"You're like a slave owner, you know", Teo says looking at Joe from the side of his eye, "you really have Riolu rowing the boat instead of you".

"Not my fault my hand is burned", the brown haired boy says in disinterested, his eyes fixed somewhere behind Teo, "my grip isn't exactly functional right now".

The chill in the morning air sticks to his forehead, as Teo does his best not to stare at his teammate. In the middle of the ocean, there's not much else to look at. The Old King's island dissapeared from his sights around ten minutes ago. All that was left was the boat, the sky and the ocean around it. The water underneath them was moved quitely, a grey colour seemed to have seep to its unimaginable deapth. Occasionally, a few drops would splash onto Teo's hands, as cold as the winter day. The sky above their heads had a similar colour pallete, background of monotonous light grey lined with a few darker clouds, far and few in between. The sun was still hanging low, just barely crossing the horizon, leaving Teo to wish for a faster sunrise. Otherwise, he felt he might drown in all of this grey. Joe's sweater was grey as well, and the boy seemed to fade into the landscape, which Teo had absolutely hated. He had nothing to talk about with this guy. The rowing made his arms feel sore, which certainly didn't help the feeling of friendship grow.

"How much longer", Teo inquiered, still refusing to look at his teammate.

"Shouldn't take more than an hour", Joe replied in his usual flat tone, that drove Teo insane.

"Sounds terrible", Teo sighs.

"It's truly not", Joe says simply, "we should arrive exactly in time when the market opens, if we were to arrive earlier, we'd have to wait around, you know".

"Easy for you to think like that", Teo scoffs, "you're not the one rowing right now".

"Mind you, if I could row I would, it's not a problem for me", Joe replies, "I was raised by the ocean, remember?".

"Right, just don't start singing sea chanties, alright, island boy?", Teo chuckles at his own joke, which Joe promptly ignores.

Falling into silence yet again, Teo's not sure what to do or say. He's not exactly a type to have a deep conversation. Joe's not a type to have any sort of conversation short of a debate. Something about being stuck in the middle of the ocean urges him to talk.

"If Ace was here, he would be so annoying right now", Teo attempts. He's not sure what else him and Joe could talk about.

"He probably would", Joe responds shortly.

"Yeah, I can basically hear him calling this a date", the feeling of unease spreads in Teo's throat. His teammate wasn't exactly giving him a lot to work with.

"He'd make a Titanic refrence", Joe says matter-of-factly.

"Yes, yes he would", Teo attempts a laugh, "just so we're clear, I'm Leo DiCaprio, and you can be Kate Winslet".

"Just to be clear, this is not the Titanic", Joe responds, "but if it were, I'm perfectly fine with you being the one who drowns".

"That's not a kind of thing you say to someone while you're on the boat", Teo points out.

"It's just the context of the movie, Teo", Joe says, "I don't plan on drowning you".

"Doesn't sound too convincing", Teo says, "besides, I never said anything about you planning it, I just thought it isn't cool you're cool with your teammate drowning".

"I'm not", Joe says, "I prefer you alive, but if it was a choice between you and me, I am letting you die".

"Right, got that", Teo says, realising Joe's definitely not his favourite guy. Then again, he isn't exactly fond of his other teammates either, and Joe might just be the easiest of them to stomach. It's not that he's ever paid special attention to any of the other boys. As the skies were still rather uninteresting, he had no choice but to take a better look at the boy sat across from him. Teo had found him equally uniteresting. Under the morning lighting, the boy's tanned skin was shaded in a similar grey, making him look tired. His brown eyes looked as distant as ever, fading into his expressionless face. His right eye was smaller, Teo noticed. Teeth a bit yellow. Averting his gaze, Teo focused back on the water, this guy wasn't going to catch him staring. Still, he did not get Joe's whole deal. The guy looked insignificant, and he dressed like your average Galarian suburban grandmother. He had no bussines behaving the way he did.

"The islands are starting to roll in, we should hit the mainland soon", Joe says after what seems as the eternity of rowing in silence. Checking his phone, Teo can see that it's already been an hour since they left the island.

"So, like 5 more minutes, I would hope", the boy turns his head, but he can't spot the coast, and immediately knows it would take longer.

"Around 20, I'd say", Joe's looking behind him, "the water still seems deep, these islands are probaly all volcanic".

"What does that have to do with anything?", Teo sighs.

"Island, and landmass in general are just points where the ground raises above sea level", Joe says simply.

"That's the most 'child of the isles' way to explain it", Teo rolls his eyes.

"The altitude of landmass is determined by movements of tectonic plates, for the most part, which means the placement of land is mostly uniform", Joe ignores him, "closer to mainland, there will be more islands that are made by the movements of tectonic plates".

"Alright, I get it, you know geography, big thing, will you shut up now", Teo wails.

"No I will not", Joe states, "further from the mainland, the islands that appear in the middle of the ocean are usually the product of volcanic activity".

"Well, Einstein, I don't see any volcanoes nearby", Teo says, turning around to look at the few islands that lay ahead of them.

"Underwater volcanoes, genius", Joe sighs.

"Okay, but then, by your logic, if volcanic islands are far from the mainland, and these are volcanic islands, then that means we're not close to the mainland either", Teo points out.

"Well, volcanoes can be close to the mainland too", Joe shrugs.

"And how can you tell these volcanoes are close to the mainland", Teo rolls his eyes again.

"The map says so", Joe responds simply, and Teo wishes murder was legal.

"Right, well, how about we stop on one of these islands for a break", Teo treats his teammate to a dry smile, "and maybe I can leave you there".

"Can't do, look better, there are no shores, we can't dock the boat", Joe replies, "besides, the waters aren't exactly friendly".

Giving a better look to the islands still in the distance, Teo sees the high reaching dark grey rocks surrounding the landmass, the waves wildly crushing into them with continuity. They would most certainly die of they got caught by the currents surround the islands. Dissatisfied, he scoffs under his breath: "waters aren't friendly, who the fuck are you, Moana?".

"And who are you? Ace?", Joe raises an eyebrow at him.

"Well, now no need to insult me, I am much smarter and also much more handsome than blondie", Teo says overdramatically, "besides, my comment is on point, you know?".

"Yeah, right", Joe says.

"Hey, you're an islander who talks about sea and has a tan", Teo points out, "we just need to get you a mentally unstable chicken to keep as a pet, a skirt and a cocnut bra or something".

"And a hunky demigod who's a narcissist", Joe points out.

"Well, I am hunky, and somewhat of a demigod", Teo laughs.

"No you're not, but you are definitely a narcissist", Joe replies.

"Hey don't diagnose me, you ass", Teo says, "and you never know, I never met my father, he might as well be a God of some kind". Teo bites back his words immediately, realising his slip-up.

"Definitely not Poseidon", Joe notes, "you'd be better at rowing if it was him".

"Definitely not", Teo hangs back defiantly, set on not saying anything else about the matter. Looking around the series of islands they were now amongst, he feels relief as soon as he find an opportunity to change the topic. "What's that", he nods towards one of the island".

"That's an island", Joe says, "a pretty big one, volcanic and old, from the looks of it".

"Alright, stop being a know-it-all for a moment, I wasn't talking about the island itself", Teo scoffs, "look what's on it". Above the rocks lining the coast, nested few miles from the edge of the cliff, stood a single half-ruined building. Built from pearly white stones, Teo could tell it was once huge from a single fact its reamaints were visible even from this distance. Not much more he could conclude. There were no doors, and other than the outside walls the only thing he could see was a crest that stood high on the roof. It was weirdly shaped as far as he could tell, a crescent moon with spikes coming up from its base.

"A temple or a shrine of some sort, probably", Joe says seemingly deep in thought.

"You sure about that?", Teo's happy to talk about anything other than his own life.

"Well, it's on an island, and it really doesn't look like a house", Joe says, "not much else it could realistically be, I mean the stone looks like it would be used for some kind of a shrine, and that thing on the roof is a solid pointer as well".

"Good on analysing, but don't the shrines usually have a way of entering?", Teo asks.

"Right, well, we're looking at it from the northern side, and the entrances into shrines are usually on the western side of the building, so when you enter you're walking towards east", Joe says.

"Well, I think you're wrong buddy", Teo says. As their boat flows on, Teo can finally spot the doors. "There they are", he points towards them. "And the sun is right there", Teo points behind himself, "so the doors are on the eastern side".

"Well, then it's probably a satanic temple or something", Joe shrugs.

"Yeah, right, satanists were climbing rocky coast on some random volcanic island near Hoenn who knows how long", Teo rolls his eyes, "can you just admit you were wrong".

"They probably didn't rockclimb to reach it", Joe said matter-of-factly, "they probably flew in".

"Alright, I've had enough of your bullshit", Teo laughs, "you're wrong, I'm right, now shut up".

"Just because you saw some doors first doesn't make you smarter than me", Joe's voice raises up, "besides, you never know, people worship different stuff, it could easily be a satanic temple".

"You either admit deafeat, or I stop rowing and we both stay stranded in the middle of the ocean", Teo offers, thrilled that he had finally managed to squeeze something resbling a human reaction out of his teammate. Feeling a surge of power, he found it hard to conceal his smile.

"Riolu can still row", Joe quickly recovers his composure.

"You'll end up just turning in circles", Teo points out confidently.

"He'll row from the middle", Joe shrugs.

"Fine, then, I let Absol out, he destroys this boat, and we all just drown", Teo raises his eyebrow. Joe stares off into the sky, refusing to say a word. "That would be a checkmate", the black haired boy says victoriously.

