FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

A Candid Request

By Laz Briar

Astounding!

Chris had heard rumors along his travels about the vibrant Nimbasa City. Tales of how its sprawling, neon-drenched towers broke into the sky like colorful fingers. How music danced through the air, coating the colorful peoples from around the world, enchanted by wanderlust and the desire for entertainment. Amusements and carnivals and events were all the rage, driving life into the pulp of desert stretch where the city was first conceived, a testament to both survival and ingenuity.

But words couldn't do it justice. Even overlooking the vast expanse of city-life below, he was amazed. Perhaps he was too used to the tiny, cozier towns of his upbringing, where the most exciting thing you might see was a shiny Ratatta. But here? Lights coiled in shapes impossible with trainers sporting poke'mon defying imagination. It was almost too much!

But Nimbasa - like poke'mon - had evolved over the years. What once was originally a platform for entertainment and battles also invited various attractions. Some were mainstays like popular restaurants or hotels, like the one he was staying at. But others were a little more refined.

In fact, one of the largest poke'mon beauty pageants was enthroned in the heart of Nimbasa City. Where, originally, they were sporadic events held in different cities across the region, now, one of the most renowned and respected pageants resided here. The "Unforgettable Diamonds" pageant was to Groomers as the Elite Four was to Trainers. Hopefuls from all corners delighted at the prospect to show off their exotic poke'mon, demonstrating that their companions weren't just mechanisms of battle.

It was from this Chris hoped to learn and one day prove himself. He too had started on the path of a Groomer some time ago, uninterested in the strain and complexity of battle. He shied away from the ferocity of combat, found it difficult to inflict injury on creatures he found both miraculous and alluring. What better way to appreciate them by grooming, then? Bring their characteristics to life with unique attires, flairs, and colors.

No better place to feel inspired than Nimbasa City! Even in his hotel room, he felt tremors of excitement. On the provided TV, promos for the Grand Diamond Event buzzed on almost every local channel, with live coverage from the stadium where the event was held. Talking heads went over previous champions, highlighting some of the exotic sights they witnessed, while also discussing future hopefuls desiring to take the Unforgettable Diamond award.

Like a child seeing his first battle, Chris stared at the flatscreen, feasting on instant ramen. His companion - a young Evee Rana - nested on the bed, eyes flicking between her groomer and the screen, amused at the boy's piqued intrigue. Nineteen or no, he was still full of so much innocent youth.

Indeed, Chris' eyes went wide with every recognizable name.

The screen flashed to one of the speakers, a suited man with square-cut hair. "Last year, we saw the incredible Fastivo Florence showcase his mesmerizing Magmar, taking everyone off guard. Fire types are generally regarded as too feisty for pageants, but the elegance demonstrated was breathtaking."

Chris' face curled in delight. "I remember him!" he said.

"He said he meditated with his Magmar every day near an active volcano!"

The screen flashed again, this time to a man with a more exotic flair - white curled pompadour and purple, glistening tuxedo.

"Oh, that's right, and it must've been all the meditation. Fastivo went on and on about his daily regiment!" said the host.

Chris chuckled. It was nice to see his knowledge relevant here.

"Think it'll help him for this year's Grand Diamond?"

The white-haired host gave an exaggerated wipe of the brow.

"Sampson, normally he'd be my number one."

"But?"

In the background, a recording appeared behind the pair, where an image of a brilliant young woman coalesced. Her hair long and gold, sharp green eyes, and youthful frame, she wore a striking black dress. At her side, a lithe, curvaceous Lopunny. No, not just a Lopunny, a shiny one.

Chris almost spat out his noodles mid-gasp. Was that. . .

"But this young lady, Candice, has captured the attention of everyone. She just came off her successful gym circuit ala' Kanto with that utterly stunning bun of hers, and now? Well, eyes on the prize. I mean just look at that brilliant figure!"

"Which one?" said Sampson. The duo chuckled.

Sampson continued. "But Jereti here isn't exaggerating folks, this girl's the real deal. She's won a handful of pageants on her trial-by-fire path of victory."

Chris was right. And he couldn't believe it! The Candice Ameran. He heard about her from all sorts of coverage avenues. Podcasts with quick interviews, PokeTube compilations of her trainer battles, highlights from local pageant awards. She was taking the trainer and Groomer world by storm, probably because she did it with so much flair and style.

Several more images of her flashed behind them, this time with her esteemed Lopunny, Rosa. Rosa was one of the unique shinies, sporting a brilliant coat and style, mesmerizing in every aspect. She also belonged to the unique morph circuit, an evolving league where the anthropoid variants of poke'mon duked it out in various competitions.

Chris liked watching Candice battle. And. . . he kind of liked watching Rosa a lot too. Maybe a bit too much.

"Vee?"

Chris must've stared too long, because Rana caught his attention. She was looking between him and the screen, noting his gaze.

He chuckled, rubbing his head. "Oh, haha! It's nothing, guess I'm just caught up in the excitement!"

Rana rolled her eyes. She knew that look.

Later, evening started to settle over the city, where towers blossomed into a blitz of gorgeous lights. Chris cleaned himself and set about wearing some appropriate clothes, as tonight was a sort of "meet and greet." Before the main event, all potential Groomers were invited to the Grand Diamond to feel out the competition and get comfortable with the expectations. This was also a chance for professionals to scare away would-be challengers. But Chris didn't come so far to be deterred.

After prepping, he fluffed Rana's coat and made sure her fur was soft and smooth. Afterward, he set out a few personal decor items, letting Rana choose her most favored. Rana - in usual fashion - selected her red bow. It wasn't the flashiest, but they won their first minor competition with it, so it held a special place for them.

With a smile and head pat, they set out from the hotel towards the Grand Diamond complex, a gargantuan stadium facility lying in the heart of Nimbasa. It was an immense thing, a startling shape of white, brilliant geometry drowning in sparkling lights, elegant symbols woven into the rim of its construction. Past champion groomers and trainers had their persons immortalized in holographic statues which lined a pathway leading to the building's entrance, which as of now, was crowded with competitors and intrigued attendees.

Chris felt pangs of nervousness prick at him. As he and Rana started towards the building, its sheer size loomed over them. Not only that, they were surrounded by exotic trainers and poke'mon, all of which were impressive in their own right. It was like every competition the duo had been in had coalesced at this place!

