FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

Author's Notes: At the bottom this time. I hope I got the tags right. I dont feel like it needs like twenty tags, though I will if it needs to be clear. Or I get told that it needs to be clearer.

All Pokémon names, locations, prevalent world characters, gyms, etcetera, are copyright to Nintendo, Game Freak, and a lot of other people. I do not own any of those. Aaron, and specific characters, are my own creations in this world, so please ask for permission.

---- Chapter One: Meetings

Bright sunlight exploded into my room the moment I opened the blinds from my window. A cool breeze blew by, the sound of trees and leaves muting the sound of footsteps of people walking outside. I brushed back a lock of hair that fell within eyesight, still wet from the shower I just took. I shook my head, grabbing my towel and making another attempt to dry my hair. I walked towards the mirror in my room, avoiding the pile of Pokémon books on the ground, as I let the towel fall to the ground.

Shoulder length chestnut hair, disheveled by me drying it, lined my face. I inspected my green eyes, my right eye still feeling tender after getting slapped in the face by a girl yesterday. Never, ever, say things like that to her again, I thought vehemently. Satisfied that no permanent damage was done, I flexed, vague muscles outlining my toned body. I grinned, feeling proud of my figure. Doing nothing around Solaceon leaves you all kinds of bored. From keeping the Lost Tower cleaned, to scouting areas in the old ruins east of town, to keeping tabs in with the newspaper guys if they needed anything, I did most of the small jobs that nobody really wanted to do, but they needed to be done. I was proud of what I did, and it let me meet a lot of cool interesting people. It was always good to be appreciated by someone, even if they've only known you for less than a few minutes.

"Aaron! Are you up already? The Pokémon Center isn't going to be open all day, you know?" yelled my mom from downstairs. I rolled my eyes, but I kept my voice from sounding sarcastic.

"Yeah, mom, I'll be right down! I just finished taking a shower!" I yelled back, as I hurried to find a shirt and pants. I opened my drawer next to my bed, pulling out a red short sleeved shirt and cargo pants. If the weather keeps like this, I'll probably have to go over to the Lost Tower again and sweep every floor again. I shrugged as I slipped on a pair of black boots and tied the laces together.

I grabbed a comb and hurried downstairs. I entered the dining room to see both mom and dad there. Dad was at the table, reading today's newspaper, while mom had her back to me. Dad had his usual outfit, a white shirt and jeans, while mom had a yellow dress with heels on.

"Hi mom and dad," I said as I sat down next to dad. "Sorry, was just throwing something on."

Dad put the paper down, and gave me a smile. He hooked his arm around me and gave me quick shake around.

"Happy birthday, Aaron!" he said, laughing brightly. I grinned, nodding.

"Thanks dad," I said, smiling. Jeez, eighteen years already? Time flies, I guess.

"So, I know I promised you that you can become a trainer at eighteen. Have you reconsidered?" he asked. I could swear that he looked hopeful that I would say no, and I cringed inside. I knew that I wanted to get out of this town. I loved it here, but I needed something else with my life.

"Well, I've thought about it, and I still want to become a Pokémon Trainer, dad," I said, shaking my head. "I really want to see the world, and make my way out there."

He nodded, smiling. "Yeah, thought so. Can't hold it against me, can ya?" he asked, smiling.

I shook my head. Mom and dad meant well enough, but I really wanted to do more than just live in my parent's shadow. My parents are both archaeologists, spending a lot of time in the Sinnoh underground, finding fossils of both human and Pokémon origins. They have been making headway into the reason why the Unown solely inhabit the Solaceon Ruins. Of course, they've kept me in the dark about it until they have more concrete reasons, but I knew what they were doing there. It didn't take a genius when I'm taking half the notes.

"A letter from Professor Rowan arrived for you while you were taking your shower," Dad said, pulling a letter from underneath a stack of letters on the table. It was already opened, which I imagine that Dad or Mom saw it already. I shrugged and opened the letter.

