Hey guys, I'ma back! And I'm exhausted. I wrote this in like, one sitting so my brain is dead and I am in dire need of a good nap.

But I digrss. On with the chapter!

Disclaimer: *insert witty disclaimer about me not owning Pokemon here*

Trisha propped herself up in the crisp white bed, using the pillows for support as she was handed a tray with a small portion of shepherd's pie and a glass of water by a beaming nurse. "I know it's not much..." the young blonde woman reassured her. "But you're stomach isn't quite up for anything else yet."

Trisha nodded in reply. "If you need anything just call me, okay?" the nurse smiled at her before leaving the room.

Trisha sighed as she glanced around the familiar four walls she had spent the last week or so in, according to the calendar on the wall. It was Saturday lunchtime.

The room was small, a narrow window beside her bed with the whitewashed door opposite her feet. On her left was a plastic set of drawers which were empty except for a change of clothes her worried mother had brought her.

Trisha winced at the memory- that sure as hell had NOT been a pleasant visit. Her mum had fretted over every tiny detail of her care before giving her the scolding of her life- "What on earth do you think you were doing, young lady? Wondering about after hours..." whilst her younger brother had sat there alternating between sniggering and asking her the details of the event, generally causing Trisha all the more trouble as the whole story was reluctantly drawn out of her.

She scowled at the memory before clearing her throat and calling out. "You can come out now."

Slowly, a pair of diamond-like eyes began to form at the foot of the bed, quickly followed by a red gem situated below as the rest of the Pokémon shimmered into view. It was about half a metre in height, with a deep-purpled body humanoid in structure. The Pokémon raised its claws to scratch one of the protruding ears from its large head.

Trisha meanwhile clutched her duvet in shock. "Stop doing that Gem!" she sighed. "Are you trying to give me a heart attack?"

The Sableye giggled as Trisha relaxed. "It's not funny." She huffed in mock indignity. Gem replied with a shrug before clambering over into Trisha's lap.

Trisha sighed, staring out the window. The gremlin-like Pokémon had been her only company for the last week and whilst she appreciated the companionship, Trisha was dying for news from her friends. The doctors had said she needed to be in hospital for a further week in case of 'complications' which was a load of Tauroshit to Trisha.

"I'm fine," she complained once again to the Sableye. "The only thing I'm at risk at is dying of boredom."

Gem responded by nodding half-heartedly, having heard the same lecture a dozen times before. She liked the girl but Arceus Trisha loved to moan.

Trisha nudged the Pokémon off her lap before beginning to eat her soggy shepherd's pie, sorely missing Janice's homemade cooking. I wonder what the others are doing now, she thought despondently.

XxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXx

"Okay, so we all know our positions?" Devin asked the others, barely keeping the level of excitement out of his voice. Laura watched him with growing amusement.

The pre-rangers were sitting round the table in the middle of the common room, each observing with a varying degree of interest. Devin had situated himself at the head, with Corey on one side and Crimson on the other, Crimson looking especially unhappy about not heading up their plans for todays: Operation Sneak-out, as Devin had named it.

Adrien, Sam and Richard were studying the large diagram that had been drawn by the spymaster himself. And by studying, I mean attempting to decipher Devin's messy scrawl and incomprehensible drawings.

Alina and HK were busy too, sorting out the items needed for the days 'espionage'. The only one not doing anything was James, who had announced rather loudly that morning that he thought the whole plan was ridiculous. "And besides," he had smirked. "The only get-well gift Trisha will need is a glance at my handsome features."

Laura groaned, remembering the statement.

"Bad day, huh?"

Laura turned to the only other person who would be staying behind. "It starts up there, yeah."

Athena scoffed. The poor girl looked terrible, with massive bags under her eyes and her complexion turning a harrowing pale with each passing day. "Do you think he's ever going to shut up?" she asked Laura, pointing towards Devin.

Laura laughed. "He's in his element. There's no way Devin will shut up now."

Athena groaned. "Arceus save us all…"

"And quiet you two!" Devin commanded, gesturing at the two girls. "This is important! Now, as I was saying, Bidoof and Hoothoot will remain here to keep up appearances- yes Caterpie?"

"What I want to know," Sam drawled. "Is why the fuck we are using these stupid nicknames? And why am I 'Caterpie' when you get to be Rayquaza?"

Everyone else murmured in agreement.

"Because," Devin sounded hurt. "It makes it so much more official that way! And I'm in charge, so I get the coolest nickname! Now, Assistant Ponyta, you will be in charge of rounding up the Pokémon- which by the way guys is code for basically keeping an eye on everybody- so remember to take the register every half an hour…"

Laura zoned out, trying to stifle her giggles at the look on Crimsons face. Crimson seemed to not be able to decide what's worse- not being in command, having a Pokémon a temporary name or the fact that the person she was meant to obey was showing his true colours as a world-class moron.

