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{{Awaken, Kari.}}

My limbs were bound to my sides! Struggling, I kicked and punched. It didn't register that I was in my sleeping bag until I heard the zipper give, sliding down the bag to finally free me. Feeling relieved (and rather foolish), I turned when Rina made a worried sound.

"I'm fine," I mumbled. "Just... dreams."

She shifted her weight then turned her attention back towards the forest. I heard what sounded like several Pidgey singing in the distance, the light of dawn starting to break through the fading darkness. The quiet sounds of nature reassured me that no one was following us, especially not the Rockets from the previous day.

The Rockets...

I pulled the sleeping bag over my head, groaning as yesterday's events came back into my memory. Okemos. The battle. Sabrina's betrayal... and the aftermath. I was still trying to come to terms with it all, especially that my dreams had been caused by a being far beyond anything known to human or Pokémon. And that he had chosen me to be whatever the hell I was.

I sensed movement outside the confines of my sleeping bag. Hearing Rina's grunt, I soon felt one of her claws prodding my side.

"Done sleeping yet?"

I rolled over, trying to evade the offending digit. "I only slept for a couple of hours, Rina." I huddled the bag tighter around my head, making sure there was no way she'd be able to pry it off. "It's not like I've been in a huge battle or anything..."

My whine was ineffective as her snort was one of disbelief. "Yeah. And I did most of the fighting. Come on." I felt another, stronger nudge, as if she was pushing me with her snout. "You don't see me lazing about."

Giving a deeper groan and realizing that she wouldn't stop till I was up and moving, I gradually emerged from my sleeping bag.

"Uh-huh," I grumbled, running a hand through my tangled hair. "Let's see how spry you are after a Psychic gym leader from Team Rocket tries to kill you." That was an exaggeration and I knew it. She'd only wanted to capture me but, let me tell you, after that fight I was starting to feel half dead. After Okemos's departure, my body had gradually started to ache as we left the basin. I was sporting several bruises from my impact with the wall and felt exhausted in general, as if I hadn't slept for days. Still, Rina was right. I needed to get up. We hadn't cleared much ground the night before, only enough to get out of Mt. Moon and into the forest. We still needed to get farther away...

Just in case.

As I started tidying up the camp, grabbing my meager supplies and shoving them in my pack, I realized that Rina hadn't made a retort to my last statement. Turning from my packing to mention it, a rogue canteen was suddenly shoved into my face.

"Oh, thanks, Rina." I took a sip of water, surprised to find it cold. She must have refilled it while I'd been sleeping. I felt badly at that and gave her a smile, hoping to ease whatever resentment she might have.

She gave an amused half grin, as if she knew what I was doing, then leaned down to nuzzle my face. With her new size and height, it was clumsy compared to when she'd been a Nidorina but I still appreciated the gesture.

Even though she almost knocked me over.

"Let's go," I said, laughing as I gingerly slipped the bag over my shoulder. We both might be different now, but in a lot of ways, we were still the same.

It was enough.

=*=*=

"Kari!" My mother was already coming out of house and down the walk, her arms opened to hug me. Stopping short, she suddenly started laughing. "How much of the mountain did you bring back with you? And your clothes..." She shook her head and tsked, reaching out to grab the sleeve of my shirt with her thumb and index. "It's like you were rolling in the dirt!"

"I wasn't, Mom." I let her drag me to the house, her fingers still tightly holding on to my shirt. I shucked off my shoes and socks at the door, getting ready to drop my pack when a grunt stopped me.

Rina, still not used to her new form, was trying to come inside.

"Ohhhh... Wow. Someone found a Moon Stone, huh?"

Mom's eyes were wide, as if trying to figure out how Rina would be getting into the house. When she suddenly started laughing, I felt better, though Rina looked sulky about the whole matter.

"Well, it's certainly not the worst that could have happened!" She reached to hug me again before remembering my state of dress. Changing her target, she moved towards Rina, examining the situation. "Rina, dear... bend your head down a bit more. You keep getting stuck there... and twist your arms just a little."

Rina turned her body, half twisting and bending, the door frame creaking as she tried to push her way in. I was about to say it might be best for her outside when there was a final "crack!" and Rina came stumbling in. She shook herself off, her tail swinging and knocking into the door, causing it to slam shut and startle the poor Nidoqueen. Hunched down, tail now tucked between her legs, she looked at me quite pleadingly.

"It'll be okay, Rina," I offered, touching her arm. "You just need to get used to your new body, that's all."

"Alright, alright!" My mom gave me a shove. "Get going! I don't want the whole house filthy! Hop in the shower and we can talk about your trip when you're done."

"About that, mom-"

She pulled back, giving me a deep frown. "Are you arguing with your mother?"

"No, mom!" I hastily threw out my arms, feeling my ass clench instinctively. Mom was easy going, too easy going, but nothing pissed the woman off more than disrespect. Disrespect meant one thing in her mind...

A meeting with Mr. Paddle.

"I'm heading to the shower right now." I said, all but racing for the stairs.

I could hear my mother's "humph" above the stomping of my feet and shuddered, thinking how close I'd come to another tanning. Slowing down my speed as I got closer to the top, I closed my eyes a moment before wondering just how "disrespectful" it might be to tell her that I wanted to head out on a journey. We'd never really discussed it before, as I hadn't much interest, but everything was different now. I mean, I didn't even know how long this disguise or whatever it was would last. For the moment I looked like me, that is, the me I was before I'd been changed into a Pokégirl or whatever I'd called it. The disguise hadn't worn off while I'd been asleep, but that didn't mean it wasn't temporary.

Even a Ditto eventually had to return to its true form.

That also brought up an interesting question, one I thought of while getting a towel from the laundry closet. Was this my true form, my human one? Or was it what he'd turned me into? Whatever the answer, staying home wasn't an option. Sabrina and the Rockets weren't far away, and while Okemos may have put a temporary fix to things, I had my doubts on how long this respite would last. I had to make use of this time to get a head start.

But to where?

Shutting the bathroom door behind me, I reached to start disrobing. A thought suddenly struck me when I started to pull my shirt off... was my shirt part of my transformation, or was it still a tangible garment? The thought plagued me for a moment before I realized I was over-thinking things. My shoes and socks hadn't vanished earlier. And now that I thought about it, hadn't my clothes disappeared when I first changed? Sure, I had slightly more pressing concerns at the time than my state of dress, given how I was trying to not get the shit beat out of me... but I couldn't recall them getting in the way or falling off.

