FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

Lum sat atop the bench with his arms folded and one leg crossed over the other. He rested, waiting, in one of the team rooms at Jake’s gym. Across from him was a large television mounted to the wall, on but muted. Lum’s eyes were closed, ignoring the current match. Lucita sat, just the same, at the other end of the bench. The two had been left alone while Brandon was interviewed and tested two floors above them. Had been alone, at least.

“You’re not supposed to enter another team’s room.”

Ty walked in without heed. “I’m not on a team. And you can’t face Jake’s team at an audit. Besides, Jake said I should come and check on you all,” he purred in his gravelly tone. Ty glanced at Lucita and nodded, “Ma’am.”

Lucita pointedly ignored him.

Lum doubted Jake had actually told Ty to check on them. He wouldn’t voice it, though. Lum would never complain about having Ty around.

Ty took Lucita’s ignoring him in stride. He sat beside Lum on the side opposite of Lucita. Ty did his best to mimic the Lucarios. He folded his arms over his chest. His stubby hind legs couldn’t quite match the crossed position, however.

“Ridiculous that they would schedule an audit the day before New Year’s Eve, huh?”

Lum nodded. He peeked an eye open, glanced at Ty, then closed it again.

“I’m sure the League has their reasons. I assume it’s due to such a high number of Tier One trainers in such a small area around a gym. They’ve encouraged us to better distribute before. But we’re not Ace Trainers, so the League can’t really force us. Just try to drop some of us from Tier One.”

“I suppose. Still rude, with so many trainers traveling and the like. And only a week’s notice.” Ty shook his head then glanced at Lum. “You think that’s the reason for doubles as well? To throw off the trainers?”

“Tier One trainers are expected to face any battle type. A Tier One trainer should welcome the challenge.”

Ty grunted and nodded, then looked back at the screen. “Well, I’m glad your mom was willing to come down, with Coal and Alex away.”

Lum held still as he felt his mother’s eye on them. He wasn’t sure how she would react, and was glad when no response came.

“Indeed. Mother and I are far more effective battling together than Coal and I are. Brandon certainly isn’t worried.” Lum couldn’t help but smile a little. He felt Lucita do the same.

“Oh? Is it because you two connect Aura?” Ty playfully nudged against Lum.

“We do not speak about Aura with others,” Lucita chastised. Lum flicked his ear but nodded in agreement. Even if it wasn’t true outside Hugo’s- and thus Lucita’s- presence. Ty was half right, though. Lum and Lucita could sense every movement from the other. They practically read every thought the other had. It all flowed through their intermingled Aura.

Only half-right, though. “Mother and I have trained since I was able to fight. It makes us exceptionally effective together.”

“Ah, makes sense,” Ty rumbled. The room fell back into silence. After a minute Ty lowered his arms down and slumped down the wall. His paw gently brushed against Lum’s hip. Lum peeked an eye open and glanced at Ty again. He closed his eye. How he wished he could tell Ty how no amount of subtlety would escape Lucita’s notice. Not when Lum and her Aura were synchronized.

Again, Lum felt his mother peeking an eye open and gazing at them. Lum’s tail twitched. He moved his arms down to his sides and took Ty’s paw in his own. Lucita closed her eye again. Once again, Lum was grateful for her lack of response.

A minute later Lum released Ty’s paw. Both Lucarios stood simultaneously.

“You’re up?” Ty asked, pushing himself to sit up more properly. He kept his eyes on the current match.

“Brandon was just informed we’re next,” Lum responded curtly and followed his mother out of the team room.

“Good luck!”

“A properly trained Pokémon does not need Luck,” Lucita tutted.

Lum winced, but followed without response. It wasn’t time to be Ty’s Lovecario. Or to be Brandon’s lover. It wasn't time to be an affectionate, sweet Lucario. It was time for Lum to ‘fulfill his purpose’, as Hugo said it. Time for Lum to be a flawless battle Pokémon.

Lum and Lucita walked a few paces behind Brandon. They entered the Gym’s arena and followed Brandon onto the trainer platform, then took their spots to either side of him. Another trainer took the platform opposite theirs. The trainer couldn’t be more different from Brandon. Brandon wore a dress shirt, tie, and slacks. His belt, shoes, and watch were all pristine, dark leather with polished stainless steel fastenings. Brandon stood, patiently waiting, with his hands in his pockets. And Brandon, serine as could be, was in his late thirties.

The other trainer had to be half Brandon’s age. Everything about them was loud. They wore a baggy, bright pink shirt with a purple, fishnet, half-shirt over it. They had torn up, neon green pants. Every item they wore clashed with the rest of their attire. Finishing it all was a load of accessories on their neck, wrists and waist. Lum quite enjoyed the candy eccentricity of the garb. He never showed it, of course, remaining stoic as the trainer bounced side-to-side and loudly psyched their team up.

The judge finally, stiffly, began, “Ace Trainer Jerry, Tier One Trainer Brandon. Thank you both for your time. This battle is an audit on Brandon’s Tier One Trainer standing. The League representatives will be assessing performance, not the outcome of this battle. The League representatives may choose to call the battle before team knockout if they deem their assessment sufficient. Again, Tier One Trainer Brandon does not have to win this match to keep his status. This match will be a double, or two-on-two, battle. Team selection will be double-blind. Trainers, please place your Pokéballs in the console, then select two for this match. Once both trainers have selected, your Pokémon will be released for you.”

Brandon nodded to the judge, “I waive my right to a blind selection. I only have two Pokémon, and they do not have Pokéballs.”

“Wait, you’re just using those two Lucarios?” the other trainer asked skeptically.

“That is correct.”

Jerry looked to the judge, who nodded, ,“That choice is allowed.”

Jerry shook their head and laughed, “Jeeze, you got an unlucky draw dude! Good luck! Blaze, Kyukyu, you’re up!” The trainer released their Pokémon directly onto the battlefield.

Brandon turned and pulled two collars from his pocket. He placed the first collar on Lum, Lum’s Life Orb mounted on the front of it. Brandon did the same for Lucita, hers mounted with Lucarionite. Lum and Lucita turned and stepped off the trainer platform, around the sides, and to the field. Lum noted the Focus Sash on the Blaziken. The Mimikyu’s item must have been hidden beneath its disguise.

“Trainers, ready?” called the judge.

Lucita and Lum stepped outward. They synchronously raised their hands, one going up and back, the other going forward. Each slid their foot in an arc before them. Every time they did this Lum was reminded of his youth. Lucita and Lum standing before the large mirrors of Hugo’s training room. Lum watching his small Riolu self trying to perfectly match his mother’s movements, something always just a little wrong. Over, and over, and over…

Lucita and Lum lifted their right legs and extended their arm, palm forward. Their fur ruffled as Aura built around them. Their eyes glowed bright blue before dimming. Lum didn’t need a mirror to know they had managed every movement in perfect time with one another. The Blaziken looked between the two with a hint of uncertainty, the fire on its wrists flaring larger.

Brandon brought his hand up, looking at his watch. He nodded, “Ready.”

“Ready!” the Ace Trainer eagerly echoed.