Richard raised a hand.

"Yes Geodude?"

"Who's going in to give the gifts to Trisha?" Richard queried. Devin frowned, unhappy at his apparently perfect plan becoming unstuck. "Well…" he muttered, glancing round at the others.

Luckily for him Corey spoke up. "We already decided. Adrien and I will take the gifts."

Devin nodded, smiling triumphantly before clearing his throat. "Well there you have it! Budew and Assistant Slakoth will take the gifts to Cleffa."

"Trisha's not going to be too happy about the nickname 'Cleffa'." Corey muttered under his breath. Crimson nodded in agreement.

Devin raised his voice again. "Okay, well then let's move out!"

A few half-hearted cheers echoed around the room. Devin however seemed oblivious to the evident lack of enthusiasm.

"See ya, losers." James winked and stood up. "Well, all except you lovely ladies of course…" he stroked Adrien's cheek, who blushed a deep red.

"Uh…" she managed.

James grinned. "If any of you beautiful girls realise where the real funs at, I'll be waiting…" he blew them a kiss.

Laura and Athena shuddered. "What a creep." Athena mimed retching as James disappeared down the wooden staircase.

Devin was the first one to recover. "Come on, move it!"

Sam mock saluted him. "Sir, yes sir!" quickly bolting out the room before Devin got a chance to retaliate.

Richard started to walk over to Athena. However the girl shrugged him off, suddenly in a bad temper as she stomped over to the girls dormitories and slammed the door behind her. Richard shrugged before leaving, following the rest as they filed out.

Laura glanced curiously at his retreating back. Something's going on between those two, she thought, shrugging.

She quickly rolled up the plans which Devin, despite all his insistences on security, had left lying around for anyone to see, before heading to the girls dormitories.

Time to see what's up with Athena, she thought, as she opened the door.

XxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXx

"This was a terrible idea." Crimson said bluntly as the group stood in a sheltered corner of the Vientown market.

Devin huffed indignantly. "No it wasn't! You're just annoyed that I'm the one who came up with the idea in the first place!"

Corey sighed. "Alright, lovebirds, break it up." He flinched from the nasty glare sent to him by Sam as Crimson eyed Devin with distaste.

"As if." She snorted. Devin raised an eyebrow as Sam made an audible sigh of relief, causing him to receive many strange looks.

"Something you're not telling us Sam?" Adrien quipped. Sam blushed. "I have absolutely no idea what you're talking about."

Richard rolled his eyes. "Sure…"

"I mean it!"

"Temper, temper…" Corey taunted, flashing a grin. "Someone's got the hots for Crimson!"

Sam opened his mouth to say something, but Devin, sensing the mood, got there first. "Anyway," he cleared his throat. "It's time for us to split into our partners. Magnemite and Glameow, you two are together."

Alina and HK nodded. "Are you sure that is wise?" HK asked, frowning. "Surely we would be stronger as a group."

"Ah, but that's where you're wrong." Devin grinned smugly. "If we're in a group, it would be easy for the enemy to spot us."

Corey groaned. "Teachers, Devin. Teachers."

"…And being sighted is a no-go." Devin continued, completely ignoring his friend. "So it has to be partners!" he beamed.

"Nerd alert!" Crimson smirked. Devin didn't bother to answer.

"Now, now Crimson." Sam taunted. "Leave the poor boy alone." The others laughed as Devin, unhappy with the label of 'boy', shoved him playfully. "I'm more of a man then you'll ever be!" he joked.

Sam grinned. "Whatever helps you sleep at night…"

Richard cleared his throat loudly. "You were saying?"

Devin frowned, before remembering that he was in charge. "Oh right! Um, so Magnemite and Glameow are together-"

HK frowned as Alina pulled him by the arm and dragged him away. "Watch it!" he yelped. "I'm sensitive!"

"And next we have Budew and Geodude!" Devin announced. Adrien squeaked as Crimson elbowed her. "What?" she asked indignantly, rubbing her wounded shoulder.

"Daydreamer, you and Ritchie the Robot are together. Not in that way, everyone knows that our robot friend has a little something for Princess-" Richard scowled. "That's none of your beedrill, Gingersnap."

Devin and Corey fought back an onslaught of giggles as Crimson's face lit up an angry shade of red. "And who do you think you're calling Gingersnap?" she demanded, hands on hips as she faced off the much taller male.

Richard tutted. "Who do you think?"

Crimson growled. "Watch it, metal man. I'll get you for that."

"Oh, I'm so scared." Richard mocked before tapping Adrien on the back and walking away. "C'mon, let's go."

Adrien followed, glancing back apologetically at a now fuming Crimson.

