FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

"What?!" All eyes turn to Jayne when she shouts at Taz quite suddenly in the middle of everyone getting ready to take on the day.

Taz doesn't even blink at Jayne's sharp tone; instead he responds "Just trying to place a logical reason as to why you would lug a bone around like a beloved teddy bear. You've yet to set down since you've got here."

Any observer could see Jayne's mental stumble as she glances at the previously mentioned object as if seeing it for the first time as she mutters "Oh...I guess anyone would be curious about that if they didn't know." Jayne turns back to Taz and says "My DNA smoothie is Cubone,human, and Celebi."

Taz's befuddled expression forces Jayne to exhale a patient but irritated sigh "Right...I forgot you're pretty ignorant of all things Pokemon and you're not the other one. Alright. I'll demonstrate."

Jayne's green top and dull white mini-skirt falls to the floor when she suddenly morphs into something smaller. Just your average Celebi...if you want to ignore the fact the usual green was replaced with a light shade of pink. Jayne did a quick unenthusiastic twirl before shifting to something else:

A small bipedal Pokemon with golden brown hide that covers most of its body, including both dorsal spikes. Its belly is a very light brown. Two small claws, one on each hand, serve as its thumbs, and two large nails make up its toes. On the thing's head was a Kangaskhan skull; which masked much of its face. The only things visible is triangular, black eyes, and a small area of skin surrounding them. Underneath the skull its obvious the thing had a brown snout.

Just your average Cubone excluding some minor details and one other unrelated odd detail.

Taz raised an inquisitive eyebrow at Jay's new male anatomy before the Cubone covered his new modesty with his girl clothes; a bright red blush flaming to life underneath the exposed skin as he quickly darts to the newly unoccupied bathroom and slams it shut.

Taz casts an inquisitive eyebrow at the others in the room; apparently fishing for some sort of explanation. Mew summed up the drama with only a few words "It's a long story."

Taz shrugs as he nods understandably before saying "So I'm assuming since she can switch to the other two without assistance: she's like me and Giz in the way that her humanity only shows itself when she powers up."

Mew nods, facial expression reflecting her surprise as she responds "Nice catch dawg!"

Taz blinks at the feline for a few moments, hand only being able to muffle the slight chuckle that slips out uninvited. Luckily no one heard it because this was the same moment Jay calls for Mew help. Mew is in the bathroom with a literal flash.

Takes Taz only a heartbeat longer to reach the door and another heartbeat to kick the door in. Jay's girlish yelp of fright is but a prequel to the stream of protest and profanity being slung at the Pancham while being dragged out of the safety of the bathroom by his Cubone tail with the paw that wasn't currently bashing upside Taz's skull trying but failing to get a secure grip on the hardwood floor. Taz was somehow able to speak over the tantrum:

"Dude, you're gonna have to get used to your male half sooner or later. No time like the present and around the people you're gonna be trusting your life to"

"Mind your own business fag!"

The stunned spectators drew in an audible gasp of air. Some -namely Marci, Mary, Ken, Clovis and Giz- were just moments from exploding in the classical mix of indignation and fury. Taz froze for but a heartbeat before taking the insult in stride with a laugh "Oh we're gonna get along just dandy you and me Queeny."

If it were possible Jay got even angrier "Don't ever call me that!"

Taz puffed his bottom lip out in a realistically fake pout "Well don't call me names and react so violently when I'm only trying to help you. Agreed?"

Jay says nothing but his eyes became downcast and hints of regret and shame immediately become apparent when Taz's previous words and her own actions finally dawn on him. There was an awkward period of silence before Jay says "Both my moms and my dad raised me better than this. I apologize."

Taz waves off her apologies with a dismissive hand gesture with one paw while patting Jay's back with the other "S'okay. Believe it or not I understand...at least about the nudity part anyway." As Taz speaks prys Jay's hands off his flaccid anatomy. Taz's physical prowess far exceeds Jay's own so the Cubone can do little more than squirm in Taz's grip. But that quickly stops when the Cubone realizes that he and Taz are almost belly to belly and that to do so might make the situation more awkward than it already is. Jay becomes a deeper shade of pink while Taz continues to speak. "A tip for that is to busy yourself with other things that make you forget. It's easier than you think."

Jay's gaze was pretty much glued to Taz's chest given the awkward situation; at the end of Taz's ending statement she softly asks "What do you do...other then train I mean?"

"When he isn't touching himself, he's dances."

Taz quickly lets go of Jay's wrist and backpeddles away; face is suddenly overcome in a blush the same shade as Jay's. Now whirling on the Pangoro casually leaning against the doorframe. Distortion ripple the air surrounding the Pancham. A furious snarl escaped him as he simultaneously shouts "You've been spying on me?!"

Rose flashes her teeth, grinning a innocent grin "Oh believe me I wasn't the only Pokemon that investigated the noises and smells to a delightful sight." Rose begins to frown suddenly "Course most had dinner and other things on their minds right before their final moments"

Taz balked before shouting at the top of his lungs at her "SO WHY DIDN'T YOU TELL ME I HAD AN AUID-" Taz froze mid sentence before slowly muttering in disbelief; distortions also ceasing. "Because I would've stopped."