“Begin.”

Lum and Lucita crossed paths as they dashed to opposite sides of the field. Lum noted the Mimikyu retreating to the far end. Lum watched the Blaziken. It had held position as energy built and formed into swords around it. Beyond the Blaziken was Lucita, also using Sword Dance. Lum kept his focus on the ghost type from the corner of his eye. Time grew slow as Lum’s vision tinted blue. Even slower as an Aura Sphere built in his paw. Lum ignored the pain of the Life Orb funneling his own life energy into the attack. His eyes stared into the Blaziken’s, the bird readying for the attack.

“Again Blaze! That’s it, Kyukyu!”

Lum slid to a stop, turned, and launched the Aura Sphere. The blue tint disappeared and time normalized. Mimikyu’s Substitute decoy was just forming. A faint mimic of Lucita’s Sword Dance played around the ghost type. Mirror Herb, Lum assumed. The Mimikyu shrieked as its Substitute decoy was destroyed by Lum’s Aura Sphere. It had just finished forming when the attack took it out. Then Mimikyu disappeared.

“Wait- Kyukyu, okay. You know which one!”

Lum put his paws together in front of him. Aura swirled around his feet and up along his body as he used Calm Mind. Blue shimmers surrounded him as the world tinted blue again. Lum kept his eyes fixed on the Blaziken, ignoring as the Mimikyu approached him- invisible to eyes, but not Aura.

The Blaziken was using sword dance again as ordered. Beyond him Lucita was doing the same, though hers was far more dramatic. Lucita grew larger, her tan fur expanding beyond her torso and along her tail. Red joined her palette as her Mega form became complete. The blue swords around her turned red and shattered as she howled.

Slower and slower as the Mimikyu approached, distracted by the howl.

“Together now!” Jerry called.

Even with Aura slowing time, the Blaziken was fast. It appeared in front of Lum, leg raised with fire roaring around its ankle. It was timed perfectly with the Mimikyu materializing beside Lum, a burst of ghostly energy dragged out with it.

Lum stamped down his foot and lifted his arm. Aura flared out around him, timed to a thundering crash ringing out. Lucita’s fist slammed into the floor just a fraction of a second behind the Mimikyu and Blaziken initiating their attacks. The Flame Kick came down. Lum’s forearm blocked the kick, the flare of Aura dispelling the Phantom Force and the flames of Blaziken’s attack.

“It has Detect?!” Jerry looked to Brandon. Brandon was still gazing at his watch, seemingly ignoring the match, not a single command spoken.

Both Mimikyu and Blaziken yelled out as flares of energy rose from the ground around them. The ripple of Lucita’s Earthquake split as it reached Lum’s stamped down foot, the Aura of Detect casting it to either side of him. Lum got a wonderful, close-up view as the Focus Sash ripped apart, the Blaziken coughed out blood, and Mimikyu’s Disguise broke.

“Shit, wait!”

Mimikyu faded away again. Lum went for a heel kick at the Blaziken’s head. Not a powered move, but enough to take out the fragments of life energy the avian had been reduced to. Lum turned as the speedy bird dodged and jumped away to mid-field. He dashed toward the enemy team’s corner, Lucita mirroring his movements on the other side of Blaziken. The bird had to look back and forth between them, his attention split.

Lum’s breath hissed between his teeth as the life orb pulled from his energy once again. He formed a bone staff between his paws. Lucita and Lum dashed toward the Blaziken simultaneously. Lum lifted the staff as he approached. Lucita jumped and sailed toward the Blaziken.

“Bone Rush, High Jump Kick. You got this Blaze!”

Lum loved this part. The Blaziken dodged, but it was a waste. Lum deviated at the last moment. Lucita sailed past the Blaziken, rolling then skidding to a stop between Lum and the Blaziken. She was silent as the missed High Jump Kick’s landing and energy damaged her. Lum twisted just before the Mimikyu appeared behind him. He could feel the realization hit Mimikyu. The realization that Lum knew where the ghost was this entire time, invisibility be damned. The shock and fear was palpable as Lum brought down the bone staff. It cracked and shattered as Lum put both palms to the Mimikyu. Disguising Steel Beam as Bone Rush had always been a fun trick. The attack blasted the Mimikyu out of the field. At the same time it caused Lum to skid backwards until he pressed against Lucita’s back. Chill, stabs, and aches blossomed over his body as his life energy dropped dangerously low from the attack’s recoil.

“Blaze, now!”

The flames at the Blaziken’s wrists roared, now so large they went well past its elbows. The Blaziken lifted its leg and brought it down. Waves of rippling Earthquake energy hissed and crackled across the floor toward Lucita and Lum.

Lucita lifted her foot and stomped down, lifting her forearm before her. Aura flared out, sparks and crackles of red mixed into the blue. The energy of the Earthquake split around her and Lum.

No one expected both Lucarios to have Detect.

Lum leaped upward, forcing back a growl. He must be stoic in battle. The stabbing pain intensified as more energy sucked free of Lum’s body. The final time, as hurled one last Aura Sphere. Lum’s Aura peaked when Lum was critically damaged. The Aura Sphere was larger than he was. Blaziken’s beak gaped and it stepped back too slow. The attack collided with the Blaziken. Its eyes went dull.

Just behind the Aura Sphere was Lucita, her knee colliding with the Blaziken’s throat. The High Jump Kick sent the unconscious body flying back. It landed and tumbled to a stop near Brandon’s platform.

“That was unnecessary, Lucita.” Brandon finally looked up from his watch. Lucita stood and stroked her paw down her muzzle, wiping her transformation away. She tossed her hand aside. The remnants of red, crackling energy flung away as Lucita shrunk and resumed her normal form.

“Team knockout! Match over!” called the Judge.

Lum walked toward Brandon’s platform. He could taste blood. He felt more dribbling out his nostrils. Lucita joined him, walking side-by-side once again. Brandon nodded to the Ace Trainer and turned, stepping off the platform. He followed closely behind his Lucarios, exiting the arena.

“What the fuck just happened?!”

“Twenty seven seconds. Hugo will be pleased.” Brandon cheerily informed them. Now that Brandon’s back was to the Ace Trainer he had a bright smile on his face.

Only once they were out of sight did Lum lift his paw and cough flecks of blood into it. He wiped the blood from his nostrils before he quickly took his own collar off. He hated that Life Orb.

“I heard you hiss in pain. Do not display weakness in battle.” Lucita scolded, but her tone was soft. Hugo’s rules didn’t preclude her being a loving mother.

“Yes mother. Apologies.” Lum rumbled, wiping at his muzzle end again.

Lum felt a hand atop his head. Brandon ruffled both Lucarios. “Perfect, both of you. It’s hard to believe you haven’t trained together in a few years.”

Both gave an affectionate ‘yip’ up at Brandon. Lucita looked at Lum, a smile playing at her muzzle.

“You did well, Lum. You make me proud.”

Lum felt his ears redden and his chest filled with pride. He swallowed and glanced at Lucita. Lum smiled in return, nodding. “Thank you, Mom.”

“I have to go for my debriefing and audit results. I can’t imagine it’ll take long. Lucita, let me get that collar off of you.”

