FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

Legal Stuff: I do not own Pokémon or anything from, never have, never will, all characters in this story are my original characters, any similarities to anything is strictly coincidental.

(Pokémon speak)

Character thought

xXx = scene transition

RJ's Adventure

Chapter 5: Thieves

Three days had passed since our favorite trio had arrived in Luka Town. Over those three days RJ, Rachael, and Zeta had done nothing but exactly what they had intended to do, relax and see the sights. RJ had used some of the money on the girls to reward them for the hard they had put in capturing Hail of Team Storm, even though I was a spur of the moment situation.

While the girls stayed in their room at the center he had gone out and purchased brushes for them, some exotic food and snacks for along the road. One other item he purchased especially for Rachael was a simple red bandana that matched her eyes and she wore around her neck. While a simple gift, Rachael seemed to love it.

On the morning on the fourth day in Luka Town, RJ was the first to wake up, he looked at the clock and saw it was close to 7:30.

"It's supposed to be a mini vacation and I'm waking up earlier then I do regularly."

He looks around the room seeing the girls where they had been sleeping for the past couple days. Zeta had chosen to lie out on the couch while Rachael was curled up at the edge of the bed. Deciding he wouldn't be able to go back to sleep, he got out of bed, put on a fresh set of clothes and made his way to the door to fetch him and the girls breakfast. He grabs the notepad on the table next to door and writes out a note for the girls in case they wake up when a thought hits him.

Does Rachael even know how to read? He turns and looks at the girls. I'm sure Zeta knows how too.

After leaving the note on the door, he leaves the room and heads down to the lobby of the center. Still inside the room, Zeta is sleeping peacefully but Rachael begins to stir in her sleep. While stirring she doesn't seem to be at stress but she does utter a single word, "Mom."

xXx

Rachael is still sleeping on the bed in the room of the pokemon center, when a sudden sound wakes her. She slowly sits up from her slumber and starts looking around the room, and she notices that neither RJ nor Zeta are in the room with her.

"Where is everybody?" she asks herself in a confused tone.

"Don't worry about them sweetie. This is just a dream after all." A familiar voice says from behind her. As Rachael turns around, she immediately hops off the bed and runs into the arms of the figure standing next to the window.

"Mom!" Rachael yells out while embracing the Lucario in a long hug. "It's good to hear from you again, I'm still so worried about you. I wish I could see you again for real."

"So do I Rachael. Do not worry about me so much, your mother won't be caught that easily, however I have not lost them quite yet. They are not too tough, but they sure are persistent."

"I know you will get away mom. I promise to stay strong until then."

"That's my girl." She pauses for a moment and notices the bandana around Rachael's throat. "When did you get this?"

"RJ bought it for me a few days ago. He thought I deserved it after me, him and Zeta captured a wanted criminal."

"Well congratulations, it does match your eyes. Now I might be able to reach you in your dreams, but I'm not a mind reader, you are going to have to tell me who this Zeta is."

"She's the newest member of our group, or family as RJ calls it. She is a Zoroark that the criminal we brought in was chasing. I didn't exactly trust her at first given the rumors I have heard about her species, but now she's a good friend of mine."

"Well I'm glad you made a new friend. I need to leave now, I only get so much rest with these people chasing me. I promise to see you soon Rachael. And give my regards to RJ and Zeta when you awaken." She pulls Rachael into a tight hug as the dream fades to black.

xXx

As the dream fades away, Rachael wakes up and lets out a yawn. As she stands up and stretches she sees RJ is not in the room. At first she thinks she is still dreaming, but she hears another yawn come from Zeta on the couch. While Zeta is awake, she doesn't show it, wanting to get in a few minutes of sleep. One other thing that Rachael noticed was the note RJ had left on the door only minutes before. She hops off the bed to take a look at it, but quickly becomes frustrated.

I really wish I knew how to read.

(Good morning Rachael.) Zeta says, her eyes open but still laying on the couch.

"Morning Zeta." She thinks for a moment. "Hey Zeta, are you able to read?"

(Human language? I know enough. Why do you ask?)

"I think RJ left a note for us, but I don't know what it says."

(Let me see.) Zeta states as she get off the couch and walks over and reads the note. (Nothing important, he says he went to get us breakfast and will be back shortly.)

"Well that was nice of him."