Rose nods once, their was a gleam in her eyes that was almost predatory as she swoops up the Pancham to place a kiss of greeting on Taz's forehead "I love the way lose yourself in your own little world when you think you're alone. You really are the most adorable of all my cubs sweetie."

"There are SO many things wrong with this picture!" Ken declares amidst a grunt of some disbelief but mostly containing irritation. Marci and Giz nod in agreement. Mew, Ella, and Cresselia are too busy eying Mary and Clovis: both look as if they are about ready to throw themselves at the Pangoro and lay the smackdown. Rose doesn't help ease the tension by tossing a wink their way to them: the declaration of challenge is plainly obvious. Taz doesn't see this because he's gaze was pulled back to Jay's when the little gobsmacked Cubone's says in a voice high-pitched and shrill with disbelief and hopeful excitement "You dance!?"

Taz's blush returns full force as he stammers out an explanation "Elliot doesn't. I and a few other people linked to my destiny apparently became music and dance enthusiast. Some of that apparently rubbed off into this life. Shows itself when we turn our brain off when music is playing"

Jay hops up and down excitedly; his hands even leave his groin so he clasp them together in a unintentional and unnoticed display of wistful hope "I've been so damn bored lately! Do you think maybe we can dance later? If we're up to it during one of our breaks I mean."

Taz considers the offer for a moment before flashing a polite smile at the Cubone "That could actually be fun...Sure why not."

Jay actually squeals with uncontained glee for a moment before catching his mouth -and his modesty- with a paw. You can hardly tell the Cubone's face had been brown through the red that had enveloped it.

You could pretty much hear a pin drop as everyone began gaping at Taz like fish.

Taz shifts uncomfortably in Rose's arms "Don't we have somewhere to be today?"

"He's right on all accounts. Sadly we don't have time to test that theory

"All eyes turn to Kate the Mienfoo and the one other guest who'd had somehow managed to materialize on one of the mostly unused hotel room bed. The other guest was-

Jay didn't say anything. Just embraced Herbie in a bone-crushing hug; apparently choosing to leave the how and why until later. Herbie squeezed back the best he could. Even though Jay cut off his oxygen supply and he could swear he was hearing his own ribs start to crack. Mary put the three of them in her pouch; maximum privacy for two and the other just because she wanted the closeness to her reborn daughter. However...

Mary touches her cheek with the clawed digits of her hand. The same cheek still smarting from Kate's vicious open palmed slap. Kate walks out the door, tiny form vibrating with barely contained rage as she stomps out.

"What's her problem" Giz asks the Pancham in the Pangoro's arms.

Taz's mouth parts slightly as his head tilts slightly in confusion. An expression no-one can identify shadows the Pancham's and the Kangaskhan's -and her joey's- face before they regain their composure and began to run full tilt towards the Mienfoo; whose sprinting was creating a large gap of distance between herself and the large group. Rose is right on their heels.

Mew groans during the same heartbeat she rapidly mentally shifts through her list of disguises before Transforming into the common Persian. Already skittering ahead of the recovering group "I swear if this soap opera drama train doesn't stop soon: I'm going to make myself busy elsewhere so I can get my head back on straight."

Cresselia calls to her. "Seems she's heading towards the direction of the Gym. I'll just go ahead and drop off Ken and Hamleck there. I'll take just take Marci, Ella, and Giz with me on my hunt."

"Alright sure!" Mew calls over her shoulder.

Giz crosses his arms defiantly and glares up at the lunar bird "Why do I have to go with you?"

Cresselia matches the Buizel's glare "Because you and Ella have loads of advantages over my prey. You'll get plenty of chances to play with your boy toy in the future."

Ken snorts and sneers "Oh yeah that reminds me." Ken's eyes flash pink "If you so much of breathe a word of my attraction with Elliot: I'll tear you apart."

Giz mirrors Ken "Tch. He's gonna figure it out sooner or later fox-butt. Whether watching me work my magic on Taz or will start to question why his best friend would continuously risk life and limb to 'save' him when he obviously doesn't want to be saved."

Distortions, telekinetic ripples and pressure, amidst pops of lights begin to manifest themselves around Ken during the same heartbeat he snaps "Shut up! You know as well as I do that Elliot is far too damned oblvious. He won't figure out anything without help and even then he'll call bullshit if there isn't evidence right in front of his face."

Again Giz mirrors Ken by manifesting his own similar but different aura; it would be exact if you replace psychic muscles flexing with moisture levitating off the Buizel's skin in droplets. "Aww is the wittle baby cranky because his bwankie is in backpack. Or is it just past your naptime?"

Marci and Ella come between them the pair. Cresselia speaks the words they are all thinking out loud "If this is how all the people from separate dimensions act towards their own self: I'm starting to see why Dialga and Palkia kept failing in their mission."

Ella -Floatzel form- replys blandly as she repeats something she'd heard said once. "Our greatest enemy lies within ourselves."

Cresselia harrumphs and says with a snort "Great now you're spouting useless drivel." Cresselia tuts at Ella like a parent would a child "You've been spending too much time with Hamleck and the other mortals. Honestly I don't see why you keep the idiot around."