I started sliding my shirt off, giving a small hiss as my muscles protested. I watched it as it dropped to the floor and lay there, finally giving a shrug and moving to turn on the bath water. The dusty shirt was still there when I looked back, so I moved out of the remainder of my clothing. I recognized it as the original outfit I was wearing, so it must have been suppressed somehow during my transformation.

Somewhat of a relief, since I didn't look forward to my tail or anything being thrown in the wash. It still didn't answer my question on which form was truly mine now... but at the moment, I really didn't feel like getting a bigger headache.

I waited till a hot mist started to curl past the curtain, watching as the mirror slowly fogged over. Once my image was concealed, I was able to drag my eyes away and step under the cascade of water.

The dirt washed away easier than my worries.

=*=*=

"That seems... rather unexpected."

My mother had a small frown on her lips, absently stroking Rina's head while the Nidoqueen tried to fit it on her lap.

"Where will you go?"

She was taking the news rather well so I decided to pull out the chair from across the dining room table. Sitting, I fingered the place-mats, admiring the lace my mother had sewn onto them.

"You remember Jean, right?"

My mom smiled, even laughing a little. "Yes. The two of you were inseparable. I don't think there were two girls more capable of getting into trouble!"

Deciding to hastily steer away the conversation before my mother could remember just how much trouble, like the senior prank of labeling three Swinubs "#1," "#2," and "#4" before setting them loose and watching the hilarious search efforts for #3, I simply nodded and continued.

"Well, she's been asking me to come visit her at the academy. I thought it might be fun to see her again and maybe do a little sightseeing on the way."

My mom looked at me.

"A 'little sightseeing'?" She scoffed. "She's all the way in Johto, Kari. It's a long trip. We could just have you fly there for a visit."

I shifted on the chair, wondering how to say what I wanted to. "I know, but I just..." I struggled, at a loss. "I'm just... I feel like I'm missing something, mom." I shook my head, looking up at the ceiling, hoping for Okemos to chime in about then but no such luck. "I guess... I just want to try something new."

That was an outright lie. Quite frankly, I'd had enough of trying new things.

My mom seemed to sense the lie amidst the truth, because she was still looking at me as she pet along Rina's head, mindful of the spikes. There was a long pause, one that I had to keep from blurting out anything that might have given myself away, before she spoke again, sighing.

"When do you leave?"

"Tomorrow, before noon."

"So soon?" Her brows formed a frown, her lips tight. "I was hoping... well, never mind." She smiled again, gently nudging Rina's head off her lap. "We all have our own paths, after all." She walked along the side of the table, stopping to bend down and hug me. "Far be it from me to stop you..."

Her squeeze was especially tight but I relished it, wishing I could stay, confide in her the truth and try to work things out... but such a thing would probably put her in danger.

For now, the road was my only choice.

=*=*=

I went upstairs under the pretext of packing to get some time to myself.

I had spent the last hour or so over some maps my mother had, making sure I knew the route to take (and that I wasn't going to change my mind) as well as making a list of supplies I'd need to purchase before leaving. I had the basics from my recent trip but I'd need to restock on food and miscellaneous items for the longer journey. Things like more matches, tin cookware, a waterproof tent...

Groaning, I tried not to think of the rest of the list we made, flopping down on my bed instead.

I didn't realized I'd reached for my Teddiursa doll until he was already in my arms, held tight to my chest. It was stupid, and childish, but something about holding my Teddi to me just... it made things seem better. Like my problems weren't so big. Or that I had someone to face them with me.

I wanted to take him along, but it was likely he'd get torn up or dirty while I traveled. Hell, I got torn up and dirty this last trip. He was already pretty old for a Teddi, and it would be terrible if something happened to him.

Stroking his stomach, I rested my chin on the top of his head.

"What do I do?" I whispered, crushing him to me. "I don't want to go, but I know I can't stay..."

Teddi, always the great listener, gave no answers.

It sucked I'd have to leave him behind.

=*=*=

The next morning was filled with more packing, continued list making, and planning. At mom's request, I had ordered a ticket for the Magnet Train. I was really uncertain about that, but since mom was paying for it I had no choice but to accept. In the end, it would save a lot of time and get me out of Kanto faster. After taking the train it would only be a few days of travel to the academy where I'd meet up with Jean. I'd stay a few days, hopefully browse their rather extensive library for some more information about Okemos and his kind before departing.

I didn't know where I'd be going from there, but I knew I needed to stay on the move. More than that, I felt compelled, as though someone was behind me and pushing me to keep going. I was already feeling on edge, and that was just one night of being at home.

"Are you all set?"

My mother's voice almost made me jump and I had to force myself to respond normally. "Yeah." A quick swallow before continuing. "I double-checked and I have everything I need."

"You're not traveling alone, are you?" Her lips were puckered into a frown, the look on her face thoughtful and displeased at the same time. "That wouldn't be safe."

"I figured I'd get a Pokémon from the academy, if I could, or ask Jean." Truth be told, I hadn't given the matter much thought. I mean, since I appeared to be part Pokémon or whatever, did I really need a traveling partner? The words slipped out easily enough, however, so I just continued stuffing some final items into my bag.

I could hear her "tsk" and shuffle out of the room. I glanced up but she'd already turned the corner so I just finished what I was doing. By the time I was done, she was back, a Poké Ball in hand. She handed it to me without a word and it took me a moment to realize what it meant.

"You want me to have Rina? But-"

"No buts!" My mother drew herself to her full height, half a head shorter than myself but very similar to an aggravated Raticate. Bristly and ready to strike if provoked further. "You may be an adult, young lady, but you still need a Pokémon to help and protect you!" Her features softened. "You and Rina are good together, and besides..." She gave a little chuckle, reaching to pat my shoulder. "I can't exactly keep a Nidoqueen as a house pet. She'll be much happier traveling in the open with you then stuck in this tiny house."

I had to agree with mom on the last point. Just last night, Rina had been rather vocal about the size of her now insignificant bed.

"Alright, mom." It'd be nice to have at least one being I could trust with what was going on. Not to mention some backup if things ever got hairy.

Holding off on slinging my backpack over my shoulder, my mom and I exchanged a hug as well as farewells. I wished I could tell her why I was really going but I didn't want to place that kind of burden on her. If it was giving me stress, then explaining it to her would probably cause equal or greater worry. Besides, I wanted her safe from this, from me. If anyone asked her, she could honestly say she didn't know. I had to do this. I had to keep her safe.