"Whatever, just keep rowing", Joe says flatly, "it's just some island".

"It's an island of great importance", Teo digs his claws deeper, "it's an island that proves I'm not only handsome but also smart".

"Right", Joe says absentimindedly, "just keep rowing".

"Just say it", Teo says playfully, "that I'm super handsome and smart".

"I'm not saying it", Joe retorts, his voice turning cold.

"Cmon", Teo urges.

"Man, you're being super annoying right now", Joe says, "since when do you like talking so much".

"Hey, hey, I do like talking, just not about my personal life", Teo throws his head back in laughter, he's actually starting to enjoy himself. "Getting praise is a different thing", he says, certain he's successful at pushing Joe's buttons.

"That's a kink or what?", Joe responds, "cause I don't plan on turning you on, you know".

"Oh, you don't?", Teo says, "aren't you gay or something like that?".

"Asexual", Joe responds, visibly bored of this conversation.

"Yeah, same thing, gay", Teo presses on, "it's alright, you can just admit it, if I were gay as well, you would definitely go for me".

"I wouldn't", Joe says dryly.

"Cmon, I know that's a lie", Teo laughs, "you'd want me for sure".

"What makes you think I'd want you", Joe says calmly, "your own father didn't want you, why would I?".

"What did you say?", the rage quickly rose through Teo's body. Without even realising it, he flew forward, latching onto the brown haired boy and pinning him down, his head hanging above the water over the boat's helm. "Say that again, you asshole", Teo hissed. Joe did his best to keep his reaction low, but Teo could see his face twitch with pain. He had pressed his right hand under his body, and that burn must've pained him greatly.

"Calm down", Joe said through gritted teeth.

"What, not so cocky now, huh buddy", Teo laughed in his face. From the side of his eyes he could see Riolu stop rowing, the pokemon's body tensing up. He didn't care.

"Just get off of me", Joe coughed up, "I hate fighting".

"Well, I love it", Teo scoffs, "and I especially love beating up assholes like you".

"God, you're even worse than Ves", Joe says, his healthy hand crossing over Teo's chest and grabbing his shoulder. A leg pushes against his stomach, rising him upwards just a bit. With a quick movement, Joe shoves him away. The boy's ability to retaliate surprises Teo, and he takes a moment to recollect. He can feel the boat rocking under him, and for a moment is scared they'll both end up in the falling into the water and drowning. Joe wouldn't drown though, he thinks, fools usually float.

His back pressing against rough wood, Teo lets out a groan. Joe's hanging over him now, his bodyweight centered on Teo's abdomen, his healthy hand still pressing down on the boy's left shoulder, his grip surprisingly firm. Smart guy, Teo thinks to himself, immobilising his dominant side. "What kind of a maniac are you?", Teo's laugh sounds almost frantic.

"Surprised I can fend for myself?", Joe says firmly, "didn't I warn you, you don't know anything about me".

"I know everything I need to know, trust me", Teo hisses at him, raising his abdomen in quick turn to throw the other boy off balance, before quickly rotating his body to set himself free. Just because this guy knew how to fight in theory made no difference, he was still smaller than Teo, and had much less experiance. The few seconds Joe takes in order to find his ground are more than enough for Teo to grab onto his collar, pressing him into the boat floor yet again. This time though, he's not underestimating his teammate, he has his heathy hand fixated by the joint, and his legs pressed firmly down. No getting out now. "Now say that again", Teo says, glaring him down. He hates the way Joe's face remains expressionless.

"You have anger management issues", Joe says, before rapidly bringing his head forward, colliding his forehead with Teo's. The boy stumbles backward for a second from the impact, losing balance, but he can feel Joe's legs set free and rise up again, both pressing against his stomach. The push has enough strenght to send him stumbling back to his side of the boat.

Landing back on his hands, still fueled with rage, Teo is quick to get back up and go after Joe again. The other boy can't get up that quickly and he knows it. "You're dead meat", Teo hisses. One step forward, and a small hand brings him to a full stop. Looking down, he can see Riolu holding one of his arms out, while the other one is hanging back, flashing grey. Metal Claw. He scoffs: "what, you're just have your little dog do your fighting? Are you a man or not?".

"Just stop with this already", Joe's voice comes out flat but Teo can tell his breath is heavy.

"Tell your dog to stand by", Teo says coldly, "so we can finish this, you know, very cowardly of you to have him interfere now that you're losing".

"Just quit it, Teo", Joe snaps at him, and the boy takes the slightest of steps backwards. "Do any of you use your brains, it's not my fault", the boy continues yelling, "didn't you figure it out".

"Figure what out?", Teo challenges, "that you're a pussy".

"That Rio's just reacting to my emotions, you moron", Joe's voice comes out hastier then ever, "I'm not telling him to interfere or attack anyone".

"Well, if he's reacting to your emotions that still counts as you telling him to attack me", Teo retorts.

"What do you expect me to feel in a moment like this", Joe says, and Teo can see Riolu's hand flashing brighter, the pokemon's stance lowering ever so slightly. Joe reacts quickly enough, getting his pokeball and recalling his partner.

"That was a stupid move on your behalf", Teo raises an eyebrow at him, "you're a sitting Ducklett right now, buddy".

"Not your buddy", Joe responds with poison in his voice, now fully sitting up on his side of the boat, "I don't want you dead, that's all?".

"Don't you?", Teo says, "your emotion reading dog wants me dead, I'd say that gives your intentions away". Sitting back down, he adds: "and Ves as well, isn't that right".

"Just don't speak", Joe recollects his voice, retrieving the ores Riolu has dropped itno the ocean.

"Why, I have no doubt about it, now that you pointed it out", Teo smirks, picking up his own ores floating on the water. "I get it now, Joe", he says smugly.

"What do you get?", Joe says flatly.

"You act all confident, but you're scared", Teo says simply, "now that you've put it into perspective, I remember each time your Riolu took initiative on behalf of your emotions, that's why you keep him out of his pokeball at all times, you're scared?".

"It's not", Joe replies, "and I'm not scared".

"You are", Teo stays adamant.

"Fear's not the only emotion", Joe's voice turns low.

"Whatever", Teo scoffs, "fear or something else, you're not as cool and collected as you would like us to think".

"You think", Joe treates him to a glare, "if I were not collected, Rio would've actually attack you".

"Threatening again", Teo scoffs, "read the room".

"You read the room", Joe retorts, "you're lucky I can control myself, unlike you, no one esle was there to recall Rio this time, you do realise that".

"Whatever, I could've taken your dog myslef ", Teo says noticing the painful twitch jolting across the other boy's face when he starts rowing.

"Let's just get to the land", Joe decides, "before this boat turns into a crime scene". In silent agreement, Teo starts rowing as well.

By the time they make it onto the shore, the sun had already risen, gifiting some light blue upon the ocean and the skies. Teo sees his hands have been plagued with numerous red spots, product of all the rowing. He watches as Joe sits down on the sand and starts the process of re-wrapping his burned hand. The wound looks painful, the boy's skin turned purple and sporting a few blisters. Nothing too permanent though, as far as Teo can tell. For a second still, he feels sorry he had gotten his teammate into a position where he had to row himself. Turning away, he starts the process of dragging the boat out onto the land. "Smarter to hide this somewhere", he says distantly, "if someone steals it, we'll be in trouble". Joe gives him a short look before nodding towards some bushes at the far end of the beach. "Alright", Teo keeps his voice flat, not quite happy with the hiding spot his teammate had picked out. It was too far away. Slowly dragging to boat across the sand, his arms go almost completely numb. He might have to hit up a gym. Finally reaching the bushes, he can see that they are lush enough to provide a good cover. Shoving the boat between them, he manages to make their transportation invisible to the naked eye.

Gazing back at Joe, he can see the boy had finished the process of wrapping his hand, and started the process of unwrapping what seemed to be his breakfast. Riolu's out of his pokeball as well, and already chowing down his own food. Pain spreads through Teo's stomach at the sight, followed with a growl. Joe, with what seems to be a sigh, gestures for him to come closer. Teo's not too fond of the idea, especially since the murder dog is out and about again, but the hunger prompts him to approach. Much to his satisfaction, Joe points to a wrapped bag laid out on his backpack. "I did count on you being unprepared", the boy states not paying him much attention.

"That's the worst way to be nice, you know", Teo rolls his eyes, picking up the bag with food.

"Well, I was right in my calculations", Joe points out, "just sit down and eat quickly, we should get to the market as soon as possible".

"Right, we're in a hurry cause the berries might run away", Teo says mockingly.

"Thing can sell out", Joe shrugs.

"Well, we can eat on the go", Teo points out.

"No way", Joe replies, "I hate eating and walking at the same time".

"Right, and I hate having a beach picnic with you and your Riolu", Teo scoffs, unwrapping the sandwich from the bag and taking an urgent bite.

"Alright, I'm almost done anyways", Joe says, "we can go as soon as I finish up here".

"Right, well, speed yourslef up buddy", Teo's already on his second bite when he notices a Cherry berry juicebox in his bag.

"Don't speak with your mouth full", Joe says before ceremoniously taking the last bite of his breakfast.

"Don't push your manners upon me", Teo says, taking a gulp of the juice.

"Alright, we can go, as far as I'm concerned", Joe says picking up his backpack and dusting the sand off of himself. Riolu stands up slowly, keeping close to his trainers. The pokemon seems as uniterested as ever, Teo notes, so Joe must've calmed down.

