Gold's POV

"So can I put on some clothes now?" I gesture to the soaked hospital gown sticking a little too tight to my body.

Water continues to fall into the pool we're sitting in, moving faster now that the new Prince of the Sea has been crowned. The ambient waterfall noise that fills the temple seems a little louder now as well.

"Mana!" The happy blue mythical Pokemon, Manaphy, cheers and swims around in the shallow pool. The Pokemon disappears down one of the canals leaving the pool, probably to greet everyone.

"You can do whatever you want," The King smiles and wraps one of his large tan arms around me. "The Temple of the Sea is forever in your debt."

"That's a bit of extreme," I laugh him off and stand up. "I owe you guys for saving me from drowning in the first place."

"Oh that wasn't all us," The King chuckles. "Your Vaporeon saved you."

"Vapor- oh shit, she's gonna be mad."

Ash's POV

"Totodile!" I yell at my water type Pokemon. "Get back over here."

The small blue bipedal crocodile turns his head, showing his big playful eyes. Totodile's red spikes glisten in the sun. Totodile is only a couple feet tall, with its jaw about half of that, making it a tough battler.

Unfortunately he's too distracted by all the girls on the beach, jumping around happily and capturing their attention. Successfully by the way.

"You'd think the crowd would be for the Pokemon Master training," The honey blonde with me jokes.

Her Sylveon, the fairy type eeveelution, stands out in front of her on the beach. The white and pink ribbons flow in the breeze coming off the water.

"Totodile!" I try yelling again.

"If that's my opponent then I might have nothing to worry about," A chuckle comes from behind us.

We turn to see Eric and Green walk up behind us.

Eric has black sunglasses on, which glisten in the sun like his styled brown hair. He has a blue flowered Alolan shirt on and black bathing suit. I'm assuming that's not his training attire.

"Don't underestimate Ash's Pokemon," The brunette with him warns. "I'm sure that Pokemon packs a punch."

"He sure does," I smirk. "Just you wait and see."

"Are you guys here to do some training?" Serena asks but Eric quickly shakes his head.

"No, I have to continue the tour of Los Lumeles for Green," He wraps an arm around the girl. "Show her how great the city is and that there's no reason to leave."

"Very funny," She laughs off what is hopefully a joke, while also sliding out of his arm. "I'll come find you guys in a bit."

"Sounds good!" Serena smiles and waves them off.

Her smile fades into a frown as soon as they turn their backs, walking down the beach. "I don't like that."

"What?" I ask.

"Green and Eric are getting awfully close," She crosses her arms.

"That's a bad thing?" i question. "They've been friends for a long time."

"But what if she stays here?" Serena questions. "I don't know if Gold can survive without her."

"Green won't give up on their mission," I assure her.

"The mission to overthrow Eric's father?"

Good point.

"I'm sure she's just catching up," I hold the honey blonde's hand. "It's not like we can hear what they're saying."

"That's a great idea Ash!" She exclaims.

"Idea?"

She pulls out a couple pairs of sunglasses and throws them onto our faces. "We're going to follow them."

I look back at Totodile who could definitely use some more training.

"Don't worry we'll train when we get back," Serena pulls me down the path through the beach.

Lucky Totodile.

Gold's POV

"Vap!" My Eeveelution, who is now blue and has a fish tail, yells at me.

"I'm sorry," I crouch down to her level. "I got a little sidetracked when I woke up."

Vaporeon's eyes glare, not quite believing me.

"I guess I should thank you for saving me though," I pet her slippery head, and she nudges it softly. "I'll make sure to get you some treats when we get back to civilization."

"This doesn't count as civilization to you?" King Mana strolls up behind us, his gold scale armour sparking in the sunlight.

It's amazing how bright it is here despite us being under the sea. Under da sea.

"That's not what I meant!" I wave my arms frantically.

"Just playing with you guppy," He laughs. "I thought I would guide you to the exit."

How does one exit an undersea temple?

The answer... a scary rollercoaster.

King Mana leads us to the edge of the bubble keeping us dry. If you squint you can see that the water around the bubble isn't stagnant. If you trace the paths of schools of Pokemon you can make out distinct current streams going every which way.

