The four days passed quickly as we explored the town and planned our training for when we could. Sapphire learned to like the flower fields once the allergie medication kicked in. She would chase after Ruby in a game of tag. I managed to snap a picture of Opal resting in amongst the flowers. Mom was so happy to see it.

The day before my suspension was over I got the soft cast off my arm. The doctor was impressed by how fast I healed. I told him it was nothing special. The fracture was probably not as bad as they thought.

After that I played with the girls before getting ready to travel. I bought a small box to keep their accessories in when we traveled. They could have brought it into their pokeballs but they wanted me to hold onto them.

The pokemart had a wider selection of travel food being a gym city. So I found two smaller bags for psychic and fairy types specifically. Same for fighting and steel. I could mix them together to balance Opal's and Sapphire's diets.

We were greeted by other trainers as we shopped. Some had their partners out as well. Sapphire chatted with a Lucario that was with a well built man. When it was time for us to leave, the Lucario patted Sapphire on the head with a smile.

Outside I knelt down next to Sapphire. "Did you make a new friend?"

She nodded. [I asked questions.]

I smiled, rubbing her ears. "Oh, about what?"

She attempted to make the shushing motion with her paws. [Secret.]

"That's not fair. I am your trainer and brother aren't I?"

She shook her head and jumped out of my reach. [Secret!] She stayed ahead of me the whole way back with Opal and Ruby. The three of them chatted in pokespeech. It made me happy to see them have those private moments.

In the hotel room I got my bag ready as well as the funds to pay the clerk on my check out. The girls watched TV. Opal was sad that there were no contests on but perked up when Sapphire turned it to an action show. The three of them got into the action.

Once my bag was all packed I got ready for bed. I asked the girls if any one wanted to be out of their balls and they all raised their hands. I did notice a little hesitation from Opal. Though I thought nothing of it.

I got under the covers with Opal and Sapphire. Ruby chose to sleep on my chest. I rubbed my face against hers. It was a habit I did sometimes. Sapphire hugged to my side. Oddly enough Opal was on the other side of her.

"You ok sis?"

[Yeah.]

"Ok then. Good night." It was odd of her not to sleep on the other side of me. But maybe she was just too warm.

[Good night.] the two voices echoed in my head while Ruby yapped.

The next morning I got the four of us ready to go. I brushed all their hair and put on their accessories. Opal blushed a little when I put her hair clip on. I laughed a little.

"Look who got shy all of a sudden."

Today we needed to pick up Opal's shorts and talk to Norman.

As for my clothes I put on the usual plain T-shirt and Cargo pants. Making sure my vambraces and shin guards were properly on. After that I put the thigh holster on. I checked each of the girls' pokeballs polishing them with a clean hotel towel before putting them on the holster.

"Are we ready?"

The three of them gave their affirmations. As we left the room I saw my reflection. A handsome young man with short brown hair and green eyes. Fit athletic body ready for travel. Outfitted like a trainee in an army with shin and arm guards. I smiled, from my own brief admiration before following the girls out of the room.

I locked the door. The familiar line of, "Even after everything, it's still you." Ran through my head.

[John! Let's go!]

"Coming!" I ran over to the girls, lifting Sapphire on my shoulders. She held onto my head as she laughed.

Our first stop after paying for our stay was Ms. Ryley's store. Opal was eager to get her shorts. Flora took Opal to the fitting rooms while I talked with Ms. Ryley congratulating her on her contest victory.

Ms. Ryley sighed. "It was a tough battle. But enough about me. What about you? Did you learn anything?"

I smiled at her. "I think I did. But it will be until my next camp spot before we start to try out the ideas."

"You are really straight laced."

"That's what happens when you are raised by rangers."

"Hmph. It seems Opal is back."

I turn around as Opal drips onto my shoulders, taking her normal spot.

[It's good to be back.]

"Is that all you have to say after surprising me?" I laugh.

[Well, yeah. Do you want a sorry?]

"Kinda."

[Not happening.]

I tried to grab her but she teleported away blowing a raspberry. We both laughed as I lunged at her. A little game to celebrate. Ms. Ryley and Flora watched with a smile.

"You two are going to go far. I can feel it."

