FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

_ Skirmish at the Riverbank. _

...

The sound of footsteps trambling on dried leaves echoed throughout Eterna Forest as three adventurous, ambitious youngsters walked their way through it. On the lead was Jake and Lucario, followed by Ryan and Charizard, and finally Jaden and Latios. Although it was almost midday, the thick layers of tree prevented the sunlight from shining through, cooped with the ambient quietness could make anyone feel insecure, like they were lost in a different, mysterious world once they walked into the forest.

"This place is just as creepy as it could ever be..." Jake muttered, although he was wearing a small smile, because the shadowy surroundings actually provided him with a perfect cover to get a little bit intimate with Lucario, who, by the way, was walking very close to his trainer/lover, paws entwined with the human's fingers, tail wagging happily.

"I wouldn't go as far to call this forest 'creepy', but it's fairly dark here, so better watch your ste-...Woah!" said Ryan, before letting out a surprise yelp as something suddenly jumped out from the bush on his left side, and quickly disappeared behind another bush, although Ryan couldn't identify it, due to the lack of light, "What in the world was that?"

"Properly just a wild pokemon." said Jaden calmly, "This is a forest, after all. I heard this place is a favorite for plant and grass-type pokemon, but don't worry, they're completely harmless if we ignore them."

"Yeah, but you should add 'if they don't come out of nowhere and scare the hell out of us'." said Ryan, shaking his head, "Hey Jake, is this Buizel really worth it?"

"Well those guys at the Pokemon Center said it's strong enough to kick their asses, and I think different people can't tell the same lie, so yeah...It's worth, at least for me." Jake shrugged, "However, I only want to battle it, because I don't force pokemon to act against their own wills. In case I lose, you'll get the chance to capture it."

"Nice saying, but mind if I ask this..." said Jaden, giggling amusedly, "Do you have the _slightest_idea where are you leading us to?"

"Ah..." Jake exclaimed softly as he stopped dead, mouth slightly hanged opened. A small, barely visible blush appeared on his cheeks as he turned around, rubbing the back of his head and speaking awkwardly while Jaden still giggling, "Now that you mention it...I've been kinda...well, going on blind for a while. Sorry 'bout that, eheheh..."

"Aww man...You should have told us about that like...20 minutes ago!" Ryan sighed, facepalming, "What do you think, Jaden? Should I ask Charizard to go up and locate the river from above?"

"Well, that ought to do the trick, but since this forest is too quiet, there's a chance the Buizel might be disturbed by the sound Charizard's wings, and it'll immediately become alert. I think it's best to approach silently. We can use the quiet nature of the forest to our advantage."

"How?" inquired Ryan.

"You'll see." Jaden grinned, "Latios, could you help me with that?"

The Eon pokemon nodded and closed his eyes as he concentrated his audition.

"What's he doing?" asked Jake.

"Shhh..." Jaden put a finger over his lips, gesturing Jake to keep silence.

Latios' ears twitched slightly, and he opend his eyes once again, "I knew where the river is. This way." said the Eon pokemon, pointing his claws at a 2 o'clock direction.

"Thanks, mate." said Jaden, gently scratching Latios' chin, "Alright guys, let's go."

...

"Hey Jaden, what exactly did Latios do?" Jake asked. He had switched places with Ryan, because he didn't want to hear the latter's complains should the group become lost again.

"Nothing particular. I just asked Latios to locate the river by the sound of flowing water." Jaden replied, shrugging.

"Is that even possible?"

"Yes. Don't forget most of pokemon's senses are much sharper than those of us, so that's an easy task for them. Beside, Latios and I have trained to use this method before, and it really helps in tight situations. Hah, talking about this stuff reminds me of the time when Latios and I travelled rentlessly throughout Hoenn...Such a pleasant thing to remember."

"Seems like you guys had lots of fun." asked Jake.

"As a matter of fact, we did, and we'll always have fun, as long as the two of us are together." Jaden said, winking mischievously. He leaned closer to Jake and whispered, "Heh, if you and Lucario need a tip, here's one: Don't get too carried away by your trainer life. The fact that you're able to go on this journey with your loved one is simply amazing. Cherish every moment you share with him, make as many good memories as you can, and you two will come to fully understand each other before you even realize it."

