//------------------------------// // Chapter Thirty // Story: A Brave New World // by Ausbrony //------------------------------// Selena woke with a start, panting heavily as sweat dripped from her forehead. She took a few moments to calm down as she sighed. “At least I wasn’t screaming that time,” Selena chuckled weakly to herself. Everyone else seemed to be sleeping, but then the sun hadn’t risen yet either. “Great... yeah, not like I need sleep anyway,” Selena sighed. She got up from her spot next to Ignis, the dragon stirring slightly as his fluffy pillow left. The Absol padded her way outside, surprised to see Applejack standing on the front porch, yawning while she stretched. The Apple mare spotted the Dark type and offered a friendly wave. “Nice ta see not everypony here is a sleepyhead,” AJ smiled, but upon seeing Selena’s tired expression, she changed her own. “Rough sleep?” she asked. Selena paused, and then nodded. “Ah’m sorry t’hear that,” AJ replied. “And ah’m guessing y’all don’t have a spell on you to talk about it huh?” Again, Selena nodded as she found herself walking next to Applejack as the mare trotted towards the west orchard. “It’s not like I’d tell you anything anyway,” Selena muttered. “And why am I following you?” “Y’all feel like giving me a hoof with the chores huh?” AJ smiled. “Ah appreciate it.” “...Seriously? We’re actually doing this?” Selena deadpanned. She watched as Applejack reared up and slammed a nearby tree with her hind hooves, knocking down about a dozen or so apples. “Yeah... this looks more like a Fritter thing,” Selena said to herself. “Randomly hitting trees... I bet Christine would love this job as well...” Selena didn’t do all that much, beyond helping Applejack move the buckets for collecting apples and picking up the ones that missed. It was boring as anything, and Selena made the odd motion or nod when Applejack asked her a question... but the work was still enough to keep her mind off of things. Eventually, the sun had risen and Granny Smith was ringing on the bell to inform them that breakfast was ready... “So what do y’all have planned fer today?” AJ asked after they’d had breakfast. “I have to meet someone in town,” Seth replied. “Some Pokemon Ranger by the name of Abby Trombley...” “I know her,” Korrina spoke up. “Nice enough girl... waaaay to friendly with her Arcanine though.” “Interesting,” Seth mused. He noticed a few other things as well, like how close Korrina was sitting to her Lucario. Guess they were finally getting used to Equestria. As Apple Fritter put the dishes in the sink, AJ saw Rika nuzzling Seth and chuckled. “Aw, y’all lookin’ real close there Seth,” the mare cooed. “Is that yer ‘Special Somepony’?” “Ah, well...” Seth blushed a little as Rika nodded. Fritter on the other hoof, she nearly broke the plate she was holding. That wasn’t fair, Rika could cuddle up to Seth, but she couldn’t! “One of them, anyways,” Christine said with a smirk, “And believe me, they’re not nearly as close as they could be.” Korrina’s ear flicked. She never would have thought that Seth Crescent of all people would be involved with his Pokemon. “What do you mean by that?” she asked. “About which part?” the Gabite asked.  “The part where he’s got multiple girls, or the part where the only thing going on at night is when Ignis thinks we can’t hear him from the house?” Had the dragon been present, he might have blushed. So Selena filled that position for him instead. Korrina gave Seth an amused smirk and raised an eyebrow. “Hmm, is that so Mr. Crescent? And here I thought you were involved with Elesa...” Seth refused to answer that one. She knew damn well that the two had broken it off. Fritter had now switched to muttering under her breath as she continued the dishes, opening and closing drawers with a little more force than necessary. “Aww, lighten up, Fritter,” Christine called.  “After all, I’m sure the day will come when you and Rika get to play with puffball here.” Korrina’s jaw suddenly dropped as she put two and two together. Seth’s second girl was the Apple mare over there? Fritter suddenly squeaked and dropped a plate, the ceramic dish shattering on the floor. Applejack trotted over to her, placing a hoof on her withers. “Y’all okay sugarcube?” she asked. “Yer just a bundle of nerves this mornin’ huh?” “S-sorry,” Fritter replied. Korrina leant across the table and grinned. “Well done Mr. Crescent, I didn’t think you had it in you!” “Don’t. Tell. Anyone!” he replied with a harsh whisper. “Aw, but that’s no fun~” Korrina giggled. If looks could kill right now, Korrina and Christine would be six feet under. “Well I don’t see the problem,” Seth replied. “You seem awfully cozy with Lucario over there.” This time it was Korrina’s turn to blush and look away, while Seth looked genuinely surprised. “Wait... you that you’re actually-” “Whoa hey! Look at the time!” Korrina suddenly shouted. She grabbed her Aura Pokemon and headed for the door. “We gotta go train. Let’s go Lucario.” And then she couldn’t have possibly left any quicker. “What the? Is everypony actin’ weird this mornin’? Or is it jus’ me?” Applejack said. “With that Pink Pony around, you don’t get to define weird,” Christine deadpanned. “Point,” Seth nodded. “Pinkie Pie is really strange.” “Y’all need to get a spell, it’s confusing having only part of a conversation,” Applejack said. “Do you really want me to get a spell?” Christine said with a raised eyebrow at Seth. “Christine is fine, you don’t really need to understand her,” Seth replied. “She says that she really enjoyed playing with Apple Bloom yesterday though.” “Really?” Applejack said with disbelief. “And here ah thought that they caused her nothing but trouble.” “No, she likes to ‘Play Rough’,” Selena giggled. Even Apple Fritter snorted in amusement at that one. “If the next words out of your mouth are not the honest truth, puffball, then you can join this orange mare in being pranked by me,” the Gabite growled.  “And my last prank involved a trainer, his Snorlax, and one of them being launched into Lower-Earth-Orbit.” “Fiiiine,” Seth replied. “Oh, did you want to come into town with us today?” “Considering all the taunting you did of fate yesterday?  