I stop chasing Opal to thank her. "Thanks for that. How much is the bill?"

Ms. Ryley moved to the register and started typing. "For 5 sets of custom clothing, normally it would be about 300 total. But because you are so sweet to your team and easy on the eyes I will drop it to 180 pokedollars." She teased me, making me both awkward and flattered.

"Thank you but I will bump it to 200. The extra 20 is a tip for ms. Flora for working so hard." I waited for the amount to change and swiped my card.

"Whoever you end up with later in life will have a treasure in you." Ms. Ryley said.

I collected the bag with the rest of Opal's sports shorts and left. Waving behind me as I opened the door. Outside I knelt down for Opal to put the bag in my pack.

"Ok all we have to do is go to see Norman."

Sapphire pulled my pant leg. [Why?]

I rubbed her head. "Because I want to."

[Yeah we could have just gone to the pokemon center. But our big bro wants to have a chat.] Opal leered at me with a smile.

"Is there anything wrong with that?"

[No, it just makes me chuckle that you want to talk with an old man.]

"He is not just an old man you know."

Opal rolled her eyes. "I know. Just wish you would try.]

"We are nowhere near ready."

[Fine, let's go.] Opal led the way with Sapphire and Ruby. Halfway there Ruby turned and jumped into my arms before climbing on my shoulders. Pressing her cheek against mine. I gave her head a scratch.

Once again the gym was busy. More challengers were getting sent through the grinder with only one coming out victorious after a grueling battle. His pokemon collapsed as it was called in their favor.

I woke up Opal as she was napping on my lap. "Wake up sis. It is our turn." I shook her shoulder and she got up with bleary eyes. I stood and walked out with another trainer.

"Hey wait, it's my battle right." She was a little indignant.

"Sorry, but I am not a challenger today. Just need my suspension fully lifted."

"Oh, congrats. Why were you suspended?"

"Fighting a rampaging Golem for a guild request. Had to kill it, sadly."

"Well with this team you did a good job. Or did you lose a few members?" Her voice softened.

I smirked. "Nope, just us four." Sapphire gave a power pose as Opal hid behind my leg.

"Well keep going. Can't wait to see you and these three pretty girls on League TV."

We shook hands as Norman greeted us. I handed over my ID card to have the bans lifted. Our short conversation was cordial.

"So how is Brenden?" I asked, knowing the answer.

"Waiting for you." Norman answered without hesitation. The PDA in his hand beeped and he handed back my ID. "Now get back out there and train. Sasha, welcome to my gymââ"

I left the two on the field as they got the battle underway. I returned my ID to my wallet and left the building.

"So do you girls want to camp at the beach today or hurry into Petalburg woods?"

Sapphire and Ruby got really excited when they heard the word, beach. The two of them dancing around. Sapphire's voice in my head repeating the word over and over.

Opal on the other hand was more reserved. [Why the sudden interest in the beach? Want to oogle the women in their bikinis?] She teased.

I could feel my face heat up. "I wasn't thinking about that." I defended myself.

Opal only giggled. [You can't lie to be bro.]

On one hand I was glad that she got her spunk back. Though on the other hand I didn't miss the teasing, yet.

I roll my eyes. "Let's get going. A beach night sounds fun." I adjusted my pack and started moving. The wind picked up and kicked up the petals littering the town. It was very pretty and I understood why many people visited or moved here.

[John?]

"When we are champions, do you three want to move here?"

The girls looked at me. [Bro we go where you go.]

I smile and rub all their heads. "Thanks for that."

We followed the GPS on my phone. It took a few hours before we could hear the crashing of waves in the distance. The town had expanded toward the coast. They tried to preserve as many trees and flowers as they expanded out. We could see the poké friendly architecture in full swing. Wild pokemon were everywhere. Staying out of the way of people. There was a pond filled with Lotads and a Lombre. They were resting as children pointed at them with glee. A trio of Zigzagoons ran by as a Schoolgirl chased them. It seemed she was their trainer as she was lamenting their chase.

Above us were a multitude of Winguls and Pelipers. Some roosting on the buildings. Every now and then we could see the ocean at the end of the alleys and roads. This put some pep in our step as it was already the afternoon. If we didn't hurry the sun would start setting and we wouldn't get to play.

