FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

Author's Notes: And.... we're back! So yeah, part two of two now. No more woolgathering past this. Hopefully, anyway. I don't intend to fluff up anymore. There's enough to explain without taking entire chapters to do so. Thanks for your patience. Another shout-out to BrimconSako again, for his support / aid in correcting and proof-reading. Really appreciate it.

Disclaimer: Pokémon is copyright of Nintendo, Game Freak, etc. Individual characters are my own imaginening, and are not intended to be any part of main cannon / plotline. Individual characters like Aaron, Song, Zin, etc, are my own creations, so please ask before using. Thank you.

Chapter 18 - ...stays in Jubilife...

Three days have passed already. I can almost feel how everyone was excited to get on the move again. And we still had to wait? Arceus, the wait was going to get someone killed at this rate. Everyone seemed to be restless, either be Pokémon or human. It was beginning to get to me, too. We all parted ways in the morning, agreeing to meet the near a burger shop around noon to get lunch. Everyone was still asleep within their Pokéballs, except Weavile. She's taking a liking to riding on top of people's heads. Mine seemed to be current target.

I was actually still hanging out at the front of the center. The papers from the breeder's bureau came in late yesterday, and I was taking the time to go through them now. The folder was filled with copies of paperwork that I've signed, with official seals and whatnot. Nothing that really caught my attention, but was determined to read again anyway. At the very least, I could assimilate it over the flight again. Jonathan said it would be a few days flight, making stops along the various islands in between Sinnoh and Johto. I was not looking forward to being cramped inside an airtight flying can for days on end.

After shifting through the official documents, I found Weavile's file. I was surprised to find that it consisted of two pages, briefly describing that she was 'donated' to the research facility. I could already sympathize with Dan and his aggravation with those types of people. Physical description, height, weight, fur color. It seemed to me like a page full of specific statistics. I pulled the two pages up, revealing a stack of papers that were bound together. Assuming that they were part of my own paperwork, I began reading. They weren't.

They were Weavile's incident reports.

The first few were simple reports of misbehaving. Basically a slap on the wrist, have a good day. They progressed more to vandalism and stolen items. She broke the cameras that were placed inside her area more than fifty times before they stopped. Sedation was needed when she was to be inspected by a medical team.

And then came the attacks.

Isolated cases began to happen with the research staff. Apparently, someone got their finger sliced off by picking her up. That was the first violent incident, while there were still cameras in her area. The more they replaced them, the more often there was some kind of 'accident'. They ranged more mundane cases to severe. The bottom of the scale was represented by refusal of cooperation, being hostile to caretakers and other Pokémon, and being grouchy.

It literally just said grouchy as a reason for reprimanding. Who wrote this crap?

The opposite side of that spectrum was the more violent cases. From the severed finger, there were three more cases of similar nature. Two other victims had permanent retinal damage, one of the victims missing an eyeball. More incidents followed those, going down the scale of being just physical damage but not removing limbs or appendages. Someone almost lost an ear, but they managed to get to the hospital in time before permanent damage was done.

I could feel Weavile stretching for a moment on top of my scalp, before relaxing again. A healthy dose of fear surged through me. What in the world did I sign myself into? Was I just manipulated by her? Was what I saw all a front for me to adopt her? She's a smart Pokémon, that's for sure. I don't think Dan would outright omit anything, even at my insistence. If he thought my life was in danger, he would have said something, wouldn't he? He didn't strike me as a person that would just let someone die, especially if he knew what her records.

A shiver went up my spine, the words echoing deep in me. I don't care what her records say. I said that. It was true, as well. While this information was frightening and surprising, it didn't change the fact that what I saw was a Pokémon that needed someone in her life. She didn't want to be pampered, not necessarily, but treated like every other Pokémon out there.

At least, that's what it seems like. I wasn't treating her any different than I treat anyone else. Sure, I was being cautious due to not knowing her on a personal level, but I did my best to present that I was amiable. Oh, and willing to play along if needed. She did seem to take a snowball to the face rather well, after all. It didn't lead to me being gouged open.

I slowly raised a hand and gently pressed it against the sleeping Pokémon on top of my head. She stirred for a moment, my head feeling like it was being massaged as she purred contently. I bugged her for a little longer, feeling her stretch out. Her feet were on my shoulders, and her face entered my peripheral vision. Her eyes widened at the papers that were in my hands. I placed the papers down and held her against me. Her claws clenched against my skin, but she quickly calmed down.