It was my mental mantra, repeated with each step I took away from her.

=*=*=

For the second time this week, the skyline of Saffron greeted me.

I visited the local PokéMart, grabbing additional items I thought might be useful. Some Potions, a couple of Antidotes, some treats for Rina, and a few other little things. With that finished, I headed to the station, anxious to get on board and get a move on.

I had never been on a train before, much less the fastest in the world. Every review said it was far better than traveling by boat or even by airplane. Honestly, as long as it got me away from Sabrina, I didn't care what it was. I mean, her gym was less than ten minutes away from... here...

I broke a few speed records myself getting on that train.

=*=*=

"You're all set! Your room is A4: down the hall, third door on the left."

"Thanks, Nurse Joy."

"You're very welcome." She handed me keycard with a picture of the Pokémon Center on the front, a bright smile on her face as she bobbed in a neat curtsy. "Please enjoy your stay at the Goldenrod Pokémon Center!"

With a nod, I gathered my belongings from the floor and headed down the hallway she'd pointed. The carpet was a deep red color, plush enough that I could feel my feet sinking into it. The walls, in contrast, were a green so dark it could have been black with silver vines that curled from the ceiling to the floor. Golden letters and numbers identified the rooms, firmly hung on the off white doors. As I passed by, they sparkled in the cheery lighting of the hallway, making it easy to find my room. Slipping the card in the reader, it gave a soft beep, a green light flashing before it clicked open.

Turning the handle, I was greeted to a spacious and equally breathtaking room.

The carpet was still the lush red from the hallway, but the walls were a dark plum color, like a rich wine poured into a glass for the first time. Above the bed hung a beautifully detailed picture of the city's glamor: a night scene with bright neon colors, tempting travelers to venture outside their room. A small table with a digital clock was next to the bed, a light with a dark pink shade covering it. The bed itself, as a quick sit and bounce proved, was equally luxurious in its matching magenta cover. Opposite the bed was a dresser-desk combo with a chair, the wood a sweet chocolate color with mock gold trim.

Funny thing was, this wasn't even one of the most elaborate rooms the center had to offer!

Well, regardless of that, it suited my needs. I'd requested this room, or a similar one, based on two main concerns. One, it had a full bathroom as opposed to the mini-baths in the smaller suites. That way, I had the most room possible for a test I had planned for later.

Two... if said test went wrong, I was in the closest room to the exit.

I waited till later in the evening, after the majority of the guests at the Center would be asleep. I was already in the bathroom, my hands on the counter, nails attempting to dig into the white countertops. I kept my gaze on myself in the mirror, watching as the image's pupils widened and closed, narrowing on the features of my face.

This would be the first time I would try to exert any sort of conscious control over my abilities.

If things went wrong, most of my plans would go straight out the window... probably followed by me. Despite the risks, the unknowns, I had to give it a try. I was in a (somewhat) controlled environment, no psycho psychics or troublesome teams trying to catch or kill me. This was the best time I had to test my limitations, before I was forced to try them in a situation that meant life or death.

Probably my life or death.

Closing my eyes, I could still see my image in the mirror without looking, the curtains and tub behind me, the towels, the colors of my clothes. Opening them, everything was the same except for the tightness I felt in my chest. Would it work? Would it fail?

Reaching to touch the medallion that hung around my neck, a reminder this wasn't some fucked up dream, I called upon whatever powers I thought I had, focusing them on the word that had kept me hidden, kept me safe.

The word he had given.

"Transform."

Something shifted inside my head. It was almost like... like a thin, flat block in my mind tilted to the side and fell, moving to be placed under another, thicker block. It really didn't make sense, even when I thought harder about how to explain it, but that was how the odd shift of pressure felt.

Now, the shifting of my body was much more interesting.

Before the mirror, I had the most distorting sensation of watching my human features reshape like clay. It didn't hurt, even though I could watch as bones reshaped and my form elongated. I could actually feel myself growing taller, a funny stretching feeling that popped the joints along my back and stretched further still as I saw my tail slipping down. While the hair atop my head drew in, my ears and the fur along my body grew out. A tickling, itching sensation ran along my body as the fur became thicker, changing to a milky white. My ears flicked at the same time my mouth started growing out, my teeth becoming curved and sharp as my tongue took a turn towards canine.

A sharp screech sound made me jump back, realizing that my nails had finally managed to scratch the surface of the counter. Turning my hands over, I found them to be less paw-like than I had originally thought, though surely not as human. Three fingers and a thumb greeted me, a firm yet surprisingly soft and flexible black padding making a heart-like shape on my palms. My nails unsheathed themselves as I curled my fingers, rather sharp-looking and a similar shade of black as the padding.

Turning my focus back to the mirror, I felt a warm flush run down my body when I noticed my clothing was gone. I was nude before the mirror, though the fur did a decent job of hiding that fact.

Gliding my hands along my body, careful of my new claws, I encountered two fur-covered mounds. Rotating a little, I could make them out better from the side, the thick fur unable to hide their shape from this angle. It was a lucky thing, really; while the fur along my body was short like a Growlithe's, it still managed to cover my more intimate areas successfully. So, while the change of form (and species) was moderately discomforting, a quick check showed that my anatomy was intact.

At least there weren't any surprises in that category.

Looking at my feet, I found them to be more paw-like than my hands. I was currently standing on what used to be the balls of my feet, my toenails clicking on the floor when I took a step forward to see how they worked. Unlike my fingernails, these claws didn't seem to retract. I didn't understand why, but that really wasn't at the top of my list for things I didn't know so I didn't put much thought into it.

Just as I thought I had learned everything about my body, I realized there was a lack of sensation above my breasts.

Glancing in the mirror, my now icy blue eyes darted to the source. There, I located an odd oval shaped stone affixed to the numb spot. It fell just under the hollow of my throat yet above my breasts, a blue color that almost seemed to glow. Touching it with my fingertips, I hastily drew my fingers away, shaking. The sensation, it was like... I could feel the warmth of my fingers through the stone at the same time my fingers felt the coldness of the jewel.

Shaking my fingers, as if to shake the sensation away like water, I promised myself not to touch it again.

A change in stance brought me on my toes, my tail moving to accommodate my balance. I felt ready to spring, my tail swishing behind me at the idea, sparkling a gold similar to the numbers on the Pokémon Center's doors when the light hit it. I could feel my black nose twitch, see the nostrils draw in a breath, and became overwhelmed by the assault of information.