Fury can briefly be seen blazing in Ella's eyes before she closes them to hide it; choosing instead to bite her lip and practice her breathing to calm the sudden miniscule shakes that came from holding back from coming to the defence of yourself or someone else. A trick oddly enough that Hamleck had taught her on their quest to calm the emotions that were seemingly set on a hair trigger.

Thankfully it didn't matter since they were being transported away in the next blink.

---

"Kaaaaaaaate! Wait up!" Taz shouted as the small group shoved passed the bustling crowds that were unlucky enough to pick that particular sidewalk.

Instead of responding Kate began picking up the already breakneck pace.

Mew obviously wasn't used to very much physical exercise. It was evident in the way she'd began hyperventilating like an asthmatic after only the first couple meters sprint into the sprint. The problem had of course had worsened during the last couple of city blocks "Why is she *paint* even running? Those portals *pant* *pant* are much more *pant* instantaneous and convenient"

Mew's words seemed to reveal her unnoticed presence. Mary saw and pitted her plight so without missing a beat or slowing she stuffed the Classy Cat Pokemon in her rapidly filling pouch. Mew Transforms into another Cubone to add a little more wiggle room.

This statement coming from Taz as he slowly begins to break from the pack when he shifts into a new gear. "She's not going to the gym. Dad and Rai must be in a densely populated area...that's what my gut is telling me anyway."

Taz closes his eyes for the briefest of moments, inhales deeply and holds it in. When Taz opens them again the previous glint of desperation has transformed into a blossoming fire of determination as he kicks it past overdrive and starts rapidly eating the distance separating the Pancham from the Mienfoo; all the while the naked desperation in his scream making it shrill:

"KAAAAAAAAAAAATE!"

Kate risks a glance back, her mouth gapes open slightly in astonishment the moment before Taz's shoulder slams into the mid of her back. Both stumble and fall rolling onto the pavement. Not coming to a stop until both were at least five of their body lengths off the sidewalk and onto the road. Both didn't even have a chance to begin to recover from their daze before a deafening ear-splitting honk and squeal of tires from the approaching semi slams into them solidly like physical blow as if as a prequel of what was to come. To any observer it would've been obvious that the semi wouldn't be able to stop in time. Shock has rendered them motionless and helpless as all the previous victims whose life had been cruelly eaten by a pair of headlights.

Time begins to flow like molasses until it all but stops on this stupefying moment of truth.

A lot of things happen simultaneously in these next span of milliseconds.

Mew tries to stop the incoming danger with the telekinetic force of a strong Psychic attack. A feat accomplished many many times on both smaller and bigger threats. However seeing just a shadow of a Pangoro picking up the little ones and preparing for a leap that wouldn't clear the distance in time throws her in far too big of a loop to recover the lost direly needed concentration to pull off the attack in time.

To make matters worse a panicking, well meaning Rose did what any mother with superhuman strength would do when a there was a danger barreling full tilt towards the treasure they held most dear: throw the biggest and heaviest object in attempt to take care of the issue or at least slow it down. Unfortunately for several individuals the biggest and heaviest object around was Mary and her passengers. All of which are too confused about what is happening to them to scream.

The problem with this solution was during her haste: Rose miscalculates her aim. Add that mishap with the force that the Pangoro had thrown her weapon and then you will arrive at the result that the living wrecking ball will arrive much too soon to accomplish anything other then collide with Trevor who was blinking in to stop the danger in it's tracks with barriers and his handy dandy reflective shield. Mary's large size and momentum will knock Trevor out of that fight before it could begin.

Darkrai is a bit more successful with his two Shadow Ball attacks; however all this does is destroy every ounce of control the driver of the semi had as he and his truck morph into a large flaming tumbling missile of destruction. Thus unintentionally adding in a few more screaming civilian spectators to it's kill count with it then it would've if it'd been left alone to complete it's hellish quest.

The moment all seems lost a familiar portal dumps a human Paul Braxter clad only in red short-shorts in front of the lethal's missile's path. Both the man's fist are pulled back, surrounded by swirling energy which changes from white to blue light on it's way to kiss semi attached trailer. For a moment the entire vehicle halts in it's tracks, still hovering airborne as ice crystals rapidly consume both metal and fire in it's embrace. Then the force of Paul's Ice Punch(s) wins the clash the two opposing kinetic energies were having: consequently launching the entire semi and it's trailer backwards a few paces. Paul's heroic deed doesn't go unpunished however. Even though he doesn't notice the blood dripping down his knuckles or feel that the fact that all three bones that make up inner and outer arm on his left and right sides were poking out of a few random places out of both arms.

Paul tries to turn around, stumbles on wobbly legs before making it even taking a full step, vision goes blurry before going entirely black the same moment he's empties out the entirety of his stomach; apparently he'd had a large breakfast consisting most of the items one would normally find at any Waffle House.

Steve is the first to recover and take charge of the situation, thanks to years of being thrust into similar scenarios. After hopping out of still open portal: Steve first turns towards the Pangoro waddling drunkenly onto the scene. "I'll need you and Blake to hold him very still while I hunt and reset every broken bone that I can find before they heal."

