AN: Enjoy the chapter.
Ch 96 An Unexpected Turn
Hoenn Region, Route 111
A massive Sandstorm was raging across the entire Route. A group of Researchers were tying down their equipment to the ground, preventing them from being blown away by the Storm.
One of the Researchers got up after securing their Research equipment. He slowly heads towards the Research truck, provided by the Devon Corporation's Research department.
Upon entering the vehicle, he heard their Leader finishing a conversation with his Girlfriend. "Mr. Stone, the Sandstorm is picking up." The Researcher informed Steven what was happening outside.
Steven brought his Rotom Phone back into his pocket, addressing the Researcher. "As expected, we did come in the middle of Autumn. Possibly the worst time for an expedition." He said, regretting coming here right away.
It's been a few Months since he received a letter from his Father. The Letter contains information from one of their Teams have discovered a Ruin hidden in Route One Eleven.
The Expedition will take another few Months since it's going to be a while to find the Ruins. At least three to the latest he'll be on this trip,
Helena wishes she could come, but Steven refuses to let her go when she is in the middle of her Pregnancy. Of course, Helena would understand, but due to her hormones, she made a fit.
Steven had never seen Helena in a moody mood, in all honesty, she's cute when she's grumpy. Eventually, he has to depart from Rustboro City with the Research Team. He gave a kiss on her lips as a goodbye and departed.
Steven sat down at his desk in the Research vehicle, "I take it that Phone call was from your Girlfriend?" The Researcher asked the Champion.
"Yes, I was just checking up on her since she's in the middle of her term," Steven explains to the Researcher, having a goofy smile on his face.
"Ah, I know what you mean, Sir." The Researcher said, understanding what the Champion was going through. "My Wife was the same way. She can be stubborn when she was carrying our Daughter in the middle of her term." He shared with the Champion.
Steven chuckles before hearing a beeping at the nearby Computers. "The sonogram," He stood up as the Researcher went up to check the Monitor.
The Researcher checked the monitor, seeing the data on it. "Mr. Stone, the Sonagram has detected something large structure just a few clicks from here." He informed the Steel-blue haired Champion.
Steven approaches the Monitor, seeing the Data for himself. "That must be it, tell everyone, that once the Sandstorm cleared, we're heading to the South." The Champion ordered the Research on what to do after the Sandstorm clears.
"Yes, Sir." The Researcher followed the orders, sending a message to all Researchers who had taken shelter in the many tents outside.
Steven continued to stare at the Monitor, seeing the flashing red dot. "If the Myth is right, then he'll be there…" He said to himself with a smile.
Rustboro City
It has been a few Months into her Pregnancy, the more she gets into it the more…stubborn she'll get. Since Steven left for his Father's Research trip, Helena has been spending time with Lydia, helping her through the Pregnancy.
Anthea and Concordia also assisted with Helena's Pregnancy, giving her some herbal tea, taking care of the House chores, and caring for the Pokemon that belong to the Laboratory and the Wild Pokemon.
Since she's in the middle of her Pregnancy, both Adam and Keith decided it was time for her to be on Maternity Leave. Though Helena was stubborn about it, not wanting to leave unfinished work, Adam was adamant that she take the time off to care for herself and the Twins.
Seeing their point, Helena obliges to the Maternity Leave. She had left all her Lesson Plans to Adam since she would not be in Class for a while, her Research was locked away in a safe in her Lab.
Helena knew if she saw her Research, she'd start working on it instead of resting. Now that everything was placed away, Helena now has plenty of time on her hands.
As such, with this much time, why not be productive for the Twins?
Standing in the Lobby of her Lab, Helena looked at N, who was ready to leave for the Daycare. "Helena, are you sure you be alright on your own?" N asked, looking at his Sister,
"Of course N, I'm a capable Woman," Helena said to her Brother, ensuring him that things were going to be fine. "Besides, if you're worried then don't. Lydia is going to be with me all day, so you can put your concerns to rest. Plus Kirlia's with me too, right Kirlia?" She looks down at her Partner,
Kirlia nodded, agreeing with her Partner. She turns to N, giving her word that she'll keep an eye on Helena. "Kirlia, Kirlia,"
N was more protective of Helena once she reached halfway through her Pregnancy, he often took over the minimal tasks that Helena was doing. Like washing the dishes or feeding the Pokemon,
The former King of Team Plasma was skeptical, not of Lydia. She's probably the best Person Helena could be with. "As long as you don't stray too far from, Mrs. Stone and Kirlia, then I'm fine with it," N said, watching the black-haired Professor step forward.
