A New World, a New Ranger

Chapters

Chapter 2
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
chapter 16
Chapter 17
Interlude Part 1
Interlude Part 2
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Interlude Part 3
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
Chapter 32
Chapter 33
Interlude Part 4
Interlude Part 5
Interlude Part 6
Chapter 35
Chapter 36
OMAK: Swap
Chapter 37
Chapter 38
Chapter 39
Chapter 40
Chapter 41
Chapter 42
Chapter 43
Chapter 44
Chapter 45
Chapter 46
Chapter 48
Chapter 49
Chapter 50 End Book One
Chapter 1
Chapter 3
Chapter 18
Chapter 34
Chapter 47

Chapter 2

“This is really weird,” Abby said after twenty minutes of walking beside Kasai in near silence. So many thoughts had been going through her head during that time that they’d almost drowned the new Ninetales’ mind. She’d decided to voice the most obvious one.

Kasai glanced over at her, blinking with surprise for a moment as he remembered exactly who the fetching Ninetales walking beside him was. Then he smiled and gave her delicate cheek a lick. “It is,” he agreed. “But I can’t really find myself complaining about being able to talk to you without Luke around translating.”

Abby let out a small almost purr like sound as she nuzzled him in reply. “True, very true,” she said, her eyes catching sight of one of his ears and reaching up to give it a playful nibble. “We could never really say everything we wanted to when he was translating, for his sake at least.”

“Heheh, no, no we couldn’t,” Kasai agreed, a grin on his face. “Like I couldn’t say how lovely your rear looked.”

“Oh, is that the only part of me that looked lovely?” Abby replied with a sly smile as one of her tails snaked around his. “I thought you thought every part of me was lovely.”

“I did, I did,” he replied, chuckling softly. It was amazing how easy it was to fall into a conversation with someone who you’d been talking too for years but rarely ever got a reply from. “It was just my favorite part, other than your face of course.”

Abby let out a melodramatic sigh. “Oh woe is me, surrounded by those who only see the value in my body. Where am I to find a man who views me as more than just a toy for his amusements?”

“Nowhere on Earth,” Kasai replied with a smirk. “Which is why it’s a good thing that I’m an Arcanine and not a man.”

“Oh, that’s right,” Abby agreed with a snicker. “However could I have forgotten?”

“Search me, I thought it was pretty obvious personally,” he stated smartly, wagging an eyebrow at her. “I guess that’s the reason why I’m the top dog around here.”

“I’m technically a fox,” Abby replied, though she couldn’t help but smile as she rubbed her head against his cheek. “But I can’t deny that you’re always on top.”

“Heh, I guess I am,” Kasai agreed, leaning his greater weight against her side. “Of course, that could just be because I’m bigger than you.”

“Fair enough,” the Ninetales agreed, licking his cheek, astonished by how natural it felt to do so. Then a thought struck her. “Kasai, is it odd that I don’t feel the slightest urge to put clothes on?”

“You’re already wearing the most beautiful fur coat I’ve ever seen, I don’t know why you’d want to put something on over it,” the Arcanine stated honestly, a bit of the wryness dropping from his voice and turning into sincerity. “You really are an incredibly sexy looking as a Ninetales by the way.”

“And I wasn’t as a human?” she replied, arching an eyebrow at him. Kasai suddenly felt incredibly nervous about his answer. He gulped and then settled on an answer.

“You were always the most gorgeous human I’ve ever seen, with luscious blonde locks of hair and daring blue eyes of promise,” he answered, his tone becoming more eloquent than usual. “Your body was a buffet for the senses, your scent an overpowering banquet that sought to bloat out all others with its sweet strawberry odor. To look upon your backside was like looking upon the face of Arceus himself.”

Abby remained silent for a moment before she let out a yipping giggle. “So my ass looked like Arceus’s face? I’m not sure if that’s a good thing or if I should have had it looked at by a Doctor.”

Kasai grumbled. “Okay fine, I ran out of interesting descriptions, sue me,” he said, rolling his eyes. Abby gave him a lick on the cheek.

“It’s fine Kasai, I bet Arceus would be flattered to have his face compared to my butt,” she told him, grinning.

Arceus blinked.

“True, as would anyone,” Kasai agreed with a happy nod, his tongue lolling out the side of his mouth.

Abby grinned and lashed another tail around him. It felt strangely easy to manipulate all nine of them at the same time. At first she’d thought that she could only control one of them at a time but before long it had become apparent that she was able to subconsciously control each and every one of them as easily as she breathed. She’d mostly been testing this using Kasai’s own singular bushy tail.

The pair lapsed into silence again as they trotted alongside the road. They’d found it not too long ago and it looked like it was very well maintained. Abby’s hope was that it would lead them to a city, or at least a small town, somewhere in Kanto or Johto. She wasn’t quite sure what an apparently wild Arcanine and Ninetales would do once they got to a human city, but maybe she could find a pen and some paper to help her explain what had happened.

Heck, maybe they were near Cerulean City and they could make their way up to Bill’s Lab and get this all sorted out in a matter of minutes.

... if I even want to...

The thought occurred to her out of nowhere and she ground to a halt.

“Abby, is something wrong?” Kasai, the ever observant Arcanine, asked. His voice was full of concern.

Abby blinked twice. “Huh? Yeah, yeah I’m fine Kasai,” she replied, nodding her head and starting forwards again as if nothing had happened.

“Oh no you don’t,” he stated. Abby blinked and repressed a yip of surprise as his jaws closed gently, yet still firmly enough to let her know that she was caught, around her right shoulder. She blinked and looked over at her golden furred mate who had her thoroughly entrapped within his jaws.

“Kasai, let go,” she demanded.

“Noth,” Kasai replied. “Noth tillth youth tellth meth whaths wrongths.”

Abby rolled her eyes. “Kasai, I’ll tell you if you let go of me!” she said with an irritated bark.

It was hardly the first time he’d ever wrapped his jaws around a part of her, but this was the first time he’d ever demanded something of her like this. Normally he just used his eyes. Thankfully, Kasai released her from his gentle hold. For his trouble he got an aggravated Ninetales glaring darkly at him with her gleaming red eyes.

“Mind telling me what the heck that was for?” she asked, her jaws widening without her realizing it.

“Abby, I know you better then anyone. I know that this whole transformation has to be effecting you more then you let on and now that I can actually speak freely around you, you’re going to actually talk to me,” Kasai told her flatly. “I know what happens when you bottle things up for too long without talking to anyone about them. Especially serious things. Remember what happened when your mom and dad died?”

Abby stared at him intensely for a moment, fire forming around her lips for a moment before she looked away and her rage died away.

“We don’t talk about that for a reason Kasai,” she said mutley.

“Because I couldn’t talk to you,” Kasai said, moving forwards and wrapping a heated paw around her and pulling her close to his side. “But now I can talk to you and I want you to let me inside your head, okay?”

Abby let out a small sigh and looked up at his proud, regal face. She’d always jokingly called him a Lord, but now that she was on ‘his level’ he really did look quite noble. And there behind all the regalness was a pair of smiling, incredibly kind eyes. The pair that he’d silently won her over with and right now... she knew that he wanted to help her more then anything else on Earth.

Abby let out another sigh and buried her vixen face into his neck. “You’re cheating.”

“I never cheat,” he replied, bending down so that his chin was laying against the back of her neck. “I just adjust the odds in my favor.”

That got a snort out of Abby.

“Fine... we’ll talk,” Abby said after a moment of silent cuddling. “You want to know what made me pause?”

“Yes, I’d like to know that very much,” Kasai agreed with a nod.

“I thought about what if I didn’t want to change back into a human,” Abby said, narrowing her eyes at him. “About how much I’d prefer to stay a Ninetales and be your mate without having to worry about one of the other Rangers showing up at the wrong time and hauling me off to jail for ‘abusing’ you. I was thinking about how unbelievably natural it feels to be in this body, in this fur. I was thinking about how much it meant to me that I could actually understand what you were saying! There was no reason to bring up what I did.”

Kasai blinked twice and then let out a small sigh. “Sorry Abby... that was uncalled for of me,” he said slowly.

“Yes, yes it was,” Abby snapped. “Why did you bite me?”

“I didn’t, I held your shoulder,” he replied. “No hands remember? I’d never bite you Abby.”

“... right,” Abby said as she let out a sigh of her own. “You’re right... I just didn’t think of it that way.”

“It’s fine... this is a big adjustment for you,” Kasai told her, nuzzling her jaw and then bending down to give her a lick across the lips. “It’s a big adjustment to me too honestly, having your face down so far below licking level instead of right where I like it.”

Abby nodded and let out a sigh before she paused. Why was she sighing so much!? She was Abby Trombley, star Pokemon Ranger! She didn’t sigh or mope! She got things done!

“Alright Kasai, we’re going to follow this road to the nearest city and find out where the heck we are, after that we’ll try and find someone who can help me get back to normal and after that I’ll make up my mind about whether or not I want to,” she declared, her nine tails spreading out around her like a queen’s fan, full of pomp and circumstance. “And in the time in-between that you and I are going to make the most of this little transformation of mine, understood?”

Kasai smiled, that’s the Abby he liked to see. “Aye, Aye Ma’am,” he stated, giving her a mock salute. “And by make the most of the transformation you mean....”

“You’ll find out later,” she told him, giving him a vulpine smirk as her tails flared again and she took off at a run down the side of the road. Kasai grinned and took off after her, whatever else happened, he’d follow her to the grave.

Chapter 4

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Chapter 5

“What’s happening brother?!” Flim shouted to Flam over the noise.

“I don’t know! Monsters are attacking us I think!” Flam called back as he cowered beneath the Patented Flim Flam Brothers Monster Cage.

“Bunch of beasts!” Flim replied. “We were just trying to keep them from tearing the city appart! There’s no reason for them to attack us!”

The banging, roaring, and stomping outside increased as something tried to pry the bars of the cage apart.

“Hah, they don’t realize that we’re the only ones with the key and that it would take a pair of full grown dragons to tear that cage apart!” Flam stated with a grin. “Now then, let’s get out of here, brother!”

Flim was about to agree when he felt something hard and fleshy close around his ankle and yank him out from under the cart. Flam let out a cry of surprise as he saw his brother yanked away before he too was lifted high into the air above the chaos by... the most adorable thing they’d seen since the last Parasprite. At least, that was the initial impression that Lex gave them until the fact that he was quite literally shivering with absolute rage.

“WHERE IS IT!” he roared at them. Of course, all they heard was “SYL! SYLVEON!”

“LET US DOWN!” Flim shouted as he saw a rather large golden dragon/beast slam the side of its head into a trio of guardponies, flinging them into the air as three dozen random ponies tried to escape from the maelstrom of conflict and chaos that was consuming the square.

“We want the key to the cage!” Kasai barked angrily at them. “Arc! Arc! Arcanine!”

“Brother! They’re going to kill us!” Flam shouted as he tried frantically to pull the flesh ribbon off of his ankle where it was securely wrapped, only to have his head slammed against his brothers, filling their ears with a painful ringing.

“Give us the key!” Lex demanded again as Abby dodged an incoming net and launched a small Ember of fire the offending guard.

She wasn’t having quite as much luck as Axel was, after all, Axel had a variety of ways to avoid severely injuring the guards who were swarming the area. All she really had at the moment was fire, and she barely really knew how to control that. Still, the Ninetales was doing fairly well all things considered. At the very least, she’d been able to set up a protective ring of fire between the guard ponies and the cage itself with Axel and herself covering the singular gap in the temporary ‘fortification’ though Arceus alone knew how long that would last.

As all this was happening, Rill continued her efforts to escape but no matter what she attempted, nothing was capable of even denting the bars! The Flygon was growing extremely anxious. Her family was out there fighting for her and she was stuck within a steel cell!

Lex meanwhile, had grown tired of questioning the pair and instead his ribbons had begun to quickly ruffle through their clothing, searching for anything hard and metallic.

“Oh dear, this is incredibly bad! The creature is trying to find the key!” Flim shouted as he tried to shake himself out of Lex’s hold. “If it does that then we’re as good as eaten by these monsters!”

“Have faith brother! We can get out of this yet!” Flam replied as his horn began to glow and he telekinetically grabbed ahold of Lex and threw him.

The Sylveon let out a startled shout as he was flung ten feet away, landing inches away from Abby’s roaring wall of flames. Unfortunately for Flim and Flam, it appeared that throwing someone who is currently constricting you with things attached to his body is a bad idea.

The brothers slammed face first into the ground on the opposite side of the wall of flames, the ribbons of flesh retreating from the extreme heat. Without hesitation they sprang to their hooves, well, after they remembered that they had hooves and the pain faded.

“Run for it brother!” Flim shouted, turning his back on the wall of fire and beginning to run.

He didn’t make it particularly far.

Kasai’s great weight barreled into him and knocked the unicorn to the asphalt, his jaws closing around Flim’s neck as a growl more resembling a clap of thunder or an erupting volcano vibrated around the poor stallion’s gullet, pushing the dagger sharp teeth into the flesh a little. Flim froze in place, an overwhelming sensation of fear flooding his every atom. He was a buisness pony not a guard! This shouldn’t happen to him! He wasn’t made for it.

Lex landed beside Kasai with a slight ‘plop’ as his ribbons retracted back to him after being used to ‘pull vault’ over the flames. Flam, who was staring at his brother’s predicament with equal amounts of fear and anxiety turned to face him, a look of anger crossing his face. Here was the one who had gotten his brother into this situation! The unicorn’s horn lit up but before it could fire off a telekinetic blast at the Sylveon, Lex’s ribbons shot out and slapped him five times across the face, making the stallion flinch. Before Flam could recover, the ribbons twirled around him and he found himself floating in mid air, being held up by four ribbons of pink flesh.

“Okay, you’re going to tell me how to get my mate back or I’m going to tear off your leg and shove it down his throat!” Lex shouted, pointing a paw at the frozen Flim.

Flam was going to reply by screaming when suddenly a new voice presented itself. It was deep, powerful, and one hundred percent mental.

“Greetings citizens of Equus, both old and new.” The entire square fell silent. “I am Lord Arceus, creator of the Pokémon realm.”

From Flim and Flam’s point of view, these words meant next to nothing, but their effect on the monsters in the plaza was obvious. The ribbons holding Flam were suddenly dropped him to the hard asphalt and Flim let out a shout of pain as the Arcanine’s jaw’s tightened in surprise, his eyes widening.

“You have no reason to fear me, I come in peace.” Lord Arceus continued, the sensation of being spoken too within their minds too strange for Flim and Flam to put thought into anything but escaping. “I have revealed myself to inform you that I am the one responsible for the Pokémon’s presence in this world, for the citizens of Equus, the Pokémon are the beings who have appeared over the past few days.”

Abby’s mouth opened and closed twice. So... THAT was what happened!

“To my Pokémon, I say this, I brought you, all of you, here so that you could live in peace, do not seek to harm the natives of this world, for I am the one responsible for your displacement. And to the Pokémon who went through changes when I brought you here I say this.”

Abby blinked twice. Okay. That was another puzzle piece in place.

“You are the ones who proved themselves worthy, those who were fair, kind and good in the old world, consider this your reward. And to all of you, as sapients the laws of Equus, and the varying countries, now apply to you, and only the laws of Equus.

There was a pregnant pause.

“That is all for now, but just to be clear, the Pokémon are not to be harmed simply out of spite, if you have a problem with what I’ve done, feel free to contact me, I currently reside in an ancient temple deep in the Everfree Forest, or a pocket dimension outside of the space time continuum, so if any of you wish to face the sheer power of a god, feel free to come by.”

Another pause.

“Goodbye for now, though I doubt this will be the last you hear of me, and peace to you all.”

The voice in their heads went silent and Abby glanced around the suddenly silent square.

The guards were staring at her team with looks of apprehension and fear, their Captain, a black and mare named Ace, studied the situation with narrowed eyes. Who were these creatures who had the ear of a God?

Honestly, Ace didn’t know, but one thing was for sure, attacking them head on had proved highly ineffective.

The mare silently went over what she knew already of the situation. Yesterday the golden one had tossed her officers around before being subdued by a traveling celebrity, odd how many times that happened in Las Pegasus, and now this morning they’d spotted a giant dog and fox respectively making their way through the city. At the same time, reports had been pouring in of strange monsters all over the city.

In a decision that she now regretted, she’d ordered her officers to attempt to apprehend some of the more dangerous looking monsters before they could cause any real havoc. All of that had lead her to this square, five extremely dangerous alien monsters standing in front of her, one of whom had a hostage.

Perhaps it was time for a different approach?

Before the guard captain could give a single order, a certain mint green unicorn walked up to the monsters, particularly the strange fox with nine tales. “Hia, I’m Lyra,” the mare said with a casual smile. “I think all of us might have gotten off on the wrong hoof huh? Would you like me to cast a translation spell on you? I didn’t study at Celestia’s just for the music after all.”

Abby blinked twice before cocking her head to the side. “Translation spell?”

“Mhm,” Lyra replied, nodding her head. “It’ll last around an hour and let you talk to anypony you want.”

“...” Abby stared silently at her for a moment before nodding her head. “Sure... make it so we can talk to everyone.”

Lyra smiled and her horn glowed.

Abby frowned, she didn’t feel any different than she normally did. “Umm... did it work?”

“Yep,” Lyra said, a grin on her face. “Heh! Chock another point up for Lyra Heartstrings, master of music and caster of magic!” She frowned for a moment. “Well, okay, any unicorn can do that second one but hey, no one else thought to cast a translation spell on ya so I can take credit for it too!”

Abby blinked twice and then nodded her head. “Sure, you do that. Thank you for the help,” she said stiffly before she stalked over to the two unicorns who Kasai and Lex were restraining, the Slyveon having retaken his hostage. “Okay, I’m going to ask you once, politely, and only once, where is the key to Rill’s cage?”

“....” was all Flim had to say, Kasai’s powerful jaws still digging painfully into his throat.

“I-I have it!” Flam exclaimed from within Lex’s fleshy grasp. “Just-just let my brother go and it’s all yours!”

“Where is it?” Lex demanded, his voice dark. “Tell me where it is!”

“Le-left pocket!” Flam answered shakily, his eyes widening as the skin crawling sensation of Lex’s tendril working it’s way up his body until he reached the pocket and withdrew a shiny steel key.

Flam was then tossed to the side with very little care and Lex sprinted over to the cage, the key fitting into the lock and the door being pushed upon by Rill in almost the same moment as the shiny Flygon rushed out.

“Oh Lex! I was worried!” she exclaimed as she scooped the smaller Pokemon into her forearms and brought him against her chest, her face nuzzling him and giving him affectionate little nips with her jaws as Lex’s ribbons wrapped around her and he returned the nuzzle.

“You were worried about me?” Lex replied once she’d finished nuzzling him. “You were the one in the cage!”

“Yes I was,” she said obviously. “You are a great deal smaller than me and thus at a much greater chance to come to harm.” Lex gave her a slightly sour look but let it go and simply held onto her.

Abby smiled before she glanced over at Kasai who was still resolutely pinning Flim to the ground with his jaws, displaying no intention of letting the one who had put one of his family in a cage go.

“Kasai, let him go,” Abby ordered before turning to Axel who was glaring at the guards. “And Axel, relax; we’re turning ourselves in!” she shouted over to the guards. That announcement caused a moment of silence before a mare in golden armor with a black mane stepped forwards.

“Well then, you’re under arrest for resisting arrest, assault on several dozen officers of the law, endangerment of civilians-” the officer continued on to list several dozen other laws that they’d broken, Abby’s ears getting lower and lower with each one. “-and last but not least, destruction of a cabbage cart.”

“... wow, that’s impressive,” Abby complemented the officer once the oppressive list had ended. “Way to juggle all of those in your head, Ma’am.”

The mare frowned for a moment as she tried to decide whether or not Abby was serious before deciding to just take the compliment. This mess was going to give her a headache to sort out, she didn’t need to get into a shouting match with a fox.

“Thank you... now would you and your... friends please follow us to the Police Station so that I can get started on the truly monstrous amount of Paperwork you’ve caused me?” the Captain asked with a long sigh.

“Sure, be glad to be somewhere familiar,” Abby said with a smile before glancing back at her Team. “Come on guys, don’t do anything unless someone attacks you.”

Ace gave her a glare.

“... don’t do anything even if someone does attack you and let the police handle it,” Abby amended sheepishly.

Ace let out a small grunt of acknowledgement, it was something that she’d picked up during her long years of service in the guard. The majority of communication was done through grunts, grumbles, and occasionally swears. To her surprise, the fox replied in with a small grunt of her own.

“Long day?” the fox inquired with a raised eyebrow.

“Yes. And it’s only noon,” Ace grumbled as she and her cadre of guard ponies encircled Abby’s ‘Team’. “Oh, and Sgt. Blackjack, arrest those two stallions,” she added with a nod at Flim and Flam who had only now begin to recover.

“FOR WHAT?!” Flim shouted. “That beast had my brother’s throat in his mouth!” he added, pointing at Kasai who had fallen in beside Abby.

“Well, let’s see here,” Ace began, unphased by the outrage. “I don’t remember seeing you submit a request for a permit to house a live dragon in the middle of a busy square. Actually, there is no permit for such a thing because it is illegal to house any kind of sapient creature in a cage for the purpose of display.”

“How were we supposed to know that it was-”

“The law doesn’t care if you knew or not,” Ace replied, cutting them off sharply. “Now would you like to add resisting arrest to the charges in my mind, or are you going to come quietly?”

Flim and Flam looked like they were going to protest for moment but instead shut their mouths and let Sgt. Blackjack lead them to the back of the party.

The entire group started forwards at a lurching pace and Abby smiled. They were going to the police station. Finally, something that made sense in this crazy place. Admittedly, they were under arrest, but Abby was sure that could be cleared up with a bit of talking. After all, the police mare was bound to be looking for someone who knew what they were doing as far as Pokemon went and if anyone could qualify for that, it was Abby.

“So... Ever heard of the Pokemon Rangers?”

“No.” Ace replied pointedly. “I’d never heard of a Pokemon before until that voice claiming to be a ‘god’ spoke in my head.”

“That was Lord Arceus actually,” Kasai informed her helpfully, more than a touch of reverence in his voice. “And believe me, he is very much a God.”

“I’ll believe it when I see it,” Ace stated flatly. “Now, who were these ‘Pokemon Rangers’ you were talking about?” she added, redirecting her gaze at Abby.

“The Pokemon Rangers were one of the police forces from where we’re from,” Abby explained. “We specialize in Pokemon Abuse cases, advanced criminal investigations, Manhunts, and... Pokephilia.”

“We?” Ace asked, glancing up at her and raising an eyebrow.

“Yep, me and my whole Team,” Abby replied with a smile as she glanced back at the four Pokemon who were trailing behind them, Lex balanced on Rill’s shoulder, a singular ribbon wrapped around her arm to help keep himself balanced.

“Wait, you’re telling me that you’re essentially international guardsmen for your world?” the mare asked, dumbfounded.

“Mhm,” Abby answered, nodding her head. “At least, I think so? I don’t wouldn’t call us ‘guardsmen’ but that sounds right. But yeah, and my Team in particular are some of the cream of the crop as far as Rangers go. The only others on our level are Solana, Lunick, and my teacher Scarlet. Well, Professor Hastings counts too, but he’s more of an overseer then a field agent.”

Ace was quiet for a moment before she asked. “So you’re an upper level field agent of these ‘Pokemon Rangers’ and your first instinct was to run from the authorities? Forgive me if I find that a bit odd.”

“In our defense, we just got here,” Kasai pointed out before Abby could speak, glancing down at the mare with a frown. “And Abby changed bodies! Give us a break.”

“... you switched bodies?” Ace asked, her eyebrow getting a bit higher as she looked at Abby.

“Yeah... I used to be human,” Abby answered as she wrapped two of her tails around Kasai’s and looked up at the mare. Ace glanced at her skeptically.

“She did,” Axel added loudly from somewhere in the back.

“Right...” Ace said and Abby couldn’t tell whether or not she believed her or was just trying to move the conversation along a little and not enrage the dragon again.

“Anyways, you’re right... neither Kasai nor I should have run. We should have sat down and waited until someone could come along who could understand us... or something. To tell the truth, the only type of Pokemon who can really ‘speak’ are psychic types,” the Ninetales continued before things could become too sidetracked.

Ace shut her eyes for a moment. It was going to be a long day. Then, she opened them, green orbs alert and awake. “Okay then, why don’t you start at the beginning.”

Chapter 6

Abby sat across from Ace in a room that she hadn’t ever be in with this particular set of circumstances. She sat on a metal chair, kind of awkwardly really, but it was the only way that she could manage it. Kasai sat beside her on the floor, his head level with her own. Ace sat across from them, a slightly haggard look on the black maned mare’s face. Abby had just spent the last twenty minutes explaining the basics of the Pokemon World to her so she couldn’t exactly blame the Captain for looking so worn.

“Okay... so I think I get the basics, or at least I’m starting to,” Ace said with a nod of her head, she’d put off starting on all important paperwork until she’d learned more about what their new ‘guests’ were.

The rest of Abby’s team had been regulated to the main room, none of the Guardsmen having the balls to tell the monsters that they needed to be in cells.

“Good,” Abby said with a smile, happy to be of service. “So, anything you’d like clarification on?”

“Yes... you mentioned a few things when I first ‘picked you up’ that were considered illegal where you come from, I believe they were ‘Pokemon Abuse’, ‘Pokephilia’ and I think the last one was ‘underground Pokemon battles’.”

“Ah, right, I can explain all of th-” Abby was cut off as Kasai’s stomach groaned loudly.

“Whoops, sorry,” Kasai said with a small chuckle before he shook his mane in the right way and a bag of Pokeblock fell out of it and onto the table.

Ace stared at him.

“What? I get hungry at night sometimes so I keep food in my mane,” Kasai said while rolling his eyes and bending down to open the bag with his teeth and then beginning to munch the little blocks down before glancing at his mate. “Want some?”

Abby blinked twice, she’d forgotten about that. “Not right now, but save some for me okay?”

“No promises,” he replied with a small chuckle.

“Errhm.” Ace cleared her throat, clearly ready for Abby to continue her explanation.

“Right... well let’s start with the easiest,” Abby said, moving on and ignoring as Kasai stuffed his face. “Pokemon abuse is when a Trainer hurts their Pokemon, doesn’t feed it, berates it constantly, or gives it orders that he/she knows is going to end up hurting them horrifically.”

“So... basically animal abuse?” Ace asked with a small frown.

A deep growl filled Kasai’s throat, looking up from his snack and glaring at Ace. “We’re not ‘Animals’,” he stated menacingly, his eyes narrowing. “We’re thinking beings.”

Ace’s eyebrows raised slightly in alarm but thankfully, Abby wrapped a tail around Kasai’s and gave it a tug. “Kasai, she didn’t mean it that way, relax,” she said pointedly.

Kasai frowned and then shook his head. “Good,” he stated before he went back to eating.

“I take it I accidentally touched a nerve?” Ace asked Abby.

“Yeah... word to the wise, the word ‘Animal’ basically implies that a Pokemon isn’t a Pokemon, instead it’s just a lesser creature or an intelligent beast.”

“Ah, well then I’m sorry,” the mare said honestly before glancing at Abby. “But here ‘animal abuse’ is the closest term I can think of.”

“I guess, but in this case, imagine that it’s all being done to another pony,” Abby stated darkly before shaking her head. “Right, well, Underground Pokemon Battles are also pretty easy to describe. They’re when Pokemon are captured or bred for the specific purpose of fighting each other to the death.”

Ace blinked twice. “I thought you said that Pokemon were born naturally to fight? Didn’t you say that ‘battles’ were the natural way to solve things in the wild?”

“They are, but in all battles there are a specific set of rules that must be followed,” Abby explained. “For example, no deathblows, no attacking other trainers, no purposeful maiming, no eye gouging, bone breaking, or excessive bleeding, etcetera,” the Ninetales listed off. “The Underground Battles disregard those rules and stick Pokemon in electrified cages and make them fight to the death, either by use of pheromone control, or by simply infuriating them to the point where they lose control.”

“It’s not pretty,” Kasai stated flatly. “Ask Rill or Axel.”

“I see...” Ace said, writing down a few notes on a piece of paper with her horn controlled pencil. “And the last one was ‘Pokephilia’ right? I think I can already imagine it if it’s anything like pedophilia.”

Abby’s lips twitched in disgust. “No. Well... yes I suppose you could say that it is and it isn’t like that. Honestly, it all depends on the people involved.”

“Oh?” Ace inquired, raising an eyebrow.

“Yes... well let me start this out with the good, then I’ll move onto the bad,” Abby said slowly before she leaned over and nuzzled Kasai. “Pokephilia is the blanket term for when a trainer and a Pokemon have sex, consensual or otherwise. Kasai and I, despite both being Rangers, fell in love over the years and eventually started to ‘experiment’ a bit until we found some stuff that worked for us. Sure, it’s illegal, but I love him and he loves me.”

Kasai looked up from his bag of snacks and moved his head over to nuzzle Abby and then lick her on the cheek. “Yep, she’s my mate, My Lady, and I’d lay down my life to keep her safe, and I know that she’d do the same if she had too,” the Arcanine said before giving her another lick on the cheek.

“Exactly right,” Abby agreed, giving Kasai a lick of her own.

Ace frowned as she continued to scribble down notes. “Okay, that makes sense. Here in Equestria we don’t really have any ‘race laws’ when it comes to marriage and sex unless it’s rape so I don’t really get where the ‘bad’ comes into play with what you’re talking about.”

Abby’s face darkened a little and she sighed. “Well... not everyone is as mutually loving as Kasai and I...” she trailed off for a moment and shook her head. “This gets kind of dark, are you sure you’d like me to keep going with this?”

“I run the police force of the gambling and strip club capital of Equestria,” Ace said plainly. “I’ve seen a lot.”

“Okay then,” Abby said with a small shrug. “Okay, there are two main types of Pokephilia that I take personal offence to and which has gotten us all branded as immoral abusers. Type 1 is the more insidious kind. Wife Husbandry,” Abby explained. “That’s when a trainer catches a young Pokemon, usually a humanoid one, and indoctrinates it into thinking that it’s in love with them. Ralts get this a lot and so do Gothita. It’s a truly disgusting process and a lot of times, leaves the Pokemon in such a bad mental state that they take years to recover.”

Ace was silent for a moment before she nodded her head. “And the second type?”

“Sex slavery, which is exactly what it sounds like,” Abby explained, closing her eyes. “Young Pokemon scooped up off the street when they’re not expecting it and trained to be, and I quote ‘the best damn lays in the world’ by the monsters that do this. When they’re ‘good and ready’ they’re either sold off to people who want good obedient ‘partners’ or used by the men who trained them to cater to anyone with a Pokemon fetish who doesn’t care about actually bonding with their partners... by which I mean they’re whored out in clubs to teenagers using ‘daddy’s money’ or creepy adults who had no luck with actual women.”

Ace looked distinctly ill at that thought.

“If you really want to know more about it, just ask Luke,” Kasai said with a deep frown. “We got the poor guy out as a Kirlia after six years of hell.”

“Actually, please don’t ask him about it,” Abby said, giving Kasai an annoyed look. “You know how much he hates even thinking about it.”

“Yeah, right, my mistake,” Kasai replied, looking down and shaking his head. “Poor guy’s had a hard life.”

“Well... I can certainly see why you have laws against those last two types of ‘Pokephilia’ but I don’t understand the first one,” Ace said with a small frown as she looked between the two of them. “I don’t get any bad vibes from either of you and your chemistry seems natural... so why aren’t you allowed to be together?”

“Because the law is old,” Abby said with a dismissive sigh. “And so are the ones who put it in place in the first place, or at least the people who remember them being put in place to begin with. That means that they’re stubborn and ‘set in their ways’ about how life works and what is and isn’t morally right.”

Ace snorted and nodded her head. “I know how that works, Las Pegasus doesn’t have too much ‘nobility’ but the ones we do have have their heads stuck so far up their old flanks that they fart when they talk,” she stated with a roll of her eyes before she glanced at the clock on the wall. “Okay, we’ve been talking for close to an hour now and I think I’ve heard just about all I need to to give you a proper sentence.”

“You’re not going to send us to court?” Abby asked with a raised eyebrow.

“Nope, no jury in the world right now would be able to give you a fair trial,” Ace replied as she got up from the chair. “So in the meantime, I’m going to give the five of you some community service.”

“Oh?” Abby asked, raising an eyebrow. “What kind of service?”

“You’re going to be my Pokemon Consultants and help the Guard deal with this whole mess,” Ace answered with a small shrug. “That means when a ten foot tall green monster crashes through a building’s wall that you-”

*CRASH*

The room shook and the wall collapsed.

“...”

A thunderous roar split the air and a ten foot tall Tyranitar stomped into the room, behind it, Abby could see several other walls that it had apparently crashed through, along with the walls of several other buildings as well.

“WHERE IS MY SISTER?!” it roared loudly. “ANNA! WHERE ARE YOU?!”

... I hate my life sometimes, Ace dimly thought to herself.

Chapter 7

Abby stared at the rampaging Tyranitar, time seemingly frozen around her, her brain working overtime.

Tyranitar, rock/dark type, fire will do nothing to it, she thought to herself as she dodged to the side from a hunk of wall. Lex might be able to help but-he and Axel are too far away. Axel might be able to get here fast enough-but he’d tear down the building on top of him.

“WHERE IS MY SISTER?!” the Tyranitar screeched again.

I’d use a Capture Stylus on it-but I don’t have one and I don’t have hands to use it, Abby thought as Kasai moved in front of her to take a blow from the monster, sending him flying into the wall where he impacted with a smack and a bark of pain.

“KASAI!” Abby shouted, angry with herself for not paying enough attention and forcing him to make that decision.

Ace meanwhile was glaring at the Tyranitar. This had not been her day. Now, there was a giant monster trying to tear its way through her station to attack her men. The dark unicorn was not going to stand for that.

Abby was about to unleash a blast of fire, maybe it would slow the beast down, when Ace’s horn glowed a brilliant green and a blast of telekinesis hit the Tyranitar dead in the stomach and sent it flying off of its feet, landing on the floor with a loud crash. Before it could make another move, the unicorn’s magic aura had covered its entire body and Ace was stalking towards it, black mane fluttering around her head.

“You have violated not only the law, but my entire building, lay there quietly before I show you how I deal with dragons!” she stated to the Tyranitar, her voice so deadly calm that Abby flinched.

The Tyranitar struggled within the magical field for thirty seconds or so before fell flat on its back.

“Let me go!” It cried out. “I’m looking for my sister!”

Ace’s horn flashed once and she looked down at the Tyranitar again. “Repeat that please.”

“He’s looking for his sister,” Abby said from where she was helping Kasai get back to his paws. “Don’t hurt him.”

“Oww...” Kasai groaned as he steadied himself, leaning against Abby. “I think he bruised a rib.”

“I wasn’t going too,” Ace replied, ignoring Kasai as she looked down at the Tyranitar. “I’m going to need your name, sir.”

“I... I’m Sven,” the Tyranitar said uncertainly. This had never happened to him before. He’d woken up this morning with a pounding headache, his little sister missing, surrounded by odd Ponyta.

“Well then Sven, I’m going to place you under arrest for assault on an officer and several dozen counts of building destruction,” Ace said, her voice staying calm.

Sven frowned. “I’m just looking for my sister...”

“And the Guard will help you find her, I promise,” Ace told him, her tone measured. “But, I’m still going to place you under arrest. I wouldn’t doubt that you’ve caused several thousand bits worth of damages.”

Meanwhile, Abby gave Kasai a lick on the cheek. “You alright Kasai?”

“I’ve been better... but then again, I’ve been worse too,” Kasai said, taking a quick glance at his prosthetic leg, making sure that it hadn’t taken any damage. Thankfully, it hadn’t. He didn’t want to have to be limping everywhere.

“Good, we’ll ask Ace if she’s got anyone who can look at you once we get this taken care of,” Abby said nodding towards the downed Tyranitar.

“-no money!” Sven was saying. “How do you expect me to pay for this?! You stupid humans always assume... stupid Ponyta things, sorry, always assume that Pokemon can pay you back for things when we really can’t!”

“We’re called ponies,” Ace stated flatly. “And watch your tone. Any belligerence and I’ll hang you upside down by your tail. As for your lack of money, maybe...”

“Have you ever been involved in any construction?” Abby asked, stepping a bit closer to the Tyranitar.

The Tyranitar blinked twice. “I’m a wild Tyranitar caring for a little human girl... why would I have worked construction?”

“Because, if you don’t have any money, then you’re going to need to find a way to pay back the ponies who you wronged,” Abby explained slowly. “Just like you would have if you’d damaged a human building and gotten captured.”

“Especially because she beat you in a battle,” Kasai pointed out.

“But my sister!” Sven shouted angrily. “She’s a fourteen year old girl! How do you expect me to sit idly by while she’s lost, and alone?!”

“Like Captain Ace said, we’ll help you find her, Ranger’s Promise,” Abby said, a calming smile on her vupine lips.

“Ranger? But... you’re a Ninetales,” the Tyranitar said with a confused look.

“I am now but I used to not be,” Abby explained with a small sigh, this was going to get tiresome to explain. “In fact, I’m more then willing to bet that your sister is a Pokemon now too, maybe even a Larvitar or a Pupitar.”

Sven looked unsettled as he lay with his back on the ground. “I... I see...” he looked very confused. “May I... May I stand up please?”

“Will you promise not to crash through any more of my walls?” Ace asked, her eyes narrowing.

“... sure,” Sven muttered, shaking his head slightly. “Sorry... I’m just so confused... nothing makes any sense.”

“We know the feeling,” Abby said calmingly as she leaned gently against Kasai, making sure to avoid his bruised rib. “Believe me, we do.”

“Right then... you’re going in the Dragon Room until we can figure out exactly what to do with you,” Ace told the Tyranitar, letting out a small sigh before she turned back to Abby. “Go make sure the rest of your ‘family’ haven’t broken down any more of my walls please? Oh, and there’s a doctor who can make sure that your rib isn’t broken down the hallway to the left. Once that’s done... I’ll find you a badge to wear and then I guess you can start off by looking for this guy’s sister.”

“Please do!” Sven said with a swift nod. “Anna thinks far too much of herself, she’ll try to do something foolish and get herself into trouble.”

Abby just nodded her head. “Don’t worry, we will,” she stated as Ace led the Tyranitar out of the room and down the hall. Thankfully, they didn’t appear to be too short for him and he only had to hunch a little bit. One he was safely out of the room Kasai let out a low growl.

“Oh, something foolish he says? How about breaking through, let’s see if I can count this right-” he said as he turned to look at the sizable hole in the walls of the station along with the nearby buildings. “-one, two, three, four, five walls, yes, five walls that he broke through on a random rampage of destruction in order to find her and he’s worried that she will do something to get herself into trouble.”

“He’s just worried about his family,” Abby told him, giving Kasai a light nuzzle. “Considering that Tyranitar have been known to take down entire mountains, I think we’re probably lucky that none of the skyscrapers are falling down on us.”

“Abby!” Lex ran through the door and then stopped, his eyes widening at the huge hole in the walls. “... what happened here?”

“A Tyranitar, I’ll fill you in after we get Kasai’s rib looked at,” Abby answered with a small sigh as she bent down to nuzzle Lex very lightly on the cheek. He stiffened slightly but leaned into the nuzzle after a moment. “Everyone okay up front? I half-expected Axel to come slamming his way through the walls when he heard the initial crash.”

“We didn’t even hear one actually,” Lex said with a frown as he glanced at Kasai who had a bit of dust on his golden coat. “You okay Kasai?”

“Fine, think I bruised a rib but other then that, nothing I can’t fight through,” the Arcanine answered. “How is everyone up front?”

“Fine? Well, we’re worried about you two, you’ve been in here for a while now,” Lex said as Abby began to walk down the hallway. “So, what’s the plan Abby?”

“We’re starting a new branch of the Pokemon Rangers, and making some modifications to our old rules” Abby answered with a smile. “After all, a new world deserves a new way eh?”

“Are you sure it’s a good idea for you to leave the rest of your ‘team’ back here?” Ace asked as she escorted Anna and Kasai towards the door, the Arcanine waiting calmly beside the Ninetales.

“Most Pokemon Rangers only bring one Pokemon with them at a time for missions,” Abby explained with a small shrug. “Besides, Kasai’s got the best nose on the team, I bet we can find this ‘Anna’ pretty easily.”

“With what scent?” Ace asked with a raised eyebrow. “I don’t remember you asking him for anything.”

“I don’t need one, I can just use Sven’s,” Kasai answered, shrugging. “Logically, if she’s his sister then she’ll have his scent all over her.”

Ace stared at him for a moment. “Even most Diamond Dogs couldn’t chase a scent like that all over the city.”

“I’m an Arcanine Ma’am, and my nose may not be as good as it was as an Growlithe, but it’s still a damn good nose,” Kasai answered, grinning proudly.

“Yes, yes it is,” Abby said, leaning against him with a smile of her own before she blinked twice and looked back at Ace. “So, do we get badges?”

“Yes,” Ace answered, her horn flaring to life causing a pair of black leather sashes to float over and then around Abby and Kasai’s necks.

The pair frowned as the sashes constricted around them for a moment before settling down. Abby glanced at Kasai’s and found that it had traveled down his neck and molded itself to his shoulder in plain view of anyone who cared to look. Emblazoned proudly on a golden badge in the middle were the words ‘Las Pegasus Guard’.

“...I wish I could do that magic stuff...” Abby said after a moment. “Though I’ve got to ask; why do you have these?”

“For the Earth Pony, Pegasus, Griffin, and Minotaur members who don’t want to keep it in their pockets,” Ace answered with a small chuckle. “Anyways... try and get back sometime before sundown but if you can’t, that’s fine too.”

“Why would it be better for us to get back before sundown?” Kasai asked with a frown.

“Because, that’s when Blackstone starts his shift as Captain,” Ace answered.

“... you have two ‘Chiefs’ of the police?” Abby asked in confusion.

“It’s complicated,” Ace stated with a small shrug. “But he takes the night half of things and I take the day. Don’t worry about explaining to him who you are, I’ll leave a letter or two to him about it.”

“Thanks,” Abby said before frowning. “Also... I don’t want us to be a burden, but we don’t exactly have any money... or anywhere to stay...”

“The Guard has temp corridors for overnight people your team can have a pair of them,” Ace stated with a slight shrug. “Anyways, go out there and see if you can’t find this ‘Anna’. If she’s as ‘subtle’ as her brother is, then I’m sure you’ll get her in no time.”

“Right,” Abby said, nodding her head and looking at Kasai. “Whenever you’re ready, Kasai.”

“Already got something,” Kasai replied with a small smirk as he began to trot away. Abby gave Ace a small smile and set off after her mate, a smile on her face.

“I can’t believe I missed the chance to fight a TYRANITAR!” Axel exclaimed for what had to have been the dozenth time. “It’s been forever since I had the kind of challenge!”

“I do not believe that you have ever fought a Tyranitar actually,” Rill pointed out with a tilt of her head, a apple in her hands. Then she bit down and half of it disappeared inside of her jaws and was quickly mulched by her powerful teeth. “So you have never had a challenge of that kind before.”

Axel let out a small snort and glanced at Lex. “Still! Fuzzball got to take down a Hydreigon last time Abby took him out on a mission. You know what I got? A group of ornery, Rydon females in mating season! They didn’t even have a Rhyperior with them!”

“Wouldn’t the addition of a Rhyperior have made your task more difficult?” Rill inquired with a frown, cocking her head to the side. “And Lex is not a fuzzball, he has fur and while it is true that fur can be fuzzy, it is more soft and silky than anything else.”

Axel just grumbled and lowered his axe-head down a little. “Those guards earlier weren’t even a good challenge, too small... I want something big to take down. Something nice and strong who can fight me as an equal!”

“You could always fight me,” Lex said blandly, a strawberry on its way to his mouth, wrapped in a ribbon. “I might not even use any fairy movies so you might last a few minutes.”

Axel glared at him for a moment before looking down at the floor. “That was just uncalled for.”

“No, I believe it was exactly what was called for,” Rill said as she leaned over and pulled Lex to her chest, easily picking him up in her powerful arms. “As always, your fascination with bloodshed confounds me considering where you were raised.”

“I’m hot blooded!” Axel retorted with a frown. “And I don’t have a ‘fascination’ with bloodshed. I have a fascination with BATTLE! Like any good Pokemon. You like battle just as much as I do!”

“I enjoy the art of combat, yes,” Rill stated. “I do not have a near sexual urge to participate in it like you do. I do not believe I have ever heard you exclaim as much during your rutting sessions then you do when you are in the midst of a ‘good battle’.”

Axel glared sourly at her. “Why were you listening to me having sex?”

“Because the Daycare has horrible sound insulation,” Rill answered with a blink. “Why?”

“...”

“My desert ruby, sometimes you really must watch what you say,” Lex told Rill as a ribbon ran down her cheek.

“I did not think I had said anything wrong,” Rill said, blinking in befuddlement. “I was simply pointing out that he truly has a sexual response to battle which makes no real sense to me.”

“I just like the flow of it,” Axel said grumpily. “If for no other reason then because I was raised fighting... we’ve talked about this before Rill.”

“Yes, and it still baffles me,” Rill answered, shrugging her wings. “The faces of all those I’ve killed appear within my mind every time I think of my past. Everything associated with it, save my eventual rescue, is nothing short of traumatising. Hearing your explanation for why you enjoy battle simply makes me doubt whether or not you cared a whit for those you killed.”

Axel glared at her and resolutely said nothing.

Lex let out a sigh and continued to stroke Rill’s face, hoping Abby would return soon. Or Luke, the quiet Gallade was very good at keeping situations lowkey and preventing arguments, if only because everyone was afraid to accidentally scare him. Speaking of Luke, Lex couldn’t help but hope that his friend was doing alright... Las Pegasus, the city of Casinos, strip clubs, and other less reputable ‘ponies’.

The Sylveon somehow doubted that Luke was enjoying his time by himself.

Chapter 8 Author's Note

The following chapter contains quite a bit of profanity, said by a fourteen year old girl turned Pokemon used for comedy purposes, hopefully you won’t be too offended, sorry if you are.

Chapter 8

Abby and Kasai walked down the street, catching odd glances from ponies and other creatures, though Abby didn’t know what exactly it was they were called. Luckily, the badges on their shoulders seemed to at least alleviate some of the wariness from the ponies gazes.

As the two walked, Kasai’s nose in the air, Abby let out a small sigh and leaned her shoulder against him. It was a gesture that was both at once alien and utterly familiar. They had always been a very physical couple, hardly a surprise really when neither could really talk to one another, and as such, little gestures like leaning against him had come to mean many things.

For example, at the moment, it meant ‘what a beautiful day huh?’.

His tail flicked over her rump, ‘yes, yes it is.’. Another flick. ‘especially with you here beside me.’.

Abby smiled and leaned up a little to give him a nuzzle, something that he returned without losing track of the scent he was chasing.

“You know, we can actually talk to one another, Abby,” Kasai commented with a small chuckle, leading the pair around a street vendor selling some kind of apple dish.

“I know, it’s just nice to have two ways to talk to each other now,” Abby replied with a smile. “We can say so much more...”

“I don’t know, we always did pretty well before I’d say,” Kasai stated, chuckling. “I mean, you knew when I was angry and how to cool me down, I could tell when you were upset and how to make you happy again, when we were both in the mood it was pretty obvious... all the important things really.”

“Calming down, making happy, and mutual lust, is that all our relationship is?” Abby asked jokingly.

“It had better not be, else you’ve lied every time you said ‘I love you’,” Kasai replied, leaning over to lick her cheek before he frowned faintly.

“What?” Abby inquired.

“Thought I smelled an Abra,” Kasai replied as they strolled past a casino. “You know how defenseless those guys are if they’re by themselves in the wild.”

“Yeah, especially if something gets them by surprise,” Abby agreed, nodding her head. “But unfortunately, we’ve got someone else to find, maybe if we have time later we can look for the little guy.”

“Right,” Kasai said, nodding his head. “Also, something’s been bugging me since you told me your plan to establish a new group of Rangers.”

“Oh?” Abby asked, cocking her head to the side. “What about it?”

“Well... There’s no way in Hell that Hastings is going to join onto ‘us’ doing this,” Kasai stated. “At least, not if you and I are public about it.” The Arcanine let out a heavy sigh. “Abby... I don’t want to go back to hiding who we are from the world.”

Abby frowned for a moment and then leaned her head against his. “If Hastings, or any of the other Vets say that they’re going to keep their old opinions, then that’s fine, they can establish their own Ranger Corps,” the Ninetales said defiantly. “I’m telling you though, there’s got to be some of the others who are at least open to the idea of Pokephilia, and I’m willing to bet that they’d join us if we already had a power structure and organization going here.”

“True... and Abby?”

“Yes Kasai?”

“Thanks,” the Arcanine gave her a lick on the cheek. “Also, at this point, it’s not ‘Pokephilia’ anymore, it’s just sex.”

“That’s true now that I think about it,” Abby agreed with a small chuckle before she gave him a lick of her own. “And you don’t really have to thank me Kasai, I love you, you should know that by now.”

“Heh, yeah,” Kasai agreed before glancing down at his right metallic leg. “Still though... I hope we can find someone who can repair this if it gets broken here... I mean, if Hastings doesn’t want to support us and someone breaks it...” He trailed off into silence. “I’m no good to you if I have to limp everywhere.”

“Maybe not as Ranger,” Abby said carefully. “But that wouldn’t change how I feel about you, you know that.”

“Yeah, I do,” Kasai replied before letting out a small cough. “Also... tonight you’re going to talk about how you’re really feeling about this whole transformation thing.”

“Hmm?” Abby asked, blinking twice.

“Abby... you know exactly what I mean,” he told her blandly.

“... fine,” Abby said, glancing down for a moment. “How are we doing as far as ‘Anna’s’ scent goes?”

“Moving in the right direction,” Kasai answered easily. “Also, either tomorrow or the day after we really need to find Luke...” he glanced around and observed several ponies in obviously provocative dress. “Otherwise he’s going to shut down in a place like this... or he’s going to get really deadly calm and try to slice his way through whoever is running places like that.”

Abby nodded her head. “Yeah, you’re right about that, that’s for sure,” the Ninetales said worriedly, neither option was any good for anyone, least of all Luke. The poor Gallade had enough on his chest without that sort of thing, not to mention that Abby would probably have to arrest him.

Silence reigned supreme for a moment before Abby said. “By the way, can you scent what kind of Pokemon this ‘Anna’ is yet?”

“Something steel typed,” Kasai said with a small shrug. “I’m not totally sure just yet, you know how most steel types smell the same, like, well, steel.”

“My word, what an articulate way for you to explain that Kasai,” Abby snarked, giving his hip a bump. “I hope one day I get my vocabulary that well developed.”

Kasai rolled his eyes and bumped her back, sending her stumbling from it’s weight alone and he gave her a small smile. “Then keep running that mouth of yours my Lady, one day you’ll become as good as I am.”

“I don’t know, that sounds hard,” Abby replied. “I mean, your mouth is always running.”

The Arcanine snorted faintly and smiled as his eyes widened. “Okay, yeah we’re almost there, see that bridge up ahead?”

Abby glanced in the direction he was indicating and saw that, yes indeed, there was a steel bridge up ahead. Kasai picked up his pace and Abby followed along beside him, both doing their best to avoid bumping into any of the ponies as they jogged down the street towards the bridge. As it turned out, finding Anna was rather... easy.

“I FREAKING LOVE THIS BODY!” the female Lairon shouted happily as she pranced over the bridge, scattering ponies as they did their best to avoid the large steel covered, rhino like creature. “I CAN EAT METAL!” she shouted, demonstrating by taking a chunk out of one of the bridge’s guard rails and chomping it down between her sizeable teeth.

Abby and Kasai exchanged a look. “Well... she’s certainly adapting well I suppose,” Kasai said slowly as he and Abby approached the happy Larion, thanking Arceus that she hadn’t been eating the bride support struts or any of the cables.

“Yeah, that’s one way to put it,” Abby agreed as she took the lead and called. “Hello, are you Anna?”

The Lairon glanced over her, her cheeks full of steel she was still chewing. “Thes shats me,” she answered before swallowing. “The Mighty Now Lairon Anna, thank you very much,” she clarified before reaching her head over to bit another chunk of metal and chewing it with delight. “Whoth theth hellth areth youth?”

“My name is Abby and this is my mate Kasai,” Abby said with a small smile. “We’re Pokemon Rangers working with the local police forc-”

“Yeah, yeah, yeah. LOOK WHAT I CAN DO!” The Lairon banged her head really hard against the guardrail, bending widely while also causing the bridge to shake a bit. “I didn’t even feel that!” she said with a large smile.

“That’s great, but we really need you to come with us down to the station,” Abby said calmly, still smiling. “We-”

“And I can do this too!” Anna continued, not even paying attention to Abby as her tail glowed brightly as it harden extremely and she swirl her body around. Her tail swung out and it cut through a section of the bridge road clean off. “Hehehehe, I can actually use moves now!”

Kasai glanced at Abby for a moment and she nodded.

“Anna, please don’t do that,” the Arcanine said as he moved forwards towards her. “This is the city’s bridge and I’m sure they don’t want you tearing it up with Iron Tails.”

“Pfft, please, I haven’t even scratched the surface... much,” Anna said casually before reaching her head over to bit a bit more of the guardrail off and chewed it. “Plusth allth thisth ironth isth dealiousth!” She swallowed. “It taste a lot like orrin berries which are my FAVORITE!”

“I’m sure it is good, but seriously, you need to stop,” Kasai said, his voice becoming harder. “We met yo-”

“Look, I’ve been dreaming something like this my whole freaking life, don’t ruin the moment!” Anna stated strongly, glaring at Kasai. “Plus I’m bloody hungry, so don’t ruin my snack!” she added before taking another bite.

Kasai let out a small sigh. “Look Anna, I don’t want to hurt you but your b-”

“Oh, you want a battle huh?” the Lairon asked as her legs spread out and she stared down the Arcanine. “Come on, I’ll take ya with one eye closed!” her left eye closed.

“Fine, Firefang” Kasai said before he focused for a moment and bounded forwards, before the Lairon could react, his now burning jaws were digging into the flesh of her neck behind her armored skull and before the plating started. He tightened his jaws.

“OW! OW! OW! FUCKING OW!” she yelled in pain as she struggled to shake him loose. Kasai for his part simply adjusted his footing every time she tried to turn in a new direction, keeping his burning fangs in her neck.

“One of the things about being a Pokemon, Anna, is that you gotta know your typing,” Abby said as she walked a bit closer to Anna. “Kasai is a Fire Type meaning-”

“I DON’T FUCKING CARE!” Anna suddenly exploded forwards into a run, dragging Kasai with her as she bolted down towards Abby’s direction.

“Oh for the love of Arceus,” Abby said before she leapt out of the way, just barely avoiding being trampled by the Larion’s wild charge. Meanwhile, Kasai was holding onto Anna’s neck for dear life, his teeth digging still deeper into her neck, though he was careful to keep them from going too deep.

Though that wasn’t enough for Anna. “GAH!!! LET THE HELL GO OF ME!” She shook her neck violently while she was still running, desperately trying to get him off.

Kasai’s eyes narrowed as he hung on, if she kept this up he’d hit something vital. The Arcanine didn’t have too long to think about what he had to do next but thankfully, an idea came to him. He dug his paws into the ground, he would have called out Strength, but well, that much was obvious.

Anna’s eyes widened in surprise as her forward momentum was slowly decreasing until she came to a sudden stop, feeling the strong pull Kasai was enforcing onto her. She pulled back, straining her body. “GAH! I SAID FUCKING LET GO!” she yelled.

To her surprise, Kasai did, small rivulets of silver blood beginning to run down from his bite and before she could react, he shouted “Body Slam!”

Anna blinked twice as she suddenly found herself on her back, her legs flailing in the air wildly as she rocked back and forth. Kasai leapt onto her chest and stared down at her with hard eyes.

“I win,” he said flatly. “Now, I’m going to get off of you, you’re going to get back to your feet, and then we’re going to the police station to see your brother. Is that clear?”

Anna glared angrily at the Arcanine before reluctantly saying. “Fine....”

“Good,” Kasai said before dismounting her.

Abby rushed up to him and gave him a thorough nose-over before letting out a sigh. “Good, you’re fine.”

“Abby, of course I am, this isn’t my first Lairon ride, and at least this time there wasn’t a giant pit of Lava to avoid,” Kasai said while he glanced over at Anna who was mumbling to herself as she got onto her legs.

“Bloody fucking cheater...” she said sourly, her neck pulsing in pain causing her to wince badly.

“I was trying to end it quickly, I didn’t think you’d be steel headed enough to try and run someone off of you when they had your neck in their jaws,” Kasai said before he walked over to her side. “Stay still for a second,” he added before he lowered his head down to lick lightly at the still bleeding neck wound, his tongue licking away the silver blood and help heal the wound a little, her fast Pokemon healing rate would take care of the rest.

“Ow...” she groaned softly, it stung a bit but she didn’t really want to make a big deal out of it. Her pride was hurt enough as it was.

Abby walked over to inspect the wound and nodded with what she saw. It was deep, sure, driven deeper than Kasai had intentioned thanks to Anna’s own efforts, but it was nowhere near fatal for an Larion. They were hardy Pokemon. Kasai finished his cleaning and then glanced at Anna’s head.

“Alright Anna, follow us,” he said, starting off with Abby at his side. The Lairon stared at the two bitterly for a moment before she slowly picked her legs up and trailed behind them.

Chapter 9

Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.

Chapter 10

Abby gave Kasai a nuzzle as they overlooked the report before them. “Hmm, this shouldn’t be too hard,” she murmured as she looked over the information that the casino had provided. “I mean yeah there are four of them, but one is an Abra and the Scyther is weak to fire types, not to mention that the Riolu probably won’t be much of a threat, being a child and all. The only one that’s giving me any worries is the ‘Minotaur’ guy.”

“I’ll take him down, he looks like a normal type so I’ll hit him with a few Rock Smashes and hopefully he’ll go down. And that’s only assuming my fire doesn’t do anything,” the Arcanine replied before glancing at the rest of the Team who were still eating. “And besides, it’s not like we don’t have backup if we really need it.”

“Yeah,” Abby agreed before chuckling. “You know Kasai, you can’t hog every mission with me.”

“I know, but you know just as well as I do that I’m your ‘normal’ partner,” he replied, giving her cheek a lick. “Lex is for dragons, Rill is for deserts, Axel is for when you need a brawler or a wall caved in. Justice is for air battles and easy transport and lastly, Luke is for psychics and fighting types who are out of control. I’m there to help you track down perps.”

“True,” Abby said, nudging him. “Still, I don’t want any of them to feel neglected,” she added as two of her tails intertwined themselves around his.

Kasai snorted faintly. “I think they’re kind of used to it Abby,” he said blandly before getting up from the table and giving her tails a slight flick. “Come on, let’s get to this casino so that we can track these four down.”

“Right,” Abby agreed, getting up from the table. “Bye guys, we’ll be back later,” she told her Team as she slipped her badge around her shoulder. Ace had told her that she’d added an extra enchantment to the metal so that their translation spell wouldn’t have to be refreshed for the next forty eight hours so that was a big plus.

As she and Kasai walked out onto the street and began to walk down them, retracing the steps they’d taken the day before, Kasai let out a happy sigh. “Ah, you know, I really like this place,” he said with a smile.

“Oh?” Abby asked as she glanced up at him. “Is it just because that I can be here with you like this?” she added, rubbing against him very slightly.

“No, well yes that’s a big portion of it, but I mean I just like this place,” Kasai answered with a small chuckle. “It just... smells cleaner. Even in a big city like this, I don’t smell much if any pollution and there aren’t any planes whizzing overhead... I guess what I’m saying is that this place just feels more natural.”

“I noticed that too actually,” Abby agreed, smiling.

The pair continued on in content silence for a while until they reached the casino they’d seen yesterday. It wasn’t a very big place, more of a hole-in-the-wall kind of place then the towering gambling buildings that the pair had seen along the way.

“This is the place,” Kasai said with a small nod as he casually lead the way into the building. The inside looked much like the outside in terms of grandeur, a few dozen slot machines, four of five blackjack tables, and several roulette tables littered the floor and a mare was minding the entryway. Curiously, all the lights seemed to be smashed as well...

“Huh, the report didn’t mention that,” Abby mused as she walked up to the mare at the desk. “Excuse me Miss, my Partner and I are part of a new branch of the Las Pegasus Guard. We received a report of a robbery yesterday?”

The doormare sighed as she looked at the two monsters in front of her. “Great. The last creatures we had rob the place, and what does the guard do? Send more! Of bucking course.” She pushed a button, and a buzzing noise came from nearby. “Corporal, Punishment, apparently the guards are here to talk to you two!”

Abby frowned at the names and exchanged a look with Kasai. “This should be interesting,” she whispered.

“Or painful,” Kasai replied, cracking his neck slightly. “If they attack us.”

“Let’s try and not have that,” Abby replied, swatting him lightly with one of her tails.

At that point, the unicorn bouncer duo walked out from a side room. The red-on-blue and blue-on-red colts caught sight of the Pokemon and started to brace themselves. “Yes?” the red-on-blue one said.

“Can we help you?” his brother rejoined.

“Actually, we’re here to help you,” Abby said with a practiced, calming smile. “We understand that you were robbed yesterday and we’re here to help track down those responsible.”

The duo exchanged a look before nodding. “Well,” the red one started, “It wasn’t... exactly a robbery…”

“More of them blatantly cheating and management not wanting to lose so many bits,” the blue one added on.

“After all, nobody can be that good at cards, it’s just unnatural,” the red one said while nodding.

“So we confronted them and told them of our intentions to keep them here until they’d lost a bit...or, really, until we understood how they were doing it,” the blue one finished.

“So... you were being beaten and wanted a little bit of a return investment, one way or the other,” Abby summarized, raising an eyebrow at them. “Makes sense, though I do hope you weren’t planning on hurting them.”

“Yeah, that would have been a mistake,” Kasai agreed, glancing down at the two unicorns from his impressive height. The unicorns cringed at the tone before replying.

“Management...may have told us to do a few things, but we were going to be very gentle in our persuasion,” the red one stated.

“Aaaand once we started, that’s when things went to Tartarus,” the blue one finished.

“I see, what exactly happened?” Abby asked, glancing at the lights. “Our report didn’t mention that they’d killed the lights.”

“Well, first, we picked up the little blue one and the bag of bits she was holding,” the red one started.

“And then the little yellow one on top of the green one opened his eyes and started to glow blue,” the blue one continued.

“After that, he pushed us aside, and from what the others tell us, caused mass chaos on the floor before his weird magic swept up and killed the lights,” the red one rejoined.

“And then they fled, all four of them,” the blue one finished.

Abby closed her eyes for a moment and then nodded her head. “Okay, I’m going to lay a few things out for you guys, hopefully keep this kind of thing from happening again, and pass it on to any other casinos you know. The small yellow one was a Pokemon called an Abra, they’re Psychic types, meaning that they can read your mind,” she explained. “There are several dozen other Pokemon who have roughly the same abilities and where we come from, the only games they’re allowed to play are slots, I’d recommend you instate a similar policy.”

The duo nodded. “Makes sense,” the red one said.

“Can’t read the mind of a machine...but…” the blue one trailed off as a thought occurred to him and his brother.

“What about the others? Could they work with him to manipulate machines?” The red one questioned.

“Yeah, if there are any, we’re going to have to pass word up to the management,” the blue one finished.

Abby frowned but then nodded. “Yeah, there are a few Pokemon who can do that, none of the ones that came in with the Abra yesterday, but there are definitely a few,” she let out a small sigh before continuing. “One of the things that I’m going to have to work on after this case is getting a comprehensive guide of all the Pokemon out there who could cheat the system into the hands of you ponies.”

The two unicorn bouncers nodded in thanks at the Pokemon. “So what now?” they both asked.

“Well, my Partner Kasai here has an amazing nose and he already has their scents so we’re going to get to tracking them down,” Abby explained. “I’d offer to pay for some new lights, but I don’t know how the Guard does things here yet, heh, just started you know? Just be glad you didn’t lose a wall or two like our building did.”

The two unicorns looked at each other and gulped at the thought. “That would have cost us our paychecks,” the red one started.

“Or our jobs,” the blue one finished.

“Out of curiosity,” the red one turned back to the Pokemon.

“When you do catch them, what then? Will they have to pay back anyone? Management wants to know,” the blue one concluded.

“I’m not sure, I’ll take them to the station and let Captain Ace worry about it,” Abby said before a thought occurred to her. “Oh right, I just remembered, I’m Officer Abby and this is my partner Officer Kasai, I never got your names.”

The duo smiled at that. “I’m Corporal,” the red one said.

“And I’m Punishment. Let’s just say, we come from a line of...incredibly durable and tough ponies,” the blue one finished.

“With names like that, I believe it,” Abby said with a small chuckle. “Anyways, it was nice talking with you two, I or someone else from the Guard might be back later to ask additional questions or the like, but for now you two can get back to work.”

With that, the two unicorns nodded and trotted back into the room they’d come from. The doormare, who’d been watching the exchange, hummed softly. “Well. Guess not every monster is out to cause trouble. Maybe you are just like ponies after all.”

“Pokemon Ma’am, Pokemon,” Abby corrected with a small shrug. “And yeah, we’re just like everyone else, some are good, some are bad, and like most of us yesterday and the day before, some are just confused.”

The doormare chuckled. “Tell you what: catch that fox that got glass in my mane, I’ll start calling you Pokemon.”

“Fair enough,” Abby said, chuckling as well before glancing at Kasai. “You got their scent Kasai?”

“Mhm, it’s stronger in here and I should be able to pick it out of the air,” Kasai agreed. “Let’s get going Abby.”

“Right,” the Ninetales said, giving the mare a nod. “Like I told Corporal and Punishment, we might be back later.” With that said, the pair walked out the door.

It took Kasai about an hour to track down the foursome, apparently they’d been doing a lot of shopping and had spread their scents out all over the city. Luckily, Kasai’s nose was just that good and they ended up walking into a much larger casino. A doorstallion glanced at them but Abby turned her shoulders slightly so that he could see the Guard Badge and he frowned but let them through.

Kasai’s ears flicked back as the sound of slot machines and talking ponies hit him but he shook his head.

“Argh, I hate casinos,” he muttered as he looked around the room full of happy, gambling ponies. Or rather, some were happy, some looked to be on the edge of tears.

“They’re alright, though I’ve never been a gambler,” Abby agreed, glancing at him. “I gambled enough every day with my personal life to risk gambling with real money.”

“True,” Kasai agreed before his sharp eyes caught sight of a large blue minotaur accompanied by a Riolu moving about the floor. “And there are two of them, though I’m guessing that the real brains of this thing are the Abra and the Scyther.”

“Yeah...” Abby frowned and glanced around the floor, catching sight of the Abra and the Scyther, both wearing clothes for some reason, walking towards the slots section. “Found them, odd place for someone with an Abra’s skills but that doesn’t really matter. Let’s go and see if we can’t get this done without any fighting alright?

“Of course, and if there is any, you can count on me,” Kasai stated with a soft chuckle as the pair started through the crowd, in pursuit of the clueless Abra and Scyther. They had just been about to close in on the twosome when the Porygon-Z appeared from one of the machines, giving them both pause.

“I... hadn’t been expecting that,” Abby said with a frown. “What’s a Porygon-Z doing inside of a slot machine?”

“Cheating,” Kasai said blandly. However, as the Porygon-Z talked, it became evident it was... even more erratic than the species had been famed for, and then it dropped a name.

“Kasai... did it just say something about a Doctor and Vincent?” Abby asked, her eyes widening. “The kid who’s been missing for years!”

“Yes, yes he did,” Kasai said, his eyes widening as well. “His mother said that her husband stole him from the crib... must have been fifteen years ago!”

“Yeah, Doctor Nurem...” Abby’s voice trailed off as she thought back to the literally hundreds of reports that the man had created in the name of ‘science’ and ‘curiosity’, every single one getting him another warrant for his arrest. He was one of, if not the, top person on the Ranger’s most wanted list, other than Gene... but that was another story.

It was then that they were snapped out of their memories by the Porygon-Z taking an offensive stance to the ponies that had closed ranks around the Scyther, Abra, and Porygon-Z. "Act-act-activating preLIMinary defeeeeeeenses of master Vincent! Tri-tri-TRI-ATTACK!"

The colored orbs began to circle the Porygon-Z’s form then, and the Scyther said one thing. “Oh, this REALLY won’t end well!”

“Shit! Kasai! Protect!” Abby commanded before shouting. “POKEMON RANGERS! FREEZE!”

Kasai leapt into the circle of ponies, scattering them as a mystic barrier appeared around him and absorbed all three ‘attacks’ into its surface. Just then, the Abra turned its head to them and tilted it. A ‘voice’ rang out then, though he hadn’t opened his mouth.

Pokemon rangers? Never heard of you. But I will try to help. Bit, calm down! No need for violence!

The Porygon-Z ticked a few times before letting out a dinging noise and hovering near the Abra. “Un-Un-Understood, master Vincent. Staaaaandby mode initiated.”

Abby smiled, good, ‘Vincent’ didn’t seem to be the type to hurt innocents, that was good. She stepped forward and barked. “Okay everyone, nothing to see here, please leave this portion of the casino on order of the Las Pegasus guard.”

The ponies grumbled but slowly moved off, and the Scyther seemed to be looking at both of them interchangeably. “So...now that we’re nowhere near the ‘good doctor’, we meet authorities? Great. Just great.”

Sam, you still haven’t explained. Just who are the Pokemon Rangers?

“I can answer that,” Abby said with a small smile as she stepped forward, keeping her posture as nonthreatening as possible. “The Pokemon Rangers are, or rather were I suppose, an organization devoted to helping find and stop Pokemon abuse in all it’s forms. I’m Ranger Abby and this is my mate, Ranger Kasai.”

Silence reigned for a minute, but anyone who looked at the Abra would notice one thing. He was shaking for some reason.

“Are you okay kid?” Kasai asked the Abra, his eyes widening in concern, he knew from Luke that Psychic Pokemon were prone to horrible migraines, or in the Gallade’s case, traumatic flashbacks. “Do you need an aspirin?”

...Where were you? With those words, the Abra jumped off the Scyther’s head and floated an inch off the floor. When my father cut Lucy open and altered her skeleton so much that she might NEVER get her marks of adulthood and made me WATCH, where were you? The Abra’s arms were glowing an eerie blue at that statement.

Abby was silent for a moment. This was bad. This was very bad and had to be taken very carefully. “We were looking for you, Vincent, your mother informed us of your kidnapping and we’ve had teams looking for you your entire life. I’m sorry that we didn’t get to you in time but-”

He cut her off. When he strapped Sam to a table and prepared a cocktail of drugs to see what would happen to a bug-type’s exoskeleton and put my damn hand on the plunger and made me push it, where were you?! Now the Abra’s legs were glowing blue and he was hovering a good half-foot off the floor.

Abby and Kasai began to back away, neither stupid enough to remain too close, though really, they knew from experience that backing up a foot wouldn't do anything to protect them from the Psychic Pokemon’s powers.

“We weren’t there,” Abby said, knowing that apologies wouldn’t mean anything to him. “We were looking, but we weren’t there when you needed us.”

“Understatement of the century,” the Scyther muttered. “I was the only one who knew there was an outside world out of the three of us.”

The Abra hadn’t finished. When he subjected me to tests and experiments and injections every day of my life and stopped giving me anesthetic for it...when I kept getting headaches and heard voices in my head...when what little staff he had also thought of me as a freak just because I could understand Pokemon because of HIS EXPERIMENTS, WHERE THE BLOODY HELL WERE YOU?!

At this, the entire Abra’s form was coated in that blue aura and he’d done something Abra weren’t known for doing: He opened his eyes, which were now glowing white. The feedback snapped the communication links instantly, but he was still up, still angry, and now hovering a good foot off the ground.

“Kasai... get ready to Protect again,” Abby muttered to the Arcanine. “And then, see if you can get an opening to Crunch, it’s a Dark Type move so it might snap him out of this.”

“Right,” Kasai said, lowering his body.

The Porygon-Z looked at the Arcanine and its eyes flashed. “Would-would-would not adviiiiise that. Master Vincent has fif-fif-fifteen years of RAGE to work ooooooout...and as my new masTER, I must now de-de-defend him…” Thus saying, the Porygon-Z took up place next to the angry Abra.

“Right... I did not think we’d need backup for this,” Abby grunted as the pair began to retreat, never taking their eyes from the pair.

“Get Axel and come back?” Kasai grunted in reply.

Just...Go...AWAY! I dealt with him for FIFTEEN YEARS without you, I don’t need you NOW! The Abra pointed his arms at the pair of fire types, and the sensation of something terrible about to happen increased.

“Run!” Abby barked, turning tail, Kasai right beside her. They didn’t make it very far.

A wave of blue erupted from the Abra, knocking over every slot machine and hurling it five feet away from their resting place, bowling Abby and Kasai over. A yell erupted from the blackjack tables, and the minotaur and Riolu came running in the opposite direction.

“What did you two do?!” the Riolu barked at them. The sunhat she was wearing utterly failed to defuse the situation.

“Nothing!” Abby barked back, dodging a slot machine as it slammed into the ground where she’d been only a second earlier as the Abra’s power swirled through the room, picking up all sorts of things and sending them spinning chaotically around the room.

“Fuck, he’s going to kill someone!” Kasai added, a chair slamming into his side and getting a yelp of pain out of him as he stumbled to the side. “Ow!”

“Iron Will does not know what to do, little fighter! And Iron Will cannot understand you anymore! Any ideas are welcome!”

The Riolu looked to the minotaur and grumbled before looking at the pair of fire-types. “Vincent either opened his eyes, snapped the connections, and caused himself a lot of pain, or something set him off. Which one is it?”

“We didn’t mean to set him off,” Abby explained rapidly, dodging a blackjack table. “We just said that we were Rangers and he started screaming in our heads about all the awful things that had happened to him.”

At that, the Riolu blinked, looked to the both of them, and snarled. “And well he should have. Where were you?! We’ve had a terrible life, and you show up when we’re trying to make a better one...yeah, that was going to happen.”

“Look, we can discuss the failings of the Rangers, and there were many, believe me, I know, later,” Kasai shouted before he unleashed a jet of flame and reduced a chair to cinders. “But at the moment I’m more concerned about your friend over there leveling the building and killing everyone!”

The Riolu thought for a moment. “I think I can get him to stop. He always listened to me before…”

With that, the Riolu tugged on Iron Will’s arm and led the minotaur into the heart of the chaos, calling out along the way. “Vincent! Vincent, I’m coming in, and I’m bringing Iron Will with me!”

With that, the storm lessened a bit, before dying down entirely. Lucy? Lucy, are you okay? I didn’t hurt you, did I?

Abby and Kasai let out matching sighs of relief. It looked like the storm was over, they had jobs to do and hopefully the Abra had tired himself out.

“This isn’t going to be fun,” Kasai mused to her as the pair started forwards.

“No, not it’s not, but hopefully we can find this kid some help,” Abby replied, following Lucy as she approached the Abra.

Just then, they realized that the little Riolu wasn’t entirely on their side. “Vincent, there’s more than one way to get away from them. Why don’t you try that move?”

...You’re right… The Abra looked at the Rangers, an expression of rage on his face still. If I never see you two again, it’ll be too soon. Sam, Bit, Iron, Lucy, form up, let’s try this.

Abby blinked. He was going to teleport. “Stop, we just need to talk with y-”

Sam laid a claw on one shoulder, while Iron Will laid a hand on the other. The Porygon-Z grabbed a hold of the Abra from behind, and Lucy hugged the Abra’s front. And I REALLY don’t want to see or hear from you again. Not now, not EVER. Hell, I’d rather Arceus damn me himself than I end up talking to any authorities from there ever again. Goodbye. TELEPORT!

Arceus blinked and looked at the ceiling, which caused Mew a bit of concern. She hovered in front of her father’s face and waved her tail back and forth. Dad? You okay?

Arceus blinked again and looked at his daughter. Oh, sorry, yes, I’m fine. I just had the strangest sensation of wanting to banish someone to the Shadow Real- I mean, Distortion World…

The five blinked out of existence in a flash of light, leaving the Rangers in the middle of a wrecked casino floor, alone.

“Well... that failed miserably,” Kasai muttered with a sigh as he glanced over at Abby. “Are you alright Abby?”

“Yes, I’m more worried about you,” Abby replied, glancing at a few drops of blood that were trailing down Kasai’s face. Without asking permission, she licked them up and looked at the wound. Thankfully, it was a very shallow cut.

“Thanks,” Kasai said letting out a sigh. “Looks like we’re bringing the whole team out for a change eh?”

“Yeah. You and I aren’t going to be enough,” Abby agreed before closing her eyes for a moment and then glancing around the wrecked casino floor. “And Ace is going to kill us for this.”

Chapter 11

“That... ended badly,” Abby groaned as the pair made their way back towards the Guard Building.

“Yeah... that Vincent kid was impressive,” Kasai agreed with a nod of his head, only causing him to wince.

“Yeah,” Abby said, giving his forehead a lick to get rid of a little more of the blood that had been seeping out of the light headwound. That’s what Abby hated about them, they bled profusely even if they were mercifully shallow.

“Thanks,” he muttered. “I should have just charged him with a crunch the moment he started going off. Would have saved us a lot of trouble.”

“Yeah, and between the two of us, we could have taken down that malfunctioning Porygon Z and the Scyther...” Abby let out a sigh. “Well, you know what they say Kasai; shoulda, coulda, and woulda won’t pay the bills or change the past, best to move on and think of a new way to do things.”

“Right, like bringing Axel and Rill and stomping them into the ground,” Kasai replied darkly. “That kid could have killed everyone in the building.”

“I don’t think it’s his fault exactly,” Abby stated. “After all, he was horribly abused for all of his life, the fact that he’s still capable of acting somewhat normal and with empathy is impressive as hell by itself.”

“Yes, empathy enough to bring down a building,” Kasai repeated himself. “I don’t care how badly abused he was, there’s no excuse for blaming you and I for what happened to him and attempting to kill everyone around him.”

Abby let out a small sigh. “Yeah, you’re right,” she agreed, her golden ears flicking down. “I don’t feel responsible for what happened to him, but I will say, it’s the kind of thing that will not go unpunished once we get our new rangers set up.”

“Abby, it wouldn’t have gone unpunished if we were still on Earth, we just never found Nurem,” the Arcanine stated flatly. “And if we ever did, I would have torn his ass off, literally.”

“And then I’d have arrested him and claimed that he attacked us,” Abby replied with a nod, it was something that they’d done on occasion when particularly despicable criminals tried the old ‘surrender and avoid consequences’ method.

“Exactly,” Kasai said, nodding his head, and then wincing again. “Gah, I haven’t felt like this since the first time that Luke lost control... something about rampaging Psychics always gives me a headache.”

“I wonder why,” Abby said dryly before a slightly more worried look crossed her face. “Are you sure you’re okay?”

“Yeah, just a migraine and a headwound, great things come in pairs,” Kasai replied calmly. “I do wish that chair hadn’t hit me in the shoulder though, that’s going to leave a bruise.”

The Ninetales leaned over and gave his shoulder a lick. “Better?”

A wry smile crossed Kasai’s face. “No, but thanks for trying,” he told her, a soft, loving chuckle rolling out of his throat causing Abby to smile. “What about you; were you hit by anything?”

“No, I got lucky,” Abby answered, shaking her head. “The worse I got was wood splinters in my fur, which are going to be a real pain to clean up, but nothing worse than that.”

“Good,” Kasai replied, he was about to lean against her comfortingly but thought better of it. “So, do you have any plans so far other than ‘get Axel and Rill and smash your way through walls to get to them’?”

“Not yet, but I really don’t think that should be our first plan,” Abby remarked. “This kid is still mentally unstable and actually beating him in a battle of any kind might send him over the edge. I wish we had a Dark Type who could resist his Psychic attacks but that’s not an option to us. If we could find Luke then we could possibly do some one on one talking without worrying about too much, but at the moment, we don’t have that option either.”

Kasai let out a sigh, a jet of fire leaving his mouth and causing several ponies to turn and stare at him, eyes wide with fear and surprise. The Arcanine ignored them and glanced at Abby. “So, we have nothing that can actively resist him. Remind me again what kind of plan you can come up with involves us not just storming the house?”

Abby shot him an irritated glance. “You’re not helping Kasai,” she grumbled.

“Sorry, it’s what I always do when you’re planning, it’s just that normally you can’t hear it,” he said with a small shake of his head. “Sorry, it’s not that I’m being negative about this, it’s just that I don’t really like going around in circles before we apprehend someone.”

“Hey, it worked with Gene and Belle,” Abby pointed out with a small shrug. “Look Kasai, we’ll figure out something alright?”

Kasai grumbled. “That’s hardly the same thing... but fine, I trust you to get us where we’re supposed to do.”

“Thanks Kasai,” the ninetales said with a smile, leaning up to llick his cheek once.

The two continued on in silence for a moment before a surprisingly familiar voice spoke in their minds.

Um... Abby... Kasai, hi... um it’s me, Luke, I just... um wanted to say that... I kind of... heard what happened in the casino and... I’m going to go and see if I can’t... help Vincent, the nervous mental voice of the Gallade spoke through their minds. If... if you don’t mind of course.

Abby and Kasai came to a complete stop and a smile split both of their faces.

Luke! You’re alright! Abby exclaimed, projecting her thoughts along the surface of her mind so that the Gallade could easily pick them up. I was so worried about you!

Yes... I’m alright, Luke replied quietly. And thanks... you shouldn’t have been worried though... I found a nice old mare to stay with... she made me a really warm sweater... but anyways... if you don’t mind I’m going to go and... talk to Vincent.

Abby frowned for a moment and then nodded. Sure, this is kind of your deal anyways Luke. Just be careful alright? He’s a little... off.

Thank you for the concern Abby... but I will be fine, Luke answered softly, and Abby could just see the Galade nervously fiddling with his fingers. You are right, this is... the kind of thing that I’m good at.

Right, well, good luck Luke, do you know where we’re all staying? Abby inquired.

Um yes, I did a search of your memories and I found it... just um make sure that they don’t try and attack me on sight okay? he asked timidly.

Of course we will, Abby answered tenderly. See you later Luke.

Yeah, stay safe out there buddy, Kasai added.

I will... goodbye, Luke said before he cut the link.

“Well... that’s two problems dealt with,” Abby said, a small chuckle leaving her throat. “I’m so glad that Luke’s okay!”

“Yeah, me too, poor guy,” Kasai agreed. “It’s nice that he found someone to take him in temporarily.”

“Yes, yes it is,” Abby said, smiling before she frowned and glanced back at Kasai. “Come on now Kasai, let’s get back to the station and get your head wound looked at.”

Author's Note

Yes, I know it's short, but it's a transition chapter, the next one is over 6000 words

Chapter 12

Luke let out a slight, nervous sigh as, fiddling with his sweater as he approached the apartment building that he’d tracked the teleportation signal to. While he’d done this type of thing before, this time he had to make sure he was at his best. The little Abra needed some help with not only his powers, but his mind as well which was something just as important.

He cleared his mind of distractions and focused completely on what he was doing as he knocked on the door.

The knocking noise from the front door of the apartment gave the Abra and Riolu pause, even as they heard their minotaur host going to the door. With a slight crack, Iron Will looked through the door to the other side to see a bipedal creature, mostly green and white, standing there in front of him. Its arms seemed to end in a pair of giant blades, though there were also fingers there. At the moment, its fingers appeared to be nervously fidgeting with each other, it was wearing a woolen sweater with what looked like Celestia’s cutie-mark. “Yes? Can Iron Will help you?”

Um... yes... I... I don’t have anywhere to stay and... well... I don’t want to sleep on the street sir, the creature ‘said’ submissively in Iron’s mind. I was wondering if I could... possibly stay here for the night? I... I promise I will be gone by morning.

Iron Will looked at the creature and sighed. “Another psychic...very well. So long as you are careful and help out with the translating for the others. Little Vincent is tired right now.”

In answer, the creature clasped its hands together and gave Iron a bow. I will... I will do what I can, sir, he said.

Iron Will opened the door wider then and stood back to let the creature within. “Do you have a name? Iron Will can’t just call you ‘you,’ after all.”

Luke... my name is Luke, the creature answered softly, reminding Iron for all the world of a certain yellow pegasus. Thank you so much for letting me sleep here... Mr. Will. The creature walked into the apartment.

Lucy and Vincent were still on the guest bed, with Bit the Porygon-Z hovering in the corner, still repairing himself under Vincent’s order. Sam the Scyther was sitting at the kitchen table, but perked up when he saw the Gallade enter the apartment. “Ah, another Pokemon, and a psychic to boot. Hmm...I don’t recall seeing any of your line in the lab...you’re not from Nurem’s lab, are you? That’d be horrible.”

“Nurem? No... I don’t think so... I’ve never even heard the... the name before,” Luke said nervously, fidgeting with his fingers again. “I... I’m Luke, hello.”

“Ah, yes, where are my manners?” Sam chuckled a bit. “My name’s Sam. Bit unoriginal, but my...my first trainer was a younger kid, before…” The Scyther trailed off, then shook his head. “Anyways!” Here the Scyther pointed into the guest bedroom. “That’s Lucy the Riolu and Vincent the Abra on the bed there. We three tend to share it, pretty easy with them at that size. Iron Will has his own room...somewhere in here. I...I suppose we can offer you the couch and a blanket.”

“If not... I can sleep on the floor,” Luke answered, still fidgeting, this time his fingers moving to the sweater. “I have slept in worse places by far... a bed is not always better.”

Sam nodded at that, knowing all too well himself. After all, when in a lab, you don’t always wake up or pass out in the best of places… “Right. Oh, nearly forgot. Bit the Porygon-Z’s hanging around here somewhere. Not sure, Vincent said something about having him fix himself and I sorta lost track. Let me find that blanket for you. Do you want anything else while I’m up? A drink, something to eat? Not all of us finished dinner…”

“A glass of water would be nice... if you have anything light, I could have that too though I don’t want to burden you any greater than I... than I have already,” Luke said, looking down as he fidgeted. “So...sorry... I’m naturally nervous...”

The Scyther sighed and directed the Gallade to sit at the table where Vincent’s half-eaten meal laid. “Start in on that, then, and I’ll be back with some water.”

The Gallade did so, using his psychic energy to pick up individual vegetables and eating them slowly one at a time, his control superb. Sam came back and slowly placed a glass of water in front of him, taking extra care to not shatter the glass with his arm-blades. “Got a lot of practice...the both of us, I see. Mine came from the doctors’ testing...and yours seems to be just a part of who you are…”

Luke finished a bite he was on and brought the glass up to his lips and took a sip. “Not quite... but close enough. I suppose something that you’ve been doing since you were a Ralts kind of becomes a part of you...”

The Scyther whistled at that, then cast a quick glance at the guest bedroom, where the two child-like Pokemon had started to nod off. “Hey, don’t suppose you could stick around in the morning? Vincent...wasn’t always an Abra, and all the things that happened to him plus his powers is not a good combination. I can’t teach him control...or how to deal with the things his ‘father’ did to him…”

“I have nowhere else to go at the moment... so I will stay until you grow sick of me,” the Gallade said, a thin smile crossing his lips as his fingers fiddled with the sweater.

Sam smiled and extended one arm towards the latest psychic-type to be housed under the roof. “Well then, welcome to our highly damaged family.”

What could almost be called a smirk crossed Luke’s face and he bowed his head, his energy wrapping around the Bug Type’s extended arm very lightly and giving it a shake. “My thanks.”

Vincent couldn’t sleep. Then again, that’d been a problem ever since they’d left the ‘lab’ of his ‘father’. It was getting easier and easier to not think of those places as his home...or as people he cared about anymore.

Rolling out of bed and walking to the kitchen for a quick drink of water brought him some relief from the brewing headache, but not enough. He paused on his way to the bathroom for another tablet of headache medication. The Abra’s eyes passed over the couch and the form he knew was resting on it. Another psychic, he thought to himself. Maybe...maybe he could help?

The little fox walked up to the couch and moved around to the front, observing the sleeping Gallade for a moment. How would I go about it? Hi, my father was a sociopath who tortured me and other pokemon for fifteen years in the name of science, can you help me cope?

That is... unfortunate to hear, a new, slightly nervous, yet incredibly strong in its ‘presence within his head’ voice spoke out in his mind. But I believe I could help.

“Gah!” Vincent said, falling back in shock, before remembering something vital. “Oh yeah. Psychic. Shoulda known.”

That... and you’re thinking out loud, the Gallade replied.

The Abra rubbed his head while looking at the apparently not-sleeping Gallade on the couch. “Yeah, see, been an Abra for all of three days...well, maybe four, depending on if it’s after midnight or not. Not got a handle on these sorts of powers or the rules regarding them. I’ve mostly been using them to skim information from other minds and form links in my family’s head so Iron Will and the ponies can understand us.”

It’s fine, the Gallade said. I am Luke... and you are Vincent unless I am mistaken. It is nice to meet you.

Vincent smiled at that. “Yeah, well, it’s nice to meet you too Luke.” At that, the little Abra hopped up to a mostly-empty section of the couch, only brushing up against the Gallade with his tail that he wasn’t used to yet. “So...you said something about how you could help me cope? Cause...nearly every memory I have of that man is terrible…”

I believe I can, Luke answered, opening his eyes to look down at the Abra. I spent the first six years of my life as a whore. Or I suppose that the word is ‘sex slave’ now...

The little Abra shuddered at the thought. “Not...entirely unfamiliar with the idea...but Sam didn’t go into great detail, either. Yet, if you think it’s something that’s on par with my memories, I don’t think I want to know. Just…” The little psychic sighed and looked at the floor.

To his surprise, Vincent experienced something quite like the sensation of hands rubbing over his back, sending relaxing signals down his spine. The first step is to relax... you cannot hope to master your powers if you are tense. Let the pains flow out of you... like water down a mountain, escaping from the bowels of the earth.

The little Abra sighed at the sensation. “Oh, that feels goooood…” He sighed and looked up to the Gallade with a smile. “Thanks, I feel a lot better now...I mean, the things I’ve seen are still there, and I still remember them when I look at my family, but...it doesn’t feel as bad anymore, remembering…”

Good, Luke said, a bit of warmth entering his voice as he closed his eyes. Now then... this is going to feel a bit strange... but allow it to happen please. It will not hurt you.

At this, the Abra actually panicked. So many sessions with his father had begun the same way! Then he took a deep breath and calmed himself, slowly. This was not his father. This was not that lab. He was safe here. There wouldn’t be any tests, any injections. “Um. Word that better please, or explain what you’re doing, cause my heart is going a mile a minute here.”

It is easier to show than to tell, just know that I will be here for you as it happens, the Gallade replied and suddenly, Vincent was no longer in the apartment.

In fact, he was someplace that he had no idea how to properly describe. A roaring sound filled his ears and a billion droplets of water crashed down on his head and back, beating away further tension. Before him was a breathtaking mountain valley in the middle of fall, the leaves on the trees casting an orange and red reflection over the whole world. He couldn’t stop himself from saying one word in reflex at the sight. “Beautiful…”

It is, isn’t it? Luke asked from beside him. Vincent turned his head to see that the Gallade was sitting crosslegged beside him beneath the waterfall, the water droplets slamming into him unnoticed. It was one of my favorite places before we were brought here.

Vincent cocked his head at that. “So...this is a memory. Your memory.” At the Gallade’s nod, Vincent continued. “So why did you share it with me? Why...are we here?”

Three reasons really, Luke answered with a small smile, water pouring over him. One, it is a better place to practice your powers and calm yourself than the apartment. Two, it is impossible to build a wall against bad memories unless you have good memories to build on so I thought I would share one of my favorites with you. Three, I love the view, heh.

Vincent nodded at the reasons and looked to the sky. “Can...Could I show you my favorite memory, then? Is this place malleable for me?”

I don’t know, the Gallade said, a small smirk on his face. Perhaps it is, perhaps it isn’t.

Vincent frowned and closed his eyes, thinking of the memory he wanted. To the Gallade’s surprise, the wonderful view was not replaced slowly by walls of white and neon lights, but by a different outside setting. A small grassland with a few clouds in the sky, and a road in the distance. The Abra opened his eyes to see this view and smiled before laying back in the grass and watching the clouds drift by.

Luke joined him. This is a good memory, the Gallade said. What is it from?

Vincent smiled and closed his eyes. “Our first moment here.” Gesturing with one hand, he continued. “Over there is where Lucy woke up, and just in front of me is where Sam was. They were skeptical I was still me, but then I reminded them we were poke-friends forever. PFF’s. Something I came up with in the lab, we would say it to each other constantly, drive the researchers batty trying to figure out what it meant. Heh,” he laughed a bit before sitting up. “This is where my family...figured out it was free. Figured out we finally had hope. Didn’t matter if I was an Abra. We were free.”

What a wonderful tale, Luke said. And a wonderful memory as well. Though perhaps it would be better if you spoke like a true psychic Pokemon. I do not want you to get the wrong idea when I say this, but the other way is inferior.

Vincent held a hand to his head before blinking and pulling it away. “Huh...was about to say I still had a headache, but here, that doesn’t seem to matter, does it?...” At the Gallade’s almost mischievous almost-smile, the Abra pouted a bit. “Oh, like you’ve explained the rules at all.”

The rules are there for you to discover yourself, I’m merely here to keep you from doing something unwise, the Gallade answered, his almost smile still in place.

“Fine…” The Abra closed his eyes then. Testing...testing...is this thing on? I hope so, I only use it all the time…

I can hear you, Luke assured him with a small nod. Now then my young Abra friend. What would you like to do? This is the world of the mind, it is to turn a human phrase ‘your Cloyster’.

The Abra looked about and shuddered. I...I want to be able to deal with my memories from the lab. Not…not all of them, not right now. But the memories of what Sam and Lucy and Bit had to go through. That way I don’t remember whenever I look at them.

Alright, I will be here for you as you go through them, Luke said, placing an invisible hand on Vincent’s shoulder. Now... where will we start? After all, you will never be able to wall off your memories if you do not face them first.

A silver screen appeared before the duo then, and Vincent shuddered. i]Chronologically, I saw Bit’s fate first, even if I hardly saw or interacted with him again. The few times I did, I didn’t realize it was him running the lab’s mainframe. Eventually we reconnected, but not to the degree that Lucy or Sam and I did. I think I was purposefully kept away from him as much as possible…

I see, the Gallade said with a small nod. Now... concentrate on the memories and let them fill this screen.

The memories began to play then, of what had happened to Bit, as told from Vincent’s perspective…

“Did you manage to procure the test subject I requested, assistant?”

Doctor Nurem was glaring at a younger man, who held up a pokeball and nodded. “It wasn’t easy, sir. They recognized me. But I eventually managed to obtain a Porygon.”

“Excellent,” the doctor responded. “Perhaps you aren’t totally useless after all. Strap it down there, and I will begin the experiment.”

A flash of red light, and the Porygon was free for all of two seconds before the assistant began securing the Program Pokemon to a steel table. “What? Where is my trainer? Who are you? What are you doing?!”

Vincent held a hand up to the glass and fought back tears. He’d seen this too many times. He knew that the Pokemon didn’t have too great a chance of surviving what his father had cooked up to do to them on that particular day.

“Loading Dubious Up-Grade. Begin sequence.”

The table under the Porygon flashed once, twice, and then streams of light emitted from it and forced their way into his form. It...it looked like an Evolution, but…

...But there was something wrong about it. Possibly the way the Porygon was screaming the entire time. “No no no no no no no NO! SOMEONE, ANYONE, HELP MEEEEE!”

The memory broke there as the Porygon’s voice became less and less understandable…

Vincent was shaking, shivering slightly at having to recall that day. The experiment had succeeded, naturally, otherwise, Bit wouldn’t be here. But he’d been broken that day, forced into a half-life, where his only real use was to keep the mainframe running better than himself...

He blinked twice as Luke’s power touched him very faintly in the center of his forehead.

And be at peace, the Gallade’s voice spoke in his mind. The pain and terror lessened and faded, until the little psychic fox wasn’t shaking anymore.

That...what was...how did you?...I still sometimes have nightmares of what they’ve been through, and you just...wiped it away… The little Abra was confused, to say the least, as to how someone could be so powerful.

I have hidden it away in your mind Vincent, Luke answered simply. It will not trouble you unless you think of it, but I warn you, it is best to build your own wall upon good memories. My seclusions will only last for so long before they collapse and the memory comes rushing back to you even stronger.

Still, any...any relief from these memories, even a little, will let me function, let me form good memories. So thank you. Vincent looked unsure, but slowly walked over towards the Gallade and sat closer.

You’re very welcome, Luke said with a small smile, this one actually appearing on his face. With practice, I’m sure you will be as strong as me. After all... trauma can forge the strongest swords.

Silence reigned for a moment before the Abra spoke again. Are you doing something similar to yourself, then? Suppressing your own memories of your own life?

Yes, Luke answered with a small nod. Or, mostly. I long ago found some kind of peace with them, but... I would rather not have my evolution to a Kirlia replaying in my head at all times.

A strangled laugh echoed through the area. Yeah...not all experiences that help Pokemon grow and evolve are good ones. Like Bit’s. He’s...still broken. But not as bad. Or if he is, I can’t tell anymore. Porygon-Z’s are erratic, so maybe that helped? At least he’s trying to fix himself now. I’ll be happy if he stops referring to us as Subjects. Does NOT help the suppressing.

Indeed... Luke let out a sigh. Now... I’m sure you have noticed a slight difference between me in here and me ‘out there’, haven’t you?

The Abra tilted his head to the side. You’re...less shy, I think? Less hesitant. You simply know things and act on them here. Is...no, there IS a reason for that...let me think…

Luke simply smiled and closed his eyes as he lay in the grass, letting the little Abra figure things out.

Hmm. In the real world, you’re hesitant, but here, you’re all confidence...There’s a disconnect there. Something about the real world makes you shy and careful, or maybe something about this world fills you with confidence. This is a realm of the mind...so...you are who you want to be here? The little psychic tried to puzzle out the reason and rules, guessing mostly, but hoping he was right.

Correct, Luke said with a nod. That, and have you ever heard the phrase that ‘your mind is a fortress’?

Vincent waved a paw in a ‘so-so’ fashion. I know of it, but dad didn’t have many living psychic test subjects. Well...maybe me. If what Bit says is true, then the Pokemon DNA he was using to alter mine might have been an Abra’s. Would explain quite a bit.

