Melody smiled even brighter (if that was even possible) when Christina greeted her and happily returned the hug the red-haired trainer had given her with of her own. No sooner had she done that though, the girl gave a curious look towards Morgan. Melody was not quite sure just what she had meant by pixie. She was somewhat tempted to ask about it, but decided to focus her energy for the time being on answering Christina's and Aberdeen's questions.

"Well, I was traveling with Vinny," Melody began looking up at the starlit sky as she spoke. "We recently parted ways when we got here to town though... Anyways, after leavin' the Ruins of Alph we spent most of our time together trying to get here. It was... a bit of an interesting trip, really. I wish I could say it was all fun and good times, but..." She paused, glancing over at Christina and seeming a bit hesitant to continue. Melody was honestly a bit worried at how her red-haired friend would react to this next part. Her voice lowered in volume considerably as she resumed talking, as if making sure only those around her in this little group would be able to hear her. "We had stopped one night on the way towards Union Cave to get some sleep. Apparently in the middle of the night, some Team Rocket decided to help themselves to some of our Pokémon. They took Vinny's Honedge... and um... they took Napoleon from me too."

Thinking about the scene and the stolen Buizel again seemed to lower Melody's spirits considerably. However, the chocolate-haired girl did not really want to drag down this reunion with Aberdeen and Christina. So, she quickly resumed her story with a bit more of the positive spin.

"B-But, the trip here wasn't all bad! When we were in Union Cave, we saw something totally incredible!" Melody exclaimed. "Me and Vinny had somehow found some sort of secret section of the cave, and there was some... huge thing in there!" Melody stretched out her arms as she spoke, as if trying to use such a method to emphasize her point on the creatures size. "Get this, Chrissie! He seemed to react to my shard of that crystal we found waaaaaaaay back when we first met. Isn't that crazy?!" Melody thought the whole development was pretty interesting, regardless if the other two did not. Still, she only remained silent for a moment before continuing her story yet again. "Oh, yeah! I also caught a new Pokémon while we were in the cave. I'd like you guys to meet Franky!"

Melody pointed down to where she assumed the Sandile was standing. However, all that she pointed to was some grass blowing in the wind. Melody slowly gazed down, her eyes widening as she noticed Franky was no longer standing in the spot he should have been. Quickly looking around, it was not long at all before a small gasp was heard coming from the girl. Somehow, during her story of what she had been up to, Franky had managed to waddle all the way over towards Morgan. The Sandile was now somehow placed just underneath the dress-wearing girl, taking a peek up under her skirt. A rather... different sort of smile seemed to be on the Sandile's mouth as he stared up and under Morgan's skirt, with a happy little gurgle no less. Melody was absolutely speechless.
​

Melody's mouth hung open for a moment, rather surprised by the fact that this... stranger was berating her for having Napoleon stolen. It only took a moment for the girl to quickly make her way over and scoop up her Sandile. She quickly whispered for Franky to behave himself, before turning to look Morgan straight in the eyes.

"Excuse me? I didn't let them steal my Buizel!" Melody replied, giving the stranger a rather nasty glare. "It's not like I stood there and said, 'Hey, take Napoleon from me please!'" She paused, giving the girl a quick look up and down before continuing. "Besides, what business is it of yours anyways?"
​

Christina's interest and surprise from the news about the giant Pokémon in the caves, as well as it having reacted to the crystals shards they'd found, quickly waned as a storm seemed to be brewing between the other two girls of the group.

Sending Aberdeen a quick look and silently mouthing 'Oh boy', Christina quickly stepped in to place a hand on Melody's shoulder with a smile, looking over at Morgan. "Fact of the matter is that whoever took the Pokémon had it all planned out, and none of us had any idea that someone was going to do something despicable like that." She paused, glancing to Melody.

"… Sindy and Deen's Whismur, Winter, was also taken. And if Melody is anything like me, then she's worried sick, -and- ready to knock some heads in order to get them back. But I think we all know that we can't just rush in there head-first. Who knows what kind of traps and dangerous Pokémon they have in there?"