Rachael decides to herself to practice her aura sight while waiting for RJ to return. Zeta let out another yawn and returned to her spot on the couch. A few minutes pass and Rachael is impressed with how much better she is with her aura sight. Soon RJ comes back and Rachael knows before he even arrives at the door. Watching him with her sight, just before her reaches for the knob Rachael calls out.

"Come on in RJ."

A short awkward silence fills the air for a brief moment until RJ opens the door, breakfast in hand.

"Well if you knew I was there you must be getting better with that aura sight of yours." Rachael lets out a small chuckle. "By the way, my mom contacted me in my dreams again."

"Really, is she ok?"

"Yea, she won't be caught that easily. She just wanted to say hello and thank you for taking care of me."

"At least I know I am on her good side even though we haven't even met." As he finishes he statement Zeta lets another yawn out on the couch.

(I smell breakfast.) Zeta says while sitting back up on the couch.

"And good morning to you to Zeta."

(Sorry, I woke up a few minutes ago and all I could think about was food.)

As the three starts eating their breakfast, RJ finishes quickly and heads to the bathroom to take a shower. After a few minutes, RJ comes out of the bathroom in fresh clothes to see that Rachael and Zeta are both now sitting on the bed watching the TV.

"Well now that we have gotten breakfast out of the way, there are two things we have to talk about." Both Rachael and Zeta look at him with worried looks on their faces.

"Don't look at me like that, it's nothing that serious." Rachael lets out a sigh as the girl clam down. "First, I put most of the money I earned away in a bank account so we don't spend it all, I think it would be better if we save all that for an emergency, so we are going to be earning our money on the road." Zeta seems to understand and nods.

"Second, is the fact of the first gym coming up. We have about a three day walk ahead of us to Winton City so we do have time to prepare."

"Prepare for what?"

"Our gym battle. It's supposed to be a three on three battle and so far we just have you two. So we might want to look for a another member before we challenge the leader."

"Is that all we have to prepare for?"

"Not really. The numbers game doesn't concern me, it's the type disadvantage we have."

Zeta speaks up. (Are you saying we are both weak against the pokemon type he uses?)

"Yea. He is a bug type gym leader and Rachael's fighting moves won't do much and his bug type moves are one of your weaknesses Zeta. If we had something like a flying or a rock type we would be all set."

"Man I hate bugs."

"Don't worry, we'll manage. In the mean time since I put most of my money away, we need another source of income. I think we should have a few battles today to help out and get in some practice."

(Sounds like fun, we have done nothing but relax for the past three days, we don't want to get out of shape do we?)

"My thoughts exactly."

xXx

About an hour later, the group arrives at the local park near the center of Luka Town. Rachael is still riding around on RJ's shoulder while Zeta keeps her Poochyena illusion up. They quickly find one of the numerous battlefields spend out along the park.

"So should we challenge someone, or let them come to us." RJ asks aloud.

"Let's go ahead and see if we get challenged. After seeing the two of us out of our balls, they probably will underestimate us."

"Wouldn't you feel guilty doing that Rachael?"

"Not really, it's how battling works in a sense."

RJ lets out a sigh and sits down on a bench overlooking the battlefield as they watch a battle between a Magmar and a Seviper goes on. Zeta lies down next to the bench and watches the battle carefully while Rachael does the same while sitting in RJ's lap.

Someone is heading our way RJ. Rachael says with her aura speak to RJ and Zeta.

As RJ looks to his left he sees another trainer walking towards him, he looks a few years younger, but this does not surprise RJ because of his late start on his journey.

"Hey, you looking for a battle?" The young trainer asks.

"I might be." RJ responds.

"Well I can see you have two Pokémon out of their balls, how would like to face me in a two on two match?"

"Alright then." RJ says just as the last battle on the field finishes up and is now open.

The RJ and the fellow trainer head on down to the battlefield and take their stands at opposing ends. The other trainer cannot see any other balls on RJ's belt. "Are those two the only two pokemon you have?"

"Yes they are, is that a problem?"

The other trainer laughs. "Wow, this is going to be easier than I thought. Anyway, let's get started. Go Poliwhirl!" The trainer throws out his ball and a Poliwhirl appears from the white light.

"So which one of you two wants to go first?" He asks looking down at Rachael and Zeta.

