{"sf1_id":300784,"sf2_id":"dmW9WPQ1","title":"A Trainer's Tale - Chapter 22","author":"FoxStriker25","words":15553,"posted_at":"2011-10-29T05:20:00.000Z","tags":["Human","Lucario","Pokemon","Story Progression","deoxys","houndoom"],"url":"https://fse.anthro.fr/stories/300784-a-trainer-s-tale-chapter-22","original_url":"https://sofurry.com/s/dmW9WPQ1","image_url":"https://cdn.sofurryfiles.com/submissions/thumbnails/94/2c/942c53dd-499b-4b5a-a140-a1c328b98dbe","description":"#22 of A Trainer's Tale","content":"Fox: _So this is what happens when I don't put a self-imposed page limit on my work.\u0026nbsp; So yes, this is the 'long chapter experiment'.\u0026nbsp; Also, it was a rather slow chapter overall, so it fit the needs of the situation perfectly.\u0026nbsp; So... yeah.\u0026nbsp; Oh, and I blame Rater435.\u0026nbsp; That is all._\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n_Brimcon: \"T-Minus 10 minutes until head detonation.\"_\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n**Disclaimer: Pokémon is copyright of Nintendo, Game Freak, etc.\u0026nbsp; Individual characters are my own imaginening, and are not intended to be any part of main cannon / plotline.\u0026nbsp; Individual characters like Aaron, Song, Zin, etc, are my own creations, so please ask before using.\u0026nbsp; Thank you.**\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nChapter 22: Code Lightning\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"So, how do we proceed?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nNobody answered me when I asked.\u0026nbsp; It bugged me that everyone was mildly surprised.\u0026nbsp; Even the fat guy was quick to show apprehension when I talked.\u0026nbsp; He rubbed his hands over his balding head, hiding his surprise with a grin.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Now, we talk business.\" he said.\u0026nbsp; \"We need to finally stop that Zapdos, and you're going to help Jonathan do it.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"What?!\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nJonathan's voice mixed with mine as we exclaimed at the same time.\u0026nbsp; I glared at him, while he glared at his boss.\u0026nbsp; The fat man just shrugged at the outburst, paying it no mind.\n\n\"It's just as I said.\u0026nbsp; You need our help, but we need yours too.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"I'm giving you help by being able to answer your questions.\" I said sternly.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"About something that we don't care about?\" he asked.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nThat question dropped like a pile of bricks.\u0026nbsp; Great.\u0026nbsp; Everything I had just went down the toilet.\u0026nbsp; The impulse to just walk away was extremely high at the moment.\u0026nbsp; Jonathan was wearing a frown, but avoided looking my way.\u0026nbsp; His eyes were focused on his boss, who was sporting a very satisfied grin.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"So let me get this straight.\" I said, trying to keep my cool.\u0026nbsp; \"You don't need any information about Darkrai, because that's not your priority.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"That's it in an Apricorn.\" he said jovially.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Then why did you send Jonathan to Sinnoh in the first place?!\" Joy screamed out from beside me.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nThe balding guy laughed.\u0026nbsp; \"Simple.\u0026nbsp; To get the League off my ass.\u0026nbsp; We don't care about things that are happening in other regions.\u0026nbsp; The Rangers focus on local problems.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"So, you're saying that you haven't had issues with people or Pokémon disappearing?\" I asked.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Well, that isn't true.\" he said with a shrug.\u0026nbsp; \"People disappear all the time.\u0026nbsp; With Mount Mortar, the Ice Path, and even Mount Silver to patrol, our forces are stretched thin as is.\u0026nbsp; When the League kept pestering me to send someone to look up possible implications of Sinnoh myth, I sent Jonathan to look stuff up.\u0026nbsp; We both knew it was an impossible mission, but there were more practical reasons to get him out of Johto.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Like what, exactly?\" I prompted.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"None of your business.\" Jonathan said sharply.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Well, cry me a damn river, asshole.\" Joy said sharply.\u0026nbsp; \"If you want our help to deal with your little Zapdos problem, you're going to have to come clean with us.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"You're the one that needs help.\" Jon pointed out.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"And apparently this problem is so big that you cant handle it by yourself.\" I countered.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI turned to look at Jon's boss.\u0026nbsp; He gave me an easy going smile at my stare.\u0026nbsp; \"Yeah, you're right.\u0026nbsp; But at the same time, your problem is bigger than ours.\u0026nbsp; We can keep Zapdos controlled in the sense that she won't harm many people.\u0026nbsp; If you mess up, you're dead.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nHe's right and he knows it.\u0026nbsp; I rubbed the bridge of my nose.\u0026nbsp; Jonathan spoke.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"You don't have to do this.\" he said.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nWe all turned to face him.\u0026nbsp; \"This has been my problem from the start.\u0026nbsp; I can handle it.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Last time you tried this, it almost got you killed.\" Jon's boss said.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Then it's as it should be, then.\" Jon intoned with finality.\u0026nbsp; \"If that's how I'm supposed to die, then so be it.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nHe's doing this on purpose now!\u0026nbsp; Joy put her hand on my shoulder.\u0026nbsp; It was probably for the best, because it stopped me from screaming.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"I think you need to talk to all of your Pokémon before we go ahead on this.\u0026nbsp; Me too, for that matter.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI nodded to Joy, trying my best to stay calm.\u0026nbsp; I looked over the other two.\u0026nbsp; \"Do you have a place so that I can talk?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Right this way.\" he said, a grin spreading on his face.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n=====================/////////////////////////============================\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"So, how do we proceed?\" I asked, narrowing my eyes.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI was in a separate room from everyone.\u0026nbsp; Glass walls surrounded me.\u0026nbsp; The fat man, Joy, and Jonathan were waiting for me to commune with my Pokémon.\u0026nbsp; Everyone was out of their Pokéballs, staring at me surprised as I explained the situation.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"So, they wont help us until we help them?\" Zin asked, growling.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"That seems to be their deal.\" I said with a sigh.\u0026nbsp; \"They're not even looking for my information!\u0026nbsp; Any leverage that I thought I had went down the drain extremely quickly.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Was this not to be a tentative agreement?\" Deoxys asked curiously.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"They know I don't have anywhere to go.\" I snarled.\u0026nbsp; \"Other than the League, and I'm pretty sure the League itself knows.\u0026nbsp; Not that anyone in there will take me seriously.\u0026nbsp; I'd need to gather the badges to get entry and I can't do that anymore.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nDeoxys nodded, backing away from me.\u0026nbsp; \"I'm sorry.\" she whispered.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI shook my head.\u0026nbsp; \"No, I should be sorry.\u0026nbsp; I'm putting you all in unnecessary danger.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nEveryone stared at me when I said this.\u0026nbsp; \"They're asking us to help Jon take care of this Zapdos problem once and for all.\" I spelled out.\u0026nbsp; \"We'll be taking on one of the legendary thunder birds.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"We won't be alone, Master.\" Xola said, nodding confidently.\u0026nbsp; \"We'll win.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI frowned.\u0026nbsp; \"Xola...\" I said worriedly.\u0026nbsp; Zin stopped me before I could continue.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"She's right!\" Zin barked.\u0026nbsp; \"We stick together, we win.\u0026nbsp; We beat the shit out of Darkrai at the end, and we can do it again!\u0026nbsp; We've been training hard for two weeks straight.\u0026nbsp; We're not weak, and you don't have to pretend that we are, either!\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI stared at her, surprised by her outburst.\u0026nbsp; She growled at my stupefied look.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"You're not just my Master, you know.\" she said more calmly.\u0026nbsp; \"You're my mate.\u0026nbsp; You're dear to me.\u0026nbsp; And not just me.\u0026nbsp; Everyone here cares for you.\u0026nbsp; All we want is for you to be safe!\u0026nbsp; If this is what it takes for that to happen, we will make it happen!\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nSpirit's claws held me around my shoulders, pressing me against her body.\u0026nbsp; Akalia rubbed against my legs, her purrs loud in the silent room.\u0026nbsp; Zin and Xola stood in front of me, while Mist and Deoxys stood next to the Houndoom and Milotic.\u0026nbsp; Aurora was riding on top of Deoxys' head, sharpening her claws threateningly.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI felt overwhelmed at Zin's words and everyone's actions.\u0026nbsp; Was I ready for something like this?\u0026nbsp; Uncertainty was at the forefront of my mind, mixing with a healthy dose of fear and concern.\u0026nbsp; The possibility of someone dying was a constant reminder that my brain brought up.\u0026nbsp; Was I able to carry that burden?\u0026nbsp; Was it my choice in the first place?\u0026nbsp; The words from the man in Almia echoed in my mind.\u0026nbsp; Was it the indoctrination that bound them to me?\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI shook my head.\u0026nbsp; No, I knew that wasn't to be true.\u0026nbsp; I took a few deep breaths, in an effort to calm my panicking mind.\u0026nbsp; Everyone was looking at me, expecting me to say something.\u0026nbsp; The silence stretched for a moment, as I thought of something to say.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"They are expecting us soon, Master.\" Deoxys said, looking towards the three outside our room.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"I know.\" I said, frowning.\u0026nbsp; \"I know.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"What is it that is holding you back, Master?\" Mist spoke softly, floating next to me.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nWhat hasn't been covered yet?\u0026nbsp; I sighed.\u0026nbsp; \"You know me too well.\" I said, frowning.\u0026nbsp; \"The obvious reason is that this is going to probably end up blowing up in our faces.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"We have nothing else, unless we use more unsavory means.\u0026nbsp; I do not think that you would approve of me assaulting a human mind.\" Mist said crossly.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Right... I don't know what that man's thinking, nor do I think I want to.\u0026nbsp; But then again, if we do what he says he doesn't have a reason to keep his word.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"So you think the fat man is a slug, basically.\" Zin summarized.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Pretty much.\" I said, frowning.\u0026nbsp; \"I don't like the look he gives us.\u0026nbsp; Especially to you, Deoxys.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nShe stood there quiet for a moment, before nodding.\u0026nbsp; \"I can see why you say those things, Master.\" she said quietly.\u0026nbsp; \"His thought process is clouded with a lust for power and information.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Well, he can get all of that, but not from us.\" I snarled, taking a deep breath before continuing.\u0026nbsp; \"I just need some time.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Time?!\" Zin snarled.\u0026nbsp; \"We don't have time anymore!\u0026nbsp; We have the chance to get an advantage on those shadow bastards, and you're going to let it slip by?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI stared at Zin, surprised.\u0026nbsp; Before I could open my mouth to say anything, a gout of flame shot in front of my face.\u0026nbsp; Spirit pulled me away quickly, though it didn't look like I was in any danger.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"My Master isn't some weakling that gets afraid from a simple threat.\" Zin growled, taking a step forward.\u0026nbsp; \"I trusted Song in that.\u0026nbsp; She told me that you were brave.\u0026nbsp; She would constantly tell me stories of you going around in some dark cave, getting chased by something or another, finding old secrets and junk.\u0026nbsp; It's impressive for someone doing that at a young age.\u0026nbsp; You wouldn't catch me dead in a cave.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"But now, you're going to hide with your tail between your legs before you even try?\u0026nbsp; Where's your bravery now?!\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"This isn't about being brave, Zin!\" I said, raising my voice.\u0026nbsp; \"This is about protecting you all!\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"And we're trying to protect you!\" she countered.\u0026nbsp; \"Why aren't you letting us do our job?\u0026nbsp; Why don't you trust us?!\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nThe words shocked me and my strength left my legs.\u0026nbsp; I dropped to the ground, everyone huddling close to make sure everything was alright.\u0026nbsp; Why was it so hard to keep everyone safe?\u0026nbsp; It isn't some injury that they would get from a regular battle with another trainer.\u0026nbsp; This would be a matter of life and death.\u0026nbsp; I sighed, closing my eyes.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Just promise me that we'll take precautions.\" I said.\u0026nbsp; \"No crazy risks, and definitely no funny business while we're on this job.