I skimmed it quickly, noticing that it said the same things that he said to me in person when I visited him a few months ago. He wished me a happy birthday, and that in a few days, he will be sending me my requested Pokémon, a Chimchar. I nodded, folding the letter again.

"Nobody told him about the adoption we had going on today, huh?" I asked

"Well, we sent him a letter saying that there was one, but Professor Rowan insisted that he sent the Chimchar anyway, in case you didn't adopt six Pokémon," Mom said, appearing with a stack of pancakes. I noticed at the one plate, and smiled at Mom.

"So, do you plan on eating?" I asked, grinning.

"Today is your birthday! This is a treat, as I imagine that you're going to have a big day today. So eat up!" she exclaimed, laughing as she pushed a fork, knife, and some syrup my way.

I grinned as I poured a healthy dollop of syrup on top of the pancakes and began to eat. Nothing beat home-made pancakes, no matter what anyone else said. And, if I may be so big to boast, my mom made the best. I finished the stack in record time, standing to go put the plate and utensils in the sink. I got a glass of water and made my way back to the table.

"So, what are your plans today, Aaron?" mom asked me.

"Well, go back to the Pokémon Center and ask if the adoption is still good to go, and seeing that I am now a registered trainer, see if any of the Pokémon are interested in coming along with me," I said. "I know of a few that are, but if I can get a full set, why not, right?"

Both mom and dad nodded. "I can see where you're headed with that," Dad said, grinning. "It also puts you in the competitive edge, seeing as most trainers by now have gone through a few gyms to get here."

"Exactly," I said, nodding. "And if I don't hurry, someone might beat me to the best ones! I'll catch you all later," I said, giving both parents a parting hug.

"Stay safe, alright?" Mom asked, giving me a kiss. "Don't you go making me worry, alright?"

"Of course, mom," I said, shaking my head. "Aren't I always safe?"

Mom ran her fingers through my hair, ruffling it before giving me a kiss on the cheek. I sighed as I grabbed my comb from the table as she started laughing, probably from the look I had on my face. I smiled as I waved back at them, leaving through the front door.

I turned to see my bike and helmet ready for me. I grinned as I strapped the helmet on, and giving my bike a look over. It looks like dad gave it a tune up or something. Nothing looked wrong to me. I whispered thanks to my dad as I grabbed my bike and balanced myself on top of it. My grin widened as I looked down the 'path' that I had to go through.

The 'path', if you could call it that, ran through the woods east of Solaceon, and deposited you right into the main road that went through the town. The problem is that not only did wild Pokémon use it, it was poorly maintained, as it was only a handful of people ever used it. I pedaled around in a circle, getting the feel again for the bike, and it felt just like yesterday that I rode it. I gripped the handles and peddled as hard as I could, heading head first through the brush.

Bumps shook me as I blazed through the path, my legs pumping the pedals as fast as I could move them. The sun streaked through openings in the canopy, barely allowing anyone or anything the ability to see the path. My eyes could never keep up with the path, as I juked past a boulder just barely. A startled cry made me realize that it wasn't an actual boulder, but I didn't want to stop and apologize to the angry Graveler or Golem that I just woke up from its slumber.

"Sorry!" I yelled back, as I made a hard turn left, narrowly avoiding the tree line. I continued pumping the pedals, adrenaline pumping through my body. Bird Pokémon made their cries of indignation as I tore through the path, startled as I passed underneath their nests. The woods slowly became alive as I slowed down near the end of the path. I took a few deep breaths, attempting to keep myself steady, but after what I did, who was I kidding. I enjoyed it, just like the first time I did it a few years ago. Song is going to give me another scolding, but I grinned. I hoped that she would!

I pedaled my bike towards the Pokémon Center, stopping in front and getting off. I walked inside with my bike, waving at Nurse Joy at the desk. She, just like every single Nurse Joy, wore the usual white and pink nurse uniform. Her pink hair was tied in a bun, her nurse hat balanced perfectly atop of her head. She smiled as she saw me and waved back. Nurse Joy's smile widened as I put my bike next to her desk and took off my helmet.