Helena smiled at her Older Brother as Kirlia followed her. "I'll be back later tonight, once I finish with shopping." She told the green-haired trainer,
Anthea and Concordia exited the Lab once their chores were done. "N, we should get going. We can't be late today." Anthea said, reminding him of what today is.
"Right, the Days before the Holiday," N said, being the second time he'd experienced the week before the Holiday break.
Concordia approaches Helena, holding her hand. "Helena, do be careful, you're starting your Seventh Month now. You need to be extra careful," She said, smiling at her.
"Don't worry, Concordia, I'll be careful," Helena said, already promising this for the past Months or so.
Concordia and the others laugh, leaving the Potter Laboratory and off into the City. Unknown to the Siblings, someone was lurking in the shadows, taking out a purple Rotom-Phone. "The Potter Family has left the Lab… Courtney."
-ZZZ- As expected, my vision when as I saw it. Stay where you are, I'll be there shortly. -ZZZ- Courtney informed her underling, preparing to enter the Lab.
Walking down the sidewalk, passing many People and their Pokemon, Helena, and Kirlia were getting close to their destination. Helena looks around the many Cafés in this area of Rustboro City. "Now…which Café Lydia said want us to meet up with her…" She asked her Partner.
Kirlia looks around, assisting her Partner in searching for Lydia. Her eyes sweep through the many Cafés before seeing a Woman drinking tea nearby them. "Kirlia," The Psychic/Fairy-type points to the Café where the white-haired Woman was sitting.
Helena looks over to where Kirlia was pointing at, noticing the Woman. "Ah, there she is. Good job, Kirlia." She smiles down at her Partner.
The Duel-type Pokemon smiles before both of them head to the Café. "Lydia!" Helena called out to the Woman at the Café. "Sorry, were you waiting long?" She asked her Boyfriend's Mother.
The white-haired Woman paused momentarily before turning around and smiling at Helena. "Helena, it's wonderful to see you. I wasn't waiting too long," Lydia said, coming up to Helena and hugged her. "Ara, it felt like forever since I've seen you. And look at you now, glowing as ever," She continued, smiling with pride.
"It's been only two Days since I've last seen you, Lydia," Helena said, not feeling like it's been that long.
"That's still a long time, Helena dear," Lydia said before looking down at Kirlia and greeting her as well. "I see you're doing good as well, Kirlia." She smiled at the Duel-type.
Kirlia raised her arms, greeting her back. "Kirlia, Kirlia,"
Lydia and Helena smile before the white-haired Woman turns back to her Future Daughter-in-Law. "Now, shall we head to the Stores? I know the best Stores that sell Baby items; I used to go there when Steven was a Baby." She giggles, reminiscing about the Past.
The white-haired Woman looks at Helena, starting to tear up. "And now, I get to do that again with his Babies." Lydia sniffs, emotional at the experience of shopping for her Grandsons. "Sorry, sorry, I was just remembering when I was shopping for Steven when he was a Baby."
Helena smiles, understanding Lydia perfectly. "A-Anyways, let's get going then, shall we?" Lydia said, ready to head out for the Stores.
"Yes," Helena replied, following her Future Mother-in-law.
Arriving at the Baby Store, Lydia, Helena, and Kirlia were looking through the selection of Baby clothing. "How do you like this one, Helena?" Lydia showed a dark blue Baby Onesie with a red logo on a Pikachu head. "I think this would look adorable in this one."
Helena looks at the Onesie, smiling at how adorable it looks. "I think it's cute too; I'd also like to show you this one," She pulls out a light green Baby Onesie with a light blue bow.
"That's so adorable," Lydia smiles, adoring the outfit Helena picked out for one of her Sons. She turns her attention back to the other outfits. "How much clothing do you have now for the Twins?" She asked, seeing a few more clothes that might look good on the Twins.
"Not that much, just enough to last a while." The black-haired Professor explains to Lydia.
Lydia smiles, checking out the clothing that has caught her eye. "Then it's a good thing we're here in the Stone." She hums, showing another piece of clothing to Helena and Kirlia.
Helena and Kirlia looked at the Baby clothing while Lydia came over after checking something on the other side. "Helena dear, forgive me for asking but I was just curious about something," Lydia spoke, looking at the black-haired Ability User.
"What do you want to know, Lydia" Helena looks up at the white-haired Woman, curious about what she wants to ask her.