"That sounds pretty awesome, but I don't know if I can. All I've ever managed to do is hurting that pup..." Jake muttered the third part so only him could hear it.

"Well that's how things work out for me and Latios. I can't guarantee much...but hey, at least we have the same prone to fall in love with a male pokemon, right?"

"Yeah, that's true...But honestly, I'm envious with you and Latios. You two seem to understand each other so well that I thought you'd never had a fight."

Jaden's face darkened, and it didn't take long for Jake to realize he'd brought up a bad topic to discuss, "I-I'm sorry. I didn't mean to..."

But to his relief, Jaden only sighed as his frown slowly vanished, "Nevermind, but you're wrong. We did have a fight...although I wouldn't call it a 'fight', because it was entirely my fault..."

"Really? So then...what happened?" asked Jake.

"I wouldn't go into details, but it was just horrible, and we almost broke up because of my stupidity." Jaden mumbled.

Jake gulped. He had seen the bond between Jaden and Latios, and something that could possibly seperate them must be really horrifying. The trainer tried to search in the memories which Latios showed him via telepathy a couple days ago, only to get frustrated because all he could see was a bunch of blurry images.

"Hey, can you two walk a bit faster!" Ryan called impatiently, making Jake realize he and Jaden, distracted by their talk, had fallen so far behind.

"Y-yeah." Jaden replied, "Geez, that Ryan, always act like he's out of time. C'mon Jake, better hurry up before he starts nagging again."

They continued walking for about ten minutes when Jaden suddenly stopped and seemingly checked out on something, before turning to Jake and smirked, "We're almost there."

"How do you know?" asked Jake, tilting his head in confusion.

"Look at that." said Jaden, pointing to a tree behind him, "Notice anything different?"

"Nope." Jake replied, almost instantly. The frown returned to Jaden's face for the second time of the day as he spoke in a slightly irritated tone, "Look closer, at the leaves." He suggested.

"The leaves...oh, you're right, they're greener than those in the forest"

"Exactly." Jaden grinned, "Now close your eyes, and tell me what you hear?"

Jake did what Jaden told him, and to his surprise, the moment his eyes closed, his sense of hearing seemed to become twice as affective as it had been normally. Various kinds of sound poured into his ears, some of which Jake had never experienced in his life. The sound of the gentle breeze, the sound of buzzing Insect-type pokemon, and...

"I can hear it...the flowing water!" Jake exclaimed, opening his eyes.

"That wasn't so hard, was it? said Jaden smugly.

"Hey guys," Ryan called, "Check this out!"

...

Compared to the inner part of Eterna Forest, the riverbanks were much more lively. Without the shading barrier of trees and leaves, the sunlight shone down freely, reflected by the water to become numberous sparkles on the river's surface, giving it a bright apperance, almost like thousands of gemstone were sparkling at the same time. Having been nourished by the warmth of the Sun and pure water, the grass grew with great verdure, forming a natural coating of lush greenness.

The group quickly found their target. Sitting on the left bank, leaning against a huge stone, a small Buizel was munching down a meal consisted of several kinds of berry. His face showed a mixed expression of exhaustion and anger.

"Are you sure that's the one those trainer were talking about?" asked Jake, flipping his pokedex to check Buizel's profile (he had muted the sound in other not to disturb Buizel)

Buizel, the Sea Weasel Pokemon. Buizel's collar can be used as flotation device when inflated. Its head stays above water when floating.

---

"Without a shadow of down. Look closer at his body." said Jaden, pointing at the Buizel, whose most parts of body were covered in wounds and bruises, "Just by looking at those wounds, you can clearly note they were caused by many different attacks. Must've been the trainers who came here to capture it."

Every now and then, the sea weasel pokemon would let out a whine as he accidentally touch one of the wounds. Jake found himself frowning as he looked at the sight, "Those bastards, calling themselves trainers...Did they really have to go that far on the little guy?"