With my free hand, I placed the papers back inside the folder and closed it. I grabbed hold of Weavile and held her against my chest. She wasn't crying, but her body was shivering. I found it surprising that an ice type was shivering. It was obviously not due to temperature.

"You're not going anywhere," I said softly. "Not unless you want to."

At that, her eyes peering into mine. I could tell that someone hurt her before. Probably with those same words, too.

"I don't want you to think that just because I've seen this changes how I think of you." I said with a shrug. "Maybe we have a few things we'll have to work through, but we'll work on it when we get there. I don't want to force you to do anything you don't want to do."

She raised an eyebrow at me, as if daring her to prove her right. I grinned.

"I might have to get Xola to tell you a few stories of what's happened in the past," I said with a chuckle. "I think you'll be able to appreciate them."

From having a cynical stance, her head was tilted to the side. I took it as a sign of curiosity. I tend to do the same. "Let me give you the quick version of it." I said, rubbing her cheeks softly. "When I first met Xola, Nurse Joy told me that she liked a good prank. So, I figured if I managed to get her from a blind spot, I would be able to push her into the pool.

"At this time, I didn't know she was blind on her right side. I approached her from that angle unknowingly. Well, being blind isn't really a hindrance to her, as she managed to wrap her tail around my ankle, fling me over her head and straight into the water.

"Just to let you know, I'm a horrible swimmer. Xola quickly dove after me when I didn't break the surface, pulling me up and letting me get my breath."

I took a moment to collect my thoughts. I still remember that day clearly. It was almost surreal. A grin played across my face when Weavile tapped my chest. A look of annoyance flashed across her face when I stopped.

"You want me to continue?" I asked.

"Weavile!" she exclaimed, nodding frantically.

"I'll let her finish the story for you." I said enigmatically. At her outcry, she started bouncing her claws on my chest, chanting in her language all the while. It wasn't painful, as she was using the sides and not the sharp ends. I chuckled gently, wrapping my hands around her and lifting her up. Placing her on my shoulders, she continued to bounce her claws on my head.

"You're like a kid when you don't get what you want, huh?" I asked lightly. My hair was pulled in response.

"If you keep doing that, I'm not buying you extra treats like I promised yesterday," I said sternly. I felt her climb over my head, her body resting on top of my head as her face dropped down in front of my vision. Laughter escaped me, when I saw the hurt look on her features. She lost her balance, sliding forward but I quickly caught her before she hit the table. Her eyes stared at me, giving me the feeling that she didn't appreciate the joke.

I smiled down at her, and her gaze warmed up a little. She returned my smile, a warm feeling passing over me. My pocket began to vibrate suddenly. I balanced Weavile in one hand, digging my hand in the offending pocket with the other. My Pokédex was the culprit, and opening it up revealed why.

"Huh." I said. "Who set up the alarm?"

A tap on my chest brought my attention to Weavile again. She avoided looking at me, but raised a clawed hand in the air. I smiled, nodding.

"Thank you for the reminder." I said, smiling. "Let's go put these papers away, and we'll head over to the restaurant."

I placed Weavile once more on my shoulders, her claws securing her in place. I grabbed the folder and stood up, stretching to start blood flow again. Nurse Joy gave me a cheery greeting and I waved back with a smile. I ducked into our room and threw the folder on my bed unceremoniously. We headed back, Weavile making a show as we walked back outside.

"You're a bit of a show-off, aren't you?" I asked, looking up in a vain attempt to look at Weavile.

She tapped my head softly. I looked forward, to just barely avoid walking into a chair. A sigh escaped my lips, relief running through me.

"Thanks." I said, smiling.

We walked in silence, a few idle thoughts running through my mind. I wondered if she would like to have a more personal name. Did she have one before? None of her documentation mentioned her being named. Though, perhaps whoever abandoned her didn't deem it necessary when you're only leaving someone behind that you don't care about.

OK, Aaron, stop it with the negative. Jeez, I'm going to turn pessimistic very soon.

"Hey, Weavile, do you have a name?" I asked as I continued walking.

Her claws gripped my hair almost painfully, but stopped short of causing harm. I waited for a moment, hoping for some kind of response. Nothing came after a while, and I shrugged.

"It's alright, you know. I can give you one now, since I'm officially your trainer and all."

I didn't get a response. Maybe she was waiting for me to being suggesting names? A few thoughts ran through my head, names from stories that I've read as I kid. The thoughts distracted me as I walked towards my destination. Weavile prodded in directions, as my vision tunneled, being focused on something more pressing than watching for steel poles that would ruin my day.