Of course, Luke said, nodding again. You see, to humans, it is merely a figure of speech, but to us psychic types it has a very literal meaning.

The world shifted around Vincent and suddenly he was on a balcony overlooking a great fortress. It was made of large white stone slabs and built atop a mountain. The whole structure was majestic and graceful yet had a hard edge to it. Large walls were raised around it and went on for miles and miles.

This is what your mind should look like by the time you reach your final evolution... it is how you will fight other psychic Pokemon if they try to besiege your mind. A place to flee to if inner conflicts become too great or if bad memories overwhelm you. Build it strong, upon happy memories and it will keep you safe all your life.

Vincent looked at it in awe. By Arceus…

Arceus grumbled to himself. I really wish the mortals would stop invoking my name. Now that I can hear it, it feels like my ears are burning near constantly!

The little Abra looked at the fortress and sighed. I...I have too many bad memories, I think. If I could just get rid of the ones around my adoptive family, the only ones who cared...I might have a foundation. But all the things I’ve seen...they’ll stay with me forever. I...I know it, somehow.

Yes, yes they will, Luke said with a simple nod. And yet, as I said, trauma forges the strongest swords.

Vincent turned to Luke and blinked. You mean...use them? Use them to motivate me?

It’s what I did, Luke said with a nod. It is why my trainer is who she is and why I stay with her.

The little fox smiled. Well, until you got here, but no worries on that front. Once my family and I help Iron Will get enough bits to get on his way, we’ll help you find her. She’s likely a Pokemon as well...at least, if what Arceus said and what happened to me are any guidelines, so it might be a bit difficult. But hey, my family all showed up near one another. Surely your trainer is close.

Oh, do not worry, I know where she is, Luke answered, a ghost of a smirk crossing his lips. The Abra’s eyes narrowed at that, and the area around them turned stormy.

...Then you lied to us. You DID have a place to stay. You came to us on purpose. Why?

Because I sensed a little psychic in pain, the Gallade answered calmly as the stormy clouds disappeared and were replaced by a brilliant sun. A pain that I can at the very least emphasize with.

Vincent blinked again and sighed. Sorry...It’s just...here, let me tell you about Lucy. Maybe then you’ll understand why I’m so...suspicious.

The silver screen appeared again, and the fox recanted his tale. Lucy was a little Riolu that dad’s team brought in one day. We played together when they allowed us to interact, and she told me what they were doing to her, and I told her what they were doing to me. My tales were far less interesting, naturally. The same tests, over and over. I didn’t even realize then that understanding Pokemon was something humans couldn’t do...at least, not without effort. Dad and his team were drilling moves into her, preparing her body for the procedure they had planned. The only one they couldn’t force her to learn was Aura Sphere, but she still learned three others. Dark Pulse, Dragon Pulse...and Earthquake. She was resilient before, but once they put her under the knife…

“Subject thirty-seven, please follow me. Subject thirty-five, please follow my associate.”

Vincent got up and slowly made his way to the first of the two lab assistants. “Where are we going?”

“You’re going to observe another experiment,” the first one said as Lucy was led away. “Your father requested it personally.”

Vincent sighed. He’d grown numb to the idea by now that he might have to watch another Pokemon suffer before dying. He only hoped they died quickly so that he didn’t have to hear their screams in his dreams. “And Lucy?”

“She’ll be fine,” the assistant dismissed. A short walk brought them to the observation room, and Vincent’s blood ran cold.

There, being dragged in, kicking and screaming, was Lucy. “Hey! This isn’t my room, or the training room! What are you doing? Lemme go! Lemme go!”

“Please restrain the subject,” Doctor Nurem’s voice rang out from the intercom. The assistant attempted to comply, but Lucy hit him with a Force Palm, the move she was using until she could learn Aura Sphere. The assistant doubled over in pain, and the Riolu made a run for it.

...Only to be swept up by a mechanical arm and deposited on the table, then rapidly restrained by automatic straps. “Sub-sub-subject restRAINed, doooooctor.”

“Excellent work, subject sixteen.” At this, the doctor entered the room and pulled gloves over his hands. Heading to a tray where his surgical tools were lying, he hummed for a moment. “Begin recording. Experiment number seven zero five, skeletal modification and densification on a prepared Riolu test subject, known at this time as subject thirty-five. I will attempt to alter the species’ famed ‘spike’ features and make the subject more resilient to bone fractures.”

“LUCY!” Vincent pounded on the glass for all he was worth, causing no damage whatsoever. “DAD, NO!”

“Begin the operation.”

“VINCENT!”

The memory broke off there…

Vincent was shaking even heavier than the last time, sweat running down his body and his breath came in gasping heaves.

Be at peace, Luke’s mental voice permeated Vincent’s mind, and when he opened his eyes, he found them once again beneath the waterfall. After a moment to catch his breath, he nodded a few times.

...So. Yeah, that was the last time I trusted a researcher. I questioned them constantly and became suspicious of every time they asked me to change rooms. Lucy survived, clearly, but...we don’t know if the damage will heal when she evolves. If she’ll ever get her marks of adulthood. One thing we do know, she’s damn hardy. The Abra chuckled. Sam accidentally hit her a bit too hard one day, and she just walked off what should have embedded her in a wall. Every cloud, huh?

That is a good way of looking at it, for example, I can hold my breath for nigh on ten minutes thanks to my past, Luke said, nodding his head. As for your friend, I cannot help as far as her evolution goes. My trainer does her best to help all Pokemon she finds, but she is not a scientist.

Vincent shook his head. We’ll just have to find out, but Sam doesn’t know the secret, and I failed to look it up...or it was hidden from me. I mean, we know what Riolu evolve into, but not how or when, so we can’t check ourselves…

If I recall correctly, it must be day time, and they must have a very close friend nearby, Luke answered, frowning slightly. Though I could be wrong. So, are there any more memories you would like controlled for a time? Dawn is approaching us and I would very much like to not have your friends strike me out of fear that I have done something to you.

Vincent sighed as the screen reappeared. Yeah, Sam. He was introduced to us, and took on a big brother role to us both. He knew about the world outside the lab and regaled us with so many stories. Once we heard about them, we told him we wanted to see them ourselves, and he promised us that we would one day. That was the start of us planning to break out of that place, and we drew up so many plans. And then came the day when dad decided to subject Sam to a similar treatment that Lucy had been through, but this time, it was so much worse for me…

“Come along, subject thirty-seven.”

Vincent sighed at that. “Dad, you can call me by name, you know.”

The doctor didn’t even hesitate. “And you can follow instructions put to you by your betters, but you only listen to me for some reason.”

Vincent rolled his eyes but smirked. “So what you’re saying is if I listen to your lackeys, you’ll all call me by name? Cause that didn’t happen before.”

“Bargaining is not permitted, subject thirty-seven,” the doctor decreed, and the two of them walked into his surgery room. Once again, Vincent’s blood ran cold.

He’d been expecting to see a Pokemon being experimented on, yes. That’s what father did. Constantly. What he hadn’t been expecting was to see Sam strapped to that table. Vincent whirled on his father with an expression of shock and anger, but the doctor didn’t notice.

“Beginning experiment seven one five. After the success of modifying another Pokemon’s skeletal structure, see experiment seven zero five, I began looking into modifying bug types. All previous bug types were too small, too soft. This one appears to be large and resilient enough to withstand the procedure.”

The doctor picked up a syringe and a vial of liquid and filled one from the other while continuing to narrate. “However, I wish to see if the full effects of experiment seven zero five can be achieved by a simple solution that I have devised. It would cut down on cleaning surgical tools if it worked.”

And then the doctor did something he’d never done before. He put the syringe in Vincent’s hand. Vincent stared at it, shocked, barely registering the next words that came from his father’s mouth.

“And now, subject thirty-seven...inject the serum.”

Vincent was silent for a moment before he shook his head. "I will not! This is wrong, and if you could hear them, see them as more than just subjects, then you would know that too!”

At that, the doctor came over and grabbed a hold of Vincent’s arm, guiding the hand holding the syringe to Sam. “Hey, hey let me go!”

The doctor didn’t listen and jabbed the Scyther by proxy before also injecting him with Vincent’s hand. “Sam, no, I swear I'm not doing it, I swear it isn't me, it's him!"

“Let the record show that subject thirty-seven injected the serum into subject thirty-six himself.”

Sam weakly turned to look at Vincent and croaked out a single sentence. “I...I don’t...blame you…”

The memory broke off as the Scyther began to shudder and shake…

This time, when Vincent returned he saw something new. Luke was standing before him. His eyes closed, his shoulders rocking slightly, his hands clenched into tight fists. It was the first time that Vincent had seen the Gallade have any expression on his face other than wry amusement or simple acceptance.

...Luke? The Abra was still feeling the effects of the memory, but he wanted to be sure his mentor in the realm of psychic powers was okay as well. He reached a hand out to the Gallade before going for broke and softly hugging him. It’s...it’s okay, Luke. It’s a memory. It’s just a memory. A terrible, terrible memory, but just a memory of mine.

I know. Luke’s voice resounded in Vincent’s head. It was full of unimaginable rage. Vincent. Would it trouble you over much to see your father torn limb from limb?

The Abra chuckled. Well, Sam already said that if we ever meet him here, he’s taking the ‘good doctor’s’ head from his shoulders, so I say, get in line.

The Gallade nodded very slightly and to Vincent’s surprise, a perfect replica of his father appeared in front of them. Then, with deliberate movements, the Gallade swung his sword arm, incredibly powerful, yet remarkably thin, blades of psychic energy lancing out and slashing the man to bloody pieces.

And for the life of him, Vincent couldn’t bring himself to care. And it wasn’t only because this was a place of the mind. It was because he knew it was no less than the man deserved, if they ever met him again.

...If I gain as much control of myself as you do, I swear, I’ll do that once a night. At least.

The Gallade let out a breath and the pile of limbs disappeared. I would not advise it. As much as bad memories are a way to strengthen your walls through motivation... revenge is not a worthy goal to work for. At least, not entirely. He let out another breath. Only when you need to relieve stress or when your anger becomes overwhelming... but as I said, do not make revenge your goal, for those who follow that path oftentimes lose themselves in the process.

The little psychic nodded slowly at that before sitting down and thinking. Hmm…

Slowly, around the Gallade and Abra, two shapes formed. Once they were complete, the Abra smiled. Lucy and Sam were now in his mind, and he had his answer.

Them, then. All of us, together, one family. We’ll live together in this land, we’ll find a way to take back the years he stole. We’ll live a new life here...That’ll be my reason to get stronger, to control myself.

The Gallade smiled. Good. Then he put a hand on Vincent’s shoulder. I have done all I can do for you Vincent and now I must leave. A word of advice though, find a career that does not involve robbing casinos. Else, we may just meet again and we both know who will win between the two of us when Abby is arresting you.

The landscape became turbulent as the Abra looked at the Gallade. So you are-! You and her, working together! I should have-!

Yes, for I have caused you a great deal of harm, Luke said simply. Great misfortune and torture I have rained down upon you, torn your mind asunder and left you to rot as a vegetable.

...The Abra narrowed his eyes even further. I’m not sure I know who you are. But if you know that Ranger, then I tell you this: we have one more stop...and once Iron Will has enough to leave Las Pegasus, so too will my family have enough to live elsewhere. It’s hardly our fault if they haven’t heard of psychics.

True, it was just a thought, Luke said calmly as the world around them returned to Vincent’s grassy field. But think on this while you are robbing casinos, though the Rangers and the world failed you... do you really want this world as your enemy?

The Abra shook his head as behind him, a hallway from his darker memories formed. I will not make this world my foe, unlike him. And maybe, just maybe, when that Ranger can explain why she and her organization never caught him, I will forgive them. I seek enough to live the life I was denied. And I will get it.

I would suggest performances personally, at the moment, Pokemon are oddities and the ponies are very curious about what we can do, surely you could make enough money that way, Luke suggested. As for why they never found you... do you have even an inkling of how big the world was?

MY WORLD WAS SMALL! The lab hallway slammed down around them. I was forced to watch Pokemon suffer and die at the hands of that man for all my life! When it wasn’t me on the table, it was those I barely knew, or those that I DID! He murdered HUNDREDS of living, sentient beings, and treated them like ANIMALS because he COULD! Ghosts of Nurem’s victims whipped past, each one screaming in agony. There had better be some DAMN good reasons why I wasn’t found for so long!

Your world was small, the outside world was immense, larger than you can imagine, Luke said calmly, completely unaffected by the imagery around him or the anger in the words. Your father was smart. For every lead, there was a dozen false ones. Every time we came close, there was a way out, sometimes several. In the end, there was only so much anyone could do to find him, try as we might.

The Abra glared up at the Gallade, a representation of the Twisted Spoon Sam had given him in one hand. And you have the gall to tell me that what I’m doing has to stop? I...will...not. For the sake of my family, I will NOT stop until we can live comfortably. Somewhere without others, where we can help each other with our issues. Try to stop me, and you’ll find all of us formidable opponents.

Luke looked down at him, a faint line of pity in his expression. Very well then Vincent. Despite how this ended, I hope you at least enjoyed our time together and take my advice to heart.

The psychic fox laughed once at that. It was fun up until you showed your allegiance, true. And I’ll take some of your advice to heart, yes. But like I said, I’m not done. Not yet.

As you wish, the Gallade said, nodding his head calmly. Before I go, I would tell you why I follow Abby. It is because it was she who rescued me from my Hell, and she would have done the same to you, opportunity permitting, because she cares and loves all Pokemon.

At that, the Abra looked aside and the hallway melted back into the field. From your time as a...slave, right? At Luke’s nod, the Abra sighed. ...Fine. One clue, one hint. And if she truly cares and CAN stop us, then after, we’ll go with her, on the condition that Iron Will gets the help he needs to escape the city and return to his homeland.

The Gallade smiled very slightly. And that hint is?

Royalty visits this casino, and so will we.

I see, the Gallade said with a small nod. Then he did something that he had not done in all the time that Vincent had known him. He reached down and placed a hand on the Abra’s shoulder. Be at peace.

The world around Vincent vanished.

Chapter 13

Abby blinked awake as a light knocking came from the door. She silently cursed her over sensitive ears and glanced down at Kasai who was quite literally, passed out beneath her. The Ninetales muttered something incomprehensible to do with Kasai’s undersides and Arceus’s face before she rolled off of his soft, luxurious, chest and ended up on the bed and then with another roll ended up on the floor, on her back. Abby let out a soft groan and pulled herself back up to her paws.

Ace had not had very kind words for she and Kasai when they’d returned in the afternoon empty handed, and was even less happy about the fact that the Casino had been trashed in the process. Still, Abby had managed to convince her that she and her team were useful and had asked her for another chance, sighting the fact that she’d sent Luke to investigate further. All that combined, along with the defeat had left her in a rather bad mood when she’d gone to bed and she wasn’t exactly thankful to be waken up at what was probably dawn.

“Gah... what time even is it?” she grumbled to herself. “This had better be good...” she added as she said a bit louder. “Come in.”

The door opened, a blue aura surrounding it and it was pushed open to reveal a long missing Gallade.

Abby... Sorry to wake you from your sleep I-

“Luke!” Abby exclaimed, rushing forwards and leaping up to lick his face. The Gallade froze for a half-second before he brought a hand down to pet her softly across the back of the head.

It is good to see you too... Abby, the Gallade said with a small smile as he bent down, getting on one knee in front of her and lowering Abby to the ground in front of him, giving her a gentle pet. Though... your form is going to take a little... getting used too.

“Yeah, tell me about it,” Abby said, giving his cheek a final lick before she relented, knowing how little he appreciated it outside of the gesture’s meaning. “So, how did it go?” she asked, cocking her head to the side.

“Well enough,” Luke answered, his fingers beginning to finger the sweater. “Vincent will most likely be a bit more... in control of himself from this point onwards and... with any luck after we apprehend him today, we can help him get back on the right path in life.

Abby smiled. “That’s great news! So, where are he and his little team going to show up?”

“The only hint I received was... that they would visit the same casino as royalty would,” Luke said, his free hand moving down to mime gently petting Abby and she felt a small bit of pressure as his powers stroked her head. “I do not know of such a place... but... again... I am not a native of this city. I... I assume that we can find someone who knows.”

“Yeah, it shouldn’t be too hard,” Abby agreed with a firm nod of her head before she frowned. “Do you know what time they’re going to do this?”

“I... I assume that it will be around the same time as they did the others... that seems most likely to me,” Luke said, his ‘fingers’ beginning to scratch at her ear and Abby had to fight down the impulse to start scratching at it as well. “I... I hope I didn’t wake you from too restful of a sleep... but it is dawn outside and if we are to plan this well enough... then I thought we should start early.”

“Agreed,” Abby said with a nod of her head as she pulled away from his ‘fingers’ and glanced back at the sleeping form of Kasai in the room. “Okay, you wait here for a second, I’m going to go wake Kasai up.”

The Ninetails slipped through the door, closing it behind her with her tail as she looked at the sleeping form of her mate. There were of course a variety of ways that she could wake him up and she paused for a moment as she went over them in her head. Then, with a small smirk she crept forward, for the most part an unnecessary precaution, and came up beside his ear.

“Hey Kasai,” she whispered into it. “I just caught us a whole bunch of Magikarp but if you’re not up in the next thirty seconds I’m going to let them go instead of making them into platters of buttered Magika-”

“Magikarp to be buttered?! Where?!” Kasai exclaimed as his eyes snapped open and he leapt off of the bed, eyes wide, tongue already hanging out of his mouth in excitement. It took him possibly three seconds to realize that he’d been tricked and he pouted at Abby who was snickering. “That’s not cool Abby, not cool at all.”

“Oh hush, we’ll find some Magikarp and butter them later, for now, we have things to plan,” Abby said, a pair of her foxy tails brushed across his nose. “Follow me my mate.”

“Always, despite my better judgement,” Kasai replied with a roll of his eyes as they made their way to the door. When he saw Luke standing there nervously, Kasai smiled and walked over to the Gallade, presenting his head. “Hey man, good to see you in the flesh.”

Thank you... it is good to see you as well... Kasai, Luke said, bringing a hand down to mime a pat to the Arcanine’s head once.

“Thanks,” Kasai said, giving the Gallade’s hand a short nuzzle before he turned to Abby. “Where to, Abby?”

“Next door to get Rill and Lex and then one more down to get Axel, after that... we’re going to need to talk to either Ace or Blackwing about this... though I do have a plan forming,” Abby said, a devious smirk on her face. “Hopefully, we’ll keep the building from being destroyed, and more importantly, not get anyone killed in the background.”

The thresome walked a few feet down the hall to another door and Luke knocked on it with his powers. There was a moment of grumbling before Rill opened the door, Lex hanging off of her, clearly asleep, his ribbons wrapped around her shoulders. The Shiny Flygon blinked twice before a smile crossed her face.

“Luke! You are unharmed and whole of mind! Wonderful!” she exclaimed happily. “I would hug you but I know how you feel about such things.”

Thank you Rill... it’s good to hear that you would do that... if I wanted it, Luke said, a small smile touching his face before he glanced down at Lex, the Sylveon was blinking awake.

“Rill? Why am I upside down? Did we do the flying thing? Without me remembering?” he asked sleepily before he blinked a few more times and then glanced around. “Oh, oh, hello Luke.”

Hello to you as well Lex... Luke said, fiddling with his sweater. I see that you’re still rather sleepy... I’m sorry for waking you...

“It’s-” Lex was cut off as a massive, by Sylveon standards anyways, yawn burst from his lips and he shook his head. “-fine.”

“And that leaves Axel,” Abby said with a small chuckle as her party... no... team... no. Family. Yes, her family talked around her.

“I’m up already,” Axel’s voice drifted up the corridor as the Haxorus came walking down it. “I was looking for someone to spar with but none could measure up to me. Hey Luke.”

I hope you didn’t... hurt any of them... Axel, Luke said with a nervous glance at the dragon.

“Nah, they’re fine,” he said, rolling his eyes. “Just a bunch of wimps.”

“Right, that’s everyone, let’s go see about talking to Blackwing or Ace so that we can get this done the way I want to,” Abby said with small smile. “I hope that the Guard has tranquilizer guns.”

“So you want us to come in five minutes into the fighting and try to nail these guys?” the unicorn mare asked Abby as they assembled half a block away from the Crown Jewel Casino where it was believed that Vincent was going to strike.

“Yep,” Abby said with a nod of her head. “From everything that I’ve heard, they shouldn’t really pose my full team that big of a problem but I like to have a back-up plan in case things go south like last time and hopefully, the heat of battle will keep them too distracted to notice you taking up your positions.”

“Aye aye Ma’am,” the unicorn mare said with a salute as she and her six fellow officers prepped their crossbows. “They won’t know what hit them.”

“Good,” Abby said, giving the officer a smile and turning back to her team, all six of them were as ready as they’d ever be for this fight so they might as well get it started. With her in the lead, they started forwards into the Crown Jewel Casino.

The moment they crossed the entryway, Luke stiffened a bit, which caused the rest of the team a bit of concern. “Luke?”

He shook his head and replied to Abby. He knows.

Indeed I do. Pony minds are...well, there are differences between them based on age or tribe or their own beliefs, but at their core, there is the herd instinct. The desire to belong. Pokemon...are something different. You are like fires amidst a grassland.

“I suppose we are,” Abby said with a small shrug, counting on the psychic to pick up on it. “Now, you have two choices as far as this goes, and personally, I’d like you to pick the first one,” Abby continued as she glanced around the Casino and her eyes came to rest on a green form at the blackjack tables. “Option number one: you surrender yourself and I do my absolute best to make you pay the very least you have to to the places that you’ve destroyed as collateral. Option two: my team beats you.”

Oh, really? Did you think I was going to walk off without making things right? I am not him. I will never be him. She could almost feel the anger at that statement, but it vanished as fast as it appeared. I would have paid anyways. A generous enough donation to see them through the trouble I caused. But I am not stopping. We owe Iron Will for taking us in and housing us, and passage back to his homeland isn’t cheap. And then… I would see my family safe. Comfortable. And for that, I would do anything. Damn your rules and your morals. These three mean more to me than such ideals!

“Okay,” Abby said, shrugging her shoulders. “We’ll do it the hard way, but never say I didn’t give you the chance. Luke, take him and the Porygon Z, Kasai, you and I have the Riolu. Lex, you and Rill have the Scyther, and Axel, take the minotaur if he tries to help them.” She snapped the orders out and began to advance on Vincent’s group.

And that was when a light began to shine from near the blackjack tables. A few gasps came from the surrounding ponies, and by the time the two fire-types arrived, they saw that they weren’t going up against a little Riolu anymore. A Lucario with very small, nearly unnoticeable spikes on her hands and chest, was starting to stand up. It caught sight of them, and growled in a familiar voice.

“Where. Were. You. Eight years ago when the doctor put me under the knife, and I feared that I might never get these,” and here she gestured to her chest and displayed her hands, “where were you or ANY of your organization?”

“Taking down various less well hidden bad guys,” Abby said blandly as she and Kasai split apart and began to circle the Lucario. “You can’t blame the Rangers for not finding you, the world is just too big and there weren’t that many of us. I’m sorry for what happened to you but Kasai Fire Fang!”

The Lucario blinked in surprise as Kasai, who had been circling behind her leapt forwards and his burning fangs sank into her shoulder and his weight bore her to the ground. She grunted in surprise, but turned her head to look Kasai in the eye. “Did he tell you nothing? That madman did so much to me...true, this stings. But you don’t compare yet! Force Palm!”

The Lucario brought her right hand up and hit the Arcanine between the eyes. Kasai let out a small yelp and went flying away, landing on his paws, as Abby unleashed a gout of fire on the still downed Lucario, moving in a step and giving her someone other than Kasai to focus on.

Her target struggled to her knees and crossed her arms in front of her face, attempting to take the brunt of the attack with something other than her head. “Grr….This was a simulation...For fire-types...EARTHQUAKE!”

One leg was brought up and slammed back into the ground, sending rumbling throughout the entire building. Abby let out a bark of surprise as her legs gave out beneath her and she fell to the tiled floor. Lucy the Lucario smirked before an incredibly loud Growl surged through her ears and she felt herself stiffen before a mighty weight slammed into her steel hard skin and sent her crashing to the ground face first.

Meanwhile Axel walked over to where he’d seen the Minotaur thing gambling. He was excited! This ‘Iron Will’ guy looked large enough to give him a GREAT fight.

“Hmm,” he heard the minotaur mused as he got closer. “Iron Will does not like the looks of this. Iron Will’s friends are being attacked. Should Iron Will interfere now or later?”

“Depends,” Axel stated loudly and confidently as he approached. “Do you want to fight me now, or later?”

Iron Will looked the reptile up and down, then chuckled. “Iron Will is no spring chicken anymore, and Iron Will was never a dragon-fighter. But Iron Will has a few questions for you, if you are allied with the ones attacking the little ones.”

Axel fought down a pout as he approached. “Oh come on... I was hoping for a good fight,” he grumbled. “Fine, what do you want to know?”

The minotaur looked over at the slots and seemed...very, very sad. “Will you help them?”

“You mean the Abra and his friends?” Axel inquired with a frown. “If yes, then yeah, that’s kind of why we’re taking so much interest in em. We’re Pokemon Rangers, it’s our job to help Pokemon.”

Iron Will nodded and removed his bit-bag from his belt. “Will you give this to them, in thanks for what they’ve given Iron Will? Iron Will has to go, or else his ride home will leave without him.”

This time, the effort was too much as Axel felt his spirits deflating, he actually pouted. “... sure. Go ahead...” he muttered as he stuck a taloned hand out. “Man... I wanted a good fight.”

Iron Will smiled. “Just because Iron Will does not wish to fight you now, does not mean that will always be true. And there are other minotaurs in the world, you know. Iron Will merely seeks to return to old haunts and old homes first. Come find Iron Will when all this blows over.”

Axel grinned. “Awesome!” he enthused as he accepted the bag of bits. “Also, if you’re going home, I recommend going out the back.”

Iron Will looked over at Luke and nodded. “Iron Will figured that much out, but thank you.”

As that was going on, Rill was circling airborne around the Scyther, her Dragon Breath streaming down on him as she evaded each of his attacks from her superior height. “Get down here!” he cried while pointing his scythes at her.

“I do not believe that would be wise of me!” she shouted back as the Scyther felt something fleshy tighten around his ankle and jerk his feet out from underneath him before letting go as another torrent of Dragon Breath rained down on him.

“Grr…” The Scyther’s normally useless wings started to glow. “I suppose I have one thing to thank the damn doctor for! Steel Wing!”

The bug’s back appendages shone with a metallic light as he launched himself at the Sylveon across the way. Turning so that his back was towards the fairy-type, he made sure to draw his wings across Lex’s form.

“AH!” Lex shouted in pain as the steel edged wings cut into his skin, drawing blood.

“LEX! FLAMETHROWER!” Sam’s world suddenly became even hotter as a blazingly strong Flamethrower washed over his back, sending him tumbling to the ground as the heavy weight of the Flygon slammed into him and began to tear at his melting chitin with her strong Dragon Claws.

“Get off me you crazy lady! X-Scissor!” With that, Sam drew his scythes across the dragon atop him, hoping that she’d flinch at least.

Unfortunately, it had the opposite effect and Rill’s eyes narrowed as the scythes glanced off of her scales. Then, the dragon drew her head back. “FLAMETHROWER!” she shouted before she bent her head down right in Sam’s face.

“Oh crap. Agility, don’t fail me now!” Sam squirmed for his life, trying his hardest to get out from under the enraged dragoness atop him, feeling the power of the move fill him and hoping it was enough.

Thankfully, the fire move missed, barely, and Sam’s cheek felt as if it had been stuck in a blast furnace as the shiny Flygon’s claws closed around his neck and forced him into the ground. “Stay down or I will kill and eat you,” she growled dangerously.

The Scyther glared back up at her. “And how are you any better than Nurem? Oh wait, at least you’re telling me what you’re going to do! I suppose you have that on that sociopath! Arceus, why did I ever WANT to go to the authorities if they were going to treat his victims like this?”

The Flygon’s weight lifted from him but it was replaced a second later by four fleshy ribbons which then brought him up to float in front of the Sylveon.

“In her defense. You did hurt her mate, that’s me by the way,” Lex said casually. “She’s a little overprotective of me, like anyone would be.”

The Scyther grumbled. “Great. Six years after the damn doctor catches me, you lot find me. Why couldn’t you do it sooner? Vincent was traumatized, you know. I was a brother to him, and that’s nothing compared to what my original trainer had to have gone through when he found me missing!”

Rill frowned at him and cocked her head to the side and let out a small sigh. “I apologize for my anger... you did hurt him. As for your reasoning... I am a fairly literal Pokemon, I know this, but you cannot blame us for not finding you. To do so is flawed logic, after all, the world we were on was huge and there were many, many places to hide compared to how many Rangers there were. What happened was awful, but no one other than Nurem was responsible for it.”

Sam sighed at that. “There’s more than enough blame to go around...but yes. I don’t suppose it was your fault if you were truly trying. Just...go easy on the boy? He was there the longest out of all of us…”

“We don’t have much control over that but considering that Luke is the one doing the incapacitating, you shouldn’t have much to worry about,” Lex stated before he glanced over to where Abby and Kasai had the Lucario pinned. “Speaking of which... where is Luke?”

Luke made his way slowly down the casino floor between the slot machines, one mind his goal.

You know that there’s no point to any of this, correct? he mentally asked Vincent. You’re only making your friends suffer.

It’d take a lot to make them really suffer. Sam’s chitin is thick...which is why he can’t actually fly. Lucy’s bones are dense and she just evolved, hopefully gaining her spikes. I don’t actually know, you see. Once I told them you were here, they all did the same thing. They broke the links of their own accord.

Luke let out a small sigh and closed his eyes, fingers gently fiddling with his sweater. Of course. They’re your friends. But if you had simply surrendered then none of them would have to be beaten.

While he was a monster, I have no doubt father drilled moves into them that would give them at least some chance. A soft sound came from in front of Luke, to his right. And besides, if you’re going after Lucy and Sam, then you’re missing the real target.

No. I know who the real target is, the Gallade said softly. Though I will once again offer you the chance to surrender yourself and Bit so that I will not be forced to harm you, Vincent.

Harm? You want to take me in so I’m not harmed? A...a bit late for that, remember? I’m already harmed, already broken. But I do thank you, Luke. I can at least hold myself together now. Those things happened, they aren’t happening. They are what was, not what is. I’ve begun my own path, but my first step is simple. My family and I, we’re taking enough to start a life, and we’re not letting anything stop us.

From a machine to Luke’s left, a few sparks flew from its front. Luke stood there, unaffected by the sparks behind a golden Light Screen. Fortunately, it wasn’t an actual attack, but rather a symptom of the machine having been worked over by Bit.

Bit, please don’t make me harm you, Luke said quietly.

“A-a-apologies. Did not mean to attack. Was working on an interesting d-d-dilemma. Needed more machines in good condition. Sadly, t-t-testing leaves them inoperable, volatile. Unclear why this happens.”

The form of the Porygon-Z rose from another machine, which started to spark as well, and Bit turned to look at the Gallade.

That is unfortunate, Luke said, bowing his head slightly as he fidgeted with his sweater. But still, do not make me hurt you. I would not like to.

The Porygon-Z looked at the Gallade and sighed. “D-d-do not attack Vincent, and I will not defend him. Now, if you’ll p-p-pardon me, I must determine where the bits from these machines are g-g-going and coming from, if not the main collection point.” At this, the Porygon-Z turned to the next machine down the line. “My best guess at this p-p-point is that they are being used to launder the money. I saw something similar at the last casino, but did not have t-t-time to figure it out. I hate not knowing t-t-things.”

I understand the feeling, Luke said as he continued to walk along towards Vincent’s mind, his eyes glancing back and forth between the Porygon-Z and the area ahead of him. When I was first freed by Abby, I experienced something similar... anything that did not involve male genitilia and my face or rear was a blessing.

At the same time, Luke felt the Porygon-Z and Vincent revulsion before Vincent spoke up again. That wasn’t something I needed to know!

“A-a-agreed…”

That’s understandable, Luke continued. It was worse when I evolved into a Kirlia, there were three of them. All heaving and grunting, my poor little body in their grip, hating myself with every thrust.

The sense of revulsion was stronger from behind him now, and he heard the little Abra give a dry heave at the thoughts. Must clean mind...must clean mind… Wait… wait wait wait. You’re doing this on purpose! Another soft sound was heard, and the sense vanished from behind him.

You’re trying to find me, so you’re thinking these things to provoke a reaction! Try it again, and two will be able to play at that game. You think Sam’s the only thing in my memory vaults that you could end up reacting to?

Try if you’d like, Luke replied. There was a long, long moment of silence but Luke received nothing except the feeling of something trying its best to enter his mind. Fortress.

A soft growl was heard. Fine. I’ll recount them, then. A tale for yours. Did I tell you about the time father cut -

And receiving off, Luke said simply, cutting the Abra off mid sentence. Bit looked his way in wry amusement.

“A good choice, all things c-c-considered. The experiments are a part of my memory, and I know which one he would have gone w-w-with. Even I’m repulsed by it.”

I had assumed as such, Luke said, his fingers lightly gripping the sun on the middle of his sweater. So, Bit, have you been enjoying your newfound freedoms?

“It was...different, not being a part of the m-m-mainframe. But even when I arrived, I was still d-d-damaged. It is only thanks to V-V-Vincent that I am whole again. He exploited some of my p-p-protocols and told me to repair myself. For the first time in years, I can say t-t-that I am me once more.”

That’s wonderful to hear, Bit, Luke commented, hesitating for a moment before he placed a psychic hand on the Porygon-Z’s back and gave a singular stroke. Being whole is a very important part of oneself. Though I have to ask, if you don’t mind me doing so... is your stutter on purpose, or are you still partially damaged?

The program turned to look at the Gallade with one eye. “H-h-half dozen of one, six of the other. A Porygon-Z is expected to and tends to develop at least one er-er-erratic trait. I decided to keep the stutter because t-t-they were all used to it, and it freed me up to repair all the important s-s-systems.”

Ah, good, I was worried that you were still suffering, Luke said softly, which prompted a shake from the Porygon.

“I am. I always am. Those ex-ex-experiments are a part of my memory. I can tune it out a b-b-bit, but they’re in there. I can hear them s-s-screaming, feel myself restraining them. I s-s-suffer constantly.”

And not only him. I’m subject thirty seven, and there are three others here. That means that there are thirty-three living test subjects in this world who ALSO suffered, Luke.

Yes. I had anticipated that, Luke said, turning to his right to stare right at the Abra from his hiding space. However I fail to see what there is to be gained from a Focus Blast.

The Gallade’s right hand extended and a blast of fighting energy struck the Porygon-Z in the chest and sent it tumbling to the ground. “Ow. Ow ow ow.” It slowly rose up and sighed before looking at the Gallade again. “You’re really doing t-t-this? Fine. T-T-Tri-Attack!”

The colored spheres spun into existence and rushed at Luke.

Protect, Luke said calmly, absorbing the spheres. Focus Blast. The second blast hit the Porygon-Z again and this time it went down harder.

“F-F-Fine. I know when I am beaten. But if you think I will let you at V-V-Vincent that easily, all I can say is Ice Beam.”

The ice rushed out from around the Porygon-Z and impacted not the Gallade, but the floor, turning it into a skating rink. Luke’s feet scrambled for a moment before a blue light covered his body and he levitated off of the ground.

A good effort, I apologize for the necessity of my attacks against you Bit, the Gallade said, giving the Porygon-Z a half-bow before he turned to Vincent who was now to the left.

Bit! No...no. Must be calm. Must be...calm. The little Abra took his hat off and reached in with one hand, and Luke felt the increase in the Abra’s ‘presence’. My mind is a fortress, my heart, its weapon. And with that, the Twisted Spoon was withdrawn.

*Thbt, Thbt*

A pair of darts hit the Abra, one in either shoulder and Luke hovered walked calmly towards him. Please put the Spoon down Vincent.

The Abra’s eyes were wide as his left hand went to his shoulders and felt the darts. Tranq...uilizer? No...No no no...no, we weren’t done. We weren’t done!

Luke floated forwards and plucked the rapidly fading Abra out of the air, taking ahold of the Twisted Spoon before he glanced at Bit who was starting to move again. Peace, Bit, we are done here.

“Y-Y-You are, but I still do not understand these machines. I must know where the b-b-bits go and come from… but not like this.” he said, while rubbing at his chest with one of his arms.

I’m sure you can find out later, I would suggest asking permission beforehand though so that none of my Team is called to investigate, the Galade suggested as he lowered himself out of the air on the far side of the ice path.

“That would defeat the p-p-purpose,” the program said as he floated towards the psychics. “If they are w-w-warned, then the testing parameters are affected. An honest result becomes impossible t-t-to obtain.”

Then it may become one of life’s mysteries, the Gallade said softly with a hint of a smile. Now come, we should leave before Vincent regains consciousness. I do not anticipate him being pleased by the way he was shut down today.

“Affirmative,” the Porygon-Z nodded. “Especially considering his p-p-past. Also, I despise mysteries and s-s-surprises.”

Elsewhere across Equestria, a pink party pony turned rapidly in one direction and glared.

Abby smiled, it wasn’t often that a plan went off without much of a hitch, even the best of them, but she could happily say that this one had, for the most part, been flawless. One surrendered Scyther, one subdued Lucario, one amicable Porygon-Z and finally, a single sleeping Abra were now in an appropriately strengthened cell, this one intended for Unicorns with vast magic power.

The Ninetales leaned against Kasai and gave him a lick on the cheek. “Job well done eh Kasai?”

“Oh, I agree,” Kasai replied, nodding his head and giving her a lick of his own. “And with Luke in the cell with them, Vincent shouldn’t be too much of a danger when he wakes up.”

“Yep... and now it’s time to work on some other cases, I’m sure that there are some,” Abby said, glancing at the Arcanine. “Want to help me pick one out?”

“Sure,” Kasai said, a grin on his face. “Let’s go find something a little more straightforward.”

Author's Note

Ed2481: And so ends this Crossover, for the most part anyways. Luke is probably going to be a reappearing character in New Mind to help Vincent cope with his new powers for a while, but Abby’s moving on to something new. Also, for the person who raised a good point in the last chapter, I'm going to be shifting the POV back into more pony-cenetric area. I didn't really expect the Crossover to start and when it did it kind of blew over the ponies, so, my bad as far as that goes.

Thadius: Well, a new mentor was something I hadn’t expected. Them losing, sure. We all knew that was gonna happen. Now all we have to do is see the charges...

Chapter 14

“I forgot how much I hated this part of the job,” Abby grumbled as she stared down at the paperwork in front of her. “How am I even supposed to do this? I don’t have hands!”

“Search me,” Kasai replied with a small frown. “I think I’ve seen some of the Earth Ponies writing with their mouths, you could try that,” he said with a frown. “Or maybe one of your tails would work.”

Abby frowned and one of her long tails wrapped around a blue pen and she closed her eyes as she tried to bring it up to hover over the paper. It hesitated there for a moment and then she slowly brought it down towards the post-crime report and with the utmost care, signed her name at the top of it.

The signature wasn’t her usual flowing work, but the words ‘Abby Trombley’ were written across the top line of the casework and she was satisfied. She was about to dive deeper into the stack when the door was pushed open and Ace walked in, an unknown unicorn stallion walking beside her.

He had a straight, light blue mane and a slightly grey coat along with a pair of brown eyes. The stallion had obviously been on the force for a long time if the way he gave her and Kasai a quick once over with his eyes was indicative of anything. Despite his apparent age, he was well muscled and looked to be quite the bruiser.

“Abby, Kasai, meet Sgt. Tenderhoof,” Ace said, drawing their attention away from the new stallion for a moment.

“Hello there,” Tenderhoof said, a light smile in his eyes. “And no, I’m not related to the celebrity and just because I’m a ‘tenderhoof’ doesn’t mean that I’m inexperienced.”

“Hi, I’m Abby and this is Kasai, my partner,” Abby said, getting up from her chair and padding over to him, Kasai at her side.

“Hello,” Kasai said, giving the stallion a small nod as he examined him, his nose flaring slightly as he took in the smell of the stallion and memorized it.

“Good, now that that’s out of the way I might as well tell you why Tenderhoof is here,” Ace declared with a small nod at their introductions. “He’s going to be your new partner.”

Abby blinked twice. “By which you mean Kasai and I’s partner right? You’re not going to split either of us up.” The second part came out as more of a threat than she’d intended as one of her tails wrapped around Kasai’s.

“Yes, that’s what I meant,” Ace said, closing her eyes for a moment before moving on. “Anyways, let me put it this way Abby, the only reason that you’re here at the moment is because one, Sven slammed through our wall and left us with a problem that I couldn’t deal with and then this problem with Vincent which I also couldn’t deal with properly given the short amount of time that I’ve had to adjust. Now that things have stopped being quite so hectic I’ve decided that you need a little bit of training.”

“Do we really?” Kasai asked, raising an eyebrow as he looked down at the mare. “We’ve been Rangers since Abby was fifteen.”

“Yes really,” Ace said blandly. “Sure, you’ve been Rangers, but that’s not the same thing as going through proper Guard Training. Tartarus, it takes most cadets months to get to the point that they’re actually going out on patrols and you’ve been doing a lot more than that. So, here are my orders for the both of you, along with the rest of your ‘Team’. You’re going to go on patrol with Tenderhoof every night and during the day, you’re going to study up on our laws. If you can learn all that you need to know to pass the final Guard Examination, then you’ll become an official member of the Las Pegasus guard.”

Abby blinked twice as she absorbed all of that. She frowned for a moment and glanced at Kasai who shrugged his shoulders.

“Can’t be any worse than the Ranger Test, and I doubt there will be a dozen guilt inducing questions about Pokephilia,” Kasai declared.

“None actually, though there are several about both Necro and Pedophilia,” Tenderhoof interjected. “Hopefully neither of those will make you feel guilty.”

“No, not in the least,” Abby said, shivering slightly beneath her coat at the thought. “As for everything else... yeah, it all sounds reasonable. I mean, I don’t really know the first thing about your laws yet so... yeah.”

“So far you’ve managed to avoid making any serious lapses... except for on your first day,” Ace said with a small shrug. “But that was a crazy day everywhere apparently. I’ve gotten reports of giant metal eating Pokemon in Trottingham and demon dog like Pokemon in Canterlot.”

Abby nodded her head. “Yeah... don’t worry, if I actually do something illegal let me know... and sorry in advance.”

Ace snorted slightly but Tenderhoof simply shrugged. “I’ve trained a few griffons and zebras who came from places where the only real law was ‘don’t steal from those bigger then you’ before so I’m kind of used to giving instructions about that sort of thing,” the Sgt. said with a small shrug. “Don’t worry too much, kids, I’ll make sure you learn things the right way about how we do things here.”

“Right... so with how late it is in the day I take it that we’re going out for a patrol?” Abby asked, cocking her head to the side.

“Yep, you’ve already got your badges and if what I’ve heard about the pair of you is true, that’s all you’ll need,” Tenderhoof answered with a nod before glancing at Captain Ace. “Captain,” he said before turning on his heel and walking for the door.

Ace smiled faintly and then glanced at Abby and Kasai. “Go on,” she said, stepping out of the way and allowing them to pass. The pair of canines quickly caught up to the stallion as he walked down the hallway.

“So, how long are your patrols usually?” Abby asked Tenderhoof.

“Usually around an hour or so,” Tenderhoof answered, not at all intimidated to have them beside him. “I usually sort out a few drunken squabbles, possibly stop a mugging, and every once in a while help a lost foal get home. Lately though, I’ve mostly been dealing with lost Pokemon, the ones who still haven’t found their families or ‘trainers’.”

“Ah,” Abby said, nodding her head. “And what have you done to help them?”

“Done my best to point them in the right direction and make sure that they know not to harm anypony while they’re searching,” Tenderhoof said with a small shrug. “Other than that, we shouldn’t run into anything too odd.”

“Which means that tonight is the night that all kinds of weird stuff is going to happen,” Kasai snarked.

“Now that I’ve said that, yeah, most likely,” Tenderhoof agreed, chuckling lightly. “Oh well, I do my best ‘on the job training’ when weird things happen.”

Abby grinned. “Well then, let’s go out there and take on the weird!”

“This isn’t quite as weird as I was expecting,” Abby said as the three walked down the colorful streets of Las Pegasus. “I mean, I guess that one loud mare with the blue hat was weird, but she was just REALLY drunk so I don’t know if that counts.”

“No, it doesn’t here in Las Pegasus,” Tenderhoof stated with a small chuckle. “But like I said, usually things aren’t too bad around here. I don’t patrol the bad neighborhoods usually, not the best kind of thing for a rookie to start out with you know?”

“Makes sense,” Abby said.

Suddenly, Kasai stiffened, his fur sticking up slightly and his eyes narrowing as a low snarl left his throat. “Trouble, follow me.”

Before either Abby or Tenderhoof had time to react, he shot off like a golden bullet, dodging or sometimes jumping over the ponies in his way. The pair exchanged a look.

“He only does that when someone is in danger,” Abby said quickly before taking off after the dog. Tenderhoof frowned but set off at a trot after them.

What he discovered when he arrived was a terrified, and apparently rich if their clothing was anything to go by, griffin family staring at Kasai. Or more particularly, a stallion who seemed to have wet himself, who was at the moment beneath Kasai’s jaws, a large knife on the ground beside him.The downed stallion was shaking so hard that it was all Kasai could do not to draw blood as the family stared at the sight, their eyes wide with terror.

Abby was glaring down at the stallion hotly, small flames licking around her lips but she smothered them as Tenderhoof arrived. “Looks like we have ourselves a mugger.”

Tenderhoof blinked twice before he said. “Take your jaws off of him so that I can cuff him,” he instructed Kasai. The Arcanine hesitated for a moment and then let out a low growl directly into the stallion’s ear causing him to let out a terrified whimper.

Kasai released the stallion and Tenderhoof’s horn glowed, surrounding the stallion in a brown aura as a pair of hoof-cuffs floated off of the stallion’s waist and wrapped themselves securely around the unicorn’s hooves. At the same time, a small ring also floated up and on top of his horn and slid all the way down it.

The downed stallion squirmed for a moment before he stilled and Abby turned her eyes to the still confused and terrified family.

“It’s alright folks, everything is fine,” Abby said, her best ‘I’m friendly’ smile on her face, whether or not the red eyes actually helped was debatable. “You’re safe.”

“I... he was going to kill us!” the female griffin finally managed to gasp out.

“Th-thank you,” her husband managed to mutter, looking down at the random mugger.

“That was AWESOME!” Abby blinked twice and looked behind the two griffins to see a little griffin standing there, half hugging the female’s leg. “Oh my gosh it was just like in Dashing Blade!”

Abby blinked twice and Kasai answered, a happy, doggy grin on his face. “It was pretty awesome wasn’t it?” he asked the child.

“Yeah it was!” the griffin exclaimed with a huge grin on his face.

The parents exchanged a glance and began to relax faintly.

“How did you know that this was happening?” Tenderhoof asked as he finished securing the downed stallion.

“I can smell fear,” Kasai answered with a gin. “And these folks were terrified.”

Tenderhoof blinked twice and then shrugged and walked over to the family. “I’m going to need yours names, addresses, and I’d like to ask you to come down to the station at some point so that we can get your statements.”

“Of course... of course,” the male said with a nod of his head. “I’m Thomas Claw, this is my wife Martha and our adopted son Bruce.”

“Claw?” Tenderhoof asked with a frown. “Aren’t you the rich doctor?”

“Yes, that’s me,” Doctor Claw said with a nod of his head. Then he flared out his wings and gave Kasai a bow. “And before I forget, thank you ever so much Mr. Dog, I’ll make sure that you’re properly reimbursed for this.”

“Heheh, it was nothing, just doing my job, you don’t need to reward me,” Kasai said, plopping his rear on the ground, his tail wagging happily, belaying his words.

“Erhm,” Tenderhoof said, clearing his throat. “I’m sure that if you wanted to make a donation to the station Doctor Claw, you’d end up paying for a raise or two.”

The griffin blinked twice and then nodded. “Right, of course,” he said before glancing at Kasai again. “And what did you say your name was?”

“Kasai,” Kasai answered with a smile. “Kasai the Arcanine.”

“Well then Kasai, you have my heartfelt thanks,” Doctor Claw said before glancing at his wife and son. “I think it would probably be best if we flew home from here, good evening.” With that said, the trio took to the air and flew away.

“So, does that count as weird?” Abby asked, glancing over at Tenderhoof.

“Kind of,” Tenderhoof said with a frown. “Though it doesn’t come anywhere near my top twenty.”

“Mine either,” Abby agreed, chuckling lightly. “That was probably the Ditto who wanted to become a woman... let’s just say that she left a string of really confused men in her wake.”

Tenderhoof blinked twice. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“You don’t want to, trust me,” Kasai muttered, looking down. “So sticky...”

“Your own fault entirely,” Abby stated firmly. “That was one of those Pokephilia cases that I didn’t mind taking.”

“Well, now you’ve got me curious,” Tenderhoof said, raising an eyebrow at Abby. “What’s a Ditto?”

“It’s a Pokemon that can change shape into anything,” Abby answered. “They’re usually used by beginning breeders when they can’t find a female of the species they’re trying to breed because they can breed with anything... though they’re usually not perfect with the looks.”

“... okay... kind of sounds like Changelings,” Tenderhoof said after a moment. “At least, the shape changing part.”

“In reality, they’re little pink blobs of what’s basically anthropomorphic jelly,” Abby continued. “Anyways, one REALLY wanted to be a human woman so it worked very hard to get its shape changing right but it could never hold it for an entire day... so it went on dates with men and then in the morning they woke up to find a Ditto sleeping beside them. Most were understandably... freaked out. That’s where Kasai and I came into things.”

“It was supposed to be an easy case,” Kasai added with a shake of his head. “Abby left me behind in the hotel as she went looking for evidence and then she showed up later empty handed but in the mood and...”

“Still completely your fault for not using your nose,” Abby grumbled, slapping his rear lightly with one of her tails.

“Hey, she smelled exactly like you,” Kasai said with a roll of his eyes. “Exactly like you when you’re really in the mood. What was I supposed to do? Ask if you were secretly a shape shifting Ditto?”

“Heheh, I think I know where this is going,” Tenderhoof commented with a chuckle. “She walk in on the two of ya?”

“Yeah,” Kasai said blandly. “And she turned back into jelly out of shock... let’s just say that it felt very weird.”

“On the bright side, ‘she’ wasn’t able to run away,” Abby said with a small chuckle. Then she glanced over at the stallion on the ground. “Also, what do we do with him?”

“Carry him back to the station,” Tenderhoof answered as his brown aura wrapped around the stallion. “We should probably be getting back anyways. Our patrol is pretty much over.”

“Yeah, also, I’d offer to take him but... he kind of smells awful and I don’t really want to have that on my back,” Kasai said with a grunt.

“Yeah, that’s why I’m carrying him like this,” Tenderhoof said before chuckling. “You two did good work tonight.”

“Thanks,” Abby said, a smile on her face as the trio began to walk out of the alleyway. “Same time tomorrow?”

“Yep, we’ll see if we can’t find ourselves something a bit weirder,” Tenderhoof said with a nod.

“Yes, because that’s what Abby and I like, weird,” Kasai snarked as he leaned down and gave Abby’s cheek a lick.

“So long as I get to be with you, I don’t really care how weird things get,” she replied as she leaned against him.

Meanwhile, Tenderhoof looked over his shoulder at the pair. “What a pair of smoozy hounds,” he murmured to himself, a small, amused smile on his lips. “Wonder how long until they have puppies.”

Chapter 15

Abby plopped down on the bed beside Kasai, a sigh of exhaustion leaving her chest. It had been a long time since she’d worked a night shift of any kind and at the moment all she really wanted was to sleep. That is, until Kasai snuggled up beside her. At that very moment... something inside of Abby started to warm up.

“Hmmm, that was a fun night,” Kasai said with a small chuckle. “Stopped a criminal, helped a few drunks, all in all, not too bad.”

“Yeah...” Abby trailed off, her mouth had gone dry for some reason and her tails wrapped around his lower body. “Kasai... um... I really want you right now.”

Kasai blinked. Something about Abby’s voice seemed a little... off to him. It was a bit... deeper and more husky.

“Abby, are you feeling okay?” Kasai asked, his eyes narrowing slightly.

“Yes... yes I’m feeling very good,” Abby said, her tails skittering over him. “Very good.”

Kasai’s eyebrows rose and a low throaty noise rumbled out of his throat. “Abby, what are you doing with your tails?”

“I don’t really know... but it feels right to me,” Abby answered before she glanced over at him, a fire in her eyes, her mouth still dry. “I need you within me right. Now.”

Kasai’s right eyebrow rose. “You sure?”

“Ohhh yes, yes I am,” Abby said with a seductive grin. “Now... shall we? Or are we going to spend the rest of the night talking?”

Kasai blinked and then shrugged. “Of course, My Lady.”

The next morning, Abby woke up with a smile on her muzzle, her head leaning against Kasai’s chin. She felt... refreshed. The night before, it had felt as if there had been a raging inferno inside of her gut, or rather, a bit lower down. The Ninetales thought for a moment, looking for an answer to what that fire had been but couldn’t figure it out. Instead, she just let out a blissful sigh and nuzzled closer into Kasai’s body. Kasai’s right eye blinked open and he bent down to lick her face gently.

“Good morning,” he murmured.

“Morning,” Abby murmured back, snuggling closer into his chest.

Kasai smiled and gave her face another lick. “Tired?”

“Very,” Abby answered, a small smile on her lips. “Last night was... intense.”

“Mhm... heated,” Kasai said, a light chuckle leaving his lips. Then he blinked twice. “Abby...”

“Yes?” Abby inquired, blinking twice.

Kasai was about to answer when the door opened and a certain shiny Flygon walked in. “Abby, Kasai, I must ask, are you trying to have a litter of puppies? You seem to be mating incessantly and I cannot see any other outcome,” Rill stated matter of factly. “Lex and I heard you through the walls last night.”

Abby stared at Rill, her jaw hanging loose. “...”

Rill stared at her, expression unchanged.

“...” Abby’s mouth moved but no sound came out.

Rill continued to look at her, head cocking slightly to the side. “Is she okay? Did I shatter her mind?”

“...”

“I can’t see how, it is not as though I used a Psychic move on her.”

Kasai looked down at his mate with a worried expression and nudged her with his muzzle. “Abby? Are you okay?”

“...” Abby looked up at him, her eyes widening and she mumbled something, only the last of which Kasai heard. “...heat.”

“What?” Kasai inquired.

“I...I... I was in heat!” Abby exclaimed. “OhmyArceusIcouldbepregnant!”

“Well yes, that is generally what happens when one mates, is it not?” Rill asked, a small frown on her face. “While it does not happen for Lex and I, I assume you knew it would happen to you.”

“I COULD BE PREGNANT!” Abby shouted, leaping to her paws, her nine tails spreading out around her. “What am I going to do?!”

“Bear children and raise them, I would think,” Rill said matter-of-factly, frowning faintly. “Unless of course you plan to give the eggs away.”

Kasai shot Rill an annoyed glance. “Rill, would you please leave and shut the door behind you? I know that you’re trying to help, but you’re really not.”

Rill frowned but nodded. “Okay, please recover quickly Abby. We will have need of you soon.” The Flygon gave her a smile and then shut the door leaving the pair alone in the room.

Beside him, Abby had begun to shiver violently. Kasai shook his head and nestled himself against her, his head nuzzling her gentle. “Hey, there’s nothing to be worried about Abby... what did you expect after all the mating we did now?”

“...forgot that it could happen,” Abby said with a small shiver. “... I...I...I’m not ready to be a mother!”

The Arcanine frowned a bit. “To be honest... I forgot too... but I do think you’re ready to be a mother. You’ll be a great one, matter of fact!” he assured her.

“I...I...I don’t know,” Abby stuttered, nuzzling into his warm, smokey fur for comfort. “What... what are we going to do? We’re trying to get a new branch of the Rangers going and I’ll be having an egg in a month and a puppy a month after that!”

“Well....” Kasai’s tail tapped beside him as he thought. “I actually really don’t know... planning things out is mostly your job, or your mother’s, but we haven’t found her yet. If she’s here at all that is.”

At the mention of her mother, Abby blinked. “Right... maybe if I can find mom then she can help more with this kind of thing...” Abby let out a small sigh as she thought of her foster mother. “And we need to find Justice too...”

“Yeah... I wonder where he could’ve ended up,” Kasai pondered with a frown.

Several miles away, a large, shiny Braviary eyed a lone female Roc who circled lazily over the planes, his beak lifted up in a smile. That looked like a real challenge for his flight skills.

Abby just shook her head. “Yes... I’m sure he’s fine, he’s larger than the average Bravairy, which is saying something, and knows how to fight...” the Ninetales trailed off and looked at Kasai. “I... I wish I’d been smarter about this Kasai... I’m not ‘upset’ to be carrying your egg... just...”

“Just unprepared... yeah,” Kasai finished with a small nod of his head. “Well, I guess we just have to put the term ‘adapt to the unexpect’ to the test huh?”

Abby nodded her head slightly. That was one of the main tenants the Rangers lived by. Then she let out a long sigh. “Right... and we don’t really know if I’m pregnant... just because you rutted me while I was in heat doesn’t mean that it’s a definite, right?”

“I really wouldn’t know,” Kasai answered. “I’m not a Pokemon Breeder, nor know much about the reproductive system on a Ninetails.”

The Ninetales blinked and then nodded. “Right... right...” she let out a sigh and burrowed into him. “Thanks for... everything you’ve done Kasai.”

He rubbed his head lightly against hers. “You’re welcome Abby, it’s the least I could do.” He took in a deep breath and let it out, his chest rising and falling against her. “Still... maybe we should try find your mother... we might need her help if you are pregnant.”

“Yeah...” Abby nodded and let out a sigh as she leaned against him. “Gotta find Scarlet... but first... I think I need a nap. This little... episode... tired me out.”

“Okay, I’ll stay here to keep you warm then,” the Arcanine said with a light chuckle as he nuzzle her gently. “Have sweet dreams, my Lady.”

Abby leaned into his muzzle and then into his neck itself, letting his smoky scent serenade her off to sleep.

Abby’s fists were clenched in rage. These... these bastards had been abusing the poor Pokemon for only Arceus knew how long and they were going to pay for it. The ‘brothel’s’ workers had no idea who she was but her jaw was clenched so hard that they were giving her odd looks. Up on stage, a woman was screaming with joy as a clearly bored Rapidash rode her and from her spot in a booth, she could see several Blaziken being solicited by various men and women.

Her breathing picked up, her hand clenching around the drink in her hand. She was seventeen, had just passed her final exam and become a ranger, and her parents had died two days ago. As the thought hit her, Abby’s breathing picked up even further, which was not helped in the least by the Machoke that had just sat down across from her.

“Choke?” it directed at her.

“Not interested,” Abby said through clenched teeth as she raised her soda to her lips. “Maybe you should go.”

The Machoke looked at her quizzically, trying to figure out if she was one of the clients who prefered some ‘persuasion’ or not. Then, Abby glared into his eyes and he saw absolute outrage hidden with them.

The Machoke had been raised to be a whore since he was born and in all the years he’d been there, he’d become very good about telling what his ‘clients’ were thinking and at the moment... there wasn’t a fire type in the entire building that had a hotter temper than the woman in front of him.

“Machoke?” it asked quietly.

“Like I said. You should go. A fire is about to start,” Abby replied after a moment. “Do you care about the other Pokemon here?”

The body builder Pokemon thought for a moment before nodding his head. Yes. He wasn’t the one that everyone looked too for answers, but he was definitely someone who had a reasonable amount of compassion for his fellow slaves.

“Good. Get the youngest somewhere safe,” Abby instructed, her voice deadly serious. “You have ten minutes before a Ranger arrives.”

The Machoke’s eyes widened but he nodded and got up from the table, scurrying away.

Abby nodded her head, a single strand of her short blonde hair drifting down in front of her blue eyes. She was wearing what she could only describe as possibly the most slutty piece of clothing she owned, a black fishnet shirt that barely covered anything and pair of short, badly cut up pants.

As she sat there, silently counting down in her mind till it was time to strike, she fingers the three Pokeballs at her side. One held Kasai, her ever loyal Arcanine, the other two held Rill and Axel. At last, her mental timer reached ten and she stood up and reached down into her backpack to pull out a megaphone.

“Attention degenerates, I am Ranger Abby Trombley of the Pokemon Rangers and you are all under arrest!”

Dead silence met this proclamation, the music stopped and everyone turned to stare at Abby.

“Now that I have your attention,” Abby continued. “Know that for any of you who surrender now, you may receive some leniency from the Rangers, those who choose to fight will receive none whatsoever!”

Now, the silence was broken by someone laughing. Abby pivoted on her heel to see a man with dark blonde hair laughing at her. He was wearing a dark business suit “Sit down little girl, you’re not fooling anyone, I bet you think that you think this is funny or that it’ll make us care about you a little more as a customer, but it won’t it’ll just make us-”

“Kasai! Body Slam!” Abby shouted as she held out her first Pokeball and the Arcanine’s form burst into the air. A second later, she spun on her heel again so that she was facing the singular door to the brothel and unleashed Axel. “Axel! Guard the door! No one leaves!”

“HAX!” the Haxorus roared as a pair of men tried to run past him, his tail slapping into one’s stomach and sending him flying while the other was caught by the flat of his axe slamming into the shoulder and sending him spinning. Meanwhile, Kasai hit the man who’d been laughing with a body slam strong enough to knock him to the floor.

That was when the screaming started. Men and women began to scurry about the room as the Pokemon who still had their senses about them, saw the perfect opportunity to lash out at their handlers and several dozen men and women in suits went down in a matter of seconds.

Abby was suddenly launched to floor, a pair of sharp jaws at her throat, fire licking at her neck. The woman froze for a moment before her elbow shot up and slammed into the throat of whatever had been grasping her and she heard a choked sound as the jaws retracted and using her training, she rolled out from under the male Houndoom.

Before she had a chance to do anything else, Kasai’s much bulkier form slammed into the Houndoom, a growl of absolute anger leaving the Arcanine’s throat as he tossed the smaller dog away. The Houndoom let out an involuntary yelp as it skidded over a pair of tables and broke a chair before coming to rest in a heap in a pile of splinters.

“Hound!” a man shouted angrily. “You’re going to pay for that you little Ranger bitch!” he shouted as he drew another Pokeball and a Golem appeared standing in front of Kasai.

“GOLEM!” it roared before the man shouted. “Rollout!”

The spherical stone monster withdrew its head and began rolling rapidly towards Kasai.

“Agility!” Abby shouted as in the background she heard Axel roaring and out of the corner of her eye she caught sight of him sending an Absol flying into an overhead light with a single swing of his head. Kasai’s body blurred as he sidestepped the Golem and brought his head around, unleashing a powerful stream of fire on the Golem.

The Golem came to a stop in its roll and popped out of its shell, the flames ineffective. It let out another roar and launched itself at Kasai again.

“Kasai! Agility!” Abby shouted and as before, Kasai dodged out of the way. This time however, the Golem didn’t just roll off into the distance, instead, thanks to Kasai’s careful positioning, it slammed into one of the walls, embedding itself into it. “FIRE BLAST!”

Kasai reared his head back and unleashed an absolutely blinding storm of white fire on the Golem and Abby heard it scream through its shell, even with its typing, Kasai’s fires were intensely hot.

When the flames ended, the Golem forced itself out of the wall, panting heavily, its hide covered in scorch marks.

“Take this bitch and her dog down Golem!” the man shouted in the background. “Use Rock Tomb to slow that mutt down!”

“GOLEM!” the Golem roared as stones rose up from beneath the floorboards and flew at Kasai. The Arcanine’s eyes widened and he barely had time to dodge one before another of the large stones slammed into him and sent him spiraling to the floor, another stone slamming into his side.

“KASAI!” Abby shouted as he struggled to escape from his new, painful, confinement. “RILL!” she shouted again, a beam of light extending from the Pokeball in her hand. “DRAGONBREATH!”

The Shiny Flygon barely had time to process what was going on before she saw the Golem, one of the few Pokemon who were actively fighting against either Abby or the Pokemon trying to take down the men in charge, and unleashed a column of intense blue flames down on the rocky turtle.

It didn’t even manage to withdraw its head before the dragonfire washed over it and cooked it, knocking it out and causing it to fall to its side and roll away. The man across from Abby stared at her as Kasai pulled himself out from under the rocks and advanced on him with Rill at their side.

However, Abby beat either of them to the punch, literally. She closed the distance between the them and her right fist crashed into the man’s jaw, sending him stumbling before she followed up with a police baton to the stomach, her free hand having liberated the collapsible equipment from her back pocket.

The man let out a strangling grunt and Abby was on top of him, baton to his throat, glaring down at him, fury, anger, and oddly enough, intense grief in her eyes.

“HOW COULD YOU DO SOMETHING LIKE THIS!” she roared at him, bringing her free hand back to slam into his face. “HOW COULD YOU DO THIS TO POKEMON?!”

The man grunted in pain, his vision becoming blurry thanks to the combination of the obstructing baton at his throat and the punches to the face. Unsatisfied with no response from him, Abby raised her hand to land another punch, but something wrapped around her arm and pulled back painfully, forcing a yelp out of her throat.

“ABBY TROMBLEY, STAND DOWN!” a strong arthoutive female voice shouted out to her.

Abby froze at the voice and looked down at her arm to see the end of a whip wrapped around her arm, and she followed the other end to see a tall red haired woman, dress in the typical red uniform of the Rangers standing a few feet away. Two blue eyes stared angrily down at her, full of disapproval, causing Abby to wince.

“Recall your Pokemon,” she ordered, her voice clearly indicating it was not up for debate.

“Bu-but the entrance! They-they’ll get away!” Abby protested.

“Lance has that covered,” the woman said, gesturing her head to a Bisharp standing next to Axel. “Now, get up and recall your Pokemon.” She flicked the whip in her hand and it let go of Abby’s arm, reeling it back up.

Abby looked down at the barely conscious man underneath her and got up, but not without first kneeing him in the crotch. Then she pulled out her Pokeballs and recalled Axel, Kasai, and Rill.

“Fine,” she said darkly, looking at the floor.

“Good...” the woman said before she glanced up at the rest in the room. “I am Ranger Scarlet, you are all under arrest. Do not attempt to resist or Lance will show you how bad an idea it is,” she stated loudly, the Bisharp glaring threateningly as his blade arms flex out. Scarlet then glanced at Abby and gestured her to follow her outside.

Abby did so, trailing obediently after her former teacher, head bowed.

The two step by the Bisharp and out of the basement bound brothel. Scarlet let out a hard sigh and glanced at Abby, her composer softening a bit. “What the hell were you thinking? You nearly beat that man to death, and did a whole dozen things wrong. You know you could have your Ranger Title revoked because of this?!”

Abby didn’t say anything, she just stared at the concrete floor of the warehouse.

“Abby, look at me,” Scarlet commanded.

Abby didn’t, she just stood there shaking, staring at the ground.

“Abby... if you don’t communicate with my why in Arceus’s name you did this... this could end badly for you,” Scarlet told her, a sigh leaving her lips. “Not only could you have your title revoked, but you could be sent to jail for attempted murder. And there’s nothing I can do to help if you give me the silence terement.”

“I... they deserve it,” Abby said softly, her voice shaking. “They... they all des-deserve to d-die. Th-them.” She looked up at Scarlet, her eyes full of tears. “Not... not them.”

Scarlet’s face softened as she closed the distance between them and placed a comforting hand on Abby’s shoulder. “These people weren’t the ones who killed your parents Abby... they don’t deserve the same sentence, only justice.”

“But-but they’re EXACTLY THE SAME!” the teenager shouted angrily, her right hand forming into a hard first. “They-they abuse Pokemon-hurt them-torture them and- and they deserve to die!”

“But it’s not in you hands to bring that judgement to them,” Scarlet replied. “Your job is only to find them and bring them in. Nothing more, nothing less.” She bent down on her knees so she was around eye level. “You took an oath when you joined the Ranger Corp. And that is to uphold the law and keep the peace. What you did in there was not in that oath. This was an act of vengeance and you know that won’t hold any water if this goes to court.”

Abby’s jaw tightened for a moment but it was as though the wind had been let out of her sails and she sagged forwards, leaning against Scarlet. “Sorry,” she said in a quiet voice, barely more than a whisper.

Scarlet wrapped her arms around the teen, embracing her into a hug. “I know you are...” she whispered back. They hugged for a while before Scarlet pulled back and stood up. “Now... I’ll do my best to make sure this won’t end up totally bad for you. The most I can promise is you will stuck with me for a while on missions to make sure you won’t act like this again.”

“Thank you,” Abby murmured as she hugged tighter against Scarlet’s chest and her tears began to really flow. She’d been holding them in for the last two days since she’d heard the news, and now they were an unstoppable flood.

Scarlet let out a soft sigh as one of her hands reach up to soothingly rub down her hair. “Just let it out... just let it out. I miss them too...”

Abby needed no prompting and continued weeping into Scarlet’s chest, soaking her Ranger uniform. “I’m-I’m-I’m-I’m sorry.”

“I know... I know...” Scarlet said softly, continuing to pet her reassuringly. “We can get through this Abby... I assure you in that. I promised to your father I would take care of ya, and I aim to keep that promise.”

No further words were needed between them and Abby just hugged her tighter.

chapter 16

“I need to go somewhere,” Abby said.

She’d been lying beside Kasai for the last hour or so, having woken up from her nap half an hour after she’d fallen asleep and felt no reason at all to leave her Mate’s warm embrace as he laid his head across hers and snuggled his paws around her.

“Okay, where?” he asked, not releasing her from his hold.

At the moment... Abby was vulnerable. She’d never taken big emotional events well... Hell, he was surprised that she’d taken becoming a Pokemon so well. Then again, that was more of a physical change he supposed.

“I don’t know,” she stated flatly. “Just... somewhere.”

“Okay, mind if I come with you?” Kasai asked, giving her cheek a lick.

“Yeah... sure...” she closed her eyes and then leapt out of the bed, stopping only long enough to grab her translation badge before she was out the door, her nine tails flurrying around her as she broke into a sprint out of the station, ducking and diving around and over various ponies.

Kasai sighed before he set off after her, though he kept a slightly slower pace and was much more polite than she was about things. Eventually, out in the street, he caught up to her. She was walking now, her head lowered slightly.

“Kasai... I’m pregnant...”

“Yes, yes you are,” Kasai said giving her head a comforting, affectionate nuzzle. “I already told you not to worry about it right now. You’re going to be a great mother.”

Abby shivered. “I... I hope so... it’s just... just a lot to wrap my head around,” she muttered, lowering her head.

“Indeed it is,” he agreed with a small nod. Abby turned and glared at him.

“How are you being so calm about this?!” she barked.

“Oh, I’m not, I’m just acting like I am because you need a rock,” Kasai answered with a small smile as he bent down and nuzzled her. “I’m actually freaking out really badly at having to be a good example to a puppy, not to mention everything else that goes with that...”

Abby let out a shuddering breath and then glanced at him. “I’m being kind of selfish aren’t I?”

“Kind of,” Kasai agreed with a small smirk. “But you’re forgiven.”

“Thanks Kasai...” Abby trailed off, cocking her head to the side. “Do you hear that?”

Kasai blinked twice and his nose flared. “Anger and pain and fear... water type,” he said slowly before glancing at Abby. “I’ll lead the way.”

“Of course,” Abby said without a thought, it was the way those kind of things had always worked. So, with his nose flaring and his ears swiveling, Kasai took off at a run, deftly avoiding ponies, Abby running along behind him. It didn’t take them long to find the scene of the fear and when they did find it, something in Abby’s mind froze.

“YOU STUPID LITTLE MONSTER!” a mare was shouting at an Azurill, the eight inch high baby Pokemon cowering beneath the earth pony’s four feet of height. In the background, Abby was dimly aware of the fact that the town house that they were standing in front of was leaking water from beneath its front door.

“I LET YOU INTO MY HOUSE BECAUSE YOU WERE ADORABLE AND YOU FLOODED IT?!” the mare roared, her face mere inches away from the little Azurill.

“I-I-I didn’t mean to,” the Azurill squeked out. “I- I was just so happy to-”

“SHUT UP! ENOUGH OF THOSE STUPID SQUEAKS! THAT’S ALL YOU CAN DO!” the mare screamed.

“I-I-I-I-WAAAAAA!” the little mouse stuttered out before it began to cry a literal river of tears.

“I SAID SHUT UP!” the mare yelled a final time before pivoting on her front hooves and lashing out with her rear ones, sending the Azurill flying at least a dozen yards before it landed painfully against a wall, falling unconscious.

Something in Abby broke.

“HOW DARE YOU!” she roared, her voice sounding in both the mare’s ears and her mind, all but deafening her with its volume and intensity. “SHE WAS JUST A BABY YOU STUPID BITCH!”

Abby’s eyes were glowing a baleful blue as she snarled down at the mare, her sharp teeth on full display as streams of fire trailed around them. Her fur was standing on end as all nine of her tails swirled around the Ninetales in a deadly pattern. As much as he loved her and was worried for her, Kasai knew trouble when he saw her and began slowly sidling away from his mate. The mare’s eyes widened as they met Abby’s burning blue orbs of anger and the rest of the world fell away from her.

The only thing that existed were the odd fox’s eyes.

“You like hurting things?” the voice asked her, all anger having left its voice, the only thing that remained was ice. “For the rest of the day you will know nothing but pain and agony. Your every step will lead you closer to tragedy. When the day has passed there will be pain no more, but should you strike out again, the pain will return evermore.”

With those words, the mare began to scream. Then she collapsed to the ground and began to scream more. Abby’s eyes dulled from blue to red and without warning, her body crashed to the ground, unconscious.

“Abby!” Kasai shouted as he rushed up to her and quickly gave her a run-down with his nose. She appeared to be fine, but whatever it was that she’d done to the mare, who was still screaming as if a dozen burning hot needles were being driven into her flesh, had exhausted any energy she had within her.

Kasai looked at the large crowd of ponies who had begun to form around them and made a snap decision. “Everyone step aside, this is official Las Pegasus Guard Business, anyone who interrupts could be arrested,” he stated loudly enough to be heard over the crowd. “I’m taking both of these two down to the station for immediate medical attention!”

That said, Kasai rushed forwards and used his jaws to gently lift Abby onto his back, she was limp as a wet noodle. The mare proved more challenging however. No matter how gently he touched her, she unleashed a more agonized scream.

“Okay... not working...” Kasai muttered to himself before glancing around the crowd and spotting a unicorn near the front. “You there! I need your help,” he barked at the stallion.

“Me?” he asked, blinking twice.

“Yes, I can’t touch her without causing more pain, I need you to carry her with your horn down to the station with me!” Kasai hurriedly explained.

“That’s a long way away and she’s very heavy... but I’ll try my best!” the stallion said, giving Kasai an uncertain nod as his horn lit up, it’s red aura wrapping around the screaming unicorn and lifting her into the air. The mare stopped screaming for a moment before she began to whimper slightly, her eyes leaking tears as a less intense but still extremely noticeable pain filled her body.

“Ma-make-make-i-it st-st-stop!” the mare begged, though who she was begging, Kasai, the stallion, or the world itself, no one knew.

“We’ll try,” Kasai assured her before glancing at the stallion. “Come on sir, we need to get her to the guard infirmary right away!”

“Right!” the stallion affirmed.

Kasai took off at a fast walk, his thoughts more on Abby and whatever it was that she’d done than with the screaming mare or the world around him.

The world came into focus for Abby hazily, as if waking from a very heavy sleep. Her eyelids cracked open blinked twice over her twin red orbs. She felt... incredibly tired and exhausted... and yet... she had no idea why.

Chapter 17

Abby let out a large yawn as she pushed herself out of the bed and her mind swam disorientedly for a moment before it righted itself and she shook her head. That was odd, she normally wasn’t that bad when she woke up. Heck, this was probably how Kasai felt most of the time!

It wasn’t just that her mind was sluggish, though that was certainly a part of it, it was as if her entire body had been drained of its energy and wanted nothing so much as to simply fall back to sleep again. The Ninetales was contemplating doing just that when the door was nosed open by Kasai, the Arcanine’s eyes widening with what was clearly relief when he saw her.

“Abby! You’re okay!” the Arcanine exclaimed, rushing up to her and nearly knocking her over with the intensity of his joy, showering her face with a hundred wet licks.

Abby spluttered something out, some form of surprised exclamation, but thought better of interrupting her clearly joyous mate’s affection. All it would land her was a mouth full of slobber, and while she didn’t really mind the taste of Kasai’s mouth at this point, she wasn’t really in the mood for it. Eventually, the onslaught ended and Abby’s face was nearly dripping with his saliva. The Ninetales stared at Kasai.

“... I’m going to take it that I got hurt?” she asked, blinking twice. Kasai only ever reacted that way when she’d been injured in some way, like the time she’d gotten knocked out by a falling Geodude that one time.

“Yeah... you did,” he said before he reached forwards with his forepaws and pulled her to his warm chest, bringing his head down to nuzzle her. “Your eyes started glowing and you were screaming with rage. Then the mare who kicked the Azurill started screaming and you collapsed and-”

“What?!” Abby exclaimed, pushing her head away from his chest. “Slow down and start from the beginning Kasai! I don’t remember any of that happening!”

“... you don’t?” Kasai asked, his eyes widening in surprise. “... you put a mare in the hospital with your mind...”

“I did!?” Abby shouted, her eyes widening. “How!?”

“I don’t really know...” Kasai answered before shaking his head and moving his head down to nuzzle her. “Don’t worry though... she’s fine... kind of.”

“What do you mean?” Abby inquired, not allowing herself to be distracted by the nuzzle. “Come on Kasai, I need information... if I hurt someone then Ace might arrest me.”

Kasai let out a sigh and shook his head. “I don’t think she will... She might have wanted to before I explained everything... but the mare did buck a baby in the face.”

Abby scrunched her eyebrows together and tried to remember what had happened. She got a dim impression of a mare yelling at a small blue shape followed by a deathly cold voice in her mind.

You like hurting things?

The Ninetales shivered as she heard the voice in her mind. It... sounded like her own but all emotion, other than spite, had been drained from it. In truth, it sounded almost as if she’d been transformed into an enraged Froslass.

“Yeah... it was pretty scary,” Kasai confessed, giving her a nuzzle. “Even I was scared of you for a minute there.”

Abby frowned up at him, her eyes worried. “I... right...” she closed her eyes and began to think, her Ranger senses taking over. “Tell me what’s happened to this mare.”

“She was in the hospital last time I checked up on it,” Kasai said with a small nod of his head. “The Guard’s doctor said that you gave her ‘heightened nerve sensitivity’ or something. Apparently, it makes it so that even the lightest touch causes intense pain.”

The Ninetales nodded her head as her tails began to weave around her, her thoughts drifting back to long ago lectures in Ranger Academy.

“So... I began to freak out after she kicked the Azurill?” the Ninetales asked, her eyes closed.

“Yes, that’s right,” Kasai said with another nod.

“Okay...” Abby nodded her head, her tails swirling a bit more until she opened her eyes. “Okay, I think I know what happened to me.”

“You do?” Kasai asked, frowning faintly.

“Yeah... Ninetales are very vengeful,” Abby answered with a small frown. “There are hundreds of thousands of cases involving them hurting someone without even touching them... most particularly for either pulling their tails or trampling on them.”

“Ah... right,” Kasai blinked twice before nodding. “I remember now, the Curse of the Ninetales right?”

“Yeah, exactly,” the Ninetales agreed, nodding her head.

“Now that I think of it, my mom warned me against hooking up with a Ninetales because of it,” Kasai said with a small chuckle. “Sorry mom.”

Abby glanced up at him, cocking her head to the side. “Really? Is now the time to be joking Kasai?”

Kasai frowned down at her and gave her cheek a long lick. “Abby, I’ve spent the last twelve hours worrying about you as you slept the day away,” he stated, his voice becoming protective. “I’m doing my level best to keep from hugging you to my chest so hard that I break your ribs. So, forgive me if I’m trying to lighten the mood a little bit with a joke, okay!”

Abby flinched slightly at the volume of his voice and looked up at his golden eyes. They were full of worry and anxiety, all of which was now directed at her.

“Abby...” he trailed off and let out a sigh. “I’m doing my best here to stay focused... but at the moment... all I really want to do is hug you and make sure that you’re okay, alright?”

The Ninetales’ lips lifted into a slight smile and she moved against his chest again, placing her head beneath his chin. Kasai let out a worried sigh and brought his head down overtop of hers and gave the back of her neck a lick. Abby smiled as his smoky smell rolled through her nose and her nine tails did their best to wrap around him.

“I’m okay Kasai,” she said, speaking into his chest.

Kasai just let out a tiny whine and pulled her tighter to his chest. “You... you always cause me so much stress Abby,” he said, his voice low as he nuzzled her. “Always throwing yourself into the jaws of a Houndoom instead of letting me take care of it.”

“I can’t let you do everything, Kasai,” Abby said with a small sigh. “We’re partners.”

“Yeah, but that’s no excuse for you getting hurt when it should be me taking the hits,” Kasai said, giving her another lick. “Especially now that you’ve got an egg on the way.”

Abby blinked twice. To be honest... she’d kind of forgotten about that.

“I was so worried that not only had you been hurt Abby... but also that the pup might have been harmed too,” Kasai continued, still nuzzling her worriedly. “I mean... I’m going to be a father Abby... and you’re going to be a mother... we need to be more careful.”

Abby nodded her head lightly. She knew that he was right. “Yeah... we do,” she agreed, nuzzling deeper into his chest. “But... I’m not just going to sit around the station doing nothing. You know that that’s not me.”

Kasai let out a low, frustrated growl, but nodded his head. “I know... I know...” Then he drew his chest back a little and used his nose to direct her head upwards so that she was looking into his eyes again. “But you are going to be more careful from now on.” His voice was serious and unbudging.

The Ninetales looked into his eyes and then nodded her head. “Alright... alright, yes, I’ll be more careful Kasai,” she said slowly, her ears flattening. “But I can’t promise you that I’ll be able to stay completely out the action. You know how much I hate watching all of you fight without contributing.”

“We know,” Lex’s voice suddenly spoke up from behind them. Abby blinked and glanced around Kasai’s bulk to see that the rest of her Team had entered the room. “Now stop hugging the mutt and let the rest of us see you, damn it.”

Abby blinked twice and then gave Kasai’s cheek a lick before she disentangled herself from him and bounded over to the Sylveon. “Permission to lick?”

“Granted,” Lex replied with a small chuckle as he leaned his cheek up to her. Abby smiled and gave him a few licks before Rill all but pulled her into a tight, draconic hug.

“Abby! You must stop only giving Kasai your attentions!” the Flygon instructed strictly. “It is becoming more than I can bear! He is hardly worth all of it either, were it not for Lex and I, the Azurill would have been left in the street!”

“Hey!” Kasai protested.

The Ninetales glanced over at Kasai through the shiny Flygon’s arms and raised an eyebrow. “You forgot about the Azurill?”

Kasai glanced away. “It wasn’t my fault, I was so worried about you that I was barely able to get someone to help me with that mare before I vaulted off towards the station,” he defended.

“Still, your training should have prevented that,” Lex stated flatly.

The Arcanine let out a low growl. “We’ll see you say that if she gets hurt,” he stated, eyes narrowing while glancing at Rill.

“That’s hardly the point!” Lex protested with a small growl of his own, though it was nowhere near as intimidating as Kasai’s. “You still left an unconscious baby in the street!”

Before things could go any further, Axel spoke. “Enough of this pointless arguing!” he exclaimed, his axe coming down so that it was separating the two of them. “I haven’t had a good fight since we got here and you two bickering over this is just getting my blood up!”

Silence fell between Kasai and Lex, neither wanted the Haxorus to get angry, even though Lex was by and large able to take the dragon down on most occasions, he still didn’t want to be responsible for destroying half of the Guard headquarters in the process. That, and Axel was his friend of course.

“Axel’s right,” Abby said as she squirmed out of Rill’s powerful arms and walked over between the Kasai and Lex. She turned to Kasai. “Kasai, you should not have let your emotions control you and left the Azurill behind,” she stated before turning to Lex. “And Lex, just because Kasai screwed something up, that doesn’t mean that you’re allowed to antagonize him about it.”

Kasai and Lex looked away, unable to meet her gaze.

“Apologize,” Abby instructed, feeling for all the world as if her team had turned into children again.

“Sorry,” Kasai and Lex said at the same time.

“Good enough,” the Ninetales said, nodding her head a little before glancing at Rill. “I’m sorry Rill, I’ll make sure that I give the rest of you the attention that you deserve too.”

“Thank you Abby,” Rill said, bowing her head down to nuzzle the Ninetales. “He has already made you pregnant, I do not think he really needs to spend that much more time with you.”

Abby looked up at Rill wryly. “Feeling jealous Rill?”

“No... I just want to do something other than laze around this building listening to Axel roar about how much he wants to fight,” Rill answered, narrowing her eyes slightly. “You have been spending all of your time with Kasai you realize. That may have been acceptable when we were being kept by the Rangers when you did not have us with you, they had places for us to roam, but here? That is not the case. It would not surprise me if Axel destroyed a wall out of boredom soon.”

“... I should have realized that...” Abby groaned, facepawing. “And I bet you really want to get a flight in don’t you?”

“It would be nice,” Rill agreed, nodding her head. “I do not like keeping myself constrained for so long to one building. You understand, of course.”

“Yeah, I do,” Abby said before letting out a sigh. “Now then... let’s go talk to Ace... I’m sure she wants to see me about all this.”

Ace stared at Abby. “I hope you realize how thin of ice you’re standing on,” the dark maned mare said flatly. “If it wasn’t for the testimony of the Azurill, then you would be behind bars.”

“I know,” Abby said, meeting the mare’s green eyes. “I would never have done something like this if I was still a human, I promise you that. It’s just that... I don’t really know what I’m doing as a Ninetales... the power to Curse caught me by surprise... I forgot that Ninetales could do that.”

Ace just stared at her and if it wasn’t for all of Abby’s time as a Ranger she would have been quaking in her metaphorical boots. “Make sure that it doesn’t happen again,” the mare stated crisply, her eyes narrowing at Abby. “We can’t have ponies worrying that the Guard is going to turn them into writhing balls of pain for no reason.”

“She did kick a baby,” Abby pointed out.

“Yes, I know,” Ace stated flatly. “But the public doesn’t, or at least not all of it. During the day that you’ve been asleep I’ve received over two dozen letters from concerned citizens who are worried that you and your Team along with any of the other Pokemon in the city, are going to hurt them. Heck, the Las Pegasus Daily Newspaper has been calling you all menaces and incidents like this are just fueling the flames.”

Abby nodded her head and then glanced at Ace. “For what it’s worth Ace, I’m sorry.”

Ace just shook her head. “It’s fine...” she let out a sigh. “I’m not sure how I’d be doing if I was thrust into a new world in a new body that could breath fire and ‘curse’ people.”

“And... gotten pregnant to boot,” Abby added with a small, uneasy smile.

“Oh yes, I heard about that, congratulations,” Ace said, giving Abby a genuine grin. “How long until I have to take you off of your patrol routes?”

“Around two weeks I think,” Abby answered with a small, slightly worried smile on her face. “At least... I think... I’m not positive on when the egg comes... it’s the first time I’ve ever been pregnant.”

“... Egg?” Ace asked, blinking blankly. “But... you’re not a reptile.”

“... it’s a Pokemon thing,” Abby said with a small blush. “Humans give live birth but all Pokemon lay eggs, regardless of ‘type’. Do only reptiles like Serperior and Treecko do that here?”

“Yeah... that and a few monotremes like the platypus,” Ace answered before she frowned. “So... all Pokemon are monotremes?”

“I guess,” Abby said with a small shrug. “Sorry... I’m not really a scientist.”

“I only know it because Blackwing is interested in that sort of thing,” Ace said with a small shake of her head. “Anyways... is there anything else you’d like to talk to me about before you go out on your patrol?”

Abby was silent for a moment before she nodded. “Yes, do you think you can keep your ears open for anyone named Scarlet or Lance, Claire, or Vivi?” she requested.

Ace frowned for a moment but then nodded her head. “Sure, why?”

“Scarlet’s my foster mother and is a Hell of a lot better then I am at getting things organized as far as the whole ‘Ranger’ thing goes. So she’d be a big help while I try and set up my own branch of them on this world,” Abby answered with a small smile. “That... and I would really love to make sure that my mother is okay.”

Ace’s face softened a little and she smiled. “Sure, I’ll keep my ears open.”

“Thanks Captain,” Abby said, giving her a nod before she got out of her chair. “I’m taking Axel with me today so that he doesn’t end up tearing down the building out of boredom.”

“Thanks, I appreciate that,” Ace said dryly.

Abby smiled faintly and walked out of the rooms, her tails swaying gently.

Author's Note

So, next chapter I have a treat for you, it’s an interlude, but before you guys start groaning... let’s just say that I think you’ll be interested in the campers involved.

Interlude Part 1

Author's Note

Just a disclaimer, not everything said by Abby and Kasai in this chapter is 100% true, and no, I don’t just mean the obvious.

Interlude Part 1

Abby let out a small sigh as she went over the plan in her mind. It was simple, really. She and Kasai would walk up to one of the most wanted Pokephiles in the world and ask if they could camp with them. Once that was done, they’d see if the could get to the bottom of their relationship and see whether or not Gene Phillips was really deserving of all the trouble that had been stirred up by his mother.

“You ready for this Kasai?” the woman asked, looking down slightly at the golden Arcanine who looked silently up at her, a raised eyebrow on broad display. “Oh shush,” the woman replied with a roll of her eyes. “Also, remember that Belle can read minds, psychic type and all so...”

The Arcanine huffed out an ‘Arc’ and licked his prosthetic leg. He knew what to do.

“Right, right,” Abby said, nodding her head.

Then she did some final checks on the clothes she’d picked for the mission, green campers’ gear that fit her tall athletic form perfectly and looked heavily used but well maintained. Her blonde hair was up in a ponytail, her hair slightly full of leaves and little twigs and she had a backpack full of camping gear slung across her back.

Kasai just rolled his eyes again and leaned his head against her shoulder and gave Abby’s face a lick and locked eyes with her.

“Yeah, I know you’ll protect me,” the woman said, bending her head towards him so that their foreheads were touching. She stared into his golden eyes for a long moment and then kissed him on the lips. “Okay, showtime, you big mutt,” she said with a small chuckle as she turned in the direction of the campsite, she’d planned it so that she was around a ten minute walk from the place, not enough by far to get her out of breath, but more then enough to make it look authentic.

Gene watched the fire before him burn, warming his hands near the flames and just thinking. “You alright?” A voice to his left asked.

Gene smiled softly and sighed. “Yeah Belle, just thinking about Cynthia and the others,” Ever since the disaster that had been his and Belle’s wedding, the trainer had scarcely any contact with his friends back in Unova. He wanted to contact them and assure them he was alright, but he knew stepping foot in Unova would be worse than inviting a Pokemon Ranger to camp out with them.

Belle wrapped an arm around her mate and snuggled close to him. “At least we know they’re alright,” she said.

“True,” Gene said with another sigh. “But still...”

The pair sat together in silence for a few minutes, until Belle stood up and said. “Gene, I think there’s someone coming this way.”

Gene stood up and grabbed Belle’s hand. “Show me,” He said.

Belle shut her eyes and let her powers flow into Gene, he received a hazy psychic map of the area, showing that there was something approaching, two actually. One mind was distinctly human.

Belle pulled away and turned to her mate. “Do you want me to...” She held her hand close to her head and smiled.

“Let’s hold off until we know who they are,” Gene knew Belle wouldn’t do too much harm to whoever it was, but he was still always cautious when he let her use her powers on others.

Belle nodded and went to stand on the other side of the fire while Gene sat back down, even if it was a Ranger, they still had a small chance of getting out of this without resorting to Belle using her powers. She still had them ready, of course, and Gene had a hand on his belt, specifically over his Houndoom’s Pokeball.

It didn’t take long for the sound of the approaching pair to reach their ears, they were making no real attempt to conceal their noise and within a few moments a woman in camper’s clothes, looking around twentyish with blond hair and a large gold furred Arcanine with a strange metallic limb walked into the campsite.

“Oh good! I thought I saw a fire,” the woman said, a smile on her face before she turned to the Arcanine. “I still can’t believe you got us lost out here Kasai, what happened to your amazing nose?”

“Apparently it failed,” the Arcanine, Kasai apparently, said with a roll of his eyes. “I still blame you.”

The woman rolled her eyes and glanced back at Gene and Belle, blushing. “Oh, right, hi! I’m Abby and this is Kasai, we got lost out here, do you mind if we bunk with you for the night?”

Gene shared a glance with Belle, the Gardevoir shrugged. “I don’t sense any malicious intent from either of them,” she told Gene.

Gene smiled and stood up. “Sure, I’m Gene and this is Belle,”

“Charmed,” The Gardevoir said with a curtsey, linking Kasai and Abby so they could understand her.

“It’s nice to meet you, Belle, Gene,” Abby said with a smile. “Thanks for letting us stay, I didn’t see any other good camping spots anywhere around here.”

“Yeah, and my nose is being finicky with me today for some reason,” Kasai added with a slight roll of his eyes. “I still blame her for smelling so good.”

“Oh, hush Kasai, it’s not my fault I smell amazing,” Abby said as she walked over to sit down beside the fire with Gene, setting her pack down a little ways away. Without being asked, the Arcanine walking around behind her and lay down, resting his head on her shoulder as the woman leaned back.

Gene and Belle stared at the two in confusion, usually people freaked out when they heard Belle talk, then thought it was weird that she could link their minds, of course, other trainers did have Psychic-types, so it wasn’t really rare. Then it clicked that they had just been flirting.

“Should we ask?” Gene asked her partner.

“I don’t know, I’ve never met someone who was so... open with it, before,” Gene replied.

“I could check their minds, in case it’s a trap,” Belle offered.

“No, not yet... let’s try something,”

At Gene’s request, Belle walked back over to where he was sitting and sat down beside him, Gene put his arm around her as she leaned her head on his shoulder.

Abby raised an eyebrow but smiled. “Oh good, one of the reasons that Kasai come out here is so that we can spend a little quality time together,” the woman said before she leaned over and gave Kasai a kiss on the lips, receiving a lick in kind. “I hope you two aren’t Rangers or something, heh.”

Gene smiled and laughed. “No,” He said before giving Belle a quick kiss. “About as far from it as possible, actually,”

Belle smiled and visibly relaxed, letting Gene hold her closer.

“Heheh, good,” Kasai said, giving Abby another lick as he wrapped his tail around her and settled it down on her lap. “It’s nice to run into someone else like us... you don’t see many. Oh, and thanks for letting me talk, Abby and I usually just use nudges and stuff but this makes it much easier.”

“It’s no problem,” Belle said. “I do it for most trainers we run into,” She smiled. “I like seeing how they react when their Pokemon say something.”

“In my case, it’s with dread and horror,” Abby said, glancing at Kasai. “Whenever he knows I can hear him, he just keeps talking and talking.”

“Please, you love my voice,” the Arcanine said with a chuckle. “You can’t get enough of it.”

“See, and he gets a big head about it too,” Abby added, patting Kasai on the head. “But I love the big mutt anyways.”

Gene smiled. “I can’t imagine not being able to talk to Belle,” He admitted. “She’s used telepathy ever since she Evolved from a Ralts, I thought I was hearing things when it first started.”

Belle laughed and corrected him. “Actually, I distinctly remember you freaking out the first time.”

“I heard what sounded like a little girl whisper, ‘Goodnight Gene’ while I was lying in my sleeping bag,” Gene said. “Forgive me for not realizing you’d just figured out how to use telepathy.” He finished with a laugh.

“Heheh,” Abby laughed as well. “I had something similar with Kasai after he evolved, though let’s just say it was a bit unintentional.”

“Bah, you’d suspected for long enough... and I was finally an Arcanine, it wasn’t exactly unintentional,” Kasai replied, giving her cheek a lick.

Belle had to stop herself from laughing. Gene turned to her, smirking. “I remember when Belle Evolved into a Gardevoir,” He said. “She had trouble completely controlling just what came across our link. I kept getting bursts of emotion and images for the first few months that left me kinda... let’s just say confused.” Belle’s cheeks had begun turning a bright shade of red. “Not to mention whenever the dreams leaked in,”

“Oh, I bet those were some interesting dreams eh?” Abby asked, glancing at Belle with a raised eyebrow. “Though I bet they weren’t half as interesting as Mr. Mutt here taking random opportunities to sniff me, almost got us arrested once.”

“Hey, it wasn’t my fault... you just made a big deal out of it,” Kasai said with a scoff.

“Oh yes, forgive me for letting out a shriek of surprise when you come up behind me on the beach and sniff me there,” Abby replied, giving the dog a light cuff on the ear. Then the woman blinked twice and blushed. “Heh... sorry, I’m not used to there being other people around to hear us... flirt. I hope we’re not weirding you out or anything.”

“Not at all,” Gene said with a smile. “It’s nice to not have to hide it from everyone again,” Even if it was just one person, Gene was happy he could be open about his love for Belle. “It’s been awhile since I met anyone who was ok with... with relationships like ours.”

“Ah,” Kasai said, nodding his head as his tail flopped up and down on Abby’s lap. “To us, love is love, why impose restrictions on it, in this kind of situation anyways.”

“That reminds me of what Cynthia said when we first met her,” Belle remember the Champion’s words after she had found her and Gene on the beach.

Gene smiled at the memory, then frowned when he remembered his friend. “Yeah,” He agreed sadly. “I wonder how she’s doing.”

“Cynthia?” Abby asked, raising an eyebrow at him. “Last I heard she was accepting challengers like normal. She took off for a while after that wedding thing and...” she blinked twice. “Oh. OOOoh, you’re THAT Gene and Belle... thought the names were familiar, heheh.”

Gene shook his head. “Yeah, that was us, the almost wedding of the century,” He proclaimed. “I’m surprised people don’t put the pieces together quicker actually, but yeah, last time I talked to Cynthia was the day...” His voice faltered. “The day...”

Belle put a hand on Gene’s shoulder. “It’s alright love,” She said, kissing him on the cheek. She turned to Abby and Kasai. “We haven’t been able to contact Cynthia, or Iris, or anyone, ever since the Ranger Union crashed our wedding,” She sighed. “That was over a year ago.”

