FSE

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Chp 1

A young boy, whom had just come of age, traveled the lands in search for adventures. His first stop was to the Professor's to get his travel companion and guardian. His young, energetic brown eyes scoped the lands as he traveled to avoid potential dangers. His strong, overly white legs pumping as he ran down the Route. His bright grin flashing with the thought of the choices, if he got there early enough, he would have nine different Pokﾃｨmon to choose from. Of which, he knew little about, he knew that there was three of each elemental types; fire, water, and grass. He just cared about the fire types right now, night travel with no light was dangerous, and he had to have an easy cooking fire as well. He arrived at the laboratory a day early from the other scheduled beginners. He silently cheered as he looked at the directions on a card that offered the Pokﾃｨmon. He went into the lab and went to an assistant, then went to the back of the building as directed and waited at the table with the nine Pokﾃｨballs. He looked over the red and white capsules that he knew held the Pokﾃｨmon. He reached up at one, an elderly voice yelled at him to stop. He jumped and turned to find a white haired woman in a bright white lab coat.

"You are a day early, let them rest. Who are you?" "I-I am Jason, ma'am." The boy trembled slightly. "Hmm, well, I am Professor Jaclyn, now how about a little knowledge about these Pokﾃｨmon?" "I want to know about the fire-types." "Right, first there is Charmander: a spunky young thing that will grow large and vicious. Second there is Cyndaquil: a close cousin in attitude and strength, don't let the size fool you. Last there is Torchic: a pure type at first then evolves into a dual type. Anything else you wish to learn?" "When can I choose?" The professor sighed and squeezed the bridge of her nose. "Tomorrow, if you are lucky." "Why? Why can't I choose now and get to my other appointments?" "What can a child have to do that is important? Besides whine..." Professor Jaclyn turned her back on him and sighed, "Fine, choose, but know this, you will make the other beginners your rivals." "So? I'm heading to far off lands. I choose Charmander, and then I shall ask where Cyndaquil can be found." "Ask all you want, only the masters and we Pokﾃｨmon Professors know their whereabouts."

The Professor went and grabbed the ball containing Charmander and tossed it to the boy. Without a word, Jason ran out and hurried into the world. He battled wild Pokﾃｨmon and learned how his Charmander, he named Champ, moved. He only named the Charmander that because he found the Charmander a male, like most captive Charmanders, and did not seem right to give it a female name. Hours became days, days became weeks, until his third month on his own, his Charmander evolved into Charmeleon. Then on the night of the anniversary of his independence, he rolled out his bed roll and leaned against a stump with Champ at his side.

Jason sighed and looked at the Charmeleon, "Ya know, Champ, things do get boring with only us. We need to find your homeland and see what happens, but I am afraid we might lose our friendship along the way." "Char..." Champ crossed his tiny arms and flicked his tail as he thought of what could end their partnership beyond death. "What's on your mind, pal? Death? Don't let those thoughts into your mind, it only corrupts you. It's late we should head to bed..." The boy sighed then slid down to lay, his Charmeleon grumbled then climbed on top of the stump and watched for anything harmful. "Chaaaar..." Champ growled as he spotted a moving light coming towards them. He stood ready, waiting for an attack.

Out of the bush came stumbling out a ransacked Charmeleon, by the way it looked, it lost a big fight and was forced out on its own. Champ growled at it and jumped in front of his boy. The injured Charmeleon looked at the boy then at Champ; it opened its mouth as if to explain itself but passed out before it could. Jason sat up and saw the new wanderer laying facedown in the dirt. He hurriedly grabbed his bag and pulled out a healing potion and clambered over to the Pokﾃｨmon and used the spray. The Pokﾃｨmon stirred little but did not wake, the trainer cradled the beast making Champ hiss in anger. He hushed his Pokﾃｨmon and felt for any serious injuries. Champ smacked his trainer's hands as he felt the injured one; he picked up a rock and cradled it near his stomach. Jason looked quizzically at the Charmeleon for a moment before realizing what he meant. This Charmeleon was a rare female that had been beaten somehow. He shuddered to think that she had been kicked out of her family group.

"Well, I am not going to leave this little one here alone, no matter her gender or your liking, what if she's someone's missing Pokﾃｨmon? Did you ever think of that? How would you feel about being separated from me?" "Meeleon..." Champ grimaced and ground his foot into the ground. He looked up and saw the blank look of the female; he backed away as he saw her pain through her eyes. "Yeah, she's in pain, we just have to let her rest for now. Come on, to bed with you, you will need your rest to help me with her, she may not be used to humans if she's is from the homelands." Champ grunted and climbed back onto the stump and sprawled out.

Morning came far too soon for Champ as he found himself on the ground with the injured female next to him and his trainer gone, his bag still laid open next to the stump. He knew the boy would not be gone long. The female moaned and rolled over and coughed then spat up a little blood.

"By the flame," She muttered in Char. "Where am I?" "In the middle of nowhere with a trainer's partner. He calls me Champ, you are...?" "I don't remember. All I know is that I was running from something and followed a light then woke up here. Can you help me?" "I don't have a choice, can you move on your own?" "I think so." "Good, because I doubt my partner will carry you." Jason returned with berries and passed a handful to the two of them; he kept a few for himself and munched on them as he sat down. "Good to see you up, feeling well, I hope?" "Chaaar..." Champ straightened and ate his breakfast. "So, do you have a trainer?" She shrugged and took a bite out of a bitter berry; she squinted and spat it out. Champ laughed at her. "Knock it off! Ignore him, he tends to show off. Well, there is one way to tell us if you have a trainer if you agree to it." Jason pulled out an empty Pokﾃｨball and faced it towards the female. "Up to you."

She glanced at Champ then back at the ball, she clearly had no clue of what the ball was. She dropped the berries and went to grab the ball. She fondled it and accidentally touched the capsule button, it pulled her inside. For a moment she saw red, blinding red, then black. Not frightening black, it was homely, peaceful; she smiled and closed her eyes. She started to drift off to sleep when she heard the boy's voice call out to her, she was then dragged out in the same blinding red light then she found herself standing next to Champ. She was startled by the action and gasped and flailed for Champ as her knees gave out. He caught her and muttered something to her she did not comprehend.

"Guess that answers that, welcome to the team. Guess I need to give you a name. How about... Clair?" "Char Meleon!" The female jumped to her feet and looked at Champ. Champ slight closed his eyes and tilted his head back as he laughed at her. She threw a claw full of dirt at his face. "Enough of that. Get used to each other or some one will be spending a lot of time in their ball. Got that?" Both Pokﾃｨmon went silent and looked away from each other. "Better, Champ, get things cleaned up, I'm going to show Clair what we do for camp pickup." Champ nodded then started his duties and watched his trainer walk around camp showing the female how to look for things that might endanger the environment. Then he shows her how to incinerate the garbage in her tail fire, which she tried to reject at first then gave in.

After an hour of policing the area, the two joined Champ and helped with the final pickup and policing. Jason hefted the pack of gear then rubbed Champ's head as he always had. He then asked Clair if she wanted to rest, she shook her head and looked at Champ. He never looked at her. Jason shrugged then slid behind the two by a couple paces. Intent on learning his new Pokﾃｨmon's movements, he stared at her. Clair eased closer to Champ but found he was willing to keep the space between them; he growled and clenched his claws. He went silent as Jason cleared his throat then ran forward a few paces. Clair slumped as she wanted to get to know him better; Jason placed his hand on her shoulder and told her to give him time. She sighed then jumped as Champ growled and took a defensive pose. Jason grabbed her and held onto her trying to protect her from unknown dangers. Jason looked around but saw nothing, just hearing the bustling sound of water.

"Water types...great; think you can hold your own, Champ? I am not one to let her fight just yet until we find a Center." "Char." Champ chuckled envisioning the smaller, weaker water types. I'll rip them all to pie- "Char!?" He caught sight of what he smelled, a Blastoise and a Feraligatr sunning themselves. He gulped and backed up slowly not wanting to lose sight of them. Just before Champ was about to turn and run, Jason came up behind him and stopped him. "Come on, we'll go around, I rather not pick a fight with them either." The three ran into the thicket away from the larger threats. They came back to the road and found themselves ahead of the water types. They sighed and moved on, but they still managed to find a Totadile and defeated it. Champ boasted as he shook the last of the water from his tail. Clair watched him curiously.

They followed the road avoiding the grassy areas from there on, very few people were traveling this region for there were too many threats of being trapped by fully evolved wild Pokﾃｨmon. But it also allowed trainers to grow with their Pokﾃｨmon in battle with the elements and in battles with the wildlife. They came to the guardhouse of the Route and quickly entered it. Only the guard was in the building, he was fast asleep in his chair with the television channeled on a shopping network. Jason opened the other door and ushered the Pokﾃｨmon through. He went into awe as when he saw the city on the other side. The heart of his country, Vecillium. Jason drew a deep breath and coughed it out as the scent of pollution hit him. Champ drew close to his trainer as he saw several Pokﾃｨmon wandering the streets without care nor did the humans take notice of them. He growled then felt a hand on his shoulder. The three walked together to the PokﾃｨCenter then they let Nurse Joy take a look at Clair then Champ took his turn. They both returned with perfect health, Jason thanked the nurse then turned to leave. He was stopped by a skinny girl whom wore a scowl and pink clothes. He pardoned himself and was about to pass her by when she grabbed him and told him to beware of thieves. He warily thanked her and pushed the two Chars outside. He shivered at the thought of what she meant and hoped it was not what he tried to push out, Pokﾃｨmon thieves. He moaned then decided it was time for a decent meal, he asked for a restaurant that would serve his entire crew of three. He found there was only one restaurant available, a small building on the square that hosted multiple humanoid Pokﾃｨmon that catered the tables. The cooks were human, but that was enough to calm Jason's nerve about odd tastes. He sat at a table and watched his Chars seat themselves. The waiter, a Machop, came over with a menu with words for the trainer and two dedicated to Pokﾃｨmon. One of the cooks came out and sat a tray down on a table of obviously picky customers then came over to Jacob.

"Ah, you must be new to town." His voice sounded like he had gargled tin nails every morning of his life. "I'm Big Frank and your waiter is Little Frank. I am trainer friendly, if you don't gots the money, you can run a task for me or do some work around the place, your choice. Easy deal, right?" "Uh... you hold a lot of trust in people. I have the money anyway." "Ah, good. As I said, I am good to trainers; I did not say I did not have a blacklist. Anyway, do you have your selection?" "Yes, I'll have the roast." Champ pointed at ribs while Clair pointed at the salad and a fish sandwich. Jason refused to ask what they were really eating, but there were those Pokﾃｨmon that were kept for butchering and eating. "Good selections, the fish just came in today so it is very fresh. The meal will be ready shortly." Frank left them to themselves.

Jason watched their waiter bus tables, for a short 'mon, the Machop did quite a bit of work. Before long, the food came out; they dined quietly as they enjoyed the warm food. The guys finished and slouched as they waited on Clair, she took her meal slowly enjoying the taste. It was clear she had never eaten with humans before Jason. He sighed wishing he could speak their language and learn even more. That, he thought, would be an experience every trainer should share. Yes, there was an emotional connection between a trainer and their Pokﾃｨmon, but if that connection was more than emotions then the world could change. He shivered as a breeze went down his spine. He looked up and saw Clair pale and wide-eyed; he turned to see what had her frightened. A big brute of a trainer had walked in with a club heaved onto his shoulder and a heavily scarred Grovyle stood beside him.

"There's the wretch that stole your food, kill it then take the rest out." The brute chuckled evilly. Jason stood, Champ rushed to place himself in front of his partner. "Awe, a little wimp and his protective lizard. Tank, you know what to do."

Before the Pokﾃｨmon could move, Little Frank acted and tossed a tablecloth onto the Grovyle and wrestled it down. After tying it up, Little Frank pointed at the sign at the register. 'No fighting allowed inside,' the brute grabbed the Machop by the throat and tossed him across the room. He then grabbed the tied Grovyle and hefted it onto his shoulder. Big Frank rushed out with a butcher's knife as the brute left and then went to aid his partner. He went to the VidComm and called the local officer then he went to Jason and apologized.

"It's fine, we'll wait for Officer Jenny to arrive before trying to leave. I don't think we could beat those two easily." "You couldn't, that brute is Reggy Grats, an obvious moron. He'll keep fighting until one side or the other lies dead even if you get away, he'll find a way to get to you." "Yay...we'll find a way to knock some sense into him if he tries to come after her again." "Good luck with that. Here's the bill, and be safe out there. Yell at me when your ready to pay."

Jason looked at the bill and moaned and pulled out the cash from his wallet. He muttered at himself for not keeping an account with the main bank, but for now, his wallet was his safe for most small things. His bag was for the rest. He went to the register just as Jenny came up to the brute and arrested him and confiscated his Grovyle. He turned just as the detention ball flashed and locked the Grovyle inside. He smiled momentarily then noticed the deadly glare from the brute. His stomach dropped and made him feel nauseous. He went back to his Charmeleons and tried to make himself calmer. He then asked them if they were ready to leave, Champ jumped down to the floor and stretched, Clair gently pushed the salad plate away then wiped her face with a napkin before joining her counterpart. Jason watched as her mannerisms showed class, but she was never captured before. He pondered on this for a short moment then pushed it aside so he could concentrate on his growing family. They left after Officer Jenny had dragged the brute to her car then they moved onward. Making a stop at the local gym, it was closed for renovations.

"Lovely..." Jason sighed and moved on; the Route gate was in sight. The only thing he could think of getting information about the rare Pokﾃｨmon would be by gaining all the badges. He opened the gate door for his followers and sighed. Inside, the guard listened closely to a news report about a rare event that sounded like a scam to Jason, but he listened anyway.

"-- Friday night, at the full moon, the Celestial Pokﾃｨmon will make their appearance and dance. So if you are on Route Four-nineteen at that time, watch for these pink beauties and don't forget your earplugs, their singing can put you to sleep faster than watching paint dry!" The news cast ended, Jason went to look at the Country Map on the wall. From his current spot, Route Three-forty-nine, it would take four days to reach that Route. Two days past the event placing, like he truly cared, but it would not hurt to look into events like that he may get lucky and find something about the homelands of the Chars. He grinned as he dreamed. Champ poked him with a claw and got him moving again.

They headed off to wherever the Route would take them, Jason did not look. He planned on going to the mountainous regions then finding the volcanic hotspots, where the nursery stories said the families stayed. He could not wait to see if they were right. He just hoped it was in this land and not some odd Country across the sea. Though that would not bug him, the expense of the trip did. Money was of short supply and he did not want to take trainers' money if he won battles, so he simply conserved and lived off the land. The meal itself told him that the money would not last long and he would have to invest in finding a job as a courier. Something that would take him across the oceans would be the best as long as he did not have to pay for the trip himself. Jason whistled lightly, Champ looked back then grabbed Clair as she strolled by. The trainer nodded towards the trees, Champ took the silent order and slipped into the cover, Clair followed slowly. Champ growled and scared a young Caterpie, it squealed and squirmed away. Jason just shook his head and urged them on, preferring to be out of sight before trainers saw them. They moved on, stirring little Pokﾃｨmon, mostly bug types, none of them offered a fight. Jason continued to look for a clearing, mostly hoping to sit for a bit. He glanced at his two Pokﾃｨmon and noticed Clair was starting to huff and puff. He grunted then stopped them.

"Alright, it is time for some training, Clair. Rest up for a moment, then I'll get you started with exercises that Champ and I have learned." "Chaaaar..." She moaned as she slumped to the ground. Champ watched her for a moment then sighed. "You better shape up..." Champ muttered to her before rushing to his trainer. "Hey, Champ, I'm going to let you work her over. Just don't 'kill' her. Remember: she may not be like us, but she will eventually be there for you to sire children off of." Champ was speechless, he never thought of the female that way, and now his partner was bringing this up. He went pale, and jumped when Jason rubbed his head. "Yep, this is what I want of you two, since it is rare enough for a Char to wander alone but even more rare for that Char being female as well. We lucked out. If we cannot find the homelands on our own, then we just have to make our own. So try to get to know her well, this I ask of you. Make her strong not just for me, but for the future. Alright?"

Champ nodded absently, so this is what the old lady in the white coat had spoken of so long ago. About pleasing his future master with any request giving to him. He sighed and composed himself before turning to Clair and spat an Ember attack at her, immediately she jumped out of the way and looked at him quizzically. He took a fighting stance and urged her to attack. She looked over him to Jason, he nodded, and then she growled and rushed him. Champ dodged and swiped at her back, she gasped as the force sent her down. She rose and panted, Champ did not wait long before he rushed her and smacked her back down.

"Clair, always watch your opponent, even if it is by your hearing. Know where they strike... always." Jason remarked as he found a decent limb and took out his knife and started whittling it.

Clair rose again and tossed dirt into Champ's face then ran to gain some ground. He grunted as he wiped his muzzle then spat a flurry of Ember attacks at her, dodging the fire was easy for her. She charged again, but this time, she slid and tried to kick his feet from under him. He barely dodged her being surprised by the odd attack. He growled and went to stomp on her tail but was stopped by a Fury Attack to his face. He was struck, he could not figure out how it happened. The attack stopped, his nose dripped lightly with blood. She stood a few feet from him licking her claw. She had used Double Team on him, a defensive move made offensive. He roared let out a spinning kick, he missed but his tail flame brushed her flesh. She chuckled; a fire in her eye made her gain an evil disposition. Champ gulped and protected his face as he saw another quick Fury Attack coming. He could not hold her back; he tripped over his own tail and tumbled onto his back. She pounced and pinned him down keeping herself on splayed over him; she panted and had gained her innocent look back. She grinned and kept him there.

"You're beaten." She whispered before giving his nose a lick and getting up. Jason's jaw had dropped; he did not know what to say. Though she did not have the lung power, she had the strength to make up for it. "Meleon!" Champ shouted as she retreated to Jason. She flashed him the underside of her tail, he grunted at the silent retort; his cursing would not be extended further with her. He turned his head and clutched the dirt. "Great battle, Clair, but you do need to work on your breathing. If you do not have the air, you cannot fight for an extended time. Go rest for now." Jason rose and went to Champ while opening his pack for a minor healing herb.

Champ sighed as his partner knelt down beside him, he started to refuse being cleaned up but gave in to the gentle hands. Dirt-filled scratches were wiped clean then sprayed with the potion. He hissed as the alcohol based healer stung him, Jason reassured him then helped him to his feet. The Charmeleon was silent but his eyes said much to his trainer. Jason hugged him then brushed off the dirt off the Pokﾃｨmon.

"Don't let it bother you, we can't always be alone. We need allies, she's the first one. But we do need other types to join us, especially the ones you are weak against." Champ crossed his arms and grumbled. "Listen to me; it's only going to get better for us. The only way we can go down is if we lose someone. Let's just hope that never happens." "Chaaar..." "Buck up, we need to be strong and brave. Let's get some rest." Champ nodded then walked over to Clair and sat next to her as she twisted and weaved grass leaves together. He said nothing as he watched her.

She glanced up at him momentarily but remained silent; she finally sat the weaving down and glared at him. He shrugged and studied her further. Clair growled quietly as his eyes traveled down her body, she quickly crossed her legs and wrapped her brightly flaming tail around her. Finally he broke the silence quietly since Jason had begun to snore after eating some kind of dried meat and berry juice.

"Our trainer wants us to be mates." Champ dropped the bomb quickly. "Not surprising, we being the only two companions he has. But don't think I'll let you touch me without me letting you." "Un-huh. So what do you remember before we found you?" "Still nothing, don't care to, so drop it." "As you wish. I'm going to get some sleep, take the first watch. Hard telling what kind of hostile creatures are living nearby." Females... Champ turned and went to lay beside Jason almost wishing the boy could speak his language, just so he could tell him there was no way his wants could pass through.

Champ sighed and closed his eyes. He just hoped that his boy would not come across a water user to annoy him daily. But then again.... He pushed the thoughts from his head and forced himself to relax. Not everything could be dealt with by violence, he knew that too well. Soon the comforting blackness of sleep took over. His mind tormented him with dreams, ones that toyed with his body in many ways. Mostly of flight, which meant he was nearly his final stage of maturity, then there was the disturbing visage of him lusting for a mate. He gasped as he started, awaked by a sudden touch. He looked around and saw Clair hovering over his left side. She briskly pulled him up and pushed him aside as his shift was to begin. He gladly took it, feeling sweaty and a need to pace. He watched her lay next to Jason and as she squeezes herself as close to him as possible, he just could not understand her. He sighed and made laps around the area while holding his tail in his claw to light the way. He could not find the sky to tell where the moon was, and he would not dare venture away from Jason to find a clearing just to do so. He stopped briefly to relieve himself then shuddered as he thought he heard something move in the darkness behind him. When the sound did not return, he continued his walk. Nothing but his nerves seemed out of place. He finally went back to his partner and the female to watch them for a bit as they slept. She grimaced in her sleep; a foul dream had taken over her mind. Champ listened to his surroundings but drew closer ready to awaken her if need be. He did not know why, but even though he loathed the thought of being around her, he felt like he should protect her from anything. Was this what it meant to be a team? To protect each other? He grumbled and spat a short flame as an Oddish waddled into their camp, it yelped at the sight and fled as quickly as it could. He did not see it again.

Clair trembled and rolled towards Jason then quickly bit his arm. He yelped himself and awoke sharply. "Clair, what was that for?" She just drooled and muttered still deep asleep. "Heavy sleeper... great, she drew blood. Wonder if those potions can work on me." Jason leaned over and grabbed his bag and pulled out a minor potion, he sprayed himself and groaned as the alcohol stung then he loosely wrapped a bandage around his arm. When he was done he prodded Clair's gut. "Clair, wake up." She shifted but did not wake, Champ stepped up to her and pressed a foot claw into her tail. She squealed like she was being beaten then curled into a tight ball and rocked herself. "Thanks, Champ, just what we need. A spastic fire breather. Go see if there is a shallow water source nearby while I calm her." He reached down to her only to get snapped at, he pulled away quickly and just stared at her. "Okay..." She stared blankly into the trees in front of her not truly thinking straight. He sighed then quickly just dove for her and grabbed her shoulders, he was bitten, and he did not shout but just pulled her close even as Champ came back and growled. "I'm coming," He picked her up, not caring that her teeth drove deeper into his arm, and followed Champ to a small creek that lead to the main Route out of the forest.

He quickly sat her into the cold water at the edge allowing her tail to lie on the muddy shore. She started and looked around tasting blood on her tongue. She glanced at Jason then realized where the blood came from. She cupped her claws and poured the small amount of water onto his arm and scrubbed lightly seeing what the damage was, the other arm was bandaged. The wound was deep but not anything that needed to worry about unless infection took hold. She whined trying to apologize. He removed a hand from her, leaving one to support her and cupped water himself and poured it over her head. He cooed at her then realized Champ sat down next to her actually looking worried, whether it was because of himself or not, Jason could not tell. The two males took care to make sure that their companion had calmed down and returned to reality before even letting her move. She remained silent, apart from starting to cry. Jason just wrapped his arms around her and cooed loving words to her. Champ went to sit on the dry ground as he toyed with Jason's pack and found his partner's Pokﾃｨdex and flipped it open listening to the description it gave about himself. He chuckled as it listed off the health status of him then wanted to toss the thing into the water as it stated that he was sexually immature. He growled and gave it a small curse before turning it towards Clair.

In a monotone male voice it stated her stats: Charmeleon, experience level thirty. Health status, normal, no anomalies detected. Sex: female, mature. Original TID: Nine-nine-seven-two-six-five-three. The voice silenced itself with no more data to provide. Their trainer identifications were the same, she definitely was not a released nor an escapee. This just made him more confused.

"Champ! Put that back, I don't need that broken. Without that, I cannot tell if you are hurt in a way I cannot see." Though he was glad to hear the data that he did not even think to try himself, he really did not want to see that device broken. "Chaar..." Gladly, the Charmeleon put the device back, though he wondered how she was so experienced to make her six levels ahead of him, but her actual age remained hidden. He would have to ask an elder if he ever met one on how to guess ages by sight. "Meleon." He muttered as he zipped the pack up and hefted it onto his own shoulders determined to carry it for the day, though it proved too much for his back. He grumbled as he was forced to drop it. "Alright, let's get moving. Clair, do you want to rest in your Ball today?" She shook her head and stood with her trainer. She reached up and grabbed his pants and refused to let go. "I know you're sorry, don't worry about it. You had a bad dream and you just reacted to it. I will remember to watch myself when trying to wake you though." He smiled down at her. He felt like he was comforting a young child, in a way, he was and he knew it.

He picked up his pack and tossed it onto his shoulder. He looked at Champ and offered his free side then. Champ took it and his boy's hand; he knew he was quick to change his mind recently, being just a few days with her. But he had to, for Jason; he would not separate himself from the team even if it was just starting to grow. Their journey continued on not knowing what would lay ahead.

Chp 2

Three weeks have gone by, many battles have too. Jason, a young Trainer, walked side by side with his two Pokﾃｨmon, Champ and Clair, both being Charmeleons. He found that the male/female attitudes definitely showed differences from the two genders. Champ showed a burly, headstrong look towards life while Clair beheld an elegant look showing care for things until it became personal then all hell broke loose. Things started off rough with Clair stumbling in on the guys' campsite, but she has come a long way in a short time and became part of the family. Knowing this Jason has thought about finding other element types to join in the family so they don't become outnumbered in a true battle and be left out in the cold dealing with injuries that would be impossible to handle alone.

"Champ, I'm telling you: We need to try to loosen up and find some Grass and Water types, even if they are to stay in their Balls, we need the backup." "Chaar..." The male shook his head as he and his boy gathered wood while Clair cleaned up their chosen campsite for the next few nights since Jason's PDA weather app detected strong storms coming their way that would last for a few nights. "Don't give me that, I'm the one in charge, and I say we need more help. I would have to keep them in their Balls while traveling most of the time anyway, watching the two of you is difficult enough when it comes to climbing through trees and such. We are going to catch us a grass type even if I have to force you two to do it." "Chaaar..." Champ said being defeated, he bent over to pick up another limp then stopped as a twig snapped behind them. "Tree treecko tree!" Champ dropped his pile and took a defensive pose behind his boy's backside. Why me? Champ asked himself. "Champ, Ember!" Following instinctively, he let out a flurry of ashen flames. The attack hit catching a loose leaf on the Treecko on fire briefly, it laughed at him. It struck back with a Bullet Seed attack; Champ had no choice but to take the hit to protect his trainer. The commotion stirred other residents of the area, several Seedots appeared along with Oddishes, then from the canopy fell a Scyther, its green color easily blending into the surroundings. It hissed at the Treecko, the little Pokﾃｨmon submitted and backed away leaving the fight to it. It hissed another command to the others and then a small creature was brought forth a creature tied in vines and very malnourished- "A Riolu," Jason muttered. "Scyther..." It hissed at the blue being. The Riolu winced then nodded slowly. Jason heard that the Pokﾃｨmon's type could speak telepathically to humans but he never met one or its evolved form, Lucario. You have trespassed on Miguel the Sharp's territory, explain yourselves or die. The Riolu translated. "Strong words for a bug type to say in front of a fire type." The Riolu's eyes said much to Jason, he did not acknowledge the fear in its eyes. Explain yourselves! "We are travelers, if you must know." Travelers stay to the roads, human, why come into our lands? "To find my partner's homeland, he only knows that he was hatched in a facility, I want to find families and be among them and learn." There are no families! The Scyther rushed at Jason with his scythes poised for a killing blow. Champ, in an adrenalin rush, jumped in front of the bug and blasted it with fire. It screamed and hissed as he fought the flames to put them out. Down it went; Champ huffed once then stood ready for more. Jason threw an empty ball at the Scyther, it went in. A ping thirty seconds later let him know it was his. Jason looked around; the grass types fled leaving the entangled Riolu to fend for itself. "Good work, Champ. Riolu, come here and let me take those vines off you." Jason looked at the Pokﾃｨmon with care seeing it was scared for its life. Champ walked up to it and made short work of the vines with his tail. Then he patted the little one's shoulder making it jump slightly. It looked like it was paralyzed with fear. Don't hurt me... It begged. "I won't, I promise. Why were you held prisoner by this...Miguel?" Jason looked at the Ball as Champ retrieved it and handed it over to him. To keep humans away. He will kill me for sure this time... "Not under our watch. Say, would you like to join us and free yourself of these memories?" Jason offered his hand calmly. It looked at him curiously for a moment then slowly took his hand. Are you going to put me inside of one of those things? "I will leave that up to you, if you want to know what it's like, ask Champ." The Riolu looked at the Charmeleon and without a word spoken to him the lizard answered. "Dark," He said in his tongue. "But warm and comforting, I personally would rather see the world as it is, not dream it. Me and the female we travel with stay out of our Balls and travel along side our human." Warm? I have not been warm since the day I came to be... I would like that, how would I get to be warm? "Accept being inside the device. Here," Jason pulled one of the three remaining empty Pokﾃｨballs from his belt and offered it to Riolu with the button in front of it. "Just press this button; a red light will pull you in. I cannot say what happens next, it does not work on my kind, so I do not know what happens after that." With barely a thought, Riolu brushed against the Ball it opened and pulled him in. It gasped and felt warm, safe... loved. Then it realized what it meant to be alive. It knew what it was, IT was male and IT was happy. A ping jolted him to his senses then heard Jason shout the light returned and dragged him out into the cold environment. So warm... so nice, can I not stay in there? "Of course, but I want to know more about you. Hold still for a moment while this device looks over you." Jason opened his Pokﾃｨdex and let it scan the Riolu, it stated the obvious things then said that its health was low and it was malnourished. "Alright, we'll find you some food, but right now I got this little thing I want you to swallow it will give you some energy. Then I want you to think about yourself, alright?" He nodded what could the human, his human, mean? He swallowed the Revive Jason placed in his mouth. All I know is that I am a son to Miguel, does going into that thing make me a slave to you? "Only if you view it as such. Do you know of a name that you might have?" The Riolu thought a moment then shook his head. "You seem like a smart little man, I will let you choose a name yourself. Now you may rest, if you wish." He nodded, and then waited for his human to do whatever that needed to be done to get him back into that warmth. "Return." Jason said firmly, Riolu vanished into the red light allowing him to rest. "Let's get back to Clair; she must be worried by now."

They quickly gathered their dropped loads then rushed back to their somewhat secluded campsite and dropped the loads next to where Clair had made a ring out of rocks and scorched the surrounding ground with her tail. She scolded the two for being late, though Jason only smiled and hugged her. He told her of what they encountered and captured leaving out the fact that they also befriended another leaving the young one to rest in peace for now. Champ chuckled then stole Miguel's Ball from Jason's belt and released him from the confines. Immediately, the Scyther hissed at them then noticed his posse was now where to be found. Champ chuckled and wove a claw at him. Jason took the Ball from the Charmeleon's grasp then sighed; he looked at Miguel and shook the Ball at the bug. He hissed once again.

"Alright, enough, you are now under my control, Miguel, so get used to it. Any fighting and you will be put back into you Ball without a thought. Now, help out with making the evening's fire while I tend to the one you considered a son." Jason pulled the Riolu's Ball free and cradled it in his palm; Miguel went wide-eyed at the sight. "Join us for a while." The Riolu came out of the ball and yawned, once he saw the Scyther, he went and cowered by Jason's side. "I hate to say this, but you need to translate everything Miguel says that way I can punish, or reward him, thusly. Understood?" Riolu nodded then sat down beside Jason, the warm nap made him feel a lot better than he has had in the past. I can say that it will not be pretty. "I know." Jason rubbed Riolu's head; besides being greasy, his fur was matted as well. A closer look at him, Jason also found that he had burrs. "Looks like I need a brush." Champ grinned as he watched Miguel kick some dirt, Miguel hissed quietly to himself cursing his luck. He did as he was told though not quietly. Champ growled at the bug once when he tossed the wood into the ring instead of setting it as Clair instructed him. Jason opened his pack and quietly slipped out some bitter tasting potions used to punish miscreant Pokﾃｨmon. He waited and was rewarded as the Scyther mouthed off. "Miguel, get over here. Now!" The Scyther jolted then turned to face the boy and started to revolt but the reminder of the fire breathers on either side of him made him comply. He stood over the boy by just a few inches, and out weighed him by at least twenty pounds. He took a deep breathe through his breathing vents and waited. "This should control that mouth of yours." Jason poured some of the tonic onto a spoon that he pulled out as Miguel came to him. He shoved the spoonful into the bug's mouth and emptied it. Miguel gagged. "Foul, is it not? It is made from the nectar of Vileplume. You can either watch your mouth, or you can just take your punishments as they come. Your choice, just remember I can and will punish you for bad behavior. Sit and don't move." Sir? What is a... Vileplume? Riolu asked. Jason pulled out his Pokﾃｨdex and scrolled through the known Pokﾃｨmon and revealed the data on Vileplume then handed the device to the young Riolu. "That is known as worst smelling flower Pokﾃｨmon known, the smell itself can attract Muk from miles away. Go ahead and scroll through the long list, you might learn something that will last a lifetime." Jason stood and walked behind Miguel then placed his hands on the Scyther's shoulders. "Now, you are to stay there and not move until I say so, unless you want more of the tonic. I personally hate using the stuff, but I do have to keep you from disobeying me. I will make you cut your own whip too. Shell or not, you will feel the pain once I am through. Champ, keep an eye on our teammate; he moves... singe his rump. I shall return."

Jason dug in his pack and pulled out a collapsible shovel and a roll of toilet paper. He walked away while snapping the shovel open with a flick of his wrist. Champ chuckled to himself as he sat behind the bug. Clair worked quietly fixing the mess and trying to light the fire and keep it lit.

"Arrgh," Clair sighed and clenched her fists. "You two know how to gather green wood that is for sure." "Cry me a river, Clair, it's not like we choose what lies on the ground. What does he plan for dinner anyway?" "Don't know. Some kind of meat with vegetables. Actually sounds good tonight, I'm tired of just vegetables, though I do fear we just may have to go hunting soon just to feed all of us, though he can live off of fruits and such." "I eat meat." Miguel muttered. "We'll see, just try to keep your meat from being burned. I rather not waste my energy." Champ looked at Riolu with a querying eye. "Say, kid, how old are you?" "I think I'm at least two summers. Can this thing tell me about me?" "Sure can here," Champ took the device and pointed it Riolu and pressed a white button the monotone voice sounded. Species: Riolu. Experience Level: twelve. Health Status: Normal, malnourishment detected. Sex: Male, immature. Original TID: Nine-nine-seven-two-six-five-three. Riolu cocked his head not sure what to make of this information. "I know does not mean much. Humans rarely know the lifecycles of our kind. Though we live longer then them, we mature faster and such. I just wish my body will mature so I can call myself an adult." "You'll never be an adult, always a hatchling." Clair boasted. "Whatever... just remember you're outnumbered here, Clair, so hush." "You'll still be a hatchling." Clair chuckled then shoved her tail tip into the center of the tinder. "Just light already... gee."

Jason came back, placing the re-collapsed shovel into his pack then shoving his toilet paper in with it. Then he turned to Miguel, of which he released from his punishment, and then he went to Clair and rearranged the wood slightly and got the fire going. He pulled Clair's tail out of the fire then he went to Champ and smiled. He looked at the young Pokﾃｨmon and had a moment of thought.

"Alright, Champ, Riolu, come over with me a ways. I want to see what you know in battling." Battling? I do not think I am able. Riolu stated looking at Champ and comparing himself to the older Pokﾃｨmon. "You are. Now, Champ, go easy on him. I want you to bring the fight out of him." "Chaarmeeleon!" Champ grinned then cracked his knuckles.

He moved first, striking the younger one's muzzle with a fist. Only that he remained mindful of his trainer's instructions and held back his strength. Riolu whined and rubbed his muzzle. The Charmeleon growled, tempting his opponent to lash out. He swung his tail but struck nothing, he turned back to see why he missed. A closed, glowing paw struck him in the face. Hard. Champ reeled back and tripped. Riolu panted for a moment then glared at his opponent before he struck again in a series of quickened strikes that the Charmeleon could not block. Jason watched, learning as best as he could. Riolu stopped briefly, letting Champ rise. Out of anger, Champ spewed an Ember attack. It missed. Riolu sped under the attack and jabbed his paw into the lizard's jaw. Champ grunted then fell backwards. He tried once to raise, but decided against it and submitted. Riolu growled and nearly attacked again, if Jason had not interrupted his movements.

"That was the quickest knock out I've seen. You have pent-up anger; I want you to focus that in your battles, okay?" What happened? Riolu blinked as anger flowed from his mind and back into hiding. "You happened. Focus, my little one, and use that energy properly." I will try. Is that blood? Jason turned to Champ who sat up weakly and blew his nose. "Yes it is-" Good night. Riolu rolled his eyes back and passed out. Jason just shook his head then went to tend to his partner. "Hold still." Jason told Champ as his wiped the blood away with his hand then he looked into the Pokﾃｨmon's mouth to make sure his teeth were not injured. He smiled and rubbed the sore jaw. "You'll be fine, just a nosebleed. Now only if we had some ice... oh well, you rest up. I'll go get dinner started." Champ grinned then nodded slowly. Jason walked back and got the meal started, while he did that, Champ went and grabbed Riolu and hefted the young one back to the main site and cradled him till he stirred. That was when the soup started to smell real good and made stomachs growl.

Jason filled cups for those with paws or hands, in this case, and a bowl for Miguel. They sipped quietly and stared into the fire. It was tranquil and with everyone finally content, they relaxed. Miguel apologized to Riolu and Champ, Riolu passed it on to the human, and then moved away from the others to lay down. Jason said nothing as he let the bug do as he pleased. He shifted himself as the ground started to grow cold. He made a notion to roll out his sleeping bag while everyone else had the option of going into their Balls or sleeping on the ground. Champ, of course, opted to sleep close to his boy. Clair and Riolu took their Balls for the comfort of privacy and warmth. The night was quiet save the constant chirping of the nocturnal bug types. Everyone relaxed and slept soundly until morning. A roar out in the distance jolted everyone awake, Miguel shrugged it off as just a good weather wakeup call from a local. Though he could not begin to tell the rest who or what caused the noise, he assured them they were safe and that there will be more answering him soon. Sure enough, roars from various species rang out in different areas. The Scyther twitched as if he wanted to join, but he slumped, remaining silent. He was defeated, he was the alpha, now he considered himself a slave. He sighed as a young voice rang out nearby, the new alpha took over, and he could care less. Jason rolled his bag and attached it to the bottom of his pack and zipped its cover over it. With the other two still in their Balls, he made sure that the fire was out and covered. Champ policed the area, Miguel sulked. Once they were done, Jason went and placed his hand on the Scyther's shoulder. They started to leave, Miguel looked around the trees and quietly saying his goodbyes to the area. They moved quietly, Miguel cutting brush when needed, to the stream where they would then follow upriver towards the mountains. Jason watched the Magikarp flop around both in and out of the water, laughing every time one of the semi intelligent creatures shored themselves, if they were close, he kicked them back into the water. At least the water was shallow enough he did not have to fear a Gyarados popping up and tearing them a new backside for touching the weakest Pokﾃｨmon of all time. The sun was momentarily covered, no one took notice that a Flying type was following the group, spying quietly waiting for the moment to strike. Eyeing the Scyther, it hissed out and dove after its prey. Wings slicing through the air, moving ever so closer. Champ turned and blasted the steel type, Skarmory, in the beak with Ember. It hissed and flew off more annoyed that its prey was protected then injured. Jason shrugged and thanked Champ for his quick thinking, so did Miguel. He got a spark of hope started in him at that point, thoughts started stirring about calling his new companions friends. Then it hit him, they would be his first friends, all he ever had known was his lackeys. He pushed the thought from his mind, they could not be his friends, and they were virtually taking him from the only home he knew.

Champ spoke to the Scyther later that morning when they stopped for a rest. Miguel answered as little of the questions as possible. Jason let them be as he went to cool off in the water, not fearing as much for their safety. Finally, Champ gave up the trivial things and went personal, even for him. He straight out asked Miguel if he ever had a mate. Miguel started laughing, after a moment he wiped his eyes with the back of his scythe. He shook his head then he told him that the females usually ate their mates unless the food supply was supple. Champ went pale hearing that and silently praised whatever watched over him that he was not a Scyther. That ended all attempts for answers. Miguel was thankful, but that also meant that Jason had them moving again, this time, paying attention to the skies. Miguel paused after a couple hours of more walking when he noticed the trees were thinning. He had never seen anything but forestland in his life, Jason urged him on. There was grass as tall as him in places. Trees grew strong but separated, he could not believe his eyes. Champ chuckled, but he was the same, the most open space he had ever seen was in the cities; the humans cleared away for their own kind to live. Both of them gazed at the herd Pokﾃｨmon as they grazed. Champ was reminded to watch his tail as they moved through the grass, the field seemed to go all the way to the distant mountain. Both Pokﾃｨmon moaned as they walked realizing it would take at least two days to make it across and find cover from the elements. Jason did not care much as he had a compact, one man tent stored with his sleeping bag, the convenience of technology did nothing for him like the good ole 'primitive' things like what he had with him. Jason asked Riolu and Clair to come and join them, the sudden 'pop' of the Balls stirred the grazers but not enough to start a stampede. They watched attentively as the group moved. Riolu asked questions, Jason did not mind, it was distracting enough to keep himself out of trouble. Miguel envisioned himself stalking the grazers of mottled species and causing a stampede of massive power. He cackled then stopped abruptly when he realized the others stared him down.

"Don't make me remove my belt, it's falling apart as it is." Miguel shrugged and pushed passed everyone. "I don't want those Pokﾃｨmon stirred up, you hear me?" "Scy ther." Miguel sarcastically saluted with his scythe but kept walking. "Oh boy, this is going to be rough." He picked up Riolu and sat him on his shoulders. "Let's catch up. I rather have him as close to us as possible."

They walked quietly for a few more hours until the sunlight was barely visible, they did not try for a fire, but they used the Charmeleon's tails for the light and cook fire. It went slow, but that was better than having trouble stirred up. They ate dehydrated meat then grouped together for warmth before they slept. Riolu had trouble falling asleep, so he stared at the stars wondering about where he originally came from. Miguel refused to even look at him, so he did not know what else he could do but dream about his parents. He eventually faded into slumber, but with a hopeful smile.

"You wretched whelp! Can't you do anything right?" A tall black Charizard shouted down. "I'm sorry, father! I didn't mean to-" Clair was backclawed hard enough to send her to the ground. "This is the last time you disgrace this Clan, get out!" "Father!" "Now!"

Clair gasped loudly as she woke, she looked around frantically searching for her nightmare of a father. She hated to admit it, but she knew the place they were searching for and they were heading right for it. She played the innocent, little girl and it was catching up. She cried silently as she wondered what her father would do to her if he saw her again. She finally evolved, but to be without guidance, she would not learn the ethics nor the culture of the Clan. She had to deter her boy's path, but she could not figure out how. She bit her lip and tried to quell her tears. She rose and started to pace, then she noted that her movements might wake someone. She started to move away from the others so she could let her tears flow freely, she did not realize she already had waken up Champ. He followed her a few paces back with his tail dimmed and low. She climbed a rock and sat above the field of grass and sleeping Pokﾃｨmon. There she wept quietly not knowing she had an audience.

After a moment of careful observation, Champ crept up on her. "You remember your life before us, don't you." She jumped then looked behind her and saw the dimly lit tail. "Yes, we can't go there. My father would kill me for sure, I hate to think what he'll do to you all." She wiped her muzzle before turning back around. Champ climbed up beside her and pulled her over to let her cry on his shoulder. "Don't worry about it. Before long, you will be fully mature and will be able to fly circles around that old tailvent of a father." "You don't understand, he's the Alpha. If I was a male, I would be next in line. But as his first raised, I'm a failure in his eyes. You'd think being a female I'd be considered a blessing. No! The males get mated first the females don't get a choice with that, we get to be nesters... no choice on who gets to rape us. I want it to be different. I want a choice! Is that hard to ask for? I just want a life I can call my own, and not be like my mother. I don't want to be there stuck on a nest the rest of my life." She broke out into full sobs and just pulled Champ close. He just let her. "I want someone who actually cares for me for, who I am... not what I am!" Taking a break to sob and breathe Champ spoke up. "You do have someone who cares, two at least. Jason cares for all four of us as though we are his young, I care for you. Even if I have not shown it, I do. I would not let anyone harm you without taking me down first. I will fight with my life. That I promise! I shall not let anyone harm you outside of your own training." She sniffed and rubbed her cheek on him then wrapped her arms around him. He smiled and twisted his tail around her and held her.

Jason smiled and went back to camp, proud of his partner. He did not need Riolu to translate to know that Champ had sworn himself to her. He would keep it quiet until they were ready to tell the others themselves. He went back to sleep nestled against his own nest full of young friends he claimed to his care. The two came back claw in claw for support and laid down beside their trainer. Tail fires joined for added warmth and comfort between the two. Morning came too soon for the group. They refused to stir until the sunlight hit them directly and quickly heated up their sleepy forms. Clair sniffled as the remnants of her good cry held fast, Champ smiled at her and went on with his normal self. Riolu, himself, was rather somber as he helped clean up the remains of dinner. Jason just watched his family as he refolded and zipped up his bag then got it to fit back into his pack. In the distance, the morning roars of the forest came alive. Miguel drooped as he heard it but he kept quiet. The mooing of a Miltank and Toros brought forth their attentions, the herd had ventured close last night to investigate, and now that the group was moving again, the herd seemed to urge them on by stomping the ground or bellowing out. Miguel muttered something that made Riolu revolt against him. He was not alone with that, Champ and Clair both voiced themselves. Jason had to ask what was going on.

"He wants to slaughter a young one for our meat. "I don't think so, besides, they would be to gamey. Now, let's go. According to my map we are nearly two-thirds of the way to Fluaton, home of the flaming rock. I've always wanted to see that ever burning stone." He calculated the distance last night before the light completely vanished.

They walked without a hitch that day making it across the field stopping for the evening at the edge of the tree line to observe the open sky and let loose what was needed. Clair remained silent about her outbreak but seemed to keep Champ in sight at all times. Riolu started to ask more questions, questions that he directed more towards Miguel than Jason. Miguel sighed and began to tell him...

"Back in my younger days, I was traveling much like we are now, trying to find my place. I wanted to live rather than find a mate and die to support my young. I mistakenly got onto the human roads, but as I tried to move back into the cover of the blessed trees, I saw an egg. Little did I know then, but that led me to the path on finding a dominant spot on the chain of life. I quickly ran with the egg, holding close to my chest. I knew I could not warm it, but if I found a submissive Pokﾃｨmon, I knew I could convince the warmer ones to keep the egg alive. I fought my way into the deep woods, until I found what was my Clan, our Clan. I asked them if they would warm the egg for me. They wanted to crack it open and eat it. I fought back, in the process, I decimated their alpha and gained their submissive loyalty. I would command them to my own will, driving the Clan closer to the edge of the woods, hoping to drive humans away. "Then the egg hatched, you, from the beginning I realized that you would latch onto any kindness and use that as a form to evolve, I had to keep you submissive and under my scythe. Anything to stay on top, it worked, letting you learn from the humans so you could translate for me to warn off the humans. It worked for the longest of time... until... well, until Jason came by and defied my will. I did not realize my own weakness until Champ used it on me. Making me realize, I still have a ways to go if I want to dominate my life. "I've always thought of you, little one, as my own young. Even if I would not show it. I cared, but my life came first. Could you ever forgive a fool like me for trying to enslave you? It was never something I truly wished, it just... happened and I did not stop it." Miguel sighed feeling a little lighter after talking about his past to the one he was forced to dominate knowing that the Riolu could dominate him one day. "I could. Yes. But will I?" Riolu turned his back on the Scyther. "I might someday, you have a lot to make up for." "I know, just hearing that from you, gives me hope to change what I've become. I realize that after thinking, a lot of thinking. I have become an evil pain in the carapace. I doubt my own mother would like what I have done, especially to the ones that followed me without a thought on the orders I gave them. At times, to my own entertainment." "You're still just a mean bug though," Champ spoke up after listening to the story. "I will still watch you and burn your wings off if you ever try something foul." "I can accept that. I do wish to change, even if it means being beat. A new life, one that is a complete turnaround, is what I need. I don't know if I can call all of you friends yet, but I certainly want to make it to that point, this is the closet I've had to having a family." "Trying is what makes that start." Clair said quietly. "Even I will try harder to make that happen for myself." "We will all try harder, we were brought here for a reason, let's just figure out how to survive first, then we will live second." Champ looked over his shoulder at Jason who wrote in a journal about the few days. "It's about time we go to sleep, he's nearly done with his writing. I will take first watch."

The group agreed and went about to get comfortable. All the while, Jason wrote about the changes he has seen in his growing family. He nodded to Champ then put his journal up before laying down himself, things were changing now only if he could learn the language of his own Pokﾃｨmon. He could dream, he could imagine what the world would be like if he could speak with them without the need for Riolu. He liked the little guy, sure, but he also felt like he wanted to be more like them so he could really be a part of the family he governed. He smiled as his thoughts went on and fell asleep waiting for the next day...

Chp 3

Jason, Champ and Miguel strolled into the town of Fluaton. The Scyther's attitude had changed dramatically since capture. The two free walking Pokﾃｨmon looked around and talked amongst themselves as their Trainer led them to a PokﾃｨCenter. There, Jason recalled Miguel into his Pokﾃｨball and handed Nurse Joy the three Balls containing the other Charmeleon and a Riolu, Champ looked over the counter with a smile. The nurse smiled back then asked Jason if he would like to have his free walking Pokﾃｨmon checked as well. Jason nodded, and took Champ's Ball and recalled him. The male growled, hating the device, but he had to be in there for the Nurse to safely examine with the computers. The computer buzzed as it went over the Riolu and Champ. Stating the Riolu's malnourishment, which Jason explained quickly, then it stated that Champ had the beginning stages of a chest cold. Jason sighed, a cold could mean that they would be stuck in town for a while. At least the treatments were free. He pulled out his Trainer's Card that had his international identification and scanned it through the infrared device, the counter computer pinged as he own status opened from the legal records and cleared his treatment processes. Nurse Joy thanked him then asked if she could keep the two for treatment. He moaned and agreed. Without Champ, it would be boring, being that he was the boy's first Pokﾃｨmon and partner. He took back Clair and Miguel then asked for a room. Nurse Joy pointed out a room on her monitor to him then went on to treating the two Pokﾃｨmon, her companion, a Chansey, escorted Jason to his room. He thanked the female then went in and shed his pack and belt. He slumped on the bed and stared at the plain ceiling, he grumbled as the distinctive pop of a Pokﾃｨball sounded from his belt. Clair joined him on the bed and hugged him. He looked at her with care as she embraced him and dared not to let go.

"Another bad dream?" He asked. She nodded then squeezed him tighter. "Just remember, they are just dreams. They can't hurt you." "Chaaar." "Get some sleep, after our nap, we'll head out and walk the town." She sighed and shut her eyes.

An hour later, Chansey waddled into the room and placed Riolu's Ball on the basic writing desk in Jason's temporary room. She left quietly. The door closed via sensor, letting Riolu know that he was now free from the Nurse's care. He popped open his Ball and quietly looked around, he spotted his Trainer and Clair asleep on the bed. He cocked his head as he pondered on various things about her. He longed to find a place to belong, he realized that now. But seeing the Scyther as his surrogate father, that made no sense to him anymore. He needed something, he just could not see what that something was. He released Miguel from his Ball and waited for the bug to come to.

"I think I need answers, but I do not have the questions." He asked quietly in the tongue of his kind to keep the humans from knowing their conversation. "Then I do not know what to give, if that is what you seek. I am sorry for the way I treated you, truly. But to find what you seek, I believe you must follow your heart. I've accepted my path, finally, have you?" Miguel spoke quietly as he turned to look out onto the streets viewing in the tiny window. Riolu did not answer. "I may not be old and wise, but to answer things that even you do not know where to begin is not my expertise. Speak to the Nurse, see if there is a wise elder for you to question while we are here." He heard the young one sigh and open the door. "I suggest you make sure they let our boy know where you are." "I will..." Riolu wandered into the halls and found Nurse Joy sitting in front of the main examination computer, he figured Champ was off in another room being stuck taking pills and getting a couple needles shoved into his backside. He quietly walked up to the Nurse and hesitated. He fought his own nerves as he watched her do her computer work. Excuse me, Nurse? "Yes," She said not looking up, she put on her average smile though. Can you help me? I'm wandering if there is an elderly Trainer and their Pokﾃｨmon I could question for their wisdom. Nurse Joy finally looked towards the voice and flared her nostrils trying to stay professional. "You should be with your Trainer and resting. But let me see, you will need your Trainer's permission in any event to be away from him." She went to typing away at her console and in a few moments, her query came up. "Yes, there is a couple that would suit you. You bring back proof that you have the permission to be visiting someone then I will call them and see if they are willing to have visitors." Thank you, Nurse, I will get what I need. Riolu went back to his room and went to Jason's side and prodded him. Jason stirred and smiled as he woke to see his youngest Pokﾃｨmon staring at him. He quickly told his boy what he wanted to do and that he needed proof. He slid from Clair's grasp and went to his get his belt. He then returned Clair and the silent Miguel to their Balls and followed Riolu back to the Nurse's station. I'm back, Ma'am. Riolu chuckled then saw her as a little annoyed with him. "Do you allow your Pokﾃｨmon to visit the elder Trainer and his Pokﾃｨmon?" "I shall be with him, so yes I do. Who is this couple anyway?" "The Trainer is a wise man, Dave, along with his partner, Sasha. Give me a moment and I'll see if they are willing to talk to you." Nurse Joy picked up her work VidComm receiver and got a hold of the Trainer, she talked to him a moment quietly then thanked him. She then printed something out and checked it. "Directions to his house, and your Charmeleon should be cleared to leave by tonight. It was a little worse than I originally thought, but all is well."

Jason thanked her then followed his directions through town and made it to a rather expensive looking house and a decent yard for town life. Jason thought it might have been one of the founding homes. He went up and knocked on the door then waited. The door flew open and a graying Lucario smiled at them. It greeted them with an elderly feminine voice. They went inside and met Dave, then the humans started talking and split a pitcher of iced tea.

"So, little one, why did you want to visit a couple of run down old timers?" Sasha chuckled as she watched her old Trainer become so lively with the visitor. "I really do not know, I feel like I am missing something in my life. I was raised by a Scyther and kept as though he hated me. I do not hate him for it, but... I just want more." "A Scyther, you say? Hmm well, did your Trainer catch him too?" "Yes, he did." "Excuse me for a moment," Sasha went over to the trainers and kept her thoughts away from Riolu.

Miguel appeared a moment later those two began to talk. Sasha quickly hugged the Scyther after confirming his identity then rushed to a different room. She returned with a small box and opened it for him then she handed it to Jason for keeping. She then moved with a new bounce back to the young Pokﾃｨmon. Without a word she bent down and hugged him then told him to follow her. He did, they went into a dark room of which, Sasha claimed it as her own. She flicked on the lights and there on her desk sat a photo of a younger self and another Lucario. In her arms rested an egg. That Riolu did not notice, but the wall held his attention, a newspaper was tacked and the headline picture beheld a Scyther stealing an egg resting beside a bench on top of a pack. Riolu looked at his elder in a confused manner.

"This may be strange to most, but three years ago I had an offspring. I knew I could not take care of the young one in my age nor could Dave, I set the egg on my pack every day and let it sit in the sun. I was never far away, I watched the young Scyther whisk you away. At first I could not bare it, then Dave told me it was for the best and that the one who took you would keep you alive easier than what we could. I had to see if it was the same Scyther who took you that day, foul intentions or not, fate brought my baby back to me. I got something for you from your actual father, he was a true fighter. Won fourteen tournaments before his heart gave out on him. I still miss him." She opened a drawer and pulled out a box and handed it to Riolu, he opened it slowly and gawked at the pair of fighting gloves and some other equipment. "They are yours now, he wanted you to have them." Riolu's tiny ears folded back, he felt odd as he looked at them as though he had held them before. "What was his name?" "Adrian was his actual name, his fighting name was the Rocking Fist. I so wish you could have met him. Has your trainer given you a name?" "No, he told me to chose it, I willingly took the Ball after Miguel was taken. It felt right." "Good for you, you will make a fine father and partner. Choices are what makes us whole. I can see you want more, it's in your eyes. You want to learn about our kind. Stay close to your human, he will guide you better than I ever could have, his friendship with you will empower you, some say that is how we take on our second form. I say it is the Trainer's love that makes us grow. If you want to know where we came from exactly, it was this house. My great grand mother was raised here and kept the family here, where she came from, I do not know." "I guess on my journey with Jason, I will have to learn all I can to know where we come from." "Look to your dreams, my son, they will guide you. Come, let's get something to eat."

Riolu followed the female quietly, he was hungry and he knew that Jason had very little currency. Would it be wrong for him to ask if the others could join them? He could not make up his mind and just dropped the question all together once he was given a luncheon meat sandwich with tomatoes and lettuce with cheese on Rye. He ate quietly, the taste of the bread was more than he could take, but stayed courteous about it. Once done, he thanked Sasha then they returned to the Trainers and sat with them.

"I'm telling ya, make the youngen's evolution remember-able, take 'im to Mount Goskina and train 'im up there, be sure you're on top of the rock itself. You will see the entire continent there." Davy, let the boy decide that on his own. They can't be like us. "Quite all right, Sasha, in fact I would rather have your opinion for your son." If that is the case, I would have him change at his father's grave, on Blooming Hill at the peak looking over the river just south of the Grave Tower, he trained there every week. He would walk there weighted down then he fought his own shadow and Aura there. I would like to at least visit him, sir. Riolu said quietly. And I have chosen my name finally, Adrian, after my father. "Sure, I'll correct the official logs when we get back to the Center. Then we will make our way to him." Thank you. "You're welcome, Adrian, just be good and keep your manners in check." I will. Adrian reached up and hugged his Trainer. Dave, think we could make a trip as well? Our old bones could use trip, besides, all that walking for them might wear them out and make them forget where they are heading. She gave a wink towards Jason, he played along. "It might do both of you some good to see us train, too, never know what rarities you might see on our way." "Bah, usin' the sad sap story on me. Gets me every time. Fine, pack us a few meals, then we'll go back to the Center to get you checked before we go and so he can pick up his things." Sasha kissed his forehead then went to go fix a few easy meals to place in a basket. "I swear she is more like a wife than any woman would be. Well. Come on, time's a wastin'." "We're coming. Adrian, see if your mother needs help with anything before you join us." Okay. Adrian ran off towards the kitchen and helped out.

The Trainers went through the house and into a garage that held a jeep, the men got into it and waited for the other two to join them. At this time of privacy, Jason asked Dave if he had any other Pokﾃｨmon that he raised. The elder chuckled and answered negatively his last Pokﾃｨmon died of a heart attack which turned out to be Adrian's father. Jason slumped, he hoped to learn more of this Trainer and his ways. The awkward silence broke with laughter as Sasha nudged the Riolu through the door as he struggled with a basket twice his size. She spoke in her natural tongue as he talked back. Jason refused to ask what they talked about but it seemed Dave understood well enough to laugh with his partner.

"You'll learn the speech the longer you are with Adrian, it took me ten years of being tutored by her to learn. I may not be able to speak it, but I know it. Come on, youngen, use yer hips. Not yer back!" Dave shouted out as a true fighting Trainer. "Sorry, old habit, his father did the same stunts." "It's all right, I just barely listen to that rule myself. Guess I could use some training myself."

Dave chuckled as he watched Sasha take the basket and put it back before picking up her son and lifting him in. She got in herself in a solid jump then latched herself and Adrian in before patting the driver's seat. Dave rose his thumb then turned the key, after that, he hit the garage door opener and waited for the space to drive out. Before fully leaving the garage, he hit the button again to shut it. Within five minutes, they parked in front of the Center and went in. Joy greeted them, then took Sasha for her exam, as Dave asked. Jason went to his rented room and gathered his belongings then waited at the main counter with the key in hand. Joy soon returned with Sasha's clean bill of health and Champ not far behind. He rushed Jason and tackled him, Jason gasped as he rubbed the Charmeleon's back and greeted him. The Pokﾃｨmon muttered something and Sasha translated.

He thought you abandoned him here. "I kinda got that through the Tackle. I'd never do that to any of you guys. Get up, I can't breathe." "Chaaaar." Hey, Flame Tail, your human said get up! Don't back talk! Sasha's paws started to glow bluish purple with her Aura powers. Champ glanced over his shoulder and immediately rolled off and stood. He refused to fight an elder that knew how to fight any type... and win. "Meleon." Better. Do you got everything, Jason? "Yes, Ma'am, I do." He said instinctively as he heard the motherly voice. "Champ, you're a worrywart. Your first time away from me and you do this? What would happen if mother requested your visit, hmm?" Champ remained silent, he reached for his ball and retreated into it. "That's what I thought. Right, thanks for the treatments, Joy."

They went out and got back into the vehicle. Jason went silent as the old man did, listening only to the two Pokﾃｨmon in the back seat talk amongst themselves without worry of the humans. They stopped at nightfall at a rest stop to eat and use the restroom. Jason let his crew out so they could do the same. After that, they all gathered for sandwiches and tea then everyone but Champ and Adrian went into their balls. Champ argued with Jason about taking the front seat, making Sasha and Adrian laugh at the body language they threw at each other. Jason finally gave in and let him have it while he sat the young Riolu on his lap in the back and strapped each other in. Sasha looked him over now that she got the chance, judging him by both Aura and appearance. Over all, she liked what she saw. A strong, sturdy boy that will grow into a fine man given the chance. His future lay in a single path at which he sought wholeheartedly. She was not psychic, but for her kind, she did see things bluntly where others only saw the surface. He was a father to his growing family and he truly did not want to bite off more than he could chew without help. She needed to give him a push towards the one that could help him. Finding that 'One' would be difficult, she needed to meditate on it. Dave pulled over and woke Sasha up from her sleep, he quietly asked her to finish driving through the night. She obliged him and took over, she rarely drove any more, but this was a time it was needed for him. Too much excitement could leave her without a Trainer. She sighed once they were moving again and drove on until daylight. She did not stop until other drivers started to appear on the road. Though most taller Pokﾃｨmon could learn to drive, most humans felt it unsafe with them driving and would call the authorities to get the Pokﾃｨmon off the roads. She hated the prejudice, even if she did have her license, it still bugged her that people were so crude. Either way, she knew Dave could drive the next four hours while she slept.

So he did after a protest or two. They were nearly there when they were stopped by a blocked road, a pair of rutting Stantler fought. Jason mentioned that he could go and fight them but Sasha told him no. He questioned her then realized that off the side of the road stood the watching harem of does and a few fawns. He watched as the bucks fought, then one went down. Defeated by all means, the victor snorted then went to check his prize. Sasha then jumped out of the jeep and causally went to the loser and picked up his body and started to move him aside, Jason tossed a ball and caught the male. Sasha growled at him, he ignored her as he let the buck out beside the jeep then applied a healing salve to him then forced a revive into his mouth. Within moments, he gasped and returned to the world of the living. Adrian whined and covered his ears as the buck cursed himself and the world then Jason for a foul capture. Jason explained that he was not going to let him die there beside the road were some ignorant driver would purposely swerve to finish him off. This made the buck go silent and wide eyed, he sighed and glanced over to the leaving herd and whined himself. Jason told him not to worry, and that he would return one day stronger then ever and take back the fallen honor. Jason then called him Stan and asked him to return to his Pokﾃｨball to rest. Dave moved on again picking up the missed time thanks to no traffic. There they parked and got out stretching from the full day's ride. Jason released everyone but Stan and let them relax in the open air. Champ and Clair went off to sit under the trees while watching everyone else. They still had things to work out between themselves. Miguel just sprawled out on the grass taking in the sun. Jason sat and watched them from a top the hill while Sasha and Dave took Adrian to his father's grave. They soon returned quietly with a new light in Sasha and Dave. She stood between her son and her Trainer.

Son, I want to do something our family has passed down for generations. If you can defeat me in battle, you will have my blessing for what ever you choose in life from here on out. Adrian went wide-eyed then glanced to Dave and Jason alike. Dave nodded, Jason shrugged, Adrian sighed. I accept the challenge, on one exception: Trainerless. This took back all three of them. If it's a battle, then I would like a true battle. Very well. I shall take your request. En garde!

The Trainers backed away, Jason whistled and motioned the others to join them. The fight was underway. Sasha growled then swung low with a fist. Adrian dodged and came back with a sweeping kick to her knees. She fell, he went in for the strike to the stomach, she vanished with her Extreme Speed technique. He growled and focused on his surroundings then vanished himself. An explosion of wind came up the hill as the two struck each other. They vanished again and appeared back up top with a similar strike. Sasha smiled, she had the experience of her years, but Adrian had the experience of being a 'slave' for an arrogant Scyther. He pulled on his feelings and took hold of them forcing out a Frustration attack, it struck. She slid back and gasped as the blunt force hit her stomach. She retorted with a Low Kick then backed it up with an uppercut, both missed. Adrian slid down the hill allowing a silhouette of himself fade. She looked at the use of Double Team oddly but that was a mistake, he struck from behind. Full force Tackle, copied from Champ, she flew headfirst into a tree twenty yards away. She slowly pushed her arms under her and turned over, blood started to drip from her nose. She then admitted defeat as blackness took over. The young Riolu cheered briefly, then went to raid his Trainer's pack for one of the Revive pills and rushed to give it to his mother. Coughing, she rose and wiped the blood from her snout. She congratulated him then slowly sat up. She chuckled then hugged the boy as he began to look at her head for any wounds.

"That was the first time I ever lost to a younger fighter. I'm proud to have you as my son. Your father would be proud too." "Thanks, come on, let's see if either of them brought some extra potions." "I'll do well enough with what you gave me, I may be old, but I know how to survive. Come, we need to head to the gravesite, I sense the change is coming." Adrian cocked his head but followed, the fellows followed as well, silenced by the sheer fact that the young Riolu knew enough of fighting to actually beat a high experience level Pokﾃｨmon like his mother. And according to Jason's Pokﾃｨdex, he should only be level thirteen now. On top of grave, Adrian stood listening to his mother. "Good, concentrate your Aura let the energy around you flow into your natural strength. Take it! Pull that energy into your heart!" Adrian began to glow, a brilliant white, his shape grew and changed. A sharp gasp from him was all that sounded. The sun engulfed his form from behind as it began to set lightening the moment with romantic ease. The evolutionary glow ceased, leaving behind a very skinny Lucario he looked over himself and chuckled, his voice now deep and masculine sounding. His friends cheered, his mother wiped her eyes seeing a reflection of her mate standing before her. Jason, do me and my mate a favor. Teach him how to read and write, something his father could never grasp. It will do him good to be able to write his life down so he can pass it on to his children. Please. "I will do my best. I promise you that. How about dinner? I'm sure you two would like to start heading home soon as it is." "Not a bad idea, yer young mind has grown beyond yer years." Dave nudged him then made his way to the jeep. Champ rushed down to help not wanting to get yelled at by Sasha again. Jason waited on the others, he held back Adrian, though, to speak with him. Sasha nodded then went ahead of them leaving the two alone. Jason turned his back towards the others and looked at the sunset. "I have never taken the time to appreciate the sunset before, a sign that I made it through another day of life. I guess this is what it is like to be a parent. Any way, you will now have more on your plate of life. I will teach you more than just things about fighting others. From here on out, you will have work to do. As soon as we get to the closest town, I am going to get supplies to teach you how to read and write. I'm going to teach Champ and Clair as well. It might seem odd, but your mother requested that I teach you. It will be nice to work on after a hard day's training." "I do not know what to say, sir, I will try not to disappoint either of you." "The day you do disappoint me will be a very sad day."

Jason nudged Adrian down to the others, it seemed odd to him to see him at shoulder height, but that was being a Trainer was about. He frowned at the thought that any of his little family could disappoint him. But with the evolution here, he had to think of something to celebrate it, he looked at his Pokﾃｨtch and pulled up the calendar, October 13, he had to double check the date. He did not realize that it had been that long since starting, five more months and it would be a year since leaving home. That meant he also forgot about his own birthday, he sighed and pushed it aside. He didn't feel like celebrating that anyway. So what if he had turned into a teen, he felt mature enough to ignore it when needed. He turned it to his phone app then dialed his mother.

"Hello, mom?" "HONEY! Ah, so glad you called, your father came home and brought you a gift are you near a Center yet?" "It might be sometime tomorrow. I've been visiting people and places that are related to my Pokﾃｨmon. Who knew one of my Pokﾃｨmon was actually related to the founders of Fluaton." "You have a Riolu? I have to see this." "Well, I don't have a Riolu anymore... he's kinda grew up today on me. Thanks to his mother." "Amazing, hope it was rememberable, did you celebrate your birthday?" "Didn't even realize it had passed to be honest, that was one of the reasons I called. Here I had hoped to be near a Vidtrans at a Center for that day and I missed it." "It's alright, dear, just call when you get to one and I'll send your present your way then. I'll talk to you later." "Sure, love you." He hung up and joined the others. He looked over his team in the dying light, with a smile, he sat, gladly, to a sandwich. Sasha was a grand sandwich maker, he wandered what other things she has learned to do over the years of her life. "Thanks for the meal and the trip. I know I had fun learning about how these two fight." "I am glad, you are one fine Trainer to have raised fine specimens of the Char family, many cannot handle more than one at a time."

They ate, laughed, told stories, then parted ways. Sasha hugged her boy then jumped into the jeep with her Trainer. They drove off into the darkening roadways leaving the young family behind to fend for themselves. Adrian sighed and plopped onto the ground on his back. Not caring that the dew had slowly started to gather, he wiggled to get comfortable. He glanced at his boy and noticed that he looked just as relieved as he did. He looked into Jason's aura and noticed a small amount of sadness there along with a bit of anger. He sat up and stared deeper into Jason's personal power and tried to see his true self. He cocked an ear back as Champ crept closer and went to hug Jason, the fire tail mirrored the human's aura. He looked at the others, they were not effected as the male was.

You two match each other, Aura mood wise. Is there something that you are beating yourself up for? "Yeah, I missed talking to my mother on my birthday, at the time we were coming into Miguel's old territory." I'm sorry, sir. Is there anything I can do to help both of you cheer up? "Maybe... is it possible to cover up despair with some other feeling with your abilities?" I do not know, without knowing what might happen and without proper help, I do not wish to try to do that. "I understand. Champ, Adrian, set up camp for the night. I'm going to get the fire going strong again." Jason walked away from them and went to the thin tree line and picked up limbs and other tinder.

The two males went to work silently using the light from Champ's tail to see. They were nearly done when Clair came over and offered them some jerky and a canteen. Miguel sat by the now crackling fire beside Jason, both staring into the flames. The team surrounded the fire and passed around the canteen and bag of jerky, knowing that once again, they were on their own. Jason looked up at the hill by chance and saw a Lucario stare back at him. He prodded Adrian and told him to look back, but by the time he did, the Lucario vanished in a small dirt cloud. Jason swore he had heard a voice telling to take care of his family then. He shrugged it off then went into the tent, Clair stood and ushered everyone else off toward the tent, it was her turn for watch, she would tend to the fire as needed. The night was silent, the wind had a slight chill, the fire crackled its song. The night was bliss for one female that held her secrets to herself, someday she knew she would have to talk to the Lucario and Trainer. But until then, she held herself as her own master and would keep everything bottled in, they were off track finding the Clan of her own birth. That was all that mattered to her now. She did not want to know what became of the one she claimed mother, the males most likely have killed her by now. Clair was in a better situation, she knew that, but why did she feel like she was alone? She had one of her own kind with her, a loving human to watch over her, and friends that were growing closer by the day. She sighed as the light dimmed the wood finally giving up and turning to ash, that at least, remained the constant in the world. Fires always die quietly. That is what she feared of becoming, a dying fire going out without a sound. She looked around now that the light was to a point of succumbing to the darkness of night, nothing stirred. It was as though the nocturnal avoided this hill for a reason, she felt a paw on her shoulder. She felt calm and relaxed with it.

"Do not worry, I will watch over my son and his family. You may see me from time to time, but until he finds what he needs to, I cannot rest in peace. I will guide the family when lost. You may go rest for the new day nears." Clair looked up at a tall, handsomely strong Lucario as he smiled upon her before vanishing in the wind. Unlike the ghost Pokﾃｨmon she was used to, this did not bring fear with it. She nodded then went into the tent and retreated into her waiting Pokﾃｨball. This 'new day' seemed like it was starting great so far, she wondered what would happen to them now...

Chp 4

Four weeks of walking after the young Riolu evolved, Jason and his team had gone through two towns and two-thirds of the way to his fifth town. Little did they know that they would change the way two runaways would think of their lives.

"Get back here!" Yelled a human with a large kitchen knife chasing after his prey. "Screw you!" Screamed a voice from the shadows to deter the man, it did not work.

An Espeon and an Umbreon rushed through the dark underbrush of nearby house bushes, the Umbreon forcing the shadows to act as portals for the twins. Sisters that finally broke free of an abusive trainer and fighting their way out of the city. The psychic sister mirrored their images in twenty different places; the human would not be deterred. They were growing worried, the previous whipping on the Umbreon was starting to break open again and bleed. Umbreon pulled a massive stunt; she pulled her sister into a random shadow. They came out beside the road behind a sheltered boulder. The stunt used too much energy and Umbreon collapsed. The Espeon barely realized this and just caught her with a psychic grip. The wound was starting to mat the dark one's fur; the scent of blood would surely bring scavengers or predators, or worse... humans. Espeon nuzzled her sister then went out to forage for berries, she marked her trail with a small amount of urine at various places, though it was a place hidden from the road, she never was away from this human's den long enough to learn anything. She returned with a large clutch of various berries in her grip. She did not know what they did but they had to do something for her dark sister. Umbreon sniffed at the first berry as her sister pushed it to her muzzle. She pulled it into her mouth with her tongue and cringed as the sour juice filled her senses. She felt warm. The psychic pushed a different berry to her; all she could tell was that it smelled sweet. She ate it and felt somewhat restored. Enough to sit up and nuzzle her sister. Espeon grinned then licked her sister; she nudged her sister down so she could rest. Umbreon moaned as sore muscles worked to relax and she closed her eyes.

"Poor sissy, at least we escaped. But for how long can we escape death on our own that is the question."

---

I smell blood, sir. Adrian said quietly as he adjusted the straps on his own pack, he carried his inheritance on him. "I do too, but faintly. Try to find the aura of the wounded being. We should help if we can." Jason said as he toyed with his birthday present again, a small metal puzzle that wound around itself that he had to straighten without using any tools. Give me a moment. Adrian shut his eyes and focused. He gasped as he saw the wounded one. Looks like an Umbreon, scarred and abused same goes for the Espeon that is watching over it. Sir, may I suggest that I take a few berry salves to them? I do not think that they will be receptive to you. "Sure, I could use a rest before we head into town. Go ahead." Jason shoved the toy into his pocket then growled as it finally straightened out to the three pieces. With a sigh, he dug out the Oran salves along with a Super Potion spray. He handed both over then sat beside the road and watched the Lucario rush off to a boulder.

Adrian peeked around the corner and dropped his telepathic speech for the natural tongue of his kind. He asked if he could come closer. A hiss responded, the Espeon, he sighed and then mentioned he had healing items. No response came; he took that as an invitation. He walked around the rock to show himself and the items. "I am traveling with my companion. May I help you two?" "I can see you for what you are, a slave. Free yourself before it is too late." "He has never harmed me. In fact, he asked me to help. Please let me, he even has food that we can share." He opened his mind, an invitation of sorts to the psychic. He learned that from a Psychic Trainer at Husburg, the third town they passed through which should have been called a village. She did not see the invitation as such. "What are you? A killer? Or someone to take us back to the human that shoves things into us and beats us?" Adrian gasped, "Oh Arceus..." He blinked, stunned by what he imagined. "Alright, I can help; I will go to the humans that punish the humans who do such things. Are there any others that are in the human's control?" "Not that I know of." "You tell the truth, your Aura is strong unlike your body. Please, join me and my human. I will make sure we stop this human from hurting you further." "NO" "Sister, I smell no shadow on him, he is pure of heart. Young and innocent, he is strong. Besides, I sense we can use his body." At that, Adrian grew a confused look. "Look, you can either run and hide the rest of your lives, or you can come and fight for your freedom the right way and get a better life." Espeon growled while she thought it over, "Fine, but anything happens to my sister, I will not hold back my rage." The Lucario nodded then crept closer and rubbed the salve over the wound, it healed shut then he sprayed the potion onto the wound. Fur started growing back, but it was stunted and scarred like the rest of her back. He grinned sheepishly as the Umbreon turned and licked his muzzle. He picked up the Umbreon and looked down at the Espeon as she gave him a very angry look. "Until she gets properly healed, I do not see it fit for her to walk. If I could carry you as well, I would. Come on, he is waiting."

A gunshot sounded, Adrian nearly dropped the Umbreon. He rushed out and saw a man running from the town shooting into random bushes shouting for the two he was with. He shot his tail in front of the Espeon then nodded towards the human. He was stopped by Jason and was asked to stop with the noise. The man aimed the gun at him, Champ popped out of Pokﾃｨball and used his tail to sweep the man's feet from under him. Jason phoned the local officer's branch. While Champ busied himself keeping the man from shooting him or Jason, Officer Jenny came rushing out in her jeep with two Growlithe and an Arcanine in the back seat. The Arcanine jumped out as soon as it saw the man down and rushed to help the Charmeleon. Adrian rushed then to meet up with Jenny and Jason as they talked at the slowing Jeep. He let Espeon near the downed human; she clawed his face then swatted the gun free with a psychic blow. She turned it towards the man and hesitated. She looked back at her sister as the Lucario handed her to Jason. She dropped the weapon.

Don't touch her! She shouted telepathically. "Easy, dear, is this your Trainer?" She nodded with distaste. "Not anymore. Come here." Jenny pulled out two blue and white balls and tapped one on Umbreon's head. She then tapped the other on Espeon though she resisted, there was no escaping the Repossession Ball. "Young Trainer, call back your Pokﾃｨmon and take these two to the Center and have Joy look at them. I will fill out a report, once that is over I want to talk to you." "Sure. Champ, come on. Thanks, Adrian, you did well." Sir, I promised them I would not let harm come to them. I request possession of the balls until they are released to a good Trainer. Jason looked to Jenny she nodded then pulled her handcuffs free of her belt and went to the man and freed him of the Arcanine's grip and cuffed him tightly. "Don't think this morning's ranting went unheard, Richard. This time you will lose them and your handling license." "Chaar." Champ looked at the weapon and thought about picking it up. He ignored the urge and took his place beside Jason. Wise move, Champ. Adrian said as he took the balls, he held them tight just under his chest spike. "Char Meleon!" Hey, it was a compliment... whatever. "You two knock it off. We have a Center to get to and we have our own injured to tend to." Champ and Adrian fell silent as that was mentioned.

Miguel went down after a nasty battle with a persistent trainer that wanted to fight Jason's team. Adrian took the trainer's team down after what happened to his surrogate father. He was only conscious a few times, Revives were not helping, Jason feared that the Scyther's carapace was cracked and it was hurting too badly to remain conscious. They moved quickly through the town, thanks to a new GPS app, and went right for the PokﾃｨCenter. Once there, Jason relinquished his entire team plus the two 'eons to Nurse Joy and waited. The obvious two stayed behind, along with Miguel. Joy frowned as she told Jason what the examination machine found. Jason asked her to do what ever she could to help him heal. Miguel would lose his wings and gain a scar on his back where Joy and her Chanseys would have to go in and fix his nervous system and other major organs. She asked him if he had a Metal Coat, he hesitated only a second then pulled out what Adrian's mother gave the Scyther. He would have to use that to gain his wings back, or so she said. A wingless Scyther would not live long they were too sluggish to avoid predators or, in Miguel's case, trainer Pokﾃｨmons' attacks. He let Adrian back out then they were led to an observation room were the operation would take place. A Happiny sat beside a machine Jason knew was a Trainer's trade machine; Joy would use that to get the bug to evolve and allowing Jason to gain the substitute Pokﾃｨmon's full data into his Pokﾃｨdex. She placed a mask over Miguel's face and let him rest a moment, his eyes went still. She rolled him over gently then took what looked like a bolt cutter to his carapace taking off the wings and opening his back. White goo filled the bug's insides, it did not flow like blood, but it was still enough to turn Jason's stomach. He forced himself to watch, she pushed inside the still body and found the damaged systems then had her helper Chansey use a tool that lit up brightly and stuck it against the organ. What seemed like hours, ended silently. Jason checked his watch, only an hour had passed. Joy patched up the Scyther with a torch like object then put the item into Miguel's mouth and retracted him into his ball, she then went to Happiny and did the same. She set the machine and let it do its thing, Jason's Pokﾃｨdex buzzed once the trade was complete, he did not check it. Joy brought Miguel out, he was still unconscious, but he evolved into a red Scizor. With wings. She retracted him then sent him back through the machine, the Pokﾃｨdex buzzed again. He smiled weakly as he felt like he just lost someone close to him and replaced them with someone new. Joy waved up at the Observation deck and motioned for him to come down. He and Adrian rushed down and pushed open the doors. They got there just in time to see the Chansey strap the bug to the gurney.