I stopped suddenly, getting a verbal reprimand from Weavile. I grabbed her, pulling her from my shoulders and holding her in front of me. She looked a big frustrated that she was removed from her comfortable perch. The sight made me chuckle slightly, and it only made her squirm in my grasp.

"How does Aurora sound to you?" I asked hopefully. "If you don't like it, that's OK. I can think of something else."

She shook her head rapidly side to side, before looking up at me with a smile. She nodded quickly, arms swinging and legs kicking wildly in the air before I hugged her gently against me. She purred happily for a moment, just relaxing as we stood still for a moment. A few people were standing around me, giving me weird looks. I looked down to see Aurora having a frightened expression on her face.

I leered at the nearest person. A trainer, I think, judging by the bird Pokémon on his shoulder. "Do you have a problem?" I asked loudly, making everyone go off in their perspective directions.

I sighed, lifting up Aurora and placing her on my shoulders again. "You'll never have to worry about that again." I said sternly. "I'll do my best to always protect you."

========================////////////////////=======================

"And this guy has the balls to tell me that his Ditto, of all things, managed to beat Lance at his own game!" Joy said, continuing her story. "I mean, come on! You mean to tell me that some shmuck's Ditto is going to beat the Dragon Master's best Pokémon? I almost broke a rib laughing so hard."

"No kidding." Jonathan said, taking a drink from his soda. "I thought the Elite Four didn't do challenges outside official tournaments?"

"That's my point!" Joy exclaimed, laughing all the while. "How the fuck did this asshole challenge Lance. It wasn't like the guy was his brother, or Lance owes him a debt or something. He didn't look anything alike, and I've met Lance before. He's a good guy. A bit stuffy, but yeah."

I stayed quiet, not knowing how to contribute to the conversation. My knowledge of the Elite Four came from magazines, newspaper articles, and tournament broadcasts. In all of those times, I think Lance has been mentioned only a good handful of times. Not many people reach him, and when they do, they get decimated.

We were sitting on a picnic table, outside of a take out place. Something about tofu burgers. Better than cooking your own dinner for a few weeks, that's for sure. Jonathan decided to cover our bill today, with the excuse that I'll be cooking when we're out camping again. I took it with as much grace as I could. I didn't have that much money left in my account.

"If the story is true, though, it's good to hear that he gets out more often." Jonathan said with a shrug. "Johto and Kanto Rangers rarely see him, and he's the leader of the Elite Four for both areas. You'd think he'd be a bit more public."

"Maybe he doesn't want the fame to follow him everywhere?" I said cautiously. "I mean, I wouldn't want cameras following my every move, either."

Jonathan chuckled, giving me a shrug. "He has a Dragonite," he said. "It's not like it's hard for him to take a vacation, though. Not that many people collect all the badges and work through the three others before Lance."

I shrugged. "Maybe there's something more to it that we don't know about." I said, frowning in thought. "Unless he really likes it there."

"I doubt it," Joy said with a dismissive wave. "You haven't been to Indigo Plateau. That place is full of reporters just trying to get an interview with any of the challengers or the Elite Four. No, I think he'd appreciate a vacation. Any of them, for that matter."

"Isn't Koga one of the Elite Four?" Jonathan asked suddenly.

"That old fart? I thought he retired years ago. I got no idea, though." Joy answered.

I shrugged. "The only channels I ever got while growing up where covering the Sinnoh league challengers. I don't know anything about the other regions."

Jonathan shrugged, before his eyes brightened again. "What about Cynthia?" he asked.

"What about her?" I responded, confused.

His expression changed to being serious. "What is she like? Is it true that she has a Spiritomb? Does her Lucario really know Earthquake? What about her Garchomp? And what abou-"

"Holy Arceus!" I exclaimed. "Slow down! One question at a time Jonathan. Yeah, she really has a Spiritomb. It's a really nasty one, too. She barely uses it in any of the matches that I've seen her in. It tends to knock-out entire teams on its own. I don't know about her Lucario, though. I've only seen it fight once, and it kinda kicked the daylights out of a Machamp.

"Her Garchomp? I didn't even know she even had one. I've never seen it in battle, and I don't remember it being mentioned in any interview she's done."

"Has she ever been defeated?" Joy asked. "She sounds too good to be true. Even Lance has been beaten before."

"I'm sure she has," I said with a shrug. "Not while I've kept up with her, though. Some have come close, I think, but they all lose eventually."

"Doesn't she fight in one of those arenas that the battlefield changes?" Jonathan asked.

