Whitney's Gym, Goldenrod City.<br/><hr/><br/>As the smoke cleared, it was evident that Fireplug was the only Pokémon left standing. Expecting nothing less, Shuya smiled slightly and called for her to return, allowing the Vulpix to climb onto his shoulder.<br/><br/>Looking ahead at the slightly downhearted Whitney, he said "Thanks for the battle", and made to turn away. Seeing what he was doing, Whitney called him back.<br/><br/>"As much as I hate losing, you won fair and square," she said, pulling out the badge symbolising victory from her Gym. "You forgot this."<br/><br/>"I didn't forget," Shuya replied. "I just don't have a need for it."<br/><br/>Whitney looked confused. "Wait, aren't you going to fight the Elite Four? I thought someone as good as yourself would surely want to challenge them."<br/><br/>"I will challenge them. Eventually. But I know I'm not strong enough yet... for the Champion, at least." Turning around, Shuya walked away, calling back "I'll be back for that badge of yours when I'm ready. Don't forget - I want to see how much you improve too!"<br/><br/><hr/><br/>Making their way to the Pokémon center through some back alleys, Shuya and Fireplug were talking animatedly.<br/><br/>"Are you sure you're alright? Maybe I shouldn't have pitted you up against Miltank - we've seen how powerful its rollout can be."<br/><br/>"Yes, I'm fine," she said. "I wish you'd stop worrying about me, you know I can handle myself."<br/><br/>"I know, but I still see you as that little fox I came across in the woods 6 years ago," Shuya teased. "Gods, so much has changed since then..."<br/><br/>They walked in silence for a little while, reminiscing, until Shuya hissed "Now, no talking until we get to our room. We don't want anyone trying to catch you, do we?"<br/><br/>Fireplug growled in annoyance, but gave a small grunt of unwilling consent. Shuya, knowing how much Fireplug hated having to stay silent, hurried towards the room he had booked, collecting the key from Nurse Joy on the way and thanking her. As soon as Shuya got into the room, Fireplug jumped off his shoulder onto the bed, and curled up there.<br/><br/>"Why can't I just talk around other humans?" She asked, one eye open and looking at Shuya as he removed his clothes. "I mean, it's not like I'm going to<em>let them</em>catch me..."<br/><br/>"I know, I know," Shuya replied, pulling off his black pants and replacing them with sweatpants. "But it's better to be safe than sorry. Besides, it's only for a short while. I mean, we're nearly always alone in the wilderness - the only times you have to stop talking are when we enter the city to stock up or participate in Gym battles."<br/><br/>"Hmm..." she consented, letting the warmth get to her and falling alowly asleep.<br/><br/>Shuya climbed into the bed next to her. He'd always loved having Fireplug next to him whilst he slept - she was so soft and warm. "We'll go to the department store tomorrow, he said, yawning. "And stock up for the rest of the trip." And the next thing he knew, he had entered the world of dreams.