A Seed of Doubt

Story by Sludawg on SoFurry

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#12 of Poke-Treat 2

Sorry it's late. Merry Christmas and all that jazz...

So yeah, I totally blame Fallout for the slow go on this one... too addictive. Anyway, here is this one. Collector will be posted next month if all goes well.


Macy woke from a very pleasing dream, her jaw hurt as well as the back of her throat. Beside her sat a thermos filled with soup along with a short note signed with a smiley. She chuckled and chugged the soup before dressing.

"Look who's awake," The female Lucario chuckled as she pulled the tail of a fellow female, a Parchirisu, as the human girl crawled out of the tent. "Thanks for the soup." "No problem. We found your belt... Priscilla refuses to tell me who is in this third occupied ball." Macy bit her lip. "It is a Houndoom... he's... stubborn and... my family's pet. Father made me bring him." "So you neglect him?" "No! No, I just don't bring him out around others. He gets... excited easily. He's... I do not know why father set him with me... except to get him out of the house."

Lisa expanded the ball, Macy begged the fellow Trainer not to. She called out the Pokèmon any way. The canine howled as he formed, stretched then looked around at the group. He sat and stared at Lisa.

"Excitable? Macy his a stunning stud. What do you think, Prissy? He's cute, right?" :Sure is.: "Got a name, cutie?" :Rex: He looked towards the trees and saw a Pidgey staring at the group. :Victar?: "We are friends with the Queen, are you a protector?" "More than that." Macy squealed and pressed herself against the tents, the others chuckled. "Your father is a direct descendant of the Nia'tussu Clan, I asked to have him send me with you... for protection. My family has been long standing friends with yours. I have a... betrothed waiting for me once you are fully awakened." "But... but..." "I talk 'Human,' yes, one of many talents am I. You must be Lisa. I can smell a little bit of the Royal's on you." "Sam, he's...part of Guardians." "Hmm. So I take it that the island has been found and that we are known now." "Not completely. Aíat Ba'teese are actively hunting the Queen and many of the Out Bloods." Rex spat a globule of fire. "We must contact your father, my Trainer, as soon as possible." "Okay..." Macy slid down and hugged her knees. "What about Lileep?" "Normal. She only knows what she has heard. Now enough of the worrying. I am sure you and 'Rex' need a little alone time."

Lisa joined Mew and Mona, leaving Macy and her partners to talk. She watched as the pink, handful of fur of a Pokèmon form an Aura Sphere twice the size of her own form and juggle it. Mona made several attempts at matching her teacher and failed miserably, one attempt shot towards a tree and splintered it. Lisa shook her head and moved on. She found her little dinosaur gnawing on dead tree limb

"Tina, you want to train?" "Sure, better then chewing this thing." "Come, let's find a suitable target." "How about Draco? I want to fight him." Lisa growled. "That might be unwise, but we will attempt it. Go get him and join me at the edge of camp." Tina growled then charged off.

Lisa waited a short ways away from camp, all the while, the hyperactive Tyrunt dogged the much larger Druddigon and corralled him over to their Trainer. He finally grew tired of her antics and picked her up and carried her the remaining way.

"Teacher, is this a wise motion?" "Maybe not, but she does need to learn. Just... do your best to tone down any counter attacks to a low level. Remember she is a child." "Hey!" Tina huffed and tapped her tiny arms against Draco's scales. "You are what you are. Still, experience comes from lessons so... Draco, set her down and show her Hone Claws." Draco drew in a breath then slammed his claws together forming a spark that grew into a sheer light as his claws sharpened some. "Excellent! Tina your turn." "I cannot touch my claws like that." "I do not have claws yet even I can use the move. Watch." Lisa took a few steps away from the others then rubbed her paw spikes on her exposed chest spike. All three spikes became luminous as she rose her attack power and lengthened them to ensure an attack would hit. "There, now you find what feels right and make it so." "Okay... I will try." "Do or do not, there is no try, little one." "Yes, Ma'am."

Tina huffed then focused on the move. She growled then flexed dual fingered. They started to glow but did not hold. She whimpered and fell back onto her tail.