"I'm just wondering since you and Steven are expecting soon. Did my Son propose to you by any chance? Or ask to move in with him?" The retired Coordinator asked Helena, looking up at her. "I know this is a sudden question, but we're going to be Family soon and you two are so close…"
Helena smiles, not minding the question. "No, Steven hasn't proposed yet. I think he's planning something special for it…or most likely he's just nervous and thinking on how to propose." She chuckles, knowing Steven well at this point. "As for the moving question, once the Twins are born, I'm planning to move in with him.
Kirlia nodded, having a similar conversation with Metagross whenever Steven visited her Partner.
Lydia couldn't help but agree with Helena's description of her Son's personality. "Yes, Steven can be such an overthinker when it comes to simple stuff like this." The white-haired Woman said, chuckling as well.
After going to other Stores with Baby items, the Day was already nearing its end. Lydia looks up, seeing it was late in the Afternoon. "Ara, I didn't realize we took the whole Day shopping," Lydia commented, holding at least five shopping bags in her hands.
"You're right, by now the Trainer School has ended now," Helena commented, knowing at this time Students were either leaving for their Homes, Dorms, or Extracurricular Activities at the School.
"Let's head back to your place, Helena. I'm sure I made you a bit tired after taking you shopping at every Store." Lydia smiles, joking with her Future Daughter-in-law.
Helena looked at her Partner, who was looking a bit drowsy. "I think Kirlia is the one who's the tired here, Lydia." She smiles, causing the white-haired Woman to chuckle.
The young Professor placed down her bags, taking out Kirlia's Pokeball. "Kirlia, why don't you take a rest? You had a long Day shopping with us." Helena spoke in a gently to her Partner,
Kirlia looks up at Helena, nodding to her suggestion. "Kirlia…"
Helena held out her Partner's Pokeball, returning the Duel-type into it. "Are you set, Helena?" Lydia asked the black-haired trainer.
"Yes, I'm ready to go back, " Helena picked up her Bags, ready to head back to the Potter Lab.
The two walked back on the path to the Potter Laboratory, they talked about many things while they walked. Soon enough the two reached the entrance of Route One Fifteen when they noticed the commotion on the Route.
The commotion was three Police cars in front of the Lab. "Huh? The Police are here?" Helena asked, heading over to the Laboratory to investigate for herself,
"Helena, wait-" Lydia tried to stop Helena from going to her Home, but she was a bit too late. Instead, she followed her to the Potter Laboratory.
Coming out of the Laboratory, Officer Jenny and Amethio walk out of the Lab and meet up with N and Professor Ceder.
The two Men were speaking with other Officers, giving some information to help with the investigation. "Professor Ceder, Mr. Potter."
They turn around, seeing the Authorities coming over to them. Professor Ceder was first to speak, "Officer Jenny, Detective, do you have any clues on who broke into the Lab?" Adam asked the two.
"That's what we're hoping you two could answer," Amethio said, crossing his arms.
"The Intruder went over the complex; they left drawers open and flipped over the furniture." Officer Jenny explains to the two, "They also broke into the Laboratory, but as you're aware the alarm System prevents them from going any further." The blue-green-haired Officer explains, already investigating the Lab.
"What about the Pokemon? Did they take them?" N asked, knowing the main reason for a break-in at a Pokemon Lab was to take the Pokemon.
"Fortunately, the Pokemon was spared. We found them in the backyard of the Lab inside the Wooded area." Officer Jenny explains, giving N a sigh of relief.
"Now the issue of whether the Pokemon were the target is covered. Is there anything else in your Laboratory that holds value?" The dark and grey-haired Detective asked the two.
Both Adam and N ponder, thinking of what else is of value in the Lab. N looks up, having an idea; an idea he didn't like. "It most likely that they were after-"
"N, Professor!" Everyone turned around, seeing Helena running over to them. "What happened here?" Helena asked, turning her head and seeing Anthea, Paulo, Roxanne, and Concordia returning with Pokemon from their Home.
Adam steps forward, explaining things to her. "Helena, there was a break-in here in the Lab. We're not sure who, but they were looking for something valuable." The Professor explains to his former Student.
Helena was taken aback that someone was breaking into their Home. "They must be after my Research." She said, having a gut feeling that was the case behind the break-in. "That's the only valuable thing that my Lab has." She explains.
Amethio and Officer Jenny nodded before asking some more questions. "Forgive me for asking, but it's procedure. But do you know where your Research is, Professor Potter?" The dark and grey-haired Detective asked the young Professor.
"I'm sorry, but my Brother was the one who hid it." Helena said, turning to N. "N, do you mind retrieving my Research for me?" She asked her Brother.