"Gingersnap… I'll show him…" she muttered angrily. Devin gulped before continuing his pairings. "I'll be with Assistant Slakoth, so that leaves you Caterpie with, uh, Assistant Ponyta."

Sam started. "W-what?"

Corey grinned. "You heard. Hey Devs, (Devin: "It's General Rayquaza!") let's leave. Give these two some 'alone' time." He snickered before heading off in the direction of the nearest stall with Devin high on his tail. He turned around, giving Sam a quick thumbs up and mouthing good luck before scrambling after Corey.

Sam, inwardly cursing his luck and Devin's obvious attempt at matchmaking, turned around to face Crimson, whose face was still set in a scowl. He gulped.

"So, where do you want to go first?"

XxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXx

Adrien dragged her feet as she and Richard toured the entire market-place. I wish we were in threes, she thought wistfully. Three is a much better number…

"Where are we going?" she asked Richard, who shrugged. "What about over there?" she suggested, pointing at a small market stall. Again, Richard remained mute except for a small grunt which Adrien translated as a yes.

They walked over to the stall in silence, Adrien having long given up trying to attempt any form of conversation, having noticed that Richard was not exactly the talkative type.

No shit Sherlock! The voices returned once again. Adrien frowned, shaking her head in a desperate attempt to clear her thoughts. Go away! She replied fiercely.

"We're here." Richard spoke up for the first time since they had been paired off. Adrien jumped; she had been so preoccupied with her inner battle that she had failed to notice that the two of them had arrived at the small market stall. It was bright; vivid cloths and flags hung over the counter littered with the owners wares. The shadow off the stall provided brief shelter from the boiling sun as they approached the salesman, a small balding man about the age of fifty with a ghastly suit and an oily comb over.

"Hello!" the salesman greeted them cheerfully. "Come for a look at my fine wares? What smart children you are!"

Richard shot Adrien a look, like who the hell does he think he is? before crossing his arms, evidently unimpressed by the mediocre sales pitch.

The salesman changed tact. "Shopping with your girlfriend?" he ventured, his shifty eyes glancing at the two. Adrien blushed. "Oh no, we're not a couple. We're here for our friend, she's very ill and we want to get her some get-well soon presents."

The salesman gave what was meant to be a heartfelt sigh. "Oh, how terrible! But please, do take your time." He retreated backwards staring at the two as they picked out their gifts and paid for them hastily.

"Thank you very much! You have wonderful taste." He simpered as the two walked away.

"So what now?" Adrien asked, not really expecting an answer. She wasn't disappointed. Instead of replying, Richard just shrugged.

Adrien opened her mouth to say something else when she was interrupted by a loud crashing noise, followed by the shrieks of the salesman and the cry of a Pokémon, clearly in distress.

Richard's head snapped towards the sound as he began sprinting back to the stall. "Wait- Ritchie where are you going?" Adrien called before running after him. "Ritchie wait up!"

From inside the stall came a prolonged whimpering noise, quickly drowned out by an angry cascade of shouting and the repeated thwack of wood upon skin.

Richard jumped over the stall as Adrien watched by nervously. "What are you doing?" she questioned. Richard made a shushing motion as the noise level increased.

Suddenly a scorpion-like Pokémon burst through the canvas at the back of the stall, causing Richard to leap back in fright.

The purple Pokémon was shivering, its claws clenching in fright as it leapt onto the wares table clumsily causing the items to crash to the floor. The blue membrane beneath the claws shielded the frightened Pokémon's face from view as it dug its stinger-armed tail into the beaten wood in a desperate attempt to regain its balance. "Gligar…" it whimpered upon sighting Richard and Adrien.

Adrien gasped as the Gligar turned around, revealing a streak of painful welts along its back, the most recent with blood dribbling down the FlyScorpion Pokémon's body.

The Pokémon leapt in fright as the salesman stumbled in, face purple with rage as he attempted to grab the wounded Pokémon by its neck. The Gligar yelped and dodged, crying in pain as more of the wounds on its back were ripped open.

"That'll teach you, you pathetic excuse for a Pokémon!" the salesman shouted. "Those jars were worth a lot of money, but you broke the lot! Next time you'll think twice about breaking my wares, accident or not!" He raised his arm, and Adrien gasped in horror as she realised the man was carrying a large thick branch, the tip carved into a vicious point. The length was stained red with what Adrien grasped to be the poor Pokémon's blood.

"Stop it!" she shrieked and leapt in front of the Gligar. The man ignored her however, and swung his stick again. Adrien winced, bracing herself for the expected pain.

"You bastard!"

Adrien opened her eyes slightly to see Richard grasping the stick, scowl etched across his face. The salesman frowned. "Look here, matey. How I punish my incompetent Pokémon has nothing to do with you!"

