All According to Plan+ Pt7Droplet: Shopper

Pacing back and forth out front of the Celadon City Game Corner, Jamie heart was beating a mile a minute. This was it. The whole reason she had originally gotten into the mess in the first place. Hard to believe this all happened because her moms needed a kid. For this occasion, she had gone with lavender sundress and a pair of peep-toe heels in a similar shade. While super duper cute, she would need to change into her regular grunt uniform for the picnic. Something that could be looked past for now.

“Ready to make the journey to Viridian City?” Lucia called out and Jamie perked up. Dressed in her mechanic overalls, the journey from Cerulean Cave to Celadon had cut into the time they had before heading off once more rather short.

Waiting a moment for Lucia to close the distance, she pulled her in for a kiss. Accepting the gesture, Lucia kissed her back. Breaking away, that was Mawile’s cue to run up and give her a hug. Knocking her bag back, it wasn’t enough to send it flying. Would suck it somehow did.

“We have a tiny bit of time. Do you think we do a bit of shopping at the department store?” Lucia inquired and Jamie turned red. They had thrown the possibility around the last time they had been together, but that was also very much under the idea of it being a full day thing. This would be a short excursion, cut off by way of the main event. Unless Lucia had some kind of ulterior motive for wanting to go into the department store.

“I would be willing to give that a shot.” Jamie answered as Hatterene appeared. Giving a wave, that was Mawile’s cue to run over to her companion. Giving their companion a hug, Hatterene lifted the deceiver pokemon up and did her best to give a hug as well. Afterwards, Mawile was set down.

“I messaged my parents, Doc and Delia earlier about whether they were meeting us here or we were meeting them in Viridian City.” Jamie explained and watched Lucia bring a hand to her chin. While she had the exact same conversation with her adopted mother, she had dodged the question for some reason. What exactly could that be about? No matter. She had a mission to accomplish. One that would require keeping Jamie in the dark here. While something she preferred not to do (this was her girlfriend, after all), it was necesa-

Before she could finish that thought, Jamie reached out for her hand. Letting her grab hold, Lucia gave her a squeeze. Feeling quite good, time was taken to motion for their pokemon to follow.

“So, how have you been?” Lucia inquired and Jamie’s face went red. Not helping matters was Mawile jumping on her back and climbing her way up. Coming to a stop, Jamie let her partner get comfortable. Once Mawile had, the deceiver pokemon took a seat.

“Quite well, actually. The prototypes for my food preservation techniques are just about ready for field testing. A shame that I can’t take one of the samples out and test it for myself.” Jamie explained and got a nod from her girlfriend. While they were still a long way off from sneaking into Galar and getting to the Crown Tundra, any advantage they could get was worth it. Within reason, of course. “How about you?”

Lucia chuckled.

“Some idiot managed to drag a magikarp sub all the way from the Orange Islands to the base.” Lucia explained and Jamie froze. She honestly wasn’t surprised. “Though, there aren’t any reports of agents being deployed in that area.”

Looking away, Jamie let out a sigh.

“That’s probably another one of my parents’ mechs.” Jamie answered as she shifted her attention in the direction of the Department Store. Quite a bright and colorful building, it was a far cry from the underground refuge that lay under their feet. Making their entrance, the couple was met with cream-colored walls with a triangular tiled floor. Said triangles were done up pale green, green and blue respectively. An odd combination, fitted well with the image that the department store was going for here.

“You know? I’m not that surprised.” Lucia answered as she squeezed Jamie’s hand. Jamie squeezed back, taking care to not accidentally drop Mawile in the process.

“Yeah. They chased me across the Orange Islands while I attempted to take on the Orange Islands League.” Jamie continued and cracked a smile. Hard to believe that was so long ago. It didn’t seem like that long ago she was dealing with the various wacky hijinks the islands had to offer. “Their hearts were in the right place, but their methods were a bit iffy.”

Lucia raised her free hand to her mouth, trying her best to hide her chuckling. Quite a bit harder than one would expect it to be, all things considered. Thankfully, reaching the entrance to their destination.

“Any floor in particular you want to go too?” Jamie inquired and Lucia brought her hand down. Shifting her focus to a nearby map, it was cycling through the various maps of the floors. How exactly this was supposed to help people with finding their way around this place was beyond them. Jamie and Lucia could look past that fact, though.