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Are you serious?\" Zin asked.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"I'm as serious as I can be.\" I said grimly.\u0026nbsp; \"If that's what it's going to take to get that slugs trust, then we'll have to do it.\u0026nbsp; That Zapdos has to go down.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n=======================////////////////////////===========================\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nWe were offered to stay inside the Ranger headquarters for the rest of the day.\u0026nbsp; The excuse of 'preparing' was thrown around by both Jonathan and his boss.\u0026nbsp; I didn't believe it for a second, in all honesty.\u0026nbsp; It felt like a quick excuse to keep surveillance on us.\u0026nbsp; Because apparently they thought I would run out on them.\u0026nbsp; That sounded like a great idea.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nOur room was equipped with two beds and not much else.\u0026nbsp; We had to go out of our room to use the bathroom, if needed.\u0026nbsp; Victini was still on top of Joy's head as she sat across from me on her bed.\u0026nbsp; Spirit and Mist insisted in staying out of their Pokéballs, no matter what I had to say on the matter.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"So we're going on 'official Ranger assignment'.\" Joy said, her index fingers making the quotation motion in the air as she spoke.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"You don't have to come along.\" I said.\u0026nbsp; \"This is my problem.\u0026nbsp; And Jon's, apparently.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"And you expect me to sit on my ass doing nothing?\" she asked.\u0026nbsp; \"Here's my answer: fuck you.\u0026nbsp; I'd rather be doing something even remotely productive.\u0026nbsp; Besides, I want to stay safe from those crazy Darkrai just as much as you do.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"I just hope that fat guy keeps his end of the deal after all this.\" I said, frowning.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"You think he will?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI shook my head.\u0026nbsp; Joy smirked at me.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"At least you're not stupid.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"I get the feeling that he'd stab us in the back as soon as it becomes a convenience.\" I said darkly.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"He'll do more than that, if you give him any more leeway.\" Joy said with a shrug.\u0026nbsp; \"I know their kind.\u0026nbsp; Lecherous bastards.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI raised an eyebrow at her, but she shook her head.\u0026nbsp; \"Don't worry about it.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"If you say so.\" I said with a shrug.\u0026nbsp; \"Any idea what to expect tomorrow?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Expect him to stare at your Pokémon.\" she said darkly.\u0026nbsp; \"He would either be staring at my chest, at Victini, or Deoxys.\u0026nbsp; Bastard couldn't decide which he wanted to jerk off to.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nThe urge to laugh hit me hard, but I bit my tongue before it escaped me.\u0026nbsp; The last thing that was needed tonight was having Joy choke me to death in my sleep.\u0026nbsp; Spirit's wings twitched suddenly, but I touched the top of her head with my hand.\u0026nbsp; The resting Flygon opened her eyes and smiled, before closing them again.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"You trust them, don't you?\" Victini asked suddenly.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI stayed silent for a moment, but I nodded.\u0026nbsp; \"I have to.\" I whispered.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nBoth Victini and Joy looked over me, and nodded simultaneously.\u0026nbsp; I felt confused at their actions, for some reason.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Why are you both nodding?\" I asked.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Because you care.\" Victini said simply.\u0026nbsp; At my confused face, she elaborated.\u0026nbsp; \"A lot of trainers would have probably left the second that fat man decided to change his tune after you agreed.\u0026nbsp; We don't have much of a choice, though.\u0026nbsp; Even this agreement is better than none.\u0026nbsp; As much as we don't like it, overall.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Also, you talked with all of your Pokémon, taking in their opinion on the matter.\" Joy said, picking up where Victini left.\u0026nbsp; \"That's an obvious sign that you really care for their safety.\u0026nbsp; It also says a lot of you if they're willing to risk their lives.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI sat there, dumbstruck, until Mist's voice echoed softly inside my skull.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"_We will do our best to let no harm befall you, Master_.\" she said softly.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI nodded.\u0026nbsp; \"I think we should go to sleep.\u0026nbsp; They did say they wanted to get us an early start as soon as possible.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nJoy nodded.\u0026nbsp; \"You're right.\u0026nbsp; G'night.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI stood up, turning off the lights in our small room.\u0026nbsp; \"Good night, Joy.\" I whispered, before laying next to Spirit.\u0026nbsp; My Flygon stirred for a moment, her claws clinging to me possessively and making a soft trill.\u0026nbsp; I leaned my head against her, feeling safe and falling asleep.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n===================////////////////////////////============================\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nWe were woken up early by Jonathan.\u0026nbsp; I was thankful that Joy didn't feel like sleeping naked or whatever.\u0026nbsp; We were given fifteen minutes to make ourselves presentable.\u0026nbsp; I just went to the bathroom and did my business before showing up.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"You're not even combing your hair?\" Joy asked as she brushed hers just outside of the office doors.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"No.\u0026nbsp; If I get fifteen minutes of warning time, he can go suck on a rock.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nJoy grinned at me, just before the doors opened to reveal Jon.\u0026nbsp; He looked at both of us and nodded, but gave me a grin.\u0026nbsp; \"Thanks.\" he said, smiling.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI wanted to smile.\u0026nbsp; I really wanted to, but what I wanted right now was to punch him in the face.\u0026nbsp; \"Don't thank me yet.\" I said, before walking past him.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nWe were in the same meeting room we were in yesterday.\u0026nbsp; Jonathan's boss was sitting down, a smile on his face as he ate breakfast.\u0026nbsp; My stomach protested immediately at the offense, but I ignored it.\u0026nbsp; Jonathan's boss opened his arms wide, as if glad to see us this morning.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Good morning!\" he exclaimed jovially.\u0026nbsp; \"I hope you both slept peacefully?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"I've slept on better rocks.\" I said with a shrug.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"That's not nice to say to offered hospitality.\" he said, sounding hurt.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"We didn't ask to sleep here, either.\" I spat back.\u0026nbsp; \"If you wanted us under surveillance, all you had to do is keep Jon close.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"But what's the fun in that if I don't get to see your faces with these fancy cameras?\" he said, sweeping his fat hand around him.\u0026nbsp; \"Security has to have some kind of job, don't you think?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"You wouldn't need security if you weren't paranoid.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Paranoid?\u0026nbsp; Me?\" he asked in mock offense.\u0026nbsp; \"You really need to get out more.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"I'm more than happy to leave and take my chances.\" I said.\u0026nbsp; My anger was quickly getting the best of me.\u0026nbsp; \"I've handled things alright, and if you're not even willing to cooperate with me, then I'm out of here.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Then you'll go with questions unanswered.\" he warned.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Screw your answers!\" I yelled out.\u0026nbsp; \"So far all you've done is twist around words and lie to my face!\u0026nbsp; Because apparently you can handle that kind of honest mockery.\u0026nbsp; If you don't swear to Arceus that you'll answer questions, you can happily send Jon to his grave if that's what it'll take!\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI was breathing hard, my heart pounding loudly in my ears.\u0026nbsp; Silence followed my words that echoed in the still meeting room.\u0026nbsp; My legs were shaking, but I refused to show any further weakness.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"What do you mean?\" the fat man asked.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"What do I mean?!\" I spat back, my rage running out of my control once again.\u0026nbsp; \"It doesn't take a genius to figure out that he's had some kind of horrible experience with this Zapdos problem.\u0026nbsp; He refuses to talk about it at all times, and it's not a huge secret.\u0026nbsp; For the love of Suicune, EVERYONE IN JOHTO KNOWS IT!\u0026nbsp; It's even headline news on the radio!\u0026nbsp; I wouldn't doubt it's in every news channel at every hour on the hour!\u0026nbsp; How can you tell me with a straight face that THIS ISN'T A BIG DEAL!?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nFor once, the round ball that called himself a man had the decency to look surprised.\u0026nbsp; Also, mildly hurt.\u0026nbsp; I'm not in a current state of mind to tell the difference.\u0026nbsp; He looked over to Jonathan, then back to me and Joy before shrugging.\u0026nbsp; He sighed deeply, shaking his head.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Jonathan, you're going to explain everything.\" he said with another sigh.\u0026nbsp; \"I can't make any Ranger go with you.\u0026nbsp; That's always ended up badly.\u0026nbsp; If you want their help, your going to have to convince them yourself.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nBy some miracle of Arceus, he stood up from his chair.\u0026nbsp; We moved out of the way so he could leave.\u0026nbsp; Also, so we wouldn't be walked over by his ever expanding girth.\u0026nbsp; He looked at me before leaving.\u0026nbsp; He had a frown on his features, the first time he decided to try that tactic on me.\u0026nbsp; I stared back on him, my features impassive to his more docile one.\u0026nbsp; He shook his head once, then left us alone as he shut the door behind him.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI still didn't like this idea.\u0026nbsp; Jonathan didn't look all that pleased, either.\u0026nbsp; Joy looked like this was a large inconvenience.\u0026nbsp; I walked over to Jon, sitting across from him.\u0026nbsp; Joy came over and sat next to me. \u0026nbsp;Jon sighed, shaking his head.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Now would be a good time to explain what the fuck is going on.\" Joy prompted.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nJon didn't respond to the question, nor to the stares we were giving him.\u0026nbsp; The only sounds were our breathing and the occasional squeak of the chairs.\u0026nbsp; Joy yawned next to me.\u0026nbsp; Jon tapped his foot on the carpet.\u0026nbsp; I slammed my fist against the table.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"You know what?\u0026nbsp; Screw this crap.\u0026nbsp; I'm done.\" I said, standing.\u0026nbsp; \"Good luck with your damn bird problem.\u0026nbsp; I'm out of here if you're not talking.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"She raped me.\" he said softly.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nHuh?\u0026nbsp; \"What?\" I think my brain just exploded.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"I can't take her on by myself.\" he said, a little louder this time.\u0026nbsp; \"I've tried.\u0026nbsp; I met her about ten years ago, when I first started.\u0026nbsp; I was a star-eyed trainer, aiming for the big leagues.\u0026nbsp; With Storm and Cleopatra the trainers around Blackthorn were easy pickings, excluding the gym of course.\u0026nbsp; I headed south along Route forty-five to reach New Bark Town, though I didn't use the official route all the way.\u0026nbsp; I cut through the forest halfway through, to see something new and explore the area.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nHe took a deep breath, shaking his head.\u0026nbsp; I looked over to Joy, who shrugged at me.\u0026nbsp; \"Do you want me to get some water?\" she asked out loud.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nJon nodded.\u0026nbsp; \"Yes, please.\" he said softly, before going quiet again.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nJoy went outside, to return quickly with a pitcher of water and three plastic cups.\u0026nbsp; She placed the pitcher in front of us and served Jon and herself a cup.\u0026nbsp; I had to serve myself.\u0026nbsp; She gave me a grin.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"You're not the one talking.\" she said as a excuse.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nSilence fell around us again as I served myself water.\u0026nbsp; It was odd to see Jon this quiet or unresponsive.\u0026nbsp; He's always been the one to drop a witty comment or pull some line out of nowhere.\u0026nbsp; Now it seemed that he was just trying to find the right words.\u0026nbsp; Probably failing miserably, due to the frown on his features.\u0026nbsp; I sat myself down again, intent to at least listen to what he said.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nHe sighed.\u0026nbsp; \"After a while, I got lost trying to find my way.\u0026nbsp; It felt amazing.\u0026nbsp; I was out in the world, having my own adventure.\u0026nbsp; I always dreamed of being in the Pokémon League.\u0026nbsp; Battling in front of hundreds of people, the stakes, the prestige.\u0026nbsp; It's what I've always wanted to do since I've known about Pokémon.\u0026nbsp; As soon as I turned thirteen, my parents helped me catch my first Pokémon, and they've been with me all this time.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Storm and Cleopatra?\" I asked.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nHe nodded.\u0026nbsp; \"We've been together ever since.\u0026nbsp; Anyway, it was then that I found her.