[John! Catch.]

I look up and catch the berries in my basket. Another berry landed in the basket from another tree. From it I could hear Sapphire's cheer. At my feet Ruby sat, waiting to get one of the sweet fruits.

"Got it. Nice throw Saph!" I then kneel down and pet Ruby. "Sorry Rubes, you know these are for the inn." The following face of a sad Zorua was heart breaking. "I am not going to give in." I shake my head and give her another pat before taking stock of what we collected.

"Ok girls, we have enough." Just then Ruby took a Mago berry and faded into a shadow before I could react. "Really Ruby?!" I yell knowing she was somewhere eating her prize.

[That's what you get for letting your guard down] Opal sighed, teleporting to another tree to collect another Mago berry. [She loves that berry. You know this.]

"I forgot." I held out the basket for Opal to deposit the berry.

[How? You never forgot before.] She accused me, holding the berry still."

"I don't know. Are you going to drop it in?" I motioned to the berry still in her hands.

[John…]

I could see the concern on her face. "Not this again. I don't want to talk about it." I placed my hand on the berry waiting for her to let go. She did after a moment. I placed it in the basket and walked away.

[Please John..]

"No." I shook my head. "Just play with the others." With that I left the three of them. Dinner was soon and the other people staying would show up. A few of us were picked to help in the preparations by the Nursery owners.

'Why does she want to talk about what happened?' I thought, my anger rising a little. 'We are fine and that is all that matters.' I tried to take comfort in that thought as I walked into the kitchen.

"I got what you asked, where do you want the berries?"

I was pointed to a spot. Dropping the basket, I helped get lunch ready with the other trainers. It was different compared to the other halfway house. Here we had to help with the daily chores. A way to ground trainers into a life after their journeys.

The meal wasn't lavish but it was nice. Where others just left the food out for their partners while eating inside I ate with my team. I stayed silent. Absentmindedly petting each of them in turn.

[That's it we need to talk.] Opal had just finished eating.

[You have been dodging me since the day after we left the woods.]

"Yeah and?" I was petting Sapphire's head. She had been enjoying the attention but now she was a little scared. I turned away.

[Oh no, you are not brushing me off again!] Opal growled in my head, forcing my head to face hers. [We are talking about this.]

"What is there to talk about? I got you all back! End of story."

[No, not end of story. You shot that Gallade twice.]

"Would you rather me just watch him choke you?" I exclaimed. "Do you have any idea how I felt in that moment?"

[I don't. Because the negativity coming from you was too strong. It was like an abyss was opening around you.] She still glared at me.

"Well excuse me for being human!" I shot back. "I can't have a lid on my emotions 24/7. I would literally go insane. I was worried sick and my last memories before going unconscious were the sounds of you three fighting that Gallade. So yeah I was more than livid when I remembered."

[You can't keep doing that. It will get you-]

"In trouble? Yeah I know that! But if it means your safety then revoke my license!" I freeze as I see the look of shock on her face. I had cut her deeply with those words.

[What has happened to my John? I know we started rough but…] her words trailed off. Her hand slowly reaching out.

I brushed it aside. I didn't deserve her comfort. "Go play or rest. I need to be alone." If I stayed here I would only hurt her more. Taint her more. I could feel her eyes on my back as I walked away. Handing my plate in for washing before heading to the lake.

Once there I began to collect some flat stones to try and skip. I found one and tried. Only for it to plunge right into the water. I sighed and kept going. Getting a handful.

"What is going on? First the pills, then the beach and now this." I shake my head, tossing another stone with a kerplunk. "Why?" Another splash.

I toss the next stone in my hand thinking of what we should do but all I could see was Opal's worried face. I growled, shaking my head. "No, what I did, I did to keep them safe. I am in the right." I threw all the stones in a rage. My heart racing in my chest. "She doesn't understand." I stood there for a while trying to calm down.

