FSE

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Finally. Applicants from Unova - Verified. Petition for a moat - Rejected. Oh no, what's this? Apartment 151 'renovation'? I suppose that one could wait. Really need a break. Let me work things out while on the way to the stash, I'll feel more relaxed once it's done. Maybe? Hopefully. I need to get some damn sleep.

Stupid Seif. "Hey Zoroark, why are you so tired? Oh, nothing, just being haunted by a ten year old trauma whenever I close my eyes." Fifteen years? Whatever, too long ago. Why can't I forget about it already? Not to mention Darkrai reopening old wounds. I'll never sleep again at this rate. Maybe I should inquire Lucario regarding what he did to cure Celebi's insomnia? What could it possibly be? A drug? A... Hug? Hahaha, no. That's silly.

Let's just get it over with. So... Apartment 151. I wonder if the humans appreciate the irony? They must have cleared out trees and bushes in order to construct that building, and now we are de-constructing it just to get all of that back. A bit worrisome that they needed to contact me all the way out here about how to proceed. They are loyal, but this is not exactly helping my goal to keep No Man's Land functioning without me.

Getting dark outside. What a mysterious atmosphere, feels like anything could take place. A theft or a murder, requiring the full attention of an equally secretive detective, the inquisitive Private Investigator Zoroark... Hmm. Is that the kind of career I could have ended up with, had things been different? With mom and dad still around... Would I ever have turned out the way I did? Had they spoiled me and made me into some airhead bimbo? Now there's a thought. And a scene. Blech.

There we have it. Our... Distillery? Ethanol storage? More like "Ethan storage" as of late... Perhaps some Pokémon would consider a free stack of booze to be an asset. The very same Pokémon lying in a ditch and humming tunes about a saucy Meloetta with overactive ovaries while a trainer gently taps them on the forehead with a Pokéball. And suddenly it's MY concern to set them free!? We do not have the luxury to be drunk and careless - One week in the desert and they would agree.

And there's Lucario. Well, at least the place is tidy. Kind of hoped he wouldn't be lying flat on the floor like that, blacked out... Can he even tell I'm here? I think I saw him blink. Did he blink? Oh, now he's looking at me. Are you going to say something? No? Let's just get this over with quickly, then. Apartment 151 awaits my permission for destruction.

"Before I tell you this, I want you to realize something," I say out loud. Still just staring at me. I think he's listening, but who can tell? Let's hope those big ears of his aren't just for fighting.

"I am not weak," I keep going, "I have survived dangers that would kill a thousand men. I have withstood hardships that would place its mark upon history as catastrophic. I did it all on my own, and what little 'assistance' I was given I could easily have done without."

OK, he gets it. No need to go into details. I'll let him know about my childhood some other time.

"Darkrai would have been no different," I continue and shake my head, "He may have attacked my mind, but my body remained unharmed. No matter what the situation, I would have come out of it alive and stronger than ever."

He's giving me a weird look. I'm not the one passed-out drunk and lying on the floor, you idiot. Does he think I came here to boast, or something? Wait, I guess it does kind of seem like that. Better stop acting so haughty.

"But... It was still... Fairly unpleasant..." I say while lowering my voice and thinking back, "And from what I remember, you pushed me out of Darkrai's reach to shorten the duration of the attack, and carried me away to prevent it from happening again."

Ugh. Darkrai. Hope he doesn't ask me to describe it. Probably the... Second worst thing to ever happen to me. Actually, I should feel a bit insulted. After what I've been through, does that wretched specter think that hell and all the mind-shattering torture within had anything new to show me!?

Slipping from the subject here. Have to hurry. Apartment 151.

"... Again, I did in no way request your help," I elaborate, "It is because of me and my planning that you were there to begin w..."

Oh god, why is this so hard? Just a term. It won't kill me. Just look him in the eyes, focus on the eyes...

"... What I'm trying to say, is..." I continue while swallowing and mustering up willpower, "... Thank you. Thank you for saving me."

There. Did I just shiver? Why would I do that? And no reaction from Lucario, either. Fine, be that way. What a waste of time.

"Get over it or sit here forever, it is up to you," I say while turning around, "I will not judge or force you to do anything. You have earned that much."

Not a single word as I leave. He must think I'm a pretty cold person... Well, don't force me into a monologue, you idiot! I'd get more of a conversation talking to one of those computer-things! Why is he like this? Guess he was more attached to Mew than I imagined.

Can't believe she actually died... If someone like her can be struck down so easily, what chances do I have? And to lose such a valuable ally to our cause so quickly, I sure don't get any breaks. Of course, I bet she could've usurped my position rather easily to take charge of No Man's Land, but I'd like to see her do the daily grind and all the menial paperwork that comes with...

... Paperwork? Oh yeah, apartment 151. Ah, how annoying, can't even spare five minutes to put together a plan to save a friend. At least Zerobi is following the lead I gave her regarding that Eevee and Snivy, and seems to be keeping it together so far. Can I trust her to help out Lucario in my absence? Probably not. But what can be done? Can't get rid of the stash, can't seal it up, can't trust that Gengar to...

Wait.

Aha!

I think I've got it.

(Can I make a difference in the world?)