Abby nodded her head. “Doesn’t surprise me, the Rangers are pretty thorough when it comes to this kind of stuff,” she said, her eyes glancing off into the distance with a look of what Gene thought was anger. “But from what I’ve heard, all of the big names got off scott free; kind of hard to arrest two people whose teams can level cities eh?”

Gene chuckled half heartedly. “I figured as much, but we had to stay away from big cities for a while after that, so we were pretty far out of the loop.”

“We knew Cynthia and Iris weren’t arrested,” Belle added. “But we didn’t know about Shauntal for a few months, and we only verified Juniper was alright a few weeks ago, when she published a new paper in a science magazine.”

“And since we can’t set foot in Unova, or even contact them, we can’t let them know we’re alright,” Gene sighed. “I considered heading to Sinnoh to talk with Cynthia, but I doubt I’d get anywhere near her before police showed up.”

“Hmm, Abby and I might be able to help if you’re interested,” Kasai said with a glance towards his mate. “We’re mostly just wanderers, we do odd jobs wherever we go and stay for a few weeks until we feel like moving on.”

“Yeah, I wouldn’t mind running a message or two for you,” Abby added, a grin on her face. “I’ve always wanted to meet Cynthia, she’s kind of my idol really...”

“Really?” Gene asked. “You’d be willing to do that for us?”

“We already said yes, Gene,” Kasai said before chuckling lightly. “And how does the saying about looking gift Ponyta in the mouth go?”

Gene smiled. “I... thank you,” Gene said. He reached behind him and picked up his bag. “Cynthia, Iris and Shauntal all have beach houses in Undella Town,” He said, pulling out a notepad and paper.

“Okay, that’s not too far out of way,” Abby said, a small smile on her face. “Besides, I like the beach... the sand is so soft. Though I wouldn’t recommend experimenting too much, it’s kind of a pain in the ass, and everywhere else.”

Gene chuckled as he finished writing down his note. “Those are their addresses, Iris is there most weekends and anyone of them will be able to contact the others,” He handed her the note, then another sheet of paper. “This is something I’ve only ever told them. It’ll convince them you’re not an undercover Ranger or something,”

Belle smiled and added. “I’m sure they’ll be more than willing to accommodate you for however long you need, they were more than hospitable when we were staying there.”

“Oh good, I hope they have someone who cooks well!” Kasai said with a grin. “I love a good buttered Magikarp.”

“You love a good buttered anything,” Abby pointed out, raising an eyebrow slightly.

“It’s true, but I like Magikarp most of all,” the Arcanine said, a smile on his face as he shuffled his sophisticated prosthetic limb a little.

Belle saw the glint of the limb in the firelight and frowned. “Kasai?” She asked. “If you don’t mind me asking, what happened to your leg?” She had never seen a Pokemon with a prosthetic before.

“Oh, this?” Kasai asked shuffling so that his leg was on full display, it was a beautiful piece of craftsmanship, fully bendable and highly advanced. “Well... Abby here has a problem with thinking that she’s invincible and charging into fights that she shouldn’t.”

“Hey, it was either that or let those poachers wipe out that pack of Growlithe and skin them,” Abby said, glancing down.

“Yeah, I’m not saying that it wasn’t the right choice, just that you should have been smarter about it,” Kasai said, shaking his head before he turned back to Belle. “We found a group of poachers who were hunting Growlithes and one of them had a Claydol who he apparently didn’t care that much about... sent the thing flying at Abby trying to kill her with an Explosion. I couldn’t let that happen.”

“Oh...” Belle said, she looked to Gene, they had had a few close calls with Rangers and police after the wedding, one even sending their Rampardos at Gene directly, they quickly found out why no one messed with a Gardevoir's trainer. “We’ve had a few close calls, but nothing like that,”

“Is that why you guys are so...” Gene tried to find the right word. “Smoozy?”

“Heheh, I guess that’s the word for it,” Abby said before she turned and gave Kasai a deep kiss before pulling away. “Once you come so close to losing the one you love... their body bleeding out on top of you as you stare into their seemingly dying eyes... being subtle just doesn’t matter.” She shuddered once and pulled herself closer against the Arcanine as he leaned his head against her, pulling her against his chest.

“No one will take you from me Abby,” Kasai said, his voice low. “Not once, not ever.”

Belle teared up slightly at Abby’s words. Gene pulled her close to him and kissed her again. “It’s alright,” he whispered to her.

“I’ll never let anyone take you from me,” Belle told Gene.

“I know Belle,” Gene said. “I know.”

The four sat there in silence for a long moment before Abby pushed Kasai’s head away from her chest slightly, a smile on her face. “Sorry about that, I kind of killed the mood didn’t I?”

“No, I was the one who asked about the leg,” Belle said. “I should’ve expected something like that to come up.”

Kasai let out a small sigh. “It’s fine,” he said before giving Abby a lick from the base of her neck to her lips. “I will say this about the Rangers, their chief Professor may be a racist ass, but he was grateful enough to us to build me an awesome leg as ‘reparations for your loss fighting the good fight’.”

“Yeah...” Abby agreed before leaning back against Kasai again. “He’s not all that bad of a guy... so long as you’re not in love with a Pokemon.” Then she let out a sigh. “You know... the Rangers aren’t all bad, they do a lot of good work... they just also happen to chase people like you and I too.”

Belle sighed. “We know, one Ranger even helped us out of a particularly tight spot once,” She shook her head. “I just wish they didn’t blame Gene for everything,” She recalled the few times they’d run into Rangers, one thing that remained the same was them trying to convince Belle to betray Gene.

“The old ‘human raised you to love him’ speech eh?” Abby inquired with a raised eyebrow.

“Every. Single. Time,” Belle answered.

Kasai snorted. “Yes, far be it for a Pokemon to develop feelings for a human,” he said with a disdainful roll of his eyes. “They do realize that we’re as intelligent as they are don’t they?”

Gene scoffed. “I caught one of my Pokemon in a library, they were convinced she was going to haunt the place and torment everyone,” He shook his head. “Turns out she just wanted to read.”

“A Pokemon wanting to read?!” Abby asked, her eyebrow raising melodramatically. “What on earth would cause one to do that?! It must be you! You forced her into it didn’t you!”

Gene laughed. “Oh no! You caught onto my evil plan!” He turned to Belle, a smile on his face. “We’d better make a break for it!”

“I wouldn’t bother, I’ve got the place surrounded, foul evil doers,” Abby said, leaning back against Kasai. “And even if you tried, Kasai would get you and lick you to death!”

Kasai looked at Gene for a moment before snorting, an amused smile on his face. “Sorry Gene, you’re not my type.”

Belle smiled. “Well, that’s a relief,” she said jokingly. “I was afraid I’d have to fight you for him.”

The Arcanine gave Gene another examining look before chuckling. “I don’t think he could really... sate me,” he said before nuzzling Abby. “And he doesn’t smell as nice either, so I think I’ll stick with the human I captured.”

Belle chuckled and snuggled closer to Gene. “Sounds good to me.”

“Hmm, so we’ve talked about our general dislike for the Rangers, about how you two love each other, how Kasai lost his leg...” Abby frowned for a moment before smiling. “Just one more question springs to mind; just how did you two become a thing?”

Belle and Gene smiled at each other. “It was the seven year anniversary of when I first found Belle,” Gene began. “It was just going to be the two of us for the day, see a movie, a walk in the park, dinner... now that I think about it, it sounds an awful lot like I was taking her on a date,” He chuckled. “Anyway, everything went pretty well, we had a great day, but when I brought her into the restaurant I’d picked out...” He sighed. “There were a pair of Jennies at the place within ten minutes.”

Belle hugged Gene tighter. “They arrested Gene and tried to take me to a daycare center until they worked everything out,” She smiled. “Emphasis on tried, the second they put a hand on me I crumpled one of their scooters like it was a tin can.”

“Yeah... your type are good for that sort of thing,” Abby agreed with a small nod as she leaned against Kasai. “See, Kasai and I are lucky, we always go for outdoor cafes and they assume we’re just out for a walk.”

“That would have been a much better idea,” Gene admitted. “Anyway, they let Belle stay with me, worried that she would... the phrase, ‘Event Horizon’ came up once.”

Belle shrugged. “I don’t even know if that myth’s true,” she defended.

Gene continued. “But once we were at the station, they interrogated me and tried to make Belle admit I was ‘abusing her’,” He shook his head. “They let us go after a few hours, but Belle was distraught that they thought I could do that to her.”

“I... well, I’d had a crush on Gene since I was a Kirlia,” Belle admitted. “He never once yelled at me, or uck, ‘tried anything’ as the officer put it.” She looked back at Gene. “And once we got back to where we had set up camp... it all kinda just came out.”

“She broke down,” Gene informed. “I held her and told her how sorry I was for everything and she... she said it was her fault and admitted she loved me,” Gene put his hand over Belle’s. “She thought I’d be mad, or disgusted or something, despite everything we’d been through together.”

Belle smiled at Gene. “He just lifted my chin, dried my eyes, and...” She giggled. “We had our first kiss.”

“I’d been hiding my feelings for Belle for a while and I couldn’t let her think she’d done anything wrong,” Gene smiled and gave Belle a kiss on the lips. “My beautiful fairy princess.”

Belle’s face blushed red at the nickname, but unlike normally, she didn’t protest. “It was the perfect moment,” Belle finished, then chuckled. “At least until Mage burst out of the tent and shouted, ‘It’s about time!’” Gene and Belle shared a laugh at the memory.

“Aww, that’s adorable,” Abby said, a big grin on her face as she looked between the two. “My Lord and I had something kind of like that happen,” she added with a nudge at Kasai’s head.

“Well, minus the police anyways,” Kasai said before giving her a lick. “My Lady likes to exaggerate things a little. That, and most of what I did was non-verbal...” he glanced at Belle and gave her the most pleading, adorable pair of puppy dog eyes she’d ever seen. “Could you say no to these eyes?”

The Gardevoir chuckled. “I basically grew up with a Houndour,” She smiled slyly. “You’ll have to try harder to get me to fall for that trick.”

Abby chuckled as well. “That’s probably a good thing,” she stated before smiling. “Anyways, Kasai and I were on our way home after having paid a trip to my parents’ graves and well... I let my emotions get the best of me and broke down on the sidewalk. I don’t really know why... I’d come to terms with it a long time ago, but that day it was all too much... and he was there for me. He gathered me up against his chest and hugged me close until I stopped crying and when I’d finished, he licked my face clean and then stared into my eyes... and I knew. I... well I almost kissed him there in the street... but I didn’t but I knew.”

Gene smiled. “That’s the sweetest thing I’ve heard in a long time,” He said, smiling at the pair.

“Thanks,” Kasai said, giving Abby’s cheek a lick. “After that... well we went on a few ‘walks’ through the park and to cafes and just got closer to each other until... we got a lot closer and stayed that way for quite a while...”

“Yeah... I wasn’t really prepared for that the first time,” Abby admitted, blushing. “When you love an Arcanine, you kind of stick with them for a while afterwards.”

Belle put a hand over her mouth to stop from laughing, Gene chuckled and said. “When Belle and I... took that step, the biggest problem was that she couldn’t figure out how to unlink us, her power kinda... flared, at the end,” He shook his head, but smiled at Belle. “It still hasn’t completely faded, and I don’t think it ever will.”

“Hehe, I feel the same way,” Abby said with an amused chuckle. “Though, it’s more of a physical link for us... a very big physical link.”

“You know you love every second of it,” Kasai added, giving her a lick on the cheek before glancing at the other two. “She’s the one who starts almost every time we do anything, and the one who always wants to go again afterwards.”

This time, both Gene and Belle laughed. “Oh Arceus!” Belle said through a laugh. “You two are absolutely incorrigible!”

Abby snickered. “Yeah, we are when we don’t have to worry about being judged about it,” she said with a grin as she gave Kasai a kiss on the lips. “It doesn’t happen much, but when we get the opportunity to let it all out... we let it all out.”

“Which further explains why she smells lovely right now,” Kasai concluded with a grin, licking Abby’s lips once. “And why my infallibile nose failed.”

“Well I, for one, am glad you two got lost,” Gene said with a smile. “Otherwise, we never would’ve met, and this entire night would never have happened.”

“And that would have been a real crime worthy of being chased after for,” Abby stated, a big smile on her face as Kasai began to roll onto his back. “I think I’m going to go to sleep now; mind if we stick around for breakfast?”

“Not at all,” Gene said with a grin. “The more the merrier, I say. Plus, you can meet the rest of my team.”

“Oh, and you can meet the rest of mine,” Abby said with a smile. “Though, I don’t have everyone with me. Just Rill and Luke. I didn’t think I’d need Axel for a camping trip.”

“Yeah, Haxorus and trees don’t go well together,” Kasai added as he settled down completely on his back. “Good night,” he added before Abby crawled on top of him and hugged her arms around him.

“Good night,” Abby added before she laid her head down against Kasai’s the two falling asleep almost immediately leaving Gene and Belle awake beside the fire.

Gene chuckled and stood up, brushing himself off, he said. “Come on love, looks like we’ve got a big day ahead of us tomorrow.”

Belle nodded and the two made their way into their tent, Belle using her powers to smother the fire before Gene zipped up the front, sealing the two off for the night.

Interlude Part 2

Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.

Chapter 19

“AXLE WHAT THE HELL!?” Abby roared at the Haxorus who was still standing proudly over his defeated, and bleeding, opponent.

“Huh?” Axle blinked twice and looked down at Abby in confusion. “What?”

“He’s BLEEDING BADLY and you nearly brought the WHOLE BUILDING DOWN ON US!” Abby shouted at him, her tails flaring around her. “WHAT THE HELL WERE YOU DOING!?”

“... reveling in the joy of combat?” Axle answered uncertainly before he glanced down at the still bleeding Tyrantrum. “It is not my fault that he took so long to go down.”

Abby closed her eyes for a moment before she shouted. “THEN SHOW SOME RESTRAINT YOU DUNCE! THAT’S WHAT I TRAINED YOU TO DO!”

Axle actually winced at that. “I-”

“No! You are going to let me finish while you step off of this poor Tyrantrum’s shoulder while some of the Guard doctors try and stop the bleeding before he bleeds to death!” Abby continued, shutting down the Haxorus and impressing a great number of the guard who had been watching nearby.

Cowed, Axle stepped off of the Tyrantrum, several of the Guard rushing up and beginning to apply large bandages to it. Thankfully, Axle’s cuts were straight so they were easy enough to patch and he had managed to avoid hitting any large bones or veins. Axle lowered his head, almost like a dog, and looked down at Abby, his claws fiddling nervously, Abby did not get incredibly angry often, but when she did...

“What the hell were you thinking?” Abby repeated as she stared into his eyes with her red orbs. “Worse than just hurting him and destroying the building, you did all of that in a crowded urban area, there are onlookers outside who could have gotten seriously injured,” she continued, her tone becoming less angry and more rational as she fell into ‘ranger mode’. “Furthermore, there is not a single Pokemon Center in Equestria. What if you’d given him a crippling injury of some sort?”

Axle had no answer for any of that. “But Abby... he attacked me. If I hadn’t stopped him then he would have-”

“I don’t care if he attacked you,” Abby stated flatly. “I care about the way you defended yourself. You’re trained for this sort of thing Axle. First, use your tail to make them trip, then get them immobilized either in the center of the back or by the neck. None of that requires you to grab another Pokemon by the tail and swing him through the side of a building!”

“I just wanted to have a good fight!” Axle shouted, at his wits end thanks to Abby robbing him of his moment of silence. “Is that so much to ask for?!”

“If it nearly comes at the cost of lives, then yes!” Abby replied heatedly.

“Yes, because you have never taken a life in the line of duty!” Axle snarled. “And yet when I almost do it is seen as some sort of great crime!”

Abby bristled angrily. “That was different! Those people were monsters! Not someone clearly forced into something or desperately looking for someone which he obviously is!”

Axle snorted and was about to respond when he let out a heated breath and huffed and turned aside. “...fine... put me in a Pokeball if you don’t like the way I’m acting. You’re obviously superior to me.”

The Ninetales blinked twice and let out a sigh as she padded closer to Axle and gave his head a small nuzzle which he ignored. “I’m not saying that I’m superior to you Axle... I’m trying to help you understand your mistake.”

Axle huffed again and then let out a sigh as he looked down at Abby, his eyes looking down at her red ones. “I know...” he said wearily as he began to slouch. “I just... my brain is still running in battle mode I just...”

“I know,” Abby said, giving him another nuzzle. “I wish I had hands still, if I did, I’d give you a nice tension relieving rub-down. I know how much you like those.”

“That I do...” Axle agreed as his mind drifted back to Abby’s hands running over his body, a cold cloth in them as they stroked down the length of his scaly body, cleaning away the gunk and grime that accumulates between the big plates of armor. “Perhaps we can find some way to do it here?” he asked hopefully.

“I’ll look into it,” Abby said before she glanced over at the Tyrantrum who was seemingly recovered, or at least enough that he was no longer bleeding the way that he had been before. He was currently cocking his head at her, though his body was still lowered into an obvious pose of submission. “What’s your name?” she asked it, stepping away from Axle who just kind of stood there awkwardly as the Guard who were in the middle of rounding up the EPB members gave him a wide birth.

“Ty,” the dinosaur answered uncertainly. “I... I’m sorry that I attacked you... it’s just that they’d been keeping me in that cage over there and... they kept on poking me and...” he trailed off shaking his head. “Do you think you can help me find Alex?” he asked, his head still bowed in submission though his eyes looked pleadingly at her.

“Of course, my name is Abby Trombley and I’m a Pokemon Ranger,” the Ninetales said with a smile. “Are you okay? I know that Axle really did a number on you.”

“I’m fine...” Ty answered before glancing at Axle. “Sorry...”

“We had a fine fight so there is nothing to apologize for,” Axle said, stepping forwards. “And for my part, I am sorry to have hurt you.”

“I’ve had worse... but thank you,” Ty said with a small shake of his head as he glanced down at the shoulder wound which had finally stopped bleeding. “I was thrashed half to death by a Tyranitar once, I’m nowhere near as injured at the moment.”

“Good,” Abby said before glancing up at Ty’s head. “So, who is that we’re looking for?”

“Alex... he’s kind of my father,” Ty answered a little awkwardly. “He found me when I was still in the egg and raised me as a son because he was never able to find a wife.”

“Ah, I see,” Abby stated, nodding. “That’s kind of common so there’s nothing to be awkward about.”

“Oh, thanks, I’ve never really had to explain that to anyone before,” Ty stated before he blinked. “Wait... if you’re a Pokemon Ranger, then why are you a Ninetales?”

“Arceus turned a lot of humans into Pokemon when he brought us here,” Axle explained. “I don’t really get why... but I’m not Arceus.”

“Oh... so Alex is a Pokemon of some sort now?” Ty inquired, cocking his massive head to the side.

“Yeah, he should be,” Abby agreed with a small smile. “Now... wait here for a moment or two and then we can start looking for your dad.”

Ty nodded and Abby turned her back on him, heading for Ace. The black maned unicorn was surveying the wreckage with a frown on her face as officers swarmed the warehouse.

“Hey Ace, I’m heading out,” Abby said, doing her best to sound positive. “You okay here without me?”

“Yeah, you’re fine,” Ace said, a contemplative frown on her face. “Also... I think we’re going to need some Pokemon on our side other then your ‘team’ and the few that some of the others are keeping as pets.”

“Oh?”

“Yes... if you and Axle hadn’t been here then we’d have lost some ponies, I know it,” Ace said, her voice quiet. She glanced over Abby. “So, thanks and any advice that you have would be appreciated.”

“Of course, I’ll give it to you once we track down Ty over there’s father,” the Ninetales said with a swift nod. “We’ll try not to take too long.”

“Right, keep him under control,” Ace stated, nodding her head before she walked off into the crowd of officers. Abby let out a small sigh, that had gone better than she’d been expecting it to. Then she turned back to Ty who had gotten to his claws and returned to his extremely impressive nine foot height.

“You ready to go look for your dad?” Abby called up to him.

“Yes, yes I am!” the Tyrantrum exclaimed with a grin. “Though I have to wonder how...”

“Well, you could just walk down the streets and shout his name,” Axle suggested. “You are a nine foot tall dinosaur, you’re kind of hard to miss.”

“If he was lost in the mall Axle...” Abby said, closing her eyes as she thought. “Though... at the moment, I can’t think of any other way to find your dad other than using scents and... well we’ve been here for I think five days or so, so I don’t think that will work again. Unfortunately, the odds of finding him by walking down the street are incredibly low.”

Ty frowned, looking down at the ground before shaking his head. “I spent five days in that cage, I’m not going to let the odds stop me from finding Alex!”

“Right, let’s get going then,” Abby stated with a nod before she frowned. “Also, why don’t you call him ‘dad’?”

Ty blinked and then shrugged. “I know he’s my dad, I don’t need to remind myself of that all the time.”

Abby blinked. “Okay then, let’s get a move on.”

“I had no idea that the city was this big...” Abby grumbled as they walked down the street. After spending three hours lost in the middle of the city’s downtown district, and then getting turned around amongst all the casinos for an hour, night was starting to fall and they’d made little progress except for scaring the ever living Arceus out of a griffin when they’d asked for some meat.

“It’s like one of the cities in Unova or Kalos...” Axle agreed with a groan.

“I just want to find Alex,” Ty said, shaking his head. “He has to be around here somewhere!”

“Hopefully...” Abby agreed, she didn’t mention the fact that her own mother hadn’t shown up yet, though, she had been several regions away from Scarlet when she’d been ‘grabbed’ by Arceus. “Though I think pretty soon we’re going to have give up the search... at least for the day.”

Ty hung his head low and let out a despondent sigh before they all heard a voice call out to them.

“Ty!?” a male voice shouted out from the crowd.

Ty looked up, his eyes widening at just the sound. “Alex?!” he shouted, turning his head this way and that.

“Over here son!” the voice exclaimed with a jolly laugh. The Tyrantrum continued to search wildly for the voice before his eyes locked onto a Samurott rushing towards them.

“ALEX!” Ty shouted with a roar of excitement before he charged down the street, scattering a few ponies in his haste to reach his father. When he did, he bent his head down and slammed him into the ground, nuzzling him happily with his face. “Dad!”

The Samurott chuckled happily as his arms rubbed Ty’s forehead. “Ty... I’m so happy to see you’re okay. I’ve been looking for ever since I got here, I swear I searched every inch of this city.”

“I got captured by some of these ponies and they kept me in a cage,” Ty answered with a small snarl. “I was so worried about you...”

The smile on Alex’s face dropped instantly to a serious frown. “What?!” he exclaimed in complete shock as he also noticed the rather large, blood stained bandages covering Ty’s shoulder. “What did they do to you!”

“They kept me in a cage and beat me,” Ty answered unhappily. “I mean... they didn’t really hurt me... kind of hard to do that... but they made me really, really, really mad.”

“Then why are you covered in blood stained bandages?” Alex demanded anxiously.

“Well... I was still really angry when they let me out and all I wanted to do was fight so when Axle showed up in front of me...” Ty trailed off and glanced back at the Haxorus who was looking away as he and Abby stood a few feet back. “I kind of lost a fight.”

The Samurott glanced over at Abby and Axle, a narrow glare directed at the two of them. “Is there a reason why you cut my son up like this?” he demanded.

“Because he caught me by surprise,” Axle answered, still looking away. “And... I may have gotten a bit too caught up in the fight. But he’s fine okay? I already said I was sorry!”

Alex continued to glare at the Haxorus for a moment longer before he closed his eyes. “Apology accepted... but your trainer should’ve trained you better self control in battles.”

“I did,” Abby said as she stepped forwards. “Things have just been a little... tense for us lately with all these changes.”

Alex tilted his head at her. “And that is a good excuse to justify the cuts your Haxorus gave my son?” he demanded further as he stood back on his feet. “I’ve been in mountain climbs that have been ‘tense’ and I still kept a cool head in it.”

“Not at all,” Abby answered, shaking her head. “You have my deepest apologies Alex,” she said, bowing her head. “I’m Abby Trombley, Pokemon Ranger and I’m here to do whatever I can to help make this up to you and Ty.”

“A Ranger huh?” Alex said with another examining tilt of his head. “Well... as long you make sure your Haxorus will be a bit more in control of his actions, I can consider that a good start.”

“Thank you sir,” Abby said, giving him a smile as one of her tails whipped Axle in the leg causing him to wince. “I’ll make sure it doesn’t happen again.”

“Yeah,” Axle agreed, still looking away, tired of being the center of all this negative attention. “Can we change the subject please?”

“Sure, Alex, where have you been staying?” Ty asked, nosing his father very gently with his muzzle. “Is it big enough for me?”

A smile crossed the Samurott’s face from the nuzzle. “A shelter that’s been housing some other Pokemon like me... and no, I don’t think it will be big enough for you my tall boy,” he said with a chuckle. “But I’m sure we’ll find some place for ya to sleep, wide enough so you can lay fully on your side.”

Ty smiled widely and gave his father another nuzzle. “Thanks Alex!” he said happily.

“You’re welcome,” Alex replied with a jolly chuckle before he glanced back over at Abby and Axle. “I guess that’s another thing you can help us in if you want.”

“Sure, though I don’t know where that would be either,” Abby agreed before shaking her head. “Anyways, Axle and I need to be getting back to the station, come there and ask for me if you need anything okay?”

“Will do... and... thanks in all for helping us reunite,” Alex said, nodding his head towards Abby.

“Yeah, thanks,” Ty agreed with an emphatic nod. “And thanks for rescuing me.”

“Welcome on all three counts,” Abby replied with a foxy grin. “Come on Axle, let’s get ‘home’.”

The pair walked off, leaving the father and son to catch up.

Abby let out a tired sigh as she jumped into the bed beside Kasai. “You have no idea how long of a day I’ve had,” she grunted as she leaned her neck against his side. Kasai didn’t say anything, instead he simply licked her face. She smiled and leaned into his soft fur before there was a soft knock on the door.

Abby... I’m afraid I’m about to make your day longer, Luke’s mental voice spoke in her head. There are three prisoners who are waiting to talk to you.

Abby let out a groan and looked at Kasai. “You better be awake enough to snuggle after this...”

“I’ll do my best,” the Arcanine replied with a sigh, licking her one more time. “Though for you, it shouldn’t be that hard to stay up. It would be like a stake out... just without the stake,” he said with a small chuckle.

Abby’s lips turned up into a smile and she licked him across the muzzle before she rose from the bed and walked out the door to find Luke standing there, three unconscious ponies floating in the air around him.

“Oh... this is going to be fun,” Abby said with a sigh. “Okay... let’s get this started...”

Chapter 20

Abby stalked down the corridor as Luke held the three ponies in the air above him until they arrived in an interrogation cell and the Gallade set them down at the table as Abby sat down across from them. Then she glanced at Luke. “Let’s get this over with,” she said with an irritated shake of her head. Luke had informed her of what the three had been trying to do but said that he needed them awake to get more information.

Awaken, Luke’s voice commanded within their minds.

The first to rouse themselves was Frigid, and she took in where she was before settling herself back down. She knew there was no real point to fighting at this juncture. Not yet.

The second was Level Head. She, too, took in the room, the fact that her fellow enforcers were also taken with her, and settled herself. She had confidence in Tolerance’s abilities to get them out of this bind.

Speaking of, Tolerance woke up, took a look at Luke, and an expression of nearly rage crossed his face before it smoothed out. He took a look at Abby and was all smiles. “My word, what sort of development have we landed ourselves in this time?” His words carried just a touch of magic to them; best to start laying the foundation early.

Please stop that... it is annoying, Luke stated quietly in his mind. Your ‘spears’ are barely tapping on my walls.

“Yeah, and I was about to go to sleep after a long day so cut the shit,” Abby agreed with a glower.

Tolerance sighed. “And what do you actually have on us? Not much, I’d wager. We are professionals for a reason.” His smirk was nearing irritating proportions.

“If I still had hands you’d be eating the metal desk,” Abby informed him blandly. “Luke?”

Well, to begin with, there was your assault on my pupil Vinny, along with the contents of your mind suggesting that you wished to kidnap him in an attempt to get to my friends, Luke said with a small shrug. After which we have the orders that you were told to ‘get rid of’ them from your superior.

Tolerance sputtered. “That’s a clear lie! We merely were told to get rid of the blue and red one from the slots!” A moment passed before the unicorn realized the depth of his error. “Aw, horseapples.”

“Tolerance, perhaps one of us should do the talking,” Level Head suggested.

“Taking information from our minds cannot possibly hold up in a court,” Frigid added.

Abby simply smirked. “So, you work for Pegasus Air... tell me about them.”

“Why should we?” Level asked. “Logically, any information we give you will only ensure that we do not receive any future contracts from them. And as they are the largest import and export company in the city, work would then be hard to find for those such as us.”

“So, why would a company like that be involved in money laundering I wonder,” Abby mused as she looked over the pair. “Also, what do you mean by import/export company? What do they move in and out of the city?”

“Like she said,” Frigid replied. “We will tell you nothing. And you can’t hold us, otherwise we’d be waking up to a court date.”

Actually, we may hold you for as long as we’d like, Luke said with a small, half smile. You see... I waited until Abby got here to wake you or to appear. So... she is the only one who knows you’re here. This interrogation cell is out of use at the moment... all manner of things could happen to you without a single person noticing.

“Please,” Tolerance scoffed. “I’ve made more compelling threats. I’ve carried out more compelling threats. And if words are all you have, we’ll happily wait down here. Our employer will come up with something.”

Tolerance... you are now a vegetable, Luke said calmly. Tolerance’s eyes went blank and his head drooped forwards. Luke looked over at the other two. He now believes that he’s a squash, though I have allowed his body to continue functioning as if he were not.

“Fascinating,” Level Head said. “It would appear that we are at an impasse. We will not say anything, due to our professionalism, and you will not permit us to leave until we do.”

“Yeah,” Abby agreed with a tired sigh. “I don’t suppose you’d change your mind if I told you that you could have an angry God after you if you don’t would you?”

“Gods fall, in time,” Frigid said. “We were even working on a plan to take on an Alicorn, should our employers ask for it.”

“However…” Level started.

“Level?”

“Just because we can’t say anything...doesn’t mean you can’t. Keep it to yes or no questions, and we’ll try to answer without a word.”

“What are you doing, Level?”

“Bargaining,” Level Head responded. “Restore Tolerance afterwards, and we’ll answer your questions as well as we can.”

“Works for me,” Abby said before closing her eyes for a moment. “Is Pegasus Air doing anything illegal?” Level Head nodded. “Smuggling?” Level Head nodded again. “Okay smuggling what... drugs? Ponies? Pokemon?”

Frigid nodded at the first two, but hesitated and shook her head at the third. “At least, not yet.”

“True,” Level rejoined. “They ship anything. Anything. Their slogan is that they’ll have it to you in fifteen minutes in the city, or it’s half off. And their unofficial one is that they’ll treat you like family.”

“I see...” Abby said before nodding and continuing. “Are there plans to start smuggling Pokemon?”

“Not that we know of,” Level said. “The plans we had were simply for the blue and red one. We are not our employers. However...look into the history of other shipping companies in the city if you want to see what they do to those that try to muscle into their turf, or simply defy them.”

“Right... so it’s ‘Old Muscle’... yeah, I’ve dealt with this kind of thing before,” Abby said, frowning. “Though they were more along the lines of sex slavers... still, same basic idea really.”

Frigid, surprisingly, actually winced. “She has said, multiple times, that she doesn’t care who does what with the things she ships. As long as it isn’t in her yard. And thank goodness for that.”

Abby’s eyes narrowed. “Who is ‘she’?”

“The head of Pegasus Air, of course,” Level Head responded. “Business Mind. Our employer. Oh, she used proxies to hire us the first few times, but eventually she dropped pretenses. She doesn’t permit any illegal activity on her properties besides the smuggling. You want to purchase someone or something, fine. But no using until you’re out of the building.”

“I’d ask you if you could possibly justify that, but I know better,” Abby said, her rage at a cool simmer as she glared at them. “What are her plans for the Pokemon in the City? Is she going to make a move against them?”

“Perhaps we should tell you of our plan as it stood,” Level mused.

“What would we have to hold over them then?” Frigid replied.

“Nothing, and that seems to be the point,” Level rejoined. “Recall that the taller one turned Tolerance into a vegetable.”

“Something we should have paid him to do,” Frigid agreed. “Very well, tell her.”

“Our plan was simple enough in theory,” Level turned back to Abby. “First, attempt to bribe or force the blue and red one out of town. Then, if those tactics failed, we would have used our contacts with the newspapers to print several days worth of anti-Pokemon articles in an attempt to shame him into accepting. Finally, should he prove resilient to even that, we would have gone to court and made it all very nice, tidy, and legal that Pokemon be removed.”

“Ah... I see,” Abby closed her eyes. “That explains those newspaper articles Ace was talking about... those were Pegasus Air’s fault?”

“Most likely,” Frigid replied. “Though, they were supposed to wait for me.”

“At least my contacts with the courts know better,” Level Head said. “And as a little tip...there once was a rival shipping company in town known as the Sonic Boom Express.”

“And they’re no longer in business, are they?” Abby inquired, raising an eyebrow slightly.

“They’re no longer in Equestria,” Level replied. “Their members were scattered to the far corners of the globe. Some to the griffon lands, some to the zebras. I hear one even ended up in the Crystal Empire. One night, Business Mind said one thing when she was tired of dealing with them. ‘I’m head of an import and export company. Export them!’”

“And what was the ‘export’ process like for the Sonic Boom Express workers?” Abby asked her with a small frown.

“One night. A load of tranquilizer darts and any gangs that would join on. They never knew what hit them,” Frigid replied. “I should know. We were part of it.”

Abby closed her eyes and then opened them again. “She does realize that a vast number of Pokemon can destroy skyscrapers and have armor covered skin several inches thick, right? And that the very least of them can breath fire.”

“At this point, I don’t think she cares,” Level said. “She’s used to being in control of the city. She’ll do anything to get it back.”

“I think I’ll have to rain on her parade then,” Abby stated. “Tomorrow or the day after... what are the defenses she has around her building?”

“Minimal but highly trained. Not as bad as us, but loyal to her. We’re enforcers for hire. They’d die before they let you through to her,” Frigid replied. “She never expected to have to do something like this. Her money buys loyalty from the gangs, and the way she treats her workers instills them with a fervor second only to the one most ponies have for the Alicorns.”

“Essentially,” Level summarized, “It’ll be both better and worse if you were to take us on in a fair fight.”

“So, I take her on in an unfair fight,” Abby stated with a small nod. “Does she happen to make appointments?”

“She does have a secretary who handles her schedule. What it is, we don’t know. Who it is, we do. Quick Notes, pegasus mare. Blue coat, black mane and tail. Mark of a clipboard. Once again, likely to be loyal. Good luck. You’re going to need it. She doesn’t even respond to Tolerance’s talent.”

Abby glanced at the squash. “No offense, but I don’t have a high respect for his talent.”

“Neither do I,” Frigid replied. “However, it has proven useful, his ability to manipulate. The problem is, he needs something to work with. Her loyalty to her boss is so great, it just causes his magic to bounce off when he tries to go against her interests.”

“Luke is capable of taking down an Alakazam in mental combat... heck, only Metagross can withstand him if he really puts his mind to it... I think we’ll be fine,” Abby said before letting out a sigh and glancing at them. “You know, I just wanted to get a new branch of Rangers set up on this world... not get caught up in some giant conspiracy...”

“Blame your red and blue friend for dodging us,” Level responded. “It could have ended with him. As well, any new branch of law enforcement would have caught Pegasus Air’s eyes eventually. Would you rather have dealt with her now, or later?”

“Fair enough,” Abby said, suppressing a groan, it was late. “Are there any more details that you can give me about this group that would prove important?”

“Only that they’re equal opportunity employers, so be prepared for everything,” Frigid replied.

“Wonderful...” Abby said, closing her eyes before looking at Luke. “That all?”

Indeed... Luke said before he glanced at Tolerance. You are no longer a squash, though you will always remember when you were.

The stallion jolted awake and looked at the Gallade with a slight expression of fear. “What...what happened?”

“We turned on our employers while you were...indisposed,” Level replied, a slight hint of a smile on her lips.

Tolerance turned to Level before turning back to Luke. “I see. Well then. I would apologize for our actions, but I’m fairly certain you wouldn’t believe it.”

Good... now then, I shall take you to some cells and leave a note with Ace... also... none of you will not remember my use of coercion other than Tolerance gaining an appreciation for honesty... and perhaps growing a vegetable garden, Luke said within their minds, his eyes flashing blue.

“Pity,” Level head replied before her mind was cleared. “I was going to ask you about doing that to him whenever he acted up.”

Simply say the words ‘squash’ from this point on, Luke replied with a slim smile. And say it once more to bring him out of it.

“... you’re kidding me,” Blackwing said, staring at Abby.

“Yeah, I wish,” Abby replied, wiping tiredness from her eyes. “So... think you can do anything about this?”

“We’re Celestia’s Guard, we won’t let this happen without a fight,” Blackwind said before he glanced at the slumbering form of Novi on his desk. “Besides... I happen to like Pokemon.”

“So... the Guard will be ready?” Abby asked with a hopeful expression.

“Yes... We’ve had our eyes on Pegasus Air for a while now and with this information...” he closed his eyes and then nodded. “Yes, we’ll have our ponies out there in force tomorrow.”

“Thank you sir,” Abby said, smiling. “Now... I’m going to get some sleep.”

“Good, tomorrow should be eventful and you’ll need your rest,” Blackwing replied. Abby nodded her head and left the room, walking back to the one she shared with Kasai.

“How was the ‘stakeout’,” she asked him as she caught sight of his head raise slightly in the dark.

“Boring and lonely without you here beside me,” Kasai answered with a small chuckle as she curled up beside him and he leaned his muzzle down against hers. “Though now that you’re here... I’m feeling much less lonely.”

“Thanks for that then,” Abby said, licking him before she let out a yawn and her tails wrapped around his. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to bed.”

Her eyes were closed before Kasai could reply, so instead, he didn’t. He just shut his eyes and leaned his head down against hers, drifting off to sleep as her breath rose and fell beside her.

Author's Note

Also, if anyone doubt’s Luke’s ability to make someone think that they’re a vegetable... I draw you back to the episode of the anime where a Hypno and a Drowzee turned an entire town’s worth of children into ‘Pokemon’.

Chapter 21

“I fucking hate this... just because I don’t have thumbs I don’t have to be the only one hauling all the beams back and forth,” a grumpy Anna muttered under her breath as another of the large metal beams stabbed into her back, again. “It’s not my fault I don't have thumbs!”

“At least you’re not laying the bricks... I hate the noise of the scraping,” Sven grunted as he trudged along beside his sister. The mighty Tyranitar had a large pair of wet concrete buckets balanced across his broad shoulders.

“Ehhhhh.... why don’t we just dump this and make a run for it?” she asked, glancing up at her brother.

“Because we made a promise,” Sven stated flatly. “And part of being a Pokemon is keeping your promises, especially when defeated in battle.”

“But it’s sooo boooooorrriiinnng,” the Lairon groaned out.

“We’re almost done and you know it so shush,” Sven replied blandly. “Once we’re done with this, we can find something that you’ll like more, I promise Anna.”

Anna rolled her eyes but let out a stubborn sigh. “Fine....”

The pair walked along in silence towards the construction site when Sven felt something light impact off of his stony neck. He frowned and looked down to see a peculiar looking dart lying on the ground. Another impacted off of his back and he whirled to see a pair of unicorns armed only with blowpipes staring at him, their eyes wide with shock.

Anna also felt something pinging off her metal back and she too turned around at the unicorns. “What the fucking hell are you doing!”

The two unicorns, along with another few who appeared out of the crowd did the only thing they could think of, shoot out more darts at the pair.

Sven calmly set his burden on the ground, careful not to spill any of the concrete and then reached over to unclip Anna from the harness. Then, he looked down at his sister.

“Is this interesting enough for you Anna?” he asked as his eyes began to glow red.

A dart bounced off her forehead and she snorted. “If not, it’s a great stress reliever,” she replied, her head angling down. “HEADBUTT!” She charged towards the group of ponies.

“You’re so cool Zubs!” Bruce Claw shouted happily as his relatively new Zubat flapped around his head. It might have looked kind of scary at first, but the young griffin had looked past that, and now he was convinced that ‘Zubs’ was the coolest, and cutest, bat on earth.

“Master Bruce, I think you’d better come inside,” Alfred, the family’s loyal griffin butler, called. Bruce was currently standing on the balcony with Zubs. “I’m afraid I’ve heard of some rather unpleasant business in town.”

“I’ll be fine Alfred, I’ve got Zubs to protect me!” Bruce replied with a grin as the Zubat landed on his head. “Besides, who would bother going through all the trouble of com-”

*bzp*

Bruce dropped like a stone as a dart embedded in his neck. Zubs took flight above his master, fluttering worriedly there.

“Shit! We missed!” a pegasus exclaimed from a nearby cloud.

“Master Bruce!” Alfred exclaimed as he rushed up to the now unconscious griffin and pulled the dart out of his neck. “Come out here this instant!” he shouted up at the clouds.

“Shit! He heard us!” the other pegasus shouted, his wings opening as he leapt out of the cloud.

Zubs was not naturally a violent Pokemon. Sure, he was a Zubat and most humans, and other Pokemon for that matter, viewed their kind as a nuisance to be swatted away. And yes. That hurt. That hurt a lot. But Zubs had always known he’d find someone, somewhere, to take him in. And now. Someone had made the mistake of attacking that someone.

“CONFUSE RAY!” the Zubat shouted as his jaws opened wide and an ultrasonic wave washed over the pair of fleeing pegasus.

The effects were immediate.

The pegasi flew on as if they hadn’t been effected. That is, until they slammed face first into one another and went plummeting downwards into the ground.

Alfred glanced at the little bat and nodded his thanks. “You take care of those two, I’m going to see about getting Master Bruce back on his feet. Thank you Zubs.”

With that, the griffin turned and walked away, carrying Zub’s master with him. Of course, that was fine with Zubs. It had been forever since he’d had a good drink and he’d just been handed two very large juice pouches.

“These ponies are idiots,” Abby grumbled angrily as she stalked towards the doors of the station, Kasai at her side.

“Yeah, ‘Let’s attack the monsters that have supernatural abilities, I’m sure nothing will go wrong’,” he replied his voice becoming a mocking falsetto.

“Instead, all this idiot, ‘Business Mind’ is doing is making more of a mess for me to clean up,” Abby continued, her voice turning much harsher as she pushed the doors of the station open and looked at Kasai. “Think you’re up to ‘Protecting’ yourself from any darts that come at you? Or using Agility to dodge?”

“Yeah... though I’m a bit concerned for you,” he replied, glancing at the Ninetails. “You don’t know what moves you can do, not only that but if you do get hit with a dart... what effect will that have on our young?”

Abby skittered to a halt in front of the station’s fence gate and looked down at herself. “... I didn’t think about that.”

Kasai frowned as he turned to face her directly. “...maybe you should sit this one out Abby... I don’t want you to get hurt, let alone our pup. Maybe Lex and I can handle this since we both know Agility and Protect very well.”

Abby’s jaw shifted into a snarl of anger, but Kasai could tell it wasn’t directed at him. He knew very well that Abby didn’t like being stuck on the sidelines.

“You know it’s for the right reason... not only that but you’re very stress at the moment,” the Arcanine stated as he walked up to her and give her a nuzzle against her head. “You need some rest... I know how you are when you don’t give yourself time to cool down once in a while. And right now you’re near boiling point.”

Abby let out another growl but it subsided and she leaned into is nuzzle. “Just... don’t get hurt Kasai... I don’t want to be raising this little bundle of fur by myself.”

“I promise,” he said with a chuckle. “I would pinkie promise, but I don’t have one so I just promise Lex and I will come back in time for supper okay?”

“Okay...” Abby’s jaws turned into a small pout and she leaned away from him, licking him on the lips once before she added. “I’ll go get Lex so that you two can get out there and try to get the situation under-” she winced as an explosion went off somewhere off in the city. “-some form of control.”

“Blasted... better hurry and get him,” Kasai told Abby as his ears perked up and around to find the source of the explosion. “If those idiots keep harassing Pokemon there won’t be much of a city left to keep under control.”

“Tell me about it,” Abby growled, turning on her heels. “I love you,” she called over her shoulder as she rushed into the building. A few minutes later, Lex exited and ran up to him, his ribbons giving him a boosted ‘jump’ every few feet.

“Ready to do lots of running?” Kasai asked without glancing down.

“Yeah, let’s just get this over with,” Lex said, shaking his head slightly. “Whoever is orchestrating this is an absolute idiot.”

“Agreed... this way, whoever used Explosion was a couple of blocks down.” The Arcanine bolted out of the gates and into the busy, and rather panicked, streets with Lex following close behind, his ribbons enabling him to keep up with the much larger dog.

The source of the explosion was fairly obvious once they reached the area where it had happened. This was because the concrete streets were blackened and charred along with the five ponies whose fur had been completely burned off in the front. They were lying on the ground around a large white and red orb who was glaring at them with its dot eyes.

“AND STAY DOWN!” it shouted at them, its angry mouth set in a snarl. “THAT’LL TEACH YOU TO MESS WITH AN ELECTRODE!”

Kasai eyed all of the ponies, making sure that they were all breathing faintly before he walked up to the Electrode. “Hey, you caused a lot panic with that move of yours.”

“AND?” the Electrode demanded as he glanced at the now deserted area around him. “WHAT OF IT? THEY SHOT ME WITH DARTS AND TRIED TO CATCH ME IN A NET!”

“I understand you have the right to defend yourself,” Kasai replied with a nod of his head before a hard glare shot over at the Electrode. “But you could’ve harmed innocents with that Explosion. Not only that only that but you damage the streets and the side of a building. You should’ve used a move like Thunder Bolt.”

“I’M AN ELECTRODE! ALL I DO IS EXPLODE!” the Electrode countered with a roll of his eyes. “FIND ME A POWERPLANT AND I’LL GO THERE! BUT IF PONIES ATTACK ME WITH DARTS I WILL EXPLODE! ALSO! TALK LOUDER! I CAN BARELY HEAR YOU!”

Kasai frowned. “What?” he blinked twice.

“Because of the explosion Kasai,” Lex answered with a small roll of his eyes. “He must have blown out his ‘ears’.”

“Oh....” Kasai cleared his throat and speak the same level as the Electrode. “WHAT YOU DID WAS STILL WRONG. THEREFORE AS PART OF THE POKEMON RANGERS I MUST ASK YOU TO WAIT FOR THE GUARD AND GO WITH THEM PEACEFULLY. I’M SURE THEY WILL HELP YOU FIND A PLANT SO YOU CAN PAY BACK THE DAMAGE YOU DID.”

“YOU’RE ARRESTING ME?!” The Electrode shouted back, his face more puzzled than anything else.

“MORE OF DETAINING... BUT IT SHOULD ONLY BE TEMPORARY,” Kasai replied back.

“FINE! I’LL JUST STAY HERE I GUESS! I DON’T WANT TO GET IN LEGAL TROUBLE! IT’S A HASSLE!” the Electrode said, glancing down.

“THANK YOU FOR YOUR CORPORATION,” Kasai shouted with a smile before glancing down at Lex. “THAT-” he cleared his throat again “-that went well.”

“Let’s keep going,” Lex said with a nod as he turned and started off, his ears were picking up the sound of someone roaring. Kasai gave the Electrode a final nod and then easily caught up to him. “I think all that time rutting with Abby has given you a pretty good idea of how to talk like her,” Lex snarked as they ran along. “Though, how you actually learned much from that, I’m not sure.”

Kasai rolled his eyes. “Ha. Ha. Ha. ...it’s more of just listening of how she talks during our missions and learning from that, thank you very much. I have a working brain too you know.”

“Oh, I know,” Lex replied, a small chuckle leaving his throat as he used his ribbons to launch himself over a slow pony. “It’s just that you use your head more than it.”

The Arcanine blinked slowly for a moment. “HEY!” Lex snickered. Kasai just looked at him with a small scowl before they came upon the source of the roaring.

“STAY AWAY FROM ALEX!” Ty, the Tyrantrum roared angrily as a group of ponies armed with blowguns tried to get at the unconscious form of a Samurott between his clawed feet, several darts sticking in its neck.

“Hold that joke, Play Rough!” Lex shouted before he launched himself into battle, his ribbons swirling around him as him in a fleshy whirlwind of fairy power, slapping into the ponies and sending them flying. One of them managed to get a bead on him and launched a dart but Lex’s ribbon caught it by the base and launched it back at him.

Kasai had to admit, as much of an insufferable snark Lex was to be around at times, there were several reasons why Abby kept him around, besides the fact that Rill would be distraught without him.

The Arcanine then spotted a pony standing from afar, aiming at Lex, but the Arcanine charged forward. “Flamethrower!” he shouted, launching a column of fire just right in front of the pony. The mare jumped in fright as she turned to see Kasai charing at her. “Headbutt!” he called out again, lowering his head and ramming it into the mare.

The mare went flying into the far wall and Kasai glanced back to see that Lex had taken care of the other ponies and was now trying to talk down Ty.

“Hey, it’s alright, he’s going to be fine,” Lex called up to Ty as the incredibly angry Tyrantrum.

“HOW WOULD YOU KNOW?!” Ty roared down at the Fairy as he shuffled his feet angrily.

“Because I do!” Lex shouted up. “And unless you’d like a Moonblast to the face, you’ll calm down!”

Ty glared at him for a long moment before letting out an angry growl and looking down at Lex. “Who are you two anyways?”

“We’re Abby’s Pokemon, Ty,” Kasai replied, remembering the name Abby had told him the night before. “And your Father is fine, he’s just asleep, knocked out by the darts.”

Ty glanced down at the darts in his father’s neck and nozed him gently with his muzzle. “Are... are you sure that he’s alright? I just got him back... I don’t want to... he just dropped like a stone.”

“I’m sure... but we can get some Guard ponies to help take him to a hospital to make sure,” Kasai informed the Tyrantrum.

Ty looked down worriedly again before nodding his thanks. “I... thank you,” the large, red, dinosaur Pokemon said with a small smile.

“No problem, it’s what we do,” Lex said with a shake of his head.

“Indeed... just wait here with your Father till the guards come okay?” Kasai stated, looking at Ty.

“Right... I can do that,” Ty said before glancing at the downed ponies. “And if any of them regain consciousness then I will Stomp on them.”

“Do try and avoid killing them please,” Lex said with an exasperated sigh before he turned to Kasai. “Come on, we need to head back to the station and send teams to take care of them and that Electrode before it gets bored and tries to blow someone else up.”

“Right,” Kasai with a sigh as the two turned and ran back to the station.

Meanwhile, Abby lay in her bed, trying to get some more sleep. It was not a battle that she was winning. Not by a long shot.

Her mind was troubled. Kasai was out there, risking his life and remaining limbs for the Pokemon of the city while she lay on this stupid mattress in the dark. A small breath of fire sprouted from her mouth before she shook her head and it dissipated.

The last thing she wanted to do was set off the smoke detectors. Then everyone would be over worked, tired, and worst of all, wet. Not to mention that as a Ninetales, she had a certain instinctive dislike to being wet.

Of course... that was hardly the biggest issue on her mind. No... she knew that Kasai and Lex would be fine. They’d faced worse than this before. No. What was really on her mind was the child she was carrying in her womb. She’d felt herself getting just a little bit bigger every day, not to mention that her body just felt...weird to her. Her fur felt too soft, her tails too perky, and that very morning she’d awoken to discover small wet spots around her six small nipples.

Now, Abby didn’t really know that much about pregnancy outside of what she’d been taught in school, and she certainly didn’t know anything about pregnant Ninetales. Speaking of which, her tails seemed to have minds of their own at the moment, twitching and jerking by themselves without her controlling them.

Worst of all, Abby was worried not just about the pregnancy itself, but of the future that the pregnancy presented. She, Abby Trombley, was going to be a mother. The Ninetales shut her eyes and tried not to think about it. Kasai said that she’d make a great mother. Of course he did, he was her mate, he always supported her. The truth was though, Abby didn’t know. She didn’t know what she was supposed to do as a mother.

She’d had two and she still wasn’t sure!

Being a mother by itself back on Earth would have been hard enough... but now? In this situation? A time when she barely had her ‘paws’ underneath her in the first place? No... there was no way she’d do well. The Ninetales was sure of it. She’d screw something up. Her pups would turn out horribly and she’d have no one but herself to blame. Kasai would turn away from her in disgust and-

STOP IT! she shouted at her subconscious. That’s not helping at all... dammit me.

She closed her eyes tighter and tried her best not to think about it all.

“Get a grip Abby,” she muttered. “You’re too good for this kind of thing. Just focus on what’s actually happening right now. Moping won’t help anything at all.”

That’s certainly the right attitude to take, her thoughts said, the voice a bit... different than what Abby was used too. It was colder, more regal.

The Ninetales blinked twice. “...what?”

Oh, don’t mind me, the voice replied with a small, almost amused chuckle. And before you think you’re crazy, don’t.

“I’m going crazy,” Abby groaned, letting out a whimper and covering her snout with her paws.

I just told you not to do that, the voice said and Abby could hear a slight note of annoyance in it. You’re not ‘talking to yourself’.

“Oh really? It kind of feels like I am,” Abby grunted, her snout still covered.

Well, I suppose you kind of are talking to yourself, but not in a dissociative personality disorder kind of way, the voice replied. I’m your inner Ninetales, not a figment of your imagination brought on by extreme stress.

“You say while I’m in the middle of a small mental breakdown,” the Ninetales replied.

Okay, so it doesn’t seem like this was the best time, but still, you’re driving yourself crazy Abby, the voice said soothingly, losing a bit of the ice. Just... relax about motherhood. You’ll be fine, it’s instinctual for the most part, trust me.

“... if you’re my inner Ninetales then you have just as little experience raising children as I do,” Abby retorted pointedly.

I’m your instincts, the voice replied. Besides, Pokemon are born into the wild more than they are born while living with humans. Do you think that they get a physical instructions manual on how to raise their young?

Abby wilted under that and then let out a sigh. “Just... let me sleep.”

Oh yes, because I was the ‘one’ interrupting that, her inner Ninetales snarked before quieting down.

Abby let out a sigh and closed her eyes, hoping that Kasai would get back soon... she needed someone... anyone... to lean on.

Interlude Part 3

Kasai looked up at Abby, a small look of concern on his muzzle and he let out a slight whimper. Abby glanced over at him and gave the Arcanine’s head a pat as the pair walked down the sand strewn gravel path. Kasai was nervous about this, heck, Abby was nervous about it. Honestly, it was probably a stupid way to do things, but screw it, Abby was a Ranger and she was going to do this like a Ranger.

So, with that in mind, she walked up to the door of Cynthia’s beautiful beach house and looked down at her Ranger Uniform. You can do this, she thought to herself with a small mental frown. It doesn’t matter that she’s the Champion. It doesn’t matter that she’s one of your biggest idols. It doesn’t matter that if you screw this up you’ll probably get demoted because she put out a large complaint to the Ranger Union.

Her breath hitched in her throat and she shivered, her arms shaking. Maybe... maybe this had been a bad idea. Maybe she should have just come in her casual camper’s clothes. What if Cynthia tried to drive her off with her Garchomp. What if-

“Arc!” Kasai barked in her ear, giving her face a comforting nuzzle. Abby smiled, gave him a light kiss on the cheek, and then rang the doorbell.

They stood there in silence for a moment before she heard the sound of someone coming to the door. She heard them pause at the doorway and Abby could imagine them looking out the peephole. Then, the locks, three of them if Abby’s ears weren’t mistaken, were unlocked and the door was pushed open to reveal Abby’s idol.

Cynthia stood there, her luxurious blond hair falling around past her shoulders as her keen intelligent eyes analyzed her. It also vaguely occurred to her that Cynthia was also wearing a bikini, though that was the very back of her mind at the moment. She tried to stutter out something but was unable to. The woman in front of her was incredibly imposing, and at the moment, she also looked very irked.

“What is it? Why are you here Ranger?” Cynthia inquired, her voice cold.

“I-I-” Abby was unable to speak for a long moment, Cynthia’s right fingers tapping impatiently against her left arm.

“Well?” the Champion of Sinnoh asked her, raising an eyebrow. “What is it?”

Abby’s mouth was dry as the sandy dunes off to her right as she looked up at Cynthia’s cold eyes, her throat clenching as she tried to speak, a combination of sudden fear and... well... hero worship overwhelming her.

Kasai let out a sigh, rolled his eyes and then leaned over so that his muzzle was in her ear and licked her. Abby jumped in surprise and blushed deeply, Cynthia watching this, clearly bemused by what she was seeing.

The ranger’s eyes closed for a moment and then she let out a breath. “Champion Cynthia, my name is Abby Trombley, I’m a Pokemon Ranger, obviously, and recently I ran into a few friends of yours. Gene told me to tell you about the time a challengers Alakazam tried to get a little too close to Belle, and the lawsuit that almost followed.” Abby fell silent for a moment as Cynthia’s eyes widened with realization before she continued. “I’ve got some a letter for you, Iris, and Shauntal from him and Belle.”

Abby held out the letter to a rather shocked Cynthia and turned her back after they’d been wordlessly taken, beginning to walk away just in case Cynthia reacted badly. Cynthia shook her head and then opened the letter.

Hey guys, bet you weren't expecting to hear from me for a while huh?

... Guys, I'm really sorry for all the trouble I caused you. I should've known she wouldn't accept me but... she was my mom. Anyway, we're all fine, we've had a few close calls but we've always managed to get away. I'm sorry I didn't contact you sooner but I haven't been able to find a way, I can't get through on the video phone without alerting the police.

Belle's fine, by the way, after the wedding she was kinda depressed but she's fine now, Shauntal, tell Cofagrigus that Mage misses playing chess with him, and kicking his shiny metal butt at it, her words, not mine.

We're not sure what our plan is at the moment but we've been playing it safe, staying out of big cities and everything, so don't worry.

We all really miss you guys, and I just want to say thank you for everything you've done for us, and again, sorry for the trouble at the wedding, I know you all worked really hard to make that day special and I guess I kinda ruined it huh?

Let's see, what else... oh right, Abby. She's great! They ran into us while we were out camping and the four of us got to talking, me and Belle and her and Kasai, turns out we have a lot in common. If she hasn't already told you about her and Kasai... well, it's not my place to say. I hope I'm not imposing but I told her that she could stay with you for a while if she needed. Hope you enjoy guests, hehehe...

Seriously you guys, other than my team, you're the best friends a guy could have. I love you all.

~With love, Gene and Belle

Cynthia finished the letter and glanced up at the retreating form of the ranger who was leaning ever so slightly against the Arcanine, a small smile crossing her face.

“Abby, wait,” Cynthia called, easily catching up to Abby and putting a hand on her shoulder, turning the surprised girl around and giving her a hug. Abby froze for a moment and then returned it, the fact that she was hugging her idol making her feel rather light headed. It really was a short hug but it left Abby’s entire face red.

“OhmygoshCynthiajusthuggedme!” Abby garbled out, her breath coming in in little gasps. “Ahhhhhhh!”

Kasai looked at Cynthia who was doing her best not to laugh. The Arcanine rolled his eyes and nudged the side of his face into Abby’s head and gave her face a lick. Luckily, that seemed to snap Abby back to reality. She let out a long breath and then looked up at Cynthia.

“Sorry... you’re kind of my idol...” the younger woman said with a deep blush. “I hope I didn’t just make myself look like a total idiot.”

“Oh, you kind of did, but I wouldn’t worry too much,” Cynthia replied with a grin and a chuckle. “It happens all the time and I don’t really care any more.”

“Right... yeah,” Abby looked down and coughed once, her cheeks still rosey. “So... why the hug?”

“Because, you brought me news from two people who I care for very much and have been worrying about the last few months,” the older woman answered with a smile. “I thought that was hug worthy.”

Abby preened under the attention from her idol and blushed a little more.

“Thanks- but you didn’t really have to hug me,” she said before looking at Cynthia. “I’m just doing what I promised them I’d do. It’s no big deal.”

“Well, it is to me,” Cynthia replied with a small chuckle. “Would you like to come inside? Perhaps you and Kasai could stay with me for a day or two if you don’t have any other ranger business to get to? Maybe tell me about yourselves?”

Abby’s eyes widened. “Really? You’d let us stay here? With you?” she asked, the words coming out as a rapid string of questions. Kasai sighed again and leaned over to give Abby’s face a lick.

“Of course, otherwise I wouldn’t offer,” Cynthia said with a small chuckle as she began walking back towards the house. “Besides, any friend of Gene and Belle, even though I suspect that you didn’t mean to become their friends, is a friend of mine.”

The younger woman finally managed to fully pull herself together and followed.

“Actually, I was seriously hoping that I’d become their friends,” Abby said as Cynthia closed the wooden door to the house and she had her first real glance at the interior of the house.

It was actually a lot homier than she’d been expecting, in fact, it looked like Cynthia actually lived there. A few towels were hung on a nearby rack on the door, one clearly wet, while a few odd shoes were strewn about here and there. The rest of the front room was pretty unremarkable aside from one or two framed pictures of Cynthia with several groups of people, including Abby noticed, a picture of herself, Champion Iris, Shauntel, Gene and Belle.

“Give me a moment to change and I’ll be right with you two, feel free to make yourself at home in the kitchen,” Cynthia directed them down the hallway with an arm before she walked up the stairs. Kasai glanced at Abby smugly, his tongue lolling out of the side of his mouth.

“Oh shush,” Abby replied, leaning forwards to kiss him on the nuzzle. “I told you we’d be fine.”

The Arcanine raised a questioning eyebrow at her. “Arc, Arcanine.”

“I said hush you mutt,” she said jokingly, ruffling his ears before she turned and began to walk into the kitchen, sensing him following at her side without needing to look. She sat down at the table, him sitting down beside her. The Arcanine put his head in her lap, his favorite place for it coincidentally, and she pet him until Cynthia returned wearing a light teal sleeveless shirt and black pants.

“So, why don’t you tell me how you met my friends,” Cynthia suggested, though it sounded slightly more like a direct order then a simple question. “And would either of you care for something to drink?”

“Lemonade if you’ve got it for me, and water for Kasai, if he drinks anything else he’ll get fat,” Abby answered, gently tweaking the dog’s ear.

“Arc,” Kasai protested causing Abby to snigger and Cynthia to chuckle lightly as she poured two glasses of lemonade, along with a bowl full of it and set it down in front of Kasai.

“Here you go, I don’t think one bowl full of lemonade is going to put on too many pounds,” Cynthia said with a chuckle, ruffling Kasai’s ears.

“Arc!” he said with a smile, licking her hand before craning his head down and lapping up his drink.

“Heheh now look what you’ve done,” Abby said with a chuckle before she pet Kasai’s neck. “Gotten him all excited and playful.”

“I think he’ll survive,” Cynthia mused, smiling a little smile. “Though, now I think you owe me a bit of an explanation.”

“Right, right,” Abby let out a sigh and closed her eyes before taking a sip of her lemonade. “Well, like I said, my name is Abby Trombley, and I’m a Pokemon Ranger and I’m aspiring to being a Top Ranger.”

“Oh, lofty goals I see,” Cynthia commented with a nod of her head.

“Thanks, I try,” Abby said with a small chuckle. “Anyways, I make it a point to track down people accused of Pokephilia.”

Cynthia’s eyes narrowed ever so slightly. “I see,” she stated.

“Mostly, because, well, I’m a Pokephile too,” Abby quickly added, glancing down at Kasai to back her up. “Right Kasai?”

Kasai lifted his head and licked his lips clean. “Arcanine,” he said nodding his head to her question, nuzzling into her side lovingly. Abby couldn’t help but return the nuzzle by reaching down and wrapping her arms around his neck, holding him close so that he could lick her face and she could give him a kiss before she remembered who was watching and blushed deeply.

“I see,” Cynthia said, an amused grin crossing her face.

“Err... yeah,” Abby stated lamely, still blushing up a storm as Kasai gave her face another lick and she pushed him away. “Anyways, because I’m a Pokephile, I make it my job to check out all the ‘big names at large’ cases like Gene and Belle’s. I go in undercover, do some looking around, ask a few questions, and see if the relationship is healthy or if it really is as toxic as the reports make it out to be.”

“Ah, and considering that they’re the biggest scandal this side of Orre, you thought you’d look into Belle and Gene to make sure they were on the level,” Cynthia said, nodding her head in understanding. “And what exactly did you find?”

“Two people who love each other very much, fucked over by the system,” Abby stated darkly, shaking her head. “They love each other the same amount as Kasai and I love one another, if not more, and the fact that their being forced to live out in the woods because of it is damned depressing.”

Cynthia nodded her head, a little surprised to hear such language from a Pokemon Ranger of all people. Then again, Abby didn’t seem like a regulation Ranger in the first place.

“I agree,” the Champion said with a sigh as she looked over the other blonde woman. “So, how did you end up getting roped into getting this letter to me?”

“Oh, one thing led to another and I kind of jumped at the chance to meet you,” Abby said, blushing. “Like I said, you’re my idol.” She frowned for a moment before add. “That, and

I feel bad about what the Ranger Union has done to them and thought I’d give them something in return.”

“That’s very kind of you,” Cynthia said, smiling softly at Abby before she took a drink of her lemonade. “Did you ever tell them that you were a Ranger?”

“Nope, and please don’t if you see them again,” Abby answered. “I only came here dressed like this because as comfortable as I’ve become about ‘lying’ as far as my identity is concerned for this profession... well I thought you deserved to know the real ‘me’.”

Kasai still had his head next to her and he glanced over at the Champion, looking pleadingly for a moment before he craned his head to nuzzled Abby’s face.

Cynthia smiled and nodded her head. “I’ll make sure that I don’t mention it,” the woman said. “So Abby, is there anything you’d like to ask your ‘idol’ now that you’ve got her cornered?”

Abby’s eyes widened for a moment before she grinned. Oh yes, she had a long list of questions! Kasai rolled his eyes slightly, knowing full well just what kind of deluge was about to swamp Cynthia. Abby may not have seemed like the super talkative type, but when she got going... she really got going.

Author's Note

While I await Thadius0's next chapter I thought I'd give you guys a bit more backstory and break up the action a little. Hope you enjoyed it.

Chapter 22

The chaos was winding down when Abby woke up to find Kasai’s warm weight sleeping against her side, his tail wrapped around hers, his head leaning against her own, deep snores echoing from within him. The Ninetales let out a small sigh, she may not have actually known that the chaos in the city was over for a fact, but the fact that Kasai was next to her was proof that if nothing else, it was at manageable levels. Kasai was the type to not leave a job half done, in fact, he’d collapsed in the middle of some missions before because he’d worn himself out over the course of them.

Abby let out a sigh and nuzzled closer to her mate, listening to his heavy breathing as his warm breath against her head. The Ninetales closed her eyes and curled closer to his smoky smelling side, enjoying the comfortingly familiar aroma. The Arcanine’s snores became snuffles for a moment before he licked her cheek in his sleep and curled even tighter around her body.

The Ninetales smiled happily and licked him back, snuggling into his soft fur once more. She stayed like that for hours, listening to his snores and feeling his heavy chest rise and fall against her back. It was hardly the first time she’d found herself curled up ‘inside’ of him, though when she was human, she had to admit, it hadn’t felt anywhere near this... right.

She frowned, was that the word she was looking for?

When she’d awoken in his embrace as a human, she’d always felt a little stiff from being curled up. Abby had always been a fairly ‘straight’ sleeper as far as things went and waking up in the fetal position had not been all that good on her back. Now however she was a fox and curling up in a ball felt natural.

Eventually, Abby felt the urge to use the bathroom and pushed herself out of Kasai’s warm, near smothering embrace. As she did so, Kasai let out a snuffling grunt and rolled onto his other side, his paws scrabbling as they looked for her. Abby paused and leaned down to nuzzle him and whispered in his ear.

“I’ll be right back,” she whispered softly even though she knew he couldn’t really hear her. Then she gave him a lick on the muzzle and got off of the bed. The lights were on outside of the room, they always were after all, and she made her way to the restroom, coming back a few minutes later only to stop outside the door. Luke was sitting their crosslegged his eyes closed.

The Ninetales smiled and walked up to him, sitting down beside the Gallade. Luke didn’t say anything and instead, Abby felt his psychic hand stroking her down the back of the head. She smiled more and leaned a little into the psychic petting.

I’ve returned... for good this time, Luke said within her mind, a small smile crossing his face as he began to work behind her ears. Abby let out a reflexive groan and leaned into the psychic fingers.

“Good, I’m glad,” she said, her tongue hanging out of her mouth a little. “Also, you’re really good with those psychic fingers.”

Kasai has told me the same, Luke replied with a small chuckle, ending his affections. I just stopped by to tell you that things are calm outside, for the moment anyways. How are you doing?

“That’s good to hear... and I’ve been worse... but I’ve also been better,” Abby answered with a small sigh as she edged a little closer to the Gallade though still avoided outright touching him. “Apparently I have a voice in my head who represents my ‘Inner Ninetales’ and my instincts.”

Luke frowned and looked down at her. Really? That’s... peculiar. Would you like me to... investigate this?

“Yes please,” Abby replied, putting her head in his lap.

The Gallade didn’t flinch for once and he moved a hand down to gently touch her on the forehead. This was hardly the first time the psychic had seen to her mental health, in fact it was one of the things that Abby valued used the most about his skills. As a Ranger she had seen and done all sorts of things and it always paid to have Luke’s steady mind there to help her sort things out.

Luke was silent for a long moment as he sorted through the Ninetales’ mind before he withdrew his hand.

You’re not going insane, he answered the obvious question. She’s just a part of you and I suggest that you try to find a way to talk with her on your own.

“And you can’t supply me with that way because...?” Abby inquired, glancing up at Luke with her crimson orbs.

Because... it’s your mind Abby, Luke replied, using his hand to physically pet her again. I cannot... sort it out for you.

Abby snorted. “Meaning that you want me to work at it before you do anything.”

Perhaps, Luke replied, a small, almost smirk on his face as he gently pet her. Now then... I think Kasai sleeping mind misses you. You should return to him.

“Okay... thanks for your help Luke,” Abby said, leaning up to give the Gallade a light lick on the cheek. Luke smiled and opened the door for her, shutting it behind the fox, smile still on his face.

Abby walked into the bedroom to find Kasai on his back, a small frown on his sleeping muzzle. With a small chuckle she jumped back onto the bed and walked over to him and lay down on top of his chest, enjoying the feeling of his limbs wrapping around her as her face burrowed into his soft furred chest.

It was halfway through the next day when Abby was called to Ace’s office. To her surprise, Blackwing was there as well, looking extremely tired.

“Abby, good to see you up and about,” Blackwing said, flapping his batwings slightly.

“Thanks, it’s good to see you too,” Abby replied with a nod. “So... why did you two need to see me? Aren’t you busy with all of the... stuff that happened yesterday?”

“Oh, we are, that’s why he’s still awake,” Ace said, nudging her husband with a hoof. In the time between when he’d said hello to Abby and she’d replied, his eyes had begun to droop downwards. “Unfortunately, it’s precisely because of yesterday that we’ve called you here.”

“Oh?” Abby asked, frowning faintly as she cocked her head to the side. “Why?”

“Because... the Mayor of the city is considering banning Pokemon from within the city limits,” Ace answered, nudging Blackwing a bit more to further wake him up. “As you can imagine, he’s asked for ‘somemon’ to represent yourselves.”

Abby blinked twice. “So... you picked me?”

“You are the one who wants to open up her own branch of the Guard at some point,” Blackwing pointed out, shaking his head and reaching for another cup of coffee. “And you’re the one who has been working with a majority of the Pokemon, at least, as far as city officials care.”

“Okay...” Abby frowned for a moment. “What else is going on?”

“There are a large amount of ponies who are terrified of you,” Ace answered with a sigh. “Well, not you specifically, but of Pokemon of all types. Especially after yesterday... not many were careful enough not to lash out at ponies that weren’t involved in the attack or to avoid damaging lots of public property.”

Abby was silent for a moment before she nodded her head. “I see... makes sense.”

When she thought about it, it really did. The ponies seemed to have no idea how to really deal with Pokemon, and they certainly weren’t used to the damage and destruction that those Pokemon could cause. Heck, if Abby really thought about it, there would probably be certain cities on Earth who would ban Pokemon if they could after particularly bad incidents if they could get away with it.

“I’ll do my best then,” Abby said with a small nod. “When do I need to be there, wherever there is?”

“The mayor's office in an hour,” Blackwing replied, yawning heavily before he turned to Ace and gave her a kiss on the cheek. “I’m off to bed darling, best of luck Abby.” He then shook his head and walked past Abby, heading for his rooms.

“Wow... he’s tired,” Abby said after a long moment.

“Yeah, he’s nocturnal for a reason,” Ace answered, shaking her head, a slight smile on her face. “And it’s not because he’s a batpony.”

Abby nodded and closed her eyes. “So... any idea what I can tell the Mayor to keep him from tossing us to the curb?”

“Be honest,” Ace answered immediately. “Mayor Slots is an honest pony, despite the name. Just tell him your personal story and the benefits of having Pokemon here in town, I know that I’ve come to appreciate your help on the force.”

Abby smiled as Ace grinned at her and then nodded her head. “Right. Okay, I can do that. Think there would be any problems with me bringing Kasai?”

“No, I think that’s probably a good idea,” Ace answered, her expression becoming a frown. “An angry mob has assembled outside of the mayor's office in an attempt to shift the Mayor’s opinion... I don’t think they’d do anything but you’d probably be safer if you brought him along.”

The Ninetales nodded slowly. She’d never been the type to get roped into deal with angry mobs, that was mostly just normal police work really, but she knew what they could do if pushed hard enough in the wrong direction.

“Okay... and anyone more then Kasai would probably just infuriate them further,” Abby mused with a small frown. “Right, Kasai and I will head over there when it’s time.”

“Good,” Ace said with a nod as Abby turned to go. “Oh,and Abby, be careful,” the mare called after her.

Abby smiled back over her shoulder. “Don’t worry, I’m sure Kasai and I can handle anything.”

As she walked down the street Abby got a better appreciation for just why so many of the ponies were angry with the Pokemon. The streets were blackened, burned, and torn apart. Buildings had large holes gouged into them along with blast lines that were obviously from Hyper Beams or the like. Rubble was strewn across the road and Abby was sure that she saw a few blood marks here and there. As they walked along, the Ninetales felt several sets of eyes tracking her. Some belonged to ponies cleaning up, others to those looking at them with fear, and yet still others looking at Kasai with grateful eyes.

“I take it you did good work yesterday?” Abby asked the Arcanine.

“Ran myself ragged,” Kasai answered with an affirmative nod before looking over at a mare who had a small Chikorita balanced on her head with a pair of vines. “Saved those two after the little girl got herself knocked out.”

The mare waved at them and Kasai gave her a grin in response. Abby smiled up at him and nuzzled the Arcanine under the chin, pressing her side against his, her tail wrapping around his.

“I’m so proud of you Kasai,” she said happily, giving him a lick on the cheek.

“For what? Doing what’s natural?” he asked with a raised eyebrow.

“Yes, for doing what’s natural,” Abby answered with a sigh as she leaned against him. Kasai paused in his walking and leaned down to nuzzle her head with his own and gave her a few licks before starting forwards again.

“Come on Abby, don’t want to be late,” he stated wisely, whapping her beneath the tails with his tail and causing her to let out a slight yelp of surprise and shoot daggers at him.

“Hey!” she snapped.

Kasai just grinned and licked her across the face before he set off at a light jog. Abby rolled her eyes and took off after him, easily catching up the the Arcanine and the two quickly made their way down to the mayor's office where the Mayor was holding his hearing.

They came to a stop at the edge of the square to find that, like Ace had told them, it was full of angry ponies holding up crudely drawn signs of Pokemon with large Xs over them. Some were decorated with slogans such as ‘not from our world, not from our city’ and several other of a similar vein. Though the crowd appeared mostly calm when Abby and Kasai had been approaching, constant shouting of ‘send them home’ and ‘get out of our city’ aside, the moment that they caught sight of the pair, grumblings and discontent began to build as more and more hostile eyes turned towards them.

“Well... this is pleasant,” Abby said slowly as she and Kasai were waved towards a thin line of Guards who were doing their best to keep the crowd contained.

“That’s one way to say it...” Kasai said with a small frown as his head leaned out of the way of some tomatoes flung at them.

Abby didn’t bother saying anything else, too busy dodging tomatoes and cabbages being thrown their way. Unlike Kasai, she wasn’t quite as good at dodging and an overripe tomato hit her in the cheek, splattering over her face. A low growl built in her throat but she didn’t react otherwise, there were worse things than having tomato juice on your face.

Another volley of fruit headed her way but Kasai stepped in front of her. “Protect!” he shouted firmly as a dome covered both of them. Abby smiled and gave him a lick on the face as the vegetables and fruit splattered across the dome before glancing at him.

“We should hurry up,” she said before moving forwards towards the door faster. The Arcanine nodded his head in agreement and followed suit, though making she he was on her side facing the crowd.

The pair reached the thin line of Guards and were ushered through, one using a magic driven towel to wipe Abby’s face clean, though it didn’t do nearly as good a job as Abby would have liked. They were lead down the hallway by a mare who didn’t give them a second glance until they reached a large set of doorways.

They found themselves inside of what appeared to be a very open office with a desk sitting directly in the middle of it. Bookshelves and several odd little decorations were arranged along the walls and Abby would have loved to have gotten a better chance to examine the room but she was interrupted by an angry shout.

“What are those things doing in here?!” an earth pony mare with a red mane snapped, she was standing in front of the desk along with the stallion who sat behind it. “My appointment can’t be over already!”

“I apologize Ms. Fluff, but I’m afraid it is,” the pegasus stallion said simply, brushing his dark mane back behind his ear. “Now then, if you would like to schedule another appointment about the issue, I’d be happy to hear your opinions again.”

Ms. Fluff glared at Abby. “I think that one is the very same vile fox who hospitalized my daughter!”

Abby blinked twice and looked at the mare with a frown before realization hit. “Oh, you must be the mother of the mare who kicked that Azurill. You’re mad at me for that?” she asked with a small snarl. “She kicked a baby in the face!”

“Yeah, I would be careful who you called vile,” Kasai said, a low growling rolling in his throat.

Ms. Fluff rolled her eyes. “Only because the little rat flooded her house!” she snarled. “You put her in the hospital!”

“Erhm,” Mayor Slots cleared his throat. “Ms. Fluff, your appointment is over. My secretary will see you out.”

Ms. Fluff scowled at Abby and Kasai before snorting and walking out of the room, tail twitching in annoyance. Abby scowled at her retreating rear in return and then looked over at the Mayor, his eyes had heavy bags beneath them upon closer inspection but other then that, he seemed orderly enough.

“Abby Trombley and Kasi, it’s a pleasure to meet two of my cities Guard,” Mayor Slots said, giving them an honest smile. “Though, I can’t help but wish that the circumstances were a bit better.”

“Yeah... us too,” Kasai said with a small frown, glancing back at the door, the chatter of the crowd muffled yet still making it’s way through.

“So, what would you like us to tell you?” Abby asked, getting to the heart of the mater.

“Why I should allow you Pokemon to stay within the city limits,” Mayor Slots answered, a small sigh escaping his lips. “Now, I do not particularly want to do this. I think your species has just as much right to live in Equestria as any other, provided that you eventually apply for citizenship and start paying taxes of course,” he continued, cracking a small smile. “But... yesterday half of the city was destroyed and dozens if not hundreds of ponies were injured. Worse this comes after a week of destruction, some of which I seem to recall you and your ‘team’ took part in.”

Abby slowly nodded her head. “I understand sir,” she stated. “You have to do what’s best for your city.”

“Exactly,” Mayor Slots said, nodding his head in return. “Now, I have a few days to draft a bill to put before the city’s legislature and I’m trying to find more reasons to keep Pokemon from being expulsed, public opinion to the contrary or no. However, I can only do that if you give me good reasons for my support.”

Kasai spoke up first. “Well sir... if the ponies stop fearing and attacking us... Pokemon can help enrich their lives.”

“Go on,” the Mayor said, giving Kasai a nod.

“Well... all we want is to just live as peaceful lives as you do, even help in jobs,” the Arcanine continued. “I mean I know several fire types that help cooks in heating food to the right degree, or water and grass types to help keep gardens fresh and clean. The ability of what we can do to help is almost endless.”

“For example, many fire departments back on our world employed water Pokemon to be in fire-fighting squads and I know that there are also a large number of Arcanine and Growlithe who serve the police force,” Abby picked up. “I mean, that was one of the reasons I got Kasai in the first place when I joined the academy.”

“I see,” the Mayor said, scribbling down a few things, somehow using his wing to hold onto the pencil. “Any other particulars?”

“Yeah, lots of rock and ground type Pokemon are hired for mining or even construction work,” Kasai added. “Some electric Pokemon are hired to help supply power to buildings too. Like that Electrode from yesterday. They brought by the dozen to run power plants and they happily do it too.”

“Hmmm, those are all good points,” Slots mused to himself before letting out a sigh. “But you do know what the strongest argument against keeping you in the city is going to be don’t you?”

“That we’re dangerous,” Abby said, guessing it immediately. “That we could kill a lot of ponies if given the chance.”

“Exactly, not to mention the property damage,” Slots said, nodding his head. “What would you like me to tell them about that?”

“To be honest... it’s a normal problem back in our world,” Kasai replied. “And the way the humans dealt with that is... well, by keeping Pokemon with them. You really think by passing a law you really will force all Pokemon out of your city?” he asked with an inquiring eyebrow. “It will probably just cause more trouble than it’s worth.”

“No I don’t think that I can manage that, which is why I’m talking to you right now and why there’s an angry mob outside my office,” he stated rather dryly.

“I realize,” Abby said with a small frown. It sounded like the crowd was getting closer for some reason.

Her ears flicked, yes, yes the crowd was definitely getting closer. That shouldn’t have been happening. Kasai caught it too and his head swiveled to the door seconds before it was kicked violently open. The doors parted to allow a swath of violent, chanting ponies into the room.

“GET THEM OUT! GET THEM OUT!” Dozens of voices roared at the same time.

Ms. Fluff was at the head of the group, an angry expression on her face.

“THAT ONE! THE FOX! SHE HOSPITALIZED MY DAUGHTER!” she shouted. “GET HER!”

Abby’s eyes widened as a sudden rain of objects began to fall down upon her. They didn’t seem to be heavy objects in the first second but then something truly large hit her in the skull and the Ninetale’s legs shuddered beneath her. Abby’s vision went spotty and she was forced to close it as blood ran down from her now open forehead and into her eyes.

“AHH!” she screamed as her mind filled with blinding pain centered around her temple. Blearily, she saw a blood stained brick lying on the floor beside her head.

Kasai’s mind had to process everything for a second before his eyes narrowed darkly and a deep growled rolled in his throat. “HOW DARE YOU HURT MY MATE!” he roared out, using the move Roar to amplified his words to near defying volume. “SHE IS PREGNANT AND YOU TOSS A FUCKING BRICK AT HER!” He advanced towards the group of ponies, fire sprouting from his jaws.

When confronted by a six foot tall, fire breathing dog whose voice was so loud that it nearly shattered their eardrums, the ponies instincts took over. They turned and ran, pushing each other to the side in an attempt to escape the monstrous predator.

The Arcanine continued his advance down the hall, the ponies parting like water before him, untill he was outside the front door. “AND IF YOU BLOODY HURT HER AGAIN, I WILL BURN YOU WHERE YOU FUCKING STAND!” He called up his most powerful fire move, Fire Blast. A roaring fire star launched like a rocket into the sky, where it erupted to shroud the whole area with intense heat. “SO LEAVE OR I’LL SEND YOU STRAIGHT TO FUCKING HELL!”

The ponies in the square dispersed so fast that Kasai was barely done roaring the word hell before it was empty. Several dazed guards looked up at him and did their best not to shiver in fear. The tiger dog looked absolutely terrifying, his fur standing on edge, fire in his jaws and death in his eyes.

Kasai stood there breathing heavily as he made sure all of the protesters were gone before he turned around and made a run back to the office. He rushed to Abby side and began to lick her wound. “Abby stay with me! Don’t pass out,” he shouted worriedly, licking and nuzzling her head.

“I’ve already called the hospital,” Mayor Slots informed him, moving forwards with a now wet white cloth and dabbing at the wound. “They should be here soon.”

Abby just lay there, her eyes totally lost. “Ka-Kasai?”

“I’m here, I’m here,” he said, licking her continuously.

“Okay... I’m going to take a nap... I’m tired,” she said, her voice turning sleepy as Slots began to bind her headwound. “Look after me... okay?”

“Nononono,” he said rapidly, moving a paw to shake her head lightly. “You got to stay awake for me Abby. If you go to sleep now....” he paused briefly. “You might never wake up.”

The Ninetales’ eyes flickered for a moment before they hardened slightly. “I... okay... I’ll... I’ll try.”

The Arcanine smiled as he gave her several more licks. “Good... I’ll be with you all the way.” He nuzzled her and wished silently that the ambulance or whatever the ponies used would hurry up.

Chapter 23 Author's Note

AN: For this chapter, the story is essentially rated mature for violence and a bit of gore, reader be warned.

Chapter 23

Ace honestly couldn’t believe that this was happening. Abby was in the hospital getting stitches, several of her other officers were down as well, though mostly with minor bruises. Worse, there were the remnants of an angry mob out there and Ace had heard that at this very moment it was forming around the hospital where Abby was being treated.

The Guard Captain let out an annoyed snarl as she shook her head and pulled up the phone. She’d done all she could for Abby at the moment. Well, all she could do except continue to look for the Ninetales’ family members.

She dialed a few numbers into the phone. “Hey, Lone Star, sorry to bug you this late in the evening, but I’m looking for someone...”

Abby stood in the pouring rain, her head bowed, her eyes wet with tears as the comforting hand of her mentor rested softly on her shoulder. She barely felt it. The earth over the two plots was still uneven and lumpy, no grass grew around it yet. No place to plant flowers. No Grass Pokemon taking root in the soil.

Still, the girl couldn’t take her eyes away from the plots of soil or the two headstones that adorned them.

Mathew Trombley

Loving father and husband

Top Ranger

Born: 4977

Died: 5012

He died protecting Pokemon he loved

Roxanne Trombley

Loving mother and wife

Top Ranger

Born: 4974

Died: 5012

She died protecting the Pokemon she loved.

Abby just stared at them, her body shaking heavily as more and more grief poured out of her.

The man who’d killed them had sent pictures. Horrible pictures of what had happened. Despite the attempts to keep them from her, Abby had seen them and what she’d found made her blood run cold.

A man in a red mask stood over her parents battered bodies in the first one.

Then a Hydreigon had entered in the next picture.

Then... then it had begun to eat them.

All they had gotten back were the ring fingers. Wedding rings still on. That was all they’d had to burry.

Abby shook harder as the memoires of the pictures assaulted her and she didn’t realize that she was weeping into Scarlet’s chest until she felt one of the woman’s calloused hands running over her hair as the other gently as the other rubbed her back. The older woman didn’t say anything, she knew that no words would really help Abby.

“I...I want them to pay,” Abby said in between gasping breaths. “I-I want to kill the-the man who did it!”

“I know... I know,” Scarlet said softly, still stroking her.

“It’s-it’s not fair! They-they were the best!” Abby cried, her tears flowing faster. “I-I...”

Scarlet pulled Abby closer to her chest and hugged her fully. “I know... I know...” she said quietly. They’d been her best friends. She should have been there to help them. But she hadn’t. “Abby... we’ve been here long enough. Come on. We’ll go to my house and get you something warm.”

Abby shook her head and tried to pull herself out of the older woman’s grip. “No-no! I want to find the bastard who did this and kill him!”

Scarlet sighed and looked down at her student. “You can’t do that Abby. You know that the Ranger Union doesn’t support personal vendettas... if you killed him then you’d either be suspended or have your license taken away completely.”

“H-he fed them to a Hydreigon!” Abby shouted. “He-he deserves to die!”

Scarlet closed her eyes. “Yes. Yes he does. But we are not the ones who get to decide that. That’s for the legal system to do.”

Abby looked away, her fists still clenched in anger. “It’s-it’s not fair.”

“I know... life isn’t,” Scarlet said quietly. “Now... come on, I’ve still got that coca you love.”

Abby was about to protest when she felt Scarlet’s eyes harden ever so slightly and instead, simply nodded her head, letting the older woman walk her out of the cemetery.

Princess Luna’s nightlife had become infinitely more interesting since the Pokemon had arrived in Equestria. Not only because there was Darkrai to train, but because the dreams that the Pokemon had were so... interesting. Now, that was not to say that Luna enjoyed the dreams of fighting and battles, but they were certainly more varied and interesting than the dreams of the average pony.

As she walked through the dreamscape, she spotted something unusual, even by the day’s ‘strange dream’ quotient. The dream was not strictly a nightmare. No. Instead it was the intensity that attracted her attention. To put it plainly... the dream’s mere aura overshadowed all of those around it.

Luna frowned faintly before she decided moving towards the intense dream, curious to see what she could find.

Abby stalked through the woods, her eyes hard as Kasai lead the way near silently in front of her. Ordinarily, she would have enjoyed the view. But not today. Three years. Three long stressful years she’d been trying to track down the man who’d butchered her parents and today, she’d finally found him. Her entire body was tense as she narrowed her eyes and clenched her fists.

She’d been preparing for this day for so long that she almost couldn’t believe it was going to happen. Justice, Rill, and Lex were already airborne, flying high above the ‘campsite’ being used by the poachers. When the time came, they would swoop down and tear that Hydreigon apart.

Axle and Luke were ready as well, though they were both in their Pokeballs. Abby couldn’t risk ruining the element of surprise because of Axle’s heavy footsteps and Luke said that he’d rather conserve his energy then use teleports.

So it all came down to Abby and Kasai now.

The Arcanine came to a sudden stop and Abby almost ran face first into his rear she was so lost in her thoughts. “Arc,” he muttered to her, nodding his head towards the clearing in front of them. Abby nodded and slid around him so that she was overlooking the operation, her stomach turning at what she saw.

Lined up in the center of the campsite were dozens of cages holding Sentret and Furret, all of whom looked terrified. The stench of blood and death hung over the clearing and the source was obvious. Set out on racks were dozens of freshly skinned furs, waiting to dry. There were around five men walking around the campsite, some doing menial tasks, others... skinning.

Abby’s hands clenched tighter and she continued to scan for the man she was looking for. It didn’t take her long. All she had to do was spot the Hydreigon off to the left of the campsite which was in the process of feasting on a skinless Furret corpse, the three heads snapping and biting at each other as they fought for the little body.

Standing in front of the Hydreigon, his face obscured by a red mask, a vest with several Pokeballs on his chest, was the man that Abby had been hunting. As she spotted him, it took all of her willpower not to charge out immediately and start raging. However. She calmed herself. That would get her killed. Instead she looked down at Kasai.

The Arcanine’s entire body was stiff and he was clearly barely able to keep himself from letting out a roar of pure anger at the sight in front of him.

“Okay... we can do this,” Abby whispered to him, drawing out Luke and Axle’s Pokeballs. “You ready?”

Kasai nodded once and growled an affirmative.

Abby closed her eyes and pointed Luke and Axle’s balls at opposite sides of the camp releasing them with a flash of light as she and Kasai marched out of the woods.

“POKEMON RANGERS! YOU’RE ALL UNDER ARREST!” she shouted, her voice nearly matching Kasai’s angry roar a second later. While the lesser grunts shouted in surprise and took off running into the woods, the masked man did not.

He simply turned his head towards the two, showing two cold silver eyes. “Rangers... always have to pop up at the worst time?”

“I have you surrounded, surrender immediately!” Abby shouted at him as beside her, Kasai growled lowly.

A soft, amused chuckle rolled out of the man’s throat. “Oh, familiar words,” he said as he turned to face her. “I think the last time I was told that was when two Rangers tried to arrest me... a man and a woman I think. Don’t really remember, all I know is my Drake had a good meal that day.”

“FIREBLAST!” Abby roared to Kasai who unleashed a massive star of fire directly at the man. The masked man dived to the side and rolled out of the way, a Pokeball already in hand as he tossed it out.

“SANDSTORM!” he called out as a Hippowdon appeared on field. The hippo-like Pokemon roared as sand began to shoot out from the holes in its back and blanketed the whole clearing in a whirling sandstorm.

Abby snarled and reached for a pair of goggles she kept around her neck, pulling them up to her face as she shouted. “Axle! Take it down!”

The Haxorus let out a mighty roar and charged into the Hippowdon, tossing it to the side, out of the clearing with his draconic might, following after it with a roar of triumph. Without waiting another second, Abby charged towards the masked man, a collapsible police baton in her hands. At that very second, Lex and Rill swooped out of the sky, the Sylveon clinging to her back with his ribbons as he launching a Moon Blast at the Hydreigon.

The Hydreigon roared in pain and fury, as all three heads looked up at the two and it charged at them with blinding speed. The Flygon evaded its initial charge and Justice came swooping out of the sky like a blinding flash of lightning and his claws slashed into one of the side head’s eyes. Another roar of pain erupted before streams of flame spewed out from all three of it’s mouths as Justice soared skywards again, flames licking at his feathers.

Luke and Kasai charged at the Masked Man as well, Luke several feet behind Kasai but before either of them or Abby could reach him, he dug out another Pokeball and a Metagross appeared before them. “Earthquake!” he ordered it and the Metagross slammed its front to legs into the ground, causing the whole clearing to shake violently. Luke, Kasai and Abby were thrown off of their feet, only Luke managing to avoid slamming into the ground thanks to the use of a quick levitation technique.

“Hyperbeam!” the man ordered next, pointing a finger at the Gallade. The ‘x’ on the Metagross’ face began to glow brightly before an intense red beam of energy shot out and roared towards Luke.

The Gallade vanished in a flash of light and reappeared beside the Metagross, his arms blades glowing with dark power. Nightslash! he exclaimed as blades of dark energy swung from his blades and slashed into the Metagross. The Metagross grunted as the blades slash through him and he swung a leg to knock Luke back, his body still cooling down from the Hyperbeam.

Luke evaded the swing and unleashed another Nightslash into the Metagross’s face as Abby and Kasai recovered themselves.

“Go help Luke!” Abby shouted to Kasai as overhead, an explosion sounded and her eyes were drawn to the sound of Rill roaring in pain, blood seeping from a wound on her side. Kasai charged the Metagross, flames exploding from his lips as he did so and Abby charged as well, charging straight for the masked man.

The man glared at her while she charged, as she raised her baton to smash it hard in the side of his face, he sidestepped and pulled out a hunting knife. He swung at her and she barely had time to process it before it bit into her shoulder.

“Ahh!” she cried in pain before she swiveled and brought the baton slamming into his side. The man grunted as he felt the force, but his vest absorbed most of the blunt damage and he swept his legs out underneath hers. Abby fell onto her back but rolled to the side before he could plunge the knife down at her and came up swinging the button to deflect the next slash, ramming into his wrist.

“GAH!” he yelled as his hand reflexively let go of his knife and he took a couple of steps back as he held his hand in pain. He glared at her as he reached down to grabbed another knife, a serrated combat knife that looked very familiar to Abby. It was her father’s knife. The woman’s vision went red as she reached down and picked up the man’s dropped knife.

In the background, trees cracked and splintered as Axle tossed the Hippowdon through them, his roars of elation echoing through the forest. The Hippowdon shook its head and roared at the Haxorus as several rocks formed above his head and slammed down on his body. Axle let out a grunt of pain and his massive head blade slashed downwards, cleaving through the stones.

Axle let out another roar as he launched himself at the Hippowdon and his axe blade came crashing down into its shoulder. The Hippowdon roared in pain and retaliated by using Ice Fang to deliver a death grip to the dragon’s neck with its massive teeth. The Haxorus cried out in pain as the ice sank through his draconic defenses and heaved upwards, pulling the Hippowdon up with him. Then, he turned on heel and began running through the forest, crashing into trees as he went, using the Hippowdon as a shield of sorts.

The Hippowdon bit deeper and Axle could feel blood trickling down his neck and knew he didn’t have much time. Thankfully, Abby had scouted out there area meaning that Axle just so happened to know the location of a rather sizeable lake.

Axle breached the treeline around the lake and launched himself into it, the Hippowdon clinging to his neck even as the water surrounded it. The Hippowdon’s eyes widened as water flooded its way into his mouth and lungs as he let go to try and swim to the surface, but Axle grabbed onto his back and heaved it further down. The Hippowdon struggled to get free, but its body eventually began to slow down and Axle held it under until the beast’s struggles had completely faded before hauling himself out of the water and throwing the defeated, possibly dead, Hippowdon to the shore, letting out a roar of triumph.

Back in the clearing, the Metagross unleashed a blast of psychic energy at Kasai but Luke interceded, appearing between the blast of and Kasai, his eyes glowing blue as his hands circled one another. The blast of energy hit him dead in the chest but he barely flinched as he absorbed it and sent it back at the Metagross with his own power behind it.

The Metagross fought back as he tried to push against Luke’s power with its own and it shortly became a ‘tug of war’ between the two. However Kasai rushed to it’s side and unleashed a mighty Flame Thrower that engulfed it’s entire body.

The Metagross let out a cry of pain and anger, turning to Kasai through the flames, breaking its concentration on the mental battle with Luke long enough for the blast of of psychic energy to slam into it. The Metagross was launched out of the clearing, slamming through several trees which fell as its steel body cut through them. It skidded on the ground and tried to get back up, but his legs collapsed under his own weight and he fainted.

Abby charged the Masked Man, knife in an underhanded, defensive grip as her police baton lanced out towards his skull. The man weaved under it and used his knife to push away the follow up swipe from Abby. He then curled his free hand into a fist and punched her in the gut, getting a shocked inhale from her, before he thrust his knife toward her lower side.

The woman let out a cry of pain as the knife delved into her side, thankfully not hitting anything vital. Unfortunately, pain overwhelmed her for a moment and the man followed it up with a twist of the blade and pulled it out, ripping a good chunk of her flesh. Abby howled in pain, her vision blurring as she retreated, panting heavily and clutching at her bleeding side.

The man took no time as he flicked the knife to hold it underhand and rushed forwards to stab it right between her chest. Abby wasn’t really sure what happened next, all she knew was that the police boton had risen to the side, deflecting the slash as her own knife buried itself in his throat.

Blood spurted all over her face as a wordless, gurgled grunt left the man’s lips. His body shook and trembled before it collapsed to the ground, blood pouring out of his throat.

“HYDREIGON!” the Pokemon roared from above as it saw it’s master die and made a dive right towards Abby.

