"So we'll see you in a few days?" Marion asked hopefully.

Alain looked down at her with a tired expression. He, Mairin, and Professor Sycamore stood in the Mawville City Airport, on the runway, in front of their plane that was set to take off back to Kalos any minute. Steven, Wally, and Zara had come with them to see them off.

"That's right, Mairin," Steven answered, his expression grim.

Alain's frown deepened. Steven had just finished explaining as they came here how he planned to come to the Kalos region and help the Professor capture them and put a stop to whatever they were planning, just as soon as he could close down the school and make arrangements for the Elite Four to cover for him here in Hoenn.

"I wish I was coming," Wally said dejectedly.

Zara's expression hardened and she glanced at Alain with a look that said, He should be thankful he's not. The blonde trainer had insisted on coming with Steven, but Alain had noticed she'd looked very uneasy after the Hoenn Champion had given in. He guessed she truly didn't want to come, but felt obligated to help stop Lysander. To be honest, he wanted her to come so he could see her again sooner, but he wanted her to stay here more so she would be safe.

Zara reached down and wrapped an arm around Wally's shoulders. "Don't feel bad, Wally. You can come with us on the next adventure we have." She put on a cheerful smile, but somehow, Alain could tell she was faking it.

"Attention all passengers. Flight three eighty-seven bound for Lumiose City is now boarding. Please make your way to the plane and find your seats," the flight attendant's voice called over the loudspeakers.

"Guess that means us," Professor Sycamore said. He turned toward the plane, raising his hand in farewell as he did.

"Bye Zara! Bye Wally!" Mairin exclaimed. "I'll write to you and tell you what's happening in Kalos!" she promised the green haired trainer. "Come on Alain," she said, grabbing his arm and pulling him toward the plane ramp.

Alain raised a hand to the three people to say goodbye then allowed Mairin to pull him toward the plane.

They caught up with Professor Sycamore, and Mairin let go of his hand. She reached the boarding ramp first and bounded up it, taking the steps two at a time. The Professor followed her, and Alain followed him.

About halfway up the staircase, Mairin called back, "So Alain, what were you doing last night? You were out awfully late. I was worried you gotten lost or something, but Professor Sycamore said you were fine, just doing something other than sleeping. So what was it?"

"Actually," Professor Sycamore interjected, "I'd like to know the same thing."

Alain didn't answer for a moment. He stopped climbing the stairs, lost in thought of the kisses he'd shared with Zara last night. He turned around to look at her. Their eyes met, and his heart skipped a beat involuntarily. Suddenly, unable to restrain himself, he tore back down the stairs back toward her and Steven and Wally.

"Alain, where are you going?" Mairin cried.

"Alain, we can't miss this plane!" Professor Sycamore called after him.

Alain turned a deaf ear and kept going.

Zara, Wally, and Steven all fixed him with strange looks as he made his way back over to them. "Did you forget something, Alain?" Steven asked.

"What's w-wrong?" Wally questioned.

Zara didn't ask anything, and as he got closer, her confused expression melted into a knowing one and she dropped her gaze.

Alain stopped directly in front of her, his eyes still fixed on her. Slowly, he extended his hand till he touched her chin, lifting gently with his fingers to make her look at him. As he lifted her face, he saw the beginning of a blush creeping across her cheeks. His eyes locked with hers, and he gave her a small smile. She smiled back slowly, a genuine smile like he'd seen on her so few times.

Alain leaned in quickly and captured her lips with his. Zara stiffened in surprise for a moment before leaning into him and putting her hands on his shoulders, kissing back as hard as she could.

"Gross!" Alain heard Mairin shout from back on the stairs.

Beside them, Wally started making gagging sounds.

Reluctantly, Alain pulled back, his lips practically peeling off of hers he'd kissed her so hard. He took a couple of breaths, then said quietly, "See you soon." As he drew back, his medal from the seminar slipped out from beneath his jacket.

Zara eyed it for a moment before asking, "Can I try something?"

Alain gave her a confused look before sliding the ribbon over his head and handing it to her.

Zara took it and drew a pokeball out of her pocket. She tossed it and Sceptile burst out. The Grass type eyed her, then Alain and sort of smiled.

"Hey Sceptile," Zara said, lifting the the medal so her Pokemon could see it. With a flick of her wrist, she flung it skyward. "Leaf Blade!"

Sceptole jumped after the medal, the leaves on its arms glowing a vivid green. With one smooth slice, it cut the medal in two right down the middle.

The two halves fell back to earth, one landing in Alain's open palm, the other landing in Zara's. Alain looked down at it, then back up at her and nodded his head, closing his fingers around his half.

"Guess you won't have to order another metal after all, Steven," Zara commented, looking up at the Champion. Alain looked at him as well, to find him smiling a pleasantly surprised smile.

"Come on, Alain!" Mairin cried from the plane's open doorway.

Alain looked back to Zara. "Bye," he said softly.

"See you," she replied.

With that, he turned and raced back to and up the boarding ramp and into the plane. He sat down in the aisle seat next to Mairin, who was waving to Wally out the window.

Behind him, Professor Sycamore leaned forward and asked, "So, you like Zara, eh?"

Alain only smiled and leaned back into his chair as the plane began to move.

XXXXXXXXXXX

Thus, without further ado, this is your favorite piece of Confederate chocolate signing off for the first time. Untill next time,

RebelMandM