"You're lucky, another day and he would have died from an infection brought on by pooling blood." "Thank you. When will he wake?" "Anytime now. Follow Chansey to the recovery ward, you two can wait for him to wake there. I will also tell you when Officer Jenny arrives." "Thank you. Oh, my card... I hope there are no other problems with him." "There were minor injures, but the evolution should have taken care of them. Once he wakes, I'll bring in a portable examiner to look." "Thank you, again." Jason passed on his card then ran to catch up to Adrian and the gurney.

They waited silently for a half hour, Miguel stirred and looked up at the ceiling. Adrian towered over him the moment he opened his eyes. The Lucario smiled down at him. He did not remember what had happened. "Hey, shiny, Joy said you had barely a day left of life. She had to saw off your wings just to fix you up." Adrian said quietly in his native tongue. "As long as I live, how ever that may be." "She even made you evolve, just so you could be normal. Well... normal for a Scizor." "WHAT!" Miguel fought his restraints for a moment. "Easy, you still need to rest, the injuries were internal. If you move wrong, you could injure yourself again." "Can I at least look at myself?" "Not until the Nurse says you can be free, I'll try to get a mirror until then." Jason went to rub Miguel's shoulder then nodded to Adrian. "I'm going to see if I can check in on those two. I'll be back soon."

Jason left the two alone. He found Joy at the front desk tending to a young boy's Vulpix. It had a splinter in its nose. While he waited, he opened a spot on his belt just in case, sending Stan to storage. He walked up after the boy left then checked on the two 'eons and asked for his card back. She shook her head as she handed over the card. As if on cue, Jenny stormed in with a limping Growlithe. She muttered something to the Pokﾃｨmon then went to the counter. While the pup went to lie in a corner. Jason greeted her, but all she gave was a grave look. "Joy, I need to question the Espeon immediately. Her previous owner may have raped her and the Umbreon besides doing other crude acts to them." Jenny, she said the human had shoved objects into her and her sister. Adrian said as he walked into the room. She also told me that they did not know if they were the only ones in his care. "They were the only ones." "This way..." Joy led Jenny away leaving the two standing there. "She'll talk to you next." The Growlithe muttered. Adrian shot the pup a concerned look. "Why?" "You found them, helped them, and then took responsibility for them. You may be one of us, but you act like a Trainer. I pray they are giving them to your Alpha for safe keeping." "Alpha?" "Your human. You are a young thing. I see intelligence in you yet you do not use it. Much like my own pups." "I see, how long have you been doing this? Working with the authorities?" "My entire life, a whole fourteen years. I hit retirement though, so I just follow my Alpha around when there is no need for a force." "Well, elder, I am glad to talk with you, but it seems your Alpha is returning." Jenny came back with a little bit of blood running down her lip. "Lucario, those two demand your presence before they will talk." Adrian, the name is Adrian. "Just come with me."

So he did, they went to a room near the back of the Center where the abandoned Pokﾃｨmon were gathered and waiting adoption, there on a table sat the two 'eons waiting for Adrian to show before they would speak to any human. Espeon snarled as Jenny came in and readied to throw another Pokﾃｨball at her face. Adrian entered and told her to calm down. She dropped the ball but did not calm down.

"He's here, so answer my question." Yes that male forced us to mate, I would rather see him die then let him go through your 'punishment.' He'll live and he will do this again. "Only if he escapes his own cell. Now are you willing to be with any other human, one that would actually take care of you?" Umbreon nodded while Espeon growled. Why would we go with another human? Your kind just enslaves us and uses us to your own liking. Not true, I am no slave and even Jason does not wish to be called master. But you do everything he tells you to, don't you? No. Because he asks, he knows we are intelligent to make our own choices. He just wants a family. Adrian stared at the Espeon hoping to get through the abused skull of hers. "Not all humans are evil, there are always those few, but the good outweighs the bad. Seems to me, your sister is more willing to try for a new life while you are stuck in the past." Jenny said as she did her best to act nonchalant. Espeon growled then glanced at her sister, Umbreon stood strong and kept her eyes on Adrian. "I'm going with them like it or not, he saved me from being a victim of a possible hunter. I have to repay that favor someday." Umbreon said quietly in the native tongue making her sister cringe. Adrian gave her a smile, she giggled and turned away slightly. "If your sister can see the good, why can't you?" "Put it this way, if you want to stay with your sister, you will have to change your views. Either way, this session is done. Come, Adrian, they need to work things out now. Besides, I have need to talk to you and your Trainer." Yes, ma'am. Adrian followed quietly Jenny back to the lobby and collected Jason, of which they went to a more private room to speak.

Though being very cooperative, Jason got the hint they were being interviewed for adoption. Then Adrian got the same treatment, both answered truthfully. Jenny sighed and relaxed when she was done. She ran her fingers under her hat then looked at Jason. For a long moment, she was silent then she said what Jacob expected. She offered him the adoption of both Pokﾃｨmon since they both would be better off leaving the town behind them. He accepted, Adrian hugged him and refused to let go. Jason pried him off then asked Jenny if he could take the balls and collect the 'eons. She nodded and escorted to Joy, got the balls, then took him to the adoption holding. They walked in to find Umbreon backed into a corner and Espeon holding the high ground. Adrian pushed his way passed Jason and grabbed Espeon by the scruff of her neck, she howled and pulled her tail between her legs. She growled then tried to scratch up her captor's face, missing completely. He placed her on the floor in front of Jason then went to pick up Umbreon and comfort her. The dark one nuzzled the Lucario happily, she let the male pick her up and hold her more to her own advantage.

"No fighting. Like it or not, I'm adopting you and going to take you away from this town. You will listen to what I say. I am against harsh discipline but that does not mean I won't paddle your behind when needed, so if you want to act like an infant, I will treat you like one. Now, until I get you a more suitable ball, you have these to deal with. Return." Jason pointed the balls at the two, but they did not activate. He gave Jenny a questionable look, she shrugged. "Okay, these are not working. I only have one Great Ball on me." "I have two regulars, here. I don't use them anyway; I took them from kids and was just going to give them to Joy but forgot." He took them then tapped Umbreon first; she went in and stayed not wanting to disobey. Then he went for Espeon, she growled as he tapped her, went in and fought it. But could not break free. He sighed the looked at Umbreon's ball. "Come back out." Jason popped the ball and released Umbreon from its confined space. "Let's see, I think I shall call you Shadow and your sister Moon. I see that fitting you at least. Alright, we have another family member to pick up then we can get out of here." "Umbre." Shadow looked at Jason as though she awaited more instruction. "Let's go. Thank you, Officer Jenny, I promise to show these two what a true Trainer is like." The two followed their Trainer back to the recovery ward where a Chansey was found doing a follow up exam on the Scizor. She ignored the bug's growls and finished her exam; she looked at the tiny screen then glanced at Jason. She bowed slightly then moved aside to allow Jason by her. She then tugged on Adrian and motioned him to follow her. They went outside the room and closed the door. "How are you feeling?" "Sci zor..." Miguel turned his head away; he did not want to face his trainer. "WHAT!" Adrian shouted from behind the closed door in telepathy and native tongue. "That doesn't sound good. Don't worry, if they say you cannot travel or fight anymore, I'll send you to my mother so you can live there without all this stress." "Zor!" Miguel shook his head. "I know, but some things cannot be avoided." Jason, there's a problem, Chansey is getting Nurse Joy. Adrian slammed open the door before taking up pacing the halls trying to hold back the visible tears growing in his eyes. Jason went out to the hall and to comfort Adrian, while Shadow climbed up the bed and got beside the bigger Pokﾃｨmon. "Hey there, bug boy, I guess you are one of my new pack mates." "Yeah, don't know for how long though. Take care of Adrian for me, if anything happens. He'll need a good friend especially after me." "You place that kind of trust in me? And we hardly know each other." "Our Trainer trusts you to be out of your ball, that's enough for me. I do hope what ever is wrong with me can be fixed though. I don't feel sick or injured, but then I have not felt anything since the pain from my last battle so... I don't know." "Here the humans come again. I better get down before they get mad." "Jason, get mad? I haven't even gotten him really mad yet, doubt you could without killing someone." Nurse Joy pushed into the room and an array of syringes filled with various antidotes and antibiotics. She rubbed Shadow's head before nudging her to the end of the bed. She then sterilized a weak spot on Miguel's steel like shell then started shoving the needle into the joint and pumped the bug full of everything she had brought in. Afterwards, she rubbed Miguel's joint and sighed. "That will kill the starting infection and prevent others. You will be weak for a few days, but otherwise just fine. You are now able to move freely with your Trainer." Joy undid the straps holding him down. She helped him sit up then left allowing Jason in the room once more. She stopped him and whispered in his ear before she left completely. Jason sighed then smiled. "Adrian, come here." The Lucario did so. "She misread the machine. He did have a serious infection, but with medicine today, it will be gone by tonight. Come on, let's go find us a place to eat then we can leave this town behind us."

That they did, they got a restaurant, thanks to Nurse Joy, and sat out in the afternoon sun. Jason brought out the rest of his team so they could join in, and mostly to meet Moon and Shadow. Shadow was the easiest to get along with, the Espeon, however, just wanted to stab someone and flee. With help from Adrian, she calmed and ate watching everyone's move. She was determined that someone was going to attack her. Shadow, was more worried about being told not to eat. She only ate her high protein meal after Jason told her to. He sighed, and knew it would be a lot of work to retrain these two. Shadow was eager to learn, that he could tell.

"Moon, why don't you just relax and enjoy the company for a while? It's better than being in the stuffy ball all day." "So you can torture us?" "Does anyone here look like they fear being out here? No. I only have punished one for back talking, haven't I, Miguel?" "Sci..." "You have lived a life of punishment; you would not understand the difference of a loving hand punishing you to an unloving one. For now, I place you and your sister in Adrian's paws. Mind him and learn from him. I don't want to hear that you are not willing to learn what it is like not being punished for anything. I know that you are stubborn, and that stubbornness will be pushed away, here me?" Yes, master. "And I ain't your master, I am your Trainer. You are neither a pet nor a slave. You are a companion that relies on me to keep you healthy and strong so that you may learn. Finish eating guys, I'm going to go pay then we'll go."

Jason left, Moon growled moved closer to her sister. Adrian moaned he knew that this task would cause him more trouble then it was worth. He finished his own plate and watched Shadow lick hers clean. He wondered just how many meals she was forced to skip because of that man. After a few prods, Moon went back to eating. Adrian clenched his fist as he forced himself to hold his own paw back from slapping her. Shadow, noticed this and cowered slightly, but something in her told her not to fear him. He was young and impatient, yes, but he was more experienced at life and for that, he was her teacher. She had to trust him for her own sake. Jason came back with a grin, he withdrew Miguel first since he looked close to passing out then he took the sisters and Clair. Champ and Adrian shivered as they glanced at each other to share the same thought: Glad to be out of the female visage. Now they just wished to be out of public eye so they could let their guts sag, sort of speak. Being tough was a strain, but one that they held out of instinct in crowds. They moved on, quickly got out of town, and then they dove off the path and veered back to the mountains. Here, away from the public, Jason let out the females leaving Miguel to rest. Champ moaned as Clair came up beside him and latched onto his arm, Jason smacked the backside of his head. Jason had been monitoring her status closely, her season was drawing near and another week she would be at the peak. He planned on keeping these two out so they could have the intimate moment. He nudged Champ ahead and motioned for the others to get ahead some.

"Clair, I need to know something. Are you thinking with a clear mind?" She looked at him and grinned awkwardly. "I have noticed your change in behavior, typical of a breeding cycle coming to its peak." She sighed and lowered her gaze, embarrassed to admit it. "You have acted like a tough warrior and now you are trying to fight your own body. I ask you to stop and let it come. I'll keep you and Champ out and alone at nights whether they like it or not, though I am afraid I may end up having to lock Moon's ball to keep her from fleeing on us. Beyond that, I want you and him to stick close to me during this hard time." She growled lightly, just loud enough for Jason to hear it. "It's not that I want to watch, I want to make sure no wilds try and take you for that reason. I know that Charizards can smell a female's cycle from a good thirty kilometers away, and I don't want to see you hurt by a large male. That's why I originally wanted a heavy Water type to be with us. If anything, I would rather have you two stay in the tent with me and let Adrian take the watches for a while, he's old enough and he can sense the dangers easier with his Aura abilities anyway." "Char." She reached for his hand and grasped it. He felt her quiver, she understood, he knew, yet she was scared. "Thank you for understanding me."

They caught up with the others; Champ was caught again by a grasping arm. He sighed and let her do what she wanted, he did enjoy her attention, but she was beginning to get on his nerves. He could smell her change, but he wanted to remain focused on threats towards her. At least the bully they first encountered with her has not been seen again, yet he would gladly like to fight him just gain points on her judgment scale. He noticed that Adrian had an admirer as well; Shadow could not keep her eyes off him. While Moon just listened for anything foul. When someone moved in a way that she did not like, she snapped at them. Adrian pulled her ear more than once trying to get her to behave. She did not like that. She even bit him; Jason smacked her across her rump then withdrew her. She howled as she went into the ball, her sister sighed then rubbed against Adrian trying to gain his attention. The kid was clueless on her advances; he just absently groped her head and scratched behind her ears. When they stopped for the night, Shadow asked if she could stay out of her ball and get to know her mentor better. Jason wanted to question her motives, but decided against it. He allowed her to stay out as long as she behaved. Then he and Champ went to build the tent, then they went to gather wood. Clair stayed behind, though she had to promise to hide in the tent to help mask her scent. Adrian pressed his abilities as far as he could and scoped for anything that could be considered a threat, he only found an Ursaring in its den asleep. As far as anyone was concerned, it could remain there. Adrian sat down and settled into a meditative poise, that was when Shadow took advantage of the time away from Jason and advanced him.

"May I ask you something?" She asked quietly as she rubbed her tail under his muzzle. "What?" He tried to ignore her but it could not hold long. "Do you find me attractive? We are compatible for young, you know, and I find you rather... intriguing." "If you are trying to get me to be your mate, you will not succeed, I may know how the act proceeds, but my body is not ready for such a thing. You would be better off finding a male that is more experienced and would fit your... profile better." "But does that mean I might have a chance with you?" He could tell he was not going to get through to her negatively. "You might if you meet certain requirements for my liking. And no, I will not tell you what those are. Now, let me be so that I may resume my task." "Fine, see if I care." "You will..."

Champ and Jason returned and got the fire going strong. Jason sent Champ to the tent to tend to Clair's needs while he started cooking. A muffled moan soon came from the tent as the two Charmeleons got closer to each other. Jason fought hard not to interrupt them he slowed the cooking down some so the two could have more time. Adrian, out of the entire team, seemed to be the only one interested in the noise. He peered into the tent with his ability and saw what they were doing. He blushed and pulled away from them. He rose and quickly rushed off behind a bush to hide. No one noticed his departure except for Shadow, she grinned then followed him. She caught him rubbing his paw along his groin and biting his lip. She smiled and snuck around to his front. Jason sighed as he felt himself move within his jeans, pheromones that affected humans were at high enough levels to attract all sorts of trouble. He looked for Shadow and Adrian, he cursed then saw the Lucario's head lunge backwards in a silent gasp. He let Moon out then tapped her on the back. She glared at him.

"Knock it off. Now tell me, how impulsive is your sister?" Moon sniffed the air and immediately realized what he meant. That bitch... she wouldn't do that to a premature... no way she would. "Go take a look behind that bush and see then, Champ and Clair got it started I think." Moon did so, though she watched her every move like she expected to have things thrown at her. She gasped as she quietly made her way through the bush and peered through to the other side. She went back to Jason, mouth agape, and just sat. "Are they doing what I expect?" Not really, um... she's... tasting him. We've never done that for the last human... where did she pick that up? "Don't know, but let them be. It will be good for them; you have seen what it is like to break free of bonds. I have not forced anyone here, are you willing to give me a chance now and let me be your Trainer or do you still consider me a slaver?" At this point, I don't know, I cannot see anything different other than your handling. I cannot trust you; I know I have to... 'obey' you, but don't expect anything from me. To be honest, I still would rather run than be here, but I won't leave my sister. It's the only thing that keeps me on the level. Would punish me if I ever did anything you did not approve of? "No. Unless you absolutely deserve it, no. The most I ever have done that was physical, was backhanding Miguel for back talking. I don't anger quickly. Let's leave it at that. Now that that is out of the way, I would like you to try to gain ground with everyone else. I rather see you become a part of this family instead of being rouge." Moon said nothing, she just got up and walked away to gain some personal space. Jason could tell she was in shock, not expecting her sister to do something like that on her own. He sighed; at least he had a decent moment with her even if it was brief. He let Miguel out of his ball; he rubbed the Scizor's shoulder and handed over a ladle for him to stir with. Then Jason went to peer into the quieted tent, he found Champ laying next to Clair on his back with a smile on his muzzle, Clair herself looked sated. "You two done?" "Chaar..." Champ muttered then rolled over then clambered out and went to the fire. He positively glowed; his tail had a blue tint to it. Jason picked Clair up and sat her on her feet. She let out a puff of smoke then gave him a lick before joining the two males, her scent had changed even to Jason's nose. But for how long, mating was only a temporary solution to Char's heat. At least until the female becomes pregnant, if that happened, Jason had to seriously think about sending someone either to storage or to his mother. He would rather send mother a Pokﾃｨmon, and right now, Miguel fit the need to go. At least until he was healthy again. He sighed, then dug into his pack and pulled out his Pokﾃｨdex. He thumbed through the stats of his team, he rose a brow as he looked at Champ's. He had gained a lot of experience lately, and compared to Clair, he gained a lot of experience and came close to evolving. Even she rested on the edge of evolution. He grinned, he went back to Champ and knelt beside him and showed the Chameleon his stats. He went wide-eyed and looked at his Trainer. "Come on, let's go fix that." Jason winked. "Adrian, once you two are done over there, join the others. Miguel, you're in charge. Moon, come mope over here, it's getting dark and we don't need you lost out here."

He and Champ wandered away from camp in search of a wild Pokﾃｨmon strong enough to give Champ the needed experience to get his strength level up so his body would allow the change. They found a small pond where the Poli evolutions gathered, mostly Poliwags, but the one that caught Jason's eye was the Politoed in the middle of the pond croaking away. It seemed to be the leader of the community. Jason walked up to the water and kicked a stone in the decently still water. "Hey, Politoed, may we ask for a battle? My friend here is in need of a good fight." The froglike Pokﾃｨmon looked at him then at the fire breather behind him. It seemed to chuckle then dove down and quickly swam to shore. It came out and stared at Jason just out of arm's reach. "The loser will get a Revive and be healed." Jason pulled the two items from his pack and held them. "I will also not intervene the battle. Strictly on you two to decide how to fight." "Poli?" "Char..." "I'll stay here, begin when ready."

Champ backed away from his trainer and stood on a higher bank. He crouched as he waited for his opponent to make its move. Jason watched silently and emotionless. The Politoed rushed up and spat out a stream of bubbles and then moved out of range with it waited for Champ to move. Champ took the hit to gage his opponent's strength; it barely did anything to him. He wiped his face then took a deep breath before launching out into a Dragon Rage. The attack struck the target, the water type Pokﾃｨmon looked shocked as it stumbled back a bit then it retook the ground. It grappled Champ and tossed him to the ground where it proceeded to pound him. Champ growled, now getting annoyed. The Pokﾃｨmon was too weak to consider a real threat; he took the small headache and returned it with a face full of Ember. The Politoed squealed and backed away, swatting at its face. It dove into the water then came back with a red mark across its face. Champ shrugged and waited, Politoed rushed in an angry fit. Champ stopped it with a fist then a tail sweep; he then grabbed his opponent's feet and swung it around. Gaining speed with each twist until he was satisfied, he spat a small, but constant stream of fire letting the heat dry out his victim before launching it into a tree slightly uphill of the pond. The thin tree snapped landing underneath the Politoed. It did not get back up. Champ groaned he hoped it would come back after him. With a silent curse, he went to drag the Pokﾃｨmon over to his trainer to be healed. That is, if it survived the final attack. Jason did as he promised and waited patiently as Politoed came to. The Pokﾃｨmon moaned and grunted as Jason sat it up.

"Thank you, short as it was, it was indeed good to watch. I am sure you have learned something as well." "Poli..." It limped off after its vision came back. "Char." Champ stated quietly after the amphibian had left earshot. "Be nice, at least it accepted. Come on, I'm sure Miguel is willing to kill someone soon if we don't get back. Maybe we'll get lucky on the way back." Jason looked at the stats one more time and broke into laughter before closing it and smacking Champ on the back. "One point standing between you and full body maturity. If only you could convince your body to ignore that one point, eh? We'll find some tiny bug to flick on our hike back, I'm sure of it." Champ grumbled then moved back to the path they made earlier. Jason caught up and shrugged as Champ glanced at him. He went silent as Champ took point and led the way to camp. They entered the camp with the fire burning bright and Clair dishing out the soup. He gladly took a bowl and sat down then ate. Champ slouched down beside Clair and rubbed her tail with his. She looked at him worriedly but said nothing to upset his silence. "Fear, anger, and sadness flows out of you, Champ. If you wish to speak you mind, I am here." Adrian said quietly as he sipped from the bowl. Champ glanced at Clair then to Jason, without the words, Adrian knew what was on his mind. "Don't worry, nothing is wrong here." He glanced across the fire to steal a look at Shadow and her sister lapping from the same bowl, he smiled and ate slowly from then on.

Jason finished his skimpy meal and used a leaf to clean his bowl out; he gathered the bowls and shoved them into the depths of his pack. He then got those who wished to sleep in their balls in them, which was only Miguel, and then he told Adrian he had first watch then Shadow could take over. Moon laid next to the fire as Jason and the two Chars went into the tent. Jason stripped down to his underclothes then slid into his bag, before closing his eyes, he wished his team a peaceful night then watched the two Chars through his eyelashes to see if he could not catch a glimpse of an intimate moment before he faded. He witnessed a kiss and a hug before they, too, settled down and slept. Shadow curled up next to Adrian while her sister stared at him trying to figure out why her sister had become attached to him from first sight. She peered into his mind trying to read his thoughts without his knowledge; he felt the probe and latched onto it with a chuckle. He pulled her into his earliest memories and gave her a tour of his short life so far. She gasped when she saw Jason offering him the Pokﾃｨball through the Riolu's eyes; she even experienced the day with his mother and learned even more about how Jason and other trainers treated each other and Pokﾃｨmon. By the time he released her, she was crying.

"Probe anyone, they will show you the same. We are a family, not master and pets. You are welcome to join your sister at my side for the night and stay warm. Just know that I hold no emotions towards you or her as you think. I am my own tool; I do not seek a mate as of yet in my life." "I understand... now. I've been a fool, after watching myself in your eyes... I have been a fool among fools. I shouldn't remain here, but I must. It is our duty, is it not? To protect the humans that protect us?" "It is." Moon rose and joined Adrian and her sleeping sister. Tears still flowing silently. She stretched up and gave the Lucario a lick then curled up resting her head on his lap. "I don't feel that I deserve it, but... will you forgive me for my behavior?" "Of course." "Do you think the others will do the same?" "I assume so, but do not worry so much over such things. Right now all you need to worry about is getting sleep. Jason and I will worry about the rest." "I can't, it's my nature. I can't-" "You can change if you really want to, now sleep." "Fine. I got to ask, though: if you are so young, how can you be so mature?" "You watched my life, and yet you cannot answer that?" She sighed then closed her eyes, she knew she would not get any further with him. Which was fine for now, but she still had to pursue the forgiveness of the others. Now only to get back what she missed in life. She finally succumbed to sleep while Adrian rubbed the nape of her neck. He grinned as she finally rested, then he prodded Shadow's head. She woke slowly, she took over the watch as requested then and allowed Adrian to sleep.

Come sunrise, Jason was the first to stir. He brought the fire back to life and reheated the soup for breakfast. He glowed himself, he woke to a face full of cuddling and hugging while those two slept. He felt very grateful that those two had come to terms and became closer, nothing could make him feel happier for them save an egg. He stirred from his thoughts as Moon shifted and rolled away from Adrian and her sister. She came over to the fire and stretched before its warmth. They looked at each other silently for a brief moment before glaring into the fire. Jason opened his mouth several times trying to break the ice, but could not think of what to say. She finally did the task bluntly.

I'm sorry. "Hmm?" For my attitude... I've been a bitch, I'm sorry. "Then I am too. I've could have done more to see you through the transition. I've been told that living in a loving environment is what helps the most, but I must admit, you two are the first abused I've ever seen. I never have been around such things, so I do not know what it is like." We've been the opposite. She latched on faster, it took Adrian forcing his own life on me to see my errors. I have been awake most of the night either crying silently or cursing my arrogance. "I would say you've been too rough on yourself. I have a task for you, dig deep into my mind. I want you to see what I have been through and why I am the way I am. It is hard to tell you, but I am willing to show you." I don't know if it is possible, but I will try, I never tried entering the mind of a human. I always feared being killed slowly for it. "I won't force you."

Moon sighed then concentrated on Jason. He stared at her feeling a slight pressure on his head growing into a migraine like pain. Then he found himself in his earliest childhood memories, though instead of being the one doing everything, he was an observer. He could not turn away, locked in place as though a ghost. He felt something rub against him then it felt as though it was a part of him briefly.

"You were a cute cub, for a human." "Thanks... I think."

The memories jumped, as they skipped to another important moment, the last was of a birthday. This was when Jason learned to ride a bicycle. That was when he had broken his wrist, he forgot all about that day. As the boy cried out bloody murder, Jason wanted to go comfort the child-self, he felt himself cry as he watched. His father came rushing over to him and picked him up, the man cooed the child as they rushed down the street to the small town's healer. Not being a large enough populace, they could not get a PokﾃｨCenter built. Jason now remembered why he did not remember the day, a Hypno was there and made him forget, the pain, the day, everything. The healer used some odd tools on him and fixed the break then the Pokﾃｨmon used a healing type move he did not recognize over him to completely heal the break. Jason would have to ask his mother of the day later, this was more confusing than anything else. Next came his first kiss, a visitor of a neighbor had been trapped by wild Pokﾃｨmon on the outskirts of town. He rushed up to the attackers and scared them away. The girl thanked him with a full tongued kiss then she ran off to be with her family. He tried to remember her name, but she never told him. Then came the day of his tenth birthday, the gathering of his family minus his father. He was shocked to see this again, he never wanted to remember this day. The day his mother told him of their divorce. It hurt him dearly, to see his father gone. His day was ruined, his entire family let him be as he coward away in the kitchen crying to himself. Then came Sky, his mother's Skitty, he always cheered him up. Cuddling with him and playing odd games with him. He was very intelligent, Jason always wanted to speak with him and have a true conversation with him. Jason loved him as a brother. Memories jumped again, now was the day he left home, he hugged his mother goodbye promising to return someday with a family of his own. She smiled and told him to be careful and mindful of his emotions. He agreed. Then they parted, he rushed through the thickets to the main road and followed it nonstop to the next town where he met Champ. Then they watched how Jason defended Clair after he claimed her. Moon pulled away after that.

"I... I don't know what to say. I've seen more than I ever would have thought. Though after seeing that Skitty, I am curious about him. I would like to meet him." "I bet you would. Let's-" Jason's words were cut off as Champ rushed passed them.

The Charmeleon tripped and slid to a stop. His body started to glow, the others woke at the sound and watched silently. Champ got up and cried out in pain as bulges formed on his back. A fleshy rip sounded as wings formed, his body stretched with sounds of popping bones. His tail flame flared and grew, his cry deepened into a roar. The wings curled around him as they lengthened, then with flair, the wings shot open sending the evolutionary glow away. Champ gasped as he looked over his new body, he swallowed roughly as he caught sight of the others, and he smiled showing his sharp teeth. Clair stood wide-eyed at the transformation, fear or shock, no one could tell save Adrian and he would not speak of it.

"Well, congratulations, Champ. Now you're officially taller than me. Test your wings, pal, they're a part of you and you need to learn how to use them. Then we can take a trip home, we all need a quiet stop where there are no Trainers haunting us for battle." "Raaaawr!" Champ clamped his jaws shut and covered his muzzle with sharp claws. "Well, I see someone is not used to their roaring. Let it out, let the world know you're here!" Champ drew a deep breath and let out a massive roar that shook the leaves above him. He leaned back once he was out of air and panted, then he saw Clair. She had gone pale and came close to wetting herself, he shrunk back and pointed to her. Jason looked and saw, he wrapped his arm around her and pulled her close. "Don't worry, I'll make sure he does not hurt you." Jason passed a wink to Champ then turned back to Clair. "Perk up, it's still Champ. Now he's rideable, go on, take him for a joy ride. Just be careful you two." Clair ran back towards the tent only to be stopped by Jason. "I don't think so, I need you to get over this. I can tell you fear mature males, but you know him, this is plain silly." "Char..." She is sorry, but her fear is too overwhelming. Moon piped up reading the Charmeleon's thoughts. She fears being... a nester. I'm sorry Clair... I know how it feels to be forced to service a male. Clair shrunk back trying to break Jason's grip. "Clair! Stop this right NOW!" Jason shouted making the females to gasp and cower. "I am your Trainer, I expect you to listen to me. I don't like being harsh, but if that is what it takes..." Jason sighed heavily. "I won't hesitate to use my belt, you know this. I have said it before with Miguel, and I say it to you now. I know discipline and I am not one to use it. Push me hard enough and you will force my hand to action. Now get over this nonsense." Clair went even paler as she saw the growing anger in Jason's eyes, she knew she had hit a nerve by fearing his main partner. She drew a breath and stopped fighting. Again, Jason sighed and eased his grip. Clair moaned lightly as she stared at the larger male. She took a step forward but stopped as a roar from the sky startled her. Everyone looked up and saw a huge crimson figure glide overhead, Jason started to recall his team, leaving Moon and Champ out. He did not want to be caught in a male's territorial protection instinct without his own protection. He doubted that Champ was a match for a wild Charizard, he had to do something and fast, he dug into his bag and pulled out a few battle enhancers he had picked up from the Routes and readied them for use. The male came down and marked his territory, the limp shaft, as Jason could tell, was as wide as both of his fists put together and as long as his forearm. He gulped, he had to protect Clair now. Champ backed up closer to Jason while Moon hid behind Jason preparing herself to entangle the fierce male with her psychic powers. Champ threw up his claws and chuckled lightly. The male growled and flared his wings to make himself appear even bigger. Champ fought the urge to mimic him, he wanted to stay out of a fight. As did Jason, Moon threw up a light barrier and focused her concentration onto it. The male charged then stopped suddenly as he slammed into the barrier as though it was a plane of glass, he moved trying to get around it but found himself becoming trapped. Soon the male was encompassed by an invisible box of barriers. Moon started to wobble as her strength ebbed, Jason took the hint of what she was doing and threw his one and only Great Ball. Barrier and all went in, a long moment passed as it rocked. Moon held strong, then the ball clicked as the male was caught. The Pokﾃｨdex buzzed and the ball vanished as the technology sent the male into storage.

"That was a cheap shot, Moon, but thanks. I'll call him Rex and let's keep him hidden from Clair for now." Moon let out a purr like sound then fell over, exhausted. "You need to rest, back you go. Alright, there's going to be a vacuum here, let's get the camp tore down, just make sure our things are put away and the fire's out, I'll go for the tent. We'll fly out." Champ looked at him for a moment then went to his tasks. You got to be kidding me. Champ thought to himself. I just got my wings and he's wanting me to fly him. This will not be pretty, I know it.

After the camp was put away, Jason slung his pack over his shoulder then climbed onto Champ's back. The Charizard grumbled then flapped his wings and gained some lift. They shot upward above the trees and flew away towards the closet town where they could hire a strong psychic, hopefully, to use Teleport on them to send them back to Vecillium where they could easily fly home. They made a tumbling landing at the town of Heckhil, the perfect spot to hide and find psychics to help out. Jason looked on his Pokﾃｨtch for the Center but found that the town itself was not in the system. He did not argue much as he saw the kind of Pokﾃｨmon he was searching for just walking about normally. Champ panted as he straightened and folded his wings, he looked over Jason's head and spotted what looked like a merchant tempting people and Pokﾃｨmon alike to come closer. He growled as he saw a pickpocket score a small amount of cash.

"Yeah, I saw it too. Come on, and watch my back." They searched for a Center but it seemed that this unmarked town had only an herbal healer. They wandered into the shop and went to the clerk and waited for them to be noticed. The clerk looked at them briefly then took his time to put away his book then straightened his meager coat up before speaking. "Welcome stranger, to my Herbal Remedies shop, how may I help you?" "We are in need of the service of a trustworthy psychic to teleport us to Vecillium." "Sir, I can smell your own Psychic type on you, you could use it to do that and save yourself a hefty handful." "How can you 'smell' Psychic types? Never mind, I don't think she is strong enough to teleport us." "Never know 'till you try, because to be real honest, there is no one to trust in this town. If you're smart, you would shove your finances into that dragon's gut for safe keeping while you spend time here. He may not be a Psychic type, but that does not matter when an angered dragon starts rampaging." "I'll see if she can then. Thanks. Have you got any potions?" "Just the herbs, they're quite bitter though." "I'll take a dozen minor healers and a dozen revitalizing mixes then. Never know when you have to have an emergency supply." "Ah, then I'll give you the powders, mix them with water before use. They'll last this way for just that." "Thanks again." Jason paid for the supplies then moved outside to let out Moon.

She looked around as her senses were flooded by so many psychics touching her mind. She started to panic but Jason kept her from running amok as he picked her up and cradled her. Jason and Champ moved to a less crowded area before quizzing her. She moaned as he put her down and told he needed her to concentrate. Jason told her what she had to try to do. She stared at her trainer in disbelief, he nodded then leaned against Champ. The dragon let out a contented growl as he looked upon his teammate. She shook her head at the Charizard then sighed.

Fine, I'll try. But I don't know what will happen, my sister always did the funky stuff. She edged closer to the males, then touched both their minds and their bodies as she concentrated on their memory of the destination at hand. She gasped as her powers kicked in and sent them, painfully, through a dark tunnel like area and coming back out in front of the Vecillium PokﾃｨCenter. Damn, I did not know I could do that. Are you two alright? "Yea." "Rawr..." Good. Now that I think of it, I think Sis and I was hatched near here. Can she come out? Jason released Adrian first then Shadow. "There you go, but before we do anything, Moon, I want to make sure everyone is up to par. The last time we were here we made an enemy." They walked inside the Center and a Chansey greeted them. She took Clair and Miguel first off and sat them on the scanner of the machine. They came back as normal as can be, then the others had a portable scanner ran over them. No anomalies. Jason thanked Chansey as he ran his card through the reader then they went scoping the town. Champ just looked for one particular couple that he would gratefully burn to a crisp. "Maybe we'll be lucky and those two will still be in custody." Champ grumbled and looked at a building that he did not notice the last time they where there. "They build fast here... don't they?" Champ nodded. They followed Moon through the town to a large unmarked building, but it was busy with all kinds of people. Jason asked Champ if he wanted to go back into his ball while they went inside. He judged the building then himself then nodded, feeling like he would be too large for many of the rooms. They went in and found that this was the country's headquarters for SilphCo. It was rather new and still had yet get their sign.

The courtesy worker greeted them as they walked up. She noticed Moon and Shadow and looked at them curiously. She left the desk to come around to see them closer. She smiled as she saw the eyes of the two then rubbed their heads. Then she looked at Jason with the same look. "Young man, how did you procure these two?" "They were abused and I adopted them being that I was the only outsider in town at the time of their last Trainer's arrest." "I see, well, sir, these two are twins. I recognize the soul in their eyes. I bet they hardly remember me." We remember you, Sally, you were our mother figure. Moon sat back and looked at the woman. "Ah yes, I always forget that most Psychic types can projects their thoughts onto our minds. Here, on me. The latest Pokﾃｨtch App, it judges your party to see how they would react with each other." "Thanks. Umm, is there an App that checks on a female's status?" "Breeding wise? Not yet, but they do test the same for humans. Just go to the department store in the Family Planning section and pick up a test." "Gee, thanks. Exactly what a guy wants to hear." "Sorry, each species is far too different, it would take a whole device to come up with that information." "That's fine, I'm just self-conscious about going near those types of things." "Just a part of life, if you do not want to do the test yourself, the Centers do the testing as well." "Thanks for that. But, umm, we better get going. We do have a long flight ahead of us." Jason backed away slowly. "Come on. Thanks again, Sally, bye." "Goodbye, and keep these two safe." "I will," Jason walked out, Adrian ushered his charges out and caught up with him.

Jason shivered slightly then recomposed himself. Adrian placed a paw on his shoulder and offered to carry the device if they were to pick it up. Jason told him that he did not want to go get the test for he was afraid people would think he got someone pregnant. Adrian questioned his trainer's logic but did not receive an answer. Jason sighed then directed everyone to the shop where they gathered supplies and a box of the testing applicators. The store clerk looked at him when he brought up the merchandise then at the tests. He asked the Trainer if it was for human testing ever so quietly, Jason told him that it was for his Charmeleon. The clerk smiled then went around the counter carrying the box and got a different type and brought it up. He simply said that the one he picked up would not pick up the chemicals needed in his female then rang everything up. Jason smiled especially when he saw the bill being half of what he thought it was then paid for it. He realized that he would soon need to find a job soon to replenish his funds. With a smile, the four left the building and switched everyone out for Champ. Then Jason and Champ took to the air and headed west to his home. It barely took a half hour to get over the town and land beside the house Jason pointed out. Jason then let out the rest of the team and made sure they all had clean paws before going to the door. Jason knocked and waited.

A middle aged woman opened the door with a Skitty that had seen plenty. "Well, well, you did what you said you'd do. You've gotten a family of your own." "Well, almost, I have no kids yet and don't plan on it. Um, you know Champ as a stringy, hyper Charmander... well that's him now. Clair is my other fire tail as the others call them. Miguel and his surrogate son, Adrian, then his charges, Moon and Shadow. Can I ask a favor of you, mom?" "Sure dear." Jason pulled out his tests and then shoved Clair forward. "Can you test her? I am not sure what to do." "Sure. Come with me, Clair, we'll get this over with. Come on in, everyone, make sure your feet are clean. I don't like tracks on my carpet." "Already checked'em. Um, Champ, watch those wings. You may be small compared to most males right now, but still." Champ grumbled then fought hard to keep his wings against his body. After a bit, he succeeded then followed the others inside where he quickly found a spot to lay down and stayed there. Clair and Jason's mother joined them once more. Clair immediately went to cower behind Jason when she saw Champ. Jason harrumphed then pulled her over to Champ and told him to hold her. "So, Jason, what brings you here besides a test that any nurse could do at a Center?" "It was an excuse to come home. Besides I wanted you to meet the gang and see how they like it here... Where's Moon? Please don't tell me she found Sky. I really don't want to care for two eggs." "Don't worry, if it does happen, I am more than willing to take their egg. We both need a young sprite here to lighten the mood." "Speaking of that, I would like to know if you are willing to watch someone for me for a while." "I could, but the Trainer system would still register that Pokﾃｨmon as a party member. Unless you release or trade, I can't do that." Jason sighed then noticed Miguel was staring at him. "I'm worried about your health, I don't want to see you die because of something stupid we do." He knows, sir, we all feel the same. Adrian spoke out for Miguel. He just doesn't want to leave. "It wouldn't be permanent, only until the egg hatches so I can pass the little one to mom. Or even find someone I know who would be good to raise it." This caused both Champ and Clair to protest. The room looked at them, Champ went on then Clair followed leaving Adrian to translate. They both would rather die before letting their first-hatched be sent away to an unknown Trainer.

This made Jason fall silent as he dwelled into his thoughts. He did not learn anything through school that a trainer could not have a wild Pokﾃｨmon following them. He could play godfather and protect the offspring, but then one of them would have to be out making sure that it would be safe. He looked at Clair as he thought of possible ways that would rip the relationship apart between the three of them. Finally he collapsed mentally.

"Fine, the only way I can think of a way to keep everyone happy is to leave the young uncaught and I leave one of its parents out to help guard it. Though, Clair, if it does come to that, I insist that you evolve as soon as you can. Otherwise, trouble will stir." Clair reluctantly agreed to this. Jason's mother looked at her watch and rose. "The test should be registered now, after that, I'll start supper. I have a few things I want to try." "Okay, I'll have the guys start setting the table. Shadow, Clair, find Moon and then head to the kitchen and see if mom needs help. Boys, come with me."

They split up as directed, it did not take Shadow long to find her sister. Moon was talking to Sky learning more about her new Trainer. Sky eagerly talked, being that he had only the neighbors to talk to and they all saw the same thing daily, he was bored. Shadow and Clair broke up the conversation long enough to tell them that they were needed. The two moved side by side towards the kitchen where the small group then helped out by either being an extra cook or being a gopher and gathering the necessary items for everyone. The males came in every once in a while to gather dishes that Jason's mother pointed out the heavier items, Champ or Jason was called in for. When everything was finished and they had sat and dished out the meals, Jason's mother spoke of the test results. Clair sighed, negative, though she wanted young, she did not feel ready. Champ covered his face as he took the news harder than he thought he would. Moon peered into Clair's mind again when she noticed the smaller Fire Tail seem happy at the bad news. She gasped when Clair shot across the room and picked her up by the throat. The Charmeleon growled ignoring the claws of the Espeon.

"Sorry..." Moon wheezed out. "I invaded-" "Clair! Put her down!" Jason shouted as he watched, he held Champ back as he looked up and started to move. "She could easily release your grip by force, I would rather see you do it on your own." Clair squeezed then dropped her, she turned tail then left the room. A door slammed closed a few moments later. "Champ, follow her and make sure she stays close by." He didn't hesitate as he went after her. "Moon?" I'm fine. She's not. She has an embedded idea that you're trying to become like her father and try to own her completely. Forcing her to be nothing more than a nest warmer. She did not want it out, but I had no choice at this point. I think she might do something rash because of what I did. "Jason, the well is open still!" His mother gasped. "Adrian, go. Moon, come on, you too Shadow and Miguel. Time's short."

Adrian and Jason's mother went out the back to guard the only open water source in town while the others went to help Champ keep her safe. Jason stepped out the front and at first did not spot Champ, but then he saw the flame of his tail. Then came the deep grumble of his voice as he talked to Clair. Then over the deep rumble came a high-pitched shout of Clair's that made Jason ran for them. The four came up on them to find that Clair was extremely upset and had lashed out at Champ. He stopped her claws just a hairbreadth away from his thin scaled chest. Clair blinked up at him and then startled to sob uncontrollably. Moon nudged Jason, he knelt down and told her to inform Adrian, she did so in an instant. Jason rose then gently placed his hand on Champ. Clair just stared at Champ and cried. Jason waited it out just as Champ did, unmoving, waiting for her to calm herself. Then after a near ten minutes, Champ released her arm but did not stop the touch. He grumbled something to her and she nodded and slumped down.

Jason felt a sharp pain in his mind then Moon voiced herself to him. Don't fight, I've been searching your mind for a while. I found what I've been looking for, just relax and listen... A moment later his ears started to ring loudly then they popped painfully. "Tell me, love, you need to let it out." Champ spoke. Jason went wide-eyed then turned to Moon whom nodded. "I have remembered everything, since the day we met. I do not want to go back. Father wanted to kill me, mother is nothing but a breeder. Females are regarded lower than dirt. Here I have a life, even if I fear that of which you have become. I truly don't want to bring a new life into the world of which they will be bred for just clan reputation. I want a child because I want one." Champ did not speak right away, dwelling on this outbreak. "Then I will keep everything to myself until you are ready, we may be a part of a Trainer's team, but we still have our own lives." "He's right, Clair, I won't force anything of you. I am to be the father figure here, not the master. You know that, I do my best to protect you and keep you happy." Jason said quietly, unsure of himself. "See... wait. You understood us?" "Moon's doing. You two may take all the time you need, we'll go back inside. Just don't leave the area." Jason and the others turned, Miguel clicked his mandibles as he wanted some kind of action. Shadow stared at her sister curiously, seeing something had changed in the Espeon as of recently. It was a good thing, but it was just not like her to change course so suddenly. That is why they escaped so many times just to be captured again and again. If it weren't for Jason and Adrian they would still be there. She grinned as they walked around back to get the other two. "They're safe," Jason said as he rounded the corner. "She's in the arms of her mate. Let's go finish eating."

The family went in and reseated. They sat silently as they ate this time not wanting to start another fight. They polished off the food leaving enough for the two lovebirds who had yet to return. Moon excused herself and went to the family room where she found a spot by the door and waited for the safe return of Clair. She was sorry for what she did, but mostly because she let her own guard slip when she delved into Clair's thoughts. She made a mistake, which was what she was beating herself up for. The other male would have strung her up on the wall and whipped her stomach for such things. That alone made her ease up on herself, the man was no longer a threat. She sighed and jumped onto the windowsill and stared out. With her thoughts clouding her senses, she had not noticed that Adrian had snuck up on her until he placed a paw on her back. He gently stroked her fur as he read her aura. Blacks, blues, violets, and greens surrounded her. Mixtures of hatred, fear, jealousy, and selfishness. He said nothing to her, he just stroked her calmingly.

Suddenly, he pushed his mind onto her and begged for her council. "I need your help on deterring Shadow, she is attractive, but I am not looking for a mate. I want one I could live with and spar with. I could not do her that way without fearing for her constantly." "I'll speak with her, don't worry too much. You may just be looking at a friend with pleasuring benefits instead; perhaps that is what you should try to bring up before I talk to her." "To be honest, I think I am more comfortable around males." This broke Moon's glare to the outer world. "You mean that you would rather find a male as a mate?" "I do not know. How could I know? Your sister is the first one I have ever let touch me in that way. I enjoyed it, but somehow..." "It felt wrong?" "Yes..."

Moon rose and turned to Adrian, she nuzzled his cheek then gave him a small lick then jumped down and walked away. Leaving behind a perplexed Lucario depicting his possibilities. He grinned as he stood there staring out in her place. He let a chuckle escape before turning and leaving the room. He hummed a random tune lightly as he met up with Jason and his mother as they cleaned up. He joined in and started to dry dishes as Jason put them away. Moon planted her voice into everyone's head as Champ opened the door and the two rejoined the family in their sanctuary, Clair laughed as she leaned against her lover and joked with him. Moon stood in the shadows as they passed by her. Clair just glared at her, Moon tried to apologize once more, but Clair would not have it. Night fell quickly, the family gather in the family room and watched a movie, enjoying the tranquility of a true home environment before setting out once more. They eventually fell to the call of slumber, Shadow annoyed them with her glowing rings as the moon filled to its finest. Jason and his mother hugged each other before parting and going to bed themselves. Tomorrow would bring a new light to the Trainer's life as now he understood his team better than any other Trainer alive...

Chp 5

Jason and his team moved slowly through the trees in a remote area of the country. By request of Clair, they had gone south to hide completely. Jason had covertly moved Miguel off the team and replaced him with Rex. He told Miguel the night before he done it to give him an extended rest but it would not be permanent. Rex, being a wild Charizard male, was territorial and untrained as of yet. He wanted this opportunity to break the male and try to get him to teach Champ how to be a Charizard. It began rough, having to actually take his belt off during one session and smacking claws of both males for passing foul names and trying to start a fight. Champ took it hard being it was the first time he was actually punished like that. Jason just ignored the whimpers and told them to straighten their acts. They did for a while, but the testosterone rose once more.

"I am telling you two: I will have Moon pin both of you down and I will whip both of your tails." Jason stated as he tried to get Rex to do the normal routine of camp pickup. Clair had not been out for a day or two; Jason refused to let her out while Rex was in the open for her safety and her mind's sake. "Sorry, Jason." Champ rushed away from his rival and scouted a different section. He had snapped at Rex twice so far this morning and it was wearing Jason thin. "You better be." Thanks to Moon opening Jason's mind to the basic speech of Pokﾃｨmon, his relationship with his extended family had grown deeper, yet he kept that secret from other Trainers happily. Time came, the group moved on to find their next adventure.

Three days later, everyone was in their balls resting save Rex. He lounged leisurely in the morning sun listening to Jason as he talked to no one in particular. He still was not used to humans, but this one amused him even though he caused himself to be punished every now and then. They were next to a shallow creek; Jason muttered things to his reflection. Rex chuckled and rolled onto his back.

"You know the Life Bringer will not talk to you, right?" "Yes, but I am not looking for answers in the water. I am looking for them in me." Jason tossed a rock into the near calm flow. "Why can't you and Champ get along? Is there something that you have to do or is it just the natural thing?" "We are not of the same clan. We are rivals thus." "Ah, there you are wrong. You are in my 'clan' and therefore you need to listen to me." Clair popped out and stretched, she froze as she saw Rex lounging. She slowly reached back up to her ball to retreat back into it. "Ah, Clair, um... this is Rex." "His name is not Rex, right Hia'atus?" "Did not think anyone would recognize me... you're Segwaas' offspring, no?" "That beast I will not claim to be my sire." "Don't blame you, cousin; I am glad you did not die as he hoped. It seems that family comes together once more. May I ask, is that other male your master?" "Mate. He is my chosen life partner. Not master, I am no nest sitter." "Ah. Then I shall behave myself from now on. I have no wish to breed inside the clan, which is why I left. Just sad that I was taken by a human with a sneaky Mind Speaker behind him." "You will not attack?" "No." Rex rose then slung his tail around to pick a few pebbles from his scales before letting it go back behind him. "I am sure you remember how I acted in the clan itself." "Black claw, more so than I." She stared at the male and sighed. "I do not know what I can do. But know this: I will not be friends with you, nor help with your cycle." "I have survived this far alone, what's another cycle?" Clair turned away and went behind a boulder to be out of the sight of the males. "Hard telling what you will do when my next burst comes." "I will let Champ take that glory. As I said, Grainas, I do not wish to breed in the clan. Even if you are banished, I consider you still a part of it." "Don't ever call me that. My name is Clair! I will not honor that wretch by using the name he slapped onto my hide." "Alright, Clair, no need to get hostile." Jason interrupted; he never even expected that the two could be related. "Don't forget to wash up, we need to get moving. I don't have the power in my Pokﾃｨtch to use the GPS App. We need to find a Center so I can charge up." "Right, while she is doing that. I'll go tend to my own needs. No need to make her compare her male to me." "I don't think so, you're staying were I can watch you." "What ever lights your flame, human." Rex stretched then started to rub the base of his tail.

The male moaned as his arousal rose. Jason rolled his eyes then went to check on Clair. He found her kicking at the water. He glanced back at Rex and saw that he had worked himself to a full erection that had made him shiver once before. Rex bent over himself and sucked his shaft into his mouth, he only could go half way down it, but that did not stop him from the pleasure. Jason sat down and rubbed Clair's back, she jumped slightly then relaxed as she realized it was Jason. With a sigh, she eased herself down into the water. It came up to her chest. She explained to Jason that as long as they were healthy, short submersion would not harm them. She scrubbed her face as Jason watched over her. She looked back and silently begged for her Trainer to wash her back. He did so, while glancing over his shoulder. Rex had lost himself in his motions. Clair pulled away from him and climbed out of the water, she shook dry then turned to make sure her tail had taken its full flare before moving on up to get into the sun. She spotted Rex and just shook her head.

"Why are males into that? It can't possibly do the job properly." "Self pleasure is just that, let him be." Jason stood then expanded her ball. "Ready?" "Be careful, I do not trust him farther than I could throw him." "I will. We'll be flying today. Most likely straight through, so get some sleep." "I've slept enough. But I will abide, do it." "Thank you, and just remember that you can talk to me about anything, anytime." He returned Clair to her ball then he released Champ, he grumbled then stretched his wings. Jason smacked him in the stomach then he motioned toward Rex. Champ rolled his eyes as he saw the male suck himself. "He's more than just a rival... he's family. He and Clair are from the same clan." "Great. Now I got to keep him away from Clair?" "He swore to her that he would behave for now. Let's see how far that can go." "They talked?" "More like argue, but yes. Come on, time we get in the air."

They went over to Rex and smacked him until he broke his grip on himself. He growled with displeasure as he was told to put the 'log' away and get to the air. They held a tight formation as Champ had another lesson on flight combat. When they stopped for the day, the sun was just above the trees and glistened on a lake. There were no human lives anywhere to be found from the air, so they decided to land and make camp as quickly as they could. Jason let out the entire party before heading down to the water. He stuck his hand in to judge the temperature and smiled. He returned to the tent and set down his pack and started to remove clothing. He pulled biodegradable soaps and a space towel before heading back to the water. The team stared at him, save Champ who had seen his body before. Clair started to lick her lips as he walked by, but stopped when a jealous growl came from Champ. Then Moon shivered as a flashback took her mind and then turned to the fire ring Champ had built and toyed with the tender. Shadow ignored the impulses and went to Adrian as he fooled with a bedroll that had a knot in its string that prevented its unrolling. She rubbed against him then let her long ear tickle his sheath as he tried his hardest to ignore her.

He grumbled and dropped the roll behind him and sat on it pulling Shadow with him. "We need to talk..."

Champ took hold of Clair's claw and pulled her to the water so they could bathe as well. Rex, however, shied away and went to find a decent tree to lean against and finish what he tried to do that morning. Moon grumbled as two sets of pheromones struck her nose. She moved away from the overpowering male musk and went to the water to stare into the depths well away from the others. She fell into a trance as the slow ripple of the current took her focus and calmed her. Jason took advantage of this, however, and snuck up on her from behind. He grabbed her then jumped into the water with her in his arms. When they resurfaced, she screamed then looked around trying to find her assailant. Jason rubbed his chin on her head as he made his way to the two lovebirds playing in the water themselves. He bluntly told the shivering Espeon to "Lighten up" and "have some fun." She just looked up at him with blank eyes and wondered what was going through his mind. She could not think straight enough to perform that simple task herself. Just as they joined the two Chars, Adrian and Shadow dive-bombed the group and drenched them all. Moon growled under her breath then gasped as she felt something brush against her lower back. She clenched up and went stiff as she thought that she was going to be raped again. Jason chuckled then apologized to her then he gave her another dunking before tossing her towards Adrian. She screamed as she flew in an arc and landed in Adrian's arms, he nuzzled her then sat her in the water beside her sister, who then splashed her, Moon finally relaxed a little and started to play with Shadow. They got out as the light started turning gray, Rex had the fire going as he wanted "True light," as he called it. Jason plopped down beside the warm fire to warm up not bothering with his clothes. Champ asked him why he chose to remain shown, but Jason just shrugged and told him he did not worry about people this far out. Those who cared for that matter. The boy never got the chance to really feel like a bachelor and make his own rules with society hovering around every corner, so he made the choice now that that very society was miles away from this point. Moon positively shivered with fear, so much that her fear kept her from coming close to the fire. She stared at his naked backside as he dried; only remembering the force the other human used on her. Jason sighed as the night chill started creeping in; he went to pick up his clothes and dressed then told Moon it was safe. Shadow had no problem with his body, he did nothing to her except the occasional battles they did with other Pokﾃｨmon. Shadow did however have another problem; she had listened to Adrian and promised him she would not claim him as a mate. But she could not get what she wanted of him, and that was the problem, she had to work for that trust to gain the benefits and the freedom from Adrian from being her guardian. All she wanted was a love that would not force her to do things. Shadow noticed the fear in her sister's eyes and prodded Adrian, she asked him to speak to her. Adrian took one look at her aura then sighed. There was no point in talking right now from what he saw; too much fear clouded her mind. He would talk to her but it would be later. He looked down at Shadow and shook his head then he rose and went into the tent where he laid back on Jason's roll. He closed his eyes and watched the area with his ability until he drifted to sleep.

Things were quiet around here save the occasional splash of an aquatic Pokﾃｨmon jumping about to feed on an inattentive bug type landing on the water surface to rest or drink. Jason took the watch, allowing the others to either relax and get some alone time or just plain sleep. He had found himself a tree to lean against and listened to the surroundings while rising every so often to stoke the fire. Champ and Clair nestled down beside the warmth and snored quietly. Jason smiled as he saw his buddy hold his mate close. Rex grumbled to himself as he watched the others. When his 'master' had left the firelight again, Rex rose and joined him on the other side of the ring. He dimmed his tail and sat beside the boy and sighed lightly as he stared back over to the lovebirds laying in comfort now that Clair had been forced to be out among the two mature males. The two did not speak right away, yet they understood the meaning of the approach well enough. Jason looked at the Charizard quietly and waited for a moment.

"Why insist on being so kind? I was raised being told that humans were worse killers than we are. Killing for a thrill instead of food." "Many are that way, I am not. I enjoy the presence of life. If anyone of us kills... there better be a very good reason for it. I don't even like hunting for food. I'll pick berries and fruits, but I will not kill unless there is nothing else to eat. Though I do eat meat... I eat the ones bred and raised for that purpose. When we get through the woods and back into civilization, we'll go eat at a restaurant and get such meat for you." "I can say this; I will not live on fruits alone. If need be, I shall hunt. I shall respect your hatred for the activity and eat away from everyone. Even Grainas will do the same once she tires of the fruits, that I am sure." "You stick to the clan names, why?" Jason said to avoid the subject further. "The names you give us are just surface names given to give us a familiarity. Humans have always done so, that is what we are taught. She is my family and even if she does not accept the name she hatched with, I do and I won't let her forget that. A day will come when we will cross paths with our clan mates and we will need our claws sharp for that and for the memories that will be brought forth along with blood. Go and rest. I will wake the nameless one when the time is needed." "Champ. His name is Champ, because he is my champion. And thanks, any time you wish to talk... I'm here for you." "I may take you up on that offer sometime... human." Rex smirked curling his lips to just barely show his teeth.

Jason rose quietly then went to his tent, he found Adrian snoring on the sleeping bag with Shadow cuddled up against his chest. He smiled then lay on the tarp bottom and fell asleep beside the two. The only sounds were those that snored and the nocturnal bugs chirping. Some became quiet as a predator stalked through the darkness. Rex smiled as he looked forward to a good fight, hoping the creature would come to him.

Morning came, the usual moods struck. Moon was a little annoyed and no one could get her to say why, but Shadow steered clear of her. When it came time to move, a shriek broke the monotony. Everyone looked around for the source; no one was missing or hurt. That was it for Jason, he told everyone to retreat into their balls save Champ and Rex, and then they rushed to finish the pick up before taking to the air. As they gained height, Jason looked down to see a Nidoran female being used by a Nidoking. He just sighed and let them be, not all can be saved from rape. They flew to the only thing they saw that was not trees, a river. Once over that, they flew upriver until they found a rough road. Jason looked over the horizon with the road; he did not spot anything unusual. But where there was a road, civilization was nearby Jason had Rex and Champ follow the road. Winding and back trailing, the road was beginning to look like nothing more than a fire lane for a preserve. The Charizards gave a silent, mutual look to each other then slowly drifted down ignoring Jason's complaints. They landed slumped to the ground; the road they sat on was dry and hard but did not bother them.

"We need to rest. Try using that one thing and see if there's a human place nearby." Champ suggested. "Maybe we shall be lucky." Jason sighed and tried to use his Pokﾃｨtch. It beeped then went dead except for the time; it was on a separate battery. "Happy?" "Not really. Could Moon not sense human life and take us to them?" "It's not that I don't doubt her, Champ, it's I don't know the strength of her abilities. I don't want to hurt her by pushing her that hard." "Is that not the thing humans do?" Rex grunted. "Push us harder than we can go?" "Some, but not me. Come on, maybe we'll get lucky and run into an electric type in this forest."

Something rustled the florae nearby, Jason jumped slightly. He looked around wondering who or what was watching them. They watched the area closely; Jason edged closer to his companions and hunkered down. He slowly pulled Moon's ball free from its holster and enlarged it. Without a word, he popped the ball and out came the Espeon in front of the trio. With a questioning look behind her, she read their thoughts then probed the depths of the plant life. With audible, choked back laugh she sat back and gave a whistle that made Jason cringe as it hit his ears. A little Plusle waddled out. It looked far too young to be on its own. It waddled over to Moon and nuzzled up against her. She smiled at the little one then rolled her eyes at the males.

"It could have been a predator, you know. Can't be too safe." "Like those two can't fight off anything these trees can hide?" "Not if it's a water or fighting type." "Hey! You trained me better than that!" Champ growled. "They are still your weakness no matter how hard you train, you know this." Jason said quietly. "Besides, we're in unfamiliar territory." "You're lost... and you're scared... is that it?" Moon said as she nuzzled the Plusle. "Kinda." Jason admitted. "She's agreed to help us if we help her. She'll charge your device if you help her find her family. They live in a large Oran grove with a funny looking... um... tree. Her mind is confused greatly, a rock monster separated the family about a week ago, I think." "Jeez, we'll help, no doubt. Moon, you and your little buddy climb onto Champ's back, I'll get on Rex's." "So soon?" Jason glared at Rex as he muttered those two words. The Charizard grinned at him sheepishly. "What? Can't I have an opinion?" "Yes, but you need to learn to be helpful to those in need." "Whatever."

The Charizards moved to allow the smaller riders on while they readied themselves for another flight. With a moan, the took off and stayed above the trees. Every so often, Moon would point them toward a land mark as she read the toddler's mind. It was tiresome but they took an hour and a half to find the grove, they landed and let the toddler wander about to find it's home. Champ gasped as he spotted something then rushed over to something just barely in sight of everyone else. Jason grabbed the toddler instinctively and held back his pace as Moon joined him. Rex sniffed the air and grunted. He stared off into space as his own thoughts whirled.

"What is it?" "Blood and the scent of an Onix. I fear what he found is a corpse rather than a life. I'm certain of it in fact." "I don't like hearing that." Jason scratched the Plusle's head then held her in a way so she could nap. "I'm afraid he's right..." Moon said telepathically. "Trampled, I do not sense any life beyond plants here. I'm sorry... what are we going to do with her?" "Can you make it appear their alive? I need to know if it's her parents." "The scent of blood if far too strong... I am not that strong enough to mask that scent." Jason sighed; he hesitated as he fought his mind then started moving towards his two companions. He sat the toddler down and woke her. "Okay, sweetie, I need to ask you to be strong. Is this someone you knew?" "You can't-" Jason waved off Moon's retort. "Please, we'll be right here." The toddler turned with aid from the human and took one look at the mangled body before going to it. She nuzzled it as she tried to wake the body. When she realized it was for naught, she began to cry out. Jason picked her up and let her cry into his shoulder. He moved away quietly. "Rex, Champ, I do not know of how others would perform a burial. Would you do the honor and give this one just that?" "Though I do not know the ways of the electric... yes, I will do so." Rex said soberly. "Thank you."

The two Charizards went off quietly under Rex's instructions to find dry wood. Moon went over to Jason and sat quietly. The silence between them was broken by a very strange question. Moon looked at Jason quizzically as he repeated it.

"Have you known any case where there was a hybrid Pokﾃｨmon?" "What do you mean?" She tried reading him but everything seemed normal. "I've seen the way Shadow looks at Adrian; I'm wandering if there could be a Riolu-Eevee mix comes out of the... um... coupling." "That I do not know." "I'll ask a breeder whenever I get the chance. I can just imagine a bipedal Eevee throwing punches at gawking passersby." "You're terrible." "Am I? Or am I one who just looks for the extremes? Don't know... So, to change the subject, have you gotten the name for this little one?" "No. I haven't, I will try once she's awake. Are you going to keep her with us?" "As much as we all need the experience raising a little one... I don't think so. I would rather see her grow up around other electric type. She needs to learn how to use her abilities and such." "What if we can't find any of her missing clan? Are you just going to leave her alone?" "What do you think? Hmm?" "You're right, you are not the type to leave someone alone and helpless."

Their conversation ended as the two Charizards came back to them with a load of dead wood each. Rex silently made a pyre for the body to be laid on. Jason carried the young one over to them as they gently picked the body up and sat it down on the wood. The little one woke with a yawn and rubbed her eyes. She watched curiously as the large males worked.

"May whatever god you worshipped take you in..." Jason muttered under his breath as he watched them finish. "Light flame, try not to get carried away. It needs to burn clean." Rex stared upon the dead flesh he never thought he would truly see another killed in cold blood.

Without a word, they both spewed a well controlled Flamethrower onto the pyre and slowly lit it. Once smoke started to rise, they backed away and watched. Rex began to hum a somber tune as the flames built up to engulf the body. It did not take long for the flames to grow hot and wild. The fire types remained unaffected but the others had to step back away from the heat. Within twenty minutes the fire had burned the body and now was beginning to die out, the smoke had brought other inhabitants of the woods over to inspect. They watched silently as the human grabbed his bag and took out a small vile and strung it with a thin rope he used to his sleeping bag with. He passed the vile to Rex then whispered to him to gather up some ashes. He did so without question then handed the vile back, Jason had hold of a candle which he then melted in Rex's tail flame and sealed the vile and knot of the rope. He then placed the vile over the toddler's head to rest it on her shoulders.

"This is to remind you of your family. You may be too young to truly know why I am doing this, but I will do my best to keep you safe." The toddler looked at it for a moment then threw up her arms to Jason wanting to hug him. They did so. Jason turned to the ashes that remained and bowed to them then wished them a pleasant afterlife. He then noticed the observers for the first time. He did nothing to dissuade their glares or looks of relief. He just picked up the toddler then started for the woods. His team followed in silence allowing nature to spread the ashes.

That evening, after walking in silence to wherever their feet took them, they stopped at a very small clearing and sat up the tent and made a cooking fire. Jason then released the others to join them. They all looked in question at the young one as they knew that she had not been captured yet since she was still with them instead of in the storage place for Trainers.

"What are we going to do with her?" Shadow asked. "Raise her. Until we either find a family for her or until she wishes to join us. Either way, she is staying free for now. We are her only hope at survival and we all need the experience at raising a little one. So tonight, besides watching for malicious attackers we must watch her and make sure she does not wander off alone. She is still too young to really care for herself." Jason sighed and looked at the toddler again, sleeping on his bedroll. "Shadow, Moon, and Clair, I need you three to act as motherly as you can. I have no idea myself of what she can or can't eat at this age until we find a Center and ask Joy." "I will watch over her as though she is from my very flame." Rex said, he looked pale now that he had time to think over what he saw today. "What happened to her was far too wrong for anyone, whoever the cold hearted Pokﾃｨmon is, I pray they do not cross paths with me." "Just make sure that attitude doesn't rub off too much." Clair retorted, she leaned against Champ trying not to eye his large form. "We don't need another psychopath running with us." "What? I am no crazed hunter, if that is what you mean." Rex looked away and crossed his arms. "Knock it off you two." "What?" The two said in near perfect unison. Champ growled in agreement with Jason. "You two sound like arguing siblings fresh from the mother's teat. Why don't you two just get along? We are family after all." "Couldn't say it any better. Get some sleep everyone, we have a long day ahead and we will be on foot for a while."

Rex and Clair grumbled but split up leaving the group in the dying light in peace. Champ sighed then followed his mate. Adrian volunteered to take first watch as Jason rubbed the bridge of his nose in frustration. He could tell that his human was about ready to just return the two of them to their balls and lock them down. The Lucario shook as the thought of himself being punished by the only true grounding a Trainer could give. Similar to when parents send their children to their rooms when they disobey. Moon and Shadow huddled together to comfort each other as they were hit by the tension. Jason apologized to them then laid back. In the hushed camp, Champ and Clair argued quietly about her cousin while Rex grumbled and shadow boxed a tree just barely out of sight from camp, his tail revealed his location. Adrian settled down and crossed his legs as he began to meditate, sending his Aura powers out to their limits and pushing for more. He watched as the three Flame Tails finally settled down, their moods flattening out at a pale, calming blue.

After a couple hours when everyone but Adrian was asleep, something caught his attention. The scrapping of rocks, quiet but it stood out as the bug types and other nocturnes vanished. He stood slowly and readied himself for a quick fight. Whatever it was, it stayed just out of his range. Like it had studied him well. His blood boiled as he tried to find the stalker. He dared not move, less they heard him. The unknown finally made a mistake and stepped into his range. His guard dropped completely as he saw a young Lucario running towards him while looking over her shoulder. He remained motionless until she came closer then stepped into her way to catch her. She screamed, begging for her life. He placed his paw over her muzzle and closed it, he growled at her as he fought her struggles. Her energy wore out quickly, he let go of her muzzle and let her pant.

"Jason," He grunted, knowing that her screams had stirred his companions. "We have a problem." "I heard. What is it about?" "Injuries. I need your help." Jason moaned as he rose and pulled his bag from under his head. "Moon, call back the other three. I don't want them out there alone." He unzipped his bag and pulled out a Super Potion spray and made his way to Adrian. "Alright, hold her still." He clicked on a pen light and gasped as he saw that it was another Lucario. "I saw her run from something, I'm still searching the area." "Work with Moon and Shadow. I rather not find that killer at night." Adrian slowly handed the female to his boy then did as he was told. "Alright, I'm not going to hurt you, but healing you will sting a little and itch." "Do it." The Lucario said quietly as she watched Adrian as best as she could. "You are pure, I can see why these gather around you." "That and I am their Trainer. We'll protect you." "I doubt that. My entire family was killed..." "Did you have Plusle with you?" "Yes. It was a mixed family." "We ran into a toddler. With her help, we found the area and gave the only body we found there a burial by fire." He sprayed her chest where a visible gash was and searched for other visible wounds. "Where is the young one?" "Asleep. There you go. May I ask you something?" "Was I ever around humans? The answer is yes. I fled when my companion died from an attack." "Trainer or mate?" "Both." "Must be hard for you then. To be away from the ones that care for you." "No one else cared. He was killed for showing his love for me." "That's terrible." He paused for a moment hesitant to press on. "I swore to take the little one to a new clan, you may join us if you want. I would appreciate it. I am not much of a parent for little ones." Rex hissed in anger as he rejoined the camp, he stared at Moon, she just shrugged. "She should be in my tent on my roll. You are welcome to it." "Thank you, but finding a meal is more important to me right now." She rose and tried to put weight on her legs, she stumbled a step or two before Jason stopped her. "Maybe I should rest..." "Here, let me." He picked her up and carried her to the tent and gently sat her down at the flaps. "I shall leave you to your privacy. If you need anything, just call for me or one of the gals. There's Moon, the Espeon, Shadow, the Umbreon, and Clair, the Charmeleon." "Thank you." She crawled into the tent and let the flaps close behind her. Jason smiled then went to Rex and smacked the back of his head as he hunched down to relax. "Lose the foul mood. I asked her to get you back here." "It wasn't because of that..." Rex snarled then turned away from his trainer. "She is trying to be the matriarch. I do not like being ruled by females, only myself. I follow your words because of that device, but only just." "I'll have a word with her, but I still want you to lose the attitude."

Jason frowned as he looked for Champ and Clair they, or rather she, refused to rejoin the group. He heard a cheerful squeal then saw Clair run in as Champ nipped at her head. He made his was to intercept their playing. Champ stopped as soon as he saw the look on Jason's face and stood straight. Jason quietly told him that he was supposed to act like the mature one of the bunch before going after Clair. He grabbed her shoulder and turned her to him as she tried to dash away. He grunted at her in disapproval. He crouched down to meet her eye to eye.

"Clair, I want you to be more mature than what you were earlier-" "But I-" "Don't care who started what or whatever. I told him the same, do it. I rather not force you two into your balls and ground both of you. I never liked being confined to my room as a young kid, but it gets the point across. Wise up here and now." "Fine." "Good, now go find a spot close to the rest of us and get some sleep."

Clair sighed and moved away from him and towards the fire. He glanced over the shoulder and saw Champ shake his head before joining his mate. He wanted to go easy on them, but then they would never listen to him. He had to be the leader, now all he had to do was break Moon's bubble. He would do that in the morning, he told himself.

Chp 6

The next morning, Jason rose to a Chatot screaming at a Ledyba over some fruit. He groaned and sat up slightly remembering last night. He turned to the tent and wished it was closer. He wobbled to it as he found that his legs were numb from laying on something wrong. He poked his head into the tent and found that the toddler and the female Lucario were talking by Signing. From what he knew, the Plusle was giving one or two word answers. The Lucario turned and smiled at him before returning her attention to her only known family member. He left them and started to wake everyone, except for Moon. She had taken over the watch and was just starting to lay down herself. He asked her to join him before she went to sleep then him told Champ to keep everyone at camp while he took Moon for a private walk.

After a few minutes of walking away from the others, Jason finally broke the silence. "So I have heard that you are trying to be a matriarch." "Me?" "Who else is here?" "Um..." "Don't bother. Just explain to me why you need to be dominant? I thought I had made it clear that Champ was my second." "You have... It's just that I have been so used to being submissive that I must have went to the extreme to make up for that." "Are you sure? I may not be psychic, but I do sense some other tension behind your voice." Moon kept silent, she had to look into herself to find out if what he said was true. "Who is it that has you tail tips in a knot?" "It's... no one. I just not been checking myself and stopping the rush of freedom you have given me... and my sister." Jason stopped and sighed. He then knelt down and placed his hand on her back; she flinched slightly and looked at him. "I know there is something missing. Tell me, while we are alone."

She used her power to remove his hand then sighed as she sat before him. She stared at him for the longest time trying to depict her words carefully. Her thoughts failed her as her conscious told her to tell him the truth, or it was the failsafe of the Pokﾃｨballs taking over, she could not really tell. She groaned then forced herself into Jason's consciousness.

Relax, I cannot say what ails me, only show you and allow you to feel what I feel...

Her voice seemed distant, Jason felt himself slip away from his body then he watched the day he freed both of the 'eons. He felt the adrenaline and fear as she finally undid the lock of the cage, of which she was kept, then as she did the same for her twin. Then he felt the rush as Shadow pulled them through the shadows to the outside. Only then did the abusive man realized what they had done as Moon ripped off alarm collars.

The memory shifted ahead in a sickening manner to the moment Adrian came rushing to them to help. He watched as Shadow started to fade from consciousness and could feel anger, lust, and fear overwhelm him. The memory shifted again ahead to a week or so ago to where they had their first day away from human civilization. He felt fear surge through him as he watched himself grab his visage then run into the water. Flashes of memories hit him as she remembered how the man used her body for his own pleasure. Then he felt himself brush against her again and a sudden sense of fear of being raped again flooded him. He shivered mentally as his senses where overwhelmed, he could feel the pain of being forced to take a male inside of female parts. He gasped as she pulled away from his mind. She looked away as she wiped her face with her one of her bifurcated tips. He could not move he felt as though he was scared stiff.

I am sorry, I had to let you feel what I feel every time I am around a human male. The memories I return to, the fear... That is what holds me back, what makes me now take control. Call it revenge on the gender, I don't know... I just feel better when I take control for a change.

His body was fully released and his senses returned to normal, he drew a silent, long breath. Without thought, he reached for her and picked her up and pulled her to his chest. He hugged her and just held her there, nuzzling her head with his chin as he did so.

"I will do what I can to help you break that fear, but you must want my help." He whispered in her ear. She relaxed a little and breathed lightly. "Give me an answer, little one." She looked up at him then licked his cheek. "Please..." "We'll start soon, that I promise, but I'll need help from someone special." They were startled by the sudden appearance of Shadow, a saddened look on her face. Moon looked at her as she read her sister expertly. "We are needed, we can teleport there." "Do it."

The three of them seemed to flick out of reality as Moon took them back to camp. There Jason saw as his jaw dropped when he saw Clair strike at Rex. They growled at each other and spat flames at each other. He started to grab their Pokﾃｨballs then stopped, he sighed. He sat Moon down then rose and approached the dual. He told them that if they wanted to fight out their differences then get it over with. Rex glanced at him, he stepped back as she swiped at his chest. Champ squatted down beside Jason and placed a clawed paw on his shoulder. He looked hurt, not physically, but emotionally. Jason patted the paw as he watched. Clair swung again this time making contact, a little bit of flesh and blood was slung from Rex's muzzle. He roared in pain then struck back with a closed fist knocking her back. She gasped then madly rushed him and gave him a swift kick in the jaw; Jason drew a shocked breath as he watched her jump. He must have said something wrong to piss her off. Rex stumbled back then swung around trying to strike her with his tail; she jumped it then struck him in the kidney making him hiss with pain again. Jason then watched her as she charged up an attack he rarely saw, Metal Claw. She struck home, in the middle of his chest, he gasped as he toppled backwards. He did not move, she roared angrily then the evolutionary light enveloped her. Jason watched in awe as she changed, Champ watched with a stone face. Once she was done changing, he moved to check on Rex. He was beyond out, he was critical. Jason had a small amount of revival pills; he rushed to retrieve one from his pack then shoved it under Rex's tongue. It took a minute to take effect but he opened his eyes and reached for his face, he hissed as he touched the still bleeding claw marks. She just barely missed his right eye. Jason tried to use a potion on him, but Rex grabbed his hand and pushed it away before rolling over and rising to his feet.

"Congrats, cousin, you beat me down without a killing blow. I do not know if I should be grateful or ashamed. I shall renounce my blood ties to you." Clair growled as she looked at him. "Enough. Clair, stand down. You beat him, its over. Rex, will you be alright?" "Good enough. Give me a shout when you are ready to leave, I'm going to go lick my wounds..." He walked away from everyone and sat down on a fallen tree and sulked. Jason sighed, "Alright, someone tell me what brought this on." "He bluntly told me that I was not worthy of my flame, choosing to have a set mate and not start a clan in Champ's honor." Clair grumbled deeply. "Well, you definitely broke his pride and upheld your own. I want no more fighting between you two and if you are wise, you will tell him that you still want him as family. We are here together, that will not change." Clair growled, but went silent as Champ spoke up in agreement to Jason. She sighed and surrendered. She went after Rex; Champ started to follow but stopped when Jason grabbed his tail. "Let them talk it out alone. As a mate, a husband, it takes understanding in your other half and equal trust. That much I have learned in my life, and I pass it on. Start breaking down the site, leave the tent for now." "As you wish..."

An hour of complete silence, Clair returned with silent tears, she leaned against Champ and buried her face into his chest. Jason took notice that she stood a head shorter than her mate now, he smiled though as it seemed that some sort of breakthrough happened. Champ embraced her and just remained quiet as she wept against him. Jason went to the tent and looked in on their guests and found the Lucario grooming the toddler.

"Are you ready to move out?" "Are we flying?" "Yes, you two will ride on Champ." "Then yes, I am more than ready to leave these woods behind, especially the murderers. I am just glad I lost whoever was chasing me last night." "They most likely smelled me and the others and avoided us. Come, we need to put away the tent." "Sure." She picked up the toddler and followed Jason out. "Oh, I don't think I ever gave you my name or hers. I'm Lisa, and this is Grace." "Glad to meet you officially." Jason smiled. "Jason!" Moon shouted. "I looked away for a moment and Rex vanishes, I can't even hear his thoughts." "Don't panic, he can't go far. His Pokﾃｨball won't let him on his own." "Are you sure?" "Yes, I am. Look up; I'm sure he's just circling trying to clear his mind."

Sure enough, Rex passed overhead. He was grumbling to himself as he looked down upon his family he was sure he was not really accepted into. He sighed as he looked ahead and into the horizon, it was completely clear. Miles and miles of open sky without a cloud in sight, but that also allowed him to see a city to the East. He rid himself of the heated air and went up higher. He knew before long, the thin air would affect him negatively and thus leveled off and started to descend. Down below him, Jason started to recall Moon, Shadow, and Adrian. He climbed onto Clair's back ignoring her protest. He told Champ he was carrying their guests. Then they were off to join Rex in the air. Jason had Clair take him to Rex, since she was struggling to stay aloft. He jumped the open air once they were in range; Rex shook slightly as he did not expect the intrusion. He then told his rider that he saw a city when he was up higher, but it would take them at least two days flight to reach it. Jason told him to lead the way.

---

That evening after a long day's of flight to the Eastern skies. They landed on a flat lakeshore and rested. Rex stayed silent and refused to look at Clair. Jason hoped everything would return to normal soon. As nightfall drew closer, Jason started to build a fire ring then gathered wood. He left the other three in their balls for now. The three Charizards sat down around the ring with Lisa and Grace separating Clair and Rex. When Jason returned with a small bit of wood, Champ was trying to converse with the other two. Jason dropped the arm load down noisily making everyone jump. He frowned as the silence remained.

"Okay, this is getting on my nerves. Will you two just knock off the silent treatment and act like a family for a change. Nothing will change the fact that is what you are. Blood is blood; there is no renouncing that even in death. So face reality. I don't give a damn what you believe in at this point, I want my family happy. This silence you two are making is spreading to everyone and it's making me sick." Clair and Rex stared at the ground, still silent. Jason's temper rose making his face flush slightly. "Well?" They remained quiet. Champ rose and walked away taking Lisa and Grace with him down to the water. Jason grounded his teeth. "Since the day I have met you, I never seen you so mad..." Clair finally spoke not wanting to make eye contact. "I am sorry, for angering you, but this is the only way we can live with each other-" "No, it's not the only way." Jason interrupted. "You two can make up and enjoy the presence of the other." "If that was possible, it would be done." Rex said quietly, the fresh scabs cracking around his lips. "I disgraced her honor; I'm all right, I am supposed to be dead." "You both are disgracing mine. As your Trainer, I am telling you to get over this. As a friend, I ask you to make up." Jason clenched his fists subconsciously, he realized this and relaxed. "And as your clan leader, I tell you that you lead by example for the others." As Jason mentioned being their clan leader, Clair and Rex flinched as though struck. "What? Do you not consider me as such? Is it because I am human? Or is it because I did not fight for it?" "Both." Rex said quietly. "I see. But I still claim the title, so that is that. If there are any problems talk to me, no more fighting, but silence is not an option." "Very well." Rex answered. "Fine." Clair added. "Thank you. Go gather some fruits, Rex, especially healing berries. Clair, I want you gather wood to work on your strength, take Champ." Once the three went off on their tasks, Jason let Adrian out. "Hey, I need to talk to you." "About the female?" Jason nodded, "Yes, now that Moon and I have had a break through. I would like you watch over Lisa and Grace. Get to know Lisa most of all, Moon shared some things with me that I doubt she realized it at the time. I watched her memories or rather she forced them on me. I'm sure that you will easily come to like Lisa. Since she'll be able to spar with you freely and all." "I guess it wouldn't hurt, but what about Shadow?" "Leave her to me."