"You'll need this," He hands me a device that I presume allows me to breathe underwater. "Unless you evolve like your Vaporeon, you're going to need that."

"Thanks," I smile and fit it in my mouth. "mnmnmn."

He raises an eyebrow.

I take out the device. "I said it fits great," I laugh.

He gives a bellowing laugh, clearly getting my sense of humour. "Let's get you in the water."

I pull my duffle bag's strap tight across my chest. Everything inside, including the very delicate map, miraculously survived my tumble into the ocean the first time. Must be a magic duffle bag.

"Okay now you need to listen carefully," The king warns. "The world's collection of current streams lead here. The great thing about them is that they can get you to any port in the world. The worst part about them is that they can get you to any port in the world."

"I'm assuming there's no road signs?" I ask and he shakes his head.

"Maybe I'll give Vaporeon the instructions," He sighs.

I roll my eyes but catch a glimpse of a bright light in the water. It's almost hypnotizing as it blinks slowly. The light gets closer and the source becomes clear.

"Lanturn is back!" The King exclaims.

"Back?" I question.

"This is the Lanturn that guided your Vaporeon here," He explains and I get a confirmatory nod from Vaporeon.

"I owe a big thanks to Lanturn as well then," I say loud enough that it hopefully makes it through the magical barrier.

"Lanturn seems willing to guide you to Los Lumeles," King Mana gives a big smile. "Aren't water types the best?"

"They're definitely rising up my list," I smile.

"Okay so as soon as you jump into the water, you need to grab onto Lanturn," King Mana explains. "Miss and you may end up in Alola."

"I could use a tropical vacation right now," I joke. "Ready Vaporeon?"

Time to go see our friends.

Green's probably going crazy without me there.

Ash's POV

"Serena this is wrong," I groan as she pulls us down the beach.

We find through the hordes of people, keeping close enough to Green and Eric to watch them but far enough to jump of sight when they turn around. Real stalker behaviour.

"I bet they're going to the ferris wheel," She ignores me.

Serena is quite determined, her bright blue eyes focused on the pair. She's cute when she gets like this, even if it's a little stalkerish.

The towering ferris wheel at the end of the beach is now right in front of us. The frame is a pearly white that reflects the sunlight towards the beach. It has streaks of red, orange, and yellow making it look a slowly moving flame wheel.

There's also a line just as long as the wheel is high.

Maybe we can train while waiting in line.

Green and Eric don't get in line however. The brown haired guy guides them right to the front.

"Ash we need to be behind them," Serena says, her honey blonde hair distracting my focus for a second.

"What are we supposed to do?" I question. "Say we're famous too?"

Her eyes widen into a mischievous look.

"Ash you're just full of good ideas today," She smiles and pulls us around the line.

We get to the front just as Green and Eric enter an empty carriage. 

"Hi, can we go next?" Serena asks the attendant bluntly.

The attendant gestures to the long line.

"Don't you know who we are?" She questions with her hands on her hips. "My boyfriend here is the Pokemon Monarch."

This is a whole new side of Serena. I kinda liked the ring of that though.

The attendant groans and lets us through to the next carriage coming around.

"Thanks!" She beams.

"Sorry," I apologize to the couple who has now been skipped over twice in a row.

We both sit down with our backs to Green and Eric's carriage so we can hopefully hear but not be seen.

It's Kricketunes so far so I admire the view while we climb up into the sky. The ocean is crystal clear, filled with people enjoying the sunny day. Next is the perfect strip of sand wrapping the coast.

Then there's the stadium surrounded by the rock face. My next challenge.

"So what do you think of Los Lumeles?" Eric's voice carries over the gentle breeze.

It's noticeably quieter up here so it'll actually be prime eavesdropping. Serena and I look at each other and she puts her finger to her lips.

"It's nice," Green says simply. "Just how I remember it."

"My Mom loved this place," Eric says. "You could too."

"I think your Dad would be disappointed if I stopped my mission," The brunette says.

"It could just be for a little while," Eric pleads.

"Sorry Eric," Green says and Serena does a little fist bump. "Maybe I'll come have a vacation here after."

"Okay okay," He gives up. "You should at least come to the party tonight after I beat Ash."