"Yeah, she does, usually." I answered, nodding. "I've seen her fight in a regular arena before, but she prefers the shifting arenas. She admits she has an easier time there."

"Easier?" Joy echoed. "She's the Sinnoh champion! She doesn't get to have it easy!"

"Go talk to the league about that." I said, chuckling. "I'm sure that they'd love to hear it. It isn't that they don't get complaints of trainers all the time."

"Yeah no." she said, glaring at me. "I've heard enough horror stories about Victory Road to give me nightmares for the rest of my life. No thanks."

I grabbed a handful of her fries and stuffed them in my mouth before she could react. Her eyes glared daggers at me, as she returned the action. Except that she grabbed the rest of my fries and began to eat them just as quickly. I shrugged.

"I like the burgers anyway."

"This fake meat stuff?" she asked. "Here, you can have mine. I'm not hungry anymore."

"Awesome!" I said, before taking a bite out of the offered burger. Swallowing the bite I took, I grinned at her. She looked revolted at me.

"At least wipe your mouth after taking a bite of that stuff." she said, passing me a napkin. I nodded at her, taking it and wiping my mouth quickly. I grabbed my soda and took a drink, feeling satisfied for the moment.

"So, learn anything from that paperwork?" Jonathan asked.

"A few things." I admitted. "Mostly things that Joy covered during our time studying, so it wasn't really new. The surprises came when I read through Aurora's file."

"Aurora?" Joy asked. "You named your Weavile Aurora?"

"What's wrong with that?" I retorted. "She liked the name when I suggested it to her."

She shook her head. "Nothing. You must have watched a lot of kid movies growing up, huh?"

"I only watched that movie twice, for your information." I said, rolling my eyes. "Anyway, yeah. I wasn't expecting her to have such a violent history. It just took me by surprise."

"Violent?" Jonathan asked. "What do you mean?"

"She gouged someone's eyeball out with her claws." I offered. Both of them winced.

"Shit!" Joy exclaimed. "Wasn't expecting that one. And while we're eating, too?"

"Well, Jonathan wanted to know, so now he knows." I said with a shrug.

"I thought you just meant not cooperating." Jonathan said, frowning.

"Nope. I thought so, too, until I started to see the damage she could and would do to a person she didn't like."

Both of their faces paled in color slightly. They looked at each other, and back to me. Jonathan pushed his burger in my direction.

"I'm not hungry anymore, either."

"Savage!"

======================//////////////////////////======================

Though we managed to snag some tickets for this Catch-Em show, it was purely luck on our part. The three that had them won them in some Trainer ID drawing, but they already bought tickets for the show. They walked up to us and asked if we were interested. Joy didn't even let us say a word in the conversation, grabbing the tickets from their hands and thanking them profusely.

They also told us that it would be Pokétech Company building. It was more of a charity drive or something like that, rather than a big concert. But considering that this was supposed to be some world famous band that I've never heard of, the streets were going to be packed.

We headed straight for the general area, ignoring the insistent noise that came from Joy's mouth. She kept singing to herself something that sounded suspiciously like "I want to be..." before trailing off.

"So, how much do you want to bet I'm going to fall asleep standing up?" I asked Jonathan.

"Not before I do." he said, laughing. "This is going to be a boring evening."

I looked over to Joy, making sure that she was ignoring us in her little world. "I'm tempted to sell my ticket, dude." I whispered. "I don't want to be here at all."

"Tell that to her when she finds out." Jonathan said grimly. A shiver ran down my spine at the possible ramifications. None of them were pretty. I sighed in defeat.

"I'm not going to enjoy this." I stated with finality. "This sounds like the most horrible excuse for anything. In what mind does a twelve year old band suddenly start making tours?"

"How do you know it's an old band?" he asked suspiciously.

I jabbed a thumb at Joy's direction. "Dude, she talks in her sleep."

He raised an eyebrow at me. "And what in the world are you doing up while everyone else is asleep?" he asked.

"Nothing that you need to know." I said with a shrug. "And definitely NOT what you're thinking, either!"

He grinned at me, probably enjoying the fact that he was making me squirm. "Really now?" he asked lightly, before shaking his head. "And here I thought you were being modest."

"Shut it, before I send Zin after you while you sleep." I warned.

"Watch me quiver in fear." he said in a mocking tone, laughing. We turned a corner, doing my best to ignore Joy's singing as we saw the stage that the band was preforming on.