(I would like to. If it is ok with Rachael.) Zeta quickly responds.

"Fine by me, just don't lose, I don't want to have to clean up after your mess." She says with a slight chuckle.

(Trust me, I won't. You can have whoever he throws out second.) Zeta says while stepping onto the battlefield.

"I think I'll make the first move." The other trainer calls out. "Poliwhirl use Water Pulse!" The Poliwhirl summons a large ball of water between its hands and throws it directly at Zeta.

"Use Quick Attack to dodge." Zeta quickly obeys and easily sidesteps the Water Pulse while getting in close. "Now use another and push it back!" Zeta rushes in with another Quick Attack and hits the Poliwhirl right in the center of the swirl on its belly. The Poliwhirl is pushed back several feet, but does not seem to have taken much damage.

"Physical attacks won't do much to Poliwhirl. Now use Body Slam." It jumps in the air and start falling towards Zeta.

"Faint Attack!" Zeta disappears in an instant and Poliwhirl is able pull out of the Body Slam and land on its feet. Just as it begins to look around, Zeta nails it in the back and sends it face first to the ground. Again, Poliwhirl gets up without looking like it has taken a lot of damage. Then without even an order from its trainer, the Poliwhirl turns around quickly a nails Zeta with a water gun attack, sending her back towards RJ.

"Are you ok Zeta?" RJ asks with some concern, as her illusion fades away.

(I am fine, and I think I have an idea.) Just as she says that, RJ's pokedex gives a few quick beeps. He takes it out of his pocket and reads the words 'New Move detected'.

"I think I know what you mean Zeta." RJ replies with a smile on his face.

"So, that Poochyena was just a Zoroark in disguise. I have to say that you fooled me, but this isn't going to change to outcome of this battle. Poliwhirl get in there and use Ice Punch!" The Poliwhirl charges in with its fist coated in a blue light and misty trails coming off of it. It is only about ten feet away from Zeta when RJ calls out.

"Zeta use Shadow Ball!" She opens her mouth and a purple and black ball of energy form to about the size of a basketball. She then twists her head around and throws the Shadow Ball into the Poliwhirl at near point blank range and it explodes on impact leaving a cloud of dust in its wake. As the dust clears, Zeta is slightly shaken from the explosion, but otherwise seemed unharmed. A few feet away from her lies the Poliwhirl, on the ground and unconscious.

"Looks like we win round one." RJ says.

(Looks like it.) Zeta replies.

The other trainer recalls his Poliwhirl. "All right, now it's time to finish this fight. Heracross its your turn!" Just as the Heracross forms from its pokeball Zeta walks back to RJ. "Hey, why is your Zoroark leaving the field?"

"Because, now it's my turn!" Rachael yells out as she hops off of RJ's shoulder and lands near the center of the battlefield.

"Don't expect me to be impressed just because she can speak English." The trainer yells back.

"I wouldn't expect you to. Now since you got the first move last time, I think we will start this round. Rachael start out with a Screech attack!" Rachael covers her own ears and lets out a deafening Screech that causes everyone nearby to cover their ears as well, even the spectators nearby. When Rachael let up, the other trainer's Heracross is still in some pain. "Now hit it with Bullet Punch!" Rachael quickly closes the gap between the two and delivers a quick four five punches to the Heracross's gut.

"Quick Heracross, use your Aerial Ace!" The Heracross spreads in wings and charges in quickly, leaving Rachael almost no time to react and nails her, sending her sliding across the field.

"Rachael watch out its coming on for another Aerial Ace!" Rachael quickly jumps to her feet and manages to dodge just in time as the Heracross flies past her. It turns around and lands turning around to face Rachael.

"Heracross, use Brick Break!"

"Use Quick Attack to stop it!" As the Heracross's claw begins to glow, before he can react, Rachael's foot hits him in the face causing it to cancel its attack. "Now use multiple Bullet Punches!" Rachael lets out three separate Bullet Punch attacks in the span of only a few seconds, hitting the Heracross a total of fifteen times. Now the Heracross looks visibly tired from the damage.

"C'mon Heracross, you can't lose to that little Riolu, use another Aerial Ace!" Once again the Heracross charges in with great speed aiming right at Rachael's face.

