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Eddies

Chapter 34: Incommunicado.

DISCLAIMER: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.

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Eddies 34

Bill groaned, leaning back against the tree he'd sought for shade as he cross referenced his paper map against the GPS coordinates. For the past few days, they'd managed to keep to the lower reaches of the state forest, avoiding the regular helicopter patrols flying overhead that seemed so determined to hunt them down. The constant stress of evading the surveillance was harrowing, and he was starting to feel it. While they'd managed to evade being spotted, he knew it was as much luck as skill; only the mountainous terrain kept the helicopters from using their heat-sensitive FLIR to spot them through the dense foliage.

At least his "language" lessons were going surprisingly well, he mused, tracing an idle finger across the topographic map as he sought a better, more secure place for them to spend the night. Initially, he found it difficult to grasp the nuances of it, but as the lessons progressed, he came to realise it was the pitch and tone of the words, rather than the words themselves, that contained the meaning. After working that out, it was "simply" a case of remembering what subtle pitch and part word meant what; still a massive challenge, but something he thought that he could master, given the opportunity.

And time, of course, he thought to himself dryly. Time was a luxury they didn't exactly have in excess.

As directed by Cameron, he'd monitored the frequency they'd chosen to communicate at twelve hour intervals, using the UHF radio in the truck. The range on the unit was limited by its five watt output, so it meant heading to a sparsely treed area, preferably one with a good view over the valley below, to get anything resembling a decent signal. This involved breaking cover for the short time needed, which had him sweating nervously at each instance. So far, their brief foray into the open hadn't lead to their discovery, but he had no doubts that as the urgency of their capture increased for the military, so did the chances of being caught.

Yet, to date, he'd received no response from Cameron, advising the all clear, or otherwise. The implications for this were disturbing. Only one thing would have prevented their communications. His concerns for his friends on the force grew day by day, until each wait for a response was a torture in itself.

He prayed they'd be safe, whatever was happening down there.

Shadow lived up to her name and kept an unobtrusive tail on him during his duties. Her concern at his agitation was obvious, although there really wasn't much she could do to relieve it. In that, she felt helpless, this was a real source of frustration for the luxray.

Still, she was surprised at his quick grasp of pokespeak, which now had them communicating brokenly but relatively coherently. Her satisfaction in finally being understood was profound, and she was happy to keep talking with him to build up his skills. It added further depth to their relationship, and the point where they found themselves talking freely, albeit somewhat hesitantly, to each other was a defining moment for the pair of them.

While stressful, things had settled into a semblance of routine, with their packing up and moving mid morning, seeking a new location to set up base. Jimmy, while young, carried his own duties stoically, and helped set up and pull down the camp each day without the complaints they would normally have expected from someone his age.

That was a godsend, as they had enough on their plate as is without having to deal with a disgruntled youngster needing to be continually placated.

On the morning of the fourth day, he woke early. The night had turned chill, with the thermal warmth of the previous day lost into the cloudless night sky. A bitter wind had sprung up from the west, driving cold blasts of air up the side of the mountain, and even the protection offered by the trees they were camped under did little to stop its effect.

Shivering, Bill snuggled against Shadows back, wrapping his arm tighter around her chest. When she pressed back against him, he realised she wasn't asleep either, and he leant forward to nuzzle her neck in greeting.

Shadow sighed, turning in his arms to wrap her paws around his neck, drawing him close in return. As her eyes met his, she bent forward with her nose touching his, and said in pokespeak "Not sleep?"

Bill shook his head slightly, breathing in her warm breath, and said in broken pokespeak back "No. Tired. Worried. Worry what happens below."

She nodded, blinking ruby eyes and nuzzled his neck affectionately. "No worry" she said firmly. "You and me. We handle anything!"

Grinning at her, he chuckled, tightening his grip about her and said "Yes, beautiful. We handle anything!"

As she settled against him, she twitched, returning her gaze to him and said hesitantly. "Bill? You and me. What will happen?"

Brow furrowed as he sought to take in the meaning of her question while struggling with pokespeak to formulate a reply. Giving up, he replied in English "Later? You mean, after this mess is sorted and we can get back to our normal lives?"

She nodded hesitantly, and he realised suddenly she was highly worried; not only for the future, but for what might occur down the track between them.

Reaching out to stroke her cheek, he ran soft fingers under her jaw, leaning forward to press his warm nose against her own.

"I want you with me forever, beautiful kitten" he said softly. "I want you to stay with me, be my other half; to complete me." As her eyes shined with sudden tears, he sighed and pressed his forehead to hers. "I don't care about your other trainer. You're mine now, and I'm not giving you up for any reason; not to him, not to the government; not to anyone! Understand?"

