FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

Thomas groggily opened his eyes. The world around him was fuzzy, but slowly returning to some sort of focus. He rolled his shoulder back, stretching on the bed as he took in his surroundings. It wasn't his first class cabin, so how did he get here? He blinked, hoping to make the room pull into focus faster, and opening his eyes brought a welcome sight. Jeremy peering down over him with a wide smile. <Wakey, wakey.> The pokemon kissed his trainer on the forehead before patting him on the chest. <Have a nice rest?>

“I did… I think." As Thomas sat up and looked to see where he was, the morning's events came flooding back. Lorenz was sitting on the mat, showing something to Zana before pulling it back into his body once realising Thomas was looking. Dan was leaning against the kitchen counter chatting to Honzo while looking through what looked to be some sort of catalogue on his tablet. “What time is it?" Thomas mumbled, rubbing his eyes as he searched for a clock.

“Just gone three." Dan chimed in, putting the tablet away. “And Master Lorenz has a surprise for you."

Thomas swivelled around on the bed to swing his legs over the side. And immediately regretted it. His rear hadn't recovered fully from the morning's fun so the action sent a throbbing pulse of pain up his spine. He stood gingerly, taking a deep breath and arching his back out, trying to play it off as nothing, but at the very least Jeremy noticed, giving him a light pat on the arse as Thomas walked carefully over to Lorenz and Zana.

“Mmmm, you're gonna love this." Zana moaned melodically.

Lorenz stood, looking down over Thomas as the man approached. The silent anticipation reached its height before Thomas realised it was on him to speak. “Master Lorenz, have you finished my Master and Mistresses commission?" Everyone in the room smiled at the trainer's respectful language. Lorenz nodded, holding out his hands. The large nut on each one rotated like they had before, the dimples of chrome inviting the man to place his hands there.

Without waiting to be told, Thomas held his hands up and pushed them forward against the pokemon's metallic goo. As before they slipped inside with little resistance, the 'skin' around them feeling like so many whirling marbles. At first. However, he soon felt the leather bindings become unbuckled, sliding off his arm to expose the sensitive skin underneath to Lorenz' strange anatomy. Then after a few seconds he could feel something else being pressed against his skin, something hard and warm. He felt a click around one wrist, and then the other before pressure against his fingertips forced him to withdraw from the melmetal.

Pulling his arms back out of Lorenz, Thomas was met with not two bracers, but two works of art. He stared in amazement at the pokemon's work, made all the more impressive from the short timeframe in which it was completed. “I-I…" Thomas was lost for words, holding first one arm, then the other up in front of his face to better examine the strange black and grey metal shimmering with green iridescence.

He closely inspected the left binding first. The base layer was a fine chainmail mesh that ran from his wrist all the way up the arm to just before the elbow. Little scales the shape of Jeremy's armour plates and the size of Thomas' thumbnail were arranged to make the outward appearance similar to scale-mail. On the inside of his arm a solid panel of the strange black/grey marble like metal could be flipped open to reveal the pokedex beneath, while an indent near the inside of his wrist indicated a spot for a shrunken pokeball to slot into. Turning his arm over, he marvelled at the solid metal ring just below the wrist gleaming in the room's fluorescent lighting.

Turning his attention to the other arm, Thomas stared in awe at the sheer detail put into the chainwork. The chainmail base was similar if not the same as that on the man's left arm, but instead of scales, this one was covered in rows and rows of a rope-like chain about the width of a pencil, winding around and around the entire length of Thomas' forearm. He could see a small mechanism set into the chainmail just below another pokeball-sized indent on the inside of the wrist. He could tell that with a few adjustments the cable could be released, and given the amount wrapped around his arm, he guessed there must be close to 40 feet of it in total. And just like the other arm, a solid metal ring protruded from just below the wrist on the outside of his arm.

Thomas then noticed two small latches along a hinged cuff at each wrist. They were circular in shape, and swivelling the left arms' outer panel out of the way with a click revealed a complex series of pins and blocks on the inside. Jeremy placed a hand on Thomas' arm, turning him to face the pokemon as he held up his clawed hand. On the middle finger was an iridescent black ring, the surface of which was perfectly smooth except for a small circular section with an intricate design of knots modelled around a human's left hand. When Jeremy pressed the ring against the circular indent on Thomas' left wrist and turned it, something in the hinge piece clicked. Jeremy then pulled the two sides apart, showing Thomas how he had the 'key' for the left side.

Zana got her trainer's attention by placing her hand on his. Without skipping a beat, Thomas raised the Zoroark's hand up, kissing her on her own ring. It was a similar design to that of Jeremy's except the little human hand was the right hand, not the left. Tears welled up in the corners of his eyes as Thomas looked from Master to Mistress. Jeremy just smiled, embracing his lover tightly. Zana joined him with an exasperated sigh, but her smile belied her true feelings.

After a few moments of happy moans and tight squeezes, the three pulled out of their hug. Thomas turned back to Lorenz. “Master Lorenz, I… I can't describe how happy I am with this." Tears dripped down from the man's cheeks onto the floor below. “It's more than I could have hoped for. Thank you. Thank you so-"

Thomas' praise was cut short as Zana suddenly disappeared in a flash of red. Everyone in the room was eyes wide in shock. Thomas turned to Jeremy, who just looked back at his trainer confused. Thomas checked his pokedex, flipping through menus until he noticed his Mistress had been summoned not just back to her ball, but out into the room itself. He showed Jeremy the display, and as soon as she was back in her ball he raced over to the screen on the cabin wall. He could tell Dan was about to ask something but Thomas just held up a finger as he sped through the system settings to re-summon Zana to the room.

When the Zoroark reappeared she had a look of panic on her face. <Something's coming!> Thomas looked at her puzzled but concerned, it was rare for him to hear her natural language, and whatever had caused her to drop her calm facade must have been serious. She saw Thomas' confusion and reiterated in his tongue “Zye's sensed something following us."

“Shit." Thomas' heart dropped into his stomach. “Shit shit." He looked around, a little panicked before closing his eyes and taking a deep breath. Lorenz placed a massive hand on his shoulder in a comforting way and nodded. Thomas gulped, nodding back. “Thank you. Dan, Honzo, Master Lorenz. It has truly been an experience." He then made for the door, but not before Dan grabbed him by the wrist.

The blacksmith turned Thoams' arm over, and pulled out his own pokedex, touching one to the other. Thomas' device chimed with a new message “I don't know what's going on, but if you ever need help..." Thomas nodded in thanks before bolting out the door.

“Jeremy," He said to the pokemon running just a few feet in front of him “When we get to the room, get the pack organised. Leave Titan and Zana's balls out though." As they reached the elevator, Thomas slapped the button. “Zana, what's going on?"

“Zye sensed something following us last night, he wasn't sure about it until about ten minutes ago, when he felt it contact this ship." She fidgeted with her new ring as they waited for the elevator to arrive.

“Contact?" Thomas thought about it “Like they radioed this ship?"

“I don't know, ask Zye!" She shouted, fear beginning to overwhelm her. She'd been imprisoned once before, she wasn't about to be again. The look of terror in her eyes was plainly visible to both Thomas and Jeremy, the latter frozen in a stunned silence.

