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Chapter 75 - Women And Woes

"S-Say what now?" he asked, blinking in surprise as the girls kept their heads down, bowing together. "We say we're sorry. We fight too much, not let you enjoy cruise." Serenity replied. "She's right. You've spent the whole time planning activities for us to enjoy together and all we've done is our best to ruin those plans. Because of our problems with one another you've spent your time separating us, lecturing us... We've even had that Chief Smith human get involved as well. We've been a disgrace to you, especially myself." Alicia added. "I didn't help by making you do something you were afraid to do. And the way I did it caused them to get even more upset too. I should have left you alone and let you relax the other night instead of pushing you to do that stuff, especially by taking advantage of them fighting one another." Rose sulked. "We fight whole time, turn down what you want to do, eating with humans I mean. And you say we might hurt you by fighting one day, but we already hurt you. I already hurt you... Make fall down stairs." Serenity said, poking her fingers. "If forgive, promise no more for rest of trip. We be good." she continued. "Quite. I think that's doable if you'll give us the chance. The least we could do is act presentable until this little journey is over. Our... Issues... With one another can be put aside at least that long." Alicia added with a nod, glancing at Serenity and getting a glance back, the two begrudgingly nodding at one another before facing away with their arms crossed. "I won't cause anymore trouble either. I promise not to bug you for that kind of attention again." Rose nodded. Looking at the three, he rubbed the back of his head nervously, letting out a sigh as they faced him. "Look girls, it was wrong of me to go off on y...!!" he paused, his eyes going wide as Serenity put a finger over his mouth and shook her head. "You not owe any apology. You do lots for us. Don't try to say sorry when you do nothing wrong." she told him, backing away as the girls nodded. "Quite right. You're prone to your apologetic nature. But there's no need this time. We've said our piece, you needn't respond as though you're at fault." Alicia affirmed with her hand up and shaking her head. "They're right. Let us admit our mistakes. We owe you." Rose smiled. "B-but you didn't make any mistake. As far as last night goes I was glad that happened. Nervous, but glad." he replied causing Rose to jolt and blush with a shy smile.

"I'm glad about everything we've done together. The normal stuff and the..." he paused, looking around. "Private stuff." he muttered before clearing his throat. "You don't need to regret anything like that Rose, and neither do you two." he told the group, looking at them all before facing out the entrance and watching the people and Pokemon strolling past again. "I just wanna be able to look like all these other people for a change. No drama, no fighting. I know you've got your reasons, and I don't want to force you into acting like the best of friends, but, being honest, I really would appreciate a break, just for a little while. You girls already do your best tolerating each other, I know that. But at the same time, I admit it would be nice if I could enjoy some real harmony between all of you." he sighed, turning back with a nervous smile. "If you really think you could pull off a trip without going at each other, I really would appreciate it." he told them, getting a nod from the girls in response. "You have vow!" Serenity said with a firm solute, hitting her chest with a stern look on her face. "Is that necessary?" Alicia asked, Serenity looking back with a scowl. "V-very well then. I too give my word." Alicia sighed, crossing her chest with her hand up. "You uh, you two aren't gonna get all pent up and suddenly, you know..." he paused, making an explosion motion with his hands with a "kaboom!" sound. "R-rest assured, all will be well." Alicia replied, looking at Serenity again. "Y-yeah, we be fine!" Serenity laughed nervously, looking back at Alicia "I-if you say so." he told the two before turning and leading them out of the spa. "Family drama, that's good stuff." a woman suddenly muttered, jumping out from behind a corner in a robe and shades, followed by two men in a towel revealing themselves as the news crew from the city. "I can't believe they STILL wanted us to follow this guy! I thought we'd be done with him!" one of the men groaned. "Hey, it's a free trip so I'm not complaining. Apparently our bosses see him as worth documenting now." the other shrugged. "Gotta admit, that footage of his performance was good too, especially the way everyone on the ship reacted. I'm kinda glad we get to tag along and record them, you always get some surprising stuff when it comes to that guy. We might find ourselves preserved in history for getting all this captured too if he lives up to expectations." the reporter smirked, patting the camera. "Pardon me, but instead of documenting, don't you mean stalking? I don't think you've obtained permission from those in question to do this, otherwise you wouldn't be hiding." the receptionist said with a nervous laugh causing the group to jump in surprise, blinking at her in silence for a moment before bowing together and running off. "Ahh, ha ha. Disturbing group." the receptionist muttered with a wave as they ran through the corridor causing people to scream due to their lack of clothing.

"Wh-what's that?!" Chris jumped, looking back at the crowd only for the news crew to zip past sending him into a spiral and thudding to the floor with a groan, the girls shouting his name and helping him back up. "Sorry!!" the crew shout back with their shades on. "Wh-who?" Chris muttered, rubbing his head before picking up his bag and staff. "I get them." Serenity growled, only for Chris to quickly grab her shoulder. "I-it's fine! Some people are like that on a vacation." he laughed nervously. "That was still rather rude. There's no need to rush into another when there's so much space around you." Alicia added, shaking her head with a sigh. "You didn't hurt your back did you?" Rose asked, causing him to slump. "Ahh, ha ha. No, my backs fine, but uh, mind not asking me that too often? It makes me... Uncomfortable, like I'm old or something." he told her with a nervous smile. "S-sorry!! Didn't mean to make you feel bad!" she panicked, shaking her hands as he chuckled and rubbed her head. "Forget about it, lets just move on." he replied, leading them along the corridor. "Lets see, what to do next." he muttered, looking around before jolting and looking over his shoulders. "Woops." he said, looking around and finding Alicia walking behind them. "Wh-what is it?" she asked, freezing and taking a step back as he walked up, suddenly lifting her and laying the snake across his shoulders. "Queens shouldn't walk behind people, they're supposed to be above everyone else right?" he smiled, Alicia blinking at him before looking around and nodding with a smirk. "Q-quite right!" she agreed. "Actually, before we do anything else I should probably give Gerald and the others a call. It'd be nice to talk with them for a bit, plus they'd love to see you girls again too I bet!" he grinned, the group looking at one another and shrugging before watching Chris curiously as he rummaged through his bag and took out the Pokedex. "U-umm, can I make a call?" he asked the device, causing it to flash and flip open. "Do you always have to speak with it? Seems a tad awkward talking to a... Thing." Alicia asked. "Is it alive?" Rose asked, tilting her head curiously.

