Waking up the next morning was nice. I was still holding Opal and the smell of mint filled my nose. It was calming as I thought back to when I was a child. Napping in the back area of the lab like this with Opal. Under a tree by a mint bush. I smiled and buried my face into her hair again, enjoying the scent.

[I know you are happy bro, but I am less comfortable.]

My eyes shot open. I let her go, realizing what she meant. Her small frame was pressed so close to mine. How could I not notice?

"Sorry about that." I muttered as I tried to hide my embarrassment. I moved to hide my front from her view as she got up. She adjusted her skirt pleats around her as she sat on her legs. A faint blush was on her cheeks as I kept my eyes at the top of the tent.

[It's not just your height and muscles that grew over the years. Better watch your aim from now on bro...] She trailed off, starting off as her usual cheeky self only to blush harder and look away.

We sat like that for a minute before she cleared her throat.

[So what had you all over the emotional spectrum yesterday? You haven't held me like that in a long time. Not since you made Ruby mad and she ran off back to the lab for the night. Sapphire went with her but you held me as you cried.]

I felt my heart jump, remembering that day. I had accidentally lost Ruby's quartz stone. She was so mad. I managed to find it under my bed, but the damage was done. I looked down at my hand, feeling the bite she gave me all over again. It didn't break my skin, but it still hurt.

"Yeah, that was a wild night."

[You were so scared she would leave us. I was disappointed at how you thought of us.]

I sighed as I held my hand out to her. Wanting to hold her again. She sighed with a shake of her head. Climbing into my lap again. I wrapped my arms around her slim body. Pressing my face into her hair. Doing this I could smell mint again. The scent calmed me as I looked at her horns. The rainbow of colors everchanging in the sunlight that filtered into the tent. The gold flecks inside them catching the light as twinkles.

"I know." I muttered. "For how tough I act in public, only you girls know the real me." My voice was groggy and raspy.

[I still want an answer.]

I took a deep breath to settle myself again as I thought back to last night. "I met someone."

[I figured. What happened?]

"We got along and we were walking the beach after a bit of dancing."

[Sounds fun and romantic.] Opal's tone was lighter than before. I could feel her hug my arm gently.

"We were going to kiss but I stopped."

Her hands gripped my arm when I mentioned the kiss but just as quickly released when I said I didn't go through with it.

[Why did you stop?]

I didn't say anything.

[So what if you would have had a one night stand. It would have been good for you. Seeing as your only-]

"You were the reason I stopped."

Opal jumped a little in my arms. I tightened my hold on her.

"I don't know why, or how. But when I leaned in, you popped into my head. All your smiles, all your laughs, every happy moment."

Now it was her turn to bury her face into my arms. We sat there as the sun climbed higher into the sky. The two of us, in near identical positions. A little while longer Opal moved first. She lifted her head making me move so she could look at me with a smirk on her face.

[So you felt guilty that you were going to smooch a girl I didn't approve of. Who knew you were such a wuss.]

"I wasn't thinking about your approval... The fact is that the right girl for me..." I shake my head not finishing that sentence. What is going on in my head? Why am I having these thoughts?

Opal blushes more as we sit in silence. The only sounds being the waves crashing and the wingulls calling. I let out a groan as I scratched the back of my head.

"Why don't we go outside? Get some fresh air." I lifted her off my lap so I could open the tent door.

[That… sounds good.]

I crawled out of the tent as a breeze picked up. Tossing my messy hair around. I stretch as Opal follows. I take in a deep breath of the salty air.

"I like this." I closed my eyes and just listened to everything.

[It is nice.]

I look down and see Opal doing the same as me. I chuckle at her. "Copycat."

[What about it?] She huffed.

"Nothing, just seeing how we are so alike."

She hummed in response as I leaned down to mess with her tangling hair. She tried to swat my hand away only for me to turn it into a game. She would strike at my hands as I tried to touch her hair.

[Stop it John!]