But Thomas leaned down, wrapping an arm around Zana's midsection before hefting her up into a tight embrace. “I promised I'd not let anyone hurt you again." He sighed into her mane. “I intend to keep that promise." The elevator dinged, and still holding Zana, Thomas stepped inside. Jeremy was right behind, mashing the button for the glass-bottomed restaurant deck. “Zana, My glorious Madame Zana." Thomas kissed her on the lips “I need you to focus and help me." He spoke as gently and soothing as possible. “I need you to organise the crew. Get them up to speed and back in their balls. Can you do that for me."

Zana took a few deep breaths before smiling weakly. “Well, as you asked so nicely, my wonderful Thomas." She kissed him on the nose as the doors opened to a rather surprised family in swimwear and towels.

Thomas wasted no time pushing past them to run for the other side of the ship. He dashed past the dining area, his speeding figure catching the eyes of those having a late lunch - including a very surprised Abigail - before reaching the port-side grand staircase. Leaping several steps at a time, Thomas made his way to the first class lounge. The security officer posted outside his door was momentarily shocked by the man's quick entrance, but Thomas just waved hello before disappearing into his room.

Zye was waiting for him with a handful of worried pokemon. 'There are perhaps a half dozen in the one vessel.' Zye nodded towards the balcony. Thomas put Zana down, and they shared a look of understanding in what needed to be done. Jeremy meanwhile dashed into the bedroom to start packing.

Outside, the sun was bright and the wind was strong. “The ship that's following us, where is it?" Zye pointed with a paw a little to the west of where the ship had come from. Thomas squinted but could see nothing. “Must be pretty far back."

'It is currently submerged.'

Thomas' eyes went wide. “Bruno sent a SUB after us?" He cried, astounded that the Rocket Rising thug would not only have the resources, but the drive to continue this so soon after his defeat at the R.R.S. Kyogre.

“They do not feel the same. I believe they have… other affiliations." Zye considered aloud.

“Well fuck." Thomas growled. “Okay, okay…" He paced along the balcony, thinking hard. Then it hit him. “Yes. Okay." He strode back into the room, over to the bathroom and picked up the phone in there. He dialled the security office.

“S.S. Dianne Security, Officer Polly speaking." Came the woman's voice on the other end.

“Uh, yes. This is Thomas Drake from room six. I believe I spoke to someone called Steve yesterday," He crossed his fingers, hoping he was right with the name “And was wondering if I might discuss a delicate matter with him."

“Of course mister Drake. One moment please."

There was close to a minute of soft ambient music before a male voice picked up. “Mister Drake? This is Security Officer Steve. What can I help you with?"

“We're being followed." Thomas blurted out.

“Uh, you mean around the ship? We haven't had anything reported by our-"

“No." Thomas interrupted, taking a deep breath. “There's a ship in the water behind us."

There was some scuffling about from Steve's end of the line followed by the sound of a metal door opening and rushing wind. “I'm sure you're concerned about the safety of yourself and your pokemon after recent events in Sidna, but I see no ships-"

“It's underwater."

For several seconds only the rush of air past Steve's mic could be heard as the security officer took a moment to register what Thomas had said and craft an appropriate response. “And why is it you think there is a submarine following us?" Thomas could tell the man's voice had turned from being concerned to wanting to placate a crazy person.

“I… Shit." Thomas knew nothing about the security officer on the other end, and while his previous statements about his family's hardships facing down Rocket Rising's thugs did strike a chord with the trainer, he couldn't be completely sure what side the man was on. “Look, the Dianne would have sonar, right? It won't take long to check. If… If I'm wrong, I'll not disturb you guys again. I promise."

More seconds of silence followed before a resigned sigh crackled over the line. “I'll look into it and call you back, Mister Drake." The line went dead and Thomas gulped. Walking back out into the room he summoned Griff from his ball, and made sure the Noivern was up to date on his medication. He checked Jeremy's packing skills - which were quite exceptional - and popped all the balls out of the Healing machine.

'What is the plan?' Zye asked, the smallest amount of nervousness warbling through his tone.

“Security is looking into the other ship, and will call me back when they know something. But for now…" He glanced around at the pokemon surrounding him. Zana was his Mistress, and Jeremy his Master. But everyone right now was looking to Thomas for their survival. He took a deep breath and sighed. “For now, all we can do is wait." Thomas Shook his head, walking over to the window. “We keep an eye out, and if that sub breaches, we make a run for it."

“Make a run for it?" Zana asked, astounded at the notion. “We're in the middle of the ocean. Where - exactly - do you intend to run to?"

Thomas motioned to the massive TV, picking up the remote to turn it on. He flipped through the 'Welcome' channels to one showing their current position. They were crossing through a natural channel in the Great Reef Wall to Vandimland's east. Below them was a deep valley caused by a crack in the tectonic plate, but around them was relatively shallow water and several small islands. None large enough to live on, but still large enough for a small amount of vegetation. “Those." He pointed out a small archipelago of perhaps a dozen islands, most no bigger than a sports field and little more than sand and a few trees. But one stood a little more proud; a rocky hill at its core with thick shrubbery surrounding it.

'It is not ideal, but it could prove advantageous.' Zye said, partly in agreement. Mac nodded along with Dusty, while Carmen just hugged Squishy tight.

Zana rubbed her temples. “Okay. Okay. Fine. But do you have a plan for getting off the island?"

Thomas shrugged “Best I can think of is you and Carmen taking a ride back to the mainland with Squishy, go straight to a pokecenter and call for help. We've still got a lot of rations in the pack, so that's not much of a problem. I'll see about ordering a few bottles of water though, freshwater might be hard to get there." Zana huffed, walking over to her ball and smacking the button. When Thomas didn't put it on his holster or in the bag, he got a curious look from Zye. Instead, the man clipped it into the little receiver on his right binding.

Mac cooed in awe of the shiny metal bracer along with Zye and Griff as Dusty trotted over to Squishy for a quick chat. Thomas turned to the two enthralled by his newest acquisition and showed it off for them. “Zana's one," he held his right arm up, showing off the wound cable and mesh construction “And Jeremy's." He showed off the scale mail, which really seemed to get Mac interested; the iridescence shining in blue, green and yellow along the black and grey marbled metal. Jeremy and Zye both looked proud of the reaction from Mac and Griff.

Thomas let the two stare at if for a while longer before he sighed. “Look, I don't know what's gonna happen, but I need us to be ready to go at any moment. So for now, I have to put you all away." He reached up to ruffle Mac's antennae, resulting in the bug's tongue lolling out and his eyes rolling back. He chuckled a little at his starter's expression before staying his hand to get serious. He placed a hand on Mac's neck and one on Griff's shoulder. “The next time you guys are out, might be the middle of a fight. So be on your toes, okay?" With both of them nodding, Thomas hit their respective buttons, summoning them back into their balls. He then walked over to Titan. “Hey dude, gonna have to go away for now. If Zye needs help, you'll be the first I call, okay?"

<Okay.> The Quilladin squeaked, holding onto the boomerang tightly as Thomas zapped him back into his ball. He was a little amazed that the boomerang went with him, but reasoned that a lot of items pokemon hold or clothes they wear gets transported with them; assuming the pokeball's programming allowed it.

Thomas walked over to the trio by the corner and gave them all a hug. “Time to go folks. Hopefully this'll all be over soon and we can go back to sunning it up on the pool deck. Okay?" They all nodded and one by one he brought them back into their respective balls.