To say that it was huge was an understatement. The Pokétech company was flanked by two apartment buildings, and the stage reached each buildings side. People looked like they were working on last minute preparations. Lights were being worked on, cables being run across the stage and being secured. Microphones were being checked and double checked for quality. I was honestly surprised, and from the look on his face, Jonathan was, too.

"Gotta catch em all!" Joy finished, flourishing her arms outwards. She looked surprised at our amazed faces.

"I know I'm a great singer guys, but I'm not that great." she said with a blush.

=====================/////////////////////////////======================

Jonathan and myself sat near the back of the crowd of rabid women that frothed in front of us. It was dangerous territory of such magnitude that I wasn't willing to follow Joy. No matter how many times she tried to bribe me with tofu burgers. Was it that difficult to comprehend that I favored my life over a burger?

Jonathan was with me, at least. He didn't buy into the bribe, either. One of the security guys felt bad for us and handed us a few fold out chairs. We were grateful at the gesture, thanking him. He waved it aside, saying he was just doing his job. He said that the show would be finishing up 'soon' before he walked away. I pulled out my Pokédex, checking the time. It was seven at night. We've been here for at least four hours.

"I'll never understand women." I muttered. Baast snickered at my side.

"Is the little human confused and frustrated?" she asked, rubbing her paws over my shoulders. I suppressed the shiver that wanted to shake me off the chair.

"Baast, stop it." Jonathan said, sighing in frustration. "This is the fifth time you've brought this up tonight. Since when did you like to tease humans?"

"Ever since he said he was into Pokémon." she replied easily. "I can't help but find it rather fascinating."

Too much damn information. "I don't think Jonathan would approve." I pointed out.

She laughed again, resting her muzzle against my cheek. "And what about you?" she asked. "Do you not approve?"

OK, bad thoughts go away! "John? A little help here, please?" I pleaded.

"No way. This is the most entertainment I've had all day. You're getting the shit end of the stick, kid. I changed my mind. Baast, please continue."

Jeez, thanks a lot. Not only did I have to put up with an amorous Houndoom, but a Lucario as well? What in Arceus have I gotten myself into? I just hope that Baast is just playing around because she's bored.

I looked up at the stage, seeing the ridiculously dressed singer. A black shirt was covered partly with a blue and white jacket. Blue jeans with a red hat worn backwards completed the look. What really topped it all off was the fact that he had what looked like a Pikachu plush doll on top of his head. I knew it was a plush doll because it didn't fall off his head with all the head banging he did.

I idly wondered how attached must be the hat to his skull. The thought of brain damage was there when they had to pull the thing off with all the glue they used to make sure it didn't move during the show.

"So, how's Aurora?" Jonathan asked. I looked over to see him grinning at me.

I shrugged. "She's been fine." I said stiffly, trying to get away from Baast. "Will you please tell her to leave me alone?"

"I told you no. You're my source of amusement in all this."

I sighed. "Appreciate it."

"No problem. Also, I've noticed that Zin is being... how do I put this mildly... frisky lately."

My palms covered my face. "Yeah, it's a work in progress." I said vaguely. "Not something I'm comfortable explaining out loud in public."

"Performance anxiety?"

"Huh?"

"You heard me." he said, grinning. "Are you afraid that you won't be able to do the act if she presses hard enough?"

"Wait, no! That's not it." I said, feeling my cheeks grow warm. "No, I'm afraid that she'll do it at any point, regardless of where we are."

"That makes more sense." Jonathan said, nodding. "Baast, any tips?"

"You should satisfy her before we leave, because I don't want to have an aroused female that will end up waking me up in the middle of the night." she said, poking my back with a finger. "Also, you probably need it just as much as her, too."

"Look, that's all well and good, but are you serious?" I asked, doing my best to ignore the constant singing in the background. "Where would we do it? It's not like I can go rent a room in this city."

"What if you convince Joy to let you inside one of the private recovery rooms?" Jonathan asked, smirking. "I'm sure that nothing will happen."

"That sounds like the worst idea I've ever heard." I said, frowning. "I can imagine at least five things that can go wrong with that plan, and I'm pretty sure that there will be more things that will go wrong."

"What's the worse that could happen?" he asked, giving me a shrug. I stared at him in response. "Good point."

"Thought so."

"Excuse me, gentlemen, but is this young lady an acquaintance?"

I turned around to face the voice, noticing it was the same security guy that handed us the chairs. He was holding Joy in a firm grip, as she struggled in vain to get away. She had this fanatical gleam in her eyes, reminding me of Zin's fanatical sex drive. A bit of fear ran through me.

