FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

Mew wandered awkwardly across the ceiling of the cave, trying her best not to stumble over one of her many legs. No matter how many times she transformed, she always found herself having a hard time getting used to not being able to float. As much as she wanted to shed her disguise and speed towards her destination, it simply would not do to be seen by the countless revolutionaries roaming about the area. While Celebi had already gained slight amounts of notoriety due to her antics together with the legendary trio, Mew definitively wanted to let her own existence remain a legend.

There was really no need for her to be going where she was going. Zoroark had summoned her and several others for a strategy meeting later that afternoon, but she was definitively more than a few hours too early in her arrival. In truth, she was feeling slightly inadequate as of late. Legendaries had many duties to fulfill in order to help the world flourish, nearly all of which she had ignored in favor of moving her own agendas. In an attempt to sate her conscience and idle hands, she would have to confront Zoroark once more in private. Thinking that the third time's the charm, she hoped this encounter would not end with either of them in mortal peril.

Mew was able to hear Zoroark before actually seeing him, the Dark-type practicing her speech for the big meeting later. Where others had seen but a simple Spinarak going about its daily business of loafing about, Mew had managed to sneak all the way to their leader's chambers completely undetected. She could easily have remained quiet and eavesdropped to find out more about what the meeting had in store for them, but thought that to be quite rude. Longing to be set free from the body of a spider and having to watch the world from an upside down perspective, Mew reverted to her original form and entered the cave Zoroark stood in. The revolutionary immediately stopped her rehearsal and looked at her with surprise.

"Mew?" Zoroark exclaimed with a bit of a hoarse throat, instantly erasing her shock and activating her most cordial behavior, "What brings you here? The strategy meeting is not until sundown."

"Pardon me... But do you have a moment?" Mew asked with a regal yet humble tone, wanting to get off on the right foot for once.

Zoroark sighed. Between her 'discussion' with Zerobi and stroll with Lucario, she felt like she was being tugged further and further away from what she should really be focusing on. After all, none of this would matter if the virus ended up killing everyone.

"Sure," Zoroark replied while swallowing down her pride, knowing better than to refuse a legendary. She had a feeling her only options were to agree or continue the conversation a hundred feet up in the air.

"What species of Pokémon are you?" Mew asked bluntly. It was not a regular question in any way, as whatever Zoroark chose to say would define the answer for generations to come. She was the only known example of her species, and Mew felt it was only right that she would be the one to name it.

"... A Zoroark," Zoroark muttered quietly, not wanting to make things overly complicated, "I was born a Zorua, and evolved into this form."

Mew pondered her statement for a moment. There were millions upon millions of subspecies among Pokémon, and only those notably different from the rest are recognized as independent species. She wondered what genetic mutation could have caused something as unique as a Zorua to spring forth, deciding to excavate her lineage for clues.

"Are there any others like you out there?" Mew continued asking, keeping her tone gentle and calm, "Do you have any relatives?"

Zoroark froze up for a moment. Slowly, she lowered her head.

"No..." she replied solemnly before regaining composure, "My parents are dead, and they were neither Zorua nor Zoroark."

"... I am sorry to hear that," Mew responded sincerely, feeling like she might have dug a little too deep. As much as she needed Zoroark focused on dealing with the lethal virus, she knew she would get scolded by Giratina and Lugia for not fulfilling her duties as a legendary and could not free up her mind until she had gotten this particular meeting over with. Gathering her courage, she decided to speak unhindered.

"Zoroark. You are the only one of your species," Mew said with a touch of curiosity, "What actions are you taking towards preserving your legacy?"

"... A revolution is a good start, no?" Zoroark replied while faking a smile, getting a hint of where the conversation was heading.

"I am referring to your... Biological legacy," Mew clarified, although she was certain the sharp revolutionary had figured that out by now and decided to keep pushing, "All you need is a single offspring, and the world shall be enriched by many more generations of both Zorua and Zoroark."

"Doubtful. I am male, after all," Zoroark lied with a confident shrug, "You are familiar with the rules for Pokémon breeding, no? What are the odds of my child being a Zorua?"

"Quite big," Mew responded quickly, "Seeing how you are, in fact, female."

Zoroark's expression dropped as she stared at Mew. In her mind, she swiftly rearranged a certain Fighting-type's role in their planned assault, hoping he would not mind handling extremely dangerous situations.

"Lucario told you?" Zoroark growled menacingly, feeling very betrayed and cursing herself for being so lenient with her secrets.

"No. You hide your characteristics well, but your chromosomes do not lie," Mew explained before wondering how Lucario had managed to figure out Zoroark's gender before she did, "But... Lucario knows? How?"

Zoroark looked at her with a surprised expression, before suddenly sighing out in relief and redacting her earlier planned punishment. Although freaked out that Mew was able to actually see her chromosomes, she was unable to bring her illusions down to microscopic levels and would not have bothered trying even if she had known. The problem was not that Mew knew the truth, but rather that Zoroark once more found herself faced with the big question.

