Abbie
Charizard seemed to have a mind of its own, since Allister wasn't really sure where to go at any given time. He'd hauled Leon's ass onto the beast, and now it was a matter of finding somewhere suitable to land. They were headed back to the forest, and towards the mountains this time. Leon asked if the volcano was going to erupt, and Allister merely shrugged. How was he supposed to know. "I dunno. But-but people don't build if there's and active volcano, right?" Maybe some did.

Feeling a shift, Allister looked around, wondering where they were headed next, when he noticed the rising steam from the place of interest. It looked like hot water, though he didn't understand *How*Exactly such a thing existed. "Hot springs?" He repeated, with the pitch of a question at the end there. "Y-you mean like season? B-but it's summer." Yes, the boy truly didn't know what hot springs were.

The two eventually landed, And Allister, feeling immediately sore and tired from the running around, slid off of Charizard and onto the ground. He sat with a yawn, leaning back against a nearby rock. Now with the adrenaline from the fighting gone, again, fatigue and pain were starting to set in. And it didn't take long for him to want something nice and calming, like a warm bath. But now wasn't exactly the time for that, since going back to the mansion would probably not pan out well.

"Leon?" He asked, turning his head up to see the Champion. "How long d'ya th-think we'll do this?"
Ray
Leon had jumped from Charizard before his pal even landed. Nearing the steaming water, he dips his hand in it and—yep! It's a hot springs, alright! Just in time too! Aside from being covered up in sweat and the grime they've been going through the whole day, Leon is ready to relax himself. So—he starts undressing himself right there! First, the cape. Then, as he's pulling his jersey over his head, it got stuck and Allister could only hear the mumbling voice, "I'm not sure! I think, if we just apologized to Amelia, everything would be fine!" To imagine they be on the run just because of a stupid *Mirror.* Was that thing more expensive than their own *Careers* At home? Finally, when the shirt slipped off his head, Leon turns to face Allister. "There's always the option of going home, too." But in the corner of Leon's mind, he wants to relax a while longer before having to deal with the Chairman and his proposals once getting home.

He throws his snapback to the side with his jersey and cape. "You could if you want to, but I'm planning on staying here. I'll see Amelia later. Or, maybe not." He snickers at that last sentence. Facing away from Allister now, Leon starts on his lower garments. "Anyway! Enough of that stressful stuff. This is a hot *Spring*! It's like a, uh, jacuzzi! To think we'd find one in the middle of the mountain." Once the last article of clothing was off, Leon jumped in and SPLASH! Okay, maybe not jump in because the water is shallow. "It's feels so good!" He exclaims when he floats up, trying to hide the fact that he got hurt from hitting the bottom. Leaning back to the edge of the bank to recover a bit, the man gestures. "Come in! The water is fine!" He's still well aware of Allister's anatomy, but he's a boy, right? No problem here. Plus, the ghost-type was aching so he might as well join!
Abbie
Allister still didn't quite grasp the concept of this hot springs thing. Since, in all honesty, the concept of bathing in naturally heated water was odd to someone who had never heard of it. But then he remembered the spring in Circhester, and how it was said that people used to bathe in there, so the idea became more reasonable to him. Well... He *Was* Tired, and sore, and his knees were all messed up from the running and riding on Charizard again. He could use a break. But there was a little side of him that worried about two things.
"Yeah... 'm not going back int' town any time soon..." He sighed, picking at some grass and throwing it. And the though of going back home was less than appealing right now, since as much as he loved Galar, and his sis, and his job, Allister also needed a longer break from all the parts he despised.

Frowning, he watched Leon swim around, and he had to admit, it *Did* Look relaxing. He was probably in worse shape than the champion, just because he'd managed to get himself dinked up more, and wanted be able to calm down...
They were both guys, right?
This was fine.