I watch the ripples on the water for a minute then sit down. Running my finger through my hair. "Everything I do is to keep that promise to Jenna. Why doesn't she get that?" I watched the sun dip past the hilltop across the lake. Showing the shape of Rustboro city. Were we ready? Was I ready? I groaned as I laid back to see the stars start to come out.

"Maybe we should just wander. That should be good enough." I voice my doubts only to just get angry again. "No, we can do this. We just need to get over this bump." I stretch and try to relax. Listening to the sounds of the wild animals and pokemon.

I remembered the faces of the girls as they saw me. The fear and horror. I gritted my teeth. Mumbling Dad's words of wisdom. "You do what you need to for your team. Never doubt yourself."

I closed my eyes and let out yet another sigh. "I hope you are right dad. I do it because I love them." Once again Opal's face flashed through my mind. I laid there for a while, taking in the serene sight of the lake at night. When I had my fill of seclusion I sat up with a groan.

[All done being mopey?]

I turned around with a start, looking for Opal.

[Above you silly.]

I look up and find Opal sitting in a tree. Her namesake horns and golden eyes glowing slightly in the shade. Her white body shadowed with a light shade of violet and her blue hair a shade darker now. It was a haunting sight with her eyes seeming to stare into my soul. Like a predator that had found her prey.

The feeling was quickly brushed aside when she smiled and looked away.

[I was just checking in on you. It has been a while since our…. Well it has been a while. It is also dark and wild pokemon are out.] She seemed to be sad.

"Thanks." I get up and stretch, my bones cracking from being still for too long. I walked over to the tree and motioned for her to come down. Her face brightened up as she jumped down onto my shoulders. Making sure to slow her descent to not hurt me. Hir legs now on my chest I held them to support her. Feeling her flinch from the initial touch.

[Are you goin-]

"Stop, let's not ruin the night with a pointless argument." I had started to walk when she spoke up. My fingers tightened around her small footless legs a little. Feeling her warmth against my palms. My thumbs rubbing against her calves."I just want to enjoy this moment." I felt her lean over me. Her arms came down to hug my head.

[Yeah.]

I smile, a motion I know she could feel. How many times had we done this after a day of playing as children? Even now I carry her on my shoulders. I wonder if it will be the same when she is a Gardevoir. The image of her as a Gardevoir entered my mind making me chuckle. She would be a beauty. Then that same image flickered. She had changed a little but I could picture it again. I thought nothing of it. Picturing something in your own head is fickle.

I walk back with her still hugging my head. One of the trainers noticed us.

"Seems you two made up."

I laugh and nod. "Been a rough few weeks. Think the stress got to us." Opal pinched my cheek. "Ow!"

The trainer laughed. "I know the feeling. Heading to Petalburg to try for the balance badge. Just going through some light training then it's off to bed."

"Good luck. He has a strong Lopunny on his team now."

"Damn, I guess I need to do some research instead tonight. Thanks for the heads up."

I left them to train and strategize. "We also need to research the Rustboro gym leader. I remember it was Roxane."

[Wrong, she retired last year.] Opal corrected.

"Really? How did you find out?"

[I was watching TV. You were training with your dad.]

"Ok, what do you know about them?"

[Just his name. Arnold.] she shot up as she remembered more. I ducked to enter the inn. [He had a weird looking bird pokemon.]

"Bird? Doesn't sound like a rock type to me."

[Well that's what I saw.]

We both wonder as we head up to out room. Sapphire and Ruby were already inside. They were on the bed and woke up as I opened the door. Running over to get held as Opal floated over to the bed.

[Take a shower. You smell.]

I scoffed at her comment.

'Says the one who was hugging my head.' I held Sapphire and ruby as they burried their faces into my chest. 'It must not be that bad if these two are doing that.' I shake my head and put them down. Grabbing my sleeping clothes and taking a shower. Coming out and going to sleep with all three of them. Ruby used my leg as a pillow while Sapphire nestled herself against my chest. My arms around her. I could feel Opal pressing against my back.