"Please," Mew begged as she lowered her head in a sign of respect, "If you refuse, your species will go extinct. You will be the last Zoroark to ever exist."

"... Perhaps that is for the best..." Zoroark mumbled while thinking back to her past, not wishing to bring anyone to life that might suffer the same horrid fate.

"Certainly not!" Mew insisted, "You are part of the gift of nature that we are preparing for the future generations! If you truly wish to change the world for the better..."

She fell quiet as she realized she was becoming forceful again. Embarrassment rose as she was beginning to think that spending so much time with the headstrong Lucario had a negative effect on her usually gentle behavior. Zoroark held up a hand, gesturing for her to stay quiet.

"Do I look like I have time to be carrying a baby?" Zoroark pointed out with a hint of anger, "Not to mention having to reveal that I am female and did, in fact, lie to everyone. Do you not think it would be bad if my followers' faith was to waver at this crucial hour? Let me handle my own affairs, or there will be no future generations!"

Zoroark and Mew stared at each other for a moment, their meeting once more taking a turn towards a battle of wills. However, before things could escalate Mew decided to withdraw, closing her eyes and nodding in submission.

"I understand," Mew said quietly, "Then, stay safe until this is all over. I shall protect you to the best of my abilities until the time that you feel you are ready. Never forget the important role you have in this world."

With that, the legendary took her leave. Zoroark had to sit down for a while, wondering what difference it would make to Mew or anyone else if her species went extinct. She was getting a bit grumpy over the fact that all her efforts, struggling and triumphs paled next to the importance of her getting knocked up. Annoyed but eager to get back to work, she picked up her paper and began rehearsing once more. It would not be long, now.

---

"Left?" Zerobi asked curiously, looking down the splitting passage.

"Left," Lucario confirmed as the two of them continued walking. The sun was setting, and he could sense the aura of many strong beings converging. Zoroark had summoned the so-called "top-brass" for a special strategy meeting before the rest of the troops, an exclusive club which apparently both he and Zerobi were a part of. He kept up a brave display, but was getting really nervous about the whole situation, not only due to the virus that threatened to kill them all but also the fact that he had no idea what they were up against. If Zoroark's earlier reaction was anything to go by, even with their overwhelming forces it would not be an easy task.

Zerobi was also nervous, but for a different reason. The fact that Zoroark had decided to allow her entry into this important strategy meeting when the shrewd leader obviously did not trust her sent an alarm signal through her head, thinking the fellow Dark-type was planning on assigning her a suicide mission or something of similar nature. Zerobi and Lucario's thoughts eventually blended into one another's, imagining some huge monster with many teeth eating them for lunch.

"Whoa! Look at all those cool scars!" a cheerful voice sounded behind them, making both Lucario and Zerobi jump. Swiftly turning around, they saw the Gallade standing there, a big smile on his face.

"D-Don't sneak up on people like that!" Lucario shouted, all too aware that the Gallade was hiding his aura for that express purpose, "Where're the other two?"

"Dunno. Probably went ahead without me," the Gallade said while yawning, "Gotta get some of that spotlight before I show up and steal it, I suppose. But, hey!"

The Gallade suddenly reached his hands towards Zerobi, obviously looking to give her a friendly pat. The sight of her mouth and claws twitching angrily made him halt himself in the last second.

"The movie we made premiers in just a few weeks!" the Gallade chimed happily while pointing at Zerobi and then Lucario, "You're in it, and you're in it too! I named it 'Pokémon of the Sunset'! Pretty cool, huh?"

"So, you think sis went before us?" Zerobi asked Lucario, resuming their walk and completely ignoring the Gallade.

"Can't sense her," Lucario replied, trying to ignore the Gallade but had a feeling that a spikeless Lucario must be a really common sight on the big screen by now. The three of them kept walking until they reached Zoroark's workplace, the area quite a bit brighter than Lucario remembered. Behind her desk like usual was Zoroark, chatting casually with Pikablu. Her long red hair seemed to be a little more well-kept this time around, like she was trying to appear more inspiring than usual. Appearances were deceptive as Lucario wondered what manner of poison vials and explosives she kept beneath the innocent-looking locks. Pikablu looked the same as always, a short and rugged beaver-like creature with the voice and attitude of a wild bear. Although easy to make fun of, both Zerobi and Lucario had learned to respect the violent rat after having witnessed him knock out a legendary the size of a mountain in a single hit, and would prefer to stay on his good side no matter what.

Sitting next to Pikablu like a statue was Kabutops, blending in well with the rocky background. Lucario at first thought Kabuta had come to visit, but noticed a distinctive difference in both height and aura. Before he had time to examine the old creature any further, he noticed that something was subtly pulling at his shorts. Looking down, he saw the Whimsicott standing by the entryway, having moved forward to greet the new arrivals but ended up getting completely ignored.

"Mr. Lucario! Mr. Gallade!" he said with excitement when he realized they were looking at him, Zerobi's gaze suddenly making him tremble slightly, "M-Ms... Z-Zerobi..."

