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Thomas realised he'd left Jeremy with Squishy, Carmen and Griff's balls. He hoped no trainers would be out and about fighting this late at night given how badly wounded the majority of them were. Most potential opponents were quite understanding regarding other trainers not wanting to fight due to a fully incapacitated party, but it was widely understood that once you step foot outside a town, you're fair game for a battle.

Fortunately before too long he managed to make his way to the small camping area set up by the Kalos trainer Fionne. She'd battled him with her 'Eevee-lutions' just before reaching the Totem Kommo-o's cavern. Her six pokemon amounted to a Glaceon, Flareon, Vaporeon, Leafeon, Jolteon and Sylveon; the latter of which Thomas spotted sitting beside their trainer as he approached their camp, a ribbon from their ear playfully wrapped around her wrist. The other five regarded him with caution, which made sense to the man after their team had been taken down through the combination of just Mac and Dusty. But after a statement of truce and some sharing of rations, the two trainers sat down to chat over dinner. Given half his crew were with Jeremy and the other half were either enemy number one given a previous battle - or would raise far more questions in the case of Titan and the Malamar - Thomas elected to just bring out Zana.

She popped into existence quite cheerfully, though became a little more agitated when not sprawled out on a beach under the warm Alolan sun with a hotel in sight but instead stood in a cold canyon next to a pair of tents. Tales were told between the two trainers of battles and memorable moments, with Thomas regaling Fionne how Carmen and Dusty both hit max evolution mid Gym battle and her going over the trials she'd completed so far and how the Totem Kommo-o was her last before facing all four Kahunas.

While Thomas and Fionne were discussing aspects of being a trainer in both Vandimland and Alola, Zana ended up getting a little flirty with the various Eeveelutions. Thomas was only slightly embarrassed by her obvious displays, while Fionne just tried her best to ignore them. However, come Fionne's bedtime the trainer asked Thomas - given how flirtatious the Zoroark was - whether Zana would be interested in having some fun with the group. They'd been a bit starved of attention of late, but were 'good boys' and would treat her with respect. And getting some pent up nerves out prior to their big battle the next day wouldn't hurt either.

Thomas had no problem with it - mostly because he doubted even six of them could force the Zoroark into doing anything she didn't want to do - but deferred the question to Zana anyway who agreed, much to the other pokemon's delight. With their trainer not particularly wanting to watch the show, she said her goodnights and zipped up her tent.

Thomas would not get off so easily.

<Hey fellas,> Zana growled seductively. <Who wants to have a little fun?> She looked to Thomas, her 'Mistress' hat on nice and tight as a predatory gaze burrowed into the man. However, she mistook his expression for worry given her lustful stare. But Thomas didn't even notice it, he was more focused on the fact he understood every single word she uttered. Meanwhile, the assortment of pokemon all growled their thirsty responses. <And who wants to have fun… with him?>

The group looked a little shocked, staring at Thomas wide eyed as he gulped. The Sylveon, Flareon and Glaceon all turned to advance on him. “Uh, wha- I uh…" He mumbled, still trying to come to terms with everything going on.

“Come…" <Pokeslut.> Zana moaned, leading the way to his tent. Thomas was stuck, he knew when to follow his Mistress' orders, but being able to understand her speech, that was new. Passing it off as their connection being increased earlier, Thomas filed the information away for later and moved over to the tent along with her. It was somewhat thrilling a notion to not only understand both his Master and Mistress on such a personal level, but also the fact she could call him whatever she wanted in public now and while the vast majority of humans wouldn't understand, he would. Zana motioned for the other pokemon all to stay where they were while she brought Thomas inside.

It took little time before the Zoroark found the blindfold she'd had Thomas buy back in Sidna, holding it out for the man to take. With a resigned sigh Thomas took the accessory and was about to put it on when his hand got slapped. “Disrobe." She growled, and he complied without hesitation. The Eeveelutions outside the tent looked on with great interest, not having seen a trainer so utterly dominated by their pokemon before. Zana leaned in close to the kneeling, naked form of her human. “I shall give you a modicum of privacy for this, so be thankful."

Thomas took a deep breath “Thank you Mistress." He said low enough he hoped Fionne wouldn't hear. He could feel her desire to slap him and demand it be said louder through their somewhat spiritual link, but they both knew that now was not the time for that kind of play.

Instead she firmly grasped his growing member and growled “That will suffice, this time." She poked his hand holding the blindfold with her free paw “On." Before he knew he'd done it, the world was pitch black. “And no cheating with that other 'thing'." He assumed correctly that she meant his newfound ability to see their auras. Thomas wondered why she would blind him in such a normal way, but the unspoken question was quickly answered as he was dragged out of the tent and into the cool night air just a few feet from the smouldering fire.

Her illusion would not be directed at him.

“That's right, my pet." Zana growled into his ear, her muzzle sending puffs of hot air against his cheek as she spoke through a wicked grin. “They're going to fuck you hard, and raw, right out in the open. Would you like that?"

Thomas gasped at the thought, the public debasement only private because she wished it. “Yes Mistress." He'd wondered where this Zana had been the last few times they'd had fun; of course she would show up when privacy was not to be had. Or perhaps that was the reason. She needed an audience.

<Well boys, take your pick.> She growled to the others, settling down a few feet away from what Thomas could tell. There was a moment of silence, the night's ambience broken only by the footfalls of a couple dozen paws padding around the dirt. Then he felt them. Silky ribbons swirled around his wrists and ankles. The Sylveon. He could hear the pokemon gasp in surprise, no doubt sensing the man's desires through its physical link. But whether it had the plan all along or simply had its desire increased thanks to the man's emotions, the Sylveon quickly had Thomas on all fours.

<This is crazy> a voice said just in front of Thomas.

<I'm not complaining.> Said another just behind him.

Thomas opened his mouth to ask what was going on but was met by an ice-cold tongue being thrust down his throat. He moaned his surprise into the Glaceon's mouth as their tongues fought for dominance. It's tongue was narrower than Thomas' but much longer, and barbed to a small degree, the muscle sending shivers down his back as it swirled and ground inside.

In stark contrast to the icy kiss, Thomas felt another tongue much further down. It almost painfully scorched his balls as it ran it's length from there all the way up to his hole. Thomas' moan turned to a groan as the two pokemon assaulted him from both ends; fire and ice clashing from two directions as his senses were pushed to breaking point. Or at least, his body certainly seemed to be. The spicy tongue was edging closer to pain, while his lips had become blue and numb.

<Hmmm… perhaps you two should switch…> a third voice suggested. And almost immediately the tongues vacated Thomas.