"Then let's go", Teo says, dissatisfied that their little fight didn't seem to leave residual effects on his teammate.

The farmer's market Joe had in mind turned out to be close by, just a mile away from the beach, on the outskirts of Lilicove. Consisting of numerous stands, all various shapes and sizes, and placed without any order, the place was already bustling with people little past 7 AM. Joe recalled Riolu as soon as they had gotten close, seeing two kids walking around with a pokemon was a sure way to raise suspicion, he explained. Teo was just happy the blue dog was not around, not caring much for the reason. Unfortunately, Joe was also insisten on the two not going their separate ways. Watching Joe was strange, it was as if some kind of switch had suddenly flipped inside the boy. Swiftly making his way from stand to stand, he got himself into short-lived conversations, and his usual distant composure had dissapated within seconds. Old people seemed to like the boy rather well, especially grandmothers. In his head, Teo titled him the grandma whisperer. It was certainly a weird sight. Teo himself had no interest in getting a conversations started with starngers behind stands, so he jut ended up following Joe around, and looking over the offered produce. Some berries he recognised. Others were foreign to him. It quickly became obvious that soothing berries were hard to come by. Even with Joe's restless efforts, it took them nearly 50 minutes to find a stand that carried what they were looking for. Even that one didn't offer much choice.

Teo did his best to urge him into making a decision, but Joe was adamant on taking his sweet time. He only had 6 pots, he explained, and he needed berries other than soothing ones as well. Teo attempted to tell him to just pick any soothing berries, since they all had similar effects anyways, but that only got Joe into further explaining that, although they have similar effects, they do not taste the same, and they all require different kind of soil and care to grow. The boy then proceeded to explain, in depth, the specific components of Alolan soil he had apparently smuggled in his suitecase. Teo didn't even know soil needed to be smuggled in, but he refrained from asking any further questions, since he concluded it would only lead into further explanations. After much theoritisation Joe had finally landed on picking up a Grepa, Hondew, and Tamato berries, getting three of each kind. Teo breathed a sigh of relief, partly because his teammate had finally made a decision, partly becuase the boy had already intended on paying for those himself. It's not that Teo had much money, and he'd rather not spend it on berries. Other than needing them for Absol, he had no interest in becoming a berry farmer himself. With the soothing berries wrapped up, Joe started the process of picking out suitable medicinal berries, which lasted even longer, since there were significantly more choices. Finally, after who knows how long, the boy decides that the smartest move is picking Sitrus, Lum and Chople berries. Getting three of each, the two walk away, with Joe loudly complaining on how he needs to get more pots, and Teo silently wishing the other boy would shut up.

Teo's troubles do not end then and there, as the boy quickly learns why joining Joe on a shopping trip was a mistake. As his teammate drags him into the section with training equipment, Teo regrets not staying in bed that morning. This part of Joe's shopaholic endeavour ends up lasting even longer. There's a wide array of training tools offered, and the boy doesn't know exactly what he's looking for. Accounting for the difference in prices on different stands, this has potential to last for hours. This time though, Teo doesn't mind it. He knows much more abot training equipment than he does about berries. And, on the plus side, Joe doesn't seem too eager to spend too much on this either. He ends up getting four Macho Braces, and Teo manages to help out by convincing the salesman to give them a 3+1 deal. Other than that, the boy ends up getting four sets of weighted power bands as well, noting that two of them are for Henry and Marc, which surprises Teo. He had no idea the three were already that friendly. Apparently, the two boys gave him money to get some stuff for them as well, and the two of the four Macho Braces were for them as well.

They wondered the training patt of the market for a bit longer, not finding much, before Joe spotted a shady looking stand, immediately going in. Teo followed after him, only partially wondering what had gotten the boy's attetnion. Heal Capsules. Joe quickly got into the heated conversation with the salesman about a pack of Heal Capsules, almost obsessively explaining how rare of a find they were. Teo failed to see the appeal of the gadget, but the salesman, a 50-something dishelved-looking guy, had found Joe to be a suitable customer. Meaning, one that can easily be milked out of the money. As the man started rapidly confirming and selling his product, Teo had no interest in landing his teammate a helping hand. He scanned the rest of the stuff the stand had to offer. All highly questionable things, different models of Experiance Shares, Choice Scarves, different Orbs. Those things did not work, Teo knew. A scam was all they were, ornamnets crafted to represent different items that worked only in those un-official mods simualtions that existed solely for the comp nerds who couldn't battle to flex their strategic abilities. It's not like any scarf could really affect a speed of pokemon, or 'lock' them into a single move. Expiriance, as well, was a fictional measurment, used only in simulation. Still, while Joe and the salesman argued over each other, a pair of sunglasses caught Teo's attention. Choice Specs, with gold-coloured frame, and vibrant red lenses, the item supposedly raised the special attack of a pokemon that would wear it. That part was, of course, not true in practice. Still, noticing the stand owner's too busy scammimg Joe, Teo quickly swiped a pair into one of his pockets. They might not work, but they looked very cool, and Teo had no problem with owning a new pair of sunglasses. Stealing from scammers wasn't even unethical. If his teammte's gonna over-pay for a box of plastic orbs, he might as well strike back.

Shoving a box of newly purchased Heal Capsules into his backpack, Joe happily walks away. Teo follows after him, immediately jumping in to mock him: "you do know those don't work, right?".

"They do", Joe replies simply.

"No, they don't, this guy sells bootleg stuff", Teo points out, "you just got scammed out of 3000pd".

"No, I just scammed the guy out to sell me something usually worth 15.000pd for 3000pd", Joe shrugs.

"Yeah, you can lie to yourself all you want", Teo laughs.

Joe quickly takes out the boy out of his backpack, shoving it into Teo's hands: "look better".

"There's nothing to look at", Teo says, surprised by the weight of the pack of thin plastic capsules.

"Yes, there is", Joe says, "the official crest of Silph co. is right here, and the stamp of approval is in the back". Teo looks at the box, noticing both marking. "And it's double-sealed as well", Joe adds.

"So, these are actually real", Teo says in surprise. The mark could be easily copied, but the stamp of approval confirmed it. The double seal probably meant the first one didn't go well enough, and some factory worker tried to cover their mistake by sealing the pack a second time. It was a dumb mistake, but one that got the pack rejected from going onto the official market. "How did a guy like that end up with this?", Teo wonders.

"Probably on accident", Joe says simply, "all of the other packs he had were definitely bootlegs, and I don't think he realised this one was real".

"I'll give it to you, that was well played", Teo says, "can we finally end this shopping trip?".

"I just need to look through TMs, that's the only thing left on my list", Joe says, "besides, you didn't get anything, why did you even come along".

"Well, to keep you company, which was a huge mistake on my part", Teo points out, "since you are kind of a shopaholic dick who had me rowing for more then an hour".

"Save it", Joe waves him off.

"Besides, I did get something", Teo says, pulling out the Choice Specks from his pocket.

"Alright", Joe comes to a full stop, "first thing, when did you buy those? Second, you do know that those don't actually work?".

"First, I never said I bought them, I just said I got them", Teo points out, "second, yes they do work, they'll raise my coolness factor".

"You stole those?", Joe says flatly.

"Indeed I did", Teo says proudly, "that guy was a scammer anyways, serves him well, so don't start moralising".

"Hey, did you happen to steal any berries as well?", Joe gives him a raised eyebrow.

"Honest to God I did not", Teo raises his arms defensively.

"Why not?", Joe asks, "I had to pay for all of those, if I knew you were good at that we could've gotten more".

"Wait", Teo says in surprise, "you want me to steal stuff?".

"Of course I do, these things are all overpriced anyways, and I don't exactly have limitless funds, you know", Joe says, a hint of poison in his voice, "I mean, 300pd for 3 berries? You know, farmers sells those in bulks, we earn like 5pd per berry when you math it out, and that's on a good year".

"I did not sign up for berry farm talks", Teo laughs.

"And I did not sign up for punk sarcasm either", Joe retorts, "now let's go get some TMs, I'll divert their attention, and you swipe whatever you can".

"You're actually pushing me into life of crime?", Teo says, "you're a horrible influence, you know that?".

"Yes, well, TMs are useful, what can you do", Joe says heading towards the other side of the market.

"You can steal them yourself if you want to", Teo says, following after him.

"I'm actually not experianced in theft", Joe points out, "I'd get caught, you do it".

"Oh yeah, it would be fine with you if I got caught, sorry, I almost forgot you suck", Teo replies.

"Look, if you see the oportunity, seize it", Joe says, "really just pick up any TM you can, you never know what can be useful".

"Alright, alright", Teo says putting in the Choice Specks, his vision turning red immediately, "but you're going down with me if I get into trouble".

"You won't", Joe responds fastening his pace.

The part of the green market with stands that carry TMs is significantly smaller then the rest of the sections, yet much more crowded. Taking notes of people around him, it quickly becomes obvious to him that they are the youngest there. Nervous feeling took hold of his body as he walked past these people. Some of them, he could tell, were 18, probably people who had just recently passed the trainer's bar, earned their licence and a starter pokemon. Logical step, for those born in Lilicove the town of merchants, was stocking up on things that can be useful for training. It was basically a sea of Mudkips in there, the water type starter that was given to licence carriers was by far the most popular choice in this sea-surrounded town. He'd see an occasional Treecko and Torchic as well, always wondering if those people came from some neighbouring town just for shopping. Other trainers were clearly older, probably in their twenties, and Teo would do his best to asses how far in their journey they were. Number of pokeballs on their belts was a first sign, six pokeballs would be a strong indicator of someone who's far ahead. Not that it was impossible for someone to carry six weak pokemon around, but most trainers didn't do it. Training six pokemon at the same time took too much time, combine that with food cost and the time and effort it took to actually take care of 6 pokemon, the concept was self-explanatory. Teo knew it all too well. He had one pokemon on him, and taking care of Absol was already a tight-rope act. He was forced into frequenting the pokemon center just so he could feed his partner. With envy in his eyes, he watched the kinds of beasts these older trainers were walking around with. Blazikens, Mightyenas, Zangooses, they all seemed sinister and tough to tame. He even saw a single girl walking around with an Absol, jealousy jolting through his body at a sight.