At her uncertain nod, he scratched her neck and said "Shit, kitten. I love you so much. Don't even think about leaving me now! We were made for each other!"

Lifting a paw to wipe her eyes, she nodded suddenly, pulling him against her and whispering back into his ear. "You mine! Always!"

Breathing through her warmth, he said back softly in pokespeak. "Always, beloved. Always."

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After several days stuck looking after the troublesome trio, Chris needed some personal space. Desperately!

Whether it was Skyy's inexplicable moodiness, or Entei's crass humour, the dorm room they shared became increasingly more claustrophobic, and with the weekend upon them, the young human decided he wanted out for some time!

The real irony was, of the group, Suicune seemed the one most willing to humour him. Their interactions had become increasingly sociable, and while he once would have hesitated to use the word, a budding friendship had blossomed between them. The blue legendary had lost all his anal banter, and seemed intent on keeping Chris company. Indeed, it was more his presence than anything else that kept the mood in the dorm from going ballistic.

Skyy had been no help whatsoever, shrugging off all attempts to talk about what was bothering him. Even at night when they shared a bed, the lucario refused to discuss the issue plaguing him. A few nights of the silent treatment found Chris keeping his distance from his friend, and as his own worry grew at the pokemon's coldness, his attitude became sharper, to the point where they'd even exchanged choice words about it earlier in the day.

After their last heated exchange, when the lucario had walked away, red eyes brimming with tears, Chris dropped to a seat in the room and put his head in his hands, cursing his sharp tongue.

He woke at midnight shaking and cold. Skyy had managed to steal the blankets again, leaving the human's chest exposed to the chill night air. Chris shivered at the light wind blowing through the open veranda door, from where Suicune continued to sleep. When he made to gently pull the blankets away from the lucario, Skyy curled up tighter in his sleep, and Chris hesitated to wake him up. Instead, with a sigh, he dropped his feet over the edge of the bed and pulled up the pants he'd left lying on the floor nearby. With his shirt under his arm, he grabbed for his boots, as well as a towel, and tip toed from the room to the dimly lit corridor outside.

Sneaking through the Ranger's gymnasium, he decided against risking using the equipment in case the sound carried from the room and woke others sleeping nearby. Instead, he pushed through the double doors into the heated swimming pool beyond, stripping naked and dumping his clothing on a nearby bench.

The water was warm; almost too hot to tolerate, and he descended the stairs to gingerly lower himself into the steaming water, wincing as it scalded its way up his torso. But his body adapted, and he soon found himself floating in the wondrous warmth, alone at last for the first time in weeks.

After a good half hour soaking on his back with eyes closed, with his fingers and toes wrinkling in the steamy liquid, he'd drifted towards the side of the pool, oblivious to his surroundings until a slight scuffing sound brought him back to reality. Opening his eyes, he glared upwards to the light only to make out a dark blue shape overhead, which leaned down towards him curiously.

Starting, he dropped below the surface with a splutter, water hitting his lungs before he re-emerged to a coughing fit as his chest heaved to rid itself of the foreign liquid. It took long moments before he caught his breath and managed to stare upwards at Suicune, who regarded him in concern. With arms flailing and water splashing everywhere, he swam to the pool edge, pulling himself up over the lip to sit beneath Suicune, who continued to peer down at him worriedly.

"Are you alright?" the legendary said quietly, eyeing his spluttering form intently. Chris made to reply, asking what the hell the legendary was doing, only to peter off as he watched the big pokemon's eyes drift down his naked body to fixate on....

Oh shit, he thought to himself. What is it with these creatures?

Once his breath had recovered, Chris said "What are you doing here? I thought you were sleeping?"

Suicune sat back, returning his eyes to Chris's face hesitantly. "I came to see you. To see if you were alright. I didn't expect to... I thought... I'm sorry!"

As his head dropped, Chris sighed and reached out a hand to touch the pokemon on the cheek. When the big face lifted, eyes meeting his own, Chris replied softly. "It's OK. I just wanted a bit of space, is all. It's been a tiring few days."

The pokemon nodded solemnly, and then stunned Chris by stepping further forward and dropping to his haunches, inches from Chris. The red eyes watched his intently, as a furred arm reached behind him, drawing him against the pokemon's chest. Frozen in shock, Chris made to push Suicune away, only to have the legendary press his body tightly against him.