I’m going to look for a good place to lay low.”  The dragon snorted a little, some smoke coming out of her nose.  “I have no idea what you were thinking.” Applejack decided to ignore the one sided conversation and turned back to her cousin. “So Fritter? How’s Canterlot been treatin’ ya?” “Busy,” Fritter said. “Keeping the orders for the local businesses filled, all the Pokemon-related incidents and now ah have a new type of plant to worry about...” Fritter knew that if she didn’t corner the market with Berries soon, then somepony else might and take a lot of her business away. “Those Berries are sumthin’ else alright. But ah wouldn’t worry too much. Apples will just do their best! No if’s, and’s or but’s about it!” Fritter nodded and then AJ switched to a more personal topic. Her cousin had been antsy ever since she got here, and she’d only ever acted like that once before. “So cuz, you got yerself a special somepony?” Fritter’s face went bright red as she stood there stammering. Deciding to take a note from Korrina’s strategy, she grabbed Seth and Rika, before running towards the door. “Well lookit th’ time, We really oughtta git goin’,” she said and bolted from the room. Applejack blinked and looked at Christine. “Whut in the hay was that all about?” The Gabite smirked slightly and pointed at the door the trio had just exited from, before raising and lowering one claw three times, hoping the mare would catch on to what she was trying to say, before bringing both her claws together. “Uh, ain’t you supposed to wave goodbye, before they leave?” she asked. “You should go to Twilight and get one of those spells. Ah gotta get some chores done today.” “Are we playing Charades?” Apple Bloom said from the doorway. Applejack just shrugged and headed off, leaving the dragon with the filly and her Bulbasaur. “Hello!” Bulbasaur said to the Gabite. “Oh great, you two again,” the dragon groused, before perking up.  “Say kid, how well does she understand you?” “It’s touch and go sometimes,” Bulbasaur said. “Though she’s learned we shouldn’t battle Voltorb.” “Good enough,” Christine said.  “The message is simple: That Luxray, that Sylveon, and that Apple family member that just left?  They’re together together.” “Like a family?” Bulbasaur asked. “That’s kinda sweet~” “A little more than that, but good enough.  See if you can’t get your friend there to understand and pass it on to the older one,” the dragon smirked.  And with this, her vengeance was complete. “You have a scary smile on yer face, Ms. Dragon,” Apple Bloom gulped. Bulbasaur made a few motions with his vines, trying to pass along Christine’s message. Apple Bloom understood completely, so great was the bond with her Pokemon. “She’s GONNA EAT US!?” the filly shrieked and bolted from the room, Bulbasaur sighed and apologised before following slowly behind her... After being dragged away, they’d fetched Ignis and Selena had caught up with them a moment later. Seth decided that he was going to leave Fritter be for a bit, the mare seemed to have a lot on her mind, so he had taken the lead and led his little group to the hotel where this Pokemon Ranger was supposed to be staying. She was a Ninetales, according to Celestia, and had an Arcanine accompanying her. They weren’t there for very long before he spotted them crossing the street and walking towards them. “Well, here goes nothing,” Seth gulped. We’ll either have a nice conversation, or they’ll try to arrest me... should be fun for the whole family.” As it turned out, the Ninetales and the Arcanine had also spotted him. “Hello,” the Arcanine greeted with an easy smile. “Looking for us?” Seth nodded, though it didn’t stop Selena and Rika taking a defensive position on either side of him. “Are you the resident Pokemon Ranger here in Ponyville?” “Well, technically Luny and Sol were here before us, and my mother is probably the one who’s going to be in charge, but sure, let’s go with that,” the Ninetales said with a smile. “Top Rangers Abby Trombley and Kasai at your service.” She glanced at Selena and Rika. “And I hope you’re not criminals looking to settle an old score... you’re kinda out gunned.” She nudged Kasai with one of her hips. “Pft! I could so take him,” Ignis puffed indignantly, but Seth just gave him a warning glare. “Nothing of the sort,” Seth replied and showed to silver collar around his neck. It was similar to the ones worn by Celestia and Luna, and bore both their Cutie Marks. “My name is Seth Crescent, Captain of the Canterlot Pokemon Special Forces and I’m here by order of Princess Luna and Princess Celestia of the kingdom of Equestria.” “That’s a real mouthful huh?” Rika giggled. Abby blinked. “Crescent... Crescent where have I heard that surname before...” she frowned and trailed off. “Oh! I remember now!” Seth gave a slight chuckle. “Yes, I had a... reputation, back on Earth. But I did what I thought was right and now it is neither here nor there... unless you have a problem with it?” Abby and Kasai exchanged a look and then they both began to chuckle, Kasai’s deep and bassy while Abby’s was lighter. It took them a moment to get it together before shaking their heads. Seth just blinked at the odd response. Did he say something funny? “No, no we don’t have a problem with people who spoke out against the hypocrisy that was the Pokephilia system,” Kasai said, leaning down to lick Abby’s cheek. “Trust me.” Seth’s ear gave a small flick, what did they mean by that? “No indeed,” Abby agreed before she leaned up and licked Kasai on the lips. “See, we weren’t exactly ‘honest supporters’ of it ourselves.” Seth’s eyes widened as it finally dawned on him. No wonder the Ninetales smelled a lot like the Arcanine next to her. “So you two are-” “I thought it was pretty obvious,” Rika deadpanned. “I do kind of smell a lot like him, especially around the important areas,” Abby added with a small smirk as she leaned up to nuzzle Kasai. “So, Mister Crescent, what can I do for you and my dear supporters Princess Celestia and Luna?” Seth took a second to compose himself, a Pokemon Ranger that was with her Pokemon? It threw him for a bit of a loop. “Ah, well.