FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

Standard warning stuff. I ain't gonna tell ya if you're under the age of 18 not to read, just do so at your discresion! These characters are property of myself. Also, any relation between the names listed below or the type of emergency calls run are of a ficticious manner are any relation to actual events or names is purely coincidental. Now, ladies and gents, I give you, Five Miles.

Five miles. Five miles separated me from a warm bed, a hot meal, and a long shower. And yet currently I was trapped by the torrential downpour of a summertime thunderstorm.

I cursed my contemptible luck. "Five fucking miles," I shivered and spat, "to go".

I trudged onward, longing for the comfort that was so close, yet so far away.

Minutes past as I crawled along, observing as I stared at my feet the interesting phenomenon of jumping mud sparked into life by the assault of rather thick raindrops.

I felt lost in my mind as the rhythmic sounds of the storm and my transfixed gaze dampened my senses. And I soon would've been totally consumed by the weather, had the sounds of scuffling and whining not interrupted the metronome of the storm.

I stopped my trek and listened more astutely. Breaking, I heard vegetation breaking, and cries, very frantic cries, and a yelp, a piercing sound that was suddenly cut short.

My brow furrowed as my curiosity peaked. What the hell? I thought to myself as I cautiously walked to the scene. And what I saw a few moments later greatly discouraged me.

From the vantage point of a rather thick laurel bush I observed three figures, two of which were standing, one was face down in the mud, and it looked as though it was injured.

The two standing figures slowly made their way to the downed one, their teeth somehow visible through the torrent of rain, their lips curled into some twisted smile.

They knelt next to the poor creature and began manhandling it, grabbing it roughly by the neck and viciously shaking it. It weakly cried out to which they simply slapped her, once each between them.

"Quit your bitching!" The man currently holding the creature shouted. "Ain't nobody gonna here ya out here!" He cackled and struck the creature again.

Thank goodness he was wrong, I thought to myself. As for how much I could do to aid the poor creature, however, was a different story all together.

As a paramedic, I had agreed to do no harm to another being while in uniform. And as fate would have it I was currently in uniform, having foolishly decided to walk home from the station that evening. It seemed like a good idea at the time; the sun was shining, and the storm looked a good distance off as I left for home.

So much for that! My thoughts scolded me.

They were soon rendered quiet as the man threw the creature back into the mud and it suddenly lie still.

"Fuck it!" I yelled as I left my oath behind the bush, and charged forward.

Now as the world would have it, there is nothing better and more pleasing than the look of surprise on someone's face when they're caught doing something they'd rather the world not know about. And needless to say the two men were quite surprised at my sudden appearance. They sat slack jawed and eyed me cautiously.

I watched their actions carefully, ensuring my safety should they rush me. Fortunately they were too stunned by my intervention to move.

I upped the ante a bit. "That's enough you two." I made my voice as threatening as I could, despite my own anxiety. Thankfully, just as I spoke, a flash of lightening suddenly exploded within the torrential skies, illuminating my figure, as well as the figures of the creature's attackers.

I grinned wickedly. The men were both extremely thin; between them both I doubted they could measure my own diameter. Granted I was a fairly large man both broad and, in all honesty, a bit more heavy set than not. My rather average stature didn't due me much justice to my girth either.

Despite all this, however, I was bigger than the two men and they seemed to realize this as they both fled, kicking up mud as they distance themselves from me.

I stood quite pleased with myself. I scared away a couple of would be killers and saved the life of something I had never seen before! Well, I'd at least accomplished the former half of all that.

With some realization of the creature actually needing my aid to survive I went to its side. A brief examination revealed both the extent of the creature's injuries, and just what kind of creature I was dealing with.

I sighed as understanding swept over me. While the two men's actions were unjustifiable, I at least knew why they attacked this poor creature. From its outer skeletal ribs and the small boney plate covering its head to its midnight black coat and blood red eyes, the creature appeared as an abomination to the Holy faith. Yet all of its appearances belied its gentle and ultimately caring nature for other creatures of the world, humans included.

I concluded my examination and after ensuring the Houndoom would remain unconscious and as pain free as possible, I gently lifted its body in my arms and continued to my home, redoubling my efforts for the life on the line that now rested in my hands.

Sadly it took me longer than I would have liked to be at my front door; but, near thirty minutes later found us within the warm confines of my house.

With caution I lay the Houndoom on the living room floor, taking care to avoid touching its more injured areas. Laying it there provided a hard surface on which treating it would be made simpler; additionally, if it bled excessively, the floor was far easier to clean than the furniture. Not entirely venerable, I knew, but hey, some of my furniture was expensive.

Removing my wet clothing I went to my bedroom, grabbing a dry pair of underpants and a clean pair of jeans, as well as my personal medical kit, and returned to the Houndoom.

I set the kit down and took out the necessary supplies to treat its injuries and joined it on the floor.

"Hang in there sweetie," I spoke to the unconscious creature.

I spent hours mending the damage the two men had done. Its body had been torn, riddled with abrasions and lacerations, I even found an avulsion of the soft tissue around its neck which I carefully sterilized and sutured back together.

Wiping my brow clear of sweat I performed my final assessment of the Houndoom, ensuring that I had covered and managed all of its external wounds and that my bandages were effectively controlling any bleeding. As I neared the end of my examination I realized I had left out a crucial part of its anatomy and verbally cursed myself for doing do.

"Fuck me!" I uttered as I warily lifted the Houndoom's left flank, exposing its genitalia to my medical, and albeit, curious eye. I quickly noted that the creature was female. Delicately I palpated her perineum, taking note of any deformities or abnormalities that were present. Thankfully, and with much relief on my part as caring for the female genitalia was rather difficult, I found little out of the ordinary. Aside from a little mud in places it didn't belong, her sex was in healthy condition.

With my assessment finally complete and all of the Houndoom's wounds cared for, I once again moved her, taking her from the hard and uncomfortable floor to the soft and cozy warmth of my bed.

I smiled to myself as I laid her upon the sheets and ensured her comfort and safety by surrounding her with firm pillows. Apparently, there happened to be a bit more venerability in my being than I had thought.

I took my own rest that night on the couch after cleaning the mess my care had created. It was a light and somewhat uneasy sleep that took me, my concern for the Houndoom taking more precedence in my thoughts than adulterous dreams and ultimately keeping me partially aware of the environment.

When morning finally came around I was wearier than I was to begin with. But, never being one to sleep through much of the day, I rolled off the couch and was soon reminded that I hadn't slept in a bed that last evening.

The floor and I made easy friends as my face was the first to come in contact with it. Close behind me was the rest of my body which did its best to take out the lamp upon the end table near the left arm of the couch.

As it shattered, I let go of a few minor frustration. "Fuck my life!" I yelled and hastily stood to my feet, taking hold of the first object I could find, which happened to be a couch cushion, with the intention of hurtling it across the room. With the cushion held high above my head I made to throw it, but I immediately stopped. It wasn't that I was afraid to break anything further; on the contrary, that was my intent. It was a shadowy figure in the periphery of my vision that had brought an end to my rampage.

I cocked my head to take a look at whatever shadow had interrupted me and was honestly surprised to find a body to it, expecting instead to find nothing. There, in the nook of the hallway, all bandaged up and looking fearful as ever, was the Houndoom. Her uneasy eyes studied my persona as to establish me as hostile or friendly.

I prayed she would find me friendly, despite my outwardly aggressive outburst just moments prior. And thankfully that reminded me that I was still holding the cushion just above my head, ultimately making me seem more intimidating than I would have liked.

Nice one dumbass! I inwardly cursed and slowly, almost painfully so, placed the cushion back in place.

The Houndoom never moved, only observed. Her piercing red eyes looked over every inch of me, watching attentively to every muscle that moved within my body.

My aggression steadily ebbed away and in its place was apprehension. Perhaps it was I that should fear her. She was, after all, far more capable of inflicting injury to me than I was to her. Mother Nature had graciously bestowed upon her large canine teeth with which she could tear flesh asunder. I was given molars with which I could devour vegetation without a problem. Where she had claws that could disembowel prey, I had nails, which were pretty good for taking care of a few itches here and there. Of course, where she could breathe fire, I could vomit or spit mucous, which was little more than a disgusting agitation.

With this in consideration, I found it in my better interest to become a bit less threatening without appearing weak. Weak would indicate prey, and that was something I did not want to become, less the gruesome images in my head become reality.

Cautiously, I took a knee, kneeling so that my height matched hers.

She watched this action more intently; her ears swiveled towards me, undoubtedly listening to my every breath, gauging my actions with further scrutiny.

I had to end the tension; it was killing me! Well, not yet, but if it continued, something sure would be!

I cleared my throat and summoned up every ounce of courage I could to utter something; anything would do, anything to break the ice as it were.

"Um, hey there." Yes, that was it, and it was delivered with a wave and a smile.

The Houndoom's glare continued.

I sighed. "What the hell can I do to set her at ease?" I said aloud.

I searched the floor as if it offered some hope to my predicament. Sadly, it didn't, it just seemed to mock me further.

Another sigh brought me to the end of nowhere. Without anything else to think of and completely out of options, I felt hopeless.

I looked up to see if she was still there, staring me down as some horrid beast, or possibly next meal.

Instead, I was given the shock of my life as I found myself nose-to-nose with the Houndoom, her cool nose pad pressed lightly against the tip of my fleshy nose.

I immediately went cold, frozen with fear. My instincts told me run, but my mind knew I couldn't outrun her. As far as my thoughts were concerned, it was over. There wasn't a damn thing I could do to save myself.

The Houndoom's eyes locked with mine and the chill intensified. I tried to look away, but every time I did so, I found her maw, which was thankfully closed currently. I knew, however, that it was lined with razor-sharp teeth that would soon be inside my throat, tearing away at the sensitive veins and arteries within and ultimately killing me.

She suddenly craned her neck so that we were again eye-to-eye. Her gaze was unbelievably unnerving. It was inquisitive, yet dangerous, like a predator scouting for its prey. Yet, intertwined with that, it was oddly warm, creating a most uncomfortable feeling of serenity. I pictured a snake hypnotizing a rodent before taking its life in a fury of poisonous bites and crushing squeezes.

I was so lost in my self inflicted torment that I almost missed the Houndoom rub her cheek against my own. Fortunately my senses weren't completely incapacitated and managed to feel her exceptionally soft fur against my flesh.

For the third time that morning I found myself at a loss. Where was the horrible, gruesome mauling? Where was the bloodshed? Where were all my expectations? Instead of indescribable horror, I had found peace. I laughed inwardly. She found me friendly after all!

"H-hey t-there s-sweetie." I stumbled through my words as I placed a gentle hand along her back, careful to avoid her injuries.

The Houndoom responded by giving a weak wag of her tail.

"I, huh," I tried to collect my thoughts before continuing, but my mouth was too far ahead of me. "I'm Henry." I introduced myself. "I'm the one who helped ya out last night, but I guess ya already knew that, eh?" The Houndoom gave a nod and rubbed my cheek again. "Well, good to know we're friends then!"

I'm not sure what possessed me to do it, but I suddenly put my arms around her and embraced her as friends would, still mindful of her injuries.

She didn't seem to mind all too much thankfully and actually returned the gesture in her own way. I'll admit it did feel nice to be held, even if it was from a Pokémon.

Reluctantly I backed away from her so that we were again eye-to-eye. I found her eyes much softer than before, and had little trouble keeping contact with them.

The Houndoom suddenly seemed to smile, an odd sort of thing that brought the corners of her lips a bit higher and showed off a few of her teeth. Unusual though it was it was still a nice gesture.

"F-friends." A soft female voice said.

My brow furrowed as for the fourth time that morning I was awestruck. I looked behind me to find the source of the voice, but instead found nothing.

It's an odd feeling to realize what cannot be actually is. I'm not sure which philosopher said it, but once you have eliminated the obvious, whatever was left, no matter how impractical, must be the truth. And the truth left for me was that the voice belonged to the Houndoom.

I eyed the Houndoom curiously. "D-did you just say 'friends'?" I asked.

She nodded. "I sure did!" She exclaimed and suddenly jumped upon me, rubbing her cheek against mine as she had earlier.

I laughed and rubbed her ears a bit before seeking further insight.

"Hey listen," I said and pushed her off of me, "How did you learn to speak? I mean, I'm aware Pokémon can say their names, but I had no idea they could articulate words like you obviously can!"

She seemed to think a moment before she spoke, something I wished I could do. "Well, I don't think many Pokémon can. But some learn in order to communicate better with humans."

I nodded as the simplicity of her answer made a world of sense to me. After all, good communication was paramount to the survival of any species.

"Well," I began, "That's good enough for me!" Hey, I was a simple man.

Maybe too simple as another thought dawned on me. "Say," I said, "Do you have a name? I can't just call ya Houndoom all the damn time!"

She shook her head. "No, I'm sorry to say. My species identifies others by scent rather than names. Names are a human custom."

I frowned. "Well, that ain't gonna work; my sense of smell ain't that good." I placed a hand between her ears and ruffled them slightly, making her smile. "Would ya mind if I gave ya a name? For my sake at least."

She nodded. "I'd love one!" She replied exuberantly.

I smiled and gave a soft chuckle. "How do you like Kahlua?" Kahlua happened to be my favorite alcoholic beverage and would be easy to remember. But the name also carried an intimate value to me as the pseudo name of someone I had once cared for.

Her odd smile returned. "It's wonderful, thank you." She answered as if she had no intention of denying any name I suggested.

"You're welcome." I replied.

I stood up and walked past her, down the hallway and to my left. "You should lie down for just a few more minutes!" I shouted from my restroom. "I'm gonna clean up and we'll see about going out for a bit and treating those wounds at a proper center!"

"Very well!" She returned.

I threw my muddied cloths in a hapless pile in a corner and washed as quickly as I dared; fast enough to ensure timeliness yet slow enough to clean the dried blood off of me. It was a process that took all of ten minutes and soon I was dried and dressed, wearing a simple red collared shirt and a pair of ragged blue jeans that I'd had for a number of years.

I laced up my shoes and returned to the living room where Kahlua was relaxing upon a rather large pillow of my sofa, her forepaws wrapped about it in a way that looked like an awkward hug. Upon noticing me she looked up.

I smiled. "Ready to go?" I asked pulling my keys out of my pocket.

She yawned and nodded, cautiously moving from the couch to the floor so as not to aggravate her undoubtedly smarting wounds.

"Yes I'm ready, master." Kahlua answered.

A part of me cringed suddenly at hearing that as we left. I started my truck and started down the road and turned to Kahlua. "Hun," I began, garnering her attention. "My name ain't master, never has been, never will be. My name is Henry and that's what I want to be called, got it?"

I'm sure I came off a bit more stern than necessary, but master just wasn't going to cut it.

Thankfully Kahlua seemed to understand and flashed me a smile that made the other part of me melt. "Understood, Henry." She replied sweetly.

"Good." I replied and gave her ears a quick ruffle.

Our trip was a short one as the Pokémon medical facility was less than a mile from my house. If only the same could be said about the Emergency Services station!

I pulled up to the emergency room entrance and turned on my emergency lights. One of the few pleasures of working as a paramedic was the availability of a personal response vehicle. Needless to say, I owned one, the reflective Paramedic and Emergency nine-one-one decaled on the side doors and tailgate.

I opened the door and helped Kahlua to the ground.

"Henry?" A concerned Kahlua started.

"Yes dear?" I asked.

"Why did you turn those red and blue lights on? Are they not for an emergency?"

She was sharp, I had to give her that considering she was a Pokémon and shouldn't necessarily know that red and blue lights signaled an emergency vehicle.

"Well," I began, "This way no one is tempted to mess with my truck. And with the lights running the crew inside may be a bit more concerned about you and want to see you treated right away." It wasn't the most honest thing to do; however, if it saw her treated quickly I hardly cared.

"I see." Kahlua answered.

I entered the building with Kahlua at my side. Almost immediately, and as I'd predicted, three nurses and the ever infamous Nurse Joy surrounded us. For some reason, Joy often made me uneasy. How could the same woman be in every city at once? Sure there was the rumor of all the Joy's being cousins, but I wasn't going to buy into that for a minute! It was some kind of conspiracy, I was sure of it! That or my paranoia was getting to me.

"Excuse me," Joy began, dismissing her associates. "What seems to be the emergency?"

I put up my best façade and began to explain the previous night's events. All that had transpired since encountering the injured Houndoom to bandaging her wounds, even her unique understanding of the English language, I advised her of everything.

"Oh my!" She said as I finished. "Those horrible scoundrels! I'll have her fixed up in no time, Henry! You can wait in the lobby." Apparently I had told her my name at some point in the conversation, though I couldn't honestly recall.

Joy took Kahlua to the Emergency Room and I did as I was told and took a seat in the lobby. I quickly made myself at home as I found the remote to the wall mounted television and began cycling through a few channels. I eventually settled on the sports network and spent the better part of an hour watching a rerun of the Monday night football game.

At about the third interception thrown by my favorite team, Joy returned, a rather well looking Kahlua at her side. I hadn't the time the day before to look at Kahlua's body in depth; however, without the bleeding wounds and matted fur she looked rather stunning.

"Well hey there gorgeous!" I said to Kahlua as I walked over to her.

She blushed, which was again odd to me as I didn't know a Pokémon could do so. I still found it cute and she flashed me her smile.

"Hello Handsome!" She answered cheerily, again surprising me with her language and causing my own blush to swell across my cheeks.

Nurse Joy suddenly waved over my attention. "Well," She began, "I've treated all of her wounds that you bandaged, and even a few that you missed!" She smirked as I scowled. I was a good medic; I just didn't have the supplies to take care of all of her injuries! "In any case," she continued, "She should be right as rain now, you're free to go!"

I smiled as the best news I'd had all week was delivered to my ears and made haste back to my truck with Kahlua on my heals.

Once she and I were settled I put the truck in drive, turned off the emergency lights, and gunned it away from the Center.

Kahlua looked to me inquisitively.

"What's wrong, Henry?" She asked.

I chuckled and ruffled her ears.

"It's nothing," I told her, "Joy just freaks me out."

She laughed. "Why's that?"

I shrugged. "Dunno, she just does I suppose."

She nodded and seemed to except my response, much to my gratification. I didn't want to frighten her into thinking I was insane with my conspiracy theory.

I drove on and took a quick look around the town and thought of a few things I may be missing around the house; mostly toiletries and things of that nature. However, when my eyes suddenly settled upon the Pokemart, a thought crossed my mind.

I pulled into the parking lot of the small mart and killed the truck.

Kahlua pawed at my arm lightly and I turned my attention to her.

"Why are we here?" She asked with a slight bit of what I thought was fret in her voice.

"Well," I started, opening the door, "I'm picking up a Pokeball, I assumed you would be staying with me."

She violently shook her head and I felt a tad bit discouraged. After all I'd done, she was just going to walk out on me. Then again, every other woman in my life had done that, might as well be Pokémon women too.