"You're going to clean that, right?" she asked, pointing behind me.

I turned around to see a streak of mud and muddy footprints against the pristine tile floor. I groaned, putting my palm against my face.

"I'm sorry, Nurse Joy," I said, shaking my head. "I'll get it cleaned."

"Just like every day you forget," she said, giggling.

A Blissey walked up to me with a mop and bucket, chanting her name happily. I thanked the Blissey, shaking her hand, and getting an enthusiastic hug in return. I grinned as I began to mop up the mess I created. It wasn't a lot, thankfully, and I was quick to finish my job.

"So, you're here for the adoption?" Nurse Joy asked as she walked up to me. I was outside, about to pour the dirty water on the grass outside.

"Yeah," I said, nodding. "I'm officially a Pokémon trainer, and I was thinking that the adoption couldn't come at a perfect time. I'm going to take the opportunity if any are interested in coming with me."

"Letting them pick for you?" she asked, smiling. "You know, if you let her, I'm sure that Song will be more than happy to give you her recommendations."

"Well, I was also hoping on that, too," I said, laughing. I shook off the mud off my boots as best I could. Not to my satisfaction, I grabbed a stick from the ground and tried my best to pry any caked mud in between the grooves. Nurse Joy giggled again, patting me on the shoulder.

"Why don't we take the back entrance?" she said, smiling at me. "I'm sure that it'll save you some trouble. Blissey will take care of the wet floor."

"Are you sure?" I asked.

No sooner had I opened my mouth, two Blissey appeared with dry mops, fans, and a yellow sign that said "Slippery when Wet" on it. I chuckled with Nurse Joy, as we went around the back of the center.

"So, you're going to let them pick you," Nurse Joy said, smiling. "That's actually really nice of you, I think. Many trainers would demand the obedience of the Pokémon they have."

"Well, these Pokémon have had rough experiences before," I said. "I don't want to make them uncomfortable by putting them in a situation that they don't want to be. That would be horrible on my part."

"I'm glad that you realize that," Nurse Joy said, nodding. "It's such a relief to hear that from a trainer."

"It also helps that I've been here a lot, and that I know what most of them have gone through," I pointed out

"Yes, yes it does," she said, patting my shoulder

We reached a fenced area, and she opened it with a key she pulled from her apron. Behind the fence was the enclosed area where Pokémon were able to be themselves, without many social constraints except their own. Many socialized with one another, speaking in their tongue; others spent their time lounging in the huge pool. And others liked to make their presence known as quickly as possible.

"Aaron!" a voice cried in my mind, soon to be followed by the feeling of a soft body against my back. I stumbled for a moment, but didn't fall, thankful for being used to this by now. I turned to see the familiar face of a Gardevoir, her hands resting on top of my shoulders. Normally a very quiet and reserved Pokémon, her smile and actions right now would make anyone not believe that concept. Her body pressed against mine, giving me a hug, and I smiled, patting her arms.

"I'm so glad that you're here now! I should let everyone know!" she said, her voice sounding excited about something. I shook my head.

"I'm not going anywhere, Song," I told her. "You're more than welcome to show me off instead of running ahead of me."

She let me go, as I turned to get a good look at her. She looked like any other Gardevoir, standing at an impressive six feet tall. Her body was hidden underneath her white 'robe', while her green hands were crossed against her chest. Her eyes are red, and her green 'hair' framed her face, curling back behind her head. A smile adorned her thin lips that blended in almost too well against her pale white skin. She usually didn't smile quite so satisfied for no reason.

"Oh, you'll find out soon enough," she said, smiling wider. I shook my head, smiling at her.

"Don't read my mind, Song," I said exasperatedly. "How many times do I have to ask?"

"Oh, I don't know. You don't seem to mind that I speak to you telepathically," she said, nodding to herself.