"Do not cry, everyone must learn somehow, even if it is through memory implantation." Draco sighed as he sat beside her. "Even if it against my very being, I am learning still. Our... teacher is a good one. I have learned to be with others without causing harm. I am sure if you keep watching, keep learning, you will learn all sorts of things. Maybe even things your kin may not be able to do." "Okay." "Try again." Tina got back up and added room between her and her tutors. "I thought you did not like anyone." Lisa said quietly. "She... has something that reminds me of my youth. I do not want her to follow my path. What I went through..." "At least you are starting to talk. That is what matters the most. I'll tell you what, you continue to teach her, she likes you well enough." "As you command." Draco smiled as Lisa shook her head.

She left them to search for her mate. She found him and Brittany talking while Darla studied a pink flower before putting into the shadowy mess that represented her hair. She sat next to the two with a smile.

"Someone is letting out her feminine side." "Leave me alone." Darla stuck her 'nose' in the air then turned her back towards the Lucario. "The big, bad Legendary is afraid of being caught being normal." Lisa chuckled as she mocked her Pokèmon. "Leave her alone, love, it is her way of remembering her brother. Now, what are we doing for supper? I do hope it is not kibble, I had that shoved into my snout by a little kid. Not as good as the commercials say it is." "Really? Kibble" "I think licking my own tail hole would taste better. We all took a vote, we declared you cook, by the way." "Gee, thanks." "You are very welcome." "Then I am recruiting help. Brittany, let's go." "I'm claiming the role of the cutter then." "Suits me. Start with the Orans'." "Very well." An hour of cooking brought forth the meal, the group ate then went to their tents to get to sleep early.

Next morning, Lisa started to pack her tent but stopped in mid drop. A note was taped onto the side, she pulled it off and read it.

Suspicious humans prowling area. Potential poachers. Checking area.

--P.

"Wonderful. Adrian, come out." Lisa waited for the stasis beam to finish before giving her order. "Scan the area, I already have that charm on. Search for our eye in the sky." Adrian nodded then focused, after a moment he shook his head. "Wake the others, my love, he is in a cage doing his best not to fight it." "Keep an eye on him. We'll go rescue him shortly." "As you wish."

Lisa quickly dropped her gear and went to wake Todd, Macy, and Jace. Jace immediately realized their 'eye in the sky' was missing. As the others dressed, Lisa and Jace began making a plan. Lisa then filled the humans in as they followed Adrian's Aura lock on the Pidgey. They only got a hundred feet away from camp when Mew showed herself as a Caterpie.

"These humans a nasty. I could not get close, a local drew to close to their camp and was killed on sight. Poor little Skitty. I cannot detect their minds nor their Aura." "You mean the humans are hiding in plain sight?" "I am." Lisa growled. "Someone is joining us..." Mew and Jace looked behind the group and watched four young Pokèmon appear. :Just so you know, teleporting to an unknown place is dangerous. Where are-? Oh! Behind us.: Two Charmeleons, a Ralts, and a Totodile appeared. "Angel? Is that you?" Lisa asked. The one Charmeleon that was a near shade of gold turned and smiled. "Hi, Aunt Lisa." "Did that Charmeleon speak English?" Todd leaned over to Adrian. He nodded. "Okay, why are you all here? Especially Maxine." "We... had to come. You need the backup and we need to test our skills." "They are killing on sight!" "So do we. We are warriors built for war. Maxine has two skirmishes under her jaw with good, clean kills. She has every right to protect her Trainer." Little Jason snorted a plume of fire as he crossed his small arms. "Fine. But I will not back you up when father finds out." "He's the one that sent us." Angel shrugged then nudged her twin. "Send him to camp. Max, let's take the flanks, stay low. L.J., play the distraction." "Copy that." Little Jason pointed at a tree and the Ralts blinked out of sight and hid among the leaves. A moment later, L.J. ran off away from the group. "When we are ready, he will do his job. Just remember we are a squad and we are best working together. You just rescue your guard we will deal with the others." Angel looked a little disgusted as she spoke but it held only for a moment. Lisa took a deep breath then nodded deciding to bite her tongue. Maxine and Angel split and disappeared into the brush. "This day is starting off bad..." Lisa watched the life flame on the young Charmeleon disappear. "At least we have an upper hand." Todd tried to brighten the mood. I have a connection with their Psychic, I will be informed when we can move. He recommends two go in and grab the cage. Adrian stared towards the frightened Aura of the Pidgey.