He was left panting as his body recovered from the extreme temperatures, slowly getting his voice back to ask “Why, how can I-" But his words were cut short by another, sweeter tongue forcefully grappling with his own. It was longer, and far more prehensile than the Glaceons, wrapping around his before making several jerking motions.

When it pulled out, the Sylveon simply said <Shush, Pokeslut.> The soft muzzle slid under his chin, raising it just enough for the man to feel the tip of something wet and warm press against his lips. Sliding back into his subservient mindset Thomas pushed the question away to focus on the cock before him. He opened wide as the thin, pointy cock pushed its way past his lips.

To say the pre had a flavour would be a disservice. Thomas had had his fair share of curries - or at least tins of curried fish were a regular donation to homeless services back in Milra - and he was well aware of how hot some of the poke-treats could get. But this was something else. There was an earthy spice to the fluid that was being pulsed onto his tongue like water from a leaky faucet. It splashed against the roof of his mouth before running down his throat, slowly heating his previously chilled orifice.

Thomas resumed his contented moaning as more and more of the lengthy prick was pushed inside. When he came to the knot it was small enough to easily slide past his teeth, though he opened even wider to make sure. A fire type that close could cause serious damage, even - or especially - by accident. But he needn't have worried, for as soon as the pokemon withdrew and felt the underside of it's knot just barely caress the man's teeth, it shuddered, pressing down a little harder to increase the sensation.

Conversely, Thomas felt a similar slickness press against his overcooked pucker, causing him to involuntarily clench from the coolness. He moaned as a second and third jab proved more successful, spearing him with several inches of Glaceon cock. It released a thick gel-like pre, a relieving coolness that felt like the world's greatest balm as it helped take the edge off the Flareon's near painful tonguing.

The fire-type thrust forward a little firmer the next time, burying himself deep in Thomas' throat with no care for how the man's teeth graced his length. <His mouth is… amazing.> He grunted, front paws sliding down to wrap around Thomas' torso.

There was a groan from behind as Thomas felt the Glaceon put a bit more oomph into it, and much to everyone's surprise, the pokemon was able to slam the entirety of his tool in to the hilt. <So… So loose. He really is a Pokeslut.> The Glaceon withdrew and thrust back in with that last word, causing Thomas to whimper in pleasure as it felt like a rubbery icicle was having it's way with him.

<Mmmm, I think he liked that.> The Sylveon muttered, making Thomas aware of exactly how close it's muzzle was to the man's face. <You like being called a pokeslut, don't you?> It said in jest. But when Thomas nodded in time with the Flareon's thrusts, the Sylveon took a step back in shock. <I… I think he can…> Thomas felt the thrusts from the Flareon and Glaceon pause as a soft tongue licked against his earlobe. <Can you understand us?> Thomas nodded. He couldn't see it, but all three pokemon's eyes lit up like it was christmas.

<Oh, this is gonna be good.> The Flareon growled, returning to his previous pace, albeit a little more roughly. The Glaceon was not far behind, giving Thomas a right dicking while all the man could do was moan in ecstasy.

He felt a mass of silken fur slide beneath him as the Sylveon rearranged itself. <Mmmm, have you any idea how long we've been waiting to put a trainer through their paces?> It growled, making Thomas aware of it's head being near his before a set of ungodly soft haunches wrapped around to grasp his midsection. The fairy-type pulled itself up to be chest to chest with Thomas, it's throbbing member pressed against his belly while it's back was suspended just off the dirt. While held firmly in place through the strong ribbon-like appendages snaking out from it's body, the Sylveon linked it's front paws around the back of Thomas' neck anyway, appearing to hand from in while a set of forepaws at both his front and rear held him in place in a different way.

The Glaceon and Flareon had begun to match their rhythm, with one pulling out while the other pushed in, granting them a little more depth for a given stroke. And as they proceeded to pound away at the man, so too did their bodies' unique temperatures begin to cause a reaction. At first Thomas could feel their tongues extreme heat and cold at both ends, and after the switch the subsequent cooling and warming of their thermal opposites was stimulating to say the least. But despite his fear that the spicy tingle would become a burning heat too much for his human body to handle, no such limit was breached. It was almost like his body had numbed itself to the pain. Or that these pokemons extreme body temperatures were somehow offset by their own natural lubricant.

Either way, the end result was the trio able to go full force after only a few minutes of experimenting with the man's gag reflex and need for breath. But to Thomas' credit, it wasnt him requesting they stop so he could get some air, it was the Sylveon accurately reading his feelings on the matter. Though he almost waited too long the first few times, as despite the burning desire for oxygen, Thomas seemed content to keep being railed orally. It was a fact that after a while the Sylveon couldn't keep silent about any longer.

<You really like this don't you?> It whispered in Thomas' ear. The man moaned his affirmative, causing the Flareon to growl lustfully. <Getting taken? Being a pokemon's little play-thing?> The Sylveon didn't need a verbal answer from him, as Thomas' own emotions flared with desire at that statement. <And you like giving as much as taking, yes?> The fairy-type's body slid down Thomas' until he felt his throbbing human cock pressed against the Sylveon's pucker. Thomas' moan was more a whine at the insinuation of his rock-hard staff being seen to.

<Fuck, Pinky, what are you doing down there?> The Flareon groaned, barely able to keep pace with the Glaceon. The Sylveon poked his head around the side of the fire-types pistoning hips but before he could reply, was silenced. <No!, Don't care, just keep doing it.> With the grip around Thomas' torso tightening, the Flareon got back in step with his counterpart and began rutting Thomas.

Blobs of Glaceon pre had spurted free from all the fun at Thomas' backdoor, dribbling their way across his balls and down the engorged human cock to it's tip. With each thrust, beads of the cooling substance were flicked against the Sylveon's hole, eliciting a whorish moan from the pokemon. It only took a few experimental lunges against the man's rod before Thomas was overwhelmed by one of the most comfortably tight arses he'd ever experienced. It felt like he was in a vice clamp made of marshmallows and that was just the head of his cock. It would take a fair amount of his willpower to make sure he saw to the Sylveon's needs first.

As if on cue, Zana's voice rang through the darkness. <You make sure… those pokemon… get off before… before you do.> She growled between panted breaths.

<Oh, he knows.> The Flareon growled back malevolently.

Zana chuckled <He better.>

<No, i could feel his… control.> The Sylveon responded, giving Thomas a lick along his neck.

<Good pet!> Zana all but howled as one of the other pokemon found a sensitive spot. Thomas wished he could see what the others were doing to his Mistress, but that was for her to know and him to fantasise about all the more.