No! Screamed the voice in his head, tearing him from his shock as he brought up his arms to struggle against the tightening grip of the big creature, who was clearly reluctant to release his hold on him. It took long moments, but he managed to escape the clutching paws, stepping back hurriedly towards the pool edge in his haste. When Suicune froze, paw still reached out towards him, Chris saw a stricken look cross the pokemon's face, as tears welled in his eyes as he keened suddenly, his distress echoing throughout the room.

"I'm sorry!! I... Sorry!!" he stammered, paw clutched to his chest as he began backing away from Chris. He spun, ready to bolt, but froze as Chris stepped forward and rested his hand on his flank. Head lowered, Suicune hesitated, reluctant to meet the young human's gaze, but when the human's hand refused to release him, he sighed harshly, drawing a deep breath as he turned slowly to regard him.

Chris's mind spun at the legendaries actions, but he kept his voice calm as he said softly "It's OK. I just never expected you to do that."

Suicune dropped to the wet tiles, head lowered as he stammered "I thought... I thought after seeing you and Skyy together, that... That you'd... want it..."

Oh Boy! Chris winced, groaning as he dropped to a cross legged position before the pokemon.

Reaching out to rest his palm between the pokemon's ears, Chris said "I love Skyy. He's my mate."

Suicune looked up at him, eyes beseeching. "You don't love me then? I thought..."

Chris shook his head slowly, seeing the pain rise in the other's eyes. "Oh, Suicune. You're my friend now. Friends care for each other, sometimes a lot. But it doesn't mean we need to love each other like that!"

Suicune raised his head, meeting his eyes as he said harshly "But you said you loved Raikou!"

Rolling mental eyes at the persistence of the desperate pokemon, Chris said "I do love him, as both a friend and as part of my extended family. Nothing else, Suicune. I'm sorry..."

Dropping his head to his paws, Suicune said softly "But I'm so lonely... I want... I want what you have. You and the lucario."

Leaning down, Chris gently ruffled the dense fur on the big head, and said quietly "I understand. You are my friend, and I do like you as my friend... But not that way. I'll be here for you, but I belong to Skyy now, alright?"

As the legendary nodded unhappily beneath his palm, Chris leaned back and said "Never give up hope, Suicune. There will be someone out there for you, I'm sure."

As the legendary brought his head up to Chris, he said "Do you think so?"

Chris nodded, raising his eyes at a movement across the room, where he spotted Skyy standing, frozen, watching them talk from the entry to the pool room. When the lucario saw him returning his gaze, his eyes widened, and he spun suddenly, leaving the room in a whirl of black tail.

Gods, Chris thought, as if things weren't complicated enough. I wonder what he heard?

Still he remained with Suicune for the moment, rubbing his ears before standing abruptly and beckoning to the legendary. "I need another swim. I'm definitely not wrinkly enough yet! Join me?"

The surprised pokemon nodded, startling the human as he stood suddenly before talking a flying leap into the water, sending a splash wave everywhere! His head emerged, a ready grin on his face, as Chris laughed and jumped in beside him, splashing him with a sheet of water.

At least as friends, there were other ways to enjoy each other's company, thought Chris in amusement, as they drenched the room in exuberant play.

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When his aura made him aware Chris wasn't nearby, Skyy woke just as Suicune brushed by the bed on his way out of the room. He froze, not stirring until the dorm room door closed quietly behind the legendary. Once the room returned to darkness, the lucario pushed the bed sheets away and sat up to gaze towards the exit unhappily.

Where was Chris?

More of concern, where was Suicune going? Was it after him?

Emotions threatening to choke him, the lucario slipped from the bed side to pad silently across the room. With a soft click from the door handle, he let himself into the hall, ears high as he listened out for any sign of where Suicune had gone. When that failed, he changed to a combination of aura and a keen sense of smell to follow him through the maze of hallways into the gymnasium, where he could sense movement from the distant pool room.

Skyy crept through the shadowed gym, making his way to the short corridor leading towards the pool. When his keen hearing picked up the voices of Chris and Suicune from within, he ducked his head around the corner of the hallway and drew in his breath sharply when he spotted a naked Chris in the embrace of the big legendary.

Shocked to immobility, his heart pounded at the sight, emotions rampant until his watering eyes saw Chris push himself away from the blue pokemon. Ears pointed forward involuntarily, he sought to catch their conversation, managing to hear Chris's rejection of Suicune's attention, holding his breath at the young human's profession of love for him, instead.

His paw, involuntarily clenched by his side, rose to his chest where he gripped the fur above his heart tightly. Continuing to listen to Chris's offer of friendship with Suicune, he peered out further only to catch Chris raise his head, meeting the lucario's eyes intently from across the room.

