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POV Change: Miles

So after all that we're just going home? Ugh! The more I try to understand things, the more my head begins to hurt. So I quit doing that. I'll just keep listening and maybe I'll understand when I get bigger. For now though I think I hear Barney calling my name...well not really (even though that would be so awesome!) I just meant that I want to watch Barney super bad. At least that world made sense.

The second Papa parked the car a herd of Pokemon ran over the door and rushed towards us with scary looks on their faces. I didn't know who or what the kitty was though. Or the green and yellow doggy. Mom's raised her hand which was glowing with a pink light. A blink later a pink bubble thing surrounded the car just in time for our Pokemon to smash into it.

I just had to laugh at that! I couldn't help it! Them smacking into the bubble with those silly, stupid faces they were making was just too funny! While I fell to the truck's floor our Pokemon...demanded at the same time:

"Let us in!"

Then I heard Mom say "Not until you calm down enough that you won't maul us. We're all very battered and most of us are far too injured for your version of a welcome home."

As if they didn't hear her they made animal noises and screamed some words and began pounding on the bubble. It sounded like it was made out of glass. Mom suddenly screams out in pain.

I sure wasn't laughing now.

The bubble fell. But Mom appeared to grab all of them with invisible hands then tossed them away like they were toys! Boy did they go far! Gosh Mom was strong!

Then Mom fell down as if she got bonked on the head. Whatever Mom did make her nose bleed and she seemed to fall asleep on her feet. Was this really the time for a nap? Dad caught her though...at least tried to. Apparently Mom was too heavy for him when he was as hurt as he was. Mom fell on top of him.

Rai sighed before picking both Mom and Kate up with some invisible hands, climbed onto it's side with his legs hanging out of it for a couple seconds, then fell out of the truck as if it wasn't a gajillion tall off the ground. Then walked towards the porch.

Papa pressed a button on back of the car and the...gate went down. I watched Papa grab Dad's...wrist then pull him close so it looked like they were hugging each other one armed. But since Dad fell down every time he tried pulling away and walk on his own. I guess Papa was helping him walk. Good. It'd taken like a gajillion years for him to walk back to the truck when we left that Wal-Mart place.

"Can you help me get down Miles? I'm afraid I might hurt myself at this height." I looked over at the teddy who looked like he wanted to be picked up. The teddy was of course Elly because for some reason that's what Elly turned into Rai went in him like Vector did me. Which makes me wonder why I didn't become a birdy afters. Wait...weren't bat's birdies? They did have wi-

Gaah! I said I wouldn't do this!

After picking up Elly: I did what Rai done exactly. But I sat a little longer. While I was trying to make the fear go away: Elly said. "Be sure to land on your feet and bend your knees right before you get to the ground. Makes the fall hurt less."

Dang it now I couldn't close my eyes. Oh well...now or never I suppose. I fell down and only got a little owwy for my trouble. I looked behind us at the truck. Huh...that fall didn't look as bad from down here. I smiled and told Elly thank you.

Elly smiled back and said "Your welcome d-... Miles."

I began walking towards the porch. Then I heard the sound of the Pokemon running back and the flapping of wings. Beast told me to run as fast as I could into the house to the others; so I did.

But we forgot about the door!

When I felt myself start to fall: I shoved Elly away because even a dummy like me knew if I hadn't then I might of hurt him more badder than if I landed on him. I ended up landing on my face. Which hurt a lot. About the same as when I banged my head pretty good. I didn't cry then though. So why was I crying now? Doesn't matter. Need to keep moving! They were almost to the house and Beast whispered that it might get bad again if Elly and I didn't get back to the grown-ups and fast.

I got up. Fell. Got up again was able to stay standing this time. I looked for Elly but all I couldn't really see very good because water was in my eyes. The water made them itchy. So I wiped them. Better... at least until they filled back up again. So I wiped them again. Still couldn't see where I was... crawling though. Maybe I can find him if I reach my hands and feel for him? Didn't matter though because I bumped into what smelled like Papa. Didn't see or hear him. But Papa moves so fast that I probably would've ran into him even if I could do all that.

Didn't matter though because I did it! That made me happy and laugh a little for some weird reason. Ugly noises followed that laugh though. More tears to. Then I knew nothing else other than that and feelings I didn't understand. I got smaller. My voice got squeaky and louder. I must be a bat. That's funny I don't remember turning myself into one...Beast must have done it.

Papa picked me up and carried me for what felt like two big steps before stopping. Elly said something. Papa said something. Papa moved. Then suddenly someone warm and fluffy was hugging me. Elly. I hugged back. Papa began moving again.

Soon I felt warm water go into the fluff on my back. Elly must be crying; I wonder why? Maybe for the same reason I was? Which meant Elly didn't know why he was crying either. He squeezed me tighter. I squeezed him tighter. Elly got louder as if time was turning up the volume. Pretty soon I didn't know which one of us was crying louder.