A part of him thought about turning around. This was too much, wasn't it? But, no. That was the difference between competitor and audience. Even against insurmountable odds, he had to try. Grooming was his art!

Still, it was dizzying, and even Rana fidgeted in his grasp as they walked beyond the entrance. Inside, things didn't exactly settle. Rather, grand furnishings and scarlet banners lined the walls with floating lights attended by various flying poke'mon. Balconies brimmed with groomers and trainers while an audible hum of crowd noise washed over the pair. Rana's ears flinched at all of it, no doubt picking up on every grumble and laugh echoing throughout the building.

Navigation wasn't easier, either. After one of the consorts checked him (one had to provide a Groomer's ticket of attendance), Chris and Rana were left to the devices of the Grand Diamond. There were plenty of things to do, too. Some veterans talked with crowds about forming bonds with their poke'mon, while others showcased their unique morph variants. There were also stands for rare collectibles and items a trainer could purchase via circuit points. Then, of course, the bragging. Not direct, no, but when a groomer won accolades and honor badges, they were sure to flaunt it.

Despite it all, though, he was interested only in the Unforgettable Diamonds tourney. This was where the best got together. If he wanted to one day hold the same level of clout, he'd have to learn. He needed to know what it took to be the best.

At first, his initial instinct was to ask the pros, but he swiftly discovered extensive lines where attendees were eager just to get an autograph. Crowds and paparazzi swarmed others in a blitz of flashes and questions, making discussion impossible. Others, too, were caught up in conversations amongst themselves and Chris didn't know anyone so far out from home. He tried several balconies up too, where floors overlooked the populous and poke'mon below, but by the time he scaled stairs he was out of breath.

His thoughts were light, muddled. Some of it was discouraging. There was such incredible volume here, a surge of people and morphs and skills. He always dreamed of the professional leagues, much like every trainer or groomer might. Yet, to encounter it all now, to get a real sense of what he was up against? Could he even do this?

Eventually, Chris paused. He hung himself over one of the balcony stands, setting Rana down. The Evee regarded him with curious concern, wondering where all his momentum went.

"I don't know, Rana," he said, head shaking. "This is crazy."

"Vee?"

"I knew the Diamond tournament was big, but, not like this."

He started to feel silly. A kid with eyes bigger than his stomach.

"Veeee." Rana nudged his ankle with her head. "Vee!"

Chris glanced down. "Well, I appreciate that. I mean, I think you're the prettiest thing here."

Rana beamed. "Eeeev. Vee."

But even hometown pretty won't get us far, he thought.

Again, his eyes drifted to enormous screens docked along some of the walls found on each of the stadium's levels, all of which flashed over professional Groomers. Favio, Clancy San, Morri the Majestic, Professional Cane, Lyon. What did it take to reach their level? Sure, aesthetics played a role, but Chris got the sense he was missing something. But what?

"Competition's down there, kiddo."

At once, his musing was cut short by a soft voice. Sweet yet sharp enough it cut through the gurgling ambiance of the pageant stadium. Even Rana was caught off guard, turning with her master to spy the silhouette of a graceful figure.

Long blonde hair with a brilliant black dress and wide brim hat which covered her features. It didn't hide her scarlet smirk, however. She carried a lovely perfume, hand higher than Chris. Something about her was familiar, too.

"Oh, uh!" he said, turning. He hadn't talked to anyone in a while, much less a girl.

As he got a closer look, he realized: hardly a girl, a woman. Perhaps she held maybe a few years over him, but everything about her cantor, mannerism, and posture indicated a maturity vastly grander than his own. World wise, astute.

"Yeah, I mean," he continued, flushing, "Getting a little break is all. It's crazy down there!"

He studied her a bit longer, if only for a moment. Part of his past as a Groomer meant identifying flair and quality characteristics to attain the best look for his Rana. Anxious as he was, learned eyes grabbed a few other details: an exotic bracelet on her wrist meant she was a traveler. The style of her curled gold hair meant she visited professional salons, and the style was definitely not Nimbasa centric. The perfume? Hmm, a Johto import, he wagered.

"Isn't crazy half the fun?" she said, stepping a little closer.

Chris straightened himself. "Well. . ."

This got a chuckle from her. "I thought so."

Much to his surprise, she wandered next to him, gesturing to the crowds below. Rana grumbled, eyes narrowing at the stranger, ears flagged with caution.

"It's all too much, it really is. Excessive. A giant orgy of self-importance, you know?"

Chris blinked. Not the question he expected. "What do you mean?"

She sighed. "When I started as a Groomer, I wanted to show the world just how beautiful poke'mon could be. Or, I guess the morphs, you know? There was a lot of pushback those days, a lot of elitism. People called them mutants."

Now Chris was lost. Not disinterested, just lost. This was a lot drop on a stranger!

"Oh, but I'm sure you remember, not like I need to repeat history."

Chris hesitated. "Uh, not exactly."

Something about this woman was familiar. . .

"Really now? I'm shocked," she said, propping herself on the balcony edge. Chris couldn't help but notice her front was pretty heavy. Practically resting on the edge, she was!

"Well, I'm not here to bore you with history. I guess I'm here to win, like you. But I have to say, it's not as exciting anymore. The message is gone. It's all about the show."

She turned to him, light striking her face. "But then again, guess it's always been that. Who am I to question it, right?"

No way.

Chris was right, she was familiar. Because it was Candice.

"Holy hell!"

She gave an expected, though fatigued, smirk.

"Yeah, yeah. Don't lose it, kid. You're not gonna' get the flicks, are you? I came up to top level for a reason."

Chris didn't know what to say. "I. . ."

"Good."

Rana looked between her groomer and the woman. Wasn't that the human from the flashing screens? No wonder Chris looked so astonished. Of course, Rana only paid attention to relevant competitors - namely the Lopunny - who was nowhere to be found. Yet.

"I didn't have to say anything, you know. Don't make me regret it," she said.

Chris realized he was staring, and stuttering.

"What do you mean?" he finally asked. Because, yes, he realized, she was by herself. Normally there was a swarm of flashing lights behind her, a cabal of paparazzi showering her with questions and attention.

"I mean I need my sanity, just like you. Took an hour just to dodge the flicks. They're relentless. 'Get a pose for the fans, Miss Ameran?' And then I blow a little kiss and some guys at home save it to their creepy image folder and then I turn and it's another crowd of them," she said, gesturing below.