<Thomas…> Jeremy spoke up, now alone with just his trainer and the Zygarde. <I don't want to go. I want to stay out with you.>

Thomas sighed, he wanted the love of his life to be safe, but knew he might need support getting out, and Jeremy was easily the most capable while being small enough to get through some of the tighter passageways around the ship. Thomas brought Jeremy into a big hug, holding him close as he sighed into the Hakamo-o's neck. “Okay. Okay." After a moment, Thomas and Jeremy pulled out of their respective hugs and collapsed onto the couch. Zye padded over, sitting between their legs as they stared at the television.

Thomas turned to one of the documentary channels, hoping to take their mind off things with an in-depth look into various folklore around some place called Mount Moon, and after that a piece on the mystery of 'Mega' stones. During each ad break he flicked back to the map channel to see where they were. The islands they intended to escape to if worse came to worse drew nearer, but as they passed by them Thomas began to wonder if they'd have to choose somewhere else to run to. The ship was drawing close to the edge of the reef, and after that there would be little in the way of islands until Unova.

But during the first commercial break for 'The Ice Lake of Almia' Their slightly relaxed state was interrupted by the ship ever so slightly lurching. Thomas hit mute and listened hard. “The engines. They've stopped." He turned to Zye and Jeremy, who looked unsure of what to do. Thomas was stuck as well, but was both alarmed and relieved when the vid phone by the door began to ring. He dashed over, smacking the 'talk' button in the process.

“Mister Drake." Steve's voice crackled to life, though almost at a whisper. “I would like to inform you that there is NO REASON to panic." He overemphasised those two words, and Thomas' eyes went wide. “There is NO SHIP currently sending a boarding party to the starboard moon pool. Your room is PERFECTLY SAFE." Jeremy and Zye made their way over, so Thomas hit the 'speaker' button. “I would not advise you to go to the PORT MAINTENANCE ROOM where there are no sensors. It CANNOT be found by going down to Basculin Red deck on the ship's stern. I will NOT be there to greet you." Thomas looked to the other two who nodded. Then Steve's voice changed. “So just remain calm and we will be up and running again in no time. Thank you for your concern. Good afternoon." The silence was deafening until Thomas grabbed for the duffel bag. He slung it over his shoulder, did a quick once over of the room and dashed out into the hallway, Zye and Jeremy close behind.

The instructions given to him by Steve proved correct, though he certainly turned a few heads in his sprint there. While there may be no sensors down that end of the ship, he wondered if there were cameras or sensors that could track Jeremy's path towards there. He wasn't wearing a sticker - thankfully due to being summoned straight back into Dan's room earlier after the battle with Lorenz - but if his data was in the system, then it was still possible. He leapt the rope partition warding off guests from the maintenance hallway and all but crashed into the main room at the end of it. With the door slamming behind, he finally got a good look at Steve. The man looked every part a sailor boy, with chiseled jaw, perfect tan and a sailor's uniform slightly altered for the job of security. “Good. You made it." He looked down at Zye and his eyes went wide. “Is- are you?"

'Yes.' Zye growled. 'Now how do we proceed?'

“Sorry, we've been through a bit lately. They may be blunt, but they mean well." Thomas offered, trying to get the officer to focus.

“Yes, sorry." He blinked, shaking his head. “Our scans indicated you have a couple of water pokemon, one of whom knows how to Surf, correct?" Thomas nodded. “Good. The First Mate let these guys on board, they're dressed real weird and they are very interested in you." Steve pointed to Thomas “Though I have a feeling they're probably trying to find… you." He turned to Zye.

<What does that have to do with surfing?> Jeremy demanded, clenching his fist.

Thomas translated for the sailor. “There are about six of them, and the First Mate has given them free-roam of the ship. They can check every room, every compartment. They'll be in the sensor room by now, probably checking the logs to see where your pokemon last showed up."

Thomas' eyes went wide. “Shit, Dan-"

“I purged the system of everything today, it'll look like you haven't left your room. But at midnight everything gets backed up, so they'll know your room number and everywhere your pokemon went yesterday."

Thomas sighed with relief, his newfound friends out of trouble for now. “But once they find your room empty, they're gonna start looking elsewhere. Which is why…" He looked to Thomas with raised eyebrows, hoping the man would connect the dots.

“Well shit." Thomas grumbled, looking at Jeremy with sad eyes. “Okay, plan 'Takin a Dip' is a go then." He shook his head. “Sorry, the less weight Squishy has to carry the faster and further he'll be able to go."

Jeremy nodded, sighing. <I know.> He then leapt into Thomas arms, wrapping him up in a loving embrace as he whispered <I Love you.> in his ear before dropping back to the deck and pressing his own button. In a flash he was zapped back into the ball clipped to Thomas' left bracer.

Thomas took a moment to gather himself. “Where to now."

Steve waved them through the maintenance section towards a door marked 'Anchor Chain Room'. He swiped his keycard to gain entry and ushered Thomas and Zye inside. The room was about the width and depth of the man's first class room, but thrice as high, with them walking out onto a catwalk two storeys above the deck below. Steve gestured over to the hull-side of the room, where a large chain a couple feet in diameter was resting over the edge of a large metal wheel. “Hope you're good at climbing." Steve chuckled nervously.

Thomas looked to Zye, who had a similar expression of shock. “Climb?" As they got close, Thomas looked over the edge of the hole in the hull to see the chain extend down into the water. Then far below into the reef. “Well fuck."

“There are some islands to the south east of here. You should be able to make it within the hour if you hurry, though best to stay in the Ship's shadow for as long as possible. They think you're onboard, so they won't be looking over the side. I might even be able to spoof one of your pokemon appearing somewhere on board if I can get access to yesterday's data." He flung a wooden board attached at each end by a short length of rope over the side as a platform to step out onto. “But you won't have long before they make it out here, so best hurry."

Steve held out his hand for Thomas to hold while getting onto the plank. But when it came to Zye, neither of them knew what to do. 'Thomas, I shall see you at the water's surface.' And with nothing else, leapt off the ship. Thomas and Steve stared in shock as the Zygarde sailed through the air with the grace of a brick before smacking into the water next to the chain.

“Well, kinda committed now." Thomas grumbled half jokingly as he readjusted the duffel bag slung over his back and began to climb down. It was an excruciating few minutes where he used muscles he had not even thought existed. But eventually Thomas arrived at the waters surface. “Okay Zye, Gimme a sec and I'll bring Squishy out."

'Do not.' Zye responded quickly. 'This strange vessel screams underwater. It would sense him.'

“Screams?" Thomas thought about the word until Zye sent the atypical ping sound rattling through his mind. “Sonar. Shit." Thomas thought about it, but there wasn't much in the way of choice. “Either it's above water with Dusty and risk being seen, or below the water and risk a sonar ping. Shit shit SHIT!"

'Calm y-'

“Stop telling me to be calm dammit!" Thomas whisper-shouted at the legendary pokemon. “Look, sometimes I just have to let the anger out so I CAN think." Thomas took a few breaths. “Dusty and Zana then. Eyes we can fool. Sonar, we can't." He popped Dusty's ball from it's holster and summoned him into existence right beside the hull with careful aim. The Surfsdale looked to him a little confused. “We're going for a ride, mate. And it ain't gonna be easy." Dusty looked around, then nodded, understanding they would have to abandon ship to get out uncaptured, but little else.

