Area K!

Though the display was pretty, the amount of practical experience gained was little in comparison to their other sessions. Still, Clefairy managed to level up, and Pachirisu was on the cusp. Either way, their bond between each other and Alice grew the more they practiced together. However, time seemed to be flying this morning, and afternoon was quickly approaching. If Alice wanted to dress nicely for her dinner with Hunter, she would need to hurry and get cleaned up!

Alice made her way down the sandy trails, back to the pier. The sand was still warm from the day's sun, though it was now casting an orange glow in the sky. There was only a couple hours of daylight left, if that. Leaning against a wooden post and looking out to the sea, the slender young man stood. His shaggy blonde hair rustled in the gentle sea breeze, eyes glistening like the pools of water reflected back into them.

The black canid Pokémon lifted his head, ears twitching as he looked toward Alice with those cold eyes. The Umbreon let out a slight yip, alerting his trainer. Hunter shifted, turning down to his partner, then eyes trailing up to Alice. His trousers were still shorts, but somewhat more dressy than those he had been wearing yesterday. He had on a simple shirt, with a short sleeved button up over top, though he had left it open and flapping in the breeze. He grinned boyishly, running one hand through his hair as the other was shoved into his pocket nervously.

He walked to meet Alice half way, the Umbreon keeping at his heels obediently. "Well I'm glad you made it! I was kind of worried you might stand me up to be honest, heh..." He trailed, letting the awkward moment settle in before pulling his hand back out of his pocket. "Oh right, come on this way," he offered his arm in a gentlemanly manner to lead Alice to the restaurant.

It was really nothing fancy, not compared to their last date. Still, it had its charms though the two seemed highly overdressed for the occasion. They were able to seat themselves, Hunter choosing a cozy booth for it to feel a bit more private during the tail end of the dinner rush. "I'll just have a water with lemon for now," he told the waitress, clad in classic 50's style diner attire. In fact, the whole place seemed to be themed that way. He turned back to Alice, "I'll have a malt later, I get them every time I come here," he laughed admittedly.

Hunter admired as the petite blonde took in her surroundings. She always looked so entranced by everything around her, and it was so fascinating to him. "So you like it then? Not too cliché, is it? I mean, the food is a bit more expensive than traditional burger bars, but the quality is just so much higher. Not to mention the atmosphere."

He blinked as Alice asked her question. As though it were completely obvious, he scratched his head for a way to explain it. "Well, you seem so proactive. You've gotten around the Orange Islands in practically record time for someone taking the challenges. On top of that, you're practically dating a gym Leader, right? I guess I figured you were just being nice, heh," he sputtered shyly toward the end of his statement.

After a few minutes, their waitress came back, a round tray holding their drinks. She set the two glasses before Alice, the cola fizzing delightfully. The one with lemon was set before Hunter, who proceeded to rub the acidic fruit along the rim of the glass before squeezing the wedge into the water and giving it a stir with his straw. The ice cubes clinked, swirling in the haze the juice created before completely dissolving.

"Do you know what you want?" Hunter asked, looking to Alice's blue eyes. The server waited by for an answer, ready to take her order if need be. On the other hand, her skates made it easy enough to roll on to the next required task if she were dismissed.

Hunter listened intently to Alice as she spoke, explaining several reasons for her to not have left the island yet. He seemed relatively cheerful the whole time, a soft smile across his lips. However, at the mention of Danny, even Alice's demeanor seemed to change. She talked on dreamily about her potential boyfriend, the smile on Hunter's face slowly fading as he hummed in response.

"Right, I understand," he said, though a bit more flatly than usual. Could Danny really have entranced her so? Hunter couldn't understand it. He had met the prick, and he was a womanizing dick from what he'd seen. Still, Alice seemed to be set on that for now. He sighed softly, closing his eyes and bringing the smile back. It didn't feel the same though, it wasn't as warm as before.

When the took their order, Hunter chimed in with his own, upgrading the Onion Rings to a full sized appetizer for the two of them. He ordered himself a blackened bacon cheese burger with peppercorn mayo and all the works. It was simple, yet flavorful. It wasn't long before their appetizer arrived, and soon after that their food. The restaurant had cleared out somewhat toward the end of their meal, dinner rush having passed.