"Ahh, ha ha. Well, not really. It just has all this stuff inside people made so it can understand you and do certain things. It isn't alive really, but it's smart and kind of has a mind!" he explained. "So that mean it alive? If have mind, have to be living. If have mind, have heart?" Serenity asked, raising an eyebrow and taking the device. "Do you love Chris?" she asked, the Pokedex flashing in response as he smiled nervously. "Processing... Love, a strong affection for another. A feeling of strong personal attachment. The unselfish, loyal, and benevolent concern for the good of another. This Pokedex database shows it's registered owner has programmed the term "love" into its records for Serenity the Gardevoir, Alicia the Servine, and Rose the Lopunny, three Pokemon of which have been re-classified as his family." it replied, causing Chris to jolt and flush brightly, facing away from the girls with a groan as they looked at him and grinned. "What records of us say?" Serenity asked, putting an arm over his shoulder with a smirk. "Processing... Record found. Serenity the Gardevoir! She's the first girl that ever had an interest in me!" the Pokedex replied in an excited tone causing Chris to groan again and hide his face with his hand, the girls blinking in surprise before laughing in response. "She sure was cute when I found her! It was adorable having her on my shoulders patting my head and singing wherever we went, her voice was so adorable. She would always sneak into my sleeping bag and snuggle against me when we camped out too. It made me happy to have a girl like me so much." it continued, causing Serenity to blush in embarrassment herself. "I wanna hear you sing!" Rose giggled, Alicia rolling her eyes and shaking her head as the Pokedex flashed again. "Problem is, since she evolved I have a hard time being around her now. I was always bad with girls, especially really pretty ones. She might have been cute at first, but now I always feel so nervous being around her. She always wants affection but every time she gets close to me I feel like my heart could burst! If she wasn't so pretty I wouldn't have such a hard time..." the Pokedex revealed in a hushed tone as if muttering at the end, Serenity looking at him wide eyed and flushing all the more. "Although she can be a handful at times, and I might come off as mean and make her feel sad for avoiding her like I do, I really do love her, more than she'll ever know. Some people think she's scary because of her powers and attitude, but I think she's the best! There isn't a girl alive as strong as her! And she always does her best to keep me safe, even if she is a little OVERprotective... But matter what other people think, she's the only girl I'd ever trust with my life, well, except for the others of course!" it finished, Serenity smiling from ear to ear as he groaned again.

"Processing... Record found. Alicia the Servine!" it chirped causing the snake to jolt and look at the device. "Th-that's enough!!" Chris panicked, reaching out only for Alicia to snap her vines around his hand and pull it away. "No no, lets hear it!" the snake grinned as Serenity held up the device. "Oh man, it's hard describing her..." the Pokedex began in a dull voice causing the snake to slump and scowl at Chris while Serenity snickered. "To start, she's probably the noblest girl I'll ever know. She's real fancy, all refined and everything. It gives her this glow that makes you feel like you're in front of royalty. That's why I like calling her a queen sometimes, but there isn't a queen in the whole world that could ever be half as great as she is!" it added causing the snake to smile slightly and face away with a blush of her own. "I definitely didn't think I'd ever have a girl like her by my side, she's waaaaay outta my league. That's why I get kinda nervous around her all the time too." the Pokedex revealed. "Not only is she pretty, but she's smart to boot! I might know a few tools of the trade thanks to the elders, but when it comes to real smarts I could never have half the brains she does!" it continued, the Pokedex letting out an awkward "Ha Ha Ha" sound as if it were laughing at him as Chris walked up to the wall and leaned his forehead against it with another groan, the girls laughing as well while Alicia pat him on the head with an "aww" and a smirk as he sulked. "A lot of people are intimidated by her, but if they would just take the time to get to know her like I have they would see she's one of the sweetest and most sensitive girls you'd ever meet. She may have a good head on her shoulders, but her heart's where she shines the most in my opinion. You just have to chip away at the barriers around it is all. She's got a lot of love to give like any girl if you just give her the chance and put forth the effort to earn her respect! I'm definitely one lucky guy to have someone like her willing to trust and like an ordinary fella like me, that's for sure!" it finished, Alicia letting out a chuckle and holding her head up while brushing Chris's cheek with her tail. "You shameless flatterer. Good to hear you know your place! You just make sure you remember how lucky you are." she smirked, giving him a nudge against the cheek with her own as he grumbled.

"Processing... Record found! Rose the Lopunny!" the Pokedex announced causing Chris to jolt and slump all the more. "C-come on girls, that's enough! That stuff's supposed to be private! Haven't you ever heard of a diary?!" he lectured. "I-I don't really need to hear what it says. We can stop now." Rose replied with a nervous laugh, waving her hands as Chris walked up, about to take it back only for Serenity to push against his forehead. "Nope! We hear ours! Rose get to hear hers!" she grinned, handing the Pokedex to the rabbit before wrapping her arms around Chris with a giggle. "C-c-come on!! This is humiliating!!" he shout, Alicia snapping her vines around his mouth with a sly grin causing him to let out muffled shouts and struggle against the two as the Pokedex flashed once more. "She's really something! The sweetest girl I've ever met, I know that much! She's always so nice to others and does her best to avoid trouble. She's so gentle and warm... If she were any more pure I'd think she was an angel!" the Pokedex said in a tender tone causing Rose to smile from ear to ear and giggle, Serenity and Alicia smiling and poking his cheeks as he remained flushed. "I really think if the people in the world were more like her, it would definitely be a better place. She's never selfish, and really does her best to make friends and enjoy life." it continued as Rose looked up at him. "You'd never believe me if I told you under all that softness there was a girl with the heart of an Entei though! There's definitely a fierce fire deep inside her, and when it bursts out you better be ready! They say when an Entei roars, a volcano erupts, and the one time I saw her fight, I tell ya I think I felt the whole world tremble! In fact, I bet she'd put an Entei to shame!" the Pokedex shout excitedly causing Rose to squeal and turn away from him embarrassed. "I tell ya, you couldn't find a more amazing girl in the world to be your friend. That's the honest truth..." it finished, finally going silent before shutting with a beep.