Zana was the next to appear, bursting into reality upon Dusty's back. Somehow the Surfsdale was able to just barely trot on top of the waters surface and remain afloat despite his impressive bulk. “What- where… Thomas…"

Her tone demanding an explanation was not lost on the man. “We need you to run cover while we escape." She stared at him angrily, but the look of fear and concern in Thomas' eyes was enough to prove to her it was a last resort situation. She got comfortable on Dusty and waved him on. Thomas threw the duffel over his mount's back and stepped off the anchor chain as Dusty circled back around. Zye leapt up as well, laying over the pack that was resting between Thomas and Zana, the latter of whom was gripping the Surfsdale's mane like her life depended on it. Thomas took a deep breath and growled “Let's ride."

Dusty carefully rounded the hull of the ship to it's stern, and trying to make as little surface disturbance as possible, crept over to the starboard hull and beyond. When they were a few hundred feet from the S.S. Dianne, he opened up into a canter and with a few shouted commands from Thomas over the splash of hoof on water, aligned himself with the dark shadow of the ship stretching to the horizon as the sun dipped lower in the sky. It didn't take long for the group to get out past the shadow, Zana's illusion becoming the only thing stopping them being seen.

It was a little under an hour before they made landfall, Dusty all but collapsing on the sand once the rest had dismounted. Thomas thanked his trusty steed, summoning the pokemon back to his ball for a rest. Zana requested the same before fainting from overexertion. Thomas sighed. He'd hoped not to exhaust either of them, but realised near the end of their journey that a Mudsdale's figure was made for strength, not endurance. Of course, it's Vandimland counterparts were similar in build, so would have similar limitations: a marathon runner and a weightlifter can both be very fit, but one shouldn't expect a sprinter to be able to deadlift 200lbs or visa versa. Thomas rubbed Dusty's ball affectionately, he'd have to make it up to him another time.

Zye did a quick circle of the island, returning with a few pokemon in tow; A couple Wingull, some Krabby and an intrigued Cramorant. 'There is a cave close to the summit.' Zye said, before looking at the many footsteps on the sand. 'Into the trees, please.' Thomas hefted the pack over his back and hiked up the sandy beach to the thick shrubbery. The Krabby led Thomas to a small path he could use so as not to utterly destroy the underbrush. Once there he turned around to see whether Zye was coming or not.

The legendary pokemon had followed a little further behind, but stopped at the path's beginning, turning to face the beach again. Before Thomas could ask what they were doing, Zye reared up, slamming their paws into the ground with great force. Several ripples spread out across the sand, levelling it over the course of several more stomps until not a single footprint was left intact. Once done, Zye indicated for Thomas to continue up the path.

By the time they reached the rocky peak and found the cave entrance - little more than a crack in the rocks - it was late in the evening. The Krabby had left Thomas to the Wingulls for direction, the little group passing by several sleepy Swoobat resting in the few trees poking through the shrubs of the island. As the last sliver of the sun passed below the horizon, Thomas sighed. “On the run again…" He groaned. “For fucks sake."

'Thomas.' Zye got the man's attention as he squeezed into the small space. 'I must leave you.'

“Um, excuse me?" Thomas had already had enough tauroshit for one day. “You what?"

'I have sensed something in the caverns below. I must investigate.' They padded over to the back of the cave. 'You should be safe here. I have requested that the island's inhabitants warn you should someone approach. Just wait for me. I shall return shortly.'

“Sure. Why not." Thomas grumped, tossing the pack to the ground. He might be stuck in this cave for a while, but at least he'll have warning of the inescapable doom. There was barely enough space for him in the small area, let alone for one of his pokemon as well. That and given it was now night, the flash from summoning one might be visible from the ship far off in the distance. He ruffled through his bag for the rangefinder he picked up back at the Silph Co. outlet in Wooloobell and flicked through the instructions. Pulling the little plastic tab out of the battery bay and going through the calibration routine, Thomas was able to set the miniature telescope up with a wireless connection to his pokedex.

Utilising a stick by wedging it in the cave entrance, Thomas was able to aim the stunted looking telescope at the ship. He brought the S.S. Dianne into focus and looked to the app for the readings. “Six miles. Shit." Thomas thought they'd have gotten further away in that time, but apparently not. He did some mental arithmetic - aided by the calculator app on his pokedex - and reasoned that whomever was currently on board that ship would be able to get to the Island in anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes depending on what they used. He grumbled at the number, when they would leave the ship to head over here would be hard enough to determine even if they were running above water. Not that he had anywhere to go if they decided to check the island out anyway.

Thomas considered using Squishy to escape, hoping the sonar signal would be blocked by the bulk of the island if he were to continue east. Perhaps they could find a large underwater cave network with breathable air, or just island-hop slowly across the reef floor until these folks were gone. Whatever they'd do though would have to wait for Zye to return.

Thomas sat in the cave through dusk and twilight into the night proper. He'd turned the rangefinder off to save it's battery, flicking it on every now and then to check that the S.S. Dianne was still anchored out there, and no boats were powering through the reef to the island. He was too scared to light a fire in case it was visible from the cruise ship, let alone the smoke dimly lit by the moonlight. So as the temperature dropped, Thomas pulled out a coat to use as a blanket, curling up on the floor of the cave. He hoped the Krabby and Chatot population was nice and alert, he didn't want to be woken up with a gun in his face.

But as sleep began to claim him, a noise from deeper inside the caverns brought him back to consciousness. A shifting, grinding noise. A… slithering. Thomas gulped, fumbling in the darkness for the holsters he'd removed to be more comfortable laying down. He cursed his lapse of judgement, panicking as he realised he still had two pokemon on him; one at each wrist. His mind fumbled as the noise grew nearer - thoughts of a giant seviper readying to strike occupying every thought - Thomas' memory failing to decide on which arm was Jeremy and which was Zana; the difference in their combat capabilities could mean life or death.

But he didn't get a chance to press either button as out of the darkness poured a massive serpentine form. One glowing eye peered down at Thomas as the cobra-like hood scraped the small cavern's ceiling. There was no space to summon any of his companions now, there was just the cavern's entrance. He could make a run for it, and maybe survive, but he'd only have Jeremy and Zana. 'DO NOT RUN' The voice came from all around, yet nowhere at the same time. Frozen in terror as the serpent's command seemed to hold some sort of spell in it's tone, Thomas could do little but pray for a quick death.

The two figures stared at each other, seconds creeping past agonizingly slowly for Thomas as he waited for his end to come. But it didn't. He waited a little longer, and still nothing. The glowing eye blinked. 'Feeling better?' as Zye's voice echoed through his mind, Thomas' heart began beating again. It cautiously slithered over to the cave entrance and used its body to block the gap. Thomas heard a crunch as the stick broke and the precariously balanced rangefinder toppled onto the rocky ground below. Then with the outside world sealed off the space was suddenly inundated with light. A dozen little hexagonal panels across the surface of the creature's skin lit up, filling the cave with the unnatural glow and allowing Thomas to get a proper look at this being.

“Zye?..." Thomas muttered, his eyes slowly adjusting to the black and green hexagonal skin of the creature before him. It was serpent-like, and close to 20 feet long. Several large fins protruded from it's back like a mixture of an Arbok's hood and Braviary's crest. Each one adorned with a pair of gently undulating lights, while further down the green underbelly, more bright hexagons shone. “Is- is that you?"

'Apologies. This Forme appears to cause you… discomfort.' Zye craned their head down to better look at Thomas. At first the man looked alarmed at the pokemon's change in shape, but after Zye confirmed they were indeed the giant serpent before him, Thomas' breathing returned along with an elevated heart rate.