The Sylveon licked Thomas' neck again, sensing how deep his feelings for the Zoroark went, mistaking their artificially induced connection for a naturally formed one. He leaned in close to Thomas, growling softly into his ear <The others wish to claim you, even if only for the night. Do not feel bound by your Mistress' laws for me.>

With the gentle lap of a tongue against the Flareon's sack, the pokemon was warned to pull out and give the man a breath, but instead of taking the lungful that was expected, Thomas instead dove down onto where he assumed the Sylveon's muzzle would be, successfully planting on it a deep, passionate kiss. The Fairy-type was initially shocked, but quickly reciprocated, as Thomas tried to give him some long overdue attention before the fire in his lungs - thankful only impartially due to the Flareon's actions - brought his mind back to the present.

Taking a couple of deep breaths, he was about to say something profound, but was immediately silenced by the Flareon's cock ramming its way back home. <No you don't, I'm almost there!> Thomas could feel the knot being shoved into his mouth grow larger and larger. Deciding it was time to stop being so passive, Thomas brought out his A game.

The Flareon grunted, eyes widening as his hips froze. Thomas angled his neck just right, giving the pokemon that extra couple inches depth, and giving the man an opportunity to get a perfect seal around the base of the scorching canine cock. Then, with every muscle in his mouth and throat working at full strength, he both bit down gently and sucked hard. Had the Sylveon not been connected through the man's emotional link, he'd have assumed the human was trying to hurt his friend, but seeing the Flareon's balls contract in rhythmic pulses, he knew Thomas had just brought the fire-type's night to an end in a good way.

Thomas held the bulbous bulge in his mouth, his teeth gently sliding down its base to pull it a little deeper and grind against the more sensitive nerves beyond the knot itself. He could feel his chest heat up, partly from the scorching fluid being pumped into him spurt by spicy spurt, and partly because the pokemon's paws themselves were heating up. Gentle heat turned to stinging as Thomas tried his best to ride out the Flareon's climax. Fortunately just as the man's pain threshold was reaching it's max, those fluffy yellow balls stopped their pulsing, and Sylveon gave him a couple gentle squeezes around his wrist, prompting his clenched teeth to open.

<Fuck!> The Flareon all but fell over backwards, stumbling away from Thomas to collapse near the recently extinguished fire. With a tap of its paw to the embers, the flames roared back to life, bathing Thomas' naked body in its heat. <Don't suppose you trained that mouth of his?> The flareon chuckled contentedly towards Zana.

<No.> *gluck* <His M-> *gluck* <Master> *gluck gluck* <Jer-> *gluck* <-remy.> Thomas' cock twitched at the sound of Zana trying to answer between facefuckings. Perhaps the blindfold was so he didn't see her in a less authoritative position with other pokemon?

<The Kommo-o?> Several voices piped up in shock.

<Fuck, that explains it.> The Flareon groaned

<Explains his luscious ass too.> The Glaceon growled as he picked up the pace, needing to compensate given his rhythmic partner had left them. <I bet you take it from that hunk every night.>

“N-no…" Thomas moaned, before cracking a smile. “Sometimes I take Rhyperior too." a jolt of cold buried itself in the core of Thomas' being as the surprised Glaceon hilted himself in a display of pure lust.

<NO WAY he took a Rhyperior!>

But the Sylveon was linked well to the man by now, and with a surprised tone, he responded to the Glaceon's statement. <No. He did. I can… he's not lying.>

*Gasp* <He took the whole thing. Grown-ass adult too.> Zana added before returning to inhaling whichever lucky pokemon had mounted her face.

<He really is a Pokeslut!> The Glacen growled jovially. Making sure he was rammed as far down as possible, he leant over the man. Cool and slightly bristly fur - especially in contrast to the velvet-like texture of the Sylveon beneath - lightly scratched Thomas' skin before the pokemon moaned into his ear <How many pokemon have you fucked, Pokeslut?>

It took a moment's thought, but he'd done the basic calculations when Jeremy was describing their journey to the Totem Kommo-o. “Thirty-something." he sighed with a smile, not taking his eyes off the Sylveon. “Maybe forty if you include evolutions."

There was a moment's silence all round as even Zana's trio of partners stopped in awe. <Did he say Forty or Fourteen?> a couple of them murmured.

<Forty…> Sylveon whimpered.

'Double that if we're talking individual pokemon.' Thomas thought, images of Feraligatrs surrounding him flooding back. But he reminded himself that Zana could still punish him for halting her enjoyment. Which given the silence, he assumed he had already. Thomas concentrated, not having done this without Jeremy around, but feeling it only apt given the situation. In a low grumble he spoke in broken Kommo-o <Now fuck. Mistress said; hard and raw.>

The Glaceon wasted no time, pistoning into Thomas' hips with gusto. The initial slap was so forceful it plunged Thomas' pre-lubed member halfway into the Sylveon's arse. The two sighed, the pokemon leaning up to hug him tight. Their lips met and again Thomas was lost in a passionate kiss as the pokemon's tongue elegantly wrapped around his own, mimicking the muscular contractions of the Sylveon's passage around his human member. Their moans grew into a staccato hum as the Glaceon increased his tempo.

Then, with a burst of cold air across Thomas' back, the Glaceon reached his climax. His knot throbbed and shaft pulsed as jet after creamy jet of the pokemon's spunk coated Thomas' inner walls in a soothing cold. Instinctively he clenched, clamping down on the spasming tool to feel every throb, every burst of seed within him. A low growl of contented victory swept over the man, the supercooled puffs of air across his back sending shivers down his spine.

Locked in position - both from the deceptively strong ribbons around his limbs and the turgid cock in his rear - Thomas was unable to continue to give the Sylveon the attention he felt he should, a sensation the fairy type picked up instantly. The pokemon broke their kiss, licking his muzzle hungrily in the process. <Let him finish, we have time.> He moaned to Thomas, just barely audible above the low grunting growl of the climaxing Glaceon.

The Glaceon's paws had shifted up Thomas' body; with forelimbs wrapped tightly around the man's chest while fuzzy back legs shuddered and shook trying to get as much purchase on his hips as possible. With that position it was able to dump every drop of pokecum in the man's receptive rear. Thomas had taken the Sylveon's advice and focused his attention on the climaxing Eeveelution, clenching muscles to give the pokemon a ride he'd not soon forget. The cold paws on the man's chest helped undo the mild burns left behind by the Flareon's climactic act.

When the cool body slumped atop him, Thomas chuckled. Sensing the man's motives, the Sylveon released all but one wrist, enabling Thomas to better balance and gently lower the exhausted pokemon to the ground by shifting his own body down and to the side. He could hear the staggered padding of paws as the spent Glaceon stumbled to collapse - Thomas assumed - somewhere shielded from the fire's heat. Which just left…

<Was that good?> The Sylveon asked sultrily. Thomas felt a velvetine tongue teasingly drag against his cheek.