"Ahh maaaan." Chris muttered, the girls finally releasing him as he looked around at the people surrounding who'd listened in, grinning and murmuring among one another while snickering and giggling. "S-see what you girls did? You let everyone in on private stuff!" he lectured, jolting when he heard sniffling and looked at Rose. "G-gah. I'm sorry, I'm not mad at you, no need for th...!!" he paused, cut off as Rose suddenly faced him with a wide smile and tears in her eyes. "I... I..." she stuttered, wiping her eyes as Serenity and Alicia grinned. "We love you!!" they shout together, Serenity and Rose jumping on him and wrapping their arms around his body. "N-n-n-not here!! Not here, not here!!" he panicked, stumbling about only to fall backwards causing Alicia to jump away onto a nearby potted tree with a frustrated "hey!!" and a scowl. "G-g-girls!! Off, off!! Public, public!!" he flailed as they cuddled him all over, both trying to kiss him as he tried his best to push their faces back. Looking around, he saw the Pokedex on the floor and snatched it up, crawling his way out from under the two before snatching his bag and staff as well and running off. "Y-y-you girls are cruel!! That stuff was private!! If you'd of given me the chance to speak I'd of just asked you to wait until we were alone!!" he shout, looking back with a flush on his face before disappearing as the two sat up and faced one another with a grin while Alicia slithered out of the tree and up to the two. "Oh bravo, your clingy little display just put us on a wild goose chase. You realize it's gonna take forever to find him right?" the snake lectured, crossing her arms as the two stood. "Oh you be quiet! You know you like it just as much! It worth it!" Serenity giggled. "I love that human so much. He so adorable." she added, swooning with a sigh while Rose poked her fingers with a shy smile. "That did make me happy. Finding out what he thinks about us on that, uh, Poke-thing?" she admit, looking in the direction he ran off. "B-but Alicia's right. It's gonna be hard to find him in such a big place, and with so many h..." she paused, looking around and suddenly jumping behind Serenity, clutching her tightly. "H-humans. L-lots of them." she muttered, Serenity looking down at her before looking around as well. "Ehh, who care? Not let them bother you." she shrugged, nudging the rabbit out from behind her. "Come on, lets go find!" she grinned, Alicia slithering atop her shoulders as she and Rose walked along.

Optional track to LWR - Listen While Reading - Tea With Victoria https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-u3CnTMTb1w

Heading into the lobby of the Grand Staircase, Chris let out a sigh of relief and leaned against the wall, looking at his Pokedex with a scowl. "You loudmouth!! I gotta figure out how to make it so stuff can't get out like that." he grumbled, looking around the lobby as people gathered and strolled about. "Oh! Hello there darling!" he heard a woman call out, finding Victoria sitting in one of the chairs with a robe of her own on. "Great minds really do think alike. I came here to relax myself. Care to sit for a spell?" she asked with a smile, pointing out the chair across from her. "Y-yeah, sure." he nodded, accepting the offer and sitting with her. "My, you sure darted in here in a hurry, is something the matter?" she asked, picking up a cup of tea from the table and motioning for him to help himself. "N-not really. The girls just embarrassed me is all in front of half the people on this deck." he replied with a scowl, pouring himself a cup and taking a sip. "Young ladies do enjoy teasing their men folk. Try not to be too hard on them dearie. It's all a part of love and youth. I was quite the tease myself when I was young! It was always such a joy to see my darling all flustered and embarrassed. Even long after we wed he was as easy to get a reaction out of as the day we met. We loved each other so..." she smiled, causing him to blush slightly and glance away. "Oh come now, you're not telling me an old woman such as myself makes you shy?" she asked with a giggle, causing him to jolt and smile nervously. "S-sorry. You remind me of the girls in a way is all. Plus you've got a nice smile too." he replied, taking another sip of his tea as Victoria blinked at him in surprise and laughed. "My my, a young man complimenting me at my age, aren't you precious?" she nodded, giving her thanks as he sat back with a sigh. "I gotta admit though, sometimes they can be a handful, kinda like now. They had my Pokedex reveal some stuff I said about them, about feelings and all, what I think about em'. It wouldn't have been so bad if it wasn't right in front of so many people." he scowled again, drinking more of his tea while Victoria looked in her cup with a nostalgic smile.

"A young lady likes for the man in her life to show his affection. A woman at any age does really. You seem to be a lot like how my husband was, so my guess is you don't have too easy a time doing such a thing in public?" she asked, causing him to blush again slightly and scratch his cheek with a nod. "When a man is willing to show his love for a lady in private, that's one thing. But for a man to stand tall and proud in the open by her side, able to fawn over her before others and let her know how treasured she is in the presence of your fellow men and women, that's something that can really make you feel like the jewel of all jewels." she sighed with a giggle. "Granted not ALL women are this way however. Some are just as embarrassed to be fawned over in public as the gentleman doing the fawning. Nonetheless, a little gift now and then, words of earnest affection, these things are important. They build confidence, provide reassurance. You must always remember, no matter how it may make you feel, to let a lady now she's loved in the open as much as when alone, at least from time to time. Her heart must always come before your insecurities dearie." she affirmed. "My guess is, deep down, this is why they wanted to hear what your Pokedex had to say about them in front of others. They were happy afterwards, no?" she asked as he finished his cup. "Y-yeah, they were. Still, can't help being embarrassed. Guess maybe it's frustrating because, well, it's like you said. I should do that stuff, not have something else talk for me. Even if it was repeating my own writing. It wasn't fair is all." he scowled, looking at the device before tucking it in his pocket as a waiter walked up and refilled their cups and kettle, the two nodding in response. "Don't you worry, it'll get easier as time goes on. For some men it takes longer to express themselves, but I believe men like that are truly special." she giggled as he tilt his head. "Guys who can't express themselves? Special?" he asked in surprise, getting a nod in response. "So long as it's a man who's pure of heart and tender in nature. Men like you and my husband are worth holding onto the most in my opinion, because when you do finally show your affection, it's an extraordinarily potent experience for the woman because of how rarely it occurs. Have you ever heard the saying all things in moderation?" she asked, Chris sitting up and nodding in response. "When a man constantly fawns over a lady, it can grow tiring. Too much love can be just as damaging as too little. That's how I see it." she explained, sipping her tea as Chris laughed nervously.