"Rachael use Confusion!" Rachael's eyes glow that familiar blue and well as her opponent which stops mid-air only inches from Rachael's with a look of shock on his own. "Now finish it with Force Palm!" Rachael's draws her fist back as it glows yellow and then send it straight into the Heracross's face, causing another small explosion, and leaves the Heracross on the ground unconscious. "Two for two. I think we win."

The other trainer sighs as he recalls his Heracross. "I shouldn't have underestimated you. It was a good battle though." After his statement he brings out his pokedex and transfers RJ's winnings to his own and walks off with a wave.

A few of the spectators give our group a round of applause and few even challenge him to a battle. About two hours, five battles and several healing items later, RJ finally turns off his Vs. Seeker as the group heads back to the pokemon center for lunch.

xXx

While they are eating lunch in their room at the center, RJ heads to the bathroom, upon his return he notices a couple members of Team Storm in the trees behind the center, most likely spying on them.

"Looks like you noticed them too." Rachael says looking at RJ with some concern.

"Yea, I thought I saw them while we were in the park earlier, but I was more focused on the battle to pretty put a lot of thought into it."

(Its Team Storm again isn't it?) Zeta asks with a hint of fear in her voice. (I told you they would continue to search for me, now with them watching us, it proves I have only put you into more danger.)

Since Zeta is sitting on the ground, Rachael gets up and pats her on the shoulder. "Don't worry about us, since we got one of their bosses locked up, we are probably on their shit list anyway."

"Rachael, since when do you know that kind of language?" RJ asks out of surprise.

"You talk in your sleep a lot." She quickly replies.

Before RJ is able to respond to Rachael's statement, his Xtransceiver rings. He presses a button on the side to answer the call and an image of his mother appears on the screen.

"Hi RJ, you have been gone almost a week and I figured I'd call and see how you are doing."

"Good to hear from you mom. Right now we are in Luka Town and tomorrow we are heading out to Winton City so we can go get our first badge. I think the three of us are ready to take on the leader."

Rachael hops onto RJ's shoulder. "Hi Cindy!"

"Hello Rachael, I'm glad to see you are well. Now RJ did you say the three of you? Who is the third person you are referring to?"

"That's right you haven't met her." He points the camera on his Xtransceiver towards Zeta. "This is Zeta, she joined the group about four days ago."

"Well it's good to see that you're making more friends."

"Yea. By the way, how is dad holding up about this whole situation."

"He still is not too happy about it, but I don't think it bothers him that much anymore. Anyway, I should probably let you go, I have to do some shopping. Also I have your name programmed on the gym battle network so we will know when your match will be on TV. I can guarantee that both me and your father will be watching. Good bye for now."

"Ok, mom, take care." He presses the button again ending the call.

(I see that you and your father have some issues.) Zeta says after hearing the whole conversation.

"Kind of, but it's nothing I can't work around. Anyway, I think we should go out and stock up for our trip to Winton City. Plus I need a new jacket after helping you out Zeta."

Zeta puts on a guilty face. (I apologize.)

"It's nothing to worry about, let's just go out, get our supplies and enjoy the rest of the day."

Rachael and Zeta nod as they head towards the door.

xXx

As the day goes on, RJ is able to get all the supplies he deemed necessary to have for their three day walk to Winton City. Both of the girls had decided to stay out of their balls, Rachael riding on RJ's shoulder, but Zeta decided to try a different disguise to stop the staring and went with the illusion of a young woman that looks like she could be RJ's twin sister. She seems satisfied at her new disguise as people are not staring at her anymore.

After about an hour of shopping, RJ finally has everything he needs as well as his new jacket. However just as he is exiting the store, he is nearly run over by a red blur that shoots passed him and down a nearby ally.

"YOU LITTLE THIEF! IF I SEE YOU AGAIN I'LL MAKE SURE YOU DON'T GET AWAY!" Yells an angry man from down the street.

"RJ I think we should see what that red blur was." Rachael says hopping off his shoulder.

"I agree. It went down that ally, let's see where it goes."

xXx

The three follow the follow the ally which leads between two buildings for a while. Coming to an intersection, Rachael sniffs the air and points down the path to the left. After following the path for a minute RJ can soon hear whimpering coming from a box nearby. As RJ leans down to look inside, another red blur shoots on and stops in the middle of the path.