She faced Chris now. "So, if it's okay, none of that up here, all right?"

Chris couldn't really relate. He had no idea what it was like to achieve her level of success or popularity. Wouldn't that be great though, to have the world at your beck and call? But, as he considered, perhaps it got tiresome. He tried to think of coming out of his house every morning only to face strange faces and an assault of flashing lights.

"Yeah. Yeah, no problem," he agreed. Still, it was Candice, and excitement bubbled up in his innocent boy heart. "But you really are terrific, you now? You got me into grooming."

She chuckled. "Ah, well thanks. I hope for the right reasons." Here, her eyes drifted to Rana.

"Your Evee is stunning, by the way. Lovely coat, prim ears, healthy posture. She's pretty young for the tournament scene."

Rana looked up, peering back.

"Vee," came a determined reply.

Chris though exploded with pride. "Oh god, you mean it? Thanks! That means so much!"

He scooped Rana up, holding her close. "Did you hear that Rana? The best groomer in the world thinks you're stunning!"

Candice laughed, far more genuine.

"The best? Don't know about that. But, I do mean it."

Rana squirmed, but settled in her groomer's arms. Candice studied the Evee a bit more, leaning - which, to Chris' benefit, granted an extra nice view of her cleavage.

"Less dazzle and eccentric conditioning, here. The bow is a lovely touch. It's honest. Less focus on show-offy flair and excessiveness, you know?"

She sighed, rising, while Chris flushed. "Sadly, probably not something the judges will care about these days."

Chris was still lost in the ocean of her appraisal, but he noted she was rather philosophical about this whole thing. Grooming. She didn't like the attention, it seemed, nor did she have affinity for the tournament in general.

"Thanks," he said again. "The bow we got from our first win."

He caught her other remark though, about the judges. His heart sank a bit.

"What do you mean though?"

Candice again gave her stern, disapproving glance to the crowds below.

"Hmm? Oh, about the competition?" Another chuckle. "Oh don't get me started. Good white chardonnay and my soapbox, I'd never stop."

Chris pet Rana, shrugging. "It's okay."

"Hardly. You didn't ask to be badgered."

Chris felt a bit more comfortable now, smiling. "Look, you're my hero. You could ramble about, I dunno, your favorite brunch and I'd listen. If I want to be a great groomer, I should meet the best."

She returned the smile. "Cute."

Instead of opening a dialogue about the subject, however, she instead withdrew a small sliver of paper from her purse. With a scarlet pen, she scribbled some details, handing it over to Chris.

"I like you. Very honest. I get that from your Evee. Uh, Rana was it?"

Curious, Chris took the paper, nodding. "Yeah."

"Right. Rana and. . ."

"Oh! I'm Chris."

"Chris. You and Rana, why don't you stop by room for a bit, at this number. I took a basic set up to escape the attention. Suites tend to attract that. If you really want me to ramble about this, well, authentic company would be nice."

Chris flushed again. He was flattered and. . . intrigued.

"Rosa will be there too, by the way. She's really wanted to meet someone like you, with that flair for honesty."

Now he was really intrigued. Candice was quite pretty, in all the right ways to make a young man weak in the knees. But others - poke'morphs specifically - were something else entirely. Exotic and enticing. Maybe it was that Blaziken with a motherly figure he once saw as a younger lad sparked his interest, or the athletic runner Arcanine teams. Regardless, in proximity to both Candice and her shiny Lopunny was a dream come true.

"That sounds incredible!" he said, a bit too loudly.

A finger to his lips. "Yes, I'm sure," she said.

"Keep it to yourself though, Chris. Check around later tonight, say 9? I have to find my handlers and tell them to hop off a skyscraper for the night. Takes some doing."

Again, Chris nodded.

"Good boy. And. . . thanks. I'll try to make it worth your time. And not get too tipsy."

Candice straightened, offered a wave, and vanished as quickly as she appeared. Chris was awe struck by all of it, wondering if he was in a dream. How did that even happen?

He looked at the paper given, noting the number and hotel name. Wow! To his astonishment, it was the one he was staying at, a few floors above his room. She was right there the whole time and, if she hadn't said a word, he would never have known. Perhaps, then, she really did need the privacy. The hotel Chris elected to stay at wasn't fancy by any means, certainly well below the standards of someone like Candice.

He tried to focus afterward, but found it difficult. Eventually leaving the top floor, parsing through crowds and event details was its own challenge, and not because of the sheer volume of contest goers. Everything about the future hour muddied his thoughts. Where pamphlets were handed out indicating appropriate league circuits for various Groomer levels, Chris was stuck on Candice - and her words.

He couldn't help but gravitate to her "philosophy," brief as it was. Suppose he'd learn more in a few hours, but it caused him to observe the Unforgettable Diamond award differently. She mentioned flair and excess, but preferred his honesty. What did that mean? And, surely, he couldn't remember anyone referring to morphs as mutants. But then again, he came from an insulated community well-adjusted to any kind of difference. Were there really people out there who looked at morphs with a sense of hostility?

Brr, the thought made him shiver. How anyone could look at poke'mon, morphs or no, in such a way was totally alien to him.

Eventually, he did manage to find competition information for himself. He was primarily at the Grand Diamond to observe, but junior tourneys - namely for those who hadn't earned any major-league points - were free to enter and hopefully find a slot on the circuit. Pending a win, this meant selected competitors could take part in future tourneys, earn more points, and hopefully find a slot to return to the big leagues like the Grand Diamond for some serious championship clout.

Of course, at this point he was lost in contemplation, so much so he hardly remembered leaving the stadium facility. It was evening now, full night sky stretching over NImbasa City with lazy stars poking out from the satin veil. Pillars of dazzling neon spiked high and painted everything with violent hues, like a multi-colored forest.

"Veeeee. . ." Rana shivered in his arm, ears flanking from all the noise.

"Yeah, I don't blame you," said Chris, rushing across a street. It was time to get back. The Grand Diamond was overwhelming enough.

Once back at the room, Chris had lots to consider. He pulled the signed paper free from pocket while Rana hopped from his grasp, stretching.