Lum handed Brandon his collar and continued toward the team room, eager to nab a Full Heal. He was greeted by a warm, gravely voice.

“Jeeze Lum… I thought you were terrifying battling on your own. That was… insane,” Ty rumbled, still watching the screen. Lum’s opponents were being gathered off the field. Ty glanced over his shoulder, a faint grin on his muzzle.

“Yeah. We’re effective together.” Lum rumbled, almost stumbling.

Ty quickly gestured to the bench. “Sit down. I’ll get it.”

Lum wanted to protest but he was dangerously low on life energy. He turned and paced toward the bench.

“I hate that your build means you’re always damaging your-” Ty was suddenly cut off.

Lum could feel it before he heard it. He spun to see Lucita holding Ty’s jaw, the tall Typhlosion pulled down to her height, putting them eye-to-eye. Lum’s critical Aura burst forth, an inferno around him. He took a step toward them, snarling, only to halt as Ty lifted his paw and gestured for Lum to stop.

“Yes, ma’am?” Ty rumbled. He had that sweet, dumb smile that Lum loved so much. Ty didn’t flinch, look away, anything. He just smiled warmly, gazing back at Lum’s mother. Lum’s heart pounded in his chest and Aura crackled at his fingertips.

“... so young. Why a fire type?”

Lum forced himself to steady, but he couldn’t get the snarl to leave his muzzle. He slowly breathed in. “I fell in love with him. What type he is doesn’t matter, Lucita.” Try as he might, his words were thick with a growl.

Lucita tilted her head, still staring into Ty’s eyes. Wisps of Aura flowed from her over the Typhlosion.

“And Brandon?”

Lum’s growl faltered. The fiery Aura vanished. Lum suddenly felt so cold as a wave of fear crashed over him. He looked from Lucita to Ty. His fiery lover was standing still, not struggling in the slightest. Lum stared at that dumb, sweet smile that was ever-present on Ty’s muzzle. Lum’s vision grew blurry. The storm of confusion, fear, and guilt raged in his chest.

“He doesn’t… It’s only recent, and…”

“You choose such a complex life, Lum.” Lucita’s expression softened. Only a little. “But… you have a life. And I am glad for that.”

Even amid all his fear it stung. To know the freedom that Hugo never let his mother have. To have love that Lucita had never known. Lum felt weaker and weaker.

Lucita’s eyes narrowed and her lips pulled back just enough to expose the tips of her canines. She raised her free paw, blue lightning crackling around her fist. “Ty… If you hurt him, I will kill you.”

Lum had never heard his mother snarl like that, or such passion in her voice. She was always perfectly collected and subdued. For the first time in his life Lum got a sense of how terrifying he could be to others.

“Yes ma’am.”

Lucita paused. The crackling energy dissipated and her fist lowered. “You truly mean that.”

Ty nodded, “I do. I couldn’t live with myself if I ever hurt Lum.” Ty’s eyes left Lucita’s to peek at Lum from the corner of his eye. “Puppy, you’re shaking. Please take a seat.”

Lum’s presence of mind returned to his body. The pain came back stronger. He hadn’t felt himself shaking, but he was suddenly struggling to stay on his feet. He back-stepped and slumped against the wall, sliding down to the bench. Lucita released Ty’s muzzle and walked to the bench to join Lum. Her Aura interwove with Lum’s once more. The pain dulled as Lucita’s comforting affection and support flowed into him.

“Would you like a Hyper Potion, ma’am? Or Full Restore?”

“Potion, please.”

Ty went to the items table supplied by the gym. He gathered everything in a basket, brought it back to the two Lucarios and handed Lucita the Hyper Potion.

“Thank you.”

Ty brought a Full Restore up for Lum. Lum lifted a Paw but Ty kept his hold on the container. Lum’s paw was still shaking.

“Don’t care for fire types, ma’m?” Ty rumbled, his voice quiet and tone soft.

“Abhor them.”

Ty quickly pulled the restore back as Lum coughed a few times. He panted, rubbing at his muzzle with the back of his forearm. The vague burn and effervescence of the healing item filled his belly. Seconds later the pain started to ebb away.

“Of course. Fire types are cocky assholes,” Lum puffed, grinning at Ty. He could feel his mother smile next to him. Ty raised his eyebrow but looked amused. “Hugo made mom battle fully evolved Pokémon as a Riolu. If I recall, most were fire types. And one particularly awful one was a Blaziken.”

Lucita nodded, “One that hid a psychic type move, just as you do. Whenever I was close to winning she would leap away and rest, then return to beat me further.” She held out her empty potion container to Ty.

“Have you been sharing my move set, Lum?” Ty grumbled as he took the spent potion, setting it back in the basket.

“No.” Lum teased, grinning, without any indication he planned to elaborate further.

Ty shook his head at Lum’s antics. “I’m sorry to hear that ma’am. I’ll do my best to prove we’re not all that way.” He reached up and stroked Lum’s cheek then handed the Lucario the Full Heal. “And I’ll do everything I can for Lum to make up for it.”

Lum downed the rest of the healing item. His paw became stable as his body’s aches slowly faded. “You’re such a sappy romantic,” he chuffed, licking the last of the Full Heal from his lips.

“Just the way I am. A warm heart.” Ty put the empty Full Heal container back in the basket. He took a cloth up and began wiping blood free from Lum’s muzzle. “Would you like anything else, ma’am?” Ty rumbled, eyes fixed on his work.

“No. Brandon is taking us to the spa after this.”

“Oh?” Ty looked between the two Lucarios. “The mineral springs spa at the nudist place?” he continued, surprise evident in his voice.

“I have been Hugo’s Pokémon since his childhood. I’ve known Brandon since the day he was born. I bathed Brandon when he was young.” A faint grin played at her muzzle and Lum felt a hint of dread. “I’ve had to interrupt Lum and Brandon having sex many times. We’re all comfortable with nudity. Though…” She looked over to Lum. “There will, of course, be no such intimate activities tonight.”

“Yes, of course, mother…” Lum grumbled. He glared at Ty as the Typhlosion cleaned blood off his paw.

“I’m glad I got to meet your mother, Lum.” He glanced at Lucita, “I would be happy to know my puppy’s family better.”

Lucita just smirked, remaining quiet otherwise. Lum’s glare was still there when Ty looked back at him. Ty cooed sweetly.

“Okay, okay… Changing subject.” He brought Lum’s hand close. Ty started to work on the damage inflicted by the Steel Beam’s recoil. He rumbled, thinking. “Ah! Coal mentioned you might be siring a pup? I meant to ask on Christmas Eve, but got distracted…” Ty trailed off as Lum let out a low, steady whine. He slouched further down the wall. Ty stared at Lum, unsure what he had done.

“Hugo, Brandon’s father, wants his grandchild to have a Lucario of our bloodline. Traditionally, A trainer’s first born pairs with the first pup of the trainer’s Lucario. Hugo and me, to Brandon and Lum. But as Brandon does not intend to have a child, Hugo wants Lum to sire a pup for Brandon’s niece. Hugo’s first grandchild.”

