Cloud smiled as Weepinbell and Wooper led the way to the next location. The professor had told them that the two teams were messing with a lab, so someone had to clear them out. Oat and Bone were running to catch up to the silent kid.

While inside, the Elite Four Member Wilson helped them out, though Cloud was clearing through members faster than the Elite could keep up. Oat finally managed to join a fight, bringing Cloud into the conversation.

"Is everyone alright?" Bone nodded as she finished wrapping her forearm. Oat grinned.

"All good, Mr. Wilson." He nodded before turning to Cloud, who was heading outside. He did manage to whisper something that Oat didn't catch.

"What was that?" Bone was the one to ask. Cloud said nothing as he left, Wooper at his feet. Wilson was silent until the door shut. "What did he say?"

"Nothing. Nothing important, anyways. Come on." Oat frowned as they followed the elite out. That was another person acting weird around Cloud. First with what happened with the Champion, now this. What was going on?

~~~

Oat managed to catch up to Cloud as struggled to get a small stove to work so he could heat up some soup. But he looked frustrated as it didn't work.

"Need help?" Cloud nodded as he bit his lip. Gently, Oat pulled the fuel source out. "Here's the problem. It's not open." Cloud blinked as Oat opened it and put it back. That fixed the problem as the stove lit up. Cloud smiled as he put the small pot on the flames to start warming the soup. "Can I ask something?" The silent boy nodded as he gently stirred the soup. "What did you say to Wilson?" He paused as he thought about it. Oat didn't expect honesty since Wilson had obviously lied.

"Told him he needed to speed up if he wanted to show he was an elite." Oat chuckled as Cloud smiled mischievously. He knew that wasn't true, but it lined up with what Wilson said.