Bigger problem though, was that Teo and Joe were obviously out of place here. Though Teo prided himself on looking and being more mature than his peers, he wasn't stupid enough to think he could pass for 18. Joe was definitely not there either, even with his calm demeanor and grandma clothes, he was still very much a kid. This was a place for trainers, and there were only two ways of getting that title: passing the bar once you turn 18, or getting provisional licence by becoming a student of a trainer's school. They clearly weren't of age, and Teo's nerves were working overtime, imagining all the ways this could go wrong. He could already feel strange glances coming their way.

Instinctively, he started walking closer to Joe, hoping the other boy had some sort of a plan. The brown-haired boy walked up to one of the stands, seemingly not bothered by people around them. His teammate indeed had a plan, Teo quickly came to find. The boy stood eagerly at the stand, and started excitedly talking to the saleswoman who greeted him with discerning look, his voice turning childish, carrying more energy then Teo's ever heard in Joe's voice. Liar. This guy was a liar. Teo stood back stunned for a moment as Joe started loudly explaining that the two of them were friends, looking to get a gift for his brother. His imaginary sibling would be turning 18 soon and definitely passing the bar, acquiring a pokemon for himself, and the two boys wanted to get him something he could use on his journey. Quickly recovering his composure, Teo joined in on the line, loudly explaining how Trevor, Joe's non-existent brother who he took the liberty of naming, was a great guy and they wanted to get him something good. He made sure that everyone in 5-foot radius could hear this story. The saleswoman gaze quickly softened as she had gotten into a conversation with two, explaining the TMs to them, giving reassurance that they were the best possible gift for a beginner trainer. Teo stepped back from the conversation, listening with half-attention, and started eyeing the TMs. The woman turned out to be rather sweet though, quickly offering a discount to the two of them, so the boy quickly gave up on hunting the oportunity to steal from her. Joe ended up buying a TM, Bullet Punch one, for 2500pds, a half-price deal. Explaining that Trevor loves steel types, and he'll definitely like this move, just to cover for the fact none of the starters could actually learn the said move. Teo knew the truth though. This one was meant for Riolu, the bastard was probably aiming for a priority steel type move from the beginning.

The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

Thanking the woman, the two boys walked away and started the process of checking out other stands. Each one, Joe would approach acting like an eager kid, and with Teo's assistance, the two would quickly convince everyone of their innocence. Other salesman wouldn't offer them a discount though, so for the most part, their visits would end with Joe just browsing the TMs for a bit while Teo tried to find the opportunity to steal something. Given the amount of people, the chances of stealing something were few and far inbetween. Even though Joe did a good job at sucking the stand owners into conversation, the trainers around them still had eyes. He did manage to pick up a few discs though, by the virtue of shileding his actions with the positioning of his body. This, however, disallowed him to pick his target, so ended up carrying three TMs in his pocket, not sure what moves they had on them. Still better than nothing. Joe ended up buying a Thunderbolt TM as well. Teo obviously found it weird that he'd throw away 4000pd at the move his partner can't even learn. Joe explained silently that it was for Sam. Teo called him stupid. Joe argued that giving Sam a little power-up would be beneficial for all of them. Teo called him stupid again. After almost 40 minutes of TM hunting, they were finally done with shopping, making their way out of the market through the crowds of people.

"Alright, now that we're in the clear", Joe said quickly wiping out his pokedex and inserting the Bullet Punch TM.

"You really can't wait a bit to do that, huh?", Teo scoffs taking note of his teammate punching in instructions before pressing his dex-sensor against the top of Riolu's pokeball.

"Why wait when I can do it now", the boy says pressing even more buttons.

"You really like those priority moves, you sneaky snake", Teo says flatly.

"Yes, yes I do", Joe states, "I find them useful, unlike Endure, so that's what we'll be forgetting". With another press of the button, the rims of the pokeball flash in white, signifying the move has been learned. "You know, I never knew how TMs actually work", Joe says flatly, "how does a pokemon just learn a move like that".

"Oh, the TMs carry information that activates the energetic pathways, allowing the pokemon to use the move", Teo explains, earning himself a surprised look from Joe. "What, I read up on it, I'm not stupid, you know", Teo shrugs. "The real mystery is why can pokemon learn only four moves", the boy adds, "that makes no sense".

"Well, I'm not sure about that either", Joe admits, "maybe we should ask the game developers".

"The who?", Teo twists his head in confusion.

"It's a fourth wall thing", Joe waves him off, "I'll explain later".

"Alright", Teo replies, certain his teammate had lost his mind.

At Teo's insistence, the pair makes their way back to the beach. Leaving the island early in the morning, the boy couldn't bring Absol to the pokemon center in order to feed his partner, so the disaster dog went without breakfast, and it was already past 10AM. Making sure no one was around, and their boat was still in place, the boys started making strategising on the safest way to feed Absol. Joe gave Teo two of each kinds of Soothing Berries, the other ones would be planted. The idea was to lay down norlam pokemon food, then put the Soothing Berry on top, then hope it would be enough to convincr Absol to eat a full meal before he tried to murder them. Joe was adamant that the pokemon would definitely try attacking, so he insisted on keeping their distance, and Riolu hiding somewhere so he could intertwine if things went south. Teo tried opposing the idea of anyone attacking his partner, but gave in. Truth be told, he felt unsafe himself. Placing the food into the bowl that Joe had brought along, the two boys distanced themselves.

The weight of Absol's pokeball in his hand seemed to bring forth jolts of fear. His body tensed up, Teo was silently praying things will go right. Gulping down the tension, he made sure to aim the release right next to the food bowl.

Cuttinig thourgh the air, a loud screech jerked at his attention. Turning his head towards the ocean, he could see the low-flying stream of water heading towards the beach. A projectile of some sort, he conluded, fast moving. He stepped back, even though the water wasn't coming at them. Within seconds, the jet landed down on the beach, right next to Absol's food bowl. Teo watched in daze as a blue-finned pokemon cheerfully picked up the Grepa Berry, threw it into the air and made it dissapear in a single bite. "Hey, hey", Teo steoped forward, assesing that this pokemon isn't too dangerous, "stop that". He turned towards Joe: "dude, have Riolu interwine, this fucking Totodile just ate our berry".

"Well, can you blame him?", Joe said eyeing the pokemon curiously, "it's a Soothing Berry, they attract pokemon".

"My God, do something other than theorising , it's eating our food", Teo almost yells.

"Well, it proves these berries work, sonce he could smell them, you know", Joe shrugs simply, "so this is actually good".

"Alright, we proved that, can we stop this thing now?", Teo scoffs, "I have a disaster dog I have to feed, you know?".

"What do you know about Totodile?", Joe gives him a wondering look.

"They are rare, one of the starter pokemon given out to newbie trainers in Johto, and they grow to be very strong", Teo sighs.

"Yes, but take a better look at him", Joe cuts him off.

The boy, taking a few steps forward, assess the situation better. The Totodile is now gleefully eating the food he had set for Absol. This sort of behaviour was normal, Totodile, before evolving, was a very friendly pokemon, which was a part of the reason he was made into the starter. Other than the pokemon's behaviour, Teo started taking notes of other things. The row of red spikes lining its back would classify as big, compared to the pokemon's size, and they look rather sharp as well. Sunlight reflected on the pokemon's blue finns, and Teo noticed their shade was rather dark for a Totodile. And that move the pokemon had used to reach the food was Aqua Jet, it dawned on Teo, an egg move. This small fella had won a genetic lottery. "Alright, I get what you're going for", Teo says calmly, "this thing has potential".

"Right, glad you've figured that out", Joe walks up to him.

"Still, it really doesn't matter", Teo says. It's not like they can catch it, every new pokemon has to be registered with the school, if they registered this Totodile, the board would know they left the island. He took a look at Joe, fully grasping what the boy had planned. The solution was rather easy, they catch this thing, smuggle it in, then sign-up for a school trip as soon as possible, then they just pretend they had caught Totodile on the said trip. "Alright", Teo re-tracks his train of thought, "we're catching this thing".

"Exactly", Joe notes.

"Any idea on how to do it, it's not like we have any pokeballs", Teo notes, "and I don't know if this thing will follow us for the rest of the day".

"I came prepared", Joe conjures up a pokeball from his pocket, showing it into Teo's hand.

It surprises Teo, the fact that his teammate had brought the device, and even more that he gave it away to Teo. "You're just going to let me catch this?", the boy says in confusion, "I thought I'd have to fistfight you again for this Totodile".

"I mean, I would love to catch it for myself", Joe says with a sigh, "but it's better if you do it".

"It's more beneficial, right?", Teo says with a smirk, finally realising Joe's thought process on these kind of things.