Soft hands took us out of Papa's hands. I smelled Mom before I felt her. Her body was softer, more...comforting than Papa's. She was making a noise with her mouth. Not at all like the ugly noises coming out me and Elly... like music...but more pretty for some reason. There was something in it that made it so. I tried get quieter so I could hear it better. So did Elly I think.

Another person joined Mom's...........humming. I knew the person was a girl because that's what the noise and Beast told me. The only girls I knew of was AunC and Kate. I don't know if AunC would know a song that Mom knew so it had to be Kate.

Then I heard Rai start crying. Then Zillian. Then I heard doggies howling. One sounded big. The two small sounding ones. Didn't know them though. That's funny I didn't even know the Pokemon were around. Other people began crying to, but not as loud as us. Another doggy joined in the others. Then another. I didn't know these two. I do think I knew the next one though. Must be Dad then.

Really wish they would stop...I could barely hear Mom's humming anymore. More badder was that I was getting sleepy. I slept for whole three days! How the heck can I be tired!?

Must...not...sleep.

Okay maybe for just a little while...

---

POV Change: 3rd POV

Once the Noibat and Cubchoo fell asleep in Melina's arms and the Houndour pup fell asleep in Kate's arms: the round the room sobbing eventually calms down to a dull snivel. Melina turns her head glancing first to Blake then Paul and then back to the Pokemon taking a snooze against her breast while whispering "Still think they're too old to need their mother?"

Paul and Blake both clench their jaws and fist; their gaze fall to the floor but they say nothing in response.

Kate and Cecelia exhale an indignant snort and simultaneously mutter "Idiots" Cecelia's statement is punctuated with the slapping upside the back of Blake's head on her way to sit on the couch next to the rest of the ladies. Meanwhile Kate (human, naked now) begins to pet Rai and scritch and toy with his ears in the way she knows he likes.

Zillian begins to wobble unsteadily on his feet and his voice comes in a slur like someone who has one too many. "W-Who's t-the b-bear?"

Melina's facial expression becomes shocked as she raises an inquiring eyebrow "Can't you tell that it's Elly?"

More than just Zillian do a double take; all Pokemon and supernatural half breeds express their disbelief both by facial expression and muttered words. Zillian recovers from his surprise first and shrugs before explaining. Then says "T-too many s-scents are in the w-way. Something else has changed" Zillian begins to fall "T-Too...bright." Zillian falls unconscious the moment he hits the floor.

Blake chuffs and walks over to the mother, cub, and hatchling. Melina tightens her hold on her young with a hiss. But Blake pretty much ignores her while he rubs the top of Miles's head with the tips of his fingers. Blake talks to the unconscious boy in a low mutter. "Well that certainly explains why you were in such a huge hurry to get in the house." Blake tilts his head inquisitively " Did you somehow know that our Pokemon wouldn't recognize Elliot? Did you predict that Nil would attack Elliot just because the boy was a strange Pokemon in the same vicinity as you? How did you see the possible life threatening danger when we had absolutely no idea?"

Trevor surprises them all by speaking up with his almost too big and deep voice. Such a large, room encompassing voice really shouldn't come out of tiny Poochyena's mouth "Rob a hound of it's sight then the ears and nose will gradually strengthen to pick up the slack. Empty a human's brain-"

"-then animal instinct will strengthen to pick up the slack." Blake finished for him with a grin and his gaze returning to his son with a gleam of something in his eyes. Was that pride? "Is that the true name of your beast son?"

Before anyone could get a word out Paul explained "Miles apparently occasionally hears a detached voice in his head that offers advice and guidance. He says this voice is his but as a Noibat. Which is probably why he's named Beast."

Many mouths open to speak but it's Blake that cuts them off "We already know the possible cause and why this is a problem and why it needs fixed ASAP. So don't waste your breath"

All mouths shut except for Paul who says "Another thing to keep in mind is that just because Miles uses words: doesn't mean he knows what most of them means." Paul smiles a little and says "Why right before shit hit the fan: Miles there called Elly there a motherfucker just because the word struck him appropriate"

Melina eyes grew wide and there was notes of disbelief and panic when she said "Why the hell did he do that!? From what I've seen Miles adores Elly!"

Blake frowns and crosses his arms. But Blake appeared to be fighting a smile "I rubbed Paul and Elliot the wrong way. Paul tried to hit me back but failed so that brat-" Blake points to Elliot "-came out of nowhere and kicked a damned field goal."

Several people in the room couldn't help but laugh at the mental image that played in their heads. Yeah that definitely sounded like something Elliot would do.

Blake waited till they quited before saying "Apparently only Miles knew I was only teasing and declared them in the wrong. The boy got angry and did his best to pummel the brat before he was literally thrown out of fight " Blake was clearly pouting like a big bubble blowing baby when he muttered to mostly himself "Which consequently put the brakes on my fun."

Steve scratches at an itch with his hind paw while catching Paul's eye and saying "What the hell did he say to lit your temper? You've been pretty much made out of rubber until now."

Paul crosses his arms and drills Blake with a meaningful, fiery glare then says "That's unimportant."