"No!" She shouted. "No balls! I'll stay with you, but I don't want to be trapped in one of those contraptions! I'm afraid of them!" She visibly shook as she finished and I closed the door of my truck to console her.

"Well alright then sugar!" I said with an heir of excitement in knowing she was going to stay with me. "No ball is just fine with me!"

Her tail wagged and she barked in excitement. "Thank you!" She exclaimed as I restarted my vehicle. Soon I had the two of us back in the cozy confines of my house.

Kahlua found herself a comfortable spot on my sofa and after mixing a drink I joined her. I took the remote off of the end table and began cycling through the television channels. On a random channel I stopped, merely wanting the television for a bit of noise in the background.

"So then," I started and placed a hand upon Kahlua's flank and gently massaged, "Tell me about yourself."

Kahlua purred at my idle massaging; an odd sound for a canine, but I didn't press the matter.

"Odd topic of conversation, don't you think Henry?" She asked.

I smiled. "Not at all, I just like to know who I'm living with, that's all." I answered.

"Alright then," she started, "What would you like to know?"

My smile only broadened. "Everything! Enlighten me on your interesting character! "

And so she told me everything about her. When she was born, who her parents were, her first hunt, her friends, her family, when she evolved, and even what trouble she got into along the way. Her life was filled with adventure, even when it was as simple as gathering food with her pack. My life was filled with one boring chore after the next up until I became a Paramedic. However, I doubted she would want to hear upon injured and ill people, some of which had actually died in my hands.

As she finished, I sat stunned. "Well Hun, that's one hell of a life you've had! I'm sorry for some of your hardships." That was all I could think to say.

Kahlua smiled. "Thanks! Hopefully it will get better now that I'm with you!"

The last of those words hung in my ears a bit longer after they had left her lips. 'With me', she had said it in such a manner that dictated honest excitement and happiness. She had only known me a day or so and already she was comfortable with me. I hadn't had that peaceful company in so long it warmed every fiber of my being.

"I hope so!" I suddenly exclaimed and massaged Kahlua with a bit more fervor.

She moaned and purred a bit louder and the air became filled with a light musky aroma. I inhaled deeply and tried to analyze the source; however, before I could find it, something on the television garnered my attention.

"In local news," the overly painted newswoman began, "officials are still in search of two men charged with theft and abuse of local Pokémon. These men are reportedly part of a large international trading ring and have allegedly sold trainer's stolen Pokémon to collectors the world over. Now the target of these crimes seems to be trainers or wild Pokémon with unusual characteristics or rarity. If you have any information, please call, toll free, at..." She gave a number, but had long lost my attention.

It irked me, to my very core, that these two men were harming innocent creatures. To make it worse, I'd had the opportunity to stop them, but instead let them flee.

My agitation hadn't gone unnoticed.

"Henry?" Kahlua's voice stirred me from my stupor, "Is something the matter?"

I frowned slightly. "No," I began, "It just bothers me that these two men are out there right now possibly hurting others. Ain't something I take too well to really."

Kahlua shifted slightly so that I was massaging a bit lower and nodded.

"Those were the same two men that were after me last night." She began and sounded a bit winded, though it could have been my imagination. "T-they found me at the river and lunged at me before I even knew they were there. One man held me down by the small of my back while the other tried to muzzle me. But before he could, I bit him, and as he recoiled in pain I fled. Sadly, they weren't as detoured as I'd hoped, and managed to run me down and beat me."

A small tear formed in her eye and her voice wavered slightly. But with some courage, she continued.

"They whispered horrible things to me and told me I'd become a brood hound for a wealthy man. I didn't want that, so I screamed." She looked at me in a way that tore at me. "And that's when you came along Henry. The last thing I remember that night was hearing the frantic breathing of two men as they fled, and being cradled in someone's arms."

She nuzzled the arm on her lower thigh in a tender way which diluted the rising anger within me.

"Glad I could help." I simply told her.

We spent the rest of the evening on the couch. I was thrilled to have Kahlua's company, and she seemed thrilled to have mine, if not a bit excited for the massage I was giving her. And even though the unusual aroma still permeated the air, I had never felt so relaxed.

The weeks turned by and for the most part my life remained normal. I still worked my twenty-four hour shift every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday as a paramedic. I still enjoyed cooking, eating out and the occasional drink, as well as a good can of Copenhagen. I still loved movies and a good game of Frisbee, or even a quite night at home.

The only thing different about it all was now I enjoyed it with someone else. As of a few weeks ago I'd met a Houndoom to whom I had affectionately named Kahlua. While the circumstances of our meeting was disheartening, I was rather glad she'd come into my life.

My line of work was difficult at times, and to have someone to convey my personal feelings to was a blessing. Moreover it was nice to have that person legitimately listen and care for your feelings. If all I had to do was talk to relieve my aching soul when I lost a patient, the Ambulance would suffice just fine.

Ironically enough it was the ambulance that was listening to me Tuesday morning. My partner, Russell, and I had been dispatched for a traffic accident at one of the busiest intersections in the city. As we sped along I audibly recited the location; not so much for my partner's sake but more for my own, considering I was driving. It's never considered a good show of faith for an ambulance running hot to have to stop and ask for directions.

Thankfully I avoided that situation and as we rounded a corner our ambulance arrived on scene.

I turned off the sirens and instructed my partner to take the cot and the airway bag out into the field as I communicated with dispatch.

"Unit Ninety-Seven." I called out over the radio as I took a few quick observations of the scene.

"Unit Ninety-Seven." The dispatcher returned.

I made a few mental notes and opened the channel. "We're on scene," I began, "with a two vehicle collision; Passenger car versus utility truck, occupants trapped. I'm going to need signal seventy out here immediately."

A few moments passed before the dispatcher's voice came through again.

"Received," she said, "Fire department has been notified, they're advising they're about four minutes out."

"Received." I answered.

I took my portable radio off the dash and secured it to my belt as I walked into the scene. My stomach was an unholy symphony of churns and gurgles as I observed the carnage.

I just held my composure as I approached a small vehicle partially trapped beneath the axel of a large cement truck. The smell of gasoline and ethanol assaulted my nose and despite my own safety I peered in through the back window.

My heart sank. Where once there may have been passengers was now nothing but mangled steel and glass. The upholstery within was riddled with the shattered remains of the inner compartment of the vehicle, undoubtedly slaying the poor souls within.

I sighed heavily as I turned away.

"Russell!" I shouted for him, "Put the cot away and get some long boards. We ain't pulling patients outta this one."

He nodded grimly and did as I instructed, taking the cot away and returning a few moments later with three long boards and some sheets.

I looked at the sheets and gave him a weak smile. At least we would give these poor victims a small bit of decency by covering their bodies.

We readied the boards just as the fire department arrived.

A large man, who I recognized as the lieutenant, stepped out of the engine.

"What do ya need us to do?" He asked curtly.

I explained the situation, and requested that he extricate the victims of the small vehicle and keep them as sheltered as possible. I didn't want their bodies decimated any further.

He nodded his understanding and he and his crew set about the unfortunate task as my partner and I observed.

I turned to Russell as they began dismantling the vehicle.

"Hey," I started, "why don't you go check on the truck driver? I'll bet he's pretty upset right now."

Without a word he left my side to tend to the man. Though it wasn't his fault, an accident of this magnitude I'm sure would be difficult to cope with.

I watched the firemen work for near ten minutes, observing every bite the cutters took and every inch the jaws spread the vehicle. Somewhere in that time Russell returned, though I hardly noticed him.

"Driver's fine." His voice startled me slightly. "Says he just shook up a bit."

I nodded weakly. In my mind I knew that man was a wreck on the inside. But like all men, he was too proud to show it.

The lieutenant suddenly waved Russell and I over.

"Grab a board." I said impassively.

The walk over to him seemed like the longest trek I'd ever taken. The small bit of road seemed to stretch for endless miles, though it was only a few feet at best.

My breath caught as I finally saw the occupants of the vehicle.

A young woman, no more than her early twenties, sat in the driver's seat, her lifeless body twisted about the steering column, her foot well through the floor of the vehicle. From her mangled body I looked to the passenger seat and found a young man with his head crushed beneath the flattened dash. I quickly looked away and my eyes suddenly found the back seat. The board in my hand slipped from my grip and crashed to the road below as my heart missed a beat. There, blanketed in twisted steel, broken glass, and the remains of the interior of the vehicle, was a little girl no more than five years old.

The world around me stopped. No sound, no people, no ambulance, just me and the little girl. I reached through the exposed vehicle and took hold of her broken body. Tentatively, if not a bit absently, I picked away the debris from around her. And as I pulled her from the wreckage, tears filled my eyes. In the light of the sun, she looked like she would have been an angel. She had long, flowing golden hair that was now stained crimson. Her once blue eyes now stared lifelessly into the unknown. Her once fair skin was now riddled with gaping wounds that oozed her lifeless essence.

I fell to my knees as I held her and my world suddenly returned. The first thing I noticed was a light touch on my shoulder. I turned to face Russell, his bearded face damp with his own tears.

He solemnly shook his head. "She's gone, Henry." His voice sounded harshly. "There's nothing we can do now."

I wished against all hope that he was wrong, though I knew he wasn't. Quietly, I placed the small body on the long board and covered her, giving her a final prayer of peace as I stood to my feet.

"Lieutenant." I said through a hoarse voice. "Let's clean up and get a signal twenty out here and a Justice. We're done here."

He nodded and wiped his eyes. I faintly heard him call over the radio for the police and a Justice of the Peace. Sadly, the only peace the Justice would bring was the ease of knowing that they were indeed deceased, and that we could truly do nothing to save them.

The call took our four departments a little of an hour to clear. The Justice came and pronounced the victims dead, and the police controlled traffic until we left the scene. I didn't know how the other driver was fairing, but a glance as we departed told me his soul was broken.

The ride back to the station was a quiet one, and as we pulled into the bay and secured the Ambulance, the stale silence was deafening.

Thankfully, the rest of my shift went by quickly. Russell and I managed to transfer all of our calls to a sister station, to which they didn't protest. They were glad to take some of the heat off our shoulders, if just to give us time to recover.

I left the next morning at seven sharp, eager to see Kahlua. I sped most of the way, trying to outrun my troubling thoughts.

It was only a few minutes before I was back in the warmth of my house, and the welcoming paws of Kahlua.

She greeted me with her normal exuberance, which honestly improved my mood slightly. Though, ever the perceptive one, she quickly honed in on my inner anguish.

"Henry?" She asked as I gently held her. "What's wrong?"

I broke down, no longer able to hold my composure and told her everything, unloading all my sorrows onto her strong shoulders.

She listened to my every word and as I finished tenderly licked my cheek.

"I'm so sorry, Henry." She began. "You see a lot of awful things, more than most should ever have to see in their lifetime." She paused and licked a few of my tears away. "But if you give up, other people suffer, and I know you can't let that happen. You're," She searched for the words, "the strongest man I've ever met, Henry."

I found strength in her words. Kahlua was right, I couldn't give up. I knew the job would be hard from the moment I took it. And, despite the pain, I had to move on because other people still needed me.

I managed a smile. "Thanks Hun." I said. "I needed that."

Kahlua smiled and her cheerful exuberance returned.

"Glad I could help!" She exclaimed. "I'll always be around when you need me!"

That felt wonderful to know. At the very least, I'd always have someone to pick up my broken pieces and put me back together.

I got to my feet and emptied my pockets, placing their contents on a small corner table near the door.

"Well," I began, stripping my soiled shirt and tossing it to the floor below, "I'm gonna shower off and we'll see what we can get into."

Kahlua nodded and as I walked towards the washroom I heard her purr softly. Ignorantly I ignored it and went about the redundant task of personal grooming.

I exited in nothing but a towel and went to my room for a fresh set of cloths. Nothing formal, just a simple tee and a pair of old beaten jeans.

Returning to the living room I found Kahlua dozing lightly on my recliner. I smiled and tried my best not to disturb her as I went about a few household chores.

Stunningly, and at much surprise to myself, there wasn't much to do. My laundry, which I dreaded doing, had somehow been done. The kitchen, which had been a mess for weeks, appeared spotless. The only thing I had to do myself was put away the dishes, which I found to be clean, more or less, in the sink.

I set the last plate in the cabinet above the stove and returned to the den. By this time, Kahlua appeared to be deep in sleep. She presented on her back, her hind legs resting over the arm of the recliner.

I gently placed a hand on her stomach.

"Thank you." I whispered in her ear.

A smile suddenly spread across her muzzle.

"You're welcome." She said to my slight surprise.

Knowing that she was actually awake, I pressed the idea of breakfast on her, to which she responded by jumping from the recliner and making for the door.

I laughed heartily and grabbed my keys. We made for town and stopped at a small diner famous for serving Pokémon as well as humans. Needless to say it was a bit of a trainer hotspot and as we entered, we observed several trainers and their Pokémon enjoying their ample sized meals.

The hostess greeted us with her practiced smile and seated us immediately. At my request we were sat at a booth near the window. A little sunshine always made for a good atmosphere.

I browsed over the menu and eventually settled on some hash browns and eggs with a hot tea to drink. Kahlua, being carnivorous, settled on a hearty breakfast of steak and eggs, with a simple saucer of water to wash it all down.

We idly conversed while we waited.

"So," I began, "I found the house rather clean this morning."

Kahlua smiled and her tail thumped against the booth's cushion.

"I just wanted to help you out a bit." She replied. "Well that and you seem a bit lazy when it comes to the upkeep of your den, and I don't like to live in filth!"

She stuck her tongue out at me and I blushed.

"Ya, I guess you're right." I said placing a hand behind my head as I often did when embarrassed. "Thank you though."

Kahlua's smile broadened.

"You're welcome, Henry." If she could blush I would've sworn I saw it.

A thought came to mind and before I could stop myself, my mouth was running.

"How'd ya do it all without hands?" I blurted out thoughtlessly.

Kahlua seemed taken aback slightly, if not a bit insulted and I immediately regretted my lack of discretion.

"Well," She said callously and placed her forepaws upon the table and flashed her teeth, "I'm a bit more dexterous than I look!"

For as cold as she had sounded, I didn't fail to denote the rather sinuous movement of her left paw down the length of her body as it returned to rest.

The act confused, if not, aroused me slightly; however, I made to push the adulterous thoughts aside as I didn't find them appropriate at the time.

Thankfully, before my mouth could get me into further trouble, our breakfast arrived. I was starving, having little to eat but peanut butter crackers while on duty. With the first bite I felt like my mouth was having an orgasm, the explosive flavors assaulting every taste bud I had.

To myself I thanked the Lord for something so good and quickly shoveled another bite into my mouth.

Kahlua ate just the same, taking large portions into her maw and sighing in content between mouthfuls.

As we finished, I almost felt depressed that the experience was over. However, the satisfaction of a full belly greatly overshadowed that feeling.

Our waitress returned and offered dessert, to which I declined. I may have enjoyed my meal, but I made certain to order enough to fill the tank to the top. Kahlua too declined, mentioning that she felt full to bursting.

The waitress smiled and left the ticket and she departed. I paid the total and was sure to include an ample tip. I was always grateful to those who fed me.

I glanced to Kahlua.

"Ready to go?" I asked. She simply nodded and we made for the door.

The staff of the diner voiced their farewells as we exited. Unfortunately, my attention wasn't to walking and before I made it to my vehicle, I ran headlong into somebody.

We stumbled back and the man I had run into stared me down. I returned the glance. He happened to be much taller than I, though had only half my build. His clothing was casual, consisting of a solid white T-shirt and a pair of khaki slacks. A tattoo of an angel was emblazoned about his right eye and cheek, and a small diamond stud was secured to his left nostril.

"Sorry partner." I apologized. "I have a bad case of the stupid feet!" My hand went for the back of my head again.

The man seemed to ignore me, however. He gaze became transfixed upon Kahlua and she shifted uneasily.

My hand fell back to my side and I eyed the man more cautiously. The small movement thankfully brought the man's attention back towards me.

He smiled broadly. "No problem mate!" He exclaimed in his thick Australian accent and clapped my shoulder roughly. "Have a bit of that problem me'self."

His friendly demeanor put me at ease.

"Birds of a feather!" I said extending my hand. "Henry."

He clasped my hand in his burly grip.

"Steven, nice to meet ya mate." He said giving my hand a single shake before releasing it.

We conversed casually for all of a few minutes before we went our separate ways. As Kahlua and I left, I observed him on his cellular phone.

He waved us off and I returned the gesture before accelerating away from the diner.

"Friendly fellow." I said aloud.

"I suppose so." Kahlua replied distantly.

I frowned at Kahlua's distance as it worried me; though, instead of pressing the matter and possibly agitating her further, I let her be and simply opted for a quiet drive home.

We soon arrived and I helped Kahlua from my vehicle. She exited and without a word between us we went inside.

The awkward silence to ensue tore at me. I felt as though I'd done something wrong, but wasn't sure how to make amends for it. On several occasions that night I tried to apologies; however, every time I made to speak, my voice would catch in my throat, and all that would come out was a faux cough.

After the umpteenth failure of the night, I simply sat myself upon the couch and laid back, thinking to myself as Kahlua dozed on the recliner.

What had I done that upset her so much? Was it my lack of tactful speech within the diner that morning? Was it the odd Australian man I had inadvertently bumped in to? Or had I done something I was ignorantly unaware of? My thoughts bothered me to the point that I honestly felt sick.

At last fed up with the sickening feeling in my stomach and the stale silence that soiled my house, I went to Kahlua and placed a hand upon her flank.

"Kahlua," I said, finally finding my hidden voice, "For whatever I've done or whatever happened, I'm sorry." She didn't move. "I just don't want you to see you so upset anymore. I've grown so accustom to seeing you happy that it honestly hurts me to see you like this. So please, whatever it is, tell me how I can fix it."

Kahlua sat silent for the longest time. The only recognition I had that she was even living was seeing her chest rise and fall with her every breath.

Feeling more torn than I had before, I removed my hand and made to retire to my room. Thankfully, just as I turned my back, Kahlua's voice cut through the silence.

"Please," She said, "Don't be sad. You haven't done anything wrong." That much was a relief to hear, but she still appeared upset. "It's just," she paused and again looked distant, "that man from earlier, I can't place it, but he looked familiar, and not in a good sense."

I furrowed my brow and nodded. He was an odd character, though I personally didn't find him to be too hostile. That aside, he did seem to have frightened Kahlua and in that regard, I didn't care too much for the large Australian.

My hand returned to Kahlua's flank to provide her a little comfort.

"Don't worry," I began with a smile, "I won't let anything happen to ya! So long as you keep my bed warm for me that is!" The comment in itself carried an innuendo that I had not consciously intended; however, it was something I secretly wanted.