“HAXORUS!” Axle’s roar thundered through the clearing as the still bleeding Haxorus launched himself into the air, its axe blade glowing with baleful light. The Hydreigon didn’t have time to dodge, to avoid the attack, to do anything really. The blade passed through all three heads, blood showered down on the clearing, and both dragons landed on either side of Abby, blood pouring from both of them, the Hydreigon’s body a crumbled lump of flesh on the ground.

Abby’s knees went weak and she collapsed onto her back, fumbling for her Poke-Tech... she had to call her mother... had to call the union... had to call someone...

Luna looked in shock at the events before her, it had been some time since she had seen a dream such as this.

“Such violence... and not necessarily unfounded.” The fact that this was a memory just made the Lunar Princess more unsure.

“One thing is certain, she has had enough of this.” Luna pushed forward and overpowered the dream. At its center, she discovered a Ninetales, much like the one her sister had adopted, curled up in a ball around itself, small whimpers leaving her lips.

Luna frowned. “I suppose you would be yet another human then,” Luna sighed. “Begone nightmare!” She cried, allowing her magic to wash over the sleeping Pokemon.

The Ninetales’ eyes snapped open and she leapt to her paws in confusion, her red eyes glancing around her in confusion. “Wha-what’s going on?!”

“You were having a nightmare,” Luna informed. “I pulled you from it before it could get any worse.”

Abby blinked twice and turned to stare up at Luna. “Oh... hi. Who are you and... where... am I?”

“I am Princess Luna of Equestria, Princess of the night and guardian of the Dreamscape,” Luna stated. “Which, happens to be where we are at the moment.”

The Ninetales closed her eyes for a moment before nodding. “Okay... that makes sense, I mean, unless this is all because of the concussion and I’m just imagining it...”

“I can assure you, I am not imaginary,” Luna said. “Though I am a bit worried if you fell asleep with a concussion.”

“Stupid brick throwing pony...” Abby grumbled before shaking her head. “I remember getting to the hospital... I think that’s where I ended up anyways...”

“One of our little ponies assaulted you?” Luna asked in concern. “Where are you? Aside from a hospital, I mean.”

“Las Pegasus...” Abby closed her eyes and tried to clear her head a little. “Right... went to see Mayor Slots about him wanting reasons why he shouldn’t kick Pokemon out of the city... got attacked by a mob... somepony threw a brick at me... conked me on the head.”

Luna sighed and shook her head. “You have our most sincere apologies Miss, and I assure you, we will ensure that this problem is righted.”

Abby smiled up at her. “Thanks, and the name is Abby, Abby Trombley, Pokemon Ranger,” she said, shaking her head to clear it a little bit more. “And thanks for getting me out of that ‘memory’ I guess... I lay there for another hour or two until help arrived, thankfully I was able to stop the bleeding but...” she trailed off and shuddered.

Luna put a wing around Abby and smiled. “It’s my job to assist those trapped in a nightmare’s embrace, regardless of their species.”

“Still, thanks a lot,” Abby said, leaning up to lick Luna’s face. “Saved me a lot of pain.”

“You are most welcome Miss Trombley,” Luna said with a smile. “Now, is there anything you would like to ask? Or shall I allow you to return to the waking world?”

Abby frowned for a moment before smiling. “Yeah, if you’re Princess Luna then you know Princess Celestia right?”

“I would like to think that I know my sister rather well,” Luna said with a smirk.

“Great! Then would you mind telling her that I’ll try and be dropping by in a week or so once things have cooled down in Las Pegasus?” Abby asked with an inquisitive glance. “I’m hoping to start up a new Ranger Union, this time without the Pokephilia ban, and I can’t do that without funding.”

Luna chuckled. “I’ll tell my sister of your visit, and inform the guards that should a Ninetales by your name show up asking for an audience, to alert one of us immediately.”

Abby grinned and gave her face another lick. “Thanks a bunch, that makes this way easier.”

“Tis my pleasure Miss Trombley,” Luna said with a smile. “Now, are you ready to awaken? I imagine your friends are beginning to worry.”

“Sure, and it’s Abby to those who save me from my nightmares,” Abby answered, grinning at the blue alicorn. “See you in a week or so.”

“I look forward to your visit Abby,” Luna’s horn lit up as she pushed Abby back towards the physical plane.

As the Ninetales returned to the waking world, Luna turned back towards the general direction of Canterlot in the dreamscape. “First, inform Lord Arceus of the happenings in Las Pegasus, then inform Tia.”

Chapter 24

Abby’s eyes slowly opened to the sensation of a great warmth on her right side and an odd stroking sensation on her left. She blinked twice, turning to the right to see Kasai’s golden coat against her, he was clearly asleep if the way his rose and fell was anything to go by. The Ninetales shuddered as the memory of the dream washed over her. Princess Luna had helped... but... that was a bad memory...

She slowly turned to her left to discover that the stroking sensation was coming from a green vine. Her eyes shift up a bit more to see a female Serperior staring down at her with warm smile.

“Good morning... I hope you slept well,” she said, her voice instantly recognizable. It was her mother, Scarlet.

Abby blinked slowly, unsure of what she was seeing or hearing. “...mom?” she asked quietly, her voice not quite rasping... instead it was just weak.

The Serperior chuckled lightly. “Yes Abby it’s me, I’m not some hallucination,” she said, leaning her head down to deposit a soft kiss on her forehead. “I’m glad to see you’re alright.”

“Mom!” Abby exclaimed, surging upwards and all but tackling the Serperior before she let out a whimper as her vision swam. She felt a vine firmly warping around her waist as her mother gave her a nuzzle before she pulled the Ninetales off of her and back onto the bed.

“Don’t push yourself too much, you don’t want ruin the stitches on your forehead,” she said, a vine resuming petting down her back. “I don’t think the doctors will like that very much,” she added with a small chuckle. The Serperior continued petting Abby, the Ninetales sighing as a sense of... peace and comfort spread over her.

“Mom...” Abby said softly. “I... I didn’t think I’d ever see you again. Or... at least not for a long time.”

Her mother continued petting her, another vine slipping out around the base of her neck to grab a glass of water and offer it for Abby to drink. Abby gladly accept it, the cool refreshing water bring moisture to her dry lips. “You’ll have to thank Ace for that. She made a call to the Guard's department in the town I was living in, and luckily the sheriff knew me well enough to instantly recognized my name. He helped me get on an express train that was headed to Las Pegasus and one of Ace’s Guards led me here... much to my surprise.”

Abby didn’t say anything, she simply nuzzled against the Serperior’s side, embracing her as best she could.

“At least it wasn’t any worse news...” Scarlet said with a heavy sigh. “Why do you always find yourself in very deep trouble, Abby?” she questioned, mostly out loud rather than directly to the Ninetails.

“I don’t find trouble, trouble stalks me and then hits me over the head,” the Ninetales replied, still nuzzling the green flesh in front of her.

“Clearly it does,” the Serperior said with a frown, eyeing the large stitches across Abby’s forehead.

“... how bad was it?” Abby asked with a frown. “Did... did I get any brain damage or was it just a concussion? I mean I know that those are really awful for you too but-”

“A concussion... and only damage to your skin. Your skull was able to do it’s job well enough and didn’t break, thank goodness,” Scarlet answered before Abby could ramble on. She sighed once more as she lean down to kiss her once more. “Still... I’m just happy nothing worse happened to you, I doubt Kasai would take your loss very well.”

“Yeah, especially with me being pregnant,” Abby agreed without thinking about it.

The Serperior blinked in complete surprised. “You’re pregnant?”

“...shit.” Abby looked away and buried her face in Kasai’s back. “Please don’t hate me...” she mumbled quietly.

“I’m not angry at you... I’m more angry at the pony who threw the brick,” Scarlet replied in a dark tone. “Arceus have mercy on that pony if that brick caused a single shred of damage to that baby you’re carrying.”

“Yeah... tell me about it,” Abby agreed with a dark scowl.

“But, I already knew you and Kasai were together a long time ago, so I kind-of figured you two have been hooking up quite a bit since you got here,” her mother added, changing the tone as she gave a sly smile down at her daughter. “Especially when I saw what Pokemon you’ve become and how Kasai never seems to leave your side.”

“Yeah...” Abby trailed off and stared up at her mother. “You... you really don’t mind or hate me?”

“If I did, I would probably have turned you into the Rangers faster than you even realized what was happening,” the Serperior stated matter of factly. “But I could see you two really did love each other, so I saw nothing wrong.”

Abby moved forwards and nuzzled her mother, crying small tears of joy into her mother’s scales. “I...thank you... thank you mom.”

A soft smile crossed the Scarlet’s face as she let one of her vines hugged Abby gently. “You’re welcome my daughter, it was no problem for me. You’re not the first case of Pokephilia couple I turn a blind eye too.”

“Really?” Abby asked blankly. “I’m not?”

“No, you’re not,” she replied simply. “I know, shocking to hear from a top Ranger like me, but I guess you can say I’m a bit more open to the idea that love between a human and a Pokemon can be possible. If the feelings between the two of them are genuine and real.”

“I have the same way of thinking,” Abby agreed with a nod as her tails wrapped around Kasai’s. “I actually made it my duty to track down the most wanted Pokephiles and see if their feelings were genuine or not. I did actually end up arresting a few of them... bastards”

“I noticed that when checking up on you,” Scarlet said with a small nod. “You were very ‘noteworthy’ on how efficiently you were tracking them down. Save for some of those you said were ‘unable to be found’.”

Abby smirked. “Yeah... I did a good damn job,” the Ninetales agreed with a grin.

“Yes you did,” Scarlet said with a small chuckle. “It seems some of my training for you has stuck in that mind of yours,” she teased with a gentle nudge from a vine.

“Seems like it...” Abby said as she noticed that the lights in the room were noticeably dimmed and that the sheets below here were white... and the fact that there was a sink and several pieces of medical equipment within sight. “I’m still in the hospital.”

“Well yes, mostly for you to fully recover and Kasai didn’t really want them to disturb your sleep,” the Serperior said, giving a small gesture over at the Arcanine who let out a loud snore.

“More like he didn’t want to be woken up,” Abby replied,, moving slowly over to lick Kasai’s sleeping face. “Oh well, at least we’re both safe.”

“Which I’m very happy about,” the Serperior said with a soft smile as a vine trailed down Abby’s face. The vine slither back up into its slot on the base of her neck. “So... what mostly been happening to ya since you got here?” she inquired, shifting her serpent body around slightly to a more comfortable coil position.

“Let’s see... joined the Guard... stopped a casino robber who turned out to be Vincent Neurum of all people, poor kid, helped reunite a Tyrantrum with his father... got a nasty head injury,” Abby listed off.

“So almost like a normal day back on Earth huh?” her mother said with a single chuckle.

“Oi! I didn’t get head injuries that often...” Abby said with a pout.

“Do I really need to list the ones off the top of my memory?” Scarlet asked with a smirk.

“I probably wouldn’t really remember them, especially right now,” the Ninetales answered with a small shake of her her head. “...especially after that dream.”

The grass snake frowned slightly. “What dream?”

“The one where it starts at my parents funeral and then skips to me stabbing him,” Abby said quietly. “You know the one...”

“I see...” she said slowly, a heavy sigh escaping her lips. “I guess that would explain a bit of your... whimpering during the night.”

“Yeah...” Abby trailed off. “And then Princess Luna showed up and talked to me for a little bit... it’s really just left me really drained...”

The Serperior nodded her head slowly. “Well then, I won’t really harp on the subject then. Beside, you probably do need a bit more rest. Head injuries are hard to just get back up on.”

“Right...” Abby let out a sigh and looked up at her mother. “Bend down please.” The Serperior did so, her ruby eyes at level with Abby’s own. The Ninetales leaned forward and before Scarlet knew what was happening, Abby’s tongue was coating her face in slobber as she was almost viciously licked.

Scarlet blinked a bit blankly for a moment before slowly chuckling and nuzzling Abby’s head. Her vines came out to give the Ninetails several more pets down her back before she pulled her head away. “I’ll still be here when you wake up, rest assured in that.”

Abby smiled and gave Scarlet a smile. “Thanks mom...” she then felt her brain beginning to cloud with sleep. “I’m going to bed now,” the Ninetales muttered as she curled up against Kasai’s side, the Arcanine rolling over in his sleep to hug her to his golden chest, an embrace that Abby freely let herself be pulled into.

Scarlet smiled softly as she looked at her daughter and now son-in-law, happy they could be together like this without any hassle from the outside world. She felt her stomach rumbling a bit and sigh before she uncoiling her body. Hospital food had never been her favorite... and after sampling some of the dishes here, she was already missing the cooking of a certain Zoroark.

Chapter 25

The next morning after speaking to a doctor, Abby would have liked to leave the hospital without a fuss. However, life apparently didn’t like her that much. Instead of leaving in peace... she was met by an angry mob. Someone had told them what hospital she was staying in and now they’d formed a blockade around the doors.

Kasai was doing his best to control his temper as Abby leaned against his side for support, the world much too loud, even from within the lobby. Scarlet glowered at the mob.

“I...” Abby couldn’t finish the sentence. She couldn’t believe this.

“It seem you struck a nerve with them,” Scarlet commented causally, her ruby eyes gazing lowly over the crowd.

“I... make them go away... I’m not up to dealing with this,” Abby said, her voice quiet. She was nowhere near 100% yet.

“No, I’ll do it,” Kasai intervened with a low growl. “I did it once, I can do it again. Besides... I bloody warned them last time.”

“Ahem,” A deep, echoing voice drew everyone’s attention. “I believe I shall handle this one myself young ones.”

Everyone blinked as they turned their heads to their left to see a large white being with a golden ring floating in midair.

Abby stared. “Arceus?” she asked... no fear in her voice, just simple befuddlement. “Is my concussion making me see this? Can you both see him?”

“Yep,” Scarlet replied, her eyes a bit wide to see the most powerful Legendary floating causally next to them.

“Ooooh yeah...” Kasai said, his head immediately bowing to godly figure.

“So, this is Las Pegasus then,” Arceus looked around. “Interesting city.”

“Y-you’re the one who... who,” one of the attending nurses choked out.

“Transferred the Pokemon here? Made a psychic announcement across the entire world? Created a universe?” Arceus asked. “All apt descriptions.”

Abby let out a deep breath and looked over at Arceus, slowly gazing over his body, her brain aching because of the concussion. “Hi... apparently non-concussion based Arceus. Nice to meet you.”

Arceus raised an eyebrow. “Are you alright young one?”

“I got hit in the head by a brick yesterday,” Abby answered. “I’m kind of concussed...”

Arceus shook his head and sighed. “That won’t do at all... Heal Pulse.” A pink wave traveled outwards from Arceus and impacted Abby.

Abby blinked twice as a comforting, peaceful sensation traveled over her and the pain in her head disappeared in the blink of an eye. She smiled and then swallowed, moving towards Arceus slowly at first and then a little quicker in the last few steps. Without waiting or asking permission, she stood up on her hind legs and licked his face.

“Thank you so, so, so much!” she said with a grin as she gave him another lick.

Arceus blinked once, then chuckled. “No problem Miss Trombley,” Arceus turned towards the mob of ponies outside. “Now if you’ll excuse me for a moment, I have a city to address.”

“Of course Lord Arceus,” Kasai said, walking up with a smile as he nuzzled Abby happily.

“I look forward to it... and please don’t kill any of them,” Abby said with a small chuckle.

Arceus chuckled and walked through the door, literally, he phased through the glass. “Ponies of Las Pegasus,” Arceus called, his voice amplified to reach the entire crowd, and the hospital, and anyone within a miles radius. “I am Lord Arceus, and I would like to have a word with you.”

The ponies in the crowd gasped, gulped, and backed away, a few actually threw things, only to have them fly back in their faces.

“The recent events in the city, involving the company known as PegasusAir, have drawn my attention. And not in the good way.”

The Alpha Pokemon eyed the crowd before him and continued. “As I made abundantly clear a few days ago, I am the one who brought the Pokemon to Equus, and I had hoped the citizens of Equestria would at least heed my warning.”

The crowd had begun slowly backing away from the resplendently terrifying figure.

“So, when I was informed of the what was happening in this city and how it affected my Pokemon,” His gaze shifted to a glare. “I was VERY disappointed.”

The ponies on the edge of the crowd suddenly found themselves unable to move and terrified rumblings broke out through the ensnared ponies.

“Not only had Ponies attempted to expunge my Pokemon, by force, from the city. After the fact, you ALL lashed out against them for fighting back,” Arceus shook his head. “I would like to point out that Princess Celestia has recently passed a law granting all Pokemon basic rights and protections under the Equestrian crown.”

The ponies stared at him blankly.

Arceus sighed. “Anypony who attacks a Pokemon can now be charged as if they had attacked another pony, or a Griffin, or some other race native it Equus.”

More blank stares... though now there was an edge of dread to them.

“For the love of... is the mare who attacked Miss Trombley present!?”

The crowd parted, seemingly ocean like, to reveal the red maned form of Ms. Fluff who was staring at Arceus with wide, terrified eyes. She gulped once and then her expression hardened into a glare. “She hospitalized my daughter!”

“And two wrongs don’t make a right do they?” Arceus asked, teleporting directly in front of the mare. “You assaulted her and thanks to Celestia’s newest law, you could be charged with assault, as well as child endangerment due to her pregnancy,” a glint of gold flashed in the god’s eye. “And if I drop you off in the police station... well,” He chuckled. “We can figure that part out when we get there hmm?”

“I watched her SCREAM for the entire night because of that... that... that BITCH!” the mare shouted at him, clearly not caring about what he was really saying. “I want her punished for that!”

“And I wanted this entire thing to go a whole lot smoother,” Arceus muttered. “Your daughter, is she in there?” He gestured back towards the hospital.

“No. She’s at home resting after what that monster did to her,” Ms. Fluff retorted venomously. “She can still barely walk and no, you may not see her and threaten her with your ‘powers’ you monster!”

Arceus shook his head. “The curse of a Ninetales is nearly impossible to remove,” Arceus said. “But not so much for me.” Arceus’ eyes glowed golden as a string of golden energy blasted forth and off towards another part of the city. “And... done.”

Ms. Fluff stared at him and then she began to shake slightly. “You think that just because you can fix something that it makes it right?!” she screeched. “Well it doesn’t! I’ve had to sit beside her every night for the last week because she couldn’t be alone in a room in the dark or else she’d see that monster’s eyes! She’s stayed inside out of fear of one of those vile ‘Pokemon’ you’re so fond of! She wakes up screaming because she hears that fox’s voice in her mind telling her to die! And you think that you can make it okay!?”

Arceus stepped back in shock. He had not expected this reaction. In his mind, he considered his options. Including several things that he knew were either morally wrong, legally wrong, some combination thereof, and a few things that technically weren’t, but that Celestia would get mad about.

“I... I’m sorry,” Arceus said, kneeling beside the mare. “I understand your anger, I-”

“Don’t you dare!” the mare snapped, her hoof flashing out and slapping Arceus across the face. “You brought these monsters here and disrupted our lives, hospitalized and scarred my daughter and countless others and you think that by saying that you ‘understand my anger’ that it’ll somehow make me forgive you? Get the hell away from me!”

Arceus slowly turned his head back towards the mare. “You think I need your forgiveness?” Arceus asked coldly, standing up as he did. “I was seperated from MY children, for over five thousand years!” He snapped. “At least you can still see your daughter, I couldn’t do the same for millennia!”

A golden corona formed around the god. “I don’t need your forgiveness! I tried my best to right the wrong, I did all I could short of wiping her memory,” He shook his head. “I truly am sorry for what transpired, but you would best remember that SHE attacked a mere child for what was, in truth, an accident.” His eyes flashed gold again. “And I do not go easy on those who harm children!”

The mare just glared defiantly at him. “If you’re going to ‘arrest me’ then do it already and stop talking, windbag.”

“Can you just put her to sleep already?” Scarlet asked bluntly.

“Please?” Abby added hopefully, earning a glare from the mare.

Arceus glared at the mare, she had tried his patience one to many times, and he was about one insult away from either turning her into a houseplant, sending her to the moon, or wiping her from existence.

“Sleep.” The mare fainted and fell on her side. “Now, begone.” She vanished in a flash of gold.

The other ponies in the crowd began to drift away from the hospital’s entrance, some running in fear, others too scared to run and attract the God’s eyes. However one shrill laugh was piercing the silence.

“Bwahaha, oh you guys were so fucking owned!” a familiar girl’s voice yelled out from the distance, followed shortly by an ‘ow!’.

Abby shook her head and walked up to Arceus. “Thank you sir... that was growing unbearable... stupid bitch,” the vixen said, shaking her head again.

“Yes... thank you,” Scarlet added with a short bow of her head.

“How can we ever repay you?” Kasai asked as he stood next to Abby, a small happy smile plastered over his muzzle as he nuzzled the Ninetales affectionately.

“I require nothing my children,” Arceus said. “I’m simply sorry that this had to happen.”

Abby sighed slightly but shook her head, several of her tails wrapping around Kasai’s as she leaned against him. “Hey, what you did may have been kind of impulsive and I really would have liked a bit of warning first, and for my entire family and Team to end up in the same place, but other then that... I really can’t complain about getting to spend the rest of my life with the mate I love the most without being arrested, can I?”

Arceus chuckled again. “You and quite a few others,” Arceus looked back at the dispersed crowd. “I’m not sure if I made things better or worse here.”

“We’ll figure it out,” Abby replied confidently. “Baring stray bricks and angry matriarchs anyways...” she trailed off for a moment before three questions occurred to her. “Say, I’ve got some questions I’d like answered, would you mind?”

“So long as it’s not the answer to how many paths must a man walk to find the meaning of life, or the universe, or some other existential thing,” He answered.

“Okay... first off, do you know where my Braviary, Justice, is?” she asked eagerly.

Arceus closed his eyes for a second and concentrated. “Hmm, on the plains to the southwest, attempting to ‘score’ with some Rocs.”

“...” Abby let out a sigh.

“Well... that sounds like Justice alright,” Scarlet said with a small chuckle.

“Right, it does,” Abby said, shaking her head at the thought. “Okay, second question, can you tell Articuno thank you for saving Kasai and my lives three years ago? We were the rangers who were clinging to each other in the snow above Snowpoint tracking some poachers and well... as it turns out, that’s not a good idea in the winter.”

Arceus nodded. “I’ll be sure to inform her, I’m sure she’ll be glad to hear it.”

Abby grinned. “Thanks,” she said with a nod. “And finally, can you point me in the direction of my friends Gene and Belle? I feel like telling them the truth for once.”

Arceus’ eyes widened in surprise. “They’re in a small town called Ponyville, not far from Canterlot, I met with them not long ago, a few times in fact.”

“Ah, excellent!” Abby replied with a wider grin. “Once things have calmed down here, my little family and I will have to go see them, they deserve the truth. That, and I can’t wait to see Belle’s reaction when she hears that she shared a few ‘private secrets’ with a Ranger.” The Ninetales smirked wickedly at the thought before looking at Kasai and Scarlet. “Anything to ask?”

Kasai shook his head though Scarlet seemed to have a thought in her mind. The Serperior glanced up at the Alpha Pokemon. “Not at the moment really... but I might want to ask something later.”

“In that case, you know where to find me should you have need of me,” Arceus turned away from the group as a glowing portal opened in front of him. “Oh, and Miss Trombley?” Arceus asked. “Congratulations.” The portal shut.

“So... that was neat,” Abby said slowly, her mind trying to catch up to everything that had just transpired. “I’m hungry for something other than hospital food... let’s go find a restaurant.”

Scarlet smiled and nodded her head in agreement. “Let’s... and yeah... none of my Pokemon or even Xerox will believe this,” she said loose chuckle.

“Heheh, just another day with Abby,” Kasai said, leaning down and giving his mate a long lick across the cheek. “Let’s eat!”

Chapter 26

Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.

Chapter 27

“So... how are you taking being a Pokemon now?” Scarlet asked as she and Abby casually walked, and slithered, down the streets of Las Pegasus.

“Honestly? Pretty well all things considered I think,” Abby answered with a shrug of her tails. “I mean, I have a voice in my head who can cast curses on people who do things that make me really angry... but other then that things are going great.”

Scarlet raised an eye ridge as she looked down at her. “That’s... not really good to hear about the voice you know.”

“Well, Luke said that it wasn’t anything to worry about, and he would be the one to know, so I’m not going to worry about it,” Abby stated with a shake of her head. “I’m too busy doing my continued best not to freak out again over the fact that I’m pregnant.”

“Well just keep it in check, the last thing I need to worry about is two Pokemon I know possibly coming down with DID,” the Serperior said with a small shake of her head.

“Two?” Abby inquired, raising an eyebrow at her.

“Yes two... do you remember Steven?” Scarlet suddenly inquired.

“Your understudy who wants to be a detective?” Abby asked with a frown. “The one who I thought you had the hots for for a while?” she added with a joking smirk.

The Serperior rolled her eyes slightly. “Yes him... believe it or not but he’s actually a Zoroark who’d been using his illusion powers to masquerade as a human to live among us like he’s one of our kind.”

Abby blinked twice. “Why on earth would he have wanted to do that?” she asked as her brain tried to process that.

“Because that was the only way he thought he could be able to attend our schools to become the detective he wants to be,” Scarlet replied.

“... he did know that there was no law against Pokemon attending school didn’t he?” Abby asked.

“Mostly because no Pokemon ever really tried what he was doing... and schools out there for Pokemon weren’t really in the field he wanted to go into or he wasn’t the right kind of Pokemon to enter,” Scarlet replied. “Like for one, you need to be a Chansey to go to nursing school in some regions.”

Abby frowned and then shrugged once. “Okay... that’s still weird to me, but then again, I’m kind of strange too,” she said with a small chuckle. “After all, it’s not every girl who likes sleeping with a six foot tall dog, heh.”

Scarlet chuckled lightly and shook her head. “True... most would complain of the constant shedding, heh.”

“Hey, he doesn’t shed that much,” Abby replied with a chuckle as she defended her mate. “At least, not once you’ve ‘had’ him long enough to accept the fact that your house is going to be covered in fur no matter what you do.”

“One of the reason I’m bit a glad you only visited every other month or so,” the grass snake teased, a small chuckling hiss leaving her lips.

“You think your couch had it rough?” Abby asked, raising her eyebrow at her mother. “You should have seen my bed after a night of fun, so much fur.”

“And stickier too, I bet,” Scarlet teased once more.

Abby blushed faintly but nodded her head. “Yeah, only so much a tongue can do,” she said with a deeper blush. “But hey, at least he helped me by nosing it all into one place so that I could get rid of it.” She was quiet for a moment before quietly adding. “Though... I wouldn’t have traded it for anything in the world... other than this of course.”

Scarlet smiled pleasantly down at her. “Glad to hear that, otherwise this trip would be all for nothing huh?”

“Yeah, yeah it would have been,” Abby said softly as she walked closer to her mother and nuzzled her. “Oh mom... I’m just so happy that I found you...I... I don’t want to lose you until I’m at least in my fifties... I don’t think I’ll be able to handle it if it’s any sooner than that.”

The serpent chuckled lightly as a vine extend out and rubbed the top of the Ninetales’ head. “I think you’re over exaggerating a bit, but at least we will know where each other are now so we can always keep in touch.”

Abby nodded and leaned into the vine as the Serperior’s surprisingly warm grassy body pressed against her and sighed. “I honestly don’t know if I’m over exaggerating... but I really don’t want to think about it.”

“Probably for the best, you tend to overthink things too much,” Scarlet said jestingly, giving her skull a firm rub with her vine. “Just like your mother, your real mother,” she added with a smile.

“Yeah...” Abby’s vision drifted off. “I remember... dad always told her not to try and plan the entire week two weeks in advance... didn’t stop her from trying though.”

“No it never did,” Scarlet agreed with a soft sigh. “Yet Matthew never really complained too much... most of her plans worked out well for the both of them. Especially when it came to raising you.”

Abby sighed and leaned against Scarlet a little more, thankful that the streets were still empty thanks to all of the ‘activity’ from the day and the one before it.

“They always got me where I needed to go,” she said quietly, closing her eyes. “Always had time for me and my problems even if they were as minor as having punched a bully in the stomach or as major as getting a D on an exam...”

“They loved you very much, and they were always proud of you,” Scarlet said, her vine gently holding Abby as she guided her down the sidewalk to make sure she didn’t run into anything. “At least that’s what they always tell me.”

“Oh, I know they were...” Abby replied, her voice trailing off as she bit back a sob. “I know they were.” She was silent for a while before softly saying. “You’d think time would have made it hurt less.”

“That’s what people say... but pain has the tendency to creep up on ya,” the Serperior said with a heavy sigh, pulling Abby closer to her. “I’m sure they’re still smiling down upon you, wherever they are. Still proud of their smart little Ranger.”

Abby’s eyes began to leak as she came to a stop and leaned her face against Scarlet’s warm scales and her breaths came out in rapid gasps. Scarlet stopped and held her comfortingly as her tail swung around to wrap her in a large hug. The Serperior pet down Abby’s head and leaned down to give her a soft kiss on the forehead, not really caring who was watching them. Scarlet continued to hug Abby for a long moment before her snobs began to lighten up to short sniffles.

“Sorry-sorry,” the Ninetales said quietly as she pulled her face away from her mother’s ‘chest’.

“It’s okay, it’s alright to cry Abby,” Scarlet said as she used her vine to help wipe away some of the tears from her damp eyes. “It helps to release the pain before it gets to you too much.”

Abby sniffled and then nodded her silky head. “Yeah, yeah you’re right,” she said softly. “Thanks mom. I just... miss them so much.”

“So do I....” Scarlet said with a small sigh before smiling lightly. “I should be the one who had to say sorry anyways for bringing them up. Stupid of me huh?”

“Yeah, pretty stupid mom... can’t believe that I’m relying on you for your brains,” Abby said, her muzzle turning up in a slight smile.

“It’s a miracle you stay with me despite my derpy brain,” the Serperior added with a light chuckle.

“Oh yeah, I only keep you around so that I can look better by comparison,” Abby joked, her voice still a bit hoarse.

“What, my age didn’t already count towards that?” Scarlet asked with a wry smile. “I’ll have you know just because I am an ‘old’ lady doesn’t mean you’re always better than me.”

“No, just faster and more beautiful,” Abby answered, smirking slightly at her, nudging Scarlet with her shoulder.

“Too bad none of the men could really appreciate that since you were more into Arcanine than anything else,” Scarlet remarked with a chuckle.

“I was more into Kasai than anything else,” Abby corrected with a small chuckle as she shook away the last of her grief. “Besides, men are boring.”

“My point still stands,” Scarlet stated, booping a vine against Abby’s nose.

“I guess it does,” Abby conceded with a giggle. “And so does mine.”

“I supposed so, though considering there are no ‘men’ anymore, it kind-of holds no ground now,” Scarlet pointed out.

“True,” the Ninetales agreed, nuzzling Scarlet and giving her a lick. “Thanks for... well... everything mom.”

Scarlet smiled warmly down at her. “You’re welcome Abby, anything for my daughter,” she replied, giving her one final squeeze with her tail before releasing her from the hug.

Abby smiled at her again and then let out a yawn. “Come on, we’d better get back to the station. Hopefully Ace will have another extra bedroom for you, though you could probably sleep on one of the couches in the station if you had too.”

“Hey, I’ve slept on the dirty ground plenty of times, anything is better to sleep on than that,” Scarlet stated with a chuckle.

“True, and right there with ya,” Abby agreed then a smile crossed her face. “Then again, I always slept on top of Kasai when I knew that no one was around to question it. I swear, he’s the best body pillow ever made.”

“I’ll take your word for it,” Scarlet said with a small shake of her head. “Though I bet you slightly regretted it once he rolled over during the night.”

“The first time, yeah,” Abby replied as the pair started off down the street again. “But really, after he did it the once and I gave him a pinch, he was careful about it in the future. Now he’s used to just lying flat if I’m on top of him.”

“Noted,” Scarlet said with another shake of her head. “You know I’m kind-of surprised you were able to keep you and Kasai’s relationship a secret. Considering you like to run your mouth a lot.”

“Well, you know how much time I spent out on my patrols and rangings right?” Abby asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Much, why?” Scarlet asked with an inquiring tilt of her head.

“Because I know exactly how much I run my mouth,” Abby answered with a smirk. “So I took measures to prevent myself from doing something stupid.”

“Still, very surprised by it all, considering how much you told me about you and Kasai’s sex life,” she stated in a casual tone.

“Hey, I haven’t told you that much,” Abby replied, shaking her head. “Just the surface level stuff.”

“And how vast that surface is,” Scarlet teased with a small chuckle.

“Vaster than you know,” Abby teased back. “And hey, unlike you, at least I have one mom.”

“Oooo, low blow you know,” Scarlet replied back, still teasing.

“Hey, I’m just calling it like I’m seeing it mom,” Abby replied, smirking up at her.

The Serperior shrugged lightly with her body. “True I suppose, maybe I should start finding someone now that we’re living here huh?”

“Or at least give it a shot,” Abby replied, shaking her head. “But hey, don’t let me tell you what to do mom.”

“Since when have you ever?” Scarlet asked with a smile.

Abby just chuckled and nuzzled her side again. “Come on mom, let’s get back to the station.”

“Then lead the way,” Scarlet insisted, with a gesture of a vine.

Abby lay down on the bed beside her mate and nuzzled him. “Oh, it feels so very nice to be on this bed again...”

“Same here, better with you beside me,” the Arcanine replied as he returned the nuzzle and gave her a lick across the cheek.

“Isn’t it always?” she asked, her belly nudging him lightly with its slightly increased girth.

“Yeah...” Kasai agreed as he glanced down the Ninetales’ belly, seeing it a bit more rounded out than normal. “Seem like our little pup is still coming along.”

Abby looked down and nodded her head as she leaned down to lick her belly. “Yeah, it looks like it doesn’t it?” she asked with a small smile before she leaned up to nuzzle him. “Probably all thanks to you.”

“For what? You’re doing most of the work by growing him inside of you,” Kasai replied with a small frown.

“True, but you’re the reason why he or she will turn out well,” Abby replied, nuzzling him. “You’re such a wonderful Arcanine after all.”

“That I am... but how do you factor that into our pup turning out well?” Kasai asked.

“Because you’ll be there to make up for all the mistakes I’ll make,” Abby answered, chuckling softly and nuzzling him again.

“Ah... well hopefully you won’t do that much,” Kasai said with a soft chuckle as he nuzzled her chin.

“We can hope,” she said before she leaned her head down against Kasai’s side. “By the way... I don’t actually know much of what happened... but thanks for keeping me safe after that brick hit me.”

“Hey, it was the very least I could do... I’m just glad it didn’t do any permanent damage.” He gave her a gentle lick across her head before nuzzling it again.

“Yeah, being the first ‘brain damaged Pokemon in Equestria’ isn’t what I want to be remembered for,” she agreed, nuzzling her head into his side. Then she shook her head and gave his neck a lick. “Still, thank you Kasai.”

“You’re welcome,” he replied with a smile as he rested his head against hers. The pair stayed like that for a long moment until Abby broke the silence.

“So, you looking forwards to seeing Gene and Fang again?” she asked him.

Kasai smiled and nodded his head. “Yeah, it’ll be great to see them again after such a long time,” he answered. “I mean, the last time we ran into them was what? Two months ago?”

“Yeah, that sounds about right,” Abby answered, nodding as well. “I took Belle out and we went on a little shopping spree and she told me a few choice things about Gene.”

“Oh did she?” Kasai said with a questioning arch of his eyebrow. “And what were they?”

“Oh, I’ll never tell,” Abby said, smirking mischievously at him. “All I can say is that I’m looking forwards to seeing all of them.”

“Me too, maybe Fang and I can finally put to rest the debate of who's ‘top dog’,” Kasai agreed, grinning. “I’ll wrestle him to the ground for good this time.”

“Phrasing,” Abby said, smirking at him.

“Hey, I used it correctly. It not my fault you thought something else with that ‘dirty’ mind of yours,” Kasai remarked with a joking smile.

Abby just chuckled before licking him across the jaw. “That you did,” she agreed, giving him another lick. “Such an intelligent Arcanine,” she added, nuzzling him once more.

“Well I have an intelligent trainer to thank for that,” he said, giving her a lick across the cheeks once more.

“I’m your mate now, not your trainer,” Abby told him firmly before she lay her head down across his side again and let out a contented sigh. “And that’s the way I’ll always want it.”

“Very well, I have a very intelligent mate to thank for that,” Kasai restated, giving a gentle nuzzle against her shoulder.

Abby smiled and let out a sigh as she leaned against him, slowly drifting off to sleep as his lovely, smoky scent filled her nose and his soft fur cushioned her head. The Arcanine smiled as he rested his head down on the bed and closed his eyes, joining her in her sleep as her lovely scent wafted into his nose and her pregnant belly rose and fell against his side.

Author's Note

Hey guys, so, I'm basically caught up to Zeus's point, at least, in terms of major plot points and whatnot so the next few chapters until he gets the Canterlot arc done are going to be fairly minor while I wait to see how stuff settles. What that means for this story is that we're mostly going to be focusing on little character moments like this, hope you're not too put off by it.

Ed2481 out

Chapter 28

It still surprises me... how similar this world is to our own, Luke said casually as he used his psychic powers to shuffle the cards they were about to use. Down to the playing cards being... nearly identical except for the face cards.

He, Rill, and Lex were sitting around a round wooden table. The sun had only recently come up, but after several years of working with Abby, they’d become used to waking up early. Around Luke’s neck was a green and red scarf to go with his sun emblem sweater and one of his hands was toying nervously with it.

“Meh, I don’t see why that’s such a big deal,” Lex said, shrugging two of his ribbon before resuming petting Rill’s side gently.

“Neither do I, but that is hardly odd,” Rill agreed, nodding her head as she watched the cards being shuffled.

Luke gave her a small smile and sent several cards over to the shiny Flygon along with several over to the Sylveon. True, though... you have been getting better, Luke said before glancing back at Lex. It isn’t a big deal really... it just interests me.

“Whatever floats your boat Luke; for me it’s one less thing to worry about trying to adapt to,” Lex said as he held his cards with his dexterous ribbons.

I suppose... there is that, Luke agreed, nodding his head ever so slightly before glancing over at Rill. Do you have any threes?

Rill looked down at her cards and shook her head. “Go fishing Luke.”

“It’s just go fish my dear,” Lex said with a small chuckle.

“I still do not understand that...” Rill said, shaking her head once. “But then, there are many things I don’t.”

It’s just another use of a noun, Luke filled in helpfully though he knew there wasn’t much he could do to help her understand it.

“I suppose,” was all she replied with before looking at Lex. “Do you have any twos Lex?”

“Yes I do,” the Sylvenon replied as he pulled out a two of clubs and hand it over to the shiny Flygon.

Rill smiled and accepted the card before glancing over at Luke. “You never informed of us how your mission went, or, not really. Tell us?”

Of course... I can do that, Luke replied with a small smile. Though I believe Lex has a turn first.

“Thank you... got any sixs my desert ruby?” he asked, glancing up at Rill.

“No, I do not,” Rill answered, smiling at the pet name. Lex reached over to draw another card while Rill turned her head up to the Gallade. “Luke, your tale.”

Right... well I found Vincent and began to train him in the arts of controlling his powers, he had been put through... a great deal of torture so I was happy that I was able to help him, Luke began as he turned to Lex. Any threes?

Lex frowned slightly as he reluctantly gave his recently drawn three of diamonds over to Luke. “I’m guessing the training turned out well?”

Indeed... very well, Luke answered with a smile as a hand went up to brush against the scarf again. He is well on his way to being a superb psychic type and with all he’s been through, he may one day rival me, though it will be a long time coming I suspect.

“Hopefully this time he won’t try to rob a casino using his newfound powers,” Lex murmured out.

“Indeed, this time I suspect he would be more difficult to apprehend,” Rill said with a small frown. “Do you have any kings Luke?”

Indeed I do, Luke replied, sending over the King of Hearts. And do not worry... I have planted the seed of goodness within his mind, along with... a little... insurance just in case. He fidgeted a little more with his scarf, as if ashamed of something.

“Hopefully it will hold, otherwise we might have to ask Scarlet if we could borrow Lance for a moment... got any fours?” he asked Luke.

I have a strong belief it will, I left a small avatar of myself within his mind, Luke said before shaking his head. And no, I do not have any fours Lex.

“Frack,” the Sylveon muttered under his breath as he drew another card.

“Frack?” Rill inquired with a frown. “I know that fuck has come to mean something other than breed, but I do not know of this ‘frack’ you speak of Lex, also, do you posses any kings?”

The Sylveon frowned deeply as he wordlessly handed his King of Clubs over to her, followed by her setting it down. “It’s just a word I made up dear, doesn’t really hold any meaning other than for me to curse with.”

Rill blinked twice. “But Lex, if we were to all make up words then no one would know what we were saying,” she said with a frown.

Actually... it happens all the time, Luke stated softly, smiling at her. Most languages are built that way over time. Rill, do you happen to have a Jack?

The Flygon shook her head. “No, I do not,” she answered, frowning deeply at what he’d said. “That does not make sense to me, but if you are saying it Luke, then it must be right.”

“Except I’m not looking to make my own language... just trying to make sure I don’t say some of my nastier words around you,” Lex stated, glancing up at Rill. “Mostly for your safety... got any sevens?”

Rill nodded her head and passed him a singular seven. “My safety? Lex, I fought and killed many, eating them in some cases if they were the right sort of Pokemon to be appetizing,” she said blandly. “I do not believe you have to worry about my safety.”

“I was more going to your limited understanding of what some words means, and your casual way of stating things out,” Lex informed her as he set a pair of sevens down in front of him. “Especially like what you just did... you know I ask you not to just say something like that out loud. I makes me a bit uneasy.”

“I simply choose not to hide where I have come from,” Rill stated, blinking twice. “As for the use and understanding of such words, I know them all, though I do not understand how all are insults.”

Long standing tradition... for the most part, Luke answered before he turned to Lex. Do you possess any Queens?

Lex smiled. “Go fish.”

Luke picked up a card and then added to his hand.

The Sylveon smiled. “Yeah... still, it’s not more of you simply knowing them, it’s more of you accidently saying them and insulting someone. So, I don’t want to add more known curses to your vocabulary which is why I used frack.”

“But I already know fuck,” Rill pointed out.

Lex let out a long sigh, a ribbon rubbing his forehead. “Can we just move on with the game please?”

“Of course,” Rill said, nodding her head. “Do you have any aces Luke?”

That I do, Luke answered, sending the Ace of Spades over to her, the shiny Flygon putting it and another on the table.

“You got any threes, Rill?” Lex asked.

“I still have yet to gain one,” Rill answered with a smile. “Go fishing.”

Lex reached over to grabbed a new card.

So, you know what I have been doing, yet I have heard little of you... would you mind telling me what you have been doing these past two weeks? Luke inquired of the two. And Lex, do you have an eight?

Lex shook his head. “Go fished... and we really didn’t do much of anything outside of the norm.”

Really? Luke inquired as he drew a new card. Two weeks in an alien world... and you have done nothing of note?

“Well, we did go back and find that Azurill who was kicked into a wall,” Rill answered, frowning in distaste. “It is lucky that Kasai was the one with Abby that day, that mare would have been contending with far greater problems than a simple curse.”

“Yeah... like a horde of Pokemon to pay the ‘gesture’ back,” Lex said with a small shake of his head.

“I was indicating that we should behead her,” Rill said casually. “It is what I would do to any who threatened our child if you and I were capable of creating life.”

“Oh I bet you would,” Lex agreed, a morbid thought crossing his mind from the statement. “Though I don’t think that would have gone down very well to the rest of the ponies if they heard that. It would’ve made the protest even worst.”

“But none would dare attack our child and in the end, that would be all that mattered,” Rill replied. “Do you have any fives Lex?”

“Go fish... and it would only make matters for us worst,” Lex stated. “We’re living with them Rill, we can’t spout fear for their lives among them. Remember how well that went last time with the previous protests?”

Rill just frowned and shook her head. “I simply wish to prevent or punish any who would kick a baby in the face, Lex.”

“With decapitation... which won’t go well at the end I can assure you of that my dear,” Lex said with a small sigh.

Perhaps... we should get off the subject of decapitation? Luke suggested. Surely... something else must have happened with you both in my absence.

“Nothing of note really, only that Lex and I have begun looking for a place that we can truly be together,” Rill answered, shrugging her wings slightly.

Ah, I see... probably for the best, Luke answered before glancing at Lex. Your form of togetherness involves lots of flying... where many could witness.

“You don’t have to tell me twice...” the Sylveon said a bit flatly. “But yeah, we been exploring a bit outside of the city limits for a more... private area.”

Best of luck to you then... Luke said with a smile, though his fidgeting increased ever so slightly.

“Whose turn is it?” Rill wondered aloud. “I have lost track.”

As have I... Luke replied, frowning faintly.

Lex blinked blankly. “Welp, it seems we either end it here or start over.”

We can end it, I hear Abby’s thoughts beginning to stir, Luke said with a small shrug. I have two.

“I got one,” Lex said with a small sigh.

“And I possess three,” Rill said, an elated smile on her face. “That makes me the winner!”

Lex smiled lightly and chuckled. “Yes, yes it does.” You do know she might get suspicious of winning all the time sooner or later, he thought out loud.

It appears you are, Luke agreed, smiling before privately replying. She might, but she simply becomes so happy when she wins that I can’t help but guide her along the right path.

Lex’s smile grew as his ribbons moved up to gently rub against Rill’s side. Well thanks, I love it too when she’s genuinely happy and smiles.

Rill let out a happy noise and leaned down to nuzzle Lex, pulling the Sylveon out of his chair and close to her chest, one of the only two beings allowed that particular privilege. “So, what shall we do now?” she inquired after thoroughly nuzzling and affectionately nibbling at Lex.

“Whatever you want my lovely desert ruby, you are the winner of the game,” the Sylveon said with a small chuckle as he felt her teeth gently poking all around his ear.

“I believe we shall go for a fly you and I,” she said, a smile on her face before she nibbled at his shoulder. “See the city from a great height and see all those that are walking within it.”

“Sure thing sweetie, sounds like a wonderful time to celebrate your victory,” Lex said as his ribbons worked their way to pull him onto her back, settling around the crest of her neck.

Fair winds and safe travels to you both, Luke told them, still smiling softly before he vanished, leaving the pair alone in the room.

“It’s good to have him back,” Rill commented, still smiling as she made her way towards the door. “Our family is incomplete without him.”

“True... though it still is a bit incomplete without Justice around,” Lex replied.

“Indeed it is, I hope he has had fair winds beneath his wings,” Rill murmured, her smile drooping slightly at the thought of her missing brother.

“I’m sure it has... and he probably hit on a couple of flying Pokemon during that time too,” Lex said with a small chuckle before one of his ribbons rub gently on the back of her neck. “We’ll find him soon, don’t fret about it.”

“You are right, knowing Justice has has probably unknowingly impregnated an entire flock of Swellow by this point,” Rill agreed, chuckling lightly as she skirted to the side in order to allow a group of Guards to pass.

“Hopefully Claire won’t hear about that... that would make her very jealous,” Lex said, chuckling once more at the thought.

“Most likely, she has been chasing his egg for quite some time if I recall correctly,” Rill agreed, nodding her head.

“Yes... yes she has, kind-of makes you wonder why Justice never caught on huh?” Lex commented as he waved a ribbon at some passing ponies eyeing him as he road on top of Rill’s back.

“It has been my personal experience that males do not notice the ones who wish to mate with them unless the female acts directly, hence my biting your neck,” Rill replied in an amused tone. “That, and to show that you are mine to anyone who looks.”

“I thought the small mark you left on my ear was proof enough,” Lex said with a small chuckle.

“Not to my eyes,” Rill answered. “You simply thought I’d bitten you for no reason, for whatever reason.”

“Hey, it’s not my fault I didn’t know that’s how Flygon’s mark their mates back then... that and I really thought you took a bite out of my ear,” Lex defended himself.

“Well, I did take a bite out of your ear,” Rill replied. “I simply failed to take much, if any, skin.”

“Still, I thought the latter... but hey, I kind-of grown attached to it. Set’s me apart from all the other Sylveons,” Lex said with a smile.

“Indeed it does, you and everyone else knows that you are mine with but a glance,” Rill agreed, nodding her head and leaning back to nuzzle his head ever so slightly before she walked out of the Guard station and into the sun. “So my mate, shall we fly like dragons?”

Lex’s smile grew as his ribbons firmly held around her shoulders and he brace himself. “Let’s.”

The Flygon smiled happily and launched herself into the air, Lex hanging for dear life as always though she’d never truly let him fall. And he knew it as a gleeful laughter sprang out moments after launch.

The soft, heavy breathing rasped gently on her ears as Claire began to slowly wake up. Her eyes craned open as she found her world obscured by a dark brown wall. She blinked her eye slowly to notice the wall was made of feathers and her head was resting against someone. She glanced her eyes upward to see Justice’s head tucked under the wing he draped over her and was still fast asleep.

The Swallow smiled softly as she closed her eyes once more and leaned a bit more into Justice’s feathery chest. She’d dreamed about a moment like this for a long time... and to have it actually happen was too good to be true. So she wanted it to last as long as possible.

Justice’s sides rose and fell against her, the Swellow’s ears ringing with his steady heartbeat, surrounding her world with the sound of him. She took in a deep breath and slowly let it out with a pleasant coo. His rustic scent lingered in the slits on her beak, making her smell the heavy feathery smell he kept so well.

Beside her, the great eagle shuffled slightly but didn’t wake. She smiled slightly... as best as she could with her beak and closed her eyes once more as she rested her head against his side. Maybe catching a few more minutes of sleep with him while she had the chance, though those minutes felt like hours to her.

Eventually, like all good things, it had to end. Justice’s wings flared open and he let out a loud yawn before looking down at her, a slight look of surprise on his face.

“Oh, hello Claire, forgive me, I forgot you were there,” the Braviary stated with a small yawn.

The Swellow hid her small ping of pain, for she knew it was just the drowsiness of sleep and she smiled up at him. “Must be because I barely make an impression against your huge body,” she said with a small chuckle.

“Mhm,” he agreed, letting out another yawn.

Claire glanced away from the yawn, feeling one of her own building up in the back of her throat. She pushed herself off of him and gave him enough room to stretch out his stiff body. The Braviary leapt off of the tree, his wings flaring hugely and he soared upwards, coming down in a screaching spiral only to have his wings snap open directly in front of Claire, a strong breeze washing over her, wavelike and powerful.

Oh such strong wings... she murmured in her mind as she watched him ‘show off’ to her. Justice caught her gaze and smiled.

“So, would you like the tour of these plains?” Justice inquired, raising an eyebrow. “Or just stare at my wings and try to put your thoughts in order?”

Claire her head craftily. “I think I’ll take up your tour... as long as you make sure I don’t get blown away from that backdraft you’re making,” she replied as she opened her wings and joined him in flight.

“Well, I’ve been on the backdraft of some giant birds recently, so I’ll make sure you don’t have to go through that,” Justice said with a grin. “Besides, it’s rude to buffet a lady.”

She chuckled lightly as she soared right next to him. “How thoughtful of you.”

“I try to always be thoughtful to beautiful birds,” Justice replied, winking at her as they flew along.

The Swellow blushed underneath her red feathers, making it hardly visible save for the small expression on her face. “So... what’s our first stop?”

“We’re probably not going to stop,” Justice said, chuckling faintly. “I’m telling you Claire, there’s nothing out here more significant than that tree that I’ve claimed. Well, that and some odd little Buneary like creatures who make good eating.”

“Then I’m here to just enjoy the view?” she asked, looking at Justice alone.

“Well, at least it’s big enough to keep your attention,” Justice replied, grinning and flapping his wings once, soaring a bit higher. Her eyes trailed him and she got a good look of his underside.

“True....” she said, a bit awestruck of just how big his wings looked from the angle she was at. She then grimaced in hesitation. “Justice... I know this might be a bit sudden for me to ask... but you think we can just skip the tour and... we can see how well we can ‘fly’ together?”

Justice blinked twice and glanced down at her. “You sure? I thought I was mostly just doing this for show.”

Claire slowly nodded her head. “I’m sure...” she replied, her voice still hesitant. “But if you don’t want to I would under-”

“It’s not that I don’t want to,” Justice stated, lowering himself in the air so that his head was right above hers. “It’s more that I want to make sure that Scarlet won’t whip me till I bleed for taking advantage of you. Oh, and knowing why would be nice too I suppose.”

“Scarlet wouldn’t do that to you,” Claire answered firmly before becoming hesitant again. “As for why... well, you’re good looking, have very big wings... and have a very kind and courteous personality... how could I not have fallen head over claws in love?” she asked before she realized what she said at the end, glancing away from him.

Justice was silent for a long moment. “I guess I can’t fault you for falling in love with Justice,” he said slowly, his mind clearly several sentences behind the words he was speaking. “Err... I never thought I’d find someone who loved me to be honest. I’ve always been a lone soldier of sorts.”

“Well... who said you always have to stay that way?” she asked, glancing up at the great eagle. “I mean... wouldn’t it be nice to have someone to rely on?”

“Yes... it would,” Justice said very slowly. “Though... and do not take this the wrong way Claire, but I do not love you.” He paused for a moment, seeing the small pang of sadness flashing over her face. “But that does not mean that I never will,” he quickly clarified.

“Truly?” she asked, the hint of her heart still on the verge of being completely broken still visible to the eagle.

“Give it time,” Justice replied calmly as he flew beneath her so that he was looking up at the smaller bird. “You’ve clearly been feeling this way for quite some time Claire, forgive me for not feeling the same for you.”

“I.... I understand,” she said slowly, giving her wings a flap to keep her flight stabilize. “And yes... I have been feeling like this for a long time... nearly since I first saw you after I joined Scarlet’s team.... though it did change from just admiration to love over time.”

Justice let out a long whistle. “That’s a long time to keep yourself bottled up,” he mused.

“Patience like an Absol waiting for the right moment to strike,” she replied.

“Ah, or a soaring Braviary who has just spotted a lovely meal,” Justice added. The Swallow frowned slightly as she glanced below to see nothing, causing Justice to chuckle. “I’m joking Claire... but yes. Let’s find something to eat, fly for a bit and then we shall truly put your flying skills to the test.”

She tilted her head further down to smiled lightly at Justice. “That sounds like plan...”

Justice chuckled lightly. “That it does, that it does.”

Chapter 29

Claire rested standing on top of a sturdy branch, feeling her body fully recovering from her and Justice’s extremes ‘dives’ through the air nearly two hours ago. Suddenly, Justice swooped down from the sky, a large rabbit in his talons.

“Hungry?” he inquired of her from the other side of the branch.

“Very,” she said with a chuckle as she eyed the freshly killed meal. “After emptying myself, I found my stomach growling at me to replace the energy spent in our flight.”

“Thought you might be,” Justice replied, chuckling as he brought it closer to the Swellow and easily sliced off a piece and offering it to her. “I remember once I and a Tropius took a flight, poor girl almost ate her own fruit she was so spent.”

Claire scarfed down the slice of meat easily. “Not very surprising... Tropius are not very agile in the air, so you must’ve drained her from first go.”

“True, but she was very sweet so I didn’t mind slowing down just a little,” Justice said, chuckling. “Though, the first dive was a bit more nerve wracking for her than for most others I’ve been with.”

“Mostly because have you ever heard of a Tropius doing a vertical dive before you met her?” the Swellow inquired before reaching down to pick up another slice of meat.

“Well yes, apparently they usually mate on the ground,” Justice replied, shrugging his wings. “But she made it and we had a good guilt free time of ourselves, didn’t even have to think about possible children.”

Claire paused in her eating and glanced up at the Braviery. “...I see...” she said slowly.

Justice frowned ever so faintly. “Claire, you’ve known about me for quite some time, as well as knowing the fact that there are probably dozens of my children out there somewhere... if you have a problem with that, then you and I aren’t going to be together for long.”

The Swellow shook her head. “Right... right... I’m still getting used to the fact we are together and... trying to not let my buoyant fantasies cloud my thoughts.”

“It’s fine,” he told her simply as he cut another slice off and held it out to her. “I’m just making sure you understand.”

“I do... I truly do... we can’t just rush this,” Claire said as she accepted the meat.

“Exactly,” Justice agreed, nodding his noble head. “And please forgive me if I’m awful at this as well, I’ve never been what someone could consider monogamous.”

“Oh I know,” she replied with a small chuckle. “It’s just something I will have to keep in mind... you’re used of doing things a different way. There’s also ways I want things to happen... so I do hope you keep that in mind too. Hopefully we can find a middle ground for us to work with.”

“Well, we’re both reasonably intelligent considerate Pokemon, I’m sure that Justice will prevail,” Justice said, smirking ever so slightly.

The Swellow chuckled good heartedly. “I’m sure you will, you always seem to find a way out of everything,” she said, with an amused expression in her eyes.

“Not quite,” Justice answered, a bit of his smirk dying as a dark memory sprang up. “But for the most part, yes I do.”

Claire smiled as she leaned down to tear out one last chunk of meat for herself and scraffed it down. “Well... I’m full. Thank you for the meal.”

“It was the least I could do,” Justice replied before he lowered his beak and tore off a much bigger haunch of the rabbit, cracking the bones in his beak several times before he tossed it down his gullet. “I might as well get used to it right? You’re going to be heavy with eggs in a month or two and I’ll be the one getting all your food.”

“True I supposed... think we should start building a nest for the both of us?” Claire inquired. “Who knows when or if Abby or Scarlet will find us right?”

“I think we might want to wait a few more days, knowing Abby she’s gotten herself caught up in some kind of situation and been hurt in some way,” Justice said, shaking his head. “But if she’s not here by tomorrow night, then yes, we should build a nest.”

Claire nodded her head. “Sounds reasonable enough for me.”

Justice nodded his head and finished the rabbit before he walked over to her and brought a wing down around Claire, pulling her closer to his side. The Swellow nestled into his huge chest, letting out a relax sigh. “Thanks for the wonderful flight Justice...”

“Thank you for the same my little bird,” he replied with a smile, moving his head down to give her a short nuzzle. She returned the nuzzle and closed her eyes, letting out a short sigh before her mind drifted off to sleep. Justice smiled again and bowed his head, closing his eyes as well, so what if it was the middle of the afternoon? There was nothing wrong with a nap.

Luke sat cross legged on his bed, his eyes shut, his mind elsewhere though the door to his room was wide open. The faintest sound of scales slithering whispered through the doorway as Scarlet’s voice spoke up.

“Hey Luke, mind if we talk a bit?” the Serperior asked from underneath the doorway.

Luke’s eyes opened and he turned to her, a small smile on his lips. Of course... we can Scarlet. It’s... good to see you. What... is on your mind?

Scarlet returned the smile as she slithered into the room and move in front of him, keep a respectful distance away from him. “It’s good to see you too... and can’t you already sense what’s on my mind?”

I... try and avoid doing that to friends, Luke answered with a small mental chuckle. It... unnerves them.

“I can understand that,” Scarlet said with a small nod of her head. “Anyways... what’s on my mind is wondering how much you know about dissociative personality disorder.”

The mental state brought on by severe trauma which causes those who experience said trauma to create new ‘identities’ to deal with the stress? Luke inquired, his pauses disappearing. I know some, not a huge amount, I confess to having never met someone with the problem.

“That’s okay... I’m mostly trying to find who to help someone deal with it,” Scarlet said with a frown. “You wouldn’t know anything about treatments for dealing with DID?”

I believe the best, non psychic method involved lots of therapy so that the sufferer knew that they were there... then you would facilitate conversation between them, Luke replied with a deep frown. Though... I do not know if that is what Xerox has... in most cases, the other has no real idea of what the other ‘self’ has done... I think. I’m sorry, I have never actually studied the subject very closely.

“Hmmm... well, that’s okay, we’re both shooting in the dark really,” Scarlet said with a shrug like nature. “Though that does bring up another subject I would like to speak of. This ‘inner Ninetails’ voice in Abby’s head.”

Ah yes, that, Luke said, nodding his head faintly. Do not worry about that, it’s her new body’s way of controlling its curse powers along with keeping her from being drowned by her instincts. It should pass once she fully comes to grasp with what’s happened to her and her new body.

“Well, I would like for you to still keep an ‘eye’ on it,” Scarlet said, her tone becoming a bit more serious. “If you would be so kindly.”

I always keep an eye on her, Luke answered, his tone sharpening ever so slightly.

“Good... well thanks for your help; you help cleared a lot of my worries away,” Scarlet said, a soft smile forming on her face as her tone became very casual.

Anything I can do to help, Luke replied, closing his eyes. Was... there anything else Scarlet?

“Only for you to keep an eye out for either Claire or Vivi if you can, I’m still searching for them even after these two weeks,” she replied.

I will gladly do it, Luke answered with a nod of his head.

“Thanks,” Scarlet said with another smile before turning to the doorway. “Well I better not waste anymore of your time, see you later Luke.” Her body uncoiled and she made her way over to the exit.

Scarlet... I apologize for snapping at you. Luke called after her.

The Serperior stopped at the door and glanced back at him, shrugging slightly. “It just tells me you won’t let Abby down if that ‘voice’ becomes more trouble than you think it will, so it’s okay.”

Luke simply nodded his head and returned to his meditation. Scarlet watched him for a brief moment before turning her head around and resumed slithering her way out. She had some numbers to crunch and a list to write down. Luke for his part let out a small sigh, he really should not have snapped, but the very idea of his not doing his best to protect Abby just... irked him.

He let out a long breath and returned to building his mental walls.

Abby was laid up on the bed, a frown on her face as her stomach growled loudly. “Kasai, I’m hungry,” Abby said, nudging him. The Arcanine snored softly as he muttered something about Magikarp under his breath. Abby scowled and nudged him harder. “Kasai, I’m hungryyyy.” The great dog just snored some more as he rolled over onto his side, facing away from Abby.

Well, she wasn’t having that, her stomach was really starting to hurt now. So in order to wake him, she did the obvious thing, leaning over so that her muzzle was inside of one of his ears she quietly said.

“I’m buttering you some Magikarp, extra butter.”

“Mmmmm.... buttered Magikarp,” he said with a warm smile as his eyes slowly open... only for a frown of disappointment from the lack of any sizzling Magikarp smell.

“Kasai... I’m hungry...” Abby whined piteously in his ear.

“Then get something to eat... you have legs,” he murmured, a bit grumpy from being awoken from his sleep, shifting his body around a bit before closing his eyes once more.

“But I’m too weak too,” Abby moaned as she slumped down against him. “And I really want some fish right now, you’re faster than me Kasai, can you please go get me some fish? Oh, and put peanut butter on them!”

Kasai remained on his side for a moment before letting out a long sigh. “Fine... I’ll be back,” he said as he turned up onto his feet and walked off the bed and out of the room.

Abby smiled and collapsed into the bed, her tails going awry around her lower half as her stomach growled loudly. It seemed like hours before Kasai came back with a plate of unidentifiable fish flesh coated in creamy peanut butter carried in his jaws.

He set it down in front of her and Abby all but dove head first into it, her golden muzzle snapping up it up left and right while occasionally taking time to lick peanut butter off of her lips. When she’d finished the meal itself, she attacked the plate, scouring it of every drop of oil or grease.

“Mmmm, now I’m hungry for some kind of fruit... find me the closest thing you can too the fruit that a Tropius grows on it’s neck,” Abby instructed. “And put peanut butter on it too!”

The Arcanine blinked blankly at her... surprised she was still hungry after scarfing down two whole fish. “Right... I’ll see what I can do...” he said before he turned around and headed back out.

Abby’s stomach rumbled loudly and she pushed the platter off to the side of the bed and curled up in a half open ball as her tails danced energetically behind her. Come on, come on, come on, come on! she thought to herself as she waited impatiently for her mate to return. I’m SO hungry!

Kasai returned with a bundle of yellow curved fruit in his mouth and placed it down in front of her. “Here, these bananas look similar too-”

Abby didn’t give him time to finish speaking, instead she grabbed one of them in her mouth, let a small column of flame dance over it, and then squished the fruit down, peel and all. She did this to every one of the others too until she was sated, for the moment.

“Mmm...” Abby murmured with a content smile.

“Satisfied now?” Kasai asked, thinking his mate was full to the brim right now.

“I’d like some bacon or something close to it actually,” Abby replied with a grin as her stomach rumbled loudly. “Think you can find that my love?”

Kasai stared at her in disbelief. “....I’ll go ask around....” he turned and head off, the shocked expression still on his face.

Abby let out a mewl of hunger and fell face first back to the bed, she didn’t know why she was so hungry but she really, really, really, was! It was an unbearably long wait until Kasai returned, this time with a plate of strips of what was clearly bacon in his mouth.

Abby’s mouth visually watered as he put it down in front of her and without hesitation, she launched herself down upon it like an avenging missile. Little bits of bacon and grease smeared her muzzle and hung down from her chin, her tongue reaching out in a futile attempt to reach it all.

The Arcanine watched in shock as he saw Abby eat like some sort of... wild Pokemon. “Here... let me help you clean that up,” he offered as he walked up to her.

The Ninetales froze where she was and her eyes darted over to him and for a moment they were rimmed with blue energy before that dissipated leaving her looking... rather confused. “What happened to the bacon?”

Kasai looked at her as she was really serious. “You ate it... there’s some hanging on your chin,” he said, gesturing to her lower jaw.

Abby blinked twice and then glanced down at her jaw. “Oh. It seems I have...” she looked up at him and burped. “Yes, yes I definitely did.”

The Arcanine gave her a queer look. “Are you okay Abby? Besides the hunger cravings?”

“I think so...” Abby said with a frown. “Why?”

“Because there was an eerie blue glow to your eyes... and after it faded away you didn’t remember eating the bacon I just bought you,” he explained.

“Oh... I see,” Abby replied, blinking twice. “It must have been my inner Ninetales again... stupid bitch.” She thought she heard a silent, amused laugh within her mind at that pronouncement.

Kasai grimaced slightly. “You know Abby... that kind of worries me about that ‘voice’ in your head.”

“Yeah... but Luke said that it was fine,” Abby replied, frowning deeply. “So I believe him, he’s never lied to me before and I don’t think he’d start now.”

“Well maybe he needs to take an extra, closer look... because having a voice in your head is not good in general,” Kasai stated firmly. “Especially when it seems it can take control of your body and make you black out temporally.”

“I should... you’re right,” Abby agreed, frowning deeply. She let out a sigh and glanced down at her belly, or more specifically at her nipples that were leaking milk again. “That’s annoying...”

Kasai glanced down slightly before looking back up at her face. “Want me to get a towel or something?”

Abby frowned before her eyes lidded slightly. “I was thinking something different actually,” she said with a sly smile.

Kasai blinked blankly. “Kind-of early for that... don’t you think?”

“I’m probably going to give birth in a week right?” Abby replied. “I mean, I got pregnant during our first week here and now we’re into the second right? Besides... it feels like there’s a lot of it.”

“Yeah... I mean, on the terms of birth, but really I don’t think I should be the one helping you with that,” Kasai said, his ears tilting back a bit. “I’m kind-of... too old for that you know?”

Abby blinked twice. “Oh... I know that humans do that... or at least I thought they did, thought it would be the same for you,” she said, a puzzled frown on her muzzle.

“I... really wouldn’t know...” Kasai replied slowly. “I only licked around that area when you were a human because you seemed to like it.”

“Oh,” Abby blinked again. “Huh... well I appreciated it,” she said before she gave him a nuzzle. “As for whether or not you’re supposed to... I don’t know.”

“Again... I really don’t know... and I would still think it’s kind-of early for anything... extreme. Plus I would like to get myself some food too,” Kasai said, his own stomach growling in conformation.

“Right, right, go get yourself something to eat my mate,” Abby said, smiling softly at him and giving him a lick on the cheek. “I’m so sorry for all of this trouble I’ve caused you this morning.”

“Apology accepted... though now you do owe me some buttered fish,” he said with a smile, giving her a lick across her cheeks.

“I’ll do my best to find you some,” Abby replied with an amused yip. “Now, go get yourself some breakfast Kasai.”

“Will do,” he turned around and head out of the room one more time. Abby lay her head down on the pillow and let out a yawn, all that eating had tired her out, a nap was in order. With another quiet yawn, she closed her eyes and drifted off to sleep once more.

Chapter 30

The Ninetales didn’t get it, she honestly didn’t how on EARTH could she be hungry again already? She’d awoken from her nap to find her mate gone and in his place was no one. Her head felt a bit heavy but even worse was the fact that her stomach felt like none of what she’d eaten before had ever been there in the first place.

With her mate missing, that left her with a singular option. Move. Almost without thinking about it, the Ninetales rose from the bed and slunk down the hallways, ignoring the ponies who tried to talk to her along with a passing griffin. There was only one thought on her mind.

Food. I need food.

Her nose twitched as the scents of food came drifting down the hall towards her and without a moment’s hesitation, the Ninetales followed it into a large room filled with delicious aromas. There was one other scent in the air, her mate, but that too the Ninetales ignored as she walked towards the counter and snatched a plate with a roasted chicken on it, there for the griffins, off of the counter and carried it over to a table by herself.

She barely glanced up as she felt he mate sidle up next to her and didn’t hear a word he said as her nostrils filled with the delectable scent. Instead, she wrapped several of her tails around his and dove in, muzzle first.

“Ugh...” Abby moaned as she leaned against Kasai’s side, her plate empty but for bones. “That was a lot of food.”

“You’re telling me...” the Arcanine said as he eyed several others empty plates. “Finally full?” he inquired as he glanced down at the Ninetails.

“Mhm,” she said with a nod of her head. “I never... want to eat another thing in my life.” Her stomach gurgled and she pouted. “And the worst part is... I barely remember eating any of it.”

Kasai frowned, his face full of concerned. “You know, I don’t like hearing that.”

“You’re telling me,” Abby grunted back as she leaned against him and gave his cheeks a lap with her tongue. “Hope I didn’t nip you.”

“Not at me... though at some of the waiters who tried to take a empty plate away,” Kasai replied. “Why do you think there’s a stack right next to you?”

“...” Abby didn’t say anything though she blushed a deep crimson. “I hope I didn’t break the skin.”

“I’m more thankful your ‘other self’ didn’t try to Fire Fang them from the threatening growl you gave them...” Kasai said with a sigh. “We really should see Luke you know. You’re actually scaring me a bit Abby.”

Abby frowned, concern coloring her expression. “Yeah... maybe you’re right,” she said softly.

She hated not being in control of herself and yet it was a state that she’d occasionally found herself in as a human, though it was not always a bad thing. Sometimes it was when her vision went red and her blood turned to fire when battling poachers or the bad Pokephile, and then other times, it was Kasai himself who’d elicited that sort of reaction from her, though in that case it was more... primal. Whatever the case, she needed to get to the bottom of it.

“This isn’t like how you sometimes got me riled up enough to forget myself in the moment,” Abby murmured softly as she leaned against his warm side, his soft fur cushioning her.

“I know... think you can walk or do you need to get on my back?” Kasai asked.

Abby closed her eyes and then pushed herself back to her paws. She wobbled there for a moment before shaking her head and glancing up at Kasai who was looking down at her with concern.

“I’m fine,” she said slowly as she began to walk out of the cafeteria, though her pace could in no way be described as ‘speedy’. Kasai walked by her with every step, ready to help her at any moment.

The Ninetales smiled as she walked, several of her tails wrapping around his and pulling him close as the pair made their way down the hallway towards the room that Luke had claimed. The door was open and Luke sat there upon the bed, his eyes closed, his stance meditative.

“Luke,” Abby called, breaking the silence of the room and causing the Gallade to open his eyes. He smiled upon seeing them both.

Abby...Kasai, what brings you to me? he inquired, still smiling.

“We need you to look into her mind... she’s keeps having blackouts, and empty spots in her memories,” Kasai informed him. “Especially a few minutes ago when she was eating and threateningly growling at a waiter for trying to take one of her empty plates away.”

Luke’s smile dissipated and he got up off of the bed, walking over and sitting down in front of Abby. I see... that’s troubling.

“You don’t have to say that twice,” Kasai said as he sat in between Gallade and the Ninetales from the side.

“Can you do something?” Abby asked him with a worried frown.

Let me see, Abby, Luke answered as he moved a hand forwards and touched it to her forehead. Abby froze stock still, Luke’s hand glowing blue. They stayed like that for a long moment before Luke took his hand away. I see... it is like I said the first time, just a bit... stronger than I first believed.

“Stronger?” Kasai asked with a trouble frown.

“Meaning?” Abby inquired, tilting her head to the side.

Well... it appears that your instincts have taken on an anthropomorphic persona all their own, Luke answered them both. At first, I believed that it was a simple apparition created by your mind... but this is clearly something different.

“...what?” Abby asked. She wasn’t stupid, but she had no idea what Luke was talking about.

Luke sighed. It seems that the mystic part of yourself has come to life within you, he said slowly. Ninetales are well known for their inner ‘magic’ and it seems that here in Equestria where magic is rampant... yours has developed its own... personality of sorts.

“And... what does that mean for Abby?” Kasai asked, frowning in concern as he nuzzled his mate.

Essentially that whenever she’s going to use her inner powers or if her instincts bubble over that her ‘Inner Ninetales’ will take over... Luke answered, frowning deeply.

“Is there any way you can make it stop?” Abby inquired, frowning as well. She did not like the idea that she’d be booted out of her own body.

Not that I know of... this is all new to me, Luke confessed, shaking his head. I’m more of a mental fighter and a mentor than a therapist or mind expert... perhaps when we go to Canterlot we can find someone who can help.

“You’re telling me that she’s going to have this thing inside of her for another week?” Kasai asked, his eyes narrowing ever so slightly. “Are you sure that you can’t do anything Luke?”

Yes, I’m sure, Luke answered, nodding his head and ignoring Kasai’s narrowed eyes.

“Okay... well can you at least let me talk to ‘her’?” Abby inquired, whapping Kasai lightly on the rear with one of her tails, it was hardly Luke’s fault.

That much I can do at least, Luke replied as he extended a hand towards her forehead. Abby sat there as his warm fingers touched her forehead and then the world fell away from her.

She appeared floating in what at first appeared to be absolute darkness, however as she slowly got used to the place she began to pick up bright lights all around her. It was the night sky, and laying upon her side, a smooth, amused smile on her face, was herself, tails pulled around her stomach as she licked them clean. Abby blinked twice.

“Well don’t just stand there looking like a fool,” her Inner Ninetales told her with a small chuckle. “Sit down and we shall have a chat.”

Abby stared for a moment longer before doing as she was asked. This was what she’d wanted wasn’t it?

“So... you’re the magic me?” Abby asked slowly, her mind working over what was happening.

“More or less, though it goes deeper than that,” the Inner told her with a small shrug. “I’m your most natural, instinctive state. Ninetales are by and large mystic beings after all, so your magic and powers are tied to your instincts. Like I told you the first time, I’m your Inner Ninetales.”

“Right... okay...” Abby nodded her head, pieces beginning to come together a little. “So in other words... you’re my maternal instincts given a face and you have control of my magic.”

“A bit simplistic, but that’s the basic gist of it, yes,” the Inner told her with a nod of her head. “My we are smart aren’t we?”

Abby bristled slightly. “I want you gone. I want to be in control of myself, not giving that up every time you get hungry.”

“That’s not me, that’s you,” Inner pointed out.

“Then why don’t I remember it?” Abby growled.

“I don’t enjoy suddenly being given control of your body without any warning either, you know,” Inner responded. “While it’s nice to interact with real things, that’s not something I’m supposed to do.”

“Okay... then what are you supposed to do?” Abby asked, her frown deepening. “Because as far as I can see, you don’t have a point other than driving me crazy.”

“Part of it is to guide you, to show you what to do. After all, you’re new to being a Ninetales, so I have my work cut out for me, in that respect,” she explained. “The other part is to stop you from inflicting particularly twisted curses on anyone you think deserves it,” she said coldly.

“I would never,” Abby replied with a scowl. “You’re the only one who has used that power, and it got me knocked unconscious!”

“I used that power because you were unfamiliar with it. I had to take over, for your own well-being. And never using it for twisted purposes?” Inner asked, a portal opening up to her left. “Need I remind you of what you did before you were granted this form?”

Abby looked through the portal, seeing herself plunging the knife through the Masked Man’s throat. The Ninetales snarled and turned away.

“It was the heat of battle,” she growled out, her eyes narrow and red.

“Whatever helps you sleep at night, dear,” Inner replied coolly. “After all, it’s not as if his Pokemon were all disabled or dead. Or that his allies had been scattered. Or that he couldn’t fight ba - ”

With a snarl, Abby leapt at her, flame blossoming from her mouth. “SHUT UP!”

“Oh, calm down. Even if you could hurt me, it would not be a good idea. Without me, you’re liable to lose everything about you. After all, if I’m not around to take control when you lose it, and give it back when you’re ready, who would?” the Inner inquired as Abby and her flames passed right through her body.

Abby spun on her heels and snarled. “I don’t know but you’re a bitch! I want you gone!”

“No-one,” Inner continued, unperturbed. “With no-one to give you back your body, you’d simply be a prisoner in your own head, only able to watch as you became an actual animal, ruled only by pure instinct. Is that what you want?” she inquired.

Abby shook with either rage or fear, it was hard for her to tell at the moment. “I... Kasai would save me. He always has.”

“Your mate, and I must commend you on your choice, has only been able to protect you from outside threats. Maybe that Gallade could help, but he’d have to be quick. If he’s too late, well…” Inner trailed off ominously. “That’s why you can’t be rid of me. At least, not yet.”

“I...” Abby shook her head, unable to think of a response of any kind to that, instead she just lowered her head.

“Oh, it’s not all bad,” Inner said, poking Abby with her nose. “The more control you gain over your instincts, whether they be maternal, predatory or territorial, the weaker I’ll become. The power I had will become yours, and I’ll become nothing but a bad memory.”

“You don’t... you don’t sound sad about that,” Abby said with a confused frown. “Wouldn’t you not want that to happen? I mean... not that I care, but it sounds like I’ll be killing you.”

“You have a lot to catch up on,” Inner stated. “By the time most Vulpixes find their own Fire Stone, the voices like mine have been gone for years. If anything, keeping me around for longer than necessary is very unhealthy. It’s just the way things are,” she added with a shrug. “Honestly, the sooner you gain control, the better. For you and your family.”

“Okay... how do I do that?” Abby asked.

“That’s the question isn’t it?” she replied cryptically. “I can’t give you the answer, because I don’t know it myself.”

“Great. You’re ever so helpful, is there something you’re actually useful for?” Abby asked bluntly, her temper getting the better of her again.

“Without me, you could end up no better than a wild Hydreigon,” Inner said.

Abby scowled but shook her head. “Right...” She let out a sigh. “I just don’t like this.”

“Nobody said you had to. You’re certainly not expected to. What is expected of you is to do something about me. If you don’t we’ll keep switching places whenever your instincts get the better of you. And one day, you might find that you. Can’t. Switch. Back,” she stated darkly. “And that is something neither of us wants, believe me,” she added, sounding disturbed by the idea.

Abby shuddered slightly but nodded her head. “I... okay. Just... please stop snapping at people, Kasai most of all.”

“I’ll try. Oh, and the fact that we’re even having this conversation, even if we needed help getting it started? It’s definitely a step in the right direction. Now you know what’s at stake, and what has to be done. Much better than flailing blindly in the dark, no?” she asked rhetorically.

“Yeah... yeah I guess it is,” Abby agreed, nodding. “Thanks I guess... now how do I leave?”

“Simple,” Inner stated, wearing a cryptic smile. “You just wake up.”

Author's Note

Thanks to Speven for writing Inner.

Chapter 31

Abby’s eyes slowly blinked open to find Kasai laying down in front of her, his golden eyes staring worriedly into her own.

“Well?” he asked, his ears perking up.

“My inner self is a bitch,” Abby said, shaking her head. “But she seems to be well meaning if nothing else.”

Yes, she seemed that way, Luke agreed from beside her, gently place a physic hand on her head and giving her ears a scratch. I heard it all... and I’m worried.

“Yeah... so am I,” Abby agreed, leaning into the hand.

“Worried? Worried about what?” Kasai asked, looking between the two anxiously.

“According to my inner Ninetales... if I’m not careful... then I could end up as an... animal,” Abby said quietly. “Trapped in my mind as my body runs on pure instinct...” her voice trembled at the very thought.

We will not allow that to happen, Luke stated sternly.

“Indeed,” Kasai agreed as he leaned his head over to give her a reassuring lick. “I will never let you turn feral, you hear?”

Abby got up and walked over to him, snuggling up against his side and nuzzling him. “I know Kasai, I know,” she said quietly as she leaned against him. Luke for his part looked torn for a moment before he got up.

I... shall leave you to comfort her... he told Kasai before teleporting away.

The Arcanine didn’t respond as he nuzzled the Ninetales affectionately, raising his robotic paw to pull her into a sort of hug against his chest. Abby leaned her neck into his, her face against his own as tears began to drip from her eyes.

“It’s... it’s all too much Kasai... I... I just wanted to be happy with you... I... I didn’t know it would come with... with this kind of... kind of catch,” she sobbed quietly.

“Neither did I...” he replied with heavy sigh. “But don’t worry... I’ll help you through this... no matter what okay?”

Abby sniffed and cried into his cheek a little longer before replying. “Y-yeah, okay-okay,” she said hesitantly, pulling her face away from his to look up at him with tear stained, worried eyes. Kasai leaned down to lick some of the tears away from her cheeks, giving her a loving nuzzle afterward.

“We’ll get through this Abby... you’re a Trombley, Trombleys don’t give up without a fight right?” he asked with a small chuckle.

Abby nodded her head slowly. “Yeah, you’re right... we don’t do we?” she asked with a small smile on her muzzle. “And... I’ve been thinking... we need to go find Justice... Arceus told us where he was two days ago and we’ve just been sitting on it... I want my family back together dammit!”

Kasai flashed her a smile. “Sounds like a good plan for me.”

“Thanks,” she said with a nod as she got to her paws, however, as he was in the middle of doing so, she launched herself forwards and tackled him to his back. Before he could react, he found his entire face being covered by enthusiastic tongue swipes. Kasai began to giggle lightly as her tongue lavished her slobbered all over his face.

“Feeling a bit better?” he asked once she stopped.

“Mhm,” she said as she nuzzled his now wet face. “I can see why you liked to do that to me so much when I was still a human, it’s fun.”

“Heheh, it is, isn’t it?” Kasai stated with a sly smile before he assaulted her with licks of his own. Abby giggled as his warm tongue washed over her face and squirmed beneath the assault, his paws had come down lightly across her back, holding her in place unable to escape from his questing tongue. When he finally halted his assault, Abby bent down and nuzzled him.

“I love you,” she said quietly, their foreheads touching as her red eyes stared into his golden ones.

“I love you too,” he answered as he gave her one more lick before nuzzling her and holding his head against her for a long moment. “So... shall we ask Ace for some help in trying to find how to get to Justice?”

“Sure, that’s probably a good idea,” Abby agreed as she rolled off of him before glancing down the length of him. “Heh you seemed to enjoy that.”

Kasai’s eyes darted elsewhere as he fully sat up straight. “So what if I did? Beside, we better not take it any further... we are still in Luke’s room after all.”

Abby nuzzled him. “I’m not complaining my big strapping mate,” she said in a silky voice, nuzzling him again. “But you’re right, we’re still in Luke’s room and we do have a mission to get done.”

Kasai nodded his head. “Indeed we do, let’s go find Justice!”

Abby nodded as well and wrapped a tail around his as she started for the door. “Yes, let’s do that... and then we’ll start making plans for our trip to Ponyville and Canterlot to see Gene and Belle along with seeing about getting us some funding.”

“Yep... it’s going to be nice to see the two of them again. I wonder what Pokemon Gene ended up being,” the Arcanine mused to himself.

“Well, if I’m any indication then he’s probably not a Gallade because otherwise I’d be an Arcanine,” Abby pointed out with a small frown. “Maybe he got stuck as a Mr. Mime or something, it would fit his personality, at least, as far as chores go and goofyness.”

Kasai chuckled deeply. “Maybe he’s a Lopunny,” he stated with a witty grin.

“Oh, how do you figure?” Abby asked, raising an eyebrow at him as she bumped her shoulder into his.

“Mostly because it would be very funny if he did,” Kasai replied, his chuckling still rolling out from his throat. “I mean, can you imagine his reaction if he was one?”

“Heh, yes it would,” Abby agreed with a chuckle of her own. “As for his reaction... ‘Belle! Come quick! Look at these awesome thighs!’”

Kasai burst out into short gasp of laughter. “Oh, you are so right!”

“Aren’t I always?” Abby inquired playfully, laughing as well. The two laughed some more before it faded away into small panting.

“Oh... it’s going to be nice seeing them again; this time we won’t have to lie about who we really are,” Kasai said as he took a deep breath and let it out.

“Yeah, it’s going to be really nice,” Abby agreed with a smile. “And who knows, knowing how often those two ‘have fun’ with each other, maybe I won’t be the only mother around?”

“Hehe... maybe,” Kasai said give the Ninetales a short nuzzle before gesturing towards the door. “So, shall we begin our journey?”

“Yes, to the plains southwest of the city,” Abby said, nodding her head. “I think that it should just be you and me for this... give us a little alone time while we travel,” she commented, her hip bumping against his.

“You sure?” Kasai asked with a small frown. “I mean, I’m not against the idea of us just traveling together alone... but you are pregnant and the whole ‘inner fox’ thing. You sure you don’t want to bring someone else with us just incase my paws get a bit full in taking care of you?”

“I’ll be fine,” Abby said, shaking her head. “You’ll be enough Kasai... plus I always feel selfish being with you when the others around.”

“Okay, if you’re sure,” Kasai replied with a small shrug. Abby smiled and gave him a nuzzle as she started planning things out.

“Okay... let’s go talk to Ace and see how long this is going to take us,” she stated, leading the way towards Ace’s office.

Luke sat crosslegged, his eyes closed as he swallowed down his impulses. There was no reason to do that. She was going to be fine. She didn’t need him to help her. That was why she had Kasai. Obviously. And yet; that had never made him feel any better had it?

The Gallade closed his eyes harder and focused on his meditation, doing his best to block out the slight shivers going down his spine or the thoughts in the back of his head.

“You sure you don’t want me to come along?” Scarlet asked Abby as the three of them sat in one of the carriages on the train.

“Yeah, Kasai and I are going to be using this as an opportunity to ‘enjoy each other’ a little bit mom,” Abby answered, smiling as she gave her mate a nuzzle. “I mean, you can come if you really want to but...”

A vine slithered out from the base of the Serperior’s neck and gave her a dismissive wave. “No, I think I’ll be good. I’ll just get off at the New Hope station and pick up Lance, and maybe even Xerox too if he would like to come and help us in our new Ranger Union.”

“Okay mom,” Abby said, nuzzling the snake as well. “I didn’t think you’d want to come with us all things considered, heh.”

Scarlet smirked down at the Ninetales. “Hey, I am not that kind of mother who pokes their heads into whatever their child is doing,” she said, nudging Abby with a vine.

“True,” the Ninetales said with a smile as she nuzzled her before glancing at Kasai. “And we’re both very grateful for that... especially sometimes when you dropped by back on Earth.”

“Hey, like I said, I didn’t see anything wrong,” Scarlet said with a shrug from her collar leaves. “Though you’re lucky some of the times I was the one at the door while you and Kasai were... occupied,” she said with a small sly smile.

Abby blushed and Kasai also blushed too. “Hey... we did install soundproof foam later on...” he stated.

“And thank Arceus we did, one time it was Professor Hastings and I can only imagine how fast he’d have arrested us if I’d opened the door...” Abby agreed with a nod. “As it was, he just thought I had a cough.”

“Lucky you,” Scarlet said with a small frown before the carriage jerked forward as the train slowed to a halt.

“New Hope station!” the conductor called out.

“Well, this is your stop,” Abby said, giving her mother a lick on the cheek. “Be safe okay mom?”

“Hey, it’s me, I’m always on my toes... in sense now anyways,” the Serperior said with a chuckle as she leaned down to kiss Abby lightly on the forehead. “You be safe looking for Justice though, and never let her get out of your sight okay?” she said, directing the last part over to Kasai.

“Of course,” the Arcanine replied with a firm nod of his head.

“Love you mom,” Abby said as she leaned against Kasai. “And don’t worry, I’ll stick right in front of his nose the whole way.”

“I figured,” Scarlet said with a small chuckle as she slithered her way to the exit door of the carriage. “I’ll see you around when you get back, by then I should be ready to head to Canterlot with you.”

“Right... see ya, mom,” Abby called with a smile as the door closed and she leaned against Kasai, no one else was in the car. “So... the train ride lasts for another half hour or so and then we’re out on the plains looking for Justice... though it’ll probably be evening by then so he’ll be asleep.”

“Probably... meaning we’re going to have to make camp,” Kasai pointed out, glancing down at the Ninetales. “Should be like old times, huh?”

“Yes, and let’s face it Kasai... the old times were some of the best,” Abby agreed, nuzzling him softly. “Just you and I out in the field, going wherever we wanted on our little breaks from our job, enjoying each other’s company into the night, roasting Magikarp over your mouth.”

“Mmmm...” the Arcanine hummed as the thought of buttered Magikarp filled his mind. “Yep... I can already smell some now, heh.”

“Maybe we’ll get lucky and find one in a river,” Abby suggested, licking his cheek. “I know how much you like your Magikarp.”

“I would like that very much,” he said with a grin as nuzzled Abby lovingly.

“I bet you would,” Abby agreed with a smile, nuzzling him in return. The pair fell silent until the train started moving again and they headed off out of the station.

Chapter 32

“You know... we really should have brought Luke for this,” Kasai stated dourly as they walked through the waist high grass of the plains.

“Shuddup,” Abby replied with a frown. “I didn’t hear you saying anything back at the station.”

“I did actually, remember?”

Abby blinked twice. “You did?”

“Yes, I said are you sure it should have been just the two of us going out and shouldn’t we bring someone else out with us. But no, you said this would been a great time for us to ‘hang out’,” the Arcanine explained.

“Oh... oh right...” Abby said, her ears flapping back against her skull in embarrassment. “But you didn’t protest much...”

“You were distracting me,” the Arcanine pointed out, defending himself. “How was I supposed to think straight when you were promising me what you were?”

“By having the restraint to think logically about stuff,” Abby retorted, rolling her eyes.

“Abby, I’m a canine,” Kasai pointed out flatly. “I do as best I can to think about things logically, but sometimes...”

Abby sighed and nuzzled him. “Yeah, I know, I’m sorry... I’m just frustrated with myself, this was a stupid idea,” she stated, shaking her head. “I just... I thought that it would be so easy, I didn’t think that the plains were this...”

“Expansive?” Kasai asked, looking around at the literal miles of unrelenting green grassland. They’d been searching for Justice for five hours and the sun was beginning to start its descent from the heavens above.

“Yeah, expansive,” Abby agreed, her brow furrowing as she looked up at the sky. Unfortunately, the only thing she saw were the massive birds who were most certainly not Justice. She let out a sigh. “Sorry that I lead us on a wild Braviary chase...”

“Abby, it’s fine,” Kasai stated, nuzzling her. “We’ll find Justice out here eventually, it’s just a matter of me finding his scent. In the meantime, you and I should clear ourselves some space to rest.”

Abby frowned. “You sure? I mean, I think I can see in the dark and we could keep looking for Justice, I mean I owe him that much after leaving him out here for so long and-”

Kasai silenced her by licking her lips. “Justice will be fine Abby, he’s a big bird and he’s older than either of us,” he said calmly. “At the moment, you’re my pregnant mate and I don’t want you exhausting yourself looking all through the night for him.”

“But he could be in trouble,” Abby protested.

“The only one capable of giving Justice trouble was a Hydreigon,” Kasai pointed out. “Well, that and that one Electivire but that wasn’t really his fault.”

“Yeah... I know but...”

“Abby, no buts,” Kasai stated flatly, his eyes narrowing ever so slightly. “I’m not letting you work yourself into a fit over this.”

Abby was about to protest but Kasai’s stern golden eyes staring into hers stopped her and she simply nodded her head in submission. “Fine... you’re right,” she said quietly. She bowed her head but Kasai brought his down to nuzzle her gently, rubbing against her tenderly and licking her cheek.

“It’s okay Abby, I’m sure he’s fine,” Kasai told her soothingly as his warm fur caressed her side, sending fire through her body. The Ninetales let out a soft sigh and leaned against him, her eyes closing as her breathing regulated.

“I... I know,” she said. “I just don’t... I don’t want to fail him Kasai, I don’t want to fail anyone.”

“I know,” Kasai said quietly as he nuzzled her again. “And you haven’t, I promise you Abby, you haven’t failed any of us.”

Abby leaned against him more. “I don’t know... I mean... this whole time... I... I feel like I haven’t spent any time with Rill or Lex... I mean... I just feel like my family... our family... hasn’t been as together as it should be.”

“You’ve had a lot on your mind Abby,” Kasai said with a shake of his head, bending down to lick her across the cheek. “Rill and Lex understand that I’m sure, heck I bet if you asked Rill she’d say something like ‘have you not been more busy trying to work yourself into exhaustion?’ or something like that.”

“Yeah... yeah I guess,” Abby said, nodding her head. “It’s still no excuse for being such a bad trainer.”

“You’re not a bad trainer, Abby,” Kasai replied sternly. “You’re a great trainer, a Top Ranger, and my incredible mate. Stop doubting yourself.”

Abby sighed. “I don’t know if I can Kasai...”

“Why not?” he asked, nosing her. “You never had this problem before. Is it just because you’ve got some stupid voice in your head telling you that you might become an animal? Because that’s shit Abby! You’re Abby Trombley, Arceus dammit! You don’t quit for anything! You don’t take things laying down, and you most certainly don’t give up because of the doubts in the back of your mind!” His voice was so intense and full of passion that Abby almost flinched beneath it’s power.

“But-”

“No! No buts from you Abby!” Kasai retorted, cutting her off, fire blooming in his eyes as he brought his face down in front of hers, locking his golden eyes with her red ones. “I’m sick of that. It’s not you. You’re my beautiful, talented, incredibly loving mate and I don’t give a damn what body you’re in, that will never, ever change! I don’t care what that idiotic thing in your mind tells you, I won’t let you become a mindless beast! You know why? Because! I! Love! You! Abby! Trombley!”

Abby stared into those golden orbs, so full of love that they were nearly overflowing. The Arcanine’s entire body was shaking and he stared at her intensely, his fur standing on end.

“You’re the most lovely woman in the world,” he told her, his voice lowering. “And I’ve loved you since I was a Growlithe. I didn’t care about what the laws said. I didn’t care if I was a puppy. I didn’t care about ANYTHING because you were so wonderful. You cared for me when I got sick. You helped me through my P.T. You had the most wonderful voice in the entire world to go with the most beautiful face of any woman or Pokemon I’ve ever met or seen on T.V. And you know what? I don’t even care about that in the first place! You could be the most ugly and disgusting looking person in the world and I still wouldn’t give a damn about it! Why? Because you Abby Trombley have the heart of someone truly incredible beating within your chest!”

Abby just stared at him, uncertain of what to say in response to that. “... thank you.” Was all she managed. “Arceus... I don’t deserve you.”

“And I possible don’t deserve you... but hey, we’re together anyways,” he stated as he nuzzled her passionately. “Because we’re just... right for each other. Whether you were a human or Pokemon, or heck, even if I was a human and you were a Pokemon we would still work it out. But enough is enough... I love you Abby, that will never change, and it’s my job as your mate to make sure you don’t over exert yourself and keep you cheered up.”

Abby smiled softly and nuzzled him back, her head finding its favorite place in the crux of his neck. “Thanks Kasai... I love you so much. You’re the most amazing Arcanine in the world and I thank Arceus himself for every moment I get to spend with you and dread the times when we’re apart.”

“So do I,” he replied, giving her a loving lick before he glanced up to nearly set sun. “Now... I think it’s time we find a place to make camp, don’t ya think?”

Abby nodded her head and looked around them at the tall grass. “I don’t think we’re going to find anywhere better than this... think you can beat down some of the grass so that we can sleep on it?”

Kasai gave her a toothy grin. “No problem my dear, I’ll have us a nice bed made in a matter of seconds.” He gave her another lick before walking out and began to use his tail and paws to beat down the grass as he walked in a small circle.

Abby sat on her bum and watched him, her nine tails swirling around her rear end, a smile on her muzzle as she did so. Once he was done she walked up and gave him a lick. “You know, because we’re all alone out in the open like this and not in a forest... you can really let loose like I know you like to do sometimes.”

Kasai gave her an archly raise of his eyebrows. “You sure? I mean, what you said is true but all that extra ‘weight’ might make it more difficult for you.”

“Well Kasai, if I’ve learned anything it’s that the more difficult things are in the short term, the better they feel in the long term,” she said with a saucy smile. “Besides, out here you can really light up the night can’t you?”

The Arcanine flashed her a smile. “Oh I bet I can... want to see just how much?”

Abby’s smile turned almost predatory as she advanced on him, hips swaying from side to side, tails swishing and sashaying. “Oh yes, yes I’d like to see that.” Her red eyes locked onto his and for a moment, they were all that mattered, then she jumped him.

Justice set down beside Claire on the branch and nuzzled her as the sun finally descended out of sight, the moon rising into the air. “Hmm, one more day and we’ll start making a nest for ourselves,” he told her thoughtfully. “My, those are some words I never thought I’d say.”

The Swellow chuckled lightly. “Oh really?” she asked with an inquisitive tilt of her head.

“Indeed, I never thought I’d actually see any of my chicks,” Justice said with a small nod of his head. “Let alone raise them myself.”

“Well if you’re worried you won’t be a great father, I’m sure you’ll do find,” Claire assured him as she nestled into his side.

“Oh, I’m sure I’ll do fine, I’ll instill them with a great sense of Justice,” Justice said with a grin.

Claire let out a merry chuckle that rang out for a good minute before she took in a deep breath and let out a happy sigh. “Oh, I bet you will,” she replied with a large smile. “My soldier bird.”

Justice grinned and leaned down to nuzzle her once more from his impressive six foot height. “You know, it always amazes me that you’re not afraid of me my little bird, I am rather massive, even for a Braviary.”

“That you are,” she agreed with a nod of her head. “But I know that inside that massive, strong, intimidating body of yours, there’s a gentle heart in it as well.”

“Why thank you my dear,” Justice said, a smile crossing his beak. “As for you, you’re an intelligent, beautiful little bird both inside and out.”

“I like to think so as well,” Claire said with a smile. “So thank you for reassurance, heh.”

“Oh, I’m sure you hardly need any,” he said, wrapping a wing around her. “After all, one so smart as you needn’t worry about such things.”