Though fun: prodding wounded prey while it's licking it's wounds wasn't only dangerous but also very stupid. Fortunately for his guest: Blake deemed the little fun to be hardly worth the effort. So Blake for once swallowed what he wanted to say and nodded.

Melina's sigh is filled with more than just physical weariness as she gets up, deposits the slumbering Pokemon where she was sitting, raises her arms over her head to stretch her upper body a bit, then after another contented grunt she says. "C'mon Katie. I'm sure Blake doesn't like us bleeding on his new couch." Melina looks to Blake "Do you have any first-aid kits lying around?

Blake gives the mother of his child a droll look and replies in a clear almost angry, 'I'm not in the mood to argue' tone while briskly walking towards the downstairs bathroom. "Fuck the couch and sit your ass down." then mostly to himself as his body and composure"I have to do something useful before I hit something or someone."

Cecelia's expression becomes inquisitive as she turns to Paul and says "So what the hell did I miss now?"

Everyone that wasn't already in the know listens intently to Paul's re-telling of the events from where they previously left off up until his blackout. When it's his turn to do so: Blake finishes up Paul's tale. Once Blake finishes that tale: Melina tell her side of the story which was an edited version of the summary Rai provided earlier. When questioned why she left out her fight with Darkrai; Melina counters with the same quote Paul and Rai (if edited) use every time they are questioned about the details of Paul's victory:

"Our day-to-day lives are filled with more than enough violence to satisfy even the most blood-thirstiest of barbarians . We don't need to add any more to that with the re-tellings of past fights."

While all that was going on: Blake had long came back and broke open the first of three first-aid kits. Then starts patching up the one most injured to the least. Going down the line that would be Kate,Trevor, Steve, Rai, Elliot, and Melina. All behaving surprisingly well. Must have been the 'Don't say a word or I'll make it worse instead of better' aura Blake had raging.

Anyways; the latter hardly had any injuries at all surprisingly. Just bruises, cuts, and other defensive wounds. Partly because Melina had used her psychic prowess to minimize the damages. Being the glass cannon that this female was: that was very necessary.

But that also meant that Melina was in Kate and Paul's boat of having absolutely no reserves left. Lifting so much as even a finger was difficult and painful. The three of them also looked on the verge of passing out. Their grief-stricken Pokemon kept them pinned to the floor/couch respectively while worrying at them, as worried canines and felines do. No matter how many times they were bitched at or shoved away (each attempt met with a growl or hiss). Chase, Herbie, and Prince would they ignore their Master's words and return to their post to resume kissing boo-boos. Eventually the 'mons stubbornness won out as their Trainers let them be; the trio appeared proud as peacocks about that accomplishment

If you met their Trainers than you would understand why.

"So are we purposely ignoring the albino elephant in the room?" Steve says motioning with his head towards the still peacefully sleeping bear cub. All eyes fall to the cub. In that same instant the doorbell rang. Elliot was suddenly awake; eyes wide, sitting up ramrod straight, and audibly sniffing through his nose. Before anyone say a word. Said boy was off like a shot towards the front door while screaming at the top of his lungs "PIZZAAAA!"

Rai pretty much done the exact same thing. Like a loyal hound seen in the movies: the Houndour yipped and barked in excitement and joy as he followed Elliot's would-be vapor trail. Runt, Pip, and Herbie followed Rai's example.

Meanwhile Miles and Zillian gave leaping out of one's skin a whole new meaning. Somehow these two literally leapt all the way to the ceiling. Thanks to their claws they latched exactly where they landed. Both were shivering, wide-eyed, and it didn't look like they were interested in coming back down anytime soon.

All at once bellies began to rumble loudly around the room. With a large smile Blake says while retrieving his wallet "Did I forget to mention that I placed a call to Joey on the way to the store telling him that I wanted him to have a lot of pizza over to my place by this time?"

Without waiting for a reply Blake followed after the boys.

---

POV Change: Miles

I put on the clothes I had on earlier that I'd left in the hallway. Elly put on grey sweatpants, something called a polo with black and white stripes (but to me it just looked like a T-shirt only with buttons and was thicker.),and something over that called a hoodie. It was purple. Apparently you're supposed to wear the last one when it was cold outside. And Elly was cold. Even without being told I saw that because he was all shaky, his teeth were making clicking noises, and you could see his breath.

Rai told me that Elly was cold because the teddy that he'd turned into made him that way. Said something about how human body isn't built to contain the ice element very well even with magic tinkering. Hope you know what that means because I sure as heck don't. Anyway Rai had said almost the same thing when we were all surprised over how much pizza Elly had eaten at once. Apparently now when Elly uses his powers, - which is pretty much what I use every time I call my weapon to me, scream, and go batty- he gets hungry like I get thirsty since when we use our powers our bodies burn through this fuel a lot faster than normal peoples.

Rai threw on a black tank top, black red shorts, grey socks, and went commando. That's what Elly called going without underwear. I tried doing it but I didn't like how it felt.