Ty’s brow furrowed. He gently squeezed Lum’s paw. “That doesn’t sound too bad… it’s a lot like what I had to do, siring Chai. You’ve plenty of sex with…” he stopped himself, small ears tucked back. “I didn’t think you’d have a problem mating with a female Lucario, just for the purpose of continuing the line..?”

Lum refused to respond. He just let out another quiet whine.

“Hugo has suggested to backcross Lum to me. Crossing offspring back to their parent is quite standard practice in enriching traits, perfecting move efficacy, and the like. It was key when Hugo was still running the family business. Before Brandon introduced all the… technology and science that they use now. However, Hugo is traditional. And would not allow those for our bloodline.”

Ty fixed his eyes on Lum’s hand and continued to treat it. His eyes were wide as the implications dawned on him. Lum grunted as Ty worked at a tear in his paw pad. The recoil from Steel Beam was brutal on Lum’s sensitive, oh-so-soft pads.

“... If Hugo insists on being there, I will literally die. I’ll spontaneously learn Self Destruct and use it. You’re so different when Hugo is around…” Lum whimpered.

“It will be fine, Lum.” Lucita’s Aura swathed closer around Lum, just as she had when he was a little Riolu. Lucita’s paw gently set atop Lum’s thigh. “You’re so… uncertain, Lum. I’ve never seen you so scared. I understand that this is… different.” She briefly looked at Ty, then back at Lum. “And so much is happening at once. But everything will be okay. You are a Lucario of Sir Aaron’s line. And what are Lucarios of Sir Aaron, Lum?”

Lum bit at his lip. His other hand was being tended by Ty. He couldn’t believe Lucita had asked him this in front of another Pokémon- even worse, his secret lover. Lum felt so small. Just a scared little Riolu.

“The Lucarios of Sir Aaron… we-” Lucita squeezed Lum’s thigh firmly. “I am a Lucario of Sir Aaron. I am power, honed to perfection. I am built upon an unyielding steel foundation. I am a guardian and master of Aura. I am unbreakable. I am unstoppable.”

It felt so ridiculous to say it. Worse so, in front of Ty. But the mantra comforted him. It had carried him through training as a Riolu. ‘I am becoming’, ‘I will be’, at the time. Those words kept him standing in battle after battle and through pain and losses. Until he had become honed to perfection. And now Lum was the unbreakable, unstoppable Pokémon of a Tier One Trainer.

“Exactly, my son. And you are the best of our line. There is nothing you cannot overcome. You will make it through this. And any challenge you face.” Lucita comorted, giving Lum’s cheek a gentle kiss.

After a few moments, Ty rumbled, “... You know, Lum…”, as he dabbed at Lum’s paw one last time. Ty put the last of the used gauze in the basket. He took Lum’s paws in his own. “I think that is the most accurate description of you I’ve ever heard.” He lifted Lum’s paw and gently kissed it.

Lum did his best to breathe slowly, steadily. It made his eyes wet, but it was better. The storm of fear and guilt had calmed. Still there, as it had been for so many months now. But the skies were clearer.

Brandon returned a little while later. Lum was resting against Lucita’s side, his head on her shoulder. Ty was sitting on the ground in front of them. The Pokémon were chatting quietly, the match on the television ignored.

“Oh… Goodness. Friendly with a fire type, Lucita?”

Lucita looked to Brandon and ‘arf’ed, more an acknowledgement than a response.

“And you.” Brandon moved closer and squatted to rub atop Ty’s head and shoulders. “Thank you for tending to Lum. I’m glad we have such a sweet Typhlosion in our friend group.”

Ty lifted his head into the pets and rumbled, ‘Grahhh rahh ra…’, soaking up the affection. Brandon kept at it while he addressed the Lucarios.

“I’m relieved to say we passed.” Lum lifted his head and sat up properly. Both Lucarios rolled their eyes in response. Brendan chuckled, “Yeah, surprising. I would have been back sooner but they were really pushing for me to sign on as an Ace Trainer, Gym Leader, or outright in the League. I declined, of course.” He scritched up around Ty’s ears then stood again. “For now, we’ve an appointment for some relaxation. A well-earned reward for the best Lucarios. Are you two ready?”

Again, the Lucarios were synced when they nodded and stood. Lum stepped forward and hugged Ty, happily ‘arf!’ing as he was hugged back. Lucita paused for a moment and nodded to Ty.

“It was nice to meet you. I look forward to seeing you again.”

Ty happily rumbled as Lum broke the embrace. “My pleasure, ma’am. And likewise!”

“We’ll see you soon Ty.” Brandon nodded and led the Lucarios out.

Brandon was thorough when bathing Lum and Lucita. The Lucarios stood in the shower area while Brandon kneeled on a towel. The trainer was diligent with soaping each of the Pokémon up and seeking out each bit that needed cleaning. Jake’s battle field was primarily rock and grit, and the grit worked unpleasantly into Lucario fur. Between fingertips working deep into fur and a special brush Brando to get everything free. All the while Lum and Lucita caught up, Lum sharing a lot of what their lives had been like lately. And how the whole Ty thing had come about. Ty being the gym leader’s Pokémon, and Brandon had Lum train there regularly. How attraction had led to intimacy- explicit details left out, of course- and intimacy grew to love. How Ty had first said he loved Lum a year and a half ago. It felt weird talking about it in front of Brandon, even if Lum knew that Brandon couldn’t understand them. Lum knew he had vague impressions of how Lum felt, but surely he didn’t know the specifics. At least it didn’t feel as awful as it would have before Lucita’s earlier assurances.

All three being nude felt quite natural, as Lucita had told Ty. Lum did feel a bit of reddening in his ears when Brandon washed Lucita’s groin and under her tail. It was worse when Brandon did the same for him. This certainly wasn’t the first time they had bathed together, but it felt so much stranger knowing Hugo’s intentions.

It was finally time for the mineral hot spring. Both Pokémon eagerly settled into the water. The heat and high mineral concentration was just what a steel type needed after a battle. It felt like Lum was absorbing the very essence from the water, healing and strengthening him.

Brandon set his phone on the rim of the hot spring, safe in a waterproof bag, just between Lum and Lucita. Then Brandon slipped into the far side of the spring, resting back as well. For a while they just relaxed and enjoyed the sounds of the spring’s flow and their soft breathing.

“I don’t think the match could have gone much better. Do either of you have anything you want to discuss?”

A habit. There was a procedure for each Pokémon battle, and all three had been trained all their lives to do it. Lucita gave a curt shake of her head, while Lum reached and rested his paw atop Brandon’s phone.

“I am satisfied. It was nice to battle alongside mom again.”

Brandon smiled, “That’s true. It’s a work of art, watching you two fight together. I think even Hugo will be impressed, if that’s even possible. I do feel bad for that Ace Trainer though. I heard they didn’t take it too well.”

Lucita smirked again, and Lum barked a laugh. They had all been raised with one rule over any other- a battle Pokémon does not hold back in a proper match. Those who entered the field had acknowledged the potential consequences. Lum didn’t necessarily like hurting another Pokémon, but that was what happened on the field. It was a game- a very serious game, granted- but games had a winner and a loser. And it wasn’t like Lum got off scot-free.

