"Damn it John! Do you know how scared I was! I told you not to go and look at you now. Cracked rib and arm, with bruises all over your body! And you three! Don't think you're off the hook. You should have stopped him. What would Jenna have done if any of you three got hurt? How do you think she will feel when she sees me knowing that John is here?"

I was lying in a hospital bed in the petalburg Pokemon Center. My arm was in a sling and it hurt to breathe. Opal, Ruby, and Sapphire were sitting on a chair with their faces down as Mom yelled at them.

"Mom-"

"SHUT UP!" Mom turned to me, her eyes like fire. I flinched, I had never seen my mom this angry.

"You will not speak. This is all your fault. I told you not to go near the Golem and yet you did. Their lives were in your hands just as much as yours was in theirs!"

Mom gripped the bed railings tightly. In some ways I was glad I was hurt. Mom would have probably smacked me silly.

"You're not in my house anymore so I can't punish you like a normal parent." She frowned, making me a little happy. Though her smirk sent shivers down my spine. "However I am also a Ranger and you put your team in danger knowingly. That is a punishable offense. As it is your first time you will get a slap on the wrist. The doctor told me that you will be under observation for the week. So your punishment will start after your release. John Grimm, you will be suspended from any league activities and your license as a trainer will be suspended for one week after your release from hospital. You may not participate in gym battles or accept helperland guild requests. As for your pokemon, they will remain in your care for now."

"Mom-"

"Be glad that it is only this far son."

Her calling me son hurt a little. "I just wanted to say, thank you."

Mom softened after that. "You're welcome. Now rest. I need a coffee." She stopped in front of the girls on the couch. "I'm sorry to spoil your Evolution Opal. I have wanted to celebrate it but with everything." Mom trailed off. Opal gave her a weak smile saying something to mom. Mom gave a weak smile of her own as she rubbed the top of Opal's head. "You're a good girl." After that mom left.

[So what now?] Sapphire asked.

"I don't know." I looked at the ceiling letting my mind wander. "For now I am stuck here. Why don't you three go with Mom. You know, after she has cooled off."

The three of them shook their heads. [We won't leave you.]

"Fine, only if you promise to go with them if they want to celebrate your evolution."

Opal nodded before getting up. She came to my side. Knowing what she wanted I placed my hand on her head. Careful of the new positioning of her horns. She let out a soft purring sound and she enjoyed the attention.

Feeling the urge to tease her I smiled. "You know, your pokespeech is cuter than before."

Her eyes shot open as her face turned red. She shied away from my hand. [Not nice.] her voice was shy as she turned away.

Just then the door to the room opened again. In the doorway was my mom. "Mom, why are you back?"

As if to answer my question a familiar shiny Gardevoir entered the room. Opal backed up, scared that her mom would scold her like my mom did to me.

Jenna began to talk in pokespeech. It was fast and judging by Opal reactions, harsh. Opal's eyes were starting to well up as she hugged herself. She was looking down at the floor. Jenna then whipped around and tore into the others. I could only wait for my turn.

[And you!] She was still talking in pokespeech as well as using telepathy. [I trusted you with the three most precious beings in my life and in less than a month you put their lives as well as yours in danger!] she floated to the bedside glaring at me. Opal tried to step between us only for Jenna to use her powers to move her back to the chair with the others.

[Do you have anything to say for yourself?] She placed her hands on her hips.

My Dad's training kicked in. Give her the facts and nothing else. No excuses and no flattery. "I wanted to get the ID of the trainer and leave. His family has a right to know." My voice was monotone. Like a soldier speaking to his superior. I picked up a lot of military habits from my dad over the years.

Both of the women softened a little at this. They knew that I didn't do it for money or the heroics. I did it out of a pure sense of duty to an unknown family.

Jenna sighed. [Fine. Sandy has told me how you were punished and I agree. Hopefully you take this time to reflect. All of you. Now as for you, Opal.] Jenna turned to her daughter. Opal looked down at the floor again. Jenna's body relaxed as she rushed forward to scoop Opal into her arms. [I am so proud of you! You evolved into a gorgeous Kirlia!] she hugged Opal to her chest singing praises in pokespeech as she stopped speaking with telepathy.

Opal was confused, as was the rest of us. Shouldn't she be getting scolded?

[Come on, you don't expect me to stay angry after my daughter has finally evolved?]

"Sort of. It's what we parents do." Mom told her, rolling her eyes.

[Well I'm not like that, Sandy. Now John will have to stay here while we go celebrate come on girls!] Jenna then marched out still holding Opal.

Opal and I locked eyes and smiled at each other.

[I will come back so make sure the bed is ready for us.]

I glance at the only comfy chair in the room.

[Poo.]