"Well, I'll leave you two, I have to go check up on the front desk," Nurse Joy said all of a sudden. I almost jumped out of my skin, which made Song laugh. Nurse Joy gave a quick curtsey and left the way we came, locking the gate behind her.

I shrugged. "You know, never mind why I always argue the same point with you over and over again," I said. "I'll never figure that out."

"What? That the others see me very close to you?" she asked

"No, that you speak to me through your powers," I pointed out.

"Well, it's better for you to know what I'm saying, instead of guessing at it," she said, smiling again. "Besides, it's good to know that you can understand me, too."

"I'm glad it makes you feel like that, Song," I said, extending a hand towards her. She nodded and took my hand, and walked towards the more inhabited areas of the enclosure.

Pokémon of all shapes and sizes greeted us, from Bidoof and Pachirisu scampering on the ground, to a Noctowl flying overhead. I grinned as several of them made their way to greet me with enthusiastic cries. I chuckled as I kneeled to scratch heads and ears, as Song stood next to me. I looked at the Gardevoir, who had a satisfied smile on her face.

"Song, what are you thinking?" I asked her. "Ever since I got here, you haven't stopped smiling."

"Is it a crime now to be happy?" she asked kindly. Her smile didn't waver as she spoke in my mind.

I shook my head. "No, it's just that you aren't this perky usually," I pointed out.

"I'm trying something different," she said, nodding.

"Right..." I said, shaking my head. I'll most likely never find out, and it's probably for the best.

As I turn my attention back scratch more ears, I come face to face with a gigantic cat Pokémon. I jumped back, startled at the sight, falling on my ass, but I calm myself when I realize its Akalia, the Luxray. I chuckled, if only to mask how startled I was. I looked at the Luxray, noticing again how she looked. Black fur covered her face, her eyes red with yellow irises. She stood proudly in all fours, claws hidden within her regal paws. Her tail swung back and forth lazily, as a smile slowly played out on her muzzle.

"Luxray! Lux, Luxray!" she exclaimed, as I sat on the ground.

"Hi yourself, Akalia," I said, rubbing her mane but bopping her on the nose gently. At her startled cry, I rubbed her nose gently. "Don't startle me like that."

"Oh, not to mention how many times have you thrown her into the lake?" Song asked, her voice giggling in my mind.

"Hey, it's not my fault all of you get dirty while I'm here," I said in my defense. "And besides, Nurse Joy told me to give Akalia a thorough wash, and I intended to do it."

"Maybe I should give you a thorough washing," she said, lifting me up from the ground.

"Song!" I exclaimed, flailing my arms as I was lifted by her powers. "Don't! I just took a shower before heading here!"

"And you took your bike here, which means you rode through that path that I never want you to go through," she said, giggling. "You need a shower, and I intend to see you get a thorough one!"

I was then carried a few feet over to where the water hole was. It was really a gigantic pool, a good twenty feet deep, and it was home to all the water Pokémon that the center took care of. It was used as a relaxing spot for trainers, Pokémon, and for a certain Gardevoir, the center of her attention.

"Any last words before I throw you in?" Song asked.

"Please don't throw me in?" I asked

"Too bad," she said, as I felt myself hoisted up above the pool, and suddenly let go. I didn't yell, trying to conserve as much oxygen as I could as I went under in, I imagine, a good sized splash.

The water was cold, and a few precious bubbles of oxygen escaped my mouth. I began swimming up to the surface, but what looked like an immense snake coiled around me. The Pokémon's face aligned with mine, and was relieved when it was the Milotic, Xola. I grabbed hold to her body as she swiftly swam to the surface. I gasped for air as soon as I could feel I wasn't underwater, and I was assaulted by cheers from all around me. I wiped the water out of my eyes as best I could, to see all kinds of Pokémon cheering, their happy cries filling the air.

"Hey, Xola," I said, patting the enormous Milotic on her neck. "Thanks for saving me."