Adrian went down to the water to join the other two, while Moon and Shadow was let out. Shadow immediately saw Adrian heading for the female and sighed, she sat and stared at him hoping he would be rejected. Moon went over to Jason and rubbed against him before laying beside him. He relaxed staring blankly over the water stroking her fur absently. Rex returned with a makeshift basket of a quickly weaved vines full of berries and other fruits. A few minutes later, Champ and Clair joined them with logs in their arms. Then they started to build the tender up. By nightfall, everyone gathered to an Oran berry stew. It was not filling, but it was enough. Champ put out the fire as everyone began to yawn then he curled up against Jason allowing his boy to lay his head on him. Clair took his open side while the others spread out a little enjoying the clear night. Tail fires dimmed quickly as they fell asleep, but Jason laid awake listening to the area. His mind spread over many horizons. He began to question his luck. He picked Champ as his first Pokﾃｨmon then ran into another rare Char and female at that, then into two more, he looked over his team in his mind. He realized he had more rare types than he ever thought he would. Now with Lisa running into them, what would he do if she wanted to join the team? Would he just leave her with his mother for a life of ease or let one of the others stay in storage for a while? His mind would not rest, but that passed as he saw Adrian and Lisa rise and move away from everyone else. Curiosity got the best of him, Jason rose quietly and followed as stealthily as he could. He followed them to the water where they sat and looked over the moonlit water. Jason eased closer so he could hear them.

"It has been a long while since I was with another of my kind." Lisa said quietly. "Longer since I have had anyone actually wanting to learn about me." "I figured as such, after all, not many would want to learn about those who have spent most of their life with humans." "Yeah, I guess that's true enough. So... what do you want to know?" "Anything, everything, I don't know. I guess I'll start with this: What do you like?" "Moonlit water with a good looking fellow." "Ah, shucks, I guess I missed that one by a long shot." He chuckled. "Hmm, I wouldn't say so. If I had to judge, you are one, if not the best male I have seen of our kind. And you have a gentle, caring heart." "You're going to make me blush." "I'd say it's too late for that." Lisa leaned against him. "So, what do you see in me?" "A rough fighter, but gentle with others. Strong, yet soft. A dominant spirit with a submissive urge underneath." "Interesting. I could say the same about you for the most part." Lisa flipped her tail over Adrian's, Jason heard him gasp uneasily. She chuckled as she crept her paw over his lower back. "You know, I would not mind having you sire me a Riolu or two." "I-I shouldn't. Not without Jason's blessings... h-he is my Trainer and-" "Then ask the boy, he's silently cheering us on." Lisa chuckled while Jason was doing just as she said. "Oh?... oh, he is watching... um..." "What are you waiting for? Either ask him or mate me. Either way, I may not stay with you and your boy for long." Adrian looked away sheepishly, "I never mated before; Shadow showed me how to please myself but..." "Lay on your back, I will do the work tonight."

Jason rose and left them alone. Though he listened for them to finish each other off, he continued thinking of his luck. When he heard no more movement down at the shore, he quietly pulled out a cloth then went down to wash away the evidence of the pairing. He found them separated, but cuddling and wet from each other. It was clear they had quickly fallen asleep once Lisa had finished herself off. He hoped his little Adrian had one hell of a lesson. He gently wiped them both off then carried them back up to camp one at a time. Once that was done, he laid back down and fell asleep himself feeling like he himself had succeeded.

As the night went on, Jason kept waking to find that either Lisa or Moon had wound their way to his side. Moon he was happy to snuggle with, but Lisa, he felt a little uncomfortable with being that her past lover had also been her Trainer. He tried to go back to sleep feeling far too lazy to move her away. He felt her paw rub his chest and her murmur a name that he thought was her Trainer. He let her dream, but unfortunately, he was fully awake now. With it being an hour and a half till sunrise, with a sigh, he lay there. No watch was set, he realized, but at least they would not have to worry much with three Charizards laying about now. Watching the stars twinkle, his mind fell silent. All he heard was the gentle breathes of his team, the wake of the water on the shoreline, and his heart. He tried to think of something other than the bleary quietness, but something kept him silent. He sat up slowly looking around as he did so. For some odd reason, he felt as though someone was watching only him.

A chuckle in the back of his mind made him jump as he searched for the telepathic source. Nothing rose suspicion. He shook Lisa trying to wake her, but she did not stir. He caught a glimpse of the tail fires of his team, the flares were still as though they were frozen in time. The chuckle came again, childlike in all manners. Then something splashed from the water; he went chasing after it. There in front of him a small, pink cat-like creature hovered above the water. He had heard of the Pokﾃｨmon, Mew, before but only appearing around wooded areas that Pokﾃｨmon steered away from. It chuckled again, its tail flicked happily under it. Jason just stared flabbergasted at the sight.

Did your dam not teach you that it is impolite to stare with your mouth open? The voice echoed within his head. "Sorry..." Good to hear that tone. Now young Trainer, I have come to tell you: Your journey has only begun... there are beings who seek to destroy that which the eldest of us all created, those who have no name from your kind. Even most of the young of our kind do not know they exist, they believe in the voices left behind to guide. Seek the ones who control the elements, those of the land; and those of the sky. They are the guardians of the Ones. Show them your strength and they will give you what you need... The Mew bowed then vanished in a bright flash.

Jason gasped and looked around. The sun had risen, the sky brightened with a golden tint. He turned to his team and saw them still sleeping soundly. He smiled then thought about what the Mew told him... He was to become a hero? It did not make sense, finding legendary Pokﾃｨmon that many have searched for and only a handful become worthy enough to even see them. He looked behind him over the waters hoping to see something different. With nothing out of the ordinary, he went to wake everyone. He needed help, and the only help he could think of getting was that of a man on the other side of the world. He had to find Professor Oak.

"Everyone, get up. We need to move quickly." "What is the rush?" Lisa muttered as she rolled over to find Grace sleeping against Clair. "We need to get to town so I can get us some transport." "Why? Can we not fly?" Rex asked with a yawn. "I don't want to wear you guys thin." "Fine." "Come on, if we make it to town we can get to the Center and eat there." "Blah, dry pellets." Champ stuck out his tongue in disgust. "Hrmm, well... That may be the only thing we all may get to eat if we don't get some victories soon. Anyway, we need to move."

They grumbled, and reluctantly let Jason recall everyone but Rex. Then Lisa, with Grace in her arms, climbed onto the Charizard's back as Jason followed her. Rex then carried them up above the trees and onward to the city. They flew quietly as the day went on, Jason was constantly contemplating what the Mew had said. Why was he chosen? Yes, there had been those few legendary Trainers who have saved the world several times over. Was his name to be added to the list of the nameless? He sighed, he wanted to know why. With any luck, his questions would be answered with the finding of the first guardian. But where to look, his only guess was finding a Trainer that was known for finding the unusual. That would have to start at the international trade center, the Global Pokﾃｨmon Services. Jason remembered when the original center, when it was called the Global Trade Services, shut down because of a scandal about stealing some rare Pokﾃｨmon from a couple of rich kids. Of course it was a false accusation, but the spoiled kids got their wish. With this new place, a Trainer can breed their Pokﾃｨmon with any other across the globe along with battling, trading, or mingling. Jason could not wait to see the place and get into the virtual chat rooms, there had to be a way to find the Legendary Pokﾃｨmon. He fought his own mind as he tried to stay focused. Before he realized it, Rex started shifting his weight below him. Jason sighed and brought out Champ, he then had Lisa jump over before he went, then he recalled Rex to give him a rest. Champ grumbled as the extra weight made his efforts at flying harder.

"Make it as far as you can, Clair is next."

Champ said nothing, the duration of his flight went just as quiet. Night had begun falling as well, but as dangerous flight was at the late hours, Jason pressed them on. At the final flare of sunlight, Jason switched flyers again, he was determined to make it to the town ahead. By midnight, unfortunately, Jason had Clair land so they could rest. They were too exhausted to even lay out the tent, they just huddled together and enjoyed the warmth from the sluggish Charizard. She grumbled but was too worn out to fully

Chp 7

The female Charizard stirred, Clair had woken before her Trainer and their traveling guests. The sun was still about an hour away. She sighed then turned to her Trainer, she stealthily reached down to grab a Pokﾃｨball from his belt. One would think she would be putting herself back into her own ball, but she was actually bringing one out. The Espeon member of their team came out and stretched then turned to Clair. Moon cocked her head quizzically as she noticed that Clair had a hold on her ball, the two females left the sleeping members so they could talk.

Once away from them, Moon finally asked: "Why?" "I need your abilities..." Clair sighed. "Again, why? Your mind is closed off from me for a change; you are usually spilling your thoughts out." "I don't even know what I am thinking. O-oh... I'll just be blunt, check to see if I am pregnant." "You can't tell yourself?" "If I am... it would be my first. I'm having... odd dreams and wanting to hunt like crazy. I can stop myself but..." "Hold still..." Moon fell silent as she closed her eyes and tried to look for life signs around her. She gasped suddenly. "Twins..." "Excuse me?" "We need to get you to a doctor, and watched you are not made to have multiple offspring during the same pregnancy, not like me and Shadow. We need to wake Jason." "No... if he realizes the dangers, then he'll just coddle me. Let's just tell him I just don't feel well and need to stop by the Center." "He needs to know, you cannot go into battle like this." "I know... but... still."

Moon growled then walked back to camp, or rather the 'crash' site, to wake Jason. She placed a paw on his chest and sent a psychic pulse into him that made him wake with a fright. He gasped as he came to reality and saw Moon right in his face. He crawled backwards a little as his scare calmed.

"Geez, what do you want?" "We need to move, Clair is not feeling well and I cannot find a 'problem' myself." Moon bit her lip. "Uh-huh. And does this unfound 'problem' have any symptoms?" "Emotional swings and the occasional upset stomach." "How long do you think this will last?" "Depends on how the 'problem' progresses." "Right, well I guess we'll head off early so we can get to a Center. We should not be far away. Can you sense any other humans?" "No, not right off." "Well, as soon as you do, think you can teleport us to the Center?" "Sure, it will be difficult, though, I don't think I have ever seen this area before." "I have faith in you, my dear. Excuse me." Jason forced himself up then went to the sulking Charizard.

He placed a hand on her side and asked her if she felt well. She bluntly lied; he saw through it as she went a few paces away and vomited a milky white substance. He cringed then told her she was to relax in her ball until they got to a Center. She grumbled then vomited again. Once she was done, Jason returned her to her ball and brought out Champ. He stretched then sniffed the air. He was about to protest the scent he caught when Jason told him to get the others on his back while he prepped Rex. Champ complied but when he asked about Clair, Jason shrugged away the question. He released Rex then jumped onto the male's back without a word to him. Finally, after five minutes of waiting for Lisa and Grace to get settled with Moon, they were soon flying off. The city came into sight rather quickly; all that they waited for was for them to get into Moon's teleport range.

"Here we go!" She shouted after an hour's flight. Suddenly they were on the ground five feet in front of the Center's door. Moon shook like she nearly scared herself to death. "Never again, you here me? I almost put us underground. I need to see the place for now on." "Don't worry, I won't ask you to do that again unless it is an emergency. Life or death only." "Thank you." She looked at Jason as she started to probe the area, something felt off to her. She shrugged it off then got up beside Jason. "You may want to call back Champ and Rex; they may make the place a little tight."

He nodded then called back the two Charizards while releasing Shadow and Adrian to give them some stretching time. Adrian immediately ran up to Lisa and link arms with her. The group went inside and to the counter and let Jason do the talking. Joy looked down and held her attention on the twins. She leaned forward with a plastic smile.

"How can I help you today?" "Can we have a pregnancy test done and a check up on the same female? My Espeon told me that I needed to find a Center quickly because of a possible problem." "Certainly." Jason pulled Clair's ball from his belt and was about to release her when an officer busted in and ordered him to freeze. "Hold it right there, you abusive trainer!" It was some guy, a possible rookie; he held a pistol pointed at Jason while a Growlithe snarled behind him. "Excuse me?" "Hand over your card and belt, now!" "Will you let--?" "Shut it, do as I say and you won't get shot."

Jason gulped then slowly started to undo his belt. Moon and Shadow hissed and positioned themselves between the two humans. Moon and Shadow growled viciously, their eyes began to glow with power as they tapped into their abilities. To Jason's surprise, they did something he had never seen before. Shadow let out a black, misty ball towards the officer while Moon let out a brilliant blue ball in unison. Jason heard the man scream with fear but no thud of flesh. The power balls vanished, there behind them standing tall was an elderly Alakazam. It took a deep breath then looked behind him.

Stand down. It was clearly male after hearing it's rather shouted telepathy. Forgive the youngen's actions, I came as fast as my old body could. "Thanks," Jason bowed. No need for that, Trainer. Nurse, tend to his Charizard, these are my guests. "Yes, mayor." The Nurse took the ball as the Alakazam took Clair's ball from Jason's belt and sent it to her. These people do not like the idea of humans beating on... Pokﾃｨmon. Those two are strong, keep them with you always. The Alakazam turned and started to walk for the door. Please meet with me at the courthouse. I shall explain more after you are done here.

With that, he left. Nurse Joy moved quickly and silently. She eventually confirmed that Clair was pregnant and all was fine save for the fact that she was carrying two eggs. She held no promises that both would survive the carrying term of four weeks. Jason frowned on that but that was nature. She tossed the ball at him rather roughly then vanished to the back.

"Well... Anyway, Moon, Shadow, that back there was awesome. You pretty much saved all our hides." Shadow blushed, Jason was sure of it. "Thank you, it was just the natural thing to do." "Yeah, I agree... I don't know what came over me, but I had to protect... my family." Moon smiled as she realized what she was saying. "Family... That sounds so... right." "That it does, come on, we have a meeting with the mayor."

Jason and his team made their way to the courthouse and easily found the Alakazam sitting at a desk doing paperwork, this puzzled Jason to no end. Though the mayor part did as much confusion as the writing did. He walked up and sat down in front of the desk on an empty chair. Without looking up, the Alakazam greeted them properly.

Welcome to Parzaa, young one, I am called Jovah, the mayor of this quaint town. "There is no need for telepathy, Jovah; I can understand your birth tongue quite well." "That so?" The Pokﾃｨmon spoke. "Yes, thanks to Moon. Anyway, I am Jason. Can you please tell me why they tried to arrest me for nothing?" "It is because the all too obvious scaring on those two. They look as fresh as any newborn." "Most likely because I came to their aid just after their previous trainer sliced open Shadow's back somehow. Shadow quickly recovered and enjoys the freedom, Moon is a working progress." "Hey!" Moon shouted at Jason from behind. "It is the truth, Moon, and remember to use your indoor voice, please." "Fine." "You truly act like a family as though you were blood, quite refreshing to see that. I am sure you are curious about me being in charge, no?" "I was not going to bring it up, but yes." "Pokﾃｨmon here are seen as equals, those who can speak the tongue of Man are eligible for any position in town, which is how I was voted in. Others, such as the Growlithe from the Center, hold power yet do not speak simply because of their self trained abilities to communicate otherwise. That Growlithe is actually a captain and simply by growling in a certain tone, the officer obeyed the order to apprehend you in anyway possible." Jovah looked behind Jason and noticed the Lucarios playing with the Plusle. "The little one is deaf and her guardian shows great care to make sure no one finds out that neither of them are captured. If I may ask, what do you plan on doing with those two?" "Nothing, I asked them to join us since their mixed clan was destroyed by some unknown maddened Pokﾃｨmon. They both agreed to stay with us for protection until we find a suitable clan for them to join." "From reading her outer thoughts, she does not want to leave him nor the little one. I do have the ability to make it on a National level that those two are part of your family. If you wish it. You will be given a new card with their pictures on the back with the names and your clan name, which for humans, I believe, is the last name. You still keep the Trainers Card but this will allow you to legally fight for their freedom if they become captured against their will." "I-" "Talk to them first. I shall be here with the papers if they agree, I will not influence them."

Jason smiled then rose from the chair and went to Grace and Lisa then knelt to their level. Which was not far, he rubbed Grace's head lightly before speaking to Lisa.

"The mayor has the power to make you and Grace a part of my family. I did not bring it up, he did, but he will need your agreement to it. Think of it as an adoption, if you want it." "That will make it possible for us to stay with you even in areas where Pokﾃｨmon are not allowed, wouldn't it?" "I don't know, but I am sure you can ask Jovah about that." Lisa looped one arm around Jason's neck while the other held onto Grace, she drew in and kissed his brow. "Thank you, but if you want me to call you dad, you're asking for trouble." "Wouldn't dare. I am sure your paw prints or something is needed for legality, so come on."

Lisa rushed by him and went to the desk, he heard Jovah chuckle as he explained in more detail of what they were able to do. He heard that in most cases, they would be treated as a human child would outside the town. She giggled and hugged the confused Grace. Jovah pulled a large inkpad out of the desk and a roller. He filled out the forms then asked for Grace's name and paw, Lisa answered then took Grace's arm and stretched it out so the Alakazam could ink her paw pads then press it against the paper. Then Lisa did the same. Jason then patted her shoulder before doing his part, signing his full name, adding his palm print, then dating it.

"There, all that is needed now is your pictures taken and placed on cards of which all three of you will hold." Jovah rose and held the paper flat. "This means we will have to go shopping for you two, at least one pack for now." "Yes indeed, that would be wise." Jovah added. "Come, things must be dealt with carefully now." He winked then turned to lead the way to white sheet hanging in closed off portion of the courthouse. "Wait here for a moment, please."

Jovah left them in the room so he could get a woman in there to take the pictures. Adrian held Grace as the woman took Lisa's picture, Grace was all too curious about the camera and wanted to go after it. She jumped as the flash went off. Adrian chuckled. Moon and Shadow both yawned as they were starting to grow bored though they both refused to ask to return to their balls. Adrian went to place Grace on a chair in front of the sheet while Lisa signed an explanation to the toddler as best as she could then went to stand beside the camera so Grace would continue to look towards it. The camera went off again, this time the flash made her cry out because it hurt her eyes. Lisa went and cradled her while Jason went to have his taken. Within a few minutes after, the woman had the cards printed out and handed over to Jason. The owner of each card had their mug shot on the front while the family was on the back with their information under the picture. Jason thanked her as she left them then he placed his card in his wallet with his Trainers Card.

---

That afternoon, Jason, Lisa, and Grace found themselves shopping in an accessory shop. Lisa picked out a small bag that Grace would grow into with the coloring of the average Plusle then she found a pink Trainer's bag that suited her just fine. Jason didn't judge her choice, he paid for them then handed Lisa their cards which she quickly placed in her new bag. Then they wandered over to a berry shop where they stocked Lisa's bag full of dried berries for later use. When evening came, they found a small hotel and rented a room. Unfortunately, it was a one bed room. Lisa sighed but when it came to a night's rest, no one bothered with formality. Jason stripped down to his shirt and boxers then went to shower while Lisa sat on the bed and flipped through the channels on the TV. She found the weather channel and watched it. The weather was to remain clear all week. Grace grabbed Lisa's fur when she could not catch her attention otherwise then signed that she had to potty. Lisa sighed then picked her up and went into the bathroom asking Jason to remain behind the curtain. Grace complained slightly but she could not hold her bowls any longer and let loose. Once she was done, Lisa wiped her clean then nudged her out the door. Lisa bit her lip as she looked back at the curtain. She drew a deep, quiet breath then crept towards the curtain. She lifted a shaky paw, fighting herself, she wanted to see his naked body yet she wanted to respect his privacy. She lowered the paw just before the curtain flew open. She scanned his body hungrily even as he moved out to grab the towel.

"What you see is all that I am. The shower is yours if you wish. I suppose Grace is out there alone." "Yes... I-I..." "No, you cannot. Get washed up, I'm heading to bed." "That wasn't on my mind." "Your eyes were. Good night." "But I-" She sighed as he walked out and closed the door behind him. "I wanted to apologize." She climbed into the shower and turned it on. With the cooling water hitting her, she leaned back against the wall and silently begged forgiveness.

Jason lay on the bed after changing shorts and putting Grace under the covers. With a sigh of his own, he went let out Shadow, Moon, and Adrian leaving the bigger members in their balls while they remained in their room. Moon placed her sister and herself on the foot of the bed with her powers then watched as Adrian began to pace the room.

"Will you stop that!" Moon growled lightly at him. "Sorry, I just cannot help but worry about Lisa. We... mated." He seemed to relax after saying the word. "I just feel like I need to be- I don't know- more responsible? I'll help take care of Grace, but what of her? I don't know how I should act around her." "Be yourself." Jason said quietly. "Keep her satisfied and happy. With her previous mate being her Trainer, I have a feeling she would try to come to me for her bodily needs. So make her want you and not me..."

A pounding on the door made Jason grumble, he rushed to get his pants on and rush to the door. He answered it and met a fist to his nose he back away holding his face as a little bit of blood poured from between his fingers. Adrian immediately came up and attacked the attacker, the small male made contact with a burly human male. The Lucario had more power, the man slid back as he doubled over. He looked the Lucario in the eyes in time to see a furred fist coming at him and make contact with his nose. Bone and cartilage crushed, blood started pouring out before the paw and returned.

"Don't mess with my boy! Ever!" Adrian shouted, he went back to the room to see Lisa tending to Jason. "Shadow, watch over Lisa and Grace. Moon, let's get him to the Center and see if the Nurse will help out." "What if-?" "Those two can handle it. We need to move." He wrapped Jason's free arm around his neck and then wrapped his own arm around Jason's waist.

Moon sighed then the three teleported to the Center right at the desk, Jason's knees gave out as they came back to the plane. The night shift nurse came out and looked over at the commotion, one look at Moon made her huff. Moon growled then sent her powers at the nurse.

Leave your emotions to yourself, human! This is my true Trainer, not the bastard that tortured me and my sister. Tend to his broken nose before I break every bone in your body one molecule at a time! Moon sent to the nurse's mind. The nurse gulped loudly then went to help. She pulled him up to the chairs and quickly grabbed a first aid kit then started patching him up. When she finished him up, the burly man came stumbling in with the Growlithe captain forcing him into the building. He growled making the man sit.

"I take it you caused this mess?" The captain asked Adrian. "I did." "You could have killed him... but you didn't, why not?" "He didn't give me a reason to. He swung once at my Trainer, so did I after separating them. I just made sure the damage would be more visible after it healed. Should I have finished him off?" "Of course not, though most go into a rage when the ones they claim are attacked like that. I am proud of you; keep your head... always." The captain turned to go tend to the man he brought in.

Adrian went to Jason and sat quietly as he watched the man bleed slowly in the corner, he felt no pity in what he done. He protected his trainer; his duty was filled for the day. The nurse packed his nose and then taped it up, he looked odd but at least it would not be deformed as the other man's would be. Adrian held onto him tightly as he stood, without a word spoken Moon took the three of them back to the room. Jason was no longer tired, though he let the others sleep. His nose ached to no end, and had nothing to kill the pain. Moaning quietly, he rose and went to the bathroom and sat on the icy porcelain seat. With the mirror directly across from him, he saw the swelled injury and the growing bruise.

"I'll let them sleep a little longer, and then we'll follow the road to the next town and pray that I don't get beaten for no reason again." He spoke quietly to the mirror. "Maybe I'll find a clue there where I can find these guardians. I know that Mew will do something if it thinks I'm all that special."

He sighed then leaned back, he wanted to call for that Mew somehow. He needed more information to continue this ill-brained task. He also needed rest, a moan escaped as he absently rubbed his nose. Adrian walked in silently and stared at his Trainer. When he finally got the boy's attention, he clicked his tongue at him.

"What?" Jason asked nonchalantly. "Multitasking?" "Not really." "Then what about finding the Charizard realms?" "You heard?" Adrian nodded. "I guess it would do me some good to talk..." Jason sighed as Adrian walked by him to sit on the edge of the tub. "When we stopped at the lake, where you and Lisa got to know each other. A Mew came to me that next morning and told me that I had a new quest: to seek out the guardians, those of the land and those of the sky. Show them my strength and they will give me what I need for the Ones who have no name." "Sounds like a bunch of Tauros dung to me." "Mew rarely show themselves to humans, you know that." "Anyone for that matter. Some say only the purest will be honored by their presence and seeing more than one at once means that they will make you one of them." "How?" "It's a story Miguel once told me to put me to sleep. That's all I know." "Odd, he just does not seem like the storytelling type to me." "Not anymore. He used to be... when I was very young." Adrian slumped, his earliest memories returning to him. "I miss the nights when I could just cry to keep from going to sleep and forcing him to tell me stories. That was really the only nice thing he did for me. I bet he would be appalled to know that I have a mate now." "Don't get too carried away. It may have been only once but don't consider her your mate until she agrees to it. Go get some sleep, alright?"

Adrian sighed, but nodded slowly then retreated. Jason followed him out then they both climbed into the bed and stared at the ceiling. Finally the Lucario started to breathe deeply leaving only Jason awake to think and fight off pain. Though he had to admit, his tiny cracked nose was far better than his attacker's mashed face. He fell into the grasp of slumber by the early stages of dawn. When the Pokﾃｨmon woke, they quietly rose from the bed and grouped together. They talked as low as possible allowing Jason to sleep. Adrian told them his conversation from earlier that morning. Moon sighed while the others chuckled about wild dreams. She corrected them, then explained the details straight from their trainer's mind.

Jason woke just as the hotel room flew open, a pair of Farfetch'd came in. Adrian shouted something just as one swung, knocking him out cold; the other took out Moon with a Pursuit attack then the alternated taking out the other two stronger ones letting Grace shake with fear. A tall skinny man came in with two Machamps, he ordered one to take Jason as he fought to free Rex's ball from the belt. The other started grabbing the Pokﾃｨmon. The Machamp took the belt from Jason then grabbed him and tossed him onto its shoulder in one swift move. The Trainer grabbed the Plusle gently then walked out, his Pokﾃｨmon followed silently. Jason fought his captor until he was knocked out by the Pokﾃｨmon. Moon moaned as she weakly watched Jason's struggle, she gave in to the darkness that was overwhelming her sight. Shadow simply cried silently, too weak to do anything else. Adrian and Lisa stared out blankly as they took more of a beating then the other two.

When Jason came to, he found himself tied tightly to a chair in a sanitized type white room. He struggled hopelessly trying to free his arms from the restraints on the chair. As he struggled, the man walked in with only a set of keys in his hand. He chuckled heavily as he walked around Jason's blind spot to come to his front. He tossed the keys on a small table that rose from the floor as he approached.

"Sorry about all this, but I cannot allow you to go on. Shall we begin with this?" The man snapped his fingers. A trio of Machops came in with trays of various tools and devices. Jason went pale white as the trays went by him, many items were rusty and looked like they were meant for pain. His bladder nearly emptied as the man grabbed a pair of tongs then grabbed his hand. "Tell me what you are after." The man said calmly.

Adrian woke with a start and instinctively sent off a ball of Aura energy. The ball struck and charred a white wall. He gasped as he looked around, everyone was with him, including the Charizards. They looked at him and sighed. Clair looked as though she had been crying.

"RAAAH!" Adrian roared, his body glowed briefly as he fought to control his anger. "I failed! I could not defend him! What if he gets killed? What will happen to us?" "Adrian, I got two words for you... Shut UP!" Moon shouted at him. "He's got a point. Continue trying to open that door." Champ grunted as he rubbed Clair's back with his wing. "We all failed him, Adrian, we had no choice but to give in. Three Blastoise and three Feraligators threatened us to back down, they had to soak the fighter over here. Rex fought hard, but he still fell to their combined Hydro Pumps." "At least I fought." Rex said weakly from his corner, his tail barely alit. "I'll live, just need time." "GOT IT!" Moon shouted happily as the door flew open. "About time." Rex stood, his legs shook from his weight. "I want my revenge." "Take it easy, killer." Champ stood himself and went to the door. "Can you sense him?" Moon nodded as the Charizard went by her. "Lead the way. Everyone, our own lives may be at risk, don't do anything stupid, we stay together and fight together. If we come to any Trainers, knock out the human first." Lisa's jaw dropped as Champ gave that order, in all her short years, not once was she told to do such a thing. "Let's go, Lisa, and tell Grace that she will have to fight as well. We'll need her paralyzing abilities." Moon led, following Jason's mental signature. She also found ways of avoiding fights altogether. The moment she stopped, everyone asked her why. Her tail tips quivered, only Shadow spoke up. "Moon... He's hurting isn't he? Please tell me I'm wrong." "The man- the one who took us- he's torturing him. Pulling out fingernails." She spoke quietly and carefully not trusting her voice any farther. "We need to move, hurry!" Shadow nudge her sister to get her moving again.

This time, Moon did not take the long way around. She came up to everyone in her way and sent them flying in her angered state. Her telekinesis could not be stopped as she charged. They came up to one of the Machamps that had carried them off. Moon was the last thing it ever saw, she picked it up and sent its head right into one of the ceiling lights electrocuting it. Its screams and death throes lasted mere seconds as they passed. When Moon finally let it go, the charred headed corpse fell to the floor loudly. At last, they had found the door that separated them from their human, and it was guarded by a strange white and purple Pokﾃｨmon as tall as the man holding the lease and an electric prod. The Pokﾃｨmon had some kind of collar around its neck, which, not only held the lease, seemed to keep the Pokﾃｨmon under control. They came up to the duo and looked at them with a fire in their eyes. The Charizards growled as the man stared at them.

"How did you escape? Never mind. Mewtwo, time for some fun. Kill them." The man undid the lease, which made the collar hiss. The Pokﾃｨmon looked at them blankly as it started to move. It hissed then sent a psychic wave at them, Moon blocked it but just. "Get rid of that collar!" She hissed as she fought the searing pain in her head. Shadow melted into a shadow then came up from under the Mewtwo. She jumped up and sliced at the collar, she screamed as an electric jolt shocked both her and the Mewtwo. For a brief moment, the Pokﾃｨmon looked lucid as it looked at them. The Pokﾃｨmon was able only to telepathically say one word, "Help." "Grace, send her in, we'll distract its attacks!" Shadow shouted as she bit the ankle then dodged a tail swipe.

With only a single motion, Lisa told Grace to use Thunderbolt. Without hesitation, Grace used the attack and struck the Mewtwo right on the collar. It screamed and fell to its knees while the collar was being short circuited. Once the attack was done, smoke rolled up to the ceiling from the collar. The Pokﾃｨmon looked at the group, its eyes glowed bright blue. The man screamed then blood trailed from his nose, eyes, mouth, and ears. The lifeless body was caste aside, then the Mewtwo stood.

"Thank you." It said then threw an energy ball at the door and splintered it. The pieces hovered for a brief moment then dropped. "Go." The Pokﾃｨmon vanished.

They went in and found Jason bleeding from multiple points of his body, his undershirt was ripped and splayed open. The man held a rusty knife to his throat.

"Come any closer and I will kill him." The man growled out. Fortunately he did not expect Shadow to be able to come from behind him.

She snuck up behind him and used a Faint Attack against him. Her paw quickly and quietly appeared with blood all over it then a bloody hole where the man's heart was appeared. He dropped the knife as he looked at his chest then collapsed from the sudden blood loss. Shadow gasped loudly as she realized what she had done then looked at the blood on her paw.

"Oh, Arceus, what have I done?" "You saved me for one." Jason coughed. "Someone get me out of this chair." "Not wise." Mewtwo appeared beside Jason. "Hold still. May sting." It enveloped Jason in a blue mist of its power, he moaned as he began to slowly heal. Once it was done, the restraints broke and Jason slowly stood. "Thank you." "We are even. Good luck." The Pokﾃｨmon turned. "Wait, won't you join us?" "No. I am not meant to be with humanity. I am not even supposed to be alive again. Farewell." That was it, it vanished without another word spoken. "Hmm." Jason looked down at the man then removed the tattered remains of his shirt and used it to wipe off Shadow's paw. "It will be alright. You had to keep me alive, thank you. Well... let's find me some clothes that aren't bloody. I'm freezing with just my boxers on." "There's another dead man out there about your size, the... Mewtwo did him in." Champ rumbled. "I think it fried his brain." "It? From you guys?" "No scent. I could not tell the gender nor did it want it to be known if you did not notice." "True." Jason pushed passed the Charizards then looked for the body, indeed the man looked mentally fried. Jason stripped the body of clothes then dressed. He sighed then looked at his team. "Now we need my belt then we can go back to the room and get the rest of our things." "Got it." Moon vanished for a brief moment then returning with the belt in her maw, all the balls in place. "Wasn't hard, they just tossed it with some of their own gear. Ready to leave this place?"

Everyone gladly retreated into their respective capsules leaving the open pair to be with Jason and Moon. They were about to teleport out when a strange force enveloped them and took them. They rematerialized in a marshland area. Jason grumbled.

"Enough with the abductions today!" He turned and saw a brilliant blue Pokﾃｨmon. "Oh my..." "You have a strong will, boy, but do you have the spirit? Fight me." "Right. Moon, Psychic!"

And the battle was on. The attack struck, Suicune used Water Pulse. Its attack struck. Jason issued a Quick Attack followed by a another Psychic. Suicune took the beating without a flinching. It then let out a quick series of Ice Beams. Only one hit. Moon gasped and shivered. Suicune watched patiently, Moon shook the remains of the Ice Beam off then growled. Her eyes began to glow, a blue energy ball formed in front of Moon. Jason just gasped, all he could think was: "Not this again," as Moon shot it off at Suicune. It refused to move letting the attack hit. The Suicune howled in unexpected pain, it did not think the attack would be so strong after fighting the Espeon. The Suicune wavered on its feet as the mist dissipated once it was fully gone, it collapsed. Jason did not hesitate, he tossed a ball at it. It went in, and did not fight it. The ball pinged then he found himself sitting on the hotel bed with a bright blue Pokﾃｨball in his hand. He could not think of a nickname in time before the Pokﾃｨdex activated and took it to the Storage Boxes that were registered to him.

"That wasn't a daydream, right?" "No, it was real." Moon said as she jumped onto the bed, Lisa and Grace was right behind her. "I'm wore out. Anyway, you might want to figure out who you are going to trade in to work with that Suicune. Though I do have a feeling that our abduction was not real, you may want to ask him." "Him? How could you- right, never mind. I think I'll let the team decide who's to switch out. Think that's fair?" "You're the Trainer, why should it matter to us?" "I rather have everyone happy." Moon grinned slightly then curled up on the bed. "We are happy... well most of us anyway." "You're going to make me suffer, right?" "Yep. Go switch out Rex like you have been planning on doing, we all could use a break from him and his... habit." Jason sighed slightly then grabbed his belt. "Very well, you all stay here."

Jason dressed and strapped his belt on then rushed out to the PokﾃｨCenter to use the storage system. He switched out Rex and retrieved Suicune. He sighed, for a Trainer, he was a lousy collector, but he at least had rare Pokﾃｨmon to call his own. He turned off the computer then turned to release Suicune. The ball buzzed then popped open, Suicune appeared in front of him sitting on his rump lightly breathing. Suicune greeted him then asked him for his orders. Jason was gawking at the ball, it was unique that was certain. He finally drew a breath then looked up and told him to follow. The Pokﾃｨmon did silently, ignoring the gawking passersby, it was now a captured Pokﾃｨmon loyal to a pure hearted Trainer.

"Alright," Jason said as they made it to the room. "I need to gather my things then we can move out of this town. Then we can talk." "Indeed." Suicune went in as Jason offered the open threshold for him. "Ladies." He bowed his head slightly as he entered the room. He sat down on his rump at the foot of the bed and stared at Jason as he packed his toiletries and other small gear items. "You are nervous... why?" "I am? Didn't notice. Anxious I would agree with. So what should I call you?" "I have many names, my human, you may call me as you wish." "But what name did your mother and father give you?" Suicune stayed silent. "Don't tell me you do not have a mother or father, I know better than that." "True, I will not lie about that. But the knowledge will be kept from you, for their safety." "All I want is your name, how would that reveal their location?" "It just would..." "Samuel, am I wrong? I do not detect a regional name there, quite common even among humans. Though I will keep them to myself, your parents are lovely through your eyes." "Stay out of my head!" He barked out as he turned sharply and glared at Moon. Jason could feel the energy within the Pokﾃｨmon rise. "Thank you, Moon, but I was asking him. All that we know of your... kind is that you are a pure water type, very quick on your toes, and only reveal yourselves to pure hearted people on a mission- mostly to save the world now and then." "That is all that we allow. Very few of us have forgotten the laws of the Pact we made eons ago. I, for one, will not break that Pact without a reason." "Can you tell us about the Pact? I never heard of such a thing happening between humans and Pokﾃｨmon." "When we are not among other humans or Psychics I will explain it." Jason slung his pack back over his shoulder then turned to smile at Grace. "Come here, sweetie. Alright, Moon, want to go back in and rest?" "Why not, Sammy can keep the people away just looks alone." Samuel growled, Moon just chuckled as Jason pressed the capsule and returned her.

They quickly left, Lisa walking beside Samuel, Jason kept his gaze on the ground as they walked. Other people stared cautiously, leery of the Suicune walking close to Jason. Jason stopped in mid step, the town's mayor stood in his path with his arms behind his back. He eyed the rare Pokﾃｨmon behind the boy carefully.

"Leaving so soon?" Jason nodded. "Yes, sir, I figured we would leave before something else happens." "I see.... Well, take care then, I will be wishing you all good health." "Thank you."

The Alakazam vanished with a chuckle letting the Trainer go his own way, Jason tried to smile but groaned from the bandage pulling at his skin. He had forgotten he had the tape on still. Jason started walking again absently playing with Grace's paws. She squirmed as he tickled her. Jason slowed his pace once they left the city limits and let the other two come around him. They walked in silence though the road was empty of all others, even of trees for a good twenty meters away from the concrete path wide enough for two vehicles to pass on.

There they watched the western horizon as the sun began to set, Jason suggested they find a place off the road to make camp. Adrian came out at Jason's call and helped make the tent and the fire pit. That's when Jason released the rest of his team and let the Charizard's stretch while Moon and Shadow went to pick on Samuel. They were yelled at twice by the Suicune before Jason intervened, he picked then up by the scruff then sat them beside Adrian. The Lucario was ogling Lisa as he noticed his Trainer scolding the two 'eons. He groaned as he heard his name and then started paying attention to the scolding.

"...Adrian, will sit on you if necessary." "Literally or figuratively?" "You choose." Jason walked back to Samuel and apologized.

To Adrian, it seemed that his Trainer was sucking up to the rare Pokﾃｨmon, he sighed then returned his gaze on Lisa. Ever since that night by the lake, she was on his mind. He hoped that she would become heavily pregnant with his young, but he would not mind trying again. Apparently, Lisa heard his thoughts, she looked at him alluringly then rose from small pad of paper she had acquired from the hotel. She sat down beside the sisters and stared into his eyes. Something was different with her, that he could tell, but he could not find it. Then an over powering scent hit his nose, he gasped and felt like he had to hold himself up. Instincts hit him hard, he felt his sheath reacting to the scent... she was in heat. Adrian gulped, he looked at the sisters briefly then stood as he reached for Lisa. She half moaned, half giggled as she took his offered paw. She could not think past this point, she just knew that this was the worst estrus cycle she had had since her fist time. She partly blamed Adrian's presence for it. She let him basically drag her to the tent and disappear. They were not quiet about it either, Jason turned just in time to watch them both disappear behind the folds. He sighed and followed despite Moon's warnings. He stepped in and slumped down just inside. Adrian gasped as Lisa worked him up, his erection already protruding from his sheath. Neither noticed the audience they had when she pulled away her paw then turned to allow him access to her rump. Adrian moaned and quickly mounted her shoving his shaft deep inside her then he started to thrust vigorously. Jason just watched, he could not stop it, nor did he want to. The tent in his own pants made him want to pay attention to his own body, but he refused. He just stared at the couple mindlessly. Everything stopped around them when a mind piercing screech crossed their ears and mind.

"MOON!" Jason shouted as he scrambled to get free, he heard Champ roar and then a strong blast when his attack struck something. Finally he broke free of the flap and returned in time to see that Moon was gone, Shadow beaten, and Champ distraught. "What happened?" Champ just stared out into the open air. "She's gone... it took her..." "What took Moon?" He tried to stay calm as he asked. He hovered over Shadow, she bled lightly but not seriously. "I think it was a Salamence... It came from no where and left the same with her..."

Chp 8

MOON! Jason shouted with everything he had in his mind. No response came. Champ quickly took control and returned everyone he could to their balls leaving himself of course. He told Lisa to stay at the tent then he grabbed Jason and leapt up into the air gaining altitude quickly. They did a short rotation looking for any possible roosts for the Salamence in the area. They saw one gigantic, ancient tree that was the only possibility Champ could think of. He growled then quickly landed; he then sat Jason back down then told Lisa to help with the dismantling of camp. She whined slightly but helped anyway. Jason curled up in to a fetal position and rocked, he never expected anyone on his team to be kidnapped. He let Shadow out and stared at her for a moment.

"Do you have anyway of contacting your sister between distances?" She bit her lip then nodded. "We only used it once, the day we escaped, I am not sure I can even do it again. I called to her instead of her doing it. She was in complete shock I did it." "Try, please..." "Give me a moment..." She closed her eyes then went still, her breaths stilled. "Got her, barely, all I see is a giant tree and the male telling her that she will be fine as long as she services him the way he likes." Shadow opened her eyes, tears ran freely. "Not again... Oh, sister, I'm sorry..." "It is not your fault," Jason sighed then picked her up and added her to his rocking. "We will get her and make that dragon pay for what he has done to this family." "Thank you."

He finally got up and moved around; he still cradled Shadow absently toying with her tail. Champ and Lisa rolled everything tightly and shoved it into his pack. Champ tossed the pack over to his boy then told Lisa to climb on; afterward, he moved over to Jason and told him to climb on. Jason and Shadow remained in their rocking state until Champ roared loudly in his face. It woke him enough to realize that it was time to move. He moaned as he grabbed his bag and swung himself over his partner. He never thought he would be forced to go on a rescue mission for his own team. He let Champ make the calls as he flew onward to the ancient tree. Every so often Shadow would update them on Moon's condition, she mostly was too frightened to even use her Psychic abilities to defend herself. Champ flew fast and hard, within minutes he was circling the tree searching for a possible den. When he found the only hole, large enough to allow an adult Snorlax leave easily, he landed quickly and growled quietly. Jason and shadow jumped down to the oversized branch and walked to the entrance. They moved cautiously, not only due to the dangers of fallen well over a hundred feet, but also to the fact that this Salamence might be capable to do anything. The area grew darker as they went farther into the trunk; they also noticed a steady in-out flow of air as though the tree breathed. Shadow whined pitifully for her sister as she smelled the air, the scent of male pheromones was heavy along with the stench of fear. Champ and Lisa agreed on the scents and closed in around Jason, he debated on what he would do the male. He kept edging on the one option that he hated the most, killing the dragon. The male kidnapped, using Moon for his own physical needs, and most likely will kill her when he was done with her. Jason clinched his fists tight, he never thought of killing another nor did he want to now, but he would if was left no choice. They went around a sharp ninety degree turn and found a very bright chamber lying ahead of them. Champ growled as he smelled the scent of various females in the air, including human. So that was it, then, this dragon was a collector, a slaver. Jason ground his teeth as he fought to run in there. Lisa gulped loudly as the scent came over her senses now, she looked around Jason at Champ, she saw nothing but determination in the male much like his boy. She shivered as she thought about what could be going through their minds. Mostly death, she was sure of it. But that was also going through her mind, she wanted to give this male a lesson he would not forget. She growled, weak as it was compared to the Charizard, but it was still hers. She then placed her free paw on Jason's shoulder as the other clutched Grace. She would stand back while those three dealt the most damage, until Jason asked her to fight, she would do nothing. Shadow gasped as she entered the chamber, beautiful as it was made to be (like a multi-millionaire mansion), it had several females doing various things, mostly cleaning. As one, the females turned to stare at the intruders, the humans themselves looked frightened. Of the humans, they varied in age, all still young ranging from their first bleeding to young adult. The young girls were wearing tattered clothes obviously given to them by the women.

"Where is he?" Jason's voice echoed through the silent room. No one moved right away, an Azumarill shifted her weight then moved to a double door and looked down. "Thank you." He response made the room gasp.

They moved on going through the door the female now stood beside and followed the heavy scent of blood that even Jason could smell. It was enough to make him sick, but his anger made him press forward. The hall was lined with paintings of the Salamence male; some even showed him posing with his male hood standing firm for his next victim. Jason tried to hold the bile down as he thought of this creature. At the end, it was blocked by another double door set, Jason opened it carefully then he heard the voice he hoped to find.

"... you! I am not going to suck that thing!" "Oh you will and you will do it now!"

What sounded like a whip slashed through the air and smacked across Moon. She screamed loudly but still defied him, especially now that she sensed Jason and her sister. Jason backed away from the door and shivered slightly. In silence he grabbed his pack and dug into the front pocket and pulled out a folding machete. He opened it and clasped his hand over the hinge to muffle the click of the lock. Then they shoved the door open, Champ growled as he saw a pair of submissive Charmanders with collars chained to the wall behind the two. Jason instinctively released Adrian then he went after Samuel. The Salamence growled at the intrusion. When he turned away from Moon, Shadow struck him with a Faint Attack, Champ spewed out a Flamethrower, and Samuel let loose his Ice Beam. The dragon chuckled once the attacks finished, he turned and attacked with a Double Edge striking Champ head on. Champ gasped as the pain came to him, his vision blurred then he wavered, Jason recalled him before he could collapse. He clutched the machete tightly; he looked at Moon and nodded slightly. Her eyes glowed as she loosed her power on Samuel, Jason ordered another Ice Beam. This made the Salamence hiss. He charged striking Jason sending him back through the hall and sliding into the main chamber. He gasped for air as he slid to a stop; he stood and readied himself to fight the coming dragon himself. Adrian went sliding beside him, his nose bloodied but he still stood for a fight. They heard a roar as Samuel ran took a chunk out of the Salamence's wing then retreated to the others. The dragon charged after him. Lisa took the advantage to undo Moon's bindings, while Shadow let loose the other chained females.

The dragon hissed, as the females stopped their movements to watch, not one stayed long enough to watch the outcome. Jason stepped forward, his makeshift sword ready, and posed to attack this monster. The dragon let out a hissing laugh as he watched the tiny human come forward. He stood taller then Champ and Rex combined, obviously ate well and aged well. It was still not enough to hold Jason's anger; an Ice Beam struck the dragon from behind distracting him enough to let Jason climb his back. Before he could take a swing at the wings, the Salamence shook him off. The dragon loomed over Jason and placed a paw on top of his leg. He was going to break the bone, Jason knew it. But before he could shift his weight, he flew across the room with a blue blur coming from the side. Adrian slid to a stop moments before the dragon slammed into the wall; he jumped back and landed beside Jason protectively. Samuel stepped up with a Calm Mind then dashed forward and attacked with his Ice Fang. He, too, jumped back, letting the dust fall. They all knew this fight could not end that easily, they were right. A roar busted out from the dust, immediately two Tyranitars dropped from an upper floor then ran to cover their fallen master. The Suicune growled as he took in a scent he knew, he turned there behind him an Entei female had landed silently, a collar around her neck limited her breathing and thus limited her fire attacks. Seven females poured out of the torture chamber, three of which were Jason's team the others were the two Charmanders, a Blastoise, and a Frolass. The Entei moved without a command to side with the Tyranitars. Samuel sighed sadly. He muttered something about capturing the three without too much damage done. Jason only heard the capture part; he nodded then dug into his pack's side pocket to pull out three tiny, unused Pokﾃｨballs. They readied themselves, the Frolass grunted as she let a Blizzard take the room shielding her rescuers in a white blanket. Their opponents hissed in pain as they took the cold damage along with the shock to their agility. The Blastoise chuckled then shot the two Tyranitars in the face with her Hydro Pumps. Samuel ran after the Entei and physically attacked her, she ran but he stayed on her tail. Jason tossed two balls at the ground types as they dropped to their knees. Both went into the balls and shook relentlessly, but in the end, stayed. The balls phased out of the area via the Pokﾃｨdex then Jason eyed the test of stamina for Samuel. Quickly enough, the Entei slid to a stop on her side, Samuel pinned her there allowing Jason to chuck the ball at her, she did the same as her slave sisters. They turned back to the Salamence and growled; he got away. But not far enough, Moon told Jason that he went to the upper deck to hide and that he was about beat. Without a word, Moon teleported them to the upper ring then directed them to the room the extended team went after him. They entered what looked to be the actual den of the beasts, but books lined the back wall with a thick layer of dust on each book. This did not surprise Jason at all; he figured this place was once a home to a collector of some sorts. The dragon lay on a bed of pillows huffing away. The Frolass and Samuel stepped forward and blasted him with a combined Ice Beam. The dragon collapsed, Jason walked forward with the blade ready. The dragon looked up at him with one weary eye. Neither side spoke; Jason leaned down and placed a ball within the dragon's sight then stood pointing the tip of the knife at the dragon's neck.

The wordless victory said much, life as a slave or death. Though Jason would not tell the dragon that he would be staying in storage for the rest of his life, he let the message be as the dragon took it. Defeated, the dragon crawled forward and pressed his nose to the ball. He did not fight it; it accepted him then phased out. Jason slumped down letting the blade drop; he could only ask with his mind if Moon was unharmed, she answered the same. Three girls came out of the woodwork, sort-of-speak, and gawked at Jason.

"Is the master gone?" "He will hurt you no longer. Call for the others, I will show you to a town near by." Jason bent over, relieved that he did not have to kill the dragon, and shoved his face into his hands. The girls ran off giggling. Moon sighed reading his thoughts carefully, "This was not your fault, he just wanted me as part of his collection." "No, I was not thinking about your kidnapping directly. It's how I caught him, I was malice about it." "Don't worry about it; I am sure Rex would love to use that beast as a play toy." He glared at her; she shrugged it off then turned back to her sister who seemed just as distraught.

Jason stood back up then picked up his machete. As he put it away, he turned to walk out to the ring then peered out over the tree. He could see why the dragon would want this as his lair, it was beautiful. Below him, the former slaves gathered quickly and murmured to themselves. He smiled absently at them then straightened his posture as he tried not to stare at the women.

"He's now under my control, he will no longer harm you. I will lead you all to a town nearby that will help you far better than I can. Does anyone know a way to the ground?" "We do, master, if you would follow us." "I am no slaver." He said quietly. "Team, let's leave."

Moon shifted slightly as she looked at the group on the tier, there were far too many for her to move now. She thought for a brief moment then took half of the group down then came back for the second. She moaned as her stamina dropped because of the stress. Jason noticed this without even looking at her; he turned and quietly picked her up and held her tightly to his chest. He cooed gently as he followed the females. He noticed many limped and staggered as they moved, if he could be a malevolent Trainer he would beat that Salamence to a pulp then let him heal just enough to beat him back down again. Moon raked her claws across Jason's arm as she saw the images in his mind; he mentally apologized then tried to focus on something else. He shoved his attention onto the making of the tree home, it was unique. As the females led him through a hall, he caught sight of a table and stools carved straight from the tree, unmovable and well kept. That on its own sent an idea into his mind: he could make this his own Trainer's hideout. It was well kept after all. He looked down at Moon and waited. She shook her head but did not decline the idea of making this a permanent home. She did like it despite that it was the home of a slaver Pokﾃｨmon. The large group went down a wide staircase that could fit a Snorlax and a half, Jason shuddered at the thought of the Pokﾃｨmon or person that originally claimed this tree. They had to be huge, or this was a very busy dwelling at one point.

Jason found himself distracted enough to not know that he was on level flooring again. If it hadn't been for Moon in his arms, he would have run into one of the women that had stopped and turned to stare at him. Her breasts plump, her smile white, and her hair shone a nice blonde gleam. Moon glared at her as she very nearly shouted her thoughts.

"Master, are you sure you wish to lead us to the town? We could please you in many ways and all of us can cook... at least those of us with usable paws." "Though a home cooked meal sounds good, I will not change my mind." "Our non-human sisters cannot leave, master, they are attached to this tree by ways I cannot explain." "Right... the Tyranitars and Entei were captured by the normal means of Trainer Rights." "They were the more recent additions to our last master and were also his hunters after he broke them." "Moon, is this the same in all of their minds?" "Yes." Jason bit his lip as he tried not to curse. "Very well, but I am still taking the humans to the town. Moon, do you think you can take us?" "I am drained, Jason, I need sleep." "Geez... Fine, one night won't kill us. I still would like to know where the exit is." "Yes, master, I will show you the way while my sisters go tend to the meal and your bed." "Very well..." Jason groaned he knew he would not get any of them to stop calling him master.

The blonde took Jason and his team past the others not caring that the others glared at her. One Nidoqueen in particular looked as though she could rip the woman's head off with just a thought. Jason figured that if the Pokﾃｨmon where not allowed to leave the tree, they could not fight either. The slaves parted and went to do their tasks. Jason watched the escort in front of him now, she moved gracefully as though she was trying to entice him. It was working physically. He could not ignore the opposite sex any longer, his hormones began to rise. Jason looked down at the Espeon in his arms, she was asleep, he figured she was blocking the sexual urges from his mind. He shrugged and looked behind him. Shadow and Lisa both were in the middle of yawning, Grace was already gone for the day, short as it was. The woman stopped and shoved a door open revealing bright sunlight though she did not dare to put more than her arm outside. He nodded then took a step outside and looked up. The leaf-filled branches filled the top but he could still see the sky, indeed he was on the ground but something felt amiss. He stepped back in to catch a full view of the female form front on. He gawked long enough for her to smile and shift a little. He cleared his throat and looked away. He waited for her to do something but she just would not budge.

"So... might as well show us our room, my family could use the time out to stretch and rest." "This way." She turned and glided past Shadow as she lightly touched her ear. Shadow jumped as though she was shocked, she growled quietly then moved closer to Jason. "I do not like her; she's doing something unusual for a human. Almost like she is a Ghost Pokﾃｨmon." "Moon would have picked it up. I'm certain of it. Most Ghost types hate Psychics. I bet it is just this place, it is quite... odd. Like it needs a master." "I'd feel safer if you let Samuel and Adrian out, more males for them to be distracted by to keep you safer." "You must be spooked if you are suggesting that. Sure, as soon as we have more space." "Jason..." "Just remind me."

They followed silently back into the main hall which Shadow promptly reminded Jason to release the other males that were still conscious. He did without thought then mindlessly continued to follow the blonde. She was nearly bouncing now as she mentioned that they were close to the master bedroom. When she finally came to a stop in front of a decorative door, she seemed as though she wanted to be treated as a pet waiting for a treat. Shadow growled protectively as she moved between her and Jason, Lisa started to do the same until Jason looped her arm with his. The blonde frowned then opened the door.

"If you need me, or one of my sisters, please just call for someone. Dinner will be brought to your room, for all of your palettes." She walked away slowly. Though the Azumarill he'd seen before came up to him with a bow. "Thank you for saving us." She turned to leave but Jason placed a hand on her. "What is really going on here?" Jason asked quietly. She sighed then went into the bedroom and laid on the mound of pillows waiting for the others to join her. They did that while Jason shut the door behind him. "This is the only room my sisters cannot listen to anything. The light haired one is a controlling one, I used to be one but I lost control once that... that male came. Things were not as... sexual then, we kept to ourselves then we became mental slaves trapped in our own minds. I broke free. After much trial and error. I see that you are curious about me, yes? I've watched, and as I said, listened to everything. I realized you have a better connection to my kind then the females do. If anything, I would like to join you and forever be free of this place." "But what about the 'non-humans' not being able to leave the tree?" "The Controller, she keeps everyone here just like the male even though he twisted her mind further. To free my sisters... you must dispose of her. She does not like those of us who use the Dark, she was testing her," The Azumarill pointed to Shadow casually. "To see if she would react like the weak-minded sisters." "So I must become the master then?" "Yes." "I don't like this, Jason." Adrian piped up as he stretched slowly. "I can't see outside this room, yet her Aura virtually fills the room with pure energy. We can trust her but... I don't know..." "I know. Here tend to Champ, he was hit pretty hard. I have a Revive capsule in my pack." Jason released Champ; the Charizard slumped down to the floor silently. "I feel sorry for him; I know how it feels to be struck by that male. I hate to say this, but you are going to have to rub against me to get your scent on me. Otherwise the others will get suspicious." Jason said nothing; he just went to sit on the king size bed and took off his shoes then paused. "Shadow, are you comfortable with me doing this?" "Not really," Shadow answered quietly. "But if it keeps anyone from being hurt... do whatever it takes. I am sure Moon would say the same."

Jason nodded then removed his clothes until he sat there naked. He motioned to the Azumarill, she quickly joined him in bed then they embraced each other. Jason's mind reeled; he never thought he would do this with a Pokﾃｨmon. Even if sex was not on his mind, the fact that the position he was in brought too many things to mind. He hated to admit it to himself, but the moist warmth from the Water type was very arousing. As he started to stiffen, she slowly spread her legs allowing her to get his musk over her own slightly aroused regions. She pressed against him as he gained a full erection and made him enter her. He gasped but let it happen; he couldn't explain the feeling to himself. He gasped lightly and went wide-eyed as she pulled back slightly then forced herself back against him; he got the idea and lightly pushed back against her. They both moaned, neither cared as they gained an audience as they spread their legs and took turns thrusting into each other. Lisa licked her lips as she watched and took deep breaths; her heat was beginning to kick in again. Samuel sniffed the air and grunted in distaste. He hunkered down onto the pillows and tried to ignore everything as he worked on getting some sleep. Shadow looked away, she looked sadly towards Grace. She went and nudged Lisa then took the tot from her arms. She laid her next to Samuel then licked down the patch of fur she had messed up on the Plusle. Samuel opened one eye to glare at her, Shadow did not care. She nestled up to Grace to pin her against the bigger male. She envied the tot, ignorance is truly bliss, but sleep did sound better than enduring this moment. She hunkered down and pressed her nose under Samuel's muzzle then tried to fall asleep. Shadow flinched when she heard Adrian grunt as he landed hard on the floor because of Lisa. Thinking of that was worse than watching Jason going through with the very act. Her stomach churned as the stench of sex rose, she tried to push her nose under Samuel, but he just grunted then nudged her away. Samuel looked at her then shifted slightly.

"This union must be done; the future depends on the young of that female." Samuel whispered to her. His eyes glazed over as though he peered into the distance. "We must endure this and protect both pairs, be strong, for the fight has yet begun." "How can I be strong when I was forced to mate with my former master? Hmm? I will never get over that, I am just happy my twin is unconscious right now. Jason's a good boy, I'll admit that, but there are times that his actions set off my defenses. Even if unintentionally done." "It is hard, but the higher powers need this. A rarity is about to be conceived between the two pairs. An extremely loyal Riolu with power to match and a Halfling. We guardians have been called on to test the boy to get him ready for the new life that comes." Samuel drew a deep breath then shivered a little. "The human here that controls the other females will have to be killed, the Ones demand it. I am not keen on ending life, but you have proven yourself able to do that to protect your Trainer. I shall leave this gruesome task to you and your sibling." "I will not kill-" "You will have to, to be able to leave here with the boy, you will have to." Shadow fought to speak, but she looked at Jason, he clung to that female like his life depended on it. She growled then gave in. "If I can find a way to defeat her without shedding blood, I will." Samuel sighed then lowered his head once more and closed his eyes. "Fight it if you must..."

Jason moaned, he could not help but to seed the Azumarill. He looked at her wanting to see her eyes, they were glazed over with pure bliss. He lightly kissed her head then started to pull out of her. She whimpered at the loss of his shaft but she knew it would not be far away. Jason shivered with a sudden chill, he let the female go to allow him to grab the bed covers. A last minute decision made the Azumarill roll off the bed and walk to the door. She turned with a smile then she opened her mouth to speak when a knock stopped her.

"Yes," She said calmly to whoever was on the other side. "The master's dinner is ready, the others may join the sisters or choose to go hungry." The Azumarill frowned. "I do believe our Grand Sister said dinner would be served to meet all of their needs here." A light growl sounded, "Very well. The master shall have his meal now, I must insist on that." Azumarill opened the door and took the platter of berries and unknown meat from an Ampharos then kicked the door shut. She shivered then went to set the platter down beside the bed. "Mistress Umbreon, will you dispose of this tainted meat, please. Somewhere outside would be fine." "Tainted?" Jason asked trying to stay calm. "Yes, it is tainted with an excretion of a Jynx, a very potent and addictive substance that keeps the males here. They will do the same to these males as well. The females may be dealt with in other ways, I do not know. We have not had females here as a Trainer's Companion. Still, be prepared for anything, I must go and tell of my success. Just call for me outside the room and I shall come, don't worry about getting anyone mixed up with me, I am the only one of my kind here." Shadow cocked her head in question but sent it on its way through a shadow. She tried not to think of what the Azumarill said, but what could she do but try to work with the female? She had to protect her Trainer, even if it was distasteful. She watched the Water type leave the room before she even rose up away from Samuel. "Jason, do you think my sister is alright?" Shadow asked quietly as she jumped onto the bed. Jason threw his legs over the side then reached for his clothes. "I have a feeling she's been conscious throughout most of the... event. I noticed that she has moved to stretch out from the ball she had curled up into." The stench is what brought me to, Jason, you can't really hide from it. Moon growled telepathically as she rolled over. "Told you. I'm sure she's already pried into our heads, but I am sure you're wanting to talk." Jason scratched her chin then started getting dressed. "How's Champ doing?" Adrian rubbed the Charizard's neck lightly as he looked up from his caring. "Better, if we don't get him to a Center soon, it may be a while for him to heal on his own." "As soon as we can break free then. Now that we are in here, I have a clearer mind. How about you guys?" Jason straightened his shirt as he pulled it over his head then stood up. "I have a slight headache, otherwise I am fine." Adrian said quietly as he went back to dabbing a cut on Champ's wing.

Shadow and Moon moved off to the only cleared corner of the room, it seemed to be there for a child's punishment more than anything with a slight indent the size of a five year-old's nose. There they spoke their minds as they always had, telepathically, they only moved to hide their physical emotions. They were both worried about Jason falling captive to this place, they started passing ideas about how to break whatever hold these 'Sisters' had on their family. Shadow jumped when the bedroom door was forced open noisily and three Nidoqueens and the Azumarill came in with food. The Pokﾃｨmon sat the platters down beside the family members. But before they even had the chance to leave, Jason stood and addressed them.

"Thank you kindly. Now, Azumarill, if you would stay and eat with us, I would be very pleased." Jason watched the Nidoqueens frown but they parted to allow the Water type to fully join them. She bowed then knelt at his feet as any slave would to keep from being beaten. "You three are dismissed, for now." He kept a straight face though it pained him to keep the act on. He glanced at Adrian and noticed that he had his eyes shut; Lisa was doing the same, studying the Aura's. The door shut behind the larger Pokﾃｨmon, no doubt with the help of Moon, then Jason squatted down to pat Azumarill's back. "I figured they would not let you come back." "They tried; they are going to flog me once I am away from your sight." "That human truly hates you," Moon spoke up from the corner. "At least from your perspective. I would love to have the chance to get into her mind now, just to get the secrets she holds. I still blame that Dragon for kidnapping me, but I am sure she had a paw in it." "Moon. Chill." Jason cleared his throat. She blinked, and then a nail dropped to the floor. "Sorry, I did not realize I pulled it out." "Put it back..." Azumarill hissed quietly, she looked as though she was going to go into a panic attack. Moon did so. "Ah, a spell, so a magi lived here. No wonder why this room is sealed up." There was a dull thump against the wall from where the nail was forced back into its original spot. "I bet the Psychic world would love to explore this place. I know I do now." "I would, too. Would you take us on the full tour? Then while we are out there I will ask you to stay with my family while I stay here." "I would be honored; the others will get jealous though." "Exactly. They will soon realize what I want, individuals. If anything, I will try to start a mutiny." Moon growled. "What? Are you trying to get the others to kill each other?" "Here I thought I was an open book to you... no, if we cannot break the hold on these gals then we have to force them to do it themselves. Though I do want to see if there are any charms hanging up, there usually is with this kind of stuff." Azumarill looked up at him with curiosity. "Charms?" "Paper tags stuck to the walls or objects with strange writing on them, usually placed on windowsills and doorframes." This rang a bell; she had seen something like this down in the lower levels of the tree. "There is something like that down in the storage level all over the walls. But..." She bit her lip as she went silent. "But what? The 'Sisters' guard the area?" "Something like that." "Adrian, you're in charge. For now, eat the rations out of my pack, trust nothing else. Moon, Shadow, you two come with us." "Jason..." Clair sighed finally coming up for air from her thoughts. "Try to stay safe, I don't know what Champ would do if you were hurt while he was down." "I will. Not just for him, but for all of us. Shall we go for a walk?"

Azumarill got up then led the way out into the halls, she went straight into character as she crossed the threshold and spoke simply from there on. He asked her to show him the place, she took him to the common areas first: the kitchen, the dining room, the study, the library. From there she showed him the guest rooms then went to the areas where the slaves hid, the communal room. She showed them the infirmary then there was the nursery for those lucky few who carried their master's offspring. That's when Jason slipped in the comment that he would like to have her stay with him permanently. She blushed and agreed as a good slave would. She smiled then asked him if he would like to continue, he agreed. They moved on, but only briefly when the blonde came virtually out of nowhere red in the face yet a white smile shone beautifully.

"Master, is everything alright? I could show you around if you like." "Go back to your chores, whatever they may be, and leave us. I am just fine having this Azumarill show me around." Her face seemed to grow a deeper red. "Very well, master, but I must warn you she will trick you..." She went silent as she gazed upon Moon behind him then she saw Shadow beside her sister. "It is not wise to-" "Silence, witch." Moon chuckled as she took control of the blonde's body. "I see what you are. Now give me your secrets... Ah! A thousand years, eh? My, what a terribly long time to hold a grudge against the one you loved. Jason, what shall I do?" "This seems too easy." He muttered to himself. "Make her disband her spell on these females then make her submit to the very spell she cast on the others." A cold sweat broke across the blonde's brow as she realized what a fool she was. Then without being able to stop herself spurted a string of strange words that would free the others. The tree shuddered as though itself was coming to back to life with freedom. Then she spoke again then felt her consciousness slip away as her own words bound her to her own mind and fully submittal to any orders given to her. "That should do it, I even had her add more to it that would prevent her from ever breaking it." "That will do. Is the telepathic link between all of them active still?" "Yes it is. They all have witnessed what you did for us. We all are grateful and give you our loyalty. I must ask, though, what do you plan on doing now?" "One, I would like to make sure no one else has the ability to create the spells like this one. Two... I'm still thinking on that one." "Um... every one is rushing to the communal room, master." "Sir, please, as I said before, I am no slaver." "As you wish... but may I ask if you plan on taking me with you?" Jason smiled then squatted down to her level. "If you want, but I was going to offer you to take care of the place for me." Azumarill hesitated, "I would rather see the outside world. Though I am sure to miss my Sisters." "Let's go talk to them and find out if they will let you, hmm? But first... Moon, can you take us back to our room?" Moon stared at the blonde, her eyes partially closed and her tail tips stiff. "Moon?" Jason reached over and tapped her nose, she jumped back with a gasp and blinked a couple times. "Sorry, I was going through her mind looking for her spells and blocking them from her consciousness." "You are starting to scare me..." "What?" "Nothing. Will you takes us to the room so we can gather our family and belongings?" "Sure. You, start cleaning this place top to bottom. We want it spotless." Moon ordered firmly. The blonde bowed then went off to do her task. "That should keep her busy."

Moon drew a deep breath then teleported them to the Master Bedroom so Jason could do his thing then she took them to the communal room. Jason looked around, he counted roughly around two hundred at a quick glance. He sighed then began to address them, he bluntly told them that it was their choice to stay here now, but they would have to venture out and trade the necessary supplies to dress the humans and feed all of them from Parzaa Town. Then at last he asked them to choose a leader while he was away. Many of them pointed to an elderly Nidoqueen who had seen a lot of abuse in her day. Jason thanked them then pulled a ball from his pocket, he was about to address the Azumarill about becoming one of his family when Clair groaned from behind them and a light splash of liquid came from the floor. He went wide-eyed then looked at her, a tinge of blood drooled down her legs as she fought the surge of pain. He looked at Moon then to the Azumarill, he told her that he would be back then the family vanished as Moon took her family to the Parzaa Center.

Chp 9

Jason's team reappeared in front of an arguing couple there at the doors to Parzaa PokﾃｨCenter. The only thing that made them move from the entrance was the loud roar of pain coming from the Charizard. The team rushed in and went to the counter where the annoyed Nurse Joy sat with crossed arms and a foot tapping the floor. Jason did not like returning to this one but he had no choice, he handed over his main partner's ball and the female's to the nurse so she could tend to both Charizards. She did so grudgingly, Clair stumbled around to the care door where she would be helped. Her family waited restlessly in the waiting room, cries of pain made them shudder anxiously. They wanted the event to end quickly; the Psychic Espeon updated them every so often. After a half hour, the male returned with a Chansey escort and a grudge. He growled at the Chansey as soon as she turned to leave, but she ignored it and returned to her duties. Jason ran up to the grumbling Pokﾃｨmon and wrapped his arms around what he could; this shocked the Charizard back into his normal self. He nuzzled his Trainer's head not caring if he shed a tear or not on the human. Jason could feel that, this only made him squeeze harder. They broke their embrace when they realized the roars stopped, they listened carefully. They waited for any kind of sign that Clair made it through the ordeal. They both wanted to be in there with her, but the resident Pokﾃｨmon and people made that clear a while back that they were not welcome here. They both jumped when they heard an all too familiar chuckle behind them.

"Jovah!" Jason gasped out, "What brings you here?" "My monthly checkup for one, but mostly I came when I felt your family arrive. I would like to thank you for... disposing of that Salamence, he truly was a criminal of our world. I have also heard that his domain is under new rule, or is that a rumor?" "It is, but I will never be like him. That I will fight for, I rather make that place a haven for those girls instead of a prison." Jason spun back to watch the nurse's door as it opened to reveal a Chansey with a clipboard and a chart. She called out to one of the other patients waiting along side the wall. "Ah, don't worry, they sedated her. From what I can tell, Joy and her head Chansey are arguing whether or not to perform surgery... Joy has succumbed and with surgery to take the eggs and allow the female to breed again. I shall congratulate you now, good father, I do hope your twins grow strong and their flames bright."

Jovah chuckled then started for the door before the Chansey even opened it up. Champ blushed and tried to thank him vocally; he stuttered and just decided to go with an awkward chuckle. Jason elbowed him lightly then went to the computer and opened his storage account and moved the six Pokﾃｨmon around. Even if he was just killing time, it made him think of a way to allow his excess Pokﾃｨmon to be out. He just needed the right equipment and then the license for it, then he shook that idea out of his head no one would consider himself a breeder at his age, especially without the schooling and degrees needed. But he wanted to find a way for the others. He poked around and somehow booted up a command screen with user info coming up. He quickly wrote it down on his palm then closed the window. He knew some computer programming but it was limited, he would have to find a hacker. This could get his own Trainer's Card revoked, but it would be worth it to train all of his Pokﾃｨmon at once. Or he could contact the storage manager and ask them about his idea. He figured that would be the best idea that would not get him into too much trouble. He pulled up the service info and found the address and number, he smiled then logged off. It seemed all too well timed for him, just a few seconds after he pushed away from the PC a Chansey came out and came to him and handed him a chart. He looked at it; it showed a splayed out Charizard that had markers where Joy made the incisions and stitches. She then grabbed Jason and tugged him towards the door.

"One moment, please. Lisa, watch the others. Champ, come on, let's go see our girl." Champ did not need to hear that twice, he rushed up behind his Trainer. "Okay, let's go see her." The Chansey nodded then led the way either not caring that he spoke directly to her or not.

She took them down a clinical white hall to a recovery room that not only held the barely conscious Charizard, but also two big eggs in a crib. Jason immediately went to rub the eggs while Champ went to grab Clair's claw. She drew in a deep breath then moaned; Jason turned and took her other claw. She blinked slowly then smiled. She was still affected by the anesthesia, her eyes crossed as she tried to focus on Champ.

"You did well, my dear, you did well." Champ cooed. "Yes, I agree with him, Clair, you have proven yourself very strong. I am proud to be called your Trainer, not many can carry or have multiple eggs." "That is true, Trainer. The rest of your registered family and Trainer's Companions will be joining you shortly. I recommend that she stays here overnight. The mayor has requested that you join him for the night. He will most likely take you to his home himself." Nurse Joy stood at the door; she had the look of hate in her eyes. "Haven't I proven to you yet that I am not an abusive Trainer?" "That has been proven, yes, but I still do not trust you." "Why? I must have a pure spirit to even come close to a Suicune, yet I have one in my team. I also have the need of others like him to help me do a task set upon me by fate." "Suicune? You could have stolen it from another Trainer." "Fine! Whatever! Just go do your job and keep your ignorance to yourself, alright?" "Easy, Jason, blowing up is my job." Champ flared his wing up in front of Jason's view. "I am being easy." Joy! You need to tend to your patients not antagonize them. Shoo! Off with you. Jovah flicked his wrist as he came up behind the Nurse. The nurse grumbled but did as she was told and left. "Annoying child... forgive me, that was utterly rude to say aloud. If you and your family are ready to call it a day, I will take you to my home for dinner and a place to sleep." "Thank you, sir, that is most generous." "But?" Jovah smiled at Jason as he walked into the room. "I just can't leave Clair alone." "I'll stay; she is my mate after all." Champ chuckled then bent over Clair to nuzzle her as she drifted back to sleep. "No 'buts' about it, if there is any trouble I'll throw a shout to the Psychic." "Alright, but I really don't like this." "Does this mean you are ready?" Jovah chuckled and crossed his arms, a bandage on his arm revealed itself. "Sure, let's get the others." Jason slowly moved away from Clair then went to the Alakazaam.

They teleported before Jason even realized it; his entire team was in a large family room minus the two Charizards. Lisa looked around judging silently, she held Grace close to her chest spike. Jason took this quiet moment to release the rest of his team. They all stretched once free then they grouped up around Jason as they patiently waited the news. Jason told them what they wanted then they asked about dinner. The boy could not help but smile, as long as their family was safe, he knew things could go on as normal. He pointed them to their host then went to find a spot to rest himself. He listened to the various conversations, feeling quite out of place being the only human. But after seeing this town, he knew he was fine being with a Pokﾃｨmon host. He let his mind drift; it landed back at the Tree and the Azumarill. He still could not believe that he allowed himself to mate with a Pokﾃｨmon, but he had to admit to himself that it did feel great. He suddenly felt a stab to his mind, he glared at Moon. She ignored him, and then a strange voice entered his mind.

Trainer, do not be alarmed, I mean no harm. I shall await you at your newest home; I have things to share with you about your quest. The voice was gone as abruptly as it came. Jason cursed silently to himself; he was starting to really dislike Psychic types. "Moon, come here, please." "What's on your mind? Your thoughts are closed to me right now." "Really? Anyway, I had another visitor. What do you know about detecting foreign thoughts entering your mind?" "Not much to be quite honest. May I suggest that you ask Jovah on that topic?" "I guess I have to. Thanks." Jason pondered some more as he watched Moon return to her sister.

---

Later that night, Jason laid awake. His conversation with Jovah made no sense to him whatsoever. He grumbled then got up and went to the undersized bathroom then washed his face with cold water. The chill just reminded him of the night Mew first appeared to him. He sighed then went back to bed and tried to go to sleep. He closed his eyes and waited.

---

Jason awoke in a sunlit paradise; no breeze, mild temperature, and the gentle sound of a brook flowing over boulders. He took a deep breath, the air smelled of strawberries and lilacs. He shrugged off the pleasantly odd combination then step forward. Instead of solid ground, he stepped onto air. He fell, he tried to scream, but something kept him from doing so. He looked around; he saw giant heads spinning about, each being ones he had ever cared about. One in particular caught his eye, his old childhood sweetheart. He knew she had died from cancer before she could even come close to getting into Trainer's School. Her head stopped to stare at him; blood red eyes burned a hole into his mind. He cringed but he could not look away. He gasped as he came to a sudden halt over a spike pit, he watched as he was spun about and drawn to a cave. Once on his feet, he looked behind him and saw nothing but darkness. He swallowed deeply then pressed forward. The cave was pitch black except for the one thing he went for, a floating ball of fire. It seemed to move away faster than he could go. He still pressed on until he felt himself trip, he fell again. This time he went face first into a door.

He backed up enough to look at it, the door and he stood in complete darkness. He opened it then went in. Inside, a classroom was splayed out four times larger than he. He began to wonder what he got himself into. He moved on slowly going to the front of class, once there, he turned and saw silent kids pointing and laughing silently. He looked down at himself, he stood in his boxers. He grinned then dropped them to sport off his goods. The classroom flickered as though nothing knew what to do. It struck him then, he was under attack from a Dream Eater move. He grumbled then moved back to the door, it refused to open. He slumped down against it and tried shouting for help. He could not get his voice to work; he then tried shouting with his thoughts. He felt a sharp stab again, but this time it was not a friendly poking feeling this felt like it meant to hurt him. He collapsed in a silent agonizing shout. He prayed that his shouts were heard. He shivered, not from being cold but from being alone. He had not been alone since the day he and Champ became partners. He felt a tear roll down his cheek; he wiped it away then stood up. He had to find a way to fight back. He looked for anything that he could pick up, but even a pencil was too heavy. He thought for a moment. He started to remember his conversation with odd clarity. He began to count by odds, as he made a lap around the room then he switched to reciting the Trainer's Oath. He tried the door again; he even kicked at the knob. It crumbled, he then tried to pull it open, it finally gave. The other side beheld the paradise again. He jumped through just as he finished the Oath.

He shouted once more with his thoughts, no stabs came. But a wave of comfort flowed over him, and then a fuzzy feeling under his nose made him shiver. Instead of sneezing, he gasped. A sharp headache-like pain came at him suddenly then the paradise vanished. Next thing he knew he was on the bed with Jovah looking over him and Moon on his chest with her tail wrapped around her with a single tip on his upper lip. His heart felt like it was going to bust out of his chest and his lungs burned with fire. Jovah placed a cold, damp rag on Jason's brow then turned to Moon. She nodded then he left the room.

"You did well, my Trainer. Fighting off a Ghost type is difficult without Psychic abilities. Try to stay awake; it will try to lure you back into slumber to finish its meal." "No pressure. I hate to say it, but I am tired of everyone playing inside of my head." He said quietly. "No doubt, Jovah is searching for the malicious one now. He will bring it forward and destroy it." "Tell him I would rather catch it." "What!?" "Think about it, if we can use it inside that tree, we might be able to find a way to stop anything like that again or prevent the tree from gaining another 'master' again. Speaking of which, can you lock something into your mind for me?" He opened his palm where he wrote his user info and showed it to her. "We may need this later and I may not remember this." "Got it, but what is all of these numbers for? Oh, I see... sorry, habit." She bit her lip as Jason frowned at her for going into his thoughts. "But do you honestly think they will allow it?" "I do hope so considering its location. Besides, I'll need a Trainer's Personal Computer in there. That way while I'm there, not only can I store my supplies I can also switch around my team as needed for the various tasks ahead." "I see." "I doubt it. I bet you think all I am thinking about is my self, but what I see is that everyone I have with me now cannot fight all of the battles ahead. Yes, I have my favorites, but as a Trainer I must train all that I have 'captured' equally. Don't tell me you doubt your trust in me." "No, I just... I just feel alone when you speak about switching out the team, even if you leave me out of that choice. I constantly think that you would split my sister and me up." "Only if it is necessary, will I." "And how would you define that?" She spat out trying to keep from raising her voice. "For instance, if you two would ever start fighting. I would split you up to give you both a timeout." "We never fight!" "I hope not. For everyone's sake. Now, to change subjects, how's Jovah doing?" She hesitated as she debated on lying to him, but overall, her conscious won. "He's found a Gengar within his home and now fighting it. Not surprising, it's down... and being dragged back. Here is the last of your vacant balls; I do hope it does not break it."

Jason grunted then rose from the bed, his dark boxers shifted as they were freed from the confines of the bed. He waited for Jovah to enter then he resized it. Jovah moved out of the way silently then watched as Jason lightly tossed the ball at it. It rocked slightly but it pinged and registered its occupant. Jovah shook his head then straightened his back.

