Team Virbank/Chapter 1

What am I doing here?

Ever since I stepped inside the Aether Foundation, I knew there was something wrong. I really shouldn't be here. This place is filled with insane criminals, and given the opportunity, they can, and will slit my throat. I know one of them killed my dad, President Maxie Dreemurr, and now, Lusamine Dresden, Gladion's mother, is president. However, my mother, Courtney, says I don't have to worry. I'm extremely nervous though, and clutched onto her hand tight. She gave me a knowing look, then stepped forward, taking out her identification card as we prepared to enter the Aether Foundation.

''"May I see your identification?" ''asked a female Team Magma grunt guarding the entrance. Her dark hair framed her face perfectly, and her eyes were clear and bright. She was no older than 18. I felt sorry for her. She stepped aside to allow us to enter, but my mother stayed behind to comfort her. When she was an admin, my mother treated the Team Magma grunts as if they were her own children, comforting them if they were distressed or in pain. As she entered the compound behind me, she was abruptly ordered back.

''"Are you Mistress Courtney?" ''the same Team Magma grunt she was comforting asked, nervously. "You remind me of her."

"You are right. I am Courtney Kagari."

"I-in that case, you made me feel better. I had been injured before, and I was under stress. Thanks for comforting me. I-I needed it."

My mother hugged her tight. "I'll always be here if you need me."

"Thank you, Mistress Courtney. Please be careful."

We were on our own as we entered the Aether Foundation. My mother had to clear several checkpoints before we arrived in the main compound. It was then that I realized I shouldn't be here. I knew Gladion came here before, but he can handle himself, I can't. Everyone here, with the exception of the Aether Foundation and Team Magma, could potentially slit my throat and kill me. However, I knew I would be in safe hands.

"Oh, hey Winona! I haven't seen you in, like forever!"

I turned around to see Lusamine Dresden, president of both Alola and the Aether Foundation. She seemed excited to see both me and my mother. Accompanying her was Alyssa Wicke, Lusamine's assistant, and admin of Aether, as well as Tabitha Homura, the commander of Team Magma..my future husband if I didn't know Gladion.

"Lusamine, you seem excited to see us," my mother said softly. Lusamine sighed deeply.

"Yeah, Gladion wanted to know if you could, you know, go on a formal date with him."

"I'd love to," I said formally.

"I'm sure Gladion will enjoy it."