“The fourth floor.” Lucia answered and looked over to her girlfriend. Getting a nod, they made their way over to the elevator. Taking care to leave some room for any people who might be coming out, the walk over was rather short. Stopping right at the panel, Lucia pressed the ‘up’ button. Stepping off to the side, the couple’s gazes met.

“Anything interesting happening in Cerulean City?” Jamie whispered and Lucia let out a sigh. Reaching to her girlfriend’s hand, she grabbed hold. In turn, the scientist squeezed back.

“They’re having a funeral for that Daisy chick in a couple days.” Lucia answered and Jamie raised an eyebrow. While her knowledge on the sensational sisters was rusty (beyond the fact that Misty hated their guts), the gym leader didn’t seem like the sort to commit acts of murder. At least, not without probable cause. “The Jenny’s came down in Cerulean Cave, but didn’t come close to the base. Though, there’s also been claims she drowned herself in the hopes of pinning it on MIsty. Considering her reputation as of late, it’s possible.”

Jamie raised an eyebrow. While her girlfriend could be right there, it felt farfetched.

“I doubt it.” the scientist answered and felt Mawile shift her position. Taking a moment to get her thoughts in order, she decided on her theory. “It could’ve just as likely been whoever supplied her with those two eggs needing to get rid of her for whatever reason and Daisy was just in the way. Heck, that Araquanid of hers could be responsible. Who knows.”

Lucia rolled her eyes.

“Even with Giovanni’s death, there are still admins like Doc who can very much wreck anyone dumb enough too think that we are sitting ducks to be taken advantage of.” Lucia answered as the elevator doors opened up. Heading over, Jamie set Mawile at her side. As much as she wanted to keep the deceiver pokemon on her shoulder, the height of the elevator prevented that from being possible. Once they got to their destination, then Mawile could continue her shoulder ride. For now, her partner had settled for holding onto Hatterene's hat hand. But not before sneaking in a hug as they stepped into the elevator. "Aww…"

Jamie held in a chuckle, gingerly reaching out to her girlfriend’s hand. Grabbing hold, Lucia squeezed back. Using her free hand, she pressed the '4' button. The elevator doors closed and the box began its ascent upwards. Nothing in the way of windows, the couple turned their attention to each other.

“Any interesting gossip?” Lucia cooed and watched her girlfriend’s face glow red. Muttering escaped her lips, none of which coherent enough to be of use here.

“Supposedly, one of Erika’s apprentices has stepped up as Gym Leader. Though, it’s in name only and not actually approved. Beyond that, I don’t think they’ve gotten back into the perfume business. At least, not to the level that they used to be.” Jamie explained and Lucia nodded. Looking over to their pokemon, smiles formed on the couple's faces. “Do you know how much longer we have on our assignments?”

Lucia brought a hand to her chin. They had to be getting to the tail end of their first assignments. Having shown an ability to work hard and follow orders (to an extent), that was bound to be weighed heavily when the time came around to move. Perhaps they would even get a longer assignment… together. That last part was the big thing. The thought of sharing a room with the person she loved excited her. At the same time, could they make it work? It was one thing to live in close proximity to one another. It was another to live together in the same room. It would mean sharing their possessions and in turn - make it work. Yet, she wanted to see her and Jamie try. Yeah.

“We still have a bit before we’re reassigned. Any preferences?” Lucia inquired as the elevator slowed. Jamie looked away, tightening her grip on Lucia’s hand. There were a couple parts of Johto she would love to go back too. Did Team Rocket have a base near Mt Silver? If they did, she had a chance to visit Larvitar. Hopefully they still remembered her. Or at least, the person she used to be. Beyond that, going to Mahogany Town did sound nice. Even then, Jamie liked to think she wasn’t picky.

“I’m fine anywhere with you.” she announced in the most flirty tone her voice could manage, Lucia’s cheeks turning a very bright shade of pink. Searching for something to focus on here, she was saved by the elevator stopping. The doors opened up and the couple stepped out. Their pokemon followed right behind, Mawile making a beeline for Jamie’s backside. Climbing up to the scientist’s shoulder, she took a seat. In turn, Jamie gave her partner a head pat and looked at her girlfriend. Lucia’s cheeks had returned to their normal color, bringing with it the mechanic reaching out to Jamie’s hand. Letting her grab hold, their attention turned to the floor of the department itself. Toys, dolls and plushies as far as the eye could see, with pokemon and their attendants to boot. A strange bear creature that looked like a giant plush was waving at patrons, all while occasionally glaring at the magneton floating by a set of mecha figurines.