\u0026nbsp; She was young, and I didn't know about her kind back then.\u0026nbsp; I thought it was all a myth to keep kids from doing dumb ass shit.\u0026nbsp; But right in front of me was a real life Zapdos.\u0026nbsp; Sure, a baby by all standards, but a Zapdos nonetheless.\u0026nbsp; She was having problems making a suitable nest, finding things.\u0026nbsp; While I obviously couldn't understand her, it was easy enough to see.\u0026nbsp; Especially since both Storm and Cleopatra were more than willing to help in translating.\u0026nbsp; She was a bit proud, and it was hard to get her to understand that we weren't going to capture her or scare her off.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"It only took a few days, but it was nice to stop and take a look around.\u0026nbsp; I always loved the woods, so it wasn't a problem to deviate from my original plan.\u0026nbsp; What was the big problem was that in helping her, I committed the courting ritual of her species.\u0026nbsp; Helping her build her nest, fending off other wild Pokémon.\u0026nbsp; All that fun stuff.\u0026nbsp; She wanted me to stay, and when I refused, she wanted to join me.\u0026nbsp; I refused again, saying that I didn't want to take advantage of her kind nature.\u0026nbsp; She was angry, but I had made up my mind, and we managed to fend off her assault.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Fend off, you mean running away.\" Joy pointed out.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"You fight a Zapdos face to face.\" he said, before taking a drink.\u0026nbsp; \"Afterwards, I want you to tell me how you beat it.\u0026nbsp; If it doesn't decide to cook your insides.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI winced, a sensation akin of something sliding over my skin making my stomach squirm.\u0026nbsp; He continued after refilling his cup.\u0026nbsp; \"I continued my journey, having an official start and everything at New Bark Town.\u0026nbsp; As much as I wanted to forget about the Zapdos, she wouldn't leave my mind.\u0026nbsp; Traveling was nice, though, and nobody found it odd when I spaced out and thought back to that chance encounter.\u0026nbsp; Looking back at it, things could have turned for the better if I had taken her up on that offer.\u0026nbsp; Though I think I might not have turned out to be who I am today.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"You'd be a more cocky individual.\" I said with a grin.\u0026nbsp; Jon chuckled for a moment.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Either case, time passed easily as I went back to the League challenge.\" Jon continued.\u0026nbsp; \"It was easy enough to concentrate on that and forget about her.\u0026nbsp; I didn't get all that far, though.\u0026nbsp; I realised that I enjoyed helping others more than just battling and getting that big endorsement package.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"So then you joined the Rangers?\" Joy asked.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Pretty much.\" Jon said with an easy smile.\u0026nbsp; \"After five years of running the League gauntlet, it got boring.\u0026nbsp; Especially when you get to know the gym leaders on a first name basis.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"But yeah, as soon as I heard about the Johto Rangers forming, I came back to Blackthorn to apply.\u0026nbsp; To my surprise, they accepted my application quickly, throwing me on the job as soon as they fitted me in the uniform.\u0026nbsp; Unlike other Rangers that applied, I had a full team of Pokémon at the time.\u0026nbsp; So unlike others, I could tackle dangerous situations quickly and efficiently.\u0026nbsp; I was promoted left and right, becoming one of the first captains of the Blackthorn Rangers.\u0026nbsp; It wasn't until recently that Zapdos became the threat she is now.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nSilence fell as Jon stopped talking.\u0026nbsp; I had drank my cup twice over his story, while both Joy and Jonathan seemed to be\u0026nbsp; taking their time.\u0026nbsp; Jon poured himself another cup.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"So, you mean that Johto wasn't always this crazy?\" Joy asked.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"It's my fault, technically.\" Jon said.\u0026nbsp; I took a drink of water, but shrugged all the same.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"That doesn't make sense.\" I pointed out.\u0026nbsp; \"It's not like you could have seen the future.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nHe shook his head.\u0026nbsp; \"While I didn't know about it in the entire sense, I should have seen the problems this would have caused at one point or another.\u0026nbsp; The warnings were there, and I chose to ignore them in the long run.\u0026nbsp; This is my doing, no matter what.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nHe said it with a conviction I haven't seen many people talk with.\u0026nbsp; It still felt like he was blaming himself for something completely out of his control, but I had no idea how to think in his place.\u0026nbsp; Having a different background will do that to you.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"So fast forward to... about a year ago or so.\u0026nbsp; We get a distress call from the League, requesting aid from the Rangers.\u0026nbsp; I get sent with three others to get a fix on the problem.\u0026nbsp; We only got told two things: there's lightning everywhere, and its centered at the foot of Mount Silver.\u0026nbsp; As soon as I got to the area, I saw her.\u0026nbsp; She grew a lot in ten years, that's for sure.\u0026nbsp; The other Rangers were outmatched easily, since they didn't have Pokémon experienced in fighting.\u0026nbsp; Even my team was severely outmatched.\u0026nbsp; I commanded the other Rangers to get out of here, while I held her off so they could get reinforcements.\u0026nbsp; We fought while they ran, but as soon as they were from earshot, she stopped fighting.\u0026nbsp; Cleopatra was about to attack when I halted her, too.\u0026nbsp; Before I could even ask what was going on, she started laughing.\u0026nbsp; And not just any laugh, but a human laugh.\u0026nbsp; Then she started talking.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"What?!\" Joy and I both said in chorus.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Yeah, who would of thought, huh?\" he said.\u0026nbsp; I'm pretty sure he wasn't expecting an answer.\u0026nbsp; \"Turns out she's been grabbing trainers as they passed by the Mount Silver area, bribing them with safe passage through her forest if they spent time with her.\u0026nbsp; She wanted to learn human.\u0026nbsp; That was it.\u0026nbsp; If you try hard enough, anybody can do it apparently.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nHe took another gulp of water, sighing when he finished.\u0026nbsp; \"To make a long conversation short, it was all basically done for me.\u0026nbsp; Her entire purpose was for me.\u0026nbsp; To be with me.\u0026nbsp; She learned the human language so she could communicate with me.\u0026nbsp; In her eyes, I was her mate... husband... whatever it is.\u0026nbsp; Apparently, there is no going back from a contract like that.\u0026nbsp; Once again, I refused.\u0026nbsp; I didn't see eye to eye with that, nor did I want to be her mate in the first place.\u0026nbsp; When she once again offered herself to be with me in my team, I told her that my team was full.\u0026nbsp; Due to being with the Rangers, I was not allowed to capture any more Pokémon.\u0026nbsp; I didn't have any Pokéballs with me at the time anyway.\u0026nbsp; As soon as I said those words, she flew into a rage.\u0026nbsp; Needless to say, she handed my ass to me in a burning platter.\u0026nbsp; And then... well... she took what was rightfully hers, in her eyes.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nHe closed his eyes, rubbing his temples.\u0026nbsp; I wasn't entirely convinced.\u0026nbsp; \"And why should we believe this?\" I asked.\u0026nbsp; \"Yeah, this sounds too elaborate and too much of a sob story to be not true.\u0026nbsp; But how in the world do we know you're not bullshitting.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nHe stood up suddenly.\u0026nbsp; For once, I was actually afraid that I had offended him.\u0026nbsp; He turned around and pulled off his shirt.\u0026nbsp; All across his back were scars.\u0026nbsp; I honestly couldn't see a portion of his skin that wasn't slashed.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"After she was done with me, she turned me over and slashed the shit out of my back.\" he said.\u0026nbsp; \"She left me bleeding on the ground like a used toy.\u0026nbsp; She also said that if I ever betrayed her, she would personally kill me.\u0026nbsp; This makes it clear to any Pokémon that I'm claimed.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nHe dropped his shirt back down and turned around.\u0026nbsp; \"Now do you believe me?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI looked over to Joy, who was nodding her head.\u0026nbsp; I couldn't help but sigh.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"You better not be kidding when we find this bird.\" I said.\u0026nbsp; \"I'm in.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n=======================////////////////////////////========================\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nWe were walking downhill.\u0026nbsp; Apparently, Route forty-five was a maze of hedges and tall grass.\u0026nbsp; You could go up, but you'd be in for one large undertaking.\u0026nbsp; In the direction we were walking, it felt like we were in some kind of valley.\u0026nbsp; The mountain seemed to keep us within its grasp, the trees the only thing covering it towards our left.\u0026nbsp; To the right, was part of the mountains grasp.\u0026nbsp; Jon pointed out where the entrance / exit of the Dark Cave.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Yeah, that looks like it would have been easier.\" I said loudly.\u0026nbsp; Jon laughed, patting me on the shoulder.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Yeah, it would have been.\u0026nbsp; Trust me.\u0026nbsp; How's your shoulder, by the way?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Better.\" I said, gently stretching it.\u0026nbsp; \"It doesn't hurt as much, but I'd rather not try something stupid with it still.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nAurora stirred from my stretching, her claws scratching my scalp before settling down again.\u0026nbsp; I gently petted her back, and her purrs rumbled through me.\u0026nbsp; Jonathan chuckled.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"It must be nice to have her on your head.\" he commented.\u0026nbsp; \"It gets hot around here.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"It does feel rather nice.\" I said with a grin.\u0026nbsp; \"The cool air helps out a lot.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nAurora snuggled closer to me, her claws tracing my jaw line as she purred louder in my ears.\u0026nbsp; I scratched her neck as best I could from my angle, and her purrs deepened.\u0026nbsp; Jon was looking at me like I've lost my mind.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"What is it?\" I asked.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"How do you trust her so much?\" he asked.\u0026nbsp; \"I mean, you only met her a few days ago.\u0026nbsp; How is it that your so comfortable around her?\u0026nbsp; Her-\"  \n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI raised my hand to stop him.\u0026nbsp; \"I get it, Jon.\u0026nbsp; Thank you for your concern, though.\u0026nbsp; But even still, I trust her.\u0026nbsp; Why?\u0026nbsp; I can't really say any more than I trusted Zin that first night.\u0026nbsp; There really isn't an explanation behind it, other than that's how it is.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Irrational behavior.\" he said with a sigh.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Be that as it may, but that's how it is.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nHe nodded, more than happy to drop the subject.\u0026nbsp; Aurora didn't seem to mind, though, more than happy to grip me tightly as we walked towards our objective.\u0026nbsp; Joy was giggling behind me, though I wasn't entirely sure why.\u0026nbsp; The path's slope eventually flattened out to a level field.\u0026nbsp; Jon slowly deviated into the forest, and we followed without any questions.\u0026nbsp; The hairs on the back on my neck began to bug me, and I'm pretty sure it wasn't Aurora teasing me back there.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Jon?\" I called out softly.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nHe held out his fist, and we all stood still.\u0026nbsp; Jon moved slowly forward, motioning us to follow him every few feet he moved.\u0026nbsp; I idly realized that even at the highest risk, he was being practically scouting to make sure we were safe.\u0026nbsp; The fear I felt for his safety escalated slightly at the thought.\u0026nbsp; Then the thought of his boss came up, and that concern went down slightly.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nHe shook his head.\u0026nbsp; \"We need to wait until morning.\" he said.\u0026nbsp; \"I don't want to give the wrong impression to Zapdos.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Wrong impression?\" Joy echoed.\u0026nbsp; \"What do you mean?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"She usually has the other Pokémon of the forest report to her of any humans that come around her territory.\" he explained.\u0026nbsp; \"If we push further, the more at risk we become to get her attention.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"And this isn't what we want.\" I said, frowning.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"If we can catch her by surprise, the better.\" Jon said, nodding at me.\u0026nbsp; \"The odds are slim, but we have to try.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI nodded.\u0026nbsp; \"Are we camping here?\" I asked.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nHe shook his head.\u0026nbsp; \"Let's wait until nightfall.\u0026nbsp; No fire, either.\u0026nbsp; It'll attract too much attention.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Good thing Aaron has those bars in his backpack, right?\" Joy asked.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI nodded.\u0026nbsp; \"I should have enough for everyone.\u0026nbsp; I think mom packed for a small army, not to mention what we bought beforehand.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nJon nodded.\u0026nbsp; \"Sorry Joy, none of Aaron's famous dinner for us.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Damn.\u0026nbsp; And I was looking forward to those noodles, too.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI laughed.