Rose ignores him and unsurprisingly heads straight for the suddenly very awake Taz and catches him before he gets very far with a Shadow Clawed hand. After nearly ripping the boy's costume from him she proceeds to wallop his bare naked ass with the other open palmed hand; screaming bloody murder and unleashing a torrent of tears, mucus, spittle, and profanity all the while.

Taz's answering cries of indignant pain blend well with hers.

Blake shakes his head as he fetches the Pokeball attached to his belt. "She's too emotional at the moment. Cecilia will do it"

Steve nods an affirmative as he turns to the wailing boy in black short-shorts that was clutching the Mienfoo in his arms in a death grip. Steve doesn't bother wasting his breath. Instead Steve takes a page out of Darkrai's book and bitch-slaps the boy. Steve seizes the opportunity the sudden shock provided to get up in Rai's face and shout over the other distracting noises of screams and approaching government paid emergency officials. "Rai after I'm done doing what I can: I need you to make an ice cast for your Papa Okay!? Can you do that for me and him son?"

Rai nods dumbly.

Kate comes back to herself then and says "I'll help. I'll need my hands first though. Raiby I need you to change me so I can do that."

Again Rai nods dumbly and taps Kate lightly with a glowing claw tip. The light energy in the Slash move seems to activate Kate's change.

Again Steve shakes his head, this time at Kate. "We don't have a stretcher. So I need you to help Marci gently move your Dad with your combined telekinetic powers into our hotel room. Marci and Latios will use their Healing Pulse attacks to patch up the external and internal damages"

Kate nods while she opens a portal to the prescribed place "We'll have to do it fast. Cresselia will be-."

A feeling that could only be described as someone stepping over her grave briefly overtakes Kate as she is suddenly reduced to her knees. Body spasming with cold chills while vomit, tears, and sobs rise and spill from the surface all at once and there is nothing Kate can do to stop them. To everyone else it would seem the girl was reacting badly to escaping death's grasp for the second time. In reality the head-splitting migraine and the pictures moving past her mind's eye heralded the merging of two identical but different souls into one being.

Guess your not a total cunt after all... you're still not redeemed yet. Far from it.

Kate briefly glances skyward catching sight of the two hovering Nightmare Pokemon that had chosen that precise moment to vanish seemingly into thin air. Kate already knew their plans: Get out of the city that will have the armed and dangerous young outlaw's face plastered all over many TV sets by noon. Flee from Cresselia's and the Light Ones wraith...but that one was already a given. Finally it was to enjoy a week of just each other's and Runt's company: twas the bargain that Melena made with Darkrai: who'd been very vocal of his outrage over how stupid he thought tossing away his son's most valuable pawn to satisfy a silly whim.

Kate may have to be careful around that particular spectre for now on.

Kate briefly glances over at the unconscious human and Pokemon that were neither friend nor foe -except Herbie that is- at the other end of the street, For some reason the sight tickles a snort and a clipped giggle from her. The 'victory' was good enough for her. Kate cast a glance over at Taz and Rose long enough to create a separate portal underneath their feet leading to the same place they were taking Dad.

"KATE!" Steve's shout draws her attention back to him. Apparently he and Marci had been trying to get her attention more than once. It was at that moment she'd remembered what she was supposed to be doing "Oh right sorry distracted."

Kate closes the portal behind her ragtag bunch of misfits.

Cresselia and crew chose this moment to arrive and visibly stagger at the destruction the previous group left behind them. Government officials have also began to swarm the place; both groups team up to clean up the mess and pick the brains/ erase the information from the brains of survivors in true Men in Black fashion.

When all was said and done: Giz, Trevor, and Cresselia found themselves consumed with equal amounts of blood lust. Somebody's head was gonna roll by the end of the day that hadn't even fully began yet.

---

Rai was in costume for once. For some reason it boosted his confidence and minimized the 'being placed underneath a microscope' feeling in times like these.

Unsurprisingly, Rai's combat form was a near perfect match to Darkrai. There were only a handful of differences between Darkrai and Rai. Firstly there was the glob of light blue nasal mucus that will always be constantly running out of Rai's nose. The next most noticeable one was Rai's body matching the Cubchoo species color scheme. The red spiky growth that was usually found around Darkrai's being instead a light blue scarf; the only break of color being a single darker blue lump eerily similar to a Cubchoo's muzzle facing towards its wearer. Rai actually had legs that were -again- eerily similar to a Cubchoo's. Five claw-fingers instead of just three, a black paw pad located at the center of each palm. The rest of the body containing traits that were unmistakably a part of the Darkrai species.

"So let me get this straight: That whole incident was just destiny rearing it's ugly head?" Marci hisses, facial expression gobsmacked. The entire Dark faction mirrored her.

Rai nods, once again snorting the snot back into his nose "Just replace Crissy and Mary with Rose and Taz's unborn male partner Quip. Darkrai with me. Papa with Blake and you would have a perfect reenactment."

Marci huffs; obviously irritated "So what's the point in all this time and space dimensional travel if the events that we're trying to stop will just happen anyway?"