"Yes, even if we managed to feed your Absol today, it doesn't mean you'll be able to train it and use it in battle immediately", Joe nods, "so it is most beneficial for all of us if you caught this pokemon".

"Right, right, how nice of you to let me have this catch", Teo says readying his stance and eyeing the Totodile that was still working its way through Absol's food.

"Don't get it twisted, I'd catch it myself if you weren't in a desparate situation", Joe points out, "but hey, the tournament is in a month, and this ensures we actually have 5 members who can battle".

"Yeah, I figured, haven't you ever heard of sarcasm", Teo sighs. Eyes still fixed on Totodile he adds: "you think just throwing the pokeball should work here? I'd say this one's young".

"Should be enough", Joe confirms, "it's definitely young and untrained, but I can have Rio hit it a few times if you want".

"Nah, I want this one fresh", Teo smirks, "you do know I'm taking you down as soon as I catch this little guy".

"Good luck with that", Joe replies, "besides, I'd give you the Heal Capsule anyways, so the Totodile would heal gradually".

"How very nice of you to share", Teo says, making the pokeball grow in hid hand, "but there won't be need for that, this little guy is coming with me".

Totodile turns around, curiously staring at the two boys, next to him, the empty food bowl. With a glint in its eyes, pokemon jumped up, quickly creating the veil of water around itself. Aqua Jet projectile headed for the two boys, and the only thing they could manage to do in an instant was step back. Before Teo's eyes, his life started flashing. This would be how he goes, he was sure, Aqua Jetted to death by a Totodile. Unfortunate. Losing balance, the boy's arms flew backwards, digging into to sand to stop the fall. In front of his face, the Aqua Jet dispersed, droplets hitting against his face, and the wild Totodile thumps down onto the boy's chest. The small blue croc seemed to be filled with glee, but Teo still needed a few seconds to be sure his life wasn't in danger.

He noticed Joe standing few steps away from him. The bastard had tried to leave. "Really man", Teo says, "you know, after that thing on the boat, the least you could do is try and help me here".

"Sorry, it was coming for you, not my fault", Joe shurged, "but hey, at least now we know that thing has some incredible control". The way Totodile stopped its attack mid-air was definitely impressive, but why it had decided to do that was a mystery.

A mystery that ended up being solved the very next moment, as Totodile's small hands reached for the Choice Specks resting on Teo's forehead. The pokemon made the quick way back into the sand, curiously inspecting the pair of sunglasses. "Hey, you can't have those, I stole them fair and square", Teo says in a flat voice. The Totodile doesn't seem to care. Noticing the Totdile has two spikes on the edge of its tail, one larger one smaller, the boy turns towards his teammate: "this one's a boy".

"Really, how do you tell?", Joe takes a good look at Totodile.

"Females have only one spike on the tail", Teo points out, "the big one, and then males have the small one next to it, I thought you'd know something like that, being a nerd and all".

"Gender differences are trivial", Joe retorts, "all I care about how good of a battler the pokemon can become".

"God, and you were surprised by getting a fighting type", Teo sits up in the sand, digging out the pokeball and dusting the sand off of it. Totodile, meanwhile, had figured out how to put the Choice Specks on. The water type happily looking around with a pair of sunglasses covering his face made Teo chuckle. "Alright, here's a deal", Teo offers, "I'll let you keep those if you agree to get into this pokeball". The boy places the device in front of himself, patiently waiting for Totodile make his move.

"You do realise he can't understand what you're saying?", Joe notes.

"What do you know", Teo waves him off, still looking at Totodile, "cmon, if you come along with me I'll feed you and I've already came up with a nickname for you, Tots". The Totodile tilts his head in confusion, making the sunglasses slide down his nose, earning another laugh from Teo.

"That's a really stupid nickname", Joe says, but Teo ignores him.

The Totodile had finally noticed the pokeball and decided to approach it playfully. It dawned on Teo that the small pokemon probably had no idea what it was. "Just press that button, right there", Teo offers, as Totodile starts carefully nudging the catching device.

"This is ridiculous", Joe says pinching his forehead.

"You just stop commenting already", Teo hisses at him. His eyes are still following Totodile's movements. It keeps poking at the pokeball, looking at his own reflection on the surface. Finally, the small croc makes a mistake of pushing the white button in the middle of the device. Without a sound, the device opens up its jaws, and the flash of blue light reaches out, pulling the Totodile in. Never leaving the ground, the pokeball starts shaking. One. Two. Three. The rim flashes blue, confirming the catch. Eagerly grabbing the pokeball, Teo feels a rush of excitment. Finally. He has a partner that will listen to him. He'll be able to battle. No one will be able to doubt him. Plans for the future start forming rapidly in his head. He'll trash Joe and his Riolu right now amd right here. Ves would be next. Then those three guys on the other team, Lesley, Marc and Henry, they all seemed strong. That Natasha girl as well, she was good from what he can tell. After her, he's hunting down those two assholes, Mikey and Dominics. When he's done with them, he'll work his way through the weaklings, just for the kicks. Soon enough, he'll be ready for the tournament. In a rush of adrenaline, he pulls out his dex, scanning Totodile' s pokeball in an isntant. Ignoring the biology tab, he quickly scorlls down to see the moves of his newest team member. In addition to Aqua Jet, Totodile already knows Water Gun, as well as Leer and Scratch. Definitely a young one, Teo concludes. The egg move was definitely a big help there. He scrolled down to the ability, quickly confirm that this little guy's genetic game was crazy. Sheer Power. He lucked out with a hidden ability, might be useless with Totodile's current moveset, but still a good one.

"That's actually amazing", Joe says peeking over his shoulder.

"Hey", Teo quickly hid the pokedex, "no spying".

"Cmon, I've already seen his best move in action", Joe sighs, "besides, I gave you a pokeball".

"Bet you're regretting that now", Teo winks at him, "since I'll use this little guy to wipe the floor with you".

"Don't get ahead of yourself", Joe says, "that Totodile has potential, but it has no training or battle experience yet, besides, the pokemon school board assigns us are all on that level of potential anyways, it's not like you've gained an advantage over anyone, you've barely leveled the playing field".

"You think, huh?", Teo says, still bursting with energy.

"Well, when it comes to potential", Joe seems to think about this, "but it is a water type, and not am agressive one, so...".

"So the professors will actually agree to referee my matches", it dawns on Teo. Regardless of the fact he had gone these past few days without having a chance to battle, this does give him an opportunity to catch up.

"Well, after you register your catch, that is", Joe reminds him.

"Right", Teo nods, "but, since we're not even close to the school right now, I can battle you right now, no need to register anything".

"No", Joe states.

"What, you're not scared?", Teo pokes at him.

"Not at all", Joe says flatly, "it's just smarter to feed Absol first, after that, I'll be glad to annihilate you".

"Big words", Teo smirks, "but alright, I'm in a good mood, so we'll do it your way, just don't chicken out on me when the time comes".

"You know I won't", Joe says pulling out another portion of pokemon food from his backpack.

"Alright, Imma hold you on that", Teo says digging out the second Grepa Berry from his backpack. Together, the two re-fill Absol's bowl, stepping back yet again.

Riolu raises up his partner's pokeball, aiming the release again. This time, his legs are firm, his posture confident. He just made his first catch. This is where his path actually begins. He can do anything, and he's sure Absol will recognise this as well. Without hesitation, he presses the button.

In a flash, Absol appears few feet away from them, right next to the food bowl. The pokemon's white fur's lost its shine, Teo notices, a product of malnutrition for sure. Even though he took Absol to the pokemon center to get fed, it was still not enough to keep the creature properly nutritioned. Body low to the ground, in attack stance, Absol eyes the two boys. Teo could feel Joe tense up next to him, the boy's eyes trailing off behind the rocks where his Riolu was hiding. Teo himslef felt relaxed, even to his own surprise. Even the last time he tried feeding Absol on his own the pokemon seemed hesitant to attack, he realised. This time, he had the Soothing Berry to offer, and he could notice Absol's eyes occasionally darting towards it. He definitely felt the smell, but he was fighting it. Riolu was hiding in an ambush, ready to jump in at any given moment. Little to say, the boy liked his chances.

"It's fine, you can just eat", Teo made a small step forward, raising his arms into the air, a show of innocence. He had a back-up in Riolu so he could risk not keeping Absol's pokeball ready. The boy gestured for Joe to follow after him, and his teammate obliged, raising his arms up as well. Absol eyed the two of them suspicioly, his black eyes carrying a wild shine. Still in attacking position, he slowly lowered his head, taking a single bite of the berry. Pokemon's eyes stayed on the boys, but Teo could already feel a sense of victory washing over him. It was eating. Carefully, Absol took bites of the berry, mixing them with pellets. He didn't drop his guard for a second, but he was eating. This must've been his lucky day, Teo thought. The food quickly dissapered from the food bowl, with Absol taking a careful step back, just to get back into jumping position. Teo wasted no time in grabbing his pokeball and recalling his partner. He already got his win. If Absol were to attack now, Riolu would get in. Allowing his partner to get defeated right now wouldn't work in his favour, not right after he had made the slightest of steps forward with him. He proudly returned Absol's pokeball to his pocket. Soon enough, Teo would have him fully on his side, he was sure of it. All he needed was a bit of time.

"Well, that went well", Joe said, releasing the tension from his shoulders. "What do we do now? We do have quite some time to waste", the boy questions.

"Now it's battle time buddy", Teo reminds him, "I'm about to trash you".

"Cmon", Joe sighs, "you'll just end up ruining a good moment for yourself". Riolu appears next to him, finally leaving his cover of rocks.