*ahem* I am here to see how the Ranger’s are coming along here in Ponyville, as well as introducing myself, as the newest, and first, member of the Canterlot Royal Guard, Pokemon Special Forces Division.” Abby raised an eyebrow before smiling. “Well then congratulations on becoming a Special Forces member,” she said before her tone turned a bit more serious. “As for how we’re ‘coming along’, we haven’t gotten anywhere just yet. We haven’t even met with any contractors yet to set the Union’s new base of operations up. I’ve been hoping that they’d arrive but they haven’t shown up yet. We have four ex-human rangers here counting myself and nine pokemon who can be counted as either Rangers themselves or parts of Teams. I’m not sure how that’s going to work just yet.” Seth nodded, “I’m afraid I can’t really help you there. But I still have much travelling to do, so I’ll pass the word along to any Rangers should I come across them.” He paused as he reached into his saddlebag and pulled out a rolled up piece of parchment. “Here, from Princes Celestia.” Abby closed her eyes for a moment before the piece of parchment floated out of his jaws and slowly, very slowly, floated over to them, opening up for her to see. It was a Royal Decree, for Abby Trombley and the Pokemon Rangers to have use of Ponyville Town Hall as a temporary base of operations. “She figured you at least might need a more suitable place than a hotel to run things from for now.” Seth said. Abby’s eyes widened and she smiled. “Wonderful!” she exclaimed. “Thanks Celestia!” She glanced at Kasai for a moment. “Wait here, I’m going to run this inside to mom so she can start getting things going.” “Alrighty,” Kasai said, the Ninetales darting back into the hotel. He then shook his head and glanced up at the Charizard. “As for you taking me, eh, I don’t know, I’ve fought bigger,” he said with a playful grin on his lips, tongue lolling to the side of his mouth. Ignis folded his arms and grinned back, “Well I’ll tell you what puppy. When you can beat Moltres, like I did, then we’ll chat about who can take who!” “I swear,” Selena muttered. “If you had pants, I’d tell you to keep it inside.” Kasai just chuckled. “Normally I’d challenge ya, but I’ve got eggs to look after right now and I don’t want get put in bed for a while for nothing,” he said with a small chuckle. “On the off chance that you’re actually capable of making true on that little boast of yours.” “You’re a father?” Ignis said, as Selena stiffened and looked away. “Congrats. They belong to that cute Ninetales?” “Yep,” Kasai replied with a nod of his head, glancing slightly at Selena before looking back to the Charizard. “A certain someone went into Heat without realizing it and we’re calling it a happy accident, heh.” “Well, congratulations none-the-less,” Seth said. “Thanks,” Kasai said with a smile on his muzzle. “So, other then give us that decree, what are you guys in town for?” “Well, a mare named Applejack wanted a family meeting regarding the growing of Berries and various techniques. Apple Fritter here is her cousin and already has a nice crop going in Canterlot, so there’s that... among other things.” “And we just want to visit some friends,” Rika added. Kasai nodded. “Ah, I gotcha, we’ve mostly been in the middle of ‘egg frenzy’ for the last couple days so we haven’t had time to do much looking around town,” he told them with a small frown. “Hmm, anything you’d like from Abby and I specifically? We are Top Rangers after all.” Seth nodded, “Actually... I was hoping if I could get some basic training off of you. My Pokemon form is still new to me and any help I could get would be greatly appreciated.” Kasai grinned an evil grin as Abby returned. She took one look at his face and glanced at Seth. “Who signed up for an afternoon long training match?” she inquired, her voice deadpan. “That would be me,” Seth said with a confused tone. And why did he not like the look in that Arcanine’s eyes? “Ooooh this is going to be fun,” Abby said before glancing at the others, blinking. “And I’m so sorry for ignoring the rest of you, mind giving us some introductions?” “My name is Rika~” the Sylveon giggled, wrapping Abby up in a hug. “I’m Selena,” The Absol stated half-heartedly. “Ignis is my name, nice to meet you!” the Charizard roared. “And I’m Apple Fritter,” the Earth Pony finally said, using her Canterlot tone. “A pleasure to make your acquaintance.” “Same to all of you, and man you are way more touchy then Lex is,” Abby said as she looked down at Rika, leaning down to lick the Sylveon on the cheek. “I just like hugs~” Rika giggled, returning the lick. “Hee, you taste like vanilla.” “That she does,” Kasai agreed, licking Abby’s cheek. “And you taste like hmmm...” Abby frowned for a moment as she thought about the taste. “... rain, I want to say rain.” Kasai sniffed. “Yeah, rain sounds about right,” he agreed, glancing down at the Sylveon before carefully placing a paw on her chest and gently pushing her away from Abby. “Mind letting go of my mate now?” “Sure!” Rika giggled and latched onto the Arcanine instead. “Your turn now.” “Ack!” he exclaimed playfully before smirking and bringing his head down to sniff at her ears, exhaling on her. “Hmmm, and you smell like Seth does up close, along with Miss Fritter as well.” He glanced up at Seth and Fritter wryly. “Any particular reason for that, Mister Crescent?” ‘Well, we’re busted,’ Seth chuckled nervously. “Well ah, it’s kind of a long story...” “No it’s not,” Rika interrupted. “Seth, Fritter and I are together. How long does it take to say that?” “To a Pokemon Ranger?” Seth queried. The color drained from Rika’s face. “Oh.” “A Pokemon Ranger who has been mating with her Arcanine since she was ohhhh eighteen,” Kasai said dryly. “I think you’re safe.” Abby chuckled. “Yeah, please, don’t worry about it.” She glanced over him and Seth felt those red eyes searching him deeply. Then she did the