[Night bro.]

I smile. "Good night sis."

The next morning was a whirlwind of activity. We got ready to leave. Cleaning up the room and stripping the bed for the cleaners. We slept in, the sun was high and I wanted to be on the road already. I wished the other trainers luck on their travels as I left. Thanking the owner as well. Opal floated next to me as Ruby and Sapphire ran alongside me.

[I still can't believe you slept in!]

"I know!"

[You never sleep in!]

"I know!"

[John and Opal-] Sapphire started her usual tease. Only for Opal to cut her off.

[Sis.]

[What?]

[Just be quiet, please….]

Sapphire stayed quiet and pouted. Still running to keep up with me. I could hear Ruby laughing on the other side of me. We had all skipped breakfast. I promised them a good lunch to make up for it. Settling on some citrus berry muffins.

"Don't be mean you two." I admonished. The lakeside speeding by as we ran. It only took an hour by following the path. We passed a few trainers and fishermen. All of whom waved as we passed by. A few of the trainers had set up a battle field for fun. Strong attacks shaking the ground a little as we ran past.

"We can have a few practice fights in the city." I panted. Pushing my legs hard up the hill. A few trainers were taking breaks. The hill was steep and long. Even the trainers taking the switch back roads were having a rough time. The hikers watched me power on with smirks.

Sweat poured down my face. Forcing me to wipe my eyes. Ruby had an advantage being a quadraped. Able to jump around and use shadow sneak to move up the hill. Opal just floated around us cheering us on. Sapphire had more stamina than me but trying to keep up had her working harder. We were in the same boat. Tired, muscles burning, sweat dripping. I scratched the back of her head to encourage her. Pushing my hands on my knees to keep moving.

[You two got this!] Opal cheered. Her voice trilling.

[I'm tired.] Sapphire complained her legs giving out. I stop and pick her up, placing her behind my head. My pack acting as a back rest.

"Then rest. I will get us a room at the center. Have them check up on you three and we can go explore." Sapphire's body was heavy for her size.

I kept going up the hill. Now slowed down from the stop. My rhythym broken as I tried to find it again. It took a long time to get to the city entrance. Once there I set Sapphire down and collapsed next to her. My body may be trained, but it still had limits. A mile sprint and the steep hill were the limit for today.

"Take it easy boy. You earned it." A gruff voice said with a laugh. I lifted my head to see a group of hikers passing by.

"You are training them well. Though the pretty one over there was cheating." He chuckled. His comment made Opal huff. She pointed at her pointed legs. "Ok missy. Just pulling your leg." His laughter redoubled. His mood was infectious and made Sapphire and I laugh too. Opal crossed her arms, puffing out her cheeks.

He waved before going to catch up with his friends.

I waved back and sighed, having caught my breath. I look at the girls. "Shall we get going? Or do you still need a break Saph?" I look at Sapphire. Her small chest rising and falling quickly as she lay on the ground.

With a smirk I reach over and place my hand on her belly. Giving her some pets. She flinched then curled around my hand laughing. Trying to kick and push my hand away much like a cat.

I pulled my hand back from her soft belly. I was rewarded with a pout and a glare.

[Bad John!] She protested, not liking the surprise belly rubs.

"Sorry, you just looked too cute." I reached out and tried to touch her head but she ducked away.

[No.] her voice is quick and sharp. Cutting my advances down.

"Come on. I just want to pat your head."

Sapphire shook her head. Her ears and aura sensors lifting lazily with each turn of her head. Next to me I can hear more laughing. I turn my head and see Opal and Ruby trying to hold back from laughing, they failed.

"What?"

[How did you make her so mad? Seriously John you are clueless.] Opal chuckled out.

"She used to like belly rubs before."

[Yeah but this isn't the time or place.] Opal shot back.