It read Room #77, 9PM._It was simple, quaint, yet it held significant weight. Why him, Chris wondered? He didn't possess any special reputation nor did he think himself particularly striking. Sure, he took diligent care of Rana, but was that really enough to capture the attention of one of the world's top Groomers? _And Trainers?

A part of him wondered if this was some kind of set up. It was, after all, too good to be true. But a set up for what?

"Bah, overthinking," he muttered. And he was. This was a chance of a lifetime, getting caught up in his own mind did him no good.

"Eve?" Rana chittered, tipping an ear as she curled onto one of the hotel beds.

"Haha, don't mind me," he said. "Guess this is the last thing I expected."

And how. What was he even going to wear?

He took the next hour to mull it over, though discovered his sense of fashion was entirely useless. He could pick out a complimenting color for Rana no problem, but as for himself? Hell, he didn't even own any formal attire. Not like he was invited to ritzy events, or anything. Roots of anxiety started to take hold, making him second guess everything. He was going to make a total fool of himself, wasn't he?

With the pressures of both the meeting and event hanging over them, Chris considered staying in his room. But if he did that, if he stood up the Candice, well, his career was probably over. He didn't know her too well, but she struck him as honest, and making a foe out of a person of her stature and skill was unwise.

Plus, there was the Lopunny. . .

He twitched in a few different ways. As the hour drew closer, the thought started to solidify. Maybe he wasn't anxious because of who the person was. Maybe he was anxious because of all those curves. It was like his flesh abruptly realized he was about to meet a young, hot lady, and by proxy her younger, hotter poke'morph. God, how long was he on the road? When was the last time he even had an honest conversation with the opposite sex?

Standing, he looked at Rana, who was playing with her bow.

"Hey, Ra, can you hold the fort down while I'm gone? I promise it won't take too long."

Rana stopped, though nibbled on her bow the same. "Mmpfvee?"

"Yeah! Just keep an eye on our things. You've been out all day and deserve a little rest. This is probably gonna' get really boring."

Rana blinked. She sensed something odd about the request, though didn't challenge.

"Vee," she huffed with a determined nod. No one would get inside as long as she was around!

Chris was relieved. But, not because he was genuinely worried about the safety of his belongings. He was travelling with Rana for a long time, but this was something he wanted to do solo. Needed to. Rana was so protective, perhaps overly so. She'd never let things get too dicey.

And, now that Chris realized what was ahead of him, maybe he_wanted_ dicey. Danger was a woman, after all.

He went to her, pet her on the head, and set aside some specially made dinner for Rana. When satisfied, he settled on his basic attire, cleaned himself up, and left for Room 77.

A hurricane of thoughts ran through him, most he tried to ignore. He had no idea what to say or talk about, or what he was even going to do when he met Rosa. And what could he expect? This too was a grand mystery, aside from Candice's desire to discuss poke'mon politics.

Settle for honesty, he told himself. If that was the quality Candice found "interesting" in him, it would do. Besides, she was right - it was the character he tried to bring out in himself and Rana.

With nervous enthuse, Chris took an elevator to the relevant floor - again, only two stories above him. The hallways hosting Room 77 was not much fancier than his own, save it had several regal portraits of a white suited trainer and their Charizard. Beyond that, none might guess Candice resided in one of the rooms.

Checking each number, Chris found his destination at the end of the hall. Like a daunting encryption, 77 appeared on the door's black frame, lit up in LED lights, a module at its side for a sophisticated card key. Taking a breather, the groomer straightened himself, cleared his throat, and nudged one of the door's button - a blue orb indicating the buzzer.

It pinged the room, and Chris was left to wait, looking around. No one was in the hall, but he had to imagine his presence looked strange. He hoped it didn't cause suspicion - last thing he wanted was to draw attention from the much-bemoaned paparazzi.

For a while, there was no response, and Chris started to think he came at the wrong time. Or worse, that this wasn't the right room. But, sure enough, a loud electric 'hum' rumbled the door, and it slid ajar, revealing the slim figure of Candice. Save, she was not dressed in her pristine black dress from before, and instead something far more casual.

"You made it," she said, opening the frame wider. She peeked out, looking around. "No one tailed you, right?"

Chris nodded. "Yeah. Just me."

She gestured. "Good. Well, come in then."

Well, no turning back now, he thought.

The door opened further, and Candice let him inside, electromagnetic locks sliding in place once closed again.

"You don't drink, do you?" said Candice, strolling back to the living room. She was in quite the casual attire, her hair loose with a tee shirt and shorts.

"Oh, uh, no, not really," he said, looking around. He wasn't much for drinking, even though ample opportunity existed on the road.

"Fair enough," said Candice. "But if you change your mind."

Here, Candice retrieved a glass she was clearly nursing from before, taking a sip of strong-smelling wine. She sighed, sitting in couch, cross legged, looking out to the city. It stretched like a patchwork of square neon entities, all ebbing with life as the Grand Diamond stood visible along the bright horizon.

Uncertain, Chris stood. He didn't know what the etiquette here, not until Candice gestured to one of the free seats.

"Hey, make yourself at home. You're my guest now. I've got leftovers too, but it's some of that street food. Can't risk getting the ritzy stuff, you know."

Flushing, Chris sat. "Oh, hah, that's all right. I ate a while ago anyway."

Well, he didn't, but he felt he was already intruding enough.

In the meantime, he took a moment to embrace the Candice "experience." This was her, untouched by the media or the world. No fame here, no hint of glamorous wealth or power. Just a young woman, drinking wine, exasperated with the state of things. Chris did his best not to stare - she was quite lithe, and her casual demeanor was welcoming. Unexpected too.

But it wasn't until his gaze lingered that another figure caught his attention. He hardly believed he didn't spy her out before. Yet, indeed, parallel to him was a couch, and resting prone was the curvaceous Rosa.

Chris' heart froze. All at once, the slender vision of Lopunny bounced out at him, reclining in relaxed manner, nestled in couch pillows. Pink highlights touched her forearms and ear-tips, exotic makings of her shiny genetics, swerving with the gentlest hint of body definition and female frame. Her eyes were wide and curious, her hips robust and rump perky. Her breasts too, sizable and shapely, pressed into the furniture, flattening at the seams of the fabric.

It was hard for Chris _not_to notice all this. Once again, he had such a deep fondness for poke'morphs, far more than the usual human variety. Was it his desire for the exotic as a Groomer? Maybe. But now, all he knew was that he reclined In proximity to the prized poke'mon, no doubt desired by hundreds - maybe thousands.