As it turns out, the red blur is a Vulpix. RJ looks at it as it growls at the group, and he can see that it having trouble standing and is very malnourished. Before RJ can say a word to the Vulpix, it starts spewing out an Ember attack. After nearly a minute of dodging the fire attacks, the Vulpix starts to wobble and falls over. RJ knows what to do, he pulls out an empty ball and throws it at the Vulpix before it can get back up and start attacking again. The Vulpix is sucked into the ball and it falls to the floor, wobbles a few times, then the blinking light goes out and a ping signals the capture.

xXx

Several hours later, RJ and the girls are sitting around their new room. RJ had gotten their room changed knowing that it was being watched by Team Storm. While the girls are occupied watching the news on TV. RJ lets out a sigh while staring at the ceiling and lying on his bed.

(Are you ok RJ? You seem out of it tonight.) Zeta asks with some concern.

"I guess I just feel guilty for capturing that Vulpix the way I did. I hope Nurse Joy can help it."

As if on cue, the phone to the room rings, RJ picks it up and listens to a recording saying that the Vulpix he left with Nurse Joy is ready to be picked up.

"Well speaking of that, time to go see how our new friend is doing. I'll be back in a few." RJ walks out the door and heads for the lobby.

RJ arrives at the front desk and rings the bell. Nurse walks out a moment later.

"Hi Nurse Joy, I'm here to pick up the Vulpix I dropped off a few hours ago."

Nurse Joy gives him a nasty look. "Well it's a good thing you got her here when you did. You should know better than to let any pokemon get into that condition."

"Hey hey hey, I didn't let her get that way I just caught her like that earlier today. This is why I caught her, because she needed help."

Joy's expression goes from angry to guilty in a split second. "Oh. I'm terribly sorry. I shouldn't have assumed such a thing. I am glad to know that there are trainers like you who want help all pokemon. Make sure she gets plenty of food and she needs another day of rest before anything else." She hands over Vuplix's ball and walks back to her office.

He walks over to one of the benches in the lobby and takes a seat. He then puts the bowl he grabbed on his way down and fills it with food. He then take Vulpix's ball in his hand and looks at it for a minute.

"Alright Vulpix, I think we need to talk." Her ball opens up and Vulpix emerges from the white light. She looks healthier and begins frantically looking around until she turns around and notices RJ. Immediately she gets ready to attack but notices the food before her, she sniffs it and looks up at RJ quizzically.

"That's all for you, eat up." RJ says to her.

Vulpix gives the most inspired look RJ has ever seen and quickly begins to devour the food in front of her. RJ watches, impressed by how any pokemon can eat that fast. She soon finishes and looks up at RJ. (Thank you) Is all she says.

"You're welcome. I figured you would be starving after how you looked when I found you." He says to her with a smile.

(You can understand me?) She asks with a look of shock on her face. RJ starts tapping his ear.

"I have a translator, so yes, I can understand every word you say."

(I attacked you, and now you help me. I don't understand.)

"Look, you needed help, and I couldn't sit back and just leave in the state you were in. I realized you only stole that little bit of food to survive. So now welcome to the family. I might have captured you, but that doesn't mean I am your master. I want you to think of me as a friend. Also, if you don't want to stay with us, I can release you if you want me to."

(No. I don't want to be released. While I am not used to being captured, I think I will have a better life with you then out on the street again. I guess now all you have to do is give me a name right?)

"Only if you want one."

Vulpix thinks for a moment. (Would you mind calling me Nina? It's what my mother called me before she was captured.)

"Well Nina, I think that can be arranged. Now come on, let's head back up the room. I think you should meet the others, and I'm sure you don't want to sleep down here on the floor."

Back in the room, RJ introduced Nina to the others and they all seem to get along great. Around 10pm, RJ decides to call it a night and the girls turn in as well. Nina fell asleep almost instantly on the couch after Zeta made room for her, and Rachael took her spot at the end of the bed. RJ thinks to himself about how the next few days are going to go, but soon falls asleep himself.

xXx

The morning, the group had a quick breakfast and set out on Route 76 towards Winton City. As per usual, Rachael is on RJ's shoulder practicing her aura sight with Zeta walking alongside choosing to disguise herself as a Mightyena now instead of the usual Poochyena, Nina opted to stay inside her ball.