As we got closer we could hear loud music. When we got to the roadside overlooking the beach we could see that there was a pageant going on. I saw a banner with "Petal Beach Annual Pageant" with an attractive woman whom I could only guess was the last winner.

"Ok guys, let's welcome Amanda to the stage!"

I glanced over and saw a woman in a very small bikini walk out onto a stage from behind some curtains. Turns out it was one of those contests. Her body practically nude in the bikini that barely covered the necessary areas. I could feel my face burning again.

[Is that what you wanted to see?] Opal teased.

I shook my head and turned away from the sight. "Let's go a little further. No reason to be deafened by the music."

[Sure, bro. Sure.]

We walked further away, I tried to get the woman's body out of my mind. It wasn't proper. We found a mostly secluded spot and I set up camp. I had to be mindful of the sand which was annoying.

After it was all said and done we decided to play around. I got out a ball and frisbee for us. Contrary to popular belief a Zorua's tail is pretty dextrous. So I didn't have to worry about sand in Ruby's mouth.

I tossed the frisbee around for a while. Sapphire changed the game by grabbing the ball and throwing it at Opal. Opal of course caught it and the frisbee and I were quickly forgotten. I put it down and decided to go for a walk.

The sun was nearing the ocean horizon giving a gorgeous view. The 'pageant' was still going even after a few hours.

"Must have just become a party." I mumbled to myself. I looked down at myself. I had changed and was now wearing running shorts and a light shirt. It was my casual training attire. I looked back at where the music was.

'I could have the girls go to bed early and I can cut loose a little.' I thought.

Most of my life has been either regimented at my own requests or spent around pokemon. I didn't have any human friends. The few people I knew were more acquaintances than friends.

I headed back to my tent and asked the girls if they wanted to have an early dinner and go into their pokeballs for the night. They gave me a funny look as it was out of character for me. Opal's golden eyes narrowed as she tried to figure out what was going on. Not breaking our little rule of no mind reading.

[Fine. I can rest. Just try not to play around too hard.] Opal said as she had figured it out.

I felt a little guilty as I gave each of them a hug before returning them to their pokeballs. When it came to Opal I apologized.

[Don't, you need some time alone too.] she then touched her pokeball and was pulled in by the red energy. I put my forehead against the ball.

"You know me too well sis."

I then locked the balls to my holster, which was now on my leg, and ran over to the party barefoot. The cooling sand under foot.

The party was in full swing. The pageant was over and the stage was converted into a DJ booth. It wasn't my kind of music but right for the mood.

I made my way through the people to the beach shack serving drinks and food. I could see that the woman I saw from before had won the contest. A sash hanging across her body. By the way she jumped around to the music she had extreme confidence in her bikini.

"What are you having?" The shack owner asked.

"What do you have that's virgin?" I remembered how my dad would order his cocktails.

"We got the basic sodas. We also have the usual berries on hand for day time sales."

"Do you have Sitrus berries?"

"Yep."

"I will have a sitrus seltzer withâ" I take a second to look at the menu behind him. "Carp and crisps."

"Got it that will be twenty dollars." The man writes down the order to hand off to the cook as I pull out the money. Always a good idea to have some cash.

He hands me a number, then goes to his next customer. I stepped toward the pick up area, still watching the crowd. It was a new experience for me and I was feeling like I didn't belong.

After a minute or two I began to bounce with the music on the balls of my feet. Slowly loosening up. That was until my number was called. Embarrassed, I thanked the employee and grabbed my food.

I found a bench to eat. I bobbed my head to the music again. A group of people came by to rest. Covered in sweat. One of the girls took an interest in me.

"So handsome, where are you from?"

I froze for a moment as I realized she was talking to me. I swallow my food with a cough. She was tanned with a very attractive body and average chest size.

"Sorry, I'm from Littleroot. Name's John. You are?" I wipe my hands before extending it for a handshake.

The woman laughs. "So well mannered. My name is Kristina. My friends call me Krissy."

"Nice to meet you Kristina." I smile back. "So did you participate in the pageant?"

"Yeah but that slut over there won. Fucking miltank tits."

I was caught off guard by the venom in her words. "I assume you two have history."