Candice didn't notice. Or at least, didn't appear to.

"I don't think you met Rosa," she said, gesturing to the Lopunny. "She was curious when I mentioned you."

Chris shifted. His pants were a bit tighter than he'd like.

"Oh, r-really?" he said. "I'm surprised you did. I'm nothing special."

He tried to rear the conversation somewhere else.

"That's why she was curious," continued Candice. "We're a bit tired of all the flair, you know."

Rosa perched her chin on hands, examining Chris, looking him over. Chris flushed again. Oh Arceus, he hoped they couldn't see how red he clearly was.

"You were mentioning something like that," Chris said. "But I still don't know what you mean."

His voice almost cracked, yet somehow, the groomer kept his composure. For now. Rana's gaze lingered, and her eyes were so intoxicating to behold. Her legs swayed and short bun tail wiggled. If she turned just a bit, would Chris get to see her. . .

A sip. "Hmm? Oh, no, probably not. I did kind of grab you, didn't I? I mean, who wants to listen to an uppity trainer get all political, right?"

Chris blinked, glancing at Candice. "It's political?"

She shrugged. "Ah, maybe not. But I feel strongly about it. The beauty pageant thing. Like I said, it used to be a chance to showcase all the poke'mon varieties. The morphs too. _Especially_the morphs. They were seen as, you know, mutants. Hard to believe people could think that, but yeah."

Chris tried to focus on Candice's words. It certainly sounded interesting - he had no idea!

"So, you know. I got into all of this for morphs, and poke'mon, and well, everyone who deserved some time in the light. A little representation, you know. Even if you weren't the best or had the best tools, as long as you were honest. But now?"

Candice made a face, taking another wine sip and casting a bitter glance at out the window, and, specifically, the Grand Diamond.

"So little of what made pageants great remains. It's show-y. About finding the most 'exotic' or 'rare' combination of, I don't know. Fashion. Color?"

She laughed. "I guess that's the point. It's a pageant, after all, aren't they supposed to be showing off? But it lacks a message, it's consumed by the desire for popularity. Doesn't matter who the champ is."

For a moment, Chris considered the words. He never thought of it like that - the pageants as a concept, anyway. His intention, at least, was to always get better, to show the world his skills and by proxy the loveliness of little Rana. He liked the competitive nature of it, never considering a potential message. Of course, he wasn't quite savvy when it came to the high-brow opinions of, well, those outright better than him.

"Is there supposed to be one?" he asked, despite this. "Though, I see what you mean. But I never thought of a pageant like that."

Candice shook her head, in admonishment. But not of Chris. "Oh, hardly. I'm just thinking above my station, you see. When was the last time you saw a tournament where the general theme wasn't 'best friends with our poke'mon?' Hah."

It was rhetorical. "I didn't want that. That's why I'm telling you this, you know. I didn't want the usual trainer path. Yeah, okay, I guess I'm one of the best now? And I suppose I'll attach a few more pageants to my name. Take on the Elite Four, get a statue. Then what?"

Rana made a noise, as if agitated. Chris looked between them.

"My thoughts exactly," said Candice to her Lopunny. "I've fallen out of love with it, if I'm honest. And so has she."

Such a concept was alarming to hear from the number one competitor.

"What do you mean?" he asked again. "You're. . . quitting?"

Candice shrugged. "Can one really 'quit' the scene?"

Chris didn't know, but Candice continued.

"I can't. She can though." Another gesture to Rosa. "It's one thing for me to carry the burden, of, well, popularity. But on Rosa? She's done it all. She's taken down the best in looks and competition. She's a normal type, for Arceus sake. She deserves better."

That, at least, Chris understood quite well. He'd do anything to make sure his Rana was okay, and her happiness was important to him.

"The scene probably won't let me retire. I'll be hounded by paparazzi for a while, even if I stopped competing tomorrow. But Rosa. . ."

A glance to the Lopunny, who sat up now. Here, Chris' desires came to fruition. Her perky bust gently wobbled into view, though anything 'extra' was hidden by her fur. Probably for the best - Chris didn't know how he'd "hold together" if he witnessed more.

"We've thought about it for a long while," said Candice. "I want what's best for her, you know."

A deep sip of wine, finishing off the glass. "And I didn't just drag you here to listen to my whining."

Chris shook his head. "It's not whining. I guess it surprises me. I never imagined. . ."

"That I'd say something like this?"

He nodded.

"It's the industry."

Rosa chittered, her ears flicking at the word.

"I think I picked right. Like I said, you're not here just to deal with my complaints. I called you honest, and I meant it."

Chris blinked. He couldn't imagine what this implied. And he started to realize, Rosa had been staring at him this entire time, as if lost in wanderlust. That was a lot of attention coming from a prize poke'morph like herself. What did he do to deserve the honor?

"Thing is, maybe I'm stuck in this carnival show, but Rosa isn't. Trainers rotating out their teams is a common thing. Same with groomers, you know?"

Chris blinked. "Rotating teams?" What was she saying?

A pause. The weight of Candice's next words fell over her.

"I think I have an eye for talent and skill, wouldn't you agree, Chris? I trust my intuition. I may not think much of competition, but I've proven I'm good at it. So, when I see you, I see an honest groomer I can trust. Someone who respects his poke'mon. I saw it with your Eevee."

Candice raised her empty wine glasses, looking at Chris' warped image through it.

"That's a quality I like and, you're not here for the reason you think. It's something else. I'm tired of the scene, you know that. So is Rosa. You know that too. She wants a different path, and much as I'm pain to see her go, I want her to be happy."

Rosa sat up now, her hands on supple thighs, arms pressing cleavage together, observing Chris with growing intrigue. Chris, on the other hand, was dumbfounded. What was Candice about to suggest?

"Rosa could do with someone more down to earth, away from all the exhausting crowds and trials and attention. It helps if it's a guy."

Candice winked. "I walked through hundreds of potentials. All of them, frankly, were the same hollow-headed attention seekers filling up the pageant scene. You Chris? I wager, at least, you're different. Humble and earnest. So. . . Rosa would like a new companion. I'm thinking that's you."