She glanced between the two girls before giving another smile. "It happened in the past, and we can't change that now. But we –can- go save our friends and make sure Team Rocket gets what's coming to them." She finished with a firm nod and a determined look in her eyes.​

Riley and Abbadon didn't do much after he and Melody left Kurt's Studio. Riley and her had separated soon after their meeting, though it was likely that they would see each other at Kurt's rendezvous point. Later, he merely prepared for what was likely going to be some sort of raid upon Team Rocket. After all, how else was Melody going to get her Pokemon back?

Of course, there was also the matter of the TMs that Kurt had given them. It took awhile, but Riley was finally able to figure out what it was and how to use it correctly. Within a matter of minutes, Feathers the Pidgey had learned the move Acrobatics. If anything, it would come in handy when they fought Bugsy.


Time passed and Riley finally decided to head out. Leaving the Pokemon Center, he made his way around the building with Feathers atop his head and his bag on his back. There was already several people there, much to his astonishment. Part of him thought it would only be him, Melody, and Kurt. "Sorry I'm late to the party," the young man said once they caught sight of him, Feathers shaking his wings in greeting.
​

Melody seemed to calm down a bit once Christina difused the fight that was about to explode between the brown-haired girl and Morgan. The taller, red-haired girl, despite taking Melody's side, seemed to be much more... relaxed about the way that Morgan had berated the two of them, as well as anyone else who had had their Pokémon stolen by Team Rocket.

Still, Melody felt that for Christina's sake that she would place any choice words that she had for Morgan aside... for the side being. Besides, there were more important factors to take into consideration for the moment... such things like greeting Blaine and Riley. Melody smiled brightly, happy that she had to see that Riley had in fact kept his end of the promise with Kurt. It was also quite a delight to see Blaine again after so long. As she thought about it, Melody realized that she had not seen Blaine since Violet City.

"Blaine, Riley!" Melody exclaimed, waving down the two boys. "It's great to see ya both! I know why you're here, but are you planning to help out with this whole mess too, Blaine?"
​

Relieved that Melody calmed down, Christina sent the girl a smile, quickly turning around as Blaine of all people showed up. A surprise smile lit up on Christina's face as she gave the boy a quick wave.

"Hey Blaine! Long time no see!"

She glanced down as Derpy was apparently harassing one of Aberdeen's Psyducks. She never did like that weird look in Derpy's eyes. Snapping out of her thoughts, she noticed Aberdeen glancing at her and Melody.

"Blaine's one of Pine's trainers too. Melody and I met up together even before the two of us met, actually. Back on route 30."

She paused as a blue-haired boy showed up with a Pidgey perched neatly on top of his head. The show of him casually walking in with a bird on top of his head made Christina smile. She'd never seen this guy before, but he seemed really interesting, and moreover, Melody seemed to know him.

"Wow, we're getting quite the crowd. This must really be serious." She commented, glancing over at Kurt as if for confirmation, all the while wondering when exactly Vincent was gonna show up, if he even was. After all, he did seem the type to change his mind and then not tell anyone about it.​

.

The night sky was a work of art waiting to be captured. The cool air sent a slight chill through Vincent's spine but the glint of the stars kept him entranced. In fact, all he could really think about was trying to hammer out the details and do the beautiful night sky justice in his pad. Holding a flashlight in his mouth, his hands worked meticulously with one holding the drawing pad and the other his pen as he sketched everything out. It was a rough drawing, hardly his best, but the moment of Zen was needed. Ever since he left Violet City, Vincent was occupied one way or another. If he wasn't traveling with Melody and hearing her stories and attempts to make small talk, he was saving her from hordes of Pokemon. If he wasn't having Pokemon stolen, he was searching for stolen Pokemon. If he wasn't clearing the air with Christina, he was in intense Gym battles.

Everywhere he turned, there were people and things he didn't expect to deal with on this Pokemon journey. Vincent, when he left home, thought everything would be cut and dry. Go to city, battle Gym Leader, go to city, battle Gym Leader, repeat. Oh, and maybe catch a couple Pokemon and beat a hapless kid here and there. Nothing as stressful as the crap he had to put up with.