"Heh, yeah... I know how that whole tiring thing works. They're all over me constantly." he replied while rubbing the back of his neck with a smirk. "You're in a relationship where they provide too much while you provide too little. Because of this however, your extremes balance you out, just like a scale of sorts. Throughout your life, you'll learn how to change this situation without tipping the scale too far in a single direction. You just have to let time work its magic and do your best along the way until then. It's as I've said, when it comes to men like you a little affection now and then goes a long way." she assured with another nod and a smile. Looking at Victoria silently for a moment, he nodded in response and smiled himself. "You're right you know. Just today I made this small kimono kinda robe for Alicia, she's the Servine you saw that usually stays on my shoulders. A-anyways, she wouldn't stop fawning over it the whole time she had it on! Then there was this time with Rose, right after we had a gym battle back in Millennium City." he began, cut off when Victoria made an "I saw that on TV!" comment. "Ha ha, yeah. She thought I was gonna punish her for passing out during the match, her last trainer was pretty bad. But when I put my hand on her head and told her how awesome she was, I tell ya you've never seen a Pokemon with a happier look on her face!" he laughed. "Oh oh!! Then with Serenity..." he went on, going over various favorite memories with Victoria. Eventually, the girls finally made their way into the lobby as well, the three continuing to look around for him with worn out expressions. "We go in every place on floor! He not here!" Serenity groaned. "Decks, they're called decks here." Alicia reminded. "Perhaps he's returned to our room? Or he could be anywhere on the other decks, in which case... Oh my." the snake sighed. "Umm... There he is." Rose pointed out, tugging Serenity's skirt with a nervous laugh as the others looked, watching as he chat with Victoria and letting out sighs of relief. Noticing the girls walking up, Victoria remained silent and continued smiling while listening to Chris. "Yeah, they're swell alright. I admit it's not easy showing and telling them how I feel, but it's just like you said! Whenever I can muster up the guts to do it they really seem to appreciate it a lot... I tell ya, I wouldn't give those girls up for anything, they're the best family a guy could ever hope for! They might wear me out, but it's totally worth it having them sticking by such a regular guy like me." he grinned, giving Victoria a thumbs up.

"But uh, sorry if it's made you uncomfortable at all. I know humans and Pokemon being together can be kind of an awkward topic." he laughed nervously, Victoria shaking her head in response. "Not at all. When it comes to love there are no borders, only bigots dearie. You might not believe me, but relationships with Pokemon aren't all that uncommon in the present day as they once were. There are some who even marry them!" she smiled, the girls jolting and blushing in response as they stood behind Chris listening in, looking at one another. "M-Marriage?!" he asked in surprise. "Indeed! Go to the right places in the world and you'll come to find Pokemon have taken on the roles of husbands and wives for humans. It's not a widely discussed thing however, and I'll admit it's still a debated topic, but it does exist nowadays nonetheless. While relationships are becoming more and more common, marriage itself remains rare... These arrangements revolve around Pokemon that resemble humans and can communicate with us though, one's with a level of intelligence similar to or greater than our own, but that's not to say other Pokemon aren't marriageable I suppose... It all depends. Special circumstances and whatnot." she explained. "So people can actually marry them huh? Well, maybe someday..." he replied, scratching his cheek shyly as the girls flushed all the more. "Problem is, that would mean picking one. I couldn't do that to them though." he laughed nervously, waving his hand against the idea. "That all depends on you and them. Perhaps a single option won't have to be the only option in the end. That's not an unheard of arrangement either. But that WOULD make you a bit of a deviant however." Victoria smirked. "Wa-wa-huh?! Hey!!" he shout, causing Victoria to laugh as he blushed and scowled. "Do forgive me, I couldn't resist. You are a precious man indeed." she giggled, taking a deep breath and sighing. "Goodness me, I meant to relax yet here I am chatting and laughing away. I feel more tuckered out now than I was before." she added, picking up her tea and having another sip. "O-oh! S-sorry about that! I didn't mean...!!" he panicked, only for Victoria to put a hand up and shake her head. "I didn't say I haven't enjoyed it dearie. Truthfully it's been a pleasure! I just think we've kept those girls behind you waiting long enough." she smirked, raising an eyebrow and pointing them out causing Chris to jolt before freezing up and stiffly turning around, seeing all three smiling and waving in response. "They've been there for a short while now. They seemed to like the idea of marrying you though!" Victoria nodded as the three faced away from him shyly, Chris flushing and waving at them with a nervous laugh.

