, even as a deep sadness touches her brow. "I left home when I turned sixteen, after a visit from Professor Oak during my birthday party. He seemed impressed with my Gible and offered to let me take a prototype pokedex on an adventure. I agreed immediately."

"Mother was absolutely furious when she found out. She threatened to take Gible and ground me until I turned eighteen. Father... Father just watched it all happen. His expression cloudy and unreadable. It hurt... I felt betrayed." She lets out a long sigh. It looks like she could cry... If this is how she feels after all this time... I can only imagine how much she's struggled with this.

"When I finally stormed off to my room, I was so upset... Then Father came and knocked on my door. He had the latest in Silph Co. fashion. A yellow purse with the relatively recently discovered dimensional pocket technology." Her smile widens into something more akin to fondness. "He said, 'I had ordered this for your birthday. You're going to be more than your mother could have ever dreamed. I love you.' That was the first time, Sasha. The first and last time my Father ever said those words to me."

"I left home that night and never looked back. Even after I became the Champion... even now, ten years later... I still haven't spoken to my family. Grandmother's the only one who has ever reached out." I cup her cheek and kiss away the loose tears that roll down her warm face. "It's just hard sometimes... So I try not to think on it too much. But, I just... I know what it's like to miss your family. I know it's not the same, not even close, so please don't think that I'm try-"

"Hey," I mutter softly to cut her off. A warm smile pulls at my lips and I shake my head. "I don't own a monopoly on suffering... I'm not foolish enough to think that I do. You've endured so much. So, so much... If I'm honest though, I'm... glad in a way. It's selfish and wrong, I know. But, because everything has happened this way – for both of us – I got to meet you. I get to have you here, in my arms. It's just... I mean..." I can't help the laugh that bubbles out. I capture her face between my hands and pepper her face with a rain of kisses.

"Sasha!" She exclaims with a high pitched squeak. "Eep!" I pull her on top of me and squeeze the blonde champion like a giant teddy bear. Cynthia makes another squealing sound through her hysterical laughter. "Mercy!" I stop my storm of kisses long enough to let my girlfriend catch her breath. My girlfriend... I'm so happy...

/-/

Lucas's Log #4

[The page begins with a pencil sketch of Anorith from multiple angles. Neat almost mechanical script sits below in a format mirrored by other entries.]

Anorith Rock/Bug-type Gender: Male Age: 5 Months

Old Shrimp Pokemon Height: 2'01" Weight: 24.5lbs

Personal Observations:

Anorith is one of the few fossil Pokemon to be born into our current age. It's parent being an Armaldo that I faced down in combat. After accepting an offer to visit the artificial sanctuary for revived fossils, we ended up running into the Armaldo. It seemed to recognize me and presented one if it's children. When asked if they wanted me to bring their child along, it was adamant that I do so.

The museum's lead, Dr. Kenzo, was more than happy to let me take the Pokemon along. He also requested that I keep a close record of how well the Anorith adjusts to the world outside. It seems to be his hope that these old pokemon could one day be reintroduced to the wild. The Rangers and other governing bodies would need plenty of convincing to introduce, what would be at this point, a host of invasive species, to the natural environment.

Anorith seems to be fairly docile and curious about the world. It watches everyone and everything around it with an intelligence behind its eyes that is frankly impressive. The little one absorbs knowledge like a sponge. It's been a single day, but he's already figured out doors, how to sneak into my bag for snacks, and enjoys tormenting Silver with a spray of water at random intervals. As I write this, he's discovered the bathtub. Interestingly, after a short conversation with Turtwig, he's figured out how to turn on the water and is happily splashing in the shower.

We'll put his combat capabilities to the test tomorrow, once Sasha finally shows back up.

See Research Journal 1-R for more in-depth notes.


A/N: Team Rocket always finds a way to make things difficult. Am I right lads, or am I right lads? My take on the whole Fossil disaster from the show. Can we just take a moment to appreciate the fact that they had literal Tanks. Like the big, shooty-boom Tanks in this episode. Or maybe they're just mounted Machine Guns! Hello? What? I... Why do they have mounted machine guns? Why are there just literal tanks on call at Oreburgh? Do they have fossil break outs all the time? I just... I don't know guys. They seem prepared to make those Pokemon fossils a second time around. That's a Beedrill nest that I'm hesitant to poke. It also seems like the pokemon are on quite the rampage, for there to be time for tanks to mobilize... unless they're always ready to go... We're not going there. It isn't happening. Luckily here Sasha and co. were present to reduce the disaster levels so we don't have to! Yay!

On another note, fluff and another step in their relationship! Welcome to the aftermath of near death experience, adrenaline high, and alcohol. It's still very early and we'll see more of these two engaging with each other and the rest of the world soon. It's just been a hot minute and they've missed each other. Distance makes the heart grow fonder and all that.

I hope that you all enjoyed this chapter as much as I did. Until next week! Peace out!

Also... tanks... TANKS... whack yo.A/N: This song is by Rob Thomas. Sweet Arceus, it's one of my favorite love songs of all time. It's just so, so good. I think it encapsulates this one perfectly. Enjoy!