Rosa smiled, her tail wiggling. Chris, though, felt a shockwave run through him. His heart flipped and his head swam, in total disbelief. This couldn't be real. There was no way she meant that!

"You're not serious," he said. "I couldn't. . . how. . ."

Candice chuckled. "I'm not? Inviting you to my room seems pretty serious. And what's so hard to believe? Rosa's done a lot. She's been in the big leagues. But the leagues aren't for her. Not every poke'morph wants to fight or compete or win. That's the myth we all get told."

She cleared her throat. "Well, I'm rambling. But I'm also sincere. And make no mistake, I said companion, Chris. Groomer you are, but Rosa isn't interested in the scene. She just wants a different life. Someone else, someone who can give her that life."

Chris clasped his head.

"I realize it's a lot to take in. Never thought you'd get a question like that, huh?" said Candice.

"I don't know what to say," he said, mind buzzing, chest racing. He really couldn't find the words.

What did it mean for him as a groomer? Did it mean he had to change course, eschew the big leagues to comfort Rosa? Was he even right for that?

"I don't know," he said again. "I like being a groomer. I want to be famous too."

Candice tilted her head. "I won't blame you. Everyone does."

Still, the lingering temptation started to blossom. A shiny Lopunny - Rosa no less - was an amazing morph to have at your side. And Rosa was, well, prized beyond reckoning. It was no secret breeders by the hundreds attempted to offer studs in hopes to catch some of her shiny biology. And if you happened to like morphs a bit too much, like Chris, it was a dream come true. He certainly imagined her differently than others, sometimes pausing extended videos of her combat days in hopes to find an interesting "angle."

But was it worth to change his path, just for that? Or, was his path wrong? The way Candice described it all was not something he expected from the pageant circuit. He just wanted to show the world Rana was pretty, even if she wasn't the most exotic poke'mon. But it sounded like the industry only wanted exotic.

Candice, in the meanwhile, noted Chris' hesitation.

"I figured you might have some reservations. I don't blame you for that either. I mean, awfully rude of me, right? Bemoaning my luxurious lifestyle and then asking you a huge responsibility."

She glanced to Rosa. "Rosa figured that too. But hey, you know, she also considered a way to convince you. I mean, look at this way, Rosa doesn't just have to tag along. She's good at other things. Great fighter, decent cook believe it or not. And companion stuff."

Chris looked between them. Convince him? How? Poke'morphs were smart, but not capable of speech in the same way people her. Was she going to start talking with her own philosophy? Again, Chris was at the mercy of his inability to understand.

"Companion stuff?" he said.

Rosa flushed, giggling in a sort of Lopunny way.

"Well, you're pretty innocent as far as things go. But not that innocent. I mean, it's not hard to parse, Chris, you've been checking out Rosa. Like any hot-blooded male your age might, yeah?"

Chris went red again. "W-what? No, I mean, it's fine, just. . . no!"

She laughed. "Relax. Not judging. I know it, you know it, Rosa knows it. If she was to tag along, it's not just dead weight. She can pull her own, in a few ways."

"There's a lot to consider," Candice continued. "But why not let Rosa have a crack at it, eh? She might change your mind. Swing you to a yes or no."

Chris felt his heart race, though not for reasons previous. Candice was picking at his thoughts, his feelings, touching on ideas he thought were so. . . secret. But, no, she could read it on him, plain as day. God, was he that obvious? He practically felt the fool. Because Candice was right. Looking at Rosa turned his blood to fire and sent spikes of pure adrenalin running through him. His muscles shook from pure excitement and desire.

Desire? Yes. He imagined Rosa in a lot of ways. A lot of positions. And now she was so tangibly close. Her very proximity started a wildfire in him!

Chris was in a different state now, well beyond Candice's previous waxing about poke'mon philosophy or even the idea of taking Rosa on as a companion. That was an idea he couldn't wrap himself around.

"I'm not sure," he said in earnest. "I. . . she's very pretty, yes."

Another chitter from Rosa, and Candice laughed harder.

"Pretty? Well, at least you're modest. Look, let's be frank. You're young, you like girls, and something tells me you really like Rosa."

"Yeah. . ."

"You sure you don't want any wine? Might loosen you up."

Well, Chris needed something loose, that was for sure. And the more he looked at Rosa, at her perky bosom, her wide hips, her slender legs. . . the more he wanted.

He shook his head. Then he took a deep breath.

"Rosa really wants to be with me?"

He wasn't certain what 'be with' entirely meant in the context of all this, but it was more than he could've hoped for.

"Ask her," said Candice.

Chris gulped. Part of him was anxious like any young man might be. But the other part, the instinct mixed with pure unfiltered male, was drowning with desire. Where one part of him tried to sort through the logic of taking on Rosa as another "teammate," the other was screaming. Who cares? Look at what you get!

I like Rosa, the thought sequence began. Then: I want to touch Rosa. Feel Rosa. Kiss Rosa. Fuck Rosa.

Something surged in his head. What kind of thought was that? But it was true, and honest. Years of watching Rosa from Poke'Tube combined with the long, lonely roads smothered him. You can't ignore your nature, like you can't ignore it with breeding. When else would he ever get another chance like this? Was he really about to stand up, thank them for their time, and leave?

So, he did as Rosa told.

"You want to be with me?" he said, looking at Rosa. Of course, it was his polite way of phrasing "sleep with."

Rosa flushed, but her eyes shuttered with a half-lidded reflection, smirk turning to something mischievous, puff tail wiggling. She nodded. A simple action, a minor reflex of nuanced gravity, but to Chris, it was a life-changing moment.

Candice chuckled. "Not surprising. She hasn't been with a stud since. . . oh god, I don't even remember when."

The groomer gestured. "Well. I think that settles that. You two though probably want some privacy. I think I can lend my room, provided you pick up the dry-cleaning bill, Chris."

Chris blinked, dizzy, unfocused. "Uh. . ."

"Hah, I'm kidding."

Here, Rosa ceased hesitations. She stood, and her sultry silhouette poured out, a delightful symmetry of girlish swerves. She sauntered over to Chris, his heart racing as she took steps with a dancer's grace, reaching out with hand. Chris stared. First at the open palm, then at her chest. She was. . . perfectly sized. Buxom, but properly so. Her proportions a delicate mix of a fighter and pageant competitor, a combination of strength and beauty.