Putting the pad down for a moment and the flashlight beside him, Vincent reached over a sandwich he picked up early. He sat back and took grandeur at the measly meal he purchased. Considering he was half asleep and half poor, it was amazing he got two slices of bread with some deli meat in the middle. He choose turkey with some Unovian cheese and slapped a little bit of mustard on it and called it a day. He would kill for some hot sauce, preferring spicy food but at this point he couldn't be picky.

"Hey Hanzo, come here for a second," Vincent called casually. Springing from the darkness, jumping down in such a manner that he probably perched himself in a tree, a strange habit he seemed to pick up from Brian, though considering he has progressively become more mysterious since his evolution it could easily be a new trait altogether, Hanzo stood beside Vincent as the trainer reclined on the park bench. "What do you think of this drawing so far?" Vincent asked, showing the pad to this first Pokemon as he took a big bite of his sandwich. Hanzo merely nodded, seemingly pleased but hardly ecstatic. "Meh, you are just being all gentlemanly again. It's not the good, huh?" Hanzo took a step back, gesturing with his arms that he didn't mean it like that. "Yeah, yeah. Sure. Sometimes I wish you didn't take after me at all. We can't have too much attitude on this team. We got enough with Brian and his laziness already."

Vincent took another bite and looked up, picking up the pad as he shaded in the sky, feeling the sketch only really need some finishing touches. The moonlight shone on Vincent, providing enough light for the work that needed to be done. A big swallow of his meal and a moment or two of diligence and Vincent called it a night, dropping the pad on his lap and tucking the pen behind his ear. "You know something, Hanzo? This whole thing isn't like I pictured it at all," Vincent said as he stared up at the stars, watching one fall before his eyes. "I ran away from home expecting to clean up some kids here and there, collect a bunch of badges, march my way to the Pokemon League and leave a champion. And here I am," Vincent sat up, looking at his curious Pokemon. "I got a bunch of people calling me their…friend. I didn't come here to make friends! I…I have a job to do…and I'm wasting time, I feel…you know?" Hanzo, cocked his head back, completely dumbfounded at what Vincent was saying. Maybe it was because what his trainer was saying didn't make sense, at least not to the frog Pokemon. "I just wonder how they would see me right now. I'm doing this for them and I feel like I'm failing them since I haven't won yet. I mean, I'm cleaning up messes left by this Team Rock- Oh crap. Hanzo, what time is it?!" Hanzo just pointed up at the moon, seeing how the moon was a natural clock and the Pokemon had little concept of technology. Vincent looked up, the pen falling to the ground. "Aw man, that thing is awfully high in the sky. I'm probably late as hell."

Vincent, in a panic, precariously stuff his pad in the bag, grabbed his pen and stowed in his pocket. Leaping onto his skateboard, Vincent bolted towards towards the Pokemon Center with Hanzo following behind, jumping from tree to tree silently but keeping a keen eye on his trainer and his directions. In due time, Vincent had reached the Pokemon Center. Hopping off his skateboard, he picked it up and flung it over his shoulder, holding it with his left hand. With a whistle, he ordered Hanzo to follow closely behind him.

Shuffling quietly, Vincent came to the small clearing behind the Pokemon Center. Gathered in a group, he noticed a handful of trainers he recognized: Melody, Christina and Aberdeen (who Vincent was entirely curious how the runt got an invite). There was another handful of trainers whom Vincent did not recognize. Regardless, they knew about the meeting somehow, so Vincent assumed they were not completely helpless.

"Well, looks like we got a small army going. Let's get going then. I got places to be in the morning and I'd rather this not take all night."