I shook my head. "I don't get you three sometimes." I groaned as I stood. My legs were already getting stiff from the run. "Let's grab a snack then head to the Pokemon Center and get a room."

"No hotel?" Sapphire asked.

I shook my head. "Not this time. We have spent enough money in petalburg. We need to recoup. So we will stay in the center's lodgings. The room will be smaller and only one bed. But you three don't care right?" I smile at them as they all shake their heads. Opal had a slight blush on her face. A little worried I reached out and touched the back of my hand to her forehead. "You feeling ok sis?"

Her temperature was a little higher than normal. Though not to a concerning point. Her face got even redder as I moved mine closer. She then disappeared, only to reappear a few feet away.

[I would like to take a nap. Can you pull my ball out?]

"But what about food?" I ask, pointing to a food cart.

[That muffin was enough for me. Like that hiker said. I was cheating.]

I sighed and pulled out her ball. Watching her get pulled inside by the red beam. I moved Sapphire and Ruby onto a bench before getting in line. I ordered some meat skewers. My eyes on the two girls when a couple of trainers stopped to take pictures of them as they rested on each other. The quiet squeals of the women showed that I didn't have to worry. There accessories marking them as having a trainer.

I came back with the food. The two woke up when the smell hit them.

[Food?] Sapphire asked, wiping at her eyes sleepily.

"Yep, it isn't much but it will fill you up." I handed the skewer over. Sitting between them so I can hold Ruby's skewer as I ate my own. I noticed a man of a similar age to me taking a picture of us then leaving. I shrugged and finished my skewer. Sapphire was laying down on me now. Starting to doze off again. I had to stop myself from rubbing her belly again.

"Want to take a nap in your ball too?" I pull out her blue ball. She nodded and I returned her. I turned to Ruby, grabbing her ball. "You want a nap too?" She had just finished as well.

Ruby shook her head. Instead she expertly jumped up on my to sit behind my head. Her tail rested on my upper chest and her head nuzzled against my cheek.

I nuzzled into her as she settled in. Cupping her head in one hand. "Love you too." I laughed starting my walk, phone in hand. Looking around to get my bearings I took in the city. I tossed the sticks into the trash.

It has expanded with many apartments and houses moving back. The largest building was Devon corporation HQ. One of the largest corporations in Hoenn. Their biggest competitors are two foreign companies. They have similar interests. One is tech and the other is stones.

"Need to make an appointment with one of their appraisers." I mutter following the map on my phone. The roads were busy as cars moved through the streets. Couples were having lunch and trainers wandering around with pokemon. Ruby swayed her tail suddenly as her head picked up.

I turned to see what got her attention. Turns out it was a common gray Squirrel. Tail twitching and all as it fussed with a pinecone. I was gonna say it looked cute but Ruby's tail flicked too. Her body tense.

'Oh crap.' I thought, opening my mouth to stop her. Only for her weight to vanish. She appeared from above the squirrel. Using the shadow of a branch to get there. Her jaws open and her claws out.

Luckily the small animal noticed her and dropped his prize to run away. The two sprinting through the park. Ruby yapping as she used Shadow sneak to try and get ahead of her prey. Only for it to change direction at the last second.

I rushed over to stop her. "Ruby stop." Hopping over the fence to try and catch her somehow.

"Come on sis you're disturbing everyone else." That is when the squirrel ducked between my legs. Before I could react one of my legs was taken out by an unintended tackle. Sending me to the ground with a ping from my shin guard. I held my knee as it was tweaked. I could hear Ruby whining as she pawed at her head.

"See, that's why I told you to stop." I winced as my knee throbbed. Can I not catch a break? I roll to try and stand. Feeling a sharp jab in my knee before it turned into a dull ache.

"Yep, it's tweaked." I turned to Ruby, she was laying on the grass with her paws rubbing her head still. I picked her up.