"Look, I know it's new for you, but I wouldn't keep her waiting," Candice said, pouring herself more wine.

Chris gulped. "Right."

A lot of it was new. But exciting. Though, to keep the lovely Lopunny at pause any longer was doing himself a disservice, not just her. With intrigue, he took the morph's palm, at once met with he soft warmth of her silky fur. She pulled, only to encourage him. As he stood with her, Rosa took him with her grip and lead him away from the hotel's main room to more private quarters.

One last time, Chris glanced to see Candice who busied herself with wine. Well, no turning back now, not that he wanted to.

Like the rush of excitement he felt upon entering the threshold of the Grand Diamond, Chris' heart fluttered once Rosa lead them into the hotel bedroom, door shutting.

Her wide eyes returned to his and her frame pressed into his own, feminine warmth radiating over him. A mixture of ease, happiness, and lust bloomed inside him, though mostly the latter. It didn't help (or did it?) that her pert breasts flattened into his chest, supple sacs prodding him with dainty hint of tented nips.

"Mmm. . ." she muttered, smiling. She was a touch shorter than him, though it hardly mattered. She came to his cheek with a gentle nibble, a quiet kiss, rousing Chris further.

"This is. . ." he started to say. But he scarcely had the words for it. It was a dream, except better: a real one. Who knows how many would fall over themselves just for a kiss from the shiny Lopunny, and here Chris received as casual as breathing.

To stunt his speech, she drew a finger to his lips. A quiet gesture, one saying 'let me take care of this.' He couldn't object. Truth be told, she was far more experienced than him with any of this.

He did, however allow instinct to drive his actions. His arms leapt forward and with curious scrutiny ran over the Lopunny's dancing hips. Supple flesh rewarded his explorations, as well as a quiver from the poke'morph. Rosa tossed her thighs too, coaxing him on, and so he groped, squeezing into the warmth of her fur. She pressed into him further, her lips granting a bess on his own, causing him to flush.

He rubbed where fingers lie, considering his actions. This was like grooming, right? Professional, gentle, and careful. Looking for the right sweet spots to brush the fur in the perfect manner, save, the "sweet spots" were different here. As he did, Rosa kissed him in earnest, mouthing at him. He didn't expect it, almost startled, but gave in to her attentions without hesitation.

"Rrrr. . ." Rosa rumbled, a little hum rolling from her. It was like a growl, though soft and meek.

Her kisses were continuous, until Chris tried his own. Though, he never considered himself much a kisser. It didn't go unrewarded though, to his delight, as his own motions seemed to hasten Rosa, reaffirm her attentions.

But in bunny fashion, this was only the beginning. She drew back, granting the groomer another mischievous wink, her hands rolling down his sides, a caress of her own. Down they travelled, until skilled digits went to the front of his pants, pricking at his zipper and button. Chris could only watch, stunned. A part of him wasn't ready. The other was absolutely ready.

Rosa tilted her head in tease. "Mm?" A smirk. She knew what she was doing.

"You. . ." Chris tried to say. He was cut off, however, as she unfastened him with abrupt haste, pulling down his attire. Her hand to mouth with feigned gasp, as if surprised by the emergent bulge struggling behind his breaths.

She looked between Chris and his loins, smirk evolving to grin. It was an expression holding terrifying power, one holding all sorts of sexual secrets Chris was wholly ignorant to. He supposed he was going to learn more about poke'morphs than he ever did tonight.

He didn't know what to expect, grunting when her palm cupped and massaged the dimensions of his bulge. It was thrilling to have someone else touch him there, and she seemed to know all perfect ways to knead and roll his hardening flank. Not too hard on his testes, but perfectly firm on his length.

Still, this was just an appetizer for Rosa. Now, she knelt, sliding down with practiced grace, taking Chris completely off guard.

"Whoa, what are you doing?"

He said this, not out of protest, but sheer sexual curiosity. It wasn't what he thought, was it?

His silent question found its answer with her actions, as Rosa tugged away his pants to ankle, locking him in place, revealing his crotch. His cock sprang free and he felt a twinge of shame and anxiety. This was probably the first time anyone had actually, well, observed him. He didn't know how he stacked up, especially not against poke'morphs four times his size. He suddenly realized why all those "male enhancement" supplements were popular among older groomers.

But to Rosa, there appeared no silent judgement or reprisal. Perhaps she was even more excited. Her eyes flashed up, assaulting him with a gaze both submissive and wild, planting new desires in Chris he never knew he had. He was frozen, save for his mast, which twitched with anxious enthusiasm, delighted at the proximity of a curvaceous female.

She laughed now, a sinister rabbit-y chitter as her mouth came to his erect tip. Buck teeth bit down, or at least, seemed to, only to apply the softest of nibbles. There was little pressure, only enough to incur the hint of her action, but it caused Chris to shudder all the same.

"Mmhmm. . ." she mumbled with another laugh, watching Chris shudder. Now, her nibbles transformed to something better.

Kisses arrived, slow, sticky and soft. She assaulted his crown with aggressive smacks, sending rivers of pleased warmth through his shaft. Chris gasped, watching in amazement as Rosa served his flesh, rolling her hot tongue around his end, all while keeping her eyes firmly on his. He had to groan as his inches vanished into her warm maw, or at least the first few, tickled by the wet muscle tossing and churning him in her skilled oral oven.

The heat took him off guard. One did not realize just how hot flesh was until they were inside someone else, and a slurping maw was a testament to that. Chris almost buckled, shivering within the wet oral grasp, observing the lips so expertly wrap and suckle at his length. Though with features of a rabbit, Rosa was still quite accommodating to his human malehood.

With an audible pop, Rosa released the inches, supplying it with a few more attending licks. No doubt the Lopunny could've spent her duration there but had other plans. Chris, however, felt his heart race and length tingle. Electric surges of pleasure radiated over his malehood, rising in strength, and he was surprised he hadn't peaked. Still, he was thankful. Hitting a "crescendo" too early wasn't the kind if impression he wanted to make.

"This is. . ."

Well, he didn't have the words. He didn't have them for his conversation with Candice and he _certainly_didn't have them now. Fortunately, they weren't needed.

Rosa, instead, took him by the palm and lead him to the bed, helping him strip away his clothes. He was bare now, at the mercy of this more experienced shiny Lopunny, his flesh hungry for her warmth and touch.