"Yeah, is she in trouble?" I asked.

"Not if she leaves right now." he said with a shrug. "She was trying to climb up to the stage and grab the singers hat off his head."

I nodded, not needing any more reasons to stay. "We'll make sure she gets to her room safely."

"Thank you." he said, before letting go of Joy and walking away. She turned around, the mad glimmer still prominent in her gaze.

"I'll be right back!" she said quickly, before ducking back towards the stage crowd. For a moment, I was worried, but then I remembered that this is Joy. Just as she said, she was back within a minute or two of her leaving, with a plush Pikachu in her hands. I didn't even want to ask where she got it, but I got a sneaking suspicion where it came from.

I looked over at the stage, the main singer looking confused for a moment. He reached up to his hat, and screamed like a girl when his Pikachu doll wasn't attached to his hat.

The realization of what Joy must have done hit me like a pile of bricks to the face.

"Run!"

=====================///////////////////////======================

Zin and Akalia accompanied me today. The others wanted to relax some more, but these two had a insatiable curiosity. Zin wanted to walk around some more, and Akalia hasn't had an opportunity to stretch her legs in a long time. Aurora was with me, as well, attached to my shoulders and snoozing the morning away. The park itself was rather empty, the sunlight barely lighting the area around us. It felt like I was walking across some lost forest in the middle of nowhere. The buildings above the trees where the only thing that broke the illusion.

"Why do you put up with her?" Zin asked, pointing with her tail at me. "If that was me, I'm pretty sure you would throw me off."

I smiled down at her. "No, I wouldn't, and you know it. Don't be jealous."

"I'm not!" she exclaimed, turning around and growling at me. I raised an eyebrow, curious at this display. "I'm not jealous!"

"Zin, are you alright?" I asked, my concern growing for her.

She shook her head. "I don't like how she didn't earn her spot." she fumed vehemently. "All she did was act like a spoiled brat and you fell for it."

I sighed, frowning at the hate being flung in my general direction. "It isn't like any of the others did something for you to earn their spot with me, either." I pointed out.

Akalia growled at me for a moment. "I should make myself clearer," I said, clearing my throat. "I haven't done anything to gain your trust. At least, I don't think I have. I've only been myself. It's always been your choice to come with me or not."

That seemed to calm them both down somewhat. Zin, however, wasn't fully convinced. "So, you mean that it's all a lie? That what you feel isn't real?"

"You mean about us?" I asked. At her nod, I shook my head. "No, I care about you, just as much as I care about Akalia, Song, Xola, Spirit, Mist, and now Deoxys and Aurora. I can't do any less."

"Sit down." she commanded. I frowned, but complied at her request. She glared at me, as I felt the heat coming from her body. I was also keenly aware of the cold that began to clash with my body temperature.

"Weavile!" Aurora said angrily. Zin stared up at her, flames beginning to lick across her muzzle. I decided to intervene before the situation escalated beyond my control.

"Enough!" I shouted, drawing everyone's attention. "We're supposed to be a team, damn it! We're supposed to trust each other, and at least give each other a chance to prove ourselves.

"Maybe that's where I'm wrong. Is it the whole breeder's license? Is that what's bothering everyone?"

Akalia nodded immediately, with Zin following the Luxray's example soon after. I sighed.

"I did it only to increase our chances," I explained. "It isn't like I'm going to go changing how I am because of being a 'breeder' now. I actually don't like that term. I'm not going to do anything that none of you approve. It would be wrong of me to do so. Akalia, I'm surprised that you thought I would force you to do something that you dislike so much."

She glared at my words. "OK, except giving you medicine. Do you still hate me for that?"

She proceeded to look a bit uncomfortable at my words. I frowned. "I apologize. I really didn't mean it that way." I said, extending my hand over to her. She hesitated for a moment, before approaching me and letting me pet her fur.

I looked back at Zin, who was still glaring at me. "I meant what I said to you a few days ago, Zin." I said, looking straight at her. "I love you, but with that I need to protect you all. It isn't that you are weak or anything like that. It's my responsibility, as your caretaker, to do so. If I didn't do everything in my power to do so, I've failed. Not only to you, but to everyone else, including myself.

"I promised mom and dad that, no matter what happened, I'd keep my Pokémon safe. I swore to myself that I'd fulfill that simple promise. To do anything for my Pokémon within reason, to always be there for them, for better or worse. I made the offer to Mist before, and I offer it to you as well. If you don't want to be here, I'm not going to stop you. It's your life, and I cannot and WILL not make you choose against your own wishes. Does that make any sense?"