​

Following the meeting and planning with Kurt and Bugsy, Melody and Christina found themselves making their way into the Team Rocket hideout. Hopefully, the grunts of the organization would be easily fooled by the uniforms that the two girls had changed into prior to heading for the Rocket base. That said, the uniforms were a bit... different compared to the type of clothing that Melody had usually decided to wear. The girl was never really a big fan of skirts. Ever since she was a little girl, Melody had often insisted on wearing jeans or shorts.
"I think I could over look them for this whole little thing if it wasn't for one thing," Melody sighed, once more fidgeting with the hem of her skirt. The shorter of the two girls grabbed hold of the end and tugged it down again, frowning as it did little to bring the comfort to the whole situation. "Why are they so short? Are these just smaller uniforms, or do the girls in this organization actually wear them like this?"

"I dunno, Melody..." Christina mused, looking down herself while they were walking, stretching her arms a little back and forth and giving her own skirt a little tug. "I kind of think I look really good like this." She looked up, sending her friend a little grin. "Maybe I should consider actually joining Team Rocket, if it meant getting to wear an outfit like this."

Behind the two girls, Shade the Haunter was floating along, right besides Franky, the Sandile. The ghost glanced from the two girls, down at the croc, sending him a sly grin, complimented by a snicker.

Melody shot a look of disbelief in Christina's direction. "Well, it works for you! Your legs fill it out better!" She crossed her arms and huffed. "Besides that... Wouldn't that make you a criminal or something? I really don't wanna think of you getting arrested or something."

Franky gurgled back towards the Haunter in response. His little eyelids wriggled in response, quickening in his pace to try and get a better view. Somehow or another, the Sandile managed to get up and behind Christina just enough for a proper peek up her skirt. Franky released a quiet, yet pleased gurgle at the sight. He was clearly enjoying this mission so far.

Shade let out a silent laugh while holding his non-existant belly at Franky's antics, the ghost shaking his head and deciding to float down besides his new friend with a hand put around the Sandile's 'shoulder'.

Rolling her eyes, Christina sent Melody a little smile. "Come on, I was just joking. About joining, at least. I still say the outfit looks good. Minus the hat, though." She frowned, lifting a hand to push the brim of the hat a little further back, as it kept slipping down in front of her eyes. "Anyway... I think they said it was down this corridor and then... to the right. Then straight on, and we should be there."

She paused, glancing to the shorter girl with a somewhat worried look. "Are you sure you're up for this, Mel'? It's probably going to be really dangerous, even-" She paused as a male and female pair of Rockets passed them, giving a brief nod, Christina and Melody nodding quickly back. Chris' cleared her throat and continued, quieter. "- Even with the security system knocked out."

Melody nodded. "Well... Yeah, I mean, this whole thing is nerve-wracking. But... I have to do it. I can't leave Napoleon here or let someone else rescue him. He's my responsibility. If I didn't go to get him back myself, then that... Morgan would never let me live it down." She managed to flash Christina a small grin of her own. "Besides, I wouldn't be a good friend if I let you go down here all by yourself."

The two girls and their Pokémon continued to make their way down the dimly lit corridor. When taking into account the more rustic look of Azalea Town or even the dark, dank cave inside of the Slowpoke Well, it was hard for Melody to believe that they were technically still in the same place. The whole place looked like some place out of a science fiction movie. The sound of their boots clanking against the metal flooring could be heard echoing through the long and wandering hall. The air inside was a bit on the chilly side, sending a shiver running down Melody's back as she quickened her pace slightly.

Noticing her friend's sudden silence, Christina was about to say something, as they rounded the corner she mentioned earlier. However, she was forced to quiet down, as just a little bit further down the hall, were two male grunts, one leaning against the right wall, with long, black hair and a version of the Rocket shirt with a high collar, covering up his mouth, and another guy seemingly fiddling with a vending machine, who looked younger and had red bangs poking out under the hat.

"Ugh, come on... come on! It swallowed my coin again!" the one at the machine complained, frowning as he kicked the machine, instantly hopping back with a yelp of pain, limping for a moment before resting his foot gently onto the floor.

The other one rolled his eyes and simply shook his head before catching sight of the two girls having slowed their pace down the corridor. "... Oi. Jeffrey."