Must've heard that wrong.

"I will," Green says. "Even if you lose."

"Not a chance," Eric declares and the conversation windles down.

"Happy now?" I whisper to Serena.

"Mhm," She nods and puts her head on my shoulder.

The ferris wheel comes to a stop when we reach the top.

The whole city in front of us.

"This is nice," Serena sighs. "Even if we fell into another world saving situation."

"It's what I know best," I chuckle and she lifts her head.

"Wouldn't have it any other way," She winks and leans in.

My mind goes blank as our lips connect for the first time since the day we said bye in that airport.

I admire her blushing face as she pulls back. 

If only we could go around again.

"Let's go check back in with Ash and Serena and see if they want to get dinner before the battle," One last statement from Green reaches our carriage.

We're gonna have to run.

Gold's POV

"Ahhhh," I let out a sigh of relief as I get above sea level for the first time in what feels like forever.

I don't even care that I'm standing chest deep in water in my jacket and pants. I close my eyes and absorb the warmth from the sun. I would like to be dry though.

I open my eyes to locate land and realize I'm standing in the middle of a bunch of swimmers, probably peacefully enjoying the water before I disturbed them. "Sorry," I hide my embarrassment by shaking my navy hair with my hands.

They go back to their business and I breathe a sigh of relief. "Thanks you two," I say to Vaporeon and Lanturn who pop their heads above the water. "You're welcome to join us Lanturn," I smile.

The roundish blue and yellow fish Pokemon nods happily and I carefully unzip my bag to pull out a pokeball. "Let's go find Green," I say to Vaporeon who swims behind me.

I trudge along the sandbar with the clothes weighing me down. What I would do for a warm shower and dry pyjamas right now.

I don't know for sure this is Los Lumeles but the city in front of me would live up to the name. A colourful array of skyscrapers block the blue sky, with one towering above the rest. I recognize the purple trident logo at the top.

This appears to be a fun and easy going city but it feels a bit like enemy territory. Hopefully the Water District Leader is just some random surfer dude.

I could use a lay-up.

"So how exactly are we going to find them?" I think out loud. "I don't want to walk around town looking like this."

It's been awhile since I've been in a normal hotel room with a mirror but I can only imagine the bruises and cuts on my skin. No matter where I touch my face, it hurts.

I eventually make it to solid ground, the white sand sticking to my shoes and pants as I walk over it. I scan the beach for a sign of the group, hoping that maybe I'd get lucky and find them right away.

I'm also trying to ignore the disgusted looks I'm getting.

"Yes!" I exclaim, only bringing more attention to myself.

In the crowd of people, I make out a flash of turquoise. Gonna have to thank Green for wearing such a unique colour. She's wearing her usual long black top and turquoise shorts and I've never been happier to see her.

Ash and Serena also come into view as I get closer.

Serena is actually the first to notice me and her eyes widen. 

But not in relief or joy or general happiness. 

I wave but they don't run to greet their friend who legit had to travel the seven seas and almost died.

Green notices me next and my smile is not returned. She starts making a weird gesture with her arm, throwing it out to the side.

"What are you doing? I ask and immediately a fourth person turns around towards me.

"Can we help you?" He asks. The guy, around our age, has dark shades on so it's tough to read his expression. His short brown hair shines in the sun and the purple bathing suit isn't my personal favourite.

I also don't love how close he is standing to Green.

"Um," I try to process the situation.

"Do you know this guy?" I can feel him studying my very fashionable soggy Growlithe look.

"No."

"Yea of-"

"We crossed paths once!" Green cuts me off. "In the Normal District, you're a military recruit right?"

I blink a couple times.

"This guy is weird," I hear him whisper not quite quiet enough.

I cough and clear the seawater from my throat. "Yes that's right," I fake a smile. "I was just doing some training in the water and saw a familiar face."

"In your clothes?" The guy questions and I try to give a convincing nod. "Whatever, I'll see you on the battlefield Ash."

I give a small wave, hoping to never have to talk to that guy again...

And then Green leaves with him, avoiding eye contact.

No where were you? No how are you doing? No why do you look like death?

Just footsteps in the sand.

Okay that's a bit dramatic.