“Dammit Zye!" Thomas clutched his chest, breathing deeply as he tried to calm himself. “Scared the shit outta me!" He picked himself up off the floor of the cave to get a better look at the pokemon, and was quite impressed. Zye had gone from a thin canid to a rather bulky serpent in just a few hours. “Found some more cells I take?"

'Correct. However, unlike our previous cave, there was no core here.' They turned their head one way, then the other so the man could properly inspect it.

Thomas noticed a few odd details and looked a little concerned. “What happened to your eye?"

'My… eye?' The Zygarde seemed confused.

“Yeah, your right eye. I mean…" Thomas took a look at the green hexagons covering the pokemon's right cheek “As a… dog… thing, you had two glowing eyes. But like this, only your left eye glows." Thomas reached up, running a hand over the pokemon's smooth face. Each cell felt like a rubbery tile, some more pliant than others, though the ones around the Zygarde's 'eye' seemed especially tough. When he gently touched the green hexagon where Zye's right eye should have been, the pokemon shuddered, causing Thomas to recoil. “Shit, sorry did I-"

'That did not hurt.' Zye said quickly, shaking the strange sensation off. 'It was almost as if I could… 'feel' you.'

Thomas thought for a moment, trying to remember everything Zye had said in the past about feeling other being's emotions and states of mind. “But, can't you already do that? Like, feel what I'm feeling or thinking or… that kinda stuff?"

'Yes.' Zye sounded almost as though they were out of breath. 'But not 'as' you, always as me. That… was different.' They shook their head a little, keeping that side of their face away from the man for the time being. 'I did not mean to scare you. I simply wished to show you my new body.'

Thomas pat Zye on what would have passed for the pokemon's shoulder, given the small ribbon-like arms coming out from its sides. “No, it's fine. I still haven't gotten over that Seviper, I guess." Thomas took a step back and gave Zye a good looking over. “Damn, you look fucking awesome!" He said, half chuckling at the sight of the legendary pokemon before him. Calling the canine form - or even the goofy-looking core form - a 'Legendary' pokemon felt more like classifying it as though into a 'water' or 'fire' type. But in this new body, Zye really looked the part of a Legend.

'You are honest?' Zye could tell from the man's voice and aura that he spoke no lies regarding his amazement. Yet for some reason they felt the need to ask.

“Are you kidding?" Thomas ran his fingers down the sporadically lit green underbelly. “A giant disco snake with - I wanna say - wings?" Thomas pointed to the fins jutting out behind Zye. “You're one of a kind!"

Zye looked a little shifty, nervously writhing about in the most minute of ways before answering. 'Unique. Yes.' If Thomas noticed the awkwardness, he didn't point it out. Hoping to ensure the man would be too flustered to respond, Zye changed the angle of the topic. 'So, Thomas. You like this form?' The luminescent scales faded down to the barest amount as Zye shifted away from the opening toward Thomas.

Thomas stood in the middle of the small space, allowing Zye to rear up and loom over him. “Yeah, I really do." He traced fingers down the Zygarde's jawline. Zye had never been this forward, but given Zana's interaction with them the previous day Thomas wasn't surprised they were starting to take the initiative when it came to sex. That Zoroark was proving to be a bad influence on the Legendary pokemon.

Zye's thick tail swung around across the floor, wrapping around Thomas' legs like a massive thick ribbon. It held him tight, but not bone-crushingly so. 'Are you still… willing?' Zye asked, a hint of concern in his voice. They could sense the heightened heart rate thumping through Thomas' body, and sense a shift in his colours as they squeezed. It was the best they could do regarding the 'hugs' Thomas seemed to enjoy, and they just wanted to show the man appreciation for so dutifully getting them this far.

Thomas took a deep breath, calming himself a little before he spoke. “Zye, as long as I know it's you," He used his hands to bring the snake-like muzzle down to his level “I'm up for anything." He gave the pokemon a soft peck on their black rubbery lips.

'I have noticed something, Thomas.' The man gulped as his now serpentine charge began speaking in a very direct and assertive tone. 'You seem to be seeking out larger pokemon.'

The tone gave Thomas shivers. While he could never be certain of the pokemon's motives, from what he'd understood of the Zygarde thus far was that they were as protective of Thomas as he was of them. But Zye - despite their history - was beginning to sound predatory. “I- I mean kinda. Not by - uh - choice or, or anything…"

'Did it start with the Rhyperior? Is that why you crave larger pokemon?' They asked, the voice starting to split into two voices in Thomas' head; the louder more direct Zye he was used to, while the quieter, whispering one was ever so slightly behind with every syllable. Thomas was growing more and more unsure of Zye's intentions with each word. 'A Rillaboom? Surfsdale? Scolipede? Three big bear pokemon all at the same time?' The voice was both accusatory and awestruck. 'And Zana mentioned a… Melmetal? I haven't seen one of those in a very, very long time. Are they still... well equipped?'

Thomas' legs had been wrapped tightly, and Zye was slowly curling around the man's body as they spoke. It didn't take long for Thomas to be wrapped up to the belly. He tried swallowing, but his throat was dry. “I, uh…" Thomas couldn't deny the situation was causing him some consternation, but the proximity of Zye and the subject of the pokemon's talk as they bound him with their tail had gotten the man quite aroused. “Uh... yes?"

Zye smiled, mouth opening slightly to reveal a massive maw lined with stubby, glowing teeth. 'Are you scared, Thomas? Do you wish to run?'

“I- I don't need to run. You wouldn't hurt me. We… we're friends." Thomas gulped, not sure what had come over Zye all of a sudden, but sure enough that the pokemon wouldn't intentionally cause him harm.

'Hurt you?' Zye mock gasped. 'Hurting you would be… a waste. Besides...' A bright green tongue similar to the Zygarde's canid-form scarf slid out to taste the side of Thomas' face before retracting fully. “I prefer to play with my food."

The duo-tonal voice reverberated through the cave with a soft growl. Of all the things for the Zygarde to audibly say, it had to be that. Yet despite the verbal threat to Thomas' life, the man didn't try to flee or struggle. He simply stroked Zye's coils, smiling up with an exhausted expression at the wide grin bearing down on him. After a few seconds Zye stopped smiling and looked at Thomas somewhat confused. 'I do not understand your reaction.'

“Zye…" Thomas had to hold back his laughter at the sudden change in behaviour “Don't get me wrong, I'm all for a bit of roleplay." He chuckled, stroking Zye's sides. “But at the right time." Zye had moved far enough away from the cave entrance for Thomas to see outside, and spotted the rangefinder on the ground. He sighed, hoping the lens hadn't been cracked. “Back with Squishy, I didn't have much of a choice, and it kinda just… happened. And Mac… well… that was something else. But right now?" Thomas looked out at the ship anchored several miles away, it's bright lights a beacon on the otherwise dark ocean.

'So you desire the 'role play' of my consumption of you, but not while concerned about being hunted.' Zye attempted to bring reason to the man's decision. 'Which of the two is too distracting?'

Thomas gave Zye a sarcastically unimpressed glare. “The other night you were in control of guiding Squishy, I was just along for the ride; couldn't go anywhere, do anything and I didn't need to. Here I reckon we'd only have ten to twenty minutes at most to react to them leaving the ship. And that's if we notice right away."