“Would you mind if we went over to the figurines first?” Lucia inquired and Jamie nodded. Heading in the direction of the figurines, the scientist couldn’t shake the feeling that they were being watched. If not on a security system, then someone who had plans for them. But that was probably just her paranoia rather than anything concrete. Shifting her attention ahead, Jamie focused in on the figurines. Far taller than she was expecting here, the scientist could see why she would be interested. Done up to a level of detail one wouldn’t think was possible, the titular leader was that of a purple-haired girl done up in a style typical of those shows. Dressed in a yellow and gray skin-tight jumpsuit, a set of crimson eyes stare out on everyone who might pass by. Or in this case, Lucia.

“What do you think, Jamie?” Lucia inquired and Jamie looked away. Both their birthdays were coming up and that brought with it the need to buy presents. First, her birthday and then her beloved’s. Though, they would likely celebrate together.

“Do you want it now or do you want to wait for your birthday?” Jamie inquired and watched Lucia raise a hand to her chin. On one hand, they were right here. Their paycheck was likely more than enough to pay for this figure and then some. Yet, it would make it far more worth it if Jamie came back later and bought for her. Though, she also needed to figure out what to get Jamie in turn. Her girlfriend didn’t really need anything. At least, she hadn’t said anything. Traveling long distances on foot was bound to be annoying. Even in civilian clothes, no less. Yet, there had to be a better way. Perhaps Sapphire or one of Jamie’s mothers might know? Yeah. Might be good to ask one of them for suggestions.

“I’m willing to wait for my birthday.” Lucia answered as Mawile waved at the Magneton. Watching the magnet pokemon casually float down, that was her cue to give all three parts of the body a hug. While accepting of the gesture, they were quite confused why it had happened in the first place.

“Maw.” Mawile announced and waved one more time at the magneton for good measure. Afterwards, she got a head pat from Jamie.

“Onto the plushies then?” Jamie inquired as she brought her hand back down. Feeling Lucia grab hold once more, the couple and Hatterene made their way over to the strange-looking bear pokemon. Standing right beside a display of cute plushies, most of which neither teenage girl quite recognized. Of note was a strange plush that looked like a failed knock-off pikachu plush. While not quite lifelike enough to pass for a proper pokemon, it did look kind of cute.

“Is there anything in particular that you want for your birthday?” Lucia inquired and Jamie looked away. Feeling her cheeks burn up, the words refused to come to her. Of all the things she had put off, this was not one of them.

“A bikini.” Jamie answered and turned back to Lucia. Squeezing her girlfriend’s hand right after, she let out a deep breath. Then it’s over too the strange-looking bear pokemon. “By any chance do you have any Snorlax plushies in stock?”

The bear pokemon raised a paw to their place. Looking around for their trainer, a woman eventually walked up. Dressed in a blue top and pants with an apron over it, what looked to be ‘Stuff a Stufful’ was proudly displayed. Stitched right in, the titular ‘stufful’ sat right atop the words. A small bear pokemon, it looked quite cute.

“Yes, but it has to be mailed to one of the major cities here in Kanto.” the attendant explained, only to be met with an eyebrow raise from her customers. While Kanto was home to its fair share of places that were not quite on the map, they were still big enough to lay claim to a Pokemon Center and Mart. Did it have something to do with the size of the Snorlax Plush? Jamie could see that. Yet, there had to be more to this… right?

“Okay. Is Pallet Town considered a major city then?” Jamie inquired and watched the attendant’s eyes glaze over. Looking over to Lucia, the scientist was met with a sigh.

“I’m fine with it being sent to Cerulean. I just need to be careful that ‘she’ doesn’t catch wind and has it confiscated by the Jenny’s.” Lucia muttered and Jamie held a hand over her face. Trying her best to conceal her laughter, that was a heck of a lot harder than she was expecting it to be here.

“Cerulean City it is then.” Jamie announced as she dug into her purse. Out came her debit card. Waiting a moment for the attendant to bring out her keypad, the transaction that followed is relatively smooth.