I laughed as I pulled my hand from one of her strikes. "Make me."

She growled as she jumped forward, tackling me. I fell over with her on top. [I win.] she said with a trill of her voice and a victory pose.

"Yeah yeah, can you get off now oh great victor."

She put her hand to her mouth as if she was thinking. Humming as she did so.

[Maybe.] Her tone was jovial.

"What do you want?" I sighed, resigning to my fate.

[Oh, the usual.] There was a slight blush on her face and she cast her eyes away.

I sighed again. "Fine." I sat up and hugged her. Holding a hand to the back of her head. "I love you sis." I then kissed the top of her head.

It was a small thing I used to do as a young child but stopped as I got older. Opal loved the attention and used it as a punishment to embarass me. Though this time it felt different.

I rested my chin on top of her head as she held onto my shirt. As the breeze picked up I could smell

Mint again coming off her. I always found it odd that she smelled that way, considering I used flora scented shampoo on her.

Just then I heard the familiar pop of a releasing Pokeball. Opal yelped and was gone in an instant. Teleporting away. I blushed, as I panicked too. Looking back at the tent I saw Sapphire walking out while rubbing her eye and belly.

[Hungry.]

Behind her Ruby yapped her own resentment. I stood up and ran to them. Almost falling over in the sand.

"Sorry girls, I will get something small ready. We can head over to the food shack for a real meal." I ran back into the tent to get some of the poke pellets out. Dusting Sapphire's with the iron supplement. Outside the tent I could hear Opal calling out loudly as she came back.

'I guess she made an excuse for why she wasn't around.' I thought, plating the food into small collapsible bowls. I left Ruby's in the tent so she wouldn't get any sand in it.

"Ok girls snack time. Finish fast and we can head to the shack." I hand Opal and Sapphire their bowls as I carefully put Ruby in the tent.

"So what did you find on your outing Opal?" I asked her, helping with hiding our moment.

[Just a broken Clampearl shell. It was a pretty large piece.] As our eyes met she blushed a little, making me smile. I patted her head as I gave Sapphire a morning hug. Rubbing my face on her short fur. Doing this made her laugh.

[Stop John, eating.]

"But you're soft." I continued to rub against her fur, teasing her ears and aura sensors with my hands. She kept giggling as I massaged them. Eventually I had to stop so she could finish. I just held her in my lap rubbing her head.

"So after breakfast, who wants to train?" I collected their bowls and went into the tent to change into fresher clothes.

[Me!] Sapphire's voice rang out.

I stepped out and let Opal go in next. "Ok then, what about you and Ruby?"

Ruby let out a happy yap.

[Sounds good to me. I want to get Swift perfected.]

I nodded, even though Opal couldn't see. We waited on Opal who came out of the tent with her Barretts in hand.

[Can you help me?]

I smiled at her as I took the clips and put them in her teal hair. Putting them so that her gold eyes were no longer hidden. "There, as pretty as a gem."

I had said it with no thought but Opal and I both blushed a little. Sapphire called out to Opal making her blush more.

"What did she say?"

[Nothing!]

Sapphire had a cheeky smile. She pointed at us and proclaimed. [Dating!]

My eyes widened from shock as I sputtered to counter. Opal was matching me as she was just as shocked. Sapphire continued to laugh as she started to sing.

[John and Opal sitting in a tree. K-I-S-S-I-N-G!] She laughed again as I started to chase her.

"Come here you!" I lunged, missing as she jumped out of the way, thinking it was a game. Opal ran after her yelling in pokespeech. One fist high above her head.

I watched them run around, shaking my head. "So much for breakfast." I stood up and turned to Ruby. "Can you help me wrangle them up so we can go eat?"

Ruby gave an affirmative yap and raced off after her sisters. It took time to settle them down to go eat. By then my stomach was growling and it was closer to noon. The girl's snack had done its job and they too had growling bellies.