'It has occurred to me that a human male only lasts-'

“Ah!" Thomas interrupted the Zygarde with a stern pointed finger, distracting from his barely contained snicker. “Don't you dare finish that sentence." Zye was shocked silent by the man. “Zye, I would love to do that at some point, just not right now, okay?"

The Zygarde began to uncoil, allowing Thomas' legs a chance to recirculate blood. 'Very well. Another time.'

Thomas could swear the pokemon was sulking behind the near-monotone voice they usually spoke with. He grabbed one of the pokemon's ribbon-like arms, prompting Zye to turn back and face him. “Just because I want to play that specific scenario another time doesn't mean I don't want to have some fun now." He smiled. As long as he could glance out to the ocean every few minutes to check for oncoming boats - or have Zye do the same - then Thomas reckoned Zye could still test out his new body. “Besides…" Thomas kicked off his shoes and began undoing his pants “I want to see what that new body can do." By the time he'd closed the distance to the Zygarde, Thomas had stepped out of his clothing to stand fully naked against the rubbery serpent.

'You still wish to practice copulation?' Zye's tone sounded far more positive and chirpy with Thomas holding his naked body against theirs.

“Fucking, Zye. Call it fucking." Thomas whispered. “Say it to me. Out loud…"

“You still-" Zye's one eye blinked as they used their voice properly, still not entirely used to it or the faint, lusty echo within. They remembered their last interaction with Thomas, and to Zana's words. Thomas did not require the exploration of that particular act right then, but he did seem to enjoy - what Zana referred to back on the boat as - being a 'bottom'. “I am going to fuck you Thomas." The man shivered at the sound of those words spoken by such a powerful pokemon. The Zygarde straightened up, holding themself tall to tower over the man as their tail pushed between his legs and up behind to press Thomas' naked body against their own. “And you will like it." Zye growled, their tongue sliding from their mouth to push between the man's lips.

Zye tasted like nothing else the man had ever come across. Thomas had already had a sample back in the park a week ago, but this time it seemed Zye had developed their own unique flavour. There was a subtle spiciness to the pokemon's saliva, but not overpoweringly so. If anything the aftertaste was an earthy kind of sweet. Thomas loved it. He allowed that tongue free access of his mouth, sucking on it as the pokemon's tail began gyrating their bodies together. It wasn't long before Thomas could feel a gentle nudging between his thighs. “Mmmm… Zye… That feels-" Thomas was caught mid sentence as he felt two distinct throbbing protrusions pressing against him. “Are there… Two?"

Zye looked down at Thomas with a grin. “Your knowledge of serpent pokemon appears lacking." they teased, the whispered echo sounding more lusty than ever. “Or is two too much for you, Pokeslut?" It wasn't the number of Zygarde Hemipenes that was too much, but using that last word caused a massive change in the man's demeanour. At first Zye thought the immediate shift in Thomas' auric colours was a negative reaction to the Zoroarks favourite name for her so-called 'pet human', as his body became wreathed in a subtle black smokey aura. But it was weaving through - not blending with - the man's significantly brighter colours, something Zye had never recalled seeing before.

Thomas blinked up at the stunned looking Zygarde, his engine well and truly revved having been called a 'pokeslut'. He wondered if Zye remembered everything they'd said at the park, the things Zana had egged them on with, the things that drove Thomas absolutely crazy. “Nothing you have will ever be too much, Zye." Thomas breathed heavily, feeling the throbbing rods spread his legs with their girth. He realised he had his back to the ship and two facts suddenly became very clear. First: he was unable to check to see if there was a boat coming to find them, which was only a problem if Zye also wasn't looking. And second: With him between Zye and the cave entrance, anyone outside the cave - with a powerful enough telescope - could see what the two were doing. He was effectively on display for the entire cruise to see.

He was also not censoring his thoughts. “Worried all those nice humans may see your rear getting bred by me? We can take care of that." Zye's voice rippled, the lustier one slightly louder than it had been before. Before Thomas could point that out Zye shifted their weight and in doing so the position of their tail, angling the man so his back was against the rubbery green chest, his arse sitting on the base of the pokemon's twin cocks. “Much better." They groaned, leaning down to the man's ear “Now they can see everything."

“Oh, Oh Zye…" Thomas moaned, the strange cocks under him squirting the pokemon's synthesized desert-pea lotion between his thighs with each gyration. The man looked down to see what changes had occurred to the once-canid cock. Zye's transformation from the houndoom-like form to this serpentine one had resulted in the knot widening, sprouting two separate shafts from it's girth. The two members were almost the same width and length as Thomas' cock, except there was nothing human about those twin monsters.

Each was coated in fleshy, white-tipped spikes similar to the Incineroar's barbs back in Sidna, except those were mainly around the head and reasonably spaced. These little rubbery spines ran the entire length of Zye's cocks, starting at nearly an inch long near the base of the organ to a quarter that near it's tip and were glowing in an undulating wave of light. Unlike most other pokemon he'd come across - and aside from the spikes and luminescence - Zye's dual dong was one long, curved shape from beginning to end. And instead of a single slit at their respective tips, there was a cluster of holes like that of a shower head. Out of the month-long experimentation with all manner of pokemon, this cock was easily the strangest Thomas had come across.

“Do you approve of my breeding tools, pokeslut?" Zye growled, the two voices now as powerful as each other as they wrapped the ribbony arms around Thomas like a second set of ribs.

Thomas moaned at Zye's words, his heart beating hard and fast as the pokemon embraced him tightly. He knew it wasn't just a simple hug-like gesture; he was being held in place, ready for fucking. For Breeding. The concept was ridiculous of course, Thomas knew he couldn't be bred, though back in Owlra he became the surprise bearer of an egg, an egg that may or may not have become fertilised that night given the wide variety of pokemon that came in his Gothorita-costumed ass. Thoughts of Carmen were pushed from his mind as quickly as they had arrived when the Zygarde pulled back enough to press the tip of one cock against the man's hole. “Oh Zye!" He gasped, the warm pre-like lotion sprayed against and into his hole “Yes, breed me Zye!"

Zye needed no further convincing, burying their erupting tool as deep inside Thomas as possible. The tip sprayed nearly a cup of the lubricating fluid as it moved, coating every inch of the man's insides, the effects of the synthesised desert pea lotion heating him up considerably. Then when it came time for Zye to withdraw, all those little barbs caught on his soft flesh, dragging, pulling and scraping against the tender walls. “Can you feel that, pokeslut?" Zye growled “Can you feel the little barbs?" Thomas looked up at Zye with a mixture of shock and lust. How had Zye figured out his newfound love of that particular anatomical kink? They couldn't have sensed him that far into the city, let alone that far into the gym. Surely not. “How did I know?" 'How did I know?' The echo that time was Zye's normal voice inside Thomas' head. The man gulped realising he'd forgotten the Zygarde could read his mind. “No, not that way. Your Mistress boasted about it."

“Zana…" Her name was spoken in both thanks and as a curse. “O-of course…" The jerking motion of Zye's cock as he withdrew caused Thomas to stammer. He looked back out to the boat off in the distance, partly to check for anything suspicious but also to face his audience. Then - with the coast clear for now - he reached down and grabbed Zye's second member, pulling the spiny shaft up against his balls before the pokemon rammed him back down again. While one shaft impaled Thomas' rear, the other quickly shot up to grind against his own balls and shaft, the movement in that direction causing the little spikes to tickle his sensitive skin before catching. Thomas gasped again, feeling Zye pump those little fleshy thorns with whatever passed as blood for the green and black serpent, inflating them just enough that they would stick out almost like a cactus. He could feel his insides being spread by the same action, with a thousand little pinpricks tugging at his insides.