\u0026nbsp; \"Somehow, I don't think that Aurora would approve of a hot meal.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Weavile!\" Aurora chirped from above.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nMorale was high as we settled down.\u0026nbsp; It wasn't the best place for tents, but we made due without them.\u0026nbsp; I looked over to Joy, who was fiddling around with her Pokédex.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Do you still get reception from the Goldenrod radio?\" I asked.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Yeah, but if I do, it'll go full blast.\" she warned.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Well, you know where the volume control is, right?\u0026nbsp; Put it inside your backpack while you turn down the volume.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nShe rolled her eyes at me, but did as I suggested.\u0026nbsp; A scream that sounded like a wounded Pokémon came from the Pokédex, quickly muted over.\u0026nbsp; Jonathan ran over to us, his eyes looking around frantically.\u0026nbsp; Joy slowly raised the volume of the radio, the guitar solo slowly fading away.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nThe slightly muted voice of the Goldenrod DJ came from Joy's backpack.\u0026nbsp; \"If I had my way of it, this would be the last time I'd play that song on the radio.\u0026nbsp; But no, the youth of today have to blast their eardrums out with screaming music.\u0026nbsp; Honestly kids, what kind of crap is that?\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Anyway, enough of me complaining of what's popular and what's not.\u0026nbsp; News time!\u0026nbsp; The Bug Catching contest in National Park started without any problems.\u0026nbsp; They seem to have a really good turnout today, too.\u0026nbsp; About thirty kids and parents participating.\u0026nbsp; Hope someone out there catches something cool!\u0026nbsp; Maybe a Scyther?\u0026nbsp; I love those guys.\u0026nbsp; Can't beat a Pokémon that's fast as lightning and blades for arms.\u0026nbsp; Feeding them is another problem, but that's a minor inconvenience.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Olivine's power grid came back up not that long ago.\u0026nbsp; We got reports that everything is fine, and that service will continue until something catastrophic happens.\" The sounds of shuffling papers could be heard though the speaker.\u0026nbsp; \"Well, this is interesting.\u0026nbsp; It seems like we're reporting on League business now!\u0026nbsp; Apparently, the champions from the different regions have been spotted in different cities, and traveling together!\u0026nbsp; Lance the Dragon Master, Cynthia the Legend Seeker, Steven the Iron Juggernaut, and Wallace the\u0026nbsp; Aqua Illusionist have apparently combined forces to do... something.\u0026nbsp; Unfortunately, the League hasn't given us much information to report.\u0026nbsp; So, speculation!\u0026nbsp; I'm betting there's something big going on.\u0026nbsp; We haven't had any crazy crime syndicates trying to take over the world recently, so what could it be?\u0026nbsp; We'll do our best to keep you all posted as much as possible.\u0026nbsp; Also, it would seem that my radio signal is getting a boost!\u0026nbsp; To all you new listeners in Hoenn, Almia, and Fiorre, welcome aboard to the madness!\u0026nbsp; We're still working on Sinnoh, because apparently being like three days away in an airplane is too much for our signals.\u0026nbsp; We'll work on it, I promise you.\u0026nbsp; And yes, I'm promising this to people that can't hear me currently.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Music time!\u0026nbsp; Apparently you all liked that crazy pair with the techno music.\u0026nbsp; So we'll throw you some more!\u0026nbsp; Here's the 'Milotic Rapids' with another of their beats called 'Transformations'!\u0026nbsp; Enjoy!\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nJoy closed her Pokédex as the beat grew louder, before anything could start.\u0026nbsp; I was about to protest myself.\u0026nbsp; I've heard good things about that band.\u0026nbsp; Jon gave me a soft pat on my shoulder as he shook his head.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"I'll get you their CD if we make it out of this place.\" he said with a grin.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"How am I going to play it?\" I asked, raising an eyebrow at him.\u0026nbsp; \"It's not like I have any fancy gadgets that play that.\u0026nbsp; And anyway, when am I going to have the time?\"  \n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"I'm sure we'll figure it out.\" he said with a shrug.\u0026nbsp; \"It's a little past midday.\u0026nbsp; Let's get a little deeper before we settle in for good.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI was curious, but everyone complied.\u0026nbsp; Didn't he just say that we shouldn't move further?\u0026nbsp; It was good that we didn't set up anything more permanent.\u0026nbsp; We didn't even take out our sleeping bags or make any kind of perimeter.\u0026nbsp; I helped Joy stand up, and Jon made sure to cover our tracks as we left our little area.\u0026nbsp; It felt like we were exploring a lost forest, and we probably were.\u0026nbsp; It didn't look that many people came around here on purpose, so the radio was right.\u0026nbsp; People really took that warning seriously, and I had to wonder how insane we had to be to be doing what we were about to do.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nThe trees seemed to grow thicker as we pushed onward.\u0026nbsp; Berries hung ripe above us, and my stomach growled in protest to the amazingly large Sitrus berries that we passed by.\u0026nbsp; A few bushes of other berries I didn't recognize grew around us.\u0026nbsp; Jon had to stop and remind me that we had our own food to eat.\u0026nbsp; We passed out food among us, but we still continued forward.\u0026nbsp; Aurora clung tightly to my scalp, pressing her body close to my head to avoid being hit by anything.\u0026nbsp; When I offered her to go back inside her Pokéball, she refused.\u0026nbsp; I stopped by the second time, when her claws threatened to break through my skin.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nAs we continued forward the trees continued to grow thicker, but more spread apart from each other.\u0026nbsp; Bushes filled with berries looked untouched by either Pokémon or human grew tall and proud.\u0026nbsp; Even flowers were growing wildly, the air growing heavy with the perfume-like scent.\u0026nbsp; Jonathan stopped us when we could barely see the edges of a great clearing.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Alright, we pushed farther than I thought we would be, but that's fine.\u0026nbsp; Less walking to do tomorrow.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Tomorrow?\" I asked.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"You don't want to fight her in the dark.\" he warned, shaking his head.\u0026nbsp; He tapped his wrist, as if asking for the time.\u0026nbsp; Joy checked her Pokédex.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"It's almost four in the afternoon.\" she answered.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Yeah, that sounds about right.\" he said, nodding.\u0026nbsp; \"We have to stay quiet.\u0026nbsp; On that clearing is her nest.\u0026nbsp; We can't let her know we're here.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Wait, why are we so close to her nest?!\" I exclaimed, my voice almost going up an octave.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"So we don't walk so far in the morning tomorrow.\" Jon answered.\u0026nbsp; \"And keep your voice down.\u0026nbsp; We don't want her to know, remember?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI nodded, clamping my mouth shut with my hands.\u0026nbsp; Aurora giggled from above me, but kept silent afterwards at Jon's glare.\u0026nbsp; Jon pulled out his Pokédex and fiddled with it for a moment.\u0026nbsp; He nodded after a second, closing it.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"We won't have to prop up tents.\" he said.\u0026nbsp; \"No chance of rain tonight.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"I don't trust the weather people, man.\" I whispered.\u0026nbsp; \"They're never right.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nHe rolled his eyes at me.\u0026nbsp; \"They are the only ones who get paid to lie.\" he said.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"That makes me feel so much better.\" I said.\u0026nbsp; \"It makes me want to at least make some kind of cover.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"We'll be fine.\u0026nbsp; It's not like a little water is going to kill you.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"If you get struck by lightning it will.\" Joy shot as she joined us.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"But it still won't kill you by itself.\" Jon said.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Guilty by association and assistance in murder is good enough for me.\" I said, standing up.\u0026nbsp; \"I'm going to relax.\u0026nbsp; Wake me up when it's my time to watch.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n=========================//////////////////////===========================\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nJon and Joy were passed out.\u0026nbsp; All of my Pokémon insisted in helping to keep an eye out at our encampment.\u0026nbsp; Was it even that?\u0026nbsp; We didn't even have a fire, so my eyesight was near useless.\u0026nbsp; But I guess if Zapdos showed up, I wouldn't need any light when lightning is coming towards my face.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nEveryone was quiet for the most part.\u0026nbsp; Akalia's golden eyes were easy to spot, along with Zin's red glow.\u0026nbsp; Aurora was currently above my head in a tree branch.\u0026nbsp; I wouldn't put it past her that she's asleep.\u0026nbsp; Deoxys and Spirit were staying close to me.\u0026nbsp; Spirit's claws and at least two of Deoxys' tentacles were always touching a part of my body.\u0026nbsp; Mist was... somewhere.\u0026nbsp; I wasn't entirely sure where the Mismagius was.\u0026nbsp; She has a tendency to do that, I think.\u0026nbsp; Xola was also currently missing.\u0026nbsp; Though knowing her, I'll be doused in water before I miss her too much.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nAkalia and Zin appeared, Zin's warm nuzzle on my hand telling me she wanted attention.\u0026nbsp; I grabbed her horn gently and reached behind them to scratch.\u0026nbsp; Akalia came to sit next to Zin, and I alternated scratching both of them.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"We haven't seen anything.\" Zin whispered.\u0026nbsp; \"There were a few small bugs, but they left as soon as Akalia walked in their general direction.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI nodded.\u0026nbsp; \"Nothing hostile so far then.\" I said.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"It feels like everything is avoiding us, actually.\" Deoxys said.\u0026nbsp; \"Our presence is known, but we're being deliberately ignored.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Let's hope that Zapdos doesn't assault us in the night, then.\" I said grimly.\u0026nbsp; \"It wouldn't do well for any of us to be caught off guard.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Where's Xola?\" Zin asked.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"I'm betting with Mist.\" I said with a sigh.\u0026nbsp; \"That ghost is going to be the death of me.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"You rang?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI felt a weight drop on top of me as Xola rested herself on my body.\u0026nbsp; My lungs emptied what air they had left as her face snuggled against my chest.\u0026nbsp; I wrapped my arm around her, stroking her head gently.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"You shouldn't try to crush my lungs so often, Xola.\" I whispered.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Oh, you're so nice to me.\" she said with a giggle.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"We did not find anything while we were out, Master.\" Mist said next to me.\u0026nbsp; \"I have to agree with Deoxys that it feels like they know of our presence, yet avoid causing an uproar.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI nodded.\u0026nbsp; \"Thanks, everyone.\u0026nbsp; Let's relax for now, before we earn our sleep.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nEveryone seemed to be agreeable to the idea.\u0026nbsp; I felt Deoxys tighten her grasp as she sat next to me.\u0026nbsp; I looked at her direction, but could barely make any of her features.\u0026nbsp; The moon, if it was out at all, was hidden by cloud cover from above.\u0026nbsp; The only way I knew that she was looking at me was that her eyes glowed yellow, just like Akalia's.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Are you tired?\" she asked softly.\u0026nbsp; I shook my head in response.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Do you mind if we talked?\"\u0026nbsp; I chuckled in response, but motioned her to go on.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"We can talk.\u0026nbsp; It'll keep me awake.\" I said, urging her.\u0026nbsp; \"Is there something wrong?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"No!\" she exclaimed, before calming down.\u0026nbsp; \"No, nothing is wrong.\u0026nbsp; I just... I wanted to know if you did think of a new name for me.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI frowned.\u0026nbsp; \"I'm sorry, I haven't.\u0026nbsp; But while we're on the subject, do you have any suggestions?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Me?\" she queried.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Of course.\u0026nbsp; It's you that we're going to name. \u0026nbsp;Don't you think you should have some input in what you're going to be called?\" I asked back.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"But aren't you my trainer?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Well, yes, technically I am.\" I conceded.\u0026nbsp; \"But at the same time, all of you are intelligent, and can easily tell me if it's something that displeases you.\u0026nbsp; I'm a flexible guy.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"In more ways than one.\" Zin chirped, as she pressed herself next to me.\u0026nbsp; \"Hey Deoxys, you want to have sex with him, don't you?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nWhat?!\u0026nbsp; \"Zin, I think this qualifies under the flag that not everyone is as horny as you.\" I pointed out calmly.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nShe snorted, pressing her muzzle on my leg to suppress her laughter.\u0026nbsp; \"Right.\" she said, her voice barely under control.\u0026nbsp; \"And you aren't the one that jumps me when I spread my legs.