[Third year into the journey]

Percy's POV:

"Winona!" I yelled. She had taken my towel and now I was stuck in the bathroom. I grumbled to myself. How was I supposed to exit when I was soaking wet?

It had been a hectic few weeks but I had enjoyed it a lot with Winona here. I had a visit from Chaos a week or two ago (after years) and we discussed important topics about me, my life and this world—including how my mom was doing which was bad. She was still in a coma, and money was running low for her support. She had only saved up so much, as had I. I could tell there was something she was holding back and I was tempted on pointing it out but she must've had her reasons.

I had put a halt to my trip too, to the Elite Four and Champion on halt just so I could kickback and relax after receiving my final badge from Volkner a week before I met Winona.

She told me she was here on vacation here to check out the several places in Sinnoh. She had come all the way from Hoenn, which was on the opposite side of the country. Her aim was to visit the various monuments but she had got lost, until I came in and saved her. Now, she had been residing with me for a month and would be leaving again to her home soon.

So we stayed in the apartment I lived in for the past month and enjoyed each and every day, with me taking her out to shops, museums and other interesting places.

And dare I say, that I could feel a fuzzy feeling with her now like I had with Cynthia. 'She just looks so beautiful with her silky, flowing lavender hair and her darker lavender eyes and-'

My musings were cut short by the devil herself.

"Hey Percy, aren't you forgetting something?" She sang elegantly in a mocking manner.

I exited the shower and stood on the small carpet. It was a pretty nice bathroom with marble sinks and floor, and tiles in several places. I gazed around the place for a towel and saw nothing of the sorts and groaned.

"Winona, the only thing I'm forgetting is my towel," I sarcastically shot back. I couldn't be bothered to care about my wetness and walked across the doors, water splashing all over.

I opened it up to find just what I needed. I grinned and pulled the white towel outside and wrapped it around my waist. I looked in the mirror and saw I was hoeing, and wasn't still a scrawny kid. To be honest, I seemed very fit and healthy, and so now I couldn't be pushed around like I was a kid as much.

"No, you fish!" She sighed exasperatedly on the other side of the door. "Aren't you forgetting something else?"

I may have been rejuvenated by the shower, but I was confused on what she was talking about.

"Win, I'm gonna' come outside starch naked if you don't pass me the towel back!" I yelled, with a smile.

"You wouldn't!" She shouted back.

I smirked widely. "Do you want to test that?"

"Hmph, go on then. You're not getting your towel," she laughed. I rolled my eyes at the girl—I never lie.

"5," I began. I heard shuffling behind the door.

"4."

"3," I continued.

"Percy, I know you don't lie but there's no way you will ever come out naked," she piped up.

"I know," I replied with a smug smile.

"But you just said—" I cut her off.

"2," I interrupted. I heard her sigh in frustration.

"1," I finished. I tightened the towel around my waist so it wouldn't slip off, otherwise that would be embarrassing.

"I'm coming out now, Mrs. Dash," I shouted before pushing open the door.

"You have your water—"

Whatevs she was going to say was cut short by the sight of me after he door slamming open. She screamed and I laughed at her right red face. She took her time looking at me before hastily blocking her sight with my towel.

"You-you, actually, d-did it!" She said in disbelief.

"C'mon, I live up to my promises," I replied. "And you do realise that towel is mine?"

She twisted around, and threw the towel behind her towards me. "Have your damn towel," she growled.

"Don't be like that Win, it's only a joke. And don't think I didn't see you ogling my abs—I didn't know I was hat handsome," I teased her.

The tip of her ears became a new shade of red while she stuttered for a reply. "N-no—I-was j-just—argh!"

She stomped her foot down angrily, and it was pretty cute the way she was frustrated. All I did was double over and laugh till all the air exited my lungs.

She twisted around curiously. "What's so funny, you-you…" her words disappeared as she looked over my body again. I coughed to break her out of her analysation and she once again blushed.