Her indignation made me laugh which hurt my bruised ribs. Then just like that they were gone leaving me alone with the hospital food. I grabbed the remote and hit the call button before I turned the tv on. The channel was about the league as the two hosts talked about up and coming trainers. Behind them were clips from those trainers. It showed spectacular gym battles. One of the leaders shown was Norman with his Slaking.

"I'm coming for you." I mutter. "Just not for a while." It was a few more minutes before the nurse showed up.

"What do you need?" She asked.

"I just need my phone. I was going to look up things to do here in Petalburg to kill time after I am discharged."

"Ok then." She went over to where my phone was charging and handed it to me.

I thanked her before opening it. A notification popped up for the trainer app telling me about my suspension. I sighed, it seemed like everything moved fast.

I closed the notification then opened the map app. The app zoomed in on my position. Points of interest popped up all around the town. I looked up the restaurants, checking menus and making notes in another app of which ones were good for the girls. Due to the flower field nearby it seems that grass and fairy types are starting to migrate here. Even then only a few places catered to fairy types let alone psychic types.

"I hope they like those places." I mumble as I keep looking for things to do. A cheer came from the remote as what was on the tv changed. Looking up I saw a contest starting. The pokemon and their trainers are getting ready with dresses and jewels. I put my phone down to watch. Opal liked watching it for the spectacle.

On screen was a mega Gallade dancing with his trainer. The trainer was dressed as a princess. Her face was covered with a mask. The waltz was strong and elegant. The Gallade gave off the feel of a knight as his red crystals glowed with energy. The cape flutters with every swift move.

I watched with half my attention getting tired now from the music. I set my phone on the bedside table before leaning back into the pillow. "I wonder if Opal would like to try dancing for fun?" I muttered before falling asleep. Lulled by the music in the contests.

I woke up the next morning with Ruby curled up between my legs. Opal and Sapphire were both on the chair. Sapphire was in her usual pose of hugging the nearest warm body. Head on Opal's chest. Opal was using Sapphire's head as a pillow. Her chin rested lightly on her sister.

I look back at Ruby, being greeted by red blue eyes staring back at me. "Morning. Seems you were the lucky one."

Ruby's tail wagged once before she rolled onto her side to press her back firmly against my leg. She laid her head on my leg with a sigh.

"Happy now. Go back to sleep." I laid back to rest some more but was stopped when a nurse came in for the morning wake up.

"Good, you're awake."

I pressed my finger to my lips looking at the chair. The nurse stopped and ogled the two sleeping mons.

"Aren't they precious?" She whispered. She came over to check the monitors. Ruby watched her with one eye. "Ok little one, you shouldn't be up here."

"Can you leave her? She is much more comfortable here."

The nurse looks at Ruby again. "She seems well behaved. Just make sure she doesn't get into mischief and mess with the monitor leads."

"I will be careful." I place my hand on my leg and Ruby presses her head into it letting me pet her. As usual her fur is soft to the touch. I focus on her ears and neck scruff where she is softest. She lets out a pleased groan as I scratch her chin.

"That's my little sis." I say as she lays on her back as I pet her. With my eyes closed I felt two more bodies climb onto the bed.

Small hands carefully hugged my bad arm while a furry head pushed under the crook of the one petting Ruby. "They are going to be mad." I chuckle.

[Don't care.] Sapphire remarked. [I'm happy.] I could feel her tail brushing my arm as it wagged back and forth.

[We aren't hurting anything. Besides I was worried about you.] Opal's hug on my arm tightened ever so slightly as her head rested on my shoulder. [Can we stay like this?]

"Sure. You will always be my baby sister." I smile.

I heard Opal scoff. [Jerk.]

I fell asleep again. All of us acted as if it was just a normal day.

Instead of the week in the hospital like I was told they let me leave in four days. It seems the bruises on my ribs had healed sufficiently and my arm was able to be put in a soft cast.

"Ok then, you know to come back after another week to get that cast off. Other than that you are good. Take care and rest."

The nurse behind the counter smiled at me as I handed her the paperwork I signed. "Thank you." I turned and left, my arm still in a sling to remind me not to use it. Considering it was my dominant hand that was hurt, it was going to be annoying.

Once I left the hospital I let the girls out of their balls. I wasn't happy that the Hospital forced me to use them before I got them checked. But thankfully they still seemed to function correctly. Ruby shook herself while Sapphire stretched to her sides. Opal was sitting on the ground with her legs tucked under her. Her head was lolled forward as she napped. Though she was starting to fall forward.

I rushed in and caught her, startling her awake. She yelped as our heads connected hard. My chin stung and she grabbed where my chin hit her. This made Ruby and Sapphire laugh uncontrollably. Opal blushed out of embarrassment. Neither of us were really used to her new form.

"You ok sis?" I was rubbing my chin. I would never say it but she was literally hard headed.