"Hey, we said no chickening out", Teo says picking up the emtpy food bowl and tossing it aside.

"Alright, if that's what you really want", Joe shrugs, "I mean, I'd like to see if you're any good anyways, you know, so I would finally know what our chances are in the tournament".

"Whatever, you better be ready", Teo says taking a spot on the beach.

"You know, I think we could use a change of scenery", Joe comments looking arount absentmindedly, "all of my battles are on the beach".

"That doesn't matter", Teo scoffs, readying Totodile's pokeball, "let's just get into it".

"You sure about it?", Joe scratches his head, "I mean, you've barely just caught that Totodile, you don't know if he'll listen to your instriction, or even understand them".

"I do not care, you're going down", everything else dissolves from Teo's mind. It's a strange rush, the boy hadn't realised just how much watching everyone else battle made him itch to join in.

"Alright, it's your funeral", Joe says simply, gesturing for Riolu to step forward.

"Great, here we go, Tots, let's kill 'em", Teo hurls his pokeball upwards, releasing Totodile. The croc pokemon's still wearing the Choice Specks, and looks rather confused at the fact he's reappered in the outside world.

"Horrible phrase, and an even worse nickname", Joe notes flatly.

"Aqua Jet", Teo commands instead of answering. He's not letting Joe get the first attack. Totodile, to the boy's gratification, is quick to realise he had found himself in the middle of a battle. Surrounding his body with a veil of water, it quickly shoots towards his opponent.

"Detect", Joe says simply. Riolu's eyes flash blue, as the pokemon's body instinctively moves out of the trajectory of the attack. As soon as Totodile lands on the sand, the boy commands: "Vacuum Wave, Rio".

Teo's watched him battle enough times to exoect this. "Dodge it, Tots", the boy yells. Totodile, jumping up, creates the water veil again and proceeds to Aqua Jet himself out of the harm's way.

"Go for Metal Claw, now", Joe wastes no time in attacking again.

"Alright, let's keep him at bay with Water Gun", Teo commands, not willing to let Riolu get close. Totodile catches on fast. Realising there's another attack coming his way, the croc jumps up, yet again creating the water veil around himself, utilising another Aqua Jet and heading straight for Riolu.

"Rio, cut it, use Detect", Joe reacts, realising the Aqua Jet would hit before Riolu could counter with Metal Claw. Eyes flashing again, Riolu evades another attack.

When Totodile lands again, he seems to have gotten into the rhythm. Immediately, he jumps up into another Aqua Jet.

"Dodge it and come back, Rio", Joe says with a sigh. Riolu's gotten into the tempo of the battle as well, evading the Aqua Jet with ease, inching closer to his trainer. "I think we could cut this battle short", Joe yells across the impromptu battlefield.

"No way, you're just scared you'll lose", Teo yells back.

"Totodile's not even listening to you, it's just Aqua Jetting around cause he likes it", Joe retorts, "there's no way I'd lose to you right now, better quit now".

"Tots, use Aqua Jet", Teo responds with a grin, and Totodile's on it in a second.

"Vacuum Wave, Rio, and keep them up", Joe says simply. Riolu, feet firmly in the sand, shoots a blast of fighting energy into the incoming projectile. The water around Totodile disperses, and the croc pokemon ends up falling from mid-air.

Teo sees Riolu preparing for the next attack. "Use Aqua Jet to get away again", the boy urges. Still airborne, Totodile manages to turn around, conjuring water again, and heading for the Riolu. He meets the second Vacuum Wave head on, his attack stopped once again in the same way.

"Finish him now, Rio", Joe's hand cuts through the air.

"Dodge it", Teo instructs quickly. Totodile can't get up in time to move, as a vacuum blast sends him flying back. It doesn't take Teo long to realise his new partner been knocked out. With a sigh, he recalled the croc pokemon, lowering his gaze at the ground. He really wanted to be the one to beat Joe. And he wanted to do it on the first try. He had watched his teammate battle these past few day, he knew his style, his tricks, he was sure he could get him. Only if Totodile had actually listened to his instructions.

"That was solid", Joe said approaching him, "Totodile has some moves".

"Yeah, apparently he only wants to use one move", Teo scoffs, "just Aqua Jetting around".

"Hey, it is a priority move you know", Joe smiles, "it's a smart pokemon".

"Right, I forgot you love those", Teo says, "maybe you should take over training him then".

"No, I'm busy with Rio, and besides, Totodile is cute, but I'm not exactly a fan of Faraligator", the boy shrugs.

"Roger that", Teo says, thinking how cool Faraligator would someday be.

"And anyways, Aqua Jet wasn't even what I meant by good moves", Joe points out, "I meant, that Totodile can move, he's very agile".

"Right", Teo thinks, the image of mid-air Aqua Jet coming to his mind. The speed at which Totodile reacted to attacks as well, he was perfectly capable of matching Riolu's pace.

"Honestly, between Ves, you and I, I think we might actually stand some chance at making it past the few round in the tournament", Joe says, "if you can get Totodile to start using some other moves, that is".

"Right, yeah, the three of us", Teo feels a rush of pride, "you think we could do it?".

"Well, I certainly can, and Ves and you both have good instincts", Joe shrugs, "so I say we could pull it off".

"Am I better than Ves though?", Teo raises his eyebrows.

"Not sure", Joe admits, "given the type advantage and the priority move you might be".

"I'd definitely beat Ves", Teo decides.

"Honestly, I think you would, I think Ace or Sam would be worse match-ups for you", Joe says wondering.

"You think those two would beat me?", Teo laughs.

"I mean, Ace has a strategy", Joe shrugs, "it's not a good one for his partner, but it would definitely work against you".

"You sure about that?", Teo crosses his arms, "I'm pretty sure I'd wash Ace, I have advantage".

"Type advantage yes, but Totodile right now wouldn't be able to deal with accuracy strategies", Joe says simply, "if Ace set up a Double Team, and he would, you'd most likely lose".

"Okay, agree to disagree", Teo scoffs, "and why do you think Sam could beat me?".

"Nuzzle", Joe says simply, "he has a type advantage, he meets one Aqua Jet head on, takes damage, paralyses you, and that's it".

"Well not everything comes down to type advantage", Teo rolls his eyes.

"No, but paralysis matters here", Joe points out, "it would slow you down, and consider that I've just bought the Thunderbolt TM for Sam, so he could hit you from the distance as well, at least in theory".

"Right, in theory the two of them could beat me", Teo declares, "in practice, I'd was all three of them, and I'd wash you as well if Totodile actually listened to me".

"Yeah, dream on", Joe says.

"Well, what matters now", Teo ignores his teammates remark, "is that I'm good and none of you can give me shit anymore".

"Yeah, it's pretty good to know we can count on you to battle as well from now on", Joe admits.

"Yes you can", Teo says confidently, "and we're winning that tournament".

"Okay, that one might be a bit of a reach", Joe points out.

"Nope", Teo waves his suspicions off, "we're winning and I'm taking all of the points, and by the end of the year, I'll take the number one spot".

"Yeah, you need test scores for that too", Joe reminds him, "and I've seen you in math class, so I wouldn't say that's possible".

"I meant number one in battling", Teo clarifies.

"That list doesn't really exist", Joe says, "and if it did, I'd be taking the number 1 spot, you know".

"Dream on", Teo pokes.

"I did beat you just now", Joe points out.

"In a practice match, against my newly acquired pokemon", Teo says, "it does not count".

"Well I'm counting it", Joe smiles dryly at him.

Though Joe's comments usually served to fill him up with hate, this time around they made Teo grow even more confident. The cocky attitude and basking in victory aside, if Joe said they had a chance in the tournament, and Teo was to thank for that, well, he had to be right. "Count it however you want to", Teo scoffs, but he can't help the growing sense of familiarity. He almost forgets what happened on the boat. Almost.

*****

As the day drags on, the two boys find themselves with little to do. They make their way into town, looking for lunch, but that endavor doesn't take long. Mostly, they wonder around aimlessly, waiting for the sundown so they can make their way back to the island. Joe spends some thirty minutes fanboying over Heal Capsules, explaining how the piece of technology is supposed to work like a slow healing machine. The see-through plastic capsule is placed over the pokeball, and it slowly heals the pokemon inside of it. Neither of them understand exactly how that happens, or how pokeballs work in general. It's one of those great mysteries of the world, followed with numerous theories. Teo himslef believes that the pokeball just shrinks the pokemon down, warping it into its enterier. Joe is adamant it converts pokemon into data, which Teo finds higly nonsensical. Regardless, Joe offers two of the Heal Capsules to Teo, explaining that the packs contain 12 capsules, and he's not going to need that many anytime soon. He also gets into explaining how he'll give them out to the rest of their teammates as well, once again swearing it's the most beneficial thing to do. Teo only half-listens to his ramblings, leaving the boy to talk mostly to himself. He takes the Heal Capsules with a pinch of shame. Joe's hard to pin down, and the boy's been acting like some sort of the benefactor to Teo the whole day. Buying berries, landing him a pokeball, and now the capsules as well. Teo, not liking the feeling of owing anything to anyone, especially not to Joe, swears he'll give him one of his own pokeballs once they are back on the island. For now, he decides to get them ice cream.