"Yes, of course, Helena." N walks over to the Lab, accompanied by Officer Jenny, ensuring that there's nobody would strike again in case they're still waiting outside.
Once N and Officer Jenny leave, Amethio looks at Helena. "Professor Potter, given the situation, I think you should stay away from your Laboratory momentarily." The Detective advises the young Professor. "As of right now, we're certain that the target is your Research. If the Culprit can't find it, then their next target is-"
"Helena," Adam said, fearing that was the case. "Figures, if they can't have the Research the next possible thing is to get the Person who's the leading expert…" The blue and blonde-haired Professor said,
Helena didn't like this at all, it's like Unova and Team Plasma all over again. "Professors, is there any other place you can hide for a bi-"
"I can't hide!" Helena exclaims, gaining some attention from the People around them. "Who could take care of the Pokemon living here?" The black-haired Woman asked, looking around the area.
"Helena, your safety is more important. The Pokemon living here will be well taken care of." Adam looks at Roxanne and the others walking over to them.
Helena turns to her Sisters and Friend who overheard their conversation "Professor Ceder is right. Ellie, it's too dangerous for you to stay here." The brunette Gym Leader stated concern for her Friend's safety. "It's obvious that the Intruders are after you now, and you're in a state where you can defend yourself," She motions to her Pregnancy.
"Don't worry about the Pokemon here, Sister," Anthea stated, wanting Helena and her Children to be safe.
"We'll take care of the Pokemon here, Helena. The only thing we're worried about is that you might be in possible danger." Concordia continued, also concerned over her Sister's safety.
N soon returned with Helena's Research in a flash drive. He looks up, hearing the conversation. "But what about you guys? I can't sit back and hide while you guys are in danger of whoever is trying to steal my Research." Helena stated, not liking the idea of her hiding.
Paulo looks at his Mentor, "Professor Potter, this is a serious matter. I think they are right on this one." The blonde Pokemon trainer said, supporting the idea.
The green-haired trainer approaches his Sister, "Helena, you should go and hide." N stated siding with everyone else on the matter. "You are too important to these People; I'm not going to risk your or our Nephews' lives. What would Steven say if he was here?" N asked his Sister,
Helena looks down, knowing exactly what Steven would say if he was here. "That he wants to keep us safe…yes, all of you are right." She said, accepting the suggestion to hide for a short while.
"But where could I hide for the time being?" Helena asked, looking around for any ideas from the People she trusts.
Everyone ponders, thinking of a good place for Helena to lay low just for a while. "You can stay with us, Helena," Lydia spoke up, offering her Home as a refuge for Helena until everything dies down.
Helena looks at Steven's Mother, not wanting her to be involved with this. "Lydia, I can't let you get involved-"
"Helena, we're going to be Family soon. It's only right for me and Joseph to take you in a time of need." Lydia explains, wanting to help her Future Daughter-in-law.
"Mrs. Stone is right, the Stone Household has the best Security in all of Hoenn. Second to the Pokemon League." Amethio commented, looking at the young Professor. "Professor Potter, I believe Mrs. Stone's Home is the safest place for you for now. If you would allow it, I'd like to send someone to get a statement."
Helena nodded, understanding the procedure with the Police. "Right,"
A few minutes later, once the Police secured the area. Helena walks out of her Laboratory with her luggage in hand.
Her eyes saw the Stone Family Car, where Sebastian was awaiting her arrival. Turning around, Helena looks at her Sisters and Roxanne. "Take care of everything while I'm gone and be careful. I don't know what to do if you three got hurt…"
Anthea stepped forward, holding Helena's hands, and smiled. "That's what we're going to say, Helena. You wouldn't need to worry about us, we can handle ourselves here." The pink-haired Woman stated,
"Just make sure you be careful and take care of yourself," Concordia said, ensuring that they were going to be fine.
"Ellie don't forget that we have three Pokemon trainers here. Plus two trainers who are experienced with Battling." Roxanne said, giving her some additional insurance to lighten her up.
Adam smiles, "I'll be here as well, soon enough this ordeal will be over."
Helena smiled, seeing that everyone was going to be alright with her hiding. She then looked at N who was holding the rest of her luggage, "Are you ready, Helena?" He asked his Sister.
N is going to be her Liaison, being the one to relay information between the Police and her. Helena nodded, ready to go. "Yes, I am," Helena said, turning to the People who were close to her and proceeding to follow the path to the Car.
AN: How do you like it? Please leave a comment or review.