(Megan POV)

'I don't know, I guess things have just been awkward between us lately.' I finished explaining to Lillie as we walked down the path of Hau'oli city, with Prince and Dana in front of us having their own conversation. Though, of course I could only hear Prince's side. It had been about a week since the incident between Matt, Liz, Gladion and I. And since then I hadn't had a proper conversation with the siblings unless it regarded work. As for Gladion and I... Let's just say our relationship wasn't brilliant at this time. Don't get me wrong it's not bad, we can still stay in the same room and do the things a couple does. But... Let's just say; could be better could be worse.

'I see. Seems like a wall has formed between you two.' Lillie stated, tapping her chin.

'Exactly.' I agreed, dragging the 'e' before sighing. 'I mean we still love each other, don't get me wrong. But... It's complicated, ya know?'

'I understand... So does this mean it's less likely that I'll be your sister in-law?'

My eyes widened and I choked on my own spit. 'What?! Lillie I know we're old enough, but we haven't even thought about marriage yet!' I blurted, trying to cover my blush. Lillie sweatdropped at this.

'Hey, Megan!' Prince called over his shoulder.

'What?'

'Isn't that Sun's boyfriend over there? What's his name... Levi?'

My eyes moved over to where Prince was pointing his head, only to find a familiar blue haired four-eyed boy standing on the docks. He seemed to be trying to catch a Shellder, which is really rare in Alola btw. Not only that but I really wanted one. Okay, quick catch up. Leven and I kept bumping into each other, and every single time we battled one another. I won some, he won some. Eventually we became rivals, like serious rivals. Megan and Leven, neck and neck. Anyway, we both set a bet on whoever could catch a Shellder first would be given rights. What rights? The rights to give the loser a forfeit, And they have to do it.

'No way! Oh, he is not gonna beat me in this bet! That guy is always try'na one-up me!' I yelled as I began running in that direction.

'Who is it?' Lillie called to me.

'Leven!'

'Who?'

'Are you sure?' Prince asked, running to my side.

'Oh I recognise that four-eyes anywhere!'

'Who's Leven?!' Lillie whined, chasing after us.

(Meanwhile)

Shellder fell to the ground, getting weak from the battle it was having with Leven. The boy smirked. 'Golduck use shadow claw!' He commanded, and the duck Pokemon shot forward with its claws glowing purple. It would've hit too, when:

'Iron tail!'

An Umbreon jumped between the two water types, blocking the attack with its tail. Leven blinked in surprise, before hearing the voice again making him turn to the person.

'Nope no no nonononono no you don't, I'm catching Shellder.' I stated, standing next to Prince and crossing my arms.

'Excuse me, but I found it first. And you're getting in the way of my catch.' Leven scoffed, pushing his glasses up the bridge of his nose.

'There is no way I'm letting you win this bet! Not on my watch! So diddly duck, back the f*ck up!'

'Megan! Watch your profanity!' Lillie scolded, as she stood in the sidelines with Dana by her side. I rolled my eyes.

'Yeah yeah, sorry. Anyway, Four-eyes why don't you take about five steps back.' I exclaimed with a smirk, making a shooing motion with my hand. Leven looked behind him, only to find he was close to the edge of the dock. He frowned.

'I'm not doing that.'

'Well either way, I'm gonna be the one to catch this Shellder. So-' I was suddenly cut off by a small splash from behind me, making me turn around. Shellder was gone. 'What?! Oh come on!'

'Nice going, you let it get away.' Leven growled, returning his Golduck.

'Me?! You should've weakened it more!'

'Well I was going to, but you blocked my attack!'

'Oh sure, blame your poor battle choices on me! You could've at least used a Pokemon who knew false swipe!'

'Look, I specialize in battles! Not catching Pokemon!'

'And here I thought you were an A+ student.'

'Okay now you're just trying to provoke me.'

'And it's working~'

'Whatever.'

'HA! I KNEW IT!'

'Guys!' Lillie spoke over us making us shut up and stand straight, since our heads had clashed during our little... disagreement. We coughed awkwardly, waiting for her to continue. 'So you guys lost a Shellder, big deal! There are more in the ocean! There's no point arguing over one little slip up!'

Leven and I were silent for a moment, before slumping our shoulders and sighing. 'Fine...'

'Thank you.' The blonde nodded, placing her hands on her hips.

'It's still Leven's fault though...'

'Oi!'

'Anyway, I'm out. Lev it's been fun, not, but I actually gotta do something right now so yeah. Bye. C'mon, Prince!' I commanded as I trudged off the dock with my nose up.

'Wow. I'd say you hate him more than Hau.' The dark type sweatdropped.

'I don't hate Hau, so yes that's correct.' I replied, sticking my hands into my pockets. 'And I hate Leven with a passion. He's a stuck up know-it all who only likes water types because he can never get wet hims-'

'EWEWEW OKAY STOP!' Prince screamed, pinning back his ears. 'Jeez can't you keep any conversation PG rated?'