I ruffled her fur a bit and at last the exuberance I had become accustom to returned to Kahlua. Her tail thumped roughly against the cushion of the recliner and her odd smile broke out across her lips.

"Always will, Henry!" She barked and suddenly lunged from the chair and into my chest. Sadly, I wasn't well balanced to begin with, and with her sudden addition to my unsettled footing, I fell flat on my back, taking Kahlua down with me.

I felt winded as I struck the floor below, but not nearly so much as when I opened my eyes. Kahlua had landed atop me, her forepaws positioned on either side of my shoulders and her back paws rested on either side of my thighs. Her eyes were closed ever so slightly and her lips were parted just so that only the tip of her tongue was visible. Her cheeks blushed into such a furious crimson that even I could detect it beneath her midnight colored fur.

An odd musky smell suddenly assaulted my nose, though it hardly bothered me. My senses were a melody of confusion and excitement. I struggled with my inner being for the right thing to do. A vast part of me wanted to kiss her, though I wasn't entirely sure why. The other was afraid of the repercussions of kissing a Pokémon. As far as I knew, that was rather frowned upon, and may be grounds for counseling, which would jeopardize my job standing.

So instead I waited, waited for Kahlua to make that decision for me. And as she slowly lowered her head, and pressed her thin, tender lips to mine, that decision was made. My fear quieted into nonexistence and I enjoyed the small bit of love that Kahlua had to offer.

It had been so long since I had felt that kind of affection. I had endured so much tragedy in my life that I could never find the courage to find a wife. All I had was given to endure the heartache of my line of work.

I placed a tender hand to her cheek and invited her tongue to meet with mine. The taste of her maw was spectacular, a mix of sweetness and mint. And the feeling of her tongue as it passed by my teeth and the roof of my mouth was a new experience all together. I noted all of the interesting features to her mouth as well, taking in the bumpy feel of the groves atop her maw and the razor sharpness of her canine teeth. I took note of small glands fixated behind her molars and assumed they were responsible for her fire-breathing capabilities.

Sadly the moment didn't last as long as I'd hoped and as her lips left mine I felt longing for them to return.

Our eyes met again and I knew something between us had changed. Whether it was for the better, or for the worse, I was glad that I had finally felt the love I had secretly longed for for so long.

At long last my bedside was no longer empty. No longer did I feel the cold loneliness of the air beside me, or the dismal emptiness of the extra bed space. Instead, as I slept, I found myself wrapped about Kahlua, my chest to her back and her body in my arms.

Not in so long had I felt so comfortable. Even as I awoke and barely peaked at the world through half closed eyes did the feeling change. To be honest, it was a bit unusual for me, considering I was generally an ungrateful morning person with a nasty temper. The change was nice.

For the longest time I simply lied still, contented entirely with watching Kahlua sleep. She seemed so peaceful as she dreamed of places and things that I could only imagine. At some point I had buried my nose in her neck and taken a breath of her sweetened musk. She smelled oddly clean like a mixture of dew grass in the morning and possibly cinnamon, though the other smell was hard to place. In either case, I found it pleasing and again took a breath of her aroma.

I suddenly heard a soft giggle. "Do I smell funny, Henry?" I blushed furiously as I was caught.

"N-no," I stammered, "Y-you smell great, like the morning air kinda." I knew it wasn't the best comparison as she could probably smell things I couldn't in the morning air, but it was all my mind could come up with.

Thankfully, she didn't seem all that offended as she cuddled closer to me.

"Glad you like it then." She said.

I held her closer and sniffed again. "Oh ya, I like it."

She laughed softly at my odd amorous advances and I smiled broadly, barely able to contain my own merriment.

From time to time I would draw odd, short lived shapes in her velvety fur with my fingers to have her purr beneath my touch. Her purring was still odd to me; however, I hardly minded it.

How I wished I could just lay there forever, idling my time away with Kahlua. Sadly reality didn't quite work that way, and with a heavy sigh I rolled my way out of bed.

I stretched and a few of my older joints cracked and groaned their disapproval. I moaned lightly at the discomfort but soon forgot my minor pains in favor for a warm shower.

I made my way to the restroom and started the water, setting the heat to a comfortable warmth of my liking before stripping away my boxer shorts and stepping under the soothing water.

Relief struck me almost instantaneously and I sighed. "Boy that's nice." I said aloud to the shower walls.

"I'm sure it is Henry." I wasn't exactly expecting a response out of my shower, and I definitely wasn't expecting the shower to sound like Kahlua.

It took a moment longer than I would have liked to admit to myself for my brain to put two-and-two together, but eventually it did and I smiled.

"Glad you're up sugar." I said.

I heard the sound of claws against the tile floor as Kahlua moved about.

"Me too, handsome." She replied, sounding much closer to me than she previously had.

I nervously chuckled to myself as I felt my cheeks burn hotter than the water about me.

"Y-you know," I stammered, "I am naked in here." My hand instinctively went to the back of my head as it often did when I was embarrassed.

"Yes," Kahlua said with a bit more sensuality than made me comfortable, "I know."

A single clack echoed off the bathroom walls as Kahlua suddenly placed her forepaws against the tub.

My throat immediately went dry and my heartbeat nearly tripled as one of those paws slowly, almost teasingly so, pushed aside the curtain.

If it were possible I would have blushed brighter as Kahlua suddenly joined me for my morning shower. Instinctively as she entered I felt like covering myself, though I fought away the feeling, finding it absurd as my hands would do little to conceal anything I considered private. Instead, I turned myself to face the shower wall, leaving only my hind side to Kahlua's roving eyes.

Yet for as long as I stood there waiting for something unexpected to happen, nothing ever did. What I had assumed would happen, had not. And as I looked in curiosity at Kahlua I realized that all I had expected to happen would not.

She simply sat quietly at the back of the tub with her eyes closed and her maw slightly opened. The water that fell upon her silken fur beaded into soft orbs that rolled tentatively to the floor below. She nearly took the breath from me as her eyes opened slightly, focused on nothing, yet appearing more thoughtful than I had ever seen.

"Henry?" She suddenly spoke but so softly I almost missed it.

"Yes Kahlua?" I asked her, though my voice sounded harsh compared to her own.

"Come sit behind me." She said with such demeanor that I couldn't refuse. It was not a question, nor was it a demand. It simply was something she wished me to do. And I did, as if some unforeseen force was guiding me.

Without a word I made my way behind her and slowly sat myself on the floor of the tub, allowing the water to run through my hair unimpeded.

"Alright then." I said as I felt I was settled, though slightly nervous for reasons I couldn't explain.

Kahlua said nothing as she laid back, gingerly, much to my thanks, laying her head down upon my thigh and resting her back against the tub.

I felt more embarrassed than I had ever remembered feeling, though I still couldn't place why.

"Henry?" She spoke so soft again.

I swallowed hard, but managed, "Yes Kahlua?"

Finally Kahlua looked directly up at me. Her eyes almost looked sorrowful, yet somehow I knew she wasn't.

"Will you," She paused a moment but soon took a deep breath and continued, "Will you play with my fur like you did earlier?"

At hearing the word 'play' I nearly lost myself, but thankfully my intimate thoughts were far from what she insinuated.

"Eh, sure." I said, catching myself before my hand could touch the back of my head.

Slowly I lowered my hands to her chest and, just as I had done before, idly began drawing shapes in her fur. I started simple, making little squares and circles that dissipated into nothingness shortly afterwards. Yet, as she sighed in her contented pleasure, I began to get more studious, taking my simple shapes to more complex ones. I began etching small figure eights and diamonds into ebony her fur. Shortly thereafter I began making several sided figures that I couldn't name. It at last ended with me simply massaging her chest, applying gentle, but firm pressure to her muscles. She quietly purred at my work.

I would be lying had I said to myself that it didn't arouse me, though I fought the feeling away. As pleased as she appeared, I was fairly certain a particular prod in the back of the head would make her less than happy considering my hands were at her chest.

For near half an hour I fought myself while I pleased Kahlua. By that time my hands had roved the length of her body. I was careful, however, to avoid her more feminine parts. Eventually she heaved a sigh and with some effort sat up from off my body.

Relief, if not a bit of emptiness swept through me, though the emptiness I couldn't place; Leastwise, not until she turned and faced me.

I immediately went flush. I wanted to cover myself, but my body was paralyzed. Without missing a moment she moved so that her nose pad touched my nose. My heart was racing, and my rather aged mind flashed through dozens of scenarios, all of which ended with us in a rather intimate situation.

However, that's not how it came to pass.

"Henry?" She asked quietly.

I swallowed hard and choked out a simple, broken, "Yes Kahlua?"

Her eyes met mine and seemed to look through them, as if finding something deeper to see. "Do you love me, Henry?"

Her question, so simple and innocent, brought with it more power than I was able to handle. I couldn't reply right away as my mind sifted through my thoughts. I wanted to tell her that I did, to tell her that ever since she had come into my life, all the despairing loneliness of my home had disappeared. I wanted to tell her that all the misery a hard call could bring was dissipated the moment I saw her. I wanted to tell her that it didn't matter that she was a Pokémon, and I didn't care if people knew we were together.

But I didn't. Instead, all the loneliness and despairing independence I was used to defeated my ability to answer.

"Kahlua," I began, gently pushing her away, "I-I don't know if I do or not."

Her eyes suddenly closed as a tear rushed down her cheek. Her sorrow ate at me, and I quickly sought the answer to make it right.

But as the monitor I'd kept on a high setting in my bedroom cried out its tones, I arrogantly rushed to my feet, not even bothering to turn off the water as I made to my room, drying my body as I went.

"Fox six," I announced into the receiver as I dressed myself. "Page received."

The dispatcher remained silent as I tore my radio from its base charger and rushed out the door.

I started my truck and keyed up my radio as I pulled out onto the road, activating my hazard lights and sirens as I sped off.

"Fox six, show me en route." I again said over the repeater.

"Fox six," the dispatcher answered, "Show you en route to forty-seven thirty-six North Elms Street, that's four-seven-three-six North Elms Street, category four, clear to enter."

"Received." I replied, acknowledging the category for an assault and that the scene was in fact safe for me to enter.

As I sped through traffic, mere minutes from the scene, the dispatcher suddenly re-opened communications.

"Fox six." She said.

I held the receiver just in front of my mouth as I rounded the corner to Elms Street.

"Go ahead." I replied.

"Fox six, be advised that the patient will be with parents."

I grimaced but continued onward, realizing now that my patient was a minor.

"Received." I answered gruffly as I pulled up to the residence of forty-seven thirty-six North Elms. "Fox six," I continued, "Show me on scene."

"Eleven twenty-two hours." The dispatcher replied as I cautiously made my way towards the residence.

My general observations of my surroundings revealed a few discrepancies about the home. To begin with, the door appeared forced open as the frame was cracked and splintered. Oddly, however, the door itself was jammed outward, indicating that someone was in a rush to leave rather than enter. As I approached the porch I found several shards of glass of various sizes, though of the same texture, littering the ground. Judging from the manner in which the shards were spread, I concluded that the object was thrown a distance forward before its demise.

As I entered the residence I was immediately alerted to a most peculiar, yet unnerving smell.

"Is something burning?" I said aloud to no one in particular.

At the sound of my voice, however, a young woman suddenly rushed from the back room of the home and upon a quick glance waved me over. I followed her into a small room, the contents of which were in a state of disarray. I quickly took notice of the blackened walls surrounding us and cringed at the sight of a slumped figure on the floor to my right.

I rushed to its side and placed a hand behind its neck, supporting the cervical spine beneath as I gently rolled it supine. And then the world became rather cold for me. Where I expected to find an injured child or adult, I instead found an injured Pokémon, its wolf-like face blackened like the walls around us. Seared flesh oozed a puss-like substance from various points on the creature's face and portions of the creature's gums had been burned away all together.

Its body was rather limp in my arms which set a heavy feeling in my chest. The young girl who had led me to the creature stood over us, her hysterical cries making it harder to cope with the stress of the situation.

"I-is," the young girl started between sobs, "i-is she gone?" She tried to stifle her tears which all but failed.

I had to tell her the truth, regardless of how obvious it was that it would break her heart. It wasn't my job to instill false hope and with a heavy sigh I nodded.

"I'm sorry," I began, "I don't think she's alive anymore. You can.." But I was interrupted by the girl falling to her knees and screaming at the top of her lungs.

I gently laid the creature down and moved outside the room to contact the dispatcher.

"Fox six." I said over the radio.

"Fox six." The dispatcher returned.

"I've got a signal twenty-eight," I paused after giving the code for a confirmed dead body, "be advised, the patient appears to be a Pokémon."

The dispatcher remained silent for several moments before responding.

"Fox six, did you advise patient was a Pokémon?"

"Affirmative." I replied.

"Received," the dispatcher began, "we'll cancel fifty-three and send a Deputy."

"Received." I replied. "I'll stay on scene until PD arrives."

I keyed off my radio and returned to the desolate bedroom. The young woman cradled the body of her Pokémon in her arms, sobbing quietly a name I couldn't recognize.

I heaved a sigh. "Hey Hun," I began, kneeling to her level, "I'm going to stay here until the police arrive, alright?"

She looked at me and solemnly nodded.

"T-thank you." Her broken voice answered.

I didn't say a word, but simply placed a hand on her shoulder.

She quickly shrugged it away as she embraced her Pokémon, crying in the burned creature's chest.

"I-I'll miss you, Lucario." She weakly said. "And I'll a-always love you."

Her words nearly broke my resolve, but I held my will as strong as I could. At least, as strong as I could until the charred creature took a raspy, yet unmistakable breath.

An overwhelming sense of surprise and panic suddenly encumbered me. The creature had to have a body surface area burn of at least sixty percent, and most of the burn was third degree. Nothing should technically be able to survive that.

The young woman seemed to acknowledge what had happened as well, and was soon aflutter with berating me with the whole 'save her' conversation.

I fought her aside and knelt beside the creature. While its breathing wasn't stable, it was in fact, breathing.

"Shit." I muttered under my breath. The unit that I'd had coming I'd just sent back to their station minutes ago. At that point it would be detrimental to have to wait for its arrival. However, if I moved the creature on my own accord and made its injuries more severe, I could be held responsible and that could mean my license.

The Lucario suddenly groaned, a sound of anguish that could only mean it had some degree of consciousness now.

I had little choice at that point. It was far against me to let anything die without at least trying to save it. I took the injured creature in my arms and bolted for the door, the young woman hot on my heels the entire way.

I tuned to her. "Listen!" I shouted, "I need you to come with me! My truck is not equipped to handle this kind of emergency, but I can't do a damn thing without some help."

She nodded as we reached my truck.

"Open the back doors!" I commanded and she did as I instructed.

Carefully I placed the creature in the back seat, easing her inside in a supine position.

"Now," I instructed the girl, "I want you on the passenger side and all I want you to do is hold her head so that her snout always points to the roof of my truck, got it?"

She nodded and in a flash disappeared into the passenger side.

I keyed up my truck's radio, turning my personal radio off as I did.

"Fox six!" I shouted over the receiver.

"Fox six? You alright?" The dispatcher answered.

"No time," I started and activated my trucks sirens, "we're thirty-two and three to the local Pokémon center!" I set the microphone down as I gave the code for a critical patient en route hot to the emergency center and rounded a corner.

"R-received." The dispatcher answered, her voice unsure. "Thirty-two and three to twelfth and Rosewood. Can I get you on EMS three?"

I switched the channel over to EMS three, a talk-around type channel, and keyed up the radio.

"On three." I said.

"Fox six," the dispatcher began as I rounded another corner, "you do know that EMS isn't sanctioned to take Pokémon to the ED, right?"

I nearly lost my temper right there, but managed to reply.

"If you're gonna fuck with me about whether I can save a life or not I'd be more than willing to pull over and let this damn thing die and meet ya at the station for a talk." I couldn't keep the threatening undertone in my voice away.

"N-nevermind." The dispatcher replied.

I more-or-less threw the microphone aside as I rounded yet another corner and pulled into the Pokémon center.

"Fox six, show me out." I said one last time over the receiver, not bothering to listen for a reply as I ripped open the back doors and aided the young lady out. Gingerly I lifted the burned Pokémon into my arms and rushed into the Emergency Center.

Not unlike the time I'd taken Kahlua to the center, a plethora of emergency staff met us at the door. Thankfully, they had brought with them a gurney and a small box of supplies.

I set the creature down and tore away the box from one of the staff and began rooting through it, in search of materials for starting large bore IV's.

About the time I had the materials in hand, Nurse Joy appeared at my side.

"Oh my!" She began, "What on earth happened?"

Oddly enough, I really hadn't the faintest idea, where normally I would spout off in depth about the proceedings leading up to the event.

"I'm not entirely sure!" I shouted as I started searching for veins large enough to support a fourteen gauge IV catheter. "The short of it is I was called for an assault and ended up finding this Pokémon burned beyond belief and here we are! Now are you going to help me or not!" It was more of a demand than a question as I at last found a suitable IV site and plunged the catheter deep into the Pokémon's vein and secured it.

In all my life, I'd never been so demanding, but things needed to happen right at that moment that weren't, and that wasn't going to save the fragile life in the balance on that gurney. For a moment, a hopeless, almost paralyzing feeling overcame me. Surly nothing, I thought, could survive something like this. Even with Nurse Joy and her aids at my side, the doubt in my mind grew ever stronger.

It wasn't until the sorrowful sobs of the young girl that the devastatingly injured creature belonged to reached my ears that my woe was overcome with an even stronger desire to save the Pokémon. If I failed then, at least I would know in my heart that I had tried.

I called for Joy's aids to bring me several medications, among them an isotonic fluid that would provide the Pokémon with vascular support, as well as restore her undoubtedly unstable blood pressure. Another medication was designed for cardiopulmonary excitability, ensuring that her heart rate would not drop to an unsafe level. Yet another was designed to promote neurologic function, should her brain be unable to support her vital body systems.

With the last medication given, I'd done all I knew how to under my scope of practice. Nothing else remained now but time. I was certain Nurse Joy and her team knew more about Pokémon physiology than I; however, as for what they could do given the creature's current state, I had little faith in.

A few quiet sobs brought my attention to a young girl sitting solemnly on the floor. She held her face in her hands, her tears seeping through her fingers and falling to the floor below. Her body shook with every coarse breath taken, as if merely breathing caused her agony.

I took a few steps towards her and knelt at her side. My hand found her shoulder and it was all I could do to draw her close to me and let her sorrows take her. The young girl leaned her head into my chest and finally broke down, her cries wracking her body with such ferocity it unbalanced me.

Readjusting I simply sat with her on the floor of the Pokémon Center, patiently waiting for her fretful cries to end. When at length the young girl had quieted, I stood her up and walked her over to the lobby. I sat her in a large arm chair and left her be. I wanted to tell her that I was sorry for what had happened; however, I knew it would do no good. I hadn't the words to comfort her, and thusly nothing needed to be said.