"You had a point." Ryan said, "But to think it was still able to defeat those trainers in that condition. I really wish we could fight that Buizel at its best to see how strong it really is."

"In that case, I have exactly what we need," said Jaden, "But first, let's go out and have a talk. If we want to reason with him, sneaking around is not my favorite way to make a good first impression."

The sea weasel pokemon was half-way through his meal when six figures walked out of the forest and started approaching him. Noticing the strangers' appearance, Buizel dropped the half-eaten berry in his hand and growled hostilely at the group.

"Take it easy boy, we don't intend to fight you in your current condition..." Lucario said, holding up his paw. He then glanced at the berry which Buizel had dropped, "Beside, you shouldn't waste food like that. Now just sit down and finish your meal."

"Enough with that bullshit!" growled Buizel, baring his teeth, "You human and those pokemon with you are all the same. Come at me if you dare!"

Buizel's attitude and his incredibly rude words triggered Lucario's rage. The aura pokemon attempted to give Buizel a piece of his mind, but was stopped when Jake reached an arm to hold him back. The trainer shook his head in a disapproving manner, almost like he was saying Not now, pup.

"Calm down, Lucario. Let me handle this." said Jaden, before turning to Buizel, "As for you...Try acting tough all you want, but I now you've already run out of gas. With our pokemon, heheh, catching you would be easier than taking candies from a kid..."

Buizel's face went red in embarassment, but he had to admit the human was right. He was at his most vulnerable state. If those human decided to let loose all of their pokemon, it would be the end for him.

"Then again..." Jaden continued, "We are good people, and good people don't take cheap shots. So, here's the deal: We're gonna sit down, relax and wait until you finish with those berries. Then, I'll heal your wounds, and we'll have a fair battle. Agree?" Jaden's words turned out to be more effective than he'd hoped for. Buizel's face expression went through a drastical change, from aggressive to blank, perhaps slightly dull, and Jaden couldn't help chuckling, "Heh, in case you're wondering why we have to go through all these troubles, let me make it clear: With a fair battle, both physically and mentally, none of us will have any regret once this is over. And don't worry, we promise we won't gang up on you."

"You're talking like you understand what I say." Buizel grumbled, "...Hold on, you can't possibly..."

"Oh, you figured that out? That's right. Not only me, but those to over there..." said Jaden, pointing at Jake and Ryan, "...can also understand pokemon speech, thanks to special translators in our ears. Judging from your question, I guess none of the guys you've battled had these translators, eh?"

"Yes, but why you...?" asked Buizel, before Jake cut in, "Because we want to communicate with pokemon properly, to understand what they want, rather than trying to be idiots and ordering them around. Either way, we're done talking. The decision still lies in your hand. So, you can either accept our deal, or you can try running away, provided that you still have enough strength to escape our pursuit."

Buizel's eyebrowns arched as he anylized the situation. Those human came here to capture him, no doubt about it, but Buizel had fenced off dozen of guys like like them, and there was noway he would let himself being caught. Then again, they had a point: He was exhausted, and the sea weasel pokemon wasn't sure if he could outrun those three pokemon. They all looked really strong, especially the floating, blue-and-white one in the middle. In short, it didn't matter which case Buizel chose, the odds would still be against him.

Should he try his luck this time? Those three human, they seemd kind of different from the ones he had encountered so far. They didn't order their pokemon to attack him on sight, and they could understand his speech.

"Alright, I accept your deal..." said Buizel, sounding somewhat hesitate, "But prove to me that your words are true."

"Fine then." Jaden shrugged. Hw turned around and exchanged eye-contacts with the others. They all nodded and sat down on the grassy ground. It was only then Buizel could relax a little and resume his disturbed lunch, albeit without letting his guard down.

"Relax," said Jake amusedly as he couln't help chuckling when he noticed the sea weasel pokemon's overzealous expression, " Staring at us won't help making your lunch any better."

Buizel's face once again turned crimson while he mentally asked himself, Did I really look_that _funny?

...