"I will never get used to watching the young capture one of my kind. Anyway, he was an escapee from the Ghost Holding Facility outside of town hidden from the common folk thanks to the many Psychics who work there. His name is Rickerts, you better be ready for this one. He is quite insane." "Thank you. I'll do my best to help him." Jason picked up the ball then waited for his Pokﾃｨdex to send it off. "Odd, usually freshly captures are sent to storage immediately." He went to his pack beside the bed then pulled out his Pokﾃｨdex, he opened it. "It's dead... my Pokﾃｨdex is dead. I never heard of one doing that before. I need to contact Professor Jaclyn. Maybe she would know why." "May I?" Jovah extended his hand with a smile. "I guess it could not hurt." Jovah pulled it through the air in a split second then it started going into pieces. "Ah! There is nothing wrong with your encyclopedia, child. It must have been shut off at the main source." The device snapped back together violently then settled into the Alakazaam's hand. "Use my phone, it is a bit archaic but it will still work with the newer models." "Where-?" "In the kitchen by the ice box." "Okay." Jason pulled on his pants then shuffled blindly to the kitchen where he fumbled for the light switch. Once he had the lights on, he looked around for the televiewer, but all he found by the 'ice box' was an old touchtone telephone. He punched in the number then waited it rang three times before he heard a sleepy "Hello" on the other end. "Professor Jaclyn? This is Jason, the eager one who wanted that Charmander a while back." "What can I do for you so late, child." "My Pokﾃｨdex has been shut down from an outside source." "Where are you at?" "Parzaa..." "That explains something... did you happen to register a Pokﾃｨfamily there?" "I did, why would that matter?" The Professor huffed, "Your device is being update, unfortunately it is the cause of each member you registered. This way, the Capture system will not effect your charges." "But it's not allowing newly captured to be sent to the storage system." "That is interesting. If it does not correct itself when it returns in the morning get a Trainer's supply pack for each charge, for they will be considered Trainer's as well though they will be using your numbers." "Oh great, Lisa is really going to love this one." "Lisa?" "A Lucario. I adopted her and a Plusle when their joined clan was destroyed by a rampaging Pokﾃｨmon that I could never find." "I see. Keep in touch, I would like to know how this new system works." She hung up before Jason could even ask about the system. He sat the receiver back on the base then went back to the others.

He sat on the bed as white as he could get, Moon could tell he was in shock. She had eavesdropped on his phone call. She gave him space as his mind reeled in a thousand ways. She hoped that the Professor was right about allowing Lisa and Grace Trainer's Rights. That would be a way to separate her sister and herself, yet still be together. A chill ran down her spine as she thought about that. Then she wondered if she should wake Lisa, but after one look in the Lucario's dreams, Moon thought better about it. The female was too far into her estrus to think straight and would have to get through the cycle before being coherent enough for anything to get through to her. Moon's tail tips twitched, she felt urges she had not felt since the day she heard her sister suggest they runaway from that abusive so-called Trainer. Jason moved suddenly, it made her jump involuntarily, he stood up then went over to Lisa's sleeping form and placed a hand on shoulder. She listened to him whisper to the female, she woke slowly and looked him in the eyes without moving a major muscle. He handed her the Pokﾃｨball, she questioned him quietly, all he told her was that he hoped for something good to come from this. She sat up and started to press the button, he stopped her.

"Not yet, wait until morning. If it is still here, consider this one a gift." "I don't understand." "I called the Professor, she told me the Capture system is being updated to keep you and Grace from being captured. So if this Pokﾃｨmon does not go into storage, both of you will be considered Trainers in all rights but you would be using my numbers. So just incase, keep him for now. Will go to the market and pick up your Trainer Packs then." "What's in here? Adrian, I hope." She giggled. "Hah! No, I would not do that, you would get far too distracted during battles. Though I will let you take first picks of the ones in storage. Besides that, I wanted to wake you so you could read the Guide. Most of it is common sense even to humans, but you will have to follow the human rules now more than ever." "You could have waited until morning." "I suppose, but I don't know if they will make you go through the test like I had to." "I thought any human could be a Trainer," Lisa brought herself to her knees then stood. "Most families can have three Captured Pokﾃｨmon without the Trainer's Card, which is our license for the various things we do. Without it, the PokﾃｨCenter would make us pay for the services, the equipment would be triple the prices we pay, et cetera." "Oh. What about... breeding services?" "Breeders need a special license and land to work with. But I will never ask you to think about that, for one you have Adrian to be with. Besides he might get jealous about you thinking about such things." "Right." She still seemed to think about that. "Here," Jason went to his pack and dug out a small book. "I need you to read through as much as you can by morning just incase." "Fine, but I never got my reading skills that far up there." "Really?" "My last... Trainer taught me up to a fifth grade level." "That is nothing, many kids stop learning at that level to learn about Pokﾃｨmon more intensely. I bet you can read better than most new Trainers out there." Jason knew she was blushing under that blue and black fur of hers, she turned and covered her cheek from him. "Am I right?" "Uh-huh." "Thought so. I'll let you get started, alright." "Sure."

Jason smiled, he congratulated himself for finding the right buttons to push on her. He did not want to get caught off guard in the morning and this could be the only chance he got to train all of his Pokﾃｨmon. Though there was also the possibility that she could be enrolled into Trainer's School. He went back to the bed and went for his Pokﾃｨdex, he groaned after he realized that he left it in the kitchen. With a sigh, he got back up and went after it. As he went through the hall, he heard a slight moan. He then noticed a door was cracked open, he peeked in and saw Jovah nursing his back with one hand and manipulating a syringe with another. Jason opened the door and went to him when he saw the elder having trouble using his psychic abilities.

"Having some issues?" Jason said quietly. The elder jumped actually startled. "Sorry?" He sounded quite old and fatigued. "I did not hear you come in." "Care for some help?" "Please, I try to keep this quiet. I'm... dying. I have a few years in me yet." Jovah handed over the syringe then pointed to a vile that had tipped over. "Fill it to the fifty mark then press the air out until it sprays a little. Good. Now, shove it into my kidney and inject the medicine. Ump! Thanks." Jason pulled the needle out of the elder's flesh then stuck it on the table. "Does the pain make your abilities inert?" Jovah sighed heavily then hesitated a bit, "Yes." "I'm sorry." "Bah, I don't need sympathy. What I need is a heart transplant and a kidney. I am a very rare one indeed. In all the... deceased Alakazaams in the world there have only been six with my blood type. There is one other that is alive now, but she is far too young... Her Trainer can force her to give me a kidney, but I told him no. I don't want to force her into a life of medicine and special diets." "I don't blame you there. Are you feeling any better?" "Yes, that battle took plenty from me. You know, I never used to sleep as the non-psychics, but since I have been sick... it's been nice to escape reality to the oddity. I have enjoyed it and if I survive this, I think I shall continue it." "Is that a hint... old timer?" Jason chuckled. "Where's your bed?" "It's a hideaway, in the wall. I had it installed when I moved into the house incase I ever took in a loved one." "Dirty old man... Here? You get some sleep, don't worry about making breakfast, we'll head out and bring something back for you." He pulled the bed down then helped Jovah onto it. "What kind of host would I be? Hmm?" "One that knows that his guest actually cares about his health. Now, Rest. Think of this as a... Trainer's suggestion." "Not fair, boy." "I know, just like you too much. I'll see you in the morning." Jason hated using a move order on the elder, but something told him that it would do the Alakazaam better than any medicine could.

Jason walked out and closed the door. He wished the elder a good night's sleep then went to the kitchen and picked up his Pokﾃｨdex. Then he went back to the guestroom and sat on the bed. He looked at the cold shell, not realizing that it was slightly vibrating. When he opened it, the screen was blindingly white with a black loading bar. It had just begun to download the new program. He grinned then closed it back and placed it in his pack. He threw his legs onto the bed then relaxed, Lisa crawled up beside him and threw the book up in front of his face.

She was a third of the way through the manual. "What's this word? I've seen it several times in this chapter." Jason gulped. "Euthanize. Please don't ask me what it means, I really don't like the meaning." "I think I have an idea. It always came before Pokﾃｨmon that attacks their Trainer and kills them." "Right... they... put down... the Pokﾃｨmon that will not comply with the Capture system and its restraints. You know what it's like being in those things. From what I have learned, the ball makes the Pokﾃｨmon inside want to protect its Trainer at all costs, almost as if they are brainwashed at times." "Yeah, I remember that. Until I submitted, it was... hard to focus. That's when my first love made an offer that the one who caught me could not refuse. I was soon freed of that. I think I remember now, that first one was abusive. I was bought as a slave." "Come here," Jason put his arm under Lisa then drew her close. "I hope you never think that of yourself anymore. I consider you as family, if I wasn't so sure you are close to my age, I would definitely say I think of you as a daughter." "Thank you. I don't even know my parents." She wiggled a little to get comfortable, "You have cared for me almost as good as my first true Trainer. If not better." "I hope so, we have two hours before sunrise. You can stay with me, but you need to finish reading." "Alright."

---

Two hours passed, Jason and Lisa passed the last hour with question and answer. When first light came, Jason rolled off the bed and dressed in fresh clothes then returned Moon and to her ball while she still slept. The others he returned earlier, he wanted her out just incase Jovah needed help. Lisa stood and stretched then went to pick Grace up off the floor. Lisa chuckled lightly as she wiped drool from the toddler's cheek. She whispered over her little one about needing a bath. Jason sighed, he offered his arm to her then they left after a brief look in on Jovah. The elder snored quietly. They soon found themselves stopping at the blue bordered shops that all Trainer's knew all too well. If the Center was the backbone, the Pokﾃｨmarket is the ribcage. They went in and found the clerk. Jason sighed and pulled out his Pokﾃｨdex, he opened it then waited for it to boot up. It pinged and came up with a touch button on the screen. He pressed it, it came up with his Trainer's Stats and showed that he had an extended party. He then passed the Pokﾃｨdex over to the clerk, the man nodded then glanced through the new pages.

"I surmise you want two full belts and packs, right?" "Yes, we do." "Right, can the Lucario read and write?" I can, I have read the manual. Do I need to take a test? Lisa used her telepathy, Jason had nearly forgotten that she had that ability. "No, not really, I just need proof." Very well. Lisa was handed a small book and had a paragraph pointed to her. This seems a little easy. 'Four years to date; the local officials stopped the alleged agent that corresponded with the Team Rocket. The man-' The clerk stopped her there then handed her a pad. "Write your name and the date here and here... good. Thank you. Trainer, if you would take that. Alright... Lisa, here is your belt. Would you like a child's pack? It would fit a little better though it holds less. I also have a specialty pack that would match your fur." I'll take the specialty one, I'm a sucker for matching items. "Very well, here you go. Now for the little one." "A child's fanny pack and belt. She's deaf and still too young to learn how to write right now." "Sure, do you have... extras to share with them?" "I do." "Great! You're all done here." "Not quite, I need breakfast items for my family and host." "Very well... I'll be waiting to check you out, sir."

Jason and Lisa picked up the items they wanted for breakfast then they checked out. On the way back, Jason could not help but laugh at Lisa while she looked at things curiously. She even clasped Rickerts's ball onto the belt improperly. Jason talked her through the steps slowly about being a Trainer, she was quick to learn since she had been on the other end of the 'stick.' She fixed the ball but she had to wait until they got back to Jovah's until her pack could get adjusted. Once at Jovah's home, Jason opened the door and offered Lisa in first. She giggled then went in. Grace wiggled in her arms as she began to wake. Jason went straight for the kitchen to sat the food down then he went to wake Jovah. He knocked on the door, he received no response.

He opened the door and went to the Pokﾃｨmon's side then gave him a gentle shake. "Jovah, wake up." The Pokﾃｨmon muttered then rolled over. "I have food..." "Nyah-ya." Jovah muttered. Jason harrumphed then snapped his fingers as he thought of a way to wake him. "Hey, I found a donor." "What!?" "Sorry, but I had to wake you. Get washed up, Lisa and I will start cooking." "Get an old mon's hope up then crush it in the same blow." "It was either let you sleep your life away or do that." Jovah snorted then got up. "Still rotten of you to do that to me, but it did help... thanks." "You're welcome, now go refresh and let us cook." "Damn it, boy!" Jovah sat back down and crossed his legs then closed his eyes. He glowed momentarily then opened his eyes. "Either you are doing that on purpose or someone is trying to get you to heal me." "Not that I know of. Um... go clean up. How's that?" "Not a move order, so it is all good. Just go. Shoo!"

Jason smiled then left the room. Once out of the room, he could not help but let a laugh escape before rejoining Lisa in the kitchen. He took a pot down from a ceiling hook she was trying to reach, she thanked him then took it.

"He's awake, had to pull a dirty trick to do it, but he's up. So... how'ya cooking this?" "A meal that Ric- I mean, my first lover taught me." "Okay... why don't you ever want to say his name? Does it really hurt that bad?" "It was Richard... Richard Greyton. He was a cop, of sorts, I got in trouble. He went to rescue me... then it went wrong, he sacrificed himself to save me like any mate would." She sighed then chopped up an onion before placing it in the pot. "How do you know he was killed?" Jason had started to fix up a pancake mix. "I found his head... never did find the body, nor did the cops. I buried what I did have then I sold what I could to his direct family and bought a ticket here. As soon as I came to the area, I snapped my ball then fled into the wilderness to hide from humanity. I never did find peace until you came along. Now I know what happiness is once more. Oh no... excuse me." Lisa ran off to the trash can and took it away from the kitchen. Jason heard her wretch up her empty stomach, he pulled a sheet of paper towel from the roll and soaked it down at the sink then took it to her. "Well, I know that sign all too well now." "What?" She moaned as Jason started to wiped her mouth clean. "Don't worry, mommy, the sickness will pass in a few days." "Mommy? That means- Oh... how am I going to explain this to Adrian?" "Honestly. Tell me how to prepare the meal, you just go sit and keep the can with you for now." "I wonder about that Azumarill... do you think she could be?" "Pregnant? I doubt it, but stranger things have happened to me. I'd actually like to be able to settle down for a bit." "Cut the potatoes into fourths. Why would you want to do that? You are a Trainer, aren't you supposed to go out and have a never ending journey?" "Yeah, but who is to say that I cannot stay in one place for now?"

The conversation died after that, leaving only the cooking instructions and the occasional heaving stomach. Jason let the pot cook while he let Adrian out and clasped his shoulder tightly. He smiled at the Lucario then turned him to the female and pushed him her way. The Trainer then went back to stirring the meal while listening to what he started. He frowned as he realized they had started using the telepathy between themselves. He heard a chair being dragged away from the table then an over exaggerated sigh came. He turned to see Adrian smile at his mate and stared into her deep eyes. Jason was pleased at the sight then went to taste the stew, it was delicious though very hot. He let it simmer then released everyone else. He reminded Lisa to release Rickerts. Adrian gave both of them an odd look until he saw her belt and the ball. He gasped as he watched her expand the ball then released the Gengar. He cackled then realized he was staring up at a Lucario with a ball in her paw.

"Oh, hell..." He muttered. "Yep, I control your ball and am technically your Trainer. So no funny business. Oh, and he's your main master." Lisa pointed at Jason even as he shook his head. "You know I don't like that word." "It's true though." Jason snorted then started dipping out bowls then delivering them to the table. Jovah soon entered looking as strong as he ever had. "There you are. After breakfast, I'm going to go get Champ and Clair then I'll be back for everyone and our stuff."

---

Later that morning, Jason did as he said and left everyone behind. He entered the Center and talked to the Chansey who was covering for the Nurse, then they went to get the family. Jason hugged both of the Charizards then picked up the eggs. He handed them over to Champ then straightened up as Joy entered the room.

"Here. You need to place the eggs into balls so they are easier to carry." Her voice was pleasantly melancholy today rather than her hating attitude toward him. "Thanks. I've checked her out, we'll be out of your hair now." "You're welcome." She turned and left leaving a chill running down Jason's back. "What happened last night?" Jason asked quietly. "She had a visitor, it reminded her of the reason she became a Nurse like her cousins. She shouldn't give us any trouble in future visits." Champ sighed then rubbed each egg with a claw. "Don't forget to use those Incubator Balls." "Right." Jason tapped the eggs with the balls then watched as they were absorbed by the red light. "Let's go, we have our own guest waiting for us at our base." "Still claiming that tree?" "Someone's got to, someone that won't destroy the lives around it."

Champ helped his mate off the bed then tucked her arm under his. He knew enough of his partner not to question his motives, it would only come back twisted up further. He and his lover followed their human back to their host house and looked at the gear Lisa now carried. They watched as Jason handed her the balls and then as she attached them to the Trainer's belt. Jason gave them a brief update that just left more questions in the Charizards' minds. Lisa recalled Rickerts while Jason recalled the others much to the disapproving look in Champ's eyes. Then Lisa picked up Grace and stood beside Moon whom growled at Jason for disrupting her conversation with her sister.

"Wah. Thanks for letting us stay here, Jovah, contact me if you need anything. I left my Nav number beside your phone." "Your welcome anytime, child, as long as you don't pull the Trainer stunt on me again." "I'll try my best." He smiled then picked Moon up. "Alright, Moon, take us back to the tree. We have unfinished business there."

Chp 10

Moon groaned but did so without argument. A moment later, they stood there at the base of the tree at the hole that was the ground floor. Moon pushed away from Jason and placed herself between him and an unknown being. He turned slowly as she let her fur stand on end. He crossed his arms and stared at a black haired, fair skinned man. Beside him stood a Gallade with a rose weaved into his fine fur on his left shoulder. Both bowed gallantly then the Gallade stepped forward.

"I presume you are Jason?" He spoke in Pokﾃｨ. "You presume correctly." "The gods have declared you a savior. We are here to help you build your army." "Army!? I am not building an army of any kind." "Not yet, but you will." The man spoke quietly. Jason found it eerie that both males had nearly the same voice tone. "Then why hasn't Mew told me to build one? Or one of the Unnamed?" "Because that is our task." They spoke in unison sending Jason's impression further down the 'Freaky Train'. "Mew! I won't trust them until you tell me yourself!" Jason shouted truly doubting them, he had yet to meet any opposition about his quest. A crack of thunder sounded, a fireball exploded away from the group. From the fire, floated the pink mew. Lisa gasped loudly, Moon relaxed and backed away to Jason's side. "Do not doubt the trust the Unnamed has put into you, warrior. These are teachers from a monastery in the far reaches of the world. I bade them to come and teach those who can learn, you will need help." The tiny mouth barely moved but the voice boomed loudly against Jason's ears. "Thank you. I just do not wish to risk my quest on random visitors coming around me. I have yet to learn of an enemy." "You will meet one of them soon enough. Then you will learn." The Mew vanished before Jason could say another word. He grumbled then looked back at the two. "So you know me, but I don't know you." "I am Mitch," Said the man. "He is Ditch." Where's the bitch? Moon telepathically said to Jason with a chuckle to follow. He growled. "Moon, don't make me wash out your mouth with soap." "Sorry, sir." "Well Trainer Mitch, welcome to my haven. I'll warn you now, there are things from the last... owner here that I have not had the chance to fix. So control yourself, they are a little... sheltered." "They?" Jason sighed and blushed. "Females of many species... including ours. The last Master of the domain was a slaver. He's been captured, so no worries of his return unless I let him out of his ball." "What a minute, you're saying a Pokﾃｨmon was a slaver?" Ditch questioned. "A Salamence, I doubt I ever will take him out of storage for what he has done." The Gallade shivered. "Yeah, my thoughts exactly. Come, we need to get things settled then."

They went in and were greeted by a bouncing Azumarill with a slight bulge in her stomach. Lisa stuck her tongue out at Jason then compared her own stomach to the other expectant mother. They both laughed wholeheartedly as they patted each other's fast growing bulge. They then went ahead of the group to the main lobby where Lisa called out Rickerts, he hissed out muffled profanities as he rubbed his eyes. Once the other two Trainers came into the room, they too let out their remaining Pokﾃｨmon. Mitch released a Growlithe bitch and a Ponyta colt who was still unsure of his feet.

"Sweet! A Ponyta. Did you get him while coming here?" "He was abandoned by the road. His Pokﾃｨball was shattered beside him. Ditch took him in, I had no other choice but to capture him." "Azu, can you take the little one to the nursery and dig him up some milk or something?" "Azu? Are you naming me?" Ditch translated the comment for his Trainer then watched carefully. "Well, yeah, I guess." She ran up to Jason and clamped onto his hips. Then she ran over to the skittish Ponyta and talked him into coming with her, wasn't hard to do once she mentioned food. "You actually named her without catching her?" Lisa asked as she watched the Water type climb the stairs slowly as the young Fire type followed carefully. "Technically all of them here are captured, this place made me the Master. I just won't fall for the temptations the others have... at least I will fight it as long as I can. Speaking of temptations, could I ask you if you would love a challenge?" "And take that wretch of a Dragon type? Why not, at least Grace and I will have our own ride for a change." "Thanks." Jason sighed internally. "Hey Mitch, do you have a signal on your Phone App for your PokﾃｨNav?" "Don't have one?" "Well, I guess I'll take a ride above the tree line later. Clair, Lisa, go ahead and head for our room and get those eggs comfy. I rather have the parents be around them while they mature for the next week or so until they hatch. Champ, I need you to run a flyby of this tree, see if you cannot see a place we can adapt into a landing pad for a large group." "Okay, but why?" "Apparently it is my destiny to become a war general." Champ snorted then walked out. "Ouch..." "You aren't physic." Ditch gave him a glare. "Nope, but I know him far too well not to know when he disapproves of my actions. Let's get you and your family settled, shall we? Nidoqueen, come here please." They waited only a short minute before the Nidoqueen fell from the upper level to greet the house master. "Ah, there you are. Would you show our guests to a room, please, then start a meal for them?"

She bowed then smiled at the Gallade. He nodded then looked over his shoulder at his Trainer who followed quietly. Jason sighed before turning and leaving the tree. Once outside, he found a high arched root that made a good seat then sat down. He looked up just in time to see Champ fly another lap around the tree. He let out a shrill whistle, the Charizard hovered briefly then dove downward. He landed after a thirty second drop and just stared at his Trainer. Jason got up and gave him a hug.

"Come on, let's go for a flight. I need to make a quick call if I can get a signal then we can talk." "First, I want to know what the 'war general' bit is about." "Hoooh, I being 'chosen' by Mew and the Pokﾃｨmon with no names to be a savior. I have been given the opportunity to fight for those who cannot fight back. Who I am fighting against, I do not know yet. But I do assume they are worse than the Teams Magma, Aqua, or even the Rockets, so if you got a better idea of what to do and piss off the higher powers..." "Ahh, no. No, I don't have anything better." "Didn't think so, especially since we aren't going for the gyms." "Yeah... let's go..." Champ bent down and splayed his wings.

Jason climbed on making sure his feet stepped lightly on the Charizard's scales. Once he laid on the male's back, the fire dragon took to the air quickly. They soared passed the ancient limbs, through giant bushels of giant leaves. At one point, Jason swore he spotted a Sudowoodo or two up in the up growths where he knew they did not belong. Finally they broke through, they leveled then turned to watch the sun creep to its resting point. They both gave a relaxed sigh then let the warm air below keep them aloft. Jason's phone app beeped at him, he looked at it then started pressing the buttons with the stylus to dial the storage facility's number. He talked to the operator briefly then was transferred around several times until he got a hold of the delivery lead.

"Sorry for the wait, sir, I understand you are looking for a PTC unit with the PokﾃｨCenter standard options?" "Yes, I have a large base near Parzaa and I will be having multiple trainers coming by eventually. I would like to be ready for them, and I also would like to know if my storage capacity could be upgraded." "Parzaa? Is that the town that allows Pokﾃｨmon family adoptions?" "Yes, sir." "Good, thought so, their system is needing an upgraded unit for easier supply transport. I'll arrange it so you can take it with you at no charge, the unit should arrive... in two days by Dragonites." "Thank you, I'll notify the Mayor and wait there in two days. Thank you." "You are welcome, Trainer Jason." The phone beeped as it disconnected. "Geezes, that took long enough." Jason put his PokﾃｨNav into his pack then opened the ball pouch. "I have ten regular Pokﾃｨballs left. Shall we see if we can't add to our family like the early days?" "Why not, I need some good exercise before I get fat." Champ chortled. "You hardly eat, how can you get fat off of one serving of meat a day?" "Blah, blah, blah. Hey look, it's a Pidgey." Champ inattentively said. "Too weak and you know it. Let's see if we can't find a stream or someplace where grounded Waters lurk." "You're trying to kill me... aren't you?" The Charizard looked back with a sly grin, all Jason did was nod. "Thought so. Welp! Let's go."

Champ suddenly veered upward then spun quickly as he looked for water. He let out an excited roar then dove for the only water source he saw, a steamy spring. They landed quietly, though they only spotted a lone Spearow, that did not stop either of them from searching the area of life. Champ growled out impatiently after a full minute's search.

"Hey, bird breath, where are the water spitters?" Champ glared at the small bird. "Ah, a flamer. This is a peaceful place, that one there does not belong here-" "What do you mean by that?" Jason interrupted causing the Spearow to jump back. "Well, it speaks. Still, this is a sanctuary, there is no fighting here. Predators and Preys meet here freely and partake of the healing waters here. Do not taint our land with your flesh, human. Flee from here." "If that is a threat, little one, bring it, I am sure the two of us can take on you." "Uh... J-Jason..." Champ looked to the shadows beside him and saw several eyes reflect the light back at him. "I would rather consider his warning." "That's not like you to back down." Jason took a look where his partner stared and went pale. "Okay, you win for now, but know this: We are residents of this forest and nothing will stop us from exploring this place and getting others to join our family." He quickly climbed onto Champs back and they fled laughing coldly. After they were above the area, Jason just chuckled to himself. "A Pokﾃｨmon cult out in the wilds. Who would have thought? Too bad that was the closest water source, let's head into the trees around our base, we could at least get some running in." "After seeing what I saw, I rather not be out when night comes. There are bigger things out here and I do not want to tangle with them until I know I'll be able to hold my own." Jason thought for a moment then shrugged it off. "Very well, let's go see if the girls have dinner ready. Then we'll have the others come with us to protect you." "Very funny. I just don't want to fight someone who has twice my own experience in battle and the advantage. Remember, I am a flyer now, I am not going to willingly pick a fight with a Rock type." "All right, I get it. Let's go back."

They flew back to the upper entrance to the tree then went in. They found themselves meeting a bouncing blue fuzz ball, Azumarill smiled at them then told them that their meal awaited them. Jason placed his hand on her head and forced her to stop bouncing even if it was for a brief moment. He asked why she was so perky, she just shrugged then led they way dancing and twirling to her own tune. Jason sighed with a smile, he followed her to what had now transformed into a dinning room for all of them. The Grass types there sure had a knack for making the tree to whatever they needed. He didn't care, it helped him out in the long run. The former slaves had already sat and began to eat as they entered, Jason went to sit with Lisa and the others. Champ looked around, and noticed the two Charmanders sitting alone. He looked at Clair, she gave him a nod then he joined the two who shirked away from him at first.

Later that night, Champ roamed the tree with the two Charmanders. He found that they were actually loot from a deadly battle between their former Trainer and the Salamence. Their girl had been killed by an attack, so the Salamence took their balls and forced them to follow him. The little ones took Champ to a chamber where their balls where kept. But when he wanted to go in there, they stopped turned their backs.

"Come on," He said encouragingly. "You can't stay afraid forever." "Yes we can." The male said. Champ could not help but feel sorry for the siblings. "I am sure whatever is in there, we three can take it on." The female whimpered and clung to her older brother. "I don't want to forget her..." "Hush, Tailia." "So you do have names. Still, we need to get your balls to Jason, he will know what to do with them." "He will break them, that is the code! A Trainer dies, the Pokﾃｨmon must be released. I never heard of a Pokﾃｨmon remembering their Trainer afterwards." "Then you haven't talked to Lisa, have you? Didn't think so, she was in the same boat as you. I don't know the whole story, but she talks about him constantly and judging her adopted 'father' against him. I'll get your-" Champ looked into the chamber and his jaw dropped. Inside was rack after rack of balls and a computer in the middle of the room. Moon, if you can hear me, get Jason down here, now! I think I know what made these girls slaves of the tree.

Within a minute, a half dressed Jason and a cranky Moon appeared beside Champ. The Charizard pointed to the door. Jason followed the gesture then stopped at the threshold. He stared at the multitude of Pokﾃｨballs, some opened to the point of snapping, others had been locked. The male Charmander stepped forward and lightly rested his claw on the back of Jason's leg.

"I would not be here like the rest of them if he did not like the way I had worked him." "All of these are male?" "Most, there are those few females who only like others. We all were Trainer Companions at one point I believe. I suppose it is up to you if you want to claim all of us as your own." "I will need help... the day after, I will be getting my own PC, I will ask one of the officers to help me with this until then... they have to stay dormant." "What about us? Our family is in there somewhere." "Then look for them, I don't think I would be much help, if the Trainer is still alive then I cannot open them." "She's not..." Tailia sniffled as she stared at the floor. "I watched her burn... there was nothing I could do. Many of the others have said the same." "I know it is hard on you, but I just won't risk having the original Trainer being alive. I will have the cops look up each one and then determine their fates then." The male grumbled then started to walk away. "Tant, wait up." Tailia shot off after her sibling. "Geez, you can tell those two are related."

Champ grunted then stepped into the room to look around, he stopped at the computer. He stared at the screen for a moment before reaching for a small button. Jason stopped him with a warning then asked him to check on his mate. Jason sighed then looked at Moon who nodded then teleported him back to their room. Champ walked briskly for a while as he headed for the nursery, then he slowed his pace once it was in sight until he stopped several feet away from the door. He slumped down as he thought about the Charmanders, he figured they were his elders by a few years but he also had the urge to protect them from themselves given their weaker states. He clutched his head with both claws then pulled himself into a ball as he fought the idea that he would end up doing the same to his twin eggs. He jumped suddenly as he felt a slight touch on his winged cover, he looked up and saw the Gallade. The male just looked at the worried fire dragon with a calm gaze. Without saying a word, Ditch sat down beside the Charizard and waited patiently. After a minute, Champ grunted then turned slightly to his unwanted company.

"Let me guess," He said. "You are going to tell me that you were once in my claw steps and that everything will end up fine, right?" "Nope. I may be a Psychic, but I do not share what I see. Or in your case, what I don't see. Your young are special, granted nothing as the ones they will grow up with, that is. Being alive after their ordeal alone makes them a rarity. You, as a father, are their teacher. Show them what it is like to be a warrior and fight for what is right. My sight with your entire family may end within minutes of this moment, but I can tell you I know that truthfully. Go in there and be a loving mate and father, you will be needed most in the next three days. So do not falter, good father, and learn yourself as you teach them." Ditch leaned against the wall with his eyes closed, the red spike coming from his back folded easily as he relaxed and let the hardened fur shift. "Remember that family always comes first." "I'll try my best as I always do... where'd you go?" Champ growled as he looked up and saw Ditch was gone. "Fine, message heard."

Champ rose then went to the room his mate was staying in. He leaned against the threshold as he watched several females tend to the mother and her eggs along with the colt from Mitch's team. He snuck over and sat as close as he dared to the Poliwhirl that gently washed his mate's wings. Not one had noticed him, not that he cared, but it did him good to see his mate in such a relaxed state.

---

Jason jolted up with a start, he reached for his Pokﾃｨtch and called up the time. Six forty in the morning. He sighed then tossed the blanket towards the foot of the bed. He reached over to nudge the sleeping Azumarill awake then crawled off the bed. After a good stretch and yawn, Jason went after his pack and opened up the main compartment then grumbled. He realized that one of the girls had taken his clothes to be washed. Even the ones from the day before, so all he had was his underwear. He snorted then opened the door slightly to look to see if anyone decided to leave him a robe or something.

"They left me nothing to wear." "Look in the closet, mate of mine." Azu smiled as she sat up. "I prefer the blue suit, but that is just me." "Huh? Closet? Oh, right." Jason went to the large ebony closet and opened the heavy wood doors to see several suits and several road clothes hanging up. "These... look expensive." "The suits are made from Weedle silk, do be careful with them. The others have been brought in from previous human males and kept in decent condition. They should fit you." "Should? Have you made measurements or something?" Azu chuckled as she stared at his bare flesh.

Jason chose a blue T-shirt and dark blue denim jeans. Afterwards he went to put on his belt then went back to the bed and leaned over Azu to kiss her head lightly. He smiled helped her down. The smell of warm food came to their attention so they rushed out and down to the communal dinning room. As they entered the room fell silent and all eyes turned to them. He greeted them loudly, then escorted Azu to her seat. Still the awkward silence filled the room. He remained standing as he looked at all the various species sitting together without conflict. He drew a breath then straightened his back.

"I take it that the discovery that was made last night has traveled around. I will find out if any of you 'captured' still have a living family out there. If not, I will do my best to get you in my family. Though I do not hold my breath either way, I do hope there are some who have that choice to leave this place to rejoin those long thought lost. In other news, I will be heading into town tomorrow to pick up a Trainer's Personal Computer. I am getting ready for travelers of all kinds to join us, so I would like to ask that you all do the same. We will be needing rooms and such soon, if we have to start building outside the tree, so be it. We need to be ready for anything. "While I am in town, I will also ask the local nurse to send an orderly here to check on those willing to be looked at. I do hope everyone is in good health now, but this will be a monthly thing if I can have my way. Enjoy the meal and the day." Jason sat down and started eating, the room slowly filled with new conversations. Jason heard one loud argument, though he was sure they meant it to be hushed, they went on about how they were still trapped in the tree. The other side argued that since the tree had a new master that demanded them to be outside, the tree would have no choice but to let them go. But that was all he got, the loud murmur quickly covered it. "It seems there are those few who do not like change, Azu, how about you? How do you like all of this?" Jason said loud enough for his meal partner to hear it. "As long as I am not being beaten, I do not care." "That I can agree with. I wonder how Clair and her eggs are doing... I don't even see Champ in here. Adrian and Lisa are cuddling more than eating down there. Who does the cooking around here?" "That would be Nidoqueen and her little group. What is with all the worry?" "I haven't been separated from my family, my team, this long. Can you not blame me for worrying about those not within sight?" "I suppose so. I need to gather your clothes after the meal, you go down to the nursery and check on them." "Oh no, you are not lifting anything until that babe is out. You hear me?" Azu chuckled then leaned over and gave his shoulder a peck. "How sweet, he cares." "Well of course 'he' does, especially when that baby of his could be hurt. Not to mention the mother. Can't have one without the other."

After the meal, Jason did as he said he would; he went to the nursery holding Azu's paw in one hand while the other carried a basket filled full of berry goodies and some kind of cooked meat that no one was willing to give a name to. That didn't bother him, what did is that the omnivores stayed as far from it as possible. So he hoped Champ and Clair would at least try it. He was tempted to, but Azu stopped him every time he picked it up with a "Don't, it will not do you mind good after you eat it," meaning that only the meat eaters would fully enjoy the taste. He entered the room and joined the quiet father as he absently rubbed the egg he warmed with his body.

---

Later that day, a pair of screams could be heard as two expectant mothers were becoming mothers. Azu's babe emerged first, a strong Azurill male was birthed live. He cried loudly, Jason picked him up and cleaned him gently. The parents argued over two names, Ricky and Michael. They eventually agreed to go with the name Mickey. The newborn did not show any human qualities until he opened his eyes, Jason nearly fumbled the babe as he stared with big blue eyes instead of the normal solid black of the breed. Jason sat the babe next to his mother after a brief forehead peck then went to check on the other trio. He went around a curtain that allowed the females some privacy while they birthed then stopped dead as he peered into the Lucario's side. Adrian spoke softly to the mother as a Raichu cleaned off the quiet newborn Riolu. Jason got a good peek, it was female.

"So?" "This is odd, we had a live birth, you?" Lisa said weakly but with a smile. "Same, male. My eyes. His name is Mickey." "We haven't decided yet." Adrian spoke with a just as quiet voice. "Though we are leaning to Mona." Jason chuckled. "Mona and Lisa, I like." "Then we also like Sara, don't really know why, but it seems to suit her." Jason stepped in and looked over the Raichu's shoulder, the Riolu just stared back at him as though she was studying him. "That it does suit her. I think she likes it too. It's weak, but I think she's trying to place her emotional impression on me." "We noticed that too. What frightens me, is that she does not cry." "You are a strong race, most trainers experience the same from hatchlings. Don't worry too much, just train her to be strong like her parents, we'll have-" "Jason, they're hatching early!" Champ's voice pierced the quietness of the room. Jason smiled then went out after giving his blessing on his 'granddaughter.'

Jason stood to where he just barely could watch over Champ's wings, he did not want to have that parental bond happen to him. The eggs shattered in unison, what rolled out gained a gasp from the entire audience. Jason did not need to guess the gender, it showed well as the male stood and pissed on the floor. His sister did the same. The female is what got the gasp. It was a rare shiny. She stood as a gold Charmander next to her dull bronze-red brother. After the two looked around and focused on the two Charizards, Jason walked up and squatted next to Champ. Without a word, Champ scooped up his twins and cuddled them before giving them to the waiting mother. Clair giggled as she hugged them then played with them with her tail. Their flames flickered with brilliant life, signs of health.

"So?" "They are in Lisa's care, she deserves a chance to see and name them." "Ah, but they are carrying my ID and I say you name them. No pet names though, I could not live with that." Champ chuckled. "Okay, but they have to be twin names..." "No." Clair said sharply. "I would like to call our son Jason, and our daughter Angel." "Don't you think it would get confusing?" Champ tried to make an excuse. "No." "The mother has spoken, man, don't piss her off." Jason chuckled. "We will just have to call him little J." "I guess..." Champ sighed. He didn't have any names chosen anyway. Clair smiled at them. "Well don't lose a claw feeding them. I have a boy to tend to myself. We will have to let all four play sometime today. I'm sure they'll be bouncing off the walls soon enough."

Jason smacked the Charizard's shoulder then went back to his own little corner to play with his Water type son. He could not help but glow himself seeing all four youngsters healthy and lively. He heard Lisa already scalding her child for peeing on the midwife. Jason ignored the ruckus as he entered his own little cubicle and knelt beside the bed, the two slept peacefully. He smiled, although he still thought it was morally wrong to have sex with Pokﾃｨmon, he knew it felt good to have a unique chance at having a hybrid. Who knew what possibilities would come of this. His mind reeled as he thought of things that he knew he would have to teach this boy, but what of the things he could not teach? Things like acting like a normal Pokﾃｨmon around unknown humans. He knew that would be trouble on its own. At least he had other humans here, hopefully they could not understand the boy as well as he could with Pokﾃｨmon.

"My life has turned up an odd leaf. I never would have thought I would be doing these things. All I got to do is save the world and I will be set for life with unknown glory." Jason spoke softly not wanting to wake either of them. "I cannot wait for the day you call me father. Though be warned now, I will try not to treat you any different from the others of our family. You all have my heart, but you are the only one that shares my blood. I hope that does not change the way I think among my family and friends. Moon... I know you are out there, along with the others. Come on in and see the family."

Jason rose and pulled a Luxury Ball from his pocket and expanded it. He smiled and knew that this long time gift was now to be used. He pulled the curtain away and tossed the ball at Lisa's side. She looked at him, he nodded. She knew what had to be done, she did it, she captured her own daughter. She did not fight it, as soon as the ball was registered, she released her. Jason took the ball from her and attached it to her belt which hung on a hook beside the bed. She smiled grimly as she watched her adoptive father do that. To keep her safe, she knew it had to be done. Moments after that, the others of the team flooded in. The Gengar stood at the back wall and grumbled as the commotion went on as Moon and Shadow went slowly around bathing the new additions with attention. They all could tell that things were about to get interesting; mostly in caring for the young, but in general things they knew they had to watch what they did and say around them.

Chp 11

"Hitmon..." A brown Pokﾃｨmon bowed in front of a shadow darkened figure, beside him, his human Trainer bowed to the same figure. "The Pokﾃｨmon have chosen their warlord. Go! Make sure he does not start the Army." "Yes, Dark Master." The human and Pokﾃｨmon rose as one and left the room as one.

---

Jason rose and quickly dressed as he would any other day. He turned to his new son and stroked his blue fur. The Azurill cooed in his sleep next to his Azumarill mother. Jason left the room without waking them. He had a long day ahead of him. He did not want those two waking so early. In the main lobby of the ancient tree he had come to call home, Moon, his Espeon, and Adrian, his Lucario, stood waiting for him. They were to join him on this mission leaving the rest of the family behind to fend for themselves for the day. The Psychic teleported the trio to the nearest town, Parzaa, where they would be waiting for a special delivery besides doing other things in town. Many residents of this town, both human and Pokﾃｨmon, did not like the Trainer still, just because of the scars Moon and her Umbreon sister, Shadow, had all over them from an abusive Trainer they were rescued from. Jason made his first stop of the day at the local twenty-four hour market where he stocked up on Trainer supplies and spent the rest of his savings setting up weekly trade to the tree. The shop keeper immediately liked him then because of the business. Jason rolled his eyes then moved on to his next place, the PokﾃｨCenter. That is where he asked Nurse 'Wrathful' Joy if he could schedule a visit to his tree. She snorted, of course, but agreed to it. The mayor, Jovah the Alakazam, told her to tend to Jason and his team. Jason then asked her about the updated PC that was being flown in. She grumbled then slung a file at him then stormed off to the back of the Center. Adrian snorted at her rudeness then bowed at the Chansey that took her place. Jason opened the file, the drop was scheduled for noon which meant they still had three hours to play with. Adrian mentioned something about getting a toy for his daughter, Jason smiled then checked his account. He bit his lip and told Adrian that it may not be possible he only had two hundred credits. He shrugged and said it was worth the try. They headed back to the mart, Adrian used his telepathic ability to talk to the human behind the counter. The man nodded then hopped the counter and took the Lucario to the toys and showed him what was two hundred and less. Adrian saw a pack of four small plush dolls and looked at the tag, then admitted that he could not read the tag. The man said that the pack was one fifty after tax, Jason came over and looked at the toys. He asked if they were safe for newly hatched, the man nodded. Jason liked that, he then had Adrian pick out a pack he liked for the little ones. Once he did, they checked out and roamed for an hour and a half.

They heard the Dragonites before they saw them, the thunderous flaps of scaled wings coming from above the tree line. Jason and his two companions with their goods rushed to the Center and waited for the touchdown of the mighty beasts. The Dragon types landed with a large crate between them, the two Pokﾃｨmon carried the crate inside the Center while a third Dragonite landed with their Trainer on its back. The man jumped off then rushed inside to set up the new equipment. Jason followed the third Pokﾃｨmon inside, not wanting to get in the way. But he did hand the file the nurse tossed him to the man, the tech looked over the file then looked at Jason.

"You Trainer Jason Armile Parglouse?" "Yes, sir, that would be me." "Don't know how you got so lucky to get the system for free, but it should be more than enough for a Trainer's Base. The entire system is to remain in tact, and I'll sneak in an upgrade for the software. Alright, I'll get the new system set up here then we'll head to your place." "Sure."

The tech and the Dragonites tore open the crate then carefully sat the new PC up. It had an itemiser table for out of town trades, though it was for small items at low numbers. A Trainer could have a crate of one hundred Pokﾃｨballs shipped in through it. It was not long that they had the old PC in the crate and the new one up and running. Jason was growing impatient near the end, mostly because the four workers had worked in complete silence.

"How can you work in silence? It's just... odd." "Oh, we don't, we sign to each other. Not all of us are mind speakers." The man joked giving a wink towards the Espeon. "And not all of us are gifted with Pokﾃｨ speech." "Really? You mean you can understand any Pokﾃｨmon without the translation from a telepathic?" "Tell Mark to shut his mouth, we work to finish." One of the Dragonites leaned back on his tail and crossed his arms. "Sure... Mark, shut your mouth, you have work to finish. Though I don't mind the chat, your coworkers seem to be more professional than I thought they would be." "That's just Paul, he's always like that. Wait... you did understand him, sweet, wish I could, poker night would be better." "Ask a Psychic type to help out, it requires trust and a good friendship. Right, Moon?" Jason smiled then bent down scratch Moon's ear. "That's right... oh my, a little to the left... yes..." Moon rolled her eyes back and enjoyed the session. Adrian chuckled then tried to strike up a conversation with one of the other Dragonites as he walked off to finish packing the old PC. "Anyway, as soon as it is packed, we can be off for our home." "Sure. So I have heard stories of this place, is it true that people here adopt Pokﾃｨmon as family rather than pets or companions?" "Yep, I think there is also a married couple here... at least that is what I am guessing from what I have seen." "How... never mind, I rather not get into a fight over that subject." Mark muttered. "We'll be ready in a few minutes, sir." "Alright."

As soon as Mark and his team finished re-nailing and the full boot of the new PC, the man said they were ready to leave. Moon teleported them back to the tree entrance, Mark gasped as he saw the giant tree in front of him. Jason chuckled then started for the opening with Adrian and Moon behind him. The Dragonites quickly picked up the crate and followed the others leaving Mark standing there with his mouth ajar. The one named Paul laughed as he pushed passed his Trainer and instructed the other two on. Jason asked them to set it up in the main lobby, and while they did that, he called for a Bayleef to come and do whatever the resident Grass types did to the tree to form it for the necessary cables for both power and signal to reach outside the tree and not be a trip hazard. Mark finally joined them and jumped right into the installation. The team got the PC set up and allowed the Bayleef to draw cables outside. Mark then pulled out two item capsules from a belt pouch and looked at the team. Paul knelt down and let Mark climb on and then they rushed outside to finish the setup. Jason stretched and idly walked around the lobby looking at the various designs in the tree. Once the solar panel was set up and the long range antennae setup, Mark and Paul returned then gathered the crate and boot the system. The Trainer took a Pokﾃｨmon from storage then released it. An Alakazam appeared in front of Mark wearing a medical alert necklace.

"Have you talked to Parzaa's mayor?" Jason asked as he looked at the Alakazam. "No, why?" "Jovah is in need of some donors, he would not tell me his blood type, but you may know an Alakazam or two who might be able to help him." "Donors? Hmm, I might talk to the mayor if I get time. The system is up and running, if you have any problems call the customer service. And be glad you got this for free, not many people get the chance to even touch secondhand equipment." Mark smiled as he turned back to the PC to do some final task that had popped up on the screen. "The signal may weaken due to weather, same as the power. During the winter, make sure snow does not pile up on panel, the weight could bust it. Anything else you need to know that is not covered in the Trainer's Manuel?" "Nope, I should be able to figure out the underlying programs should I need to change something. Thanks for setting it up for me. It will help us out when we finally open our doors to travelers." Jason tried to sound more like a business tycoon instead of a general gold-digger. "Good luck... um, how far is it back to the town?" "Only a few minutes flight." "Thanks and enjoy the public services brought to you by the Pokﾃｨmon Storage Facility and the Pokﾃｨmon Protection Syndicates." "I will, have a safe flight back home and give these guys a good scrubbing, they enjoy it."

Mark and his team nodded then gathered their wares before leaving. Jason watched them leave in silence then went to the PC, he pulled out the stored Pokﾃｨmon. Carrying them in his shirt, he left the machine and started to head for the nursery. As soon as he entered the room four little ones rushed him, he greeted them then squeezed around them to visit Lisa. He immediately placed the Salamence's ball on Lisa's belt along with one of the Tryanitars. He debated on the last he should give her then decided on giving her Stan the Stantler. He turned to Lisa with the last three in his hand.

"Her belt is in our room. I know to keep that one in the ball around here. But what about the other two?" "Stan the Stantler and one of the Tryanitars that was with Entei." "Ah, so Grace get the others?" "Yep, that way you both have a flyer. I rather have her with Rex, I know you can beat the Salamence if need be." "And I hope you are right. Though I know I will always have you and Adrian there to protect me if needed. Oh, Azu was looking for you." "Thank you. How are you feeling today? I know that you did not leave the nursery last night." "I still hurt, I don't know how Azu can stand it. Being stretched to the point of ripping, I am not sure I want to go through that again." "Wait for this one to grow a little more then decide." "I suppose, I guess I could miss her if she ever decides to leave us." "To be honest it would be the other way, dear. She can't leave without my permission. You get some rest, I'll leave you be now." "Whatever." Lisa smiled then rolled to a sitting position and grimaced. "How does she do it?" "It's your first, right?" Jason asked quietly. She nodded. "You are still adjusting to the stretching of Mona's birth. I am sure it would have hurt more if she came into the world as a normal Pokﾃｨmon." "Are you saying my child is not normal?" "No, the opposite. All four of them had to come into the world as one for whatever goal the Unnamed has for them. Is that... blood?" Jason happen to catch a glimpse at the sheets that she had tossed over her legs. "I... guess... so. Is that not normal?" "NO... at least I don't think so." Jason kept his voice muted but still shouted at her. "We need that nurse aid. They were supposed to be here today. I don't even know if Moon is able to take you to the Center for help." For family, I am always able. Moon plowed into their minds before teleporting into the curtained room. "Let's go, I rather not see someone get sick because of a poor birthing process."

Moon did not give those two a moment to move, she dragged them through temporal space to the entrance of the Center. Lisa fell right into Jason's outstretched arms, he took a moment to get reoriented then dashed through the door. The Nurse took one look at him then at the Lucario in his arms, she scowled at them.

"Please, help my daughter, she's bleeding after birthing her own daughter." The Nurse took Lisa from his arms then they disappeared into the back, a shout came from the walls. A Chansey rushed out and motioned Jason to follow her. He and Moon did quickly followed her to an exam room where Joy placed Lisa on a table already was gathering tools. "What happened during the laying?" "It was a live birth, her daughter is healthy and hyper. I did not notice anything odd other than that." "Live? What about the afterbirth? Was that delivered?" "What's afterbirth?" "Never mind. Take a seat and let me work." Nurse Joy hissed at him.

After five minutes of poking and prodding, Joy grabbed a small rope-like thing and sterilized it as a Chansey came to strap Lisa's legs to stirrups. She moved away from the Lucario and waited. Joy hooked one end to a monitor then quickly shoved the sterilized end into Lisa's birth canal. She hissed as the cold tool touched her warm and sore flesh. Joy watched the monitor and clicked her tongue every so often as she came to an overly red section. Jason watched it as well, absorbed into the sight of her sex on the screen, up to the point where the laparoscope hit her cervix and forced through the opened hole. That made him turn away and hold her spiked paw.

"There's the tear and the placenta. Chansey, can you set up the Max Potion spray for the scope, please. Alright... Lisa was it, I have to reach in and pull that membrane out otherwise you could die from it, the tear is from the umbilical cord that was attached to the Riolu you had. It is nothing to worry about, the potion will take care of the pain it is causing you." The Chansey handed Joy a bottle with a long, small hose attached to it. "Thank you, Chansey. Lisa, this will be just as painful as your live birth, but it must be done to save your life."

Joy pulled a large full armed plastic glove on then placed her fingers at Lisa's labia, grimacing at the pain she knew would cause. Lisa nodded then grasped Jason's hand, he pulled out of her grasp then placed that same hand on top of hers. Lisa moaned painfully as a fist was rammed into her and forced passed the cervix. She felt the membrane move then she felt the spray hose being squeeze beside the scope and arm then a cooling spray on her hot innards. The pain faded, she barely felt the withdrawal of Joy's arm and the membrane. She did hiss at the sudden rush of air hitting the sensitive flesh, but she did enjoy the pain free sensation after that. Joy patted Lisa's leg with her clean hand then she took a rag and wiped Lisa's labia clean then placed the rag and the membrane in a Biohazard Waste bag. She straightened and looked at Jason's worried look on his face as he stared at the Lucario. She sighed quietly, then she started to clean up.

"Don't let her mate for a week, that way the potion can have a full effect on the stretching she's had. Also her activity should be slim to none for the next two days, which means rest. No playing with the baby just yet. Other than that, just let her eat an Oran berry with every meal for a while, that should help build her immune system as well." "Thank you. I don't know what the family would do if she fell ill from birth." "Hard telling. You are free to go, that aid you requested was sent by road and should arrive soon." She left the room quickly before she broke down completely and started being nice to him. Jason sighed, "Moon, I think she's more than ready to go home, what about you?" Moon smiled then took them home.

When they arrived, Jason noticed that there was a Trainer sitting on a stump letting a Chansey in an Aid's outfit tend to his Pokﾃｨmon. Jason helped Lisa sit while he did the polite thing. He walked up with a smile hoping the Trainer to be just as polite.

"Welcome, fellow Trainer, to my friendly abode. Are you in need of assistance?" "Yes," The man said with a crooked smile. "I do need assistance, I need you to battle me." "Well okay, give me a minute." Jason sighed. "Moon, call the others." It did not take long, within a few seconds, Moon had pulled them out and brought Grace and both belts out with them. The team gathered behind Jason silently as they awaited the battle. "Okay, that's everyone. Name your game." The man gulped as he watched the Lucario and the Plusle come up beside Jason with their own filled belts. "How can Pokﾃｨmon be Trainers d'em selves?" "These two are my adopted daughters. Now, name your game otherwise you battle will be for naught." Jason tried his best to use 'big' words to hopefully deter the Trainer. "Sorry, boss would let me walk if I walk. All in. I will stop the army from growing!" Jason eyes widened, So I finally meet one of the grunts of my enemy. So be it. "Fine, choose your starter." "I choose Hitmonlee." "Moon, go." "Pyschic types are nothing for the likes of Hitmonlee. Low kick!" "Moon, dodge then Pyschic attack."

Moon easily dodged the slow kick from the newly awakened Pokﾃｨmon. She used Pyschic to send him directly into the base of the tree, a grunt sounded. Then the kick boxer jumped back to his position in front of his Trainer. The next attack was an odd move even for Hitmonlee, Jason was not sure it was even a legal move. The Trainer called for a Frozen Kick. Hitmonlee's leg froze to solid ice then was virtually thrown at Moon. Moon froze her attacker in midair then tossed him at high speed into the tree. A defeated moan came from Hitmonlee as he collapsed to the ground. Jason smiled as the Pokﾃｨmon was recalled, the man growled and sent out a Golbat. The Trainer called for a Supersonic, Moon hissed as she was confused by the attack. Her senses screwed up making her absolutely dizzy. Jason sniffed as he quickly thought of something. He told Moon to use her natural ability to synchronize abilities. Just as quickly, the Golbat was flying around in circles trying to find its target. Jason then called for a Psybeam. She followed orders and struck her opposition with the attack. A screech came out from the bat Pokﾃｨmon as it tumbled to the ground, it did not rise again. The Trainer cursed then recalled the Pokﾃｨmon then replaced it with a Murkrow. The Pokﾃｨmon used Night Shade, Moon did her best to dodge it knowing it would seriously hurt. She just barely missed the attack, using a nearby tree as cover. Then Jason called her back and sent out Clair, the Charizard growled at the tiny bird. Night Shade was called for again, this time the attack hit. Clair shook off the pain then readied herself. Jason called for a Wing Attack, she went after the bird with lightning speed, the attack struck... hard. The bird fell. The Trainer fell to his knees as he recalled the bird, he was out. Jason's Pokﾃｨdex chimed saying his account had been updated with his winnings.

"Moon, Shadow, capture him." Moon teleported behind the man while Shadow phased through Jason's shadow then out the man's. Shadow latched onto his legs while Moon restrained him with her mind. "So, tell me, what is your group called?" "The Dark One will come after me and free me of your grasp and slaughter all the ones you love leaving you in a pit of despair and agony until you break and join him." Jason backhanded the man. "I asked for a name not a repertoire." The man repeated himself. Jason sighed, "Take him to the basement and secure him there. I'll call the Growlithe team and have them come pick him up."

Jason turned his back on the man then went inside with Lisa at his side, Grace bounced along behind them. Moon and Shadow took him into the shadows to the basement where Moon pulled the tree itself around the man to tie his hands to his ankles then attach his waist to the floor. They left him in the dark as they left. A chuckle sounded after they had left the room. The man gasped knowing who made the laughter.

"Good work, human, you have served your purpose..." The man screamed as the Dark Pokﾃｨmon encompassed his head with tendrils of Darkness.

Jason was at the PC calling the Parzaa Police Force while Adrian coddled Lisa as she sat down on a crate the Chansey had brought in before the man showed up. She huffed and swore it was nothing of importance. Her daughter rushed her and pounced stealthily as a Nursery caretaker and herself came up to find them. The family passed hugs until they were stopped by Jason whom told them that Lisa needed her rest and was to be sent to her room. Adrian took that chore and rushed her upstairs to their room. Mona followed despite the fact the sitter told her not to follow. Jason chuckled, he then turned to the Chansey and offered her the tree as her own. She bowed then silently started setting up a station there beside the PC. Moon muttered something under her breath as she followed Jason as he left the room, she lost the man's presence and could not find out how that had happened. Shadow questioned her sister but could not get an answer with words. She suggested that Moon needed to could bask in the sunlight and restore some energy, but the Psychic refused to let Jason and Shadow out of sight. She let out a squeal when she was caught completely off guard by her sister when Shadow pounced her to prove she needed some time to herself. Jason agreed to that, he shooed her away with a smile and told her that he should not need her abilities anytime soon. The Espeon sighed then vanished to an undisturbed location in the canopy of the tree and splayed out in the sun. Shadow shivered wishing that she could join her sister, but the night always did her better on restoring strength. She realized that Jason had been heading for the nursery to see Mickey. She silently envied him for having the child and a mate. Something she wanted more than being free... some one to call her own. With a weary sigh, Shadow followed Jason into the room and greeted the little Fire types that had come to think of her as an aunt. She had a deep down feeling in her that told her things were going to change and that life would never be the same again.

Azu, sat outside on the landing branch staring into the horizon. She knew she could leave with Jason if she wanted to, but she debated on whether or not the others needed her. She was the oldest living here, Pokﾃｨmon wise, but was she suited to be a leader. Most of the family voted the Nidoqueen as their representitive. So why was it so hard for her to decide on staying or leaving? She sighed and then went back inside, she heard the battle below, yet she never worried for his safety. Jason was strong, she felt it more than she actually knew it. Her mind did not settle on Jason though, it went to think about her son and his possiblities. She wondered what his attack powers were if he had any, he had yet tried to spray her or the Charmanders. It struck her that that is the reason she could not decide on leaving, her son was too weak to do anything. Or could not do anything. She made her way to the Master bedroom and sat on the bed, she knew that no one would be up this way for a few hours, she would enjoy the quiet time a little while longer. She threw herself back and started to rub her chest and slowly moved downward.

Jason hugged Mickey, the little watermouse bounced continuously in his arms. He began to wonder what his son could do. He smiled saw Champ sitting in the corner with Shadow and his twins. He whispered to his son that he should go spray Uncle Champ to see a funny face from the Charizard. He sat back and watched the Azurill bounce off to the large Pokﾃｨmon and prodded him, the Charizard bent over and picked him up. That's when the Water type sprayed Champ with a Water Gun. Jason fall backwards laughing his head off when he saw the Charizard's face. He gave a look like he was just peed on. Champ quickly sat the tyke down then rose and went over to Jason who quickly quieted down. The boy gave an odd smile then rushed away from the Charizard, the room laughed as Champ gave chase. He easily caught up to the human and rip his shirt off over his head, Champ wiped his face off then tossed the shirt onto a shelf above Jason's reach with a smile. Then he went back to the children leaving Jason to go back into a laughter fit.

Moon moaned as the last of the day's light soaked into her fur. She forgot what it was like to just sit and relax, not that she ever had done that before for any length. She opened her eyes, she thought she saw Articuno. After a double take, she knew she was not dreaming, the Ice Bird flew right over head and dropped a Pokﾃｨmon. Using her ability, she caught it and pulled it to her. She gasped as she found it to be another 'eon, a Glaceon male to be exact. He was unconscious and badly injured. She took him below to the Chansey for treatment.

Chp 12

Chansey worked tirelessly on that poor Glaceon that Moon found, Moon did what she could to help the Nurse Aid to heal the male. At the Chansey's request, Moon had cut off most of the Glaceon's nervous system with her Psychic ability and waited while Chansey re-broke and properly set bones that had started to heal in ill positions. Once Moon restored the nervous system, the Glaceon moaned in unconscious pain. Moon felt pity for the creature and wondered how such a strong willed breed was in such a shape. It was a miracle that he was still alive. Moon concentrated on the last stitching she had to pull tight then tie so Chansey could cut the plastic string. Finally, Chansey pulled out a small cylindrical item, cracked it, then slowly waved it under the 'eon's nose. When he started to stir, Chansey force fed him a Revive and then sprayed him with a Super Potion. He howled in pain as the potion took effect and closed the wounds and forced the bones to heal. Once it was over he panted and looked around. He immediately locked eyes with the Espeon and tried to back away. Moon closed her grip around him and held him still.

"Calm down, I am called Moon, what is your name?" She smiled and slowly released her grip. "F- Falrin, you are not going to kill me?" "Why would I?" "The others, they say I am an omen. I did not go the basic way, I chose Ice over Fire. The three good are wanted most; I wanted one of the bad..." His accent made Moon grimace, but at least he still spoke the area's language. "Where are you from?" "I... don't know. All I know is the forest under the Clawed Peak." "Do you know Articuno?" He shook his head. "One brought you here and dropped you off within my reach. So... um... welcome to the family. I shall take you to my human; he should allow you to stay here. But I have told Samuel to meet us first; you should be more comfortable around him." The Suicune that Moon had called jumped from the second level down to the main lobby then stretched as he slowed his pace. "Ah, so a fellow Ice type finally joins us. Frolass and I were just talking about how nice it would be if we had more Ice kin around. Climb on, I was told you were pretty much crushed alive." "He needs to rest; you may want to find him a bed to sleep in even if your Trainer says no." Chansey did a final look over on the Glaceon. "He won't, meeting him is a formality. I just updated him on the situation and is waiting for us in the nursery. Falrin, do you think you will be able to walk or would you rather have a ride?" Is she serious? Damn she's upfront... and rather cute. "I think I would want a ride." Falrin grinned slightly as he sized Moon up. Moon drew back slightly. "Sam, would you please? Your body temperature would suit him better than mine." "Sure, I can do that." Samuel chuckled as he realized the situation, he didn't blame the Glaceon for lusting after Moon, and even he found her cute. "Hop on, kid." Samuel squeezed beside the table despite the disappointed stare on the male's face. Falrin rolled onto Samuel's back hissing in pain as he did so. Moon smiled then led the way.

They moved quickly and swiftly. While Samuel ran at half speed as Moon used her telekinesis to hover her way over the floor at his speed. They dodged others that blocked their way with ease and laughed as they did. When the speed racing stopped, they were at the nursery and gleefully ready to do it again. Falrin, however, was not ready to attempt the speed again and was just barely holding his stomach together. Samuel went in first; the young ones had an instinctual fear of him and would leave him alone. Though he hated that, today it was a blessing.

"Jason, here is the newcomer. Be gentle, his 'legs' are not fully healed yet." "I see. Moon, thank you for saving a life today, I bet he would say the same if he was not so green." "But he's... oh!" Jason picked up the Glaceon and held him over a trashcan just seconds before his control of his stomach became null. "Feel better?" Jason asked once the Pokﾃｨmon stopped heaving. Falrin spat then nodded. "Good, I bet you have not eaten well in a long time. I tell you what, little man, you get some rest then I will make sure you will have the biggest meal you can handle." Falrin looked up at the human with an odd look; Jason was his first human he had ever seen. He could not think of anything to say to him. "You seem scared; I would be too if I was rejected by everyone I knew. Samuel, will you slowly take him to Frolass's room? The chilled air should do him better than anything else. I need to go talk to that Entei about the others." "Be careful, she may not be mentally stable. Remember, she and the Tranitars have yet to be released from the balls." "Playing with fire is safer than playing with electricity, go get him chilled." Jason placed the Glaceon back on Sam's back and watched him walk off. With a sigh of an unknown reason, Jason went off to see Lisa.

On his way, Jason thought of his life. With a smile gradually growing on his face, he realized that he had grown up and became a man already. He took a turn and found himself at Adrian's and Lisa's room. He hesitated momentarily then knocked on the closed door. Adrian quickly opened the door and greeted him with his daughter clinging to his chest spike.

"Is she awake?" "They both are... barely." Adrian pulled the Rilou from her perch and cradled her. "Come in, we're being decent." "You? Never," Jason chuckled and rubbed the infant's head as he passed the father. "You may want to hold onto her tightly." "Why?" "Entei." Adrian paused in closing the door for a brief second. "This will be the first time that one will be out in your care-" "I know. That's why I want you here. I am hoping the room is big enough for her." "Jason..." Lisa yawned then rolled over to reach for her belt. "I'll be ready to recall her for any reason." "Thanks." Lisa tossed the ball and called Entei out. The Pokﾃｨmon formed and the red light dissipated leaving Entei standing there confused. "Hey there. That beast will not hurt you again." "I smell a Suicune. Male and young at that." Her voice was deep but feminine. "I take it that you were the human I was forced into trying to kill?" "Sure was, I had to stop you from being killed by Samuel... so when you went down..." "You threw the device. At least the voices have stopped." "Alright, let me clear some more things up for you. I am your overall Trainer, but Lisa there... is your handler. She uses my Trainer's ID to control a team. Then there is the quest I am on. I am a... warrior for the Unnamed and Mew sent me after the Guardians." "I am afraid you chose the wrong one, I am no Guardian." "Then we would not have met, dear. Can I have your name? Samuel played hard and my Espeon companion dug his name out of his mind." "I have not earned my name yet. I was captured by that Dragon during my own Rite ceremony." "Is there a way for you to complete that?" "I won't be allowed back into the territory with a human's scent on me. Especially not a Suicune's." "Well, too bad, looks like you will suffer going back anyway." "What!?" "I need to talk to a wizened Guardian who will tell me where to go next. You are my ticket into finding them. I have to find all of the Elemental Guardians before the others find them. There are forces out there that are trying to destroy the world and I must stop them." "You will be killed on sight." "A risk I must take. Arceus will watch over us all, that was the guarantee I was given." Entei flexed her claws a little at the name. "Very well. We leave when you are ready." "Tomorrow. Tonight, we eat and rest. Lisa, release all but that one. Try to be awake for supper. Entei, come with me. I want you to meet your fellow teammate." "Let me guess, a Suicune?" "Right. Sam is a nice guy, I am sure now that you are in your right mind again, he'll talk to you and help you." "I doubt that, I don't even know if my own will help me." Jason scratched Entei's chin then went to the door. "Just let him try to help."

Entei sighed then followed, they went quietly. She began to shiver as she felt the chilled air flow down the narrow hall Jason had led her down. When Jason stopped in front of a door, she looked over her fur and saw steam roll off of her. Jason knocked and announced himself, then after a moment, the door opened with a slim Frolass hovering on a cold air pocket. Jason bowed towards her then he asked her about Samuel. Her throat crackled like a glacier crumbling as she cleared it. She told him that the Suicune had dropped the Glaceon off then went for a quick run. Jason started to grumble but a weak voice behind Frolass startled them all. Falrin had started sleep talking. He was dreaming of the instance when he was beaten. He started to mention one name over and over. From what Jason could tell it belonged to one that he had loved in his old life. Jason wondered what the little blue 'eon had left behind that was so important that he risked his life for. A whimper came from the male then he went silent once more. Entei sat down and flared her fire bladder to warm up. It did little to help. Jason turned to her and smiled, he thanked Frolass then started to walk away from the door. He stopped when he noticed a strong blast of air hit him in the face. He smiled and crouched down just as a blue mist came rushing at him.

The mist solidified and formed into a Suicune. "Has she regained her mind?" "Yeah, and we got a mission. We are leaving in the morning. Get to know her and see if you can help out any. I need to go inform the rest of the team. Don't miss dinner you two, you'll be the runners for the three of us." "Three?" Entei asked. "I'll explain it to you in a bit."

Jason grinned as he rubbed Samuel's head and receiving a growl from it. He chuckled then left them to their own devices. The Trainer wandered the halls as he emptied his mind. Trying to just get some kind of peace so he could fully think on this team's future, he stopped in the storage room that Champ found. He stood over the computer there and stared at it. He drew slow breaths as he looked it over. He refused to touch it, but something told him to go for it. He resisted it with difficulty. He left the room with an even more confused mind, he could not think that is how the tree fully possessed the 'Master' of the place. If the machine displayed a hypnotic program, he did not want to get trapped by it and thus he knew better than to fool with it. He left the room and made his way to the dinning room. Though it was empty, he sat at his normal spot and began to think deeply. Thoughts of his quest came up, mostly the 'What If's' but a few logical questions did come up.

"Yeah, what is the name of this group... I better go check on that man, I bet his is ready to talk now." He called Moon.

She teleported him and herself to the basement where the man was being held. Her fur glowed as she used a move and lit up the room. Jason's jaw dropped, he saw the man sitting in his spot without a head. He nearly lost his stomach at the sight. Moon inspected it casually then sighed before sending the body off to an unknown location.

"It was done by a Dark type, burned it right off. There is none that I can think of that can do that though. I'm sorry, I should have paid more attention to his mind." "Not your fault. I have a feeling his boss's Pokﾃｨmon paid him a visit and left the body here as a message to us. Who ever this group is, it will be stopped." "Are you ready?" Moon vaguely asked. "For most part. It's the war that is coming to my mind... yes. And, I am ready to leave this dungeon." "Let's go." Moon said as she moved back up against him then teleported them to his room where his son slept peacefully against his mother. Azu greeted them quietly.

---

That night, after dinner, Jason told his team to head to bed. All went except for Entei. She waited for the tree to go silent before she found her way to the landing perch. There she sat and stared through the treetops at nothing in particular. With a sigh of resentment, Entei agreed with herself that she was stuck. The only chance she had to gain the rights to her heritage was with this human and the Suicune. Even though she was raised to think they were killers, the male's attitude contradicted her teachings. Now she fought herself on rather or not she wanted to meet the Raikou clan and see if they were really as awful as he teachers told her they were. She had even asked what Samuel's clan was like, she learned that his clan was not cold blooded killers and fought for life and peace for the common Pokﾃｨmon and even humans on rare occasions. A smile grew on her muzzle as she thought longer on Samuel. She felt her blood pressure spike and her temperature rise. She hated to admit it, but she knew she thought that he was attractive. She wanted him and wanted him now. She rose from her perch and went running at her best maneuvering speed to where the Suicune slept in the chilled environment. She pushed open the door and spotted the Glaceon on the floor. She looked around, Frolass slept on an ice bed, then she saw Suicune laying in a corner with one eye open. She spat one small flame from her mouth to check his reflexes. He sat up and followed her as she turned and walked out. When she was comfortably away from the chilled air, she stopped and turned with a grin. He gave her a look that would make a mirror freeze, he saw her tail twitch but nothing else seemed affected. He was about to ask her what she wanted when she rushed him and gave his snout a wet lick. His eyes went wide.

"What the hell!?" He tried his best to keep from shouting. "All right, I'll spill, I'm in heat. There is no male around here that could give me pups, but there is one I think could satisfy me for a while. All I ask for is this one night. If you like, I will not say no for when you need my services." This sparked a few thoughts, oh how he wished he knew how to make it binding. "At least I get some benefits for the one night bounce as well. Shall we head up to the landing? We'll be more secluded out there." "Mmm, sounds good. Keep up if you can, but keep you nose out of my fur for the moment." With a chuckle, Entei was off. A little lie never hurt anyone that gained from it as well. Sam followed thinking about how he gained from her promise. When they stopped, Sam could feel his hidden sheath come alive and reveal itself from the blue fur. His skin flushed, he stared at her backside as she looked at the sky. "The moon is starting to rise. We have several hours yet. Mount me, my suitor, and take me slowly, quench the thirst this dreaded heat has caused." "I will tell you now, you are not my first." "And I hope not the last."

Sam mounted and teased her with a couple of dry thrusts. Entei bit her lip to keep from yelling out in pleasure as she felt his cold flesh touch her overheated own. He slowly brought himself to his mark then slowly pushed himself into her. He moaned as he felt her warmth flood over him, he forced himself not to slam into her and take her completely. He pulled out quickly then went back in slowly, he grinned when she hissed with pleasure. He hilted himself and held himself there within her depths for a moment. He flared his chilled temperature into his shaft making her yelp and tighten her muscles around him. With a chuckle, he began a slow paced thrust. He enjoyed himself as his slow speed kept his knot down, he would keep it up until she demanded more. After ten minutes, Entei finally gave in and demanded more from him. He appeased her by taking it up one notch, she moaned as her backside was thumped like a good pat from a happy owner. She begged him to give her his all. He complied and made her bite her own leg to muffle her howl of ecstasy. Sam was thrusting so hard that each contact made her rump lift an inch off the branch. He felt his knot swell, it was already passed her pelvis, he was tied to her. With a half-conscious grin, he let loose his intellect and gave his feral side full control. The knot swelled to fully lock him in place, his climax rose. He clamped his jaws down into her plump fur and let a howl loose into her. He let loose a steady stream of sticky seed within her. His eyes rolled back as her orgasm milked him for even more. She was silent, unable to make a sound from the bliss. Once the eternity of joint ecstasy was over, they maneuvered about until they were tail to tail. Sam panted heavily, he looked over his shoulder and enjoyed the look on Entei's face. She was stuck in the afterglow, he figured that this was at least her second go.

Thirty minutes later, the knot had shrunk enough to be pulled out but Sam did not let Entei know that. Nor did she care that it could, she just loved grinding against him and causing more orgasms. He stayed firm against his wishes, though he did not regret it, he did feel his bladder protest. He looked at her once again, he was about to ask her if he could part with her when she whimpered and pulled away from him. She ran to the edge before Sam's penis even had the chance to flop back into its original position. A heavy stream of urine sprayed from her. Sam smiled then went to stand beside her forgetting about his own bladder for now. She took a few steps forward to get away from the edge as she realized he was there. The last of the urine dribbled down her fur, Sam stuck his muzzle under her tail and licked her clean. He snorted when he noticed her scent was not that of an estrus induced female, but he let that slide. She gasped as he slid his tongue across her used labia. A mixture of ejaculate and urine flooded Sam's muzzle, even though it was bitter, he swallowed it. He pulled away licking his lips then lifted his hind leg revealing himself to her. His red violet flesh still saluted strongly. Entei eyed it like it was rare, imported chocolate, she leaned in and gave it a gentle lick. It did not take long before she had enveloped the entire organ with her mouth. She blew her flame warmed breath over the chilled flesh then rubbed it down with her tongue. He laid his leg on her neck and moaned with her workings, it was not long until he felt his testicles throb as they forced another load up. He gave her head a thrust as he exploded. He treated the tormenting tongue with lobs of sticky seed. He gasped as she sucked and swallowed everything from him. He could have swore she had him in her throat, he did not dare to look. He just enjoyed it until his bladder popped, his urine flooded her mouth, he stopped breathing. But she did not stop swallowing. Once finished with his accidental leakage, he lifted his leg again expecting her to pull away. She did not, she just chuckled and slapped his face with her tail. He took the hint well, he pulled away from her with a smile.

Then he laid on his back with a sly grin, "Come on, my sexy thing. You want me to act, you got to get on top." "You cheeky devil."

She mounted him as he asked, throwing her hips above his muzzle as she sucked his meat back into her mouth. She gasped as he blew his icy breath into her then shoved his tongue into her with as much speed as he usually put into his paws. He lapped at her inner walls, drinking the delicacy that was her juices. They went into another orgasm together and then collapsed. Entei laid on top of her mate and panted, Sam smiled and timed his breathes opposite of hers.

Five minutes later, Entei rolled over and laid on her back to stare at the sky. Nothing was said when Sam got to his feet. He glanced at her and noticed that she was asleep. A quiet chuckle escaped him, he laid beside her and rested his head on her stomach. She did not respond, but he did not care. He quickly fell asleep, even if was a light one, and allowed his body to wait out the night. Morning came soon enough, they both woke quietly, not wanting to move a hair of the other soul. Sam eventually sat up and yawned deeply then stretched. Entei reluctantly followed suit then they went to join the family for breakfast and the talk they both knew they would get from the Psychic of the group. They enjoyed the slow walk to the dining room rubbing against each other. When they got to the dining room, the entire tree residency sat waiting for the meal. Moon shot them a smile as she read their minds. Sam blushed then went to join his teammates without a word. Entei followed him and sat beside him with a shy smile on her muzzle. Moon chuckled and pulled away from her bowl of water then went to push her way in between the two Legendaries. Sam blushed and ducked away knowing that Moon would embarrass him. She surprised him, though, by forcing her voice into the pairs head.

I heard you two at it last night. I do hope you have the energy to run all day, I rather relax in my ball today. Moon smiled. "I know I do." Sam still felt his cheeks heat up. "Yep, I always have the energy to run. That's my thing after all." "I am glad. The meal is about ready to be served don't over eat. We don't need sick runners, now do we?" They both blushed and watched Moon head back to her spot. As soon as she sat down, the kitchen doors flew open. Nidoqueen and her crew brought out the food and served it gracefully.

The family ate a meal that fit their species and their stomachs. Jason's son bounced in his father's lap as he ate the little bits that was giving to him. Azu smiled as Mickey ate, she knew he would be rotten while his father was away. Lisa and Grace finished their meals and strapped on their belts, Lisa began to explain how to use the balls. Grace, in turn, asked several questions mostly on if she could get stuck in the balls herself. Lisa smiled and told her no.

"Alright, gang, I want the team gathering up in the lobby in an hour. Take care of yourselves now because the trip will be long as it is and I do not know what we will face." Jason stood and cradled his child against his chest. "Nidoqueen, you will be in charge. But if any Trainer shows up, send Mitch and Ditch out to accommodate them in best way possible. We shall return as soon as we can once Entei has learned of her fate. I know I shall miss my extended family here while I am away. Please try not to cause problems for the town but I do wish to hear that a few of you dare to venture out for supplies and clothing for your sisters that need it. I will do my best to do the same."

Nidoqueen said nothing but bowed as she stared at him. Jason then passed Mickey over to Azu then left to go down to the lobby and log into the computer. It was his only access to a VidComm and he wanted to contact his mother. As he did that, his team split up to tend to nature's call besides getting cleaned up. Falrin followed Jason downstairs with a slight limp. Falrin met up to the human just as he turned on the screen.

"Excuse me." "Hmm?" Jason turned slowly to find the Glaceon limping his way. "Oh, it's you. Are you still in pain?" "No. I was wondering if I could go with you. I mean... that it would be better than being stuck here and sleeping all day." "Don't lie to me, pup, you just want to be around Moon and her sister. I'll let you come, but only if you choose to be in a ball." "A ball? Like this?" Falrin curled up getting Jason to chuckle. "No, one of these. They are called Pokﾃｨballs. Here is an empty one, just tap this button if you wish to join the team. But know this, I will be your main Trainer even though Grace will be carrying you." "Oh, alright then. Give it here, I rather be stuck in that thing then have that Frolass stare at me while I sleep." Jason placed the ball on the floor and watched Falrin as he examined it then pressed his nose on the activation button.

A red light engulfed him, he went wide-eyed. What is this? It does not hurt... so bright. Wait, did that thing just grow? Now I go in it, right? Why is he so huge? Wait! Don't close! NO!! The ball closed and rocked as he wrestled against the force that took him in. NO! I... I don't like this, it's too dark. But it is nice and warm like Mama. I could stay... wait, this is not right. But I did choose this, didn't I. Fine, I will stay. He heard his name, then he felt movement. Like he was thrown, then a bright light blinded him then he saw red. Next thing he knew, he felt the floor under his paws.

"Ready!" He growled out in a fighting stance. He blinked once then straightened out. "Huh? Why did I want to fight?" "That's the ball, you will learn to control that urge. Join us down here in a bit, go get ready for the long trip." "Okay." Jason watched the Glaceon leave him. With a grin, he turned back to the PC then logged on and selected the phone option.

When the time came for the team to leave, the team gathered and stared at Falrin as he limped down the stairs. Jason went over to Lisa and Grace then placed a new ball on Grace's waist. Jason sighed then started calling his personal team back, leaving Sam. Lisa and Grace did the same, though it took Grace a little longer to recall hers, then they went to climb onto Entei's back. Jason climbed onto Sam's. Jason chuckled to himself as he thought about running about on a pony-sized canine. He had to fight the urge to yip and howl like a rancher. The two legendaries charged off to the ground entrance then let a roar sound their leave before they charged at full speed with Entei in the lead. Jason had to close his eyes, the world was going by too fast to focus on anything. Samuel chuckled as he felt Jason hide his face within the bulky fur of his body. They ran for miles, Jason no longer knew where he was. He trusted these two to know how to return to the tree. Entei stopped when a large, lone hill appeared in front of them then let out a roar that suited her Legendary race. Sam slid a few feet past her and looked at her curiously.

"What's wrong?" Lisa asked as she leaned over the larger Pokﾃｨmon's shoulders. "The land does not smell right, smells like blood. Yet I do not see evidence of battle and no one has answered my call. I honestly do not like this." "I agree. This sounds like an attack led by those who hate all life." "Lisa, you and Grace take a flight up and look for any signs of survivors or a sign of massacre." Jason said soberly as he watched his Legendary companion. Entei, see if you can find out anything. Sam and I will walk the perimeter of this hill and search for any signs of foul play."

The group split up though Rex protested when he found out that Grace now carried his ball. Sam watched the Charizard fly up after being told to by Jason, then him and Jason ran off to circle around the land looking for various signs of life. Entei sighed once she was left alone. She turned to the hill and walked to it at a slow pace. She went to a cave and stared into the darkness, the stench of blood held strong in the air coming from the cave. She flared her fur, it sparked then turned into a roaring flame, she went in cautiously wishing she had back up now. She watched the dirt covering and saw blood splattered here and there. She sped up her walk after she pawed at the blood to find it dry. She slid into the main anteroom and spat a flame to the center brush pile. The flames shot up high and lit up the rock walls, she doused her personal flame for a while to conserve her energy.