'Nope.'

'Why'd I even ask...?'

'I don't even know- Lillie! Stop apologizing to four-eyes and get your a** over here!'

'Alright! Arceus!' Lillie bowed to Leven one more time before running over to us. 'Why are you so rude sometimes?'

I shrugged. 'He's my rival.'

'That's not a valid answer.'

'Well it's the only answer you're getting!'

'Woah Megs calm down there. She was only asking a question.'

Realising my attitude, my eyes widened and I facepalmed at my own stupidity. 'Sh*t I'm sorry. I just- I can't control my emotions well when my mind's elsewhere.'

'Thinking about Gladion again?'

'No! ...Yeah...'

Lillie gave me a sympathetic look, while Prince just frowned. 'If it bothers you this much, why don't you talk to him about it?' He asked.

'We've been busy with those abandoned Pokemon, so we haven't really had any free time. Plus I'm not sure he really wants to talk about it.'

'How come?'

'I dunno. I guess he's still 'adapting'.' I shrugged.

'So wait you and Gladion aren't on good terms?' Leven's head popped out between Lillie and I making us scream, and resulted in me karate-chopping the back of his head. He fell to the floor with a yelp.

'Leven oh my glob!' I yelled into my hands. 'Why in the name of sh-cheese were you following us?!'

The blue-head sat up, rubbing his head in pain 'Seriously, you have no chill today.' He complained 'I wasn't following you, you're just going in the same direction as the Pokemon center. And I just happened to hear you talking about your relationship problems.'

'Uh-huh. So you were eavesdropping.'

'I wasn't!'

'Yeah, sure... Anyway to answer your question, things have just been awkward between Gladion and I. I wouldn't go as far as saying we 'aren't on good terms' yet.'

'Care to tell me what happened?' Leven asked as he stood up, dusting himself off. I frowned.

'No.' I said firmly, speed walking out of there. Though, I was pretty sure Lillie would tell him anyway. Also, why didn't Sun tell hi- Oh right, he doesn't know yet. Being champion is hard work.

'So, what you're saying is Gladion didn't know what Megan's last name was?' I heard Leven ask. Yup. I was right. She told him.

'No. None of us did.' Lillie responded.

'...May I ask what her last name is?'

Quickly I turned around, glaring at the boy. 'I've only just told my boyfriend, who I've known for seven years the truth. I'd rather not tell someone I've known for... one.. two... a month and a half, who is also my rival. Oh, no offense.'

'Uhm. None taken?'

'Good okay good talk gotta go BYE!' I blurted, before grabbing Lillie's wrist and dragging her with me. 'Ya know I really don't know what Sun sees in that guy.'

'Well he seems nice.' Lillie shrugged as Dana jumped onto her shoulder.

'I know. He seems nice, at first. But he can be a real jerk. When we first met he was friendly, but now he's only nice when Sun's around. I've tried telling him about it, but he keeps saying things like 'Leven isn't that type of person.' The four-eyed jerk has him attached to a leash, I'm telling you!'

Lillie, Dana and Prince sweatdropped, glancing at each other in confusion. 'Aren't you being a little... I don't know, dramatic?' Prince asked.

I laughed without humour 'Prince, sweetheart, my life is the definition in drama! I cannot overdo it!'

'Sure...'

'Think what you want, mister.' I huffed. 'Anyway, Lillie what ingredients do we need? The sooner we get them, the sooner we can make that medicine.'

'Oh, right, uh... ' Lillie took the list out of her pocket. 'Looks like we need-'

(Timeskip)

'We're home~!' I chimed as I pushed the door closed with my foot, since my hands were full with bags of ingredients and groceries. I walked into the kitchen, Prince at my heels, and placed the bags on the counter before stretching. Lillie had ditched me halfway through our shopping trip to hang out with Hau, meaning I had to buy everything myself. Yaaaaaay...

'So with that out the way, what do you plan to do for the rest of the day?' Prince asked, stretching out his body and relaxing.

'Dunno. There's not really much to do.' I shrugged, making my way to the dining room. 'Of course I could train... But then again I really want to visit the...' My voice trailed off as soon as I saw a familiar blonde sitting at the dining table, typing away on his laptop. 'Altar... Gladion what are you doing?'

'Gah! Nothing!' Gladion blurted as soon as he realised I was there, and slammed down the computer lid. I eyed him suspiciously.

'O...kay then. That wasn't weird at all.'

'You surprised me.' He stated, crossing his arms.

'What? Surprising the almighty Edgelord?! Wow what an achievement!' I snickered, which earned a glare from Gladion 'Anyway, I got the stuff you needed.'

'Great, thanks.'

'Also I saw Leven on my way there.'

'Oh yeah?'

'Yup. The dude's as annoying as ever. Bet he puts milk in before cereal...'

Gladion visibly snorted at my remark, but his face went back to stone cold after. 'Did you guys fight again?'