Richard snatched away the stick, snapping it violently before lobbing it over his shoulder.

"You bastard!" he hissed, face contorted with rage. "You can't do that to a Pokémon, regardless of what it's done or the mistakes it's made. Scum like you should go rot in a hole. That poor creature did nothing and yet you beat it like that! Here's an idea. Why don't I beat you like that too? Huh?"

The salesman almost tripped over as he backed away from the enraged teenager, trembling. "C-calm down, there's no need to get so riled up…"

"No need? And don't tell me to fucking calm down, you worthless piece of crap!"

Adrien eyes widened in astonishment; she had never seen Richard lose his temper like this. He's normally so controlled and stoic, she thought worriedly. It's scary to see him like this! I have to say something!

"Ritchie, please…" she said, voice quavering. "All you're doing is scaring the Gligar. Please, calm down."

Richard stopped and glanced at the Pokémon, who was peeking out from behind Adrien's back, petrified. Its nervous eyes darted between the two males. Richard took several deep breaths before he began to speak again, voice carefully controlled.

"We're taking the Gligar. If you have a problem with that, take it up with the police. I'm sure they'll be delighted to hear of how you've abused your Pokémon."

"But- but…" the stall owner protested fruitlessy.

"I'll let you go this time, but I'm warning you, if I ever see you again I will not hesitate to inform the authorities. Now piss off and get out of my sight!"

The salesman threw one last contemptuous glance Richard before scrambling to his feet.

"It was rubbish anyway." He sniffed before turning around and running away as fast as his tubby legs would carry him.

"Ritchie?" Adrien approached the now motionless teenager. "Uh, we should really get this Pokémon some medical attention as soon as possible…"

Richard nodded, once again mute. Adrien sighed. "Want to take him?"

"It's a boy?"

Adrien nodded and shushed the whimpering Pokémon. "It's okay, Ritchie's friendly…"

Reluctantly, the Gligar allowed himself to be picked up by Richard. The Gligar was easily the height of a small child, though evident lack of nutrition had prevented it from reaching full potential and was therefore considerably lighter then Richard was expecting. The Flying and Ground type grinned at him, oversized tongue hanging outside of his gaping jaws. Richard allowed himself a small smile back before he set off for the nearest Pokémon Centre, Adrien in tow, still dumbfounded by Richard's unexpected outburst.

XxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXx

"I knew this pairing thing was a bad idea." Crimson grumbled as she sat down on a bench near the fountain in the centre of the market, the groups designated meeting area. "It took us nearly twenty minutes to find this place and we're still the first ones here!"

Sam chuckled as he lowered himself onto the seat next to her. "Devin's really outdone himself this time."

Crimson smiled. "I never realised Tin Can was such an airhead!"

They both laughed before settling into a comfortable silence. After a few minutes Sam raised a hand and pointed towards the fountain. "Look." He said simply.

Crimson read the sign at which he was pointing- The Luvdisc Wishing Fountain- may all your romantic wishes come true! And underneath in a smaller, less fancy font- All donations go towards the Vien Forest Preservation Society.

"Yeah, so what?" Crimson asked, frowning.

"It's a wishing well." Sam stated. "Well, nuh!" Crimson mock gasped. "What, does ickle baby Sammy want to make a wish?"

Sam grinned. "I will if you will."

Crimson huffed. "Ugh, fine…" she dug into her bag for spare change as Sam pulled several coins from his pockets.

"Come on then. Jeez, you're the one who wants to do the stupid thing in the first place!" Crimson exclaimed, dragging Sam towards the fountain. Sam blushed as they approached; perhaps this wasn't the best idea after all. The fountain's ornate design depicted several Luvdisc in moments of embrace, some shooting high curves of water into the sky from their stone mouths.

Sam turned to Crimson to find her just as red as he was. "After you, my good sir." She curtsied.

Sam shook his head. "No, no. Ladies first."

"But men before." Crimson countered. "Isn't that what you boys always say?"

Sam sighed. "Let's just do it together, okay?"

"Okay, Mr Poop-da-scoop."

"Hey!"

The splashing of the coins as they hit the clear fountain water drowned out Sam's cry of indignation. The pieces of metal sank slowly, eventually reaching the bottom of the glittering pool in which the loose change shone vibrantly in the sunlight.

Crimson cleared her throat. "So, what now?"

Sam shrugged. "We wait." The girl rolled her eyes as she strolled back over to the bench. "Aside from that?"

"I have absolutely no idea…" Sam sighed, before joining Crimson on the bench again. He jolted as their legs brushed together briefly, a light blush settling on his face as he looked away.

"I hope the others come soon…"

... Ritchie scares me...

Sorry if anyone was too OOC, I tried my best!

So, was it good? Bad? Mediocre? Please tell me in a review! XD Until next time...