She nodded, gently nuzzling me. I grinned and hugged her neck, as she almost purred in happiness. Xola was always an attention hog, but she usually earned her praise, and I was never shy to let her know how amazing she was. She looked like every Milotic, cream colored scales covering most of her body, only to change blue near her tail. At an impressive length of sixteen feet, that's nothing to roll your eyes at. Pink colored scales adorned her 'eyebrows', both the thin pair that stood up, and the thick pair that hung to the sides of her body. When Xola faced me, I got a good look at her face, and I mentally winced that she was blind on her right eye. Two deep, horizontal scars were the only things to remind her of whatever may have caused it. I never asked for the record how she got her injury. It was bad enough that she was 'retired', as her record states. I've tried to catch her by surprise, even using her blind spot to my advantage, and all I get is a big tail slap to the face.

She dove under the water, only to appear underneath me, as her body fit in between my legs. I held on as best as I could, as Xola took me to the edge of the pool. I patted Xola on the head, getting a low melodic rumble from her. I smiled, indulging her in the attention she always likes. Song floated by, a smile on her face.

"Alright, Song," I said, giving her my undivided attention. "You have something up your sleeve. Spill it already."

"Alright, you spoilsport," she said, giggling again. "But first, tell me why you're here? Is it really because of another job, or are you here for the adoption?"

"I'm here for the adoption," I said, nodding. "All the paperwork got authorized, and starting today, I'm officially a Pokémon Trainer."

I could hear soft whispers among the present Pokémon after I said that. I could swear I could hear the gears turning in Song's head after I said that. I've already told Song that I wanted to become a trainer, so I imagine this was to confirm any rumor that may have been spreading around. You could never tell with these crafty psychic types.

"And you're here to adopt a few of us?" Song asked.

"Yes, I am," I said, nodding. "Well, anyone that would like to come along, at least."

Song smiled down at me as I stood up, shaking as much water off me as possible. I shivered as the breeze picked up again, the cold cutting right through my skin. A low rumbling sound at my side made me look downwards, to see Akalia with a towel across her back.

"Thanks, Akalia," I said, taking the towel. I dried as best I could, and I took my shirt off to let it dry. A conveniently placed table was nearby, so I put my shirt on top of it, to hopefully be dry in a few hours. I wasn't going anywhere anytime soon, so I wasn't too worried. Worse things have happened while I've been here. Losing a shirt would be the least of my worries.

"Luxray?" Akalia asked in a curious tone. Her head tilted to the side, eyes glowing gently.

I understood her tone as being concerned, or sad. I kneeled in front of her, patting her head. "Well, the adoption is going on right now," I pointed out. "You're more than welcome to come along with me."

Akalia proceeded to then tackle me to the ground, her entire body rumbling with her purring. Though startled by her actions, I was relieved that she accepted. As her head snuggled against my still drying chest, her rumbles increased. I grinned, wrapping my arms around the gigantic cat, and ruffling her fur.

"Just don't fall asleep on top of me right now," I joked, rubbing her ears gently. "I'm quite sure that someone would be jealous if you monopolized me."

"I do not monopolize you, my good sir!" Song's voice rang in my head. I looked around to see her with her hands on her hips, eyes narrowed. I grinned at her, but she shook her head, and looked as if she sighed.

"Before you ask, yes, I want to go with you, Aaron," she said, her tone of voice in my mind serious. "I've been thinking about it ever since you told me you wanted to become a trainer two years ago, and as you can see, Akalia wanted to come along."

I smiled, stroking the purring Luxray's head. "You're both serious about coming with me?" I asked

Akalia looked up to me, leveling her face with my own and giving me a huge wet lick across my cheek. I laughed, trying to get her to stop before she decides to keep at it.

"Yes, I'm serious," Song answered, giggling again. "I wouldn't have brought it up if I wasn't."

"I'll have to trust you on that one," I said, smiling at both of them.

"Luxray! Lux, Lu Lux!" Akalia exclaimed, with a tone of finality.

"I agree with Akalia," Song said, nodding.

"What did she say?" I asked, perplexed at the exchange.