Jeffrey as he was apparently called, looked up and raised his brows, quickly looking back at the slightly older guy at the wall as if silently asking him a question. The leaning grunt nodded his head and gave Jeffrey a thumbs up before crossing his arms over his chest again.

Jeffrey turned back to the girls, looking worried for a moment before taking a deep breath, putting on a smile and taking a step forwards, standing in the middle of the already small corridor. "Hello there, ladies! What are you up to this lovely, starry night?"

The two girls came to a stop, Christina's expression turning from worry, to a sort of confused bafflement. "... Uh. What? We're... inside. You can't even see the sky."

The young grunt looked as if he'd just been punched in the gut, his mouth falling open before shutting again, looking over his shoulder desperately at the other man, who was promptly ignoring him. Clearing his throat, he turned back, focusing his attention on Melody instead. "I, well, uh, just came from outside half an hour ago! And... it was nice out there! Hi, I'm Jeffrey."

Melody would have been lying if she would have said she did not feel a slight bit of discomfort from how Jeffrey was looking at her. A small blush quickly tinged up at her cheeks as she looked down towards the ground for a moment. The girl realized that she had two choices at this point. She could have either blown the man and his friend off, but chances are that would have made Christina and herself look more... awkward and suspicious. So, she did the only other thing she could think of.

"My name is Melody," the shorter girl said, glancing back up at the man with a weak smile. "It's nice to meet you, Jeffrey."

Jeffrey definitely brightened up as Melody introduced herself while Christina gave Melody a 'Really?' look, but stayed quiet.

"Hah, you too, Melody! That's a very nice name, by the way. So, how did you join? I kinda joined with my friend, because I wanted to go see the world and make a bit of money on the side at the same time, but at first I was like 'But Team Rocket is evil, isn't it', which is what I honestly thought, but then there was this thing, where a gym leader just didn't care for what happened in his city, and I-"

At this point, Christina stepped in, lifting a hand to stop Jeffrey, who instantly shut up as she moved forwards. "Okay, right, listen Jeffrey, me and my -colleague- here are needed down in the holding cells, so if you don't mind, we're kind of busy."

Jeffrey fiddled with his gloves, once more looking back at his friend, who'd been following the conversation with a half-interested look past the brim of his hat. He gave a shake of his head, giving Jeffrey a thumb's down.

Turning back to the girls, the younger boy, who was probably around 15, but an entire head shorter than Christina, puffed his chest out somewhat. "A-actually... I do mind! I'm not... going to move."

Christina blinked, looking surprised before folding her arms across her chest. "... Oh yeah? And why's that?"

Swallowing down at the sight of the rather intimidating girl, Jeffrey stood his ground. "Because I challenge you to a Pokémon fight! If you win, I'll let you pass." He paused, planting a hand at his hip and pointing his other hand's finger at Melody. "But if -I- win, you have to go on a date with me!"

Melody stood with wide eyes, trying to figure out how in the world she had suddenly found herself in this sort of position. She looked between Jeffrey and Christina, trying to desperately find some sort of escape from this situation. A much more nervous smile quickly over took Melody's original smile as she motioned towards Christina.

"Are you serious? I mean, Tina here is much more prettier than I am, you know?" she suggested. "I mean, compared to her, I'm just some sort of plain-Jane, yeah?"

Jeffrey didn't seem deterred at all, sending Melody something that might possibly be interpreted as a confident smile, if you could discount his nervous sweating.

The red-haired girl stared in disbelief at the smaller boy for a few seconds, before simply grabbing his collar, pulling his closer with an almost inaudible 'Augh!' from him, his arms flailing through the air as he was grabbed. "Okay, listen here pipsqueak. We're -busy-, and you're -not- going to challenge anyone to a duel, or go on any dates with my friends. Understood? Now, either you move, or I'm going to move you -for- you."

"W-Wait a minute..." Melody suddenly said, taking hold of Christina's sleeve and then motioning for the red-haired girl to come off to the side with her. "Come here for a minute, Chrissie..."