“You’re right, I don’t,” she agreed, her smile growing as the warmth from within his wings transferred into her. “I’m gald you can see it that way, hehe.”

“Hey, I never didn’t think that you were smart, I just didn’t think you’d bother with a Pokemon like me,” Justice replied, chuckling. “I thought you’d be intelligent enough to settle down with someone more befitting of your obvious superiority.”

“I did,” she replied, glancing up at him with another large knowing smile.

“Oh, that’s right, I suppose you did didn’t you?” he asked, glancing down at her with a smirk.

“Mhm, and I think I made the right choic-” she paused with a frown. “Is that a flamethrower?” she asked with a small frown as she noticed something lighting up the night air between the gap from the wing draping over her.

Justice frowned and looked in the direction she was pointing. There was a flash of light as a column of fire split the night, followed by a smaller one. Justice frowned for a moment before nodding his head.

“Yes it was, it appears that a pair of fire types are getting frisky,” he said with a knowing expression.

“Huh... I didn’t know they did that,” Claire mused to herself. “I mean, launching their flamethrowers up in the air.”

“I only know because of the night I spent with a Talonflame,” Justice replied with a small chuckle. “Though in that case, it was more of a ‘ring of fiery passion’ as she put it. I kind of wanted to find her out there somewhere before you and I got together, she was fun and spunky.”

“Oh I’m sure she was,” she said with a small rolled of his eyes before they refocused on another sprout of fire in the air. “Well... the two of them seem to be having a good time at least.”

“That they do,” Justice said as he turned in that direction and focused his eyes. “... it’s Kasai and a Ninetales.”

Claire blinked blankly. “You sure it’s Kasai?”

“Do you know another shiny Arcanine with a mechanical leg?” Justice asked her with a raised eyebrow.

“No... when you put it like that... but if he’s here... then that means Abby shouldn’t be too far away and....” She stopped as a thought came to her. “Could it be she is the Ninetales?”

“Well, Kasai would never mate with anyone but Abby... but... how could she be a Ninetales?” Justice pondered with a frown.

“Remember that message Arceus sent a couple of weeks ago? Not only that but during my travels here I ran into a few... confused Pokemon who claimed to be human,” Claire explained.

“Really?” Justice inquired, frowning faintly. “Huh... then that Ninetales just might be Abby. Hrmmm... I don’t think they’d appreciate our interrupting them. We’ll go see in the morning okay?”

“Sounds fine to me,” Claire replied with a small nod of her head.

“Excellent! Oh I’m so glad that she’s alright!” Justice exclaimed, a happy grin on his beak. “I was so worried for her... so worried that she’d been without the strong guiding example of Justice, so worried that something bad had happened to her without the power of Justice watching over her!”

The Swallow chuckled lightly. “Well she seems to be doing fine... and yeah, it will be nice to see her, and hopefully she knows where Scarlet is too. It would be nice to see her and tell her the good news about me,” she said with a smile.

“Oh yes, speaking of that, do you think she will have any harsh words for me?” Justice inquired with a tilt of his head. “After all, Justice may be a force for good... but I haven’t always been as responsible as I should’ve.”

Claire frowned slightly. “Not that I can think of... I mean she very understandable, the only thing I can really be certain of is that she might want to talk to you in private.”

“Makes sense,” Justice said with a small nod of his head. “Oh well, I’m sure I can take whatever words she has for me, after all, Justice is unbreakable.”

“What about if she sends Lance after you,” she replied with a small teasing grin.

“Then I will fly away,” Justice replied. “Or, grab him by the wrists and fly away, one or the other. I’m not getting into a straight fight with someone made of blades, heh. Despite what they say, I’m not blind.”

Claire chuckled. “Which is a good thing, though for warning, never grab Lance by his arms. He probably knows ten different ways to get out of grip like that.”

“Fair enough,” Justice replied before a pair of Fireblasts lit up the night, a pair of burning passionate stars in the sky. “Well, I think that was the last of that, shall we sleep my dear?”

Claire nodded her head. “Yes, let’s.” She nestled herself once more deep into his side. “Goodnight Justice.”

“Goodnight Claire,” he replied, pulling his wing tighter around her and bowing his head down. Claire did the same, letting out a happy sigh as the sound of his heart put her to sleep.

Abby awoke the following morning feeling extremely happy, curled up beside Kasai’s warm side, his hot breath washing over the back of her neck. It may have smelled bad, but that didn’t stop Abby from loving the sensation. After all, he was her amazing mate, a bit of dog breath was nothing really. Besides, she was sure that her breath wasn’t all that wonderful either. A smile played across her face as she turned to see the Arcanine’s sleepy face curled up against her, his lickable ears bent down against his head.

The Ninetales was suddenly reminded of when the pair had shared a bed in Cynthia’s house back when she was still a human and a small smirk crossed her face as she leaned over and licked the outside of his ears. The ear twitched away and the Arcanine muttered in his sleep as his head rolled slightly to reposition itself.

Abby smirked and continued to lick his face all over, no spot of his head was safe from her pink tongue. Kasai suddenly awoke and flinched away from the rapid assault. “Alright, alright, I’m up!” he said as he pulled his head away and push himself up to a sitting position.

“That you are, heh,” Abby said, smiling up at him before sticking her tongue out at him. “Sleepy head, wet head.”

He gave her a small, flat annoyed frown. “Well, your fur is all messed up, so I’m not the only one waking up with a bad fur day.”

Abby glanced down at herself and blinked, her fur really did look a mess. “Oh well, I don’t really mind, I’m just happy to have you here with me,” she said, moving forwards and putting her head into the crook of his neck.

Kasai let out a small sigh and nuzzled her once. “Yeah... that is true.”

The vixen was about to say something when the sound of large wings flapping towards them reached her ear. She frowned and cocked her head to the side, glancing in the direction of the sound. Her expression split into a wide smile as she saw who it was that was flapping his way towards them.

“Justice!” Abby cheered with a grin.

“Abby! It is you!” Justice called back as he increased his speed and then came to a rapid stop in front of them, sending out a whirlwind in either direction as he descended and sent grass flying.

The Braviary wasted no time before he rushed up to her and pulled her into a large winged embrace. The Ninetales grinned and got up on her hind legs, licking his noble face and the Braviary nuzzled her back, a happy laugh rolling out of his throat

“Oh Abby, I was so very worried about you!” the Braviary said, shaking his head once the assault had stopped. “I know how much trouble you can get in without the guiding talon of Justice.”

“Hey, I didn’t get in that much trouble,” Abby protested.

“Mhm,” Justice harrumphed before glancing over at Kasai. “How much truth is there in that statement Kasai?”

“Kind-of half true,” the Arcanine replied. “I mean, that whole curse thing wasn’t totally her fault but-”

“Kasai!” Abby cried, annoyance in her voice. “Don’t ruin the happy moment.” She then nuzzled into Justices’s warm feathers. “I’m happy to see you Justice.”

“And I’m happy to see you as well little Abby,” Justice replied, nuzzling her. “Oh, and I have some rather good news.”

“Oh?” Abby inquired, raising an eyebrow at him before she licked his beak again.

“I found myself a mate,” he said with a grin.

“Another one?” Kasai asked. “That really isn’t new news you know?”

Justice rolled his eyes. “No, a real one this time, someone with whom I shall most likely stay with the rest of my life,” he answered with a shrug of his wings.

“Really?” Abby asked with a frown. “Who?”

“Me,” a new female voice spoke out as a familiar Swellow landed beside them. The Swellow smiled towards the two. “Hello Abby and Kasai, it’s nice to see you two again.”

“Claire?” Abby asked, tilting her head to the side.

“In the flesh,” Claire replied with a chuckle. “Surprised?”

“Yes actually,” Abby stated, nodding her head. “Oh, I’m sure you’ve been wondering about this so I’ll let you know now, I know where Scarlet is!”

Claire’s eyes perked up. “Really?” she asked excitedly. “Where is she?”

“She’ll be in Las Pegasus by the time we get back,” Abby answered, smiling at the excited Swellow. “She’s been worried about you.”

“So have I... slightly, but it’s nice to know she is safe and even found you,” Claire replied, a happy smile across her beak. “What about Lance or Vivi? Are they with her too?”

“Lance is,” Abby answered, nodding her head. “No sign of Vivi so far, though I’m sure she’s mostly taking so long because of all the huggable ponies around her.”

The Swellow chuckled and nodded her head in agreement. “That does sound like her... she probably made a ton of new friends by now.”

“Yes, well, I think it may be time for us to get back to the city,” Justice said, clearing his throat slightly. “Abby, Kasai, are you comfortable within my talons?”

Abby blinked twice. “Are you sure I can’t just get on your back?”

“I’m not sure...” Justice replied before shrugging. “But I’m sure it doesn’t really matter which way we do it.” The Braviary’s massive wings extended. “We’ll get there somehow I’m sure, heh.”

“We just have to get back to the train station and wait for the next train to come by, that isn’t too far away,” Kasai stated.

“That works too,” Justice said, nodding his head. “Shall we?”

“Sure,” Abby said, nodding her head, a smile on her face. “The family is back together and nothing will break us up ever again.”

Chapter 33

Abby and Kasai walked off of the train, tails intertwined with each other, Justice and Claire had chosen to fly above the train rather than go within its cramped interior so she was expecting them to show up sometime soon. For the time being though, she was content to sit off to the side with her mate.

“Oh, I’m so happy,” Abby said with a grin.

“Hehe, I can tell,” Kasai replied, giving her a lick across her cheek. “And so am I, and I bet the others will to. I’m sure they miss all of the Justice puns he love to make,” he stated with a large grin.

“Who wouldn’t? They’re hilarious most of the time,” Abby said, smirking. “I’m pretty sure he almost won over Articuno with them when she rescued us... almost.”

“It would have been interesting if he did,” Kasai said with a small chuckle.

“Heheh, yes it would,” Abby agreed. “Though you know he’d never have shut up about it.”

“True,” the Arcanine agreed with a nod. “Still, it’ll be nice to have him back, and I’m sure your mother will be happy with the same on seeing Claire again.”

“Yes I’m sure she will,” Abby agreed before her keen eyes spotted a large shape moving towards them.

“Kasai!... Abby?”

Abby couldn’t help a smile from crossing her face as the familiar voice of Professor Hastings filled her ears, now in the body of a large Conkeldurr.

“Professor!” Abby exclaimed, running towards him, a smile on her face she got up onto her hind legs and licked his face. “It’s good to see you!”

The Professor chuckled and wiped the slobber from his face. “It’s good to see you too Abby, I’ve been hoping to find some of the Rangers and I got word that you were here, I’m glad that I didn’t make the trip for nothing.”

“Hehe, well it would seem, and you get two Rangers too. Scarlet should be around here too,” Kasai informed him.

“Yep, mom’s here,” Abby said, several of her tails wrapping around Kasai’s singular one. “I’ve been doing my best to keep order in the city and make sure that the Pokemon and the ponies don’t fight too much... I haven’t been 100% successful, but I have been trying my hardest.”

“That’s all I could ask for,” Hastings said with a nod. “By the way, how’s the old leg holding up Kasai?”

The Arcanine smile as he held out his prosthetic limb and moved it about. “Hasn’t given me any trouble since I got here, so it’s a-okay.”

Hastings nodded again. “Good, glad to see my handiwork can stand up against... whatever happened that brought us here.”

“It was Arceus,” Abby answered with a small shrug. “I talked to him a while ago.”

“Yes, yes,” Hastings waved the answer off. “More referring to the energy used in the transfer but no matter now, I came to ask for your help.”

“With setting up a new Ranger Union?” Abby asked, tilting her head to the side. “Don’t worry about it, I’m scheduled to see the Princesses about it soon and mom is working on the specifics so I don’t make an idiot of myself, you’re welcome to help too.” She gave him a smile, another of her tails subtly wrapping around Kasai’s.

“Princesses hmm?” He stroked his beard. “As long as it’s not Princess Twilight Sparkle, she and I don’t exactly see eye to eye.”

“I haven’t even heard of her,” Abby stated with a frown. “What happened to make you two fight sir? You’re normally not exactly the type to upset politicians.”

Hastings sighed. “We ran into each other while I was in the middle of a heated argument with that troublesome Champion Iris,” He shook his head. “It was about that ‘wedding’ a few years back.”

“Oh... right... Gene and Belle,” Abby said with a small nod of her head.

“Yes,” Hastings said. “Coincidentally, once we’ve set up the new Union, I know what your first mission will be,” He said with a smile.

“I see... I told you, they’re impossible to catch, I’ve spent weeks after them sir,” Abby said with a small frown. “And to be honest, I don’t really think they deserve it after what I’ve seen of them together...”

Hastings frowned. “You’ve seen them? Together?”

“More like from a distance setting up their camp sir,” Abby replied before shaking her head. “It was always in places that were too far away for me to call in any backup and as much confidence in my team as I have, I didn’t want any of them to get hurt against Gene’s team. He’s strong, sir.”

Hastings nodded. “That may be true, but I know exactly where they are now, some town called Ponyville, and if I can explain things to the Princess, perhaps she’d be willing to assist us hm?”

“That’s the thing sir...” Abby said slowly, leaning ever so slightly against Kasai for moral support, and she felt him leaning back. “I don’t think they deserve us chasing them and ruining their lives... I’ve seen enough of the bad Pokephilia cases, don’t think I haven’t, Luke is a living example of one, to know what it looks like and them... they’re not,” she told him, looking straight into his eyes.

Hastings stared at her, eyes wide for a moment before composing himself. “Abby, I understand where you’re coming from with this, but they only appear happy, this is one of the times when we can’t judge by appearance alone.”

Kasai emitted a very soft growl of annoyance. “And how are you sure about that?” he asked out loud. “How can you really be sure they don’t deeply love each other just like-” he stopped himself and closed his mouth shut, his ears flattening a bit from his mistake.

“Just like any two humans?” Hastings finished incorrectly. “We know he raised his Gardevoir from when she was a Ralts, any relationship like that cannot be a healthy one.” He eyed Abby for a moment. “Speaking of healthy, have you gained weight?” He asked, earning him a glare from Kasai.

Abby closed her eyes for a moment and then leaned heavily against Kasai. “Yes, that tends to happen when someone becomes pregnant.”

There was a heavy thunk as Hastings’ concrete walking cane fell to the ground. “You... and I just... but when...” He shook his head. “I need to check in with you more often, I wasn’t even aware you were dating someone.”

“I have been for several years actually,” Abby said, nuzzling Kasai. “We’ve been keeping it rather secret really... though that wasn’t very hard, I couldn’t get pregnant as a human.”

“Yeah... though now she’s a Pokemon it became very... easy,” Kasai finished up.

Hastings nodded, then froze, then- “WHAT!?!”

Abby’s ears rolled back at the volume and she leaned against Kasai some more. “Kasai is my mate and has been for a long time now Professor. I know that Gene and Belle are wonderful people because we took the time to get to know them like I did with every one of the ‘couples’ I brought in. The ones I brought in? They were clearly abusive in some way but Gene and Belle? No, they’re golden, like Kasai and I.” She paused for a moment. “And if you have the balls to dare suggest that I forced myself on Kasai or brainwashed him I’m going to hurt you in ways that you cannot imagine, sir,” she finished, a low growl building in her throat.

Hastings stared at her in shock, his mouth hanging open, and his cane still laying on the ground. “You-you were the best!” He shouted, still shaking his head.

“I still am,” Abby replied simply. “And I’m going to remake the Pokemon Rangers here in Equestria without the harmful Pokephilia laws because honestly sir, we have more important things to worry about than matters of the heart.”

Hastings took a deep breath and grabbed his cane. “I simply cannot believe what I’m hearing,” He said. “One of my Top Rangers? ... No, three really,” He remembered Solana and Lunick’s betrayal in Manehattan.

“Four actually; Scarlet knew about us for a long time but never reported it,” Kasai informed him. “In fact she basically did the same thing Abby did on some of the Pokephilia cases coincidentally.”

Hastings closed his eyes, the grip on his cane tightening. “This was exactly what I wanted to prevent,” He said.

“What? Love?” Abby demanded, a small, imperceptible hint of blue tinting her eyes.

“This. Is. Not. LOVE!” He stamped his cane so hard the ground shook. “I wanted to speak to the Princesses about preventing cross breeding!”

“Well it’s too late for that,” Abby replied, a growl building in her throat as more blue started to fill her eyes. “I think I’ve been about as ‘cross bred’ as you can get at this point thanks to Kasai’s amazing stamina and I honestly don’t give a damn what you think about that, Professor.”

Hastings glared at Abby, hate in his eyes. “Why you-” He picked up his cane, shifting it in his hands so he could hold it like a club.

Abby’s glare intensified and her eyes glowed fully blue as her tails whirled around her, unexpected energy wiping out from her body. “Professor Hastings... for all your life you have denounced love...” she stared up at him and into his eyes. “From this point on you will-”

“Abby no!” Kasai shouted out, shoving his body hard enough on her to make her stumble. “He’s not worth it!”

Abby stumbled, the blue draining from her eyes and the upwelling of energy that Hastings had felt surrounding him vanished like fog in the morning sun. The Ninetales stood there for a moment, her entire body bristling before she turned to Hastings.

“Go now before I hurt you, sir,” she said through gnashing teeth, her tails still swirling behind her, blue still hedging her vision.

Hastings was in no way a stupid man, well, actually a lot of people called him that, and a lot worse, but not based on his actual intelligence. He knew how dangerous Ninetales could be at times, the Union was usually responsible in one way or another for helping people after any... incidents, so, after seeing that, he decided not to push his luck and high tailed it out of there, before Abby could change her mind, leveling a glare in their direction before he continued on his way. Abby snarled and glanced at Kasai.

“That was... all me Kasai... that wasn’t the other.... that... FUCKING ASSHOLE!” she roared. “He didn’t even listen to me despite the fact that he’s known me for years and agrgtgrfgrf!” Abby’s sentence trailed off, too much anger flowing through her to even allow a single word to escape her mouth.

“Like your mother said, stubborn as a sleeping Snorlax,” Kasai said calmly as he let out a hard sigh. “And just because he’s stubborn didn’t mean you could just... curse him for his blind sighting.”

Abby just glowered at the ground. “Why not? I was going to make him feel all the pain he’s inflicted on others... make him constantly aware of how those he hurt felt... whenever there was a Pokephilia couple nearby he was going to feel every bit of their love...” her jaw quivered with rage. “That... that bastard didn’t even listen to a word either of us said and then he just-!”

“SHUT UP!” Kasai roared. “SHUT UP AND STOP TO THINK FOR ONCE BEFORE YOU MAKE A RASH MISTAKE!”

Abby jumped in surprise, her ears falling back against the top of her head as her body slumped down in front of him, shocked into submission by her angry mate, small tears forming in her eyes.

The Arcanine breathed heavily, staring down at the Ninetails. “Abby... I’m angry at him just as much as you are... but what right do you... or even us have to force that kind of punishment? Foolish or not, no one deserves that kind of ordeal and it’s just... wrong. And if you were going to do that then that’s not the Abby I know and love.”

“But...” she trailed off, looking up at him from so far below. “I was just going to try and make him understand.”

“By causing him pain?” Kasai stated. “Yeah, I’m sure that would work well,” he said very dryly.

“He... he deserves it Kasai...” Abby muttered. “You know how much he’s put Gene and Belle through... all the pain he’s put you and I through because we’ve had to hide... it’s... it’s not fair that he gets to just run away like that.”

“Life’s not fair in general, if it was I doubt we would be here in the first place and still be on Earth,” Kasai stated with a sigh.

“I know it’s not but... I had the power to fix him,” Abby said, almost whimpered.

“Again... by causing pain, last time I checked that’s not how you fix something,” he said. “If we’re to ‘fix’ him, then we just have to continue to just show him that we truly love each other still. And if he’s fine in being blind to it, then so be it.”

Abby just lay slumped against the ground as emotions ran out of her, several of the guard had been attracted by the attention but upon seeing who was at the center of it, had decided they’d be better served by keeping other ponies away. Kasai walked up to her head and rubbed the side his head slowly against Abby’s.

“So please... he’s not worth cursing... not worth in letting your anger get the best of you again...” Kasai whispered to her. “Just let it go and ignore him if he continues to just blabber out insults. For what can he really do now that we are in Equestria?”

Abby leaned against his head and let out a sigh. “He’s going after Gene and Belle... more reason to get to them soon,” she said, straightening up, the fire returning to her body. “We’re going to get the family together, head to Ponyville... find Gene and Belle... and then... we’re going to set up the Rangers.”

“Sounds like a plan the Abby I know would make,” Kasai replied with a smile.

Abby smiled and licked his face. “Thanks Kasai... just don’t yell at me again please... kind of scared me,” she said, her voice lowering.

“I’ll try... but I just wanted to get that out of my system,” Kasai said with a sigh as he pull away his head. “So, where are Justice and Claire anyways? You think they would’ve beaten us here.”

At just that second, Justice descended from the clouds, Claire at his side. “Sorry, sorry, we got a little side tracked,” the eagle said, shaking his head. “Someone can’t get enough of my company it seems.”

Claire rolled her eyes. “Yes, I’m sure the females in flock of Unfezants couldn’t get enough of you ‘flexing’ at them.”

“Old habits die hard, Justice is set in its ways you know,” Justice replied with a small chuckle. “Besides, I’ve known some wonderful Unfezants and I just wanted to see if any of them were old acquaintances of mine.”

The Swellow just shook her head, though a small smile could be seen in her expression. She turned her head over towards Kasai and Abby. “So, we heard yelling on the way, what happen?”

“Hastings happened,” Abby said blandly.

Justice closed his eyes and Claire grimaced. “I see...” she said slowly.

“Yeah,” Abby said dryly. “Let’s get going everyone, I’m sick of this place.”

“Yeah... this way, the station we’re staying at isn’t far away,” Kasai said, gesturing his head down a road.

“Good, we’ll follow you from above and I’ll attempt not to get ‘sidetracked’ again,” Justice said with a nod of his head. Kasai nodded his head and got on all fours and head off, Abby quickly catching up and together with the two fliers overhead, set off back to the station.

Interlude Part 4

Abby walked down the street, doing her best to smile as her shoulder rubbed ever so slightly against the large, warm furred, golden arcanine beside her. Despite herself, a sad little frown kept worming its way into her expression no matter how many times she tried to clamp it down. Kasai nudged his head against her shoulder to draw her attention to him before licking one of her cheeks. The woman glanced up at him but for once, pushed his head away, not really in the mood.

“Arc, Arcanine,” Kasai said reassuringly, nudging her once more gently.

“I’m fine,” she replied, not bothering to look at him as they walked closer and closer to their destination. A sigh left her lips and she tried to step further away from him. The Arcanine frowned as he stepped closer to her, not letting her push him away that easy. A small scowl flickered across Abby’s face and she directed a glare at him.

“I said I’m fine,” she said acidically, stepping away again.

“Arc Arcanine,” he replied in a firm tone as he followed her closely.

“Do you want me to start making a scene?” she inquired sharply, glancing at him with narrowed eyes before glancing at some of the people around them.

“Arc arc Arcanine,” Kasai answered with a small roll of his eyes as he stepped back from her, though still keeping at least two feet close to her.

The woman let out another small sigh. This was what I get for loving a canine, loyalty to a fault, she thought to herself, another dozen steps falling behind the pair. A few more moments of silence passed before she shook her head and closed the distance between them and wrapped an arm around his side without saying a word. Kasai nestled his head closer to the side of hers and kept up with the woman as they approached their destination.

It was of course the anniversary of her parent’s death, a year she’d spent out in the field as a Ranger in her own right. A year of discovering the love of her life, and a year of pain as well. It had also been a year of fruitless searches and many, many battles.

Now, she and Kasai were on their way to her godmother's house for dinner.

The young woman bit her lip and leaned closer into Kasai’s side, doing her best to not burst into tears, a shiver running through her body. Kasai rubbed his head against hers as affectionately and reassuring as he could while she held his head so tightly.

A low rumble rolled through the air as the cloudy sky hinted a thunderstorm was on its way. Of course it’s going to storm, Abby though dourly, stepping up the steps in front of her. It would on a night like tonight wouldn’t it? A sigh escaped her lips before she lifted an arm off of Kasai’s neck and wrapped on the door, hoping to get inside before it begun to poor.

“Scarlet?” she called as she wrapped against the door again.

There was a brief moment of silence before the sound of a lock clicking open rang in the air and the door handle turned. The door swung inward and a flash of yellow and black sprang out. Before Abby could realize it, she was being hugged around her lower waist by a bipedal lizard.

“Heliolisk!” the Heilolisk cried out in joy with a wide smile as it continued to hug the young woman for a moment before letting go and engaged Kasai with an identical embrace. “Heliolisk!” it cried out again.

“Hi Vivi,” Abby said, a bit of blandness leaking into her voice. “Scarlet here?”

“I’m right here,” Scarlet’s voice spoke from the doorway, a small chuckle rolling out of her throat.

Abby glanced up to see her foster mother, wearing her typical red jacket standing there, a smile on her face.

“Oh, good, thought that maybe you were out doing some shopping or something,” Abby stated wearily.

Scarlet shook her head. “You know I’m not the type to go on a shopping spree,” she said as she fully opened the door and offered Abby and Kasai to come inside. The wind was starting to pick up, the smell of humid air becoming noticeable.

“I know, thought you might have forgotten something for tonight or something,” Abby said, stepping inside with Kasai right behind her.

“You should also know I always plan ahead and prepare,” the scarlet haired woman said as Vivi followed and she closed the door, locking the bottom lock. “In fact, all I have to do is pull out the roasted Tauros out of the oven, and dinner should be ready.”

A small smile crossed Abby’s lips. “Roasted Tauros huh? That’s my favorite.”

“I know,” Scarlet replied with a smile, lifting a hand to scratch Vivi under her chin. The Heliolisk leaned her head into before she seemed content and just ran off, heading down the hallway with a smile to her face. The woman chuckled before walking over to a chair in the living room and sat down. “Well, how have you been fairing? I read some of your reports on some missions you did, but they only conveyed basic stuff you know?”

“Honestly? I’ve been... frustrated,” Abby answered, one of her hands tightening into a fist as she joined Scarlet, though she sat on the couch and Kasai hopped up beside her, resting his head in her lap. “I’ve been looking everywhere for him but I haven’t been able to find him anywhere. Every time I find a lead... anything at all... it turns out to be another dead end or worse!”

Scarlet frowned as she leaned forward in her seat. “Abby, the Ranger Union will find the masked man, but I think maybe you should ease off in your search for him.”

“And just let him walk around after... after what he did!?” Abby demanded, her voice quaking, a surge of memories welling up in her mind. “No... just no.”

“I never said we were letting the search for him up, I’m just saying that you shouldn’t be the one doing it in the first place,” Scarlet clarified. “It’s tearing you apart Abby, both physically and mentally. It’s sapping you of your energy and just making more agitated. And I know that your parents wouldn’t want you to tear yourself apart to ‘avenge’ them.”

Abby didn’t even bother replying to that, instead she just sat there quietly, stroking Kasai’s head. Another shiver ran through her and she glanced up, her eyes catching sight of a family photo that Scarlet had up in her living room. It showed her mother and father holding her close while Scarlet stood a little off to the side, a smile on everyone’s faces. The woman stared at it for a long moment before she began to shake and another quake rolled through her body, tears beginning to form in her eyes, three rolling down her cheek, her eyes closing.

Small sobs caught in her throat, her face quickly becoming red as tears continued to flow down it. Kasai lifted his head to lick them away, but paused when Scarlet got up and simply placed a hand on Abby’s shoulder, rubbing it gently.

“It’s... it’s not right,” Abby whispered out between sobs. “They-they-shouldn’t be-” she paused, the word catching in her throat “-dead.”

“I know...” Scarlet said, her words soft and full of understanding.

“I-I’m going to get him,” Abby swore, her voice catching in her throat again, biting her bottom lip so hard that blood welled up to the surface.

“And accomplish what exactly?” Scarlet inquired. “Wash away the feelings of bitterness and hatred you have, are you expecting it to vanish? Expect to see the emptiness that you feel to be just an illusion?”

To her surprise, Abby’s right hand swung up and caught her in the jaw. “No. I’m going to make it so that I don’t have to stumble on another camp of skinned Ninetales!” she exclaimed, moving Kasai off of her and surging to her feet. “I’m going to catch him so that no other Ralts has to lose their parents and find their corpses strung up across a rack for their heart blades!” A shudder ran through Abby. “I’m going to stop him so that I never have to even THINK about him again!”

A flash of lightning flared through the living room window, followed by the roar of thunder.

“So technically yes to my question,” Scarlet said, rubbing the side of her jaw slightly before placing her hand back down.

“Shut up,” Abby said, the energy draining out of her as she flopped back into the couch.

“No,” the woman replied back. “Because Abby, if you can’t see what this is doing to you then I might as well keep trying to point it out.”

Abby just averted her gaze and glared down into Kasai’s head, her body still shaking, fresh tears flowing down her face.

“This search for the masked man is tearing you apart Abby, drawing you away from a lot of your tasks as a Ranger as you conduct this manhunt all by yourself,” Scarlet continued, her voice hard. “So much so you look like you’ve aged by years. When’s the last time you had a full night’s sleep?”

“I don’t even know,” Abby replied, not looking away from Kasai’s head.

“And there’s the problem,” Scarlet stated with a shake of her head. “You’re not succeeding in anything Abby, all you’re doing is going around in circles expecting something different to happen eventually. You know what that is technically called right?”

“I’m doing good work though,” Abby defended herself. “I’m saving lives. That’s what matters.”

“Yes you are, but again, you’re overworking yourself,” Scarlet stated, keeping the subject on track. “That’s one of the reason why I invited you here. Not just to remember your parents, but to also tell you you’re on vacation from now on, until the health officials at the Ranger Union say you’re fit again.”

“...what?” Abby demanded, jerking to her feet, all but throwing Kasai off of her. “You can’t do that! I have to be out there!”

“Not when you’re like this, Abby,” Scarlet replied sternly. “And I can, not only am I your foster mother but I am the Top Ranger of Unova and can order suspensions of duty notices to the rest of you if I think your mental or physical health is at risk.”

Abby glared at her, her hand tightening into a fist and she stood there shaking for a long moment before turning her back on her. “Fine. I’ll go out even if I am suspended. I’m not going to let those bastards skin another Ekans!”

“Then that’s called disobeying orders, and that can get you arrested Abby,” Scarlet informed her. “And you do know you’re not the only Ranger out there fighting to defend Pokemon from poachers right?”

Abby stood there, her fist clenched even harder. “Why the fuck did you have to bring this up TONIGHT?!” she shouted as she turned to face the woman. “You couldn’t just let us have a nice dinner could you?! You had to make it about me!”

“Because I care for you Abby,” Scarlet said sincerely, her voice pained. “I don’t want you to make a mistake that could cost you your life. Going in all blazing with rage as your focus can get you, or one of your Pokemon killed. I couldn’t live with myself if that happened and I didn’t try to prevent it.” She closed her eyes and took in a deep breath before letting it all out. “Like I do when turned down the offer of going with your mother and father the day it happened...”

Abby looked down, her knuckles turning white. “Then where in the fuck have you been for the last year huh? Why do this now?”

“It’s not like you were giving me many options here,” Scarlet replied, her voice growing sharp. “You keep denying my other invites to meet and never really told me where you were. In fact I couldn’t get that even from the Ranger Union database because you never informing them either of where you currently were. So the only way I could think of was to invite you on this day to try and remember your parents. I didn’t mean to bring this up so early, I thought we were going to do this after dinner.”

“Yeah, well add that to the list of things you’ve fucked up,” Abby snarled. “Like helping mom and dad.”

“I DIDN’T KNOW!” Scarlet roared out, at a volume Abby never heard from her before. The woman closed her eyes and took another deep breath. “I didn’t know... I had other plans for that day, other leads to follow. Matt and Roxanne normally never needed any help, so it never occurred to me something like that could happen.”

“Well it did, and now they’re dead and you’re a shitty replacement,” Abby said darkly, turning her back on the woman.

“I never asked to be a replacement for them,” Scarlet told her, a heavy sigh leaving her lips. “I never asked to really be your ‘foster mother’... I’m only carrying out your parents’ wishes they left in their will.”

“Yeah well I kinda wish you weren’t,” the woman replied, staring down at the ground.

Kasai slid off the couch and walked up to her, nudging his snout against her chest, urging her to lift her head and turned around. Abby fought against it for a moment, trying to push him away but he was insistent she finally turned, small tears still leaking down her face.

As she focused her eyes back upon Scarlet, she saw the woman had her own tears streaking down her face. A look of defeat was sprawled all over Scarlet’s face, and she had eyes closed. “Then go...” she said slowly, holding a hand up to the front door as more tears leaked from her eyes, refusing to look at Abby. “You know where the door is... don’t let it hit you on the way out or the storm blow you away. I’ll just... toss all the food out.” She turned away, wiping a hand over her cheeks as she began to head to the kitchen.

Abby scowled at her and strode out of the room, fists clenched as she walked towards the door. Kasai growled as he leapt between her and the door and continued to growl at her. The woman stared at him and a snarl of her own leapt out of her throat as she pushed past him. He pushed her back with more force, causing her to stumble backwards.

“Arc! Arcanine!” he shouted at her.

“Oh shut up!” Abby snapped, getting back to her feet and shoving him out of the way, her hand grabbing the door handle, jerking it open, a sheet of rain slamming into her.

She ignored the chilled shock that ran through her body and pushed through it, slamming the door behind her before Kasai could follow, stalking out into the now abandoned street.

The rain slapped against her, the droplets cold and wet as she marched blindly through them. She didn’t know where she was going. She didn’t care. All she knew was that she wanted to be away from Scarlet. Be anywhere but near her.

The wind howled, the thunder roared, and the lightning flashed as the ocean of rain drummed upon her, soaking the woman to the bone. While in mid-stride she felt something grabbing the base of her shirt and stopping her cold.

“ARC!” Kasai muffley cried out as he held onto her shirt.

“Get off!” Abby screamed, pulling against him. “I said let go of me!” The Arcanine refused too, pulling harder on her shirt.

The woman screamed again and this time her fist lashed out, catching Kasai in the jaw and causing him to loosen his grip enough to release her. Kasai stumbled backwards in complete shock as he blinked blankly.

The woman didn’t look back as she took off at a full sprint, her eyes full of tears as she ran down the blackened suburban street. She didn’t know when she fell, she didn’t feel the impact on the gravel, nor the pain as her knee tore open. All she knew was that she wanted nothing more than to curl up in a ball and cry. So that’s what she did as the pouring rain drops marched across her.

She lay there in the darkness crying, curled in tight ball as tears and snot rolled down her face. Her parents were dead, the man who’d killed them was still at large, and she was an absolute failure. Thunder sounded in her ears but she just curled up tighter wishing that it would all go away.

Abby didn’t know how long she lay there curled up before a hand clasped around her shoulder.

“Didn’t I warn you about not letting the storm blow you away?” Scarlet’s voice shouted above the rain and thunder as she began to lift Abby up onto her feet.

“...” Abby didn’t respond, she barely looked at the woman holding onto her, her eyes red, her face worn.

Scarlet supported Abby with ease before Kasai joined them and offered himself for Abby to lean on. The woman fell against him, snuggling into his warm, matted, fur, eyes closed. Scarlet kept a hand against the Abby’s back for additional support as she began to head back to her house.

Interlude Part 5

Abby sat next to a fire place, a dry towel wrapped around her as Kasai lay himself behind her back. They were both in the process of getting dry but they both knew why he was really there, and hopefully Scarlet didn’t.

“I’m... I’m so sorry,” Abby whispered, leaning against his head and giving him a subtle kiss on the cheek. “I didn’t mean too... I didn’t mean too.” Kasai just nuzzled the end of his nose against her cheek and gave a single lick across it as footsteps from the kitchen echoed out of it. Scarlet walked in with two cups of steaming hot liquid and held one out for Abby.

“Here you go, hot cocoa, just the way you like it,” she said as she waited for Abby to take the cup. Abby took the cup and slowly drank it before glancing up at her.

“Can... can you get something for Kasai?” she asked softly.

Scarlet finished her sip of her coffee and glanced at the Arcanine and nodded her head. “Sure, just water?”

Kasai answered with a nod of his head and Scarlet nodded hers in confirmation as she headed back into the kitchen. Abby put her cup down and gave him a tight hug, putting her forehead against his and crying softly.

“I’m so, so, so sorry Kasai,” she murmured softly. “Please, please forgive me, I’m an awful lover.”

Kasai shook his head as he nuzzled her and gave her a lick, but then he nudged her head before turning his head towards the kitchen door. Abby glanced up to see Scarlet walking towards them again, a bowl of water in her hands which she set down in front of Kasai.

She stood back up and wipe her hands across the sides of her hips. “Well... I’ll leave you two alone. The storm should pass soon and... you can be on your way. I’m... going to change out of these wet clothes.” She turned and head off without even waiting for a reply from Abby.

Kasai nudged his nose against Abby once more, a bit firmer than last time. “Arc Arc Arcanine,” he said, gesturing his head at Scarlet’s back.

Abby frowned for a moment and then nodded her head. “H-hey Scarlet? When... when you’re wearing something dry... please come back down here... we should... we should talk.”

Scarlet paused in the middle of the hallway and glanced the side of her head at the young woman. “...alright, it should only take me a few minutes,” she replied slowly as she turned her head forwards and headed into the room at the end of the hallway.

“...” Abby just sat there against Kasai’s warm back, his normal smokey smell had been replaced by that of dying embers but she didn’t care. Instead she just snuggled into his warm fur. “In the future when I’m emotional... don’t grab onto my shirt... that’s a good way to get punched Kasai.”

“Arcanine,” he said slightly dryly, a paw lifting up to rubbed the side of his cheek.

Abby leaned forwards and kissed him softly on the lips. “Sorry again.” Kasai just shook his head and licked her once more before the two just sat comfortably together in front of the fire.

Several minutes pass before Scarlet came back into living room, wearing a long purple nightgown and sat in one of the chairs. Her fingers wrapped against the armed rest. “So... the hot cocoa good?”

Abby looked down at her nearly empty glass and nodded her head before shaking it. “I was a self centered, arrogant little bitch,” she stated quietly. “And I’m sorry.”

Scarlet nodded her head. “Apology accepted... I do hope you realize I’m trying to help you Abby. You’re under a lot of emotional... stress and you need to relive that some way other than continuing your duties as a Ranger.”

“I’ve... been trying but something always gets in the way,” Abby replied, pointedly not looking at Kasai as she said it.

“And that’s one of the reason why I’m having you relieved of duty like this. So you can find the time, hell even find some sort of psychologist to talk to,” Scarlet told her. “Arceus knows you might need to considering it’s been a year and... well, I might be a good talker but I don’t have the license to do it professionally.”

Abby looked down and then nodded. “I... okay, that’s probably a good idea,” the woman said. “Kasai’s a great partner but ‘Arc, Arcanine, Arc’ can only go so far... heh...” she added, glancing at Kasai. The Arcanine rolled his eyes.

Scarlet chuckled lightly. “True...” She took in a deep breath and let it out. “So... we can still have the dinner I planned for if you like. We just might not have any dessert to eat afterwards.”

“That’s... that sounds great,” Abby said with a smile of her own as she rose onto her feet, giving Kasai a pat. “I bet someone’s super hungry right Kasai?”

Kasai grinned widely as he bark, “Arcanine!”

“And Revva reared so suddenly that it took Matt and Roxanne by surprise and the two tumbled off her back and into the mud,” Scarlet said, a large chuckle rolling out of her. “Oh, the look on Roxanne’s face as half of her notebooks got covered in it. It also didn’t help Matt was valiantly trying to help ‘save’ them, but only got more mud on them, heh. If it wasn’t raining you could probably hear the slapped she gave him from across the campus, heh.”

Abby let out a belly laugh as she fed Kasai the remains of her Tauros meat, knowing that even though he’d had his own, he’d still take it. “Oh, that’s good, that’s totally what mom would have done to him for ruining her notes!”

“Hehehe, yeah it does, doesn’t it?” Scarlet said with a smile and a small shake of her head. “Still, Matt was ever the noble to her afterwards and I think he bought her some new waterproof notebooks to say he was sorry.”

“But that doesn’t replace all of my hard taken notes, idiot!” Abby mimed her mother, getting her Kalosian accent just right. “No, I have to REWRITE THEM!”

Scarlet blinked before a large giggle of laughter burst out of her. “That’s exactly what she said,” the woman said with a large smile, shaking her head. “Oh, you even sounded like her for a moment.”

“I know my mom,” Abby said with a chuckle. “I heard that accent so much that I’m kinda surprised that I didn’t pick up a little of it, heh.”

“I think it’s because she only used it around Matt, he seemed to like that accent a lot,” Scarlet said, closing her eyes and smiling at a memory.

“Whenever they kissed,” Abby said, nodding her head. “Or... other things which I’m not going to think about at the moment.”

“Hehe, hey I understand. When I was around thirteen years old I suddenly realized what all the... noises my parents were doing in their room when I was a young child,” Scarlet said with smile while shaking her head while rubbing a hand across her forehead. “Though I understand why my mother was a bit... anxious sometimes when I accidentally disturbed them by knocking on the door.”

“Err... walked in on them once,” Abby said, glancing down. “Let’s just say, I ALWAYS knocked after that.”

Scarlet chuckled lightly. “Hey, we were young kids back then, we really didn’t know any better.”

“Right, heh,” Abby said, blushing and feeding the overjoyed Kasai another chunk of meat. Kasai chewed with a big smile on his face.

Scarlet takes in a deep breath before standing up. “Well, I think we should probably call it a night,” she stated, her arms stretching out as cracked her neck to the left. “You’re welcome to take the guest room.”

“Normally I would but Kasai and I-I mean I already booked a hotel room,” Abby said, quickly correcting herself. “But... do you mind if we come over tomorrow?”

Scarlet smiled and shook her head. “Not at all, you’re always welcome in my house Abby.”

Abby got to her feet and then crossed the distance between them, hesitating for a moment before pulling Scarlet into a hug, resting her head against the older woman’s. “Thanks... Sca-” she paused for a moment before finishing, ”... mom.”

The woman’s eyes widen slightly from surprised as she slowly wrapped her arms around Abby. “You’re... welcome,” she said slowly, her mind still processing at being called ‘mom’.

Abby held her there for a moment before letting her go. “Do you have any spare rain jackets?”

“Yeah... they’re in the closet next to the door. Take whatever one fits ya,” Scarlet, pointing a hand down to the front door. “And... be careful still when going out in the rain. Don’t want you to scrape your other knee, heh.”

“I’ll have the best Arcanine in the world with me to keep that from happening,” Abby answered, patting Kasai as he came to stand beside her. “Right Kasai?”

Kasai nodded his head. “Arcanine!”

Abby smiled and pet him once. “Right then, thanks for dinner, we’ll see you tomorrow,” she said before glancing down at Kasai. “Come on Kasai, let’s go see if our hotel serves dessert.”

Kasai smiled and the two headed to the front door where Abby quickly grabbed a yellow raincoat and heading out into the not so pounding rainstorm. Scarlet watched the door close shut before smiling slightly. “Hope the two of you have fun,” she said softly, remembering the coded term Roxanne used some towards Matt. Scarlet shook her head before working on cleaning up the dishes.

Interlude Part 6

Author's Note

Sorry about the lack of forward progress, Zeus has been ill for the last week or so, so we're waiting on him.

Interlude Part 6

I... um... are you... are you sure this is a good idea... Kasai? Luke asked nervously, the Kirlia fiddling with his arm. I mean... what if... what if we scare her?

“Pfft, please we aren’t going to scare her, that’s kinda the opposite a surprise party brings out,” the Arcanine replied, withholding himself from giving a ‘slap’ of confidence to the Kirlia’s back.

Okay... you would know better... it would scare me, Luke said quietly, looking around the the living room of the log cabin esque house.

The house was two stories tall and built beside a sizeable lake in the style of a high end cabin. It had once belonged to Matt and Roxanne before... what happened and they’d already willed it to Abby.

At the moment, the living room was covered in streamers, a banner, and in the center of the coffee table was the best cake the team had been able to put together. It wasn’t anything amazing, just something that wasn’t completely burnt for once and was hopefully edible.

“Relax Luke, this is going to be great!” Kasai said with a large smile. “After all, Abby deserves something good and fun on her birthday after two years of... well, a lot of moping around.”

“Yeah she does,” Axle rumbled from where he’d just finished hanging up a banner, being especially careful not to cut it right back down. “Besides, this will be fun for all of us too.”

“You said it,” Lex said as the Eevee bounced up onto the couch. “All we’ve been doing is training, bring down poachers, and more training. It’s time to just do some good old fashion birthday party fun.”

“I still do not understand the significance of this practice, but I will enjoy any opportunity to have ‘fun’,” Rill said with a frown as she hung another streamer in place.

I... I will be honest and say that... I agree with her, Luke added. To the... to the first part anyways... I... I’ve never liked my birthday... Kain always used it too...-

“Oi, Luke, remember what we said about talking about the past?” Lex chimed in as he glanced down at the Kirlia with a small frown. “We kinda don’t need bad images in our heads at the moment.”

... ... sorry, Luke said softly, looking down and fiddling with his arm. I’m sorry...

Kasai shook his head. “It’s okay Luke, but I still think this is something Abby, if not everyone of us, needs. Just a good fun moment all of us can share with nothing bad happening to us for the rest of the day.”

Lex shrugged. “I’m just excited to play the mix music I made for this party,” he said with a smile as he found the remote to the speaker system laying on the couch and moved it up in front. “The CD’s already in, I just have press play and we’ll be all set.”

“Interesting, I am excited to hear what music sounds like when it is not designed to either fuel blood lust or cause someone to go to sleep,” Rill said with a smile.

“There’s nothing wrong with good battle music,” Axle countered. “But yeah, something interesting sounds nice.”

Lex blinked blankly for a moment. “You guys never heard other music since Abby freed ya?” he inquired as he looked over at Rill and Axle.

“I’ve heard some, but it was boring,” Rill asserted. “Though I’m sure you have good taste Lex.”

The only music... that I ever... really heard was... thumping and... rhythmic, Luke said softly. It was how you... timed what you were doing... when you were supposed to-

“Luke, remember what I said about giving us bad mental images?” Lex interrupted quickly. “But now I’ve got to make mental note to skip track number five...” he muttered under his breath.

Luke just looked down, letting out a sigh. I... sorry, he said defeatedly.

“It’s okay Luke, you’re still adjusting,” Kasai said reassuringly, though he was mentally wishing Justice would bring Abby very soon before things began to fall apart.

A loud screech tore through the air outside of the house, the signal that Justice had entered their airspace and without being asked, Luke turned the lights in the living room off, closing the curtains as well. The room fell into blackness as each of the Pokemon froze. From the entry hallway they heard the sound of the door opening and Abby walking in followed by the light sound of Justice’s claws on the floor.

“Did you really have to do that?” Abby asked the Braviary, walking with him down the hallway.

“I felt I did,” Justice answered with a light chuckle. “Sometimes I just feel like proclaiming that Justice has returned.”

The woman scoffed slightly but shook her head as she walked into the darkened living room. Then she flicked the light switch.

“HAPPY BIRTHDAY!”

Abby stumbled back in surprise as a wall of cheer slugged her in the face, blinking rapidly as her eyes took in the decorations. Justice caught her and kept her from falling over backwards before pushing her forwards into the room. The woman looked around at the decorations with almost child like wonder for a moment. Then her eyes turned to her Pokemon who were all standing under a banner reading ‘HAPPY BIRTHDAY ABBY!’ in yellow print, the letters looking ever so slightly off as if drawn by a paw or shaky telekinetic grip.

“I...” Abby blinked twice as she looked around it all. “I...” she grinned and charged forwards, falling to her knees in front of her team, reaching her arms out for a group hug. Kasai was the first to join, shortly joined by Lex as he hopped down from the couch and into the woman’s lap. Luke came next, though he didn’t quite hug her, more put a hand in the general vicinity of where she was as Axle barreled over and bent his large head down to nuzzle her from one side and Rill took the other. Justice came last, wrapping his wings around the woman’s back and for a moment, nothing else in the world mattered.

Kasai leaned his head forwards and licked her face. “I hope we surprised ya well enough, heh,” he said with a grin.

Abby began to chuckle, then the chuckle broke down into a giggle before she pulled his head against hers and gave him a hard kiss on the lips. “Hell yes you did!” she exclaimed before leaning into the nuzzles from Rill and Axle, her hand scratching Lex behind the ear and trying to bend her back so that she could be closer to Justice. All that she really succeeded in doing was looking silly but that hardly mattered. “You guys are the best family ever!”

“We are at that,” Justice agreed, moving his beak down to nuzzle the side of her neck.

“Or at the very least we attempt it,” Rill added, nibbling affectionately on Abby’s neck.

“Heck you’re a good trainer too,” Lex added as his head leaned into her hand. “The best of the best for us, no one can match ya.”

“Indeed,” Kasai agreed as he licked her once more. “Happy birthday Abby.”

Abby smiled and began to cry as she hugged them all as closely as she could. “Thanks you guys,” she whispered after a long moment.

You... you’re welcome... you deserve this much... if not... much... much more, Luke told her, smiling at her with eyes full of adoration.

“Yeah, yeah you do,” Axle agreed, nodding his axehead for a moment before glancing down at her. “So are we going to spend all day on the floor or should I cut the cake?”

“Cake?” Abby asked, her eyes lighting up. “You guys baked me a cake?”

“Yes, Kasai, Lex and Luke managed it,” Rill informed her, stepping away from the woman, a smile on her lips. “It is on the table where one serves coffee from or puts their feet on.”

“You do know a table is used more than just that,” Lex stated up to the Flygon.

“It is what I’ve observed it being used as,” Rill answered with a small shrug as Abby struggled to her feet, cradling Lex against her chest, bending down to give him a kiss on the head.

“Leave her be, smart ass,” Abby told the Eevee affectionately.

“Hey, just trying to inform of her things that she doesn’t know,” Lex defened with a small shrug. “What’s wrong in expanding someone’s knowledge?”

“Being a smart ass about it, brainiac,” Abby replied, lightly flicking one of his ears before she set him down on the couch beside her and looked at the dark icinged cake before her.

It lacked candles or words, instead, they seemed to have gone in favor of the ‘slather it in icing and chocolate’ approach though Abby could hardly fault them for that. After all, she was the one who did all the cooking and the fact that they’d been able to do this much by themselves was frankly amazing!

Then there was something else that caught her eye. It was a package, not a very big one, around the size of a book just lying there on the table.

“Happy nineteenth birthday Abby,” Justice said softly from over to the right as he walked up between the space of couch and the table. “You’ve grown up so well, my favorite chick.” He leaned over to nuzzle her and Abby leaned down into it, giving the Braviary a firm squeeze.

“Thanks Justice,” she said quietly for a moment, kissing him on the side of the beak before she glanced down at the package. “Who’s this from?”

“It’s from Scarlet,” Kasai replied. “One day when I went to get the mail I noticed her scent on it and... well I thought it was for your birthday so I hid it till now. Didn’t want you to open your only present so soon.”

Abby snorted slightly but leaned over to kiss him. “Thanks for the thought Kasai but this is already a great present, in the future, please don’t do ‘this’ sort of thing,” she added as she reached over Lex’s head and grabbed ahold of the package as Axle and Rill crowded closer, eager to see what it was.

Abby began to peal away the wrapping to reveal a wooden box, fancy carvings of leaves embroidered on all sides. Abby frowned slightly and looked for a way to open it. With the flick of the latch on the front, she opened it to find a card fitting inside it. She set the box down to pick up the card, but as she did so she revealed a necklace of silver with an angular crimson stone embedded in the very center. An inner heat seemed to flow off of it and the woman looked down at it with wide eyes for a moment before she reached down and gently picked it up.

The necklace was a bit heavier than anything she normally wore, well, she didn’t usually wear much of anything around her neck, but still, she had some necklaces but none so elaborate or beautiful looking. The woman slipped it around her neck and smiled as the stone fell down to rest between her curves.

Her eyes then turned towards the envelope and she reached down to grab it, tearing it open and pulling out a simple white card with a small paragraph written on it. It read:

Happy Birthday Abby, or early or belated depending on when the package comes. Still... nineteen years old, heh, time sure does fly huh? I still remember you as a toddler screaming with glee as Matt held you as both of you road on Revva’s back. I’m sure your parents are very proud of you for making this far in life and achievements you achieved. I hope you like the necklace I got you, it’s the smallest Fire Stone I could fine with the help of Clay (Being the Top Ranger of Unova has it’s perks), but I chose it because of your fiery passion for your job and efficiency of getting things done. Not to mention your love of fire types, heh.

Sincerely, Scarlet.

Abby smiled as she read it a second time and then put the card back in the box. “How do I look?” she asked her team.

... lovely, Luke said quietly within her mind from his place near the back.

“Like your mother,” Justice said, nuzzling her gently.

“Like you’re an upperclass woman,” Lex said with a chuckle, Kasai nudging him hard with a paw.

“Not that there’s anything wrong with that,” the Arcanine stated. “After all, you look even more gorgeous,” he said sincerely.

“It is nice,” Rill said with a simple smile.

“Agreed, it looks nice,” Axle grunted. “Now may I cut this cake? I’ve been practicing for a while now.”

Abby smiled at them all before she looked up at the towering Haxorus. “You sure you can do that?”

“Bah, I’ve cut smaller Pokemon in two,” Axle answered as he began to lower his head.

“We really did not need to know that,” Lex stated. “Especially on my end.”

Axle ignored him and with a single motion, brought his head down into the cake. The blade cut precisely how deeply he wanted, to the platter that the cake rested on and then he brought it back up and then down again several times so that there were exactly seven pieces. “HAHAH! Success!” the dragon bellowed before glancing up at his chocolate smeared blade. “Though I’ll need to think of some way to get that off...”

“I’m sure something will come to you,” Abby said with a small chuckle before she looked around. “Anyone mind if I have the first taste?”

Kasai shook his head. “Go right ahead, you are the birthday girl after all.”

Abby grinned and reached down, grabbing the biggest piece of the cake and bringing it up to her mouth, little crumbs falling on her chest as she did so. Then she took a big bite out of the chocolate cake and her eyes widened. She chewed her bite slowly and then swallowed.

“Wow, this is really chocolaty!” she said with a grin. “A little dry, but it’s still great!”

Good... sorry about that though... we’re... not really very experienced, Luke confessed slowly.

“Bah, don’t apologize, it’s still great!” Abby told the Kirlia with a big smile. “Okay everyone, dig in!”

“Yeah! Let’s get this party started!” Lex exclaimed as he reached down to the remote on the couch and shortly after lively music could be heard beating out of the speakers.

Abby blinked twice and then chuckled. “Heheh, this song?”

“It’s a little... simple,” Justice said, one of his talons moving up and down in time with the beat. “But I can not find anything unjust in it.”

“Hey, it’s just the first track,” Lex stated as he walked back to join the others. “Plus it’s just something to get everyone into the right mood.”

Rill cocked her head to the side as her body began to move without realizing it. “This is odd feeling but I can not call it unpleasant,” she said beginning to dance.

“I have the urge to stamp things,” Axle commented, wiggling his booty. “But not violently, how strange.”

“It’s called rhythm guys,” Abby commented with a small chuckle as she leaned against Kasai. “Good choice Lex.”

The Eevee smiled proudly. “Thank you, I made the CD to dance easily to and party hard.”

“Well then, let’s start partying!” Kasai exclaimed as he got up. “This is a birthday party after all, let’s get on to some celebrating!”

Abby lay against Kasai’s side, they were both naked, though that wasn't really surprising for the Arcanine. The woman’s breath came in and out in deep breaths and she cradled him as his large paws wrapped around her back.

“Tonight was amazing Kasai,” Abby said softly, a smile on her face. “The party, the cake, you, everything.”

Kasai smiled happily as he nuzzled her face and gave it a lick. “Arc, Arcanine,” he replied, Luke’s add of translating lost after Krilia excused himself around halfway through the party.

The woman snuggled deeper into his fur, smile only growing bigger as she looked up into his eyes. “You’re such a lovely... mate,” she said softly, using the word for the first time, small tears in her eyes.

Kasai blinked a bit surprisingly. “Arc?” he said as if he didn’t hear it right.

The woman looked up at him and moved her face closer to his. “You’re my mate Kasai,” she said quietly, kissing him on the lips. “My big, amazing, caring, Arcanine mate and frankly, fuck anyone who says otherwise to any of those things.”

The Arcanine blinked a couple more times before a smile crossed his muzzle and he gave her several licks across her face. Abby continued to cry faintly before burrowing her face in his neck.

“I love you Kasai,” she whispered. “I love you so much it hurts.”

He nuzzled his muzzle against her face. “Arcanine, arc arc,” he replied softly as if he was trying to shush her.

“It’s true,” Abby told told him firmly, looking back up at him. “Without you... I’d probably have broken down for good when it happened. Instead... you were always there for me, always holding me up, always giving me licks when I need it. Being a damn good sounding board too.”

Kasai just licked her across her face once more. “Arcanine,” he said, his voice still soft.

Abby smiled and kissed him on the lips again as she pressed her body tighter against his. “Goodnight Kasai, my handsome, wonderful mate.”

“Arc Arcanine,” he said back as he rested his head gently on her shoulder, closing his eyes.

Chapter 35 Author's Note

Well, time to make up for lost posting time, have some Justice

Chapter 35

Justice flew over the forest below, happy to have room to stretch his wings. As it turned out, spending a day inside of a train car was awful for a pair of wings as large and powerful as his and he really needed to put himself through his paces. Additionally, Claire had agreed to leave him in peace for the moment. Not that he did not adore the little Swellow who had all but roped him into being her mate, not that he really minded it of course, but he needed a little time to himself too.

The Braviary smiled as the wind swirled over his wings and he caught sight of a peculiar form in the distance. Quickly focusing his eagle eyes, he saw that Articuno of all the lucky female, matless birds was flying away from a rather large building in the middle of the forest. Justice’s eyes narrowed slightly. Surely, Claire would not begrudge him the chance to speak with a Legendary would she? Perhaps if it became more than just talking, Claire would not mind, after all, the chance to mate with a Legendary was the chance of a lifetime!

The Braviary’s wings flapped quickly and with a surprising amount of grace the large eagle caught up to the Legendary ice type.

“Hello to you,” he called with a smile as he stopped flapping his wings to glide through the air beside the slightly larger bird.

Articuno turned and raised an eyebrow at Justice. “Hello,” she greeted simply.

“My name is Justice and I believe you and I have met before,” Justice continued, a smile on his beak.

Articuno thought for a moment. “Ah yes,” she remembered. “I saved your trainer near Snowpoint,” she chuckled. “You kept making puns based around your name.”

“That’s me,” Justice agreed with a grin. “I’m noble and persistent as Justice itself.”

Articuno chuckled again. “Well Justice, what brings you to this neck of the woods?”

“Well, the honest answer is that I just got off a train for the first time in a day,” Justice answered with a chuckle. “The smart answer is that I saw a beautiful bird flying by herself and thought that it would be a crime if she were to spend the day without a handsome eagle like myself to talk too.”

Articuno chuckled. “Well well, someone’s confident aren’t we?”

“Ever confident,” Justice replied with a casual smile. “I am a Braviary after all, you’d have to break my wings to keep me down, and even then, I’d hop after you.”

Articuno chuckled and shook her head. “Well feel free to fly with me for a while,” she said. “But more than that...” she smirked. “We shall see.”

Justice nodded his head. “As you say my beautiful bird, I will fly by your side from dawn to dusk if that’s what it takes to prove myself to you, and believe me, I could do it,” he said, flashing his impressive wings. “Not many Braviaries can say that much, though I’m sure they’d try if they were exposed to beauty like yours.”

Articuno smiled, she had to admit, he was quite attractive, she promised herself wouldn’t get his hopes up too high though. “Well then,” she said. “Let’s see how you stack up against a Legend.”

Unfortunately for Justice, he was robbed of his chance to test his ‘mettle’ against the Legendary when Claire’s voice spoke out.

“Justice, what a coincidence to run into you,” the Swellow said as she banked into view. She looked over at Articuno flashing a friendly smile of her beak. “And you must be Articuno, it’s a honor to meet you.”

“Why thank you,” Articuno said, nodding her head and glancing between the two. “What is your name?”

“My name is Claire, I’m Justice’s mate,” the Swellow said, keeping the same friendly smile on her beak.

Articuno raised an eyebrow and glanced at Justice who had the decency to look rather embarrassed. “It’s a recent development and I’m still adjusting... when I saw a beauty like you flying all alone I could not help myself.”

The Legendary’s expression darkened ever so slightly. “I see, I feel that I’m needed somewhere else. Good day to you Claire, good luck, Justice,” she said before with a flap of her icy wings, she soared away from them.

Justice looked at Claire with a frown, she still had her smile on her face. “What was that about?” he demanded, annoyance in his voice. “That was Articuno.”

“She asked for who I am, and I gave her just that,” Claire replied indifferently with a small shrug of her wings before flapping them to stabilize her flight.

“You know very well what I meant,” Justice replied, his eyes narrowing ever so slightly.

“Then you should know too,” Claire stated, glancing over at him with an indifferent look on her face but a hard glimmer glistening in the back of her pupils. “If you see mating as just something for bragging right or as a trophy... then you are just betraying the bond we now share. Articuno saw that, and that’s why she left.”

Justice closed his eyes. “I have been smitten with her for years now, Claire,” he said, his voice very tight. “And just because you have claimed me as yours does not mean that you had any right to do that.”

“Then what right do I have?” she questioned. “If I don’t do this, then what meaning will your love, or even mating mean to me? How would I really know that you are serious about our love if you keep trying to mate with every female you see?” She closed her eyes and glanced away. “Go chase after her if that’s what you want... I’ll be with Scarlet.” The Swellow angled her wings to the left and turned away, giving several strong flaps as she flew against a small stream of wind.

“Oh no you don’t,” Justice growled to himself as his much larger wings propelled him after her, coming to rest in the air above her. “You don’t get to just fly off in a huff Claire. You and I are going to continue having problems if you do and I for one would like to bring them to some kind of an end.”

“Then get this straight... you can have friends with as many females flying types as you want... you can butter them with words and such, but I’m the only one who is your mate, and the only one who reserves the right to be paired to you,” Claire said as she glanced up at the Braviary. “Otherwise, there’s nothing else to talk about.”

“I suppose there could be my point of view, but apparently that doesn’t matter,” Justice all but snarled.

“Then state it instead of holding it back,” Claire said with an annoyed frown.

“I’m fifty seven years old Claire, I have been living the way I have for a long time,” Justice said, scowling down at her. “Which you should Arceus damned know because you were a Taillow when I was already evolved!” the Braviary snapped. “So forgive me for a moment for perhaps taking a little bit longer to adjust to the fact that you’ve claimed me for your own and I’m going to have to change my entire way of living!”

“And I’m trying to help you adjust,” she stated back, not to the point of yelling but it was loud and firm. “I’m just keeping you in check. I’m not trying to totally prevent you from being friendly to other females Flying types, just the fact I am your mate, and I should suffice in that need. But if you’re not going to let me... well... what use am I then?”

“Claire, you are an amazing little Swellow and you will make a marvelous mother when the time comes, but one thing that you must understand is that you do not own me,” Justice stated, his voice turning dark and flat. “If I run into one of my previous mates, one who I have a child with, you are not allowed to get in the way of that. It simply isn’t fair to any of my others.”

“Oh, so you and Articuno had a child together, I didn’t know,” she said flatly.

“That was different, as I said, I’ve been smitten with her since the moment I saw her,” Justice replied, glancing down at her. “Something that you should be well acquainted with!”

“Well nothing is stopping you now from continuing, so go right ahead,” Claire stated with a roll of her eyes as she glanced away from him.

“I don’t fancy having my wings frozen mid-flight so I don’t think I’ll be doing that,” Justice replied pointedly. “Arceus Claire, is it really that hard to accept the idea that monogamy is an alien concept to me and that I will probably screw up many times in the pursuit of it?”

“And is it really hard to accept that I’m trying to help you in that?” Claire retorted. “You need to work in new boundaries Justice, and I’m trying to inform you of what they are. I can try to force you to stay within them 24/7, but I know I can’t do that, so I try to help you to stumble less when I’m around you. But if you’re not going to let me do that... well, then I shall just head back and leave you be.”

“It’s not that I’m not letting you, it’s that you’re getting mad at me! And then you’re threatening to fly away and leave me behind when if I really meant half as much to you as you say I do then you wouldn’t do that!” Justice exclaimed loudly. “You’re talking about these rules like you’ve written them down but this is the first I’m actually hearing of them! You can’t expect me to read your bloody mind Claire!”

“Well maybe because I thought they were bloody obvious!” she shouted back as they soared back over the Hall of Legends.

“Well maybe they fucking weren’t!” Justice screeched, his feathers puffing up angrily. “Up to this point I’ve only ever been involved in casual flings! I’ve never had a committed relationship of any kind other than to Matt and Abby! Maybe you should have considered that before you got angry with me!”

“Well maybe if you used some common sense I wouldn’t be!” Claire bellowed out.

There was a flash of light behind the two, one they failed to notice until a new voice spoke up. “Um... excuse me?”

“WHAT?!” both shouted at the same time and turn their heads to see a blue, pink and gold Pokemon with translucent wings floating behind them.

“I heard, well, more felt, fighting, and I thought I’d come see if there was anything I could do to help,” Cresselia said.

Justice was the first to recover his wits. “Lady Cresselia, I’m sorry that we disturbed you. We were simply having an argument.”

“That’s one way to say it...” Claire muttered under her breath.

“I heard,” Cresselia said. “I was out for a stroll and you two were being kinda loud.” she shook her head. “Anyway, I thought I’d come up and see if there was anyway I could help... smooth this over. It’s kinda part of my job.”

“You can try, but I’m getting nothing through him,” Claire stated with a frown. “But I guess I shouldn’t be sooo surprised.”

“I feel much the same...” Justice said, his eyes narrowing slightly at Claire.

Cresselia sighed. “Well from what I’ve gathered you two are mates, more or less correct?”

“Yes,” the Swellow answered. “Though I don’t really know if he knows exactly what that means anymore.”

“A mate is someone who you spend time with, love, and have children with over the course of anywhere between a day or the rest of your life,” Justice replied flatly. “In my case, it is usually a single day or a single week.”

“Ah,” Cresselia said. “I see... so you’re one of those love ‘em and leave ‘em types, and you’re trying to commit to a steady relationship.”

“More or less,” Justice replied, shaking his head. “And she just crushed any hopes I had of mating with Articuno, not that I had any real hope, but I liked to think I did. Now she most likely thinks that I’m a deplorable bird who merely wanted to mate with her.”

Cresselia shrugged. “Articuno’s the type who’s looking for someone to spend her life with,” she sighed. “Kinda difficult when you live forever, but yeah, she’s not big into your type.”

Justice let out a sigh. “I was just trying to give her joy... that’s all I ever try and do,” he told her, shaking his head. “I believe I’m quite good at it too.”

Cresselia put aside the idea of mentioning Articuno’s father, or her siblings. “That’s a... positive way to look at it,” she said. “But if you intend to settle down, you may want to try to hold back on those urges.”

“Thank you,” Claire said giving a nod of agreement. “That’s what I’ve been trying to tell him.”

“But,” Cresselia continued. “If he’s been a bachelor for his entire adult life, then it’s unrealistic for you to expect him to change so quickly.”

“Thank you,” Justice said with a shake of his head. “I’m fifty seven and have been living like this since I was in my twenties...”

“Exactly,” Cresselia said with a nod. “The start of any relationship is usually rocky, you have to get a feel for what works for you, for what you have to try and change, and if you’re willing to change for your partner, as well accept the parts they can’t change.”

“I’m willing to change for her... it’s just that she has to understand the fact that I have many past relationships,” Justice said slowly. “And that from my perspective... the chance to mate with Articuno would have been a dream come true... not in a ‘she’s a trophy’ way or anything... just that she’s a beautiful bird and I wanted to give her as much joy as I could in our short embrace.”

Claire let out a sigh. “I... understand... I can put up with your flirty state with other females, but....” She frowned as she glanced toward the Braviary. “I should be the one who you should be trying to fill with joy and... I just feel... robbed, I guess, when I’m not.”

“Claire... you shouldn’t feel robbed...” Justice said, shaking his head. “I see it as my duty to spread the joy of Justice to every lovely flying type I meet, and those who are closest to me come first.”

The Swellow let out another shallow sigh. “Yeah... I know, but I still feel it just doesn’t mean... as much as you say it does. I mean, you mated with so many and... how much can you really stretch out that ‘joy’ to everyone?”

“Because I can,” Justice said with a small shrug. “Or, at the very least I always try too. I remember the name of every one of them, and believe me, that is a lot of names to remember Claire. I will not claim something so arrogant as to say that I am perfect but I do my absolute best to do all I can to help those I mate with. Every once and a while I stop by where I last saw them to see if they’re doing alright. They aren’t always there, sometimes they are and I get to spend a few days with them, when Abby doesn’t have need of me of course, and it makes me happy to know that I’ve brought joy into the life of so many.” He bowed his head. “And now that Arceus has moved us all here without a rhyme or reason... it is very likely that I will not see many of them ever again.”

The Swellow’s face softened as she glanced to the left slightly. “...so, that’s why you took so long on the way out of the plains when that flock of Unfezants passed us?”

“Mhm, I was looking to see if there were any I knew,” Justice said, nodding his head. “It’s also why I wanted to come out flying alone... and why my eyes were glued to the sky during our entire journey here.”

“...then I should just leave you alone then and let you continue in your search,” she said, her tone not angry or mad... but sad, and without another word her wings folded in and she dive straight down like a rocket. She opened them up in a flash before she hit the trees in the forest and vanished within.

“Uhh,” Cresselia began. “I don’t think that was supposed to happen.”

Justice hung his head. “This is what I get for trying to make someone who loves me happy,” he said with a sigh before glancing at the Legendary. “Any words of advice for a tired, confused soldier, Ma’am?”

Cresselia smiled. “If you truly love her, don’t give up, and find a way to show her what she means to you.”

“Should I go after her now or give her space?” Justice inquired, shaking his head. “I’m not... used to this kind of thing.”

Cresselia sighed. “Give her time, but not too much time, otherwise she’ll just start getting angry again.”

“Right... so like an hour?” he asked, he really didn’t know what to do.

If Cresselia had hands, she would’ve face palmed. “This isn’t exactly a science you know, there’s not always a go to answer or past data you can look back on, the heart is a fickle thing.”

Justice nodded his head. “Point... thank you for your help... and if you see Arceus, please ask him to take a few minutes out of his day to stop by and see if he can’t help me find my rather large family.”

“I’ll talk to him,” Cresselia said. “But uh... word of advice? Don’t bring up the Articuno thing, just trust me on that.”

“I’ll remember,” Justice replied, giving her as deep of a bow as he could while still flying. “Well... I should get back to my search for the next hour or so, thanks again.”

With that, Justice flapped his wings and soared away from her.

Cresselia sighed. “He seems like a nice guy, I hope it works out for them.”

“If you ask me,” a new voice chimed in. “That ending was far too dramatic.”

“Oh hush you,” Cresselia chided Darkrai. “It’s not like you haven’t had the same kind of moments.”

The Dark type nodded. “Point taken, now then, shall we my dear?” He held out an arm towards Cresselia.

She smiled. “Lets,” she said, ready to continue their date.

Chapter 36

Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.

OMAK: Swap

Author's Note

So, with Zeus steadily plugging away at getting his next chapter up (including all the parts of mine in it thus keeping me behind) I decided I'd do a fun little idea that popped into my head, I hope you guys find it cute and fun.

OMAK: Swap

James woke up with a loud yawn while he pulled his back up and stretched out his arms. The young ginger haired teen ran some fingers through his bedridden hair as he blinked fully awake. Curled up beside him beneath the covers, her warm, silver fur pressing against him was Youko, his Ninetales, a happy smile on her sleeping face. Unconsciously, the Ninetales pressed her head closer against his waist, a low murr leaking out of her lips. The man smiled as he reached down to scratch her head lovingly.

“Morning sunshine,” he said softly.

Youko leaned into the scratch and her eyes fluttered open slowly. Oh... good morning James, she said with a soft yawn from her feminine lips. Mmmm you smell grand today, like fire and smoke... she let out another yawn and nuzzled his naked thigh.

James chuckled softly. “I guess the after effect of sleeping next to a fire,” he said, running a hand down her back.

More then likely, she agreed with a foxy grin as she got up and stretched, turning around and bending down as she stretched her back, her tails parting and swirling just enough. Mmmm that’s a good stretch.

“Looks like it,” he said, patting her back with a soft smile before letting out another yawn.

Youko finished stretching and turned, padding up his stomach so that she was standing on his chest and leaning down to lick his face several times, a happy grin on her face as she did so. So how are you my love? Sleep well?

The man smiled down on her. “Very well, I had a lovely dream involving you and me,” he said before he leaned down to kiss her on the forehead.

Oh? she asked curiously, pulling away from his face to sit down on his chest regally, her tails flaring out. What happened in it? Was I your dashing partner? Your fearsome lover? Some combination of the two?

“My beautiful princess, dancing with me inside a ball room the likes the world has never seen,” he replied, eyes closing to recall part of it.

Youko smiled and moves forwards to rest her muzzle against his chin. Well, I can’t do that but I hope you don’t mind too much, she replied, her eyes closed. I can only be the very best Ninetales I know how to be.

James smirks at her and kisses her on the snout. “I couldn’t ask for any better, you know that my silver sunshine.”

The silver Ninetales smiled back and licked him on the lips. Thank you my love, she replied, smiling as an almost purring noise exited her throat while she delivered a single nuzzle to his chin. So, shall we go downstairs or just snuggle all day? You’re on vacation so we could do that, I know that I’d certainly enjoy more time snuggled up against you... or other things. She raised a playful eyebrow at him and he felt one of her tails dart under the covers.

“Maybe after breakfast,” he replied with a soft smile. “I do need to eat after all. Plus I know you want me to cook your favorite meal right?”

Mmm, a roasted Tauros omelette with MooMoo cheese, the Ninetales said, a bit of drool leaking out from her jaws before she blushed faintly and whipped at it with a paw. Yes, yes I’d love it if you cooked me one.

“Why of course, I wouldn’t dare to think of denying you your favorite meal. I would miss the look you make every time you think of it,” he said with a chuckle as he got up from the bed and head for his dresser.

Youkosmiled and hopped off of the bed, following along beside him, threading around his legs, tails wrapping and unwrapping with every pass. True, and that would be just the worst thing ever wouldn’t it?

“Indeed it would,” he said with a smile as he got some underwear and pants on before pulling over a simple white t-shirt. “I love the facial expression you do everytime I put a plate down in front of you. It’s priceless really.” He chuckled again as he began to make his way downstairs to the kitchen.

Oooooh, so I amuse you do I? she inquired playfully as she walked down the stairs beside him. What if I were to take offense to that and curse you to some terrible fate?

“Then how will you live with yourself if there’s no one to serve you any more Tauros omelettes?” James asked with a witty smile. “The horror of having to eat regular Pokechow for the rest of your life!”

The horror! The horror! Youko shrieked in his mind before giggling. That really would be an awful fate, almost as bad as just not having you here with me.

James nodded his head. “Yes, yes it would,” he agreed as a hand reached down to brush against her back. “Which is why I know you will never curse me, because you love me too much,” he said with a light chuckle.

True, Youko agreed with a small mental chuckle as she brushed against him. Carry me? she asked, pouting up at him.

James rolled his eyes slightly but held out his arms for her to leap into, grunting slightly as all 45 pounds of her did so, curling up against his chest and licking his cheeks and jaw as her tails curled around his head. The man chuckled a bit as he continued to head for the kitchen and kissed her in between licks, secure that no one could see through their shaded windows.

Heheh, I love it when you carry me, she giggled in his mind and licked his lips again. You’re so strong James.

“It helps that I work out and you’re... so easy to carry,” he said with a smile.

I do make it rewarding, she agreed with a grin as she nuzzled his cheek with her forehead, completely missing what he’d probably been about to say. That and I’m adorable like this. She pulled her head away from his and pouted up at him.

“There’s no denying of that,” James assured her as they reached the kitchen. “You’re the most adorable Ninetails of them all,” he said, nuzzling against her snout.

And don’t you forget it, Youko agreed with a joking grin as she nuzzled back. If I ever catch you looking at another one I’ll tail whip you.

James smiled at her, though he knew she wasn’t joking about that last part. “You have my word.” He kissed her again before setting her down to start on working on her omelette

Youko smiled and licked his leg once before wandering out of the kitchen towards the living room where she found Lexius, the shiny Flygon on the couch, a small pink package pressed asleep on his chest. Morning Lexius, she said with a smile.

The Flygon looked down at the Ninetails and smile. “Ah, how’s it going Youko? Slept well last night?” he asked very quietly.

Yes, yes I did, Youko replied with a grin. James was in a rougher mood than usual so I had a very nice time, the sleeping wasn’t bad either with his cute butt beside me.

Lexius chuckled lightly. “Well, I’m glad the two of you had a good time, and as you can see so did Ribbon,” he pets the Sylveon extremely gently. “She always enjoys it whenever we fly and mate at the same time, I think it helps her to just forget everything and enjoy the moment at hand.”

Good, I’m glad, Youko replied as she walked forwards and nuzzled Lexius’ side. She deserves it after what she went through Lexius, she added softly as she rested her muzzle on his side and looked up at the sleeping form of Ribbon.

“I know...” he said in the same quiet tone with a sigh. “It’s not right someone as graceful as her should’ve been put in the hell she’d been in.”

We shut it down though, Youko said softly as she nuzzled him.

“Still... I wish I did tear her ‘owner’s’ throat out when I had the chance,” he said with narrowed eyes.

I would have helped, Youko agreed as she lifted her muzzle and got onto her hind legs so that she could lick him on the cheek. Anyways, I’m going to go back and wait for James to finish my breakfast, should I tell him you’re up or are you and Ribbon going to snooze all day? she inquired, not a drop of humor in her voice.

“You can tell him I’m up and Ribbon is asleep, and I wouldn’t mind getting something to snack on,” Lexius answered.

Will do, Youko said with a small nod as she left the two and walked back into the kitchen to see Lucy the Gardevoir sitting at the table already. Her eyes gazed into the distance, apparently lost in her thoughts and Youko knew better than to interrupt them. Lexius is up though Ribbon’s going to be out for a while, she told James who was in the middle of flipping her omelette over.

James nodded his head. “Noted, I’ll make sure not to make any loud noises then.”

I’m sure Ribbon would appreciate that, Youko replied, smiling as she hopped up into the seat beside Lucy’s.

The Gardevoir turned her head slightly and a soft smile touched her lips. Ah... hello Youko... it’s good to see you this... morning, she said, moving a hand over to gently pet the Ninetales with her blue energy.

Same to you, Youko replied, leaning into the blue energy as it ran down her body. Sleep well?

As I ever... do, Lucy answered quietly. As... I ever do.

“You want anything specific for breakfast Lucy?” James asked as he glanced over his shoulder, doing the final flip for the omelette.

Just some... toast... with butter and jam... please, Lucy replied, looking down at the table, her fingers drumming across it. And maybe... some milk if we have any to spare... James.

The man nodded his head as he turned around to set a plate full of a large Tauros omelette down in front of Youko. “I’ll get right on it, also did Lexius say he wants anything to eat as well?” he asked the Ninetails.

Youko was too busy staring at the large, meaty, cheese laden omelette, a goofy grin on her face, saliva dripping from her jaws, to answer him. Her ears were perked and her tales flowed around her in anticipation before she dove muzzle first into the center of it, jaw snapping out from one side to the other as she began to eat like a true canine.

...I believe... that he did, Lucy said quietly as she flinched away from the rabid display. Though... what that is... I do not know... I’m sorry... I could find out... but that would be a violation and... she closed her eyes, shivering horribly as memories swam through her mind.

James walked over slightly to rest a hand on her shoulder. “Hey, it’s alright. I’ll just give him some of the leftovers of the Tauros meat, but first let me make you that sandwich.” He patted her assuringly as he turns to head back to the counter.

... ... ... thank you, she said softly in his mind before she closed her eyes.

“Hey, it’s no problem,” he said with a smile as he went to the bread box to pulled out two slices and headed to the refrigerator to get the jam, butter and milk.

Youko was too embroiled in chewing her way through the omelette to do even notice anything else going on around her, small happy yips and purring sounds exiting from her body as her jaws flashed again and again into the yellow flesh.

... she is very... excited, Lucy said softly in his mind as she scooted a little further away from Youko. I... it’s rather... rather scary.

James chuckled lightly as he walked back with her two slices of toast, covered in jam and butter along with a glass a milk. “Yeah, it kinda is, but she’s just enjoys it a lot. I made it once for her when she a Vulpix and she never lost the taste for it.” He set the food and drink down in front of the Gardevoir.

Lucy closed her eyes and used a hand to try and bring the glass up to her lips, projecting energy at it as she did so. The glass wobbled for a moment before rising to her lips, she drank slowly, savoring the lovely taste of milk. It was the only luxury she’d ever known, and then set it down before starting to the slowly nibble on the bread.

Thank you... James... it is... it is lovely, she murmured in his mind, her eyes still shut as the simple yet amazing taste of the jam ran over her tongue.

“You’re welcome Lucy,” James with a soft smile as he quickly leaned down to give her a simple kiss on her cheek before leaning back up and heading back to the counter. The Gardevoir's eyes snapped open, color rising in her cheeks before she closed them again and let out a small sigh, returning to her meal, a small smile on her lips.

Youko had by this point finished her omelette and got up, walking over to James’ legs and rubbing against them. Mmm, wonderful as ever, she whispered in his mind. So very wonderful my love. Mmmm, definitely my second favorite meal you make me.

“Do I want to ask what the first is?” he said with a small chuckle, grabbing a towel and kneeling down to clean her snout.

Youko leaned in and licked his mouth once before letting him clean her exceptionally dirty snout. Well it’s something that you make naturally and is full of love so I’ll let you figure it out, she replied as she purred softly.

The man rolled his eyes slightly as he shook his head and finished wiping her snout clean. “I kinda figured it was that,” he said as he gets up to check on the frying Taurs strips for Lexius.

She has... a rather... one track mind... sometimes... Lucy agreed quietly as she kept her eyes firmly closed, concentrating on the bread hovering in front of her face.

Hey, it’s true, Youko shot back, a little indignantly. It’s like drinkin- she cut herself off as she realized who she was talking too. I... sorry.

It’s... fine... I do know what you are talking about but I... never found it to taste that good... now can we please... please... please... move on? Lucy all but begged.

“Yes, we can,” James said, shooting an irked look down at Youko before shaking his head.

Sorry Lucy... I wasn’t thinking, Youko replied, hanging her head.

Just... drop it, Lucy said. Her body was shaking slightly. Please.

Youko just nodded and slunk out of the room, ears back against her head, good mood utterly destroyed. James walked over to her to giver her a small pet against the back of her head. “Let’s just forget it and move on? Like what we are going to do today?” he said before heading out with a small plate in his hand to hand over to Lexius.

I thought we said cuddling earlier, Youko said, leaning against him as they walked towards the couch. I’m all for that if you are.

“We can do that for a while, but not the whole day,” he replied in a soft voice as he handed the plate over the Flygon who nodded his thanks as Ribbon continued sumber on his chest. “Like maybe once everyone is up we can go to a Pokepark,” he added for an example as he headed back to the kitchen. “Or maybe go on a hike or something.”

Hmm, I kind of want to go to the park and get a good run in... Youko said with a small frown as she looked up at him. No staring at Poke asses though! At least, other than mine!

James rolled his eyes. “I promise I won’t look at any other Pokemon rear,” he said with a small shake of his head with a thin smile across his lips.

Good! Youko replied with a grin as she stretched up on her rear legs to lick his face. Carry me up the stairs?

“You do know I haven’t had my breakfast yet?” he infromed her.

She blinked twice. Oh right, sorry, she said, blushing faintly before she licked his face again. I always forget that I don’t take that long to eat.

“That you do,” he said with small chuckle as he went to make himself a simple PB&J sandwich.

Lucy was gone, most likely having fled back to her room leaving the two of them alone in the kitchen for the moment. I really am sorry about what I was saying before... I’m just not used to having her here yet, Youko said quietly in James’ mind. It’s only been... heck... three weeks?

“Yes, and I’m not mad at you, but you do have the tendency to run your mouth without thinking,” he said as began to spread the peanut butter over the two halves of his sandwich. “Something you need to work on now that she is here.”

Yeah, yeah I do, she agreed, letting out a sigh as she threaded between his legs. Oh well... we’re still going to the Pokepark and I’m looking forwards to it!

James smiled and nodded his head and began to eat his sandwich. After he finished eating and licking his fingers clean, he then held them out for her to jump into. Youko smiled and did so, hitting him in the chest with her body hard enough to make him stagger for a moment as she began to lick his face.

He began to chuckle as he got a better grip on her. “Hey, you don’t want me to fall down now do you?”

Hehe, sorry, I just like doing that, she replied playfully as her tails curled around his head and she nuzzled him lovingly. Besides, you’re my strapping ranger, you can take it.

“Yes, but sometimes you could take me off guard with your strenght,” he tells her as he began to make his way upstairs.

Oh well, you caught me and that’s what’s important, Youko replied with a smile on her muzzle as she licked his face. Mmmmmm I love you James, she said as she rested her head against his neck, closing her eyes. I love you so... so... so much.

“And I love you too my silver sunshine,” he said, nuzzling her head as he made it to his room. He sat down on the side of the bed and lay down, still holding onto the Ninetales.

Heh, I love that name, it makes me sound like a soda brand, Youko said as she nuzzled him back, licking him again.

James chuckled in amusement. “Really? That what it sounds like that?”

To me anyways, she agreed, nuzzling her head against her chin as her tails swirled around his legs. Drink Silver Sunshine! It’ll make your hair shiny and brighten your day! she said with a smirk though he couldn’t see it.

The man shook his head. “Definitely does sound like a drink when you put it like that.”

Heheheheh, oh well, I like it anyways, she said, snuggling closer to his chest. It means that you love me.

“Yep, that is true,” he said with a nod of his head while a hand ran up and down her back.

The fox let out a purr and nuzzled against him more, her eyes closed as she luxuriated beneath his hand. Mmmm that feels good. You know just how to pet me.

“Years of practice,” James said with a smile. “All I have to do is just pay attention to your purrs to know when I reach the right spot.”

Youko gave his chin a lick and purred a bit more as her tails curled tighter around him. That’s true, and you’ve had since I was a Vulpix to figure them out so you’ve got that going for you too. She smiled. Heh, I was such a cute little thing back then.

James closed his eyes and nodded his head. “Oh yes you were... and curious a little thing. Sticking your nose into lots of crooks and crannies you could get.”

Heheh, yes, yes I did, she replied and then chuckled. And didn’t that give you a surprise one day. Though out of fairness, I knew exactly what it was before I stuck my muzzle there.

James chuckled softly. “Still, I wasn’t expecting you to do it and you couldn’t blame me from reacting the way I did.”

My muzzle still smarts when I think about it, Youko said with a small chuckle. Right across it, heh. I won’t say I didn’t deserve it but... I’d been longing for you for a while and you’d been ignoring me.

“Hey, I didn’t have a physic with me at the time to know,” James said with a shrug.

True, and you were only fifteen, so I guess I should have realized how dim you were back then, she said with a small chuckle, licking his cheek. Teenaged boys have no idea when a girl likes them.

He rolled his eyes. “Oh, hardy, har har,” he said flatly before nuzzling her face.

Heheh, that’s the only reason I can come up with for you not realizing why you woke up with me sleeping on your face every morning with my tails around your face, she replied with a giggle.

“Don’t remind me,” he said with a shake of his head. “I still can’t believe you did that.”

Hey, a vixen’s gotta do what a vixen’s gotta do, she replied with a chuckle. Besides, it’s not like you minded that much.

His eyes glanced away slightly. “A bit... mostly after the third or fourth time...” he shook his head. “Still, you could’ve waited till I could get a fire stone to evolve you into a Ninetales.”

True but that ended up taking another year and at the time I just wasn’t willing to wait that long, she replied, snuggling closer to him. And in the end, it worked out alright for us didn’t it? None of the other Rangers have found out so far and unless one of them bursts in right now, they’re not going too. We’re happy together and I love you more than anyone else on earth.

James smile as he hugged the Ninetales closer to his chest. “True, and I love you all the same Youko.” He kissed her on the snout.

Youko smiled and licked him on the lips. Thank you James, I love you too. She then ducked her head into the bottom of his chin and purred heavily as her tails ran down his legs happily. James just smiled happily as he closed his eyes and rested his head down on the pillow, content with her warmth and the softness of her fur pressing against him.

I love the park! Youko exclaimed with a grin as she rubbed against James’ legs as they walked down the gravel path of the park. It’s the best place to go to just run around!

“That they are,” James agreed with a nod of his head. “And to play Frisbee too.”

Youko’s eyes darted up to said Frisbee, red and black with a Firestone emblazoned in the center. Oooh yes, I love Frisbee!

James smiled down at her as he waved the Frisbee in front of her, Youko’s eyes watching it intently. “Well then... go get it!” he yelled as he flung his arm out and it soared through the air.

Youko shot off like a bolt of lightning after the Frisbee, her legs pumping hard beneath her as she built up speed and then launched herself at it, grabbing it out of the air in her jaws and landing stylishly, tails flaring. Hah! You are mine!

James chuckle with a smile. “Good girl, but I was going easy on you on that one,” he said, holding his hand down for her to give it back to him. Youko walked over and gave it to him, or seemed to anyways, at the last minute she clamped her teeth down on it.

Are you man enough to take it from me? she challenged rebelliously.

The man raised an eyebrow at he before grasping the disk with both hands. “One way to find out,” he said with a challenging smile as he pulled back.

Youko replied in kind, pulling back just as hard with all of her might, starting to pull him forwards, growling playfully the whole time. James just chuckled as he continued to play tug-of-war with her, the disk going back and forth between the two of them. Youko held on tightly until James thought he was winning and then suddenly let go of it, causing him to stumble backwards, hitting the ground with an ‘oof’ as she charged forwards and began to lick his face.

I win! she cheered in his mind.

James rolled his eyes slightly and pet the back of her head. “Yes, you win,” he said with a small chuckle. She continued licking him for another few seconds before she reversed, getting off of him and swatting him on the face two or three times with her tails.

Again! she exclaimed in his mind.

“Alright, alright,” he said, pushing himself back up and dusting his pants with a hand. He then held back his throwing arm and flung the Frisbee once more, it flying high and longer than before.

Youko grinned in excitement and took off after it, tails fluttering behind her as she ran, chasing the spinning plastic dish for all she was worth. Time seemed to slow down ever so slightly as her eyes locked on the disk and then, her knees bending, she launched herself at it. The Frisbee connected with her jaws but she’d miss timed it and it fluttered over her head, it’s path uncertain. She landed with a slight stumble but her eyes snapped upwards again and she saw the Frisbee falling towards the ground a few feet away. With a yelp she leapt for it, her jaws snagging it out of the air a moment before it could touch the ground.

HA! I got you! Youko cheered, getting to her feet and giving the Frisbee a good shake. James ran up to her, panting slightly.

“Good catch, thought you were going to lose it for a moment,” he said, petting her head once more. Youko dropped the Frisbee and nuzzled him, licking him lovingly a few times like any other canine would. James smiles as he continued to pet her for a moment long before picking up the Frisbee and was about to through it again, but something caught his eye.

A red haired girl wearing a light green sundress was walking by with a Gallade, a soft smile on her face, what really caught his eye was that they were walking a little too close to each other down the path. In fact, their hips were touching and the Gallade was one hand gesture away from having his arm around her shoulder. Youko caught his glance and sniffed.

He’s been all over her, the Ninetales told James with a small frown. Should we do something?

James frowned slightly as the two walked by, tossing the Frisbee from one hand to the other. If we run into them later and there’s hard evidence of one manipulating the other, he replied loud enough for her to pick up.

Well then, let’s get back to it! Youko replied, grinning as she got back to her paws, clearly awaiting another round with the Frisbee, her tails flaring around her. James smiled and nodded his head as he tossed the Frisbee out once more, though after it was flying through the air his eyes glanced back at the girl and Gallade.

The Gallade was looking back at him, his eyes locked on James, a look somewhere between fearful and protective in his eyes. James looked at him for a short moment before turning away as if he saw nothing and waited for Youko to come back. The girl and the Gallade continued down the path as Youko sprinted back to him, Frisbee in her mouth.

Again! she cheered, a grin on her face as held it up to him.

James smiled down at her. “Of course, my silver sunshine,” he said as he took the Frisbee and the two continued to play in the park.

Chapter 37

I’m afraid I must leave you here, Luke told Mage as he stood outside of the door to Scarlet’s room. I’ve already told her that you’re coming. I will be in my room.

“Alright,” Mage said. “See ya round Luke.” Luke gave her a slight smile and vanished, leaving her alone in front of the door.

For a moment, Mage considered knocking, then shrugged and floated through the door. “Hello?” She called. “I was hoping to talk to Abby’s mom.”

“Well you came to the right room,” a woman’s voice spoke out as a Serperior slithered into view, a kind smile on her face. “Hi, you must be Mage, Luke told me you were coming.”

Mage smiled. “That’s me, nice to meet you Scarlet.”

“And it’s nice to meet you too, especially if you’re a friend to Abby. I always like meeting her friends... well, the very little ones she actually informed me about anyways, heh.” Scarlet chuckled lightly as she moved to an opening on the floor and coiled up. “Still, beggars can’t be chooser right? I should be thankful that someone actually wants to visit me, I need the break between crunching some numbers.”

“I suppose setting up a whole new Ranger Union must be pretty tough huh?” Mage asked.

“Pretty much... especially considering I’m the one mostly setting things up. Abby is good at a lot of things, but planning something to last for the far future is not her forte,” the Serperior said with another small chuckle, slowly shaking her head. “That and math, but that’s another story.”

Mage chuckled. “Sorry to hear that,” she said. “But I was actually hoping you could answer a question of mine.”

Scarlet’s head tilted slightly with an inquiring raise of her eyebrow. “Oh really? And what question would that be?”

“Well,” Mage began. “Luke said you were the Top Ranger in Unova, and since that’s kinda where our whole fugitive thing started, I was wondering why you didn’t end up tracking us down,” she shrugged. “I mean, Abby found us, so I guess we didn’t cover our tracks as well as we thought we did.”

A thin smile crossed the Serperior’s face. “No... you really didn’t, especially after what happen with the wedding. It only took me a day to find where Gene and Belle were currently hiding.”

Mage winced. “Yeah so... what gives? Not that I wanted more Rangers to come after us but I’m kinda curious.”

“Simple, I knew it wasn’t just a normal case of Pokephilia, it was... something more,” Scarlet replied. “You see, like Abby, I did the same thing of tracking down most wanted Pokephiles in my region and seeing if it was... well, true love or not. Most of them were, some of them weren’t. So after I read the follow up report of how the raiding of the wedding went, and heard Cynthia, Iris, and Juniper were there... well, I knew it wasn’t a case of Gene ‘brainwashing’ Belle into loving him. Mostly because, if it was, he would’ve been stopped by any of the Champions long ago.”

Mage nodded. “Cynthia and the others were cautious about believing us at first,” she remembered. “And... thanks, for not coming after us, those first few days were... they weren’t all that pleasant.”

“You’re welcome... beside, if I did my mom would slapped me across the face with a vine... or her tail,” the Serperior answered, the last part trailing off into a slight mutter.

“Oh?” Mage asked. “What do you mean by that?”

Scarlet blinked and opened her mouth to dismiss what she’d said, but she stopped herself and thought for a short moment. “You know... I don’t think I need to hide this anymore,” she murmured to herself before fully looking up at Mage. “I mean if did chase after Belle and Gene, then my mother would give me a beating with her Vine Whip attack, because she’s a Serperior.”

Mage blinked and looked at Scarlet in confusion. “Sooo... are you adopted?”

Scarlet chuckled lightly and shook her head. “No, she’s more of my step-mother, I still have my biological dad. You see, my dad had a falling out with the woman he loved and she filed for a divorce, leaving me under his care. My dad’s Serperior, which he had since she was a Snivy during his trainer days, kinda help in raising me and well... the two slowly began to feel more towards each other because of that.” The Serperior shrugged her leaf blades sprouting around her neck. “I never really questioned it much till I was around seven or eight, but she was all motherly as another mother would be, even if she was Pokemon. It’s one of the reason why I don’t judge harshly on some of the Pokepllias in my region. I would be a hypocrite if I didn’t basically.”

Mage smiled. “Aww, sweet story.”

“Heh, thanks, you’re probably the only one outside of my team who knows that,” Scarlet said with a small shake of her head. “I guess I really have no excuse to hold anymore Pokemon secrets anymore huh?”

“Nope, not really,” Mage said with a shake of her head.

“Boy, the things I can tell...” the Serperior mused as she closed her eyes and a thin smile curled on her lips.

Mage chuckled. “I suppose it is quite liberating huh?”

“One could say that,” Scarlet agreed. “I mean, I don’t really hide the fact I’m training a Zoroark who’s been masquerading as a human to become a detective.” She glanced up at Mage to see her giving the Serperior a queer look. “I broke your mind again, didn’t I?”

“Just a little bit, yeah.”

“Well you can learn more about that once Xerox is done with whatever he is doing in Fillydelphia,” Scarlet informed the Mismagius. “Other than that, all I can say he’s probably the only ‘human’ in Equestria,” she stated, two vines coming out to give out air quotes when she said human.

Mage shook her head and chuckled. “Well, I look forward to meeting him, but for now, I should probably head back,” she smiled. “Thanks for answering my questions.”

“It was no problem, if you have any more you like to ask feel free to visit me again,” Scarlet said with a small smile. “Though I’ll probably be out of my room soon. I want to explore this place a bit and maybe find a nice quite area to work on my moves. I might be good with Vine Whip but I know Serperiors can do a lot more than that.”

Mage smiled. “Good luck.”

“Thanks, say hi to Abby for me, I’m also looking forward to meeting Gene and Belle officially this time,” Scarlet said, a small chuckle rolling through her throat. “I don’t think bumping into them once really counts.”

Mage blinked and opened her mouth to ask when that had happened, but shook her head and chuckled. “Next time.” The Mismagius phased through the door, still chuckling silently.

“So, how is Fang holding up by the way?” Kasai as Gene as the Gallade lead him down the streets of Ponyville.