"Oh, give it a rest," Zerobi muttered as she walked in, tired of being treated like a ghastly apparition by Pokémon she was fairly certain she had never wronged before. The Gallade whistled quietly in amazement as he followed her, Lucario carefully examining the room to make sure he wouldn't accidentally sit down on a particularly small and stone-like Pokémon.

"Lucario, Zerobi, you can come sit with-" Pikablu said before noticing the Gallade, seeing him walk directly up to Zoroark and rudely interrupt their conversation, "Damn it, you led him straight to us!"

"Welc-" Zoroark started when the Gallade suddenly gave her a pat on the shoulder, causing her to trail off in surprise.

"Ah, the star of the evening!" he chimed confidently, "Give us a good show, and don't be afraid to ask if you want me up there on stage with you!"

"Eh..." Zoroark stammered but quickly regained her composure, "... I can handle things on my own."

"Hahaha! Of course you can!" the Gallade laughed, seemingly a bit disappointed to miss out on his chance to show off, "But hey, since you're pushing this revolution and looking to get your message out to the people... How about starring in my next movie? You'll get attention, fame and, of course, more women than you can handle!"

"Sorry. I am a bad actor," Zoroark lied to such an extent that Lucario choked on his own spit in surprise, starting to cough violently.

"... Hey, you trying to infect the whole troop with that?" Pikablu growled at Lucario, not appreciating the display with the looming threat of a deadly virus nearby. The fact that there even was a strategy meeting was getting on his nerves, wanting it to end as quickly as possible so he could go and electrify whoever was responsible. Between fighting insane cults, despicable criminals and innocent legendaries, he felt he could handle some labcoat eggheads just fine even without a plan.

"So..." Kabutops started as he gave Lucario a dirty look, "... Has the 'human' realized his true identity yet?"

"... Huh? Yeah..." Lucario answered while looking at Kabutops, the ancient Pokémon seemingly a bit healthier than during their last meeting, probably due to not having gotten beaten and captured just prior, "Turns out I'm actually Ethan, transported into the body of a Pokémon."

"... Of course..." Kabutops replied quietly, sounding less than convinced. The skeptical look on Pikablu's face told him his buddy was feeling the same.

"Hey, where's Kabuta?" Lucario asked curiously, having associated the legendary trio with her rather than her father all this time.

"... As far away from here as physically possible," Kabutops replied bluntly.

"Oh... Arm's still growing back, eh?" Lucario asked, to which Kabutops only gave him silence. Her arm was healing just fine, and he wondered why Lucario would think it strange that he did not wish for his daughter to be present in what was probably the most dangerous spot in the world. It had not been easy getting her to stay home, but he knew she would thank him for it later, especially considering her recent entry into puberty. The absolutely last thing Kabutops wanted to do was entrust his precious legacy to a bonehead like Lucario.

A few minutes passed as the group caught up with one another, sharing stories about their recent mishaps and adventures. The Whimsicott listened eagerly as Lucario told everyone of how he had defeated Torana, Pikablu equally eager in pointing out that he could've taken her, too. Kabutops zoned out as the Gallade shared his take on why he was so amazingly popular yet still incredibly smart, and Zerobi found herself not ignoring the flamboyant psychic for the first time in her life. Zoroark purposely stayed out of the conversations, taking one last moment to go over everything she was about to say. She did want to tempt fate by chatting with Lucario in this friendly atmosphere, thinking him likely to be spilling his guts about her by accident.

Everyone suddenly fell quiet as the atmosphere in the room took a drastic turn. The excited air dissipated into tranquility, and everyone immediately knew why. By the entrance to the hall hovered two beings, their combined aura strong enough to shatter the greatest mountain, yet gentle enough to melt even the hardiest hearts. Mew felt uncomfortable as a dozen amazed eyes fell upon her, whereas Celebi was getting rather used to it by now. She stuck by her friend as they floated inside the room which by now was practically overflowing with nervosity from each occupant.

"Hey, what's up? You two haven't missed a thing," Lucario said casually, not even a little awestruck by the two living legends in front of him. Kabutops and Zoroark both felt the urge to smack him over the head for not showing proper respect, but calmed themselves as Mew suddenly broke into a smile.

"Comforting to know," she answered happily, grateful for Lucario's intervention to help lighten up the heavy mood.

"Yo, Cell," Pikablu chimed, not wanting to be outdone by Lucario, pointing next to him where Zerobi was sitting, "Saved a seat for you and your sis."

"... Thank you?" Celebi replied with dismay, realizing she would now have to be sitting instead of floating like she usually did. Setting down between Zerobi and Pikablu, her friend Mew preferred to stay airborne as she hovered in between Zerobi and Lucario. As everyone had settled down, Zoroark could not help but be a bit amazed at the group she had amassed. Legendaries, legendary-wannabes, a human in the shape of a Pokémon and a murderer. The fact that these creatures were meant to work together gave her second thoughts about her plan, and took the moment into action before doubt would cloud her mind.

"Now that we are all gathered..." Zoroark spoke clearly as she stood up, "... Let the strategy meeting commence."