“You know, Lucita… now that you and Hugo are retired, you could visit us without him. I know we’d both love to see you more, You deserve to relax. I know Hugo is taking you on vacations with mom and him, but I imagine there’s a lot you'd like to do that might be outside his itinerary.”

Lucita usually spoke to Lum for more complex answers. Then Lum would translate through the Aura Reader app on Brandon’s phone, just as they usually conversed. This time Lucita raised her paw to the phone. Lum withdrew his, curiously watching. Lucita set her paw atop the phone and focused. A few odd sounds came through, then gibberish. Then words.

“I will consider it. I am Hugo’s companion Pokémon. It feels wrong to be without him.” Lum stared. His mother was using the phone perfectly. And so quickly. She had seen Lum do it many times, but it was still surprising. “That being said, you are correct. This is pleasant, and something Hugo would never consider this activity.” She paused and took a breath. “Lum must have a pup. Whether you find another, or it is me, Anita must have a Riolu. It would be my duty to help train that Riolu. Just as my mother helped train Lum.”

Brandon laid his head back against the edge of the spring. “That is true. Two weeks until Hugo is back… to figure out what we’ll do.” He breathed in and sighed. “... Lucita. Please, be honest. How do you feel about Hugo’s plan for you to have Lum’s pup?”

Lucita lowered her hand and sunk back into the water, up to her jaw. They all rested in silence for a long while. Eventually she lifted herself up and placed her paw back atop the phone.

“My life purpose is to be a flawless battle Pokémon, and to ensure our Lucario bloodline. It is hard to think any other way.” Again, Lum felt that pain for his mother. For all he had that she had not. “As for my feelings. I do not share Lum’s aversion. Mating would not be an issue for me. That being said,” she looked over to Lum, who’s eyes were downturned, staring into the hot spring, “I love Lum. I hate the thought of him enduring something he is so against doing.”

Lum had been examining his own paws underwater while Lucita responded. His pads were perfect once more, the healing items and spring having undone every bit of battle damage. Really, it was an excuse not to look over. It was odd hearing Lum’s ‘own’ voice speaking for another. The Aura Reader app had been Lum’s voice for a good while now. Hearing it used by someone else, and speaking about Lum himself, was strange.

“I see. Thank you, Lucita.”

Lum quickly sat up and put his own hand on the phone, atop Lucita’s.

“It’s just… not something I had thought of. Hugo is the issue, not mother. I can do it. My purpose is also our blood line. I will do whatever that requires.”

Brandon laughed softly, sitting up a little more.

“Cut that out. Hugo is not here. You are both beloved Pokémon, whose purpose is to live and enjoy life. There is more to life, and to us, than our job. But I appreciate both of you giving me your input. And that’s enough work stuff. Let’s just relax, and enjoy ourselves. And maybe I can get some soggy Lucario cuddles?” Brandon focused on Lum, unsure if Lum would be comfortable cuddling with Lucita there.

To both Lum and Brandon’s surprise, Lucita moved first. She crossed the spring and pressed up to Brandon’s side, resting her head against his shoulder. Lum watched a moment before following suit. He went to Brandon’s other side, nestling up under his arm, and resting his head against Brandon’s chest. Brandon leaned over, kissing atop Lucita’s head, then to the other side to kiss atop Lum’s head.

“Wow… been… ages.” He settled back, smiling. “It’s really nice… I missed it.”

Lum couldn’t agree more.

The mineral spring left both Lucario’s with such silky fur. Brandon had taken extra time when brushing each of them. Lum hadn’t felt so wonderful since their last visit. He was sure his mother had gone far longer. Brandon heated a pre-made dinner that Alex had left for them when they returned home. The three had a relaxing dinner then spent a few hours on the couch watching movies. All cuddled together.

Lum hadn’t realized how much he missed this. Especially resting his head in Lucita’s lap while she stroked over his ears. It felt so childish, but it was so comforting. Lum had practically forgotten this side of his mother. He hadn’t known it since Brandon and Lum had stopped living with Hugo, Gloria, and Lucita. For the last decade, at least, Lum had only known his mother around Hugo. But this was Lum’s true mother. A mother who didn’t have to function in lockstep with Hugo’s orders.

The last surprise of the night was when Lucita elected to sleep with Brandon and Lum instead of the guest room. Lucita was wonderfully charmed by Luito, the name Lum had given the Lucario plush he received at Christmas. Lum got to settle in between Brandon and Lucita. He snuggled on Brandon’s side, while his mother held him, being the big spoon. Even at only a couple inches taller, she felt so much larger to Lum.

“Mom?” Lum murmured.

“Mm?”

“I really hope you consider Brandon’s offer to visit more. I’ve missed you. And…” He tilted his head to look back at Lucita. “I know what Brandon said, but you’re right. I want our line to continue, no matter what it takes. I really am okay if the best option is with you. It’s just… Hugo. Not you.”

Lucita opened her eyes to meet Lum’s gaze. She smiled warmly and leaned closer, nuzzling against Lum’s muzzle. “It’s time we rest, my Lum berry. We’ll worry about this when the time comes.”

Lum returned the smile and nodded. He settled back against Brandon. Sleep came fast, and Lum slept so deep, feeling safe between his mother and his trainer.

The morning came quickly and Lucita’s driver knocked at the door soon after. Lucita had only arrived the morning before the League audit, and left just under twenty four hours later. Lum hugged Lucita at the door, regretting they hadn’t scheduled for a longer visit.

“I love you mom. I really hope you can visit again soon.”

Lucita squeezed a little tighter on Lum. “I will. Hugo, Gloria and I will be back in two weeks.”

Lum laid his ears back. That kind of visit, a visit with Hugo, was not what he had meant.

“Though I think Brandon is right. I’m retired. I need to relax. I’m not on the job any more.” She had a warm smile.

Lum’s ears perked back up and he nodded. He squeezed Lucita in return, then stepped back. He waited at the door until the car was out of sight. He hoped that Lucita would have a good time on the remainder of Hugo and Gloria’s vacation. Lum had little faith, but he hoped.

While Lum wished he could spend more time with his mother he was also happy to have the house for Brandon and himself. New Year’s Eve was a very special day for Lum and his trainer. A New Year’s Eve so, so many years ago, Brandon and Lum had been watching the ball drop on the couch. Fireworks flashed in the sky outside the window as midnight struck. Lum had felt a hand on his jaw, guiding him to look at Brandon. Brandon leaned in and kissed Lum. The kiss broke and Brandon looked into Lum’s eyes, waiting to see how his Lucario reacted. Lum’s heart had thundered as he sat there, stunned. Then his paws moved up, taking the sides of Brandon’s head. Lum had pushed in for a deep kiss.

New Year's Eve had been their ‘anniversary’ ever since. Even after Brandon married Alex a handful of years back New Year’s Eve had always been Brandon and Lum’s special day. Brandon and Lum either went out and stayed somewhere nice, or Alex headed out with Coal to visit family or friends.