“He’s been fine,” Gene said with a shrug. “Ever since I found him in Canterlot, he’s been his usual old self,” Gene paused for a moment and added. “Except for when he tried to maul Blueblood, but he had it coming.”

“Blueblood?” the Arcanine asked with a puzzle frown.

Gene grimaced. “Annoying Prince we ran into up in Canterlot... he attacked Fang and tried to crash our wedding.”

Kasai let out a low ‘ooo’.“That must have not ended well for him, the trying to crash your wedding part.”

“Not sure how, but he ended up in the hospital with toxic shock,” Gene smiled. “I think he got attacked by a Muk or something.”

The Arcanine winced slightly, though a small chuckle rolled out of him. “I bet he’s not going to try anything stupid ever again.”

“I hope so,” Gene said. “He’s had two chances, I doubt he’ll live through a third.”

“Eh, one would hope,” Kasai said with a small shrug before looking forward and around the streets. “So, where is the old Houndoo-”

Kasai was knocked to the ground by a black and red blur before he could finish the sentence. “Kasai!” Fang shouted. “Good to see you again!”

Kasai took a moment to regain his bearings before giving the Houndoom a toothy canine grin. “Hehe, same for you Fang. How’ve you been?”

Fang chuckled. “Can’t complain, how’s Abby?” Fang sniffed the air. “She’s a... Ninetales?”

Kasai grined widen as he rolled back onto his paws, pushing Fang off of him. “Not just any Ninetales, but the most gorgeous one of them all, and she is doing good for being two and a half weeks into pregnancy.”

Fang gave a toothy grin. “Congratulations old friend.”

“Hehe, thanks, though it was bound to happen since she became a Ninetales eh? You know how frisky she could get sometimes,” Kasai stated with a witty smile and a loose chuckle.

Fang smiled. “True, true,” he said with a nod. “So what brings you to Ponyville?”

“Abby and I are thinking of reforming the Ranger Union here, so we’re actually going to head to Canterlot soon. However, we heard Gene and Belle were here so we thought to come by and visit them, along with telling that Abby and I are Rangers.” A thought clicked into Kasai’s mind as he looked at the Houndoom’s surprised expression. “Oh... right, you weren’t there during all of that. Ummm... surprise?”

Fang blinked twice. “Yeah, that is a surprise,” Fang shook his head and chuckled. “But I suppose I can see it in my heart to forgive you.”

Kasai smiled wide at Fang. “Thanks, I knew you wouldn’t have it in ya to get all mad at me; after all, who else would you wrestle with?”

Fang smirked. “Is that a challenge?”

“Maybe,” Kasai said as he took a few steps back. “Same rules, no moves, just pure strength?”

“Sounds good to me,” Fang said. “You have first move this time.”

“Why thank you,” Kasai said before running at a full charge at the Houndoom.

Gene, and the surrounding ponies, stopped what they were doing as the pair of giant dogs clashed, rolling around together in the dirt, raising a cloud of dust up above them. Then, they went about their daily business. It was Ponyville, a pair of giant dogs wrestling was nothing special really.

Gene chuckled as he watched Fang and Kasai bout it out, they did this every time they met up. Kasai worked on using his weight to rolled on top of Fang and attempted to keep the Houndoom pinned beneath him, but Fang managed to twist out from beneath him. “Nice try,” Fang said with a smirk. “But no dice.”

“Hey, I’m just getting warmed up,” Kasai said with a grin as he rushed forward, attempting another tackling pin.

Seeing the attack coming, Fang crouched back on his back legs and, once Kasai was close enough, launched himself up and over the Arcanine. Landing behind Kasai, Fang turned himself around and ran back towards the Arcanine, intent on knocking him to the ground. The Arcanine slide to a stop and was knocked down by the tackle.

“Omph!” Kasai grunted.

“You give?’ Fang smirked, jumping on top of Kasai.

“Heck no!” Kasai stated back in defiance as he rolled onto his back, bringing Fang with it as he was now sandwiched between the ground and a nearly three hundred and fifty pound Arcanine.

“Ow.” Fang mumbled from beneath Kasai.

“You give?” Kasai asked with a small grin as he tilted his head to the side to hear his response.

“Never!” Fang squirmed around, trying to get the Arcanine off of him. “... fine. Just get off of me.”

Kasai chuckled as he rolled off his back and off of the Houndoom and stood a few feet away from him. “When will you ever learn, never jump on my back,” he stated, continued to chuckle as he gave himself a good shake to lose some dirt and grass stuck to his fur.

Fang grumbled to himself and pouted.

“Hey cheer up, you almost had me,” Kasai told him as he walked up to Fang and give him a slightly nudge with his shoulder. “Beside, this makes us what, even in the terms of wins?”

Fang thought for a moment. “I think so,” he smirked. “You know this means that next time, there’ll be no holding back.”

“Hehe, of course, I can’t wait till that time,” Kasai said with a grin. “Anyways, now that’s over how about we catch up on some events eh?”

Fang nodded and smiled. “Sounds good to me.”

Author's Note

Short little 'shooting the shit' kind of chapter (as in the phrase, I don't think it's shit, heh) and I hope you guys liked it, more substantial updates are still behind Zeus but hopefully this'll tide you over a few days

Chapter 38

Axle smiled as he walked alone through the forest, it was nice to be on his own for once, free of worldly concerns and... in search of a battle, of course! Why else did one take walks through the woods if not in search of a fierce competition of wills in which one could possibly lose their life? To Axle, there was no fitting answer to that.

“Enjoying the walk?” a low male voice spoke casually from behind.

Axle’s eyes widened in surprise and he swung his head violently to the side, accidentally decapitating three or four trees in the process. He found himself looking at a familiar Bisharp. “Oh. It’s you. Why did you follow me? Can’t a responsible Haxorus not take a walk through the woods without being followed?”

“Who said I was following?” Lance stated in his indifferent voice. “I merely wanted to join you.”

“...” Axle scowled down at him and shook his head, Lance was beneath him, literally. Instead, he simply turned his back on him and kept walking through the woods, his head cocked to the side as a sound rang out in his ears ever so slightly. It was the sound of an axe blade slashing through stone and that could mean only one thing! There was another Haxorus about!

Axle’s smile grew as he increased his pace in the direction of the sound, crashing through the saplings and avoiding the larger trees without much trouble as he sped forward, his bulk surprisingly swift.

He came to the edge of a clearing and peeked around the trees to see that a Shiny Haxorus was in fact there, using its blades to cut through boulders. Axle watched for a moment, a slight frown on his face, something was off about her, yes, it was definitely a her, then he realized what it was. Her form was off. Sure, she had the broad strokes right but her execution was just the tiniest bit off, resulting in sloppy cuts.

“I know they’re supposed to be cleaner than this,” she said, shaking her head and putting a claw on her hip. “I’ve seen it, but what the heck am I doing wrong?”

Axle grinned, this was a chance sent by Arceus himself! A chance to impress a would be opponent into submission before a battle could even start! Without pausing to think, Axle let out a roar and thundered out of the treeline, making a beeline for the other Haxorus. She whirled around, her eyes widening but Axle ran right past her, deftly avoiding her tail as he leapt over it and came down, axehead slashing straight through the center of the boulder. He let out another roar and then turned back to her.

“And that is the proper form for boulder slicing,” he said with a grin.

She stared at him for a moment before shaking her head. “What the heck?” she asked. “I thought you were going to attack me.”

“Without first challenging you?” Axle asked with a shake of his head. “No, I was simply showing you how to execute a proper cut, you must put your heart into it! Scream and roar out in passion as you split your foe! Laugh as their dusty blood falls across your face! Stomp as their pathetic stone corpse falls to the side, defeated and worthless to you.”

She flinched backwards. “Sheesh that’s gruesome, and I raised a Hydreigon.”

“I decapitated all three heads of one once,” Axle said in reply with a smile. “That was a good battle, wonderful revenge for Abby’s family.”

“Uh huh,” She shook her head. “Who are you?”

“My name is Axle, my trainer’s name is Abby Trombley if that means anything to you,” Axle stated with a shrug.

“Cynthia told me about her,” the female Haxorus said, rubbing her chin. “Said she was a Ranger who helped out Gene and Belle.”

“Yes, that’s Abby,” Axle agreed, nodding his axehead. “And what I said was true about your cuts, they’re sloppy because you’re not putting your heart into them. Feel the bloodrage.”

The female rolled her eyes. “Yeah, well, I’m new to this, usually I’m the one giving the order to attack, not dishing them out,” she shook her head. “I’m Iris by the way.”

“The Champion?” Axle inquired with a frown.

“Champion, Dragonmaster, yep, that’s me.” She looked down at her claws. “I’m a Shiny Haxorus now.”

“And that is an excuse for bad form?” Axle asked before shaking his head. “Of course it isn’t! As a Haxorus fighting is everything! You must feel your blood pumping through your head, savor the feeling of adrenaline rushing through your body, anticipate the victory that you, and only YOU can gain over your opponents!”

“Wow,” Iris said. “You are literally nothing like my Haxorus, and I mean at all. I shouldn’t be surprised, Shauntal has a Cofagrigus that plays chess, but really.”

“It comes from being originally raised in captivity for use as an arena fighter where we killed our opponents and ate them if we expected to eat at all,” Axle stated with a shake of his head. “But that still does not excuse your poor form! You are a Haxorus now Iris! You must uphold our standard and at the moment, I have seen Axew with more blood than you!”

Iris did her best to ignore that first part. “Yeah well, I guess Haxorus did usually roar before she attacked,” Iris shrugged. “So thanks for the advice, I guess.”

“You are welcome!” Axle said with a grin before he gestured at the boulder, or at least a side of it that was less sloppily cut to pieces. “Now attack! Put your heart into it so called Champion! Make this piece of stone rue the day that it met you as you carve it into little pebbles! Stomp it into the dust for every insulting cut you have given it! Grind its dust into grit and then wear it proudly upon your scales!”

Iris looked at Axle in disbelief, then at the boulder. “Ookay,” Iris said.

“With confidence! Feel the RAGE pumping through you!” Axle roared at her.

“I’m not really an angry person,” Iris said with a shrug.

“THEN YOU’RE NOT A HAXORUS!” Axle shouted, his voice echoing through the clearing. “ARE YOU A DRATINI? CUT THE ROCK!”

“Okay! Okay!” Iris said. “Just don’t do that again.” Positioning herself in front of the boulder, Iris closed her eyes. She’d seen this kind of thing done a millions times before, she’d ordered it done a thousand times before.

Iris took a deep breath and, channeling all her energy into the chop, she yelled. “RAAHHHH!!” Cutting the boulder in two.

“HAHAHAHHA! YES! CAN YOU FEEL IT?!” Axle shouted to her, a giant grin on his face.

Iris admired her handiwork, the boulder was cut clean in two, much neater than her last few attempts. “Huh, would ya look at that,” she said with a smile. “Thanks for your help Axle.”

Axle grinned and walked up to her, slamming his hand against her back. “It was no trouble! You just have to find your inner dragon, Champion! Ride that dragon! Become that dragon! Overwhelm all who oppose you and grind their bones to dust beneath your rage!”

Iris raised an eyebrow. “Do you... do you always talk like that?”

“No, sometimes I am asleep,” Axle replied, remembering a quip that Lex had stabbed him with.

“Right,” Iris said. “Well, anyway, I promised I’d go catch up with some friends later today so I’m just gonna go now.”

“Ah, alright, I shall fight you later then,” Axle said with a nod of his head. “Remember! Channel your fury and make it a blade that can crash through mountains!”

“Uh huh, I’ll do that... wait, did you say fight me?!” There was a hint of worry in her voice.

“Yes of course, why do you think I was here in the first place?” Axle inquired, tilting his head to the side. “I came here seeking a fight and thought there was a worthy opponent to be found here. Sadly, I was mistaken. At the moment, you are hardly worth my time as far as a fight goes. It is actually kind of sad, I was looking forwards to fighting another Haxorus.”

“Well when I find mine, I’ll let you know,” Iris wasn’t sure whether to be relieved, offended, or some combination of the two. “But I’m not letting you near my Hydreigon.”

“In my defense, it did eat Abby’s parents and was deserving of the tri-decapitation,” Axle defended himself, harrumphing once. “I don’t decapitate everyone I meet, only the bastards.”

Iris sighed. “Fine, I guess it did deserve that.” Pokemon like that were the reason some people feared Dragons.

“It did,” Axle said with a nod of his head. “Now, didn’t you have somewhere to be?”

“Right,” Iris remembered. “Gotta go meet up with him, see you later, I guess.” Iris walked off, heading deeper into the forest.

“Hahah, that went well, even if I did not get to fight her,” Axle said with a grin.

“If you are looking for a fight, I’m open for some sparing,” Lance said from up in the tree tops.

Axle glanced up at him, leaning on the side of a tree as he stood on a branch. “Fine, though I dislike fighting beneath my weight class... you fast guys are the hardest.”

If the Bisharp didn’t have his mask obscuring his face, he would’ve smirked. He bent his legs and jump from the branch into the clearing, holding one of his blade arms up as he took a stance. “All the more challenging for you, if it helps, I’ll only use my right arm.”

Axle just smiled down at him. “Good, then I can rip the other off!” he bellowed, lowering his head, a big grin on his face.

Claire sat on a branch on some random tree in the forest, the leaves blocking out the sun as she just sat there and thought. Her mind was just... fuddled with emotions and uncertainty with the whole argument she’d had with Justice. The whole ordeal to her has been just... frustrating to say the least. She understood Justice wanting to find the ones he’d mated with before to check on them... but it just... hurt her that continued to try ‘seduce’ new ones even now she was supposed his only mate.

Can’t he see if he continues to do that, then what would it really make me? Just another face among Arceus how many others?

The Swellow let out a sigh.

And if he wants to give ‘joy’ to others, it’s not helping that I feel that like it means little when he gives it to nearly every female wanting to mate with him. It’s like how Vivi says she loves everyone but that’s more in the terms of just friendship levels.

Claire’s wings fluttered out slightly before resting on her side once more.

Plus I doubt some of ones he went out with weren’t filled with much ‘joy’ after the eggs hatch and they had to raise the fledglings by themselves, she thought acidically.

She took in a deep breath and let it out once more in a heavy sigh.

And is that question... do I want just do this alone, or let him tag along? I mean... I want this to work... but if he keeps this up... it will just... tear us apart and he’ll be off flying once more to who knows where, spreading his ‘joy’ to wherever he can. And... is that really helping him?

Claire frowned slightly on pondering her own question.

This kind of nature is always... short rewarding. You find someone, you get happy, and you look off for your next ‘fuck’. In what way is that actually helping him? It’s more breaking him down piece by piece... like a drug addict. To the point where getting a fix is a normal part of life.

The Swellow blinked blankly.

I need to pull him out of this... and to do that is by staying with him. I need to start getting him off of the addiction and more into... well the real thing I guess on what it means to be a mate. I mean, he said himself he wants to settle down... I just got to make it happen. The question is how?

Claire lightly tapped one of her talons against the edge of the branch she was standing on as she gazed down to think.

“HAHAHAH A GOOD MATCH AS EVER!” an explosive voice shouted from below, startling Claire so badly that she let out a squawk and nearly fell off of the branch. “I still say I almost won it!”

“You’re lucky we ended up at a tie, I would’ve won several other matches if I wasn't using both of my arm blades,” Lance’s voice spoke shortly after with a small chuckle. Claire looked down below to see the Bisharp and Haxorus walking beneath her, both looking battle scarred with several signs of rough scuffs and scratches along with dirt covering their bodies.

“No, I would have stopped HOLDING BACK!” Axle replied loudly, a chuckle rolling out of his throat.

“Oh, I thought you weren’t,” Lance stated with a teased in his voice. “I mean, it felt like I was battling a Druddigon, so I thought you were over exaggerating your skills,” he added with a shrug.

“A Druddigon?! That pasty pale imitation of a REAL dragon?!” Axle roared at Lance. “THAT WAS YOUR BEST COMPARISON!?”

“Yes, I mean unless I’m mistaken on how a ‘fierce’ Haxorus was supposed to act,” the Bisharp shrugged again. “Normally I take them down before they have a chance to roar at me, so my knowledge of them are slim.”

Axle snorted and rolled his eyes. “Fools without the knowledge to control their rage, that’s all you’ve been fighting.”

“Then maybe next time you can show me what a Haxorus who can is like, and maybe by that time I can show you what a true elite Bisharp can do too,” Lance said with a challenging tone to his voice.

“My pleasure!” Axle exclaimed, slapping Lance on the back and sending him face first into a tree with the force of the blow. “Oh, sorry, you okay?”

Lance pressed his arms into the tree and dislodged the blade on his head from the tree. “Yes, not the first time that has happened to me.” He raised his arm to rubbed the blade, small metal on metal scraping noise rang out for a moment before he lowered his arm. “Let’s continue, we probably want to make it back before sunset or Scarlet and Abby might get a bit worried on what we’re up to.”

“Right,” Axle agreed before the two set off on their merry way.

Claire eyed them as they walked away before shaking her head. Those two... now... to find Justice. She opened her wings and jumped off the branch, flapping a couple of times before she soared high into the sky. She gained some altitude and began to fly in a circle, knowing sooner or later, he would spot her.

It didn’t take too long before the large Braviary’s wings cast a shadow over her and the eagle swooped down until he was on her level, the massive wings snapping open. For his part, Justice looked calm, the picture of a confident male.

“Claire,” he said softly.

“Justice,” she replied just as softly, keeping a neutral expression on her face.

“Talk to me,” he told her simply.

The Swellow remain silent for a short moment. “....I understand you wanting to find your past... partners and see how they are doing... but you can’t try to find another female to swoon over. If you want to settle down, then settle down with me. Let us find a spot to build a nest, a home for the two of us and when the time comes take care of the eggs and soon our fledglings.” Her expression softened to an almost pleading look. “Please Justice... I want this to work... and I want to bring you joy like you do to others... but I can’t fully do that if you keep searching for others to mate with. It... won’t work for the two of us.”

Justice closed his eyes. “Claire, it was only because it was Articuno... I’m not just going to drop you for the next Pidgeot I see,” he said slowly. “Look, that doesn’t mean that I won’t spend time with, and possibly mate once more with any of my old mates if they want me too, but that also doesn’t mean that I won’t stay with you. We can build a nest and start a family but you are not first in my heart. I apologize for that but you just aren’t. We haven’t even begun to have time for that to happen.”

“Then let’s work on that,” she said.

“Yes, let’s,” Justice agreed, flapping his wings twice. “How?”

“By doing what we talked about settling in... and trying to work past our differences and focus more on trying to strengthen what is holding us together,” she answered.

Justice nodded. “Very well... please don’t get angry at me again, it is what I want least of all from this, making you angry,” he said, shaking his head. “If nothing else Claire, you are a good friend to me, a good comrade as well, and I hate making those angry.”

“...I’ll try... and I’m sorry for interrupting you with Articuno,” Claire said softly.

A sigh left Justice’s throat. “To be honest, it is probably for the best, I hate to think what would have happened if she had taken my relationship status the wrong way,” he said dryly.

“...to be honest, you would probably be a Bravsicle if she did take it the wrong way,” the Swellow commented.

“Yes, though hopefully she would catch me before I hit the ground and shattered,” the Braviary replied, chuckling softly.

Claire chuckled softly in agreement. “Hopefully... what would the world be like without Justice to watch over it?” she asked with a small smile as she glanced up to him.

“A very lawless place my little bird, a very lawless, loveless place,” Justice answered with an amused chuckle.

“True...” A soft smile crossed her beak. “How about we go look for a good tree to build a nest on before heading back to the others?”

Justice nodded and then frowned. “Either a tree or a cliff face, that is normally what Braviarys use.”

“Well there are lots of trees... don’t know about cliff face though,” Claire said with a small frown. “Maybe later we can see if any are nearby?”

“That sounds like a good idea, let’s see if we can’t find a home a little closer to Ponyville itself, I do not fancy a ten minute flight to be by Abby’s side,” Justice commented, frowning deeply.

“Nor do I with Scarlet,” Claire added with a nod of her head.

“Good, then we’re decided then,” Justice declared with a smile. “Shall we get going?”

“Let’s.”

Abby plopped herself down next to Kasai on the hotel bed, a long, tired sigh leaving her throat as she snuggled against his warm bulk. “Good day catching up with Gene?” she asked as she gave him a loving nuzzle.

“It went extremely well,” Kasai replied, returning the nuzzle. “We also met up with Fang and the two of us did our friendly wrestling match and I won this time,” he said with a proud smile.

“Oh good, I know how much you love coming in on top,” Abby said, smirking ever so slightly. “You put so much effort into those matches, it’s really nice to know that I’ve got the strongest dog around here as my mate,” she added, nuzzling him again.

Kasai preened under the attention and nuzzled her back. “Why thank you my beautiful vixen.”

“Though, you know, I can’t help but notice just how intensely you two go at it,” Abby continued, a twinkle in her eye. “Are you sure there’s nothing more to your little ‘matches’ then you let on?” she asked, raising an eyebrow.

“What?” Kasai asked before he caught the tone of her voice and blushed. “Abby, you know very well that it’s not like that. Heck, even if Fang was gay, and he’s not, trust me, then I’m definitely not!”

Abby just chuckled and gave his cheek a lick. “Relax you big puppy, I was joking,” she said with a wry chuckle.

“Not a very funny joke if you ask me,” Kasai grumbled but leaned over to lick her back all the same. Abby continued to chuckle for a moment before letting out a small sigh and burrowing into Kasai’s warm fur.

Hmm, now that’s a very pleasing image, Inner suddenly said, making herself heard. Abby turned crimson at the image that was suddenly put into her mind.

Why would you want that? Aren’t you supposed to care about the natural order and stuff? Abby replied as she snuggled closer into Kasai’s fur.

There’s a difference between what I’m meant to do, and what I want, Inner shot back. And don’t deny the idea isn’t appealing to you as well.

... I’m the one who brought it up in the first place, Abby pointed out, her mind wandering further down that alley. Though I’m kinda glad that it’s not real, I like having Kasai all to myself, and so do you.

Doesn’t mean I can’t entertain the idea, Inner retaliated, replaying the now-moving image.

Abby chose to ignore the little voice in her head and instead just glanced up at Kasai. “Really, I’m just glad that we finally came out to Belle and Gene,” she said. “We’ve been lying to them for way too long if you ask me.”

“Oh, I agree,” Kasai said, nodding his head. “Not having to lie anymore is a big relief, especially considering that they’re two of our most special friends.”

“Yes... yes they are,” Abby agreed, her mind drifting back to some of the nights that the four and their extended families had shared around the campfire.

Kasai nodded again and leaned over to lick Abby’s face. “So, what did you talk to ‘Twilight’ about?”

“Lots of things,” Abby answered unhelpfully.

“I figured that much,” Kasai stated, rolling his eyes. “Anything specific?”

“Oh, mostly just law code and stuff,” the Ninetales said, chuckling softly. “It’s stuff that you know already.”

“Ah, that’s good,” Kasai said with a small smile. “Anything interesting?”

“The only parts that I didn’t really know were a lot of the interracial marriage laws, you know because we didn’t exactly have any,” Abby answered. “Mostly to do with who gets what and how wedding traditions intersect.”

“Do we need to know about that stuff to do our job?” the golden Arcanine inquired, frowning faintly.

“Mostly in case Pokemon start marrying them,” Abby replied, shrugging slightly. “Though I don’t think we’re going to need to worry about that for a little bit.”

“Okay... and what about tomorrow? What are we doing?”

“Going to Canterlot in the morning and walking to the castle,” Abby answered. “Mom’s going to stay here and watch out for the Team.”

“Right... we bringing anyone other than us?” he inquired.

“I’m thinking Luke in case we need a quick teleport back to the hotel or if I start going into labor...” she said, nudging her growing stomach.

“Right,” Kasai agreed, nudging her belly as well and leaning his head against it. Her stomach was warm and he felt the rounded shape of the egg within her. A smile crossed his face and he brought his head up to nuzzle her. “Oh Abby, I love you,” he said quietly.

Abby smiled and licked his cheek. “I really wish that I could actually kiss you right now,” she said softly.

“So do I,” he said before he leaned his shoulder into hers and laid his head against the Ninetales’. “But I like this too.”

Abby just smiled and leaned back as her mind began to slip off to sleep.

Chapter 39

Abby and Kasai walked off of the train together the following morning Luke following along a bit behind them, keeping his eyes on the lookout for anything out of the ordinary as the pair did their best to avoid running into the shorter ponies. The three looked around the city before them with interested gazes. It was made of marble and stone, decorated fancifully and to Abby at least, looked like something out of a fairytale. She glanced over at Kasai who had started forwards again, already having observed his fill of the place.

“Huh, nice place,” the Arcanine commented, glancing back at Abby as they made their way forwards.

“Mhm, very picturesque,” Abby agreed, waddling along beside him. The egg within her had apparently become much bigger over the course of the night. What this actually meant, Abby couldn’t say.

“Are you sure you’re alright with walking Abby?” Kasai inquired, frowning as he looked over her.

“Kasai, I’m fine, stop worrying so much,” Abby said, nuzzling the golden Arcanine. “I’m sure the egg is going to be fine.”

Indeed... it seems to be fine, Luke agreed with a nod of his head.

That was when Abby spotted something odd, the sea of ponies in front of them seemed to be parting.

Princess Luna smiled as she spotted Abby. “Hello Abby,” she said. “Tis good to meet you outside the dreamscape.”

Abby’s eyes widened faintly, she hadn’t expected them to get an escort, least of all from Princess Luna herself. She glanced at Kasai and Luke before walking up to the mare.

“Hi there Luna,” Abby replied with a smile. “It’s good to meet you in the real world too, this is my mate Kasai and my good friend Luke.”

Hello... Princess, Luke said nervously pulling at the collar of his sun patterned sweater.

“Hello,” Kasai said, giving the mare a look over. “Thanks for helping Abby with her nightmare, I can only do so much when I curl up beside her.”

“Greetings Kasai, Luke,” she said with a nod. “And think nothing of it, I was only doing my job.”

“Still, I’m very thankful for it,” Abby said, leaning up to lick Luna on the cheek. “It was a really bad dream.”

Luna smiled. “Well, now that you are here, I suppose it would be best not to keep my sister waiting,” Luna glanced back at Abby for a moment and frowned. “Are you certain you can make the walk Abby?” She gestured back towards the castle. “It is quite a walk.”

Abby frowned for a moment and then looked in the direction of the castle, now that it had been pointed out to her to distinguish it from all the other buildings around her, it did indeed appear to be quite a walk. The Ninetales glanced up at Luna, shuffling her paws a little.

“Now that you mention it... this egg is pretty heavy, but I don’t want to inconvenience you,” Abby said with a frown.

I would teleport us... but I’ve never been to this castle, Luke offered, fiddling with his scarf.

Luna chuckled. “No problem,” her horn lit up. “Just hold still.” There was a flash of blue and a swirl of shadows before the group found themselves standing in a hallway within what Abby assumed was Canterlot Castle, just before a large set of ornate doors.

Abby blinked twice and then smiled. “Thanks a lot Luna,” she said.

“Yes, thank you, I was worried about her,” Kasai said, nuzzling the side of Abby’s head. “I don’t want her to strain herself too much right now.”

Luna smiled. “T’was no problem at all,” she gestured to the doors. “My sister cleared her schedule for the day, so she’s ready whenever you are.”

“Right,” Abby said with a nod before looking over at Luke. “You sure you don’t want to come?”

I would rather... look around... Luke answered before glancing at Luna. ... if that’s okay at any rate.

Luna nodded. “But of course, feel free to explore, if you're interested, I can point you towards the Castle Gardens or the Royal Library?”

I would prefer to simply... wander, Luke answered. But... thank you... Princess.

Luna smiled. “You are most welcome,” she looked to Abby. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I promised my student I would meet him and his... girlfriend, for lunch.” Luna turned and walked down the hallway, stopping halfway, she turned back and said. “Good luck,” before disappearing in a puff of smoke.

Abby glanced over at Luke who gave her a weak smile and then began to walk off. Kasai nuzzled her.

“Ready?” he inquired.

“Yeah, yeah I am,” Abby said, nodding her head before she walked forwards and pushed the door open. Awaiting her on the far side of the room was a tall, white alicorn with a brilliant rainbow mane. Pushing aside a few niggling doubts, Abby walked forwards, Kasai at her side. When she had drawn close enough, she gave the mare a respectful nod of her head and then spoke. “Princess Celestia, my name is Abby Trombley and on behalf of the Ranger Union, I’m here to beg for money.”

Celestia chuckled and shook her head. “Right to the point are we?” she asked with a smile. “Honestly I’d prefer if a few more nobles were like that sometimes.”

“Well, normally I might have sugar coated it a little, but not in this case,” Abby answered, shaking her head. “At the moment, I’m completely broke but I want to re-start the Ranger Union so I need money... and well, I figure that asking the local government would be a better idea than trying to figure out how to fund it by myself.”

Celestia nodded again. “Makes sense, but before I agree to anything, I’d like to hear a little about the Ranger Union, from someone who was actually a part of it.”

“That’s fair,” Abby said before closing her eyes. “The Ranger Union was started by Professor Hastings, who despite his failings, of which there are several, had the best of intentions for the Rangers,” Abby began. “He wanted there to be a group who were independent of the Regional Governments and the Police force so that they wouldn’t get bogged down in the bureaucracy when we were out there trying to protect Pokemon.” The Ninetales paused for a moment before continuing.

“That of course was our main goal, protecting Pokemon from humans who would abuse or hunt them. The Union covered a wide variety of types of cases including Pokemon Abuse, Pokephilia, and underground Pokemon Fighting Leagues to name a few... I’ve been a member since I was 16 and I’ve seen my fair share of horrible things, I know that our organization was overzealous in the past,” she glanced at Kasai who growled slightly in agreement. “But I also know for certain that we saved the lives of hundreds of thousands of Pokemon.”

Celestia closed her eyes for a long moment before taking a deep breath and opening her eyes. “Miss Trombley, I believe that setting up this Union of yours here in Equestria could be quite helpful in dealing with the Pokemon,” her horn glowed for a second and a quill and a blank scroll appeared in front of her. “Since the Pokemon are technically ruled by Lord Arceus, even if they are counted as citizens, having a police force separate from the ruling government makes sense,” she paused. “So you and any other Rangers you recruit will report directly to me, or my sister, whenever the need arises.”

The Ninetales nodded her head. “I figured as much... now comes the part where you ask what I need and I make you flinch right?” she asks, only half joking.

Celestia chuckled again. “I’m over one thousand years old, I’ve heard just about every outrageous request possible, if you manage to make me flinch, I’ll give you a medal.”

“Tempting,” Abby said, chuckling slightly before becoming serious again. “Okay, I need enough land in a fairly central part of the kingdom, maybe in or around Ponyville, to build a large headquarters. We’re going to need our own small hospital, our own labs, and enough room left over for people to sleep if they’re between missions. Oh, and enough room for classrooms, gotta have those and an obstacle course.”

“And the rooms are going to have to be big enough for most of the large land Pokemon to fit inside of comfortably,” Kasai added, speaking up for the first time. “Oh, and roosts for the Flying Types.”

Abby nodded. “That too, which is just going to make things more expensive for you,” she said, glancing up at Celestia.

Celestia closed her eyes again before her horn glowed again and a scroll appeared before her, unrolling the budget details to read for herself for a long moment.

“Well Miss Trombley,” she said with a smile, writing something on the scroll. “Will this be enough?” she floated the scroll over to the Ninetales.

Abby looked at the scroll for a moment and let out a long whistle. “Princess, I still don’t know how your money system works yet, but that is a lot of zeroes.”

“Yeah... I’ll say,” Kasai agreed , blinking in surprise.

Celestia chuckled. “When you’ve lived as long as I have, you find ways to make the money work for you,” Celestia thought for a moment, then asked. “Will you be needing any... employees? Scientist, nurses, etcetera?”

The Ninetales frowned for a moment before nodding her head. “Sure, we’ll take whoever you can give us, and if you can put out a governmental announcement saying that we’re looking for Nurse Joys, Chancys, Blisseys and Audino, that would be great.Oh, and of course whatever pony nurses and doctors you’ve got on hand who wouldn’t be opposed to learning seven hundred new body types.”

“I believe I can do that,” Celestia said with a nod. “And I’ll see about getting you a scientist or two for the lab, if you need them that is.”

Abby’s expression changed into a small frown. “Maybe... I know that we could use a few good ones... I’m kind of hoping that I can convince Hastings to step in and help out for the greater good... but I doubt it.”

“Oh, and send out a request for Rangers and maybe ex Police officers too!” Kasai exclaimed as the thought occurred to him. “We won’t be able to do a lot with just our little Team and Scarlet’s.”

“I’ll add them to the list,” Celestia said. “But in case Gene didn’t tell you, there are two Rangers in Ponyville right now.”

Abby blinked twice. “Really? Who?”

Celestia thought for a moment. “I met them at the wedding... ah! Solana and Lunick are their names.”

“Sol and Luni? They’re here?” Abby asked, her eyes widening. “And Gene didn’t tell us?”

“In his defense, we did kinda surprise him,” Kasai pointed out with a small shake of his head. “But it’s still good to know that they’re here. More Top Rangers to bring us up to four.”

Celestia smiled, she loved when things worked out, even if it was just something small. “Well, I suppose I’d better get started on this,” she held up the scroll in her magic. “I’ll have a construction crew ready by the end of the week, and I’ll draw up the deed to the land you’ll need once they get a good blueprint together.”

“Wonderful!” Abby said, walking forwards and giving a slightly surprised Celestia a lick on the cheek. “Thank you so much Princess!”

Celestia smiled. “You’re most welcome Miss Trombley,” she said with a nod. “Now, is there anything else you’d like to discuss?”

“Hmm...” Abby frowned, her tails twitching for a moment. “Nothing except to please send Day Guard Captain Ace of the Las Pegasus Guard a letter saying that we’re all fine.”

“Of course,” Celestia said with a smile.

“Oh, and maybe send her a bonus for putting up with my little family for so long,” Abby added thoughtfully. “She deserves it, believe me.”

The Princess chuckled. “After everything that’s happened in Las Pegasus, I believe she at least deserves that much.”

“No arguments there,” Kasai said with a smile as he sat there, smiling. “Hmm, I can’t think of anything else other than to say hi, I’m Kasai, Abby’s mate.”

“Pleased to meet you Kasai,” Celestia said with a smile.

“Right then,” Abby said, walking back over to Kasai. “Thank you for your time Princess, I’ll be staying in the hotel in Ponyville until the Union HQ is complete so send me messages there when you need things, or just give them to Twilight.”

“Very well Miss Trombley,” Celestia said with a nod. “I hope to see you again soon, but until then, enjoy your stay in Canterlot, and if there’s anything you need, just ask.”

“I will,” Abby replied, smiling before she frowned, as did Celestia and Kasai.

ARGH!

It was a simple, angry, mental scream. It was Luke’s scream.

Luke walked sedately down the hallways, his eyes taking in the architecture and the beauty of the surroundings. The events of yesterday had left him feeling... utterly drained and he was happy for a chance to see something beautiful. Other than Abby of course. He froze mid-step and closed his eyes.

No. Must not think about it, he thought to himself before he continued walking. Just... don’t.

He’d been walking along for perhaps ten minutes when he felt something push against his mental defenses, something vast, and powerful, very powerful. Luke froze in place, reinforcing his mental defenses as the world around him melted away and he stood atop the ramparts of his mind.

The force paused momentarily, as if considering its next step, then pushed forward and tore a hole in Luke’s defenses. Luke’s eyes widened as the first wave of his walls crumbled and he gritted his teeth, pulling up his secondary, much stronger wall to cover the opening.

The force paused again before pushing forward, slicing through the second wall like a hot knife through butter. Luke’s eyes burned blue and he sent out a wave of mental force at his assailant, a thousand blades of Night Slash cutting at the Psychic invader, channeling his inner power.

Apparently sensing the attacks, the invader raised its own Barrier. Each and every blade bounced harmlessly off the psychic force field. The Gallade let out a frustrated exhale and brought his hands slashing down, trapping the invader in a flux space without gravity or air.

The creature, whatever it was, paused and... chuckled. Before Luke could react, a powerful Psychic attack tore the flux field apart. Luke swore quietly under his breath and chose to go with the brute force method, his psychic powers reaching out and grabbing the invader, slamming it into the ground with the speed of greased lightning.

Straining slightly, the invader plied Luke’s grip open, then turned its attention on Luke directly. Grabbing the Gallade, the force held Luke down as it approached him. Luke struggled within its grasp before giving that up as hopeless. Instead, he focused on his will and sent a shockwave of force at the invader from above, hoping to catch it off guard and possibly loosen its grip.

The shockwave hit the invader, forcing it to the ground momentarily, and loosening its grip on Luke ever so slightly. Without waiting to see any more, Luke fled into his mental keep, pulling up hundreds of walls in his wake and sending everything he had at the invader. No one had ever breached his mind in this way, no one, and he was beginning to panic.

There was a soft rumbling noise from the outside of the keep for a moment, slowly it grew louder, and louder, and louder. The last wall was thrown upwards, revealing the complete wreckage the invader had left in its wake. Luke’s defenses had been utterly obliterated, all of his carefully planned measures lay in ruin and his memories were exposed to the world.

The invader approached Luke slowly, then paused and examined him curiously. Interesting, a firm mental voice said. Slowly, the force began to take form. A pair of three toed feet, a purple tail, thin body, and oddly shaped, almost feline-like head, with a tube connecting the base of the head to the neck. “I was expecting a Metagross, or a very well trained Alakazam,” Mewtwo said. “Not a Gallade.”

Luke stared at Mewtwo, there was no mistaking who it was and despite himself, he began to shake with rage. “GET OUT OF MY HEAD!” he roared, holding his hands out and sending a tsunami of power at the other psychic in an attempt to send him away.

Mewtwo slid backwards as the mental wave hit him, then gritted his teeth. Holding out a hand, Mewtwo pushed the wave back towards Luke. Luke struggled against it but was unable to resist for long and was pushed into the wall.

“What is it that you’re trying so hard to hide?” Mewtwo asked, reflexively bringing several of Luke’s memories to him. “Believe me, I’ve been through enough to...” Mewtwo paused as he examined a very recent memory, specifically, Luke’s conversation with Mage the day before, and then even deeper to a thought that accompanied it. Luke dancing hand in hand with a blonde woman, a blonde woman who became a Ninetales who then nuzzled an Arcanine lovingly. “Ah,” the Legendary said. “I see.”

Luke’s eyes blazed with blue. ARGH! he screamed with incoherent rage, calling upon every moment of his personal hell and hurling them at Mewtwo, placing the Legendary within his ‘role’ through the very worst of them.

Mewtwo staggered backwards as the memories overcame him. Growling as he tried to remove them, he struck back with his own. Half remembered injections and experiments, losing his first friends, his work at the hands of Giovanni, they did naught to stop the flow of Luke’s hell.

Mewtwo dropped to his knees, his hands on his head. “No, no, no, no, no,” he muttered to himself. “E-e-e,” Mewtwo’s eyes snapped open, blazing blue. ENOUGH!! Mewtwo blasted the memories assaulting him to pieces and, as quick as he could, withdrew himself from Luke’s mind.

Luke stood there panting for a long moment before his mental legs gave out beneath him and he collapsed, utterly spent.

Chapter 40

Abby and Kasai, followed by Princess Celestia ran down the corridor until they saw something that make Kasai roar with rage. Luke was laying on his back, eyes closed and a figure that they immediately recognized as Mewtwo was standing over him, eyes wreathed with blue.

“STAY AWAY FROM HIM!” Kasai roared as Abby snarled beside him.

Mewtwo whirled around to see an Arcanine and a Ninetales standing behind him, both were furious. Princess Celestia walked up behind then, a worried expression on her face. Ah... h-hello, Mewtwo shook his head, unable to shake the verbal tick those memories had left. I... I think I had better apologize.

“What the fuck did you do to Luke?!” Abby snarled, not at all caring who she was addressing. “If you’ve hurt him then... then...”

“I’ll rip your ass off. Literally rip it off,” Kasai stated flatly, his teeth blazing.

Celestia looked at the unconscious Gallade and remembered everything Mewtwo had done. “What happened?” she asked coldly.

Mewtwo took a deep breath. W-well, I... he paused and focused, shoving Luke’s memories into the deepest recesses of his mind. I was simply investigating why there was a mental fortress rivaling a Metagross’ in the castle, and your friend did not take kindly at my attempts to discern who and what he was.

“So... you violated his mind to satisfy your curiosity and then knocked him unconscious?!” Abby screeched, fire blossoming in her jaws again.

Not at first, Mewtwo said coldly. Yes, I invaded his mind, but I did not do any serious damage... not until he forced his memories upon me. The Legendary shuddered.

“Well then maybe you shouldn’t have been trying to break into a fucking castle!” Kasai snarled.

Abby watched with narrowed eyes as Mewtwo made a tail gesture at Luke and his eyes flickered open with a start. Then he saw Mewtwo standing above him. Without a second thought or moment of hesitation, Luke brought a Night Slash straight into Mewtwo’s chest.

Mewtwo didn’t have a chance defend himself before he was slammed him into the castle wall. The Gallade charged him and slashed him across the chest again, tears streaming from his eyes.

WHY DID YOU DO IT?! Luke roared directly into Mewtwo’s mind, blade resting against the Legendaries neck.

Mewtwo took a deep breath, or as much of one as he could. I do not believe my answer would serve to placate you in any way, he said dryly. Just know that if you kill me, Arceus will be here within a millisecond.

Luke was literally shaking with rage. THEN! CALL! HIM! NOW!

Mewtwo’s eyes widened and, shaking slightly, he closed his eyes. My Lord.... help.

There was a moment of silence before a flash of gold signaled Arceus’ arrival. The Alpha Pokemon, floating above Mewtwo and the others, looked down on them in all his splendor... which was ruined by the tiny pink cat riding on the god like a Ponyta.

Mewtwo, Mew began. What did you do this time?

He mentally raped me! Luke shouted, his blade still against Mewtwo’s neck. He invaded my privacy unprovoked and began to tear down my mental walls until he could see my entire mind!

Arceus raised an eyebrow and looked at Mewtwo. Why?

Mewtwo gulped. I sensed a mind more powerful than an Alakazam, maybe even more so than a Metagross, in the castle, I was not expecting a Gallade.

Arceus shook his head. Have you ever heard the expression curiosity killed the Delcatty?

Mewtwo froze.

Arceus sighed. Unfortunately, I cannot permit you to kill him, he said to Luke.

Luke shook for another moment and then stepped away from Mewtwo, before he could recover however, the Gallade’s psychic fist slammed into the Legendary and Luke stepped away. If he ever touches my mind again...

Understood, Arceus said, pulling Mewtwo over to him. Noticing the Ninetales and Arcanine for the first time, the god smiled. Miss Trombley, Kasai, good to see you both again. he looked to the Princess. And you as well Princess.

Celestia simply nodded, this seemed like a more... private, affair.

“...” Abby let out a long breath before she truly answered. “I wish it was under better circumstances...” She closed her eyes.

“I really will rip his ass off, literally, if he comes near my friend again,” Kasai said, nodding towards Mewtwo.

Don’t worry, Mew said. I’ll be having a nice long talk with him when we get home.

Mewtwo grumbled, to tired to care right now.

Arceus sighed again. I apologize for him... he’s not very subtle... or gentle... or careful.

“You think?” The Ninetales demanded with a glare. “Actually, you know what, I want him arrested! It’s what would happen if we were still on Earth.”

Arceus sighed. While normally I would be all for the equal treatment of Pokemon in the eyes of the law, I am not going to allow the first Pokemon arrested after the World Summit to be one of my Legendaries.

“So basically because he’s getting special treatment because he’s a ‘Legendary’?” Kasai asked, eyes narrowing ever so slightly. “And here I thought you were the one trying to get away from injustice against Pokemon by coming here.”

I do not wish to argue with you Miss Trombley, Arceus stated dryly. I’ll keep him under house arrest for a while, in a few months time, once things have settled down... then we shall see.

Abby’s lips lifted up in a snarl, she’d never liked hearing that some people were ‘untouchable’ but... he was literally God. Arguing with him was probably going to be about as successful as arguing with a stone wall. Instead she just snarled.

The Ninetales’ upper lip lifted into a snarl but she conceded. “... fine. But he IS going to pay for this.”

“Agreed,” Kasai growled. And if I ever see him again...

Mew floated over to Mewtwo and glared at him before whipping him with her tail. Bad kitty, she said sternly. You’re in big, BIG, trouble when we get back.

Mewtwo groaned, Mew might have looked innocent and adorable, but she was also an expert when it came to chewing people out. Probably came with being the ‘mother of all’.

“Now maybe you should take Mewtwo out of here now before Luke loses it again?” Kasai asked, still glaring at the Legendaries.

Arceus blinked twice, then looked back at Mewtwo. Oh... right, I shall take my leave. he leaned down and nuzzled Mew. Come home whenever you’re done here sweetie.

Bye daddy! Mew waved as Arceus and Mewtwo disappeared.

Once that was done, the Ninetales and the Arcanine turned to look at Luke who simply sighed.

I will be in Ponyville. With that said, he vanished.

Oh Luke... Abby thought sadly, wishing that he’d stayed longer so that she could comfort him.

Kasai for his part closed his eyes, he hated seeing his good friend like that.

After a moment, Abby let out a heavy, remorseful sigh, leaning slightly against Kasai before she noticed that Mew was still hovering there. “What?” she asked flatly.

Mew pouted. I’m sorry Mewtwo was a big meanie to your friend, she said apologetically.

“... big meanie?” Abby asked, a dangerous edge in her voice. “Is that what it’s called?”

Mew, picking up on the tone in Abby’s voice, frowned even more, and allowed herself to float to the floor. I... I’m sorry, she said, sniffling a bit. I don’t like it when he’s a... a jerk, I’ve tried to talk to him before but he’s hard to get through to.

As for her part, Abby was stunned into silence. I... am I making MEW cry? she thought rapidly, her eyes widening. Okay... I feel REALLY bad now but... Luke...

Kasai took the initiative before things could get too out of hand, or paw in this case. “It’s fine... well, it’s really, really, not... but it’s not your fault it happened.” He shook his head and then leaned over and nudged Abby. “Let’s just move on for the moment okay?”

The Ninetales sighed once and then nodded. “Sorry... I’m just... REALLY angry right now.”

Mew smiled softly and floated off of the ground. It’s okay, I forgive you, Mew moved forwards and wrapped her arms around Abby’s neck. Abby stiffened for a moment before nuzzling back, giving Mew’s cheek a lick.

“Thanks...” She shook her head. “So... now that we’re alone... can you tell me anything about this?” She glanced at her extraordinarily swelled stomach.

Mew giggled and released Abby. Sure I can, she floated around Abby’s side and examined her. Aww, she cooed, poking the Ninetales’ pregnant belly. Hi cuties.

“Cuties?” Kasai inquired with a frown.

“What do you mean cuties?” Abby added.

Mew floated around so she was eye level with Abby. Sorry, I’m kind of the embodiment of new life, I was just talking to the babies.

“Babies... as in... more than one?” Abby asked dumbfoundedly. Ummmmmmmm...

Mew smiled and nodded. Uh huh, she held up two fingers. It’s twinsies! she chirped happily.

Abby blinked twice and then looked over at Kasai. “We’re having twins.” Ummmmmmmmm...

“Yes, that’s what she said,” Kasai agreed, nodding his head and giving her a nuzzle, doing his best to snap her out of the trancelike expression that had fallen across her face.

Mew poked Abby’s belly again and giggled. I can tell you more if you want? She asked before giggling again. Sorry, they’re just so cute!

Abby frowned and shook her head. “I... um... Genders?”

A little boy and a baby girl. Mew informed. And they both look healthy.

“Wonderful!” Kasai said with a grin, licking Abby’s cheek.

“Yes... wow... twins...” Abby said, still rather shocked. Then she let out a breath and nodded her head. “Okay, I can do that... It’s a little unexpected but I can do that.”

Kasai sighed and nuzzled her. “You’ll be fine love,” he said, giving Abby another lick on the cheek.

“Umm... when are... they due?” Abby asked Mew with a frown as she continued to recover her wits. “I want to make sure that I’m not somewhere... public.”

Mew hummed to herself lightly, then nodded. Twenty seven hours, forty five minutes. she stated.

Abby gulped and then nodded. “Right...” she trailed off uneasily and no amount of Kasai’s nuzzling would make the sense of deep nervousness leave her.

Mew patted Abby on her head. There there, everything’s going to be alright.

“I... I hope so...” Abby said softly. “I... I’ve never given birth before... I... I don’t know what to do... and I don’t want Inner to take over for that... I...”

Kasai gave her a nuzzle and then glanced at Mew. “Not to be rude... but is there anything you can do to help her?”

Mew shrugged. My sisters are better at dealing with mental stuff than me, I suppose I could give them a call... oh wait, you meant, Mew giggled. I can help her with the delivery no problem, I’ve done it loads of times before.

That got Abby’s attention. “You can?”

Sure! Mew said with a smile. Not only did I kick start life on planet Earth, I used to be the go to gal whenever any female needed help with childbirth. she grinned and added. And I’m happy to say I hold a one hundred percent success rate.

A look of relief crossed Abby’s face. “I... thank you so much, Mew,” the Arcanine said with a smile.

No problem, Mew said with a shrug. I’ll see you two tomorrow then.

“Will do,” Kasai said with a nod of his head.

“Goodbye,” Abby added.

Bye bye. Mew disappeared in a flash of light, leaving Abby, Kasai, and Celestia in the hallway alone. It took them a moment before the pair turned to Celestia who’d been observing the whole affair in silence.

Celestia blinked twice and shook her head. “I’m sorry for... whatever just happened, also, congratulations.”

Abby nodded and let out a sigh. “Thank you Princess... for both,” she said, shaking her head. “Oh... and Twilight mentioned someone named Bio Chem who I could see about maybe creating some form of birth control for Pokemon. Do you know where I can find him?”

Celestia frowned. “He should be in his lab,” she said. “I can have a guard show you to him.”

“Thanks,” Abby said, nodding as she let out another breath and glanced at Kasai. “After twins, I’m not going to want anymore kids for a while...”

“Yeah...” Kasai agreed with a nod of his head.

“In that case, I’ll be right back with an escort,” the Princess turned around, heading back the way they’d came. “And... word of advice? Just... be careful around him.”

As they followed the guard down the street, the group spotted Pokemon of all types making a home for themselves in the city, though not all of them appeared to be welcome. One pair in particular, a Venusaur and a Munchlax had caused a rather large traffic back up thanks to their rather unfortunate choice of sleeping spot.

“Should we help them?” Kasai inquired, nodding towards the group of guards who were in the process of trying to prod the Venusaur into moving with the butts of their spears. The Venusaur simply ignored them and continued sleeping.

“We could... but I don’t know if they’d really appreciate us getting in their way,” Abby pointed out before frowning. “Though maybe your bark could help?”

Kasai shrugged and walked a little closer and let out a bellowing roar at the Venusaur. The large quadruped opened a singular eye. “What?”

“They’d like you to move out of the road,” Kasai said, speaking for the guards who were looking at him perplexedly.

“Oh,” the Venusaur said with a frown. “But it’s where the best sun is.” The Munchlax let out an even deeper snore than before and curled up tighter on the Venusaur’s head. “And Jim is sleeping.”

“Still, you know you wouldn’t be allowed to get away with this if we were on Earth,” Kasai pointed out reasonably.

The Venusaur rolled its eyes and grumbled before getting to its feet, its every movement heavy and ponderous. Then, a pair of vines erupted from its back and it knocked aside the spear butts. “I’m moving, I’m moving,” he grumbled, ambling off in the other direction. “Can’t let a Pokemon sleep these days...”

One of the guards gave Kasai a grateful smile before he and the others began to direct pedestrian and carriage based traffic. Abby gave him a nuzzle and they continued down the street following the instructions that Celestia had given them.

Celestia’s School for Gifted Unicorns was a multistoried building with a rather impressive front lawn. Abby looked over it for a moment before striding in the front door, glancing at the receptionist who was giving the two of them a strange look. “We’re here looking for Professor Bio Chem? Can you give us directions please miss?”

The mare sighed and shook her head. “He’ll be in his lab at this time, two flights up, at the very end of the hallway, can’t miss it.”

“Thank you,” Abby said, directing a friendly smile at the mare as she and Kasai walked down the wooden halls. “Nice place,” the Ninetales commented.

“Yes, it’s very nice,” Kasai agreed with a small chuckle. “Feels old too.”

“Well, if Celestia built it then that doesn’t surprise me, I’ve heard she’s over a thousand,” Abby pointed out before they started up the stairs. Kasai watched her worriedly as they walked up the flights but Abby managed to make it and only pant a little when she was done. “Relax Kasai, Mew said it’s not going to be for another day and I believe her.”

“I’m not doing this because I don’t believe her, I’m doing this because I’m worried about you,” Kasai pointed out, nuzzling her again. “Now let’s go see this Bio Chem guy.”

“Right,” Abby agreed, leading the way down the corridor.

At the very end of the corridor, a large steel door took up the entire back wall, a slight buzzing sound could be heard from behind it. Abby cocked her head to the side, as did Kasai but the pair continued forwards and the dog knocked heavily against the door with his massive paw.

“One moment!” The buzzing continued for a second, then ended with a ding. A few moments later, a brown Earth Pony stallion with a bleach white mane opened the door. “Hell... ooh, more Pokemon.”

“Hi, I’m Abby Trombley and this is my mate Kasai,” Abby said with a smile. “Princess Twilight Sparkle directed us here and said that you could possibly help us with a problem.”

“Well, friends of Twilight,” Bio Chem smiled widely. “Please come in.”

The pair did so, following the Professor into his lab.

“Sorry about the noise, I was making hot chocolate, you want some hot chocolate?”

Abby glanced at Kasai who shrugged. “Sure,” the Ninetales answered with a small chuckle. “It’s not really the weather for it but you shouldn’t say no to cocoa.”

Bio Chem nodded. “Hal! Two hot cocoa’s for our guests!”

Abby blinked twice and looked around for ‘Hal’ expecting another pony to appear. A few seconds later, a Metang floated into view, carrying a plate with two cups of hot chocolate. “Here we are.” The Steel type said.

“Thank you,” Kasai said with a smile. “Do you have anywhere you can set them? We don’t really have hands you know?”

Bio Chem nodded. “This way, this way,” leading them a little further into his lab to a small dinner table. Abby and Kasai took seats at it and the Metang set the hot cups down before them, without hesitation, Kasai sank his muzzle down and his tongue lapped out, gulping up the cocoa.

“Mhm, not bad,” Kasai said as Abby lowered her narrow muzzle into the cup and took a licks as well.

“Yes, not bad at all,” Abby complemented before glancing at Bio Chem. “So, mind if I cut to the chase?”

“Not at all,” the Professor said. “What brings you to my humble laboratory?”

“Well, I’m pregnant,” Abby stated. “And afterwards, I’d like to avoid being pregnant again for quite a while... but Kasai and I are very... horny I guess,” she said with a small blush. “So... I was wondering if you could figure out some form of birth control pill or something?”

Bio Chem scrunched his face. “Hmm, well, I haven’t been able to gather much data on Pokemon, genetic wise that is,” he shook his head. “Not many of the ones I interviewed were willing to give me a blood sample, and I’m still processing what I did gather.”

“Hmm, would my blood help?” Abby inquired. “I mean, so long as you didn’t take too much of course. I’m carrying twins after all.”

The geneticist tapped his chin. “That could be helpful,” he got up from the table and walked over to one of his monitors. “I suppose I might be able to synthesize something from your DNA that would... ahem, block some of the hormones and what not.”

“If you think it can help,” Abby said with a small chuckle. “Like I said, I think twins are going to be enough for me to handle.”

“You can take my blood instead actually,” Kasai said, giving Abby a nuzzle. “I’d rather just get through the next day or so without her losing any blood.”

Bio Chem clicked his tongue and continued to play with the screen. “Uhuh, sure,” he opened one of his drawers are pulled out a very large needle. “Now then, who am I poking with this?”

“Me,” Kasai said, stepping forwards without hesitation.

Bio Chem blinked once and looked down at the needle in his hooves. “Eh heh,” he cleared his throat. “Sorry, usually that scares people.” That got a snort out of Kasai as he put the needle back and returned with a more normal sized one.

“I’ve gone through P.T. twice, lost my limb, been stabbed, sliced, electrocuted, set on fire, half drowned, caught in an explosion, lost enough blood to knock me out...” he glanced at Abby. “Am I forgetting anything?”

Abby just let out an irritated growl. “Shush and stop reminding me about that.”

“Right, sorry,” Kasai said before glancing back at Bio Chem. “But yeah, I can take a needle.”

Bio Chem shook his head and chuckled as he poked the needle into Kasai’s leg and drew some blood. “Honestly, you Pokemon are such interesting beings.” he took the needle out and carried it over to one of his machines. “Durability rivaling that of any creature save for Dragons, natural magic abilities tied into some force I’ve never heard of,” he paused and smiled. “Evolution, honestly the scientific applications are virtually endless.”

“Well, hopefully you can apply them to keep me, and any other female Pokemon, from getting pregnant unless we’d like too,” Abby said with a small chuckle. “Oh, and I just thought you should know, Kasai is a species called an Arcanine. You know, for science purposes and stuff.”

Bio Chem nodded and typed something into a computer. “Right right, and don’t worry, I’ve worked infertility treatments before, this is basically the same, except backwards.”

“Oh good,” Kasai said, leaning down to lick at the spot a few times and going over it with his long tongue. “So hopefully we’ll be able to raise our kids without worrying about any more.”

“I’ll do my best,” he paused, then added. “But... try not get pregnant before I get done with this, nothing I can do if that happens.”

“We’ll do our best,” Abby assured him with a smile. “Thanks for doing this by the way, I’d pay you but the only thing I can offer you is a position with the Rangers in our R&D department once Princess Celestia gets it set up.”

“Don’t worry, I have a very large research grant from the Princ...” Bio Chem’s brain finally caught up with what Abby had said. “Did you just offer me a job?”

“Only if you’re interested in being on the front lines of Pokemon science,” Abby said coyly. “After all, the Rangers are going to be needing all sorts of smart ponies working with us.”

“Yeah, and my leg is bound to break eventually,” Kasai added, holding up his robotic leg. “Might be good to have someone around to fix it.”

Bio Chem looked between the two, then said. “Would you excuse me for a moment?”

“Sure,” Abby said, a small smile on her face.

“Thank you,” Bio Chem trotted off, and a few seconds later, a loud shout of “YES!” was heard from another part of the lab. Trotting back into view, trying his best to hold a professional look, Bio Chem said. “I’ll talk to the Princess and see about getting myself transferred, shouldn’t be too hard, a lot of the parents say I’m ‘incapable of teaching here’, and ‘unstable’, or ‘not safe around children’.”

“So long as you sign a few agreements and swear not to go insane and start stabbing people with needles in an attempt to take over Equestria, I think you’ll do fine,” Abby said with an amused chuckle. “Thanks again Professor.”

“Anytime Miss,” Bio Chem said.

“Abby,” Abby corrected with a smile.

Bio Chem smiled. “Well Abby, I’ll contact you as soon as I-”

The doors to the lab flew open and a few seconds later, a unicorn stallion with a blond mane tromped into view.

“What do you want Blue?” Bio Chem asked. “I’m in the middle of a meeting.”

The stallion eyed Abby and Kasai before opening his mouth. “.....?”

Bio Chem blinked. “You’ve gone mute again. What did you do this time? Kick a puppy or something?” The geneticist chuckled.

Abby frowned at the new stallion. Yesterday Belle had told her about someone named Blueblood who had tried to crash their wedding along with causing all manner of problems. “You wouldn’t happen to be named Blueblood would you?” the Ninetales inquired with a deep frown.

“.....!.....?!?.....?” Blueblood waved his hooves around trying to get his point across.

Bio Chem fell over laughing. “I still don’t speak mime!” after a moment, he got up and sighed. “Alright, Hal, do that thing you did when you first met me.”

The Metang floated over to Blueblood and, its eyes glowing blue for a moment, linked the Prince and the others minds so he could speak... sort of.

“...!... -And what are these animals doing in your lab?!” Blueblood clamped a hoof over his mouth as his voice returned.

“Excuse me?” Abby asked, getting up from her chair, her face too far away from Kasai’s to notice that her eyes were glowing ever so slightly. “Did you just call me an animal?”

Blueblood blinked once, then huffed and turned his head away from Abby. “You creatures have done nothing but torment me since you came here,” he said. “And to answer your question, yes, I am Prince Blueblood.” He glared at Abby. “What’s it to you?”

“I my name is Abby Trombley, Top Pokemon Ranger and Belle and Gene happen to be two of my best friends in the world,” she said, her voice a deadly calm as her tails began to weave ever so slightly, the glow in her eyes increasing.

“Are those names suppose to mean anything to me?” Blueblood asked.

Abby blinked twice before the blue in her eyes blazed even further. “They’re the people whose wedding you tried to crash yesterday!” she snarled.

Blueblood blinked once, remembered what had happened at the wedding, then made the logical choice and tried to run out the door. Before he could however, he found himself immobilized by blue energy as Abby stalked towards him, every movement predatory. Kasai rose and thought about stopping her like he had when she’d been about to do something similar to Hastings but then thought about what Fang and Gene had told him about the stallion and thought better of it.

The Ninetales’ nine tails swirled behind her as she stared into Blueblood’s eyes with her own blazing blue ones. When she finally spoke, she was only a few inches away from his face.

“You, who look down at everything with hate and scorn...” the Ninetales began, her voice cold and frozen. “KNOW THE HATE AND SCORN YOU CHOOSE TO IGNORE!”

Blueblood began to scream, but halfway through his voice cut out. Finally finding himself able to move again, Blueblood collapsed to the ground.

“What just happened?” Bio Chem asked.

“Special ability of Ninetales,” Abby said, her voice beginning to ‘warm up’ again as it became more her own. “I just cursed him. The despicable little bastard will hear every negative thought directed at him within a hundred yards for the next week or so.”

Bio Chem nodded and walked over to the unconscious stallion. “I THINK YOU'RE SELF ABSORBED AND PETTY AND WISH YOU WOULD STOP COMING TO ME WHENEVER THE PRINCESS DIDN’T LET YOU HAVE YOUR WAY!” Nodding again Bio Chem trotted back to his seat. “That felt good,” he said, taking a sip of his cocoa.

Kasai rushed over and nozed Abby. “Abby, are you alright? Do you feel faint?”

“No... no I’m fine,” Abby said with a smile as she leaned into him. “That actually felt really good.”

The Arcanine let out a sigh of relief and nuzzled her. “It did?” Kasai asked, glancing down at her in concern. “That doesn’t sound like a good thing Abby.”

“I don’t know... it is one of a Ninetales’ natural abilities,” Abby pointed out, frowning as she leaned into his neck.

“I wouldn’t worry,” Bio Chem interjected. “A, it’s natural for the use of an ability to feel... natural, especially if it hasn’t been used much. And B... It’s Blueblood, I make a point to blow him up every time I get half a chance, so it might just be that it’s him.”

“Hmm... I’m still worried,” Kasai said, nuzzling Abby.

“I’m fine Kasai,” Abby said, nuzzling him back before glancing at Bio Chem. “Anyways, we should probably be getting back to the station soon, don’t want to miss the train back to Ponyville. Ask Princess Celestia for our ‘address’ if you need to find us.”

Bio Chem smiled. “Have a safe trip.” He said with a wave.

“Thanks,” Abby said and together, she and Kasai walked out of the room, leaving Bio Chem with the slowly rousing Blueblood.

“I should... probably put him somewhere before he wakes up,” Bio Chem tapped his chin in thought. “I know, I’ll drop him in the school cafeteria!”

Author's Note

I included a single small reference in this chapter to another great dog of literature in this chapter, hope someone notices. Anyways, this isn't quite the end of Luke's issues (probably never really going to end for him) but it the end of some of the utter darkness that things were getting too. Also, sorry for the slight delay, things have been busy, finals approaching and all.

Chapter 41

After pulling into the station the night before, Abby had looked everywhere for Luke and with Kasai’s help, found him. However when they had been about to find him, he’d sent them a shaky mental message wishing to be left alone. While Abby was by no means happy with it, Kasai had suggested that it had been a long day AND she was giving birth the next day so instead they should head back to the hotel. Abby had relented but had vowed to go find him the next day.

Iris sighed as she looked down at the eager members of the Training Dragon club, specifically Gible and Bagon, who she was currently working at teaching Dragon Claw. “Alright,” she began. “The most important thing is to focus on what you want to do.”

Gible raised her stubby hand and Iris smiled. “Yes Gible?”

“Shouldn’t power be the most important thing?” she asked.

Iris shook her head. “You might think so, but no, see if you go at something with just pure power, you could end up getting hurt. But if you stay calm, and remain in control, then you’re a real force to be reckoned with.”

“Hah!” a loud voice erupted from the woods beside them, Axle’s large form walking into it, shaking his head from left to right. “That is true I suppose, but the REAL way to fight is to get incredibly angry and then FOCUS your anger into a blade sharp enough to cut down a mountain!”

Iris groaned. “What are you doing here? I’m in the middle of a lesson.”

“I was taking a stroll through the woods and I heard your voice and decided to investigate,” Axle replied. “And it’s a good thing I did! You’re teaching them rubbish! Did nothing I taught you get through!?”

“You taught me how to cut a rock,” Iris said. “And how to scream when I did it, the rest just kinda blended together into some kind of monologue.”

“A glorious monologue you mean,” Axle said before glancing down at the young dragons. “A champion she may be but she knows nothing of what it means to be a true dragon.”

“Hey! I’m the youngest Dragonmaster there’s ever been! I think I can help train a few kids without your help.”

Axle shook his head. “Bah, you would train them into being proper Munchlaxes at this rate,” he told her. “Being a true dragon is about living in the moment! Smashing your enemies against the rocks! Crushing them into pieces while focusing your blood rage into something constructive!”

Dratini eeped and hid behind her friends, the rest of whom were watching the exchange with baited breath.

“You know,” Iris said, tapping her chin. “I’m almost certain that’s the same attitude of every dragon that I had to calm down when they went on a rampage.” Inwardly, she wondered if her Dragonmaster abilities had carried over with her.

“Bah, incompetents,” Axle retorted, shaking his head. “A true dragon doesn’t let his anger control him! He controls his anger and lets it guide him on the path to his enemies’ destruction!”

“Uh huh,” Iris tapped her claws against her arm. “You do realize these are children we’re talking about right? I don’t think that’s the best way to teach them, at least at this age.”

“They might as well get used to it before they hit their second evolution,” Axle replied, shaking his head. “If they don’t, they might gut someone by accident, bah, I know I did, then again, that’s what I did so...”

“Yeah, see you start making a good point, then you say something like that which makes me think you’re probably not the kind of guy I should take advice from,” she thought for a second, then said. “Maybe I should ask Draco for help.”

Axle shook his head. “I spent the first half of my life fighting for it in a kill or be killed arena, I say violent things,” he told her with an annoyed snort. “As for Draco, bah, he’s not the type of dragon that they will be, he doesn’t really understand the blood rage that will be coursing through their veins like molten lava.”

“I still think you’re exaggerating,” Iris said. “My Haxorus never had that problem, and I don’t think Cynthia’s Garchomp ever did either.”

“Then a demonstration is in order, children, please step away,” Axle told them, glancing at the younger dragons.

“Okay,” they all said at once, running off until they were what they hoped would be a safe distance away.

“Wait... what?” Iris asked.

Before she could react, Axle was running at her, talons held high. “SCRATCH!” he roared, bringing his right claw up at an angle across her face.

Iris’ eyes widened and she fell backwards, narrowly avoiding the attack. “What the hell!?” She shouted. Axle closed the distance between them again.

“SCRATCH!” he shouted again, this time his claws connecting and his claws scraping across her face before he leapt back.

“OW!” Iris held a claw to her face. “THAT HURT YOU ASS!!”

“THEN DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT!” Axle roared back at her.

Iris felt her anger boiling inside, but she took a deep breath and calmed herself. He wants to fight... fine, but I’m not stooping to his level.

“False Swipe!” Iris shot forward towards Axel, he easily sidestepped her attack.

“SLOW!” he shouted in her ear as she rushed past, his tail darting out to trip her and sent her sprawling. “AND LIMP!”

Iris growled and pushed herself back up. She smirked at Axle. “Is that the best you can do?” She asked, hoping her Taunt would work.

“YOU’RE THE ONE WHO WAS ON THE GROUND!” he replied, utterly unphased.

Iris sighed, he was smart, and obviously at least mostly in control, so even if her Dragon Taming power had carried over, it likely wouldn’t work. And there’s no way I can beat him head on...

Unfortunately for Iris, the opposing Haxorus didn’t give her time to plan before he made his next attack. With a mighty roar he charged forwards. “DRAGON TAIL!” he exclaimed, his tail sweeping in low and catching her in the stomach, sending her careening into a nearby tree. “FIGHT LIKE A DRAGON!”

Iris’ eyes snapped open. That was it. She was Champion Iris, Dragon Master, she faced threats like this without her team, she’d faced down Hydregions and Salamences in their rage and come out mostly unscathed. She. Would. Not. Be. Beaten.

“GUILLOTINE!” Her arms and blades glowed green as she shot forward towards Axle, roaring at the top of her lungs. Axle let out a loud, excited laugh.

“GUILLOTINE!” He roared in reply, charging towards her.

They met with a clash, to Iris’ surprise, it was the mighty one of blade on blade. Axle’s angry eyes stared into hers, angled as they were, before his body twisted and to her astonishment, she wound up face down in the mud.

“A DECENT ATTEMPT BUT YOU HAVE FAILED!” Axle roared down at her, several steps away. “BECAUSE YOU FAIL TO UNDERSTAND HOW TO USE YOUR RAGE!”

Iris stood up and wiped off her face. “OH YEAH?! WELL...” Iris stopped herself and took another deep breath. “Nope, not going to insult you, good battle, you’re the victor, not surprising as I’ve only been like this for a few weeks, and thanks for the advice.” she finished with a not at all sincere smile.

Axle let out a long sigh. “You still don’t get it,” he said, sighing once more. “I pray that you’re never truly angry. Otherwise...” he trailed off and shook his head. “Very well, continue instructing the children, I’ll just go.” With that, the other Haxorus set off through the woods.

Iris sighed and shook her head. “Kids?” she looked over to where the little Dragons were hiding. “I... I think that’s it for today... why don’t you go see what Spike’s up to?”

The little ones nodded and ran off, leaving Iris alone as she slumped back against the tree Axle had smashed her into, her steely scales tearing the bark even more.

Closing her eyes, Iris began to hum a tune that the Dragon Trainers had taught her when she was young, she couldn’t remember the words anymore, but it was supposed to help calm Dragons.

Meanwhile, Axle stomped through the woods, occasionally decapitating some of the younger trees in his path. Fine, if she does not want to take the advice of a proper dragon with a life’s worth of experience, then FINE, he thought to himself. It isn’t as if I liked her in the first place. Bah. Scale color doesn’t mean anything to me, he continued, shaking his head and slicing a sapling in half. She’s going to get herself or someone else hurt when her rage overflows.

That last thought caused him to stop in mid-step.

And what business of mine is that? he thought brutishly. If she won’t listen then she’s not going to listen. He waited in silence for his mind to come up with an answer to that, as if he was talking to someone else but nothing came. Nothing but the thought of an Fraxure covered in blood standing on top of a pile of indistinct bodies.

A long sigh left his body and he closed his eyes for a long moment, letting a deep breath out through his nostrils before turning and walking back towards the clearing.

Iris was fondly reminiscing about the good old days when she heard crashing from the woods again, cracking open an eyelid, she saw Axle exit the treeline. Oh boy, she thought to herself. “What now?”

By way of answer, Axle sat down in front of her, a few feet separating them. For the moment, he said nothing.

Iris stared at him for a moment, then sighed. “What is it Axle?” She asked. “I can tell you have something you want to say to me, so lets hear it.”

Axle was silent for another moment before he looked into her eyes. “Iris, have you ever killed someone?” he asked her plainly, not a bit of rage in his voice.

Iris blinked once, then answered. “... No, even when those Plasma goons tried to take over the League a few years back, I always held my team... and myself, back.”

“I see,” Axle said, inclining his head ever so slightly. “Imagine for a moment that you couldn’t hold back. Would you have killed them?”

Iris closed her eyes and remembered, she remembered the criminals, poachers and their like, who she’d stopped over the years. The Haxorus remembered when Team Plasma had tried to conquer the world. She remembered.... Ghetsis.

“Y... yes,” she said, eyes still shut. “If I hadn’t... if I couldn’t hold back... I would have.”

Unseen, Axle nodded his head. “That’s what being a dragon is when you are truly angered,” he said, his rumbling voice echoed in her ears like an axe cutting through a stone. “If you don’t know how to control it, then it will take control of you and ride you until you are exhausted and covered in blood. Arceus save whoever was in your way.”

Iris shuddered. “But...” she began, she could have gone so many different ways. ‘But I’m not really a dragon,’ ‘But one of my best friends is a Fairy,’ ‘But I calm dragons for a living’. She didn’t say anything, Iris opened her eyes and looked at Axle who was staring intently at her. “How... how can I stop that from happening?”

“By learning how to control it,” Axle said simply. “There is no ‘stopping it’ for you. You’re a dragon Iris, and a Haxorus at that... one way or another you’re going to become so angry that the rest of the world turns crimson and you’ll need to be able to tell the difference between the shades.”

Iris pushed several horrifying mental images out of her mind. “Axle... I know I’ve been kind of... rude to you but... if you’re willing...” she hung her head. “I think I could use your help.”

“GREAT!” Axle shouted, leaping to his feet with surprising grace, his previously calm demeanor fading. “Then first we must draw out your rage! Feel its hot flow in your veins! Think of those you hate, think of Plasma who stole! Think of poachers who skinned! Think of Ghetsis! Think of all the hatred and anger you hold for these people!”

Iris closed her eyes and remembered. She remembered Dragon eggs smashed open by poachers and she recalled all of Team Plasma’s crimes, from their attempted conquest to what they did to Genesect. But most of all, she remembered Ghetsis, him and his team of monsters, how they had sought to corrupt and control the Great Dragons, she remembered everything he had done to N.

Her fists clenched and teeth gritted, Iris opened her eyes. She saw red.

“Good, and now we BEGIN!” Axle roared.

In Ponyville, the sound of snapping trees echoed through the air.

Solana and Lunick’s time in Equus had, thus far, been mostly uneventful. Aside from that fiasco in Manehattan a week ago, they hadn't done that much. They had tried to keep order in Ponyville, make sure everything went as smoothly as possible, but after Pinkie’s party that hadn’t really been necessary.

“So,” Solana began. “You have any ideas?”

Lunick sighed. “Well, I suppose we could try training some more, but I’m still dizzy from earlier.”

“I warned you not to spin so fast,” Minun said, smirking at Lunick.

“Yeah yeah,” the Hitmontop waved him off.

“Come on you guys,” Solana said. “There’s gotta be something we can do.”

“You have an idea?” Lunick asked.

The Medicham opened her mouth, then closed it, then opened it again. “Um... not really no...” she sighed. “Usually we’d run into some kind of problem on patrol, but with everything that’s happened lately I guess things have kind of calmed down.”

Lunick chuckled. “Solana, I know you don’t like not being able to do anything... and neither do I honestly, but maybe we should enjoy this time while we can,” he smiled at her. “It’s not like it’ll last forever.”

Solana smiled softly and hugged her boyfriend. “Alright Luny, we’ll take it easy for a bit... but not to long.”

Lunick chuckled again and returned the embrace. “Agreed.”

“Aww, that’s adorable,” a new, yet strikingly familiar female voice said from beside them.

“Very cute,” an unfamiliar male one agreed with a chuckle.

Solana and Lunick broke their embrace and turned to see a familiar golden Arcanine and a heavily pregnant Ninetales standing nearby.

“Kasai!” Plusle and Minun cried.

Solana and Lunick looked at each other, then at the Ninetales. “Abby?”

“In the fur,” Abby replied with a grin.

“Hey you two,” Kasai added to Plusle and Minun.

The Electric types scampered over to Kasai and climbed up his prosthetic onto his back. “It’s good to see you,” Minun said with a grin.

Solana and Lunick, meanwhile, were still processing a few things. “Abby... it’s great to see you again,” Lunick said.

“You’re pregnant,” Solana stated bluntly.

“Yeah... sex kinda causes that,” Abby said, blushing for once as she leaned ever so slightly against Kasai.

“You mean you two... when did that happen?” Solana asked, dumbfounded.

“Well... remember how I kinda dropped off the grid for a year after... what happened to my parents?” Abby asked them with a small frown at the memory. “Well... I needed some emotional support and well... Kasai was there for me.”

“Ah,” Lunick said with a nod. “Alright... um,” he sighed. “Sorry, we’re still getting used to all of this.”

“That’s fine,” Abby replied, glancing at the pair of smaller Pokemon who were in the midst of a conversation. “I’m kinda getting used to it too... though that’s not actually why I tracked you two down. Though I’m still REALLY happy to see you both,” she added with a wide grin.

Solana smiled. “We’re glad to see you too Abby... how did you track us down anyways?”

“Well, I went to talk to Princess Celestia and she said that you were in Ponyville so I had a certain someone with an amazing nose track down Plusle and Minun,” Abby answered, chuckling as one of her tails flicked across Kasai’s nose.

“Princess Celestia huh?” Lunick asked curiously. “What’d you need to see her about?”

“Why setting up a new Ranger Union of course,” Abby answered with a vixen’s grin. “Which I got funding, a building, and staff for.”

Both Rangers stared at her in disbelief. “Really?” Solana asked, barely containing her excitement.

“Mhm,” Abby said, nodding her head, a grin firmly in place on her muzzle. “Along with our own jurisdiction, the only ones we have to actually report to is Celestia herself.”

Solana grinned. “And you’re going to need more Rangers right?” she asked hopefully.

“Oh no,” Abby answered, shaking her head, grinning ever so slightly. “I figured that me and Scarlet would be fine by ourselves, no reason that we’d need more, I just stopped by to tell you.”

Solana’s eyes narrowed at Abby. “Don’t you go playin’ games with me girl.”

Abby simply narrowed her eyes right back. “Why not, it’s so much fun.”

Lunick looked between the two in confusion. “Soo, is that a yes on the new Ranger gig?” he asked bluntly.

Abby glanced at him and chuckled. “Of course it’s a yes,” she said, rolling her eyes. “I couldn’t seriously say no to my friends who also happen to be Top Rangers right?”

Solana smiled and pulled Abby into a hug. “Thank you,” she said gleefully before in exasperation adding. “Almost nothing ever happens in this town.”

Abby grinned and licked her cheek twice. “Well then mom will set you up with some assignments as soon as our building gets set up and our power structure gets solidified. Once that’s done it’ll be business as usual eh? Only this time with less Pokephilia Tauros shit.”

Solana and Lunick nodded. “I’m sure Gene and Belle will be happy to hear that,” Lunick noted.

“Oh, they are,” Abby agreed with a chuckle. “Actually, I haven’t had a chance to get over to them since I got back last night, that’ll probably be where Kasai and I go next.”

Solana blinked twice, then said. “You know them?”

“Yep, they’re two of our best friends actually,” Abby answered, grinning. “Kasai and I tracked them down a long time ago to test and see if they were the good kind of Pokephilist or the bad kind. We hit it off pretty well and we went out with them whenever Kasai and I really need to... blow off steam.”

Solana’s eyes widened and her mouth hung open as she struggled to find her words. “And you... but we... so then,” the Medicham shook her head and sighed. “You know looking back I feel like I should’ve realized something was up between you two.”

“We did!” Plusle and Minun shouted.

“So did pretty much anyone with a nose,” Kasai added with a light chuckle as he glanced up at the two electric types who had migrated to his head. “She smells like me all over.”

“So I’ve been told,” Abby said with a small chuckle. “Then again, you’re the one who kept licking me.”

“And you’re the one who always offered me such a lovely thing to lick,” Kasai replied with a toothy smirk.

“And that goes double for you,” Abby retorted, a sly smirk on her lips.

Lunick chuckled softly. “I have to admit, you two are adorable together.”

“Thanks!” Abby said with a grin. “I’m glad that you both think so, and that Twilight’s lecture got through to you. Though, speaking from experience, it’s not always as black and white as she seemed to think it was...”

“Yeah... we remembered that afterwards, but by that point we’d talked with Belle and Gene and...” Solana shrugged. “For someone who didn’t know the subject, she did make a good argument.”

“Mhm, she did,” Abby agreed, nodding her head. “Anyways, I’m just glad that you two aren’t trying to arrest us, heh.”

“That would have been... interesting,” Kasai added, baring his fangs ever so slightly.

Lunick smiled nervously. “Got it, not even if we tried,” he nodded to Kasai. “So moving on, besides the obvious, what have you two been up to?”

“Well, we were involved in a gang takedown in Las Pegasus,” Abby answered, frowning as she looked back. “Pretty big thing actually... Axle tore down a warehouse and they started a street war the next day... other than that, not much other then my getting brained by a brick thrown by an angry mob.”

“Ow,” Solana said, wincing. “You okay?”

“Arceus got rid of the concussion thankfully,” Abby answered, a troubled frown on her muzzle. “Still ended up in the hospital for the night...”

Kasai moved forwards and leaned against her. “And the babies were fine too,” he added before nuzzling her. “Still, if I ever see that mare...”

Lunick nodded, if anyone ever tried to hurt Solana... “Well, I’m glad to hear it,” he said with a smile.

Solana nodded. “So when are the eggs due anyway?”

“Roughly... six hours I think?” Abby asked, glancing at Kasai.

“Yes, that’s what Mew said more or less,” Kasai answered with a nod.

“Mew huh?” Lunick asked. “Man, used to be you were lucky to see one Legendary in your life, now it’s like they’re more common than Pidgeys.”

“Tell me about it,” Abby agreed, shaking her head. “I mean, Mew is midwifing for me of all things.”

“Wow,” Solana said, dumbfounded. “That’s... going to be an interesting story for the kids.”

“Heh, yeah, yeah it will,” Abby said as she leaned against Kasai and he nuzzled her.

“So, what have you four been up too?” Kasai asked, glancing up at Plusle and Minun, feeling bad that they’d been excluded from the conversation.

“Well, we wandered around for a few days when we first arrived,” Plusle said.

“Got to Ponyville just in time for Pinkie’s party,” Minun continued.

“These two tried to arrest Gene and Belle,” Plusle pointed at Solana and Lunick, who suddenly became very interested in the clouds.

“The most exciting thing that’s happened to us was when we went to Manehattan to track down some mysterious Pokemon, who turned out to be a human turned Zoroark who was helping the city by convincing the more territorial Pokemon to leave,” Minun said.

“It all ended when this crazy pony sicked a Volcarona on us!” Plusle shouted. “That battle was sooo awesome!”

“Wow! You guys fought a Volcarona?” Abby asked with wide eyes. “That’s awesome!”

“What happened with the crazy pony?” Kasai inquired curiously.

“The Volcarona blasted him out of the city,” Solana said. “Turns out she was upset because he kidnapped her baby.”

“And we weren’t going to get between that,” Lunick said with a shake of his head. “I’d prefer not to be incinerated, thank you.”

“Yeah if you were, then who would Sol have to cling too when she got scared?” Abby said with a chuckle.

Solana nodded, then realized what Abby had just said. “Hey! I don’t cling, I just... don’t want him to get hurt is all.”

“Abby’s much the same,” Kasai said, smirking down at her. “Whenever she gets nervous she just won’t get off of my side.”

“Hey!” Abby protested, taking a step away from him.

Solana smiled at the pair and laughed. “Aw Abby, that is so sweet,” she said with a smirk.

“Yeah yeah, least my sex is better,” Abby grunted sourly. “Actually, did you ever find that crazy pony? Sounds like a good person to arrest.”

“No, but Twilight had him put on the wanted list,” Solana said. “And he’s pretty high on it too, since he attacked a Princess.”

“Huh,” Kasai stated with a bemused frown. “Maybe once we get things started up you two can track him down...”

“I would love that,” Lunick admitted. “It’s been awhile since we’ve had a proper arrest mission.”

Solana nodded. “Yeah, Fiore is nice, but ever since the Go-Rock-Quads cleared out, things have been pretty peaceful, which is great, but it’ll be good to get back in the field.”

“I’ll tell mom about it when she’s drawing up our mission stuff,” Abby said, nodding her head. “She’s way better at that kinda thing then I am, plus she has seniority by a lot.”

Solana and Lunick nodded. “Sounds good to us,” Solana said with a grin.

“Great! If you want to talk more, stop by our room in the hotel, we’re on the fourth floor,” Abby told them with a smile. “We’re going to head over to Gene and Belle’s place if you don’t mind.”

“Not at all,” Lunick said. “See you guys later.”

“Plusle, Minun, time to stop playing in Kasai’s mane,” Solana called.

“Aww!” The little Electric types jumped off the Arcanine and waved goodbye before running back over to Solana and Lunick.

“Bye you two!” Kasai told them with a grin, shaking out his mane and destroying all of the ‘work’ they’d done on it.

“Right then, see you four later,” Abby told them with a smile before nudging Kasai. “Come on, let’s go tell Gene and Belle the good news eh?”

“Yes, let’s,” Kasai agreed with a smile of his own.

Author's Note

And we're away from the 'main story', at least, not everything in that one will be in this one and vice versa.

Chapter 42

Luke was sitting cross legged on the ground in the same clearing that he’d been in two days ago though now, now it felt like an eternity since he’d been here. The Gallade was shaking, his sweater was frayed and his eyes had dark circles beneath them. Memories of Mewtwo tearing down his walls filled his mind and every time he tried to raise one back up it collapsed under its own weight.

He had been raped before. That much was a given. But never since he’d first figured out how to build walls had someone broken through them so completely, so utterly shattered his carefully planned defenses. The Gallade couldn’t stop shaking. He hadn’t eaten since he’d returned the previous night and there was an empty hole where his stomach was supposed to be. Luke didn’t hear it growling though, no, he was too busy trying to rebuild his walls, growing more and more frustrated each time.

WORK! WHY WON’T YOU WORK?! he roared as they collapsed again. He tried again and was met with the same result, tears rolling freely down his face. The Gallade tried to wipe them away but his blade caught on his skin and a jagged slash opened up along his cheek, a howl of pain leaving his throat as he desperately tried to stop the bleeding with his blades, resulting only in several more slashes.

Eventually, he stopped, blood flowing down his face and his blades intermixing with his tears as he sat there shivering.

“I was really hoping that things were going to get better, not worse.” A familiar voice said with a sigh.

Luke’s head whipped towards the voice like a ripcord, revealing the blood streaking his face.

“Ouch,” Mage winced slightly as she flew over to Luke. “Looks like you had a little accident huh?.”

Luke’s eyes narrowed at her and he tried to send a blast of dark energy at her but it fizzled out and his tears became heavier. G-go-go-away, he stuttered, his mental voice weaker than she’d ever heard it before.

“I can’t do that Luke,” Mage said, shaking her head. “No way in hell am I leaving you alone like this.”

Luke turned away from her, his shivering getting worse. Jus-just leave me, he whispered. I’m... I’m worthless. I... it happened... I... I couldn’t stop him... he just... he just... He broke down into even heavier tears.

“What happened Luke?” Mage asked coldly. “Who did this to you?”

M-Mew-Mewtwo, Luke stuttered. He-I-don’t know why-he just-he just-tore-tore me apart. I-I-I- he was unable to talk any further, anguish and pain rolling off of him in enormous waves.

Mage felt sick from the emotions rolling off of Luke. Silently, she swore to make sure Mewtwo payed for what he did. “Sh sh sh,” she cooed gently. “You don’t have to say anymore, I promise, you’re safe now.”

I-I-I’m-not safe-he-he-he broke down-down my walls, Luke whispered brokenly. I-I-I’m exposed-I-I-I-anyone can-anyone can use me-I... I can’t... He began to rock back and forth. I’m-I’m-I’m worthless.

“No you’re not,” Mage said gently. “And I promise you, you’re safe here.” Mage paused for a second and concentrated, slowly, the space around the clearing distorted and warped. “See? No one can get in now, and if a Psychic tries to penetrate it, they’ll just find empty space and a headache.”

Luke looked up at her, tears still in his eyes. Thank... thank you... but-but-I...I still... I... he trailed off, unable to say anything else, still rocking in place.

Mage shook her head and smiled gently at him. “It’s alright, just take all the time you need, I’m here if you need to talk.”

Luke sat there rocking for a minute before he finally spoke. ...he raped me Mage... he raped me... oh Arceus, he raped me...

Mage’s gems glowed darkly for a moment before she took a deep breath, now wasn’t the time to get angry, right now, her friend needed her.

I... I was nothing compared to him- he just... tore me down and... and... Luke stuttered. He saw everything... everything that I am... he... he just... violated me...

Mage wiped a tear from her eye. “How could anyone be so cruel to someone as sweet as you?” she asked, shaking her head.

Luke had no answer, instead, he simply kept shaking. So... so many memories... no... please make them go away... he murmured, more to himself than her but she heard them nonetheless. No... please... please... please... he sobbed, despair, horror, and pain filtering through to her.

Mage thought for a moment, doing her best to ignore the dark emotions emanating from her friend, then her eyes glowed yellow and she muttered. “Tandem reprime memories.”

Luke’s shivering stopped and he looked up at her with wide, puffy eyes, staring up at her with disbelief. I... how did you... how did you do that? he asked her softly, almost unable to speak as the memories assaulting him recededed.

“I’m magic, remember?” she said with a soft smile. “It’s not only useful for pranks and parlor tricks.”

Without warning, Luke’s power wrapped around her, pulling the ghost to his chest, his arms wrapping around her, his head going into her neck as he began to sob.

“It’s okay,” she said gently, wrapping her tendrils around his neck. “Just let it out, let it all out.”

He did so for the next ten minutes, occasionally wailing or screaming into her neck as his tears continued to fall. Finally he stopped, unable to do anything other than cradle his otherworldly support blanket.

“You done?” she asked softly.

I...I... for now, he answered quietly. I... sorry... so sorry. Shouldn’t... shouldn’t have done that.

“Oh I don’t mind at all,” Mage said with a smile. “Anything I can do to help.”

... then will you stay with me... for a little while longer? Luke asked, looking down at her. I...I... I don’t want to be alone again. Not... not in the dark.

Mage nodded. “As long as you need me, I’m here, and hey,” a moment of concentration, and fog rolled into the form of a campfire in front of them. “It doesn’t have to be dark.”

Luke just hugged her tighter.

Abby didn’t quite know what the feelings running through her body meant. She was laying anxiously against Kasai on the floor, having decided that they didn’t want to ruin the nice hotel bed if the process was messy. Her tails were swirling behind her and she was snarling slightly, red eyes looking this way and that as small pains ran through her body.

“This is driving me crazy!” she exclaimed.

Kasai stirred from his sleep, his head lifting up as he let out a yawn. “What’s wrong?”

“It’s my body... it’s getting ready for this and it’s... painful,” Abby replied with a small wince. “I don’t know how to deal with this! I mean, I know that human birth is a LOT more painful, least that’s what mom always said, but these little pains are driving me crazy!”

The Arcanine nuzzled Abby comfortingly. “Hey, it’s only going to last for a few moments longer, soon it will pass... hopefully.”

“I think I have an hour... I’ve lost track of what Mew said, I’m not sure when she’s going to show up but... grrrrrr this is horrible!” Abby exclaimed, her hips bumping against Kasai’s insistently as a low whine left her throat.

Kasai continued to rub his head against her. “Stay strong Abby, you can get through this. Just take some deep calm breaths.”

Abby tried just that but shook her head and got to her paws, beginning to pace back and forth, tails flicking this way and that in agitation. “Maybe we should go to the hospital? I mean I know that Mew said that she’d midwife and I don’t want to offend her after almost making her cry,” she said, more to herself than anyone else. “but then again, the ponies don’t know anything about Pokemon births and I don’t think they’d be able to help anything that Mew could-”

“Abby, you’re rambling,” Kasai stated before she could go on forever. “Plus, Pokemon in the wild don’t go to the hospitals when they lay their eggs. You’ll be fine.”

“But what if Arceus made a mistake or something when he was turning me into a Ninetales?” Abby asked. “I mean, what if I start bleeding or I-”

“Abby, Acreus is a god, he doesn’t make mistakes,” Kasai infromed her. “At least, not this type.”

“But Kasai, what if I...” she trailed off and moved her muzzle back to bite her shoulder, getting at an itch. “Gah! Now I’m itchy!” she exclaimed, still pacing back and forth. “Scratch me!”

“Kinda hard to do when you’re moving,” he pointed out with a shake of his head. “Just relax Abby, you’re overreacting to the situation.... like you do a lot of times.”

“I don’t overreact to things!” she snapped. “I give the exact reaction that every situation requires of me!”

The Arcanine just gave her a doubtful look. “Sure you do... remember that time when I first fell over during my first recovery? You thought my leg was broken again.”

“It looked horrible! The nurses weren’t doing nearly good enough!” Abby replied sharply, shaking her head. “My shouting was exactly the right response!”

“And that got you moved out to the waiting room if I remember correctly,” Kasai remarked.

“They just didn’t understand! They didn’t know what it was like to watch someone you loved have that happen!” Abby retorted worryingly, her tails still swirling, if anything, they were going faster now as she worked herself into more hysteria.

Kasai raised an eyebrow at the statement but continued on saying. “You’re doing the same to yourself Abby. You’re getting yourself worked up on something that should be simple and joyful... we’re going to be parents soon Abby. We should focus more on how to raise our twins than the birth itself. Pokemon birth is simple.”

“But-”

“Stop,” Kasai said firmly with a small growl. “If you keep doubting like this then it’s just going to give you more reason to be worried. Relax, take a deep breath and slowly let it out. Your body is not trying to sabotage you Abby, it’s making it ready for a happy moment of our life.”

“Bu-” Abby began to protest but before she could get it out, Kasai let out a low growl and got to his paws, closing the distance between them both in a matter of seconds. Before Abby could react, his jaws closed around her muzzle, gently forcing her mouth shut and he let out another growl that sent a thrill down Abby’s spine. Her ears flattened and her tails fell as well, lowering her eyes from the dominant male’s.

“Sfup,” he said while still firmly holding her muzzle close.

Abby lowered herself to to the floor submissively. O-okay.

Kasai continued looking down upon her for a few more moments before he let go and stood to his full height. “Now, just relax. Mew will come soon and it will be better if you’re calm than pacing anxiously.”

Abby nodded her head. “Okay... sorry... I...” She looked up at him. “Didn’t know you had that... alpha male in you.”

Kasai smirked lightly at her. “Abby... as your ‘Lord’, I always have,” he said with a chuckle.

“Right... right...” Abby smiled up at him. “It’s been... it’s been a while since we did any of our roleplaying hasn’t it? I don’t think we’ve done it since... Arceus I don’t even know when... and I mostly meant outside of the bedroom anyways.”

“Hehe, I think the last time was a week before we got teleported here,” Kasai replied with a small nod of his head.

“Sounds right,” she agreed, leaning up and licking at his neck. “Right as always my Lord.” She frowned. “Though I think we might have to rework a few things... the whole idea was that I was your serving waif who you chose for her good heart... now I’m kind of your bitch, hehe.”

Kasai rolled his eyes around slightly. “We’ll cross that bridge once me we get to it, for now just relax, alright?”

“Right... I’ll try...” Abby said, flattening herself as much as she could on the floor. “Relax... right.”

As Abby began to relax, there was a flash of blue from one corner of the room. Hi! Mew chirped. The little Legendary, now wearing a red and pink nurses hat, floated over to Abby.

Abby smiled. “Hey Mew... you ready to help get these little guys out of me so I can go back to being skinny?” she asked jokingly.

Mew giggled. Sure thing, her tail swung out from behind her and brushed against Abby’s belly, hovering over it for a second. Oh yeah, those two are ready to go.

“Good,” Kasai said with a nod, leaning over to give Abby a lick on the cheek. “I can’t wait for her hormones to balance out.”

“Hey,” Abby protested though she kept her head down, not putting too much effort into the protest.

Mew giggled again. Just relax, her tail rubbed a slow circle on Abby’s belly. You can do this, Kasai’s here, I’m here, everything’s going to be just fine.

“Okay... I trust you both,” Abby said, nuzzling Kasai for support as he wrapped a paw around her. “Just... tell me what to do.”

Mew nodded, then took a calming breath and closed her eyes. Focusing on Abby, and on the pair of eggs inside her, Mew began to speak. Alright you two, she said softly. Time to come meet your mom and dad, I know they can’t wait to meet you.

Mew looked over Abby and her two eggs with a smile as the Ninetales caught a nap after her labor, Kasai asleep beside her. That was when something strange happened.

Daughter of Arceus? a cold mental voice asked in her mind.

Mew looked around in confusion for a moment before responding. One of them... who’s talking?

It is I... Abby’s guiding spirit, the voice said, coming directly from within Abby’s mind. I have taken to being called ‘Inner’.

Mew mentally slapped herself. Oh right... forgot Ninetales had that, it had been a long time since Mew had given the Vulpix lineage control over magic, and she had almost forgotten the defense mechanism she’d given them from it.

Ideally... Ninetales do not... which is the problem, Inner replied. I am causing my charge a great deal of difficulty.

Mew nodded. True, never met a Vulpix with one as... advanced as you... huh, guess it’s a side effect of the transfer... I should make sure nothing else like this is causing any issues. Mew’s tail swept back and forth in the air as she considered that. Later.... did you want something?

I would like to cease existing, Inner said flatly. Abby has already gained some rudimentary control over her powers and I’m sure in time she will figure out the rest herself. At this point... I am only endangering her.

Mew blinked. Huh... well, can’t say I’ve never gotten that request before... and it's nice that you’re thinking of her, most alternate personalities don’t do that, Mew closed her eyes and hummed to herself. Alright, I’mma go and get my sisters, they’re better at this kind of thing than I am. Brb.

Mew disappeared in a flash of blue light. Inner waited. After a few minutes, a much brighter flash illuminated the room for a moment, and when it faded, Mew had reappeared, joined by Uxie, Mesprit, and Azelf.

So, Mesprit began, floating over to Abby’s sleeping form. This is the one?

Mew nodded. Yep, Inner doesn’t wanna exist anymore, and you three are the best at getting rid of mind problems.

I’m unnecessary... if Abby were a normal Ninetales then I would have vanished years ago... but she’s not so I have been stuck here. If I stay any longer then I fear that I will be unable to be removed and well... I do not wish to exist. It was a declaration more than anything else.