"Don't get any funny ideas," she remarked. "I don't think you're that hot."

I walked over to the bed. The room I was staying in wasn't anything luxurious, but enough to live with. The bed was wide enough for a few people so we decided to sleep with a gap between us to keep it not weird. We were only children for Arceus's sake.

"Uh huh," I replied unconvinced. "Just head into the kitchen so I can change." I moved to the bed which had my clothes laid out neatly on it.

"Yeah, sure, and I'll cook—" she began but stopped herself and sighed. "No, you can just summon food. You still haven't told me how you do that…" she muttered the last bit quietly to herself.

I frowned at her, I really did want to share my secrets but if they ever got out—the chaos it would cause—would be huge. But I had learnt how honest and trustworthy she really was so I decided I'd tell her some bits.

I placed my hand on her shoulder. "Look, Winona, I know I've been saying I couldn't tell you," I started while she mumbled incoherently. "But; I'm ready to spill if that's what makes you happy."

She spun around, eyes wide and smile blinding.

"Really?" She said in disbelief.

I nodded my head and smiled at her. "Yes, you've been a great friend Win and I can't hold this from you."

She laughed a euphoric laugh and pulled me into a tight embrace. I blushed at the contact but copied how her arms were wrapped around me and returned the favour.

"Thanks Percy, I appreciate it. I'll make it up to you!"

I scratched the back of my head sheepishly when we let go. I looked away from her elegant face and stared at the window. "No, no, don't Win. It's fine, you being here and being a great friend is good enough."

"Percy, no. I will give you back the favour." Her voice became stern and full of resolve.

I put my hands up defensively. "Alright, I'll be waiting then," I laughed at her triumphant face. "But I'm about to get changed so unless you wanna' see the real deal, you might want to leave," I teased, wiggling my eyebrows.

Her face became a bright red and she fumbled for words before stomping away into the kitchen. I chuckled at her attitude and quickly slipped into a new outfit.

I tried to make it special because Winona was supposed to be leaving today, and we couldn't reach the subject because of our friendship. I had on a sea green T-Shirt, navy casual trousers and black trainers designed with stripes of ocean blue and lime green. I had a denim jacket over me too, and a pair of shades tucked into the hem of my shirt.

I smiled at the mirror and was content with my choice of clothing. Next to it was a suitcase, which was Winona's, since she was going back to Hoenn today. The weather outside looked great today in Sunyshore City. Through the decent-sized window, I could see the dazzling sun rays and clear blue sky; however I was too far to see the ground below, my flat being high in the skyscraper.

I was settling in this city since it was the final city instructing the path to Victory Road where I would challenge the Elite 4.

I clenched my fist angrily and entered the kitchen, slowly calming down with the innocent look on Winona's face.

She didn't know that I would crush my father on my goal there—Hades, she didn't even know that the Champion himself was my father. I didn't want to tell her, so I didn't receive pity nor praise; and the fact of why I hated him so much.

'Wait, innocent look?' I narrowed my eyes at the girl who batted her eyes with a nervous smile. I raised my eyebrow at her.

"I… may have dropped the whole pack of bread in the oven?" She shrugged still with a smile. I blinked at her though. "And was hoping you could put it out before the whole place burns down?" She emphasised the final two words.

"Oh," I dumbly said. I rushed to the oven and opened it, seeing a loaf of bread burning heatedly. I waved my hand to rid the invading smoke. I waved my hand with little concentration and water from the tap gushed out, putting out the fire once I turned off the oven.

I spun around and sighed, while dropping into the chair—she could be a bit clumsy at times but I definitely took that spot a lot of the time. I heard a cough in the background.

I was thrown out my thoughts and saw her looking at me expectantly. "Yes?" I asked her, confused at the look.

She rolled her eyes when my stomach growled and I adopted an embarrassed look. She giggled at that, and tartar laughing. All I had the decency to do was become even more flustered.

She finally stopped and said, "I'm hungry."

I facepalmed and she let out a laugh again. "Oh, yeah."