“I’m going to need a name for the person picking it up.” the attendant continued as she pulled a clipboard and pen out. Pointing it in the couple’s direction, it was Lucia who grabbed the pen and wrote her name down. While she did that, Jamie took the opportunity to slip her card back into her purse. Turning her attention back to the attendant, that was Mawile’s cue to give the strange bear pokemon a hug. In turn, the strange bear pokemon attempted what looked more like a squeeze than a hug. Perhaps a touch too tight for Mawile’s liking. “Bewear, I told you can’t crush pokemon. Apologize to Mawile, okay?”

Bewear rolled their eyes and focused on Mawile.

“Bewar.” the strong arm pokemon announced and got a wave from Mawile. Afterwards, she shifted her focus to Jamie.

“See anything else that is catching your eye here?” Jamie whispered and Lucia scanned the area around them. While there were a bunch of other toy displays and aisles that they could go down here, nothing was really catching her eye here. Let alone Jamie’s, for that matter.

“Not really.” Lucia answered as she pulled her girlfriend along in the direction of the stairs. While they could take the elevator again, something about taking the stairs down a floor sounded nice at the moment. “Do you want the bikini now or do you want to wait until your birthday?”

Jamie brought her free hand to her chin. While it felt odd to be trying on a garment set related to an activity that Lucia feared, this was likely to be her birthday present.

“I’m willing to wait until, but are you certain of this?” Jamie inquired and Lucia nodded. The mechanic got where her girlfriend was getting at. While she liked to think her phobia wasn't as bad as it used to be, this was just one more activity that could help here.

"Yes. I can’t live in fear forever. Especially if we need to go to the Crown Tundra in Galar." Lucia answered and squeezed Jamie’s hand. Jamie squeezed back and let a smile form on her face. The entrance to the stairs was now in view, bringing with it a thought to the scientist's mind.

"How has brionne been?" Jamie inquired as they stepped into the stairwell. Catching a chuckle from her girlfriend, she held in the look she wanted to give here. While neutral, it would do little to actually change the conversation.

"Quite well, actually. They've gotten quite a bit of affection around base. Wish it was a touch easier to exercise them." Lucia answered as they began the descent down. Taking the steps one at a time, she focused on Jamie and Mawile. "How's Ferrothorn handling their new body?"

Jamie stared at a wall.

“Quite well actually, minus their introduction.” Jamie answered, her thoughts turning to that of the last time that she had sent out Ferrothorn. Surprising her co-workers, care was taken in approaching them to prevent any accidents. But that had quickly turned to laughter when Ferrothorn attempted to close the distance and failed miserably. “Give them enough time and they’ll be quite the star.”

Lucia nodded as the landing came into view. Looking behind her to see that Hatterene was still following behind, the mechanic found her partner very much was. Turning back ahead, she reached out to Jamie’s hand. Giving it a squeeze, their feet landed successfully on the landing. Turning to the left, they were met with the doorway into the floor proper. Even from the little angle they were provided, a variety of clothes were on full display.

“How are you holding up, Hatterene?” Jamie inquired and got a glimpse of Hatterene’s hat hand. Giving a wave, that was all the scientist needed to see here. Shifting her focus back to the doorway, she and Lucia stepped through. Taking care to cautiously look around for the swimsuit section, the couple didn’t need to look far. Even if the feeling of being watched began to sneak up on them. Yet, it also felt familiar. “So has anything happened to the Battle Factory or has it been business as usual?”

Lucia brought a hand to her chin. Gazing around for anything in relation to Iron Grace or any other Paldean pokemon, she found herself coming up empty here. Though, it was likely that Iron Grace had some kind of cloaking function to allow her to blend in without anyone noticing.

“Not really? They were shut down for a day and a bunch of weirdos insistent on tracking legendary pokemon. Once they had cleared out, things went back to normal.” Lucia answered as Jamie caught a glimpse of the swimsuit section. Squeezing her girlfriend’s hand, that was enough to get her attention and get them to head in that direction. Not before Mawile took this as her opportunity to climb down and stay at Jamie’s side. While a part of her had wanted a longer ride, this was probably for the best if her trainer wanted to try on bikinis. Though, it was quite nice to hold onto Hatterene’s hat hand here.

“Any colors in particular that you’re looking for?” Lucia inquired as the couple crossed into the swimsuit section proper. Assaulted on all sides by a variety of colors, patterns and styles from all across the pokemon world (except Galar and Paldea), where to even begin with a place like this?