"She says that we should get the others," Song translated.

"What do you mean by others?" I asked.

"Well, first you should turn around and address Xola properly, as she's one of the other candidates," Song said, pointing behind me.

I turned around to see the Milotic uncurl her massive body like a rope uncoiling, and slide her way towards us with powerful motions. Xola's face was within arm's reach within moments, her warm breath washing over my face. It didn't take long for me to realize that I didn't have much of a say in this argument, and it's not like I would say no to have an experienced battler on the team.

"Xola, would you like to come with me on my journey?" I asked the Milotic.

She nodded, as she smiled with her eyes, her face gently rubbing against my cheek. I smiled as I scratched her head, her scales smooth to the touch. Already three have volunteered to come along. This is going better than I could have hoped for.

I realized that most of the commotion has died down by now, and all the other Pokemon were going about their regular activities. It was still early morning, and the entire day was still ahead of me. Who knows who else would join?

================ ======================= ===============

"Aaron, would you like to meet Spirit?" Song asked.

It was now midday, the sun hanging pregnant in the sky, warming up the day a bit on the hotter side of mild. I had my shirt on by now, though no thanks to Xola's teasing and demanding hugs right after she comes out of the pool. My shirt was wet, again, but I didn't bother taking it off. It was going to get wet again anyway. We sat around one of the tables, eating lunch. I was eating a cheese sandwich, while Akalia, Xola, and Song had a wide assortment of Pokémon food to pick from.

"Who's Spirit?" I asked, closing my eyes in thought. "I don't remember a Pokémon by that name from the top of my head."

"I'm not surprised," she said. "She tends to be a bit private, but when I talk to her about you, she has said that she wants to meet you."

"I wonder what kind of things you talk about behind my back," I said, grinning.

"Oh, it wasn't anything bad," the Gardevoir said, her mouth curling into a smile. "She's had a few bad experiences with humans before, and she's having trouble believing me."

"I really don't see how others don't trust you," I said, chuckling.

Akalia and Xola both chuckled with me, while Song looked positively livid for a moment. Her eyes glowed, and I could feel her presence in my mind. Song's eyes glowed brightly for an instant, and at the same moment, my thoughts were not my own anymore. I could feel her digging through my memories, though try as I might, I could not stop her from whatever she was looking for. Even though I trusted her, it always felt odd having your entire mind open to someone so powerful.

Her furious look was replaced with a smile, as her voice giggled in my mind. "Sorry," she said, coming around to pat me on the head. "I didn't mean to startle you."

"You never do, Song."

"Either way, she's here now, if you'd like to meet her."

I smiled. "Of course I'd like to meet her," I said, nodding. "I'd like to meet whomever it is that you're speaking so highly of me. I can only hope I don't disappoint."

"I'll let her know right now," Song said. "I'll also let the other two know, as well."

"Wait, what other two?" I asked, confused at the statement.

"There are more that listen to me ramble on about you, and they have expressed an interest," Song said, smiling mischievously. "Spirit will be back in a moment, as I seemed to have caught her napping, Zin is a bit far away and is making her way over here, but Mist is more than happy to meet you now."

I rolled my eyes and sighed, not bothering to hide my actions. "Alright, then let's meet Mist then. Is he or she here?"

"Right behind you," an unknown voice said.

I jumped out of my skin, knocking over my chair, spinning around to see who just spoke. A shimmer in the air was the only thing I could see out of place. As I looked closer at it, it seemed to be the outline of something floating in front of me. I kept my distance, though. I've had many experiences where poking your nose is a very bad idea.

"A wise choice, considering a human's natural curiosity to the unknown," the voice said.

The air shimmered, like the distortion of heat in the distance. The outline I saw became more defined, revealing a Mismagius floating in front of me. Though obviously part of the Pokémon's body, he or she looked like it was wearing a purple wizard hat and robes that covered the entire body. Three red gems appeared attached to the body, about where the waist would be. Yellow eyes stared right at mine, as if peering straight into my soul. I shivered involuntarily, as the Pokémon nodded to itself. The Pokémon's eyes widened, its mouth shaping from its original squiggly line, into a surprised gasp, but it was quickly suppressed.