"You'd best be on your way now young man. Although I've enjoyed your company, it's not polite to keep others waiting!" she affirmed, Serenity reaching out and grabbing his arm with a grin before pulling him against her side, Rose shyly holding his other hand with a smile while Alicia rest along his shoulders and gave his cheek another nudge with her own. "Y-yeah. A-alright." he nodded nervously, bowing to Victoria. "Th-thanks for the company!" he told her, getting a wave in response. "You take care and enjoy yourselves. Sorry we can't talk longer but I am a tad fatigued. It doesn't take much these days." she smiled. With another bow from Chris, this time the girls joined in as well before saying their farewells and heading for the stairs. "S-she's real nice." Chris muttered, looking back as Victoria let out another sigh before groaning and rubbing her shoulder. Motioning for the girls to wait, he whispered into Serenity's ear, causing her to blink at him before smiling with a nod, Rose and Alicia looking at one another confused as he put the snake on the floor. "One sec girls, be right back!" he smiled before motioning for Serenity to follow. Quietly walking up behind Victoria, Serenity put a hand on her head causing Victoria to jolt before suddenly going limp, Chris catching her cup as her arm dangled beside the chair. "Whoo, close one." he sighed, putting the cup on the table before turning towards the elderly woman, now in a deep sleep. "Good job Serenity." he smiled with a thumbs up as she pulled her hand away with a nod. "She sleep good now. Not feel pain for while." she assured with a thumbs up of her own. Looking around, he motioned for several crew members to come over and requested pillows and a blanket, getting a nod before they hurried off. "It's the least we could do. Getting to meet her and Sally has been pretty cool." he chuckled as Alicia and Rose walked up. "I told you we'd be right back!" he smiled nervously as they looked at Victoria curiously. "I had Serenity put her to sleep and numb her up a bit. It should do her at least a little bit of good." he nodded as the crew returned. Lifting her legs, he had the crew pull up a stool to prop them on, placing one of the pillows on it before resting her feet. "Alright, now we just need..." he muttered, having a pillow placed under each of her arms. "Theeeere we go. Elders can get sores on their bodies while sleeping easily without the right padding. These chairs are pretty firm and the arms of it are thin." he explained before adjusting a pillow on her shoulder for her face to rest against as the girls watched, Chris and the crew working together to adjust a blanket over her and tuck around her slightly. "That should do it!" he grinned, backing away with a nod and thanking the crew before they went off to work elsewhere. "Sleep well Victoria..." he chuckled with another bow before motioning for the girls to follow.

As they went up the stairs, Chris looked up at the Pokeball on his staff with a smirk. "That brought back some good memories." he muttered, the girls tilting their heads curiously. "Ha ha, taking care of Victoria that is. I used to do that for the old man and the other elders from time to time. They'd doze off on their porches so I'd make sure they were comfortable if I was passing by." he explained. "Thanks again for doing that Serenity, I really appreciate it. I know she will too." he smiled while putting a hand on her shoulder. "No need thank! It easy.! I knock people out all the time!" she grinned causing him to jolt and laugh nervously. "R-right." he replied as she pat him on the back. "So what's the plan now?" Alicia asked, slithering her way over his shoulders once more. "And what was that about marriage while I'm asking questions?" she added, the girls looking at him as he sweat slightly. "U-uh, what to do next? W-well, I wanna go to the room for a sec to get dressed and all. Far as the ma-marriage stuff..." he paused, scratching his cheek shyly. "N-never know what the future holds." he replied, the three looking at one another. "Marry, that human way of choosing mate for life. See that on TV." Serenity point out. "Quite right, a few touching words, a kiss and what you call a ring, and that's it really. Save for the luxurious surroundings." Alicia shrugged. "They have biiiig cakes at weddings. Dancing and lots of people. Tons of tasty looking flowers..." Rose added, drooling slightly while Chris blushed. "Y-yeah, pretty much sums it up I guess." he muttered. "When you get married to someone, it means that person is worth more to you than life itself. The one you want to love and protect until the very end, who you'd do anything for to make sure their life is always as happy as possible. No matter their faults, you care for that person wholeheartedly and hold both the good and bad in them near and dear to your heart, the person you know you'd never change for anything." he smiled. "Then that make us married already!!" Serenity shout with a hug. "Wa-wa-woah there!" he jumped. "I feel that way, so can we be married too...?" Rose asked quietly while holding his hand again. "A-ahh, h-hold up. J-just caring isn't enough to say you're married!" he laughed. "That's correct. It takes a human ceremony, and quite an expensive on at that." Alicia added with a nod. "A very, very, VERY expensive one..." she grinned, raising an eyebrow at him causing Chris to gulp. "N-not that I've any interest in such ludicrous human rituals! That's just how it's PROPERLY done!" she clarified, clearing her throat and facing away with her nose up. "Y-you girls really are a trip." he smiled nervously as all three looked at one another and smiled as well.

"So... What think about marriage?" Serenity asked, leaning against his side as they reached the deck leading to their room and strolled through the corridors. "W-well, it's not that I'm against it or anything. I used to dream about that kinda thing when I was a teenager. Having a wife and all, being a dad..." he smiled, facing down with a sigh. "But then, when you're a guy like me, being a dad isn't really the best thing to think about. I dunno how well things would go considering the life I have. I'd be too afraid something would happen to my kid because of me. I mean, look at what you girls get dragged into!" he laughed nervously, the girls looking at one another before facing down silently. "But yeah, it definitely was a dream of mine back then. A nice home and all too... But this life is just as good." he nodded with a smile. "I've got you girls, Ninetails, plus countless friends now too. Even if one or two are a little odd. And I get to see all kinds of places." he added with a shrug. "I'll take what I can get out of life and be thankful for it." he affirmed as they reached their room and he rummaged for his card. "I'd still like to be a dad someday though, it'd be nice. Even if I'd be worried a lot... Nothing wrong with being a dotting dad though!" he admit with a chuckle before unlocking the door and heading in with the girls, sitting the bag in a corner along with his staff and lifting Alicia off his shoulders. "Heck of a day so far..." he sighed before letting himself fall back on the bed with Alicia in his arms. "Despite the problems and me losing my cool, you HAVE had a good time right?" he asked in concern. "Y-yes!! Lots of fun!! No worry!" Serenity assured, quickly waving her hands. "Yeah. I think it's been really fun too. Not every Pokemon gets treated so special." Rose nodded with a smile. "I agree, not bad at all." Alicia agreed. "But... You could release me you know." she added, blushing slightly as he laughed and moved his arms. "Sorry about that." he replied as she sat up on top of him. "As far as marriage and kids go though, lets just put that aside until it's the right time for that kinda stuff, alright? For the time being our focus is on getting closer to one another and enjoying our journey. Agreed?" he asked, the girls nodding in response. "Alright then, I'm gonna get some clothes on right quick then we can head back outside again. I'd like to head up to the bridge and ask the Captain for a little favor before we do anything else." he smirked while standing with a stretch and getting another set of clothes out from the drawers before heading into the bathroom.