Taz mutters while gazing with lounging at the pile of clothes at the other end of the room. "Just because you throw in a few living and undead people from other dimensions into the mix: doesn't mean historical events will change. All it means is that the events from both timelines will take place in this one and will continue to as long as they are here. We can still change our destiny. It will just take a lot of doing."

A growl of warning made Taz put his nose right back into the corner he was standing in naked as the day he was born. Still had another hour of this crap to go. Given the fact that the room was completely bursting with people that he knew and some that he didn't: this was cruel and unusual punishment. It's why Rose chose this alternative even though her first instinct was to smother the cub with affection until the cows come home because his brush with death had shaken her up that badly. Didn't matter half the room was bombarding her with looks that could kill. Rose was the cub's mother and she knew what was best for him

Speaking of.

Rose turns to Paul "So what in the hell are we going to do about Mary and Clovis? We can't kill them because will just merge with Melena and Zil. We can't leave them be because the same thing might eventually happen; only they would have a pulse. That would be big trouble for all of us involved; including them."

Paul sighs tiredly "I have no freaking idea."

"Why exactly is that bad? I mean a power-up is a power-up and it would take care of this whole entire mess" A pause then "What is the deal between you two anyway?" Steve inquires inquisitively.

Paul smiles politely and but grimly shakes his head. "It's best not to go there Steve. Just know that it would throw a monkey wrench in both the Godslayers plans and that both Melenas will do anything to make sure that their children are with them and safe."

Kate sighs sadly "The whole stupid mess has split the whole family down the middle."

"Sad part is the melodrama is needed" This statement coming from Paul

"Why's that?" Marci inquires inquisitively.

Kate is the one that responds to Marci's inquirement "The Braxter family and Jasper were given a healthy mix demon and angel heritage upon their death. How much of each is determined on the person's karmic alignment when they died or whose essence we'd chosen to consume while still in spirit form in a past life. It's where we get our weird supernatural powers from."

Taz clears his throat before speaking "Also on unrelated note: Nil is a minor demon that Zil sold his soul to in exchange for power."

Those already not in the know were glaring at Taz through half-lidded eyes; it made the poor boy blush and fidget more uncomfortably then usual as he muttered "Well it's the truth."

Before a moment of silence can truly fall: Blake says to Paul "I can already see you lot will gab for the rest of the day if I let you. So given the fact you should be in tip-top shape by now: I believe it's time to deliver what you promised me."

Rose and Taz raise an eyebrow. Steve and Marci both groan. Kate sighs wearily. Rai eyes both Paul and Blake; intense calculation only showing in his bright eyes because of his face being veiled in darkness.

Paul shrugs uncaring grace "My promise depends on how my partner feels." Paul's gaze falls on Rose, expression meaningful. A slow smile spreads across Rose's muzzle "Sure I'm game. Just be warned that battle always makes me a bit... frisky. I'll expect immediate satisfaction afterward"

Paul eyes twinkle with mirth but he seems to fighting back a smile and laughter "Done deal. We sort-of have to set the agreement in stone anyway.

Revelation suddenly dawns on Taz's face "WHAT!?"

Despite the exuberant reaction: the shock however quickly fades quickly from Taz's face. But he says nothing, arms are crossed and eyes are downcast. The boy appears to be pouting. Rose sees this and gathers the cub up in her arms and plants a kiss on his face "Don't worry honey. Mama didn't forget about you! You can play with Mama's feet while your Papa and I play with...other things."

Everyone in the room appear as if they'd been slapped; each for different reasons.

Paul's growled response was low but lethal "Absolutely not. That is exactly what I'm trying to come between!"

Rose raises an eyebrow and begins to sneer. "In case you forgot: Taz's my property. My cub. Yes I'll accept you as my partner. You've proven yourself worthy with your actions thus far. My relationship with Taz is a whole other matter all together."

Marci looks as if she was about to pop a blood vessel. All eyes turn her when the women bellows "AN EXPLANATION WOULD BE NICE!"

Rose explains the situation. Paul confirms. Taz has to be stopped from goring himself with his own claws.

Everyone blinks at Taz. Steve's voices everyone's thoughts out loud "You are a very strange boy."

Everyone nods in agreement.

Taz gives them all the finger. Rose flicks his nose. Taz puts away the offending finger and uses the same hand rub his nose "Just so you guys know: Elliot and I are very much 100% fully homosexual. This is just the only one exception to that very strict rule."

Everyone but Blake just silently shakes their head; they didn't seem to know what to believe anymore. Rose has stop Taz when the sudden urge to maul someone becomes too much to bare.

Blake snorts, a grim sympathetic smile playing across his face but say nothing to the boy and instead focuses his attention back on Paul "Am I really going to have to open another can of worms to resolve this issue?"

Paul's tilts his head; obviously very confused"What are y-"

Blake cuts Paul off by smiling broadly tapping his nose. Marci blushes and suddenly looks uncomfortable; as does Kate but even more so. Rai just looks confused. Paul's mouth begins to work but words fail him; the man looks on the verge of a hysteric panic attack.

Suddenly Paul calms and straightens. Without removing his gaze from Blake he quickly says "I'll accept your terms Rose." Paul snaps his fingers. A familiar black portal opens. "Ladies first."