"Yeah she always wanted my men. But enough about me. What about you? What brings such a hunky man here?"

"I am on the trainer journey. Heading to Rustboro to challenge the gym there."

"Oh, then you must have some strong pokemon." Her eyes glanced at my thigh. "Enough for you to have custom balls."

"The balls were a gift from my parents. As for my pokemon, they are a recently evolved Kirlia, a Riolu, and a Zorua." I left out their names and features on purpose.

"Oh my aren't those just cuties!"

"Hahaha, they sure are." I said, still a little embarrassed.

We chatted for a few minutes. Much to my amusement Krissy was an Pokemon Contests enthusiast.

"Yeah my favorite duo was a female trainer who dyed her Gardevoir red. The pokemon had attitude too. Acting all royal." Krissy gushed. "Too bad the Gardevoir dissapeared after her trainer was found dead from a home invasion. Most people think she hunted the assailant down then passed from trauma."

I frowned. "That is a sad story. Personally I hope she found a new path."

"Well aren't you the romanticist." Krissy pushed my arm with her fist. Then she looked awaya with a blush.

"Tell me John... " She started in a little shy tone...

"Would you like to go for a walk at the shore line? It's kinda noisy here and we barely can chat..."

I was caught by surprise by the invitation, but something inside me made my heart race, making me feel butterflies inside my stomach. Instinctively, I just nodded...

Krissy opened a wide smile and got up, she covered her waist with colored sarong and start walking towards the shore line.

I swallowed my drink and food, tossing the trash on the nearby bin and followed her instinctively.

As we reached the shoreline, my mind was in a turmoil of thoughts and feelings, that was the first time I accepted a girl's invitation. Why was I doing this? And why was my body is acting so strange? I'm feeling shaky and my hands were sweating enough to make a water type jealous.

While we walking alongside each other, I couldn't stop glancing at Krissy's hair, so soft and smooth, the ocean breeze make them move in an intricate and sensual dance. Her eyes were a deep green, sparkling with the last rays of light from that sunset.

We walked for almost half an hour, talking and chuckling from some adventures each other had. As we reached the end of the beach at a giant rocky side of a cliff, we decided to go back.

The sunset was replaced by stars, tinted by the lights of the city.

All of suddenly I almost froze as I felt a small, smooth and warm hand interlacing its fingers with mine. I looked to my side, my face burning with a blush. Krissy was facing down with an extremely shy and cut look.

We took a few more steps before halting.

My mind was almost on the verge of it's breaking point... I couldn't speak, move or have any reaction.

We stood still for about 2 minutes, just facing each other, while our hands were interlaced.

Krissy then took a breath. "J-John, I-I kinda liked the way you are, you're a funny but also have a stoic presence! This little time we spent here... I never felt so safe with someone..." She was very shy and trembling, avoiding my gaze while speaking.

On those words, my mind reached its limits and broke down. Without any words I pulled her closer to my body. Her warmth, her scent were numbing my senses...

As the distance between us shorted, she tilted her head up. Her lips were slim and red, and I was every second more and more near them.

Suddenly I felt a shock wave running across my body. My heart started to ache, as if it was being squeezing by a Tyranitar. I lost my breath and a torrent of images from Ruby, Sapph and Opal started to flood my mind. Culminating with a series of images from Opal and I looking at each other on many occasions. Her smile, her face, her eyes, the way her horns shine when she is happy.

W-What's that? What my heart is trying to say to me? S-She's my sis, never mind the fact she was a pokemon. Why am I feeling like this? I-I don't know what is happening, but what I know at this moment is this what is happening, doesn't feel right. Not now, not with Krissy.

I stoped, a few inches from Krissy lips. With a heavy breath I backed away.

"I-I'm sorry Krissy. You seem like a very nice girl, and I would be lucky guy to have you but..."

"But you have someone else in your heart..." She continued.

"N-no, that's not it, b-but there is something I need to figure out myself before entering in a relationship. I know it's complicated, but I am not ready yet..."

'F-fuck, I never rejected someone like this before, what shoud I do?' I thought to myself.

A little tear rolled from one of her eyes, and I thought 'Damn, I broke one of dad's rules.'