“Wonderful." He moaned. “But it's not over yet." Thomas heard a proud chuckle from Zana a short distance away, no doubt internally - or perhaps just quietly - bragging how her little Pokeslut just bested two evolutions in regards to stamina.

<Thomas…> The Sylveon gulped, and with it's chest pressed against Thomas' the man could feel the comparatively tiny heart beating rapidly. <I-I'm almost there, but can you… can you just… 'love' me?>

Thomas smiled, his freed limbs allowing him to rest on just his legs and one arm while the other wrapped it's way around the Sylveon dangling from his frame, hugging the pokemon closer. “Nothing rough or controlling, just passion?"

The Sylveon nodded, then after a couple seconds of staring at the man's blindfolded face he rolled his eyes and smiled <Yes. Please.> Thomas leaned back to a kneeling pose, helping to wedge himself just a little deeper into the pokemon's arse as he held the Sylveon upright. With the ribbony tendril acting more like a leash than a binding, Thomas could pull his lover into a proper tight hug. <Mmmmm… Thank you…>

Thomas could feel the relief just pouring from the Sylveon as they held their pose for a short while, enjoying each other's body heat among other things. But Thomas had to ask, whispering as quietly as possible in the pokemon's ear “I take it you're usually the 'relief'?" He could feel the Sylveon nod against his shoulder. “Well tonight, I'm yours." With that, he unwound one arm from their embrace and slid it between their bodies, fumbling around between their bellies until he found his prize.

The Sylveon gasped as Thomas took his knot gently in hand and began massaging it in time to a gentle gyration the man began with the rest of his body. The remaining ribbons immediately curled around the pair, as though giving the world notice it would take far more than a prybar to get them apart in that moment.

At first he started slow, getting a feeling for the new position which - of all things about that evening - was somewhat new for the man. But after only a short time Thomas had found a decent pace and a specific angle that the Sylveon seemed to greatly enjoy. He could hear murmurings of an audience around him, assuming the remaining Eeveelutions had finished with his Mistress and were enjoying the show. He'd given the Flareon a taste of how talented his mouth was, and the Glaceon had claimed his so-called 'luscious ass'. And now, the Sylveon was about to get the business end of Thomas.

“I can tell why the others want you to be the one to relieve them," He whispered, holding the Sylveon up a little as he spoke, to keep his mouth at ear level “You feel amazing. And I'm not just trying to be charming, or get a rise out of you." He gave the knot a gentle squeeze “That mission's already accomplished." Sighing, Thomas rubbed his cheek against the pokemon's muzzle. “You have the most perfect arse I've ever had the pleasure… of." He coughed clearing his throat sheepishly. “What I mean to say is-"

<Thank you, I get it.> The Sylveon cut him off sheepishly.

“Just remember to take some time - or 'some one' - for yourself every once in a while. Okay?" Thomas felt a resigned nod against his chest. “You deserve it. For everything you do in battle, and out of it." He thought back to the way the Sylveon seemed to be his trainer's emotional support given the comfort he saw them give post battle as well as the entire time they spent by the campfire earlier, the Sylveon's ribbon was wrapped around either Fionne's ankle or wrist. “But for now…"

Thomas resumed his pace, allowing the pokemon to drop back down onto his cock with the full weight of gravity. The Sylveon moaned, muzzle pressing hard against the man's chest as the ribbons wrapping them up pulled tighter. Thomas' arm was being restricted, so he couldn't give the Sylveon's member the longer strokes he'd hoped to, but made up for it with increasingly intense kneading motions starting at the top of the knot and working to the base.

A needy grunt signalled Thomas he was getting his new friend close to their climax, so he leaned in again “Cum with me." He moaned into the Sylveon's sensitive ears. Those words had the desired effect, with the fairy-type's body shuddering to a halt, his ribbons tensing as Thomas felt the knot in his hands begin to pulse. He quickly reversed the kneading motion to pull up and out as he made one final thrust up into the Sylveon's perfect arse.

Deliciously warm Sylveon-cum sprayed what little space was left between the two figures as Thomas brought the pokemon to its release. The tightening of the bestial rear proving too much for him as Thomas faced his own climax with no restraint. After the Sylveon's third spurt, their ejaculations synched up, with volleys of cum painting both their chests and the Sylveon''s insides in time.

Strangely - despite being warned not to use his extra sight - he could still feel the pride and love pouring in from where he assumed Zana was sitting watching them. Pride not necessarily for herself, but for him. Her little pet proving his worth yet again. It brought a happy moan to his lips, an echo of which - from the Sylveon in his arms - brought him back to that reality.

If the Sylveon's arse was paradise, then it's needy convulsions milking his cock would be heaven. It was like warm, silken gloves were pulling up his length with a gentle but firm grip. He didn't hold back, every single drop of his human seed was released into that glorious rear, and with the ribbon wrapped not just around one wrist but his naked body as well, the Sylveon could feel the totality of his emotion. They embraced for some time, just allowing each other to come down from their own natural high.

<Welcome back.> Zana growled quietly

<I see you started the party without me.> Jeremy chuckled, causing Thomas' heart to skip a beat. <Aaaand finished it too.> Thomas tried not to smile, as he imagined his love staring wry daggers at the Zoroark.

The ribbons slackened, but not before the Sylveon leaned up to plant another kiss on Thomas' lips. <Thank you.>

“No, thank you." Thomas whispered back, giving another quick peck before helping the pokemon off his member. He felt a claw gently scrape up the backside of his head, removing the blindfold. Jeremy was standing there, the leather tube in hand and holster secured badly across his leg plates. They were one size fits all, but for Humans. Not Kommo-o.

But the slapdash addition of pokeballs was only a tiny percentage of how Zana could tell something was different about her sensual rival. As Thomas blinked his eyesight back to normal, he saw Zana get up and do a few circles around him, trying to nut it out. Thomas took the spare moment - realising he was still naked outside the tent - to quickly get some pants on. Which he was glad he did because when Zana shouted <YOU'RE A WHAT?!> Fionne came bursting out of her tent expecting a fight.

Thomas was only a second behind her, his hair being all mussed from the sex and his pants not on properly accidentally adding to the notion he'd just woken up too. He held a hand up as though to say 'everything's fine' but he needn't have had to, with the Eeveelutions standing more in shock than anger or defence. Even the Sylveon seemed to be helping the woman calm down as Jeremy began to explain the last few hours.