When Zye started pulling out again, Thomas' world turned gold as little strobing sparkles crept in from the edges of his vision. Pain was what he knew he should be feeling, as he'd been stretched that wide before, but not by the pokemon equivalent of a pincushion. He could feel the rawness of his skin, and he hoped the fluid pooling between the barbs was Zye's special lubricant and not blood. But despite the strange heat of the individual barbs and the lube trickling down his legs, he felt a numbing coldness on all the areas not pressed flesh against flesh. It was invigorating, and sensual and-

Zye put more effort into withdrawing, scraping the thorny protrusions along Thomas' cavity in a wrenching sweep. Yet more breathless gasps from the man as his mind attempted to comprehend what was being done to his rear. But he didn't have time to consider how cold it felt as the reptilian cock withdrew, or how painful each sharp little spike was for every inch they dragged over his cock and balls let alone through his arse. Because a second later the pokemon thrust upwards again, impaling Thomas on the near-scalding hot member, while grinding the other back between curled fingers and up his length.

Zye was falling into a rhythm, not letting the stunned man rest as their cock slowly built up speed; the grip on Thomas' chest holding him tight as his thorny member ravaged his insides. But curiously to the pokemon, they could feel the man's insides change. It wasn't by much, but it was noticeable. After several strokes, the skin lining the walls of his arse had become tougher, and less pliant. The spikes were having a harder time catching, and couldn't spread the passage as wide. The occasional one would get caught on a ridge here and there - prompting Thomas to gasp or whimper - but each successive thrust was becoming faster and harder simply because less spikes were able to take hold.

If the human's anatomy was indeed acclimatising, then Zye would simply have to work harder. They doubled their speed, pistoning into Thomas with all the grace of a jackhammer into wet concrete while growling “You desire my seed, human?" Thomas moaned his affirmation, barely able to speak given Zye's intense pace. “I did not hear you." They chuckled, the lustful voice now much louder than the other. They paused, their cock hovering at the entrance of Thomas' rear as they awaited an answer.

Thomas reached down between his legs, gasping as his wrist brushed against the highly sensitive rubbed-raw member. He gently wrapped his hand around one spiky head, then another, squeezing them both playfully before angling them towards his ravaged hole. With both Zygarde cocks in position, he looked up to the pokemon's green and black face sporting a somewhat shocked - but very lustful - expression and moaned “Fill me with your seed."

There was a second's hesitation as Zye mentally registered both the man's action and words before roughly slamming Thomas down on the gathered members. They pushed him down past the spikes, the man's ring sliding over the subtle dip of their junction before slamming against the fleshy knot. Thomas cried out in lust-filled pain as his body was pushed to breaking point. But with several fast and hard humps to pry his hole open as wide as possible thanks to the spikes, Zye was finally able to ram the bulging base inside Thomas' body. Both pokemon and trainer shuddered at the sensation; Thomas for being an extra couple inches and one whole cock more full than he was a few strokes earlier, while Zye had the wondrous sensation of having two sources of intense stimulation lodged deep inside their human plaything.

Zye's previously intense rhythm had rapidly turned into very short, sharp thrusts, unable to pull free of Thomas with the same ease as before. They tried pulling hard, but could feel Thomas clenching tight around their bulbous knot. “Not… before… you fill… me up." The man managed to get out between shallow breaths. Zye stared in amazement as Thomas had gone from the one being bound to the one doing the binding. But somewhere inside the Zygarde, something had been stirred by those words. Something they'd only recently become to understand as a cross between 'carnal' and 'primal'. A feeling they were becoming considerably more experienced with lately, and one they were happy to embrace as thomas cheekily clenched his muscles around the sunken cocks.

Zye roared, sending shivers down Thomas' spine as they began humping away at lightning speed. With the man's tight ring clamping down on the thinner section of their cock behind the knot, the Zygarde only had about an inch of movement available at most, the spines barely able to catch before being pushed back in and flattened again. But the lack of distance only made the frequency of the thrusts far greater. If Thomas felt like he was being jackhammered before, now he had two spiky vibrators shoved up his arse and set to max. It was more than he could take. “F-fuuuuUUUK!" Thomas bellowed, not caring that his cock was spasming from the intense fucking, covering his chest in his own cum.

Zye felt the man's rear contract around their members, muscles tightening and relaxing along their length to milk them of the promised seed. Unlike with Zana the day before, Zye knew he need not hold back with Thomas; the human being a male and as so unable to have an egg affected by the pokemon's strange genetics. And feeling the urge rising within, he gave the man what he so desired. “Accept my gift, pokeslut!" They growled, Zye's normal voice almost silent compared to the booming exclamation of lust.

The sheer volume of cum that Zye was capable of dispensing in this form was far beyond even the most capable pokemon. Thomas' observation of the cock tips resembling showerheads was quite astute, in the end. For in Thomas' end, they opened up with a spray that would have put a firehose to shame. Within a couple of seconds Thomas was full to bursting, the overpressurized rectum forcing the glowing white seed to spray out past the tightly restrained knot and onto the Zygarde's belly while yet more cum forced its way through Thomas' passages.

“Zye, Zye…" Thomas moaned, a little worried at the insane amount of cum he was being pumped full of. It felt almost alive as it snaked its way through his system, twisting and turning to heat up every inch of his insides before crashing through something not normally crashed through. He could feel the warmth far deeper than any other time, and the pokemon showed no sign of stopping.

“You wish to be filled…" They moaned lustily, the old, near-monotone voice of Zye nowhere to be heard. They licked along Thomas' cheek before whispering in the man's ear. “So filled you shall be." Zye thrust again into Thomas' ass for emphasis, which is when the man first felt it. His belly already bloated from the excessive amount of Zygarde cum pouring through his system, he quickly felt his stomach begin to inflate as well. The creamy jizz flooded the chamber before putting pressure on his esophagus. He felt like vomiting, his body was fighting back but it was no use, the pressure was too great, and his stomach was too full.

“Fuuuu-" He began, but his words were stolen by a gush of glowing seed erupting from his mouth. He launched near a gallon of the Zygarde's fluid from his lips into the cave before the pressure was mercifully relieved enough for the valve to close and allow Thomas a breath. But that was all he was afforded before the second wave of cum broke through his stomach to flood both his throat and the cave floor. In an attempt to hold down the flow on the third time round, Thomas tried holding his mouth closed, but the pressure became too much, forcing it open and causing a small jet of the gene-altering jiss to burst from each nostril. His throat and sinuses stung from the bile and jizz combination, the worst food poisoning not even remotely close to the projectile ejaculation that was occurring.

Several expulsions of Zye's liquid-light later and Thomas was a ragdoll of a wreck. Zye snapped out of whatever orgasmically fuelled trance they were in and quickly used their tongue to clear the man's airways. Realising that perhaps they overdid it that time, Zye gently retracted their cocks and placed Thomas on the ground a little ways inside the cave entrance, using his wrapped up clothes as a pillow, and their body heat to keep him warm. 'I am... sorry, Thomas.' Zye sighed. 'I got… carried away.' They thought about their actions, and how they had become so erratic, almost completely losing control. But the waves of energy coming off Thomas by the end were certainly a sight to behold. 'Though I hope you enjoyed it.'