Rose sets Taz down after a nod and proceeds to walk towards the new opening. Immediately Taz waddles over to fetch his clothes; quite happy that his punishment has ended early. However as the Pangoro passes Paul: Rose inhales deeply through her nose. A loud bellous laugh suddenly escapes Rose, laughing so hard she has to clutch her sides and even stumbles as she hops onto the grassland on the other side.

Taz is by Kate's side in the next blink; inhaling deeply through his nose as well. Shock briefly passes over his face before he too is also laughing quite hysterically as he pushes past Blake and co. so he can follow after his Mama.

Kate grabs Rai by the wrist and pulls him roughly with her towards the portal; the two eldest in the trio cursing everything under the sun under their breath and hop in after the rest of their family. The rest of the room quickly follows.

---

"W-w-we should've seen this coming." This statement coming from Taz and Nil as they stared incredulously at the other demons using Rai's and Paul's shadows as avatars:

Runt and Runt's Da: Chase.

The tiny Houndour was far too busy barking and howling with glee over Runt's and Taz's previous reaction to him suddenly jumping out at them and shouting "Boo". The result being girly screams and crawling into the safety of Rose's arms like the rodents they were. Both still shivering like leaves from residue fear after the fact too.

The entire party (now including their Pokemon partners) are looking mighty irritated at once again having something else thrown into their face: they trained these death glares on Paul who was looking mighty amused -along with Rai and Kate- as he explains with a shrug:

"These two have been mighty helpful. Chase has been with me since the moment Elliot and Runt met. We've been the direct and indirect reason why they've been drifting together. Birds of a feather flock together and all that. Anyway...Chase is the reason why the Braxter family got a handle on their powers so quickly"

Paul chuckles briefly before saying "What might be interesting to you all is that Taz was only following Chase's desire to put Runt out of his misery on that ugly day." Once again the entire party was flabbergasted; seems a common trend nowadays. Paul ignores Taz's cry of outrage and continues on with his explanation "You see... Runt's father knew his son very well. Without a pack or a Trainer to keep the pup grounded so to speak: he knew the pooch was royally screwed. But pride would've kept him alive, suffering, and a source of trouble for a very long time. So a mercy kill was the only real answer."

Runt was the first to make a comment with a nod "I can follow that logic. It's true as much as I don't like to admit it."

Taz is the next to speak. Voice soft, expression sad now "That doesn't change the fact that I was the one that pulled the trigger. I've also given Nil -one of your pack's killers- a chance to redeem himself. You have no reason to stay and every reason to hate me."

Runt rolls his eyes and scoffs as he responds "Shut up stupid! Runt still likes the idiot crybaby that continues to blame himself for things far beyond his control and is too quick to forgive those that done him a terrible wrong."

Chase picks up where Paul left off. "Giratina kicked us out of the Forever-Hunt because of our part in the Godslayer's destiny. So we chose to ally ourselves with the Godslayer and he inturn bonded us with Paul and Rai. You all should know the reason why."

All pairs of eyes fall on Nil; who is making high-pitched squeaky and chittering noises: his version of laughter "Very nice to know we need a couple of watch dogs keeping us in line isn't it Taz?!"

Taz is also chuckling but with more reserve "Of course it is." Taz's amusement flicks off as if a switch has been thrown. "I guess that means the Godslayer doesn't trust me."

Paul snorts and sniggers darkly "You're not called the rebellious spark for nothing son"

Everyone raises an eyebrow at this title but Taz is the only one that makes a comment with a sly smirk "Good. We're on the same page then."

There is a period of hanging silence as a look of contemplation twist Paul's features. Once the man makes an unknown decision: Paul's expression becomes gentle as the corners of his mouth quirk upwards as he mutters sing-songs-idly "We are one in the same"

Taz's blush is evident through his white Pancham fur, the tiniest grins trying to fight his way on his face, his gaze becomes downcast as he utters an even softer reply "Oh you take all the pain away,away, away"

Paul's grin expresses unabashed happiness as he pats and tassels the cub's head-fur; forcing the cub to smile broadly for a brief moment before the normally ironclad defenses snap back into place like a steel trap. Paul doesn't even have to look up to sense the question in everyone's gazes. In response the man snorts as he turns away from his boy and says "Mind your own damned business."

Spectators roll their eyes in exasperation while Paul turns to Chase "You had been napping at the time so you don't yet know: I couldn't convince Blake that my primary form killed Darkrai. I think he smelt the lie wafting on me. I'll need your aide "

Chase's low growl and breaking of eye contact was hint enough that this statement didn't sit well with him for some reason. Paul sighs, irritation rolling off him in waves but it didn't seem directed at Chase. More at the situation itself. "I know it's not safe nor optimal... but Blake is very persistent on wanting to see the face that killed Darkrai." Paul then offers the hound a consoling, light hearted grin that didn't reach his eyes "Besides this other powerpath option we're both responsible for is... interesting in it's own right I think."

All eyebrows raise at this declaration. In response Blake morphs into his Nidoking form. Again Chase doesn't respond verbally. Instead the demon's body poofs into a puff a smoke that seems to go into the Beartic's every orifice. Paul's body is briefly consumed in a ball of dark light.