"Elder Rhynon?" She called out hoping someone would answer her. "Welcome back, youngling," A male warrior in his prime called back as he shoved his head through a tiny chamber entrance. "We have been attacked, humans in strange clothes came with noise makers that made many of our elder warriors fall without a fight." "I need to speak to the Elder. I have been unwillingly charged by Arceus." "By the Maker. Come, he is seeing to the wounded." "I did not come alone, my charge is outside. Please ask the Elder if I may bring him in to help the injured." "Call the charge, I shall take the punishment. I do not wish my littermate to die." "Thank you." Entei rushed outside and howled at the sky, a moment later Sam slid to a stop in front of her and let out a deep breath to relax his body. Then Rex landed letting Lisa and Grace off his back. "Come, there are wounded needing help. The warrior said humans attacked with noise makers that made them fall without a fight." "Guns... Rex, stay here with Lisa and Grace. I rather not cause too much trouble. Sam, I guess-" "I will join you. If anything, I will show that they have no choice than to disregard their fear of my clans." "That may get you attacked..." Entei grunted then turned. "Let's go." Sam took up the rear as he followed Jason and Entei. She led them to the anteroom then forced Jason onto her back. She jumped up to the ledge where the wounded were being kept. Sam followed a few paces behind. They heard growls and a few curses as they entered the room. "Stand down, he is with me." Entei stood between the Suicune and the warriors. "This human is the chosen one of Arceus. He is my shared charge, he also needs information on the other guardians-" "Now is not the time, I have some medicine with me. I will do what I can." Jason pushed passed Entei and swung his pack around then dug into the medicine storage pouch.

After he emptied his last bottle of potion, only one warrior lay wounded still. Jason dressed the warrior's flesh wound, but the leg would never be right again. This warrior thanked the human though he did wish he would be able to provide for the clan still. The Elder spoke against it. The Elder then demanded a feast to be held. Jason looked to his Entei companion with a questionable look, she shrugged as best as she could then wandered off to visit. Jason went to the Elder and told him of his adopted daughters. The Elder turned to the young warrior and ordered him to retrieve them. The warrior wasn't even gone a full minute when he returned with a limp Charizard over his rump and Lisa and Grace sitting just behind his shoulders. Jason gasped and rushed to check on Rex then hefted Lisa off of the Entei male. Grace recalled Rex as she started to blush under her fur, she refused to look Jason in the eyes. Jason picked her up to hug her then he passed on to her guardian. Lisa sighed but he hugged her as well.

"Don't sweat it, he'll be fine. Just a bump to the head. Good to know that little weakness of his now that way we can use it against him when he acts up." Jason smiled wholeheartedly. "Youngen, do bring in your... adopted offspring, I am sure they are wanting something to eat. Do they like meat or are they plant eaters?" The Elder called out from a joining chamber. "We eat both, Elder one." Lisa answered him. "Ah, good! The meal shall be cooked soon and be ready. If anyone wishes to wash up, there is a spring on the lower level to the left." "Ooh, that's sounds splendid. We'll join you later."

---

After the meal was started, the Elder called for the clan storyteller. The storyteller stood on a ledge above the clan and guests then started to recite a prophecy of a divine warrior coming to claim the help of the Entei's. The story went on, on how the warrior calls the elements together and defeats a great darkness that wishes to consume the world before moving to others. The warrior would come after a great storm and restore peace of the clan. Jason listened intently, his jaw agape. The Elder stopped the story then turned to stare at Jason. An annoyed growled escaped his throat.

"You seem to fit the ancient prophecy. I always thought that as just a story since I was a pup. I guess my Elder was right when he said not to doubt it. The Raikou reside in the Northwest in the Land of Lightning. But I must warn you: they are dangerous, not only to you either. Be wary, divine warrior, watch your tail at all times from here on out. I forbid the telling of the rest of the prophecy while you are here to protect the path you must take. Return to your growing army, they will need your guidance even more now that you know you have no choice but to move on." The clan members stood, then as one paws pounded the ground harmoniously. "By the Flames of Life, may the Mother bless our guests and not be burned by our flames." Flames shot around the team Entei stood stiff among Jason and her extended family. The flames sizzled out and the team stood unharmed and unburned. The clan stopped pounding then bowed deeply touching their muzzles to the ground. "As representative to the clan's guests, I declare them blessed by the Mother. Grand Elder, by your word, we shall take our leave." "You may not, youngling, you have unfinished business to attend to. To the Lava Pit with you. Human, you and your family cannot join us. It is far too hot for you to survive. Please stay here." "Very well. Entei, my dear companion, I wish you the best for this task." "Thank you. I shall return with my name and my life task." She nuzzled Jason before leading her clan out and down a tight shaft that lead to a volcanic flow that they carefully watched and guided.

Jason soon heard chanting and pounding. Roars soon came loudly then the temperature rose, everyone panted heavily. Samuel sprayed the floor around them with ice, it helped for a short time but it did not last. Sam was wearing down when the heat faded suddenly and all went silent. Sam sat on his haunches and panted. Jason checked him over to make sure he had not injured himself with the exertions. The Suicune snorted and denied any major wear and tear of his self. He then stood and shook off Jason's hands as he declared that there was movement from the Lava Pit. The team watched anxiously awaiting what their companion had to share with them. Entei turned to them with a disheartening look, she dragged her tail behind her as she rejoined her companions.

"I have no name, and my task falls to teaching the less fortunate."

Chp 13

"I have no name..." Entei said again after they had left her clan's den. "I heard, but I don't understand why. Didn't your parents name you when you were born?" Entei sighed. "The entire clan is a pup's parental mentor. Most of us do not know who our sire and dam is. I will explain what I can. The Rite of Maturity takes the ones going through it and shows them a large range of opportunities and the one thing that holds us from being just another voice... our name. Unfortunately all that was revealed to me was the life I now have. The only thing that came to me was the name of my... Trainer. So, my Trainer, what name do you give me?" "I don't know..." "It must come from you and you alone." "If I must choose... I shall call you Flame, since the gender hiding thing must be held." "It will not matter, I will not be returning here for a long time. I will find a mate somewhere even if I do not have pups." "We may cross the path of a male someday that will... donate his time for you. But for now, you know you will have many males to choose from to get your pleasure from. Shall we head home now?" Entei, or rather Flame, turned her head towards her Trainer and grinned. Her riders where in the same mood. "Boys versus girls: last ones there have to bathe the winners." Flame chuckled then shoved her rump into Sam's side making him loose balance.

They raced between the trees and water bodies until they slid to a stop. Sam growled as he stared at the tail that was striking the tip of his nose. Flame looked back with an evil grin. Jason looked at his daughters and shook his head. Sam glared at his companion then sprayed all three of them with a Water Gun. He broke out into a hearty laugh, tipping Jason slightly. Flame hissed as her fur drooped and drained. Before she could retaliate, Lisa threw out an Aura ball with a single paw at Sam. He jumped and landed lightly; he stuck out his tongue then strutted around them.

"I bathed you three, live with it." Jason jumped down as Sam stuck his nose up. A second later, Flame had pounced him and threw him onto his back. "Not correctly!" She growled. "What? Would you rather have a tongue bath instead?" Sam spat out loudly. "Yes!" Sam's eyes went wide. "I want it tonight." She ground her hips into him without shame. "Lisa, take Grace inside. She's a little young for this." "Sure, I'm not too sure I want to see it myself." Lisa rushed off with Grace in her arms. Jason walked up beside the two legendaries. "Do you two wish to be alone?" Sam gave a small thrust against her. "I don't care." Jason saw that Sam's engorged, pointed member had already been revealed as he did his best to position himself. "I want you." Jason grabbed Sam and positioned him then turned to leave them with a sigh. Most of his team had mates, now he just had to find the others mates. He went inside and found Lisa staring at a small green foliage patch on the lobby floor. He went up to the patch and knelt down. "What kind do we have here? Oddish?" Lisa asked quietly. "Some are, I think. There could be a Chikorita or two in that mess. I think that you still owe two girls a bath, am I right?" "Fine, go draw the water and I'll be up in a minute." He watched the Lucario walk away and bound up the stairs. "Alright, the big, bad Lucario is gone now. You may show yourselves." He saw an eye peek through the leaves then lost it in the bustle of movement. "Either you join the cause here, or I will start plucking and tossing out the weeds." That caused a little more movement that revealed a Chikorita and several Oddish. "Better. I assume you all know what is happening here. So I won't get into that, instead, I would like you to go amongst the family here and learn of the various things they do. Then find Mitch and Ditch and begin learning from them. A human and a Gallade. I have some other arrangements to uphold so I must leave you to yourselves."

Jason left the Grass dwellers and headed upstairs. He found Lisa and Grace sitting on the Lucario's bed; he greeted them then took Grace from her guardian's arms then went into a little alcove in the room where the large basin resided. He sat Grace in the water and began to scrub her down. She squirmed as any child would, she even started splashing Jason. But all and all, he scrubbed her down and made her fur coat glean the bright yellow it was meant to be. He proceeded to dry her off then laid her down on the bed. He then offered his hand to Lisa which she took without hesitation. He led her to the basin and helped her in. She smiled as felt the warm water soak through the dense fur. Jason poured water over her head watching the water drain down her chest. She whimpered as the last of the water just barely dripped from her muzzle. Jason grabbed a cloth and soaped it up before scrubbing her head. He pushed her forward and scrubbed her back. When it came to scrub her chest, she made a big deal out of it with moans and groans. He kept silent; he rinsed her off before re-soaping to scrub her arms. She chewed on her tongue waiting to being able to bend over and reveal herself to him. He wiped the soapsuds from his hands then rinsed her fur clean. She stood then leaned over the edge of the basin to reveal her bottom with her tail hiked up over her back.

"You're enjoying this too much, but a bet is a bet. Hold still." Jason grinned then grabbed her tail tip and rubbed the soap in. "That I am. Don't forget the joint." "You mean this one?" Jason stuck a clothe covered finger into her tail hole and wiggled it. She gasped then moaned when he did not stop. "Or what about this one?" He stuck another finger passed her labia and tortured her clitoris. "I would clean you better... but that is Adrian's job. So stop fooling around and let me finish."

She whimpered as he pulled his fingers away and finished giving her a bath. Much to her disliking, her lust was unfulfilled but she was free of dirt from her travels. Jason pulled her out of the tub and dried her with a towel then went to the bed where both belts laid and stared at them. Lisa stared as she flattened her fur wondering what went through his mind, though in the end he did nothing and left silently as though he contemplated something. Outside the room, Jason released Adrian then grabbed the Lucario's shoulder as he reformed from the ball.

"Lisa needs your attention. If you want, I will take Grace and let you two have the room." "What about my daughter?" "Still in her ball as far as I know. You get them both if you wish, but remember that you can't actually mate yet. Just give her a good lick and a cuddle. I will even have a romantic supper sent up for you two, my treat." "What about..." "No wine, I'm not even old enough for that so it would not be fair for me." Jason smiled at the Lucario who shrugged off the answer.

Jason walked off as he threw his hand in the air for a farewell then went back into the room to quickly grab Grace then run off to the nursery to play with his own son. He smiled as he thought about the Azurill and how he came to be. He never would have expected to be able to breed with a Pokﾃｨmon and receive a healthy specimen from the conception. Now only time would tell if the boy would be fertile. Jason did not want to think of that right off, instead he changed his thought path on the education the boy would get. But Jason's thoughts were stopped in their tracks when he entered the nursery and found that the young Pokﾃｨmon where sitting around an elder taking in a lesson. Mitch's Ponyta was the first to notice him lean against the door frame. He sat Grace down on one of the small beds then turned to leave.

Jason left the children quietly. He wound his way up the tree and found Mitch and Ditch teaching themselves. Mitch took on the humanoid types and the humans while Ditch took on the others. The pupils were learning a martial art that he had never seen before. He waited for a break to commence before joining them. But as time went on, it seemed to slow. Jason straightened then drew a deep breath, a scroll materialized in front of him. He grabbed it and watched time speed up. He opened it and read the ancient handwriting though it was in his language.

Not today, warrior, you will learn in a way no man has done before. Come to the waters below and wait for the Bird of Prey to join you.

A waste of parchment, Jason thought, but it did get the point across. He stuck the scroll in his belt, it was then he realized he had not released his team. He shrugged then made his was down to the ground where he would walk out nearly alone to the waters he and Champ had found. He came to the small game trail and followed the winding path to the water clearing. Once there, the water glared with the sunlight back into his eyes. It was silent except the trickle of a hidden stream into the pond; he waited and stared at the water. To him, it seemed like an hour before the first sound came. A Fearow landed behind him and hissed. Jason took in a deep breath but otherwise did nothing else to aggravate the beast.

"Human, do you realize where you tread?" "I was told to come here and wait for the Bird of Prey." He heard the long beak clap as if it cracked knuckles. "This is sacred land, it belongs to Pokﾃｨmon only." "Who says that I am not a Pokﾃｨmon in human form?" "That would be unlikely. Not even Ditto would do that." "Ditto are not the only shape shifters." The bird had nothing to come back at this. "Are you done with the quizzing?" Jason asked quietly. "You truly are well taught, are you not? Do you know why you are here?" "I figure I am here to learn something and since the Unnamed do not want me to learn to fight yet, I figure it is something about Pokﾃｨmon that I do not already know." "Correct. We have religions just as your kind does. You will need to learn what you can about these and practice them. Only then will the races truly begin to teach you their ways, the ways that we keep hidden from humans. Fighting and breeding is what most humans know of us. We are civilized in our own way. To see our cities, you must become one of us... in a way. Learn the easiest first, the ones you are closest to. Now... be gone from this place." "That is not the lesson I expected. I expected something along the line of learning how to fight Pokﾃｨmon myself." The Fearow coughed out a laugh, "No. Not from me. You are a Trainer; you already know how to fight my kind. It those larger than you that you need to learn how to fight against."

Jason nodded then turned to face the bird, but it had just flown off. He walked back to the tree and released his team. Champ cracked his back then turned to Jason; the others went off in their own directions. Champ looked over his Trainer and shook his head.

"I take it that you heard the conversation." "Yep." "Do you know if the others did?" "Dunno." "So?" "You would have to ask the ones from the woods. I was raised in human arms, not my own. I am not sure if Clair knows or not, but I will not ask her for you. This is out of my claws, I do not know if I can stand by you this time." "What do you mean? You always got my back." "Clair asked me once before to try learning her spiritual stuffs. I could not grasp the idea of worshipping a bird when we should just eat it. I am sure-" "Wait... did you say bird? As in the Fire Bird, Moltres?" Jason interrupted. "Yeah, that's the one." "Now I understand the need to learn the religions. Why can't I just be a normal Trainer sometimes?" "You would get bored. I need to catch up with Clair while Lisa still has the twins." "Enjoy yourself."

They parted ways. Jason wound his way around the halls and bumped into Azu. She smiled at him and grabbed his hand, she silently pulled him to a room he had not seen before. It turned out to be a hot spring fed basin room near ground level. They were the only two there, so Jason had no trouble at thinking about stripping and climbing into the water with the female. He shivered as a slight, warm breeze went across his exposed flesh. Azu gave him an amused look before jumping backwards into the water. He followed quickly figuring that she would not want him to shrink due to the chilled air from the breeze. He hissed as he hit the water, skin turning to a dull pink from the sudden heat. But he did enjoy it, once the shock went away. Azu surfaced and sprayed him with warm water. She giggled as he tried to splash her, she just gave him a wink then vanished underwater. He looked for her until he felt movement against his groin. He shuttered as a gentle lick sent chills down his spine. It was bliss, pure and simple. He let a moan escape as a nibble at the base of his penis struck him with a new sensation. Azu surfaced and toyed with his sac with her footpad.

"I take it that you like this?" She asked being as flirty as possible. "Of course." Jason gasped. "Good. Because, unlike before, I am at the peak of my season. I doubt you want another offspring so soon, which is why I dragged you here. The water here is usually just right to raise my blood heat to stop my season temporarily somehow. Though I personally don't want to risk it." "Really? I thought that would be very different with you. You sure?" "Very, but I still need the physical need dealt with. So will you, my mate, tend to that need?" "As long as we don't have anything to do." "Besides your personal quest, no." "Why not."

---

"Grainas, can I talk with you?" Rex entered Champ and Clair's room just a few paces before Champ, but the younger male did not reveal himself yet. "I told you never to call me tha- what happened?" She looked her cousin over and noticed more than a few wounds across his face and chest. "The cook caught me snitching a Miltank steak. I'll survive. Anyway... I need some advice, I noticed that there was a Fire Wearer there in the kitchen keeping the fires going. I want to talk to her... but I don't know how." "The Magmar? I have never had the chance to speak with her myself. My advice is act normal... otherwise, not yourself. Just ask her for a moment of her time. That or ask Jason to convince her to talk to you, not recommended." "But..." Rex sighed making his wings wrinkle up. "What if I can't get to her? That queen won't allow me back into the kitchen. Can you at least get her out of the kitchen?" "No." Clair turned and spotted Champ though she did not acknowledge him. "Figure it out yourself, you're a big male." "Please." Rex bit his lip hating to beg for help. "I'll throw in a rub just the way I used to give you." Clair hesitated as she remembered her hatchling days, Hia'atus was the only one to treat her nicely. With a deep sigh, she responded. "Fine, but you better make it worth the trouble. I will let you know at supper. Shoo." "Thank you." Rex bowed deeply nearly laying prostrate to her. He left smiling as Champ pushed by him. Champ crossed his arms and cocked his head slightly, she shrugged then turned to the bed to climb onto it. Champ grunted then joined her. "What? He is a relative. If I can get something for nearly nothing, I am all for it." "Well I am not for it if it involves him." "I let you in on a secret of mine. Of all of my clan... he is the only one that has ever treated me like a living being and not an object. I may not like him now because of his maturity, but he is still the same Hia'atus that I grew up with." "What does his maturity have to do with this?" "You wouldn't understand, it's a clan rite thing." "And most likely I would not like it if you did tell me. Let's just drop this for now." "Gladly."

---

"Honey, don't do that!" Lisa ordered at her daughter as she stuck her foot into her mouth. "Adrian, a little help here." "What? There's nothing I can do to stop her, she is probably teething. You would have more experience with that problem than I would. Now teaching her how to kick the tail off an opponent three times her size, that's my area." Adrian had his back turned to his mate and offspring as he shadowboxed. "And when do you think we can start training as a family, hmm? I thought we were going to do that as soon as she threw her first punch. We both have been punched already and not one word about training has been mentioned from either of us." "Wouldn't that be up to her Trainer? She's not considered a wild, so the decision is not directly ours." "You are her Trainer." "I suppose you are correct on that, but I would still like to have the word of my adoptive father before doing that." "Your daughter is not some random Pokﾃｨmon given to you. Let's train her to be strong. So she can fulfill whatever Arceus has ahead of her." "Fine, but you're the one who will get yelled at for not telling Jason. Let's go play outside, Mona."

---

That evening, the family gathered with the ladies of the Tree and ate quietly. Even the young were silent as though they felt a shift in the air. Moon let out a growl as the Glaceon male between her and her sister leaned against her. He quickly shifted his weight but still spoke quietly.

"Why is it so quiet in here? Is there something going on?" Falrin had been there long enough to know silence amongst the group is an odd thing. "Most are tired from training with Mitch and Ditch, the family is occupied with their own dealings. You, on the other paw, have not done a thing to help the progress here. Laziness and ignorance are two things that do not belong here. So either change by morning and seek something to help out with or I will make sure to bring this up with Jason." "Gotcha." "Quit the lying, remember I can read your thoughts." "Right-" Moon's eyes glowed blue as she levitated Falrin and sent him flying out of the dining room. "Tail biting pervert." "What did he think of?" Shadow asked curiously as she tore a chunk of meat from the larger slab. "Me milking him." "He is rather cute, you should test to see if he is strong enough to be considered a good stud." "You can't be serious!?" "Think about, out of all of us, you are the only one who has not been with a chosen mate. Even that Stantler found a mate here." "You haven't either." "I was with Adrian or did you forget that?" "No, I didn't. But you don't have a mate now... you didn't, did you?" "What? Find a female companion? You tell me." "Oh, Shadow..." Moon sighed and shook her head. "At least she is a night stalker. Maybe you're right, but I'll force him to prove himself if he wishes to have me." "Damn straight. You make that male flip a mountain for you." "Watch your tongue, sis. I've been threatened about my language. Apparently Jason does not like those words." "Oh, now that we are getting comfortable around everyone, he places rules down." "No, he just want's our language cleaned up. He would rather not make us the stereotypical slaves of most Trainers." "I hope so." "I know so."

Champ grunted as Clair stood up and went to the kitchen where the cooks were finishing up the multi-diet desserts. Nidoqueen growled until Clair hissed back, she showed the head cook her claws before walking further into the room. "Magmar, got a moment?" "W-w-what?" The female stuttered though she did not turn away from her fire. "That male that was in here earlier today, he wishes to meet with you. Who knows? You might even get lucky at the end of the night." The fire flared momentarily then eased back to normal. "Y-you think tha-tha-that he would do that?" "He asked me to talk to you for him, mostly so he would not get mauled again. "Really?" Clair nodded and grinned. "S-S-Sheila, take o-over." "Word of advice, try to concentrate on your words when you speak like when your singing them. I helped a brother with the same problem, kept him from being gutted." "I w-will try." A Vulpix vixen slid to a stop beside Magmar and took over the flame. Magmar and Clair walked out of the kitchen and targeted Rex. Clair shoved Magmar towards the blushing Charizard then hovered a few paces away to keep the two from fleeing. Rex nodded and looked to the floor.

"Uh, hi. They call me Rex... and, um... I wanted to court you." "B-b-but you did n-not know how?" Magmar stuttered instantly hating herself. Rex smiled, "You know, I used to stutter far worse. A little female called Grainas kept me from being gutted many winters ago. I still use those lessons, I could share them..."

Clair smiled as Magmar sat beside him then rejoined her mate. Jason stood and placed his arms behind his back as he waited for silence. He addressed the small army in front of him, still very few males within this group. He thanked them for being there then he asked for their continued patience as they trained and grew. He mentioned several other minor positives and negatives before ending the address by mentioning that his team was leaving to find the next Guardian. A few hisses rose from the crowd, especially from Azu, he hushed them then told them that it was necessary to do so to appease the Unnamed and the ones that serve under them. He left the room and allowed the crowd to continue their meal. Jason wound his way to his room and laid on his bed and stared at the ceiling, he thought of his future and what it could bring him. A small object bounded up the bed and body slammed him in the lower stomach, dangerously close to his groin. Jason gasped and hunched up over the object. He groaned as he realized that it was his son who smiled up at him. A small laugh escaped them both, Jason pulled his son to his chest then laid back again.

"Mickey, I bet you want to go with daddy, don't you?" Mickey nodded and drooled slightly. Jason took his shirt sleeve and wiped his boy's mouth. "Well, I've been thinking that I just may take you and mommy with me this time." "About time." Azu rolled around the corner and grinned at him. "Well... yes, yes it is. I got to thinking that if something happens, we could be separated for a long while. I don't want to think about that anymore. Even if I have to tinker with that computer Champ found, I will take you with me." "There's a computer here? Is that why only a few can leave?" "I think so, those who have balls are connected to it unless they came with me. I need a computer genius to come and free them from it's clutches. Let's see if you can first before we do leave. I know Mickey should be able to, but it's you I am concerned of." "Then let's go for a walk. If I am able to leave the Tree itself, then I'll be able to go with you." Jason rolled off the bed making the boy laugh. "How exactly will we know you won't be able to?" "I collapse in pain." "I think I know a... less painful way, a ball." "What!?" "If you already have a ball, it will reject you. There's very little pain from what I understand, much like someone poking you." "Might as well, though I rather not go into a ball. But it does seem a bit more reasonable, and safer." "Yes, it does. I would do it for Mickey anyway, I have to protect my own son from violent people. But this, I will let be your choice. The same I have let all but three in my team." "Three?" "Champ, Stan, and Rickerts. I do not count Salamence." "Ah. Well, dig it out and give it to me." "I have to go to town and get some from the market. Moon and I will go and be back rather quickly. In the mean time, don't try to leave the tree, I can't bare the thought of you hurting yourself." "Trust me, leaving this place knowing that I could have my heart fried keeps me here waiting for a chance that is better." Moon appeared beside the two upon hearing Jason mentioning her. "Just stay safe." Jason winked at her before Moon phased him out of the room.

---

Moon phased in front of Jason as he landed on his feet. She drew in a deep breath as she pondered what to say to him. He beat her to the punch. "I saw what happened at supper, was Falrin trying to court you?" "If thinking that I would ingest his seed upon his asking is courting me, then yes." "Ah, not what I thought, then. Though I think you two would make a lovely couple. But I agree, he is a little brash. Train him into what you want. You deserve that much especially since you are the only one right now who is willing to have young. I've seen your sister, that Mightyena is rather cute, you should take the initiative and continue your bloodline." "But he is an over bred mutt! I truly don't think I would get healthy pups from him." "Then think of the pleasure you would get from him. Use him for your own desire." "That sounds a little dominating." Moon grunted as she moved to let a person go by them. "Like you aren't a dominate creature?" Jason shot back quickly. "What is that supposed to mean!?" She growled. "See? You want to remain in control. Take it from him, you make him submit. Force him to be the female. You take control and be on top." Jason smiled then picked her up. "We need to get our shopping done." "Fine. We'll talk about this again."

Jason went in and looked among the shelves. He picked up a box of common PokﾃｨBalls then picked up two Net Balls. As much as he hated to use the specialty balls on willing Pokﾃｨmon, he would rather he used Ultras but two of those would be far too expensive on his budget. He spotted one of the Weedle silk gowns his ladies made to sell. He grinned as he saw the price one hundred thousand. He stopped himself from dancing with glee as he took his chosen products to the counter he looked the clerk in the eyes. "How many of the Weedle gowns have you sold?" "A few, sir, will this be all for you?" "I would like a number, otherwise I just may stop production on them." "Sir, I cannot-" "Walter, just tell our business partner the sell total. I would rather keep him." A man in a blue vest walked up with a box of frozen food in his arms. "Sorry, sir, I didn't know. We have sold... one hundred thirty-five. Most of which are on-line sells. There are a lot of shipping across the continent and to the others." "To keep sells up, we are going to need a few more orders." "I'll see what I can do. The Weedles can only make so much, though." "Of course. I don't expect you to over work them so the quality fails." There was a harsh tone in his voice that he desperately tried to cover up. "Exactly, I am looking for more to up production. But as long as it brings food and supplies to my base, I will continue the workshop. Here's my card. If there are any custom orders, let me know via Psychic. The extra profit could come back on you as well." Jason gave a wink in the manager's direction as he took his card back then Moon phased them home.

They came back on ground level outside the tree. Moon held Jason in her telepathic grip. Jason glared at the Espeon for a moment then broke down with an exaggerated sigh.

"Fine, talk." "Why do you two think I would be happy with him? Why would I want to mate with a perverted mutt?" "What makes you think he is a mutt?" "His father is a Luxio!" "Are you sure? That could be his only father figure. Wild's usually don't have life mates unless they live as a community and even then it seems unlikely." "From what I've seen-" "Seen, not heard. Ask him about his parents before you judge him a mutt. It could be something he hides from even himself because he does not to talk about it." "And what if I am right?" "Then we will find and ask Articuno." "Do the impossible, that's all we do. For now, I will tolerate him, but I won't consider him a mate." "Moon, let me go... then go meditate. Search the future paths that you might take." With a low growl, Moon dropped her powers away from her Trainer then phased out to wherever she hid at. Jason sighed then went inside to take his Net Balls to Azu and Mickey.

Chp 14

Azu gasped as she saw the balls, mostly when Jason tapped his son on the forehead with one. He handed the other open Net Ball to Azu before letting his son back out. Azu drew a deep breath and tapped the ball on her chest, she let out a fearful squeak as she was engulfed by a bright, red light. The ball took her inside. She screamed and kicked briefly before Jason's voice boomed loudly. She stopped moving and relaxed her movements though she still screamed to be let out. A warm breeze over took her and silenced her fear. Then an ear splitting ping sounded. Jason called for her then the red light sucked her out of the darkness and brought her standing beside Jason. She breathed heavily, eyes dilated. Jason smiled at her as their son chewed on his ball. He bent down and kissed her lightly on the brow.

"Too small for you?" "Actually... yes." "As long as you are safe. Your balls are going to be on Grace's belt, and just in case, you will need to learn how to defend yourself. Now, I really need you on the bed and me to get Mickey in Clair's claws. I'll see you in a few to continue this conversation." "Are we... going to get physical?" Jason chuckled and gave the Azumarill a wink before walking out of the room and to the Charizard's den. As he knocked and opened the door, Clair glared at him with her twins at her belly. He swallowed hard then gave her a questioning look. "He went for a flight an hour ago. Said there was something he did not understand before leaving." "Take Mickey, I'll find him." "No, he'll return, he said he would. Go to your mate and relax. If he does not return soon, I'll find you." "Thank you." "Jason... do you think he try to dominate other males?" "I wouldn't call myself a Trainer if I said no. But for him, I really doubt that he would try. I would think he would be lost without me to cover his back." He turned to head out the door, but froze when an all-too-familiar prick touched his thoughts. "Moon?" He asked aloud and in his thoughts. Sorry, I was a bit out of range. Champ has gotten himself in trouble, I'm getting him to the landing area. Get that Chansey up here! Moon shouted at him which made him move. His speed grabbed Clair's attention, but she stayed put with the children.

As he came to the main stairs, he jumped several steps at a time to get to the ground floor. Chansey was starting to pack things up for the week. He jumped the final turn and landed firmly on the ground, huffing away the pain, he rushed the Pokﾃｨmon.

"Chansey, your needed upstairs. I'll grab your gear." Jason picked up her closed up med kit as she started up the stairs. "You do know that you don't have to call me Chansey, right? My name is Morning Glory, odd I know, but it was my mother's name." "Sorry, habit. Champ is on the landing I don't know what condition he's in, Moon just told me to get you." "I'll make it." Morning Glory seemed to float slowly up the stairs. "Go on ahead."

Jason bounded passed her with the heavy bag. She remained behind him until the final turn then rushed by him. Jason gasped as he saw his partner, one wing was shredded, his nose bloody, and his tail broken in several places. That was just the visible problems.

"What the hell happened!?" Jason shouted as he slid to a stop beside the Chansey and laid the bag down before taking the Charizard's head into his hands. "Champ!" "Easy, Jason. He was attacked from behind by a Skarmory then fell through the tree line. I just barely saw him as I was walking through the woods." Moon crept up beside her Trainer. "Oh... my Champ..." Jason placed his forehead on the Charizard's. "Please... get off. It hurts." Champ muttered. "Certainly." He lifted his head with a sigh. "He needs surgery, I can stop the bleeding but the healing needs to be done at the Center." Morning Glory started to bandage Champ as Mitch and Ditch teleported into the mix of things. "Ditch said there was an injured member. I am sorry." "Mitch, watch over things for a bit. We're going to the Center." "Go, I'll tell your team." Ditch rushed off.

Moon took the small party to the center then levitated Champ through the doors. Morning Glory went to the counter and hit the P.A. and called out. Joy rushed out and gasped she flung open the doors and beckoned for the injured Pokﾃｨmon to be brought through. Champ was laid on a gurney then the nurse and aid pushed the Charizard into a sterile room where machines would automatically repair the injuries. As soon as the two left the room, Joy turned on the machine. Champ roared in pain as his bones were cut by lasers and moved by gravity conductors. Flesh began to mend and blood cleaned up. Jason watched wordlessly as Moon answered questions for him. Joy eyed the boy and saw pure fear for the being on the table in the other room. Jason's features only contorted into a forced lax form when the vital monitors showed all stats in green levels. Jason could see large whitish scars on the wings. The Charizard's tail looked normal again and it looked like he was pain free again. The machine wheezed as it began to shut down as the injuries were fixed. Once the machine stopped spinning around the Pokﾃｨmon, Morning Glory went in and helped him off the table. She probed and prodded every bit of the male including making him blush as she forced him to reveal himself to her. She turned the rather lax meat over in her paws as she examined it then patted the head and told him to put it away. She moved to the side of the male and saluted her boss before heading out of the room. She went straight to Jason and crossed her stubby arms.

"Something tells me that you need a full time Nurse. If you translate, I would like to tell Joy that my leave will be permanent. Then I'll contact the academy for you to get a station Nurse to settle in." "Okay." "Okay what? Don't tell me that your Espeon is translating for you and not me." "On the contrary. I can understand the language perfectly. She wants me to tell you that her leave will be permanent feeling that her services will be needed far more often than once a month." Morning Glory nodded her agreement. "After seeing this, I can actually understand her decision. Permission granted, just promise that you will check in with me, my dear." Morning Glory chuckled then nodded. "Good, go pack while I talk to your charge." The Chansey shuffled off as Nurse Joy looked at Jason sternly. "You better take care of her, she's like a sister to me. We both graduated together, I am both sad and happy to see her move on. Glory should be proud of her. Go, I'll mark this down as an emergency, no tags." "Thanks and I will. I am actually shocked that she wants to stay. Oh, Champ, feeling better?" "By far. I will get that birdbrain back." Champ growled and slammed his fist into the door jam. "In due time, let's not get ahead of yourself." "He's planning revenge, right?" "Don't blame him, I would too. Moon, is she ready? I did have an engagement before the incident." "Mister Multitask... not yet. She is gathering odd things. Champ and I shall go help." Moon's eyes glowed as she forced Champ to follow her, he grumbled. Jason sighed as he was left alone with the psychotic Nurse. "While those two are occupied, there was an anomaly found within the Charizard's right wing shoulder. If it starts to irritate him, bring him in to have it removed. It may be a talon from what it looks like from the scans." "Should it be removed now to avoid that?" "Is that what you want, Trainer?" Jason gave her a glare. "To avoid complications to flight, I would like to see it looked at, at very least." "It very well could be a muscle knot, I personally would like to wait a week to allow him to relax and the minor injuries to heal." "Fine, make the appointment, I'll keep him grounded until then." "It would be wise."

With a grumble, Jason turned to stare into the empty O.R.. Before he could make a fool of himself, the three Pokﾃｨmon entered the room with several bags in Champ's arms. Moon asked if he was ready, he answered quickly then they phased out to reappear at the base of the tree. Jason then proceeded to tell Champ that he was grounded and was not allowed to leave the tree.

"I understand. Rest up and heal up before going after the bird that blindsided me." "You have to go back in a week. So I have to keep you on the ground with nothing straining your wings." "As you wish, but I will kill it." Champ muttered as he stormed off leaving Jason and Moon with their jaws dropped. "Never thought I would hear that from him." "He feels weak and outright humiliated by that bird. For the bird's sake, I hope it flies south permanently." Moon sighed and slowly edged her way to the dark hole of an entrance. "I think I could in his claw steps rather easily. I'll go to the mutt, you just make sure Champ doesn't leave the family behind." "Goodbye romantic night..." Jason sighed then followed the Espeon inside.

Sometime during the transference of the dark tunnel and merging into the light, Moon had used Teleport leaving Jason alone. Lucky for him, Champ left a trail of angry females scattered about thrusting various appendages in the air to shake their anger to him. He rushed by them and found the Charizard milking Nidoqueen for a stiff drink. The queen sternly told him no then turned her tail to him, he cursed her then turned to see Jason with his arms crossed and foot tapping away like an angry housewife. Champ growl deeply then pushed passed the lightweight human to find a new moping spot. Jason sighed then followed his partner leaving a good deal of space behind him. The angry fire dragon found his way to the Landing Branch and slumped against the outside wall. Jason stayed inside in the shadows waiting, it was rare for his partner to openly show his major emotions. But as soon as he heard Champ sniff, he knew that the Charizard was crying. He just sat there, allowing the Pokﾃｨmon to cry. Jason was there just to catch him if he tried to fly off. He felt Moon prod his mind, he gave his location to her silently. Moments later, Moon and Azu appeared next to him. He motioned them to be silent as Champ finally let out a solid wail of grief. He could not handle this, but it was something the Charizard needed. Moon nudge him, he huffed them slowly moved out into the open. Champ toughened up his faﾃｧade and wiped his eyes quickly. Jason said nothing as he sat next to him. He leaned against the Fire type and just stared out into the distance.

"Go away... please." Champ whispered out. "Can't do that." "Can't I just wallow in my own grief?" "Not alone, you can't." "Why?" "Because I would not be able to call myself your Trainer honestly anymore nor would I be able to consider myself a good friend. If you want, I could have Moon hex you so you can't use your wings until I tell her to reverse it." "No," Champ said after a moment of hesitation. "Don't involve her. I wouldn't leave alone anyway. I just want to be able to hide." "The best place for that is in the ball, but I rather not have you hide from your family when you need them the most. And I am not just talking about Clair and your kids, all of us. If you want to get the frustration out, challenge Rex to a duel. He is older therefore you should go to him and ask for advice or something." "You know I don't like him, right?" "Yes, do it anyway... for me." Jason patted the dragon's leg. Champ sighed heavily, "Fine, but I won't be responsible for hurting him." "I'll be watching and will step in if need be."

Champ growled, though it was rather timid and submissive. The Charizard stood and went back inside, Jason followed quietly. Azu stopped Jason as he passed. "Stay with him, Clair and I are going to have a mommy's night in."

Jason nodded then caught up to his partner. They walked down a level to where they knew Rex liked to stay. They found him, then quickly turned the other way as they saw him openly declare his emotions to the Magmar cook right in the hallway. With a sigh, Jason just asked Moon to send them to town, he knew she should would be listening in just in case Champ were to get unstable. She appeared between them and smiled as the three phased out of reality. They came back in front of the Center, but Jason had different plans. He told Moon that she could return to the Tree, but she bluntly said she would not miss this night for nothing. Jason guided them to the local bar which only had a small neon sign at the door. There was no age limit posted so he guided them inside. They went straight to the main bar, at which the tender immediately asked Jason for his ID. Jason handed it over then told the tender he was not there for the alcohol, just there to make sure his companions did not drink themselves to death. The man growled but accepted it. Jason ordered for Champ, a dry gin, while Moon asked for an Oran/Persim berry daiquiri. The tender fixed up the drinks and served appropriately. Moon thanked the man for serving hers in a bowl, which she did not expect from him. Jason sat silently on the stool in between the two. Champ would open up, he knew alcohol would do that to anyone eventually. He closed his eyes and breathed in the atmosphere. Stale cigarette smoke, sweat laden brutes, and stale beer. It was enough to want to make him gag. He would have if a familiar voice had not startled him.

"I'll have a 'Sex on the Beach' with a 'Fuck me Hard' for my companion." Nurse Joy leaned over the counter beside Moon. "How is he doing? I would not have recommend drinking, but he is mature enough to handle it." "He's in the middle of a breakdown, I'll be with him when he finally does break. It's what friends are for right?" Jason answered her as another woman with a huge rack that barely fit into a red top and an ass that looked just as tight in the skirt she wore came up to Joy. "Hey there, sweet stuff." Joy gave the woman a deep kiss before turning back to the bar to gather the drinks. "Just don't let him drink too much, I really don't want to call my date off too early." She walked off with the brightly colored drinks. "Figures." Jason eyed the ladies for a moment before looking at Moon whom had downed her drink and was licking the bowl clean. "Don't run the place dry, I'm sure the locals will come after you." "One more and I'll be done. Oop, maybe not." Moon stumbled as she turned on her stool then chuckled. "Guess it has been a while since I snuck into that slaver's store. You know, in this light... you're cute. No wonder why Azu is so fixated on you, the lucky bitch. I can't even get a decent male to chase me." "Moon, keep yourself together, please." Jason retorted ignoring her comment.

Champ slammed his glass down and gestured for more. The tender poured some more into the glass then tapped on Jason's shoulder. Jason turned around to see a bottled water in his face. He took it and thanked the man. He knew he would pay at least three times the amount than normal for it and he didn't even ask for it. Jason watched the Fire type down his glass as though it were nothing. Champ stared into the bottom of the glass as he searched for answers. Most of which he knew would not be answered from the glass nor the gin. He sighed then basically begged for another shot. The man sat the gin bottle beside the glass then went to tend to the other customers. Jason just watched as Champ drained the bottle then sat it down. He pushed the glass and bottle away.

"I'm done. Can I go find a mindless fight now?" "You haven't even stood yet. I doubt that you can even do that." "Bah. I'll make it. I know I am strong enough for that."

Jason flinched as Champ stood then went down... hard. He felt his partner's neck then recalled to his ball. Jason then prodded Moon, she was busy licking the underside of the counter and laughing about it. She looked at him and blinked lazily before returning to the pressboard counter. Jason sighed as he recalled her as well. He stood, passed his bank card over to the tender, then signed the receipt before putting away his card and leaving. He went window shopping while he tried calling to Ditch. He figured that he would have to wait for Moon to sober up. He released Moon then after the ball system shut down, he picked her up. Moon moaned and kept her eyes shut tight. Her stomach tightened before she started to gag. Jason rushed to a nearby street side trashcan and let her heave the pure alcohol from her stomach. He rubbed her back as her body tensed up for another release. As she heaved, she thanked her Trainer with Telepathy. He said nothing, but he did raise the side of his shirt up to wipe her muzzle once she was done. Again she thanked him with no response in return. He kept her in his arms and went into a public restroom to wash her face and his shirt. A few male Pokﾃｨmon grumbled as they saw her but silenced themselves once the smell of vomit hit their senses. Jason just cleaned himself and her up without acknowledging them then he went back outside.

With a sigh, he sat her down and looked at her with no readable emotion on his face. She apologized for drinking all of the daiquiri, but his thoughts and face remained unmoved. She shivered under the stare, a dead stare, she asked what was wrong and he just shrugged. His mind was focused on his partner, nothing else. She could not tell if there was any worry for her or not. That alone scared her. He turned and went back to the general stores and stared at one particular store, its window had mannequins in front of a black backdrop. They were dressed in the latest male fashions to hit the town. He went in without looking to see if Moon followed. Which she did. Upon entering she saw wall to wall male clothing of all species many of which matched the mannequins. Jason went to the section marked 'Human' then went to the suits. He had all the Weedle silk he could wish for, she wondered why he wanted a suit until she saw him pick out one red suit that actually slimmed his already thin body. He went to try it on then came out to admire himself in the wall mirror. Moon gasped as he actually looked stunning in it. In her mind, she saw him donning a pair of solid black shades to pull off the maniacal businessman look. She smiled at her own mental picture of him as he went to change back. He came out with the suit draped over his arm as he continued to shop around the store. He picked up a leather jacket and admired it until he saw the price then turned his nose up at it. He shook his head then went to pay for his selection. Once outside, he asked Moon if she was feeling any better. She answered him then teleported him back to the Tree. He thanked her then released Champ. As soon as the Charizard rematerialized, he vomited the contents of his stomach onto the grass. Moon moaned and turned away, her stomach twisted at the sound. Jason seemed distant as the puddle in front of the Pokﾃｨmon grew. Once done, Champ wiped his muzzle then spat.

"Why did you let me do that?" Champ asked bluntly as he hovered over his vomit. "For a lesson. Now, let's go for a walk. Moon, I advise finding a bath, though I know you'll do something." Champ rose to his feet, Jason slid his arm behind the dragon and held onto his shoulder. "Where are we going?" "No where in particular."

Champ mindlessly followed his Trainer's guidance as they walked into the forest. They stopped a good distance away from the tree base then sat down on a log that was starting to rot and grow oddly colored fungi. Nothing was said for the longest of time, only the rumbling of Champ's stomach and their breathing broke the silence. Then Jason sighed deeply as he looked into nothingness.

"I don't know why you are acting like this. You never was hostile before. Why now? Is it because you were beaten by another who knew to attack from above?" Champ did not answer, he only shook his head. "Is it because of Rex then?" "I... do not know." Champ said carefully and quietly. "Unfortunately... I think I do. You think you feel inadequate as a male and you need to assert yourself to prove you are worth keeping as a mate. Therefore, you must throw yourself around and force yourself into battle and either kill a worthy opponent or die trying. Stop me if I hit it. Anyway, I also feel that you are jeal-" "Shut up. Just shut up. I am not jealous of that big-tailed idiot." "Hit the nail on the head, did I?" Jason smiled grimly. "Of course I did. I would not have ever expected that my best friend in this entire, twisted world was jealous of his gal's cousin. No, never. I always thought it was the testosterone that was making you insane." Champ hunched over and sniffed slightly. "That's my boy. Let it out. I won't judge you. You know that." Jason spoke softly as he glanced to his peripheral and saw that the Charizard had a tear roll down his cheek. "I am here to listen, I'll make you talk about this. I won't let you leave until you do." "I really don't have a problem with Hia'atus. It is just that she is too comfortable around him. That is one reason I am riled up. The other is that damn bird." "Something tells me that is not the entire problem. Is it?" "If there is something else, I am not seeing it." Champ spat a little bit of acid on the ground and watched it melt away the grass. "I don't even know why I felt like I had to drown myself in alcohol. You know I never been near the stuff until we came into that town, right?" He spat another bit of acid and the ground combusted. "I think my life is going the way of my own acid glands... splitting to form two highly reactive acids. And the flame that comes from the two is just reality exploding around me. I don't know any other way to explain things." "I think I understand. You can't see the world in front of you even though your eyes are open. You feel blind to yourself, right?" "In a way, I guess so." "I'll tell you what, you promise me that you will train. Not just your body, but your mind too. Then we can go back." "Why my mind?" "You are mentally weak, start meditating. If anything, I can ask Sam to make a shallow water area and possibly a waterfall for you to sit in." "Are you kidding me? I would die from that!" "Only if you are unhealthy. When I was younger, I used to go to the circus and watch this Magmar/Charizard pair high dive into the pond they had encompassed for the weekend. Not only that, but an Onix came bursting out afterward as though the two became it. I still have the little porcelain figurine in a shoebox in my closet... if mother hasn't moved it yet." "You're full of Tauros dung. No Magmar would willingly plunge into water, they would harden into rock." "Ah, very true. But those who are accustomed to water do quite well. But we are getting sidetracked, I want you to train. Will you do it? Or do I have to do it the old fashioned way and make you battle random Wilds?" Champ bit his lip in thought. After a full minute, he sighed then nodded. "I'll talk to him, I'll train against my natural weaknesses and be come stronger. I am sure we have rock types here as well, but I will talk to them." "Good. Let's get back and eat."

The Charizard stood and silently sighed. He followed the human he once considered a boy, anymore... he just considered that person as a worthy male to battle for dominance. Whether or not that was an instinctual judgment, he could not tell. But Champ did not say that his place would always be beside that young man. Too many times he had told himself that home was with the others of his kind, now, now home was truly where his Trainer would be at.

---

"Alright, swing left, aim for the soft flesh to side. Good! Now swing harder, make him scream!" Lisa gave a wink to her mate as Mona struck her father in the gut. He slid back slightly from the force but was not hurt. "Come on, he is still standing. If this was a true fight, you would be going through the wall by now. Use his weight against him, he may be stronger but you can out run him!"

Lisa's 'Trainer's' voice needed work, Adrian was sure of that. But it was needed if their daughter was to grow stronger than them. Adrian dropped his open stance and brought forth a low kick. The attack struck home, he expected her to jump over his leg. She went flying across the open room and into the wall. Adrian rushed her, she was crying for the first time he could remember. But as he bent down to pick her up, Mona threw in an Uppercut and socked her father square in the jaw. The force of the blow actually made him leave the ground enough to force him to land on his back straining his tail painfully. He cringed as he rubbed his jaw, his turned and spat as blood filled his maw. He grinned as the room spun slightly. The next thing he knew was that a sharp pain had hit him in the back of the head. The room went black then the pain vanished.

"Momma?" Mona had smacked her father's head and had thrown him into unconsciousness. "I'd call that a win. Great work, you could work on the Fake Tears though. Make them flow more. Now, Let's get your father down to the Chansey, hmm? We don't need him bleeding everywhere." "I win?" Mona look down at her father's prone body quizzically. "You won." "I... won." Mona smiled up her mother then jumped away from Adrian as Lisa tossed him over her shoulder. "Grab Mommy's tail and don't let go." Lisa's tone changed dramatically as they moved on. She could not wait to tell Jason on the progress they made.

---

"I don't know, Clair. Sometimes I think of him being a Trainer gets in the way of raising our son." Azu balanced Mickey on her head as she spoke calmly to the larger Fire type mother. "And here I thought I had it rough. Honey, males just do that type of thing. They have to prove their worth, humans are just worse. They think they have the right to dominate everything in their path. The gods may have made them that way, but I am not the one to say that they are not in their right to do so. I am trying to say that humans are chaotic and will never stay put. Those of us around them will very quickly fall in line with them. We have no choice but to follow their paths. Just be patient with him." Clair smacked Angel's claw as she reached for little Jason's tail. The golden female whimpered then went to cower in a corner. Her brother just watched curiously. "I am, at least I am trying to be. I just wish I could feel what it's like out there beside him, but I fear I would be stuck inside a ball on a belt." "I doubt that. He would pass the sisters over to Grace before he left you in the ball." "He directly said that our balls will be on Grace's belt." "Still, my point stands. The only time we go into our balls any more is when there are too many of us to travel together openly. We still can hear everything, even if it is still dark. Some can even open their own balls from what I have heard. I wouldn't try it myself, could send yourself out into the of air or in the middle of a Teleport jump. No thanks, I don't want to die that way." "Nor do I. But I rather not get stuck in there if he dies unexpectedly." "You never talked to Lisa about her past Trainer, have you?" "No, should I?" "In deed you should. All I will say is that she felt it." "Felt? How could you feel it?" "Not only was he her Trainer, but her mate. She felt him go."

Azu fell silent as she stared at the fire dragoness. She could not help but think as how the Lucario could feel such a thing, though she knew that the Steel type did have some latent Psychic powers. She would bet her own tail that, if there were a third growth to the Lucario, Psychic would be a secondary trait rather than Fighting. With a sigh, she turned her thoughts to her son and groomed his cheek fur a little before sending him off to play with the other two.

Chp 15

The last thing I remember was my daughter and me practicing battle techniques. I woke in a haze on a very hard bench with that annoying Chansey hovering over me. I cringed as I tried to move my tail; my ear was pulled in response. I tried to roll over, my other ear was pulled. I growled, but submitted, the pain my body shouted with was enough to tell me someone had done a number on me. The only one that could have been was my month old Mona, and I really doubt that tiny Riolu could have caused all of this pain. I felt like I had several bones broken and almost every joint sprained. I didn't even bother trying to talk yet, mostly because I didn't want to risk having my ears pulled again.

"Adrian, how are you feeling?" That voice... ah, how it soothed the pain to a dull ache. My Lisa. "Eh." I grunted feeling my tail shift in the mitts of the aid." "You fell for Mona's Fake Tears and received an Upper Cut followed by a Sucker Punch. You went down after that combination move. She has yet to stop saying 'I win" to everyone that comes near her. It's rather cute. Oh, Morning Glory, check his goods for me, I don't want that package broke. I'll see you in a bit, dear, mind her and you won't have to worry about being beaten up again." Oh, Arceus, you do have a cruel sense of humor. "Sure," I croaked out. My voice not really sounding right.

I blanked out as the Chansey continued to play with my body. I bet she enjoyed fondling my sheath. Wretched female, I bet the only time she got to see a male was on a gurney. Hmm, I wonder... well her Aura does show pleasure but not arousal. She's mated with her work, nothing more. Where's Jason when I need him? I would rather put up with the sprays than have her prod me in uncomfortable ways. I hope she gets done soon; I really would like to take a dip in the hot spring bath. That would do me more good than her-

"OW! Watch it!" My tail! I can't believe she twisted my tail. I wish I could read minds. I'd start moving against her. Sweet Mother of Arceus! Why do I have to put up with this? Oh... right, because my mate demanded it of me and I know she could beat me into a bloody pulp. "Sorry, sir, but it is broken and it must be set before the use of a healing spray. Bite down on this and keep your tongue away from the teeth." She shoved a solid, blue stick into my muzzle and forced my jaws closed.

I looked at her briefly until a wave of pain struck me as she pulled my tail. I heard a muted scream; it took a full two heartbeats before I realized it was me. I heard a loud pop over my pain-filled cry, the pain slowly vanished then I heard the welcoming hiss of a spray bottle applying the so-called Potion onto my flesh. The cooling sensation was enough to make me melt until I was rolled onto my side facing the wall and the annoying aid. I hadn't noticed before, but she was wearing blue gloves. They clashed badly with her pink fur. And her paws were as ice when she shoved them between my legs to fondle my maleness. I whimpered. Humiliated and yet slightly aroused by the action, how could I not make a sound? She felt both of my danglers before moving up to my mating rod. I moaned as she squeezed gently on my sheath feeling the fragile bone within. The movement caused me to swell within myself. Usually I only swelled when I was mating, but this... this was a new form of bliss. She stopped far too soon. I bit my lip as I hoped she would release me.

"Still in one piece. Avoid landing on it while you have it stiff." "Sure. Am I free to go?" "Yes."

I scrabbled off the table as fast as I could and ran for the bathing area that had been secured for the few males here. I rushed in to find the place empty. I quickly found a shallow pool and slipped in. I groomed myself everyday, but what she did to me... I have never felt that before. I had to make that feeling come back. I started as she did, with a gentle squeeze. I pulled the flesh down to reveal the sensitive inner rod. I squeezed the raw flesh; the sudden pain was shocking but also nice. I dipped my paw in the water then rubbed the wet fur over myself. I shivered with pleasure, and felt myself flare up under my pad. My knot began to show. I rubbed it; a moan escaped my muzzle from doing so. I gripped it fully within my fist and lost myself in the feeling. I was aware that I hunched over my paw and I humped my fist as I would Lisa. My chest spike was the only thing keeping my nose above the lap deep water. I howled as I lost my seed to my paw. It was nothing compared to mating, but the pleasure was grand. I got to ask Lisa to perform that task on me; then again, I need to perform the task on her. But first...

After I had cleaned up after myself. I went upstairs to my room and eagerly looked for my mate. I found her reading one of the books she had picked up in town. I never picked the thing up myself. Mona was laying on her bed sound asleep. I licked my lips as I crept forward. I kept my claws pulled up, it hurt, but it kept my steps silent. I knew Lisa knew I was there, I saw her ears shift to my direction. I leaned over the bed and licked at her legs; she gasped and quickly looked down at me. I just continued to lap her legs and slowly worked upward. I forced my head between her knees, all she could do was to stare at me. That is when I made a bee-line drive to her mating passage that had caught my eye. I licked the thin line of bare flesh that was visible. I heard her gasp then I heard the book close. Her motion of setting the book aside shadowed over what I could see of the light. I felt her stretch back and spread her legs further for me. I pressed my nose against the flesh and drew in her feminine musk. I was flying amongst the clouds. I shoved my tongue as far in as I could without shoving my muzzle into her. I felt her passage close up on my tongue and a milky white fluid rushed out down my tongue, bitter yet sweet. I drank it down eagerly then I lapped at her to get more. She pulled me away from her then placed her muzzle onto mine. I never experienced this before either. She forced her tongue into my maw, though I did little to fight her. I licked at her tongue as she lapped at her own fluids that remained in my mouth. We broke away panting. I had not noticed until now that my rod now stood at the ready and fully swollen, including my knot. I did not care. We still could not mate until Jason said we could. To my surprise though, she turned over and gave my flesh a lick.

My knees wanted to give out, it was even better than my paw. She grabbed under my knot then she stuck the entire rod into her mouth. Here, I thought her tongue was bliss, now I was beyond that. I couldn't explain it, I loved the way she bobbed her head on me as I would when I mated her but slowly. Slower than I could force myself. I caught myself throwing my hips forward, I moaned and gasped as she took my knot into her maw and teased me with her tongue. I lost myself as she picked up the pace. I felt my tail lift and straighten. Then she swallowed, the act threw me over. I lost my seed to her throat. I gasped louder than I meant too, luckily, Mona did not stir. Lisa released me once my rod stopped doing its thing; I just stood there with my body unwilling to move. She then crept up and stuck her muzzle over mine. I tasted myself on her lips and I liked it. When she broke away, I saw a drop white on her chin; I leaned forward and licked it up. I received a giggle from her.

"So, I did good?" I asked weakly. "I take it that was your first blowjob and tonguing, right?" "Tonguing? Is that what we just did?" "Oh my, my sweet little lover, you never have experienced a kiss before. I should have realized that. No, you ate me out, that was the tonguing. And you did it like an expert. I have not had that done in a few years. Just promise me that you won't forget to add this little thing to our 'play time' once the doctor releases me to my normal life." "Isn't that day tomorrow?" "I hope so, love." Lisa smiled and drew a deep breath. It was intoxicating, I had to smile back. "We need to get cleaned up before she wakes and asks about the scent. I rather not explain things to her just yet." "Wait until after her first cycle?" "Yes, then we will talk with her."

---

I can't believe this, I actually talked to her! And I learned her name to boot. Ah, Marge, my sweet Marge. I got to prove I would be a worthy mate... but how? Jason would never agree to allow me to hunt for her. Unless I could convince him to buy one of those Miltanks the humans use as food. I doubt I could do that though. But what other option do I have?

"How about taking her out for a flight?" I could not help but growl as the all-too-familiar voice came from nowhere beside me. "Hello, Ditch. She can't leave. She knows that she can't, she's tried and nearly died. She is the reason the others fear leaving this place. Bac'tairul! Why didn't I think of that before, hell, why didn't Jason. Excuse me; I need to find my Trainer." "Suit yourself." With a wave of his claw, Ditch sent me to Jason's room. I growled a curse under my breath then peeked into the room.

Jason was lying on the bed with his son on his chest and his mate at his side. They looked happy. Then I spotted the balls on the small table beside them, he actually did it. To keep them close, he captured them. I knew he would the boy, but the Water Spitter? I figured she would have run at the sight of it. I knocked on the door and cleared my throat lightly. Jason turned to look at me; I entered and asked him for a moment of his time. I stepped out into the hall and waited.

"What is it?" Jason smelled fresh with the scent of mating. I smiled. "I got to thinking, that Salamence. He should know about that machine he had to use it after all." "I doubt it. I still think it was that woman Moon wiped clean." "Then we need to talk to the two of them. I... I want to take Marge outside and perhaps even a hunt." "Then go talk to Moon. See if she dug anything useful out of the witch. I really don't think that she kept anything in that woman's head." Why me? "Fine, I'll go find her."

I had a mission to complete anyway. Though my Trainer could have done the muzzle work. I have no clue what to say to that tiny thought reader anyway. I must press on anyway, but where would she be? Hell, I don't even know if she stays in a room anywhere. The nightwalker stays with that one female; I have got to try to sneak a peek at their activities sometime. How did he call her? I must guess that he just calls for her.

"Moon?" I said quietly, feeling a bit foolish. "Can I speak with you?" "What is it?" Moon suddenly appeared within my sight just a little down the hall. "I wish to know if that female knew how to stop that machine and if you could stop it should you have the willing claws to hit whatever you need to hit." Moon stood silent, it worried me that I might have splashed the life fire on her. "Yes, she did know something, but it was to keep us here. I can try, but I would like to have a Porygon to help out. Their kind can get into any system. I think I have to pull a few strings from my first bout of life wait here, I shouldn't be more than ten minutes."

She left. I sat. I waited. The claw traffic picked up briefly as cleaning shifts were changing. It seemed like an eternity as I sat there watching the females go about their business. Not once did I see one of the kitchen staff go by, Marge never spoke of the work nor would she tell me where her room was. I always would have to meet her outside the kitchen. I closed my eyes and leaned back against the wall so that I looked at the natural weaves of the tree that made the hall. The Plant Talkers knew their stuff. I could not help but wonder if this place could bare a fire dwelling. Worth talking to the elder residents about. I felt a light kick to my walking claws, I looked down at the one willing to disturb me and found that a Porygon and Moon stared at me.

"SilphCo. is letting me borrow the help of this one. We will still need your claws, ready?" "Certainly." "LET US MOVE ON." The Porygon said in a rather loud mechanical monotone. I did not like it, but I would put up with this thing to get Marge free.

---

Arceus, I am getting too old for this. I said as I stretched my steel carapace and opened my wing covering. I was trying to stretch before working out for the day. My work out partner was a virile, young Primeape mistress. She knew I had been through a lot in my life, she had been taking it easy on me up until yesterday when I begged her to up the fight, she reluctantly did so but still held back until I made her mad and forced her into the stereotypical rage her kind has. I was nearly beaten into a pulp until I found her 'sweet spot' and made her body lock up. Apparently, most Primeapes have a certain muscle pinpoint of which can be hit to shut them down. But it is a race secret that is not even told to Mankeys, she had to tell me about it once she came to. It did not surprise me that they would have a way to stop their own kind's rage bursts. I became this one's lifeline, I believe, now that someone knows the epic secret she kept from everyone. I think that she may even look at me with a bit of a fancy, but unfortunately; I am not made to mate with her kind though trying it would be fun. I should toss a couple willing hints her way and see if I should get lucky tonight.

"Miguel, are you feeling up to this today? We can forget this session." "I could go for a good wrestle today, Luce." "You wouldn't last, that carapace can only hold so much weight." Either Lucile did not pick up on my hint or she ignored it. "I am sure if done right, we could end up with a good laugh." "What are you...? Oh! Oh... um, as much as I appreciate the subtle hints, you could have just said that you wanted a more physical exercise. I am willing and there is no need to leave here if you wish to 'wrestle' with me." That did not take long. "Rawr." I said with lust as I clicked my pinchers and forced my member out of my carapace.

Luce eyed my maleness with curiosity, if I could grin with my mandibles I would have as I stalked forward. She was frozen; I took advantage of the paralysis and jumped on top of her to force her down to the floor. Though her round body just hit me above my wing joints, I easily found her mammalian gender and shoved myself into her. Almost immediately, I felt my shaft swell and the barbs grow erect, though useless in her they would hold me within my mate for hours. I followed what I thought the mammals did and started to pull myself out slightly only to shove back in. She squealed and rolled her eyes back as I did so. Her arms were tossed above my wings as I began a slow pace. I had to admit, it really felt good to do this, mammals have all the luck when it comes to mating. Luce being tight, yet moist, was almost enough to give her my essence at that first squeeze. I could not help but moan loudly as I felt a brand new sensation about my copulative organ, never have I ever been able to do such an action and I was starting to fall into a blissful state until I felt Luce bite at my carapace. I actually felt her teeth bend the surface as she moaned into me. I don't know what I did but she slammed her head back against the floor and screamed then squeezed as hard as she could. I could not hold off, I blasted her now gushing innards with my own fluids. I slammed myself down upon her and forced my organ deep within her as I coated her canal. I felt some resistance near the end of my thrust but instinct ignored it as my body flowed through the copious motions. Once her body calmed, I tried to pull out of her only to find that I was stuck. My eyes went wide as I stared at her, she just smiled at me.

"Yep, you passed into my womb. Guess we should just get comfy for a while, buggy, I don't mind being held a bit." I didn't think I was that big, or is she just that small inside? Does it matter? "I can live with that." I snapped my wings against my thorax and closed the covering. I rolled over and forced her to lie on top of me. "I think I like this view a little better. Maybe add a slight drizzle of rain, and this would be perfect." "Do you now? I think I would rather like seeing that hunk of meat up close and personal like." "Oh? And what would you do with it?" "Well... first I would rub it. Then I would lick it before sucking it down and making the owner squeal like a Grumpig." "Well, that sounds like fun, but I would say we have about three hours before you can try that." "That long? Well, I was hoping to have it sooner than that, but that is just fine. Cuddling sounds good too." "Sure does, and I wouldn't mind a short nap either."

---

Supper time already, and another day gone by without us leaving. That's it, at the gathering I will state that it will be time tomorrow. I cannot sit here any longer, things must be done if I'm supposed to follows Mew's wishes. I wonder if Moon got the machine working like Rex wanted. No, stay on track. We have to move. I need out of here, I am starting to get Cabin Fever here. Better get Queeny and Mitch together. Fun, fun.

"I better get up, Hun. I need talk to Queen and Mitch." "Probably not a good thing to take her away from cooking." Azu told me in a concerned voice. "Noted. But this is urgent, and she is the one everyone voted for. So take Mickey and scoot for a bit." "Excuse me?!" "Me Trainer, you Trainee. Scoot." I smiled and kissed her. "So you listen to me and listen to me good, then afterwards, you just may be rewarded before supper. Especially if a certain little one is not present at the time." "Sure, bribe me." "Every chance I can get."

I waited for her to leave before I quietly beckoned Moon. She appeared and brought Mitch and Queeny with her, both were in positions that showed what they were doing. Queeny was stirring a pot, Mitch was in the middle of shaving. I took them a moment to realize that they where not in their respective places. I cleared my throat and made them start.

"Evening, I had Moon bring you here so keep the whining to yourselves. At supper I am going to gather my team and announce that tomorrow we will be leaving. Mitch, you will be in charge of human relations, but Miss Queen will be the overall boss." I drew a breath with a grin seeing Mitch's face in a priceless jaw drop with cream over half of his jaw, I fought myself not to laugh aloud. "If he cannot understand me, how is this to work?" Queeny always was thinking ahead. "Very true. Mitch, has Ditch open your mind to the Pokﾃｨmon language?" "No, he's always been my psychic ears." "Moon, would you please?" "It would be best if Ditch did it, he is bonded to the male and would know his mind better." "Very well, instruct him on what he needs to know and get it done before the meal." Moon phased out of the room, now I could get down and dirty with these two. "I may be gone for more than a couple weeks. I will do my best to report in every few days. But do know that I expect that the training continues, and those who are able to learn any party healing techniques are to get with Morning Glory so they may get better trained at healing. This means, Queeny, you will have to leave the kitchen, no more hiding in the hole in the wall. Mitch, you might even have to call upon the few Fighting types here to assist in training. And should there be any newcomers, greet them as best as you can. On my travel, I will be looking for recruits to send back here besides Raikou. I hope to be lucky enough to pass by a pack of Lucario and recruit them, not only for the benefit of Lisa and her family, but for the entire Family we have become. If you have concerns, please speak here and now." "I think that is the most I have ever heard you speak. I do have one concern, what about the residents who wish to train outside under the sun for the first time in years if not the first time at all?" "Moon was supposed to be working on that..." "It has been dealt with thanks to a favor from SilphCo. Oh, by the way, you will have to play spokesman for them while out here for a while until they can send in a member themselves." Moon came back into the room with Ditch beside her. To my surprise, Ditch looked a little sad. "The Porygon I pilfered should have the system shut down-" The tree shuddered and the natural lighting flashed blue then slowly regained its natural yellow glow. "Now." "When you return it, tell the director that I will do what I can to spread the good word about them, but telling Wild Pokﾃｨmon about SilphCo. may end up being useless. Though I will share it with the humans I come across." "Thank you for understanding my end of the bargain for this task. I shall see it off now and return with new products for us." "No stealing." "One can't steal what one already owns. I shall be back." "What?" I was too late, Moon had phased out. "Darn. Anyway, when I return, I expect this place to be as I am leaving it. Ditch, I leave your man in your power, open his mind as gently as you can. Queen, you may return to the kitchen, but do remember what I said." "As you wish, General." Queeny actually hissed at me, I will have to commend her for the toughness later and remind her to focus that dominance towards our combined goals. She left without looking at the males. "Uh, Jason, will the process hurt?" Mitch spoke quietly as I watched the door shut again. "I was not expecting it when she did it to me. But you have been around Psychics longer, so I am sure you know what to expect out of the mental surgery, so-to-say. Place your mind in a meadow and just let Ditch do what he needs to. You'll be fine." "I'm going to hate this, I know it." "Think of it this way, you and your Ponyta will be able to talk about Ditch behind his back after this and then be able to get him good." "Unlikely, sir." Ditch crossed his arms and toyed with the rose in his fur. "Let's go to our room and begin." With that, Ditch phased himself and Mitch out.

I leaned back on my bed and let out a sigh. I had that feeling that things were going to become difficult. Not once did I feel nervous, just anxious to get things moving. I know Champ has not been released to fly yet but he is getting worse than I am, especially since Sam did not like to modify the Tree. Oh well, guess the only way to get us both feeling normal is to be on the road were we belong. Thrown from my thoughts, the door flew open to reveal a lone, blue ball of water tight fur seemingly bouncing on a nonexistent water source. I recognized it though, and with a smile, I gave the all-clear.

---

"I need you to get rid of that brat!" A dark form hissed at a man in his mid forties. "Sire, I do not believe I would be able to on my own, that wretched Johnson made it as far as a greeting. You saw that, I do not wish to throw my life away at some feeble attempt to battle him into compliance." The man all but begged. "Then take the illusionist with you." "Sire, I hate to disagree with you, but she has not been broken in yet. She may escape and-" "Silence! You will take it and use it to track that brat down then kill it and the brat when they are cornered." "Yes, Sire, it shall be done." "Do not fail me... you know what I do with failures." The man bowed and walked away. He hated that the Pokﾃｨmon in question was a master of illusions, not to mention that it would kill anyone that would attempt to take her pup. Now he had to take her, at least he would rather die here at the HQ rather than at the hands of the supposed prophetic warrior. The Dark One he was forced into slavery for was a much nicer task until he was 'Promoted' to the task of Grunt. Still it was far better than having a Machamp ramming things into you at its pleasure just to hear you squeal until you break down.

With a sigh, he went to the brig where the Legendary was kept. He still did not know how she was captured for a second time, at least this time she was not being used for commercial gain. Now just how was he going...

"Yes, a tracker. I need a Tranq and a GPS tag. But does the lab have those in stock?" The man spoke to himself quietly. "Bah, I'll just keep an eye on her. There's not many reports in that region about a Zoroark roaming around anyway." "Talking to yourself again, I see." A woman in all black, including the glossed over helmet and gun spoke to him. "Yeah, I know. The Sire has me doing a double suicide mission." He chuckled and looked around blankly. "Care to let me in so I can have my head detached early?" "You're going in there? Unarmored? Good luck, Paul, you'll need it." The woman turned and keyed a number sequence in on a pad then aimed the gun at the slowly opening door. "Get in there. You're good." "Thanks. No windows or recorders. My plan has to have no trace just incase someone else tries this." "Brave or stupid, dunno which you are." "Both." He said going into the large chamber. Inside there, a cage sat in the center of the floor.

He approached cautiously and kept his eyes on the Pokﾃｨmon cradling a smaller one. He stopped at the red line on the floor then cleared his throat. The Pokﾃｨmon looked up and hissed. He hissed back.

"Enough. Do you wish to breathe fresh air again?" The Pokﾃｨmon nodded knowing the male could not hear her voice properly. "Good. You have a use in you. You are to convince that wretched brat of a boy you are a champion of your land and wish to join his cause. You do this and leave a trail for me to follow, you will be given an audience with the Dark One and perhaps you may bargain the freedom of your pup." The Pokﾃｨmon hissed, the man looked away briefly. "The Dark One will never let you go, you have too much power to allow him to let you go. Your pup, no matter how much of an annoyance, will be useless in his second form unless taught by an elder. Since he cannot be taught here, his skills are of no use to the Sire and might be set free if you give yourself willingly to His cause." My Mimaw will never give me up! A tiny voice rang out from within the man's head. "I wouldn't be too sure of that, you little brat. Either way, she's going out there to do His bidding and your life is on the line this time. That device they stuck in you, you disobey and you will go up in a ball of flames and flesh." That got the little one, known as a Zorua, to clamp his muzzle closed. "I will make the arrangements, don't expect a soft landing." The man turned and left. After she was sure that they were alone. "What they don't know won't hurt them. You don't have that thing in you. Not for a long while. I will leave you out there so you will be safe. I will make sure of it." "Mimaw?" "No, my dear, you will become strong and free me."

She hissed as the cage jerked and light covered the floor. A mechanical roar came from above then the cage started to sway as it was lifted into the air. This time, she would be sure that a loving human would take her son and keep him safe. Even if she used the devices herself. The rush of air was painful but reassuring. She looked beyond the bars to find herself far above the trees. She hissed as a Spearow landed between the bars and looked at her cautiously. The machine above them took above a forest that had one giant tree in the epicenter of its forest. It reminded her of the Eternal Tree that Mew called home. She felt the cage stop and heard a panel behind her head lower. She turned and saw the man from moments before.

"Remember our deal and all will be well. Prepare for drop." There was not preparing for after the screen went black a loud pop sounded and then gravity introduced her to the ceiling of the cage. Zorua screamed up to the point where the ground was a blur but they were jerked about as the cable on the cage stopped them from crashing into the hard ground. "Head for the large tree and get their attention, show that you are a friend to them and you wish you want to join their cause." Zoroark nodded then the cage opened, no guards, no weapons pointed at her she was able to move about freely up to a point, she knew that.

Chp 16

"Mimaw, shouldn't we be moving?" A tiny ball of brown and red fur said from within the grasp of an overprotective larger version of itself. "Yes, my pup, we should. Here, run beside me, stretch those legs. Soon you will be strong enough to break free of this darkness that binds me. Remember that I will always love you." "I will... always" The ball jumped out of the bipedal Pokﾃｨmon's arms and landed on all fours. "I will grow strong for you." "I know you will, little Zorua, I know you will and you will not do it alone."

With that the biped went into full sprint with the tiny Zorua following close behind. Their destination: the Tree Base, their goal: to convince the warrior to allow them to join him, their motive: a killer hell bent on taking over the realm and modeling it after its own desire.

---

"Everyone, calm down for a bit please." Jason shouted over the murmuring crowd since the meal was delayed because of his meeting. "I want my team to come forward." Jason waited as the aisle way filled up with his large, unorthodox team. "Falrin, you're included in this, get your tail over here." The ice fox came over and sat next to Moon, his sideburn-like tendrils swayed gently as he breathed and glanced over at Moon. "I have decided that we will leave tomorrow in search of the third Guardian. I know many of you have found mates here, but take this time tonight to say goodbye to them for it may be a few weeks before our return. Mitch and Queen will be left in charge while I am gone. I expect everything to continue as it has been. When I return, I hope to bring others with me to enforce our defenses and to help train those able to fight. This war Mew has set before us will come before we know it, we must be ready. Train hard and don't look back. Now... Bring on the food we have hungry family members out here!" Jason leaned over the table to look at his team, with a sigh he spoke more softly. "I expect everyone up at first light, place the children in their respective balls and we shall see what we can do with them. Moon, I'm putting you on Grace's team so you can be her voice. Shadow, I want you to be on Lisa's. If we get separated in any way, I know you two girls will be able to get your partners to safety. Lisa, decide who you are going to pass on to me. In the morning, I want everyone to be at their team lead's side and ready to be recalled. Sam, Flame, you two will be left out to be our guides. Falrin, you'll be on Grace's team, so be sure you are there. I don't think I am forgetting anything right now. Azu, will you take your balls to Grace after dinner?" "Yes, love." "Jason, we have guests. Strange ones." Moon growled as her eyes began to glow blue as she tried to find out what the guests were. "The small one is full of energy but has an innocent mind. The large one is only focused on her pup's wellbeing then survival." "Thank you, send me out there then everyone enjoy your meal."

In a blink, Jason was phased out without immediate protection down to the main entrance of the Tree. He leaned against the base and waited silently. He heard the two approach then he smelled them, he could tell they had not groomed in a while. Then they showed up, he just stared at them while trying to figure out what they were.

"Mimaw, is that the one?" The little said between pants. "I hope so." The tall one looked fierce but her eyes were calm and worried. "I was told we had strange guests. Greetings, I am Jason, master of this Tree and all who enter it. Whom may I be addressing?" He tried to sound formal. "Zorua, would you please-" "There is no need for telepathy or other means, I understand most of the basic Pokﾃｨmon language." "Oh, um, I am called Zoroark, this is my pup, Zorua. I would like to offer my assistance to your cause." "And what would you bring to us?" He was being curious, but he noticed he struck a nerve as she looked away and possibly tear up. "I offer my pup while I cannot join you for long. We are not only warriors, but illusion users. We can trick our enemies into seeing other things for a long period of time." Jason waited for a moment, she looked back up at him. He was right, she was starting to tear up. "Moon, can you come here please." He waited for the Espeon to phase beside him. "Will you take these two to the hot spring so they can wash up then bring them to the dinning hall. I'll have Queen fix up a roast for them while they clean up. Oh, and scent the water for them. I rather not have any quarrels come up about having foreigners here. Queen would not let me live it down." "So something of the local forest, got it. Just relax, this won't hurt a bit." Moon said to the two as she went up to them then fazed the them away leaving Jason to walk back to the meal.

Jason walked quietly, feeling something was wrong with the two new Pokﾃｨmon he knew that were not of this land. He had to get the two alone so they could talk. But for now, they needed to clean up and eat. He rejoined the family and sat down at his spot and dug into his plate. It did not take long for Moon to escort Zoroark and her pup into the room. The room fell silent as everyone turned to stare at the strange duo. He stood and motioned them to join him at his table. They did so then a second roast was brought out by Queen. She sat it down in front of Jason then leaned over to whisper in his ear.

"You have her do that to me again, and you will get a chewing. Both taking me and talking within my head. I don't care if you are the General of Mew's Army. The kitchen is mine and I control it and it alone." "Yes, but you were voted to be the matriarch instead of Azu. You have duties that do reside outside of the kitchen. You need to realize this, I am just giving that needed push." Queen growled then turned and bowed before walking away. "Please excuse her, she's always grumpy. Now, Madame, I must ask, but what brings you from across the waters?" "I... I was sent here." "Something tells me that it was not your choice. I do not want to press the matters, but you did offer your own pup to our cause." "To keep him safe." Zoroark nuzzled Zorua." "Right, and it does not have anything to do with you being used by a mad man a little over a year ago." "Not exactly." "Mimaw-" "Hush." Zoroark grabbed the pup's muzzle and glared at him. "I can't help you if you won't help yourself." "That's just it... I can't. That's why I need him to be safe." "He can stay here, if you have your own war to be fought." "I thank you for that. I think it would be wise for him to join you permanently." "I will not hold him like that. Especially since you two do not live here. You may join my team on our journey, I would like to see what skills you two have to offer the family and the future." "Please, I insist, take my babe and raise him. For his safety and mine." Jason could see the fear in her eyes, he could not help but wonder why she would be so willing to give him up. Unless... "You were forced here, right?" He said quietly. She straightened up her back and looked down as she wringed her paws. "I'll do it, so you don't have to worry. He'll be safe." "Bless you." "Let's just pray that you'll be safe." Jason said just above a whisper. Zoroark's ears folded back slightly and a tear rolled down her cheek. "Eat up, you two, the team leaves first thing in the morning. If you two are going to join the family here, then you need to join us and show your skills off." He nodded lightly as Zoroark cringed. With a sigh she ate, Zorua did not have to be told twice. They both ate slowly knowing that eating fast only became a wasted effort in the end.

Jason noticed that in all the silence, someone had started to sing lightly. He figured it was Rex since he was the only one that had split off after the consul to sit with his lover. He cleaned off his plate then leaned back and watched the newcomers eat. The pup, he watched more closely, he noticed that this was most likely the boy's first real meal in a while and probably his first cooked meal. Once the two had pushed their plates back, Jason stood and back away from the table. The room slowly emptied leaving the day's clean-up crew behind to clean the dishes. He stopped Lisa before she got away and asked her to show the duo to his room. She smiled and led the two out. He began to pick up the plates at his table and carry them to the kitchen for the washers. He saw that the newer Grass types were hard at work scrubbing away at the multitude of dishes from the meal. They would be busy for several hours. He smiled at them then walked out to tend to his guests.

---

He joined Lisa and the Zor family duo in his room. He walked in silently as the two adults talked about their pups while Zorua sniffed at the smells within the room. They females jumped as Jason came up beside them and joined in their watching of Zorua.

"Get Grace, she's going to do this one and make sure she has her belt. Don't forget yours as well. We'll do the switching afterwards. And since this place acts a storage facility, we will have to decide who gets left behind since we do have more than eighteen now." "Right. They aren't going to like this." "Experience is the one thing we need for this trip. At least you and Grace can protect yourselves for the most part without added help." Jason smiled grimly for the sake of Lisa, she did not mirror him. "Look as much as I would love to be have more than six on a single team, we can't, just be glad you can carry a team." "Then let's drop Grace's team so she can have the kids. She'll still have Moon and Rex. Right? Or is that just too much to ask for?" "I find that agreeable, but we do need her, it's her team." "Fine, I shall be back." Lisa walked out, her ears drooping behind her head showing her disapproval for the subject. Jason straightened up slightly and looked into Zoroark's eyes. He saw a caring soul and mother staring back. "It's hard to decide whether or not the young learn our parts in the world. Believe it or not, I rather would gladly hide my own son away and not let this coming war near him. But alas, I cannot, this war will consume us all I'm afraid. And you are stuck trying to free yourself from the very evil we fight... am I right?" "How-" Jason raised a hand to stop her in mid-sentence. "I have come to learn the many signs that we all show. You try to hide it, but it is there. But I will not be your son's Trainer. I will protect him, but he will have to learn how to use his power. I understand that your kind does not appear in large groups even during the breeding season that takes place like other species which make you almost as rare as Absol. You seem all too fond to hide your son away, who is his sire?" "I... I don't know. I have had my bouts with a mysterious Psychic named Mewtwo while I traveled along with others that are more compatible. But as I am sure you know that Psychics can breed with anyone if they put their minds to it." "That I know. So, has he shown any sign of abilities yet?" "Only the ones that come naturally to our kind. Illusion. Though I have sensed other power in him, power that is not of our kind. I do not know if the humans who held us put it in him or it is from his sire. He needs to learn himself, I fear." Zoroark stared at her pup and her eyes became glossy with tears. "I will see that he remains fair to all Pokﾃｨmon and hopefully he will join the league of Guardians." "I doubt that. But it would be nice. I just hope when the time comes... he will finish the job." A tear rolled down Zoroark's cheek. Her pup just looked at her quizzically. "I am sorry." "Hush, I do not care. You are pure of heart, this I can see. You are trapped, and this is why I fight for Arceus: To free those who are not loved. I may have only recently realized why I do this, but it is my destiny. The Dark One shall fall, and the Light shall rise victorious." Jason took on an air of strength, Zoroark stepped back as she felt the change within him. Her tail quivered slightly as she stared at him. She was about to ask about the change but Lisa came in with Grace and an angry looking Espeon. "Sir." Moon grunted. "Moon, this is only temporary and it's not like you are going to storage. Now, we need to make a list..."