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nArceus!\u0026nbsp; If there was any light outside, anyone would see how flustered I am.\u0026nbsp; All I wanted to make sure is that my embarrassment wasn't felt.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"If you're trying to hide your arousal, you're failing miserably Master.\" Xola intoned.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nAs if things just couldn't get worse.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"I want to make you happy, Master.\" Deoxys said.\u0026nbsp; Zin stood up, her eyes wide.\u0026nbsp; I could swear that her teeth gleamed with fire.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Oh do you now?\" she asked sweetly.\u0026nbsp; \"I think we can arrange something.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nArceus!\u0026nbsp; I had to put a stop to this!\u0026nbsp; I can't have Zin turning Deoxys into another of her planned pack or... WHATEVER it was she's planning!\u0026nbsp; Zin's eyes turned to me, and now I could really see her grin as flames licked the sides of her open muzzle.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"No, you won't stop me.\" she said with finality.\u0026nbsp; \"No, I'm not going to force her into choosing.\u0026nbsp; And no, nothing you can say is going to stop this conversation.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nMy complaints died in my throat as Zin grinned.\u0026nbsp; \"But that won't be tonight, unless you want to.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Master, I am going to speak with Zin.\" she said softly, releasing me from her grip.\u0026nbsp; \"Please relax.\u0026nbsp; We will be back shortly.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nAs both of them turned and walked away into the darkness, I couldn't help but feel a bit of fear.\u0026nbsp; What was Zin planning?\u0026nbsp; Why did she feel the need to speak with Deoxys?\u0026nbsp; Perhaps she notices something I don't?\u0026nbsp; I wouldn't doubt it.\u0026nbsp; I'm blind to most of it.\u0026nbsp; I felt Xola snuggle against my chest.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"When can I have my turn with you?\" she asked softly.\u0026nbsp; Akalia purred next to me.\u0026nbsp; I swallowed the lump that began to form in my throat.\u0026nbsp; I've never felt the need to go to sleep so badly like right now.\u0026nbsp; Spirit seemed to feel my distress, and softly hissed at Xola and Akalia.\u0026nbsp; Both Pokémon backed off from the Flygon's advance, but didn't leave me entirely.\u0026nbsp; Spirit seemed to be satisfied with that.\u0026nbsp; She tightened her embrace on me as she nuzzled my cheek gently.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI stared upwards, feeling my body finally relax.\u0026nbsp; Tomorrow was to be a busy day.\u0026nbsp; Hopefully one without any kind of extreme fighting.\u0026nbsp; Who was I kidding, though.\u0026nbsp; The odds of Zapdos peacefully leaving the area alone were near zero.\u0026nbsp; How were we supposed to convince her otherwise?\u0026nbsp; It really felt that all our options were just about if Zapdos was even remotely amiable to the possibility.\u0026nbsp; Again, it really felt like that was not happening.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nScrew this.\u0026nbsp; I'm sure that someone would wake me up if something happened.\u0026nbsp; I felt Spirit hug me, cooing softly in the effort to get me to sleep.\u0026nbsp; I reached up to stroke the scales on her neck gently, exhaustion claiming me quickly as soon as I closed my eyes.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n=========================////////////////===============================\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nMorning came without any problems.\u0026nbsp; All my Pokémon were around me in some form or fashion.\u0026nbsp; Aurora was in her traditional place on top of my head somehow.\u0026nbsp; Most of her body was covering my face as Xola still rested on top of me.\u0026nbsp; Spirit woke up alongside me, and quickly took command of the situation by making sure everyone was up and about.\u0026nbsp; She even went over to make sure that Jonathan and Joy were up.\u0026nbsp; Storm and Zefyra were out of their Pokéballs, and so were Variel and Baast.\u0026nbsp; It seemed that both my friends had the same idea I had.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nJon was the first one to approach me.\u0026nbsp; \"Get your stuff together quick.\u0026nbsp; Take a piss if you have to, but let's get ready.\u0026nbsp; I don't want to postpone this any longer.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nWhat I wanted is breakfast, but my bladder was complaining all the same.\u0026nbsp; I went to relieve myself, a breakfast bar stuffed in my mouth as I did my work behind a tree.\u0026nbsp; Making sure I was proper to exit cover, I made my way back to camp.\u0026nbsp; Joy and Jonathan had my stuff ready, and had all their Pokémon recalled.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Alright, now we get ready.\u0026nbsp; Recall everyone and lets go.\u0026nbsp; I don't want to waste daylight.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"It's like seven in the morning, man.\" I said, stifling a yawn.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"And it's going to get later if you don't hurry your ass up.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nAll my Pokémon were conveniently all together.\u0026nbsp; I recalled them one by one, though I got a weird look from both Zin and Deoxys.\u0026nbsp; I just hoped everything is fine in the long run.\u0026nbsp; After making sure that all of my Pokéballs were secured on my belt, I turned to Jon and followed them.\u0026nbsp; Joy handed me my backpack as we followed.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nThe clearing itself was covered in green grass as far as the eye could see.\u0026nbsp; It was barely above ankle high, so it didn't offer any cover.\u0026nbsp; What dominated the clearing was a massive tree.\u0026nbsp; It was dead, the weathered bark looked silver in the morning sun.\u0026nbsp; The smooth bark lead up to a crown of twigs and branches held by the trees dead branches.\u0026nbsp; Green vines and leaves could be spotted, even at the distance we were.\u0026nbsp; Jon stepped forward, walking in front of us as we headed towards the tree.\u0026nbsp; Without any warning, a bolt of lightning struck in front of us.\u0026nbsp; It was quickly followed by more, and we were forced backwards.\u0026nbsp; Jon stood still though, not being intimidated by the attacks.\u0026nbsp; I almost called out to him, but then another bolt of lightning struck.\u0026nbsp; It was larger than the other thing streaks, but when my eyes stopped showing white sparks everywhere, Zapdos stood in front of Jon.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nThe giant bird was almost twice his size.\u0026nbsp; It was huge when we saw her when she was aligned with the Goldenrod Radio tower.\u0026nbsp; Now, she was just gigantic.\u0026nbsp; How were we supposed to stop this thing again?\u0026nbsp; Right, shoot stuff at it.\u0026nbsp; Gotcha.\u0026nbsp; The Zapdos opened her wings wide, screeching out at us for a moment.\u0026nbsp; While I cringed backwards, Jon didn't back down from the display.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"It's been a while since we last talked.\" he said.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nFor a moment,\u0026nbsp; I thought he lost his mind.\u0026nbsp; Talking with one of the thunder birds?\u0026nbsp; But she responded in kind.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"It really has been a while, hasn't it, my love?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nLove?!\u0026nbsp; Wait.\u0026nbsp; The story at the Ranger headquarters.\u0026nbsp; He wasn't kidding, then.\u0026nbsp; Holy Arceus!\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nShe plucked a feather from her chest, her long beak placing it in Jon's hair.\u0026nbsp; \"You shouldn't throw away my gifts.\" the Zapdos admonished him.\u0026nbsp; \"It hurts that you don't care.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"I do care.\u0026nbsp; It's why I've told you that you need to be with your kind.\" Jonathan said.\u0026nbsp; It sounded like a rehearsed line.\u0026nbsp; Or possibly that he's had to repeat himself too many times.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nThe Zapdos laughed.\u0026nbsp; \"How many times have you said the same line to me?\" she asked.\u0026nbsp; \"And how many times have I\u0026nbsp; told you that you're the only one for me?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"One too many times.\" Jon replied.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"So how many times are we going to have this same conversation?\" she asked.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Until you understand that I'm right.\" Jon said with a shrug.\u0026nbsp; \"I can't give you the family you want.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"I don't need hatchlings to be happy.\" she chided him softly.\u0026nbsp; She leaned down and rubbed her face against his.\u0026nbsp; \"All I want is you.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nJon didn't look pleased at the situation he was in.\u0026nbsp; He didn't look like anything, actually.\u0026nbsp; \"You've been attacking cities again.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Only when I felt you were close!\" she said happily.\u0026nbsp; \"You can't blame me for being excited to see you after so long.\"  \n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"You raped me the last time we met.\" he pointed out.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"I claimed what was rightfully mine.\" she said sweetly.\u0026nbsp; \"You were being uncooperative.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"I didn't want to be hurt, either.\" he pointed out.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Are you still hurt over me claiming you?\" she asked, grabbing his shirt with her beak.\u0026nbsp; \"You haven't betrayed my trust now, have you?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"No.\u0026nbsp; I'm happy with being single, thank you.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"But then what about those other humans?\" Zapdos said, her tone turning cold.\u0026nbsp; \"What about the female?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"I didn't touch her.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Prove it!\" Zapdos roared.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nAny politeness that was left was washed away as soon as she said those words.\u0026nbsp; Electricity began to crackle around her body.\u0026nbsp; I could begin to smell ozone just by standing nearby.\u0026nbsp; The fear I had for everyone was beginning to escalate.\u0026nbsp; Not even Akalia's attacks left that kind of smell.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nJoy stepped forward, her hands balled up into fists.\u0026nbsp; She stood next to Jonathan, and Zapdos leaned over to inspect her.\u0026nbsp; I had no idea what she was trying to do, but I didn't talk either.\u0026nbsp; She seemed satisfied, however, when she backed away from Joy and nodded.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Good.\u0026nbsp; You haven't betrayed my trust yet.\" Zapdos said, relief flooding her voice.\u0026nbsp; \"I was afraid I would have to dissuade you from pursuing her.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"I learned that lesson well the first time.\" Jon said, shaking his head.\u0026nbsp; \"I know that makes you angry.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"See?\u0026nbsp; We're destined to be together!\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"I still see otherwise.\" Jon said, frowning.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nZapdos' eyes narrowed at him.\u0026nbsp; \"I've told you time and time again that I'm not old enough to return to my island.\u0026nbsp; Nor am I powerful enough to claim a mate that I want.\u0026nbsp; Not that I have a need for another male.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"I think you're powerful enough.\" Jon told her sharply.\u0026nbsp; \"You can show that you owned this entire forest to a prospective mate and they would be impressed.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"My mate isn't impressed with what I've done.\" she said to him sourly.\u0026nbsp; \"You ignore me, and deliberately leave me for many moons!\u0026nbsp; I search high and low for you at all times.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nSo that's why she went to Goldenrod!\u0026nbsp; She was looking for Jon all this time.\u0026nbsp; It's a little scary, thinking that a giant thunder bird is looking for you.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nShe looked over to me idly.\u0026nbsp; Lightning flashed across her spiky feathers and out of impulse I moved.\u0026nbsp; An arc of lightning hit where I was standing a few moments ago, chunks of earth and grass exploding everywhere.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nWhen I tried to stand, something heavy pressed down on my chest.\u0026nbsp; I grasped at it, a screech from above making me hesitate in maintaining my hold.\u0026nbsp; Yellow and black feathers blocked out the sun.\u0026nbsp; Something hard pecked at my hair.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"And who are you mated to, dear human?\" Zapdos asked from above.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Leave him alone, Zapdos.\" Jon warned.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"And why are these humans with you, dear mate?\" she asked.\u0026nbsp; She turned back to me.\u0026nbsp; \"Answer the question.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"I don't believe that your privileged to know that.\" I said evenly.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"You're not in a position to bargain.\" she said sweetly.\u0026nbsp; Her talons began to tighten around my chest.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"I'm not mated to Jonathan, if that's what your wondering.\" I answered.\u0026nbsp; \"I don't swing that way.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Not the answer I was looking for.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"My Houndoom, alright?\" I whispered.\u0026nbsp; \"And my Mismagius, Luxray, and Gardevoir, though she isn't here.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"A pity.\" she said.\u0026nbsp; \"I would hope that you could convince Jon.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"We've talked before.\u0026nbsp; He didn't seem interested in talking about it.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Again, a pity.\u0026nbsp; I think he could have learned a lot from you.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Could?