I returned to my vehicle, shutting down its emergency lighting and taking in hand the microphone of my radio.

"Fox six." I announced coolly over the receiver.

There was a distinctive pause before the dispatcher answered. To myself, I secretly hoped I had not upset her too badly with the harshness of my earlier outburst.

"Fox six?" She apprehensively replied.

I sighed as it seemed I had indeed made her uneasy.

"I'm clear," I stated solemnly, "And I apologies for what I said earlier." Apologizing seemed to be the right thing to do.

"Received!" She answered more curtly, and her voice seemed less wavering. "And no worries, I understand."

I chanced a small smile as I shook my head, placing the receiver back in its base before putting my vehicle in drive and starting out of the Emergency Center.

I hadn't made it far, however, before the young girl I'd taken with me came bolting out of the Lobby doors. She hastily made her way to my window and knocked a few times to garner my attention.

I rolled down the automatic window and looked her over.

"Yes dear?" I asked her.

She seemed lost in thought for a moment, fidgeting with some unforeseen object in her hand.

"T-thanks." Came her eventual meek reply.

I put on my best smile and gently clasped her shoulder.

"Of course," I began, "Any life is worth all efforts to save! Even Pokémon deserve my services."

The young girl suddenly shrugged off my hand and eyed me with a look of both grief and distain. I was slightly taken aback. Was this girl truly angry with me for trying to save her Pokémon? Was she upset that I had chanced formal dismissal by ignoring Emergency Service protocol and transporting the creature?

My own distain began to seep into me before she earnestly replied.

"She is not just a Pokémon!" She shouted at me. "She is my friend, and the only something good that's in my life!" She began to sob in her anger. "You didn't work to save the life of some mindless dog; you worked to save the life of someone I love! Someone who means everything to me! I called you to save the life of my lover!"

Her words struck me like a swift backhand to the face. Had my ears simply misheard the girl? Or had she in fact stated to God and everybody that a Pokémon was her lover? And a female Pokémon at that!

I faltered in finding the words to ask the young girl if what she had said was true. However, nothing on my part needed to be said as she continued, wiping a few stray tears from her cheeks as she did.

"That's right," She began, her misty eyes never leaving my own, "She is my lover. And for it she's dying!" She shook her head as if to stave off her sorrows. "Do you want to know why she's dying?" She asked me.

I could have told her the obvious truth that her injuries would be the cause of her tragic demise. But instead, I just shook my head, a part of me eager to know what the young girl had to say.

She sniffled slightly and again wiped at her tears.

"She's dying because my father caught us together." She stated as her eyes left mine in favor of the pavement below. "We were in my room together, holding hands and laughing. I loved her company so much; she was always so uplifting and kind." Her body trembled, but she managed to continue. "She was everything I had ever wanted in my life, my picture perfect someone.

"I couldn't help but lean in and kiss her lips. My father just happened to walk in right at that moment, and he just lost his fucking head!" She suddenly yelled and again succumbed to her anguish. "He turned the whole house into a weapon, throwing whatever he could get his hands on at Sasha." I assumed that Sasha was the Lucario, but didn't press the matter so she could continue.

"I yelled at him to stop, but he just kept going, getting more and more violent as he went." She swallowed hard. "Sasha just stood there, too terrified to do anything about it." The young girl's cries suddenly intensified.

"The last thing he threw at her was a lantern he'd picked up from my desk. When it struck her the kerosene inside went everywhere. I thought he was finished because he suddenly stormed out, but I was so wrong!" Her head sank a little lower. "The bastard came back in with a single match a-and he, he..." She trailed off, but I knew what she wanted to say, and my heart sank for it. "The last thing I remember was him kicking open the door and throwing a vase out into the yard as he finally left!"

As she cried, the absolute magnitude of her story sank in. It sickened me, twisted my stomach and made me nauseous. Because of a girl's taboo love, a monster had destroyed what could have been everything to her.

A part of me suddenly shared in the young girl's sorrow and I felt my eyes become misty. I wanted to comfort her, to hold her, to lie to her and tell her that everything would be alright. But I knew, just as she did, that reality would not work in that favor.

Instead, I waited for what seemed like an eternity for the young girl to shuffle her way back into the Pokémon Center, where undoubtedly grim news awaited her.

I sighed heavily and attempted to collect myself. While the gravity of the situation had permanently altered my perception of the situation, I had to remain focused and calm, if not for the sake of my duties.

I put my vehicle back in drive and started for home, the young girl's words still buzzing in my head. I thought long on the fact that she had openly stated her love for her Pokémon, as if the world knowing hadn't the slightest bit of effect on her feelings. Such a thing was frowned upon by society, and was in many places illegal.

But that hadn't stopped her, so what had stopped me?

My thoughts suddenly ceased. What had stopped me? Had that idea truly crossed my mind? I searched for the answer but came up empty handed. The thought in itself conveyed the idea that I was, in fact, in love with Kahlua. I couldn't be ignorant to the fact that I did harbor feelings for her, but love?

I suddenly found myself re-immersed in thought as images of myself with Kahlua danced through my head. Every emotion I had ever felt while in her presence accompanied each individual memory and left me with a feeling of nostalgia and longing. I wanted those feelings to be real, something tangible I could hold onto forever. With every memory gone by, I never once thought of a time in which I had been happier. She was the reason for my happiness now. She was the reason I'd tried to save that young girl's Pokémon. She was the reason I had found what I needed. Her.

I single stray tear escaped down my cheek and was dashed away in the nylon of my trousers. I had been wrong, had lied to both her and myself in the shower earlier. I did love her.

The engine of my truck suddenly groaned loudly as I accelerated, now desperate to make it home to mend the mistake I had made. Rounding corners far faster than I should have, I made it home in short time.

I hadn't so much as put my vehicle in park before I was out the door and rushing inside.

"Kahlua!" I shouted as I stumbled through the front door.

There was a stunning silence as not but the ominous sound of trickling water met my ears. I suddenly recalled that in my haste to leave I had left the water running in the shower, though that was hardly a concern at that moment.

There was a certain lack of clacking claws against the floor, a missing personality that usually announced itself whenever I entered.

"Kahlua?" I called again to the airy room. Nothing but the slight echo of my own voice answered me.

The all too familiar sinking of my heart returned, my stomach retching as a slow, yet daunting realization crept over me.

I stepped into the open doorway and gazed woefully at my vehicle. I had to be sure, if just to prove it to myself.

My vehicle sat idling in the drive, the driver's side door still ajar. In its ignition was an assortment of keys, one of which was responsible for the running vehicle. Another key, the one to be the cause of my fear, would open the door to my home.

That ever sickening feeling only worsened as my terrifying suspicions were confirmed. In my haste to leave earlier, I had left the front door open. And with no answer from a particularly favored Houndoom, I came to only one painful and saddening conclusion. She was gone.

My legs suddenly gave way to my weight and I collapsed, falling back onto my bottom and pulling my knees into my chest. I hardly noticed that I was crying, my mind so numb from the shock and sorrow.

I hadn't any idea how long I spent staring out into the void of space that was the outside. I saw nothing; no trees, no grass, no light, or darkness, just stark nothingness.

When I did at last come to, I noticed that it was late in the evening. My vehicle still sat in the drive, idling just as I had left it; although now, with the darker atmosphere, its automatic headlights had come on, illuminating a small portion of the front of my house.

Various small insects had gathered there, dancing in oddly coordinated patterns along the wall. Somewhere off in the distance, a dog was barking, undoubtedly warning off foreign invaders to its property.

The rhythmic sounds of foliage stirring in a gentle breeze briefly caught my attention, though it was only for a moment.

"Tough day, eh mate?" The sudden sound of a rather thickly accented voice startled me.

Before me stood the familiar face of the Australian that I had met at the local café, as if he had been right there all along and I had somehow overlooked him.

He had his hands in his pockets and a tentative smile across his lips.

I wanted to say something, but it was all I could do to simply shake my head. My throat seemed paralyzed, raw from crying, and refused to produce a sound other than groaning.

The man sighed as his smile faded and he knelt down to my level.

"Dun wanna talk about it, eh?" He asked reaching out to me.

Again I just shook my head, but allowed him to place a hand upon my shoulder, the contact a somewhat welcomed feel, despite hardly knowing him.

His slight smile returned and he nodded only once.

"Well," He began, "That's fine then mate! But ya can't just sit 'ere all night long!" I shot him a puzzled glance before he explained. "Ya've been out 'ere since I first drove by, and that was 'bout three hours ago, and ya ain't moved not one muscle!"

I was completely taken aback. Three hours? Was it really that long? I thought to myself.

I was shook gently from thought before I had time to lose myself again.

"And that's the look ya have had on your face the whole time mate". The Australian frowned. "Somewhere trapped between the saddest little thing and being completely lost." He shook his head.

Was it that plaintive to see? I wondered as the Australian had definitely described what I was feeling.

With Kahlua's sudden disappearance, I was at a loss for what I was going to do. I needed her, relied on her uplifting spirit to carry me through my toughest times. Though I had in the past made it without her, I doubted I could go on now knowing what it was like to have something like her in my life. And the thought of her never returning saddened my very soul.

I nearly broke down right there, but a swift clasp to the shoulder again brought me around.

"Listen mate," Began the Australian, "Whatever's on yer mind is obviously pretty damn wicked. Why dun ya come with me and we'll go a grab something to drink, maybe get some of this off yer mind. What do ya say mate?"

I sat stunned for a moment. I hardly knew this man, and for my own life couldn't even recall his name. Yet there he stood, trying to convince me that I needed to leave my house in favor of alcohol and perhaps an ease to my fretful mind.

I didn't want to move; but, I didn't want to return to a Kahlua free home either.

Reluctantly, I nodded a solemn agreement and suddenly found myself standing, lifted to my feet by the Australian in a single fluid motion.

His eyes beamed with satisfaction and a broad smile erupted across his narrow face.

"Good on ya then!" His cheeriness reflected in his voice. "Now shut off that truck of yer's and lock up, and let's get goin'!"

As if robotic in nature I did as he told me to, finally turning off the ignition in my vehicle, taking a moment to note that almost a quarter of the tank had been wasted while it idled, and at last pulling the front door of my home closed and locking it, but not before one brief look into its darkened confines.

I returned to my new found Australian friend and he led me over to a small black vehicle, a sporty little car that like everything else since I had first come to, had failed to take notice of.

Opening the passenger side door the Australian motioned me inside. It took a moment for me to adjust to the smaller vehicle, having to lean the seat back a considerable distance just to properly fit my legs. Once I was comfortable, my friend closed the door with a swift twist of his wrist and walked around to the other side of the vehicle.

As he walked, I observed him briefly remove his cellular phone from one of his pockets and take a single glance at the luminescent screen before returning it to its denim holster.

He opened his door and joined me inside the small vehicle by practically falling into the driver's seat, taking a moment to adjust himself before pulling the door closed and turning the ignition over.

"Sorry bout that!" He started as he shifted the vehicle into gear. "Damn work keeps callin'!"

I just nodded my acknowledgement, not thinking much of it as we started for town. It wasn't a particularly long drive, a few miles at best. The majority of the town's pubs and bars were centered down a single road, appropriately deemed the forgotten trail by many of the townsfolk.

For many the road symbolized a time of inebriated fun and merriment. For me, it would simply allow me to dull my mind and hopefully forget my troubles.

When eventually we arrived my friend had settled on Irish Pub, one under other circumstances I typically enjoyed. They had excellent service, and even offered a cab voucher for those individuals who had just one too many.

"This place look good to ya mate?" My friend asked as the vehicle came to a gentle stop.

I shrugged and nodded.

"Good as any partner." My voice sounded as harsh as my throat felt, but the sound of it was well received by my friend as he suddenly gave my shoulder a playful shove.

"There ya are bloke!" He laughed. "I knew ya were still in there!"

I couldn't help but smile at his antics as we exited the small vehicle and made our way to the entrance of the Pub.

Out of courtesy I held the door open for my friend and he gave a swift nod of approval as he passed by. I followed closely behind him until we found a suitable table to take our leisure, somewhere far in the back to avoid unnecessary company of the various drunks already at the establishment.

A young waitress approached us before long and took our orders. For my friend, some type of liquor that I was unfamiliar with. For myself, a strong ale that I was somewhat fond of, a slightly sweeter than bitter concoction of hops and honey. With a nod the young waitress left us to tend to our orders.

For some time we sat in silence, content to watch the other patrons make fools of themselves in whatever manner they so chose. It wasn't long before the young waitress returned and served us, to which I was much obliged.

I took a hefty pull from the bottle and sighed as the stout liquid rushed down my throat, quelling some of the ache that had manifested there.

I suddenly heard a chuckle from my friend and observed as he merely fingered at his glass, the oddly green liquid inside swaying in gentle time with his touch.

"Feels good, eh mate?" He asked.

I nodded slowly and took another drink. "Better by the second even." I replied.

His chuckling turned into a hearty laugh and he at last took a sip of the green liquor, a deep sigh emanating from his mouth as he swallowed.

He violently shook his head and screwed up his face as if displeased.

"Damn!" He exclaimed, smacking his lips a few times, "I'll never get used to that first sip!" To emphasize his point he took another tentative taste, this time his face remaining placated.

"There it is! Just gotta tame it a bit's all!" He smiled broadly and I couldn't help but do the same.

Despite my inward distresses, I had to admit that I was beginning to enjoy myself, with every sip of the numbing alcohol making it just a bit easier. My friend too seemed pleased with just about everything at the time, an unrelenting smile never far from his lips.

"Say mate," My friend began having just finished his first shot, "I dun mean to be rude, but I can't fer the life of me remember your name! Fucking ridiculous, eh bloke!"

He began laughing and I couldn't help but take up in his merriment, feeling somewhat relieved that it wasn't simply me that couldn't recall a simple name.

"It's Henry partner!" I said coming down from my hysteric high. "And I ain't too worried bout it cause I can't remember yours either!"

His hand slapped the table a few times as his mirth only increased. I wasn't sure what he was drinking, but it must have been strong to make idle chat hilarious, and I wanted it.

"Steven mate! Or Steve if ya like!" He at length said, taking in a few deep breaths as he worked to calm himself.

When Steven was once again about himself, I extended my hand and he clasped it roughly, a burly grip encompassing my hand and shaking it vigorously before letting go. I smiled widely at his enthusiasm and for once in a rather long day I was happy. Whether alcohol induced or not, I was happy.

Time in a Pub is a relative thing as Steven and I discovered. After countless shots, lagers, and ales, a few failed attempts at karaoke, and dozens of visits to the men's room, the pub was announcing its last call. To my foggy knowledge that occurred at near one in the morning, which meant that we had been drinking for near five hours!

"H-hey Steve!" I slurred out, placing a hand upon the table to steady myself as I sat.

"Ya mate?" He asked, his language somewhat less broken than my own.

"We been here for five hours! Five hours man!" I suddenly began laughing as the thought seemed humorous to me.

Steven seemed to agree as he joined in my hilarity, slapping the table several times and nearly falling from his seat.

"I-I know mate! Fucking nuts we are!" He raised an empty glass and took a sip of the invisible drink within, eying it coolly when no liquid met his lips.

It was all I could do to keep myself grounded as I laughed to a point I could hardly breathe as I watched Steven simply tossed the empty glass behind him. His eyes lit up and the sounds of his own merriment rose to match mine.

It took some time, but eventually we settled down and contented ourselves in watching the rapidly vacating patrons stumbled from the Pub, knowing that soon we'd be among them.

"Hey Henry?" Steven's voice suddenly hailed my attention.

I turned to face him and merely furrowed my brow to indicate that I was listening.

"What 'appened earlier mate? What had ya so down?" He asked, his once pleased expression now one of serious inquisition.

I had feared that question for most of the night. In a more sober sense I wouldn't have even considered telling him the truth. And it still took me some time to decide if it was right to tell him. However, he had so far shone only true concern for me; he'd even taken me out and paid a rather expensive tab to see that I had a pleasant evening.

With a heavy sigh I decided that it would be unfair to withhold the information he wanted. Besides, who better to tell than a new found friend?

"It'sa sad story partner." My speech was still slurred, though none the less serious as I told him everything.

"It started out as a pretty good day. I woke up next to someone beautiful, had myself a hot shower..." I trailed off, conveniently forgoing the fact that that someone beautiful was a Pokémon.

Steven feigned a cough and brought me back my train of though.

"I'm sorry," I apologized before continuing, "Anyway that beautiful someone happened in on my shower and we spent near half an hour in there. I was doing something I can't now honestly recall to her."

Steven's eyes widened in surprise and I could only guess as to his thoughts.

"No, no, nothing like that!" I chastised. "I think it was a massage, but that's not what's important here!" I cleared my throat of the various secretions that had suddenly gathered there. "No, she suddenly asked me how I felt about her and the questioned blindsided me so bad I couldn't honestly answer her."

I shook my head and felt conflicted for a moment. "I mean, she's a Poke-...Pretty little thing and I'm a fat old man!" I nearly confessed that I was referring to a Pokémon, though I wasn't sure how Steven would react to that.

Whether he caught it or not, however, I continued. "I just told her I wasn't sure if I could, and I think hearing that hurt her something fierce." I held my face in my hands. "Before I could say anything my fucking pager went off for a call and being mister fucking fantastic I jumped at it." A depressed chuckle escaped me. "I didn't even turn off the goddamn water as I left."

I slammed a fist into the table in some misplaced act of aggression, causing a few of the empty glasses to jump up and roll to the floor to shatter against the unyielding ground.

I frowned but continued. "I won't bore ya with what happened during the call, and I couldn't tell ya anyhow if I wanted to, law and what not are against it." Steven seemed to accept that explanation with a solemn nod.

"The only important thing to know about that call is that something happened and I suddenly realized that I did have feelings for Kahlua." I said, absent mindedly throwing out the name of the person to my affliction.

Steven eyed me curiously. "Kahlua?" He asked.

I cursed inwardly, not particularly wanting to divulge her name for fear he would remember her from the Café earlier.

"The pretty girl who was staying with me." I spat out and lied, praying that he would somehow believe it.

He simply shrugged, and said nothing more on the matter.

"Anyhow," I went on, "When I finally got home I discovered that she was gone." I couldn't stop the sudden flow of tears licking at my cheeks. "She left me before I could tell her the truth, and it's all my fault she's gone."

I broke down and could no long face Steven. The alcohol induced pleasure that I had come to know was all but gone now, and in its wake was unimpeded sorrow.

I hardly felt Steven's hand on my shoulder, and scarcely recalled walking from the Pub and being driven home. All I could recall was that suddenly I was lying on my side, something soft was beneath me, and an entire evening was slowly slipping away as I drifted off into the void of unconsciousness.

I wasn't sure how long I had slept, but when I did at last come around, I discovered a bright sun shining high in the sky, its light pouring in from an uncovered window in the living room.