---

Three hours of debating came about and the teams finally were worked out:

Jason took: Champ, Clair, Sam, Adrian, Azu, and Flame Lisa took: Salamence, Rickerts, Shadow, Miguel, one of the Tryanitars, and Falrin Grace took: Moon, Rex, Mona, Mickey, Lil' Jason, and Angel

The three sighed as they clasped the balls onto their belts, they then started to make a check list on what they needed to pack for the trip. Lisa took care of hers and Grace's packs while Jason took stock on what he had. It felt odd leaving so many of his team behind, but it was necessary for them to move on. Jason smiled as Zoroark cuddled her pup as she lay in a corner half asleep. He bid Lisa and Grace a well night then waited for them to leave and Azu to come in with Mickey in her arms. They lay on the bed and fell asleep with a single eye open on Zoroark, just in case she tried something. As Jason slept, Moon entered his dreams. He muttered lightly about pain then rolled over onto his side.

You told me that you would never separate us!

Yes, I did. I did what I had to, to keep my girls safe I have to force you two to make sure that they don't get separated. You may think that I think that they are like no other of their species, but you are wrong. Everyone here is part of me. Those two are more at risk of harm because outside of Parzaa, humans don't see Pokﾃｨmon as intelligent individuals. You know this, you have been there. Have we been stuck in this one place for so long that you have forgotten what it is like to be a Trainer's partner?

Jason's dream suddenly became clearer to Moon, instead of being stark black, it became an open field with thousands of Pokﾃｨmon and creatures grazing on the tall grass. Suddenly they stampeded as a single human child started to walk slowly towards them. One injured Tauros was left behind. The child went up to it, a blade suddenly appeared in the child's hand as they rubbed the injured Pokﾃｨmon's neck. Then all of a sudden, the child slammed the blade into the throat of the Tauros. As the beast fell, the scene faded away. Moon shuddered with disgust.

That is how it is, humans destroy, it is our nature. If it were not for you... I, too, would be like that child thinking that putting the poor beast out of his misery would be the best thing. Not talking it and nursing its health back. Just remember, without you at my side... I would be lost. Same goes for the rest of my family. I hate leaving anyone here. But at least this Tree somehow acts as a storage facility personalized just for me. I know that my ever growing family will be safe here for they have friends, mates, and young here. Here we are at our strongest, please don't forget that, my lovely Espeon.

Shock came from Moon especially when she heard him call her his Espeon she never would have thought he would call her that. She pulled out of his head and let him sleep in peace, she was outside in the canopy of the Tree staring at the full moon. She felt extremely weak because of this. She knew why, She was the Sun Pokﾃｨmon while her sister was the Moon Pokﾃｨmon. She could never find the reasoning in her Trainer's head why her call her Moon. She finally just eased her mind saying he just wanted to be different.

"Different indeed, little one." Moon jumped and looked around for the disembodied voice that had just called out. "Who's there?" "Fear not, I cannot show myself yet. Just know that you face a hard path, cross it and you will become stronger from it. And when you meet my brother... kick his ass for me, would you?" The voice broke out into a chuckle and faded slowly. "Wait! What do you mean?" She got no answer beyond the constant noise of the Kricketots and such down below. "Dammit! Why is everyone on his team getting mysterious visits? How can we be this special?" "Moon?" A familiar voice made her jump. "Shadow, why are you awake?" "The moon was calling. I see why, the Lunar Mother is at her peak. She is watching us closely tonight. Go on to bed, sis. I need to do my prayers then I'll go back in." "You haven't done those in years." "Three years, two months, and fourteen days. With the full moon above me, it seems only right that I should go back to doing my weekly prayers. The Mother will understand. Go now, rest so you may pray to the Solar Father before we leave." "I never stopped my prayers to Arceus. He delivered us to His cause, we are fighting at his Blade's side." "You need sleep, go on." Shadow's ring was starting to glow bright under the moonlight. "Fine, but only because I know you can force me to right now." "Damn right, I can." Shadow chuckled then rubbed against her sister.

---

Jason woke an hour and a half before dawn, he woke everyone in the room. Despite the groans, they moved and gathered down at the lobby. Jason went to the PC and registered the remaining members to the tree itself then wrote down the IP address and such so he could access it at a Center if need be. With a drawn out sigh, he logged off then turned to face the still growing crowd. The last to come down was Lisa and Grace directing the crowd in front of them.

"Right. The time has come, not all will be able to join us, it was a difficult decision for us to make. Those left behind, I trust you will make yourselves leaders among the lost here. Know that you are still a part of my team and therefore should act as such. May Arceus bless you with wisdom while following Queen's and Mitch's leaderships. Champ, Clair, Adrian, Azu... Return." Jason held the four balls up and recalled his team.

Lisa recalled her opened five then she recalled Rex and Moon. Out of the remaining teammates, Stan was the one that looked shocked. He expected to go even if it was to lug around wood and supplies. He flinched as Lisa ran her paw up his spine. He looked at her as she passed him by. "Keep each other safe. Be ready at any time to be switched out, for that is how this place is setup. We shall return soon." With that, Jason climbed onto Sam's back and watched as Lisa set Grace on Flame's then climbed on herself. Zoroark, with her son, climbed onto Sam's back and clung onto Jason; she feared riding on the bigger Pokﾃｨmon but truly she had no choice if she wanted to stay alive. "Let's go."

Sam followed the path to the exit with Flame behind him. They waited only a short moment outside before dashing off in a direction that the Trainer could not determine. The scenery changing so fast that Jason's mind could not keep up. From the forested land, it turned to prairie, then to desert, then back to prairie. The duo stopped suddenly at this second prairie. Neither was exhausted but the day was.

"Where are we?" Jason asked Sam quietly. "In the land humans call Johto. We left our homelands midmorning. The Raikou clans never left the homelands of our ancestors. We shall begin our search at the Burned Tower, the tower Moltres forsook and Ho-oh burned to forget his mate." "While there, we need to see if the bird will help us then." "If possible, yes, Flame will need to get you up there though." "Think we should go visit Professor Elm?" "Personally? No." Sam turned and dug a ring in the ground with a claw big enough for him to lay in. Water quickly filled the interior of the ring. "I shall return shortly, I must share our arrival with the Suicune clan of this land. Flame, it would be wise that you did the same yourself." He stepped into the ring and sunk into the water. Flame growled, "And how does he expect me to do that? I never learned how to contact other clans. That's the Elder's job." "Don't know. But while you figure it out, start a fire so we can start cooking." "Unfair." Flame stuck her tongue out at him then started her task.

Jason just laughed then went to help Lisa set up the tent. Once Flame had the fire going through her power, Jason pulled out a griddle and filled it up with dehydrated meat that he poured water over. The newly hydrated meat sizzled and popped as the blood within met heat. Lisa could not help but shiver at the sound being not much of a predator. She rolled out the sleeping bags then adjusted them to fit comfortably within the tent. Then she turned to the outside and shivered slightly as she reached for Salamence's ball.

"Jason, be ready, he's coming out." "Can it wait until Sam returns? I would rather have two Ice Beams instead of one. Beside's, I don't know if Azu can use that." "Then let her out and find out. I would like to show this beast who his master is." "Alright, keep your panties on. Yeesh." "I don't where panties and you know it, father." Lisa harrumphed then waited for him to release Azu.

As soon as he did, she pressed against and embraced him. Grace happened to release her team as well, the children whimpered once they saw the new surroundings. Moon and Rex stretched. The kids surrounded Grace knowing that she was an elder and would protect them. Moon grumbled as she did her task.

"Azu, I need to know if you can use Ice Beam." "Um... I don't think so. I know Ice Punch though. That is the move I use to encase my fist in ice, right? That's the one I know." "Good. Keep that ready. Okay, Lisa, release the beast." Jason chuckled at himself as he patted Azu's backside to get her in between the kids and the Salamence.

The dragon appeared silently. He faced Jason and knelt once he was able laying his head on the ground in submission. Jason just crossed his arms then nodded towards Lisa. He did not move until Lisa climbed onto his back. A sharp breath showed him aware but otherwise he did not resist.

"Take me for a flight." Lisa said sternly. "Circle around camp slowly, I want a good view of the area." He did not move, only stared at Jason. "Obey her. She holds your prison, and it is up to her whether or not to allow you out again." "Yes, master." He finally spoke quietly.

As Lisa went up into the air, Jason released the rest of his team. Clair immediately went to her twins and cradled them. While Adrian looked at his daughter then jumped away from camp and landed in a fighting position; Jason warned them not to hurt each other. Champ sat beside his partner then looked up when he saw the shadow of the Salamence.

"You did not allow me to hunt that bird." Champ said remorsefully. "You will get it, you just need to finish healing. Being out and about will help that, not moping around the Tree. Go and slowly stretch them out then move them back and hold the position for a moment before relaxing again. I want you to do this ten times, supper will be ready once you are done." "Sure."

Jason watched the family do various activities as he flipped the final slabs of meat. He tested the meat pinkness then gave a shrill whistle as he dug into his pack for several trail mix packets. He placed the meager meal on tin plates. Salamence landed and laid so Lisa could slide off. The family gathered quietly, Sam came out of his watery circle just as Jason started passing the plates around. They ate silently, then the first watch was discussed as they finished up the meal. Everyone voted for Rickerts despite him having a bad habit of dream eating. He grumbled but took the job just to be out of the ball. He did find his thinking process was far clearer than it ever had been since before he had been captured. As darkness finally rolled in, the parents took their children and either curled up with them or dragged them into the tent. Grace, Lisa, and Jason surrounded the fire with Moon laying still behind her current guardian.

So, where do we go from here? Do we split up? A gentle, high pitched voice echoed within Lisa's and Jason's minds thanks to Moon. "We will never split up unless we absolutely have to. Other than that, we go into a human city called Ecruteak City. You two must stick close to me, though legalized as it is back home, the same system may not apply here. Even though my Pokﾃｨdex and Pokﾃｨtch have changed to local, I still don't trust the area's people." Jason flinched as he saw a flash of fire. Flame, under guidance of Sam, finally was able to make contact with the local Entei clan. "At least Flame made progress. Now, while we are here, Grace, no catching males in thought of forcing them to be mates." Never crossed my mind. Besides, I have yet had my first cycle, though I do feel something changing within me. I don't think it could be my cycle. "She has learned a lot, I am proud of her." Lisa muttered with a smile and wiped a nonexistent tear from her eye. "Ladies, please, can we get our minds back on track? Our goal is to find out where we are going. Even if that means we have to fall to the Professors Elm and Oak." "I've heard of them, they are supposed to be the founders of the Pokﾃｨdex and the entire categorization of Pokﾃｨmon moves and abilities." Lisa did not try to hide her interest in the names. "That's them." "We have to meet them before we leave. There's so much I want to ask them." "I wouldn't count on it." Jason looked at his Pokﾃｨdex to see the time. "We best hit the hay. Wake me in four hours, Rickerts, I'll take the second watch.

Moon hesitated a moment as the three went into the tent. She knew that Jason would not do anything that would put them into danger, but she could not help but think that Zoroark and her son would bring danger to the group. She went inside and curled up against Grace and fell into a shallow sleep. She noticed that once Rickerts was distracted enough by the night, Zoroark got up and wandered a bit away that was just barely out of her psychic senses. She saw the female scratch at the ground but could not sense what. Though she watched, unintentionally, as the female relieved herself before returning to her son's side.

---

A Pidgey woke everyone up in the morning, he demanded that he had his feeding grounds back. Zoroark nearly vaporized the poor bird in a Shadow Ball attack. She pulled back on the power at the last moment and sent it flying away from them. Jason grumbled as he hit the side of the cooking pot he was cooking breakfast in. He began to dish out the scrambled Blissey/Delibird egg meal onto the tins they used last night. Everyone gathered silently and ate the small meal then broke camp. By midmorning, they had stopped at the market in the city. Jason found it odd that even across the sea, his Weedle silk shirts were popular. He stepped inside, despite the staring Sam and Flare was undergoing, and went directly to the section where his shirts were being sold.

"Can I help you, young man?" The stocking clerk asked him. "Yes, I would like to know who priced my products twice over the original price." "Trying to weasel your way into a better deal are you?" The clerk muttered under her breath. Jason looked inside the shirt and found the tag that he had the sewers place on the inner bottom of the shirt. "Look here, lady, then look at my card." The woman went pale as she read the patent owner then his card. She dropped the freight then ran off towards the back. He waited expecting an upset manager, instead he got the visiting market manager and branch manger to show up. The two gentlemen stood tall and proud, almost twice his height, but he did not flinch for he had a business to run as well. "May I ask why you are impersonating-" "I am the owner of the Weedle Sweeters and you double my price. Import or not, you are losing money by doing this crap. They can order from my base store outlet online for a third of this-as long as they buy twenty or more in an order. You tell me why I'm here? Hmm? Maybe it's because I'm travel and scoping out new retailers, or maybe it is because I got wind of a third party scandal." Jason kept his voice as even as possible. "Sir, I am going to have to ask you to leave. I will call the authorities." "Fine, but your contract is void!" Jason pulled his Pokﾃｨtch out and dialed Parzaa's store. "Mike, it's Jason. Void out Johto's contract, they are selling double our price... Sure, make sure it is perfectly clear that the sellers here have been charging too much and give the Johto people who wish to order a twenty-five percent discount on single orders. No business offers. Thanks, Mike." He made sure he waited long enough in the building for the men to hear the full conversation then left the building. Each country, he knew, ran on it's own pricing system but he was plenty strict on the contracts with the pricing on his products. They would have been fine adding twenty percent to cover import fees and still make a profit, but to double that...

Outside, Jason found that young children had gathered around Lisa and Grace while they tried to keep them from Sam and Flame. He smiled, it was a far better reprieve to see this than having found a mob of women trying to pass design ideas to him.

"Having problems?" A little. Lisa rarely used telepathy, though she was in the middle of telling off a young boy's Growlithe. "Is it alright with you two?" Jason turned to Sam and Flame who in turn smiled then pushed passed Lisa. Sam growled playfully. Alright, younglings, who thinks they can take down a Legendary duo? A young boy raised his hand as he reached for a ball but was stopped as a paw knocked him to the ground and a wet tongue slathered his cheek. The boy squealed then wrapped his arms around Sam's neck. Looks like you lose. Flame laughed out telepathically in her gender hiding voice. She was then tackled by the rest of the group, she playfully rolled over.

Jason allowed them to play for a while before breaking them up with a half lie about finding their cousin. They children whined and reluctantly gave up their wrestling with Legendaries and slowly parted. Jason recalled Sam and Flame, though not without a complaint from the female, then the trio went to the tower. A guard warned them that it was not safe to enter anymore since an earthquake made everything unstable. Jason asked where he could find information about Raikou, but the man shrugged him off and pointed him to the still standing tower. So that's where they went, and even in there, they were shrugged off. Jason grumbled as they went back outside.

"Curses... foiled again." Jason stated quietly, receiving a chuckle from the ever quiet Moon. "At least somebody knows the clichﾃｩ. Alright gals, we're flying to Pallet Town. We'll just talk the expert of experts instead of wandering around without a clue. "Wouldn't it be easier just to have Sam and Flame run us over?" Jason jumped as a little bug that hovered beside him spoke, he realized that it was Zoroark and Zorua hiding behind their illusions. "Yes, but we are among the land where flying means that you are a top Trainer. I would rather scare other Trainers off that way and we won't get bothered in the air anyway." "Fine." "Clair, come on out." "I need you Salamence." Rex, join us. The three Trainers tossed their balls and out came the flyers. They would follow the standards, but Zoroark insisted on flying on the larger of the three which meant that her son and her climbed onto Salamence behind Lisa. Then they took off leaving behind people who had gasped at the Pokﾃｨmon who were Trainers themselves. Land below, space above, nothing seemed better to Jason. Though the trip was remarkably short, he enjoyed the feeling of the icy winds against his skin. As soon as they landed, Jason saw what looked like a Pikachu carrying a red hat in its mouth. He smiled figuring that was the world famous rodent. The trio went to the lab after recalling their mounts and releasing one voice. They entered the lab and heard a weak voice call out to them.

"Sorry, the starters are not ready, and no, I do not have any Pikachus. So please-" An elderly man walked around a bookcase and started as he saw Jason and the two Pokﾃｨmon. "Oh, you are not here for starters. Are you?" "No, I got my partner from Professor Jaclyn. Though my daughters and I-" "Daughters? You must be from Samoah." "Yes, I now live near the small town of Parzaa." "Ah yes, been there. Is that Jovah still running the place? How is he?" "Yes, and not well. Though I did help him a lot just by throwing in a bit too much Trainer talk with him. Rest and Recover did wonders but it did not fully help him." "I see. Well, how may I help in you matters?" "I seek the Legendary Raikou then the birds. I must ask for their help." "Ah, yes, you must seek Trainer/Champion Red. He was here in his home a few hours ago, I don't know if he is still here, that boy cannot sit still for long. Though to get him to talk, you will have to battle him." Sir, while he does that, is it alright if I stay and ask a few questions? Lisa pushed by Jason. Oak smiled and offered his arm to her. "Be good, Lisa." Jason walked out then walked around the town of ten actual houses and found the one that house Trainer Red.

With Grace and Moon at his side, and with Zoroark hiding among her illusions, they went up to the door and knocked. The sound echoed loudly within. Jason counted up to thirty seconds then knocked again. There was no sound from inside, but the crackling of an electric charge sounded behind them. Without thinking, Jason tossed Flame's ball behind him while Grace sent out Rex. They turned to face a young man, closing in on his twenties, and a battle hardened Pikachu. Neither moved when they saw the Entei. Jason smiled as he leaned on Flame's haunches.

"Grace, Moon would have been a better choice to send out. Rex is a Flying type and would seriously get hurt with electrical attacks, you should know that personally." "You talk to that Plusle like it is a Trainer." The voice from the young man sounded like he had been gurgling rocks and acid. Jason looked closer and saw that there was the hint of illness in the man's gaze. "She's my daughter, my youngest. My other is talking to Oak. He told us you could help us find the Raikou clan. Along with the other Legendaries. Mew finds me on her own though. Arceus... is, well, the master behind why I must find the Guardians of the Elements." Jason released Sam. He immediately eyed the Electric type and began to worry some." "Hey, how ya doing?" Pikachu said, the high pitched tones only hurt the aged and experienced tone from him. Sam only nodded. "Yeah, I can tell you where to find them. But you have to win it from me." "Did not expect anything different. Oh, here comes Lisa." They waited for the Lucario femme to join them. "Would you care to test my girls as well? They have yet tried their skills as a Trainer." "I would be happy to, one on one?" "Sure, I'll let you choose my battler. Only fair for me, I like a challenge." "Suicune." Sam backed up a step then looked at Jason desperately. "No." "Too bad, Sam, you need the exercise and I am confident in your skills." "You can understand us?" Pikachu asked as he poised himself for battle. "Yep, I can understand Pokﾃｨ. I have Moon there to thank for that. Zoroark, where are you and your son?" A paw on his shoulder and a shimmer of light revealed the Zor family. "Flame, Return. Sam, Hydro Pump." Sam thoughtlessly attacked the Pikachu as his mate returned to her ball. The Pikachu took the hit then shook off the water. "Volt Tackle." "Dodge then strike with Aurora Beam." Pikachu zoomed passed the Suicune and took the strike up the tail. "Thunderbolt while you recover." "Dodge with Blizzard." Before the rat could even release the attack, the area became shrouded in a snowstorm. Sam quietly moved to the Pikachu as the Thunderbolt struck his previous location. "Ice Fang!" The Blizzard faded away as the Pikachu was captured within Sam's mouth and quickly froze. Sam went over to the Trainer and gently laid the Pikachu down at his feet. "Pikachu? Huh, you beat him. I'm impressed." "Lisa, you're up." "Serperior, it's your turn!." "Grass type starter, high level of experience, and a tendency to squeeze its prey to death." Zoroark stated as Lisa took Jason's spot. Salamence, your field! She sent out the dragon and already was concocting a strategy to win. "Let's start with Gastro Acid." A stream of yellow-green liquid sprayed from the grass snake and hit Salamence in the face. He wiped it off as if it were nothing. Right, Dragon Claw then take to the air. Lisa crossed her arms, she felt like she was the one that was supposed to be there not the dragon. The dragon went in for the strike. The attack missed but he did not stop to look why. "Good work, Sunny Day." Red moved about to avoid getting dust in his eyes. Why, thank you for that. Salamence, use Flamethrower on your way down. "Coil up as tight as you can, hide!" "Bye, bye, snaky." Lisa chuckled then stepped back. Maximum flame, burn the grass! The yard suddenly became a fire field as the dragon blasted it from above. The snake sprang from its coil and soared up at the dragon as it hissed quietly. "Aerial Ace." "Wow." Jason muttered as he watched the battle, he noticed that Lisa was fidgeting and yet strangely focused at the same time. Recover from it and smack it back down with Heat Wave! Red's jaw dropped, he knew that this battle was over. A bright ball of red came from the dragon then a sudden gust of intense heat. The snake dropped and did not move. Red recalled his Pokﾃｨmon with a sigh. "Right, Grace here has our young, Rex and Moon are her fighters. So, do you have any freshly hatched you want to use?" "Actually yes, that is why we came back home. Deino, let's go." Grace jumped onto Lisa's head then tossed out Mickey's ball. Jason gasped then stood firm, it had to be done eventually. Mickey, it's time to play. Sing for the girl. Moon shifted uneasily beside Lisa as she watched this. Mostly mirroring Jason's emotions. The Azurill started to sing a lullaby for the dragoness, the little one fell over and started to snore. Red grumbled. All right, sugar, now use Ice Beam like your mommy does. Freeze that beauty! "For a deaf girl, she sure does have a lot to say." Zoroark muttered into Jason's ear, he agreed. Keep it up... Good, now finish this off with Body Slam! And make it hurt! Mickey used his tail to bounce into the air then came down hard onto Deino's head. A cloud of dust obscured the scene. As the dust settled, Mickey waddled out just as happy as he could be. The dust settled and the Deino's head was in a hole. She pulled out and growled. "About time, Thunder Fang." Jason had to admit that the dragoness was quick on her feet. She struck Mickey on the back of the head surging electricity through him. He screamed. Secret Power. Hurry up! Mickey glowed brightly then started to kick the living daylights out of the dragoness. She grunted with each kick then collapsed. Mickey huffed then smiled. "WIN!" He shouted, Red jumped. "Your Azurill just... talked." "Yeah, it's in his blood. Great work, son." Jason said as Grace recalled him. "Now, about those Legendaries..."

Chp 17

A week after the trip to Pallet town, Jason, Lisa, Grace, and the Zor family found themselves searching the nearby Viridian Forest for clues for their first stop. Grace had to recall Moon after she stated that she was getting worn out from the "Constant circles" they were taking. As soon as they did find the powerful, very well hidden, Moss Covered Stone they were to head directly north of it. There was no stopping the trio from finding that rock including the weak Trainers that jumped them from time to time. Grace took on most of them allowing the children to gain experience in battles and get their exercise. Once a young boy pegged Lisa in the back of the head with a Pokﾃｨball, it was the last thing the boy saw for a few hours. An Aura ball to the gut of a Trainer whom never saw it coming did have those kind of effects on them. They did venture out of the forest to Viridian City to heal up and re-supply themselves once. But as soon as the rock showed itself, so did a band of guardian Pokﾃｨmon. Apparently, outsiders were not allowed to see the stone, which is why nobody knew about it but Red. Red said he was brought here once by Celebi herself, at least one Celebi, and revealed his destiny to him about a certain quest of his. Between the Scythers and Heracross and Pinsirs, Jason saw the ancient path used by wild Eevees and other Pokﾃｨmon so they could evolve into what they wanted.

"Please, allow us to pass, we are on a mission for Mew. We only have to use the Stone for a waypoint to find the Raikou clan." They did not speak only moved into a fighter's stance. "Don't even try to harm our father!" Lisa growled, her paws starting to glow blue with the Aura power she controlled.

Her action got some to shift slightly. But what got their attention was a silent thunderbolt striking the ground between them. Suddenly a lone Pikachu ran up, Jason recognized it as Red's though right now he was very 'Red-less,' he stared at the guards then turned to Jason.

"Come, Warrior of Arceus, I will show you the way." The Pikachu walked between the bugs, they hurriedly dispersed.

The group followed, Grace took the moment to climb onto Jason's shoulders and kept an eye on her fellow electric user. When the Pikachu turned out of sight or got too far ahead, she would send out a spark in the direction she saw him go. The Pikachu certainly got them lost on the already unmarked trails; they knew he did it to keep the solid path hidden to them. Once they finally did get to see the Stone, Pikachu pointed them north then disappeared. Jason thanked the empty air then looked his adopted girls. The Plusle and Lucario smiled at him as best as their faces allowed, which was still impressive given they were non-human. "Well, here goes nothing. Sam, Flame, come on out." Jason waited for the two Legendaries to appear before returning the balls to his belt. "Supposedly we go north from here. I do hope that we will not get attacked on the way there." "Considering that the Legendaries were to leave the Kanto/Johto region about a decade or so ago, you might get attacked before us. Just be prepared for anything... and keep your head low." Sam squatted as Lisa climbed onto his back. "I could use my power to make you look like another Zoroark, but I need constant contact." "Just don't let Azu know that. Zorua, ride with Lisa. I want the keep Flame's load as light as possible." The boy grumbled but did as he was told since his mother placed him in Lisa's open arm as she gripped Grace with the other. Then Zoroark and Jason climbed onto Flame's back and settled into a comfortable spot. "Sam, take point."

Sam zoomed off without a thought, Flame was right behind him. Zoroark did as she said, though he could not tell. As they ran through the trees, Jason could not help but feel like they were being followed. He turned to look behind them, he saw nothing. He nearly fell off as Flame slid to a halt, a creature unknown to her stood in the path, Sam stood not two feet away from her staring at the thing. The creature held a sword in each hand, its head hung low. It did not move, as though it was a wall, not sign of life on it. It looked up suddenly, its eyes as black as coal. It once was human, that Jason knew. "I am here for your heads. Master demands it!" "Who is your master?" Lisa asked quietly not really getting an answer from it. "The Dark One if you must know. And He will use your skulls to vacate his bowls with. I saw truly as he does. Now! DIE!" The creature lifted its swords and took one step. It was enveloped in a Thunder attack from Grace. Jason gulped; he was forced to call this a life or death situation. He felt his nerves crumble under the pressure. Finally he decided against death. "Kill it. We cannot risk our lives yet. This thing is no match for us. Save me those swords."

Jason jumped to the ground as Sam and Flame attacked. Lisa charged an Aura sphere then tossed it at pointblank as Sam charged it. Flame spewed liquid fire over it as Grace struck it again with a powerful Thunder. Pieces started to melt off of it, yet it just smiled swung a blade through the air cancelling the attacks. Jason cursed loudly as he involuntarily took a step back. The others faulted upon hearing him swear, except for Grace, of course, she attacked again. Stars as brilliant as the sun itself came from her and struck home. Then she used Charge before using Thunder. She panted as she retreated to a safer distance as she looked at the others. She calmed herself as the others focused their attacks. She still had Last Resort, one attack she had never used since learning it a few weeks ago. Her body went white; she charged at the creature then launched herself at it. Jason saw her do this and rushed in himself to try to break the swords from their wielder. She went for the face and struck as an Ice Beam and Flamethrower hit. An Aura sphere was not far behind. Sounds of ripping flesh and snapping bones erupted from the epicenter of the mess. Jason went for his target and wrenched free a hand still gripping onto a silver hilted long sword. He ripped the hand free then tossed it at the beast. He held onto it sloppily, but he knew the basics from mimicking the professionals at fairs when he was little. He let out a feral scream as he rushed in to attack himself. The group broke their attacks after that and jumped back. As the dust cleared from it, charred flesh remained. Grace slumped against Lisa and panted. Jason went in to attack again, but the body crumbled and vanished in a flash of bright light. Once the stars vanished from his eyes, an elderly Raikou stood on the other side of the ashen remains.

"Keep the blade, Warrior of Arceus, it suits you." It was male, old and wise beyond Jason's thinking. "I foresaw your coming and rushed to help you. Sadly, I could not prevent the Child of the Blackened Moon from sending his warrior to you. Please, join us. Volunteers have lined up to battle to be the strongest choice for your guidance." They followed the elder wordlessly. Tired beyond measure, they knew that before long they would have to rest. As the clan home came into view, Jason heard someone gasp. He was panting too hard to follow suit. At least a thousand of Raikou clambered about a rocky Cliffside and below them a large arena filled with combatants dueling for the strongest of the strong title.

The elder lead them up a well beaten path that stopped at a vista of the arena. Machops dragged up stumps for bipeds and oddly crafted buckets full of water and berries. The group did not protest, they ate and drank. Zoroark clutched her son, she knew that creature all too well, it once was her 'handler' and that the Dark One blessed him to keep an eye on her. Hopefully, that would be an end of the torture he brought to her.

"Let the champions come forth." The elder shouted over the noisy crowd, the entire clan went silent as they heard his voice. Twenty-five warriors came forward; they appeared to be of all ages. "Clear the arena! Forge the field for them!" Someone below shouted. "Warrior of Arceus, standing before you is the strongest of warriors this clan has to offer you. They are willing to battle to the death for you." "Let's not let it come to that. Arceus has chosen the Guardian already; let the choice come to our knowledge." "As you wish. Warriors, you submit defeat, you leave the arena! The Holy choice has been placed upon you. Only the chosen will pass. Begin!"

Jason took a long drag at his water bucket as multiple battles began. His eyes were on a runt amongst the others. The warrior was quick, the attacks fierce, yet the warrior was foolhardy. Running headfirst into the fight and taking the first hit, always. Before he knew it, ten warriors had submitted. The runt howled in victory as it readied itself for the next fight. He leaned forward to watch the next battles intently. He did not know that Sam and Flame were watching the same one just as focused; somehow they already knew the winner. The elder chuckled as he studied the group. He quickly noticed they saw as one despite of what they thought. He could not help but think that he would have to lead his clan into battle behind the Warrior's name. This thought saddened him, but if the Father wanted him to do so, then he would. He would have to meditate on it before the Warrior left. The final round was starting; it had dropped down to a One-on-Four match. The runt howled out as the battle commenced letting the Melee Royale take on the full speed. It attacked once and dropped two; the remaining allowed the downed ones crawl away before attacking again. The three attacked with full force. They struck hard enough on each other that a shockwave struck the crowd. An explosion erupted suddenly then several cracks of thunder sounded as attacks struck. The cloud blew away slowly in the gentle air current leaving behind three downed targets. One stood and howled as it realized it was the only one conscious, it was the runt.

"Well, well. The youngling managed to win after all. Even after going against her father's wishes, she still wins and gains the glare of her father." The Elder rose from his spot then went to the edge and roared. "The Champion shall now go through the rite. Champion, come to the Elder's post and await your orders!" "Wait, she's a cub?!" Sam gasped out trying to keep his voice under control. "Indeed, it is in her blood. I figured that she would succeed. Her father was the one who helped the Human Guardian. I assume it is the same for you two as well. Though young, she will be a strong paw in the upcoming clash. Excuse me; I have a Champion to send to Arceus for her path." Jason watched as the youngling came up the path, truly she was a cub; she only came up to his chest at her shoulders. He saw the dramatic change in her as she entered the alcove. From hyperactive to a stern calm. "Elder, I have come as requested. I await your orders." The Elder beckoned her over to him; Jason saw what looked like nightshade and sage in his maw as she trotted over to him. He laid the plants down then touched them with a single claw; they ignited and began to smoke. A cloud began to form; he drew a deep breath then blew the cloud into her face. "Breathe deep, child, let the vapor take you." The Elder sat on his haunches and placed a paw on her brow. She took a breath, and if it was not for the Elder's paw, she nearly swooned forward.

Jason chewed on his lip as he watched the young female go on the brink of death itself. She gasped after a moment and backed away from the smoke. Her breathes came heavy and deep, her eyes dilated in the overall high. When she came back down she laid and started to bawl.

"I will never be able to return home. My blood must protect the Sword blood until the end of time. I am the Blade of Thunder, and I am to give myself to the Sword fully. I...I don't even know what that means. Am I to declare myself mate to someone I have never met? Am I even ready for that?" "Well, I can tell you this, Blade, I already have a mate and a child." Jason said as she looked at him. "You are more than welcome to try to fight Azu for that. You may have the type advantage, but I think she would gut you without a second thought." "The name's Loraline." "Not around other humans its not. Pack what you have, say your good byes, and be ready to leave by morning. Lisa, me and you need to talk." "Oh no," Lisa muttered, she knew what he wanted. "We'll send Tryanitar back, she's not too happy being out of the Tree anyway." "Very well, but that was not what I wanted to talk about." "Then what?" "The fight, you seemed... hesitant. Were you afraid of hitting us?" "You. Hitting you. Grace can take a hit from me and live... humans... not so much. I-" Lisa stopped and brought her paw to her mouth and chewed on the spike. Jason had never seen her do that, he figured she was having a flash back. Even when the kid in the forest attacked her with a Pokﾃｨball, she only used a little bit of her power to knock him out. He scooted up beside her and pulled her paw away. "You're going to chew it off. You read the manual, you know that in Trainer's School we take on every attack possible to learn its effect on us. If I could not take a hit from your Aura, I would have said so. But if it makes you feel any better next time we get into an all out fight like that, shout out the attack or call on someone else like a true Trainer." "What about you? You could have called on someone else." "I did, sweety, I did. I called on Sam and Flame. If I could yell at Grace I would, but she held her own. More so than I imagined she could. Now. You take the others and rest. I need to see if the Elder is willing to talk to me. I will see you later." Jason lean over and kissed her on top of her muzzle then rose to go talk to the Elder.

Later that evening, dinner of fine meats had been brought out. Jason refused to ask what they were. Then actors of the clan clad in what looked like Entei and Suicune costumes gathered in the midst of the area. The Elder rose and nudged Loraline towards the other actors. There was an inquisitive hush of the crowd. "Is this the story of the First?" Sam asked quietly as the Elder passed by him and Flame. "Yes it is." "If I may be so bold... can we play the parts? The current Guardians of the Land have been gathered after all." Flame just stared at Sam with fire in her eyes. She did not make a sound though. "You are our guests, I would not dare to allow myself to ask that. But since you asked, Blade of Water, you may join if you wish." "Yes! Come on, Flame." Sam rushed ahead and gracefully donned the ceremonial relic from the Suicune actor. It was a replica, he knew, for only the clans of the original Guardians still had the original pieces. Luckily, Loraline was being garnished by the real thing. "Oh, I am so going to kill him." Flame muttered. "I have not done this since I was a cub younger than her."

Flame went out and allowed a servant Machop to put a golden flame charm around her neck. Sam had a water charm, and Loraline had the gleaming thunder charm. She stiffened as soon as it was clasped. An odd feeling taking over, though not a bad one, just one that told her that she was doing this just as those before her have done. It was sacred. The Elder took his place behind a wooden podium-like object, Lisa sat at an angle to Grace ready to mirror in Sign, but Grace just released Moon with a smile.

"Friends, Family, Allies. We have gathered before us, three of our strongest Champions. Before they leave this gathered council tonight, we have brought them forward to join in the most sacred act any one of us can perform. They shall call forth the Father and beg for his blessing on the task before them. For they fight in His name and they shall die for His name. To protect the alliance He set up amongst the predators of all of our kind, the Humans. That He gives us all His blessing will assure us that we shall remain for all ages to come. Begin, our Champions, you have the blessing of the Elders of the Three Clans to proceed. FIRE!" The Elder took on his task as has been practiced for years. "I am the Champion of Fire, with my very essence I call forth the fiery wrath that our Father can bestow upon us all without mercy!" Flame spat a fire ball into a pit in the center of the Trio. "WATER!" Another voice shouted, most likely another elder that represented the Water Clan of old. "I am the Champion of Water, with my essence I call forth the watery depth of the sea which was that of our Father's tears from whence the first of our kind was killed without mercy." Sam spat a ball of water into the pit. "THUNDER!" Cried a third. "I am the Champion of Thunder, with my essence I call forth the booming voice of our Father, for without it, He cannot speak to us all." Loraline spat a ball of electricity into the pit. A pillar of smoke arose from it, sending water, fire, and electric sparks everywhere. The Champions held their ground. Everyone else seemed to gasp quietly. A young male was tossed away from the pit screaming, but landed gently. Then the smoke parted to reveal a magnificent beast with golden rings to its side. A white and black pelt covered it with golden socks to adorn its paws. It seemed to float down to the ground to the very three champions.

"Normally, I would have just watched this ceremony without interrupting. But since the First have joined their very essences for me today, I could not resist coming personally and giving my blessing. Even today, the blood of the Human champion is here. Though he may not know of his ancestors, I met the strong male then as I have in this present. My blessings are upon you, my Champions. But there are still others you must gain. My own son rebels, without your help, darkness shall reign and the balance shall shift. Then I will die. Balance must be restored. Take heed! You follow a hard path, give yourselves fully to the Blade of Life, for without him, everything will perish." Arceus waved his paw over the three, the charms shattered. "Take these, when the time comes, you will know how to use the power within and save this world of mortals. Fear not death, but fear it self. Fight my child and send him back to me, his sister will come to finish the task. Blade of Life, rise and present your prize from your challenge."

Jason rose from his hard piece of ground and brought forth the silver hilted blade. He came to kneel in front of the beast with the blade held in both hands above his head. The ten foot tall beast looked down on him then without a word, sliced his paw on its edge. The blood transformed the metal into a blood red and divine gold mixture, the gold swirled around the blade from the very point to the pummel. The pummel itself shifted and grew pure jewels of every kind until it sparkled with its own light. Then with a single drop of blood, Arceus tapped Jason on the head. A sheath appeared in front of Jason as he stared at the ground, unflinching.

"Arise, Jason, New Guardian of Life, for now I have given you the strength of old. You will be able to tap into the power of Groudon and Kyogre. With it, comes the knowledge of the Blade of Breath and Blood and how to use it. My children, my blessings and eyes are upon you, always. I shall guide you, always." A crack of thunder sounded and Arceus vanished. "I know how to fight with a sword. This sword. What did He give you?" Jason said as he looked over the blade. "Charms of new powers." Sam stated. "I think I am strength." "I am wisdom." Flame chuckled as she blushed heavily under her fur. "Energy, I suppose." "So, um, what now?" "Well, the only brother/sister pairs I know are Latios and Latias then Cresselia and Darkrai. So, I guess we seek them out after we search for the birds." "ELDER!" Loraline shouted as she saw the elderly male collapse. She ran to his side and tried her best to wedge herself under the bigger male. "Loraline, don't. He is having a heart attack. Allow me." Jason said in a calm tone, almost as if he were a different being. He went to the Elder and pierced his finger to the point that it dripped freely with blood then he stuck the finger into the Elder's mouth. "With my essence I command Life itself, and thus I command you. Arise! For your task is yet completed!" The Elder gasped and jumped to his feet and looked around. Jason blinked as though he was awaking from a trance. "What happened?" The two asked in near harmony. Loraline just stared at the two for a moment. "The Human saved your life. I mean, my Master saved your life." "You are not a slave, child. Don't call me that. Besides, I have yet to use a Ball on you." "Then I must thank you, Child of our Father, for allowing me to go on. I have seen the Father, I am ready for the day He calls me to Him. But until then, I will send word to the other Clans that a gathering must happen again. Go well children, and listen to His whispers." "What about resting?" Loraline asked as the Elder started to walk away. "You are Energy itself, think about it." She grumbled and looked to Jason in a sad manner. "Don't worry, I don't plan on leaving while it is dark. When day breaks, we'll make a trip to a human settlement so we can do the dirty work." "Fine. Um, I think Daddy wants to talk to you." Loraline backed away slowly.

Jason turned around to see an overly muscular Raikou with a jagged scar down his face. The scar looked less than a decade old.

"Sir?" Jason straightened up his posture and tried to act like a warrior. "Stop the act, I know you are only a child yourself. If anything happens to mine... Just be prepared to deal with my wrath." "I think she will be able to handle herself rather well. Especially with training. I am sure you know what I mean. It's not like she is the first one to be taking in by a Trainer, though I am sure she is the youngest." "That she is. I helped stop the destruction of this realm a few times myself, I feel that I will be needed again soon. But she is the one to stop a war amongst Pokﾃｨmon themselves, that I sense. You treat her as you would a mate with egg, you hear me?" "Loudly." The male snorted then retreated to another Jason guessed was a mate. He turned to find Loraline missing. As he searched further, he found her cowering against Flame. A servant Machop came up to remove the podium, Jason went up to the young male. "Excuse me, is there a more private place for my team to rest at, a place where mates could be with each other?" "The clan has already been instructed to look the other way should there be any scents or sounds of mating occurring among your followers. You could freely mate here if you wish, though I am sure some of the younger ones will break the Elder's wishes and watch as you do so." "I never had an audience before, that may add to the loving. Thank you."

Jason rejoined his family and took the eldest of his walking group and told them what he was told. Flame grew very interested at this as did Lisa. Lisa grabbed after Adrian's ball, but was smacked away. Jason then said that they needed to get the younger two asleep before anything else. They agreed to that, mostly. Sam did not like the look Flame was giving him, even if he wanted the sex.

After Grace and Loraline finally fell asleep, the couple's night began by first releasing Champ, Clair, Azu, and Adrian. Then they made their way out of their makeshift den despite Jason's wishes, they wanted to stay as a group this time and have some joined fun. Jason just blushed, he would have rather been back home or in his tent when it came to sex after thinking about it. The group found several adolescents moving away from the clan, they decided to follow them. The "teenagers" unknowingly led the group to a secluded cove where many couples cuddled together. The slow movements stopped as the adults walked up. Many blushed and quickly parted from their selected partners. Sam chuckled as he looked around.

"Hey now, don't let the party stop before it even starts. As long as you all don't tell on us, we won't tell on you. Right, gang?" "Mmm, I don't mind a little mix-up. That is if you don't." Flame gave Sam a loving lick. "Okay, who are you and what have you done with my Entei?" Jason asked with a slight sarcastic tone. "Oh, she's tied up in the basement and being whipped by a wet noodle." "I see, she's just came into her heat." Jason smiled. "Smells that way... whelp, I'm game for a little show." Sam bumped against her. "Don't even think about it." Lisa growled as Adrian shifted slightly. "I have the same warning." Azu poked Jason. "But I do want to watch her go at it." "Really? Never mind, I won't try." "Clair?" Champ asked quietly. "No. You are mine." A loud thump came afterwards, the group turned to see that Clair had pinned Champ and started to pull his member out to the world to view. "And I will prove it to all of them!" Jaws dropped, mostly in the adolescent crowd. The sight alone of the dragoness dominating her mate was enough for most of the males to become aroused. There were plenty of male couples, Jason noticed- not that it bothered him any- and a couple already began to work on a more intimate act. This truly got the party going, the blast of pheromones in the air sent the younger Pokﾃｨmon into a mating frenzy. The elder ones watched for a moment, then joined in as everything became too much to resist. Even Jason could not resist the flow, given he was shot down with a blow to the knees then Azu pouncing him. Flame had wedged herself under a mating male couple and had started to lap at the bottom male's member as Sam dry humped her rear a few times before striking home. The chain quickly grew as another young couple dropped beside them and one wedged their muzzle under Flame to lick at her hidden teats while that one was pounded by their partner.

Jason was in heaven, Azu bounced freely on his groin while he had the sex train on one side of him and several pairs on the other. He barely heard his mate growl, but he did realize why she did, a lone female squatted down on Jason's face and grinded her dripping wet labia on him. He licked happily enticing a growl from the gal. He lost track of the time it took for her to get her fill of his face, he just knew that after three orgasms, she left and a male back up over him. He feared that the male was going to force oral on him, but with some relief, he back up to get Azu to service him as he leaned down to clean Jason's face. His eyes, Jason noticed, were hazy, as though he was nearly blind, and on top of that, they were glazed over with lust. The male grunted and arched his back, Jason knew that Azu was using a gentle, yet strong pressured Water Gun on his shaft. The male howled out as he quickly lost his control and let loose a torrent of electricity through the three of them. Jason felt Azu tense up briefly then went back to her tasks. The flow did not hurt him, but he was sure the Water type felt it. The male came back down to earth and quivered on his shaky legs then rolled off to the side. He panted as he sprawled out beside Jason, which he then got to see the male's massive spear. It stood out against his cream colored underbelly, a deep blood red. The shaft was tapered and visible barbs ran down it. A mass that looked slightly like a knot at the base suggested that this male may not be a pure blooded Raikou, but Jason was not in the mood to ask. Jason finally lost it, his load and stamina blew in a feral roar as Azu milked him. Her pace was unusually slow, when Jason looked up at her, he saw that she had been servicing plenty of males while Jason was preoccupied. She slumped down unto his belly and panted and covered his semen. Jason smiled as he soon came back up to par. Jason smiled, and tapped the male beside him. The male looked at him and saw Jason nod towards his mate. His response was to splay his legs then wink at him. Jason quickly grabbed Azu and pulled her off him with a grin. As Jason maneuvered around to the backside of the male, he placed her ass gentle at his groin. She gave him the dead eye look, but he ignored it and forced her to lean back onto the male's stomach. The male gasped at this and quickly gave a thrust sending the head of his member into Azu's virgin tail hole. She gasped at the sudden stretching and a second penetration as Jason lay on top of her and forced his way into her. Even though he was in her, he still gently forced her onto the male below. She howled in pain as she was forced to hilt the large male within her ass. Jason waited a moment for her to get used to the shaft before giving the male below the go ahead. Jason quickly matched the male's pace, he winced as she bit his stomach to keep from howling out. Jason and the male slowly gained speed. The male did find it difficult to thrust upwards, but he was not about to complain and lose the extreme tightness of the Azumarill on his stomach. The males looked deep into the other's eyes then grinned at each other with understanding. They were very much alike, in a sense. They were loners amongst their own kind and this was a bridge in the gap of social differences. They both howled as their unnoticed orgasms took hold, they filled the stuffed Water Pokﾃｨmon to the brim as she leaked her own fluids onto them. The trio huffed and panted as they virtually collapsed. The male slowly withdrew his barbed shaft back into his sheath then allowed his eyes to close. Jason rolled away and slumped beside him equally exhausted. Azu just lay on the male's stomach, too sore to move. She noticed that everything had died down, except for Flame and Sam. She closed her eyes and quickly fell asleep.

---

Jason, where the hell are you? A voice called out within his head. "Just five more minutes, mom, it's Saturday." Jason! The voice yelled jolting Jason awake. Better, now... so that's where you all are. Humph, I am glad that Grace did not wake up to the sight. You have two worried little girls down here in this ravine. You best wake everyone... and don't forget to dress. Jason was too dumbfounded to talk back, he looked down at himself then blindly grabbed for his strewn out clothes. He noticed that the male and Azu never moved from the position they had stopped in. He groaned as his back protested moving after laying on rock.

"What a night," Jason muttered. The male snorted beside him as he woke. "I concur, wholeheartedly. The name's Hazel." "Jason." Jason responded as he picked Azu up and cradled her limp form as he would a toddler. "This is Azu. About last night..." "Best night of my life. Don't worry, I'm clean. She was my first. I have a bad habit of being unsociable and just watch the others from the bushes. I really don't know why I came out and did that stuff." "Don't know either, but I'm just hoping she doesn't kill me when she wakes." "I doubt it, judging from that bruise there, she loved it. May I ask to join you? I know you have your Champion and all, but I really don't fit in here and I would like to see different places." "I don't mind at all, the more fighters the better in the end." "Sweet. I'll meet you in the ravine in a while... I probably should wake the others before their parents wake. Um, you may want to cover your ears." "Go for it."

Hazel shrugged and let out a low roar, somehow it did not echo. The couples rose slowly, and all looked at Hazel then the sky before bounding off. Jason's group rose with them, Lisa hissed as she rubbed her back and pulled a sharp rock free. Then Jason recalled his team to allow them to rest up, except for Sam. Sam grumbled as Lisa and Jason climbed onto his back. He raced off down into the ravine and to the cave where they were supposed to sleep.

Jason smiled sleepily at the three females even though Moon was chewing them out, he did not hear it. "We'll be leaving as soon as we pick up another. Then we'll go to the closet Human settlement so we can complete the first duty of the Champion's duty." Jason jumped off of Sam's back long enough to grab Lisa's and his packs. "Another? Who?" Loraline asked. "A male called Hazel." Loraline's jaw dropped and a solid blush revealed itself. "How?" "He asked. Don't ask for details, I am not speaking of it." "Good, let's go." Loraline rushed by Sam and looked outside. "Someone's got a crush." Sam chuckled. "Yep, I'd say so. Grace, go with Loraline, please." Grace nodded then recalled Moon before climbing up the Raikou's leg. Sam walked up beside Loraline and spoke calmly, "Try to keep me in sight at all times. With you not being protected by the Trainer's contraptions, you are vulnerable to other humans. Even if you do have a Trainer on your back, she can't protect you from what she can't hear." "Understood."

She followed Sam out to the middle of the Ravine where they saw Hazel talking to the Elder and Loraline's parents. Her father placed a satchel around the younger male's neck then rubbed his head against the male's. Loraline stumbled as she recognized the gesture. Hazel had just gotten her father's blessing. The duo carriers came up beside Hazel, Loraline bowed carefully at the Elder then nuzzled her parents.

"Warriors, I wish you well. But to you two, a warning: Let no other humans besides the ones the Blade of Life okays to see you together. One must hide while the other protects. Am I clear? No unworthy human must learn that there are multiples of our kind." The two nodded. "If I may interject. Humans know there are multiples of the 'Legendaries' they just don't know the population size. They just know they are rarely seen and never in pairs unless two worthy Trainers are publicly battling their like Legendary partners." Zoroark appeared out of thin air behind the elder Raikou and walked around them with her son in her arms. "Are you ready to leave, sir? We have been waiting patiently outside the ravine." "Just about. Elder, thank you for your clan's hospitality. I hope, with your ingenuity, you can convince the others to join the upcoming war in His name. I am regretting to say this, but we must take our leave. We have a long journey ahead of us." "Very well." The elder trio turned and left them as Jason gave instructions to his own trio of runners.

---

The three ran off towards Viridian City, or rather the forest outskirts of it. They made camp in a small clearing under the cover of the trees. Then Jason told Grace to watch over the two Raikous as he and Lisa went into the City. She grumbled but agreed. Lisa and Jason huffed it to the PokﾃｨCenter and went straight to the counter and presented their teams to her. She looked at Lisa with shock as she looked at the belt. Lisa handed Joy her Trainer's Card then as the teams were being checked, they went to the PC and called the base. Morning Glory answered.

"Ah, sir, good morning. How is your journey?" "Great, we found our Raikou Guardian now we have to contact the birds." "Good luck. Are you sending any back here?" Lisa pushed her way into the camera view, "Yes, Tryanitar and Rickerts. Make sure to tell Ditch to keep an eye on Rickerts, I don't want to see anyone hurt while I am away." "Yes, madam. Is there anything else I need to pass on?" "No, I'll make contact again soon." "Very well." The Chansey closed the channel leaving the terminal screen black.

They went back to the counter and picked up their belts and then dropped the two balls into the storage containment unit that Jason had to pin the destination to the base. Then went to the market where Lisa picked up a graphic skin for a ball depicting an electrical storm and a pregnancy test. Jason questioned this but all he got was a 'Just in case.' Then it struck him, she planned on capturing Hazel. He grinned, he blamed the lack of sleep for his slow thinking. After they paid for her items, they went back to camp. Once there, they started a meal while Lisa pulled Hazel aside.

"Hazel, I wish to capture if that's alright." "Huh?" "To protect you, mostly, but I also want you to be my first capture. I wish to battle you as a Trainer would." A ping sounded beside them, Jason took the opportunity to capture Loraline then released her. Once free of the light, she shook as if freeing water from her pelt. "It would only be fair since you were not chosen to be with Jason." "Why not."

The two parted and Lisa grabbed a Pokﾃｨball and smiled.

Chp 18

"Go! Salamence!" The feminine voice of a Lucario shouted out as her minor skills of a growing Trainer shows in her eyes.

Her adopted father figure grinned as he watched her begin her battle with the Raikou known as Hazel among his clan. The Raikou did not wait for her to shout out a command, he blasted the dragon with Thunder. The dragon hissed in pain as he silently took the hit. "Stay grounded and use Flamethrower!" Lisa barked her orders at the submissive beast. The male did so and struck home. Hazel staggered back then batted at a burning patch of fur on his leg. Both males growled at each other; Hazel charged at the dragon with electricity flowing through his maw. The Raikou chomped down on the Salamence's muzzle and allowed the Thunder Fang attack to surge through his opponent. The Dragon type, however, had a different plan; he shot a stream of fire down the throat of his attacker. The Lucario Trainer shouted with glee as the Raikou broke away and coughed viciously. The male dropped down to one knee as he spat blood from an open mouth wound. A crackle in the air made the dragon pause. He knew that the Electric Legendary was not done. Hazel howled as another Thunder tore through the air from him to the dragon. Lisa shouted over the sound, but the attack struck she lifted the ball and waited for the dust from the dry ground to settle. The male surprised everyone, he still stood, wings shielding his body from the attack. The Raikou dropped his guard long enough for the Salamence to plaster the beast across from him with a molten stream of liquid. A blood-curdling scream came from the opponent then thumped loudly against the ground as he tried to roll out the flames.

"Now's your chance, dear." Advised the only human around, her adoptive father, Jason, crossed his arms and waited. "Pokﾃｨball, go!" She tossed an empty ball at the Thunder Pokﾃｨmon and waited for the capture to be completed.

The Pokﾃｨball rocked slowly, once... twice... trice. It pinged as the register completed itself. The ball sat there silently awaiting its owner to pick it up. Lisa yipped happily as she rushed to grab the ball, she then turned to Jason. "Go to the Center and heal them both, we'll stay here. Make sure you have your card handy." Jason turned around and went to the fire pit her adopted sister, a Plusle, had made during the battle. "Alone? Sure. Let's go Salamence." She hoped onto the dragon and flew off. "You sure that's wise?" An Espeon questioned. "It was bound to happen sometime. Best to do it here so close to the city and no other Trainers in sight." Jason answered the small female. "Besides, I know you are tracking Shadow anyway. You would send us to her aid if she needs it." "True enough. My senses tell me you won't get the flint to strike the fire going; you better call on one of the Fire Spitters." "Please don't call them that, it just sounds like a demeaning racial remark to me." "But that's... oh, never mind. How about Flame Tails then? Or is that demeaning as well?" Jason glared at her. "Fine then. The Chars." "Thank you. Now would you care to see to the kids before supper?" "As long as I don't get sprayed." "Show him who's boss." Jason said as he grabbed the remaining Pokﾃｨballs on his belt and released his team. "Champ, start the fire please. Clair, you might want to help Moon with the kids. Adrian, can you gather enough wood for the night? Sam, Flame, make out potential hiding spots for the more adventurous Pokﾃｨmon that may want to sneak up on us. Azu, are you willing to give me a quick shower?"

The team split up after confirming their tasks, though Flame was having obvious issues with her heat, she managed to control herself for the task. Azu and Jason wandered off behind a dense shrub to keep the young from eyeing his body. He stripped down then allowed Azu to spray him down with the cold water she produced. Once he felt clean again, Jason pulled on his pants and went back to the campfire to dry off. Azu, of course, begged for more from him. He could not help but chuckle and promise for a later time. Grace crawled out of her pup tent with her bag, waved briefly at her father then went back to the young Pokﾃｨmon. The clunking of wood sounded Adrian's return. The young male huffed then brushed the bark from his fur. None of them looked as the sound of heavy flapping came at them and the dragon landed. Jason waved behind him. The dragon came up behind Jason and leaned over his shoulder.

"Master, I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but my mistress is being detained by the humans. I barely escaped." "Great. Hold on a sec. We'll break camp as quick as we can and storm the town as peacefully as we can." Jason started barking orders, everyone quickly started to move.

Grace recalled the children and went to put her tent up. Moon became worried as they hastened their movements. Jason quickly recalled everyone on his team then the four of them teleported into Viridian City were Lisa was being held captive. Once Jason was able, he stormed into the PokﾃｨCenter and saw Lisa fighting the local Officer Jenny.

"What are you doing to my daughter!?" He demanded making everyone jump and turn their attention to him. "Sir, this cannot be your daughter nor can I allow you to interfere with-" "We are protected by Somoah laws, and by all rights you are the one offending an innocent. You are the one interfering." Jenny let go of the struggling Lucario and reached for her Pokﾃｨballs. "Do you have proof of your nationality?" "Right here. Moon?" Jason pulled out a dark green vinyl folder from his pocket, it held his Trainer's License and a copy of his girls' Licenses. Moon took the folder from his hands and levitated it to Jenny. "Lisa, recall your Salamence." Jason grumbled. "Return." Lisa commanded as she pulled the ball from her waist then placed the filled ball back on her belt. I told you I am a Trainer. Jenny muttered something then shoved the folder into Lisa's chest. "Your free to go. But be warned, next time I won't be so friendly." She placed her own ball back into its place then pushed passed the crowd. "When did you pick up a passport?" Lisa asked as she looked at the folder. "A couple days ago before we left home. I had Mike make one for us." So, what happened? Grace asked thanks to the mental reverb from Moon. "She just happened to walk up as I landed and rushed in. She grabbed me and accused me of being a thief." "Her superiors will learn about it soon enough, I'm sure. Have you gotten the chance to heal them up yet?" "No." "Get it done, it seems that we are just going to have to move on to keep everyone safe. I'm sure she'll try again."

Lisa nodded then went to the counter with the frowning Nurse Joy. She apologized for Jenny's behavior and claimed that she was not part of it. Lisa waved it off then handed her team over. She also asked to get a check-up herself. Joy lifted the countertop and walked out from behind it and escorted the Lucario to a set of double doors. A half-hour went by when Lisa finally came out with her full team. She grimly smiled at Jason as she joined him and her sister. Jason was about to ask what was wrong but decided against it. He rose and led the group outside. He let out Sam and climbed onto his back.

"Where to?" Sam asked nonchalantly. "Don't know. Our only chance was at the Burned Tower and that failed so..." "Maybe Loraline knows" "Lisa?" Lisa tossed the ball containing the young female Raikou, it bounced off the ground and, in a beam of red light, reanimated the particles of the female. She shook once she was able to move, her mane ruffled and static sparked around her. "I really don't like being in that thing. Anyway, whatcha need?" "The birds." Jason stated. "I don't have fingers." Loraline grinned. "I- not what I meant. The Legendaries." "Oh, those birds... right. Well, the Swirl Islands is where Lugia usually resides, I hear that's the only place where one could get to their clan but you have to swim quite a ways under the ocean floor. Then most Zapdos likes hanging around anywhere where there is power being made. Mostly man-made stuff. The other two like fighting about climate. Ho-oh is difficult anymore, find Rayquaza and you find her." "So you have seen Ho-oh?" "Those two used to visit the clan more or less to get away from their responsibilities." "Ah, I see. So what do we do?" "How about we get further away from this city and find a place to eat? I'm getting hungry." "Sounds like a good plan. I hear Goldenrod has a Pokﾃｨmon friendly restaurant, we could rush over there and get stared at like we are gods." "I'll take a meal to go, since Hazel and I cannot be seen together in your presence." "Uh, three Trainers, hello. People trade all the time and unfortunately common folk do tend to weasel their way into getting Legendaries somehow. You all may be rare to human eyes but multiples are not unheard of." "Fine, but if people start wanting to take us, you will be hurting." "Yeah, like I'd ever let someone take any of you from me. Besides, if those who do know about the gender hiding come out, you all might get lucky." "I already have a mate, and you know it." Sam grunted from under Jason. "Besides, I am fine not having young right now, I still got a good fifty on me left." "Years?" "That's for us to know. Shall we move on now? We could get to Goldenrod before sunset." "Yes, let's shall, but you must tell me. We are going to be with each other for a large part of our lives." Jason leaned over Sam's neck and gripped his fur. For the first time, Jason found the Suicune's fur moist. "It's going to rain, right?" "Heavily. A volcano erupted across the ocean and the resident Suicune have sent a heavy rainfall after the soot to clean the air. And no, I don't have to tell you anything about us. For one thing, it is not a choice I have. Only an Elder may tell a human everything about their race. When the time comes, you may gain that knowledge, but not now. We can only tell you what we are allowed. The gender thing was supposed to remain hidden, but... you know." "Fine, be that way." "I will. Try to keep up, young one. The Blade of Thunder should not be out done by Water." "Don't worry about me, just watch the trees." Loraline shivered and static sparks crackled. "This storm has grown large, keep Flame in her ball along with the other Fire kin."

With a grunt from Sam, they were off. Though they were moving near mach one, they were still caught in the downpour. Thunder boomed loudly and the heavy sheets forced the runners to slow their pace. Sam muttered that he should have been able to shield them from the rain but he just could not hold off the multitude of rain. Holes were being carved in the path from the force, but lucky enough for them, Goldenrod was in sight. They rushed ahead as hard as they dared and found the PokﾃｨCenter for them to enter and wait out the storm. A Chansey greeted them with a handful towels. The group gladly accepted them and then they started to dry off Sam and Loraline before drying themselves off. Once done, they moved on to mingle with the other Trainers that had gotten trapped in the storm. Many of which were young Trainers that had stopped by for their next badge and were still low experienced. Though Jason thought it would be good for Lisa and Grace to mingle with other beginner Trainers for a change. Lisa started gabbing to a small group of girls that were trying to save each others makeup. She quickly learned that these human females were a cruel bunch and mostly self-centered, but that did not stop her from trying to talk to them. It was only when they bluntly told her to "Get lost" did she start to lose her anger. Jason pulled her away and held her against him.

A man in a dark blue shirt came up behind them holding a small box. He tapped Jason on the shoulder and waited patiently. "Yes?" Jason turned to look for the assaulting finger. "Are you perhaps Jason, owner of Weedle Sweeters?" "Yes, I am." "Delivery from Professor Jaclyn White." The man bowed and thrust forward the box. "Thank you. I never knew her surname, I guess I can understand why she goes by Jaclyn." Jason took the box and went to grab his wallet but the man walked away. "Okay. Well, let's see what we got."

Jason recalled Sam after being asked to hide him then he went to find Grace among the crowd. Lisa had recalled Loraline a while ago. It took a bit for the group to find a spot to sit, and when they did, Jason began to open up the box. Inside on top of packing peanuts, laid a note. He took it and placed it on his lap then went to dig further into the Styrofoam. There under it all, laid a small odd egg. Its shell gleamed from the lights above a brilliant gold. He was about to tap the shell but Lisa stopped him.

"It's real, I can sense the life inside. Read the note." "Alright.... Jason: You are probably wondering why I sent an egg to you. Well, it was requested by a friend of mine. She seemed to think you would be the best at proving yourself to this creature. She would not tell me what it was, but I did my end of the deal. Yours is to hatch that egg. I'm sure you will know what to do with it when the time comes.

Professor Jaclyn.

"Odd thing to request of me. Looks like I have no choice. I wonder how she tracked me down. Bet it was Oak. Anyway, let's go see if there are any rooms left, shall we?" "I doubt it. Though I really don't want to set up camp in the rain." Lisa retorted.

Though Lisa was right, Nurse Joy did recommend a Pokﾃｨmon-friendly hotel nearby. Jason thanked the pink haired woman then turned to the doors. He sighed then looked at his daughters and the Espeon. Moon winked at him then they teleported out and across the road they went. They reformed outside the hotel under the canopy covering the entrance. The doorman grumbled something then opened the door for them. Jason went to the reception desk and rented a room for the night with two beds. The clerk gave him an odd look before handing over the keys. On their way up to their room, Jason made a comment about the employees not liking the idea of having Trainers within their building. Moon just chuckled and told him that they expected him to demand a large suite for the team. That got Jason to smile, he had already decided against letting his team out tonight despite of what they wanted, after supper it would be bed. They went into their room and took turns in the bath, Lisa and Jason agreed that Grace should be the first as they got a chance to talk for a bit. The conversation only went to tactics to be used for the gym. Jason insisted on them getting the Samoah badges first before trying out for other countries. Lisa sighed and agreed after trying to argue the matter. Grace came out and shook the remaining water from her ears. Her fur puffed outward slightly making the others chuckle. Lisa switched spots as Jason went to help Grace onto the bed. Grace dug her way under the covers soon after and fell asleep. Jason did not blame her, it has been a while since they rested properly.

The next morning, Jason rose early. It was still pre-twilight, but that did not stop him from waking his family and checking out. They stood outside in the chilly morning air as they drew up a plan. First, as they agreed, would be a Pokﾃｨmon friendly restaurant that served breakfast and then they would have to move on. As they ordered their large order, an unexpected thing happened, an Ace Trainer walked up to the group with a sketchpad in hand.

"Sir, may I sketch your Legendaries?" The woman asked quietly as she all-but drooled over the multiple Legendaries eating away at a steak and egg salad for their breakfast. "If they agree to it, then I have no objections."

The four looked at each other then broke away from the table with grins. The males lay on the ground as their mates stood behind them. They stood there as the Trainer moved quickly and etched out the image before her. Once done, she turned the pad around so the four could the work. For a quick job, her artistry was near perfection. Missing only the minor details and coloring, it was splendid.

"My little Missy is going to love this. Thank you sir, but seeing all these Pokﾃｨmon together makes me wonder where the other Trainers are." "First, we are from Somoah so laws are quite different. For one, I was allowed to adopt my daughters here, Lisa and Grace." The girls rose and bowed, though Grace nearly fell as her booster seat shifted making her lose balance. "Careful. They were allowed then to take their Trainer's test just as we are allowed to. But their numbers are actually a point One or point Two from my number, allowing us to trade teams and whatnot at any time. They can even take the League challenge if they wish, but I won't allow them to try until we get back home." "So, are they, like, their own partner or something?" "No, during battles, they are not allowed to interfere unless their own being is endangered just like us." "Then can I have a battle with you? When you decide to leave town, that is. The police frown on battles within the city." "Of course. Lisa and I have the adults while Grace has the young. Oh, by the way, I am Jason. You would probably know me better as the face to Weedle Sweeters." "The over-priced shirts?" "That was not my doing and it has been dealt with. Online sells are still allowed for the country but ground sells have been denied." "I see, I am glad to meet such a noble, profitable man, but I thought you would be older." "I'm twenty. I'm old enough." "Daddy! Angel is being mean to me!" Mickey came running up to Jason with his head singed. "Come here, let daddy see that burn." Jason picked the Azurill up and rubbed the black fur clean. "There, no harm done. Where's mommy?" "With Aunt Clair." "Stay with me for a while then, alright." The boy smiled and began to bounce on his father's lap. "If you haven't guessed it yet, yes this is my son." "I won't say-" "No need. We are foreigners here on a trip. Things happen, both for good and ill. I do not judge those who think the union between me and my mate is wrong. That is the way they were raised. When Pokﾃｨmon and humans first started working together, teams were formed by the means of mates and the human was usually the center of that. I am not ashamed to follow in the steps of our ancestors at all. Please have a seat and join us. We'll be heading off once the mothers return from whatever they are doing." "Azu is helping Clair use one of my tests. She thinks that she may be pregnant again." Lisa muttered around a fork. "I do hope so. I think the twins could use some one else to play their fire games with." The Trainer just looked at the two of them. "Translator?" "No, Psychic intervention. I was tweaked long while back." Champ came running up around the corner of the building it took them a moment to see why, he was chasing his son who kept dodging his father's attempts to grab him. Grace grabbed his balled and recalled the boy. Champ stopped and gave the group a bow before returning to the other two young. "I take it that one was yours too?" "That was Champ, my partner. He's been with me from the beginning of the mess we are in. Neither of us could be happier though." "Oh, so you started off as a normal Trainer then, right?" "Yep, sure did. Then one thing lead to another and I found a place out in the forest near a small town to call my own. Tell me, what do you know about the Legendaries?" "All I know is what the League knows." "The public version I take it." "I guess so. Missy never likes to talk about them even though she admires the others." "And here I thought that was a daughter. What is Missy?" "Celebi." "Let her out, please, I would like to talk to her." "She... really doesn't like crowds." "Please. Her sister is the reason why I have these four with me." "I can tell you this, Mew is not her sister." "I know, it's the basic assumption of others that we must follow. Just like the gender hiding." "I hope she doesn't freak out." The woman grabbed a ball from her belt and called out its occupant. A flash of white came from the Pokﾃｨmon that any Trainer would recognize as a Shiny Pokﾃｨmon. The pink Celebi stared at Jason as the flash faded. "Madam, my I have use of your knowledge?" Finally, the Blade of Life. Me and my watcher will join you for this war. "Wait, what?!" The woman backed up a step. Maylene, when I came with you what did I tell you? "That heavier times were coming and I would be involved." That time is now. Rescind your account on the public storage. The Blades has their own system with plenty of space. "Are you the chosen Guardian of Time?" "Temporal Indifference. I am not a true Guardian, but I will be playing a large part in the final battle. That Guardian will show itself when the time is right. The females return, it is about time to move again, to Ice Island." "Thank you. Maylene, was it? Here is the system address it is made the same as the public system." He wrote on a napkin and offered it to her. "Make sure you keep it, I don't want random Trainers joining Arceus's army as of yet." "Great, I still end up following daddy's wishes. At least my Pokﾃｨmon are strong."

Jason called for his team to be recalled as Azu and Clair walked up with smiles. Soon everyone was in their balls and Jason was paying the bill. They stopped off at the PokﾃｨCenter so the humans could tend to their business. While Jason contacted Mitch, Maylene did a system transfer for her storage units. Jason ended the call and smiled as Maylene put in the final steps. They backed away from the computers and started to head out of the city. Just as they hit the City Limits, a blood-curdling scream broke from the bushes and Zorua came running out towards Jason. Jason only knew who it was for the creature that came running at him had a bushy, smoke-gray tail dragging behind him. The boy, whom Zorua mimicked, was covered in blood and tears. He ran right past Maylene and jumped into Jason's arms as he dropped the illusion.

"What's wrong? Who's blood is this?" "The bad men. They... they did something. Thunder came, Mimaw screamed and fell. She told me to find you." "No. They couldn't have shot her." Jason held the pup tightly. "What is that and who screamed? And why is it covered in blood?" Maylene looked at the foreign Pokﾃｨmon with curiosity. "Right, you can't understand them without help. This is Zorua, his mother could be lying somewhere dying and you're doing the twenty questions bit is keeping us from finding her. Zorua, can you take us to her?" The pup looked up at him. His eyes full of tears. With a sniffle, he nodded then pushed himself out of Jason's arms. He transformed into a boy with a tail again and ran off. Jason took off running behind him leaving Maylene with even more questions. "Wait, you can understand them without a Psychic?" She yelled out as she caught up. "Explain later, run now!" Jason growled out.

After about a kilometer of running. Zorua stopped behind a bush and whimpered quietly, Jason saw why. A pool of blood and no body. Before the boy could burst into tears again, Jason grabbed him and pulled him into a hug. He cooed encouraging words softly even if he was unsure of what he was saying was true. As far as he knew, the pup was now an orphan and he was charged to raise him.

"Lisa, can you sense her Aura?" After a moment, Lisa sighed out, "No, nothing. Reminiscent traces of Humans with a heavily Tainted Aura with them. That's all, I can lightly smell exhaust fumes from a military grade helicopter. That's one scent I'll never forget. I'm sorry, Zorua, I wish we had known you two left us." "I agree with that, but what's done is done. Zorua, I hate to say it, but you must now grow up for the sake of your Mimaw." "I will. Jason, will you send me away?" "No, I will protect you. Ow..." Jason swatted his side, a small amount of blood gathered at his finger tips. He pulled the Blade of Breath and Blood from between him and his pack and looked at it, no blood resided on the sheath. He pulled his backpack off then pulled off his shirt. A line of blood dotted the spine in a small half-inch patches. "Um... that ain't normal." Maylene backed up but was stopped by her Celebi breaking free of her ball and turning the Trainer around. For him, this is. Father personally blessed him and his body must change to the whims of the power he was granted. "What does that mean, Missy?" "Melissa to you, sir, and it means that you are growing to be capable to hold whatever gifts He gave you. I assume this is the first of many." "Great, at least the blade can keep my blood from running." Jason pulled the sword from the sheath then kissed the broad side of his blade before placing it on his back and drawing his shirt over it. The blade stuck to his skin and fit snuggly under the pack. With the sheath in his hands, Jason sighed. "What was I saying? Oh yes, you will be protected like a son of my own. She entrusted me with the task knowing something like this would happen. I trust her judgment, and I know your pure heartedness will save you from the same fate. Come, we must move. It's not safe for us here. Maylene, ride on Hazel, he'll keep you safe. Mount up girls, we head to Ice Island." Jason released Sam and quickly climbed onto his back.

Lisa released Loraline and Hazel then she grabbed Zorua and climbed onto Loraline's back while Grace climbed onto Hazel's. Maylene looked so confused but after the telepathic voice placed within her head by Hazel, she did follow suit. Hazel went up to Sam and chuckled. The riders looked at each other briefly before Hazel spoke.

"Crystal Cove? Been there?" "Ice Island, yeah, been there, hated it. Pretty though." "Loraline and I will meet you there. I know you will be faster on the water. Mistress, please tell these two to hold on tight, I must concentrate my energy on my young mate so you three don't get lost on the waters." "Wait, we have to cross water! How deep?" Loraline shivered slightly. "The ocean, it will be fun, just keep me in sight at all times and don't let up on the Thunder Jump." The young female whimpered. "Everyone ready?" Jason interrupted Loraline before she could complain. Sam stretched then took off into a dead sprint. The others were forced to follow.

---

The scenery flashed by, the Suicune relentlessly kept the pace. The alpha male was starting to get sore and irritated from the gait of the Suicune. Jason knew it was a pain he had to get used to. He thought back to the days of school where he was told that Suicune became one with the water and melted down to purify the polluted waters. However, here Jason could see that his Suicune was running smoothly on the surface of the waters he crossed over, as if on glass. When the air started to chill him, Jason leaned over to hide among the fur that made the velvety mane. He risked a glance and found that they were on the ocean and the iceberg of an island was closing in fast. In the distance, Jason could see the ever present storm of Thunder Island. Jason felt the shift of speed before he saw it happen. He slipped slightly but managed to remain seated as Sam slid to a stop on the snow. It was then Jason felt the temperature plummet far below the point of freezing, he climbed off the Suicune's back and called out all three Fire Types he had and asked the two Charizards to use their tail flames as a beacon for the others. As his partner wrapped himself around the human, Jason stared out to sea looking for any sign of two Raikou traveling over the water. Sam paced around the temporary camp occasionally going to the water and feeling it. Only when he gasped did the group look at him.

"They are halfway here, an hour at best. I can feel the awkwardness of Loraline. Oh, well hello there little one." Sam dipped his head under the water and nuzzled one of the aquatic life forms. "The Wailmer are gathering us a small amount of fish for us. Flame, would you be so kind as to make a small magma pool here? I have to stay somewhat warm here or I would become a member of the crystals here. Done it once, if it weren't for the Mistress here, I would still be stuck in ice." "Sure, dear. Stand clear, everyone."

Flame squatted down, her eyes began to glow, and then she shot her head upwards and howled. Lava spewed all around her and shot upward like an erupting volcano, snow melted down to the muddy rock base around her. The Lava Plume came down and settled into a bubbling magma pool, the heat alone made Jason sweat and he was covered by a fire dragon for protection. A shadow crossed over their camp. A large bird crossed over them then dipped down towards the larger part of the cove. A crack of thunder drew everyone's attention from the inspecting creature as the duo of Raikou came into sight. A deep howl echoed over the water then a large bulge came up from under them, a Wailord lifted them up and escorted them to shore. Just as the Wailord beached itself, Wailmer started to shower Sam's feet with fish of all sizes. He smiled and thanked each one then sent the pod back out to sea then he went to the Wailord and looked it in the one huge eye he could see. After a moment, Sam broke the gaze and turned to the group.

"Jason, she wants to join our cause. She has seen tainted minds roam the waters and it frightens her that the young ones will fall victims to the taint." "Well, we do need a water branch. Do you think you could lead thousands under the name of Arceus?" A long screech-like sound came from the body of the Wailmer female. "With time, she says it could be possible, but she will do so." "Then by all means, you are my voice under the water. Gather all you can to fight with us to protect the innocent. There is war coming, and all must be ready when the time comes. Even those that are unknown to human eyes must join lest they wish to perish under the fire of the Dark One. Go forth, sister, and tell that to all you meet. Father watch over your path." The female waddled backwards until she was free of the beach then another screech came from her before she vanished under the water. "She said thanks and goodbye till the day comes we cross again." "Hope it's soon. Anyway, how was your trip, guys?" "Remarkable." Maylene said, her hair windblown into a ruffled mess. Jason smiled as the rest just remained silent. "Well, let's get warm and eat before we find the Mistress of the Isle." Your search will end here, human, what are you doing on my Island? "That must be Articuno. We are not here for battle. We actually came to talk with you." Jason rubbed his temple as he talked. An ice blue giant of a bird walked around an ice boulder. One could tell it was old with plenty of life still in it. Then talk. "Telepathy is unneeded, Ma'am." Articuno's feathers puffed out, she clicked her tongue against her beak. "Very well, I assume you know-" "About the gender hiding? Of course. I am Jason, the Blade of Life. I assume you remember Samuel." "Of course. How is your parents, little Sammy, hmm?" Sam coughed a little and blushed. "I- I have not spoken to them for a while." "Such a shame, I do hope you and your mate are enjoying yourselves here." Sam gulped. Flame grinned and stepped up. "We are, Mistress. I am sorry to have done what damage I caused, but to keep Sam and my companions from freezing solid I had to." "I know, dear, it is just fine. Now for this couple, I do not know, nor do I know this female." Articuno eyed Maylene. "Can she understand us?" "No, Ma'am, she cannot." "That is good for now. You say you are the Blade of Life? Then come into the Crystal Cove with me, I wish to see your power." "Yes, Ma'am. Keep them warm, Flame." Jason followed the bird leaving the group behind to deal with the ever questioning Maylene.

Articuno took him to where she landed, the area consisted of frozen Pokﾃｨmon. Articuno went to one and stroke its head. As snow fell away, a Steelix was revealed. She cooed and nuzzled against the frozen creature. Jason waited patiently for her to speak.

"This here was once a lover of mine. His body was beginning to fail him at the early age of one hundred and three. Most of his kind live until three hundred. He begged me to freeze him until the day either humans could fix the problem or a miracle could happen. If you are the Blade of Life, you will know how to fix him." "I will try, I have only done this once before." Jason gently pried his sword from his back then approached the Steelix. "How long has he been frozen?" "Two hundred years." "He's an old one. Alright, let's see." He approached the frozen one and placed his hand on it. He could feel the fragile life-force within. He could not explain the feeling to himself, but he knew what it was. "He has cancer. Easy enough to fix at a Center, but I am here now."

Jason took the sword and tapped the ice with the tip. A large hole crumbled away to where only the steel flesh was standing. He drew the blade above his head then struck it against the flesh. The metal sang beautifully as it cut through the steel. A black ooze seeped from the wound before Jason swung horizontally making a cross into the flesh. The ooze turned into a steady stream and puddle onto the frozen ground. "As the weapon of the gods, I command you, heal and live!" A deep voice came from Jason.

Articuno, being curious about this looked at the young man. His eyes were a dark red and full of commanding power. The stream, she noticed, became a solid mass and acted as though it was fighting his command. It popped sickly out of the Steelix and dropped to the ground, Jason then lunged the blade into the wound then slowly pulled it out. The wound healed and scared up. The mass fizzed and melted away while Jason stood over it and stared down at it. Once it was gone, the blade dropped to his side and Jason gasped. He stumbled backwards and collapsed, as he sat on the chilling ground, he swallowed as much air as he could as he watched the frozen Pokﾃｨmon thaw and began to move. The male looked around and found Articuno staring at him. He shifted slightly forward and nearly collapsed, but she caught him with her wing. As the male regained posture, he gave the bird a lick on the side of her beak. She blushed but still helped him to his erect posture. She shifted herself to reveal the small human beside the two of them. Jason stood and placed his sword on his shoulder.

"I shall take my leave. Send for us once you are ready, Mistress of the Ice, we have much to discuss."

Chp 19

As the young male with the sword walked away, Articuno chirred with joy and lust. As soon as he was out of sight, she lay herself down onto her back.