A roar was heard in the near distance then the tromping of hooves as a stampede was started. A moment later gunshots were heard as well as screams of humans came. Adrian and Jace went in, Adrian gasped as he passed a beheaded man. He almost lost the contents of his stomach, thankfully Jace forced him to focus and they maneuvered through the bloodbath and found the cage sitting on the ground with a blood covered Pidgey within. Next to the cage, a man with a hole in his chest was on the ground. The Pidgey as shaking as it pointed with a wing behind them. The two turned to see a man with an assault rifle pointed at them. Adrian threw up his paws as Jace brought out his blades just as the head on the man twisted around.

"Shit!" Jace looked about as he searched for the killer. "Come. Grab." The Ralts appeared behind them, though it was clearly the use of Double Team as it shifted stiffly. "Right." Jace turned and forced Adrian to grab the cage. As they worked together, they crept back through quietly trying not to draw any attention until Maxine came up to them. "Here's the keys. The Ba'teese are destroyed. Go, we will burn these bodies." "Father, protect me..." Pidgey whispered breaking his silence. "Don't worry, fly boy, he has. Hmm? Got to go, stay safe."

Maxine ran off leaving the two holding the cage and keys. Jace used his telekinetic abilities to use the keys to unlock the cage and release their comrade. They sat the cage down then Adrian grabbed the tiny, scared form and carried him away from the battlefield. When they rejoined the others, Lisa begged to know the result. None of them wanted to speak of the waste of life that had endangered everything around. Adrian sat Pidgey on the ground and then dropped to his knees.

"What hath this war done! Our own children are forced to kill!" Pidgey squawked out as he was enveloped in the evolutionary glow. "How can we live knowing that we must use our young to kill our enemies!" Pidgeotto screamed as the glow faded. "Wow!" Macy smiled and reached out to the bird, but a wing smacked the hand away. "Uh..." "I am no pet, human, I am a warrior! I will prove it!" "Then don't get yourself killed. You are our guard, either you are strong enough to do just that or you are weak enough to die dishonorably. Which is it?" Lisa growled as she removed the charm from her wrist. "You want to prove your worth? Then attack me!"

Lisa jumped then pushed herself through the air with an Aura pulse to land a safe distance away from the others. Pidgeotto puffed himself up then fluttered over to set himself across from his opponent. He hissed as he flared his plumage. Lisa, in turn, growled and forced her Aura to flame out.

"They are trying to intimidate each other, I doubt either tactic will work." Jace watched with a smile, he knew Lisa had the moxie for a fight. "Let this match be a K.O. meet, no fatal blows. Begin!"

Pidgeotto started to flap his wings as he used his move, Gust. Lisa let the attack hit, very little power behind the attack. She grinned as she used the one thing Lucario's were known for, Bone Rush. Her attack struck, sending the bird flying towards a tree. His wings fluttered as he tried to stop himself. A heartbeat away from the tree stopped him from major damage. He squawked as his body flared up in a blue Aura then soared recklessly as his opponent.

"Brave Bird? Reckless at this point unless he knows he is going to lose anyway." Jace crossed his arms as he watched Lisa dodge it once then get struck in the back. Lisa twisted and popped her spine before making her next move, her clothing restricting every movement, she truly hated it at this moment but loved the challenge they brought. The stance she threw herself into quickly suggested she was readying an Aura Sphere which forced the bird to make a fast attack. As he came in with a Wing Attack, Lisa grabbed him and just planted her knuckles into his face quickly. Close Combat, being a dangerous Fighting type move, quickly brought the flyer down to earth and made him stumble before collapsing with his opponent on top of him. Lisa spat before rising to her feet and brushing the dirt away.

"Todd, use some potions on him. This battle is over." "Yes, ma'am." Todd swallowed hard as he looked at the broken bird then started moving. :You did not have to go so hard on the poor fledgling.: Adrian said as he flicked his tail about, showing the only emotion through it, irritation. "I had to remove the cockiness out of him. We do not need him killed. He will either ask to be replaced or he will stay and do his job. Mew!" "Present." Mew was still in the Caterpie form as she tried her best to ignore the scent of spilled blood in the air. "Will you pass on what happened this morning to Moon, I am sure the Guardians will want to know the results from us instead of the... squad." "It would force me to focus on something other than blood." Mew blinked out of view. "Once he wakes, we move. Let's drag him back to camp and break it down." Lisa sighed, she looked over her blouse and realized it had a tear in it. Hopefully there would be a tailor in the next village.

