On The Road

Chapter Seventeen

*This would have come out earlier, but I was on vacation in Florida. Got a Popplio plush from the Japan area in Epcot. Anyways, onto chapter seventeen*

"Bina!"

Bina let out a cry of surprise when Lisia tackled her in a hug.

"Hey...Lisia..." Bina managed to choke out.

"Three ribbons already!" Lisia squealed as she let Bina go. "I'm so proud of you! Only two more to go and you can complete in the Master Contest!"

"Isn't that the contest where she'll compete against you?" Larance asked.

"Well, you sure know your stuff!" Lisia laughed before gently slapping his shoulder.

Larance winced at the contact and this made Lisia frown.

"I didn't hit you that hard, did I?" Lisia asked worriedly.

"N-no...it's just-"

"We came across a Team Magma Admin and a grunt," Arriete interrupted. "Larance injured his shoulder because of them."

"I told you that they were dangerous," Lisia scowled. "What if you guys escaped with more than just an injured shoulder?"

"I would have handled it."

The group turned to see Steven walking towards them, a small smile on his face.

"COngratulations on winning your third ribbon, Bina," Steven congratulated. "I hope that you'll be ready to win your forth one when I see you four again."

"You're not coming with us to Mt. Chimney?" Wally asked, trying to hide his disappointment.

"I'm afraid that I have to check up on Capt. Stern in Slateport," Steven explained. "There's been talk about Team Aqua going after him. I have to make sure that these are just rumors. If anything comes up, I'll be sure to call you." His expression hardened. "Remember what I told you Larance. Keep it in your mind."

Larance nodded in reply, and, with a wave, Steven was gone.

"Well, that was...cryptic, to say the least," Bina huffed before turning towards Larance. "What did he mean by that?"

"It's nothing," Larance shook his head. "You guys don't need to worry about it."

Arriete gave hima doubtful glance, but shrugged it off when Lisia spoke up.

"If you four don't mind, I can bring you to Mt. Chimney," she offered. "I'm going past it t reach Mauville again and I wouldn't mind the company."

"That sounds great!" Bina grinned. Then, noticing something, "Hey Wally...where's Makuhita?"

"Ah, a performer's performance scared him," Wally let out a little chuckle. "So, he's in his pokeball."

"The poor thing," Bina smiled sadly. "I hope that he'll be able to learn to trust us."

"Me too."

"Well, we're not getting any younger by just standing around," Lisia clapped, getting everyone's attention. "Let's head off to Mt. Chimney."

***

The sun had sunk and the stars shone in the sky when the five of them exited Fiery Path.

"So do you see the cable car entrance?" Lisia pointed at a small building. "That will bring you up to Mt. Chimney. Good luck and stay safe."

After waving goodbye to her, Larance began to lead the way up towards the building.

"Wait, Larance," Arriete stopped him. "Are you sure about this?"