"Come here." I rubbed her head where she was pawing. Eliciting another whine of discomfort. "I know Rubes. It hurts. But I'm trying to make it a little better." I pulled my hand away once she was done with the worst of the whining. My hand didn't feel wet which was a good sign.

I carefully parted the tuft of fur on her head. She growled at my mistrations. "Calm down. I'm trying to see the damage." Once I got her calmed down I could see the skin turning a dark color and a large bump forming. "Ooooo, that is gonna smart for a while." I held her close and kissed the growing goose egg. "Hopefully the nurse can help you." She whined as I held her, still in pain.

"I know, let's go." I start to make my way to the center. A slight limp in my step at first until the ache melted away.

Walking in I saw that there was no line. Though there were a ton of trainers. Some had their pokemon out to check on injuries or to soothe them. Others were just chatting away. I was curious as to why there was no line until the intercom called out.

"Now serving ticket number 158 at counter 2."

A trainer returned her Zigzagoon and headed to the front. Finally I noticed the ticket roll and the eight counters. All of the nurses were either helping someone or dealing with paperwork before calling the next trainer.

I grabbed a ticket and saw that I was number 169. "Damn. Seems we have a long wait."

Ruby whined again, settling into my arms. I took a seat on the floor out of the way. Laying down with Ruby on my chest. I had one hand on her back. She whined less as the pain dulled and went away. Though the bump under her fur was still there.

"Is that a Zorua?" I heard someone ask.

I smiled from where I lay. Ruby's head moving to look at the speaker.

"Yes, she is." I open one eye and see a young boy.

"She is cute. Can I pet her?"

"Normally I would say yes but she had an accident and is hurt. So no. Sorry." I wince internally when the boy pouts. To be honest Ruby isn't a fan of being touched by others. Only playing along with polite children.

As if to prove me wrong Ruby escaped my hand and wagged her tail in front of the boy. He got excited as he held out a hand. Looking to me.

I shrugged. "Go ahead. It is what she wants." Who was I to stop her?

The boy got all giddy and pet Ruby's tail. Letting his hands run through the long fur. "So soft." He muttered.

I chuckle. "Yeah, but a pain in the neck to maintain when winter comes. Then in spring it is a mess." I remembered how much fur came off when she was shedding. I was so surprised she wasn't bald after I was done.

"Isn- naaaahhhh aaahh." I let out a yelp as Ruby dug her claws into me. Not enough to cut, but enough to get me to shut up.

"Fine, sorry oh great hunter."

The boy on the other hand was laughing at my exchange with Ruby.

"You get along well. I hope my first pokemon is like this."

This caught my attention. "Why are you here then?"

He pointed behind him, bumping his hand into the leg of an older woman.

"He is here on a field trip from the trainer school next door." The teacher said. She had long brown hair and red eyes behind her glasses. She had the air of command.

"Louis, why are you bothering this man?" She asked.

The boy stammered, trying to get an answer out. I stepped in with a chuckle. "He was being a child. Saw something he was enamored by and wanted to see it closer." I hold Ruby in the crook of one arm to steady her as I sit up with a groan. "He wanted to pet my partner here. Guess he likes fluffy pokemon." I smile and present Ruby to the woman.

"My name is John Grimm. This little one is Ruby." Ruby let out a cute little cry, waving her paw.

The woman was nonplussed. "Roxanne Granite." She then turned to Louis. "And you! Go back to the group."

When she said her name it struck a bell. "Roxanne Granite? You are the former gym leader. Wow you look different." In all the media I found on her she was always young. She retired in her mid twenties to focus on teaching.

"Yes I was. No, I don't battle for fun anymore."

"Huh?" I was confused. Why would she say it like that?

She blinked. "Oh, sorry. Force of habit. So many trainers want to battle me when we meet that it became an automatic response."

"So what happened to your-"

"Don't get me wrong. I still battle but only at the trainer school. To teach my students the key points of pokemon battles."

"Sounds like a fun school."

"I have been told it is. Did you go to a different school?"