'Well I karate chopped his head if that counts.' I shrugged.

'What?! Why-- you know what, nevermind.'

There was an awkward silence for a moment, causing me to fiddle with my fingers uncomfortably while Gladion just stared at me blankly. Finally I spoke once again 'Anyway, I'm

going to the altar.' I told him, turning to leave 'I'd like to visit Nebby agai-'

'Wait!' Gladion called out, making me freeze in my spot. I turned to him with a confused expression, waiting for him to continue '...Nothing, Nevermind...' He sighed, rubbing his temple.

'You sure?'

'Yeah. Go on, have fun.' He told me, making a shooing motion with his hand.

'Well alright then. C'mon Prince.'

'Coming!'

(Gladion POV)

As soon as Megan left I facepalmed, growling at my own actions 'Oh come on! How hard is it to say three simple f*cking words?! What's wrong with me?!' I huffed, running my hand down my face and eventually dropping it to my side. 'Why am I even so uneasy about this? It's still her. She just... Has a last name now. And she's an Artemus. And she's basically my fiance... And- Okay you know what, no!' I slammed my fists onto the table. 'I don't care! I've known her for seven, seven years! Her last name doesn't define who she is! She's nothing like her father, I know it!'

'Who's nothing like her father?' Someone asked and a caramel haired woman popped her head around the corner, making me jump slightly.

'Huh? Ashley?! How did you know what I was thinking?'

'You were voicing your thoughts again sweety.'

'Oh...'

Ashley snickered as she walked into the room and sat herself opposite me, resting her chin on her palms and staring at me with her purpley blue eyes. 'You still haven't answered my question by the way.'

'Maybe I don't want to.' I state blankly, leaning back in my chair and crossing my arms.

'Pleeeeeeease!!!'

'Oh for crying out loud, you spend far too much time with Meg, Lils and Rose!' I groaned. 'It's painful!'

'Trust me honey, I've been through labour. Nothing's more painful than that.'

'Really? Try being squeezed to death and thrown into the ground by a giant jellyfish monster.'

We both chuckled, rolling our eyes in the process. Ashley was like a big sister to everyone in the Aether Foundation, just like how Plumeria's the big sister in Team Skull. She takes care of everyone, and always has time to joke with them. Honestly it's no mystery on how Matthew fell in love with her. She's the full package.

'Seriously though what's the matter?' She asked, giving me a thoughtful pout 'I mean I get you're edgy, but arguing with yourself out loud is a little... oh what's the word...?'

'Strange?'

'Yep.'

I frowned 'I just have a lot on my mind right now, which along with leading an entire Foundation is starting to take a toll on me.'

'Is it something to do with what happened with you Megan, Liz and Matt?'

My eyes widened as I stared at her in disbelief 'Matt told you?!'

Ashley laughed lightly and rolled her eyes 'He's my fiance. There's nothing he can hide from me that I won't find out about eventually.' Her face fell once again 'And I saw the bite marks on Megs and Liz.'

Of course she would've seen those...

My shoulders tensed as pictures of the fight entered my memory. It had left Megan shaking and whimpering in pain that night. I doubt Lizzy would've acted any differently. 'Did... he tell you about--'

'The transformations? Yes. In fact I've known for some time now. Matt just told me to keep my mouth shut about it, that's all.'

I frowned, looking to the side. 'I see...'

'Gladion?'

'Hmm?'

'I know things aren't great with you and Megs right now. And I also know you don't really like talking about that kind of stuff. But, if you're willing to talk to me about it, I might be able to help.'

I have her a side glance, raising an eyebrow. 'What are you, a therapist?'

'No but my mom is, and I picked some stuff up from her.' She stated proudly.

'Right, I forget...' I rolled my eyes, before sighing 'Fine...'

She grinned. 'So, when did it start?'

(Meanwhile)

'Are you sure you want to do this?' a redheaded woman asked as she and a man with caramel hair trailed behind their boss. He grunted in response.

'I need answers. And I want them from her.'

'We understand that, sir,' the caramel haired male frowned 'but don't you think you're overworking her a bi-' The large man glared at him from over his shoulder, making him stop immediately. 'I'm sorry. I stepped out of line.'

'Correct.' the man boomed 'Next time think before questioning me. Remember your place, Leo.'

'Yes sir.'

Soon the three continued down the corridor, until they were met with a large steel door. The man smirked before nodding to the woman, who stepped forward and placed her hand on a scanner. The door opened, letting the three inside. The room was dark, with only the light from behind them allowing them to see their surroundings. Their eyes immediately locked onto a figure in the middle of the room. A woman, in her early forties was crouched down and staring up at them in fear. She had short black hair that fell just to her neck, dull green eyes with dark circles under them and slightly wrinkled skin. Her clothes were too large for her frame, even if she wasn't bony. And finally she had a collar around her neck which prevented her escape with a chain, which was attached to the floor. She stared up at the leader in fear and sadness. He smirked.

'Greetings, my dear wife.'