"You're done?" asked Jaden as Buizel stuffed the last berry into his mouth, "Okay, now to deal with the wounds..." he said and searched his backpack, before pulling out a crystal jar which contained many small, yellowish brown cubes. Jaden removed the lid, took out a cube and tossed it to Buizel.

"What is this?" asked Buizel, holding up the cube.

"Full Recover. A medicine we human created to heal injured pokemon. Once comsumed, it will restore any pokemon to the healthiest state." Jaden explained.

"Hold on," Ryan cut in, "I thought healing potions are only available in spray bottles. What's the deal with those blocks?"

"Oh, these? I got the idea from pokeblocks...you know, the weird stuffs coordinators usually feed their pokemon. When we use the normal potions, the spray's initial contact with the wounds can be quite excruciating. Direct comsumption would make it less painful for pokemon. These blocks are also infused with various berries' flavours, so they're very easy to eat."

Buizel looked at the cube in his hand for a while before, hesitantly, brought it to his snout and took a sniff. Indeed he smelled a harmoniously combined aroma of his favorite berries. Without a second thought, he tossed the block into his mouth and swallowed it.

The full recover had no actually flavour beside a light sweetness, and as soon as it got into his stomach, Buizel felt a glowing warmth which gently spread all over his body, filling each and every of his vein with energy. At the same time, his various injures began to heal at accelerate speed and soon enough, the sea weasel pokemon looked almost like he hadn't been through any single battle.

It actually works...They didn't deceive me, Buizel thought as he stared at the group of human, until Jaden snapped his fingers and brought the pokemon back to reality, "Okay, we fulfilled our part of the deal, and now it's your turn. You'll battle three of us, and we'll each use one pokemon. When you beat one, we'll send out another. But don't worry, after every battle, I'll give you one of these full recovery blocks. The battle will go on until either we run out of pokemon, or you're captured. Understood?"

Buizel gave a curt nod.

"Then the first turn is mine." Jake declared, before turning to Lucario, face-softened, "Can you go, pup?"

Needless to say, Lucario was more than ready, despite having just had a fierce battle at the Pokemon Center. He growled softly as Jake stroked his furry head and wished him luck, before stepping forwards to face Buizel.

"You allowed him to call you 'pup'?" Buizel laughed, pointing his paw at Lucario, "I thought your race was known as proud warriors. When did you become a human's pet?"

"A pet? No, someone like you can't understand the true meanings behind that word, and properly never will." Lucario replied calmly, much to Buizel's surprise, "There are different kinds of human. Some seeks control over pokemon, to harness our power for their selfish desire, and like you said, they consider us nothing more than pets. But there're also others who care for us and wish to live with us in peace, and I was lucky to be found by one of them."

As he spoke, Lucario's paw was brought to his chest. Hidden under the cream-colored fluffiness, a glimpse of silver and blue could be seen, and a warmth which had yet to fade away.

~ Flashback ~

(Earlier that day)

Lucario's paw was over his mouth as the aura pokemon concealed his insuppressable yawn. He looked at the horizon. There were shimmerings of light, enough to shine away the cold night, but pale to warm up the day.

And here they were, a trainer and pokemon, walking together in an almost empty park...well, not exactly walking, because Jake was literally dragging Lucario, who failed to stifle another huge yawn, along with him.

For all Lucario knew, Jake had never been a morning person, and the aura pokemon had, unfortunately, taken after that bad habit of his lover. But for Jake to wake up before the Sun had yet to fully rise...something was definitely wrong. Lucario briefly wondered what his lover was up to, but the sleepiness refused to let him concentrate on that topic.

"Have a sit, pup." Jake ordered as he gently pressed the sleepy aura user onto a bench, "Now close your eyes, and don't open them until I tell you to."

At this point, Lucario was more confused than ever. Nevertheless, he did what had been told. Even with his eyes shut, Lucario could tell Jake was kneeling in front of him, arms gently enclosed his neck, followed by a slightly cold touch and a clink of closing metal.

"Okay, now you can look."

The aura pokemon opened his eyes and looked down at his neck, around which was added a necklace - a chain necklace consisted of many silver, rectangle links, and in the middle of the chain, instead of a pedant, was a simple, yet exquisitely crafted golden shell which held the blue mega stone.