In the afternoon, they attempt to feed Absol again. Much to Teo's satisfaction, the process yields the same results again. At first the pokemon refuses to acknowledge the food set before him, but caves in to the smell of Soothing Berry. Only three usable berries left now, Teo counts, feeling a clutch in his stomach. They seem to be working, and he feels sorry for not swiping any when he had the chance. He makes a mistake of asking Joe how long it will take for new berries to grow, and the boy launches into another theoretical explanation. By his estimates, it should take only a week for the berry to grow a bush capable of producing new fruit, which Teo is thankful for. The catch is, the bushes are capable of producing only a small number of berries, 2 in a span of 4 days at the very best, which definitely won't be enough to feed Absol 3 times a day. Joe reassures him that, with proper care, a fully grown berry tree can be formed in a month, and those can yield the sufficent number of berries. They take a chance to feed Riolu and Totodile as well, offering them some berries as a side dish as well. Riolu gets a Chople berry, which supposedly strenghtens fighting types. They give a Sitrus berry to Totodile, and the Choice Specks wearing croc seems to enjoy the treat.

Watching Totodile eat, Teo can't help his mind wondering off. It still feels unreal that he's gotten a new pokemon. It was just now hitting him, all of it, what this meant. He's a pokemon trainer. Those nights he spent staring at the ceiling of his bedroom, promising himself he'll someday have his own pokemon and leave Spikemuth behind finally took form. These past few days were a haze, to him they seemed like a false start. Maybe it was due to the fact that Absol didn't offer that feeling to him. Even though he found his partner to be extremely cool, he still didn't feel as if the white dog was his own pokemon. He had a mind and the heart of his own. Which Teo respected. And in a way, Absol felt like a wound that was still bleeding. The boy knew bits and pieces, and he had done some reading ever since recieving Absol as well. It's a pokemon that can sense disasters, terrible things and worse people. For Teo, Absol not liking him felt like a given, just another reminder of his own shortcomings. It was a feeling he would never dare speak out loud. Totodile, on the other hand, felt much easier. The croc pokemon was either unaware of the fact that it was caught and what that had meant, or had accepted the these new circumstances fully within a span of the afternoon. The pokemon had warmed-up to Teo within minutes, insisting on constantly gripping onto the boy's t-shirt with his little claws. Teo couldn't help but find it all just a bit adorable.

"You should recall Totodile now, you know", Joe said taking a seat on the swing. "Someone could pass by", he added.

Looking around himself, the park on the outskirts of town they had found was barren. "No one's passing through here", Teo reassures him taking a seat on the other swing, "so Tots is staying with me, you're not the only one who can have his pokemon out all the time".

"Rio's not out right now, in case you didn't notice", Joe retorts, "cause I have enough foresight to hide my pokemon in public spaces".

"Whatever, Tots is small, no one's gonna notice him", Teo sighs, picking up Totodile who was merrily dashing around.

Joe says nothing, but gives him a cold glare instead. The remark about his father the boy had made on their way here reimerges in Teo's mind. Seeing his teammate switch his behaviour had messed with his perception. Every market talk was a part of an act. Every seemingly nice thing was a mean to an end. Joe just does whatever he deems necessary or beneficial. Gripping Totodile closer in to himself, Teo told himself they were not friends. Just teammates. There to collaborate and make use of each other. He's not stupid, like Sam, to think Joe's anything more than an opportunist.

"Alright, but if you get caught I'll pretend that I don't know who you are", Joe gives in.

"Oh, well you can't do that", Teo says sarcastically, "I mean, what would Trevor say when he finds out his little brother is that kind of person".

"I'm sure Trevor will come around", Joe shrugs indifferently.

In the silence that envelops the two, all Teo can think about is how uncomfortable he feels. These past few days he did his best to ignore all of his teammates, Joe included. But today, the boy was hitting him with realisation after realisation, and they were all somehow contradicting. On the boat he was something diatant, but had turned himself into an object of hate for Teo in the matter of a few words. Down on the market he was an actor, and somehow, on the beach, he was a good teammate. On the swings, right now, he faded back into nothing.

Not able to recognise the boy next to him, Teo's mind shifted back to his other three teammates. He didn't pay much attention to them either. All of their personalities seemed made up to the boy, endlessly merging upon each other, seeping into each other like parts of the sky. They were all foreign and hard to understand, in the same way Joe was. Faraway hearts.

"Huh, what do we have here", a rough voice coming from behind him jerks Teo out of his own head. Turning his head, Teo's faced with three boys, roughly their age. He shifts out of the swing seat, facing the three tall-standing boys. He recognised their type instantly, dressed in black, chains around necks, jerkish smirks. One of the guys was eyeing Totodile, who was energetically jumping inside the sandbox few feet away. This was trouble.

"I don't know this guy", Joe said still carelessly sat on his swing. Teo gave him a sharp look, which the boy proceeded to shrug off.

"We don't give a shit about that", the dark haired boy who seemed to be a leader of the trio said in a sharp tone, "all we know is, we haven't seen you around town before, and this is kind of our teritory you know...".

"This is public property", Joe states, earning himslef a push from the swing. Regaining his balance he seems unshaken. But Teo's spent the whole day with the guy so he knows better than to fall for that. Following Joe's gaze, he notices the pokeballs hanging from the belts of their new friends. Immediately, he starts putting the pieces together. These guys are a year older than them at best. They can't be trainers. Most likely they weren't students either. Vigilanties, Teo concluded. It was not a rare occurance. Those who failed to enroll into a high school for pokemon trainers, often resorted to just illegally acquiring pokemon of their own. They wanted a leg up on other people who had to wait until they were 18 to get their license. More times they not, they also ended up being troublemakers as well. This was not Teo's first run in with people like this. Those run ins have never ended well, in his experiance.

"So, we reckon that Totodile isn't yours", the gang leader raised an eyebrow, "since we would very much like to take it with us". From the way they were looking at him, Teo was sure they already knew the truth. They were probably there to see him holding Totodile as well.

"Oh, you're trainers?", Joe speaks before Teo can come up with anything. For a moment he wants to tell him to shut up, but recognises the change in his teammate's voice. Acting again.

"Right we are", one of the boys crosses his arms in a show of pride.

"Really? That's cool", Joe manages to sound impressed, "for how long have you been trainers? You guys seem young, are you students in any school for trainers?". Teo realises what they Joe was going for.

"Huh, for a year", one of the boy readily admits. That was it. They were not taking on three guys who had a year of experiance in 3 against 2 battle. They had to run. As the three boys came up with some blatant lie about how they were students of a non-existent school, Teo redied Totodile's pokeball. After he recalls his partner, they were darting out of there. Perhaps they could out run these three.

"Oh that sounds great", Joe kept the three busy, feeding into their ego, "you guys must be good".

Teo's instincts were working overtime, noticing every little movement. The leader leaned back, he seemed to have relaxed. The other two stood with their arms in their pockets. Not expecting to have to chase after anyone anytime soon. He sees Joe pull back his leg ever so slightly, shifting his body away from the small gang. Without thinking further, Teo darts away, pulling out Totodile's pokeball and recalling the small croc mid-run. Angry yells chasing after him, he can hear Joe's footsteps hitting the ground right behind him.

Quickly he realises that the Lilicove gang had decided to pursue them. He had hoped just jolting away would be enough to have them giving up. Now this was turning into a chase.

Running into the emtpy suburbs, the streets of Lilicove started shifting before Teo's eyes. Somehow, this oceanside town started looking a lot like Spikemuth. Joe seemed to have some steam in him, Teo did as well. Unfortunately, the same went for their pursuers. The three boy had stayed on their tail, not letting up for a moment.

Experiance took over, the first chance he got, Teo grabbed Joe's arm, pulling him into one of the side streets. They'll shake them off in the allies. If they could make it onto the roof of some sort, that would be even better.

"What are you doing, you moron", he could hear Joe's voice sharpenning as the boy shook from his grip. He didn't pay it much mind. At first. "They can let out their pokemon now", Joe said and Teo realised his mistake. Nervously he turned around, seeing that the three didn't have their pokemon with them. But they were laughing. It was clear to Teo what all of that meant.

Feet hitting against cobblestone, he just kept running on, making sharp turns every now and again, attempting to shake the three boys off. It was no use, he was on their home turf after all. The three had know this town just like Teo had known Spikemuth. There was no exit from the side streets, he knew, not one they could easily find at least. He had gotten them into a mouse trap. Joe must've known it as well.

One more sharp turn left, and the two find themselves in the middle of three buildings towering over them. Two on the sides, one in the front. Dead end street. That's what their pursuers were waiting for. Teo gazes a few trash disposers. Not tall enough to help them climb on the roof. By the time he turns around, Riolu's already out. As the blue dog shoots a Vacuum Wave at the three punks, stopping them in their tracks, Teo quickly relases Totodile to help as well.

"Hey, did this punk just attack us", the gang leader says with a grin, slowly holding up his pokeball.

"Rio, Vacuum Wave, knock it out", Joe says inaudibly. His partner shoots another quick Vacuum Wave, knocking out the pokeball from the boy's hand.

"You're a sociopath", the boy says, hid eyes widening. But Teo realises what Joe has on his mind. Though he hates to admit it, the two of them share a similar way of thinking.

"Aqua Jet, Tots", Teo orders, "get them". It was a dirty way of fighting, but then again, these guys weren't exactly innocent. If they were able to let their pokemon out, they'd do the same. As Totodile envelops himslef in water and shoots off into the group, Joe orders another attack as well. They prove sucessfull in knocking out the pokeballs from other two boys as well.