"So, you're Aaron," the Mismagius said, nodding. "I can see why Song likes you so much."

"Excuse me?" I asked

"Yes, I am female," she said, ignoring my question. "So you can stop referring me as "Pokémon" or "it", though I appreciate you trying not to."

"May I ask what your name is?" I asked, grasping what felt like straws

"My name is Mist," she said, her mouth spreading into a grin. "And before you ask, yes, I can read your mind, and no, I cannot speak human."

I didn't ask how it looked like she could. Just thinking about it hurt, so I just accepted it as is. I thought for a moment, as I attempted to come up with a different approach.

"Song told you about me," I said, winging the question as best I could. "Are there any questions I can answer?"

"Why do you want to go on your Pokémon journey?" she asked

"Well, I want to explore the world, for one," I said, picking up the chair I knocked over. Sitting down, I continued. "I also want to make a living for myself doing something different than digging old fossils. It's fun and all, but I want to carve a place for myself in the world instead of living in my parent's shadow."

"Do you see yourself being successful?" she asked, her eyes narrowing

"Your definition of successful might be different than mine, Mist," I said, shrugging. "But, if I can manage my way across the entire world without getting myself killed and meeting all kinds of people, I'd call that successful."

"So, you're not looking to become one of those trainers that flaunts their skill in front of the camera, just to get publicity," Mist said, nodding again. "It seems that Song is right about you."

I smiled, not knowing what to say. She can read my mind easily enough if she really wanted an answer. I imagine that she wanted me to say my answers instead of thinking; because it proves me that I'm right or wrong. Also, it's harder to deny you said something when there are witnesses.

The Mismagius smiled at me, the grin widening. "You catch on quick," she said, nodding. Turning away from me, she looked towards Song, addressing her. "And Song, before you ask, yes, I accept your proposition."

I looked at Song, who was smiling almost ear to ear. I didn't hear any mental speech, but I imagine that she thanked Mist. Of what proposition, I have no idea. I don't think I want to guess, either.

Mist turned to me, and grinned at me again, before addressing me. "If it would please you, I'd like to go with you when you leave for your journey," she said. "I am quite experienced in battles and-."

"Mist, I could care less if your experienced or not in battles or whatnot," I said, cutting her off. "All I care about is that you're prepared and willing to come with me. Just for the record, you four will be my starting Pokémon, as I just started my journey technically today. If you're willing to work with my inexperience, I'd be more than happy to have you along. I apologize for cutting you off, but please don't do this just to 'please me'. You come if it is what you want to do, not because someone else tells you to."

Mist floated there, her mouth closed and eyes studying me again. I could only imagine what she was thinking, but I kept looking straight at her gaze. It took several moments for her to nod, breaking our eye contact.

"You are really what you say," she said without preamble. "I will join you, if only to see that you keep to your word."

"What do you mean by that?" I asked, perplexed by the statement. She didn't answer, floating past me without a look, to hover by Song. They both looked at each other, and giggled, both their bodies visibly shaking with laughter.

"Great, another one to the crazy list," I said to no one in particular. I stood up, stretching for a moment. "I'm going to get a cup of water. Do any of you want some more food?"

With various nods, I stood up to go back inside the Pokémon Center. I made my way through the front gate this time, as I saw it was unlocked now. As I entered through the main entrance, Nurse Joy was walking in with a stack of papers. I hurried over to help her, and she let me, thanking me with words and a smile.

"Thank you," she said again, as we reached the desk. "It started to get heavy there at the end."

I smiled back. "No problems," I said. "Could I get four more plates of Pokémon food? The girls seem to be hungry still."

"The girls?" she asked, smiling. "Song has her idea in full swing then, I take it?"