I clicked my fingers and summoned whatever food. I decided on pancakes today, in syrup and chocolate sauce—and obviously blue. They were later out nearly on the black marble table and let off an amazing aroma.

I grabbed the knife and fork and dug into the food. I wasn't exactly clean about this but I was yet again, a growing man.

"What's on your mind?" Winona piped up, all the while munching on a pancake opposite me.

"Oh, it's nothing you need to worry about," I waved off.

She narrowed her eyes at me dangerously. This girl could be so innocent and kind one minute and ready to feed you to the crows the next. "Don't tell me it's nothing, what is it?" Her voice she a certain edge to it.

I grumbled about stubborn girls when she smirked in triumph. "So?" She prodded.

I dropped my utensils and looked at her in the eyes. I wiped my mouth with the napkin next to me.

"You want to know why I seem…" I struggled to find the words.

"Lost? Alone? Isolated?" I was surprised at her accurate words and nodded perplexed. "I've seen you do this crap lord of times Percy."

I grinned and she rolled her eyes. "Well…" I didn't know how to phrase it. "My father is the Champion of Sinnoh," I finished bluntly—the word father dripping with venom.

I discerned her reaction, which was to gape at me and drop her fork which had some perfectly fine pancake on it.

"What?!" She yelled. "Why are you so glum, then? You should be proud and-and happy about it," she said.

I grabbed the fork and and picked at my own food; Winona just tucked a strand of her hair behind her ears.

I held the fork tightly. "It's because he doesn't deserve it," I forced out. "The bastard should rot in hell," I spat.

She was taken aback by my reaction and began again cautiously. "And why do you dislike him so much, Perce?"

"Win, I hate him because he left me and my mom for his career," I said and quickly continued with her open mouth. "Which isn't bad when he had agreed to raise me already and even promised us. The way he left also was disgusting," I sneered at no-one.

Winona left her seat and sat next to me, looking concerned. "What did he do," she said but stuttered when I lightly glared at her. "If you don't m-mind me asking," she hurriedly asked.

I exhaled and slumped.

"I'm sorry," I apologised. "Is just in a bad mood with how you're going to leave and since I'm going to fingers crossed, challenge him—it threw me back in the past."

She furrowed her eyebrows cutely. "He can't be that bad of a person though," she commented and cringed at my darkening face.

"He is a horrible person—he promised us he'd stay—he was the one who chose that path and then he left. But he didn't even do it calmly," I said in disdain. "He hurt my mom and slapped her, and even insulted us, the dipshit…" I muttered the last bit.

Though I forgot how she always got annoyed whenever I swore. She pulled at my ear, hard. How was this girl so strong?

"I said no more swearing the other day, Percy," she reminded me and I groaned. It was painful but not enough to—

"Aagh, okay, I get it!" I yelled, eyes shut. "I'm sorry," I mumbled. Her soft hands let go of twisting my ear and I let a breath out in relief.

I rubbed my ear and grumbled, "There was no need to do it that hard, ya' know."

"Yeah, well, you need to lighten up and we gotta' head out. Put this hatred away and let's enjoy the day," she compromised and I had to roll my eyes.

She poked her face in front of mine and I attempted to maintain a poker face. Her eyes bore into mine and I could see her lavender irises staring into mine, like she could read my very soul. Her hair fell behind in her waves and I could see her upturned lips.

Eventually, a smile graced my lips and I pushed her away.

"See! Even you want to have some fun," she shouted in elation and I hummed in agreement.

"Okay, fine," I dragged out. "Let's head out now, I have some places in mind, some final ones to visit." I grabbed her hand absentmindedly and pulled her with me gently.

She wasn't coming willingly and I whipped around confused. "C'mon then, Win. What's up?" I scrunched my face up.

She blushed and pointed at our connected hands and I instantly let go, the warm feeling leaving. I shook my head, I couldn't develop feelings when she was going go away.

"Sorry," I mumbled before grinning again, an ideal starting location entering my mind.