same thing with Rika. “I’m not seeing any signs of abuse on her, no scarring, bruising or otherwise, nor is she latched onto your waist or holding onto you the way that many do. I think you’re more than likely a nice guy who ‘lucked out’ and happened to bag two beautiful ladies.” When Abby had spoken, Rika had immediately let go of Kasai and run to Seth’s side, while Selena had a low growl filling her throat. Even Apple Fritter seemed confused by their reactions. She’d never seen them act like this before as she hugged her little Sylveon. “Sorry,” Seth apologised. “They don’t mean anything by it... just, they way you sounded... it was a lot like every visit we made to a Pokemon Center. They’d constantly check for ‘signs of abuse’ whenever we visited them, all because of reputation.” Abby blinked and then shook her head. “Oh, oh I’m so sorry,” she said, moving up to give Rika a lick. “I didn’t mean anything by it other than the fact that you three look like you’re fine together. Really cute together actually.” “Thanks Abby,” Rika said softly. “We are really happy, right?” Seth and Fritter nodded as the three shared a brief hug. Selena just shrugged and powered down the Night Slash she had been building up. Kasai for his part untensed his back and a bit of a glow left his fangs. “Right then, you signed up for a crash course of training, Kasai style?” Abby asked Seth, getting them onto a hopefully less touchy subject. “Yeah, sorry about that,” Seth agreed. Rika jumped up, already back to being bright and bubbly. “New plan!’ she shouted. “We’re all gonna be friends and it’s gonna be awesome.” she looked at Selena. “First, Selly. You need to say sorry for being so bitchy!” “What!?” Selena grabbed the fairy. “What did you call me?” “Oh for the love of Celestia,” Seth sighed. “Don’t worry, these two are often like this... sisters will be sisters after all. But Rika has a point. Friends?” “Hell yes,” Abby replied with a casual grin. “You can never have too many friends right? Especially the type that won’t mind when I do this.” So saying, she leaned up and gave Kasai the best approximation of a kiss she could with a muzzle. Kasai simply smiled and kissed her back. “She’s kinda frolicking in this whole ‘unrestricted love’ thing,” Kasai told Seth once the Ninetales had stopped kissing him. “Ooh, oh!” Rika bounced. “I can do that too~” she suddenly pounced on Seth and gave him a deep kiss, humming happily. “Your mate isn’t the only one,” Selena smiled. “I can tell,” Abby said, chuckling softly as she looked between her and the Charizard. “So, are you two going to stick around and watch Seth here get beat into the dirt, or do you have other plans for the day?” she inquired, sniffing the air around the two of them for a moment before jumping to a conclusion. “Fun plans.” She smiled slyly. “Perhaps,” Selena replied with a salacious smirk. Seth finally got Rika off of him, only to have Fritter help him up and get her own kiss in. “Wow, and I thought I was a ‘stud’,” Kasai commented with a smirk as he looked at the ongoing kiss before he glanced at Ignis. “Though, you mentioned you wanted a good fight right?” “Yeah?” Ignis was intrigued as Selena just blinked and sighed. “My team mate Axle, who is a Haxorus and a mighty strong one at that, is off in the woods over in that direction-’” Kasai used a paw to point. “-so-” Kasai didn’t even finish before Ignis took to the skies and roared. Selena watched her mate fly away, along with her plans for a romantic day out. “Couch, forever!” she muttered at the retreating dragon before sending death glares at Kasai. “... I didn’t think he’d do it now...” Kasai said, blinking blankly before he glanced at her. “Sorry.” “That idiot is fight happy, but I suppose it’s just one more thing I love about him,” Selena sighed. “And Seth, can you stop making out already? We have things to do... like the insane Gabite we left behind.” Seth’s eyes widened as he realised he’d left Christine at the farm. “Oh crap...” “Insane Gabite?” Abby inquired, glancing at Seth with a raised eyebrow. “An experiment of one Doctor Nurem,” Seth explained. “She’s a Gabite with the powers of a Kecleon and a very short fuse. I just hope the farm hasn’t burned down yet.” The Ninetales frowned for a moment. “A friend of Vincent’s?” “You know Vincent?” Seth exclaimed. “Well, yeah... though more of a friend of Sam, a Scizor. She has a... fascination, with him. We’re headed to Las Pegasus after we’re done here actually.” “We know him,” Kasai answered the first question. “Though not very well personally. That was more of Luke who went to see him yesterday. Hmmm, if you’re going to go to Las Pegasus, mind saying hi to them for us?” “And maybe we should train you after you deal with the insane Gabite,” Abby added dryly. “That would be nice, thank you Miss Trombley,” Seth said. “And I’ll be happy to say hello to this ‘Luke’ for you. What Pokemon is he?” “A sensitive Gallade,” Abby answered before glancing at Rika. “A warning in advance... don’t hug him unexpectedly. He’ll either have a panic attack or he’ll stab you.” Rika gulped. “Noted, no huggy the Gallade.” “Thanks,” Abby told her with a smile, looking over at Seth. “So, mind if we tag along on this little ‘job’ of yours? We could probably save time and train on the farm.” “Hmm, that might work. Just leave Christine to me and Selena though. We’ve already got experience with her, and I fear she’d relapse if someone else tried something. Just, don’t make eye contact, at least for very long and use threatening tones. And don’t ever call her a Number or experiment. Name only.” “We can manage that...” Kasai looked down. “Trust me, we’ve seen the type before. You’re her ‘handlers’ for the time being.” “Well then, let’s be off!” Seth said and headed for Sweet Apple Acres. Too bad that Apple Fritter really didn’t want to go. Seth and Co. lead  them towards the Apple Family farm, Abby Trombley grinned as did Kasai, their tails twining together as they walked. After a bit they arrived on the farm and Fritter headed off to find a suitable place for them to train. Meanwhile, Christine was observing from a distance and wondered if the two lovepuppies that were with Seth were the Ranger’s he had gone to meet. “She should be around here,” Seth stated, casting his gaze from left to right across the Apple Family’s not-insignificant orchards.  “At least, she was when I left this morning.  Kinda hard to find her when she doesn’t want to be found.” “I’m still surprised that you left her here unguarded. Kinda seems like a mistake in my mind,” Abby mused as she looked around as well. Kasai for his part just sniffed the air. “Na, she’s around here somewhere, there’s a definite ‘Gabite’ smell in the air.” “Well for all the arguing she and Titania did, she’s really taken well to us...once she got to know us anyway,” Seth admitted.  “She...probably won’t trust you right off the bat.  But at least with you being Fire-types, she probably won’t threaten to set you on fire.”  Which only means she’ll get creative, he mused afterwards. “Eh, we’re friendly enough that I don’t think she’ll have any reason to set us on fire anyways,” Abby said with a chuckle. “After all, we’re just a pair of happy canines, hah.” “‘Happy’ is an understatement,” A voice said from the tree above them.  “Geeze, could you two smell any more like each other?  It’s called a bath.” “Kinda hard to wash it off, we kinda sleep together,” Abby replied, glancing up. “And walk together, and eat together, along with pretty much everything else, with a few exceptions of course.” The form of the Gabite jumped down and tilted her head at the trio.  “Seth, I assume these two are the ones you went out to see?” “You’d be right,” he confirmed with a nod.  “Abby, Kasai, this is Christine.  Christine, these two are the Rangers I went to see, Abby and her mate Kasai.” “Hey there,” Kasai said with a doggy grin, tongue hanging out the side of his mouth. “Hello,” Abby said as well, smiling up at her. “Hey,” she said to both of them before turning to more completely face Seth. “Hey, in case it comes up, I did NOT threaten to eat the filly or the Bulbasaur.” “...I’m going to have to smooth things over between you and the Apple family, aren’t I,” the Luxray deadpanned. “Maybe?” Christine said with a scratch behind her head.  “If it helps any, I wouldn’t eat a Pony, and the kid’s too small for me yet.” Abby just raised an eyebrow. “Well, try and avoid it, I’ve heard from Rill that Bulbasaur don’t taste very good, too ‘green’.” “It’s why I said he’s too small,” the Gabite said with a small nod.  “Ivysaur at least is my preference.  Small fire to cook over, they aren’t too bad.” “Magikarp for me personally... with lots of butter,” Kasai said with a grin trailing off for a moment before he shook his head. “Haven’t had it since I got here.” He pouted adorably causing Abby to shake her head and chuckle, nuzzling him. “Eh, I’m pretty sure there’s a river in those woods,” the dragon said with a shrug of her shoulders.  “If you have time, you might make a trip of it.” Kasai frowned. “I just might do that...” Seth shuddered, the thought of eating Pokemon... no... just, no... “So!” Christine said with a bit more volume behind it.  “What are you all here for?  I doubt it was just to see little ol’ me.” “I’m here to teach Seth how to fight,” Kasai said, a grin on his doggy lips. “I’m going to enjoy it.” “...Puffball here needs help in that aspect?” the Gabite said with a wicked smile.  “Oh, I’m going to enjoy watching that.” “Maybe from out of sight, it’s going to be bad enough for him to have it happen in front of his team as it is,” Abby said with a wicked smirk of her own. “Aww,” Christine pouted.  “But then how will they see that I’m enjoying it if I have to keep myself invisible?” “You can make rude gestures without having to worry about anyone seeing?” Kasai hazarded. “True,” the Gabite admitted.  “Plus I’ll be able to ogle all I want and nobody will know.” Abby smirked and bumped Kasai’s hip with hers. “I just do it out in the open, hehe.” “Do any of you have an off switch?” Seth asked in a drained tone. “After I mount her she usually stays quiet for a few hours,” Kasai said. “Not what I had in mind,” Seth said, his cheeks flushing a bit.  “Besides which, there’s foals around here, so none of my team can relieve themselves at the farm.” “Eh, I’m sure they can find somewhere to do it,” Abby said, a smirk on her lips. “I mean there is a big wooded area over there, trust me, you can do a lot in the woods.” “Ignis said something about a mountain last night,” Christine mused.  “Wonder if he’d be willing to take Selena up there with him next time...Pity I can’t fly yet, otherwise I might ambush him up there.” Abby chuckled. “If you really want to piss off a Herald of Disaster by stealing her mate from her, you go right ahead, just don’t be too surprised if something bad happens.” Seth made to reply, but the Gabite cut him off.  “Pretty sure she’d only be mad that I excluded her from the festivities.” “I can see that,” Kasai said before leaning down and nuzzling Abby. “Abby’s the only vixen in my life though.” “Hah, that I am,” Abby agreed, nuzzling him back and nibbling at one of his ears. “I am surrounded by horny perverts,” Seth moaned and covered his eyes with one paw.  “What did I do to deserve this?” “Invite us?” Abby said with a raised eyebrow. “And hey, I spent the last oh... twelve or so years being sexually repressed around other people, not my fault it’s all leaking out now without the old system in place.” “Plus your stupid rules around the farm are preventing me from seeking any release on my own,” Christine bluntly commented.  “Well, that and Ignis being a stupid noble sexy dragon.” “Eh, go looking for Axle if you want a hard fucking... I don’t think he cares too much about who you are,” Abby mused. “Then again, he has been spending a lot of time around Iris so I don’t know.” “And I don’t know him nearly as well as I know Ignis and Selena,” Christine commented.  “So no.”   