Dijon was cackling as defeated Lavana, who he really didn't like. Oh, we should back up-

^*^

The trio got word of three gems that could be the key to deal with Dim Sun's plan. So they went for it. Crepe went north while Dijon went to the volcano and Admiral went to the desert.

Dijon had fun. He met up with a Mime Jr., who was waiting for Crepe to return. He was willing to return and take it with him when he was heading back after his mission to let it reunite with Crepe. He then went into the volcano with his head held high.

Dimwits swarmed the place as he navigated his way through. He did some powerful damage before the others connected.

"You're how far?" Dijon stretched a little before looking at the screen again. Admiral was slightly behind because of Sven and Dimwits making her swerve off her course twice. Crepe, meanwhile, was nearing the end of his, somehow. He kept slipping on something as he worked through the castle.

"Almost at the end. I can feel it." Admiral growled. "Don't feel bad. At least you saved a Walord and its child."

"Fair..." Crepe yelped a little before he vanished from his screen. A moment later, he groaned.

"I'm going to hurt someone." Admiral winced in realization.

"Are you ok?"

"No... ow..." Admiral shuddered as Dijon bit his lip.

"Oh come on, Crepe. How are you damaging yourself? Isn't that me and Admiral's jobs?" The other two instantly acted like that wasn't said as Crepe got up and glared at the screen.

"Pardon?!" Neither of the other two said a word before Admiral cursed under her breath.

"Oh thanks! Asshole... missing my stop." Dijon chuckled as before he got to the end.

"Kick him, Admiral. I believe he deserves it. In any case-" His voice dropped when his eyes locked onto another particular red pair.

"Dijon?"

"What's wrong?" He recollected himself before he reacted and gave himself up.

"Nothing! You guys focus on your tasks. I'm nearing my target. I'll see you guys at the Union." He turned off and hissed as a snarl escaped Lavana.

"You bloody bastard..."

"Look who's talking, bitch."

"So this won't stay in Fiore? Fine!" Auras turned on and devices purred to life. Buizel gulped as Infernape glared at it. One voice turned the whole thing into a bloodshed.

"Let's see who kneels this time!"

^*^

Which brings us to now. He was trying to breathe as she hissed.

"You want to die!?" He got an airflow before firing back.

"Right back at you!" She hissed as they clashed. They missed these moments, regardless of the hatred.

"You mutt!"

"Only you would say that, witch!"

And you get the gist from there they went a whole ten minutes before she finally stormed off and he went for the Red Gem. Rude.

^*^

His breathing slowed as he dragged himself out of the chamber. He was way too warm and he knew it was still day. So he had drained himself dry. Seafoam was trying to get his attention, but he was focusing on getting out and cooling off. However, he barely could achieve that as he collapsed near the entrance of the area Lavana fought him in and practically passed out.

^*^

"Mime?"

He opened his eyes as fresh air flowed through his lungs. How long was he out? Apparently long enough to get to the Depot to rest. He felt a cold washcloth on his forehead as a mechanic went over.

"Are you ok?" He nodded as he paused.

"What happened?" The mechanic paused.

"You passed out. This little guy-" The Mime Jr. grinned. "-went after you when you didn't respond for a few hours and got you here to recover." Dijon hummed as he rubbed his face. At least he wasn't dead.

"Thanks..." He sat up before smiling at Mime Jr. "Thank you for that." He then paused. "I best start heading for the Union-"

"Take it easy." He paused as the mechanic took the cloth. "With what just happened, I suggest taking it easy. So don't try the Staraptor." Dijon nodded as Mime Jr. hopped onto his shoulder.

"Got it. Thanks for the help."

^*^

He got yelled at, but he was able to backlash and say that he was in a volcano, not the mountains. Crepe kept checking him for injuries, worry keeping him on autopilot. He finally struck at Seafoam's complaints.

"Here's one. Where's Admiral?" Seafoam frowned.

"Last time I spoke to her, she was arguing with Sven." Both boys paused to keep their laughter down. Finally Dijon spoke again.

"Did she kick him?"

"Dijon!" He busted out laughing as Crepe smiled softly.

"Sorry! I have my reasons!" He then paused. "But she hasn't reached out since?" Seafoam shook her head.

"I can slightly understand. She didn't get pulled off course twice... but still..." Dijon hummed at that.