"Aww, he want babies too!" Serenity giggled, sitting next to Alicia on the bed with a plop causing her to bounce in the air. "W-watch it!" she snapped as Rose jumped up and plopped down on the other side of the snake sending her in the air again and onto the rabbits head with an "oomph!" and a grumble. "I wouldn't mind having them either..." she smiled shyly while poking her fingers. "You two are hopeless." Alicia scowled while jumping off Rose and sitting between them. "Oh hush! You know you want babies too!" Serenity grinned, nudging the snakes side causing her to flush. "Sh-shut up!! I want no such thing!! Certainly not with an oaf like him!!" she snapped, crossing her arms in irritation. "Uh huh. Sure." Serenity smirked, the snake growling in response while Rose laughed nervously. "N-now now, lets not start anything. Remember the promise?" she reminded causing the two to jolt and sigh. "Yes, not cause trouble. I know." Serenity nodded. "Bah. I'm just not the motherly type. It doesn't suit me is all." Alicia added, waving her hand. "W-well, you don't know for sure unless you have them." Rose pointed out. "And I don't intend to!! Quit pestering!!" Alicia snapped with another blush on her face causing the rabbit to jump and back away with a nervous laugh. "Ahh, much better." Chris sighed, drying his hair with a towel while walking up to the mirror. "I just washed my head right quick is all. I'll take an actual bath later. You girls should probably get the chlorine off too at least a little bit before heading out." he told them while combing his hair, the three looking at one another confused. "Ah, right. You don't know what that, uhh..." he smiled nervously as they tilt their heads. "Chlorine is what people put in pools to keep the water clean and clear. Did you girls notice how the water smelled?" he asked, the three thinking for a moment and nodding. "Water did smell funny. Smell strong." Serenity replied while fanning her nose. "It kinda burns if you get too much in your nose and eyes too. Tastes sour." Rose added. "Yep, that's the chlorine and all. It's safe to swim in of course but it's still best to take a bath after being in it." he smiled while putting his comb away and donning his coat. "You girls go ahead and wash up some. When you're done, meet me at the bridge. I'd kinda like to go alone for a bit anyways." he told them as he took his staff and went towards the door. "And remember..." he paused, looking back with a smirk causing them to jolt and freeze in the middle of heading for the bathroom. "You made me a promise. You get along! This is a chance to earn my trust in letting you girls be on your own!" he grinned causing Serenity and Alicia to glance at one another while Rose nodded with a wave. "Alright then. You behave and meet me when you're ready. You'll probably find me on the balcony by the time you arrive." he added with a thumbs up before heading out the door.

"Alright then... Lets see if the Captain has some spare time on his hands!" Chris grinned while heading for the lobby. "Only problem's gonna be talking the right way about this... If I don't watch myself it might just make him angry." he laughed nervously while making his way towards the staircase and looking at the cherub. "H-hey there. Sorry about all the trouble I've caused, running into you and stuff. Falling all over you." he laughed nervously. "Oh, don't worry about it. I'm not upset in the least!" he heard a voice respond causing him to jolt and turn slightly pale. "D-did you say something?" he asked, reaching out to touch it with his finger. "I said don't worry. I'm not mad!" he heard a voice respond again causing him to shout in surprise and stumble back only to wind up in a chair. "A-ah? I'm safe?" he muttered, looking at someones arms on the chair by his sides with wheels attached before noticing he was in someones lap. "In fact I think I'm getting used to it." he heard the voice laugh causing him to shoot up, quickly turning and seeing Sally waving with a smile while he blinked at her for a moment before bowing. "I-I'm sorry!! Er... Again..." he groaned as she giggled and shook her head. "It's alright. I thought you were speaking to me. Was I mistaken?" she asked as he raised up and glanced back at the Cherub before smiling nervously and waving his hand. "N-nope! I was talking to you alright!" he replied out of embarrassment. "I just wish we'd stop meeting like this! I'm gonna wind up running into people by habit!" he laughed. "It's quite alright, I like running into you, or, having you run into me that is." she nodded. "I just came up the elevator myself. Grandmother said she would be at the spa but I found her sound asleep in the lobby on the lower deck. I tried to wake her but she's so out of it I thought it best to leave her be. She rarely sleeps so well." Sally explained. "I was just on my way back to our room when I spotted you. I suppose I really should avoid wheeling up behind people. You're surprisingly light for a man though!" she giggled causing Chris to laugh embarrassed. "Y-yeah, I don't really weigh the most in the world. I'm not skin and bones but I'm definitely not the bulky type." he replied as she waved a hand. "Nothing to worry about. We're all built differently. I'm not a bigot." she smiled as he looked at her with a sense of deja vu in his mind. "You and her really are alike." he chuckled causing Sally to tilt her head curiously. "Who exactly?" she asked, causing him to jolt and scratch his cheek nervously. "Probably shouldn't let her know about our conversation since I basically knocked out her old lady." he thought to himself before clearing his throat and shaking his head. "N-nobody in particular. Just an old friend." he nodded while looking up the stairs. "Anyways, should probably get goin' to the bridge. I wanted to meet the Captain before the girls caught up." he told her while looking towards the corridor to make sure they weren't on their way already. "Not a problem. I'll see you later then." she smiled with a wave before heading towards her room, Chris waving in response before making his way up the stairs.

Once on the upper deck, Chris took in a deep breath of air and looked around, stretching his arms with a sigh before walking along. "Being with them for so long and surrounded by people back in the city, you forget what it's like to just spend time by yourself like this." he thought while looking out at the horizon. Walking past one of the waiters, he took a few tiny sandwiches to snack on along the way to the bridge, humming to himself while looking around at all of the people and Pokemon roaming about. "Hard to believe a Captain is in charge of so many people on top of an entire ship. Talk about pressure." he muttered. Walking along near the railing, he was about to put one of the sandwiches he'd taken in his mouth only to find it shot out of his hand in a split second by a tiny pellet of water, sending it flying in the air above him before the Captains Dragonair shot over the side of the ship and caught it in its mouth, landing in front of him with a thud that made the deck around him tremble slightly as it munched away while watching him. "H-ha ha. H-hey there." he waved nervously as it finished and swallowed, tilting its head curiously before giving him a slight bow in response. Giving the Pokemon a nod, he started walking past only for Dragonair to thrust its tail out in front of him, pulling him back and pointing at its mouth with the tip of its tail. "M-more? Am I really allowed or uh, supposed to do that?" he asked nervously causing it to scowl and poke him in the chest with its tail before pointing at its mouth once more. "A-alright, alright! Here you go." he smiled, tossing up another sandwich for it to catch before walking along again with the Dragonair following behind. "G-guess I spoke too soon about being alone." he muttered with a nervous smile, his back nudged against by Dragonairs snout wanting another sandwich. With a sigh, he looked back and tossed another in the air. "I hope they don't get too upset over me feeding you like this. I'm not sure what's okay and whats not." he told the hungry Pokemon as it watched him walk in silence. "Am I er, THAT interesting?" he laughed as it slithered up next to him and buried its face in his arm, munching away at the sandwiches cradled within. "Ha ha. Guess it's not me then." he smirked.