Their pursuers seem shaken by the turn of events, but they don't seem to be ready to let up just yet. "Water Gun", Teo orders, wanting to try and scare them off. Actually injuring these morons could out them in even more trouble. Totodile jumps up, water veiling him again, and projectiles himself into the group. Joe orders a Vacuum Wave at the ground.

Now that the surprise factor's gone, the boys easily avoid getting hit by the Aqua Jet. Vacuum Wave doesn't scare them off either, they must know Joe doesn't want to aim for them directly. Teo sees them grabbing their pokeballs from the ground. Without much thinking, he grabs Absol's pokeball from his pocket. Saying a quick prayer, he tosses it into the air. Hopefully this is worth the risk.

Their henchemen take a step back as soon as the white-furred pokemon appears in the alleyway. Frozen in fear, they stare at him, waiting to see what happens. They probably think Teo wouldn't attack them directly if he had a choice. Teo really wished they could know how genuenly surprised he was at the fact Absol hasn't tried to kill anyone as soon as it stepped his foot out. It just stood, attacking stance, staring at the three boys. Teo could imagine the look in the eyes of his partner, he's met them enough times. Still, the Lilicove wouldn't let up, opting to stand as firm as they can, tightly gripping to their pokeballs. Teo could see Joe on the side, who had seemed tense as well, just waiting to see what happens.

Bringing his body even closer to the ground, Absol let out a low growl. The three punks reacted, releasing their pokemon just in time to have a shield against the rage-fueled Absol. Before Teo could even realise it, his partner had bodied one of the pokemon in a flashing attack. Mightyena. Quick Attack. Teo's eyes picked up bits and pieces with a delay. His body felt paralysed yet free at the same time, fear made him fully there, but out of control. He didn't even realise when his hand flew forward, ready to recall Absol at any given moment. When he tries killing someone. Maybe those three. Maybe himslef. Unconsciously, he was waiting for things to grow into a disaster.

Those punks were panicing, but Teo could barely hear them due to the buzzing in his ears. One of them recalled the Mightyena. It had fainted already. One attack. The other two pokemon, a Linoone and a Zangoose, were flying around Absol. Those guys didn't give them any orders, Teo realised. All three pokemon were moving on their own. Joe as well seemed to be frozen. Totodile was cluthing to his leg. He didn't even realise when the small pokemon had made it back to him. Going through motions, he recalled him. This was no place for him.

Absol was trashing around wildly, fighting off two opponents at the same time. Dodging. Trying to attack. Quick Attack. And a Knock Off, Teo recognised. Linoone and Zangoose were too agile. Taking a step back, Teo realised they were doomed. The only reason Absol could hold his own here was that he wasx technically, fully evolved. Even with that, he won't hold much longer against two opponents.

Joe finally manages to move, Teo hears him order a Vacuum Wave. The blast hits at Linoone, barely doing any damage. It's a weak move. Even with type advantage, the difference in developmental stages makes the damage insignificant. Joe keeps the attacks up. Support. It comes to his mind Joe's just playing support. It's not for damage, it's to lighten Absol's load.

As if on auto-pilot, Teo hurls Totodile's pokeball up into the air, as high above the three pokemon as he can. "Aqua Jet", he yells as soon as the croc pokemon appears in the air. His partner's ready to oblige, immediately creating the wail of water and descending down on the Linoone. Aqua Jet hits. Vacuum Wave hits. They do barely anything, but it's enough to make a diversion. Absol hits Zangoose with another Quick Attack, hurling it backwards. He recalls Totodile back again immediately. He's not leaving him in the midst of that mess.

"Shit get out", he can hear a faint yell of one of the boys. Zangoos is quickly recalled, Linoone as well, and Teo sees their opponents hurriedly stepping back. Absol's back in his attacking position. They keep their eyes on him, only turning around when they make it to the corner. A second passes or maybe two, and Teo feels the weight of the limbo. He half-expects Absol to start chasing after them. Hid mind is running all the possible scenarios. His body does nothing.

Next moment, Absol's burning black eyes meet his. There's a white blur flying towards him. A flash of light. The blur is gone.

The only thing that exist for a bit is the air. Heavy, it drops down on the boys body, making his limbs feel as if they were made of lead, turning his skin frigid. He hears blood rushing through every part of his body. His left hand's outstreched. His fingers recognise the shape of a pokeball. The orb felt warm and sweaty in his hand. He was gripping on it too tightly. Automatic behaviour. He had recalled Absol on instinct, not even realising what he had done.

Wishing to breathe out this heavy feeling he turns towards his teammate. Joe's standing there, as pale as a ghost, his eyes hazy as per usual, but Teo can see the traces of fear everywhere. Riolu was not there. He was holding on to a pokeball as well. Must've recalled him. When their eyes met, they carried no emotion, but Teo felt his legs earthquake. This could've been bad. This could've been very bad. Remembering the way Riolu had attacked Ves back on the island, how he was ready to attack Teo earlier in the morning, it downed on him just why the boy was quick to recall him. Following his emotions Riolu could've killed someone in this alleyway. Following his own rage, Absol could've killed somebody too.

"Sorry", Teo broke the silence with a whisper.

"You could've gotten us killed", Joe's voice comes out as calm as always.

"I wasn't thinking", Teo says lowly.

"I know, you never do", Joe's voice snaps in an instant, "no one on this fucking team ever thinks about anything".

"Well sorry", Teo feels the need to defend, "I was trying to help you, you know". He led them into a dead end street. Had they stayed on the main road, they could've ran into some kind of a shop or something. Teo felt terrible about it. He saw Joe's right hand twitching in pain, still bandaged up. He realises he grabbed him there when he led them astray.

"Don't try to help me", Joe yells out, "none of you try to help me ever again, just stay away from me, both you and Ves".

"Just, just calm down", Teo tries to stop his hands from shaking. Still scared himself, he didn't know how to make this better. "It all turned out good".

"Good?", Joe's voice freezes abruptly. "You call this good?", the boy says firmly, "you led us into a dead end street, you released a pokemon that you can't control and that could've very much killed someone". Without taking a breath he continued. "It could've killed us, it could've killed them as well, then we'd be arrested, and you call that good", the statement is devoid of any emotion, "not to mention that those three only picked on us cause you insisted on keeping Totodile out of his pokeball".

"Right, right", Teo nods along, hands reaching for his teammate's shoulder, "I'm sorry".

"Are you, really?", Joe shoves his hand away.

"I am", Teo's words are almost a promise. "I should've warned you, I'm bad luck", the boy feels his body giving him out, "nothing good ever happens around me".

To his amazement Joe starts laughing. "Stop, God Teo, stop tripping already", Teo can't believe the words he hears, "what, you're some kind of bad omen? Stop joking".

"It's not my fault", Teo says, "trouble just likes me".

"My God, Teo, it is your fault", Joe keeps laughing, "it is absolutely your fault, you've made a stupid decision, and you can't blame that on a bad luck, or on your father leaving, or anything else".

Ringing in Teo's ears returns in an instant, his vision blurring. He feels hands shoving at him. Next thing he knows he's hovering over Joe, yelling. "Stop being an ass", he says, "it's not my fault, I apologised, why are you like that".

"Like what?", comes Joe's response.

"Why... why are you intent on using that againts me, it slipped out, why are you using it against me still?", Teo's voice is shaking, "what did I ever do to you?".

"You've almost gotten me killed just a few moments ago", Joe reminds him.

"And I said I'm sorry, it was bad judgemnt, I'm sorry", Teo says, "but don't act like I'm the worst, you're not much better, back on the boat, why did you say it back then, you had no reasons".

"You were the one pushing me", Joe retorts, averting his gaze.

"I was joking with you", Toe yells, "it was a joke, why did you have to respond like that".

He feels a tug against his chest, loosing his ground the next second. Joe has him down on the ground, his healthy hand covering Teo's mouth. They're down between a pile of the trash bags, and before Teo can react, he hears Joe whisper in his ear: "stay quiet". The boy tries wiggling out of his teammate's grip, but quickly realises why he had thrown him onto the ground. In the alleyway, just a few feet away from them, a tall figure appeared. Teo recognised the man draped in the beige trench coat as professor Nolan. Frozen again, he watched as the man summoned a Mandibuzz from a pokeball, quickly climbing onto the vulture's back. Moments later, he could feel the air current created by the giant bird's takeoff hit against his skin.

"What is Nolan doing here?", Teo said in a low voice once the coast was clear. The anger in him subdued, he stood up, fixing his clothes.

"Book shopping", Joe nodded towards the wooden sign that read 'Bookstore' in dwindling black letters. Wooden doors beneath it faded into the wall, still, Teo wondered how he didn't notice them up until now. Not wasting any time, Joe latched onto the handle.

"What do you think you're doing?", Teo grabbed his shoulder.

"Going into the bookstore", Joe shook his hand off.

"Why?", Teo said, "Nolan was nust in there".

"Yeah, and he flew away, so he's no longer in there", Joe points out, "I wanna know what kind of book had our mentor sneaking into side alleyways of Lilicove on his day off".

"Well how would you possibly find that out?", Teo scoffs.

"I'll just ask what book he had bought", Joe shrugged.

"That sounds like a stupid mistake, you know", Teo glares at him, "you'll get us in trouble".

"You're one to talk", Joe says flatly, "I'll just say this man I've just met recommended me the book he had just bought, and ask them to give me a copy so I can look through it, it's not like they'll call the police on me for getting a book recommendation".

"Fine, but you're on your own", Teo says crossing his arms.

"Perfect", Joe opens the doors, "that's exactly what I want to be".