He decided that sitting in basically nature's bathtub with his mask on wasn't really needed, and ditched that, followed by any accessories, and then his shoes and socks. Now just in his base clothes, Allister looked for something to distract Leon with, before settling on a rock. He grinned and kicked it, aimed at the water next to Leon.
"OW!" He yelped, hopping over, now with just his shorts on. The rock hit Leon, oops, but at least gave the boy enough time to hop in the water without feeling *Too* Uncomfortable. Though he banged his knee on the bottom of the spring, and his head was now underwater.
"Agh... Crumbs." Allister shook his head, now with most of his hair soaked, minus the tuft on top. And he eventually settled down. Huh, it was nice!
Ray
It really is relaxing~ Leon starts floating on his back, but his lower part submerged in water still. Plus, there was steam so it could be hard to see certain things—his hair pans out in the water around him. He'd sigh and really start to sink in this heavenly feeling when something hit him right in the chest! It's surprised the Galarian man and he sputtered first before falling under water for a second. Are they being attacked?! Is that it? Leon floats back up to the surface, his hair also wet and sticking to his head. Or, was it a landslide?! He scan the areas for anything dangerous that could cause such a thing, but couldn't find anything. Then where could that rock have come from? Oh. Allister has decided to dive in, after all! He goes closer to Allister and sits next to the kid. "What should we do?" He questions him. "We can't keep running forever. It wouldn't be a vacation if we hide." He splashes Allister lightly while talking. It's a habit to mess with the water when talking with someone in it.

They could try apologizing to Amelia, but really. What's with the mirror? What's so important about it?" Nearby on the bank, a Wingull has swooped by and start pecking on Leon's snapback. Charizard already dozed off, curled up against itself as it leaves the trainers to enjoy themselves. Meanwhile, Leon got distracted again. "You want a backscrub?" It's just as comforting as taking a hot bath and getting a massage! While living their moments on the edge with Sigford, the relaxation is more overwhelming and the champ could feel himself almost wanting to fall asleep. His body sinks a bit under water, until it reaches his ears.
Abbie
"Haha!" Allister cackled, seeing Leon's reaction to receiving a rock to the chest. Even without his weird circumstances, that reaction alone was enough to make hurting his foot worth it... Okay, maybe not. That rock hurt both of them today. "S-sorry..." He said. "Looks like the rock's out for blood." He giggled holding his hand over his mouth. Oh geez, it actually was super nice in here! Damn. It was like a bath, but a million times better. Frowning at what awaited them back in town, the boy started twisting one of the long strands of hair that framed his face, attempting to squeeze the water out. Only for that to be *Completely* Undone by Leon splashing him.
"H-hey!" Allister complained, flicking more water at the champ with a visible smile. He shook his head, then went back to ringing out his hair.
"I dunno..." He continued. "M-makes me wanna go back there. See if somethin's up..." Since he'd arrived, the boy was wondering what made this island work. And being a curious kid, he always imagined complex secrets hidden just out of sight.

*"Want a backscrub?"*
"Nope-" Allister said. Though it was in his way where you could totally still take it as yes, and he wouldn't hold anything against you. He yawned, sinking down to his shoulders, and looking around. Something about being here was just really, really calming.
Ray
"Going back there... Might not be a bad idea!" Leon sits back up quickly, the water splashing Allister more by the disturbance of the waves. "Maybe there's a hole in the wall and they're hiding something in there?" Leon speculated. But it seemed too farfetched! Why would there be a hole behind the mirror when there are better ways to hide something? Although, the curiousity overdrives Leon. Getting in trouble because of messing up a mirror seems too over dramatic. Or is it the islanders just finding something to do besides their monotonous, boring lives? "You want to go back, *Again*, Allister?" Leon starts to ask before being cut by the "Nope" To the backscrub.

Leon sort of whimpers from that response, but only because he himself want a backscrub! Of course, everything comes with a price, so if he wants his back scrubbed, he'd have to scrub Allister's. "I'll prove it to you that it feels good! Come on, let's just do it! We can do it in the water if that'll make you feel better." What is Leon saying? They don't necessarily have a towel to scrub each other's back anyway. Fine. Then a back *Scratch* Should be good enough. But this would be his last push before moving on. There's no way in persuading Allister, especially if he's uncomfortable. Leon understands the situation anyway. Meanwhile, he splashed Allister again, so much so that the tuft of hair on the top of his head would flatten from being wet. And, that Wingull would start lifting the cap just an inch off the ground and start to scurry under it. It's not quite stuck yet.
Abbie
Okay, while it *Sounded* Like a good idea on paper, or at least like fun for an hour or two, actually going back to the restaurant and poking around didn't seem possible. Even being the starry eyed dreamer he was, Allister could admit that it wasn't likely, just because of their previous experiences with those people. If they every did want to go back, it probably meant more fighting, which meant they needed more pokemon, an maybe even more people, who knows. Grumbling, he dipped into the water, blowing bubbles while he thought about the idea...