I could smell chemicals I hadn't noticed before. Bleach that had been used some time earlier today. Nurse Joy, from when she'd been in here. The fabric softener on the towels. The clean scent of the soap in the tub, and the shampoos. My own bag. Rina's scent from the day before. Mom.

And those were just the ones I could identify!

I tried to clear my mind and focus less on the smells, my tail twitching like crazy behind me. Looking at my hands again, I shook my head, a small grin forming along my muzzle, my new teeth peeking out.

This was... incredible.

Don't get me wrong, I was still a little pissed about what happened, but it was a LOT harder to feel that way when I was like this. My normal body was nothing to be ashamed of, but this? This was... it was like everything you ever dreamed as a kid. It was being the superhero. It was being the ballerina. It was being your favorite Pokémon.

It was being the best of everything in one package.

On that note, I looked back at the mirror, smiled at the face that wasn't, and yet was most definitely mine. I now had little doubt on whether this lithe body was my true form. I knew it was the adrenaline, the thrill at the coiled power in my new body, but I sure as hell felt like I could take on anything. My rational mind quickly took back over, and despite my desire to continue the test I knew how late it was getting. Looking into my eyes, I slowly inhaled and said the word:

"Transform."

I waited, expecting something similar to the shifting block or stretching sensation. When nothing happened, I gave a small frown but tried it again. Feeling my mouth go dry, my longer tongue swallowing desperately in my mouth, I hissed out the word again. After the fourth try, I wasn't even caring that my nails were raking lines in the countertop. Sure, I'd planned for an escape route, but I didn't imagine actually needing to take it!

Giving a whine that sounded animalistic and human in the same breath, I paced along the confines of the bathroom, trying to ignore the clacking of my nails, the thudding of my heart, and the easy grace that came to this form as my mind raced, looking for an answer to-

{{Picture yourself...}}

I turned and dropped to the ground, one arm raised as if to attack while the other one braced against the floor, prepared to give leverage if I needed to pounce at my foe. The growl in my throat slowly died when I realized there was no one there, my lips lowering to cover my fangs as I slowly stood.

I hadn't even thought. My body... it just moved.

I slowly exhaled, trying to calm myself. Obviously, my new form came with some pretty powerful instincts. I knew I shouldn't be so surprised given my battle with Sabrina, but this? I was suddenly a lot less thrilled with this other side of me. My grace and balance, the athletic build of my new form, all of it wasn't just for show. If it came down to a fight, even Rina might not be able to stop me.

I immediately pushed the thought aside. Rina would have no reason to stop me, because I was going to fix my current dilemma. I turned to the mirror and braced myself on the counter again, closing my eyes and concentrating.

"Come on," I muttered to myself, reaching my fingers to nervously rub at my medallion. "Come on, come on, come on... focus... you can do this!" I tried to grasp for the image of my human form, the one I'd so easily had before changing to this shape of lustrous fur and liquid power. "I am human..." I repeated it again. "I am human." I could feel myself calming as I said the words one last time. "I. Am. Human."

Opening my eyes, I looked past what I had become to see what I was before, and would be again.

"Transform."

I felt the shift again, inside my mind. The thin block of pressure from before pulled out from under the thicker one, causing it to fall. Once it settled, the thin one moved back on top, resting back into place.

Once it occurred, I almost collapsed as I watched the features I'd gained pull back inside my body, being sucked back in like a slow motion spaghetti noodle.

It worked!

My clothing, oddly enough, appeared exactly how I left it, leaving me to believe, somehow... No, no, I had no idea how it worked. As long as it didn't tear or leave me naked when I changed back, whatever. Right now, I was just glad I wasn't stuck in one form or the other.

Leaving the bathroom, I almost tripped over my own feet on the way to the bed. I frowned at myself, moving my arms a little, having to get used to my natural form again. No longer a superhero-ballerina-Pokémon, I was just plain Kari.

And plain Kari was tired.

=*=*=

"C'mon, Rina."

She snorted, ears down flat but she moved forward, stomping like a child who'd been told there'd be no desert for dinner. I wasn't sure where her attitude had come from unless she was upset from being in her Poké Ball for two days. She was way too big for me to let her out before now, but ever since she'd been out she acted as though I'd told her to bunny-hop the whole way! If she didn't start talking, I was considering doing just that.

Talk! That was the other thing!

This was the first time in my life that I could actually understand what she was saying and now she was acting like a Meowth caught her tongue! Ever since I'd released her outside the city's boundaries, she'd been behaving like the time I accidentally slammed the door on her tail.

"I'm sorry you were in the ball for so long, Rina." She glanced at me briefly before grunting and continuing to move forward. I had to lengthen my stride to keep up with her, still trying to apologize. "I know you're not used to it but I'll try and keep you out from now on, okay?"

She might have said something then, her mouth opening, but something distracted her and her head spun, a deep growl emerging from her throat. I couldn't help but stomp my foot, annoyed at both missing my chance to get her to spill and the guy standing in front of us on the road. We'd managed to avoid a few eager looking trainers, but this dark-haired one had already spotted us and was moving forward.

"I'm not looking to battle." I snapped, not even giving him a chance to speak.

My irritation didn't seem to scare him which pissed me off because he looked younger than I was. His cap was skewed sideways in some faux pas attempt at fashion, his clothing dark and baggy, crinkling as he moved forward. My frown deepened at the sight of three Poké Balls on his belt.

At that moment, I wish I could have flashed him my fangs.

"Aw, come on," he answered, a lopsided grin on his face. "That's a nice Nidoqueen you've got there." I tried to walk past him but he moved to block me. "Bet she's a good fighter..."

"I'm just traveling." I subtly tried to catch Rina's attention, wanting her to stop her bristling and look less confrontational but she seemed to be ignoring my attempts. "I'm not a trainer."

"Not a trainer?" He folded his arms, clearly not believing me. "I dunno, see, that," he pointed to Rina. "Looks like a Pokémon to me. One that wants to fight." He moved his arms to an open gesture. "Come on, one little battle won't hurt, right?"

He moved closer, about to lay an arm on my shoulder but I shifted away from him. His brown eyes narrowed, clearly displeased.

"I'm not interested, kid." Rina took a step forward, her head lowering as if ready to charge. "Move aside."

"Tell you what," he continued, his smile contorting as if trying to suppress a sneer. "A one on one battle. You win, you go on by. I win, we talk a little. Maybe a drink." His hand was already on his Poké Ball, enlarging it.