Something weird happened while I was putting my boxers back on. Elly and Rai were looking at my boxers with 'o' mouths. As usual I was confused. So I asked them:

"What? Haven't you guys seen boxers before?"

For some reason their faces got all red and their mouths moved but nothing came out. Then they both ran out of the room as if one of the grown-ups yelled that their butts were gonna get spanked if they didn't come downstairs right now. I didn't hear anything (and I have really good hearing) so it couldn't have been that. So what was it then?

Ugh family makes my head hurt...

So I finished dressing, grabbed the laptop, tucked it under my arm, and headed towards the stairs. Halfway there I realized I had to pee so I took care of that before finally climbing down the stairs.

AunC waved me over, she was holding a plate with something on it. "Miles I want you to try something. You don't need any spoons or forks to eat this. Should be plenty cool too."

I took the plate with the funny smelling triangle thing on it. Was this actually food? Hearing AunC make a noise with her nose made me look up at her. She was giving me the 'I'm going to cross my arms and look at you really hard until you do as I say' look while she said. "Don't give it that look when you haven't even tasted it yet. Eat it or you're not moving from that spot until you do."

I sighed, held my nose, took a tiny bite, then started chewing...........hey this wasn't half bad! Not as great as fruit but still pretty good. I took another bigger bite and then something very yummy exploded in my mouth! AunC must have saw something on my face because she'd said. "What you just bit into is called a pineapple. It's a type of fruit. Not at all that surprising that's what sold you."

I thought about taking off the yummy yellow things called pineapples and just eating them. But decided against it because they were too small to fill me up given how hungry I was and they made the pizza better. So I kept eating it as it was while holding the laptop for AunC to take. AunC must have known what I wanted because she smiled and took it from me without me saying a word. Then AunC pressed a button and looked at the screen, she frowned and said "It's battery is running on empty. So they'll be no playing with it until I find it's charger. Which might take a little time because it's sort of buried under all the things that I'd unpacked while you were away."

Wait...I have to wait to watch Barney!? Well what the heck was I supposed to do now!?

I must have had a look because AunC frowned and got an almost angry kind of look and said "Now don't you be throwing tantrum over this. I wanted you to play with the things I bought from the store anyways." AunC bent down, rubbed the top of my head, flashed me a smile "Just wait right here and I'll be right back with them. Okay?"

I nodded my head and sat down. AunC then went upstairs because I guess somewhere up there was where she put the things. I heard someone else walk towards me. Something in their footsteps told me that it was Nil before I smelled his scent or seen him. I smiled at him. He smiled back at me as he climbed in my lap. There was nothing to say because nothing needed to be said. I felt like...petting and... scritching him so I did. Nil's fur was so soft and felt really good to play around with. What I was doing must have felt good to Zillian too because he made a 'feels good' sigh and tiny squeaky noises...and then he was making sleeping noises.

Well that was quick.

I was just finishing my pizza when Papa came up to me next. He had drinks in his hands. One blood, the other fruit punch. Papa gave me both of them. I went to take a drink of the blood...but didn't get any. When I looked at the cup again it was gone! I looked around to see if I'd...accidently spilled any but I didn't see anything. I looked to Papa (who was blinking really fast for some reason with a surprised look on his face) and asked "Where'd it all go?"

Papa frowned when a few people were laughing for some reason. Then Papa turned around and went back the way he'd came. Saying under his breath "not funny" and "he isn't trying to be cute." With a shrug I went to drink my juice. This one smelled different, looked different to. Kinda looked like pee. Not saying it was, just that's what it looked like. But what if it was? Made me pause mid-drink to take a sniff. If not for that I wouldn't have felt the tickle above my top lip. I wiped at it then looked at it. It was red and it smelt like-.... OOooOooOoh.

I'm really am a big dummy...

Oh yeah my other drink. This one smells like apples. Did apple's have a juice?...Yeah they're were definitely apples in this. Yummy!

Papa came back with a jug. I blinked then somehow missed the whole me doing the drinking thing again because by that time a good chunk of it was gone. This tasted different too; must be from a different thing. Come to think of it...it tasted kinda like apple juice! When I was done I went to give it to Papa. Who was already walking away towards the group of men that he'd been talking to when I'd walked in. Guess the jug was mine then. I sat it down next to me.

Back to waiting then... boy AunC was sure taking her time.

I'd just began watching Zillian sleep when I heard two more people walk towards me. I looked up and saw Elly and Rai. I really didn't want to talk to them right now. Not only because they were loud (which would be fine if Zillian wasn't sleeping); but I really wasn't in the mood for talking or playing. So I shook my head at them. When they didn't get what I was trying to say: I pointed my knives at them and tried to make that scary face Papa makes a lot.

They sure got what I was trying to say that time because they'd stopped walking and they had surprised then confused faces. They glanced at each other before turning back to me with open mouths, they were going to say something. For some reason I found my finger go to my lips. Apparently that meant to be quiet because they closed their mouths. They looked confused until their eyes went to Zillian. Then I saw them get it. Elliot nodded. Rai rolled his eyes and began walking towards me again. Elly grabbed him by the arm and tugged Rai towards Kate; the big bully fighting and whining the whole way.