Phones were turned off and Brandon ignored his laptop. The pair spent the day watching movies, playing games, enjoying particularly good food Brandon ordered in and, of course, intimacy. It was one of the few times a year they could just ignore the world and waste the day away. It was a reminder of life before work and being a high-ranking trainer consumed their lives.

And the best part of the entire day. Every year they watched the ball drop. Every year they kissed, the perfect way to cap off a day of luxury and rest. Brandon lounged back on the couch with Lum resting atop him. They watched as the crowd counted down on the TV. Lum looked upward, upside-down at Brandon. Their lips met for a gentle, lingering kiss. Brandon rubbed at Lum’s belly as the kiss broke.

“I love you, Lum.”

Lum gave a soft ‘rurrrur’ in return. No Aura Reader needed for Brandon to know what Lum was saying. Lum nestled back against Brandon. They lay there for a while longer before Brandon kissed along the rim of Lum’s ear.

“We should head to bed, puppy. We’ve got an important dinner meeting tomorrow.”

Lum knew there was one. He didn’t know what it was about and he really wished they could stay there long. Lum obediently nodded. He savored just a moment more of being held. Then they headed upstairs and to the bedroom, climbed into bed and cuddled close. Lum couldn’t keep himself from initiating just a little more intimacy before sleep.

Back to the grind. Brandon left bed to shower. Lum got to enjoy a few more minutes cuddling Luito before he got up, made coffee, and they got to work. Emails and calls in the morning for Brandon, meditation and training for Lum. Then a lunch break and heading out. They had an early afternoon appointment at their barber. Brandon was very particular about Lum and his appearance. They visited the barber the first day of each month. It took a good while with the barber doing both of them. Particularly with Lum, who needed a fur grooming head to toe.

Finally, there was the important dinner meeting. Lum wasn’t a huge fan of doing work while having dinner. He at least enjoyed where they were going. A very high end restaurant reserved for very special occasions or very important customers. They made some of the tastiest food Lum had ever enjoyed and their wine selection was incredible.

Brandon pulled up to the valet. The parking attendants opened the doors for Brandon and Lum, the latter attendee releasing Lum from his car seat. The pair headed into the restaurant. They were soon guided to a small, private room. The restaurant was ideal for meetings, given the wonderful food and the privacy offered by these rooms. The setting was for four. It seemed Brandon and Lum had arrived first.

“We’re a bit early. Want to select a wine, Lum?”

Brandon handed over the menu and Lum began scanning. He glanced curiously to the two unattended settings, curious who they were meeting with, before continuing along the wine list. Lum knew there were several major contracts Brandon’s company was working on at the moment. He couldn’t remember any that needed particular attention at the moment, though. Then again, some customers were over eager, wanted to micromanage, and pestered to be constantly updated.

The wine arrived. The two were enjoying it while they discussed the possibility of Lucita visiting and how they were going to move forward with making Lum’s heir.

“Sir, the rest of your party has arrived. May I bring them in?”

Brandon smiled and nodded. “Yes, of course.”

Lum lifted his glass and took another sip of wine. He paused as he lowered it to the table. Confusion set in as Lum felt and smelled Jake and Ty before they reached the door. He looked over and furrowed his brows as Jake and Ty walked in. Brandon and Lum had plenty of business with Jake and the gym but they had never met at such a nice restaurant. Usually they met at the gym. If not, it was at one or the other’s house.

“Oh. Hey puppy.” Ty smiled warmly as he looked between Brandon and Lum. “Huh, I was dreading whatever this was going to be. What a pleasant surprise.” He rumbled affectionately. Brandon stood to greet Jake while Ty slipped into the seat across from Lum. “Any idea what this is for?”

Lum shook his head ‘no’, but a weight started to sit in his stomach. Something was off.

Jake nodded, “I’m going to go to the bar for a little. Behave.” Jake patted atop Ty’s head before leaving.

Brandon returned to his seat, sporting a smile as he glanced between Ty and Lum. “So, like I told you Lum, we have a bit of an important meeting.” Brandon reached out and rest his hand atop Lum’s paw, avoiding the steel spike there. “Jake and I have noticed you two getting closer. It’s cute you’ve been trying to hide it, but… Come on Lum, neither of us can hide anything from the other.”

A horrible sinking feeling filled Lum’s stomach. His insides turned to ice. The storm Lucita had assaged the day before hit Lum with a force he hadn’t known before. His eyes were wide as he stared at Brandon. He felt his paws start to tremble.

“I couldn’t live without you Lum. All of us know that if it ever came to it, I’d choose you over anything and anyone. Even Alex knows that. And I’m pretty sure you feel the same about me.” Lum immediately, vigorously nodded. A soft whimper built in his throat. “But I think Ty feels the same way about you as well.” Brandon turned his attention to Ty. Lum followed suit. Ty looked between them, his ubiquitous smile faltering. His eyes were wide, just like Lum. His muzzle opened, but nothing came out. Ty finally shut his muzzle and swallowed. He turned down, looking at the charger set before him. Finally, Ty nodded.

Lum quickly looked at Brandon. His paws were shaking now. He could feel trembles running through his body and his lip quivering.

“Do you feel that way about Ty?”

“No!” Lum barked. Then a pain like no other stabbed into his chest. Lying to Brandon hurt. But to say such a thing in front of Ty. In front of someone he loved so, so very much. Lum glanced at Ty. Ty’s constant smile had faltered before. Now the Typhlosion was staring at Lum. Eyes wide with shock and muzzle hanging open. Pain was so visible in those eyes. “Ty… yes, but…” Lum quickly turned back to Brandon. Lum slipped his hand from under Brandons and scrambled for Brandon’s phone. Brandon pushed it away.

“I don’t want to listen to the phone. I want to hear from you, Lum.” Lum felt a sob shake his body, tears streaming down his cheeks. “Calm Mind.” Brandon commanded gently, but firmly. Lum’s body did it automatically, without question, years upon years of training guiding it. The ruffle of Aura, and the centering of his thoughts. But it wasn’t enough. A shelter far too meager for the storm raging inside him. Lum suddenly couldn’t breathe.

“Lum. Do what you need to. But don’t panic. Remember, Lum. You are unbreakable.” Ty rumbled. His voice was solemn, and Lum could hear immense pain in it.

Lum gave Ty another quick look. His mother’s words echoed in his mind. Over, and over, he was unbreakable. He was unstoppable. He would overcome anything. Finally Lum could take a slow, measured breath. There was still a bit of a whine when he exhaled. Lum turned to properly face Brandon. He nodded. “I do. I love him so much…” he whimpered as he said it, struggling to speak properly amid a couple choked back sobs. He could feel tears trailing along his jaw.

“Lum, please puppy, relax.” Brandon reached out and held Lum’s cheeks. He leaned in and kissed Lum’s nose. “I’m not upset. And I am not asking you to make a choice between us. You’re not in trouble.” Brandon crooned, doing his best to comfort his companion. “Relax. Deep breaths Lum.”

Lum did his best. He couldn’t stop the tears, or the trembling, but his breathing steadied.