I shake my head. "Nah, home schooled. I'm from Littleroot. Started my journey late to make sure I was ready for at least traveling."

Roxanne eyes went wide. "Surely you must know our current champion then."

"Yeah, I met him a couple times. He and Professor Birch were made for each other." I chuckle as I remember May smacking him upside the head for being late to pick her up. It was their anniversary.

"Well it was fun chatting. I have a class to give a tour to."

"Ok, bye. Try to give Louis a fluffy pokemon. He would love that."

Roxanne nodded before she left. Speaking to the children and taking them on a tour of the facility. I looked up at the sign and noticed that the ticket being served was 168.

"Sweet, seems like we are next sis."

Ruby yapped in my arms as I rubbed her side. I stood up to get ready when the call came.

"Now serving 169, at counter 4."

I quickly made my way over. Behind the counter was a male nurse finishing up the form for the last trainer.

"Good afternoon. What brings you in today?"

I give the man a smile as I set Ruby down on the counter. "A few things. We had a mishap with a my partner here chasing a squirrel. Ended up give ourselves some bumps. Just want her checked out to be safe. I was also looking for lodgings."

The keyboard clacked away for a moment. "So a check up for you and your Zorua. That can be done. Trainer ID please. As for lodgings you are at the wrong center. This one is tied to the school. We don't have lodgings on site."

This was a surprise. "Really?" I ask while handing over my ID.

"Yes, we get that reaction a lot. When we expanded the city we moved the pokemart and pokemon center together like out in Galar." He pulled out a small map. "We made these to help trainers find the main center for lodging. Now as for your Zorua's check up just head through the door and head down the hall to room 22." The man hands me back my ID.

"Thank you." I pick up ruby again, stepping through the doors to find the room. Once we found it I stepped inside. Sitting in a chair provided. There was a movable bed against one wall.

I held Ruby in my lap as we waited. One hand scratched her back while the other scrolled through my phone. Looking at news and finding out that a Gym Challenge goer in Galar was arrested for damaging ancient cultural art. He did so by borrowing the Chairman's pokemon under false pretenses.

In the article was a picture of the mural before it shattered after his arrest. In the end an important ruin was found behind the mural that has put the research community in an uproar.

"Well on one hand fuck that guy. But on the other a new discovery for history. Don't know how to feel about that." I muttered.

Just then the door opened. "Hello, are you John Grimm and Ruby?"

I nod to the doctor. "Yep, have problems with the young ones getting lost?"

The doctor laughed. "You have no idea. So what brings you in with this little one." The doctor reached down to pet Ruby on the head. Ruby shied away from him.

"A bump on the head. She was chasing a squirrel and ran into my leg." I got up and placed her on the bed. Then lifted my pant leg to show the metal bracer underneath.

"Damn, why do you have that?"

"I take Helperland Guild jobs. Some have me fighting some violent pokemon." I open my backpack to show my arm guards. "They have saved my life more times than I can count."

"With a Zoura you shouldn't be taking those requests."

"I have a team and I do my share of the fighting."

As if to agree with me Ruby yapped happily. The doctor only shook his head.

"Seems nothing I can say will stop you. Let me see her now." He pulled some rubber gloves out of a box and began to examine Ruby's head. Checking her eyes, teeth and fur. Before finally checking the bump on her head. When he touched it she whined. Her head jerked away but not out of his grasp. I brushed her tail with my fingers to keep her calm.

"Well that is a nasty bump. But other than that she is perfectly healthy. Only thing I can 'prescribe' is a cold compress. You can get one of those in the pokemart in the lobby."

"Thank you. I just wanted to make sure she didn't have a concussion."

"That makes you a good trainer. Now let me see your leg." He came over and grabbed my knee. Moving it up and down. "Any pain?"

"A little, but manageable."