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nBefore anything else happened, something toppled Zapdos from above me.\u0026nbsp; I looked over to my right to see Baast running towards me.\u0026nbsp; She pulled me from the ground roughly, my shoulder protesting the rough treatment.\u0026nbsp; It stopped when the ground next to us exploded as lightning struck where I once was.\u0026nbsp; Stone and dirt pelted me as Baast made sure I was alright.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Jonathan!\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI looked behind me, seeing Zapdos standing up.\u0026nbsp; Lightning emanated from her body, lashing wildly around without direction or control.\u0026nbsp; She screeched loudly, almost as if turning into a mindless beast.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"What do we do now?\" Joy asked.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"I still vote for running to be a number one option!\" I suggested.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"No, I'm done running.\" Jon said grimly.\u0026nbsp; \"We finish this today.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Baast, Aura Sphere!\" Jon yelled out.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI pulled out two Pokéballs, releasing both Zin and Akalia out.\u0026nbsp; Zin rushed forward, using the spheres from Baast to cover her.\u0026nbsp; Akalia looked surprised for a moment, her body unmoving.\u0026nbsp; A roar from behind told me that Joy released Zefyra.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Zefyra, Tri Attack!\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nThree beams of different colors headed towards Zapdos direction.\u0026nbsp; Zin launched a Flamethrower attack to cut off a possible escape path.\u0026nbsp; It worked even better than expected, the Tri Attack landing while the Flamethrower still burning some of the feathers on top of her head.\u0026nbsp; Even with the attacks connecting, it did little to stop her.\u0026nbsp; She didn't even seem any worse for wear, other than the odd singed feather or two.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nZapdos let out a shriek before she retaliated, sending bolts of lightning our way.\u0026nbsp; Baast grabbed hold of me, taking me to safety among the lightning blasts.\u0026nbsp; Akalia countered the bolts with attacks of her own, explosions popping as the energies met in mid air.\u0026nbsp; Zefyra darted out of the way, using her Tri Attack to counter some of the attacks directed at us.\u0026nbsp; I grabbed hold of another Pokéball, idly noticing Zin following Zapdos from the ground.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Akalia!\u0026nbsp; Help Zin!\" I yelled out.\u0026nbsp; The Luxray was shaken into action, bolting to follow the Houndoom as quickly as possible.\u0026nbsp; Opening the Pokéball, Mist materialized next to me.\u0026nbsp; Her eyes widened in surprise, before nodding at me.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Magical Leaf!\" I said, pointing at the flying bird.\u0026nbsp; Green swirls of energy took the shape of leaves, before rocketing towards her target.\u0026nbsp; More leaves joined the initial barrage, forcing Zapdos to dodge or get hit.\u0026nbsp; She wasn't able to fully escape the attack, and it allowed Zefyra to follow up with an attack of her own.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Zefyra, Hyper Beam!\" Joy roared.\u0026nbsp; The attack took full advantage of the Zapdos' inability to move.\u0026nbsp; The resulting explosion resounded through the clearing above.\u0026nbsp; The ball of leftover energy hung in the air for a moment, only to reveal a shimmering field of lightning around her.\u0026nbsp; Baast reacted quickly, running towards Zefyra and using her as a springboard to reach Zapdos.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Baast, Brick Break!\" Jon shouted.\u0026nbsp; When Baast reached Zapdos, she launched a punch forward.\u0026nbsp; The shield wavered on the impact, and Baast followed with another.\u0026nbsp; The shield looked like it cracked under the strain, and Baast followed up with another Aura Sphere at close range.\u0026nbsp; The ball hit the impact point, blowing both Pokémon back in the air.\u0026nbsp; Zefyra appeared to catch the Lucario on her back, while Zapdos flapped her mighty wings to catch and straighten herself.\u0026nbsp; She screeched once, before diving towards the Hydreigon and her charge.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nA blast of fire came from under the Zapdos, deviating her from the charge.\u0026nbsp; Zefyra came down to our level, Baast jumping off to run toward Zin and Akalia.\u0026nbsp; Both were doing their best to distract the flying Pokémon as best they could.\u0026nbsp; Mist floated next to me as we moved towards the evolving battlefield.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Mist, Shadow Ball!\" I ordered, seeing an opening.\u0026nbsp; Mist complied, launching the attack as quickly as she could.\u0026nbsp; Zin used herself as a distraction, jumping on top of the Zapdos and attacking from where she couldn't be reached physically.\u0026nbsp; Zapdos barely reacted in time, lifting herself out of the way to get out of Akalia's electric attack.\u0026nbsp; With Zapdos in the air, she quickly gained altitude and shook violently.\u0026nbsp; I grabbed Spirit's Pokéball as Zefyra took to the air again.\u0026nbsp; My Flygon didn't hesitate, flying towards the Zapdos as fast as she could.\u0026nbsp; With a flap of her wings, Zin lost her grip and began to fall.\u0026nbsp; Spirit dove and intercepted the Houndoom long before she hit the ground.\u0026nbsp; Zefyra launched herself into melee combat with the Zapdos.\u0026nbsp; A flash of thunder left me blinded, and I had to rub my eyes to stop the spots dancing in front of me.\u0026nbsp; The thud that I felt wasn't stopped because I was temporarily blind.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"ZEFYRA!\" Joy screamed.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nThat isn't good.\u0026nbsp; \"Joy, recall Zefyra!\u0026nbsp; Get her out of the battlefield!\" Jon bellowed.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nZefyra's body was smoking when my vision returned.\u0026nbsp; She was being recalled at the same time, the Hydreigon's body shining with the traditional red light before dissappearing inside her Pokéball.\u0026nbsp; I looked over to Joy, as her body shivered as she gently placed the Pokéball back to her belt.\u0026nbsp; The scream of rage that came from her voice was something I didn't want to hear ever again.\u0026nbsp; She grabbed all the other Pokéballs on her belt and a wall of Pokémon stood in front of her.\u0026nbsp; They all looked confused for a moment until Variel turned around to see Joy's face.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Bring that FUCKING BITCH DOWN!\" she screamed.\u0026nbsp; \"I don't give a FUCK how you do it!\u0026nbsp; No one fucks with my friends and gets away with it!\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nNote to self: never call Joy Isabella.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nVictini took it upon herself to lead the cavalry.\u0026nbsp; \"Alright!\u0026nbsp; We heard the boss.\u0026nbsp; Let's take that overstuffed bird down!\" she said cheerfully before flying towards the offending target.\u0026nbsp; Morph transformed into a copy of Zapdos in a flash, taking to the air and following Victini. \u0026nbsp;The others followed Baast's orders, directing them in attempts to distract her.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nOne thought bugged me.\u0026nbsp; This shouldn't be this easy.\u0026nbsp; Sure, we have the number advantage, but she wasn't using her full power either.\u0026nbsp; The clouds began to turn dark as the real Zapdos flew in circles.\u0026nbsp; I blinked as a drop of water landed in my forehead.\u0026nbsp; Wiping it off, I was surprised when it was replaced by two more.\u0026nbsp; And then more water came down from the sky.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Rain Dance!\" I screamed.\u0026nbsp; \"Get everyone out of the sky!\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nToo late.\u0026nbsp; Zapdos screeched loudly, the bolts almost blinding all my vision before I covered my eyes.\u0026nbsp; Morph was falling from the sky, Victini's shield being the only thing protecting the falling Ditto.\u0026nbsp; I could barely see what was going on, but I hoped that everyone was alright in some way.\u0026nbsp; Chunks of dirt hit my chest as the rain began to pick up the pace.\u0026nbsp; From above, Zapdos laughed like a kid that got what they wanted for their birthday.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Oh, what a joyous day!\" she yelled.\u0026nbsp; \"I'll handle you meddlesome children, and I'll have my mate to myself once more!\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nAs Zapdos gloated from above, I surveyed the battlefield.\u0026nbsp; Or I should say, what was left of it.\u0026nbsp; An orange shield protected Joy's Pokémon.\u0026nbsp; Victini's small form was outlined in a bright orange light.\u0026nbsp; While Victini's shield held, Mist's barrier was cracking under the previous strain.\u0026nbsp; Zin, Akalia, Spirit, and Baast hid under the dark purple barrier.\u0026nbsp; The cynical part of me wanted to ask Xola how we were supposed to win this.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI ran towards my Pokémon, washing the water from my eyes.\u0026nbsp; Zapdos was still laughing above as I slid through the barrier.\u0026nbsp; Spirit picked me up, clinging desperately as my hands trembled.\u0026nbsp; Zin looked over to me, fear easy to see in her features.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"I'm sorry!\" she yelled at me.\u0026nbsp; \"Whatever it is, I'm sorry!\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nWhat?\u0026nbsp; \"Now's not the time, Zin!\u0026nbsp; We have to figure something out!\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nAkalia growled loudly, only for the sound to be drowned out as Mist's barrier held against another blast of lightning.\u0026nbsp; More cracks appeared on the shield, Mist wincing as she poured more power into it.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Spirit, you're the only one that has any resistance to her attacks.\u0026nbsp; They're going to be brutal if they hit though.\u0026nbsp; You have to do your best to distract her.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nShe nodded at my request.\u0026nbsp; I looked over to Akalia, who was looking still better than most.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Zin, are you still in?\" I asked.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nShe looked around, but nodded.\u0026nbsp; \"I haven't been hit yet.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"I need you both to try and distract Zapdos.\u0026nbsp; Try to coordinate your attacks so that you can herd her into another attack.\u0026nbsp; Also, don't hurt each other now.\u0026nbsp; Not like last time.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Last time was an accident!\" she yelled.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"I know, I know.\" I said, shaking my head.\u0026nbsp; \"Mist?\u0026nbsp; Are you alright?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Never... better...\" she said.\u0026nbsp; \"I... cannot hold out for much longer.\u0026nbsp; Perhaps another lightning blast, or at worse a second.\u0026nbsp; After that, I will be drained.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"I'll recall you and have Deoxys help.\" I said, nodding.\u0026nbsp; \"I'm afraid that Zapdos will take out Xola in one hit with these powered up lightning blasts.\u0026nbsp; I'm not sure about Aurora, either.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"We need all the help we can get, Master.\" Zin said.\u0026nbsp; She was still worried.\u0026nbsp; \"Next time I say something like this, I give you full permission to slap me stupid!\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI blinked at her, but shook my head.\u0026nbsp; \"We'll worry about it later.\u0026nbsp; Everyone ready?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"_What about me_?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nBaast looked at me with a concerned look.\u0026nbsp; \"_I am still able to battle_.\" she persisted.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"I'm not your trainer.\" I said with a frown.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"_I trust you enough that you will not send me to my grave_.\" she pressed.\u0026nbsp; \"_Please, direct me_.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI was shocked.\u0026nbsp; I've never heard of a trainer giving orders to a Pokémon that wasn't theirs.\u0026nbsp; I nodded at her.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Give me a few moments.\u0026nbsp; Let's see how this plan works first.\u0026nbsp; I can't think right now with that overgrown bird screeching so loudly.\" I said, pointing skyward.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nShe nodded as another blast of lightning slammed against Mist's barrier.\u0026nbsp; The sound of glass shattering filled my ears.\u0026nbsp; Everyone bolted as I caught the falling Mismagius.\u0026nbsp; Fishing out her Pokéball, she was recalled back to safety.\u0026nbsp; With her Pokéball safely attached, I grabbed Deoxys' ball and released her.\u0026nbsp; Again, without any hesitation, Deoxys assessed the situation, looking skyward as Zapdos launched another blast of lightning.\u0026nbsp; This one was directed to Spirit, but due to her element it did nothing but slow down her flight slightly.\u0026nbsp; I was suddenly glad to have called that one right.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nZapdos let out a cry as Spirit aligned herself at the same height.\u0026nbsp; Deoxys distracted me before I could grab Aurora's ball from my waist.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"How do you wish to proceed?\" Deoxys asked.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"I don't know!\" I said loudly.\u0026nbsp; \"I told Spirit to distract Zapdos!\u0026nbsp; I'm not sure that Victini can hold against another one of those Thunder attacks.\u0026nbsp; But now we can't shoot anything to the air without risking Spirit in the crossfire!\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI looked over to Jon, who was looking skyward.\u0026nbsp; I couldn't tell what he was thinking.\u0026nbsp; Other than Baast, no other of his Pokémon were in the battle.\u0026nbsp; Arceus, what was he thinking?!\u0026nbsp; I grabbed Baast's shoulder, getting her attention.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Tell Jon to send Storm up there!\" I said, pointing skyward.\u0026nbsp; \"Spirit needs help!\u0026nbsp; She won't be able to hold Zapdos off forever!