Zye looked over his human companion well into the night, making sure Thomas was still breathing and marvelling at how well his body was processing the pokemon's fluids. The potent seed had all but dissolved on the ground, and Thomas appeared to have stopped leaking the glowing fluid. But their attention was quickly drawn away as a flash of light on the water caught their eye. A craft travelling along the surface momentarily reflected a glint of moonlight, and it appeared to be headed towards their island. Zye sighed again, looking down at their travelling companion. It had been a trying day and they wanted Thomas to have his rest, but they decided the man needed to be conscious for whatever happened next. 'Thomas. Awaken.'

The trainer's eyes opened slowly, but the fuzziness of sleep's end was not present. Thomas sat up, his rear was still tingling and neck stiff from the strange angle he'd collapsed in, but otherwise in good condition. He looked to Zye, who grabbed the rangefinder from the ground outside and after inspecting the lens, handed it to Thomas. The man took a quick look at the lens as well - noting the metal ring had a significant dent, but was otherwise undamaged - and turned on the night vision mode. “Well fuck."

'Remember, you need not talk around me.' Zye offered, wondering how much of the night's experience Thomas remembered, and dying to ask him a whole range of questions regarding both their fun and his aura. But there would be time for that later.

'I know, of course I remember, can't stop myself from - shit fuck how far away are they - sometimes swearing helps especially - ah shit they're really coming this way…' Thomas could feel Zye about to tell him to calm down, so he whipped around to give the pokemon a 'don't you dare' stare.

'At their present speed, we should have five minutes before they are close enough to see movement.' Zye said instead.

'Close enough to - I can't see windows on that thing - how can they see where-' Another glint was reflected back to Thomas' rangefinder. 'Oh.' The periscope swivelled about, no doubt checking each island as they approached. 'Shit shit shit…' He panicked, quickly rifling through his belongings. 'Where is she…' “Where the fuck is- Ha!" Thomas retrieved Zana's ball and was about to press the button before remembering her last act was collapsing on the sand. He searched through his bag for a potion, and finding one, popped the protective cap off the purple spray bottle and was about to press the button on her ball before Zye grabbed it from him.

Thomas turned to the Zygarde with an annoyed look on his face. 'The flash will no doubt draw their attention. This time, we hide without your Mistress.' The man's face went red at Zana being described as that so openly by Zye, but before he could ask anything further, the pokemon just cut to the chase. 'Lay back.' Thomas did as was asked, laying against the inside of the cave so as not to be seen by the approaching vessel. Zye did so as well against the opposite wall, their once glowing hexagonal 'scales' turning a dull grey. 'It would be easier if you closed your eyes.'

Trusting Zye, Thomas took a deep breath and closed his eyes. Seconds later his point of view was drastically different. It took a moment to put it together, but Zye was feeding him the sights and sounds from one of the Swoobat outside. The enhanced sonar-like sight providing the man a unique way of seeing the world on top of the usual visual spectrum. After a minute or so of appreciating both the advanced eyesight and hearing of the swoobat outside - and it's currently upside-down state - Thomas realised the strange vessel had parked just a little offshore.

He recognised the shape, having fished for the unevolved version of that pokemon with his grandfather many years before. 'A giant, metal... Barraskewda?' As he watched with intense curiosity - though whether that was his curiosity or the Swoobat's he couldn't be sure - something in it made a loud clunk and the top part of the mouth began to open. Beneath it - making up the bottom jaw - was a small boat which detached itself from the main body of the sub and motored towards the shore. The swoobat and Thomas were both amazed at the sight, staring at the trio of fancily dressed sailors as they made landfall.

Thomas stared at the strangely dressed individuals. White pants tucked in long leather boots were paired with puffy blue shirts and a bronze chestplate of sorts. He recognised them from Dr. Colman's briefing. 'Cogmen.' Thomas thought of the image the Doctor had shown him, hoping Zye would pick it up somehow. 'Though these guys have different hats. And the chestplate isn't as big…' Instead of bronze helmets, two of the three were wearing sailors' bandannas while the third a tricorn hat with what appeared to be a cluster of Skarmory feathers arranged on one side. The Cuirass had seemingly been downgraded to a much smaller chestplate that only covered the chest and upper back, attached with leather straps over the shoulders and around the sides. Thomas shook his head as a clockwork Weedle was pulled from the small boat and carried to shore.

After being placed on the ground, it began walking around the circumference of the island, followed by one of the bandanna-topped men. The other two retrieved strange instruments with flashing dials from their satchels and began pointing them at various parts of the beach.

“Do you think this Drake would be stupid enough to stay on the closest cluster of islands to the ship he just escaped from?" The other bandanna-clad man said, squinting into the darkness.

“I doubt it. He must have at least a five hour lead on us by now." The captain stared off to the horizon. “Bastard got away this time."

“So why then are we doing a full scan of this island?" the sailor complained grumpily while continuing to take readings on his device.

The captain huffed, turning to his crewmate “Because if the Brass knew we didn't do a proper scan they'd send us back to do it twice!" Thomas stifled a chuckle at that. “So we do it properly now, understood?"

“Yessir…"

The dejected reply came as a shout could be heard over the water. “Buoys Four, Five and Nine report no anomalies sir."

“Thank you, Ensign." The captain called back in a frustrated monotone. “Any confirmation on the twenty-two-oh-five ping?"

“The Beryllium intercepted sir. Wailmer pod sir."

“Dammit…" The captain growled, cracking his knuckles as his grip on the device tightened. “Pokemon, always getting in the way."

Not long after that conversation, the other crewmate turned up walking in from the other side of the beach from where he left, the metallic Weedle in tow. “No signs sir. Zero tracks, zero detritus."

“Pack it up then." The Captain sighed, waving the men back to the boat.

“What about the rocks sir?" He pointed to the cave Thomas and Zye were hiding in, causing the trainer's heart to beat faster. “Could be hiding up there."

The Captain pointed at the base of the formation to the hundreds of sleeping Krabby and a few Kingler. “You wanna make your way past them, be my guest. No man could've made that trip without leaving behind a piece of clothing, much less a leg. If there's no trace of him on the beach, he didn't come this way." He waved again for the trio to re-embark on the Barraskewda's lower jaw. “And now we're five and a half hours behind."

It took a few minutes - and some shouting - to realign the smaller dinghy with the larger sub, but once clicked into place the top jaw lowered, sealing the inside tight as the craft spun around in the water and powered out to sea.

Thomas and Zye sat silently for several minutes, absorbing everything before the pokemon stopped channeling the Swoobat's senses. 'So…' Zye started, with no clear concept of finishing.

“So…" Thomas repeated. Realising that wasn't helpful, he voiced his thoughts. “Colman was right. Rocket Rising were just thugs, they have nothing on these guys." He rubbed his face with the cleaner of his two hands. “Argh. Why can't we get a break? Just a little break…" He grumbled.

'Rest for now Thomas. We shall revisit our options in the morning.'

“But what if-"

“Sleep, Thomas." Zye spoke, causing the cave to reverberate and Thomas' heart to leap into his throat. 'Your mind will be clearer after rest.' Thomas huffed, then sighed. He knew Zye was right. He just hoped waiting for the morning before acting wouldn't be a mistake. He looked out the entrance and saw the S.S. Dianne sailing off into the night. 'I am sorry we could not remain on that vessel.'

“Yeah, me too Zye." Thomas curled up against the serpentine pokemon. “Me too."

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