Lucario's muzzle hung open, face became masked by bewilderment, and all he managed to say were eh...ah...uhm...

"Close your mouth, or you'll catch a bug." Jake smiled, "And there's really no need to look so surprised. Didn't I promise that I'd help you keep that mega stone, so there you go...I brought that for you."

"When did you...?" Lucario stammered as he held up the necklace, only to realize how beautiful it was.

"Last night."

The aura pokemon's brain began to function rapidly, and it quickly became clear to him. Last night, while he was having dinner, Jake had gone out for some business. When Lucario tried to ask where he was going, the trainer's only reply was "I'm out to get some supplies for our next trip."

Now that Lucario remembered it, Jake looked really suspicious back then, and he only came back after nearly two hours, at which time Lucario had been so worried that he was about to go looking for his human lover.

"So you remembered? Yeah, it took me quite long to find a perfect necklace for you. There aren't many jewelry stores in Eterna City. Sorry if I made you worry." Jake grinned.

That's why he looked so tired and immediately felt asleep when he came back. He'd walked for two hours through the city...just to get me this?

The aura pokemon didn't realize that he was crying, until his mouth tasted the hot, salty flavor of tears.

Jake was slightly stunned as he didn't think Lucario would actually be moved to tears by his gift. Then again, he knew those were tears of joy. Lifting Lucario's chin with one hand and looking into those glistening ruby eyes, he whispered, "Listen to me, Lucario. Someone has told me the real power of Mega Evolution doesn't lie in the Mega Stones, but in the bond between a trainer and his pokemon." as he said, Jake gently pressed his other hand, the hand which held his Key Stone, against Lucario's necklace, "From now on, this will be the thread that connects our us, and no matter what happens, keep this necklace with you, and remember: I'm your mate, no one else but me...always."

Choked by his emotions, Lucario's only reply was a nod, but that was more than enough of a confirmation for Jake. The trainer smiled, his eyes were so kind and warm that they made Lucario space out for a few second, before realizing he was taken into Jake's arms again.

As they embraced, the birds began chirping, signaling the start of a new day...

~ End of Flashback ~

"Ready or not, here I come!" Buizel declared, snapping Lucario back to reality, just in time to see a spiral stream of water shooting at him.

"Water Gun, a basic water technique...In that case, there's no need to waste our energy stopping it." Jake mumbled, "Lucario, to your left."

As he received the command, Lucario quickly jumped to his left, easily avoiding the strike.

"Missed him, just as I thought. Then how's about this?" Buizel thought and switched to a new attack. As he launched himself into the air, Buizel's two tails glowed white blue. The pokemon then processed to spin his body, unleashing several of crescent, transparent shockwaves.

Until now, Lucario had seen a few amazing attacks, but this one of Buizel took the cake. By spinning his body and flipping his tails simultaneously at two opposing directions, Buizel was able to create a pincer attack formation, making it twice harder to dodge his shockwaves.

"An advanced version of Sonic Boom? No wonder why he was so coveted." Jaden thought.

"Ah-ah-ah, looks we can't run away anymore...No matter, I didn't plan to, either. Lucario, use Bone Rush to deflect that move!"

The aura pokemon held out his hand and a green energy staff appeared in his opened paw. Taking a step backwards to brace himself, Lucario began to swing and rolate his bone-shaped rod, smashing every of Buizel's shockwave.

"Screw it, I didn't think he'd be able to cancel out my attack with that!" Buizel thought irriatedly as he watched Lucario negate his Sonic Boom with ease, "But I still have some tricks off my sleeves, and this next one will surely bring you down, mutt."

As he finished breaking the last shockwave, Lucario's attention returned to his opponent, but to his surprise, Buizel was no where to be found.

"Where did he disappear to?" Lucario mumbled, puzzled.

"Lucario, in the river!" Jake shouted.

"Try ambushing me from underwater." Lucario thought, amused, "It's no use. I can still sense your aura, so hide all you want."