[Yeah, it just stings.] She let out a whine as she rubbed the painful spot.

"What can I do to make it up to you? We ate breakfast a while ago so maybe some lunch?"

Sapphire started jumping up and down. [Lunch, Lunch, Lunch!]

I pat her head to calm her down. "Easy there Saph, don't get carried away."

[I need some clothes.] Opal says shyly. [When we went out to eat with our moms, they saw that I was uncomfortable. And it is….cold.] Opal hid her face in her hands. Her face, bright red.

John was confused at first. "I don't understand. Do you want a jacket? If so you can bo-"

[No! I need my own clothes.] Opal was beet red. [I can take some stuff in the ball with me so we don't have to carry it. But I need some clothes of my own.]

I sigh, giving her a smile. "Whatever you want sis. Though I don't know if they will have anything that fits." It was a stranger request but if it made her happy.

I helped her to her feet and we walked around looking for a shop that sold clothes. It was easy to find but the clerk said that they don't sell pokemon accessories. It was a bit of a back and forth but in the end I left empty handed.

I found a bench to look up the local stores. Ruby curled up next to me and Sapphire sat next to her playing with Ruby's tail. Opal stood pressing her skirt down.

While we were at the store I realized why she wanted clothes and I felt bad for her. I also tried my best to keep my realization from her so she wouldn't be more embarrassed.

"Don't worry I will find something." I told her, giving her head a pat. I spent the next ten minutes looking at my phone. I went through every store in the area but none of them were what Opal wanted. I sighed with my head hung low.

[John.]

"Sorry Opal, I couldn't find anything."

"What are you looking for, young man?" The slightly feminine voice caught me off guard. I snapped my head up to be greeted with a slightly startling sight. In front of me was a man in feminine clothes and muscled like a weightlifter. They were wearing a fur collared gray coat and light jeans made for boots. The boots had the design of a love ball on them.

"I'm sorry…"

"Oh no I'm sorry for not introducing myself. My name is Ryley. I own a store nearby." Their voice was obviously masculine but the way they spoke gave it a feminine tone.

"Ok then Ms. Ryley." I said testing the waters. She just smiled at me.

"So what are you looking for?" She reiterated.

"Opal here wants some clothes but the store we went to all but laughed in my face." I explained. Opal got closer to me not taking her eyes off Ms. Ryley.

"That won't do, a girl this pretty must be adorned justly. Come with me, my partner and I can help you." She started to walk away.

"Why would you bother?" I asked incredulously.

"Because I want to." She motioned for me to follow her.

I looked at the girls. Sapphire and Ruby looked at her cautiously. Opal just tugged at my shirt.

[It is odd but what choice do we have?]

I get up and follow Ms. Ryley to her store. She had the walk of a runway model. The store was simple on the outside. About the size of a smaller pokemart. Clothes lined the walls and hung on the floor stands. All of them are flashy and loud.

Ms. Ryley went behind the counter taking off her coat. Under it she wore a powder pink button up with a floral print. "Darling! I'm back!" She called out.

The door at the back of the store opened and a female Machamp came out. She ran and hugged Ms. Ryley. "Machamp!"

The pokemon's voice was obviously feminine with its higher pitch compared to other Machamps. Her body was just as well built as her trainer just slimmer. She wore an apron and a skirt. Under the apron was a sports bra.

All in all it was the female version of a male Machamp's Speedo. Around her waist was a dainty champion belt peeking out under her apron.

"Easy Flora. You will startle our guests." Ms. Ryley said, hugging her partner back.

Flora untangled her four arms to look at me.

"Champ?"

"I invited them. It seems this boy's Kirlia is having girl troubles. Do you mind taking her to the studio for a fitting?"

Flora thumped her chest with pride. "Machamp!"

She turned to Opal and, I assume, asked her to follow the large pokemon to the back.

"While they're gone we can chat. How did you meet your team John?" It was an innocent question. So I answered it. Telling her how I grew up with everyone.

POV: Opal

I followed Flora to the backroom. Inside were stored outfits and costumes. There was a work area with fabric lining one of the walls. A mannequin that was adjustable had a project pinned to it.

Flora pulled out a chair for me. "Come sit. I will look through some pre-made stuff to see what you like."

She walked off to the storage and pulled out a couple boxes to look through. Her four arms went through both boxes carefully. Sensing her mood, Machamp seemed calm.

"So how did you meet your trainer?"

I shrugged, not that she saw. "I have known him my whole life."

Flora stopped to look at me, a little confused. "So he got you as an egg. That is some brutal training based on his age."

I shook my head. "You're not completely wrong. I am his starter with my sisters. John and I grew up together at the Littleroot lab. My mother is still there."