"I'm not a trainer," I repeated, though he didn't seem of any inclination to listen.

The asshole released his Pokémon, a Venonat. The little Bug-type Pokémon hopped from one foot to the other, taking an antenna in both of its paws and cleaning it. In a weird sort of way, it was cute, kinda fluffy looking. I really didn't have a grudge against it but I wasn't looking to have anything to do with its trainer.

"Body Slam."

Rina reacted before I got the full command out, executing it with far more force than necessary. The little Bug attempted to dart out of the way, but Rina corrected her lunge and slammed her full weight into it. The Venonat flew back with a weak cry of pain, the helpless thing crumbling to the ground and unmoving.

That was it?

For all that talk, I expected more.

Turning my attention from the "battle" back to the teen, I felt my shoulders tense as he didn't even seemed troubled by his loss. He recalled the Venonat with a chuckle, giving me another one over.

"Not bad for someone who isn't a trainer." He moved as if to circle me, my unease suddenly growing as two other guys approached from off the path, one on each of my sides. "Our benefactors have an offer for you, one you might like..."

"You said you'd let me pass if I won." Rina was growling lowly, turning this way and that to try and keep all three within her sight, but it was an impossible task for one Pokémon alone. I tried to keep my next words calm and non-threatening. "I won. You should let us pass."

He gave a grin, shaking his head and holding up his hands. "Hey, now, we just want to talk." The simultaneous popping of Poké Balls came from both sides as he released a Sandshrew with several plates appearing scarred or recently healed.

"Your Nidoqueen is really strong," the guy from my right mentioned, his Furret bobbing and weaving, as if looking for the right place to strike. His features were heavier than the first guy, though his coloring was darker. "We'd like to see that she stays with you."

"With me? What the hell are you assholes talking about?!" Rina gave a snort, her tail thudding heavily on the ground, all three suddenly watching her before the male on the left spoke, his voice a thread cooler than the others.

"Our 'employers' are always looking for Pokémon with... potential, like yours." His Pokémon, a dark purple feline with a pink feather and some wicked white looking claws crouched, only its eyes darting around. A Sneasal? "It would be a bad idea to refuse them," he continued. "After all, I'm sure you wouldn't want to piss off Team Rocket."

Unease was forced to the side as every fucking alarm bell went off inside my head. Over the clamor and ringing, the rational side of my mind was arguing that they didn't know who - or rather, what - I really was... however, that didn't stop the panic from rushing in. They could find out, in some way, shape, or form. Perhaps these guys were there, at Mt. Moon, and seeing me would trigger a memory or a feeling of déjà vu. They might report it to someone, opening up the can of worms that Okemos had sealed away.

That was enough for me to want to get the hell away from here as quickly as possible.

But how?

Rina was strong, but Mt. Moon was a different fight; more of a loosely organized brawl with more than one target for the Rockets to focus on. Throwing in the confusion of Rina and my transformation, along with Okemos' aid, it had been enough to slip by with a victory (of sorts). Here, it was three fairly well coordinated opponents against just one Pokémon. The only reason they hadn't made a move yet against Rina seemed to be because of their confidence that they would win. I glanced towards Rina, thinking up a quick attack plan...

Only to watch her decide to take matters into her own hands.

Without a command, she gave a Roar, focusing the brunt of it at the Sneasel. The cat-like creature jumped and spun around to run, its owner hastily trying to retrieve it. In doing so, one of his other Poké Balls fell, accidentally releasing a Marill who fell victim to several Toxic Spikes that Rina must have scattered while the two other guys had approached. Rather than focusing on the distracted and ailing Marill, Rina turned for the next biggest threat: the Sandshrew. She let loose a battle cry and charged it, attempting to land a solid punch. It was quicker than the Venonat had been, leaping to the side, but he never saw Rina's tail in time to dodge it. A quick swing landed the Sandshrew against a tree, the sand mouse going limp at the impact. Amidst the shouts, one of the guys finally got a clear order through.

"Furret! Quick Attack!"

Rina pivoted on her feet, the Furret slamming into her back and glancing off her sturdy scales. Rina growled again, her voice now carrying the power of an attack. Her opponent shied away, giving Rina ample room to land two kicks in rapid succession.

As the Furret fainted, the leader of the three, the guy who'd stopped me originally, pulled out a third Poké Ball as his lackey pulled out the ball with the Sneasel from before.

"Bitch," he spat, preparing to throw the ball. "Team Rocket is going to make your life so miserab-"

Rina chose to interject.

She did so by slamming her fist into the ground and thankfully not the punk's head. However, a wave of energy rushed from her fist and through the ground towards the three. Dirt and stones beneath them erupted, throwing them backwards and pelting them with rubble. As they struggled to get back up, Rina gave another loud Roar and stomped forward, raising her fist again.

Finally, I found my voice.

"STOP!"

For a moment, I didn't think she would.

With a roll of her shoulders, she turned and snarled at me, her fist hesitating in midair. It trembled, clearly eager to deliver another attack, but she pulled back. Relieved I wouldn't have to spend some time with the cops explaining why there were three bloody smears along the side of the road, I brought my attention to the males. Only two were standing, barely, stumbling to pick up their fallen leader.

"If you three or any other Team Rocket bastards want to come after me, don't." The male with the Sneasel glared, as if he'd been considering it. I made my voice as cold as possible before continuing. "Sure, you could report me and bring backup, but remember how one Nidoqueen was able tear you three apart." There was a sharp bite to my words now, brought on by my anger at the unprovoked assault. "If you come after us again, we won't hesitate to take out all of your Pokémon, and next time?" Rina gave an appropriate snarl here. "I won't stop her from moving on to you."

It was enough to make the three scatter, a mix of fear and anger lining their faces as they vanished down the path behind us. None of them even looked at my face save their leader; the expression on his face deadly calm.

He might never tell his superiors, but I knew he wouldn't so easily forget.

=*=*=

Half hour later, after glancing behind our shoulders at every little sound, it seemed as though the Rocket grunts hadn't decided to test my threat. To be on the safer side of things, we'd opted to travel off the beaten trail, though trying to hide Rina's tracks proved tedious. Finally reaching a small clearing, well enough away from the main path, I figured it was best for us to take a break. Rina, while still not talking, was showing signs of fatigue from the battle and I was concerned over just how much she'd exerted herself.

"We should be alright for now," I took a moment to wipe my forehead my right sleeve, pushing aside my damp bangs afterward. "Unless they're following us?" I trailed off and turned to Rina, expecting either a confirmation or dismissal. Instead, she just gave a low growl and an angry snort.