I could feel their eyes on me. I sighed, feeling like I've lost any shred of respect I had with them. "I'm sorry if I don't make any sense." I said, sighing. "I can't imagine that anyone would understand my train of thought. But you trusted me before this. Have I not shown that I've been worthy of that trust? I've given you both something that only two others share."

"Master..."

I shook my head. "Please, don't apologize, Zin."

She stared at me blankly, confusion showing clear as day. A chuckle escaped me, as I shook my head.

"Because it isn't needed." I explained. "I... think I understand what you meant. I didn't communicate my intentions. That's my fault, not yours. But now that everything is explained, do you forgive me? And to Akalia and Aurora, do you forgive me as well?"

Both Akalia and Zin nodded, before they walked forward and leaned their heads against my sides. Akalia was satisfied with resting her head on my lap, while Zin demanded my attention. I smiled, feeling a bit drained from the experience I just went through. She licked my hand gently, drawing my attention to her.

"I know you said not to apologize, but I want to, anyway." she said softly. "I know I should trust you."

"I haven't been making myself clear," I rebutted. "It's only natural that you feel betrayed."

"But you're my mate! I shouldn't think like this."

"Not when I haven't been fulfilling that duty, either." I reminded her. She blinked up at me, before giving a barking laugh.

"You promised me that you would do it." she said with finality. "I'll hold you to those words."

I nodded, relief washing over me. I may not have been able to clear all the animosity between Zin, Akalia, and Aurora, but at least they're willing to trust me in my stance. Now, all I had to do is trust myself.

No pressure, right?

Zin spoke again. "Just to let you know, I don't want you mating with her."

"Wait what?" I asked, perplexed at her command.

"With Aurora." she clarified. "Not until she's proven herself."

"Zin, contrary to popular belief, I don't need to have sex at all hours of the day."

"A strong male needs strong mates." she stated, as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. "As your alpha female, it is my duty."

"Zin, no. Please, don't say what I think you're saying."

"What?" she asked with an exaggerated tone. "Don't tell me you've been ignoring Xola and Spirit, too?"

"I've been trying to think of a way to broach the subject with them." I answered truthfully.

"Don't make me do it for you." she warned, biting at my pants. "I will, too, and you know it."

"In all honesty, I don't think Spirit sees me as a possible candidate." I said truthfully. "After seeing what she's been through, I think I know why, too."

"What do you mean?" Zin asked.

"It's not my place to say. Trust me when I say it isn't pretty."

She frowned at that, but nodded. "I'll accept that answer. For now. But what about Xola? Are you going to tell me that you don't feel attracted to that sexy body?"

"Jeez, Zin, not everyone is a sex addict." I said, exasperated.

"She totally has the hots for you. Just saying." she said with a shrug.

Akalia batted my leg, taking my attention from the Houndoom. The Luxray was nodding feverently. A tap on my head made me look upwards, to see Aurora give me a curious look.

"I think I'm going to be sick."

"Well, before you do, I want to learn how to dance." Zin stated.

"Huh?"

"Yeah, like those human women that dance with nothing on with those poles! I saw them in one of those magazines you have in your backpack. Don't tell me you like that kind of stuff."

The level of embarrassment couldn't get any worse.

"I bet when Song comes back, she'll want to get a bit of loving from you, too." Zin continued. "Oh! Maybe we can work on some kind of routine for you! That would be AMAZING! Oh, Arceus, you HAVE to teach me how to stand on my hind legs."

Scratch that. Apparently, there is a new low past 'bottom of the barrel'.

"Zin, how in the world do you know about... that stuff?" I asked.

"Like I said, I dove into your backpack." she said. "I don't usually sleep at night, because I'm too damn horny to sleep. So, I look at your magazines."

Yeah, new low. Having my Pokémon go through my stash. Not all that happy about that. Though now it makes sense where she keeps getting all these ideas. Not to mention her language. Not that she had a need for such colorful words before. But now she had all the blackmail she could ever want and more. In a few words, I was screwed.

"Just... don't proclaim it all to the heavens, alright?" I begged, feeling a tad pathetic.

"Just hold up your end of the bargain, and we'll call it even." she declared, nodding. I sighed in relief.

"Oh, and talk to Xola. Offer it to her. Do something." Zin demanded. "She's been patient, but I really don't want to see her get desperate."

A sigh escaped me. "I will. Can I go home now?"

"NO!"