I sighed deeply and allowed my body to relax.

I saw AunC coming this time; she was carrying a noisy bag full of stuff. The strange sound the bag was making wasn't loud but I was still worried that it would be loud enough to wake Zillian. So I gently set Zillian on the floor beside me and rushed to meet AunC halfway.

---

POV Change: Elliot

I couldn't help but smile at Miles's innocent child-like awe and wonder into the plastic bag full of what Cecilia said was all his. Truthfully I don't think Miles saw any of it. That is except for the Barney stuffed toy sitting on top of everything else. Miles latched onto it so fast that it was as if he feared that it would vanish if he wasn't holding it. Probably did.

Then with a loud sound that could only be classified as a chirp: he fell to floor as if his legs could no longer support his weight. A fall that Miles didn't even seem to feel since he just curled up into the fetal position around his new toy without complaint. As if protecting it from the dangers of the world. Making cute, tiny, happy squeaking noises that I could hear even halfway across the room.

And then the toy started singing the very same song Miles had sung earlier today.

That was the moment Miles really lost his shit.

Don't really know what happened once Miles got to his feet. All I could see was vaguely human blur hopping around the room chirping his little freaking head off and saying so many 'Thank you''s that the words were made into indistinct gibberish. But judging by the blur's thrashing: Miles was dancing the jig of happiness that all kids know the steps to since birth. Meanwhile the toy was still singing it's most known jingle.

Cecelia appeared gobsmacked and a little embarrassed. Apparently the Dragonite wasn't expecting this explosive reaction and didn't know how to react. To be fair neither one of us were or did either. I for one had thought the first stage of the reaction was going to be it.

"Jesus Christ, Cecelia what have you done!?" Gobsmacked awe and fighting the urge to to laugh was clashing on Blake's face.

"I was thinking the exact same thing" Said both Cecilia and Zillian as the Dragonite was appearing more and more embarrassed and sheepish while Zillian was staring at his Master with naked awe.

Then Rai said suddenly in my ear. "Just so you know: We just narrowly avoided everyone here finding out what your parent's look like naked."

That hit like a slap to the face. My nearly shouted response to that being "Holy shit I didn't even think on how Mom and Dad would interpret this racket!"

Then Kate said from her prone position on the couch. "Goddamnit! I picked a really bad time to go back to feral form! This is a perfect Kodak moment and it's slipping by undocumented. Plus Mom and Dad are missing it! Where the fuck are they!?"

Rai retold a similar report of what he told me then added "Don't worry! I've caught them up and showing what's going on in live time."

Kate poured so much sugary sweetness into her next words that I found my gag reflex activating "Awww! That was sweet of you Raiby. Thank you!"

I could hear the embarrassed, sheepish flush in Rai's voice "Don't mention it Ma..."

It's times like this that I want to pound my head against the wall. I mean c'mon! My little sister should not sound like our mother for another 10 years or until I'm well out of the picture. Instead my little sister (and Dad) was yanked out of the flows of time sometime after this dimension's me rebirth and right before his suicide to raise the God of Nightmares taken infant form for 8 and a half years. Essentially becoming Rai's adopted parents. The fucked thing is I still don't know how that happened because they don't even know because Rai's memory was made so damned spotty by the unknown trauma.

But perhaps I now have the answer to that and more. It just needed tapped into was the thing.

Pffft. How was I supposed to do that? That would be like a monk meditating and/or praying to their great Buddha for help to reach enlightenment. Hmmm...I could try that actually. I don't really have anything to lose besides looking like a fool and consequently losing the rest of my dignity.

Man I really need to lighten up and stop being so pessimistic. .Alright focus. Need to concentrate.

Clear your mind...........

Deep breath............................

Now concentrate.........................

Well fuck! This train was quickly going nowhere and it's been like five minutes since I closed my eyes. I know that because I couldn't help but count the seconds like sheep. Everytime I try thinking backwards all I come up with is my own memories. When I try thinking forwards all I get is black canvas. I might as well try pulling a rabbit out of a hat! Not-so-new-news flash: I make a shitty magician!

Well what did I expect? It's not as if the answer was just going to plop into my lap.

...Of course right on cue something just happens to plop itself in my lap. By now I know better than to challenge fate any further and finish this sentence: It this thing holds the answers that I seek then I'll ______________ .

I opened my eyes to find... a Pancham?

The Pancham was currently looking at me like I'd grown a second head. Why...she (?) wasn't giving my nearly identical evil twin if not for the snow white hair sitting cross legged across from me the same look was anyone's guess. I would. Especially considering that fucker was levitating as if he was a freaking helium balloon. Yet he (or should I say it?) somehow had the nerve to look at me like an insane mental asylum patient escapee.

Oh and my twin was wearing a plain black T-shirt and a pair of jeans. That actually fit him it looks like I must add! Mine sure as hell didn't, I had to wear a belt to hold those suckers up. Had to even make a new hole on the belt to get that to stay on. Ugh I hate being short and scrawny..