My anger finally snapped.

"What the hell is your problem, Rina?" I hissed, my voice straining to keep from yelling, still not a hundred percent sure we were in the clear.

The roll of her eyes and the toss of her shoulders only worsened my mood.

"No! Not 'whatever!'" I moved to stand directly in front of her, giving a soft growl of my own as her eyes looked away from me. "What is going on, Rina?"

She huffed out a breath of air through her nostrils, the small breeze brushing against me as her eyes finally moved to look at me. "You have a problem with something?" she growled, her head lowering to be more at my level. It could have been seen as condescending or a threat, but I took it as neither.

I was too upset.

"Yes!" I poked her stomach, the Nidoqueen moving to rub her scales, unharmed but distracted by the contact. "I thought you wanted to come with me but ever since we've left you've been nothing but rude and dismissive!" A thread of hurt weaved in past my irritation. "Have I done something to piss you off? Did I say something? Do something?"

Rina shifted her weight, turning her head aside and lowered it further, not saying anything.

Frustrated by her lack of response, I continued. "I was willing to put up with your snark for a while, but then you go and egg the guy on..." At that, she lifted her head, eyes ablaze. I cut her off with a quick slice of my hand. "No! Don't deny it!" I pointed at her, my other hand on my hip as I recalled my earlier confusion and anger. "He might have come at us anyway, probably would have," I was rambling a little now and shook my head, cutting myself off, letting myself breathe a moment before going on. "But your attitude didn't help."

Her attention was solely on me now, her eyes locked with mine, a slight frown on her lips as she listened to my words without comprehending them. Getting control over the swell of anger rising inside of me like a wave, I pushed it down to try and explain things to her, reminding myself that while she was smart she was still a Pokémon and unaware of many workings of the human mind.

"You attacked all three of them, Rina," I started slowly, trying to let my fury out gradually rather than in a burst. She looked pleased with herself and had the situation been different I would have been pleased with her too... but it wasn't. She had to understand! "We got lucky that their Pokémon were weaker. And even then, three against one means they still could have outflanked you, or attacked me."

"Still won." She snorted, tossing her head and swinging her tail in a clear sign of agitation.

I was trying to keep myself level but all my feelings were starting to pool up again, swimming at the forefront of my mind. "That's not even the worst. Rina... Do you know how much trouble we could be in with the police if those guys reported us?"

She cocked her head, one ear lifted higher than the other, clearly confused.

"Attacking a human when they hadn't pulled a weapon or tried to hurt me was wrong, is wrong, according to the police..." As her brows scrunched in confusion I almost laughed but didn't allow myself to. "You know who the police are," I said patiently. "The people in blue uniforms that lock up criminals and," I stressed this next part. "And, take away Pokémon that harm people. The lucky ones get 'retrained,' but they can take them to be put down."

Her eyes widened briefly, her mouth opening slightly as alarm crossed over her features. It transitioned quickly, however, her eyes narrowing and her lips curling into a snarl.

"They were Team Rocket!" she argued, stamping a foot at the name, as if I'd forgotten. "The police should arrest them!"

"They didn't actually hurt me, Rina!" I held my arms out, making sure that she was looking at me before continuing. "The only thing they did was threaten. Unless they actually tried to hurt me or take you, the police would say we were in the wrong for attacking them."

"That's stupid!"

Before she could launch into a rant on the oft-debated subject (in our society, at least), I cut her off again.

"You're missing the bigger picture, Rina!" She squinted at me, her lips pursing as she tried to think of what she wasn't getting. "The Rockets didn't know who we are. Their Pokémon were weak, not the same kind at Mt. Moon. We could have beaten them and left, but now they're going to remember what we did." I could feel myself breathing harder now as I gave words to my fear. "What if they don't turn us into the cops? What if they go to their superiors? We're gonna stick out in their minds, unlike the normal trainers that kick their asses every week." Touching her stomach, my hand splayed against her warm scales, I looked up at her. "Do you really want to make it easier for them to find us?" I asked, quietly, hoping for the words to sink in.

She was silent for a moment, visibly mulling over my words inside her head before she shook her head over something and stamped both her feet, shaking her arms and thumping her tail against the ground. I pulled back, unsure where the fit of temper came from.

"If that creepy, invisible bastard hadn't messed with you, we wouldn't be here!"

"Rina!" The sharp tone made her sullenly look at me. "If he hadn't transformed me we'd be dead! Dead, Rina!" She shook her head in denial but I pushed onward. "Do you really think they'd let us leave after what we saw and did? Maybe you," I spat, pointing at her, before waving my hand in dismissal. "Given to some Rocket... but not me."

My fists were balled up and it took more effort than I would have liked to uncurl them.

"He gave me the power to fight... and time to figure out whatever abilities I have." I turned away from her, not wanting to look at her. "And you may have just blown it!" Shaking my head, I rubbed my right temple, listening to the soft wind stirring the leaves around us, suddenly feeling tired and sick of it all. "I can't trust you, Rina."

She made a strangled sound but I continued, lifting my head skyward but still not glancing at her.

"When you're acting like this, out of control, I can't trust you to follow orders." Giving a sigh, I tried not to let the soft sob enter my voice. "I'm going to have to send you back home."

"The hell you will!" she snapped, taking a step towards me.

Spinning sharply on my heel, I already had her Poké Ball in hand before she could keep advancing.

"Yes... yes, I will." My words were calm, completely opposite from my barely restrained tumult of emotions. "I can't afford to have Team Rocket chasing me again, and I can't let you put yourself in harm's way for no goddamned reason." I narrowed my eyes, trying to keep the prickling sensation in them from forming tears. "Tell me why you're acting up, Rina, so we can work as a team..."

I didn't care, by that point, that my last words were almost a plea.

She shook her head, her claws curling and uncurling, as if wishing to strike something. "I don't-"

My voice was quiet. "Then there's nothing I can do." A press of a button enlarged her ball.

She made a mix of a snarl and a growl, stomping to the right before pacing back to the left in obvious distress. "What do you want from me?!" she shouted, throwing her arms out.

"I just want the reason." I took a step forward, holding up the ball in preparation for use. "Why, Rina?" She clenched her fists, seeming close to the breaking point. Now or never. "Why?"

"I couldn't protect you!"

The words came so sharply I didn't hear them right away. When my mind finally had time to process them, I lowered my hand, waiting for her to go on. She wouldn't meet my gaze, still pacing and stomping from side to side, glancing halfway to look at me before looking away.