I set Sapphire on my shoulders making her laugh as I had them follow me to the shack. Once there I ordered us all food. Opal enjoyed a fruit and berry salad, while the rest of us had various fish.

"You treat your team better than most."

I turned to see the shack owner. I swallowed my food to speak. "I get that a lot. We are family. Would you treat your sister any less?"

The man looked at me then at Opal and Sapphire. "You must have been lucky to find not only a Non Standard but also a shiny. How did you catch them? Neither is common in this region."

I perk up. "I understand the Riolu line but the Ralts line is globally accepted to be discovered here."

"Heard that they are staying away from people because of their popularity among trainers. The over catching got so bad that the final evolutions started attacking trainers to protect their young."

"That is horrible, did the Rangers do anything?" I had never heard about this from my parents. Was that why Jenna stayed at the lab?

"Not really. Heard some stories of some trying but it got nowhere. The groups of Gardevoirs and Gallades went deeper into their areas and some just left the normal places to hide. Some trainers get warned to stay away from any Ralts lines they might find in petalburg woods. For their own safety."

"Are you telling me this to warn me?"

He looked at Opal again. Opal glared at him, acting tough to him. The owner smiled. "Yeah, there has been a sighting here and there. But they are rare. You would have to be really unlucky to meet one." He waved goodbye after warning me.

I finished eating. Thinking about what he said. I could have Opal out or in her pokeball while we traveled through the forest. Well one thing at a time. I waited for the girls to finish as well. Opal's fruit bowl was too big for her so I would swipe random pieces from it. She got mad and started swatting my hand when I wanted a fruit she liked.

Opal stopped and looked behind me. Her eyes narrowed.

"So these are the cuties?" A familiar voice asked.

I turn to see Krissy behind me. I smile moving over to make room for her. "Yeah, didn't expect to see you so soon."

She sat down in the spot I made her eyes glued to Opal. "Wow, she is so pretty. Her coloring and the way the light goes through her horns." I could tell she was mesmerized, it made me chuckle.

"Yeah, I think so too. Good to see you again Krissy."

She looked back at me and smiled. "Are you going to introduce me?"

I stand up to place my hand on the girls to introduce them. "Sure this is Ruby,"

Ruby yapped, then whined as I was too slow in putting her back down so she could finish eating.

"This is Sapphire,"

Sapphire was looking at Krissy with wide eyes. She looked back at me. [Pretty.]

I blinked, "Why don't you tell her then?"

Sapphire shook her head as she lowered her ears. Seems like she is still shy around strangers.

Krissy smiled at Sapphire and Ruby before looking at Opal. "Let me guess, you named her after her horns."

I sputtered a little. "Well yeah but I think it is appropriate." I was not expecting this at all.

Opal looked up from her food, Oran berry slice in hand. [Let me guess, you're the woman who has a crush on my bro.]

Now it was Krissy's turn to sputter and turn red. She turned her head to look at me. Her eyes were on fire with anger. All I could do was look away, as to hide from her wrath.

[Too bad for you, he is mine for now.]

I felt Opal land on my shoulders. Her slim legs on either side of my head. She let out a proud trill.

[We are going to be champions!]

Krissy smirked. "Are you sure you're not meant for contests? You look soft."

Opal's arms dropped on my head as she leaned forward. I could tell she was mad. "Please stop, my neck hurts." I pleaded as I lifted Opal off my shoulders and into my lap. "Ah, much better."

[Are you saying I'm heavy?]

"No, I'm saying that you leaning on my head was hurting my neck. Your light as a feather."

Opal and I stared at each other. Her pouting, while I was serious. Krissy burst into laughter, forcing us to look at her.

"I heard her call you bro but you two seriously act like siblings."

I frowned. "We have been together since I was five. Of course we treat each other like siblings."

"Huh, most trainers I met treat their partners as just that, partners. At most they are just good friends." Krissy sat down across from me. Ruby had finished her food and jumped into Krissy's lap. This shocked everyone. For Krissy she wasn't expecting it. However for Opal, Sapphire, and I we knew better. Ruby would normally keep her distance, opting to sit in my lap or on my shoulder. We had never seen her warm up to someone outside of our family.