Uxie floated over to Abby, floating there alongside Mesprit. True, you really should not exist, Uxie had known a few Ninetales throughout her life, none of them had an ‘inner voice’. ... This will not take very long, we’ve done much more complicated procedures before... Azelf, join us please.

The final member of the Lake Trio joined her sisters, staring sadly down at Abby, more Inner.

Good. My only wish is that you help my charge... maybe fix a few of the minor issues she has while you’re rummaging through her head, Inner stated before falling silent for a moment. Very well, end me.

The Lake Trio nodded and closed their eyes, aside from Uxie, and the gems in their foreheads began to glow, three red pinpricks of light meeting at one point on Abby’s forehead.

Inside her mind, the Trio manifested, the psychic avatars appearing as little more than pink, blue, and yellow beings of psychic energy.

We just have to find the point where- Uxie began.

Inner is situated over Abby’s instinct’s and- Azelf continued.

Then we can safely separate the two before- Mesprit added.

Ending it. They finished together.

Good. Here I am. Inner’s voice sounded from far off, a silver light appearing in the mind. End me.

The Trio nodded, slowly making their way through Abby’s mindscape. Keep an eye out for any stray memories or mental issues. Uxie reminded her sisters.

We might as well help her out while we're here, Mesprit added.

I found some minor anger issues, Azelf said, poking a glowing red sphere with a few hazy images in it.

Just cut them down, Uxie said. But not completely.

Yep, we want to help her, not completely rewrite her personality. As Mesprit said that, she bumped into a memory reserve that was feeding directly into the rest of her memory bank, and the memories weren’t pleasant ones. Oooh, trauma bomb. Mesprit laughed as she pushed the bad memories down and put some more pleasant ones in their place.

Finished with the anger issues, Azelf said, holding up a red sphere no bigger than a baseball.

Uxie nodded. Good... cause we’re here, she pointed at a large domed chamber from which the silver light was emanating.

Let’s just get this over with, Azelf said with a sigh. I always feel uncomfortable doing this.

Mesprit patted her sister’s shoulder as the three floated inside.

You shouldn’t. I am a hazard to my charge and that is far from a good thing, Inner said, appearing within the dome as a golden Ninetales. Now please, enough talk. I wish to cease existing now.

Alright, Mesprit said, taking up a position to the left of Inner while Azelf slowly took one opposite of her on the right and Uxie directly in front of the Ninetales.

The three linked their minds, then directed their full mental power into a single attack. GOODBYE. Uxie opened her eyes.

Thank you. Was all they heard as the spectral Ninetales vanished along with all vestments of her existence.

The three sisters separated their minds and looked at each other. Anything else we need to do? Azelf asked.

Uxie thought for a moment, then a off white sphere appeared in her hands. This is a mental copy of a normal Ninetales’ ability to control their powers, Uxie set the orb down in Abby’s mind. It should supplement anything Abby doesn’t know, then disappear once she no longer needs any help.

Always good to have a back up plan, Mesprit said with a nod.

Yeah, now can we leave? Azelf asked.

Alright, alright, Uxie said, rolling her eyes. The Trio withdrew to their own bodies and opened their eyes, except for Mesprit. She’s clear, Uxie said, turning to Mew.

Mew smiled and flipped in the air. That’s good... thanks girls, she pulled her little sisters into a hug, wrapping her tail around all four of them. You’re the best.

Mesprit smiled. It’s no problem Mew,

It’s our job, Azelf said with a sigh.

Mew nodded and released her sisters. Alright, I’ll met you three back home in a minute, I have something I want to do first.

The three just nodded, whenever Mew did something, she was either being silly, or had a reason, sometimes the two weren’t mutually exclusive, but she always knew what she was doing.

As the triplets teleported out, Mew floated over to Abby and Kasai, smiled at them, then turned to the eggs. You two are soooo cute! She exclaimed. And I promise I’ll come and see you after you hatch, but until then. Mew looked around to make sure no one was looking, then blew into her paws and formed a small pink bubble. She left it floating in the air, then blew another and sent both floating down towards the eggs. Just some presents, she said with a grin before teleporting out.

The bubbles slowly floated to the floor in front of the eggs, and popped as they landed, somehow turning into a pair of stuffed plushies, both miniature, lifelike versions of a small pink cat, with a tail longer than its body.

A few hours later, Abby leaned against Kasai’s side, utterly exhausted but incredibly happy, their two precious eggs firmly tucked against her belly within her bundle of tails along with a pair of plushies. She hadn’t said anything in a long while and was simply enjoying of lying against her love. Kasai was laying half curled around the Ninetails, his head resting beside hers, a happy smile on his face.

“Look at what we did,” Abby murmured happily at last.

“I know... I still can’t believe it happen in the first place,” he replied, moving his head to nuzzled hers gently. “Told you nothing bad would happen.”

“Yes... yes, yes, you’re right, nothing bad did happen” she agreed, licking him on the cheek. “And we don’t even have any names picked out or anything... but... I don’t really care. We’re parents.”

The Arcanine chuckled with a grin. “Yeah... we are...” He nuzzled her once more before placing his head back down on the ground. “So... names. Mew did tell us one was a boy and the other was a girl, right?”

Abby nodded her head. “Yes, that’s right... a part of me wants to name them after my parents but... I don’t think that would be fair to them,” she said, nudging the eggs ever so slightly with her tails. “I don’t want them to have any baggage because of that.”

“Well then... how about we think of other names to call them?” Kasai said, a pondering frown crossing his face. “Liiiike.... Ruby and Sapphire?”

“I don’t want our children to grow up being strippers Kasai,” Abby said blandly.

Kasai blinked blankly. “How do you even get to that conclusion!?” he asked very surprised at the statement.

“Because names like ‘Crystal’ and such are like that,” Abby answered, shaking her head. “Just like you don’t name someone Candi.”

Kasai rolled his eyes. “It works for Red,” he pointed out.

“That’s a color, not a gemstone,” Abby told him.

“Ruby and Sapphire can be colors too,” Kasai remarked.

“I mean, if we’re going to go down that route, we might as well name them Gold and Silver,” Abby said with a frown. “The most valuable metals. In my opinion anyways.”

Kasai frowned for a moment. “Hmm... you know, that could work.”

Abby blinked twice and then smiled. “Heheh, yes, yes it could,” she said with a grin.

“Then it is decided,” Kasai said with a confident nod. “Though now is to figure out which name goes to who.”

“Well, I honestly can’t say right now,” Abby said with a small chuckle. “We’ll name them while they suckle for the first time okay?”

The Arcanine nodded his head. “Fine by me.”

“Wonderful,” Abby said with a grin as she leaned over to nuzzle him. “What a great mate you are Kasai... so very great.”

“I try my best,” Kasai replied as he returned the nuzzle.

“I know, and you’re going to make a wonderful father too,” Abby continued, licking his cheek. “A smart, kind dad. Kinda like mine really.”

“I don’t know, I don’t think I can ever really match Matt’s personality,” he said with a chuckle.

“True, but you’ll do great all the same,” she told him softly, nuzzling into his neck. “I just know it.”

“Thanks, and I know you’ll be a wonderful mother too,” Kasai stated softly.

“I still don’t know about that, but I’ll try my best,” Abby answered quietly. “I just wish mom and dad could see them.”

“Well who knows, maybe they can... I mean anything is possible now considering what’s happened to us.”

“...I don’t know,” Abby said, shaking her head. “I like to think that they’re ‘up there’-” she waved a paw at the ceiling. “-but I don’t know.”

“Well we do have access to the being who might know,” Kasai pointed out.

“I don’t think he answers that kind of thing,” the Ninetales said with a frown. “At least... I’ve never heard anything about him doing that.”

“Well there’s always one way to know,” Kasai said. “And that is to ask yourself.”

“I guess... I never really thought about that,” Abby said, blinking twice before shrugging and burrowing deeper into his neck. “But right now, I just want to watch over our eggs okay?”

“Fine by me,” Kasai said as he nuzzle her gently before laying his head back down on the ground. “It’s just a suggestion after all.”

“Right, right,” the Ninetales agreed, pulling her head out of the crook of his neck before it was smothered and leaning against the side instead. A long silence passed between them before she spoke again. “I love you,” she said softly.

“And I love you too... now, you should probably get some rest,” he said, rubbing the side of his head against her. “I can see it in your eyes that you want some sleep.”

“Yeah, yeah I do,” she agreed quietly, her eyelids fluttering for a moment as she leaned her head against his. “Goodnight Kasai.”

“Goodnight Abby,” he replied before closing his eyes.

The Ninetales closed her eyes and leaned against him, a smile on her face as her tails wrapped around the eggs.

“Lex,” Rill said suddenly, interrupting the Sylveon’s sleep from atop her stomach. “Lex.” she continued, poking him insistently.

“Uuuuggg... what?” Lex moaned out as he lifted a paw to rub his still sleepy eyes before letting out a big yawn.

“I would like to talk with you,” Rill said, poking him again. “So I shall poke you until you are fully awake and functioning.”

Lex frowned as he lift a paw to pushed away the poking claw. “Just tell me now Rill, if it’s important enough to wake me in the middle of the night.”

“I... I would like children,” Rill said, fidgeting slightly beneath him. “I do not care what type... but... I would like children.”

The Sylveon blinked several times. “You do know it’s impossible for me to impregnate you right?” he stated, his voice still sounded sleepy but he was clearly focusing on his speech.

“I know, that does not change my wish for children of our own,” Rill said with a frown. “I’m sure there are some orphans around somewhere...”

“Possibly... considering the whole transferred tidbit,” Lex said, rubbing a paw over his face to fully wake himself up, seeing he wouldn’t go back to sleep anytime soon. “Or you know, get a stud and get pregnant that way, but that’s up to you.”

Rill blinked twice and then looked down at him in surprise. “You would find that acceptable?”

“I grew up on a breeding farm, where one female could possibly have two or more breeding partners,” Lex said, another yawn escaping from his lips. “In fact I think my mother had three at once... because I remember my brother and sisters had different fathers but were born around the same time.”

“... I had forgotten about that aspect of your past,” she said with a small frown before nuzzling him. “Perhaps I shall ask Draco.”

An intrigued eyebrow rose on Lex’s face at the thought of how Draco would react to such a request. It didn’t help that an amused smile crossed his lips at the image of the male Flygon’s face going through fifty shades of red. “Maybe, though I should probably ask if he’ll be okay with that, my dear.”

“Oh, I was planning on just asking him to be my stud,” Rill said with a puzzled expression. “What would you say differently?”

“I would ease up into the subject instead of being very... blunt,” Lex replied. “Not that there’s anything wrong with the direct way, it’s just... a more polite way to handle a subject like this my dear.”

“Ah, I see,” Rill said, frowning for a moment before shrugging. “I shall leave it to you then Lex.”

“Thank you,” the Slyveon said with a nod of his head before a ribbon extended out to rubbed her head. “Anything to make you happy my desert ruby.”

Rill smiled and bit him gently along the neckline in the places that he’d grown to love. “Thank you my little puppet master,” she said quietly once she’d raised her muzzle from his neck.

“Hey, like I said, anything to make you happy,” he said, another yawn escaping. “Now, if you excuse me, I need to catch up on the rest of my sleep.” He stood up and walked in a small circle before curling up once more on her stomach. Rill smiled and gave his face one last nuzzle before she too lay her head down on the pillow and slipped off to sleep.

Chapter 43

Abby was relaxing in her bed, a smile on her face as she cradled her eggs against her belly. Kasai was off somewhere, to be honest she couldn’t remember what he was doing, when there was a knock at the door. “Who is it?” Abby called.

“It’s me, your mother,” Scarlet’s voice spoke from the other side.

“Oh! Come in, come in!” Abby exclaimed with a grin. “I was wondering when you’d show up and ‘meet’ your grandchildren mom!”

The handle turned and the door swung outwards as Scarlet slithered in, retracting her vine as she chuckle softly. “Hehe... yeah, sorry for missing their ‘birth’ as it were. I was busy with something else,” she explained.

“It’s fine,” Abby replied, shrugging her shoulders as Scarlet came up to her. She leaned over and showered her face in licks. “I’m a mother!”

“So I heard,” Scarlet said with another series of small chuckles and glanced over at the two eggs. “So, twins huh?”

“Yep!” Abby answered, nuzzling her mother again and pulling her against her neck. “Gold and Silver.”

One of the Serperior’s eyeridge arched up slightly. “Strange names, if you don’t mind me saying.”

Abby shrugged. “Seemed appropriate... we have ponies walking around with names like Pinkie Pie and Twilight Sparkle... kind of wanted to help them fit in,” she answered with a small chuckle. “Besides, you’re named after a color.”

Scarlet gave a shrug with her leaf collar. “Hey, it was my mother’s idea since I had red hair.”

The Ninetales shrugged and then patted the bed beside her with her tails. “Join me?”

“Sure.” She slithered up onto and coiled around the bed, resting her head across from Abby’s. “So, how did things go up in Canterlot? Did we get the funds to start construction?”

“Way better,” Abby answered with a grin, leaning over to lick Scarlet on the nose. “Celestia’s paying for everything and helping us staff!”

Scarlet’s eyes widen a bit in surprise but a smile grew across her face. “Well, that will certainly help, heh. Heck, with that kind of promise we might get the building up before the next year.”

Abby nodded. “Yeah, that’s what I was thinking,” she agreed, nuzzling Scarlet as she leaned against the snake coils behind her. “I bet you can’t wait to be in charge eh?”

The Serperior chuckled lightly. “Director Scarlet Truman of the Ranger Union... it does has a nice ring to it I do admit. Hopefully the other Rangers we recruit agree.”

“Yes, yes it does,” Abby agreed. “And if they don’t, then they can go get their own funding,” she added before frowning slightly. “Umm... mom... I was umm wondering about something.”

“Oh?” Scarlet asked with a small inquiring frown.

“Well... umm...” Abby looked down. “I’ve been cursing ponies.”

Scarlet frowned and lean her head closer. “What was that? I didn’t hear you.”

“I’ve um...” Abby gulped. “I’ve been cursing ponies.”

“You’ve been crushing onions?” Scarlet asked with a puzzled look before it turn a bit serious. “Abby, if you have something to tell me, speak it in a volume I can clearly hear okay?”

“Right... sorry... I’ve... I’ve been cursing ponies...” Abby said quietly but now at least she was audible.

The Serperior blinked dumbfounded for a moment before she closed her eyes and slowly lifted her head up in the air. “I see...” she said slowly, Abby could recognize the tone in her voice as to be holding back from lashing out immediately. “Why?”

“It... it was only twice,” Abby said, her head dipping down and her ears falling flat, unable to look up to the Serperior. “One mare kicked an Azurill so I cursed her to feel that pain for a week... and the other was some Prince named Blueblood who’d tried to crash Gene and Belle’s wedding. He was an arrogant pain in the ass so I made him know just what everyone thought of him.”

“So... that’s what the mare in Las Pegasus was talking about...” Scarlet muttered to herself. “Now, tell me what right gave you to do such thing?”

“... I didn’t know what was happening the first time...” Abby confessed. “I was just so angry... it all just bubbled up and my body and mind did it before I really realized what was happening... I didn’t know what I was doing.”

“That doesn’t answer my question,” Scarlet stated. “Because you were angry is an excuse; Lance can get angry, but he doesn’t cleave someone’s head off for it.”

“Lance wasn’t in a new body that he didn’t understand!” Abby retorted sharply. “I didn’t mean too! I didn’t even know that I could!” she snarled.

Scarlet opened her eyes and looked down at Abby with a cold expression. A tingle ran down the Ninetails body and a sense of dread filled the back of her mind. The Ninetales stared back at her, unable to look away as a scared whine left her throat.

“That is a lie,” the Serperior said in a low tone of voice. “You know Ninetails are able to curse, and don’t tell me after the first time you did it you didn’t know you could do it again. So the second time you did it you had full control. You let yourself curse someone, and again I ask you: what right did you have to do that?”

“He called me an animal!” Abby retorted. “And he almost ruined Gene and Belle’s wedding!” she said, gathering herself back up a bit. “He deserves every moment of ridicule he gets!”

“Say’s who?” Scarlet asked, her tone not changing, as her coils tightened slightly. “You? Last time I checked, neither you or I were official members of the police or Guard, nor are we part of the judicial system.”

“Actually... we report straight to Celestia,” Abby told her. “It was part of the deal.”

“Yet, the Ranger Union hasn’t been built yet, nor is the order,” Scarlet remarked. “Besides, if that was true, then did Celestia approve of your curse? Because I sure as hell don’t.”

Abby winced, it took a lot to make her mother swear. “... I don’t know...” she frowned. “But from what I’ve been told she let him be chased around the throne room by Fang... and let Arceus make him a mute, twice. I don’t think she cares about him.”

“That’s assumptions, and those mean nothing,” the Serperior stated with a slightly harsh tone. “And by saying that, you assumed you had the judging power at equal level as Arceus?”

Abby blushed. “No... I just...” she looked away. “I just got angry.”

“And you know how well that gets you into trouble, Abby Trombley,” Scarlet said. “You act out of impulse, and your judgement becomes rash. Again, I point to Lance who I know gets angry a lot, but he doesn’t use that as an excuse to cut people’s limbs off.” She lowered head down so her eyes were hovering over Abby’s. “The same should go for you in applying curse, because if you don’t keep that in check, you’re going to curse someone simply because they got on your bad side. Understood?”

“Understood...” Abby said quietly. “How long am I suspended, Director?”

“For a while... but that’s not all. We’re going to undo the curse you applied to Blueblood, and you’re going to apologize,” Scarlet replied.

“I don’t think I can,” Abby said. “I think once they’re cast they’re permanent until the timer wears off... he’ll make it three days.”

“Then I guess you just have to ask Accrues to lift it, like he did last time,” Scarlet informed her. “Then, we can work out how you will apologize to Blueblood.”

“I’ll sending a letter, I’m not talking to him again in person.” Abby’s gaze hardened. “He doesn’t deserve the courtesy, trust me.”

“Then make sure the letter is at least a page long, and that’s not a suggestion,” Scarlet ordered.

“Aye aye,” Abby said unhappily.

Scarlet closed her eyes and let out a long sigh before opening once more, the hard gleam in them faded away. “I know you didn’t mean to curse the first time Abby, but you need to get a hold of your new body. You need to control it, not the other way around, alright?”

“Alright,” Abby agreed before tentatively leaning forwards to nuzzle Scarlet’s coils. “Thanks mom, I love you.”

Scarlet closed her eyes once more and leaned down to nuzzle Abby back. “And I love you too Abby, never forget that alright?”

“I won’t,” Abby replied, licking her face. “I’m just sorry you have to put up with such an idiotic, damaged, slightly unstable daughter like me.”

The Serperior chuckled lightly. “It’s a bit of a chore... but I’ve grown used to it; after all, if I hadn’t I would’ve given up a long time ago,” she jested, a vine crawling out to give the Ninetails a nudge in the shoulder. “Beside, I was a bit of a handful for my mom too.”

“I doubt you were as bad as me,” Abby grunted. “You never ended up killing anyone.”

“....” Scarlet remained silent on the comment.

Abby glanced up at her. “You did?”

“Technically, I can’t really tell you,” Scarlet replied. “But, let’s just say, some the poachers I tracked and took down got a bit... dangerous. Some people just don’t want to be arrested, and I do have the right to protect my life, even if it does end up taking a life.”

Abby nodded and let the subject drop. “Did Solana and Lunick stop by yesterday while I was ‘busy’ by the way?”

“Kinda, it was more I ran into them and recognized Plusle and Minun. It was good catching up with them,” Scarlet said with a small chuckle. “It did help ease a bit of tension during the time.”

“Ah, okay,” Abby said, nodding. “Good, I’m glad. It’ll be nice to have four members of the Rangers with us until more show up.”

The Serperior nodded her head in agreement. “Speaking of which, did you ask Celestia to help with that search for other Rangers. Because if not, I’ll just bring it up when I go visit her.”

“Yeah, we talked about that, of course,” Abby said, glancing at her mother. “What do you take me for, careless?”

Scarlet smirked at her slightly. “In some aspects, but good, it will certainly help speeding up the process of starting the new Ranger Union.”

“Yeah... I just hope that they’re as willing to change their ways as Solana and Lunick,” Abby muttered. “The last thing I need is one of our own trying to arrest Kasai and I.”

“Then we just need to make them see differently, or get the aid of the Guard to help prevent that... though that does bring someone in mind now.” Scarlet frown slightly. “Professor Hastings.”

“... I had a run in with him...” Abby said quietly. “And looking back at it... I’m an idiot for getting so mad at him.” She looked down at her still rather pudgy belly. “Stupid hormones got to me and I yelled at him.”

“I see... well, I’m guessing he didn’t take the news of his top Pokephilia hunter was actually a Pokephile herself very well.”

“Yeah... not really, no,” Abby said, shaking her head. “Kasai got ‘red eyes’ for a bit and I almost cursed him, but I didn’t...” she trailed off. “Look... we need to talk to him. I know he’s a good man mom. I know it.”

“So do I,” Scarlet replied. “His heart is in the right place, and has done a lot of good, he’s just a bit... blinded in some areas.” She then lightly shook her head. “And it appears he still is... considering Pokephilia doesn’t hold water anymore. But yes, we do need to talk to him, the Ranger Union wouldn’t exactly be the same without some of his help.”

“I know Kasai wouldn’t,” Abby agreed, remembering how despondent her mate had been after the Claydol had stolen his leg via suicidal explosion. “He’d still be moping... and rightly so.”

Scarlet nodded her head. “Then maybe I’ll run into him during my trip to Canterlot, or at least ask Celestia if she knows.”

“Good idea...” Abby let out a small sigh. “I think I’m going to take a nap now mom... want to stay with me?”

A soft chuckle rolled out of the Serperior as a vine rolled out and pet across Abby’s head. “I wish I could, but I have some other things to take care off.”

“Okay mom, I love you,” Abby leaned up and licked Scarlet’s face once before settling down on the bed.

“I love you too, sweet dreams,” Scarlet said as she unravel herself and made her way to the door, exiting and closing the door quietly.

On the beach near Ponyville Lake, two dragons sat, simply enjoying each others company.

“This is nice,” River said, snuggling up closer to Draco. “We never really got to do this back on Earth.”

“We were always moving around back then,” Draco said. “But personally,” he leaned over and nuzzled River. “I like this better.”

River giggled, then sighed contently. Today was just... perfect.

There was a slight noise above them and they both looked up to see Rill descending quietly towards them, her wings barely making any sound at all. Lex stood across her back, securely anchored with several ribbons.

“Hello,” Rill said, giving them both a smile.

“Hey you two,” Lex called out as he jumped off of Rill’s back and landed on all fours.

“Hi Lex, hi Rill,” River greeted with a smile.

“Apologies for interrupting, but Lex has a request of mine to ask you because I would do it poorly,” Rill said with a smile. “Lex?”

“Right,” the Sylveon started, clearing his throat as he looked up towards Draco and River. “Last night Rill woke me up about a subject that’s been plaguing her mind currently. Which is that she wants to have children. After talking about it we came up with two options. One is to just adopt and the other is to find someone to get her pregnant. And since we probably want it to be someone we trust enough, we wondered if Draco would like that honor.” His eyes drifted up to the male Flygon. “Keep in mind I have no troubles with this plan, I grew up on a breeding farm so the idea of having a different biological father is pretty common from my perspective. It just relies on if you’re willing to do it.”

Draco and River stared at the pair in disbelief, River wrapped herself partially around Draco protectively while the male Flygon attempted to process what he’d just been asked. “But that would... and she and I... but that...” he shook his head and his eyes narrowed at the pair. “Did Mage put you up to this? Or that Mawile friend of hers?”

Rill looked genuinely confused. “No? Why would they?”

“Yes, why would they?” Lex picked up before continuing. “Like I said, Rill just wants to have children... and I can’t really help her with that,” he said with a sigh, looking down at his paws. “That’s why we’re just asking you if you are willing to help us in that Draco. We just thought to ask of you first because you are a close friend of Rill and probably the only one I can trust to not mistreat her,” he finished looking back up at the Flygon. “So again, I ask if you’re okay with this or not.”

Draco sighed, now he felt guilty for asking that. Two of his friends were asking for his help and... well, normally he’d be willing to help them with anything but this was... complicated. Before he could think any more, Rill spoke again, to his surprise, her voice was not her usual blunt one.

“I have spent my entire life taking life out of this world,” Rill said quietly, looking down at the sand. “From the moment that I was hatched, I was forced upon my brothers and sisters and had to be strong to survive. Once I grew old enough I was thrust into the arena and taught to kill. Eventually I was bought by a wealthy gentlemen as a trophy and... used to eat those he grew tired of... and even with Abby, I have had to kill....” she trailed off and glanced back at Draco. “I would very much like to add something to this world instead of taking it out.”

Dammit Rill, Draco thought to himself. “Could... could you excuse us for a moment?” He gestured down at River, who had fully coiled around him.

Lex nodded his head. “Sure, take your time,” he replied before heading back to Rill and gesturing her to follow him as they walked away from the two other dragons.

“Okay, River?” Draco asked. “I want you to tell me exactly what you were thinking during that conversation.”

“Well, when Lex first asked, I thought ‘mine’,” she replied protectively, which caused Draco to smile softly. “And now... call me crazy but... I feel bad for Rill,” she blinked once, then added. “Well... more so than I normally do whenever she brings her past up.”

Draco nodded and sighed. “Same here,” he shook his head. “What do I do River?”

“I... well, that’s really up to you,” she said quietly. “I... I know you love me, and if you decide to do this for them I know that won’t change... and it won’t change how I feel about you.”

Draco sighed again. “I... you’re right but... I’ve never pictured myself... with anyone except you,” River smiled softly at that. “It’s... just how I was raised... before Gene found me.”

River nuzzled Draco and kissed him on the cheek. “I know, but... well, you know what happened to them, they both explained well enough just now.”

“I know, I know,” Draco said. “But...” he sighed again. “I want you as my mate first.”

River smiled. “You know,” she said softly. “There’s no reason we can’t be.”

Draco cocked his head. “Y-you mean...?”

“Well... I think we’ve waited long enough,” she giggled. “If we do wait much longer, then Mage will try something.”

Draco blushed. “And... you’re certain you’re okay with... what they’re asking?”

River nodded and hugged Draco tighter. “Yeah... just um...” she blushed and mumbled. “Think of me okay?”

Draco stared at River for a moment, then laughed and hugged her the best he could while she was wrapped around his body. “Okay my love,” he said with a smile. “Okay.”

After a few moments, Draco waved Rill and Lex back over. The Slyveon and the shiny Flygon walked up to them, Lex taking the incentive to ask.

“Well? Come to a verdict?” he inquired as he glanced between River and Draco.

“Yes, have you?” Rill inquired, tilting her head hopefully at the pair.

Draco and River looked at each other and nodded. “I’ll do it,” Draco said. “But... River and I... need a few days alone first.”

A smile formed at the edge of Lex’s lips and he nodded his head. “Of course, there’s no need to rush this. I’m just grateful you’d actually agree to this in the first place.”

Rill remained silent for a moment before a huge smile spread across her face and she rushed forwards, tackling River and Draco to the ground, nuzzling them both like crazy. “Oh thank you! Thank you both so very much!”

“It’s... you’re welcome,” River said softly.

“Yes and... I’m certain you will both make wonderful parents,” Draco said. “Now Rill, Lex, if you would excuse us,” he turned to River and smiled. “There is something we need to do.”

“Of course,” Lex said, walking up to Rill to urged her to get up. “We have no other reason to stay now do we Rill?”

“No, no we don’t,” Rill nuzzled both of them before getting up and smiling widely at them both, stepping away. “River, remember, the longer you wait before he sti-”

A ribbon covered her mouth. “Rill, let them find their own rhythm to flow with,” he said with a smile as he began to climb on her back. He gave Draco and River a wink. “Have fun you two.”

Rill chuckled beneath the ribbon and flapped her wings, springing into the air, a grin on her face.

With their friends gone, River and Draco turned to each other and smiled. “Shall we take this somewhere more... private?” River asked slyly.

Draco grinned and nodded. “Yes,” he said, spreading his wings. “Lets.”

Abby and Kasai lay together on the bed, the eggs nestled against Abby’s belly. They’d already eaten lunch and neither really felt like moving much. The Ninetales looked up at the Arcanine and gave him a lick.

“It’s a good day,” Abby said quietly.

“Yep, and a quiet day too,” Kasai agreed with a nod of his head. “Which isn’t a bad thing, we’ve been through too much excitement since we got here. It’s nice to get just a day of doing nothing.”

“Yes, yes it is, all we need now is some company,” Abby mused to herself.

“Abby? Kasai?” Belle’s voice accompanied a round of knocking at the door. “Are you two in there?”

“Ah, speaking of which,” Kasai said softly with a smile as he lifted his head towards the door. “We’re in here Belle, come on in.”

The door slid open and revealed Belle and Gene standing outside, smiling. “Hi,” Gene said. “We came to see how you two were doing.”

“Gene! Belle! Come and see!” Abby said, grinning widely at them.

The pair walked into the room. “What is...” Belle stopped when she saw what was nestled next to Abby. “Oh. My. Arceus.”

Gene squealed. “Babies! Well... eggs but... either way.” He squealed again.

Kasai chuckled merrily. “Yes, that’s a bit of my reaction too when last night.”

“Yeah... having Mew midwife was interesting,” Abby agreed with a small chuckle.

“That’s one way of saying it,” Kasai added with another chuckle.

Belle smiled and walked the rest of the way to the bed, sitting down next to Abby, she smiled at the eggs, as well as her friend. “You lucky, lucky fox,” she said with a smile. “I’m so happy for you two.”

Abby leaned over and licked her. “Thanks Belle, and yes, yes I am,” she said before smiling mischievously. “A great big stud of a mate and a pair of beautiful eggs of my own.”

“Oi, I am more than just a stud,” Kasai stated with a chuckle, nudging his mechanical limb against her.

“You’re right, you’re my stud,” Abby agreed with a smile.

Luke just sat there in the clearing for a long time, still cradling Mage. Sorry... I’ve been holding you for... far too long, he told her, finally releasing her again. I’ve been... in this clearing for too long... I should go... somewhere. Back to Abby... tell her what happened... or maybe not... she doesn’t need my pain. Not now when I’m sure she’s happy.

“Okay, first off,” Mage said, twisting her body around and ringing herself out. “I really don’t mind, and second off, you really should talk to Abby, I’m sure no matter what she’ll want to help you.”

Tommorow... not today... she’s giving birth today, Luke stated. I don’t want to ruin her special day.

Mage nodded. “Alright, that makes sense,” she thought for a moment. “So... what are you going to tell her anyway?”

Just that I spent a day crying... it happens, he said quietly before he shut his eyes. I wish I knew Recover... oh well... I just... tripped and cut my face on some sticks.

Mage sighed. “Instaurabo.” The scratches and cuts on Luke’s face healed themselves, and the frayed portion of his scarf knitted itself back together. “There,” Mage said with a nod. “That better?”

Luke rubbed the fingers of his hand over his face and then smiled at her. My thanks once again Mage... you have been... incredibly kind to me, he said quietly.

Mage smiled. “Yeah well... you’re my friend, I don’t like seeing you like that,” she sighed. “It hurts me.”

It does? the Gallade inquired, cocking his head to the side. Why?

“Partially, it’s these things,” she flashed he gems at him. “They pick up negative emotions more easily than anything else and I’ve always been kind of... sensitive to them, it’s more an emotional hurt than anything else but still.”

Ah... so I have been causing you pain, Luke said, nodding. Then I shall leave you. No one else should suffer because of me... it is not right. I am to suffer alone. He got up and began to walk away from her.

“Luke... I haven’t dropped the field yet,” Mage stated dryly. “And don’t do that, I said I wasn’t leaving you alone and I meant it.”

Luke looked over at her and shook his head. You needn’t bother. I’m fine... Mage, he said quietly. Lower the field please... I don’t want to cause you anymore pain.

Mage shrugged. “Even if I do lower the field, I’ll just follow you, even if I have to be invisible while I’m doing it,” she locked eyes with him. “I’m not letting you face this alone Luke.”

Why not? So much of my life has been spent alone, Luke asked her, meeting her eyes. Why should this be any different?

“Cause it can be, cause I want to help you, cause this entire thing,” Mage gestured around at their surroundings. “Is basically a chance for a new start for everyone, and you deserve it more than anyone else I know.”

Hah... I don’t deserve anything really... just pain, Luke replied, shaking his head. That’s all I’ve ever gotten. Abby is the closest thing to happiness I’ve ever found and... she doesn’t love me. Not in the way I’d like her too at any rate... I’ve given up on that sort of thing.

“You shouldn’t give up Luke,” Mage said sadly. “You never know what life’s going to throw at you... or what you might be missing.”

Yes... I suppose you’re right... Mewtwo could rape me again, the Gallade said humorlessly. Life could be about to throw that at me again.

Mage gritted her teeth. “If he comes anywhere near you, I’ll make sure he pays for what he did,” Mage wiped her eyes before any tears could fall.

Luke saw the tears and looked away. I should go... I’m hurting you again, he said, turning away.

Mage flew past Luke and floated in between him and the barrier of her illusion field. “You’re not going anywhere mister,” she stated flatly. “I’m in control here and I don’t care if it hurts, I’m not letting you go off on your own.”

Luke stared at her. Mage... please... I don’t want to hurt you. Let me go.

Mage shook her head and crossed her ‘arms’. “Nope, if you can keep all of your problems locked away, then I can put up with your emotional turmoil.”

Mage... Luke trailed off and looked at her, clear puzzlement in his eyes. Why?

“Cause I,” Mage choked. “I care about you Luke... a lot, it doesn’t just hurt me cause I can feel it, it hurts because I know that you’re feeling this way, it hurts cause... cause I care about you.” Mage looked away from Luke, trying to avoid his gaze.

Luke just stared at her for a long moment before slowly saying. ...is this... is this like... like I... he trailed off and stared at her more, disbelief on his face. You... me? Why... why would anyone...

“It’s just...” Mage began, her gaze locked on the ground. “I was... curious about you at first I guess. I couldn’t figure out what made you tick so I tried my best to get to know you and...” she sighed. “And... I found that you were really smart, and kind, and brave, and... sweet, and...” she trailed off as a light blush grew on her face. “I saw how much you were hurting, underneath it all, and the more I got to know you, the more I liked you and I just...” she stopped. “I’m sorry, you don’t need this right now.”

The illusion field fell, revealing the rest of the clearing, same as it had been before. “Sorry,” Mage said again.

I... don’t be... Luke said quietly. I don’t want to make you... I don’t want to make you feel like I’ve felt... for... so long... because of Abby I... he looked down and then walked over to her, pulling her into his arms. I do not love you... I... I don’t know if I know what love is Mage... not real love anyways... not love that isn’t a product of an angel rescuing me from the darkness but- he glanced down at her. I suppose it could be said that... I found another... and I’m willing at least... to... to try?

Mage looked up at Luke in disbelief, she had expected the first part but the rest.... Mage smiled. “I... yeah, I’m good with that... that sounds great really.”

Luke let out a choked sob and pulled her closer against his chest, his head nestling into her neck. I hope... I hope you don’t mind my being... so... emotional...

“I have pretty good control over that at this point,” Mage assured him. “I’m an empath and... I got good at the dark stuff after the wedding, so it’s not a problem.”

Thanks... Luke just held her closer to himself. ... you’re the only person other than Abby I’ve ever really hugged... I just noticed that, Luke said softly in her ‘ear’.

Mage smiled softly. “I’m glad you feel comfortable enough to hug me,” she whispered back.

Luke just nuzzled into her neck further. You helped me... you’ve shown... me so much love... love that I don’t really think I deserve... why wouldn’t I be comfortable with you? he inquired with a small mental chuckle.

Mage chuckled back. “True enough... and Luke? You do deserve this... and so much more.”

Luke fiddled with his scarf idly, wrapping it around her back with his power. I don’t know about that... but thank you for the sentiment... Mage... my second angel.

Mage smiled and blushed lightly. “You’re welcome Luke, and... thank you, for giving me a chance.”

Luke smiled down at her and hesitated for a very long moment before he leaned forwards and placed his lips upon her forehead, kissing it very softly. You’re very welcome... so very welcome, he told her gently, wrapping his arms around her. So very welcome.

Chapter 44

Justice smiled as he looked around their nest. To him, it was a fine thing, built into a natural hole in the side of a cliff in the amongst the Everfree forest a short flight from Ponyville. The rocky ground had been covered in a combination of his and Claire’s downy feathers along with twigs, sticks, and grass.

“A fine nest,” he murmured to himself, still smiling before he glanced over at Claire who was snuggled up amongst the feathers. “Wouldn’t you agree?”

The Swellow nodded her head. “Indeed; I didn’t know you were good in the art of nest building.”

“To be truthful, I’m not,” he replied with a small chuckle, coming over to nuzzle her adoringly. “But, I’ve seen enough of them that I know what I’m doing I think.”

“Heheh, well then you’re a good faker then,” she teased, nuzzling under his head.

“Justice committing a forgery? Never,” he replied, nibbling the back of her neck gently with his powerful beak. “But copying, that I do well enough.”

“What’s the difference?” she asked with another chuckle, leaning into the nibbling and cooing.

“One is dishonest, a quality that Justice is incapable of possessing,” he replied, a grin on his beak as he finished nibbling and pulled out a few loose feathers, adding them to the growing bead. “After all Justice is, if nothing else, honest about its faults.”

“That is true,” Claire agreed with a nod.

Justice chuckled softly and draped a wing around her, she was quite a bit rounder than she ever had been before and he had the oddest feeling that she was carrying a Rufflet rather than a Taillow. “So my dear, is there anything that I can get you? In your current state you can hardly be flying about.”

“Hmmm... well I am a bit peckish, so I guess some food will do,” she replied while nestling into his wing. “After all, it’s not easy to grow an egg, heh.”

“You’re handling it fairly well though I’d wager,” Justice replied, holding her against his side, a smile on his face before he leaned down and nuzzled her again. “So, what kind of food would you like? A big meal, a little one?”

“Just something enough to fill my stomach, don’t need a large one and let it go to waste. Unless of course you’re going to eat it too,” the Swellow replied. “We do need to respect what we kill.”

“Of course,” Justice agreed, nodding his head. “And to tell the truth, I am rather hungry as well. Being around you sleeping all day is very tiring.” He chuckled and leaned down to nuzzle her. “So, a Deerling you think?”

“Perhaps,” she answered with another nod.

“Very well my dear, if it is venison you want, it is venison you will get,” Justice replied with a small chuckle. “I’ll see if I can’t find one away from a herd, that way it won’t be missed much.” He uncurled his wing and stepped away. “And then I’ll bring it back for the two of us and we’ll feast, heh.”

“Fly safe my dear,” Claire told him with a smile.

“Always,” Justice said, stepping straight off the cliff side. Nothing happened for a moment before he shot skywards again at an upwards angle and began to fly off.

It did not take him long to find what he was looking for, a small deerling walking by itself through the forest, not a Sawsbuck in sight nor a total youngling, else its mother would be near it. Justice’s eyes scanned the forest a final time as he thought out his trajectory and the angle of his dive before he folded his wings and dived.

Small branches smacked him as he descended from on high like an avenging missile, and just as he reached it, he spread his wings, slowing his breakneck speed as his talons closed around the Deerling’s neck. There was a loud snap, the bear traces of a scream, and then it fell silent as he picked himself up off of the ground. He looked over his meal for a moment before nodding to himself and fastening his talon’s around the other Pokemon’s back, winging back towards his nest.

The weight of the Deerling was hardly noticeable to Justice as his powerful wings beat against the air, until he found a familiar air current and began to glide easily back. All in all, it took him perhaps twenty minutes before he got back to the nest. The Braviary deposited the body in front of Claire with a large smile on his beak.

“It seems I was successful,” he commented with a bow before he held out his claw. “Would you like me to carve you off some my little bird?”

The Swellow smiled as she gazed at the catch. “I would like that,” she said, smiling.

Justice smiled and brought his large talons out to carve open the Deerling’s chest and pulled it open. “What organ would you like?”

“Heart or liver, both are good for our growing chick,” she said, a wing slightly rubbing her swelling side.

“Especially if it’s a Rufflet,” Justice agreed with a nod as he set to work with the carving, retrieving the liver a moment later and presenting it to her. “For you my dear,” he said, setting it down in front of her. “I shall claim the heart for my own if you don’t mind.”

She shook her head. “Not at all,” she said as she lowered her head and started tearing the liver apart with the aid of her beak.

Justice didn’t bother to respond, instead he sank his claws into the Deerling and pulled its heart out, beginning to eat as well. It didn’t take the two very long to devour the small Pokemon and when they were done, Justice took up the bones and unsavory parts up in his talons and dumped it off of the cliff.

“Ah, wonderful,” he said with a content smile as he cleaned blood from his beak. “I hope yours was as well Claire.”

“It was indeed,” she replied as she too began cleaning blood off her beak. “Thank you for the meal my dear.” She nuzzled his side lovingly.

“Anything for my mate,” he replied, smiling before he leaned down and licked a dab of blood from the top of her beak. “Missed a spot.”

“Hey, it’s hard to reach that spot now. My wings don’t stretch out as much as they used to,” she remarked with a small chuckle.

“Oh, I know, that’s why I’m here,” he replied, licking another little bit of blood off of her. “I really can’t wait to be a father you know, and to actually be there for all of it.”

“Oh really? No more thoughts of ‘running off’?” she asked with a small tilt of her head.

“No more running off,” he agreed. “Though if someone should happen to find us, I will certainly greet them kindly.”

“Of course, if it’s neighbors or old time friends,” she agreed.

“Or old mates,” he agreed, nodding his head as he wrapped his wing around her. “But you needn’t worry about me flying off with some ‘new young thing’, heh.”

“Good, cause if you do, I’ll show you why Aerial Ace is my top move,” she said with a small smile, nuzzling him once more.

“No better than Brave Bird,” he replied, smirking as he held her snugly against himself, a content smile crossing his beak. “In my opinion at any rate.”

“Hey, it stopped a lot of criminals’ Pokemon in their track, especially when they were flying types,” Claire commented.

“Very true,” Justice agreed, looking down at her. “But could it do more damage than a well aimed Brave Bird hurtling at his foe?”

“Probably not, but I don’t hurt myself during the process,” she stated out. “Plus you need a lot more room to reach the speed needed for that move than Aerial Ace.”

“To me, it’s nothing but scratch damage,” he replied, shrugging his wings. “And I don’t need that much room to gain speed with these majestic wings of mine.” He held up his massive wings and smiled. “There is a REASON why everyone is equally envious and terrified of Justice’s reach.”

A small chuckle rolled out the Swellow. “I guess so, though only to those who have a reason to fear Justice after all.”

“True,” he said, leaning down to nuzzle her softly. “And you’re certainly not one of them, are you my pretty little bird?”

“Not in the slightly, my bird of Justice,” she replied, leaning into the nuzzle.

Justice wrapped his wing back around her and let out a sigh. “Thank you Claire... thank you for this chance you’ve given me. I hardly deserve it.”

“You’re welcome Justice... and don’t say that, everyone has a second chance at something,” she replied.

He smiled. “Indeed...” he let out a breath before looking down at her. “Would you believe me if I told you that out of all of my mates, you’re the second most lovely but the firstmost in my heart?”

She blinked a bit in surprise. “Really?”

“Mhm, the only one who is more lovely than you is my first mate, Diana, and that is only on account of my memories of her being the fondest,” he answered with a nod of his head. “That, and she was a Braviary as well and no offense my dear, but some things are fairly well built into me.”

“It’s okay, you’re still with me and that’s what matters right?” Claire said, leaning closer to his side. “Though I thank you for the complement.”

“You’re very welcome Claire,” he said, nodding his head once more before he leaned down to nuzzle her. “Though, if Diana does show up at some point... I may fly off with her for an afternoon. She means rather a lot to me after all, though I promise you that I’ll return.”

The Swellow remained quiet for a moment but nodded her head. “Sure thing.”

“Thank you, I’m hoping I can see Truth and Freedom if I see her, it would be nice to see my first chicks again,” he said with a smile on his beak. “I’m sure they’re all grown up by now...” His voice sounded... melancholy, sad and regretful.

“....why didn’t you stay with her if she meant so much to you?” Claire asked, glancing up at the Braviary.

“Duty I suppose,” Justice answered introspectively, letting his eyes look off into the middle distance. “At the time I was young and didn’t place nearly enough stock in what it really meant to be a mate. I was out for fun and sex, like most are... we spent weeks together Diana and I, months really. All while Matt and Roxanne trained to be rangers. Then... then we left and I couldn’t bring myself to tell Matt no...” a long sigh left his lips. “I’ve never been particularly good at any commitment except to my trainer. I’m a failure that way.”

Claire was silent for a moment before she nuzzled his side. “Well, you’re committed to me, and that’s more then enough isn’t it?”

Justice nodded, leaning down to nuzzle her gently. “Yes... yes it is.” He closed his eyes contentedly as he leaned against her, keeping the little Swellow against his large side. “I love you Claire.”

Abby sat on the couch, Belle against her stomach as her tails wrapped lightly around the Gardevoir. “So Belle, out of curiosity, do you have a job yet?” Abby inquired with a small smile as she set her head across Belle’s lap.

“Unfortunately not,” Belle said with a slight frown. “Gene and I have talked about finding work, but while he has some idea of what he might be able to do, I have... none.”

“Well, we need to figure one out for you,” Abby said, nuzzling the Gardevoir's waist, looking for a head scratch. “You can’t be a ‘bum’ Belle, hehe.”

Belle chuckled and obliged her friend, scratching her head softly. “I know, I just never really thought about it before.”

Abby licked Belle’s fingers. “True, you haven’t really had a chance to be ‘a part of society’ for the last couple years, huh?” A sad pout crossed her muzzle. “But that’s changed now so we should try and find you something to do.”

“I suppose so,” Belle said with a smile. “Though that brings the question of what.”

“Hmmm... maybe be a couple’s counselor or something?” Abby suggested. “You could look into their minds and see what the real root of the problem was.”

“Hm,” Belle considered that for a moment. “That’s actually not a bad idea, at the very least it’s certainly something to look into.”

Abby grinned and nuzzled her friend more. “Good, glad one of us can be employed, I’m suspended for a while.”

“Ow, how come?” Belle asked, patting Abby on the head.

“I may have cursed a mare who kicked an Azurill with horrible pain for a week in Las Pegasus before I knew how to use my powers... and then cursed Prince Blueblood because he’s an asshole,” Abby answered with a sigh as she set her head down between her paws on Belle’s waist. “I told my mother and she suspended me from active Ranger duty.”

Belle huffed and crossed her arms. “Well I for one don’t think you did anything wrong in either of those situations,” she said with surety. “Especially when it comes to Blueblood.”

“Neither do I... though maybe the mare didn’t deserve as much pain,” Abby murmured with a sigh. “But yeah, Blueblood called me an animal and I remembered what you said about him and the wedding...” she trailed off and shivered slightly around Belle. “I just got so... angry and vengeful that I was cursing him before I realized it.”

Belle looked down at Abby for a moment before leaning forward and wrapping her arms around the Ninetales. “Don’t worry,” she whispered softly in her ear. “If it had been me I would’ve done the same thing... actually, I probably would have done something worse.”

Abby let out a soft sigh as she leaned against Belle, tails wrapping further around her as she pulled her stomach out from behind Belle so that she was sitting completely in her lap. She closed her eyes for a moment, forehead on Belle’s chin. Th...thank you Be-Belle, she attempted her first foray into telepathy.

Belle smiled softly. Hey, you’re my best friend, she reminded Abby. And what kind of best friend would I be if I didn’t at least try to make you feel better?

You... you heard me! Abby grinned and leaned up to lick Belle’s face. I... I di... did telepathy!

Belle laughed. Yes, yes you did. A little choppy but very good for what I assume is a first attempt.

Abby nodded. Ye-yep! She nuzzled Belle. Yes! Ye-es I did it! Then she frowned and drew her head back, smarting. “Oww... kind of hurts.”

“That’s alright,” Belle said with a smile. “It was tough for me at first too, but it’ll get easier the more you practice.”

“Good,” Abby said, smiling as her tails fully obscured Belle’s lower body and she leaned against the Gardevoir's chest, head beside Belle’s heart spike. “Heheh, you’re soft Belle.”

Belle chuckled and ran a hand along Abby’s back. “So are you,” she said with a grin.

“Yes, I suppose I’ve gotten rather fuzzy and fluffy of late,” Abby agreed with a small chuckle. “I was hoping no one would notice all this egg fat.” She leaned back and put her paws on Belle’s chest so that she could show off her pudgy belly. “I’m going to have to do soooo much running to burn this off.”

“A little extra exercise never hurt anyone,” Belle teased.

“True, and I am a Ranger so I do need to stay in shape,” Abby agreed, sitting back down on Belle’s lap and leaning her head against her chest, letting out a happy sigh.

Belle nodded. “So... do you mind if I ask just what you cursed Blueblood with?”

“Not at all, I’m actually really proud of it,” Abby said with a smirk. “I cursed him with having to hear every thought someone had about him, especially the bad ones.”

“Wow, that’s... that’s perfect,” she snickered. “I would love to see his face when he realizes just what everyone thinks of him, especially the Princesses.”

“That was the general idea,” Abby agreed, snickering as well. “But... mom is right. I didn’t have a ‘just’ reason to do it to him.” She sighed and leaned her head against Belle’s chest, her nose touching Belle’s chin. “And I’m a Ranger... it was an abuse of my powers as such and I’m lucky I wasn’t arrested.”

Belle sighed. “I guess she does have a point,” she admitted. “Though he did crash our wedding, attack Fang, and ordered the Canterlot guards to detain every Pokemon they could.”

Abby snorted, blowing a puff of hot air over Belle’s face. “Well, there goes any sympathy I had for him.”

Belle smiled. “And as for the arrested part... Princess Luna was about three minutes from letting Fang maul him, so I don’t think you have much to worry about there.”

Abby’s ears perked up and she licked Belle’s face. “Luna’s a good mare,” she said with a grin before she licked Belle again. “I want her as a Ranger!”

Belle laughed. “Actually, she might like that idea, she certainly seems like the type who would.”

“I’ll have to talk too ‘Director Mom’ about that,” Abby said with a small snicker. “That way THEY can work out the power structure and leave me out of it.”

There was a knock at the door to the hotel room. Abby glanced over her shoulder and then back at Belle. “Hmm, shall I get it?”

Belle smirked. “No need,” the lock clicked and the door opened. Standing there was Luke, a rather sizeable smile on his face, cradled in his arms was a familiar Mismagius with a smile to match his.

Hello... Abby... he blinked and noticed Belle. And you too... Belle. The Gallade’s mind felt... oddly open to Belle.

“Hey Luke! You’re looking MUCH better!” Abby said, closing the distance between them in a second and rubbing against his leg gently.

I... I am... thank you Abby, Luke replied quietly, bending down slightly to pat Abby’s head. Thank... thank you.

Belle walked over to them, eyeing Mage as she did. “Hello Mage, Luke,” she said with a frown. She was going to ask why Luke’s mind was unguarded, but stopped when she caught the look Mage was giving her, along with the thought she shot at her. Do. Not. Ask.

Yes... I... I’m sure that Abby can tell you... without me around... Luke agreed with a nod of his head, biting his lip slightly.

“Yes, I can cover it without you, no reason to make you go through it again Luke,” Abby said, licking his hand and getting another pat from him.

Thank you... thank you, Luke said before smiling and glancing down at Mage. We... we have some news. Would you like to tell it... Angel? Abby’s ears perked up at the last word.

Mage smiled and nodded. “Yeah, yeah I would,” she turned to Abby and Belle. “Well... where do I start?... Luke and I are... testing the waters, I guess you could say,” she said with a slightly nervous chuckle. “If you know what I mean.”

Abby’s eyes widened and her jaw dropped before she grinned widely. “That’s great news! Oh Luke! I’m so happy for you!”

Belle smiled. “Me too, for both of you,” she said, smiling at Mage.

... thank you... thank you so much, Luke said softly, leaning down to kiss Abby very gently on the forehead, still cradling Mage to his chest. ... and I have been... thinking. I would like to go back to Las Pegasus... and visit Vincent.

“And I’ll be going with him” Mage said with a nod.

The Ninetales blinked twice. “Really?” She then swallowed and glanced up at Luke. “Are you sure going away right now is the best thing to do?”

... yes. I need to get away... away from Canterlot that is... Luke said softly as Belle saw the words ‘away from you’ run through his mind. I need... distance so that I can establish something... new.

“And I’ll be helping him with the uh... recent complications,” Mage assured Abby. “And making sure he doesn’t get into any trouble.”

Abby closed her eyes for a moment before smiling and nuzzling Luke ever so slightly on the leg. “Good, I’m glad you’re going to go off on your own for a while, and that you’ll have a nice ‘sweater’ to keep you warm.” She winked at Mage.

Mage smiled at Abby, then nuzzled Luke’s chest softly. “I’m certainly not going to complain about that,” she said with a laugh.

Nor will I... Angel... Luke murmured softly, wrapping both arms around her and closing his eyes.

Abby smiled. “Good, I’m so happy for both of you... and Luke, if you ever need me, let me know.”

... of course Abby, I will... Luke said before nodding. ... and now we’re going to go... we have a train to catch...

Mage smiled at Belle. “Tell Gene that I-Ack!”

Mage found herself caught in a Psychic pull, and then in Belle’s arms. “I’m going to miss you, you crazy Ghost.”

Mage smiled and closed her eyes, wrapping her ‘arms’ around Belle’s neck. “I’ll miss you too Belle, tell Gene and the others okay? I... I don’t think I can say goodbye to him.”

Belle let go of Mage and nodded. “Sure thing... and if you ever need anything,”

“I’ll let you know,” Mage said with a nod before floating back over to Luke.

With any luck... we will be back in a week or three... I do not know for certain but I promise that we will not ‘vanish’ forever, Luke said quietly. You all mean too much to me to... do that.

Abby smiled and closed her eyes. Go with my love... Luke Trombley.

Luke’s eyes widened for a moment in shock before he smiled. Thank you... Abby. With that, he turned away and closed the door behind him, small tears falling on Mage’s head. Mage... she spoke in my mind... and called me her family.

Mage smiled softly. “Of course she did Luke, she loves you like... like a... sorry, raw emotion doesn’t lend itself to familial terms, but she does see you as family.”

Luke smiled and just held her close, burying his face in her neck as he teleported them to the train station. I know... I know she does. He just held her tightly as he paid for a pair of tickets and boarded the train before looking down at her and kissing her softly on the forehead. And I’m so happy that you... think of me as more than that.

Mage smiled and kissed Luke’s cheek. “It’s not hard,” she said softly.

Good... I wonder how Vincent will take the news of our arrival... hopefully he has bettered himself while I was away, Luke said with a small smile before glancing at her. ... and please do not mention my... incident with Mewtwo... I do not need that hot headed... well meaning... fool charging off and getting himself hurt on my account...

“Hey, my lips are sealed,” Mage said, miming pulling a zipper over her lips. “But be prepared in case he notices your mental defenses, and current lack thereof.”

Luke nodded and sighed. Indeed... I believe he will most likely notice that immediately but... I do hope to keep him from it. Mewtwo... held back against me... I know it... the only reason I stood a chance was because of the intensity of my memories... he would have crushed me in an instant otherwise. In fact... he was about too. He began to shiver violently, the feeling of Mewtwo rooting through his mind sickeningly strong.

“Involucro ouanter,” Mage whispered, causing a warm feeling to envelope Luke. “Don’t think about that okay? It’s not a good thing to dwell on.”

Luke gave a jerky nod and then hugged her closer. You... you’re right. Thank you Mage... Angel.

Mage just smiled and wrapped her arms around Luke before kissing his cheek again. “I promised I’d help you through this,” she reminded him softly. “And that’s exactly what I’m going to do.”

Luke nodded again and bent down to give her the slightest of kisses on the lips before leaning back against the train cushion. Next stop... Las Pegasus.

Author's Note

ed2481: Well that was adorable. Young Vincent of New Mind is going to be getting a pair of new tenants for a while so go read that for Luke’s parts in it, he’s going to be gone for a while.

Zeusdemigod131: I never really thought my story would connect with others in such a way that I can actually send one of my characters off like this, and... I really like the feeling of it.

Chapter 45 Author's Note

And I'm back! Sorry for the long delay guys, Christmas, Relatives, and my own dismay at winter break ending in a week contributed to the lateness of this. We're starting off with a crossover with Ausbrony's team. Also, if there are any words that are spelled a little differently (u and o along with s/z wise) it's because of him. Anyways, we have some fun plans ahead of us.

Chapter 45

Abby leaned slightly against Kasai as the pair walked out of the hotel lobby, one of her tails intertwined with his. “Are you sure we don’t need to be with them?” she asked him.

“Abby, if Pokemon Eggs needed mothers with them all the time then none would ever have hatched, period,” Kasai replied blandly, bumping her with his shoulders. “You’ve got to stop worrying so much.”

“But Kasai... what if the maid tries to take them,” Abby replied nervously, her tail’s hold on his getting tighter.

“...” Kasai just looked at her for a moment before leaning his muzzle close to her ear. “Abby, do I have to ‘assert my dominance’ again? Here? Now?”

Abby blushed crimson before sighing. “Sorry Kasai,” she said quietly, looking down. “I’m just worried is all.”

Kasai sighed and licked her muzzle. “Abby, please relax, you’re allowed to leave the hotel room for an afternoon stroll through the town,” he pointed out, nuzzling her lovingly. “Just relax.”

Abby glanced at him and then nodded, leaning over and licking him back. “Right, sorry, thanks,” she blushed a little. “And let’s not do that ‘dominance’ thing in public... it might get us weird looks.”

“Ya think?” he replied, raising a playful eyebrow at her.

Abby rolled her eyes and snapped at him, gently grazing his muzzle with her canines. “Hah hah hah,” she said dryly before her eyes glanced towards a group of Pokemon and an earth pony who were walking purposefully towards them from across the street. To the average Pokemon or it would have seemed random but Abby could tell by the way they were looking at them. “Company.”

“I see them,” Kasai said as they moved out of the way of the hotel doors and sat down on their rumps. “Wonder who they are.”

“We’ll see soon enough,” Abby said as her tails wrapped around in front of her.

The leading Luxray looked rather nervous so Kasai spoke up first, putting on his best 'I'm a big friendly dog' smile. “Hello, looking for us?”

The Luxray nodded and took a step forwards, though for some reason that caused the Absol and the Sylveon of the group to take up an obvious defensive position on either side of him. “Are you the resident Pokemon Ranger here in Ponyville?”

“Well, technically Luny and Sol were here before us, and my mother is probably the one who’s going to be in charge, but sure, let’s go with that,” Abby said with a smile as she looked over the small party. “Top Rangers Abby Trombley and Kasai at your service.” She glanced at the two defensive females. “And I hope you’re not criminals looking to settle an old score... you’re kinda out gunned.” She nudged Kasai with one of her hips.

“Pft! I could so take him,” a large orange Charizard puffed indignantly, but the Luxray gave him a warning glance.

“Nothing of the sort,” the Luxray replied and showed to silver collar around his neck. It was similar to the ones worn by Celestia and Luna, and bore both their Cutie Marks. “My name is Seth Crescent, and I’m here by order of Princess Luna and Princess Celestia of the kingdom of Equestria.”

“That’s a real mouthful huh?” the Sylveon giggled.

Abby blinked. “Crescent... Crescent where have I heard that surname before...” she frowned and trailed off. “Oh! I remember now!”

Seth gave a slight chuckle. “Yes, I had a... reputation, back on Earth. But I did what I thought was right and now it is neither here nor there... unless you have a problem with it?”

Abby and Kasai exchanged a look and then they both began to chuckle, Kasai’s deep and bassy while Abby’s was lighter. It took them a moment to get it together before shaking their heads.

“No, no we don’t have a problem with people who spoke out against the hypocrisy that was the Pokephilia system,” Kasai said, leaning down to lick Abby’s cheek. “Trust me.”

Seth’s ear gave a very noticeable flick, clearly unsure of what they meant.

“No indeed,” Abby agreed before she leaned up and licked Kasai on the lips. “See, we weren’t exactly ‘honest supporters’ of it ourselves.”

Seth’s eyes widened as it finally dawned on him. “So you two are-”

“I thought it was pretty obvious,” the Sylveon deadpanned.

“I do kind of smell a lot like him, especially around the important areas,” Abby added with a small smirk as she leaned up to nuzzle Kasai. “So, Mister Crescent, what can I do for you and my dear supporters Princess Celestia and Luna?”

The Luxray looked between them in shock for a moment before pulling it together and looking at Abby. “Ah, well.*ahem* I am here to see how the Ranger’s are coming along here in Ponyville, as well as introducing myself, as the newest, and first, member of the Canterlot Royal Guard, Pokemon Special Forces Division.”

Abby raised an eyebrow before smiling. “Well then congratulations on becoming a Special Forces member,” she said before her tone turned a bit more serious. “As for how we’re ‘coming along’, we haven’t gotten anywhere just yet. We haven’t even met with any contractors yet to set the Union’s new base of operations up. I’ve been hoping that they’d arrive but they haven’t shown up yet. We have four ex-human rangers here counting myself and nine Pokemon who can be counted as either Rangers themselves or parts of Teams. I’m not sure how that’s going to work just yet.”

Seth nodded, “I’m afraid I can’t really help you there. But I still have much travelling to do, so I’ll pass the word along to any Rangers should I come across them.” He paused as he reached into his saddlebag and pulled out a rolled up piece of parchment. “Here, from Princes Celestia.”

Abby closed her eyes for a moment before the piece of parchment floated out of his jaws and slowly, very slowly, floated over to them, opening up for her to see.

It was a Royal Decree, for Abby Trombley and the Pokemon Rangers to have use of Ponyville Town Hall as a temporary base of operations.

“She figured you at least might need a more suitable place than a hotel to run things from for now.” Seth said.

Abby’s eyes widened and she smiled. “Wonderful!” she exclaimed. “Thanks Celestia!” She glanced at Kasai for a moment. “Wait here, I’m going to run this inside to mom so she can start getting things going.”

Abby ran into the hotel, past the receptionist and up to her mother's room. She entered without knocking and walked up to the bed where the Serperior had been reading something.

"Abby, I could have sworn that Roxanne taught you to knock first," Scarlet said wryly as she looked over her foster daughter before catching sight of the scroll hanging in the air, along with Abby's slightly pained expression from holding it aloft for so long. Without a second thought she reached down and scooped up the scroll in her vines before reading over it. "Well now... that is good news."

"Yes, yes it is!" Abby exclaimed with a grin. "Oh, and I'm going to be off with Kasai and some new friends. Hold down the fort for me?"

"You're not on duty so I won't have too," Scarlet reminded her, leaning her head down to kiss Abby on the forehead. "But don't worry, I'll 'think of you' as I set up my office."

Abby rolled her eyes but gave her mother a nuzzle. "Thanks mom."

"Of course," Scarlet replied with a smile. "Now don't you have friends waiting on you?"

Abby grinned, nuzzled her, and then took off back the way she'd come. She took one look at the expression on Kasai's face and smirked. “Who signed up for an afternoon long training match?” she inquired, her voice deadpan.

“That would be me,” Seth said with a confused tone.

“Ooooh this is going to be fun,” Abby said before glancing at the others whose name's she hadn't gotten before running off with her good news, blinking. “And I’m so sorry for ignoring the rest of you, mind giving us some introductions?”

“My name is Rika~” the Sylveon giggled, wrapping Abby up in a hug causing the Ninetales to freeze slightly before giggling and leaning into it.

“I’m Selena,” The Absol stated half-heartedly.

“Ignis is my name, nice to meet you!” the Charizard roared.

“And I’m Apple Fritter,” the Earth Pony finally said, using her Canterlot tone. “A pleasure to make your acquaintance.”

“Same to all of you, and man you are way more touchy then Lex is,” Abby said as she looked down at Rika, leaning down to lick the Sylveon on the cheek.

“I just like hugs~” Rika giggled, returning the lick. “Hee, you taste like vanilla.”

“That she does,” Kasai agreed, licking Abby’s cheek.

“And you taste like hmmm...” Abby frowned for a moment as she thought about the taste. “... rain, I want to say rain.”

Kasai sniffed. “Yeah, rain sounds about right,” he agreed, glancing down at the Sylveon before carefully placing a paw on her chest and gently pushing her away from Abby. “Mind letting go of my mate now?”

“Sure!” Rika giggled and latched onto the Arcanine instead. “Your turn now.”

“Ack!” he exclaimed playfully before smirking and bringing his head down to sniff at her ears, exhaling on her. “Hmmm, and you smell like Seth does up close, along with Miss Fritter as well.” He glanced up at Seth and Fritter wryly. “Any particular reason for that, Mister Crescent?”

‘Well, we’re busted,’ Seth chuckled nervously. “Well ah, it’s kind of a long story...”

“No it’s not,” Rika interrupted. “Seth, Fritter and I are together. How long does it take to say that?”

“To a Pokemon Ranger?” Seth queried.

The color drained from Rika’s face. “Oh.”

“A Pokemon Ranger who has been mating with her Arcanine since she was ohhhh eighteen,” Kasai said dryly. “I think you’re safe.”

Abby chuckled. “Yeah, please, don’t worry about it.” She glanced over him and Seth felt those red eyes searching him deeply. Then she did the same thing with Rika. “I’m not seeing any signs of abuse on her, no scarring, bruising or otherwise, nor is she latched onto your waist or holding onto you the way that many do. I think you’re more than likely a nice guy who ‘lucked out’ and happened to bag two beautiful ladies.”

When Abby had spoken, Rika had immediately let go of Kasai and run to Seth’s side, while Selena had a low growl filling her throat. Even Apple Fritter seemed confused by their reactions. She’d never seen them act like this before as she hugged her little Sylveon.

“Sorry,” Seth apologized. “They don’t mean anything by it... just, they way you sounded... it was a lot like every visit we made to a Pokemon Center. They’d constantly check for ‘signs of abuse’ whenever we visited them, all because of reputation.”

Abby blinked and then shook her head. “Oh, oh I’m so sorry,” she said, moving up to give Rika a lick. “I didn’t mean anything by it other than the fact that you three look like you’re fine together. Really cute together actually.”

“Thanks Abby,” Rika said softly. “We are really happy, right?” Seth and Fritter nodded as the three shared a brief hug. Selena just shrugged and powered down the Night Slash she had been building up. Kasai for his part relaxed his back and a bit of a glow left his fangs.

“Right then, you signed up for a crash course of training, Kasai style?” Abby asked Seth, getting them onto a hopefully less touchy subject.

“Yeah, sorry about that,” Seth agreed. Rika jumped up, already back to being bright and bubbly.

“New plan!’ she shouted. “We’re all gonna be friends and it’s gonna be awesome.” she looked at Selena. “First, Selly. You need to say sorry for being so bitchy!”

“What!?” Selena grabbed the fairy. “What did you call me?”

“Oh for the love of Celestia,” Seth sighed. “Don’t worry, these two are often like this... sisters will be sister after all. But Rika has a point. Friends?”

“Hell yes,” Abby replied with a casual grin. “You can never have too many friends right? Especially the type that won’t mind when I do this.” So saying, she leaned up and gave Kasai the best approximation of a kiss she could with a muzzle. Kasai simply smiled and kissed her back.

“She’s kinda frolicking in this whole ‘unrestricted love’ thing,” Kasai told Seth once the Ninetales had stopped kissing him.

“Ooh, oh!” Rika bounced. “I can do that too~” she suddenly pounced on Seth and gave him a deep kiss, humming happily.

“Your mate isn’t the only one,” Selena smiled.

“I can tell,” Abby said, chuckling softly as she looked between her and the Charizard. “So, are you two going to stick around and watch Seth here get beat into the dirt, or do you have other plans for the day?” she inquired, sniffing the air around the two of them for a moment before jumping to a conclusion. “Fun plans.” She smiled slyly.

“Perhaps,” Selena replied with a salacious smirk.

Seth finally got Rika off of him, only to have Fritter help him up and get her own kiss in.

“Wow, and I thought I was a ‘stud’,” Kasai commented with a smirk as he looked at the ongoing kiss before he glanced at Ignis. “Though, you mentioned you wanted a good fight right?”

“Yeah?” Ignis was intrigued as Selena just blinked and sighed.

“My team mate Axle, who is a Haxorus and a mighty strong one at that, is off in the woods over in that direction-’” Kasai used a paw to point. “-so-”

Kasai didn’t even finish before Ignis took to the skies and roared. Selena watched her mate fly away, along with her plans for a romantic day out.

“Couch, forever!” she muttered at the retreating dragon before sending death glares at Kasai.

“... I didn’t think he’d do it now...” Kasai said, blinking blankly before he glanced at her. “Sorry.”

“That idiot is fight happy, but I suppose it’s just one more thing I love about him,” Selena sighed. “And Seth, can you stop making out already? We have things to do... like the insane Gabite we left behind.”

Seth’s eyes widened as he realised he’d left Christine at the farm. “Oh crap...”

“Insane Gabite?” Abby inquired, glancing at Seth with a raised eyebrow.

“An experiment of one Doctor Nurem,” Seth explained. “She’s a Gabite with the powers of a Kecleon and a very short fuse. I just hope the farm hasn’t burned down yet.”

The Ninetales frowned for a moment. “A friend of Vincent’s?”

“You know Vincent?” Seth exclaimed. “Well, yeah... though more of a friend of Sam, a Scizor. She has a... fascination, with him. We’re headed to Las Pegasus after we’re done here actually.”

“We know him,” Kasai answered the first question. “Though not very well personally. That was more of Luke who went to see him yesterday. Hmmm, if you’re going to go to Las Pegasus, mind saying hi to them for us?”

“And maybe we should train you after you deal with the insane Gabite,” Abby added dryly.

“That would be nice, thank you Miss Trombley,” Seth said. “And I’ll be happy to say hello to this ‘Luke’ for you. What Pokemon is he?”

“A sensitive Gallade,” Abby answered before glancing at Rika. “A warning in advance... don’t hug him unexpectedly. He’ll either have a panic attack or he’ll stab you.”

Rika gulped. “Noted, no huggy the Gallade.”

“Thanks,” Abby told her with a smile, looking over at Seth. “So, mind if we tag along on this little ‘job’ of yours? We could probably save time and train on the farm.”

“Hmm, that might work. Just leave Christine to me and Selena though. We’ve already got experience with her, and I fear she’d relapse if someone else tried something. Just, don’t make eye contact, at least for very long and use threatening tones. And don’t ever call her a Number or experiment. Name only.”

“We can manage that...” Kasai looked down. “Trust me, we’ve seen the type before. You’re her ‘handlers’ for the time being.”

“Well then, let’s be off!” Seth

Chapter 46

Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.

Chapter 48 Author's Note

Hey guys, sorry for the long wait on this one, I've been (And still am) sick. Also, if you've already read the beginning of this on Zeus's don't skip it, I've added a lot more of Abby's POV to it.

Anyways, enjoy the chapter.

Chapter 48

Abby’s heart beat hard against her chest as she neared the sight of the confrontation, she leaned against Kasai for support while they remained out of view, most of the attention being on Twilight Sparkle who was shouting a lot. There quite a lot of Pokemon around Hastings’ tall form and most of them appeared to be fairly powerful. She spotted a towering Electivire, a sly looking Toxicroak, a Glaceon, along with a few others there. It was at that point that Abby began to re-think her decision to try and apologize to Hastings. Instead, she wanted more then anything to turn around and start running in the opposite direction as fast as possible.

“Can we do this?” Abby asked, glancing up at her mate with a worried expression on her face.

“Of course we can,” Kasai said with a confident nod of his head. “Or, you can Abby, come on, you know what you’re doing.”

“Yeah... but I’m nervous,” Abby said. “I hadn’t been expecting to do this with more then just... Hastings.”

“Then just focus on Hastings. Like your mother said, face one problem at a time, and eventually you’ll be done,” Kasai assure her, nuzzling her.

“Right... right...” Abby let out a sigh and leaned against Kasai, giving his face an affectionate lick. “Thanks Kasai... now let’s go out there, looks like Twilight is about to blow a gasket.”

With that, Abby walked into sight and felt every eye fall on her as she spoke to Twilight whose horn was sparking with magic.

“Twilight, I may not know you very well just yet, but at the moment I don’t believe shooting anyone is going to help much,” Abby said calmly, ‘Ranger Mode’ activating as the world seemed to slow down just a little around her. “Allow me to handle this please, or at least attempt too.”

“Abby,” Hastings said nervously, turning his head away from Twilight to focus on the pair of them. “Kasai...”

Abby distantly felt Twilight turn her head as well but the Ninetales ignored her, for the moment her entire attention was on Hastings.“Fine, but if you need me, just yell.”

“I won’t need to yell,” Abby said, forcing her lips upwards into a confident smile, the picture of calm and control. She walked forwards, Kasai at her side. Here goes everything, she thought to herself before she opened her mouth and began to speak. “Professor, I’d like to apologize for my actions in Las Pegasus, they were not befitting of a Pokemon Ranger, let alone a Top Ranger. I was pregnant at the time and I’m afraid that I didn’t quite have complete control of my new body yet. What I almost did to you was completely inexcusable and I really would like to say I’m sorry from the bottom of my heart.”

Accept it, please accept it, Abby prayed in her mind. She really did love Hastings, he’d been there for her when she needed him, given the dog she loved the ability to keep living his life... and kept her from the brink several times. He was just... so damn set in his ways.

“Pregnant?” a large Abomasnow said to himself off to the side, stroking his chin. Abby recognized his voice from several news programs, it was the voice of Professor Rowan.

Hastings sighed. “Abby... I... well... apology accepted I suppose-” Abby’s heart leapt skywards but she didn’t allow it to translate to her lips. “-But you still broke the law... I’m afraid we’re going to have to arrest you.” And her heart sank again... stubborn old man.

“YOU HAVE NO POWER HERE!” Twilight shouted in the back of Abby’s mind, using her magic to broadcast her royal Canterlot voice and causing Kasai’s sensitive ears to twitch in pain.

“Please Twilight,” Abby said quietly, not needing her help with this. A single tale moved out to seal Twilight’s lips as the Ninetales stayed ‘in the zone’, her entire body seemingly relaxed. “I have a question for any and all of you. You arrest us. What do you do with us?”

It had been a question that been thinking of for quite some time now, in the back of her mind in case the old Rangers had ever found her here.

“Personally, I’d be happy with a five year sentence and separation from your Pokemon,” the Glaceon commented.

The Toxicroak for his part nodded in agreement, while the Electivire clenched his fists and growled. “As long as they’re arrested.”

“I see,” Abby said, willing herself to stay the picture of calm as she nodded her head, her brain thinking a mile a minute. “And where will you keep me for five years? Where will you find the proper amount of food? Where will you go where the Equestrian Government won’t find you?” she demanded before the fire in her belly lit up and another, much more personal matter surged forth, though she still delivered it with her tone of detached calm. “And a further question... there is the little matter of the fact that I’m a mother now. Will you separate me from my children over this? Are they Pokemon or are they human?” she asked, her voice cold as ice the whole time.

Abby kept her smile in place as the Glaceon flinched back and looked away, maybe there were some cracks that could be opened up in the enemy defenses. Abby’s brain stopped for a moment. When had they become ‘the enemy’?

“I... um... Professor?” the Glaceon asked worriedly

Hastings didn’t say anything, he just stared ahead at Abby. “I’m certain that once I explain my position to Princess Celestia we can work something out.” His voice didn’t carry it over but Abby knew from long experience that meant he was trying VERY hard to repress the instinct to agree with her.

Beside her, she felt Kasai’s jaws lift upwards in a smile, Hastings had just provided them with a rather wonderful advantage to exploit. Abby kept her own smile fixed on her face but one of her hips bumped his subtly to say that she knew.

“The Princess Celestia who I have already spoken to at length and received funding to start a new Ranger Union as a branch of the Equestrian Government from?” Abby asked, cocking her head to the side ‘just’ enough to get the point across. “I’m sure Twilight could come up with the official documentation if you wished to fact check me sir.”

“Oh!” Twilight suddenly piped up with some excitement in her voice. “That reminds me Abby, Princess Celestia sent the deed for the land you requested this morning, it’s back at the Library but it’s all drawn up.” Twilight said with a grin.

“Wait... seriously?” one of the Pokemon, a Luxray with a very familiar voice asked in shock. It was Top Ranger Sven from the Almia Region. They’d met once or twice at conferences and Abby distinctly remembered him being ‘one of the good ones’ which made it even more surprising that he was working with Hastings at the moment.

“Why yes, I’ve been using my time here rather effectively, Sven,” Abby said with a smile to the other Top Ranger. “I know we didn’t ever have time to talk much, but I admire your work.”

The Luxray smiled. “Likewise Abby.”

“Don’t fraternize with the enemy, Ranger,” the large Electivire said warningly, small sparks coming off of his arms.

Sven growled and electricity sparked from his fur as well. “Don’t tell me who ta talk to ya overgrown Mankey.”

A Staraptor sighed as the two Electric types faced each other. “Sven, go back to camp and check on the Pokemon,” she said, a voice that Abby recognized as Top Ranger Wendy’s. “We don’t need you two getting into another fight.”

More chinks in their armor then we thought... Abby mused to herself as she looked over the group, distinct dynamics beginning to appear before her experienced eyes.

“Yes, because the last two times were so amusing to watch,” a Liepard snarked.

Sven growled at the Liepard before he walked away, grumbling to himself.

“Sorry about that,” Wendy said apologetically, waving an errant wing at the departing Sven.

“It’s fine, boys will be boys,” Abby said with a small smile as her heart began to beat harder, her nervousness at the situation beginning to mount despite her mental defenses and she unconsciously wrapped around Kasai’s. Kasai for his part was staying silent for the moment and just standing there listening with a neutral expression on his muzzle. “Wendy, right? Big fan of your work too.”

Wendy smiled, but before she could respond, the Electivire, whose voice Abby finally recognized as the Kanto Gym Leader Surge, put his foot down. “Enough of this!” He shouted, turning to Hastings. “She’s right there! We should just deal with her now and figure the rest out later!”

Not waiting for the Professor to respond, Surge stepped forward, intending to apprehend Abby. Abby sensed it before anyone else did. Kasai tensed himself up. His legs sprang forth and he rammed his entire body into the Electivire, producing a thunderclap sound as he tackled Surge to the ground. Kasai let out a terrifying roar as he stood on top Surge’s chest.

“I don’t think you’re going to be arresting my mate today,” Kasai said, his entire golden body bristling before he leapt backwards, landing a few feet away.

The Electivire stared in shock. “He... he just-”

“Enough Lieutenant!” Rowan snapped in his most authoritative voice. “We came here to try and find a peaceful solution,” he eyed Abby and Kasai. “Seeing as how that hasn’t worked out, I suggest we regroup at camp and come up with a new plan.”

“But-” Surge began.

“He’s right Edward,” Hastings said with a sigh, talking for the first time in a long time. “I was hoping it wouldn’t have to come to this...” slowly, he turned around and began the trek out of town, but not before looking back once and saying. “You brought this on yourselves you know.”

“You still didn’t answer any of my questions Professor,” Abby said calmly, her calculating mind seeing the wheels turning in his head. He knew she was right... he just wouldn’t admit it.

The Professor and the rest of the Pokemon headed back down the path out of town, though Rowan lingered behind, still eyeing Abby and Kasai. “In the interest of sharing knowledge,” he said after a long moment. “I think it’s fair to tell you they have quite a few of their Pokemon back at camp, as well as another few trainers... all very powerful but if you know their preferred types...”

Abby smiled as yet another flaw in the defenses appeared, they had their mole. “Thank you Professor... though if you don’t mind my asking, why are you with them? You’re a man of science and I’m sure you know that there’s nothing inherently wrong with Pokephilia, especially not now of all times... and more than that... are you really willing to separate mothers and fathers from their children? I know that Belle is already pregnant and I’m sure there are more.” For the first time since the confrontation, Abby dropped just a bit of her ‘Ranger Mode’ and let real emotions slip into her voice.

“I was more in the,” he cleared his throat. “C-crime against nature camp of the argument back on Earth, though if all you’ve told me is true,” he smiled. “Then I have a lot to think about... maybe talk to some of the others as well.” That caused an even large smile to grow on Abby’s lips.

“Thank you Sir,” Kasai said respectfully, walking over to Abby and giving her a nuzzle which she found herself leaning into lovingly. “Believe me when I say that she never abused me in any way except for just maybe spoiling me rotten with buttered Magikarp, heh.”

Rowan laughed. “I believe you... and Princess?... Give my regards to Aurea.” With that Rowan followed after the rest of the group.

Out of the corner of her eyes Abby notice Twilight letting out a sigh of relief before she turned to her but Abby could keep up her charade no longer. The Ninetales sighed heavily and her calm exterior melted away as she pressed herself against Kasai’s side, a staggering breath leaving her body. Kasai for his part leaned down and licked the top of her head comfortingly

Okay... okay... we can do this... it’s just going to be tricky, she thought to herself. I’m going to need to get Justice and Axle... and Rill and Lex if I can find wherever they’ve gotten off too.

“We need a plan,” Twilight stated, pulling Abby out of her thoughts.

“Call Princess Celestia, or Luna, bring them and a demonstration of the Guard,” Abby replied, still pressing herself against Kasai’s warm furred support. “Ask Arceus or one of the other Legendaries to be here. I’m missing some of my team and even at its full strength I don’t know how many of them we could fight ourselves, that includes Gene’s team too... though I don’t know about Seth’s.”

Twilight nodded. “I’ll ask around too, see what everyone knows about these guys teams.”

“Right then, we’ll go talk to Gene and Belle,” Kasai said, leaning down and giving Abby a lick. “Though, could you do us a favor Twilight, find a way to get our eggs to Canterlot please?”

“...what?” Abby asked, her eyes widening in surprise at the idea.

“I’d like them out of the line of fire,” Kasai said with an easy going doggie smile as flames flared around his jaws. “Literally.” And it was at that point that Abby recognized the deadly serious nature of his tone.

Twilight nodded. “I’ll go contact the Princess now,” the mare assured them. “I just hope they don’t try anything too stupid.”

“There are at least two professors there... one of them is Rowan, I think we’re at least half safe,” Abby said with a sigh. “Right, we’ll get going now, thanks Twilight.” She gave Twilight a lick on the muzzle, something Kasai did as well, before walking towards the boutique.

The conversation with Gene and Belle had passed quickly, as had the one with Justice and Axle who had promised to meet them in the Town Center tomorrow. Rill and Lex however were noticeably absent.

“I’m worried about those two Kasai,” Abby said with a deep frown as they lay together on the soft hotel bed, the light blue wallpaper belaying the tense mood. “It’s not like them to just up and vanish for a week.”

“Yeah... though I’m sure it’s for good reason,” Kasai replied. “Besides, we know Rill and Lex are both good fighters so I doubt they’ll face too much trouble.”

“True... doesn’t stop me from worrying,” Abby muttered with a shake of her head. “Probably just because of this whole... mess.”

“Which I have to say you handled very well,” Kasai told her, giving her a nuzzle.

“Thanks,” Abby said, leaning into his nuzle. “I’m not sure how I did it really to be honest.” She looked down nervously. “Kasai... I don’t want to lose you... I think I’d go insane.”

“Then let’s make sure they don’t separate us,” the Arcanine stated, giving her a soft lick across the cheek. “I mean, we better figure out something, or we might have a ‘civil war’ on our paws.”

“Yeah...” Abby was quiet for a moment. “Kasai... I trust Luna and Celestia... but I don’t trust them to watch over our eggs by themselves... there needs to be someone else there too.”

Kasai frowned in thought for a moment before the light bulb went off in his head. “Easy, we’ll send your mother along with them too.”

Abby blinked. “You think she’d go for that?”

“Well, they are her grandchildren, not only that but you think the new Director of the Ranger Union might want to talk to at least one of the Rulers of Equestria, her only bosses so to speak,” he replied.

“Good point,” Abby said before she got up from the bed and opened the door, walking across the hall to knock on Scarlet’s door. “Mom? You in there?”

However, instead of her mother’s voice replying back, a more higher octave female voice replied. “Abby?” Kasai’s ears twitched in recognition and before Abby could question further the door opened and a blur of yellow flash before her eyes as she soon found herself in a tight hug by a Heliolisk. “ABBY! OOO! You’re a Ninetales! You look sooooooo adorable!”

“Gack,” Abby managed around the Heliolisk’s arms around her throat. “Vivi-hi-didn’t know you’d gotten here.”

The Heliolisk, Vivi, gave her one final squeeze before letting her go and rushed over to hug Kasai. “Kasai! Long time no see!”

“Hehe... nice to see you too Vivi,” he replied as her arms barely wrap around his chest.

The Heliolisk smiled brightly up at him before stepping back and beaming her smile at Abby. “Yeah, I just got back about two days ago. Was pretty busy keeping on an eye on some new friends.”

“Ah, that’s nice, and it’s good to see you but do you know where Mom is?” Abby asked the little Heliolisk.

“Indeed I do! She’s talking to Xerox at the moment, I’ll go get her,” she replied and dashed off, the sound of her feet scampering across the wooden floor pinging in both of their ears.

“Huh, I didn’t even know that Xerox was here,” Abby stated with a frown. “Guess I haven’t been paying much attention.”

“To be fair, we were busy the last few days. Taking care of the eggs and such,” Kasai pointed out. “Though I wonder how he is doing... I also wonder if he kept his human look.”

“Eh, I’m sure he’ll sort things out,” Abby said with a shrug, she’d never really cared that much about Xerox. He was just her mother’s friend and student, though he was a rather good cook, she’d give him that.

A minute pass by before the two of them saw Scarlet slithering up to them, a smile on her face. “Ah, Abby, Kasai, it’s nice to see the two of you. I hope living with Belle and Gene is going well for the both of you.”

“They actually don’t have a house of their own yet so we’re just waiting for that to get finished actually,” Abby corrected, shrugging a little. “Anyways... mom... we need to talk.”

With that, Abby launched into an explanation of the day’s events. “... so you see... we’d like you to go with our eggs.”

“I see... you sure you won’t need me down here?” Scarlet asked with an inquiring look. “I do know Hasting and the rest far more.”

“Indeed you do... but I think we can handle it,” Kasai replied looking down at Abby. “We already started this by asking the question that I bet are still lingering in their minds, might as well finish it ourselves.”

“Yes,” Abby agreed, moving up to Scarlet and giving her a lick on the cheek. “Right now, my biggest concern is about my children and mom... I trust you with them the most.”

The Serperior nodded her head. “Very well, I’ll keep an eye on them, and I’ll bring Lance too. Though I will leave Vivi here, just in case you need any more support. She’s good at crowd control.”

“Thanks mom,” Abby said, giving her a nuzzle, the closest she could really get to hugging without arms.

“Don’t mention it Abby,” Scarlet replied, returning the nuzzle. “Beside, I was planning on going to Canterlot sooner or later, so this will work perfectly in fact.”

“Great,” Abby said, licking Scarlet’s cheek again and pressing close against her, a happy sigh leaving her body. “I love you mom.”

“And I love you too,” the Serperior replied, kissing her softly on the forehead. “Don’t you worry, nothing will happen to your children and my grandchildren.”

Abby remained quiet for a long moment as she pressed herself against Scarlet’s soft green scales before stepping back. “Right, someone will be here tomorrow morning before things ‘start’ so I’ll let them know you’re coming with them.”

Scarlet nodded her head. “I’ll be waiting for them here. In the meantime I’ll just inform Xerox and his family to stay inside the hall when everything goes down. Last thing they need to add more problems.”

“Oh, okay,” Abby said before giving Scarlet a last lick. “Goodnight then... Kasai and I are going to hit the hay early tonight, get really well rested for tomorrow.”

“Sleep well then, I’ll be up a bit longer, compose a list of subjects to talk about with the Princesses,” Scarlet said, giving Abby one last kiss. “Sleep well, both of you,” she said, looking up at Kasai at the last second.

The Arcanine nodded his head. “We will, goodnight Mss. Scarlet.”

“Kasai, please, just Scarlet or mom will do, after all you are my son-in-law,” the Serperior replied with a soft smile.

Kasai smiled back. “Noted.”

Abby smiled and wrapped her tails around Kasai’s tail. “Right, come on Mutt, it’s time for you to tuck me into bed.”

Kasai chuckled as he stood up and turned around. “Right-o, my lovely vixen,” he said as they began to head towards the door and out of the hall.

Abby pressed herself against his side, the future may have been uncertain... but she’d always have Kasai at her side to help her through it, she knew that much.

Chapter 49

Abby glanced at Kasai, the big Arcanine had a happy expression on his face as they stood outside of the Ponyville Library. He looked so confident, so eager, so very much like himself that Abby felt a bit of her hesitation slip away and she gave him a nuzzle. Kasai gave her a nuzzle in return, licking the side of her ear.

“We’ll be fine, let’s do this,” Kasai said, nudging her. “And if we’re not fine then we run for the Capital, alright?”

Abby nodded. “Yeah, yeah let’s do this Kasai. Let’s kick ass, take names, and chew bubblegum.”

“Abby, we can’t chew bubblegum,” Kasai said, blinking blankly. “It melts too fast in our mouths.”

“Who are you, Rill?” Abby snarked, nuzzling his neck for a moment before she moved further forwards and pushed the door open, walking into the library. “Twilight? Tia? Are you here?”

"Abby, Kasai," Celestia said with a smile from a spot in the center of the room, a makeshift desk in front of her covered in documents. "I'm glad you two are here."

Abby smiled as she moved forwards and nuzzled the white alicorn. “Thank you, and it’s no trouble at all, I may be ‘suspended’ at the moment but I’m here to do anything that I possibly can to help with the situation,” she said.

“I’m here to keep from getting hit,” Kasai said, walking up beside Abby. “Just like always.”

Celestia sighed. “At this point, it looks like we need all the help we can get,” she looked over the list Twilight and Juniper had given her again. “So many mislead by a single man...”

Abby sighed. “He’s a good man... just very set in his ways,” the Ninetales said quietly. “But; that doesn’t really matter right now. Tell me where you need us.”

Celestia smiled. “I’d appreciate it if you two could guard the main road into town,” she looked over the map of Ponyville she’d laid out before her. “I don’t know if any of them would actually be... oblivious, enough to try that, but then again, they don’t seem to be much for subtlety.”

“Yeah... that whole group is a bunch of hot heads,” Kasai said, shaking his head disdainfully. “And that’s coming from a fire breathing dog.”

“I don’t even know what Surge is doing here... he should be in a mental hospital,” Abby muttered darkly. “He’s got a record of nearly killing his opponents Pokemon in Gym Battles.”

“I’ll take that into consideration,” Celestia said, she had originally figured she could simply arrest most of the protesters, though as she learned more about them, she began to wonder if that was the best course of action. “And Hastings?”

“Well...” Abby let out a sigh. “I love the man like a second father, he was there for me when I needed him most of the time but...” she trailed off. “But he’s very set in his ways... and for good reason I guess. He’s seen too many Pokemon destroyed by their humans... hell, if not for Kasai I’d probably be the same way.”

“And that would be a crime,” Kasai added, nuzzling her before glancing at Celestia. “And yeah... I owe the Professor my ability to walk,” he said, glancing at his metallic leg.

Celestia shook her head, her job was so much easier when it consisted of toppling tyrants and dethroning dictators. “I’ll have to talk with him when this is all over,” she told them with a frown. “See if he needs therapy or... something else.”

“Meh, therapy’s overrated,” Abby muttered, shaking her head. “Still, anything else before we head out?”

“Not that I can think of,” Celestia said after a moment. “Good luck you two, and stay safe.”

Kasai chuckled. “Ma’am, we’ve faced skinners, murderers, poachers, hardened criminals, and mercenaries, we’ll be fine,” he told her, pulling Abby close to him with one forepaw. “Just leave the main road to us.”

Celestia smiled. “Good to know that Ponyville is in capable paws.”

“The very best,” Abby said, ducking out from underneath Kasai’s arm and darting forwards to give Celestia a lick on the cheek. “Thanks for the compliment though, Princess.”

Celestia chuckled. “You deserve it.”

Abby nodded and stepped back, she and Kasai heading out of the library for the main road and leaving Celestia alone again with her ‘advisors’.

“THEY THINK THEY CAN HURT US?! THEY THINK THEY CAN MAKE US TREMBLE!? AHAHAHAAH! IT SHALL BE THEY WHO TREMBLE!” Axle roared loudly, his eyes full of anger incarnate as he stood before Iris.

“Uh huh,” Iris said, rolling her eyes. “You know the idea is to try not to attack them?”

“OUR ATTEMPTS TO NOT ATTACK THEM SHALL MOVE THE VERY EARTH!” Axle shouted. “THEY WILL NEVER HAVE BEEN PASSIVE AGGRESSIVELY ROARED AT IN SUCH A MANNER!”

Iris chuckled. “You know, my whole thing back on Earth was calming Dragons,” she flexed her fingers and smirked at him. “I wonder if it would work on you.”

Axle looked at her, wounded. “You wouldn’t,” he protested.

“Wouldn’t I?” She taunted back.

“YOU LOVE ME FOR MY BOISTEROUS EXCLAMATIONS OF GRANDEUR AND SCOPE!” Axle exclaimed. “WITHOUT THEM OUR PASSION WOULD DISSIPATE INTO THE GROUND LIKE RAIN AFTER A STORM!”

Iris chuckled again. “Have you ever considered taking up poetry?” She asked, only half joking. “Admittedly, it would be loud poetry, but still.”

Axle blinked. “Huh... I had not thought of putting my verbal skills to THAT kind of test.” He grinned. “AHAHAHAAH! THANK YOU IRIS! ONCE THIS MATTER IS DEALT WITH AND I HAVE MADE YOU MY MATE I SHALL BECOME A POET OF SUCH MAGNITUDE THAT I BLOT OUT THE SUN WITH MY SHEER EGOOOOOO!”

Iris shook her head, then blinked. “Wait... what did you just say?”

“That I would become a poet worthy of legends!” Axle replied, grinning widely. “THERE WILL BE BALLADS THAT SPEAK OF ME!”

“The only thing that’ll speak of you is a damage report,” Iris mumbled. “Let’s just try and find-” Iris stopped when she felt a shiver run down her spine. “Oh no.”

Axle frowned and turned to her. “What is it?” His voice was suddenly completely serious.

“There’s only one person who can creep me out before I even see them,” she told him with a frown. “Grimsley! I know you’re there!”

There were a few seconds of silence before a soft chuckle filled the air. “Quite perceptive of you Iris,” a Liepard purred, stalking out of the brush.

“A Liepard... why am I not surprised?” She glared at the feline. “You know, when Juniper told me you were part of Hastings’ group, I was honestly hoping she was lying to me.”

“Grimsley... Grimsley... do I know a Grimsley?” Axle asked himself, claws tapping out a rhythm on his scales.

“He’s a member of Unova’s Elite Four,” Iris explained. “Dark type specialist.”

“Indeed,” Grimsley said with a smirk. “And who might this be? I’m certain this isn’t your Haxorus.”

“I AM AXLE TROMBLEY! TOP RANGER AND DEFENDER OF THE WEAK!” Axle roared, stomping hard. “WHO ARE YOU WHO SEEKS TO CHALLENGE ME?!”

Grimsley chuckled. “My word Iris, where do you find these characters?” He smiled at Axle. “To answer your question,” as if on cue, a Tyranitar, Krookodile, and Bisharp all stepped into view. “I’m here to bring Gene Phillips to justice.”

“Heh... heh... heh...” Axle chuckled dryly. “HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! OH! Finally! Someone who can challenge me.”

Ignoring Axle for the moment, Iris turned her attention back to Grimsley. “I’m not letting you attack my friend Grimsley,” she said bluntly. “So just turn around and go back the way you came.”

Grimsley’s tail swished back and forth in the air for a moment as he considered that. “Hm... no. NOW!”

His Tyranitar roared and rushed Axle, tackling the Haxorus out of view, and his other Pokemon followed. Grimsley smirked, but not for long as he felt a clawed hand grasp the scruff of his neck and lift him off the ground. “We’re going to have a talk,” Iris growled. “And for once. You WILL listen to me.”

Either not knowing or not caring of what was surely an intense debate through the treeline, Axle was having the time of his life. After crashing through a few small saplings, the Haxorus got his feet back under him and ground to a halt and brought his head forwards hard into the Tyranitar’s forehead.

“Gahh!” the Tyranitar shouted, letting go of Axle as his hands reflexively moved for his aching head. Axle let out a roar of triumph and brought his head blade down hard into his side before his combat senses told him to dodge and he leapt away. The enemy Krookodile slammed head first into the Tyranitar and Axle began to chuckle.

“Heh... heh... heh..” he grinned at the pair of them. “You are members of the elite four? HAH! You are pathetic in comparison to me! The only thing ‘Elite’ about you is-”

The Bisharp appeared from behind him and stabbed into the small of his back, the sharp metal hand penetrating through his scales. Axle let out roar of pain and pivoted hard as blood seeped down from the wound, his headblade colliding solidly with the Bisharp’s arms and forcing it backwards.

The Haxorus drew his head back and prepared to fire a Dragon Pulse into the Bisharp when he sensed the other two approaching from either side of him. It has been far too long since I’ve been involved in a three on one, Axle thought to himself as he launched himself back a few steps, the Tyranitar and the Krookodile coming to a stop around him. He cracked his neck as the three of them stared him down from different angles and time seemed to stop around him.

Right then, task one, kill the heavy hitter of the group, Axle thought as his eyes fell on the Tyranitar. When it’s gone the others will be forced to play it more defensively. The Bisharp started in for an attack but Axle was already turning back to him, his arms extending and catching the over confident Bisharp by the arm joint, just behind the blade.

In a smooth, well practiced by years of arena fighting, Axle launched the Bisharp into the Krookodile. Good, keep them distracted for just a moment, long enough for me to kill the Tyranitar.

“AHAHAAH! SUFFER A DEFEAT MORE PAINFUL THEN BEING THROWN INTO THE SUN!” Axle cheered as he charged at the Tyranitar.

“YOU TALK TOO MUCH!” the bleeding Tyranitar shouted back as it charged forwards to meet him, clearly expecting a collision

Axle though had a different idea. At the last second, he leapt to the side and unleashed a powerful Dragon Pulse straight into the Tyranitar, the beam of purple energy stabbing into its already bleeding side. The Tyranitar screamed in pain as it was driven back several steps before it turned on its tormentor, hate in its eyes. Axle was genuinely impressed that it was still standing, that was a move combo that generally took down most opponents in one shot.