ADHD at its finest.

[Linebreak]

I gazed out at the calming ocean. The waves rippled and fell one the other like one. The sounds of them crashing against the shore, and pulling back created a serene atmosphere.

Behind the oceanic blue, was an orangey-yellow hue of the sun, shining down as it was kissing the horizon. The beach was later out at the very bottom, the tiny, brown grains consigning into a mass of beautiful sand. It was deserted though, and not a living thing was in sight.

The magnificent rays of red colour created a smooth landscape of peace connecting the earth, the seas and the skies. Everything looked in harmony, working together so easily, with such a flow.

Even now, the presence of the ocean calmed me and organised my mind. It gave me a sense of hope, and peace. I may hate my father, from the previous universe; but I could never hate the ocean I used and few up with.

It was ingrained into my very being.

I let out a puff of breath. A poke in the side of my stomach pulled me out of my thoughts.

"Huh?" I stupidly shot out to whoever it was. The presence was trusting and I didn't even react in a violent way like I would with anyone else. Their aura felt nice.

I heard some noises to my side and blinked. Winona was giggling, her hand covering her mouth before she started laughing a bt louder.

"Huh?" She mimicked, a pretty dumb expression on her face before she cracked up again. "Percy, you need to work on your replies, you know," she forced out through her laughter.

I became flustered instantly and pushed her lightly on the shoulder. We were currently sitting on the edge of a wall, at the beach. It was reaching the evening and the airport wasn't far, less than a few minutes away. Our cab was sitting idly away in the parking lot.

"Y'know, Perce, I've enjoyed this past month a lot because of you," she commented, looking at be sunset.

"Yeah," I agreed. "I would be on my way to the Elite 4 but this is so much better."

"Let's just enjoy these last few minutes I have." She turned to me and smiled.

"Yes, we shall," I whispered. We looked at each other, before leaning on the other, our shoulders resting together. The two of us, alone together, relished the comforting sound of silence and the beauty of the sunset.

[Linebreak]

I stood at arms length from Winona, who was standing there, as elegant as ever, suitcase in hand. She had left her hair out, letting it flow freely. She was as tall as me—which I hated—and was smiling sadly.

"I told you I would give you something for all you've done for me," she insisted yet again. Gods, she was a stubborn girl.

I rolled my eyes and sighed. "Fine," I dragged out mock-annoyed. "What will you give me?"

Even my ADHD didn't act up and I stood there still, waiting for what her gift would be. People walked past us, milling by and through the airport. Families and couples talked affectionately all around us, sad they were leaving or happy they were on vacation.

The airport was pretty busy, and the place itself didn't look too bad. It was mainly white everywhere, with loads of shops and huge glass windows.

She shuffled inside of her handbag furiously, trying to find the item. All I could do was wonder what she would give me.

After a moment, Winona pulled out a frame. I couldn't see it but when she turned it around, I smiled so stupidly.

"I-I know you won't see me much, and we both will be b-busy, but—" her voice was cut off with a hug.

I leapt forward and embraced her like a true friend, crushing her and almost crying. She tucked her head into my shoulder, and we stood there, gently hugging the other. It was warm, amazing and the best feeling in the world. That not everyone would leave me.

In the frame was a picture of me and her standing on the balcony of when we visited the Vista Lighthouse. We were standing with tall glass planes behind us, above us was the peak of the lighthouse, painted red. Either side of the glass was the raging seas and the other half was Sinnoh Pokémon League Building in the distance. The world looked beautiful, including the girl by my side.

We were staring at the camera, both of us laughing and so free. She wasn't wearing anything special and looked the same as ever—her lavender hair and eyes sparkling; even my sea-green eyes looked alive in the picture.

My reminiscences were stopped when we let go, and I instantly missed the comforting touch.

My huge smile was still on my face and I shook my head, calming myself down. "Thanks Winona, you d-don't know how much this means to me," I said honestly.