They went back to camp, Jace carried his Victar comrade, and broke it down quickly. Pidgeotto cooed as he woke. Lisa stood over the bird waiting for him to look up.

"Going to gloat?" "Only if the lesson has failed to set." "I was arrogant... I see that now. But I know I am right." "The young will always fight for their elders; that is the way of life. There is no changing that. Even I fight. I fight equality, while my daughter fights for life itself. What do you fight for?" "I... I do not know." "Then find out while you watch over us." Without another word, the bird hopped up then took to the treetops.

Lisa motioned the group forward. Silence was the golden as they returned to the road; Lisa thought about removing her broach so she could speak semi-privately to her mate. Though with the current group, all would hear her plain as a sunny day. Half hour of walking, they hit the highway crossover and the route turned into major walkway. Several 'professional' walkers covered the flagstone, a few domesticated Pokèmon recognized Lisa, or more correctly, the 'Rebel Lucario' and begged for her attention. Attention she gave until she was surrounded by fans of all species. The more annoying fans, being the children, all wanted her to come home with them. She politely declined all offers with a reminder that she had a Gym battle to declare. Eventually the crowd dispersed and allowed the group to move on, at least they would hit the town of Nuttelos very soon. Though the mess they left behind was about to come back to bite their noses. Five men in black suits walked up to them and blocked them in then escorted them into town to the police station.

"Miss Parglouse, please join me in my office." A detective greeted the crew as Officer Jenny met with the others. "I am Detective Yoki Honu. I am presuming you are the reason for the mess just outside of town." "Not... directly. They were murderess people to all kinds." "Agreed, I am not here to pass judgment on that. It... has been dealt with. What I care for is the safety of the two children with you." "Trust me, they can protect themselves. They have an excellent team and they have learned to fight themselves. They have already proven themselves to me and my father." "Yes... the Trainer turned into a godly avatar. What do you think will happen when those two make their first kill?" "I don't have to think, sir, I used to be a cop." "And now a killer." "I work for Arceus. I protect the innocent still. Only difference is that my jurisdiction has no bounds." "Just so you know, your 'father' has found a way to get by vandalism and murder. Not to mention the unlawful gathering militant forces." "Right. I would not be surprised if you would support total annihilation of life." "I should put you in a Detention Ball for that, animal." "Ah! There it is. The prejudice is out. Do yourself a favor and walk away now. The world is listening."

Lisa crossed her arms as she sat. Detective Yoki pulled his gun and aimed it at her head. The threat did not last but a second before two officers busted in with their own guns drawn and shouted at the detective. Lisa smiled inwardly as the prejudice man was backed into a corner. Moments later the man was escorted out and apologies were given. As Lisa left the room the commander was yelling at the detective making sure everyone knew he was on administrative leave. She gathered her 'crew' the commander mentioned and quietly left then went to the Center. As soon as the Trainers handed their teams over to Joy, the news crew stumbled in and greeted Lisa.

"I do not want to seem rude, but it has been a long day and I do not wish to talk right now. Shall we chat over supper?" "As you wish. We will meet you at the Rotund Seedot." Lisa watched the duo leave before turning to the others. "Where's Jace... and our little friend? "They are hiding from sight, something of an illusion." Macy gave a very slight nod to her left. "I see. Well, they will just have to find us in our room." "When did you rent a room?" "Just now, telepathy remember?" "Right... I thought you were to use that charm." Macy placed her fists on her hips and puffed out her lips. "Yes, and it will be going back on here in a bit."

Macy huffed then the group followed their leader to the requested room. As soon as the door closed, the two cloaked companions dropped their guise of mental blocking then got comfortable. Mew rubbed Jace's leg with a smile, he grumbled as he just covered himself from her increasingly amorous groping.

"Please, stop." Jace huffed. "I am not into females, you know this." "And that is why it is so fun, sugar." "So trying to molest me is fun?" "You would know if I was 'trying,' sweetie. This is just play. Anyway, Lisa, I am sorry I could not warn you. I was concentrating on the Light Barrier I had made." "It's fine. Though what that man said... it does put some doubt in me. Do you think he could be an agent of the Dark One?" "Let's hope not. Now, you have a Gym to plan for. Go, I will watch over our little warriors." "Fine. Just keep the connection." "Indeed."