It is getting close to noon and RJ hadn't seen another trainer for close to an hour, even though his Vs. Seeker is off, the route being this empty is rubbing him the wrong way. Apparently Rachael feels the same way.

RJ, I think we are being followed, I can only sense three people nearby and they are staying out of sight.

No sooner did she say that, the two figures jump out from the trees and block the group's path. The two don't say a word, but do not move an inch when RJ comes to a stop.

"From the looks of your clothes I take it you two work for Hail. Am I right?"

The one to RJ's left speaks up. "Yes we do. As you know, you recently put our boss behind bars. Even though she will not be there for long, we have been assigned to defeat you and bring you and Pokémon to our base."

"I'm guessing whether I fight back or go willingly you're going to attack me anyway."

The other grunt speaks up, this one a young woman, while the two of them throw their balls into the air, releasing two Vanillites and a Piloswine. "That's the idea."

Rachael and Zeta both get ready to fight and RJ calls out Nina as well.

(What's going on?) Nina asks while starring at multiple ice types.

(These people have been after me for a while now. And now they want to get us all.) Zeta states while dropping her illusion seeing no need for it.

(Well, I'm not going to let these people take my new friends while I'm around.) she replies with a smirk.

Everyone, whatever they did to Zeta to make her evolve they did the same to that Piloswine. These three look tough, but looking at their auras, they are complete pushovers.

"Well sounds like this is going to be quick." RJ says aloud and the two grunts blocking the path start to get nervous looks. "Look even they know we know they're not as strong as they look."

"Oh crap." The woman grunt says just loud enough for RJ to hear.

"Nina, use Flame Burst on the left one. Zeta, Shadow Ball on the right. Rachael get in close on the Piloswine."

Nina launches a fireball on one Vanillite when Zeta does the same to the one on the right. The attacks hit their targets at the same time, both causing small explosions. The Piloswine starts charging up an Ice Ball attack when Rachael appears right in front of him with her palm in his face.

"Force Palm." RJ simply says. The small explosion causes the Piloswine to fall over unconscious next to the Vanillites. The whole battle took less than a minute, and after the battle the grunts drop their pokeballs and run off in fear.

(That's right, run off you cowards!) Zeta yells as they run off.

(You three have been chased by such weaklings? You would think they would give up.) Nina says to RJ.

"Trust me Nina, those two were the weakest we have faced since they started chasing us." After saying that, RJ goes over to the unconscious pokemon, heals them, and they picks up their pokeballs and smashes them. After the three pokemon realized they are free, they each give a thankful look and run into the woods.

"Well at least they are no longer controlled by Team Storm. Maybe now we can not worry about them for a while."

"I hope you're right RJ, after all, we have to focus on our gym battle in three days, and that just got easier with Nina now helping us." Rachael replies.

(A gym battle huh? I think I might be able to help out.) Nina says with a smile

"I'm glad Nina, as of right now, you're the only one here with an advantage to bug types. Rachael's even scared of them."

Nina laughs and Rachael blushes. "Hey Nina it's not funny."

(I'm only messing with you Rachael. Anyway, RJ could you return me to my ball for now, I want to sleep for a little while longer.)

"Sure thing, I bring you back out around dinner." RJ says and then turns Nina to her ball. "now that we are past that speed bump, let's keep going." Zeta and Rachael nod in agreement.

xXx

As the sun starts to set along the Baina Region, the group decides to settle down for the night. RJ and Nina handle getting the fire and dinner started, while Rachael and Zeta set up the tent and sleeping gear. After dinner and about an hour of small talk about the gym battle in a few days, Nina and Zeta both decide to go to sleep in their balls.

"If everyone is going to sleep outside their balls I need to get a bigger tent." RJ says with a laugh as he climbs into his sleeping bag.

"Worry about that after we get to Winton City and get our first badge." Rachael says with a yawn and curls up on the folded blanket she uses as her bed. "Good night RJ."

"Good night." And soon after both are sound asleep ready for the next day and whatever may happen.

To Be Continued...............

There it is Chapter 5. We have met Nina and the group is looking for their first badge. I hope you all enjoyed, Don't forget to vote, comment, etc. I might have to take a short break before I get the next chapter up. I want to work on my other story some more and I am out of notes for this one for now, I gotta get planning. Wish me luck.