"Take me, Armous. It has been a very long two hundred years, I have not mated since our last and I burn for you." A deep guttural growl came from the male in front of her. The Steelix leaned over the bird and brought his snout down to her very moist hole. He licked it with his very rough tongue then the steel snake slithered up her body until he had positioned his member then he started to slowly insert the steel hard flesh into her. Despite the ice-chilled air, his hot flesh throbbed as he pressed on until he hilted himself within the bird's fragile body. Articuno gasped and clamped herself down onto the intruder. Armous arched his long body over her and lay his head next to her. He was never the one for words when she demanded a mating, he just serviced her. He never cared if he finished or not, save for this time. He would plow the aged field of glory like never before and seed it to the brim. His first thrust was slow and deliberate, but he quickly sped up. Articuno's eyes rolled back and her beak flew open as she was taken with no ease. She started to squawk with each contact getting louder as her body warmed up. Her entire body quaked, though she held fast as her mate kept it strong and rocked her hard. He grunted as his eyes rolled back. His thrusts were rapid and hard. He could not help but let loose the river, Articuno followed with a squawk of surprise. She milked him for everything he had, and that he had plenty of. He filled her to the point of bursting, leakage from their joining flowed out onto her tail feathers. Her ice blue coloring quickly turned creamy white.

Armous rolled off of her once he was done. He panted, even though his body required little air, and looked at his mate. "Thank you, my Love, for being true." His boyish voice contradicted his looks. "I praise Father for this moment as well. Who knew humans could act so kind towards us." "Times have changed, Love." Articuno said as she rolled and wiped her tail in the snow to keep her appearance great. "Come. As much as I would love to have you in me again, we have business to attend to." "Still all work, eh?" He chuckled as he retracted his limp member into his body not bothering to clean it off. "It won't be that way soon, as I said, times have changed and we are caught in a war that is waging amongst our own kind. Only that human you saw can prevent thousands dying in an instant. Father is wise, we know this, but I have to think what Mother would say about what her world has come to." "I would not know anymore, Love."

Aritcuno and Armous worked their way to the camp. The first thing that Armous saw was Maylene ordering a Camerupt as it moved around the campsite. He growled but stopped when his mate's wing rose in his vision.

"As I said, leave your thoughts to yourself, they will only hurt you now. Wait until we are alone before you swallow your tail." "Yes, my Love." "Blade of Life, thank you for giving me time to reunite with my mate. Now for business, yes? You do have the gift I dropped off at your tree a few moons back, right?" "Falrin? Of course, he actually is with us now." Jason stated as he handed over his foldable skillet to Lisa then stood to join the Legendary. "Good. I do hope his health has improved since I dropped him off with your Psychic guardian." "Improved yet very annoying, Mistress." Moon stated as she finished filleting another batch of fish with her powers. "I know his attentions are good, but he just won't leave me be." "You are a very attractive female, little one. If I was not already mated, I would try convince you myself." Armous winked at her then leaned against his mate. "Watch it, Armous. I am sure you remember the time you made Gene mad." "Quite, I bet I still could find the tunnel I had to make to return from the ocean bed." "Anyway, warrior, I, Crystal, offer my services to the cause of my Father. Whatever that may be, and I am sure many of the Ice livers shall join us under my wings. My sisters will be a challenge to get to, but He will see to it you do. If you need my direct services..." Articuno scratched a symbol into the ground then from it rose a small crystalline horn. "Play this instrument and I shall come. I may have other duties, but for the sake of life, I will forsake them to preserve everything for the future." "Thank you. But if I may, how can I contact your sisters for a meeting? Especially Ho-oh." "She's actually a daughter of Gene, Lugia. Gene will call her for you, I am sure. Who knows, you may even get to see her own personal city when you meet her. But before you do meet her, you must finish your changes. Your body would not survive the depths; it will change, though, with time. You may stay here as long as you need, but do remember to cap your magma pools before you go." Crystal chuckled then fluttered up to grab the Steelix's back with her talons then fled to the peak of her island.

Maylene, in all her curious moments, wondered what all that hissing, chirping, and squawking were about. She looked for answers within her Celebi's mind, but Melissa rejected her. She then went to ask Lisa about the conversation, the Lucario did not reveal much. With a sigh, she slumped down against her Camerupt and then looked up into the cloud-covered sky. She saw a small snow storm weave its way around the peak as though it was sculpting a path down to them.

"Maylene," Jason said quietly as he brought over a plate of fish and semi-thawed berries. "Ask Melissa to open your mind up to Pokﾃｨmon speech. It will help you and it will save her from translating." "She's not a true Psychic Pokﾃｨmon. It's why the others don't like her. She can levitate and use telepathy, that's it. She just barely can use attacks. So, I can't do that." "Do you not have a Psychic you have bonded with?" "Ask her, she'll tell you I don't stop moving. That this is our first time since we started that we have had downtime. The only one I truly have bonded with is Humphrey." Not true, my dear, you have bonded with me. Melissa floated over to them from the fire with a plate of her own. Besides, you do have a couple waiting for you in storage it should be safe to say they will behave with Father's Chosen surrounding them. "Oh no, I totally forgotten about those two." "Do wha-?" "Hypno twin brothers. They will hypnotize anyone to do their bidding Trainer or no." You got to admit that you did enjoy that night, I sure did. "You did it voluntarily!" "Enough girls, just tell me what these two can do so I can make contact with Base and give them a head's up." "They like to mind-rape you then actually rape you." Only you. They want you to be their mate. They laid a claim on you. Me, I was just an easy lay. "Don't make me kick your pink ass, Missy." Try it! "Girls!" Jason shouted getting both of them to look at him. "Enough with the fighting. Save it for the battlefield. Now, Melissa, I need you to focus and open her mind up to the world around her. She needs to hear for herself. I know you can do it." "Fine, I'll try." Melissa sighed then moved closer to Maylene and placed a hand on her shoulder. She closed her eyes and concentrated. A minute went by before she broke away. "Sorry. Nothing. I don't have that kind of skill, I guess." "Un-huh, keep working on it. Maylene, until you can understand them, you have to keep her close for translation. I know it's a burden, but tis the way of a warrior." Jason sighed then turned away from them. "And IF I hear you two bickering again, I will make life hell. I don't like to be stern, but I don't like in-fighting either. Just ask Clair and Rex.

Jason went back to the magma pool and let his front warm up. He stared at the liquid rock, watching it bubble stir. He did not notice that his partner had come up beside him until he felt a claw on his shoulder. Without a word spoken, Jason nodded then walked away. Champ followed a few steps behind him.

Once out of earshot, Jason slumped down into the frozen curl of a drift. "I noticed it myself. I am changing." "Yes you are. You are becoming a strong male, an Alpha. Do not be ashamed to strut around." Jason chuckled. "This coming from a human bred? You have changed a lot yourself." "Guess so. But still... keep your chin up and wings stiff." Jason glared at the Charizard. "You know what I mean. Remember that little tune you used to hum to me that night we met? What was it? Oh right, I'll change your world. Well, you are still doing it, my friend, don't destroy what has been started." "Thanks." Jason hugged his knees as the large male sat next to him and wrapped a wing around him. "Jason, both of us are growing up in ways we can't explain, you especially. Just go with the flowing waters and see where they will take you. And when that water hit's a fall... spread your wings and ride the mist down to calmer water." "Okay, now you are going too far with the pep talk." "Really? I could talk about the Pidgey's and the Beedrils." "Har, har, you start that and you will find a fist in the nose. Save it for the kids." "Fine. But I do want to say this. If there is anything my great Alpha needs, don't be afraid to ask it of me or any of us. We are here to serve you." "Champ, you hold out that name far too well at times. Yet, I do not think I will ever hate myself for giving you that name. Let's call it an early night then head up the mountain to properly give the Mistress our farewell." "If we must. Though I do miss that warmth, this snow is very taxing on my system." "Mine too."

---

A cold wind blew through the camp, the morning sun peered through the sky. Jason had been awake for almost an hour, allowing everyone else to sleep. He watched the sun rise up in the east. He felt very much at peace, yet something unnerved him. His eyes turned to Zorua as he whimpered and kicked in his sleep. He rose from his rock and went to the pup and gently rocked him. The pup opened his eyes, they were filled with dread and tears. Jason picked him up and held him close. He carried the pup away from the group towards an ice patch were several Pokﾃｨmon played on the smooth glass-like ice.

"As I told you, I want you to train. So be brave and fight to win. I am not your Trainer, but I will help you out if you need it. I'll be close by. So start off with a weaker opponent like that Snorunt over there, but ask nicely." "Alright."

---

Later that morning, with a wore out Zorua, Jason and the pup rejoined the group. With questions answered as well as they could, Jason asked everyone to pack up afterwards. Then the group followed a newly hardened snow path up the mountain to visit Crystal's roost. As soon as the magma was covered, everyone began wishing for the warmth. With a Fire type near each member that could not go into a ball, they trekked up slowly. Even though it was a mountain hike, the walk went rather quick. Midday came and the group was standing in front of a lavish ice sculpted fortress. They did not wait for a knock to be answered and went straight in. Inside, they found the air decent. Much warmer than outside either way. They also found several Ice types walking around, mostly cleaning. An Abomasnow walked up to them and bowed deeply.

"Greetings and welcome to the Ice Castle. The Mistress is entertaining her escort at this time, I shall let her know you are here." "Thank you, good sir." Jason replied and returned the bow. "Please relax while you wait." The Pokﾃｨmon turned and walked away disappearing into a wide hall that would fit Articuno twice over.

The group did just that, the non-Fire were released. Falrin took the opportunity to mingle with the other Ice types around the room. Though most pushed him away, one of the servants, also a Glaceon, was more interested in the guests than his tasks. The two walked back to the group chuckling.

"I see you made a friend." "More like found someone who was supposed to be dead. This is Palril, my older brother. Palril, this is Jason, the one who I call my Trainer. I have been with his pack since I was rescued." "I am glad she kept an eye on you. In truth, I have been worried sick since she told me you planned on becoming a Glaceon in my honor." "It was worth nearly dying for in my book. For I would never have met her." Falrin spotted Moon as she directed Grace's attention to a certain Pokﾃｨmon that seemed to have a hard time understanding the concept of a deaf Pokﾃｨmon. "She is a looker. Bet she's feisty, too." "Out right vicious, if you ask me, boys." Jason chuckled. "Why don't you go introduce your brother? Who knows, maybe you'll win a few points through him." "Jason, please, I know she's listening." Falrin's tail drooped as he turned his gaze from Moon. "Yea, so?" "Uh..." Falrin dropped his head in defeat. "Come on, Palril." Jason chuckled. "Go get her, boys." He muttered as they walked away. The Abomasnow came from wherever he went to and announced the Mistress. The servants, save Palril, quickly disappeared leaving the group some sort of privacy with their mistress. "Welcome to my home, Warriors of Arceus. Palril, I have a new task for you: Go with them under my name and be ambassador to all of the Ice brethren. Now, Jason, is there anything you need from me?" Palril stood dumbfounded as he heard his mistress dismiss him without a thought. "Ambassador?" He muttered as he stared on. "No, milady, just wishing a formal farewell and thanks for your hospitality." "Jason, Blade of Life, let me tell you something..." Crystal drew close to Jason, her towering form dwarfed the young man. "You were chosen by Father just as I was in the beginning, I consider you a brother even if the rest of the family will not. There is no need to be formal with me." "Still, I do not feel at ease not giving our farewells to you. Would you prefer a hug?" "No, that is quite alright, but I do like the offer. Oh, before I forget again, have your female companion go with my Head Butler for a gift of her own I am sure she will adore the things I have to offer." "Very well." Before Jason could spit out anything else, Crystal turned and started to walk away. "Maylene, Crystal wishes you to follow her butler to receive a gift."

Maylene did so quietly and followed the Abomasnow away from the group. She followed the male to a room filled with numerous items made from various crystals and gems. But the butler still urged her onward, into a smaller room they went. There on a headless mannequin rested a beautiful set of female armor, colored set same as Articuno. The headdress even had some of her own feathers. As Maylene drew closer to it, she found that the suit was made from crystalline materials. The Abomasnow startled her by removing the headdress and coming around to place it on her head. It fit quite well, she blushed deeply when the breastplate was retrieved and was forced to stand to let the male dress her. Once the entire suit was on her, a faceplate seemingly appeared in the Abomasnow's grips and covered her face. He turned her towards a full body mirror and nodded, proud to have seen someone that finally fit the suit. Maylene looked like an Articuno in human form. A smile crept up behind the plate as she studied herself. The butler gave her a moment then he cleared his throat and gestured back towards the others. She sighed but followed, wearing her Mistress Dress with pride.

Palril returned with a small rucksack, it had what few belongings he had. One of which was a charm his mother had worn. With the sack resting between his shoulder blades, he nosed his brother just to annoy him. But before any other acts got started, Maylene entered the room. An awed hush came with her as she strutted to the group.

"How do you like me now, boys?" She asked as lustfully as she could. Palril howled out a wolf's call which received a chuckle from the group. Jason could see things happening from this especially if she cooperated with her Psychic's to open her mind. "Down, boy." Maylene giggled as she removed the faceplate. "I already feel warmer in this. Can we head out before I start to melt?" "All in your head, but yes. Let's go. Onward to Thunder Isle." Jason recalled his Charizards then released Sam. Lisa sent out Hazel and Loraline. "Mount up. Palril, climb up with me. Zorua go with Lisa. Maylene, go with Grace. Daylight is burning."

Daylight did burn away as they entered the eternal storm and came to a full stop on the muddy shores of Thunder Isle. Loraline was thrilled, no one could keep her still as she tried to gain the lightning's power. Lisa complained about the mud as did Maylene, Jason just shrugged it off as he looked around for a somewhat dry spot. He found a cave entrance that lead deep within the un-climbable mountain. He returned to the group a moment later then ushered them in the complaining turned to annoyed growls as they got out of the rain. Sam was returned quickly to keep him safe from the Electric types, which he was glad to disappear, Flame took point as she used her mane to light the way. Jason was going to use the Charizards, but Flame insisted that she do it for the exercise. In truth, she just wanted to make sure Loraline behaved. As they moved through the cave, Jason ended up being a Trainer as the Electric types became aggravated with their presence. After the third Pikachu, the bigger Pokﾃｨmon started flowing out. Flame growled as she charged up her internal fire. An Electabuzz came out of nowhere and sprayed static waves in front of them.

"Flame, use Flamethrower." Jason shouted over the intense buzz from the creature ahead of them as it, too, readied an attack. The battle came to a halt when a stark white bolt shot beside them and threw the Electabuzz down the rocky hall. A howl erupted afterwards making the remaining combatants to turn. "Come on, I wannadoitagain!" Loraline glowed as she became overcharged and ran her words together. Hazel backed away cautiously as did the others. "Loraline?" Someone said quietly. "Huh?" She all but bounced as she looked for another target. "CALM DOWN!" Her companions shouted at her. She flinched. "We don't want to become one of your targets, restrain yourself or return to your ball and stay there." Jason warned. "No! I'll go ahead and fight!" She did calm herself down enough to actually talk. "You get hurt, it's your own fault." Flame warned as the pup went ahead of her. "You aren't my mother." "You are right, I am your clan mate which is lead by the Alpha male whom is Jason! Do as he says or I will put you into your place as you stand!" "Flame, don't." Jason stepped in as he saw smoke come from her fur. "Lisa, recall her and lock it." "Wha-!?" Loraline didn't get to finish as Lisa did as she was told and turned the white ring which activated the locking mechanism. The ball bounced in Lisa's paw as the occupant fought against the lock. "I really don't like this." Lisa said quietly. "It just seems wrong." "Because it is," Jason answered. "But you are a Trainer and must keep your team in line. As much as any Trainer hates discipline, it must be done. I warned her, she refused to listen. I know it is her growing up, but she needs to know who calls the shots. You are her Trainer, don't think for a moment you are weaker than her. My teacher always said: You carry that Ball, you are the Master. As much as I hate that quote, it is true, even for you." "But that would mean that Pokﾃｨmon are slaves!" "No, it does not. Not all Trainers are Slave Masters. Most think of their team as a family, not objects. Those that do think Pokﾃｨmon are objects find themselves losing every battle or failing every obstacle. Have you failed anything?" Lisa fell silent except for her heavy breathing. "Well?" "No..." "Is your team nothing but tools, objects?" "No." "Then you are no slaver."

The cave fell silent, just the dripping of water echoing through the channel came to their ears. They started to move forward again as Lisa reattached the ball to her belt. Hazel rubbed his big head against her side. She draped her arm over the large male and pulled him close. With the emotional support, she moved on taking the rear of the group. The group stopped in a chamber that ran up several meters tall, a large hole let natural light in. But the chamber itself was not the reason for hesitation, the large nest in the center of the room with fragments of what appeared to be bones stuck out. Maylene crept forward and peered over the tall side. She sighed as she found nothing within it but leftovers. She pulled herself away shaking her head, she turned to the group and froze. Her face went pale as she looked about the group. Jason turned slowly and found what she was scared of. Zapdos screeched, puffed out its feathers and flapped it wings menacingly. Jason held his ground until the screech stopped, he drew his own breath and let out a roar himself. His came louder than the bird's which made everyone else squirm back and cover their ears.

"Damn, human, you gots da lungs." The voice came from the Zapdos, young and male. "I am Chigger, mother is out right now. I guess you looking for her since dat one has got Aunt Crystal's armor. Looks good, by da way." "Uh, right. Do you know when she'll get back?" "Nope, running big storm over Orange Islands. Da humans der be burning dar nests big time. She be cleaning before da Clans get der." "What?" Jason scratched his head as he stared at the young bird. "She cleaning the skies where the Suicune and Raikou clans can't get to without endangering themselves." Hazel interpreted. "Though I have a feeling you spent a few years in the Islands yourself, right?" "Yep, I 'atched der and I grew up der too. Mother says I too like father, too much Orange and human." "You're... half human?" Jason nearly choked on his own words. "Yep, father big male. Alpha, so I told." "Has to be the mayor." Jason said quietly. "But why would... never mind, he's still alive is he not? Your father?" "Dat he is. Mother says she bring 'im 'ere, keep 'im safe." "Someone really needs speech therapy." "Behave yourselves." Jason didn't directly know who said it, but it sounded like Flame mouthing off. "So, we'll just wait here for her." "No go. Mother dunt like nobody she dunt know staying 'ere. 'Specially me friends. It be wise ta 'eave 'ere soon." "Right, is there anywhere we can go?" "Nah, you go from 'ere. Go see Auntie Fiera. I'd take, but no fly. Too human." "Okay. Guess we turn to Fire Island." "Too late, she 'ere." Chigger rushed to the nest and cowered down. The smaller beings made room for the unseen Pokﾃｨmon. Jason held his ground.

A larger version of Chigger glided in then fluttered as it came to the ground. It eyed Jason cautiously then moved to the nest. As it turned, Jason noticed an unconscious man on its back. He watched as the man was gently slid off the stiff feathers into the nest next to the big chick. Jason heard the larger one coo as she gently moved the man.

"You are the Blade of Life, are you not?" She asked abruptly. "I am. Is he in need of my gifts?" "He is. He is Charles' father, the man is gifted. Please, save him." "I will give my all for you." Jason sighed to himself and approached the nest, the wall itself was taller than him by a head. He hefted himself up and over the wall. "He's burned, nothing that bad that I can see. Could be too much smoke. Sam, come out!" Jason grabbed the Suicune's ball and pointed it at the center of the nest next to the cowering Chigger or rather Charles. "Sam, how well can you control water?" "I can manipulate it to make pinpoint attacks. Why?" "I need you to wash out his lungs without drowning him." Jason motioned to the man who barely breathed. "Tricky... bring out Azu, I'll need her help."

With Azu brought out and informed, the two Water types worked to wash the lungs of the man without injuring him. Jason held the man still with his blade laying atop his chest. Minutes ticked by, but the man did start coughing up globules of ash, mucus, tar, and a little bit of blood. The two pulled their powers back slowly leaving the man to wake on his own. His breathing returning to normal as he did so. Jason checked the man's pulse, it was beating fast but stable. The man started and forced Jason away from him. He looked around seeing the Suicune first then a scared Zapdos and a mad looking Azumarill. He looked back at Jason who now was sheathing his sword. He looked up as a feather brushed his burned clean face.

"I told you I would be fine, my Thunder Queen." "Richard, hush, you nearly died on me. If it weren't for Father telling me to bring you to my nest, you would have met him at the Judgment Table." "I take it you don't need a translator." Jason asked sternly. "Of course not, now... ya know what? I don't feel like a smoke..." "That would be because of us." Sam said quietly. "I purified your body of the chemicals from those things and cleaned your lungs." "Hmm, interesting. Thundra, would these be the ones you were speaking of before the fires began?" "The Blade Guardians, yes. The human here is the Blade of life." "Jason, ma'am, just Jason. That title is too formal for me to use outside of a crowd. Sam, there, is the Blade of Water, Essence of Strength. The Blade of Thunder, is currently grounded, but the Blade of Fire is down there with my daughters and son, who should still be in his ball." "The only little one I see is a young Plusle, warrior." Thundra looked over her shoulder to look. "She my youngest adopted. Now, if we may get to business here. We Guardians are doing our best to gather a representative of the Legendaries to help convince all Pokﾃｨmon clans to join Father in the upcoming war that will surely devastate the world if left unchecked. I assume, sir, you are the mayor of the Islands?" "No, I am just a defense advisor." "Arceus is working quietly is he not? Well, we do need an advisor of warfare and allies. Do you think you can rally people to join us?" "And what makes you think I am going to join any war?" Richard glared at Jason. "Her... and him." "I... huh, fine. I'll go back to the Islands and gather who I can." "Include Pokﾃｨmon. Your son can help with that." "Can't fly-" Charles started to say. "Father works in ways you cannot understand, boy, don't make me whoop you one." Richard growled out. "Great minds... Any way." Jason turned to Thundra. "Just blow my sister's horn, I'm sure Fiera will say the same. Shoo now, it's family time." "Oh no." Charles hunched down to get as small as he could.

Jason bowed then recalled Azu and Sam before climbing out of the nest to rejoin his companions. They promptly went down the cave tunnel and stopped at a wide bend and settle down. The Trainers released their teams as they began to make a camp within the tunnel. Using the Life Fire of the Char family, bedrolls were spread out. Jason and Azu held each other as their son tackled Mona while she was distracted by Adrian. While those two wrestled, Little Jason and Angel crept up to Jason and clamped onto his legs with a vicious grin on them. With a forced out sigh, Jason submitted to the Charmander twins' demand. He began to stomp around the group swinging his legs as far as he could get with the extra weight. Laughter rolled through the air as the younglings bounced with each step. Champ, of course, watched with a grin of his own remembering his own playful Charmander days. The twins whimpered when Jason grew weary and peeled them off.

"Thank you, Uncle Jason." Little Jason said bashfully. "Yeah, thanks for the ride." "No problem, kids, now go pick on your dad for me." "Kay," They both said quickly before running off to tackle their father. Azu walked up to him with Mickey in her arms, "At times you are too much of a father, you know that, right?" "Let them be kids while they still are, soon enough they will be warriors. I refuse to take the innocence away early." "And that is what I mean. There are times when you need to be the Trainer instead of a father. I can't complain too much though, if I did you just might end up making me battle those here on the island." "Right, I could set that up." Jason smiled evilly. "You wouldn't!?" "Never know." Jason reached into his pocket to retrieve his PokﾃｨNav. "It's almost eight, help me round up the children."

A couple hours later, the adults sat in a circle sharing a bottle of wine Maylene had 'obtained' from her parents' home. Since they were technically in international waters, laws were thrown out the window. When it was time for Jason to take a draw, he flinched at the sour smell, gagged at the taste, and nearly hit the wall as the alcohol struck him rather quickly. The group laughed at him as he swayed from the one and only draw he took as he passed on the bottle. Maylene uncorked another bottle and passed it around. With a grin, she stood and tapped her Camerupt's head. Melissa could not help but smile as her Trainer took the heavy male away from the group and quickly tossed her clothes aside.

The group watched closely as the nervous male licked her spread groin from bottom to top, but he soon lost that as the scents got to him. As his thin, flexible member shot out from its hiding place, he quickly mounted his beau and used his girth to push her down to a suitable level for him. Though it was not the natural mating position he was used to, he still liked it. He quickly shoved himself into the submissive female and bucked hard into her making the female quiver and whine. With a smirk, he did the move again then did his best to keep it at a pace he could stand. Smoke puffed lightly out the volcano-like pours from his back as he hilted himself within the female making her moan loudly. He could feel her body clench his shaft, which made him grunt and force him to push harder. He could not hold back as he lost control of his body and seeded his beau. Rex licked his lips as he rose and moved slowly over to the mating couple. His body was going into the rut, and he would take any female willing. As he revealed himself, he walked up to her face. Maylene's eyes grew wide as she saw the meat. She leaned forward to lick the long meat, it turned out to be too thick for her to take into her mouth. Rex was happy to see that, he quietly asked the smaller male if he could have a go. The Camerupt nodded then they switched places. Rex hesitated, he had begun thinking of his beautiful stuttering Magmar lover.

"I do this for you, my sweet mistress." Rex whispered under his breath as he lined himself up then slowly pushed in.

Maylene opened her mouth to scream in pain as she was slowly split open, but all was stopped as Camerupt mounted her face and shoved his shaft into her throat. The males moaned in bliss as their shared dame worked their appendages. Rex pressed in until he could go no farther, he took a claw down over her stomach to trace his own member within her womb. A grin took hold on his face as he rested allowing the small female time to get used to his girth. He leaned over her slightly as he pulled out, her muscles squeezed him making him whimper. He slowly slid his shaft back into the tight hole bouncing it a few times within the canal to make her whimper around his mating partner. Rex used his tail to stabilize the other male when he noticed that the quadruped was wavering from his movements. He slowed his pace to minimize their mate's rocking.

"Dude, how did you get so big?" Camerupt asked curiously. "Years of stretching to the point where I could use my own muzzle. Plus it doesn't hurt that I am going into my mating cycle." "Sweet. Make her scream for me." Camerupt squirmed down off of her, he then licked her mouth clean. "I would rather have you as my mate then let those brothers destroy your body."

Rex smiled then sped up making Maylene rock. Very quickly, her body began to sweat as he began to spew his lubricating fluids into her. She began to pant in time with his thrusts. Rex leaned over her fully and lapped at her neck, nibbling on her every so often as well. She arched her back into him as her muscles contracted and squeezed the intruding meat. She was running on high, her own release was near, yet she knew that the Charizard was no where near ready. With a grunting scream, she hit her max and gave her orgasm its all. The male moaned as he continued to thrust. The extra fluids trapped within her body finally starting to squirt out making him even more lust filled as the scent of sex took his senses. His body took over as he fell into the full call of the rut. He barely heard her scream as he hilted himself within her and sprayed her womb with his seed. He stayed within her as his orgasm came to an end. The wilting erection slowly withdrawing from the female as she panted below him. He whimpered as he realized what he had done, he had mated with a female that he did not even know. He enjoyed it though as the scent of his conquest wafted around them as the last of his meat withdrew from her back into its hiding place. He let go of her then helped her roll over onto her back. He licked her cheek before walking over to Grace and sat down with a smile. He nodded to Camerupt as he sat there with his mouth ajar and speechless much like the rest of the group. He shrugged then grabbed a small bowl of berries and began to nibble on them.

"You forgot some thing, big boy." They heard suddenly. Rex looked back a little curious, he found Maylene straddling his tail. "Yes you did, come here." She flung her arms over his head and pulled him down for a full kiss. This time he did not hesitate his actions, his tongue shot into her mouth and twisted around hers. They broke away a full minute later then she went to gather her clothes and dress. "Okay, is it the alcohol in me or did Rex and Maylene just go all the way?" Jason rubbed his eyes as he tried to see straight. "We did," Rex said bluntly. "And I am not ashamed one bit." "Well good. Maybe now some male tension can drop away. Hmm? Now that you actually mated, that is." "Unlikely." Champ grunted as he tried his best to use his own body to hide his erection. "Well, let's get some sleep, we have some flying to do tomorrow. Since she knows we are here, we won't get attacked by the storm as we leave."

Chp 20

KERR-ACCK

KERR-BOOM

The deafening sound of thunder surrounded the four flying figures and their passengers. They had left the lair of Zapdos behind a full day. They had flown into a headwind and were thrown off course. Now stuck at the edge of a hurricane, the group fights for survival. Below them, well over a kilometer, the waters churned and twisted with fury. They were heading for the only land in sight and unfortunately, it was in the very path of the storm as well. Lightning struck one of the flyers, only ears were damaged. They began to slowly tilt their way towards land to prevent them from getting sucked down to the waters. Hand signals were the only sign the others were still in one piece. After a prolonged hour, landfall had come. They quickly ran to the nearby woods as they sought out shelter. The group found a large cavern and quickly fled into its dark depths. Though not very dry, it was warmer with no wind to chill their wet flesh. The Life Fire of the three Charizards flickered; the two humans quickly dried and applied various potions onto them to warm them back up.

KEEEERRR-AAAASSSSHH

The group jumped and rushed to the entrance of the cave, several tree blocked the only way out. Jason sighed then released the rest of his team. The three females did the same. The more warmth they had the better the chance of survival. The youngest of the four Pokﾃｨmon Trainers, Grace, huffed as her translator gave her the telepathic update of what everyone said though she argued that she did not ask for the sour news.

"What now, fearless leader?" Maylene asked smugly. "We can't burn our way out without killing ourselves with the smoke. But it is extra protection from the storm, so for now we don't do anything until we know the storm has passed." "That may not be necessary." The Suicune of the group said as he tried to force an over energetic Raikou away. "Loraline, stop. There are tracks of odd Pokﾃｨmon here. Most are bigger then the normal types. Perhaps this island is unique and has formed hybrids of some kind." "Who else thinks we should follow them?" Flame backed her mate up. "Do we have a choice? Either way we could end up dead." Maylene's sour attitude came from being the one struck by the lightning. Her ears still rang and her fingers numb, but she was fine. "Despite being a true possibility, Arceus may have had a hand in this." Jason checked his sword then flicked the remaining water from it. "You three feeling any better? You can go into your balls if you need to." "I'm chilled, but good." Champ answered. "I'm... fine, I guess." Clair shook water from her wings. "I have a job to do, I'm not going the weak way out and let my young Trainer be unprotected." Rex snorted as he blew his own Flamethrower over his body to warm himself up. "Alright, let's move."

They had not even traveled ten minutes before they found the first actual sign of life. A torch barely burned on the wall, Rex grabbed it and used his tail to relight the fire. He then passed the torch to Jason as the human watched him. The male shrugged then went back to his Plusle Trainer. The children whimpered as mothers carried them mostly to use the small ones as warmth. Maylene's team followed silently, especially her only flying type being a Flygon. Maylene urged them to mingle with the others, but only Camerupt seemed to care. He walked beside Rex and chatted quietly with him. Though Maylene had allowed the large male to mate her, she refused to talk to Rex in any manner. Overall, that suited Rex as he hated the fact she could not understand him without help. Maylene grabbed the entire group's attention when she tripped and a nasty crack echoed.

"My... my ankle. I think I just broke my ankle." She bit her lip to keep from screaming. "Moon, can you do anything for her immediate pain?" Jason asked as he went to crouch next to the young woman. "Yes, I can. Tell her to relax and open her mind... Oh... my..." Moon stared past the edge of the firelight. Lisa and Adrian extended their Aura Sight to find what she saw then gasped. "What?" A dragon-like creature slowly stepped into the light. The coloring represented that of a Dragonite, but the features made it appear more human. It bowed then cleared its throat. "Forgive me, but we usually don't see humans on this isle. If I may, do you need assistance?" The voice in itself sounded young almost prepubescent male. "Uh... yes. Yes, we do need the help. She thinks she broke her ankle and also the entrance is blocked by trees." "There are others leading to the city, they'll be moved. Let me carry her, and I shall take you to our hidden city." "Sure. Can I ask something though?" "I do not see why not." "Is everyone in your city like you? Humanoid?" "No, there are still some originals here, but most do share blood with your species. We call ourselves Victars; the few humans that have come to see us have called us... um... PokﾃｨMorphs. One that specialized in the art of science declared that we have become a new step into Pokﾃｨmon Evolution. We just call ourselves lucky to be alive and have a place to call home. Try not to move the foot now. We don't need your screams causing a collapse." "Just hurry." Maylene whimpered as the brute of a Dragonite knelt down and scooped her up like she was nothing. "Come, the storm has weakened this part of the cave system and it may not hold long." "Right. After you." Sam walked up beside Jason with a worried look on his muzzle. Without a word the two slowly dropped to the back of the group. With a sigh, Sam opened up. "I am not directly a member of the Suicune Clans. This is hard..." "Take your time, my friend." "Erg... I was born here; my parents are part of this city. I, well we, need to see them since we are here." "You knew of this island and yet you kept it quiet?" "Yes... there are good reasons though. I am just glad he is too young to directly know me without knowing my name. My real name. It is Samuel, but..." "You have a surname?" Sam flinched slightly then nodded. "Well, Mr. Mysterious, it is good to know more about you. Is there anything you can tell me about this place?" "Just try not to capture anyone. Tell Maylene and Lisa that, Grace, too." "I will," Jason rubbed Sam's head then went ahead of the Suicune.

As Jason went to spread the news, Sam all but crawled up to Flame and nudged her. He didn't smile at her; he sighed then explained himself to her with far more details. Flame listened to his hushed voice with no malice, and when he finished. She gave his cheek a lick. She smiled then moved off to Moon and began giggling.

They came to a magma lit chamber that held a city larger than any of them had seen before. Yet Jason and Maylene recognized one building above them all. The two gasped as they realized it was a lost League Plateau. The Dragonite-man veered to the right, down a path that led to a lone building outset from the rest of the city. That trip took only a few minutes but they did not focus on that as the sites came to them.

"Here we are," The male said as he stopped in front of the building. "The Clinic. You are what the humans call a Trainer, yes?" "I am." Maylene answered through gritted teeth. "Do not act like one here, it could get you killed. Now, your family must stay with you so they are not taking in by the denizens of Victious. Same goes for you, young-" "They have already been taking in by a Victar... me. I am Samuel Snowtail." The Dragonite gulped and slowly went pale. "V-very well. I will get your female fixed up then. The Snowtails have not exchanged power yet, sir." He fled into the building with Maylene's team quickly following. "Uh... Sam?" "My parents are the rulers of this city. Technically, you are traveling with a prince. I left at my own accord, but do not be surprised if people here start to fear you. Mainly me, though. Come, I'll take you all to meet my folks. But, they aren't like us... ferals, by their words." "So-" "No, do not call me 'Your Majesty,' or whatever else. I left because I did not fully fit in. Let's move, I am sure mother will prepare a feast in honor of her only son's return..."

---

Sam led the group up to the 'castle' and got the guards to allow them access. From there, they split the noble crowd and went to the throne room and met with the rulers. Sam smiled as he saw their emotionless faces. He even saw a glimpse of his younger sister in the background.

"Mother, Father, I have returned unexpected with my new family. The great Father has made it clear to me of what my path will be." Sam's voice echoed against the stone room as he stared at his father. "And what is this path, boy?" The Suicune couple stood and whisked away robes to reveal themselves as 'Morphs. "And why do you bring a human into this sacred place?" "Arceus himself. That is why. He came to us. He has declared us as the next protectors of the realms. We cannot deny his voice, you know this." "No one can lay their eyes on our god and live, boy, admit it, you have allowed the Humans to wipe your mind!" Sam growled then stomped a paw into the stone breaking a large chunk free. He lifted the chunk with his paw and stared at his parents. "I am the vessel of strength, I am the Blade of Water. Champion of the Suicune Clans. I am the very claw of our Father. This Human is the Blade of Life, Master of the Blades, and Champion of the Humans. I have to follow him for the Father has declared it so! Do NOT tell me that I have been enslaved. If anything, I have been freed!" "Enough, you two. Victor, go sit down and relax before you make your heart fail. My little Sammy, I take it that the Ice Mistress treated you well?" The Queen raised her paw in front of her husband. "She did, mother." "Good. Now, please be a good boy and replace the floor." "I can't throw it at him? ... Fine." Sam placed the chunk back down and then looked back at his mate. "I know father will not agree to this, but I do have others with us, down at the Clinic, we need a place to stay until it is safe again to travel outside." "I will arrange it myself, my dear. Jude, come here." A smaller version of the queen scuttled forward out of the shadows, she curtsied to her mother then the crowd. "Wow, my little sister has grown into a beautiful young woman." "That she has. Jude, please take the females to the washroom while your brother takes the males. It will not due to have dirty guests nor dirty claws at the dinner. Shoo, I will have the servants gather you when it is done and the rest of your companions have been gathered." "This way, ladies." Jude glided down to the group and ushered the females off leaving Sam to usher the males off.

The males walked into a large room moments later and were swarmed by servants who took a guest each. The servants took them into separate chambers where they were scrubbed, groomed, powdered, and then (if able) dressed in a noble fashion. Sam, being placed into his princely role, was donned in a fine silk robe that brought out the color of his fur. Jason saw that his Suicune companion had been transformed after that, his posture stiffened, his facial expressions melted to a neutral point. Even his voice had changed, he now had commanding power within each word making the servants race about. As the others came out to join the Prince and Jason, they could tell that everyone had transformed into something that was not them. Mostly the Char family, their coloring seemed to have been darkened and suits sewn around their bodies to allow wings and tails to be free. Bowties were tied around those that could not easily wear clothing. Sam led them to a room where he knew his sister would take her side. His assumption was correct, the males found their counterparts even more elegant than before. Sam gave a wolf's call as he circled Flame.

"Mmm, mhm, sexy little cinnamon, give me a taste of that sweet spice." Sam leaned in to kiss his mate. She giggled and kissed back. "I'll give you a larger taste later, my dear." "Indeed you shall," Sam chuckled. "Right, do you know when the meal will be served, dear sister?" "We most likely have an hour, brother. Do try not to get into trouble like you used to." Jude clasped her gloved paws over her waist and kept her royal demeanor. "Trust me... I can't. Not without permission." "What ever does that mean, Samuel?" Sam bit his lip then straightened his posture. "Jason is the Master of the Blades, I must obey him. Arceus said so to the three of us as we found our duties. As of which, I had to submit myself to the feral ways." "So you are a pet, then? Better than being a blood pool, I guess. As long as you are living happily, I am delighted." "I am glad you approve, sister. Truly." "Father will not be so kind once he learns this." "Is he ever to me? I am the only feral in the family. I have only been the scapegoat of all his problems when I was growing up. At least now I can live freely." "There you all are!" Maylene and her team joined them, Maylene had a sturdy walking cast on her foot as she wobbled into the room. "It's amazing here, I can understand all of the residing Pokﾃｨmon. I just wish I could understand my team." "In due time." Jason said as he walked up to her. "So?" "Sprained, not broke. The odd Chansey said I took it to the point of just starting to tear the ligaments. As long as the pills hold out, I'm good. Oh, where did that little Zorua go? I saw a really nifty painting that had one in it." Sam gulped, "Damn, totally forgot about him. Where is he?" "How did your Suicune just speak?" "Long story. He's hiding on my shoulder under the illusion as a moth. He's also snoring lightly." Jason patted seemingly empty air then Sam sighed as he saw the space ripple. "Don't mention him again. I don't think we really want to start another argument with my father." "What is going on here? Why can I understand Sam all of a sudden?" Sam growled lightly, but quickly corrected himself and went back into 'Prince' mode. "I am Prince Samuel Snowtail. Heir to the throne of Victious. If you have ever heard of Victini, it is said that this is the birthplace of the first one. Anyway, I will take your males, you females go with Jude. You must be ready for the meal otherwise you might be mistaken for a peasant. We don't have much time."

---

Later, they had gathered in an extremely large banquet hall, Jason lost count after thirty-six tables as they began to fill up. He, Azu, and Flame was seated next to Sam as he took his place at the Master table. The four could hear Loraline complain over the gathering crowd about the ribbons and the dress-like robe that was placed on her. Flame could not help but chuckle as she fidgeted with her own. Yes, the robe was annoying, but it did look nice to look like someone important for a while.

"So, why are Loraline and Hazel sitting with the others and not with us?" Flame asked Samuel in a rather hushed tone. "Age." "Okay, that I can understand, but she is a Blade." "I could not join the table until I passed the Dominance Battle just like Jude cannot sit with us now. And before you ask, Jason and Azu are my direct guests and you are my mate. Just be prepared to answer any of my parents' questions." "What battle and what kind of questions?" Flame asked.

Sam did not get to answer her when a quartet of trumpets sounded the entrance of the Royal couple. The room stood silently and watched as the King and Queen took their place at the Master table. Victor looked around the room with a slight disapproval. Regardless, he knew his duties.

"Welcome, fine Ladies and Gentlemen. We gather tonight to celebrate the return of the Prince and the coming of his friends." The King forced out. "Though I do wish he would take upon him his duties; Samuel has decided to stay with his new family. Thus said, his duties shall now pass onto my daughter, Jude will hereby take on the Dominance Battle as soon as allowed. In other news that is a cause for celebration is that my son has taken on a mate of his own. One of the Originals, no less. So, Master Chef, break out the good casks! The Kingdom shall celebrate tonight!" Roars of various Pokﾃｨmon sounded as the subjects cheered out. The couple sat and the room followed. A mountain of food was Teleported in via the Psychic Master Chef. The room turned to the King and watched him slice the meat and quietly take a bite. As soon as he swallowed, the room filled with the murmurs of chatter and light music as the rest began to fill and empty plates. "Human... Jason, was it? How did you come to meet my son?" Victor asked as he cut another slab of meat from the hog in front of him. "A challenge from within a vision. Then I was just a simple Pokﾃｨmon Trainer, not knowing what I was to do. He changed that. Then soon after that meeting, we met Flame." "Trainer? Does that mean he has been captured?" "By his own accord, there is only three I have of my family that was placed in those things against their will. Two is with us tonight, the third had to stay behind so we could bring our children with us." "Do you have young?" "Indeed, Sire, I have a son of my own. He is currently with his adopted sisters while his mother sits with you." "I would like to properly meet the family after the meal. My Queen has calmed my head, I was... too willing to judge my son as a traitor to the blood and his duties." "As you wish, Sire." "Young Entei, what is your name?" "I have no blood name, Sire. The ancestors told me that the Master here had to name me, of which I am called Flame." She answered as prideful as she could. "So it is no nickname... There is a third, correct?" "A Raikou pup that is named Loraline, she is called Blade around other humans we do not trust with the old laws." "She has a mate given to her, no?" "A male of the same clan that goes by Hazel. Caught in a true battle by the Master Blade's adopted daughter." Flame answered politely. "How interesting. Tell me, how many times has my son mounted you in attempt to sire pups?" "Victor!" "Quite alright, my Queen. We have joined several times out of my cycles, we do not wish to have pups as of yet in case we fail our task and the pups grow without us." "Promise me you will try at least once in your next cycle. I do not wish the bloodline to fully end with a chance his sister cannot bare young." "To be honest, Sire, we would have to discuss this subject first." Flame's charm glowed for a brief moment as the King reached for his goblet. "Don't drink that, Sire, I am eighty-six percent sure that it has been tainted by Spinarak toxins." The King flinched then raised his paw. A guard came quickly to his master's side the King thrust the goblet to the guard. "Taste this." "As you wish, your Highness." The guard removed his helmet revealing himself as a Raichu morph. He took the goblet and sipped it. Immediately, the guard's paw began to quiver. He dropped the goblet as he reached for his throat as it closed off. Before the guard completely collapsed, Jason had begun to strip him of his armor and lay him down. Jason quickly drew his own blood and placed a droplet on the Raichu's tongue before stabbing the sturdy male's heart. The guard gasped loudly as the poison escaped his body and up the blade then into Jason's waiting palm. Jason ripped the blade from the male's chest, the King watched as the hole closed up leaving no scar. Jason soaked a napkin with the toxin then wiped the mess up with it. He looked up at a nearby servant and beckoned her.

"Burn this then have someone with a Fire ability to burn the rest out of this before cleaning it. Wash up completely before handling anything else." Moon teleported next to Jason with a Raticate entangled in her Psychic grips. "I quickly scanned the minds present and saw that he placed a vile into the King's wine. I can share the image with you, Sire, if you wish." "No, I trust the Psychic abilities, for none can truly deceive the truth. Can you stand guardsman?" "Aye, Sire." "Good, take this Raticate to the dungeons. Find out why he tried to poison me." "Darkrai the Everlasting shall rule us all. Death to all those who are against the Dark One!" The Raticate shouted as the guard started to drag him away. Jason shuddered involuntarily, "Well, guess coming here was no mistake, eh, Sam?" "... Yeah. We four need to question him; I bet that dead man we captured was killed after we left him because of this Darkrai character." "Good point. Sire?" "We shall go after the meal."

---

Meanwhile, a dark force grunts his distaste as he feels his name shouted for all to hear. "Why? WHY!? Now those fools know who I am. They will DIE!"

---

Jason shivered as the four Blades walked behind the King and his guardsmen. Something made him nervous; he just could not place it to an exact thing. His thoughts raced as they went down into the dark tunnels which effectively made anyone feel the despair of those dragged down through here. The guards opened one final door that led to the cells, but what was inside made even the guard vomit then turn tail.

"Shit!" Loraline exclaimed as she pushed by the still vomiting guard. "There's someone still alive!" She rushed ahead into the blood-filled corridor; bodies strewn everywhere, most ripped into several pieces. Including one Raticate whose head was missing. "Jason, this guard is barely with us!" "Loraline, tap into your power. Keep his heart alive." Loraline nodded. With a calming sigh, she placed a paw gently on the guard's chest. I am the Blade of Thunder, the Essence of Energy. Here my call, use me failing one... The guard gasped but did not fight, especially as Jason came up to him and felt him over. Jason sighed and stepped back. "He's all yours," Is all Jason said.

Loraline glanced at him before realizing that it was more than the guard's heart that needed her energy, it was the Raichu from the banquet hall. She sent short bursts of electricity into him, of which he soaked up and restored his body. She only stopped when the male grabbed her paw.

"You are only partially charged." "Good... enough." "I don't think so; this is your second strike. Strip and embrace me." "What!?" "That metal will just take the electricity. Take it off." "No..." "For the love of... Jason, will you help me here?" Jason nodded then started forcing the armor off, he easily overpowered the male. "Fine..." He muttered. "What's your name?" "Everyone calls me Zaps, but my full name is Zapperiah" "Fitting. I am Loraline. Just relax; hopefully I am still a universal donor with your kind." "Are you talking blood?" Jason asked as he moved the armor aside then helped the freshly nude male stand. "No. You would not understand being a non-Electric, but there are six types of electricity. The most common is the same as lightning itself, which makes that type a universal donor, others are rare and are hard to recharge another with it. Mostly non-Electric types use them so they don't fry themselves while attacking with it." Loraline sat on her haunches then threw her forelegs over the male's shoulders. He wrapped his arms around her as best as he could. He flinched as he felt her jolt him but his body quickly took in the power until his cheeks returned to their normal red shade. The process took about five minutes, but once done, they quickly parted and Zaps got dressed. "Let's not speak of this... please." "On the contrary, we need to know how you came be like that." Jason retorted as Zaps refastened his armor onto himself. "A shadow attacked us, it was like a Lucario, but it was extremely strong. Once it had the head of the traitor, it went ballistic. I poured everything I had into it and it still went on destroying everyone. I think it left me for dead because I did drain myself to the point of a slow death." "Lucky you." Loraline sighed then broke off to look into a nearby cell. "They're still locked yet the occupants met the same fate. I do not like this at all." Jason looked at Loraline, he could not tell if she was trying to act mature for the Raichu's sake or had she actually learned something from earlier. "It is hard telling; best not try our luck to see if the foe is still here. We may be strong, but I fear this may be out of our league. Sire, I advise a retreat back to your throne. Sam, protect him. Flame, do you notice anything unusual?" "Only the scent of Dark energy, Lisa and Adrian may be of more use here." "I'm not willing to risk it. Let's go." "But..." "No, we are not strong enough yet to fight any form of Darkrai. Hell, we don't even know what its abilities are." "How can we learn if not to fight it?" "We could die like these men. I am not throwing our lives away and let the world perish." "Wise choice, human. Alas, our battle is not meant for now. I shall allow you to live for the day." A black mist rolled out from the one of the cells, blood dripped from it as a head hovered within it. Jason gulped and reached for the pummel of his sword but hesitated on drawing it. The mist raced passed them and vanished from their sight as it went up the stairs.

"That was not Darkrai's true form. We could not have won anyway." Flame stated as she sniffed the air. "But we do have his scent now." "Definitely male. Full of hate and lust of power. Arceus guide us all." Sam drew in the scent and shivered. "Just seeing that thing... It makes me want to hide. Can we go, please?" Loraline whimpered and cowered slightly. "Yes. We all must train. As soon as we get to Fire Island and get Fiera's help, the sooner we can get home." Zaps held back as his King and Prince left then the two females followed them. Once he had the chance, he grabbed Jason's shoulder. "Sir, I know it is not my place to do this... but I wish to repay you somehow. You saved my life twice in one day." "Just knowing you're alive is enough to make me happy." Jason looked over at the male, it seemed that the Raichu was about to cry. "Not me. I am willing to forsake my duties and follow you and the Prince anywhere." "Tell you what, you ask for permission to leave to protect Sam and I will gladly take you and you immediate family with us, as long as you don't care to fly." "I have no children yet, but I will call upon the Prince's favor. I do hope my blade will come in use for you." "An extra set of fighting arms always does us good. Shall we catch up?" "Oh, yeah. Of course."

Once the royal family and the traveling group was fully gathered within the throne room. Sam began to fully describe the events that had led him to Jason. Zaps had snuck in and stood silently in the back awaiting the proper moment to speak out. As Sam continued, Lisa and Moon scanned the room for any malice thoughts or Auras. Moon listened to Loraline's thoughts by pure accident and found out what had happened in the dungeons. She shivered slightly as flash images came up. Then a ping hit her. A guard came in behind them and stood beside the Raichu guardsman. The newcomer hid under armor, but his mind was blank, no thoughts other than the subconscious survival ones came out. Moon growled as she turned and stared at the newcomer. The room fell silent and all eyes fell on her.

"Guardsman Zaps, remove the helmet of the guard next to you." Moon ordered.

Zaps looked cautiously at his King, and then removed the helmet. The face was just as blank as the thoughts. The Croagunk stood there drooling on himself. Something within him clicked, but Moon reacted before the guard did. She jumped and created a barrier around the King as the guard shot poison darts from his paws. The solidified poison shattered upon impact and fell as glitter to the floor. The guards captured the frog and pinned him down.

"His mind has been completely wiped. He knows not what he does, only does what he is ordered." Moon said as she lowered the barrier. "It would be wise to put him in isolation with nothing." "Do as she says." Victor grunted. "Guardsman Zaps," Moon smiled wholeheartedly. "I believe you have something to say." The Raichu bowed then stepped forward then knelt before the throne. "With your permission, Sire, I humbly request permission to travel with the Prince and help keep him safe." "Given the history my son has with you, guardsman, I normally would say no. But with recent events, I do want him to have a guard he can trust. Permission granted. Go to the Royal Blacksmith and have the apprentice join you." "Thank you, my King. I shall go gather him at once." "Jason, if you have a wine cellar, make sure to keep those two away from it." "That shall be easy, Sire, for I have no wine cellar. I really do not see a need for one with a town within walking distance. And If I may, sir, I would like to offer an open invitation to your entire kingdom to my home. I believe that you would enjoy seeing all the races working and living in harmony." "Perhaps, but normally leaving the island is forbidden. Times have changed, albeit on my time. If this... Darkrai shows up again, I may take you up on that invitation. Perhaps even to join forces." "That would be a wise choice Victor Snowtail." A small red-orange and white Pokﾃｨmon wobbled into the room, the guards parted as though as it had some sort disease. Its large ears converged to make them look like a V shape while its paws seemed to be permanently curled into a victory sign. "You live!? Praise be yours, Victini Usapa!" "Enough. You shame yourself too easily. Little Zorua, show yourself please." "I would rather sleep. Too many strange creatures..." Zorua fluttered off of Jason's shoulder and 'popped' back into his normal form. "What do you want?" "I knew your mother and have tracked you down. I have something that belonged to her. A charm, she used it to focus her energy to change forms. I felt something happen to her, so I assumed it is time you had it." "A what?" Zorua trotted over to the little rabbit-like creature. "A charm. Here allow me." A chain dropped from the Victini's palm. He then tossed the loop over the pup's head then released the charm. The charm itself resembled a star with Zoroark paw print in its center. In itself, the charm seemed to pulsate lightly with power; Zorua could tell that it felt like his Mimaw and whimpered. "She lives, little one, barely... You being here is keeping her alive. Stay with your human and grow strong." "I have to anyway." "Good, boy. Warrior of Arceus, this pup is special, when the time comes for him to change, he will learn what I mean. Good luck." "Victini Usapa, please return to have your heir here." Victor was almost ready to fall to his knees and beg, by the looks of him. "Unova needs my abilities. Though there can only be one of us allowed to live at a time, I do not know where my next life will drop me. For now, I will assume there is great power in the hands of this human. We shall see. I still have two winters left. Farewell and Victory be yours." With that, the little rabbit creature ran out and disappeared. "Odd fellow." Jason said quietly after a few moments of silence. "Anyway, it has been a long day for us. May we... uh, retire for the night?" "Quite. Samuel, I assume you remember where the guest quarters are... and your room." "Thank you, father. I do remember quite well. Fare thee well, mother." "Samuel... you are mated now, you even have a wonderful family. You may speak however you wish." "Thank you, mother." Samuel bowed then turned towards his family with a smile. "Jason, is your mate and yourself willing to stay for some ale? Your child may stay as well." Though Jason wanted to refuse, he did not want to make the King mad by refusing. "We would be delighted, your Highness."

---

"Why did you shout out my name!?" The Darkrai shouted as he held the head of his Raticate subject in his claws. "You told them exactly what I did not WANT!" The head went flying through the darkness the evil one called home. After a brief moment, the sound of the skull cracking sounded. "YOU all shall pay!" "Your Darkness, the next batch of Dark Warriors is ready for your programming." A voice broke the Dark One's ranting. A hiss answered then two red orbs began to glow, the eyes of the Dark One peered into the darkness to find the fleeing subordinate, he would find the wretch later... much later. "You all shall pay..."

Chp 21

"You could have told me!" An angry female voice echoed through the empty halls of the Victarian castle. "How could you even keep this to yourself? Do you not trust us enough?" "My dear love... I am sworn to protect this city. Speaking anything of it to outsiders can leave me without my head." Samuel Snowtail said barely above a whisper. "You could have at least told me! I am your mate, right? Then how about sharing things with me!" "Flame, you are going to wake the city. I-" "Don't you dare!" "Dare what? I already risked my life by laying claim on our group and telling everyone who I am. Hell I was going to throw a limestone floor chunk at the King until mother stopped me. If I could get away with taking his life, I would not regret it. He is only acting all luvy-dubby only because his Queen said 'Sit.'" "You know what you are? A stubborn, stuck up puppy!" "Me? A puppy!? What about you? Huh? You are acting more like a pup than I am!" "Really!? What if I told you that my emotions are high-strung because I am pregnant?" Sam's jaw dropped, he was speechless. "Yeah, that orgy with all those adolescents... I was in heat and you rode me hard and put me away wet." Flame growled and allowed a small amount of flames to roll out her mouth. "I..." "You what?" "I didn't expect that I could be compatible... I mean... I'm not a true Suicune...um... yeah." "Sure. Whatever! I'm going to bed." "Alright-" "Alone." "But it's," Flame charged into the open room then kicked the door shut behind her. "My room. Damn it, Sam, why did you have to go and swallow your own tail?"

Sam turned and started to move to the room where Jason would be staying. He took a deep breath when he heard the sound of padded footsteps behind him. He kept moving even though he knew who it was, he didn't want to disappoint the old Nanny that had a bad habit of using her Psychic powers to follow her charge.

"Little Sammy..." "Yes, Nanny May?" He stopped and turned to look at the old Espeon Morph. "I can tell you that she is pregnant. If you are wise, you would ask her to go through the ceremony with you." "Maybe when she loses that temper. I may be able to handle Fire types well enough, but I don't think I can take it from her. How can anyone stand having their mate attack them for doing nothing more than trying to keep a calm head?" "Just be glad you aren't in the Scyther bloodline, the ferals bite off the male's head during the act. Not pretty." "Not helping." "Sorry. Still, you're lucky. She's very intelligent, and she's blessed on top of that. I'll give her twelve weeks of carrying. And no, I cannot tell how many. She's not that far along." "That's fine. Thank you." "Yet you are still agitated. I know my young charge far too well to know what you are thinking without my powers. You think if you told her about you origins you wouldn't have had this problem? Perhaps not, but you would have had a far bigger one. You know the laws concerning outside travels and that is why you did not tell them." "Moon knew, I am sure of it. She dug into my mind when we first met physically to dig out my name. She knows the laws of the Legendary, so something tells me the sisters are more than just regular 'eons." "Perhaps. Only the Father knows for sure. Go to your human's room, he and his mate are still drinking with your father." "I think I might go talk to Moon if I can find her, she tends to hide though. Care to join me? I think you and her would hit it off quite well." "You have spent too much time with humans, dear, but yes, I think I will join you." "I have seen a lot of things since I left, but none compares to what I know will come. May... I know it is not my place to ask, but when the time comes... protect Jude." "She can-" "I mean it. I don't know exactly, but what I do know is that a male will come after her. He will rape then kill her. I have seen it through his eyes. He's a Morph... that's all I know." "When are you going to tell your parents about your... unique skills." "You are the only one that knows and will know. I prefer to remain a normal Suicune. So, please keep it to yourself." "Suit yourself. Hold still."

Sam cocked his head and stared at his nanny. She whisked him away in a Teleport. A brief heartbeat later, they phased in beside the four legged Espeon. The two Psychics nodded as they probed each other slightly with their powers. The younger one stretched before she jumped onto Sam's back.

"Hey!" "Settle down, pup. May, is it? Are you the same May that supplied SilphCo. with Psychic knowledge and power to adapt ferals?" "Perhaps I am. But I do not recall ever leaving this island." May said with a sly smile. Moon nodded. "Any way, you wanted to talk?" "Yeah, I was kind of hoping you could help me later. Nanny May says Flame is... pregnant." "Uh... how? I thought she could only get pregnant from another Entei." "Apparently not." May leaned against a Light Barrier. "She has started her hormonal flux. So you may have to keep her in check." "And how am I to do that?" "Believe it or not, Moon, she thinks of you as a sister. I think you could very well do what I cannot." Sam sighed, wishing he could look the 'eon in the face. "Will you at least try? I know you are by far stronger than her, and for now, I am grateful."

Moon jumped off her perch with silent grace. As she landed, she flipped her tail up into Sam's face and rubbed his muzzle. Then without another word, she went strolling down the hall. Sam finally realized where they had jumped to, Moon had been listening to the royal couple talking to their Trainer. He drew a deep breath as he realized what he must do. The door cracked open as May chuckled then walked away as well. "Thanks..." He muttered then pushed the door open. "Sorry for my interruption, but I have some news that is worth sharing..."

---

Moon teleported to the other side of the door. Flame had managed to lock it and now she was staring off into space as she laid on the small hay-filled mat that served as the Prince's bed.

"He sent you, didn't he? Clever male." "No one sends me where I don't want to go." Moon slowly approached the obviously agitated female. Giving the Entei a quick Psychic probing, she found that the female was indeed pregnant yet the number of young was uncountable at the moment. "So... you think of me as a sister?" Flame flinched but did not look at her. "He asked me to calm you down, but I won't. Nor will I agitate you more. We will only speak further if you wish." Moon hopped onto the mat then sat. She closed her eyes and began to meditate while waiting for the larger one to speak. Five minutes passed by silently with the Espeon unmoving. The Entei growled then turned her attention to her aggravator. "Fine! You want to know why I am angry at him? He never told us who he was or what he is. He could at very least have told me. Then he goes about spreading more lies about how he would lose his head if he told any of us the truth. And what is with everyone getting to know that damn Articuno? It seems everyone is out to drive me crazy and I am about to snap!" "You done?" Moon said while Flame gasped for a breath. Flame nodded. "First, he was telling the truth. Even Crystal had to swear her life on the secret of this place before she could even take Samuel away. They both went through the swearing together. I kept my silence on the matter because he knew that his father always had an eye on him no matter where he was. Like it or not, he was being watched. Even through our own trials we were watched. The Old Clans still exist, and his bloodline is a part of it even though Victor refuses to acknowledge it in front of others. Now I can tell you the things he witnessed as a pup when one of those spies came back with violent humans in tow." Flame did nothing but scowl at the wall. "Here, showing may be better than telling-

Moon tapped Flame's brow with her tail and a flash took over Flame's vision. Suddenly she was transported into the body of her mate yet he was far younger.

Screams flooded her ears as she... he looked around. The city looked brighter, bigger. Below the castle, smoke rose up as the Fire type guards started to purge the city. Flame climbed the railing that separated her from the city, but a Psychic force stopped her from completing her jump. "Now, now, Sammy, your father said to stay put." "I am the Prince! I have my duties just as much as he does. I have to protect them! My city is burning down because of an unneeded purge. It is my duty to save the innocent!" "Samuel, you are- Flame blasted the nanny with a powerful water jet which broke her concentration enough for her to jump out the window and slide down the rocks below. She felt the pull of the ocean above her and begged for some of its strength. Water started to seep from the rocky walls that protected the city from the outside. Several tunnels flooded as she used the water to drown the fires around her. Once the fires were dead, she turned to the sound of gasping. A human male laid on the ground, face burnt. Flame crept over to him and looked over the human. "You have created such a mess here, human, you shall pay. Now where is that little Pichu traitor?" "I'm here, Prince. I beg forgiveness. I was forced to show the path here and- "Silence. Judgment is not mine to call. Take the human's captives and follow me." "Yes, sire." The Pichu took the belt off of the human while she grabbed the human and started drag the pained human by the shoulder. It was not long before an elderly Charizard guard arrived and took the human from the Prince's grasp. Flame could feel her jaw pop. "So, young one, what is your name?" "My name is Zapperiah, sire. My friends used to call me Zaps." "I am surprised the human did not kill you, Zapperiah." "I think the only reason he did not was for the fact that I show... the other qualities of the Victar. I did my best to keep from changing to prevent showing more. I failed the oath. I am willing to pay the price, sire." "There may be a way to keep your head, when you face the King, offer him that you are willing to free the human's captives and kill it. You just may redeem yourself." "I will try. But either way, I am willing to die. I swore that when I swore the Oath of Protection."

Flame felt herself shift forward through the memories. She gasped as everything went through at a blinding speed.

"Your highness, the Prince and the traitor begs your audience." The Charizard guard that had carried the human stood in their path as he shouted into the throne room. "Enter!" Victor shouted angrily. "Boy, you disobeyed me." "Forgive me, father, but I was not about to allow my future charges die without need. We even brought you the human." "Your Majesty, I am willing to release the human's captives and kill it myself for it forced me to bring it here for my early showing of the other blood." Zapperiah prostrated himself as he begged for his life. "Of what do you have to offer if I allow you to live?" "I...I- "He shall become my personal guard, sire." Flame flinched as she heard the words come out without thinking. "Very well, if you are killed during training, so be it. Proceed and know that my guards have you marked should you try to keep this... human alive."

Flame gasped as another memory struck her. This one was from just before Sam left the city.

"Zaps, it is happening again." She said quietly as she stared out the very window from years back. "Shall we stop the purge from starting this time?" A Pikachu clad in metal stepped up to the window his covered hands gripped the railing as his own memories hit him. "I have heard that this one could be a voluntary bringing. You are still protected from those devices, so of course we will." "As you wish, sire." "Climb on and hold tight, it is time for a flight." Flame chuckled as she nudged Zapperiah.

The Electric mouse climbed onto her back then they jumped out the window without hindrance this time. Jude had been born just four weeks ago so the nanny was busy. They raced through the city to where the scouts had placed the sighting. The human and the returning feral Blastoise stood waiting at the end of one of the tunnels. The human was clad in a white coat and head fur that was beginning to change color. The two bowed as Flame slid to a halt and growled.

"Prince Samuel, I did not expect this kind of welcome." The Blastoise said proudly. "I bring forth the human called Oak to meet the King and Queen. He is a scientist and could help our kind prosper." "I don't like this. Zaps, take rear, should these two try anything, don't hesitate. You two, follow me.

Another memory jumped into play placing time a week before Sam left.

"Again!? That does it, Zaps, I'm going out there to prevent this from happening again." "Sam... what about home... me?" "I'll see to it that you guard Jude, but I must protect my city foremost. Now I must make a name for myself and take down this Charizard. Arceus knows father is just going to let the Fire Squad burn the bastard after the city is in cinders." "I wish you luck, Sam."

The memory jumped to the finishing blow of the battle.

The Charizard laid at the feet of his Prince, his Life Fire growing dimmer by the second. The human that rode on his back laid in three pieces.

"By the power of the Father and the King, I sentence you to death for treasonous acts against our kingdom and risking the livelihood of our kind. May the Father forgive you." Flame clamped down on the throat of the Charizard and ripped the flesh away from the body. Blood covered her blue fur as it sprayed out of its vessel. The large chunk of flesh fell to the ground to splash even more blood onto her. "Tend to the bodies and the captives. I have to report to the King..." "Stop." A female voice shattered her anger. An Articuno had appeared from the Pokﾃｨball. "I am the daughter of Arceus, I know of your wish to leave here to prevent another incident like this. Please take me with you."

Flame felt a sharp shock then the ache of a migraine as Moon pulled away her powers.

"See, not all secrets can be shared without consequences. Let your anger go." "But..." Flame sighed as she shook herself. "What could it have mattered if he had just whispered it to me? It is not like I could have forced him to take me here. I have the secrets of the Clans to keep I could keep that one." "This secret is his Clan secret, to these people we are outsiders. The only reason we were not attacked at the cave was because the King told them to remain alert for the return of their feral Prince. That scout did not want to chance attacking the Prince so he took us into the city." "You find that out by prying into minds?" Flame grumbled as she turned to Moon. "No, by asking. I only pry when I feel something threatening from someone. Now, how about letting your mate back into his room?" "No. He's still in trouble. He needs to learn to confide in me." "You both need to learn to trust each other. Remember to keep your blood pressure level and keep your temper on the level as well." "Why should I?" "For your pups' sakes. You are pregnant and not by another one of your kin. Enjoy this for our Father has blessed you two." "Blessed? Mood swings, odd cravings, vomiting. What kind of blessing is that?" "One that makes you work for the result. I will talk with Jason and see if we can't put our hunt on hold until your litter is weaned. Or at least..." Moon turned her head towards the door and sighed deeply. "I am needed. Sam has returned to the door, consider letting him in. Good night." With that, Moon vanished leaving Flame staring at the door. She growled but silenced herself when she heard Sam humming something outside.

---

"I don't know, dear, do you really think you will be allowed to enter without argument? I mean, even with Telepathy, humans tend to regard us as mere tools if not less." Adrian was trying to calm Lisa down as he rubbed her shoulders. "I have a Trainer Card and a team. By Samoah law they have to let me in... or risk losing their gym." "Your really studied this haven't you?" "Yes, and that is why I am going to trade Jason and Grace for your balls." "I have my balls. I could show them to you if you don't believe me." "You know what I mean, but I will take you up on that offer anyway." Lisa smiled as Adrian chuckled and walked around the chair she was perched in. "Mmm, now those are a nice pair. They could use a good polish though." "Oh baby..." Adrian smiled. "Oh, baby, what happened?" Adrian moved quickly away from his mate and left her with a puzzled look until she turned. Mona had all-but crawled into her father's view. She had been cut up badly, blood matted her fur along with tears. She clamped her paws down onto her father. "Grace... hurt." She pointed to the door. Adrian picked her up and moved quickly. Just outside the door, Grace laid there in a bit better shape. Her eyes filled with a plea for help.

Moon appeared next to her and looked over the others. Moon nodded then took them silently to the hospital across the city. Moon phased them into the lobby and explained the situation to the Morph Chansey then vanished again.

---

"Sssir, you... you do good. Be... proud of... your boy. He strong." Jason hiccupped after he downed his third pint of ale. The King and Queen laughed wholeheartedly at him as Azu sighed and allowed her boy to rest on her floater tail. "Jason, I think you have had enough." Azu scowled at him. "You right." Jason fumbled with his pint a few times as he attempted to place it on the table in front of him. Luckily he didn't drop it. "Excuse me, Your Highnesses, but your daughter has been kidnapped and my Trainer's daughter and charge has been beaten severely in attempt to protect her. From what I could make out from Grace's mind, it was a Scyther male Morph. The image was filled too much with fear and panic to make out much more than that, I am sorry." Moon appeared in between the King and Jason. "What!?" The Queen shouted. "Guards! Sound the alarm! There are only two known Morph Scythers, find them!"

Guardsmen of all types scoured the city and every known crevice. The King abandoned his ale and went to the throne room and paced as he waited. Jason was forced to the guest room while Moon talked Lisa into control of the group. An hour crept by, no news was heard. The nanny appeared suddenly with a male in her claws and an injured Jude clinging onto her. The King gasped and then rushed his daughter and held her. Jude cried silently into her father's shoulder. The male quaked with anger as he fought to escape his captor's grip until the King turned to him and took him by the segment he could call a throat.

"Why did you take my daughter?" Victor demanded. The male spat at him. "Tell me or so help me I will rip your puny head off your body!" Mandibles clacked as the male stared at him. Victor growled. "Very well, May, take what I want." A twitch flowed through the male as May ripped the information from his head. She nodded. "I hope this is painful." Victor placed one paw on the male's torso then pulled the head upwards with the other. The sickening rip of sinew sounded as Victor finished his threat. The body collapsed then the King dropped the head. "He succeeded to rape her but not kill her like he planned. He was another agent of this Darkrai." Victor roared in frustration then threw the head into the wall. "You have your son to thank. I know he wanted it to be kept secret... but... he has premonitions, he sent me because he cannot interfere himself." "As long as Jude is safe, I will not press matters. Speaking of which, help my daughter clean up. I would like to keep her free of that male's seed while there is still time to get it out." "Very well, sire. This way, dear." "Send the guards in here to deal with the body on your way out." "Already done." May bowed then turned as she grabbed Jude.

---

Later that night, Jason woke with a hangover migraine. His stomach lurched as he rolled over to throw his legs over the bed. When he felt a large lumpy floor, he looked down to see Sam stretched out beside him. He frowned slightly then moved gently to escape the room. Once he was free of the bed and Pokﾃｨmon, he got dressed in the previous day's clothes and stumbled out to get fresh air. He managed to walk to a balcony that overlooked a path down a rather steep incline. He leaned on the railing and watched the city below twinkle like the night sky. He could see guards patrolling the semi-dark roadways. This place amazed Jason, he could say that they were technologically advanced for a medieval civilization. Jason did not hear any footsteps approach him, so he jumped when a paw slapped his shoulder.

"Dear Arceus!" "Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you. Zapperiah told me that I am to accompany your group to the outside world. I have everything packed and ready to go when you are." Jason turned to the voice and was shocked. "You're... you're...." "Hmm? Oh! Yes, I am Mewtwo. I had to hide after my pitiful defeat. But I have to admit that that Red did show me what life was really meant to be. I fled to this seemingly uninhabited isle only to be brought in by these people. I think I have been here nearly a decade now. Anyhow, I am glad to meet you." "Yes, likewise. Um, I'm Jason, but I suppose you already knew that." "I can tell you are nervous around me and the ale hasn't helped that bit out either. Don't worry, I'll prove myself as a changed being. Now, you get back to bed. I have one other to meet with before I go and meditate." "If it were that simple..." Jason sighed then turned back to the vista. "Can I ask you something?" When he received no answer he turned to an empty hall. "Psychics... always running out of time to be no where." He returned to his own 'meditations' and studied the moving lights below.

"Don't..."

"Don't go..."

"Not there!" Lisa shouted and lurched up out of bed readying an Aura Sphere. Her breaths came heavy as she looked around. "Damn... they're starting again. At least this time I didn't attack someone. Oh, my poor Richard...."

And I didn't wake any- why is Jason up? Better go see.

Lisa made her way out of the room she was sharing with the females and children and joined up with Jason. She said nothing, only grunted as Jason nodded and waved her over as she approached. He tossed an arm around her and pulled her close.

"I've been thinking. Since we have taken on a few extras and have a short term pregnancy on hand, would you be willing to take Flame, Zaps, and the apprentice home? Don't worry, I'll send Adrian with you this time." Jason said out of the blue. "Are you sure you aren't developing Psychic abilities?" "I don't think so, but I assume that is a 'Yes?'" "Yes. When we... I get home, may I try to get the badges like a real Trainer?" "As long as you get your hands on a Psychic that can teleport you to safety should things get hairy... yes, you can try. Just remember, Trainers don't join the fight, only instruct." "I'll remember. I'll even glue the card to my palm if I have to." "Let's not get carried away, my dear daughter." Jason chuckled. "You know, I don't think I will ever get used to saying that. Any way, if the storm has passed, we'll be leaving soon. With any luck, you can get along with the apprentice better than humans can. He's...unique." "What do you mean?" "Mewtwo is the apprentice. He has seemingly changed since Red knocked him down from Team Rocket's attempted control over him. Just keep tabs on him more for his safety than others. Oh, and when you save up enough, get yourself a Pokﾃｨtch that way you can call me. Mitch has the number of mine." "Will do. This means I have to figure out what three I'm trading out." "Easy, give me Shadow and Miguel. Give Grace, Falrin." Jason drew in a relaxed breath then smiled. "Well, I guess I'm sober again, so I am back off to bed. Don't be up too much longer." "Jason... dad... wait. I could use someone to talk to for a while. I've been having my nightmares again." "What nightmares?" "They're from the day I found Richard... you know..." "Ah, I understand. Let's take your mind off of it for now, hmm?" "What do you have in mind?" "Let's walk for a while and perhaps talk."

The two made their way down to the castle doors and managed to squeeze through them then they began to walk along the outside walls. Lisa would quietly ask about various mannerisms she should use for interacting with other Trainers she would meet. He would just say that the eye contact would start the main battle and could even start up trouble. The general rule, he told her, is that the official battles were three-on-three unless both sides had at least five on their teams. While unofficial was all-out. Jason chuckled then looked at his daughter.

"You do know that all of this is in the handbook, right?" "Well, yes. But it is always different in real life than from a book." "True, but Trainers have to follow strict international laws to prevent accidental deaths. That and it's to prevent people from becoming freelancer thieves. Which they still do, but they are usually stopped before real damage is done." By their third lap, they both agreed to call it a night and went in.

When morning came, Sam was the first to wake. He rushed out of the room as quietly as possible and went to the kitchen to bother the cooks as he used to before he left. Surprisingly enough, the head chef already had a bowl of warmed oats sitting out at a table waiting for the Prince to join them.

"Ah, monsieur, I am glad you are still cooking for my parents." Sam said as he hefted his torso up to lean on the table. "Oh... strawberry oats, I haven't had these for a long while. Thank you." "Indeed, I am, my Prince. The grapevine tells me you are expecting, no?" "Tis no lie." Sam smiled as he took a long sniff at the oatmeal. "Smells almost too good to eat... almost." He lapped at it slowly to savor the taste. "I am glad for both. Tell me, do you expect many to be like us or like them?" The chef turned to wave a spatula haphazardly as he spoke. The chef held himself proud as he is a feral Ursaring and one damn good cook. "I am hoping like us. That way I don't have to explain anything right off. But if this war I am a part of goes to the human eyes... well... the Victars will be out in the open anyway. Especially if I have my way." "Seems a little dangerous to be trying to change the rules of the King." "True, but he won't live for ever and for right now... I am the only heir that has mated and is with child. Even if I don't want it, the throne is mine. And when that time comes... well..." "You would start a war just to stay away from the power you were born for?" "I already have my power. I work for Arceus, always will." "But you're the Prince." "So-shit not now..." Sam's eyes went wide and clouded over. The chef just shook his head then pulled a knife to start peeling a carrot. Sam gasped and looked around frantically as his eyes reverted to normal. "Only me. So?" "I got to go. This one I have to interfere with, I was told to." Sam jumped away from the table and looked back briefly. "Thanks for the oats. The outside world doesn't have such exotic foods." "That is because it comes from a land where no Pokﾃｨmon live. Go on, do your thing. I need to go back to cooking."

---

"Does the Master require us to bathe him?" A young, perhaps adolescent, Ralts spoke up for a group of servants all of them female. "No! No, I just wish for a private moment." Jason had covered himself under the water of the large garden tub. "You are dismissed." "As you wish, Master Jason." The girls bowed respectfully then retreat from wherever they had come from. "Finally... no wonder Sam left this place, these people even want to breathe for you."

Jason relaxed himself and stretched out. The hot water, heated to one hundred-eight degrees Fahrenheit soothed him and melted the stress out of him. In what space he had, he let the water float him. He had woken up right after Sam had shut the door to his room. The silence was starting to return the call of slumber upon him when Jason heard the clack of claws on the stone floor.

"Occupied." No response. "Fine," He sighed. "Who is it?" "Guess who?" The voice chuckled behind Jason's head making him jump. "Arceus?! What's going on?" "You are about to go into the next phase of your transformation. Do not be mad with your fellow Blades, they are only protecting the innocent. And be prepared for pain. For that I am sorry, but for your body to house the power that I am slowly awakening in you, the body must change harshly. Oh, don't forget to wash behind your ears, you will never know what you may find there." Arceus chuckled then vanished in a cloud of vapor. Jason took the washcloth and scrubbed behind his ears, an amulet fell onto his shoulder. It glowed lightly on its own with power. "Funny... Well then, I guess my private moment is officially done... guess it's true: A Hero never rests even when the job is done."

After Jason had gotten out and dressed, he wandered down to the main hall and sat on a bench while looking over the amulet. The glowing jewel in the center looked to be a Fire stone yet it held the essence of Water in its center. He opened up the golden chain and lifted it over his head.

"Well, here goes nothing."

Chp 22

"Jason! Aim at Flame!" Sam shouted as his Trainer dropped the gold chain over his head. "Huh?" The Entei the human had under his command sat down in front him. Her jaw moist from a cleaning after vacating her stomach of acids due to her pregnancy. "It's fine, I'll absorb the fire you will spew." "Loraline, get ready to paralyze him!" Sam threw orders about as his heritance finally kicked in. The Prince finally showing his true colors. "Guards, get ready to spray him down. I'm counting on your water!"

The human lost himself in sudden pain as he heard shouts from somewhere around him. He lost the ability to discern the location. He suddenly jolted as he heard a roar of pain then quaked as he realized it was from him. Pain shook his body, bones snapped and twisted as they began to reform and lengthen. Searing heat erupted from his chest, through his esophagus, and out his stretching maw. The flame that he spewed struck the Entei with enough force to slide her back, but she endured and commanded it dissipate and become her own life's energy. The others had begun to gather and hover in the background. Lisa was forced to restrain Azu as she screamed out a name the human barely recognized as his own.

Flesh ripped, the coppery scent of blood filled the air around him, water continuously sprayed him at all directions, and Sam constantly shouting in the remains of the background noise as he forced the water to soak into the changing being. A roar broke free at the epicenter sending a shockwave through all those around. Heat from the fire that erupted from the changing/evolving creature boiled the water that kept it moist. A sudden outside pain struck as electricity struck the water stopping the creature from moving. In its defense, it stole the water to soften the flooring and turned it into a chrysalis of rock and mud.

Silence overcame everything...

Blackness took the sight of the creature within...

Only the occasional thump of a heart reminded it that it was alive...

Jason...

Brother...

WAKE!

Ugh... What's going on? Jason heard his voice but felt no muscle movement, no air flow.

"Finally." Jason heard a non-gendered voice. He tried to look around yet still had no muscle control. Where are you? Where am I? "That, dear little brother, is the question of the millennia. You are becoming the shepherd of Life. You will still be mortal like we were, so don't try to act like a deity just because Father is sharing his power." "Don, stop scaring the babe. Instead, help me bring his consciousness into our realm." Jason heard a growl then suddenly everything turned into a blinding white.

"Better?" "My eyes!" Jason rubbed them then stopped shocked. "Ha, what eyes, bro? We pulled your mind from your body!" The voice differentiated from what he last heard. Jason turned to find a large black eye staring at him, so close that he could see the retina. "Wholly fucking shit!" "My, what language, I never heard you say such words before." This voice held a slight flamboyant tone to it. He turned again to see a giant blue bird thing he immediately recognized as Kyogre. "Don, back away and shrink down for the boy. We don't need him going into shock while his body is already there." "Whatever." The eye shrunk down to a normal looking eye. Jason finally could tell that he was staring into the eye of Groudon. "Shit, shit, shit! This can't be happening..." Jason muttered to himself. "But it is, bro, it's happening. Look down." Jason did so and saw a small portal to a cocoon with something familiar shifting inside it. "That there is you... or rather your body. While the old man is changing you, we here are gonna learn you something about the power we share." Groudon chuckled. "Simpleton..." Jason heard Kyogre mutter. "Putting it a little better, we are going to infuse our knowledge into your mind. That way, it won't take several centuries to learn like we had to." "But if I am turning into a giant Legendary, what am I going to do about my family?" "I... do not know, perhaps Father would know. Frankly, you are the first one to be a Trainer or a family guy." Kyogre sighed then fluttered over to Jason. "Better question is what Father is going to name you." "I already have a name." "So did we. I was Kain." "Adam." Groudon sighed and pouted as the name brought him memories he did not share. "I wouldn't worry, bro, some things happen just because." "What rock-for-brains is saying is that Father could even give you the ability to stay human just stronger and faster and... whatnot, um..." "Sure, and I'm a snow white princess that dances on ice with multiple lovers. Get real here. What can I do but sit here and hope for the best for my family? Especially my son and daughters." "Daughters?" "Yeah, Lisa and Grace. I adopted them instead of treating them like animals. If I could do that with the others I would. Hell, I would even officially marry Azu. It may be an odd pairing, height wise, but I do love her. Maybe... I should just come out and say it to her when I awaken." Jason's body shifted inside the rock as Azu finally broke free and rushed over to beat on the chrysalis. "Oh... Azu, I am so sorry. I promise I will return to you. "Don..." "Kyo..." "We need to do this now." "Right. Bro, think of sleeping while we pile crap inside your head so you don't get a headache. Though when you wake up..." "... You will be alone until you go through the final stage." "Final stage?" "At least three days of changing. If you're lucky. Sleep now."