Chris found himself on the bed, back to fabric, watching the ceiling. His vision was soon filled with Rosa, who loomed over him, still wearing that mischievous smirk. His heart thrummed with heavy beats, striking his chest so hard he thought it might leap out his throat! He could hardly contain himself, filled with need and roiling with excitement.

His breath caught as Rosa all but mounted him. His hands, once again, went to her hips, but the morph had other plans, grabbing his wrists and pressing palms into her generous front. He was surprised, but didn't resist, kneading them, letting digits roll over her stiffened nips.

"You're so pretty," he managed to say, a bit lost in himself. He thought of perhaps saying something dirty but realized it might sound foolish coming from him.

Rosa chittered with approval, letting Chris toss her front together, the buxom chassis splashing together, flesh soft and giving. But, this was merely a distraction. The Lopunny had other plans - mounting plans.

Chris was lost in his attentions to Rosa's frothy front and didn't catch her motions until he felt something hot and wet slid along his flank. Indeed, Rosa ran her thighs over him in several tempting strokes, the cleft of her nether lips massaging against his twitching pike.

"Nnf, Rosa," he managed, his palms falling to her thighs. He had to hold onto something, as despite her feminine composure, the Lopunny held surprising strength.

Saying her name was all he could muster. He had to say it, assure himself that this scenario was actually happening instead of some strange dream. He half expected to wake up next to a Drowzee.

But lo, the sensations emerging from his loins confirmed both the reality and gravity of Rosa's frame. Chris' pike, proud and determined, felt itself wrapped around fiery wet silk as the Lopunny sank herself upon him, her lower lips tight and clenching about his inches. It was smooth and quick, though not the intensity Chris initially expected. Rather, it was the idea, the knowledge of other person 'binding' themselves with him which was truly pleasurable, intermixed with all the sounds and scents of this mating dance.

"Rrrrn!" Rosa grunted, hilting the entirety of Chris into her. They both wobbled, quiet moans escaping them as they paused, drinking in the singular moment of their binding.

But it didn't last long. Candice had mentioned before it was a 'while' since Rosa was with another male, and the enthuse certainly demonstrated this. At once, Rosa began tossing her hips, letting them heave and fall with slow momentum. Each gyration allowed her slick cunny to massage and grip the cock it held with a lewd caress, and each pass incurred a deep, heavy groan from Chris.

Soon these motions transformed to quick hops, with every clash of hip and rump sending sordid snaps throughout the room. It heightened to a bizarre chorus, a sensual orchestra where the applause meant to figures were essentially humping into the other.

Chris was truly at the mercy of Rosa, but did his best to reciprocate. As her hands went to his shoulders, she would lean, pausing, allowing the trainer to strike with upward thrusts, as if teaching. He was clunky, not quite the professional when it came to this, but got it done. Seeds of confidence, at least, were planted in him, the idea that he could pleasure such a beloved poke'morph a grand one. He only wished he could see himself fuck into her, but perhaps that was for another time.

Rosa's hot moans encouraged this thought, and yes, he was well beyond convinced now. The hungriest parts of him would've abandoned everything just for a night with Rosa - but as a companion? The prospect was only sharpened as she hastened her motions, approving squeaks leaving her with every toss of hips.

Chris clung to her now, his arms slipping around her soft, silky back. Her plump bottom slammed now, quick short bursts of bouncing speed riding the boy into the bed, the furniture creaking in protest. With every indelicate thrust and stroke, Chris found himself roiling to peak. Sooner than he liked, but this was a whirlwind of news sensations, and it was hard to hold back with all this shiny Lopunny servicing his shaft.

"Rosa!"

He alerted the Lopunny to the coming surge, but Rosa only embraced it. Her motions quickened, enthusiasm grew, and soon met the roiling tide of hot issue with accepting grace. Chris buckled, tightened, felt his shaft burst with seed and overwhelming climax. This forced a hurdle of grunts from him, shaken from the sheer explosion of his peak.

The shiny Lopunny continued to hump through orgasm, reaching her own climax as the two were a mix of sticky seed and feminine nectar. For Chris, he was left as a twitching mess, compromised by the intensity racking his malehood, waiting for the crescendo to slowly dissipate.

For a moment, their motions settled. Rosa glistened with dewdrops of sweat, panting over Chris, leaning into him. On instinct, Chris returned with a caress, holding the Lopunny close. New feelings started to emerge, natural to anyone mating with another. But they did not separate, not yet, sticky ooze of their coupling dribbling from them, pooling into the sheets.

Chris searched for words, for reason, but couldn't find them. He wasn't much of a wordsmith, anyway. However, the reality of his situation started to settle in. He had just mated with Rosa and, assuming this wasn't some delirious dream, she would be a new travelling companion. How would his path change? What would he do? Hell, what was Rana going to think?

His thoughts were interrupted by a return to the sensations before. To his surprise, Rosa had started her actions once again, only this time with back to him. In moments, he was hard again, twitching inside the sticky warmth of Rosa as she started to bounce her wide hips on his loins.

The rest of the night was filled with the fever of their coupling until Chris lost sense of time. . .

-*-

Was it midnight when he woke back up? Chris didn't know. What he did recall, however, was hot water hitting his sore flesh after cleaning up while Rosa rested in the bed they "coupled" in. Here he could gather his thoughts, figure out what lie ahead. But he was excited. How could he not be?

When he finished and dressed, Candice regarded him with an approving smirk.

"I take it you approve of the offer?" she asked. Chris could only smile.

Figuring out what happened next was the challenging part. For the time being, though, he wished Rosa and Candice a good night, though not before promising to return. From there, it was a matter of finalizing the 'deal' and taking Rosa along with him as a companion for true. What it meant for the Unforgettable Diamonds tourney, he wasn't sure, but for now, his thoughts were on Rosa.

When he returned to his hotel room, Rana got up with a panicked start. She regarded him with uncertainty, hopping around the room with frantic energy.

"VEE!?" she barked, eyes attentive.

Chris chuckled. "Sorry, Rana, some stuff happened. Good stuff though."

Rana peered at him, sniffing. Her ears flagged and eyes widened, certainly picking up the heady scent of Rosa.

"Eeeeveeeee. . ."

He rubbed his head, flushing. "I'll explain everything. We uh, might have a new friend joining us."