=====================////////////////////======================

Xola, Mist and Spirit accompanied me to the park this morning. Two more days and we'll be flying over to Johto. I don't know why flying in a machine frightened me more than flying with Spirit. Probably because I wouldn't be having any control over what would be happening. Also, I think I would be missing the wind blowing in my face.

Even though I rehearsed what I wanted to tell them last night, my voice shook. Mist cut me off after I started choking on my own words.

"You do not need to say any more, Master." she said simply. "We spoke of this when I brought it up to their attention. If you even suggest or imply that you will release us, Xola will constrict you until you see the error of your judgement."

I looked over to Xola, who's coils were shifting menacingly at the ghost's prompt. I nodded, and my Milotic visibly relaxed. She wrapped around me instead, somehow dragging me along with slowing her pace as she stopped under a tree. Mist and Spirit joined us soon, the Mismagius with an unreadable expression.

"You have something else on your mind, Master," she said, smiling gently. "Something regarding Zin."

How much did she know? I frowned, trying to think of the proper way to address the situation.

"What did you two discuss?" I asked Mist.

"Oh, just a few things that you mentioned yesterday." she said with an enigmatic smile. "I am here to make sure you do as you promised to her yesterday."

I'm being conspired by every female around me. Oh Arceus, what have I done?!

Concentrating on the task at hand, I looked over at Spirit first, seeing she was easier to address than Xola. "Spirit, I want to know how you feel about me. I mean to say, how do you feel about us?"

She looked startled for a moment, before shaking her head gently side to side. She began to talk in her language. I paid attention, trying to understand from tone of voice and body language. Mist filled in the details.

"She doesn't want to be what Zin is to you." Mist clarified. "She sees you as a child. Not just any child, but hers. She mentioned something about what you saw, but I do not understand what she means by that."

I nodded, relief washing over me. "I understand, Spirit." I said with a smile. "That's fine, too. I don't mind at all. I just hope you don't expect me to call you mom, though."

She giggled at that, nodding at me with a smile on her face. The coils around me tightened gently, grabbing my attention.

"And what about me?" Xola asked, her lips wrapping around my left ear. I shuddered in her grasp, writhing uselessly against her scales. She kept the pleasant torture for a moment, until Mist coughed politely.

"Try not to rape Master against his will." Mist said bluntly. "It will probably not aid your cause."

Xola giggled lightly, relenting her grip momentarily. It allowed me some breathing room, letting me move my hands but I wasn't allowed to stand on my own. I turned around, trying to get Xola's face within vision but failing.

"Any particular reason why you're not letting me move?" I asked her.

She shook her head. "That day at the pool, it was the closest I've been allowed to be with you in a long time. I... I want to feel like that again more."

"Feel like that?" I echoed, confused by her words. "Why didn't you say you wanted to be closer?"

"I didn't want to be in the way of the others." she whispered. "I wanted to be closer to you, but I was afraid of what they would say."

I looked around, making sure that we were alone. Satisfied, I turned back to her. "Xola, I was raped by a Houndoom, my body given away to a Luxray, used as a conduit for Song, and aided Mist with... whatever was going through her head. I would think we could have talked it over by now."

"I was aiding Spirit." Mist said quietly. Spirit quickly batted the Mismagius to be quiet.

"I don't know how to go about this with you, so please forgive me if I get things wrong." I said, tilting my head curiously. "I'm not sure about Milotic mating rituals, if there are any."

"You don't apply to many of them." she told me bluntly. "Though, it'll be interesting when things get more personal."

"You're not in season, are you?" I asked, fear creeping into my voice.

She shook her head, smiling gently. "No, not yet." she said, relieving me of my fears. "I would tell you when that happens."

"Please don't surprise me with the information." I pleaded. "I would like to have time to... study! Yes, study."

"On what?" Mist asked skeptically. "It is not like female anatomy is that different from species to species."

A blush crept up on my face. "Let's just say I'd like to be more prepared and leave it at that. Please?"

Both Spirit and Xola giggled at my plea, with Mist shaking her head. My Flygon approached me, my Milotic releasing me from her coils only to be wrapped gently in Spirit's embrace. I could feel Xola rest her head on my shoulder, with Mist chuckling softly to herself. The sun was beginning to warm our surroundings, and a sudden surge of relief hit me again. Just like with Zin and Akalia, I was making amends with my friends. I needed them, just as much as they needed me, apparently. Hopefully now, outside of Sinnoh law, we could be more open about each others feelings.

I certainly hoped so. Everyone is trying to make this work, and I can't fail them. But with my friends at my side, I'm sure that everything will turn out alright.