As Lucario prepare himself for Buizel's attack, the air around him became uneasily silent, until it was broken by the sound of slashing water as Buizel emerged from the river's surface. Surrounded by a fierce jet of water, the sea weasel pokemon rised into the air and ram himself into Lucario, who in turn, held out his bone staff with both paws to intercept the assault.

After a short moment of strugglings from both pokemon, which either seemed to get the upper hand, something unexpected happened: Lucario's energy bone suddenly broke apart, leaving him wide open as he took a direct hit from Buizel's Aqua Jet and was knocked backwards several feet,

"Lucario, are you alright!" Jake asked worriedly.

"I...I'm fine." the aura pokemon replied, wincing. The attack had damaged his back and shoulders, "But how...on Earth did he break my Bone Rush?"

"The river!" Jaden exclaimed, "When using Aqua Jet, one must create the water by their own. However, a nature source of water can be utilized to boost the user's attack power even more, and in this case, he took advantage of the river."

"This guy..." Buizel thought, staring at Jaden as he overheard the human's explaination, "To think he can expose my trick in such a short time...He'll make a tough opponent later. But first..."

"He jumped into the river...that means he's going to use that move again." Jake mumbled, "I don't understand why Bone Rush can't withstand that attack, but in order to stop it, we need something stronger...and harder. Lucario, use Metal Claw!" he shouted.

The spikes on the top of Lucario's paws were transformed into six glowing claws just in time for him to catch Buizel's next strike. Both pokemon replayed their previous strugglings.

"I beat you once...and I'll do it again!" Buizel growled as he increased the water pressure, hoping to crush Lucario with it.

"Like hell you can!" Lucario replied, gritting his teeth, "For Jake...I won't lose!"

Eyes flaming with determination, Lucario snarled as he spread his clawed paws apart, obliterating Buizel's water rocket in the process. The sea weasel pokemon had a stunned look on his face, only to be replaced by horror when he felt Lucario's paw press firmly against his chest.

"You're mine!"

And to prove his word, a green blast emitted from Lucario's paw. The point-blank attack knocked Buizel away until he slammed into a tree and landed heavily onto the ground. The overwhelming pain made Buizel dizzy as stars popped up in his eyes.

"I can't...feel my back anymore? Is this it? Am I going to lose?" Buizel thought vaguely, "No...not today! I won't forsake my freedom! Absolutely no!"

With a tremedous effort, Buizel managed to get up on his feet, albeit still trembling violently from the aftermath's shock.

"Taking a critical hit and still able to stand up...I gotta hang it to you." Lucario complimented, "It's time to finish this, once and for all!"

Buizel didn't say anything. His only reply was a nod between hollow breathings.

"Let's do it the old way: Aura Sphere!" Jake commanded, "And to make sure he can't hide into the river, drive it into him instead of throwing it."

Soon, Lucario was holding his signature attack between his joined paws. The transparent blue sphere gave off a screech-like noise, ready to strike down its next target.

"It's over!" Lucario declared as he launched himself at Buizel.

"Not yet. If I can dodge this attack and use Aqua Jet again, then..." Buizel thought, staggering, "But my body, it...won't...move..."

When everything seemed to come to and end as Lucario was a second away from delivering the final blow, his mind was suddenly disturbed by a eerie sensation which sent chills down his spines.

What is this? I've never sensed such a malicious aura, and it...it's coming this way...Buizel, watch out!

From out of nowhere, a net shot out and aimed directly for Buizel, whose face was masked with horror and bewilderment. Paralyzed, all Buizel could do was to stand frozen and allow himself to be captured...or, at least he thought so, until a blue paw shoved him out of the way.

"Lucario!" Jake screamed as he watched Lucario get trapped. He rushed to the aura pokemon, attemping to free his mate, but was forced to stop half-way when something jumped out of the forest and almost ran over him, leaving a trail of dust behind it.

In the dust, came the sound of reving engines and a man's maniacal laugh, "Well well well, what do we have here! I came here to look for the rumored Buizel, but end up getting this valuable Lucario instead. What a lucky day!"

...

(To be Continued)