With a sigh, Lisa gathered her team and walked out of the room. She found her way down to the readied field. There she released her team and told them the plan after reading the bio from the PokèNav. They were to practice double battles against flyers. Though Tina did not like the thought of being pecked, she did as she was told and learned how to defend herself from attacks from above. After an hour, the little rock dragon finally got the defense part right. She begged to sit down, Lisa resigned to allow the youngling get her way as she cranked up the heat on the others. Draco came out of the building and found the young one watching the others. He came over and sat next to her.

"Laziness does not make a lesson learned. Why are you sitting here instead of training?" "I'm not even going to fight, I... I am too weak for any Gym we go to right now. Why should I get in their way?" "Only you get in your way, you are a part of them and they of you. If you do not wish to train with them, I will train you. But know this, I will be a harsh teacher from this point on. I will unlock your inner Dragon and break that roar that is still a petty mew for mother's cud." Tina opened her mouth for a moment then closed it, she was at a loss for a words. "Off your tail, rock hide, you will be begging for your Master once I am done with you today." Draco snapped at her and she jumped to her feet. "Better start running." He snapped again, nipping her thick tail.

She started to run with her training beast right on her tail spewing flames to direct her around those training easily. Once she was on the path Draco had chosen for her, he shouted orders; mostly the basic attacks all younglings know through instinct. He would use Earthquake to make obstacles she had to dodge or attack at his order. The others watched rather amused, more than once Draco had gotten Hone Claws out of her and even got her Tackle to completely shatter the rocks he brought from the ground. When he shouted out a new attack, Dragon Claw, she went straight into the attack with a very bright display. After that attack, Draco roared loudly as he slid to a stop with a grin. Tina huffed as she stopped and looked at the others as stared at her.

"What?" "You did a move that you have not learned. You did well, hatchling." Draco chuckled as he stretched his legs to keep from getting sore. "You may rest for a moment." "I did?" Draco nodded, "You are not as weak as you thought, little one." "How? Show me!" "No. You must figure it out yourself." Draco grinned then joined the others as they resumed their own training.


"Hey, Boss, where ya wantin' the dummies?" A small Machop pulled a pallet of boxes around as he tried to catch up with Mitch. "Anywhere, child. I am not concerned with them right now. Set it down then head home."

Mitch went into the ancient Elder Tree on a mission. That mission was to meet with the returning away team and join in on the debriefing. He walked into the makeshift conference room where Jason sat with Clair's team.

"As reported, sirs, the camp had five corrupted humans. We beheaded and burned them as instructed, we suffered minor injuries. The guard was traumatized, I suggest an evaluation at the next checkpoint." "Noted. Did you happen to notice anything out of the ordinary?" "No, but we did gather their camp and brought it to the screening area." "Excellent, but what about Lisa and her companions?" "The Auras of the girl and Lisa has been confined. I did not scan their minds to find out why." "That is fine, the scouts will inquire more. But you did not find anything malicious, correct?" "Correct, sir." "Good, Sam will have your next assignment, dismissed." The young warriors quietly left after Jason let them go. "Mitch, have you heard anything from our little friend?" "She is with them and is quite content at hiding herself. She reported that Lisa went a little overboard with her guard though she got him to evolve. She even reported that the mind of the bird is a little clouded as Lisa asked him what his purpose is in life." "Anything else?" "They are using charms to diminish their Auras. Tracking will be difficult for now on, but worth it for their safety. Otherwise, they are fine and training is going well. The next Gym battle should reside this week." "Thank you." "I will get with the Queen and set up the evaluation." "Please do. While you are doing that, I have a city to protect." "Do try not to cause the damage this time, sir. You already have a few who despises you." "I know. If you need the Blades, we will be at Anatonch."' "Sir, I-" "I know it is a criminal wonderland, but there is an artifact that will be needed later. We must acquire it. Unfortunately, I believe that Lisa will be there sooner than we wish. We will travel by road and time the arrival with hers." Mitch sighed and nodded. "I will be frank with you, Jason, in the short while that I have known you; you have changed." "Agreed. I wish I was my old self once in a while. I also know it won't happen until after the war." "Just be careful and be prepared for anything." "That is why I am also taking my team. May Arceus watch over you." Mitch bowed then left leaving the chosen warrior alone with his thoughts and the godly voices.