"Ooooy! Captain! Your Dragonair is pestering passengers!" Chief Smith shout from the bridges balcony causing Rostron to quickly walk out and look over the edge. "It's the same lad we've been running into. See her down there stealing his meal?" he point out causing Rostron to laugh nervously. "The girls never satisfied..." he muttered. "Shall we send crew to handle her?" he asked, motioning towards the others in the bridge only for Rostron to raise a hand. "No no, she's fine. Take a look." he point out, Smith raising an eyebrow as Chris walked along with Dragonair continuing to follow, now out of food as the Pokemon nudged him for attention. "G-geez. None left!" he laughed, rubbing Dragonair on the head and scratching under its chin causing the Pokemon to flap its ears and let out a satisfied coo-like purr. "Ha ha, that works on you too huh?" he smirked, continuing to scratch its chin causing Dragonair to flicker its tail excitedly like a rattle and show a dazed expression. "My my, he certainly has a way with Pokemon doesn't he?" Rostron smirked. "Hrmph. Even in your case all she does is pester for food before running off. First time I've seen her bother to stick around after the meal was gone." Smith shrugged. "Looks like he's on his way here. Wonder what the lad wants?" he added, watching alongside Rostron as Chris made his way towards the stairs leading to where they were. "You best get goin' now. I don't think they'd want you up here." he told Dragonair before heading up the steps leaving the Pokemon behind, watching his back for a moment before scowling and letting out a "hrmph!" like noise before heading towards the railing and returning to the sea. "Hope I'm not intruding at a bad time..." Chris muttered as he came up to the security on duty, showing his papers for approval before passing by and continuing his climb, letting them know his Pokemon would be on their way as well. Once he reached the balcony, Chris let out a sigh and looked around the ship. "One thing's for sure, the crew's gotta be in shape considering the exercise they get going up and down these things all day." he laughed nervously, looking back at all the stairs he climbed. "I'd like to think we get our fair share, yes." Smith replied causing Chris to jolt, finding both him and the Captain standing at the entrance to the bridge.

"Welcome back! Did you come here with a... Complaint by chance? I'm terribly sorry about my Dragonair, she usually never behaves that way towards passengers I assure you! I admit she's a bit of a glutton but shes never one to be rude! I honestly can't say what caused that behavior." he apologized only for Chris to laugh and wave his hand. "Nah, she's great in my opinion. A little greedy, but sweet. Being around the girls I'm used to that sort of stuff so no worries." he nodded. "I uh, actually came here to ask you for a favor. It's regarding something that's kinda against the rules." he smiled nervously causing Rostron and Smith to look at one another in concern before walking in front of the bridge along the balcony together. "You see, it's about those rails on the bow of the ship. I know it's an awkward thing to ask, but do you think you guys could let me use them in the morning? I'd like to do something special with the girls. We'd only be near them for a minute or two, honest!" he explained, rubbing the back of his head with a nervous laugh. "You... Want to use the bows railing? I fail to understand your intentions." Smith replied with a raised eyebrow. "W-well, see, I saw a bunch of people trying to get close to the railing earlier and a bunch of the crew was having to keep them away and all. I was hoping you guys might let us get close to them, just for a little bit in the morning. That way nobody else will be around so there wouldn't be any issues." he tried to explain, Rostron raising an eyebrow as well. "We don't allow passengers near the railing for their own safety lad. If you're not careful it's rather easy to fall overboard." he replied. "You want to walk up there in the morning and fool around near the railing of the ship? That's careless." Smith added in a serious tone. "R-rest assured we'd be careful! I'd never let anything bad happen! A-and it would honestly only be for a minute or two!" he explained, quickly waving his hands as the two raised an eyebrow again. "Well, personally I'm against it. We've rules for a reason lad. However..." Smith paused, rubbing his beard while glancing at Rostron. "It's the Captains call. I'll go with whatever he decides." he added before crossing his arms.