"I couldn't hear it, see it, or smell it," she rumbled, pain and anger mingling roughly against her words. "But I knew something was there. I was just getting used to it... him," she snarled, her face contorting into something dark before her words went on. "Before those Rockets came. I fought," her claw swung into the air. "And fought..." A swing with her other paw. "I threw everything I had at them." Her body trembled a moment, her paws reaching to clutch her head briefly, her claws digging into her skin so hard I thought she would pierce her own scales. "But it didn't do anything. They kept coming, pinning me, pushing me against the ground..."

I wanted to move forward, to place a hand on her, stroke her, but her emotions were as volatile as my own right now and I wasn't sure what would happen.

"Then," she eased her claws off of herself, relaxing a moment in the midst of the memory. "I felt it... a power, calling to me." Her taunt features eased, a smile creasing her lips. "I took a hold of it, felt it gathering within me. Bigger and bigger, growing until I finally let it out. I roared with all my might, and they scattered." Her grin became wider, clearly pleased. "They were smaller, weaker. They were nothing to me then!"

Slowly, her smile faded.

"But... I didn't want to evolve. I liked being the pet Nidorina. Things were simpler then." She sighed, sitting down with a thud, as if she didn't have the energy or willpower to stand any longer. "And, in the end, it didn't make a difference." Her head lowered, the power in her voice fading. "I still couldn't save you."

"I'm just fine-"

She looked up and curled her lip at me. I stopped before she would have issued a growl.

"You're not fine," she returned, shaking her head. "You were changed, like me. Unwilling, unwanted. But mine is natural." She groaned, burying her head in her paws. "Yours... I still don't know what the fuck is going on! All I know is... I let it happen."

There was a strangled sounding sob and I moved forward, thinking she was done, before she threw up her head with a wail.

"What good am I as your Pokémon if I can't protect you?!" Her head lowered again as she began to bawl in earnest. "I just want everything to go back to the way it used to be!"

I wanted to say something but really, what could I say? No words I could string together would ease the pain in either of our hearts. So, forgoing words, I moved along side her and pulled her into as tight a hug as I could muster, though my arms couldn't reach fully around her. She gave a weak struggle before surrendering with a low sob when I wouldn't let her go.

Every damn bit of what she said resonated with me, unleashing what I'd been bottling up for the past few days. My own eyes were tearing up, and this time I didn't fight them. I absently stashed her Poké Ball in my pack now that it was unneeded. She pressed her muzzle into my shoulder, still sobbing.

Now I knew why.

"I'm sorry, Rina," I said when I felt I could actually speak. She quieted some, though her body was still wracked with grief. "I should have known. I was so damn preoccupied with keeping all my fears bottled up, I..." Taking a deep breath, I steadied myself as best I could. "I should have been a better trainer. A better friend. I'm so sorry-"

She cut me off with a paw on my shoulder, her eyes gazing into mine as best as she could manage. "You're the best friend I could ever ask for." She hugged me back, whispering, "I couldn't stand leaving you out here alone..."

In the hours to come, we released our frustrations and fears. Side by side, we whispered apologies and encouragements, and after a while said nothing at all. As night slowly spread over the unfamiliar sky, we embraced each other and our future, however uncertain it was, knowing we would be going forward as a team.

A true team, where we held nothing back.

=*=*=

"Did you hear that?"

Rina cocked her head, her eyes still a little red from last night. "Not really." She gave me a playful grin and nudged me, almost knocking me over. "And before you say it, no, these ears don't mean I have better hearing than you."

I smiled back, glad she was back to her usual self. I was pretty sure I had just heard something out of the ordinary, and, all teasing aside, I wasn't sure why Rina hadn't picked up on it. If only I could...

"Abra."

"Abra?" Rina glanced at me, confused.

"Abra," I confirmed, spotting the source after a moment.

The gold-colored Psi Pokémon was perched in a nearby tree branch, its eyes deceptively closed. Cautiously moving my pack around, I dug inside it, giving a little laugh at Rina's blatant curiosity.

"I think it's time that we added a few more members to our team." Reaching up, I was just able to reach her muzzle. When she leaned into the petting, I continued. "You're really powerful, Rina... but if something like Mt. Moon happens again, it'd be nice for some backup of the natural, less than cosmic powered sort."

She gave a snort that sounded like a laugh before nodding, her mood so much of an improvement over yesterday that I couldn't help but feel empowered. Sure, Abra was one of the tougher Pokémon for any skill level to catch, but hell, I could do anything today!

Of course, at that moment the little Psychic-type's form turned into motes of light and vanished.

I was a bit bitter over his timing, as well as not having even got a shot at it. Rina looked as though she was about to comment before freezing, her nostrils flaring. A grin came as she nodded to the side.

Apparently, the little guy hadn't gone too far.

Trying to go at this a different way, I motioned for her to stay as I tried to move downwind from where Rina was gesturing. I had little doubt that it used extrasensory powers to detect danger but perhaps I could get a throw in before I was completely in range. The little fellow would be a great asset to the team, hopefully being able to answer some questions in regards to my own abilities...

Once I captured him, of course.

"Hey. What are you doing?"

The masculine voice made me jump, instantly thinking of the Rockets. At my sudden motion the Abra teleported away again. Trying to hold back my first instinct of fleeing, I turned, hoping for anything but some Rocket in a suit.

The guy behind me... well, the most I could say was he wasn't wearing black with a red "R." He seemed my age, maybe older, with ragged jeans and a navy shirt with the words "Don't follow me, I'm lost!" in white. I couldn't tell whether his eyes were hazel or green, though it was of little importance. My bigger concern was the three Poké Balls attached to his belt.

Trouble?

"I'm looking for new Pokémon," I answered, taking a half step back towards the direction Rina was in. "You?"

He looked past me, seeming indifferent. "If you're hunting for that Abra, don't. It's mine."

I felt a brush of annoyance run down my neck at his tone. "Last I knew, the forest was open to anyone."

"It is," he answered, stepping to the side and walking around me. "But that Abra is mine."

"What exactly makes it yours?" I was following him now, trying to spot the Abra before he could. "Did you see it first or something?"

At my best bitchy tone, he just muttered off hand. "Or something."

Waiting for him to elaborate, still trailing along behind him, I soon realized I'd be waiting a lot longer if I didn't say anything.

"Or something what?"