Thomas had managed to get out “He's going to become a trainer tomorrow-" to Fionne in an attempt to translate, but as soon as the words were out of his mouth, Zana zeroed in on him. In several big strides she reached Thomas and slapped him across the face. Hard. Before he knew what was going on, the tent behind him zipped shut and he was left staring at the group in nought but baggy pants. Jeremy looked at him confused and a little worried. “I- I probably should have mentioned that earlier."

“YOU THINK!" Came the cry from inside the tent.

There was a moment of awkward silence before Fionne said her goodnights again, offering for her crew to come back inside the tent. They all seemed to agree, with the vaporeon dousing the fire on the way. Once Fionne's tent was shut, Zana angrily stormed out of Thomas'. She marched up to him and slapped the button of her ball, disappearing in a bright red light. Thomas sighed.

<She'll come round in the morning.> Suggested Jeremy hopefully.

“Not that easily." Thomas shot back. “Believe me there's… stuff… ugh." He ran fingers through his hair. Trying to put into words the plethora of emotions and sensations that he knew she felt. Her jealousy of Jeremy, her need to be his equal. He'd not thought about it.

“What stuff?" Came the voice inside Thomas' head.

“GAH!"

<WHA?> Jeremy looked over his shoulder to see if something was happening, turning around to see Thomas slap the small button on the side of his pokedex. He looked perplexed at the act before it sunk in. <No…> Thomas nodded, ghostly white. <You- why didn't you->

“Tonight, it- It all happened too fast!" He began stressing, pacing back and forth barefoot across the dirt. “I-I didn't even think that would be… a thing. Shit. Shitshitshit…"

“Are you okay?" came a tired call from inside the tent.

“Syl? Veon?" Thomas' expression of shame immediately turned to confusion as what he knew he understood moments ago was now very much back to 'normal'.

“Uh… yeah, just… forgot something. It's… fine?" He said, more trying to convince himself as he looked guiltily at the pokedex. Had the Rotom been translating for him in real time? Was that why he understood the others?

Jeremy put a claw on the man's shoulder, turning him to face the tent and abandon his internal line of panicked questioning. <Come. Rest. It's been a long day for everyone.>

Thomas followed the recommendation, knowing it could be turned into an order easily enough. And in a few short minutes he was nestled up in his Kommo-o's arms, the presence of each other helping them to find sleep in mere seconds.

The warm glow of morning light illuminating the tent brought a peaceful serenity to Thomas as he awoke. Jeremy was already partly conscious, just waiting for his lover to rouse before moving. Neither needed to be anywhere immediately, and were happy to just spend a few minutes in each other's arms. No words were spoken - or were needed - as they woke up in their own time. Thomas relished in the sensation of Jeremy's hard armour plates pressed against his back, while the leathery yellow skin of his arms held the man tight. He felt safe, felt needed, and felt loved.

But as activity outside stirred, the two resigned their morning to a similar fate and began getting the tent organised. In cleaning up the pack, Thomas found Parker's old vest stashed among his clothes. He held it out, dusted it off and turned to Jeremy. “I know we've been through a fair bit, and wearing this has been difficult what with it not being transferable through the ball and all, but…" He looked to his Kommo-o and smiled sheepishly. <He'd be proud. Now more than ever.>

Jeremy Took the vest, the blood stain had been near crimson when he first put it on, but was now a faded brown. It was covered in all manner of tears and scrapes, stains and holes. But most of all, Jeremy noticed the arm holes. Or specifically, the size of them compared to his own significantly more beefy forearms. <It's a nice thought, but maybe not.> He gave the garment a kiss before handing it back to Thomas. <Keep it safe though.> He warned with a smile.

“Oh, don't worry, I've got plans." Thomas said, holding it out again, thinking of how Griff's jacket had that zipper along the sides to get around the whole wing problem. He thought there might be a tailor somewhere in Seafolk Village, or at the very least wherever they were headed next that could do a quick custom job. He folded it neatly away along with a few other odds and ends before gathering the assortment of pokeballs and belts. He still had the older belt as well as two thigh holsters with three slots apiece; currently containing Squishy, Griff and Carmen in one, and Mac, Dusty and Titan in the other. “Hmmm… we need to have a chat with everyone. You ready to get hugged to death?"

A rich Kommo-o laugh radiated from the tent as Jeremy accepted his fate. <Better get those potions ready.>

“For you?" Thomas chuckled, clipping the extra balls in his bag to the old belt.

<Well, maybe. But Griff and Carmen are still…> Jeremy tapped the two balls with faintly glowing red circles around their buttons.

“Right. Yeah, sorry." He chuckled sheepishly, grabbing a pair of blue rectangular potion bottles from his pack. He picked the thigh holsters and belt up and made his way out of the tent.

“Mornin'." Fionne waved before returning to the important task of shoving her tent back in it's bag. The sun hadn't even breached the side of the canyon, but she was already set to go. Thomas looked around but only saw Sylveon out, assuming she must have balled the rest before the big fight.

“Good morning. Sleep well?" Thomas asked as he stepped aside for Jeremy to extract himself from the tent.

“I think so. Bit stiff, but I put that down to nerves." She smiled. “So did I hear that right?" Fionne asked Jeremy as she strapped the tent to her pack. “You're becoming a trainer?" Jeremy nodded proudly. “Well congratulations! It's a huge honour." She offered her hand for the Kommo-o to shake, which he did happily. “Well, I must be off, I have my own trial to attend."

<Good luck.> Jeremy bowed.

“Good luck, from the both of us." Thomas translated as he waved goodbye.

The Sylveon looked to Thomas and winked, blowing him a kiss with the ribbon when Fionne wasn't looking. He winked back and blew his own kiss. <Should I be jealous?> Jeremy asked, a hint of sarcasm in his tone.

<Nothing wrong with a bit of harmless flirting.> Thomas hoped his voice was quiet enough that Fionne couldn't hear.

<You call last night 'Harmless Flirting?>

<Oh, you had me pegged as a pokeslut from the moment you met me.>

<Oh, I had you pegged alright…> Jeremy wrapped his arms around Thomas from behind, holding him close to his chest and belly.

“Arceus… You've no idea how much I want that right now…" Thomas moaned before loosing a deep sigh. “But we've got a whole lotta stuff to get sorted before our walk back. So first…" He tapped Griff and Carmen's balls, summoning the duo onto the dirt. Their crumpled forms were breathing, but while the Goodra was conscious, the Noivern was not. Thomas tossed Jeremy a potion and between them they worked at getting their friends patched up.