"How early are we talking exactly?" Rostron asked. "W-well, around sunrise. I'd like to give the girls a special view of it is all. I wanna take them to the tip of the bow there." he point out, the Captain remaining silent for a moment before looking back at Chris. "Very well, I'll permit it." he nodded. "HOWEVER, we'll keep watch on you to ensure nothing unforeseen occurs. You'll only have a short moment so make the most of it. I'll also need an exact time, that way we can slow the ship down a knot or two briefly just to be safe." he added. "Captain, slowing her down just for this? Why not just tell the lad no and be safe without needing such measures?" Smith complained. "Oh come now, a slight speed reduction won't delay us. In fact we're a tad ahead schedule so if anything it'll do us some good. You just said you'd go with my decision did you not?" Rostron asked, causing Smith to sigh and nod. "Aye sir. That I did. Very well then." he replied before stepping back as the two arranged a time for Chris and the girls to use the bow of the ship. Once everything was set, he and the Captain shook hands, making sure to shake Smiths hand as well and offer an apology for the trouble. "Never you mind lad. Just be thankful, and careful." Smith replied with a hand up before nodding and heading into the bridge with the Captain. Looking towards the horizon before the massive liner, he took a deep breath and let out a relieved sigh with a slump. "Now that's lucky." he muttered before rummaging in his pocket and taking out his pocket knife. "Since I'm alone, may as well go ahead and get this done too. Been meaning to but haven't had the chance." he added before chipping away at the end of his staff. Once he had it carved to his liking, he took the Mega Stone out of his pocket he received from Gerald just before leaving the city. "And now, in you go." he grunt, pushing it into the staff until it clicked in place same as the others. "Well alrighty then! Guess that's that." he smirked, trying to move the stone and nodding. "Nice and snug. You're in there for good." he thought to himself while putting his knife away. "I've got a Key Stone, and uh... Loppunite, right? I guess that makes this stone a... Gardite? Gardevite? Garderite maybe?" he muttered, only for a beeping noise to come from his pocket. "Gardevoirite! A Mega Stone used to evolve Gardevoir into its counterpart, Mega Gardevoir!" his Pokedex chirped. "S-seriously? You're just gonna talk when you want?" he grumbled as it beeped again and went silent. "I need to figure out how to program that thing right... At least now I know what it is and how to say it I guess." he sighed, shaking his head and touching the stone. "To think so many of these things are being scattered all over the place. Dug up by people, given away and all. Sold too... Probably without a second thought about the consequences." he grumbled. "Trading love like that, using someones heart for power, how immoral can people get?" he scowled while leaning against the railing, resting his cheek against his hand. "Still, at least these won't go to the wrong people I guess. And as long as they're in this staff the girls can't use em' either unless it's a life or death thing." he shrugged while enjoying the breeze and looking around. Eventually, one of the guards from downstairs tapped on his shoulder, motioning for the girls to come over to him before nodding and leaving them together. "You girls look good! Did you behave?" he asked, raising an eyebrow and getting a nod in response. "Ah huh... Did they Rose?" he asked, looking down at the rabbit causing her to jump and laugh nervously. "G-g-good as gold! Honest!" she replied. "Hey! Why you not believe us?!" Serenity shout in frustration. "Juuust double checking." he smirked, poking the irritated Pokemon on the nose before squatting down and letting Alicia slither along his arm and over his shoulders. "Check it out! I finally had the time to put the stone Gerald gave us in my staff!" he grinned, holding it out to show the girls, Serenity jolting and blushing as he held it out to her. "Yep, not comin' outta there." he nodded proudly while setting the staff down at his side. "I was also able to speak with the Captain and his Chief, got everything done while you girls were busy." he added. "What you get done?" Serenity asked, tilting her head curiously as the girls did the same. "Oh, nothing really. Just a tiiiiiny favor I got them to do is all. No worries." he chuckled while waving a hand.

Hearing this, Serenity and Alicia looked at one another before giving him a scowl. "Another surprise?" they asked simultaneously causing him to slump. "S-seriously? Come on, just give me a chance here." he replied. "I promise it's nothing like the hotel. I put a lot of work into that anyways, show more appreciation." he grumbled, crossing his arms causing the two Pokemon to sigh and pat him on the head together. "I-I said I'm not a dog!!" he shout, nudging their hands away and getting a laugh from both in response while Rose blinked at the group confused. "A-anyways, lets get going. I kinda feel like heading back to the shopping deck and seeing what other stuff we can find." he told the group before heading down the stairs. "Plus, since we're eating at one of the restaurants tonight we should pick one out while we're at it. The exercise should help us work up a big appetite, especially me since I let myself have more of those sandwich things a while ago." he laughed embarrassed. "Well, what ones I could eat anyways. The Captains Dragonair flew up on deck and took most of them. I guess she was cute though." he smirked, the girls jolting and looking at him. "You let strange female get close when we not around?" Serenity asked, raising an eyebrow with a scowl. "Oh come on, she just wanted to eat was all and get some attention. Turns out she's a lot like Alicia! She's got a real sweet spot under her chin." he chuckled causing the snake to scowl as well. "Touching an unknown woman so familiarly, dog." she grumbled. "H-hey!! I was just being nice! All we did was share some food. She followed me on the deck for a bit then went right back into the ocean. No big deal." he shrugged. "You girls aren't telling me you're jealous over something like that are you?" he asked, causing both Serenity and Alicia to face away with a slight blush and irritated looks. "Not jealous. Just not like you with stranger is all." Serenity muttered. "Correction, with a female stranger." he smirked causing her to stick out her tongue at him. Letting out a sigh, Chris shook his head and continued walking. "Seriously girls, don't worry about it. She just kept me company for a minute was all. Besides, it's not like I asked her to. She came to me being nudgy and all." he explained. "Homewrecker." Alicia replied with her nose up. "Hey! Uncalled for! You two gonna start misbehaving again?" he lectured, both Pokemon grumbling and facing down. "Seriously, you two should be more like..." he paused, looking down at Rose as she scowled at him as well. "O-oy, you too?" he asked as she faced away with a "hrmph!" in response. "N-nevermind. Nothing happened so forget about it. I was being nice, that's all." he added, waving a hand as they walked along the railing.

Looking over and into the ocean, Serenity saw Dragonair jumping out of the water every now and then before catching a glimpse of Serenity. "I not like you..." the jealous Pokemon scowled, pulling an eyelid down and sticking her tongue out at the Dragonair causing it to turn slightly red and growl before shooting a burst of water causing Serenity to stumble back and slip with a thud, shouting in irritation as Dragonair smirked and dove into the sea. "Well, she's gone." Alicia sighed, jumping on the railing and looking around before shaking her head while Chris smiled nervously and helped Serenity up. "Don't make faces at others, you never know how they'll respond. You asked for that one." he affirmed while getting a towel from a nearby waiter to dry Serenity off with. "Not like her at all! You stay away from her!" she ordered, jerking the towel away and handing it back to the waiter herself before pulling Chris away by the arm. "H-hey!! Easy!! It's not my fault!" he replied while trying to pull away, Alicia and Rose looking at one another and shaking their heads with a sigh before following as well.

"G-geez. You promise not to fight one another so you target someone else instead?" he groaned. "You not act all nicey nice with females when we not around!" Serenity snapped back, sticking out her tongue while continuing to pull him along. "O-oy, alright, alright! Sorry..." he sighed, shaking his head while following the jealous Pokemon along the deck.