Krissy quickly wiped her face, putting a warm smile on to hide her feelings.

"H-hey, no problem John... I-I kinda understand... "She pulled away from me. Her sudden absence leaving me cold. We started to walk again, but now it looks like an huge gap opened between us. Sending us to being little more than the strangers we were.

After a few more steps, I was about to run like crazy and leave this crazy moment behind, when she spoke again.

"J-John, I meant what I said before. Do you think we could put what happened behind and j-just being f-friends???" I had noticed that she has been stuttering since we have been alone. This must be her true self.

I was still reeling from the emotional turmoil in my head. I had to look away to think. I took a breath as the evening breeze washed over us with sea spray. Now composed I faced her with a smile.

"I think so. Let's start all over! Hi! My name is John Grimm, Nice to meet you..." I hold my hand out to her.

Her eyes widened a little at my sudden change. Then she started to laugh covering her mouth. She took my hand in hers.

"Nice to meet you John! My name is Kristina, Kirstina Lakewood, but my friends call me Krissy..." With a friendly handshake we head over the party again. We dance and forget about the tension between us. She pulled me into the mass of dancing people. She cut loose and danced while I just bounced on my feet in time with the music which made her laugh.

We left the dance area when we got tired to talk some more.After the quick rest we swapped contacts and I went back to my camp. I used the public shower to rinse off the sweat and sand.

I dried off using the only towel I had. Once I was dry enough for my clothes I got dressed. My damp hair still sticking to my forehead. I gathered my things again staring at the girls pokeballs. More importantly I was staring at Opal's iridescent ball.

Once inside the tent I held Opal's pokeball. Feeling the smooth finish as I debated on what to do. I wanted to tell her everything. Even the part where she came to mind stopping me from going further. But what would she think of me. A sentiment of guilty and betrayal washed me as I remembered that moment. Compounded with the thought of her being disappointed in me. I could feel fear gripping at my chest.

'W-Why am I having these feelings?' I shook my head. Before pressing the pokeball to my forehead. Taking deep breaths. One thing is sure. Opal deserves to know what happened. But not tonight. I pressed the button and the ball opened releasing her.

POV: Opal

Coming out of my pokeball is always jarring. One minute I am resting in a simulated meadow, the next I am on rough ground. To be honest I wasn't expecting to be released until morning.

I tried to sleep but my chest hurt. It was tight as I thought about John. Was I just worried he would get hurt without me?

As soon as I materialized I was pulled into an embrace. I fell backwards into a lap as arms encircled my body. The face of my capture was pressed into the back of my head. I was startled but I knew it was John and I was worried.

I could feel the dark cloud of emotions coming off him. He was troubled to say the least. I sighed as I remembered the first time he hid behind me like this. Some kids had bullied him and he fought. Obviously he got in trouble. So he hid in the back area of the lab. I found him and he held me so that I wouldn't see him crying. Though I could hear and feel it.

[So what happened big bro?] I asked keeping my tone light and snarky. His arms tightened slightly when I said bro. His emotions somehow got worse. It was starting to make me feel sick.

"Can we just stay like this a while longer?" John's voice was low, lacking all the charm and swagger he normally put up.

I sighed. [Do I have a choice?]

"Yes."

[We both know that's a lie. Don't worry, we can just sleep together like this.] using my powers I move us to be laying on our sides. My small frame still hugged tightly to his chest like a stuffed toy.

[Just try to relax. Your emotions are making my head spin.]

His face pressed deeper into my hair as his arms tightened agin before readjusting . "Sorry."

[Don't be. I have the best pillow around!] i filled my voice with pride as I rubbed my head against his bicep. It couldn't be called a pillow, but it was large enough to suffice. I would have to thank his father for that training.

John chuckled. "Oh really?"

[Yep.] I tried to look back at him only for him to hide his face against my head. I sigh again.

[You are going to have to tell me what happened.]

He nodded.

[How about when we are alone while heading to the next town tomorrow?]

He nodded again.

I smiled as I got comfortable for sleep. [Love you bro.]

"Love you too sis." He nuzzled the back of my head making me laugh as we both drifted off to sleep. The storm in his mind cleared up as I hugged his arm as my pillow.