Once Jeremy had emptied his bottle on Griff, he disappeared back inside the tent to retrieve the pokemon's meds. <So… which ones did he need again?>

Thomas took the bag and spread the assortment of containers out on a nearby stump. He pulled the new pill organiser from it's box and opened it up. “So; Red for Blood thinners, White for seizures and purple for multivitamins." He said, taking one each of the colourful ones and two of the large white pills and held them out for Jeremy to see. “He takes those every four hours. These two-" Thomas holds up a bottle of orange pills and a blister pack of little square white pills “are a 'once-a-day' thing. Really only needs them if he's been out a bit, but can't OD on em apparently, so better to be safe than the alternative."

<What are they for?>

Thomas popped a white one out of it's sheet and put it down alongside the other four pills. “That one's for managing phantom pains. Scar tissue and the whole being zapped into and out of pokeballs, apparently they don't mix well. The other one," he placed an orange oval on the stump “is for Hallucinations. Again, preventing the symptoms is better than treating them." He pointed to the tent. “The 'emergency' stash attached to the bag has two of these and three of these." He said, pointing to the orange and small white pills respectively. “If Griff starts suffering a full-on attack and can't get back to his ball, he gets the lot."

Jeremy looked a little sickly, he'd known it was a fair amount of meds the pokemon would have to take, and he'd seen Thomas dispense them a couple times. But he'd always felt so guilty, he just let the information flow through him rather than absorb any of it. He sighed, thinking how it was all his fault. But Thomas refused to let the Kommo-o stew on his past actions. He gathered the multicoloured assortment of pills sitting on the log and handed them to Jeremy along with a water skein. “Here, he'll need that to get the bigger ones down."

With a nod, Jeremy made his way to Griff, waking the Noivern gently. Carmen was already feeling much better, and after paying attention to the pill talk from the back row, came over to give Thomas a big hug. “Heya beautiful."

“Heya sexy." She replied, getting an eyebrow raise from Jeremy. “Did we win?"

<Squishy creamed 'em.> the Kommo-o chuckled as Griff stirred in his arms.

<Yaaay!> Carmen squealed, lifting Thomas off the ground with her tight hug. The man grunted his appreciation, managing to get an arm free to hug his Goodra back. “So did you get a badge?"

“Better than a badge." Thomas said slyly as he was lowered back to the ground. “We'll explain when everyone's out." With that Carmen backed up excitedly as Thomas started tapping balls. Squishy appeared in a flash of white, crash-tackling his goodra lover before calming down enough to stay in one place; though that one place was essentially acting as a belt around Carmen's body. Dusty was next, happy to stretch his legs despite the somewhat confined space their campsite occupied.

Mac burst forth, quickly followed by Titan. And when Thomas brought out the Quilava and Luxray as well, all four became more social, chittering and chattering in their assorted tongues. He stroked the Malamar, considering bringing it out to introduce to the rest, but was still not sure how things would go down. After a deep breath he shook his head and left the ball on the belt before looking to his own arms. He looked to Jeremy who had finished administering Griff's meds and was now going around saying hi to the gang, no doubt anxious to tell them his news. The Kommo-o looked to his lover and to the bracer he held up. Zana's bracer. Jeremy sighed, shrugging.

Thomas - feeling she'd be more pissed not being asked to come out than being summoned anyway - tapped the Zoroark's ball, bringing her into the gathered masses. She saw the assortment of faces and turned right back around to Thomas to slap him in the face. “I am NOT done being pissed off at you!" She scowled before slapping her ball's button and disappearing once more. The Quilava was looking up at him with an accusatory stare, along with all the other pokemon in the clearing except Jeremy, who just looked angry at the disrespect shown.

Thomas, about done with his Mistresses' antics, audibly huffed. “Right, I'll have to fill Zana in later, I guess." He gestured for the rest to take a seat. “Okay folks, Jeremy's got something to share, and then we've gotta talk about where we're going next. So big guy, tell 'em the news." Thomas hugged Jeremy as they swapped places.

<Last night I spoke with the Poni Island Totem. I know most of you don't know what that means, just think somewhere between 'Elder' and one of the human 'Gym Leaders'.> Jeremy looked to Thomas, who just smiled back and gave him a thumbs up. <We talked, then we battled.> He waved to Squishy, Carmen and Griff, who all nodded in respect <'They' battled. He needed to see what I was capable of. And when we won, he gave me this.> Jeremy produced the leather tube, unclasping the buckle at it's top to reveal a length of parchment with a Kommo-o claw-print stamped on it. <When I take this back to the Village, I… will be a verified Trainer.>

There was a moment of silence before the canyon erupted into a cacophony of congratulatory chirps, trills, squeaks and roars. Seeing so many of his fellow pokemon cheering him on like that warmed Jeremy to the core. With Thomas in the middle of it all just grinning and clapping, absolutely and honestly proud of Jeremy's accomplishment.

He eventually got the crew to calm down enough to enable him to speak again. <But this raises a few issues. I… I don't know how to put this…> He realised the strangeness of it all, of his elevation above the others in status, but not emotionally or ethically as far as he was concerned. Thomas could see the strife written across that yellow muzzle and attempted to fill in the words Jeremy couldn't.

“A Trainer's whole thing is they bring Pokemon with them. And while officially I don't think anyone recognises an upper limit for carrying around, it's generally regarded a battle is fought with a maximum of six pokemon to choose from. And in case you folks haven't realised, I'm a little past that. So…" He got up and walked over to Jeremy, picking up the belt along the way, wrapping it around the Kommo-o's chest like a bandolier “We need to sort out the roster."

<I think it's only fair Mac and Dusty stay with you; your starter and first official catch. And Gem of course.>

“Oh, Gem! Sorry…" He tapped the button on the side of his pokedex, freeing the electric orange blob with eyes and teeth. “Heya, sorry Gem, I'm still getting used to you being inside the 'dex."

<Oh, is this the 'stuff' you mentioned?> Thomas racked his brain for meaning behind that before remembering the previous night.

“Ah, well, kinda." He coughed nonchalantly. The Rotom nodded, disappearing into Thomas' head via the implant.

<I'm never gonna get used to that.> Mac muttered to Dusty.

“Sorry?" Thomas said, surprised.

<What? Nothing?> Mac stood upright, attempting to look innocent and failing miserably.

“Did- did you just say 'what, nothing'?" Mac and Dusty shared an astonished glance along with the rest of the crew. “Gem… are you… translating?"

“Yes." came a response in his head. “Should I not be?"

<Wait, you can understand us?> Dusty neighed.

<A-all of us?> The Quilava squeaked.

Thomas knelt down. “Apparently so." The Quilava did several zoomy circles in happiness while the other pokemon came over to give Thomas a hug. They had a million and one questions, ranging from Squishy asking what sort of a voice he had to Mac inquiring where his feather was.