I shielded my eyes against the illuminated intruder, feeling my head burn with gripping, inescapable pain.

A pang of nausea overcame me as I slowly sat up, taking a moment to collect myself before tentatively looking around.

Despite my dizziness I gathered that I was in fact home, my rather dull taste in plaintive furniture proof of that.

I sighed and gathered enough sense to stand, a bit unsteady at first though with the aid of the wall I was able to ambulate quite well. I shuffled my way into the kitchen where in the pantry I found a small bottle of Tylenol, taking four of the pills and swallowing them dry. My stomach wretched as the tiny capsules invaded, though I resisted the urge to vomit in favor of future relief.

Glancing towards the digital time display just above the stove-top I discovered that it was slightly after two in the afternoon.

Fuck me! I thought inwardly, unsure of just exactly how long I had been asleep. Memories of the night before still eluded me; though, from what I could recall, it had been somewhat of a decent night, despite the terrible day.

A sudden flash of thought erupted in my aching mind, nearly sending me to the ground in agony. I vividly recalled the reason for inebriating myself beyond comprehensible thought. Kahlua was gone.

I could feel the tears well up in my eyes as the sorrow began to eat at me again. I pounded my fist roughly against the wall a few times before my unsteady gait forced me to take hold of it to keep balanced.

I shuttered in both pain and anger. Why couldn't I have just told her the truth? How did I let her go? I wanted to scream aloud, but the pain in my head prevented the use of my voice. Instead, I resigned to misery and let a few silent tears fall as I stumbled towards the bathroom.

It seemed a lot less inviting, that warm water that not so long ago was often the solution to my ailing body. Yet as I stepped in the only relief it brought me was freedom from my pounding head. I shampooed and cleansed myself somewhat absently, allowing for routine to settle in and do most of the work for me. It was much the same as I stepped out and toweled myself dry, taking but a moment to look at my sullen appearance in the mirror before exiting in favor of my room.

I threw aside the towel and dressed in a simple pair of jeans and a black collared shirt and slowly walked back towards the den, still using the wall as a crutch as my dizziness had not yet subsided.

I sighed as I found it just as empty and quiet as I'd left it, a part of me hoping that I was simply too drunk to realize that Kahlua was actually there and I'd just not taken notice of her. I moved towards an adjacent chair and stumbled slightly over an end table just to the side of the front door. I had almost sat down when the sudden sound of something falling to the floor registered in my hazy mind.

Curious, I looked back and noticed a small piece of paper lying there just below the end table. I reached out and took hold of it, noting that it was severely stained and smelled of cigarette smoke. On it, however, was a peculiar, yet simple message. It read, 'call me, we need to talk,' and it was signed by Steven. In the bottom corner was a series of six digits, undoubtedly being Steven's phone number.

Made even more curious, I decided to call him, wondering to myself just what he wanted.

The phone rang but twice before a familiar Australian voice answered.

"This is Steven." The voice said in a rather professional tone.

I cleared my throat. "Howdy Steven, this is Henry." I replied, cringing at the hoarseness of my voice.

"Henry mate! Good to hear from ya bloke!" Steven suddenly exclaimed as his professional tone was all but lost now. "I take it ya found my note then?"

The question seemed unnecessary as I had no way of knowing his phone number without it, but I decided not to press the issue and make an ass of myself.

"I did, partner, ya." I stated. "What is it ya wanted to talk about?"

There was silence for a moment as if he hadn't expected the brusque question. The only indication I had at all that he was still even on the line was the faint sound of his breathing.

A heavy sigh suddenly came across the receiver. "Well mate, it's about what brought us to that Pub last night." Steven said rather apprehensively. Of all the things I couldn't recall thanks to the bottle, that was one I was certain I couldn't forget. Kahlua.

"I should have told ya before mate, but being so wasted last night it slipped my mind before we parted ways." I remained deathly silent as he spoke less I missed something. "That story ya told me, 'bout the pretty girl ya was with?" He paused only to take a breath. "Well, I think that pretty girl was actually a rather pretty Houndoom, am I right mate?"

I was frozen, dumbstruck, and almost numb with disbelieving. He knew! Steven somehow knew that Kahlua was a Pokémon! While I was well aware of being totally inebriated the night before I was certain that I hadn't told him who she was, least not directly anyhow.

I wanted to lie to him and tell him he was mistaken, but I couldn't find the words. Instead, all I was able to manage was a small sigh before Steven continued.

"I'll take that as a yes then, mate." He suddenly cleared his throat and I heard the distinctive sound of him spitting. "Well I know where she is, mate."

His words filtered through my mind slowly, almost tauntingly so. I almost felt angry, enraged that he kept the information from me. However, I had to forgive him, for it did seem that he had the intention to tell me. Better late than never as the old adage went.

"W-where is she, Steven?" I at length asked, doing what I could to keep my frustration and angst out of my voice.

An obviously faux cough came from the other line. "I'll tell ya, mate, I swear. But we need to meet; it'd be easier and less of a risk to do it that way." He replied.

I became more curious than I already had been. What element of risk could there be in telling me where my companion was? Again, I didn't press the matter and chose to trust in Steven, believing that perhaps he knew more than I.

"Fine." I answered curtly. "Where is it that ya want to meet?"

"I'll swing by in a few minutes, mate. Meet me outside your place and I'll explain everything." Came his short reply and then the line disconnected.

I put the phone down and rubbed my head idly as my anxiety began to over encumber me. My heart raced as I waited, at least a dozen different and terrifying scenarios running through my thoughts as I sat. I was secretly convinced that with the cryptic discussion with Steven that Kahlua was in danger. But whatever it was, I couldn't place it.

I stood suddenly, my previously unbalanced body finding in itself to fight away the stagger of inebriation. Walking passed the end table I instinctually grabbed my keys and made for the door, being sure to lock it before I stood outside and waited.

It was an unusually cool afternoon, a gentle breeze rolling by from time to time, scattering the loose foliage in whatever manner it saw fit. Despite the current sunny conditions, various dark and looming thunderheads surrounded the horizon, a precursor for stormy weather.

I decided that it would be best to have a jacket on hand, assuming that Steven and I would be out for the better part of the day. I walked over to my vehicle and pulled out my duty jacket from a small compartment behind the driver's seat. I barely had it over my shoulders when a familiar black sports car pulled into the drive.

Steven motioned wordlessly through the windshield towards the passenger seat and I took the hint, walking over and popping the door open to join him inside the small vehicle. I adjusted my legs as I had done the previous night and just had my seatbelt fastened when Steven suddenly clasped my shoulder.

There was something different about him, something almost regretful, if not a bit angry. The angel tattooed about his eye furrowed with his brow as the lanky man heaved a heavy sigh.

"Listen mate," He said at length, "I'm sorry for what has happened. And as for where she is, it won't be easy to get her back. And for that I'm sorry too."

I pensively stared at him, now more conflicted inside than ever. It wouldn't be easy? Just what did that imply? I wondered as Steven started east, heading for are rather poorly populated industrial part of the town.

"Where are we going?" I broke the silence as we drove, recalling that most of the businesses on the east side had either collapsed or were nothing more than storage sites for larger companies.

Steven shot me a sideways glance. "South Street warehouse, mate." He replied.

I looked to the floor bored as if it offered some kind of answer. When it didn't say anything, I sighed.

"The old Silph Co. building?" I eventually asked, watching Steven through the periphery of my vision and taking note of him shaking his head slightly.

"Yes mate," He again replied, "The old Silph building. But, now it's simply a..."

"Poacher's hang out," I interrupted him, "I know. More specifically a team Galactic nest or whatever the fuck they call themselves."

I sighed as I felt my stomach turn circles inside me. Team Galactic was a very large crime syndicate, renown for large scale crimes such as theft and illegal trading, even on an international level. Their corrupted research produced tragic abominations that could have once been decent Pokémon; however, thanks to their altercations, most of them were either too aggressive to be deemed releasable or outright died of congenital defects.

I shuttered to think that Kahlua may be within their hands. Worse still she had been so for over a day if what I perceived from Steven was correct. But just what did they want with her? I wondered. After all, her species type wasn't particularly rare. Granted she could speak English, but was that really the cause of her kidnapping?

An almost frustrated sigh escaped my lips. "Why her, Steven? What do they want?" I asked as we rounded the corner to South Street, taking note of a rather ominously dilapidated building towering in the distance.

The angel about his eye again lifted with his brow. "Ain't it obvious mate? Not every Pokémon out there can speak plain English ya know!" I shook my head in anger as I heard this. It was true! Just because of her gifted tongue they'd taken her away from me!

"And the price on that is near eight figures mate." Steven concluded, only adding to my already building rage. For monetary gain it was inexcusable, and I would make them suffer any way I could find. A scorned man of medicine was not something to take lightly!

Our small black vehicle came to a halt a few hundred feet from the entrance to the old building, a few flickering lights indicating that it was indeed occupied. Estranged shouts echoed forth from the rustic structure, unintelligible due to our distance.

I exited the car and closed the door with a forceful shove, taking a few steps forward as I surveyed our surroundings. Steven exited with more finesse, gently shutting his door behind him before joining me.

The perimeter of the building appeared relatively unguarded, save for a few roaming individuals who appeared more concerned with the growing weeds than actual intruders. From above, there appeared to be no guard at all; however, upon further inspection of the rusted roof, I doubted anyone could safely stand upon it, which made sense for the lack of security.

The door to the the dilapidated structure remained largely opened, as if those occupying it were either unconcerned with others entering, or would have little trouble in exhuming those who did so uninvited. In either case, I would not be detoured!

I began walking towards the building, my unwavering resolve holding me on a steady course for the open door. Steven walked along side of me, silent as a stone, though with equal fervor. For that I had respect for the lanky man. We had only officially met the night before, but he stood at my side as if we had known each other all our lives.

As we neared, one of the few men patrolling the perimeter took notice of us and promptly intercepted our advance.

"Hey!" He shouted, placing a hand to his belt as if it concealed some hidden weapon. "Who the hell are you two?"

I put on a faux smile. "Just visitors, sightseeing and what not." I replied; though the man's petulant stare gave doubt to his belief in my obvious lie.

"Bullshit!" He spat. "Ya ain't got business here assholes so piss off! This ain't public ground, and if ya know what's good for ya you'll leave! Ya don't have a clue as to who you're fucking with!" He motioned towards his belt again but I remained unfazed.

The sound of Steven's laughter temporarily broke my pensive focus towards the arrogant patrolman.

"Well ain't ya just a friendly ray of fucking sunshine, eh bloke?" He humorously stated. And then he rushed forward, faster than I had time to react to and struck the man with a vicious right hand straight into his jaw line, a sickening snap making me cringe as he fell to the ground in an instant and lay unmoving.

For a moment I stood bewildered as I stared at the now unconscious man lying prone on the ground. Blood slowly drained from his mouth and had begun to pool at his chin; his agonal breathing came to him in raspy, uneven gasps. And then I smiled, a sickeningly delightful feeling spreading through me.

Steven seemed to take notice as he recovered, spitting on the individual as he clasped my shoulder in his characteristic manner.

"Shall we continue, mate?" He asked with a broad, almost equally malevolent smile on his thin lips.

I laughed wickedly. "Absolutely, partner, absolutely!" I replied and our terroristic march continued onward into the bowels of the Galactic infested structure.

The both of us were met with some surprise as the interior of the building appeared to be as sparsely populated as the exterior, a few patrolmen padding along various paths inside, though widely spread apart.

As we entered we were largely unnoticed and had some time to get a good visual feel of the interior. On the ground level there was little to behold, a few offset storage containers and various crates with unknown content. Above us were several interwoven catwalks and platforms extending all the way to the rusted-out ceiling. An office cubby could be found on every platform landing, though most were dark and unpopulated; however, those above the third platform appeared to be occupied, and at various times a shadow could be seen through their windows.

Steven nudged my arm lightly and pointed towards the top of the infrastructure. I followed his finger to a rather large office centered at the very top of the network of catwalks. Its walls, unlike the walls of the smaller offices, were made entirely from glass and allowed for a panoramic view of all the proceedings on the levels below.

Inside, a single figure stood with his arms folded behind him, his formal dress quite different from the white garb that the patrolmen were wearing. In his breast pocket appeared to be a thick cigar, and from the profile view he provided us, it appeared as though he had a gun of some sort clipped to a brown holster at his beltline.

"That must be the big wig here, mate." Steven said quietly so as not to give our presence away.

I nodded. "Ya and I'll bet he knows where Kahlua is, that fucker!" I replied a bit louder than I had meant too and the sudden sound of rushed footsteps alerted us to the approach of one of the guards.

Steven shook his head and grinned in his good humored way. "Nice one, mate, real nice!" He exclaimed as a familiar white clothed individual suddenly accosted us. Like the first man we met, he too had his hand down at his belt, fumbling with some unforeseen weapon.

"Hey!" The man shouted, "Just who the hell are you two? And what's your business here?" He questioned as he at last undid a clasp on his belt and seemed rather pleased with himself, though he produced no weapon.

I smirked, feeling that begrudging feeling return inside. "I already told your friend outside that we're just visitors." I replied calmly.

"Bullshit!" He suddenly exclaimed. "You and your friend here ain't got a clue as to who y'all are fucking with! Now turn around and leave assholes, and ya might make it out of here without a problem."

Steven outright laughed as the man finished. "Like a fucking broken record you lot are, eh? I think we've already heard that speech, mate!"

The man appeared confused but for a small moment before I took advantage of him, gliding forward with a speed that a man of my physique would not typically be capable of. I stuck him hard just above his temple to ensure that I didn't outright kill him, but close enough to the sensitive nerve that he would not be following us. Just as the man from earlier had, our current adversary crumbled to his feet and made no further movements, his unconscious body working simply to breath.

I shook the pain from my hand and looked towards Steven who still grinned madly, choosing again to spit upon the grounded man. A twisted feeling overcame me as I saw the crippled and humiliated patrolmen, and in a sickening way I loved the site of it!

"An addicting feeling, ain't it mate?" Steven asked, breaking my concentration on the injured man.

With my wicked grin not failing, I faced Steven and nodded. "Oh yes," I began, "very addicting!" I exclaimed and started for the first flight of stairs, motioning for Steven to follow. "Now let's see what our friend above knows!"

Between us we made short work of climbing through the structure, those foolish enough to pursue us either winding up unconscious or simply thrown from whichever catwalk we were perched on at the time. Several bodies littered the floor; many I knew had suffered broken limbs or critical injuries. Yet, for all my medical training, I hardly cared for them. They had stolen from me my peaceful resolve, and I was out to get her back!

"Steven!" I shouted to him as he suddenly halted, taking something from one of the fallen guards before rushing to my side. Just shy of the door to the all glass office, I had been engaged by two larger guardsmen, each brandishing a large metallic bat that I doubted I could easily escape from. Without Steven's assistance, I knew I'd not be able to bring them down without sustaining serious injury. Thankfully, Steven was there before one of the large men took an uncoordinated swing at me, to which I ducked and evaded as Steven himself countered, grabbing the man's wrist before he could recoil and pulling him close, rendering the bat ineffective. I recovered quickly and disarmed the man just as his counterpart swung hard towards Steven's head. Just before it connected, I caught it roughly with my hand and guided it upwards slightly, causing the instrument to collide with the other guard and render him unconscious.

As the man fell to the disbelief of the remaining patrolman I rushed him, striking him hard in the chest with my shoulder and forcing him off balance. Steven reacted just as quickly, taking a sharp jab down into the man's nose as he neared the railing. Disoriented and unable to coordinate his feet, the man simply fell over the railing, fortunately for him landing on a catwalk only a few meters below us. None the less, he remained motionless.

There was a rather ominous quiet as the last guardsmen fell, rendering the small Galactic gang all but defeated, save for one man. The man in the glass office still faced away from us, his hands still neatly folded behind him as if he was unperturbed by our now obvious intrusion.

Still enraged by Kahlua's kidnapping, but cautious to the man's unnatural calm, I pushed the door aside and Steven and I quietly entered the all glass office. Our senses were immediately assaulted by the peculiar smell of a sharp cologne; not at all unpleasant, but very pungent in the small room.

The man before us still gave us no inclination that he was so much as aware of our presence. Instead, he took the cigar from his breast pocket and held it to his nose, taking his time in smelling the odiferous blunt before placing its end to his lips.

And as if he had suddenly awoken from a dream, he became completely aware of Steven and I. "Either of you gentlemen have a light?" His voice was calm and uncaring, almost as if he had been expecting us right at that moment.

We remained silent; on my own part not entirely sure how to approach the man, though I couldn't speak for Steven who simply eyed the man without expression.

The man lightly chuckled. "I'll take your silence as a no then." He stated in mock disappointment as he took the cigar from his lips and idly fingered at it in his hand. "But you know, gentleman" He feigned a sigh, "I am more apt to speak when my nerves are a bit more at ease." His voice betrayed his inner calm, and it irked me endlessly.

Before I could spit my building venom at the man, Steven stepped forward, taking a small silver lighter from his pocket and tossed over the man's shoulder. Without much movement at all, save for simply opening his hand, the man caught it and gave a simple, "Thank you".

With a practice motion the man lit the cigar and took an elaborately long drag from its end, seeming to savor its taste before exhaling a thick plume of noxious smoke into the air.

"Ah, now that is something nice." He said as he gave a satisfied sigh. "It's an import; then again, the finer things usual are." He held the cigar aloft as if to emphasize his point. I had to admit, the tightly woven blunt did look rather tasteful, if not expensive. A Cuban, perhaps, though I couldn't place the band around it. However, his obvious arrogance towards the situation at hand only served to fuel my growing hatred, despite my admiration for the Cigar.

I made to rush him, but Steven caught me roughly under the arm and forced me back, pointing with his free hand towards the still holstered pistol at the man's side. I was momentarily taken aback as in my fuming anger I had completely forgotten about the weapon. I made a mental note to thank Steven later, should we make out of this situation without incident.

"Now, now" The man suddenly began, "Let's not get too hasty." As if he had actually seen my rash outburst. "Besides, I can be more than rational if you simply tell me just why you are here." Slowly, purposely so, the man turned around and we at last saw the face to the voice.

He was far from what I had expected. He was a tall man with broad shoulders, easily a few inches taller than I and about as wide. His face was thin, much like Steven's, with a pointed nose and spectacles covering his brown eyes. He was clean shaven, much like your average businessman; yet, this man dabbled in thievery and murder. But, from his appearance, one would never guess.

He furrowed his brown and put on a look of amusement. "You were not expecting me, were you?" He asked in a sickeningly good natured way.

I shook my head as I fought to control myself. "No," I stated, "But it doesn't change who or what you are, ya fucking bastard!" I couldn't help but curse him.

The man feigned a hurt look, "Now just one minute! What have I even done to you, sir? And just what is it that your think I am?" His voice again betrayed his humor and strained against my already failing resolve.