\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nThe Lucario nodded at me and headed toward Jon, while Deoxys stood next to me.\u0026nbsp; Her look told me that she wasn't convinced about my plan.\u0026nbsp; The plan was being made as this problem unfolded.\u0026nbsp; There WAS no plan!\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Improvising seems to be a strong skill you have, then.\" she said softly.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"We don't have any advantage with her in the air.\" I said, frowning.\u0026nbsp; \"We need her grounded so we can use our superior numbers to our advantage.\u0026nbsp; Right now, we're just wasting time.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"I believe myself and Aurora can do so.\" she said with a nod.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nMy face was soaked.\u0026nbsp; My clothes were soaked.\u0026nbsp; I hated how she was standing there with a look of utter confidence while the rain sapped at my body heat.\u0026nbsp; My hand grabbed Aurora's Pokéball and released the Weavile.\u0026nbsp; She jumped into my hands immediately, looked at Deoxys, and nodded.\u0026nbsp; She jumped over to Deoxys' head.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"We are ready when you give the order.\" Deoxys said calmly.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI looked skyward once again, noticing idly that Spirit's flaps were loosing her altitude.\u0026nbsp; Even with Storm in the air, she was picking one target at a time.\u0026nbsp; Distractions weren't going to work at this rate.\u0026nbsp; I turned around to Deoxys and nodded.\u0026nbsp; \"Get Spirit out of there!\" I said.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nDeoxys launched herself into the air.\u0026nbsp; How she flew, it wasn't in my priority list of things I needed to know at the moment.\u0026nbsp; I ran towards the injured Flygon, hoping to get into range fast enough for the Pokéball's recall beam.\u0026nbsp; A flash of lightning blinded me for a moment, spots dancing across my vision again as Zapdos attacked someone else.\u0026nbsp; I managed to recall Spirit just before her body fell against the ground.\u0026nbsp; Jonathan ran up to me as I secured Spirit's Pokéball.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Yeah, welcome to my world.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Screw your world, man.\" I snarled back.\u0026nbsp; \"I don't need your witty shit right now!\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"What now?\" Joy asked.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Where's Baast and Victini?\" I asked.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"What's the plan?\" Joy asked.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"That bird has to be grounded.\u0026nbsp; We need her off the sky.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nJon shoved my side.\u0026nbsp; \"What do you think they're doing?!\" he screamed.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"You don't have to shove me, dammit!\" I said sharply.\u0026nbsp; \"I know that!\u0026nbsp; I've been suggesting that to everyone too!\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"What do you need me for?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI turned to see Victini and Baast walk up to me.\u0026nbsp; I nodded, relief washing over me.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"I have a plan.\u0026nbsp; A risky plan, but it's what I got.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Shoot!\u0026nbsp; Risk is my middle name!\" Victini said proudly.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Can you fly with Baast up there?\" I asked, pointing towards the battle in the sky.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Proba... Yeah I can!\u0026nbsp; If they keep her at that altitude, I can reach there no problem!\" Victini exclaimed with a nod.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"If you can drop Baast from behind her, that lets you go all out on the back of her head.\" I explained, pointing towards the Lucario.\u0026nbsp; \"You need to do as much damage in a single hit as possible.\u0026nbsp; Don't hold back.\u0026nbsp; You'll be at high risk of being thrown off.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nBaast nodded.\u0026nbsp; \"_Don't worry about that.\u0026nbsp; That bird has it coming._\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Is everyone ready?\" I asked.\u0026nbsp; Victini and Baast nodded at me.\u0026nbsp; I looked skyward, noticing Zapdos flying lower than anticipated.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Go!\" I yelled.\u0026nbsp; With a flash, Victini was rocketing upward with Baast in her psychic grasp.\u0026nbsp; Baast was somehow launched forward at full speed, tackling the thunder bird hard.\u0026nbsp; A flash of blue surrounded the area, as Baast blasted Zapdos with... _something_.\u0026nbsp; I wasn't entirely sure what kind of attack Baast just used.\u0026nbsp; Zapdos didn't recover from the blast of energy that Baast unleashed, riding the bird all the way down.\u0026nbsp; The ground shook from the impact, and we all rushed over to see the damage.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nWhat surprised me was the amount of red.\u0026nbsp; A nasty gash was on Zapdos entire body, oozing a surprising amount of blood.\u0026nbsp; Baast didn't look injured, and thankfully Deoxys, Aurora, and Storm were unharmed as well.\u0026nbsp; Jon kneeled next to Zapdos, his head shaking.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"She should be fine, right?\" I asked.\u0026nbsp; Baast gave me a look that told me otherwise.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"_I do not normally use that attack_.\" she mentioned.\u0026nbsp; \"_In other instances, that should have stopped her heart instantly._\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nSo that's why Jon was shaking his head.\u0026nbsp; \"I can't let her die.\" he whispered.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Then catch her, numbnuts!\" Joy yelled.\u0026nbsp; \"Hurry up before I beat your skull in.\"  \n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"I don't have a Pokéball to my name right now.\" he said with a shrug.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"What about that black ball thing you pulled on Darkrai at the monastery?\" I asked, grabbing his shoulder.\u0026nbsp; \"Can you use that?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nAgain, he shook his head.\u0026nbsp; \"It won't stop this kind of injury.\u0026nbsp; They're designed as a prison, not for stasis.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nWell, this wasn't good.\u0026nbsp; Zapdos' breathing was already irregular, and it didn't help that the injury was on the chest.\u0026nbsp; Wait.... idea!\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Joy!\u0026nbsp; Where's our stuff?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nShe blinked at me for a moment.\u0026nbsp; \"Didn't you have your bag with you?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI blinked before Deoxys grabbed my bag and dropped it in front of me.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"I feel like a grade A idiot.\" I muttered, fishing for a spare Pokéball.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"What are you doing?\" Jon asked.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Capturing her.\u0026nbsp; We can discuss your deal with her later.\u0026nbsp; Right now, though, she needs to be alive for that to happen.\u0026nbsp; Unless you want to let her die.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nHe didn't answer me, even as I threw the Pokéball in a lazy arc to the fallen bird.\u0026nbsp; When Zapdos was absorbed into the device, there was no resistance and the ping was loud in the quiet of the aftermath.\u0026nbsp; The sun began to show, piercing the artificial storm clouds and the rain subsided quickly.\u0026nbsp; I stood up, grabbing Jon by the shoulder and pulling him up straight.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Here.\" I said, forcing the Pokéball in his hands.\u0026nbsp; \"She's been your problem all this time.\u0026nbsp; You either can let her go and kill her, or try to figure things out the hard way.\u0026nbsp; Now that she won't attack you so easily, I'm pretty sure you can talk things out.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nTaking the lead again, I nodded to both my friends.\u0026nbsp; \"Lets get back to Blackthorn and report on the mission being a success.\u0026nbsp; For whatever success this is.\u0026nbsp; That's your problem.\u0026nbsp; I have to deal with the fat man telling me lies all day.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"He won't lie to you.\" Jon said softly.\u0026nbsp; \"I'll make sure he doesn't.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"That's nice.\u0026nbsp; But regardless, first things first.\u0026nbsp; We need to get to the nearest Pokémon Center, now.\u0026nbsp; Storm, are you injured?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nThe Dragonite shook her head, looking at me curiously.\u0026nbsp; I smiled.\u0026nbsp; \"Take Jonathan back to Blackthorn.\u0026nbsp; Get him to the Pokémon Center directly.\u0026nbsp; That Zapdos needs immediate medical attention in order to survive.\u0026nbsp; The rest of us walk back.\u0026nbsp; It shouldn't take us long to get there.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nJonathan didn't protest as Storm picked him up.\u0026nbsp; The silence was deafening as soon as the Dragonite took off.\u0026nbsp; I looked over to Joy, who was slowly shaking her head.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"I'm useless.\" she whimpered, before grabbing hold of me in a hug.\u0026nbsp; \"I'm so sorry...\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nAs much as I wanted to say something, I stayed quiet.\u0026nbsp; I held her tightly against me, just letting her know I was there.\u0026nbsp; We stood there in silence, no one objecting until she calmed down.\u0026nbsp; Joy's eyes were closed, her breathing deep and slow.\u0026nbsp; I motioned Skadi to come over and she obliged.\u0026nbsp; Between myself, Ajax, and Deoxys, we lifted her up safely to Skadi's back.\u0026nbsp; I nodded.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Are we all here and accounted for?\" I asked softly, looking around.\u0026nbsp; I received confirmation that from everyone.\u0026nbsp; \"Does anyone want to go back inside their Pokéballs?\"\u0026nbsp; That was received with negatives all around.\u0026nbsp; I nodded.\u0026nbsp; \"Let's get going then.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n========================////////////////////=============================\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nWe made decent time making it back up to Blackthorn.\u0026nbsp; Funny thing was that there were a bunch of trainers picking for fights.\u0026nbsp; They got a look at me and they started their approach.\u0026nbsp; Then they saw the party I had behind me.\u0026nbsp; They backed away rather quickly.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nWe paraded through the city and walked straight into the Pokémon Center.\u0026nbsp; Nurse Joy was quick to pull us inside and get all our Pokémon treated as soon as possible.\u0026nbsp; When we finally got through all the paperwork, I motioned for her attention.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Where's Jonathan?\" I asked.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nNurse Joy blinked for a moment before smiling at me.\u0026nbsp; \"He's in the emergency room.\u0026nbsp; We stabilized Zapdos.\u0026nbsp; Anything else is up to her now.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Thank you.\" I said.\u0026nbsp; \"Do you think we can visit them?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"They should be fine by now.\" she said with a shrug.\u0026nbsp; \"Let me check for you, just in case they're speaking.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI nodded as she left both Joy and me at the main desk.\u0026nbsp; Joy still looked exhausted, and was fighting the need to sleep.\u0026nbsp; I shook my head at her, and she frowned at me.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"If you tell me that I need sleep, I'll kick your shit in.\" she told me.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Then I'll wisely keep quiet.\" I said with a nod.\u0026nbsp; \"In other news, how do you think Jon is holding up?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nShe shrugged.\u0026nbsp; \"Doubt he's doing all that good.\u0026nbsp; I'm pretty sure this messed up his plans.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Plans?\" I asked, confused.\u0026nbsp; \"What plan?\u0026nbsp; All he did was stare up and be confused as to what was going on half the time.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Sometimes, I'm convinced you're an idiot.\" she said heatedly.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Zapdos tried to gouge out my intestines.\" I pointed out.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"You're still an idiot.\" she said with a sigh.\u0026nbsp; \"We could have probably avoided all that craziness if you kept your mouth shut.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"I'll remember that next time.\" I said with a sigh.\u0026nbsp; \"But when a gigantic bird has you in her clutches and wants to rip out your intestines, I don't want to hear you complaining.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Wish granted!\" Joy exclaimed, slapping my back.\u0026nbsp; I winced and was about to say something when Nurse Joy returned.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"He says that you can come see him.\" she said with a sad smile.\u0026nbsp; \"I suggest that you stay quiet.\u0026nbsp; Zapdos is still coping with the changes.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI nodded, and Nurse Joy lead us to the room.\u0026nbsp; She opened the door and stood aside to allow us in.\u0026nbsp; The door closed behind me when I stepped inside.\u0026nbsp; I looked behind me to see Joy stand behind me as well.\u0026nbsp; Turning around, I saw Jon sitting on a chair.\u0026nbsp; Zapdos was laying on a mat on the ground, the gigantic bird too large for a emergency bed.\u0026nbsp; The area was cleared out, but she looked at rest at the moment.\u0026nbsp; Jonathan looked like he's been through a nightmare, his eyes bloodshot.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI kneeled next to him, since I didn't see any other chairs nearby.\u0026nbsp; Joy sat down next to me.\u0026nbsp; Nobody spoke as we watched the thunder bird sleep on the mattress.\u0026nbsp; Jon sighed, but when I looked at him he shook his head.\u0026nbsp; He sighed again, but spoke this time.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"What's the plan now?\" he asked softly.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI shrugged.