Abby shrugged. “Just giving you the option if you really needed to get plowed, I know I do sometimes.” “And I’m always happy to help,” Kasai agreed, licking her cheek. “You have a lovely field.” “So Puffball, what did you tell these two about me?” the Gabite inquired with a raised brow of Seth. “Just that you were related to Vincent Nurem, and that you had unique skills.” Seth answered. “Nothing invasive or personal.” “Ah good, so everything else is a mystery,” Christine said, looking at the pair before her.  “Gotta admit, never ran into a Ranger back on Earth, though not for a lack of trying.” Abby sighed a little. “Yes, sorry about that... there were only so many of us and there was just so much ground to cover.” She shook her head. “It just hurts me that you guys had such a shitty time... especially when one of my key specialties was rescuing Pokemon from abuse, and what happened to you was definitely abuse.” “Eh, if you’d have given me another few months to train, I’d have busted them out, no problem,” the dragon said before jerking her head at Seth.  “Tell ‘em how impressed you were with my ‘skills’ the other day, mister Crescent.”  Apparently, no, she didn’t have an ‘off’ switch for that behavior. Seth leaned in close, barely a hair’s breadth from Christine. “Well, I can certainly attest to those skills,” he purred with a half-lidded, mesmerising gaze. “Though, you finished a little quickly. Perhaps we could work on your stamina later, hmm?” “Hah,” Kasai laughed. “I don’t know Seth, I’ve always heard that dragons flare out early, I wouldn’t hold it against her too much.” “Since when were you good at this?” Christine said, slightly shocked.  “And in any case, you’re assuming you could keep up with me.  I can tell you right now, were we to do anything like that, I’d be the one in control.”  She lidded her eyes as well before finishing her reply.  “And I’m not sure your current females would appreciate it anyways, but if you insist…” Seth blinked. “Why wouldn’t Fritter and Rika appreciate me training you? I train with Ignis and Selena all the time.” “Well Seth, you know, there’s training and then there’s training her for a pony ride,” Abby said with a smirk. “Or in this case... a kitty ride. And I think you’re only allowed to ‘drive’ Fritter and Rika places.” Seth sighed and looked at his new ‘friends’. “We’re talking about perverted things again... aren’t we?” “When aren’t we?” the dragon asked bluntly.  “I mean, heck, have you listened to some of the conversations Selena and I get into?” “In that last three days, its all I’ve heard,” Seth replied. “I think I’ve forgotten what a real conversation is like...” He sighed again, “And it’s not like I can do any of that stuff myself...” “Boring,” Abby supplied with a grin. “Well, not really, Abby and I do more snuggling than anything else,” Kasai said, leaning over to nuzzle her. “She sleeps on my chest and it’s adorable.” “How can I help that you’re so fluffy?” Abby asked, looking up at him with love in her eyes. “And so warm.” “You know, I wonder how we became what we are... I mean, how did Arceus choose what Pokemon we became.” Seth looked over his form and nodded, “I’m not really complaining mind you. Luxray are pretty cool.” “Though it must have been quite a shock to you,” the dragon pitched in with a smile. “I’m sure it must have caused quite a bit of static with your team,” Abby said, smirking at him. “But at least you’ve managed to discharge it over time eh?” “...I hate you all,” Seth muttered. “But by all means, keep going. I can take it out on Kasai soon enough.” Kasai threw back his head and let out a bellowing laugh in response to that. “I hope you prefer to be on the bottom Seth, because Kasai likes topsies,” Abby said. “Oh, now I’m definitely not missing this,” Christine said, looking between the two.  “I mean, canines aren’t my thing, but you’d have to be crazy to think I was gonna miss something like this.” “I think Kasai’s assets can be pretty convincing,” Abby said with a smirk. “Have you seen him?” Seth looked Kasai in the eyes, the two Pokemon staring each other down until Rika finally let out an exasperated sigh. “If you two are gonna start making out, can I at least get the popcorn first?” “Gah!” Christine commented.  “When did you get here?!” Kasai just shrugged. “Na, it’s hard to make out with muzzles, trust me, Abby and I figured out that licking is better... I miss her human lips.” He leaned over and nuzzled her. “Or I miss the top pair.” Abby rolled her eyes. “I think both sets are great personally.” “One,” Rika said to Christine and pointed at Selena. “We’ve been here the whole time. And two,” here she pointed at Abby and Kasai. “Well... I’m not sure how I can respond to that. I do miss sexy, human Sethy though. He had the most wonderful emerald eyes~” Seth just blushed and looked away. “Question for you Rika,” Kasai said. “Did you ever watch him when he came out of the shower and you pretended to be asleep? It got me a lot of milage as a Growlithe.” “Well,” Rika blushed a little. “Seeing as how Seth wasn’t attracted to Pokemon, he wasn’t afraid of getting naked around us. We didn’t wear clothes so why should he? We used to bathe together when we travelled in the wild and stuff...” Seth blushed even harder and wondered if he could learn Dig...     Kasai just sniggered. “Right then, when are we going to train?” “Sometime before your victim self-combusts, I hope,” Christine commented. Seth wished Ignis was here, to set him on fire to cool him down. Maybe Christine would use Flamethrower on him if he asked? A tapping sound caught his attention and he looked up to see Fritter tapping a hoof, and grinding a stone beneath her into dust. “So... y’all having fun?” she asked in a low tone. “You...heard all that too?” the Gabite questioned, slowly backing up. “Just the parts where y’all were teasin’ mah stallion,” Fritter said and looked at Christine. “Also, remember who cooks fer ya... just sayin’.” “Right...say, would you look at the time, I have hiding from you to be doing.”  