I spat at him. "You're a fucking arrogant little fuck who stole Kahlua from me! And you'd best tell me where she is before I start in on ya! And God help you if she's hurt!" My voice cracked slightly as me frustration carried through it.

The man honestly looked confused as I berated him, so much so he looked towards Steven who offered not so much as a shrug in his direction before settling his bewildered gaze back at me.

"Kahlua?" He asked. "You think I've stolen alcohol from you? You can't possibly be serious, can you?"

An irritated growl escaped my throat. "Your arrogance fucking kills me! She's not a drink, asshole; she's a Houndoom, my Houndoom!" I gestured roughly towards my chest to make my point very clear.

His pensive gaze suddenly eased into understanding and a wicked grin spread across his lips. "Ah, I see. So this creature here was yours then?" He turned about sharply and pointed down to the ground level. I all but rushed to the window to behold the sinister truth.

Machines of several different styles and functions surrounded a small platform which was only visible from the large glass office, due to several large containers enclosing the area. Attached to the various machines via several different hoses and wires, was a transparent enclosure. Within the enclosure, a familiar black canine lay unnervingly still.

"Kahlua!" I shouted against the glass, much to the enjoyment of my adversary. His quiet snickering brought me upon him, rushing violently for him and poised to render him lifeless. Yet, just when I was close enough to strike him, a cold metal was suddenly pressed against my head.

The man waved a free finger at me as he held the gun steady to my forehead. "No no, that won't do." He said as if he was scolding a child. "You are going to behave as I lecture you on the purpose of this operation!" He pulled the hammer back on the weapon to ensure that his point was clear.

While I was in little position to refute the man, I still spat venom at him. "Fuck you!" I exclaimed, earning me a callous strike to my cheek from the barrel of the weapon, causing a small laceration to ooze blood down my face.

I hardly had felt the blow, though I opted to stay silent less he decide I wasn't worth the time and kill me. I'd be a lot less aid to Kahlua's plight dead.

The man sighed and smiled sincerely. "There now, just like that, nice and quiet while I talk." He eased the hammer back into its resting position, though he kept the weapon level with my head. "Before I go too far, I would like to ensure you that your pet is very much alive. She's simply sedated for our safety." His words brought me little peace, though it was relieving to know Kahlua was alive.

"Now, I can guarantee that she stays that way, for she is far more valuable alive to our client." He continued, his words weighing heavily upon me. A client? Was she going to be pawned off like property, I wondered? "You see, our client has an invested interest in Pokémon that can speak English. He, like the men below us, is a scientist trying to understand the complexity of the Pokémon mind."

I hadn't noticed before, but upon glancing to the floor below I did note two rather stunningly familiar men busying themselves with unperceived calculations. I immediately recognized their scrawny builds as the men I had initially rescued Kahlua from.

My adversary seemed to take notice of my surprise and grinned. "I see you have already met those men down there." He said, bringing my attention back to him. "You must have been the one who scared them away when they had first stumbled upon this Houndoom, how marvelous!"

He chuckled bemused with himself. "They said you were some towering forest man! How ludicrous, I should have known!" He outright laughed but soon calmed himself in favor of further explanation. "But, no matter, we have her now and that's what's important here. You see, she is quite possibly the rarest find in the world to date!" His fist slammed against the window to give emphasis to his upcoming point.

"A Pokémon who taught herself to speak English in the wild, it's unheard of!" I could easily denote his excitement as he spoke. "It brings into question everything known about the presumed simplicity of wild Pokémon and their behavior."

"But for me," he began as he drove his attention to the unconscious, entrapped Houndoom, "She brings quite a profit!"

I found his explanation both fascinating and disturbing. I couldn't deny the idea that a wild Pokémon having taught herself English would be a remarkable discovery, and until that moment I hadn't thought too much on the science behind it. However, I found it sickeningly disturbing that it was all for monetary gain that she had been stolen from me, and I couldn't allow them to experiment on her against her will!

I was about to challenge the man, but he suddenly interrupted my reply. "Somewhere in the neighborhood of eight figures, is that right, Steven?" I followed the man's attention to Steven, who until now had appeared as a simple observer to our conflict.

Steven's face betrayed his inner interest at the situation, and a sudden feeling of betrayal welled up inside of me.

"S-Steven?" I weakly questioned him as his attention turned towards me. His eyes held nothing but regret, and even the angel tattooed to his face seemed rather lackluster. However, the conviction in his movement towards the window confirmed my suspicions.

"I'm sorry mate." He said as he looked over the scene below us. "But it's simply business."

His simple explanation only defeated me. After all we had done, from the time at the Pub to tearing down a small Galactic hideout, it was not but for show. He had played me for the fool I was, and had played his part with such perfection I had nearly considered him a friend.

I all but fell to my knees, again filled with the hopelessness that Kahlua's initial disappearance had brought. I knew Steven had seen, but if he cared at all he did wonders to hide it. The man before me only seemed further delighted at my failure, so much so he sat his gun aside, confident that I was no longer a threat.

"Yes," The man began, "Steven indeed works for me." He replied to what I was already sure of. "But why did he bring you here, I wonder?" I questioned fallaciously.

What little curiosity I found caused me to turn to Steven, waiting, or more so needing some kind of explanation. He didn't face me; he just looked out that window with a solemn, expressionless face.

"I-I wanted you to see what would become of your Houndoom." He replied without a sound of emotion in his voice. "I wanted you to see that she was alive, and maybe to offer you some peace of mind in knowing that."

I heard his words, though hardly a one of them registered in my mind. All I did find was a feeling of anguish and betrayal, and a boiling hatred that was slowly rising within me again. If Steven was no better than the man before me, then he too would fall in the wreckage I would leave behind!

Suddenly fueled by rage, with endless adrenaline pumping through my veins, I darted for the pistol that my old adversary had set aside. I had in well within my grasp before either man had time to react and held it sharply against the throat of the well dressed man.

For the first time since the ordeal had begun, I saw a flash of fear in that man's eyes, and the malevolence that I was slowly becoming accustom to blossomed into an equally wicked smile.

I had no words for him, only a malice that would serve as his quiet end. I taunted him with the slow draw on the hammer of the gun, letting the mechanical sounds of a bullet lock into the cylindrical chamber fill his ears. With equal measure, I eased on that cold steel trigger until a shot rang out, the window shattering behind us and the well dressed man crumbled to the ground, screaming for the life that he knew would leave him.

I didn't allow for the shock to recede and leave the man to realize that I had not shot him, but instead past him to destroy the window that I was already escaping through. Falling for but a few meters to a catwalk below I glanced over my shoulder as I ran, seeing that Steven had not so much as moved in reaction to my sudden aggression.

I ignored him, instead focused on the task of liberating Kahlua from her Galactic prison. I hardly bothered with the stairs, opting to jump from level to level whenever I thought it safe to do so. On a final catwalk just above the small platform of machines and scientists, I froze, taking a moment to ensure that both men were well aware of me before advancing.

True to my medicinal nature, I didn't want to actually kill anyone, and instead hoped that fear would see them defeated. However, if either man took a stand against me, I would not hesitate to end them.

I leapt the last remaining distance to the ground, landing with a heavy thud and recovering quickly to accost the two thinner men. Their appearance was gruff, having obvious gone unshaven for some time and looking as though sleep was something foreign. Their eyes weighed heavily upon mine and their bodies remained motionless.

Unwavering in my resolve, I approached them both, looming over their short statures and striking the most intimidating pose I could. I brandished the gun before them and their trembling legs let me know they were not a threat.

With a stoic hand I pointed to the translucent container. "Open it!" I demanded, not giving the slightest doubt that failure to comply would meet with unsavory consequences.

Thankfully, more so for the cowering men below me, there was no hesitation as one man input a series of codes into an adjacent console and with a slight hiss of compressed gas, the container opened, spilling Kahlua out onto the floor below.

I immediately rushed to her side, allowing the men to flee to the relative safety of their unknown destination. I hardly cared that they had again escaped as I cradled Kahlua's head in my arms. I listened closely until I heard the slow rhythmic sounds of her breathing, and sighed with relief in knowing that she was unharmed.

"Kahlua?" I said as I gently tried to rouse her from her induced slumber. When she did not rise, I called to her again. "Kahlua, please, wake up baby." I prodded at her with a bit more fervor, a portion of me beginning to panic. What, I wondered, did they use to put her down? What if without the men who had already fled could I not awaken her?

The thought enveloped me with fear and I suddenly took hold of Kahlua's body and shook her violently, desperate to bring her back.

"Kahlua, please wake up!" I yelled in my desperation.

"She can't here ya, mate." A sudden Australian voice echoed from behind me and I snapped around, again taking hold of the gun and holding it level with Steven's chest. But I found my will to be broken as I stared into the placid face of a man who I had once respected. The weapon in my hand suddenly felt heavy and I let it fall to the ground as tears forced their way down my cheeks.

"Damn you!" I exclaimed and struck the ground. "It ain't enough to trick me into thinking you're a friend only to find out you're a fucking traitor. But ya have to come back to taunt me too? You're so twisted, you sick fuck!" I cried out as my weakened resolve left me.

A slight rustle alerted me to Steven kneeling, though I couldn't look up at him, not now. "I know, mate, I know." He said with what I thought was regret in voice. "I have deceived you, but not betrayed you." I was stunned to hear his words, but significantly distrusting of him. It wasn't until he reached into a pocket and produced a small syringe that I became honestly curious.

He placed the syringe near my hand and tapped at it as if telling me to take it. "It's a fast acting anti-paralytic, mate." He stated. "It will reverse the effects of the chemical they used to keep your gal there under."

I was suddenly struck with disbelief as he explained the action of the syringe. Though, while half of me wanted to trust in him again and immediately give Kahlua whatever drug was in the small injection, another, more dominate part needed to be sure of Steven's sincerity.

"How do I know this won't kill 'er?" I asked with some conviction. "And why should I trust you now, after all that happened?"

Steven shook his head and as I finally looked into his regretful eyes, I realized there must be some element of honesty in him.

"Truth is, mate." He began as he looked past me to Kahlua. "Ya really can't. I lied to you, I helped take your friend from you, and then I tried to convince you that it would be alright, that she wouldn't be harmed here." His voice weakened as it became apparent that his own regret was tearing at him. "The only thing I can offer is my word and an apology mate. I swear to you, as much as I stand here now, she'll come to when ya give her that."

I weighed his words carefully, trying to detect any element of dishonesty in them. When I was satisfied that I could at least trust him with this, I hesitated no more. I took the syringe and removed the cap, setting it level to Kahlua's shoulder before plunging the needle deep into her thick muscle and pushed the plunger.

A nervous wait would have ensued, had Kahlua not immediately begun to stir. It started with a simple twitch of an ebony paw, followed by the strained fluttering of her eyelids, to her simply opening those ruby eyes and staring right at me. It appeared that fast acting was no exaggeration.

I cried again, though this time out of joy and relief. "Kahlua!" I exclaimed and immediately pulled her close, holding her as if letting go would cause her to slip away again. I felt her distinctive nuzzling into my neck and a tender lick at the back of my ear.

"Hey there, handsome." She replied weakly, but her voice had never sounded stronger in my ears.

I snorted slightly and only held her tighter. There were so many things I wanted to say, but I couldn't find the words. The overwhelming emotions of knowing that I had her back muted me, but somehow that wasn't so bad. She was mine again, and that's what truly mattered.

"See mate?" Steven suddenly interrupted our moment. "She'll be just fine!" In truth, I had all but forgotten he was there; yet, as he spoke I was reminded of an important question that Kahlua's well being brought about.

"She is, partner, and for that I'm grateful." I began as I looked over my shoulder to him. "But why'd ya do it, partner? Why all this just to have it end with us here?"

He sighed heavily as though he was hoping I wouldn't ask. Slowly he trudged around so that I no longer had to crane my neck to see him. And so that Kahlua too could face him, eying him with all the mistrust that I had just moments before harbored for him.

"You!" She heatedly exclaimed as she glared at Steven. "You were one of those men who captured me!" I could feel the sudden flexion of the muscles in her jaw and could only assume that she was about to literally spit fire at Steven.

I ran a gentle hand across the side of her cheek to placate her boiling rage. "Easy, baby." I told her. "Let's let him explain. After all, he actually helped me rescue ya." She relaxed just slightly and shook her head, still glaring daggers at him.

I nodded for Steven to begin with the explanation that Kahlua and I more than deserved. He drew a shaky breath, his eyes moving from mine to Kahlua as if fearful of attack. At length, he simply resigned to his fate and began with a solemn nod.

"Alright mate," He began, "I'll tell ya, but it ain't a pretty story." He sighed and looked away, lost as his thoughts began to flow. "Let's start with the fact that I was a member of the Galactic team here. A high ranking member, to be honest mate." He shook his head as though he was disappointed with that idea.

"I was in charge of finding and capturing a few rare Pokémon that had been sighted around this area." He continued. "I managed to find one," He held up a small Pokeball that he produced from one of his pockets, "But that's when things started changing for me, mate."

Steven's eyes suddenly appeared quite misty. "I suppose I wasn't expecting this Pokémon to actually try to befriend me. But it sure didn't take 'er long to tug on an old heart string or two, mate!" He smiled an almost sorrowful smile that actually hurt to look at. "She really opened up to me and trusted in me, which of course made me open up a bit to her!"

He bit his lip as shame swept across him. "But, I had a job to do, mate. I needed the money and the boss needed his ware. I-I took her to him, just as he wanted. And he paid me, just like I wanted." His shame only deepened. "The look, though, in her eyes as they put 'er in the box and started their twisted experiments, it fucking broke me inside, mate."

Steven stopped fighting with his tears and let them freely fall to the ground. "She looked so hurt, and scared, and I didn't do anything to help her!" He had to pause a moment to compose himself and he apologized before continuing. "Anyhow, while she was in the box, something went wrong mate, very wrong, and to make a long story short she ended up getting hurt."

He sighed heavily as though a great weight had been set upon him. "S-she ended up losing an eye and one of her legs was crippled beyond saving. I'm still not sure what caused it other than fucking human error, but it hardly mattered as the damage was done."

He shook at the emotion coursing through him, struggling to fight it away. "The clients we dealt with would never settle for damaged wares." Steven went on. "So the Boss decided to dispose of her and use her body as food for the lesser beasts he kept."

"But I wasn't about to let that happen!" Steven said with a bit more conviction than he'd had. "I offered the money back and told him that I would take her. At the prospect of saving money, the Boss gladly accepted and told me to take her; he even gave me this Pokeball to see that the deed was expedited."

Steven rolled the small device through his fingers and eyed it with a near longing expression. "When I had her mate," He continued, "My boss told me that I had to find another English speaking Pokémon to appease our greedy cliental."

"I told him that I didn't want to be a part of it anymore." Steven said. "I told him it wasn't right and that I was through; but, he wouldn't have that." He gritted his teeth. "He had leverage on me now and told me that if I wanted to ensure my Pokémon's safety, I would do as he asked. I had no choice but to agree."

He shook his head again and his fist tightened around the ball he held. "I won't bore ya with the next few days, mate, and only say that I had no luck in finding what the Boss wanted on my own." He huffed suddenly in frustration. "But that's when I found out that the Boss wasn't so trusting of me anyhow. Sparing the details mate, I found out that he'd sent those two researchers to find what he wanted, and they'd had a bit more success than me!"

Steven spat towards the machines around us as if mocking the two men that had long since departed. "But," He continued as he wiped the saliva from his lips, "They were cowards, and when they saw the Forrest man, they pissed themselves and ran." He faced me and actually smiled a sincere, good humored smile. I couldn't help but smile back at Steven. After all, it wasn't everyday that by sheer intimidation alone that I'd fooled two gullible men into thinking I was some kind of woodland monster.

"Anyhow," Steven began as his smile faded away, "When news of their failure reached my Boss, he was less than pleased mate. So, he told me to find this man and take the Pokémon by whatever means necessary. And he promised that if I could deliver what he wanted, he'd let me go."

He waved a shaky finger at me. "I spent some time looking for ya, mate! I looked over the better part of the forest, through town, and even the Industrial hell hole out here!" He motioned around him to solidify his point. "I was about to give up when I decided to go to lunch and clear my head when who did I bump into?"

His gaze left me and found Kahlua who simply growled in disapproval. "I couldn't believe my luck!" He exclaimed. "Of all the places to find you, in a diner with the county first responder was not what I had in mind, little Sheila!" Kahlua snorted in her fuming anger, but thankfully didn't act on it.

Steven's eyes again found mine before he continued. "I was going to take her right there, mate, and be done with it. But, with all the people around and your status in this county, I knew I wouldn't make it far." He shrugged weakly at his own words. "So instead I called my Boss as ya left and told him I had found what he'd wanted, and all I needed was time to get her."

"He seemed thrilled enough at the news that he gave me all the time I wanted, mate." He said as he lightly shook his head. "So I waited; I planned, and I waited. I knew you would have to leave at times to tend to your duties. And one day as I drove by I watched you speed out of your drive and leave your house completely open."

I cringed at the sudden recollection of what I had done to aid in Kahlua's kidnapping. "And imagine my surprise as the Pokémon herself stepped right out into your yard." I shook my head in grief at the realization of making her capture so easy. "All I did was call for some assistance," He continued, "And when they arrived it was as simple as a paralytic dart to her rump and she was ours."

Kahlua suddenly blew a small stream of fire into the air which startled me, but did little actual harm otherwise. "Jerks!" She exclaimed towards Steven.

Steven solemnly nodded in agreement with her. "Ya, Sheila, and a string of other tasteless words too." He replied. "In any case, we took her back here and loaded her into the box. My Boss, as he'd promised, let me go and I left this contemptible hell."

Steven let out a heavy sigh. "That's when I found ya outside your house, mate." He said as the regret was again easy to denote through his voice. "I saw ya there, sitting on your porch, completely empty. Hell, I tried to ignore ya and went to town; but, after only a few hours I couldn't take my mind off what I'd done." His head fell slightly. "I drove back to your home to find ya exactly as you were before. I couldn't just leave again so I proposed a drink to ya and ya know how that story plays out, mate."

I smiled weakly as foggy memories of the Pub came back to me. "Ya, partner, it was a good time from what little I can recall." I chuckled lightly at my own jest and Steven managed a menial smile. I could only shake my head as it was easy to see that Steven was still torn for what he'd done.

But, that's when I'd realized something. Throughout his explanation, I really couldn't find a clear answer as to why he had helped me rescue Kahlua. Sure, he gave great detail into why he'd captured her to begin with, but no defined reason to save her in the end.

"Steven?" I questioned him. "After all that, why is it that ya helped me save Kahlua?" My question seemed to weigh heavily upon the thin Australian as his shoulders fell and his head dipped low.