Furrowing her brows, Chris' glanced at Melody, then back at the boy who was basically shielding his face with his arms. She let go of him and gave him a look, before moving over to the side with Melody, looking rather annoyed. "What is it Mel'...?"

"Maybe... Maybe I should battle him real quick..." Melody whispered. She paused glancing over at Jeffrey for a moment, offering him yet another weak smile before continuing. "I kinda... feel sorry for him, I think."

"Wh- are you serious?" Christina's eyes widened, looking back at Jeffrey, who was looking kind of awkward at the moment before looking back to Melody, looking confused. "... You really wanna fight him because you feel sorry for him?"

"Well... I mean..." Melody hesitated, rubbing the back of her head nervously. "A bit. I dunno, there's just something about his friend, you know? I get the feeling this guy is sort of a jerk to him..." Melody paused, glancing at the red-haired, older man in the duo. She leaned close and whispered. "Besides, it'd help us keep our cover a bit better, yeah?"

Christina opened her mouth to say something, but shut it again. She folded her arms across her chest and took a deep breath through her nose, slowly nodding her head. "... Yeah, I guess you're right. Okay... fine. Go ahead and fight him. But you better win! We can't afford to get sidetracked like this again."

Melody nodded and returned her attention towards Jeffrey. She gave the boy a much warmer smile than previously and nodded. "Alright, after some deliberation, I've decided to accept your terms. But I gotta warn you, I'm super tough. So if you wanna back out, this is your last chance to do it!"

Jeffrey raised a hand, clenching it to a fist while smiling brightly. "Hah, alright, you're on! But I'll have you know that I'm the up-and-coming star of the Rocket grunts!"

Rolling her eyes, Christina stepped over to the wall, leaning against it with a still semi-annoyed look on her face. She sent the other guy who was slightly to the right of her a look, catching him glancing at her over the high neck of his shirt, quickly looking back down at the ground, as if hoping she hadn't seen him.

Melody paused, thinking for a moment which of her team would be the best to handle this battle. At first, she had planned on using Blossom. However with the Bayleef being shiny like Sindy, the brown-haired girl began to wonder if maybe that would raise suspicions against who the two girls actually were. She glanced down, taking notice of Franky.

"Alright, I'll go with you!" Melody decided. "Franky, you're up!"

The little Sandile let out a gurgle and nodded before waddling his way forward in front of Melody. A somewhat excited look had taken over the Ground-type's features. Clearly, he was looking forward to this little skirmish.

"Not bad! And I'll pick Alice!" He unclipped a pokéball from his belt, opening it and letting out a Poochenya, who let out an excited bark, looking eager to get into a scrap as well. "Alright Alice, let's start this off with a Howl!"

The Poochenya lifted its head and let out a loud howl, which caused Franky to look quite a bit startled from the loud echo the sound produced. The little Sandile took a step back, wincing as he tried to shake off the ringing it was hearing from such a loud attack.

"Come on, Franky! Don't let it get to you, already!" Melody encouraged. "Shake it off and give it a Bite!"

The Sandile gurgled with glee and leapt forward towards the Poocheyna. Franky opened his large mouth wide, baring his rather sharp and shiny teeth at Alice in the process.

"Alice, dodge it!" Jeffrey called out, sounding almost scared for his Pokémon. The Poochenya managed to move somewhat, but its leg was still caught in Franky's jaws, causing her to yelp in pain.

"O-okay! You can do better than that! Use Bite as well!"

With a low growl, the small dog bared her own teeth before biting down on Franky's neck, leaving the two locked in a battle of teeth and jaws. Franky let out a pain filled growl of his own, the little Sandile shuddering as Melody's eyes widened at the sight playing out in front of her. She needed to pry the Poochenya off of Franky, and quick.

"Franky, shake her loose with Rage!" Melody called out.

The Sandile began to do just that. In a rather unique manner, he began to thrash and stomp his feet. It almost it looked as if Franky was thowing some sort of temper tantrum from the looks of it. Franky even went as far as to try and spin around and slam Alice against the floor.