“Maybe one in purple. Lavender and violet are fine too.” Jamie answered, resisting the urge to bring her hand back up to her chin. While it did make her look smarter, it also made her look like she was plotting here. Which was the exact opposite of what was occurring here. That, and it created more suspicion on her, Lucia and their pokemon. For now, Jamie shoved that thought away. Wasn’t worth thinking about right now.

“Okay.” Lucia answered and scanned the selection. Eventually seeing a set that fit the bill, she pulled the scientist over. “How about this one?”

Jamie looked at the bikini. As plain as bikinis got before you got into the high-end range, it had a charm to it. Grabbing it off the rack, she scanned the area for anything resembling a changing room. Thankfully, the pair didn’t need to look far for one. Yet, one question remained.

“Do you think I should grab one or two more bikinis?” Jamie inquired and the couple looked around one more time for good measure. While a couple bikinis stuck out as possible contenders for the scientist to wear, they weren’t really calling out hard enough to warrant walking over and pulling them off the rack. For now, they would just stick with the sole option and hope that it was good enough here. If not, then maybe they could check out those other bikinis. Definitely for the best.

“This should be good enough.” Lucia cooed and planted a kiss on her girlfriend’s cheek. Watching Jamie’s face turn red, that was the scientist’s cue to hand over her bag. Accepting it for the moment, they made the short walk over to the changing rooms. Relatively plain in comparison to the rest of the department store, that was likely done on purpose. Why else would they paint the entrance to them a sandy shade of tan? “Take as much time as you like.”

Jamie nodded and entered the changing room. Met with four walls of sandy tan, the store had gone through the trouble of installing a full-body mirror and rectangular ‘seat’ for someone to sit in. Setting the bikini down there, she wasted little time in stripping all the way down. Afterwards, the scientist’s gaze shifted to the mirror. Staring in, a purple-haired teenager with green eyes stared back. The direct result of a very minor procedure, she had been so surprised how easy it was to change. One would think that would extend to the rest of her gender-affirming care, but sadly not. Thankfully, her hair was. Due to the repeated dye attempts done to it, the last traces of black were well on their way out of here.

“Has it really been a year?” Jamie thought and set a hand on her left breast. While her pills had no doubt done the heavy lifting, having supportive friends and family no doubt helped. Though, it was a matter of time before she was recommended to get the last part of her removed. Something to think about another time as Jamie pulled herself away from the mirror. Turning to the bikini, she wasted little time in slipping into the bikini. Done up in the right shade of purple to her liking, it fit just right on her body. Even if it did feel a touch like she was wearing waterproof underwear.

Taking care to get the outfit to look just right, Jamie shot the mirror one more glance. She clearly could pass as a swimmer if she wanted too. While the thought was nice, there wasn’t any interest in doing so. Nonetheless, she stepped out of the changing room.

Lucia and their pokemon were waiting patiently, their gaze right on the scientist.

“What do you think?” Jamie called out and watched Lucia’s face turn red. Holding in her laughter, it was far harder than she was expecting it to be. Especially as Jessie and Jasmine walked up. Dressed in the same attire as the day they brought Articuno to Pallet Town, the only difference looked to be that of the duffel bags at their side. No sign of Meowth though.

“Mom…” Jamie playfully whined and took a moment to strike a better pose. More than enough time for Mawile to rush over and climb up her partner’s back. Taking a seat on her shoulder once more, she smiled for the camera.

“Perfect.” Jessie announced and flashed a thumbs-up in Jamie’s direction. Giving her mother a nod, it was over to Lucia. Whispering something under her breath, the mechanic very much caught it.

“If you have no objections, I have no objections either.” Lucia answered and got a nod from her girlfriend. Watching Jamie set Mawile back down, her gaze shifted over to Jessie and Jasmine.

“How have you two been?” the mechanic inquired and was met with smiles from the couple. While a part of Lucia felt a touch nosy for going about it this way, Jamie was likely to not mind.

“Quite well, actually.” Jessie answered as Wobbuffet appeared out of his ball. Giving a wave, Lucia waved back. Stepping out of the way, Mawile took this as her opportunity to walk over and hug the patient pokemon. Then it was over to Jessie and Jasmine. Accepting the gesture, they took the time to pick the deceiver pokemon up and give her a hug. Once they were done, the couple set Mawile back down. “While it’s a far cry from traveling the lands, it has given Jasmine ample time to transition.”

