DPA: Rivals

Chapter 33: The Last Supper(Before Cameron Battles Misty, No One Is Dying)

"Project Genetic is on the move," Ariana reported.

"Where is it going?" Giovanni asked, cracking his knuckles.

"We detected a massive surge of psychic energy in Cerulean Cave. This energy left a slowly fading trail towards Lavender Town. Should I dispatch a team to check it out?"

"No," Giovanni answered. "The moment we are anywhere near Lavender Town, it will escape. It escaped when we approached Pewter City. I assume the rogue grunt is near Cerulean, thus alerting Project Genetic to move on. It would be wiser to predict where it will go next, rather than try to catch up to where it is."

"You believe the traitor is near Cerulean?" Ariana asked, her face darkening.

Giovanni glared. "Don't even think about it."

"Of course," Ariana said. She walked off, her body tensing up. "I won't waste resources to find her," Ariana muttered to herself. "Of course, if I'm already in the area on official business..."

Cameron entered the inn. Sitting around one of the tables in the lobby were the various members of the group. Max was telling everyone about all the awesome bicycles he saw at the shop with Ero and Skye. Daryon listened quietly, an infant Charmander on his lap that Cameron can't remember seeing his friend catch. Vince had plugged himself into the wall, charging.

"Hey," Cameron said. Daryon looked up towards Cameron, smiling at first, before noticing the massive bandage wrapped several times around his shoulder.

"Holy Spritzee, Cam, are you okay? What happened-" Daryon stood up, concerned.

"I'm fine!" Cameron snapped. Everyone looked up towards Cameron, the inn completely silent, nothing but surprised stares. Cameron took a deep breath, and smiled. "I'm fine, I just fell and hit my shoulder. Dr. Joy said that it should heal up in no time."

"That's some pretty severe bandaging," Ero said. "Chansey's Heal Pulse should've fixed everything right up if it was only a minor injury."

"Dr. Joy's Chansey wasn't at the Pokémon Center," Cameron lied. "And the layers of bandages are just for support. I'm okay, I promise."

"We'll take your word for it," Skye said, clearly worried. She reached down into her bag, pulling out a Tupperware container holding an Oran berry salad. "We already ate, with how late you were, we assumed you wouldn't mind."

"No, it's fine," Cameron smiled, taking the Tupperware container. "I was so lost in swimming that I just lost track of time. Sorry if I kept you waiting."

"No problem, Cam," Daryon smiled. "By the way, did you end up checking out that cave you were talking about? Anything interesting happen?"

Cameron's thoughts flashed back to the cave. Rocks falling. Searing pain in his shoulder. That...that Pokémon...

"Mewtwo."

Cameron dropped the Tupperware onto the floor, shaking for a second, before picking it up.

"Cameron, what happened?" Max said.

"N-nothing, o-k-k-k-k-kay!!!" Cameron yelled, before stopping, seeing a scared Max burrow his face into Skye's shoulder. "I'm sorry, I'm just not feeling well. I guess I'm nervous about battling Misty tomorrow." He placed his salad on the table. "Thanks for supper."

With that, he left for his room. All he needed was a good night's sleep.