"Oh my, aren't you friendly." Krissy began to pet Ruby, focusing on her bushy tail. Combing her fingers through it gently. Pulling a happy whine from Ruby. "You must not do this much."

I met Krissy's judging glare. "I brush all of them when they ask or after their baths."

"But do you do it for fun?"

At this I was stunned. I never did. I held back as it felt like I was demeaning them. I saw them as my sisters. Petting them for fun made them feel like pets. The idea was so foreign to me.

"No, I don't think I have."

"A shame, Ruby's tail is just so soft and fluffy. You treat her very well. Her fur is so healthy. Makes me want to go get my own pokemon partner."

"Why don't you?"

She shook her head. "I'm a little old to go on an adventure."

I look at Opal as she does the same to me. "Why don't you head to my hometown. Professor Birch would love to see someone try to better themselves. Who knows you may get chosen by a pokemon instead. Aceus knows I didn't choose these three. Oof!" I rubbed my side from where Sapphire and Opal punched me. "You two didn't let me finish!" Their pouting faces showed their displeasure. "See, even now I wouldn't give this life up. Everyday is an adventure."

Krissy thought for a moment letting Ruby jump off her lap. "It does seem fun. I wonder if there would even be one that would like me."

"Trust me, if Ruby likes you there will be at least one that likes you at the lab. You also don't have to battle. You can do contests or help out towns in the guild." Krissy perked up when I mentioned contests, as did Opal.

"You really think I could do contests?"

"Well considering the local champ is a Machamp, anything is possible."

"Maybe I will give what you said a try. So what are you going to do today?"

I let Opal go as she wanted off my lap. She took a seat next to me only for Sapphire to take her place. Laying across my lap.

[Head pats!]

I smiled as I obliged her. "I was thinking we should do some training before we head into the forest. Shake off some rust. We also have some moves to master.

"Wow, talk about dedication."

"All a part of the journey. Do you have anything to write with?"

"No. Why?"

Imove Sapphire off my lap and stand. "I will be right back." I run over to the beach shack and get a notepad and paper. I thank the owner and come back. I hand Krissy the note.

"Not that you need one, but here is a recommendation letter of sorts. Should make it more likely to meet the professor."

The note was short. All I said is that she should meet some of the older pokemon at the lab.

Krissy took the piece of paper. "Why would you do this for me?"

I smile at her. "Because you are a good person. We need more people like you."

She smiled as she put the note away. Opal got up and moved around the table. She and Krissy looked at each other for a moment.

"Yeah sure." Krissy said with a smile.

"What did Opal say?" I was surprised I wasn't included in the conversation.

"She wants to have some private girl talk with me."

I frown with a little worry. Though who am I to try and control Opal. With a shrug I give them the go ahead. I also told them I was going to start the training for the day. We need to get those moves down.

While I guided Ruby and Sapphire through the practice with the help of the pokedex I could see Opal and Krissy talking. Opal would blush every now and then, but she would also smile and laugh.

I turned my attention back to Sapphire who was trying to crush a stone between her paws. Her brows furrowed as her arms shook with effort. I knelt down to stop her.

"Don't hurt yourself. Let's watch the video again." I pulled out my phone as she sat between my legs, still holding the rock. I rewound the video of a Lucario speaking in their poke-speech. In their paws was a large rock which it smashed with its other paw after a while. Sapphire pulled one paw away from the stone, closing her eyes to focus like the Lucario in the video. There was nothing I could do to help other than rewind the video and be moral support. I was so glad that the league had set up a program to have the top trainers' pokemon to make videos to explain moves and powers. All of these videos were tied to the Dex entries of the pokemon. It was just a matter of capability at that point.