He cleared his throat and brushed a few tears that I hadn't noticed away. "W-when we were at the Pub, mate, you said something that got to me." He weakly replied as his voice shook with emotion. "You told me that you, that you..." He trailed off as he looked between me and Kahlua, as if unsure he should continue with Kahlua at my side. For his trepidation, I was somewhat grateful as I would have liked to tell Kahlua in my own words how I now felt towards her.

"I remember what I said, partner." I interrupted and placed a sympathetic hand to his shoulder. "And thank you." I gave the man a gentle squeeze. "Thank you."

Steven seemed somewhat relieved to hear my words, but still faced away from me as he cried real, honest tears that stained his cheeks as they fell.

"So all that was real then?" I asked in an effort to bring him around. "All the assess we kicked and making your boss scream like a bitch, it was legit?"

Steven at last openly laughed in good hearted humor and a smile broadened his thin lips. "Ya, mate!" He exclaimed. "It was very real and I've wanted to do that for so long!" I joined in on his laughter and even noticed Kahlua smiling toothily.

When our merriment eventually subsided, I had only one more nagging question to ask. "So, what happened to your boss anyhow?"

Steven smiled a wicked grin that I hadn't seen since we first entered the Galactic compound. "Oh, well, I didn't just take the anti-paralytic from that guard back there, mate!" His sinful humor only increased. "Let's just say he's frozen with fear!"

"Frozen with fear?" I questioned his rather weakly put pun. "That's the best ya could come up with there, partner?"

Steven's mirth turned into mock anger. "Excuse me, mate?!" He defended himself. "The boss is up there paralyzed what more do ya want?"

I chuckled. "A decent, half-assed pun would be good!" I replied.

He playfully tagged my arm. "You're an asshole, mate, Grade-A asshole."

We again shared a laugh though this time it was somewhat short lived as Steven suddenly donned a slightly more serious look. "Listen mate," He began as he pat my arm lightly, "All joking aside, you need to get out of here. It's only a matter of time before more Galactic goons show up; either them or the police, and you don't need to be here to see either one!"

I shot him a puzzled look despite seeing the merit in his explanation. "What about you, partner?" I asked him as I stood to my feet. "Are ya coming with us or what?" I feared he wouldn't from the oddly determined look in his eyes.

Steven shook his head, confirming my suspicions. "No mate," he replied, "They'll only keep coming so long as this building stands. I-I'm gonna stay behind and ensure they have nothing to come for, mate. I'll make sure they'll never harm another Pokémon here ever again!"

I was moved by his words, but apprehensive as he mentioned something about the others having nothing to come for. "You'll make sure they have nothing to come for? What in the hell do ya mean by that?" I questioned.

He smiled suddenly and waved me towards the door. "Industrial accident, mate. Team Galactic is prone to them! I'll simply set fire to a few machines and the resulting blaze will simply seem like mechanical failure!" He again pointed towards the door. "Now get going!" He exclaimed.

I turned around and made for the door as Steven wanted; however, a large part of me was discontented to leaving my friend behind. Even Kahlua, who moments ago was ready to render poor Steven lifeless, looked back over her shoulder to the man who had given us a second chance together.

He placed his hands in his pockets and from one side pulled out a familiar, silver lighter. From the other, a small red and white pokeball to which he gazed at lovingly. He put it to his lips and gave it a tender kiss before uttering some unheard words and facing me.

"Mate!" He called for me. "Take her, please." He tossed me the ball and I caught it deftly as I gazed onto Steven's hopeful features. "I didn't realized it until I was too late, but I loved the creature in that ball." He said solemnly. "And though it hurts me, I know she'll never forgive me for what I've done. But, I can't condemn her to that device forever. I know you'll care for her, mate!"

I nodded as I began to tear again; though, before I could say anything at all, Steven set fire to the first machine which ignited in a brightly colored explosion of red and orange. I turned about and fled out of the building with Kahlua at my side.

We had made it only a few hundred yards when a painfully loud blast echoed forth from the old storage building, and as I turned I saw the old roof give way to the failing structure. I wanted to turn back and ensure that Steven was unharmed; however, as a small black car fled down the road opposite of my direction, I heaved a sigh of relief.

It was a good five miles back to my home from the old industrial sect. For many of those miles, Kahlua and I walked in a comfortable silence. For my part I was absolutely thrilled to have her back! It felt as though a portion of my soul had been given back to me and I couldn't help but smile. Kahlua too had her customary odd, toothy grin about her thin lips; though, there was something behind her eyes that I just couldn't place.

When at length my house came into view, after near an hour of walking, Kahlua glanced up at me. "Henry?" She asked and I shot her a questioning look. "That man, Steven, said you told him something at a pub that made him change, what was it?"

I had to commend her memory to detail; however, I couldn't tell her, not outside at least. "I'll tell ya when we get inside, sugar." I replied and pointed towards the door of my home that was now but a short block away. Kahlua nodded in acceptance and continued to walk in silence for the short distance to the house.

Standing at the door I opened it and ushered Kahlua inside, taking but a moment to look back at the plume of smoke in the sky that had once been her prison, and quietly I uttered my thanks to the man who helped bring Kahlua home safely.

I shut the door behind me and locked it as I took off my shoes and kicked them into an adjacent corner. I made for the couch, but was stopped when Kahlua suddenly jumped upon me, placing her forepaws against my shoulders and forcing my back into the wall.

She eyed me curiously. "Now that we're home, what did you say Henry?" Her voice almost sounded desperate as if needing, rather than wanting the information.

I merrily grinned at Kahlua and took hold of her just under her forepaws; despite her strength, I pulled her from her feet and carried her to the couch where it was my turn to force her onto her back.

She stared at me in sudden surprise to my actions and swallowed hard. Her form beneath me only excited my lust, and I could no longer contain myself. I placed my hands on either side of her cheeks, forcing her head still as I brought my lips perilously close to hers. I drew in a heavy breath of her spicy sent, and then kissed her, with all the pent up passion I had in me.

I felt Kahlua draw a sharp breath as our lips met and could feel her racing heart beat within her chest as it rested against my own. As she relaxed into my embrace, the unusual sound of her purring danced through my ears and a warm, contented feeling overcame me.

I chanced to further my endeavor and parted my lips slightly to invite her tongue into my mouth. I was hardly disappointed as her warm appendage suddenly swept the inner sides of my cheeks. She tasted just as I had remembered, a somewhat sweet, minty flavor to her maw. As I marveled at her succulent taste I gently began massaging the area just behind her horns, making slow, light pressured circles in her flesh.

A quiet moan escaped her and I couldn't help but smile at the idea that I had caused it. Ever emboldened I brought my body closer to hers, chancing even to lay flush against her so that all but my legs had contact. As I did her spicy aroma erupted tenfold more into the room and I reveled in it. An odd heat suddenly found itself against my groin and I discovered it to be curiously arousing.

Kahlua groaned near breathlessly as our fiery kiss came to fruition and we parted, connected still by a thin string of saliva that broke moments later. As I gazed at her, I found those ruby red eyes and saw what I perceived as a shimmer of amorous longing and couldn't help but chuckle slightly.

"Kahlua," I said as I tenderly stroked her cheek, "I told him that I loved you." Almost immediately as the words passed my lips, her eyes glistened with tears, though far from ones of sorrow as a shinning smile alighted on her lips.

"R-Really?" She stammered out. "You do love me?" I nodded in affirmation and again touched my lips to hers for a brief moment to shatter any doubt still lurking within her. Her tears hardly ceased; but, ones of joy I wouldn't dare impede.

Parting again I brought my lips down to her ear and lingered but a breath away, causing uninhibited shivers to run through Kahlua. "More than anything, sugar." I whispered to her and gently ran my tongue along the outer part of her cropped ear.

Kahlua sighed heavily and leaned into me. "Oh Henry," She whispered back, "I love you too! And if you keep this up I may need you to..." I silenced her with a tender finger to her lips. I knew what she wanted, and I wanted it too as I continued to work on her ear. My free hand slowly trailed down from her bottom lip to her neck where I teased the underside of her jaw, running my fingers gingerly through the thin fur there and causing her odd purring to kick up again.

I smiled as her breathing became progressively deeper because of my lustful ministrations. Feeling more amorous myself, I took her ear between my teeth and lightly bit down, causing a gasp to escape Kahlua. I couldn't help but feel a great deal of satisfaction in teasing her as I did; It made me feel powerful and commanding, as if her body was mine and belonged to no one else.

I adjusted myself above her so that I continued to straddle her as I removed my shirt and tossed it somewhere behind us, hardly caring for where it came to rest as I exposed my thick form to Kahlua. She hardly seemed displeased with me as a feral smile crept across her thin lips, exposing her obviously sharp fangs to my eye.

With a sudden display of canine flexibility, Kahlua swiftly leaned forward and laved her tongue across my neck before nipping lightly at the sensitive flesh there. A chill of purest delight shot down my spine and caused my entire body to shudder at her touch.

Quite suddenly it appeared that Kahlua would not be dominated for long as her strength forced my body from hers, her forepaws pressing hard against my shoulders until my back was against the couch. I found myself entrapped beneath her, a slave for her to do with as she pleased. And how I loved the idea of it!

Her nimble tongue teased me in such a blissful manner I struggled to fight my literally growing arousal. As she gently lapped at my neck she would occasionally nip at my shoulder and then exhale heatedly into one of my sensitive ears. The feeling was just too much as it began to intoxicate my senses and I couldn't help but whisper her name, which only seemed to spur her actions further!

Kahlua slowly slid down to my chest, taking her time to tenderly nip at my collar bone before resting her head upon my breast. As I watched her, she slowly laved her tongue across my nipple there, sending an electrifying chill throughout my body. I heard her giggle as I shivered and I couldn't help but tense as a now painfully swollen erection pressed hard against my jeans.

With her weight still against me, I could do nothing to relieve the tension in my groin. I tried shifting my hips slightly, but that only succeeded in forcing my imprisoned member to graze across her strong heat, which did nothing to alleviate my problem.

I swallowed hard as now I was trapped by both the pressure of Kahlua's body against mine, and a powerful heat which emanated from her loins, spurring a painful throb within my own gender as it begged to be released from its denim prison.

It hardly helped that I suddenly found Kahlua's tender kisses to be just above my naval. At times, that dexterous tongue of hers would pass into the crevice of my naval where it would swirl in slow circles before returning so its toothy shelter.

When that taunting appendage of hers dared lower still, even so low that the warmth of her breath could be felt by my phallus still entrapped within my jeans, I could take her callous teasing no longer. "K-Kahlua, please." I weakly pleaded with her as I brought a shaky hand to my erection. "It hurts."

She eyed me and grinned malevolently as she gently forced my hand away from the hem of my pants. "Oh Henry," She began near whispering, "Don't worry about that, I'll take care of you." Without another word, her heated tongue returned to its wicked ministrations, taunting and teasing my gender through the fabric of my imprisoning jeans causing my erection to throb painfully.

I grit my teeth as a particularly powerful pulse radiated through the entirety of my penis and caused a throaty groan to escape me. Just as I was about to honestly plead with Kahlua, dropping down and pathetically begging her to release me, I felt a sudden sharpness to my lower abdomen. Curious, I glanced down and observed one of Kahlua's noticeably razor sharp claws drawing small shapes in my sensitive flesh as it gradually drifted lower and lower until it came to rest atop the button on my jeans.

With a dexterity that I hadn't seen before, her claw flexed beneath the small silver button and with a satisfying release of the denim around my waste, my jeans were undone. I only became further impressed when that versatile claw slowly undid the zipper to my pants as well, allowing each metallic tooth to uncouple one at a time before at last coming to rest.

Freed from its denim hell, my penis relaxed comfortably within the pliable threading of my underwear, the forgiving material allowing my erection to stand somewhat freely as it so painfully desired. I sighed in content and made to thank Kahlua for her small act of mercy; however, as my hand drifted down to caress her cheek, my breath suddenly hitched in my throat and my body froze as a rather cool nose nuzzled lightly against my length.

A tantalizing spasm shook me as Kahlua inhaled sharply, taking in the strong sent of my human musk. She moaned somewhere deep in her throat and seemed more than pleased as again and again she drew my scent deep within her nostrils.

When I was certain that she had become fairly intoxicated on my male aroma, I fought past my acute paralysis and managed to gingerly touch her cheek, running a tender thumb about her soft fur there and reluctantly tilting her head away from my heavily aroused gender.

Her half lidded eyes found mine and betrayed the raging lust within her. I smiled and with the flexibility a man of my size shouldn't possess, I leaned forward and placed a light kiss to her lips. While doing so I casually shifted a hand down her side, letting my fingers dance around her boney armor before settling on her ample flank and giving it a playful squeeze.

She shrieked quietly, a sound I hadn't heard her make before and it humored me to the point of actual laughter, forcing our kiss apart as I chortled to myself.

Kahlua pouted and shot me an obviously faux glare of anger. "Oh, you!" She huffed. "If you wouldn't tease me so much I wouldn't sound like a frightened pup!" She playfully drew her paw across my cheek in her mock imitation of a slap and I forced my humor down.

"Oh, I'm sorry sugar!" I apologized as I caught my breath. "If I'd have known you'd have squeaked like that, I'd have...Well, you know." I trailed off and left her puzzled for a moment.

"You would have what, Henry?" She asked innocently as I gave another good goose to her rump, eliciting the desired effect as she again shrieked in surprise, much to my enjoyment. If before her blush was not noticeable to my poorly adapted eyes, it was more than prominent now as a rosy redness complimented her dark fur.

I had to admit, the sight of her flustered face coupled with the rather provocative position of her above me was both adorable, and horribly arousing. Even as she made to strike me again with a tender paw, her movements seemed all the more tantalizing, almost as if I'd been oblivious to her sleek musculature all along. As that paw connected, I was undoubtedly certain I was drunk with her scent, and my sudden awe of her body was simply a side effect, one I dearly hoped was permanent.

"You're going to pay for that, Henry." Her whispered voice forced reality back into my wandering mind and a goofy grin spread across my lips.

"Is that a promise darlin'?" I taunted as she again forced me prone, a wicked smile alighting her features as I suddenly felt a heavy pressure against my groin. Cocking my head slightly to one side, I glanced down to observe one of her powerful hind paws resting firmly against my genitals, forcing my penis flush with my body and causing the head of my phallus to peek through the waistband of my underwear.

Kahlua lowered her muzzle so that her hot breath laved past my ear as she spoke. "A promise that you will never forget, Henry." She whispered decisively and tauntingly drew her tongue across the entirety of my ear, sending an uncontrollable spasm throughout my body.

It was all I could do not to moan as she slowly began to work her paw up and down the length of my manhood, the firm, yet somehow gentle pressure and rocking robbing my body of coherent thought as pleasure assaulted my every sense.

Her movements, so delicate, yet precise seemed to trigger such euphoria within me it seemed as though she were the key to my body's absolute satisfaction; as if she somehow knew exactly where to touch me to elicit the greatest response.

I closed my eyes tight, focusing on nothing more than the pleasurable feelings rising within me. I felt soft, tender nips at my flesh as Kahlua lightly nibbled at my neck and ears. It was a raw feeling, of both being dominated by a creature that could easily render me lifeless, and inescapable bliss caused by someone I loved.

I moaned out, unable to contain myself any longer as years of pent up sexual tension began to course through my veins. Kahlua seemed encouraged by my sudden outburst as her efforts increased, her padded paw gradually moving at a quicker pace, though the pressure remained constant, perfect.

How I fought with myself to control the urge to thrust against her, to use her movements to herald in my thundering climax. However, I resisted and conceded to her dominance for the moment, fearing that any play on my part would ruin such a wonderful experience.

Kahlua, undoubtedly taking notice of my plight, tenderly nipped the very tip of my nose, forcing my eyes to open. "Does it feel good, Henry?" The temptress asked, her sultry voice resonating within my head.

I couldn't speak; I hadn't the cognizant ability nor the articulation to say anything, so I simply nodded in affirmation.

Her hot breath once again filled my ears and an almost sickening shudder rocketed through me. "Then show me how good it feels." She sealed my fate as her warm tongued laved from the center of my neck to the very tip of my ear.

I could no longer fight it, and no longer dared to deny my body what it sought. What was once a simple flood that could easily be dammed was rapidly becoming a swirling torrent of pleasure. Every muscle in my body contributed to potentiate the climactic bliss that was now unavoidable, as if not only my testicles, but my whole being were about to explode forth under Kahlua's paw.

I breathlessly howled as the first wave of my orgasm crashed through me, my seed spilling messily from the exposed tip of my penis into Kahlua's paw, some easily finding passage between her toes and coming to rest high upon my belly. Another thick rope of male spunk found its way up Kahlua's thigh, splashing lewdly against her and casually rolling down her leg. Yet another came to rest against the cushions of the couch, soaking the unassuming furniture in human essence. Again and again I came until the periphery of my vision faded to darkness, though I was hardly concerned about it.

When at length my climactic high came to an end, I drew in a heavy breath as my lungs burned for oxygen. My head swam like an uneasy ocean and my body felt distant from my conscious mind. I could feel my heart thundering within my chest as if it too had ceased for a moment in orgasmic joy. The experience, though in actuality only a few minutes, easily seemed like hours to my worn body.

Through my clouded vision I could see Kahlua grinning lustfully above me, a look of pure satisfaction upon her features. Her paw, which was moments ago firmly against my gender, was now retracted just slightly above my penis, lewd stands of my pearly seed still connecting us.

She peered down to her foot then again met my eyes. "My my, handsome, did you enjoy yourself?" She presumptuously asked as she placed her soiled foot to the side of my hip.

I struggled with my breath, desperate to tell her how wonderful the experience was. "M-More than you know." I stammered out. "I-It's been a long time s-since I've felt s-so good. Y-you're amazing, s-sugar!" I complimented her with a tender caress to her cheek.

Kahlua purred lightly, that magnificently odd sound which slowly rekindled my arousal as her cheeks again blushed heavily. "Oh, thank you Henry!" She replied, the sharp edge of her earlier lustful voice temporarily lost to her innocence.

Hearing the honesty in her voice, seeing the rosy redness of her cheeks, the lewd mess about her paw, and the single strand of my essence now beading down her thigh towards the cushion below proved too much for my sexually starved senses and instantly my arousal again peeked and my erection grew to full mast.

Kahlua seemed somewhat astonished at my relatively rapid return to sexual readiness, certainly sure to herself that a man of my age and size would be down sometime longer than I had. I grinned and swiftly took advantage of the situation, placing a strong hand against her shoulder and bringing my leg about her flank. Rolling to one side I forced her off balance and rotated until I was atop her, eliciting a quiet gasp from Kahlua as she eyed me in surprise.

I chuckled as it was again my turn to dominate this romantic endeavor. Immediately I brought my lips as close as I dared to one of Kahlua's cropped ears and whispered hotly into her sensitive canal, "Are you ready to feel good, sugar?" She whimpered and through the periphery of my vision I observed her suckle on her lower lip, unable to respond to my newfound audacity.