\u0026nbsp; \"She's your problem.\" I said.\u0026nbsp; \"I captured her to keep her stabilized.\u0026nbsp; We can free her or you can keep her.\u0026nbsp; I'm not personally interested in keeping her.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"What?\" Joy asked next to me.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"You think I want a Pokémon that threatened to disembowel me a few hours ago?\" I pointed out, turning to face her.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nShe winced.\u0026nbsp; \"Yeah, I don't think so.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Again, I don't have a Pokéball with me, and I'm pretty sure none of my team want to be traded.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Who said anything about traded?\" I asked.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"I'm not allowed to have or capture any more Pokémon.\u0026nbsp; Didn't you hear that part?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"What kind of trainer isn't allowed to have any more Pokémon?\" I asked.\u0026nbsp; \"Aren't extra Pokémon stored either at the registered Pokémon Center or with the regions professor?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nHe shook his head again.\u0026nbsp; \"When I turned into a Ranger, I forfeited the rights to have any more.\u0026nbsp; I would have to quit, and I don't want to do that.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"So you want to keep her, but you can't because you're not allowed.\" Joy said.\u0026nbsp; \"You're forced to trade, but you don't want to.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nWhen he didn't respond, Joy stood up and whacked the backside of his head.\u0026nbsp; Jon covered the attacked area with his hands.\u0026nbsp; \"You're stupid as fuck, too.\" she said before turning around.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nThe door opened, Baast entering the room with a tray of stuff in her paws.\u0026nbsp; She walked towards us, standing next to Jon and placing the tray on his lap.\u0026nbsp; \"_Eat._\" she ordered.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"I'm not hungry.\" he said.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"_You haven't eaten since this morning, if that_.\" Baast said with a frown.\u0026nbsp; \"_You must keep your strength up_.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"What's the point.\" he said in exasperation.\u0026nbsp; Baast followed up those words by slapping the back of his skull.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"_I'm sick of this._\" she said.\u0026nbsp; \"_Trade me.\u0026nbsp; It's obvious that you care more about her than your own well-being, and the respect I have for you is rapidly dwindling.\u0026nbsp; I am also comfortable going back home, though that is a little harder to do._\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI looked in Baast's direction.\u0026nbsp; \"Wait, you don't mean what I think you're mean.\" I said, confused.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"_Jonathan can trade me for Zapdos.\u0026nbsp; It is exactly what I mean_.\" she said, standing in front of me.\u0026nbsp; \"_In all honesty, I would prefer to be with you than this human.\u0026nbsp; You've proven yourself capable of handling dangerous situations_.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI raised an eyebrow at her.\u0026nbsp; \"And why the sudden change of heart now?\" I asked.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"_Because he will not make the decision, so I am making it for him_.\" she said, turning to look at Jonathan.\u0026nbsp; \"_While he cares enough for me, he obviously cares more for this stupid bird._\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Jon?\" I asked.\u0026nbsp; He shook his head, but shrugged.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"I still have Zapdos' Pokéball.\" he said, revealing said device.\u0026nbsp; \"Are you...?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"It's not like I have an emotional attachment to the bird.\" I said, waving my hand towards the fallen Zapdos.\u0026nbsp; \"It's you who should be asking yourself if you're OK with this situation.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nHe sat there in silence, switching from looking between Zapdos, myself, and Baast.\u0026nbsp; Zapdos stirred slightly in her sleep, but didn't wake.\u0026nbsp; I wondered if Nurse Joy used some kind of drug to keep her pacified.\u0026nbsp; The sound of the door opening made me turn around, seeing Nurse Joy coming inside the room.\u0026nbsp; She smiled at us, but turned serious at Jon.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Are you the one that caught her?\" Nurse Joy asked him.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI was about to answer, but Jon intercepted me.\u0026nbsp; \"Yes, I did.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Then why is it registered under someone named Aaron?\" she asked.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"I had to catch her in order to protect her.\" I explained, getting her attention.\u0026nbsp; \"Jon didn't have any Pokéballs, so I caught her to stabilize her condition.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nNurse Joy turned to Jon.\u0026nbsp; \"And why did you lie to me?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"I'm responsible for her current condition.\" he said with a frown.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"That's well and good.\u0026nbsp; All I wanted to know is who is she registered to.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nNurse Joy turned to me, then blinked for a moment.\u0026nbsp; It looked like the idea just hit her.\u0026nbsp; \"Wait!\u0026nbsp; Isn't this the Zapdos from Mount Silver!\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI tried my best to hold back my laughter.\u0026nbsp; \"Bingo!\" I said, nodding.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"But I... we... you!\" she said, before shaking her head.\u0026nbsp; \"I need some air.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"I'll go with you.\" Joy offered, taking Nurse Joy's hand and walking outside of the room.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nBaast grabbed my hand, getting my attention.\u0026nbsp; \"_Would you have me_?\" she asked.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nThe simple implications of that question made me hesitate.\u0026nbsp; \"What do you mean?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"_Will you allow me to go with you_?\" she asked.\u0026nbsp; I tilted my head in curiosity, but decided against asking.\u0026nbsp; She didn't let me go though, her grasp tightening.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"What?\" I asked.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"_What were you thinking_?\" she asked.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nWell, this was an interesting scenario.\u0026nbsp; \"This isn't about anything more... right?\" I asked, lowering my voice.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nHer muzzle split into a grin.\u0026nbsp; \"_Why_?\u0026nbsp; _Do you wish it to be_?\" she asked back.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI backed away, but her grip didn't let go of my hand.\u0026nbsp; She pulled me towards her, somehow avoiding to impale me on the chest spike.\u0026nbsp; Her paws held me tightly against her chest.\u0026nbsp; Somehow, my eyes deceived my brain that Baast didn't have any breasts.\u0026nbsp; Well, my skin definitely felt them.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"_I'm going to enjoy this_.\" she whispered, before giggling madly.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nWhy are all these crazy Pokémon trying to have sex with me?\u0026nbsp; The only sane one is Spirit!\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nBaast took me over to Jonathan, who was now standing up.\u0026nbsp; He looked over to us and blinked in surprise.\u0026nbsp; After a moment of recovering himself, he shrugged and shook his head.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Are you sure, Baast?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"_Would you prefer that Cleopatra or Storm take my place_?\" Baast asked back.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nJon looked surprise at the question, but shook his head.\u0026nbsp; \"I guess not.\" he said with a shrug.\u0026nbsp; \"Follow me, and lets get this over with.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nHe pulled out another Pokéball, one adorned with a blue lid instead of the standard red.\u0026nbsp; The white section didn't look white, either, and the middle band was yellow instead of the metallic silver.\u0026nbsp; Jon took the lead, taking a right back to the lobby of the Pokémon Center.\u0026nbsp; He opened the door behind the desk, going inside.\u0026nbsp; Inside, was a machine I wasn't familiar with.\u0026nbsp; It had what looked like two giant tubes sticking out from its sides, with a small platform under them.\u0026nbsp; Indentations were on these small platforms, just large enough for a Pokéball to go through.\u0026nbsp; Jon expanded the oddly colored Pokéball in one side and mine in the other.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Put your Pokédex in the slot.\" he said, pointing at the small hole in the machine.\u0026nbsp; I did as directed, as he did the same on his side of the machine.\u0026nbsp; Lights and bleeps slowly began to turn on, the device turning on.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Greetings, trainers!\u0026nbsp; Welcome to the Pokéball Transfer System!\u0026nbsp; Please use the controls to guide you through the steps to reach your desired function!\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nThe voice that they used to program this thing was way too cheerful.\u0026nbsp; Jonathan moved towards the middle, fiddling around with numerous nobs and dials.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Aaron Elazar.\" the machine said.\u0026nbsp; \"You are trading the rights to have a Zapdos and her registered Pokéball, with Jonathan Caim who is trading his Lucario and Pokéball.\u0026nbsp; Do you accept these terms?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI looked over to Jonathan again.\u0026nbsp; \"Are you sure about this?\" I asked.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nHe nodded.\u0026nbsp; \"She wants to go, and I'm alright with that.\" he said with a shrug.\u0026nbsp; \"Are you willing to put up with her?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"I think I'll manage.\" I said, grinning.\u0026nbsp; \"So, this basically is trading the Pokémon and Pokéball?\u0026nbsp; Doesn't Zapdos have to be inside of it?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nJon shook his head.\u0026nbsp; \"They've upgraded these things since those old times.\u0026nbsp; Trust me, I've seen it work.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI sighed, but nodded.\u0026nbsp; Jonathan pointed to what buttons to press, and I followed his directions.\u0026nbsp; Both Pokéballs were sucked up into the machine, and it hummed and whirled to life.\u0026nbsp; I was honestly afraid that it was going to explode when a faint trail of smoke appeared from the machine.\u0026nbsp; After a few long seconds, it made a pinging sound, the red and white ball that was in front of me replaced by Jon's and vice versa.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nJonathan grabbed his new Pokéball, shrinking it and placing it in his pocket.\u0026nbsp; \"You might want to let her out of there.\" Jon adviced.\u0026nbsp; \"She's never liked staying inside her Pokéball for too long.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Add it to the list of concerns I have.\" I shot back as he left.\u0026nbsp; I sighed, following him outside.\u0026nbsp; Nurse Joy was behind the counter as I exited the room.\u0026nbsp; She smiled at me kindly.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"So you really did end up doing it.\" she said to me.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Oh.\u0026nbsp; Um, yeah.\u0026nbsp; Baast can present a compelling argument.\" I said with a smile of my own.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nHer smile turned into a grin, before she grabbed my hand and pulled me all the way to a door.\u0026nbsp; \"Wait!\u0026nbsp; What's going on?!\" I exclaimed, confused.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"You can get to know each other better now.\" she said as she came around me and unlocked the door.\u0026nbsp; She opened it and pushed me inside.\u0026nbsp; \"And I don't want to see you come out until your hair is a mess!\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nThe door slammed shut, sealing me inside the room.\u0026nbsp; My other Pokémon were still being healed.\u0026nbsp; I sighed, releasing the Lucario from her Pokéball.\u0026nbsp; If I was going to regret it, I might as well get it over with.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nShe appeared in a flash of red, but nothing happened immediately.\u0026nbsp; Baast's paws touch my face gently, her breath washing over my face for a moment.\u0026nbsp; She leaned against me.\u0026nbsp; She was a bit heavier than I expected, but kept my complaint to myself.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"_There's a bed behind you_.\" Baast said softly, her muzzle rubbing against my neck.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI leaned back, holding her as we fell together.\u0026nbsp; The bed protested, but held otherwise.\u0026nbsp; We ignored the squeak that the springs made.\u0026nbsp; Her paws held me tightly, a content sigh escaping her as she held me.\u0026nbsp; I scratched the back of her head, laying there on the bed.\u0026nbsp; Baast pushed herself up higher, holding my head against her chest.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Baast?\" I whispered.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"_Yes?_\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Are you really tired?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nShe didn't respond immediately, stroking my hair before responding.\u0026nbsp; \"_No, I'm not_.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Then why-\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"_Because I am sure that your other mates would look unfavorably upon me if I took what I wanted for granted_.\" she said.\u0026nbsp; \"_I would much rather be in good graces with everyone before doing what I wish_.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"And that would be...?\" I prompted.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nShe laughed.\u0026nbsp; \"_To have you._\"\n\n  \n  \n\n","series":{"name":"A Trainer\\'s Tale","previous":"https://fse.anthro.fr/stories/298588-a-trainer-s-tale-chapter-21.json","next":"https://fse.anthro.fr/stories/302550-a-trainer-s-tale-chapter-23.json"}}