All Alone (BEING EDITED)

Chapter 26: Under the Weather

I yawn sleepily and stretch my arms above my head. I slowly drag myself to a sitting position, rubbing my sore neck. My pokemon are all asleep, most of them surrounding Milotic, except for Chatot who is curled up next to me.

He stirs slightly when I move and wearily lifts his head. He blinks a few times before standing up. I give him a small smile and gently pat his head. He purrs softly and extends his wings.

After making sure everyone else is awake (except for Paul because I don't want to deal with his attitude) I quietly get out the food and give some to everyone. They all smile at me gratefully and start chowing down.

I glance over at Paul who is still asleep and a smirk grows on my face. I can have some fun with this. I carefully creep over, making sure he is sound asleep and check his bag to make sure everything is packed. I wander back over to my pokemon and grab the empty bowls, stuffing them in my backpack.

Everyone stays quiet as I shuffle around, gathering everything and making sure the fire is completely out. The rain outside has subdued to a light drizzle and the sun is shining brightly. I chuckle evilly as I return all my pokemon except Chatot and Milotic.

I slip outside, putting my hood up and look back at Milotic. I tilt my head towards Paul and a smirk instantly grows on the faces of both Chatot and Milotic. Milotic lets a small Water Pulse grow in her mouth and shoots it at the cave wall. I return her quickly and lean against the cliff wall outside as I hear it pop. An irritated shout fills the air and I snicker as Paul appears outside the cave, soaking wet. Chatot chuckles quietly and Paul gives me a death-glare.

"You will pay for that, Troublesome." he growls angrily. I laugh and cross my arms, smiling smugly.

"We're back to that now, are we?" I ask mockingly. He growls again and I take off, sprinting towards a river. He gives chase and I laugh hysterically as I leap over various roots and rocks. Chatot takes off from my shoulder and flies above my head, surveying the route and the scene below. I continue running until I reach the small river. It flows lazily through the trees, carving a path over the land.

After skidding to a stop I turn around, watching as Paul races towards me with revenge in his onyx-black eyes. He grows closer by the second, but I side-step at the last moment and he tumbles into the river. I burst out laughing and Chatot nearly falls out of the sky from laughing so hard. I bend over, clutching my stomach and try to catch my breath.

"That's what you get, Paul!" I exclaim as he climbs out of the river. I never thought someone could get this wet. He growls at me, his hair plastered to his face and covering his left eye. I grab a towel and toss it to him. He snatches it and rubs his hair vigorously. I turn around and make my way upstream, smirking triumphantly at the success of my diabolical plan. Paul follows, grumbling incoherent words under his breath.

I continue walking towards Fortree City, enjoying the scenery around me. A building catches my eye and I walk up to it, thankful for any sort of civilization. The light rain gently pounds my hood as I read the sign.

"Hmm...Weather Institute. I want to check this out." I mutter as Chatot lands on my shoulder. He reads the sign and nods in agreement. The doors slide open and I step into the wide lobby. Paul enters behind me, a scowl still present on his face. A woman sitting at a desk spots me and beckons me over. I stroll up to her, wondering what she wants. She stands up to greet me.

"Hello. There seems to be something happening on the second floor. Can you check it out for me?" she asks politely. I hesitate for a moment, but curiosity takes control and I nod. She smiles at me and goes back to typing on her computer.

I walk towards the stairs and start climbing them to the next floor. Paul notices me on the stairs and silently follows. Someone's voice echoes down the stairway and I peek my head over the railing to see who it is. I spot three people in red harassing some men. I growl when I recognize the Team Magma uniform.