Where was I? Oh yeah.

I of course knew instantly who the twin was. Had to. This bastard has been mooching off my body for weeks now. So I gave the bastard the typical me response:

"Why the fuck are you out?" I paused just long enough to glance down and check before saying "And wasn't there a cord or something linking us together last time you came out?"

The Protege rolled his eyes and said in the voice and tone I reserved for snark. I immediately wanted to punch that stupid smirk off his face. "Do you kiss your Mama with that mouth?"

The Pancham brought our attention back to it when it giggled with an eerily familiar giggle, then said with an eerily familiar voice that vibrated with a motor-like noise of pleasure that was pretty similar to a cat's purr:

"Ye-e-es he do-o-oes...speaking of-"

I blinked and literally missed the whole process of the Pancham shove her tongue down my throat. My mouth was even closed! . All I knew was the grip she had around my neck with her legs and her paws on my face was going to have to be pried off with a crowbar. That and something wet was dribbling down my chest...not sure yet whether or not I wanted it to be pee. And finally was the fact that I was rapidly running out of air.

So there I was: Dying of asphyxiation because some random ass female panda monster was sucking my face with enough suction to put a vacuum cleaner to shame. You would think everyone would be freaking out at this point. But nope. No reaction whatsoever. The only explanation I could come up with is that their minds were still processing the WTF moment. Come to think of it... that's actually pretty logical. Especially since I was still processing it. Eventually I did finally did get a sign that sentient life was still present in this house. That sign was from Mom as a pair of hands began pulling on the deranged panda off my abused face.

"Rose. I know *grunt* you're excited hpmhf! and everything but mauling Elly's face off doesn't make for a good first impression!"

The tongue retreated but didn't withdraw without finishing drawing a slow path from my chin to my forehead. Then it disappeared in the gaping maw with a final smacking of lips. Leaving me wobbly from lightheadedness from the forced breathless experience. Rose giggled into her hands then looked up and said "You're right of course Melina." Then flashing me goo-goo eyes and saying in a voice so sugary sweet that I couldn't quite tell if her words were genuine. " I'm sorry sweetie. Mama got a bit carried away."

Then the room erupted in more ways in one. Shouts of what might as well be gibberish deafened my ears. Meanwhile Dad, Blake, and Rai in full combat garb were suddenly behind Mom; all poised to kill. Fortunately Mom must have sensed them because they smacked against the summoned barrier like flies. Didn't stop them from slamming into it like enraged bulls.

However Darkrai -AKA Godslayer- sure as hell did stop them with his telekinetic might as easy as if he was holding onto small children. I knew he was responsible for the attack because 1) no one else but maybe Mom at full strength could accomplish that so effortlessly and 2) it was his voice broadcast with nearly a boom "Enough! Simmer down to a low boil and be silent. Only then will I'll explain what is happening and why."

Took a few minutes but calm was eventually restored.

Darkrai sighs while rubbing the area to where a bridge of a nose should be and says. "Alright then. Let me first began by laying a few things out on the table."

Darkrai stops what he is doing, straightens his back, puts his hands behind his back, and begins to slowly levitate around the room like a commander rallying his troops all while he says: "First of all to answer a few questions hanging in the air: The reason for my near radio silence was because you all were all already doing what you were supposed to be doing. That...and I've been sort-of busy dealing with other matters. Now for those answers most of you have been craving."

Darkrai pauses to look at us each individually to I guess make sure each of us were actually listening before continuing: "The most important happenstance and game-changing factor is this: Kenny Blink AKA Giz and his sister have been killed and absorbed by their doppelgangers."

Wisps of black aura briefly flare while Darkrai speaks before vanishing like someone blew out a candle "Something that was supposed to happen the other way around in order for them and those that they are with to still be on our side again. Therefore that means that all of them -my sister, the Blink siblings, and all of their other dimensional doppelgangers- are now our enemies."

My sardonic snort and response to that was mirrored by the boy sitting across from me as we both said "Saw that coming a mile away." The Protege kept going while I stopped speaking "Was why I wanted them far away from us when it happened"

Darkrai and Rai exhale a weary sigh "As did I. Still I couldn't help but hold onto that little glimmer of hope that it was only paranoia." Rai quit speaking but Darkrai kept going "Perhaps that's why that possibility was doomed from the start."

Rai snorted then said in his human voice. "There is this thing called self-fulling prophecy. Perhaps you should look up what that means."

Instead of blowing up like I expected him too: Darkrai surprised me by calmly turning to Rai with the equivalent of a raised eyebrow and saying "Why do you keep swapping voices? Why not just pick one and stick with it?"

Rai shrugs then replies in his Darkrai voice "I have very little control over this. Although I can swap channels at whim: my voice seems to have a mind all of it's own." back to boy voice "It's as if they're fighting for supremacy."

Darkrai rolled his eye than said "Now you're just doing it to irk me."

Rai swaps channels and says while flashing a mischievous smile and a 'itty bitty' hand gesture "Just a teeny weeny bit."