But eventually Jeremy broke the gathering up, reminding them all of the immediate situation. There'd be time for talking later; which given the stern - almost sorrowful - look he was giving his partner, was something they would be sitting down for before the day was over. <So, we need to organise who goes with whom for the time being.> He grabbed the balls of the two pokemon already mentioned - given Gem's 'ball' was Thomas' pokedex - and handed them to the man to clip into the thigh holsters he was attempting to strap on.

“And I should keep the Malamar, at least until I know what to do with it." He picked the Dive ball up and slotted it in to a slot on the empty holster.

<Malamar?> Squishy asked, eyes wide.

“Yeah. Same one. He's not coming out any time soon, don't you worry." The Gyarados looked shaken, which had the others attention. “But as Jeremy said, there's a whole lot of stuff we can talk about later. For now, we need to organise. So… anyone want to go with Jeremy?"

There was an awkward silence, but Carmen stepped up. “I will." She said, switching to her pokemon language for the harder words. <We've been together since Parker caught me, seems only right we stick together.> She turned to Thomas, a sad look on her face. “I'm sorry, is that okay?"

“There's no-one I'd trust more with your safety." He said with a smile, ruffling the Goodra's antennae.

<I'm staying with my mate!> Squishy all but demanded, starting a chain reaction of smirking smiles through the gathering.

<Of course, wouldn't have it any other way.> Jeremy laughed as Thomas handed him their pokeballs. <I was wondering Griff, if you'd be alright coming with me. I feel kinda… responsible for->

<I'm fine with that as long as Thomas is. You've got a good mind for this trainer thing, I wanna see where it goes.> Thomas handed Jeremy the Noivern's ball, a well of sadness building up inside him as he realised he'd no longer be battling with those three in his corner. There may even come a time he'd be facing them if Jeremy ended up in tournaments with him. He wasn't sure if he could order anyone to attack Carmen.

<Is Zana staying with you?> The Quilava asked nervously.

“For now at least. I need to talk with her about it, but she's a bit mad at me right now." He tried to laugh it off, but Thomas could see the Quilava was genuinely worried. “She'll be fine, I'd never take her away from you, don't worry mate." He gave the little fire type a scratch on the nose, which it accepted gratefully, practically purring into the mans hand as he clipped his ball to the holster. “Which leaves…"

<Given you're the one with the target on his head, I should probably take Zye's… thing. Keep it safe.> He turned to Titan and the Luxray. <Which I guess means you two are with me.> Thomas realised with Jeremy able to carry that burden, he really served little official purpose within the group. His mission had been to get Zye back to the institute, and the rest of Parker's pokemon with it. And aside from freeing Cav, that was still the plan. The thought of now being a fifth wheel to his own mission flashed through the man's mind, but was quickly squashed by his own sense of self preservation.

Thomas took a deep breath. He looked to both his and Jeremy's roster, smiling sadly. He knew they weren't 'gone', he'd not lost anyone. For the time being at least he needed to share with Jeremy, at least until he could catch his own pokemon, though that raised many more issues. Issues they'd have to sort out later. “Well, now we've sorted that…" The man cleared his throat, trying not to let his emotions get the better of him “We need to figure out what our next step is. Unova is still a ways away, and-"

<I did say there was someone here I could talk to.> Jeremy butted in with a smile.

“I thought that was the Kommo-o?" Thomas said a little confused. But after a moment of thinking “Wait, that Foundation?"

<The Aether Foundation, yes.> Jeremy pulled a map he'd acquired back in Seafolk out of Thomas' pack. He pointed to the southwestern island. <We're here. Yesterday I noticed one of their boats in the dock. If I could get them to call in my location, we could get to their HQ, they might know how to fix… him.> He gestured to the Zygarde's cube.

“And after that?" Thomas prompted, hoping Jeremy had more up his sleeve that might get them to Unova in a more protected capacity.

<We can ask when we're there, they might be able to give us a lift. I… I'm not sure if I burned bridges when I chose to stay with Parker. But if I can get there, I know one human who'll listen.> The group stood around nervously chatting as the somewhat unsteady plan took root.

“Well," Thomas tried breaking the din and getting them all excited again “let's get this camp packed up so we can get Zye back up and off to Unova!" It worked to some degree, with most of the pokemon returning to congratulating Jeremy while Thomas got their stuff together. He packed the cube amongst some towels and stuffed them in Parker's old pack, splitting the potions between it and his duffel bag as well. He made sure to pack Griff's meds in the smaller back, and used an empty - but cleaned - potion bottle to store a dose of each of the pills in his own pack, just in case.

It didn't take long with those that could help lending a hand before the camp was clear of tent and detritus. Thomas handed Jeremy the old backpack before slinging the heavier duffel over his own shoulder. “Alright folks. Same deal as the trip up; we've got some battles ahead, so for now it's back in the balls. Hopefully tonight we'll be sleeping somewhere a little more comfey." Dusty shrugged, but the rest of the crew looked hopeful for a bit of rest.

After some playful tousling of antennae and fur, it was back to just Thomas and Jeremy. The Kommo-o once again set the pace as they made their way through the canyon. At first they concentrated on the terrain, finding shortcuts back to areas they'd come through the day before, saving hours of trekking through caves and fighting the inhabitants. By the time the sun had crested the canyon walls, they were back out onto the coastal road.

Thomas considered calling the group out again for a spot of lunch, and Jeremy had the same thought. But thinking quickly, Thomas managed to stay his friend's hand. “Wait, we… need to talk."

<Got more eggs to get out?> Jeremy jabbed, but he could see the worry on Thomas' face. <What is it?>

“Look, we- we've been through a lot. And I think sometimes I may have taken things…" He took a deep breath. There was so much to cover; the Rotom translating, the increased connection with Zana, his feelings about the whole Zye situation… he'd no idea where to start. Jeremy placed his claws on each of Thomas' shoulders, trying to get the man to calm down. “I love you. I really do. But you have to promise me something." The Kommo-o's head plates rattled as he gave a tentative nod of agreement. “As you said, I'm the one with the target on his head."

<I didn't mean->

“No, no you're right. I'm the trainer, it's my responsibility. Which means you can get around easier. Get away easier." Thomas placed his own hands on Jeremy's shoulders, pulling the Kommo-o closer. “You need to promise me, promise me if something happens to me, you take that cube and run."