"Oi!" The little gym leader squeaked, before splashing Leon in return. "Was that n-needed? I don' think so!"

Meanwhile, on the edge of springs, Arcana had stepped out of the shadows, and was now dozing off next to Charizard. Both of them pretty much ignoring their trainer's shenanigans, and ignoring the Wingull messing with Leon's hat.
Ray
Allister overreacting with his hair is funny so of course Leon laughs, but he's also met with the same mouth full of water when Allister retaliates. He's not going to be a kid! Leon isn't going to get back at Allister for making him choked on some water! Instead, he turns his head and coughs, trying to make Allister feel guilty. But oh! The kid actually agreed to the back scrubbing?! Leon grips Allister by the shoulders before turning him so that his back is facing him. Immediately, he tries rubbing his back, which—didn't take much effort since Allister is already a small guy. Well, actually maybe Leon sucks at this. His scratches felt more like tickles—not his fault since he didn't want to hurt the ghostie if he applied too much pressure and scratched him too hard!

He ~~tickles~~ scratches Allister at this shoulders first and then begin his way down the back, which his whole body is still submerged in water. "Does it feel good, yet?" He's actually wondering, seeing if he's doing it right. Not that Leon ever given anyone a backscratch before. Besides his Pokémon who likes it rough! "If you need more pressure, I'll give it to you!" Going back up to the shoulders, he slips up, squeezing Allister's shoulders a bit *Too* Hard. The boy always got it harsh! Well now that he look at it, Allister is pretty bruised up from the events of the day. Back at the shores, Wingull is under the cap and it starts to struggle! It's as if the cap has wings as the Wingull tries to take flight but haven't succeeded... Yet.
Abbie
Okay, ONE, he wasn't overacting! His silvery black hair was one of, if not the only trait oh his Allister was actually proud of, so it made sense that he was protective of it. But, if they got into a splash war, someone ~~probably Leon~~ was gonna slip and bash their own brains in, so that was enough of that. Though he did manage to slip in one cheeky splash, before Leon started rubbing his shoulders and back, which at first, made Allister want to complain, because of course it would, but eh... It was alright.

Actually, it felt really nice. Kind of tickled, making his legs tingle, but that was probably his fault for being so ticklish. Still the massaging and scratching felt nice. Like how Bea would sometimes rub his back after waking up screaming from a bad dream.

"Hmm... Ow!" He snapped around, feeling Leon pinch his shoulder. "He crossed his arms, sighing, though he wasn't mad, and totally able to laugh it off. Acting like an angry little germline was kind of fun for the boy. He then looked of to the side, for maybe a bit too long, before gently sinking into the water and asking, "D'you th-think anyone realizes we're gone?" A while back, he wasn't able to get away from Raihan, Piers, Irsia, and the like. But now, no one had even tried to contact them, or even acknowledged that they exist. Of course, Nessa had, but Allister wasn't aware of that.
Frowning, he blinked a little. Yes, he was indeed a very expressive child!
"Think they miss us?"
Ray
When Allister yelped, Leon eases up on the squeezing and went back to the tickling scratches. Hey! He's getting the hang of this! He tries around Allister's arms now, since they're at his sides. First his deltoids, then his biceps— Who knew the kid is so tight around his muscles? He's been working himself too hard and Leon finds that impressive. Kid's got more potential than half the gym challengers that usually come by each season. While Leon moves onto the back of the neck, Leon scratches his chin with one hand while the other is doing all the work. "Hmm, this is a very large island. I bet they have their own things to do. Besides, they might be glad we're not around." He didn't mean anything bad by that, but even understands he could be an annoyance sometimes. He seen the stares. 

"Raihan and Piers... I feel they have something going on and probably don't want anyone to bother them. Although, I wouldn't know! Do you?" He pinches Allister a bit at the back ~~because he's spiteful from that splash Allister attempted before!~~ "Why are you wondering all the sudden? Is it because... Enjoying the spring would be better with more people here?" Imagining this scene with a bit more of them *Does* Sounds fun! They could barbecue and some could fish in nearby lakes. They could cook that fish! Well, for now, it still stands that everyone else is probably wrapped up in their own island adventures. Too busy for kids like them.