She blushed. "It was nothing," she waved off.

I raised an eyebrow questioningly. "Nothing," I remarked in disbelief. "You went through all the trouble to get us the best picture—this shows everything we've been through. I promise you I'll be looking at it whenever I can."

She tested up at that and twirled her thumbs cutely.

After a moment, she piped up. "What did you get for me then." Then hurriedly added, "if you did get me anything."

Why wouldn't I get her something?

I dug into my pocket, finding the right ball. "It's not as good of a gift as yours, it's pretty lame—" I rambled, and finally brought out the item when I was cut off by a gasp.

"You got me a Master Ball?!" She quietly yelled. "They cost a fortune and are hard to even find!"

"Yeah, I know, but it doesn't match—" I rubbed the back of my neck flustered.

"Don't even say it's not a good gift," she stopped my sentence short. "My present is nothing compared to this, this-this is amazing." Her eyes were gleaming in happiness and began tearing up.

I grinned at her. "Is it really that awesome?" I asked.

She rolled her eyes but I could tell she was really grateful. "Don't even start Percy," she replied and I poured at her. She then sighed. "I don't deserve such a good friend." Her eyes turned to me. "I shouldn't take it, it's yours to keep."

She wrapped her hand around mine and gently pushed it back to me. I scrunched up my face.

"No, no, no," I rejected. "This is my present to you, keep it with you because you have such an incredible friend to be with." I poured out the truth.

She wiped her eyes and smiled sadly. "Arches, I hate you for making me tearful Percy," she mumbled.

I smirked at her and then put the Master Ball in her hands. With my hand, I plucked at her warm, soft hands and put them around the ball.

I heard the intercom announce the next flight in the noisy background. "And that's your flight," I told her and she shook out of it with a smile. "You should get going Win."

"Have we got each other's numbers?" She checked and I nodded, one-hundred percent sure. We had battled and exchanged our numbers so we could communicate over the years if we wanted to. I didn't want what happened to Cynthia, happen again.

"Well, I guess this is where we part, Winona," I stated the obvious, and she chuckled at that.

"Yeah, I guess so," she said downcast.

"Hey, don't be so sad, I promise to call you when I can," I swore. "Just enjoy yourself with your family and journey."

"Thanks Percy, I'll miss you." She grabbed her suitcase and belongings and started walking away.

"I'll miss you too, Win, I hope you achieve your dream," I encouraged. She smiled, her lavender eyes showing kindness, and I had the same fuzzy feeling.

I just grinned and waved at her. She waved back, looking behind at me before she took a turn around the corner for the start of a new journey, her dream. I saw the final waves of her lavender hair flash before it disappeared.

I yawned and now focused on my primary objective.

To hike across Victory Road, and challenge the Elite 4 and the Sinnoh Champion.

My father.

[End of the chapter]

A/N: All of you, thanks for reviewing and I'm glad many people are still ready to read my story and I am really damn happy about that, y'all amazing.

I couldn't leave out the part of Winona leaving so I had to write this, but I still hope you enjoy it all the same. I almost forgot to post this for fuck's sake too, I go back to school tomorrow and I had to get my stuff together haha.

Anyway, I am praying you all aren't disappointed and enjoyed the chapter, because I promise you the next one is pretty much all fighting and the sorts. It will have story in it too obviously, and I know you all know which Pokémon battles I'll be writing about.

Also, don't expect weekly updates anymore even though my aim was to do that at the start of this story, but I can't, since I'm writing for three different stories. It'll be monthly, maybe earlier and for that I'm sorry, but the next chapter'll be bloody great.

Well, review, favourite and all that jazz. How was this chapter? And should I reply to y'all by PM, and not clog up the chapter?

Also, is my writing good? Is it better than previous chapters or worse? Why? Is my story slow-paced, and not moving quick enough? Is it boring? Is it lacking detail? Tell me the blunt truth, and not just hate, because that helps fuck all, so I can improve.

And finally, have a great day people.

Peace out.