I smiled lustfully and gave her ear a tender kiss before starting down the length of her body, taking my time to tease her at every opportunity. Her supple neck, in which I could feel her rapidly beating heart, I found to be quite sensitive to my touch. With every tender kiss and gentle nip, she would gasp and moan lightly, arching her back so that she pressed herself into me.

Down but only a slight bit further I found another tender area just below a small, skull-like figurine about the top of her chest. Allowing my tongue from my mouth I slowly drew it around the circumference of the figurine, ignorant of the fur that collected upon it as I listened to Kahlua's pleasured sighs.

When I was satisfied I continued my slow trek down her lithe little body, to myself marveling in its subtle beauty. Her body was flawless, gentle yet powerful muscles beneath a sensitive flesh encased in strong, bony armor. In my mind, I hailed her as a goddess and ensured that my ministrations were adjusted accordingly.

I laved over every inch of her, savoring each lustful gasp and stifled moan that escaped her. As I found her belly, I noted that it was as sculpted and toned as the rest of her figure and placed a singular, tender kiss just where her naval should be.

And there I froze, not daring to persist onward to the treasure that I so heatedly sought. I paused to muse over the sensually enticed being beneath me, taking her in in her entirety. Kahlua's eyes watched me, half lidded and full of desire, her tongue carelessly freed of her muzzle, her breathing labored and excited.

I stole a glance at her maidenhood, feeling slightly guilty as my mind pressed upon me the need to seek her permission, but I couldn't help myself. Her jewel, somewhat resembling an inverted teardrop, sat nestled neatly between her thighs surrounded by ebony fur. Her slightly swollen lips were in themselves furless and a charcoal grey color, faintly parted in between them to allow a glimpse of her pinkish innards.

A single bead of clear, feminine fluid had collected at the cleft of her gender and slowly, ever so slowly, trickled down her sex towards her thin, whippy tail. Subconsciously I licked my lips and swallowed hard, near desperate to take that little drop upon my tongue and savor her flavor.

Yet I still hesitated and drew my sight back to her eyes, a part of me needing to know that Kahlua truly wanted this. While our earlier endeavors had been erotic and stimulating, and certainly seemed to convey our interests, they were merely foreplay in this sensual ballet. What I wanted now was something far more than that, something more intimate, more passionate.

With her eyes in mine I chanced to ask her to hear what I needed. "Kahlua, sugar, are ya sure, without a doubt in your mind, this is what ya want? With me?" I posed the question with an honest heart, for if any uncertainty arose within her, I wouldn't go on.

I saw the faint shimmer in her eye as the lust was temporarily forgotten, replaced momentarily by a longing love that was easier to feel within me rather than see. She leaned forward and tenderly drew her tongue across the length of my cheek before smiling warmly.

"Oh Henry," She replied at length, "I am quite sure I want this. I've wanted you for some time now, to be honest." Her blush again deepened to a level that I could detect it beneath the dark fur of her cheeks. "So please, if you want this too, then go on and make me yours, handsome."

In hearing her words I needed no further coercing. My body now absolutely ached for hers. As she lay back against the cushions, I again eyed her gender, anticipation weighing heavily upon me as those supple lips quivered at my gaze, just begging for attention.

Placing my hands on either side of her hips I slowly brought my head down to her sex, marveling in the sheer amount of heat that radiated forth and the spicy aroma that intoxicated me. Her feminine juices beaded readily as my hot breath washed over her labia, her body obviously eager for my touch. Finally overwhelmed, I couldn't resist any further and brought my lips to her maidenhood, taking an experimental taste of the liquid that she seemed to have so much to give.

I found it tolerable; while in itself it wasn't a particularly pleasing taste, it wasn't bad either. It was rather bland, but carried in it a certain spice and heat that gave it a unique flavor to say the least. As I delved in for more, Kahlua drew a sharp breath and moaned aloud; no longer a muffled sound but a full, throaty moan of purest pleasure.

I grinned in satisfaction, glad that I was pleasing her so. Encouraged, I drew my tongue across the crevice of her sex, not pressing far within her pinkish interior, but just enough so that at the apex of the motion my tongue caught the fleshy nub of her clitoris. I'd lightly tease her there, eliciting deep sighs and groans from Kahlua, who would occasionally thrust her hips forward into my oral ministrations.

I had her all but weeping in ecstasy as I focused all of my attention to her most sensitive flesh, occasionally nipping lightly at her with my teeth, making her writhe beneath me. She had since abandoned coherent sounds, instead favoring a labored breath that progressively became deeper and heavier as I suckled at her drooling sex.

Unbeknownst to her, Kahlua was idly pawing at the air above her, as if seeking something to brace herself against. It was a somewhat comical sight, to be sure; but, more so than that, it alerted me to the coming of Kahlua's peak. With great fervor I lashed out against her gender, tormenting her clitoris at every opportunity, suckling and nibbling at the sensitive nub until every muscle in her body suddenly seized.

With an ear splitting howl and an actual breath of fire, Kahlua came, her feminine liquids spilling forth from her quivering passage into my awaiting mouth. The force of her orgasm was amazing, the sheer volume of orgasmic fluid over encumbering my ability to swallow and forcing most of it to wet my cheeks and chin.

Her body continued to tremble even after her explosive climax, launching her forward into a blissful afterglow that her contented features seemed to portray. Wiping her orgasm from my face, I gently laid on top of her, savoring the closeness of her body against mine.

Kahlua gently nuzzled my cheek and brought her forepaws around my shoulders. "That was fantastic, Henry." She whispered quietly in my ear. "Thank you!" She drew me in closer and planted a brief kiss to my lips.

I smiled warmly as I regarded her. "You're quite welcome, sugar." I replied. "I'd do anything to please my lover!"

I heard a sultry chuckle echo from within Kahlua as her paws lightly scratched at the flesh on my shoulders. "Your lover? Now I like the sound of that! And anything to please her, Henry? Anything?" She emphasized her last word with a shameless kiss to my ear, forcing a lustful sigh to escape me.

"Y-yes Kahlua," my rattled voice replied, "Anything." As if that was all the invitation she needed, Kahlua suddenly growled and suggestively rolled her hips into mine, allowing her heated gender to tease the exposed tip of my manhood before she again rested against the cushions of the couch.

Her forepaws kept my head low against her cheek, ensuring that her muzzle never left my exposed ear. She blew hotly into it before her whispered voice graced my hearing, saying all I needed to force what little clothing I had left to an unkempt pile on the floor below, "Then breed with me, Henry..."

And before her now I was wholly exposed, no part of me kept secret from her inquisitive eye. I could practically feel her gaze upon me as she roved over every detail of my heavyset frame, committing to memory her mate's natural body.

She seemed approving of me and with a forepaw she beckoned me closer to her, again placing her paws about the back of my shoulders. Kahlua shifted her hips about slightly until an uninhibited heat spilled across the full length of my groin. She shuttered as my penis found the supple, moistened lips of her labia which easily parted to allow just the tip of my phallus within her.

I heard her swallow hard and observed that her eyes were shut tight and felt her forepaws against my shoulders flexing and allowing her claws to gingerly prick at my flesh.

"Go slow..." She suddenly said, "And please, be gentle at first."

I nodded in acquiescence despite her eyes being closed and simply opted to let action dictate just how gentle she wanted it. I had to admit that I was somewhat curious as I gradually entered her as to her sudden change from a raw, lustful experience to a more subtle, love making type ordeal. Granted, that was what I had wanted; however, the lust and passion from our foreplay was quite enjoyable as well.

My curious thoughts were brought to an abrupt end as only a slight bit within her body my penis was halted by a barrier.

A barrier? A lingering thought questioned. Within Kahlua? That can only mean that Kahlua is...

"You're a virgin, sugar?" I abruptly spat out, causing a scarlet red to blossom forth across her cheeks as she solemnly nodded.

"I-I never found a male that I liked." She meekly replied. I was honored, to say the least, in her choosing to give a most precious gift to me. The only regret I had in taking it was that in the past forty-three years, I had lain with several different women, and was somewhat well versed in the sexual realm in comparison.

However, the shame in my past wouldn't stop me from pleasing my lover. If any good came from adultery, it was that perhaps my experience would allow me to give Kahlua the most intimate time of her life! Least wise I hoped that's what it would accomplish.

"Well I'm honored," I replied at length, "Thank you sugar." I gently caressed her cheek and she nuzzled my hand. When she stopped, her eyes found mine and behind them shone both her trepidation, and her longing.

I couldn't help but smile at the irony. For as amorous as she was towards me, she remained totally innocent. Her virginity was her body's last gift to someone and even now that she had found a mate she wanted, she hesitated.

It hardly bothered me. However long she needed to prepare herself was however long I would patiently wait. She was more than worth it.

"Henry?" Her angelic voice resonated against my ears. I shot her a questioning glance and she gently smiled. "I'm ready." She replied.

It was all I needed to hear as I nodded and retreated from her depths slightly, though not so far as to completely leave her. I knew it would hurt her, years of being a paramedic and experience would attest to that; however, if it was done quickly, the pain would subside just so and pleasure would reign.

I leaned over her and cradled her close to me for the next few moments as I thrust downward, the thin barrier of her maidenhood easily giving way to my phallus and granting me entry into her tight, fiery depths.

Kahlua drew a sharp breath as my length penetrated her. Her eyes were shut tight as stray tears trickled down the sides of her cheeks. As she laid her head against my shoulder, I heard the near inaudible whine escape her and her claws raked across the tops of my shoulders.

For several minutes we laid together unmoving. I did what I could to placate her pain by nuzzling my cheek against her neck and lightly kissing her ear. After a short time she reciprocated in her own way, nipping roughly at my neck and shoulder only to lick the area promptly after.

Under her amorous menstruations my mind was temporarily freed of concern for her pain and instead focused on the wondrous pleasure of her body. She was tight as one would expect, though made tighter still by our species difference. And she was warm; moreover, she was hot, near scalding to my sensitive flesh within her, but not quite so to make it displeasing.

As her vaginal muscles inadvertently contacted I shuttered, a wickedly pleasing feeling rocketing throughout my body. It was all I could do to restrain myself from plowing through her like a farmer's field. But, a still somewhat sane part of me advised that that would be rather selfish and one-sided, considering that this experience was about us, not just me.

Kahlua seemed to take notice of my plight and again I felt the magnificent contraction of her walls squeezing against my length, coaxing me into action. When again I restrained myself, I heard what I thought to be a frustrated groan escape Kahlua.

"Henry?" She questioned. "Cuddling usually happens after the mating part, and we have yet to mate." She advised me as a teacher would while lecturing a small child and inwardly I slapped myself, cursing my sanity as the horn-dog within was right for a change. "So, are you going to breed me, Henry, or not?"

Rather than vociferously reply I rocked my hips forward, roughly grinding my groin against her own and pushing my length as far as it could go within her. She audibly moaned in surprise and an ever customary, wicked grin spread across my lips. If a breeding was what she wanted, I would give her a breeding not to be forgotten!

Rocking my hips back and pulling my penis from her scorching depths, I callously tweaked a nipple I'd found beneath her fur and thrust back into her, stopping only when the base of my gender was flush with hers and then repeated the process.

I allotted my hands to roam her body, taking in the feel of her toned muscles beneath her ebony fur and delighting in how they tensed with every thrust into her maidenhood. Her tongue carelessly freed itself from her muzzle and lolled out of the corner of her open maw, her breathing once again quick and labored, low moans escaping her from time to time.

She had the look of purest delight emblazoned upon her features as I worked myself into a stead rhythm. Occasionally, when I felt that my back could handle it, I would gyrate my hips as I buried myself within her, attempting to strike any sensitive area I could. I was reward with each successful rotation with a throaty moan of approval.

Satisfied that her body was indeed under my command, I took one of my thumbs and suckled it briefly; for what I intended, a dry digit was never too pleasant, at least according to my previous partners. Kahlua was too rapt in her own pleasure to realize what I was doing and before she had any chance what so ever to observe, I stuck my moistened thumb directly against her clitoris and ground against it roughly in slow, small circles.

She yipped suddenly, a sound somewhere between an actually bark and a whimper as her vaginal muscles clutched tightly around my penis, almost prevent movement. Almost. Knowing that she was close to orgasm, I fought passed the gripping walls within her and buried myself to the hilt, fervently assaulting her clitoris with my thumb as I did. Absently she bucked against my efforts, her claws raked against the flesh of my shoulders, digging into my skin, though I hardly felt a thing. She was so close, just a bit more and I would have her! Again she thrust against me and I doubled my efforts, daring even to thrust in and out of her ever so slightly. She was closer still, I could see it in her lustful eyes! Taking a chance and a blind shot in the dark I went for her neck, taking a primal bite against her flesh there, though not daring to pierce her skin and...Success!

Kahlua suddenly howled and her head flew back against the couch as she closed her eyes in absolute rapture. A small stream of liquid fire erupted from within her convulsing depths, managing its way past my phallus to splash lewdly against my scrotum and inner thigh. The heat was just shy of unbearable, but I held fast as Kahlua rode upon the waves of her pleasure.

When those waves brought her down from her climactic high her eyes parted, half lidded, and gazed directly into my own.

"By the gods, Henry, you are handsome and talented!" She praised, electing a fit of laughter on my part, even as I was still nestled within her body.

"Thank ya, sugar!" I replied, "I do try."

Flexing her claws against my wounded shoulders she forced my body lower so that her muzzle met my ear.

"You're turn, lover." She blew hotly into my sensitive canal and sent an unabated shiver down my spine.

Talking could wait, the ache in my loins, not so much. Placing my hands to either side of her body I slowly withdrew myself, taking a moment to revel in the feel of her slick, velveteen walls against my penis as they hugged it for every millimeter of its retreat. When all but the head was left, I entered again, keeping my slow pace to enjoy every ripple, every contraction, every pleasurable sensation caused by her adoring depths.

Kahlua whined once I was satisfied with my exploration and again worked up to a steady rhythm, thrusting in and out of her sex; gently at first, though I pushed stronger and deeper with every passing moment. I grunting and groaned as I drove into her, rocking the couch to and fro in time with my movements. Kahlua's body bounced in time with every thrust, her hind legs kicking absently against the air to either side of my hips. Her tail coiled itself around my thigh, anchoring itself in place against my assault.

I struggled towards my own release with hopeless abandon, no longer hearing the moans and lustful cries of Kahlua or the thundering of my own heart in my ears. My eyes were shut tight as I focused solely on the building pleasure within me. With every thrust into her I drove myself closer to the titanic climax that I so sought. Every sense I had lent itself into its construction. The primal smell of the experience, the feel of her body, the sound, as it registered for the briefest of moments, of her moans, the burning passion I felt for her, everything and more was edging me closer and closer to that final moment.

Kahlua too seemed to be climbing to yet another orgasm. Her body tensed and shuttered with every pass of my phallus against her clitoris; her velveteen walls contracted firmly around me, seeming desperate to hold me inside of her. I grit my teeth as a powerful pressure began to flood across my loins and even up into my stomach. An almost sickeningly grand pleasure suddenly gripped me, heralding in the inevitability of the strongest orgasm I had ever experienced.

Suddenly I again found Kahlua's muzzle against my ear and I was distracted but for a brief moment, my climax left teetering upon the edge of fruition.

"Inside of me, Henry." Kahlua breathlessly whispered. "I want it inside of me." She again sealed my fate with the teasing kiss of my ear and like a volcano I erupted, hilting myself as deep as I could inside her and unloading strand after strand of thick, pearly seed into her womb. The sudden sensation caused a similar eruption from Kahlua as she again howled, her super heated feminine lubricants spilling from within her depths, mixing with my intruding semen to be forced out around my phallus and coating both of our groins in sexual spunk.

Riding on the high of my climax I pulled Kahlua close to me, embracing her gently as the world around me became dark and distant, replaced only by euphoria and love. I felt Kahlua nuzzle against my neck, her hot breath spilling over my flesh and her warmth radiating throughout my body. How long we lay there, I wasn't sure, but I knew I never wanted to be anywhere else so much in my life.

Not willing to devastate the comfortable silence between us, yet realizing that we couldn't stay on the couch forever, I released Kahlua and at last pulled myself free from within her sex, lewd ribbons of my own seed still clinging to my penis for a moment before separating and falling to pool beneath Kahlua's lips. We shared an airy laugh over the sticky mess and had I not been so spent, I may have been aroused by the site. However, worn by age and strenuous exercise, I opted for a warm bath and a nap to conclude our mating fest.

Standing from off the couch I stretched out a few tight joints and motioned towards the washroom, winking at Kahlua and gesturing towards the mess adorning her nether regions. She seemed to hone in on my subtle clue and rolled to her feet, though did so in a manner that I could easily see the seed still dribbling out of her used sex. A twinge of arousal, nothing more, tickled my senses and I shook my head as I led the way to the washroom.

I drew a warm bath and aided Kahlua into the tub, allowing her to lay back and rest her head against my chest as I slowly worked the grime from her luscious body. I took time to tease her a bit, tweaking a nipple whenever I came across one or sliding a finger callously along the opening of her sex. She did little more than blush at my ministrations, obviously just as worn as I was. When I was satisfied with her cleanliness, I quickly scrubbed myself free of unwanted fluids and rinsed. Draining the water soon after I toweled myself dry as Kahlua shook the moisture from her ebony coat.

Together we walked into my bedroom where Kahlua made little time in making herself comfortable upon my bed. A broad smile spread across my lips as I gazed upon the contented form of my new lover. With a forepaw she pat a spot next to her a couple of times, imploring me to join her. Forgoing undergarments as I no longer saw a need to cover my nudity in her company, I did so, pulling the sheets aside so that I might slip beneath them and then embracing her tightly.

Kahlua rolled to one side so that her back pressed firmly against my chest and I nuzzled the back of her neck, mindful of her horns as I did. She purred at my banter and I suddenly found her thin, whippy tail curling about my thigh, possessively gripping me as if to ensure I wouldn't leave her. Again I smiled as warmth I hadn't felt in years bloomed within me. It was almost humorous to think that since I had met her, my entire life had become something more valuable to me. That a creature most people use for sport would instead save me from the burden of my duties and again give me something to cherish and hold onto. Kahlua was perfect in my eyes, an angel sent by a god that perhaps wasn't too upset with me after all.

As I closed my eyes and slowly drifted away to pleasant dreams that were no longer nightmares, I took in her spicy sent and allowed the contentment to flow within me. Yet, even as I did so and teetered on the edge of consciousness, pleased beyond reason with my new mate, I couldn't help but rid myself of a feeling that I had forgotten or possibly misplaced something. An image of Steven throwing a ball at me briefly flashed through my mind, but I ignored it and nearly laughed at the absurdity. Of all people, why would Steven and I play ball?