"You knew?" I asked, baffled at her statement

"Oh, she let it slip here and there," Nurse Joy said dismissively. She turned to hand me a large round tray with six plates. "Can you handle that?" she asked, sliding it my way.

"I'm pretty sure, doesn't seem too heavy," I said, shrugging. "But why six plates, though?"

"You'll see," she replied enigmatically. I shrugged again.

"Could I get a cup of water?"

"I'll hand you a pitcher," she said, nodding. "You'll need it."

She grabbed a full pitcher of ice water and placed it in the middle of the tray. I lifted it with both hands, thankful that it wasn't too large, and made my way towards the Pokémon area. Though the main double doors are thankfully automatic, I didn't have such luck with the wooden door that led to the fenced in area.

"Could someone open the door, please?" I called, mentally kicking myself. "I bring food!"

The door opened slowly, revealing a Pokémon I definitely was not expecting. A slender face peered at me at eye level, matching my almost six foot height. Eyes hidden behind what looked like large red lenses could be seen, looking straight into mine. The body covered in green scales, the Flygon's legs a deeper shade of green. White claws adorned the ends of its arms, while the wings on the Pokémon's back almost buzzed without provocation.

It was the first time I've ever seen this Pokémon at the center, though I'm sure that he or she has seen me before. It surprised me that I haven't even seen the record. I tried not to let it bother me, though, seeing as it was a bit late for that now. I smiled at the Flygon, nodding.

"Thank you for opening the door," I said. "You wouldn't be the Flygon that Song was speaking of?"

The Flygon nodded, noticing the soft red blush under her eyes. I wondered why she would be shy or embarrassed, but I didn't ask. As I walked inside, she closed the gate behind me and walked beside me back to where the others were. I took fleeting looks at the Flygon as we walked together, noticing some clues that suggested that she was nervous around my presence. She would click her claws together, her wings would flap on occasion, and even though the red 'goggles' hid it very well, her eyes were wide. I guess she was nervous, so I stopped to address her before we reached the others at the table.

"Spirit," I said, turning to face her. She jumped, flinching back from me, her entire body and posture in a defensive position. I shook my head, frowning.

"I don't know if Song is forcing you to do something you don't want to do," I said, trying to pick my words carefully, "but please don't do something you don't want to do. I know that you just met me, and it's hard to trust me, but please think about it."

I nodded, feeling slightly satisfied with myself, leaving the Flygon to her thoughts. It felt like I just reworded the same things I told Mist, though the Mismagius was more comfortable with herself, though I got the feeling that she was a very private individual. I didn't mind, but I would need to find a way to approach her in a more casual level when we're outside of battles.

I reached the table, all present speaking avidly with each other. I placed the tray down, sitting down and grabbing the pitcher. "Well, here's seconds, so enjoy," I said, drinking from my newly refilled cup.

As I sat there, watching these four interact with each other, I'm pretty sure that, somehow, Song had this all thought out. Don't get me wrong, I wasn't complaining of the situation. It just felt strange that either Song, or all of them, would think this through. I shrugged, as I decided not to worry about this. I imagine that Song would want me to talk to Spirit, as well as this unknown Pokémon that has yet to show up. Either case, it seems to me that things look promising.

Author's Notes (2): OK, so this is one of the things that I've had in the backburner for a while now. Like, a year now, actually. There's a lot of inspiration for this story here on SoFurry, and I think it shows. Yes, I am throwing my hat into the Pokemon story arcs, and yes, this is going to be a long one. My hopes that you enjoy this, as more will come.

Fun Fact: The original script for this story had a completely different roster of Pokémon. In all honesty, I dont know why I changed it, but it didnt feel right when I re-read the first run, so I scrapped most of it and worked from the bottom up. I think it's way better like this. Also, significantly longer.

Pages - 27. Words (with spaces) - 35,107. Music that inspired: Two Steps From Hell.

Edit 1: Can't believe I messed that up. Torchic isn't a starter in the Sinnoh Region. Bah! I apologize for blatant ignorance.