The dinner felt mildly awkward after the early conversation. It felt as if the two of them were too far stuck in their thoughts to properly communicate. Still, it progressed relatively smoothly. Hunter passed on desert, having finished off most of the appetizer himself. Still, when Alice offered her company further, he smiled again.

"Actually, I have wanted to show you this little secluded area of the beach since I met you," he admitted, smirking as he paid the rest of the tab. He took her by the hand suddenly, whisking her out the door quickly. "Come on, it's a full moon tonight, so it's perfect!"

Alice would have troubles keeping up with Hunter's long legs as he led her quickly down the beach. It was a ways off from the touristy side of things, and he led her through a rocky crag and into a gorgeous little cove. The sun had more or less set, the moon vibrant in the night sky.

He led her to the water's edge, placing a finger against Alice's lips, then to his own in a hushing style. Whispering lightly he spoke, "Shh, look," he moved his hand to point into the shallow pools. After a few moments of silence, several beautiful lights began glowing. They shone through the water, casting a variating light as the waves lapped the shore. The ripples reflected in the rock face behind them, creating a very romantic and secluded feeling.

"The Staryu, they come out at night. They shine brightest on full moons," Hunter said with a smirk, gazing into the water. It was hard to tell whether he was really deep, or just had boyish charms. Could he really have such a fanciful outlook on life, or was he just saying what he thought Alice wanted to hear?

Hunter stepped up behind Alice, gently placing his hands on her shoulders. "I'm glad you like it. I wanted you to see it..." He trailed, thumb mindlessly and gently rubbing over the skin on her shoulder. "I wanted you to see it before..." His arms quickly grasped around her, one hand covering her mouth. His arms were well toned, and held her tightly to his body struggle as she might.

Umbreon quickly moved between the humans and Alice's shimmering bat. He growled, fur rustling and baring his teeth to ward the Pokémon back. "Don't do anything stupid," Hunter said, looking to Alice's Pokémon. His left arm was wrapped around her arm and torso, the right partially around her other arm, forearm coming up and covering the girl's mouth. He rested his head into the nape of Alice's neck, toward her left ear.

"You know, I didn't want to do this...I really do like you," he spoke, almost as if trying to convince either himself or her of something. "I just...I don't have a choice...I wish things could have been different." What was going on?! This wasn't the Hunter Alice had met that day in the dance studio!

Umbreon kept shifting his stance as the Zubat fluttered about nervously. It was clearly at conflict with itself, which was good for Umbreon. Hunter on the other hand growled as Alice stomped her foot down on him. He stumbled back, but didn't release his grip. Instead he too, Alice with him, tumbling back into a wall.

"Don't make this harder than it has to be, Alice!" Hunter pleaded, though a bit more demanding than pleading. "But I have to do this!" His hand shifted beneath her chin, pressure against one side of her face. He had her, looking down into her eyes. He could do it now, just snap her neck and end her.

However, his eyes were not cold. His hand trembled, clearly having internal conflict of his own. They looked into hers, almost pleading for her to give him a reason not to do it. Any reason at all, an excuse so he wouldn't have to go through with it. Zubat screeched loudly, Umbreon yipping as well.

Not a moment later, a fist fell between Hunter and Alice, landing hard against  hunter's face. It sent him reeling, throwing Alice to the ground as well. Her head hit a rock, which would dizzy her and potentially cause a concussion. Should she manage to lift her head, a large figure walked to Hunter, who scrambled to his feet. Umbreon and Zubat both seemed to be KO'ed, laying on the ground in ruffed up heaps.

The larger figure quickly shot a bulky arm out, grasping Hunter by the throat and lifting him into the air. The blonde flailed, kicking as his hands desperately grabbed at the hand. The man was clad in all black, ominous as he tossed Hunter with ease into the shallow pools. He walked over, boots clicking heavily on the rocky surface to Alice. He knelt, grabbing her by the back of her hair to raise her head to face him.