The Poochenya whimpered from the damage that kept piling onto it, but kept a firm grip of the Sandile with its jaws. Jeffrey was flustering, opening and closing his mouth before seemingly snapping out of his panic-attack. "Alice! I, uh... Sand Attack! Distract him!"

The dog managed to kick the legs that weren't currently being chomped on, somehow managing to produce a handful of sand, which was kicked straight into Franky's face, in the hopes of disorienting him and possibly even letting go.

All the while the battle was going on, Christina was still leaned against the wall, watching it with interest. Despite being pressed for time and being extremely worried about whether or not Sindy was actually here, she couldn't help but admire both of the trainers' ways of battling.

She glanced a little to the right, having noticed the other, older guy shuffling closer. He looked like he was trying a little hard to come off as mysterious, with his hat pulled down low and the version of the Rocket shirt with the high collar, only barely showing his face, all the while leaning against the wall with one foot pushed back against it.

Seemingly noticing Christina's glance, he gave her a solemn nod and a quiet mutter. "Alex. Hey there."

"Christina. Also not interested." She commented before looking back to the battle. Alex doubled a little forward from the instant rejection and promptly shuffled back over to the right, not breaking his 'cool pose'.

Back in the heat of the battle, the Sandile closed his eyes tightly as a quick kick of sand managed get into his eyes. He slammed his back against the wall one final time, which managed to somehow knock the Poocheyna off of his back. Franky wasted no time in scurrying away from Alice at this point, trying to put some distance between himself and the small dog, leaving her wobbling unsteadily, panting for air.

"Well, this was fun... But we really need to get back to work here..." Melody thought. She gave a worried look towards her Sandile, realizing that it would probably not be for the best to wear the little guy out, just in case he would be needed further into the mission. "Franky, we need to keep her back so we can finish her off! Use Sand Tomb, now!"

The Sandile squinted his eyes, trying to see as best he could given his current situation. Franky took a deep breath, before beginning to blow out a sandy stream of air towards the Poochenya. Already weakened by the Sandile's attacks from before, Alice shook her head, stumbling backwards as the stream of windy sand hit her square in the face with force.

Jeffrey grit his teeth before shaking his head softly in defeat. "Alice, you did great. Come on back." He raised his pokéball and recalled her in a flash of red light, sighing quietly as he looked up at Melody again. "... Man. You're one tough girl."

"Well... Of course!" Melody replied, giving a small smirk towards Jeffrey. "We wouldn't be able to be the great and powerful Team Rocket if we weren't, right?"

"Heh... yeah, I guess not." He gave a faint smile, lifting a hand to rub the back of his head before taking a step to the side, gesturing down the corridor. "Anyway, I guess you earned your pass. But... don't think this is the last you've seen of me, Melody! I'm going to train even harder, and then I'll defeat you and you'll -have- to go on a date with me!" He finished, smiling confidently.

Melody's faltered back a bit, clearly not sure of how to respond to the fact that she had more or less just gained a fan... or stalker, depending on how one would look at it. She quickly shot a glance over towards Christina, asking her friend for help with a pleading look in her eyes.

The red-haired girl just smiled and rolled her eyes, pushing herself off the wall, stepping over to the two as she grabbed her friend's hand. "Alright, well, it was nice meeting you two, but we -really- have to get going now. Come on Mel'!"

As Melody was being dragged off by Christina, Jeffrey stepped over to where Alex was leaning on the wall, the younger boy waving at the girls and Franky waddling off down the corridor. "Wow... she was really cool." He muttered.

Alex tilted his head a little back, giving Jeffrey a small glance under the brim of his hat. "You did well. Nice." He paused, recieving a bright smile from Jeffrey, before shifting to leaning the other foot against the wall. "... Got her name. Christina."

Jeffrey's jaw dropped, staring at his friend in amazement. "You did? But she was just about to beat me up! She was ice-cold, and you got her name? You're so cool, Alex! Thank you so much for helping me with this."

"H-heh. I know. It's no problem." The older boy replied, trying not to sound like he'd just been through the scariest moments of his life.
​