Jasmine nodded, shifting her duffel bag ever so slightly. Meeting Lucia’s gaze, that didn't stop her hand from reaching out to Jessie's hand. A squeeze followed.

"This is the first time I'm wearing the female uniform. Since I'm around Jessie's height, I'm borrowing her spare uniform. Though, I’ll probably ask for my own at the picnic." Jasmine continued and forced her gaze back over to Lucia. Just in time for Jamie to step back out. Dressed in her casual attire, the bikini had been returned to its hanger. Passing it over to Lucia, the mechanic handed back her girlfriend’s bag. Taking care to string it across her side, she motioned for Mawile to approach. Mawile did just that, taking care to climb up and take her seat on Jamie’s shoulder.

"Hi mom." Jamie greeted as she petted Wobbuffet's head. Afterwards, she met her mom’s gazes. “Where’s Meowth?”

Jasmine held in a chuckle.

“Outside with everyone else. Probably talking with Billie.” Jessie announced and Jamie nodded. Turning her attention to the area around them, it was quite easy to find the kiosk where one paid for their stuff. Manned by a singular woman, her gaze seemed to have locked onto the group. Not that this fact stopped Jamie and Lucia from heading over. Hatterene following right behind, they took care to keep up. Wouldn’t want to be accidentally left behind because one of them hadn’t noticed. Not that Jamie or Lucia would ever do that.

“I trust that you’re ready to check out?” the lady at the kiosk announced and Lucia nodded. Setting the bikini down on the kiosk’s counter, she dug into her purse. Out came her card. Then it’s just a matter of going through the usual payment process. “Would you like this wrapped up or put in a box for your special someone?”

Lucia looked over to her girlfriend. It was more Jamie’s call than hers on how she wanted to accept it when the time came.

“I’m fine with it being in a box.” Jamie announced and looked over to Lucia. Getting a nod from the mechanic, that was all she needed to see in order to set it in a generic present box. Wrapping ribbon around the outside to keep it snug, she handed the box over to Lucia. Taking a moment to slip it into her bag, her gaze returned to the woman. A wave followed, then it was time to head back to Jessie and Jasmine. Walking hand-in-hand, care was given to not accidentally knock Mawile. Not that she had anything to worry about here as they reached their destination.

“Ready to go?” Jessie inquired and was met with nods from the couple. Returning Wobbuffet right after, that was Mawile’s cue to get down from Jamie’s shoulder. Standing at Jamie’s side, that got her yet another head pat. This time from Jasmine as the group made their way to the elevator. While relatively quiet, a question did echo across Jamie’s mind. One that probably should’ve been asked right before the initial attempt to get her ready for the picnic, but only occurred to her now.

“Mom, can I ask you something?” Jamie inquired as they stopped at the elevator panel. Watching her mother press the down arrow, she promptly spun around to meet Jamie’s gaze.

“Go on ahead.” Jessie answered and Jamie nodded. Taking a moment to check that Mawile was still at her side (she was), she met her mother’s gaze once more.

“Did Miyamoto and Doc take you to any of these picnics?” Jamie inquired, Jessie’s gaze falling to the floor. Muttering something to the flooring for good measure.

“I wish.” Jessie muttered as she pulled her gaze back up. Splitting her gaze between Jamie and Jasmine, that was enough of a cue for the latter to reach out to her hand. Giving it a squeeze, it looked quite nice. “Miyamoto wasn’t the sort that wanted to show her daughter off to the world. In a way, history almost repeated twice. Doc, on the other hand, was too busy looking for her.”

Jamie looked away. While she wasn’t wrong, it didn’t change the fact that things could’ve gone differently. In another world, perhaps she actually managed to get to the initial picnic. Changing a lot, yet a little at the same time.

Before Jamie had a chance to continue with that thought, the elevator doors opened up. The group stepped inside and Jasmine pressed the ground floor button. Watching the doors close, the elevator began the descent downwards. Relatively faster than the ascent, it left little time to actually think things over. Perhaps for the best as the scientist reached out to her girlfriend’s hand. Grabbing hold, she squeezed tight. Lasting a couple moments, it was more than enough to center her here. Especially as the elevator stopped and the door opened up. The group stepped out. While the entranceway looked the same, Jamie couldn’t help but feel watched. Gazing about the area, her gaze eventually settled on a metallic figure. Rubbing a hand in front of her eyes, the metallic figure was still there. Done up in a shiny white and green, a set of familiar red lenses gaze about in anticipation.