He nods and stops. Feeling the joint then comparing it to my other knee. "Seems like it is just tweaked. Nothing major. You both have a clean bill of health. Head on over to the mart and grab a cold compress for both of you. Then, if you are not camping tonight, use the freezer to get more use out of them. Now hand me your pokeballs so I can check on the rest of the team."

"Are you gonna use a machine? They are both resting." I tell him, handing over Sapphire's and Opal's pokeballs.

The doctor nodded and walked over to the computer. Setting the balls down and plugging them in. Windows popped up on screen with data, graphs, and information I didn't understand. After a moment he unplugged the balls to hand them back to me.

"Looks like they are in perfect health. Your Riolu had some fluctuations though. Were you training today?"

"We ran here from the nursery inn."

"Ah, well let her rest and give her a good dinner. Have a good day."

"Thanks, you too." I thank the doctor and pick up Ruby. I headed out of the room after shaking his hand and got those compresses. After that we went hunting for the other Pokemon Center. The city was bustling as people wandered around after work and school. Restaurants quickly filling with people. Bars loud as people de-stress after a long day.

I pulled out my phone and the map the clerk gave me. Forced to have Ruby walk. Following it we quickly found the center and head inside. It was more busy than the other one. But most of the trainers were just relaxing or chatting among themselves. The line was actually very small.

I waited with Ruby in my arms. It moved fast. One of the trainers came over to check out Ruby. Complimenting her looks.

"Having a Zoroark would have been nice when winter hits. Consider yourself lucky when she evolves."

I laughed and bid her goodbye as it was my turn.

"I would like a room for the night please."

"Sure we can get you one. Lucky for you, we didn't have many rooms left." She typed a little then handed me a key card. "Room 305 across the street."

I take the card. "Thank you. Have a good day."

"Thank you, you too."

I leave quickly and head to the dorms across the street. The building was rather large. Looking like an apartment complex with 5 floors. I had to use the key card to get in.

"Don't be too disappointed by the room, Ruby." I said taking the elevator to the third floor. She cocked her head as I found our room. Waving at a couple as they head further down the hall.

"Glad they are not next to me."

I pushed my door open and was greeted with a small room. One dresser with a mini fridge. On top of that is a small TV for mostly noise. Immediately to the right of the door was the bathroom. To the left a small storage closet. Across from the dresser was a long twin sized bed. One chair and table were set by the window.

"Well at least my feet won't be hanging off." I drop my backpack to sit on the bed. Letting ruby go so she could explore. I turned on the TV letting its noise fill the room.

After that I pulled Opal and Sapphire's balls from my thigh. With a flick of my wrists both of them were released. The two stretched before taking in their surroundings.

[Small.] Sapphire commented.

[Yeah, so this is a pokemon Center dorm.] Opal agreed, turning around to see me on the bed. [So what took so long?]

"Oh you know. Ruby and I got side tracked by a squirrel. Went to the wrong Pokemon Center. The usual mis-adventures."

Sapphire giggled when I mentioned a squirrel. Turning to ask Ruby in pokespeech only to get a growl in return.

"Easy Ruby." I picked her up and opened my backpack. Pulling out one of the cold compresses. "Let's get this on your head." I popped it and could feel it getting cold quickly. I placed it on her head. Using the tuft of hair as an insulator so it wouldn't get too cold and hurt her.

[So she chased it and ran into a tree?] Opal asked.

I shake my head. "I wish. She ran into my shin." I watched Opal wince as she knew I was wearing the shin guards.

[Are you ok?] she asked me.

I shrug. "I will ice it after I order us all something to eat. It's later than I wanted and you guys must be starving." I pull my phone out to start looking at the nearby restaurants.

They all called out what they wanted to eat. Opal speaking for Ruby. I laughed as I found a place that delivers. I placed my order and gave them my card information. Once that was done I started to lay back on the bed to start Icing my knee when I felt something hard stop me.

[Shower, you are sweaty.] Opal said her eyes glued to the TV. The force on my back forced me to stand unless I wanted to fall on the floor.