Blake actually chuckled before saying "Oh yeah. Boys. That tiny boy over there is the actual definition of a living breathing nightmare. Careful Rai may look like your typical eight year old boy but...well the danger is in the name I suppose."

"Duly noted sir." was the response of a chorus.

Darkrai rolled his eye and continued seriously as if the past few exchanges never transpired. "Any questions thus far?"

All us Braxter opened our mouths to demand the answer to likely ask the same question. Darkrai held up a hand to stop us then quickly said "Jerome and Latios are still among them. They however won't be seen until they've been brainwashed beyond repair. Before that happens a rescue operation must be launched. But to do that their location must be pinpointed. You all also must be at full strength. That is why you must stay here for some little R&R. I made sure this house and the surrounding area is a dead zone. No supernatural or electronics surveillance will detect you so long as you stay here and wait. I cannot ram point home enough to stay here. "

A brief pause while a sharp look was thrown at all of us Braxters "If I got to, I'll use...other means to persuade you."

There was a moment of silence that was broken when Mom cursed under her breath before saying "I knew we shouldn't have separated."

Mom's eyes weren't the only ones tearing up. Some from sadness. But mostly the tears came from indignant rage."

Darkrai shakes his head and says to her "Remember it was I that gave that order. And for good reason, which I will now repeat: Your traveling party was far too large. Far too easy to detect or track from the air or through psychic means. Especially since those lost shone like beacons to our enemies. If you had stayed with them you lot would be lost to me as well."

Darkrai glances to the Protege who'd rushed to cup his hand. Too many emotions shown in Darkrai's eye all at once and was too fast to interpret "Something that will never-" Another flare up of dark aura that was quickly squelched" "happen so long as I exist."

Instead of answering verbally: my twin got up leaned against Darkrai and stared into his eyes with something that could only be described as pure love and admiration. Made me want to puke it was that pure and intense. Something I still didn't understand, yet but kind-of wanted to. Seems I can finally fetch that story from it's source...later of course.

Right now though:

"Which reminds me. I have some explaining to do-"

I didn't need my eyes to know that Darkrai was now standing in front of me. The aura that had always been present around Darkrai was multiplied by who knows how much. Being near him was like stepping onto a life wire and a chamber full of pressurized air all at once.

"-but I really don't know where to begin about this particular matter." Pause. "I suppose you're most curious about the cub you are snugly embracing"

What was he-?

It was at that instant that I registered the warmth, the fur like material rubbing against my bare chest. As if on cue there was a deep, audible inhale, followed by a content sigh and purr like vibrations. A quick glance down both confirmed the bastard's words and what my other senses were telling me. The bitch somehow even wiggled inside both shirts!

Next thing I know I'm at the other side of the room having a hyperventilating fit. I barely coherent again when I felt a paw touch my face the same instant I heard that still sugary sweet, but growly from worry voice say:

"What's wrong sweetie?"

Did I take her with me!? Or did she just jump and latch onto me again!? I screamed! I couldn't help it! I could've sworn I tossed the bitch away! Why didn't I just do that earlier? Doesn't matter. I'll fix that!

...

What the hell was I doing? What was this accomplishing other than making me look like a child having a temper tantrum? Yes I was trying to fight the sudden, random surge of intense emotions so mixed together I couldn't dissect them. The only thing I knew were that they weren't mine. But...weren't these feelings still be there even if I somehow separate myself from her? She wasn't even doing anything that was hurting me. Nor would she. I knew that for a fact. I was just...scared because...because I didn't want or need her in the way that Taz did.

Just found something concrete. I felt safe for the first time in weeks. I knew that was bad...very bad...but...This bundle in my arms was also so pleasantly warm. So...so...warm...

Man I'm so freaking embarrassed right now! Think I might just hide my face for a while. Where was the only question. Had to be in plain sight or I'll look even more like a child. Hmm...Ah perfect!

I cast off my human form and lied down on my back. Consequently that meant I was wrapped up in a cocoon of clothes. Felt safe now. Was a little bit difficult to breath though and a little warm. Could probably fall asleep like this though.

I'd managed to stay like that for a full half silent minute when suddenly a dull claw-tipped digit tried it's best but failed to come through my fabric barrier. The owner's voice was a bit muffled but easy to make out. "You gonna come out of their anytime soon fluffbutt? or are you having too much fun suffocating yourself?"

"Option two I think. Might stay in here awhile. You guys can keep talking though. I can hear just fine." was my equally muffled response. I coughed and sniffed snot into my nose afterward.

"Ewwrah stop making that noise! I freaking hate that noise! If you have to blow your nose than go get a freaking tissue!"

Instead of answering I gathered up some material with my hands and blew my nose into it.

"You cheeky little shit!"

Paws grabbed fistfulls of fabric and before yanking both it (and some of my fur away which freaking hurts I must add!!) Suddenly I could breath again. But-:

"Two much light! It burns! It buuuurns!"