He finally stopped and turned, apparently more inconvenienced by my following than taking the time to answer. He reached into his pocket and I tensed, expecting something far worse than the shattered remains of a Poké Ball.

"I caught and registered him a few days ago. He was released on accident and I'm trying to get him back." He shoved the pieces back in his pocket, clearly intending to ignore me again. "Please don't interfere."

"God, you're such an ass." He blinked, looking at me as if no one had ever called him such a thing before. "'Interfere'? I'm just looking for a new Pokémon." He opened his mouth to interject but I shook my head, already knowing what he was going to say. "Yes, you're being an ass. All you had to do was explain the situation instead of being so damn evasive. You think you're the only one who's broken a Poké Ball?" With a "tsk" I shook my head and held my hands out. "I might have helped if you if said so in the first place."

"Helped how?" he asked, clearly doubtful.

The Abra, with its rich sense of timing and humor, chose that moment to teleport into my open arms.

Surprised, I tried to play it off, unable to give up such a wonderful opportunity. In fact, I could almost hear a little giggle in the back of my mind as I gave a mock shrug.

"I couldn't say," I answered, glancing thoughtfully into the distance. "I'm sure I might have been able to do something, but if you say I can't, well..."

The snickering inside my head continued and I gave a slight glance at the Abra in my arms, certain the laughter wasn't my own. The slender tendril of warm amusement grew, the image of the trainer's stunned expression flashing in my mind before I even looked up to see it for myself. By that time, he seemed to be overcoming his shock and was coming to the conclusion that he may have to do some groveling to get my help.

"You're right," he finally spoke, without the grunting or fussing Rina would have done in his place. "I'm sorry."

I was so shocked by the easy way he apologized that he must have misinterpreted my lack of response. He went on a moment after giving a quiet, patient sigh.

"I was frustrated that this happened in the first place, much less that it's taken a whole day and a half to track him. As I'm sure you've noticed, he has a..." There was a small pause and a grimace. "Unique personality." He looked me dead in the eyes, his expression solemn, as if I didn't have exactly what he wanted in my arms. "That was no excuse for my abrupt behavior, and for that," he inclined his head. "I apologize." Moving his head back up, he offered a wry smile, the only sign thus far that he was remotely amused with the situation. "I would appreciate your offer of assistance... if it's not too late."

His own response made me feel a shade guilty for calling him an ass.

"Apology accepted..." I wanted to squirm under his gaze but didn't, uncertain if the Abra would flee or not. "What was your plan?"

"Nothing hard." He held up the spare Poké Ball in his hands. "I was just planning to catch him and have him re-assigned to a new ball."

That sounded reasonable, but...

"What's to stop him from teleporting away?" For the moment, he seemed content to be snoozing (or appear to be snoozing) in my arms. "Maybe getting him acclimated would be better?"

He gave me a look I'd seen before, in the eyes of my high school teachers when I'd given an answer that was correct but they didn't like my conclusion.

"I know that you're trying to help," he stated, tolerant though indifferent to my opinion. "But I don't want to be chasing him for the rest of the day. We'll just have take our chances." He expanded the ball, getting ready to toss it. "Just stay still, that'll be good enough."

I felt the Abra twitch.

Perhaps that shouldn't have been cause for concern, but I could feel it orienting its "vision" towards the trainer and the ball he held. Couldn't tell you how, but I knew it could sense what was coming.

"Don't-"

Too late.

The ball arched through the air, right on target for the Abra... only, the Abra moved. It struck me on the shoulder instead and I braced myself. It wasn't my first time being hit with a rogue Poké Ball. The capture beam carried enough energy to give a mildly painful jolt.

As the ball opened, shooting the red beam out at the point of contact, I waited for the shock...

Whoa.

That did not feel like a shock.

Rather, an odd warmth spread from my shoulder to the rest of my body, followed by the world going blurry and odd. I felt myself floating, drifting into an enclosed space that looked surprisingly...

Oh.

Oh, shit!

It shouldn't even be possible, there were safeguards put in place to prevent this! The balls were designed to lock on to a specific type of energy: the energy that allows Pokémon to shatter boulders or call upon flames hot enough to turn sand into glass... the same energy that also protected them from the sheer power of those moves causing more than a singe or bruise. Humans didn't have that energy, thus making such a lock impossible... except I wasn't quite human anymore. I knew with a dread certainty that my change in form had made the seemingly impossible happen.

Somehow, the Poké Ball had missed the Abra and captured... me.

My energy swirled around the interior of the ball as it closed. There was an odd pressure, as if some force was pushing and tugging on my being all at once. I remembered studying Poké Ball mechanics in school: first it had converted my form into energy, and now it was trying to lock on to my specific signature and "tag" it. This would identify my species, physical statistics, send data to the research lab in this region for study, and register me with whatever trainer had captured me.

Finally, a Poké Ball also acted as a "grounding rod" of sorts, tempering the excess power typically found in a wild Pokémon to give it better control over the scope of its abilities (and keep the injury rate in battles to an absolute minimum). Who knew what effects it would have on my power...

{{You will damn not only yourself, but all life as you know it.}}

That voice... I didn't know where it came from, whether a memory from that fateful night or a warning for the here and now. I knew in my gut (wherever it was) that if the ball locked on, it would be only trivially better than losing Okemos.

Which, apparently, meant the end of the world.

Simultaneously, I realized just how feeble the ball's hold on me really was. How could any Pokémon get captured by this? It felt like being trapped by wet tissue paper, an affirmation that came the moment I pushed back against the ball's converting influence. I could literally feel the ball pop back open before a wave of vertigo made me nauseous, suddenly finding myself back outside and on my own two feet. The world blurred and spun, quickly coming into focus as I flexed my tail outwards, taking a step back to keep my balance.

Wait... tail?!

My heart hammered in my chest as I realized another two things. First, despite the weakness of the ball, it had somehow stripped me of my disguise. I was back in the form Okemos had gifted me, fur and all. Second? The male trainer was looking straight at me with the most expression I'd seen since meeting him. Rina was just behind him, completely shocked as well. The only one who didn't seem to be freaking out was the damn Abra, perched above the trainer with his eyes slanted open, blinking once or twice before giving a pleased hum.

The rest of us stood there for a few moments, not even moving, before he finally broke the ice.

"Who," he said, his voice soft. Forget yesterday's encounter, now every alarm bell was going off. "Or, what..." Rina switched her gaze back to him. All three of us remained otherwise motionless, seeming to wait for one of us to act first. "Are you?!"