“Thank you puppy.” Brandon kissed Lum’s forehead before sitting up again. “Jake and I talked about this at the party. Jake hadn’t quite caught on how serious it was becoming. Then again, he’s not connected with a Lucario. I could feel it. That’s what we’re meeting for here. To ask if you two want to be together, and how we’ll make that work.” Brandon gave each Pokémon a warm smile. “So, do you two want to have a proper relationship?”

Lum was eager to say yes. But then he remembered the barked ‘no’ earlier. He turned to face Ty. “I’m… so sorry Ty. I… I don’t even know how I could have said… I want to say yes. Can I tell Brandon yes? If you don’t-”.

“Quiet, puppy. I know how you feel about Brandon and how terrifying this moment was for you.” Ty reached across the table. Lum put his paw in Ty’s. “I told you the other day. I just need you. Of course I want to.” Ty had that warm, loving smile that Lum treasured. And it was more beautiful to Lum than ever before. Both Pokémon turned to Brandon and nodded.

“Wonderful.” Brandon ruffled atop Lum’s head. “I’m so happy for you puppy. And just like when I started dating Alex. This doesn’t change you and me, right?” Lum quickly nodded, ‘arf!’ing. “Exactly. That big heart of yours has enough love for everyone.” Brandon kissed Lum’s forehead again. “I’m going to go get a drink with Jake. We’ll be back in a bit, so you two can talk.”

And compose myself, Lum thought. He knew he must look a proper mess. Brandon stood, ruffled atop Ty’s head, then headed out of the private room.

Lum wiped at his eyes, muzzle and cheeks. He looked up to Ty. The Typhlosion’s soft, affectionate smile had returned. He was just waiting, watching Lum put his fur back in place.

“... I’m so sorry.” Lum whimpered, nearly choking on his apology. “I’m so, so sorry. I can’t believe… Even i- if it’s only been a couple years… I love you so much Ty… I really did mean it, I couldn’t live without you either.”

Ty lifted his paw and halted Lum’s blathering. He smiled a bit wider and lowered his hand.

“Come kiss me.”

Lum sprung out of his seat. He leaped up onto Ty, hugging around his neck, clinging to him. And, as always, careful with his chest spike. Lum pressed his lips to Ty’s, kissing him so desperately, so full of need. He held it for a long time, steadily clinging tighter. For the first time it was right. It wasn’t hidden, it wasn’t secret. Ty was his, and he was Ty’s.

Lum had managed some semblance of composure by the time Jake and Brandon returned. He was still pressed to Ty’s side, squeezing his lover proudly. He rumbled and ‘rurf’d up at Jake and Brandon.

“Mm. So Brandon was right. This is pretty serious.”

“I’ve never wrong when it comes to Lum.” Brandon gestured to the seat beside Ty. “You want to sit with Ty, Lum?”

Lum instantly nodded. Then he paused, looking up at Ty.

“... of course. Why wouldn’t I want to sit next to my Lovecario?” He rumbled, “... Our Lovecario, I suppose. Officially ours.” as Ty glanced at Brandon. That dumb, beautiful smile made Lum’s heart melt. It took Brandon a moment to move the booster seat over, and then Lum’s wine. Lum climbed into his new seat at the table setting. He would love to move closer to Ty, but it wasn’t quite appropriate at such a high end restaurant.

“If it’s not obvious, Brandon and I have discussed this a bit.” Jake settled into the chair opposite Ty. He set a shallow box on the table between Brandon and himself. “Clearly Ty and I have a very different relationship than you and Brandon. I love Ty, of course.” Jake smiled at Ty. “But neither of us will die if we’re apart for ten minutes.” Lum snorted and rolled his eyes. “I suppose the house is a bit crowded with Sul and Chai moving in.” Again, Lum snorted. Jake’s mansion was anything but crowded. Then Lum’s ears perked, the implications dawning on him. “We discussed Ty living primarily with Brandon and you.”

Lum’s ear twitched. He glanced to the side, peeking at Ty, seeing how he was reacting. Ty just had that perpetual smile. He must have noticed Lum’s glance since Ty turned to smile at Lum. He smiled wider before returning to Jake.

And then a pair of staff arrived. One placed bread and butter on the table while the other discussed the menu for the night. Lum and Brandon had little to say, the staff quite familiar with them. Jake and Ty, on the other paw, took a few minutes to discuss. Lum held himself calm, paws folded on the table, the perfect image of patience and serenity. But his insides squirmed with anxiety and excitement to learn more.

“Alright, where were we?” Jake smiled brightly. Lum was certain Jake was dragging it out just to torture him. “Ah, yes. Ty living with you both.”

“We certainly have the space for it. Coal is quite possessive of her basement, but we’ve two guest rooms. We could easily convert one to Ty’s room. Alternatively,” Brandon gestured to Lum, “Lum has his own room. It’s quite spacious, but it’s not used much. He mostly sleeps with Alex and myself.” Brand paused, “Alex is on board, of course. So, rather than his own room, Ty could share Lum’s room.” Lum’s tail wagged at the possibility. “Of course, assuming Ty wants to move over?” Brandon turned his attention back on the Typhlosion.

Lum was sure Ty wanted to. Of course they’d share Lum’s room! Lum turned to Ty, a huge smile across his muzzle. Then he froze. Ty had that wonderful smile. But it was a facade. He was smiling at Jake, but there was something else in his eyes. Ty met Lum’s gaze for a moment before Lum quickly began staring at the bread on his plate. He scolded himself. Even if they weren’t as close as Brandon and Lum, Jake was Ty’s family. Ty had spent over a decade less with Jake than Lum had with Brandon… but Ty’s entire life had been by Jake’s side. And he was considerably younger than Lum. Even now, Lum couldn’t picture moving away from Brandon. When he was younger…

“Of course, you’re not off the hook, you big lug.” Jake stood a little to reach over the table, ruffling atop Ty’s head. Not quite appropriate for their setting, but Lum couldn’t care less. “I know you hate battling, but you’re still part of my team. You still have your training duties, and have to be at the gym regularly.” Jake sat back down. “Can’t let Ozzy hog the spotlight right? He’s already too full of himself.”

“Grah raah!” Ty playfully responded, his smile genuine again. He looked back at Lum. He held a paw out to Lum, who took it. “I’ll move into your room, right..?” He rumbled in the deep, gravelly voice Lum couldn’t get enough of.

“Can you put up with spending that much time around me?”

Ty rolled his eyes. He eagerly nodded at Brandon and Jake.

“Well, that settles it. How about you head home with them tonight, and tomorrow we’ll get to moving your stuff?”

“Rahhh!” Ty nodded again. He squeezed Lum’s paw before releasing it. Just in time as the first course was brought in. Lum looked at the salad briefly. He wasn’t quite hungry after everything they had gone through, but he knew he should eat.

“Ah, one last thing.” Brandon lifted the box Jake had brought in.

“This is all Brandon. I told him it’s a bit much, but he insisted.”

“Nonsense.” Brandon held the box out to lum. “Lum and I don’t quite need something like this. We’re always together and everyone knows it.”