It was him, those eyes weren't ones to be mistaken. The heterochromial colors looking into her dazed eyes coldly. He pulled out a rag, covering Alice's mouth and nose with it. What is that smell? Chloroform?! Alice was slowly put under, and would find it difficult to remain conscious. She was heaved under his arm, carried around her stomach like a rag doll as she faced the ground.

Fading in and out, it was hard to grasp all that was happening. Slipping between consciousness and her dreams, where was the line? The sound of waves, moonlight on the beach. The sound of shifting sands as heavy boots trod through, and the smell of the ocean breeze. When Alice awoke, she was back in her bed in the hotel. Zubat's pokéball was on the bedside table, the Pokémon seeming to be at full health.

The reunion was sentimental and highly emotional. That was only to be expected after Alice had just had her very life threatened. Still, many questions loomed surrounding the events to the night prior. Alice would find that though her clothes were dirty, somebody had cleaned most of her cuts and the dirt from her body. She didn't have long to dwell on this though, as moments later there was a knock at her suite door.

"Room Service. We have a wake up call for Alice Hope and some breakfast," a muffled voice came from the other side of the door. The smell of food wafted through. It smelled delicious, but who had ordered it? The door was tried, opening with ease as it had been left unlocked. A bellhop rolled a cart in, containing a breakfast feast on it. Silver platters with lids covering them to retain heat made it all look very expensive.

"Oh good, you're awake. Had a long night, huh?" He asked, giving Alice a once over. He was plain himself, clad in the hotel's uniform. Short brown hair, brown eyes, and lackluster features. Pretty much nothing notable or memorable about him. Still, he took note of Alice's dirty clothes, which she had yet to change from.

"Don't worry, I understand. Work hard, play hard, right?" His voice was really mellow, just shy of monotonous. How could someone be so boring?! "Oh, your boyfriend left a note for you, too. He said he would catch up with you later since he had something to do," he set the envelope on the tray, before taking his leave.

The door clicked shut behind him. Now there was this ominous letter before her. Was it from him? Upon opening the letter, it was short and sweet. Well, maybe less of the latter. It was straight to the point at least. Say nothing. Or else. A threat? It was unnerving at the very least.

The day was cool compared to what it had been. The sky was overcast, the breeze stronger than usual. The foreboding storm was imminent, but had yet to begin raining yet. In the distance the sky was dark with a storm cell. It might be rough sailing, but as far as could be told the ferry was still running.

Passing by an alley, a voice called out. "Alice!" It was hushed but urgent, just enough to reach her ears. If she stopped to look, the distorted face if a familiar blonde could be seen. He had a white bandage wrapped around his head, covering one eye. Clearly the one that had taken the brunt of the punch, based on the bruise across his jaw line. Bruises like finger prints were around his throat.

He looked shaken, scared. His eyes were pleading, almost tear filled. "Please Alice, I'm so sorry," he sobbed a bit, hoping she would stop and listen. I don't know who that was, but...something about him- it isn't right. Nobody should be that strong," he said shakily. "I was being blackmailed to do that to you...but, I couldn't. I'm sorry..." His eyes darted around, checking their surroundings for a moment. He was clearly on edge. "I don't know who was blackmailing me, but this guy...he's more dangerous...please be careful..."

Hunter's good eye welled with tears, "I'm so sorry, Alice," he repeated, taking a couple steps toward her and the exit of the alley. "I knew you would be here. They told me to wait here for you. I don't know why they want you dead, I swear-" he was having troubles talking, especially with his swollen and possibly broken jaw. It was clearly causing him pain. He seemed to be favoring one leg a bit as well, possibly from being thrown.

"I didn't lie though, I swear. I really did...I really do like you," he said, trying to explain. "They were..." His eyes darted again, a look of dread washing over him. "I-I have to go now," he stuttered, quickly running off. What could have scared him so badly? What would have been strong enough to make him kill another being?! Looking back, Alice would see nothing but the bustling pier.

Though Zubat's echo location was great for finding variances, it didn't help much in this situation. There were simply too many people out there for it to do any good. The creature looked disappointed, hovering near Alice's head and doing her best to say nothing was found. Meanwhile a foghorn blew, the ship was beginning to board.