With that, the dragon was mostly invisible, and the red line showed that she was off, fast. “Heh, right, time for training Sethy,” Kasai singsonged, a dark smirk on his face. Fritter smiled, satisfied that she’d paid the dragon back for her earlier comments to Applejack. The mare nodded and led them to a completely clear section of the Orchards, the ground covered with freshly laid dirt. Abby and Kasai smirked as they walked to the other side of it and turned back to him. “Ah, recruit Crescent, you managed to lead us here without incident, gold star,” Abby said, giving him a wink. “Now, are you ready for Ranger Training?” “I get the distinct feeling you’re patronising me,” Seth replied, dryly. “But regardless, I will give this my best effort. My parents were Rangers afterall.” “Thanks, and I’m only patronizing you a little because it’s fun to be on the dishing end rather than the receiving end for once,” Abby replied with a lopsided grin. “So, how much do you know about actual fighting?” “I learned a little to defend myself, but seeing as how I’m a quadruped now... It’s kinda redundant.” “I taught him a few things,” Selena spoke up. “But his experience as a Pokemon is zip, zilch and nada!” Kasai let out a deep laugh as he stepped forwards. “Well then, I’d be happy to teach him a few things, you all stretched out Crescent?” The Arcanine had one of the most maliciously playful expressions on his muzzle that Seth had ever seen. Rika blinked at the Arcanine’s grin. “You mentioned teaching and stretching with that face... my mind is going places and I am not complaining~” Seth turned bright red as he sparked in surprise. “Oh? OH! Goddammit Rika! I cannot unsee that now!!” Kasai snorted as Abby snickered. “You know, I get that from her too whenever Fang and I roughhouse, I don’t get it,” the Arcanine grumbled, glancing back at Abby. “Can’t two males roll around naked in the dirt without shippers eyeing their butts?” “OH FOR THE LOVE OF-!!” Seth was burning at this point. “Can we just train please or may I pray that Arceus drops out of the sky to smite me?” Kasai shook his head. “Sure, first rule of Ranger combat, you don’t always yell out your attacks, sometimes it’s better to just do a good Quick Attack!” The Arcanine blitzed forwards and slammed into Seth, sending him rolling. “Rather than actually proclaim it, mix it into the wording so that people don’t notice the Bite coming!” In another blur, Kasai had his jaws around Seth’s neck. “Good to know,” Seth groaned as a small smirk crossed his face. “But didn’t your trainer teach you not to bite a Thunder cloud?” And with that, bolts of lightning arced from his body, with Kasai in direct contact... or so Seth thought. By the time the first word had left Seth’s lips, Kasai had already leapt clear, the thunder smashing into the ground. “Good try, but the second big rule is ‘don’t wait around next to your opponent,” Kasai said with a small chuckle. “It’s just asking to be haymaker-ed, move in fast and then leap away.” Seth nodded. “So what’s the best way to utilise my attacks? I only have four. Thunder, Roar, Discharge and Charge.” “Well, basically it’s pretty simple for you then,” Kasai answered with a small smile. “First, scare the crap out of them with Roar, even if it doesn’t make them flee a good ROOOOAAAAR!-” Kasai’s below all but blew Seth off his paws with its deep bassy, intensity and ferocity. “-will stun them. Show me what you’ve got.” “RROOOAAARRRRRR!!” It was an alright effort, but nowhere near as good as Kasai. Kasai nodded his head. “Good, if I was a Bellsprout I’d be pissing myself in fear,” he said with a chuckle. “In all seriousness, very nice. Next, follow that up with a Charge to get you electricity good and powerful, after that, it really depends on the situation. I’d try and learn Thunder Fang as soon as possible. At the moment all you’ve got is Discharge, which is dangerous if you’ve got more then yourself fighting on your side and Thunder is... well... imprecise, especially if your opponent sees it coming.” “I’d like to learn Thunderbolt... too bad TM’s don’t exist anymore.” Seth made a note to learn both as soon as he could. “Well okay, what about moves that aren’t actually attacks?” Kasai was on top of him again, this time pressing his back into the dirt as he stood over him. “Those you have to condition yourself into being able to do.” He leapt back. “And that means that you need to get your body used to battle. Axle’s right when he says that it’s ‘a river of motion’, it really is. You’ve got to learn how to ‘swim’ in that river, and the best way to do that is to fight.” Seth nodded as the Arcanine let him back up. “Okay then Sensei... teach me!” Kasai smiled, that malicious smile was back. “Sensei eh? Okay, I like that. When you can pin me to the ground and hold me for ten seconds, then you graduate.” He smiled again. “Until then, we fight without moves.” Seth narrowed his eyes as he accepted the challenge. “Bring it, puppy dog!” What followed was two hours of Seth mostly eating dirt as Kasia pinned him again and again. His pristine black fur now stained chocolate brown by the dirt. Selena cheered from the sidelines, while Rika sat next to Abby. “They really know how to put on a show huh?” Rika mused, enjoying the view everytime Seth was flipped onto his back. “Yeah, Kasai’s kind of an expert at this,” Abby said with a nod, wincing as Seth’s face was pressed face first into the dirt, redirecting static electricity and anger into the ground. “Ouch.” Seth was getting frustrated, they had been at this for a while now and he had gotten no closer to pinning Kasai for more than a second or three. The slightly larger dog was stronger and far more experienced. He had tried to shock his prosthetic leg at one point, but it seemed to be insulated quite well. “This... is harder than I thought,” Seth groaned as Kasai sat on his back. “You won’t get anything out of it if it isn’t,” Kasai replied indifferently swatting Seth’s flank with his tail. “Now are you going to get me off of you or am I going to be making you my new chair forever?” Seth twisted his neck around and grabbed Kasai’s tail with his mouth. There was a faint buzzing noise as jagged lightning in the shape of a giant pair of fangs sunk into the Arcanine’s fur. “Yip!” Kasai barked in surprise, launching himself into the air