<No. Not a chance. I'll->

<JEREMY!> The man's outburst caused several pokemon to scatter from the nearby trees. He never raised his voice with Jeremy. But the Kommo-o could see why. Buried deep inside the man's stern gaze was the eyes of a man terrified. “Everything I live for is right here. You, Zana, Zye, Carmen, everything. You know I'd fight with every fibre of my being to make sure all of you were safe. But if… You promise me, you get Zye safe. That's the mission, that's the job. As soon as that seal is… whatever Una will do with it, you become a free pokemon. No owner, no-one to tell you what to do or where to go." He brought a hand up to stroke Jeremy's cheek. “No-one to stop you coming back to get me."

Jeremy was not happy with Thomas' request, but he knew what was at stake. With Zye out of their hands, it would give them far more freedom, and anyone chasing them would have no cause to afterwards. <Fine.> He resignedly agreed. <Just don't get caught, okay?> He hugged his lover tight, giving Thomas' cheek a comforting lick. The two remained locked in each other's arms until Jeremy's mind floated to the Mistress. <So what happened with Zana?>

“Ugh!" Thomas pulled out of the embrace, wiping away several shed tears before launching into a new tirade. “Take a seat for this one." He grunted, planting himself on a nearby bench and waiting for Jeremy to join him. When both were comfortable, Thomas filled Jeremy in on the sequence of events and topic of discussion after leaving the Silent Whismur atop Squishy. He recounted how Zana had previously aired her concerns with being second fiddle to Jeremy, and that she considered Thomas her saviour to some degree, but also a soulmate.

And despite Jeremy's shock, Thomas agreed. Not that he and Jeremy weren't soulmates, but that all three of them seemed destined to meet. He felt that Zana's psychological recovery from her time at that horrible private zoo was something he had to join her on the journey for, and in the process there would be lots of bumps. It's just that for her those bumps included Carmen learning to talk as well as him learning Jeremy's language; slowly rendering her ability to talk via illusion obsolete. There was also her need to be close to him and be a major part of his life, and not just another pokemon in his growing collection.

When Thomas described the sensation of being so deeply connected to Zana, Jeremy asked if it was the same connection they shared. Thomas knew the honest answer wouldn't go down well. But pampering Jeremy's feelings felt more like an injury than the harsh truth to the man, so he described the results, and how different they were. At first he was worried Jeremy would be mad, or demand either the connection be restricted or his own grown. But he just hugged Thomas in response.

<A wider stream doesnt make the water taste any better.> He said, a genuine - if somewhat worried - smile across his yellow muzzle. <If she needs that connection to heal from those scars, then you are stronger than I to have given her such help. I love you Thomas, and while she may put strain on that from time to time, Zana being as close to you as me will never break 'us'.> They kissed, not caring for any pokemon or trainer nearby.

<I love you too.> Thomas moaned back. “And I- I know the whole talking thing is a bit… raw for you too. But Gem being able to translate, it's-"

<It's great. I know how much it means to you to be able to actually talk to us all. Ever since we first met, that language barrier has really bugged you.> Jeremy chuckled, patting Thomas on the head before stroking the small microphone arm of the implant, which buzzed happily and stroked back.

“I just don't want you to be uncomfortable, or feel like I'm not paying you enough attention."

<Jeremy looked into Thomas' eyes, his eyebrows cocked. <You think I'm some attention hungry growlithe begging for a bone?> He asked snarkily.

“No, usually I'm the one begging for a-" He stopped mid sentence. “Ah, yeah. So, Gem." Thomas saw Jeremy's eyes go wide, the two of them remembering the previous night.

“Yes?"

“We need to have a quick chat about last night."

“What about last night?"

Thomas took several deep breaths, looking to Jeremy for support, but the pokemon was very noticeably trying to let Thomas take the lead. “I take it you saw- uh, heard pretty much everything."

“Your mating session with the Glaceon, Flareon and-"

“Yes, yes, that." Thomas interrupted, gulping nervously. Given the look on his Kommo-o lover's face he could tell Jeremy was only hearing one part of the conversation. “So the thing is, trainers are not supposed to do that sort of thing with pokemon."

“Yes. That would be against Rule number-"

“Yes, yes, I know. I took that damn exam over a dozen times. It also breaks a whole bunch of laws." Thomas remembered the first night Rotom was out it was pouring through every file on his pokedex. Not too useful when you don't have an internet connection, but the trainer's manual is hard-coded in there, and must have provided the Rotom some interesting reading.

“I was going to ask if you knew about those." Gem responded, curiosity in their tone.

The man took another deep breath, a heavy exhalation following it as he tried to phrase things as best as possible. “Look," He cracked his knuckles out of nervousness. “It all started with a misunderstanding, but I've come to accept it. I… 'enjoy' the company of pokemon. A lot. I never force anyone into it, and I make sure I never go too far. It's all for fun, nobody gets hurt. Okay?"

“That is understandable." Gem replied, seemingly satisfied with the answer. “Given her commands, I assumed Zana was the one in control of you.

Thomas groaned. “That's… a whole other thing. Zana is my 'Mistress'. She and I… have that kind of… relationship. And Jeremy," He turned to the Kommo-o, who knew full well where this was going. “-is my Master." He turned sideways to show off the green-metal bracers to the implant side of his head. “I'm theirs as much as they are- were mine." He stroked down the side of Jeremy's face.

“So you are accepting of their 'ownership' of you?" Gem asked, still a little unsure of the trio's relationship.

“Yes. Without question. I love them. I love all the pokemon that have joined me on this journey. Though, not literally."

Jeremy knew what stage of the conversation they were at and piped up. <Thomas was very concerned about becoming too involved with pokemon before they were experienced enough to properly understand. And I applaud his restraint and respect for our kind in that regard.>

“At the moment, the Quilava, Luxray and Titan - the one with the big bolts? - are the only ones in our little group I've not approached yet. I'm not sure if Zana and the Luxray have… well, that'd be for her to know, not me." Thomas caught himself before he said something monumentally stupid. “The Luxray I barely know, but the other two have their own traumas and I want to make sure they understand what's at stake before making any sort of advance. Again, I care for them greatly, and would never force myself on them."

Gem lay silent for some time before inquiring “So you wish for me not to talk about this to others?"

“The world is not ready for… me. For us." He squeezed Jeremy's claw. “Maybe they will soon, maybe they won't. There are places we can go, but first we need to make sure Zye gets back to Unova. After that…" He kissed Jeremy on the muzzle.

“You care. I can tell." There was a happy buzzing in Thomas' ear. “I shall keep your secret."

The look of relief on Thomas' face said it all. <Thank you.> Jeremy added, hugging Thomas. <It means a lot to us.>

<More than I can describe.> Thomas spoke in Kommo-o. He stroked the earpiece before giving his lover another big hug.

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