When the dark light clears a living breathing Houndoom with two different colored pupils (one green, the other crimson) is standing in his place. A Houndoom who for some strange reason was at the epitome of arousal: his 8 inch monster of a cock was drooling pre like a faucet, his bulbous knot was at least the size of hen's eggs ,and his baseball size nads appeared well beyond full.

You can slice the new spontaneous sexual tension in the air with a knife.

Taz's face isn't the only one heating up with a healthy shade of embarrassment and arousal; couldn't seem to help himself along with everyone else despite the fruit being dangerous and forbidden. Taz had been is the first one to process the very vague hint "A Houndoom with two heads."

Rose gulps audibly and mutters "No wonder Darkrai was killed."

Meanwhile piece had been clicking together in several key individuals minds. When that pretty picture was completed...roars of pure animalistic outrage and hate vibrate the molecules and deafen the unfortunate beings close enough proximity to Amber, Cecelia, Steve -now holding Origami- and Marci -holding an eerily familiar butcher knife made entirely out of blue light- all but the uncaring, expressionless Boomer all simultaneous shriek.

"YOU MANIPULATED US!"

Blake and Taz are as still and silent as statues. Contemplation, revelation, and shock flicker and vanish across their faces within the span of blinks.

Paul smirks and gives them his best attempt of a bow. Rose, Rai, Kate: all in combat mode and are standing by his side in the next instant "I am but a mere desperate businessman who only wanted to make sure his son is in safe and capable hands."

Blake shrugs dismissively, facial expression unreadable as he says "I don't care that you manipulated us"

The Dark faction turns on Blake; puzzlement and indignation plain on their faces. Blake doesn't so much as bat an eye at them though. Instead the Nidoking crouches like a star quarterback of a football team ready to take the snap. "Ready?"

Before Paul can respond Taz says point blank "You stuffed Bleu inside Marci... Didn't you Dad?"

Paul nods, blank facial expression turning into a pained grimace "I killed two birds with one stone. Was the only way I could wipe her from existence AND warp Marci's essence so that her and Blake and would have perfect chemistry. It's also why the two Marci's are able to co-exist in the same dimension."

Marci falls to her knees, Weapon vanishing into whatever place all supernatural weapons are kept. The girl's eyes were wide but gaze vacant. Apparently the girl fallen into shock.

Chase snarls "Was the only solution to the problem really. Wouldn't go away no matter how many times Paul ripped her apart and screamed at her. Unlike Jasper the bitch wouldn't stay in Runt's and mine's stomachs. Makes me ill just thinking about it"

Runt nods in agreement. "Tasted horrible. Rubber. Poison. All rolled into one"

Taz's begins to giggle. Then cackle. Then the cub erupts in full blown laughter. Insanity dancing in and out of focus in his inflection and eyes the same moment he hisses "And here I thought hounds enjoyed taking bites out of garbage every now and then." Suddenly Taz's laughter ceases abruptly the same moment distortions rip the surrounding air apart; if looks could kill then Marci would've died at least ten times over under the brunt of Taz's gaze. "Guess some jobs only a rat can stomach.

Sensing what what coming: Paul's eyes widen, but there is no surprise in them, only sadness and innumerable amounts of pain as he shouts the same moment Nil poofs into a puff of smoke and Taz absorbs him the same way Paul took in Chase: "Latios get Marci out of here now!"

The blue dragon is already up up and away with Marci; rapidly accelerating at a speed only a jet plane could climb.

The Raticate's eyes beheld an unfathomable madness and bloodlust in them as he sinks his teeth in the same paws that so lovingly feed him when they had successfully encircle him the millisecond before he completed his lunge. Rose is too surprised to cry out or feel the pain. Fortunately the Pangoro still has enough focus to knock the Raticate out without making it a killing blow...however when the cub and mouse next awake: they will be accompanied by a killer migraine.

Blake's expressionless mask doesn't waver throughout this entire exchange; upon it's completion the man is still looking at the Pancham while Blake says blandly "Just as you predicted. Thanks for the warning in advance by the way. Saved his life and maybe even hers. Shame. Marci been looking so forward to the boy's company. Looks like she's gonna have to wait a bit longer."

Paul's expression was equally as blank "How long do you think-?" Paul trails off.

Blake shrugs duly "Depends on him." Blake offers the Houndoom a slight grin. "Don't worry I'll still take real good of the little tyke while he's in my hands " A pause "It's almost cute really. How mere influence both here and in past lives has molded him into the son of multiple parents in a technical sense...not that I'm laying claim or anything. The fact that this one shares my curse intrigues me is all."

Steve opens his mouth. Without even taking a glance at the man Paul seems to sense the question coming so he replies "Your curse is in Rai, me, and Kate; Steve." Shadows pass over Paul's face as his gaze falls to the ground again "Holy god is it in us."

Steve grins broadly "I can help with that if you like"

Rai inhales a baited breath, actually shuffling and nearly dancing a jig on his feet from anticipation.

Paul glares at Steve "Don't you dare encourage them. You'll regret it I swear to god you will."