"Wait, time out. How old are you?" I suppressed a laugh when her upper two arms made a time out sign.

"I'm twelve."

"Damn, when did you evolve?"

"About a week ago." I looked down a little embarrassed.

"And he is only now getting you what you want?"

"Well he was hospitalized so we can cut him some slack."

Flora stopped going through the boxes to give me her full attention. "Hold on. HE was in the hospital?"

"The idiot fought a rampaging Golem."

Flora's jaw dropped. "How is he not dead!"

"We worked as a team to try and get it in a Ranger ball."

"How does John fighting a Golem come into play?"

I shrug again. "The ball didn't work and it raged. Using an arrow he had stabbed in its eye I held it back long enough, evolved and gave my bro time to finish the fight. The Golem didn't survive."

Flora was looking at me with her jaw open again. She was in shock at what I said. "That is the craziest thing I have ever heard!"

"Don't worry he got suspended for putting himself in danger knowingly." I sighed knowing how boring the next week is gonna be.

"Good! Sounds like he has a death wish." Flora seemed happy with that decision. It irritated me a little.

"He doesn't! He just wants to protect us."

Flora came over and kneeled next to me. "That shouldn't have to happen." She sighed. "Let's move the conversation on. How are you adjusting to being a Kirlia?"

That was a strange question. "What do you mean? I'm the same as I was."

"No mood swings or sudden changes of thoughts?"

I was confused by the question. The look on my face must have said as much. Flora frowned before crossing both sets of arms while looking at the ceiling.

"Argh, this is why I didn't want kids." Flora groaned and the two upper arms held her head. She looked at me defeated. "Have you been getting…. Excited around John?"

"Huh?"

"You know, heart skipping a beat when you see him shirtless. Getting nervous around him."

"What's with the sudden interrogation?"

"Look, I know how your line is. You get attached to your trainers. Sometimes too attached."

It took me time to figure out what she meant. Then it hit me. She was asking if I loved John. It took me back to when the female trainers would show up for their starts. Some would blush when they saw john. Even in the early days of his training he was athletic.

Just then my chest tightened.

'What the? No, it's nothing. Flora just has me riled up. John is my big bro.'

"John is my brother. It's wrong for you to even think that I am 'attracted' to him." I denied the allegations firmly.

'But why does it hurt?'

Flora seemed happy with that answer. "Good, sometimes after an evolution our hormones get all jumbled. Have heard about one pokemon jumping their trainer after they evolved. The poor boy quit being a trainer."

This shocked me a little. How sad that a trainer was assaulted by their own partner. "Anyway, about the under garment?" I asked, getting back to why we were here.

"Of course. Sorry, I had to be sure. You are a pretty Kirlia." Flora turned back around to go through the boxes again. "John is lucky. Not only are you a shiny kirlia, you're also non-standard with your horns and the odd shading of your skin."

"Not to mention the shorter skirt." I mutter blushing as I try to stretch it in vain. Only succeeding in hurting myself.

"What was that?"

I force a smile. "Nothing." There was no reason for me to be bitter. Flora was only trying to be nice.

"Here we go." Flora closed the boxes, pushing them to the side. "Which ones do you like?"

I looked at the under garments Flora put on the table. I didn't really know what I was looking at.

I could feel Flora go from proud to embarrassed. "Sorry, I forgot you don't know too much about clothes. Let me help." She then began to explain the different styles and fits.

"We can eliminate the loose fitting ones. They would only get in the way during battles." I said pushing the flimsy and small ones. I then picked up a piece of fabric with three strings that met to form a 'T' in the back. It was too loose and pointless to stop the breeze between my legs. I added it to the pile. For some reason Flora felt relieved.

Then it was down to two. One looked like what Flora had on and the other was one with the legs cut shorter. I picked up the short legged one. When it is the proper fit it would dig into the thigh joint, probably being uncomfortable. I put them back down and picked up the other with a triumphant expression.

"This one please."

Flora nodded. "Good choice. Bike shorts don't dig in too much and hug your body so it won't interfere with movement. I should know." She pointed at her own pair. "Now we just need to get your sizes. I will make this my priority. So you can stay in your pokeball to be less uneasy." Flora grabbed some tape and began to take measurements under my skirt. I blushed furiously as she did so. Knowing she could see everything.

"Calm down. We are both girls here. This is also my job."

Flora's confident and nonchalant voice calmed me a little. In a flash the job was done and Flora led me back out to the main store.

"Lucky for you we got an order of child bike shorts for the younger trainers and contestants. So with a few modifications I can have them done by tomorrow."

"Thank you Flora."

Flora dropped a hand on my shoulder. "You're very welcome."

I ran over to John when I saw him. Jumping on his back while laughing. Ruby and Sapphire also jumped on, knocking John over with our combined weight.