I looked over to Ruby and she had made various holes with shadows and was using her shadow sneak move to jump between them. Racing around, maybe throwing an attack here and there before fading back into the shade to appear elsewhere. The perfect hit and run tactic. Though she would have to rely on Copycat too much.

I saw a glow waver from the corner of my eye right before Sapphire jerked in my lap. This sudden motion was followed by a yelp of pain. Panicked, I looked down to find Sapphire holding her paw up with her other paw. Seems she saw the flicker of energy and stuck at the rock too soon. Instead of the rock smashing she just hurt herself.

"Ok let me see." I said, gingerly taking her paw in my hands. I wasn't too worried about her bones being fractured, let alone broken, due to the Steel-like structure of her bones. But that didn't stop dislocations and joint damage. Sapphire whimpered as My search reached her fingers. It seems one of them had already swelled up and was tough to bend.

"Poor girl, it seems like you jammed it." I remember all the times I bounced a ball wrong and it slammed into my middle finger. I gently massaged Sapphire's finger to get the blood flowing correctly. She yelped from the pressure, causing me to jump. "Sorry, sorry."

[IT HURTS!] Her voice was nearly painful as it wracked my head.

"I know, I know. I am just trying to help make it better." I kept rubbing her paw despite her protests. When I was done I kissed her paw still in my hand. "There, all done." I gave her a smile but she was pouting with tears threatening to fall from her eyes.

"Sorry Saph, but it had to be done." I pressed my face against the side of her face playfully. "Want to swim? The cold water will bring the swelling down."

She pouted more, but nodded her head. "Ok then." I hefted her into my arms as I stood. Letting out a groan. "By Arceus you're growing fast. You are gonna be a lovely Lucario in no time." With her in my arms I walked into the waves getting us both soaked as I fell in. Making sure to keep her higher so she can breathe.

That was until the next wave sent us sputtering as I tried to stay above the salty water. I held her to my chest as she clutched to my arms. Our laughs filled the air as she complained about the water in her ears. I ran out of the water to let her shake herself off.

I wiped my face as she was tackled by Ruby. Seems we were next to one of her practice burrows. The two of them protested the other before it devolved into laughs and play.

"Ok you two. Why don't you take a break and enjoy the beach while we are here. I can use the showers to clean you of the salt. But Saph, when we get back to practice I want you to try something."

I watched as they ran off to race each other up the beach to the rocky outcrop. I smiled as I felt the familiar drop of Opal teleporting on my back.

[Having fun?]

I nodded. "Yes I am. How about you? Done with your girl talk?"

I felt Opal nod, her hair slapping the side of my face. Before she could answer Krissy had come over.

"Yes we are. It was very fun. I hope my own partner is so conversive."

I smiled. "So is there anything you two can tell me? Or is it all staying in the Ya Ya?"

[Yes!]

"What does Ya Ya mean?"

"It is from a movie my mom watched with Opal and I in the room. We were very young."

"I will have to look into it then."

"From what mom has said, it is funny."

"Well I see you are busy and I need to get back to my hotel. Need to pack up before heading to Littleroot." Krissy stepped in front of me and held out her hand.

I took it in mine, giving it a shake. "Hope to see you and your partner on the road sometime. Though you didn't answer my question."

Krissy giggled. "It isn't mine to answer." Then just like that she ran off with a laugh. Ready to start her own adventure.

[I like her.]

"That's good. Now about my question."

Opal dropped down to look at me properly. [I want to try a Contest.]

My jaw dropped. "Since when?"

[Since a while now.] Opal blushed as she looked away.

I thought back trying to find out, then it clicked. All the times models and contests were on the TV. She would watch with her full attention.

I didn't want to deter her if that's what she wanted. I also didn't want to sugar coat it either.

"You do know how hard those are right? I mean we did just watch two top tier contestants just the other day."

[I know! I just want to try.]

I want to support her in this. I know with the right training she could shine like her namesake. The only doubt was myself. Did I have the ability to bring her up, or would I only pull her down. I knew how to train for battles. I knew next to nothing about contests.