in surprise at the sudden shock. Of course, what goes up must come down, and come down he did, landing directly on top of Seth with all of his weight. Seth coughed, still reeling from using Thunder Fang, that he failed to avoid the falling Arcanine. The air was forced out of his lungs and once the dust cleared, he lay there with swirling eyes, utterly out cold from the impact. Kasai lay atop of him, head spinning, limbs spread out to either side of the electric lion. “Yesh, that looked painful,” Selena groaned, putting her paw to her face. “You okay Kasai?” Abby called in concern. “That was... shocking,” Rika giggled, Selena just groaned more as she swatted at the Fairy. “I’m good... I’m good,” Kasai said, groaning as he leaned his weight forwards and half fell off of Seth’s back, waist straddling the lion for a moment before he pushed himself off. “Oww... that Thunder Fang went places that it shouldn’t have,” he grunted, pushing himself fully to his paws. Then he trotted around in front of Seth and sat down, Seth’s head between his forelegs. He cleared his throat and then moved his head down beside Seth’s. “WAKE UP SETH!” He Roared. “GGAAAHHHHH!!” Seth’s very sensitive hearing rang like church bells as the Roar echoed around his head. “What the hell man!?” “Sorry, you were out cold,” Kasai replied, taking a step back before bending down to nose his face. “You okay?” He then licked him once. “Up and attem Seth. The Guard is going to give you worse.” “Dude! Breath mint!” Seth snorted, but still grinned anyway. “Have to give you credit, your aren’t Top Ranger’s for nothing. I’m kinda glad I didn’t get on your bad side back on Earth.” “If Ignis were here, he’d probably say something like,” Selena lowered her voice to a pretty decent impression of her mate.  “‘Pfft, I could totally take him!’” “In my defense, Ignis is a bit out of my ‘weight class’,” Kasai said as he stepped back. “And my breath smells great, I don’t know what you’re talking about Seth.” He grinned. “Your breath smells like dead fish and kibble!” Seth couldn’t help but get some teasing in. Call it petty revenge if you will, but he ached all over and this dirt would take forever to get out. “Well, I do love a buttered Magikarp,” Kasai commented with a chuckle. “So that makes sense, course, Abby seems to like it too so that’s all that really matters.” “You put up with some immense pains when you’re in love with a giant dog,” Abby murmured to Rika. “Of course, that tongue comes in handy soooo I can’t complain too much,” she snickered. “Oh gods. You’re as bad as Rika,” Seth facepawed. “It’s only bad sometimes, like ‘experiment nights’,” Kasai replied, shaking dirt out of his fur. “The rest of the time... I can’t really complain.” “Experiment nights?” Rika tilted her head. “Ooh, details!” Seth shook his fur, a cloud of dust flying everywhere. His own smirk crossed his face. “Guess I’m just used to the scent of candied apples~” “Heh,” Kasai chuckled. “I’d imagine you would be, though I’m sure there have been a few ‘adjustments’ here and there for her thanks to you. Hope she was expecting it.” “Eh, we’re working on it,” Seth replied, shaking his head. “... and that’s how you properly secure an Arcanine with rope,” Abby finished telling Rika. “Probably work well for you guys if you wanted to show the lion who’s really king of the jungle... or Queen in this case, heh.” “Ehehe, oooh, I like you~” Rika giggled. “Now the only problem is actually getting that far...” Seth finished brushing his fur and his whole body sparked as he charged himself. “Alright, now what’s the next step?” “Take a break for lunch,” Kasai replied with a shrug, licking his golden paw. “I mean, it’s one o'clock or so Seth, you were chasing my tail for the last two hours or so.” At that moment, Seth’s stomach gave a louder roar than the Luxray did. “Ah, well... I guess that settles that then.” “To that one cafe I still don’t know the name of!” Abby said with a grin before she looked down at herself. “Kasai and I will have to go grab some of our remaining  bits, completely forgot about that when we were coming out here. The place is at the center of town, it’s pretty easy to tell which one it is.” “Just look for the snooty waiter,” Kasai added. “Don’t worry about Bits, I can treat you guys,” Seth replied. “Consider it thanks for the training and congrats for the eggs!” Abby grinned. “Why thank you Seth, though I don’t know if you should really ‘thank’ Kasai for making you eat dirt all morning.” “He got some of my tail fur, so that should have helped a little,” Kasai added playfully, nudging Seth with his shoulder. “Way to learn a new move too by the way.” “A new move?” Seth blinked. “What did I do?” “Shocked my balls with a Thunder Fang,” Kasai replied with a small wince. “Please don’t do it again, knowing Abby she doesn’t want to stop with two and I don’t want to go to Arceus begging him to ‘fix my genitals’.” “I’m sure he’d take it with grace,” Abby snickered before glancing at Seth, eyes glowing a slight blue. “But PLEASE refrain from doing it again,” she requested, the message hitting both his ears and his mind. “Ah. Okay!” Seth backed away from the scary Fire-type. “Please don’t curse me.” At that, Abby’s ears dipped and she let out a small sigh. “Don’t worry, I won’t curse you Seth.” To Seth’s surprise, she actually sounded a little hurt by the accusation. “Must be a story there, not my place to ask though.” Seth cleared his throat and nodded. “It’s fine, let’s go an get something to eat before I fall over though... or eat Rika.” “Oh, now that sounds like a plan~” Rika purred. “Wow, she’s ALWAYS on isn’t she?” Kasai asked Seth with a small smirk. “That.” Seth replied tersely. “Is a complete and total understatement.” “Oh you know you love me,” Rika giggled as Seth sighed and kissed her. “I do indeed, still figuring out why though.” Seth smiled, “One of the many mysteries of life.” FWSHOOOOOOOM An earth shattering explosion filled their ears and a wave of energy slammed into the group, knocking them off of their collective paws. “What did you do this time Ignis,” Seth groaned.