"Ok, ok. Let me grab my clothes." I almost fall over trying to get my feet under me. I go over and grab my clothes. "If the delivery person comes you know what to do?"

Opal nodded as did Sapphire, Opal waving me off as Sapphire smirks at her. I wondered why Sapphire did so but shrugged it off. Stepping into the bathroom. I left the door unlocked when I saw that the curtain wasn't see through. Just in case any of the girls needed to use the restroom.

I let out a sigh as the hot water hit me. Feeling all the tension of the day leave my body. Once I was relaxed I quickly finished up and got out. Looking at myself in the mirror I couldn't help but chuckle. Well trimmed and fit body. Muscle definition in all the right places. What looked back at me would make women swoon. But past that surface glance I could see the now faint scars of my training and the few dangerous missions. I touched my side where I had cracked my rib. The memory makes it a little tender.

"You are a lucky bastard." I mumble. Drying off quickly and hearing the door knock. At first I thought it was one of the girls needing the room. But then I heard the dorm door open.

"Delivery for John grimm."

'Seems our food is here.' I thought, trying to dress quickly.

"Kirlia." Opal called out.

"Oh you are cute. You and your pals having fun?"

"Kirl!" Opal's retort was quick. I could only assume the delivery woman tried to touch her head.

"Oh my, I am sorry."

I laugh and open the door once I had my pants on.

"Don't worry about it. She just shy." I pat Opal's head as I take the food bag that was floating in the air.

"Oh my!" The woman blushed when she saw me shirtless. Said shirt was in my other hand.

I take out my wallet and hand her a tip. "Thank you. Have a good night." Ruby and Sapphire came over. Sapphire waved while Ruby shifted her tail.

The woman nodded and left. Sapphire ran up and shut the door. I walked over to the table and set out the food.

[That was funny.] Sapph chuckled.

[I just wish she hadn't tried to touch my head.] Opal complained.

"Take it easy. Your species is in hiding. Not many people know about the Ralts line in depth any more." I open the first box to find a salad with berries in it. I hold it out to Opal. "Here. Promise me you will try to be nicer."

Opal took the box with a smirk. [Only if you promise to work on your temper.]

I frowned as she brought it up. Though I said nothing. She giggled and teleported on the bed to eat. I quickly handed Sapphire and Ruby's food to them before sitting down next to Opal on the bed. Her eyes glued to the tv.

"I thought we promised to not talk about it?"

[You're the one still speaking.] She shot back, picking up a berry and eating it.

I sighed, taking a bite of my food. "Fine, I think we deserve a real rest. We finally made it to Rustboro and our first attempt at a badge. Now we need to plan and do a few other things."

Sapphire perked up. [We gonna fight?]

I smiled at her. "Yep and you are our lynchpin."

She cocked her head to the side in confusion.

[It means you are the most important one in this battle.] Opal explained.

Sapphire's eyes lit up as she got pumped up.

[I won't lose!] she exclaimed, ready for the battle.

I settled her down while laughing. "Easy now. We need some practice so why don't we head to the training grounds after we hit up Devon corp tomorrow? That way we can work on your moves and our strategies."

The all nodded in agreement. We haven't had a proper battle since we left littleroot. Too many things were happening. Now we can take our time.

I sat back and chatted with them as we ate. Putting one of the ice packs on my knee. Watching some romance movie about some ancient story in Jhoto. It was odd and ended in sadness. Opal hugged my arm when it ended. Her eyes glassy. I placed my hand on her head to comfort her.

"I would never leave you. Any of you." I pulled Ruby and Sapphire into my lap. Hugging them all.

"Let's head to bed." I pulled the covers down and they all jumped in. When I got under the covers Opal clung to my chest. Her face firmly against my chest. I smiled warmly and hugged her.

'At least we are going back to normal slowly." I thought, happy to be this close to her again.