“Wait. Is that Iron Grace?” Jamie whispered and lightly tapped Lucia. Spinning to face the same direction as the scientist, she too was met with this unknown metal figure. Only now, Iron Grace was staring back. “Crap.”

Letting out a deep breath, the temptation to pull out Ferrothorn’s pokeball hung tightly in her mind. Jamie decided against it. Iron Grace wasn’t even attempting to interact with them. If anything, it was probably spying on them. Slightly worse, but still something to work around.

“If it is, then it’s probably best that we get out of here.” Lucia whispered back, the couple catching a look from Jamie’s parents. Nodding in agreement, they made the short walk to the door. Not even looking to see if Iron Grace was following, the group exited.

Outside, Celadon City looked to be in the same state as it had been when Jame and Lucia had entered it earlier. The only difference was the group of people and pokemon waiting patiently for them to get back.

“There you are.” Delia greeted as she shifted her focus over to Jamie. Cracking a smile, Jamie did her best to maintain eye contact on her former mother. Even as the Dragonite tried its hardest to regain that focus. “Now, now, we can continue chatting later. I need to get this out of the way. Ok-”

Delia didn’t get to finish that sentence, Sceptile appeared from their ball and shot both parties a look. Then it’s over to Jamie. An attempt was made to hide, but all that accomplished was making their new attire all the more obvious. A cheerleader uniform had been lovingly made to hang to the forest pokemon’s body, done up in the same black and red colors as the Team Rocket grunt uniform that they would be wearing at the picnic. The skirt came down to an appropriate length, done up with a jagged hem to accentuate the almost contradictory nature of the garment. Nothing in the way of shoes, but instead, the finishing touch was a massive black and bow

“Hi Sceptile, you look quite nice today.” Jamie announced and watched Sceptile’s cheeks turn light green. Trying their hardest to look away, all it accomplished was being forced to be a big sister to Mawile. Getting a hug, they hug the deceiver pokemon back. Then it’s dragonite’s turn to get a hug. Even if they weren’t particularly happy to do so.

“Drago dragonite!” Dragonite announced, cut off by a look from Delia. Muttering something in the dragon pokemon’s direction, that shuts them up. Just in time for Billie to walk over.

“Sorry about that. She… difficult.” Billie explained as she came to a stop. Dressed in a version of her attire that lacked the Team Rocket insignia, it fit her perfectly. Giving a wave, Jamie waved back. Which was promptly Mawile’s cue to hug her as well.

“Yeah. Swears like a sailor too.” Meowth added as he made his approach, Delia oddly nodding in agreement. Mawile rushed over, she took care to not accidentally lift him up in the process. Then it’s back over to Jamie.

“How exactly are we getting to the picnic?” Lucia inquired and Billie pointed upwards. Staring up, Doc and Sapphire awaited on Articuno and Moltres respectively. Descending down, out came Zapdos to carry the rest of them.

“Zap.” Zapdos announced as Jamie and Lucia got on. Giving Mawile a moment to get one more hug, they returned their pokemon. Looking over to their companions, they caught a glimpse of Sceptile and Dragonite being returned. Meowth took a seat next to his partners, Jasmine being the one to grab hold of him. With that, they ascended up into the sky. Their flight was bound to be a short one, but they would savor it all the same.

.

A floor above, a man paced back and forth. Why did he have to be the one who had to man this timeline? It was clear that the target had already come and gone. They had gotten one. Why would they need another? No matter.

“Now where the hell did my partner go?” the grunt muttered and scanned the floor. It was a mistake to take Beast: Lady to the clothing floor.

“Phera.” his partner announced, an inscectoid arm waving around what looked to be a blue sundress up above the racks of clothes. Locks of jet black hair hang down, obscuring the pokemon’s face in the process.

“If you want that dress so badly, steal it. Just because you are asking so much to be a lady, doesn’t mean I’m going to treat you like one.” the man announced and pulled a beast ball out. Returning the idiot pokemon, he was blissfully unaware of Iron Grace watching.

“Engaging following mode.” she announced and locked onto the man…