[John?] her voice held a whimper within.

"Ok, we can give it a try. Though you have the lead. I know nothing about contests."

This surprised her. [What do you mean?]

I smile. "Like I said, you are the one in charge. You want to do Contests, but I know nothing. So you have to teach me. After I know the basics we can work together on how to move forward if that is what you want."

Opal was speechless. Her jaw hung open and her eyes wide. I wave my hand to get her out of it. "You ok sis?"

She shook her head. [Yeah, I'm fine. So I'm in charge. I guess we need to watch more contests and read the rules.] She put her hand to her chin as she went into thought. [This is going to be fun!] The excitement in her voice was infectious. I couldn't help but feel excited too.

"That is all well and good." I clap my hands, startling her. "But we have other plans today. Let's practice Swift some more and try to have you control the stars' movements with telekinesis."

Opal groaned as she stepped past me to face the ocean. In her hand, stars were forming already. I watched her get started as Sapphire and Ruby came running back with all sorts of goodies. It was a fun time helping them train. Giving small ideas and pointers to help them.

One thing I had to do was stop Sapphire from hurting herself again. Instead I told her to practice holding the move in a stable state before releasing it, either in use or letting the power go didn't matter. She picked up on it and would focus on her paw. There was a struggle at first. But when she was able to focus the energy to her paw consistently I congratulated her. After that I gave her the task to hold the energy as she went through the meditative stances that Gramps showed her back at the lab.

I watched as she started, then starting over every time she failed. Ild stop her in half an hour for her break. Ruby was well on her way to mastering her sneak attacks. Opal was sweating in the sun. Her skin had a sparkling sheen. Her brow was furrowed from effort as she would send out the Swift stars only to halt them mid flight.

She moved her hand to the side, trying to make them move. A few moved but suddenly they all shattered. Opal let out a groan as she fell to her knees.

[This is hard!]

"It wouldn't be training if it was easy."

She looked back at me with a smirk. [Yeah, yeah. What does your dad say? No pain no gain?]

I nod. "Yeah and it is about time I do my own training. Take a break for a few. I'm going to do a lap then we can grab something light before continuing." I walked back to the tent and removed my shirt, placing it on top to dry.

I stretched my arms and legs a little before starting off down the beach. I started slow, getting a feel for the sand before pushing into a run. I dug my feet deep, kicking up clumps and pushing myself hard. I focused on my breathing. The lap ended fast as I charged back to camp. My chest and legs were on fire from exertion as I threw my shirt back on.

I collected the girls for a light lunch then we got back to training. By the time dinner came around Sapphire was able to hold the move energy in her paw while moving slowly. Though striking over a longer distance was still hit and miss. She has to be next to her target. Though the first time she crushed a rock made her smile so much. Opal lowered the volume of stars she was controlling and managed to successfully change the trajectory. Ruby has already mastered her new move.

For dinner we hit the shack again. The meal was larger and we talked about what they did on their breaks. Seems that Sapphire broke a stone scaring a Shellder that used water gun to launch itself back into the ocean. After dinner it was time to wash up.

Using a private shower stall I lathered up Sapphire and Ruby, I had to wring out their fur. Opal used her own shower by herself. After this morning I have noticed that we have become a little distant. Hopefully we can sweep whatever is going on under the rug.

That night we all fell asleep together. In the morning we packed up camp and made our way to the entrance of Petalburg forest. There was a cart selling antidotes to trainers. I grabbed an extra one to have three for Ruby and Opal each. Sapphire puffed up her chest in pride. With her being steel type she was immune to poison.

"Well then, I guess you will be my lead partner for this leg of our journey." I rubbed her head as Opal and Ruby were returned to their balls.

[Yes!] Sapphire took point and we walked into the woods. It would take about three days if we stayed on the trail. Though if we are slow maybe five.we were ready for this. I tightened my arm and leg guards and got my bow out. I didn't like how dark the forest was.