Skyy panicked, pressing back into the hallway with wide eyes, and rushing from the room blindly. Eyes streaming, he blundered down the main corridor, reaching the door at its end. The emergency stairwell! he thought to himself, the irony of using the same escape route as had Suicune not lost on him as he staggered up the stairs to throw open the door to the roof.

Finding a corner against the edging wall, he curled into a ball; paws wrapped tightly around his knees, and submerged himself in his misery.

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Eventually, the satisfaction of playing in the hot water had wound down, as Chris leaned on the pool edge, watching Suicune blow air bubbles from beneath the water's surface nearby in amusement. The legendary's flighty emotions seemed to have recovered from his earlier outpourings, which Chris was more than glad for. Bad enough having a human size pokemon sharing his bed, but someone as large as Suicune vying for his attention was too much of a challenge to even contemplate!

When the legendary finally rose to the surface, Chris leaned over and told him he'd had enough soaking. Suicune nodded, but continued to paddle contentedly in the water as Chris towelled himself off and threw on his clothes over damp skin. Turning back to the water, he caught Suicune again disappearing beneath the surface, a trail of bubbles marking his passage beneath. Chris could only chuckle as he left the gym, making his way back to the room alone, and leaving the legendary to his water play.

But their bed was empty; Skyy wasn't anywhere to be found.

Leaning against the door frame, Chris closed his eyes and considered his options. Knowing the lucario had been upset prevented him from simply getting back into bed without him. But how could he find the pokemon?

Aah! He thought. Pokedex!

Dropping onto the mattress, he punched his way through the menus, as the tracker finally located Skyy on the building roof. Chris grabbed the quilt and a couple of pillow from the bed, bundling them under his arm as he trudged up the stairwell to the roof exit. Consulting with the pokedex, he eventually found Skyy in his corner, head tucked between his arms. When the lucario finally looked up, Chris gave him a smile, dropping besides him and handing him a pillow, which was received in shaking paws. He dropped the quilt onto the concrete, drawing the lucario across onto it before leaning against his friend and wrapping the remaining fabric around them, sharing their warmth as he waited for Skyy to settle.

Long minutes passed before the lucario spoke. Head down, and eyes lowered, he said slowly "I thought you knew."

Chris looked across at him in surprise. "Knew what? That Suicune expected more of me that friendship?"

At the hesitant nod, Chris snorted in amusement. "Umm, no. 'Fraid not!"

At the incredulous look, Chris smirked back, watching a fragile smile tug at the lucario's muzzle. "How couldn't you know what he wanted? He was all over you like a rash!"

Chris shrugged, wrapping his arm around the furred shoulders and drawing Skyy close. "He's as big as a horse, for shits sake!! Besides, I wouldn't do that to you. I thought you'd know that by now."

Skyy sighed, pressing his head against Chris's shoulder. "Yeah, but... Oh, fuck it!"

Chris chuckled, leaning his head to plant a kiss between the lucario's ears. Quietly, he said "It's just you and me, love. Only us. Never think otherwise."

Skyy nodded mutely, curling up against his human friend, sharing the warmth of the quilt as they stared together up at the starry night sky above.

After that, the night heated up for the pair tucked beneath the blanket, on the roof of a building on an alien world...

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Authors Note:

So, here we are. Bill learning pokespeak, and Suicune is all alone again.

Life is like that sometimes. Complicated, and lonely.

But sometimes exciting and memorable. They're the times you live for.

The next chapter is... well... It's for all those people who want more snogging, and shagging, and think Chris and Skyy should have gotten it on well before now. Has a lot of hoohah and yahoo in it, amongst other random, meaningless words.

Be warned. It's smut, which I don't go for that much myself, surprisingly. As I've said, I'm here for the story, before all else. Especially trying is writing the graphic, anatomically accurate stuff, which is really hard to write well, when you hate doing research on the subject.

However, if I didn't include it somewhere, well I'd be letting some people down, when I've promised otherwise. I'm such a swell guy, I couldn't do that to youse all... at least till the swelling goes down :)

So, it's been written. It's graphic, blunt and fairly hot.

It has straightforward dude on dude action. No kinky shit. Just the usual.

Don't say you haven't been been warned.

If you don't like this sort of stuff, you can readily skip to Chapter 36. I've kept it like this, so the choice is all yours, so no bitching and whinging if you read it and your eyes burst, or Jesus rises from the dead and flagellates you, or anything else stupid and anal.

Believe me, you won't miss anything important to the story if you skip ahead ;)

But if you do decide to read on, then.... WOOHOOO!!!!*

(*Disclaimer: Actual Woohoo may be limited in both time and duration. Please read the PDS attached with this Woohoo warning, for further information...)