And—that Wingull actually flew! It flapped it's wings, disarray, and flopped to its side. But then it's starts flying again, along the bank of the springs...!
Abbie
Allister shrugged, just enjoying having his arms and shoulders rubbed. Since running around, and the few times he had to pick the champ up had made him really sore. "Hmm? Mmh," He shrugged a little shaking his head when his neck was massaged. "Heheh." It tickled, making him splash a bit of water when he reacted. "You don't think-" He paused, wondering if that was actually true. Did they not want the tow of them around? Earlier that week, he'd helped Piers and Raihan with their relationship troubles, so he guessed that they had all that focus on. Speaking of said relationship, he was pretty sure Leon didn't know.
*"Raihan and Piers... I feel they have something going on and probably don't want anyone to bother them. Although, I wouldn't know! Do you?"* Yep, he didn't know.

While having more people sounded like a good idea on paper, he wasn't sure if he'd be okay with that idea. One, more people meant more awkwardly explaining himself, and two, he liked hanging out with Leon. For about half a year after losing to him during the championship cup, he could've sworn the guy hated him. (he didn't really, but this *Is* Allister we're talking about) And then they were kind of friends, and now they're actually friends.
"Umm... Y'know, I always-" His sentence was interrupted by the wingull, who was now flying (?) while wearing Leon's hat. But it was kind of just wobbling around, dragging the hat as it did so. "Uh... Leon?" Allister asked. He poked him, pointing at his shuffling hat and the pokemon underneath it.
Ray
As expected. Of course Allister wouldn't know of Raihan and Pier's shenanigans. But as another stick to their trio, he thought he could learn what they're up to. Oh well. He's having all the fun with Allister anyway! When Allister squeaked, Leon's glad he got ~~revenge~~ a reaction, and grinned. Withdrawing his hands, Leon was about to request for *His* Back scratch. As he turns around, Allister mustered a couple of words and his hand could be seen pointing from Leon's peripheral. Of course, he would notice it too—his favorite snapback! Did it grow wings and-

*Is it trying to fly away?*

Without a second thought, Leon springs up from the water and starts bolting for his flying cap! He's ignorant of covering up just so his beloved cap doesn't escape! (Even though he has a bunch at home but *This* One has a crown emblem on the visor! It really fits with his whole image, damn it!) But, his foot catches a slippery rock and the man trips over his own feet! Stumbling forward, amazingly and almost uncannily, he rolls into the sleeping Pokémon—Arcana and Charizard. The fire/flying-type would thrash about! Since getting a rude awakening, it thought they were being attacked! He blasts fire from his mouth which chars Leon. When it's over, his hair is frizzy and a bit of smoke appear above his head. The Wingull fails to find a direction to fly still and swoop down to knock the daze Leon over and he falls flat on his back. And as a finishing touch, the cap finally gets off of the wild Pokémon and plops down on the man's face.

All of that which happened so quick—
Abbie
Well, there goes Leon's favorite hat it seems. There were wings sticking out of it, which made Allister snicker, seeing the champ's panic as his cap threatened to fly away. He laughed, covering his mouth as he witnesses the shock on the man's face. And then, oh boy! And then Leon hoped *Out* Of the hot springs, butt ass naked, making Allister back up when he did. The man bolted for his hat, trying to wrangle it out of the pokemon's grasp, when he slipped and fell onto their sleeping friends.
*"Oi, what the hell!"* Allister could hear Arcana complain, looking around like he was really, *Really* Lost. The ghost then shrugged, before flopping back on the ground. Heh, sleepy boy.
"Arcana," Allister giggled, leaning out enough to flick water at his gengar... And then noticing Leon, flopping on the ground next to them. There he was Leon, and he wasn't exactly... Decent.

"A-" Allister immediately had to choke back a laugh, not sure what to say or think. He climbed out of the hot springs, covering his chest with his arms, (though he was so young, it really didn't matter) and scooted up to the unconscious Leon. Taking the hat, he brushed a bit of the dust off of it, and then just... Oh, just placed the hat over his crotch, so at least the champ was a little more modest.

He scooted away now, leaning on Arcana and covering his eyes.
Poor kid.
Ray
To think he'd faint a bit from the hit of the head. Allister got bashed in the noggin many times and he's still up and at them. Fluttering his eyes open, he's staring up at Allister. "Ah, my cap..." He says firstly, which is strange to think when he just got hurt! It's as if the thing is more important than his life! It took him a moment before he *Felt* It at his— It's by instinct, really, and he covers it. Vital. *Very* Vital, and Leon thought he was getting attacked *There.* He sits up fast and there's a small sense of Deja vu—like the one that happened back at the bathroom. Leon bashes his head against Allister and this time, the Galarian man cringed harder. "Sorry...!" He lets slip while gripping his head. He takes his cap in his hand and *Zooms* Just in time back into the hot water. "A-ahhh!" Leon sighs, trying to distract himself from doing something so darn embarrassing! It made him nearly cry from how stupid he probably looked. ~~And appearing indecent to a kid is killing him and his morales~~.