---

"JASON!" Azu screamed loudly as she beat the rock cocoon then went to spraying it. Only when she fell to her knees did Lisa come up to her. "There's nothing we can do but wait. Come- "Screw you. I will find a way to open this thing and free my mate!" "Azu... mom, father will be just fine. Crying like he is dead will not make him want to come back before Arceus is ready for him to. Someone will be with him at all times. Right, Sam?" "Yes... yes, until he hatches. I'll stay first; I've already eaten something, even if light. You all go eat."

Sam waited for Azu to finally rise to her feet before laying against the cold, damp thing Jason had turned into. When he thought everyone had left, he began to hum a little tune.

"That's rather nice." Flame snuck up on him after five minutes or so. "Believe it or not, mother sung that one to me and Jude." "Why not sing to him?" "I can't sing, tone deaf. Real bad." "You?" "Yeah, and what's with you being friendly all of a sudden? I figured you still hated me for doing my duty." "What duty is that? Being the male?" "Yeah... and your mate." "I still am, but I have to hold it back. Oh... thanks." "For Moon?" "Yeah." "Your welcome, come lay with me. Jason wouldn't mind the extra company, I'm sure." "I thinking we both know what company he wants right now." "Right, his family. Which we are." Flame was speechless as she thought that over. She nodded then slumped down next to Sam. "Hey, I'm sorry for calling you a pup." Sam shifted slightly to curl around his mate protectively. "Not me, you are a stubborn pup. I think we both are. Looking back, I think Loraline is more mature than we are at times." "Perhaps. You know, I wonder how Hazel resists pounding her into a pulp. He has her father's blessing and Jason's. What is he waiting for?" "I don't think she's been in her first cycle yet." "Do you think that would stop either of them?" Flame laughed, "No, not really." They both chuckled then stopped as they realized they had been caught. "You two know it is not polite to talk about someone behind their back, right?" Loraline scowled at them as Hazel stood beside her. Their heights greatly showed the difference in age. "Unless you are on that person's back." Hazel grinned and nudged Loraline. "Hey, um, how much did you hear?" Sam asked with a flinch. "Your apology to each other." "Oh..." "Oh? Is that all you can say?" "Loraline, they do have a point." Hazel sat beside Sam and stared at her. "What is keeping us from being true mates?" Loraline looked away from everyone and blushed. "You're still a virgin?" "IS that a problem?" Loraline growled. "For us... yeah, it is." Hazel chuckled. "For them, not so much. For us though, I say we should fix that problem." "Why can't I enjoy myself and stay this way?" "Because you will always be a pup. Grow up." "Hazel, I agree with her. If she's not ready to mate, that's her choice." Sam smiled at the younger female. "Besides, if you take her out of lust, it won't be as fun nor will it be memorable. Virginity is a one time thing, once it is gone... there's no going back. So if you really need to let off some steam, the concubines still gather near the fountain." "It won't be the same." "No, it won't be, but it would stop you from hurting your relationship." Sam shifted as he looked to the chrysalis, "Besides... Jason wouldn't approve. Just go have your fun with the willing females." Hazel slouched as he looked at Loraline, "No... I am stronger than that." He turned and walked away.

The Blades sat silently and watched him leave; Loraline's lips trembled as she came close to telling him to stop. Sam did his best to comfort her but did not know just what to say, Flame took over his efforts. As she pulled the 'big sister' act, Sam got up and walked around the rock, trying to find anything that might resemble Jason's body. Nothing was looking familiar. He sighed then rear up and slammed his paws into the casing. The result was an echo of claws on rock. Not even a speck of dust stirred from his doing.

"Damn it!" "Sam!?" Flame shouted. "Just snapped a claw off, otherwise haven't found anything useful here." "Be careful next time." "Yeah..." Sam turned and shoved his entire back into the rock. "This thing feels like it's on fire. We need to keep anything that could flame up away from this." "I don't see anything but your fur." Flame snickered. "Gee, thanks. Come on, we need to protect him from any possible danger." "Yes, sir!" Loraline barked then broke out into laughter. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry. But your right, it is our duty to each other."

Loraline stretched then started to nudge anything that could start a fire to the edge of the room. During the process, Maylene wandered in and squatted next to the chrysalis. She was ignored by the Legendaries, but she had her personal shadow in the form of Camerupt. He leaned against her as he tried to convey his love for her. Once the trio was finished with their task, they surrounded Maylene and sat.

"Is that..." "Yeah, it's Jason." Sam answered quietly. "What- "He went through a transformation... he in the process of evolution. He's turning into a Pokﾃｨmon from what we guess. And to top that off, that rock casing is hot enough to make my water bladder boil in under five minutes. So, no touching." "Kay." Maylene shifted slightly. "Alright, since we have the time now... mind telling me about this place? Everyone tends to shy away when I ask them about their history." "Well, it is a task of the Royal Family... rather those who hold the power. And since my family has the lifespan of twice the normal feral Suicune. In other words, I am only twenty years old and I could live to the age of five hundred if not longer if I stay healthy and active. Now for the kingdom history...

"Year was unknown; Humans were just learning to control Pokﾃｨmon and finding their intelligence. This was two hundred years before the Human/Pokﾃｨmon War. We was the only sanctuary for all races. Humans who wanted a peaceful life with our kind came here and built the castle. This is the birthplace of the Pokﾃｨmon League. Secret as it be, even to the modern League, the original Clans still hold the pact made by the forefathers. That pact was to keep peace among all after the others had wiped themselves from existence. Which that happened after a massive weapon drop that wiped nearly all life away. Groudon, Kyogre, Arceus and several forgotten creatures emerged and protected life here by enveloping the city in a mountain then sunk it into the ocean to hide it from the rest of the world. The Father of the others, Arceus, granted sanctum to those who remained on this planet and the first Guardians were Groudon and Kyogre, they rebuilt the world we live in now. We, the Victars, were the ones that held both Human and Pokﾃｨmon history. "The smartest and brightest of all races remained in this hidden sanctum to help the remaining living beings evolve into peaceful creatures. Humans and Pokﾃｨmon joined lives here through science and physical standards, hence why there are humanlike creatures here. When the first creatures were bred, they became the protectors of the Victory Chalice. Those that were made protectors were named Victors which we changed into Victars by mass vote. "The remaining scientists created a single life, Victini. Victini made a notion to rename the city to Victious to remove all remaining knowledge of the Old World from the new births. The ruling family is the only ones that are allowed to speak of the old times and remember what happened. Though records were kept and are stored in a chamber within the castle which only the Victor and Victress is allowed to enter. Yes, that is not my parents' name. "To protect the history of Old, anyone that leaves the sanctum must swear their life to keep the safety of the city. Everyone that came here with me will be forced to take this oath. Until otherwise told by the Father, we must uphold his protection of this knowledge. If anyone speaks of this place, and it is invaded, the invasion is stopped by liquidation and the traitor is captured and brought forth to the Victor and slaughtered. Though the past two times, I stopped the liquidation and killed the traitors myself...

"Well, there you have the short story of it. That is all I know of it. Or what I am allowed to know of it, that is." "I didn't think that it was like that. I figured it would be exiled pokephiliacs." "Yea, that's what I thought, too." Camerupt agreed with his Trainer. "Good, then we have done our millennia long duty." "To lie to the public?" "No, to keep all knowledge away from the outside. You see, we are afraid that history would repeat itself if this knowledge were to escape, therefore weaponry knowledge is kept to a minimum thanks to the pact with the League. They run the nations as a king would but with several people as the seen eye. There is a council of Human and Pokﾃｨmon that actually rule the League, hence the challenges. Young Human and Pokﾃｨmon battle to gain knowledge of the old." "Then... all I have done with my team..." "Is not for nothing, you have learned the old ways; mating, trusting, and believing in the Pokﾃｨmon you travel with is the old way Arceus wanted. Though Humans turned that law away from the breeding with all to breeding with only one. That is why it is a taboo." "Ah. Then do you know if there is any knowledge about what is going on with Jason?" Sam sighed and turned to stare at the cocoon. "My parents might know." "Then let's go ask them." "Uh..." "I'll stay with him. You all go." Loraline smiled and leaned against the rock. "I thought you said that this was hot. It's freezing." "Maybe it's changing to keep his new powers in check as he changes. Anyway, thanks, Loraline." Sam nodded then rose. "Let's go."

---

Jason blinked, all was white and silent. He knew he was alone in this little dream state. He started to think about his life as there was nothing else to do. Memories flooded the space and played as though it was a movie. Pain suddenly shot through him, he looked down upon himself and saw Loraline leaning against his bed. He smiled and happily took the power she shared. Now he had to wait for Flame to share with him. Things began to bother him, he knew he was changing. He started to think about his family... his team. He wanted to remain human for them... he had to.

Yes, had to. He placed all of his attention into focusing his body into the change. He fought the urges to change that wanted the body to grow...

---

"Oh, Hazel, what can I say to you?" Loraline said to herself after everyone had left her. "What would Jason say to us both? Oh yeah: 'Go slow and enjoy your time together then when the time grows right, enjoy the moment.' Well, maybe not, but it does sound right." The Raikou laid and pushed her back against the rock. She sighed and closed her eyes hoping to seek sleep. But that didn't come, a young noble child wandered in and poked her forehead, she looked up at the child with a neutral look. The child was a young Shinx. "Yes?" "I wanted to see the Prince's human." "Behind me." "That's a human?" "Was. Jason is going through... a change." Loraline sighed. "Is it dead?" "He better not be." "Oh. So is the Prince leaving again?" "As soon as we get Jason back, yes. Now is there anything else I can help you with?" "What is it like away from the island?" Loraline groaned then sat up. "Well, the land is big. The races do not get along as well as they do here. People fight, but they do it with ferals and keep them in these odd, tiny devices. Despite of what it sounds like, they are quite comfortable and they are very quiet. I love mine, so private. It's like my own private room while traveling. Not even my own mate can get into it. But the various things out there, oh how I miss it, so many creatures to pit yourself against and become stronger. To push yourself to the limit and even Humans to call your own. Now that is what I call bliss. But of course, that is not for everyone. Especially not young pups such as yourself. There are Humans out there that do bad things to our brethren. What you have here is a blessing. Though it is not for me, there is not much here to keep me active. I am still young myself, and I need the space." "We got space, but the storm keeps us inside. At least most of us, the grownups go out and shock the sky." "Really? I am going to need to look at this." "You cannot. Only grownups can shock the sky." "I am a Blade, girl, and the Champion of the Raikou Clan. I am every bit a grownup even if I haven't gotten my first season yet. The decision is mine alone." "You... you are crazy." The Shinx ran off as Loraline growled at the girl. "Damn girl..." Loraline muttered then eased herself back against the rock.

---

In a closed off room, Adrian and Lisa talked quietly as they held each other in their own little privacy hour. Passing intimate words between ears and the occasional lick on one or the other cheek. All was well as they had yet to learn the about the mishap a few floors below them.

"So what are we going to do to first... Trainer?" Adrian teased his mate with a lick across her nose. "First, I demand you mate with me." Lisa growled as she stretched her grip down to his testicles. "Yes. Ma'am!" Adrian chuckled pressed his sheath against her groin. They moaned as his member erected and forced her vulva to open. "Uh... before you two go any further... Lisa is needed down in the Main Hall. Now!" Moon shouted as she interrupted her companions' mating session before they became tied. Lisa growled and rolled her mate off of her then allowed the Psychic to teleport her out.

They entered the Hall just as Sam shouted. Lisa looked around confused until her adopted father roared and spewed flames at the Fire Legendary. She heard Azu scream beside her, she grabbed her 'mother' and held her back as the events took place.

---

Azu had gone off after Jason told her that he was going to go bathe. She had the notion to plan a romantic dinner for the two of them. A night where the two could be a normal couple without scrutiny and be able to dine happily without a child to hinder their 'after-hours' activities. She grinned to herself as she made plans with a house cook the lady agreed once her Ursaring boss allowed her to do so. As the two planned the private dinner and how it was to be erected around a simple romantic setting, Azu had the idea of asking Sam to loan her some local money to buy some flowers to add to the scene. She searched the rooms first. When she found no sign of the Prince, she turned to the throne room hoping to find Sam there arguing with his father. No luck. As she turned to leave for another area, she saw the Water Guards running away from their posts. Curiosity took the better of her nature, she followed.

She found the entire team encased in a Psychic Barrier that they battered against. Moon shook her head as her sister cried beside her quietly. Azu crept up beside the barrier and looked at Moon. "What is going on?" She asked quietly, Moon just looked at her briefly. "I won't stop you... you have the right to watch. It's Jason... and it is not pretty. It cannot be stopped, so please don't try." Moon warned.

Azu walked warily by the team. She heard Sam shout orders, then a massive roar that beheld the tone of her mate. She gasped and clambered on as fast as her legs would take her. Lisa quickly filled her sight as the Lucario female stood dumbfounded. She came up beside the one she truly could not think of her adopted daughter and gasped at the sight before her. Jason was being soaked by jets of water only to have the human body vaporize it on contact. He spat fire from his maw at the pregnant Entei at which she absorbed the energy to fuel her own body. As the human she loved roared again, the very floor buckled and curled around him and solidified into a cocoon.

"No..." She gasped. "JASON!"

End part one of The Fire... The Water... It all Burns...

Chp 23

"Why!?" Azu pouted as Lisa forced her to sit down with the rest of the team for breakfast. "Because this is what children do for their senile folks. So, shut up and eat. Jason is alive and well, he's just evolving. After we eat, I can describe what's inside that thing if you wish." "Fine, but I want every detail." "If you think I am going to describe his gear to you, your nuts. As much as I would love to look, I had to promise him to think of him as a father and not a possible mate. I am still bound to that promise even now." "Fine..." Azu sighed and pushed the Oran berry. "Oh, and you call me 'mom' again, I will kill you." "Don't think Jason would like that." Lisa popped a pawful of nuts into her mouth. "Just eat, while he's out of commission, I'm head Trainer." Azu growled but did pop the berry into her mouth. "Thank you." "You done?" Lisa sighed, "Let's get somewhere quiet and private."

Grace watched silently, Moon, of course, was updating the events to her. But even in her own private silence, she could not keep herself from screaming and shouting for her adoptive father. She was trapped in Moon's barrier like the others when things started going to hell. But now... she was grateful Moon did do that. With a sigh, she tugged Moon's tail and left the table.

So what are you planning? Nothing, Moon, Lisa is in charge. There is nothing I can do but sit and wait. Though I do want to be close to him should he hatch. I want to see that first moment. Is this because you think you will never have a mate? Grace glared at the Espeon. No, I just care for him. I finally understand why he wanted us as daughters. He felt responsible for me the moment I stumbled into your camp and Lisa just would not let him take me. We have been sisters since my birth. It is only right that we remain so. He saved us from a fate of possible separation. I am grateful for that. I see. Moon watched the Plusle's face melt down into varying emotions. She could agree with what her Trainer said about the boy. She, too, was saved that way. At least he is still trying to keep Shadow at her side, for the most part anyway. I think there is a balcony above the hall. We might want to tell the others in case they want to join our silent watch. Do it.

It only took a second to tell the rest of the team, including Maylene's, where to find them. Many of them wanted to join, especially Champ. That brute wanted to be right there at the cocoon, but Sam and Flame both told him no. Miguel stretched and shifted slightly as his wings shifted back into their metal casings, he had raced over to the two not wanting to miss the chance to witness the birth of a new breed of Pokﾃｨmon.

"Screw worrying." The old bug chuckled. "I worried about worrying back when I was about to lose my wings. I want to say I was there to witness the birthing of a new breed and test its strength straight from the rock it was birthed." You ARE not fighting Jason! "Who said it will still be Jason once it hatches?" Everyone but you. "Meh, whatever. But if he starts to fight, I'll be the one to take it on first." The Scizor clacked his pincers together. "How can you say that!?" Moon all-but shouted. "I'm old; far past my prime. I would rather die fighting a friend than rocking a hatchling." "He'd just revive you anyway." "Doubtful. The Law of Equivalence, dear know-it-all: To receive something, something of equal value must be given in its place. I may not be a genius, but even I know that he has to sacrifice himself in order for him to return a life. That's why he cuts himself and places his blood within the victims he's saved. He's offering blood for blood. Something for nothing eventually will fall apart leaving a gap that will start to devour all." "Huh?" "It's old school science. Better known as alchemy but I doubt a pup like you would even care. Science is in every being, hell, every time someone mates they do the most basic alchemy there is. They create a life by giving a part of each other's flesh: the egg and the seed." "Where did you learn this?" Moon levitated to Miguel's eye level and glared at him. "Someone had to teach Adrian the fundamentals of human understanding. He sure as hell didn't learn it on his own just like I didn't. I had a master before Jason, though not a Trainer." "Just how old are you?" "I'm closing in on my thirtieth winter." "But your kind don't live that long." "Exactly. My master...well, I don't want to talk about what she did to me." "Okay..." "Let's get going, I don't want to miss anything."

Lisa opened a door that opened into a closet near the Main Hall, they closed themselves off to the world and sat in the dark. Lisa sighed and allowed her vision to adjust. Azu whimpered, not out of fear, but worry for her mate.

"Just let me do my thing, alright?" "Sure." Lisa concentrated her ability and focused on the chrysalis that held Jason. "Right, I got him. From what I can see... I see that his body has formed a rocky shell. Almost like a Blastoise, yet there is a single cannon slot behind the head. The face is rounded, there's a small hooked beak. I can make out... three claws on each arm. There's a stubby tail. Short legs with two slashing claws as toes. He's dark, but I can't make out a color. I would say brown, but I'm not sure. Over all, I feel that he is fighting the change. He may be able to revert back or be able use illusionary techniques like Zorua. It's hard telling until he breaks free." "That's it?" "There's only so much Aura can depict. It's not a true sight. It's mostly for reading emotions." Azu growled then sighed, "Sorry." "You worry about him, it's natural. He's your Trainer and mate. But this time, he needs his fellows. Let's go give the Trio a break." "But..." "Let's go."

---

"Welcome back." Loraline stretched as Sam and Flame returned to their post. "Well, there is nothing in the archives about this." Flame sat beside the rock and brushed her tail against it. "It seems like we just have to wait this out and hope for the best." "What about Azu? She's going to end up freaking out again, I just know it." Sam shivered then slumped down. "I mean, I really don't want her to be alone until he hatches or whatever." "No kidding, she might try to break him free again. And if he's using our energies to evolve, then we need to keep her away." Loraline shifted slightly as she looked away from the two. "Our what?" Flame hissed. "Lean against him and share your power, it's the only way I can explain it. Just don't fall asleep while touching it. I don't have any Thunder left in me. I'm recharging, but slowly." "Guess that could be one way to expel this excess energy. Alright... just lean against him?" "Yeah, just be careful."

Flame leaned against the rock and smiled as she first saw Lisa enter the room. The Lucario wasn't smiling as she normally did, then Flame saw why: Azu. The Entei stayed on the floor while she cleared her throat to get the other two's attention.

"Lisa, can you find Zorua? I think he needs to join us." "Sure, but..." Lisa silenced herself as Flame nodded slowly. "I'll go get him."

Lisa left the Azumarill with the Trio and went on her search. Azu sat down away from the larger Pokﾃｨmon and stared blankly at the rock behind the three. Sam sighed and stood then started to pace slowly around the rock. Loraline just laid then rolled on her back and closed her eyes.

"He's turned into a turtle thing. Lisa said he was struggling to stay human." Azu said quietly. "You think that he'll go back?" Loraline opened an eye to stare at her smaller companion. "Yes. He can't stay a Trainer if he transforms." "Then he needs to learn illusionary techniques if he can't." "Loraline! Geez, we're trying to keep her calm minded not worry her out more." "Sorry, I'm just being honest." "Enough, girls, I don't want to break up a cat fight that I really would want to watch in the center of a mud pit." "So not right." Loraline snorted and did not see Sam wink at his mate. "I might just think about that after I give birth." Flame stifled a laugh as she caught on to Sam's plan. "We could take bets and see who Hazel shouts for. I would bet he would shout for Flame. I know she'd come on top no matter what." "Oh that's it!" Loraline flipped over then went into a straight charge at Sam. She began to slide as a wall of rock emerged from the floor and she ran face first into it. "OW!" "I think Jason doesn't want us wrestling." Sam examined the wall from his side. "Interesting, this looks solid but it's nothing but energy. He is definitely doing this but he can't fully focus it. He obviously needs silence. Let's give it to him." "Sam's right, Jason needs to rest. Azu, we'll be close by, but don't do anything reckless. You saw what happened. Let's go."

Azu watched the Trio leave and Lisa return with Zorua in her arms. The pup struggled to get free. Lisa chuckled as he tried to bite her paws. Lisa sat him down at Jason's cocoon and tapped his nose.

"Hush, Jason needs your help. All you have to do is lean against him for a while." "The rock is him? Good illusion... wait," Zorua sniffed the rock and chuckled. "That is real. Good trick. Who trapped him?" "Arceus started it. We did the final act." "We?" "The team." "Ah. Well, if he can learn my tricks by me leaning against him, so be it. I don't see how that will work though." Zorua placed a paw on the surface and cocked his head. "Feels funny. It's kind of like something is pinching me." "If it starts to feel worse, break away from it." "Kay."

Lisa and Azu sat and watched quietly. After a few minutes, Zorua shivered and backed away. Lisa scanned the pup's Aura then looked away.

"Zorua, just how old are you?" "Um, five winters or so." Zorua flinched slightly. "Ah, that explains that then. Go fix yourself. I don't know what you shared with him nor do I care. But it is not proper to walk around sporting yourself." "Huh?" "Look under your tail." "My tail?" Zorua lifted his leg and bent to look under himself and saw his partially erect member showing. "Oh! Heh, s'cuse me." Lisa heard the clatter of claws. "That was rather cute, but I think it's time he starts thinking about a life mate. Now that his task is done, I'm going to scoot over there somewhere and take a nap. Don't try to harm him." "I won't."

---

That hurt... Where did the white go? Don't tell me I'm in my body again. I guess this means I'm in my second stage. What to do, what to do. Hmm, what's that? Ooh, more power... yay... just what I need. Wait that's... Zorua? What is that pup doing?

Jason, can you here me? I'm here to teach you what Mimaw taught me. Just take it in so you can use it. I don't know what will happen, but at least I can say that I helped you.

"Zorua... don't." A garbled, deep voice thundered in the enclosed place. Jason's head pounded making him immediately regret trying to speak. A sharp pain struck his mind again then he began to envision something...

...warm...

"Listen, my little one, using the power of Illusion is difficult at first but over time you can even fool Humans. Though only masters can speak to all while keeping the illusion. I for one haven't mastered that yet. Doubtful that I ever will. I didn't have anyone to teach me... unlike you..."

Years zoomed by as lessons grew more intense, Jason observed and absorbed every bit. The memories slowed as Zoroark placed her pup into the bed made of field grass.

"Sleep, little one, I shan't be far from you. A creature of old wishes to speak to me." The memory skipped slightly as Mimaw crept out of the cave, the shortened sight level followed silently. "... asleep?" A voice muttered as the memory got to a vantage point at the entrance. "Yes," Mimaw had her tail lifted, she was not threatened by this stranger. "What did you want to talk about, Victor?" "Your pup, he's mine... isn't he?" "I believe so, Victini even blessed his birth. He played the midwife." "I am grateful for this. But please, don't let the little one know he's a Victar by birth. Arceus came to me in a dream, this is why I dared to leave my kingdom tonight. He's going to be at the Prince's side one day vanquishing things I cannot begin to think about. Please, keep him safe. That charm I gave you that night. Charge it with power, he may need it one day to awaken his full potential." "But what if it falls into the wrong paws?" "Victini will take it before that, I'm sure of it." "Very well, my secret love." "Thank you. I must return to the castle before anyone notices. Farewell..." Victor vanished in a flash of a Teleport by some nearby Psychic. "Farewell, Marcus Snowtail..." Mimaw sighed then slumped to the grass. "I was hoping for a good mating... maybe next time. Oh, looky here... a little Rattata has wandered in to become my toy for the night."

The memory froze then faded.

Sorry, I can't... Jason felt the pup pull away, no wonder why the young Zorua wanted to hide while here and why Sam didn't want him to show up. But why did Victini reveal him and nothing happen? Victor has questions to answer. Jason felt his body shift painfully. Bones cracked once again and seemed to retract. He howled, only to hurt his own ears once again. He heard a louder crack above him the chrysalis started to shatter slowly.

Time began to slow...

End part two of The Fire...the Water...It all Burns.

Chp 24

"Did it just rock?" Azu asked herself. "I believe he's starting to hatch!" She forced herself to keep a quiet tone.

Azu caressed the rock facing and sighed. She wanted him to see the new him. To see her new mate. The thrill of the moment just made her shiver with glee. She heard a noise behind her, she turned to see the entire family watching, a small section of the facing crumbled. The sound echoed through the quiet building. The sound of several claws followed. The first to enter the room was the Victor. He let out a guttural roar as he eyed the obstruction that marred his castle.

"Samuel!" The Victor roared. "What the bloody hell is this thing!" Sam was quick to step up as he entered the room quickly. "That, Sire, is the next Grand Guardian." "Remove that blemish from my castle; I will not have it marking my floors!" "Father, I cannot do that. Arceus bids the birth to be here as the others were." "Arceus be damned! I will not have it in my castle. Argue again and you will find yourself banished! Guards!" The room stood still silently staring at the Victor. "Remove that... that thing!" The guards did not budge yet everyone turned to Sam who bluntly stared down his father. "Boy! Stand down! I am Victor; I demand this thing to be removed!" "No. By the Whim of the true Father, we shall not move!" "Guards, do as I bid!" "We obey Arceus! We obey his Word!" The guards slammed their fists against their armor as they recited their oaths simultaneously. "To disobey the Word is to disobey our duty. As Warriors of the Father, we obey Him solely! Disrespect the ways of Old is death!" "Damn them." Victor muttered. Another chunk of rock fell away leaving a hole that let out the angry eyes within that glowed blood red. Victor growled then stole a sword from the nearest guard and stormed up to the chrysalis. "Fine. If no one else is going to obey my orders, I'll do it myself!"

Victor slammed the sword under the rock and tried to pry it up. Sam begged him to stop. Then came the Victress and Princess into the room. The Queen shook her head then slowly fell to her knees to pray. The Princess joined her brother in begging. The rock crumbled away again leaving a slightly bigger hole.

---

It cannot be time... this time was far too short to be proper for change... Is that yelling I hear? Who could be yelling? Jason flinched at the pain that he felt. Someone had stabbed him. His arms would not move, but he could move his head. He slammed his brow into the side and opened a hole. He glared out just as the Suicune Victar stole a sword from the one behind him. The sight was fuzzy, but he focused on the one that rushed him screaming foul words. He heard metal against rock, but no pain.

This one forsook Me. A voice rumbled within his head, Jason listened. This one forsook you. He abandoned his duties as my Voice. The Tongue shall be removed and replaced. My Arm, rip out the Tongue and choose a new Voice for Me. This shall be your first task, and then the rest shall be given to you slowly. Jason felt his throat rumble. I obey.

---

A deep, primal roar broke free from the rocky abyss that held the Grand Guardian. The rocky chrysalis imploded and slowly formed a twelve-foot tall turtle that extended a three-foot cannon out of its shell. The cannon mouth opened at a two-foot diameter that could very well shoot balls of solid Iron. The beast grabbed the startled Victor by the throat and looked it over cautiously. "The Body rids itself of the Tongue. The Tongue forsook the Mind and Body and therefore needs to be replaced." The voice was deep and the breath smelled of brimstone. The turtle grabbed the Victor with the other clawed member and held him above all. The family watched in horror as they begged for their father's and mate's life. "I am the Arm of Judgment. I judge you: Death!"

The Victor was suddenly engulfed in flames that spouted from the very claws that held him. Screams came from the creature that was forced to hold still. Balls of fire dropped away as the fur and clothing was melted away. The flames were soon replaced by a vortex of lightning that shocked the body evoking more screams. Soon that was replaced by a single gem in the chest. Victor was placed on his feet. His body pink and raw. His eyes glazed over with pain as he stared at his mate. She looked away as a tear rolled down her muzzle. The Victor screamed again as the gem started to fossilize his body from the inside out. He screamed and writhed with pain. In the end, he stood as though he was howling at the moon. At his feet carved elegantly were the words: Victor Marcus Snowtail, Betrayer to his duties. The Guardian sighed then stepped towards the family; they flinched but held their ground. It bent down and rubbed Sam's head gently then clasped the Victress' paws. When it came to Jude, the Guardian knelt and bowed its head.

"You are next Tongue. Speak well the Word of the Mind and guide the Body well." Jude's jaw dropped, she turned to her family who shrugged. She righted herself, "Thank you, I will prove that I can guide the Body without fear of speaking wrongly."

The Guardian stood and towered over all in the room. It stepped away from everyone, and then the body began to crumble away leaving the squishy Jason interior. The boy fell from the air and landed on one knee. He growled then straightened. The blood red eyes slowly faded to his normal blue tint and his voice calmed to his normal tone.

"Zorua!" Jason shouted. The pup ran up to Jason cowering slightly after witnessing the event. "Sam, Jude. I properly greet you to your half brother." Jason said sternly. Zorua flinched. "Wha- Jason rose a hand to stop the three from continuing their exclamation. "Marcus Snowtail left the kingdom seven years ago and had an affair with Zoroark. The joining gave the pup before you. He is Victar, he is blood. Sam, as his only male relative, you are to guide him and raise him until you two can save his mother. Jude, you are to find a proper mate and take the throne and title of Victor. Times have changed, and so must the guardians of the Old Ways. You are to guide the Body of Arceus to victory. Madame Snowtail, I am sorry for your loss, but what the Father bade, I had to follow. I left his body intact for you to garnish with flowers or however you like." "Yes, sir." Sam shivered slightly as he kept from crying out as Jason spoke to his mother. "Sam." Jason waited until the Suicune looked him in the eye. "Do not hold your grief, he brought this upon himself, you begged him to stop. As the king of the last kingdom of Old, he knew the consequences of disobeying the Word of Arceus. What I did was easy on him, and one day, he will have a second chance." "I just hope I do not end up like him." Sam sniffed. "You won't, I promise that. And I have to thank you." "For?" "Taking charge. You will make a good king once this war is over." "But..." "Your time is near its end here. Team, we will leave the day after tomorrow. Rest up." Jason's body all-but shut down on him.

Sam was quick enough before Jason fell on his face he heard the Trainer thank him through his fur. He did not even get to take one step before Jason was snoring lightly. He smiled and just took him to his room as the rest of the family followed. Sam noticed a very pale Maylene still locked onto the fossilized Victor.

"Maylene," Sam paused as he spoke. "What is done is done, that male brought it upon himself. Though I shall morn the loss of a father, I will refuse to grieve what he has done. Come. Before I have to carry you as well." "Yeah... sure..." "I shall take her, Sammy." Said the elderly Espeon as she phased into sight. "There is something I alone must share with her.

He nodded and watched as her paw was sat on the human's shoulder. After they vanished, Sam continued on his way. Once he got to the guests room, he was relieved of Jason's weight thanks to Moon. He thanked her then climbed onto the hay bedding beside his Trainer. Azu was quick to follow and went to lay on top of him. Jason shifted slightly as he drew in her scent. Azu whimpered quietly as she tried to shove her tiny arms around him. She wanted to hold and comfort him. There was not much else she could think of doing right now. She glanced at Sam, his head laid across her mate's feet like a common pet as he contemplated what Jason had told him and his sister.

---

All was quiet until that afternoon when Jason finally woke with a coughing fit. Azu smacked his back until he calmed then hugged him.

"This has been the worst three days I've seen." Jason stretched then pulled Azu closer to him. "I am not allowed to mate with my other forme though I fought to keep this one for you and Mickey." "I've been worried that you wouldn't wake up or that you wouldn't be you." "That's why I fought the beast within me. That was the reason Kyogre and Groudon fought each other to the death... the beast within is strong. I could not have beat it without the help of my family. Though now I need even more training to become even stronger. We find Fiera then we head home for a bit of training and a lot of rest." "Jason..." "Hmm?" "I love you." "I love you, as well, my mate. Shall we find the others?" "They can wait..." Jason smiled as she drew in for a kiss. He quickly undid his tattered pants then removed his shirt as they parted.

Azu did not bother with much foreplay; she licked him until he was hard then laid back. Jason whimpered as he found himself void of pleasure. He opened his eyes when he realized they were closed and found his love laying and waiting for him. He grinned as he pulled himself between her legs and licked the length of her labia. She gasped and arched her back slightly. He drew his tongue over her body only to stop at her mouth. He positioned his member and teased her lightly by rubbing the head across her slit. He purposefully missed his target a couple times making Azu growl. With a smile, he pushed in.

She gasped as she was stretched, not feeling him inside of her for nearly a month made this feel like heaven. She moaned blissfully as she became the glorious scabbard to the most blessed sword she had known. On top of her, the moaning grunts matched hers. Then he pulled his hips back, the very edge of his single ribbed shaft slid out of her. The sudden void of the warm flesh made her whimper involuntarily, she grabbed what she could of her mate and pulled him closer as he drove home. Her Water type body easily made her passage moist as he filled her. Juices audibly squirted out as he began to quicken his pace now that he could easily match any male Pokﾃｨmon in rut. Her eyes shot open when she felt her ear nibbled upon. Her body could not respond otherwise as she was bred at such a godly speed. A primal grunt sounded from her mate's throat as he pushed his way into her inner breeding sanctum. Pain shot quickly through her, but it was brief. She could have swore that Jason howled just before he filled her womb with her seed. The pressure within her made her gasp as her body milked every bit it could stand from him. She fell from her high first. He was still seeding her even as he continued to pound her. She began to feel warm fluids run down her skinny tail. She was not worried about it and would check after he was done using her. She smiled over her grunting and allowed her body to contract again as it demanded to collect even more of her mate's seed. She let out an undignified squeak as Jason sped up his pace. She began to feel his fluids becoming hotter until it bypassed that of that Salamence's seed. She felt her womb stretch slightly then felt as Jason rolled them over so he could lay back. He had a satisfied smile on him as well as a cloak of sweat. Azu sprayed him lightly with a cool trickle to rinse off his face.

"Thanks." "You're welcome, love." He took a deep breath then closed his eyes. "As much as I would love to continue on... I'm hungry." "Well, I can see why. It's been nearly a full day since you last ate." "I was only in that thing for a few hours?!" "Yep. Long enough for me to have an entire emotional breakdown." "Join the club; I watched our entire group... our family break down. Hell, I even expended myself to stop Loraline from attacking Sam; at least I think I did. Their fighting drove me crazy, I had to stop it. I just glad we are moving again soon. I think we all need some private time." "That we do." Azu smiled as she pulled herself away from her mate. "You over filled me for a change. I haven't been this filled since that Salamence had his way with all of us." "Really? That makes me feel really... odd. Being compared to a Dragon... excellent." Jason stared at his mate as she stood up over him dripping little beads of their mixed fluids. "I'll get your clothes. Just lay there and be sexy." "No argument from the peanut gallery."

Azu jumped down from the bed then dug through his backpack and quickly found a clean set of clothes and then tossed them at Jason who had posed himself in a suggestive manner. She laughed as the clothes landed haphazardly upon him. He grinned then quickly dressed then swung himself off the mattress and into his shoes. As he bent over to put them on the rest of the way and tie them up, a knock broke the silence. Azu quickly checked herself and wiped off using a dirty sock then answered the door. Maylene stood there looking far better than she did early that afternoon. She bowed slightly then whispered that supper was to be served soon.

"We're coming, Maylene, and if you don't mind, can you ask the cook to add an extra helping for Jason?" "Will do." Maylene smiled. "It's so nice to actually understand you. I just wish May would have let me choose..." "Huh?" "I'll tell you later. I have to go before she gets impatient." Maylene bowed again then ran off. "Okay..." Azu muttered as she watched the young woman run off. "At least she gets to hear us properly." "May? Isn't that the old nanny?" "Think so." "Hmm." Jason stood up then went to the door. The two left the room to join the others.

_________________________________

A solid knock shook the Tree. Mitch and Ditch looked down from one of the lower branches to watch what seemed like an entire clan of Char gathering at the opening. The alpha male was the one pounding the bark. He was a shiny, a rather big shiny. He stood a good half meter above the other males. Ditch cleared his throat and made his Trainer look at him. A silent gesture passed between them, then they teleported down to the ground.

"Greetings, on behalf of the Father and his Blades, how can we help you?" Mitch spoke loudly and clear. The black Charizard turned to stare at him. "Our seer told me that not only has my daughter joined up with your Alpha, but that we must join him." Mitch could see that the male literally bit his tongue as he spoke. The Char did not like showing submission. Ditch stepped forward. "We are glad to have you. Please be courteous to the rest of the family and train hard for the coming war. The seer is very welcome to join the rest of the Psychic's up top." A deep growl came from the male. He flared his wings slightly and bent his neck downward. The rest of the clan followed his motions. "If you want, the mothers and young can be shown to the nursery so that the unhatched and young can go undisturbed until they are able to join in the training. Though I will warn you, whatever your laws are with females, they do not apply to those outside of your direct clan. Rape is not accepted here and will result in harsh punishment. All matings must be of consent otherwise the free males are free to mingle and court free females of any race, including the humans should they wish it. Same goes for your females, but I have heard that is not likely for your clan." The black seemed disgusted, but did not speak about. "Thank you." "Go ahead on in. There is a Fire climate available and you shall be escorted by Hastil one of our Blazikens. Be respective with her, she will take heads." The Chars did not say anything; instead they went in and vanished one by one. After the last one vanished into darkness, Mitch sighed and rubbed the bridge of his nose. "They are humbling themselves far beyond they ever expected of themselves. Many never have seen past their own mountain. Though we may have a problem when Jason returns with Clair and Rex." "Figured that much. Until then, let's try to avoid the subject on Rex."

____________________________

After supper, the team gathered around the fossilized Victor with the new Queen and her mother. Prayers were muttered by the guards who had just came on duty. Sam was laying at his father's feet listening to the overall plan Jason had.

"We get Fiera's help; we can finally head home and relax for a bit." Jason finished up. "I get the feeling that something won't let us relax." Clair shivered and drew her daughter closer to her. "Agreed." Rex flexed his wings and flicked his life flame back and forth. "Enough negativity." Champ growled. "We need to look on the positive side." "Easy for you to say, I have a feeling, a bad feeling, that father found our home. Wonder if Ditch is trying to warn me." "It's a possibility, Grainas." Rex chuckled over Clair's growl. "There is something telling me to proceed as though my prey is as strong as I, if not stronger." "You three done over there?" Jason forced his way into the conversation. The three Charizards looked at him with a neutral stance. "Have Grace recall the kids then get some sleep. We leave as soon as we are all up and- "Holy shit!" A sharp voice made the entire room turn to the main doors. "What is that thing?" "Ah, Zapperiah, you have gathered your family then?" Jason tried to ignore the outburst. "Uh, yeah, my mate is right behind me and the smithy. Is that a statue mocking the Victor or what?" "Hmm? Oh, that is the Victor. Jude is the official Victor now." "Shit..." He muttered as he approached the fossil, the Raichu rubbed his snout absentmindedly as he looked over the male that he once guarded. "What happened to his fur? Everything is gone." "I burned it off before I fossilized him." Jason frowned as he turned to Marcus. "I just wish I could have left him aware of everything. I think that would have suited him just fine. Father did not want it to be done, so I could not do it. However, I made sure he saw me anoint his daughter to rule. Now, we will be leaving in the morning. Do be up early and ready to leave." "Yes, sir!" The two turned as the door opened again to reveal a rather endowed female Raichu that just barely stayed in the small blouse she wore. Behind her stood a Mewtwo, or rather levitated, they stopped and gently sat their small bags on the floor out of the way. The Psychic raced across the floor and grabbed Jason's hand.

"It has been too long since I have seen a human. I have been told my services are needed again. Though I have all-but stopped using my gifts and chosen the physical path, I will protect my Prince if need be and his allies." "Are you the same one that tried to take over the world?" "No, I am a clone of that one. He released me and my tank brothers into the world once Team Rocket was disbanded." "Ah, that's reassuring on my part. Though his power would be nice to have on the Father's side." "Yes... unfortunately, I think Deoxys took him. Anyway, I should go meditate so I can be assured that I will be ready to leave when you are." "As you wish, sir. Zaps, who is this lovely lady?" Jason smiled as he turned as Mewtwo left for a quiet corner. "That is Elle, sir." Elle curtsied then shrank away nervously. "It's alright, ma'am, we are not going to bite. Please talk to my family, get to know everyone. As for myself, I'm going to see to the widow and assure her wellbeing."

Jason bowed lightly then went to Sam and whispered into his ear. The Suicune nodded then they walked off in silence leaving the family behind. Jason pondered to himself, in the back of his mind; he heard a soft, soothing voice calling to him. He knew the voice as Arceus; it was the only one that could stay that quiet to hide in the background of life. Though he did not struggle to listen, it was difficult for him to fully concentrate on the words. He knew meditation would strengthen the bond to his new Father. He quickly found himself staring at the cloud-like tail of his friend as he stopped at what appeared to be a private bar. There sat the widow, drinking from a dark brown bottle. Jason heard her growl as he approached; he stopped in his tracks and tucked his arms into the small of his back. He did not move as he waited for her to allow him to come closer.

"Mom?" Sam asked with a worried tone. "Bowl or bottle?" She asked back. Sam sighed, "Bowl. Jason, if I may, I would like some alone time." "I'll be in the hall if you need me."

As Jason left, Sam made his way to sit in the stool that was special made for him, though this was his first time actually using the wretched thing. It was ugly but it served its purpose. He pawed the restraining arm down in front of his chest so he would not fall out of the thing then he leaned forward to lap at the alcohol beverage his mother poured into a bowl. He grinned, no matter what kind he drank, whiskey was always whiskey.

"Mom, why don't you join us? It'll do you some good. Get out of here, away from the memories. And you would actually see the things I have. Not to mention the food, there is so much out there. Yes, it is limited compared to the chef's private stock, but the people make wonderful things." "Let me tell you something, my child, your father always had an ego larger than his head. And now that I saw him put into his place, it's humbling. I greave for him, yes, but I greave for myself more. I never realized how much I depended on his big head to cover my own. Now that I began to think about him, I see more and more of my own faults. I don't know what to think of myself anymore." "I do," Sam said after a short period of silence. "You are a mother to two wonderful children and you are the only mother a young pup has. Even if he is a stepson, you should raise him just the same." "Suppose I should. But he did shame our mateship..." "He did, but you didn't, did you?" "No... I stayed loyal. Even denied temptations from the young, handsome males when they caught me alone." "I glad, but you really haven't answered me. Will you join us?" The Suicune morph sighed as she tapped the bottle on the wooden bar top. "Well?" "Samuel Arthur Snowtail, do you expect me to abandon my daughter to duties she does not know?" "Tauros shit! She grew up in your shadow, she knows everything you know." "Watch your mouth." "No, I will not. Admit it; you don't want to leave the safety of this cave, do you?" The morph remained silent as she nursed her liquor. "Damn it, Marsha Snowtail! You are a shame to the Hackrais bloodline! Put down that damn bottle and look at your son!" The bottle dropped from the female's paw, her jaw quivered as she slowly turned to the feral equivalent of herself. "You shame your own father, you know that? He risked his life to see if the outside world would accept us. He brought back tales of lands that had no Pokﾃｨmon living among humans, he brought back hope that we could walk among humans. Yet here you are with the same damn opportunity and you ignore it. Stop this shit and actually think! Go with me and see the world!" If it was possible for the Water type to sweat, Sam was sure there would be a puddle of it forming under his stool. The expression on Marsha's face was a portrait moment, she could not even move. "Well! Speak!" Sam growled harshly. "You're right..." The female whispered but very much heard by her son. "I have disgraced my father, always have." She slammed the last of her whiskey back then tossed the bottle against the wall. The glass shattering made her flinch. "I'll do it. I'll finally make Daddy proud. I think it would do me good to get back to my roots just like I was a pup..." She stood abruptly, wavered then collapsed. Sam sighed then worked his way free of the restraints then slid to the floor. "Jason?" "I'm here." "Can you help? I'd like to take her down to the hospital." "Sure, crouch down and I'll lay her on you." "Be gentle, she does have a bad knee." "Right," Jason walked over to the former Victress and knelt to pick her up. "You didn't have to cuss at her, you know." "But it got my point across, which was my goal. Mmphf, she's gained some weight." "Got her?" Jason asked and received a nod. "She's all yours. And tell the staff that all of us will be stopping by before leaving tomorrow." "Right. Anything else I should add to that?" "Not yet."

Jason watched Sam leave with his mother hanging limp on his back. With a sigh, Jason walked away from the private bar and began his search for his mate. He smiled at himself, it seemed like a few weeks ago that he would never have thought to consider calling a lover a mate, nor would he have thought he would have a Pokﾃｨmon as one. When he finally found Azu, he was on the verge of laughing at his own thoughts. She looked upon him worriedly but he waved her off before sweeping her off her feet and holding her tight. He asked about his son, of course he was playing with the other three children. The voice in the back of his mind became louder as he asked about Mickey. It almost annoyed him that it wanted Mickey to begin training for battling. He submitted and told Azu his task to train their son. She did not protest, as he expected, but insisted that she join in. He grinned. Two birds with one stone, as they say. Jason quickly agreed to her whim then set the first session for the night when they got back to the Tree. He felt the need to actually name the place, but he would have to ponder on that one later. As he set Azu back down on the floor, she had a question that stumped him.

"What is your other form's name?" "I... I don't know. I heard the name Shingeno whispered on several accounts during my time with Kyogre and Groudon." "It sounds different, I like it." Azu bounced her tail around. For the first time, Jason saw that it looked swelled, perhaps it was just him. "So I should keep it?" "Yeah, why not? I mean, it's not as if you have a true species' name. Not even the Weather Trio holds that." "What do you mean?" "Right, humans don't know that truth... well, Groudon, Kyogre, and Rayquaza are actual given names that they called out at their rebirths. You are the first of four that did not shout out the name. But considering that someone was trying to get rid of you at the time, it is understandable." "How do you know this?" "I thought it was a story my mother made up, but coming here... I know it is a real thing. Speaking of which, I need to tell Mickey that story." "Well, we'll save that for bedtime, because I want to hear it as well." "Sure. I can do that. Just be prepared to transform for him." "I don't have that type of control yet. The beast is strong, and I must become stronger before I call upon it."

Azu huffed but nodded. Jason felt the need to rub her head, but resisted it for fear of being sprayed. Instead, he settled for a smile before turning to walk on, Azu followed quietly. They made their way to the room that Jason was staying in and relaxed. The children were still playing across the hall, the laughter filled the air. Smiles grew across the parents' faces as they held each other.

That night, the story had been told. Jason had many questions in his mind that the voice refused to answer with a straight answer. Giving up for now, he allowed himself to rest. Azu, sleeping with the rest of the females and children, hummed in her sleep as one of the younglings whimpered quietly. Otherwise, all was silent except for one Suicune that walked the streets of his puppy years. Sam stopped at a seemingly ordinary dead-end alleyway and dug at one corner. His efforts revealed a small metal box. He drug it out, filled in the hole, and then sprayed the box off with a weak Water Gun. Afterwards, he pawed the latch and opened it. Inside held various trinkets, mostly junk according to most people. But the one thing he was interested in the most was a chunk of raw crystal, he grinned and closed the box. With a little effort, he picked the box up then went back to the castle and secreted his way to his own room where his mate slept soundly. He pressed upon his door; it slowly opened and spilled brazier firelight into the room, which alit Flame's back. Sam smiled as he quietly shut the door then carefully set the box down beside the bed before crawling in next to her. Her body heat had increased, not that Sam truly cared, but it was noticeable. He figured it to be due to her pregnancy and would continue to increase until she birthed. He would have to remember to ask her about it. But for now, he just watched her sleep until slumber over took him.

___________________________

Morning. By definition anyway. Outside the cave, the sun had not even broken the darkness. Jason was up and moving, waking everyone up. Protests were made, along with threats. But all in all, the family was packed, fed, and ready to head out before the city below was even out of bed. Sam led the pack to the hospital where another hour went by with the staff running at full force checking out the twenty-eight bodies that filed in. Though Maylene's group, for the most part was still a mystery to the family, they were still checked in private. After clean bills of health were giving out, the group went to the service where the Rite of Silence was to be held. They all swore their lives, feral or otherwise, and then flyers were set up. To their surprise, three of the feral Dragonite's came up to the group and offered themselves up as mounts. Marsha quickly accepted along with Zaps and his mate. Mewtwo argued for a bit before he submitted.

"Well, this is one large group..." Jason muttered as he climbed upon Champ. "It might be wise to split up, just so we don't draw too much attention to us." Champ said quietly as he looked over the crowd. Jason chewed his lip as he thought it over. Finally, he nodded agreeing with his partner. "Lisa, a word." Salamance, with Lisa atop him, came over and waited patiently. "Will you take the others home? I'll take Maylene and Grace." "Is Moon capable of teleporting such a large group?" "Only one way to find out."

Jason had Grace release Moon from her ball; she looked upon the group with a strange calm as though judging the thoughts of each individual. After relaying their request, Moon suggested taking an individual at a time to prevent harm. It would take longer, but it was safer. The group gathered waiting for Moon to make her move. She Teleported Lisa and Salamance first. She returned after five long minutes and huffed. She told those remaining that they were being placed in a meadow closer to the town then from there Lisa was to guide everyone to their new home. Marsha and her Dragon mount went next, then went Zaps, and finally Mewtwo. When Moon came back after that, she looked as though she was ready to collapse. Grace recalled her and let her rest. The remaining trio silently took to the air and headed to the Fire Isle, which, on a clear day such as this, was seen as a sooty black spot on the horizon. That is what the flyers aimed for. With a silent agreement, they did not try to yell across wind. The long flight drew on, even as midday came, they still could not see land. Below them, the ocean seemed eerily calm, the few clouds above them looked like candied treats. Jason took the time to open his PokﾃｨNav and pull up the travel journal and typed in his experience excluding some major details in case someone found or hacked the files. When the sun was coming close to the horizon, land came into sight. The flyers gladly began dropping altitude aiming for the shoreline where they hoped no lava resided.

Just after sundown, they landed and immediately set up camp. The Fire types reveled in the heat from a magma flow they found nearby. Jason had to agree with them, it could be considered better than the frozen island that Articuno controlled. Even if he had not been anywhere near the free flowing lava. Maylene donned her armor then laid on the ground. The others growled as she began to rub in the fact that she was actually starting to shiver. A familiar face forced her way out of a ball on Maylene's hips. The group froze as they were greeted with a gentle curtsy.

Chp 25

"Welcome to your new home!" The Lucario fem bowed to those following her. "Make yourselves at home and feel free to mingle with the rest of the family and do try not to start fights. Most here are still used to living out in the wilds and will eagerly accept any challenges. Mitch and Ditch will be happy to answer any questions. They are our trainers for the physical standards. I will get with the ones that manage the room building and have them set up rooms that fit your needs since Human standards are different from yours. The meal is sounded by a bell, try not to miss it. Have a good evening to you."

Lisa watched the small crowd walk inside and away from the steep drop of the Landing Branch. Once she was alone, she let Adrian out of the ball then gripped his shoulder. A devious smile got her thoughts across without him even looking at her Aura. They rushed in and to their room.

---

"Hello everyone." A feminine voice chimed happily. Jaws hung as they stared at one Victar that had crossed paths with each member of the teams at one point or another. "Hello, May." Jason finally said. "Where is my little Sammy?" "In his ball. So what made you go and do this?" "I swore my life to protect the royal family. Since that incident took most of my charges out of the city and into the wild lands, I had to find a way to follow and stay as close as possible. Though I expected to be with Marsha still." The morph shrugged then turned towards the smoking mountain. "I don't seem to detect any kind of strong presence here. Excluding Jason, of course." "What do you mean?" "Exactly that... the Fire Goddess is not here. One of the locals might be persuaded to reveal her location but then there would have to be locals to do that. I believe two things happened here. One: they are being hidden by some kind of arcane mastery; or Two: they evacuated." "Or there is a third possibility..." Rex walked over to the group carrying a young, limp Vulpix in his arms. "There's a mass grave just over that ridge. There was a single red feather laying on top of this one. It's been a while... most are decaying. Whoever did this did not do it for the hunt." With vehemence in his voice, Rex scowled at the sky. "There was a dreadful scent to the air beyond that of death. We should leave here quickly. As the Charizard laid the corpse down, Jason came up and placed his hand on the fur. With a sigh, he rose and nodded. "Let's get. It's been at least a week since this one passed. Sleep well, child..."

---

"Masssster. The Tree bassse hasss been found." A dark purple Ekans hissed out its report to its dark lord. Ready the warriors. We shall destroy them before they gain a hold on this realm. "Yesss, Masssster." The snake dipped its flat head then slithered away.

---

The group quickly packed and fled the lands. When they was in the air, a screech made them flinch, the riders turned to the sound and saw the fiery bird soaring towards them at a deadly speed. Instead of attacking, the Moltres matched their pace and hissed lightly as she caught her breath.

"I want revenge, Guardian of Life, Judge of All. I will join you so that I may honor my friends' lives. They protected me and paid with their breath. My sisters are more resilient. I could not protect my family. Will you have me?" "Aye, I will take every ally I can take. But we must hurry home, Father has been very clear that something foul is about to take place. And what my friend found only makes me listen that much better." "Fly in my wake and let my flames carry you. To the Elder Tree!" Elder Tree? How does she know the base and where did she come up with that?

****

They flew fast upon the flames of the Fire Queen. It was the break of first light when they landed upon the branches of the Elder Tree. Jason started to question the giant birdess about the title. She just explained that it was the home of the first Guardians and it has been passed on when needed. Though that explained much, he still had questions that Fiera refused to answer. It was not long after that that the teams were let out. Shadow was the first to dash off making everyone wonder about her. She slid around corners and used the walls as springboards until she found her target. Her lovely Houndoom partner. Though the female was turned away from her attacker, she heard the clatter of speeding claws and braced herself for the Pounce of a lifetime. After a moment, she realized nothing had happened then she shivered as a long lick caught her under the chin.

"I'm back, Daisy." "I half expected to be plastered to the wall by now." The larger Pokﾃｨmon smirked then licked the nose of her counterpart. "How was the trip?" "Long and tongue-less. Let's go get caught up." Shadow grinned evilly as she used her power to open up the shadow world and direct a passage to their room. The Houndoom quietly followed knowing what was expected of her.

"Moon-" "No, and again no! I will not lift my tail for your pleasure. Nor will I allow you a quickie so stop wishing for it. Be glad I am allowing you to spend time with me." "Not what I was going to ask." Falrin sighed and stared at the Espeon he had a crush on. "I just want the use of my body. I'm feeling a little exposed for your pleasure." "Good, maybe you'll remember this." Moon had Falrin plastered on the wall of her room in a Spread Eagle posture and did everything in her power to ignore him otherwise. "I'd remember it better if you at least teased me." He would have shivered from the look Moon gave him. "But that doesn't include torture." "Ah, but that's where you are wrong."

Moon did not say anything further as she used her power to squeeze her captive's sheath. The male gasped as he was psychically fondled. While his focus was turned elsewhere, Moon dug under her mattress and pulled out a small wooden box. It opened and out came a tapered tool. She smiled as she sent it over to her captive.

"Know what this is?" She asked as she paused her massaging. "No..." Falrin panted and wished he could be allowed to have his body work naturally right now. His swell would be standing proud for her, but he knew that is why she would not allow it. "Humans call it a dildo. Mostly used for female self pleasure." Falrin's eyes went wide. Please use it, please, please, oh, Arceus, please. "Wish granted." "Oh Fu-" He didn't get to finish his swear as she forced the silicon tool into his mouth. The Glaceon's eyes rolled back as he was forced to deep throat the pseudo shaft. After a minute, she pulled it out of his throat then directed it to his anus. He whimpered, but otherwise did not fight knowing he would not win. "Aaaahhhhh ROOOOOOOOOOO!" He howled as pain shot through out his body. The dildo shoved straight to the base in the first motion. "Good bitch." Moon smiled as she pulled out the shaft to its tip then started a slow pace thrusting into him. "Hmm, I'm forgetting something... oh yes... a milk pump." "Please... no more..." A heavy machine appeared in the room despite his begging. The multi-tube machine was meant for Miltanks and Moon knew exactly how to use it. "Get ready, it will only turn off after five gallons of fluid is pumped." She smiled evilly as she physically placed one of the four longneck suction cups over his sheath. She grabbed the squishy flesh and pulled back to reveal the flaccid, baculum filled meat. "Well, this won't do. Guess I have to get it ready."

Moon leaned forward and allowed her whiskers to rub the meat. Falrin moaned in pain and pleasure. He gasped as she gave him a lick. The immediate swell made her smile. Flashes of her previous Trainer came up; she shoved them away as she slid the milking cup onto the shaft.

With a pleased growl, Moon went over to the machine and used her tail to flick on the machine. Falrin moaned and squinted. Moon chuckled, no power. She put the heavy duty plug into a socket and moaned as the pump hummed as it came alive. She went to her wooden box and pulled out a second, firmer dildo. Then she went to lean against the machine. She attached the remaining three cups to her hidden nipples. Milk started flowing almost immediately. Next she used the remaining resources of her power to shove the dildo into her. She hissed with pleasure as she stared at the male in front of her. He panted, eyes glossy, and his mind silent as he watched her pleasure herself. His seed started flowing into the suction tube and mixing with the Espeon milk. She sped both dildo's up as her body began to call out for release. Her breathing came in heavy, short bursts. The scent of arousal filled the air around the two which made her want the release even more. She groaned as her muscle contracted over the pseudo shaft trying to milk it dry. Her body wanted the real thing, she refused. Her fluids were held back as she wanted a big release to make her captive give even more to the machine. She pulled the cups off of her chest and moved them to her unattended to nipples. Again milk flowed. Falrin whimpered as his own 'milk' was sucked from him and his prostrate tormented by the intruding shaft. He panted as he watched Moon start herself up again and went even faster with the shafts. He couldn't help but howl as he was forced into an orgasm. Moon licked her lips and let herself go, fluids flowed around the shaft and slowly pooled above the floor. The shaft stopped long enough for her to take her lubricants to Falrin's mouth and allowed him to taste the milky bubble. He greedily sucked the bubble into his muzzle and swallowed. He licked his lips afterwards which made Moon work herself even harder. Before she even got herself going again, the machine buzzed and powered down. "Damn... already?" She muttered to herself as she wormed her way to the view glass. It was full. "Good work, my bitch. I bet you are thirsty now, aren't you?" Falrin said nothing as he opened his muzzle submissively. "Good bitch."

Moon opened the pressure seal then took a cup and dipped it in. She levitated it to the male's mouth and slowly poured it in. She then brought the cup back and dipped herself some. She allowed it to overflow her mouth and drain down her chest for him.

"Mmm, tasty. Maybe we would make a good pair, hmm?" "Damn..." Falrin muttered as he licked his lips once more. Moon pulled the line attached to him and took the suction cup with it. Next she removed the dildo, then her powers from him. "I want you to be a good bitch and drink up. I want to see this gone." He went to the machine without a word and climbed to the edge of it. His muzzle was soon stuck into the vat and he began to feed. She caressed his rump with a gentle paw. He moaned into the milk.

He finished the vat off after an hour of working on it and two piss breaks. Moon smiled at his work. She knew he did this to please her more than himself for a change. He collapsed onto the floor next to the machine. His ice blue fur stained white across his muzzle. She came over and rubbed her muzzle against his. "Don't think I'll be easy on you next time. Though you will never be dominant with me. If we are to become a couple, you will be the bitch. Understood?" "Crystal."

Jason smiled as a pained howl echoed through the halls. He was making his way to Lisa and Adrian's room when the howl struck. He knew that Moon finally had broken down. He would have to ask for details later. He knocked on the door and waited. After a moment, the Lucario fem opened the door then stepped aside.

"Lisa, my dear, I wanted to see you off." "Thanks. We were just packing the essentials." "Good. Don't forget the tent. You can take it from my old gear. On that note, I've a package waiting for you in town. I won't spoil the full surprise, but there is a set of clothes that should fit you. Trainer style, to make this official. Try not to get lost or what not. Then there is your kick off. I haven't talked to Professor Jaclyn yet, but I was hoping to strip you of everyone but Adrian and Mona and let you start there." "Really?" "Really, I'll make the call soon then I'll get back with you." "So it's really happening?" Adrian said quietly. "Yes, sir. Just do me a big favor and keep her safe." "I would give my life for her and our daughter." "Good. Oh, um, just so you two can show a good example for Mona, try not to speak." "Huh?" "Telepathy only. You three are going into the human world where the way of life in Parzaa is not a standard thing. Lisa will have a hard time out there without me beside her. Just make sure you watch her back and listen to every command she gives. She is the Trainer over you after all." Jason clarified. "Right. Ultimate fantasy turned reality." Adrian smiled even as Lisa elbowed him. "I'll pretend I did not just hear that. Now, I'll leave you two alone. See you at dinner; I have a call to make." Jason left before Adrian could shove his foot any deeper into his throat, leaving the Lucarios to pack the few necessities that they had.

---

"Commander, the front line is ready for orders. All units are at standby." A skinny Mienshao reported to a dark skinned Alakazaam. "Send in the Kecleon scouts. As soon as they hear the bell for the common meal, send the grunts in to distract them so the Fire Squad can light that damned thing up." "Yes, sir!"

Humans parted as the Pokﾃｨmon ran away from the Psychic type. Trainers they were, death they would become. At least that is how their commander saw them. All around the small army, darkness clouded the area. They could not be bothered with the local life as long as they appeared menacing. The shadows danced as those within the cloud prepped for battle.

---

"Feel that?" Mitch asked his partner. "Darkness. It fills the forest." Ditch fluffed the harden fur on his chest. "We better tell the boss man." "Boss man? He's a kid still, not even a proper twenty." "He has become a mega corporate man with those shirts and he's an army leader. I'll declare him a man any day." "Whatever. Let's go tell the Guardians of the danger. No doubt they feel the darkness as well." Mitch hummed with an agreeing tone before the Gallade transported them to Jason.

Jason had just hung up his phone app when the duo appeared. He crossed his arms and waited for the news. He knew it was important when both appeared to him.

"The enemy is preparing something just out of our sight. I believe they plan to attack." "They are. No doubt about it. They will wait for the dinner bell before attacking. We will give them that. Ready the Physical fighters and hold back the Grass and Waters. I'll ask Fiera to lead the Flyers." "What about the other types?" Ditch asked in a melancholy tone. "Split them up between the three groups. You two lead the main defense lines. I'll take the Guardians to the front and do what we can. Should things go foul, do whatever it takes to save this tree." "Very well." The two bowed slightly then vanished to do their tasks. Jason went off to gather the Guardians and talk to Fiera.

An hour passed by, Jason had warned Ditch that they may send scouts to report when the bell tolls. The plan was to take out all but one scout and leave the remaining one alive long enough for it to report back. The Guardians gathered in the dark recess of the entrance hall. Zaps stood silently beside them clad fully in his armor, his body unseen from anyone. They waited for the grunts they knew would attack first.

The tree stood silent despite the rushing of defenders. Things were growing thick as time pressed against them. As Jason watched outside, Ditch appeared suddenly and started slashing quickly with his hardened bladelike fur patches on either arm. As planned, he allowed one to barely stay alive and attack him. He vanished before the scout could turn to appear weaker than he looked. The Kecleon's camouflage faded leaving the lizard panting. Within a minute, the bell rang loudly. The lizard rushed off. Jason readied his blade as did Zaps. A rustle of metal reminded them all that Mewtwo was quick at his work to make a lightweight armor for each of the Guardians. Fatigue would set in quicker but that was a price they were willing to pay for survival.

The ground rumbled. Jason gripped the pommel tightly. "Get ready..." The first of the enemy broke into their sight. Jason gulped. "On my mark!" The line broke into the clearing and headed for the Elder Tree. "To battle!"

The Guardians rushed out of the tree and spread out. It seemed like an eternity before their side came roaring out of the woodwork and quickly out numbering the humans and their Pokﾃｨmon. As both sides collided, fire started flying towards the tree from the canopy. It was quickly countered and the few that hit were quickly extinguished. A large amount of Pokﾃｨmon and humans were turned to ash, the enemy stole a glance at the twin 'eons fighting aside each other. Many turned and started to run after that. Those that defected vanished in a puff of black smoke and smoldering ash. A creature entered the field, its figure contorted into various shapes. The only known thing was that it was darkness incarnate. A hissing roar came from it and the enemy retreated. Smoke shot from the main form and enveloped the running army. When the smoke retreated back to the source, blackened grass remained. Jason raised his sword above his head and spoke a strange language that even he questioned in the mind. His blade flashed brightly. When the glare waned from everyone's eyes all that remained was the dead and injured. None of the enemy remained. A quick count told Jason that only thirty had died. They would be mourned. He then counted his family. They were present and accounted for... at least those that could fight. Grace guarded the younglings. A sharp pain in Jason's right shoulder drew his attention to a deep cut. Something had cleaved the armor and chain mail he wore. Blood was seeping from it. He quickly checked the rest of his body before moving closer to the medic team that Morning Glory had put together. He stripped off his armor and mail then applied pressure to the wound.

"A victory for the first battle. Now the war has started." Jason sighed and tried to focus on staying conscious. Moon came to him and used her power to stop the flow of blood then started to wrap him up. "Too close for comfort. If it weren't for Shadow and I, I think that we would have lost more." "Yeah, most likely. They weren't expecting an energy blast coming from a set of twins. But they'll be ready for it next time. They'll make some kind of defense for it." "Then we will as well. There. Try not to jar it." "Easy for you to say. Where did Azu go?" "She's came down to help clean wounds. Around by that Miltank, I believe." "Watch, she'll have a conniption over this." "I know I would. Be careful." Moon walked off to help another wounded one as Jason pushed himself back upright. He was making his way to the only Miltank the tree had when he was stopped by an all too familiar presence. He turned to it with a forced smile. "We won the first bout even if we lost some." Jason said solemnly. "That you did, my child." Arceus rumbled and looked over the field. "This is not the first time this ground has been tarnished by evil. Fear not the darkness for the light within you is bright. I shall take my children home and make them whole once more." "Thank you, Father Arceus, but I do have one request for that... Will you allow everyone to watch you take them? I think it would put many to ease knowing that their loved ones are truly with you." "This will be the only time. The rest must be joined with the soil." "Again, thank you." Arceus placed a loving paw on Jason's shoulder. "In time, my child, your brothers and sisters will see the power in you and respect it at first sight. Train hard and never give up." Jason nodded being at a loss for words. He watched the Pokﾃｨmon walk to each of the fallen and whisper into their ears, or equivalent, Jason noticed that the commotions were silenced as everyone watched the dead stand and gather away from the living.

Silence befalls all as the last of the thirty have risen. Suddenly a female that was hidden among the crowd wailed out for her lover. Arceus looked her way and the crying was stopped. He joined the group he was about to take and looked upon them.

"My children, behold, your beloved has risen upon my command. Yet they are not whole. This shall be the last you see of them in this form. When your time comes, you will meet them again. They shall be waiting for your short time here for you. Behold... the Land of Paradise!" Arceus roared out and a portal opened behind the waiting. Lands rolling with green grass and shining suns beckoned them all. "This will be your home one day. But today, this is their's. Farewell for now, my children."

The thirty began to file through the portal and vanish among the grass. When the last of them passed through, Arceus bowed his head then backed through the portal. A single tear floated in the center of the epicenter as the portal closed. The tear then crystallized and fell. It dropped down then shattered. The shards seemed to melt as a small pool formed among the shards and slowly filled in. The cool, blue water was as calm as the crowd it formed in front of. Without a sound or quake, the pool deepened. Jason approached it and knelt at its edge. Silently he prayed to whatever force could hear him. He thanked them for Arceus' being and his power. Before he even rose, he cleared his throat.

"Today is the start of an epic war. Prepare yourselves, for as we all saw, tomorrow may not come for you. Live as though today is your last and prep yourselves for battle. Today we train; tomorrow we fight in the name of our loved ones and Arceus. I'll be watching and judging all. I must select leaders; brute strength will not be the only aspect I will judge by. Answer any questions I may bring to you as honestly as you can. Once able, we will eat and celebrate the lives we lost today. No matter how much we mourn, we must celebrate for their fight is now over."

As Jason stood, the Pokﾃｨmon and humans embraced each other. Weak smiles on all faces. He turned to face them. He, too, had a weak smile. The truth hurts. He knew this lesson well. He grasped the pommel of his sword and stood attentive. He had to change as much as those he led. With a deep breath, he strolled through the crowd and went back inside. His team not far behind him. Together they went upstairs to his room and sat down. The Legendary trio sat near the door and stared at their leader as if they expected him to lash out in some way.

"Well..." Jason said quietly after a moment. "Looks like we will never get that peace now until this thing is finally over with. So be it. For now, I like you all to take training into your own hands. Join your fellow primary types if you wish, I for one don't care. I will be joining all types and will be trying to stay in my other form as long as I can. During that, I will focus on my own power. If anyone wishes to spar... I will accept it. Win or lose, I look forward at finding out what I can do." He sighed and looked towards the floor. Lisa and Grace stood at the doorway listening. Lisa spoke out once he was done. "As I am out on my travels, I will spread word to Trainers and Pokﾃｨmon alike that all will be called upon by Arceus. I fear, though, that many will not heed my words until the dark forces hit the public openly. I won't put it past them if they had not done so already." "It doesn't feel like they have, but Arceus has been whispering that he can only sense the darkness not actually watch them." "Are you sure it is Arceus?" Sam asked as his curiosity peaked. "Ultimately... no. Though when he shows up, the voice is silenced. It's like that little voice telling you that something isn't right, but slightly louder. If I concentrate hard enough at times I can make out the words, but unless it is important, I have to struggle to hear it." Sam nodded as his next question was answered. "Jason, why are you acting like you were defeated out there?" "It's more a shock to the reality of things. Yes, we won the battle. Yes, death is a part of war. The fact that we'll lose friends and family is what is making me so desolate. If I could use my gift of life to resurrect everyone, I would. But I would have to take my own life to do that now and they forbid that." "They?" Loraline cocked her head as she tried to look around her bigger mate. "The Unnamed Ones, the ones above Arceus. I have a feeling I've met them once yet it's so fuzzy that it feels like a dream that I only half remember." "Well, all we can do is play the game that has been set before us. Whether or not that we can get ahead is up to the ones moving the pieces." Moon said quietly making the room even more solemn. "Anyone up to helping with supper?" Jason abruptly stood. "Who's with me?"

---

You failed me. "Forgive me, my Dark Lord. I underestimated-" The dark colored Alakazam knelt before a dark figure. Silence. You will not fail again for I will have your head! "My life was always yours to take." Darkrai, take this fool's head! As you wish.

Darkness enveloped the Alakazam then a moment later the body rolled away. A head was tossed across the forming blood pool and landed in the claws of an ominous black figure. Laughter came from the creature. In a dark corner out of sight from the Dark Lord and its mindless slave, a small figure opened up a shadow portal and vanished into it.

---

"Daisy! Here, girl!" Shadow whistled as she stood in the doorway of her shared room. Not long after that, the fast clatter of claws scraping wood echoed the near empty hall. Shadow quickly jumped onto their hay-filled mattress and presented herself to the open door. A howl erupted from the hall then a spout of flame shot across the doorway. A scream, along with some vulgarities, came after that. A black figure slid on the floor and thumped hard against the frame. The large Houndoom bitch panted then stalked towards the bed.

"There's my girl, give momma a kiss." Shadow chuckled as she moved her thin tail to reveal a swollen lump between her legs. Daisy came right up and ungraciously licked away at the mound making Shadow moan. "Ooooh... yes. Momma likes that. Mmm, yes." A muffled laugh came from her legs as the Houndoom paused her work. She pulled back and stared at the Umbreon she called a mate. "Bet you can't guess what I stuffed into my little bag today." "Mmm... Me?" "Tempting, but no. I 'stole' a toy from your sister." "Do tell. Ooh my!" Daisy had gently pressed her paw into her lover's tight tunnel and rubbed against the sensitive, flat clitoris that was common for most of the canine species. "A double toy, we both can play 'tug-of-war' now." Withdrawing her paw, she reached under her belly for a fanny pack and unzipped it with practiced difficultly. A pink, rubber shaft flopped onto the floor. The Houndoom wore a wolfish grin as she backed up to pick it up with her teeth. "Oh, that's a new one. Wonder who she liberated that from," Shadow craned herself to look at the toy. "Ish ah dooble." "Mmm, then put it to use."

Daisy did just that slowly teasing her lover. Shadow moaned as she was filled rather comfortably, but what she didn't see was a harness that Daisy quickly slipped into. A flick of a claw turned on the vibration motor. Then Daisy 'mounted' her mate. Shadow gasped at the sudden weight and full fledged thrust. Daisy growled and ground her hips against Shadow's. When she pulled out, she lovingly bit down on her mate's shoulder before setting a slow paced thrust. Shadow grunted as she was taking while laying on her back. She did her best to grip her 'male' counterpart and moan sweet nothings into the stiff ear near her muzzle.

Shadow's moans escalated with each vibrating thrust. Her system being sent into overdrive as Daisy matched the speed of a male. Dark energy shot from her mouth as she howled from a sudden orgasm of which Daisy kept on pumping through. Her eyes crossed, and her claws dug into her lover's pelt. She could not think of anything better than this very moment. When the high finally started to drop, she panted and sloppily licked Daisy's muzzle. Daisy 'tied' her mate and applied most of her weight onto the smaller female of which she proceeded to lick at a hidden nipple under the black fur. The Houndoom was rewarded with a drawn out moan. During all of this, neither of the pair noticed the lone blue male that had been watching the entire act. The scent of male musk and seed drew their glazed eyes to the door. Palrin happened to be the Peeping Tom. The females grinned at each other then continued the private show for the male. He stepped into the room, his bone-filled shaft dangling below and dripping. He licked his lips as temptation beckoned him to join in, though he knew better than to interfere with the Dark Fire hound.

"Bet you want to taste us don't you?" Daisy lustfully wiggled her hips enticing a moan from Shadow. Palrin nodded slowly. "Well, to gain that privilege, one has to earn it." Daisy growled out quietly as she demanded dominance. "I want you to come over here and lay on you stomach, tail up." Palrin gulped but did as she demanded. As he did so, he did his best to make sure his sensitive shaft was under him comfortably. "Uh-uh. I want to see that." Before he could fully lay, Daisy used her paw to pull the shaft between his legs into the tied position. He yelped at the roughness of her pads brought and did not fight it. "Mmm, been a while since I've seen a knot. Much longer since one had the privilege of being in me." Daisy removed the strap-on from Shadow, despite her detesting growl, and hovered over the male's back. "Ever been mounted before, big boy?" "What? No." He answered nervously. "Ooh, a virgin. Pop the bitch, love, make him scream your name." What have I gotten myself into? Palrin gulped as he felt a moist prod at his tail hole. He whimpered and tried to relax. Daisy gave one solid thrust and forced the pre-lubed dildo into the male's backdoor. He yelped but took it, though he drew blood from his lower lip.

"That's a good boy. The name's Daisy, by the way, and you can scream it whenever you want. But that won't make me let up." Palrin whimpered and nodded. Shadow contorted herself to lick clean then grinned at the pair. "Feeling lonely?" Daisy asked Shadow with a lusty tone. "A touch." Shadow chuckled darkly. "Only a touch. I grab one of our other toys. This will be fun." "Oh, someone is feeling the dominance trickle out finally." "Only because I am bored. What do you think? Hmm? Whip or stirrup?" "The stirrup, we haven't had that out in a while."

During the conversation, Daisy started to thrust. Palrin's eyes went teary, though the action played havoc on his shaft. It throbbed and gave a spurt of pre-seminal fluid which attached to Daisy's legs. Shadow jumped off the mat and went to a small chest in the corner of the room. She hefted the lid up with both paws until the strap caught, then she started digging for the object of her desire. She pulled out a device that was long (compared to her short legs) and slender with a two thin plates of metal attached to two arms on either side of the two plates. She used her two front paws to manipulate the device with an evil smile on her face. She held the device in her maw as she returned to the 'rutting' pair and laid the device in front of Palrin before turning tail. Palrin sighed with relief.

"Hope you know how to hold your breath, sugar, 'cause you ain't going to get the chance soon." Shadow chuckled as she looked back.

Daisy stopped long enough to lean over the male and grab the device with her paws. Shadow backed up closer to the two with her tail raised. Daisy steadied the device and aimed for the barely big enough slit of Shadow's labia. As the device was properly inserted, Daisy spread the lips wide until the device locked.

"Stand." She growled, the male obeyed. Daisy stood comfortably over the male without having to put any of her weight onto his back, she was disappointed.

She gave a hard thrust to move the male closer, his muzzle came just a hair away from the open crevasse. Daisy gave another push and the muzzle was inserted deep within Shadow. The Umbreon moaned as the device was removed and all was left was the muzzle. Without being told, he began to lick what he could and used his frosty breath to give her an even better thrill.

"Mmm, little Glaceon, you keep that up and you will get a treat." Shadow closed her eyes and leaned into the male as his tongue flicked the mound that was her cervix. "Go slow love, I don't want to go through birthing pains just yet." With Shadows approval, Daisy returned to pound the male lightly.

Palrin's eyes glazed over as the Umbreon's nectar filled his senses with bliss, he wanted more. So much more. He used the ice to form a small opening to allow air into her so he could breath a little. His muzzle started to thrust into her thanks to the female above him. Shadow's head arced up and her jaw went ajar. He didn't even bother try to look anywhere other than the fleshy pucker in front of his eyes. It contracted with each thrust and just barely relaxed. He growled into her as his own body was starting to reach the limits and build pressure below. His shaft bounced off his stomach making him wish that it was not so sensitive, yet that motion is what was making come close to his own climax before the females. He forced his mind into a different plane, though it did not last long. Shadow gasped as the male growled, the vibration of his muzzle hitting her sensitive, flat clitoris drove her crazy. She wanted to scream for more, but her body wouldn't respond. Her body quickly began to shiver, her head dropped to the mat and her rump came up ever so slightly as she stood on her hind toes. She began to howl as her body let loose a series of spasms. Her orgasm struck filling the muzzle and the little space around it. Daisy grinned as the male below her tightened up and spilled his seed onto the mat. As they both came down from the clouds, Daisy removed the tool from the male and allowed him to pull out of her mate.

"Catch your breath, I'm next."

Palrin just gulped between breaths. A nod showed his willingness even if his shaft ached for sweet deflation, it ached more for the true tie. If she would allow him to mount her. He watched her lay beside her mate and lick her cheek. The short furred tail tangled with the limp tail of the Umbreon. He took the distraction to make his move. He jumped onto the larger Houndoom and gave a few dry thrusts to find his target. When he hit the moist mound, he gave it his all. She yelped but could not fight him as her body shook into submission. She quickly felt his knot enter her and quickly swell to lock him inside her. Her body couldn't hold back against the quick and powerful thrusts of a true male. She went into a spasm and milked the chilly shaft. He grunted and spilled a larger amount of seed within the Dark Fire bitch making her his first successful breeding. He panted as his body demanded him to stop. He turned and lifted his leg over the engorged shaft to properly tie with her.

"Good enough?" He managed to ask. "Yeah." Was all Daisy could say. "Good. Shadow, you're next." He growled with a smile. Shadow whimpered slightly even as Daisy gave her a good lick.

Within ten minutes, Palrin was relaxed enough to pull out but neither of the pair moved. She was too warm for him to want to leave her grip. But the shaft had relaxed completely, now was Shadow's turn to feel him. He pulled out, his shaft almost immediately returned to the sheath. He turned Shadow and used a paw to coax her to raise her rump. It helped that Daisy used her snout to wedge under the Umbreon and forced her to stand for the male. He growled lustfully as he gave her a few licks then he mounted her. Her legs shook, more out of nervousness than his weight. As he did with Daisy, a few missed strikes and he was in. His pounding shook her and made her whimper. His knot quickly filled her and locked into place. He rested on her back as his seed flowed into her begging womb as it milked him dry. He just held her tight with his forelegs and rubbed his still moist muzzle on her back. After a minute, he turned and threw his leg over his shaft and tied her. He smiled happily as he licked at the fur on his muzzle.

"So... does this mean your duo is now a trio?" He asked with a slight smugness in it. The females looked at each other, silently debating. "Guess so," Daisy said for the two of them. "Yeah! And keep that 'toy,' I feel like having a sandwich later on. How about you two?" They laughed but agreed to the offer.