Hrmph, apparently it is Elite in its toughness if nothing else, Axle thought to himself before his eyes glanced around for the other two opponents. The Bisharp was currently running full tilt at him, it’s blades glowing with a deadly Night Slash. The Krookodile was strangely absent.

The Haxorus didn’t have much time to think about that however as the very angry Bisharp closed with him a second later. The Night Slash stabbed into Axle’s stomach and he let out a roar of pain as more blood began to flow from his body. The cocky Bisharp went in for another slash but Axle’s head came down in a lightning swipe and his blade chomped into it’s steel lined neck.

The Bisharp staggered back and Axle charged forwards, bending his legs so that his hands closed around its ankles and lifted it high in the air with a roar. Wait for it, he thought, holding the Bisharp over his head for a millisecond as he felt the vibrations beneath him. NOW! He swung the flailing Bisharp straight down into the Krookodile as it erupted from the ground. The reptile let out a shout of pain as Axle brought the Bisharp around for another blow and sent the angry ground gator flying.

“BEHOLD THE POWER OF AXLE! I AM THE ALPHA AND THE OMEGA! YOU ARE DIRT! YOU ARE THE WORMS IN THE DIRT GROVELING BENEATH MY FEET!” Axle roared, smashing the Bisharp head first into the ground. And... now.

The Tyranitar bull rushed him and Axle met him, the big angry dino nearly taking him off his feet despite having braced himself. This is what happens when I get distracted, Axle thought as his muscles rippled beneath his scales and his vision turned red. OH WELL! TIME TO DESTROY THE DISTRACTIONS!

Rill lay on the beach, a happy smile on her lips as she ran her claws over Lex’s back. He was currently curled up on her rather expanded belly.

“Ah... I still can’t believe how full you are right now,” Lex said with a chuckle, leaning into the claws. “Draco must be very virile, more virile than the average Flygon.”

“Indeed, it was rather lovely,” Rill said, smiling at her mate, leaning down to nibble on his ear. “And soon we shall be parents.”

Lex smiled as his ears flickered. He heard explosions in the distance. “Hmm, I wonder what that is.”

“More then likely simply Axle having a brawl with someone,” Rill answered with a small shrug. “Let’s simply enjoy this moment.”

“I can agree to that, my desert ruby,” Lex said, leaning over to nuzzle her. Rill just let out an insectoid humm. “Hmm, I hope Axle’s winning, he hates losing fights.”

“I am sure he’s fine. Axle usually is.”

The world around Axle was red, his enemies were yellow, and the sky above was vaguely green. They Tyranitar was drawing in unsteady breaths as it faced him, its chest heaving in and out with effort, blood pouring from two dozen deep cuts. Axle was hardly unscratched either and a cracked line of scales covered his right side, blood pooling on the ground beneath him an staining his legs.

“Yield or die,” Axle growled, his voice too tired to manage more then that.

“I will not yield,” the Tyranitar growled back. “Grimsley is counting on me. I will not fail him.”

Axle grit his teeth. “Very well... I will not be held responsible for your death. Only a fool tries to outlast the ocean!”

Before Axle could make the deciding move, one way or another, the Bisharp rose from where it had been thrown at some point in the battle, Axle had lost track, and walked between them. Its armblades had been dulled by the constant impacts and its body was covered in deep wounds but it persisted all the same. Axle was about to attack it when it started to speak.

“Enough,” it croaked out. “Our job was to distract you... we’ve done that. We’ve not failed in the least.”

Axle growled at it. “You have indeed distracted me but I will not allow any harm to come to Iris... if you three have enabled ‘Grimsley’ to harm her then I will kill the lot of you.” He narrowed his eyes at them.

“He just wanted to talk to her dude, geez,” the Krookodile muttered as he painfully pulled himself to his feet. “Why do you have to be so life or death about everything.”

The Haxorus simply gave him an unimpressed glare and stalked forwards. “I will help Iris. You will not stop me.” With that, he walked out of the clearing, a trail of blood leaking behind him.

That... was the best fight I’ve had in a long time... he thought to himself, a smile breaking through his features.

Abby and Kasai stood in the middle of the road, awaiting anyone foolish enough to try the main road to the town. Kasai pressing himself against her side.

“Brings you back doesn’t it?” he asked her with a small chuckle. “Remember the old days when we were just starting out?”

Abby chuckled softly despite the tension coursing through her body. “Yes, I remember, waiting around in random places hoping that one of the perps would show up.” That was when her vision caught sight of a certain foursome walking down the street towards them.

Abby’s fur shivered as Sven and Wendy neared them,

“Halt,” Abby barked out. “By order of the Equestrian Ranger Union you are not to take another step towards this town if you are after myself or Gene Phillips. Failure to comply will be met with violence.”

“Um... we’re not,” Sven said awkwardly. “We’re kinda... defecting.”

Abby blinked and her mask of calm ranger authority crumbled. “... really?” she asked, gobsmacked.

“Hah,” Kasai said with a small chuckle, leaning over and nuzzling Abby. “Told you someone would.”

Abby just blinked again. “Umm... thank you?”

“Yeah, we kinda got sick of all those idiots constantly arguing with each other,” Wendy admitted.

“And not listening to us,” Luxray said under his breath.

“Ah... yeah I can see that, they didn’t seem all that well strung together,” Abby agreed with a nod of her head. “Hehe, I guess my speech paid off more than I thought if you four are here.”

“Plus,” Staraptor added, smirking slightly. “Their main argument kinda fell apart when we found out you were part of this,” he chuckled. “Unless you’ve been abusing Kasai all this time.”

He did not just suggest that! she raged in her mind at even the joking implication of abuse as a single metaphorical straw fell into place on her back.

The Ninetale’s right eyebrow twitched and she turned her red eyed gaze on Staraptor. “You know, I’m sorry that I’m about to unleash this on you but if I don’t use it on someone then I’m going to go insane, so sorry in advance,” she said, unable to stop the words from pouring out of her mouth.

Kasai’s eyes widened at the sudden tonal shift but frowned and leaned against her, offering Abby all the support he could.

“Tell me Sven, when was the last time you saw a Pokemon commit, or attempt to commit suicide because their ‘true love’ was taken away from them?” Abby asked calmly, her mind flashing back through the countless Pokemon she’d seen meet such a fate, and how she’d been unable to stop them most of the time. “How often did that happen to you on a weekly basis?”

Sven blinked and looked over to Abby. "We... we weren't part of that division." He admitted.

“Yeah, you weren’t,” Abby agreed caustically. “Sorry that I couldn’t be out saving a region every other day,” she continued, glancing between the two of them. “I was down in the muck, fighting against people who were destroying Pokemon. How many people have you been forced to kill Sven?”

Abby saw Sven gulp. "Not... not many..." he said slowly. "Luxray and I... we brought in most of the grunts and poachers we had the displeasure of crossing paths with."

“How nice,” Abby replied with the slimmest of smiles though it lacked any warmth at all. “I’d love to say I had that luxury at all times but no, I really didn’t.” She looked over to Kasai, suddenly incredibly thankful to have him there. “Kasai, my partner, the love of my life, lost a leg saving me from a poacher who sent a Claydol at me with the intention of using Self Destruct.” Her eyes hardened. “I have never abused Kasai, I’ve never hurt him, I’ve only ever disciplined him when he was bad, the same way you’d discipline anyone else.”

She felt her fur beginning to glow with heat. “I’ve spent my entire life fighting against the bad Pokephiles, and trust me, I know there were many... I’ve shut down brothels, I’ve shut down underground fighting rings, hell, I arrested one of the heads of Sylph for his ‘collection’ of beautiful dragon types.” She sucked in a deep breath.

“So you know what, maybe long ago I came to the conclusion that maybe Pokemon were better then humans! Forgive me for getting sick of the way that society always treated them like second class citizens. Forgive me for getting sick of men who always wanted to get into my pants. Forgive me for falling in love with the most compassionate, caring, handsome man I’ve ever met in my entire life!” Abby glared at the pair of Rangers, unable to keep the anger and contempt out of her voice, her inner fire burning fiercely.

“Kasai was the one who was always there for me when my parents got eaten, when I had to go trekking into the wild for nights on end there he was beside me. He was there for me when I nearly froze to death in the snow, when I was staying in the hospital, and the times when I didn’t feel much like being alone anymore! So You know what, I guess I did abuse him! I made him waste the chance to be with another Arcanine who would be Arceus damned WORTHY of him!”

She stood there shivering with anger, she’d been carrying those words with her for years now. Nearly a decade of inner loathing and hatred finally out there in the open and it felt... strangely good to have said it all. That was when she noticed the absolutely devastated look on the other Rangers’ faces. ... dammit Trombley... they’re not the ones you hate, she thought quietly to herself. They’re here to help us... so what the fuck are you doing screaming at them like an overly emotional child?

“She’s right you know, about most of it anyways,” Kasai suddenly spoke up, breaking her from her trance like state and leaning over to give Abby a nuzzle “Though, I wouldn’t say that there’s another person on this or any planet as ‘worthy’ of me as Abby.”

Wendy and Sven stepped back at Abby’s outburst, while Staraptor merely flinched and Luxray stepped forward. “Why doesn't everyone just calm down?" Luxray said softly. "We’re not here to fight, so there’s no need to be hostile."

Abby panted a few times before finally finding her voice again. “Yeah... yeah you’re right... sorry... you guys didn’t deserve that.” She glanced down. “I’ve just... been holding that in for years now.”

“It’s, um, it’s alright,” Wendy said, awkwardly, not really sure what to say next.

Kasai broke the following silence as they started walking before it could get too awkward. “So, Luxray, you had any luck finding anyone lately? Last time we ran into each other you were at that awkward ‘between’ phase.”

As the others talked, Abby looked down at the road in front of them, wondering if she really deserved her title of ‘Top Ranger’... she certainly wasn't acting like she did.

Chapter 50 End Book One

Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.

Chapter 1

Abby let out a small sigh as she blinked awake. That, in and of itself, was odd. The last thing she remembered, she and Kasai had been chasing after a suspect who’d been selling Slowpoke Tails. The woman let out a yawn. It probably didn’t matter. All that really mattered was the soft breathing from beside her and the feeling of warm fur on her furry side. She rolled over slightly and found herself muzzle to muzzle with her partner, Kasai.

As a Pokemon Ranger, perhaps one of the best Pokemon Rangers, though she’d never been the type to keep up with that sort of thing, the relationship that Abby had with her partner was...

Well, okay, it was completely illegal and in society's eyes morally bankrupt, but... well things had fallen into place and Abby found herself strangely not really caring all that much. Sure, it meant that every day risked discovery, or that one of the other Ranger’s Psychic-type pokemon would give them away, but Abby wouldn’t trade Kasai for any man in the world.

Speaking again of Kasai, he was a large male Arcanine’s whose fur was warm and always, possessed an incredibly comforting smoky scent, as if someone had captured a hickory wood campfire and shoved inside of him so that he always smelled like it.

At the moment, he was sleeping in his favorite position, his prosthetic right leg wrapped around her side, his furred limb resting beneath her. His head pressed against hers, his tongue lolling out of his mouth, the picture of contentment. Abby smiled and leaned forward to give him a kiss with her long pink tongue as her nine tails swirled around her.

Then she froze. Furry sides... muzzle... long pink tongue... nine tails!?!

Her eyes widened for a moment before she relaxed. It was just a dream. That’s all it was. Heck, this wasn’t the first time that she’d dreamed of being an Ninetales or an Arcanine. It might not even have been the most convincing. A small chuckle rolled out of her muzzle and she nuzzled her love again, enjoying how freeing it felt to do so. It was all just a dream so she might as well enjoy it, right?

Kasai didn’t stir in his sleep. He’d always been the type to sleep like a hibernating Geodude. Unless something was attacking them in which case he’d be up in seconds, fire shooting from his jaws and his angry howls filling the air. At the moment, that meant that when Abby nuzzled him, he made a soft snorting sound and rolled over on top of her, his warm front coming to rest on her vulpine chest.

Abby let out a soft sigh as she felt his comforting weight settle in atop her. They were perfect for each other now. Normally, he was a bit too heavy for her like this and she’d have to push him away, but now... now he didn’t really feel all that heavy. His muzzle came down to rest on her golden white chest just under Abby’s chin and she saw a happy smile on his face as he murmured something in his sleep.

The Ninetales grinned and craned her head forwards to give his muzzle a few licks. To her surprise, he began to blink awake. Normally... the dreams where she was a Pokemon of any kind had only two real ‘scenarios’. Either she was sleeping beside him... or he was on top of her already. He never ‘woke up’ in the first one, and the second never started like this. Of course, it was all just a dream so Abby supposed it was no surprise that things could have changed.

Kasai blinked twice as he saw who and more importantly what he’d been lying on top of and let out a surprised bark.

“What?! Who are you?!” he shouted in confusion, his big expression filled eyes widening. His voice itself was strong and firm, though every once and a while, it held a wry humorous edge as well.

That caught Abby off guard. Even in her dreams, she’d never really heard his voice. That was reserved for when Luke was feeling up to giving them a few hours worth of translation. She didn’t have long to dwell on that thought because Kasai leapt off of her chest, his body snapping awake, his mouth opening to reveal his fangs. A deep growl leapt from inside his chest and for a moment, Abby was afraid. Kasai could be [incredibly] intimidating when he put his mind to it.

“I don’t know who you are, or why you smell like my Abby, but if you’ve done anything to her, I swear you’ll regret it!” he snarled.

Abby gulped and managed to say. “Kasai, it’s me!” she exclaimed, her tails wrapping around herself protectively.

Kasai blinked twice. “What?”

“It’s me, Abby,” the Ninetales said as she rolled unsteadily to her paws.

“... yeah right,” Kasai replied with a roll of his eyes as his snarl deepened to an even more terrifying pitch. To Abby, it sounded as if he was storing Zapdos' thunder deep in his chest. “Now I’m going to ask you again. What did you do to Abby? Are you one of the other Ranger’s Pokemon who thought it would be fun to try and convince me that a Ninetales was a better mate than my Abby?”

Abby blinked twice. That was not something she’d been expecting to hear. “Kasai, I swear to Arceus that it’s me,” she said, her breath becoming level.

She was a Pokemon Ranger after all, she’d been snarled at by a pack of Mightyena in the middle of the night and stopped a rogue Tyranitar from destroying a town. Heck, she’d personally raised a formerly abused Haxorus, her lover at his angriest wasn’t that frightening. Especially because she knew that he’d never hurt anyone who didn’t really deserve it.

“How could you be Abby? You’re a Ninetales!” Kasai retorted angrily.

Abby let out a small breath as her mind fell into what she’d long ago deemed ‘Ranger Mode’. It was a state in which large amounts of data filled her brain and she could rapidly come up with plans or strategies. It was effective in both battle, and in investigations.

“When I first met you, you had your right leg trapped in a poacher’s Ursaring trap. I got you back to the Pokemon Center and we managed to save the leg,” Abby said smoothly. “After a lot of PT, you managed to not only walk again, but fight as well. About a year later, you evolved and with Luke’s help, confessed your feelings for me. At first I denied it but eventually, you wore me down with your eyes alone.”

Kasai froze, the snarl dying in his throat. “...Abby?”

Abby smiled. “Yes... yes it’s me Kasai.”

“... am I dreaming?” Kasai asked slowly.

“I don’t think so,” Abby replied as she plopped down on her rear, tails curling around slightly so that she could get a better look at them. “Because... let’s be honest here... I’ve never had a dream this detailed. Have you?”

Kasai frowned for a moment before shaking his head. “No... No I haven’t.”

A long silence passed between the two before a small smile crossed Abby’s muzzle. “Well... I’m a Ninetales at the moment. Let’s enjoy it okay?”

Kasai blinked twice. “Abby... aren’t you the least bit worried about this?”

“Oh, I am,” Abby replied with a rapid nod of her head. “But I’m trying not to think about it because I know that panicking does nothing right?”

“Right...” Kasai said, nodding his slowly. This was... new to him. Completely new in fact. But, Kasai was nothing if not adaptable. So, he walked up to Abby and gave her an affectionate nuzzle. “Mmmmh you smell just as good as ever Abby, if not better. Now it’s strawberries and charcoal.”

Abby let out a happy sigh and nuzzled him back, feeling his warm fur against her own was a surprisingly lovely sensation. His warm breath on her neck was also an incredibly nice sensation and without realizing it Abby wrapped her forepaws around him and pulled him close to her, her face sinking into his smokey fur. Kasai blinked once and then leaned his head down against her back, pulling her yet further into his fur.

The pair stayed like that for a long few moments, simply enjoying the sensation of being together as Abby came to grips with what she now was. Eventually, Abby released him from the slightly awkward hug and let out a sigh.

“Okay... let’s go over the facts as we know them, shall we?” she asked Kasai as she sat down in front of him. “Maybe that way we can figure out what the heck happened that turned me into an Ninetales.”

“Right,” Kasai agreed, he was long used to this sort of thing. Or at the very least, acting as his Mate’s silent sounding board.

Abby smiled and nodded her head. “Okay, so we were chasing after that guy who was selling Slowpoke Tails, looking to see if we could find his smuggling base.”

“Yes,” Kasai agreed with a swift nod as he remembered the foul smelling man, his hands forever stained with the blood of a hundred Pokemon. Kasai had been inches away from him. Mid-leap in fact, ready to take him down. “I almost had him.”

“Right. We’d found him trying to sell in an alley and you two were running towards the end of it,” Abby said with another nod of her head. “And then...”

“A voice...” Kasai said with a frown, his bushy brows coming together. “A voice in my mind.”

Abby frowned but nodded. Now that he said, she remembered it.

“Rest now my children, for when you awake a whole new world shall be your home.”

The voice was deep and kind, strangely ancient sounding as it reverberated within her mind.

“Rest now my children, for when you awake a whole new world shall be your home.” She and Kasai blinked as she recited it.

“Huh...” Abby trailed off, a confused expression on her face. “Any idea what that means Kasai?”

“... not at all,” the Arcanine replied, shaking his head slowly. “But, I do know that nothing is going to get solved if we just sit here in the middle of the grassland. Come on Abby, let’s go see if we can’t find anyone else who knows more about what’s going on.”

Abby frowned for a moment and then shrugged. At the moment, they had virtually no clues to what was going on or how they’d gotten there... not to mention the ‘little detail’ about her having become a Ninetales somehow. Kasai was right, if they wanted to solve this mystery then they’d need to gather some evidence.

So, with a small smile on her face, she got up and began to walk beside Kasai, a sense of peace overtaking her mind. She was with Kasai, as long as she was, no one and nothing could stop them.

Axel had been having a rough day. The last thing he remembered was Abby and Kasai calling the backup team to tell them that they were about to investigate a Slowpoke Tail seller. Then he’d woken up in the middle of a rather large city street being stared at by over a dozen pairs of strange Ponyta like creatures. Of course, the fact that they were staring at Axel wasn’t so great a surprise. You’d stare too if a giant armored dragon with an immense axe blade growing out of his head had appeared in the middle of the road some time before the morning rush.

At the moment, said giant lizard was on the edge of going ballistic. There were so many of the little Ponyta creatures and all of them were glaring or shouting at him. It was INCREDIBLY annoying. He understood every word but there was so much noise that he couldn’t think straight

“GO AWAY AND SHUT UP!” Axel roared as he swung his head from one side to the other, scattering Ponyta with each sweep, though he was careful to not actually hit them. Abby would have his head if that happened. His heavy right foot crashed into the street and he found to his annoyance that it had sunken in slightly, the asphalt giving way beneath his claws like butter.

This further frustrated the dragon as he was forced to physically pull it out. Anger began to bubble in his chest as a Ponyta wearing golden armor approached him, shouting something at the immense Haxorus about getting out of the street. Axel glared daggers, or in this case, axes, at the Ponyta. Who was this unevolved whelp to yell at him?

“You have one warning!” Axel shouted at the Ponyta. “Stop yelling at me or you’ll know why I’m Abby’s tank!”

The Ponyta appeared unperturbed by this threat and continued to yell at him, levitating a net of some kind in the air above its head. Axel paused for a moment. Okay. That was REALLY odd. Then he remembered the fact that he was being threatened with a net. He hated nets.

With a mighty roar Axel charged the Ponyta. The net flew at his legs but the experienced Haxorus leapt over it and came down with a crash in front of the Ponyta, his feet sinking into the asphalt.

“BIG MISTAKE!” Axel thundered and then brought his head down at an angle so that the flat of his blade slammed into the Ponyta’s head, sending the armored equine flying into a nearby wall. That was when the real screaming started.

Lyra was walking down the street humming a tune to herself. It was a lifting, happy tune, which fit her mood very well at the moment. She’d just bought Bon-Bon a new chocolate making book with a bunch of recipes that she’d never even heard of before but couldn’t wait to try out. Oh, and she’d bought a cupcake at the bookstore too and couldn’t wait to eat it! Even better than the eventual, surely delicious cupcake, was that her gig the night before had gone off without a hitch and she was literally, and figuratively, rolling in the bits.

As she hummed, the mare’s head rocked along with the beat, a smile on her face as she deftly avoided some of the more excited ponies on the Las Pegasus streets pushed to get wherever they were going. They seemed to be doing a lot of yelling too. Odd ponies in Las Pegasus. As Lyra had found out over the years she’d been coming and going to the city on music gigs, all it really took to get them running and yelling in a new direction was the opening of a new casino.

As the mare chuckled lightly at the thought, she rounded the corner and saw something that took her by surprise. Standing there in the middle of the street, surrounded by several unconscious guards was a six and a half foot tall lizard, or maybe it was a dragon now that she looked closer, with a head that looked quite a bit like one of the old double bladed axes like the ones from the Minoan Empire in a few museums.

“... that’s not a new casino,” Lyra said after a moment, a guard falling out of the sky and landing several feet away from her, unconscious.

“HAX! HAX!” the beast was shouting as several more of the guards tried to subdue it with nets. Unfortunately for them, all that seemed to do was make it even more angry. The beast let out a roar of pure hatred and ran forwards with surprising speed for something so large and it’s tail swung out like a thick whip of scales, sending more of the guards flying.

Now, the normal pony’s reaction to this would, and probably should be to run away screaming.

Lyra, Lyra was not exactly what you’d call a normal pony. She’d lived in Ponyville for the last five years and during that time, she’d seen all sorts of monsters pop up and this giant lizard? He didn’t even compare to a lot of them. So, Lyra smiled and like any long-time resident of Ponyville, or maybe just her, would do, she walked calmly up to the beast.

The creature turned and stared down at her with angry red eyes, black pupils glaring at her, rage radiating off of it. Lyra smiled back up at it.

“Hey there big guy, you having a rough day?” she inquired with a smile.

“Ma’am get away from that thing!” one of the few remaining conscious guards shouted at her. Lyra responded by waving away his concern with an errant hoof.

“Shush, I’m talking to him,” she said without looking in the guard’s direction.

The giant lizard was looking down at her with narrowed eyes. She hadn’t tried to attack him yet, unlike the others, and she wasn’t screaming or yelling so he had no reason to become annoyed with her. Instead it just nodded his head in answer to her question.

“Hax, Hax, Haxorus,” it grumbled, casting an annoyed look around the plaza. “Hax, Haxorus hax, hax hax,” it added, rolling its eyes as it looked at the guards. Lyra could sense its disdain for the guards.

“Yeah, look Scales, can I call you Scales?” she asked, glancing up at the reptile. It shrugged. “Cool, I’ll call you Scales for now. Anyways, you can’t just roar a lot and hurt the guards like that,” she continued casually, Lyra was a bit of an odd mare really.

“Hax!” the creature replied, folding its arms over its chest and giving her an incredibly irked look. As if to say he already knew that but they started it. It was hardly his fault that they’d proven so feeble of a challenge.

“I know, I know, but seriously, you can’t do it,” Lyra said with a shake of her head. “Understand?”

The reptile rolled its eyes but nodded its head.

“Great!” Lyra said, a grin on her face as her horn began to glow. The dragon tensed, already having come to associate that with attack, but before he could do anything the mare’s saddle bags opened and a box containing a cupcake rose out of it. “So, I was going to eat this all myself, but you’ve had a rough day. Why don’t we split it 50/50, what do you say?”

The dragon tilted its head to the side for a moment before nodding its head, a smile appearing on its face for the first time since it had woken up in the middle of the street. “Haxorus!”

Lyra grinned and used her magic to cut the cupcake in half and hovered it up to the dragon’s face. Without waiting, it took a bite and its eyes widened and then it stuffed the entire half of the rather large cupcake in its mouth, letting out a pleased rumble. The unicorn smiled, it really was all about how you talked to someone, you didn’t need to be a country crossing musician to know that.

As the guard began to stagger awake, they were greeted by a rather odd sight, a mint green unicorn sitting on her rump eating a cupcake beside a surprisingly docile gold dragon.

Author's Note

If anyone is wondering, Kasai got his leg caught in a trap. Then he went to PT for a long time and got it back to full strength, then something happened and he completely lost it (you'll find out how later).

Chapter 3

“Tired already?” Kasai asked Abby as the Ninetales slowed her run to a walk.

“Give me a break. I’m not used to this ‘body’ yet,” Abby replied with a small pout. “It’s not my fault that I’m getting worn out.”

“Fair enough,” Kasai said, bending down to give her cheek a lick. “Though in all truth, we actually covered a lot of distance.”

“Did we? I’ve mostly been focusing on running,” Abby said with a shake of her head as her tongue lolled out the side of her mouth and she began to pant. “It’s... really freeing to run like a Pokemon.”

“Yes, yes it is,” Kasai agreed, nodding his head as he glanced down at his prosthetic, giving it a quick once over to make sure that it was still working right. “Thank Arceus for Professor Hastings, I don’t know what I’d do if it wasn’t for him and his science.”

“Yeah, and thank Arceus that we never spent enough time around him to give ourselves away,” Abby added with a small shake of her head. “Though, he does have reasons for the way he acts.”

“Mhm,” Kasai agreed, falling into line beside Abby as she walked, he had to admit, it was a little odd looking down at her all the time. Before, Abby had been six two and very well built putting her at his head level more or less. Now though, she was around two feet shorter then him. “No question that there are people who horribly abuse Pokemon that they’re in relationships with...”

Abby just nodded, she wasn’t in the mood to think about that sort of thing and now that night was beginning to fall, she could see the lights of a city up ahead. “Well, it’s not Cerulean,” she said, changing the topic entirely.

“Too many skyscrapers and neon lights,” Kasai agreed before pausing in place and then before Abby could react he was on her other side, shielding her from the road.

Just in time too, the Ninetales’ ears twitched as they detected a racket coming from behind them. She had time to crane her head around the front of Kasai’s body to see what looked like a wagon of some sort zoom by. It was powered by an engine so it rapidly disappeared over the horizon, but one thing that she was sure of was that Abby had seen a large number of cages on its back. The cart disappeared from her sight not long after and she glanced up at Kasai.

“So, why did you have to ‘shield’ me from that?” she asked with a raised eyebrow.

“To keep the dust off of you, my Lady,” he told her with a small chuckle as he bent down to give her a lick.

Abby rolled her eyes, but smiled at the sentiment. “Thank you over so much, My Lord, what on Earth would I do without you?”

“Get your coat all dusty,” he answered with a grin. “And that would be tragic.”

“As if my coat didn’t get dusty from running along beside the road,” Abby deadpanned before she frowned. “Also, that was both an odd looking cart and more importantly, had a lot of cages on it.”

“Think it was poachers?” Kasai inquired with a small frown.

“Stupid poachers if it was,” Abby stated. “I highly doubt that any officer worth their salt wouldn’t have them arrested on the spot, or at the very least held up for a bit to investigate further.”

“True, it’s probably something else,” Kasai agreed, nodding his head before he frowned. “So, do you want to make it to the city tonight, or would you rather find someplace nearby to curl up?”

“Hmm...” Abby glanced at the city in distance. “It looks like its a two hour walk. If it was just you and me in my ‘old body’ and man does it feel weird to say that out loud, then I’d just hop on your back and you’d get us there in no time but... I don’t think I can really hold onto you like I used too.”

Kasai looked down at her for a moment before nodding. “Yeah, you’re right, unless those tails of yours are a lot stronger then I think they are.”

“My tails are plenty strong,” Abby replied, her tails flaring a little at the implied insult. “But you are right, I don’t think they’re really dexterous enough to hold onto you.”

“Right then, let’s see if we can’t find ourselves someone to eat and a place to get a drink,” Kasai said, licking his lips. “I really hope we can find some Magikarp around here.”

“Kasai, there are Magikarp everywhere,” Abby said with a small chuckle. “I’m sure we can find some.”

“And that right there is why they’re one of my favorites,” Kasai said with a smirk as he raised his nose in the air and sniffed a few times. “Okay, follow me Abby, I found some water.”

“You and your nose,” Abby said, chuckling lightly.

“It is one of my better features,” he agreed ‘modestly’. “Along with my intelligence and my dashing good looks.”

Abby snickered. “Oh yes.”

“You doubt me?” he asked with a raised eyebrow. “And here I thought you were my devoted mate.”

“I am,” Abby replied with a small smirk. “But I can’t let you get too big headed can I?”

“Hasn’t stopped you before,” he remarked with a smirk of his own as he bumped his shoulder against her.

Abby just rolled her eyes and gave him a wry glance. “So are you going to lead us to water, or just stand here ‘regaling’ me with your virtues?”

“Personally, I like both options equally well,” Kasai answered with a wry smirk of his own. “But I suppose I can show my Lady to water.”

“She’d much appreciate it,” Abby said, smiling. Then one of her tails whipped out and slapped him on the rear. “And the sooner the better!”

Kasai let out a little yelp of surprise and then looked down at her, smarting. “Was that really necessary?”

“I think so,” she replied as the dog started forwards. “Otherwise we’d stand around beside the road bantering for half the night and never get to sleep.”

“Huh, fair enough,” Kasai said, letting out an appreciative chuckle. “And it’s nice to know that you’re already learning some moves, even if Tail Whip is kind of worthless.”

“Oh I don’t know, I think it’s pretty useful,” Abby said, a small smirk on her face as another of her tails slapped against his rear causing him to yip again.

“Stop that,” he told her with an irritated glance.

“Fine, fine. It’s just kind of fun,” Abby replied before she walked closer to him and rubbed against his side. “But if you want me to stop, Kasai, then I will.”

The Arcanine let out a happy rumble at her touch and smiled. “Thank you Abby.”

“You’re welcome,” the Ninetales replied as they came upon a small, incredibly clear pond.

Kasai approached it first and bent his head down, his great tongue lapping at the water for a moment before he pulled his muzzle up and let out an appreciative sigh as water danced down his chin.

“Mmmm, that’s some good water,” he said with a soggy grin.

Abby raised an eyebrow and bent down to drink as well, discovering to her surprise that it really was good water. It tasted better then the water she got from her expensive filter.

“Wow, you’re right,” she stated with a grin of her own, water flowing down down from her lips. Then she turned back to the pond. “Hmm... no fishing rod.”

“No worries,” Kasai replied as he followed her gaze. “I used to do this as a Growlithe.”

Abby gave him a raised eyebrow as Kasai sat back on his rump and stared down at the water, his hips wiggling slightly back and forth before he sprang forwards, his white jaws flashing as he closed around a wriggling silver shape as he splashed up to his chest in the pond. His head flicked to the side once and there was a cracking sound before he tossed the Water Pokemon back to the shore for Abby to keep safe. Then he paused in the water and let the bottom settle again.

Abby meanwhile was inspecting the Water Pokemon and discovered something strange. The large silver creature looked like no Water Pokemon she knew. It sort of resembled Basculin but instead of having spines running across it’s back, it only had a few fins. There was another series of splashes before Kasai returned, another two of the Water Pokemon in his jaws.

“Easy pickings,” he said with a grin as he deposited the pile of fish at her feet. “Would my Lady prefer her fish to be cooked or raw?”

“Cooked if you can,” Abby said, a look of mild disgust on her face. “This isn’t sushi.”

“Works for me,” Kasai agreed as he spotted a nearby stone and picked up all three Water Pokemon in his jaws and carried them over to the flat stone.

With the utmost care he laid them across, Abby followed along beside him, her mouth watering with anticipation. Kasai looked down at the unusual Water Pokemon for a moment or two before shrugging slightly and opening his jaws to let a small stream of fire wash over the Water Pokemon. Abby’s mouth watered even more as the delectable flesh beneath the scales baked and the scales themselves were pried apart by the heat. After a few moments of heat, Kasai let up the fire and grinned.

“Huha! Looks like I haven’t forgotten how to do this,” he said, taking an appreciative sniff of the cooked Water Pokemon.

“Oh yes, you definitely haven’t!” Abby agreed, licking her lips in anticipation. “I wonder how this type of Water Pokemon taste, I’ve never seen them before.”

“Well, let’s quit waiting and find out,” Kasai said, bending down and tearing into one of the fish with his jaws, eating it scales, bones and all. “Mmmmm brerry goodth,” he said around a mouthful of fish, crunching and chopping it to pieces with his powerful jaws.

Abby blinked twice and rolled her eyes. She couldn’t get away with something like that, she’d probably choke to death. So instead she bent forwards and tore a bit of the scales off to reveal the succulent flesh beneath. Her mouth was an explosion of flavors for a moment before she got a good feel for the taste. It was a lot like Basculin but a little less ‘muddy’. In other words, it was very good.

“Mmm, you’re right,” Abby said, licking her lips before she bent down to take another bite.

“Yesths, I am,” Kasai agreed around a mouthful before he turned to the side and spat out some of the bones that he hadn’t been able to simply crush to pieces. “Kind of boney though.”

“Well, if you ate food like a normal person you wouldn’t be having that problem,” Abby teased before she dug her muzzle deeper into the fish and tore out another bit of flesh.

They continued like that for a while and before long, the fish were all eaten. Then, Abby burped and a crimson blush washed over her golden fur.

“My compliments to the chef,” she said with a small giggle.

Kasai responded by truly belching. “Mhm, he’s quite the talented chef.”

Abby smiled and leaned forwards to rest her head against his chest. “Thanks for being such a wonderful mate Kasai.”

Kasai smiled in return and laid his head down against the back of her neck. “My pleasure Abby, and of course I can say the same for you,” he whispered.

The pair stayed like that for a long moment before Abby’s eyes began to water and she started to cry softly into his chest. Kasai’s eyes widened in surprise but he was a good mate so all he did was move organic leg forward to wrap around her and pull the weeping Ninetales up against his warm, smokey chest.

“Hey now, it’s alright Abby,” Kasai murmured down to her as he hugged her. “You’re okay, I’m okay, we’re together and we’re going to be fine alright?”

Abby didn’t seem to hear him. Instead she simply continued to cry into his chest, her body heaving against his as a gamut of emotions rolled over her. When it was finally over, Kasai’s chest was soaked and her eyes were red, or rather, a darker red. The Ninetales pulled away from him slightly, her tales fluttering nervously.

“Sorry Kasai,” she said quietly.

“For what?” he asked her softly.

“For being... so weak,” she answered, shaking her head. “This is all just too much.”

“You’re not weak Abby, you’re reacting like anyone would,” Kasai said, leaning down to give her a lick across the cheek. “And for the record, you never need to apologize for crying into my fur.”

Abby closed her red eyes and nodded. “I... thanks Kasai,” she said with a jerky nod. “You’re the best mate ever.”

“You’re welcome, and I know,” he said with a smile as he closed the distance between them and gave her two licks on the face to clean up a few remaining tears. “There we go, now you’re looking as beautiful as a Queen.”

Abby smiled a little. “I am?”

“Indeed,” Kasai answered before he leaned down and put his forehead against hers and stared into her eyes. “You’re the most beautiful being in the world, it doesn’t matter what ‘body’ you’re in.”

Abby stared into his deep golden eyes for a moment, getting lost in them before she broke the contact, a sudden heat flowing through her.

“So... I’m not really ready for bed yet,” she said slowly.

“Is that so?” Kasai inquired with a small smirk.

“Mhm... want to see how well I can dance?” Abby asked, a bit of inexplicable nervousness in her voice. What if he said no? What if it was different now that she was a Pokemon? What if-

“Of course,” Kasai said, a large smile on his face. “I’ll always dance with you my Lady, so long as you let me lead.”

Abby smiled, her nervousness slipping away. “Of course my Lord. Shall we?”

It was a common occurrence that in Equestria, things were what they seemed to be. Barring a few odd beings like Parasprites or will-o'-the-wisps, you could usually tell whether or not something was going to be dangerous based off of the way it looked.

Generally, being small, pink, and frilly meant that you were safe to touch and pet.

Lex had been having a hard day. Why was Lex having a hard day? Because he was a Sylveon who hated having people touch him. He’d been chased through a shopping mall by a hoard of fillies, bombarded by over-adoring pats on the head, and even had an ‘animal control’ officer sent after him because he’d thrown a child at her mother after he’d tried to pull on his ribbons.

“Sometimes I wish Abby had just let me evolve into an Umbreon like I wanted too,” the Slyveon grumbled angrily as he used his ribbons to propel up the side of a building using its drain pipes. “I don’t care if I can slay dragons, I get no respect.”

The ribbons closed around the rooftop and he flung himself up onto it, landing perfectly... until he fell face forward on the hard roof.

“Oww...” he groaned as he picked himself back up. “Note to self, must work on landings...”

He let out a sigh as he looked around the roof for a chimney smoke stack and was delighted when he found one. The Sylveon smiled at his own genius and walked over to it, settling himself down against the warm metal.

“Now... I just have to find out where Rill is,” he murmured to himself as he looked over the city’s extremely bright nightscape. “Knowing her, she’s probably worked herself into a worry fit over me being gone...” he let out a sigh. “I hope she’s okay out there... this isn’t exactly her type of place.”

The Sylveon frowned and leaned closer against the warm chimney.

“Then again, this isn’t exactly ‘my’ type of place either,” he added, looking down at the ‘ponyta’ that were still walking through the busy streets. He closed his eyes for a moment and then quietly said. “Be safe, my desert ruby.”

With that said, the Sylveon who hated being touched fell asleep.

Chapter 18

“I want a fight... I want a fight... I want a fight,” Axel grumbled as he and Abby walked down the street together.

“I’m sure something will turn up sooner or later,” Abby told him, glancing up at the large Haxorus. “But please, stop saying that out loud, you’re getting us worried glances.”

It was true, the ponies in the crowd, who’d been giving them a wide berth in the first place, were gazing worriedly up at Axel.

“If they’re not doing anything wrong then there’s no reason for them to be so cowardly,” Axel replied, he really was getting antsy for some kind of action.

“He’s not the kind of guy who likes relaxing, is he?” Tenderhoof asked from Abby’s other side, looking up at the Haxorus with a raised eyebrow.

“There’s no such thing as relaxing outside of battle to me,” Axel retorted flatly. “It was never this bad at home where there were Pokemon Centers around to heal me if I got hurt, but because there aren’t Abby won’t let me fight Sven!”

Abby let out a sigh. “For the last time, you can’t fight Sven. He’s a Tyranitar and not only do I not know who’d win between you two, but you’d probably flatten a city block at least in the process!”

“Bah, he’s already repairing a city block, what’s another?” Axle demanded indignantly.

“A few hundred thousand bits,” Tenderhoof answered blandly. “And a trip to the Dragon Cell.”

Axle rolled his eyes but relented with a huff as they arrived back at the station. To their surprise however, the station was abuzz with activity.

“What’s going on?” Tenderhoof asked one of the scurrying officers.

“We had a breakthrough on the EPB Case!” the officer answered, enthusiasm coursing through his voice. “We found their base of operations and the Captain is down there right now!”

Tenderhoof’s eyes widened. “The Earth Pony Brigade? We found them!”

“Yeah!” the officer replied, a grin on his face. “They’re hold up in one of the warehouses downtown! The Captain’s got the place surrounded but they’re really well fortified!”

“This... this sounds exciting!” Axle exclaimed, a grin on his face as he looked down at Tenderhoof. “Take us there at once!”

“Sorry, this isn’t the kind of thing that untrained officers get involved in,” Tenderhoof replied, glancing between the two of them.

“We’re not untrained,” Abby corrected before looking up at Axle who was literally shivering with excitement at the prospect.

“Please Abby! I need this!” Axle begged, his draconic eyes narrowing as his clawed feet began to move up and down very rapidly.

“Arceus...” Abby let out a small sigh and then glanced at Tenderhoof. “If I say no he’s going to be like this all month. Come on, let’s go see if Ace needs something.”

Tenderhoof frowned but shook his head. “Fine...” he took a second to ascertain the warehouse’s location from the other officer and the three set off, Axle almost skipping with excitement.

“He like this often?”

“Always,” Abby answered blandly. “So, who are we up against?”

“The Earth Pony Brigade,” Tenderhoof answered with a small shake of his head. “They’re the type of pony who like to make a living off of extortion, drug smuggling, and occasionally animal fighting.”

Abby let out a low whistle. “So, we’re walking into a gang’s headquarters aren’t we?”

“Yep,” Tenderhoof said, shaking his head. “They’re an all earth pony gang and they’ve been plaguing Las Pegasus for a while now and the fact that we have their headquarters is a strike of gold.”

“I can see that,” Abby agreed, nodding her head as the Guard Line came into sight. The Guard were arrayed around a relatively small warehouse and a large group of ponies were standing around a dozen feet away, looking on in interest. With her keen eyes, Abby spotted Ace talking with several other ponies and her ears picked up the conversation as they moved closer.

“Gah, they’re far too well fortified in there for us to take the place,” Ace said angrily, her eyes narrowed. “And they’ve bespelled the walls, somehow to repel magic.”

“It would take us way too long via conventional means to get into there,” another of the officers said. “The doors are locked up tight. We’re not getting in that way Boss.”

“We could always gas them out,” another suggested. “We do have a large supply of the stuff.”

“That’s on the board of consideration,” Ace said with a nod before she noticed Abby and Axle approaching. “... and things just got more complicated.’

“Or less,” Abby said with a small smile as she stepped forwards. “Captain Ace, you sound like a mare in need of a new hole.”

Ace stared at her flatly. “Did you do that on purpose?”

Abby blinked twice and then shook her head. “Sorry, I didn’t mean too, but anyways, it sounds like you need a hole punched through that building right?” Abby asked, gesturing with her tails towards the warehouse.

“That’s right...” Ace said, glancing up at Axle who looked more like an excited puppy then a mighty dragon at the moment. “But it would take something around dragon like to punch through that.”

“I am a dragon!” Axle explained with a big grin. “And making doors is what I do best!”

“It’s true,” Abby agreed with a small chuckle. “Axle here has never met a wall he can’t handle.”

Ace looked between the other officers who shrugged. “Worst that can happen is that he hurts himself running into the wall,” a mare said with a small frown.

The dark haired unicorn looked at Axle and then let out a small sigh. “Alright, why don’t you give it a try on the western wall? It’s where we’ve got the most of our ponies.”

“YES!” Axle let out a roar to the sky and with Abby close behind, moved towards the western wall of the warehouse.

“So... boss... how are we getting out of this?” Hard Edge asked as he and several other earth ponies looked to their leader, Jagged Stone, a grey coated earth pony.

“We wait until they bust in somehow and then we release our little surprise to keep them busy while we escape,” Jagged Stone answered with a slim smile as he glanced at the eight foot tall cage that was stationed beneath the balcony they were standing on top of. “Oh, I just love it when a plan comes together.”

Beneath them, the Pokemon roared out its rage at its long entrapment.

Axle sized up the wall in front of him, a big smile on his face as he looked over his canvas of destruction.

“Think you can take it down?” Abby asked him, glancing up at the Haxorus.

“Hahahahaha, it will be child’s play!” Axle replied as he took a few steps back and lowered his axe head, preparing to charge. “GIGA IMPACT!”

The Haxorus’s form blurred, the move launching him forwards and into the solid steel wall. “HAHAHHAHAHAHAHA!” He roared as his head-axe crashed through the wall, the rest of his body following a moment later, tearing a four foot wide hole through the surface. “FACE ME AND FALL ALL COWARDS WHO HIDE BEHIND WALLS!”

Ace stared at what she just saw before shaking her head. “Everypony! Move!”

Within the warehouse, Axle found only a single thing in front of him, a large iron cage with a cover over it. He glanced up and saw a group of ponies standing on a balcony, staring down at him in absolute surprise. Then, he heard the lever of the cage opening up and a colossal roar of challenge and rage filled the warehouse.

Axle’s eyes snapped back to the cage just in time to see a giant red shape crashing towards him.

“GIVE ME BACK ALEX!” the beast roared loudly before it slammed into Axle and sent the Haxorus skidding back a foot before he realized what was happening. Of course, the fact that there was a Tyrantrum currently attacking him wasn’t exactly a bad thing to Axle’s mind.

“FINALLY A REAL FIGHT!” Axle roared back, arching his neck and back and heaving the Tyrantrum aside and making it stumble into a stack of boxes, cracking them open in a shower of splinters. “GET UP AND FACE ME!”

“DIE! CRUNCH!” the Tyrantrum roared in return as it rose back to its feet and charged at Axle, it’s mouth open, giant jaws ready to crush the Haxorus’ neck. The teeth skittered across Axle’s armored neck and Axle’s head axe came down in a brutal slash. “ARGH!” Tyrantrum roared angrily as Axle’s keen blade dug into his scales, blood wetting the floor from the neck wound.

“DRAGON CLAW!” Axle shouted and charged at the dinosaur with his claws glowing a dark blue.

“DRAGON TAIL!” the Tyrantrum replied in kind and swept its now glowing tail in an ark for Axle’s face.

The Haxorus barely had time to lift his hands up to catch the foul tail and it still arced across his chest, smashing several dozen large scales and causing Axle to roar out in pain. Still, he had its tail. That was important.

“STRENGTH!” Axle snarled, his chest heaving as he wrestled with the the Tyrantrum and yanked it into the air by its tail, his large shoulders heaving as the dinosaur raged in anger. Axle brought the beast down head first into the solid steel wall of the building and the other Pokemon’s skull broke right through it as if it was paper. “HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!” Axle roared out a victory over his apparently defeated opponent.

“GIVE ME BACK ALEX!” The Tyrantrum screamed in rage as it pushed itself back to its feet, the steel bending around its skin like tissue paper. Axle grinned, it wasn’t over yet! “THRASH!”

The mighty Tyrantrum crashed into Axle, sending him skirting back a foot or two through a pile of boxes which shattered with the impact. “IS THAT ALL YOU’VE GOT?!” Axle replied angrily as he brushed a splinter off of his shoulder. “OUUUTRAGGGEEE!”

Flames burst into existence around Axle’s body and he charged into the Tyrantrum, sending it flying into the air with a single swing of his massive axe-head, sending it into the balcony. The massive red dragon crashed through it, scattering ponies in all directions as they fled the two titans of battle.

To Axle’s surprise, the enemy Tyrantrum picked itself up again, growling with anger and frustration, its breath coming in and out in rapid gasps. “GIVE! ME! ALEX!” Then, it charged at him. “HEAD SMASH!”

Even in his enraged state, that was enough to make Axle’s eyes widen. The Tyrantrum’s giant skull slammed into his jaw and Axle let out a bellow of pain as his feet left the ground and was was thrown straight through the ceiling. The Haxorus’s vision swam for a moment before he crashed back through the ceiling and hit the ground hard.

“GIVE... ME... ALEX!” the Tyrantrum growled woozily down at Axle, the world spinning around him.

Axle blinked back stars as he glared up at the Tyrantrum. He’d been expecting the Outrage to take it down but it was clearly still going... barely. The Haxorus gritted his teeth and struggled back to his claws, glaring at the other pokemon. Then, he began to laugh as he cracked his neck.

“I DON’T HAVE HIM BUT YOU ARE ABOUT TO HAVE A WORLD OF HURT TO KEEP YOU BUSY!” Axle roared and flames wrapped around him again. “OUTRAGE!”

His axe-head slammed into the Tyrantrum’s shoulder and this time cut deep. The giant red dinosaur let out a roar of pain and collapsed on the ground as blood began to run down its shoulder.

“HAHAHAHAH!” Axle roared. “I AM VICTORIOUS!” The Tyrantrum tried to get back to its feet but Axle’s claw slammed into its good shoulder. “STAY DOWN!” the Tyrantrum let out a defeated whimper, or perhaps it was a sob, and stopped its attempts to escape.

Axle smiled at that and then glanced around the inside of the warehouse. It was... well... destroyed would be putting it mildly. Oh well. That wasn’t his concern. His concern was making a hole and he’d done that quite well.

Chapter 34

Abby, Kasai, Luke, Scarlet, Rill, Lex, Justice, Claire, Axle and Lance stepped off of the train, more or less at the same time. It had taken them about a day to get from Las Pegasus to Ponyville even with the fastest of trains and they were all ready to get off of it. Especially considering Axle’s size. Still, Abby was a vixen on a mission.

“Okay mom, you fine with finding everyone some lodging?” she asked, turning to Scarlet. “Kasai and I are going to go find our friends.”

“Yeah, shouldn’t be too hard,” the Serperior nodded her head. “I mean, that is if Lance doesn’t scare anyone off,” she teased, giving the Bisharp a nudge with her vine. Lance just rolled his eyes slightly and didn’t comment on Scarlet’s joke.

Abby smiled. “Thanks mom, come on Kasai, let’s go find Gene and Belle,” the Ninetales said with a grin as she began to trot away. “You have their scent memorized?”

“Well I got Fang memorized well enough... maybe I can track him down,” Kasai said as he took a few sniffs in the air.

Abby nodded. “That’s a start, and if nothing else, Fang can lead us to Gene and Belle, and Kasai, don’t get mad at him if he’s staring at my rear, it’s a lovely rear and it’s alright to stare.”

“Looking is okay... but if he starts sniffing at it that will be the stopping point,” Kasai replied before he opened his eyes. “Okay, I smell Fang’s scent and it’s recently fresh.”

“Great,” Abby said with a grin as they started forwards. Then she frowned. “I feel like someone is watching us...”

“Oh, I get that feeling all the time,” A voice chirped up beside her.

“GAH!”

Abby jumped a full half-foot in the air in surprise, her teeth flashing out as a snarl leapt from her throat as she came down face to face with... the most non-threatening pony she’d ever seen. She had a cotton candy mane and a smiling pink face that was currently upturned into a wide grin. Kasai stared at her blankly, waiting for the mystery pony to make a move.

“Hi,” She said with a smile. “I’m Pinkie Pie.”

“...Abby Trombley,” Abby said, letting out a breath as her lips lowered back over her teeth. “You really should be careful about scaring pregnant Pokemon... or Pokemon in general actually.”

Pinkie gasped. “Oh my gosh! You’re pregnant!”

Abby nodded her head ever so slightly. “Yes, thanks to this one,” she said, nudging Kasai with her hips.

Kasai blushed slightly but cleared his throat. “Anyways... it was nice meeting you... Pinkie Pie, but we’re kind of busy at the moment looking for some friends of ours and-”

“Oh, I can help with that,” Pinkie interrupted. “I know everybody in Ponyville, see I use to know everypony, because it was mostly ponies, but ever since the Pokemon showed up, I’ve just been saying everybody, which I probably should have been before anyway, since Spike, and Zecora, and Discord, and Matilda already lived here anyway.”

Abby blinked blankly and then let out a breath, her ranger training taking over a little. “That’s great Pinkie Pie, do you know a Gardevoir named Belle? I’m not sure what Gene got turned into but I’m sure he’s near her. Also, can you take us to them maybe?”

Pinkie gasped. “You know Gene and Belle?!” She asked excitedly. “They’re some of my best Pokemon friends!”

Kasai smiled. “Yeah we know them, they’re our friends too, some of our best.”

“Well, any friend of a friend of mine is a friend of mine,” Pinkie said with a nod. “And Pinkie Pie always helps her friends.”

Abby smiled down at the mare, grateful to have found a guide so easily. “Thanks Pinkie Pie, that would mean a lot to us all I’m sure,” she said before she glanced at the Las Pegasus Guard shoulder badge, grateful that it was still translating perfectly. “I can’t wait to see them and tell them our little secret.”

“You can just call me Pinkie,” Pinkie said. “And what’s the secret, is it that you’re pregnant?”

“Something like that...” Abby said with a small sigh, a mixture of exhaustion and worry sweeping over her. “I’m sure you’ll hear about it from them or maybe if you eavesdrop on our conversation... I just want to get it over with if you don’t mind so would you please just take us to them?”

“Okie dokie lokie,” Pinkie said. “Follow me! WEE!” Pinkie bounced off.

Kasai watched her bounce away. “Is it just me... or does she remind you of Vivi?” he asked Abby as he slowly followed the mare.

“Yeah, she kind of does,” Abby agreed, nodding her head. “I shudder to think how many hugs will be exchanged.”

“I don’t think the world would survive the outcome.... heh,” Kasai said with a small chuckle.

Abby chuckled as well as Pinkie led them down the path until they came to a large building shaped like a carousel. “Gene and Belle are staying with my friend Rarity right now, at least until their house is done.” Pinkie said.

“Thank you Pinkie Pie,” Abby said, letting out a small breath. “Should I just knock on the door or...?”

“That’s what everyone tells me I should do before I go in someone’s house,” Pinkie said with a grin before hopping off.

“Well then... let’s just get it over with,” Kasai said as he walked up and raised his prosthetic leg and gave the front door a few knocks with it.

“I got it!” A voice called from inside. A few second later, a purple head stuck itself through the door. “Sorry, Rarity is-” Mage’s eyes widened as she saw who was standing at the door.

“Well if it isn’t Mage the Prank Queen,” Abby said with a small smirk. “What’s the matter, Skitty got your tongue?”

“Abby?” Mage asked. “You’re a... be right back.” The Mismagius ducked back into the house and a few seconds later, the door was flung open by a very surprised looking Gardevoir.

“Abby?” Belle asked. “Kasai?”

“Hey Belle,” Kasai said with a wide grin. “Long time no see huh?”

“Belle!” Abby exclaimed with a grin as she got up on her hind legs to lick her friend across the cheek. “It’s good to see you!”

Belle smiled and wrapped her arms around the Ninetales. “It’s good to see you too Abby,” She said.

Letting go of her friend, she stepped out of the doorway. “Come right in, I’ll be right back with my dear mate.” Belle disappeared in a flash of blue.

Abby looked over at Kasai, a smile on her face. “I think she remembers us or something,” she said with a chuckle as she led the way through the door.

Kasai chuckled in agreement as he followed her. “I think you’re right.”

“Gene’s right upstairs,” Mage said. “I’m sure they’ll-”

“WHO’S DOWNSTAIRS RIGHT NOW?!”

“... be down in a moment.”

After a moment, a frantic looking Gallade rushed down the staircase. “Abby! Kasai!” He said happily. “I can’t believe you’re here!”

“Thought we’d get left behind on Earth?” Abby inquired playfully as she rushed up to him, as fast as she could anyways, and got up on her hind legs to give him a lick on the face as well. “And here I was hoping you’d be a Lopunny with thighs of steel for Belle to appreciate, for once, heh.”

“That would have been... interesting,” Belle admitted with a blush. “But I’m happy with him just the way he is.” She kissed Gene on the cheek.

Gene rolled his eyes. “So, how have you guys been?”

“Oh you know, adapting to a new world, getting ready to start a family, you know the usual,” Kasai replied with a smile.

“Yep, getting pregnant, making love, stopping riots, fun times,” Abby agreed, giving Gene another lick on the cheek before she got down and showed off her rather prominent belly. “Any day now the egg is due.”

Despite her inward shock, Belle smiled calmly. “Lucky you,” She put a hand over her belly. “I still have a few months.”

“Figured you would,” Abby said with a sly smile. “You two are just as active as Kasai and I are, heh.”

Gene chuckled. “Yeah, well, aside from that, we’ve been helping the Princesses, met Twilight our first day here, and we,” he grabbed Belle’s hand, and held both of theirs up, showing off their rings. “We finally had our wedding.”

Kasai’s eyes lit up. “Really? Well congratulations! I’m sorry we missed it, it must’ve been a memorable day for the two of you.”

“You had your wedding without us there?” Abby asked, pouting up at Belle. “And here I thought we were friends,” she added jokingly.

Belle laughed. “To be fair, Pinkie kinda sprung it on us too.”

“We didn't know it was happening until the day before the actual wedding,” Gene added.

“... really?” Abby replied, confusion on her face.

The couple nodded. “Pinkie’s a great mare, and an even better friend, but when it comes to any kind of celebration she can go kinda...”

“Overboard?” Mage asked.

“Crazy,” Belle and Gene completed together.

Kasai and Abby shared a glanced at each other. “We really probably don’t want her to meet Vivi...” he noted to her.

“Yeah... I don’t think that even mom could keep them from taking over the entire country beneath a party tent...” Abby agreed.

“Mom?” Gene asked. “I thought-” He bit his lip and stopped himself.

“Yeah...” Abby let out a small sigh. “Is there anywhere in here that we can sit down? It turns out that Kasai and I have a lot to tell you... see... we may have lied a little bit when we first met you...”

Gene and Belle looked at each other, then at their friends. “This way.” They led them to Rarity’s waiting/living room and over to the pair of couch around the coffee table. “What exactly did you lie about?” Gene asked.

Abby let out another sigh. “Look, I want you two to promise us something... you can’t freak out when we tell you this, not until we’re absolutely done okay?” she looked... scared more than anything, scared that she was about to lose two of her best friends in the world.

“We promise,” they said together.

“I promise too,” Mage added. “In case anyone was wondering.”

“Alright...” Kasai said with a small frown. “There’s no real good way to say it but... Abby is a Ranger.”

“A Top Ranger, Pokephilia division,” Abby added with a small nod of her head, one of her tails twirling around Kasai’s. “My main job was to track down the most wanted violators and see them brought to justice.”

Belle, Mage, and Gene stared at them in shock. “You’re kidding,” Mage said. “I mean... come on, you can’t be serious.”

“Dead serious,” Kasai replied, his ears falling flat against his face. “The night Abby and I... stumbled into your campsite wasn’t by coincidence, we were there to... well, to judge the two of you.”

“Yes...” Abby agreed as she took in a deep breath. “You see, Kasai and I fell in love early... and well... we both knew that there was such a thing as good Pokephilia so we made it our duty to track down the most wanted and judge them. If they were abusive then we took them down, if they weren’t we let them go free and told Hastings that the Union would never catch them... normally it worked well and we never saw them again...” Abby trailed off. “But you two... we became friends with your little family and well... we don’t have many friends.”

“So we made a promise that the next time we saw you... we would tell the truth and... we kept putting it off and putting it off and... well, here we are,” Kasai said, glancing his head up at the three.

Gene had his eyes closed and was absentmindedly rubbing his ring with one of his fingers and for a long moment he was silent.

“After all these years,” He began, his voice low, Abby’s ears flicked back reflexively with worry. “After knowing us for so long, did you really think,” Kasai winced at what was about to come, but instead Gene opened his eyes. “That I could stay mad at you two?”

The Arcanine and the Ninetales both blinked in surprise for a moment before smiles slowly grew on their faces. “You’re... you’re not mad?” Abby asked slowly, almost disbelieving what she was hearing.

Gene smiled. “I forgave two Rangers who tried to arrest me, and I barely knew them,” he said. “I think I can forgive two of my best friends, especially after they kept the less understanding Rangers off our backs for so long.”

Kasai’s smile turn into a grin. “Thanks... I’m glad you understand, heh, in fact... it feels nice to finally let the truth out after all this time.”

“Yeah...” Abby said before she moved forwards on the couch and for a brief moment, Gene’s face was covered in slobber before she moved off of him and did the same to Belle. “Hehehe, I love having an excuse to do that.”

Belle smiled, then blinked in realization, then blushed.

“What?” Abby asked her, catching the expression.

“Everything I... told you... I told... Ranger,” Belle finished with a squeak. I knew I should have done a mental check!

Kasai frowned. “Wait... what?”

Abby smirked. “Hey, it’s not like I ever told anyone, honest, look into my mind if you don’t believe me,” she said with a raised eyebrow.

Belle frowned slightly, then reached towards Abby’s mind with her own. Then immediately jerked back upon hitting the surface, blushing furiously. “GAH! Abby! What the heck?!”

Abby sniggered. “Sorry, couldn’t resist,” she replied. “Luke put that in place a while ago just in case, but seriously, I promise that I haven’t told anyone those things Belle.”

The Gardevoir sighed. “I believe you,” She said. “I wouldn’t have told you them if I didn’t trust you.”

“What are you two talking about?” Gene asked.

“Womanly business,” Abby said aloofly. “You’re missing a few requirements to gain knowledge of it, maybe if you were a Lopunny you might be able to fool us into thinking that you were one, but definitely not as a Gallade.”

“I think there are things that we’re just not meant to know Gene,” Kasai said with a shake of his head.

Gene looked to his wife, who was staring off in the other direction. “Alright,” he said. “So, did you guys come all this way just to talk to us?”

“Nope. My mom, Kasai and I are going to Canterlot tomorrow to talk to Princess Celestia about setting up a new Ranger Union here in Equestria, minus all the bad Pokephilia laws of course,” Abby answered. “Hopefully, we can find a fairly central town to set things up in... one where I won’t get knocked unconscious by a brick to the head.”

“Who did what now?” Belle asked coldly, her eyes glowing blue.

“Long story, don’t worry Arceus already handled it,” Kasai replied.

“That guy seems to be everywhere now,” Gene commented. “And the rest of the Legendaries are about an hour some walk that way.” he gestured in the general direction of the Everfree.

“Hmm, good to know... this might be a good town to set up in...” Abby mused thoughtfully. “And as an added bonus, we can be near some of my favorite friends in the world right?” she asked, nuzzling Gene and then Belle.

“That would be awesome,” Gene said. “We never got to see you enough back on Earth... granted, now I know why, but still, it’d be great to have you nearby.”

“Yeah, and we can introduce you to Abby’s mom... well adoptive mom but it should be interesting,” Kasai said with a smile.

“I’m looking forward to it,” Belle said. “And if you’re planning to visit Princess Celestia, you might want to go see Twilight, she’s a Princess too and since she lives here, she’d probably be a big help.”

“Hmm, I already have an appointment thanks to Princess Luna... but a little pre-preparation can’t hurt,” Abby said, nodding her head with a smile. “Nice mare Luna... helped me out of a nightmare.”

“We know her,” Belle said. “Turns out, she’s been helping Darkrai with his... powers, so she’s kinda on a whole nother level.”

“Darkrai?” Abby inquired with a deep frown. “Huh... that is a whole nother level... So... other than the two of us both getting knocked up and you two getting married, what have you been getting up to without us? Also, have you seen Cynthia anywhere? Has she forgiven Kasai and I for destroying her bed?”

“Well, Cynthia performed the ceremony at our wedding,” Gene said. “And she not the type to hold onto a grudge... wait, how did you... ya know what? Never mind, I don’t think I want to know.”

“Probably for the best,” Kasai said with a chuckle.

“It was fun,” Abby said with a smirk.

The two psychics stared at her for a moment before they burst out laughing, Abby never really changed did she?

Rill smiled as the wind rushed through her wings, she had left Lex behind for once, since he just wanted to stretch out his legs and do a good long run after a long day crammed in a train. Scarlet had given the more responsible members of Abby’s team free reign to run free in Ponyville, with the exception of Axle who had somehow snuck away before she could say anything about it. The Shiny Flygon wasn’t sure how he’d managed that, tall as he was, but she didn’t blame him for it.

There was one particular Pokemon she was looking for if Gene and Belle were in this oddly named town, and that was Draco, her fellow Flygon. She had been looking for several minutes before she spotted him, along with the river dragon, the aptly named River, flying below her, closer to the ground.

Rill grinned and closed her wings, descending rapidly towards them before her wings snapped open just above them. “Draco! River! It is good to see you both again!” she exclaimed with a grin on her face. “It has been quite some time!”

Draco wobbled slightly in the air in surprise, while River twisted around to see Rill. “Rill!” She exclaimed happily. “It’s good to see you too... what are you doing here?”

“I in particular am here to see you both and inquire if you are with egg yet,” Rill told River with a smile, causing Draco to stop in midair, and River to blush profusely. “As for my family in general, we are here to confess that we’ve been Rangers all along and did not tell you because we did not want to ruin our friendships nor the protection we were providing you from the rest of the Union.”

Both Dragons stared at Rill for a moment. “I think,” Draco began. “That we should continue this conversation on land, one more surprise out of you and I’ll end up freezing up from shock.”

Before Rill could answer, Draco began to descend, River looked at Rill who looked back in puzzlement. “Did I say something troubling?” Rill asked with a raised eyebrow.

River, still blushing, shook her head. “Just... why don’t you explain...” She realized that there probably wasn’t much else to say. “Just... come on.” River flew after Draco.

Rill frowned, still slightly puzzled by her friends’ reaction but followed them downwards to the ground, settling down in front of them. “I thought that someone as smart as you are you had figured it out Draco,” she said, tilting her head to the side. “Surely you must have found it strange that five out of six of Abby’s team were damaged in some way, such as Luke’s sex slavery and Axle and my own imprisonment and fighting followed by eating of other Pokemon.”

Draco sighed. “I did, I just thought Abby was either always in the wrong... or right, I guess, place at the wrong-slash-right time.”

“I thought she was some kind of superhero,” River said. “And that she rescued Pokemon wherever she went.”

“Ah, well she did do that and she did kill a man wearing a mask once after he fed her parents to his Hydreigon so I suppose that makes her a superhero,” Rill said, frowning slightly. “At least, if what Lex has told me about superheros is correct.”

Draco shook his head. “So then, why did Abby track us down in the first place? You said she protected us from the Union.”

“To judge upon whether or not Gene was raping Belle,” Rill answered. “It was what she did as a human for those well known Pokephilia criminals. If she had discovered such a thing then she would have arrested him but she did not so he was not. Also, are you with egg yet River? I would so very much like to be a Godmother if possible.”

River blushed again. “No,” she said softly.

Rill glanced over at Draco. “Are you infertile Draco?”

“I most certainly am not,” Draco said indignantly.

“Then why is she not with egg?” Rill asked, gesturing at River.

“I.. we’re... but,” River was having trouble putting her words together.

Draco put a claw on her back. “We’re taking things slow,” he said.

“Ah, slowness,” Rill said, nodding her head slightly. “Lex and I take it slow as well, but I don’t think we have ever drawn out mating for this long. I’m not actually sure how it is possible without you two being connected come to think of it...”

Draco resisted the urge to facepalm. “Rill, we aren’t mates yet,” he stated. “We’re taking our relationship slow, not the actual mating.”

“Oh,” Rill blinked twice. “Have you bitten her and claimed her as your own yet at the very least?”

River eeped and ducked a little lower, her face now completely red.

“Not yet,” Draco said with a sigh.

“Whyever not? It is clear that you belong with and to each other,” Rill stated with a tilt of her head. “The least you could do is bite her Draco.”

At this point, Draco was blushing. “Rill, how long after you met Lex did you claim him?”

“He was an Eevee at the time so I did not claim him until he had evolved,” Rill said. “As for that, it was after our first flight together that I bit him.”

Draco sighed, mostly because he had no real explanation. By all rights, he should have at least bitten River by now.

“You should bite her,” Rill affirmed before glancing down at River. “He should, it is what is done, else it means that any drake could take you from him.”

“I would never allow that,” Draco said in a growl.

“I did not think you would, I am simply explaining the rules to her,” Rill said blankly. “Have I said something to upset you?”

Draco sighed and shook his head again, no matter how many times he spoke to her, he never got the hang of talking to Rill. “Nevermind,” He said.

River, still blushing, wrapped around Draco. “What’s she talking about?”

“You see River,” Draco began after sighing once. “When a Dragon, or in some cases, a Dragoness, wants to claim a mate, they bite them, leaving a mark that tells others that they’re taken.”

“Indeed, it is why Lex is missing a piece of his ear,” Rill said, nodding her head. “Some say that it is symbolic, whatever that word means, but I just think of it as my claiming him as my own.”

River glanced up at her head wings. “Um... no, I wouldn’t have to bite part of those off,” Draco said, noticing her gaze. “Just a small bite on the back of the neck would do.”

River winced slightly, then looked up at Draco. “And after that would we... would we mate?” Her blush was still lighting up her face.

“Indeed, it will be most wonderful, the orgasms that is,” Rill stated, smiling. “I really would like to be the Godmother if that is possible.”

River eeped again and hid her head behind Draco. “Not. Helping.” He said blankly.

“Did I say somet-” Rill was cut off when a ribbon suddenly wrapped around her mouth.

“Hey guys,” Lex said causally to Draco and River, waving a free ribbon at them. “I see Rill has met up with you, and judging by the looks on your faces has said something to embarrass you. We’ll be leaving you alone now,” he said with a smile as he gently urged Rill to follow him.

“I wasn’t embarrassing them, I was simply inquiring about Godmotherhood,” Rill said as she allowed herself to be led away by Lex. A loud sigh could be heard coming out the Slyveon as the two left the Flygon and Dragonair to be alone.

Author's Note

AND I'M BACK! (see, I said it so you don't have too). I have over 80 pages worth of chapter material to work with here so you're not going to be seeing any droughts for the future. I'd like to ask you guys to focus on the actual chapter sections instead of just yelling 'it's alive'.

Chapter 47

At the epicentre of the disaster, two simultaneous flashes of purple and gold, a panicked looking Twilight, and a worried looking Arceus appeared in the clearing the two had made. Well, more like wasteland...

Arceus groaned as he looked over the devastation Not again!

Twilight was much more concerned at the loss of half of the White Tail Woods. “There used to be... what the heck?!”

Axle and Ignis were snoring happily beside each other, fists still bumping together and wearing stupid grins on their faces.

Arceus looked down at Twilight, the urge to facehoof was rising. I’m going to go talk to Seth and Abby, you... he gave Twilight a sheepish look. Um... make sure they don’t do start again if they wake up, he said before teleporting off.

Twilight yelled at the empty space where Arceus used to be. “How am I suppose to do that?!!?”

Before Arceus could return, Axle’s eyes blinked open, his wounds having healed from his Rest. He smacked his lips together twice and stretched. “Ahhh, much better.”

Ignis on the other hand just rolled over. “Five more minutes...” he mumbled.

Axle leant over and smacked Ignis in the shoulder. “Hey, Ignis, get up, that Princess Pony is here and she looks scared or something.”

Ignis opened his mouth and yawned, showing off his sharp fangs. “Huuh... Who’re you? Another Princess?”

Twilight smiled nervously and waved. “H-hi, I’m Princess Twilight...” She looked around at the demolished woods, then back at Axle and Ignis. “So um... did you do this?”

Axle looked around at the decimated forest land for a moment before shrugging. “Yeah? What it’s just a forest.” He got to his feet and walks over to a flame cooked squirrel, reaching down and popping it into his mouth. “MMmmm, hey, Ignis, you should try these!”

Ignis on the other hand, looked more apologetic. “Uh... yeah, sorry about that. You should ask Lady Shaymin and Celebi to help restore it...” Those girls were gonna be so pissed at him... again. A good deal of the Everfree was wrecked during his and Moltres’ fight. He looked at Twilight and tilted his head. “How come you’re so much shorter than Celestia?”

Twilight watched Axle for a moment, as he munched on the squirrel. “I am so glad Fluttershy isn’t here to see this,” she mumbled. The young Alicorn turned to Ignis and answered his question. “Uh... I was made an Alicorn, Celestia and Luna were born Alicorns... at least I think they were.”

Axle grabbed another well cooked squirrel and munched on it as he walks back over and pulled Ignis to his feet. “Sorry bout the forest, Newt here kind of torched it, and then I blew it up... and then we exploburned it. It was AMAZING!

Ignis huffed, “Newt? You say something you Furret-in-a-can?” So it wasn’t a great retort, he was still sore.

Axle just laughed and slapped him hard on the back. “That I did Newt!”

Ignis snorted as his tail-flame flared. “Sounds like you want Round Two?”

Twilight’s eyes went wide in shock. “PLEASE NO!”

Axle literally pouted, it was almost adorable. “Aww, why not? We’re both fully healed and it’s not like there’s anything left to destroy”

Ignis nodded in agreement. “I am sorry we wrecked the forest, but he has a point, we can’t really make things worse... oh, where'd that black Haxorus go?”

Twilight’s eyes widened even more! “Iris?”

“Aww, she left before it got good... pitty, I was going to challenge her to a mating duel after this...” he pouted again and shook his head. “I’ll ask later then.”

Ignis looked a little worried. “I hope we didn’t incinerate her... that would suck.”

Axle shook his shakes his head. “Na, she’s a trooper. IRIS? ARE YOU OUT THERE? IF YOU’VE DIED SO HELP ME I WILL STRANGLE ARCEUS WITH HIS OWN INTESTINES UNTIL HE BRINGS YOU BACK?” he shouted at the top of his lungs.

After a moment, Iris wanders back, a look of complete confusion on her face.

“That’s... sweet of you, I guess...” She looked around the clearing. “Wow, that’s a lot of damage.”

The Haxorus ran up to her to Iris’ surprise, he licked her face. “Indeed it is! No one is better than me at creating DAMAGE TO RIVAL THE GODS!” He roared before glancing at Ignis. “And Ignis helped too I guess.”

“It was my Blast Burn that did most of this.” Ignis said proudly as he ate a squirrel. “Hmm, these are good.”

“Told you so,” Axle said, beaming.

Twilight’s eye gave a dangerous-looking twitch, her mane becoming more frazzled. “Where is that God!?”

Iris rubbed at her cheek where Axle licked her in surprise. “Arceus?”

Twilight nodded, “He’s suppose to be getting Mr. Crescent and Abby...”

Axle and Ignis looked at each other, both thinking the same thing. “Shit.”

At Sweet Apple Acres, Seth panted as he pulled himself to his paws. “...Ignis...”

Apple Fritter, who had also pulled herself to her hooves watched the plume of smoke rise into the air. “Landsakes! Did Ignis do that?”

“Most likely,” Seth groaned.

Abby’s jaw tightened. “I hope he hasn’t damaged too much...”

“Yeah, last time he was at the center of an explosion like that he nearly destroyed an entire airship dock.” he grunted as Fritter checked him for any serious injuries.

Indeed a voice said from behind them as Arceus teleported in.

Seth turned to face the Alpha Pokemon. “Oh, hey Arceus... sup?” He had a bad feeling about this.

“I’m still really angry at you... but how much of that anger should I be directing at Axle?” Abby said sourly.

He and Ignis just leveled a large portion of a forest, he informed them. I left Princess Twilight to watch over them.

Seth blinked at that information. “The little purple Princess? Oh, that might not be a good idea... Wait, A forest!?”

Kasai shook his head. “Wonderful...” he let out a groan as he worked out a kink in his back. Would you mind taking us there?”

Arceus nodded I was planning to he shut his eyes and the scenery around them melted and shifted, before changing into the burnt clearing where he’d left Twilight and the unconscious Pokemon. They were both up and about and Iris was there as well.

Abby took one look around her before narrowing her red eyes, tails flaring as blue overtook them. “AXLE TROMBLEY! JUST WHAT IN THE FLYING FUCK WERE YOU THINKING YOU OVERGROWN LIZARD!?”

Ignis laughed as he taunted the now flinching Haxorus. “You’re in trouble,” he sang, before meeting the vicious glare of his mate. “Uhh, hey Selly?”

Selena gave her mate the evil eye. One that caused the large dragon to shrink back. “You. Couch. FOREVER!”

Axle was now cowering in a very un-Axle like way, cowed by Abby’s voice. “I-um-uhh-...” he blinked twice. “I have absolutely nothing to say that will get me out of this.”

The Ninetales glared harshly at him. “Damn right you don’t!” she shouted the blue leaving her eyes at least. “Now shut your trap.” she glanced up at Arceus. “Send us to the hotel please.”

Arceus nodded Very well, have a safe trip A single blink and Abby, Kasai, and Axle vanished with a flash of light.

“Seriously, just what the hell were you thinking?” Abby demanded the second they arrived in the hotel room he was using. Axle just scowled and refused to meet her gaze.

“I was just fighting him... no one got hurt,” Axle defended himself.

“Oh yeah, no one but a large chunk of forest,” Abby snorted, shaking her head. “Honestly Axle, you’re representing the Rangers again, you can’t just go around blowing up forests.”

“No one would have cared if we were still on Earth,” Axle retorted.

“Yeah? Well we’re not ON Earth anymore and haven’t been for weeks now so that’s no excuse!” the Ninetales exclaimed angrily. “Think before you do things Axle!”

The Haxorus sighed and looked down at her. “Sorry Abby... it was just a really good fight and I didn’t think I had to hold back.”

Abby sighed as well before leaning up to lick his face. “It’s okay, I know how you get,” she said, nuzzling him lightly. “Still, just think about the scale of the battle you’re having in the future okay?”

“I’ll try... no promises,” Axle stated with a grumble.

Abby just shook her head, feeling incredibly tired as she and Kasai left the room.

“What are you nodding off for?” Kasai inquired with a small smirk. “I’m the one who spent all day rolling in the dirt with a kitty between my legs.”

“You’re doing it on purpose now,” Abby said with a smirk as she bumped him with her hips.

“Hey, I’ve got to get in on the action somehow with you,” he said with a triumphant smile.

“Huh, and here I thought you knew all my weaknesses,” Abby said.

“Oh, I do, believe me,” he said. “Anyways, shall we go catch a shower and then snuggle?”

“Definitely the former before the latter,” she said, looking at his dusty golden fur. “That kitty got you dirty.”

“Heh, that he did, that he did,” Kasai said.

The next morning, Seth, Rika and Selena met up with Abby and Kasai once again. They’d been too tired after the events of yesterday and agreed to a brunch instead. The Ninetales and Arcanine were already waiting for them at the small cafe.

“Good morning,” Seth greeted them. “I hope we didn’t keep you waiting too long?”

“Not really,” Abby replied with a small chuckle before glancing at Kasai’s already fish stained muzzle. “Someone is just a bit of a pig and can’t learn to wait.” Seth’s eyes drifted to the frankly huge buttered fish that Kasai was currently chomping his way through, bones snapping between his teeth before going down his throat.

“I’mn a caninenth,” Kasai replied, his mouth half full.

“It’s fine,” Seth chuckled. “Fire-types tend to have large appetites. Because their internal fire consumes life energy. Even those that don’t battle tend to expend quite a bit of energy in their day-to-day life...” Seth blushed as he realised he was ranting. “Ah, sorry about that. Old habits.”

“Not a problem, heh,” Abby replied with a smile. “I already knew that buuuuut...” she glanced at Kasai’s filthy, butter stained muzzle. “I think Kasai’s just a pig who can’t control himself.”

Kasai swallowed. “Hey, if I couldn’t control myself you wouldn’t be walking,” he pointed out with a doggy grin before returning to his meal.

“Ignis would probably be the same,” Selena chuckled lightly.

Once everyone was seated, Abby was sitting beside Rika and Selena on one half of the rounded table while Kasai and Seth sat on the other.

“So, just how long have you, Fritter, and Seth been together Rika?” Abby asked curiously.

“Um,” Rika put down her milkshake. “Let’s see... almost two weeks now?”

“That sounds about right,” Seth agreed. “Though the way things have been lately, we haven’t had time to simply sit back and adjust...”

“Hmm, I recommend doing that so that you guys can ‘figure stuff out’,” Abby mused. “After all... relationships are tough and I know for a fact that it took Kasai and I years to get to the point that we’re completely comfortable, and you guys have three people to worry about.”

“I will,” Seth said as the steak he’d ordered arrived. “But I still have to go to Las Pegasus and the Crystal Empire after this...” A lot had happened very fast, he just hoped he could deal with it. “And then there’s her...”

“Her?” Abby inquired, tilting her head. “Who’s ‘her’?”

“Christine...” Seth said, remembering the Gabite that was still at AJ’s farm. “A rather bad tempered Gabite that’s related to a Vincent Nurem.”

Abby blinked and then nodded. “One of the experiments?”

Seth nodded, “Yup, a Gabite with the powers of a Kecleon, even has altered markings too.”

“Wow...” Abby shivered. “I’d hate to know how she got those.” A sigh left her lips. “Hmm, whenever you get to Las Pegasus, tell my Gallade Luke that even though it’s just been a day we miss him, he’s probably staying at Vincent’s with Mage.”

“Mage? Oh, one of Gene’s Pokemon?” Seth recalled a Mismagius by that name. “Well, I’ll be sure to do so.”

“Thanks,” Abby said with a small smile. Kasai meanwhile continued to scarf down his fish with barely a pause for breath again.

“Y’know, you could try breathing there puppyboy!” Selena said as she ate a sandwich.

Kasai looked up from his fish at last, butter dripping down his facial fur, a grin on his lips as his large pink tongue darted down at a bit of fish flesh. “I’m breathing, heh, I’m mostly just inhaling.” He licked himself again. “This is good, but nothing compared to what I do to a good Magikarp...”

“He’s right,” Abby agreed with a nod and a small chuckle. “I have to worry about him taking the whole thing at once.”

“You ever been to Canterlot?” Seth asked the Arcanine. “The park there has a lake that’s full of Magikarp.”

Kasai’s eyes sparked. “We’ve been to Canterlot but we didn’t have time to take in the sights...” he glanced at Abby, a pout on his lips.

“Fine,” Abby replied with a smirk. “But we’ll only take two, you know for a fact what happens if you have more than that.”

The Arcanine grunted. “Yes, yes I do...”

“What happens if you eat more than two?” Seth asked out of curiosity.

“Great amounts of a terrible thing,” Kasai replied, shaking his head. “I really don’t want to talk about it while I’m eating.”

“Fair enough,” Seth grunted, getting the general idea. “I wonder if Ignis plans on waking up anytime soon?”

“He did fight Arceus yesterday...” Selena mentioned. “So it’s understandable that he’s tired.”

“He fought Arceus?” Abby asked, raising an eyebrow. “I didn’t think he’d be fighting anyone after the thrashing that him and Axle gave each other yesterday... let alone Arceus.”

“That idiot will fight anything with a pulse,” Selena spoke. “But yes, he challenged Arceus and the god of all creation actually accepted. Ignis did a few hits in too, until that new attack of his recoiled on him and he took a Hyper Voice to the face.”

“Despite getting healed,” Seth added. “Ignis was deaf for three hours after that.”

“Yeah, a Hyper Voice from Arceus would do that I’d think,” Kasai mused with a nod before he lowered his muzzle, apparently deciding that he’d had enough breathing for the moment, and got back to scarfing down fish.

“Actually, that brings up something I’ve been wondering about,” Abby said, glancing at Selena. “Feel free to ignore this question completely, but how do you two... ‘work’. I know that Kasai and I had enough trouble when I was still a human and well... the size difference wasn’t nearly as bad.”

Selena blushed furiously as everyone at the table stared at her, waiting for an answer. “Ah, well.. ahhh. I guess, we just... try our best?” She had no idea how to respond to this. “I’m usually on top though...”

“Ah, I gotcha, set the pace,” Abby said, nodding her head. “Keep him from getting too ‘enthusiastic’ about things.” She glanced over at Kasai. “I trust him to keep from hurting me so he gets to be on top.” Kasai glanced up and leaned over to lick the side of her face before getting back to his meal. Selena tapped the side of her head and motioned at Abby. Abby blinked for a moment before nodding and closing her eyes, concentrating. Yes?

That said, until you’ve been bent over and utterly dominated by a ferocious dragon... oohhh Abby could feel the Absol smirk.

Oh trust me, I’ve been utterly and completely dominated by Kasai... the fiery climaxes are the best, hehe, Abby replied with a mental smirk of her own.

I know right? Fire-types are so passionate, yet caring and sweet, I must say, Kasai is pretty cute too~ She giggled out loud, causing Rika to raise an eyebrow.

Abby grinned. Yes, yes he is... my favorite thing is the way he sleeps, he’s like a big adorable log. The only way I’ve found to reliably wake him is whisper ‘buttered Magikarp’ into his ear.

Ignis is the same, though I have... other means of stirring him.

Elsewhere, a certain Charizard grinned in his sleep...

Abby snickered and then winced. One sec... still getting used to doing this. She was silent for a moment before she rejoined the conversation. Yes... I do that with Kasai sometimes, he’s always very... befuddled as to why his hips are slamming up and down, hehe.

Selena suddenly burst out laughing, as Rika just folded her ribbons in front of her.

“Okay, what’s so funny?”

“Mental conversations that will forever taunt you,” Abby replied with a snicker, causing Rika to pout adorably. Heheh, this is fun.

Indeed, though I’m surprised you could link with me so easily. Maybe because you’re not a Psychic-type?

Search me, I’m still getting used to the idea of being able to do this... guess my hard work earlier with Belle yesterday paid off, Abby replied. Anyways... yeah, Kasai’s my big adorable dog, and my big handsome stud at the same time... and I do mean big in the best way.

Selena nodded as she sipped her water. I envy you though, being able to have what I cannot

Ah, right, Abby nodded and sipped her own water. Sorry.

Not your fault Selena chuckled weakly. “I don’t know... maybe Arceus will bring me one in a little bundle?”

Seth’s eyes widened as he realized what Selena was talking about. She’d mentioned it the other day, it must still be weighing on her mind.

“I’m sure you’ll figure out something,” Seth said.

“What? What are we talking about!?” Rika cried, flailing her ribbons.

“We’re talking about me not being able to be a mother, that’s what!” Selena snapped. Rika stopped and gasped slightly, before hugging her sister.

“Sorry...”

“It’s fine, no-one’s to blame... other than the idiot who came up with the concept of Egg groups. Seriously, if it fits, it should impregnate it!” She said that last part a little loud, causing several ponies to gasp in surprise.

Kasai glanced up. “Then Abby would have gotten pregnant a looooong time ago... not that I blame you for the sentiment.”

“I didn’t know it was bothering you so much,” Rika said. “So... we just need to find a Field group Poke... mon...?” Her gaze shifted over to Seth, who suddenly choked on his lunch.

“OH HELL NO!!” Seth and Selena yelled, blushing redder than a Tamato Berry and scaring away other customers.

Abby winced at the volume. “I mean, I think it’s kinda common among Pokemon isn’t it?”

“Sometimes,” Selena said awkwardly. “Especially at breeding ranches and the like.” She gave an apology to the waiter and finished her food. “Let’s move on shall we?”

Seth nodded, agreeing wholeheartedly. “On a more, professional note. When are the Ranger’s going to be fully operational?”

“We don’t really know yet, and at the moment I’m serving maternity leave,” Abby replied with a small shrug. “So I don’t exactly know what reports Mom has got about things. What I DO know is that we’re hoping to get the building itself set up within a month or two.”

“Okay, and we’ll need to find a way of setting up instant communications as well. Carrier Pegasus just won’t cut it...” Seth reached into his bag and pulled out his XTransceiver... utterly useless now. “Too bad these don’t work anymore.”

Abby glanced down at it and nodded. “I’ll bring that up with Arceus next time I see him... he destroyed a lot of old systems when he brought us here... not all for the better.”

“Long distance telepathy is one way... too bad it requires a Legendary to do so.” Seth pondered for a moment. “I wonder if Mewtwo is up for being the worlds only cell phone?”

Kasai and Abby both frowned deeply at that. “I’d prefer not to talk to him,” Abby stated flatly.

“And I’ve already threatened to rip his ass off if I see him again,” Kasai added with a low growl.

“Um, okay?” Well that was unexpected. What the hell did Mewtwo do to these people? “I’m gonna guess the less said the better? Well...” Seth tried to think of something, but came up short.

“Yes, I’d say so,” Abby agreed before frowning. “Hmm...” she trailed off for a moment, unsure of what to say.

Thankfully, Kasai came to her ‘rescue’. “So Seth, by the end of yesterday’s session, did you start to get the flow of combat a bit better?”

“I learned that it’s uncomfortable when an Arcanine sits on you,” Seth chuckled. “But yes, I think I understand a lot more now. I just need to train... but ponies are so squishy...”

“Fritter could help?” Rika suggested.

“Fritter would put me on the moon,” Seth replied.

“At least there’s lower gravity there,” Kasai snickered. “Might help you get up from underneath her, if you wanted to be anyways,” he added, waggling a bushy eyebrow at Seth.

“Aaaand the conversation goes right back into the gutter,” Seth facepawed, but blushed slightly.

“Personally, if the conversation ISN’T in the gutter at a gathering like this then everything is deadly serious or something horrible is happening... in my experience anyways,” Abby said with a small shrug. “Personally, I like it this way.”

Seth nodded, “It is a nice change of pace, I’ll admit.”

“Sethy is liking dirty talk!?” Rika gasped. “Where is my Trainer? What have you done with him?”

“Hey, I’ll have you know that Elesa and I used to talk like this when we were alone...”

“Elesa... as in the celebrity and gym leader Elesa?” Abby inquired curiously. “The one who Kasai is 85% convinced is doing things with her Zebstrika?”

Seth chuckled, “Sorry to burst your bubble Kasai, but back on Earth, Elesa and I were a thing for a while. We spent quite a few nights together...” His mind wandered to his friend. “She’s an Ampharos now, and currently a DJ for the dubstep genre.”

Kasai shrugged. “Not really a ‘bubble’, I was always just curious on how she managed to not get split in half is all, I mean... I’ve seen Rapidash and Zebstrika at their full ‘height’... it’s kind of terrifying to imagine someone using that on a human,” he mused, glancing at Abby with clear concern.

“Which is why I had you, knot boy,” she replied with a smirk.

“Y’know, I wonder what Sethy’s is like,” Rika mused as she ducked under the table, only for Seth to bop her on the head her lightly.

“Rika, not now...” he sighed.

Abby snickered but shook her head. “Sorry, I’ll admit I was never THAT much like this on earth where I had to hide it all for so long... I guess my mind has been holding back the gutter for so long that now I can talk about it... it just keeps bubbling up.”

“It’s fine, I’m just glad you two are so happy,” Seth smiled. He really meant it too. “You two are just so adorable together... I just wish it could have been like this back on Earth.” He sighed as he ordered a coffee. “I tried... I really did...”

“Hey, you did a fine job,” Kasai said, leaning over to give the electric lion’s cheek a lick.

“Besides... that made it more fun sometimes, a bit of risk goes a long way,” Abby said with a smirk. “Like the time I spoke to Hastings through the front door while feigning a cold as a certain someone was ‘occupied’ with that tongue.”

Despite the sombre mood he was in, it just disappeared as Seth burst out laughing. “O...oh gods, that is just the funniest damn thing ever...”

“Yeah, he was REALLY worried about me,” Abby said, a small smile on her face. “Poor man thought I was on the verge of death from all the ‘coughing’ and ‘gasping’ I was doing.”

Kasai just shook his head. “If I’d known who was at the door I wouldn’t have... but well... we were already in the middle of things and I knew she wasn’t anywhere near ‘close’ so I figured we’d risk it.”

“The head of the Rangers... talking to his Top Ranger while she’d sexxing up her Pokemon...” Seth chuckled again. “The old coot’d have a heart attack if he knew.”

“Don’t call him that please...” Abby said with a sigh. “He’s a good man... just stubborn and set in his ways after seeing a lot of bad examples.”

“Yeah, sorry then,” Seth apologised. True, he wasn’t a fan of Hastings... but the guy had never done anything to him directly. “So, Kasai... can I ask something... private?”

Kasai nodded and got up from the table. “Sure, let’s go for a walk.” Seth nodded and followed the Arcanine outside. If Rika hadn’t been there, then he could have asked then and there. Once they were out of earshot, Seth spoke up.

“When you were first ‘with’ Abby... did you ever worry about... burning her?”

“Yeah, I did all the time she was human,” Kasai answered honestly. “I had to make sure that I was always in control of myself, I didn’t want the person I loved most of all to end up with third degree burns because I got ‘trigger happy’.”

Seth nodded, “That’s my problem... When I get... emotional... I lose control of my electricity.” He glanced back at the restaurant. “I want to show my girls that I love them... but I don’t want to risk electrocuting them. Especially since Fritter isn’t as resistant as a Pokemon...”

Kasai was silent for a long moment before he glanced down at Seth. “Then burn it up ahead of time. Spend an hour or two beforehand unleashing as much of your electricity as you possible can. After that, start slow, get them to stroke you, nuzzle them, lick them. Get a feel for yourself you know? No reason to shove it all in and go to town in the first few minutes.”

Seth chuckled. “Yeah, I guessed that much. But there’s a problem. When I use a lot of electricity, my body sort of... stops before I can drain myself. Unless I get really angry first, just ask Arceus about that.”

“Well then, drain as much as you can, then...” he glanced at Seth. “If you really love and care about them then you’ll be able to avoid hurting them.”

Seth nodded, “I hope so... I’ll give our idea a try... just don’t be too alarmed if you see fireworks coming from Sweet Apple Acres.” He laughed dryly at that.

“I’ll keep that in mind,” Kasai agreed with a nod and a chuckle. “Also... and this just between us guys... but experiment on your own with the amount of electricity you give off when you’re ‘pleasured’. You’ve got the ability to lick your crotch for a reason, you know?”

Seth just stared blankly. “You’re kidding... right?” Being a Pokemon was one thing, but was not gonna lick his own junk.

“I’m a dog, Seth. You’re a cat,” Kasai replied with a small shrug though his tone was serious enough. “It’s no different than a human using his hand.”

“I’ll ah... I’ll think of something...” Seth nodded, his eyes still wide. “Right, so... experiment first, then learn how to Discharge all my electricity.” This was going to be some interesting homework.

“Yep, or get Rika some rubber gloves to dispel the electricity and have her use her ribbons, I know that Lex uses them when he’s with Rill, and she’s a Flygon so it should work for you,” he said with a small frown.

Seth suddenly pictured Rika and Fritter in nurses outfits. “Yeah... that sounds like a rigid- I MEAN solid plan.”

“You could always try a little Roleplay too, I know that Abby and I get into it,” he commented, ignoring that little freudian slip. “It spices things up and you can set a good pace through it... and start to get REALLY invested once it turns... fun.”

“I like the way you think Sensei,” Seth smiled. “And I know a good dressmaker too~”

Kasai grinned. “You know, I think I might make everyone call me Sensei, I like the sound of it,” he said, smiling widely.

“I think it suits you,” Seth said honestly.

“Thanks man,” Kasai said, leaning over and giving his friend another lick on the cheek. “So, need any more help with girls? I’m kind of an expert at this point.”

“What is it with you and the cheek licking?” Seth said. “But no, I think I’m good from here on out. Need to figure things out for myself you know?” The Luxray stretched himself and shook some more dirt from his fur.

“Yeah, I getcha,” Kasai said with a nod. “And I’m a dog, I lick faces, deal with it.” He smiled, tongue lolling to the side a bit.

“Yeah, alright then,” Seth smiled. “Shall we get back to our ladies? I shudder to think what they’re saying about us while we’re gone.”

“That, is a very good point,” Kasai agreed, chuckling as he turned back in the direction of the girls. “Still, glad I could help you out Seth.”

“And I’m glad you could help Sensei,” Seth replied with a grin. “I think I’ve learned quite a bit in the last two days.”

“Heh, come back around if you ever want another day of eating dirt while your mate has dirty thoughts,” Kasai told him with a snicker. “Or you know, for hanging out.”

“You are so eating the dirt next time!” Seth said as he sparked. “But yeah, we should definitely hang out again soon. I’d love to meet your pups when they’re born.”

Kasai smiled proudly. “Thanks, and I can’t remember, can you breed with Rika?” he inquired, cocking his head to the side. “Because if you can, then I’d love to meet your pups too... or kittens, whichever it is, heh.”

“Well, Luxray’s and Sylveon’s do are in the same group, so an Eevee or a Shinx is possible.” Seth said. “And, I don’t think I’m quite ready for that step yet... perhaps one day. I’d ah... I’d actually like to get married first.”

The Arcanine nodded his head sagely. “Better to wait till you’re stable before starting a family,” he agreed. “I know that Abby and I have been together for years now... we ‘work’ right for it even if we hadn’t been expecting it.” He smiled. “I’m sure you and Rika will be good too, so I’ll still say I look forwards to meeting your kids.”

“Thanks, and next time you’re in Canterlot, we should go Magikarp fishing. Never had them before, so you could show me why you love them so much.”

“Sounds like a great idea,” Kasai said as they got back to the table to find the ladies talking amongst themselves. “So, is everyone ready to leave?”

“More or less,” Abby said with a smile. “I think we’ve said pretty much everything we could for a while.”

“Yup, and driving Rika totally insane with telepathy,” Selena grinned as the Fairy pouted.

“You’ll get yours,” Rika grumbled. “I know your tickle spots!”

Kasai chuckled and glanced at Seth. “Well then, this is where we part ways for now I guess,” he said, giving the Luxray a little half-bow. “We probably won’t be in the hotel much longer, we’re kinda running short on bits so try Gene and Belle’s place for us.”

“Yeah, we do need to go over and ask them about that...” Abby said with a small frown. “Anyways, it was great having lunch with you guys!”

“And it was great meeting you as well,” Seth agreed. “I must admit, it was a little nerve-wracking meeting a Ranger though, but you guys are cool... Oh, I almost forgot. Is Axle alright? Restraint isn’t in Ignis’s vocabulary.”

“He’s fine, from the way he told it he and Ignis could have matched any of the Legendaries and then some which is all he really cares about,” Abby said, rolling her eyes. “Plus he just used Rest to recover quickly.”

“That’s good, Ignis is still laid up after fighting Arceus... poor guy is deaf as a doornail after taking that Hyper Voice attack...”

“And THAT is why you don’t fight Arceus,” Kasai said with a small snicker.

“True,” Abby agreed before getting up and giving everyone a smile. “Well, we’re off to talk to Gene and Belle, have a good rest of your day.”

With that, the two walked off. They didn't make it very far before the Arcanine suddenly came to a stop. “That... is not good.”

Abby frowned. “What is it?”

“An old friend is in town,” Kasai said with a deep frown.

“Kasai if you play the pronoun game with me I’m going to hurt you,” she said flatly.

“Fine, it’s Hastings,” he stated.

Abby was silent for a moment before she nodded and lifted her chin. “Well then, let’s go apologize.”

Author's Note

Ed: Man, this was a long one... good work Aus, we managed to fit in just about everything in the course of two days, very nice. Though, if Rika ever wants any advice, send her to Lex, he was raised on a breeding farm and knows all of the ‘trade secrets’.

Aus - Lex and Rika? I don’t think Lex could deal with level of... Rikaness. Still, this was a blast to write and Ignis has a new best friend, and a bragging right that no-one in Equus can match. I get the feeling that we’ll meet again, I don’t know whether to excited or scared...

Ed: Once more into the breach then my friend, once more into the breach

Bubba was here... kinda... in a way... just because... reasons okay!