"Allister! I think it's time for my back scrub, right?" He's resting his arms agains the bank again, slightly turning his head to speak to Allister before looking back forward so that the little boy wouldn't see the face of this pathetic man. Charizard also seems apologetic for blasting his partner but it knows the man can take a few attacks to the face. It completely ignore his dignity and goes back to nap next to Arcana. Just a short one before they have to go. "This really has been a long day, huh? Isn't it going to get dark soon?" Leon rambles on as a distraction still. "I also wonder what everyone else is up to. Too bad you've been stuck with me, haha!" He remembers that he haven't checked Rotomphone for a while now.
Abbie
"Ack!" Allister yelped, rubbing his head for who knew how many times at this point. He grumbled, leaning back against Arcana who caught him, giving the boy a pat on the head. "Mmm... G-glad you're awa-ugh-" He looked up at Leon who straight up sprinted for the water, diving back in, as if the water could cleanse him of his previous embarrassment. Not gonna work, as he was totally red. And yeah, hard to blame him, since he *Did* Just accidently flash someone. Well, specifically that someone was *Allister*, so yeah, his embarrassment was warranted. Oh, and he was *NOT* Giving the guy a backscrub after that!

"Nuh-" Allister said, crossing his arms and turning his head up. "'M not getting b-back in the spring with you afta th-that." Though he said it trying to be serious, a loud giggle came out at the end, causing the gym leader to face palm, covering his mouth. He was embarrassed beyond belief, but still somehow having fun (?) goofing off with the champion.

*"Oi! Give my kid a break,"* Arcana laughed, still patting the boy's head. *"He's been stuck puttin' up with ya all day. Can you imagine!"*
"Arcana!" Allister laughed, giving the pokemon a smack on the paw, even if Leon didn't hear the comment. "Y-ye'... *Too bad,*" He sighed, in an overexaggerated manner. Leon sure didn't need to be told how odd this was, since they weren't exactly good friends back home. Heck, nagging part of his brain, was still saying that once they got home, they'd go back to ignoring each other...
He really hoped not.

Allister shivered as a cloud passed over head, hugging himself. It was just dawning on him that the sun was setting, and he didn't have a shirt on. Plus, his hair and pants were wet. "A-agh, nu," He said, to Arcana, who was hugging him. As much as the ghost though he was helping, he was actually making Allister colder! Until he came up with a better idea, and shoved his trainer back into the springs with Leon. (the last place he wanted to be).

"Ack! N-now 'm wet again." Not like he ever dried of in the first place.
Ray
Leon understood that and stares back into the the rumbling water. He feels like a fool and his stomach is tying in knots. He hates this embarrassment! The nighttime is really upon them and Leon reassures Allister that they'll go back soon- should they? If they're in trouble with Sigford, going back would be even more troublesome. But it's not like they can stay out forever. Sleeping outside wouldn't be bad, but it'll be nice to be in the comforts of pillows and blankets... Leon starts sinking under the water, dozing off, all the excitement of the day catching up to him. 

Allister yelled something out and Leon jarred from his minute nap. "Arcana?" What reason did the boy had to scream that? But, looking back at the kid, he seem to be conversing with his Gengar. *"Is that Arcana?"* How come Leon just found this out now? Then they started cuddling with each other and the man couldn't help but smile from the display of affection. It made him want to jump out and give Charizard a hug himself! Then—Allister was suddenly (might as well) *Yeeted* Back into the water with Leon! "Oh! I guess it's better than standing in the cold!" He chuckles lightly before smirking and running his hand through Allister's hair, making it messy and get in his face.

"What do you say about going back to the mansion?" Leon suggests and rests his hand back to his side. Actually, both of them relaxing in the hot spring while the sun is setting really makes for a nostalgic feel for some reason. Leon is content with this and sighs once again, through his nose, and sink back down. "If you're still worried, we can tiptoe around." It'll be like they're spies infiltrating the mansion! Well, if they found anyone else in the mansion, they probably wouldn't care anyway. Except, *Maybe* Amelia.