The only amount of sympathy I got was "Oh it burns ass. You weren't even under there that long" A strong grip seized my ankle. Than I suddenly found my white-furred ass being dragged across the hardwood flooring towards unknown destination. But it was likely the bathroom since she did mention it just moments ago.

"Huh...this is way easier than I thought it was going to be." muttered my captor as she took hold of my other ankle. We were going alot faster now. But I wasn't having fun with this game anymore.

So I tried tugging my feet away. Nothing. Just made the bitch grip them tighter. Alright I'll just crawl out of her grip....again no good. Just couldn't get enough leverage to pull myself up and there was nothing to grab onto. I was getting rather fed up of this shit by now. So while I used both hands to assist in rescuing my captive ankles: I said "You know I still have the ability to walk on my own right?"

"Not right now you don't!" was her reply distorted by a giggle.

---

POV Change:Miles

I heard a door close. Bathroom it sounded like.

Darkrai sighs, puts a hand to his face, and says "I hate it when they do that. Derails my train of thought completely."

"Do what?" I asked because all that looked completely normal to me.

"Be cute." said Darkrai with a shiver as if being cute was something he didn't like very much. Darkrai turns to me and walks to me."Speaking of-" For some reason even though I couldn't see it, I knew he was smiling at me. "-thank you for agreeing to help defend Elly from the bullies."

I shrug and say "They're family and no one picks on me or mine."

Darkrai laughs and says "Is there an off button on this thing?" while moving to place a hand on my head. For some reason it moved so very slow. After my next blink all I saw was red. All I felt was ang...no...rage was more right. I'd shouted something. I know that because I could still feel the afters in my throat. I just don't remember what it was. My arm also felt used. It was gripping something. Knife. Did I just hurt someone?

My body suddenly became mine again. Red fading...fading...gone. No new taste in my mouth though...huh how weird.

Darkrai had a hand on my head. I really didn't like him touching me. Would make me mad if I wasn't already.

Darkrai was frowning at me now; if he actually had a face then I'm pretty sure he would also be raising an eyebrow. Darkrai blinked at me a couple times before turning his head and saying to someone behind me. In an amused voice. "Rai please keep your play away from this particular minefield from now on." Darkrai chuckles and rubs my head "Especially since-"

I had enough. I swung my blade as hard and fast as I could. But somehow missed. For some reason that made several people take a breath in very fast."

"-he's moody and...well you all just saw what happens when you poke a moody dragon with a sharp stick now didn't you?"

Zillian flew onto my shoulder and said "Oh I have good idea on what's crawled up the Master's ass. Because I'm in a similar predicament myself. I'll take care of it. I trust you all will fill us in later if anything interesting is said or done. Now if you'll excuse us we'll be heading upstairs."

I began walking towards the stairs. Good. I wanted to be alone with Nil anyways. Zillian's words came out quicker and there was a noticeable...hiss with each one. "Please do not disturb us unless you want to join or watch a jolly good show."

"Hold it." said Mom with a... edge to her voice. Couldn't help but stop and turn my head to look at her. Been staring at Mom a lot lately without really meaning to. Mom was a lot prettier than what she'd been before.

Nil suddenly hisses and suddenly begins hopping up and down on my shoulder. Which hurt a little but not enough to say anything. Truthfully I was more worried about Nil falling off and hurting himself. So I caught him the same moment he'd shouted "Look you-"

Nil paused then changed what he was about to say when he caught the look Mom threw him. Who could blame him? Papa was less scary than that look! "-silly women! If me and my Master don't start fucking each other silly soon I'm going to rip my fur out and my voice and ears will likely be out of commision for the next few days!"

"I'd ask what was going on...but I do believe that question was just answered for me."

I looked towards the sound of the voice and saw...Rose and Elliot. Rose was the one that just spoke. They were holding hands. Elly's face was as red as an apple and he was holding his face in his other hand. Must be embarrassed or angry about something.

AunC's voice was next "Yeah I figured that's what the problem was." AunC giggles into her hands while giving Papa a weird look. There was a point to it, I do know that. Papa sees it and raises an eyebrow as if asking "What?" without actually saying it. Then he rolls his eyes and looks away

Mom sighs then groans while placing a hand to her face. She didn't say anything for a couple of seconds before saying "Look rat. I know I can't stop you from...taking care of yours and Mile's needs. It is after all in your job description. Even though I wish with every fiber of my being that it was someone, anybody else. At the very least may I give Miles "the talk." first so he won't become more damaged than he already is?"

Dad hit himself with a hand (It's really beginning to annoy me when people do that) and said "Damn. I didn't even think about that."

Nil made a noise with his nose and said "Thankfully that isn't necessary. Miles got all the talk he needed thanks to the sneak peek he'd caught today."

What they were talking about suddenly hit me in the face. I even almost hit myself in the face before I caught myself! "Ooooooh you're talking about the game we'd seen Elliot and Dad were playing during their bathtime."

It suddenly got very quiet...well the room did. My head on the other hand was full of noise because Beast was calling me all sorts of mean sounding names.

Who the heck has a bully inside their own head?!

"