Rai and Kate roll their eyes and sigh despairingly

Steve chuckles briskly as he says with a suggestible wink. "Or I might not"

Paul produces an eerie familiar melodramatic groan "Ugh it's like being around a bunch of children. Rose you okay to continue or do you want to sit this one out?"

"Oh hell no!" was Cecelia angry retort as she began stamping the ground hard with her feet; if she'd been capable their would be no doubt that she would be lobbing fireballs at Paul's head right about now.

Rose licks the blood dripping around her new bite wound and flexes her hand into a fist a couple of times. "Yeah. I'm beyond used to this by now. Been awhile though. Guess this means I'll have to start sleeping on him again."

Steve's,Blake's, and Cecelia's gazes shift rapidly between the LARGE Pangoro female and the tiny little sleeping Pancham cub the Pangoro had begun wearing like a hat. "Uhhh...."

Instead of answering, Rose takes a step towards the Dragonite, then another one, then another and another. By the third the Pangoro was sprinting, massive paw raised and clenched tightly into a fist in an obvious attempt to land a standard punch. Cecilia easily dodges the punch before it hits her in the face of course; both of the Dragonite's clawed hands start glowing with light green claw shaped energy, they blur as the attack punishes the arrogant panda, cutting an x pattern into the Pangoro's chest.

Rose doesn't even wince. The Pangoro snorts as a slow smirk starts creeping along her face in the same instant that her forehead slams into the slack-jawed Dragonite's. There are two consequences of this action. The first was the Dragonite was quite understandably dazed, probably even seeing stars. The other was the Pancham who'd began subconsciously gripping onto his Mama's face fur in his sleep as a means of an anchor was suddenly made into a black and white bullet. A bullet that barely grazed over Cecilia's head and long,thin antennae before crashing straight through four trees of average diameter until managing to skitter, tumble, and roll several yards away before finally coming to a complete stop.

During the cub's flight: Rose's paw had began glowing a light blue as she clenched it into a fist, the panda taking her sweet time crouching before suddenly taking a massive leap, making sure to slam her fist into the Dragonite's jaw in a ferocious uppercut along the way. One moment the nearly 500 pound dragon was in front of the Pangoro; in the next Cecelia was but a yellow dot in the sky.

There wasn't the slightest noise disturbance breaking the sudden tense silence. A pin could have been dropped and it would've been heard as they say. So every single of the gaping spectators plainly heard the Pangoro mutter as shields her eyes from the sun's glare to spy on the UFO; her facial expression revealed that she was apparently quite impressed. "Huh...she must be quite strong. Usually my foes heads pop off when I use Sky Uppercut at half strength. That was my full strength."

The sound of a growling tummy was heard coming from the downed Pancham's direction. Rose chuckles softly as she slowly moseys on over to the cub muttering to herself "No wonder you were so irritable earlier"

When Rose picks Taz up by the foot: an observer can plainly see that the cub is still sawing logs. A gentle paw gloves with shadow energy taps once against the complaining tummy. As per usual routine: Rose quickly strips the cub of his clothes before giving him his overflowing bottle.

However there is a break in routine. It's evident when Rose gasps in obvious pleasure and surprise when the cub draws from her with ravenous gusto without any fighting or prodding from her end. While Rose is singing praises and raining affection upon her good wittle cub: she doesn't seem to realize that a wandering paw had began to toy the suddenly aching and throbbing anatomy between her legs...or maybe she did and she just didn't give the slightest damn that she was giving her gaping audience quite a show. Given the lecherous glint showing in her eyes and teeth as she winked once at them: that was certainly a possibility.

"What is in her?" This stage whisper had came from Blake.

All eyes turn to Paul as he responds in the same volume "Just the genetics her birth parents gave her. Her mother was Pangoro. Her father was a Beartic. A normal Pangoro in every way."

"How old is she?" This stage whisper coming from Steve

"We're the same age give or take. Had my fortieth birthday last November" Again the reply was in the same volume.

"Not that much older then me and CC" was Blake's response.

Finally the Dragonite makes a crash landing about a football field length's away. Cecelia was merely unconscious which was quite understandable...not to mention lucky.

The entire group swallows with an audible gulp. Kate, Rai, and Steve don't seem to notice the dark stains steadily growing larger in the front of there pants. Blake and Paul smell it. They don't blame them. Neither will make teasing comments about it to them later.

Suddenly Rose huffs irritably "Well!? We don't have all day you know! I was promised a show and I'll be very cranky if I don't get one soon."

Paul/Chase and Blake lock eyes, for a moment their expressions held stark terror before grim determination conceals it. Frozen muscles start to twitch. Gears of cognition once again begin to turn.

The Nidoking drags his left foot into the dirt several times. Purple horn starts emitting a greenish glow as it nearly doubles in size as the Nidoking lowers it. With its Megahorn attack in tow: the bull charges forward.

The Houndoom inhales deeply, wisps of flame are breifly visible before the hound spits a ball of yellow-orange fire from its mouth at the charging Nidoking. This ball of fire suddenly expands into a ? shape as it becomes a wall of fiery death.

The anticipated battle has finally begun.