Lum looked at the rectangular, short box with curiosity. He lifted the lid away. Inside was a silver and gray horseshoe-shaped piece of metal. The remaining portion was a decorative mesh of metal. Lum recognized platinum and silver, titanium… but he wasn’t familiar with all the scents there. Only then did he realize there was a ring set in the center of the box.

“Alex and I have rings. It’s only fair Lum has the choice to wear something as well.”

“We are absolutely wearing those.” Ty rumbled, having leaned toward Lum to peer in the box.

Only then did Lum realize what the collar and ring were. He looked up to Brandon and eagerly nodded, yipping happily and tail wagging.

“Told you.” Brandon didn’t bother looking at Jake. The gym leader simply shrugged and began eating. “The clasp portion will easily tolerate Ty’s fire. Even a Typhlosion as strong as Ty won’t damage it.” Brandon lifted his utensils. “We’ll put it on after dinner, mm?”

Lum nodded again. He closed the box and set it aside. The Pokémon joined their trainers in eating. Dinner was a blur for Lum. He kept glancing at the box. Looking over to Ty. His Ty. And back to Brandon. Each time Brandon met his gaze and smiled affectionately.

Lum had no idea how he had earned such perfect partners.

Ty gave Jake a lingering hug before parting ways after dinner. Ty took up most of the back of Brandon’s car. Lum was stuck in front, in his car seat, as much as he wanted to sit in the back with Ty.

“You look adorable in that.”

Lum was so delighted with the situation he couldn’t play along with Ty’s jeering.

“I love you, Ty.”

Ty snorted, but he was smiling ear-to-ear. “I love you too, Lum.”

Lum admired his new ring as they settled into bed. It, of course, fit perfectly. Brandon would never make a mistake on something like that. He looked at the matching collar around the base of Ty’s neck. They had tested it once home, and indeed, Ty’s flames at their hottest had done nothing to the decorative clasp of the collar.

Ty clambered into bed on one side of Lum. They had chosen to sleep with Brandon, a last chance before Alex returned the next day. A minute later Brandon joined them, settling on the opposite side of Lum and opening his book. Lum nuzzled appreciatively at Brandon, ‘rrhrrrhuf’ing before he snuggled up against Ty.

“You two are adorable. I’m glad I get to see it now.”

Lum ‘arf’d playfully in return.

“Do you think he knew about us the entire time? I mean, he knew we were fucking but like… did he know about us?” Ty mused.

“Probably. It was dumb to hide from him. We both know what the other is feeling.”

“Like telepathy? Talking into one another’s head? Like you and your mom?” Ty probed.

“Not quite… Mom and I sense one another’s thoughts, and can feel each movement when we’re synced. With Brandon it’s more like… a vague sense of emotion. Like…” Lum trailed off. He remembered back to the Christmas party at Jake’s. What Drowzee had said.

Lum slipped free of Ty and scooted closer to Brandon. He got to his knees and sat back on his feet. Brandon looked up from the book he was reading. He placed his bookmark and set it aside.

“What’s up puppy?”

Lum held his paws out to Brandon. The trainer looked curious for a moment but followed suit, taking Lum’s paws in his hands. Lum took a slow breath. The fringe of his vision became blue as he focused his Aura.

“Wait… Are you… attacking Brandon?” There was an uncertain tone to Ty’s voice.

“Aura is life. It flows through every living thing.” Lum murmured. All the while he stared into Brandon’s eyes. He could see a touch of discomfort in them. Lum slowly pushed further, his Aura flowing into Brandon’s hands and further into his arms. “Lucarios have immense Aura, and can manipulate it. The same way you have fire energy you can manipulate. Drowzee suggested…” Lum steadied himself with another breath. He pushed a little harder. “Brandon is a descendent of Sir Aaron, just as I am descended from his Lucario. It was said that Sir Aaron…” Lum trailed off again. He felt the resistance increasing each time he tried to push further. Brandon winced a little but held firm.

Lum backed away. He was so afraid of hurting Brandon. He had hurt one of his two loves already that night. He didn’t want to make it both.

“It’s okay puppy. I know you’re trying to do something important. Keep going.”

Lum was certain Brandon was truly the stronger one in their relationship. Lum pushed even harder. More resistance. And the muscles in Brandon’s forearms contracted and locked. Lum couldn’t stop. Not when he saw the resolve in Brandon’s eyes. Lum pressed, and pressed. Nothing.

Lum started to falter. He knew this was right, he could feel it. His Aura was following Brandon’s. Not disrupting it, like when Lum attacked other Pokemon. It just needed something…

Lum leaned in and kissed Brandon, pressing to the trainer he loved so. The resistance disappeared. Lum’s Aura flowed into Brandon, and he could feel Brandon’s flow back into him. One completed circuit.

Lum broke the kiss and sat back on his ankles again. There was a brief, faint blue hue to Brandon’s eyes. Brandon looked between their hands before looking up again.

“What’s this, puppy?”

“I wish I knew. But it looks like Drowzee was right, at least.” Lum murmured.

“... Lum, did you just say that? Drowzee was right?”

Lum’s jaw fell open. He stared at Brandon for a long while.

“Can you understand me? Word for word, not just feelings?”

Brandon slowly nodded. He looked at their hands again. “I can’t understand the sounds you’re making… but I definitely hear you. Kind of like how a Drowzee communicated with me. But a whole lot clearer. Like you’re speaking inside of me.”

Lum released Brandon’s hands. The circuit between them disconnected, but he could see much more Aura flowing through Brandon. Nothing like Lucita or Lum, but more than anything other than a Lucario.

“Is it still working?”

“Yeah. I can still hear you.” Brandon tilted his head, a playful smile on his lips. “Is this that legend about Lucarios and their trainers? Is that what you were doing?”

“I guess so.”

“Does this mean Brandon can understand all Pokémon now?” Ty had held his tongue for so long. He couldn’t contain his curiosity any longer.

Lum glanced between Ty and Brandon. Brandon didn’t seem to react.

“I don’t think so. I think this is a ‘Brandon and me’ thing, not a ‘speaking Pokémon’ thing… Or, at least, Brandon and Lucarios. We’ll have to see when mom returns.”

Brandon reached over and scritched at Ty’s chin. “Guessing you asked if I could understand you too? Sorry Ty, it doesn't seem like it.”

Ty tilted his head upward, rumbling away. “His touch feels different. More like yours.”

Lum thought back to what Drowzee had said. Like broadcasting, like a radio catching a signal. ‘Can you hear me even when I don’t talk?’ Lum did his best to direct the question to Brandon.

Brandon moved in his other hand. He worked both of Ty’s ears at once and nodded. ‘This is going to be… I don’t even know.’

Lum nodded and looked down at his paws. He had no idea what he had just initiated, but he knew it could only bring Brandon and himself closer.

So many things changed all at once. But Lum knew he could overcome them. That, with his two lovers, they would overcome anything.

“Okay, I want in on this.” Lum growled playfully as he crawled over to Ty. He pushed the fire type onto his back and started vigorously belly and chest rubbing.

“Double teamed! No fair!” Ty laughed and wiggled, relishing the attention.